Chapter 4- First Impression

Uh.oh. This man is not friendly alright.

I looked away yet I can still feel the cold stare from his side. My breathing hitched at the thought, trying my best to calm myself.

My Dad was already looking at me, gesturing for me to come.

"Now meet my only daughter, the heir to JPollo's Hotel and Restaurant, Justine Elle Pollo." Daddy called my attention. He guided me to the center which I am thankful that he did because I was completely weakened by that man's unexpected reaction.

I erased the weird thoughts about Cian's brother and went to give my message.

Dad gave me the microphone and I quickly took it with a visibly trembling hand.

I cleared my throat before starting my speech. Come on, don't embarrass yourself, Justine Elle.

"Hello everyone Good Evening, first I am so grateful to all of you who are here tonight. Thank you, that you chose to share your precious time to celebrate this memorable event with me. I am also grateful to this man over here, Dad, you are the father a daughter could ever ask for. Thank you for the 18 years of you taking care of me. I love you, Daddy".  

Dad wiped his tears while looking at me and I couldn't help but grin at him for being so emotional.

I was slowly getting comfortable with the audience. I am good at this, "faking it to til you make it" kind of situation. It was one of the survival tips I learned from being with Dad. 

I jive more and entertained the crowd by cracking some joke, hoping those cold stares would just vanish.

"Now that you had introduced me as the heir of JPollo, I will surely make you proud and work hard to surpass your achievements," I said wholeheartedly, keeping my acts together and making sure my disguise is intact.

The guests all laughed at my remark. Daddy just playfully shrugged his shoulders at the guests and said an inaudible quote.

"Anyways, I won't take this long. Let us all enjoy this evening. Once again, thank you, and happy birthday to me. Cheers." And I toast my imaginary wine glass.

The guests did the same and we give the floor to the host.

"Wow, will you look at our gorgeous and energetic celebrant? I am agreeing that she can surpass her Daddy."

We went down the stage as the host continued to entertain the crowd. I was relieved that I was able to finish my speech without stammering a bit.

But it was hard to pull a statement or a topic even, knowing that someone is feasting their eyes on you.

"Happy Birthday Justine darling. You grew up well, you look elegant and classic just like Elisa". 

Aunt Juana or "Ana" as I call her, gave me a quick kiss on my cheeks. She is my Dad's sister. Daddy has two younger siblings, Aunt Juana and Uncle Jonas.

Elisa Pollo on the other hand is my mother who died giving birth to me. I only saw her in Daddy's photo albums. But a lot of them said that Mommy was a very kind, bubbly, and happy person.

"Thank you, Aunt Ana. You didn't age as well, I bet Samantha is not giving you a headache nowadays." Aunt Ana only laughed at my statement.

"Well your cousin suddenly had a change of heart, I just hope it is for the better". Aunt Ana said while looking at Samantha talking to our older cousin, Johanes.

"Don't be too hard on Samantha, Ana. The kid just turned 20, let her enjoy life". Daddy commented.

Just as how Daddy loves me. He also loves his nieces and nephews equally, the reason why I am so lucky to be a part of the Pollo family.

I politely excused myself from them and went straight to my cousins.

"Hey, ladies and gents!"

They all looked at me. Samantha was the first one to recover and pulled me to their table.

"You didn't tell me you invited the Monteblanco." She whined, sounding so jealous.

"Woah, stop right there. It was Daddy who did it. I merely requested but I didn't know they would come." 

She pouted her lips in frustration.

"That's why I love Uncle Jose more than Mom." We all laughed at her remark. Sam could be so extra.

"Wait 'till Mom hears you, Sam," her brother Angelo said.

She just scoffs and flips her hair dramatically. Samantha is such a brat.

But if you get to know her, she is an honest person... scratch that...more of frank but she is very understanding. Just don't spoil her too much since she tends to cling to those types.

"Ladies come on I will let you meet the Monteblanco's." There was unsurpassable excitement in my voice as I invited the girls to Lucian's table.

They all agreed, giggling like kids to my suggestion.

But who wouldn't if seating amongst us are Greek Gods joining mere mortals on a very rare occasion. I smiled at that thought.

But that smile didn't linger for long. That same dark coal eyes bore unto mine, taking all my strength away. My knees started to get wobbly as we are nearing their table.

I had to tighten my grip on Sams's arm or else I'd be out of balance. I kept my eyes away from his and prepared my smile.

Lucian did the honor to recognize us and introduced us to his siblings.

"Happy Birthday Elle." He gave me a peck on my cheeks and a quick hug.

"Thanks for coming to my birthday Cian, it means everything to me." I can't help my smile, Cian looks so dashing.

"All for you, Elle."

Cian puts his hand on my tiny waist like usual. It was supposed to be a normal gesture but the way his brother reacted to the sudden skinship is making me feel nervous and conscious.

"Well ladies, Elle, these are my brothers. This one over here is Claven, then Brandon, Herschel, Marco, and our eldest brother Pierre."

Each one of them greeted us. Claven is super friendly, Brandon is just cool, Herschel had that formal aura and Marco is friendly too just like Brandon and Lucian.

Lastly, that man. Pierre Monteblanco, the headmaster of the Monteblanco Corporation holds authoritativeness in him.

He greeted me professionally but his coal-black eyes looked otherwise. It was menacing, scrutinizing even. He looks as if he is mad over something.

But why does it matter to me? Goodness, I have Cian beside me while here I am trying to solve his brother's unexpected remorse to me.

I sighed in annoyance, shaking my head with such weird thoughts. I shifted my focus to Cian and ignored the warning signals coming from his brother's dark aura.

Pierre Monteblanco. 

I didn't appreciate the idea of why his name already speaks of trouble.