Worst Cupid Ever

Control Freak

They know. Genevieve could feel it in their gaze, the searching way they looked at her. Those patronising smiles, the exaggerated 'welcome back' greetings she was pelted with the moment she stepped into the foyer. Even over-sabi Mark from Trust and Safety visited her office, all smiles and stuffy words of disbelief.

"When I heard the news of your dismissal, I straight up said it was a lie." Then he smiled that I-just-got-my-teeth-bleached smile that Genevieve hated.

She was petty enough to remind him of how he relished poking holes in her presentations. That sent the serpent slithering back into his hole quickly.

It was confounding. How did they know she was dating the boss? All through the morning, it had been a puzzle, until Maria called and revealed something unexpected.

"I just got off the phone with Alice. Guess what she told me."

Genevieve groaned as she leaned into her seat. "She talked about me dating the boss, right?"

"Huh? No. They know you guys are dating? How'd they find out so fast?"

Genevieve sat up. If they didn't know then... "I thought they knew. Everybody has been extra nice to me since I came back. Even Mark came to give me a personal welcome."

"I think it's something else." There was a note of concern in Maria's voice. "You know I told you Alice called. She asked if I knew your mum was a senator."

Genevieve was mute for a full second. Then she facepalmed. "I knew something was off. They kept trying to kiss my ass. I hate whenever this happens."

Maria's voice grew solemn. "This sucks."

"Yeah." She had been careful about hiding the fact. Her gaze dropped to the gift box on her desk. She had yet to run into Ray. On her way to work, he told her he would be coming in a bit late. One glance at the time, and she decided to make her move.

She should ask him about how everyone suddenly knew about her mother. Yeah, and give him his gift too.

"I'd go ask Ray."

"Of course you would." There was a teasing note in Maria's voice. Genevieve could imagine her wiggling her brows and spotting a knowing smirk. "How does it feel to have your boyfriend so close by? Huh? Huh?"

Genevieve laughed as she stood. "You'd never let me breathe about this."

"You know me too well," Maria said with a chuckle. "I told you you guys are so meant for each other."

After stuffing the box into a small gift bag, Genevieve walked to the door. "What do you want to me say? Thanks? It wasn't like your words made us start dating."

"But I helped plant the thought in your head." There was still laughter in Maria's voice. "Better pay your respect to this cupid."

Genevieve grinned at the irony. Ada will laugh her head off when she hears this. Since Ray's office was two floors above hers, she decided to take the stairs. "What do you want from me?"

"Make me your chief bridesmaid."

Genevieve stifled a chuckle as she took the stairs. "Girl, we haven't been together for up to a month. You need to cool your horses."

"I can sense these things. Both of you are gonna get hitched in no time. Wanna bet."

"... did you hear?"

Genevieve paused. Ahead, someone was talking loud enough for her to hear from where she stood.

"Hear what?" The other person asked. From their voices, Genevieve could tell they were both women.