Chapter 12 ~ The Stubborn Alligator

“Oh, Jefran,” Jeslyn called out as they exited the meeting room.

“Yes, Jes?” Jefran replied, walking over to his fiancée.

“I’ve decided to move back to my apartment starting today,” said Jeslyn.

“Are you sure?” Jefran asked.

“Yes, I’m sure. I’ve had enough rest, and Daddy’s condition is steadily improving,” Jeslyn answered.

“That’s great to hear. I’m really glad,” Jefran replied with a gentle smile.

“Oh, by the way, are you stopping by later?” Jeslyn asked.

“Um... well, Jes, actually, I really want to go with you to the apartment. But I already have plans with a friend—something I really can’t cancel. I’m really sorry,” Jefran said, his eyes filled with guilt.

“It’s okay. What can we do? If you already have plans...” Jeslyn said with a small smile.

“Well then, I’ll head back to my office now.” With that, Jefran walked away.

Jeslyn watched him leave in silence. He hadn’t even bothered to compliment her or give feedback on her presentation. Was it too much to expect a little praise from your own fiancé?

She let out a deep sigh.

“What if I come over instead?” The voice startled her.

Jeslyn spun around—and there he was. Leonel stood casually at the doorway of the now-empty meeting room.

She nearly jumped out of her skin, her breath caught in her throat, her body frozen in place.

“You?” Jeslyn gasped, her voice raspy. “Why are you—”

Leonel walked slowly toward her. His masculine scent hit her before anything else. Too intoxicating.

“I figured it’s better than letting you go home alone,” Leonel said in a calm, low tone. “I have a few things I want to discuss... privately.”

Jeslyn’s heart pounded harder. The corridor suddenly felt cold—too cold with this man’s presence.

“Privately?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. A mix of fear, anger, and curiosity swirled inside her.

Leonel nodded, stepping closer. “Yes. I’ll be waiting for you in the basement when you’re done,” he said, winking before walking off.

Jeslyn stood frozen, stunned. Then, she lowered her gaze, swallowed hard, and lifted her chin.

“What does that poisonous alligator want now,” she muttered inwardly.

“Alright, Jes. Back to work. Forget the alligator,” she told herself, then turned on her heel and headed back to her office to summarize the meeting results and prepare for a team discussion.

Her steps were steady as she walked toward the small office at the end of the corridor. Her laptop was already waiting, its screen dark. She powered it on and pulled up the meeting files. One by one, she reviewed the slides, investor notes, projections, upcoming timelines—and then, she saw a small handwritten note from Leonel.

“You’re not just on my mind — you are my mind.”

Jeslyn’s hand trembled. She felt angry and annoyed—was this supposed to be feedback or a cheesy pickup line?

“He’s seriously insane,” she muttered, on the verge of losing it.

She swiveled in her chair, stared at the blank wall in front of her, took a deep sip from her drink, and tried to refocus.

“Alright, team,” Jeslyn called out. “Let’s have a quick briefing.”

Everyone nodded and moved to the briefing area.

Her team gathered near the whiteboard—the usual spot for short discussions. Roki was still glued to his laptop, Emma had a small notepad in hand, and Dito and Clara carried printed slides of the presentation.

Jeslyn stood in front of them, clipboard in hand. Her face was calm, but her mind still buzzed with thoughts—frustration at Leonel’s strange note and curiosity gnawing at her. But now wasn’t the time to be emotional.

“Let’s review today’s meeting,” she said firmly, pushing aside the distractions. “The presentation went well, but we need to respond to the CEO’s notes immediately.”

“Is it about the client retention strategy?” Emma asked.

Jeslyn nodded. “Yes, and also the creative approach for the second campaign line. We’ll split into two teams: Roki and Dito, handle the visual content revisions. Emma and Clara, help me prep the revised presentation script based on the notes Mr. Leonel made earlier.”

“Should we update the copywriting too, or still use the soft touch version?” Nico asked.

Jeslyn paused to consider. “Prepare two versions—one soft, one more assertive. We’ll give options. And don’t forget to adjust the budget details; that’ll be the next target of scrutiny.”

Clara raised her hand. “Deadline’s still tomorrow afternoon?”

“If possible, finish sooner.” Jeslyn gave them a steady look. “We’re not giving them room for another round of criticism. I won’t let the same person pressure us twice.”

Emma grinned. “Got it, Miss Jes. We’re going full throttle.”

The atmosphere shifted into focused productivity. The discussion was swift and efficient. Despite Jeslyn’s earlier agitation, she regained control of the team’s momentum.

But as the briefing ended and everyone returned to their desks, Jeslyn glanced at her watch. Almost five.

Then, like thunder in a fog, the earlier words echoed in her head:

“I’ll be waiting in the basement.”

She let out a long sigh. Part of her wanted to ignore it. But another part… was curious. Maybe even wanted clarity.

And maybe… she thought as she stood up, the only way to end this madness was to confront Leonel head-on.

Jeslyn grabbed her bag, tidied her desk, and walked out of the office. This time, without hesitation. She descended the emergency stairs to the basement—a place that should’ve been quiet, but now felt like a battlefield, with an enemy in a suit and too many piercing words.

And there he was, Leonel, leaning casually against his black car. Arms crossed, lips curled into a faint smile as soon as he saw her.

“Five o’clock sharp,” Leonel said softly. “Right on time.”

Jeslyn stopped a few steps in front of him. “Don’t waste my time. What do you really want from me?”

Leonel’s smile widened. “Good question. But don’t worry, Jeslyn… tonight, I’m not here as your CEO.”

He gently pushed open the passenger door.

“Tonight,” he continued, “I’m just a man who isn’t finished talking about ‘us.’”

“Us?” Jeslyn glared at him, irritation in her eyes.

“Yes. And I also want to see your apartment. I need to make sure it’s safe.”

“That’s none of your business!”

“It is my business, Jeslyn. You’re my woman,” Leonel said with emphasis, his intense gaze making her flustered, her heart skipping a beat.

Jeslyn rolled her eyes as if laughing at the absurdity.

“Your woman?” she repeated bitterly, stepping closer until only inches separated them. “Since when do you have the right to claim me like I’m your possession, Leonel?”

Leonel looked at her deeply, unblinking. “Since you started invading my thoughts every day. Since that night in my room. Since I became your first.” His blunt words turned Jeslyn’s face crimson.

She turned away. “This time, I’ll let it slide. I’m taking my own car,” she said.

But before she could leave, Leonel grabbed her wrist, pulling her into his chest.

“You—let me go! This is still office property!” Jeslyn protested, trying to break free.

“So if it wasn’t the office, I’d be free to do anything I want?” Leonel teased, making Jeslyn’s eyes flare in rage.

He blew gently into her face, chuckling. Her angry expression only amused him.

Jeslyn shoved his chest, pushing herself away despite her heart beating like a war drum.

“You’re seriously the most infuriating man, Leonel,” she hissed, cheeks still burning.

Leonel bent slightly, locking eyes with hers. “But you’re still here,” he said softly. “You could’ve walked away at any time.”

Jeslyn held her breath. She was no longer restrained, but her feet wouldn’t move.

“You don’t know why I didn’t leave,” Jeslyn whispered, then turned abruptly and stormed to her own car.

Leonel didn’t follow. He simply leaned back against his car again, a small smile on his lips. “If you’re going to be stubborn, Jes... then I’ll keep waiting. You’re not the only stubborn one.”

“Insane!” Jeslyn muttered, slamming her door shut. But before she started the engine, she glanced in the rearview mirror.

As expected, Leonel was still watching her—like he had just won something Jeslyn hadn’t yet realized she was playing for.

Her car exited the basement first.

But her heart? It was still racing wildly.

She gripped the steering wheel tightly.

“He’s completely insane. Flirting with his own future sister-in-law...”

***