I never slept---
I took a shower and put on my white blouse and black skirt. My eyes have dark circles around it, making me look like a damn raccoon. I covered it with concealer and put some moisturizer on my lips. I can't claim the promotion today if I'm not even representable.
"What happened?" Zach appeared at the door of my room. I called him last night and told him about it.
"He's gone," I answered and my tone turned out to be as flat as my attitude right now. I don't know what to feel anymore. After my outburst yesterday, trying to take the first step to analyze what is going on in my heart, the man who cause me such outrage is now nowhere to be seen.
"He'll come by, you know,” he uttered as he stepped his way into the room.
"I don't care anymore."
I stood up from my mirror and looked at Zach. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful. But there's something missing?" His brows creased.
"If this is another one of your jokes, I swear I'm gonna punch you." I rolled my eyes off him.
He raised both his hands up, imitating surrender, "Fine. I was just about to say, smile."
I pouted, "I don't even know If I can smile today."
He walked towards me, his hands tapped on my shoulder.
"Your new office is waiting for you,” he smiled at me.
"Ugh—great, that's one of my problems, right now."
He chuckled, "Come on baby, you can't solve any of your problems by just sticking your feet on this house."
Zach drove us to Paradiso Publishing, the name of the company where I just got fucking promoted. Now, my hands are shaking as I remove the seatbelts from the passenger's seat. He was watching me worriedly.
He took both of my hands enclosed to his and blew on them. "You'll do fine."
"But what if the staff doesn't like me?"
"This is not about the others liking you or not, this is about you and your capability to be in the position. You can make so many great things in our workplace, Eva. Believe in yourself,” he said.
I sighed and smiled at him. "I love you." He knows what I mean.
He rolled his eyes on me but the way his jaw tensed just showed how he wanted to laugh badly, it made me giggle.
******
Everyone seems to have known it by now. They even held a surprise party at the office for my promotion. Some of my colleagues gave me roses and Cathlyn ordered our food. Apparently, Zach told them on phone about my promotion and no one seemed to be against it, they were happy. I didn't even know that most of the staff knew about me. They were all happy, except Kate--- I don't know what her deal was, she was smiling but something feels off. Natalie knew about the surprise too and she was a part of the surprise. After all of us ate, they cleaned it and I was forced to go inside the office by Nat.
" Miss Eva, do you need any designs that can make you feel comfortable for this office?"
"Nat, please, for the eleventh time, it's just Eva. And yes, I might buy some, are you free tomorrow night?" Adam will just hide if he is there, but will he come home tonight?
Her eyes sparked up like Christmas day. She smiled at me and nodded.
"Yes, are we gonna go shopping?"
I laughed, "Yes, and--- we are going to finish most of this at my house." I waved the papers that I needed to sign.”
Her eyes turned bigger and she was beaming.
"I'm gonna bring some of my clothes tomorrow."
Natalie stayed at my office the whole day, she never even asks me what I want but just brings me hot chocolate. She knows that if she asks me, I would leave my posts and join her outside, leaving my pile of paperwork unattended.
My throat ignites for soda, though.
I don't even know where Zach is. And I don't even know if Adam is coming back...
I read and read the files on my table, about what the stories were all about, checking them one by one, then signing the ones that have a potential to sell, and also signing papers about me being the new chief editor of our branch.
My eyes hurt, they fucking burn!
I still have lots to finish but I also need to rest or else I am going to fall down this chair and never move again. I'm scared to go home, but I wanna see Adam.
I placed my forehead on the table of my office. Where the hell is he?
I groaned in mischief.
"Is everything okay?"
Zach was holding the door in my office open, he was holding papers--- of course, everything in this place is all about papers! I blew air from inside my mouth causing my lips to babble and knocked my forehead lightly on the table. Zach laughed at me and I can hear his footsteps closing in. I don't wanna get up, I just want to knock my head on this table several times.
Zach bent on his one knee and looked at my face from below the table.
"Hey, babe." His smile is so infectious making me smile as well. I remembered our kiss from yesterday--- it was memorable, but the feeling was different like it was so peaceful with him. The burn and tension was different with Adam and I don't know if it’s because I like him or I-
I hummed deeply.
"Zach."
"Yes?"
I looked at him, "Aren't you mad at me?"
"For what?" He looked so innocent.
"F-for last night." I bit the side of my cheek. He doesn't look mad but I clearly don't understand what I feel too.
He smiles at me, "Well, it wasn't that bad."
"What! Did I do bad?" That hurts my pride, that was my first kind of a kiss! Is it?
My eyes gapped at some thought.
Is that why Adam doesn't kiss me more than just biting my lip!? Because he knows I won't do well??
Zach chuckled making him fall off his butt. I frowned at him and crumpled some piece of paper and threw it at him.
"It's not funny! And I am not talking about how bad of a kisser I am."
Although he was so good at it.
He still laughed at me and I rolled my eyes at him. He stood up and leaned his head down on the same level as mine and kissed my cheek. "I'll never be mad at you." I laid my head on his neck while he was still leaning on me.
"I thought I hurt you— I never wanted to hurt you, nor anyone else to hurt you. I don't understand what I am feeling. But you are so important to me and I don't want to lose you." I closed my eyes and savors his warmth on my cheek.
"I only get hurt when you get hurt, Eva. Whatever your happiness is, is also mine. That is the kind of love that was meant for us. Even if your heart belongs to someone else, I'll be okay as long as you're happy—and I know you'd do the same for me. That's just what I want you to remember."
He's right. How can he do that? It’s like his level of acceptance is over a hundred percent. I stood up and gave him a hug.
"Thank you, doofus."
He snorted and wrapped his arms around me as well.
"So, am I that bad of a kisser? Like—for real?"
I looked at him without taking off my hands hooked up behind his back. Zach was taller than me but just a little bit. His green shining eyes looked down into mine. He then leaned closer to my face then as the tips of our nose touched, he already had a wide grin on his face. I bit my whole lower lip to avoid laughing because of his cuteness. He suddenly closes his eyes, resting his forehead on mine.
"It was good..."
He whispered, and it made me smile.
*****
It was another day and night is already approaching. Adam didn't come back last night, so I forced myself to sleep and woke up late for work. It's my second day as the chief editor and I was freaking late. Zach left this afternoon since his training is still ongoing. I finished some of my work today and did some research on Mr. Ross—nothing shows on the internet, why though?
"Natalie, are you ready to go?"
"Yes, Mis--- Eva."
We went to the DIY store and buy some wallpaper stickers, small vases, journals, ribbons, compilers, and cuter things that my eyes laid on. Natalie was so happy as we shop, she told me that her mom used to shop with her, but she died last year since her mom has cancer. She doesn't have any siblings, it's just Mr. Leon and her. She said that her father is a kind man and even jolly when they are at home. I can't imagine it though. We also bought some snacks for the overnight, she loves potatoes, fries, and chips--- and soda. Hell yeah.
I slouch on the sofa as we came into the house. My feet are swelling from walking in my sandals and I should try to familiarize myself with it since I'll be attending meetings onboard more often. If only I can wear my rubber shoes and my jeans.
I groaned, burying my face on the soft cushion.
"Uhm, Eva? Where are we going to work?"
Her voice was so small and adorable.
"UH-uh, who says we're gonna work?"
I forgot to tell her that I finished the papers earlier, and damn, I just wanna lay my ass on this sofa right now while watching movies.
"You did,” she answered in surprise.
She looked so cute as she blinked her eyes and I notice that she was still holding her bag in her two hands. I walked towards her and grabbed it, making her look like a lost kid by the street.
"Nat, I finished all our files earlier and the day before. The reason why I want you here is because I want you to spend time with me, watching movies and having girl talks."
I winked at her and she laughed genuinely.
I don't want to feel sad about Adam. This house reminds me of him, now. My heart felt a pang of grief. I made Nat sit on the sofa, and I walked towards my room to change clothes.
As soon as I got in my room, I saw the familiar bird knocking on the window glass. I walked towards it and opened the window pane. “Hey, there.” I giggled, talking to the crow who often visits me. The crow just cawed after my babbling and just flew away. I continued walking towards my wardrobe to change into pajamas.
*****
We started watching Netflix and put on some horror movies since Nat is not a fan of romance. I wonder why--- I suppressed a laugh as I think what Nat would look like if she is a high school girl having a crush on someone.
My thoughts were suddenly abrupted by the painful squeal that blew near my ear.
"I'm sorry Eva!"
She was holding her hands with the remote up her face, like a scaredy-cat. She paused the movie on the eerie face of a ghost, I shut my eyes closed and looked at Nat. I laughed, she is really a kid.
"Don't you get scared of horror movies?"
She blinked at me, her hair tied up in a messy bun, she is wearing her pajama sleepwear. I was too preoccupied with Adam's thoughts that I only had my attention to her now.
"I watched that several times now."
Of course, it's a lie. I wouldn't dare watch that, especially when I am alone.
"You're brave."
She looked so amazed then hit the play button on the remote once again.
Sorry, kid.
I can feel a faint smile forming on my lips. Come to think of it, she may be the young sister that my heart was longing for.
It’s been three days.Adam is nowhere to be found so I kept myself busy with the piles of work in front of me. We've only lived for a week. Why would I even care if he is gone? I should just consider him gone. How dare he!I scribbled hardly on the paper in front of me that I've lost my mind!Oh shit!It's some resume of someone named....I ruined the copy with my ink!I gasped. I shouldn't let out my anger at work again! I am gonna destroy my career. Damn him! Really! Damn him! Even he is some all-powerful creature! Damn him!I arranged the scattered papers on my desk and drop every group loudly on my table."Damn you, Adam!""Uhm. is there anything wrong Miss Eva?"I jumped on my feet, I didn't know someone was in there."Oh, I'm so sorry! How long have you—been there?"It's some guy that I don't know who but he has black hair, a fit body, and Caucasian skin.
The tension that was building in the room made me wanna scream and run away. His cold gaze made me weak and it made my fingers fumble on the hem of my skirt. He looks so formal, a professional. His hair was brushed up behind, but a strand of hair laid on his forehead.I am amazed at how civilized he was here than the first time I met him. In my place, he looked like someone who would just barges into your house, like the bad boy in the novels. Right now, he looks like a hot billionaire man who was a regal back in the medieval period. Classy and sophisticated.
After that night, my soul never met peace.I never had the chance to sleep after Adam's word echoed through my brain nonstop, like it was looped for the whole night. 'I am not the one in your heart.'I still don't get it.I got off my bed and I felt like I was about to collapse. Tremendous heat was radiating in my body so I decided to rush into the bathroom to take a shower. My head was hurting like hell and it was like I was having a migraine. I tried to relax as I let the waters drop onto my head. Every cascading droplet of water made me think of Adam's fingers brushing my skin.Fuck it.I flung my eyes open and just finished my bath before my frivolous thoughts disturb me again. I went to my room and see my wardrobe if I can choose anything to wear for today. I feel sick.I think I don't want to go to the office today.I should call Nat. I sat down on my bed and opened my cellphone. I scroll through my co
I moaned.Adam's hand was clutching my hair at the back of my head gently as he laid soft kisses on my neck. His body was still pinning me on the fridge, his other hand lifting my leg, brushing his fingers from my hips up to my knee over and over again as he plays his tongue on my feeble skin."Adam."I cr
I woke up when the sun rays from my window passed through my eyelashes. I yawned and stretched my body, feeling as if this is a brand new day.What happened last day?I can't seem to remember any events of yesterday other than being sick and Adam being here. I steadfastly sat down, feeling surprised.Adam was here yesterday!I remember how he kissed me and slammed me by the fridge. My mind also recalled how I sat down on top of him, making my body jolt as I feel something ticklish in my sensitive area. I was biting my lip unaware and I only realized it when I jumped out of bed to get out the room."Good morning,” Adam spoke by the door, stopping me from my tracks.Adam leaned in the door frame and I noticed that his hair was wet from the shower. He was wearing a dark brown pants and I can see his sculpted abs even though his towel hangs onto his shoulder, covering the two sides of his chest down to his navel.O
As a 6-year-old, I would always draw names and play alone near the persimmon tree beside the convent. Other children don't want to play with me but my mothers will always find time to play with me when they are free. One day, they entered the big dark echoic hall so I tried following them but they immediately stopped me.I pouted, watching and peeking at them behind a pillar, listening to their conversation before entering the big hall."Did he donate again?" Mother Teresa asked."Yes." The other sister answered."He never tells me why he would always leave money for Eva, and I almost thought that he was the father of that child. But he said he was just moved by her story."Story?I tiptoed to the other pillar closer to them so I can hear them more."Who wouldn't be? Why would a mother leave her child inside a box near the trash? That's just monstrous."Box...Trash...? I thought my parents died on the fire?
Adam just stared at me and his eyes were so sad. Zach was staring at me in the same way and my eyes can’t help sliding from the two of them.How am I supposed to confront them both? How did Zach know? I need to talk about my memories to Adam..."I will leave both of you for now."No! His eyes gaze at my hand holding Zach's and he turned around without looking at me. I feel a pain in my heart but I glanced at Zach who was still observing me.How did he know?"He called me." His voice was stern and he lets go of my hand, tucking my loose strands at the back of my ear. I scanned his face, looking at his beautiful tan skin, brown hair, and his emerald green eyes...Shiny green... This green color is…I raised my hand and try to touch the area near his eyes but he grabbed my wrist. I looked back at him and he was staring at me, studying my reaction."I feel weird, Zach."I felt my ey
Fuck.The bottle hit his head and it shatters down the ground, Zach stood immediately, surprised and I held my mouth with my hands after a gasp. Why didn’t he stop it? Adam rubbed the back of his head and stood up, and hell, I can feel his dark ambiance devouring me.Shit, why didn't he just used his reflex or power or whatever?He turned to me with a sullen gaze, I bit my lower lip and I am ready to run. My eyes slid to Zach and his eyes are still wide and he looked at me like I was crazy.There's no other choice... I have to do this...I stared at Adam and grabbed another bottle, steadfastly, the one that I prepared in case my plan didn't work. I threw it at him and he catches it with his hand with his burning look and the bottle turns to ashes.I grinned in victory and he got an amused gaze and I turned to Zach. See! See! He looked like his jaws just dropped down and I wanna laugh.&