No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 7- Jealous

AIAH'S POV

Morning came, but the remnants of last night still clung to my thoughts like an unwanted echo.

I sat behind my desk, fingers drumming idly against the smooth mahogany surface. My office was silent, save for the faint hum of the city outside. But in my head? It wasn't quiet at all.

Mikha.

She was in my space again. Not just last night at the bar, where she danced like she didn't have a care in the world-like she wasn't the same woman who once tore through my life and left nothing but pieces.

Now, she was here. In my company.

In my office.

Well, almost.

I sighed, leaning back against my chair. No amount of coffee could wash away the feeling of watching her move so effortlessly on that dance floor, the way her laughter still rang clear in my mind, or the way she looked at me when she finally realized I was there.

Surprise. Amusement. Maybe even a little hesitation.

But regret?

Not even a shadow of it.

A sharp knock on my door broke through my thoughts.

"Come in," I called, straightening my posture.

The door swung open, and in walked Stacey, grinning like she knew every single thought running through my head.

"Good morning, Ms. CEO," she greeted, way too cheerful for this early in the day.

I gave her a look. "I assume you're not just here to waste my time."

Stacey chuckled, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "Wow. Wala man lang 'good morning, Stacey, you look amazing today'?"

I raised an unimpressed brow. "If you're here for compliments, I suggest you find someone else."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Actually, I'm here for something more exciting." She leaned against the chair in front of my desk, arms crossed. "Ready ka na ba?"

I frowned slightly. "For what?"

Stacey's grin widened. "To work with your ex as your new secretary."

Silence.

A beat passed, then another.

Stacey waited, eyes gleaming with mischief.

I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders back, masking every single reaction threatening to slip through.

"I don't mix personal matters with work." My voice was calm, measured. "As far as I'm concerned, she's just another employee."

Stacey let out a dramatic sigh. "Grabe ka naman. Mikha Dela Cruz-'just another employee'?" She tsked. "You wound me, Aiah."

I shot her a sharp look. "I don't have time for your games, Stacey."

She held up her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No games." Then she smirked. "But just so you know, she's coming up in five minutes."

I stilled.

Stacey winked before turning toward the door. "Have fun, boss."

Then she was gone.

And just like that, the silence of my office felt suffocating.

Mikha was coming.

My ex-the woman who shattered me and walked away-was about to walk through that door and sit across from me. Every memory, every scar, every ounce of history between us was about to be packed into the same room.