Just Business [AnunKamol Fanfic] {ENG}

Chapter 3

• • ♥ • •

Lovelyn woke with a dull, throbbing headache. Although she hadn't drunk much the night before, the scotch had still left its mark.

Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed, the weight of regret pressing down on her as fragments of the previous night flashed in her mind. Shaking off the thoughts, she pushed herself to prepare for the day ahead.

By the time she arrived at the Dreamchaser office, Paz, her assistant who always beamed with happiness, was already at her desk, waiting as usual.

"Good morning, Miss Kamollak. Miss Anunta asked me to remind you about the meeting scheduled for 2:15 p.m.," Paz said in her usual light, cheerful tone. Lovelyn couldn't recall a single moment when Paz had seemed anything but radiant.

"Thank you, Paz," Lovelyn managed, rubbing her temple. Paz's eyes softened as she noticed her boss's discomfort.

"Is there anything I can get you, Miss Kamollak?" she asked gently. Lovelyn nodded. "Yes, please. I could really use a painkiller and some water."

"Of course. Why don't you head into your office? I'll bring it to you shortly," Paz offered with a kind smile.

Lovelyn made her way into her office. The lights were already on, but their harsh brightness was unbearable. With a sigh, she turned them off, grateful for the dimmer, quieter atmosphere.

"Good morning, Lyn," Atlas greeted her, already seated in the office with a laptop. She smiled warmly, but Lovelyn didn't return the gesture.

Instead, she sank into her chair, longing for silence. The thought struck her—it had been only days ago she last worked alone. Back then, the office had felt like her sanctuary, a place where her employees respected her, and she loved coming in every day. Now, that feeling was gone, tainted by the presence of someone who used to mean everything to her.

Her heart and mind were at war, with no end in sight. Atlas had once been her person—her closest confidant. Now, she felt like a stranger. Could they ever rebuild the chemistry, trust, and love they had shared as friends? Lovelyn had once harbored deeper feelings for Atlas, but she had buried them, fearing they would ruin the sacred bond they'd shared. And yet, here they were, the dynamic forever changed.

"I assume Paz told you about the meeting today?" Atlas asked, her voice breaking the silence. "Mable and Azura seemed excited when I mentioned it."

Before Lovelyn could respond, a soft knock interrupted them. Paz stepped inside, carrying a tray with a bottle of water, a glass, and the requested painkiller.

"Here you go, Miss Kamollak. Let me know if you need anything else," Paz said warmly.

"Thank you, Paz," Lovelyn replied, managing a small but sincere smile. After Paz left, Atlas's attention shifted back to her. "Rough night, huh?" she teased, her smirk tinged with genuine concern. Lovelyn's patience was thin. "Atlas, please," she murmured, almost pleading. "Just shut up and focus on your work."

Atlas's expression softened despite the harsh words. "Sorry," she said quietly. "But if you need anything, just let me know. I'm here." Ignoring her, Lovelyn took the painkiller and sipped her water. The room fell silent again, besides for the hum of their respective laptops.

After a moment, Lovelyn's voice broke the quiet. "Thank you," she said softly, not looking up.

Atlas smiled faintly to herself but chose not to respond. Lovelyn's small acknowledgment—her gratitude, even in its simplest form—felt like a victory. For now, that was enough.

• • ♥ • •

The meeting went better than either of them could've hoped. Just like Atlas had predicted, Mable Sarakune and her partner, Azura Aphichaya, were thrilled to sign the contract with Dreamchaser Industries. Sitting across from the two women, Lovelyn and Atlas couldn't help but feel that they'd just set something special into motion. Both were sure these two had a bright future ahead.