No Strings Attached

-23-

I cleared my throat as I settled on the seat infront of them. "Shall we start?"

**

The meeting went like a blur. I was just nodding and agreeing to their proposals. My full attention was not in the meeting but it's okay. When I started working as the CEO of the company, I made sure I put all the right people in the right positions to ensure everything goes well for the company. So I knew Jace and his team can handle it because he was also one of my classmates back when I was still studying in UP. He is also a friend of mine outside of work.

"You look distracted," Jace told me. The meeting had already ended and the rest of the Finance Department already departed the room. The two of us are left inside.

I shook my head, "I'm not."

"Well, if you say so." He pursed his lips and I knew he didn't buy my excuse.

"So how's your married life?" I asked, trying to change the topic. I gave him a small smirk while eyeing his wedding band. Jace's face became happier all of a sudden with the mention of his married life. He got married last year and I heard that they are doing great.

"It's very awesome." He cocked his head to the side, "I knew that marrying at 24 is like a reckless decision because I'll be wasting my life tied to just one woman when I knew I can still conquer the world, but I have no regrets. It sounds gay but it feels nice. Megan is amazing." I cocked an eyebrow. Of course, I believed him. He did look like he was enjoying every second of being married to his wife, Megan.

"Actually, she's already pregnant with my first child. She's due on February." He added before smiling like a real 'idiot-who-fell-head-over-heels'.

"Wow, man! That's nice!" I patted him on the shoulder. He chuckled in return.

"How about you, dude? When are you tying the knot?"

I frowned almost instantly, "Why would you ask that? I still have a long way to go, Jace. I'm just 24. I can get married in my thirties if I want to."

He gave me a knowing look, "We both know that you're not the kind of guy who fools around with his life. You're not like the other bachelors in town who sleeps with a different woman every night. You're made for commitments!"

I glared at him, "I'm not made for commitments."

He gave me a shrug, "I don't believe you. Because if there's one thing I am sure about you, it's that you have always dreamt of settling down with your own family." I let out a frustrated sigh.

He's right.

He knows me well and I can't deny that. It's true. That's why I didn't hesitate to marry Nathalia even when we're so young because that's what I wanted.