Chapter 4 - Part 2

“Yeah, right! This girl is still in denial! Your nose twitched, which means you were thrilled too!” Chelle wasn't satisfied and let out a loud laugh, as if we were the only people in the office. “I just know it! I have a strong feeling about Sir Jax. I even suspect that he’s your secret admirer, the one who keeps sending you flowers. Wow! You’re really gorgeous, girl!” Chelle added excitedly.

I wanted to cover my face in embarrassment at what she was saying. That was impossible. I could clearly see how much he loved his late wife—what am I compared to the women he's dating now?

I smacked Chelle again just as she was about to speak. She was saying all sorts of nonsense.

Wasn’t she afraid that our colleagues might hear her?

“Whatever. I’m going to the cafeteria. I suddenly got hungry.” I walked out, leaving Chelle behind. I didn’t want to talk to her when she brought up that topic. It was embarrassing and annoying. It was impossible, given the way our boss treated me.

Sir Jax’s office was on the 30th floor, which was also where our cubicles were located. In fact, our entire team handled all of his transactions. Chelle and I were closest to the CEO’s office, right next to Miss Cindy’s office. Our cubicles had a glass partition, so people outside couldn't really hear our conversations—same with Miss Cindy, who was Sir Jax’s executive secretary.

As I walked toward the elevator, I ran into Elise Trinidad, the daughter of the President of the Philippines. I paused for a moment and looked her up and down.

She walked with an air of arrogance, her chin held high. I glanced at her outfit. She wore a very sexy red dress with thin spaghetti straps. Everyone knew she was head over heels for Sir Jax. Even though her outfit was quite revealing—her large chest was almost spilling out—it was undeniable that she carried herself well. She looked sexy yet classy.

I raised an eyebrow at her outfit. It was obvious she had dressed up to attract Sir Jax. A little tug, and her chest would be fully exposed; a slight bend, and her butt would be visible. I just shook my head. Sir really had an irresistible charm despite his bad attitude.

“He’s still grumpy even though he’s handsome, so he’s still a no-go,” I muttered to myself before stepping into the elevator.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, I was met by a little girl sniffling and wiping her tear-streaked cheeks. I froze at the sight. She looked so pitiful, sitting in a corner while people walked past her, paying her no attention.

I quickly approached her and crouched down so our faces were level. She didn’t speak when she saw what I did. She just kept sobbing. Her nose was red, and her eyes were full of tears. I was amazed at how beautiful the child was.

I smiled at her. “Hi. Why are you crying?” I made sure to keep my voice gentle so she wouldn’t be scared.

She was dressed in a Frozen-themed gown with a small tiara perched on her messy hair. Judging by her size, she was about seven years old.

Instead of answering, she cried even harder. Panicking, I pulled her into a hug to comfort her.

“I want my daddy. I can’t find him,” she sniffled, her tears still flowing.

I felt a wave of sympathy wash over me. Where was this child’s father? Wasn’t anyone looking after her? There were so many bad people around.

“There, there, baby. Ate will help you. Are you lost? Were you with your daddy here?” I glanced around, but she didn’t seem to have anyone with her. “What’s your name so I can help you?”

“My grandma said I shouldn’t talk to strangers. I don’t know you, ate, so you’re a stranger.” She answered between sobs, wiping her wet cheeks.

Oh dear, she speaks English fluently. My street-level English might not cut it here. I just hoped she understood Tagalog. I wanted to scratch my head but stopped myself.

Suddenly, my stomach growled, a sign of my intense hunger. I hadn’t eaten breakfast earlier because I was restless. Now, I was feeling the hunger. But I had to help this child find her father first.

“How can I help you if you won’t talk to me? Are you lost? Where’s your mom?” I gave her a small smile. My God, this child was so beautiful!

“I was just wandering, and I lost my yaya. I’m here to visit my dada because I miss him,” she pouted, as if sulking at her father.

I nodded. So, she was looking for her dad. Even though I was starving and wanted to eat, I couldn’t just leave this poor child alone. Something about her tugged at my heart. Her innocent face, combined with her tears, reminded me of myself, missing my parents terribly.

“Who’s your papa? So I can take you to him.” I ran my fingers through her messy hair. She looked like she was of mixed descent, with brown hair and gray eyes—something about them seemed familiar to me.

The child hesitated for a few seconds as if deciding whether to trust me. She wiped her tear-streaked cheeks again before speaking.

“My papa owns this building.”

I sighed in relief. She did understand Tagalog after all.

Then, I froze. Did I hear her right? Did I mishear her? I stared at the little girl’s face, my mouth slightly open as I realized that she was Sir Jax’s daughter. They really did look alike. Her eyes were the same shade of gray as his—that’s why she looked familiar.

“You know, I know your papa. I’m one of his secretaries, and I can take you to his office. Would you like that?” I asked. “By the way, what’s your name?”

She wiped her now-dry cheeks before answering. “My mom named me Amythyst, after her birthstone.”

She hesitated at first, looking at me carefully. I held my breath when our eyes met—it was like looking into Sir Jax’s eyes. She had inherited them completely, and because of that, I felt my cheeks suddenly heat up.

Damn you, Bree! You’re letting Chelle’s words get to you!

“Are you sure you’re not one of the bad guys? My dad will punish you if you lie—he hates liars.”

I smiled and wiped away the remaining tears from the corners of her eyes. I ran my fingers through her tangled hair and adjusted the tiara on her head. She let me do all of it.

I raised my right hand before speaking, showing her my company ID hanging from my neck. “Promise, I’m not one of the bad guys. Let’s go?” I stood up and offered her my hand.

“Okay po, I trust you.”

Amythyst took my hand. I smiled, noticing how small her hand was compared to mine. I couldn’t believe Sir Jax had such a cute and sweet daughter.

Amy followed my lead as I guided her. We went back to the 30th floor. My nerves kicked in as we approached Sir Jax’s office. I still had unfinished business with him, and I didn’t know what I’d do if I faced him now. I wasn’t supposed to see him yet, but what else could I do with the child? I couldn’t just leave her alone—she might get into trouble, and I’d be blamed again.

I just wanted to smack my forehead. This week had been full of mishaps. I had been extra careful, but it seemed like bad luck was out to get me.

Our cubicles were right across from the CEO’s office. Maybe I could just ask Chelle to take the child to him.

Yes! That’s what I’d do to avoid seeing Sir Jax. It was safer that way.

I was about to push the glass door of our cubicle when someone spoke behind me.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

His voice was low but full of warning, demanding a good explanation.

I froze upon recognizing the voice. My lungs stopped working, and my heart nearly jumped out of my ribcage. My God!

“Daddy!”

Amy’s high-pitched voice rang out as she pulled her hand from mine. I bit my lip, dreading facing Sir Jax.

“What are you doing with my daughter? What are you planning?” His voice was now dangerously accusing.