Chapter 25: The moody CEO
Jayden's brows knitted upon hearing the name Kaiser. He recalled that an heir of the German main family of three Immortals families bore the same name. According to his information, Kaiser was in Port Marino and had also received an invitation to the gala.
"He has blue hair, more of a silver-blue hue, and his eyes are blue as well," Jayden described Kaiser's distinctive features to confirm his suspicions.
"How did you know? I might not recall his eye colour, but I distinctly remember his blue hair," Vanessa replied with surprise and excitement.
Jayden was even more taken aback by Vanessa's affirmation. The Kaiser she described seemed far removed from the one he knew.
"Are you certain it's him?" Jayden sought confirmation before jumping to conclusions.
"Sure, his name was Kaiser. He was quite striking with his blue hair tied up in a bun," Vanessa affirmed confidently.
"So you go around assessing people's appearances," Jayden teased, to which Vanessa chuckled lightly. "I don't judge people solely on looks, but I won't ignore someone's attractiveness," Vanessa defended herself. Kaiser was undeniably handsome and charismatic; why wouldn't she acknowledge that?
Mr Jayden Ashford, you seem quite talkative now, unlike your usual cold demeanour that's often associated with CEOs," Vanessa remarked on Jayden's change in demeanour. Jayden chose not to respond to her observation.
" Do you know any Pizza house around the area that might be open by now," Vanessa asked out loud, hoping either Jayden or the driver would reply.
" It is too late already, I am not sure, but I think there is one around a 30-minute drive from here." The driver replied.
" Why are you asking about a pizza house," Jayden questioned, one of his elegant brows raised. He was curious why Vanessa was curious about going to a Pizza house.
" I feel bad for causing a scene at the gala, and as payment I want to fulfil my part of my contract as a rental girlfriend by giving our client an experience worth remembering. Since you are paying me ten thousand. I won't have peace with myself until I have repaid you. So please Mr Jayden Ashford, can you go on a date with me? Just a simple date enjoying pizza and soft drinks." Vanessa pleaded, her eyes were watery, and she was mimicking Cynthia's signature puppy eyes face. Cynthia always used to request something.
She was hoping it would work in Jayden because when Cynthia used to try this method to beg. It was very effective. " And I am also hungry, I was too nervous to have any at the gala, even your family's welcoming reaction was not making things easy for me," Vanessa added nervously.
Jayden was staring straight at Vanessa, he found her request rather odd. " Why should I agree to your request? Your mental state or inner peace has nothing to do with me. You have already fulfilled your part of the deal as far as I am concerned. All that is left is for me to complete the payment." Jayden retorted with his sharp tongue, why would he have to go on a date with a stranger when he was already in a relationship?
" I just ehm I felt it was a good thing to do. I don't feel like I have fulfilled the deal considering how much you are paying me." Vanessa muttered under her breath.
" I can easily solve that, how about I don't pay the second part of the payment." Jayden snapped at her in a sharp tone. Vanessa abruptly raised her head and started waving her hands frantically at Jayden.
" No, please don't. If you don't want to go, it is okay. I got ahead of myself." The cold, annoying CEO was back. She must have been delusional to think he was more approachable.
Jayden rolled his eyes and adjusted his suit before turning his attention away from Vanessa. He rested his head on the seat headrest and closed his eyes.
Vanessa stared at his laid-back position with his eyes closed. ' Some people were just extremely lucky.' she thought to herself. Even when doing nothing, his side profile was divine. With the dim light in the car and light coming in from outside, the vehicle cast shadows on his face highlighting his facial features. The contrast of some parts bright and others in the shadows was magnificent.
His long lashes when closed also cast shadows on his face. Those lashes definitely would make a lot of girls jealous. His lashes fluttered from time to time before he was awake, probably Informed by Vanessa's stare at him. His nose was high and sharp then going down to those plump full lips which certainly would be soft kissed his girlfriend was super lucky. Jayden facial features might be a little feminine, but he still gives out a strong masculine vibe with his chiselled jawline. His hair was all combed back. She then compared how he looked with a mask on to now. There wasn't much difference because the mask only covered half of his face.
His face was certainly drool-worthy. Vanessa observed slight movement from Jayden and immediately threw her face to the other side. It would be wrong to be caught staring at him like that. What the hell was she doing? She was biting her lips, thinking of how to convince Jayden to stop to get pizza. She was hungry and craving pizza. Furthermore, she could feel her stomach grumble. Fortunately, it was just loud enough for only her to hear, it would have been embarrassing if it were very loud.
Jayden opened his eyes when he was sure Vanessa was not staring anymore, revealing his hazel orbs. It was uncomfortable to be under such an intense stare. He was aware of Vanessa's intense stare at him. Was she glaring at him because he refused for them to stop to get pizza? Maybe she was starving.
" You can stop at the Pizza place, but I doubt they are open by now. " Jayden instructed the driver contemplating a while. " But I think we get shawarma rather since that would be easier to get at this time compared to pizza." He stated referring to Vanessa who was surprised that Jayden agreed to take a detour.
" It is fine, shawarma would also be good. Let's have shawarma instead, then." Vanessa chimed excitedly agreeing to Jayden's suggestions.
" Take us to the nearest shawarma joint, then." Jayden gave his final instructions to his driver before closing his eyes and returning to his laid-back position.
" By the way, how were you able to know Kaiser was handsome when he had a mask on," Jayden asked with his eyes still closed. He was drained after having to converse with so many people. All those sly foxes.
" How would I put my, ..." Vanessa's mind was wandering, thinking how to describe her thoughts. "Someone that is good-looking even a mask can't hide it. Just their charisma, demeanour, stature, and other sharp features speak volumes of their looks. The mask doesn't hide much unless Maybe they have a scar or something like that. Do you get it?" She inquired, trying to see if Jayden was following. There wasn't any reply from Jayden, but Vanessa continued regardless explaining her justification about Kaiser.
" Even if he has a scar he is hiding, it won't reduce his charms a bit." Vanessa was very pleased with her explanation. How she was able to judge, that Kaiser was very handsome.
" You know, your description sounds superficial." Jayden deadpanned.
" There is no need for you to complain, you asked for my reasons in the first place." Vanessa hissed. She didn't like Jayden's sudden mood swings. It was difficult to have a conversation with Him.
Since talking to Jayden was not good for her brain cells, she decided to ignore him. She rather admire the night view of Port Marino than talk with someone like Jayden who had extreme mood swings.
" We have arrived," the driver declared while parking in front of an Egyptian fast food which normally operated until very late at night.
" An Egyptian fast food store," Vanessa questioned with furrowed brows.
" I heard they have one of the best shawarmas, I have also had one before, and it was perfect. Also, they are one of the popular late-night food vendors." The driver explained his reason for choosing this food outlet.
"Oh that's great, can't wait to taste it." Vanessa chimed excitedly, reaching out to open the car door.
" What do you think you are doing, don't tell me you are thinking of going into that store dressed like that." Jayden suddenly snapped at Vanessa. Who was about to leave the car?
" What is wrong with my outfit and why are you suddenly nosy." Vanessa snapped back at Jayden. Why did he have an issue with everything I did?
" If you step on foot out of this car to the fast food store, you can kiss your five thousand dollars goodbye." Jayden threatened Vanessa on a serious note.