Chapter 66: Have a lot to think of.
"Re... really?" Charles inquired as a scoff rolled out of his mouth.
Freda’s words were so absurd that Charles couldn’t help but find them completely unbelievable.
A dry chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head, his brows furrowing in mild disbelief.
"I... I don’t think I can believe that," he muttered, his voice laced with skepticism.
Charles hands instinctively dove deep into his trouser pockets, his fingers curling slightly as he exhaled loudly.
While...
Freda moistened her lips before spreading her arms wide, letting the night air caress her skin.
"Charles, at first, I thought I was just playing some weird scenery in my head," Freda admitted, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "But I started noticing it—CEO Augustine keeps staring at me. It’s subtle, but it’s there. And every time it happens, I get these chills... like, the kind that make my knees feel weak."
A dreamy sigh escaped her lips as she tilted her head slightly, lost in the thought of it.
"H-huh?" Charles scoffed, choking on his saliva because the words of Freda had made him become a bit taken aback.
"You heard me right Charles. I can smell love when it’s round me."
"Ohh," Charles purred, his lips curving into a circle. "Since you believe CEO Augustine has a crush on you, then you need to confront him about your observations," Charles advised with a serious face.
Deep down, Charles doubted that Freda would ever confront Augustine.
’Besides,’ he mused within himself, his brows slightly furrowing, ’I don’t think Augustine has a crush on Freda... He told me himself—he’s always been gay.’
As Charles continued to ponder within himself, he felt unease as he glanced at Freda, who remained blissfully unaware.
"I can’t possibly go and meet CEO Augustine, Charles. We’re talking about the CEO here—remember how he fires employees without a second thought? I don’t want to end up like that," Freda explained, her tone firm, as if she had already weighed the consequences before the thought even crossed her mind. "Right now, my job is far more important than some stupid, perceived crush."
Charles offered a warm smile. "Let’s change the topic," he suggested, slipping his right hand out of his trouser pocket before gently grasping Freda’s wrist.
The sudden touch made her lower her gaze from the sky, her curiosity piqued.
"By the way," Charles continued, his tone shifting to one of mild concern, "why are you out here alone at this hour?"
Charles grip remained light but firm, as if silently urging her to take the question seriously.
Freda let out a slow sigh, her shoulders slumping as she exhaled. "I’m walking alone because I need to clear my head with the cool night breeze," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion.
She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There’s just a lot on my mind, and I need time to think."
Her gaze flickered toward the distant city lights, as if hoping they held the answers she sought.
"What’s bothering you?"
"I can’t say," Freda replied with another sigh.
Charles had no idea what weighed so heavily on Freda’s mind, but he chose not to pry.
Using his index finger, he gently traced circles against her palm, a silent gesture of comfort.
Taking a deep breath, Charles spoke in a warm, steady voice, "Whatever it is that’s bothering you, I just hope you go easy on yourself and that you make sure to care for your health, Freda."
Charles let go of Freda’s hand and quickened his pace, putting some distance between them.
Spreading his arms wide, Charles took in a deep breath, exhaling as the cool night air brushed against his skin. "The night is still fresh," he said, his voice carrying over to Freda. "Take a deep breath, Freda. Enjoy the fact that you’re alive. As long as you’re breathing, you’ll get through whatever storm you’re facing."
Charles words were steady, laced with quiet reassurance.
Freda smiled, spreading her hands wide open as she shut her eyes while turning around, trying to feel the warmth of the cold evening air.
Her hair danced with the wind as she giggled, the weight of what she was pondering upon leaving her shoulder in an instant.
"Hey," Charles called out, coming to an abrupt stop as he steadied himself. "Let’s stop before we end up dizzy."
Freda let out a soft chuckle, her smile warm as she gradually slowed down, following his lead.
Freda swallowed hard, wrapping her arms around her stomach as a gentle breeze brushed past them.
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "I didn’t even ask why you stepped out of the restaurant a few minutes ago," she probed, her voice laced with genuine interest.
"Oh, I was just clocking out from my waiter job," Charles explained casually, shrugging his shoulders.
He felt no need to lie to Freda, considering they were practically friends.
His tone was light, but there was a subtle hint of weariness that came with a long day’s work.
Exhaled.
Following his statement, he began to take more steps away from Freda while she trailed behind him.
"Charles, if I’m being honest, I do appreciate the fact that you’re hard-working," Freda suddenly uttered, her voice softer than before.
She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to stave off the chill in the air.
The compliment felt sincere, and she gave him a small, appreciative smile.
"Thanks for your kind words, Freda."
"Welcome. And you should also know that if you ever need someone to talk to about whatever’s going on in your life, I’m always here for you," Freda said, with a warm voice.
Charles smiled, his heart feeling warm because the word of Freda means more than she could ever imagined. "Thanks one again and I’ll make sure..."
"Pookie... I’ve missed you a lot."
The voice of a young man suddenly called out from behind Charles, as he quickly ran up to him.
The mysterious man wrapped his arms around Charles’s waist, resting his head on Charles’s shoulder, completely unaware of how stunned Freda was by the situation.