Page 37 of The Runaway Bride and the Billionaire

I sighed and resumed combing through the list of suppliers. There was no point dwelling on mere possibilities.

Chapter 19

Amelia

The chandelier above my head was the last thing I saw before I fell asleep. But once I closed my eyes, the first image that appeared was Matteo. My dreams were filled with memories of our time together.

Memories that reminded me of just how in love we’d been a few years ago. Back then I would have done anything for him. Sadly, that didn’t include standing up to my parents. I woke up with my mind still on the memories that Matteo and I shared.

And as Eddie drove us to work that morning, I thought back to all the times Matteo and I rode the bus together. I remembered sitting with my head on his shoulder and our fingers intertwined. I remembered looking up at him and admiring the way the sun’s rays made him look ethereal.

I turned to look at him then and I saw the sun had recreated its magic for my benefit. Its rays poured onto Matteo’s skin and all I could do was stare. Maybe he could feel my eyes on him or maybe he wanted to look at me.

Whatever the reason, Matteo turned to me. He couldn’t hold my gaze for long because he needed to drive. But in that brief moment, it felt like he was also remembering the simpler times in our lives. Back when the only thing between us was love and not confusing animosity.

A few minutes later, Matteo pulled into the driveway of Phoenix Consulting. I stepped out and looked around, making sure that no one saw me leaving his car. The last thing I wanted was another interrogation from Ivy.

Matteo mentioned that he wanted to speak to Nico. I thanked him for the ride and walked slowly behind him so people wouldn’t think I came in with him. While he took the elevator up to Nico’s office, I opted for the stairs.

My workstation was on the first floor so I didn’t mind taking the stairs. I spent the next few minutes setting up for the day. Once I was done with that, I sat down and got to work. I was working on a spreadsheet when I realized the data I’d received from another department seemed incorrect. I had to verify it before I proceeded so I sent out an email.

After waiting several minutes, I decided to go there myself because it might take a while before the people there checked their mail. The department was on the ground floor. I assumed Matteo had already left so I took the elevator there.

When I got there, I was surprised to see that not only had Matteo not left but he was also talking to Ivy. They stood by the door with her laughing and grabbing his arm like the last time I saw them together. I watched as they said their goodbyes and Matteo walked out of the building.

Ivy waved him off and when she turned around she had a wide smile on her face. It was clear that their conversation had gone the way she wanted it to. She seemed too pleased for it to be anything else. Did Matteo just agree to be her date for the gala? Was that why she was so happy?

I tried to push those thoughts out of my mind as I walked toward the department I needed to go to. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I saw. Even as the people in the department praised me for discovering their error, the only thing on my mind was Matteo.

I imagined him showing up to the gala with Ivy on his arm. I couldn’t imagine going alone to a party that my ex-boyfriend was attending with another woman. If I did, I would feel terrible the whole night.

I wished I could avoid the event altogether but that wasn’t an option for me. The event was compulsory for all employees. I could fake an illness so I wouldn’t have to go but I didn’t want to do that. This was my first year working here and I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to interact with my coworkers in a more relaxed setting.

The only solution I could think of was getting a date of my own. My mind traveled back to Oliver, the man I met yesterday. He seemed nice enough. He would make a perfect date for the gala.

I rushed back to my floor of the building and rummaged through my bag for the card Oliver gave me. I had a specific bag for work that I carried almost every day. It was the same one I carried yesterday. I found Oliver’s card under my purse.

I wasted no time dialing his number. “Hi. This is Amelia.”

“Wow. I actually didn’t expect you to call me,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s great to hear from you.”

“I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch with me this afternoon.”

He was clearly taken aback by my newfound forwardness. Last night I was the furthest thing from interested but today I was the one suggesting we meet up. Oliver sounded skeptical when he spoke again. “That sounds… nice.”

“Great! The same cafe as last night. See you then.”

Once it was time for lunch, I left the office and headed to the cafe. A few of my coworkers were going there so I walked with them. It was nice to feel like a part of the group. When we got there, I saw Oliver was already waiting.

As I headed over to him, I could hear my coworkers making teasing comments. Their voices were loud enough for Oliver to hear. “Sorry about them,” I said as I sat down.

“No need to apologize.” He signaled the waiter and shortly after they walked over with a donut. “I didn’t know what you’d like so I just ordered what I saw you eating yesterday. Strawberry glaze.”

I smiled at him. “Thank you.” I placed my coffee order and the waiter left.

“So care to tell me why you asked to see me?” he asked. “Not that I’m not glad about the invitation.”

“I want you to be my date for my company’s upcoming gala.” I’d decided to just be upfront with what I wanted from him. But I chose not to tell him about Matteo. Deep down I knew I only wanted Oliver as my date because I hoped it would make Matteo jealous. I felt awful about it but it was too late to back out now.

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