UNCLE KEVIN AND HIS SON

As I walked out of the elevator to the hallway entrance, my car came right in time and I hopped in. I asked my driver to take me to the hotel twenty minutes away without informing Nate. If I take Nate with me, he will nag me into telling him about the awkward situation I faced, which I am not in the mood to and its frustrating to think about it again, and as for the meeting, it is our old client, my father's friend and partner, so I can't worry about the details and he will understand me, I thought.

I stepped out of my car when it stopped in front of the hotel and heaved a big sigh, strolling into the lobby. I was welcomed by the manager and he took me to my table.

I was taken aback when I saw uncle Kevin.

"Am I late?" I looked at my watch.

'No dear….I came early, you're on time!' He smiled and signaled me to take a seat, next to him.

I looked at him clueless for the sudden invite.

'I understand dear, you're wondering why I've asked for a meeting with you, despite our contracts  renewed. Right?' he looked at me as if reading my mind.

"Yes uncle!"

'I would like to retire and my son is taking over, all the business I had and I would like to introduce him to you, so that this agreement between us stays strong!' he stopped, his eyes wandering looking for someone.

I looked around following his eyes, "Who are you looking for uncle? And I have heard that your son is studying abroad? When did he come back? I've never seen your son once but heard a lot about him?"

'Ah…He is very punctual, but today he is late! He should be here right…Ah, there he comes! ' Uncle Kevin smiled and waved at him.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him.

'You're late, my son!' He hugged him and let him sit opposite to me.

He smiled and waved at me ,"Hi, Nice meeting you, Ms. Ash!"

My face turned pale, 'Hello!' I hid my shock and nodded with a fake smile, when uncle talked highly of his son, his achievements and how he ended up taking a rest seeing his son's potential.

"Hm…" I smiled trying to control my irritation.

'It's time, then. You guys talk, I'll leave!' he left me alone with his son in a sticky situation..

I looked at him and his glowing eyes met mine.

"What do you want?" I turned my face away showing my disinterest clearly.

'Let's date!' he said coolly.

"What?" His words forced my face to have a look at him, "Stop all these acts and I told you to stay away from me!"

'How are you Ash? I missed you, How long was it? 10 years right? When I heard you were getting married, after I left the country, my heart broke, but then I was told that your engagement broke off. I'm glad we are here now, same as we were 10 yrs before!'

"What? We are not the same and there was nothing between us. We were college mates and nothing more!" I got up with the idea of leaving.

'I would like to know more about our agreement, Ash. I don't think it's professional for you to leave!' he shrugged.

"Just ask!" I forced myself on the couch, realizing his motive.

'I want to date you! '

"Is it professional for you to ask such a question?"

'Well.. No…But I know you very well and I couldn't get a better chance than this?'

"Seriously?" my voice annoyed, "And What's the reason?"

'You're a successful woman, a beautiful one inside out and you are still single!' He lifted his arms to the sides justifying his motive.

I pinched my nose, closed my eyes to calm my nerves,

"I refuse!"

'Why?'

"You were a coward Lucas!"

'Not anymore, I will go to any extent to have you by my side!'

"It was just a teenage thing, an infatuation, don't dwell on that. We have nothing in common to relive those dead wishes!"

'Not for me!'

"You're so annoying! I can't have this conversation now!"

'Because you were insulted by Noah and his family?'

My eyes popped out in shock and anger, I tried hard not to think of it, but he reminded me of it, adding fuel to my inner fire. And how did he know?

Before I could burst, I received a message from Nate, " Why did you leave me without saying?" and I replied, ' Don't worry, I am doing fine..Nate! '

I looked at him composed, determined to stay calm, "I've had a crush on you then, but I loathed myself when I became aware of your filthy intentions and that you were a stalker!"

I looked at my phone and there was no reply from Nate.

'Tch…So you know it?'

"Back then, I heard you talking with your friend inside the lab about me and your reason behind the dating rumor you spread about us!"

'Ah, I was confused by your distance-keeping, now I know why you avoided me and agreed so easily to marry this Noah guy!'

He sure knows how to trigger me and is putting all his effort into provoking me by mentioning Noah, I should stay calm and leave the place immediately to get out of trouble, looking out for help.

'What are you looking at?' He followed my eyes.

I said, "It's getting late! I should leave.. '' when it hit my mind that Nate had another date with Erika and he couldn't have seen my text and I moved up the couch and tried to walk out as soon as possible.