Chapter Two: How Have You Been?

Right after reading the few sheets in the tabloid, Elaine ended up folding the paper and placed it over the piles of untouched booklets on the table. She picked up the other one from her side to tuck them all together. Suddenly, a particular headline caught her attention. Everything shown in both tabloid and national TV news was the same; crime, government, and economic issues, but this one appeared to be more intriguing than anything else. The forthcoming closure of the biggest cotton textile company in the country, the DM Textile. A textile company owned by De Marcos. It was the legacy that was left by Tan's late grandfather, Daniel De Marco after he passed away. 

At first, Elaine thought that the DM Textile's inheritance would be given to Sean De Marco, Tan’s twin brother. But he was busy acting as the Chairman of The Palace, and at the same time, he was also currently managing the Sean and Tan Teacaf with the help of their friend, Miguel. At the moment, the 35-year-old businessman was instead focused on finding his estranged wife, Thera. 

As a matter of fact, she's going through the same stuff as him.

Elaine's smile was bitter-sweet. She can't help but feel envious of Thera, for that matter; a guy who would never give up on her until he finds her. While she...

She took a deep breath. That wasn't Tan's fault; it was hers. Everything began when she started lying to him.

She pushed the bowl of salad off of her. She's not a freaking goat, but her personal dietician kept serving her leafy vegetables in her diet all the time. She picked up the royal Copenhagen flora danica cup placed on the saucer then took a sip of tea in it. 

Elaine knew Tan so well. She's confident that he would never take over the company's management, just like what he had planned before. He even heard him say that he'd be willing to pass it on to his twin brother if possible. But just letting DM Textile shut down and just giving it away to charity is another story. She knew how important the Textile Company was to the De Marcos'. Especially for Tan, who was very close to his grandfather when the latter was still alive.

DM Textile's shutting down would not just affect the family's social and financial status. If ever, a large number of labourers would be in great misery. It would be one hell of a burden he’ll carry on his shoulder for sure. 

It was just a few months ago when Elaine first heard about the news. It blew just right in time she came back after leaving for way too long. The right time and right opportunity she long waited and hoped for is handed to her on a silver platter. And everything is going according to plan, except for one. She already anticipated that Tan will never let himself get closer to her ever again. The thought of it stirred her emotions badly.

WAITING for the elevator to come down, she glanced at the indicator now and then, shuffling on her feet. The boutique she owned was on the 4th floor of The Palace Mall and Hotel. Setting up her own business was the first thing she ever did once she arrived back home. Today was Ainsdale Boutique Shop's opening day, and she was running late. She was stuck in traffic in Ortigas for hours. Ann, the branch manager, had been trying to reach her out, constantly reminding her that the ribbon-cutting is about to start in a few minutes. 

Relieved swept into her when it slid open just in time. She hurried towards the elevator. When everyone had finally settled themselves in, she pressed the close door button quickly. She felt like the more she glanced at the time, the slower the motion rolled in. She almost wanted to grunt in utter frustration when the elevator chimed on the second floor, indicating that it stopped to load or unload passengers.

The door hadn't completely slid wide open just yet when she saw a tall man waiting in front of the elevator door. He was checking the time on his Rolex wristwatch, just like her, playing tag with the time. His other hand was slid inside the pocket of his black slack. 

The man was wearing all black. From his long sleeve polo shirts rolled up to his elbows, down to his formal leather shoes.

Like in a movie, Elaine felt how everything turned into a slow-motion, especially when he lifted his face evenly. By the time their eyes met, her heart was beating fast. The man looked fixedly at her before withdrawing his eyes. At first, Elaine thought that he would not join them in, but he clearly did not hesitate when he stepped inside the lift.

The man stood next to her. Just like that, the tension grew thicker. She felt like she was sweating intensely despite the cold temperature in the elevator. An expensive smell of his cologne had filled the small space of the elevator car. His familiar scent danced through her nostrils. Elaine wished she could take a few deep breaths without making him notice. She wanted to do so, in the hope that the fragrance would linger longer even though their distance had to grow far away. 

Silly her.

The elevator door slid close. Elaine just realized that the ladies' eyes were locked on him. He slid his other hand into his pocket without throwing her a glance. 

Elaine had an idea of what seems to be a fascinating sight to these girls. Tan's eyes, his full reddish lips, his straight nose, and his muscular solid jawline. They were manly and very attractive, not to mention the guy's domineering stance that's adding more to his charisma. Everything about Tan is sexually alluring. He has got that incredible ability to seduce every single woman on earth, without even trying.

Elaine quickly forced her gaze away from him. No matter how hard she wanted to keep her eyes on him, she knew she couldn't. Afraid he would hear the unstoppable loud beatings of her heart, she tried to distance herself from him as far as she could.

"Say anything, girl. Anything that could break the ice!" Elaine coached herself. She's been planning this one ahead, but now he's a few inches from her; she was at a loss for words. 

Elaine took a deep breath, clearing her throat, then lifted her face. She flashed a smile even though he was staring at the door when she was speaking at him.

"How have you been, Tan? Was it two years? Three years? How long has it been?"

Could she be any dumber? She wanted to close her eyes and curse at herself for her foolishness. 

She carefully turned to him to watch his reaction. Elaine saw him flinched before his jaws tightened. His eyes turned sharply. She bit her lip in shame. She wanted to say something once more, but just right she opened her mouth to speak to him, the elevator door glided open on the 3rd floor of the mall. Without even looking at her, he stepped out of the lift.

The corner of her lips curled a bitter smile. Tan ignored her on purpose. But what was she expecting anyway? A smile with arms wide open? Tan has the right to still be angry. She can't blame him for his hatred. Even though his hatred would last forever, it's all on her. 

She just realized that their eyes were on her now. Surely, most of them would think that she's a psycho or a hard trying hooker who failed to hit on a smart guy. However, she cared less at the moment. What's more disturbing was that familiar pang of pain in her chest. It was starting to kick in a little harder. 

At last, she reached her destination. She quickly headed for the exit and took long strides in the lobby. Her steps shifted to slow from fast. She was too preoccupied with the thoughts of the man from the lift. The pain in her chest was becoming more overwhelming, replacing the prior worry she felt about the ribbon-cutting just a few moments ago.

What was Tan even doing in The Palace? Was he there to check on her? He even took the regular lift; meanwhile, there's a special lift for VIPs like him. Aware that Sean was the acting chairman of The Palace Mall and Hotel, she thought Tan has a small share of his twin brother's business. 

Elaine shook her thoughts away. She knew that Tan would not waste his time just for her anymore. 

Elaine heaved out a sigh. Relieved to see the customers standing in line and some congratulatory flowers lined up at her boutique's entrance. The fire exit on the right was slammed open, and someone unknown dragged her into that direction. A hand covered her mouth, muffling her screams. She could feel her heart pounding in great horror when someone took her with force.

The door behind her slammed closed. She panicked. She was about to shout for help, but the man quickly covered her mouth with his hand. His palm was huge, and it could almost cover her entire face.

The man's gaze roamed over her face before it pounced on her eyes. When their eyes met, Elaine was held completely immobile. Her eyes were a pair of stunned and confused eyes, while his were a mixture of anger and disgust.

She noticed the side of his forehead dripping with sweat. He obviously ran his way up to the 4th floor. As fast as he could for sure. Just like her, was he also surprised? What was he doing there in the first place? Wasn't he supposed to be busy in the hospital just like before?

"What was the question again?" he asked.

"Tan..."

Tan gave her a sneering smile. "It was three years, Elaine. Three years ago, you left me in exchange for five million pesos!"

Elaine flinched. Tan was glaring at her as if he wanted to strangle her neck. Elaine swallowed the imaginary lump in her throat. He sounded furious, bet she felt the resentment attached to his voice.

Was there a time he saw him this angry? There was none until now. Even when she handed him the signed annulment papers and the bank cheque for him to sign, Tan remained unperturbed and calm.

Tan loosen his grip on her.

"I know what you're planning, Elaine. Stay away from my family,"

Elaine wanted to tell him that it was not the case, that it's far from what she wanted to happen. But she could not find the right words to say to him. 

Afterwards, he left her stunned and made his way towards the exit door, not waiting for her to answer. She wanted to run to him and beg him for a second chance.