Office Diaries

They said that if a young woman lost an amethyst in her dreams, she would lose a treasured relationship. Alex, on the other hand, wasn't a woman – and in his dreams, he didn't lose the amethyst.

He was claiming it – or them. So it couldn't mean he would lose his fiancée, right?

Besides, his amethyst dreams weren't something he conjured or imagined. He was just reliving memories, recollections of his day or night filled with passion in the arms of the one who owned those exotic pair of eyes.

Long, satiny smooth legs wrapped around his waist, his b.u.t.t.o.c.k.s rippled with each and every thrust he made. Alex's l.u.s.t-filled gaze locked with those pair of huge amethyst orbs clouded with the same intensity of carnal need as those pair of delectable lips cried out for more.

There was no competition at all.

The legendary cool beauty of that elegant bar, as soon as she saw Alex was reduced to a wanton deity in the young CEO's bed, writhing in p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e as he loved her all through the night. Amethyst Eyes was no ice. She was warm – and in his arms, Alex's heart which had been hurting due to his fiancée's words had somehow healed.

"Hmmm…"

The soft whimper made Alex open his eyes and turn to his side. Ashley lay next to him on their bed with her head resting against his shoulder. She had one creamy arm dr.a.p.ed across his c.h.e.s.t, sleeping still in spite of the restlessness of her expression. Alex pondered about what his fiancée was dreaming about as he watched her sleep. He reckoned Ash was displeased that he didn't come home until the wee hours of the morning again today.

Ever since two days ago, the day he went out to see his friends at the bar, there had been an invisible barrier between them, and Alex wondered if Ash somehow knew that he was up to no good. Regardless that they still kissed and that they still made love, the young businessman could feel that Ashley had become more awkward in his presence. Whenever the secretary thought she was alone, Alex could see glimpses of her troubled and pained expression.

The two of them knew that what they had shared in the past two years was falling apart. A couple of days ago, Alex thought that what they had in those two years was enough – that he could wait until they got married before he'd ask for more.

But it wasn't the case anymore.

"Are you telling me to do what I want away from you? And you'll do the same?"

When he asked those questions days ago, he was hoping Ash would say no. Alex was after all sure that he couldn't do that. There wasn't a moment when they're apart that he wouldn't think of her, making him unable to function well. But Ash said yes, and it still hurt him until now.

"We should give each other space too…"

With those words, Alex decided he couldn't go on pretending he'd take what little affection she was willing to give him. It was no longer about s.e.x. His ego and his heart wouldn't be satisfied with it. He wanted all.

The competitive nature of his wouldn't be satisfied unless he truly won. All or nothing.

"Hmmmph…"

Another whimper and Ashley's lids began to flutter. Her rosy lips opened in a soft sigh.

"A…lex…" she whispered in slumber and Alex's eyes heated up as he felt tears in them. His nose turned red as he swallowed hard,  his heart constricting painfully in his c.h.e.s.t.

"You call out my name when you're asleep," he whispered followed by a mocking laughter and yet his voice reflected the hurt he was keeping inside. He shifted on the bed, pulling her closer to him so her head would rest over his heart. "But why do you seem to not need me when you're awake? Do you have any idea how that makes me feel?"

Remembering her expressions when she thought she's alone, Alex was sure Ashley didn't like what was happening between them either. His fiancée wanted him. But Ash would have to say that to his face.

If only Ash showed him her true feelings Alex wouldn't do what he did, was doing and still planned to do. She would be hurt, he knew, but Ash would have to learn.

There were only five days before their wedding. Alex decided he would continue to be gone every night. He would push and push until Ash would realize Alex wouldn't settle for anything less. He would drive her to confess – to tell him her feelings. He would make her open up to him just as he had been, even if it meant going through with the bet and seeing Amethyst Eyes without Ashley knowing.

Five more days before their wedding.

If Ash remained aloof towards him – indifferent even, Alex would…

Would what? Set her free?

He couldn't do that. He loved Ashley too much to give her up. But it would definitely be sad if after five days, nothing would happen. He would give up forever.

"Do you hear me, Ash? Five days. You have five more days," Alex told his sleeping lover, a tear falling from the corner of his eye as he kissed the top of her head. "Tell me you love me…please…"

All or nothing.

======

There was something wrong going on and Ashley could feel it. Ever since that day at the office when she told her fiancé that he could go out and do other things without her, Alex had really been going out and coming home very late – or early, if you counted three in the morning as such.

Today was Sunday, two days before their wedding, and they should be meeting with the coordinators about the last-minute details. Alex, however, surprised her earlier by telling her that he had already taken care of everything and that they had nothing to worry about anymore except to be at the wedding hall on Tuesday.

Having nothing to do, Ash walked to their room with a plan on asking Alex to go somewhere to unwind.

"Alex I –"she called out as she opened the door but stopped midstride, her smile vanishing from her face as she heard Alex talk.

Her fiancé was on the phone and hadn't realized he was no longer alone. Usually, Ash would leave him whenever he had a phone call. This time, however, by something unexplainable, her legs wouldn't move to turn around. It might be because of the way Alex spoke so she stayed to hear snippets of his talk. If anything, his call was somewhat suspicious because his tone was lower and almost in a whisper as if he didn't want anyone hearing his conversation.

"What? Again? We just saw each other last night," Alex complained followed by a low chuckle, obviously pleased and Ash frowned. "Don't tell me you miss me already?" he added and her eyes widened as she placed a hand to cover her mouth.

She couldn't afford for Alex to see her listening to his conversation. She also couldn't bear to listen to him further.

Alex was flirting and Ash was shocked. But the next part of the conversation froze her.

"Today's Sunday. Ash may want to go somewhere," Alex continued, and Ash thought his voice sounded as if her wanting to go somewhere was a problem.  "I can't promise anything but let's see what I can do. I'll try and see you tonight. Usual place," he continued before he paused and smiled tenderly. "Okay. Love you…"

The last words washed over Ashley like ice; a gasp escaped her lips and she quickly bit them in fear that Alex would find out she eavesdropped. She blinked several times as her eyes heated up, her lips trembling against her hands. Feeling nauseated due to what she overheard, Ash swallowed another cry as she ran out of the room towards the bathroom.

Oh, God. Was Alex having an affair?

 With her body shaking, Ash opened the faucet and splashed water on her face. Tears fell freely and unstopping. Her c.h.e.s.t heaved as she breathed in, trying her best not to cry out loud. She knew she should confront Alex about it but she was scared.  Oh God, she was scared…

His voice as he spoke on the phone kept repeating in her mind.

[I'll try and see you tonight. Usual place…]

Alex was meeting someone and that someone…

He said 'I love you' to that someone. Those three words were exclusive only for her days ago.

 What happened?

Ash lifted her head and stared at herself on the mirror, noting her red teary eyes and puffy nose.

"Was it my fault?" she wondered out loud albeit knowing deep inside that it was. After all, Alex obviously didn't want to go but she pushed him.

Did Alex meet that person when she urged him to meet with his friends? If so, there was no one else to blame but herself.

Oh, God…