•Seth•

My jaw kept clenching as I walked briskly to the meeting room. That girl probably had no idea who I was. If she did, she probably wouldn't have the nerve to look me in the eye. Levi managed to match my pace with no struggle. I decided to attend this meeting today after doing some research on this university. I was told there was a lot of fresh talent and resources I would need in my project. 

The project; to make an animated film that saves lives. As vague and unprofitable as it sounded, it had always been a lifelong dream of mine. Even as a child, I had always dreamed of getting to produce an animation that was unforgettable. Being obsessed with cartoons at a very young age set the pace for this.

I walked through the halls not paying attention to any of the small greetings and pleasantries some people give me. I had almost lost count how many times I'd ignored the shameless stares of some women I walk pass. 

“Excuse me, sir.” Levi's voice made me slow down my pace.

“Yes?” I asked, not looking at him.

“I'd like to use the restroom before heading to the meeting.” Levi's hands are behind his back, his pace getting slower than mine.

I stopped in my tracks making him stop as well. I studied Levi for a long while, wondering what the hell was going on in that head of his. He normally would never say something like this especially at a meeting of such importance. As my assistant, Levi knew more about my project than any other person. Armed with this knowledge, he always tried to make all the things I needed ready for me and at my disposal while still tending to his normal duties in the office.

“Don't waste my time.” I dismissed him with the wave of a hand. He bowed his head a little before heading off to who knows where. 

I walked towards our scheduled meeting point. On approaching there, I saw two figures standing in front of a door that lead to the main admin building. One was a woman and the other, a man. Immediately they noticed me, they started walking towards me.

 “You are most welcome to our institution, Mr. Rowan.” The woman smiled, extending a hand towards me. 

“Thank you for agreeing to have this meeting, Mrs. Avesta?” The woman gave a small nod.

“Yes.” She turned her gaze to her partner before looking back at me.

“And this is the Dean of the Art Faculty, Mr. Dean Sanchez”

I gave the man a handshake, with a few pleasantries from the man. Mr. Dean made brief eye contact with Mrs. Avesta before turning back to me.

“It would be an immense pleasure to get to work with you, Mr. Rowan.” I internally scoffed at his words.

“We'll see.” I said nothing else after that, beckoning them to lead the way.

They lead me through the different halls and spaces in the admin building. They showed me a couple of rooms including the room scheduled for our meeting.

We eventually move towards another building where they showed me the different faculties and departmental buildings. They showed me the most outstanding projects made in each department. Truthfully, all the works I'd seen so far were all expressive and intriguing. I was secretly pleased with my decision to come here.

Mrs. Avesta talked my ear off about the different resources and potential in the institution. I kept a straight face only showing her I was listening. Just as we began walking back to the meeting room, I heard footsteps moving closer to us. I turn back to see it was only Levi.

“This is Levi, my assistant.” I introduced Levi and they exchanged a few pleasantries and handshakes. 

Levi looked less collected than he did when we first arrived here. He looked out of breath though he was hiding it pretty well. I decided to leave that for later. We were guided towards the meeting room where Mrs. Avesta introduced me to the people who would be directly working on the project with me. They were ten in total.

I took a seat in one of the chairs while Levi stood beside me. Each of them gave a presentation on their skills, a makeshift resume of some sort. They also displayed a few of their works which I watched with a neutral expression. I could feel the nervous energy radiating from them while they spoke to both I and the other people present.

“Take note of all their names and their respective presentations.” I whispered to Levi. He gave a nod, 

 turning his attention back to the presentation.

I gave my input here and there, criticizing when I needed to.  More than half of them looked like they'd rather be anywhere but here. After all the presentations were completed, a look of relief washed over them when they were all dismissed by Mr. Dean.

“So Mr. Rowan, what do you think? Would you like us working with you on the project?” Mrs. Avesta asked, sounding rather hopeful.

“Send their names and other details to me now.” I said, before taking out my phone. 

I could feel my irritation grow when I saw a missed call from Tristan. I switched my phone off, deciding to ignore it. I discussed a few more things with Mr. Dean and Mrs. Avesta before we finally bid them goodbye. I made my way towards my car with Levi heading for the driver's seat.

“To the house or your office?”

“House.” I replied absentmindedly.

“Speaking of which…” I narrowed my eyes at Levi through the mirror. “What were you up to when you said you had to use the restroom?”

He swallowed before speaking up. “I found a solution to your problem sir. One that just might work.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, rather skeptical of Levi's words.

“I've found someone who might agree to marry you.”