Chapter 3 AN ENCOUNTER

AN ENCOUNTER

Ophelia had just finished her evening shift and was prepared to go home. "Are you set for home?" Mila asked . Mila was Ophelia's close colleague .

"Yeah I'm almost done just wrapping up the remaining dishes" Ophelia replied smiling. "Okay, The C.E.O wants to have a few minutes meeting with the staffs I thought to inform you", it's rare isn't it? Mila said the last words so softly one could barely hear .

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute " she replied . Alright, I'm waiting don't be late so as not to get on their bad book please Mila said concernily dashing out of the door. After Mila left Ophelia scoffed at the information she just heard she had always hated meetings especially when the C.E.O is involved.

"its not like I have a choice anyways,Why is the C.E.O holding a meeting himself ? she thought to herself leaving the dish area to the meeting hall.

As usual as she entered the hall she had stares of admiration from both senior staffs and colleagues .Ophelia was quite a beauty to behold- Her smooth and pale skin seemed to glow with radiance. Each delicate feature was perfectly carved-Her high cheekbones framed a face of gentle curves and her small pointed nose gave her an air of quiet grace.

Her large almond shaped eyes were a striking shade of clear brown-Her lips,naturally rosy, were full and perfectly shaped, their gentle curves giving her a perpetual, soft smile.

Black waves of hair dropped down her shoulders, catching the light with every movement, as if the sun shone on her. Her slender neck gave her an elegant poise, and her movements were soft, almost floating, as though she danced to a melody only she could hear.

Everything about her was understated yet captivating, a rare combination of fragility and timeless beauty that made it hard to look away. She seemed like she had stepped out of a painting, her presence so enchanting that it left a lingering warmth long after she was gone. And of course she had death stares

Ophelia walked up straight to meet Mila with no care in the world . "I'm here, was right on time " She said smiling, facing Mila .

"That's impressive, Oh! look the C.E.O is here already "Mila replied.

"Hi ,Good evening everyone"Mr Raymond said immediately he walked in with his assistant. "Good evening", everyone replied.

Alright as we all know this meeting will just be for a few minutes as we'll be discussing about the reviews of company and I'll be going straight to the point, He said observing everyone from his glasses . I must reckon that we're all doing well but I got a complaint about customers service that has been rendered in this branch. I am not particularly happy about the reports I've been receiving especially the customer service , Please let's endeavour to be of good conduct, we've maintained a certain standard as one of the best in T city and you all are aware that this is where many famous celebrities have their meals and occasion most times- I hope we all understand , "Yes sir" everyone replied uniformly,- Although he has been talking since he walked in, his eyes has not left one person in the room.

"Any questions or complaint?" he asked , When he was sure that there was none he adjourned the meeting . Everyone started taking their leave . Ophelia was about to step out of the door when his voice resounded. "Ophelia Smith" Mr Raymond called out , Wait behind- he said. Ophelia knew it wasn't going to turn out good –– she turned towards Mila and told her to wait for her at the corridor so they can head home together because their destination was towards the same direction. When everyone left she faced Mr Raymond with a cute face "Sir, you called for me" she said . Mr Raymond gulped at the sight of her beauty staring incessantly at her curvy figure, he walked closer to her while Ophelia stepped back cautiously, he stopped few inches away from her.

"How have you been?, Are you having any difficulties?he asked looking at her with utmost care and interest as if she would disappear from his sight.

"I'm very well thank you" Ophelia said

Yeah of course you're doing fine just wanted to be sure - he said laughing lightly- lifting up his eyelid to observe her reactions.

Umm," Have you considered my offer yet? " Before Ophelia could reply he added with rush.

" I know it might be a little bit worrisome but trust me I meant what I said that day, Maybe the atmosphere wasn't pleasing but I.....I really love you he said nervously looking at her face like someone searching for an answer.

Ophelia coughed lightly – Okay let me be honest here

"I appreciate your care and concern for me but my answer still stands", I'm not ready to be in a relationship, you are my boss and mostly influential I don't want to entangle myself in gossips of the internet, we met by coincidence that day and I happened to be of help, I wasn't even aware that you're the C.E.O of RAYSTAR ENTERPRISES and I do not wish to entertain this kind of a question anymore as it makes me uncomfortable "I hope you understand, please don't make things difficult for me"- She said softly but with a tone that clearly states boundaries.

"I understand I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable" He replied with a shaky heart - if you'll permit me to take my leave now, Ophelia said . "You can but know that I'll not give up on you, I'll wait till you're ready " He said with determination.Ophelia rolled her eyes as she stomped out

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When she came out Mila asked almost immediately "Did he query you? You know Miss Scarlett is close to him and you have been getting on her bad books lately". No, nothing of sort Ophelia replied smiling "Lets head home it's getting late". She had always been appreciative to the heavens for giving her a friend like Mila that's genuinely cares.They went in to their space took their bags and headed out of the building to have their favorite snacks at the roadside before going home

On getting there Mila got a call, she picked it up"Hello",I'm fine she said blushing and smiling at Ophelia

Oh, I'll be there in few minutes ,See you bye -She turned to face Ophelia with a pity face like she had betrayed her friend. Ophelia laughed at her silly behavior. "I understand you can go, have I ever held you? She asked cheekily. "Thank you, I promise to make it up to you" Mila said running towards the direction of the taxi she just flagged "Love you"- She shouted from a distance.

When Ophelia was done buying her snacks she began walking along the narrow path leading to her home. The sky was dark with the cool evening breeze brushing her face. She wanted to get home quickly and sleep away her tiredness, but something made her stop.

There, by the side of the narrow and dangerous road, lay a man. His clothes were torn, and his face was pale. His leg was stretched awkwardly, and his eyes were closed.

Ophelia hesitated. Should I approach him? What if it's dangerous? though she was not afraid because of her ability but she was also cautious. As she stood there, the man groaned softly in severe pain, and her caution melted into concern.

" Are you alright?" she asked, stepping closer.