A/N: Hey guys, this is chapter fifteen. Enjoy!


Chapter 15 {Neighbors}

Akemi stood still couldn't believe that Jesse and she will be living next door to each other. Jesse smiled as he was happy to see Akemi.

"You're going to live here? Don't you have money?" Akemi said still confused.

"That's the thing, I don't know how long I could afford the previous apartment. I do but it's not worth wasting it for a luxurious apartment." Jesse explained.

"I see your point." Akemi said.

"Also the cafe is really close and it would be a lot easier to spend time together." Jesse said still giving her a bright smile.

"Right." Akemi said.

"Well, I'll go. Have a goodnight Bella and see you tomorrow." Jesse said.

"You too Jesse." Akemi said opened the door and went inside.

She closed the door and checked on her father. He was asleep on his bed. She went into her room and throw her bag aside from her bed as she laid down on the bed. She hugs the bunny plushie for comfort.

"*sigh* Great now I have to worry about Jesse. It's going to be hard to have him avoid Aster." Akemi said.


Time-Skip Next Morning in the Office

Akemi was eating oatmeal as she's getting ready for work. Finishing her bowl and wash it to leave it dry. Before leaving, she grabs her glasses and went outside. As she locked the door, she heard a voice that startled her.

"Morning neighbor." Jesse said popping out of nowhere as it frightens Akemi.

"Oh, hey Jesse." Akemi said putting her keys and glasses in her pocket.

"You look different from yesterday. I never expected you to wear those types of clothes." Jesse said examining her from head to toe.

"Yeah, I not a big fan of it but it's the only way to make people take me seriously." Akemi said.

"Huh, but aren't you're a secretary?" Jesse asked.

"Well yes, but I take my job seriously and do not cause anything distractions from work. I wore this even though I prefer wearing skirts and dresses. I can't do anything about it but it helps for not getting flirty comments." Akemi answered.

"Oh well, it can't be helped. At least people won't bother you while you're working." Jesse said.

"Why are you up so early?" Akemi asked.

"Oh, I was having my morning jogged. To stay in shape." Jesse replied.

"What do you think about this area?" Akemi asked.

"It's really quiet and I explore around the area. Just to remember some places and where to go." Jesse said.

"I need to go. I don't want to be late at work." Akemi said.

"Alright, see you later Bella." Jesse said.

Akemi got in the car and drove off to work. Arriving at work, Akemi put on her glasses and walking towards her office. She was meant for a surprise as a red box, a bouquet of flowers an envelope with her name on it left on her desk. She slowly walked towards it thinking to be a prank by one of the guys. Akemi examining the bouquet as it has a white vase with a red ribbon around it. The bouquet was filled with red and white flowers. It was red mixed with white roses, carnations, lilies, baby breaths, and daisies. Then, she opened the box, only to see strawberries covered with chocolate or white chocolate.

"Wow, this is all expensive but they must a mistake." Akemi said as Mindy came into her office.

"Hey, Akemi. I see you enjoy your gift." Mindy teased her.

"My gift? You sure it isn't yours." Akemi asked.

"Nope, it's yours. See the envelope has your name on it." Mindy said holding the envelope.

"You sure it isn't a prank by one of the guys?" Akemi asked as Mindy nodded her head.

"Positive. Here opened it. I want you to read it." Mindy said giving her the envelope.

Akemi grabbed it and opened it. She took out the letter as she read it.


~~

'It's nice to know someone like you to show a soft and warm side

Any man would be lucky to have you as his future bride

Your silent and serious personality is overlooked by everyone around you

They don't understand you as I do

You're mysterious like a lockbox

But it makes you more interesting like Sherlock.

You stood out from the rest was your kindness and patience

As I admired your diligence

I hope you enjoyed your gifts hoping to make you smile as your gift to me made me smile too

The bouquet of flowers remind me of the beauty within you'

~~


"Aww, that's so romantic and sweet. You have a secret admirer." Mindy said nudging her.

"It is." Akemi agreed blushing by the written letter.

"I wonder who wrote it? Because it would have to be someone who works here." Mindy said.

"It doesn't matter, but the letter was so sweet and I'll accept these gifts." Akemi said hugging the letter by her chest.

"Aww but Akemi, don't you want to know who gave it to you." Mindy asked.

"I don't need to know." Akemi said smiling.

"Have it your way, can I have one strawberry?" Mindy asked.

"Sure." Akemi said as Mindy grab one from the box.

"Thanks." Mindy said and left.

Akemi was alone as she took one of the strawberries from the box and ate it. She smiled happily thanks to the gift which made her feel more motivated and enjoy her morning.

Time passes as noon came, Akemi was still in her office typing for next week's schedule. She was so focused on typing that didn't notice someone coming in and walked towards her desk. He coughed which made her stop typing and looked up to see her boss.

"Oh Mr. Phoenix, do you need the copy of the report of the last meeting." Akemi asked quickly stood up from her seat.

"No, it's not that." Aster said.

"Oh." Akemi said as the room was silent and awkward.

"I see you have some gifts." Aster said breaking the silence.

"Yes, it's lovely and thoughtful for them to give me something sweet as this. Funny, I didn't expect them to know that roses are my favorite especially white roses." Akemi said.

'Neither did I.' Aster ponder himself as he didn't expect Akemi to be open towards him.

"Anyway, you should go home right now." Aster said as it made Akemi surprised to hear.

'Really? He's letting me go early today?' Akemi ponder herself thinking it was kind of him to do.

"Yes, Mr. Phoenix." Akemi said closed her laptop and grabbing her purse.

"Enjoy the rest of your day." Aster said heading towards the door and opening it.

He was about to leave the room until Akemi speak up and walked towards Aster still holding the door.

"Before you leave, you want some strawberries?" Akemi asked as Aster turned around to see her holding the box of strawberries in one hand and carrying the vase with the other hand.

"Alright, I'll have one." Aster said grabbing a strawberry and ate it.

"You can have more if you want." Akemi said.

"Well, if you insist." Aster said grabbing a couple more.

Suddenly, Akemi got very close to him as he raised an eyebrow. He finds it very odd as Akemi leans towards his ear.

"Thank you for gift." Akemi whispered to Aster as his eyes widen.

Akemi lean back and gave him a cute smiled before she left as Aster stood still. Surprised that his secretary knows that he was the one who left those gifts on her desk.

"Clever girl." Aster said with a smirk and headed back to his office.


Time-Skip to Tonight at Akemi's Apartment

It was five-thirty p.m. as Akemi was getting ready for work. Put on her contacts and grab her black mini backpack. She walked out of her room, wearing black leggings, a pink crop top sweater with a white bunny logo printed all over the sweater, and a white tennis shoe. Headed to the kitchen to get a snack and opened the fridge. She grabbed the strawberry cover with white chocolate from the box then closed the box and fridge. She ate it and turned around to see the bouquet of flowers on the counter. She smiled and walked towards it. Akemi thought about the letter he wrote. She admitted it was romantic even though it was meant as a thank you for cheering him up.

"It was sweet of Aster to give me a gift and letter. It was thoughtful for him to do that but did he figure it out that I gave him the pastries yesterday." Akemi said touching the white rose softly.

Her mind wanders off as she's thinking about Aster. His soft silver hair, smooth pale skin, strong body, and his blue eyes. There are some things she likes about her personality wherever it's his kindness, confidence, and snarkiness that made her fall for him even more. Akemi was on cloud nine that she didn't notice her father coming into the kitchen.

"Sweetie, have you see my wallet?" Her father said.

"Akemi." Her father said as she snapped out of her daydream.

"Huh? Oh I'll be going soon." Akemi replied.

"That's not what I asked." Her father said in confusion.

"Oh sorry dad. What did you wanted to ask me?" Akemi asked.

"Do you know where is my wallet?" Her father asked again.

"You probably left it on the sofa." Akemi said.

Her father stared at his daughter as she playing the rose from the bouquet. He finds it strange as he knows that it's wasn't her birthday. Look at her expression says it all as he didn't want to be so sudden. It bothers him and he needed to know.

"Where did you get that?" Her father asked as it made Akemi nervous.

"Oh you mean the flowers? I got them from work." Akemi said turn to her father.

"From who?" He asked boldly.

"Oh... from my friend Mindy." Akemi lied.

"What's the occasion?" He asked as his tone sounded serious.

"Umm... just a thank you for helping her at work. You know did it out of kindness." Akemi lied worried about her father find out who really gave it to her.

"Alright then." Her father said as he calmed down.

"I'll be leaving right now, bye dad." Akemi said kissing him on the cheek and left.

"Bye, sweetie." Her father said.

Akemi closed the door and lean against it as she sighs in relief.

"That was close, for a second I thought he'll figure it out." Akemi said.

"Figure out of what?" Akemi jumped to see Jesse come out from the apartment.

"Ah! You scared me." Akemi said pouted.

"*chuckles* Sorry." Jesse said with a smile.

"It's fine." Akemi said taking a deep breath.

"Are you going to the cafe?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah, I work almost every day except Sundays." Akemi said.

"I'll walk with you if that's ok?" Jesse asked.

"Sure." Akemi said as they both started walking.

"You seemed tensed back there. Did something happen?" Jesse asked.

"Not really, just my dad being overprotective of me." Akemi answered.

"Oh, why is that?" Jesse asked.

"Well, he saw a bouquet that I brought home from work and asked about it. I lied that it was a gift from my friend Mindy." Akemi explained.

"He thinks it was a guy?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah, I didn't want him well... over-exaggerated." Akemi said.

"He doesn't want to see his little girl growing up." Jesse said.

"*giggles* Yup, he's really noisy when it comes guys. If he notices any guy who is interested in me or giving me gifts. He would ask so many questions about him and demanded to see him as soon as possible. Once my dad sees him, he'll be examining, and constantly watching. He'll ask serious questions like their income, background, and other personal questions." Akemi said.

"Well, then I better prepare myself if I don't want to be on his bad side." Jesse said.

"*giggles* He's not so bad once you get to know him." Akemi said.

"Ok, so do you know who is it from?" Jesse asked.

"I don't know maybe one of my coworkers. It was left on my desk when I came in." Akemi said.

"Have you been helping any of your coworkers recently?" Jesse asked.

'Should I tell him? He doesn't seem the jealous type.' Akemi ponder herself but decided to tell him.

"Well, my boss. I gave him some desserts to cheer him up." Akemi said examining his expression.

"You think it's him?" Jesse asked.

"Probably." Akemi replied.

"That's kind of you to do for your boss. He's lucky to have a secretary like you." Jesse said feeling a little jealous.

"*giggles* Thanks, but I don't mind making you some dessert if you feel down." Akemi said teasing him.

"*chuckles* I'll accept that offer. What desserts can you make?" Jesse asked.

"Mmm... pies, cakes, cookies, and cheesecakes. My favorite dessert is strawberry crepe cake. What about you?" Akemi asked.

"So many choices, I love pies especially fruit pies but if have to choose one. My favorite is blackberry pie." Jesse answer.

"I'll keep that in mind." Akemi said as they arrived at the cafe and went inside.

They went into the private room as Jesse sat down near the kitchen door and Akemi stood by the door.

"I'll just need to change and come back to take your order." Akemi said.

"Cool, I'll wait." Jesse said as Akemi went to the kitchen.

She headed to the locker room and opened her locker. She opened it to put her backpack inside and began to undress. Jasmine and Blair came into the room as they wanted to talk to Akemi.

"Hey Akemi, How is yesterday's walk with Jesse?" Jasmine asked.

"Fine." Akemi answer.

"You have been talking to him more often." Blair said.

"Yup and I'll get used to it since he's my next-door neighbor." Akemi said.

"What?! Shut up, for real?!" The girls said in unison.

"Yeah, I was surprised at first but he was totally serious." Akemi said.

"Oooooh, have a hot duelist as a next-door neighbor. I'm so jealous of you." Jasmine said.

"Have you been in his apartment?" Blair asked.

"No! That's too soon, Blair!" Akemi said as her face turned red.

"Is he here right now?" Jasmine asked.

"Yeah, we walked together today." Akemi said.

"Aww, how sweet." The girls said in unison as they both giggled.

"Shut up, I'll be in the private room to take Jesse's order." Akemi said closed the locker door.

"Ok, don't get carried away." Jasmine said as she and Blair giggled.

Akemi rolled her eyes and left. She grabs her pad and menu from the kitchen and opens the door. She walked towards Jesse who was on his phone.

"I'm here. What will be your order today?" Akemi asked.

"I'll have panda rolled sushi with lemonade." Jesse replied as Akemi tap the order on the pad and went to the kitchen.

Fifteen minutes later, Akemi came out with Jesse's order. She set it down on the table and put it in front of him.

"Here's your order." Akemi said.

"Thanks, I wanted to ask you something." Jesse said.

"Ok, what is it?" Akemi asked as she sat down.

"I don't know much about your morning shift beside you work there as a secretary but what type of company is it?" Jesse asked eating his food.

'Oh crap! I didn't expect him to ask this question.' Akemi ponder herself trying to lie on the spot.

"Oh... umm... it's a ddd... dueling comppp...pany... that fff... focuses on merchandise." Akemi said as didn't want him to know the truth.

"Really! That's so cool. You're so lucky to work there." Jesse said happily.

"Oh same here." Akemi mumbled with sarcasm.

"You should show it to me one day or I could just visit during your lunch break." Jesse said.

'Ahh! I can't let him see me working especially when Aster will notice him and my secret will be out!' Akemi ponder herself panicking the worst scenarios.

"Mayb.." Akemi was interrupted by a bell from the entrance.

"I'll check on that." Akemi said as Jesse nodded.

Akemi slowly walked away from the entrance as it was covered by curtains. Quietly took a peek, she carefully moved the curtain. Unfortunately for her, it was Aster as he waiting outside for her.

'Crap, Aster's here already?' Akemi ponder herself, quickly went back and grab Jesse's arm.

"Hey! Akemi what's going on?"Jesse asked as Akemi shush him.

"Shhhhh! No time to explain." Akemi said getting him out of his seat and pushed him towards the kitchen door.

"Easy there Akemi. Where are you taking me?" Jesse asked as Akemi push into the kitchen which caused the attention to her coworkers.

"Upstairs." Akemi said as they went upstairs.

"Why?" Jesse asked as Akemi sat him down on the sofa.

"No time to explain. Just wait here. I'll be back." Akemi said walking back downstairs as the others watched the whole thing.

"Akemi what's going on and why is Jesse upstairs?" Blair asked.

"I had to hide him from Aster. He's waiting outside and I can't let him see Jesse here." Akemi said panicking.

"Oh." Blair said.

"Is Akemi having trouble with men again?" Atticus asked teasing her.

"Shut up and help me to keep Jesse upstairs so he won't be seen by Aster." Akemi said trying to calm herself down.

"Fine, if it makes you feel better." Jasmine said.

"Thanks, guys." Akemi said left the kitchen.

Akemi didn't expect Aster to sit down. She quickly grabs the leftover foods from Jesse. She was about to head back into the kitchen until Aster noticed.

"Bella." Aster said as Akemi turned around.

"Oh, hello Aster." Akemi said as Aster noticed Akemi holding a plate of food.

"Did someone came in?" Aster asked.

"Oh... yeah, but Jasmine forgot to clean the table. The customer came in way before my shift started." Akemi lied.

"Ok, not many customers using the private room." Aster said raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, it's expensive to be here. I'll be back." Akemi said went back to the kitchen.

Akemi threw the food in the trash and put the dirty dishes in the sink. She quickly makes black tea while waiting for the menu. She was about to go upstairs but the order was finished. She grabs the order and a cup of tea and went back to the private room.

Meanwhile, Jesse sitting on the couch. He was waiting for Akemi for a while. He went downstairs to find Akemi. He looked around the kitchen but no sign of her. He thought maybe she's in the private and heading towards the door. Jasmine noticed that Jesse was about to leave and stop him.

"Hey Jesse what's up?" Jasmine asked.

"I'm good, I'm looking for Bella. She's been gone for twenty minutes." Jesse said.

"Oh, well I don't know where she is." Jasmine said as Jesse looked at the window from the kitchen door to see Akemi.

"What's Bella doing?" Jesse asked as Jasmine block the door.

"She's probably cleaning the private room." Jasmine lied.

"I'll help her." Jesse said.

"There's no need. We don't want our customers to clean the cafe." Jasmine said convincing him to go back upstairs.

Jesse saw Akemi standing still but something was off. It was like she was staring at someone. Then he saw a figure as it appears to be a male. Jesse couldn't see his face as he could only see the back of his head.

'Is she with someone else?' Jesse ponders himself as he's curious.

"It'll take a while but you should go back upstairs." Jasmine said noticing Jesse moving closer to her.

"Can't I just check up on her?" Jesse asked as opened the door but Jasmine closed the door.

"She's busy right now." Jasmine said as Jesse tried to open the door.

Unfortunately, this caused some noise as it grabs Aster's attention. He looked at the kitchen door as it was moving.

"What was that?" Aster asked as it made Akemi nervous.

"Nnnn... nothing just Atticus messing around in the kitchen. He does that to get attention." Akemi said blocking the door.

"Oh." Aster said raising suspicion on the maid.

"I'll be back." Akemi said heading to the door but Aster grabs her by the wrist which she paused while Aster pulled her towards him.

"Stay here." Aster said.

"But the kitchen..." Akemi said as Aster made her sit next to him.

"It's just your cousin, right? There's nothing to worry about besides your aunt can take care of it." Aster said.

"Right." Akemi said still worried about Jesse.

The next two hours Akemi was nervous and worried the whole time. She tries to enjoy her time with Aster but at the same time can't stop thinking about Jesse as he's probably worried about her. Akemi at times looked at the kitchen door wanting to know what's happening in the kitchen. Aster noticed Akemi's behavior as she was acting strange. She looked nervous and stressful like if she's hiding something. He brushes it off as he tries to make her feel better. The time passes as Aster got a text and read it.

"I need to go. I got a text from Jaden and he wants to hang out." Aster said as they both stood up.

"Oh, it's ok." Akemi said as they both walked towards the exit door.

'Thank you, Jaden!' Akemi ponder herself happily.

"Sorry about that, but I'll see you tomorrow but I'll come later than usual." Aster said.

"Ok, see you tomorrow." Akemi said opened the door.

"You too Bella." Aster said went outside and Akemi close the door.

Right after Aster left the cafe, Akemi quickly went to the kitchen.

"Is Jesse still here?" Akemi asked the others.

"Yes, but he may look upset." Blair answered as Akemi frown.

"I really mess up." Akemi said.

"Sweetie, I think you should go upstairs and apologize to him. He really wanted to spend time with you." Aunt Cinder said patted on Akemi's shoulder.

"I know it's my fault for making him feel that way." Akemi said quickly went upstairs.

As Akemi slowly walked in to see Jesse sitting on the sofa and looking unhappy.

"Hey." Akemi said as she sat down.

"Oh hey." Jesse said looking down.

"Jesse, I'm really sorry that I left you alone. I know you wanted to hang out with me but I push you away. It was very rude of me to do that. I wanted to make it up for you. I promise that I won't do it again." Akemi said moving closer to him.

"It's ok, all forgiven." Jesse said turned to her.

"Really?" Akemi said it made her feel better.

"But in two conditions. One we'll stay here until your shift is over." Jesse said.

"And the second?" Akemi said.

"Remember you said earlier that you'll make me a blackberry pie whenever I feel down." Jesse said.

"Yes?" Akemi said confused.

"Can you make one for me?" Jesse asked.

"Sure. I'll make you the best blackberry pie ever." Akemi said stood up from her seat.

"Thanks." Jesse said with a smile.

Akemi went downstairs to the kitchen as she quickly gathered the ingredients and tools. She started making the pie as the others watched her. It took some time to mix, fix and bake the pie. The timer went off as Akemi took the pie out of the oven and put it on the tray with a plate, fork, and knife. She grabs the tray and went upstairs as Jesse still sitting on the couch. Akemi smiled as walking towards him and put the tray on the coffee table. Jesse smelled the pie as it was sweet and exciting to eat it. Akemi grab a knife and cut the piece of the pie. Still using the knife along with the fork place the knife on the plate. She gave it to Jesse as he took a bite of the pie. By the look on his face, he enjoys the pie. Akemi giggled as she sat down next to him. Jesse turned on a TV to watch a movie together. Cinder came upstairs to check upon them. She smiled seeing them happy as they shared pie and enjoying the movie.


Time-Skip to Next Morning in Akemi's office

Akemi was sitting on her desk, finishing typing next week's schedule. She stretches her arms crack her knuckles. She went on her phone and text Jesse, making sure if he's still ok after yesterday's mess.


Bella

Hey, you there?

Jesse

Yeah, I am. What's up?

Bella

I just want to apologize for Yesterday. It was rude of me to leave you alone upstairs when you wanted to talk to me.

Jesse

Nah, you're fine. There's no need to say sorry. You already make it to me remember.

Bella

Watching a movie with you upstairs is making up with you?

Jesse

Hey, as long we hang out is more than enough for me.

Bella

Alright if you say so. You're still planning to come to the cafe, today?

Jesse

Of course, seeing you is makes it more fun.


The last text Jesse wrote made Akemi feel better but can't help to think that he was taking it extremely well.

"That was stupid of me to leave Jesse alone while I was with Aster. I'm surprised that he was nice about it." Akemi said as the door open.

"Akemi you ready for the meeting?" Mindy asked as Akemi looked up.

"Yeah." Akemi answered stood up from her seat as grabbed her laptop and folders.

"So got any news of your love triangle?" Mindy asked as they left the room and started walking.

"*sigh* Besides the fact that Jesse is my new neighbor." Akemi said.

"Wait, for real?!" Mindy yelled as Akemi tried to shush her.

"Hey, not too loud." Akemi said.

"Sorry, but you have to be joking." Mindy said.

"I wish I was and it didn't help that I had to hide him from Aster yesterday." Akemi said.

"Oh did he found out?" Mindy asked.

"No, but Jesse almost blew it. Thankfully, my aunt and my coworkers stop him from leaving the kitchen." Akemi said.

"And Jesse? Does he know that Aster was coming?" Mindy asked.

"No, I felt bad to leave him alone upstairs for two hours." Akemi said.

"Ouch, I don't know who should I feel bad for you or Jesse." Mindy said opening the door.

"*sigh* I'm trying not to make things worse but I did the opposite." Akemi said as they went inside the room.

Some coworkers sat down as they waited for the meeting to start. Akemi pulled a chair as she and Mindy were about to sit down but a firm hand was placed on Akemi's hand that was on the chair. Someone was behind her and before he was about to walk past her. He leans towards Akemi's ear.

"Sit next to me." Aster whispered as Akemi became flustered.

Aster quickly walked past her and headed to his chair. Akemi blink as she never expected him to do that. She slowly turned to Mindy as she had a smug look.

"He's the boss and you have to obey." Mindy whispered teasing her.

"Mindy!" Akemi whispered back.

Akemi wanted to say something to her friend until she heard Aster coughed. It grabs her attention as she turned around to see Aster sitting and staring at her. His eyes signaling Akemi to an empty chair next to him on his left side. Akemi walked towards it and sat down. She looks at Mindy as she giggled and make a heart shape using her hands. Akemi was irritated that her friend was teasing her.

As everyone came into the room and sit down as the meeting began. During the meeting as Akemi was typing, she can't get the feeling that her boss was staring at her the whole time. Anxiety started to kick in as she tried to stay focused. She stays silent the whole time as her eyes were glued on her laptop screen. An hour passed as they finished up the meeting as Akemi was itching to leave.

"That includes the meeting. Tomorrow will be discussing the merchandise for Mr. Phoenix's upcoming duel." Derek said.

"We're done, all of you can leave." Aster said as everyone grab their things and left.

Akemi quickly grab her things and stood up. Before she could walk, Aster put his hand on her right shoulder as it made her turned to him.

"Not you Akemi, I need to speak with you privately." Aster said letting go of her shoulder.

Akemi sat back down and watched the others leaving. Mindy looked at Akemi as she raising her eyebrows with a smug look. Akemi pouted as her friend teased her with her expressions. As everyone left, Aster closed the door and turned to his secretary. Akemi was confused and nervous believing she made mistakes.

"Did I do something wrong Mr. Phoenix?" Akemi asked clenching the chair.

"No, you're not in trouble Akemi." Aster replied walking towards Akemi and grab a chair to sit next to her facing Akemi.

'*sigh* Oh thank god.' Akemi thought to herself as her nervousness went away.

"I wanted to talk about the gift you gave me the other day. Why did you do it?" Aster asked.

"Well... you were upset because the model said something that... tick you... off. I thought that giving you a gift might help to ease your day. So, I did it without anyone knowing because it might be seen as somewhat inappropriate in the workplace." Akemi explained looking down as her cheeks turned pink.

"I understand and it was very thoughtful of you giving me a gift as well writing a poem." Aster said.

"Sorry, if it makes you feel uncomfortable." Akemi said rubbing her hands.

"No, if anything it was nice. Thank you." Aster said with a smile as it made Akemi looked up at him.

"Your welcome." Akemi said.

"Did you like your gift?" Aster asked.

"Yes, I do." Akemi said as it made her smiled happily.

"I should let you go back to work." Aster said as Akemi nodded.

"Right, I'll be in my office Mr. Phoenix." Akemi said stood up from her seat and left the room.

Aster watched as Akemi left as he ponders about his secretary. He didn't want to push the question about the poem she wrote. Thinking it would make her feel uncomfortable. It was one line in particular that stood out to him.

'I hate to watch the pain in the sapphire eyes from my savor'

He didn't understand why would she wrote that especially the word savor. It didn't fit him as he treated Akemi terribly for two years and didn't do any good deed to her. He just recently trying to be kind to her. Still confused he'll keep an eye on Akemi in the near future.


Time-Skip to Tonight at the Cafe

Akemi was sitting down and talking to Jesse who was eating a hamburger. She was giggling as Jesse told her a story about Jaden cooking in Chazz's place last week.

"So, Jaden burn the chicken to the point that it was caught on fire. He thought the best way to stop the fire is to use water from the kitchen's sink." Akemi said.

"Yup, he thought the water was the best option but he didn't know that fire extinguisher was under the sink. The water just made it worse so I put it out using the fire extinguisher. Sadly, he wasted the chicken as it was a burnt." Jesse explained.

"*giggles* That's Jaden for you." Akemi said.

"*chuckles* Yeah, that's the last time I'm letting him cook alone. If I wasn't there, he would have burned down Chazz's mansion. Thank god Chazz doesn't know about this or he'll smack Jaden." Jesse said.

"*giggles* You have funny stories Jesse." Akemi said.

"I still have more to make you laugh and see your cute smile." Jesse said which made her blushed.

As Akemi was about to say a flirty comeback, a voice called her.

"Bella."

Akemi was freighted by a familiar voice hoping that is not who she thinks it is. She nervously turned to see Aster standing right in front of them. By looking at his cold expression, Aster wasn't pleased to find out that not only Akemi lied to him. Also, never told him that she's been talking to Jesse.


A/N: That's the end of chapter fifteen. So what do you think about this chapter and comment down below. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day. Bye!