Chapter 72 THE PROMISE

• The car rolled to a stop in front of the magnificent tower. The corners of my mouth curled into a smile as I pushed the door open and got down of the car. Walking in long strides, I arrived at the reception and met a young lady who, I assumed, was the receptionist behind a desk. With a warm smile playing around her lips, “You're welcome, Mr. Alexander. The CEO is waiting for you in his office” She spoke proficiently, rising to her feet. “Come with me, I'll lead you” She put in then walked out of her seat and began to walk forward, and I followed closely behind her. Soon, we were both inside the elevator. “Permit me to say this, sir. You're looking more handsome in reality than on the TV and magazines” She praised in a seductive voice. I looked at her briefly from the metal surface before looking away, “Thanks” I said nonchalantly. "Are you married?” She asked after an abrupt silence. The moment I opened my mouth to reply to her, the elevator chimes then unlocked. I sucked in a sharp breath and stepped out first. “Are you married, sir?” She questioned again, walking beside me and peeking at my face. “Yes. I'm a married man” I answered proudly, looking forward to the quiet passageway. She didn't say anything again until we arrive at a door. “I'll go inform him first” She knocked briefly and went In first. She came out almost immediately, then ushered me in.
• I paced into the spacious and unique office with a rectangular desk in the middle. “Welcome, Mr. Alexander” The deep voice wafted over to where I was standing, and my gaze fell upon the young man, sitting on a couch at the designated meeting spot around the corner of the office. He got off the couch with a friendly smile on his lips, I also smiled in a dignified way, walking forward to where he was standing. “It's nice meeting one of the top five successors and winning CEO in the whole of Texas” He praised as we both shook hands warmly. My smile only grew wider, “The pleasure is all mine Mr. Torres and of course, I appreciate your generosity” I uttered with a deep sense of gratitude, still shaking hands with him. “Come on, Mr. Alexander, you're worth it,” He said seriously, hinting at me to sit down. Smiling so big, “But we haven't partnered before, Mr. Torres,” I told him, interlocking my fingers and avoiding his gaze. “That's true. However, I made a short inquiry about your business before giving my consent yesterday” He explained, and my mouth immediately opened in an 'O' shape. It makes sense now. “So, what would you like to take? Tea, coffee, wine?” He asked in a normal gentleman's voice. 'To take back my wife' I retorted him inwardly. Smiling awkwardly, “I doubt that will be necessary, Mr. Torres. You're a busy person, and I'm sure by now I've exhausted much of your time” I told him profoundly, looking straight into his eyes. He readjusted on his seat, his smile remained undiminished on his lips and his sharp eyes penetrated me, “Do you want me to be honest with you, Mr. Alexander?” He began, intertwining his long legs. “I don't know why and to be sincere, there's this strange attraction I have toward you already” He acknowledged. My lips curled up in an uneven smile, thanking my stars for I've gotten their ample backing in this. “And I wish we could get along well” He concluded, having a broad smile on his face. “Of course, Mr. Torres, the pleasure is all mine,” I said to him eagerly, my tone full of longing. “So then, will you be able to attend a party at my house next week?” He asked amiably, but then the smile that was radiating on his face faded away at once. “My wife isn't aware of the party yet, and I feel so bad for telling you before her” My hands gathered to a fist of their accord, while my eyes rested on his face. Did he just address Kiara as his wife? “Are you okay?” His voice wiped me out of my little fit of rage. Putting on a self-mockery smile, I shook my head decisively, “Sure, sir. I was just wondering why you haven't informed your wife yet about the party” I spoke my mind eloquently, and I was suddenly fraught with worry when his face turned bitter as if something has gone wrong somewhere. “It's bound to happen, sir. You just have to take things easy with your… wife. Women can be so dramatic at times” I continued, spelling every word tentatively. He slightly lifted his head, looking at me with a wry smile exuded on his thin pink lips.
• “I love her so much, so much that I would do absolutely anything for her” He began, getting on his feet and tucking his hands into his trouser pocket. “She's the only woman I've ever felt like this toward and I don't think I'll be able to love another woman as much as I love her, Mr. Alexander” He expressed, walking step by step toward the French windows. I narrowed my eyes shrewdly to his back, all the veins and muscles in my body had tightened into a line, and I couldn't help but think that this man was now treading on ground that was likely to give way beneath his feet. Swiftly, I jumped to my feet in an attempt to walk up to him and confessed the reason I was here, that this woman he was talking about is my woman, but his next words halted my actions immediately, “But I don't think she loves me to be her husband” He input, his back was to me as he continued talking. Curling my lips, a quicker of excitement shot through me upon hearing his last words. Turning around to face me, I quickly formulated the delighted smile on my face then put forward my pace, “Why do you think so, Mr. Torres?” I asked calmly, ensuring a sight of empathy was reaching my face. Vigorously, he shook his head and then walked back to his seat, “It's fine, Mr. Alexander.” He said with a light smile. Nodding my head, I thought of how to broach the question. 'How can I ask him to tell me Kiara's working place?' “Mr. Torres, is your wife's boutique nearby? There are some new tuxedo designs I would love to check out” I blurted my mind. Without a moment's hesitation, he replied happily as he walked toward his desk, “Sure, sure, but let me give you her business card” It took all the strength in me to resist myself from jumping up with excitement. 'This is really going as planned' “Here” He stretched out two cards to me, “You should have my card too, isn't it?” I nodded happily, smiling so big. “Sure, sir. I should get going now, I have other things to take care of” I notified, he patted my shoulder then shook hands with me again. “Give me a call” I nodded directly then turned away, but as soon as I got to the door and jiggled the doorknob, “Please patronize my wife” I tilted my head back slowly, the smile on his face now was not as pleasing as it was earlier. Nonetheless, I nodded twice before opening the door and stepping out.