Chapter 4 : Unwanted Attention

[*Mark P**ov*]

I didn’t know if it was the city lights or my nerves, but walking into the office today felt…different. There was a buzz in the air, a subtle tension I couldn’t place. It didn’t take long to figure it out.

Vince Mondragon had admirers. Lots of them. And apparently, I was witnessing the front row of their performances.

I was walking toward the marketing department when Celina Arguelles, one of the company’s interns, practically skipped over to Vince’s office. Her heels clicked with an almost theatrical precision.

“Good morning, Mr. Mondragon!” she cooed, fluttering her eyelashes like a seasoned actor.

Vince’s expression didn’t change. Cold, distant, untouchable as always. But she didn’t seem to notice.

“Morning, Celina,” he said flatly, not even glancing at her fully.

Celina leaned a little closer, her perfume almost suffocating. “You’re looking…very serious today. Work hard, play later?”

I stopped in my tracks. My chest tightened. Play later? She was flirtingobviously. And Vince…he didn’t even respond the way most people did. Most people would have either flattered her or shut her down with an icy remark. But Vince…he just nodded. Just…acknowledged her existence.

I felt a strange pang, a mix of irritation and jealousy.

------//-------------//-------------//------

[Vince Pov]

Celina Arguelles. Intern. Overly dramatic, overly confident, overly eager to be noticed. And today, she had decided that I was her personal audience.

I didn’t have time for this. I didn’t need attention. Admiration was meaningless. Flattery was meaningless. Yet, the world was drawn to me like moths to a flame.

“Celina, we have work to focus on,” I said finally, my tone cold, but not aggressive. Just…efficient.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t retreat. She smiled slyly, as if daring me to reject her outright.

I ignored her, walking past her toward my office. But something…unpleasant…gnawed at me. Not because of her, but because of the way he Mark had been watching.

Mark. Bright, energetic, always in the wrong place at the wrong or right time. His eyes flicked toward me, and I could see it in the subtle tension in his jaw, the way his fingers flexed nervously on the desk....Jealousy.

Interesting.

------//--------------//-------------//-----

[Mark Pov]

I couldn’t help it. I was watching. And every time Celina leaned toward him, fluttered her eyes, whispered something, I felt…weird. Tight in my chest. A little uncomfortable, a little…protective.

I tried to tell myself it was nothing. Vince didn’t need me to care. He didn’t care for anyone.

But I did.

I watched him silently as he walked past her, indifferent, unshaken. And I realized…he didn’t even notice her intentions fully. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was me. I noticed.

I couldn’t explain it. My stomach twisted in ways I didn’t like. I didn’t want to like him, and yet, my body reacted anyway.

-----//----------------//-----------//------

[Celina Pov]

Vince Mondragon was infuriating. Cold, distant, untouchable…yet undeniably attractive. I’d read the rumors, seen the company gossip. Every woman wanted him. Every man feared him. And now, there was Mark, hovering around like he had some right to notice him.

I narrowed my eyes. He was too cheerful, too lively, too naïve. And Vince…Vince didn’t need someone like him. I wouldn’t let someone…interfere. Not if I could help it.

-----//---------------//-------------//-----

[Vince Pov]

I was trying to finish reviewing reports when the door to my office creaked open.

“Sir…?” Celina’s voice called softly. She peeked in, a mischievous tilt to her head.

I didn’t respond immediately. I just watched her, calculating the best way to remove her without causing an office scandal.

“Mr. Mondragon,I just…wanted to discuss the new marketing pitch. Perhaps I can help?” She said again, stepping closer.

I raised an eyebrow. Help? With what? Flirting?

“Not necessary, I’ll handle it” I said flatly

She smiled, unbothered by my cold tone, and leaned ever so slightly closer. I could smell her perfume. It was sweet. Distracting. Annoying.

I took a slow breath. “Celina…please return to your desk. This isn’t a social hour.”

Her smile faltered ever so slightly, but she nodded, retreating.

And then I noticed Mark’s gaze on me again. Subtle, Quiet, Protective. His jaw tense.

A strange sensation crawled up my chest. What is he feeling?

-----//--------------//-------------//------

[Mark Pov]

I hated myself for it. I shouldn’t care about Celina. She was obviously trying to get his attention. He didn’t even…he barely noticed.

And yet…something inside me twisted. I wanted him to notice me.

I clenched my fists, trying not to make it obvious. I didn’t want him to see. I didn’t want to seem weak.

But the truth was undeniable. I was jealous.

And that jealousy…was new. Dangerous.

--------//------------//-----------//-------

[Lara Pov]

From my desk, I saw it all. Celina’s flirtation, Mark’s tension, Vince’s icy patience. The subtle shifts in posture, the glances that lasted a heartbeat too long.

It was…entertaining.

Mark wasn’t supposed to feel jealousy. He was supposed to be naive, idealistic. Yet here he was, already reacting to the presence of a rival. I smirked to myself. The tension was perfect. And it was only the beginning.

-------//-----------//-------------//-------

[Vince Pov]

Later that evening, I was alone in my office, reviewing contracts. The quiet of the room should have been a relief, but it wasn’t.

Mark’s face kept flashing in my mind. That bright, irritating smile. His persistent curiosity. And yes…his jealousy.

I hated that I noticed. Hated that I cared.

Yet, deep down, I knew the day was coming when I would have to confront these…distractions. When I would have to acknowledge that the boy standing boldly in my world had begun to pierce the ice I’d built around my heart. And maybe, just maybe… I wouldn’t want to stop him.

-----//-------------//-------------//-------

[*Mark P**ov*]

Walking out that evening, I felt a mix of emotions I couldn’t quite name jealousy, confusion, frustration. But more than anything, I felt…drawn. Drawn to the boy behind the cold exterior. Drawn to Vince Mondragon.

I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t know what was coming. All I knew was…this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

...--------End of Chapter 4-------...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***