Her empty eyes

The meeting was finally concluded on a silver lining. They decided to carry out the legal formalities and rest of the paper work in Regan's office. Regan excused himself and headed towards his office. Soon the Conference Room was vacant. Anna decided to finish with the legal formalities at the earliest as she wanted to head back to New York.

Once she stood up from her seat, a sudden wave of dizziness engulfed her once again. Thankfully, Mia was standing beside her who held her on time.

"Anna, I think you should have some rest now. It has been a long day and your temperature is flaring up. You also have to travel in the evening. It will further deteriorate your health."

"Mia please..... Don't start it again. I am okay and I have not forgotten how you almost messed it up. You know Dad, right?..... How much he worries about me. How could you tell him anything?"

"Anna, he just asked me and I could not..."

"Just cut it out Mia. Save it for the next time. And as for my health, I would get fine once this deal will be finalized. Stop worrying about me and let's finish everything."

They were soon standing outside Regan's office. Anna knocked at his door and heard a faint "come in". He was standing near the glass wall and looking outside, his hands were tucked in his pockets.

"Mr. Knight" As soon as he heard her voice he turned around and found her standing near the door. "Miss Prescott, please have a seat." He moved forward and sat across her.

"What would you like to have? "

"Ummm... Nothing, I am good."

Regan squinted his eyes at her reply. He noticed the changes on her face. She looked a bit pale and her voice was hoarse. 'May be she is exhausted.' He thought as he knew that it would not have been easy for her to stay at the hospital with Nathan for so long and moreover the worries about the cancellation of the deal. He was lately informed that she indeed visited Knights Corporation back in the evening and tried hard to reach him but could not because he was not ready to listen some more excuses from her. He sighed and replied.

"Actually, you should have a coffee. You look pretty worn out. Just a sec...." He then made a call and asked for the coffee.

Anna was quite bemused as he had easily read her inside out for she had successfully managed to hide her ailment till now. She could not not deny him so she slightly nodded her head. Soon, the coffee arrived.

"Thanks..." She took a sip of it and decided to clear some things before going through the final arrangements. "Ummm..... Mr. Knight? I would like to clarify certain things on my part before signing the deal."

"Go ahead Miss Prescott." He replied with his intent gaze on her.

"Actually what happened in the meeting..... I mean in the Conference Room... the rift between me and Mr. Benc..... I am sorry if I had offended you with my behaviour. But Mr. Knight, I would once again like to clear myself, that for me, my family is everything and any matter related to it would be my first priority whether it's talking with any of them on a phone call. If you too are uncertain about my conduct and professionalism then, please reconsider your decision. Actually I..."

Before she could speak further, he cut her in between and said, "If I had the desire to reconsider my decision, you would not be sitting here inside my office Miss Prescott. I indeed had some doubts about your professionalism back then, but after meeting you personally... I am absolutely looking forward to work with you. And your family... Well, I am also a family man who understands it's importance. So be rest assured as you and your family would not be bothered by me or my business. They can definitely top your priority list... always."

She heard him and grinned as she was quite relieved. She thought, 'he does not seem to be as bad as people projects him to be.'

She was dazed for a few moments while he once again found himself getting bewitched by her ocean blue orbs. There was a small smile etched on her delicate face but it never reached her eyes. He found them empty. Maybe lifeless and dull which held nothing but hurt or pain? He could not figure it out. The simple thought about it made him restless as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

He agreed that she was one the most beautiful girl whom he had ever met. She was simple yet sound and classy with an enthralling aura around her. He was definitely not flogged by her beauty as he had met many in his life but she was different. Different enough to draw his undivided attention within a short span, that too without making any efforts. She was charming, smart and still hold an innocence that was dragging him towards her...

He gave her a gentle smile and passed her the legal papers of the merger before signing them by himself. Anna swiftly went through all and signed them. With this, the deal was finalized followed by all the legal formalities.

But both of them did not know at that time that it was not just a business merger or deal. It was a merger for lifetime as both of their lives were soon to get connected and entangled with each other with the threads of love.