Chasing After My Crush

The Look That Says Too Much

"What if this wasn't about business?"

Ricco thought, sitting down and staring blankly at the ceiling of his penthouse. His thoughts were consumed-tangled in the face he hadn't seen in five years and the boy who bore the exact eyes he saw in the mirror every morning.

His phone buzzed, drawing him out of his daze.

"Hello, Ronald?" Ricco asked, pressing the phone to his ear as he leaned back in his chair.

"I'm good. It's been a while since you called. Hope everything is fine?" Ronald's voice was cheerful.

Ricco smiled faintly. "Yeah, everything is okay. I just didn't want to disturb you because of your studies."

"Also work, right? You didn't add that one". Ronald said.

I'm almost done with my exams, man. That's actually why I called. I won't be coming back right after. Got a project to work on-it's part of the company I'm interning with."

"I thought I told you to focus on your exams first." Ricco's voice took on a stern tone, the kind of concern that came from love.

"I know. But I want to do this, Ricco. It's a big opportunity."

There was a moment of silence before Ricco replied, "Okay. As long as you're happy with it, that's not a problem."

But Ronald heard the drop in his tone. "You don't sound cheerful. What's wrong?"

Ricco hesitated. The words burned his throat.

"Spill it, man." Ronald insisted.

"Emilia is back." Ricco finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ronald's breath hitched. "Oh man! That's great. After searching for her for five years, she's finally back. You're supposed to be happy. Why do you sound like you just lost something?"

Ricco stood from his chair and walked to the window, gazing out. "She came back with a child... and she claims the boy is Matteo's child."

It dropped like a bombshell. Ronald couldn't find his voice immediately.

"But the child... Ronald looks like me. Especially his eyes. I don't even know how old he is."

Ronald eventually managed to say, "That's heavy. But you shouldn't push things right now. She's back, and she's working in your company-let that be enough for now. Win the boy's heart first... who knows? Maybe she'll fall for you again."

---

The next morning came like a quiet storm.

Emilia adjusted her blouse and clutched her bag as she walked into the building. The whispers had already started among some staff about Mr. Leo's lover, who would be returning.

But today brought a different kind of challenge.

As Emilia entered the lobby, her eyes met with a pair she hadn't seen in years.

Aria.

Her stepsister walked in with a smug smile, holding a file. It was clear she was here for an internship interview.

Aria's stilettos clacked confidently as she walked up to Emilia.

"Sister, so good to see you again... after disappearing and returning with a bastard." Her voice was low, but sharp enough to pierce. Her stepsister has already heard that she has come back.

Emilia's lips curled into a calm smile. "At least I came back with something more valuable than pride. How about you? Still feeding on daddy's money?"

The blow landed. Aria opened her mouth to snap back, but before she could speak, a receptionist called her in for her interview.

As she walked away, Emilia thought, If she gets this internship, she'll be a thorn in my side. But I won't be shaken. Not this time.

After lunch, Emilia stepped outside briefly to call her best friend, Mira, whom she hadn't reached out to since she returned.

"Isabella! I missed you."

"Emilia! You're back? You didn't even call me so that I would come and see you!" Isabella shrieked. It was Isabella and Matteo who stood by Emilia even after giving birth, but Isabella returned to her hometown after she heard of her grandma's death.

"I know. Everything's been a lot. But I need a favor. I'd love to talk after work. I'm hoping you can help keep Henry with you after school hours. Just until I get things settled."

"You don't even need to ask, Em. Bring him after work. I've missed that little bean."

Just then, Ricco's assistant approached.

"Miss Emilia, Mr. Leo would like to see you."

---

She stepped into Ricco's office, her heart unwillingly responding to his presence.

He stood by his desk, hands in his pockets, eyes locked on her like she was the only thing in the room that mattered.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Leo, you wanted to see me?" she asked, maintaining professionalism.

Ricco nodded and motioned for her to sit.

"I want you to sketch out three design concepts for the Milan Spring Line Showcase," Ricco said, his voice calm but commanding. "Something that captures elegance, whispers timeless beauty, and still makes a bold, unforgettable statement on the runway. Can you handle that?"

"Yes, Mr. Leo," she replied, pulling out her notepad.

"Also..." His voice dropped lower, and he leaned slightly closer. "How's your son?"

She blinked, startled by the softness in his voice.

"He's fine. Thank you for asking."

"You didn't bring him to work today?"

She shook her head. "The company has rules. Bringing him isn't necessary."

Ricco smiled and walked over to her side of the desk. "Rules, yes. But sometimes, what the heart needs doesn't follow policy."

Emilia swallowed hard.

He picked up a stray pencil from her notepad and gently brushed his fingers over hers as he handed it back.

She flinched slightly at the contact.

"You're still as graceful as you were the day you left, Emilia. Only now, there's more strength in your eyes... and a kind of sadness that makes me want to reach in and take it away."

"Mr. Leo, this isn't appropriate-"

"Is it not?" he asked, stepping even closer. "You're standing right in front of me, and all I want is to reach out and hold your face, to ask why you ran, why you chose to face everything alone."

Emilia's breath caught.

Ricco slowly reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. His hand lingered, his eyes boring into hers like he was searching for answers she wasn't ready to give.

She took a step back, but her knees betrayed her-weak and trembling.

"I should go... I have work to finish." Her voice was faint.

He nodded, but his eyes didn't leave hers.

"I won't stop, Emilia. Not until I understand. Not until I know why you came back with someone else's child who looks exactly like me."

She froze. But before she could say a word, Ricco's phone buzzed on the table.

He picked it up, glancing at the screen.

"Yes," he muttered aloud.

His expression changed. Something in the message made his brows furrow.

He looked back at Emilia with a strange expression-caught between realization and disbelief.

"I think I just got the answer I've been looking for."