A couple of days later...
When Adeline arrived at Erick's office, she saw a bouquet of roses on her desk. She then looked around, hoping that she'd figure out the person who gave it to her until Erick abruptly went in the room.
"Do you know who sent me this?" Adeline asked, pointing to the bouquet of flowers.
"Isn't it obvious?" Erick brought his face closer. "Do you not like it?"
"You... Why would you buy this? I don't need it."
"It's how a man courts a woman, sweetie."
"You can have it back."
"I gave it to you. You can't give it back."
"Then how much is it?" Adeline brought out her wallet. "I'll pay—"
Erick placed his finger on Adeline's lips. "Say that one more time and I'll really kiss you."
"I-I just can't accept this. We aren't ev-even dating."
"Take it as a reward for working hard then."
"You do know I still haven't gotten over Nicholas right?"
"It's not that difficult to make you do so." Erick tucked her hair behind her ear. "You'll end up being mine anyway."
Adeline looked away, hiding her bright red cheeks. "It's hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember... You already know what happened between Julian and me. Are you still—"
"He gave up right away, but you deserve someone who will never give up on you, Adele."
"And you think that person is you?"
"It's been half a year. Do you think I won't be able to make you love me?"
"Just go find yourself another woman. I don't like bad bo—"
"Because you like good boys?" Erick smirked, folding his arms. "I'll act like one then."
"You..." Adeline took a few steps back. "That depends!"
"Would you believe me if your best friend was the one who told me about it?"
"Who? Did Abigail or Molly—"
"Nicholas did."
"H-How did you even get to contact him...? That's impossible!"
"I have my own ways, sweetie."
(Flashback)
A week ago...
"Where's Adele? Didn't you promise me that you'd bring her here?" Nicholas looked around, clenching his fist.
"I just used that an excuse to meet you." Erick took a sip of his black coffee. "I'm not here to bring her back to you. I'm here to ask you some questions about her."
"Who are you? Why do you even care about—"
"I'm the manager of the company's she's working for. Any problem with that?"
"What do you want from her?"
"Nothing much." Erick smirked. "I just want a piece of her heart."
Nicholas gawped at him. "You...You're courting her?"
"Maybe."
"You aren't allowed to! Who knows what you can do to—"
"Who are you to tell me what to do? You're just her first love. It's none of your business."
"Then tell me what company you're working for. I need to find her!"
Erick shook his head and smiled. "Would you believe me if I say that she didn't want to let you know?"
"Get straight to the point or I'm leaving."
"Why are you in such a hurry? We still have the whole afternoon, Nicholas. Let us take our time."
"What an abundance leisure you must have. Well I don't have time to talk because I run a business."
"Oh, so you must be wealthy." Erick patted his back. "Since you have your own company, why not try flirting with your female employees then?"
Nicholas's eyes flashed angrily at him as he grabbed his shirt. "Don't make me feel guilty just because I rejected her."
"Did I say that? You're the one who's making things up, boy."
"Leave her alone! You don't deserve her."
"Then who does? You?" Erick bursted into laughter. "She's forgotten about you, so stop wasting your precious time trying to find someone who doesn't even miss you."
"You can't say that! You aren't her."
"She doesn't love you anymore and she's happy without you. She's living a busy life while you're still wondering where she could've gone. Is this enough to make you stop bothering Adele and the people around her?"
"How can you say—"
"She works in my office. Do you think I don't notice it?"
"Are you together...?"
"Who knows?" Erick leaned back on his chair. "Maybe we are."