Chapter 2 See Carson Again

The following morning, Johanna concealed the love bite adorning her neck before venturing out for her mother's discharge formality.

As she swung the door to the her mother's room open, her eyes fell upon her employer inside, trying to help. A moment of hesitation gripped her, during which she inhaled deeply, steeling herself. With measured steps, she approached him, maintaining a composed demeanor as she spoke. "Mr. Collins, I assure you, your concern is unnecessary."

Her tone was the epitome of courtesy yet carried an undercurrent of formality that bordered on aloofness, rendering the situation somewhat awkward.

Robert Collins' expression shifted to one of discernible disappointment. "Johanna, are you still holding this against me?"

Caught off guard by his question, Johanna could only respond with a shake of her head.

Before the Gordon family encountered financial ruin, they shared a longstanding friendship with the Collins family, spanning generations. As children, Johanna and Robert were even promised to each other by their parents, effectively making them childhood sweethearts.

On the tragic day when her father took his own life, Johanna reached out to Robert repeatedly. Initially, she managed to connect with him, but as time went on, she was met only with a busy signal.

Following her father's funeral, Johanna sought out Robert at the Collins' residence, only to be turned away at the gate by a maid who simply handed her an envelope with $2000 in cash and told her to be on her way.

From that moment, Robert ceased to be a figure of significance in her life.

Yet, by a twist of fate, Robert became her boss.

The company where Johanna was employed underwent significant organizational changes last month, resulting in Robert assuming the role of department head.

Prioritizing her career, Johanna chose to move past their shared history.

Robert, masking his true feelings with a façade of nonchalance, stated, "Prepare yourself then. In two weeks, I need you to accompany me to dinner. We're scheduled to meet with a crucial client."

"Okay," Johanna replied.

Two weeks later...

Johanna slipped into an elegant dress for the occasion, her attire chosen with care to reflect both respect and professionalism.

She then joined Robert in his car, embarking on a journey to the designated hotel.

Upon their arrival and her exit from the vehicle, Johanna was taken aback by a wave of unexpected familiarity.

It was the distinct black Land Rover, a vehicle she recognized all too well.

Carson had a preference for this model, prizing its understated elegance.

In a secluded spot, under the cloak of night with only the moon and stars as their witness, Johanna and Carson had once shared moments of intimate connection, their love blossoming until the first light of dawn.

As the door of the Land Rover swung open, Carson emerged, his presence commanding attention. Clad in black, he exuded an aura of restrained elegance and dignity.

Johanna's heart raced at the sight of him, an involuntary reaction she couldn't suppress.

Despite her pounding heart, she found herself turning away, an attempt to shield her emotions from view.

However, the quiet of the moment was broken by the man beside her, Robert, who unexpectedly greeted Carson with a wave of his hand.

"Carson," he called out, startling Johanna profoundly.

Could the client Robert mentioned have been Carson?

As Carson approached, her suspicion was confirmed.

With each step closer, his feigned unfamiliarity with Johanna became apparent. He playfully asked, "Your girlfriend?"

To which Robert responded, "Don't tease me. Johanna, allow me to introduce Mr. Russell, the CEO of Pinnacle Group. We've been tasked with designing an engagement dress for his fiancee. You're exceptionally skilled for this task."

Fiancee...

The mention of this very word struck Johanna, causing a pang of sorrow.

She turned to Carson, whose towering figure cast a long shadow in the backlight, enveloping her.

It felt as though she was trapped within an unseen prison she could never flee.

His handshake was gentle, his palm familiar and warm.

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Carson Russell." He introduced himself, his voice deep and enchanting, soft yet compelling.

Johanna maintained her composure, responding, "Hello, I'm Johanna Gordon."

Carson offered a deliberate smile, repeating her name, "Johanna? What a lovely name. Miss Gordon, I'm looking forward to a fruitful collaboration between us."

Johanna's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard.

A surge of memories flooded her senses: their first meeting, which unexpectedly led to a night together at a hotel.

It was only after their intimacy that he inquired, "Your name?"

"Johanna. Johanna Gordon," she had whispered.

"Johanna? What a lovely name," he had remarked, the same words now echoing in a haunting repetition.

This echo of the past enveloped her thoughts, casting Johanna into a sea of deep anguish.

Johanna sensed that Carson's actions were deliberate, his favorite pastime being to toy with her emotions.

Determined not to show any signs of distress in his presence, she chose to remain composed, opting for silence over words.

At the dinner, Johanna felt overshadowed, merely a background figure as Carson engaged in lively conversation with Robert.

The topic then shifted to Carson's fiancee, prompting Robert to ask with a knowing smile, "Is it her?"

Those three words sent a ripple of anxiety through Johanna.

It was almost surreal, as if for a fleeting moment, Carson's gaze lingered on her, before he casually turned away, confirming with a simple "Yes."

Robert, ever the jester, remarked on Carson's apparent devotion, "You're really head over heels, aren't you, Romeo? Have you set a date for the engagement?"

"After her birthday," Carson replied, leaving the topic hanging as they continued their meal, which for Johanna, was an ordeal of silent torment.

The dinner concluded late, under a veil of rain.

An urgent call from home beckoned Robert away, leaving Johanna to brace against the chill.

Kindly, Robert draped his coat over her shoulders. "It's late, and the weather's turned. Carson will drive you home. Let me know once you're safely back," he instructed, treating Johanna with familial concern before thanking Carson, who responded with nothing but a darkening gaze.

In that silence, Johanna perceived the brewing storm.

Carson's outward calm belied the tumultuous emotions that were sure to follow.