Chapter 1
Bélla ResortI moved energetically and helped the Filipino workers of a well-known Beach Resort in the Maldives Islands. That resort is owned by a Filipino businessman, so almost all the employees there are my fellow Filipinos.
With the number of patron customers who booked the resort, we could no longer cope with handling people at the same time.
Everyone is busy, I who am a restaurant manager also have to act and help to meet all the needs of clients.
"Ma'am Aurora..."
"Yes?" I turned to the employee who was calling me.
"Ma'am, our customer who is there is constantly complaining and she is still looking for you to talk to," it points to a sophisticated woman sitting in the corner overlooking the blue ocean and white sand on the beach.
"Alright, Flora, I'll go," I answer her.
"Thank you, ma'am. I'm really sorry to bother you too."
"It's okay, Flora. It's summer, so there are a lot of customers at Bélla today. Also, don't worry because I know how to handle this... okay, I'll go see her."
"Okay, ma'am. Thank you."
I nodded. Like her, I also became a waitress at first here in Bélla Resort, but when the management of the resort knew that I am eligible graduate, they put me in a position as a restaurant manager. At first, I didn't want to accept it, but in the end, I couldn't refuse either. That's because the owner himself talked and convinced me to accept it.
I was shaking my head as I headed in the direction of a woman. Sometimes it's really unavoidable to have that kind of customer.
"Hello, ma'am, good afternoon." I greeted the woman gently.
She immediately raised an eyebrow when she looked at me. "Are you the manager of this restaurant, Miss?"
I nodded. "Yes, I am, ma'am."
"What kind of facility do you have here? Look, my boyfriend is in the toilet room right now because one of your stupid employees sprayed him with juice! And one more thing, your employee hasn't taken care of us for a while now."
"Oh, I am very sorry, ma'am. Everyone is busy. I'm also sorry because there are as many of you as customers here today, so one of our employees here can't take care of you right away—"
"What? Oh, you must say you can't make your employees move!"
I sighed and stretched my patience during those times. "Sorry again, ma'am. But now that they are still busy with their jobs, I will be here personally to take care of you."
"Much better!" Her irritable response.
I nodded. "And about what happened to your boyfriend, I'm sorry and my staff didn't mean it," I said to her still frowning face. "Ah, may I take your order, ma'am?" After I got her order, I smiled as I faced her. "Expect your order after 15-20 minutes, ma'am. Thank you. And please, enjoy..."
"Ma'am Aurora, I will take care of it." A waiter approached me even before I left the woman's table.
"Ah, okay. Here is her order. Please, serve it after 15-20 minutes, and also kindly serve her two special buko drinks as freebies. Now serve it." I ordered.
"Okay, ma'am." the waiter responded then left in front of me.
I turned to the woman and nodded. I held my breath as I started to walk away from where it was.
Sometimes the customers are really rude. But well, the customer is always right... So we should just extend our patience with grumpy customers.
I turned towards the direction of the kitchen, but when I turned, I didn't realize that there was also a bulk to meet me.
"Hey..."
Before I fell, it immediately supported my slender body.
"Oh, I'm so sorry..." I said while resting my palms on the wide chest of the man I bumped into. When I looked up, my mouth suddenly fell open.
"Are you okay, miss?"
"Huh?" I suddenly shook my head and blinked as I let go of the support of his two arms around my waist. "Um, y-yes I am okay. How about you, sir?"
"Don't worry about me, miss. I'm just okay." He said staring into my eyes.
I feel ashamed of what happened. What I did was just smile a little. "Sorry again, sir."
"It's okay. I'll go ahead."
I nodded and said nothing more.
I watched it walk until it approached the table of a woman I was talking to just now.
Oh, he is her boyfriend. I see... .but it's a pity. Why did he end up with that kind of woman? They are not compatible. Promise. My mind said, but I realized that I was too judgmental towards the women.
Why do I care? It's up to him who he loves. I'm just I am satisfied with my Travis.
Travis is one of my Filipino suitors. This lover is very patient for 1 year. I met him in the Maldives when I was new to my job. He is one of the executive hotel managers of one of the resorts in the Maldives.
It took a year for him to court me because at first, I didn't really have any feelings for him, and of course, I know that my dad will be against him but I didn't think about that anymore because I have gradually developed it and now I have decided to accept his courtship of me. Travis is a sweet, caring, and decent guy. Add to that that it has looked too. All in one package for a woman who has high standards.
I first removed other thoughts from my mind when I entered the kitchen. I can immediately see the quick movement in every move of the cooks. I went to the order slip and there were many lined up to be cooked.
"Hello everyone, how are you?"
Everyone in the kitchen looked at me. They smiled and responded as if they could.
"Ma'am Aurora, you will smell smoke in here." Said the head cook when he came to me.
"It's okay bro, no problem even if I smell a dish." I laughed and winked in response to this.
"That's what I like about you ma'am, you're not artistic. Unlike the other manager who manage this restaurant before, she hardly entered the kitchen."
"Oh, Edwin, again with that words," I said while taking a piece of garlic bread and chewing.
"Hungry, ma'am?"
"I got hungry because there were so many people outside. All of our tables are occupied. So everyone is confused about attending to them."
"Oh, my dear ma'am, this is delicious."
"Wow, shrimp..." My eyes widened and I accepted the fragrant butter shrimp that was being fed to me. "It's delicious. You and your team are really the best."
He smiled at me. ."Oh, tissue, wipe the side of your lips."
"Thanks, brother. Oh, I should have to go back to work, there are a lot of customers outside. I'm just peeking here."
"Drink some water first, ma'am." He handed me a glass of water.
"Thank you." After sipping water, I went out immediately.
I was glad that I have good relations with all of my employees. I treat them like my family and siblings too.
I assist those customers again until my eyes landed on the table of that woman with her boyfriend whom I bumped into. To my surprise, when I glanced in his direction, his eyes also stared at where I was standing.
Oh shit! Why did my eyes go to him? But he's a customer, so I have to smile at him.
The edge of my lips lifted, then I spread my smile, but I stopped it when he just stared at me seriously. Blushing, I took my eyes off of it.
Hmm! Maybe he feels that he is my type. Oh, in his dreams...
"Ma'am Aurora..."
I glanced at the person that call my attention. I made myself busy, and I didn't glance at the woman's table again. All I did was help my employees to serve the food on the customer's tables.
At that time I tried to forget that there was a woman who quarrel with me, and a man who I bumped into.
Chapter 2Yes"W-WHAT is it, Aurora?" The person in front of me who was in an expensive restaurant in the middle of the ocean asked with a frown."I said, yes..." I whispered with a smile.His face lifted. "Yes? You mean, it's finally, yes?" he repeats.I smiled sweetly. "Yes. Shall I repeat it again and again?""Yes. Yes. Yes..." He stood up, looked up at the sky, and shouted happily."Hey, Travis. It's embarrassing. Sit down, please..." I said when I felt that almost everyone there was looking at us."No...I can't stop it. Yes. Oh, my dearest, Aurora. Thank you, thank you so much for making my day complete. Thank you," he was so happy and he pulled my hand upright."T-Travis—""Everyone, I just want to scream my happiness to all of you. This woman is officially my girlfriend. Finally, she is mine starting tonight..." He still happily yelled.Little by little, someone applauded, until it increased. The others shouted congratulations to both of us.After a while, I pulled him to sit d
Chapter 3GoodbyeI GET UP with a smile on my lips. I can't believe, after 2 years I dreamed of my parents. We are so much happy in my dreams.I am eager to call them, at least mommy or one of my best friends who is in the Philippines."Why not, what's the problem if I hear from them? Yes, I should call Nancy. It's been a while since we talked," I said to myself.Before I could even dial the number I was going to call, someone called me first. I smiled when Nancy herself called me."Hello, Nance. How are you? I was going to call you but you got ahead of me—""Aurora...""Yes?""I-I'm here at the hospital now,"I frowned. "W-what happened to you? Are you okay?""Yes, I'm fine, but...""But, what? What are you doing at the hospital, Nance?""Y-your mom..."I was suddenly alarmed. "Mommy? What, nance, which mommy?""Your mom, Aurora. Aunt Helen called me earlier—""And?" I couldn't control my nervousness so I raised my voice. "What happened to my mom, Nancy?!"I heard an accented sob fro
Chapter 4A Promise"Mommy, I'm here... Mommy...""Aurora," Nancy and Cedy approached me as I arrived."Where's my mom?" I looked in the direction where their eyes turned. There I saw my mother looking at the ICU glass window. Only the big curtain can be seen and she is still crying."She was waiting for the doctor to come out. There was another emergency inside a while ago. They are still saving your daddy's life, Aurora." Cedy whispered.My tears flowed and gradually approached my mom's direction. Pity is what I feel the most at those times. She was sobbing alone."M-mom... Mommy..." I hugged her tightly from behind. "I'm here, Mommy... I'm here,"She wailed and faced me. "Aurora... My daughter... Aurora," she hugged me and I hugged her tightly."Mommy... how is Daddy?""I hope, he will be okay right now that you're here, I hope he's okay."I immediately comfort my mother. "Shhh, he will be okay. Stop crying, mom.""Aurora, don't leave me, please... I need you by my side right now.
TestamentAFTER my father's funeral, mommy and I went home.I am still very quiet inside the car, also mommy who is next to me.I sighed and turned to her. I hugged her tightly. "We can do it, mom. . I am always here no matter what happened. Promise, I will never go anywhere again." I promise her.Mom smiles and embraces me. "I love you so much, baby.""I love you too, Mommy. Let's just be strong."She nodded. "Our lawyer is waiting in our home, baby."I looked up and nodded. ."I am ready, mom. I know what I should do now."Mommy and I held hands when we entered the big house that I hadn't seen in two years. And lastly, I feel at home again. Just like that, my feet were still soft as I walked towards the opening of the wide main door.Nothing was changed in that house. What it looked like the last time I saw it, it's still the same today.The two uniformed maids who were waiting for us smiled at us. They happily greeted me on my return."Welcome home, my daughter." mom mumbled."Thank
Harrison Meet-UpI TOOK a deep breath as I was finally stuck in the noon traffic that day.Oh, Gosh. It's not rush hour and why are the cars moving so slowly on this part of the road?Annoyed but I can't do anything. I sighed and placed my hand on my forehead waiting for the vehicle to move forward.When I got through the traffic, I immediately accelerated my car. In my haste, I didn't notice a car backing up to a large establishment."Oh, shit..." I suddenly hit my brakes hard. I also closed my eyes when someone bumped in front of my car."My God... I'm late, I'm in trouble today! It's my bad luck today." I hit my forehead as I watched someone get out of the car I hit.What trouble, Aurora. You are not driving carefully.I also got down from my car. While the man in business attire had his back on me, I approached him."I'm really sorry,""Look what you have done to my car!" It is strongly stated. He gradually faced me. "You drive fast, you didn't even pay attention to the signal lig
BenefitsMY mouth fell open again for the second time. It's like I didn't expect that the man I encountered on the highway a while ago is also the man that I will meet that day.Aged Harrison next to him tsked. I also shook my head and he did the same."Damien, meet the daughter of your uncle Raul, Aurora Torres... Your soon-to-be wife,"He immediately frowned as he glanced at his father... "Dad-""Oh, Damien, I don't want to hear some objection. We've already discussed this, right?"I tried to cut their conversation. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Damien Harrison." I held out my palm without thinking because my palm spontaneously had a thought.He looked at my clear palm then looked into my eyes. "Dad, will you leave us alone?" he speaks to his father. "Let me talk to her alone,""But-""Don't worry about us, dad. We are old enough to settle this conversation just between us."I feel a little bit of embarrassment because he didn't even reach my handshake. I slowly withdrew my palm and hid it
Friend's Talk"YES, I accept it," I told in a clear voice in front of my friends."WHAT?" they answered me in shock and at the same time."Yes," I nodded to them. "I officially accepted the business marriage."My two friends ended up choking on food. We are having lunch inside our favorite restaurant at that time."Really my friend?" Cedy looks shocked."How? I-I mean, how they convinced you to accept it?" also Nancy can't believe what I've said.I sighed and wiped my mouth with a table napkin then looked at them. "I have no other choice so I accept it, there is nothing to lose since we talked and we both agreed to our setup if we ever get married.""We?!" Cedy's eyes widened again."Meaning, have you met, faced, and talked to the man that Uncle Raul was trying to negotiate with you before?" Nancy couldn't believe it either at that time."Really? Do I have to repeat it again and again, huh? I said, yes, yes, and yes. And yeah, I got my business marriage soon. It's purely business. Get
SurpriseI WAS smiling while I made a shake hand with my boss, the owner of the Bélla Resort where I worked for two years."Thank you for accepting my resignation letter, Sir. I thought you still wouldn't allow me. Thank you again.""Well, Aurora, to tell you frankly, I don't really agree with you leaving my company. But your reason is valid. So, even if I don't want to, there's still nothing I can do. It is your decision and choice. Since there is also someone who asks me to let you go."I was surprised by what he said. "Who?""My hidden business partner," his response."Hidden?" I frowned.He smiled. "Yuh.""Uhm, I thought you owned this company, sir. I mean—""Of course, I owned this company, but that was then. For the past 2 years, I had a partner here. That's why this company changes a lot. We renovated it in such an elegant resort on the whole Island."I can only nod at what I heard."Since my hidden identity business partner offers an awesome partnership, I grab it. I was not w
1 Year LaterFamilyA BABY'S wail is trying to wake up my sleepy spirit. I slowly opened my eyes. I immediately smile as I open my eyes.Who wouldn't smile when you wake up and the first thing you see is your husband and child?I was just looking at my beloved husband, Damien. He is now standing at the open window while our precious daughter, Danniella is in his arms. He puts our daughter to rest on his chest."Shh, baby... Mommy is still sleeping. Come on, hush my love... Mommy will wake up with your cry. Mommy was awake last night," he said softly.Our daughter still does not stop her weak wail. Danniella is always like that in the morning. I think because she feels that in the morning his father will leave again and go to work."Hush, hush, my love. Daddy's here. Look for mommy later, hm? Daddy is here for you... Let Daddy cuddle you just this moment, baby." He continued comforting our daughter in her sobbing.My smile widened. It sounds like he was begging our daughter to stay and
A Promise"HMM..." I was distracted by someone trying to wake up my sleeping spirit."Sweetheart, wake up..." The soft voice trying to wake me up."Hmm..." was my only response."Sweetheart, wake up. It's already six in the evening,"As I hear the said time, I forced my eyelids to open. I immediately glimpse Damien's face."What time?""Six," he answered and kissed my forehead."W-what? Oh, God. My mom might be looking for me," I sat up suddenly, not minding my naked body. "Damien, get up... get dressed.""Take your time," he said just looking at me while getting dressed.My cheeks suddenly turned red. "Get up," I pulled him by the arm after I finished putting on my clothes.What I didn't expect is that he pulled me on top of his body."Let's skip the dinner, and let's stay here for a while.""No way. Come on, stand up." I stood up and pulled out myself from him. "Damien, please. Mom will wonder where I am right now,""Don't worry, I called her and said you were with me now,""Really?
Making Love"D-DAM..."Damien pinned me immediately on the door as we got inside the house. It was a house where we used to live together.I didn't protest anymore when he pressed a kiss to my lips. I relented as I wrapped my arms around his neck."H-hey, maybe someone will see us here." I Huskily said when our mouths parted."There are no other people in this house now except us, sweetheart." his eyes glint."S-so?" I stammered."So?" he's like teasing."U-um,""Don't worry because we are alone in the house."I blushed and nodded and swallowed a little. "G-good... Ahy—" I gasped as he suddenly lifted my body.I didn't even protest when he claimed my lips in an intense kiss.I felt him sitting on the wide sofa bed in the living room. I immediately felt the life of his member when I was right there in front of him and sitting on his lap."Yeah, good. Because I can do whatever I want to do with you," he whispered while his eyes looked at me.My eyes were also glittering as I look intent
Wedding RingsI IMMEDIATELY let go of my embrace with Damien when we heard someone knocking outside the conference room."Sir— oh... Where are those people?" Jina asked in surprise as she opened the door.I smiled at Jina because she couldn't look directly into her boss's eyes."Nice one, Jina.""Huh, Sir?""For your collusion with your Ma'am Aurora," he said seriously to his Secretary."Well, sir—""Tsk... Damien, leave your secretary, please? It was my plan. I'm the one who did the orders, that's why she didn't answer you earlier when you called her." I glanced at his secretary. "Jina, it's fine, you're pardoned now, right Damien?" I said while smiling at him.He was still scratching his head. It seems that my defense of her from his boss was not enough."I'm sorry Sir... Please?""I only just forgive you if you will leave us now, Jina." his face is still serious at that time.Jina nodded and smiled slightly. "Thank you, Sir, Ma'am..." Then she went out and closed the door again.Dam
My Wife"IT'S you, Ma'am Aurora..." She squealed and happily approached me. "Oh, it's really you." And she embraced me out of excitement."Hey, Jina." I shyly looked around because the attention of everyone in the hallway went to us."Oh, sorry... I just got carried away, Ma'am Aurora... I thought it was a model that had been lost in this area," she scratched her head. "Hey everyone... Our most beautiful boss,"The employee's mouths dropped. Perhaps they are also wondering what Jina said."Jina? Stop it...""Anyway, our very own, Ma'am Aurora Torres—""Come on, you're such a talkative." I pulled her towards Damien's office."Ma'am, you look even better today." she is still smiling widely."Oh, thank you. Anyway, where's your boss, Jina?""Oh, God! How come I forgot Sir... Shit, he will probably scold me again, for sure," she hit her forehead when she remembered her boss."Why?" I was surprised when she suddenly looked at some documents on Damien's desk."It's because Sir ordered me to
At the CompanyAS I expected, the Van was heading to the road where the area leading to our old house was. It's not the new house that Daddy handed down where mommy and I moved before I left for Spain last year.I suddenly wanted to ask my mother, I have a lot of questions for her but I respect her when she told me that she will speak as soon as we get home.I stayed silent, I also feel, Pasing and Fe are both muted behind mom and me.After we arrived at the house... the driver even helped us to support mom to her room which is now only on the first floor of the house.When I entered our old house, I was amazed. That's because something changed in that house of ours. Especially my parents' room. That room used to be on the second floor but is now on the first floor. It was a connecting room upstairs."Fe, I'll take care of mommy. Thank you very much." I said after we helped mommy change her clothes."Sit down here, daughter..." mom starts as Fe already gets out of her room.I looked a
Escape from Meetings"WOW...""The two children are right... She is truly here,""Shh... She is sleeping..."Those low voices awakened my slumbering spirit at that time.I slowly opened my eyes. I feel the gentle caress in my hair as I bend down and fall asleep. When I remembered where I was, I suddenly sat up properly."Good morning, baby..." My mother happily greeted me as I looked at her smiling face."Good morning, Aurora." Fe and Pasing who were standing at the foot of the bed also greeted me merrily."Good morning..." Then I smiled at them all. As usual, I approached and kissed their hands one by one, and also my mother."God bless you, darling." Mommy was smiling, she was happy to see me there. "When did you come, dear? You haven't told me to come home.""This morning, mommy. And I came here right away to see your situation. How are you doing? Do you still feel any pain?"She shook her head smiling at me. "I'm so happy to know that you are home now, baby... I thought when I wok
DextroseAFTER he spent half an hour in the hospital, I kept telling him to go home. He can't stay any longer because he will face an emergency meeting that will be held today.He nodded slightly at me and said goodbye to my friends that he was talking to at that time.I took him out of mom's room."You should also need to go home and rest, Aurora," he said when we were out of the room.I shook my head. "I will stay here, I will watch over mommy until she wakes up. I also need to talk to her doctor to clarify what happened to her and how her condition.""But you look tired. Rest at least for a few hours,""I can rest here, as long as I don't leave mommy."He took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, if that's what you want. I'll be back here later after my meeting so that you have someone with you to watch over her," he said and I shook my head."Don't bother, Damien. I can do it on my own. My friends are there,""I will come and you can't stop me," he finally said.I breathed deeply. "Ok
ExplainingI Have never talked to him since he forced me to take to his private plane that will travel back to our country. I wanted to say no, but I didn't because it would make my trip home easier, and I was so eager to catch a glimpse of my mother.When we arrived at the plane, he approached me, and then he offered to sit behind him but I refused. I know that he can sense that I am avoiding him by sitting in the same seat.I still didn't take it. I kept looking into the distance and all I could think about was my mother who is in the hospital right now. I sighed looking out the window."Sandwich, chocolate milk?"My spirit returned because of that voice. I looked at him slightly."I don't feel like eating," I refuse it."Oh, come on Aurora. It's time for dinner. A few more hours before we arrive in the Philippines. So, here, accept and eat this food. You have to be strong for your mommy,"I sighed and reached for it. I feel hungry but I don't really feel like eating because I'm sti