Chapter 35

I pulled up in front of my house, still fuming from my encounter with James and his girlfriend. I exited the car and entered the house.

Cynthia, who was just coming out of the kitchen, stopped when she saw me. "Good morning, Miss Silvana. Just getting in?"

I nodded, trying to hide my annoyance. "Yes, I had to rush out, even though the person I did it for doesn't seem to need it." I muttered under my breath, hoping she didn't catch the last part.

Cynthia gestured to the dining table, where breakfast was laid out. I ignored it and headed straight for the stairs, still finding it hard to believe that James had a girlfriend. How could he claim to be my boyfriend, even if it was fake, and even kiss me? What is he? A cheat? Such a big jerk! I scoffed, quickening my pace.

Forty minutes later, I was ready for work and I also had breakfast. I bid Cynthia a casual goodbye and headed out to my car. At the company, Mr. Greg and I attended a meeting with Mr. Jones at Saeja Interiors to finalize our cooperation. We signed the contracts and returned to the office. Mr. Greg followed me to my office to collect a signed document. However, we found Xander waiting for us.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, going over to my seat. I began to search for the document I needed to give Mr Greg.

Xander smiled, leaning forward. "I heard you were hoping for a collaboration with Saeja Interiors. Was it successful?"

I rolled my eyes. Why act like he is not aware of the outcome when he planned all this with his mum.

"It was, and I know what you want, so you don't need to beat around the bush." A frown flickered on his face, but it vanished like it came, replacing it with a fake smile. "I guess we're on the same page."

I nodded, handing the file to Mr. Greg. "We are, which is why I'm making you the head of Hardin's Construction."

Xander's brows furrowed. "Hardin's Construction?"

"Yes, you don't like it?" I raised my brows, and he sighed, shaking his head. "Of course, I do."

"Good. Report to the office tomorrow, and just to inform you, one mistake, and you're out, no coming back." I stated, and his jaws clenched.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really." I asserted and he smiled, nodding.

"Don't worry, there will be no mistakes. I will take my leave now." He said, and stood up, leaving the office.

Mr. Greg turned to me, "He's going to do well, right?" I shrugged, turning on my computer. "That's his problem. Please check on the construction site and get back to me."

"I will." Mr Greg replied, and also left, while I began work immediately.

Afternoon arrived, and I was wrapping up my work to meet Karen for lunch when I received a message that she wouldn't be able to eat with me. I sent a reply and left the office, deciding to have lunch alone. As I exited the company, I accidentally bumped into someone, causing their phone to fall.

"So sorry," I apologized, picking up the phone, but I accidentally pressed a button. My eyes widened when I saw my picture as the wallpaper, and I slowly looked up to see James staring down at me, his height advantage evident.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, but he smiled. "Let's have lunch together."

I scoffed. "Lunch? Have it with your girlfriend instead." I dropped his phone on his chest and tried to walk past him, but he grabbed my hand, drawing me close. My head hit his chest as a result and a low gasp left my lips. I swallowed and quickly moved away but he grabbed my hand again.

"What are you doing, James?!" I snapped and he sighed, taking a step closer to me.

"Let me explain, okay. She's not my girlfriend."

"Oh really? Why are you telling me anyway?" I rolled my eyes, and he sighed, his expression distorted as he tried to talk, but I didn't let him. I wanted to ask him about his wallpaper and I did. "Why is your wallpaper my picture?" I furrowed my brows, watching him. He bit his lips, unsure of what to say.

"Are you not going to answer me?" I spoke up, unable to take the silence anymore.

He sighed, taking a step closer. "Kyra is really not my girlfriend. She's no one." I looked into his eyes, which held emotions I wasn't sure of.

I swallowed hard. "Then who is she?" I asked, and he sighed, looking away, making my brows furrow. Is he going to avoid this now?

Nodding my head, I said nothing and drew my hands from his hold, but he grabbed my fingers before I could pull out completely, and drew me closer. It came as a shock so I stumbled forward, but he caught me, wrapping his hands around my waist. A gasp escaped my lips as our eyes met, and we continued staring, none of us looked away and he finally talked.

"She is my ex, and I ended it a long time ago, so don't overthink." He said, and I chuckled. Overthink? Did I overthink?

"Not like I'm anything to you so – " I trailed off, pulling away from his hold.

I heard a chuckle and I turned to see him laughing softly.

"Is it funny?"

"Are you jealous?"

"What! You're the one overthinking. Why should I be jealous?" I rolled my eyes, puffing my shoulders.

He smiled, nodding his head. "Fine, let's say you are not jealous, but I hope I'm cleared? She is really not my girlfriend." He raised his hands up in a gesturing manner which I found funny and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Will you have lunch with me then?"

"I don't know." I shrugged, walking away from him but he followed me.