Chapter 5 CYNMAC FASHION HOUSE

Ryan entered in his car, and his bodyguard Nathan shut the door behind him. Nathan took the front passenger seat, while the driver, Drake, started the engine and drove out of the parking lot.

"Where to, boss?" Drake asked, just as Ryan's phone began to ring.

"CynMac Fashion House" Ryan replied, then answered his call. "Hi, Jeff."

"Captain, I'm gallant!" Jeffrey said jokingly, making Ryan smile a little.

"I thought you said you were coming to visit?" Ryan asked.

"That's exactly why I'm calling. I just arrived Vanceney City, and I can't wait for you to introduce me to our fashion queen" Jeffrey said.

"You mean CynMac?" Ryan asked.

"Why else do you think I'm here? I want to meet her and also catch up with you. Things have been dull without bad guys to hunt down" Jeffrey said, jokingly.

"Alright, come to CynMac then. I'm heading there now" Ryan said and ended the call. Then he angrily punched the car seat. He had once shown Jeffrey Cynthia's pictures, telling him she was a longtime childhood friend and still single. But now, with the infertility news he had just heard, Ryan was scared. Who would want to marry him once they found out?

Cynthia had been his friend for years. Maybe if he told her, she would accept it. She could keep his secret and maybe agree to adopt a child if they need one. But now Jeffrey who had clearly taken interest the moment he saw her pictures, was around, and Ryan could sense he wanted more than just a visit. He is a playboy and would want to try his luck. Ryan had to move fast, he wouldn't allow Cynthia to be with Jeffrey even if she's not going to accept him.

His mind briefly shifted to Regina, and when he looked down at the coffee stain on his uniform, he muttered angrily "That blonde haired bitch."

Moments later, Ryan's black Rolls-Royce pulled over in front of CynMac Fashion House, one of the top ten fashion stores in Vanceney City. As Ryan stepped out, Jeffrey's SUV arrived and he got out as well. Both men, dressed in ceremonial uniforms, approached each other.

"Happy Armed Forces Day, Captain" Jeffrey said with a salute.

"Same to you" Ryan replied, also saluting. Then they both smiled and shook hands.

"Good to see you again" Jeffrey said. "You didn't show up at the Grey House. We were expecting you."

"I was going to, but some stupid doctor ruined my uniform" Ryan said.

"That's terrible. Whoever it is, he deserves to be punished" Jeffrey said.

"It was a woman, actually. And yeah, she was rude" Ryan added, removing his uniform jacket and handing it to Nathan. Underneath, he wore an army green vest. "Let's go in."

They walked into the fashion store, and Jeffrey started locking around, admiring the stylish setup and high end clothing.

Meanwhile, Ryan approached a sales attendant. "Is your boss around?"

The attendant gasped upon seeing him. "Captain Ryan, I'm so happy to see you! I really admire..."

Before she could finish, the store manager interrupted her.

"Welcome, Captain Ryan. Miss Macaulay has been waiting for you" the manager said, giving a warning look at the sales girl. "Come with me, sir."

Ryan followed the manager into Cynthia's office. Cynthia was on the phone but smiled as she saw Ryan come in. After the call ended, she rushed over and hugged him.

"Thank you for coming" she said cheerfully, still in his arms.

"This place looks even better than the pictures you showed me" Ryan said, looking around.

"I'm glad you think so. By the way, what happened at the hospital? And where's your jacket?" she asked.

"Can we talk about that later?" Ryan said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a ring, took Cynthia's hand, and slid the ring on her finger.

"What are you doing?" Cynthia asked, surprised but clearly happy.

"I'm proposing. Be my girlfriend" Ryan said.

"Yes Yes!" she beamed with joy as she hugged him tightly. Ryan forced a smile, though deep down, he wasn't as happy. He cared about her, but his infertility still haunted him and he didn't want to lose her to Jeffrey, the playboy.

"Would you still love me if I said I didn't want biological kids? If I wanted us to adopt a child?" Ryan asked.

"Why would you ask that? But yes, whatever you want. Surrogacy, adoption, it doesn't matter. I just want to be with you" Cynthia answered sincerely.

"Well, Jeffrey's here. He came to see you" Ryan said.

"Jeffrey Connor? Our second VIP client?" she asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Let's go see him" Ryan said.

Jeffrey was trying on outfits in the dressing room. As he stepped out without looking up, he assumed it was still the sales girl and asked, "How do I look in this?"

"Nice" Cynthia said, smiling. Jeffrey looked up and was surprised to see her standing beside Ryan.

"CynMac?" Jeffrey said in shock. Cynthia smiled as Ryan stood silently by. Jeffrey walked up and extended his hand.

"It's nice to meet you" he said.

"The pleasure's mine. And thank you for always shopping with us and trusting our brand" Cynthia said.

"She's beautiful, Ryan" Jeffrey commented.

"Thanks for admiring my girlfriend" Ryan said, wrapping an arm around Cynthia's waist. Cynthia smiled quietly.

"When did she become your girlfriend? Didn't you said she was single? Well, you two look good together" Jeffrey said, nodding.

"Thanks" Ryan said.

"I'll take this outfit" Jeffrey said.

"I'll have it packed for you" Cynthia said.

"Let's hang out before I head back to the hotel" Jeffrey said.

"What hotel? You can stay at my villa. There are more than enough rooms" Ryan said.

"Alright, I'll stay for two days and then leave. But I would love a tour of Vanceney City. It's such a beautiful place. It's totally different from Cupa City" Jeffrey said.

"You can't even compare Cupa to the city of elites" Ryan said, laughing.

They all laughed together.

"Excuse me, let me grab my things" Cynthia said and walked away from them.

Jeffrey turned to Ryan immediately Cynthia left.

"Seriously, Ryan. You know I liked her" Jeffrey said.

" And she likes me. She'll never accept you " Ryan said, tucking his hands in his pocket.

"You think she wouldn't have accepted me?" Jeffrey said with a devilish grin and Ryan smiled in return.