Chapter 7

It had been a hectic day, full of emotions, and all she wanted was for it to be over. To her, it had been strange, embarrassing, and downright awful.

“You're not getting out of it this time,” Marcos said, catching her off guard as he threw an arm around her shoulders while they walked out of the building.

“Sorry, but I really need to go home. I’ve had a hell of a day,” she replied with a huff.

“Yeah, I heard something like that,” he said, amusement in his voice.

“Wow, news really does travel fast around here.” She shook her head, half in disbelief.

“You know how nosy we are,” he teased. “You work at a journalism company, remember?” She laughed at the irony.

“By the way, is it true about the new boss?”

“Is what true?” she asked, frowning, already a bit irritated.

“That you and him have some unresolved past.”

“What? Where did you get that nonsense?” Her voice jumped an octave, full of indignation and disbelief.

“It came in hot to my station, but there are other versions. One of them says you two got drunk, had a wild night, and found out today you'd be working together. That’s why you were supposedly staring at each other like you'd seen a ghost.”

“Oh my God! That’s ridiculous!”

“I know, I know. You never go out, so I stuck with the first story. Believe me, I’ve heard even crazier versions.” He chuckled.

“None of them are true,” she said firmly. “I’d never even seen that man before today.”

“These lying folks, man... Still, I wonder why everyone swears you two couldn’t stop staring at each other in shock.”

“I just had a bad day, that’s all. It started with me spilling coffee on my new boss’s arm, then I interrupted the meeting because I was late, and after that, I got so nervous and embarrassed that I completely blanked. My presentation, which I never even started, was a total disaster.” She sighed in frustration, but felt a bit lighter after letting it all out.

Marcos burst into loud laughter, which Nora found extremely annoying.

“You spilled coffee on the new boss?” His laughter echoed through the area. In response to his teasing, she smacked him on the shoulder.

“I don’t see what’s so funny!” she huffed, clearly offended.

“It’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day,” he said, still laughing. “And trust me, I’ve heard some pretty wild stories today.” She rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s grab dinner, yeah?”

“Fine, Marcos.” She ran a hand through her caramel waves. “But talking about today or the new boss is strictly off-limits.”

“Deal!” he said, raising his right hand like he was swearing an oath. Just then, a sleek limousine pulled up in front of them, and both fell silent, captivated by the luxurious car.

“Miss Allen!” Nora and Marcos turned toward the voice calling her name.

“Mr. Anderson,” Marcos greeted with a nod.

“And you are...?” the hybrid Asian man asked, trying to recall if he had seen him at one of the meetings.

“I’m Marcos Méndez, journalist.” They shook hands.

“Finally! I’ve heard a lot about you,” Edward said with a bright smile.

“I hope they told you the good stuff.” Both men chuckled.

“I’ve heard about your discoveries. They say you’re the best journalist in the company.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m the best, but I’m glad no one’s told you about my mischief.” He flashed that signature charming smile. Nora adored that smile. Sometimes she wondered why she wasn’t dating him—after all, plenty of women were smitten by Marcos, yet he only ever seemed interested in her.

“Miss Allen, I need you to return the favor from this afternoon,” Edward said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. She gave him a confused look in response. “I’m new in town, and I’m starving. I require you to take me somewhere decent to eat,” he explained. Nora stood there, stunned, while Marcos’s expression shifted.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Anderson, but Nora and I already have plans,” the mixed-race man answered for her.

“I see…” Edward muttered with clear displeasure, then turned to Nora. “In that case, you owe me, Allen.”

“If you want, I can give you a list of restaurants with addresses, and that way, Nora can be free of debt,” Marcos replied again on her behalf, giving his rival a challenging look. The Asian man returned the same gaze. Nora watched them, completely confused. When did the atmosphere shift into this tense, awkward vibe?

“Thanks for the offer, but my secretary can take care of it,” Edward responded, his tone annoyed by how insolent it sounded. “Miss Allen, I’ll expect you in my office tomorrow when you get off work, to take me to your favorite restaurant. I’m quite picky, so I’ll be expecting you to surprise me,” he said calmly to Nora, who immediately tensed up.

“You should’ve started with that, instead of using the ‘I’m new in town’ excuse,” Marcos spat, his words dripping with malice. He was the type to provoke and speak his mind without holding back.

“I don’t need excuses,” the Asian man retorted, maintaining a neutral expression. “A list is nothing compared to the company of a beautiful woman.” He smiled at Nora when he said the last part, and Marcos couldn’t hide his irritation.

“Alright, Mr. Anderson,” Nora interjected to break the awkward silence. “Tomorrow, I’ll settle my debt with you. I’m still very grateful.” Marcos glared at her with distaste, while the Asian man smiled triumphantly.

“Then, I’ll have to settle for the list today,” Edward commented, still smiling, his gaze never leaving Marcos. “Have a pleasant evening!” he called out as he entered the limousine. They stood in silence until the vehicle disappeared from view.

“What was that?” Marcos asked, looking at Nora, bewildered. “Now I understand the gossip. Are you sure you just met him today?”

“Yes, Marcos,” she replied, getting irritated.

“Then it looks like he’s into you,” he said awkwardly. “What’s that about? Instant attraction?!”

“Stop saying nonsense!” Nora was as red as a tomato. “You know what? Forget the dinner,” she said, disappointed. “Today has been a bad day, and you’re not helping.” She started walking away, upset.

“Nora!” Marcos caught up to her, grabbing her wrist. “You’re going to turn down my invitation, but go out with him tomorrow?”

“Don’t pull that with me, Marcos,” she shot back, frustrated. “You’re the one who started this with your comments. I’m tired, and I’m not willing to hear your nonsense. Have a good night!” She pulled away from his grip, and this time, he didn’t try to stop her. Marcos exhaled in frustration, then turned and walked away.

***

She

Nora was in the shower, enjoying the hot droplets that caressed her body, relaxing every tension within her. She couldn’t believe what was happening to her. What if her dreams were premonitions? She blushed. How could that man notice her? That was impossible! Everything felt so strange. Why did she have this connection to him? Why did she suspect he felt the same way? What was the reason to feel she needed to hug him when she saw him? And… why were tears covering her face?

He

He sat on his bed after a refreshing bath. Furthermore, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He looked at the large painting on the wall; ever since he painted it, he felt the need to have it in his room. Somehow, it reduced the feeling of loneliness and emptiness. What did all of this mean? How was it that he couldn’t stop drawing the woman he had barely met? Why did he need her so much? And why was the jealousy consuming him, knowing she was with someone else at that moment? This was stupid! He shook his head; this wasn’t normal. Could he have known her from somewhere?

***

"Tell me everything, please," her friend cornered her as soon as she saw her enter her office.

"In my defense, I had never seen that man before," she rushed to say, raising her arms in surrender. "All the comments are baseless gossip," she added, but her friend smiled playfully.

"What a relief!" she exclaimed, surprising Nora.

"Wow! I thought you’d be disappointed," she looked at her incredulously.

"I’m very talkative, but I wouldn’t want to see you caught up in such a mess. You have to be careful and keep a safe distance from that man because you know how influential the Anderson's are, and you already know what Boss Wang is like; she would make your life miserable, and you could even lose your job," the blonde warned her with a serious expression. "You need to keep your distance, so the gossip dies down. If that woman hears something like that — and you know she doesn’t need to be in the company to hear this kind of gossip — you’ll be in big trouble." A shiver ran down Nora’s spine.

"You don’t need to worry about that," she shrugged.

"Of course I need to worry! But I’ve thought of something," she winked.

"Why do I feel like I should be worried?" Nora looked at her friend with skepticism.

"Girl, one piece of gossip disappears with another piece of gossip," she suggested mischievously.

"What are you thinking?" Nora asked, suspicious.

"Don’t worry," she rubbed Nora’s shoulders. "Leave it to me." She smiled and left the office.