Chapter 76 - Chapter 75

@International_Pen

((( DEO )))

His suite provided a hidden walk-in closet for emergency getups. I took one casual but dapper suit and stuffed it carefully to my tawdry case. Before leaving, I made sure my own office was locked. It would be shameful for anybody to see how disorganized my place currently was.  

Zhio has my car but he has an automobile readied at the private basement in case he'd need to borrow my vehicle. A handsome red 1994 Volkswagen Corrado waited for me.

The hotel wasn't hard to find but it took me more than thirty minutes to get there. And as we had also agreed, Zhio has used my name for the check-in.

"I'm here for Deo Suidie…"

"You are?" the receptionist bubbly asked.

"John Rey," I reached the ID from my case and pushed it on the counter.

It was a fake card we've prepared for those kind of situations.  

"The guest is expecting you Mr. John Rey. Room 17 at the second floor."  

Zhio has already been anticipating my presence before I could even knock. I guessed it was my footsteps. He held the door half opened while only half of his body leaned out to acknowledge me.  

"You're late," he said in a hushed tone. And by the look on his face, he wanted me to pretend he isn't my boss.

"Don't ever try to call me sir or Zhio."

I knew so.

"Your coffee is ready Zhion," a sweet female voice called from inside.

Zhion? And a woman? What was he up to?

Light footsteps approached and Zhio hurriedly straightened his poise.

"Don't look at me like that Deo."

"Deo?" a petite woman peeked from his side. Claire.

She smiled at me and I smiled back.

"Good morning."

Her eyes widened a little as if she recognized the name.

"Deo! So you're the guy that was leaving white roses at the altar."

"He is," Zhio commented on his own made up lie.

Claire invited me to come in and as I brushed by Zhio, he whispered.

"She still doesn't know who I really am."

Obviously.

"Alright."

Simple hotel breakfast sat humbly on the marble table. I looked in amazement at Zhio. Claire disappeared to the small pantry and returned with my glass of coffee.

"So you were Zhion's friend?"  

"Yes," I nodded.

"And he's taking you home," Zhio spoke in his usual monotony.

"You don't have to. I don't want to bother," she turned to me.

"It's just fine with Deo," Zhion forked leisurely at his scrambled egg.

"he'll go with you."  

@International_Pen