The next day, Gabriel was excited to go to work. He was used to battling heads with the other executives that were leading the nation’s economic growth alone. Yesterday seems to be a different case.
Gabriel was whistling as he recalled how Evina stepped up to lift The Elysian Inc in the pedestal while the bosses were singing praises to their archenemy. Because of her excellent relationship skills, they seemed to change their course from steering towards the Ming’s Group to The Elysian.
It was beneficial because the current flowed to the actual meeting, where the Director that leads Gentech ear wigged on how exceptional the Elysian Inc is. They already have an inkling that they would make a wise investment if they would pick their company.
He also remembered how she said that he was her precious gem, and it was not him who found her, but the other way around. It sounded cliché, but it somehow made his lips twitch.
Gabriel’s grin turned to a huge smile
“Julio u-used me?” Evina uttered in disbelief. She didn’t know how she would react at that very moment. She could feel every fiber in her muscle burned in anger at Julio. And also at herself for being gullible with his devious schemes. However, she also felt sorry for Gabriel. He has poured out blood and sweat for this project. She wanted to defend herself. But she knew her stubbornness caused this chaos. And she wanted to admit it. “I’m sorry. I should have listened to you when you told me to stay away from him,” she bowed her head in sincere apology. Gabriel didn’t react. Mr. Gu seemed to sense that they need some privacy. He bowed down to the both of them and said, “I will just see what I can do. Excuse me, sir and ma’am.” It was now only the two of them in the office. But Gabriel, still, wasn’t saying anything. He seemed to have been frozen in his spot. His whole body seemed to be paralyzed except for his clenched jaw and clenching fists.
For one week, Gabriel and Evina worked on creating a proposal that was cheaper and more profitable compared to the Ming’s Group. Evina suggested ways to make it according to her perceived character and motivation of Mr. Zheng, the owner of Gentech Project.On the other hand, Gabriel worked on cutting the expenses and improvising other resources to make the plan more cost-friendly than before. As they collaborated, they stayed up late at night at the office. They even used the weekends too.As they did so, they started getting to know each other, their likes and dislikes, what makes them happy or sad. Gabriel started to have a cheerful demeanor and be expressive with his true emotions. At the same time, Evina began to listen and submit to someone in authority above her.“You’re right. I will revise it again, sir. Just give me a few minutes,” Evina nodded after she listened to Gabriel’s suggestions.“I can do this. It&rsq
“Gabriel,” A moan escaped from Evina’s lips as she uttered the name of her boss. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she enjoyed what his boss was doing to her. Her head tossed back and forth in delirium. Her fingers grabbed her white blanket and clutched at it until she reached the climax of her euphoria. After a few minutes, her body calmed down and returned to its natural state. As it did so, she suddenly bolted up from her bed. Her eyes darted around her. She was still in her bed, and it’s only 5am in the morning. There was no Mr. Yang. “It’s only a dream,” Evina uttered as her shoulders hunched. She didn’t know if it was because she was glad or disappointed. She knew that she had to stay away from him, as she promised her sister, Maria. Her original plan of being an executive assistant was just to earn money for her family. She doesn’t want to get involved with anyone, especially the CEO. But her attraction for him was so strong, she
Julio was grinning from ear to ear as they awaited Mr. Zheng’s response. He and the other executives were already at the boardroom, including Gabriel and Evina. All of them were excited to know who won the much prized project.With his scheme, Julio was confident that the Ming’s Group would win the bid. He was a little surprise that Evina was still working for Gabriel. He knew Gabriel was smart enough to know about what he did. Julio rubbed his chin as he stared at the two. Gabriel was just chatting with the other executives. Evina, on the other hand, had her arms crossed while glaring at him.“Good day, gentlemen! I’m now ready to announce the company that we would be working with,” Mr. Zheng greeted them, distracting Julio from his observation.“If it’s not us, I’m sure it’s either the Ming’s or The Elysian’s,” he overheard them talking. The others were also stating their own bet for the w
“How did you invite our CEO to join us here?”Gabriel overheard one of his staffs asked Evina. He looked around him, wondering what really made him come there. There was a giant spinning Ferris wheel in the middle of the amusement park they were in. Colorful looping rollercoasters were circling around it. Loud music mixed with screams and laughter filled the air.He grimaced as the whole place smelled of burgers, corn dogs and ice cream.Gabriel couldn’t remember the last time that he has been to a fair. But it was Evina who picked this place to spend their victory party with.“Maybe he really has childish desires within him that made him come here,” Evina whispered back to her colleague. But since it was loud, Gabriel heard it loud and clear.“Do I really have that inside me?” Gabriel contemplated as he watched the other kids enjoyed the ride.As far as he remembered, he could only recall visiting a
The Elysian Inc’s R & D Department were still at the amusement park when dark clouds began to form in the sky. They decided to rest in a nearby food stand with a roof above it in case rain poured out. The sun was shining brightly when they went there, so they didn’t bring any umbrellas.Evina was in line for her hot dog order. Gabriel should have stayed at his table as he waited for her to buy for him. But he went with her in the line. “What’s wrong?” Gabriel asked Evina as she was not her usual bubbly self anymore.Wanting to hide her doubts, she gave Gabriel a warm smile. “It’s nothing. Here’s your order, sir.” Then she quickly left and mingled with others. Gabriel’s eyebrows furrowed. He has no idea why Evina was being like that all of a sudden.She also made an excuse that her stomach was aching, that’s why she needed to go home. The others agreed to go home with her, so they would not get
Evina already resolved to herself that she would talk to Gabriel about their relationship. Still, she did not know if she would like the outcome of it.With her shoulders dropped, she reached for the door of Gabriel’s car. It was weekend. But Gabriel has instructed Paul to fetch her, so she could go to the office. He said that she has an errand that she must finish before Monday starts.As she did so, she overheard a conversation in the talk show on their TV. “Trust is what builds up a relationship. And lack of it could break it down.”She flipped her hair over as she commented, “If you are in a named relationship. But what if you’re not? How can you trust one another?”Evina was about to go out when Maria called her. “Evie, can we ask for a favor? Can Simon and I perhaps join you? Simon will be late for his practice.”Evina nodded at once to her older sister. “Sure! Let’s go!”
Evina drew in a deep breath as she wondered how she would talk to Gabriel. They were now at The Elysian Building office. Because it's the weekend, there were only a few employees who were there at that moment. They have finished what they were supposed to do for that time. And some of them were already going home."You can do this, Evina," she thought to herself as she observed Gabriel on his desk. He was typing away on his laptop and he seemed to be oblivious of her. As she observed him, she continued to contemplate about their situation.It's not that she wanted something deep from him. She was happy with the way things are going with them. She has provided for her family and were already saving some for herself. But for the first time in her life, she wanted something that she had never craved before. She wanted a man in her life.