Free Eternally Seduced by Clarise Tan, Marian Tee, The Passionate Proofreader Page B

boring, with Constantijin nowhere in sight. Through the office grapevine, I learned that he had to fly back to his home country for a get-together with his family.
    On Friday, I took advantage of the no-office-attire rule to dress up in a black knee-length dress, made distinct by its high collar, bell-shaped sleeves, and scooped back. I felt like I had been neglecting myself lately – or at least ever since I saw Arian flirting with Constantijin and him not doing a thing to stop her.
    Should he have stopped her? Did I have the right to care? I hated how I constantly thought about these questions and hated the fact even more that I didn’t know the answers to them.
    Allan, a guy from Production, actually wolf-whistled when I walked past him. “Looking good, Yanna,” he said, leering.
    I stuck out my tongue, wishing I hadn’t been reared in a conservative ladies’ academy so I could flash him the finger – especially when his exceptionally loud voice had everyone turning towards me.
    Drake was there, too, and I slowed down when he turned to me with a smile. “You look beautiful, Yanna.” Again, his eyes made no secret of his admiration.
    Again, it had me blushing. “Umm, thanks.”
    “Hot date tonight?”
    I quickly shook my head. “Oh no. Just a night out with friends.” I tried to think of something else to say but the way Drake kept staring made me want to hide under a rock. “Umm, I have to go.”
    Eyes twinkling as if he knew – and enjoyed seeing – how uneasy I felt, Drake stepped aside with a polite smile. “Have fun later.”
    “Uhh, yes, thanks.” God, I was so socially awkward. I wish I could think of something wittier – nicer – to say to Drake. 
              Head down, still mulling over my social ineptitude, a pair of expensive handmade men’s shoes suddenly blocked my path. My heart galloped, my nerves prickling in awareness because I knew who it was even before I lifted my gaze and met Constantijin’s blazing golden eyes.
              He was furious – and jealous.
              My heart sang, but I quickly nipped that in the bud, telling myself it didn’t mean anything. “Good morning, sir.”
              “Do you have a date tonight?”
              This time, I totally lied. “Yes.”
              Before he could answer, I walked past him, heart beating even faster. When I got to my office, George took one look at my outfit and grinned. "Va-va-voom, baby!"
              Arian just stuck up her nose.
              Yeah, well, what-e-ver.
              I grinned back at George as I went to my cubicle. "Alyx and I have a bridal shower to attend tonight." Then I giggled. "Or bachelorette party rather. Since I have a feeling it's not going to be a wholesome affair."
    "Ooooh. You'll have strippers?"
    “Yeah, probably.”
    Voice lowering, George whispered, “Won’t Mr. Kastein have something to say about that?”
    I slowly shook my head. “It’s not his business.”
    Lunchtime, I actually managed to remember to leave at exactly noon. George and I walked inside the cafeteria arm in arm, which was a good thing since I almost lost my balance when I saw Constantijin with Arian – again. My chest squeezed painfully when she actually took the seat next to him.
    WTF?
    "Gold digger," George muttered.
    "No." I had to say it. Even if I believed the same. I just had to say no. I had never liked talking about other people behind their backs. "She's just - I guess - she just likes him a lot."
    George rolled his eyes. "I hope he's not stupid enough to fall for her."
    I shook my head. Even I didn’t think that. But still – what if he had sex with her? Would I be able to bear that?
              An urge to cry hit me unexpectedly, and I had to look down, blinking rapidly to keep the tears from falling. It seemed so incredibly long ago since the last time I was in Constantijin’s arms. Did he not like me anymore? I had heard