The Contract

Chapter 152-The Double Date-Sorry Triple

"You forgot the plans we made," she snapped.

"I forgot the plans we made," I confessed, shaking my head.

"You really got nothing."

"It involves...uhh..." I drawled, not even attempting to think of something because I had nothing.

"-dinner!" she finished, glaring at me.

"Dinner," I agreed, her annoyed look remaining firmly in place.

"With?"

"With... your friend."

"My friend?"

"Be...nita?"

"Bethany!" she snapped. "Are you kidding me?!"

"I knew it started with a B. She's getting married, right?" I asked, hoping I got at least part of it right.

"At least you got that part right," she muttered.

"But it seems you're already..." she gestured around the office, "...quite busy. So, I'll battle it alone like I've always done."

She turned to leave, but I reached out, catching her hand before she could.

"I'm not busy," I assured her.

She rolled her eyes. "Big Mr. CEO doing CEO stuff."

"Mr. Ferrari..." Harrison interrupted, reminding us he was still in the room. We both looked up, a little startled. He stood stiffly, holding his notepad against his chest and avoiding eye contact.

"The board members are waiting to-"

"Cancel the meeting," I stated, cutting him off.

Her eyes shot to mine, surprise flickering across her face. Harrison, too, was stunned. My schedule today was undeniably packed, but some things were more important.

"And...and the flight?"

"Cancel that too," I added, my gaze fixed on hers. "I made plans."

"Alright, Mr. Ferrari," Harrison answered, his tone neutral but his expression betraying shock.

I walked to the coat rack and grabbed my blazer. She was frozen in place, staring at me. "And what reason will I give Mr. Blackwood for your cancellation?" Harrison asked.

"Tell him..." I walked over to Pearl, taking her hand in mine, snapping her out of her trance. "...I'm having dinner with my wife."

With that, I led her out of the office. The door shut behind us as we made our way down the hallway to the elevator.

She stayed quiet by my side, so much so that I glanced back just to make sure she was still there.

When we stepped into the elevator, I finally spoke. "You good?"

She cleared her throat, looking away. "Dinner with your wife, but you don't even know where we're heading."

"I do know. We're going to have dinner with your friend... Beatrice."

"Bethany," she corrected through gritted teeth.

"Of course, it's Bethany," I said, smiling as I looked forward.

I've grown used to her pissed-off looks and constant annoyance, and they've somehow become my favorite parts of the day-something I even look forward to.

She makes every day bearable... in an ironic way.

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PEARL'S P.O.V