Chapter 22 - Set-up

There was still a week before the official class starts at Artem University.

On the third day after I landed in New York, I was woken by the constant ringing call from an unknown number. Annoyed and irritated, I answered, "You've got the wrong number."

My finger halted at pressing the end call button when a familiar boyish voice responded on the other line.

"Princess! I heard you're in New York! Let's meet at Freshly Milk restaurant at nine."

"Zhane? What are you––"

I was going to ask him what he was doing in New York when he cut the line. I dialed his number, but the continues busy tone annoyed my ears. Bothered and somewhat curious, I got up from my bed and took a shower.

After the energizing bath, I opted for a refreshing look and grabbed a lemon and white-colored long bell sleeve jumper dress paired with cream-colored tights and beige ankle bootie. I've put on a simple yellow diamond dangle earrings and charm bracelets.

Satisfied, I grabbed my golden colored Judith Lieber rose bag and went for my white mini cooper. I didn't want a car that attracted too much attention. I wanted the car small, easy to park and maneuver, and the mini cooper suits me just fine.

----

Freshly Milk restaurant only served breakfast, and they also served rice. The restaurant was popular with the masses because of the fresh ingredients straight out from the farm, and the delicious meals they served at a reasonable price. Besides from that, the interior and exterior were surrounded by gardens and flowers. It was relaxing and an excellent place to converse or read a book. You have to make reservations for weeks or even months though if you wanted to eat at this famous breakfast bistro.

I arrived fifteen minutes before nine and have the valet parked my car before I went inside.

The interior was like a greenhouse, spacious, and refreshing. It was a picturesque view. The sights that you wanted to see when you woke up in the morning with the only missing pieces were the cows and chickens.

The tables and sofas were hidden by decorative plants, arranged in wide gaps from the next table. So even without partitions, you still have privacy.

As expected, the place was full.

I swept the place, searching for Zhane. Many pair of eyes, especially women, were looking at the far corner of the room. I retraced their gazes and saw Zhane, who was standing and waving his hands like crazy.

"Princess! Princess! In here! In here!"

I nearly bolted to the exit when those foreign eyes turned in my direction. But realizing it would be awkward, I navigated through where Zhane was –– secretly cursing along the way.

Great! The table has to be in the far corner of the room!

Feeling all eyes were on me, I quicken my pace and thanked God for not letting me trip –– only to cursed again when I saw Zhane.

He was not alone.

Two gorgeous men were sitting in front of him.

Zhane was all smiles while the two look over me with curiosity.

I frowned and glared at Zhane. Not caring of what might people think, I did a ninety-degree turn with the intention of leaving when I bumped into something –– hard.

I recoiled from the impact and swiftly moved to balance myself.

I look over, wanting to know if the other person was alright. I blinked when a broad chest covered my view. Confused, I look up.

"I'm sorry, are you––"

The words got stuck and plugged my throat as my breathing stopped.. My eyes wanted to come out from its socket as I gaped at the man towering over me.