Chapter 5: Work

"When are you going to work?" Yaya Grace asks Ramina. 

They were eating lunch at a restaurant near the school of Prescelle. Since Ramina won't be able to do this more often with them once she started working. 

The interior of the restaurant is designed and painted green which creates a good ambiance. It's refreshing especially since the temperature inside is not so cold. It feels like you are eating in the middle of a forest.

Prescelle is busy playing on her phone while the two ladies sat beside each other to talk since their order is still in the making.

"On Monday, Yaya. By that, I will leave Prescelle to you once again," Ramina says. 

Yaya Grace smiled then nodded. "Congratulations. I'm so happy for you," she sincerely said. 

Ramina's lips stretched to form a smile. "Thank you, Yaya... Always," she says. 

Ramina thinks that having Yaya Grace is a stroke of luck. Yaya Grace has been her company for years and Prescelle is growing. She is so close to her, a helpful friend when she's in need. Yaya Grace witnessed her vulnerable times yet she did not judge her for that. The reason why Ramina trusted her so much. 

"Prescelle is lucky to have a mother like you, Ramina. How I wish I could have my child too and tell her or him about you. You're an inspiration, to be honest," Yaya Grace tells her.

Ramina couldn't help but melt with her words. She doesn't see herself as an inspiring woman at all but... it feels great knowing that someone sees her that way. 

Ramina let out a soft chuckle. "I wasn't like this before, Yaya, you know. I consider myself a lost girl back then when I was younger. But when I had Prescelle, my perspectives on life changed. I learned to become a better woman for my daughter. She changed me... she was my light," Ramina says as she looks at her daughter, pouting while playing on her phone.

Yaya Grace puts her elbow on the table then leans her chin on top of her hand. "Both of you... are so lucky to have each other," she said, smiling a bit.

Ramina created a sound on the back of her throat, agreeing with Yaya Grace. "I'm the luckiest to have the both of you," Ramina said.

Yaya Grace wasn't expecting that. She let out a sigh before looking at Ramina. "I could spend my whole life taking care of the both of you..." Yaya Grace giggled.

Ramina smiled at that. "My home is always open for you, Yaya. Remember that," she told her.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. Here's your order."

Their conversation stops when the waiter came and served them their order. 

Prescelle clasped her hands as her eyes twinkled while hungrily looking at the foods in front of her. "It looks delicious!" she beamed. 

The waiter chuckled because of her cuteness. "Enjoy your food, sweetie," the waiter says before leaving.

"Thank you, Mister!" Prescelle replies.

Ramina was just smiling throughout their lunch. She's happy and contented while talking with her daughter and Yaya Grace. She feels complete... and it's the best feeling she had felt.

Monday came and Ramina needs to go to work. It's her first day and so she can't help but feel nervous. Wearing a black fitted skirt ending above her knee paired with a white long-sleeved shirt, Ramina gracefully entered the company with her stilettos creating a sound on the floor.

Some employees turned their heads in her direction, others greeted her and others don't. 

Ramina was sweating buckets all the way to Mrs. Fujimoto's office. The company is so wide that you might lose once you did not memorize the floors. It has a total of five floors with an area of each floor exceeding a thousand meters wide.

"Good day, Ms. Montalvo!" Mrs. Fujimoto greeted her once she came into her office.

A smile immediately escaped on Ramina's face. "Hello, Mrs. Fujimoto. It's nice to see you again," she uttered.

Mrs. Fujimoto came towards her. "Oh! I can't wait to work with you, Ms. Montalvo! You seemed to be very passionate about your job. I'll be looking forward to your contributions to our company!" she beamed.

Ramina and Mrs. Fujimoto had a short conversation before they went out to proceed to Mr. Mattheios' office. 

"I'm kinda nervous," Ramina admitted while they were on their way towards a large office. 

Mrs. Fujimoto let out a heartily laugh. "Oh, yes, yes! Mr. Mattheios is a bit strict with his employees. No, he is really a strict boss! But trust me, he's the best boss I've ever encountered." 

Ramina gulped at the mention of him being a strict boss to his employees. Yes, he should be strict! But how strict is he? 

"M-Mr. Mattheios—"

It seems like the ambiance answered her thoughts when she saw a group of employees lining up and there was Mr. Mattheios in front of them, crimping a paper that seems to be a document.

"How many times do I have to tell you to do your jobs correctly?!" 

Ramina nearly jumped in her place when Mr. Mattheios' dangerous deep voice echoed on the surroundings. 

"W-We're so sorry—"

Ramina saw how he breathed heavily, anger is visible on his handsome face. "Sorry?! You put our company in danger and you'll just say sorry?! Do you know how much I worked for this, huh?! Only to have a bunch of stupid people like you?!" he shouted angrily.

"S-Sir—"

"You're all fired!" Mr. Mattheios' said in finality before walking out of the scene.

Ramina's lips parted in shock. "W-What..." the heck?

Mrs. Fujimoto immediately came towards the employees who were crying already because of embarrassment and disappointment.

Ramina glanced at the CEO once again and was shocked to know that he was looking at her too. Her heart immediately reacted when their eyes locked. 

"Ms. Montalvo, to my office."

She looked down, a bit uncertain if she'll go with him or not.

"Ms. Montalvo!" 

Ramina looked up and nodded. "Y-Yes, boss." 

Because of what she witnessed, she can't help but fear him. He's a monster when it comes to business. 

"Ruthless," Ramina whispered to herself.

When they entered Percy's office, she stopped in front of his table. Percy on the other hand came towards his swivel chair and sat on it.

"What's my schedule for today?" he coldly asks while loosening his tie.

Ramina gulped but immediately responded. "You have a meeting with Mr. Laurel at 9 AM and with Mr. Gregorio at 10 AM, sir." 

Percy raised a brow, getting pissed. "I said, what is my schedule for today... I did not say 'this morning'. Is that really all?" he asks.

Ramina nodded, getting pissed too. "Yes, sir. You only have two meetings for today," she coldly uttered.

He sucks in air through his teeth. "You probably saw the commotion earlier?" he uttered.

Ramina just nod. "Yes, boss. I was there," she told him.

Percy licked his lower lip, a sign that he did not like what he heard. "That is what they get once they disobey my order. How about you, Ms. Montalvo?" he asks as he intently looks at her soul.

Ramina shook her head. "I won't dare to disobey your orders, boss," she says what he wanted to hear.

Percy let out a small smirk. "Glad to know that."