A Slice of Cheesecake Chapter 1 (part 1)

Chapter 1- Flame Lit

“I think this design is good,” I showed Lisa the image from my tablet. “Too girly for a CEO party, what’s with those flowers? I prefer the black one with gold letters-it screams RICH!”

“Okay, I admit black one is better,” I sighed. “Guess I will email him the draft”

“Your dreamy prince, eh?”

“L-Lisa, cut it out”

“What? You’ve been talking about him days long to the point I almost called my dad ETHAN.”

“You’re horrible”, I laughed out loud

“But better not be too involved, eh? Dudes like them… Rich men are mostly bad”

“I know, MOM”

“Jerk!”, we both laughed again

I emailed him the invitation draft and design blueprint before heading out to the restaurant in charge of his event’s menu. What kind of restaurant, you ask? Nah, nothing fancy. Just huge enough to be mistaken as a hotel.  How rich is his family?, I shrugged. A woman in suit, probably the manager, handed me their thick menu book. 

“My name is Ross Bricks, I heard you’re arranging Mr Ethan’s party”

“Yes, what do you recommend here?”

“I’d personally recommend our foei gras and truffle salad for Western food. We also have lots of exotic menus like Japanese Sashimi Ishikari Nabe or Korean’s…”

“Nothing too fancy, Mr Ethan’s orders”

“Fine then. Just read the menu and decide”

I flipped through the pages, ignoring the prices that looked like the sum I used up to buy pricey skincare products. As instructed, I listed down various kinds of pasta, cakes, sandwiches desserts, roasted meat and some salad. Not long after I texted Ethan the menu list , he replied:

Go ahead, good enough. Please also prepare vintage wine and some grape juice

“I’d like to place order according to this list,” I handed to Ms Bricks. She just nodded in confirmation and reconfirmed number of guests, location and time. Another text, Come to Royale Tailors. Here’s a pic of the map. Ethan? Telling me to come without even explaining. Oh well, clients…

I headed to Royale Tailors, about half an hour from the restaurant. When I reached the restaurant however, I was greeted by a small but very vintage-looking wooden store. The sign said ”Royale Tailors”. Timidly, I opened the door. Ethan was there, wearing a golden suit covering his white shirt. 

He was wearing black trousers. I had to admit, he looked fabulous.

“You’re here,” he smiled

“Good day, Sir. How may I help you?”

“Drop the formalities, Pamela. Come help me choose clothes. I can’t decide”

Ethan was holding two suits : Maroon and brown. In addition with the gold one he was wearing, he couldn’t seem to decide which looks better. I thought for a second, the majority of his party’s decoration was white. Maroon would look too dark for a white party, gold is nice but a bit flashy, brown…Hmmm…

“Black is better”

“That’s so boring”

“….”

Ethan chuckled, ”But I admit suits look best in black. Okay then”

He finished his purchases and put the bags inside his car (Yes, BAGS-he ended up buying all of them). “So now where are you going, Pam?” “Back office, I reckon. Have you checked my email?” I asked. He stared at me like he just remembered something and smiled, ”Oh yes, I have just a little things to add. Let’s go and have some coffee while we discuss”

“SIR, I need to go back to the office”

“I insist”

Okay, I lost-“…An hour” “Fine, an hour it is”

I sent the office driver to go back office ahead and joined Ethan in his car. His car had that…funny but yummy scent. A sweet…scent. “You like my new car perfume?” “What scent is this?” “Cheesecake”.

Eh?

“I’m serious,” he made pouty face. “People do say I am a bit strange. My home chef dried some cheesecake and made them aromatherapy”

I burst out laughing, “There is a limit to how much you love cake!”

“Not for cheesecakes”

We reached the coffee shop and got out of his car. I spotted some men wearing black suits and sunglasses standing around the coffee shop, plus some customers who were frightened. “I wonder if any government people is here, with all these bodyguards”. Ethan smiled, “Maybe, this coffee shop sells premium quality coffee after all. What’s your preference in coffee?”

“I prefer tea, matcha latte with lots of cream”

Ethan blinked and stared at me in surprise, “You are…Quite honest. You’re not planning to be sophisticated and order Earl Grey blend instead?”

“No. Matcha  with cream”

Ethan burst out laughing as he opened the door and signaled me to step inside first. I was greeted by strong coffee smell which somehow made me relax. Ethan walked to the counter and ordered while I sat and waited for him. He not long after joined me and smiled,

“So… Regarding the invitation, I just want you to add golden ribbon as decoration”

“That’s all?”

“Yup”

“You could have texted me”

“But I want to drink some coffee with the company of a lady. Is that wrong?”

The waiter bought a cup of black coffee and a cup of creamy matcha latte, plus two slices of cheesecake. He placed our orders on the coffee table and smiled before going back to his post. Ethan sipped his coffee and sighed in relief,

“Why are you in such a rush to go back office? I thought job was boring”

“It is, but must still be done to earn…Cash. I guess young masters like you wouldn’t understand” Crap, I’m being so rude.”I-I don’t mean it that way…” Ethan just stared at me while sipping his coffee, “You are right. Sorry, I don’t understand you as you don’t understand me”

“Eh?”

"It is easy to say how others live lives better, how others are happier and won't understand their hardships...

Exactly, like how the speaker doesn't understand that person's hardships too and speak above lightly. Maybe that person actually thinks about how happy the speaker is. I for one, admire people like you who are dedicated to job.

Everyone cannot run away from life problems. What seems trivial to you may be big for that person. Telling someone not to act sissy and depressed when they're factually depressed is evil. People never really understand each other

There is a story behind all stories. It is over when people judge only by seeing or hearing one-sided what others say without confirming. But who am I to speak? Just another human. Do you agree with me, Pamela?"

My face flushed, he was right. “You are right. I’m…Sorry”. He didn’t say a word and smiled, yet somehow his eyes stared at the distance. His mind had wandered somewhere. There was a long, comfortable silence. “But, as you could speak of such words, I am sure you too have pent-up frustration inside you. As I see now you are perfect but your heart may speak differently. That is why we need to know each other more”

What?

This is why I kind of hate this guy sometimes, he… stares at you as if he is looking straight to your soul. I feel bared and it makes me uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure where to look and kept staring at my cup. Timidly, I looked up and he was still staring and smiling.

“S-stop that,okay?”
“You seem to say whatever comes to your mind, and I appreciate that. Oh well, I think I have wasted your time quite enough. I will drive you ba—“

A man in suit rushed to Ethan and whispered something. Then I saw his eyes changed, not the kind gaze he showed me before. They were fierce, determine and subconsciously I shuddered. “…I understand. Dispatch the men around the area, I will be there after driving her back”
He stood up, his expression cold

“Let’s go, Pamela. Sorry, I am in a bit of hurry”
“O…Okay”

I wasn’t sure what was happening. Some bodyguards ran around, barking orders with transceivers as Ethan calmly walked out of the store and drove me back. I tried asking what was going on but he simply gave me vague answers as if cuing not to ask further.

Ethan is a very warm and friendly man,
But that day I could see he is also a very cold man

And I wasn’t sure anymore about who I was with. Nor was I understanding what was happening at that time. The car radio kept playing jazz song and the cheesecake smell lingered…

A Slice of Cheesecake (prologue)

Chapter 00-Starter Fire

“I hate my job”

“You say that every day and yet you never quit,” commented Lisa who was sitting beside me forming some report drafts. “You know I can’t quit, my finance is tight and this job pays well,” I grumbled while sipping my Starbucks Latte. She chuckled and adjusted her glasses, “See the bright point, you get to know a lot of people here although I admit some customers are extraordinary. My clients requested their wedding to have sunflowers” “NOW? IN WINTER?” “Yeah, told you they are NUTS”

I laughed seeing Lisa sighing deeply. We worked in a company of Event Organizing-concerts, big events, inaugurations, parties to weddings. You think this kind of job must be fun, eh? Wait until you meet that one client who requested the food to be Tibetan food (Excuse me, sir but I can’t even distinguish Arabian and Egyptian food. Plus I can’t find any Tibetan restaurants anywhere!) and requested a symphony to play hip hop songs (don’t even get me started).

“What’s on your list today,  hon?”  Lisa asked

“Let’s see…  A simple garden party for this rich family who owns P-Triumph Group”

“…The famous dog food brand?”

“NO, Lisa. Not just Triumph, P-TRIUMPH. The P stands for Palm, they are a huge company that exports Palm-related products. They also own hotels, malls, theme parks and… Many more. At least that is what boss told me,” I tried remembering what our boss told me. “I bet the party feels like different world : with background music ‘stock markets’, ‘current capital ratio’ and ‘good investments’…” “YIKES, stop it Lisa. I hate economics”

“Said the economics major college student,” Lisa snorted, “You hate your job and suck at your college major. You are the most unspecialized boss relative in the world. Most people who are related to bosses are very relaxed and happy, plus the special treatments. You, however… Are way busier than others and no freedom to do whatever you want”. I couldn’t respond in any other way but sighing.

Lisa once taught me how to write short description of myself : The direct niece of the boss in this company who is made to do more jobs than anyone, is often scolded, is hated by lots of employees, has to shoulder heavy responsibilities, is forced to study a major she sucks in because the college is near and paid by the uncle. Sad but true. “Oh and add : My only friend is Lisa,” she said back then.

 No use in complaining, I guess.  I arranged the papers on my desk and stuffed them into my drawer. 

“I will go now then, gotta survey location. See you, Lisa”

“Please give my number to any handsome babes there , Pam”

“Oh, shut up you gold-digger,” we both laughed and parted ways

As usual, I used the company car. This time to visit the oh-so-far residence of this rich family… What’s their last name again? Oh yes, it is Artellia. God, what a fairytale-ish name! The trip took approximately an hour until I reached a residential area with… Tons of security guards and metal detectors, anti-bullet vests… Wait, where am I? One of the security knocked my window, “Ma’am, any identification card? Please state your business”- Oh Great. 

“ Pamela Smith, EO of Artellia Group Garden Party two weeks from now. Here’s my name card and ID card. “

“I see. Ma’am, please show us what is inside handbag”

HEY, WHAT IS THIS-AIRPORT? THERE, go check on my cheap phone, purse, make up tools and sanitary pads! The security guy was quiet a moment before he finally said, ”Your car and driver stays here. You may get out of the car. I will escort you”

“…Sir, I saw the map. The house is far from this gate”

“I know but no choice, you don’t carry special pass for this residence area. Usually when people make appointments here, they are given those passes”

“Sir, I am just a staff from the company. I have never even met the one booking our service”

“Rules, ma’am. Follow me and walk or leave it”

I was about to lose it when a white expensive-looking car stopped beside our company’s.  Whoever the one driving was, he lowered the car window and said nothing. The man reminded me of Kpop star (if you know what I mean)- wearing black leather jacket and sunglasses, clean-cut hair (surprisingly short, Kpop-ers tend to have long hair). He took the sunglasses off and stared at me then shifted his gaze to the dumbfounded security team. 

“…Open the gate,” he said calmly. The security guys all immediately stood so straight while some rushed to open gate. The meanass who interrogated me immediately smiled (SO FAKE!) and said, “Why, Mr Ethan! Just back from Los Angeles? How was your trip? Are you ready for the garden party?”

 “…I went to California. Anyway, who is this lady you’re troubling?”

“AH, no sir. She doesn’t have the special pass, you see… She claimed to be EO for your house event”

SO THIS IS THE YOUNG MASTER, I shrugged

“What a dick to let her walk so far,” said the young master which was a surprise to me, “She’s my guest. Hop on, Pamela” Wait, how did he know my… Ah, nevermind. I signaled Tim to wait outside the gate and he nodded with sad face. Hesitantly, I got into his car and he drove past the gate.

The first few seconds was an awkward silence… Until he finally spoke,

“Ethan Artellia, nice to meet you”

“Pamela Smith, likewise…”

“Wow, so your name is really Pamela? I just guessed”

SERIOUSLY? Usually guesses are names like Mary or Nina…

“Yes, you got it right. Here’s my name card-I will be in charge of arranging your family’s garden party”

He took the name card from my hand and was silent for awhile before giving me his,

“Palm Triumph Pt Ltd

Palm Exports

ETHAN ARTELLIA – BRANCH HEAD” ,Oh shit

I must have looked like nervous kitten because he then said, “Chill-that is just a job position. Call me Ethan or Eth or whatever. I was newly appointed anyway, and thus the party. Kind of sad if you think about it, I am arranging my own party. That’s why I asked for your company’s service”

“So you are the main character from this event, huh? “

He just chuckled in response while nodding, “So what’s your story, beautiful? I remember arranging Mr Smith. His special someone?”

“..God, NO. I’m the niece”

“Family, huh? No problem then. I was worried regular employees will give away our address or paid to be a spy”

“Spy?” I laughed, “Company secrets, huh? Must be hard to be rich”

He just chuckled, his smile giving a mysterious vibe. We reached a big house… Sorry, let me rephrase : A huge brown manor with huge garden you can play football at. Some servants greeted Ethan and opened the gate as he drove in swiftly. I am not going to lie to you, I gaped at the scene before me. The garden was full of colors with different flowers, a fountain, a big doghouse and three dogs running around. The trees were trimmed to shape like animals or statues and there were lots of servants pacing back and forth. There was a vast area with big white gazebo-I concluded that will be the party venue.

“Welcome to our house, this is nothing compared to my Uncle’s house,” Ethan muttered. “Your uncle’s house must be White House,” I responded breathlessly. He just burst out laughing. He stopped the car and two servants opened our doors. I got out of the car and immediately headed to the party venue, Ethan following behind me.

“So, big enough? There will be around fifty guests”

“Perfect, so what concept do you want to apply ?”

“Neat, beautiful and simple . Semi-formal with some flowers and Western design. I’d prefer white for overall design”

“Any special food preference?”

“High tea time cakes, pies, pasta… Tea , coffee, wine…The usual stuff, I will give you the card for our restaurant”

OUR restaurant, I shrugged again

Ethan smiled, ”And fifty invitations-please print them out nicely. Remember, semi formal. For the party rundown just around three or four speeches then nice live music. Some firecrackers are acceptable too”

I noted down all of his requirements and nodded, ”Got it. With tables or just arranged chairs?”

“Chairs, just light meal anyway. Not a wedding party”

I laughed to that response and noted down again, “Let me reconfirm- two weeks from now so… 10^th of December at 2 in the afternoon”

“Yes”

“OK. Thank you for your time, Mr Ethan. I will forward you list of menu, decoration design and invitation draft by this week. May I have your email?”

 

“Give me your cell number, I will text you the email”, he handed me his phone. I dialed my own number and gave it back to him. My phone rang loud and clear then he pushed the hang up button. “Alright, thanks”. “What about inside the house?” “No party inside, guests may come in to sightsee though. We have gallery of my mother’s art collections and some antiques” “Okay, okay I get it, Mr Rich” “My last name is Artellia”. We both laughed

“I will be leaving now then”

He nodded, “You know what… You’re pretty courageous to talk to me”

“You’re not the typical annoying rich young master so it is okay.”

“I’d rather you are not seen with me too much”

Huh, afraid of scandal? Rich dudes “Alright then”

“See you around, Pamela”

“See you, Mr Ethan”

“…”

“…You plan to walk?”,he grinned mischievously. Oh damn, I forgot I rode in his car

“…I’m sorry, may I ask for your help again?”

“Hop in, I will give you that special pass so that next time you don’t end up in such misery”

And that was the first time I met Ethan. That was the starting point of my whole life story flipping 180 degrees. Never have I thought that I would get myself into something bigger than anything I could have imagined... 

A/N :HEYA sooo I decided to start a new series which is lighter (Threads of Jades is a bit heavy). But I will still continue ToJ so dont worry and enjoy this new one. If you like it, please help me commenting or sharing the links. Much appreciated! Love y'all XOXO