Forbidden

CHAPTER ONE

I quickly slouched in the driver’s seat of the car. I knew the car was fully tinted and there’s no way Jessica could see me inside but the intensity of her gaze tells me otherwise.

I gulped as she walked towards the car.

What the hell? Does she know I was following her?

I held my breath when she suddenly fixed her curly hair while looking at the window of the passenger’s seat.

I chuckled.

I saw Cindy, her personal assistant come to her and tapped her back.

They talked for a while before hopping in Jessica’s van.

“Almost.” I told myself as I watched them leave the parking lot of Jessy’s condo.

I stayed for a straight fifteen minutes before starting the engine of my car.

Dad and I will meet at my office before lunch. I sighed. I really hoped this time I could persuade him.

“Sir Ethan.” The valet returned the keycard of my Tesla car.

“Thank you, Dan. Here.” I gave him a tip before opening my car. “I’d like a white honda civic on my next schedule. Do you have an available unit?” I asked.

“Yes Sir. We have available tinted white honda civic.” He knew my preference well.

“Cool.” I nodded and sat in the driver’s seat.

I was renting a car frequently because of my other job and to check on Jessy from time to time.

Jessica’s my younger sister. I don’t want her to know that I was following her like a freak stalker.

I arrived at my building earlier than expected. The third model of Tesla reached my expectations.

“Boss E.T, your Dad’s waiting for you in your office.” Edmund, my secretary approached me as I stepped out of the car.

“Okay. Please reschedule all of my appointments today.” I said and checked the email that I received from the base.

We have a new case.

“Noted Sir. Do I need to order lunch for you and Sir William?” He asked while following me inside the building.

“Don’t bother. We will head out before lunch. Did you finish the contract that I requested yesterday?” I asked.

“Yes Sir. I will just print and bring it to your office.” He replied and pushed the elevator button.

“Good. And please bring two cups of coffee. No sugar for Dad.” I said and entered the elevator.

He followed me and pushed the button again for the door to close.

“Noted Sir. Anything else?” He asked.

“That’s all, Edmund. Thank you.” I answered.

I remember the first time I interviewed Edmund for his position. That was eight years ago. We were just renting a small office in BGC back then. He was applying for an internship. He was so nervous that in the middle of the interview he passed out. I was actually impressed by the way he presented himself so I gave him a chance even though he was still an undergraduate.

“Today’s the final interview for the three civil engineers, right?” I remember all of a sudden.

“Yes sir, they’re in the meeting room. But don’t worry, we could reschedule it next week.” He said looking at his phone.

“No. You could do the interview instead of me.” I said and walked out of the elevator.

“Good morning Sir E.T.” Elizabeth, one of my Architects greeted me.

“Good morning. I received your plans last night. Impressive.” I said and turned to Edmund again.“Edmund will work with you on that project. Present it to me with the final blueprint by the end of the month.” I said and left them both hanging as I entered my office.

“Dad.” He put down his phone and stood up from my chair.

“Did you tell Jessica you love her?” He asked again.

I sighed and loosen my necktie before hugging him.

“When will you stop asking me the same question? Jessica’s my sister.” I answered.

He crossed his arms and walked to the chair in front of my table.

“Son, I'm not getting any younger. I want to meet my grandchild before I see your mother again.” He replied.

“Then stay with me longer. I need you, Dad.” I said.

He smiled at me weakly.

“Don’t repeat what I did in the past. You know that I never got the chance to say my true feelings to your Mom. I would trade anything to tell her that I love her.” He said and handed me a brown envelope.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Open it.” He said.

“Last will and testament of William Trevor Smith.” I read the headline of the document before looking back at him.

“Don’t you think it’s too early for this?” I asked with a lump in my throat.

“The earlier the better. That’s your motto but look at you and Jessy.” He laughed and tapped my table. “The girl won’t wait for you forever.”

I was about to say something but interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in." I said and sat on my swivel chair.

Edmund walked in holding a tray in his hands.

"Coffee Sir." He offered it to my Dad.

"No, thank you Edmund. I already had a coffee before I went here." Dad answered.

"Here's your coffee Boss E.T. I also bring the contract that you asked." Edmund said and put down the coffee on my table.

"Thank you, Ed. Next time let your trainee do the coffee." I said and pointed to the chair next to my Dad.

"Is there a problem with the coffee Sir?" He asked.

Dad laughed and gestured to Edmund to sit on the chair.

"Here's the contract S-sir." He pulled out a green folder in his backpack and handed it to me.

I scanned the three pages contract, signed it, and gave it back to him.

"Now, if you accept my offer, write your name and sign it too." I said and pushed my pen towards him.

I saw the way his eyes grew bigger before looking at me.

"T-this contract is for me Sir?" The confusion was all over his face.

"Yes, Edmund. You will be the new senior civil engineer of this company. I want you to handle our operations in our north office together with Engineer Torres.” I answered him.

“You mean in the La Union office? Are you being serious Sir?” He asked, looking down in his contract and back to me.

“Did I ever joke about work Edmund?” I asked.

He stood up eagerly and extended his hand to me.

“Thank you so much Boss E.T. I won't disappoint you.” He said.

“I know Ed. But for now, go to the interview. Find me a new secretary and train it well before you transfer in your new office.” I said and looked back at Dad.

“Yes Sir. Thank you again.” He said and with a bright smile exited my office.

He stayed loyal in the company for the past years.

The guy deserved it and I know he would do his best for the position.

Dad waited for me until I finished signing some plans and documents.

A commotion outside my office got my attention.

I saw Jessica’s wide smile as she tried to avoid Edmund. Here we go again.

“Your girl is here.” Dad said with amusement in his face as she watched Jessica.

I stood up and removed my coat when I saw Edmund grab her wrist to stop her from coming into my office.

“Daddy William!” Jessy screamed when I opened the door.

“Let go of her Ed.” I said and pulled Jessica inside.

“I’m sorry Boss.” Edmund fixed her crumpled coat.

I nodded and faced Jessica.

“I told you to stop coming in here. You’re distracting my team.” I said and closed the door behind us.

“It’s not my problem if they find me attractive to be distracted. I’m here for Daddy William.” She said and walked towards Dad.

Dad stood up and embraced her.

I slid my hands inside my side pockets.

Who wouldn't be distracted by the way she dresses? She’s a famous actress too!

Seventy percent of the people here are male. Of course I am bothered!

“It’s nice to see you again, Hija. You’re looking more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” Dad said and looked at me.

“That’s why I like you more than your son.” She said and rolled her eyes at me.

I shook my head and went back to my table to get my wallet.

“Did mom call you to go here?” I asked.

She was pouting her lips just like when we were young whenever I caught her lying. Oh I know you so well Amelia Jessica.

“Actually this time, Dad did ask me to go here and get Daddy William from you. Dad knew you’re so workaholic. And he was right! You are letting Daddy William to wait for you!” She accused and clung to Dad’s arm.

“I was just signing some papers! I called Mom last night and said that we will be there for lunch.” I answered back.

Dad let out a hearty laughed.

“Kids stop fighting. It’s okay Jessy, darling. I like watching him work while I’m here in the Philippines.” Dad softly said and gently tapped her hand on his arm.

“See? Brat.” I said and walked to the door again.

I opened it wide for them.

I saw the way Jessy rolled her eyes again after whispering something to Dad.

I removed my coat and stopped her at the door.

“Wear this before we go.” I said sternly at her.

“Nothing’s wrong with my dress Ethan. Don’t be ridiculous.” She said and pushed my hand away from her.

She guided Dad

“Amelia Jessica.” I said her full name.

She stopped and stomped her feet.

“Oh I hate you!” She said and quickly grabbed the coat from me.

She put it on her shoulders. The length of the coat covered her fitted dress.

That’s more I like it.

She crossed her arms and walked out first.

Dad put his hand on my shoulders to stop me from following Jessica.

“It’s too obvious son.” He shook his head with a lopsided smile on his lips.

Was I?

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