A HATE TO LOVE.

Episode three

The next day, Lexy was buried under a stack of files that needed sorting before noon. She barely looked up until Ella walked over to her desk.

"Boss wants you in his office," Ella said.

Lexy groaned, massaging her temple. "Seriously? Right now?"

Ella nodded sympathetically.

"Okay, fine," Lexy muttered, setting down her pen. "I'll sort these out later."

She stood at the threshold of Jake’s office for a fleeting second before stepping inside, letting the heavy door close behind her with a soft, definitive click. "You sent for me, sir?"

Jake didn't acknowledge her. The soft rustle of pages and the rhythmic clicking of his laptop keys filled the room. The silence stretched between them, taut and suffocating, before he finally spoke.

"Yes, I did," he said, his voice flat and devoid of warmth. He kept his eyes fixed on the document in his hands. "I need you to arrange a date for me."

"Huh?" The breath caught in Lexy’s throat.

"Did I stutter?" Jake finally raised his head, meeting her gaze with eyes cold as ice.

"Sorry—sorry, sir. Ah... o-okay, sir," she stammered, shrinking under his glare. "If you wouldn't mind, sir, can I know what kind of per—"

"It's Veronica. Hope you're clear now." He cut her off cleanly, his eyes already dropping back to his paperwork.

"What?!" The exclamation escaped her lips before she could censor herself.

Jake’s hand froze mid-turn on the page. With slow, deliberate grace, he lifted his head, his gaze piercing through the top rim of his glasses.

"Pardon?"

That single word hung in the air like a blade. It was barely above a whisper, yet heavy enough to make her heart drop.

"No—nothing, Boss. I'll... I'll start making arrangements," Lexy gulped, her cheeks burning.

"Good. See that you do. A reservation at a high-end restaurant with a quiet atmosphere. 8:00 p.m. prompt," he said with finality. Returning to his documents, he dismissed her with a flick of his wrist. "You can leave."

Lexy turned, her legs feeling like lead as she opened the door and pulled it shut quietly behind her.

Back at her workstation, she stared blankly at her computer screen. I don't know why Jake has been so cold to me... Doesn't he love me anymore? The unanswered questions swirled in her mind, heavy and agonizing.

She was so deeply lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear someone approaching her desk.

"Lexy! Lexy," a voice called out, warm and gentle. Danny waited a beat before repeating her name, but she remained motionless. Concerned, he reached out and lightly tapped her shoulder, jolting her out of her stupor.

Lexy gasped, jumping slightly at the contact, a flush of embarrassment rising up her neck as she looked up.

"Hey," she managed, forcing a small smile. "Sorry... I didn't realize you were calling me."

"No, it's fine," Danny smiled back. "I actually just wanted to check if you'd like to get lunch with me?"

"Oh... that?" Lexy glanced down at the chaotic pile of folders taking over her desk, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Yeah, I'd love to—once I clear these files off my desk."

"Do you mind if I lend a hand?" Danny offered, leaning in.

"No, it's really fine, I've got it," she said, offering a more genuine smile this time. "I'll be finished before lunch."

"Alright then. See ya later." Danny said as he turns and walked out.