Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Chapter 16:

Eileen stood out among her colleagues, her height and slim figure drawing attention. Once she had ensured everyone was aboard the bus, she approached Bryan. “Dawson, everyone’s settled in. There are a couple of vacant seats at the front. Will you be taking the bus, or…?”

She had noticed a few high-end vehicles parked close by, likely owned by Kian and Jacob. It seemed improbable that they would prefer the bus over their luxurious cars.

This observation led her to appreciate Bryan’s grounded nature despite his status. Bryan promptly said, “I’ll join you on the bus.” He then turned to Kian and the others, saying, “What about you? Will you ride the bus or drive?”

Kian looked toward Vivian, considering that Bryan’s choice to take the bus might influence her preference. However, he knew the bus’s environment wouldn’t match the comfort of his own car. He suggested, “Perhaps you and Vivian should go there in my car. Or maybe Miss Curtis could drive you both.”

Eileen waited quietly, ready to adapt to the proposed plans, her gaze shifting to Bryan for direction. However, Vivian quickly interjected, “It’s unfair to ask Eileen to drive for that long. She’s here to enjoy herself, just like everyone else. Kian, you’re not being thoughtful.”

After making her point, Vivian turned to Eileen with a friendly smile and then moved closer to Bryan, linking her arm with his. “You can drive me, Eileen. You can take the bus with the others,” she said.

Bryan frowned at Vivian’s words, but he remained silent. Jacob couldn’t resist a jest. “Vivian, it’s not Miss Curtis you’re worried about; you just want Bryan all to yourself for a few hours. Remember to control yourselves, okay?”

Vivian’s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment, and she sought refuge behind Bryan, casting a sharp look at Jacob. “See? I’m right!” Jacob stopped himself from teasing Vivian further when Kian fixed him with a stern look. He then turned to Eileen, chuckling, “What are you waiting for, Eileen? Time to get on the bus.”

With a strained smile, Eileen responded, “Okay.” She then made her way onto the bus. The bus started but abruptly halted just a short distance later.

New chapters now on gαlnσv𝒆ls․cøm Standing from her seat at the front, Eileen approached the driver to inquire about the issue. “What’s going on?” At that moment, the door opened, and to Eileen’s surprise, Bryan stepped onto the bus, taking the seat beside hers. His gaze held a silent intensity that unsettled her.

Vivian followed, wearing a forced smile as she looked at the seat next to Bryan. Eileen’s bag was on that seat. Eileen quickly retrieved her bag, allowing Vivian to sit down, who then lightly chastised Bryan. “You could have checked before sitting. Eileen had to move because of you. There are two empty seats right there.”

Eileen relocated to the vacant seat, offering Vivian a reassuring smile. “It’s fine.” As the bus resumed its journey, the landscape outside blurred past. Eileen watched the scenery outside.

Vivian was engaging Bryan with lively conversation, occasionally touching his shoulder, her laughter ringing pleasantly. Amidst the buzz of conversations on the bus, Vivian’s voice stood out to Eileen—melodious and captivating—while Bryan’s responses were brief.

The sound of an incoming message pulled Eileen’s attention to her phone. She saw a text from an unfamiliar number. The message left her stunned.

“Eileen, this is Huey Baker, three years your junior. I run a gaming company and come from a family involved in tourism. I’m an only child.”

Eileen spent several minutes processing the message, the realization dawning on her that this was the man Ruby had introduced to her. She couldn’t believe he was three years younger than her. Eileen found the idea of being with someone younger challenging.

After pondering for a brief moment, she crafted her response. “Hello, this is Eileen Curtis, working as an assistant at Apex Group. I come from an ordinary background with a complex family situation, which might not align with what you’re looking for. I believe you’ll find someone more compatible.”

Her response was direct, aiming to avoid unnecessary explanations. She hoped Huey would grasp her polite refusal. However, Eileen had misjudged the situation; Huey was not willing to accept her rejection.

“Are you turning me down? Why? Is it because I’m younger than you, or do you look down on me because I’m in the gaming industry?”

Eileen hadn’t intended any disrespect; she was aware of the gaming industry’s potential and held no bias against it. Just as she was about to clarify her stance, another message from Huey came.

“I’m not in town now. Let’s wait until I return, and I’ll show you what I’m about. I can’t accept a rejection without a proper chance to meet.”

Eileen paused and then opted for a simple “Okay,” deleting her previous draft. Having been in Bryan’s orbit, Eileen had learned to quickly assess people’s characters. Huey seemed to possess a certain arrogance, suggesting he might prove challenging. She concluded that a face-to-face meeting would be the best way to address any misunderstandings.

Huey’s next message suggested a lighter topic. “How about trying out my game? I can guide you through a few rounds.” Eileen was taken aback by this message; she had never played any games before. She looked over at Bryan and Vivian, who were engaged in conversation. Considering she had several hours left in the journey, she decided to give the game a try.

After downloading the game Huey had mentioned and adding him on WhatsApp, she entered the game and noticed Huey was online. Almost immediately, an invitation from KnockW00d, Huey’s ID, to join a game session appeared. Eileen accepted the invitation.

Before she could fully comprehend the setup, a clear and engaging male voice flowed from her phone’s speaker. “Eileen, stay close to me in the game and watch your back.”

The voice startled Eileen, making her almost drop her phone. This action caught the attention of the person sitting behind her, who leaned forward, peering over the seat. “What’s happening, Eileen?”

The bus was now filled with curious remarks. “Who’s that? He sounds charming!”

“He’s cute and quite the gallant protector in the game, huh?” Unfamiliar with gaming, Eileen hadn’t thought to lower her volume, inadvertently broadcasting Huey’s voice for all nearby to hear.

She instinctively looked towards Bryan, finding a playful spark in his deep gaze and a mild smile on his face as he looked at her. Vivian chuckled. “Is that your boyfriend, Eileen? Such a soothing voice he has, and it seems everyone’s a fan. We should all meet him someday.”

Eileen offered a polite smile while she attempted to silence her phone. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t find the option to turn off the sound in the game.

Huey, enjoying the situation from the other end, spoke up once the chatter on the bus subsided. “Are you all Eileen’s colleagues? Greetings, I’m Huey Baker. Please look after Eileen. And if you’re up for it, we should all play games together sometime.”

One colleague chimed in, “I’ve tried this game. It’s quite engaging, but I’m not very good. Eileen, is your boyfriend skilled? Maybe he could show me a few tricks?”

Another added, “I’d like to join. I enjoy this game too!”

Several of Eileen’s colleagues leaned closer, showing interest. Eileen found herself unable to get a word in as Huey continued to talk to her colleagues.

“I actually created this game. Since you enjoy it, add me later, and I’ll hook you up with some exclusive benefits,” Huey said.

The group around Eileen reacted with excitement, quickly taking her phone to interact with Huey. Eileen felt resigned. Was Huey using this as an opportunity to promote his game? Huey went on to say that newcomers to the game could download it and sign up for ten special edition skins among other incentives.

Eileen’s phone made its rounds among the colleagues—some already familiar with the game added Huey and claimed their rewards, while others who were new began downloading the app and signing up. Vivian cast a look at Bryan and voiced her displeasure. “See how considerate Eileen’s boyfriend is, unlike you, always so distant.”

Eileen stole a glance at Bryan. He sat with his hands on his lap, staring out the window, his expression unreadable but his lips curved in a slight, icy smile. The comment seemed to provoke tension. Although Bryan and Eileen were only friends with benefits, the male ego, especially Bryan’s, was not to be underestimated.

Half an hour later, Eileen’s phone ran out of battery and was passed back to her. It was turned off, sparing Eileen from any awkward farewells with Huey. Feeling relieved, Eileen connected her phone to a power bank but hesitated to switch it on again, feeling uneasy about reigniting the conversation with Huey.

The anxiety lingered until they reached the resort. Kian and Jacob were already there, greeting them at the entrance. As the bus came to a stop, everyone prepared to disembark. Bryan and Vivian exited first, with Eileen following close behind. Once they were greeted by Jacob’s jesting.

“Bryan, you’re never one to miss a chance, huh? Opting to share a room with Vivian on such an occasion?” Jacob said.

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