Some Kind of Love

CHAPTER 7

Ever since I left the mansion and came home, I’ve been feeling… uneasy. Based on the way Atlas looked at me that day, I knew he wouldn’t just let things go. If looks could literally burn, the entire house would’ve gone up in flames. He was furious—so furious, I half-expected him to grab me and drag me somewhere to give me a piece of his mind. But he didn’t.

After dinner that night, he just… disappeared.

I expected him to barge into my apartment the second I returned. But weeks passed. Still, no Atlas. I’m not even sure what I’m feeling anymore—frustrated? Relieved? Both? What I do know is that I’m incredibly unsettled. What does he think of me now?

Does he believe he was right all along? That I planned to seduce his brother?

And I hate that. I hate the idea of him thinking the worst of me.

I tried to live my life as normally as possible. I tried to stay calm, to stay unaffected. But sometimes, I’d catch myself seeing things—people who looked like him standing by the apartment gate, or someone with his build passing by the office window. Was I losing it? Why would I be paranoid? I didn’t even do anything wrong.

To keep myself from spiraling, I distracted myself. Whenever Simon invited me out, I said yes. I needed the company. I told him the truth—that right now, all I could offer him was friendship. He deserved that honesty. He’s been kind, and the last thing I want is to lead him on just to run away from my own issues.

He was disappointed at first, but eventually, he understood and even thanked me.

Now, we’re in a good place—friends who laugh, joke around, and yes, sometimes he still flirts, but I just roll my eyes and play along.

It was already five in the afternoon and I was still buried in reports I needed to finish. I flinched slightly when my phone rang—it was Simon.

I hit “accept” and pinned the phone between my shoulder and ear while typing on my keyboard.

“Hey.”

“You busy?”

“Sort of. Why?”

“I’m on my way to your office.”

Typical Simon—always showing up without warning.

“I still have a few things to finish.”

“That’s okay. I’ll wait. I promise I won’t get in the way. See you.”

And just like that, he ended the call.

I just shrugged. Knowing Simon, there was no stopping him once he made up his mind.

“Still working, huh?”

I nearly jumped when Simon popped up beside my cubicle. A few of my coworkers turned to look at him—he tends to draw attention, and suddenly I felt embarrassed. This is my workplace, after all.

“What are you doing here?”

“Well, your boss happens to be a good friend of mine. He told me to wait inside. I think he felt bad seeing me loitering outside like a security guard.”

Of course. I keep forgetting Simon’s rich and connected. I was planning to finish my work before heading home, but with him here, I decided to just call it a day. I shut down my computer and pulled him out with me.

Once we were outside the building, I turned to him with crossed arms.

“What do you think you’re doing, Mr.?”

I glared at him—not really angry, just exasperated. Office gossip already had it out for me, and the last thing I needed was fuel for the “nepotism” rumors.

“What? I told you I’d come.”

He played innocent, but I knew better.

“Yes. But not inside the office.”

I gave him a pointed look.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

He laughed and slung his arm around my shoulder, guiding me toward his car.

I wasn’t in the mood to go out, so we decided to have dinner at my apartment instead. Ever since we clarified that we were just friends, I’ve been more comfortable letting him in my space.

We did a quick grocery run and headed to my place. Simon took the bags from me and marched straight to the kitchen.

“Why don’t you wash up first? I’ll cook for us.”

“Do you even know how to cook?”

I raised an eyebrow, amused.

He clutched his chest dramatically. “You really think so little of me? Just watch and learn.”

I rolled my eyes, barely hiding a smile.

“Okay, fine. Kitchen’s yours.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

He gave me a mock salute, grinning.

I had planned to just wash my face, but ended up taking a shower instead—I was exhausted, and the cool water helped ease my tension. Afterward, I changed into a white oversized shirt and soft cotton shorts, still drying my hair as I stepped out.

The smell from the kitchen was heavenly. My stomach grumbled in response.

“Hey, take a seat. I know you’re hungry—let’s eat.”

I quickly joined him. Our plates were already set, and honestly, it looked like something out of a fancy restaurant. One bite and I was stunned—it tasted amazing.

“What? Regretting friend-zoning me now?”

“Not a chance. I can still make you cook for me as a friend.”

He pouted dramatically, making me laugh.

“Just eat, will you? You’re terrible to hang out with. What, you think I’ve been hiding boyfriend privileges from you?”

I burst out laughing. We kept joking around through dinner, losing track of time.

When I glanced at the clock, it was already 9 p.m.

“I know you’re tired. I’ll let you rest.”

“Thanks for the dinner.”

Just as Simon reached the door to leave, the doorbell rang.

My brows furrowed.

Who could it be at this hour?

“Let me get the door for you,” Simon offered, already walking ahead before I could move.

I froze when I heard his next words.

“Atlas, brother!”

My heart dropped to my stomach.

Oh. My. God. It’s Atlas.

My legs moved before my brain could catch up. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw him. Atlas was standing there, stone-faced, tense.

“I didn’t know you were visiting Zia here.”

He said it in that dangerously calm voice, eyes darting between Simon and me. My palms started to sweat. Why was I nervous? I hadn’t done anything wrong!

“We just had dinner and talked a bit,” Simon said cheerfully, clearly unaffected by Atlas’s dark aura.

Yes, Simon and I were close, but he didn’t know what was really going on between Atlas and me.

Before Atlas could say anything, I grabbed Simon’s arm and pulled him toward the hallway.

“Actually, h-he’s leaving now, k-kuya.”

What. The. Hell.

Brother?!

Did I seriously just call him that?

“Hey, are you okay?” Simon asked, brows furrowed as I practically dragged him toward the stairs.

“Yes. I’m just tired. I won’t walk you to your car anymore. Bye.”

I gave him a little push, urging him to leave quickly. He gave me a few glances before finally walking away.

Now alone, I stood frozen. My heart was racing.

What now?

“I hope you’re not planning to stand there all night.”