Chapter 34| The Woman With The Mask

"Are you free today?" I asked over the phone. I stood up from my office chair and walked towards the glass wall of my office. I watched the cars move like a turtle on the streets due to heavy traffic.

"Ah... Yes, Clark," she answered, which automatically makes me smile. I put my free hand on my slacks' pocket and turned my back to the glass wall. I approached my office table and sat down on my chair.

"Can I ask you out for dinner?" I asked which made her silent for a moment.

"Please..." I pleaded and did puppy eyes. As if she could see me right now doing this childish thing. I mentally slapped my forehead.

"Okay. What time?" she asked, a bit hesitant. My forehead creased and looked at my phone then put it back again against my ear.

"Are you okay, Angela? What's the matter?" I asked worryingly. I leaned my back in the office chair while waiting for her response. I heard her sigh on the other line which makes me worry more about her.

"No...Clark... I'm okay. Don't bother too much," she answered.

I didn't make myself sound irritating by asking her again so I chose to remain silent. I thought she was not in the mood. However, it's okay. I'll make her happy at our dinner.

"Okay. Anyhow, I'll let my company driver pick you up at your house. He will be there in fifteen minutes. Is that okay?" I glanced at the digital clock hanging against the wall. The clock said it was already six in the evening. I withdrew my gaze from the clock and looked at the documents on my table. I scanned them one by one while my phone was in between my shoulder and ear.

"Yeah. It's okay. Not a problem. Thank you."

I stopped scanning the papers and smiled.

"No worries, Angela. I have good news to say later. See you after a minute," and then, I ended the call with a stupid smile on my face.

I know she would be happy if I tell her that mom is interested to see her in person. It means it is a positive thing in our relationship. I hope it will run smoothly but if not, I'll do anything to keep my precious gem Angela protected. I'll protect her with my own hands, money, and power.

I dialed my company driver's number and told him to pick up Angela. I sent him the exact address of my beloved girlfriend.

After fixing everything, I stood up and adjusted my necktie. I picked up my phone from my table and put it in my coat's pocket then left the company.

I just took a walk since my car was heading to Angela's place. My driver will pick her up. It's okay for me to take a walk, after all the restaurant that I put in for a reservation is just a few steps away from my building.

The waiter welcomed me as I entered their establishment. He guided me to my reservation table. I sat there comfortably. The staff of the restaurant offered me a glass of wine while waiting for my companion.

I sipped at the goblet and then glanced outside the glass wall. It's raining. I hope Angela didn't get stuck in heavy traffic. I looked at my wristwatch. Already thirty minutes have passed.

I sighed.

More patience, Clark... More patience...

I tried to relax and sipped again but I noticed the goblet had run out of wine. I finished it already.

I put down the goblet on the table. The staff approached me and offered again a drink but I politely declined. I thought it was not nice to let Angela see me drunk. I asked her for a dinner date, not to get drunk.

I sat patiently and put both my hands inside my slacks' pocket. I glanced at the glass wall again; watching the heavy traffic outside the resto.

After a minute, the door chime of the restaurant rang. Indicating a person was entering the establishment. I looked through the entrance door and immediately stood up right after I saw Angela. She's wearing a baby blue dress which makes her look like a fine and innocent lady. With her long hair swaying in the air and her dazzling eyes roaming the restaurant; it seemed she was looking for me.

I started walking in her direction. She automatically smiled after she saw me. I offered my arm to her and she gladly accepted it. She clung her shoulder to my arm as we made our way to our table. I pulled a chair for her and let her sit nicely. I sat on my chair after.

The waiter immediately approached my direction; holding a menu. The staff gave me the menu list and also Angela.

After ordering my food, I helped Angela to choose her food. I know she was having difficulty choosing it because of its unfamiliar name.

After the waiter took our orders, he finally left our table to prepare. I faced Angela's direction. I saw she was a bit uncomfortable.

I held her left hand that was placed on the top of the table and squeezed it lightly.

"Are you okay?" I sympathetically asked. She nodded at me and put a small smile on her face.

Is she not in the mood or is she having a bad day?

I sighed as I looked at her angelic face.

"Do you mind telling me what's bothering you right now, Angela?"

"D-don't you worry about me, Clark. I'm just... I'm just tired," she explained almost in a whisper.

"Oh!" I exclaimed then adjusted the grip of my necktie. She was tired and I invited her for dinner. I felt bad thinking about it.

"I'm sorry about that. I invited—"

"Clark, please... Don't make this issue a big deal. I'm okay Clark. I'm just tired but don't you worry, even if I'm tired, I'm really happy to see you right now," she explained which put a smile on my face. I stared at her beautiful eyes.

Our staring interrupted when the food came. The waiter put it nicely on our table and then left after putting all our orders on our table. We started to eat.

"Are the foods great?" I asked while slicing the smoke steak on my plate. She flashed her sweet smile and nodded at me.

"Anyway, I have good news for you," I started and put down the small knife and fork on my plate. I wiped my lips with the tissue paper and took a sip of wine.

"My mom wanted to meet you in person," I happily announced, which made her stop chewing her food. She looked at me and I noticed her face looked like it had run out of blood.

"Hey... Are you scared?" I asked and held her right hand that was placed on the table. She bowed her head to avoid my gaze.

"Yes... I can't help but feel nervous. It's your mom, Clark."

I nodded at her as if I understood what she felt.

"Don't you worry. My mom wanted to meet you. We will take that opportunity to get her consent. And in fact, it is a good opportunity for us. My mother is open to the idea of getting to know you."

She remained silent after I said those words.

I sighed.

"If things go wrong, you have my back, Angela. I promise," I assured her and squeezed her hand. She glanced at me. Her nervous face seemed relieved.

After seeing it, I started eating again.

While chewing the juicy steak in my mouth, I suddenly remembered the girl with a mask. The one and only Magda.

I stopped eating and leaned my back on my seat.

I remembered that Magda is living in the village where Angela lives. The village is small so it's possible she knew the mystery woman.

"Angela..." I called out. She looked at me and stopped eating.

"Yes, Clark?" she asked.

I took a deep breath and released it slowly.

"Do you know someone who works at the entertainment club?" I asked. I saw she was lost for a second and it seemed her body got tense. She shook her head.

"No..." she shortly replied. She reached for a glass of water and drank it straight.

She looked really tense.

"There is someone who works at the entertainment club who lives in your village," I opened up and started eating again.

"Do you know someone named Magda? She's a good friend of mine," I asked and glanced in her direction.

Accidentally, her spoon fell on her plate which made an irritating sound.

I immediately stood up from my seat and approached her direction.

"Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah... I wanna go home. I'm tired. I want to rest," she said and didn't bother to glance at me.

Just because she didn't look in the mood, I decided to drive her home.

Maybe, we will just continue talking about this next time.