"No, no need of Hollywood. Some cheap wannabe actor will also do. Just effing get me one," Ryda barked into the phone. Her heels clip-clopped on the floor, the sound echoing from all the glass lining the corridor.

Ryda preferred her staff to have their own rooms, their own individual space. But at the same time, she opted for clear glass walls to give a transparent and open vibe. The sunlight could come in all day, so the office gave a light and airy vibe, like weddings, just like her entire business. While most offices preferred darker palettes, her theme was white. Cream, ivory, champagne, gold and silver, were the colours she worked with.

Some of the staff waved at her, while others just nodded. She continued scrolling through her phone, adjusting her Bluetooth earphones occasionally, acknowledging everyone as she passed by.

It was nearing evening, so there was a flurry of usual activities, people trying to wrap up their stuff before they leave. Shorter by a few inches, with smaller legs, Claire had to run to catch up with her long strides.

"No, no need of an appointment, just bring him in." Ryda handed over a stack of papers to Claire, gesturing something to her. Clair turned back and headed the other way while Ryda pushed the steel handle of the frosted glass door etched with a big ornate R enclosed in a circle, the logo of Ryda Enterprises. The fellow who was sitting in the seat opposite to the door got up at the sound of her footsteps.

"Hi." Ryda flew into the room, flinging herself on a straight-backed chair, still scrolling through her phone. She hadn't even looked up at her companion. The guy cleared his throat rather loudly. Ryda pushed the power button shut.

"Yes, I don't have much time, so please..." Ryda's words were lost in her mouth as she took in the face of the man sitting in front of her. He had a curious smile on his face.

"You!" Ryda threw up her hands in the air. "You...I mean how..."

"The world is a small place, Miss Ryda. I'm Adrian, by the way. Adrian Sylverstein," He gave a slight smile.

"Look, just because I met you at the bar doesn't mean you're a special case, so please, be fast." Adrian's philosophies had quickly switched Ryda to business mode again. His woodland green eyes stared blankly at her for a while before he gained his composure and handed her the documents.

For a few minutes, only the sound of papers rustling was heard.

"So why should my company be interested in buying yours? You're losing money. This will be a foolish investment." Ryda put the papers on the table and crossed her legs, leaning forward. Her phone rang just then.

"Excuse me," she mouthed.

"I'm calling from Ivory Greetings and we are so sorry to inform you that the consignment will be delayed by a few days Miss Ryda," the man at the other end said.

"A few days?" Ryda flared up. "The wedding is in fucking two weeks from today and you say you need a few days?" Adrian was staring straight at her now, the expression on his face unreadable.

"The paper quality we use is exported from Italy and there is some trouble in cargo shipments," the man at the other end said.

"Then use some good quality local paper," Ryda suggested, taking in deep breaths. She couldn't afford to lose it yet.

"Our printers only work on those papers so..."

"Cancel the orders. We'll find another company. I'm done with you all," Ryda hissed, cutting the call abruptly.

"Bad day?" Adrian asked sympathetically.

"None of your business, Mister," Ryda snapped.

"I'm sorry, I really shouldn't have..."

"No, I am sorry," Ryda took a deep breath and exhaled through pursed lips. "I shouldn't have displaced my anger on you. Please continue about why I should be interested in this deal." Adrian's green eyes studied her for a second before he answered.

"Look, I know your company is the biggest wedding planner business in the entire continent, if not the world. You buy businesses that are related to this entire thing surrounding weddings," Adrian said slowly. "You bought Flower Shower and then you bought Sugar n' Cakes. Your company is also partnering with the largest wedding boutique in town, what's it called again?"

"Tulles and Silk," Ryda supplied.

"Yes that, so you have everything almost, but not a wedding card company..."

"So why yours? Why," Ryda took a quick glance at the papers, "Card Shakes, why should I buy Card Shakes?"

"You deal with Ivory Greetings and I learn they keep their own share of profits before delivering your products. Also, they've messed up the last few orders, including the most recent one, so..." Adrian raised an eyebrow, letting the rest of the words hang in the air.

"You've clearly done your homework and you are observant. I do like it Mister Sylverstein," Ryda nodded enthusiastically.

"If you accept our offer, we will ensure those orders get delivered on time," Adrian breathed.

Ryda laughed. "You know nothing about this order. How can you be so confident?"

"I...mm," Adrian was clearly at a loss for words.

Riley, the office secretary, walked in just then, wheeling a tray with two cups of coffee and two pastries on expensive china plates.

"Coffee and cakes?" Ryda offered.

"Is that chocolate?" Adrian couldn't believe his eyes. In ten years of having his own business, no one had ever served pastries in such meetings.

"The best kind of mood elevator," Ryda gestured to Riley who exited promptly. "Unlike you who uses alcohol to drown out your problems."

"My business is in a terrible place. I'm going to go bankrupt. I have no friends, my family gave up on me when I started this startup. I am really in a pathetic mental condition right now, nothing that you'd understand." Adrian frowned.

"So, you use alcohol to numb the pain." Ryda stabbed the cake with her fork. "You're right. I wouldn't understand." The screams were ringing in her ear again. I nose could almost sense the nauseating smell of cheap alcohol mixed with burning flesh again.

"I wouldn't understand," she smiled again, shoving the cake into her mouth and closed her eyes, letting the heavenly taste flood on her tongue.

🔥🔥🔥

Author's Note : What do you think Ryda is experiencing, rather re-experiencing?