Mommy for Billionaire's Baby

Tasya placed a bowl of curry soup in front of Nathan. He was still sulking, not because of the food that had just arrived, but probably because of Farhan. Though Tasya didn't know what they talked about since when she returned to her desk, she still had to tidy up the documents.

When Farhan left Nathan's office, Tasya greeted him out of politeness. Unfortunately, it wasn't met with a friendly face. Instead, the chubby man glared at Tasya. What was wrong with that? Tasya had been polite when she greeted him. When Tasya asked Nathan what had happened, her boss told her to be quiet, saying, "I have a headache."

"Eat up, Sir," Tasya reminded him. "It might get cold."

"Yeah." Nathan moved somewhat lazily. "Where's your portion?"

"Here," Tasya pointed at her plate. "We have a meeting with Wena Properties at two. We'll discuss the collaboration in Sidoarjo."

Nathan nodded and started stirring his lunch. There were side dishes and a bowl of sambal, not to forget the crackers. A wide smile formed on his face. "How did you know there should be crackers, Tasya?"

"It's not enjoyable to have a soup without crackers, Sir."

Nathan chuckled. "Ah, you know my taste the best."

"Just eat, Nathan, we can talk later."

"But it seems you need to know one thing."

Tasya had a spoonful of the soup curry-flavored rice ready to go into her mouth. She was quite hungry, to be fair. That's why she was excited to see Nathan's chosen soup curry arrive. Its aroma was savory and appetizing. But because Nathan wanted to talk, she paused for a moment.

Anyway, Nathan wouldn't talk for long, right?

"What is it?"

"Farhan asked me to replace my assistant with someone he recommended."

Tasya laughed, and she immediately took a bite. She could taste how delicious the curry soup was-tender meat, perfectly creamy coconut milk soup. The soy sauce and the balance of sweet and salty flavors blended perfectly.

Seeing that Tasya wasn't bothered at all by what he said, Nathan felt annoyed. It was always like this when he talked about the women in his life. There was never an exaggerated response from Tasya. Instead, she remained calm. Did Tasya not realize that her poker face made Nathan nervous?

"Why?" Tasya asked, looking puzzled.

She felt a piercing gaze directed at her. As if Nathan could cut through her in an instant. When she raised her eyes, it was confirmed that Nathan was staring at her relentlessly. His gaze was even more terrifying than usual, like a Raptor ready to tear apart its prey.

"Aren't you jealous? I was offered an assistant who's pretty, sexy, and apparently smart. And surely you know how women around me are, right?"

Tasya burst into laughter.

"Ugh, you're so annoying, Tasya."

"Does Nathan want an assistant like that? If you do, I can help you choose one. No need for Mr. Farhan."

"Oh, God!" Nathan slapped his forehead quite hard. "I don't want that, okay? You're enough for me. Even when you're right beside me, you feel so far away. And when you're not around, it drives me crazy, Tasya!"

"Well, that's the answer. You can't possibly replace your assistant unless it's me, Nathan. So, why should I be jealous?"

***

Tasya was actually bothered by Nathan's comments about Farhan. When it came to work, Tasya put in all her effort and energy. Who could work almost twenty hours a day? Besides, Nathan was a boss who demanded a lot. Was there something wrong with her appearance?

"Tasya, did Nadine send a new email?"

"No, Sir." Tasya looked up immediately. She frowned, surprised, and quickly shook off her reverie. The feeling that had settled in her chest because of Farhan's words and the way the commissioner had looked at her, she pushed it away. She couldn't let Nathan see it on her face.

"Is there anything strange?" Nathan pulled a chair from around Tasya's desk. His watch showed it was already four in the afternoon. They had dealt with many documents and meetings, but what had consumed most of Nathan's concentration was the Optima report and the misappropriation of funds.

"Mrs. Nadine said everything is safe. The person you asked to protect her is always on standby."

Nathan nodded slowly, then smiled. "Thank goodness. What Mrs. Nadine shared isn't just random data, Tasya." Tasya knew that.

"Well, you get your part done quickly. We're going home on time today."

Tasya blinked slowly, unable to believe what she had just heard. It wasn't like there was any simple work to do right before the shareholders' meeting. But now Nathan wanted to go home on time? Seriously? Had Nathan already handled all the emails? If that was the case, Tasya would applaud. It meant there wouldn't be any last-minute corrections for her to make.

"Why are you looking at me like I've seen a ghost?"

Tasya sighed softly. "I just can't believe we can go home on time."

Nathan burst into laughter. It felt like his stomach was hurting because of the words from the bespectacled girl in front of him. But it was understandable that Tasya felt that way. Especially in these crucial hours, there was always something that suddenly needed to be done. There were parts that she thought were wrong or sudden discussions. Even though they could be done tomorrow, Nathan hated having pending work.

For him, tomorrow had to start with a fresh slate for his reports.

"You should believe it now," said Nathan. His gaze was now fixed on Tasya. He deliberately moved his chair closer to the girl who was still sitting at her desk. He rested his chin on his hand. With his other hand, he reached for the snacks by Tasya's computer. Nathan ate most of the snacks, and Tasya never got tired of refilling them because she knew Nathan needed a little distraction.

Tasya didn't care much about Nathan's behavior this evening.

"Tasya," he called softly.

"Yeah?" Tasya, who had been ignoring Nathan's presence, continued working as she had been doing. Her fingers danced gracefully on the keyboard, her facial expression serious and flat.

"How about a date?"

Tasya only glanced briefly and said, "I decline."

"Come on," Nathan exclaimed.

He straightened his back. He couldn't accept it when Tasya spoke as if without thinking. In fact, before his tongue moved to make the invitation, Nathan needed courage. Dealing with Tasya was not easy. With women who had come into Nathan's life before, there was no need for an invitation like this. They would easily throw themselves at him.

Tasya? Don't count on it. Nathan didn't even dare to hold her hand. For some reason, when it came to Tasya, he held on with all his heart and soul, so much so that he felt he couldn't be far from her. He couldn't risk being pushed out of Tasya's life.

"There's an exciting movie at the cinema, Tasya. Don't you intend to watch it with me?" Nathan felt a bit disappointed.

"Avatar, you mean?" Tasya chuckled softly as she slowly took off her thick glasses. Though slightly blurred, she knew Nathan hadn't taken his eyes off her.

"Yeah," Nathan sighed in frustration. He folded his arms across his chest. "I just bought the tickets, that's why I asked you to go home on time, Tasya."

"Next time, ask me first, okay, Nathan?" Tasya smiled. Very subtly. Like a thread that's barely visible, but swear to anything, that smile was sweet. If the phrase "your smile lights up my world" wasn't just a line from a song, Nathan would have said it by now.

"Usually, you stay out late, right? Accompanying Naina with her studies and all. How about dinner at my place first?"

Tasya still maintained her smile. "I didn't go home yesterday, right? I miss Ronan and Robin, Nathan."

"But what about the tickets?" Nathan looked at Tasya with a touch of sadness.

"What time?"

"Half-past seven at Central Park."

Tasya thought for a moment and then sighed softly. "Okay. I'll tell Ronan and Robin not to come home."

Nathan grinned broadly. "How did you know I was going to offer to take you home?"

"Your motives are too easy to read, Nathan."