His cellphone rang. It was Monica."Oh, how are you?" he greeted her.'Are you busy?'"Not really, why?"'Good, I'm in the elevator. Bye.'"This girl is really weird," he murmured, shaking his head.It had been two months since his grandfather passed away, and it was the first time he would see Monica again after she was taken by her parents to another country to unwind. They had talked on the phone, and Monica seemed anxious in their last conversation. Perhaps she couldn't wait to share her stories.The door opened, and there was Monica. She was wearing pants and a blouse, an outfit she rarely wore when meeting him. She was a fashionista."Monte," she looked serious."Why?" he asked."I'm sorry," she hugged him, and he felt her wet clothes."Why are you crying?" he patted her back. He guided her to sit on the sofa in his office's corner. He grabbed tissues and water from the mini fridge. "Have a drink first.""I couldn't tell you right away," she took a breath. "Almira confessed ever
"Wait... what am I doing here?" he asked as he stood up. He looked at his body, he was naked "Who undressed me?"Lovie stopped the cart beside him and sat facing him. "It's me. You were vomiting a lot last night. Bernard was a bit drunk too. Luckily, my friends and I happened to be there and saw you."He held his head; the pain seemed to intensify. "Where are my clothes?""Just got washed. I'll get them later. You want to eat?" she smiled before leaving his side and heading to a table with two chairs.She set the table, presenting the food she brought. Everything was arranged neatly, like in a restaurant. He remembered his wife. 'My wife used to be this meticulous, especially when it comes to setting things up. Some women probably share similar gestures, especially if educated.'"Let's eat," she smiled. He couldn't leave his seat as he was undressed. "Oh, I'm sorry..." the woman took something from the closet, "here, wear this robe for now."He turned away while putting on the robe. Sh
"Seven years swiftly passed. Ericka sat in a chair facing the ocean. The resort she bought has made significant progress, largely due to her savings. She managed to grow the business she inherited, now overseeing a restaurant.She hired staff from the cooperative she established for the locals. Only the manager, supervisor, and HR knew her as the owner; others believed she was a financial advisor and cooking trainer.Her business thrived for three years, having been sold at a low price by the previous owner who couldn't make it profitable. In her business experience, she found that success comes with dedicating time.When she planned to work abroad and left Manila, her plans changed upon discovering relatives in the Bicol region. Witnessing the hardships, she suggested establishing a cooperative. Her funds became the foundation, earning trust from many.Lost in thought, children approached her—a girl and two boys, around six years old."You're playing in the water again," she greeted
She observed her sleeping children in the same room, realizing that she needed to expand their home due to their growing size. Construction had already begun on her new house next to the resort. Each child would soon have their own room.It had been seven years since she left Monte without a word. She chose to relocate to the province, far from her former neighbors.Fortunately, Felipe, the old bank manager, came to her aid. He was the first person she called upon leaving. Perhaps due to his deep affection for her, he resigned to assist her. Knowing they wouldn't be together romantically, he was content to see her every day and even wanted to acknowledge her children, despite her resistance.The kids grew up calling him "daddy," leading others to assume he was their father. Felipe met a tragic end when he returned to Manila. On his way back, a truck collided with his vehicle, and he was pinned by a mixer, resulting in his immediate death.They wept together like a family, and it felt
The flow of their day looks good. She left for a meeting with investors, leaving Jerome in charge of the guests. She gained valuable insights from the San Miguel company, applying them effectively. Jerome's communication skills and quick learning proved to be a significant asset.Foreign investors arrived to discuss the hotel and rental apartment expansion plans. Considering the demand for comfortable workspaces due to the rise in remote work, she decided to offer bed spacing. Her experience served as a solid training ground, and with trusted employees by her side, introducing herself to the investors felt timely.Impressing both male and female investors, she didn't entertain any ulterior motives when shaking hands."Miss Ricka, you are so smart and beautiful. How come you do not have a husband?" asked Mr. Sully, a renowned businessman."That is not my priority, sir," she smiled. "I want to build a company that supports all my employees and charities.""You are so kind-hearted," Mr.
Jasmine Delgado, twenty-seven, single, is nearing the completion of her college degree with only a few units left. While her IQ is average, she possesses a wealth of work experience. The speaker is considering her for a personal assistant role in their office, expressing concern for Jerome, who reads Jasmine's mind about files. Jasmine's past work includes being a crew member at fast-food establishments, where she earned the title of most outstanding employee.She then checks the files of Aurora Rivera and discovers that her father is a significant shareholder in their company, holding ten percent of the shares. Impressed by Aurora's humble personality, being an interior designer providing decor, she sees an opportunity to build an interior team for hotel projects.The next day, Aurora and Jasmine arrive early, only to be surprised by the presence of Chloe, Blessie, and Lian. Blessie makes a remark about Jasmine, implying she is associating with someone less fortunate. Chloe adds a pl
She opened the door, surprising the women spinning on the swivel chair. They turned to face him."What are you doing here?" Lian reprimanded."Get out before the owner catches you here," Blessie added."They might be cleaning here," Chloe said, picking up tissues and spreading them on the floor. "Pick up your mess; you look like garbage anyway.""Chloe!" a man's voice boomed as he entered."D... daddy," the girl seemed surprised."You're so disrespectful!" he slapped Chloe on the right cheek.Her friends rushed to her aid."Pick up your mess, Chloe," she ordered."And who are you to boss me around?" she remained defiant despite the pain."Yeah, you're so rude," Lian added."Pick it up by yourself!" Blessie shouted.The two girls received slaps from their parents."Daddy, why?" Lian asked, holding her cheek."I made a mistake raising you without manners. It's time to cut off your insolence!" her father yelled."Gentlemen, calm down," she intervened. "We'll discuss this now. Please, hav
They've set up a tent outside the resort, closing specific roads to accommodate the medical mission space. A day before the mission, they distributed stubs to manage the crowd, aiming to assist 500 people daily. The medical team sent pansit and lugaw, and the staff began making sandwiches. The three individuals were summoned by her for a conversation."Ma'am Ricka, the three are here," Jerome opened the door widely.She couldn't decide whether to laugh or feel sympathy for them. The trio seemed quite afraid of her. She strictly prohibited them from wearing heels like other employees."Why, madam?" Lian asked, looking down."Take a seat," she ordered, and they promptly sat. "Tomorrow, there will be a medical mission here. I need manpower outside. The three of you will be scheduled there."They exchanged glances until Chloe spoke up."What will we do there?""You'll assist the people, the doctors, and with food. Lian, you'll take care of the doctors, provide them with water or food, wha