I jolted awake, heart hammering, grateful that it was just a nightmare.
A nightmare so vivid it still made my hair stand on end.
Me? Crushing on Francis? That arrogant, full-of-himself, infuriating man?
No. Never. Absolutely not.
I shook my head, climbed out of bed, and forced myself to get ready for work.
Today was shaping up to be one of those mornings. First, the water supply was mysteriously cut off. Then, I realized I'd left my wallet in my room—but at least I had some extra cash in my bag. And third… I was late for work. Great. What else could go wrong?
I rushed into the office, but he wasn't there. I checked my phone repeatedly. No messages. No calls. Where is he? Sick? Overslept?
A few minutes later, I bumped into Gael in the hallway.
"Morning, bhe," she greeted with a playful smile. I returned a weak one.
I glanced to my right and froze. Someone had just caught my attention.
"Whoa… who's that?" I whispered.
Gael followed my gaze.
"Oh, that's Ms. Akeshia. She's Sir Asher's fiancée. I think she's visiting because she's close to Mr. Locan. Gorgeous, isn't she? Like a model," she said.
I turned to look. She was stunning: tall, fair-skinned, effortlessly glamorous, every inch the picture of elegance. No wonder Francis seemed… captivated.
"Rumor has it she's pregnant," Gael added, making me blink in surprise.
I squinted. Pregnant? She barely looked like she could gain an ounce. Still, somehow, she pulled it off. Sexy as ever. Ugh. Life was unfair.
Before I could wallow in jealousy, Ms. Akeshia approached. Slightly taller than me, confident in every step.
"Excuse me. Which office is Francis in?" she asked politely.
Gael nudged me.
"First time here, you got this," she said and walked away, leaving me to deal with the situation.
I led Ms. Akeshia to Francis' office.
"Where is he?" she asked, noticing the empty room.
"Please have a seat, ma'am. Sir should be here soon," I said. She nodded and sat down, arms crossed, surveying the office like it belonged to her.
"I don't like this place. It's too hot," she complained.
Hot? There's air conditioning, I thought.
I grabbed the remote, about to turn it up, but she waved me off.
"It's okay. Thank you," she said politely.
"If you need anything, ma'am, just call me," I offered, turning to leave.
"Actually… I'd like a glass of wine," she added.
"Uh… ma'am?" I blurted, panic rising. Isn't she pregnant? Wine isn't allowed, right?
"No more wine, Akeshia," Francis said as he appeared in the doorway.
We both noticed him instantly.
"Oh, hi, L!" she said cheerfully, standing to hug him.
Wait, hug? What is this? Ugh.
"What are you doing here?" Francis asked as they sat down together.
"You're being mean! It's my first visit, and you're already shooing me away?" she teased.
"No, that's not what I mean," he replied.
"Kidding! Come on, man. You're too serious. Anyway, your place is lovely — though a little hot," she said.
"Want me to turn the AC up?" Francis offered immediately.
Why did I feel like a third wheel? Seriously.
"No, thanks. Oh, by the way, can you come with me to the bar we used to go to?" she asked.
"Akeshia," Francis said coldly, clearly not thrilled.
"No, I won't drink. Promise. Just meeting friends and then going home. Asher's busy, so… maybe you're free? But okay if not," she added.
Francis exhaled.
"Fine. I'll go with you. But…" He looked at me.
Oh no.
"Would you like to join us?" he asked, raising one brow.
Third wheel alert. No thanks.
"I'll pass. Enjoy, Sir. I'll just finish my work here," I said, keeping my tone firm.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
Ugh. Could I punch him?
"I said no thanks…" I wanted to yell, but held back.
"Yes, Sir," I said again, more calmly this time.
After lunch, they left. Thank God. Today wasn't too busy, so I wrapped up my tasks quickly, though I still had to wait for Francis to review some files.
One… two… three… four… five… ten. I kept checking the time on my phone.
Almost four o'clock. Why aren't they back yet? I thought this would be quick. Forget it. Let them enjoy themselves.
Minutes later, I groaned in frustration again. The door opened. I expected Francis — but it was Ms. Gada.
Ugh. Why the slow entrance?
Wait… why am I even annoyed? Oh, right. She's with his first love. Just the two of them. Duh.
"Hey, are you listening, Gianna?"
I blinked and focused. Ms. Gada was standing in front of me.
"Waiting for someone?"
"Uh… no, ma'am," I mumbled.
"Okay. Here's the thing — give this to Mr. Locan," she said, handing me a small envelope, then left.
I waited, staring at the door… until I fell asleep on the sofa.
I woke to the feeling of something draped over me. A jacket? Whose is this?
"I think you should go home. It's late," a deep voice said.
I jumped up.
"Why now? What time is it?"
Six o'clock. And he shows up now? Seriously?
"Sorry. But anyway, thanks for waiting," he said, adjusting his tie.
"Luh! I wasn't waiting! I was about to go home but… I just fell asleep!" I blurted.
"And why are you only coming now? You know how much work is left? You're going to be CEO one day, yet you're hanging around and going to a bar — what time will you get home?" His words were sharp.
Why am I suddenly irritated?
"Why? Are you jealous?" he asked, smirking.
This guy.
"Get out! You're feeling it too, huh? I'm going home! Mind your own life!" I grabbed my bag and stomped toward the door.
I didn't understand why I was so flustered. I was annoyed at myself… for even waiting for him.
Wait. Why did I wait for him?
Suddenly, he hugged me from behind. I couldn't move — my body froze. My heart raced.
"W-what are you doing?" I whispered.
My hair stood on end when he leaned closer… and smelled me.
Gross!
"You smell amazing. What's your perfume?" he asked, still holding me.
I felt like an idiot.
"Why? Are you buying it?" I asked, trying to hide my nerves.
"Sure. I can buy you the whole brand if you want," he said.
"W-what?! Let go! Didn't you forget your number one rule — one-meter distance?" I shouted, trying to push him away.
"Forget it. You already passed the challenge, Gianna," he said, his breath close. Alcohol. Of course.
"What challenge?" I asked.
He didn't answer. He pinched my waist to pull me closer. Reflexively, I shoved him and slapped him hard.
"Pervert!" I shouted.
He laughed, stepping closer again. I backed away.
"Don't come near me, I said!" I warned.
"Why?" he asked.
What why?
I knew he wasn't drunk. So… what is he doing?
"Of all people, why you? What's with you?" he added.
"I'm going home." I tried to leave, but he spoke again.
"Help me, Gianna," he said softly.
Help? Me? What could I possibly do? I don't even have money.
"I don't have money," I said bluntly.
"I can give you anything. A million? A mansion? A car? Anything. Just… please, help me," he begged.
I didn't understand him.
He pulled me and cornered me by the table. My heart raced.
What is he doing?! This is not what I signed up for!
He leaned in, but I shoved him and ran out.
I stopped at the door, hands on my chest. My heart wouldn't stop racing.
My cheeks burned, so I lightly slapped myself.
"Gianna! Pull yourself together!" I whispered, stomping my foot.