Chapter 5: Missis Natalie's Request

Back to the Jackson’s manor; Simon is still sipping his tea when he noticed the restlessness of his wife, so he asked, “What’s wrong? Do you have something to say?”

Natalie flipped her fingers on her lap and cautiously replied, “Uhm… Hon I heard from the police earlier that they still haven't found Miguel, so what will happen to the company now that the 50^th annual celebration is fast approaching? Who will take charge of his job? I’m asking because you know I’m so concerned of you, the company, and our family.”

Simon looked at his wife in the eye and saw its worried expression. He sighed, saying “Starting today, Marcus will temporarily take over Miguel’s unfinished job for the company’s annual celebration, and I know for sure, if the board will know, they would surely ask where’s Miguel, so… I intent to call for an emergency board meeting.”

Meeting his gaze, Natalie expressed, “Then how about your position in the company? Hon you must passed it down to our son, Edward.”

Simon’s brow furrowed when he heard his wife sentiments, so he seriously said, “You know I can’t do that!”

“Why not? Edward is your eldest son. He’s the first-born young master Jackson of this family, and you trained him personally. He gave his life and works for the company side by side with you. So, if there is a perfect candidate and anyone worthy to replace you, it is none other than, but our son Edward!” Natalie blurted out her true intentions of why she’s appearing in front of her husband.

“Why are you telling it me now when you know exactly that we’re still looking for Miguel? Though he’s not your biological son, but he is Edward's brother. He is my son. Aren’t you worried for his safety?” Simon said while holding back his anger.

“I am worried of him, because I treated him like my own son, but I am more than worried of my husband!” Natalie’s voice cracks as tears are beginning to well in her eyes. She snorts and presumes, “I know that you’re secretly treating your heart illness and that is why you plan to retire as the CEO promptly.”

Simon is momentarily shocked as he looked at his wife shortly. He didn’t know what to react with her sudden burst out, because it’s true that he is secretly suffering from myocardial infarction, a heart disease that is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, and for the 3 consecutive months; he’s secretly seeing cardiologist and professional doctors to treat him. He hid it for himself and didn’t inform anyone, even his own wife because he doesn’t want them to worry about his condition especially that he’s still the leader of the leading real-estate company all throughout the country.

Natalie held her husband’s hand and pleaded, “Please Hon, listen to me. Let me be at your side while we look for a treatment. Let me take care of you. If Miguel is not here yet and we cannot hear any single news from him, please, I’m requesting you to back down from your position and do not stay for a little longer in the company just because you’re hoping that Miguel will objectively come back. Though I’m praying that he’s alright and will just come back to us, but Hon, you have to be cautious for your health as well.” She paused, and when Simon didn’t react, she added, “I'm begging you to get well; for me, for Edward, for Adam, and for Miguel wherever he is right now. Do this for our family!”

Simon placed his palms on her hand, and with a sighed, he replied “Thank you Hon for your concern. But, I’m okay and you know, even though I want to pass down the CEO position to Edward, but Dad won’t agree to it –”

“Why not? Just because until now, he still didn’t like me? If that’s the case, then you have to convince him, since it’s for your own good! It’s for your own health!” Natalie suddenly exclaimed as she retracted her hands from him. “Besides you’re the CEO and at the end of the day, you still have the final say.” She added, seeking for his approval.

“Though I’m the CEO and hold the biggest company shares, but dad is still the chairman, he founded the company and the board listens on him.” Simon refuted.

“So, you're saying now that you'll just listen to everything your dad says? You know Simon? From then until now, you’re still a coward! You haven't been able to stand up both for me, and your son!” Natalie cried as she quickly got up and left.

“Natalie? Hon? –”

Simon called his wife, but the latter didn’t throw him even a single stare and continue walking away in the study room. Simon closes his eyes when he heard the closing and clicking sound of the door; he brushed off his chest with his right palm and with a heavy sigh; he sat down again. Now, he is blankly staring his tea cup when he remembers the past. Yes! many years have already passed, but the fact Natalie brought this up, that only means everything that happened in the past is still lock in her heart.

***

Back to Andrea’s apartment; the two are now having breakfast.

“Whoah! what a relief that my simple dish could rid his annoyance from what I did to his wound.” Andrea silently thought as she enjoyed watching Miguel pleasurably eating all the foods she prepared. She didn't actually hurt him on purpose, she was just surprised because that was the first time she heard the word 'thank you' from him. She thought that he didn't really know how to be grateful as he always had a frown on his handsome face. As a matter of fact, just because of kindness and fear she agreed to take care of him for two weeks in exchange for not going to jail, but for a short while that she’s with him, she only knows him by name. She didn’t even know if he has a family, where he was living or how he could pay her since he said that he would pay, but how? Does he have a job? All these were glued in Andrea’s mind.

“Uhm… Does your family know what happen to you?” Andrea can’t contain her curiosity, so she asked.

Miguel’s food hang in the air when he heard her question. He puts down his spoon as he emptied his throat and said, “Don’t you know that food is sacred? Thus, when we start eating, we have to finish it first before we could chat.”

Miguel is about to resume in eating when he noticed her small laughter, so with his brows furrowed, he asked, “What’s funny?”

Andrea immediately cleared her throat as she replied, “Hmm… nothing. I just suddenly remembered my grandfather because his teachings are like that too.”

“So, what do you think of me? your grandfather?” Miguel said sarcastically.

“Oh, I thought it was forbidden to talk while eating, why are you still asking?” Andrea teased him instead.

Miguel glared at her.

“Tsk. Tsk. There's your sharp eyesight again, I'm just asking okay? Uhm, okay!” She immediately said while raising her two hands as she meant for defeat, then she continued, saying, “Go ahead and eat, I'll talk to you later.”

With that, Miguel resumes from eating and Andrea eats too. When she noticed that he was about to finish eating, she seriously informed him, “By the way, one of my online clients has an order, so I'm leaving. Are you okay to be left here alone?”

“So, you're really an online seller? Is that where you earn?” Miguel asked as he wiped his mouth. He already heard her saying about 'online' but he didn't give any remarks for it, only this time.

Andrea nodded to his questions and casually responded, “Yes, I’m selling fashionable clothes and accessories through online while Trina is a sales lady in a jewelry shop." She paused for a while, but when she realized that it's the best opportunity to ask something relevant, she eventually added, "How about you? How did you earn? Are you an employee?”

Miguel retreated from his seat and said, “No. I am not an employee because I’m the one who employs.”

“Ha – Ha! Are you kidding? So, you’re telling me you’re the boss?” Andrea asked in a mocking tone.

“Yes!” with a straight face, he replied.

Andrea’s jaw dropped from his response. After a few second, she laughed as she asked, “So, if you’re the boss, then why you’re here with us? In this small apartment?”

“Because I like your cooking. Your foods tasted like my mom’s recipe. Besides, you’re the reason why I’m injured, so you must take good care of me for at least 2 straight weeks.” He retorted insensibly.

Andrea stutters as she said, “A-ahh are you – that – honest?”

“Yes. I was born for it. If I had to say it outright, I’ll definitely say it. Uhm… well… it definitely depends on my mood.” With a shrugged, Miguel nonchalantly declared.

Andrea withdraw her gaze at him. She couldn't believe him any further for she thought that he was just bluffing, so she looked at her watch instead, and when she saw that it’s almost time for her appointment, she abruptly said, “Okay! It’s almost time, let’s continue our chat later, I needed to go.” She then gets her sling bag, helmet, and her customer’s parcel.

“I have to go. See you later. B –” Andrea bid for a goodbye but she was interrupted by his sudden question, “Are you sure you’re going out with that outfit?”

Andrea scanned herself first before she replied, “What’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Are you sure your selling fashionable clothes? it's good that you have customers even though you're fine going out like that.” Miguel commented as he scanned her thoroughly.

Andrea rolled down her eyes as she barked, “Haler! Don’t you know that it’s fashion? So, what! if I dress like this. So, what! if I look like a nerd? There’s nothing wrong for me to become an online seller even if I’m like this, hmp!” she brushed him off and walk-out hurriedly.

“What? No. What I’m –”

Miguel tries to clarify, but Andrea has already made her way outside the apartment.

‘What I’m trying to say is… for you to attract more customers, you have to observe your fashion as well. I’m not trying to offend you, I’m just trying to help. Pfft!’ Miguel screamed in his head.