As she grappled with her response, Hilliard turned to leave, striding towards the CEO office door.


    “Stop!” she called out, a raremand that halted him in his tracks, though he didn’t face her.


    Throughout their engagement, she had maintained a formal distance, always addressing him as Mr.


    Simmons, even privately.


    “Even if it involves personal matters, I expect to be informed of your whereabouts,” she insisted.


    Hilliard’s reply was blunt.


    “I have a date.


    ”


    A date?


    Not with her, evidently.


    Who could it be?


    “Who is she?” Jennifer couldn’t hide her mixture of curiosity and dismay.


    Hilliard’s silence persisted, his demeanor as reserved as ever.


    “Miss Turner, if you’re curious about my ns, feel free to ask as my fiancée.


    ”


    After a moment’s hesitation, Jennifer softened, asking, “Alright, as your fiancée, I’m curious: who is this mysterious date you have nned after work?”


    Hilliard turned, approached her again, and leaned close, his hands finding the armrests of he


    chair.


    “The date is with my fiancée.


    Did you forget today is your birthday?”


    Jennifer was momentarily taken aback.


    Celebrating her birthday was something she seldom did, to the point of forgetting the date herself.


    “How did you find out my birthday? Did my mother tell you?”


    Hilliard was candid.


    “Your mother thinks highly of me.


    She’s quite the matchmaker.


    Plus, you used to make a point of remembering my birthday and phone number.


    It’s only fair I do the same.


    ”


    Jennifer felt her heart flutter; Hilliard’s flirtations, paired with his stoic appearance, grew increasingly appealing.


    Before Jennifer could respond, Hilliard had already shut down herputer.


    “I spoke with your motherst night; we’re not returning home for dinner or staying in tonight.


    ”


    Taking Jennifer’s hand, he suggested, “Come on, Jennifer.Têxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    We have a couple of hours before work ends.


    How about we catch a movie first?”


    As he took her hand, helping her to stand, Jennifer focused on one detail.


    “Not staying in tonight? What do you mean?”


    Hilliard began to pack her bag without offering an exnation.


    Jennifer eyed him with a mix of astonishment and apprehension.


    “Are you suggesting we… go to a hotel?”


    Hilliard calmly responded, “We’re adults and engaged.


    Our date can include a movie, dinner, or even an overnight stay.


    It’s all quite standard.


    ”


    At a loss for words, Jennifer pondered.