"I did not expect you to come here personally sir. Was there anything wrong with the five proposals sent to you?"

"None at all. I've already selected the one I prefer." Pulling out a folded document, the well dressed gentleman pushed it across the table towards Ari, who was rather impatient seeming that it was way past his office hours and he had a flight to catch in a few hours.

'I should have been home packing by now. Why did he ask for me at such an odd time?'

"I know your work when I see it." The man smirked. "I'm picky with certain words and paraphrasing so I could tell you walked over the entire project."

Ari looked through the document and indeed, it was the one he had worked on on behalf of Mun. Still, he wanted Mun's team to take credit for the the work. "I merely guided them through since you are a repeat client sir. Was it not to your liking?"

"As I said before, I am satisfied with the project but I will be working with another company on this one."

Ari's face flushed in an instant, dumbfounded with the sudden news. His heart began racing in panic and to calm himself down, he fidgeted on his seat before leaning back on his seat to a comfortable position. "Have you been poached by another company sir?"

"Do not fret. I have a key assignment for you. In two weeks, there will be a salient annual general meeting and I'm expecting important delegates to come in. The reason I came by here today is to assign you sole responsibility of my speech."

"Speech?"

"Yes. I will be expecting an award on that very day in the presence of many dignitaries. This event is under the patronage of several heads of states therefore, there will be a little of politics involved from time to time. Due to the nature of the sensitivity of this annual event, I need to surround myself with the best team possible. One of my key roles would be to give and receive the honorary award in my field and as such, I will require the services of your company. I want a speech that not only seeks to market my companies but also promote tourism, unity and peace with the other heads of states and their franchising. This is a marketing opportunity for your company as well for you'll be equally caring out intentional networking on a B2B and B2C basis. In the event things go personal to C2B, that's where you come in. You will select only one of your team members to attend the event with you that's fitting for all the business models. Each of you shall receive an invite only bar code to be scanned for access and exit, among other benefits like accomodation, dining and so forth. 

Secondly, you can name any price for this project and it shall be paid in full even before you begin the project. I don't trust very many people to execute their work the way I want them to but you are an exception therefore, I hope you can accept to lift this burden off my shoulder."

"You want me to write you a speech?"

"Exactly."

"What of your many secretaries?"

"I don't think they comprehend the seriousness of that day and what will be at stake. I don't want to waste my time in distress over the matter, that is why I came to the very best."

Ari studied the gentleman in front of him and felt as if he was looking at himself in the mirror. This man was equally meticulous as he was. He understood his goal and in as much as Ari knew he can execute the speech as the client wanted, this particular assignment was belittling his skills despite promising future businesses and that didn't sit very well with him.

"I'm going to have to turn down your request but I can give it to someone who will execute it just as much as I would."

"You mean your boyfriend Mun?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I've been observing you closely Mr. Ari. I don't work with just anyone so you don't have to pretend. I'm aware that your orientation."

"E-Excuse me?"

"I'm equally gay." The gentleman smiled then added. "Honestly, for a while I thought of pursuing you but upon finding out you were involved with someone else, I stepped back and decided to keep our business strictly professional."

Ari's face remained expressionless despite the uncertain shock that was slowly creeping inside him. Still, he remained alert and decided to choose his words carefully. "Sir, as I informed you, I shall assign someone equally capable to handle your requested speech..."

"Why are you turning me down?"

"As I'm speaking to you now, my mind is wavering over my travel itineraries. I'll be taking a break for my annual leave."

"How long will you be way?"

"I'll be back in a fortnight, which is practically the time you will require the speech."

The man scoffed. "Mr. Ari, I do not think you understand my request. I am willing to pull out my other projects and future ones for this speech."

"Are you blackmailing me sir?" Ari decided to call it as it is. He wanted to end this meeting as fast as possible not just to make it for his trip but this man was making him anxious.

"It is blackmail as you say it. If you weren't taken, I would have accepted your offer considering I've wanted you for a while, but seeming that this is the only thing I can resort to get what I want, so be it."

Ari couldn't believe the things he'd just heard. He'd worked with this client for years but not once did he hint out anything, nor acted in any way that gave him out. Come to think of it, he'd been equally discreet for anyone to notice his sexual orientation as well. 

"How did you know?"

"Call me Ned." The man formed a mischievous smile. "We've worked together long enough to drop the honorifics. I'll allow that with you at least."

"Sir..."

"I'm trying to make you as comfortable as possible." The man interrupted. "Or is it that you want me to beg? If I must do that, I will."

"Fine..." Ari agreed in surrender. "I shall write your speech. In return, I ask that you don't mix work with pleasure, and you respect and accept anyone I choose."

"Your boyfriend Mun?"

"My colleague Mr. Mun is not gay. Kindly leave him out of this discussion, please."

"So I was mistaken." The man smirked once more. "Shall I assume you are for the taking then?"

"Excuse me?"

"I believe I told you to refer to me as Ned. Is that so difficult, Ari?"

Ari simply stared at the man without saying a word. He was more disappointed with himself for cancelling yet again another one of his holidays for the sake of work. He hated procrastinating work the most. In truth, he knew if he'd gone on holiday, he'd worry himself to death over whomever would have taken over the work of this client. Even so, he wished to unhear the thing's he'd just heard moments ago.

"You are a client of this company. I'd like for us to maintain that level of respect while working together."

"I guessed you'd say something like that. That's why I chose you and tested you with my sexuality. Even so, I regret not. I still want you." The man concluded shamelesly then stood up. 

"You asked me how I knew of you being gay. Your friend Mun told me after I informed him of my feelings for you. I was wiling to wreck havoc just so I could get your attention if you two were intimate with each other since he didn't confirm anything. Just like you, he too insisted on secrecy and professionalism. Nonetheless, I wanted to confirm to myself if you had feelings for him before I make a move and now that I see you don't, I can be more courageous. Therefore, do not refuse me. That will only make the chase more interesting."