A few days passed, and Sir Asher had practically become a daily visitor at the company. And honestly? I was thrilled. I mean—who wouldn't be? Getting to see him every day felt like an unexpected blessing from the universe.
And today? He actually invited me to have lunch with him.
My boss wasn't here—apparently he had "important matters" in Cebu. I asked what he was doing there, but he hit me with a cold, "It's none of your business." Rude. He'd been there for three days already, so Sir Asher was temporarily managing the company.
Which is why… here I am. Agreeing to join him for lunch, because let's be real—who am I to refuse that smile?
We returned to the same restaurant Francis brought me to the other day. I still remembered when he said we'd always eat here during lunch. But since he wasn't around, I was with his brother instead.
The same waiter approached us—the one who helped us last time. He looked surprised. Maybe he remembered me? Or maybe he noticed I wasn't with the same man. Whatever. None of my business.
We placed our order, but the waiter wouldn't stop staring at me. When he finally walked away, I noticed him pull his phone from his pocket… like he was calling someone. And he kept glancing at us.
Weird.
"Is everything okay?" Sir Asher suddenly asked, making me jump a little.
"Ah… yeah. I'm fine," I said and looked out the window. From here, I could see the busy street and the line of parked cars.
"You've never been here before?" he asked.
"I have. I came here with Sir Francis," I answered.
His brows rose. "Really? I didn't think he'd bring his secretary here. This place is… precious to him." He sighed softly afterward.
Precious? Why?
"What do you mean by that?" I asked.
He looked at me seriously.
"It's because… the first girl he brought here was his first love. Her name is Akeshia."
My breath hitched. Suddenly, every moment he muttered that name made sense. So she was his first love… and the first girl he ever brought here.
"And she is my fiancée."
I froze.
My head snapped toward him in shock.
"Yes, Gianna. My brother is in love with my soon-to-be wife. But it's fine with me. I'm just happy he has finally moved on. I'm glad he found someone he trusts."
He reached for my hand.
"Thank you, Gianna."
"Huh?" I blinked, confused. He didn't explain—he just gave me a gentle smile as the waiter arrived with our food.
---
Halfway through lunch, my phone started ringing. I ignored it, but it rang again. And again. And again.
Seriously? Who was this?
"You should answer it," Sir Asher said calmly.
Embarrassed, I reached into my bag, pulled out my phone—and froze.
My boss.
I hesitated but eventually answered.
"What took you so long to answer?" His voice was sharp and tense. He sounded… breathless? Tired? What happened to him?
"I'm having lunch. Do you need anything?" I asked.
My eyes drifted toward the entrance…
And I nearly stopped breathing.
Francis was outside.
Standing there.
Phone in hand.
Staring directly at me.
What—
Wasn't he supposed to be in Cebu?
What the hell was he doing here?
"Meet me upstairs," he said before hanging up.
"Hey… are you okay?" Asher asked, noticing the way I suddenly stiffened.
He glanced outside too, but luckily—Francis was already gone.
"Gianna?" he asked again. "Is something wrong?"
I forced a smile. "No, sir. I just saw something outside. Actually… um, do we need to go back after lunch? I forgot I still have something to finish at the office. Can I go ahead?"
He chuckled softly. "It's fine. I was planning to ask you to accompany me somewhere after this, but sure—you can go ahead."
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes. Don't worry, it won't be deducted from your salary," he joked and winked.
God. Why does he have to be this handsome? Get it together, Gianna!
When we finished eating, Sir Asher insisted on walking me back to the company. I was embarrassed, but he insisted. Even though I was disappointed to learn he was getting married, I couldn't help but feel giddy around him. Ugh. Just my luck—of course I'd fall for someone who's already taken.
I sighed my way up to my boss's office.
He was standing by the window, back turned to me.
"When did you get back?" I asked immediately.
He didn't answer.
"What's wrong with you?" he said instead, voice cold. "Do you not understand what I told you?"
When he finally turned around, his eyes were sharp—ice cold—with something darker hiding beneath.
"What are you talking about?" I frowned.
His jaw clenched.
He strode toward me—fast and irritated—forcing me to step back.
"I told you to stay away from him," he said, anger simmering in his tone.
"What is your problem?" I snapped back.
"Do you really not understand? I had so much work left in Cebu, but I came back here because—"
He stopped himself, frustrated. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I can't believe I prioritized you," he muttered, shaking his head and turning away.
What?
"What are you talking about? You're not making sense!" I argued.
He suddenly turned and slammed me against the wall.
My heart jumped in panic. His face was so close—his eyes blazing with anger and something I couldn't name. I swallowed hard.
"What the—Francis!" I tried to push him away, but he grabbed my arm immediately.
"What do you want?" I glared at him.
"Why are you so slow sometimes? Can't you see?" he hissed.
"See what?!"
"Stay away from him. Because what's mine is mine. Do you understand?"
"Let go of me," I said through clenched teeth.
"No."
"Let go of me!"
He tightened his grip.
"Let go!"
"Shut up," he said sharply.
I struggled harder.
"Damn it, woman! I swear I'll kiss you if you don't stop!" he shouted.
I froze.
"I like you," he added—the words crashing into me like a wave.
What?
"What?" I whispered, stunned.
"This is the last time I'm saying it. I like you. I don't care if you like me back."
"I don't like you!" I blurted out.
"I said I don't care. I don't care if you like someone else. I like you, and that's not going to change." He leaned even closer. "So don't you dare ignore me tomorrow. Or the day after that. That's an order, Secretary Gianna Magsandingan."
I swallowed hard.
---
Francis' POV
"Handle it," I ordered one of my men.
"Yes, sir," he said before leaving.
I was about to walk out when my phone vibrated. Unknown number.
"Hello? Who's this?"
"Sir Locan, do you remember me? It's Arthur—the loyal waiter at the restaurant where you usually dine," he said.
I remembered him.
"Do you need something?" I asked, scanning some documents.
"Sir, I just remembered the girl you brought the other day."
I stopped reading.
"What about her?"
"She's here, sir… with someone else. Isn't she your girlfriend? I didn't—"
"Send me a picture," I cut him off.
"Yes, sir. Wait."
He hung up, then a picture came through seconds later.
My expression darkened instantly.
Gianna.
With my brother.
The irritation surged through me.
"Sir, is everything—"
"Thank you." I ended the call immediately and rushed out.
That woman is unbelievable.
I told her to stay away from my brother.
And yet there she was—out of all people—bringing him to that restaurant.
She's really asking for it.