"I did not expect you to come here personally, sir. Was there anything wrong with the five proposals sent to you?"

"None at all. I've already selected the one I prefer." Pulling out a folded document, the well-dressed gentleman pushed it across the table towards Ari, who was rather impatient, seeming that it was way past her office hours and she had a flight to catch in a few hours.

'I should have been home packing by now. Why did he ask for me at such an odd time?'

"I know your work when I see it." The man smirked. "I'm picky with certain words and paraphrasing, so I could tell you walked over the entire project."

Ari looked through the document, and indeed, it was the one she had worked on on behalf of Mun. Still, he wanted Mun's team to take credit for the work. "I merely guided them through since you are a repeat client, sir. Was it not to your liking?"

"As I said, I am satisfied with the project, but I will work with another company on this one."

Ari's face flushed in an instant, dumbfounded by the sudden news. Her heart began racing in panic, and to calm herself down, she fidgeted on her seat before leaning back on her chair to a comfortable position. "Have you been poached by another company, sir?"

"Do not fret. I have a key assignment for you. There will be a salient annual general meeting in two weeks, and I'm expecting important delegates to come in. I came by here today to assign you sole responsibility for my speech."

"Speech?"

"Yes. I will be expecting an award on that very day in the presence of many dignitaries. This event is under the patronage of several heads of state; therefore, a little of politics will occasionally be involved. Due to the nature of the sensitivity of this annual event, I need to surround myself with the best team possible. One of my key roles would be to give and receive the honorary award in my field, and as such, I will require your company's services. I want a speech that seeks to market my companies and promote tourism, unity and peace with the other heads of state and their franchising. This is a marketing opportunity for your company, for you'll be equally carrying out intentional networking on a B2B and B2C basis. If things go personal to C2B, that's where you come in. You will select only one of your team members to attend the event with you that's fitting for all the business models. Each of you shall receive an invite-only bar code to be scanned for access and exit, among other benefits like accommodation, dining and so forth. 

Secondly, you can name any price for this project, which shall be paid in full even before you begin the project. I don't trust many people to execute their work as I want them to, but you are an exception; therefore, I hope you can accept to lift this burden off my shoulders."

"You want me to write you a speech?"

"Exactly."

"What of your many secretaries?"

"I don't think they comprehend the seriousness of that day and what will be at stake. I don't want to waste my time in distress over the matter, so I came to the very best."

Ari studied the gentleman before her and felt like she was looking at herself in the mirror. This man was equally meticulous as she was. She understood his goal, and as much as Ari knew she could execute the speech as the client wanted, this particular assignment belittled her skills despite promising future businesses, which didn't sit very well with her.

"I'm going to have to turn down your request, but I can give it to someone who will execute it just as much as I would."

"You mean your boyfriend Mun?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I've been observing you closely, Ms. Ari. I don't work with anyone, so you don't have to pretend. I'm aware of your closeness to him."

"E-excuse me?"

"I'm equally interested in you." The gentleman smiled and then added. "Honestly, for a while, I thought of pursuing you, but upon finding out you were involved with someone else, I stepped back and decided to keep our business strictly professional."

Ari's face remained expressionless despite the uncertain shock slowly creeping inside her. Still, she remained alert and decided to choose her words carefully. "Sir, as I informed you, I shall assign someone equally capable to handle your requested speech..."

"Why are you turning me down?"

"As I'm speaking to you now, my mind is wavering over my travel itineraries. I'll be taking a break for my annual leave."

"How long will you be away?"

"I'll be back in a fortnight, practically when you require the speech."

The man scoffed. "Ms. Ari, I do not think you understand my request. I am willing to pull out my other and future projects for this speech."

"Are you blackmailing me, sir?" Ari decided to call it as it is. She wanted to end this meeting as fast as possible, not just to make it for her trip but because this man was making her anxious.

"It is blackmail, as you say it. If you weren't taken, I would have accepted your offer, considering I've wanted you for a while, but it seems that this is the only thing I can resort to get what I want. So be it."

Ari couldn't believe the things she'd just heard. She'd worked with this client for years, but not once did he hint out anything nor act in any way that gave him out. Come to think of it, she'd been equally discreet for anyone to notice her cohabitating with Mun, let alone their relationship. 

"Call me Ned." The man formed a mischievous smile. "We've worked together long enough to drop the honorifics. I'll allow that with you, at least."

"Sir..."

"I'm trying to make you as comfortable as possible." The man interrupted. "Or is it that you want me to beg? If I must do that, I will."

"Fine..." Ari surrendered. "I shall write your speech. In return, I ask that you don't mix work with pleasure and that you respect and accept anyone I choose."

"Your boyfriend Mun?"

"My colleague, Mr. Mun is not who you think he is. Kindly leave him out of this discussion, please."

"So I was mistaken." The man smirked once more. "Shall I assume you are for the taking then?"

"Excuse me, sir?"

"I believe I told you to refer to me as Ned. Is that so difficult, Ari?"

Ari stared at the man without saying a word. She was more disappointed with herself for cancelling another one of her holidays for work's sake. She hated procrastinating on work the most. In truth, she knew if she'd gone on holiday, she'd worry herself to death over whoever would have taken over this client's work. Even so, she wished to un-hear what she'd heard moments ago.

"You are a client of this company. I'd like for us to maintain that level of respect while working together."

"I guessed you'd say something like that. That's why I chose you and tested you with my confession. Even so, I regret not. I still want you." The man concluded shamelessly and then stood up. 

"I was willing to wreak havoc so that I could get your attention if you two were intimate with each other since your colleague didn't confirm anything. Just like you, he, too, insisted on secrecy and professionalism. Nonetheless, I wanted to confirm to myself if you had feelings for him before I made a move, and now that I see you don't, I can be more courageous. Therefore, please do not refuse me. That will only make the chase more interesting."