Chapter 8

The butler came in and was thrilled to see that the signing of the contract was done. After signing, Tanaga put each copy in a brown envelope. He gave a copy to Ashley while he held his copy like a treasure.

The butler had a from ear to ear grin on his face as he saw that scene. "Ahem! Ahem! Boss, if you're finished, lunch is ready."

Tanaga quickly put the envelope in the drawer and locked it. He walked out toward the dining room without looking back. Unbeknownst to him, Ashley was still thinking of the incident.

Ashley couldn't understand why her dream of good work ended this way. She was pondering about what her life was going to be like before she would be able to fulfill the signed agreement.

While Ashley was still thinking about those things, Tanaga stopped walking when he realized that there was no one following him again. He turned around and saw that Ashley was still in her seat, in deep thoughts, and kept on sighing.

The butler also stopped and glanced in the direction Tanaga was looking... 'Hmmm? He is waiting for Ashley and wants her to join him… But why not just tell her? Who does he think Ashley is, a mind reader? Oh my, smart people are totally different. They don't know how to get along... '

A few more minutes passed, and Ashley was still sitting, which irritated Tanaga. "If you're done thinking, maybe we can eat now. I know that you haven't had breakfast yet. It will be difficult to fulfill our contract if you faint from hunger."

When Ashley neither responded nor moved, Tanaga decided to approach her.

Ashley was shocked to see Tanaga in front of her. "Oh my god!" Ashley screamed and jumped in fright, causing the chair to fall from her sudden move. Tanaga quickly wrapped his arm around Ashley's waist to keep her from falling and bumping her head on the floor.

Their eyes met while they were both dumbfounded with how fast the incident occurred. Not for long, Ashley looked sideways, blushing red from her neck to her ears because she could hear and feel Tanaga's breath on her face.

"Sorry. I was just surprised 'cause you frightened me," Ashley said with a tiny voice. Her body stiffened because of Tanaga's tight embrace.

When Tanaga didn't reply, "Sir, I'm okay now. Please…" she said as she pushed him a little.

"Ah," Tanaga sighed with disappointment. He thought if only they remained in this position for a few more minutes. Nonetheless, he took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet scent of the lady. He helped Ashley to sit down properly, then stood and straightened himself up to calm his heating body.

The butler smiled as he turned around and left the two alone.

"Sir, did you want something? I'm sorry if I didn't go out right away because I don't know what to do." Ashley apologized and looked down at her feet, still blushing.

"We'll talk about that, but for now, join me for lunch. Do you understand?" the irritated Tanaga said to the nervous Ashley.

"Sir? You want me to eat with you? But Sir..." Ashley was not able to finish her sentence because Tanaga suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her up from her seat. Without saying a word, he pulled her toward the dining area. "If I said that you should join me for a meal, then you'll join me without any more questions. Understood?"

"Yes..." Asley replied, almost like a whisper because her feet wobbled in fear.

Tanaga didn't know why whenever Ashley reacted as if she was afraid of him, his chest hurt as if a needle pricked his heart. It was something new for Tanaga to worry about a woman.