Jayden's brows knitted upon hearing the name Kaiser. He recalled that an heir of the German main family of three Immortals families bore the same name. According to his information, Kaiser was in Port Marino and had also received an invitation to the gala.
"He has blue hair, more of a silver-blue hue, and his eyes are blue as well," Jayden described Kaiser's distinctive features to confirm his suspicions.
"How did you know? I might not recall his eye colour, but I distinctly remember his blue hair," Vanessa replied with surprise and excitement.
Jayden was even more taken aback by Vanessa's affirmation. The Kaiser she described seemed far removed from the one he knew.
"Are you certain it's him?" Jayden sought confirmation before jumping to conclusions.
"Sure, his name was Kaiser. He was quite striking with his blue hair tied up in a bun," Vanessa affirmed confidently.
"So you go around assessing people's appearances," Jayden teased, to which Vanessa chuckled lightly. "I don't judge people solely on looks, but I won't ignore someone's attractiveness," Vanessa defended herself. Kaiser was undeniably handsome and charismatic; why wouldn't she acknowledge that?
Mr Jayden Ashford, you seem quite talkative now, unlike your usual cold demeanour that's often associated with CEOs," Vanessa remarked on Jayden's change in demeanour. Jayden chose not to respond to her observation.
" Do you know any Pizza house around the area that might be open by now," Vanessa asked out loud, hoping either Jayden or the driver would reply.
" It is too late already, I am not sure, but I think there is one around a 30-minute drive from here." The driver replied.
" Why are you asking about a pizza house," Jayden questioned, one of his elegant brows raised. He was curious why Vanessa was curious about going to a Pizza house.
" I feel bad for causing a scene at the gala, and as payment I want to fulfil my part of my contract as a rental girlfriend by giving our client an experience worth remembering. Since you are paying me ten thousand. I won't have peace with myself until I have repaid you. So please Mr Jayden Ashford, can you go on a date with me? Just a simple date enjoying pizza and soft drinks." Vanessa pleaded, her eyes were watery, and she was mimicking Cynthia's signature puppy eyes face. Cynthia always used to request something.
She was hoping it would work in Jayden because when Cynthia used to try this method to beg. It was very effective. " And I am also hungry, I was too nervous to have any at the gala, even your family's welcoming reaction was not making things easy for me," Vanessa added nervously.
Jayden was staring straight at Vanessa, he found her request rather odd. " Why should I agree to your request? Your mental state or inner peace has nothing to do with me. You have already fulfilled your part of the deal as far as I am concerned. All that is left is for me to complete the payment." Jayden retorted with his sharp tongue, why would he have to go on a date with a stranger when he was already in a relationship?
" I just ehm I felt it was a good thing to do. I don't feel like I have fulfilled the deal considering how much you are paying me." Vanessa muttered under her breath.
" I can easily solve that, how about I don't pay the second part of the payment." Jayden snapped at her in a sharp tone. Vanessa abruptly raised her head and started waving her hands frantically at Jayden.
" No, please don't. If you don't want to go, it is okay. I got ahead of myself." The cold, annoying CEO was back. She must have been delusional to think he was more approachable.
Jayden rolled his eyes and adjusted his suit before turning his attention away from Vanessa. He rested his head on the seat headrest and closed his eyes.
Vanessa stared at his laid-back position with his eyes closed. ' Some people were just extremely lucky.' she thought to herself. Even when doing nothing, his side profile was divine. With the dim light in the car and light coming in from outside, the vehicle cast shadows on his face highlighting his facial features. The contrast of some parts bright and others in the shadows was magnificent.
His long lashes when closed also cast shadows on his face. Those lashes definitely would make a lot of girls jealous. His lashes fluttered from time to time before he was awake, probably Informed by Vanessa's stare at him. His nose was high and sharp then going down to those plump full lips which certainly would be soft kissed his girlfriend was super lucky. Jayden facial features might be a little feminine, but he still gives out a strong masculine vibe with his chiselled jawline. His hair was all combed back. She then compared how he looked with a mask on to now. There wasn't much difference because the mask only covered half of his face.
His face was certainly drool-worthy. Vanessa observed slight movement from Jayden and immediately threw her face to the other side. It would be wrong to be caught staring at him like that. What the hell was she doing? She was biting her lips, thinking of how to convince Jayden to stop to get pizza. She was hungry and craving pizza. Furthermore, she could feel her stomach grumble. Fortunately, it was just loud enough for only her to hear, it would have been embarrassing if it were very loud.
Jayden opened his eyes when he was sure Vanessa was not staring anymore, revealing his hazel orbs. It was uncomfortable to be under such an intense stare. He was aware of Vanessa's intense stare at him. Was she glaring at him because he refused for them to stop to get pizza? Maybe she was starving.
" You can stop at the Pizza place, but I doubt they are open by now. " Jayden instructed the driver contemplating a while. " But I think we get shawarma rather since that would be easier to get at this time compared to pizza." He stated referring to Vanessa who was surprised that Jayden agreed to take a detour.
" It is fine, shawarma would also be good. Let's have shawarma instead, then." Vanessa chimed excitedly agreeing to Jayden's suggestions.
" Take us to the nearest shawarma joint, then." Jayden gave his final instructions to his driver before closing his eyes and returning to his laid-back position.
" By the way, how were you able to know Kaiser was handsome when he had a mask on," Jayden asked with his eyes still closed. He was drained after having to converse with so many people. All those sly foxes.
" How would I put my, ..." Vanessa's mind was wandering, thinking how to describe her thoughts. "Someone that is good-looking even a mask can't hide it. Just their charisma, demeanour, stature, and other sharp features speak volumes of their looks. The mask doesn't hide much unless Maybe they have a scar or something like that. Do you get it?" She inquired, trying to see if Jayden was following. There wasn't any reply from Jayden, but Vanessa continued regardless explaining her justification about Kaiser.
" Even if he has a scar he is hiding, it won't reduce his charms a bit." Vanessa was very pleased with her explanation. How she was able to judge, that Kaiser was very handsome.
" You know, your description sounds superficial." Jayden deadpanned.
" There is no need for you to complain, you asked for my reasons in the first place." Vanessa hissed. She didn't like Jayden's sudden mood swings. It was difficult to have a conversation with Him.
Since talking to Jayden was not good for her brain cells, she decided to ignore him. She rather admire the night view of Port Marino than talk with someone like Jayden who had extreme mood swings.
" We have arrived," the driver declared while parking in front of an Egyptian fast food which normally operated until very late at night.
" An Egyptian fast food store," Vanessa questioned with furrowed brows.
" I heard they have one of the best shawarmas, I have also had one before, and it was perfect. Also, they are one of the popular late-night food vendors." The driver explained his reason for choosing this food outlet.
"Oh that's great, can't wait to taste it." Vanessa chimed excitedly, reaching out to open the car door.
" What do you think you are doing, don't tell me you are thinking of going into that store dressed like that." Jayden suddenly snapped at Vanessa. Who was about to leave the car?
" What is wrong with my outfit and why are you suddenly nosy." Vanessa snapped back at Jayden. Why did he have an issue with everything I did?
" If you step on foot out of this car to the fast food store, you can kiss your five thousand dollars goodbye." Jayden threatened Vanessa on a serious note.
Vanessa," Why do you keep threatening?" Vanessa snapped at Jayden. It was as if he were displeased by everything she did. She did not force him to book her or take her to a gala, which she was not qualified to attend as a tier 1 girlfriend.
" That's the only way you would reason. Why the hell would you want to go in dressed like that? Do you want to attract unnecessary attention, or do you crave attention so badly?" Jayden retorted at Vanessa, who was acting without reasoning.
Vanessa was tongue-tied, she had to admit Jayden was right she was presently overdressed to casually get shawarma, but she was not going to outrightly agree with Jayden, there was no way she was going to gratify his ego. She sat back in her seat with her puffed cheeks. She hated the fact Jayden was right.
Jayden instructed the driver to get the food and drinks instead. Vanessa requested a Max size shawarma because she was starving, she hadn't eaten a proper dinner that day.
After the driver got the items, Vanessa requested that they go to the park which she had initially wanted to go to with Jayden for the date. She insisted on going there and also made excuses that she was not comfortable eating in the car.
It was almost midnight and the park was deserted. There were not any security measures put in place because the residents of the neighbourhood did not find it necessary because the neighbourhood was considered to be safe.
It was late spring, so the temperature was not freezing, Vanessa was wearing a fur coat which came with her dress since it was still cold because it was night. The park was still beautiful even though it was dark, and the flower buds were not in bloom. It had a predominantly lush green colour because of the large grass lawns which were well-maintained and tall trees. There was also a playground for children to play in.
Vanessa had convinced Jayden to come with her, which to her surprise, he reluctantly agreed because Vanessa said she had somewhere to show him, and he could count it as his Family Fantasy experience. The driver was waiting for them in the car, while Vanessa and Jayden were seated on a bench with was under a streetlight in front of a lake.
The lake was located deep inside the park. It was a beautiful lake but was not frequented by visitors because it was a long walk from the entrance. Vanessa discovered this place because of Sinclair while in her freshman year.
It was a beautiful lake, the water was very clear and you could see the fishes and multiple coloured pebbles at the base along with the water flora. There was a footbridge over the lake, and it was surrounded by flowers growing along the edge of the lake. It was such a shame it was dark, and the flowers were not in bloom.
" So you brought me here to listen to the croaking sounds of toads. It is not an appealing sound to listen to while eating." Jayden complained, referring to the loud croaking sounds he was hearing from the lake. He was gulping a soft drink from the bottle. His Adam's apple gobbled as he swallowed.
Vanessa rolled her eyes at his complaint. Why was it so difficult to have a minute of peace with Jayden? She complained to herself.
" I can also hear crickets since you are so sensitive to sounds. Of course, you would hear toads it is dark and close to a lake. Can you just please enjoy the view in from of you while we eat." She replied to Jayden with a forced smile, then took a bite of her shawarma.
" Sorry if it is not up to your expectations. I just wanted something simple, enjoy some food in front of a lake. While we chat to pass the time even though it is eerie silent." She rumbled. It was a beautiful sight and even a bit romantic.
Jayden did not say a word to reply to her, he just continued drinking his drink while his eyes travelled across the lake, studying the environs. It was not the most beautiful lake he had seen, but it was indeed a peaceful sight.
" You mentioned at the gala you were a student of software engineering at Babcock University. That's not a course girls are ready to opt for. I remember when I was in school, there were only 5 girls at my level."
Jayden tried to strike up a conversation. He was bored with staring at the lake, and Vanessa had no plans of leaving any time soon since she was not done with her max-size shawarma.
Vanessa shallowed the food in her mouth before replying to Jayden. " Yeah, that's my actual course. I didn't even realize I gave out my personal information." She chuckled nervously.
" In general, there are few girls in engineering, even up to now. What made me go for software engineering was because of a movie I loved, which I used to watch a lot with my dad because my mother was not the type who enjoyed sci-fi movies." Vanessa explained
" It was about this futuristic world and the main character was a woman who was an ingenious hacker. Always pulling super cool crazy stunts." Vanessa narrated going through memory lane, the few years she spent with her parents would always be her greatest treasure.
Her parents were good people, why was it always good people that bad things happened to? Her father was the kindest soul she had ever known, while her mother was strict and a little stubborn. She always made sure Vanessa was well-behaved that's why at times she and her father made jokes about her mother's strict and dramatic attitude.
" So my first choice was studying computer science, but later diverted to software engineering."
" Let me guess your mum was into romance movies and dramas," Jayden mentioned with a light laugh. Most women loved drama, even his mother was not left out.
"My mother did love drama not just romance, but her favourite was horror movies or those apocalyptic-themed ones. Her favourite then was IT, the one about a killer clown. I will have to say I had a phobia of clowns while growing up because of my mom." Vanessa's eyes were blank as she was lost in her thoughts. Even though it has been 10 years now, since her parents left her alone in this world, she never failed to remember them every day.
" Horror movies that a rare taste, was your mother a housewife." Jayden saw Vanessa's blank look and was a little curious about who she was. There was a hint of sadness when she spoke about her parents.
" No, she wasn't. My mother was a doctor. I remember then she used to work during the morning shift while my father who is a technology fanatic was a real estate agent. Believe it or not, I was intelligent as a kid, but I don't know about now in college. Then my mother always wanted me to be a doctor, but I never really liked the idea of being a doctor I always hated the smell hospitals have. Smelling like drugs, ugh"
Vanessa pulled out her pink tongue in disgust thinking about hospitals. When she was little, she hated visiting her mother at the local hospital in their town.
Jayden observed how Vanessa referred to her parents in the past tense, maybe why she was sad mentioning them because they were dead. He would rather not talk on a sensitive topic since he and Vanessa are technically strangers.
" You were smart when you were younger, so what happened." Jayden teased.
Vanessa whose ears turned red because she was embarrassed.
" What can I say, engineering would make you feel dumb. Like anything, engineering should come with a warning sign and I don't want to discuss computer science itself, that is another devil." Vanessa huffed, she had always considered herself smart but trying to balance her jobs and studying had impacted her studies greatly. She heard Jayden laugh at her complaints. What does he know about the life of a college student trying to balance school and work? She was sure his college experience was very smooth.
After Jayden had laughed enough, he cleared his throat, but he still had a slight smile on his face. He had to control himself because Venessa saw very was displeased with his behavior because of the daggers in her eyes shooting at him while staring at him with an obvious frown.
" It is not that hard, I hold a Degree in both software engineering and computer science. Well, you can say I am a genius because I was in the gifted program, but that's the truth." Jayden did not relate to my Vanessa experience, but he did remember some of his coursemates making similar complaints.
" Enough about me, I have already given out a lot of private information so to make this even Mr Ashford I request you do the same," Vanessa demanded, she had involuntarily given out a lot of her private information. She felt like facepalming herself.
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