I stared at him, trying to think of something to say.
Averting my gaze from his, I turned my face to the laptop screen, and spoke, "No. I can't do that."
The Williams deal was worth millions. If I failed, it wouldn't just be my reputation on the lineâit could cost the company a fortune. The weight of that responsibility felt like a heavy stone in my chest.
"Why?" He asked while leaning back on his chair, and creating some distance between us.
I looked down at my hands, and spoke, "It's a million-dollar deal. We can't afford to lose it."
"We won't lose it. You have good knowledge of the new product we are launching. You are aware of its market. What else do we want? "
"I do know about that. But... I won't be able to express those things in words."
"You will. Practice it." His firm yet gentle voice came making me gulp.
I stared at the presentation slides on the laptop screen. Each bullet point seemed to blur together, and I could feel the panic rising. What if I couldn't answer their questions? What if they saw right through me and realized I wasn't as competent as Mr. Advik believed?
"But...I'm scared. What if I mess up?" I turned towards him and met his eyes.
He sighed and leaned a little towards me, "Don't doubt yourself. I know you can do it. I believe in you."
I looked up at his eyes, still uncertain, "But what if I freeze up on stage? What if I forget things there?"
"Look, I wouldn't ask you to do this if I didn't think you could handle it. You're smart and capable. But you have to trust yourself."
I shook my head, and his expression softened, as he stared straight into my eyes, and spoke, "It's natural to feel scared, but remember, you're not alone in this. I'll be there to support you every step of the way. And even if things don't go perfectly, it's not the end of the world. We learn and grow from every experience."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart, and replied, "I just don't want to embarrass you or the company."
His eyes fell on my fiddling hands, and he put his cold hand on my wrist, stopping my fiddling, "You won't embarrass us. But you will embarrass yourself if you keep doubting your abilities."
I looked at his hand on mine.
He's right.
When I was a kid, my dream was to become a successful businesswoman and run my father's company- to take it to new heights but I couldn't achieve that after everything that happened. My uncle took over the company and somehow removed all the benefits we were getting from it. He removed my father's name like it never existed. Nothing was left with us. We had to move on. The empire my father built with his blood and sweat over the years fell within seconds, and I couldn't do anything because I was only 20 at that time, with no knowledge or experience of the business world.
Then, I started learning things, it's been a few years, and even though I have gained the knowledge, I still couldn't do what I wanted. I couldn't take the company back from their hands, they didn't even let me do a simple job there after I graduated. The reason they gave for disqualifying me in the interview was that I lacked qualifications.
If the reply wasn't in the email, I would have thrown my company secretary and MBA degree on their faces. I know it was all done by my uncle--he was scared that I would take everything from his hands if they gave me the chance.
Letting it go, I thought about starting my own business, but then starting a new business demands huge investments and capital which I don't have. Plus, it takes years to survive in the competitive market and make goodwill.
I gave up on my dream a long ago.
But maybe one day, I will take back what has been snatched away from my hands. I don't know how I am going to do it, but I will. I won't let my father's hard work go in vain.
For that, I have to come out of my comfort zone and face things.
I looked at him and smiled.
This seems like a golden opportunity for me to gain more experience.
"Thanks," I spoke softly, placing my hand on his. I looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and confidence there.
He passed me a heart-melting smile, and replied, "No need to thank me. Just start trusting yourself."
I nodded, and then my eyes fell on our hands, and I immediately pulled away my hand.
He released my wrist and cleared his throat, "Did you forget you told me you want to do everything that you haven't done till now?"
I glanced at him, before bringing my gaze back to my hands, "I wasn't talking about these things."
He chuckled softly, propping his elbow on the arm of the chair and resting his chin upon his hand. "Then please enlighten me what those things are that you haven't experienced yet." He teased, his voice causing my cheeks to flush with heat. I stole a quick glance at him to find his lips curling at the corners, his gaze fixed on me.
"I mean..." I began to speak but words got stuck in my throat. Gathering myself, I rose to my feet and muttered, "That's none of your business."
His smirk grew, "Well, it is." He paused and then stood up towering over me, "You are my business."
I tried hard not to get affected by his words and intense gaze. I began to speak,
"Sir--"
"It's Advik. Call me Advik."
My heart thudded against my chest, ready to come out of my throat.
He's behaving so strangely. Maybe he has hit his head somewhere.
Or maybe it's me who is blushing too much because I have never seen him like this.
I cleared my throat, "Okay."
"Okay, What?"
I glared at him, he was clearly having fun. My mind traveled back to Kevin when he mentioned this person is allergic to fun.
I stared at him, "Ok, Advik."
A satisfied look covered his face as his name slipped out of my tongue.
"Now Can I leave?" I asked to which he nodded with a small smile and watched me leave.
The next day came, I was excited and nervous at the same time for the meeting.
Doubt gnawed at me. The thought of letting everyone down was almost unbearable. I had worked so hard to get here, but now it felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, about to fall.
But then I remembered Advik's words. He believed in me. He had faith in my abilities. Maybe, just maybe, I could find that same faith in myself.
The meeting ended.
The conference room was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation as the Williams gathered their notes and exchanged glances. I stood at the front, my heart still pounding from the adrenaline of the presentation. I did it. I faced my fears and delivered the presentation without a hitch.
Advik was the first to break the silence, standing up and offering a firm handshake to Mr. William. "Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your decision."
Mr. William smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mr. Advik. And Ria, you did an excellent job. Your presentation was thorough and very convincing."
I felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Mr. William. I'm glad you found it informative."
=====
The day passed by fast. And it was already the evening. I didn't get the chance to meet Advik the whole day after that, I only saw him in the meeting where he was staring at me without blinking his eyes in the whole meeting.
As the door to my cabin opened, I glanced up from my files. There stood Mr. Rud-Advik, his warm smile and charming dimples enhancing his cuteness.
But I tried not to get affected by it as I wore a blank expression.
"There is a thing called knocking when you enter someone's cabin," I muttered and watched as he walked towards me with a chair, he placed it beside me and sat on it. The smile not leaving his lips, as he spoke, "And who is the boss here?"
I glanced at him and chose to ignore him as I was already angry at him for all the extra work he had given me today. Otherwise, I would have been chilling at home at this time.
I looked at my wristwatch, it showed 7:29 p.m.
Sensing his eyes on my every action, I glanced at him who was already watching me with a calm expression. He smiled, "I see your boss has burdened you with extra work."
"You can see it. Wow." I spoke, passing him a fake smile.
I was on my periods and already felt like jumping from the building due to cramps.
"What? You should have informed me about this earlier. Why didn't you take a few days off?" His serious voice sounded with a look of guilt spreading on his face.
I froze and looked at him wide-eyed realizing that I had spoken that out loud.
I facepalmed myself, and looked away from him, trying to hide my red face.
"Let's take you to your home." He stood up taking his car keys from the table.
I just stared at him dumbfounded.
He blinked as he caught me staring, then sighed and looked away before taking the file from my hands and closing it. "Stop staring and get up,"
"But the work is not doneâ"
"That's not important." He uttered and helped me collect my belongings, "Let's go."
I did as told and then followed him behind as he walked towards the parking lot. He opened the car door and waited for me to be seated. Once I was, he drove off.
The journey was quiet, and I felt awkward like really really awkward.
I attempted to distract myself by observing the cars and shops we passed.
"You want ice cream?" He slowed down the car, and I could sense him looking at me.
Even though I was craving it, I politely denied it.
"That's a yes, I guess." He smirked and parked the car on the side of the road, in front of an ice cream shop.
As I reached for the door handle to open my car door, he let out a chuckle and gently placed his hand on mine to stop me. "I know you're really craving some ice cream but stay right here. I'll go get it for you," he said with a smile.
I nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed as I looked down at the ground.
After a short while, he returned holding a beautifully presented chocolate ice cream cake, my absolute favorite. My face lit up with joy as I accepted the sweet treat. I never would have expected to see this tender and caring side of him. At that moment, I couldn't help but think to myself that he is such a sweetheart.
Don't get your hopes high. My brain said.
I took a spoonful of ice cream cake and hummed as the delicious chocolate dissolved in my mouth.
He settled into the car and fastened his seat belt.
"You didn't get any for yourself?" I inquired, my eyebrows knitting together as I took another spoonful of ice cream.
He looked at me, and shook his head with a small smile, "I don't like ice creams."
"What?" I looked at him, and then, down at my ice cream contemplating whether to offer him a share of my beloved dessert. After all, he said he didn't like ice-creams.
He bought it for you. At least ask him once. Stupid.
Yeah, Right.
I scooped a generous portion of creamy vanilla ice cream onto the spoon and offered it to him. As he gazed at it, a sudden realization struck me - I shouldn't be using the same spoon that I had just licked like a child.
"Wait, let me get another spoon..." I murmured, but before I could finish, he gently took hold of my hand, guiding the spoonful of ice cream to his mouth. His gaze locked with mine, stirring a whirlwind of emotions deep within me. Flustered, I turned my eyes away.
"This ice cream cake is delicious. Isn't it?" He spoke as he turned the car in the road. I couldn't help but nod in agreement, stealing a glance at him and noticing the small but genuine smile playing on his lips.
I think that the small things he does, don't affect him.
It's only me.
The whole ride was quiet, and I just enjoyed his presence.
The car stopped, and as I peered outside, I realized we had arrived at my residence.
Feeling his gaze on me, I look into his dark ocean-blue orbs. As his intense gaze locked onto me, I found myself captivated by the deep, ocean-like shade of his eyes. His voice, low and alluring, made my heart race as he asked, "What are your plans for Sunday?"
His eyes lingered on my face, causing my breath to catch in my throat. I offered a nonchalant shrug and replied, "Just the usual - work and then back home."
He repeated, "I said Sunday."
"Oh." I smiled at him, and continued, "Then I am free."
I wonder why he was asking me that.
He passed me a breathtaking smile, "Be ready then we have to go somewhere."