Arya’s hands were cold. She was nervous since last night. She left a long sigh before raising her hand to buzz the doorbell.
It was still early at quarter to seven. She gasped when she heard the door click and was opened.
Ryu looked at her with his poker face and said, "Come in."
Arya followed and stared at his handsome silhouette. ’Is he mad at me? Is this payback time?’ The questions were still haunting her though she knew the answers for that already.
"Please sit down," Ryu said coldly. Arya bit her lip as she followed and sat on the couch. She was not used to it, such aloofness and coldness from Ryu.
Looking down she tried to strike a conversation, "I am really sorry about what happened. It is not my..." She paused thinking what kind of words can justify her actions for the staged heartbreak of Ryu.
Ryu smirked and said, "Sorry about what? Let bygones be bygones or are you referring to your barging in here last night and peeking at my nude body?"
Arya’s face blushed but she remained speechless.
"So Miss Tan, let’s begin. What is your proposal?" Ryu said as he looked at her with those impassive eyes.
"I heard you are planning for reorganization of the structure and function of resort including the employees. Will it be possible to keep the existing staff because most of them rely at this beach resort for a living and to support their families?" Arya explained in a low tone.
"And why would I do that?" Ryu gazed intently at her and asked mockingly.
Arya was losing her patience already and said, "Can you stop incurring your wrath on others? I know you are mad and angry at me and you want to get even with me by taking over my business. Just pour your entire wrath on me because it’s me who wronged you. But, please spare the innocent people involved."
"Alright then, let’s do it your way." Ryu snapped. He dialled Chen and said, "Bring in the documents Miss Tan needs to sign."
Arya frowned. ’Why is he acting so formal? Why can’t he call me Arya like before? Does he hate me that much?’ She felt miserable.
Chen entered with the documents and handed them to Ryu.
"Here, sign all that. Chen, you assist her on where to sign." Ryu instructed.
Arya creased her forehead, "No need. I can do it myself. I shall return these to you in noon once I have read and signed them."
Ryu laughed contemptuously.
"Do you think you have a choice? I can’t give you any time. Sign now or forget about any negotiations."
"Just like before, you choose what you think is best and face the consequences of those actions afterwards." He added meaningfully.
Arya’s frown deepened and she replied, "That’s easy to say for someone who can get anything he wants."
Ryu’s eyebrow arched and a wave of despondency flashed in his heart, ’Really? Then why I’m having such a hard time to get you?’
"Alright, let me brief you about these documents. In simple terms, that’s a slavery contract. If you want to save others, be my slave. Don’t panic, you will also get a copy of the contract after you sign it." Ryu said nonchalantly.
Chen rolled his eyes and pursed his lips upon hearing the conversation. The documents were said to be a slave contract but they are more like a binding contract where the ending of all conditions were just to lock and bind Miss Arya to his Boss’s side.
Silence fell among them and Arya just bit her lip. Then she looked softly at Ryu and said, "I trust you and I will sign wherever you will ask me to."
Ryu’s gaze softened as soon as Arya’s attention shifted to Chen who gave her the documents and pointed where she needed to sign.
After signing, Arya stood up and said, "Let me take my leave now."
She must go home and tell everything to her parents immediately before they hear anything from other sources.
Ryu stared at the retreating figure of Arya with baffled eyes.
Yes he was mad and badly hurt in those six months, he was devastated emotionally. But last night, when he saw Arya, he lost his rationality and was overpowered by the desire to touch, embrace and kiss her.
A smug painted his face. He knew he should not go easy on her but his heart was challenging his mind.