Chapter 44 Banquet
ARES
Three days have passed and my wife, Kianna, is still in the hospital. She stayed longer than we expected since there were several tests that doctors conducted. But since the result shows negative of any serious problem, they will let her discharge this afternoon.
The company is having a busy day today since we are doing a collaboration with other big companies. I spent my day reading, revising documents, and giving my approval. There are still two documents that I need to start reading. When I look at my watch, it’s already 3:40 p.m. Kianna will be discharged from the hospital at exactly 4 p.m. I need to hurry so that I can go pick Kianna up from the hospital.
I immediately start doing it and give my full attention to all the documents that are on my table. While I was busy working, there was a knock on the door; two small knocks and one big knock. It was Kyle. He entered the room, and it was perfect timing since I had already finished all the documents.
“Kyle, is this the last one?” I asked, handing Kyle the last document that I finished.
“Yes, boss.”
I immediately stood up and stretched my neck before heading to the coat rack to get my coat.
“Kyle, I’m leaving. I will leave the rest up to you.”
I was about to go when he suddenly stopped me. “Boss, you need to show up for tonight’s banquet... and I asked for a leave tonight. You have already approved it."
He was right; there will be a banquet tonight and I need to meet a lot of businessmen. I was busy with Kianna, and I forgot about it. I took a deep breath and said, “Fine. Find me another one to go with me.”
“Okay, boss!” He immediately slipped away.
While waiting for Kyle, I grabbed my phone and called my wife.
* ringing * ringing * ringing *
[Hello? Hon? Are you on your way here?] She asked on the other line.
“I’m sorry, hon. I have a business dinner tonight. I guess it will be very late when I come back. I’m sorry I can’t pick you up…”
[Oh! No, no, no! It is fine. I can go back by myself. You should drink less, okay?]
“Aww... It is very nice of you, my wife. I must go home early to accompany you tonight."
[Don’t worry, just enjoy the dinner and I will wait for you at home!]
“I’ll be home before you know it.”
[Okay! I love you! Sending more hugs and kisses there!]
“I got it! It tastes like you—so sweet! I love you more!”
*call ended*
-
At The Okada Manila
The world’s most prominent businessmen have traveled through time to have an amazing dinner party. All participants have been requested to wear their most elegant attire. The dinner party will be held at the Okada Manila. Upon arrival, guests are met in the hotel lobby at approximately 7:15 pm, where they will be served wine.
As the guests get situated, they begin to introduce themselves to one another. A beautiful lady has arrived. She wore a satin blue slim evening gown with her hair elegantly pinned to the side. Along with her is the CEO of Veuravista Company. They became the topic of the crowd as the two showed off their elegance.
“Look! That is the legendary CEO of the Vueravista Company! No wonder he doesn’t want to show up in public. He is so handsome that he must get lots of fangirls.”
“Oh, my God! He is a really fine man.”
“Is he single now? Wait! He comes with his date! Is it his girlfriend?”
“I don’t think so…”
“Oh no! My love is over before it starts.”
“They look amazing together. They are a perfect match."
From then on whispering started to flourish. But before any serious conversation started, their host, Pam Smooth got things started. She proceeded to state, “To begin, I would like to thank all of you to have this unforgettable dinner party. I hope everyone will enjoy each other's company. Now, for those who are unaware, my name is Pam Smooth and I am your host for tonight.”
The woman who accompanied Ares for tonight’s banquet approaches him, “Boss, Mr. Lee has confirmed the deal.”
“Good,” Ares said and smiled while he was thinking about Kianna.
…There is only Mr. Hwang left. I can go back with my wife after that…
While Ares was thinking about going home, there is a man approached him. He looks to be a model. He had scythe-shaped eyebrows and a clean haircut. He had an aquiline nose, which went well with his strong cheekbones. His basalt jaw and Spartan shoulders were handsome in an understated way and spoke of strength.
“What a coincidence to see you here as soon as I return! Hi, bro!”
“Dave! It’s been a long time!” Ares said and immediately gave Dave a warm hug.
Dave Keannu Chavez is Ares’ best friend.
“Hey, man! You look so cool tonight. The girl beside you is almost frozen by you.”
“Who? Her? She is my assistant—”
“Assistant…” Dave said, suspiciously.
“Hush up. I am married! I will introduce her to you next time. She is prettier than any woman here!”
“Are you really my best friend? You even didn’t invite me to your wedding?!”
Ares started laughing, “It’s a long story. Come on, let’s go to the private room. Oh—wait! Assistant Sue, please take care of things over there. I have something to discuss with Mr. Chavez.”
“Yes, boss.” Assistant Sue answered.
Ares and Dave head to the private room and ordered some wine to drink while they were busy catching up with each other.
“Wow, so that is how it is. You behave like an old hand, leaving no room for other girls. And you even hurt the girl beside you a while ago. She looks interested to you, bro!”
“It’s good to do that as soon as possible. I don’t want anyone catching feelings for me. It’s not like the bully CEO novel. If she did something that will make me irritated, I will definitely fire her. No one can ever flirt with me, only my wife! — Stop with the nonsense topic. Let’s have a nice talk!” Ares said, changing the topic.
“But by the way, does your wife know about your other identity?”
Ares looks at Dave seriously while Ares was sipping his wine. He slowly put down the glass at the table. “No, she doesn’t. She doesn’t even know who I am. I am now wage slavery. I have to change my car and my clothes before I go back home.”
“Man, your role-playing is so exciting! You really know how to play, ha!”
“Well, how about you?”
“Me? I don’t know where is my other half. My parents said that we can only talk through letters so I really haven’t met her. And the last time we sent a letter to each other is back when I am still in elementary school. I saw a picture of her but she looks young on that picture. I don’t know what she looks like now. She must be very beautiful after having not been contacted for so many years.”
“Man, get real. How is it going with your group?”
There is a glimpse of a grin on Dave's lips, “It is a piece of cake! It is just that a small gang’s territorial aggression affected our business. Not a big deal. Anyway, let’s eat first. Beautiful timing on the food” Dave said when the food was served in their room. “It is a dinner party, and it wouldn’t be much without the food,” Dave added.
“That is a valid point. Everything looks delicious.” Ares murmured.
The guesses are presented with a full dish of haricot beans, roasted chicken, and a steaming side of rice. The room became silent to the point where it was possible to hear a pin drop. Everyone is busy eating their dinner and while they were enjoying their meal, Ares can’t stop looking at his watch. He immediately finished eating the chicken and leave everything behind before he stood up.
“Where are you going?” Dave asked.
“Uhm, I must go home now and accompany my wife. It’s been too long and she is only by herself at home. Anyway, you stay for a while and enjoy your food. Let’s get together next time.”
“Oh—Bro, don’t be so cruel to me! Just have a drink with me first!”
“I can’t, bro. My wife said to drink less so… I gotta go!” Ares said and wave his hand.
“You are taking advantage of me having no wife! I will be a good boy when I find my other half! Hump! You will never hear anything from me again! Ever!” Dave screamed while Ares was leaving the room.
When Ares leaves the room he immediately looks for his assistant. There are a lot of people in the crowd which is why it makes it hard for him to see her. He was about to head to the exit when he saw his assistant at the bar counter.
“Assistant Sue, let’s go,” Ares said.
She looks so drunk with flushed cheeks. She is resting her head on her hand. “Okay, boss!” She answered and look at Ares. She stood up but she immediately loses her balance and bumps into Ares' chest. “Oh, God. Boss, I am so sorry! I—I didn’t mean to—” She didn’t finish her words when Ares immediately push her away.
“You drank too much, and it smells terrible!”
“Boss—”
“We are here for business, and we are here on behalf of the company. You are not in a bar, Assistant Sue. The bodyguards will take you home.” Ares said before leaving Assistant Sue alone.
