Chapter 27: Small collision
At this moment, in company AB, a subsidiary of the JK Group, the meeting with the business partner has just concluded. The CEO of the company, Ansel Brown, and his assistant, who also serves as his personal lawyer, are on their way back to their private office. “Ansel, what are your plans? Are you going to attend the Aberdeen party?” Nika Curs just sat down on the sofa and immediately reminded him of an important matter: “It’s the wedding reception of Aber’s daughter.” “I don’t know yet; I’m still undecided,” Ansel replied wearily, sinking into the chair after taking off his coat and hanging it on the rack next to the door. “Undecided about who to go with?” Nika inquired, “Why do you seem so down and have a pale complexion?” “I had trouble sleeping last night,” Ansel admitted honestly. “What happened? Did you have an argument with your girlfriend?” Nika teased her boss. “No, it’s not that. The issue arises from the company’s new project,” Ansel clarified so that Nika wouldn’t assume she had guessed correctly. It’s really boring. Every time Nika teases the boss, he rarely manages to make Ansel feel embarrassed or angry. “So, have you made a decision on who to go to the party with?” Nika returned to the main topic of the conversation. “Who said I would go there?” Ansel denied it, saying, “I haven’t even decided whether I’ll attend or not, let alone choose a companion.” “Ansel. Even if you don’t like the old man, Aber, prioritizing cooperation and interaction between both sides is crucial.” Nika reminded her earnestly, “This is not just an ordinary gathering; it’s a matter of importance. Whether you like it or not, it’s essential to be there, understand?” Ansel demonstrated understanding as Nika’s words struck a chord. Doing business entails establishing numerous relationships, even with individuals that Ansel may not have a liking for. “Have you decided yet?” Nika asked again, and Ansel quickly shook his head. “What are you thinking?” Nika asked anxiously. “Then you come with me,” Ansel declared without thinking. “Are you kidding me? Why me?” Nika reacted strongly after hearing that. “Ansel, please spare me from this.” “Who else if not you?” Ansel persisted, his tone curious. “Why are you making such a fuss? It’s just attending an event; I didn’t tell you to rush to your death.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
“I’m not like you say. It was just a reflexive reaction,” Nika denied, evading your scrutinizing gaze. Ansel shot you a suspicious look, and Nika’s expression was suspicious. “Your girlfriend seems more suitable than me. If not, go with your secretary,” Nika persuaded. “It’s not appropriate for two men to attend the party together. It doesn’t look good.” “Desi has another event to attend,” Ansel replied wearily. “And as for the secretary, let’s just leave her at home for everyone’s sake. Nika, do you want me to embarrass myself in front of the guests from the Abe family? Going with the secretary-are you out of your mind? It’s a ridiculous suggestion.” Nika sighed, then suggested further: “Then why not ask Kevin to come with you?” Nika asked, referring to Ansel’s other friend. “Kevin’s busy too,” Ansel recalled from yesterday’s conversation with Kevin and Desi. Coincidentally, those two both have schedules for today’s noon: “Nika, if you’re not coming with me, then I won’t go either. Sending congratulations flowers will suffice,” Ansel said irresponsibly. His attitude was indifferent; he was clearly trying to pressure Nika. “Ansel, you’re such a…” Nika intended to scold Ansel, but she restrained herself. He could only sigh helplessly. “Fine then. If it’s an order from the boss, I’ll comply.” Nika spoke in frustration, and Ansel broke into a victorious smile.
… After the talk The two boys with dashing, shining looks went to the party venue, which was recorded in the invitation card. The presence of Ansel and Nika quickly attracted the attention of other guests, particularly the women. Many approached Ansel to engage in conversations and get acquainted with him. After a while of socializing with various people, Ansel decided to take a break and reward himself with some tranquility. He sought out a less crowded area in the hall, with Nika by his side, of course. “I still can’t understand why on earth you wanted to come with me to this damn party,” Nika complained incessantly, ever since reluctantly accompanying Ansel into the event venue at the Abe Hotel. “Look around; most gentlemen have a companion in beautiful, captivating women. Why would you attend an event with a man? Aren’t you afraid of being misunderstood by others?” Ansel looks at you over a glass of sparkling, golden champagne, expressing his opinion. “Nika, there’s nothing serious or worrisome about it. Just pretend to be calm and sit here for a while. We still need to greet some distinguished guests, especially the bride and groom.” “The rumor will spread quickly, you’ll see. Ansel, elegant and charming, is actually gay,” Nika continues to babble, his irrational fear still haunting his mind. “I’m not afraid of gossip. You know that very well. So there’s no need to fret over such a trivial matter. Besides, there’s no law prohibiting two men from attending a party together. Don’t overreact anymore,” Ansel replied, trying to calm Nika down. Ansel swiftly finished his drink and scanned the room for the waiter, hoping for another glass. At this point, nothing brought him comfort except alcohol. Engaging in conversation, forging connections, and conducting profitable business were not his intentions for being here. He held a deep respect for the familial bond between the Aber and Brown families, and that was the sole reason for his presence-to enjoy the event. Ansel stood as a representative of the Brown family, as his parents were currently traveling abroad and unable to attend. “You seem to be right,” Nika agreed after calmly reflecting, “and I might have overreacted a bit.” Nika couldn’t take her eyes off the girl with dark blonde hair that reached her shoulders and stood at a height of 1. 69 meters. Although slender, she had a well-rounded and beautiful appearance. She was engaged in lively conversation with a group of women standing in the opposite corner near the entrance. This was the eldest daughter of the Aber family, and she was also the bride of the party today. Ansel was oblivious to your discrete behavior of gazing at someone else’s daughter. He was too engrossed in scanning the upscale crowd, admiring the dazzling diamond jewelry, extravagant attire, and the scent of luxury perfumes from renowned brands. Among them, there were a few familiar faces, but the majority were strangers to Ansel. ‘While they laughed and chatted on the outside, deep down inside, everyone was trying to conceal their true nature.’ Ansel briefly smiled at that objective observation, his shining black eyes continuously observing. Then Ansel responded casually. “But I have to admit, I’m not enjoying myself here either. If it weren’t for you forcing me, I would be peacefully sleeping at the company right now.” “Well, let’s suffer together.” Nika kindly patted Ansel on the shoulder. As the waiter passed by, Nika took a glass and gave it to Ansel. Ansel accepted the glass and calmly continued to scan the surroundings. Currently, both of them were standing near the corner of the room, a strategically positioned spot that allowed them to have a panoramic view of the spacious hall, filled with numerous guests. “I’m going to use the restroom for a moment,” Ansel informed me after finishing the third glass of champagne. “Alright, I’ll wait for you here,” Nika replied. Ansel then turned towards the exit. As Ansel approached the main door, he noticed two children playing and chasing each other. They were running toward Ansel. To avoid the younger child running ahead and colliding with him, Ansel had to step aside. The consequence of this evasive action was that Ansel bumped into Erica, who was carrying a tray with several glasses of champagne. “Please be careful, sir. Someone is coming behind you.” Earlier, when Erica noticed Ansel’s sudden change of direction, she panicked and shouted a warning. However, unexpected accidents still happen. The entire liquid in the champagne glass spilled onto Ansel’s clothes before the glass fell to the floor. Loud noises attract the attention of those around them.