275: THE STRANGER

THE STRANGER

I WAS standing for more than two hours outside the mall, handing over the flyers I made to promote the unit I needed to close within this week. If not, oh God! I don't know where I'll be after.0

So I decided to enter the mall, bringing with me the confidence that I gathered. I know I cannot give the flyers without the company's permission, but I am desperate. When I entered, I looked for some spot to observe people. I needed a plan.

I looked around to see if there are security personnel who are roving. Thankfully there was none. So, I took one flyer in my bag and approached some bystanders I thought were potential clients.

"Ugh! This is much harder than I thought," I wanted to give up since most of the people I approached were skeptical or uninterested.

"Sorry I'm not interested! But…" a middle-aged man said, "…I'm interested in you. We can go to that house and we'll see what we can do," I feel so disgusted with him.

How I wanted to smack his face that I decided to retreat from him. This plan is ridiculous! I heard my phone beeped. I immediately opened it to check if there was an important message. It was an email from the headquarters of my voluntary work.

'IT'S SO MUCH DIFFERENT WHEN YOU'RE HERE. EVERYONE'S SAD AND GLOOMY WITHOUT YOU. BUT, WE HAVE FUTURE PLANS SO THAT WE CAN STILL WORK WITH YOU. WE'LL JUST INFORM YOU IMMEDIATELY IF IT'S ALREADY FINAL.'

I sighed as I read it. My colleagues said that they were missing me terribly and asked when I will come back. To be honest, I was tempted to go back. It was what I love to do, right? I felt like being robbed out of the very thing I ever wanted. But there's my father and some unknown pull that wanted me to stay where I am now. However…

'If I cannot find a single person until tomorrow, I'll resign immediately the very next day.' I said with complete determination.

"Excuse me miss…" I jolted in surprise when I hear someone spoke behind me. I am hoping that it's not the security personnel who approached me.

When I looked behind, I saw a man who stood taller than me. His eyes were so dark and mysterious. I lingered at his eyes which really piqued my interest, but I shook my head.

"ahh.. y-yes?" I stammered! Gosh!

"Are you okay? I was passing by earlier when I noticed you and that old man tried to harass you," I blinked my eyes.

"O-oh th-that, uhm.. I was," I cleared my throat because his presence is hovering over me without an effort. I tried to compose myself before I stood before him.

"I was just showing him a flyer. Since you're here, would you like to see it? Are you looking for a unit?"

The man stared at me, then he shifted his gaze to the flyer I was handing him over and nonchalantly took it from me. I had the chance to look at him from head to toe. He was wearing a black hoodie, pants, and slippers, looking young and… broke?

I was no longer enthusiastic about convincing him to buy the unit, thinking that I'd only waste my time and effort with him. If he's interested, he'll ask. If not, he'll leave.

"Won't you convince me to buy this unit?" I heard him say, which I find odd.

"Are you interested? If not, I'll be on my way to find another." I shrugged, almost snapped at him. As much as I wanted to linger with him, but the mere thought of spending time with the man will be a waste and unsafe.

His presence seems captivating, but naah.. I don't want any complications. I already gave up my hope in romance long before. This man's company alone is intriguing, and I don't want to know about it.

"Hmm.. I'll think about it. But do you have a calling card? So that when I finally decided to get it, I'll immediately contact you?"

"Yes, I do have a company calling card. Here,"

"Just what I thought," I murmured.

"Sorry? Are you saying something?" I was taken aback. I blinked twice to hide my humiliation.

"Huh? No. Nothing." I shook my head in exaggeration while my hands were waving at him. "uh, I think I need to go, my boss is looking for me." then I scurried off hurriedly.

THE NEXT MORNING…

I stretched my hands after I opened my eyes. Then, I sighed. This will be the day. I need to talk to my father about my plan. I don't easily back out to any challenges, but this one is something I couldn't accomplish. Maybe my life is really meant to do charitable works. However, when I looked at my father, he looked old now. He was far from the sturdy man I used to know.

What if he'll get sick? Where can I get money to pay for the hospital bills? I don't have enough money to cover up the expenses. How about the house bills? Then I thought, 'have I been so selfish before?'

My father did not stop me from doing what I wanted. He allowed me to choose the path I wanted, although I know he would disapprove of it. I never heard him saying something against my decisions.

I sighed again. I'll just go with the flow. I'll let the circumstances lead me. Still, I'm scared. I don't know where this path will lead me. But for my father, I'll do it.

I was having breakfast when my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Karylle, someone is looking here for you." it was Miss Grapes.

"Oh, who is it Miss Grapes?" I asked formally.

"He did not give his number but he said, he wanted to discuss something with you." I paused and thought of anyone who might pass by the office, but I found none.

"Are you still there, Karylle?"

"A-ah yes! Sorry for that Miss Grapes, I was thinking something. Okay I'l be there in a bit, I'll just finish my breakfast."

"Okay, see you."

Immediately, I finished my food, brushed my teeth, made my face and hair, and I bid goodbye to my father. Within thirty minutes, I reached the office and went to my cubicle. I went to Miss Grapes's office and asked her where the guest was?

"Oh, he was just here earlier– oh! There he is! Mr. Howard." Then I turned my head to where Miss Grapes was looking.

It was the man I met at the mall yesterday.

"Hi! It was nice seeing you again, Miss Richards," he smiled at me.

It was the most beautiful smile I ever stared at in my entire existence.

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