"I don't like it," he said directly after my presentation.
I secretly clenched my hands behind my back. I was looking forward to it. However, I still hoped that everything would change after I laid out the plans.I could see the playful smirk on his lips, but my eyes didn't focus on it. My dad's disappointed look caught my attention at all. Even though it doesn't look like he's blaming me, I know he's disappointed because he also felt that we won't be able to get Mr. Revelar.The man stood up and unbuttoned a few buttons on his suit. "I'm sorry, but I am going to remove PIP Inc. from my list," he informed.My father forced a smile and then stood up. “It's okay. I understand if we didn't meet your expectations," said Dad, and aimed to shake hands.My heart felt like it was being squeezed while watching Daddy, who was pretending not to be affected by the failed transaction.Mr. Revelar shook hands with my dad, and then glanced at me. I could feel him smirking behind his back."Nice to meet you again, Ms. Dagsinal. I'm sorry for my joke earlier," he said.I forced a smile. "It's nothing, Sir Agustine."I knew what he meant earlier in his joke. It was like he was showing me that he could prove to me that he's straight by marrying me in a blink.It's my mistake. I know I'm at fault. I should have just let him have that day and turned a blind eye, but I chose to feed my ego.A small smirk was plastered on his lips, as if he saw me repenting for what I had done. He looked again at my father to bid a goodbye. When he finally left, Daddy and I were quietly left inside the room.I could feel his great regret. After a while, he looked at me and smiled."You should go home now," he said.I froze in my place."It's over. You can go back to your job at Vista Querencia," he added, as if it was that easy.My mother's words automatically lingered in my mind. I will return to Vista Querencia with disappointment and shame again."Are you... disappointed in me, Dad?" I asked cautiously, afraid of his possible answer."I am not, Khrystal," he answered quickly.The corners of my eyes warmed when I saw the sincerity in Daddy's words."This is your first time handling a big client. That's why there is a risk that you won't get it. In addition to that, Mr. Revelar is a meticulous business person. If he sees even a simple loophole in the plan, he will drop it just like what he did to us, "he explained at length.I felt even more depressed because I knew I was the hole that the client saw. If Daddy finds out about that, I know he will be disappointed with me this time, contrary to what he had told me."I will persuade him," I said firmly."Khrystal," Daddy called, as if there was nothing else I could do.I looked at him with determination. "We'll get him, Dad. Let me handle this. "Daddy stared at me for a moment and sighed. "If that's what you want then. I will give you a week to change his mind," he surrendered then left the room.I sat down feeling weak and full of frustration, it wiped over my face.What will I do?The first thing that came up to my mind was to ask for forgiveness. But just based on his actions earlier, it's impossible for him to change his mind with my simple apology.I messed up my hair as I was about to cry.I can't go home like this. I should win this. I should have this deal.I was in the middle of thinking when I felt my phone vibrated. I took it out of my pocket and saw mom's name on the message notification bar. I opened it.“Did you get the deal?”She started with an intriguing question. I snorted and massaged my head.I uttered, "Worst first day ever."After a while, I sat properly and stared at the phone. Mommy's lines kept coming into my mind.Flirt with Mr. Reveal...Flirt with Mr. Reveal...It's wrong. It's definitely wrong. But this is my only chance to live on my own.I heaved a deep breath and fixed my things.By hook or by crook, I will tie Agustine Bhryll to our company.I quickly left the room and then went to Daddy's secretary. I saw the shock on her face when I suddenly appeared in front of her."Can I have some background details about Mr. Revelar? His place, his favorites, anything about him," I said.She swallowed hard and nodded slowly. She scraped some papers from her side, and when she found what she was looking for, she gave it to me."Thank you," I said with a smile, and then went to my working space.I could feel the eyes of the other employees looking at me, but I didn't pay any attention to them. Instead, I sat down on the chair and opened my laptop; searching for some news and rumors about the guy who turned down our offer.I know. I will put my name at risk for what I am planning to do. But what difference does that make? No matter what I do, I'm a speck in the eyes of most people. What is important to me now is to accomplish what I need to do.And that is...…to seduce Mr. RevelarIt is almost eight o'clock in the evening, but I'm still here in the lobby area of the condominium building where Mr. Revelar lives. Instead of going home and tidying up my house, I'm here, waiting for him. Based on the information I gathered, he’s strict with his work hours. He followed the cutoff time of his work, which is 7:30pm.I also found out that his alcohol tolerance was not that high. That's just a rumor, but I'll still stick with that in my plan. I sighed and looked at the paper bag in my hand where the expensive wine I bought was. I don't know what effect my actions will have on me, but that's not important anymore. For now, my goal is to succeed and live quietly in America."Good evening, Sir."The scattered staff caught my attention when I heard them greet someone. My heart pounded when I saw who it was. Mr. Revelar, the man I was waiting for, walked like a God.I couldn't help but curse myself for mistaking him. How did I think of him as a gay?He was about to walk down to a hallway when our eyes met. Despite the surprise in his eyes, he continued walking. I knew he was going to pass me. That's why I automatically blocked him before he could do that.He raised an eyebrow at me. From his side, I also noticed the familiar man—the one he was with at the mall. From what I remember, he's Miguel."Mr. Revelar," I began.Even though he tried to hide it, I could see the amazement in his eyes. He probably didn't expect me to come to him and show myself before him."I-I..." I calmed myself down and then put the paper bag I was holding in front of him. "…want to drink with you?" I continued.Slowly, his side lip rose. "Do you think this will change my mind?" he asked directly, referring to what happened when he turned us down.I shook my head gently. "I just want to show my appreciation," I said.He raised his eyebrows again."You didn't tell my dad about what happened. Besides, I am here to get my... card, "I stated.He stared at me for a while and then licked his lower lip. "Come with me then."I secretly played my fingers while sitting on his couch. My eyes followed him as he walked towards the kitchen. His unit was big, just right for someone who wants luxury space.I don't know where the man he was with earlier, all I remember was they got separated while we were walking. Maybe he’s staying somewhere else close to him.In less than a few seconds I saw Mr. Revelar walking back carrying two liquor glasses and a small ice bucket. His eyes were fixed on me as if he was waiting for me to do something bad.I adjusted on my seat when he sat next to me, even though he wasn't too close I could still feel his movements."So, what brought you here, Ms. Dagsinal?" he asked casually as he opened the liquor.Involuntarily, I swallowed hard. "To get my card," I answered nervously.I knew, I planned this already. But I am still nervous because nobody knows if I will succeed."You are not planning to persuade me?" he asked directly.I bit my lower lip and slowly glanced at him. "If I am,
When I woke up, it seemed like I had a soul-to-soul battle with Lucifer. My entire body suffers, but my lower body hurts the most. My head is aching so badly that it seems like I'm being struck with a hammer."The promiscuous woman is finally awake."I quickly woke up when I heard the familiar cold and serious voice. I saw Mr. Revelar sitting on a one-seater couch positioned on the side of the bed. Wearing his usual business attire, legs crossed, the mighty tycoon was sternly looking at me.Promiscuous. A slut.This isn't the first time that someone has talked negatively to me. I'm used to it, but at this moment, I couldn't help but feel a little pain and shame. Maybe because this time, I'm really a whore. I lured him.I faked a smile in the back of my mind and slowly rose from the bed. I endured the pain between my thighs and then carefully put on the clothes I took off last night. I didn't even bother looking for my undies. Apart from the fact that his polo shirt was above my knees,
The coldness was spreading through my skin as I wrapped myself in the blanket across the room. I couldn't help but shiver my body from the sensation, yet still managed to let out a few buds of sweat dripping through my forehead.What is happening to me? Why am I suddenly having chills?I heard some rustling around, but I didn't bother to open my eyes. Apart from feeling weak, I would rather choose to rest because of the pain in my whole body."Manang..." I whispered. "It's cold," I continued.I know it's her. She is the only one who is always there whenever I get sick.In less than a few seconds, I felt another blanket being wrapped around me. I thought that would be enough to warm me up, but I was still feeling cold. I was trembling and continued calling Manang's name. I felt like I'm not myself anymore.Later, the blankets lifted off my body. That was followed by the sinking of the bed and a tight hug from behind. Slowly, heat spread into my body. Because of the comfort brought by t
"How did you convince Mr. Revelar?" my father asked over the phone.I just took a deep breath and then fixed my peplum dress. "I told you, Dad. I only offered to be his assistant from time to time," I lied.He did not immediately replied on the other line. I know he doesn't buy my excuse, but I just prayed that he won't try to find out the truth. Later, I heard him sigh."Are you sure you want to do this, Khrystal?" he asked me seriously.I bit my lower lip and nodded, it was as if he was in front of me. "Don't worry, Daddy. I can handle this," I reassured him.I looked at myself in the mirror for a moment while still holding my phone near to my ear."Okay," he surrendered. "Anyway, how's your apartment? I was not informed that your mom took an apartment instead of a condo for you.”I smiled sparingly. Up until now, I'm still amazed that Daddy and I were able to talk for so long. I briefly wandered my eyes around the house and winced when I saw my luggage on my bed. It's been a week s
"M-Mr. Revelar..." I stuttered as we entered his condo unit. "We left m-my car,” I hesitated.He didn't answer and just glared at me."Does it still hurt?" he asked flatly.Involuntarily, I raised my eyebrows in wonder at what he was referring to.Is it my foot?He lazily ran his fingers through his hair and tilted his gaze down to my...Eh?My face turned red when I realized his question. He's asking for my cherry's condition!I swallowed and was confused about what to answer. Should I lie?But before I could say anything, he quickly came to me and snaked his strong arms."I-I just got better," I reminded him stuttering.He seemed to be deaf and only walked straight to his room. I was able to recall every detail of my brief stay at his condo, including the kitchen, the restroom, the guest room where he used to stay, and so on.I shrieked when he threw me on his bed. That was followed by him simply pulling on his necktie—angry and running out of patience. I swallowed hard as he starte
It's been a week. That's how long Mr. Revelar didn't call or text me. I didn't know why, but I'm just thankful for that. After what happened that day, I don't think I could face him rightly.In those bygone days, I only work on the design of different room styles for the hotel apart from the occasional site visit. I spent my time there because I had nothing else to do. As in Vista Querencia, I also have no friends to hang out with in the company. No friends to chat with or groups to belong to, like the ones that I saw. Even though they don't think badly of me, they still avoided my existence after they found out that I'm Daddy's daughter. They only approached me whenever it’s about work that I need to approve something.It's funny to think that no matter where I go, no one really wants to be near me. If in Vista Querencia there are still men who befriended me, here in the company, everyone is terrified and awkward to meet me. I can't blame them. Even I wouldn't dare approach my boss'
I don't know how many minutes I've been staring at the ceiling of my apartment. The moment I entered the house, I immediately went to my room and lay down. I kept thinking about what Agustine did, but no matter how deep I thought about it, I didn't really know why he was acting like that.I just closed my eyes and massaged my forehead. "I left my car," I uttered, and shook my head.“Who picks up people in the middle of their work? I mean, it should be after work!" I talked to myself.Instead of getting crazy thinking about it, I just neglected the thought. My time is too important to be squandered on him. I rested for a while and then did my normal daily routine; clean myself, dress up, cook, eat, and so on. When the night came while preparing for sleep, something suddenly entered my brain that crept me out.No, it's impossible.He doesn't have a crush on me, does he?I cringed."What the hell are you thinking, Khrystal? Just go to sleep because you need to catch up the first trip tom
"Ms. Dagsinal."I heaved out a deep breath. I can't count how many times he has called me since we entered his newly built office; made him coffee, stapled papers, photocopied, and more.Why did I even pursue architecture if I would only become a servant in the end too? Tsk!On the other hand, I felt relieved. I was more satisfied with his gradual order than with the miraculous change in his attitude. In this way, I know why he is torturing me—though it's really not that hard—because of what I did to him. But the way he treated me with such kindness, that’s what is difficult to decode.Yes, it's weird. But I am more comfortable with this. When he's nice or doesn't get annoy with me, I felt like I'm having a shortage in air. Every beat of my heart is getting fast and it felt like I was about to lose my organs in my stomach whenever he treated me differently. It's kind of... scary.I stood on the side of the office where my desk was moved onto and then went in front of Agustine. From lo
*** "SIR, she's back," Miguel informed me. Finally, the day I've been waiting for has arrived. I looked at him and then put down the gym equipment I was holding. I wiped my face for a while then faced him again. "Set an appointment with her. Your earliest," I ordered. He looked at me before leaving in front of me. After five long years, I felt alive again. Damn, woman. You made me crazy. I have no news about her apart from the achievements I hear from other investors. I could not stop myself from smiling every time they are praising her works. I am proud of her. In the midst of the filthy name that rests on her, she managed to bloom in her own way. She's now a respectable architect. A famous one. Can't wait to see you soon, my wife. Sunrise sunrise. I already fixed myself. I almost spilled the mango on my clothes. I am nervous and excited at the same time. "Is she inside?" I frowned and asked the secretary. "Yes, sir." I knocked several times but no one answered.
"How are you, hija?" my mom spoke as we ate our dinner, she's talking to her friend's daughter, Lhea. I don't know why I always need to be present every time she's here. I knew he wanted the girl for me, but I never agreed with his plan. Although, I didn't decline either. I just let my mom think that I am following her orders. Well, as of now, there's nothing wrong with her plan. I'm not in a relationship, I also don't have someone I like. There's no need to oppose. "I'm doing good, Aunt. How about you?" the girl answered. I lazily tilted my head to look at her. She's pretty, I admit it though. We're friends too. Not bad for me. I saw her looking at me, her cheeks flushed when she found me staring at her. "It's okay. Even though I'm stressed here with my son," Mama complained. The girl, Lhea, chuckled. "Why, Aunt? Is there something wrong with your business?" Mom shook her head and looked at me with a sneer. I just remained my stoic face as I continued eating my food. "He's pl
As I peered into the pitch-black abyss, the chilly breeze embraced my body. Even though it's past midnight, I am back on the hospital's rooftop. I've been standing still and pondering things for practically an hour. I'll admit, Agustine's remarks stayed in the back of my head. I experienced conflicting emotions. Happy? Afraid? Bewildered. I let out a sigh and looked up at the stars. We are not a teen anymore. If we have decisions that need to be made, we don't have to go in circles. I suddenly remembered his interview five years ago. I quickly took out my cell phone and tried to find it on the internet. Luckily, it was still there. I'm shaking while clicking on the play button of the video. I held my breath when some reporters started questioning him. "Mr. Revelar, would you confirm that you are the person featured in the audio recording?" "Yes," Agustine answered directly and without hesitation. "Are you being blackmailed that time? Drugged? Or something?" Agustine's face ins
"Khrystal." I felt a faint tap on my shoulder as I heard my mother's voice. I slowly opened my eyes and saw her standing in front of me. I dozed off. I didn't realize that maybe because I was tired. I glanced at Gio and found him still sleeping. Next I looked for Gia. I smiled when Daddy was with her and gave her his peeled apple. "I'm going to buy our food outside first," said Mom. I immediately shook my head and then stood up. "Leave it to me. I'm also going to buy something outside." I faced Daddy and smiled in farewell before leaving the room. I haven't seen Agustine again since he and Lhea had a heated conversation. Where he went, that also I don't know. I took a deep breath while walking. Now that our past has been clarified, I can't help but regret it. Even so, I'm still thankful because what we went through made me stronger. I am not a good for nothing bastard anymore. I have made a name for myself and I have proven myself. If there was something bad about the separation
I tried to smile in front of Gio. "Baby . . ." I could hardly speak. "Mommy needs to tell you something." "What is it, Mom?" he replied weakly. I cleared the lump in my throat and moved a little. I let there be space for my son to see Agustine's presence. Gradually, my son's eyes grew bigger. "S-Sir," he mumbled. It was like my heart was pinched at that moment. I did not try to look at Agustine. I am afraid, sorry, and hurt. I felt him walking towards us. My son's eyes were focused only on him. His father's presence is awe-inspiring and clouding his vision. "Gio . . ." I barely managed to say. "S-son, Daddy . . . he's here for you." His eyes slowly shifted to me. His tears gathered more and more at the corners of his eyes. He could not believe what he heard. Once again, I tried to smile at him. "You don't have to hide anymore, baby . . ." I murmured. Gio's tears eventually began to fall across his face. His lips twitched as he looked back at Agustine. "Hey, buddy," Agustine
"Omg, girls have some class." My gaze shifted when a familiar voice spoke. I frowned when I saw Agustine's mother. She was standing in front with an expensive bag hanging on her arm. She let out a sigh and then walked elegantly towards us. Every sound of her heels as she stomped on the hospital floor did not escape my ears. "Where's my son?" she asked when she's finally in front of me. I stared at her for a second. I can't see any emotion on her face. I could not even decide whether to respond or ask back a question. "Mom." On cue, Agustine arrived. He quickly went to his mother and gently held her arm. "What are you doing here?" he added. "Well, I found out that you are here. Did something happen to you?" his mother was curious. Agustine quickly shook his head and looked at me. Asking for forgiveness even though nothing has happened yet. His throat moved before looking back at his mother. "Mom, please, go home. Let's talk at home. Don't make a mess here," I heard him murmured
I was pacing back and forth—waiting for him to show up—as I held tight on the pregnancy test. Almost two weeks had passed since I found out about it. I did not know what to do; all I knew was. . . I must tell him about our baby. It's been two hours since I got here to the lobby of his condo. As soon as I landed at the airport, I asked the taxi to send me here. I want to go up to his unit, but I am afraid of his reaction. I know he's mad at me, and it might trigger him to be impulsive. If I show up here in the lobby, he can still control because there are people around. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. I avoided thinking about anything for fear that my child might be affected. I sat on the couch for a while to rest. Right after that, I finally saw him walking. His attention was not on me, but on the floor. I was about to rise from my seat when a child suddenly grabbed his hand. I was even more stunned when his fiancee followed. Our eyes met. I saw shock in her eyes, but
"Aren't you going to talk?" I took a deep breath and turned to face him. It's been almost ten minutes since we went up here on the hospital's rooftop. I invited him here so we can talk peacefully; that's what I believe. "I don't plan to hide them from you," I began. He scoffed. "Really? That's why I recently found out that I have kids," he mocked along with his intense glare. I bit my lower lip and looked away. "I was planning to tell you today." "Today," he repeated and laughed wearily. I screamed when he faced the wall and punched it hard. He let out a few more before looking at me again. I could see the pain and betrayal in his eyes. "You should have informed me right away when you found out you were pregnant, Khrystal! My children almost turned into bastards!" His veins nearly burst while screaming. "How can I let you know about my pregnancy if I thought you already got a family on your own, Agustine?! Do you think I also wanted to acknowledge my children as illegitimates?
My body seemed to be moving on its own. I don't know how to think properly. Even though my knees were shaking, I still managed to run. Lord, please, not my son. "M-Miss, Giovani Dagsinal, please," I asked at the nurse assigned in the emergency ward. "H-He was taken to the operating room," a familiar voice interrupted. I unconsciously made a turn in her direction. Her eyes swelled up. Her daughter was seated at her side, sobbing quietly while her elbow was bandaged. Both of them were seated on a hospital bed."Lhea, why are you here? And what happened to Dianne?" Agustine was curious. Her throat was hardly moving. She gave me a sympathetic glance. She started to say something, but then she quickly stopped.Ultimately, I decided to disregard her. I don't give a damn about her. My son is who I need to see. Agustine was following me, but I did not pay attention to him as I swiftly ran away."K-Khrystal," Mom said when she saw me. I ignored her. I immediately went to Gia who was sitt