Back in the familiar, bustling environment of the Draeven Corporate office, the suffocating tension of the hotel suite felt a world away—yet the memory of it still hummed beneath Elara’s skin.
She was currently seated at her desk when Mina slid her swivel chair over, a massive, teasing grin stretched across her face.
"So, did you enjoy your trip with Prince Charming?" Mina asked, her voice dripping with playfulness.
Elara couldn't help but shake her head, a soft, involuntary smile breaking through her defenses.
"Oh, look at that! You’re smiling so sweetly," Mina squealed softly, pointing a dramatic finger at her. Her entire 'shipper spirit' was officially blazing. She leaned in closer, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "So, did something happen? Did you guys kiss?"
Panicking, Elara slapped Mina’s arm, quickly scanning the surrounding office.
"Shhh!" she hissed, pressing a frantic finger against her lips to shut her friend up.
"Someone might hear you!"
Mina rubbed her arm, still grinning like a maniac. "Ouch, that hurt! Besides, does anyone else even know who I mean when I say 'Prince Charming'? Come on."
"Even so," Elara muttered, her heart beating a little faster. "Nothing happened, okay? No kiss or whatsoever."
But the moment the words left her mouth, a vivid image flashed unbidden in her mind: waking up trapped in Lucas's strong arms, the warm morning sun hitting his face, the absolute intimacy of that moment. Before she could stop it, a deep, telltale blush rushed to her cheeks.
Mina’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"You are definitely lying. Something did happen. Tell me!" She playfully jabbed Elara in the ribs, making her burst into a fit of giggles.
"What is wrong with you, Mina? We're at work!" Elara gasped, trying to push her own swivel chair away to escape.
"Tell me, or I swear I will not leave you alone!" Mina threatened, rolling her chair closer as Elara kept trying to back away.
"Okay, fine! I’ll tell you! Just go back to your spot," Elara conceded, pointing toward Mina's desk.
Satisfied, Mina rolled back a few inches and straightened up, leaning forward with wide eyes.
"So, what happened?"
Elara shook her head at her gossip-loving friend, trying to keep her composure. "Nothing major. He just got drunk, and Riven passed him off to me. I just helped him to his room. That’s it."
But as she continued the story, she could feel her cheeks getting hotter and hotter.
Mina’s smile turned positively wicked. "So, what else? You escorted him to his room... and then? Did something happen between the two of you?" She raised and lowered her eyebrows rapidly.
Elara slapped her arm again.
"Ow! Ouch, Elara! Calm down, my arm is going to be bruised black and blue! Just tell me!" Mina complained, rubbing her forearm.
"Nothing like that happened, okay?" Elara whispered fiercely. "I was just helping him lay down on his bed, but I got dragged down with him. So... I ended up on top of him."
Mina immediately gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Oh my god... it’s getting exciting! And then?"
Shaking her head, Elara pushed forward with the story. "Suddenly, he shifted his weight, and I was pinned down beneath him. I tried to get up, but I couldn't. He’s so huge, I literally couldn't move out from under him. I tried several times, but I was completely stuck."
A mischievous smirk played on Mina’s lips. "Seriously? You did your absolute best to get up?"
Elara raised her hand to whack her friend again, but Mina quickly dodged. "Hey! Stop hitting me and just finish the story!"
"Fine. Anyway... I ended up sleeping on the same bed with him. Take note: just sleeping, okay? Nothing else happened."
Mina looked a little disappointed that the story wasn't more scandalous, but a sudden light sparked in her eyes. "Wait. What was the sleeping position?"
Elara shook her head, her face burning with embarrassment just thinking about it. "Don't ask."
"Tell me!"
"I... I slept on his right arm," Elara admitted in a tiny voice. "While his other arm was wrapped around my waist. And his leg was draped completely over mine. I told you, I couldn't get up. Every time I moved to break free, his grip just got tighter."
Mina’s eyes went completely round. "You were facing him? So you were buried in Prince Charming’s chest the whole night while sleeping?" she whispered-shouted, entirely thrilled.
Seeing her friend's extreme, fangirl reaction, Elara couldn't help but smile, a wave of secondary butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She gave a small nod.
"Oh, you are so lucky, girl! That is honestly better than a kiss," Mina gushed, letting out a stifled, silent scream. "That is such a romantic and sweet way to wake up in the morning!"
"Take note—before your brain misinterprets everything—he's just used to sleeping while hugging a pillow, okay? That’s why he hugged me.” Elara explained quickly, trying to inject some harsh reality into the conversation.
Mina arched an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you know that?"
"He told me."
"And you actually believe him?" Mina asked, skeptical.
Elara’s smile faded a little, a familiar weight settling back into her chest. "Is there any reason not to believe him? Remember, Mina... a guy like him will never see someone like me in a romantic way."
Mina shook her head softly. "I doubt that. I can feel it, Elara. He sees you in a completely different light."
Elara let out a long, heavy sigh. "I highly doubt it. I saw how he talked to that beautiful woman at the event."
"A woman? Who?"
"One of his business partners introduced his daughter to him," Elara murmured, her eyes dimming as she recalled the stunning girl by the pillar.
Seeing the sudden sadness clouding Elara’s face, Mina’s playful energy instantly vanished, replaced by deep sympathy. She reached out, gently patting her friend’s hand.
"Hey, don't overthink it too much," Mina said softly. "If you want, why don't you just come with me to the province? I’m heading home next week. Ask for permission and file a five-day vacation leave. It’s beautiful down there, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it."
Elara looked up, nodding slowly as the idea took root.
A trip to the province. Five days away from Manila. Maybe... just maybe, this was exactly what she needed. It would be the perfect way to distract her mind, her heart, and her soul from Lucas Draeven.