No strings attached |(UNDER REVISION)

Chapter 25- Memories to keep

I blinked in surprise. "Oh... that's nice of you. Thank you." I took the cup, feeling a little awkward but appreciative. "You didn't have to."

Jacob shrugged. "Well, you're always running around making sure the boss doesn't burn the company down. Deserve mo rin naman ng breather."

I laughed lightly. "Grabe ka naman. Hindi naman siya ganun."

"Talaga?" he teased. "Eh bakit parang ang stressed mo palagi?"

I was about to respond when I suddenly felt a strong presence behind me-a familiar one.

"Because I keep her very busy," a smooth, unmistakable voice interrupted.

My stomach dropped.

I turned my head slowly and saw Aiah, standing behind me, arms crossed, an unreadable expression on her face.

Jacob, clearly unaware of the sudden tension, grinned. "Boss! I was just telling Mikha na deserve niya ng break."

Aiah's lips curled into a small, sharp smirk. "Hmm. And you thought you were the best person to give her that break?"

Jacob blinked, confused. "Uh... well, I just-"

"She's fine," Aiah cut him off smoothly. "And if she ever needs coffee, I'll make sure she gets the best one."

I fought the urge to facepalm.

Jacob scratched the back of his neck. "Ah, got it, boss." He turned to me. "Enjoy the coffee, Mikha. I'll see you around."

As soon as he walked away, I exhaled slowly and turned to Aiah, raising an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

Aiah just shrugged. "What?"

I narrowed my eyes. "You know what."

She leaned down slightly, her face close to mine. "I don't like people hovering around what's mine."

I felt my face heat up. "Aiah, we're at work-"

"Exactly." She straightened up, smirking. "So tell your new friend to keep it professional."

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Ikaw din kaya, Aiah?"

She winked. "I am being professional. I'm just making sure my secretary isn't... distracted."

I shook my head, already regretting the rest of my workday. Aiah Navarro was impossible.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on work instead of Aiah's ridiculous jealousy. She had always been possessive, but this? This was a whole new level.

I tried to ignore her as I continued reviewing documents, but I could feel her staring at me from across the office. The weight of her gaze was impossible to ignore.

After a few minutes, I sighed and finally looked up. "Ano na naman?" I asked, exasperated.

Aiah, who had been leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "Nothing."

I narrowed my eyes. "You've been staring at me for the past five minutes."

She smirked. "Can't I admire my secretary while she works?"

I groaned. "Aiah, for the last time, we're at work. Stop acting like a jealous girlfriend."

Her smirk widened. "But I am your girlfriend."

I rolled my eyes. "And also my boss."

"Exactly," she said smugly. "That means I have the right to monitor my employee's interactions."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming. "Aiah-"

Before I could say more, Stacey suddenly appeared again, looking highly amused. "Wow, the tension here is insane. Should I come back later?"

I shot Stacey a glare. "Please do."

Aiah, on the other hand, looked completely unbothered. "Stay, Stacey. Tell Mikha she shouldn't entertain random guys during work hours."

Stacey snorted. "Oh, I am loving this." They turned to me, grinning. "So... Jacob, huh?"

I groaned, sinking into my chair. "Not you too, Stacey."

Aiah just smirked, clearly enjoying my suffering. "I'm just saying, Mikha. If you need anything-coffee, a break, a distraction-you come to me, not some random employee."

I gave her a deadpan look. "You do realize you're being ridiculous, right?"

She shrugged. "Nope."

Stacey burst out laughing. "Oh my god, this is gold."

I glared at both of them. "I hate you both."

Aiah leaned closer, lowering her voice just enough that only I could hear. "You love me."

I hated that she was right.

And judging by her knowing smirk, she knew it too.