No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 4- Crossing of paths

I scoffed, shaking my head as I took another drag. She probably doesn’t even think about me anymore.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and glanced at the screen. Unknown number.

I frowned but answered anyway. "Hello?"

"Good evening, Miss Dela Cruz. This is Maloi Santiago from Navarro Enterprises’ HR Department."

My grip on the phone tightened, a slow smirk forming on my lips.

Navarro Enterprises.

Aiah’s company.

Of all the places I applied to, I didn’t expect to hear back from this one so soon. Fate really has a twisted sense of humor.

"Ah, yes," I said, keeping my voice even. "Good evening, Miss Santiago."

"We’ve reviewed your application, and we’re pleased to inform you that you’ve been shortlisted for an interview. Can you come in tomorrow morning at 10 AM?"

"Of course. I’ll be there."

"Great. We’ll see you then. Have a good night."

I hung up and stared at my phone for a moment, my smirk widening.

Oh, Aiah. Mukhang magkikita ulit tayo.

I flicked my cigarette to the ground, stomping it out before turning on my heel and heading home.

Tomorrow was going to be fun.

As I walked away, a chuckle escaped my lips. Of all the damn places, it had to be her company.

Karma? Fate? Or just the universe playing its usual twisted games?

Wala akong pake. All I knew was that I had one foot inside her world again.

I hailed a taxi and slid into the backseat, drumming my fingers against my knee as I stared out at the city lights. Manila never sleeps, but tonight, for once, it felt like everything was slowing down.

Tomorrow, I’d be stepping into Navarro Enterprises, facing people who probably had no idea about my past with their boss.

And facing her.

Aiah Navarro—the woman I once swore I’d never hurt. And the same woman I walked away from, leaving nothing but shattered promises and an empty bed behind.

Napailing ako. That was a lifetime ago. She was just another part of my past, and I wasn’t here to rekindle anything.

This was just business. Nothing more.

The cab pulled up to my apartment, and I paid the fare before stepping out. Pagpasok ko, agad akong nagtanggal ng jacket at tinapon ‘yon sa sofa. I kicked off my shoes and headed straight to my desk, opening my laptop.

If I was going to face Aiah tomorrow, I had to be prepared.

I pulled up files, scanned the company’s latest reports, read articles about their latest expansions. Navarro Enterprises wasn’t just another corporate giant—it was a beast, swallowing up smaller firms left and right.

And at the helm of it all?

Aiah.

I leaned back in my chair, tapping a pen against my lips. Her recent moves in the business world had been aggressive. Ruthless, even. She was making sure everyone knew she was untouchable.