Chapter 5 Irene Jung

Brendan had to admit that the tall, plump woman was very charming. She is not only beautiful, but also intelligent and good at carrying herself.

The authoritative aura emitted by her is strong and to certain people, especially those who feel guilty or incompetent in their work.

However, Brendan Ashton is not someone who is easily charmed let alone feels intimidated by a woman.

To him, they were just a bunch of pretty faces with curvy bodies, some with brains, more without brains.

Brendan shook Irene's delicate hand with a faint smile. He didn't budge when in her dapper style, Irene tried to make a classy joke about their boring job. Brendan again just smiled faintly.

He was serious without a smile when responding to the problems that occurred in the foundation which is now led by Irene and questioned Irene's decision to fire several administrators. Arguing here and there, but when he felt Irene's reasons were quite reasonable, he accepted it well.

The meeting which lasted for three hours finally ended with satisfactory results for all parties.

Brendan packed up all his files and was getting ready to leave the meeting room, when suddenly Irene was standing next to him with a big smile.

"Mister Brendan Ashton, mind closing this tiring day of work with a cup of coffee with me?"

Brendan looked at Irene for a moment, considered her offer, then nodded. After all, he did mean to buy coffee on the way home.

They walked side by side towards the cafeteria. Brendan's office is on the eighth floor of St. Patrice, one floor with all the operations, administration, finance, personnel, to the board of directors that drive the wheels of St. Patrice, its branches and clinics under the auspices of the foundation now run by Irene, including the two large meeting rooms on that floor.

The cafeteria is located on the second floor. Brendan and Irene immediately caught the attention of all eyes as they walked side by side.

It was like watching a beauty show, everyone thought they were blessed to see a beautiful pair of man and woman walking together on this humid afternoon.

Irene glanced at Brendan with a smile. He knew who Brendan Ashton was. A new accountant whose reputation precedes his name. Sure enough, her curiosity was answered when he came face to face with a man as cold as an iceberg in Antarctica.

She felt the invisible fortress protecting Brendan all around him. Even now, walking side by side with him, that cold aura was still disturbing.

Brendan turned. "Is there something strange on my face, Miss Jung?"

Irene smiled and waved her hand. "Owh, just call me Irene. We're already outside the meeting room and I don't think we're too much of an age difference. Don't be so formal."

Brendan nodded. They got to the cafeteria and Brendan ordered coffee while Irene ordered cakes.

"So it's true what people say that St. Patrice's new accountant is a breath of fresh air not only on management, but I think the vast majority of the hospital staff--male and female, drooling over when you passed by."

Brendan looked at Irene for a moment, then chuckled. Irene Jung is not only beautiful and intelligent, but she is also funny and has a great sense of humor.

"I thought they did it because of you," Brendan replied calmly.

"Wow," Irene exclaimed in amazement. "You laugh."

Brendan raised his eyebrows and shook his head.

"But, I don't think you should do it too often," continued Irene. "You can cause a riot in this hospital if people see how handsome you are when you laugh." Irene laughed crisply seeing Brendan frowning at his comment.

It's not easy to make this man laugh, Irene thought. "So why did you take this job as an accountant at St. Patrice's?" Irene asked while stirring her coffee.

"The salary is great, the facilities are good, and the vacation time is flexible," answered Brendan calmly.

Now Irene's eyebrows were raised. "What a cliché."

"But it's true."

"Where are you from?"

"Somewhere. How did you get interested in running a foundation?"

"Same with you, more or less. Great pay, flexible working hours, and avoiding my dad constantly nagging and thinking I'm just good at squandering his money effortlessly."

"Is that assumption true?"

Irene laughed. "Maybe. I worked as a model before, but my dad thinks my brain is too wasteful to use in such a job and he doesn't like seeing the clothes I wear in photo shoots."

"Perhaps your father has a point."

"Well, at least here I can still see beautiful things. As long as I try a little."

"Beautiful things?"

"Yeah. You. Some of the doctors are handsome and attractive too."

Brendan couldn't help but laugh and this time louder. Brendan and Irene talked on and on until they didn't feel the time had passed.

Brendan glanced at his watch. "I have to go now."

"Ah, well. Where do you live?"

"Somewhere. You brought your own car?"

"Surely somewhere," said Irene unimpressed. "You are too mysterious, Mister Brendan."

"I'm just trying to keep my personal life mixed with professional life."

"You know, Brendan, you make me even more attracted to you. You make me feel challenged."

Brendan smirked. "Perhaps it would be better if you put that feeling into repairing the clinics under the foundation so you don't lose too much."

"Ah, you make me feel sad," said Irene making a sad face.

Brendan shook his head and walked out of the cafeteria. "Thanks for the coffee. Nice to work with someone like you," said Brendan in a formal manner.

Irene laughed heartily. "You're great at work and fun as a friend. I wish I could see a more romantic side of you too, as a lover, I mean." Irene winked.

Brendan just laughed. Irene waved and walked straight to the elevator to go down to the parking lot.

Brendan never brought his car. He just walked around the hospital building to get to his apartment.

He walked past the edge of the parking lot to get out of the small door beside the back gate of the parking area, when he saw Irene standing in front of a shiny black Mercedes, with a man hugging her waist.

Brendan couldn't see the man's face because he was standing with his back to him but Irene's laugh was clear and she tiptoed to kiss the man on the cheek and he laughed too.

Brendan closed his eyes for a moment, dispelling the image that flashed through his head.

The scene in front of him had happened at a time in his life, when Lyla was still his lover. Brendan sighed and continued walking. Stop it, Bren, life must go on.

So, move on!

***