No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 5- Stalking her

Aiah's POV

The day had started like any other-meetings, emails, deadlines. Navarro Enterprises thrived on precision and efficiency, and as its CEO, I had no room for distractions. My focus was absolute. My time, invaluable.

Or at least, that was what I told myself.

I sat behind my massive oak desk, skimming through reports when my intercom buzzed. Maloi's voice came through, calm and professional as always.

"Miss Navarro, the next candidate for the executive secretary position is ready for their final interview."

I exhaled, rubbing my temples. This was a process I usually left to HR, but given the high level of trust required for the role, I insisted on having the final say.

"Send them in," I said, closing the file in front of me.

I straightened my posture, schooling my expression into the unreadable one I had perfected over the years. Whoever this candidate was, they would need to impress me.

Then the door opened.

And my entire world stopped.

The air in the room shifted-heavy, suffocating. My grip on my pen tightened as I met the gaze of the one person I never expected to see again.

Mikha Dela Cruz.

Of all the applicants. Of all the names that had passed through HR's hands. It had to be her.

My stomach clenched, but my face remained unreadable. I refused to let her see anything-shock, anger, or the flicker of pain that threatened to resurface.

She, on the other hand, looked the same yet different. Dressed in an elegant white blazer and fitted trousers, her usual confident smirk played at her lips, as if she found amusement in this moment. But her eyes... Those damn eyes. They held a glint of something-curiosity, challenge, and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Miss Navarro," she greeted smoothly, stepping forward like she belonged in my office, like she had every right to be here.

I didn't respond immediately. I let the silence stretch, let her stand there under my scrutiny, let her feel the weight of everything unsaid between us.

Then, finally, I spoke.

"Sit."

She did, crossing her legs as if this were just another business meeting, just another transaction. As if she hadn't left me shattered years ago.

I leaned back, fingers steepled together. "You applied for the secretary position."

Her lips twitched. "Yes. Thought I'd give Navarro Enterprises a shot."

"Why?" I asked, my voice devoid of emotion.

She tilted her head slightly, as if considering how to answer. "Because I know I'm qualified. And because working under a strong, brilliant CEO sounds like a challenge I'd enjoy."

A challenge.

That was what this was to her? A game?

I forced myself to breathe evenly. I refused to let her get to me.

"Do you think you're capable of following orders, Miss Dela Cruz?" I asked, keeping my tone measured.

Something flashed in her eyes. "I can be very obedient when I want to be."