"I just followed the instruction given to me by the management."Hailey glared at me. She was fuming mad and I understand where she was coming from. But I was just following what the CEO told me to do. "Instruction? Do you think I will believe that petty excuse of yours?!" She said.I almost rolled my eyes. It sucks to be an employee. You are becoming the punching bag of the higher-ups. It's not like I can freely talk back, there's still a limitation in talking back to your boss. I'm proud of myself for not acting like that when I'm leading the marketing team in our company. I would say that I'm a cool and sympathetic boss. I never power trip our employees. "It's true! You can ask James about it." I said in a respectful true. "What did you just call our CEO? James?! Didn't I tell you to address him right?!" She said raising her voice. I bit my lower lip to control my emotion. "Sorry. You can ask SIR JAMES about it. He was the one who gave the instruction." She was about to say s
"Have you seen her plan?" I waved to David the folder of Yelle's Interior Design Plan for Allen's. I knew that she will do good in this project. I've seen some of her works in the Philippines. So this is not a surprise to me. "I'm a proud husband here," I say then smirk. "Are you sure that telling Hailey about your marriage with Yelle is the right move?" David suddenly asked. Everyone here in the office knew that Hailey likes me. She has no intention of hiding it. It's the reason why some of the employees are scared to hit on me or even just to have a conversation with me. I did nothing on those issues because it works for me. I never plan nor want to flirt with any of my employees including Hailey.Hailey for me is special but not in a romantic way. The feelings I have for her are the same with Mara, it's plain platonic. I told Hailey many times that we will never be lovers but she is not giving up. She keeps on believing that someday, I will learn to love her the same way. That'
"No! No! No!!! I told you you don't need to answer me?! I don't want to hear it! I don't believe you!!!" David went to Hailey and hug her. "Hailey stop it. It's time for you to accept that you already lost. James has someone in his life now." He said while calming her. She pushes him then she covers her ears not wanting to listen. She was looking at me and I already know what that look means. She wanted me to comfort her but I have no plans on doing that. It is time for her to accept the reality, I should not let her deceive herself anymore. I admit that it was partly my fault. Even though I was honest with her about my feelings but I did nothing when she made everyone here in the office believe that we are more than friends. I just let her harass those employees who are trying to hit on me. I just let her do the things she wants. I thought that it was the least thing I can do for her since I rejected the love that she was giving me. I thought that she will get tired and realize t
"Don't forget our dinner tonight, James."I mimic Hailey's annoying voice. I rolled my eyes as I went to my seat. So James and Hailey will have a dinner date tonight? That explains why Hailey was easily tame. She got what she wants. I thought that James only see her as a friend. Didn't he realize that he is leading her on by abiding by her whims? The more he gives in to her whims, the more she will hope for them.James should have known that being too nice to someone who has feelings for him is not good. He should learn from his brother, his kindness and gentleness lead someone to go crazy for him to the point of scheming evil things just to win him, good thing Mara and Andrew's love is stronger than the evil scheme of Jana. I'm worried that Hailey might become like Jana if he will keep on leading her on.Sometimes when people are in love, they tend to do evil things and they use "love" as an excuse to justify their actions. And I strongly disagree we that. Love is a wonderful thin
"So you're the deceitful husband." My eyes widen and turn to Kyle. He was smirking while saying those words. It was different from the gentle Kyle that I knew, not that I didn't like it. James on the other hand clenched his jaw while looking coldly at Kyle. "How dare you say that to James?!" Hailey defended James. "And you! Why are so quiet?! Don't you have any plans on defending James?!" She said to me. I sighed and turn to them. "Where's the lie though?" I said.I saw her jaw drop from what I said. I bit my lower lip. My bratty side is showing now. I didn't like how Kyle insulted James, but I also can't defend James because what Kyle said is true. James took advantage of me that night, he knew that I am drunk and I am not in my proper mind to make a decision. And he said before that he wasn't drunk that night, it only means that he planned this to happen. James bend down and went closer to my ears and whispered. "Did I really deceive you? Do you believe that? You are screaming
"Girl space friend." I just said. "Ohhh... continue." I rolled my eyes. "He ruined my... friend's date. He introduces himself as her husband." "Oh! That's interesting. I wish I was there to see that." Mara said while giggling. "So what happened next?" "The other guy kind of insulted the husband... he did not answer back but he was looking at the other guy coldly. The girl space friend defended him.""What about you... I mean your friend?" Mara asked. "Where's the lie though? - That was what she said." Mara's jaw dropped... she and Hailey has the same reaction. I almost chuckled thinking about it. "Your friend is so mean.""She's just telling the truth. The guy took advantage of my friend... marrying a drunk girl? Is that the best that he can do?" I said defending my action."M-maybe he has a good reason," Mara said defending the guy.I furrowed. "Are you telling me that you supported the guy? Really, Mara?! I'm disappointed in you!"Mara panicked a bit. She was trying to think
I never expected that anyone would accuse me of having a sugar daddy. If my brothers hear this, they will not let this pass. They will surely make these girls' lives a living hell.They should be thankful because it is not my nature to tell my brothers all people who tried to bully me. Also, I am not the type to get bullied. So this is something new to me. "Where did you get that idea?!" I asked them, a bit furious. Athena smirked. "You think we won't know about your secret? We are not stupid, Yelle." "All your outfits in the office are all luxury brands. Most of your bags are limited edition," Athen added. I was dumbfounded. Then I remember my friends in the office. Hannah always reminds me to wear quiet luxury so that people in the office will not notice my stuff is all luxury brands. I should have listened to her. "So your only basis is my outfits?" I said in disbelief. Athena rolled her eyes. "You are just like us, a regular employee, you can't afford all that luxury unless
"Hailey? Really?!"James nodded confidently. Then he moved his face closer to mine. I cleared my throat and felt the heat in my cheeks. What is he planning now?"Are you doubting yourself?" He said in a whisper, then he moved his face away from mine. Then he raised his right eyebrow. "Where's the confident Yelle that I know?"I was quiet for a moment. I needed a moment to calm down and compose myself. I was taken aback when he suddenly moved closer to my face. "I'm not doubting myself, okay?! I just felt like my clients in the Philippines would always say that they like my work because I am Zobel. I am not sure if all their praises were authentic. Our clients here are more credible since they don't know my background," I explained. He nodded. "I get your point. The reason why I didn't meddle with your application. Also, I'm confident that you will get the job. And you should stop worrying about Athena and her minions, your work will speak for yourself." This is the first time tha
“Excuse me?!”What the hell is she talking about? Why would I ever name my future son Maru? That’s the last thing I’d do—never in a million years!In fact, I might just banish the name Maru from my list of future baby names. I can’t stand it!“Marry me.” He said in a whisper.“But I want Maru Ottave,” I whispered back.“I am Maru Ottave.” He said then he claimed my lips.Fudge! Why did that memory have to pop up now? This is all Mara’s fault!I glared at her. “Don’t say that again!”Mara and her husband just laughed. They think this is funny?! Ugh! I should have ignored the whole thing with their son’s name. Now it’s all backfiring on me.Mara and Andrew were busy tending their new born, while Tanya and I left in the living room. "Tada! Do you like it?" I asked Tanya while showing her the dress I bought in the US. I bought bunch of things for her. Of course I bought some for family, Mara, Andrew and their new baby. But most of my the things in my luggage are all the things I bought
“Mom, Dad, look who’s with me!”Luther and I had kept my transfer back to the Philippines a secret from our parents. We wanted to surprise them—and it was the reason my brother had extended his stay in the U.S., to bring me back with him.My mom gasped, her eyes welling up as she took me in. “Abrielle? Is it really you?”I smiled, warmth flooding me as I nodded. “Yes, Mom. I’m home.”She crossed the room in an instant, pulling me into a tight embrace. My dad followed, wrapping his arms around us as my mom held on like she’d never let go.My brothers stood off to the side, grinning at our little family reunion. Daniel, who had helped plan this surprise, looked especially pleased as he watched our parents’ joy.To celebrate, Daniel had reserved a table at a fine-dining restaurant. As we settled into our seats and began eating, conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and updates on life.Midway through dinner, my dad looked at me, curiosity in his eyes. “So, how’s James? Did he
Finally, the day had come for us to return to our home country.My brother insisted on extending his stay so we could all go back together with Kyle.We arrived at the airport, the bustling terminal greeting us. My co-workers had already taken their flight back to the Philippines. My brother had upgraded my ticket to first class, but we had to change flights since the first class seats on the original one were fully booked.As we checked in, I spotted James entering the airport. My brow furrowed in confusion. What is he doing here? He was supposed to be on the same flight as the JDLI team.“You’re here,” my brother greeted James with a nod.James merely nodded back, his eyes darting to his watch repeatedly, as if waiting for someone.“Are you expecting someone?” I couldn’t help but ask.He shook his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Why would you think that?”I shrugged casually. “You keep looking at your watch.”“Oh, that… I’m just checking the time. Our flight’s coming up so
"Yelle?"I startled but quickly composed myself before turning to face Kyle.He smiled nervously. "Yelle, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked again.I could see the sweat on his face.I already knew what he was planning when my brother handed me the blindfold, and I already knew my answer.I nodded and smiled. "Yes," I replied.His eyes widened, and he shouted, "Yes!" before pulling me into a hug.I chuckled and hugged him back, hearing my brother congratulate us in the background.I saw James mouth the word "Congratulations!" and even raise his glass as if offering a toast.Then he turned his attention back to the girl he was with. They seemed to be enjoying their conversation, and I even noticed him whisper something to her.Kyle released me from our hug, and we stepped down from the stage to join my brother."Congratulations, Yelle! You finally have a boyfriend!" he said, teasing me with a grin.I just smiled at him. My brother had been the one to help me decide to accept Kyle’s pr
"Are you serious?" I asked, bewildered.James smiled. "Why? Isn't this what you want?""Y-yes," I replied, frustrated with myself for stammering.I was confused. I couldn’t understand what James was thinking. He had always made it clear he didn’t like Kyle, he often sabotaging our dates. Now, he was acting supportive of my relationship with Kyle."Are you sure? Because I can see hesitation in your eyes," James said, reverting to his usual self.I rolled my eyes. "Of course not! I've always wanted to annul our marriage. We both know we don’t love each other, this whole thing was just a result of alcohol," I defended myself.He just smiled at me."Why are you suddenly being cooperative about this?" I couldn't help but ask, needing to understand his true intentions."Simple. Now that you're getting serious with that guy, I’m confident you won’t chase after my brother when we return to the Philippines," he replied with a casual shrug.I glared at him, my anger rising at his reasoning. His
"Luther! Stop pressuring Kyle!" I understand my brother’s point. Since I’m returning to the Philippines, there’s a good chance that the relationship Kyle and I are trying to build might not work out. Besides the challenges of a long-distance relationship, Kyle has a business to take care of here in the U.S. It would be selfish of me to ask him to leave his life here to join me in the Philippines.Kyle and I aren't even official yet. My brother should stop pressuring him; he has no obligation to me or anything.My brother shrugged. "You're not a fan of long-distance relationships, Yelle," he said matter-of-factly.I rolled my eyes. "But we're not official yet! He has no responsibility to me. Besides, I still have work here in the U.S., so we can still see each other. There's no need for him to follow me to the Philippines," I argued.Kyle smiled at me, his eyes softened as he spoke. "We could make our relationship official," he said, catching me off guard.I felt both stunned and pres
“Are you suggesting I’m playing favorites?” James’s voice cut through the tension, surprising both Athena and me.Athena and I exchanged startled glances, unaware that James had been listening.James strode over to us, fixing his gaze on Athena. "I'm sure you have an idea how we secured the mall project," he said, his voice steady and unyielding.Athena looked away, unable to respond, guilt etched across her face. She was one of the few in the company who knew about my ties to the Zobel Group of Companies—a secret James had revealed to her.James turned to the assembled employees, his voice firm yet composed. "Each one of you must understand that I never play favorites. You were all hired solely because of your capabilities and nothing else."He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I will address this issue once and for all, not just for Yelle's sake but also for the company's reputation. I stand by my principles: this company will never be swayed by personal connecti
"How was day?" My brother greeted me with a warm smile as I returned home. Since he started staying with me, it became his habit to ask about my day. In the Philippines, we rarely find the time for such conversations; our busy work schedules leave little room for personal chats. Besides, our mom insists we avoid talking about business or work when we're together. She believes our precious free time should be spent bonding with family."It was hectic," I exclaimed.Amidst the chaos at work, I couldn't help but beam with excitement. "But I have good news for you!"I found myself unable to disclose the news of my appointment as the interior designer for Zobel Mall project here in the US to him. Instead, James and Luther dominated the conversation, their voices prevailing throughout most of our interaction."What is it?" he inquired, his tone laced with gentleness."I got the Zobel project! I'll be the interior designer for our mall here!" I exclaimed, brimming with excitement.But my b
Luther's POV"Yelle is seeing someone?" I was utterly stunned. Before she came to the U.S., we were all convinced she was here solely to pursue her career. We were certain she wouldn't find the time or even have the interest to date anyone. She had been so determined to make a name for herself."We didn't know about that," I added. "Yelle never mentioned him to us."James nodded, a frown crossing his face. "To be honest, I'm quite disappointed in your sister. I thought she came here to focus on her career and make a name for herself. Yet, in just a few months, she's already found someone to date."A sly grin crept across my lips. The jealousy in James's voice was unmistakable, far outweighing any hint of disappointment. I was almost certain he had a thing for my sister."On second thought," I began, aiming to lift his spirits, "since Yelle never mentioned that guy to us, I don't think she's serious about him."James breathed a sigh of relief. “I certainly hope so,” he murmured, a sha