Erin McAfee

I. Am. So. Tired.

I just want to go home and sleep the whole day away, but since I am a responsible person, like my friends say, I won't do that because one, I have to turnover some of my pending works as a junior editor to Trish, my team's lead and my successor, before 4pm. And second, I have to get ready for Mr. Sherate's Charity Gala tonight.

My phone chimes indicating that I received a text message.

Hey Erin, good afternoon. I hope you didn't get annoyed when you saw my name again popped in to your notification.

I just want to remind you about later. Thank you, thank you for giving me another chance. See you later.

Alex

I smiled when I read it then I replied a brief 'Hahaha. See you later, Alex.'

He then replied the monkey emoji that's covering its eyes. With that, my smile widened.

Oh Alex, you lifted up my mood.

I shook my head and returned to sorting the files while remembering how he chased me just to apologise to me.

Since the night he came to my apartment when both of my best friends were here, he called me everyday and leaves handwritten apology letters either at my front door or he will ask our receptionist to hand it over to me.

At first I was annoyed because he was so persistent but when I read his letters, I can feel the sincerity in them. So, when I sawi him giving another letter to our building's receptionist, I approached him and stood behind him then crossed my arm on my chest.

He was startled when he turned around then immediately apologised thinking that I will prohibit him in coming here and giving out the letters. But it was far from it, actually.

"Erin, I know you're still mad at me for what I did to you and I know you told me to stay away from you but I cou--"

I chuckled and he stopped talking, he looked at me confused.

"You sure blabber. Anyway, if you're not in a hurry, join me in grocery shopping." I smiled and walked towards my car that was pulled up by the valet staff.

Thankfully, he composed himself immediately and ran towards the passenger seat of my car.

He accompanied me the whole day and was such a gentleman. He never advanced towards me and maintained a safe distance just like what he promised in one of his letters. I guess he really took his words seriously.

We had lunch in my apartment, I cooked lasagna while he prepared the table. I tell you, this lad was useless in the kitchen and it was so funny, in a nice way, because he tried so hard to impress me. So, to avoid burning my kitchen down, I ordered him to sit and just watch, which he immediately abide.

While having lunch with Alex, I didn't feel any awkwardness between us. I feel like I was having a catch up lunch with a long time friend. That's how I felt, I didn't know why. I guess it's because of his letters?

After a minute of silence, he spoke breaking the quietness enveloping us.

"Uhmm, Erin." He called me and I looked up at him. He looked nervous, what the eff and it's quite funny so, I smiled at him.

"I know you may be annoyed to my apologies but I really am sorry for kissing you without your consent. I know also that no amount of explanation would justify my act but I am willing to do anything and everything you want me to do except staying away from you." I leaned back on my chair and crossed my arms on my chest.

I assessed him, I know and feel that he's really sincere but I want to see it, because to see is to believe, right?

He gulped and continued.

"I like you Erin, and I am serious about you. I know it may be hard to believe because I was known as one of the playboys here in the city but I swear, I'm really into you. This is the first time I felt this and I am glad that you're the kind of woman I chose to have feelings with." He stopped and briefly assessed me. I, on the other hand, didn't give any emotion as I wanted to see if he really is sincere.

But of course, to tell you the truth, I really didn't know what to feel. I didn't want him to have feelings for me because I know I would hurt him in the end. Especially now that I am beginning to fall hard to Zac. I was trying to fight it off but my heart was so damn stubborn. It's like it has its own mind and now, I couldn't control it anymore.

"I know you don't trust and believe me but I am willing to prove it to you, Erin. Just please give me a chance?" He pleaded and his eyes told me that he's really sincere and he meant his words.

So, I took a deep breath to tell him what I always tell to every man who confessed their feelings towards me.

"Alexander, I forgave you already and am humbled to hear those words but..." I paused briefly and held his hand, an act of apology for me.

He looked at my hand that's currently on top of his left hand.

"But I am going to refuse your feelings. I am not yet ready to be in a relationship again especially now that I give my undivided attention to my work. So, dating and being in a relationship was not yet my focus right now. I'm so sorry, Alex." There, I told him.

"However, we can still be friends! You know." I said cheerfully despite his sad reaction. I wiggled his left arm that I was holding to cheer him up.

Thankfully, he smiled, not reaching his eyes but enough to tell me that it's genuine.

"Alright. I'm fine with that, Erin. But just so you know, I will try hard to win you. We can start as friends." He smiled and held both of my hands.

"Just don't think that I was leading you on and giving you false hopes, Alex." I smiled at him.

He nodded and then we cleared the table and cleaned the dishes.

"So, friend, is it okay with you if I ask you to be my date on the Charity gala next friday?" Alex asked after washing the dishes.

"Which charity gala?" I asked.

"Ardhan Sherate's." He answered amd winked at me.

"Oh. Sure. Why not?" I agreed because I know who Ardhan Sherate is, his charity gala always gives out to the homeless and to the battered women who managed to breakaway from their abusive relationships or families. Also, he's the first businessman who trusts Livy to do business with her in her early stage in the NGC.

He fist bumped the air and hugged me which took me off-guard but it was okay and patted him in the back. I didn't feel any ill-intentions in the hug, he was just expressing his happiness.

He was so happy that day and his playful state came back again. I like him that way, you know, so young and carefree. Not like the other night when him and Zac saw each other at my apartment.

Alex and Zac were sizing each other up, as if there's something going on between them. I didn't understand because I know both of them are very good friends, now what made them hate or irked at each other?

I'll try to find out what that is. For now, I will answer this Livy's phone call.

"Hello, sweetiepie." I greeted her cheerfully and she chuckled.

"Erin, my love!!!" She squealed loudly that I had to get my phone away from my poor ears.

"Wow. Someone's excited?" I asked.

"Niccolo bought me a dress for tonight's gala!!! Oh my God. Can you believe it, Erin?" I smiled at what she informed.

Olivia right here, even though she's one of the richests among the richests, she treasured everything you sincerely do to her even if it's just the smallest things. What made her the happiest is when you pay for her lunch. She didn't tell us that, but Jowee and I noticed it and had two theories.

First, it's because her mom used to buy and pay for her food every time she will take her out, even though her mom, Emilia, was diagnosed with cancer, their thing did not change. So, we thought that when you pay for her food, she feels that she's being truly loved by that person.

You may think that a lot of people had treated her for a meal but nay nay, it was only me, Jowee, Zac, her Dad, Jones, her bodyguard, and Lorna, their head housekeeper. Sure she had some eat outs with other people but Livy's a very sensitive person, she always knew if the person she's with has true intentions or not.

Second, since Emilia died, she had no one to eat with in their big manor. Her dad and Zac were busy running away from the memories Emilia left leaving Livy, coping and mourning by herself. So, once you treated her meals, we think that she's enjoying the company.

"Erin, are you even listening?" I heard her through the phone.

"Of course, Livy. I'm glad he's not like other of your exes who never even bothered to buy and surprise you flowers in just a simple day." I commented.

"Of course he's not one them. He's not a jerk." She stated and I laughed.

"Anyway, I heard you will be Alex's date for tonight, huh. So you forgave him already?" She asked

"Yup. He's so persistent Olivia, and he's sincere with his words. But before you can say anything, I made it clear to him that I only see him as a friend." I cleared everything to her before she reacted.

"Awww. Geez Erin Nicole McAfee, why can't you just give him a shot? He's nice and sincere just like what you said. What or who's stopping you to date someone?" She asked and oh boy... I don't think I like this conversation's going.

I'm not yet ready to tell her about my secret feelings towards her brother.

"Livy, I'm focusing on my work. In time, just not now. Anyway love, I have to go, I'm sorting the files that I will be turning over today."

"Oh. Alright. By the way, congratulations again on your promotion. Let's celebrate when Jowee arrived from Spain, okay? See you later, sexy!!" She pronounced and I nodded.

"Okay. See you later, Livy." I chuckled and smiled.

***
"You really are so beautiful tonight, Erin." Alex commented beside me on the passenger seat of his car.

"Alex, you've been saying that for quite awhile now. Aren't you tired of saying that?" I rolled my eyes at him and leaned back on the plush leather seat.

We were on our way to the gala tonight and we were being driven by his chauffer. Since I opened my door to him awhile ago, he can't stop saying and telling me how beautiful I was.

Of course I was touched by his compliment but it saying it for how many times, it's tiresome to hear it.

I was only wearing a black long gown with one shoulder strap floor length sleeve on the left arm. On my eyes, I did a simple glittery gold and black smoky eyes and a nude lip. As per my hair, I straightened it and parted it in the middle.

I opted for simplicity and not over the top makeup and outfit because it will defeat the purpose of the charity.

"I was only saying facts, Erin." He said and I punched him lightly in the arm.

"Whatever. We're here now." I said and the car halted in front of the paparazzis waiting outside to get a picture with the visitors.

As we entered the venue, Alex placed his hand around my waist and we mingled around.

After a few minutes, I felt someone staring at me and drilling holes on the back of my head. I turned around slightly to see if someone's really staring at me or was it just a product of my paranoia. But when I saw HIM glaring at Alex, that's when I knew that my night will never be as peaceful as I thought will be.

Geez, how could I forget that Zac will be attending this gala. Oh my God. Why and how did I forget?

Ugh. I guess I was too excited and caught up with the turnover this week because I will be transferring to my new office next week.

Anyway, to hell with it, I'll just avoid him tonight and also divert Alex's attention to some other businessmen around here. That way, we'll never cross paths with Zac.

But who was I kidding to? Of course we'll be crossing paths especially that Livy and Nick were also here. Ugh. Dear God, please don't let these two alpha males make a scene tonight, please. I promise and willing to donate a hefty sum of money just to avoid that.

As Alex spotted his friend Nick and Livy, we went towards their direction. Immediately, I saw the ON couple talking to Zac and Sam, Livy and I's friend whom I assume his date for tonight. She's also a renowned supermodel, a perfect fit for his standard.

I didn't know why but when I saw her with him, I felt a little tug in my heart, which means I was jealous. And this was the first time since highschool when I felt jealous with the girl Zac's dating.

See what I was talking about falling in love uncontrollably with him? This was one of the red flags but I really didn't know how to get out of this or if there's something I can hang on to to save myself from falling so hard to him, I would gladly hang on to it.

As we neared him, I immediately felt the tension between Alex and Zac.

"So, how was your flight, Vice? I thought you will return tomorrow?" Zac gritted his teeth.

What? Alex has scheduled flight tomorrow?

"It was nice, Zachary, and to answer the latter, I was just so excited to have a date with Erin so I asked for a replacement pilot to cover for my schedule."Im contrast with Zac's tone, Alex replied cheerfully and pulled me lightly towards him.

Zac glared at his hand then shifted his glare at me. I evaded his eyes and looked at Livy and Sam's way hoping that they will notice me and needed some saving.

However, both of them were oblivious as to what was happening and thankfully Nick saved me from these two men by talking to me.

"You know Erin, I heard from Livy that you're promoted as the senior editor-in-chief of your publishing house. Congratulations about that." He congratulated me and I smiled at him widely and I thanked him through my eyes.

Then after awhile of conversing with Nick, Cassandra, Sam, Livy, and I's highschool batchmate and Livy's arch-enemy went to us to greet, more like irk the hell out of her. But Livy stood up from her, and as usual Zac, and Nick protected her from the bitch.

After that, we went on to our assigned tables because the emcee announced that the event will be starting in five.

Throughout the night, I can feel Zac's eyes on me. So when I couldn't take it anymore, I excused myself from Alex and told him that I will be going to the restroom. But in reality, I will be going out for fresh air to take a break from everything that's going on inside that ballroom.

As I went outside, I stood by the pool enjoying the calming little waves and the smell of the chlorine. This was what I should feel tonight, not the constant mental stress I was having since I saw Zac.

I was stressing out not only because I didn't want him and Alex to have a fight tonight, but also because I was thinking what will happen to Zac and Sam after this gala? Would they do something behind closed doors or would Zac drive her home safely and go home to his apartment?

Also, additional to my stress, I've been wanting to jump on him and kiss him. Girl, if you saw how gorgeous he is tonight, you'll drool and would want to take him home and ravish him yourself. Which is why I was so bothered at what will transpire between him and Sam later.

I sighed and shook my head.

Enough of this, Erin. You're stronger than this. You've been shoving your feelings to him since forever, now you can still do it. All you have to do is to erase everything that's happened between the two of you and stay away from him.

I told myself and turned around then I bumped into someone and was about to land on my bum when that someone held my waist and pulled me towards him.

Him.

I knew very well that familiar sexy vetiver scent.

Oh boy. Don't tell me it's... I looked up and widened my eyes.

It's Zachary fucking North.

I spoke too soon but I can always act on my words right?

So, I pushed him gently from me.

"I'm okay now. Please get off of me." I said but he placed his other arm around me. Now, he looks like he's embracing me.

"Zac, please. I told you to..." He closed the distance between us. Now his face is inched away from me.

"If someone sees us, they will think that there's something going on between us." I whispered and I couldn't seem to find any strength to look away from his hypnotizing stormy blue eyes that held both anger and an emotion up until now I couldn't decipher.

"Let them think whatever they want to think, Erin. And I doubt that anyone will see us because the auction has already started. Everyone in this event are boasting about their fortune through that." He said bitterly.

I'm beginning to think that he's not actually bitter to the rich people but because of something else and I didn't want to think about it's me being Alex's date. But my inner self kept on telling me that he's in a sour mood because of me.

I pushed him away but it was no use.

"Zac, come on, if your sister sees us I don't think---" he pecked me on lips and took a step backward.

"I will see you later, Erin." He said and turned around to walk away.

After three steps, he halted and faced me.

"You looked stunning tonight." He smiled and winked at me then he resumed walking towards the venue.

Kiss, compliment, and wink. Those were enough to make my heart somersault and I hated it.

I just promised myself to find something I can hang on to to stop myself from falling but I still proceeded to fall.

I should get a grip.

Hello loves,

I am so sorry for being MIA and did not upload this chapter according to my promise. I was just so bummed out in re-writing this chapter again.

Anyway, if you liked this chapter, please vote.

As always, stay safe.

xo
kimmypatata