Chapter Seventeen - I would never leave you

What can I say? My life has completely changed. These past few days have been the best days of my life. That Sunday we spent together, as well as the surprise Andrei prepared during our monthsary, were the most wonderful moments of my life. My current position also added to my joy. I finally got to put my marketing ideas to work.

That morning I felt nervous as I went over the presentation again. It was my very first presentation with the board of directors and I was feeling nervous. 

If only Andrei were around, he would have said something to calm me down but he wasn't. He travelled two days ago to get some investors for VIDA. 

Yes, Andrei told me about VIDA, his very own design robot which would become a friend to humans with its high level artificial intelligence and I supported him.

Well, Andrei wasn't here, but Steve and Daisy were here to calm me down. And when I was about to enter the conference room, Andrei called to wish me luck.

"And by doing this, we'd be able to get the patronage of not just the young but the old as well," I finally said as I ended the presentation.

I got a round of applause from the directors, well, except for the one in the high seat, the chairman, Andrei's grandpa. 

Andrei and I still hadn't formally told him about us and today was first time I was meeting him.

"Don't you think your idea is too simple and can be seen through? What if other competitors notice the strategy and turn it around for the worse," he asked.

"Sir, I have confidence in this plan and we did a proper research before choosing it," I said.

"Your faith in this plan is not enough. If you do not have a backup plan, then we would not be using this market plan," he said and I could understand his point.

"That's why we have a backup plan," I said before introducing the plan. I had very well prepared for this presentation.

"We would go with your proposal but you would not be given another chance if this doesn't work," he said and was the first to leave the room.

"You did it," Steve said when it was just two of us left.

"Yes, I did," I said excitedly, then called Andrei.

My office door opened later that day and I looked to see Andrei's grandpa walk in.

Andrei's grandpa clearly was old, but as old as he was, he still looked so handsome, I quickly noticed.

"Chairman, please sit down," I stood, then said.

"You must be wondering what brought me to your office," he said when he was seated and I felt sort of scared.

"Yes sir."

"So you and Andrei are in a relationship?"

"Yes sir."

"And you didn't think of seeking my approval? Andrei really is taking after his mother," he said.

"Sir, we were planning to tell you."

"There is no room for 'we were' in my vocabulary. Anyways, I would not give my approval and if Andrei chooses to go against me, he would lose his inheritance," he said and it scared me. 

I knew how much global tech meant to Andrei.

"Sir-," I was about to say.

"You're not suitable for my grandson," he said.

"Sir, I-."

"But I'ld give you just one chance to prove yourself."

"Sir, what do you want?"

"Convince Andrei to give up his ambition for VIDA."

"No sir, I can't. VIDA has been Andrei's childhood dream, he worked hard to create her."

"That is my only condition," he said before leaving.

There must certainly be another way. How could I convince Andrei to give up VIDA? I would never do that.

* * * * * * * * *

I walked out of the supermarket that evening. I had just closed from work and went to the supermarket to get some groceries.

Just a few metres away from my car, it started raining. I walked faster towards the garage but then, someone put an umbrella over my head and when I saw who it was, I was shocked. It was that Brandon of the other day.

It was pretty funny how fate planned coincidences.

"It's funny how fate plan coincidences, right?" He asked, it was the second time he read what was on my mind and this guy puzzled me.

"Yes it is," I agreed.

"By the way, thank you," I added, then opened my car door.

"The last time you just left without telling me your name. Are you going to do the same this time?" He asked, he was a fast thinker, I quickly observed.

"I would only tell you if we meet a third time," I said and I was certainly going to make sure there was no third time by avoiding him. I had a feeling there was just something fishy about this guy.

"I'ld take that as a promise. You'd tell me your name the next time we meet," he said and I agreed before leaving. 

Daisy wasn't at home when I got back. Indeed, I had noticed she always left the company during lunch period. Maybe, she had something to take care of but what could it be? 

I checked my phone for messages and luckily, she sent one.

"Cherry, I'ld be home late, don't worry about me," it read. 

I felt relieved, I walked into the kitchen and started preparing dinner.

Few minutes later, I felt a presence in the kitchen, I looked around and there was no one. I walked towards the front door, looked around and locked it, I didn't lock it earlier.

I felt a hand on my waist just after I locked it.

"Cherry," Andrei said and I felt relieved.

"You scared me. You are back, when did you get back?" I asked excitedly.

"Just now, I got back just now and I thought of seeing you first. Didn't you miss me?"

"Of course, I did and thank you for coming here."

"Don't mention. By the way, never leave your door unlocked again."

"I promise I won't. Join me for dinner."

"Certainly."

We ate dinner and chatted for a long time, then I decided to tell him about grandpa, he deserved to know.

"I'ld never give up VIDA and I don't need his approval to date you," he said.

"Why does he want you to give up your ambition for VIDA?"

"Because he feels, it wouldn't work, he thinks VIDA is distracting me from my work."

"Why don't you convince him?"

"I tried but grandpa is adamant. He'd only agree if he's one hundred percent sure it would work, that's why I choose to launch VIDA without his help."

"Yah, grandpa is stubborn and tough," I agreed.

* * * * * * * * * 

 I felt a tear escape my eyes when Amanda told me she was relocating abroad. It was Sunday afternoon, Everly and I were at Amanda's, we hadn't spent time together for long.

Amanda told us she going abroad for her business since it had more prospect there and also they were better doctors there to help with her mother's sickness. She also wanted a chance to explore other places, she told me. 

Of course, I was happy for her, even I want to go abroad but only on a vacation and not permanently. But I was sad because Amanda, my best friend was leaving. 

Even Everly who recently knew her felt sad, Amanda was a very lovable person.

"I'ld miss you so much," was the only thing I could say.

"Don't think too much about it, don't be sad," Andrei consoled when we were together.

"Andrei, I know it's best for Amanda but she's like a sister to me," I said sadly.

"Cherry, technology has made it easier now, you can see her daily through video call and if you really want to meet her, then you could go visit her. Don't you trust me? one call and you're with Amanda there."

"Of course I do and you're right," I agreed.

"Give me a smile. Remember you still have me and I'ld never leave you," he said. 

I moved towards him, hugged him and leaned on his shoulder.

"How about we have some late ice cream, maybe you'll feel better then," he suggested and I agreed.

We went out for a late ice cream.