Chapter 6: First Day on the Job

Before leaving the house, Rosa knelt down and hugged her son tightly.

“You’ll be back by 6 p.m., right, Mommy?” Brent asked cheerfully, clinging to her as if he didn’t want to let go.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Rosa replied with a warm smile, gently brushing his soft hair. “Now, be a good boy for Ate Gigi, okay?”

Brent nodded enthusiastically, then ran off to their housekeeper, Gigi. For almost four years, Gigi had been Rosa’s steadfast helper, someone she could always rely on. Whether it was chores or errands, Gigi had a knack for getting everything done before Rosa even needed to ask.

Yet, as Rosa watched her son dart away, memories she’d rather forget began to surface. It had been five years, but the wounds of the past still lingered. She couldn’t shake the events that had changed her life forever—moments that sometimes felt like a nightmare, other times like an unexpected blessing.

Her father’s voice still echoed in her ears, harsh and unforgiving as he cast her out without hearing her side.

She sighed, her mind drifting to the challenges of the past five years. Somehow, she had managed to survive—raising her son alone, pursuing a degree in design, and eventually becoming the chief designer at her company. Despite the struggles, she considered herself fortunate to provide a stable life for her child while also saving for their future.

Her eyes landed on the contact saved on her phone. Countless times, she had been tempted to call her father, to bridge the gap that had only widened with time. But fear always stopped her.

Is Daddy still angry after all these years? she wondered.

Shaking her head, she muttered, “Just forget it,” and turned off her phone before leaving the house.

+++++

At the same time, a middle-aged man exited a sleek conference room, his phone already in hand. The final negotiations between Yddro International Group and AD International Group had concluded, and the contract had just been signed. The deal amounted to a staggering $10 billion.

“Sir,” one of his subordinates said over the phone, “the meeting is over, and the contract has been signed. You are now officially the president of AD International Group.”

“I know,” Trojack replied coolly. “Just make sure no one else finds out about this for now.” Ending the call, he slid his phone into his pocket.

This acquisition was his first step toward fulfilling the promise he made to his grandmother—to pursue Rosa. Spending $10 billion to acquire her company might seem excessive, but it was a strategic move. Not only did the company align with their expansion goals, but it also gave him an opportunity to get closer to Rosa.

There must be something special about her, he thought. His grandmother seemed convinced of it, but he couldn’t see it yet.

For now, the decision would rest with Rosa. Whether she accepted him and the marriage proposal was entirely up to her. Trojack knew the odds weren’t in his favor—they were strangers, after all. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to marry someone who didn’t even know him.

Little did Rosa know that her boss had just been replaced.

+++++

A few days later, Rosa found a private kindergarten near their home for Brent. She felt a pang of hesitation about sending her son to school in the Philippines, but she knew he’d be fine. Her role was to support him every step of the way.

Thankfully, the school had accepted Brent’s late enrollment, and classes were set to begin the very next day. They managed to buy all the necessary school supplies and uniforms in one afternoon.

“Mommy, I’m so excited to go to school! I couldn’t even sleep last night!” Brent exclaimed, jumping up and down on the bed in his new uniform.

Rosa chuckled, watching him with pride. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from her assistant, Vrent Loren.

Vrent:

Good morning, ma’am. The boss requests to meet with you at the office this morning.

Rosa swallowed hard as she read the message. Another day of work. With Brent starting school, she needed to finish as much as possible so she could still have time for him later.

“Let’s eat, anak,” Rosa said gently, helping Brent down from the bed. “Be careful and don’t get too excited. Your teacher might scold you.”

They headed to the kitchen, where Gigi had just finished preparing breakfast for the three of them.

“Ma’am, perfect timing! The food is ready,” Gigi said cheerfully as she packed fried rice into a container. Rosa noticed that Gigi had set aside her own portion, as usual.

“Gigi, join us,” Rosa insisted. “You’ve worked so hard already. You deserve to sit and eat with us.”

“Naku, ma’am, nakakahiya po,” Gigi replied shyly. “I’m just a helper. I’m fine eating later.”

“Ate, come on! Don’t be shy!” Brent chimed in with a grin, his eyes fixed on the fried egg in front of him. “Sit next to me, please.”

Rosa and Gigi exchanged a glance, unable to resist Brent’s cuteness. Gigi finally relented, sitting beside the boy and helping him scoop rice onto his plate.

After breakfast, Rosa and Brent hurried out of the house, leaving Gigi with a list of instructions for the day. Rosa wanted to arrive early at the school to meet Brent’s classmates and chat with other parents.

“Mommy,” Brent asked innocently from the back seat of the car, “do you think Ate Gigi will be okay?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Rosa replied with a smile. “Ate Gigi is strong and brave. You should be like her.” She paused, then added, “Remember to smile and be a good boy, okay? I trust you.”

“Yes, Mommy! Brent is always a good boy. I’m not bad!” he declared, though his expression suddenly shifted to one of worry.

Rosa glanced at him through the rearview mirror, sensing his unease. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

But Brent just shook his head, and Rosa decided not to press him. Instead, she focused on making this a special first day of school for her little boy.