Let Me Stay The Night

“You’re back, Christina!” The surprise on Rayne’s face gave way immediately to delight.

They had not seen each other since Christina’s hurried departure.

“Yes, I am.” Christina replied with a smile. She dropped the purse slung on her shoulder, sat down, and gazed up at Rayne. “How’s the studio? Are there new orders?”

Christina felt a little guilty at the mention of that.

Because of her falling out with Nathaniel, she had left in a fit of anger and abandoned her obligations at the studio.

Upon introspection, she thought she was too rash.

“No. After you left, Mr. Hadley had me put out a notice that you have gone on holiday,” Rayne answered.

Christina nodded, silently lauding Nathaniel’s decision.

“Well, the vacation’s over. Tell everyone I’m back and ready to take orders,” Christina said as she turned on her laptop.

Rayne was overjoyed at those words. If Christina is ready to take orders, it means that she would not be leaving again anytime soon. “Of course. I’ll get it done.”

Rayne left excitedly to put out the word.

Christina began taking care of work that she had not managed to resolve before leaving. Before she knew it, it was already noon.

“What would you like for lunch, Christina?” Rayne asked, entering the room when she noticed Christinal was still immersed in her work. There was expectant glitter in her eyes.

Christina looked up and gave a start when she realized what time it was. “Sorry, Rayne. I can’t have lunch. with you today. I’m seeing Nathaniel.”

“All right. Don’t go overboard with the PDA” Pursing her lips, Rayne gave the other a knowing look.

“We’ll have lunch tomorrow,” Christina offered. She was feeling fantastic now that she had resolved the knot in her chest, always wearing a big smile wherever she went.

The young girls found their hopes of getting close to Nathaniel under the assumption of him being single. again dashed when they saw Christina’s reappearance at Nathaniel’s office.

Nathaniel set aside his work as soon as

Nathaniel is a workaholic. He will forget his meals once he begins

that it was indeed past lunch hour. “Let’s go. I want to bring you to a

did not pursue further when she noticed

in arm as though the

sense of happiness that was

the city

restaurant was, Nathaniel led her into a tiny eatery serving

Christina was

directly to a table by the

Nathaniel ordered after they sat down, sounding as if he had

shooting a glance at the two new customers at the

recognize him. “I see you have brought your girlfriend today,” she said, grinning.

an esteemed customer at a tiny establishment like hers was

my wife,”

to have settled down.

owner. She scrutinized Nathaniel, her gaze twinkling with delight.

you looking at me like that?” Nathaniel asked,

if my husband has changed into someone else,” Christina said, her chin resting in her

displeasure. “Who are

Nathaniel. Who else but Nathaniel would be jealous

bring me here? Surely a mighty CEO like you would feel out of place here,” Christina asked, unable to contain herself.

was expecting Nathaniel to say he

in university? I found this place two weeks ago and have tried it

absence, he had done a lot of thinking and uncovered a

for aglio olio had been an unexpected discovery. Thus, he gave it a try. Although he did not feel it was anything particularly special at the time, he was thankful that he managed to

froze at

afford her tuition, and as a result, she did not have much money. She did enjoy aglio olio, which was satiating for