I LOVE YOU GIRL....

"...Jackie. When a person feels that, they are truly alone."

​Mrs. Magbanua arrived, but her conversation with Sandi didn't last long, so the architect left to meet with one of his clients, a Mr. Henry Lim.

​"I’ll leave you in charge here for now," the architect said over his shoulder. "If Viola calls, just tell her I’ll pick her up later at six o'clock for the concert."

​Sandino left.

​Jackie felt a surge of annoyance toward Viola Valdez. Why was this Spanish-mestiza commercial model so beautiful? And she had such strong sex appeal.

​She wished she looked like her. Full of self-confidence because she knew she was really beautiful.

​Jackie took out her compact and looked at her simple face. She was certain she would never be able to ignite Sandino's heart. Or any man's for that matter. She set the mirror aside and started working.

​She had just come from Jeslie's office and had finished the correspondence he had requested.

​The day went well. Jes stayed in his office. His clients came and went.

​Jackie did not like Jeslie Afable. She didn't know why. If she were to compare him to Sandi, it was like vinegar compared to sugar.

​Sandi was charming and charismatic. Jeslie was always serious and formal. Perhaps only a cobra or a tiger could be charmed by him.

​"Get me the Alcantara file," he suddenly ordered as he stepped out of his office.

​He looked at her with obvious distaste. From the top of her head to her feet. He was studying her as if she were a microbe under a microscope.

​CHAPTER 2

​"Is there something wrong with me, Mr. Afable?" Jackie asked Jeslie sarcastically.

​"There are so many things that are wrong with the way you look," the engineer answered bluntly. "But I won't elaborate right now. Maybe later. Do you know if Sandi and Viola have a date later?"

​"Yes. They’re apparently going to a concert, according to Sandi. I don't know if I should have told you that. Sandi might get mad."

​Jackie knew that Jeslie disapproved of Viola as Sandino's girlfriend. And for that matter, she admired Jes.

​"You're far too protective of Sandi, Miss Ortiz," the engineer said, which startled Jackie.

​"It's only natural for a secretary to care for her boss, especially when the boss is kind," the girl replied directly.

​"But your concern is a bit much. How long have you been working here?"

​"More than two years."

​"And how long have you been in love with my stepbrother?" he grinned without amusement.

​Jackie's eyes narrowed behind her reading glasses.

​"I am simply fond of my boss because he is kind. I am not in love with him. It’s just that I’ve been working for him for a long time."

​"You’ve been working for me for a long time too. Are you fond of me as well, Miss Ortiz?"

​"No. We have never been close. Because right from the start, you had been hostile to me, Mr. Afable."

​"I see."

​"Is there anything you need me to do, Sir?"

​"Do you want to dismiss me already, Jackie? Don't tell me that you do not need my attention. I see qualities in you that Sandi seemingly doesn't see."

​"What qualities?" Jackie asked, now feeling the tension.

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