“Master Payment? Your client?” I asked Bobby.He nodded. “My client before, my company now,” he said.I am in total disbelief. In just a matter of days, this company has turned Bobby’s life around.“Is that ethical?” I asked. “I was part of Quim’s company from the start and there was no mention of that condition when I signed up with him. I had my lawyers checked on that to be sure and they gave me a go,” he said.“He probably didn’t think you’d leave him,” I said.“Or he probably thought that I’d be his side kick and support system forever,” he said.“How about the rest of their projects with his company?” I asked.“Everything is pulled out now. Quim was even the one who suggested that. He said, if they couldn’t give them the first project, then might as well pull out the rest,” he said.In my head, I knew Quim did that because of pride. “Were you shocked?” he asked.“I’m glad this week is ending on a good note,” I said.“I couldn’t believe it. I am still reminding myself tod
I went home with my parents after having lunch at Bobby's parents' house. This is the second time that I won’t be staying with them overnight since I went out with him.We’ve reached another era in our relationship. Since both of us are new in our respective jobs, we agree to focus more on our career for now but still nourish our romantic life together. I find it a bit of fresh air.“Mom's not saying anything but I know she’s sad that you won’t be staying overnight this weekend again,” Bobby said.“Honestly, I don't feel good being there chilling while you're preparing for Monday,” I said.“Even CEOs have their honeymoon stage. It'll be just meeting people on my first day at work for sure,” he said.“I thought we agreed on this already,” I reminded him.“I guess I’m having separation anxiety,” he said.“Stop it. We had a good time today and that’s the most important,” I said.“Alright. If you changed your mind, just call me,” he said.As I watch him leave, I remember that I used
“So, he finally got it right this time!” Mom said when she saw the flowers that Bobby gave me.“Why did he not come inside?” Dad asked.“I went home alone. He had to rush back to his office for another meeting,” I said.“His busier life starts in no time,” he said.“He had to cancel our dinner for my birthday so he went to see me this afternoon for a quick advance celebration. He’ll be busy until Friday,” I said.“I read in the newspapers’ business section that your former company is facing losses,” he said.“Could that be the reason why Bobby left?” she asked."The opportunity must've presented itself to him," he said.I went upstairs while they talk about life choices. Truth is, I feel so many years behind Bobby. He’s taken responsibility of a company while I only take care of myself because that’s the only thing I can do for now.“You’re learning fast. I think you can do things with less supervision next week,” Trevor said.“Thanks. What else are we doing today?” I asked.“We’
“Aren’t you greeting your former boss? He looks even more handsome in person than in the magazine cover,” Trevor said.I’m too mesmerized to answer. More than his looks tonight, I am stunned to see Quim with Rocio for the second time. Perhaps, the power couple is getting serious.“He really deserved to be in the cover of that magazine,” he continued.I discreetly gazed at Quim and agreed with Trevor silently.“But Bobby might be in the cover soon,” he said.“You knew?” I asked.Trevor nodded. “It’s already known in the industry. Matters like that spread quickly,” he said referring to Bobby becoming a CEO.“Well, as for gracing the cover of the magazine, I haven’t heard about it,” I said.I saw a man waving at Trevor. This is a sea of corporate top people and I feel so intimidated. Even Trevor knows a lot of them and they know him too.“Hey, would like to meet my father?” he asked.“That would be nice but I’m a little intimidated,” I said.“Don't worry. He’s a good guy,” he said.
I haven’t removed my airpods since this morning. I’m keeping my distance from Trevor after his unexpected confession last Monday.I try to look busy by reading the procedures manuals. I want to give him the signal that I'm not available to talk despite not having new tasks today. It's the easiest and most decent way to distant myself from him.But there he goes knocking on my desk. I have to turn on my professional face mode immediately.“May I help…,” I asked professionally but couldn’t finish when I saw who was behind me.“Hi, Audrey. Good morning,” our department head Stella greeted me.It was embarrassing to act in the way I did. Trevor stands silently behind her.“Hi, Stella. Good morning,” I greeted back with a trembling voice. “Busy?” she asked.“Oh no. I’m just reading these manuals to further my knowledge,” I said.“That’s great. You use your idle time wisely. How’s Trevor treating you?” she asked.I stopped for a moment. “He’s taught me a lot. I know he has his o
The news of Quim’s company shutting down in two months has been announced. “It’s a good thing that you and Bobby left that company before it shuts down. Smart decision. You’re a smart girl,” Dad said.“Don’t you think things would've been different if Bobby stayed?” Mom asked.“Bobby is a smart boy but he’s not the one making the final decision. Apparently, the main man isn’t smart enough. He just has money and a big ego,” he said.“Dad, that’s too harsh. You haven’t met the person,” I said.As much as I want to defend Quim, I know Dad has already made up his mind about him. He’s in Bobby’s team no matter what happens.“Bobby’s calling you. Get it now,” he said.I went outside to accept the call. Days and perhaps weeks with very minimal conversations with Bobby made me miss him. “How’s work?” he asked.“I’m getting the hang of it,” I said.“Does that boy helping you?” he asked like an old man by referring to Trevor as a boy.“You mean Trevor? Yes. He’s a great help,” I said
The rest of the weekend went by without hearing from Bobby. To be honest, I am getting used to it.The expensive gifts I received from his mother are safely kept inside my closest. I don’t even bother hanging the dress. Everything is still in the paper bags.I woke up to the sound of my phone. Bobby’s calling me one hour before my alarm.“I’ll bring you to the office today. Text me when you’re ready,” he said.I rushed to the shower and fixed myself. I texted him as soon as I finished.“Didn’t you have a good sleep last night,” he asked seeing me still sleepy.“I slept around midnight,” I said.“What were you doing so late?” he asked.“Browsing, social media,” I said.“You can sleep while on our way,” he said.We barely spoke these past few months and even lesser last week but now he still wants me to sleep.“It’s okay. I can take a nap in the office,” I said.“Do you still have time to do that?” he asked.“We’ll reach the office in twenty minutes. My shift starts at 9AM,” I sa
My days have become so much different from what they used to be not so long ago. Days with less Bobby means more time to focus on my job. It’s so liberating to have a career that fulfills me no matter how low I started it from.“Audrey, come down. Bella’s here,” Mom called me just after I logged in for the day.I have a meeting in ten minutes but I have to see Bella. I've got to see her no matter what.“Hello, Audrey,” she greeted me. I was surprised to see a radiant Bella standing infront of me. I got ashamed of myself for looking so plain. How come she looks so pretty after the turmoil she went through?“You look great,” I told her.“You too. There’s something different about you. Whatever is it, it’s doing you good,” she told me.“I’m glad to see you. I wish we could talk now but I have a meeting,” I said.“You really are a working girl now,” she said.“I am. I started again and I believe I’m doing good. I'm enjoying it,” I said.“When are you free to talk?” she asked.“I
A year after ending an old era in my life and facing challenges in my corporate life while still working on my channel, I feel so tired but my mind refuses to surrender.“You had a delivery,” Mom said while pointing at the white square envelope on the table.I got curious about it but I have a feeling that my parents know or at least have a hint of what it is about.“An invite?” I asked but she ignored me.The invite is for the wedding of Bobby and Rocio. It's no surprise that they would begin liking each other after going through their company’s ordeal but it still surprised me that it has reached this point already.“It’s for Bobby and Rocio’s wedding,” I said to my parents.They look at me without reaction on their faces. They knew it.“I know you won’t attend it,” Bobby said on the other line but he’s not mad.“But you did send an invite anyway,” I said.“That’s my way of telling you,” he said.“I wanted to call you last year when I saw you on the magazine cover but I thought it
Needless to say that my parents, especially my father, are not happy with my split from Bobby. They’ve been giving me the cold treatment since that night that we broke up. He was my first serious boyfriend that they met and they were really rooting for him. I try to act normal every time I am working from home. I film my videos when they are already in their room. They thought my newfound interest was one of the reasons why I split from Bobby. Until now, they still believe that I still don’t know what I want in life and this cooking and filming interest is just another phase.“I’m glad you agreed to having additional one day working in the office,” Trevor said.“It’s fine. It’s starting to get boring at home. I see many are back to the usual set up,” I said.“Well, hybrid is the best. I won’t last the entire week working here,” he said.I smiled. It’s the first time I heard him say about his dislike about working in the office. “Anyway, your views are getting higher,” he sai
“Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” Rocio started her introduction.I feel the cringe as many eyes are looking at me like I’m the luckiest girl in the world.“How does it feel to be the wife of the youngest CEO and billionaire in the country? Not to mention – a very charming man?” a guest asked me.I can’t breathe. I don’t know what to say but I know what I want to do and that’s to run away from everyone.My phone has been ringing nonstop. I saw two missed calls prior to the current one.“You’re still awake, aren’t you?” Ally asked on the line.I checked the time. It’s still Saturday night. I fell asleep while uploading my latest videos in my online channel.“What do you want?” I asked.“Congratulations!” she said.“What? No! I’m not getting married yet!” I screamed.The dress that Auntie Blessy bought for me a few months ago is finally out of the closet. It’s simple yet very elegant. I’m still hesitant to wear it to my lunch with Bobby tomorrow.“Are you sure yo
The sight of Bobby eating with so much appetite is refreshing. But if my observation was right, he’s in need of something he couldn’t find just anywhere even with the power and money that he has.“Hey, join me. I’m sorry for devouring your food,” he said with a noticeable sad smile on his face.“It's alright. We had heavy snacks this afternoon,” I said.“Do they come here often?” he asked.“Just today. I wanted them to taste my desserts and……,” I said but couldn’t finish.“And then?” he asked.“I am also filming my cooking,” I said shyly.“You’re vlogging,” he said.“I want to try. It’s Trevor’s idea,” I said.“He’s got a great idea,” he said.I regret telling that to him. “You’re surrounded by good people,” he said.I’ve been wanting to ask him why he suddenly arrived but I recalled what my parents said that he’s not required to call in advance to let me know he’s coming. “I missed you. I missed being around you,” he said.He holds my hand while he continues eating. He looks
I spent the rest of the evening going through my old recipe notebook that contains all my imaginary recipes that I never get to try and have remained unfinished up to this day.Thanks to Bella for reminding me that once upon a time, I dreamed of becoming a chef or even just a cook. I realized once again that I spent so many years in college trying to figure out what I wanted to do in my life only to graduate, find a job, and still continue figuring out if what I’m doing now is the one that I really want.“Audrey is not with us yet,” Gelly said in the video call.I tried to open my eyes immediately. “I’m sorry. I was having a hard time sleeping last night,” I said an alibi.“We can proceed now,” Trevor said.“We will be needing your team’s assistance in our next project. Basically, we will be requesting data from your end,” she said.“Sure. We are happy to assist. Just send us your requests,” I said actively.Trevor hides his smile but I could still see it from the screen.“I sen
The sound of people talking inside our house was what I instantly heard upon opening our gate.“Where have you been?” Bobby asked as soon as I entered our house.My parents look happy being reunited with him.Is this my punishment for sneaking out to meet Quim? I completely forgot to think of an alibi before returning home. “Why are you here? Did you call?” I asked Bobby defensively.“What kind of question was that?” Dad asked as Bobby looked surprised as well.“If I knew you were coming, I would’ve not met with my colleagues,” I lied.“He doesn’t need to call to announce he’s coming. He’s welcome here,” Mom said.“It’s fine, Uncle, Auntie,” Bobby said.“Please bear with her, son,” Dad said to him.“I completely understand. I know she’s enjoying her colleagues’ company lately,” Bobby added.“We’ll leave you two here,” Mom said.“I’m also leaving in a few minutes, Auntie. I just waited for Audrey to arrive,” Bobby said.Mom shook her head. She’s probably disappointed.“Feel free t
I don’t have money, not even impressive credentials to have confidence to request to visit a property but I have the magic number.My heart beats faster as I wait for Quim to answer my call.“I know it’s kind of late….,” I started talking as soon the call got picked up.“Audrey?” a woman asked me. “Oh…I’m sorry. I dialed the wrong number,” I said.“Are you looking for Quim? He’s just getting something from upstairs. Would you mind waiting?” she asked.“Is it alright, Ma’am?” I asked carefully.“Luisa, It’s Quim’s mother. Don’t you remember me, Audrey?” she said.“Oh my God. I’m sorry, Ma’am. I wasn’t able to recognize your voice,” I said.“Ah….my voice is different from video calls. That’s fine. Anyway, here's Quim,” she said.“Thank you, Ma’am,” I said while my hand is shaking.“Auntie Luisa,” she said to me.“Who’s this?” Quim asked.“Audrey,” she said to him.“What does she need?” he asked.“Talk to her,” she said.My heart now skips a beat. I never thought I would talk t
I’ve been waiting for Leila’s call since yesterday. I want to send her a message but I am embarrassed to do so. So many things are running inside my head and they’re all confusing me.“Audrey? Hey, I’m sorry. I haven’t called you yet,” she told me on the line.“It’s fine. I was just…you know….,” I couldn’t tell her exactly what my intention for the call is but I am hoping that she has the slightest hint.“It's about my meet up with Quim, right?” she asked.“More likely to check on him. He’s in a very challenging time right now and I want to know how he’s coping,” I continued to hide my true intention.“We are flying back to the US tomorrow. Do you have time today after work?” she asked.I invited her to meet me at the nearest coffee shop to my office. I only had one cup of coffee the whole day but I feel I’m already shaking.Leila really looks prettier than when I first met her in Quim’s house but unlike the other day, her eyes look a little sadder this time.“Sorry that I bot
I was in the shower when my phone rang. I had to rush to pick it up. Manifesting is real.But we sometimes confuse expecting with manifesting and expectations always lead to disappointments.“I’ve a big favor you to ask from you,” Bobby said.“Sure. Is everything okay? What is it?” I asked.“The events are really happening one after the other. I can’t keep up anymore,” he said.“I told you that you don’t have to attend every event. You have people to represent you,” I said.“But clients want to see me there,” he said.“How did you know that?” I asked.“My marketing team is doing some sort of a survey before each event,” he said.“Well, what is the favor that you want from me?” I asked.“Can you attend an event in my behalf?” he asked.“Me? Attending alone?” I asked with obvious nervousness in my voice.“Yes. Our companies are not competitors so you could be my representative there,” he said.“But are you sure? I’m not good in business matters. I haven’t read the current event