CHAPTER 5

That's what really happened. After we ate breakfast, he had his car taken by a caretaker at the garage. Before he led me out of the mansion.

“Are you really not going to bring your lunch, Ma'am Hailey?” asked Mrs. Juliet. A while ago she was asking me if I was going to bury the food because he said he was not sure if the company’s food was cooked properly.

“Not anymore, Mrs. Juliet. Uh, I’ve been working there for a long time so I’m sure their food is good and delicious. But... Uhh... If you will insist, you can pack me a lunch tomorrow?” I promise even though it’s not really necessary.

I have money for my food purchases and buy my personal items and necessities. I'm working, so even if you say I want to save money, it's embarrassing. But then... Callum is now my husband. I have all the rights to— No. I can work for my own, though. I can’t just rely on Callum for all that even though I have money and work.

“Oh he's fine, tomorrow I'll prepare your lunch for work. I will remember that every day.” I pouted and wanted to smile because this was the first time someone insisted on making me lunch for work.

Back then, I was actually the one requesting that they can cook for me or prepare food because the maids didn’t want to lead nor decide for me to the what to do in the mansion, or before going to work back then. They knew me as an independent when I started studying in College and started working. I always insist that I want to do it alone and then only ask for help when I really can’t do it anymore.

“We’ll go ahead now,” I waved my hand at her and walk towards Callum when I saw him standing near his white Mazda.

I gulp at the sight of his expensive car. He also brought a different car yesterday, that means he uses many cars on a daily basis? And for sure every day he attracts women every time he drives expensive cars like this.

I secretly shook my head before continuing to walk towards Callum’s car. He opened the door for me so I got inside the car and put on my seatbelt while waiting for him to get inside. He ordered something from the caretaker before walking to the driver's seat.

When he got inside, he immediately started the car's engine. I thought he was going to start the car but I was surprised when he showed me his cell phone. It's a latest version of an expensive phone. I just watched it, not knowing what to do with his cellphone.

“Put your number here,” he said in an impatient voice.

I nodded before taking his cellphone. I took out my cellphone to get his number. I was typing my number in his phonebook when a message suddenly popped up. I accidentally read the message.

From: Unknown Number

Hi, Callum! It’s me, Zarrah. Would you like to have a dinner...

I didn't read the others because I quickly saved my number in his phonebook before putting his number in mine. I felt a little nervous as I type my number because of what I read.

I was suddenly anxious because of the message. Zarrah. Did he know the girl named Zarrah? Maybe yes. Because if otherwise, why would a woman text him, right? That’s embarrassing if a girl made a first move.

When I saved the number, I quickly gave it back to him while he was still busy driving. He just took it when the stoplight turned red. He stopped the car and slightly turned to me but I was only looking outside.

“Uh... Someone messaged you. I... I accidentally read the message. Sorry.” I honestly said while looking away, still can’t fathom to look at him.

“It’s fine,” he said before placing his cellphone on the dashboard.

I glanced at it, then looked away immediately as I felt something inside me. Why would I be bitter, though? Well, he was my crush back then. He was my only crush since I started to study outside our house. He was attractive since then, well until now. In the past year I didn't even have a chance to talk or meet him, and then this happened so I feel a little shy and uncomfortable sometimes. Knowing that he has tons of girls in his field, he will never lay a single glance at me. Even now I can feel the distance between us.

“We’re here,” I was brought back to reality when I heard Callum’s voice.

I looked outside and saw that we were right in front of the building where I was working.

“How did you know that... I work here?” I didn't show him the way, did I?

“I just know this company.” I nodded at him curtly.

“Okay. I’ll go now.” He just looked straight out the window, so I smiled and got out of his car.

I didn’t turn around until I heard his car leaving. I turned my head and saw his car, running away. I just shook my head before entering the building.

“Good morning, Ma’am Hailey.” The guard greeted me. As always he has that full energetic smile.

“Good morning too, Mr. Carlos.” I greeted back while smiling before entering completely.

They know me as the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. de Guzman of DG Interprise. Even though the scope of my parents' company is not that wide, they are still well known in the business world. And I also don't know where and how they recognized me as my parent’s daughter. I'm not often included in the gatherings because they prefer to leave me in the mansion and Kiana is included because my sister, Kiana, has a future in business. While me? Nothing. Because I am not their real child either.

I tried to pleased them. Do their bidding. Do what I have promised to them. Been a good daughter. Been a good catch even in school. But... there’s just no space for me in their hearts.

And now this. I even gave up my freedom just to please them. Just so they can see my worth. But it seems that it is in their favor that I am not in the mansion. Well, what’s shocking? They would be really glad if I am out of their sight—in the mansion.

“Hailey,” I looked at Sheina when she called me. She still had a cup of coffee with her as she walked towards me.

“Sir Dustin is looking for you. He said, you told him that you are going in his office now. Go to his office.” There was a strange hint in Sheina’s voice when she said that, so I frowned.

“Why?” I asked as I continued walking to my office.

“I do not know?” she asked back sarcastically with a soft laugh.

“Why didn’t you asked him?” I said with a sneer.

I know Dustin and why he wants me in his office. He likes me. I know. I’m not that dense to not feel that he’s giving me signals that he likes me. Those sweet gestures and special treatment he’s giving me is beyond work.

Sheina laughed heartily, “you know Sir Dustin! He always misses you. I envy you now. Maybe that's why you rose from your position because he wanted that. Hmm?” Sheina teased that’s why I looked at her and gave her death glare.

“If that's the only reason, then, I'll just go back to my previous position.” I don’t like to question my credibility and skills.

I want to rise because I have potential. I want when I get higher it's because I deserve it. Not because they like and just favor me. I don’t want it. That’s crazy. It’s like they said I don't have the skills and are just giving me the upper hand.

I always felt useless with that thought.

“That was just a joke! You are always so serious, Hailey! So until now you are single, eh. You are too serious.” Sheina Laugh heartily.

She sat in the chair in front of my desk.

I’m not single anymore, though.

“Having a boyfriend is not the basis of being happy. I’m happy alone.” Liar. “I’m happy without a man beside me. I don’t need a man to made me strong.” Sheina looked at me in amazement while slowly clapping her hands.

“Oh my gosh, Hailey! I didn’t know you’re so persistent of being single for life.” I rolled my eyes on her.

“What I'm saying is true,” I sat on my swivel chair before looking at her.

“But that's it, Sir Dustin said you should go to his office. I don't know why, eh. Just go.” I just nodded before deciding to go to Sir Dustin first.

He was my college senior back then. He’s already a third year college when I met him accidentally in some random booth. He wanted to be my friend so I let him because I don’t really have any friend since then. He was too kind to refuse. He never insult me, he never did anything that would make me uncomfortable, and he never invalidate my feelings towards something. Especially when I rant about my parents. He’s always been there for me. He’s picking up some lines and flirt with me a lot.

But I will never hold any malice against that. I don’t know if I’m just too innocent, uninterested, or I don’t really like him romantically. I just like him as he is and as a best friend. Nothing more, nothing less.

I knocked three times on his office when I got there. His secretary let me since she knows that I’m Dustin’s best friend.

“Come in,” his baritone voice filled my ear as I push the door open.

“Dustin...” I called him before entering his office. I saw how busy he is with his paperworks at his table.

“Hey, Hailey.” his voice lit up when he heard my voice. Then he suddenly stood up and walk towards me.

I was shocked when he suddenly hugged me tight. That's normal for me because he's always like this when he doesn't see me. Especially when he goes to another country for his business meetings. And he never loses his gifts to me when he comes from another country.

I’m really spoiled by him.

“Why are you absent, by the way?” he asked, frowning at me.

I rolled my eyes, “it was just a family matters. You don’t have to be in it.” I answered.

“Marry me then, so we can be a family.” There he is again. He really likes to talk like that.

I shook my head while he’s wagging his brows at me.

“Stop it, Dustin.” I'm married. I want to say that but he might be surprised by what I say. He might not believe me. “Why did you call me?” he snorted at me.

“Nothing. I miss you. You're absent for three or four days? Right?” I nodded before taking an apple from his table.

He doesn't eat everything so I will eat it.

“It was just an important matter. You know that when it's not important, I won't be absent.” I said while biting into the apple I took from his table.

We talked there for a while until I said goodbye to go to work. I also have a lot of designs that need to be done. I occupied myself from making designs. My secretary brought my food to my office because I was working a lot. I’m the head of the Design Team and Dustin gave me a secretary to keep me accompanied every time I can’t handle my schedule. She is also the person who usually takes care of my personal meetings with those who design their houses or buildings. That's a big thing because I know that I can't do everything by myself.

After doing some designs and calling some client for their desired interior designs, I decided to leave work early. I finished what I had to finish so there is no problem if I go home early. I brought the other work home to continue at home.

I stopped walking when I realized... I was actually married. I don't live with my family anymore, because I am now living at my husband's house.

“Asawa...” I echoed.

Speaking of which. I don't know where the driver Callum said that was going to pick me up. So there was nothing I could do but call him.

After three rings he picked up his phone and his low baritone voice filled my ear.

“Hello,” his husky voice is so freakin’ attractive.

I shook my head and cleared my throat.

“Uhh, Callum... W-Where is the driver who’s going to pick me up?" I asked hesitantly.

“Why? You’re already out?” he asked and I heard someone’s talking in the background. “Mr. Villanueva, the meeting— Shut up.” the unfamiliar voice was cut off by Callum’s intimidating voice.

I bit my lower lip.

“Sorry, uhm, are you busy? I'm really sorry for the trouble. I-I don't know the address of your mansion. And... Uhm... I don't have Benjie's number so I have no choice but to call you.” I said shyly before looking down at my feet.

“It’s fine. I’ll just call Benjie to fetch you. Can you still wait?” his voice is now calm and kind of... gentle.

“Uhm, yes. I can still wait. I'm in front of the building, kind please just say I'm waiting here.”

“Alright. Just wait there. I’ll call him.”

“Alright, thank you.”

“Take care,”

I was stunned and didn't immediately hang up, so he hung up. But I still don't remove the cellphone from my ear. I was hypnotized and couldn't move immediately because of what he said. My heart throbbed loudly. Shit! Why does he have that effect on me? It’s too much!