CHAPTER 2

Amari's Point of View

I looked around as I entered the Royal Time Square Hotel room. In fairness, the room is very spacious; it has a queen-sized bed. The color pastel blue with a touch of white made me smile. And speaking of the view from the balcony, I can see the Time Square Garden.

I loved it. I told myself as I smiled.

My phone vibrates. It was a message from Kaizer.

From: Kaizer

I will visit a friend. See you later at dinner. Love you : )

Liar.

I don't bother to reply to his message. It is not that important. He can visit any woman in New York City; it does not matter to me.

I entered the bathroom, and it excited me when there was a jacuzzi. Perfect for my relaxation while having a bottle of red wine. How I wish my Mom were with me and also Auntie Lileth and, of course, Patrizia.

I opened my suitcase and started pulling out some casual clothes. I picked my blue high-waisted skinny jeans, perfect for showing my excellent hips. I paired it with a black backless crop top blouse because I plan to go outside, and the weather is hot.

I carried my other things on an empty cabinet in the left corner of the room. In the meantime, I put my two pieces of luggage together with my designer handbag. 

I was about to enter the bathroom when my phone rang. I looked at the screen; it was my most trusted board member and the one who acts as the CEO of the Guevarra Corporation company in the Philippines. 

"Hello, my favorite godfather."

I laughingly said when I answered the phone. It was Mr. Devera, her favorite and one of her most trusted people. I used to call Mr. Devera as my godfather. That's why he kept telling me to marry and officially chose him as my godfather.

"Looks like you are in a good mood today, my goddaughter."

Mr. Devera said while laughing too on the other line.

I chuckled when he rode on my joke. He never changed, still the same as Mr. Devera, whom my Auntie Lileth introduced to me when I was 13. 

Auntie Lileth and Mr. Devera were second cousins. He once visited us in Paris when I was still in middle school. He is the godfather of Patrizia, Auntie's only daughter, and my childhood best friend. 

"How are you? I have been waiting for your call for the last three years. Did you find a new gorgeous goddaughter?" 

I told him dramatically, making him chortle.

"I am great. Finally, I have recovered from my illness three years ago. I'm sorry I did not call you like the old times, my goddaughter. I've been busy with life and work."

He explained. Yes. He had an illness three years ago that made all of us worried. We have not had any connection with him for those years. 

"I understand, so why did you call me now? Aren't you busy anymore? How is Auntie?"

I asked while walking to the balcony of my room. 

"Your Auntie Jeaneth is fine and busy with her dance classes. I called you to ask if you finally decided to return to the Philippines and introduce yourself to everyone. The board members never stopped asking me about the real CEO of the Guevarra Corporation."

I stopped as he uttered those words. He had asked me about this since then, but I kept turning it down because I was not ready.

"Wow, that's great that Auntie Jeanette still does the dancing class."

I answered him and changed the topic.

"Fleur, when do you plan to show yourself?"

I blinked my eyes, thinking what I should say to him. But the real thing is, I want to finish my master's degree in business before introducing myself to everyone. 

"Why? Are you tired of being the CEO of the Guevarra godfather?" 

I asked him without responding to his question.

"My beloved Fleur, I want to be sincere with you. I am not getting young anymore, and I will be retiring from the industry later. And before that happens, I still want to work with my goddaughter, and I would love to see you finally take over your family's legacy. Don't you think that will be fantastic?"

He explained. It would be fantastic to work with him, but it would be excellent if I am fully prepared too.

What he said, and it's true, soon he will be retiring. It's been years since he offered my Mom to help the Guevarra Corporation get back into the business industry. 

He's been helping us, and at the same time, he and Mom had a confidential agreement. I don't know about it, but Mr. Devera used to tell me that I would know that someday.

"I will think about that. I want you to know that I plan to launch my brand in the Philippines."

I told him. I know it does not answer his question clearly, but that is all I can say for now. 

I proudly told him about my plan; well, since I was a teenager, I used to tell him everything. He became my father figure which I am thankful for. He and Auntie Jeaneth became my family from the Philippines. And they are both happy to have me as their other daughter, like Patrizia. They don't have a daughter, their daughter, but they have an only son, which I only saw one time.

"Oh, that's excellent, my beloved Fleur, and whatever help you need, just tell me, alright?" 

He excitedly uttered something that made me smile. He is supportive as ever.

He even offered help immediately. He is kind, a rare one, unlike my father. 

"I will, godfather. I always owe you."

I responded to him with a smile.

"Anything for my beloved Fleur. Okay, I will go now. I know you are busy too. Take care!"

Mr. Devera said.

"Take care too."

I replied and ended the line while smiling. How I wish my father were just like him.

My smile faded as I thought of him, my father. I'm curious about what business he has. And more excited to tear it down.

I let out a deep sigh. My Mom will not be happy with what I am planning. 

I am sure of that. 

Narrator's Point of View

"Good morning, Mr. Villarante."

An employee greeted Rafael as he walked into the lobby of the La Villa Royal Suites, one of the famous hotels in New York that he owned. 

Rafael looked at her, then jiggled his head and chuckled. It was not just an employee. It was his secretary, Janica.

"Janica, how's everything here when I was in the Philippines?"

Rafael asked while scrolling through his phone. Janica was his close cousin, so he hired her as his trusted secretary in New York.

"Everything is great—still one of the greatest hotels. It would be best if you had informed me you're coming here. I did not prepare anything but paperwork."

Janica told him blithely. Rafael chuckled as he shook his head at the bluntness of his cousin.

"I have a Fashion week, so I came here without notice. And about the paperwork, I believe you can do it."

Rafael said while tapping his cousin's shoulder. Janica grimaced at him. He laughs even more at her reaction. 

"Then, maybe I can have a salary increase."

Janica said while grinning from ear to ear. He shook his head. His cousin knows how to deal well, especially in terms of money. 

"Alright, no problem."

Rafael agreed. Janica deserves it, after all, because she became his right hand. She is not just his secretary; she became an all-around employee. 

Janica is the daughter of his father's cousin. And since her parents were both dead, they adopted her. For him and his elder brother, Janica became their little sister.

"Your woman number 3 and number 5 keep coming back here. Can you show yourself to them?"

Janica rolled her eyes as she said those words to him. He stopped checking his phone and looked at her.

"I can't. I'm too busy."

Rafael reasoned out.

"Busy with work or with your new prospect."

Janica glared at him. She was always like that whenever they talked about his flings and new prospects. His cousin hates him for being a heartless playboy.

"Well, let's say both"

He proudly replied to Janica.

"So, who is the new unlucky woman?" 

Janica said in an annoyed tone.

"I don't know her name yet, but she is here in New York."

He smiled timidly and scratched his neck.

"Wow! That's new. You did not know her name. But how are you sure she is here in New York? Does she live here, or is she on vacation?"

Janica said and gave him an amused reaction.

"Well, I will answer all those questions later. I still need to bathe because I will see a friend."

Rafael uttered and winked at her cousin.

"Okay, enjoy your stay, Mr. Playboy."

Janica said, then rolled her eyes at him, which made him laugh again. 

Amari's Point of View

I am here at the swimming pool area of the hotel. I decided to step out of my room to enjoy the day. I was sitting on the pool bench when a familiar voice caught my attention.

"Oh my gosh, Fleur!" 

She excitedly said. It was Crisha, Mr. Devera's niece.

"Crisha!!" 

I said with the same amount of excitement that she had.

"Long time no see. I miss you."

She started and then hugged me. 

"I miss you too, so how are you?"

I replied and embraced her back.

"I'm great, and you?"

She said while still holding my hand.

"Excellent as always."

I answered and gestured for her to sit down with me on the pool bench. 

"So, tell me, are you into fashion week?"

I asked her. Crisha is a junior fashion designer that makes us close to each other. 

"Well, I'm not, but my senior designer brought me here to see the fashion show. I am excited because it is my first time here and my first to watch you."

Crisha excitedly said, and her cheeks suddenly blushed, and looked down. And it makes me wonder. What is the reason for that?

"I am happy to see you, so where do you stay?"

I asked, changing the topic.

"I'm staying here. I just arrived earlier."

She said and smiled, showing the cute dimple on the left cheek. 

"Oh, same, but I arrived yesterday at noon."

I replied. I scanned Crisha's face and saw a difference between the last time I saw her. She looked blooming. 

"Can I barge into your room?"

Crisha shyly asked. 

"Of course"

I answered.

Crisha shared a lot of news with me. She keeps talking while I keep listening and respond to her when needed. 

As we continued chatting, my eyes suddenly went to a man standing a few distance from us. His back is the only thing I can see, but it looks familiar. 

"Do you want to go to my room?"

I asked out of nowhere. I suddenly felt something in my stomach.

"Sure"

Crisha said. 

I stand up from the pool bench, but before I take a step, I glance at the man who is now talking to someone, and then he looks at me. He looks familiar, but I need to find out where I saw him.

"Let's go, Crisha." 

I told her, but my eyes were still gazing at the man standing on the other side of the pool.

Narrator's Point of View

Rafael went to the Royal Time Square Hotel to meet his friend. He went directly to the pool area as his friend told him. 

"Look who's here, the international playboy."

He turned around and saw his long-time friend, Raiko. They both laugh and give each other a high five. 

"Fuentabella, what brings you here in New York?"

He asked while putting his hands in his pocket. 

His friend grinned at him and then winked. Rafael gets what it means; his friend is here because of a woman. They are just the same, both playboys. 

"Well, I'm here for a business deal. I have an international client."

Raiko reasoned that it made him laugh.

"Aside from that?"

He asked deliberately.

"I am also here because my girl wants to watch a fashion week."

Raiko blurted out, which made Rafael grin.

"Oh, so who is this flavor of the month?"

Rafael jokingly said to his friend. 

"He is not just a flavor of the month; she makes me crazy."

Raiko answered with flushed cheeks. 

"Oh, that's new. Is Raiko Fuentabella in love?"

He teasingly darted at his friend. It was the first time that he saw Raiko like that. 

"You could say that."

Raiko said that made Rafael's outbursts laugh. He can't believe his friend admitted he is in love.

"So, where is she? I want to meet her."

He asked while smiling.

"She is just here; wait, I will call her."

Raiko said as he dialed his phone.

Rafael nodded, and then he looked at the pool's surrounding area. He was about to say something when his eyes spotted someone. 

Rafael can't believe the goddess woman, Amari, is sitting on a pool bench. She looked at him but then turned her attention to someone. 

"Dude, maybe she is in our room."

Raiko informed him. Rafael faced his friend and then looked at the pool bench again; she was still there.

"Then, let's just see each other later. I'm just going to talk to someone."

He said while tapping Raiko's shoulder.

"Sure, dude."

Raiko answered and redialed his phone.

Rafael turned to the pool bench again, but the woman he aimed to see was not there anymore. 

Amari was walking with Crisha, leaving the pool area.

Rafael did not think twice and followed her. He tried to get her attention, but she couldn't hear him. The woman turned left and then rode an elevator. He tried to stop the elevator's closing door, but he failed. 

Rafael looked at what floor she was heading to. It was floor 44. He took the other elevator and pressed floor 44. 

As the elevator opened, Rafael stepped out and turned his gaze to left and right. He saw a woman from the left side wearing a black blouse. Rafael did not waste any time and chased her. 

He holds his wrist, which makes her stop from walking. The woman faced him, confused at first but amazed as she stared into his face. He let go of her wrist and said sorry. Rafael was disappointed because it was not her. They were wearing the same blouse color.

"Yes?"

The woman asked him nicely, still standing in front of him.

"Sorry, I thought you were someone I know." 

He explained, then turned his back to the woman.

He brushed his hair using his fingers. Rafael shook his head and chuckled, and let out a deep sigh.

"I guess I will see you around again, my baby."

 He said and then walked back to the pool area.

"Dude, where did you go?" 

Rafael smiled and shrugged his shoulders at Raiko's question. 

"Let's go to the VIP Lounge, my treat?"

He asked Raiko. Rafael suddenly feels like he suddenly wants to drink. 

"Sure, let's have a drink. It's been years since we had our drinking session. It seems I am not the only one being crazy over a girl."

Raiko teased him, which made him laugh. 

Rafael felt disappointed for not seeing Amari. He wants to get her name and contact, but he is always at the wrong time.

They went to the famous VIP Lounge to have a drinking session. Rafael was about to enter the VIP room when his eyes saw someone who looked familiar. It was Kaizer, the guy who he pissed on the airplane. 

Rafael's eyes darkened when he saw Kaizer making out with someone, but it was not his girlfriend. 

Rafael remembered what he said. His girlfriend is the woman he had been chasing earlier. 

Rafael doesn't know what comes into his mind. He went to the side of Kaizer, and suddenly Rafael gave Kaizer a smash on the face. He then walked back to the VIP room.

He heard Kaizer cursing him, but Rafael did not bother to respond. For him, Kaizer is an asshole and deserves that punch. 

Amari received a message from Kaizer but still needs to read it. She was busy checking her emails and planner. 

Her phone vibrated once again. Someone is calling her. She glanced at the screen; her Mom's name flashed on it. She picked it up and answered it. 

"Mom?"

She timidly answers. 

"Fleur, you did not tell me you are leaving."

Her Mom said. Amari sighed.

"Sorry"

She replied while reading her company emails.

"Where are you staying now? Is Kaizer with you?"

Her Mom asked in a concerned tone.

"I'm here at the Royal Time Square Hotel, Mom. Kaizer was not with me, don't worry."

Amari assured her Mom, who was not in favor of Kaizer. Her Mom keeps telling her that Kaizer looks like an unserious guy who just dated her for his good.

"When will you go home, Fleur?"

She fakes a laugh in response to her Mom's question.

"Silly, Mom. I arrived here earlier than you asked me when I was going home." 

Amari shook her head. She heard her Mom laugh on the other line. 

"Okay, sorry, just be careful always. I love you, my dear."

She nodded as if her Mom would see it. Then, the line got disconnected.

Amari let out a deep sigh while looking at her phone. She can't believe her Mom can laugh like that even though she has been in pain for many years. Mom is a strong woman, she told herself.

Amari closed her laptop as she finished reading and checking her emails. She went to her bed and lay down. 

She felt tired, so she closed her eyes, but her mind was thinking about random things.

Her Mom. Her father. The Fashion Show. Then it came to the thought about what Mr. Devera told her. 

Am I ready to go back to the Philippines? Especially now that I have a piece of information about my father. She asked herself.

She was in deep thought when Amari suddenly heard a knock on the door. 

She lazily stood up from the bed and went to the door. She thought, who could it be?

She twisted the doorknob and pulled the door. She furrowed her forehead as she saw a man standing outside facing backward. The man turned and met her.

"Hi" 

The man enunciated while looking into her eyes. He seems familiar, Amari told herself.