Declined offer

Alisha felt a pang of disappointment as Zeriel turned her down for dinner . She had thought it would be a nice gesture to show her appreciation for his help earlier that day.

However, his cold response caught her off guard, and she couldn't help but feel hurt and rejected.

She finally takes a deep breath realizing she had been holding her breath the moment she asked him if he was free for dinner.

 Feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration, Alisha mustered up the courage to ask Zeriel why he had turned her down so abruptly. She approached him gently, trying not to sound confrontational.

"Sir," Alisha said, her voice slightly shaky. "I was just wondering if I did something wrong or if there's a reason you turned down my invitation so coldly.

 I thought it would be a nice way to say thank you for helping me this morning."

 Zeriel sighed and looked up from his work, his expression softening slightly. "I'm sorry, Alisha," he replied. "I didn't mean to come across as cold.

It's just that I've been swamped with work lately, and I don't think I'd be able to give you the time and attention you seek,So rather than wasting your precious time I advise you to go home and rest!"

Alisha felt a rush of anger flowing through her. Deep down she wanted to yell at him,but she couldn't.She wondered why he'd be nice this minute and hostile the next minute. He clearly sounded so rude in a polite manner.

Screw you! She cursed in her mind as she left the office without turning back. Zeriel, who was still sitting on his computer,could sense that she wasn't pleased by his rejection. He chuckled as he realized that she may have cursed him severally in her mind given her personality.

Sometimes he wondered what was obstructing him from creeping into her mind. He knew there was more to it since she was the only one he couldn't gain access to.

"He needs to see a therapist" she murmured as she finds her way towards the exit of the building. Alisha had quickly ordered for a ride, As she came out and saw the cab man waiting for her.

She quickly cross checked the plate number to make sure it tallies with the one on the app as She walks towards the car and gently opens it and sits at the back seat.

 "Good day ma'am" the driver, who was in his late forties' greeted and he began to drive.

 Alisha's phone rings as she quickly picks it up, while on the call her phone beeps again. "That's the address I'm waiting for you there" maddie's voice echoed in excitement over the phone. "Don't move an inch, I'll be there in a jiffy" Lisha said as she turned to the driver and showed him the direction through her phone.The driver stared at the phone and nodded, he seemed to turn to another route. Alisha sits quietly looking outside the window preoccupied with her own thoughts.

 ***

On arriving at her destination,Maddie was already standing outside the complex waiting for her.

"Wow the location is eye-catching" Alisha remarked as she turned around glancing through the big complex. It has a variety of stores both upstairs and downstairs with different varieties of business.

"So where's yours?" Alisha asked as they walked pass the main entrance. There it is, Maddie announced, pointing towards her store in the building excitedly.

She looked like a kid who was just handed a lollipop. It was Maddie's first business. Alisha was the brain behind the idea since Maddie decided to prove to her father that she was more than a spoilt daddy's girl.

Maddie directed Alisha as they walked into her store. Alisha was impressed by the great work and expressed her excitement for Maddie's new boutique.

Alisha complimented the elegant interior design, the carefully curated collection of clothing and accessories, and the overall ambiance of the store. She could see the dedication and hard work that Maddie had put into making her dream a reality.

As they continued to explore the boutique, Alisha couldn't help but notice the attention to detail in the displays and the quality of the products.

She could tell that Maddie had a keen eye for fashion and a strong sense of style. Impressed by what she saw, Alisha encouraged Maddie to stay focused and determined, reminding her friend that opening a boutique was no easy feat. She emphasized the importance of marketing, customer service, and maintaining a strong online presence to attract a wide range of customers.

Alisha also suggested that Maddie consider hosting a grand opening event to create buzz and attract potential customers. She offered to help spread the word through her social media channels and among their mutual friends. Joyful about Alisha's suggestion, Maddie hugged her friend "what would I have done without you" she whispered to her ears.

As they let go of each other's grip they continued to tour the shop.

As they discussed future plans for the boutique, Alisha expressed her belief in Maddie's abilities and told her friend how proud she was of her for taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

 She assured Maddie that she would be there to support her throughout the journey.

 ***

Just after both girls had taken a tour of the new store, Maddie had driven Alisha to one of the biggest exquisite restaurants, so they could celebrate the pre-opening of the shop. Maddie considering the fact that Alisha came straight from work and might be staving.

 As the evening sun began to set, The ambiance of the restaurant was a perfect blend of modern chic and warm intimacy, setting the stage for a memorable dinner.

The restaurant's interior was adorned with tasteful artwork, featuring colorful abstract paintings and sleek sculptures, adding an artistic touch to the space. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow over the dining area, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The walls were adorned with elegant wallpaper, featuring a subtle pattern that enhanced the sophisticated charm of the setting.

The table itself was elegantly set, with fine white linen adorned with delicate lace accents. Sparkling crystal glasses sparkled in the shimmering candlelight, adding a touch of glamor to the already exquisite table setting. Fresh floral arrangements, composed of vibrant blooms in various hues, adorned the center of the table, infusing a refreshing burst of color.

Anyone who spotted the two of them would mistake them for a couple. Maddie and Alisha continued their spirited conversation, sharing stories and laughter, while perusing the menu filled with enticing culinary delights.

The menu itself was a testimony to the restaurant's commitment to high-quality cuisine, with a wide array of options ranging from traditional favourites to innovative fusion dishes.

 "What order would you like?" Maddie asked, looking at the menu in front of her. Alisha picked up the menu and turned to the wait staff. I'd like stir fry sauce and pasta. Maddie ordered steak for herself.

 "What drink would you care for?" The waitress asked. Cocktails will do, Mandy replied as she pointed to the variety she wanted on the menu as they continued their conversation.

 Few minutes later the waitstaff carefully served each course, presenting the beautifully plated dishes with an artistic flair. A symphony of flavors danced on their palates as Maddie and Alisha savored every bite, relishing the exquisite blend of tastes and textures.

Time seemed to fly as they shared their dreams, aspirations, and plans for the future amidst the joyful conversation and delicious fare. The evening was an enchanting celebration of friendship, success, and the exciting journey ahead.