He looked as if he could visualize Tiffany’s casual looks at home. “I’m really looking forward to seeing her true colors in daily life because it will mean that I’m already her man when that day comes,” he hinted. Amelia chuckled. “I’m not trying to discourage you. However, will a talent like you who is most likely to pursue exquisite things and a quality life tolerate a scuzzy person like Tiff?” Derrick answered with a question, “How would I know if I don’t give it a try?” Amelia simply smiled. Sipping her tea, she said, “Tiff has talked about you before but in a bad way. She described you as a pervert boss who’s as fat as a pig. I didn’t expect you to be so handsome. Honestly, you turned out to be better looking than any other man I’ve seen.
I used to think that my husband’s the most good-looking man on earth until I met you. Now, I finally knew how does a prince charming looks like. You’ve fulfilled all the criteria in the fantasies of all women. But somehow, I don’t think you and Tiff are compatible.” Derrick looked at her intensely. “You don’t agree?” She let out a faint smile. “It’s not about whether I agree to this. It’s up to Tiff. If she likes you, I hope that you two can have the happily-ever-after life that you deserve. On the contrary, if she doesn’t have any feelings for you, I hope that you’d let her go. After all, your backgrounds are completely different. There’s no point in staying together when you can’t guarantee her a future.”
He fidgeted the cup in his hand. “Frankly, I’ve investigated everyone around Tiff thoroughly since the first day I fell for her. I’m aware and very certain that you’re an intelligent woman. Your friendship with Tiff is way solid than I’ve expected. My purpose of meeting you today is to reach an agreement with you.” “Go ahead.” “Please don’t be the stumbling block between Tiff and I.” Amelia laughed. “Rest assured that I’ll never meddle in Tiff’s private affairs. I’ll only help her analyze the options available but I won’t decide for her based on my standards just because I care.
Her marriage is her decision to make.” Derrick was full of praise for Amelia’s wisdom. A smart man would always enjoy negotiating with a smart woman as it is easier and more effective. Derrick raised his cup of tea. “Allow me to toast with tea instead of wine. Thank you!” After clinking glasses and taking a sip, Amelia said to him, “You’re better than I thought, Derrick. A steady man. I’m afraid Tiff can’t handle you.” Before he could reply, there was a knock at the door. Subsequently, it was pushed open and a few nicely dressed waitresses entered with dainty dishes in their hands. Swiftly, they served the individually served portion. “Bon appetite, Mrs. Clinton. If you like the food, our manager has humbly asked that you put in a good word for us with Mr. Clinton.”
Amelia nodded her head lightly. The waitresses then left the room courteously. Amelia frowned upon realizing Tiffany was still not back from the bathroom. “Why is Tiff taking so long? Let me go and check in on her.” When she was about to stand up, Derrick stopped her. “Let me do it.” Amelia agreed. “Sure.” When he was tucking in his chair, she called out to him again, “Derrick, I can tell that you really like Tiff. However, I have my qualms if this relationship alone can suffice you in sustaining your fight against your family. If you don’t have the confidence in winning the battle, please stay away from Tiff. She may look very carefree, but she’s actually a very sensitive person who can get hurt very easily.
Don’t pursue her if your goal is just to fool around. She’s not the type who wants a short-term relationship.” Without turning his head, Derrick smirked. “My marriage has always been my personal decision to make. Should I want to toy her around, I wouldn’t have waited two to three years to make my first move. With my looks and family background, I can easily get a dozen of women presenting themselves to me without lifting a finger. Why do I need to exert so much effort on one woman?” Amelia grinned. “Derrick, remember what you said today. Otherwise, I won’t forgive you.”
He nodded. When he left the room, Amelia muttered, “Tiff, I think he suits you well.” On the other end, Tiffany had no idea what the two had discussed behind her back. Derrick came to the ladies’ washroom and instantly got hold of a woman who was at the exit. The woman was shocked to the core, blushed, and faltered at the sight of a handsome man, “Any… anything, mis…ter?” Before he could respond, Tiffany walked out of the bathroom and saw them seemingly having some physical contact. She rolled her eyes at him. “Mr. Hisson, why are you here? It’s surprising to see a good looking man like you behaving like a rogue.” He released his grip on the woman and said charmingly, “You may go now.”
Dwelling in her fangirling moment, the woman lost herself in a frenzy. Thrilled, she held Derrick’s hand. “You’re a celebrity, aren’t you? What movie have you acted in? Or are you a model? You look so cool. I’ll surely search for all of your work online.” As Amelia had said, men who had a successful career would have a specific threshold levels or tolerance for cleanliness, be it psychologically or physiologically. Derrick was a clean freak who did not like being touched by others. He could not bear messiness nor anything presumed as filthy or contaminated. He could not accept it when the woman ran her hand around his.
The only reason he subconsciously got hold of the woman just now was to request for her help to check on Tiffany in the bathroom. Seeing his hand being grabbed by an unknown woman, Derrick’s tolerance level almost hit a breaking point. Tiffany could sense that he was about to blow a fuse, so she quickly diffused the situation, “Ma’am, could you please let go of my friend? He has obsessive-compulsive disorder and rashes may develop on his body if you keep holding on to him like this.” The woman regained her senses and loosened her hand, knowing that she had lost her self-control.
Her face turned crimson red. “Sorry, sorry…” She ran away after apologizing. Derrick fixated his gaze on Tiffany, who avoided having eye contact with him. “Mr. Hisson, why are you here?” “I was worried about a cheeky girl who spent more than ten minutes in the bathroom,” he said in a teasing manner. Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat, but she tried to maintain her composure. “My stomach doesn’t feel too good. Sorry for making you worried.” Approaching closer, he cornered her. Tiffany was so anxious that she kept scanning left and right in case someone was passing by in the hallway.
“Tiff, are you scared of me?” He leaned over to her face, so close that she could feel the breath he exhaled. She blocked him from advancing further by placing both hands on his chest. “This isn’t appropriate, Mr. Hisson. Others might get the wrong impression if they saw us like this.” He insisted for an answer, “Tiff, are you scared of me?” Her heartbeat raced rapidly as she tried to gasp a breath of fresh air to calm herself down. “Mr. Hisson, let’s return to the private room. We can talk over there.” He continued gazing at her intently. In a sexy voice, he asked, “Tiff, has anyone ever told you that you’re very attractive?” Her heart was pounding so fiercely as if she was having an anxiety attack.
Moments later, she got very upset and pushed him away. “Mr. Hisson, I don’t know what you’re trying to do. If teasing me makes you happy, then you’ve achieved the objective. Let me be frank with you, I don’t like this. Quit playing games with my heart, it’s game over for us now, or I’ll consider terminating our working relationship.” Derrick gazed at her with intently. She took a deep breath. “Mr. Hisson, I’m happy to work with you, but if you continue harassing me, I’ll seriously consider ending the contract. After all, nobody likes being pestered by a pervert!”
He cringed. Stroking her face and lifting up her chin, he concluded, “You are the only woman who dares to call me a pervert, Tiff.” She avoided his affection as her gaze grew cold. “We should go now, Mr. Hisson.” She left him behind and strode away. Sinking into deep thoughts, he stared at her back profile, then hurried to catch up with her. When they returned to the private room, Amelia could sense something was off between the duo. “Tiff, are you okay? Why were you away for so long?” Looking sullen, Tiffany shook her head. Amelia knitted her brows and shifted her gaze to Derrick, only to find him locking his eyes on Tiffany too. Amelia chuckled and asked, “Derrick, did you bully my sweet Tiff?”
Abruptly, he stood up and poured some wine into three glasses. Tiffany interrupted, “Not a drop for Amelia, she’s pregnant.” Derrick apologized, “I’m sorry. I forgot that you’re pregnant. You’re too gorgeous and doesn’t even look thick, I can’t picture you as an expecting mom.” Amelia shook her head. “It’s okay. Just a few sips is fine.” Tiffany pursed her lips and said under her breath, “Such a sweet talker.” Bewildered, Amelia glanced at Tiffany, turned sideways, and then whispered, “What’s wrong, Tiff? You don’t seem to be yourself.” Shaking her head, Tiffany took a deep breath and smiled. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Amelia added, “Tiff, don’t just keep eating. Serve your boss. He’s been so helpful in your career.
How could you be so cold to him, right?” Reluctantly, Tiffany took some food for Derrick. “May I serve you a dish, Mr. Hisson? If you mind it, I can have it all by myself.” Amused, Derrick accepted the dish. “Please let me try it.” Subsequently, Tiffany did the same for Amelia. “Babe, please eat more. You have Sweetheart to feed, don’t starve my little cutie.” Amelia burst out laughing. “I can take care of myself, Tiff. You keep your boss company.” At that point, Tiffany had moved on from the earlier incident and could face Derrick at ease. “Babe, Mr. Hisson is a matured man who will make sure he eats to his heart’s content. You should worry about yourself. It’s past seven o’clock and you haven’t fed my sweetheart.”
Amelia turned to Derrick. “Tiff is very straightforward and frank when she’s in front of close friends. Please don’t mind her antics. She’s very kind-hearted and always puts others first. She’s a blessing to the man who will be taking her as his future wife, I always wonder who will that be. Yet, I’m also worried if that man will still cherish her and treat her well after marrying her.” As casual as it sounded, each word uttered by Amelia was carefully crafted with the intention to remind Derrick. “Tiff is so beautiful, talented, and caring. I’m sure her future husband will treasure her and spoil her rotten. I don’t think he will let such a woman suffer even the slightest bit.” Derrick responded with a solemn promise, which he deliberately pronounced to Tiffany.
