Chapter 8

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. He looks fine but of course, Adam is---- is nothing! He is a jerk!

"I just entered,” he replied with a soft smile.

"Oh."

"Are you... applying for the job?"

His brown eyes show a hint of laughter but his lips just form a feeble smile. He kind of looked so sorry and tired? I suddenly felt curious.

"I work here, Miss Eva,” he answered. He did? This is my first time seeing this man.

I feel like a lunatic right now and I just want to make him leave. He was just standing by the door and I feel so rude not inviting him to the office.

"Why don't you sit down? Do you need anything?"

I ignored his answer about being one of the staff since I am so damn embarrassed right now.

"No, I just came to check out since I heard someone shouting inside your office." He was staring at me and I don’t like being stared at by strangers so I avoided his gaze.

I sucked the insides of my cheek. I thought the office was soundproofed.

I let out a raspy laugh. "I'm okay!"

I waved my fingers in front of my face so I would look convincing. He smiled at me and nodded, leaving the door of my office closed.

I sat down heavily and let my chair spin me around with it. I need to read five more templates of the applying novels. I sighed and continued to work. An hour later, I can feel hot tears streaming down my cheeks.

I just read an upsetting story and it made me cry. Why would she leave him like that? It's a novel made by an author named Hope, a romance, a slice of life genre. Volume one is about how the blind girl and her man fell in love but in the end, the girl disappeared, she left him! Without even saying goodbye!

Is that what happened to Adam? He just left me hanging? I snorted while my tears occupy the spaces in my eyes. We aren’t lovers, why am I even relating myself into this? I heard the door creaked and it was my Zach.

"Babe, why are you crying?"

Zach immediately entered my office and went straight beside me.

"I'm okay, I just read one of the novels from the audition and it was heart breaking."

He chuckled, "That good huh? What is it called?"

I looked at the cover.

"If love is true."

Zach let out a hmm sound and then turned to flip the pages of the book.

I sniffled and wiped my nose with my fingers, and then buried my head in my arms laid on the table. I closed my eyes.

Where is Adam?

Something inside of me is aching because of Adam. I don't understand it myself. I know the truth about him—I've only met him, but why am I feeling this strange familiarity. In the novel, 'If love is true' Eric told Penelope that he is in love with her even though it was for days. She believed that he told her that out of pity, but he is really in love with her—is there such thing as that? Love at first sight? First love and such?

It led me to think about one relevant question.

Am I in love with Adam?

My eyelids sprung up immediately.

That's bullshit.

"I'll never even see him again," I whispered and was startled by an answer.

"Who? Adam?,” Zach answered.

My thoughts once again escaped through my lips. I lifted my head and see Zach looking at me. I groaned and buried my face in my arms in the table once again. I hear Zach's footsteps going beside me then he landed a small tap in my head.

"You're stupid most of the time."

"How am I stupid?"

I frowned at him and smiles. He sat down at my table and tucked my hair behind my ear.

"You'll know."

Know what?

His emerald eyes were so concerned and warm, I can't help but smile seeing him like this. When he looks at me, everything seemed so peaceful. It's as if he was an angel.

"Are you an angel?"

Zach's brow suddenly creased and his reaction was not for bluffing but amusement.

"What if I am?"

I laughed, slapping his arm. If only he knows that they exist, like for real—he wouldn't even dare to ask that. He is not laughing and his lips was just pressed into a thin line. My laughs suddenly faded into the air as his grave gaze dropped on me.

Wait. Don't tell me.

"A-are you one?"

I swallowed my existence in one gulp after I speak. He is not speaking and he was so serious. I stared at him, examining if he is jesting around but there's nothing in his face. My belief in the supernatural was heightened so I never took anything like this as a joke anymore.

But Zach!? How!? When!?

"How---"

I choked on my own saliva and ended up coughing. He then started to burst out in laughter as he taps my back.

"You should have seen the look on your face!"

My eyes hurt because of my throat, I tried to swallow more to stop the cough. I wiped my eyes with my hand.

"Ha-Ha! Very funny!"

I shouted angrily at him. I got scared for a moment since I thought its tru, but that's so stupid of me. The thoughts of Adam are making a fool out of me, the demons and shit. Now I am curious about heaven and the angels. I regained my normal breathing and scrunched my nose.

"Why would you even believe a ridiculous joke?"

He mocked me as he beamed, and it was irritating and adorable at the same time.

"Don't you believe in the supernatural...?"

I asked him, wanting to know if he ever believed them. Maybe I could tell him that it's true, then about Adam.

But then what?

I discarded it once and for all. That is stupid.

"What if I do though? That doesn't mean I am an angel."

He laughs again and god, I wanted to punch him right in his cute face.

Is it a sin to say 'god' in remarks and expressions now? I gasped.

"Why babe? Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing. Do you, uhm, think I am going to hell?"

What if the hell is real? Will I get tortured down there since I unconsciously made a deal?

He smirked.

"Really Eva? What's bothering you, tell me."

Well, I can't tell him about it!

I shook my head but he scoops my cheeks and urged me to face him.

"What is wrong?"

My eyes focused on his lips as he spoke, it was smooth and dark pink and I don't know.

My body stood up without any warning and put my face close to his. He stared at me still, but his eyes travelled down my lips as well.

I wanted to kiss him.

But why? Is it for comfort?

"Zach, I—

He puts his lips closer and we were about to kiss once again.

I jumped away from him when someone knocked on my office, wondering what the hell just happened. I sucked in my lips and bit it. Zach stood up and put his hands in his pocket, his gaze never changing. Nat entered with a smile on her innocent face, her eyes slid to Zach then back at me.

"Eva, the meeting for Mr. Ross will be tomorrow. He said his assistant is going to get you here in the office by 1 pm."

"Okay, Nat. Thank you."

She nodded and went outside. The atmosphere suddenly felt a little heavier but I mustered a smile.

"So, Mr. Ross is about to meet you tomorrow?"

He smiled back at me.

"Yea... Have you ever met him yet? Like the main boss of our pub?"

"Sort of?"

"What do you mean sort of?” I asked.

He walked close to me and pinched my cheek.

"I have to go now,” he uttered calmly.

Here he is again! Cutting his thoughts hanging!

"Why are you always doing that!"

"Doing what?"

He blinked several times, acting like a puppy who doesn't know anything in the world. I rolled my eyes at him. Sometimes, I just wanna hang him upside down and force him to speak about what he knows that I don't.

"See you tomorrow." I sighed in defeat and he gave me a wink and left.

I sat in my chair and leaned back.

"Tomorrow, huh?"

****

"At last!"

I pumped my fist at the table after finishing 55 revisions of outlines from different authors. I arched my back in the backrest, stretching my arms and my legs. I feel so tired; I just want to plop down my bed.

After minutes of staring at my ceiling, I stood up to assemble my things. I went outside my office and waved Cathlyn and Kate goodbye before going downstairs.

I really feel so giddy. I closed my eyes for a moment as I walk slowly into the hallway before the exit.

"Ouch!"

I jolt as I bumped into someone. My shoulder felt as if it was punched but it wasn't. I was walking with my eyes closed and it's my fault. But why the hell is this guy here not looking as well!

"Miss Eva, I'm sorry."

The guy held my shoulder to check if I was hurt. I looked at him and he has this shiny trimmed black hair and dark brown eyes.

It's the guy from the office! The melancholic dude.

"You're the man from the office earlier!"

I smiled at him and his lips formed a small curl. He looked as if he was a person who just got his accounts bankrupt.

"Yes, and my name is Simon."

"Oh, nice to meet you, Simon."

I offered my hand for him to shake. His gaze was stern but gloomy. His eyes got bags, I want to ask him why he is like that but I cannot be blunt.

"Why do you look so sad Simon?"

Yea, I'm not blunt, maybe just too fucking blunt--- that my thoughts escape my loud mouth before I can even shut it.

He just shrugged and then shook his head next. He has this meek smile that makes him look like it was being forced. Does he have any friends? Maybe I can invite him to some food stalls? It's my job as a head to actually know my staff as well.

"Hey, do you want to grab----"

I stopped as someone grabbed me by the waist, pulling me closer to his body.

"Hey, babe. Is there something wrong?"

Zach's beautiful green eyes looked at me as his hands laid firmly on my waist. My brows creased, my eyes asking him what is going on. He is not usually like this, he never blocks people away.

"Yes. I'm okay. Zach, this is—"

"Simon." Zach nodded his head once at Simon but his eyes were fiery and overprotective. He was scary and I can feel Simon shuddering at his glare. The man just backed out and bowed his head a little, turning away, to walk back upstairs. Zach still hasn't let go from holding me until the poor man was out of sight.

"I never thought that you could be so rude." I raised my brow at him and pulled myself from his arm. I want to know what is going on.

"You cannot save everyone, Eva."

Zach was so serious. I knew that it wasn't just something and it made me much more eager to know what is happening.

"You think I'd stop bitching about this now after you just used your mysterious language again?"

This time I frowned. I want him to know I am fucking serious too. If Zach acted like that, there must be something. And I'm not the type who would just obey just because a man told them so, I am freaking eager to know why first. Once I knew that their reason is reasonable, then I will obey. Women can have their own choices for fucks sake. I crossed my arms at him and glare. His gaze was fixed on me, and he doesn't falter—it is making me feel intimidated. He just stares at me and just sighed.

"Don't just invite people that you don't know to go with you. Who knows what they'll do, I don't want you to be harmed again."

He is just worried about me, I know that. But I can't just let him be so overprotective all of a sudden. I know how to handle myself.

"He was just a sad man, Zach. And I can take care of myself."

"Do you know how hard it was for me when you nearly died?"

Oh. I angered him.

Zach was frowning, he is mad, and you can see it in his eyes even though he doesn't show it very often. I suddenly remembered the time I got shot. I can feel my jaw tensing and my feet, all of a sudden, became cold. I've never gotten over it. My breath started to rush when my mind recalls every inch of pain.

I want this to be over.

That pain.

"Eve."

A voice rang to my ears, and my eyes suddenly turned muzzy. All I can remember is that Zach pulled me into his arms and I just fell into his chest.

****

I woke up and lights pooled my sensitive eyes. A chandelier hanging on the ceiling is enough to tell me that I am not in my cozy house. I jumped off and stood up. I realized I have been sleeping on a rich-style sofa.

Where am I!?

I panicked. My eyes scanned the surroundings and the area was darn wide. Not too wide but I can guess that this is the living room and it is much bigger than mine. Well, mine is small—I don't even know if there is a living room in there. I snorted at the thought. The areas were fairly lighted, but it wasn't that bright, it was more of warm light. There were paintings in the wall, and I felt drawn. I walk towards the paintings, but the cabinet made me stray from the walls. It has pictures of a man. A handsome man with green eyes.

Zach!? This is Zach's!? Of course, it's his. I was the last one with him.

"Hello, babe."

I was startled by his gentle voice from behind and I held my hand in my chest. I turned to look at him and I gapped. He was wearing a muscle tee and his toned arms are so visible. His neck has some lines that are so tensed, making it obvious that he just got off from a workout. His slightly tanned skin glistens from the sweat that trails down his visible skin.

It's my first time seeing him like this. But the images of Adam wearing only a towel on his lower body made me gulp. I shook my head to rid him of my head. The f?

"Is it really breathtaking to see a guy after a workout?"

He laughed and walked towards me. He stood beside me. His smell is still like a fresh garden even when he is perspiring.

"I didn't know that you are living in such a place!"

I slapped his arm loudly and he chuckled.

"I mean you were always forcing me to treat you for drinks, for foods! Then I'll find out you are living this rich life!"

I pouted, that's unfair. Like really, why didn't I know? I ponder at the thought. Haven't I really focusing on others' lives other than mine?

"Hey." I looked at him and he was beaming at me with his lovely eyes. I really love his eyes and the way it looks so calm and gentle.

"I'm sorry, I haven't brought you here."

What? I am the ignorant one.

"No! I am the one who didn't ask you about it."

"You don't care about people's background Eva, you care about them because it's just really how you are. You befriend people since you find their personalities intriguing. That's what I love about you."

My smile widens as I hear the word love. I want to laugh, but it's because I am happy.

"Zach."

"Yes?"

"If I hadn't met Adam. I know I will be with you."

My heart constricted from what I said. But it is the truth. I love Zach. But that thief, Adam, took something from me and I still want to figure out what it is.

He looked flushed even more after what I said. His wide eyes suddenly lowers and he just lets out a wobbly smile.

I don't know what to feel. Why did I even tell him that?

"I am going to escort you home."

Zach grins at me and I felt unsteady. I don't know what to do.

"Zach." I don't know what to do. I am having a hard time trying to feel between these two.

Why does Adam even bother every bit of me? Because I owe him my life?

Zach has always been with me. I love him but I don't know if this love is a different kind of love, or is it a brother? Is it for a lover?

My breath hitches when Zach took a step closer to me. We are inches closer to each other but I feel like—Fuck I don't know! I can't even look at him.

He scooped my chin with his finger and raised my face to look at him.

"I don't know what is happening either,” he whispered.

His eyes were grieving for something but I can feel something different as he spoke. I closed my eyes as his lips draw closer to mine. I can feel his breath escaping from his lips. I can feel the air getting heavier as he gets closer. I feel like my heart is going to stop as I wait for our lips to clash.

I moved as soon as I heard my cellphone ringing from the sofa. I sucked in my lips and look at him as if I was asking for his permission so I could get it.

Zach just shakes his head and lays a peck on my head.

"Go get it, Eva."

I ran through the sofa and get the cellphone. I was so frightened of what could have happened if this cellphone didn't ring. But my heart was pounding and my shaky hands grabs my cellphone.

"Hello, Miss Eva."

A man was in line on the phone.

"Hello, who is this?"

"This is Thompson, the assistant of Mr. Ross."

"Oh, hello Mr. Thompson. Are there any more things that Mr. Ross needs for tomorrow's meeting?"

"It has been rescheduled."

What? When?

"Uhm, I'll tell it to my secretary so we could arrange it again."

"No need for that, Ms. Eva. It has been rescheduled tonight."

I choked on my saliva. I held the phone away from my mouth as possible and Zach comes closer to pat my back, trying to suppress his freaking laugh.

"Do you mean tonight, Mr. Thompson?"

"Yes, I am already outside, waiting for you."

Outside?

"Wait, I am not in my house. I'm going to go there right now."

"Outside Mr. Zach's house, Ms. Eva."

What!? I mouthed to Zach. "Mr. Ross' assistant is outside your house!"

Zach brows raised with that, 'really? Yea?' look.

"How did you know that I was here, Sir Thompson?"

He chuckled from the phone.

"We have many intel Ms. Eva. I have gone to your house and also to Ms. Natalie's house to check you out. I just found out that you are here after I called some of my contacts."

That's some detective move.

"Okay, I will be heading out now."

The call ended and I fix my bag and my dress. I pulled my black coat from the sofa and put it on.

"Mr. Ross' assistant is like a freaking FBI agent."

I mutter as I wear my sandals. Zach then helped me up the sofa and held me in my arms.

"Text me. Okay?"

I nodded and he embraced me tightly. I lift my arms to hug him too. Zach walked with me outside his house and we see a grand limousine waiting for me. A tall man in a black suit comes to greet me, extending his hand to me.

"Miss Eva. Mister Zach."

He bowed to us both after a handshake. I was freaking speechless, and Zach's lips were just slightly curled. Mr. Thompson opened the car door and I hopped in, the back was so wide, and it was warmly lighted. The inside of the limo was mildly fragrant. My eyes hanged at the sight of Zach standing outside the car with his eyes on us. Zach… I leaned my back on the backrest and waited for the long drive, my eyes feel tired so I decided to close my eyes for a while.

****

"Ms. Eva, we are here."

I flutter my eyes open as I heard Thompson's voice beside me. He was holding the door open and is waiting for me to get out.

I slowly got out of the car and he walked beside me as we walk inside a hotel. My eyes glanced at the wall clock and see that it was 9 pm in the evening. We continuously walked on, inside the elevator.

"Where is Mr. Ross?"

I asked as I stare at Thompson's finger entering the floor number.

'He is on the 53rd floor, he owns the whole top floor."

"Hm."

I sucked in my lips, trying to suppress a gasp of astonishment. Rich people. I kept staring at the elevator door the whole time, and my conscience took me back when the ding sound finally hit my ears.

"Go on, Ms. Eva. Mr. Ross will be waiting in his office."

He gestured me to walk on without him and it made me nervous.

"H-how am I to know where the office is?"

"Just go on straight the hallway, Madam,” he answered with his lips restrained. He looked as if he finds me funny.

"Just Eva, please." I smiled at him to show that I am not afraid—even though I am so frightened and nervous about this. He smiled back and re-entered the elevator. I was left alone. I already feel like a sloth since it is already night.

All I can think of is my bed and how the futon would feel like when I plop myself in there.

As I walked, I noticed the simply elegant decorations on the wall. It was like a regal design, there was gold and red, black and white, yet the ornaments are really quite simple. I head straight to the hallway and just kept on walking towards the large door at the center. I drag my body there even if my feet were itching to just get a tour in the whole place.

As I reached the brown, two-door passage, I held both the knobs and gently opened them. I was amazed by how beautiful it was, the inside of the room. The wall on the edge are made of glass, and the decoration seemed old-fashioned but cozy, elegant. There was wood furniture, and that nature ambiance traveling inside made me feel warm. Looks like the taste of Mr. Ross is the same as mine.

My eyes then laid at the man who was sitting on his table, gazing at the flashing lights from the tall buildings outside. My blood suddenly raced into my veins and my heart started banging through my chest. I felt so surprised and weak. All the anonymous feelings flooded me in such a short span of time.

The fair man with the silver-grey hair and grey suit turned his head and looked at me with his blue eyes--- familiar blue cerulean eyes that were shining despite the lesser light that illuminates through the very room, through the very night.