The office atmosphere felt a little different today — everything was more organized, calmer, almost too quiet.
Zain sat in the meeting room, lost in thought. He was thinking about how he could forget Aanya, even though he had taken Hanami to the hospital in her place. She must have been hurt worse than Hanami… how would she have felt? His mind wandered, thinking about her reaction — though his face remained its usual calm, serious expression.
His laptop was open in front of him, but his attention was elsewhere.
Today, a new model was being introduced to the company. Everyone was excited, whispering to each other:
"Did you hear? The new model is really famous!"
"Yeah, her name is Hanami, right?"
From the reception, a voice announced:
"Miss Hanami has arrived!"
All the employees stood up to welcome her. Just then, Tinag asked,
"How did you get hurt?"
Hanami replied, "There was a small accident on the way. Thankfully, Mr. Yan took me to the hospital, and I wanted to thank him."
Zain's eyes, however, didn't move from the laptop. He didn't look at her, nor did he expect thanks from her — only Miss Lu, his employee, would ever get it. She saved a life… even his attention couldn't ignore that.
Hanami stepped into the conference room with a graceful smile — her long brown hair flowing, her walk elegant, confidence radiating with every step.
Everyone's eyes followed her, but Zain barely glanced up once. Then, in his calm tone, he said:
"Let's start the meeting."
Hanami's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile, as if she already expected Zain's reaction.
Aanya walked past the conference hall, balancing her laptop and files. Her steps were light, but her heart carried a strange flutter of anxiety.
The door was slightly ajar, and Zain's calm voice drifted through. She peeked inside.
Zain sat at the head of the meeting table, and Hanami was sitting opposite him, her confident smile still in place.
All eyes in the room were on Hanami, but Aanya's eyes were fixed solely on Zain.
She noticed that Zain occasionally glanced at Hanami, but his eyes held a professional softness that stung Aanya's heart. Has he really not forgotten Miss Hanami yet? Is there still a place for her in his heart?
Aanya gripped her files a little tighter, a faint smile on her face, but her eyes betrayed a subtle hurt.
Inside the meeting room, Hanami presented some slides. Everyone was impressed, and even Daichen complimented her:
"Impressive work, Miss Hanami."
Hanami smiled politely and said,
"Thank you. But I'm more excited to work under Mr. Zain… I've heard a lot about you."
A soft ripple of laughter went through the room. Zain only gave a small nod,
"I hope your work speaks louder than words."
He returned his attention to the laptop screen.
Aanya, meanwhile, quietly observed Zain and Hanami, her heart tightening.
---
The meeting ended, and everyone returned to their cabins. Hanami went to the modeling room alone. Zain's gaze lingered on her as Aanya picked up her files.
Then Daichen's voice came from behind:
"What are you doing here, Aanya?"
Aanya smiled softly.
"Nothing… just here to make a copy of some files. How come you're here?"
Daichen smiled warmly.
"I forgot to give you your medicine. I was looking for you. The meeting is over, right?"
Aanya nodded.
"Yes, it's over."
Daichen handed her a small bottle.
"Here, this is your medicine. Take it only after lunch, okay?"
Aanya accepted it in a gentle tone.
"Alright. Thanks."
Daichen placed his hand affectionately on her head.
"You need to take care of yourself, Ani. What would happen to me if something happened to you? I mean… to me and Huan Jing?"
Aanya laughed.
"You're here for me, aren't you?"
Daichen smiled with gentle eyes.
"Yes, I am. But if you ever need anything, make sure you tell me."
Aanya rested her hand on his shoulder.
"Thanks. I'm lucky to have a best friend like you."
Daichen placed his hand on her head again, affectionately.
"I'm your best friend. No need to thank me, silly!"
They both smiled. But they didn't realize that Zain was outside the meeting room, watching everything. His eyes held both anger and pain.
"She doesn't need me at all," Zain muttered in a cold voice as he walked toward the elevator, silently struggling with his feelings.
---
Aanya was back at her desk, working on her laptop and speaking to Huan Jing on the phone.
Huan Jing asked,
"Did you get hurt badly?"
Aanya replied,
"Not so much that I can't work. Just a few scratches on my palms and feet. Nothing serious. Don't worry."
"Oh, by the way, who told you I got hurt?" Aanya asked.
Huan Jing laughed,
"You know… my fake boyfriend, of course!"
Aanya chuckled.
"Ahh, you and your fake boyfriend…"
Just then, Zain's PA arrived.
"Miss Lu, the Boss is calling you."
Aanya hung up the phone.
"I'll talk later."
The PA said softly,
"The Boss seemed very angry."
Aanya sighed.
"That's his daily routine. Just a heartless wolf, nothing else."
The PA, surprised, said,
"You're speaking as if he's your husband."
Aanya turned and asked,
"Do you really think so?"
---
Zain's Cabin
Aanya entered Zain's cabin. Zain noticed her injuries and asked gently,
"How are you feeling now? You're not in too much pain, right? I… I'm sorry, I took Hanami to the hospital."
Aanya snapped,
"Yes, I got hurt! And all this because she fell into your arms! Drama queen!"
Zain looked surprised.
"Why are you saying that? She's just a friend."
Aanya's voice grew sharper.
"Friend? Did you hear what she called you? 'Mochi! You know, I almost lost my life in your arms!' She barely got hurt. She just needed a chance to fall into your arms. Drama queen, indeed!"
Zain chuckled, watching her.
Aanya froze,
"Why are you laughing?"
Zain smiled,
"You look so cute when you're angry. I think… you're jealous."
Aanya quickly denied,
"I'm not jealous, okay!"
She turned and asked,
"Why did you call me here?"
Zain replied softly,
"Just to ask about your injuries. You can go now, Angry Cat."
Aanya stomped away, pressing her foot in irritation. Zain, however, kept smiling. She looks so cute when she's angry… so jealous, which means…
---
Aanya's Thoughts
Aanya came out of the cabin. In these four months, Zain hasn't laughed this openly before.
She thought, He looked so adorable when he laughed, like a little kid. I wish he'd always smile like that.
She tilted her head and whispered to herself,
Why am I thinking about him? Why did I act like that inside? What must he be thinking? I'm really crazy!
---
Hanami's Entry
A voice called from behind:
"Excuse me!"
Aanya stopped. She saw Hanami approaching.
"Oh, hi, Aanya Lu."
Aanya replied,
"Hi. You're Hanami, right?"
Hanami smiled,
"Yes! Thanks."
Aanya asked,
"No problem. By the way, why are you here? And what do you do?"
Hanami, acting dramatically, said,
"OMG! You ask so many questions! Well, I'm the new model at Yan Empire. I'm also a childhood friend of 'Mochi,' your boss Zain Yan. And yes, I'm the daughter of Mr. Saito, Zain's dad's friend. You know, Miss Lu… you saved my life. I'll ask Zain to give you a bonus."
Aanya stopped her,
"If I wanted, I could get it myself. You don't need to, Miss Saito."
Aanya walked away.
---
Hanami and Zain
Hanami knocked and entered Zain's cabin.
"Come in!" Zain said.
Seeing Hanami, Zain was shocked. He said angrily,
"Why are you back here? You were supposed to build your career. You left me alone because of it, knowing how much I loved you! I changed myself for you."
Hanami began to cry.
"What could I do? I had no choice. My father forced me. He said if I didn't focus on my career, he would break us up! I just wanted us to work together and live a good life."
Zain shook his head,
"I… I didn't understand."
Hanami tried to hug him, but Zain said firmly,
"I'm married. Stay away from me."
"My wife will be hurt. I can't let her be hurt, because I love my wife, Mrs. Yan, very much. Understand?" Zain said clearly.
Hanami asked in surprise,
"Are you lying! You loved me, and you're married?"
Zain showed his ring.
"This is my wedding ring. I've been married for four months. Now you need to move on, Miss Saito."
Without saying a word, Hanami left the cabin angrily.
Aanya, watching quietly, muttered,
Poor girl! That heartless wolf didn't even leave her alone.