No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 21- Enjoying the moment

Before she could call me out for being distracted, I regained my composure. "It's a good initiative. Expanding the internship program will give us a wider talent pool. But we need to ensure proper mentorship, or else we'll just be babysitting fresh grads who won't stay long-term."

Maloi nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Fair point. But next time, try not to look like you're daydreaming in the middle of a meeting. It's very un-CEO of you."

I rolled my eyes. "Noted."

The meeting continued, and I forced myself to focus. But damn, Maloi was right-I was distracted.

And the reason was sitting just outside this room, with that stubborn heart of hers finally choosing to fight for me.

Pagkalabas ko ng conference room, nagulat ako nang makita ang apat na pasaway kong kaibigan na nakatambay sa office ko-Jho, Gwen, Stacey, at Sheena.

I raised an eyebrow. "Jho, you're actually here? Aren't you drowning in contracts and lawsuits?"

Jho smirked while crossing her arms. "I made time. This seemed important."

Sheena grinned mischievously and leaned against my desk. "Of course, it's important. We need answers, Aiah."

Gwen nodded, arms folded. "Ang daming chismis na kumalat sa office today. And you know what they say-where there's smoke, there's fire."

Stacey wiggled her eyebrows. "So... care to explain why someone saw you and Mikha looking all 'cozy' inside your office earlier?"

Napabuntong-hininga ako. "Seriously? Do you guys have nothing better to do?"

Sheena gasped dramatically. "Wala! Ikaw lang ang kailangan naming asikasuhin ngayon."

Gwen chuckled. "And don't even try to lie, Aiah. We know something happened. The way you looked at her earlier? That's not a CEO look-that's a woman in love look."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Tangina naman, guys."

Stacey grinned. "We'll stop pestering you once you admit it."

I looked at them, at the expectant smirks on their faces, and finally gave up. "Fine. Mikha and I... we're trying again."

The room erupted into cheers. Sheena and Stacey high-fived. Gwen smirked knowingly, while Jho simply gave me a nod of approval.

"Finally," Jho said, shaking her head. "You two have been dancing around each other for too long."

Sheena laughed. "Tara, drinks later! We need to celebrate this!"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "You guys are unbelievable."

But deep down, I knew-I wouldn't have it any other way.

Jho crossed her arms, tilting her head at me. "So, anong plano mo ngayon, Aiah?"

I smirked, leaning back against my desk. "Simple. I'm going to court her again."

The room erupted into chaos. Stacey shrieked, Sheena clapped like an excited seal, Gwen practically jumped in place, and even Jho, who was usually the calm one, let out a small laugh.

"OH MY GOD!" Sheena almost tackled Stacey out of excitement. "Si CEO Aiah, manliligaw ulit?!"

"This is gold," Gwen chuckled. "I never thought I'd see the day na ikaw mismo ang magsasabi niyan."

Jho smirked. "That's unexpected, but I respect it."

I shook my head, laughing at their reactions, then turned my gaze to the glass wall separating my office from the rest of the floor.