No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 8- Diversion

Mikha's POV

The second I stepped into Aiah's office, my mood soured.

Andrea.

Of all people.

She was sitting there, perfectly comfortable in front of Aiah's desk, legs crossed, wearing that damn smirk I always hated. She looked at home, like she belonged there.

Like she never left.

I forced myself to school my expression, keeping my voice light. "Boss, may pinapirma ka sa'kin kanina, so I-"

Andrea turned to me, her smirk widening. "Mikha."

I clenched my jaw but nodded in acknowledgment. "Andrea."

She chuckled. "Wow. Small world, huh?"

I smiled, tight and forced. "Maliit nga."

I turned to Aiah, who was watching me too closely. "Yung documents-"

Aiah's gaze lingered on me for a second longer before she nodded toward her desk. "Leave them there."

I walked forward, placing the papers down, refusing to acknowledge Andrea's presence any longer.

But of course, she wouldn't let that happen.

"So, you work here now?" she asked casually.

I didn't look at her. "Obviously."

Andrea laughed. "Huh. Never thought I'd see the day."

I bit the inside of my cheek. "And yet, here we are."

I could feel Aiah's eyes bouncing between us, like she was observing something entertaining.

I straightened, turning back to her. "Anything else, boss?"

Aiah raised a brow, amused by my tone.

Before she could answer, Andrea leaned forward, propping her chin on her hand. "Aiah, babe, lunch?"

Babe.

I stiffened.

That fucking nickname.

Aiah didn't react much-just glanced at her before shifting her gaze back to me. And for a second-just a split second-I thought I saw something.

Like she was waiting for a reaction from me.

I lifted my chin, feigning indifference. "Enjoy your lunch."

Then I turned on my heel and walked out, my grip tightening at my sides.

The moment I was out of her office, I exhaled sharply, trying to push away the unreasonable irritation burning in my chest.

What the hell was that?

Why did it still bother me?

Why did she still bother me?

And more than that...

Why the hell was Aiah looking at me like she wanted to see if I'd break?

I clenched my jaw as I stood by my desk, eyes trained on the glass partition that separated my office from Aiah's. I wasn't watching. I didn't care.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

But my fists curled at my sides as I saw Andrea lean closer to Aiah, her manicured fingers grazing Aiah's wrist as she spoke. She was laughing, her smile dripping with familiarity-too comfortable, too intimate.