Athena had finally admitted she had Dianne's diary, and they agreed to meet the next day so she could return it.
ATHENA'S POV
Athena couldn't sit still. Her mind kept racing with thoughts of Dianne's diary.
"What could be written inside?" she wondered, her curiosity gnawing at her.
She lay on her bed, restless, her mind refusing to quiet down. Moments later, she found herself sitting up and reaching for her bag. Her fingers brushed over the familiar pink, personalized notebook, and she opened it. It hadn't been locked, so there was nothing stopping her.
Excitement mixed with guilt surged through her as she began to read.
What she discovered stopped her heart for a beat. Dianne had been hiding her true feelings for Kier, keeping them secret from everyone. Athena's chest tightened. What should she do? She couldn't bear the thought of being far from Kier—she had already fallen for him—but she also didn't want her friendship with Dianne to be ruined. Dianne was like a sister to her, someone she loved deeply and sincerely.
Athena drew a deep breath.
"Whatever happens… I'll handle it," she whispered to herself.
The next morning, Dianne arrived first at the coffee shop where she and Athena had agreed to meet.
Her heart raced. She wanted her diary back as soon as possible, worried that Athena might have read it. She realized, with a pang of regret, that she had forgotten to lock it.
A few moments later, Athena entered, holding the diary in her hands. She waved, offering a warm smile as she approached.
"I didn't know… that's how you felt," Athena said softly as she sat down across from Dianne, her tone hesitant but sincere.
Dianne's heart skipped. Her suspicion had been correct—Athena had read her diary.
"You… you read it?" Dianne stammered.
"I'm sorry if I did…" Athena admitted, looking away for a moment.
Athena reached out and gently held Dianne's hands that were resting on the table.
"Friend… you don't have to belittle yourself. We accepted you for who you are. You have qualities no one else has, and remember—there's no such thing as ugly among our friends."
Dianne smiled softly.
"Thank you, Athena… but I can't help thinking that way sometimes. It's just the truth," she confessed.
"Truth isn't always found in appearances," Athena said, placing a hand over her own chest. "True beauty comes from the heart. You are beautiful, Dianne. Always remember that."
"Thank you, friend," Dianne whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Athena took a deep breath, her expression turning serious.
"I… I like Kier," she admitted. "And I understand how you feel about him, Dianne. But… I think I'm in love with him." She squeezed Dianne's hands tightly. "I don't want our friendship to suffer over just one person."
Dianne stayed silent. Who was she to compete with Athena? Just in terms of looks alone, she didn't stand a chance. If Kier had to choose… he would choose Athena. Of that, Dianne had no doubt.
Later that day, Dianne hurried into the elevator at work, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of her conversation with Athena.
Her heart leapt when she saw who was already there.
DJ.
She froze, panic surging through her. She wanted to step back, maybe even exit the elevator, but it was too late—the doors closed. And she couldn't afford to be late for work.
"I didn't expect to see you again. When it rains, it pours, huh?" DJ said, his voice teasing but with an edge of seriousness.
Her ears burned, and her eyes narrowed.
"Hey! Don't be so smug! If anyone's bringing bad luck, maybe it's you! You're ruining my morning!" she snapped, glaring at him.
When the elevator doors opened, Dianne was startled to see DJ follow her out.
"Are you… following me?" she demanded.
He didn't answer, only walked behind her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her pulse quickened.
"Unbelievable! We even work at the same place?!" she muttered to herself. She rushed toward the office, hoping to avoid being late.
"Good morning, sir," she heard colleagues greet DJ. She noticed he seemed calm, collected, and authoritative. The thought struck her—could he be… the boss?
Her heart sank. She had spoken with the Vice President yesterday, who had mentioned that the company's president and owner would be visiting. Could DJ be him? Panic gripped her.
By the time she settled at her desk, Regina, the secretary to the Vice President, entered. She announced that all Department Heads would be called for a meeting. As the Head of Finance, Dianne was expected to attend.
Everyone was already seated in the conference room when she arrived. She was late—her first time entering at such an hour. Her mind raced in frustration at her unlucky timing.
"I thought all employees were instructed to arrive fifteen minutes early," DJ's voice cut sharply across the room as she took her seat. He was sitting in the central position, exuding authority, and his gaze locked onto her.
The Vice President immediately defended her. "Mr. Asuncion, Dianne is one of the most punctual, loyal, and awarded employees in our company. I assure you this will not happen again."
"I apologize for being late. The taxi I took broke down mid-route, and I had to find another," Dianne said, her voice steady despite the rising heat in her cheeks. She felt exposed under DJ's intense gaze, almost wanting to stand and resign on the spot.
"Round of applause," DJ said sarcastically, clapping his hands once. "That is a common excuse, and I don't tolerate such attitudes."
Her ears burned as anger and embarrassment mingled inside her. It was clear he was still annoyed—perhaps personally. She clenched her fists under the table, forcing herself to remain composed.
"My apologies, sir. It won't happen again," she said, bowing her head slightly. Humility was her only weapon here. After all, he was her boss.
DJ didn't reply, maintaining a stoic expression.
Dianne's thoughts spiraled as she tried to focus on the meeting. Just hours ago, she had been wrestling with Athena's confession and now DJ's presence only intensified her inner turmoil. Every glance from him seemed sharp, as if he could see right through her.
—--
A casual friendship outing… until one unexpected breeze stirred my world and tangled my heart in ways I never saw coming.