When the car stopped close to her shop, Amara couldn't deny the relief that washed over her.
She had been so tense and exhausted for the past two days, but she was glad Mrs. Dravin turned out to be an easygoing person and most importantly, that she was pleased with the dress.
Amara had wanted to quickly clear the air when she was mistaken for Xavier's fiancée, but Xavier had been fast enough to do it himself.
Stepping down from the car, Xavier escorted her to the front of her shop, even though she would have preferred him to stay in the car.
When they reached the front, both of them stopped walking, standing in an awkward silence each waiting for the other to speak first.
Just as she was about to wish him a good night, he suddenly spoke.
"Thanks for your hard work, Amara. You did such a great job. I know I didn't make a mistake choosing you, and I think it's safe to say you played a significant role in the signing of the deal."
Taken aback by his sudden gratitude, she hadn't expected him to thank her so sincerely.
"Like I said, it's my job, so please don't flatter me. You're the major reason the deal was closed. The way you conversed with Mr. Dravin was so natural, I was truly impressed."
"You did great, Mr. Xavier."
Hearing her compliment him, a small smile formed on his face.
Clearing his throat, he asked, "Why don't I drop you off at home? It's already quite late.
After all, I've stressed you out, and I know you must be really tired."
Hearing his offer, Amara quickly refused. "There's no need to bother yourself. I would hate to be a burden. You must be quite tired yourself."
"And besides, a friend of mine already agreed to come pick me up."
"You didn't strike me as someone who had friends," Xavier said, genuinely curious. She had always been so distant from people that he had even concluded she didn't have friends.
Realizing what he just said, he quickly corrected himself. "I was just curious. You didn't seem like someone who liked keeping friends," he said as his ears turned slightly red from embarrassment.
Hearing his words, Amara didn't know whether to be amused or offended.
But she offered an explanation anyway.
"The girl you saw me with at the club "Melody", she's a friend from my school days. She just recently came back."
"So… you're not fully wrong about me not having friends," she added with a faint smile.
Xavier breathed in relief, knowing she hadn't taken his words to heart.
"I can wait with you until she comes," he offered, trying to lighten the air between them.
"There's no need, Mr. Xavier. It's already so late, and I'm sure your fiancée is waiting for you. I'd hate for her to get worried."
Hearing that, he quickly snapped back to reality.
"Sure. Me too. I'll be on my way, then. Good night, Miss Amara."
"Good night, Mr. Xavier," Amara replied, watching as he entered his car and drove off.
Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, she unlocked and entered her shop.
Well, that was awkward, she said to herself as she changed back into the clothes she had worn that morning.
After changing, she quickly gathered her things and locked up her shop.
Yes, she had lied.
Melody wasn't coming to pick her up.
She just didn't want him to take her home.
She didn't even have a clear reason, she simply preferred it that way.
Stopping a taxi, she got in and finally relaxed her tense muscles, knowing she was heading home.
Lost in thought, she recounted the day's events.
A small smile settled at the edge of her lips.