No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 2- New secretary

The past lingers like the aftertaste of a strong espresso-bitter, sharp, and impossible to ignore. But I don't have time for ghosts.

Not today. Not ever.

I shake off the memories and straighten in my chair, my fingers flying over my laptop's keyboard as I scan through a mountain of emails. The floor-to-ceiling windows of my office offer a panoramic view of Metro Manila, the city skyline glimmering under the afternoon sun.

The world moves forward.

So do I.

I have a company to run, deals to close, and an empire to maintain. I don't have the luxury of dwelling on the past, not when every decision I make carries weight.

And yet-

"Knock, knock, Ice Queen."

I don't need to look up to know who it is.

A slow sigh escapes my lips as I lean back in my chair. "Stacey, I swear, if you're here to distract me-"

"Me? Distract you? Never."

I finally look up, just in time to see Stacey Perez saunter into my office like she owns the place. Her caramel-highlighted hair is in its usual effortless waves, and she's wearing her signature smirk-the one that usually spells trouble.

She perches on the edge of my desk, crossing her arms. "You look tense. Is it the stock market? A stubborn client? Or..." her smirk widens, "the ghost of an old flame?"

I arch a brow. "I don't have time for your nonsense, Stacey."

"Ahh, so defensive! Which means I'm right." She leans in dramatically. "Tell me, who was it this time? An ex who broke your heart? A lover you couldn't keep?"

I glare at her. "Stacey."

She laughs, completely unfazed. "Come on, Aiah. I've known you for years. You only get that look when you're thinking about her."

I don't answer.

Which, of course, is enough of an answer for her.

Stacey shakes her head, clicking her tongue. "Tsk, tsk. You, of all people, should know that dwelling on the past is bad for business."

"I'm not dwelling," I say, a little too quickly.

She gives me a knowing look. "Right. And I'm a nun."

I roll my eyes and close my laptop. "Is there a reason you're here, or did you just come to annoy me?"

Stacey grins. "Both."

Of course.

She leans back, stretching her arms. "Seriously, though. You work too much. When was the last time you did something fun?"

"Work is fun."

"Aiah. Be serious."

I sigh. "What do you want me to say, Stacey? That I still think about her? That after all these years, she still lingers in my mind like a damn ghost? Because I don't."

Stacey raises an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

I clench my jaw. "Yes."

She studies me for a long moment before shrugging. "Okay, Ice Queen. If you say so."