Chapter 5 Picture

Rina had eventually accepted her new job as Ethan's assistant. She weighed the pros and cons and figured out that it was even better that way.

She'd be able to get close to him to monitor his movements before carefully ruining him. She had drafted out plans in her head, and one by one; she'd execute them all.

She had also gotten an apartment in a strategic place, such that it was quite close to the company and Ethan's mansion.

Rina was currently on her way to work. She was so immersed in her thoughts, that the poor taxi driver blushed embarrassedly from being ignored by her. He had been trying to make small talk with the pretty lady, but she seemed to be concentrating on something else.

The cab soon came to a halt, and Rina alighted after paying the driver who was trying to avoid her gaze which she didn't notice.

She walked in, her blood boiling upon remembrance of seeing Celeste wearing her favourite dress. That dress was something Ethan personally designed for here, when she was still Ava.

Yes, he had a hand in her death but the dress had nothing to do with it. Celeste had no rights to lay her filthy hands on it. She had done little research, and found out that Celeste was married to Ethan.

Just great.

She bet Celeste had been waiting for the right time to finish her off so she could be with Ethan. And as for Ethan...his cold and distant attitude explained most things.

She released a deep breath as she got into the elevator, this was no time to dwell in such thoughts. It was payback time.

The elevator stopped with a ding and opened. Rina stepped out, heading to Ethan's office. His office was at the topmost floor.

Just as she got closer to his office; she bumped into James; the troublesome assistant and she couldn't help rolling her eyes.

"Aha! Rina, good thing I found you. Punctual as usual, I made the right choice." He looked at her admiringly.

"In addition to your duty as the CEO's personal assistant, you'll also be working with the Design team." He said, and Rina frowned.

"Don't worry, you'll have your own personal office. But, you'll be working with the design team, group 5. They could use some help as they are the only group lagging behind." He continued.

"I don't know how to design softwares." Rina lied through her teeth, "But I can come up with nice clothing designs for you, you obviously need it."

She kept her tone polite as she eyed his multi-coloured suit.

"Wha...what do you mean by that?" His face turned red.

"Just some friendly advice, Mr. James." She smiled.

James felt uncomfortable at the smiling, beautiful little lady in front of him. He felt a bit scared, but he shrugged it off.

"Ahem. Anyways, there'll be a meeting with Camden corporation by one pm, you know what to do. Later, I'll introduce you to the rest of your colleagues at the design team." He concluded before hurrying off.

Rina laughed out lightly as she watched him scamper away. His embarrassment when she spoke about his suit didn't escape her eyes. James didn't seem like a problematic person, plus she didn't get any bad vibes from him.

She let out a deep breath, putting on a straight face as she stepped into his office. Upon reaching the office, she met him asleep with his back on the office chair, and his face slightly tilted.

His thin, red lips were tightly pursed. His pointed nose stood straight, and his brows were creased. Despite the fact that he was asleep, he still looked handsome and serious as ever.

Rina's heart skipped, and it made her pissed that he still...affected her. There was sweat on his forehead, then his lips slightly parted as he huffed for air.

Rina frowned, he was having a nightmare.

Out of impulse, she ran towards him, stroking his hair like she had always done in the past when he was having a nightmare.

"Ava." He whispered after calming down with his eyes still shut.

Rina paused, as she was brought back to reality. She wasn't supposed to be doing this. This man had betrayed her.

She gritted her teeth, stepping back and at that moment; Ethan's eyes opened, revealing those beautiful grey eyes she had gotten accustomed to.

"Good morning. You have a meeting by one with the CEO of Camden corporation; I'll go check on the preparations." She bowed slightly before making her way to the door.

"Did you touch me?" He asked out of the blue, and she froze in her steps.

"No. Is there a problem?" She answered after a few seconds.

"No." He muttered as he picked up his coat, walking out of the office.

Rina followed suit, but she turned to the left. Ethan watched her retreating figure, the girl lied; she definitely touched him.

***

Rina could feel her heart beating so rapidly. She would have been caught just because she couldn't control her emotions and all her plans would go to ruins.

When she was sure Ethan had left the floor, she snuck back into his office, making sure to dodge the CCTV cameras. She was an expert at that.

Then she rummaged through his shelves, hoping to find something she could probably use against him when a picture fell. She picked it up, it was a picture of a child. Not just any child, her.

What was her childhood picture doing in Ethan's office?

Something wasn't right. She observed the background, the picture was taken on Manhattan beach. And in all her childhood, she didn't have the luxury to go to a beach.

Then it struck her. Same hazel eyes, long brown hair and oval shaped face...

The little boy in the picture looked to be about two to three years. It was her child, she just felt the instant connection to the kid.

She gasped, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whispered;

"Where are you?"