CHAPTER TWELVE

The door creaked open.

What should I do? What would. I say if that was Sophie… or even Kyle?

We were lost in each other's eyes, our hearts beating as one. The bedroom felt like our own private sanctuary, where the world outside melted away.

But our blissful reverie was shattered by a faint voice calling from beyond the door.

"Alva... Alva... are you there?"

The voice was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, but it was enough to break the spell that had held us entranced.

I was startled, my eyes flying wide as I realized—we were not alone. In a flash, I pressed myself against Cody, using his broad chest to shield myself from prying eyes. My singlet was already gone, and I was left with only my fragile dignity to cling to.

He instinctively wrapped his arms around me, holding me close as the voice outside called again.

"Alva... are you there?"

The words felt like a gentle probing, trying to penetrate the secrets that lay within. But I was safe, nestled in the warmth of his embrace. I felt his heart beating against my cheek—a steady rhythm that seemed to echo my own.

As the voice outside began to fade away, I slowly relaxed, my body molding into his. It was as if we had become one, united in our quest for secrecy and solitude. Wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside receded, leaving only the sound of our ragged breathing.

I sprang up from the bed, my heart racing in panic. What had I done? I needed to get out of there—fast. But as I stood up, I realized I was only wearing my torn, askew singlet.

He had done that, I remembered, when he tried to grab the ice pack from my chest. My face burned with embarrassment at the memory.

But before I could process my emotions, Cody handed me his shirt.

"Here, wear this," he said, his eyes locked on mine.

I took the shirt, my fingers brushing against his. The touch sent shivers down my spine. I quickly put it on, trying to cover myself.

"Thanks," I muttered, attempting to sound nonchalant despite the storm inside me.

I glanced around the room, desperate to escape.

"I'll just... uh... go to the bathroom," I stammered, already backing away.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Okay," he said, his voice low and husky.

I turned and practically ran to the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. I leaned against it, my heart pounding.

What had just happened?

Had I forgotten he was my boss, and I was just his secretary? Had I also forgotten he was gay—supposedly uninterested in women?

As I emerged from the bathroom, I made a beeline for the door, desperate to escape the tension lingering in the air. But just as I reached it, Sophie caught up with me, her hand grasping my arm.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

I hesitated, fumbling for an excuse.

"I... uh... couldn't light the gas," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush.

"I mean, why are you coming from the boss's room?" she pressed.

Sophie knew me too well. She would know if I was lying. We had never kept secrets from each other—until now. And I wasn't sure I could keep it for long.

But then Kyle appeared, saving me from further embarrassment.

"Hey, what's going on?" he asked, gazing at us curiously.

I took the opportunity to slip away.

"I needed to discuss some upcoming events with my boss," I mumbled.

Kyle nodded, seemingly buying the excuse. But Sophie smirked at me. She only ever smirked when she knew I was hiding something.

Was she upstairs earlier, watching us?

Why would Kyle accept my excuse so easily? Did he already know what had happened between Cody and me? They were perfect partners in leadership—maybe they thought alike, too.

"Sophie, I need to head home now," I said after realizing they both probably knew.

She nodded, and I walked away.

As I made my way down the stairs, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. This was the second time we'd almost... crossed the line.

And I knew—I couldn't let it happen again. I didn't want to compromise my professionalism, or worse, get hurt.

If I couldn't control my emotions—if I kissed him again—it could lead to something more. What if I ended up pregnant? He would only care about his company, and I'd be left alone.

I quickened my pace, my heart pounding. I needed to get out of there before things got any more complicated.

"Are you okay now?" Kyle asked, concerned about Sophie.

They hadn't spoken to each other even while living under the same roof.

But Sophie just walked away without answering, her face gloomy.

She left Kyle not just because she was sad—but because she didn't want to hurt him anymore. Or maybe she was afraid to say something that would finally break them for good...

---

As I lay on my bed, my mind wandered back to everything that had happened.

The touch of Cody's hand on my chest—even if innocent—had sent shivers through me. The way he had gently removed the ice pack, his fingers grazing my skin, left me breathless.

And then the kiss.

Oh, the kiss.

It had been like a whirlwind, sweeping me off my feet, leaving me dizzy. His hands roaming over my body made me feel like I was melting in his arms.

My face grew hot just remembering it. My heart thudded in excitement.

But then I reached for the drawer to check on my necklace—only to find it gone.

I searched my room frantically, but it was nowhere. I rushed to my parents.

"Have you seen my necklace?" I asked.

My mom looked hesitant.

"Yes... I saw it. I sold it at the market."

I felt like the floor dropped beneath me.

"Why would you do that, Mom?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice calm.

She folded her arms, defensive.

"You're not even married and you're wearing something that expensive. What were you thinking? Do you have a boyfriend?"

Hurt and anger rose in my chest.

"That's none of your business."

But her next question made my blood run cold.

"Is your boss giving you expensive gifts? Are you dating him?"

I froze. My thoughts spiraled.

Why had Cody given me that necklace—just to hold it? It was diamond. It was valuable.

Would he think I was cheap for kissing him? For letting him touch me like that? Were we dating?

What did he think of me now?

I didn't know what to feel. All I knew was—I had to get out of this conversation.

I turned and rushed back to my room, leaving her questions hanging in the air.