21 Turning Down

Hailey is in the middle of making dinner when Vince arrives. He had just entered the door of his penthouse an enticing aroma of Beef Teriyaki greeted him.

It relieved him that Hailey was cooking for tonight. He comes home early to find out if she plans to make dinner for them so he can order something from his favorite restaurants. Gladly, the girl was in the mood. 

Meanwhile, Hailey didn't notice Vince's arrival. It surprised her when he spoke next to her while placing the lunch bag on the sink.

Vince asked, "What did you cook?" 

"Gosh! You're home!" she burst out in surprise.

Vince was amused at her reaction. He tears a thin smile as he replies, "Yeah." He then strode toward the sofa.

Hailey was wearing ear pods because she didn't hear when the door opened. Her gaze followed Vince into the living room. He placed his leather bag on a single couch next to taking off his coat, then loosened his necktie. While rolling up his long sleeves, he asked Hailey. "You need help?"

'Really? You look tired!' Hailey mused inwardly. And it touched her that Vince tried to be thoughtful. She pursed a grateful smile; Hailey offered him something to drink instead. "It's alright! Do you want coffee? I will make you a mug. It will take an hour before I finish cooking them." At least,… all because it's still too early from his usual time to come home.

"Yes, please. That would be great." Pushing a thin smile across his handsome face, Vince sat on the sofa. He took out a folder from his bag and began reading the documents.

'He looks busier than before. So, what brings him home this early?' Hailey thought. She glanced at the wall clock... 5:30 in the evening, which it's rare for Vince to be home this time around. His usual time to come home if he has no dinner meeting or gathering is 7:30 in the evening.

Now she realized Vince left home at 7:30 in the morning and he went back at 7:30 in the evening. It seemed he wanted to complete a 12 hours working routine.

Is he killing himself? He needs a wife to take care of him!

Hailey contemplates. But then, when the coffee maker shows it's done brewing, she comes back to her senses. She then offered the mug of coffee.

"Thanks!" Vince raised his head to thank Hailey. 

She blushed when their eyes met. "You're welcome."

In the past, Vince didn't spare a glance at her. But now that they live together like a real couple, their interaction seems customary.

However, it brought sadness and fear into her heart because she felt she was already getting used to it.

'No. It's just my imagination.' Shaking her head lightly, Hailey continues cooking in front of the range top.

She prepared a Beef Teriyaki dish, mushroom soup, and spicy sweet and sour fish fillet. Vince has now changed his suit into house clothes and is freshly showered. Exactly Hailey finished setting up the table. Vince descended the stairs. His eyes flickered, looking at the platter of his favorite Beef Teriyaki.

He walked toward his wine storage, taking out a bottle of champagne.

Hailey watched Vince placing the champagne on a bucket filled with ice, then reached for two glasses from the cupboard.

Now, sitting across from each other, both are eating quietly. Vince savored the Beef Teriyaki first and foremost. Using a spoon and fork, he placed the spoon on the side of his plate and replaced it with chopsticks. He stuffs his mouth with the broccoli Hailey added to the Beef Teriyaki and enjoys the sweet peas. It tastes good!

It looked like she simmered the beef teriyaki with sweet sauce, which he preferred, over the salty flavoring. And the fish fillet from usually sweet and sour. She added chili to the sauce. Again, Hailey spoiled him tonight. 

Vince opened the champagne, poured the two glasses, and offered one to Hailey.

"Thank you." Hailey tears a shy smile. She took the glass and sipped on it.

She always dines out with Bryan or their friends together, but strangely, dinner at home with a stranger warms her heart.

It gives her delight at the same time as sadness. She doesn't understand, but one thing she knows is she shouldn't feel this way and think this way.

Lately, her mind began messing up, and her heart started acting strange. She couldn't comprehend if this were what they called love.

Halfway to finishing their supper, Vince spoke. He asked, "So, where do you have your training tomorrow?"

"Hmm. We're going to M Club Resort." Oh! The Class Reunion! She almost forgot about it.

Hearing the place's name, Vince raised his head and looked at Hailey. "Really? How coincidence. We have a 2015 Class Reunion with every N university department this Friday. Do you have time to pick up a dress for yourself?"

'Huh? Is that an invitation as your date? Or since I am in a contract to do the acts, it doesn't need a formal invitation? Or am I assuming now? Complaining or demanding is out of the contract! Ah, why am I sulking again!?' 

Vince notices the frown on her face, so he asks. "What's wrong? Are you busy? I can ask one of my secretaries to search for dresses online. Then you can check out if you like them." 

It tempts Hailey to giggle. This guy is unpredictable. He already thinks about it, huh? It stated on their contract that part of her act is to be his date on any occasion he'll attend. So she must look fabulous and elegant standing next to Vince. 

However, thinking she'll be a waitress at that event gives her more thrill than dressing up and showing her skin and curves, matching a sweet smile across her face while greeting and talking to Vince's classmates and schoolmates. 

So then he wants to turn down Vince's plan to bring her on that occasion as his date. Actually, Mrs. Gomez approached her after the class. The professor gives her a choice not to be part of a service crew that night. When she told the prof she wanted to take part, Mrs. Gomez paled and tried to convince her that it was unnecessary if she had another plan. Hailey then realized Mrs. Gomez was doing this because of her relationship with Vince.

The professor didn't point it out. But she's doing this because SHEN GROUP is a prominent investor in the school. In fact, Vince volunteered to help complete the renovation of the university. So then, as Vince's girlfriend, she was exempted and favored by the school faculties.

At first, she doesn't like it. She came to this country to have a low-key profile. But she made a mistake signing that agreement. Her life here is more controversial than her real-life back in Australia, and that was actually funny on her part.

Hailey clears her throat; she swallows some champagne before she replies to Vince. The guy is staring at her in disbelief after she refuses his invitation. In fact, Vince is making a funny face.

"Why?"

Hailey lowered her gaze to hide her pink cheeks, blushing while suppressing the playful smile on her face. Vince looks funny, creasing his forehead and furrowing his brows.

"Um. I don't want to miss my training." Just her lame excuse.

Vince took a long silence, and he didn't speak again. Hailey isn't sure if Vince was angry after she turned him down as his date to the Class Reunion. After he finished his food, he sat up from his seat.

"Thanks for the food. If you change your mind, let me know tomorrow," he uttered before walking toward the stairs. 

He's mad, isn't he? Hailey bites her lower lip, contemplating what she should do.

"Ah. What, now!?"