Chapter 16: Chapter 16

"CHARITY?"

I didn't realize Xander was already back. He was holding a tray with a plate of fettuccine and orange juice.

I went back to the couch. "Sorry. I got preoccupied with your collection of books."

"You like reading?"

I nodded my head.

"Most of them are business books. But I  have some collections of fiction books. How about you? What do you read?"

I smiled. "Fiction books. From George Martin to Agatha Christie." I pursed my lips. "I also have a collection of Rick Riordan's books in my library."

"Wow. You definitely like to read," he said as he placed the tray on the table.

"Come on, eat this first while I read the documents I needed to sign." He then picked up the folders on the sofa. He took the space next to me. Damn. Why does he always smell good?

I looked at the plate of fettuccine in front of me. "You didn't have to do it, Sir."

"Well, now you have to eat it because I'm your boss," he joked.

I let out a small chuckle. "Looks like I don't have a choice, then."

"It's not as good as the pasta you gave me, but it's edible," he continued. "I cooked this last night, just heated it in the oven for breakfast."

I bit my lip as I picked up the plate. "I didn't know you could cook," I said even before I could stop myself.

He looked at me from the documents he was reading. "I live alone, Charity. I was forced to learn basic household chores."

He was still in college when his parents died in a car accident.

He gave me a small smile. "My parents died when I was fifteen—"

He wasn't able to finish his sentence because he started coughing. "Excuse that," he said after coughing. He sniffed.

"This cold is really killing me."

"Are you sure you're already feeling fine, Sir? I think you should just rest for today."

"I'm fine. Look." I didn't expect it when he grabbed my hand and placed it on his forehead. "Normal, right?"

Shit. What about my heart? I could feel it start to beat abnormally.

"But I still think you should be resting, Sir. You won't recover fast if you keep on working."

"It's okay, Charity," he said with a smile. "I can handle myself."

His attention went back to the papers in front of him. I started eating. The fettuccine tasted good, albeit it lacked salt.

"I'm done signing this," he said as he placed the folder beside him. He turned to me. "How's the food?"

I sipped at my juice before I answered him. "It was good. Just season it with more salt next time and I'd be perfect."

He chuckled. "Come on, Charity. I'm your boss, but I can handle criticism."

I pursed my lips. "But I'm telling the truth."

The corner of his lips curled into a lopsided smile. "If that's the case, then you should finish that. In the meantime, I'd continue this."

He picked up a pair of black-rimmed glasses off the table and wore them. Then he left the couch and sat on the carpet, facing the screen of his laptop.

I stopped eating and stared at him. This was the first time I saw him with glasses. And damn. He looked like a hot professor in it.

Stop staring at him. I shook my head and drifted toward the screen of his laptop. He was making a business presentation on PowerPoint.

"You're making a presentation?"

He glanced at me. "I have to present this to the board next week. I needed everything perfect."

Pamela mentioned to me that it was possible that Xander would assume the chairmanship because he was the firstborn of the third generation of the Villaramas.

I knew that Xander deserved the position. Not because he's a Villarama, but because of his love for his job. I saw how he worked hard for the company. See? Instead of resting, he was still working right now.

Not everyone possessed that kind of passion like him.

"Uh… if you want, I can help you with that, Sir," I said when I noticed him touch his temple.

"No. It's okay, Charity. You bringing these documents to me was already a big help," he said with a smile.

I pursed my lips. "But I want to help, Sir. You know, screen radiation can make your headache worse. I can help you with your presentations, Sir. Just fill me up with the details."

"Are you sure it's okay?"

"Of course, Sir. Besides, I'm your secretary after all."

"Alright," he said with a small chuckle. "I'll accept that help. But please, finish your food first. I don't want to think that you wanted to help me because you don't like eating the food I serve you."

My lips parted. Before I could even react, his lips stretched into a grin. "I'm just kidding."

I almost dropped my jaw. Did Xander just joke on me?