Addicted Love (VALENTINE SERIES #1)

Faye's POV 02

02

It's weird that Ae isn't paying much attention to me lately, and it's making me overthink. She only glances my way occasionally, and I can only get her attention when I call on her during class.

I'm not in the mood to return to my office, and I'm ignoring Triz, who looks ready to tease me today.

"Not now, Triz," I said as she prepared to poke fun at me.

I quickly checked myself in the mirror. Am I no longer attractive to Ae? Is she done flirting with me? Maybe she's just weak for not standing by what she started.

"The mirror's going to break, Kenzie," Triz said, but I just shot her a glare.

"Why are you still here? Don't you have anything better to do than hang around my office?" I snapped, turning my attention to my work.

"Triz, how's your business? I heard you took in Eigenmann's kid at your hospital," I added, casually. For context, Triz is a licensed doctor, while Chia is a lawyer.

And me? I'm just a multimillionaire with multiple companies.

"Yeah, I trust that kid," she replied, getting up. "Want to grab lunch?" she asked, but I just gave her a glance.

I had no appetite. I needed to finish some paperwork and sign contracts, not to mention my overthinking about Ae.

"You go ahead. I'm not hungry, and I have a meeting at USC later," I said, and she nodded before leaving my office.

"You may all leave now," I said to the USC students, a smile creeping into my mind as I noticed one of the Valentine avoiding my friend Chia.

Looks like I'm a good matchmaker. Chia should be thanking me for playing a part in her budding romance with Iris. I'm just doing my part to help their love blossom.

We ate quietly, enjoying the food Ae had prepared. I'm not biased, but her cooking is truly delicious.

I kept a poker face while eating, even though I wanted to smile. It felt like someone was watching me in my office.

As I savored her graham balls, I noticed her wince when her hand hit the table. My heart twisted when I saw the bruise on her hand.

I wanted to slap myself because I knew I was the reason for her injury. I quickly stood up, grabbed my ice pack, and sat next to her.

I could see her cheeks flush, and it made me smile secretly, knowing I had an effect on her.

"I'm sorry, Ae," I murmured as I continued to tend to her.

"Ae?" she asked, confused.

I quickly met her gaze, wishing I hadn't, especially since she was looking at me.

"Yup. Ae, short for Amira Elise," I replied, gathering my courage. I felt my cheeks heat up and quickly returned to my poker face, realizing I was blushing.

Ae was still in my office, and I occasionally glanced at her while working on paperwork. I admit, her corny jokes and occasional delusions made me giddy.

But her delusions were endearing, giving me hope that maybe we would end up together.

Suddenly, I lost my mood when I heard Juliana's name on the other line. Is it normal to be sweet with an ex? If so, please bring them to me so I can shoot them.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought of them saying "I love you" to each other before hanging up. Right in front of me?

"Misis ko, aalis na ako. Nag iwan pala ako ng tupperware sa ref mo may lamang graham ball yun. Kainin mo ah." she said while organizing her things on the mini table in my office.