Chapter 13
Beep beep beep…
"Hello, bahbhe, good morning! I got my new phone now—my sister gave it to me. I also wanted to ask if next Sunday, we could go to the hills park, just to unwind. I've started reviewing for the next semester in advance, so I won't fail again. Heh, anyway, Anya, I miss you and love you. Take care, bahbhe, and I'll see you on Sunday."
— Dave's message
"Aw, Dave, you're so sweet," Anya whispered to herself. She felt a warmth spread through her body after reading his message. This is how I miss you every day—reading your messages in the early morning gives me so much inspiration. She paused, her heart racing. Now I'm sure I like you, and I love you.
"Okay, Dave, same here," Anya replied softly. She still felt shy, even though she returned the message. But she hesitated and couldn't bring herself to send it just yet.
Sunday ..
"Hello, bahbe. I'm here at the station. I'll wait for you at Hill Church," Dave messaged Anya.
"Alright, I'm coming. Maybe five minutes—I'm almost there," Anya replied to his message.
Anya arrived at the place.
"Oh, this is so nice! How did you find this spot? Is the church service done? What's next?" Anya asked.
"Yeah, we're a bit late. Maybe they had a service at 9 a.m., but there's no afternoon schedule. Maybe next time," Dave explained. "Mmm, we're just nearby. Sometimes we come here for church every All Saints' Day—it's become a routine for us on that day."
"Dave, this is my first time here. I can see how beautiful and peaceful this place is," Anya said, surprised.
"Oh, really? I thought you knew about this place," Dave said with a smile.
"No, not until now. You know, my life is so busy with work and school, and this place is far from where I go every day. Oh, thank you for bringing me here. I feel so good, like all the stress has lifted," Anya said, happy.
It's such a perfect place—so much greenery, the wind feels great, and the bench is pure white, surrounded by small stones. There's even an arch, and, it's like a small hill. The view is perfect!" Anya said excitedly, eager to explore more.
"Hey, babe, slow down and watch your step," Dave said with a smile, amused by Anya's enthusiasm.
"Hurry up, there's a nice park here, Dave!" Anya said, happy.
"Yeah, let's go inside. I didn't see this when I was here before. I thought there was no park here. Come on, inside—it's free," Dave said excitedly.
"Oh my gosh, it's so beautiful! It's just like a secret garden, and from here, I can see the sea and the city around us. Let's go up the small hill. Oh my gosh, the view up here is amazing!" Anya said, amazed. "Hahaha, Dave, this is so beautiful!"
Dave glanced at Anya and gently held her hand.
"Ohhh, yes, Dave?" Anya smiled, her heart racing the moment he took her hand.
"Mmmhh, I'm just happy to see you happy. I want to take this opportunity to wish us a happy first month for our extended contract. We agreed on three months, but how about we extend it to a year—or even longer, if that's okay with you?" Dave said shyly, staring into Anya's eyes.
Anya blushed and gazed into Dave's eyes, unable to speak, surprised by his words.
"Yes or no, bahbhe?" Dave asked, holding his breath as he waited for her answer.
"Yes, Dave," Anya shyly answered, still staring at each other. It felt as if they were drawn together like magnets, their hearts beating faster. It was as if they could hear the song of love, though it had no sound. Dave slowly moved his face closer to Anya's, feeling the wind. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, as she felt his lips gently touch hers. Her heart raced, and it felt like electricity surged through her body, like butterflies in her stomach. His kiss was so sweet, gentle, and she felt a deep sense of addiction to the sensation.
When Dave pulled back, Anya held her breath, gazing into his eyes, which were full of love and sincerity. His words whispered into her ear were like a melody, repeating over and over in her heart. "I love you, Anya." Those words settled in her soul, like a song that would always play in her heart. Then, Dave kissed her again, and it felt like fireworks exploding in her mind.
"Ohh, come on, Dave. This feeling is making me crazy," Anya whispered to herself.
Dave slowly hugged her tight, and she couldn't resist, returning the embrace.
Anya held him even closer, and Dave whispered in her ear, "Thanks for loving me."
When Anya opened her eyes, the entire garden was illuminated by soft, gentle lights. The place felt so romantic, and the shimmering lights made her feel like she was in a dream.
"Dave, I can't imagine how far we've come. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, even when I didn't understand how I felt. It's like I've always dreamed of feeling this way, like the first time—it feels like something out of a pocketbook. I feel like I'm living a dream... it's like magic happened to me," Anya said, her eyes filled with tears.
"This is the first time for me, all of this. I can't imagine anything like it, and everything I'm saying is from my heart. You're my first girlfriend. I've always wished to be with you, and I hope our relationship lasts forever, never ending. I can't imagine this love being anything but real," Dave said with love and sincerity.
"Thanks, Dave. I love you too," Anya said with a smile. She hugged Dave and leaned her head on his shoulder while sitting in the garden, mesmerized by the view.
"Dave, I'm shy. Maybe some others will notice we're here in the center," Anya said with a shy smile, roaming around simply.
"Hahaha, can you see? There are couples here, and they don't care about anyone else— "They're just enjoying their own time. You, Anya... huh?" Dave laughed.
"Hahaha, okay, anyway, in 1 hour, we'll go home," Anya said.
"Mmhh, yeah, you're such a Cinderella, always keeping track of time, Anya. Hehe," Dave said jokingly.
"Mmmhh, you, ha, Dave," Anya replied with a laugh. "Hahaha, for me, you're always the best. I love your jokes, and you have this face like I have a Chinese-Pinoy boyfriend. Hahaha, do you?" Anya joked, laughing.
"Really?" Dave said with a smile. "Let's go, we'll grab food at the canteen downstairs. I don't want you to be late—maybe your fairy grandmother will get angry with me and send you back home. Hehe," Dave said with a playful grin.
"Yeah! My fairy grandmother is strict. Hahaha. Anyway, I want to spend more time with you, Dave, but since I have strict parents, I don't want to be late and make them worry too much," Anya explained.
"Yeah, I understand. That's why I love the way you are," Dave said, kissing her on the forehead.
Anya smiled with love, thinking to herself, What a gentleman I have, such an understanding boyfriend, and I feel so comfortable with him, like I'm at home. Could it be that he is my destiny?
The couple walked down to the canteen near the station. The path was lined with trees, adorned with string lights, creating a romantic atmosphere as they walked alone. Dave kept one arm around Anya, and every now and then, he would gently kiss her cheek, catching her by surprise as she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.
Finally, they reached the canteen, where they happily enjoyed their food before heading home.
Chapter 14
7 months later…
Hurry up, Anya, we might be late for our last practice before graduation!" Dave said with a smile, excited as he walked fast toward the gym where they were heading for the marching practice. He held Anya's hand, urging her to keep up.
The couple arrived at the auditorium and lined up with the members of their respective departments. Anya's eyes welled up with tears as she began the marching practice. She was about to march into the graduation ceremony, and though Dave was in a different line, they were both surrounded by their classmates, including their friends, like Samuel.
Christine, however, couldn't participate in the march due to missing some subjects she hadn't taken. She planned to join next year when she was eligible. Despite the minor setbacks, it was a memorable moment for Dave, Anya, and their friends as they prepared for graduation.
After practice.
"Hey, bro, would you like to grab a drink outside to celebrate for tomorrow?" Samuel invited.
"Mmhh, sorry bro, I've got plans with Anya later. And you know I don't drink. Just message Roel—he's up for drinking," Dave said with a smile.
"Alright, alright... as for Anya, no comment," Samuel said, shaking his head.
"Hey, Anya!" Samuel called as she approached them. "Congrats in advance for tomorrow. See you, and I'm happy for both of you with Dave," Samuel said with a smile as he walked away, waving.
"Thanks, Samuel!" Anya shouted to him as he walked farther away.
"Oh, babe, I'm so proud of you for tomorrow," Dave said. "Let's go eat, and then we can head home."
"Me too, Dave. I'm so happy we're graduating together," Anya said, smiling as she kept holding hands with Dave.
Graduation Day
"Pa! Come on, this way! We're going to be late! I told you we should leave early—there are so many students and people for this moment. Hurry up!" Anya said excitedly as she got out of the taxi with her father. She looked around and spotted Dave, walking alongside his father.
"That's his father... looks a bit unapproachable," Anya whispered.
Dave smiled shyly at her and waved.
"Who's that boy, Anya?" her father asked.
"My classmate... come on, this way, Pa," Anya said with a shy smile.
The graduation ceremony began. Dave was seated in the front row of his department, while Anya was in the third row of hers. From her seat, Anya could see him, and he turned around to look at her. He smiled when he saw where she was sitting.
The graduation ended, and Anya and Dave didn't get a chance to see each other again until later, when Anya held a small celebration with her cousin and close family at her house. Dave wasn't around after the ceremony.
Beeep beep beep.
"Hello, babe! How are you? Congratulations to us! I'm sorry I didn't go with you earlier; my parents were in a hurry to go home. It's okay, we'll see each other later around 6 PM at the café near the school?" Dave messaged.
"Hello, babe! Sure. Hey, my cousin wants to go to a discobar near the school. She wants to experience it, and I do too. Would you come with us?" Anya invited.
"Sure, see you later. Love you, babe," Dave messaged.
"Excited to see you, babe. Love you too!" Anya replied with a smile.
Hhhhmmmmp, Anya, was that your boyfriend?" Zanya teased her cousin, Anya.
"Shhhh, yeah, I'll introduce you later. He's such a sweet boyfriend," Anya smiled.
"Hahahah, really? Make sure he's handsome!" Zanya laughed.
"Hey, Dave, over here!" Anya shouted when she saw Dave coming.
Dave smiled, glancing at her, and whispered, "I miss this girl, so lovely tonight."
"Dave, this is Zanya, my cousin. Oh, she got a sip of some light drink, and me too! It's our first time trying this. We wanted to do it for you," Anya said with a smile.
"Hi, Dave. Sorry for my cousin; she wanted to experience this now that she couldn't during her studies. She promised to try this after graduation and celebrate," Zanya apologized, looking at the drinks on the table.
"No worries, I'm cool with that. Let's go dance and party!" Dave said, inviting them to the center stage.
The couple and Zanya enjoyed the night, celebrating their graduation. After the fun, they headed home, happy and content with the memories they had made.
Chapter 15
"Happy Birthday to you… 3x!"
Anya's mother sang, smiling warmly as Anya stood before the cake.
"Make a wish before you blow out the candle," her mother said.
Anya closed her eyes, made a silent wish, and then blew out the candle. Just as she did, the doorbell rang, signaling someone's arrival.
"Hello, good evening! Oh, Anya, happy birthday!" Christine exclaimed, walking into the house with a bright smile.
"Oh, sis! Thanks for coming!" Anya replied, smiling as Christine handed her a cake and a gift.
"Who's this handsome boy, sis? Is this your new boyfriend?" Anya teased.
"Haha, yeah, anyway, this is Gred, my boyfriend. That's why I came here, to introduce him to you!" Christine laughed.
Just as they were chatting, another figure appeared at the door, surprising Anya. She blinked in shock and excitement as she recognized him.
"Dave, how did you know my address? You're surprising me! You never greeted me in the morning—was this your plan all along?" Anya asked, laughing with joy.
"I just asked Christine," Dave smiled, then handed her flowers and a gift—her favorite collection. "Here's something special for you, babe," he added, kissing her cheek.
Anya blushed, "My parents are here… I'm sorry, Dave. If this is your first time meeting them after almost a year, I'm a little shy about the situation."
"No worries, Anya. I'm here to introduce myself to your parents, to show them I'm serious, and to pay my respects on your special day. I love you, bahbhe," Dave said with a warm smile.
"Ehhemmm… ehhemmm! Come on, guys, let's go inside!" Christine teased.
"Hahaha, yeah, let's go. Pa, Ma, this is my friend, and this is Dave, my boyfriend," Anya said, blushing.
"Good evening, sir and ma'am," Dave shyly waved his hand.
"Ohhh, ewwwoooew, brother-in-law!" Gerald, Anya's younger brother, teased.
"Come inside and eat. Nice to meet you, Christine and Dave," Anya's mother said. "Mmmhh, Dave, get a plate."
"Thanks, ma'am," Dave smiled.
As they all sat down to eat, Anya's father spoke up.
"Well, Dave, I don't want to hinder your relationship, because you've both graduated already. I'm happy with what I see, and I know Anya is hardworking and goal-minded. I hope you both help each other out. Thank you for caring for my daughter."
"I will, and thank you, sir," Dave said with respect, smiling at Anya's father.
The birthday celebration was filled with joy, singing, and eating. As the evening wore on, Anya's parents decided it was time to sleep, and they asked Dave to stay on the couch for the night since it was too late for him to go home. Christine, meanwhile, had left early.
The night ended with laughter and love, marking yet another beautiful memory in Anya and Dave's relationship.
Chapter 16
"Congratulations, Anya, on the promotion!" Christine said happily, giving her a big smile.
"How did you know?" Anya asked shyly, a little surprised.
"I saw it on the board in the HR department. Didn't you see it? Anyway, I also saw Dave earlier in the office, at HR. He had an initial interview," Christine explained.
"Oh, he's applying for accounting? Why didn't he tell me about it earlier?" Anya replied, a little confused.
"Maybe he wants to surprise you if he gets the job," Christine guessed with a teasing grin. "Mmm, I have a feeling Dave has plans to settle down with you now... Aha! I think I hear wedding bells ringing!" she said, laughing.
"Haha, you! I hope so, but sis, I haven't met his parents yet," Anya said, blushing.
"Mmm, maybe you'll have a monster-in-law!" Christine teased, laughing as she waved goodbye. "I'm going upstairs. Don't forget to treat me tomorrow, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, sis! Thanks!" Anya replied, smiling as Christine walked away. She then went into her office, feeling both excited and a little nervous about what might come next.
At the office:
Ring, ring—the phone rang on the table.
Anya picked up the phone and said, "Hello, good afternoon, this is Anya. How may I help you?"
"Anya, come to my office. I need to talk to you about something personal," her supervisor said.
"Alright, ma'am. I'll come now. Thanks," Anya replied.
Knock, knock.
"Come in and sit down," the supervisor said.
"I see you're hardworking, and you're doing well. I've decided to transfer you to another branch to work temporarily. Adela is leaving for maternity leave. Are you okay with that?" the supervisor asked.
"Yes, sure, ma'am. No problem, and thank you for trusting me with this work," Anya said, smiling happily.
"You'll be reporting there starting tomorrow. Please finish up your work for today and make sure everything is in order before heading back to your table. Thank you," the boss said.
"Welcome, copy, and thank you, ma'am," Anya said, smiling as she walked back to her table, feeling inspired.
Anya messaged Dave: "Bahbhe, I'm sorry, don't pick me up later from work. I got overtime and I'm not sure what time I'll finish. Just go home, okay?"
"Alright, bahbhe. Take care and message me when you get home later. Don't skip dinner. We have a family celebration at the house tomorrow. I'll pick you up from work, and we can go together, okay? Love you, bahbhe," Dave replied.
Anya couldn't reply right away. She felt anxious about Dave's invitation, as it would be the first time she could meet his family after almost two years. At the same time, she was adjusting to her new position at work.
"Alright, see you tomorrow," Anya replied briefly, feeling a little nervous.
Chapter 17
The taxi entered the village, and Anya couldn't help but feel amazed by the place. She hadn't expected Dave to live in such a beautiful neighborhood.
"Sir, could you stop at the first street? It's just a short walking distance from here," Dave said to the taxi driver.
"Here's the payment, and keep the change. Thank you," Dave added before turning to Anya.
"Bahbhe, are you okay? Come down and watch your step," Dave said with concern, holding out his hand to help her out of the taxi.
She glanced around, her eyes settling on the grand house ahead. It stood tall, like a mansion, with numerous cars parked around it.
"Could this really be it?" Anya whispered to herself, hoping her suspicions weren't true.
"Bahbhe, where is your house? Is it the one in the corner?" Anya asked, feeling anxious as she looked at the neatly lined-up houses, each one modest and standard in design.
"Nope, we're almost there. Just heading to our comfortable house. Come on," Dave said, holding Anya's hand as he guided her toward his home.
"Oh my goodness, no, nooo! This can't be happening!" Anya thought to herself, fighting the urge to panic. "I'm not prepared for this."
Before she could fully process her thoughts, they stopped in front of a massive house. Her instincts had been right all along. The "comfortable house" Dave spoke of was, in fact, a mansion.
Anya stood there, shaken and in shock, overwhelmed by the reality of Dave's family home.
A strange guy approached them at the entrance, accompanied by two other men who had a striking resemblance to Dave.
"Oh, Dave! Dad was looking for you earlier. Where have you been?" the man asked. "You left your car outside, and it's not parked properly. You know we've got a lot of guests coming. I was searching for your keys in your room and luckily found them in your drawer."
His eyes shifted to Anya. "Ohhh, is this your girlfriend, bro?" he asked, visibly surprised. "This is the first time you've brought a girl to the house!"
"Anya, this is my younger brother, Daniel," Dave said, gesturing toward him. "And these two are my cousins."
"Hi, Anya," Daniel said, then turned to his cousins. "Ohhh, cousin, she's pretty! Seriously?"
One of the cousins teased, "So this is the reason our cousin is always late coming home, huh?"
"Mmmhh, I guess this is why my brother's been acting differently lately," Daniel said with a grin.
He looked back at Anya and added, "Go inside. Don't be shy, Anya. Dad's waiting for you. We're heading out for a stroll since our cousins only visit once in a blue moon during these small gatherings."
"Alright, bro. Thanks," Dave said, smiling as they left.
Turning to Anya, Dave said excitedly, "Come on, Anya. I'll introduce you to my parents."
Anya, still in shock, couldn't speak. Her thoughts were racing. Why didn't he tell me about this before? I feel so small and out of place. Dave is so humble—he never mentioned anything about his family's wealth. And here I am, sometimes bossing him around...
"Dave," Anya finally managed to say, her voice shaky, "I'm afraid. Do I look okay? My hair... and everything?"
Dave smiled warmly and replied, "You look beautiful, inside and out. That's why I brought you here. Come on, let's eat first before we see Dad. He's still with his friends. Let's go."
Dave's reassuring smile gave Anya a bit of confidence as they walked inside together.
Anya was amazed by the grandeur of the entire house. The floors were made of gleaming marble, and a stunning chandelier hung from the high ceiling above the staircase. From the entrance gate, she noticed marble benches, and the front door was so wide it felt like entering a mall.
The living room was decorated in beige and nude tones, giving it a classic and elegant vibe. To the left was a spacious kitchen, and straight ahead, a large dining area extended into view. At the center of the house, a glass door opened to a lush garden outside, which seemed to double as the party area, complete with catering setups.
There weren't too many guests—perhaps 30 in total, likely family members and a few close friends of Dave's dad.
"Anya, here's a plate. What would you like to eat?" Dave asked, gesturing to the buffet. "We have beef steak, hot Niçoise salad, Marseille-style shrimp stew, chicken and mushroom fricassee, and lobster Thermidor."
Anya smiled faintly as Dave took the initiative to fill her plate with a variety of dishes for her to try. He guided her to their seats, but Anya couldn't help feeling awkward as her eyes roamed around the grand dining area.
A woman, who appeared to be around 35 years old and bore a strong resemblance to Dave, approached them with a warm smile.
"Oh, Dave! You're here," the woman said, her gaze shifting to Anya. "Mmmhh... Anya, right?"
"Yes, ma'am," Anya replied shyly, returning the smile.
"It's me, Meriam, Dave's sister," she said warmly. "Mmmhh, I know a little about you—Dave talks about you all the time."
Anya blushed and smiled shyly as Meriam continued, "Don't be shy, Anya. Get more food and enjoy yourself. I need to step out; Dad's calling me outside. Excuse me."
"Thanks, ma'am," Anya said softly.
"Call her Ate Meriam," Dave reminded Anya with a smile as Meriam hurried off toward their father's table.
Anya turned to Dave and whispered, "Dave, your Ate is so pretty and kind."
"Yeah," Dave replied, smiling. "That's why I love her. She's always there to help me." He chuckled softly, his admiration for his sister evident.
"Bahbhe, excuse me, I'm going to the CR for a while. Just eat, I'll be back soon. Feel at home," Dave said quickly as he rushed toward the restroom.
"Sure, Bahbhe. I'll just sit here, don't worry," Anya replied, feeling anxious as she slowly ate and glanced around at the other people talking and laughing.
Suddenly, an elegant older woman approached Anya. She looked sophisticated, and Anya couldn't help but wonder if this could be Dave's mother or aunt.
What can I do? Oh my gosh... Anya whispered to herself, feeling nervous.
"Hi, are you Dave's guest?" the woman asked with a warm smile. "You must be his girlfriend; you're the first girl he's ever brought to the house. Where is he?"
"Yes, ma'am. He's in the restroom. Anyway, I'm Anya," Anya replied nervously.
"Mmmhh, Anya, nice name," the woman said, studying Anya with a thoughtful expression. "To be honest, I don't want to interfere in your relationship with my son, but I'll just say one thing: don't rush into marriage. Enjoy being single for a while. I'm not against it, but we have a lot planned for Dave. He'll be going to the US soon. I hope you understand."
Anya felt shaken, as if she had just been splashed with cold water.
At that moment, Dave returned and saw his mother talking to Anya.
"Oh, Mom, you're here. Anyway, Mom, this is Anya, my girlfriend. Anya, this is my mom," Dave said, introducing them.
"Hi, ma'am," Anya said shyly.
"Anya, nice to meet you," Dave's mom replied warmly. "By the way, Dave, did you greet your dad? He was looking for you earlier but you weren't around. Excuse me, Anya, I have to go to the kitchen and tend to some other guests. Enjoy the night. Dave, take care of her," she said, giving Dave a smile.
"Alright, Mom, thanks," Dave said, smiling back.
"Thanks, ma'am," Anya said softly.
"Are you done eating? Come on, let's go introduce you to my dad," Dave said excitedly. "Mmmhh, they're just talking now, my sister's with him. Come, Bahbhe."
Anya didn't have a chance to speak as Dave quickly grabbed her hand and led her toward his father.
"Happy 60th birthday, Dad! Love you always," Dave said proudly, giving his dad a tight hug. "Anyway, this is Anya, my girlfriend. Anya, this is my best dad."
"Hi, sir, happy birthday," Anya said shyly, smiling. "I'm sorry, I don't have a gift for you. Dave surprised me and only told me about it just now."
"No problem, thank you, Anya," Dave's father said warmly. "Your greeting is enough. Oh, so my son has a girlfriend now. He's serious about you. Enjoy the party, Anya. Feel at home."
"She's pretty, Dad, right?" Dave's sister teased. "My brother's not a little boy anymore—he has a girlfriend! Hahaha… Don't worry, Anya, he's a good boy."
"Come on, stop joking," Dave said, laughing.
Anya smiled at the playful banter, but she couldn't shake the anxiety she felt about his mother. It was starting to feel like she wanted to leave.
The party program resumed, and the host called Dave to sing a song for his dad. It was a beautiful song, one that captured the bond between father and son.
Anya felt tears welling up in her eyes as she listened to Dave's voice. His voice is so nice and gentle. I always knew he had a great voice, but this… she thought, feeling surprised.
Still, Anya couldn't shake the anxiety she felt about his mother's presence. What she had said kept bothering her.
Anya wanted to go home. She excused herself from Dave's family, and soon after, Dave took the key and got the car to drive her home.
Chapter 18
Tik-tak, tik-tak…
The alarm clock rang loudly.
"Mmmhh… another early morning," Anya whispered groggily. "So tired…"
Suddenly, her eyes shot open.
"Ohhh my gosh! I can't believe who Dave really is!"
She gasped and sat up quickly.
"Oh no, I'm late!" she screamed, scrambling out of bed.
At the lobby…
"Why are there so many people in the HR department?" Anya wondered as she walked in.
She noticed a crowd of girls laughing and teasing each other.
"Hmm… maybe there's a new trainee from another department?"
She glanced at the long line for the biometric machine.
"Oh gosh, I hope I'm still on time to punch in," she murmured.
Looking at her reflection on the elevator door, she frowned.
"My eyebags are so big... I couldn't sleep well after what happened last night. Dave… I still can't believe it. I feel so small."
But then she smiled faintly.
"Ohhh yes, punch in time," she whispered again with a small grin.
Anya fast-walked across the lobby, covering her eyes with her sunglasses and letting her hair fall to hide her face. She was about to head to the comfort room when—
BUMP!
She suddenly collided with someone.
"Ouch! Sorry, sorry!" a man exclaimed, quickly reaching out to steady her and prevent her from slipping.
"Oh sir, I'm so sorry… I didn't see you," Anya blurted out, embarrassed.
As she looked up, she saw his eyes — kind and smiling.
"It's alright, no problem," he said. "I didn't see you either. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, sir. Excuse me," Anya smiled politely, then quickly walked away to the comfort room.
Later, inside the department…
"Hello, Anya!" Christine greeted her with a mischievous smile.
"Oh my goodness! It's raining handsome men in the HR department today—didn't you see?"
"Handsome?" Anya rolled her eyes and teased her.
"For you, every guy is handsome. As if…" she said while arranging some reports.
"Haha! You're impossible," Christine laughed.
"But seriously, these ones are like pure angels dropped straight from heaven. They're the new architect trainees for the big project."
Her eyes sparkled.
"A whole batch of bachelors over there! I hope I finally meet my soulmate. Hahaha, love it!"
She held up a folder and waved it dramatically.
"I heard they'll be introduced to our department soon. Most of them are single, licensed, and freshly graduated. I'm so excited to meet them later! See you at lunch!"
Christine winked and left, carrying a stack of reports.
"Alright, Chris. We wish you luck this time," Anya said, smiling and winking playfully at her friend.
Three hours to go...
The department door opened.
"Come in, boys! This way," said the HR head supervisor.
"Good morning, Ma'am and Sir," she announced. "I'd like to introduce our new architect trainees from the Architecture and Design Department. Boys, this is the Payroll Department. If you ever need clarification on payroll, tax, or government benefit concerns, this is the team that will assist you."
"Good morning, Ma'am and Sir!" the architect trainees greeted politely in unison.
"Well, we'll excuse ourselves now," said the HR head with a professional smile. "We have other departments to visit. Thank you all, and apologies for the interruption."
The group exited, buzzing with quiet excitement.
Meanwhile, Anya stayed focused, eyes glued to her screen, typing diligently. She didn't glance up or acknowledge the commotion. She was completely immersed in her work—no matter who walked in or out of the department.
Lunch time…
"Hey Anya, let's go! It's lunchtime. Hurry up—you might miss your meal if you're late," her supervisor called.
"Alright, Ma'am. I'll follow in a moment—thanks," Anya replied, quickly typing to finish her report.
Why didn't I hear the ringtone or get a message alert?" Anya paused mid-type, confused.
"Oh my gosh… my phone!" she gasped.
"I must've left it behind—I was rushing. Ugh, Anya, you're so scatterbrained lately… still shaken up because of Dave," she muttered, exhaling a deep breath and shaking her head. She closed her laptop and decided to finally get her lunch.
Anya brought her packed meal and sat at a separate table from her superiors and other department staff, waiting for Christine. She ate slowly, distracted—her mind clouded with thoughts of Dave.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. Salad for you," said a voice beside her.
Anya jumped slightly, recognizing the voice.
"Ahhh… no, thank you," she said with a polite smile. Then she looked up. "Wait—you… you're the guy from earlier..."
Jasper smiled. "Yeah, it's me—Jasper. From the lobby. You're Anya, right?"
"How did you know my name?" she asked, a bit surprised.
"I saw it on your desk earlier. I was one of the new trainees visiting your office with the HR head. I don't think you noticed us though—you were super focused on your work."
Anya chuckled nervously. "Ah, I'm sorry. I had to finish my report, so I was kind of glued to my screen. So... you're one of the new architecture trainees?"
"Yep," Jasper replied with a shy smile. "Thanks for the welcome."
Just then, Christine arrived, teasing with a playful grin. "Hello, Anya! Oh? And who's this?"
"Hi, I'm Jasper, Ma'am—from the Architecture Department. I just stopped by for a moment. I saw her sitting alone and thought I'd offer this salad since I, um... bumped into her earlier," he said with a bashful laugh.
Christine smiled widely, glancing at both of them. "Nice to meet you, Jasper."
"Right, Christine—this is Jasper," Anya said, rolling her eyes subtly as Christine continued to tease her with that look.
"Have a seat, Jasper. And don't call me Ma'am—we're probably the same age," Christine joked. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"Yeah—our department head gave us an early break, so I already ate," Jasper replied. "Anyway, would you excuse me? My colleague just called. See you around, Anya... Christine."
He smiled and left politely, leaving a quiet grin between the two women.
"You have my beautiful Anya—the one who caught the handsome worm this early!" Christine joked, laughing. "I wish I were in your shoes right now. Mind sharing your lucky charm?"
"Behave, Christine! You know I'm in a relationship," Anya said with a smile. "Please don't tease me like that."
"Alright, hands up! No more teasing," Christine said, raising her hands playfully. "But hey—what's up with your new boyfriend, Dave?"
"Don't mention it," Anya replied quickly. "Just eat and hurry—I have to finish my work."
After lunch, they headed back to their respective offices.
Later… Off-time.
"Anya, are you working overtime again?" a colleague called out.
"Yeah, just a moment—I'm wrapping things up," Anya replied, eyes still on her screen. She waved. "Bye, take care."
A few minutes later, Anya realized she was the last one left in the room. She packed her things and started walking down the long lobby, on her way out.
She didn't notice a group of men walking toward her from another department—until one familiar voice called out.
"Hello, Ma'am Anya!" Jasper waved.
Anya stopped and turned, startled. "Oh! Sir Jasper," she said, her voice shy as she noticed the group of new architect trainees behind him.
"Hi, Ma'am Anya!" they greeted in unison.
"Hi everyone. Sir... welcome to the company," Anya said with a shy smile.
"Thanks, ma'am!" one of the trainees grinned. "Oh, Jasper—you've made a new friend! And she's beautiful too," he teased, nudging Jasper playfully.
"Haha—sorry, ma'am. They're just joking," Jasper apologized quickly, a little embarrassed.
"It's okay," Anya said, her cheeks turning slightly red as she smiled.
"Hey, Ma'am Anya—would you like to join us for dinner?" another trainee offered.
"Oh, no. I have another appointment. But thank you. Maybe next time," Anya said politely.
"Alright, ma'am. Next time—promise!" one of them laughed.
"Haha, sure! See you all again. Bye!" Anya replied, hurrying toward the exit. She quickly punched out and walked briskly to the other line.
Anya was walking quickly, not noticing Dave coming toward her. He caught up and gently held her arm to stop her.
"Oh my gosh—Dave! Why are you here?" Anya asked, surprised, nervous, and glancing around.
"Anya, are you okay? You didn't see me waiting outside? I've been out there," Dave said, blinking at her, clearly concerned.
"Yeah, I'm okay. But… why are you here?" she asked, still puzzled.
"I was worried. You didn't reply to any of my messages today. You didn't even call me back. So I decided to come pick you up—surprise you," Dave explained, apologetically.
"Oh, Dave… I'm sorry. I forgot my phone at home. I was in a rush earlier," Anya apologized sincerely.
But in the back of her mind, she was thinking: Why are you really here? I'm not ready to face this moment yet. I still need time alone… to process the shock.
"Anya?" Dave asked gently, looking into her eyes. "Is there something on your mind?"
"Huh? Oh—no, it's nothing. I'm just tired. I was rushing to finish my report," Anya replied with a faint smile, trying to dismiss the tension.
"Come on, let's eat. You must be hungry," Dave said warmly. "After that, I'll take you home." Dave guide to his car the first he use now with anya to pick up.
"Is this your car?" Anya asked, a little amused and surprised.
"Yeah," Dave replied with a smile. "So I can pick you up on time, properly."
He opened the car door for her like a gentleman, guiding her in with quiet care.
"Mhhhhh…" Anya stirred awake, slowly opening her eyes. She realized she was still inside Dave's car. The dim streetlight cast a soft glow, and Dave was quietly watching her with a gentle smile.
"Oh my gosh… Dave, why didn't you wake me? I thought I was already home," Anya said, a bit embarrassed as she sat up.
"I just wanted to let you rest a bit longer," Dave replied softly. "And… I love watching you sleep. Even for just a moment."
He leaned in closer, whispering near her ear, his voice low and tender.
Anya blushed, caught off guard. Her eyes met his, and for a second, time felt slower.
"I love you, Anya," Dave said, his voice full of emotion—tender but with a trace of sadness.
He slowly leaned in, about to kiss her—when suddenly, a car horn beeped outside, snapping them both back to reality.
Dave paused, sighing lightly, then parked the car properly as another vehicle passed by.
Anya looked down shyly, then turned to him with a small smile. "Thank you, Dave. Take care on your way home… Message me when you get there, okay?"
"I will," Dave said softly, watching her as she stepped out.
Beep beep…
Anya's phone lit up with a message from Dave.
Dave: Hi bhebhe, I have something to tell you. Is tomorrow okay? I'll pick you up after work. Good night. Love you.
A soft smile appeared on Anya's lips as she read the message. Her heart fluttered with a mix of curiosity and warmth.
Still holding her phone tightly in her hand, she lay back on her bed. The day's exhaustion slowly faded as her eyes grew heavy.
With Dave's message still fresh in her mind and the glow of the screen dimming beside her, Anya drifted into sleep—her fingers curled gently around the phone like she was holding his hand.
Chapter 19
In the office…
"Anya, a wonderful good morning!" one of her workmates greeted cheerfully as they bumped into each other in the comfort room, a playful tone in her voice.
Anya smiled back, a little confused. Why is she smiling like that? And teasing me? she wondered.
As she returned to her desk, her eyes widened in surprise. Sitting right on top of her table was a stunning bouquet of fresh flowers.
Her workmates giggled and grinned, clearly in on the surprise.
"Ooohhhh, someone has a secret admirer!" one of them teased. "A new suitor, perhaps? So sweet! Weeet weet!"
Anya blushed, hiding her smile as she walked closer. Her supervisor passed by and gave her a knowing smile. "A beautiful morning, Anya," he said warmly.
Heart fluttering with curiosity, Anya gently picked up the small card tucked into the bouquet and read:
Thank you for being kind to me—and I apologize on behalf of some of my colleagues.
Wishing you a wonderful morning.
– Your new friend
She held the card close, still blushing.
Who could it be? she wondered, heart fluttering with both surprise and curiosity.
"Mmmhh… is it… Jasper?" Anya whispered under her breath, trying to suppress a smile.
"Mmhhpfff…" she puffed quietly, shaking her head in disbelief as she gently ran her fingers across the edge of the card.
No way… could he really be that sweet? Or maybe… it's someone else?
Her mind started to wander, replaying last night—Dave watching her sleep, his soft words, that almost-kiss…
Anya glanced at the flowers again, her blush deepening.
This day is starting off too warm for my heart, she thought, sitting down with a soft sigh.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
Message from Dave:
Good morning, bhebhe. Did you sleep well? Can't wait to see you later. I'll be there after work. Love you.
She smiled at the message, but her eyes shifted back to the bouquet.
But… if it's from Jasper… why now?
Lunch break — Office Cafeteria
Anya walked slowly toward the cafeteria, eyes on her phone as she typed a reply to Dave.
Yes, bhebhe. I slept well. Can't wait to see you later. 😘
"Hi, Anya!" someone called from behind.
She turned around and saw Jasper walking quickly toward her, holding a tray.
"Oh! Jasper," she said, blinking in surprise.
"Mhhh... did you like the flowers?" he asked with a gentle smile.
Anya's heart skipped a beat.
Oh my gosh... it's from Jasper?! Wait… does he like me? she whispered inside her mind, glancing at him with wide eyes.
"Huh—ahh… yeah, they're beautiful," she managed to say, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you. But… why'd you give me flowers? Everyone teased me at the office, you know!"
Jasper looked shy, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Ahh… actually, I was just passing by a flower shop—it's my mom's birthday today. Then I thought of you… You've been really kind to me since I started here, unlike, you know, some others," he said with an awkward laugh. "So I thought—why not?"
Anya gave a soft chuckle.
"Haha… alright. Still, thanks. That was sweet of you."
She started walking with him toward the cafeteria.
Just then, Christine came from the other side, smiling brightly.
"Hey Anya! Jasper! How's your first day of work, Jasper?" Christine asked.
"It's good, and thanks to you ladies for being so kind to me."
Christine raised her eyebrows playfully. "Oh! Did you like the flowers too?" Jasper asked.
"Oh yeah! Wait—those were from you?" Christine laughed. "I thought I had a new secret admirer. Hehehe."
She turned to Anya. "Hey, Anya, did Jasper give you some too?"
Anya blinked and whispered under her breath, "Shit… why am I overthinking everything? Jasper's just kind. Sweet… but kind. Ugh, Anya, you're so pathetic."
"Haha yeah… anyway, thanks, Jasper," Anya said aloud, her cheeks turning red, feeling like she was slowly drowning in her own embarrassment.
"Go ahead, line up first," Jasper said, motioning toward the food counter.
"Yeah! Thanks, Jasper," Christine smiled at him. "So gentleman of you."
Anya stood beside her, too flustered to say much. Her mind was racing, and her stomach wasn't sure if it was hungry anymore… or just full of butterflies.
In the office...
"Anya, can you take this transmittal to the bank for the payroll? It must be received by the in-charge before 5 PM," her supervisor said.
"Alright, I'll head out after I finish this print job. Thank you for the reminder," Anya replied with a polite smile.
At the bank...
"So many customers today…" Anya murmured as she entered the bank. She took her number and sat down to wait in the long line.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, "Anya!"
She looked up—Dave's pretty sister, Meriam, was waving with a bright smile.
"Hello," Anya replied shyly with a soft smile.
"What are you doing here? Still working at this hour?" Meriam asked, curious.
"It's for our payroll. We need to submit and transfer it today for tomorrow," Anya explained with a smile.
"Ah, I see... Mmm, did Dave talk to you about going to the U.S. next month?" Meriam asked with a playful grin.
Huh?! Anya froze. Why didn't he tell me that? she whispered in her thoughts. "Uh... maybe we'll talk about it later…" she said nervously, barely holding her composure.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" Meriam said, covering her mouth in guilt. "I didn't mean to spoil the surprise—Dave was supposed to tell you."
"It's okay," Anya replied softly, forcing a smile though her chest felt heavy.
"I honestly thought you knew already—especially after he got his student visa. He said something about going after you graduate…" Meriam added, trying to explain.
"Ahh, maybe he mentioned it before, but I was probably preoccupied…" Anya said, trying to hide her confusion. Just then, her number was called.
"Excuse me, Ate Meriam… that's my turn."
"Alright. See you again soon. I'm off to meet a friend. Take care, Anya," Meriam said warmly.
Anya nodded gently and walked toward the counter, her mind spinning and her heart uneasy.
Office Off-Time…
Beep! A message popped up from Christene.
Christine:
Hey Anya, I left work early. Got something important with the family. See you tomorrow! Maybe Jasper will walk you home—or Dave? Hahaha!
Anya sighed softly. "Christine and her teasing again," she whispered to herself, forcing a small smile. But the mention of Dave made her chest ache a little.
As she walked toward the lobby, deep in thought, she didn't notice the man walking beside her until—
"Anya!" a familiar voice called.
"Huh? Oh—Jasper," Anya blinked and smiled, surprised.
"Mmm, why is my dear Anya so deep in thought?" Jasper teased. "You didn't even notice me walking beside you. If I hadn't called your name, would you have kept ignoring me?"
"Haha, no! I'm just tired," Anya replied, trying to laugh it off.
"Here," Jasper said, handing her a small bar of dark chocolate. "For energy. So you stop looking like the office zombie," he grinned playfully.
"Well, thanks. That's sweet of you," she said, her smile warming up.
"You heading home?" Jasper asked. "Or… maybe you'd like to grab dinner with me? Just to help you unwind. You look like you could use it."
Anya hesitated. "Hmm… That sounds nice, but I already have plans tonight. Rain check?"
"No worries," Jasper replied with a wink. "I'll hold you to that."
"Promise! Next time, I'll treat you," Anya said with a friendly laugh.
As they continued walking out of the building, still chatting, a couple of Jasper's coworkers approached.
"Yo, Jasper! You coming with us?" one called. Then he noticed Anya. "Ohh, is this a date?" he added, grinning.
"Hello, Ma'am Anya," another one said, chuckling.
Anya flushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hi…"
Jasper chuckled too. "Not a date—yet!" he joked, then turned to Anya. "Take care, Anya. See you around."
"Bye, Jasper," she smiled as he joined his coworkers.
She stood there for a moment, the dark chocolate still in her hand, her thoughts drifting between laughter, teasing friends… and the quiet ache Dave left behind.
Anya walked slowly under the gray sky, feeling the cool drops of rain begin to fall.
"Oh no... I forgot my umbrella," she murmured, hugging her arms.
Just then, someone stepped beside her, shielding her with an umbrella. She turned in surprise.
It was Dave.
He held the umbrella gently over her, a soft smile on his face.
Her heart tightened. "My heart feels like crying…" she whispered silently. "We were supposed to make our LDR work…"
"Hold me tight, bhebhe, before the heavy rain falls," Dave said with concern.
In the car…
Dave reached for a tissue. "Here, dry your shoulders and hair so you don't get cold," he said softly.
"Mhhh… give me that chocolate bar while I hold the tissue," he added with a playful smile.
Anya froze for a second—she had almost forgotten. The chocolate bar Jasper had given her was still in her bag.
"Ahh… yeah. Wait, I just put it here," she said, fumbling in her bag nervously.
"Let's go," Dave said, brightening. "We'll eat at our favorite restaurant."
Anya gave a soft nod, though her heart was heavy, haunted by what Dave's sister had told her earlier.
At the restaurant…
"Bhebhe, is it okay if I order for you?" Dave asked warmly. "Or do you want something else?"
"It's okay… that's enough," Anya replied with a light smile.
Dave turned to the waiter. "Alright, that's all, ma'am. Thank you."
A moment later, Dave looked at her. "Excuse me for a while, I just need to go to the CR."
"Sure, sure," Anya replied shyly.
A few minutes later, Dave returned—but not empty-handed.
"Bhebhe…" he whispered close to her ear, "…Happy Monthsary."
Anya's eyes widened as he brought out a bouquet of flowers and handed her a small box.
"Oh my gosh… I'm sorry, I forgot," she said, blushing. "But… thank you."
She opened the box and gasped softly. Inside was a delicate Tiffany heart-shaped gold necklace.
Dave gently took it and placed it around her neck.
"There. Perfect and beautiful… just like you, bhebhe."
He kissed her cheek and whispered close to her ear,
"Love you always."
Dave's eyes sparkled with sincerity and love as he smiled, while Anya's heart stirred in a whirlwind of emotion.
Anya decided not to bring up what Dave's sister had told her.
Not today. She would wait until Dave opened up first. For now, it was their special day.
After finishing their meal and chatting at the restaurant, Dave offered to drive her home.
In the car…
"Mmm… Dave, bhebhe," Anya started nervously, glancing at him, "do you have something to tell me?"
Dave smiled, eyes soft. "Mmm… thank you, bhebhe, for coming into my life. I'll always love you. Happy monthsary."
He leaned in and gently kissed her lips.
Anya blushed, frozen in place. Her heart fluttered — it felt like butterflies exploding in her chest.
How can I resist this sweet kiss? she thought.
It was like tasting sugar after a long fast — sweet, intense, and addictive. She kissed him back, deepening it, as they held their breath, each second filled with longing and warmth.
Then suddenly — ringgg… ringgg…
Anya's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment.
They both pulled away slowly, looking at each other, a little dazed.
"Answer it, no worries," Dave said with a gentle smile.
"Hello?" Anya answered, still breathless.
"Hey Anya," her brother's voice came through, "just tell Ma and Pa I won't be home tonight. I've got plans. Maybe I'll come by tomorrow. Bye."
He hung up before she could respond.
"Mhhh…" Anya looked back at Dave and smiled brightly. "Thank you for this, bhebhe."
"You're welcome, bhebhe," Dave said softly. "I'll message you when I get home."
Anya nodded, still glowing, as she stepped out of the car.