Chapter 5

Andrea's POV

"Yes, were you able to get it? I need that copy tomorrow. I want it to be clear and concise as usual. Please finish it ASAP." I put down my phone. I pursed my lips and took a sip of wine.

"One down, and you are mine." I feel so happy right now.

But that happiness quickly turned into annoyance when I remembered my sister. I can't help but feel jealous. She's always so close to Nick. I'm willing to be his secretary just to be near him. I've been with other men, trying to move on from him, but I always come back to Nick. His kiss is different. His touch and caress are different. I search for it in other men, but I can never find it. Only Nick made me feel that way.

"Oh, Nick, I miss you. You will come back to me, Nick. I swear."

I went upstairs to eat. As I was about to enter the restaurant, I saw Nick and Jessica talking seriously while eating. They didn’t look like they were on a date, but my heart burned with anger and jealousy. I faked a smile before approaching them.

"Nick," I said, stroking his shoulder. I saw the shock on Jessica’s face because of what I did. But I ignored her and sat beside Nick.

"Why didn’t you wait for me? Didn't I say we should eat together?" I asked sweetly.

"Girlfriend?" I asked innocently while glancing at Jessica.

She stopped eating, wiped her mouth, looked me in the eyes, and directly said...

"Yes! Meet my girlfriend, Jessica!"

It felt like lightning struck me.

I also saw how Jessica choked on her food upon hearing that. But the most painful part was watching Nick take care of her, making sure she was okay. Jessica tried to push him away, but he insisted on helping her. I could see his concern for her. I never experienced that kind of treatment from him. We were together for two months when we were abroad, but I don't remember him looking at me the way he looks at Jessica now.

Maybe I’m just blinded by jealousy because I know he’s only pretending to be with her to avoid me. And it hurts because he had to pretend just to stay away from me or worse, to hurt me. No, I won’t lose. I know he’s just angry, and there’s still love left in his heart for me. Yes, I believe we loved each other.

"You want to play, Nick? Then I’m in." I told myself.

I forced a smile and turned to Jessica.

"Hello, Jessica. I'm Andrea, Nick’s ex." I introduced myself.

My sister shook my hand, and I could see the plea in her eyes. I squeezed her hand tightly. I saw her wince in pain, and Nick noticed it. He pulled her away from me. I couldn’t help but feel hurt by the way he protected Jessica.

But I kept smiling.

"Would you mind if I share a table with you?" I asked Jessica.

"Sure, sure," she replied like a meek little lamb.

I saw Nick clench his jaw. His expression made me want to laugh.

"Nicholas, Nicholas! I won this round. What Andrea wants, Andrea will get. You wait and see," I whispered to myself.

Nick's POV

I could see that Andrea wasn’t affected by what I said. She remained calm while talking to Jessica. Andrea is smart, so she must have realized that I was lying just to avoid her. I also noticed that Jessica seemed scared of Andrea. She only answered her questions and didn’t say anything unnecessary.

We weren’t able to finish discussing our plans for tomorrow because Andrea stayed at the table with us, enjoying herself as she told Jessica stories about our time abroad.

When we reached the elevator, Andrea finally excused herself.

"Bye, Nick," she said before giving me a quick kiss near my lips and winking before the elevator doors closed.

I wasn’t able to dodge because it happened too fast.

Jessica stared at me as if she was asking a question.

"I’m sorry about earlier. It was sudden, and I needed your help. I didn’t want her to think she still had a chance with me, so I said that." I said guiltily.

Jessica didn’t react and seemed deep in thought. The silence between us was deafening.

"Aren’t you going to say anything?" I asked, confused.

She just looked at me and let out a deep sigh.

"Wait, wait. Why do I have a feeling that you’re hiding something from me? I’m not used to you being this quiet or not yelling at me. Are you guilty of something?"

"Me? Guilty? And why would I feel guilty? I just can’t believe what happened earlier. I was so shocked when you introduced me as your girlfriend. And to think, just earlier in the car, you were saying things like ‘Dream on! I’d never date a vile woman like you. You’re cheap. I won’t let myself be a victim. I’d never date a secretary.’ And then you suddenly said that in front of Andrea?" she said in one breath while we stepped into the elevator.

I can’t believe she remembered everything I said. This woman really holds a grudge. Scary.

It took me a while to respond.

"Wait, wait. Did I ever say I was going to make it real? I only said that to make Andrea back off. It doesn’t mean we actually have to pretend. Hell yeah, it was a big mistake to introduce you as my girlfriend. You can’t even play a simple role. I thought you were efficient and flexible, but you proved me wrong again."

"Excuse me, sir! My efficiency and flexibility do not apply to your so-called play. Acting requires practice and preparation!"

"You caught me off guard earlier. And besides, my opponent was beautiful. How could I compete?" she explained.

"You are more beautiful than her," I replied absentmindedly.

Jessica stared at me in shock.

But I was even more shocked when I suddenly heard laughter behind me.

An elderly couple was standing at the back of the elevator. I didn’t even notice we weren’t alone.

I could already imagine tomorrow’s headlines: "The Mighty Nicholas Ford Caught Having a Petty Argument with His Secretary!"

I also saw the embarrassment on Jessica’s face when she realized we had company.

Both of us quickly apologized as the elevator stopped, and we hurriedly stepped out.