Nothing more, nothing less

The Unspoken Tension

The lights of the city glittered beyond the glass walls of the boardroom, casting a soft glow on the polished marble floors. Celestiana paced slowly, feeling the weight of every step as the meeting loomed closer. This wasn't just about business. There was something else at play, something she had long buried but could no longer ignore.

Nang bumukas ang pinto, tumigil si Celestiana. Alicia entered, her presence filling the room in ways Celestiana had tried to deny for so long. Hindi niya magawang hindi mapansin ang bawat galaw ni Alicia—ang paraan ng kanyang paglakad, ang mapanatag na kumpiyansa na tila walang makakapigil sa kanya.

"Long time no see, Cel," Alicia's voice was low, almost teasing, but there was a depth to it that sent a chill down Celestiana's spine.

She swallowed, trying to maintain her composure. "Yes, it's been a while," sagot niya, pero naramdaman niyang may bahid ng tensyon sa kanyang boses.

They stood across from each other, the table between them nothing but a fragile barrier against the storm of unspoken feelings. Their fathers were about to sign another multi-million deal, but for Celestiana and Alicia, this meeting meant more than numbers and contracts. There were emotions involved, suppressed desires na hindi kayang itago ng pormalidad ng negosyo.

Alicia's eyes locked on hers, searching, challenging. "You look... different," sabi nito, a hint of something deeper in her tone.

Celestiana's heart raced. "Different how?" tanong niya, ang malamig na maskara sa kanyang mukha ay halos hindi na mapanatili.

Alicia stepped closer, breaking the professional distance. "Stronger. More... guarded," she whispered, her eyes never leaving Celestiana's.

It was true. Celestiana had built walls—high and impenetrable—since the last time they'd been this close. But Alicia always had a way of slipping through the cracks. She always had the power to make her feel vulnerable.

"Is this really the time for... personal observations?" Celestiana managed to say, pero ramdam niyang ang boses niya'y masyadong mahina kaysa sa inaasahan niya.

Alicia smirked, leaning in slightly, just enough for their faces to be dangerously close. "This has never been just business between us, Cel. You know that."

Celestiana's breath hitched, her mind reeling with memories—memories of late nights, stolen glances, and the undeniable connection they had always pretended wasn't there. Every inch of her wanted to deny it, to turn away, but Alicia's presence was intoxicating.

"I've moved on," sabi ni Celestiana, trying to sound convincing, though the words felt hollow even to her.

Alicia's smile deepened, and she took one final step, closing the distance between them. "Then why do you still feel it?" she whispered, her voice low, filled with desire that was impossible to ignore.

Celestiana stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest. This was dangerous—too dangerous. But the truth was undeniable. Alicia had always had a hold on her, and no matter how hard she tried to escape, the pull was stronger now than ever before.