I was still trying to process the fact that Ace's mom was, well, his mom. I mean, who hits their adult son on the head like that and a CEO son, their relationship must be very strong? But despite the initial shock, I was enjoying the warm and loving atmosphere in the restaurant. Ace's mom, was a hoot, and I found myself laughing along with her as she teased Ace about his eating habits.
"Ma'am" I called out mid laugh
"My darling, you can call me Mrs Ariel"
I smiled at her " your name is beautiful ma"
She covered her face in a shy way trying to tease me "not as beautiful as you though"
As we sat down to eat, Mrs Ariel brought out a feast fit for a king. There were dishes I couldn't even identify, but they all looked and smelled delicious. I was impressed, and a little overwhelmed, by the spread.
Mrs Ariel abandoned Ace, telling him to get his own food, and turned her attention to me. "So, Sharon, tell me about my son," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's he like to work with?"
Aec's eyes were laid on me now
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. Ace was my boss, after all, and I didn't want to say anything that might get me in trouble. But Mrs Ariel seemed to sense my hesitation, and she patted my hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, dear, he already called you a friend, he can't do anything to you ," she said with a wink.
I laughed, feeling a little more at ease. "Well, he's... intense," I said, trying to sum up Ace's complex personality. "He's very driven and focused, but sometimes I think he forgets that we're human beings, not just machines."
Mrs Ariel chuckled, "That's my boy," she said, shaking her head. "He's always been like that, even as a child. But I'm glad to see he's found someone who can keep up with him."
As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice how different Ace was around his mom. He was relaxed and smiling, a far cry from the cold and distant CEO I knew at work. It was like he was a different person altogether.
But as the conversation went on, I started to wonder why Aec looked malnourished when it came to love, his mom was the exact opposite of his step mom. I was really curious to know how that lady came into the picture but I dare not. I tried to come out of my curiosity and listen to the conversation Aec and his mother was having now.
Mrs Ariel asked Ace about his father, and suddenly his demeanor changed. He became cold and distant, his eyes flashing with a warning signal.
"Fine, he's out of the country for a while, but he'll be back in two weeks," Ace said, his voice clipped.
His mom's expression softened, and she gave a shallow smile. "Uhh," she said, nodding her head.
The tension in the air was flat, and I felt like I was intruding on a private moment. Mrs Adriel seemed to sense it too, and she quickly stood up, packing the plates.
"Let me quickly go deliver a package, I'll be back, darling," she said, smiling at me.
As she walked away, I glanced at Ace, wondering what was going on. He caught my eye, and for a moment, I saw a flash of vulnerability there. But then his mask slipped back into place.
His mom leaves to deliver the package, and an awkward silence falls over the table. I tried to make small talk with Ace, but he was unresponsive, lost in his own thoughts, I started feeling uncomfortable, wondering why Ace was being so distant again.
As the silence stretches out, I started to fidget, feeling like I was stuck in a weird limbo. I glanced around the restaurant, trying to distract herself, but my eyes kept drifting back to Ace.
Just as I was about to say something, anything, to break the silence, Ace's phone rang, shattering the tension. He answers it, his voice low and serious, and my curiosity is piqued.
As Ace answered the phone, his expression changed, becoming even more serious and intense. He stood up, walking a few steps away from the table, his voice lower and urgent.
I tried to focus on my food, but my curiosity was killing me. Who was on the phone? And what was so important that it required Ace's immediate attention?
"Aah Sharon,why are you so worried" I murmured to myself
I glanced up at Ace, trying to read his expression. He was frowning, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Whatever was being said on the phone, it wasn't good.
Just as I was starting to get really curious, Ace ended the call and turned back to me. His expression was neutral, but I could see the tension in his shoulders and the tightness in his jaw.
"Everything okay?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
Ace nodded, his eyes flicking to the door. "Yeah, fine. Just a work thing."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Work thing? On a Sunday?
I didn't believe him, but I didn't push it. Instead, I asked, "Where's your mom? She said she'd be back soon."
Ace's expression softened slightly, and he glanced at his watch. "She should be back any minute. Let's just wait."
I nodded, taking a sip of my drink. As we waited, I couldn't help but wonder what was really going on. Who was on the phone? And what was Ace hiding?
I was lost in thought, wondering what was going on with Ace, when his mom walked back into the restaurant. She smiled warmly at us then walked over.
"Mom, we have to leave now" he said standing up, I looked at him unbelievably, at least he should have told me we were going to leave once his mom was back
"Ah, I thought you'd still be here for a while when I got back. I was hoping you'd stay longer, maybe even sleep over?"
Ace shifted immediately, his expression firm. "Sorry, Mom, we have to go. I have an urgent issue that needs my attention."
His mom looked surprised, but she didn't argue. She turned to me, "And you, Sharon? Are you in a rush too?"
I shook my head, "No, I'd love to stay a bit longer, actually."
Ace's eyes flashed with irritation, but he didn't say anything. His mom, however, looked pleased. "Well, it's been a pleasure having you here, Sharon. You're welcome anytime. Please, don't be a stranger."
She hugged me warmly, and I hugged her back. As she pulled away, she whispered, "Don't stop being Ace's friend, okay? He might show strong on the outside, but I know he's filled with love."
Ace interrupted, his voice cold. "Mom, we have to go. I love you"
His mom nodded, and Ace hugged her quickly before turning to leave.
"I love you too son" she replied smiling
I said goodbye to his mom, and Ace practically dragged me out of the restaurant.
As we walked away, I could hear his mom's voice calling out, "Bring Sharon next time!"
I shouted "Bye!" over my shoulder, feeling a little bewildered by the whole situation...
Why was Aec in such a hurry...