Taped-Up Heart

XLIV. Attracted

Chapter Forty Four

Attracted

"I don't want to accept this project. Find another engineer," I said, handing the files to Percy, our head architect. Hindi ako affected—ayoko na lang talaga na makasama pa o makausap si Achaia Tiu.

"What? Why all of a sudden?" Percy asked, frowning.

"I just... nevermind." I sighed. "I don't want this project. 'Wag mo na akong tanungin kung bakit."

"But the client won't continue this project if you're not the head engineer," he said.

"Call them again. I'm sure nagbago na ang isip nila. I already met the client. Papayag na 'yon na iba na lang ang mag-handle ng project."

He sighed before leaving my office. Just as he closed the door, my phone started ringing. Napangiti ako nang makita ko ang pangalan niya. I immediately answered his call.

"Dinner later?" Daffin asked.

I smiled, even though he couldn't see me. "Yes, please."

"Why? Is something wrong?" he asked with concern.

Umiling ako kahit na hindi niya naman ako nakikita. "Nothing. I just miss you."

I heard him chuckle from the other line. "I miss you too. I'll pick you up later, okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too—" My words trailed off as the door to my office suddenly opened. Napatingin ako sa lalaking pumasok, kasama ang mga bodyguards niya. Kaagad akong napatayo. "Achaia."

"What the hell?" I asked.

"Accept this project," he demanded, placing the files back on my desk.

"And why would I?" I asked coldly.

"You said it yourself—you're not unprofessional, Engineer Dela Cuesta," he said, emphasizing the word engineer. "If that's true, then do this. Accept the project. Work with me."

I crossed my arms and met his gaze. He didn't back down. Ang mga matang dati kong minahal. I looked away, keeping my composureu. I extended my hand. "Then it's a deal. I'll be the head engineer of your project, Vice Chairman Achaia Tiu."

He glanced at my hand before meeting my gaze again.

"I don't shake hands," he said.

Kalma.

Intindihin mo na lang siya.

Siguro hindi naman siya nagsinungaling na may mild OCD siya. At least, not everything was a lie, right? Sa dami ng kasinungalingan niya, kahit papaano may isa naman palang katotohanan.

Dahan-dahan kong ibinaba kamay ko. "Fine."

"I look forward to working with you, Engineer," he said, briefly glancing at my hand before returning his gaze to me. "Dela Cuesta."

I smiled faintly.

With that, he turned his back and left my office. When I made sure that they were already gone, I suddenly clutched my chest. Oh, my gosh... bakit ba ako kinakabahan kanina?! Bakit ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko?!

Paano ba naman kasi, bigla na lang siyang dumating. Tama. That's the reason. Binigla niya ako. Basta-basta ba naman siyang pumasok sa office ko kasama ang mga bodyguard niya! Sino ba naman hindi kakabahan? Feeling ko anytime may pwedeng bumaril sa akin kahit nasa mataas na floor kami.

"So... that's the client?" Percy suddenly spoked upon entering my office.

Muntik na akong mapatalon sa gulat sa kanya. "Wala ba talagang maalam kumatok sa inyo?!"