1 - Mine

As I entered the company, my secretary and other board members followed closely behind me. I was engrossed in my phone, scrolling through the negative feedback about our cruise ships.

"Bakit ang dali lang sa kanila ang manghusga ng basta-basta? Hindi ba nila alam na ang laking damage ito sa kompanya ko?" I thought bitterly. Our cruise ships have been on top since our great-grandfather established the company. We have always provided excellent service to our guests and passengers, earning numerous awards over the years. And now, problems about our cruise ships' bad service are spreading like wildfire? What is wrong with these people?!

My grip tightened on my phone as I walked towards the elevator, the anger simmering just below the surface. I was furious about the tainted reputation of our cruise ships.

"Miss Cali, there's someone who wants to invest," Monica's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"So? That's not my work, Monica. Let Era handle it," I snapped at her, continuing my stride towards the meeting hall. Inside, my siblings Era and Melpomene were already seated, looking bored and staring into space.

A few more board members entered and took their seats, but remained silent. Even Era and Mel couldn't match my level of frustration.

"What happened? Why didn't you stop the spread of the news, Era?" I demanded angrily, directing my question at Erato, the Chief Operating Officer.

Era met my gaze, her expression composed but tired. "We tried, Cali. But the news spread faster than we could manage. We're working on damage control now."

"Not fast enough!" I retorted, my voice rising. "This could ruin us! All the hard work we've put into this company, all the years of dedication—it's all being undone by a few bad reviews. How could this happen?"

Melpomene, usually the troublemaker, for once kept silent, clearly aware of the gravity of the situation.

"We need a plan," I continued, trying to rein in my temper. "We need to address these complaints head-on and ensure this never happens again. We can't let our reputation crumble over this."

Era nodded. "We're already working on improving the services that were criticized and reaching out to the dissatisfied customers. But it will take time."

"Time is something we don't have," I said sharply. "We need results now. Mobilize everyone. I want a full report by the end of the day on what's being done and how we're going to fix this."

The room was tense, but everyone nodded in agreement. We couldn't afford to let this slide. Our company's legacy was on the line, and I was determined to protect it, no matter what it took.

Era took a deep breath, clearly feeling the weight of the situation. "We'll do everything we can, Cali. I promise you that."

I nodded, though my frustration hadn't abated. "Good. Let's move forward with the meeting. We need to discuss our next steps."

The meeting commenced, but my mind was still reeling from the negative feedback. How had things gone so wrong so quickly? I glanced at Melpomene, who was unusually quiet, her usual rebellious spirit subdued.

"Mel, do you have any insights?" I asked, trying to bring her into the conversation.

She shrugged, but there was a hint of determination in her eyes. "I think we need to be more proactive with our customer engagement. Social media is a powerful tool. We should use it to our advantage, not just for damage control, but to rebuild our reputation."

I nodded slowly. "That's a good point. We'll need a dedicated team to handle our online presence more effectively."

Era chimed in, "I agree. We also need to ensure our staff on the ships are retrained. Customer service has always been our strength, and we can't let that slip."

"Exactly," I said, feeling a spark of hope amidst the anger. "Let's get the best PR experts on this. We need a comprehensive strategy to turn this around."

As the meeting continued, we brainstormed solutions, each of us contributing ideas to mitigate the damage and restore our company's image. Despite the tension, there was a sense of unity and determination in the room.

After the meeting, I headed back to my office, my mind still buzzing with the plans we'd discussed. Monica was waiting outside my door.

"Miss Cali, about the potential investor..." she began hesitantly.

I sighed, realizing I couldn't ignore any opportunity that might help. "Fine. Set up a meeting. But make sure it's someone who understands our vision and values."

Monica nodded and left to make the arrangements. I sank into my chair, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. The road ahead was going to be tough, but I was determined to steer our company through this storm.

As I looked out the window at the city skyline, I thought about my great-grandfather, who had started this legacy. I owed it to him, to my family, and to myself to fight for our company. No matter how challenging it got, I wouldn't let our hard work go to waste.

"Bar?" Era asked, a mischievous glint in her eye. I glared at her, but she just chuckled.

"No time for that, Era! I'm already stressed with everything that's happening today!" I snapped at her. But she just sat on my desk and closed my laptop with a defiant smile.

"That's exactly why we need to go to the bar and chill. Our CEO is way too hard-working!" she laughed, and I shot her a look that could kill.

"That's why you don't have a boyfriend! You're too busy with work. Kulang nalang pakasalan mo na ang trabaho mo," she teased. I rolled my eyes and reopened my laptop, but she blocked it again.

"Era!" I yelled at her. She laughed even harder, stepped closer, and pulled me up by my hand to get me out of my chair.

I grabbed my phone and purse and let her drag me out.

Era was the third among us siblings, and Mel was the fifth. Kleio, who came after me, chose a different path. She's now a famous writer with her own publishing company. Meanwhile, Euterpe, the fourth, pursued a career as an idol.

Dad was furious about Kleio and Euterpe's choices, not just to them, but to some of our other siblings too. He had hoped they would help us with the family business. But as the eldest, I let them choose their paths. I knew what made them happy, and I had to support them.

I could handle growing the company. After all, I had Era and Melpomene to help me.

As we made our way out of the office, Era continued to chat away, trying to lighten my mood. "You know, Cali, sometimes you just need to step back and breathe. We'll get through this. We always do."

"Easy for you to say," I muttered, but I couldn't help but feel a little bit of my tension easing. Era had always been good at making me laugh, even in the worst of times.

"Going out, huh?" Mel asked as she stepped out of her office, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. I nodded, and without missing a beat, Era grabbed her arm and pulled her closer.

"And you're coming with us," Era said with a laugh, her energy infectious.

"Can't," Mel replied, her tone matter-of-fact. Both Era and I raised our eyebrows at her response.

"Oh, come on. Where's our troublemaker?" Era asked, arching an eyebrow. Her challenge was clear, and she wasn't about to let Mel off the hook easily.

Mel sighed, her resistance wavering. "I have some work to finish up," she said, but there was a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Work can wait," I interjected, my tone firm. "We need a break. All of us do." Napanguso naman si Mel kaya kinurot iyon ni Era at tumawa.

"Seriously, Mel, when was the last time you had some fun? Don't think I haven't noticed you buried under paperwork every single day," Era added, her voice softening slightly. "We're all stressed, but taking a few hours to unwind won't kill us."

She looked between Era and me, the conflict in her eyes slowly fading. "Fine," she finally conceded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But just for a little while."

"That's the spirit!" Era cheered, linking her arm with Mel's. "Let's go before you change your mind."

We made our way out of the office, the tension that had weighed us down starting to lift with every step. As we exited the building, the cool evening air was refreshing, a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere inside.

Era led the way, her infectious enthusiasm guiding us to a nearby bar that we used to frequent in our younger days. It was a place filled with memories, where laughter and shared moments seemed to linger in the air.

As we entered, the familiar ambiance wrapped around us like a comforting blanket. We found a cozy corner and settled in, the soft hum of conversations and the gentle clinking of glasses creating a soothing backdrop.

"Remember that time we snuck in here when we were still underage?" Era said with a grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mel chuckled, the sound light and carefree. "Yeah, and we thought we were so clever. Until Dad found out and grounded us for a month."

"But it was worth it," I added, smiling at the memory. "We had a blast."

We shared stories from the past, laughing and teasing each other. Napangiti ako dahil sobrang tagal narin nang lumabas kaming magkakapatid, though we weren't complete.

"Let's dance!" Era exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She immediately ran to the dance floor as the mellow music shifted into a lively pop dance track.

I glanced at Mel, who rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Well, we might as well join her," I said, standing up and offering her my hand.

Mel hesitated for a moment before taking my hand. "Fine, but no crazy moves, okay?"

"No promises," I teased, pulling her towards the dance floor.

Era was already in the middle, her energy contagious as she moved to the beat. We joined her, and soon, the three of us were dancing and laughing, letting go of our worries for the night. The rhythm of the music pulsed through us, and for a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered.

Tawang-tawa kami ni Mel nang makitang nagg-grind si Era sa isang lalaki. Tuwang-tuwa naman ang lalaki, but didn't do anything to her.

Mel dance widely too and kissed someone. Napasinghap ako nang makitang bumabalik sa pagiging troublemaker si Mel. Siya ang pinakasakit sa ulo sa pamilya. During her highschool to college days, walang araw na may dalang problema ang babae. Hanggang sa binigyan na ng sariling bodyguard dahil sa sobrang sakit niya sa ulo. But that didn't stopped, until dad commanded the guy to do everything just to tame her. And he did, but Melpomene left the Philippines after graduation to helped me with the company. Tatlong taon na rin siya dito sa Miami.

We have a mixed heritage of Russian, Ukrainian, and Filipino. My mom is half Ukrainian and half Filipina, which gives her a unique blend of cultures. My dad, on the other hand, is pure Russian, but he can speak Filipino fluently because of his mom. He learned the language to connect with her and our Filipino relatives, something that always amazed me growing up.

Our company's main headquarters is located in Miami, Florida, USA. Kaya nandito kaming tatlo, habang ang natitira naming mga kapatid ay naiwan sa Pilipinas. While Dad and mom are handling the Europe headquarters.

"Oh, com'on, Cali! Move your hips! Widely!" Sigaw ni Era habang nakikipagsayaw sa lalaki. Tumawa pa sila ni Mel kaya napairap ako.

This is not actually my thing. Napapasama lang ako sa bar dahil sa dalawang ito na troublemaker. Era, is the playgirl. Hindi ko na nga mabilang kung ilang lalaki na napakilala saamin. But I don't care. As long as Era can managed herself, it's fine.

I reached out and grabbed the tray of drinks being carried by the waiter, hastily taking one glass and downing it in one gulp. The burn of alcohol was sharp, but it quickly dulled into a warm sensation spreading through my body. The stress of recent events seemed to momentarily melt away with each sip.

Era and Mel joined me at the bar, and soon we were laughing and sharing stories again. The atmosphere around us buzzed with energy as people danced and chatted animatedly. The music shifted to upbeat rhythms, and Era was quick to pull us onto the dance floor.

As the night wore on, I lost count of how many drinks I had consumed. The room started to sway slightly, and my vision blurred at the edges. It was a familiar sensation, one that usually signaled I had reached my limit, but tonight I pushed past it.

Mel glanced at me, concern flickering in her eyes. "Cali, maybe you should slow down," she suggested gently.

I waved her off, my words slurring slightly. "I'm fine, Mel. Just having a good time," I assured her, though my voice betrayed a hint of unsteadiness.

Era, ever the party enthusiast, continued to dance energetically beside us. "Come on, Cali! Let loose a little!" she encouraged, grabbing my hand and spinning me around.

The alcohol had loosened my inhibitions, and for a while, it felt liberating. The weight of responsibilities and worries lifted, replaced by a carefree abandon. But as the room spun faster and laughter echoed louder around me, a nagging thought crept into my mind.

Was I letting loose, or was I trying to escape?

The music pounded in my ears, and I danced harder, trying to drown out the uncertainty. But the alcohol had its agenda, clouding my thoughts and intensifying my emotions. I felt simultaneously invincible and vulnerable, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting sensations.

Someone tapped my shoulder from behind, and as I turned, the dim lights of the bar made it difficult to see clearly who it was. A figure stood before me, and in my inebriated state, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck, my touch intended to draw him into the dance. But to my surprise and slight disappointment, he remained still, his eyes fixed on me with a mix of concern and authority.

"Why aren't you dancing with me?" I teased, trying to mask my unease with playful flirtation. The man's response was unexpected yet familiar, his baritone voice cutting through the haze of the moment.

"That's enough, Cali. Let's go home," he said firmly, his words echoing in my mind with a weight that sobered me momentarily.

It was Thaddeus. Bakit siya nandito? Akala ko ba nasa Pinas siya?

My heart raced in my chest, the loud thumping drowning out the music and laughter around us. I suddenly felt exposed, my vulnerability lay bare in front of Thaddeus. His expression softened, a mixture of understanding and concern evident in his eyes as he took a step closer.

"Why are you here?" Galit kong tanong sa kanya. I started to walk away but also stopped to look for my sisters. Yet they're nowhere to be found. My goodness!

I was about to reach my phone in my purse when Thaddeus grabbed my hand and pinned me to the nearest wall.

"Ikaw. Anong ginagawa mo rito? I thought you'd stop clubbing, Cali." Matigas na sabi nito. Bakas sa kanyang mukha ang galit at inis sa hindi ko malamang dahilan.

Pilit kong hinihila ang braso ko sa kanya but he was so strong. Doon ko lang din napagtanto that he changed. It's been ten years since the last time I saw you. His body... Change. From a petite guy to a muscular man. His physical transformation was evident, contrasting sharply with my memories of him as a slender, almost delicate figure. The realization hit me with a mix of surprise and curiosity, as I struggled to reconcile the image before me with the person I once knew.

"Let me go, Thad. I don't want involvement again with you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, but each word carrying the weight of years of pain and unresolved emotions.

As the words left my lips, a sharp pang of heartache pierced through me. Our past, our history together, still haunted me, refusing to fade with time. Despite my efforts to move on, the wounds remained raw and unhealed.

Thad's presence stirred up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me. What he did ten years ago still haunts me. What was he doing here? What he's trying to prove to me then?

Thad responded, his voice filled with a mix of regret and determination. His eyes bore into mine, searching for a connection that once seemed unbreakable but now felt fragile and uncertain.

I met his gaze, silently pleading for answers that seemed to elude me. That was different now, his emotions masked behind a veil of unreadability. Gone was the transparency that once defined our relationship, replaced by a complex web of regret and longing.

"Our relationship ended a long time ago, Thad," I insisted, my voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and resignation. "Please, let me go."

A soft, almost bitter laugh escaped Thad's lips at my words. "I want you back, Cali. I want us to be together again, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."

His declaration hung heavily in the air between us, fraught with unspoken desires and unresolved conflicts. The memories of our past flooded my mind—the love we once shared, but also the pain and betrayal that tore us apart.

"No, we're not going back together, Thad. I had enough of you. Let me go."

But Thad didn't let my hand go, yet he went closer, so close that he didn't leave any space between us. Sobrang lakas ng kalabog ng puso ko sa dibdib ko, bumibigat ang paghinga ko nag dumikit ang labi naming dalawa.

"I want you, again. Cali. Be mine." With that, he sealed my lips with his. I tried to push him away from me but his lips were so tantalizing that it made me feel drunk and too asked for more.