Alisha’s POV
Hearing Louie's words, I froze for a moment, blinked, and then couldn't help but look over at Gray. I never expected that Louie would also invite me to work in his company, but I has already promised Gray, so I couldn’t help glancing over Gray. Louie noticed my gaze and looked at Gray in return.
Before I could utter a word, Gray's boisterous laughter rippled through the garden, "Louie, you're too late, Alisha has already agreed to come to my company!"
Louie's surprise was evident as he queried, "Really? When did this happen?"
I returned with embarrassment, "Just before coming here, Gray called me, we talked a bit, and then I agreed to go to his company." I knew Louie was trying to help me. He was a very kind and reliable friend, whose presence had woven a tapestry of comfort and familiarity around me.
A tinge of bitter amusement laced Louie's laugh, his voice tinged with self-deprecation, "I was going to contact you as well, but I hesitated, fearing.... Well, Gray is right. I was always late, every time. " For unknown reason, Louie's voice was incredibly low when he said this. There was an uncharacteristic somberness in Louie's voice, a hint of something deeper. He lowered his head, sad and frustrated.
I bit my lip slightly, not knowing what to say or do. I was furious with DM entertainment for giving my song to Erma before, so I refused to work with this damn company, but I couldn't have imagined that Louie would actually be the owner of DM entertainment. Louie looked disappointed at my rejection. Now, I don't know how to comfort him.
Gray seemed to realize my entanglement at this time, so he hurriedly stood up and said to me, "Hey, Alisha, we already said that we would sign the contract after meeting. Now that we've met, we might as well just sign it off right now, so as to prevent other company from suddenly snatching you away." Gray said while glancing at Louie. Gray’s words practical and decisive, and I knew Gray was afraid that I might eat my words and then go to Louie’s company, so Gray wanted to complete the contract immediately.
Louie also could understand Gray's subtext, so he raised his head to look at Gray, saying with a poker face, "Hey, although I hope Alisha could come to our company very much, now that she had promised you, I will respect her decision and won’t use tricks to ruin your plan, so you don't have to worry that I will snatch her from your company. "
Gray grunted, "You had better know this. Though you and Archie are relatives sharing the same blood, I think you are more reliable than Archie! This time, I decided to trust you! Don’t let me down, Louie." Gray crossed his arms over and warned Louie.
According to Gray’s words, he had a really bad impression of Archie. But it's not Gray's fault. Archie is an indeed egomaniac, so it is really hard for other people to like him. No, I was wrong. I had forgotten bitch Erma and I my foolish cousin Evita, who both wanted to marry Archie.
Hearing Gray’s remark, Louie didn’t angry but asked with a smile, "Gray, if my memory serves right, you promised before that if I can lead you to see the Silent Witch, then you will owe me a favor."
A sudden silence fell. Gray moved his sight away from Louie. After a while, Gray coughed, saying, "Yeah, I really appreciate for your help. But sorry, I suddenly want to go to the restroom." Then Gray left as soon as he could.
A ripple of laughter escaped my lips, a light and joyous sound dancing through the air. Louie, seated across from me, witnessed my mirth, and a knowing grin tugged at his lips. My gaze momentarily shifted to the vacant spot beside me, Gray's absence becoming all too conspicuous. Addressing Louie, I offered a candid apology, my voice tinged with sincerity, " I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were the owner of DM entertainment, so I never considered working with DM entertainment, and please don't blame Gray."
Louie's rueful shake of the head, his tone laced with an understanding sigh, "The fault doesn't rest with you or Gray. Gray is right, I arrived a touch too late to the stage. I planned to come Shaunda’s for a brief respite, and by coincidence, Gray said that he had something very important that he needed to ask the Silent Witch to help. Hence, I brought him along. Please believe me when I assure you, there's no ulterior motive in my actions, no plot to wrest you from Gray's side. He's my friend, pure and simple. I valued his friendship as much as yours."
Gratitude warmed my heart as I regarded Louie, his genuine kindness radiating from his very being, "I understand, Louie, you've always been such an incredibly kind person. I appreciate your understanding, but regrettably, I won't be able to accept your offer this time."
A gentle acceptance tinged Louie's response, his voice steady and unwavering, "That's perfectly alright. Remember, if ever you find yourself unhappy in Gray's company, you need only beckon to DM. I'll be waiting, steadfastly, should that day arise." His words hung in the air, solemn and sincere. A gust of wind blew through the garden, rolling up many flower petals and blowing them down on Louie and me. I don't know why, when I heard Louie's last sentence, my heart seemed to miss a beat.
An inexplicable flutter danced in my chest as I saw Louie's steadfast gaze. Heat surged across my cheeks, a flush of emotions cascading through me. Just as the enchantment of the moment deepened, the timely interruption of my phone's vibration brought me break. Swiftly, I took this chance, averting my gaze to the device in my hand.
A message from Archie blinked on the screen, "Alisha, come to Grandma's study room right away." A surge of curiosity coursed through me, my thoughts spiraling into a labyrinth of questions. Why this sudden summons to the study room?