Loving You Is Not An Accident: It’s Destiny - 94 PROPER TIME AND PROCEDURE

“We haven’t finished our talk.” Clifford walked slowly towards her which makes her feel wary.

“Talk? We’re done talking earlier.”

“Nope, we were interrupted with that dork. Where were we in our last talk? Oh yes, I do remember, who is he in your life?”

“Excuse me?”

“I am talking about that ‘Mess’ley, who ‘was’ he in your life?”

“I already told you, he was my classmate back in college.”

“Why did he say that he was your ex? What about that nasty things he has done to you? What does he mean by that?”

“It’s a long story.” She rolled her eyes and then she realized, “…wait, why am I explaining my personal life to you? Geez! You’re so annoying and you’re so inquisitive. We all have pasts and I won’t bother asking yours.”

“Well, I won’t mind you asking me then, besides, I am more than willing to answer whatever you ask of me.” Clifford winked.

“You are impossible.” She left him and went inside the bedroom. But the moment she turned her back, she was already smirking. She knew in her heart that she is developing something for Clifford but she could not risk her heart, yet.

‘No, not yet. There is proper time and procedure for it.’ She mused.

Clifford was all smiles when Ingrid left him. He knew that Ingrid is starting to open up her life. Like a bud, it is still premature but eventually will produce a flower.

‘I’ll just take it slowly but surely.’ He pondered.

….

The day of departure…

Ingrid felt lonely when it’s time for them to depart. This has been a memorable business trip she had ever since she started working. She thought that sometimes it’s good to mix business with pleasure but everything should be done with propriety.

They meet with the Jeffries’ couple for an early breakfast.

“Good morning, Mr. Jeffries, Mrs. Jeffries,” Clifford greeted the couple while Ingrid kissed the woman on both cheeks and then Ingrid turned her attention to Mr. Jeffries.

“It’s so good to see you both,” Mrs. Jeffries was all smile. “…how are you little Cliff?” she moved her gaze to Clark who was beside Ingrid.

Clifford smirked at what the woman said while Ingrid was talking to Mr. Jeffries.

“Hello, Mrs. Jeffries.” He politely greeted her. The woman slightly pinched Clark’s cheeks.

“What an adorable boy,” Clifford could only smile.

“What time will be your departure Mr. Jeffries?” Ingrid asked.

“At around one in the afternoon. How about you?”

“Ahh, that I do not know, Cliff – err – Mr. Briggs?”

“No need for you to be so polite in front of us, I already identify you as a married couple.” Mrs. Jeffries looked at them mischievously.

“Darling, stop it. Our Ingrid here is blushing.” Mr. Jeffries added to the teasing of his wife and then they both chuckled.

….

Gary is sweating profusely as he walked to and fro inside the CEO’s office.

“They’ll be arriving today, and the press are in chaos, should I inform them ahead of time. Ooohhh I know they are already at the airport waiting.” Gary mumbled.

His phone rang and he jumped and almost thrown it away. He gulped at the sight of the name’s caller: CEO. He calmed himself first before he answered.

“Gary, we’ll be arriving there during lunch time. Prepare everything that I need to sign, report to me everything that had transpired while I was away.”

“Yes master. But I need to tell you something important.”

“What is it?”

“The local and international press are now on the lookout for your arrival with Ingrid and…” he sweated even more.

“And?” Clifford thought about the business proposal they have successfully done.

“And Clark.” There Gary said it.

Clifford was confused and he did not respond for several seconds.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve already went to the bottom of this and it started with a random lady posted on social about you and Ma’am Ingrid in Maldives. From that moment up until now send huge waves in social media and it is still went viral. Your father was alarmed and he went directly to Vierra to talk with Mr. Howard–”

“What did you say? Dad went to John Howard in Vierra just for that silly post on social media?” Clifford thundered.

“Uh, it is not simply a post, master. It’s already an article now, showing pictures of you, Ingrid and Clark.”

“Send that nonsense article to me right now!”