Chapter 22: Join me for lunch.
The clock ticked past noon. Bella had been diligently working on fresh design drawings while Theodore was tied up in meetings. She was grateful that he had given her a golden opportunity - a chance to showcase her fledgling designs to the esteemed Miss Willow, a legendary name in the fashion world.
It was a great opportunity to chase her dream and work with a famous designer. The prospect sent a thrill coursing through her veins. Focused and driven, she worked tirelessly without taking a break. She knew how crucial this chance was and poured all her energy into perfecting her drawings.
Her phone buzzed on the table, disrupting her focus. A glance at the screen revealed Zack’s name and a cold dread pooled in her stomach. She instantly recalled the conversation that had transpired earlier that very morning. She figured Zack might be calling to ask her for lunch.
How was she going to turn him down?
Conflicted, Bella pondered her options. Should she leave Theodore’s office to join Zack for lunch? She feared that turning her boss down might upset him and potentially jeopardize her job. Yet, she also couldn’t afford to miss this chance to impress Miss Willow. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts, weighing the potential consequences of each decision.
Finally, after a tense internal struggle, a decision solidified in her mind. ’I shouldn’t entangle myself with my boss.’
Steeling her nerves, Bella answered the call. "Hello."
"Bella, you haven’t returned yet," Zack’s voice crackled through the phone, laced with concern. "Is everything alright there?"
Bella heaved a small sigh at the prospect that he wasn’t calling for a lunch date, merely worried about her whereabouts.
"Sir..." Bella began, emphasizing her formalities. "Actually, Mr. Reid tasked me with selecting the best design options. I’m in the midst of it right now. I’ll be back as soon as I’m finished."