Her Brother.

5. The Issue.

After taking a shower, I was drying my hair when Avis entered the room.

"Hey, you've been acting strange lately," she said as she took a seat. "What do you mean?" I asked, towel in hand. "Did you see that girl last night? Come on, tell me," she insisted.

"No, I didn't. And I was drunk, I think P'Seb took me upstairs and that's all I remember," I explained as I sat down. "I'm just worried because you know... he still has feelings for his ex-wife," she expressed. I looked down and let out a sigh.

"Why the sigh, Aace? I know you like him, but you really shouldn't," she warned as she stood up. "I know, Avis. I'm trying," I replied, standing up to grab my clothes. "What do you mean trying?" she questioned, also standing up.

"Aace, he would never like you! You know how he feels about his ex-wife, right?" she exclaimed. "I know, Avis! I really do! That's why I'm keeping my distance from him!" I raised my voice. "Let's not discuss this," I said, grabbing my bag and storming out of the room.

I headed downstairs and caught sight of P'Seb fixing his hair.

"Hey Aace," he greeted me with a smile. "Hey," I forced a smile in return. "P'Seb, I think I'll just grab a cab today. I need to stop by my apartment before heading out," I said with a smile, making my way out the door. As I left, Avis called out, "We need to discuss this!" She yelled, but I shut the door behind me.

I walked away and called a cab before heading to work by myself. It was true that I had lied about going to my apartment, but it was the only way to avoid Avis. I sympathized with P'Seb's feelings towards his ex-wife, but it also made me feel jealous and angry.

Once at work, I spoke with my boss before making my way to my desk. "Hello Aace, I asked you to come here to discuss your position," he stated as he took a seat. "I apologize for the confusion, but I thought I was your assistant," I responded politely. "I already have an assistant, and I sent you an email. You will now be reporting to the COO," he explained, handing me a document.

"Here is your new workspace. Review the email and let me know if you have any concerns," he instructed. I smiled, nodded, and left the room. Despite my uncertainty about my new boss, I felt grateful to have a job.

"Hello, are you new here?" A guy asked as he approached my desk. "Yes, I am," I replied with a smile, adjusting my bag. "I'm Xavier," he introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm Aace," I said, shaking his hand. "You're Mr. Sebastian's assistant, right?" he inquired.

"Yes, I am. How did you know?" I questioned. "I was peeking at your documents," he admitted with a chuckle. "Oh," I laughed softly. "Hey, no embarrassment, Would you like to grab dinner later?" he proposed. "Oh, no, sorry. I can't afford it," I joked.

"No worries. I'll treat you," he offered with a smile. "Are you trying to flirt with me?" I teased. "Maybe," he giggled. "It's only my first day. Take it easy," I giggled.

As I sat at my computer working, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I saw Xavier standing there.

"Hey, sorry to startle you," he giggled. "No worries, what's up?" I replied with a smile. "I noticed you've been working hard, so I got you a coffee," he said, handing me a cup. "Oh wow, thank you so much," I said gratefully as I took the cup.

"Where are you planning to go for lunch?" Xavier inquired. "I think I'll just stay here, I brought a sandwich with me," I replied with a smile. "What? That's not enough, our lunch break is in an hour," he exclaimed. "I have to admit, I'm a bit short on cash at the moment. I only have enough for my bus fare home, and if I spend it, I'll be stuck," I explained.

"I'll treat you to lunch," Xavier offered with a smile. "No, really, it's fine," I laughed, taking a sip of the coffee. Unfortunately, the coffee was too hot and I ended up spilling it all over my shirt.

"Oh god! My shirt!" I exclaimed. "Oh my goodness, are you alright?" Xavier cried out.

"Yeah, it's just really hot," I replied, wiping off the coffee. "Here, let me assist you," he offered, helping me up and guiding me to the bathroom.

"Take my jacket. Will that work for you? I don't have a shirt," he chuckled. "Thank you," I said with a smile, nodding in gratitude. "I'll wait outside...so you know, I won't see you changing..." he awkwardly trailed off.

"Yeah, of course, haha," I giggled, patting his chest before he left.

...

Later that evening, Xavier surprised me by taking me to a quaint café and presenting me with a small tulip flower.

"I can't believe you got me a gift already, this is too much for a first dinner together," I laughed, teasing him. "My love language is giving gifts, so..." he chuckled in response.

We spent nearly two hours chatting about our lives, and I couldn't help but notice how attentive Xavier was to my every word. He seemed genuinely interested in my stories and rants, listening carefully to every detail.

"You should talk about yourself too," I suggested playfully. "No, I enjoy hearing your stories," he replied with a soft smile.

Xavier gave me a ride back to my apartment.

"Thanks for today, I feel so much better now," I said with a smile. "I had a really good time. We should do it again," Xavier replied with a smile. "When I have some free time," I said with a smile. "I should probably head now," he smiled.

"Take care," I waved goodbye as he drove away. "Bye Aace! You're the best!" He shouted from the window before driving off. I chuckled in response.

I don't know why, but Xavier appeared to be very sweet and attentive. He is incredibly kind and gentle.

The next day...

Avis came to my apartment to discuss his brother.

"It's fine. I have someone interested in me now and I believe I'll reciprocate the feelings," I said with a smile. "Thank you for being understanding, I just don't want you to get hurt." She smiled back and said, "Don't worry, I won't."

I am now feeling unsure.

Sebastian

or

Xavier?