11 The not so damsel in distress

Seeing the list of things that needed his attention for the day, Kristofer blew out a tired sigh. 

It somehow made him regret taking that afternoon leave yesterday. Yet he was well aware of how he had needed that break.

If he had kept working, surely he would have regretted doing so. Yesterday was a day he needed to commemorate. It was also a day he had wanted to forget. 

However, no matter how much he wanted to forget, there was no escaping that part of his past. 

Needing to clear his head, Kristofer decided to drop by the shop that he knew sold his favorite coffee blend and waffles. Smiling to himself, Kristofer whistled as he made his way there. He was still whistling even after he had his car parked already.

By the time he had made it out of his car and was already heading towards the shop, Kristofer's mood had already lifted. 

It took him a little while to notice the woman by the door. She looked rather familiar.

Anna silently hoped that the person she did not wish to see would not notice her. Unfortunately, this was not the case. 

The person in question had spotted her before she could exit, and, running her luck dry, he was blocking the only way for her to go back to her car.

"Anna?" 

Finding resolve, Anna raised her chin and stared at the person, feigning a look of confusion to plaster across her face.

"Should I know you?" Anna watched the man she had not seen for a long time and never wished to see again scoff, looking back at her incredulously. It made her furious.

"So, you want to play the 'I don't know you' game, huh?"

Anna scoffed back.

"Last time I checked, I really do not know who you are. So please move. You are blocking the way."

Anna made a move to dodge him, get back in her office, and be on her way to her car. But the man who had blocked her path grabbed her by the arm, halting her from making her exit.

"You just learned to apply some make-up and dress nicely, and this is how you treat me now?"

Showing defiance at his audacity, Anna pulled herself free from his hold.

"I do not know any Anna. You must have mistaken me for someone else. So please, before you embarrass yourself, move." 

Anna had wanted to splash the drink she had ordered a while ago towards Ryan, the name of the man who was standing right in front of her. 

He was the same man responsible for her finally giving up on love and cursing Cupid forever.

"Wow, Anna. That was such a childish move." 

Anna let out a laugh.

"Childish?" Anna stated before turning serious. She narrowed her eyes towards him.

"I do not know what you are talking about, Mister. Are you going to move, or should I call you out? I could sue you for harassment with what you did just now. I'm sure you are pretty aware of that."

In her mind, Anna was close to smirking as she watched Ryan's face scrunch in confusion.

Anna imagined giving herself a shoulder pat for the act she was pulling. Plus, she was also quite enjoying the look on his face. 

Who would have thought that playing the 'I don't know you' card was actually fun?

Anna had to help her lips not to twitch and finally form the smirk that she was dying to show. It would surely give her away.

Ryan Adams stared at the woman, whom he had recognized as Anna Mendoza. 

But as of the moment, he was confused about whether she was the woman he thought to be or if this woman was a different person altogether.

He was about to open his mouth to say something when the door behind him swung open.

"Hey," the other man stated, coming toward the woman Ryan believed to be Anna Mendoza. And standing by her side, he looked at Ryan.

"Is this man bothering you?"

Somehow, Ryan found him familiar. It took him a little while before he finally realized the identity of the man who had just walked in. It was none other than Kristofer Almodiel, the famed womanizer CEO.

Kristofer contained himself. 

It was a coincidence to cross paths with the woman in the red dress. He never expected to see her again. 

It made him think of what Kelly had said, and Kristofer was left to ponder if that meant something or if this was just a mere coincidence. But whether it was a coincidence or not, Kristofer was somehow glad to have this chance to see her. 

"Oh no. I have no idea who he is," Anna stated, turning her attention towards Kristofer Almodiel right after. "That goes for you too. So, if you may excuse me,"

Finally being able to find her way around Ryan, Anna pushed through the door. Looking back, she regretted ever thinking this was a good day. 

The good day that she was hoping for was now ruined. 

She walked towards her car. The cheerful mood she was starting to have earlier on was now gone.

Anna let herself think of the waffles and the milkshake that she would be enjoying later on. 

She wanted to erase all thoughts of both Ryan and Kristofer Almodiel. Neither of the two men deserved to be on her mind.

For Anna, the two men were in the same boat. 

They were both heartbreakers and jerks. 

They were both abusive of the charm they had to lure women in. In short, they were both a waste of her time thinking about.

By the time she reached her car, Anna wanted to get back to her office and get to work. She was about to open her car door when another hand interrupted her, slamming her car door closed.

Turning, Anna found herself in utter disbelief and had to suppress herself from glaring at Kristofer Almodiel.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Kristofer found himself staring at the mysterious woman who had invaded his mind since their fateful meeting on his birthday. 

Somehow, her anger seemed to suit her. 

Kristofer was a little amused by the way her eyes were glaring daggers at him. So, instead of giving her a response in an instant, Kristofer placed his other hand on her car, trapping her in extremely close contact. 

If he were to lean in further, they would be a kissing distance apart. Kristofer smirked at the look on her face now.

"I believe that you owe me at least a proper greeting,"