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Jennifer

It’s been half an hour since Walter and I have arrived at the coffee shop of a mall with Christmas like decorations almost all year long.

I agreed to crash his first meeting with Elyna Romanowski because he seemed pretty uncomfortable with the idea of meeting her alone after Mom told him that the girl is like the mini version of her. The thought alone made me uncomfortable. Afterall, she will become part of the family.

The meeting wasn’t the only deal, he needed to buy her an engagement ring and shop for announcement party outfits with her all day long. So he thought why not drag me along to make me pay for all the trouble I caused him while I was having the time of my life at the Vampire Themed Adventure Park.

I had to remind him about the time he left me alone with our parents during holidays in retaliation and we eventually called it even. So yes, he bribed me by promising tickets to the Harry Styles tour next week.

“I was worried sick that I even went to see your obnoxious friend Monica. You couldn't have asked me to take you there?” Walter narrowed his eyes at me even though I have done enough explaining as to why I couldn’t call. He was waiting outside Audrey’s apartment that night & even looked at my stuffed toys in disbelief when I returned that night. Thankfully, Mom reached home just fine & Leonard has kept his mouth shut that he saw me with a guy.

“First of all, Monica is not obnoxious.” I said mimicking him. “And yes, I know you could've taken me there but I wanted to go there with my friend. Plus, I’m making up for it now, am I not?" I said in exasperation.

“And for the record, Harry Styles' tour lasts about one and a half hours while this might take up all day. Will you ever stop mentioning that day? Gosh, Walter, stop it already. I'm an adult and can handle myself.” I said as I picked up my cup of coffee to cool down.

“How can I stop mentioning it when your ‘dear friend’ said that you were on a date with a hot guy. Were you? And what were you doing at Luna? You know my friend texted me that he saw you outside his club. Another date? I thought you had a fiancé.” Walter took a sip of his own coffee and set his hair before focussing his sharp gaze back on me. Oh my! My ex-crush texted him? Focus, Jen.

Kathy didn’t talk to me for three whole days while I kept pestering her with reasons as to why I couldn't take her calls. Monica was the only one who was chill and played mediator so Kathy would talk to me again.

It felt like Kathy and Walter were one of those parents who wouldn't stop reminding their child of the latest mistake they made and not to repeat it at all or they’ll face the wrath. God, if these two somehow end up together in a parallel world then I’m pretty sure their child would be doomed with a hell lot of restrictions and overprotectiveness.

“Date? No. I told you I saw Mom at a club, it was at Luna. So I told Chris to drop Audrey and me there. That's all.” I'm tired of him talking about the same thing like a broken record.

“Who’s Chris? And why would he drop you off in front of a club late at night? What kind of guy does that?” Walter leaned on the table with a deadly expression. It appears as if he’s gonna interrogate me to tell him Chris's full name so he could track him down to make him pay for dropping me in front of a club. I gulped.

“A friend of my friend, Walter.” I tried to keep my voice steady so he wouldn't ask more questions but the look across his face made me give in, “I was out with a guy I have a crush on. And before you ask for more details, let me tell you, he’s a gentleman and I forced him to leave saying my uncle was there.” I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

“Please drop the topic because nothing can ever happen between us except friendship.” He didn't seem alarmed because I always tell him whenever I have a crush on someone but it goes away with time everytime. I don't have the heart to tell him that I'm in love this time.

“Oh Jen, I never believed in love so I’m mostly fine with this whole wedding thing but you do so I feel so bad everytime Dad reminds you that you have a finacé.” He said looking concerned & deep in thought.

“Don't be. What would my fiancé do if I ran off from my own wedding?” I said to lighten the mood.

I’m thankful that he changed the topic & didn't probe more, “Dad had urgent business to attend to, so he left early this morning for a business trip. You need not worry for the time being about learning business and all that.” He smiled. A message notification took his attention away from me so I focused my energy back on the chess we have been playing on Walter's tablet but my own phone beeped.

I checked my phone and an involuntary smile spread across my face as Mr. Reynolds name flashed across the screen with a text message. After that day, we have been continuously texting each other here and there.

Sometimes, I even video called him to check up on his health. However, on the fourth day, I decided not to call him, believing that he might be annoyed at this rate or worse block me for good.

To my surprise, he video called me instead and asked if I was okay as I didn't call. When I told him that I thought I might be bothering him, he said, “Your calls would never bother me. Call me anytime.” I was on cloud nine that day and I danced right after the call was over.

Mr. Reynolds replied to my message.

Me:
I think I might not come to university for a week just like you!

Devil RR:
Why? I am coming back to teach from this week & you are thinking about taking up a week's leave.

Who would perform the CR duties in the meantime?

The last time you took leave for your foot ache, the temporary CR kept bothering me the entire week with mundane issues!

I only said that because dad asked me to take up one week leave but since he's out of the country, I don't need to do so for the time being but I still decided to play along.

Me:
How about I appoint a CR who's as good as me?

Devil RR:
No one will ever be as good as you!

“Why are you smiling like that?” Walter’s voice brought me back to my senses as I was lost in a dream world after reading that rather magical confession.

“Nothing, just a love quote.” I put my phone back on the table face down.

“Don't you think she stood me up? We should leave after you finish your coffee.” Walter observed, tapping his foot impatiently against the polished floor. I can see my reflection on that damn floor. Good thing I'm wearing jeans and not a skirt.

“You’re overreacting. She hasn't stood you up...” He gave me a look of like-really so I added, “Umm... at least not yet. Girls take time to get ready. Wait another hour or two.” I mumbled the last part and diverted my attention back to chess. I’m very competitive when it comes to games.

“But you only took about fifteen minutes to get ready.” He said as he looked around the cafe probably for any signs of Ms. Elyna Romanowski’s magical appearance before looking at the chess board for my move.

“Because you offered me Harry Styles tour tickets.” I air quoted it while he knocked off my rook smiling victoriously. “All you have to do is call her and ask where she is. It's not that hard, is it?” It made his smile disappear.

“Uh about that,” He pulled back in his seat as if to distance himself from the upcoming disaster, “I don't think that's possible.” He looked at me apologetically.

I leaned forward in my seat, “What are you talking about? Don't tell me you don't have her phone number.” His expressions made it clear that he does not have Elyna freaking Romanowski’s phone number.

“I do but it's in the folder Mom and Dad gave me that night. Don’t look at me like that.” I should’ve known that someone has fixed this meeting and he hasn’t even talked to her on either phone or text.

My brother is really careless at times but today I’m in no mood to waste my time since I rejected Monica and Kathy’s proposal to go out for a movie to accompany him.

“WALTER! WHA—” I was interrupted by a whistle. Apparently some weirdo who looks like a high schooler whistled, ‘Hot item right there’ like he has never seen a girl before.

That’s when I saw her, it was Elyna Romanowski looking like pure perfection surrounded by two men in black and accompanied by a petite lady who looked rather terrified standing next to her.

Elyna was surely making a statement with an all black outfit. Black mid-length dress paired with knee high socks and boots. Not a single hair was out of place as if she walked right out of the salon which is possible considering there's a salon next door.

Before I could make sense of all this, Walter got up from his seat and approached her, making me follow him.

“You must be the famous Walter Lawrence.” Elyna commented as soon as they were face to face. For a minute, I felt as if a movie was playing in front of me, they seemed to be in a trance as they both looked at each other. Elyna Romanowski with her somewhat around six inches heels, looks a little taller than me but the same height as Walter.

“And you must be Elyna Romanowski.” Walter gave her a tight lipped smile and offered his hand for a handshake.

She looked at his hand for a second before saying, “I don't go around shaking hands but since it's you, my future husband of all people, I’ll allow it.” And then to my surprise, she pulled out a hand sanitizer from her Hermes bag and then handed her bag to the petite lady next to her who took it as if being handed a little baby.

Elyna looked at Walter pointedly before Walter reluctantly put his hand in front of her. She put some sanitizer on his palm which he rubbed on both hands and they finally shook hands—even though she's wearing gloves—while I just realised that I finished off my brownie in the meantime. Monica was right when she said she's high maintenance and crazy.

“These two are my bodyguards.” She then turned towards the terrified lady, “She is—” She looked her up and down as if she's trying hard to recall her name, “Not important. She works for my family. Since you already bought someone along with you,” She turned and instructed her to leave her alone after obviously taking back her Hermes.

“Hey, I’m Jennifer by the way.” I said giving a polite smile and didn't forward my hand like Walter to avoid getting my hands sanitized.

“So I guess I’m fashionably late...?” She flipped her hair for the effect. To be honest, the girl is covered in luxury products from head to toe and her Hermes look untouched. Did she buy it on the way here?

“Would you like to have something from here?” Walter asked her avoiding questions about her appearance. They have a long way to go.

“Yes, I would like to have a Cappuccino. Thank you.” She said looking at me like I'm one of her employees.

Before I could open my mouth to tell her to get it herself, Walter beat me to it, “Good, now go order it while we wait for you.” She gave the look of since-it's-you-my-future-husband-of-all-people-I'll-allow-it and made her way towards the counter.

“She’s crazy.” I said once she was out of earshot.

“Yes, she’s crazy. God, I can't believe she gave me freaking hand sanitizer. And have you seen the way she talks—like people in traditional dramas. I have never met anyone like her.” Walter said while keeping his eyes trained on her as she didn't wait in line and just barged straight to the counter. Surprisingly, no one said anything.

Is this what people call pretty privilege? The guy behind the counter looks pretty flushed as she tells him her order.

“Can you imagine your life with her?” I questioned as I watched her pulling out a black card and people behind her literally gasped.

“I don’t know. Maybe we can avoid each other...” Walter turned to me with a smile, “And you just saw she doesn't appear that happy either.”

“Sounds horrible, Walter. Maybe she'll grow on you with time. You know enemies to lovers are popular these days.” I said with a smile even though I know it's futile hope.

I looked back at her and she sure has gathered a lot of attention in the short span of time. People are literally taking her photos and videos like she's a celebrity while her bodyguards are busy stopping them.

“You & your crazy novels.” He shook his head with a chuckle, “Maybe we should move to the private table upstairs, away from all the attention.” Walter pointed and called one of the employees and instructed him to send Elyna straight to the private area upstairs.

A/N: What are your thoughts about Elyna? Have you ever encountered someone like her?

Do you think Walter and Elyna would be able to tolerate each other?

Sending virtual hugs to everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day♡

And A Happy New Year Everyone!!❤️