"Okay. Goodluck with your date then.”
Alisha felt happy when her request for absence was instantly allowed but kind of felt awkward when her boss wished her luck for the date. Does her boss haven’t thought about that if she ever—really ever—get married and become pregnant, she’ll have to be on maternal leave for a few months right? Even though that would still happen in the far future, she still knew the personality of her boss. He bore a lot of nickname given by his employees and what really stood out was his emperor nickname. In the company, his words are the decree and must be accomplished swiftly and accordingly. A lot of employees do overtimes because of the level of difficulty and heavy workload. Working with him was like always facing the big boss of a video game. You have to strategize and be cautious or else it’s already game over. Thinking back all the blood,sweat and tears she went through, Alisha gave an imaginary pat on herself. Was she a bit masochistic, ah. Although that's also why she become so twisted that whenever she felt annoyed by the impossible task he always giver her, she'll retaliate in her imagination by killing him thousands time over in different ways. Exiting the room, an idea hit her that maybe the boss was finally enlightened and now she can finally go on long vacations? Thinking such thoughts, she returned to her cubicle and slowly split some of her works to Lucas and her assistant secretary. At least the papers wouldn’t pile up even if she skips for a day at work. In a blink of an eye, Saturday came. Hastily finishing her work for the day, she left the company an hour before lunch to make some time to change her attire and wear more appropriate clothes for the blind date. The lunch was booked beforehand in a luxury restaurant located at the center of the city that hails a floor to ceiling skyscraper view of the entire city. A meal from these kind of restaurants is already almost an entire month’s salary of an average working employee that’s why Alisha normally avoids eating out in such places. Even though her family could financially support her, after that certain incident she didn’t ask for monetary help from them anymore and did part time job to earn money. She used the salaries she earned for her personal expenses. It’s not that she can’t ask for her family’s help, but rather, she didn’t want to. Even after so many years, the shadow of that tragic night still lingers every night as she sleeps. Her eyes roamed around the restaurant while waiting. Lightly tapping the table, she was thinking that the guy probably had no sense of time. He was already late by ten minutes so Alisha had the plan on leaving the restaurant if that guy still fail to come after ten minutes. A minute after, someone finally stood in front of her table. “Hello, you must be Alisha Meyer?” A guy with a clean cut hair, fair skin and round eyes appeared in her line of sight. Based from her first impression, she looked like a decent guy at least. “Yes, hello. Then you must be Harold Kennedy?” Alisha shook hands with him as a greeting before they both sat down opposite of each other. Alisha have a very good first impression with the guy—he looked polite—but by the end of their lunch, she really didn’t feel like talking with him anymore. In a span of an hour, more than ten calls had interrupted their conversations and he answered them all. He kept saying that it was about work but working with people like Kristoff Montenegro for three years and mingling with people who had different personas when facing different kinds of people, she quickly realized Harold Kennedy’s true nature. He must’ve thought that she didn’t notice those subtle smiles and faint voices of girls at the other side of the phone. He really didn’t even bother distancing himself farther from the table before answering and after every phone call and would just walk a few steps away from her. He didn’t even turn his back from her and because she studied lip reading as an elective during college, she knew all the conversation he had with the other person. Would a person having a phone call from work would say ‘I would be there tonight’ or ‘Let’s go to the club tomorrow and pick up girls’? The nerve of him! Alisha would even see him smile smugly for a second before he changed into an angelic expression in front of her. Dealing with this kind of people, she really didn’t want to spend any more time with them and swiftly ate her lunch. She was losing her appetite but she didn’t want to waste the pricey food she paid for. And yes, they were splitting the bill. Thank god for that. “So, let’s go out again next time?” Alisha felt creeped out by the fake angelic smile he was giving her. Alisha just threw out some excuse that she was busy at work and finally escaped from his clutches when he was trying to ask her number. Swiftly parting ways with him, she just hailed a cab and turned down the guy’s offer to bring her home instead. When the cab finally drove off, Alisha released her breath that she didn’t even know she was holding. ‘Mom, you almost sold off your daughter to a pervert!!’ She screamed in her mind. After telling the driver where to go, she pulled out her phone and texted her mom about the situation. “You’re Auntie Lana introduced such a scum to my daughter?!” Her mom’s angry voice reverberated from her phone. Alisha could also hear her Dad’s faint voice on the background trying to calm her wife down. “Well, he is a big pervert.” Rubbing her cheek with her finger, she gave a disappointed laugh. “That’s why mom, you really should not pull any antics like these in the future. It’s better for me to pick the guy rather than picking one for me.” Does her mom really think that she’s that old already? And it’s not like she doesn’t have any suitors at all. She's not that stunning, but at least she's pretty enough to have a guys attention if she ever wanted to find a boyfriend. Though she turns them down due to her priorities. Her mom complained at her for a few more times repeatedly saying that if she left her alone with choosing her husband, she’ll become an old spinster in no time.Alisha just sighed from defeat and convinced her mom to stop putting her on blind dates because aside from the fact that she’s not really interested in involving herself into some romantic relationship right now, her very demanding boss will surely not let her take a lot of time off for such reasons. Hanging up the call, Alisha just watched the scenery outside the car's window. She wasn’t sure if she regretted taking half-day just to have this kind of result or celebrate because she now has free time to go somewhere without being bound by work. She made up her mind and went to the mall to laze around. Alisha wasn’t planning on buying on anything, she just looked around the clothes and other merchandise that the malls are currently selling. She was slowly turning like her boss ah. She almost laugh out loud when she realized that she was actually unconsciously recording the trends that may be of use for their future business plans. “Alisha? Alisha Meyer is that you?” A voice that sounded so familiar came from behind her. It would’ve sounded so dreamy and hypnotizing for other females but for her, it was the voice of death. Her whole body shuddered as her mind was taken back from that night. Her memories brought her back to that night of terror where the once proud and innocent daughter of the Meyer family was trampled onto the ground without a fight.......................Ten years ago. “Ali, I’m scared.” A teenage girl wearing a uniform of one of the prestigious Academy in America whispered in fear to her friend who was lying beside her. Both of them were tied up and left lying on the ground by the people who kidnapped them. Sweat and dirt accumulated on their faces and uniform due to being roughly handled by their kidnappers. Fifteen years old, Alisha Meyer moved closer to Yany Anderson. “Don’t be afraid. Help will come.” Alisha tried to sound confident and strong but Yany could still feel a trace of fear in her voice. Still, Yany nodded and believed her friend’s words. Help will come, and they will be saved. Alisha tried to adjust her eyes in the small dark room and examined it. Aside from them, a few boxes and plastic was stored in a corner. There was no windows for her to see whether it’s been day or night that's why she didn’t even know how long they’ve been imprisoned in this room. There were also no guards standing outside the said room si
Kristoff Montenegro spent the whole day working in his office when Lucas knocked on his door. “Mr. CEO, the headquarters just informed me that the young master was missing.”Then all of a sudden a loud sound of something breaking echoed inside the room. With all his might, Lucas tried to reduce his presence in the room. The moment he received the call from the CEO’s home, he knew that a disaster was inevitable. But as his personal secretary, no one but him could report it that's why, his life was always hanging by a thread every time his boss would explode from anger. “What are they slacking for?! Tell them to find him immediately!” Kristoff bellowed. He was beyond furious. He was already angry because of those incompetent bugs that kept pestering him everywhere and now, even his subordinates couldn’t look after a child?! Kristoff stopped himself from throwing another object inside the room. He didn’t want to spend another penny for a new table. Kristoff hastily stood up and left t
Alisha gasped in shock. She suddenly want to slap her mouth shut after realizing how careless she was with her previous questions. She must have hurt the kid’s feelings when she pestered him and now she didn’t know what to do. But before Alisha could make any more coherent words, the little guy reacted once again that caught her attention. “Ah.” Something in his eyes flickered to life. His gaze wasn’t empty anymore. Mixed in it was various feelings. Alisha followed where his eyes were looking at and noticed a couple hugging their child. It seems like they were there to pick up their child from the playground as the mother carried the child back to the car before the father drove away. Even the other adults that were there had begun to picked up their own children on the swing and started walking away after bidding their goodbyes to each other. She blinked. Ah, so that was why. She looked back at the little kid beside her who was still staring away at the leaving car. Her heart
Montenegro? Hearing that familiar surname, the face of her boss instantly flashed in Alisha’s mind. Her eyes unconsciously traced back to Quentin's face with her thoughts in a mess. Alisha carefully examined his features and noticed some familiar similarities. The pair of jet-black eyes that seems like a whirlpool pulling you into it and that funny curly hair that kept sticking out just above his nape. Alisha have always made fun of Kristoff Montenegro's hair on her mind. Because the cold man was always so neat and proper from top to bottom but always, always… it’s that part of his hair that’s very out of place. Every once in a while, her giggle suddenly slips and her boss for some reason would know what she’s been laughing about and turns back to her to give her a death glare. After awhile, her thoughts floated back to reality. Could he be…? Nah. That couldn’t be. She’s been working for him for three years, she of all people would’ve known if he’d dated someone, got married an
"Let's go home.” “NO!” "LET'S GO!” “NO!” While the father and son duo argues, Alisha and Lucas remain quiet. The two secretaries eyes wandered back and forth towards the big and small blocks of ice arguing with each other. The big block of ice was towering over the little kid as he emitted an aura of extreme anger.The little block of ice on the other hand stood his ground against the big boss despite his height and did not surrender to his father's order.Quentin was desperately embracing the bowl of eggs on his arms like he was protecting it against a monster trying to steal it away from him.“Lucas, drag him back.” The emperor CEO finally gave his final verdict. Since the little kid wasn’t moving a budge, then he will take him away by force.“NO!!” Before Lucas could make his move, however, Quentin quickly placed the bowl on the table and ran to Alisha’s side. He clutched her shirt as he stood behind her to hide from his father, the Great CEO Kristoff Montenegro. “I’m staying
"Big Sister, this is so yummy!!” Quentin childishly exclaimed as he took a spoonful of the fried rice. Contrary to his stiff behavior with Alisha when they first met, he was completely settled in at her home and ignored everyone in his surroundings except Alisha herself. That's why, the continuous drop of temperature in the room. Lucas and Alisha’s backs were already drenched in sweat despite the cold temperature as they sat stiff on their seats. Alisha was actually marveling at the fact that Quentin was completely ignoring his father’s state. Quentin just kept on digging through his food and ate happily like the simple fried rice they made is the best food in the whole world. “Big Sister!” Alisha paused from her thoughts and saw a spoonful of rice being reached out at her in front of her sight. Blinking, she glanced at the little smile that Quentin was giving to her. Her heart softened when she realized what he was trying to do. Was he trying to feed her? She held her squeal and
Alisha can feel her insides shaking, and suddenly felt fear for her life. Seriously, if looks could kill, she may have long died from the dagger-like stare that her boss is exuding. She wasn’t sure if he was glaring at her or at his son but either way, both aren’t good news. On the other hand, if she didn’t die from the hands of her boss, she would surely die from lack of air. She'll surely die of suffocation from the tight locked hug of Little Quentin at her neck. ‘Little kiddo, I know you don’t wanna go with you Dad but please don’t kill me just to run away from him.’ Alisha cried in her heart as she tried gasping for air. After a minute, she realized that the boy was clearly afraid of his father and do not have the inclination to let go, so she finally made a decision to save her life. Grabbing the arms of Little Quentin, she pulled it away and hugged him instead by locking his arms around hers. This way, she won’t quickly cross the bridge of life, right? “Boss,” She coughed
Speak of the devil and he shall come. How scary and true that saying was. Alisha silently thought as she sat beside her boss, Kristoff Montenegro while she listened to the person talking about some business-related details. For almost an hour, she desperately tried to ignore Harold Kennedy's presence in the room. The flirty jerk did not even try hiding his flirtatiousness and would always look her way for every minute. And when Alisha saw his actions she will shuddered in disgust and had to stop the urge from calling the security to have him dragged outside of the building. The meeting took about almost 2 hours before they finally came to a final decision. “Montenegro Corporation won’t collaborate with Milano Italia International with this project.” Kristoff Montenegro announced his decision that surprised Harold Kennedy, and the 2 other representatives from their respective company. On the other hand, Lucas and Alisha weren’t the least bit surprised to what he said. After all, t
Alisha wanted to enjoy normal school life and even though the time will come when Quentin’s background will be revealed to the public, at least, he’ll still be able to continue living a normal life "Then I’ll get Lucas to come with you." Alisha angrily slapped him on his arm. "You’re overworking him too much!" "I don’t." "Do you think I don’t see the exhaustion in his face every time I see him at work? Besides, he was the one doing my responsibilities when I was on sick leave so now that I’m here and as long as I can do it, just leave him alone for a little longer so he could relax a little." While the two of them waited for Quentin to change his clothes, Kristoff suddenly received a call from someone. After looking at the caller ID, he glanced at Alisha before finally standing out to go somewhere before receiving the call. "Hello?" "Is my sister with you?" Russell Meyer asked as soon as the call was picked up. Kristoff peeked at Al
"I enjoy them very much! They were all delicious and way better than the ones I’ve eaten before." Alisha didn’t stop there and continued flattering the elderly woman. "Also, I could taste that they all taste very authentic. Did you travel to different Asian countries to perfect these recipes?" What she said was a half-truth and half flattery. If we move the elderly woman out of the picture, Alisha just greatly enjoyed and appreciated their food. Her family would often take vacations in different countries so her tongue is already quite familiar with the signature recipes of each country, and after tasting the food here in ’The Paradise’, all her words are purely admirations and praises. Being able to cook them exactly as it tastes and some foods, even better than the ones she tasted abroad, is really amazing. She wanted to genuinely praise the owner, but seeing Mrs.Kim’s character, she easily recognized this kind of person. Mrs.Kim is definitely the overbearing type of person. A
Upon reaching the downtown part of the city, the three of them took their time walking around until they reached a small restaurant. "The Eternal Paradise..." Alisha mouthed the name as she read the signage at the top. So it’s really the name of the restaurant ah... Kristoff did a quick fix of his cap and mask before finally stepping inside the restaurant. Inside, Alisha momentarily paused and admired the interior. She didn’t expect such an amazing interior in such a small restaurant. The first thing she saw when the door opened was the hanging leaves that seemed to crawl along the walls. Along with that, the chairs and tables were all made of wood. At the corner of the room, behind the glass was a small pool of water surrounded by bamboo. To accompany that, anyone could hear the sound of moving water. With all these elements together, anyone could imagine themselves somewhere in the middle of the forest or near the river. Pure peace and surrounded by nature. The three of them s
"Alisha, you’ll be fine. Trust me." Then she was pulled into a hug by her husband. She let herself be buried in his arms as he tried comforting her. He gently patted her back while whispering encouraging words in her ears which made her put down her worry. "Hmm. Thank you, Kristoff." She muttered as she relaxed in his embrace. "Wife." "Mm?" "Can I request something?" She shifted in his embrace, slightly raising her head meeting his gaze that was a few inches away from her. She gestured for him to continue speaking. "Um," He cleared his throat. He looked a bit nervous as if he was going to say something that she wouldn’t like at all. "Can you call me husband?" The instant those words escaped his mouth, the sound of coughing resounded in that enclosed space. Alisha almost pushed him, as she covered her mouth trying to stop herself from coughing after choking in her saliva. Damn it, to choke on your own saliva...that was really embarrassing. Kristoff automatically patted her ba
"Kristoff, I will never feel scared as long as you’re by my side." For the first time when he founded and established the Montenegro Corporation, Kristoff Montenegro was dozing off during work. His eyes glued on the desktop in front of him, yet he didn’t make any progress at all. He looked so out of it that fortunately, he didn’t have any meetings scheduled later that afternoon. Because right at this moment, there's only one thought feeling his mind. His wife's words keep on replaying in his mind. Reaching out and placing his hand to where his heart was. He was surprised to discover that it's crazily pounding as if it was trying to escape from his body. Weirdly, he couldn’t stop himself from smiling too. He grinned like a little boy that foolishly smiling whenever he thought of his crush. That kind of feeling. "Alisha..." His eyes trailed back to the part of the room where his two couches are. It felt like the scene a while ago was flashing before his eyes once again and he coul
The next morning, the three had breakfast together as usual. Alisha was back to being her carefree self, the topics from last night thrown at the back of her head. Quentin ate the hawthorn as a dessert, the one they bought last night as a bribe that didn’t work at all. "Mom, are you coming with us tomorrow?" "Hm?" Alisha was caught off guard with the question so she wasn’t able to quickly respond. She faintly glanced at Quentin before returning her look at the little kid on the opposite side of the table. "Of course, Mom would be with you tomorrow." "Hmm!" Then he returned to eating his dessert. Alisha's sight stayed at his figure for a few more seconds before looking away, suddenly feeling heavy after answering that question. Tomorrow is Little Quentin's parents’ death anniversary. She knows its normal for a kid to remember his biological parents’ death anniversary but if you think about it, it’s a date that you wouldn’t really want to remember at all. After all, it’s the date
Game over. That was what the machine flashed before Alisha's eyes looked at the gun she was holding loosely from her hands. "..." "..." God help her or she’ll really beat this man up right now. Damn it! What kind of date was this? Was he really trying to date her or annoy her? He hadn’t even let her win a single game for the last 2 hours! She frustratedly stuffed the gun back in its place after finishing the shooting game. Then she glared at Kristoff for one last time before finally giving up on trying to gain a win from him. Seeing the triumphant smile on his face, she thought that Kristoff looked more like a teenager than his age. "Happy?" She sarcastically asked him. Sensing the tone of her voice, Kristoff quickly wiped off the smile on his face and shook his head. "No." "You’ve won so many games, and you’re still not happy? So are you saying you still want to continue playing?" "...Sorry." Kristoff finally returned to his senses. He bowed his head and apologized to her
"...a date?" So suddenly? Right now? Alisha looked at her attire. In her working clothes? Aren’t she supposed to dress a little bit more special if they go on dates? But this infuriating man is just dragging her around in their working attires? "Yes, let’s change our clothes first then we can go roam around." Oh. Thank goodness. Even though Alisha already expected it, she really didn’t think that Kristoff would really bring her to a small store that sells new and cheap clothes. Ever since he said that they’ll leave the car at a parking lot, she already had a faint hunch in her heart. Kristoff Montenegro didn’t follow the usual development of extravagant dates of CEOs but rather, it seemed like he was going to take her into a simple but lowkey date. Alisha looked at Kristoff jwho was checking out the clothes and smiled. The extravagant date sounded good but a simple date like this was actually of her cup of tea. Since she grew up in a high-profile family ever since she was bor
Seeing his furrowed brows finally straightening out as she continued to massage his head, Alisha felt relieved. Before, when their relationship was still strictly an employee-boss relationship, she would usually serve him a calming tea and try to lessen the workload that had to go through him. As a reliable subordinate, that’s the only way she could think of to help the president. But now that she’s his wife, she can now at least help him like this. She continued massaging his temple for a few minutes more while Kristoff thoroughly enjoyed the treatment. "That’s all for now." She uttered as she finally stopped pressing his temples. But before she could pull away, Kristoff quickly grabbed her right hand that was still on his head. He grasped it firmly without even opening his eyes. Slowly, he pulled it downwards his face and made her hand cup his cheeks. Watching his actions, she blushed and when he lean more on her hand she felt her