Armani.

Peaceful.

In one solid word, my life was peaceful. For once in my entire life or as long as I could remember, I was at peace. I did not worry about Victor because I knew exactly where he was and what he was doing at each given second.

I did not worry about my secret coming out because it had been almost two weeks now since Ms. Hazel found out about it. And no rumors were running around.

I should have trusted her with my secret from the begining. If only there was a way I could personally thank her for not telling the entire world about it. But I burnt all bridges between us.

I'd spot her exiting the building in her usual jeans, tops, and sneakers. Her hair would sometimes be tied into a ponytail while other times she let it run as wild as it could get.

Other times, I'd watch from my office when she grabbed a coffee from the café just across the street because the one inside the publishing house was ever crowded and busy. I'd smile to myself, knowing how right I was. And this too, I wanted to rub in her face, I told her so.

Nevertheless, she was someone that I used to know and now, strictly my employee.

I tapped a black ped over my desk gently as I swung my chair, and stared at nothing. I had finished the last chapter of the book I had been editing. Perfect pieces of psychology from a perfect author. I always liked to read psychological books even when I wouldn't learn how to use them.

"Done for the day?" Enate asked from his desk.

"Yep," I did not fail to pop the 'p' any chance I got. It was fun and Enate hated it.

"What now?"

"Nothing, how's Charity?"

"She's being Charity." He chuckled at his lame joke but I understood what he meant.

Enate's wife, a very loud yet caring woman. Enate told me they have been together for more than twenty years. Every time he elaborated that story, I wondered how people managed to love their spouses for that long. I could not imagine myself being with anyone even for five years.

I had my share of failed relationships. I only had the first anniversary once in my entire twenty-six years. I was supposed to be embarrassed because people my age were settled with their soulmates.

But I didn't have time to chase love. I always thought it'd be better to chase more money and dreams than some plastic love. Just like any other young, generous millionaire, I couldn't stop myself from thinking that most of these partners would be after my money.

I wasn't ready to get my heart broken because I expected more from people. I already broke my heart once and I wouldn't repeat that. It was not a pleasant feeling and up until now, I hated how it made me feel.

With all of that said, I envied Enate and Charity's relationship. It was rare and what modern folks would call true love. I wasn't sure about any of that, the only love I deemed true was the one from my parents.

"You need a break old man," I blurted out, pointing to Enate with my pen.

"So do you. Look at your eyes, they're tired."

"I'm waiting for the other books."

"New books are coming in tomorrow." He shrugged. "It's only Monday, will you relax?"

"I wish."

"I have an idea." Enate beamed with a mischievous smile. "Let's go out to dinner."

I chuckled. "On Monday?"

"Yes." He tapped his foot on the floor impatiently, I expected his fingers to be crossed under his desk.

"Ugh, c'mon, Enate, I need to sleep," I complained but he showed me his intertwined fingers.

I knew it!

How could I say no to this old man? The least I could do is grant his wish even when I knew he was doing all this for me. I was not ashamed to say I would turn into a savage workaholic at times that I'd spent days and nights in this office. Surviving only on take-outs and whatever food my secretary would grab for me.

Don't worry, I did shower.

"Fine, just an hour."

"Two," he protested.

"One."

"Two."

What would we be doing for two hours in a diner? Staring at people?

"One." I glared at him, hoping to change his mind.

"Two," he stated firmly, glaring back at me.

"Fine."

"Good." He smirked, knowing damn well that was another point for him.

#

"You know I still can't believe your sister did this, I mean look at you. How did she convince you? God, you look so gorgeous right now, where did you get that shirt? I think it's really cute and I can't breathe right now. When you came in today, everyone's jaw dropped, even mine, literally. Can you imagine? God, I'm loving this new look. You have no idea just how pretty you loo-"

The loud sharp voice chirped through the room. Even when other voices were just as loud, her's reached my ears and got stuck there. I'd recognize that voice anywhere and I hated that I heard it here. I wanted to ask Enate if we could eat someplace else, but my eyes finally found her, and I just froze.

Her face caught my attention but the one who sat across from her hypnotized me. I couldn't believe it was her, Ms. Asa?

What the hell did she do to herself?

##

Who else is excited to find out what Ms. ASA did to herself? Lol.