Beneath Her | [R-16]

Chapter Twenty Seven

"I like you, Nat."

"Don't-- Ace, please don't." I stared at him and slowly removed his hand. He chuckled, "You can't command my feelings. That's not how it works."

"You can control it. Sige na, we're very good friends. Let's not ruin it, Ace." I practically begged him, how pathetic. Nothing good comes out of being with me.

"Bakit ba parang sigurado ka na hindi magwo work? Why don't we try it out? Hayaan mo lang ako manligaw." he titled his head sideways and tried to make eye contact.

"Ace..."

"Just think about it. But just so you know, I won't stop liking you even if you say no." he winked. "Sunduin kita. Just text me."

"No, I can get a taxi. Nakakahiya na--"

"Hep! No, we're friends as of now. If you don't let me pick you up, that means you're being awkward." My mouth opened in defeat. He's right. It's awkward if I make it awkward so I shouldn't act like this.

"Fine, I'll text you."

"Alright, I'll see you later."

.

"Hey... Are you--?" tawag ko dun sa babae sa lobby. She looked back at me with so much excitement. "Miss Natalie, you're here."

I smiled as Missy shakes my hand. Napatingin ako sa paligid at parang... The place looks so gloomy. The lobby wasn't welcoming at all because of the old interior. Mukhang napag iwanan nang panahon.

"Ah, sir Fred wanted me to tell you po pala... This is one of the many companies your dad invested on. He's the second biggest shareholder here." she smiled as she walks me through hall.

"They bought it four years ago, and we hope we keep it for many years to come pa." she smiled and stopped at the elevator. Nagulat nalang ako bigla siyang yumuko nang magbukas yung elevator.

"Good morning, sir Jaime." bati niya. Napatingin lang ako sakanilang dalawa.

"Oh, I think I know you." sabi niya pagkalabas ng elevator. Lumapit saakin si Missy at bumulong, "CEO. Sir Jaime Posete."

"Oh, good morning po. I'm Natalie Montenegro." I offered my hand and he immediately shook it while laughing. "Sabi ko na nga ba. Hindi naman ako nasabihan ni Fred na pupunta ka."

Hindi ko alam ang isasagot ko kaya ngumiti nalang ako.

"Anyways, Missy will show you around. I'm sorry I won't be able to join you, I have a meeting to get to. I'll see you around?" he gave me such a big smile, it's quite suspicious.

"Sige po." tumango lang ako at pinanood siyang umalis habang nagsasara yung pinto ng elevator. The building was only four stories. It was mostly on a factory side than an actual office.

I was a little surprised when the door opened for the first floor but she kept her hand by the door to stop it from closing.

"Materials are delivered here, and our workers." sabi niya at tinuro yung labas. Lumabas ako para tignan. It was a whole floor of workers and the sound of sewing machines. "Our workers make it happen."

Pumasok na ulit kami at pinindot na niya yung second floor. Dito na kami lumabas at ganon nanaman yung feeling na naramdaman ko sa lobby kanina. It feels sad. The interior was depressing. It was clean but no light was shining through.