4 The Proposal
"There is no…" Anna did not get to finish her statement as Roy had already left without turning back.
A stranger whom she thought looked familiar wanted to upgrade her seat. It was unbelievable and miraculous but unfortunately, she could not accept it.
Shifting her gaze to the other man in black, she noticed he had a white earpiece on. She guessed he must be a bodyguard.
Regardless of his identity, since she knew he was with the man trying to do her a favour, she had to address her concern to him. But who knew that she wouldn't be given that opportunity?
"My boss is asking that you upgrade her to the first-class cabin. I will finish up the procedure," Zane said to the airline's manager.
"Sure. Sure!" The manager smiled while leading the way. He did not forget to ask Anna to tag along. "Miss, please come with us."
Almost immediately, Anna's steps fell into place. She totally forgot to reject their assistance and when she realized what was happening, she had started giving out her details for her seat to be upgraded.
Since things had gotten to this point, she reluctantly accepted it while bearing in mind to find her benefactor and thank him later.
Meanwhile, Zane left for the VIP lounge immediately after he finished paying for Anna's upgrade.
Roy was reading a business magazine when he arrived. He quietly put the luggage beside the sofa he was sitting on before making a report.
"Sir, the lady from earlier has been upgraded to the first-class cabin and her seat happens to be right next to yours."
Right away, Roy closed the magazine with a finger in between the page he was on. "Was that the only seat you could find?" he asked, his gaze narrowing down at him.
"It's the only available one," Zane confirmed.
"Good for her," Roy mumbled and went back to reading the business magazine. He seemed to be regretting rendering a help that might cost him his peace.
Since he got to the VIP lounge and settled down, he has been wondering what pushed him to offer that kind of help to a stranger who had nothing to do with him.
'Was he enchanted?' he wondered.
Roy hadn't failed to notice Anna's stunning beauty when she approached them earlier, but he wasn't moved by it, so what could be the reason for his abrupt action?
"But you don't have to worry about her. She is harmless," Zane assured him with a straight face.
Zane had fair skin and he was a few inches taller than Roy, who was 5ft 10 inches. Even though he had soft facial features, his jawline was carved in such a way that made him look unapproachable— just like his boss.
"I ran her profile. Her name is Anna Carter-Lee, a former national lawn tennis player of the Federal Republic of Danastan. She was forced into retirement two years ago after a car accident that claimed her sight. A few days ago, she came to Vancouver with her doctor to get a surgery done."
'So, she had been telling the truth regarding her eye surgery?' Roy thought to himself upon discovering that Anna was a native citizen.
That could explain why he was drawn to help her as it had nothing to do with her looks. Anna's physical appearance reminded him of his girlfriend.
Speaking of his girlfriend, Roy's brow furrowed. He fished for his phone inside his pants pocket and unlocked it with his fingerprint. There were still no texts or calls.
---
Soon, Anna found herself in the VIP lounge after being escorted by the manager of the airline.
"Thank you." She bowed politely before letting her gaze take in the quiet and relaxed atmosphere that featured a Retro-styled comfortable sitting.
She was amazed to get to enjoy this kind of luxury on a day like this. It felt like a reward for her healing journey.
Pulling her suitcase behind her, her gaze darted across the room in search of a particular spot where she could rest at. There, by her right, she saw her benefactor and was drawn to go over there.
She didn't get to thank him for his help as he had left earlier on, but since she was here in the same vicinity, she would go over to express her gratitude.
Letting out a deep breath to draw some confidence in, Anna strode over in steady steps. Zane was the first to turn his attention to her after the sound of her footsteps reached his ear.
His brows constricted in a frown, wondering why she had come over.
Anna did not fail to understand that he was not pleased with her appearance after she stopped in front of him. Nevertheless, she nodded politely at him before shifting her focus to the man who was staring at her with a questioning gaze.
It made her palms sweat.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Sir. I just wanted to thank you for upgrading my seat to the first-class cabin. I would have had a hard time with the long flight if not for your help. Thank you."
Anna offered a deep bow in the end.
Roy took in the sincerity in her eyes and put away his phone. Next, a heavy silence descended upon them.
Even Zane had to steal a glance at him while wondering why he wasn't saying anything, but he was not the only one on this table.
Anna almost cursed herself for coming over to express her gratitude to her benefactor who only stared at her without saying anything.
Three seconds passed and Anna felt the need to disappear. "I will take my leave now," she said, lifting her head for a moment to hold Roy's gaze. But just as she turned her back, she finally heard his voice.
"Can you do me a favour?" Roy asked, causing two pairs of eyes to snap in his direction.
Zane's reaction was a lot more subtle than Anna who failed to hide her surprise.
Surprised by Roy's request, she stole a glance at Zane with one thought in mind. What kind of favour can a rich man get from poor her?
Roy held her gaze for a moment and studied her frame from a close angle. He noticed her jade-green eyes and leaned away. "You don't want to?"
It took more than a moment for Anna to come up with a response. "You are helping me enjoy a comfortable ride back home. As long as I don't have to steal or harm anyone, I will help you."
Hearing her reply, the corner of Roy's lips lifted in a smirk. Good. She had just fallen straight into his trap.
