A Case of Love (COMPLETED)

Chapter XXIII

The sound of her alarm woke her up.

With droopy eyes, she recalls what had happened yesterday. Asking herself if this is right. Imagining what might happen for the rest of her remaining days in the country.

After awhile, she prep for work wearing her all-white attire. Leaning on her countertop while sipping her black coffee, she took her phone from the table and called one of her connections.

"Good morning, I need an update" she's pacing.

The person on the other line answered. "Good morning, attorney. The case to be filed against Atty. Ariel Martinez has not yet been decided but rest assured that he'll be imprisoned. The initial investigation result shows their accounting irregularities for 5 years"

"Nauubusan na ako ng oras. The same update parin ang maibibigay mo!? I have to go back to US within two weeks!" with her hand on her waist.

"I understand attorney. We'll do the best that we can para mapabilis ang pagsampa ng kaso laban sa kanya"

"You should be! I want a result within this week" call ended. Her phone got slammed on the table.

She's pacing back and forth while biting her thumb.

Lei, get back to your senses. You're almost done. Almost. Just go with the flow and control your feelings for him.

She heaved a sigh.

"Two weeks, self. Just two weeks and you're ready to go home. Do the things as planned"

It's a fine morning when she arrived at the firm. Strolling her way to the office, her attention was caught by Raven.

"Hey dude, good morning" she smiled.

"Hi. Pleasant morning to you" with a dismal tone.

Knowing Raven, she assumed to get another lunch or dinner invitation from him but he just passed by her. She turned to see his direction 'til he disappeared from her sight.

She just shrugged thinking that he probably is bombarded again with paperworks.

Raven strolled in his office.

Confused if he should tell Aga about Lea or just keep mum. The proof that he has isn't enough to reveal her true color. It's probably just a snippet of who she truly is and what she's capable of. After the day he knew about it, he can't look at her the same way again.

There's a dark secret behind her fascinating character.

Lea is preparing her things for a court hearing this morning. She did a quick touch up on her face. Looking herself at the mirror for the nth time. Making sure she looks presentable.

Oh God, Lei. Kailan ka ba naging ganito ka self-conscious?

After a minute or so of doing girly stuff, she then grasped her things.

She opens the door and saw a handsome face with his dimples.

It's him, her man.

"Good morning" he winks. His eyes glistened with joy upon seeing her.

"Atty. Martinez? You're here. Do you need something?" trying so hard to sound casual.

"You forgot. I am the plaintiff's lawyer of Santos' case"

"I know but why are you here?" she's closing the door.

"Iisang RTC branch lang naman tayo kaya sabay na tayo"

"Alrighty."

Feels like a million butterflies are flying around her stomach. Trying herself to calm with all her might but her heart is a traitor. It beats fast when she feels his warm presence at her back. She quickly rides in the lift. A moment of silence settled in as the lift descended to the lower floor. Bunch of people get in and she steps back to give space.

But it's a wrong move.

She felt his manhood from her bum, and it caused her to gulp.

Dafuq!

He traced her arm with his touch down to her hand and intertwined their fingers. She wants to dodge but finds comfort with his touch. Her lips pursed when he placed his hand on her waist. The employees inside didn't notice their moment as they're having chitchat. They remain in that position 'til the elevator descended to the lobby.

Doors open and they step out.

They're both silent while walking to the parking lot.

"Let's just use my car" he offered when they reached their cars.

"Attorney, I have mine"

"We talked about that 'attorney' thing. Just call me Aga or better yet babes" he smiled.

"I prefer to call you attorney at the workplace. It's professionalism"

"Fine. Alright"

"Ahm. Can we ... talk for awhile?"

Looking at his watch, "Sure. We still have enough time"

She drew near him. "Please avoid doing gestures such as that at the workplace. I just don't want anybody to have something to say about us"

"Does that 'anybody' include Raven?" he sounds annoyed.

She strokes her forehead. "Oh, come on. Bakit ba parati mo siyang sinisingit sa usapan?"

"Bakit hindi? We're talking about workplace"

"Let me make things clear between us. We're not yet official"

"Bakit nga ba hindi, Lei? Let's make this official. We're no longer teens. At our age, we should've kids waiting for us at home"

"Aga akala ko ba nagkaintindihan na tayo?! We're still getting to know each other. Kailan lang ba tayo nagsimula ng ganito?! Yesterday? The other day? Ags, let's take it slow"

He combs his hair through fingers.

"Lea, naguguluhan na kase ako sayo eh! Di ko alam if you feel something for me too! Iba ang sinasabi mo sa mga pinapakita mo sakin"

"You asked for this! Gusto mong hayaan kitang ipakita mo sakin how much you love me. Gusto mong ..."

" ... so every kiss, every touch, every hug, lahat ng yun wala lang sayo? Pinapaikot mo lang ba ako?"

"Aga, ang sakit mo ng magsalita. Let's just stop this!"

"Tang*na naman kase Lei! Tapatin mo nga ako, what do you truly feel for me!?" pointing his chest.

She paused.

Telling him the truth would make things complicated. Telling him what she truly feels would ruin her plan.

"Lei, I need your answer now! Do you love me?"

She gathered the courage to answer him.

"No"

I'm sorry, Ags. I'm so sorry. I love you so much but it's better this way. It's better to hate me now. Maybe this time isn't really for us.

Without words.

Without retort.

He drove away and left her there.

She entered her car and held back her tears. She took her phone and called Lora.

"Hey, napatawag ka?" Lora asked.

"Lor ... uhm ... kase I forgot to b-book my flight last night atsaka ... uhmm b-busy ako today. Book me a flight now please. I have to go home next week. Any day next week" choking back her tears.

"Are you okay? Lei, what's wrong?"

"I'll explain later" call ended.

She looks up to prevent herself from crying but tears fell down from her eyes.