Chapter 1.3 - Chen

My brows twitched and furrowed, and my chest began to throb rapidly. I blinked for a second, trying to process what she had just said. 'How did you know he was here?" Despite my immediate eagerness to affirm it, I tried not to stammer in front of her. She grinned. 'Alex is here. That's all I can say, Chen." To quench my parched throat, I squeezed my lips together and gulped. I'd like to meet him. I shook my head, attempting to maintain my cool. She smiled. 'You can go and look for him. Let's see if you've finally moved on." 'Why do you feel the need to inform me about him? Is that why you're here?" She shrugged. 'I suppose so." 'For what? To please you or to please my father for trying to be friendly with you just because our families need each other's business?" She averted her gaze after she heard the question and let out an exasperated sigh, though she didn't say a word. 'You're fucked, Anna," I sputtered as I turned my back from her, but then she interjected me with a surprising truth coming out of her mouth, which was unusual. 'What's wrong? I'm just doing you a favor. And yes, I'm fucked. My husband has abandoned me in favor of a younger woman. So, Chen, I'm here to tell you to do what I've asked of you." 'Why are you involving me in your sad life, and why would I even trust you? Don't bother me. You've done enough damage in my life, and I think that's enough," I sputtered as I stood away and walked, heading toward the table. 'What if I tell your folks that you're still in love with him?" she shouted, her cheeks flushed with rage. 'Look, I know I did a lot of stupid things in the past. I've tried to change to become better, Chen. So, why won't you give me a chance to redeem myself?" 'My father may like you because of your family's connections, but that doesn't mean you can control me as he does. You can get anything you want, Anna, but you will never get my heart as much as you and my father want to." Anna nodded in agreement after that. 'Alright then, but this is certain. You'll be sorry, Chen, if you won't believe me this time," she muttered before she walked past me. I stared back as she gathered her belongings, and looked at me for the last time before she walked away and slammed the door shut. When I was left alone, it didn't take long before I turned and headed outside, walking around and checking every office to confirm what she told me. After a while, I walked towards the department where I suspected Alex was secretly working, desperate for answers. When I arrived and stood in front of their office, I was astounded to see him conversing with his coffee mates and laughing with them. I gasped and crept behind the door, hoping to hear what they were saying. My heart was beating fast while I observed him returning to his cubicle and working on his computer a few minutes later. I stood like a fool from afar — far enough that I assumed he wouldn't notice me. I jumped and hurriedly hid on the side when Alex turned his head in my direction. My mouth dropped open and I leaned against the wall, stunned. I sighed as I turned my torso sideways to see him at work once more. I let out a breath of relief and returned to my office, rushing and ignoring everyone like a fool. Then, I sat in my swivel chair, fidgeting for a while before I leaned against the chair and closed my eyes. 'Alex, why are you here?" I whispered and bit my lips. I thought I had moved on. But why does my heart still throb as it did ten years ago?