Chapter 90 Chapter 30.3
HEAVEN’S POV
I could only roll my eyes inwardly because I was seeing Desmond every single day now. No matter how much I tried to avoid him, our paths kept crossing—meetings, hallways, shared schedules. And every time we were in the same meeting room, I could feel his gaze on me, steady and unrelenting, as if he were trying to read every thought running through my mind.
Sometimes I wondered if he was just playing with me.
I didn’t want to be weak.
I refused to be weak.
I lifted my head when someone placed another cup of coffee on my desk. My brows furrowed as I looked up—and there he was. Desmond. Standing inside my office as if he belonged there, as if he hadn’t just walked in without me even noticing.
I wanted nothing more than to wipe that infuriating smile off his face.
“What’s your problem?” my eyes seemed to ask.
“I heard this is your favorite coffee,” he said casually. “So I made it for you myself.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. Was he trying to take over my secretary’s job now too?
“What do you need?” I asked flatly.
“What do I need?” He leaned slightly closer, his voice lowering. “You. I need you, Heaven.”
My teeth clenched at his words. Did he seriously think this was a joke? Did he think he could just say things like that and expect me to soften?
“If you don’t have anything decent to say, then leave,” I snapped. “You’re wasting my time, Mr. Velasquez. I still have a lot of work to do.”
Instead of leaving, he sat down—completely unbothered—and stared at me like he was enjoying every second of my irritation.
I glared at him. “Do you want me to throw that hot coffee in your face if you don’t leave right now?” I threatened.
He pouted, like a child who’d been scolded.
“I just wanted to look at you,” he said. “Don’t you know how beautiful you are? Every time I see you, it gives me a different kind of energy—strength I didn’t know I still had.”
Was he ever going to stop?
He smiled once more before standing up.
“Try the coffee,” he added. “I made it especially for you. I studied the taste you like. I promise you’ll like it.”
Then he walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and the coffee.
I stared at the cup for a long moment before sighing. Against my better judgment, I picked it up and took a sip.
And just like that, my resolve wavered.
It was exactly how I liked it.
I smiled faintly, annoyed at myself. It felt ironic—once, I had been the one making his coffee every morning. Now, the roles were reversed.
I shook my head.
Why was I even thinking about that?
I needed to focus on my child. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down again. I didn’t know what Desmond was planning, and because of that, I couldn’t trust him. Not anymore.
The past had damaged me more than I liked to admit. My trust issues ran deep now. I didn’t know who I could rely on—or if I should ever rely on him again.
When I finished my work, I placed the documents inside a folder and headed out to hand them to the marketing supervisor. As I stepped out of my office, Desmond came out of his at the same time.
“Why won’t you listen to me?” a woman’s voice said sharply. “At least try that partnership. Don’t you want to expand your family business? Why won’t you even consider it?”
I recognized her immediately—the same woman who had been arguing with him at the cafeteria.
What exactly was their relationship?
And more importantly—why did I even care?
I let them walk ahead of me, making sure Desmond didn’t notice my presence.
“I have my reasons, Scarlett,” Desmond replied. “Merging with them isn’t worth it.”
When they turned the corner, I quickened my pace, relieved that we were heading in different directions.
I was about to return to my office when someone called my name.
“Heaven!”
I turned around and saw Erick walking toward me, his face already lit up with a smile. He approached quickly.
“Flowers for you,” he said cheerfully, handing me a bouquet. “And I bought your favorite pizza too.”
I smiled at him.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I said. “You really don’t need to give me flowers every day. The ones in my vase haven’t even wilted yet.”
“Alright,” he laughed. “Next time, I’ll check your vase first to see if it’s time to replace them.”
I laughed softly.
“Let’s go to my office,” I suggested.
I was about to walk when I froze. Desmond was standing right in front of us.
“Desmond, are you even listening to me?” the woman—Scarlett—said impatiently at his side.
I instinctively pulled Erick away, my heart pounding. I could feel Desmond’s gaze following me, heavy and intense.
When we reached my office, I placed the bouquet on the center table.
“Where did you come from?” I asked Erick.
“I just talked to a client,” he replied. “I brought food. Have a snack first.”
He opened the pizza box, and the smell instantly made my mouth water. I sat down and took a slice.
“You really know what I like,” I said, smiling.
“Of course,” he replied. “I want to give you everything you love.”
We ate together, chatting casually about his meeting. For a moment, things felt normal. Peaceful.
\---
By late afternoon, I gathered my things and prepared to leave.
As soon as I stepped out of my office, I jumped in surprise.
Desmond was leaning against the wall.
“What are you doing there?” I said. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”
“Are you heading home?” he asked. “I’ll take you.”
I shook my head immediately. “That won’t be necessary. I have my own car.”
I couldn’t let him know where I lived. He couldn’t see Daryl.
“Heaven!” Erick’s voice interrupted as he approached. “You’re heading home? Let’s go together.”
My heart skipped.
I looked at Desmond, who was waiting for my response.
“Let’s go?” Erick said, reaching for my hand—but Desmond beat him to it.
“I’ll take her,” Desmond said sharply, grabbing my arm. “Can’t you see I’m here?”
I pulled away at once.
“I can go home on my own,” I said firmly. I turned to Erick. “Thank you, Erick. Drive safely.”
Without waiting for another word, I walked away.
I hurried into the elevator and closed the doors quickly. My heart was racing. I was afraid they might fight—but whatever happened between them wasn’t my responsibility.
I drove home fast, constantly checking my rearview mirror.
If Desmond wasn’t leaving the Pasay branch…
Then maybe I would have to.
Just to escape him.