Chapter Six

The door bell rang as Carol stepped into the restaurant, she was immediately greeted with aromas of different kinds of exotic food.

The aroma brought back memories, memories of when she first came to the capital city, memories of her first days in the University of Laveria, memories of 'him'. This was the first restaurant she visited in the city well, not alone. The first week she arrived in the city was the first time he actually took her out, well he'd like to think of it as a date but she thought otherwise. 'It was a hang out between friends' that was what she told him.

It has been so long, those memories have been buried years ago but this restaurant flooded them back to her mind. Her eyes glanced around the restaurant, it was almost empty with only few customers.

Jenny told her that the 'client' wanted to remain anonymous until they met. That was super weird but Carol being as curious as ever wanted to meet him. With the description he gave Jenny, Carol was able to pick him out from the customers.

She slowly made her way towards a table, he had his back to her. According to Jenny, he said that he wore a brown coat and a black hat. There was only one man who fit that description in the entire restaurant and she was on her way to his table.

He heard heels clacking on the tiled floor, a smile spread across his face. It had been so long since he last saw her.

Though their last goodbye wasn't a good one but he hoped deep down every single day that passed by that their first hello after all those years will be a start of something new for them.

She stopped in front of the table, his head hung low. She corked her head at him quizzically.

"I heard you wanted us to meet!" She said.

He slowly removed his hat, revealing short black straight hair. Looking at her, he stood up to his full length. He was still taller than her, he noticed.

Caroline's breath hitched in her throat as she stared at his warm hazel eyes. Her face went pale at the sight of him. His chiseled diamond face was as smooth as butter that it makes one wonder if he ever grew a beard. His shoulders were broad and even his biceps looked hard and brawny. He must have been working out since the last time she saw him.

He was definitely different, different from what he looked like all those years ago. He even seemed more handsome than he had been. If he was a lady-killer then, Carol didn't even know what to call him now.

"It's been so long, Carol!" His voice was husky and deep "How have you been?".

Carol finally found her voice after the awkward silence "I have been great, what about you William, how have you been?".

"I have been good!" He replied causally and gestured for her to sit which she did.

"So, you were the mysterious client that wanted to meet up with me! When did you get back?" She looked at him expecting an explanation.

"A few days ago, I came back for some business purposes and a personal reason of mine" He replied avoiding her gaze at one point.

"Okay!" She nodded "So why did you want to meet up?".

He chuckled, trying to hide the disappointment he felt in his gut "Straight to business, it seems!".

"Well, that's why we are here right!" She pointed out.

"Would you like to order something while you are here?" He pushed the menu towards her.

"Nah! I am not planning on staying long anyway!"She said, pushing it aside.

He nodded, spending more time with her at the moment seemed inevitable. Maybe, he shouldn't move too fast.

"Right! I understand, given that you are busy now that you have actualized your dream of being a renowned fashion icon!" He said with a smile.

"Well, I wouldn't say renowned!" She stated.

"Oh please! You don't have to be modest with me, you totally deserve everything that you have and I am not just saying it because of our history together, I know how hard you worked your butt off to get to where you are right now and I am proud of you, Caroline!" He smiled genuinely at her.

She fought the urge to blush, but was doing a terrible job at it. Seeing her cheeks flush a little, he sniggered.

"Should we move to the task at hand?" She asked, hiding how embarrassed she felt.

"Right! Carol I need your fashionable assistance" he suddenly looked serious " It is for my little sister, she is getting ready for her first prom, you know how nerve-wracking it can be? And she is kind of a huge fan of yours, it will mean the world to me, if she wears a gown from your latest collection!".

Carol was about to say something but he continued.

"I know that you're busy with designing the wedding dress and suit for the Royal wedding and…".

He paused when he noticed the look she gave him. She furrowed her eyes at him, inquisitively.

"How did you know that?".

"It is all over the news, Carol. News travels faster than lightning in this Country, you should know that by now!" He stated.

She let out a breath. Of course, the media and their never ending search for latest gossip. How could she forget?.

"So, Carol can you help me?" His eyes looked at hers pleadingly.

"Sure, just send her details to my assistant and bring her over to one of my boutiques, I will do the rest!" Saying that she got up to leave.

"Um.. Carol! I hope that next time we meet it won't be for business purposes... maybe an outing as friends" he suggested, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table for her reply.

"I-I don't know, William" She sounded unsure.

His face fell.

She thought for a moment "Maybe whenever I am free, we could meet up and hang out!".

Hearing that, his eyes lit up.

"Sure, I will be waiting!".

"Alright, it was nice meeting you!" She extended her hands and he shook it enthusiastically.

'Baby steps, William. Just be calm she will come around and I will not mess up this time' He thought to himself whilst smiling at her.