Title: Shadows of Deception: A Tale of Love

CHAPTER 6 : Knock knock... ?

As the early hours of the morning approached, Babe reluctantly tore himself away from the warmth of Billy's embrace, a sense of urgency creeping into his movements as he hastily gathered his clothes. But Billy, ever the tease, remained seated on the sofa, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of his lips as he watched Babe with amusement.

"It's still too early," he insisted, his voice laced with playful affection. "No one is going to see you."

With a shy smile, Babe couldn't help but be drawn to Billy's infectious charm, his heart fluttering in response to the tender kisses that rained down on his cheeks. In that moment, they seemed like a perfect couple, wrapped up in the bliss of a honeymoon morning, the tensions and rivalries of the past fading into insignificance.

But Babe, ever pragmatic, couldn't ignore the reality of their situation. With a flush on his cheeks, he gently chided Billy, reminding him that their encounter was nothing more than a fleeting moment of passion, a temporary escape from the complexities of their lives.

"I still have to go," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "Before morning, we're still not a thing. This was just... in the heat of the moment."

Despite his words, Babe couldn't deny the pull he felt towards Billy, the magnetic attraction that seemed to draw them together with an irresistible force. But for now, he knew he had to maintain a semblance of distance, lest they risk crossing a line that could never be uncrossed.

With a final smile, Babe bid Billy farewell, leaving him alone in the dimly lit office, his heart still dancing with the memory of their stolen moment together. And as he watched Babe disappear into the early morning light, Billy couldn't help but smile like a fool, his heart filled with a warmth that lingered long after Babe had gone. For in that brief encounter, he had already earned his spot in babe’s heart.

**Back at the fashion house**

As the new finance analyst, Dawn Manaonan, stepped into the bustling fashion house, he exuded an air of devilish confidence and charisma that immediately caught the attention of the entire team. With a sharp smile and adorable dimples, he seemed tailor-made for the job, effortlessly charming everyone he met.

Rumours began to swirl among the salespersons on the floor, whispers of Dawn's connection to the heiress of the fashion house, Saran. It was said that he was her younger brother, a fact that only added to the intrigue surrounding his arrival.

Non, the head of the fashion house, took the opportunity to introduce Dawn to the team during a meeting of the board. "I'd like to welcome Dawn Manaonan to our team," he announced, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "He comes highly recommended and will be working closely with us to ensure the success of our financial operations."

As Non spoke, Dawn nodded graciously, his expression warm but suspicious. Despite his relative youth, he exuded a sense of maturity and professionalism that immediately put the board at ease.

The office was suffused with the soft hum of productivity when Non walked in, Dawn trailing behind him. Babe, engrossed in reviewing the latest designs, looked up and immediately stood to greet his father with a warm hug. "Dad, to what do I owe the visit?" he asked, a curious smile playing on his lips as they all took their seats.

Non gestured towards the man beside him. "This is Dawn, Saran's nephew from the States, whom I talked to you about earlier. He is going to be in charge of our financial department from now on."

Babe’s smile barely masked his scepticism as he extended a hand towards Dawn. "Welcome to our company. We look forward to working with you."

Dawn's grip was firm, his smirk almost challenging. "You’re more handsome—if not too beautiful—in person than I had heard," he said smoothly. "I hope we get along fine."