7. Crossing Paths with the Past

There were hard knocks on the door as Rose grumpily opened the door. She was still sleepy and her hair was messy.

"Who the hell is….?" She wasn't able to finish her statement when he pushed her aside and went straight into the apartment.

"Where is she? Where the fuck is that cheater!" He yelled at the top of his voice as she came in.

"Noah! What are you doing in my apartment?" Rose yelled at his face.

He faced her.

"Where is that bitch, that mother-fucker you call a friend, where is she?" He questioned her in disgust.

"I don't really understand what's happening right now but the last time I checked, you used her, cheated on her and dumped her! You have no right to ask about her!" She spat at his face in anger.

"Oh really? Are you sure she is innocent or she has been fooling the both of us!" He curled his lips and she paused, staring at him.

"What do you mean?" Her voice trembled as she questioned him.

"Check for yourself." He picked up the television remote and tuned to the morning channel.

[BREAKING NEWS: Mr. Mateo Emerson, CEO of M.I.T company and YC cooperation, the only hottest bachelor in town announced his relationship with a strange lady, Miss. Anastasia Beverly…]

Flashes of cameras and chatters could be heard in the glamorous hall. Anastasia, gave the camera her best smile as she locked hands with the most charming man she had ever seen, Mateo. He was also smiling at the camera.

He had just announced their relationship publicly, she felt happy and also knew that her simple, boring life had taken another route.

"Congratulations, Mr. Mateo." The reporters and well-wishers cheered.

Some ladies weren't excited about the news because they had a crush on him for a very long time. It broke their heart that he didn't pick anyone from their circle. He chose a different lady. He chose someone who had the lowest class. They were disgusted about the news.

"So, Mr. Mateo, can you share to us how you met her and how long you've been together that no one knew about it, not even your P.A, George." One of the senior reporters questioned politely.

George has been working for Mateo right from the beginning, so he wasn't so happy that he was the last person to know about his boss's personal life.

"Nothing serious." He faced Anastasia. "My love here loves private life and peace, so, I was the stubborn one to let everything out." He smirked.

"My apologies, sweetheart." He smiled and she shook her head.

"It's nothing, babe." She smiled back, touching his cheek.

"Oh, this is the most loving thing you would see in your life." One of the reporters cringed.

"If you would excuse us, we still have some things to take care of." He forced a smile as George and some guards started clearing the crowd so they would walk down the path leading to the limousine parked outside.

"What do you think?" He asked her immediately as they settled in the car.

George started the engine.

"Wasn't expecting it to end up peaceful." She mumbled and he smirked.

"What were you expecting?" He curled his lips, facing her.

"Scenes like being thrown an egg, water or even acid. For some ladies, I have stolen their dear 'hot' Mateo." She air quoted and he looked at her with interest.

"Hot? Do you also think that I'm hot?" He raised an anxious brow.

"Not me. I mean those ladies." She rattled out nervously and he chuckled.

His chuckles made her smile unintentionally.

"Where are we going?" She tried to change the topic. He exhaled deeply.

"To YC cooperation. There's someone you must meet." He informed her calmly.

"And who's that?" Her eyes widened.

Her curiosity ended when they arrived at YC cooperation, because Mateo ended up "pretending" to be fast asleep.

"Sir, we are here." George said before stepping down.

The entire staff of YC cooperation had heard the news and were anxious to see the lady that stole their boss's heart. Of course, some of them were bittered after hearing the news.

As soon as they heard the CEO was visiting the company, everyone was on their best outfit and behavior.

Locking hands, Mateo and Anastasia elegantly strolled into the workspace and almost everyone gasped at the sight.

They looked like a match made in heaven. Their height was the best as he was a little bit taller than her. She was slim, making her fit perfectly with him.

"She is pretty." The truth didn't hide from their mouths.

"Boss, I…" Noah trailed off, his lips trembled as he saw the gorgeous lady standing beside Mateo.

"Anna?" He saw the news but he didn't believe that it was her. There could be similar people. He knew Anastasia like the back of his palm, she could never hit such a jackpot.

Was his eyes confusing him again?

He cleaned his eyes and opened them again.

"Noah, do you want something?" He asked, staring at him.

"Nice to see you again, Noah." She gave him a slight wave, with her voice filled with mockery.

"Can… Miss. Anastasia, can we speak?" Noah nervously asked, also trying not to irritate his boss.

"What's happening here?" Eve, her voice was still familiar and disgusting as she walked up to them.

The staff were already wondering what was happening and how Noah knew Anastasia.

And definitely, Anastasia looked familiar, like the same woman he proposed to.

But, what was going on?

"Oh, Mr. Mateo, you're here." Eve's demeanor suddenly changed.

He ignored her and faced Noah. "Mr. Noah, what do you want to say to my wife?" He asked him seriously.

That was when it dawned on Eve that Anna looked not only familiar but was the same lady who once dated Noah. Why was she with their superior?

"I…" Noah stammered.

She had never seen him so disorganized and nervous.

She rolled her eyes sarcastically.

"I'm sorry but I don't know him and have no business with him." She smiled, placing a hand on Mateo's chest.

"So, darling, can we move along?" She curled her lips, with her eyes urging him to leave which he understood.

She couldn't contend with the thrill of emotion she was having as she met with Noah.

Memories were rushing in and she couldn't control her emotion. It was hard to admit that she never loved him.

"But I…" He wanted to speak but the ringing of his phone stopped him in his tracks.

"Eve, I want to see you in my office." With that, he grabbed Anastasia's hand softly and they strolled into his office.

Noah and Eve sighed heavily.

"What's happening? Is that Anastasia? Why didn't you hold her back from doing something stupid like this?" Eve rambled with words but was left in silence as Noah was still finding the news surreal.