No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 7- Jealous

I picked up the cup, taking a slow sip. It was surprisingly good.

Mikha smirked. "See? I can be a good secretary."

I placed the cup down, eyes never leaving hers. "You're about to leave already?"

Mikha raised a brow. "Uh, yeah? Unless gusto mong ipagmasahe na rin kita?"

I ignored her sarcasm. "Sit down."

She hesitated, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Anong meron?"

I didn't answer, simply tilting my head toward the chair across from me.

With a dramatic sigh, she plopped down, leaning back like she had all the time in the world. "Okay, Ms. CEO, enlighten me. Bakit mo ako pinigilan?"

I studied her, my fingers tapping lightly against my desk. I should be telling her to return to work. I should be keeping this professional.

But instead, I said, "What were you talking about with that guy earlier?"

Mikha blinked, then-smirked.

A slow, knowing smirk that made my jaw tighten.

"Oh," she drawled, her tone dripping with amusement. "So this is what it's about."

I kept my expression blank. "Answer the question."

She chuckled, leaning forward slightly. "Just work stuff. You know, boss things. Why? Are you curious?"

I met her gaze, unwavering. "I don't like unnecessary distractions in the workplace."

Mikha clicked her tongue. "So concerned ka pala sa productivity ko, huh? Sweet."

I exhaled sharply. "Just stay focused on your job, Mikha."

She leaned in, her voice dropping just slightly. "Define 'focused,' Aiah."

For a second, the room felt too small.

For a second, it felt like nothing had changed.

I forced myself to lean back, creating distance. "Meeting's over. Get back to work."

Mikha grinned, standing up. "As you wish, boss."

She turned and sauntered out, but not before throwing me one last look over her shoulder-one that told me she knew exactly what she was doing.

And damn it, I hated that she still had that effect on me.

The moment Mikha stepped out, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

That woman.

She hadn't changed-not in the way she looked at me, the way she pushed my buttons, the way she made it so damn hard to keep things professional.

I was about to take another sip of coffee when the door to my office swung open.

"Aiah!"

A familiar voice filled the room, and I looked up to see Andrea walking in with her usual confidence. Dressed in a sleek blazer and tailored pants, she exuded effortless elegance-the kind that had always turned heads.

I set my cup down. "You didn't even knock."

Andrea smirked. "Since when do I need to?" She walked over and made herself comfortable on the chair across from me. "Besides, I missed you. It's been a while since we had lunch together."

I sighed, shaking my head. "You mean it's been a while since you dragged me out for lunch."

She grinned. "Same thing."

I couldn't help but chuckle. Andrea had always been like this-persistent, teasing, and just the right amount of trouble. She had been my best friend for years, someone who had seen me at my worst, someone who never judged, only supported.

And someone who, once upon a time, made Mikha irrationally jealous.

"By the way," Andrea continued, tilting her head. "I passed by the secretary's office earlier."

I tensed slightly, but kept my expression neutral. "And?"

Andrea raised a brow. "And I saw her."

I exhaled, leaning back. "Yes, she works here now."

Andrea let out a low whistle. "Damn. Didn't see that coming."

"Neither did I," I admitted.

She studied me for a moment before smirking. "So? How's it going? Finally over her?"

I met her gaze, unwavering. "It's business. That's all."

Andrea chuckled. "Sure, babe. Keep telling yourself that."

I rolled my eyes. "Are you actually here for lunch, or did you just come to annoy me?"

"Both," she said without hesitation. Then she leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But mostly to see how long before you crack."

I scoffed. "Not happening."

Andrea hummed as if she didn't believe me. Then, just as she was about to say something else, the door opened again-this time, it was Mikha.

The second she stepped inside, her eyes immediately landed on Andrea.

And just like that, I saw it.

That flicker of something in her gaze.

Possession.

Jealousy.

Ah.

Some things really don't change.

(This story is already complete. I'm just editing some parts.)