No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 4- Crossing of paths

Would she be surprised to see me? Would she act like she didn’t care? Or worse… what if she really didn’t care anymore?

My jaw tightened at the thought. I had walked away from her. I had ended things. It was supposed to be easy—move on, enjoy life, meet new people. But why the hell did it feel like something unfinished still hung between us?

I shook my head and focused on the present. This is just an interview, Mikha. Business lang ‘to. Nothing personal.

But who was I kidding?

With Aiah, it was always personal.

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The car pulled up in front of Navarro Enterprises. The towering glass building stood in the middle of Makati’s business district, a clear display of power and success. Aiah’s success.

I stepped out, adjusting my bag over my shoulder before looking up at the massive structure.

Damn. She really built this empire, huh?

Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the entrance. The lobby was sleek, modern, filled with professionals who barely spared me a glance. I approached the front desk, flashing my most charming smile.

"Good morning. I’m here for an interview with HR."

The receptionist, a young man in a sharp suit, nodded as he checked his list. "Name, ma’am?"

"Mikha Dela Cruz."

His fingers paused mid-scroll. For a split second, something flickered across his face, but it was gone before I could figure out what it meant.

"Yes, Miss Dela Cruz. You’re scheduled for a 10 AM interview. Please proceed to the 15th floor. The HR office is at the end of the hall."

"Thanks."

As I stepped into the elevator, I smirked to myself.

I wasn’t sure if I was ready to see Aiah again.

But one thing was for sure—she wouldn’t be ready to see me.

The elevator doors slid shut, and I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders back. Relax, Mikha. You’ve got this.

As the elevator ascended, my fingers tapped against my side. I could already imagine Aiah’s reaction the moment she saw me. Would she freeze? Would her expression remain unreadable, just like before? Or would there be a flicker of something—anger, hurt, maybe even regret?

I smirked. I wouldn’t mind seeing a little regret.

A soft ding signaled my arrival on the 15th floor. The doors opened to reveal a sleek, modern office space, bustling with employees moving from one cubicle to another. I stepped out, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I made my way down the hall.

A receptionist spotted me and stood up. "Miss Dela Cruz?"

I nodded. "Yes. I’m here for the interview."

"Right this way. HR is expecting you."

I followed her into a conference room where Maloi Santiago, the HR manager, sat at the head of the table, reviewing some papers. She looked up as I entered, offering a polite smile.

"Miss Dela Cruz, thank you for coming. Please, take a seat."

I settled into the chair, keeping my posture relaxed but professional.

Maloi scanned my resume. "You have impressive credentials. Experience in corporate management, administrative work, and even a few years abroad. What made you decide to apply for this position?"

I gave her my most confident smile. "Navarro Enterprises is one of the leading companies in the industry. I want to be part of something great."

And maybe, just maybe, I wanted to shake Aiah’s world a little.

Maloi nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "I see. Well, we’ll conduct the initial interview now, but should you pass, the final interview will be with Miss Navarro herself."

I barely stopped myself from smirking. Perfect.

"Understood," I said, keeping my voice steady.

Maloi proceeded with the interview, asking the usual questions about my experience and work ethic. I answered smoothly, making sure to highlight my strengths without sounding arrogant. I knew I was qualified. That wasn’t the problem.

The real challenge was yet to come.

After about thirty minutes, Maloi closed the folder and smiled. "You have great qualifications, Miss Dela Cruz. I believe Miss Navarro will want to meet you herself."

My heart pounded a little, but I kept my expression cool.

"When will the final interview be?" I asked.

Maloi checked her watch. "Actually, she’s available now. If you don’t mind waiting a few minutes, I can inform her."

I forced a chuckle. "Of course. I don’t mind at all."

Inside, though?

This is it.

I was about to see Aiah again.