章 21: In denial
"He did what?!" Nikki's pupils grew wide after hearing Anna tell her about her night.
Anna shot her best friend a look of grimace, shifting from her position on the chair in Nikki's corporate office.
With her schedule free for the day, Anna decided to drop by Nikki's office instead of locking herself inside her condo. After what had happened last night, it was impossible for her to keep her thoughts about Kristofer Almodiel at bay.
"I seriously have no idea what he is trying to do. He is starting to get on my nerves, Nikki. Ugh, what do I do?"
Anna dropped her head on her hands. She felt frustrated. Aside from meddling with her job, Kristofer Almodiel was also starting to interfere with her personal life.
Things seemed to be going south for Anna, and she wished for time to stop for her to find peace and get herself together.
"That guy seemed to have been infatuated by you."
Anna groaned, slowly raising her head to level her gaze with her best friend.
"What do I do?" she implored, repeating what she had previously said to Nikki while the latter sat on her swivel chair, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Her eyes scrutinized Anna for a few heartbeats before she slammed her hands on her desk, making Anna jump at the sudden gesture.
The nameplate on Nikki's table shined, her name engraved in bold letters, and her computer sat idly in front of her. There was a mug of coffee situated beside the keyboard.
Breakfast was always rushed, and Nikki would mostly just have coffee in the morning to start her day. She was not complaining, but having a full breakfast would have been better.
Nikki has been friends with Anna Mendoza for quite a long time. She had been there in every guy she had gushed over and cried for.
If there were anyone who could be rewarded for being a great best friend, Nikki would have deserved to have that reward.
Through her ups and downs, Nikki was Anna's go-to person. Ever since the two of them had clicked, there was not a single time that Anna kept a secret from her best friend.
It was exactly why, instead of figuring out how to approach Brett Prestman, Anna desperately needed Nikki's help, wanting to rid her mind of thoughts about Kristofer Almodiel.
Nikki held Anna's gaze. She gave her friend a serious look before opening her mouth to speak.
"If you want to keep your identity hidden, Anna, it would be best to stay away from him. Stay away from Kristofer Almodiel at all costs. Protect your peace and, most especially, protect your heart."
--
"This girl has gotten you good, Kristofer. I'm jumping for joy with this great news," Grace Inolan smiled teasingly toward Kristofer, the corners of her mouth twitching to form a smirk.
Kristofer shook his head; an array of paper bags kept his hands busy while he and Grace were walking towards his car with them coming from the shopping center.
With Grace's upcoming wedding, they hardly had time to catch up.
So when Kristofer received a call from her late in the afternoon the following day after his encounter with Anna, he immediately cleared his schedule and accompanied his dear friend to buy a few things she would need for the day after the wedding.
Grace was going on an extended vacation planned by her father for her honeymoon right after the festivities, and she asked Kristofer to tag along as she picked appropriate apparel to pack in her suitcase.
But, in reality, Grace Inolan merely wanted to have the chance to interrogate Kristofer about the woman with him in the photo. Tagging him along to shop for some clothes was a good excuse to see him in person and make him talk.
Ever since that picture came out and has spread all over the internet, Grace has been quite curious about the woman herself.
She had known Kristofer Almodiel since they were in their teen years. Given their history, Grace knew Kristofer had not taken any other woman seriously after what happened between them.
Partly, Grace blames herself for it. But at the same, she knew that it was for the best. A tiny part of her has always been doubtful if Kristofer was the man she was meant to be with.
Although, in all honesty, Kristofer was a perfect candidate to be a husband. Not only was he charming, but the young CEO knew his way around the kitchen.
Kristofer may sometimes be arrogant, but when he falls, he falls hard.
Grace knew that whoever Kristofer ended up with would be a lucky woman.
It could have easily been her, but fate seemed to have other plans for the two of them, and it was something Grace never regretted.
Kristofer knew that Grace was far from happy with the arranged marriage. But the two of them couldn't do anything about it.
And even if Kristofer would try to persuade Grace just to run away and hide with him backing her up, she would never do it.
It was just her nature. Grace Inolan was too obedient to her parent's wishes. If, for some reason, her father would have asked her to jump in a river full of crocodiles, Grace would have undoubtedly done it.
That is how she has been raised.
And truthfully, Kristofer did not like it for one bit. However, for people like them, freedom always comes with a price.
"Alright, I admit, I might have developed a strange liking for her. I mean, you saw the picture; she's attractive. She's not my usual type, but you can't deny she's drop-dead gorgeous."
Kristofer paused, putting down the paper bags he held in his right hand to search for his car keys.
He and Grace Inolan stopped by the trunk of his car and placed the items Grace had bought from the shopping center one by one.
"Yes, she is indeed something. But that's not why you're obsessing with her. Am I right?"
Kristofer sighed, slamming the trunk door shut. He scoffed while Grace Inolan laughed at his reaction.
"Ah, you are in denial, Mister CEO. You like her more than you admit, but you're restraining yourself. Why?"
Kristofer can't believe what Grace Inolan was blabbering about. He shook his head, ignoring her question as they hopped inside his car.
With his thoughts returning to thinking about Anna and the mystery surrounding her, Kristofer absent-mindedly started the engine.
"I do not like her in that manner, Grace," Kristofer said, glancing at his friend.
"Suit yourself, Kristofer. No matter what you say, the truth will always prevail."
クリエイターの想い 
shrEk2o3
shrEk2o3 Hello, hello. I apologize for the late update. Please bear with me. hehe. Your feedback would be highly appreciated for this chapter. Arigato :))
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