"You have a meeting with the MAD team this afternoon, Architect."

Tumango ako nang hindi tinatanggal ang tingin sa monitor. Sinulyapan ko ang blueprint na nakalatag sa lamesa at muling nilingon ang computer model. Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Nigel na naghihintay ng sasabihin ko.

"Schedule a meeting with the design team tomorrow afternoon. Magsisimula tayo kaagad pagkatapos kong bisitahin ang lote sa Rizal."

"Will 1 PM be okay, Architect?"

"Make it 2. Baka traffic pabalik dito." I replied.

Tumango ito. "Will that be all, Architect?"

"Tell Architect Decena to meet me now."

"Naghihintay po yata siya sa labas, Architect."

My brows slightly twitched at what he said. I nodded and gestured to the door. Tumango ito at mabilis na lumabas. Hindi pa sumasara ang pintuan ng opisina nang pumasok si Architect Cassy Decena. She immediately smiled when she saw me.

"Close the door and have a seat, I'll just finish this," I muttered and looked at the blueprint again.

Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin pagkatapos ng ginagawa ay nagkatinginan kami ni Architect Decena. She was watching me with her warm brown eyes. Ngumiti ito at umayos sa pagkaka-upo. Kinuyom ko ang panga at tumayo. I carried my laptop and walked towards her.

Pinatong ko ang laptop sa glass table na nasa pagitan ng dalawang sofa. I can feel her eyes on my every move and I couldn't help but sigh heavily. Sa nakalipas na tatlong buwan simula no'ng nagsimula siyang mag-trabaho rito, nasanay na ako sa tingin niyang gano'n.

"Did you have lunch?" She asked as I fix the design proposal we'll be discussing.

"Tapos na," I replied quickly.

Nang mabuksan ang design proposal ay nilagay ko ito sa gilid para makita naming dalawa. Pareho kaming nakatagilid para makita ng maayos ang screen ng laptop. Bahagyang kumunot ang aking noo nang bigla siyang tumayo at umikot papunta sa sofa na kinauupuan ko. Napansin niya ang titig ko sa kaniya kaya matamis siyang ngumiti.

"It's more convenient this way, para 'di na tayo mahirapan. Let's start?" Her soft voice was laced with professionalism.

The sofa sank even more when she sat beside me, only inches apart, and enough for me to feel her body heat. I clenched my jaw as I subtly moved a little away from her. I put the laptop in front of us and glanced at her. Tiningnan niya ang distansyang nilagay ko sa pagitan namin.

"I want your whole attention on the design proposal, Architect." Malamig kong pahayag nang muling maabutan ang titig niya sa akin.

"Sorry," she cleared his throat, "sure. Where do we start?"

I began discussing the character of architectural expression. It's a good thing she's listening seriously. Another thing I commend about her is that she always has something to say, either to improve the design or a supposed reaction from a client.

She's a commendable architect, I give her that. Halos apat na buwan ko pa lang siyang nakaka-trabaho pero alam kong magaling siya. Just one thing I do not like is how crystal clear she is... especially of what she feels towards me.

"We'll discuss this further maybe on Thursday. I have a meeting after thirty minutes," ani ko pagkatapos sulyapan ang relo sa bisig.

Tumango siya at pinatong ang mga kamay sa hita. Binuhat ko muli ang laptop at tumayo na. I walked back to my long table and put the laptop back in position. Nang nilingon ko siya ay nakatayo na siya.

"Should I bring you a snack or anything?" She inquired indulgingly.

"Nigel is here to do that, Architect. Thank you. You may go." I dismissed as I give my attention to the topic at the meeting later.

"Alright. Just call me if you need anything." Banayad niyang sinabi bago ko narinig ang pagbukas ng pintuan.

I skimmed through the papers before deciding to call my fiancée. I'm not sure if she's busy but it won't hurt to try. Just when I thought she's busy because her phone just keeps on ringing, she answered before the call dropped.

"Evander?" Her delicate and sleepy voice made it hard to breathe.

Pumikit ako at sumandal sa upuan. Pinisil ko ang tungki ng ilong at pinigilan ang pagngiti kahit na pakiramdam ko hinahampas ang dibdib ko. Boy, it still feels like the first day of falling in love.

"I miss you so much. Uuwi ka ba ngayon?" I didn't even hide the hopefulness in my voice.

Mahina siyang tumawa. Kinuyom ko ang panga at humugot ng malalim na hininga. Hindi siya umuwi ng dalawang gabi. Dea had the choice to go home but she wanted to monitor a patient strictly. She's now working in a private hospital after her residency a year ago.

"Nagkita naman tayo kahapon, ah?" I can already sense her smile. "Isang oras nga lang."

I groaned but a smile pulled off. "I'll visit you again later."

"Uuwi ako ngayon... kaso gusto ko ng adobong manok at chopseuy."

"I'll cook anything you want as long as you're coming home to me," I whispered, feeling beyond satisfied with what she said.

She chuckled. "Did you have lunch already? Katatapos ko lang sa isang outpatient, kakain pa lang ako."

"Hindi pa. Mamaya na pagkatapos ng meeting ko." I replied. "Come on, you should eat now."

Hindi pa ako kumakain. I was too busy reviewing the computer model design of the joint project with MAD that I lost track of time. It's already past one in the afternoon.

"Yeah, good luck with the meeting and have a late lunch. See you later."

"Anong oras kita susunduin?" Nagmulat ako at tiningnan ang relo.

"I'll be out before 8."

"Alright, baby. See you later." I murmured.

She ended the call and I had to fix myself for the meeting. Nigel came to inform me that the team from Morcuendez Architecture and Design has come. Binigay ko sa kaniya ang laptop para madala niya na ito sa conference room.

"Architect Morcuendez," pagbati ko sa CEO ng MAD.

"Architect Manzanar," he nodded and tapped my shoulder. "Engineer Rosales told me beforehand that you'll be taking his place for today's meeting. His wife gave birth yesterday, right?"

"Yes, Architect. Two of our commendable engineers are joining too. Engineer Rosales has briefed them in advance. Shall we?" Inilahad ko ang kamay sa direksyon ng conference room.

Tinanguan ko ang bumati sa akin pagpasok ko sa hilera ng mga cubicles. Hinahanap ko si Nigel dahil may kailangan akong sabihin sa kaniya bago umalis. It's already quarter to five in the evening. I have no more business for today and I have to go home so I can cook before fetching Dea.

"Cassy, huwag ka naman kasing pahalata masyado kay Sir! Mukhang alam na niyang may gusto ka sa kaniya! Usap-usapan nina Mark kanina. Dumagdag ka pa sa mga interns."

Natigilan ako sa akmang pag-alis nang marinig ko ang pamilyar na boses ni Architect Aranca.

"Isn't that better?" It was Architect Decena's voice. "I never tried to conceal my feelings in the first place."

"Alam mo namang may fiancée na si Sir. Wala ka nang pag-asa ro'n! Iyong mga interns nga tumigil na sa pagpapapansin sa kaniya, e."

"Hindi naman ako nagpapapansin, ah? At ano naman, fiancée pa lang naman? Bawal na magka-gusto dahil-"

I walked away without finishing her reply. Pumasok ako muli sa office. Naghahanda na ako ng mga gamit nang pumasok si Nigel sa opisina ko.

"You're looking for me, Sir?"

"Wala ako ng buong umaga bukas dahil nasa Rizal ko. Tell the design team that I want them ready tomorrow."

"Iyon lang ba, Sir?"

"And be on standby for my call tomorrow morning. I might have a short meeting with the client in Rizal."

Hindi pa ako nakakalayo sa opisina nang makasalubong ko sina Architect Decena at Architect Aranca. Pareho silang may hawak na paper cup na may lamang kape. Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Architect Decena nang makita ako.

"Uuwi na kayo, Architect?" She asked.

I nodded simply, eyes impassive and brows furrowing a little.

"Ingat!" She smiled at me.

Nahagip ko ang pa-simpleng pagsiko sa kaniya ni Architect Aranca. Tipid akong tumango at nilagpasan sila. Issues about someone liking me at work aren't new. Our interns before and even our interns now are evidence of that. I am not ignorant of that.

How can I be when they're so obvious sometimes? And then Architect Decena came, she was more apparent than them. It really doesn't bother me, but I want to exercise strict professionalism at work as much as I don't care.

Natapos akong magluto nang pasado alas syete. Pagkatapos kong maligo ay agad akong tumulak papunta sa ospital na pinagtatrabahuan ni Dea. Nasa opisina pa siya nang tumawag ako. Sa waiting area na ako naghintay, katabi lamang ito ng emergency department.

Agad akong tumayo nang mahagip ng tingin ang fiancée ko. Ngumiti siya at kumaway nang makita ako. Napatingin din sa akin ang dalawang kasama niya. Isang babae at isang lalaki. May sinabi ang babae kay Dea dahilan ng mas paglawak ng ngiti nito. She said something to the girl and the girl smiled shyly. Naglakad ako palapit sa kanila.

"Bye, Doc!" Sabi ng dalawang kasama ni Dea bago sila humiwalay sa kaniya.

"Those are my new residents," she smiled at me as I reach out for her waist.

Niyakap ko ang baywang niya at hinalikan ang kaniyang noo. Naramdaman ko ang yakap niya sa aking baywang din. My heart warmed and burned at her touch.

"How is your patient?" I cupped her face and caressed her cheek using my thumb.

Ngumuso siya at tinitigan ang aking mukha. Her mesmerizing eyes brought heat to my body. My jaw clenched as I fought the urge to kiss her. We're at the hospital.

"She's doing well but we really need to be alert. She needs to be monitored strictly." She smiled a little.

"You look sleepy. We should go." Iginiya ko siya palabas ng ospital.

Humikab siya at humilig sa akin habang naglalakad kami papunta sa parking lot. I bit my lip to contain my chuckle. I crouched and whispered in her left ear.

"Hindi kita pupuyatin mamaya, para makabawi ka sa tulog."

I heard her groan softly before she lifted her head and tried to whisper in my ear too. I clenched my jaw when I felt her warm breath on my skin.

"Paano 'yan, sanay na ako sa puyat?"

Umiling ako, hindi na napigilan ang tawa. She smirked at me and I swear, she's the most adorable person on earth. She always is – for me.

Tumawa si Dea pagkatapos marinig ang kwento ko. I groaned and sipped on my beer. Sometimes, I don't really understand how she can take it lightly and how I can tell her about it so openly and comfortably. It's about Architect Decena.

"What's so funny, huh?" I sniffed on her neck.

Bahagya siyang lumayo, tumatawa pa rin. Uminom siya sa baso ng kaniyang orange juice at tiningnan ako. Her eyes were genuinely happy and there's no sign of wariness in them. It made me more comfortable.

"Maybe, I should visit you at your workplace again?" Nagtaas siya ng kilay.

"And scare my interns?" I kissed the skin below her ear.

I remember the first time I told her about my interns a year ago. Sa totoo lang, hindi naman na talaga kailangang sabihan sa kaniya ang tungkol do'n lalo't wala naman akong pakialam at sa tingin ko, hindi importante. However, I don't want to hide anything from her so I told her even that silly thing at work.

She thought I was joking when I told her that. Tawa siya ng tawa, walang kahit anong negatibong reaksyon. Months after that, she visited me at my workplace and my interns met her. Ever since then, they stopped showing their affection towards me until they left the company.

I told her about my new interns too and just last month, about Architect Decena. Just like her first reaction, she just laughed at it. I even asked her if she's not jealous at all and my confident fiancée just told me:

"I'm your fiancée and you're not giving me any reason to be jealous. Kaya bakit ako magse-selos? I know how crazy you are over me."

Tonight, I told her about what I overheard at work. Is that weird? How can I tell her just everything? She's the only person I could talk about anything and these are some of the things.

She asked me why I'm telling her about all of these, and I said that I don't want to hide anything. She told me that there's no need for it, but I just want to tell her everything and I love how she still always listens to me. Even if it sounds puerile to my own ear.

"I didn't scare them! Nakita mo naman 'di ba? Kinausap ko lang sila?" Pinagtaasan niya ako ng kilay.

I sniffed on her hair and pulled her closer to me. Hinaplos ko ang hita niyang nakapatong sa mga hita ko. We're on the couch and we just had dinner. I guzzled my beer and put the bottle back on the table in front of us.

"Sinabi ko na sayo 'di ba? I understand them. Gwapo ka, matipuno..." she smirked and trailed a finger on my biceps, "magaling ka sa trabaho mo, it's easy to like you so I get why they feel like that. I'm fine with them liking you as long as they don't cross the line. And of course, it's up for you to handle that."

I nodded and kissed her temple. "I can handle it. I just want you to know."

May parte sa akin na gustong sisantehin si Architect Decena pero alam kong hindi tama 'yon. And what I heard at work gave me more reason to fire her. I really don't give a damn but I can't go on working with her if she's going to be so obvious. And she knows I have a fiancée, she could at least respect that and keep her feelings to herself.

"I know you can, that's why I'm not threatened." She shrugged.

And she trusts me. She's letting me handle it because she believes me. She's not jealous because she has faith in me. She's not threatened because she trusts my love. And I would break first before I break her trust. It's that simple.

"I really can't wait to marry you." I stroked her cheek using the back of my fingers.

"Naiinip ka na ba?" Ngumiti siya.

Agad akong umiling at ngumiti. Hinaplos ko ang engagement ring sa kaniyang daliri. And even when it's not necessary, I opted to wear an engagement ring too. I just want to show the world that I'm getting married to an amazing woman.

"I have you, that's all that matters. Handa akong maghintay hanggang sa handa ka na."

After her residency, she told me she wants to settle down in a good hospital first before getting married. My parents and her guardians asked us about our marriage plan, and we said we need more time – even though it's only Dea who needs that. At kahit gustong gusto ko na siyang pakasalan, mas gusto kong respetuhin at suportahan ang mga plano niya sa buhay.

Tinitigan niya ako ng matagal. Hinaplos niya ang aking pisngi. Pinaglandas niya ang kaniyang mga mata sa bawat sulok ng aking mukha. Nilagay niya ang isang kamay sa aking batok at marahan akong hinila palapit sa kaniya.

I smirked as I crouched to give her easier access for a kiss. Just a touch of her lips on mine and I'm burning like firewood. I couldn't stop myself from squeezing her thighs as her lips battled with mine. She tasted like orange juice and I'm sure she can taste me too.

Pinaglandas ko ang kanang kamay patungo sa gitna ng kaniyang mga hita. Nanginig siya ng bahagya sa aking haplos. Pinaglandas ko ang halik sa patungko sa kaniyang leeg.

"I'm sorry but I think we'll be up all night," I whispered on her skin.

"Basta gisingin mo ako ng maaga bukas," she replied and I laughed but she shut up me with a scorching kiss.

Bahagyang kumunot ang aking noo habang pinagmamasdan ang projector screen. Architect Aranca is presenting us the design proposal for a commercial project. Nagtagal ang titig ko sa Basement 3 design. Tumikhim ako at nagtaas ng kamay.

"Yes, Sir?"

"You said that Basement 3 compromises the remaining car park and the majority of the plant for the three buildings. If that is all, are you certain that we won't need more space in the future? Will the plant space..." tinuro ko ang screen gamit ang ballpoint pen, "be enough?"

Nagtaas ng kamay ang landscape architect na kasama ni Architect Aranca sa project proposal. Tumango ako at hinintay ang kaniyang sasabihin.

"The plant space below grade has been maximized to limit undesirable rooftop plant, Architect."

"Alright. Proceed," I nodded at Architect Aranca.

The presentation continued and questions were raised halting the presentation. I tilted my head when I felt someone staring at me. Napakurap si Architect Decena nang mahuli ko siyang nakatitig sa akin. Agad siyang umiwas ng tingin at kinagat ang kaniyang labi. My brows twitched and I looked away to listen to the presentation.

The presentation finished after another hour. Kausap ko si Architect Aranca nang lumapit sa akin si Nigel. Sinulyapan ko lamang siya at muling binalik ang tingin sa kausap.

"Architect, your fiancée is outside. Pasensya na po, kanina pa po siya sa labas. I told her that I'll tell you but she said she'll just wait until the presentation is finished."

Napunta sa kaniya ang buong atensyon ko. Sumulyap ako sa pintuan pero hindi ko makita ng maayos ang labas dahil sa pwesto ko. Dea and her surprise visits will always make me feel like a thrilled kid. Pinigilan ko ang pag-ngiti at tinanguan si Nigel.

"It's alright. Lalabas na rin ako."

Tinapos ko ang pakikipag-usap kay Architect Aranca. Pagharap ko ay bumungad sa akin si Architect Decena. Nilagpasan ko siya at sumunod naman kaagad sa akin si Nigel.

Nang makalabas ng conference room ay agad kong nahagip si Dea na kuryosong nakatingin sa mga disenyong naka-sabit sa dingding bilang dekorasyon. Bago iyon kaya siguro interesado siya. Ngumuso ako nang makitang pinagtitinginan siya ng mga empleyado. Ang ilan ay sigurado akong kilala siya kahit bilang sa daliri ang pagbisita ni Dea sa opisina magmula no'ng nagtrabaho ako rito.

She's wearing a maroon-fitted dress that reaches her knees. It has a slit on the side that stops at the middle of her right thigh. The fit highlighted her curves and emphasized her fair complexion. Her dark brown wavy hair hangs just beneath her shoulder.

"Dea," I called gently as I walked towards her.

Her curious eyes bore on me. She smiled and waved her hand shortly. Hinaplos ko ang kaniyang siko nang makalapit. As much as I want to greet her with a kiss, I restrained myself. I'm at work and I know she won't appreciate even a slight PDA in front of my employees.

"Hi. I'm just dropping by," hinaplos niya ang aking likuran at binawi rin ang kamay.

"Ma'am, pasensya na po talaga. Naghintay pa kayo ng matagal..." si Nigel.

"No, it's okay." Ngumiti si Dea.

May sasabihin pa sana si Nigel nang lumabas sina Architect Decena at Architect Aranca mula sa conference room. Ngumiti si Architect Aranca at agad na lumapit sa amin. Nakasunod sa kaniya si Architect Decena na nakatitig kay Dea.

"Hello, Ma'am. Kayo po pala ang fiancée ni Architect Manzanar. Nice to meet you po!" Nag-abot ng kamay si Architect Aranca.

"Nice to meet you too," Dea replied casually and shook her hand.

"They are architects of the firm. This is Architect Aranca," inilahad ko ang kamay sa direksyon nito bago sa direksyon ni Architect Decena, "and this is Architect Decena."

Nilingon ako ni Dea, bahagyang nakataas ang kaniyang kilay at may multo ng ngiti sa labi. We exchanged looks that only the two of us can understand. I clenched my jaw and squeezed her waist lightly. Tumikhim siya at nilingon si Architect Decena na nakatitig sa kaniya.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you." Dea smiled confidently at her and offered a hand.

I pursed my lips when I saw that Architect Decena seemed to be intimidated by my