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Chapter 19 - Trigger

The moment she got home that night, she quietly removed her heels by the door and set her bag down on the couch. Her body felt heavy—her head still fogged by the weight of everything she'd chosen to carry in silence.

She turned on her phone, and a notification popped up almost immediately.

From:Troy Martinez

To: Maxine Dela Fuentes

Subject:Business Trip – Hong Kong, July 12–15

Sent:July 8, 8:00 PM

Maxine,

I would like you to accompany me to the upcoming business forum in Hong Kong this July 12–15. Your presence is necessary for coordination with Martinez Co.'s partner delegates.

-Troy Jace Martinez

Her breath hitched. He was expecting her to join him?

She stared at the screen a moment longer, then typed her reply—her fingers moving faster than her thoughts.

From:Maxine Dela Fuentes

To: Troy Martinez

Subject:Re: Business Trip – Hong Kong, July 12–15

Sent:July 8, 8:03 PM

 Hi Sir,

 Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I won't be able to join the trip.

I already have personal plans on those dates, and they can't be canceled.

 Best regards,

 Maxine

She hit send and closed her eyes.

There weren't any actual plans. But she couldn't bring herself to say yes anymore—not after everything.

The next morning, as she stepped out of the elevator and onto their office floor, her gaze fell on a familiar figure near her desk.

"Seymour?"

He turned toward her with a boyish smile. Dressed in a dark blue suit—no tie—he held a small, square box wrapped in matte black paper and tied with a simple white ribbon.

"Good morning," he said. "You look... beautiful as always."

"What are you doing here?" she asked, stunned.

"Technically, I came to drop something off for marketing. But honestly? I just wanted to see you." He offered the box. "Belated happy birthday."

She raised a brow. "Isn't it your birthday today?"

He grinned. "It is. But I missed a few years, so I thought I'd make up for it."

She glanced at the gift, trying to look unimpressed. "And what if I say I don't want to accept it?"

He laughed—loud enough to turn heads. "Please. You've never been able to resist me."

She shook her head but took the gift anyway and put it on the nearest table. "Thanks."

"Oh, and by the way," he added, "you and Danica are invited to my birthday party tonight. I'll text you the details."

"You already told her?"

"Of course. She said yes, so now you have no excuse."

"We'll see," she replied coolly.

Just then, the elevator behind her dinged. She turned instinctively—and froze.

Troy.

His expression was unreadable. But his eyes flicked from her to Seymour. She looked away quickly.

She expected him to walk past.

But instead, he stepped forward—right between her and Seymour, blocking the space with deliberate weight.

"Maxine. My office. Now."

She didn't argue. From the corner of her eye, she saw Seymour gesture that he'd leave. She gave him a small nod in return.

Inside the office, as soon as the door shut, Troy grabbed her by the waist and slammed her back against it.

"What the—"

Before she could finish, his lips were already on hers.

It wasn't tender. It was raw, frantic, and desperate. His hands gripped her tightly, like he was afraid she'd slip through his fingers again.

"Troy—!"

He didn't respond. His kiss devoured her—like she was the only thing that could quench something burning inside him.

When he finally pulled away, both of them were breathless. His face hovered close to hers, flushed and wild-eyed.

"Tell me, Max," he said in a low, cracked voice. "Tell me what you want, and I'll bring it all back. Let's go back to what we were."

She let out a bitter, hollow laugh and shook her head.

"We can't go back, Troy. Because there's nothing to go back to."

"That's not true. I know you still want me. You didn't push me away. I felt it. I still want you, Max. Just say the word, and I'll stay."

"You want me to say it?" Her voice hardened. "Fine. Would you leave Trina if I asked you to?"

He froze.

That silence was all the answer she needed.

She nodded slowly, swallowing the ache rising in her chest.

"I thought so. Don't worry. I already expected that."

She unlocked the door and walked out.

That night, it was already half past eight when she arrived at the bar Seymour had chosen. She wasn't familiar with the place, but the warm golden lights spilling from its black-glass exterior told her it wasn't too loud or too wild. Just the right kind of chaos to drown her thoughts in.

A bouncer checked the list. "Miss Dela Fuentes? Right this way."

She stepped inside.

The air smelled like whiskey and leather. Jazz played softly in the background—just enough to keep the space alive.

Seymour spotted her instantly. He stood from the couch,, dressed in a cream blazer over a black shirt and dark slacks. A silver watch glinted on his wrist with every movement.

"Wow," he said as she approached. "You actually came."

She smirked. "I came for the free drinks."

He chuckled. "Order anything. I've got it covered."

"Where's Danica?" she asked, looking around.

Danica appeared from one of the private lounges, waving. "Girl! You're late again."

Maxine smiled and sat beside her. Seymour took the seat across from her.

He leaned in slightly, lifting his glass. "So... what happened after he called you into his office? Did he scold you again?"

She turned toward him—realizing just how close he was.

But before she could speak, Danica's voice trailed off. Her eyes widened.

Seymour's jaw tensed.

She turned slowly.

Troy.

Still in office slacks. Sleeves rolled up and tie loosened. Hair tousled—and those pleading eyes, locked straight on her.

"Maxine."

She stiffened, but didn't look away.

"Can we talk?"

Seymour stood. "Now's not the time. We're in the middle of something—"

Troy's glare snapped to him. "I wasn't talking to you."

Before things escalated, she stood. "Lead the way."

"You don't have to do this, Max." Seymour stand beside her.

She shook her head to stop Seymour. She didn't want a scene. 

They walked outside, stopping near the parking lot.

Troy finally turned to her. "So you thought ignoring me and going off with him was okay?"

"Excuse me?" she shot back. "I was invited. It's his birthday."

He scoffed. "Why were you sitting so close?"

She let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"You don't get to ask me that. You don't get to ruin my head like this every time. We both know what kind of relationship we had. It's over, Troy. You don't own me anymore."

"You're lying."

"Why would I lie? Maybe I loved you once. But that was then."

His voice softened. "Are you angry because I didn't show up on your birthday? Maxine, don't make it a big deal. I told you I had my reasons—

She slapped him hard The sound cracked in the air. Her palm stung from the impact.She hadn't planned to raise her hand. But the words he spoke, the entitlement in his tone—it shattered the last piece of her restraint.

"You don't get to call me petty when you're the one being an asshole!"

He froze.

Tears filled her eyes—but she didn't give him a chance to speak. She turned and walked away.

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