“So, that was why! Way back then in Dr. Calvo’s clinic, when I supervised his discharge, I was in awe to know that the bill was already paid. The cashier just informed me that the patient's bill in suite room 207 has been settled. Dr. Calvo didn’t even mention his full name that time and how foolish I am to think that he’s an Imperial. I pitied him not because not every Imperial in the whole city holds a prestige life, but because he was injured because of me.” Andrea silently recalled and screamed on her head.
“You lied. You told me and Trina once that you are an Imperial. We asked and you said, you are Miguel Imperial.” Andrea voiced out instead. She argued after contemplating.
“I am. As so you know, I’m Allen Miguel Imperial – Jackson.”
“What the –” Andrea was stunned and couldn’t argue any longer. She doesn’t know what to say and what to feel. She was out of words, because the truth is, she felt so anxious for she never expect that she is keeping not only a stunning and handsome guy in their small apartment, but a billionaire one.
In contrary, Miguel smiled at Andrea slyly. He grinned as his eyes silently gleamed victory. He was about to stand from his seat and approach her to explain everything when suddenly, Trina who has a long hair covering her face appeared before him.
“M-Miguel!”
“Ahh!” he was literally startled in his seat when Trina called him on her creepy advent.
Trina immediately kneeled as she held his hand and looked up on him. With her pitiful look, she begged and said, “Miguel please forgive me, I am really sorry if I silently yelled and cursed you before. I’m so sorry for my ill behavior. Just please don’t kick me out from my work just because your family owned that commercial building my boss is occupying. I can’t easily find a job because I am not a degree holder, so don’t make me become a jobless person, please.”
Andrea’s eyes became uptight in Trina’s reaction. She shifted her gazed to Miguel and unexpectedly, she met his blue eyes filled with astonishment.
Miguel cleared his throat as he withdrew his gazed from Andrea, afterwards he removed Trina’s grip on his arm. He silently thought that it’s good Trina didn’t touch his wound though it’s already getting better. He looked at her and reassured her, saying, “Ah… Trina relax. I didn’t plan to kick you out from your work.”
Trina heaved a sigh of relief. She merrily stood from her stance and thank Miguel. But before she could finish her gratefulness, she heard him say, “But –”
Andrea and Trina wait for his statement. Both of them were confused as they looked at each other.
“But – I hope no one will know that I am here in your place. Don’t worry, I will go back to my family next week, just let me stay here in your place for the remaining couple of days.” Miguel remarked.
“Yes of course, even if it’s a year –”
“No!” Andrea cuts off Trina.
“Andrea?” Trina’s brows wrinkled as she protested.
“Can’t you hear the news? Your family is looking for you and until now, the Policemen are still investigating to find you. I’m sure your family is worried of you.” Andrea uttered out of concern while staring intently at Miguel.
“I have reasons why I choose to recuperate here in your place and you agreed to take care of me within two weeks. Besides, some member of my family knows I’m here.” Miguel replied coldly.
“Are you serious? How come your family knows this place?” Andrea retorted.
“You forgot to ask where I get the money I used to pay for your house rental." He declared, directly staring at her. "As for you to know, I didn't withdraw any single amount of it, but one from my family has brought it over. If you don’t believe me, then I can let you meet him tomorrow.” Miguel stood as he continued. He encircled at the table and approached Andrea whose standing near the lavatory. He placed his left hand in her side and stared at her closely the moment he reached before her, and roughly said, “It’s just one week left and we had a deal that you’re going to take care of me. Why are you so eager to kick me out huh?”
Andrea was stunned because Miguel’s face was nearly apart from her. She could actually smell his aromatic scent and she could almost feel his breathing. She couldn’t understand, but her heart beats faster when she met his gazed. It seems like she is slowly melting from that pair of blue eyes. She can almost hear the erratic thumping of her own heart.
“Oh! No, I am bewitched by him.” Andrea blinked twice as she thought. Afraid that he could noticed the abnormality of her heart, so, she quickly swift her attention to the other side and escape from him immediately as she reasoned out, “I – I’m not. I’m not eager to kick you out. I – I’m just worried on behalf of your family okay!”
Miguel scoffed. He turned at Andrea whose back is facing against him and firmly said, “Then don’t be. You’re worrying for nothing. I will go home after our two weeks agreement and it’s just a week ahead. I think, I am fully recovered by that time.”
Andrea immediately bow down, trying to hide her blushing face. She felt so hot out of the sudden and even if she’s not looking in the mirror, she could tell that her face is as red as a ripe tomato.
“Then, it was settled!” Trina clasped her palms as she interrupts impatiently. She smiled as she exchanged her gaze to one after another. Afterwards, she encouraged them to have their meal because apparently speaking, the news made her starve.
Moments later, dead air filled the atmosphere and only the clinking sound of the utensils could be heard in the dining table.
***
Inside the wide study area of the Jackson’s mansion were the father-duo confrontations. Don Arthur and Simon were drinking their teas as they have their conversation, while Oman is standing near at the door.
“I wouldn’t be there If I didn’t hear your son, Edward telling his mother that you have decided to pass down the company to his hands.” Don Arthur declared as he has another sipped of his tea.
“I thought you will do the right thing by telling the board to wait until Miguel is back and if not, you will encourage them to select between Jason and Marcus. But now, you have proven to me that your decision could easily be swayed as you’re still blinded by that woman.” He added seriously.
“Dad you saw and witnessed how Edward worked for the company. It has nothing to do with my wife. Edward would be an excellent leader because I molded him –”
“Enough!” Don Arthur scolded. His hand is gripping on his walking stick, trying to stabilize his emotions.
“I gave in to your plea before and allowed you to marry that woman after Miguel and Adam’s mother died, and I even let them stay here. I allowed you to give your name to her bastard son, and that’s more than enough! I will never ever agree for them to be the heir of the company in which I built through my devotion and perspiration!” He added agitatedly.
“Dad, please let’s not talk about the past. You know that Edward is not a bastard! He is my son and your grandson. I’m sure, he will take good care of the family’s business if you would just allow him.” Simon rebutted patiently.
Don Arthur gave his son a stern look and replied calmly, “It was already decided. If Miguel won’t still show up, then let him prove his worth and capabilities over Jason and Marcus. I won’t object if he qualifies!”
Simon was about to rebut, but the words were stuck in his throat when his siblings, Selena and Sabrina eagerly entered the study room and made their way before their father's eyes.
“Dad what happen? Why are there so many reporters at the hospital who wants to interview me? Yes, I was able to escape from them, but when I got home, there were still many of them blocking our way at the main gate.” Dr. Selena asked as she narrated what happen to her.
“Even at the DVU, there are reporters as well.” Sabrina added. She faced Simon and said, “Brother, you must find a way to stop this. Please, not in the University because they’re disrupting the harmony of the school.”
Simon looked at his two sisters, trying to analyze what they're saying. It took for him a little while to respond and asked, “Selena, where’s your husband?”
“I’m here.” Ezequiel retaliates. He walked through his wife’s side and kissed her cheek before he joined in the conversation. He actually heard what his wife, Selena and sister-in-law, Sabrina have reported.
“I know who leaked the information of Miguel being missing.” Ezequiel announced. He faced Simon and continued, “Brother-in-law it’s the other network since a closest relative of one of your boards, Johnny is their journalist. I presumed, their making a big fuss because you withdrew your partnership in their company. Remember? You freeze the sponsorship and advertisement. You know, they lost a huge amount because of that.”
“Nonsense! They didn’t meet our standards and they're simultaneously breaking the contract, so I have to withdraw. Besides, you and your company alone are enough to advertise the company, and aside from that, we’re 50 years from the making and we don’t need for our structures to be advertised all over again.” Simon replied frustratedly.
Don Arthur heave a sigh as he commented, “So, just sit for an interview, and it shall be done. Anyway, the people will really gossip and after that - the issue will eventually subside.”
Ezequiel nodded silently. He agreed to Don Arthur's notion.
“Well, I think you should let your brother-in-laws, Alexander and Ezequiel to go with you, so that you will be steered on some legal issues advice and that sponsorship and advertisement matters.” Sabrina suggested.
“It’s definitely nice to have a strong family ties and connections!” Simon thought. He still managed to smile despite the odds he has with his father.
"Okay, then." Simon answered.
‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ Miguel mistily opened his eyes. He was awakened by the alarm clock's roaster sound on the bedside table. Seconds later, he got up and hastily turned it off. “Ops! You shouldn’t turn it off. I set the alarm for you to take your medicine on time.” Andrea’s words popped out and echoed into his mind. In his recent stay with Andrea and Trina, he actually used to turn the alarm off because he was annoyed on its weird roaster sound. But, no matter how many times he’ll turn it off before he’ll sleep, Andrea would still and repeatedly sneak into the room to set it back. He could still remember the past few days she ran into him to steal the clock on his hold and turn the alarm once more. She keeps on retelling that it’s to remind him on taking his medicine on time. Thinking about it, Miguel merely lift his eyelids indifferently, smile and repeatedly shook his head like a villain, “You really got me, nerdy!” He commented idly. He got up from the bed and walk into the clo
“Miss Mina!!” Andrea said, feeling surprise after she opened the door. “Andrea, didn’t you hear me? I’ve been calling you since I saw you at the gate.” Miss Mina asked enthusiastically. “Oh! I’m so sorry Miss Mina. I didn’t hear you because I was in a hurry for I thought I hadn’t turned off the gas stove.” Andrea created an excused. “But, what brings you here Miss Mina? Didn’t we pay enough for the rent?” She added with a confused and worried expression. “Oh no, no. no! It has nothing to do with the rent.” Miss Mina waved her hand as she answered and uninvitedly made her way inside. “Where’s your boyfriend?” She suddenly asked as she walked past through Andrea and skim the inside to look for someone. “Why are you looking for him?” Andrea asked. Miss Mina has turned around. She looked at Andrea in the eye and eagerly said, “Haven’t you seen the I-TV morning-news channel? You know, I ran immediately here when I recognized the man’s face in the newsflash. I really think that it’s yo
It's Thursday, morning. Yes, it has been two days since Marcus visited Miguel. However, the resentment in Andrea’s heart still remains. “I’d like to recommend your aesthetic shirts to my classmates since I like it so much. I couldn’t believe that my boyfriend will find me attractive wearing those. So, thank you.” A senior high schooler petite girl vibrantly commented as she scanned the bangles she additionally ordered from Andrea. Silence… “Actually, my roommates wanted to have those shirts too, so, do you still have those lovely designs?” She asked. Still, silence hailed over. “Hey, Ms. nerdy, are you listening to me?” Waving her hand at Andrea’s face, she added. “Huh? ah! I’m s-sorry. What did you say?” Andrea inquired. “I said if do you still have those lovely shirts' designs I ordered last day, my roommates wanted it too, so I’d like to order again.” Crossing her hands, the petite girl answered. “Ah, yeah! Of course, I still have.” “Okay! Same address and same time tomor
"Trina, you know that Miguel is here, right? Why did you bring him here?" Andrea whispered as she approached Trina."I didn't. He followed me here on his own." Trina replied as she tried to help Jake stand."Let go of me! Go with that jerk! Bullshit!" Jake heatedly said as he avoided Trina’s hands and struggled to stand, making his way out towards the door."Wait a moment, Andre." Trina worriedly remarked, briefly looking at Andrea before quickly following Jake outside. Despite her anger towards him for witnessing him kissing another girl whose hands were wrapped around his neck, still, she couldn't bring herself to disregard him. She saw how hurt he was from the punch he received from Miguel. She was worried, because he had just undergone an appendicitis surgery which was the reason for his momentary disappearance and not paying the money he owed her.Meanwhile, Andrea quietly watched the door through which Miguel entered. She raised her right hand to knock, but hesitated and withdrew
The sun had already climbed high in the sky when Andrea emerged from her place, the current dwelling she called home. She was on her way to her supplier as she run out of stocks for her merchandise. As she maneuvered her motorcycle through the streets, she passed by one of the largest hospitals in the city center: Brixton's Jackson Medical Hospital. She knew it was owned by Miguel's family and currently managed by his aunt, Dr. Selena Jackson Alvarez. Ever since she had discovered Miguel's true identity, she had long known; the Jacksons were multi-billionaires. Their wealth was unmistakably prominent in Brixton City, standing out as one of the wealthiest families in the country. Their fortune was evident in the education, medical, and real estate industries.After a few seconds of staring at the imposing building, Andrea glanced at her watch. Realizing it was almost time for her scheduled meeting with her supplier, she swiftly resumed from driving and left without reluctance.Meanwhil
At precisely four o'clock, the sun cast a warm, golden glow across the city. Missis Natalie sat patiently on the plush chair by the glass window; anxiously awaited the call from her trusted man to finalize the fate of Miguel and Marcus. Her fingers tapped impatiently on the polished surface of the desk, eyes fixed on her phone. Finally, the screen lit up. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she answered the call. "Yes?" "Ma'am, it's Davis. Boss wants you to prepare the huge payment for the heads of the two. We've got them." Davis' voice was cold and detached, the weight of his words chilling to the bone. "Excellent. Where is your Boss? I'd like to speak with him; I have a task for him," Mrs. Natalie responded, an insidious smile creeping onto her face. "I’m listening," came the reply from the other end. "You've done well, Conte. Now, you can avenge your father. Miguel's head is yours. But Marcus... he's a rival to Edward for Simon's position," Mrs. Natalie's eyes gleamed with
The clock on the grand ballroom wall struck 7:00 PM, its golden hands gliding over the intricately designed face, signaling the official start of Jackson Corporation's 50th annual celebration. The ballroom was already alive with the hum of chatter and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. Guests in their finest attire, an array of shimmering gowns and tailored suits, milled about under the glow of crystal chandeliers, eagerly awaiting the evening's program.Prominent executives and influential figures from various branches of the company had already arrived, mingling and exchanging pleasantries. The air was thick with anticipation; everyone knew that tonight was not just another annual celebration—it was the night Simon Jackson, the longstanding CEO, would announce his successor.Yet, while the room filled with eager faces and excited murmurs, the Jackson family themselves had not yet made their appearance. Each branch of the powerful family remained in their respective private suit
“Grr… what an unlucky day!!” Andrea cursed as she drove her motorcycle. It was raining cats and dogs due to heavy thunderstorm. She went outside to deliver her customers’ orders and she didn’t expect that she’ll finish it so late. It was reported in the news that there would be a tropical storm, so she delivered her goods as quickly as she could, but she didn’t ever think that the tropical storm would catch her at any moment. She speedily drove her motorcycle because she already felt the coldness on her back down to her spine when suddenly… Beep… Beeeeepppp… “Ahhh… Screeeeeech…” Andrea shouted as the metal screeching of the wheels from her 2-wheeled vehicle could be heard. She fiercely pressed the brakes. She was scared to death as she thought that she would be hit by the opposite car moving towards her direction. Crash… Whack! Andrea opens her eyes when she heard a loud bang of collision coming from her sideways. Only did she realized that she was not hit by the car, but it bumpe
The clock on the grand ballroom wall struck 7:00 PM, its golden hands gliding over the intricately designed face, signaling the official start of Jackson Corporation's 50th annual celebration. The ballroom was already alive with the hum of chatter and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. Guests in their finest attire, an array of shimmering gowns and tailored suits, milled about under the glow of crystal chandeliers, eagerly awaiting the evening's program.Prominent executives and influential figures from various branches of the company had already arrived, mingling and exchanging pleasantries. The air was thick with anticipation; everyone knew that tonight was not just another annual celebration—it was the night Simon Jackson, the longstanding CEO, would announce his successor.Yet, while the room filled with eager faces and excited murmurs, the Jackson family themselves had not yet made their appearance. Each branch of the powerful family remained in their respective private suit
At precisely four o'clock, the sun cast a warm, golden glow across the city. Missis Natalie sat patiently on the plush chair by the glass window; anxiously awaited the call from her trusted man to finalize the fate of Miguel and Marcus. Her fingers tapped impatiently on the polished surface of the desk, eyes fixed on her phone. Finally, the screen lit up. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she answered the call. "Yes?" "Ma'am, it's Davis. Boss wants you to prepare the huge payment for the heads of the two. We've got them." Davis' voice was cold and detached, the weight of his words chilling to the bone. "Excellent. Where is your Boss? I'd like to speak with him; I have a task for him," Mrs. Natalie responded, an insidious smile creeping onto her face. "I’m listening," came the reply from the other end. "You've done well, Conte. Now, you can avenge your father. Miguel's head is yours. But Marcus... he's a rival to Edward for Simon's position," Mrs. Natalie's eyes gleamed with
The sun had already climbed high in the sky when Andrea emerged from her place, the current dwelling she called home. She was on her way to her supplier as she run out of stocks for her merchandise. As she maneuvered her motorcycle through the streets, she passed by one of the largest hospitals in the city center: Brixton's Jackson Medical Hospital. She knew it was owned by Miguel's family and currently managed by his aunt, Dr. Selena Jackson Alvarez. Ever since she had discovered Miguel's true identity, she had long known; the Jacksons were multi-billionaires. Their wealth was unmistakably prominent in Brixton City, standing out as one of the wealthiest families in the country. Their fortune was evident in the education, medical, and real estate industries.After a few seconds of staring at the imposing building, Andrea glanced at her watch. Realizing it was almost time for her scheduled meeting with her supplier, she swiftly resumed from driving and left without reluctance.Meanwhil
"Trina, you know that Miguel is here, right? Why did you bring him here?" Andrea whispered as she approached Trina."I didn't. He followed me here on his own." Trina replied as she tried to help Jake stand."Let go of me! Go with that jerk! Bullshit!" Jake heatedly said as he avoided Trina’s hands and struggled to stand, making his way out towards the door."Wait a moment, Andre." Trina worriedly remarked, briefly looking at Andrea before quickly following Jake outside. Despite her anger towards him for witnessing him kissing another girl whose hands were wrapped around his neck, still, she couldn't bring herself to disregard him. She saw how hurt he was from the punch he received from Miguel. She was worried, because he had just undergone an appendicitis surgery which was the reason for his momentary disappearance and not paying the money he owed her.Meanwhile, Andrea quietly watched the door through which Miguel entered. She raised her right hand to knock, but hesitated and withdrew
It's Thursday, morning. Yes, it has been two days since Marcus visited Miguel. However, the resentment in Andrea’s heart still remains. “I’d like to recommend your aesthetic shirts to my classmates since I like it so much. I couldn’t believe that my boyfriend will find me attractive wearing those. So, thank you.” A senior high schooler petite girl vibrantly commented as she scanned the bangles she additionally ordered from Andrea. Silence… “Actually, my roommates wanted to have those shirts too, so, do you still have those lovely designs?” She asked. Still, silence hailed over. “Hey, Ms. nerdy, are you listening to me?” Waving her hand at Andrea’s face, she added. “Huh? ah! I’m s-sorry. What did you say?” Andrea inquired. “I said if do you still have those lovely shirts' designs I ordered last day, my roommates wanted it too, so I’d like to order again.” Crossing her hands, the petite girl answered. “Ah, yeah! Of course, I still have.” “Okay! Same address and same time tomor
“Miss Mina!!” Andrea said, feeling surprise after she opened the door. “Andrea, didn’t you hear me? I’ve been calling you since I saw you at the gate.” Miss Mina asked enthusiastically. “Oh! I’m so sorry Miss Mina. I didn’t hear you because I was in a hurry for I thought I hadn’t turned off the gas stove.” Andrea created an excused. “But, what brings you here Miss Mina? Didn’t we pay enough for the rent?” She added with a confused and worried expression. “Oh no, no. no! It has nothing to do with the rent.” Miss Mina waved her hand as she answered and uninvitedly made her way inside. “Where’s your boyfriend?” She suddenly asked as she walked past through Andrea and skim the inside to look for someone. “Why are you looking for him?” Andrea asked. Miss Mina has turned around. She looked at Andrea in the eye and eagerly said, “Haven’t you seen the I-TV morning-news channel? You know, I ran immediately here when I recognized the man’s face in the newsflash. I really think that it’s yo
‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ Miguel mistily opened his eyes. He was awakened by the alarm clock's roaster sound on the bedside table. Seconds later, he got up and hastily turned it off. “Ops! You shouldn’t turn it off. I set the alarm for you to take your medicine on time.” Andrea’s words popped out and echoed into his mind. In his recent stay with Andrea and Trina, he actually used to turn the alarm off because he was annoyed on its weird roaster sound. But, no matter how many times he’ll turn it off before he’ll sleep, Andrea would still and repeatedly sneak into the room to set it back. He could still remember the past few days she ran into him to steal the clock on his hold and turn the alarm once more. She keeps on retelling that it’s to remind him on taking his medicine on time. Thinking about it, Miguel merely lift his eyelids indifferently, smile and repeatedly shook his head like a villain, “You really got me, nerdy!” He commented idly. He got up from the bed and walk into the clo
“So, that was why! Way back then in Dr. Calvo’s clinic, when I supervised his discharge, I was in awe to know that the bill was already paid. The cashier just informed me that the patient's bill in suite room 207 has been settled. Dr. Calvo didn’t even mention his full name that time and how foolish I am to think that he’s an Imperial. I pitied him not because not every Imperial in the whole city holds a prestige life, but because he was injured because of me.” Andrea silently recalled and screamed on her head. “You lied. You told me and Trina once that you are an Imperial. We asked and you said, you are Miguel Imperial.” Andrea voiced out instead. She argued after contemplating. “I am. As so you know, I’m Allen Miguel Imperial – Jackson.” “What the –” Andrea was stunned and couldn’t argue any longer. She doesn’t know what to say and what to feel. She was out of words, because the truth is, she felt so anxious for she never expect that she is keeping not only a stunning and handsome
Don Arthur’s nephew and grandsons were about to stand to assist him, but they were stop by his hand signals telling them to go back to their seats because he has Oman at his side. “My apologies for coming late because no one notify me that today you are reconsidering to select a new leader for the company that I and my siblings built!” with power and integrity, Don Arthur announced the moment he sat at the middle edge of the rectangular table facing Simon’s direction. “Dad, I –” Simon was about to explain when Don Arthur stopped him through his hand gesture. He continued his statements while focusing his attention to his son and said, “I know that you have decided to pass down the presidency and CEO position to Edward. But, in order not to be biased and to protect the profits and welfare of the company and its people, so its better for us to have a fair-play selection. “So, are you saying that I couldn’t protect the company and can't make profits if I would be the new CEO that’s wh