When I fall in Love

by Soranatsukiai

CHAPTER V – Francesca

Tuesday – 0745H

The teal haired woman parked her car and entered the office carrying her shoulder bag and a box of papers that she needed to work on. She settled them on her desk and started picking up a few contracts that needed revisiting. Her youngest daughter had fever yesterday and she couldn't get a babysitter on such a short notice so she needed to call in. She came early because the workload piled up and she wanted to get a head start on them.

The door opened again and she saw that it was her best friend.

"Good morning Shiz. Sorry I couldn't come yesterday. You know how it is when the youngest gets-"

"OMG Tomoe! You should have been here! That spoiled woman is plotting something against me and I better make a move before she does!"

"Whoaa there woman! Chill! Who was here yesterday again?" Obviously surprised by the outburst of her boss.

"Natsuki Kuga was here yesterday! She made it look like she was just dropping off the client here and then…" Tomoe let the woman continue speaking as she slouched from her seat and rested her chin on her palm.

Kami-sama, give me more patience and understanding for this woman in front of me. The sky is clear and beautiful today. The winds are bringing in hope. The birds are chirping outside. There are freshly baked bread coming out from the ovens of the bakery nearby. I could already imagine the aroma of the pastries inviting me. Maybe I should buy some before it gets too busy later.

"…If she thinks she's going to get away with this, well she's definitely mistaken! Tomoe, are you even listening to me?"

"Of course I was. It's just you and me here. Even if I cover my ears, or go to the restroom to pee, I will still hear you."

"Ha. Ha. Very funny, Tomoe. This is serious business!"

"I know. I know. Your future love life depends on this."

Tuesday - 1350H

Shizuru entered the building and was directed to the 5th floor. Upon entering, there was no receptionist on the desk near the elevator. Thinking that they might just be running an errand somewhere, she came close to the reception desk and wait there. The table was neatly organized but she noticed a magazine opened to a certain page. She was about to pick it up when a woman approached her.

"Good afternoon, miss. May I help you with anything?" The woman was slender and had brown hair lighter than hers.

"Ah yes. I was asked to meet with Aoi Senoh. I am Shizuru Fujino, their wedding planner."

"Oh, then let me just confirm that with her. Please give me a moment." The secretary smiled at her and picked up the phone to confirm the appointment while Shizuru found herself looking again at the magazine. When the girl placed the phone back to its case, the other girl asked, "Is that Natsuki Kuga on the magazine?"

"Uhmm. Yes, it's her. Would you like to look at it?" She handed the magazine to the visitor.

Shizuru noticed the girl was blushing while looking at the magazine. It was a lifestyle issue that showed the bachelorette in a bikini top and shorts in one of her private resorts. Ara, this spoiled woman must spend a lot of time working on that hot body. Not too bulky. Toned but still feminine. Very sexy.

"Yes, she is."

"Excuse me?"

"Ahh. Uhmm.. you said she is very sexy. I uhmm… I agree." The girl was blushing harder than she did a while ago.

Oops, that wasn't supposed to get out. Ara, this girl must be her fan. "She looks good no? Too bad she's got an attitude."

"She is very pretty and unlike what people think of her, she actually has a kind heart."

"Is that so? Have you spent time with her?"

"Not really but Aoi-sama always goes to her's charity events. She actually helps out a lot of orphanages which she doesn't want to be publicized. As a personal secretary, I get to go with my boss and see them sometimes." Is that her advocacy? But why does she keep that a secret. It could be good publication for her. Not that she needs anymore of it.

Their conversation was cut short when the desk's phone rang. "I'm sorry for keeping you here Fujino-san. My boss is already looking for you. Let's head inside, shall we?"

"Sorry, I couldn't come to your shop and had to ask you to come to my office instead." Aoi said as she welcome Shizuru inside.

"No problem, I always have time for clients and besides I was assisted by your lovely assistant outside."

"So, you've met Francesca. She's a business management graduate from England. She could go far but she sticks with me. She is my prodigy but I also consider her as a good friend. She's actually going to be my bridesmaid!"

"Aren't you afraid that she might run away with your business secrets someday?"

"Hahaha! First of all, we are very transparent here. Whatever information she knows can also be accessed by the public. She actually belongs to an elite family running the same line of business in Europe but she wants to learn on her own. I've already accepted that she'll leave me to find her own path someday."

"Such a kind person you are then. She's lucky to have a boss like you." Shizuru thought that she could also learn good business practices with her client while she's working with her. She's gaining a lot of things with this contract.

"It's all karma my dear Shizuru. You reap what you saw."

"That is true. By the way, since she's your bridesmaid, can you also ask her to be at the shop by Thursday? We're getting the measurements finished for the gowns and suits. I'll just inform the other participants."

"Of course, we'll be there. Now, about those designs…"

-End of Chapter-

It's alive! Hahaha. It's been so long since I've written something for this. Just thought about continuing where it left of before I get busy with life again.