Almond didn't feel the need to reply; he directly sat opposite her and called on the waiter to serve the already preordered dishes, as Jayden hadn't done so while waiting for him. He also asked for the menu so Jayden could add any favourite dishes of hers, displaying his gentlemanly behaviour to the core.
While waiting for the waiter to arrive, he took on the initiative to chat with Jayden so as to ease the previous already high tension. Although it seemed awkward at first, he later got the reins of it. He cleared his throat and said, Indeed, Miss Cole is just as the information has said. Miss Cole seems to have a preconceived notion about me, or is it possible for you to have a prejudice against me despite having not seen each other before? I'd love to say that whatever it is must have been a rumour, and it might also be you yourself against this whole marriage thing.
Almond stopped the conversation as the waiter arrived with their dishes already, and it would be too rude to discuss while eating, so they eat their meal in silence after both are satisfied. As soon as they are done eating, Almond picks up from where he stopped to ease the bored and somewhat awkward atmosphere.
Although you've said not to introduce ourselves, I think it is still better for us to know each other properly before making any decision, so I'll start by introducing myself, Almond begins. Without waiting for Jayden to interrupt or say otherwise.
I'm Almond Jones, a 33-year-old man who had the basic education here before moving abroad for tertiary institutions and also to get the reins of things before starting as the founder and CEO of Jones International Enterprise, a company that engages in global operations. The company is currently based abroad and has a major branch here, though we're still looking into the expansion of the branch here into headquarters, so the activities can be easier and more effective, all things being equal.
As we both know, today's meeting is solely organised for us to know each other. I, Almond, was single-handedly raised by my grandfather, having lost my parent at a very tender age. My grandfather, Pa Jones, as I'll fondly call him, is one of those people I will always look up to and appreciate, and he's the one that arranged this marriage with your parent. I won't lie, though; he already ran a background check on you. I heard you aren't that comfortable with this marriage that comes out of nowhere and catches you unaware, but he claims we are both compatible, though I didn't understand his point or even agree with his view, but I'd still love for us to get to know each other at a normal and steady pace. It might seem mysterious and awkward now, but trust me, you won't ever have reason to regret it.
Having said all this, I hope I have been able to convince you and possibly make a good impression of myself on you. Almond smiled while cleaning himself with the napkin served with the dishes.