Next Day
I kept my eyes glued to the floor as I walked toward the elevator. I wasn't avoiding Francis—of course not. I knew we'd bump into each other eventually—but for now… please, just not yet.
Inside the elevator, there were only two people: a woman and a janitor. I positioned myself in between them and let out a deep breath.
The doors opened, and just my luck, I ran into my cousin. I quickly dragged her to the side, near the fire exit.
"Ouch! What's your problem?" she asked, annoyed, as I released her hand.
"What happened to me last night? Why did you let me go with Francis?" I demanded.
"Well, you were drunk, and he insisted on taking you home. I trust him," she explained. "Wait… why are you asking that? Did something happen?"
"Nothing. Just curious. Why is that a problem?" I replied, leaving her behind.
As I approached Francis' office, I paused at the door. Should I go in or not? What was I afraid of, Gianna? Just act like last night didn't affect you. Okay?
I took a deep breath and opened the door. My stomach dropped when our eyes met immediately. I looked away first and went straight to the coffee table, sitting down. I pulled out my laptop and tried to focus on my tasks.
We only had one meeting with the A Team today. After that, the rest of the day was light.
I tried to concentrate, but his gaze kept landing on me. Didn't he realize I was already nervous enough?
I grabbed my phone and called my cousin.
"Bring Mr. Lago's full document and the blueprint," I instructed before ending the call.
Glancing up at Francis' desk, our eyes met again. I quickly looked away.
The meeting began. I stayed silent in the corner, watching Francis intently as he listened to a presentation about the new wine flavor.
I could see his expressions change with every word.
"And how will you ensure this isn't like every other wine trending now? I need something fresh—something that stands out," he commented.
The presenter swallowed nervously.
"I… I think this is different because of—"
"I don't like the idea," he cut her off. "I gave you three months, and yet all your ideas are useless. I'm very disappointed." He shook his head.
The Head of A Team tried to speak.
"Mr. Locan—"
"Quiet! Do you know why we're rushing to release new wine flavors? Because it's urgent! What have you been doing these three months!?"
He slammed the table in anger. Almost everyone was cowering now.
"Eman," he called to the team leader, "you have only one week to present a new, fresh idea in front of me. And you already know what happens if I don't like it."
"Do you all understand?"
"Yes, sir!" they answered in unison.
"Good. Now get out!"
Once the room emptied, it was just the two of us. I wasn't trying to side with A Team, but his shouting had been excessive. I wanted to argue, but… what could I do?
"Hungry?"
I blinked. Only now did I realize he was looking at me.
"Huh?"
"Let's get something to eat," he said, standing up. Then—shockingly—he grabbed my hand and pulled me along.
I yanked it back immediately. "What do you think you're doing?" I snapped.
He turned to me. "Why? What's wrong? What did I do?" He looked completely innocent.
"Why did you hold my hand?"
He shrugged. "What's wrong with holding my future girlfriend's hand?"
My jaw dropped.
"Future girlfriend?" I asked, stumbling backward. He grinned mischievously.
"So… you still don't remember?"
"W-what don't I remember?" I asked, flustered.
"Let me remind you then."
I backed up as he approached. "Stay away!" I shouted, but he didn't seem to hear.
Moments later, my back hit the table. I swallowed hard, closing my eyes as he leaned closer.
"That night… don't you remember?" he whispered.
What was he talking about? I was about to protest when memories suddenly flooded back.
---
[FLASHBACK]
I felt my body sink into a soft bed. My eyes were still closed, heavy with sleep.
"Stay here. I'll just make a call," said a voice. I tried to see, but my vision was blurry, probably from all the alcohol.
"Don't leave," he said, holding my hand.
"I'll be back, I promise. I'll call Manang to take care of you," he added, but I didn't hear the rest.
"Where's Francis?" I slurred.
"I'm here," he said.
"That's not him… I took care of him when he was drunk, and now I can't see him? That's unfair!" I shouted, eyes closing again.
"You're cute," he laughed.
I wrapped my hand around his neck.
"What are you trying to do, lady? Kiss me?"
I nodded, for reasons I couldn't explain.
"If you're gonna kiss me, then…" I heard his breath in my ear. "I'll make you my girlfriend," he whispered, sending shivers down my spine.
"Kiss me now, Sexytary," he demanded.
"No," I said.
"Why not?"
"I don't like your conditions," I replied, trying to pull away. He stopped me, guiding my hand back to his neck and tilting my head toward his lips.
His lips… soft, irresistible, like candy. Who was this man? Why did he affect me this way?
Sleep finally overtook me, and I let go. I heard his soft laughter.
"Silly… I'll be back," he whispered.
---
[END OF FLASHBACK]
My eyes widened as the memory hit. I swallowed hard. Shit. What an idiot I was, Gianna.
"You remember now," Francis said suddenly.
I shoved him. "Y-you!"
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Pervert!" I yelled, trying to run, but he stopped me.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Let go! Stay away from me, got it?!" I shouted.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"W-what's wrong with me? Hello?! You took advantage of me while I was drunk! And you—gosh! Did you know I could sue you?!"
"Fine. But you said you like me," he smirked, making me hotter with anger.
"I never said that!"
"Oh really?" His mischievous smile only made me more furious.
"Forget what you said. I'll forget what you did. Got it?" I snapped.
"I don't think so," he replied.
"What do you mean, 'I don't think so'? Fine, then!" I shouted, storming out.
Damn him! But damn it too… why did I even say I liked Francis? I was losing my mind!