I, Ache Vol. III

Obsession | Behind Closed Doors

Written by pautamik

The elevator opened to the usual Friday evening frenzy. Some were rushing home to start their weekends while others were rushing through their tasks. Unfinished tasks at the end of the day would mean working through the weekend. No one likes working during the weekend.

Roni exited the elevator and for a few seconds, the males stopped and stared. The looks she got were a mixture of leers and glares. Leers because it's rare for a woman to work in the construction industry. Despite being in a male dominated workplace, she refused to dress up like a man. Her skirt suit definitely stood out but she couldn't care less. Glares because not only was she a woman, she's also one of the partners in the firm. A position that she worked long and hard for. Proving herself not only to her colleagues but most of all to her father.

She lifted an eyebrow at her audience and just like that, the spell was broken. They turned their attentions back to their tasks at hand. As for Roni, her expression remained blank as she crossed the floor. Halfway, she met her assistant who was on his way home. He informed him that Mr. Vargas, one of the partners, was in her office waiting.

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Ace turned from inspecting some designs on a table when the door opened. He watched as Roni smiled at him and glided to his side.

"Are you done for the day?" he asked as he gathered her in his arms. He felt a tug on his chest knowing he's one of the few who was given the privilege to be with her like this.

He could still remember the first time he saw her during her first day in the firm. Fresh-faced, open and eager to learn. Until she learned how tough it was to be the only girl in a man's world. Being the daughter of a senior partner made things worse.

She was able to adapt soon enough but at the cost of her smile and expressive eyes. Roni was part of his team at that time that's why Ace was able to witness the change and it had been his goal to bring them back. It was a small victory to know that he was able to do it even if only behind closed doors.

For years, they have kept their relationship platonic as Roni insisted. She worried that being in a romantic relationship, especially with someone she works with, would make her vulnerable. Despite his insistence that the guys have learned to respect her, she still thinks that any emotion, any sign of weakness, could be used against her. Anything to prove she wasn't good enough and that she had disappointed her father.

The last few months, however, they both felt the change in their relationship but neither of them was willing to redefine it. It started with lingering hugs and a few shared kisses. Occasional dinners became Friday date nights while sporadic messages turned into constant communication. And last weekend, their heavy petting session had turned into a hot romp under the sheets.

Keeping their relationship a secret might have been thrilling at first but Ace wanted to make it official. Roni is a rare gem and there are other guys who would want to court her. And Ace would rather not have any of that. But Roni had been skittish the whole week and he worried that he might have scared her away. It was a relief when she smiled and let him hug her.

He was about to kiss her when there was a knock on the door. She pulled away and opened the door. It was her father.

"Sweetheart, I'm heading home. Don't forget the luncheon on Sunday."

"Yes, Daddy."

Her father nodded and turned his attention to Ace.

"Take care of my Veronica. She's more precious than any sons I could ever have."