NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: ANOTHER FLOWER
Rachel's jaw dropped, her voice rising in surprise. "For real?!" she exclaimed.
Natalie's eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed at Charlotte. "Why didn't you tell us about this?" she muttered, grasping Charlotte's shoulder.
"I was trying to get at that because, Rachel...you know..." Charlotte's voice trailed off, her eyes darting back to the window.
Natalie shook her head in disappointment, her gaze shifting to Rachel.
And Rachel's face furrowed in a frown. "Don't look at me like that. I just said what was on my mind." She took Charlotte's hand, her expression softening. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."
Charlotte cut in, slipping her hand off Rachel's grip. "No need to apologize. You're right; this is my mistake. I'll own up to it. If that's what you both want, I'll accept his proposal."
But Natalie swiftly tightened her grip on Charlotte's shoulders, "Charlie, you don't need to..." she said in concern.
Charlotte smiled faintly, her hands gently brushing off Natalie's grip. "I must go, they're waiting for me."
As she turned towards the door, Natalie called her, "Wait!" She rushed forward, pressing a pair of glasses into Charlotte's hand. "You forgot these earlier. Be careful, and call me if anything goes wrong." Her gaze shifted to Rachel, her eyes narrowing in a stern warning. "We don't want anyone getting hurt while trying to own up to their mistakes."
Rachel rolled her eyes, shrugging non-challantly "Good luck, Charlie." she murmured.
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"Hmph." Charlotte sighed deeply, focusing on the intern's beaming smile as she walked down the small stairs with a mind filled with confusion. "Miss Rose, right?" she asked.
"Huh?" Taylor's soft chuckle caught her off guard, and her eyes widened slightly. "Did I get your title right? Sorry, are you married? You look young and..." Her words rushed out in a nervous explanation as she blinked rapidly. But before she could finish, Taylor cut in calmly, "Please, come with us. The Vice President is waiting for you."
With a courteous nod, she signaled the driver, who swiftly opened the door for Charlotte.
"Okay," Charlotte murmured, stepping into the car. As she settled into the seat, the chilled air from the air conditioner enveloped her, sending a shiver down her spine.
Her gaze drifted to the front seats, where the driver and intern sat, their faces obscured by the privacy glass. Narrowing her eyes, she wondered where the Vice President was.
As the minutes dragged on and the car hasn't moved, her unease grew. "Hello?" she called out.
The door swung open, and Taylor slid into the seat beside her, her presence catching Charlotte off guard.
"Oh!" She exclaimed, flinching slightly then her gaze fell upon the large suitcase Taylor had brought with her.
"What's that for?" She asked nervously, pointing at the suitcase.
With a deep breath, Taylor began to explain in a calm and calculated manner, "I'm Taylor, your newly assigned assistant. The Vice President has a... let's say, a creative habit of addressing women with flower names, so that's why I am 'Pretty Rose'."
Instinctively, Charlotte subtly rolled her eyes, her head shaking in frustration. Typical, she thought, of a billionaire playboy.
Taylor's expression remained neutral as she continued, "Now, we'll need to transform your appearance to better suit the Vice President's... expectations." Briskly, she opened the suitcase, revealing a selection of garments and accessories.
"What's going on? Where am I headed? And why am I being dressed up?" Charlotte's questions poured out in quick succession as she gazed at the suitcase.
Taylor smiled warmly offering a reassuring contrast to Charlotte's unease expression. "You're attending a dinner date with Mr. Grande," she explained. "And don't worry, you won't be getting dressed here. We'll take you to our dressing room, and then on to Ember & Vine Steakhouse."
At the mention of the exclusive restaurant, Charlotte's jaw dropped in stunned silence. Ember & Vine was the epitome of luxury, reserved for the elite who possessed the black card. She was shaken to the core, struggling to process the unreal events unfolding around her.
Taylor's fingers absently tapped the side of her face, her lips moving in a whispered mutter. Almost immediately, the car glided into motion, leaving Charlotte staring at Taylor speechlessly.
******
EMBER AND VINE STEAKHOUSE
Sebastian checked his Rolex watch, wondering what was causing the delay. He crossed his feet, adjusting his collar, and surveyed the empty restaurant. He had rented the entire space to impress the first woman who had ever ignored him, and he couldn't help but think, "She'll be putty in my hands after tonight."
Just then, his phone rang. It was Raymond, his friend, calling to remind him of their plans at the club. Sebastian tapped his cheek, answering the call. "Hey, you forgot we had plans at the club today!" Raymond's voice boomed through the phone, accompanied by the thumping bass of loud music.
Sebastian apologized, "Sorry, bro, I'm going to have to pass. I have a dinner date." His gaze drifted to the front door.
Amusement colored Raymond's question,
"What flower is it this time? Daisy or Sunflower?"
Sebastian chuckled, "Actually, it's someone new... her name is..." His voice trailed off as he gazed at the familiar yet unfamiliar lady, entering the restaurant and his mouth parted slightly in awe.
"Oh my God!" he whispered.