328: SS1 05: Enough Surprises for the Day

SS1 05: Enough Surprises for the Day

Ambryan glowered as he talked with the crew. He gave Director Sguist a thorough lecture about her mistake. That error had caused time and money. If the person didn't happen to be Eve, the damage could have been much worse. 

Hannah stood nearby, waiting for her turn. She should have informed him about Eve's visit. It should have been the first thing she did! It was the CEO's office and so Ambryan had to be aware of everything that happens on his floor at all times.

That aside, her heart skipped a beat in memory of the intimate hug.

Words failed to describe her shock. She had seen the photos and the videos. Each time she looked at them, she almost couldn't believe it was her boss and his fiance. Hearing Eve was the said fiance was another level of information to wrap her around.

Yet, it all clicked together—especially being in this room. The truth had been staring at her in the face. How could she have not made the connections up to now?

"Hannah," Ambryan called out to her. His curt voice sent a chill down her spine.

She met him halfway and bowed her head. "Mr. Hathaway."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "How long has it been since Eve came?"

"Less than half an hour."

"And when were you going to tell me about her visit?"

Hannah opened her mouth then closed it again. Her speculation was right. That was her error. "I apologize, Mr. Hathaway. When Ms. Hart came, she offered to relieve me of my duties for 15 minutes. She had told me not to make an appearance so I could enjoy my break. I will take this into account the next time she comes by."

Ambryan's scowl deepened. "Relieve you of your duties?"

Alarm bells ringing in her ears, Hanna bit her tongue. Of course! That was unprofessional of her to do. Eve was no longer with the company. It wasn't right to leave things in her hands. Genuine fear flooded in her chest.

"Yes, she thought I could use a break," she finally admitted and bowed her head further. Her voice had become smaller as well. This was it. She was about to be put back in her department.

Or worse.

She could get fired.

Ambryan pursed his lips. "And did you?" 

Hannah gulped, unsure of what he meant. "Did I what, sir?"

"Did you need a break?"

"... only a small one."

Nodding his head, Ambryan unfolded his arms. He moved his hands into his pockets and saw Ghong Yu had the same pose. His hands clenched into fists. He had almost taken them out in order not to match. 

He shook his head and let the matter go. His focus returned to Hannah. "I talked to the director and the filming would end in 2 hours. You may go home after that."

"What?" She snapped her head up and met his eyes.

Was he serious? Filming had been scheduled to last until normal office hours. She had cleared her day just to be here. The crew probably had done the same. There shouldn't be a reason why this small mishap caused a pro—

Her eyes landed on the closed office door.

Then, it hit her.

"I understand, Mr. Hathaway," Hannah responded. She gripped the tablet closer to her chest and straightened her spine. If it was for Ms. Hart, she could be able to do anything. "I will check everything while they clean up and after they leave."

"Thank you."

Ambryan sighed when he reached his office door. He was bound not to hear the end of this. Eve had once again escaped his notice. He hadn't even heard about her cutting her hair like that! Was the color permanent or temporary? It was hard to tell.

He opened the door and said, "Eve—"

"Why is there a portrait of me in your office?"

Whatever he had to say died in his throat. The books he had carefully placed on the shelves had been moved to the floor. How did she find the painting? He had tested it himself if he would notice the painting hidden behind the books. 

"It's there because I'd rather not have unnecessary people see it," Ambryan explained, walking towards his desk. The painting had reminded him of his own share of secrets. That would make them even now though Eve wasn't aware of it.

Eve frowned and followed him. "That's not my question."

He sat on his chair, his hands posed over his keyboard. The monitor was black compared to what he had expected. He hadn't turned it on. There was no desk work for today. Nothing was there to distract him.

Ambryan cleared his throat. "Mother gave it as an engagement gift."

"That sounds about right, I guess." Confused by his behavior, Eve gently pushed his hands away and sat on his lap. Her legs dangled over one armrest while her arms found themselves around his neck again. He stiffened under her touch.

She smiled directly in front of his face. "How are you? Like really."

"What are you doing?" Ambryan breathed out. His arms slowly wrapped around her waist. Until this moment, her presence seemed like a dream. She had another month and a half left of modelling camp. It should also be busier than the first half.

"I've seen this in films. I thought I should try it at least once."

"I mean, what are you doing in Maize City?"

Eve pressed her lips together. The answer should be obvious. "Can't you guess?"

Ambryan didn't share the same sentiment. "I think I have enough surprises for one day."

"But it's your birthday!" She exclaimed and pouted that he hadn't played along. Inside, her heart ached a little. He had been so focused on work and almost missed his special day. "Surprises are part of the package during birthdays, dear Mr. Hathaway."

Hearing those words Ambryan realized what day it was today. Oh, how wonderful it was to be born. He took her in, one sense at a time. Sight, smell, touch and ta—his gaze flickered to her plump lips. They invited him in. He leaned forward without knowing.

"Are you saying…" Ambryan began to say, still staring at her lips. His thumb brushed over the curve of her waist. "That you came all the way from France just to celebrate my birthday?"

Eve scoffed, startled by his disbelief. She rested her forehead against his. Her hands cupped both of his cheeks. "And why wouldn't I? What better gift can you get than me?"

"I'm not complaining."

"Good."

The two shared 2-weeks worth of kisses. Life was good. Each had progressed in their individual success. The secrets hadn't stopped but what was life without surprises? Another rain of snow fell outside the windows. The time couldn't be more perfect to share body heat.

"How long do you still have to stay?" Eve asked when they broke apart. She adjusted herself on his lap, inching closer to his chest. "You didn't mention it last night."

Ambryan tucked her hair behind her ear. His Adam's apple shook. "Only for 2 more hours."

She arched an eyebrow. That didn't sound right. "2 hours? Are you sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure."

Eve didn't buy it. She recounted the facts while her eyes narrowed at his expression. "The crew came all this way and did their preparations to film for 2 hours?"

"The preparation time is always part of the process."

The Amrbyan she knew wouldn't let something that takes a lot of time and effort go to waste like that. Transporting equipment from the studio and up the lift was a tedious task. A reason why he would agree to this arrangement was if the crew made the best of it. 

Had he cut the time because she was here?

Eve dropped the thought. It wasn't good to speculate. If it did turn out to be true, the negotiation had already been made. "Okay, I won't say anything since it's your special day. You, more than anyone I know, deserve a break."

Ambryan pecked her cheek. "You can think about where we'd have lunch instead."

"I think your mother sent an invitation."2

"I could see her another day."

Chuckling, Eve leaned in for another kiss. "I missed you."

He grinned into her lips. "I probably missed you more."

"Well, you have me for the entire weekend," Eve reminded him. "We would need some activities."

The couple spent their lunch at Stitz Bistro. It brimmed with nostalgia especially when they used the same room as their first date. Eve shared her recent assessment. The modelling camp had increased their expectations and training. She had expected it but it was still extensive work.

On the other hand, Ambryan talked about their plans to expand the company. Ideas came from all over the world. Why limit them to just their country? He and head management had been on the hunt of a production company they could collaborate with.

"Are you considering France?" Eve joked, taking a bite of her pasta.

"I would but I believe your modelling camp would be over by then."

"I could still have projects in France. But I wouldn't mind visiting another country."

Ambryan placed his utensils down and sipped his water. "We could do that for the honeymoon. How many places do you want to visit? Compared to the wedding, that needs more planning."

Eve chuckled. "So eager."

"I want to be there when you first visit your favorite places," he explained. His hand reached out to hold hers. "Create the memories with you and share them. I can probably do a better photobook than Elias Walker."

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