Ashley blinked, still slightly dazed from the intensity of the moment. Her heart was racing, and her cheeks were flushed from the kiss that had spun her mind.
The elevator doors closing brought her back to reality, but the sudden interruption from her mother's text felt like cold water thrown on the warmth they had shared.
"From my mom?" she asked breathlessly, quickly taking the phone from Tanaga's hand. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened the message.
Sure enough, her mother, Fely Gusman, confirmed their plans for the next day.
Fely: [Sir, boss! If you are still busy… it's ok! Please tell my daughter we will wait for her in the lobby. Thank you!"]
Ashley read the message aloud, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety build up inside her. They were downstairs already, and her family would meet Tanaga—the man she was pretending was just her boss. The thought made her stomach churn, though she tried to calm her expression.
