Home / Romance / The CEO's Hired Wife / Chapter 4: Ten Million Reasons (Part 2)

Share

Chapter 4: Ten Million Reasons (Part 2)

last update Last Updated: 2025-02-07 21:53:03

"Good evening, ma'am," bati ng driver nang lumabas ako. "This way po."

The car was a sleek black BMW. Sa buong biyahe, pinipigilan kong mangati sa kakanikay ng dress. Hindi ako sanay sa ganitong suot. Puro t-shirt at jeans lang ako usually, minsan dress pero 'yung cotton lang na comfortable.

La Scala was everything I expected – fancy, expensive-looking, intimidating. The maître d' led me to a private room at the back.

And there he was.

Alexander Del Rosario stood as I entered, his eyes quickly scanning my appearance. For a moment, parang may nakita akong appreciation sa expression niya, pero it was gone instantly.

"You're late," he said by way of greeting.

Tiningnan ko ang relo ko. 7:05 PM. "Five minutes lang naman po."

"In business, five minutes can cost millions." He pulled out a chair for me. "Sit."

Naupo ako, conscious na conscious sa lahat ng galaw ko. The dress was beautiful pero parang hindi ako makahinga.

"Wine?" he offered, already pouring.

"Hindi po ako-"

"You'll need it." He handed me a glass. "For this discussion."

A waiter appeared with appetizers I couldn't pronounce. Alexander ordered for both of us in perfect Italian. Eh di siya na ang magaling.

"So," he started once we were alone. "Have you reviewed the contract?"

Tumango ako. "May... questions po ako."

"Proceed."

"One year po talaga? Hindi pwedeng six months lang?"

Bago siya sumagot ay tinignan niya muna ako. "The board needs to see stability," he explained. "One year proves commitment."

"And..." I took a sip of wine for courage. "Separate bedrooms talaga?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer otherwise?"

"Hindi!" Namula ako. "I mean... good po 'yan. Very good."

He actually smiled slightly. "Any other concerns?"

"'Yung ten million po..." I lowered my voice. "Bakit ganun kalaki? Hindi po ba sobra sobra po 'yun?"

"Miss Santos," he leaned forward. "Do you know how much a society wedding costs these days?"

I shook my head.

"The dress alone is two million. The reception? Fifteen million minimum. Add in the honeymoon, jewelry, pre-wedding events..." He shrugged. "Ten million is just a bargain."

Nasamid ako sa wine ko. "P-pero hindi naman po kailangan ng ganun ka-"

"Yes, it is." His tone was final. "You'll be soon a Del Rosario. Everything must be perfect."

Perfect. Para bang rinig ko ang boses ni Regina Del Rosario sa salita na 'yon.

"Sir..." I gathered my courage. "Bakit po ako? Surely may ibang babae na mas qualified-"

"Qualified?" He looked amused. "This isn't a job interview, Miss Santos."

"Hindi po ba? Kasi parang job description 'yung contract eh."

He studied me for a moment. "You're different from what I expected."

"Po?"

"Most women would be thrilled at this opportunity." He gestured around us. "Money, luxury, social status..."

"Most women didn't watch their father lose everything because of social status," I said quietly.

Something changed in his expression. "The Santos Construction scandal-"

"Hindi ko po gustong pag-usapan ang bagay na yan." I straightened up. "Sir, let's go straight to the point po. Kailangan ko ng pera para sa kapatid ko. And you need a wife para sa company mo. Transaction lang 'to, just a business deal gaya ng sabi niyo and clear po sa akin 'yan."

He nodded slowly. "So, naiintinduhan na natin ang isa't-isa."

"Perfectly po." I met his gaze. "Pero may conditions ako."

"You're in no position to make demands here, Miss Santos."

"Tatlo lang naman po." hinawakan ko ang kamay ko. "One, I keep my job sa coffee shop."

"Absolutely not." He frowned. "My wife can't be serving coffee-"

"Half-day lang naman po. Morning shift. Para may sense of normalcy pa rin ako."

He considered this. "Fine. Pero hanggang bago ang kasal ay titigil ka na." Um-oo na lang ako.

"Two," I continued, "I need five million in advance. Para makapag-start na ng treatment si Jenny sa Korea."

"Two million," he countered. "The rest after the wedding."

"Four million."

"Three." His eyes narrowed. "Final offer."

"Deal." I took another sip of wine. "And three... importante 'to..."

"Yes?"

Tinignan ko siya nang diretso sa mata bago sabihin ang panghuli kong condition. "No falling in love. Ever. Either of us."

For a moment, parang may dumaan na emotion sa mga mata niya. But then he smiled that cold smile again.

"Trust me, Miss Santos. That won't be a problem."

The main course arrived – something French with too many fancy ingredients. Habang kumakain kami ng tahimik, hindi ko maiwasang mapaisip...

Bakit parang may something sa dibdib ko nang pumayag ka agad siya sa 'no falling in love'?

"Miss Santos?" His voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Po?"

"The wedding will be in two months." He was all business again. "Tomorrow, my staff will brief you on everything – etiquette training, wardrobe, social calendar. I expect full cooperation."

Two months? Lord! "Pero sir-"

"We'll announce the engagement next week. I suggest you prepare your family and friends." Tinignan niya ang relo niya bago nagpatuloy. "The car will take you home. We start tomorrow, 9AM sharp."

And just like that, dismissed na ako. As I stood to leave, he called out one last time.

"Miss Santos?"

"Po?"

"The dress..." His eyes lingered for a moment. "Keep it. You look... acceptable in blue."

Acceptable? Wow ha. Parang di ako jatanggap tanggap sa sinabi niya. "Thank you po, Sir Acceptable." sarcastic kong sabi.

Nagulat ako ng ngumiti siya. I mean, was that almost a real smile on his face?

Sa car ride pauwi, hindi ko mapigilan mag-isip. What would Dad say if he could see me now? His daughter, marrying into the world that destroyed him. Pero para kay Jenny... para sa pamilya...

My phone buzzed. Another text from Alexander.

"Contract signing tomorrow. Don't be late. And Miss Santos?"

"Po?"

"Welcome to high society. Try not to spill anything on the paperwork."

Napangiti ako kahit ayaw ko.

Ten million reasons to do this.

And one heart to protect.

Game on, Mr. Del Rosario.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 5: The Fine Print (Part 1)

    "Ano'ng ginawa mo?!" Napapikit ako sa lakas ng boses ni Tita Baby. We were sitting in her small apartment, kung saan ako tumutuloy minsan kapag late na ang shift ko. It was almost midnight, pero kailangan ko talagang makausap siya. "Tita, please..." I gestured to her neighbors. "Baka magising sila." "Magising?!" She threw her hands up. "Dapat nga sigawan kita ng mas malakas para magising ka sa katangahan mo!" "Hindi po 'to katangahan." I clutched my coffee mug tighter. "It's... a business decision." "Business?" Tinignan ako ni Tita na parang gusto niya na akong sakalin.. "Isa, anak, marriage contract 'yan. Hindi purchase order!" Wala na akong nagawa kundi ang ikwento sa kanya ang lahat – from the coffee incident hanggang sa dinner kanina. Every detail, including 'yung three million advance payment for Jenny's treatment. "Sampung milyon..." Tita Baby whispered, finally sitting down. "Diyos ko, Isa. Alam mo bang delikado 'to?" "Alam ko po." tinignan ko ang kape ko. "Pero

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 6: The Fine Print (Part 2)

    Ang sumunod na tatlong oras ay mga napaka-intense na legal discussion na ngayon ko pa lang naranasan. Every clause, every condition, every possible scenario was covered. "In the event of pregnancy..." began one lawyer. "Not happening," Xander and I said simultaneously, kaya nagkatinginan kami ng panandalian. "Nevertheless," the lawyer continued, "we need this clause. Any child conceived during the contract period will be..." "Skip this part," Xander ordered. "Next section." "Social media guidelines," Attorney Claire read. "Miss Santos must maintain appropriate online presence. No controversial posts, no personal revelations, no-" "Wait," I interrupted. "Does this mean na kailangan kong burahin ang lahat ng social media accounts ko?" "We'll create new ones," pagpapaliwanag ni Xander "Managed by our PR team." "But my students follow me," I protested. "My online teaching-" "Will end after the wedding," he said firmly. "Pero-" "Non-negotiable." sa tono ng boses niya a

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 7: Meet Your Fake Fiancée

    "Miss Santos, paki-ulit nga po...""Isabella.""Sorry po. Isabella, dapat po kasi mas mahinahon ang paglalakad. Isa-dalawa, isa-dalawa... ay naku!"Napaupo ako nang matisod sa sarili kong paa. One hour na akong nagpa-practice maglakad with this "social coach" na si Mrs. Dela Cruz, pero wala pa ring improvement."Miss Isabella," buntong-hininga niya. "Paano kayo magiging Mrs. Del Rosario kung hindi man lang kayo marunong maglakad nang maayos?""Pasensya na po," I muttered. "Hindi po kasi ako sanay sa ganitong sapatos."Tinuro niya ang four-inch heels na suot ko. "Ito po ang pinakamababa sa collection ni Sir Alexander para sa inyo. May six inches pa po.""Six?!" Namutla ako. "Ate, baka mamatay po ako!""Hay naku," Mrs. Dela Cruz checked her notebook. "Sige, break muna tayo. Maya-maya pa ang table manners training."Thank God. Umupo ako sa malambot na sofa sa gitna ng malaking training room. One week na akong nagti-training dito sa "preparation center" ng Del Rosario family. Walking less

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 8: Learning to Lie (Part 1)

    "And three, two, one... Ms. Santos, paki-ngiti naman po!" Pilit kong pinigilan ang pag-twitch ng labi ko habang nakatitig sa camera. Two hours na akong naka-upo sa harap ng PR team ni Xander, practicing my "media smile" or "sociak smile" daw. "Ms. Grace," sabi ko sa PR head niya. "Hindi po ba pwedeng natural lang?" Umiling siya. "No, no, no. Your smile needs to be perfect and consistent. Hindi 'yung minsan malaki, minsan maliit. The media will analyze everything." Lord, ayoko na. "Let's take five," announced Ms. Grace. "Isabella, review mo 'yung script about your love story ha?" Tumango ako habang binubuklat ang blue folder na binigay sa akin. Inside were pages of our "official story" - kung paano kami nagkakilala, first date, proposal... lahat scripted. "Having fun?" Nagulat ako nang biglang dumating si Xander, naka-three piece suit as usual. "Ikaw ba, nag-enjoy ka din dati sa ganito?" "I grew up with this." Umupo siya sa tabi ko. "Sanay na." "Swerte mo naman," I m

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 9: Learning to Lie (Part 2)

    "Good job today!" Ms. Grace packed up her things. "Remember, always stick to the script. Kung may unexpected questions, refer to Sir Alexander. And please, practice your society smile!"Pagkaalis niya, bumuntong-hininga ako. "Xander, sigurado ka sa'kin? Feeling ko mabubuko agad ako.""You did well today.""Nambola ka pa!" Tinapunan ko siya ng tissue. "That thing about my 'fire' and dignity... grabe ka!""I meant that part."Natigilan ako. "Ha?""Your dignity that day," he said, suddenly interested sa phone niya. "It was... admirable.""Ah..." Bakit ang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko? "Well, 'yung sinabi ko din about the hospital visit... totoo 'yun."He looked up. "Really?""Mm-hmm. Nagulat ako nun eh. The way you were with Jenny..." I smiled at the memory. "Para kang ibang tao.""I am a different person," he said quietly. "When I'm not being Alexander Del Rosario.""I noticed." Tumayo ako. "Mas gusto ko 'yung Xander version mo.""Careful," he warned, but he was almost smiling. "Baka

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 10: Family Dinner sa Mansion

    "Ate, sure ka ba sa suot mo?"Napatingin ako sa salamin. Naka-simple lang akong midi dress at flat shoes. "Bakit, mukha ba akong katulong?"Tumawa si Jenny mula sa video call. "Hindi naman! Pero diba sa mansyon ng future mother-in-law mo 'yung dinner?""Hay naku, mas gusto ko ngang mag-jeans eh." Inayos ko ang shoulder bag ko. "Kung pwede lang.""Grabe ka. High society na 'to, Ate! Main branch ng Del Rosario family!""Kaya nga kinakabahan ako eh..." Napaupo ako sa kama. Thirty minutes nalang bago sunduin ako ni Xander. "Paano kung hindi nila ako magustuhan?""Imposible 'yun!" protesta ni Jenny. "Maganda ka, matalino, may work-""Na barista?""At ESL teacher!" dagdag niya. "Tsaka may breeding ka kaya. Si Mama at Papa, kahit mahirap tayo, pinalaki tayong maayos."Napangiti ako. Tama siya. Proud ako sa pagpapalaki sa'min nina Mama at Papa.Knock knock!Napatalon ako. "Nandyan na siya!""Go na!" excited na sabi ni Jenny. "Text mo ko kung ano mangyayari ha?"Pagbukas ko ng pinto, natigilan

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 11: The Other Woman (Part 1)

    "Naku, ang sweet ni Sir Xander!" kilig na kilig na sabi ng nurse habang binabantayan si Jenny. "Every night na po ba siya bumibisita?"Nahihiyang tumango ako. One week na since 'yung disastrous family dinner, at talagang gabi-gabi na siyang dumadalaw kay Jenny. Minsan may dala pang pagkain, minsan gadgets para hindi ma-bored ang kapatid ko."Grabe, sana all!" tawa ng nurse. "Mabuti at nakahanap ka ng ganyang klaseng CEO, Ma'am Isa!""Nako, wag ka masyadong maniwala diyan kay Ate Claire!" singit ni Jenny. "Marketing strategy lang 'yan ng future brother-in-law ko!""Jenny!" Pinandilatan ko siya."Joke lang!" Pero kita kong nag-aalala siya. "Oh siya, balik na ko sa modules ko. Dami pang homework!"Pagkaalis ng nurse, hinampas ko ng unan si Jenny. "Ikaw ha, kung ano-ano sinasabi mo!""Bakit? Totoo naman ah!" She looked at me seriously. "Ate... sigurado ka talagang hindi ka...""Hindi ako ano?""Na-fa-fall?"Natigilan ako. "Jenny naman. Alam mo namang may kontrata lang kami.""Oo nga." She

    Last Updated : 2025-02-13
  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 12: The Othet Woman (Part 2)

    "Isabella!" bati ni Madame Regina, suddenly all smiles. "Come meet Chiara Chen! Chiara, this is Alexander's fiancée." "Oh!" Her smile was dazzling. "The... barista, right?" Ouch. Round one pa lang, supalpal na. "Yes!" Proud na sagot ko. "That's how I met Xander eh. Destiny talaga!" "Destiny..." She laughed musically. "Well, that's one way to put it." Double ouch. "Actually," singit ni Victoria. "How's Marco, Chiara? Still together?" Chiara's smile faltered slightly. "We... decided to take a break." "Oh? Kailan pa?" inosenteng tanong ni Miguel. "Before or after malaman mong engaged na si Kuya?" Triple ouch - pero sa kanya naman this time! Hahaha. "Miguel," warning tone ni Madame Regina. "Be nice." "Sorry, Lola!" But he winked at me. "Isabella." Napalingon ako. Si Xander, looking devastatingly handsome in his tux. Without a word, he took my hand and pulled me close. "Hi," I whispered. "Xander!" bati ni Chiara. "It's been so long!" "Chiara." His tone was co

    Last Updated : 2025-02-14

Latest chapter

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 15: Behind Closed Doors (Part 1)

    "Ate naman!" Frustrated na si Jenny. "Ilang araw ka nang nagtatago!" Nakahiga ako sa hospital bed niya, nakataklob ang kumot sa mukha. "Hindi ako nagtatago!" defensive kong sagot. "Busy lang!" "Busy?" She pulled the blanket off. "O bakit ka nga dito natutulog sa hospital?" "Kasi..." Napakamot ako ng ulo. "Miss na kita?" "Ulol!" Binato niya ako ng unan. "Ilang araw ka nang umiiwas kay Kuya X no?" Napabuntong hininga ako. Three days na nga since 'yung kiss. Three days na kong nagtatago. "Mali ba ko?" bulong ko. "Sa pagtatago? Oo naman!" "Pero Jenny..." Napaupo ako. "Nahihiya ako eh!" "Bakit naman?" "Kasi..." Namula ako. "First kiss ko yun eh." "HA?!" Napasigaw si Jenny. "FIRST KISS MO YUN?!" "Shhh!" Tinakpan ko bibig niya. "Dahan dahan!" "Sorry!" She whispered excitedly. "Pero Ate... first kiss mo talaga?" Tumango ako. "Oh my god!" She squealed. "Ang romantic! Sa High Street pa! Tapos trending pa!" "Jenny naman!" Pero namula ako. "Hindi romantic yun!"

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 14: Playing House (Part 2)

    "I mean..." I backtracked. "Like... yung situation natin...""Right." His voice was strange. "The situation. Our situation."Pagkatapos nanaman nun ay nagkaroon ng awkward silence. Kaya ako na ang unang nagsalita."Um..." I stood up. "Matutulog na ko-""Wait." He grabbed my wrist. "About the reporters...""Okay lang yun! Ano ka ba!" I forced a laugh. "Parte lang 'yon ng job 'di ba?""Still." Napakunot siya ng tuluyan. "I don't like them harassing you.""Sus, sanay na ko!" "You shouldn't have to get used to it.""Xander..." I sat back down. "Parte to ng deal natin, right? Ang press coverage, public appearances... Kaya ginagawa ko lang kung ano ang nasa kasunduan natin""I know, I know. Pero..." He ran a hand through his hair. "The pregnancy rumors..."I laughed. Naalala ko nanaman 'yung tungkol sa issue na iyon. "Ang wild no? As if namang mangyayari 'yun!"Hindi siya ngumiti. Napangiwi na lang tuloy ako."Um..." Kinakabahan na ko. "May problema ba?""My grandmother. Mama called."Ay p

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 13: Playong House (Part 1)

    "Welcome to your new home!"Nakatayo ako sa lobby ng pinakamataas na floor ng BGC's most exclusive residential tower, hawak-hawak ang isang maleta at backpack lang. Lahat ng gamit ko for one year, kasya sa dalawang bag. "Ma'am, good evening po!" bati ng guard. "Sir Xander informed us about you po. Welcome to The Penthouse!"The Penthouse. Parang title lang ng teleserye. Except ngayon, ako 'yung bida. Ako 'yung mahirap na babae na mapupunta sa mundo ng mayayaman. Pero unlike sa TV, walang forever dito. May countdown clock."This way po," sabi ng guard. "Sa private elevator po ni Sir."Wow. May private elevator si Xander. Of course, bilyonaryo siya. Pagbukas ng pinto sa taas, muntik na akong mahulog sa kinatatayuan ko."Grabe..." bulong ko.Floor to ceiling windows showing the entire Metro Manila skyline. Italian marble floors. Modern furniture na mukhang galing sa magazine. At sa gitna, isang spiral staircase leading to the second floor."This is your home for the next year."Napalin

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 12: The Othet Woman (Part 2)

    "Isabella!" bati ni Madame Regina, suddenly all smiles. "Come meet Chiara Chen! Chiara, this is Alexander's fiancée." "Oh!" Her smile was dazzling. "The... barista, right?" Ouch. Round one pa lang, supalpal na. "Yes!" Proud na sagot ko. "That's how I met Xander eh. Destiny talaga!" "Destiny..." She laughed musically. "Well, that's one way to put it." Double ouch. "Actually," singit ni Victoria. "How's Marco, Chiara? Still together?" Chiara's smile faltered slightly. "We... decided to take a break." "Oh? Kailan pa?" inosenteng tanong ni Miguel. "Before or after malaman mong engaged na si Kuya?" Triple ouch - pero sa kanya naman this time! Hahaha. "Miguel," warning tone ni Madame Regina. "Be nice." "Sorry, Lola!" But he winked at me. "Isabella." Napalingon ako. Si Xander, looking devastatingly handsome in his tux. Without a word, he took my hand and pulled me close. "Hi," I whispered. "Xander!" bati ni Chiara. "It's been so long!" "Chiara." His tone was co

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 11: The Other Woman (Part 1)

    "Naku, ang sweet ni Sir Xander!" kilig na kilig na sabi ng nurse habang binabantayan si Jenny. "Every night na po ba siya bumibisita?"Nahihiyang tumango ako. One week na since 'yung disastrous family dinner, at talagang gabi-gabi na siyang dumadalaw kay Jenny. Minsan may dala pang pagkain, minsan gadgets para hindi ma-bored ang kapatid ko."Grabe, sana all!" tawa ng nurse. "Mabuti at nakahanap ka ng ganyang klaseng CEO, Ma'am Isa!""Nako, wag ka masyadong maniwala diyan kay Ate Claire!" singit ni Jenny. "Marketing strategy lang 'yan ng future brother-in-law ko!""Jenny!" Pinandilatan ko siya."Joke lang!" Pero kita kong nag-aalala siya. "Oh siya, balik na ko sa modules ko. Dami pang homework!"Pagkaalis ng nurse, hinampas ko ng unan si Jenny. "Ikaw ha, kung ano-ano sinasabi mo!""Bakit? Totoo naman ah!" She looked at me seriously. "Ate... sigurado ka talagang hindi ka...""Hindi ako ano?""Na-fa-fall?"Natigilan ako. "Jenny naman. Alam mo namang may kontrata lang kami.""Oo nga." She

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 10: Family Dinner sa Mansion

    "Ate, sure ka ba sa suot mo?"Napatingin ako sa salamin. Naka-simple lang akong midi dress at flat shoes. "Bakit, mukha ba akong katulong?"Tumawa si Jenny mula sa video call. "Hindi naman! Pero diba sa mansyon ng future mother-in-law mo 'yung dinner?""Hay naku, mas gusto ko ngang mag-jeans eh." Inayos ko ang shoulder bag ko. "Kung pwede lang.""Grabe ka. High society na 'to, Ate! Main branch ng Del Rosario family!""Kaya nga kinakabahan ako eh..." Napaupo ako sa kama. Thirty minutes nalang bago sunduin ako ni Xander. "Paano kung hindi nila ako magustuhan?""Imposible 'yun!" protesta ni Jenny. "Maganda ka, matalino, may work-""Na barista?""At ESL teacher!" dagdag niya. "Tsaka may breeding ka kaya. Si Mama at Papa, kahit mahirap tayo, pinalaki tayong maayos."Napangiti ako. Tama siya. Proud ako sa pagpapalaki sa'min nina Mama at Papa.Knock knock!Napatalon ako. "Nandyan na siya!""Go na!" excited na sabi ni Jenny. "Text mo ko kung ano mangyayari ha?"Pagbukas ko ng pinto, natigilan

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 9: Learning to Lie (Part 2)

    "Good job today!" Ms. Grace packed up her things. "Remember, always stick to the script. Kung may unexpected questions, refer to Sir Alexander. And please, practice your society smile!"Pagkaalis niya, bumuntong-hininga ako. "Xander, sigurado ka sa'kin? Feeling ko mabubuko agad ako.""You did well today.""Nambola ka pa!" Tinapunan ko siya ng tissue. "That thing about my 'fire' and dignity... grabe ka!""I meant that part."Natigilan ako. "Ha?""Your dignity that day," he said, suddenly interested sa phone niya. "It was... admirable.""Ah..." Bakit ang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko? "Well, 'yung sinabi ko din about the hospital visit... totoo 'yun."He looked up. "Really?""Mm-hmm. Nagulat ako nun eh. The way you were with Jenny..." I smiled at the memory. "Para kang ibang tao.""I am a different person," he said quietly. "When I'm not being Alexander Del Rosario.""I noticed." Tumayo ako. "Mas gusto ko 'yung Xander version mo.""Careful," he warned, but he was almost smiling. "Baka

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 8: Learning to Lie (Part 1)

    "And three, two, one... Ms. Santos, paki-ngiti naman po!" Pilit kong pinigilan ang pag-twitch ng labi ko habang nakatitig sa camera. Two hours na akong naka-upo sa harap ng PR team ni Xander, practicing my "media smile" or "sociak smile" daw. "Ms. Grace," sabi ko sa PR head niya. "Hindi po ba pwedeng natural lang?" Umiling siya. "No, no, no. Your smile needs to be perfect and consistent. Hindi 'yung minsan malaki, minsan maliit. The media will analyze everything." Lord, ayoko na. "Let's take five," announced Ms. Grace. "Isabella, review mo 'yung script about your love story ha?" Tumango ako habang binubuklat ang blue folder na binigay sa akin. Inside were pages of our "official story" - kung paano kami nagkakilala, first date, proposal... lahat scripted. "Having fun?" Nagulat ako nang biglang dumating si Xander, naka-three piece suit as usual. "Ikaw ba, nag-enjoy ka din dati sa ganito?" "I grew up with this." Umupo siya sa tabi ko. "Sanay na." "Swerte mo naman," I m

  • The CEO's Hired Wife   Chapter 7: Meet Your Fake Fiancée

    "Miss Santos, paki-ulit nga po...""Isabella.""Sorry po. Isabella, dapat po kasi mas mahinahon ang paglalakad. Isa-dalawa, isa-dalawa... ay naku!"Napaupo ako nang matisod sa sarili kong paa. One hour na akong nagpa-practice maglakad with this "social coach" na si Mrs. Dela Cruz, pero wala pa ring improvement."Miss Isabella," buntong-hininga niya. "Paano kayo magiging Mrs. Del Rosario kung hindi man lang kayo marunong maglakad nang maayos?""Pasensya na po," I muttered. "Hindi po kasi ako sanay sa ganitong sapatos."Tinuro niya ang four-inch heels na suot ko. "Ito po ang pinakamababa sa collection ni Sir Alexander para sa inyo. May six inches pa po.""Six?!" Namutla ako. "Ate, baka mamatay po ako!""Hay naku," Mrs. Dela Cruz checked her notebook. "Sige, break muna tayo. Maya-maya pa ang table manners training."Thank God. Umupo ako sa malambot na sofa sa gitna ng malaking training room. One week na akong nagti-training dito sa "preparation center" ng Del Rosario family. Walking less

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status