No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 3- Still in love

I had barely settled back into my chair when my phone buzzed.

Jhoanna Santiago.

I sighed, rubbing my temple before answering. "What now, Jho?"

Her amused chuckle came through the line. "Wow, that's how you greet your favorite lawyer?"

I rolled my eyes. "Cut to the chase. I know you only call when you want something."

"Ouch. But fair enough," she said, clearly unfazed. "I'm inviting you out tonight. Club Azul. It's been a while since you let loose."

I leaned back in my chair, tapping my fingers against my desk. "And what makes you think I want to 'let loose'?"

"Because I know you," Jho drawled. "And because Stacey just texted me about your little... dilemma."

My jaw clenched. "That woman has no concept of privacy."

Jho laughed. "She has a point, though. A certain ex of yours is back, and I can already imagine how much of a headache that's causing you. So, what better way to get her out of your head than drowning yourself in expensive drinks and loud music?"

I scoffed. "I don't need distractions."

"Sure, keep telling yourself that," Jho teased. "Look, I already booked a table. I even invited Sheena and Gwen. It'll be fun."

I glanced at the pile of work on my desk, then at Mikha's file-still sitting there like a ticking bomb.

Maybe Jho was right. Maybe I needed a distraction.

I sighed. "Fine. But I'm not staying long."

"That's what you always say," Jho said smugly. "See you at 10, CEO."

She hung up before I could change my mind.

I tossed my phone onto the desk and exhaled. A night out, huh?

If nothing else, at least it would keep me from overthinking.

I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders back. Focus, Aiah.

If I was going out tonight, I had to make sure all my work was finished. No pending reports. No last-minute calls.

I dove into my tasks with laser focus-signing off on documents, reviewing financial reports, and responding to urgent emails. Maloi dropped by a few times to confirm tomorrow's interview schedule, but I brushed off any conversation about Mikha. I wasn't ready to deal with that yet.

After what felt like hours, I glanced at the clock. 8:30 PM.

I exhaled. Done.

I grabbed my blazer and phone, heading straight for the elevator. The office was mostly empty by now, only a few employees working overtime. As soon as I stepped into the parking lot, I felt the tension in my shoulders ease.

Time to unwind.

The drive to my condo was smooth, the city lights blurring past as I focused on the road. By the time I parked and entered my unit, exhaustion was creeping in-but I ignored it.

I tossed my blazer onto the couch and made my way to my bedroom. If I was going to a club, I had to at least look the part.

Opening my closet, I scanned my options. Business suits and formal dresses dominated my wardrobe, but I wasn't going for the CEO look tonight.