A Date

In the F.N Group…

"CEO Finn, the Chairman is here," Ivan, Clyde's personal assistant announced to the hearing of Clyde who sat at his desk working on stack of documents arranged neatly on his desk. Clyde let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose, wondering what his father wanted this time. His reason of coming cannot be far-fetched but he decided to let his Ivan speaks anyway.

"And what could be the reason for his showing up here?" he asked, his voice cold and uninterested. He couldn't care less about his father's visit and he made no effort to hide his disdain.

"That, he did not disclose but he sounded serious." Ivan replied. He couldn't help but wonder what caused the CEO's hatred for his own family. it was a question he was tool afraid to ask, but it weighed on his mind nonetheless. He knows that the CEO despised his family's visits, Silently, he prayed that the CEO would honor his father's visit, at least for today. 

"Let him in," he said to the delight of Ivan who felt like the universe was in his favor. He already knew that this their meeting would never end on a good note but the thoughts of him allowing his father into his office is an improvement in their already strained relationship. Happily, he went out to invite the Chairman in praying that the visit would improve the already strained relationship between the father and son. He knew it wouldn't be easy but any progress was a step in the right direction.

"How do you do, son?" his father, the Chairman of the F.N Group asked immediately he entered and sat down. He had not expected that Clyde would let him in. Truthfully speaking, he had prepared himself to be ignored by his son like he always do, but it seems like the sun rose from the West today. Whatever reason, he could not be less grateful.

"How do you do?" Clyde asked his father coldly. His eyes revealed a hint of irritation and his tone so neutral that the smile blooming on Mr. Finn's face stiffened and slowly died down. He thought…he thought he might have changed. It has been months since he last saw his son and it has been five years Clyde took over the F.N Group, still he thought he would have changed by now. He sighed weakly. Guess it does not work that way. His wife would not be glad with this news; but anyway, he is here for something more important and he is determined to make the most out of it. His cold and distant demeanor is the least of his worries now.

"Why are you here, Mr. Finn?" Clyde asked. 

"You should know why I'm here, Clyde," Mr. Finn said, a tone of impatience in his voice. "You are yet to find a wife nor are you getting younger anymore, you need a heir to…

"I know, Mr. Finn," Clyde interrupted, looking up from the computer before him. "I know that I am no longer a kid and I think you all should let me do this my own way. I appreciate your efforts but this time around, it's no longer needed." Clyde said, not giving his father any room to argue.

His father was taken aback but he quickly regained his composure, "Then you need to get married, as soon as possible. You are no longer a kid. This is no longer about you; it is about the family's legacy and F.N. Group. That aside, aren't you thinking of taking your relationship with Miss Han to the next level? She is the perfect option for you right now. Your mother and I can talk with the Han family about a proposal. What do you say?" Mr. Finn asked, genuinely concerned for his son's love life. He wondered how they suddenly got here. 

He could not help but feel overwhelmed by flood of memories. Memories of happier life when he was bubbling and genuinely happy with the girl who do since vanished from his life. However, all of a sudden, she went missing and nobody could trace her and he totally changed to a different person – cold and detached; and not giving a thought about getting married. Now he was faced with an ultimatum from the family and F.N. Group – get married or forfeit his position as the CEO of the F.N Group.

 "Mr. Finn, I don't need anyone's help. I will do it myself." Clyde said with a tone of finality, giving his father n no room to argue.

Seeing that his son has gone back to work without sparing him a glance, Mr. Finn knew he has lost the battle this time around. He stood up and turned to leave but stopped himself at the door and faced his son again hoping against hope that his next word will make him change his mind, "I will tell your mother that you sent your regards." He said softly and left, not waiting for Clyde's response – not as if he was going to respond anyway. He had said that just for his son to know that his mother still wished for him to come back home, to her. She had missed him a lot but he had never allowed her to come close to him after his return, at least to show him her love. He had been avoiding them like plague with no cause. He should start getting used to his son's cold demeanor. He sighed immediately he left the office, and exits the F.N Group's building. 

Clyde let out a long, reserved sigh, knowing that he is in for a long and difficult drama that might not end anytime soon. Now the only option he has is to look for a woman who is not in for a long-term marriage. He had considered Miss Han but quickly dismissed the idea because she would do everything possible to ensure that the union lasts and he is not in for that – a lifelong commitment with someone who would become his weakness. He rang his assistant, Ivan, and the latter came as quick as possible. He was actually outside the door, patiently waiting for his call. 

"Cancel all my appointments today," Clyde said over the phone, his tone brooking no argument. "Book a reservation at the City S Intercontinental hotel and put a call across Miss Han. I will be going on a date with her by 7pm." Clyde ordered and went back to work knowing that Ivan will do just as he said. Despite his reservations, he had a quick decision to give her a chance. Maybe, just maybe, she might change her mind.

Ivan, on the other hand was struggling to hide the excitement that was bubbling inside him. For the first time since he started working with Clyde, he is going to book a reservation at a hotel that is not about business. He felt thrilled that his boss is beginning to consider a personal life. Seems like he is beginning to see reasons with his father or probably, he now needs a woman to… his cheek reddened at the thought that almost crossed his mind and he quickly got to work before Clyde could change his mind.

"Hello, this is City S intercontinental hotel, how may I help you?" the receptionist spoke friendly immediately the call connected. 

"Hello, I would like to reserve a table for two, this evening at 7pm... Name? Clyde Finn." Ivan said, giving out the necessary information.

"Okay, done. We reserved your table for two, for this evening at 7pm. 

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Sir." The receptionist said and beep, the call ended.

With a scowl on his face, he grumpily put a call across Miss Alexis Han and did his best to sound indifferent as he relayed Clyde's message. How he so much hate that lady. The thought of Miss Han becoming the lady boss made him frown and he couldn't understand what the Chairman, Mr. Finn, saw in her. Anyway, it is all about business. Who cares about love? He cancelled all of Clyde's appointments and sat back, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming date. He would just have to tolerate her for the evening.