Chasing The Broken CEO

I was too busy writing my shorthand and scanning through some documents that I have to submit to our Judge that I didn't realize how time passed by. I only figured out that it's already time for lunch when Jameson appeared in my office again. He's all smiles when he entered inside my office. He's acting as if no one could ever erase his smile plastered on his face.

"You agreed that you will have your lunch with me a while ago so I'm here to pick you up," he said, still smiling from ear to ear.

"I know. I didn't change my mind, alright?" I replied and decided to stop from working. I closed the folder on my hand and put it on my desk. I stood up and stretch my arms a bit. I realized that I was working for four hours straight and I can feel my back aching because I've been sitting the whole time.

"Take it easy, Nathalie. No one's rushing you to finish these documents. You can finish it within the week," he reminded me in a worried tone.

I nodded slowly and tilted my head, to stretch my neck. "I know, alright? But I want to finish it soon though. I can't bear to see these piled up documents on my desk every single day."

He chuckled. He also nodded in response to my statement.

"Where do you want to eat?"

"Hmm, anywhere will be fine as long as they serve pesto pasta. I'm kind of craving for it," I answered and then imagined the taste of pesto pasta. Now, I feel so hungry!

"I got you..."

I smiled and grabbed my sling bag before going out of the office. Jameson followed me and he also closed the office door for me. We went out of the Hall of Justice together. The sun is up and I can feel the hotness all over my clothes and skin. Jameson took out an umbrella from his bag and opened it so we can be protected from the sun.

"There's a popular restaurant on the left alley near our office. I heard they are serving different kinds of pasta in there. Would you like to try it out?" he recommended.

I nodded gently. "Sure thing! As long as they served pasta and delicious desserts then we better try to eat in that restaurant you mentioned."

He smiled. “Of course, Nathalie. I have tried their pesto pasta before and I'd tell you that it's good."

"Oh, really? Then I guess you don't really need to ask my approval to try it out! I'm hungry!"

He laughed a bit. He held my shoulder so that we can fit in his umbrella. I can't help but to smile because of his sweet gestures. I only wish that this guy would meet the kindest girl who could be with him for thus lifetime. Somehow, I still feel the guilt inside me... trying to eat me up because I know that we can't be more than friends and I can't return his feelings for me. I can only be a friend for him that will stay by his side and will be a shoulder in case he needs someone to lean

on.

We entered to the restaurant he recommended. I would say that its ambiance is truly good. The whole place is pleasant and there is a classic piano music playing in the background. The whole place is filled with a mixed color of brown and white furniture, and a combination of black and dark brown painted walls. There is also a bar counter where there are three sets of wine bar.

A staff assisted us immediately and helped us find a table. We sat on the table for two persons and the staff handed us the menu. I started flipping the page of the menu and Jameson was right, this restaurant really serves a lot of meals. "Aside from pesto, what else would you like to eat, Nathalie?" he asked while checking the menu.

“Uh, I would like to have salted ice cream and cappuccino milkshake please..." I answered him as I put down the menu on the side of our table.

He talked to the staff regarding our orders. As soon as the staff left our table, we talked about the court hearing he attended to yesterday. He said that he's truly happy because the court chose to side his client. All I could do is to smile at him as I know that he's a kind lawyer. He's totally passionate when it comes to helping his clients. He's dedicated at work and everyone in the office see it on him. I won't really be surprised if he becomes one of the famous Filipino lawyers in the Philippines. He deserves to be recognized because of his hard work.

"You know what? I am really happy that you finally decided to have lunch with me," he uttered softly. He continued to stare at me with this admiration visible in his eyes.

I really hope that someday he would meet the right woman. I feel bad because of the fact that I won't be able to accept what he feels for me. Jameson Alleje is just a friend and it won't change at all.

"Hmm, I don't want to eat lunch alone either," I replied as I smiled at him. I leaned my back on the backrest of my chair. I sighed and examined the whole place.

"I prefer you smiling like that. You look more beautiful when you're happy, Nathalie."

I smiled widely at him, trying to suppress the laughter that is about to burst out. I shook my head and then crossed my arms on my chest.

"Stop it. You're creeping me out," I said.

He laughed and leaned in a bit. He's still smiling from ear to ear as he continued gazing at me. My eyes narrowed at him.

"That's why I like you so much..." he uttered without a single hint of hesitation in his tone.

Honestly, his statement got me startled but I managed to keep it to myself. I smirked and just shook my head.

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"Jameson "

A familiar ringtone shut me off. My forehead creased as I started opening my sling bag. I took out my mobile phone and became hesitant whether I will answer the sudden call or not. "Go ahead and answer it, Nathalie. It might be important," Jameson urged me.

I just nodded and looked down at my mobile phone again. It's actually Shaira who is calling right now so I answered it immediately.

"Nathalie..." Shaira called my name. Based on her tone I already have an idea that whatever she's about to tell is serious.

The waiter went to our table and served the food we ordered. Jameson is watching me intently but I just ignored it knowing that Shaira seems serious on our phone call.

"What's going on?" I asked her curiously.

"Herman and Rica Alleje... Do you happen to know these people?" my cousin asked me in her serious tone.

My forehead automatically creased upon hearing the names. I looked at Jameson directly. He's now preparing our food happily.

What's happening in Manila? Why is Shaira asking me about them right now? Well, if I'm not mistaken, they are Jameson's parents. "Yes, why?"

"You wouldn't believe what just happened. They both showed up here in my office and told me that they are willing to help the company..."

I don't know why but I started to become nervous with our conversation. Why would they even do that? A family of lawyers are willing to help us? I don't get it at all... Our company is quite different from the line of careers they are living with. "And?"

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Shaira sighed heavily. "And in return, you have to marry their son... Jameson Alleje, if I got it correctly."

Her statement startled me. I can't even believe what she said until it finally sank in my head. I gazed at Jameson intently. Is Shaira telling the truth? His family did that? Does Jameson know about this? Did he request for it? Is he trying to be desperate now?

"What else did they tell you?" I asked my cousin as my voice became a bit cold.

"That their son wants to marry you and if you'll agree, they will rush the wedding preparation?" Shaira laughed sarcastically. "Damn it, Nathalie. You have to be wise this time. I won't let you do the same mistake again."

I swallowed very hard and breathed heavily. I can't help but to feel irritated because of what I have learned from my cousin. Anger started to eat my entire being because of the man sitting in front of me.

He knew what happened to me. He knew what I've been through in the past and how traumatizing it was for me. I don't understand why he had to come up with the same set up behind my back...

"I appreciate you informing me, Shaira. Kindly decline the offer. I am not..." I paused when Jameson's eyes bore into me. "I am not interested at all."

"Alright then. That's my girl," she laughed from the other line. "Perhaps they thought we are too desperate to save our company. Anyway, I have another interested buyer. If this business tycoon has a nice motive, I will surely let you know." "Thanks a lot, Shaira..."

"You're most welcome, Nathalie. I will keep you posted. Call you soon! Bye for now!"

"It must be so serious. Your tone has changed all of a sudden," Jameson commented after that call.

I eyed him intently. I put the phone down. My hand on my lap formed a fist. I am really... really... mad at him...

How could you do this to me, Jameson Alleje? How dare you...