PERFECT AND CASUAL

Chapter 1

"How do l look? "The client asks Mason, smiling and he stares at her, cynically.

"You are not pretty. Your makeup cloaks your pimples and acne but if I look closely, it's quite visible. Your suit's color doesn't suit your skin, it makes you look somehow. Your lip gloss .. "Mason says, honestly and she sprang up, interrupting his statement.

"Are you mad or something? Don't you know how to state nice comments about someone? "She retorts, angrily and Mason sighs.

"I was only telling you the truth .. "

In a fit of rage, she grabs a glass of water but Mason held her hand. She grabs the other cup and splashes the content on his face.

She picks up her purse and walks out on him, briskly.

"This color really suits your skin and your lip gloss too "Ariana's boyfriend, Aiden commends and Ria smiles.

"Thank you. Shirley got it for me yesterday "she answers, staring at the purple shawl-necked dress she was wearing.

Her phone rang noisily and when she looks at the caller ID, it was her boss.

"I'm sorry, l have to take this "she rasps and answers the call. She returns with her phone.

"I really have to leave right now. I'm needed at the office, l'm really sorry but l promise to make it up to you next time we meet "she counters, fixing her purse and Aiden smiles.

"It's alright. Come on, let's go "he says and they stand up, heading for the elevator. They stepped into the same elevator with Mason.

After some time, Aiden receives a call and he smiles at seeing the caller. Ariana had a questioning look.

"It's my troublesome classmate, "he says and she nodded. He picks it up at once.

"Hello "

He speaks french.

"I'm having lunch with my parents "

"I miss you, of course "

"I'm anxious to fly back and see you "

"All right, honey "he puts his hand on Ria's shoulders. She smiles.

Mason turns to stare at him.

"I'll call you later. A freak is staring at me. I love you "he ventures and ends the call.

"Don't talk to your roommate like that. You need to take care of each other "Ria says and he nods with a smile.

Mason turns to face them.

"Is your roommate a girl? Is she your father or mother? Why did you lie? "Mason asks, coldly.

"It's none of your business! "

"You are cheating on your girlfriend, am l right? "

"Dude, we are both men, understand? "

Mason smiles and turns to Ria.

"The one who called is his girlfriend in France. He said he was anxious to fly back and see her. I guess she doesn't know you either. And oh, l'm not a freak, you are "Mason says and just then, the elevator opens and he walks out.

"Aiden, is that true? "Ria asks, glaring at him.

"He's just a psychopath passing by and you believe him so easily. Let's break up then "

Mason arrives at the company and the staffs stands up to greet him. He walks past and goes to his office. He sits on the executive chair.

He stands up and heads for the pool at the back of the building for a swim.

His business partner, Ms. Fallon arrives in her luxurious car. She runs the company with Mason.

"Good morning, Ms. Fallon, "Most staffs say as they bow, slightly. She continues walking gracefully, waving her hand.

She gets to her office and some staffs steps in. She leans on her desk.

"Where is Mr. Mason? Has he arrived already? "She asks and one of them speaks up.

"Yes. He's in the office building "

Fallon sighs. She stretches her hand as a staff places Mason's suit on her hand. She walks away from there.

Mason is on a chair, listening to some low music on his headphone. He has an emotionless expression with his eyes closed.

"Mason "Fallon calls as she places the suit on his thighs. Mason removes his headphone from his ears.

"As l got off the plane, l got a call from Alice .. "

"Did she cancel the agreement? "He interrupts her, wearing his suit.

"No but you pissed her off "he starts to walk away and Fallon follows from behind him.

"Mason, you promised you wouldn't say anything you shouldn't. You said you would behave whenever you meet with clients and that's more reason why l let you meet the client alone "Fallon stresses and Mason stops walking.

"Well, what could l have done? She asked for it and l had to tell her the truth. You know very much that l hate lies so l was only being honest with her "Mason states, gruffly and she sighs.

"Alright. It's not your fault. She asked for it but can't you be a little nicer? You know .. make nice comments .. "

"That's clearly lying and l'm not into that "Mason says and looks at his watch.

"Okay. Mr. Jones requests you meet him alone at 10 am, promise me you won't make any annoying statements "

"I can't promise but l'll try "he responds and walks away.

"Mason is so stubborn! "She mutters and walks away.

Ariana arrived at the company and rushed towards her boss's office. Her mind still wasn't at rest because she had lost her boyfriend today which wasn't what she was expecting.

Mason is sitting on the chair, operating his phone when she walks in.

"Good morning, Mr. Jones. Here are the color charts you asked for "she says and drops the files on the table.

"Alright. Why not make some coffee for our client? "Her boss says and Ria nods before walking away.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. My secretary had a pipe burst at home and that's why she arrived late. The color charts are always with her "Mr. Jones says, apologetic.

"Pipe burst? That girl? "He asks and Mr. Jones nods. Ria walks in just then and places the tray on the table.

"You had a pipe burst at home? "

Mason scoffs and Ria recognizes him at once. She gasps.

"Mm "she nods, quickly.

"Then why are you still in the dress you wore while you were on a date with your boyfriend? "He asks and Ria gulps.

"Mr. Jones, l can explain "

"Mr. Jones, it seems your employee has a problem with honesty. When l look for partners, honesty comes first. I think we'd better not cooperate this time around "Mason states, coldly and stands up. He turns to Ria.

"You and your boyfriend make a perfect match. He cheated on you. You lied to your boss "he smirks and walks away.

"You! "

"Mr. Mason! Mr. Mason! "Mr. Jones calls out but he ignores him.

"All lies will be exposed "

"Ariana. Do you have any idea how big a contract you made me lose? You are fired! "

Ariana arrives home and there's a lot of water at the entrance of her house. She gasps and walks in to see the landowner sweeping.

"Ria. Finally, you are back. There was a pipe burst in the toilet, l called a million times but you didn't pick up my calls. See, there's water everywhere, how do l rent the apartment later? " she goes on and on while Ria stares at pictures with Aiden. She sighs.

"I'll deal with you later, " The lady says before walking out. Ria hears a motorcycle sound outside and rushes out.

"Tracy " she calls as she tries so hard not to tear up.

"He's the worst man ever. I've never met anyone as wicked as he is " Ria laments and she sips from her glass.

"You are ungrateful for his help," Tracy says and she scoffs.

"He didn't help me in any way. He kills whoever he meets. If not for him, I wouldn't have lost my job. He's a goblin! " she yells, hitting her hands on the desk.

"You lost your lover and job on the same day. Don't you think you should start thinking of what to do next instead of planning to take revenge? " Tracy chips in and she sighs.

"You are. I should probably start thinking of what to do next "

Tracy's phone starts ringing and she picks up.

"Hello, who's this? " she asks.

"Can l speak with Ariana? " The masculine voice asks and she nods.

"Ria, you are wanted," she says, proffering the phone to Ria.

"Me? "

"No, me! "

Ria collects the phone and places it on her right ear.

"Hello? This is Ria speaking "

"I'm from the HR department of Hughes enterprises. I tried calling your number but it didn't go through so l called the emergency contact. Can you come for an interview at 2 pm tomorrow afternoon? Do you have time for that? "

Ariana smiles.

"I'm sorry. My phone broke down. Of course, l do have time for that. I will be there at 2 pm prompt. Thank you so much! " she replies with a wide grin.

"Oh, okay. See you tomorrow " the call ends.

"Tracy, you are right. I don't have to be sad, I must move forward. I'm going for a new interview tomorrow. Come on, let's drink "

"What's happening? " Tracy asks, smiling.

NEXT DAY

Ariana sits on the chair, facing a guy and the CEO but she couldn't recognize him because he was busy going through a file.

The guy glanced at Mason. "Umm.. Why don't you introduce yourself? " he says and she nods.

"Good afternoon everyone. I'm Ariana Claire. I'm 25 years old.. "

"Why did you leave your previous platform? " Mason asks, still covering his face.

"Because l think Hughes enterprises is a bigger platform and your company philosophy is consistent with my future career plan so.. "

"I'm not asking why you came. I'm asking why you left your previous company"

"Because.. Because.. That company made few profits. I haven't had my salary for months so.. "

Mason sighs and drops the files. Ariana bats her lashes at seeing him.

"Why is it you again? " she exclaims and he glares at her.

"Mr. Mason, do you know her? " the guy asks and he offers him a paper.

"You.. Out! "he says to Ariana, coldly.