Husband With Benefits
Chapter 381: A Relationship

Chapter 381: A Relationship

"I’d like to see Ian Frost, please," the woman said with an air of confidence, her striking features drawing the receptionist’s attention.

The receptionist looked up at the beautiful stranger and offered a warm smile. "Of course, ma’am. May I inquire if you have an appointment?"

"No appointment, but he will see me. Just tell him it’s Erica," she replied, a subtle smirk playing on her lips.

"Mr. Frost hasn’t arrived yet, Miss Erica. If you don’t mind waiting, I can give him a call..."

The woman shrugged casually, gesturing for the receptionist to proceed. As she settled into a chair, her flowing auburn hair framed a face adorned with an air of mystery, complemented by sharp, emerald-green eyes, seemed to catch the attention of every passerby.

The receptionist quickly tried calling Isabella, hoping to ask her about Ian’s schedule but before she could, do so, Ian Frost himself walked in, followed by Isabella herself.

Before anyone could blink, Erica had already spotted Ian and raced towards him," Ian!"

As Ian turned around in surprise at the sound of his name, the woman had already reached him and leaped into his arms. Surprised, Ian caught her just, almost losing his own balance as her feet left the ground for a moment. Steadying himself, he carefully held her and set her down before looking at her with a pleased expression.

"Erica. It’s been a long time. I didn’t expect to see you here." Ian asked as he gestured for her to walk with him.

"I was in town and thought I’d drop by. I’ve been missing you. And you never call. You don’t like your friends anymore?" Erica complained.

While the two walked forward, Isabella walked behind the two people, her head bowed, almost unnoticed by anyone else.

As they walked into the elevator, Erica threaded her arm through Ian’s and started to talk," Anyway. So, I thought I’ll surprise you. What do you think about my surprise?"

Ian smiled," It is a pleasant surprise to be sure..." Before he could continue, Erica interrupted his words as she questioned," And who might you be? Why are you entering the elevator with us?"

Taken aback, Isabella almost looked around before quickly realising that the woman was talking to her. Giving her a calm smile,she tried to maintain her professional demeanor and answered," I am Isabella Ruffalo. Mr Frost’s assistant."

"Perfect," Erica said, as if making a decision. "Isabella, change Ian’s morning schedule. Clear up some time for us to chat. You know, friends catching up. And you can take the next elevator. We’d like some privacy."

Her dismissiveness further shocked Isabella but she quickly stepped out of the elevator as the doors started to close. In the next instant, the door was stopped, and Ian ordered calmly," Miss Ruffalo. Please come in. And you can push back my meetings by an hour. Thank you."

Erica pouted and quickly complained, "What is this? I come all the way here, and all I get is an hour of your time? It’s not fair, Ian. There was a time when an hour would not have been enough for you," she finished her words suggestively, rubbing his arm slowly.

Ian, maintaining his composure, gently removed his arm from Erica’s grasp. "Erica, I appreciate you dropping by, but my schedule is tight. Let’s make the most of the time we have." He shot a subtle glance at Isabella, who had discreetly entered the elevator, maintaining her professional expression.

He needed to get rid of this trouble as soon as possible. Of all the times for Erica to return, it had to be today when he wanted to declare his intentions to Isabella. Why?

As the elevator ascended, Erica continued to playfully complain, attempting to rekindle the past. "Ian, you used to be more spontaneous and carefree. What happened to the adventurous guy I used to know? Since when you care about people and work more than friends?"

"Priorities change, Erica. And you know I have never been casual about business."

"Fine fine. I’ll take the hour. But you are joining me for the party tonight. I need to go there and I need a date. And after that we can go back to my hotel room..."

The elevator doors opened, and Ian briskly stepped out, feeling a sudden urge to escape the confined space before Erica unleashed another barrage of comments in front of Isabella. It seemed like the universe, in its ironic sense of humor, had decided to avenge all those people whom he had teased mercilessly over the years for making a mess of their relationships.

He had successfully avoided attachment for so long that now, as he stood on the precipice of giving up his bachelorhood, the cosmic comedy writers of fate had decided to throw in a plot twist and make a mess of him!

With a bemused expression, Ian contemplated the irony. "Of course," he muttered to himself, "just when I decide to declare my intentions to Isabella, the universe sends Erica as a reminder of my ’glorious’ past."

With a resigned shake of his head, Ian motioned for Erica to follow him down the hallway while avoiding looking at Isabella. He had no idea how he was going to explain this to Isabella.

"Miss Ruffles, please makre sure that no one disturbs us for the next hour." Erica said, seemingly unaware of Ian’s tension before adding," Unless, of course, they are voyeurs..."

Ian winced at that and so did Isabella while Erica chuckled. Quickly, Ian opened the door to his cabin, let Erica enter and closed the door at a record speed.

Isabella, with an incredulous expression, exchanged glances with the closed door, still processing the unexpected situation. She couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, "Well, that’s a new level of urgency..."

As she returned to her desk, Isabella couldn’t shake off the awkwardness in the air as well as her own rather tumultous feelings. She busied herself with work, attempting to maintain a professional demeanor while Erica’s suggestive comment lingered in the atmosphere, making her feel extremely uncomfortable...

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