The Gibraltar of the North – Part l
"Yes, Mr. Arnoult. If all goes according to plan, we should get the results soon." As he sat behind his laptop, conducting his virtual conference early in the morning, Onyx's rich voice boomed in the empty balcony. "Okay, then, I'll see you again when you return. Mr. Reighs, have a nice day." Onyx sighed as he sipped his coffee and shut off his laptop. His gaze is drawn to the lovely garden that surrounds the hotel.
"Boss!" When he turned back to his secretary's voice and saw her rushing up to him and he frowned in confusion.
"What happened Lilian?" He inquired, and she came to a halt in front of him.
"I just got word from the hospital that Sir Keegan is doing great and has asked to return to Walferdange." Her words instantly brought a smile to his face as he stood up and started walking inside. "Call for the driver, I'm going home!" Were his words as he ran to his room, while Lilian beamed and began to call for the driver and complete everything.
Soon after, Onyx strolled out of his hotel suite, carrying his luggage, which the bodyguards waiting for him grabbed as soon as they saw him.
"The car is ready for you, and I've notified your family of your arrival," Lilian informed Onyx, who nodded. "And, sir, should I inform the pilots and crew that they must depart?" Onyx gave her a sidelong glance as she inquired.
"No, call them and ask them to meet us in the lobby. I'd like to speak with them."
Ophelia groaned in frustration as she sat in the lobby with the rest of the crew, waiting for the arrogant businessman to arrive. Who knows what he's going to say now! She sat on the sofa, her chin rested on her palm, as she chewed on her bottom lip. When the elevator door opened, her gaze was drawn to the arrogant billionaire stepping out with his entourage. He was dressed neatly in a grey suit, his hair well-coiffed, and his eyes were as sharp as ever. Only today his arrogant smile and smirk had disappeared from his face. Instead, it was replaced by a strange radiance that she couldn't quite put her finger on. He appeared different, he looked more...handsome. Those sharp features of his gleaming under the moonlight surged through her memory as his haunting browns captivated her thoughts once more.
"Good morning." He greeted, and she was jolted back to reality as she realized she was staring at him. "Even though I might not require your service in the following week, I would like to keep you all here. Please take a week off to rest, explore Luxembourg City, and enjoy the beauty of this small country. Consider this a vacation. All living expenses will be covered. Thank you for your service." He stated, and she could sense the gratitude in his voice. Her eyes, though, narrowed in suspicion. How can his attitude change overnight this drastically! Before walking out, he gave her a quick glance and a fleeting smile. While the rest of the crew said their goodbyes to him and began planning on what they would do throughout the week, she remained to stare at the now-empty exit of the hotel through which he had exited.
As he walked away, she felt a sense of emptiness in her surroundings. There wasn't a single moment during the week when he didn't irritate her. His taunting words and arrogant smirks irked her. She was supposed to be relieved that he was gone, so why was she feeling as if someone had taken something away from her? "Would you like to come along with us, Ophelia?"
"Ophelia?" Dallas shook her shoulder slightly in an attempt to get her attention.
"Huh?" She said, staring at him. "I asked if you wanted to accompany us on the hike," he inquired once more, enthusiastically.
"Um, sure, I guess." Even though her answer was unsure and her mind was foggy, she could go for a hike!
"I'll make sure to bring some for you as well." With one hand on the steering wheel and the other clutching his phone, Onyx replied. He drove down the narrow street, which was surrounded by a lush green forest. "All right, I'll see you later." He muttered into his cell phone and hung up. He sighed and placed his head against his hand, staring ahead. While the greenery calmed his browns that were hidden behind the black shades, his mind was overwhelmed with an incomprehensible void. His eyelids sloppily closed and opened when he noticed someone strolling by the road. When he caught sight of the female, his eyes widened as he realized it was Ophelia! What exactly is she doing here? Were his first thoughts, as he came to a stop immediately beside her. She looked up and her eyes widened when she saw Onyx.
His gaze scanned her from head to toe, her face studded with dirt and mud swirls. Her shirt was ripped in parts, her jeans were slathered in muck and mud, and the backpack on her back shouted loud and clear that her adventurous spirit had taken her somewhere.
"What are you doing here?" "Are you all right?" She sighed as they questioned each other in unison.
"I'm all right." She replied.
"You don't seem to be all right." He said this as he stepped out of the car and walked in front of her. His eyes inspected her from head to toe to see if there was any evident injury. "Where are you going in the first place?" He inquired, standing upright.
"To the hotel." She exhaled a sigh.
"By what? Barefoot?" He scowled.
"Of course not! I'd love to use a comfortable vehicle, that is of course if I can find one." She sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Come." He turned around and walked back to his car. When Ophelia did not follow him to his car, he turned his head. She stood with her arms folded across her chest, her eyes narrowed, staring at him.
"Come on, I'll drop you off at the hotel."