Chapter 44: CEO

I dropped my jaw after I read his name. I had to close my eyes for a moment. Pero pagkabukas ko ng mga ito ay gano'n pa rin ang nakasulat. The letters spelled his name and reading it brought so many thoughts to my head.

My heart hammered against my chest. I wasn't prepared for this. Yes, I expected to bump into him someday, but not this early.

I am not ready yet.

In the past years, I stopped myself from looking back on my past. I've endured the bulge of curiosity of finding out what happened after that. I didn't want to question what could happen if my decisions were different. I didn't regret anything but there were what-ifs.

I scrolled down on his picture. Napalunok ako kasabay ng pamumuo ng mga luha sa aking mata. A bitter smile formed on my lips as I stared at his picture for the first time in years. He looked exactly like his father. Nothing really changed, kaya hindi ko alam kung updated ba 'to o hindi.

"Rik..." I mentioned his name. "You are a CEO now."

It didn't surprise me how far he has come now. I knew his potentials. This is just one of those. I just find it funny how from being the SSG President, he became the CEO of this huge company.

I guess I have a long night ahead.

I poured myself a drink as I did more research about him and his company. Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi pa ako handang harapin siya, pero kailangan. My job is at stake here.

This is nothing but business. Businesses are about formality.

I've only a few hours of sleep. Pumasok ako sa trabaho nang parang walang nangyari. Kapapasok ko lang sa office ko ay pinatawag ako agad ni Mr. Fernandez.

"You got this, Miss Chavez. I've seen you grow as a woman and as an individual." He gave me his reassuring smile. "Alam kong wala ka ring kasalanan sa mga nangyari. But please do it for our company."

I nodded. "I understand, Mr. Fernandez."

"Mr. Delgado doesn't usually accept guests. Only Mr. Cortez, his left hand, does all the meetings." Pinagsalikop niya ang kanyang mga kamay saka bahagyang yumuko palapit sa akin. "This is the first time he accepted a visitor."

I swallowed. "Noted, Sir."

Mr. Fernandez smiled at me. "Take him back, Miss Chavez."

Napasinghap ako. Take him back?

I mentally chuckled. What am I thinking? This is business.

I did nothing but research for the entire day in my office. I've also talked to his secretary. His arrival is set two days from now. He will stay here.

Shit.

He will stay here!

Pagkauwi ko sa condo ay parang sobrang pagod ako. Wala naman akong ginawa kung hindi ang maupo. That's when I decided to talk to Cams.

"Nothing much, Rizzie. I am starting my drafts." Tumayo si Cams para hawiin ang kurtina ng tinutuluyan niya. "Bakit napatawag ka bigla?"

I sighed. "Babalik na siyang Pinas."

"Huh?" She sat down in bed. "Who?"

"Ulrich."

Natigilan si Cams. Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata.

"I have a scheduled meeting with CEO Delgado," I clarified.

I said like it didn't bother me the whole night. Like it didn't slip out of my mind for a second. Like I wasn't so scared for my life.

"He's a CEO now," I told her. "Imagine?"

Natawa pa ako. Parang sobrang hirap kasing paniwalaan. Sobrang bilis kasi ng mga pangyayari. Parang kahapon lang ang lahat.

"Wha the hell, Rizzie? Pumayag ka?" she blurted out.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Like I have a choice."

"Ayos ka na ba?"

"I am fine, Cams. It will be a business meeting."

"Business meeting with your ex?"

I laughed. "Hindi naging kami, Cams."

"So..." Sumandal sa ulunan ng kama si Cams. Nahagip ng mga mata ko ang picture frame sa gilid niya. It was picture of PJ. "You will pursue it?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Damn. Bakit sa dami ng tao sa mundo, siya pa? Sinadya niya kaya 'to?" tanong pa ni Cams.

"Sira. Malaki rin kasi ang company namin. It was shocking, but not surprising." I let out a sigh. "Pero, iyon na nga. Magkakausap na rin kami."

"Oh, my God. Kaya mo na ba?"

"I will try..." I bit my bottom lip. I suddenly pictured myself sitting on the couch in front of him. "Mahirap pero kailangan kong harapin 'to."

Lumungkot ang mukha ni Cams. "Ikaw ang bahala. Good luck, Rizzie. I wish you the best."

"Thank you..."

"Wait. Do you want to see my rough sketch?"

Cams showed me her rough sketch of the gown. She also explained the details. Though halos wala akong naintindihan, namangha ako sa disenyo niya. Most importantly, she looked happy.

"I am so excited. Hopefully, magustuhan niya rin 'tong design ko!"

"That's for sure." I smiled. "I am happy for you, Cams."

"N-nagkita na ba kayo?"

Umiling ako. "Nope. I am busy, too, Cams."

"Have you seen his shots? I love them! Tapos puro mga international mostly ang models niya!" she blurted out full of excitement.

"Cams..." I sighed.

"He's doing better now..." may halong pait na sabi ni Cams.

Tumitig ako sa kaibigan ko. "Stop stalking him, Camila. Sasaktan mo lang lalo ang sarili mo—"

"I know, Riza. I just can't help it."

"Anyway... inaantok na ako," pag-iiba ko agad sa topic. "Maaga pa ako bukas, eh."

"Sure. Good night, Rizzie. Good luck!"

After I ended the call, tumunganga ako sa kawalan. Though I don't completely understand what happened between Cams and PJ, I am with Cams.

Oh, my God. Our college days were such a mess.

A day before Ulrich's arrival, I've arranged everything. Sa pagkakataong ito ay ako na ang nakatoka sa lahat ng gawain. Magkakilala na rin naman kami ni Ulrich kaya kahit papaano ay may alam ako sa kanya.

Iyon ay kung walang nagbago sa loob ng mga nagdaang taon.

In my case, nothing changed that much.

I am just more professional now.

I can handle this.

Wearing my tidy dress and light make-up, I stood in front of the mirror. My hair was done sleekly and so were the color of my lips. Everything was done lightly, except my heavy feeling.

No matter what happens, this is all business.

Nothing personal should happen.

Exactly two hours before CEO Delgado's arrival, I've re-inspected everything. Pagkasundo ko sa kanya ay ihahatid ko siya sa suite niya. I will make him feel comfortable first. The interview will be either later also or tomorrow. It depends on his mood.

I am prepared anytime. I guess?

His secretary called me.

"Mr. Delgado is on his way," she informed me. "Please, make sure no one will greet him aside from you. He wants his arrival as simple as possible."

Napalunok ako. "Noted."

What the heck?

"Am I speaking with Miss Chavez?"

"Yes."

"Good. Please, wait for him outside. Alone. Thank you."

Pagkababa niya ng tawag ay agad akong humarap sa salamin. I sprayed a bit of perfume before I stepped out of my office. I've informed my co-workers about what his secretary said. Some of them even frowned.

"I wanted to see him in person. Ang guwapo sa picture!" dinig kong sabi ng isa pa.

"Dito ba kayo dadaan, Miss Chavez?" tanong pa ng isa sa akin.

"Huwag muna kayong magpakalat-kalat." I rolled my eyes. "If possible, just ignore his presence. Don't worry, he finds it more comfortable that way."

"I feel him. Imagine being only 25 and you have a huge company—"

"I have to go," I cut her off.

Inayos ko ang blazer ko bago pumunta sa entrance. Hindi pa rin tumitila ang ulan kaya inabutan ako ng payong nung guard. I waited for him outside.

It suddenly felt cold. Nangatog ang mga binti ko. Hindi dahil sa naka-skirt ako kaya dama ang lamig, kung hindi dahil sa sobrang kaba.

Be professional, Riza.

"He's here..." I heard the guard say.

Tumikhim ako. I lifted my chin up when I saw a black car approaching. I smiled when it stopped in front of me. Naglakad ako palapit sa sasakyan.

Sobrang lakas ng kabog sa dibdib ko. Pakiramdam ko ay bigla ko na lang mabibitiwan ang payong dahil sa sobrang panghihina.

I held the door and even managed to open it for him.

"Nice..." Mr. Cortez smirked at me.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Where's Mr. Delgado?"

Don't tell me he's not coming again?

"Wrong car, Miss Chavez," he laughed.

Mabilis akong bumaling sa likod. Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan ko nang makitang lumabas ng sasakyan ang isang lalaking naka black formal attire.

He stood in the rain as he looked up at our hotel.

Patakbo akong lumapit sa kanya. Halos madapa pa ako para lang agad siyang mapayungan. Muntik na nga akong mapahawak sa kanya pero buti napigilan ko ang sarili.

"Good morning, Mr. Delgado. It's a pleasure to welcome you here—"

"Nababasa ako..." malamig niyang sabi.

His cold and deep voice triggered a tremor inside me. Inayos ko ang pagpapayong sa kanya. Kahit nga nababasa na ako ay wala akong pakialam.

"How about me?" Mr. Cortez asked.

I ignored him when Ulrich walked to the entrance. The guards greeted him with a smile. He just nodded at them before finally stepping his foot inside.

"Thank you..." Binigay ko sa guard ang payong saka nagmadaling sumunod kay Ulrich. He stopped in the lobby area and roamed his eyes around.

He looked lost.

"This way, please..." I motioned to the elevator on the left side.

"Every second is expensive. It took you seconds to give direction," aniya bago kumaliwa papasok sa elevator. Agad naman akong sumunod.

I stood beside the entrance. Siya ang nasa likod ko. I pressed his suite floor number. Habang paakyat ay nagpagpag ako ng balikat dahil nabasa ito ng ulan.

I could feel him staring at my back.

"I thought the executive assistant will be the one to assist me?" I heard him say from my back.

I cleared my throat. "T-that's me, Mr. Delgado."

"No handshake, didn't even look into my eyes. I see."

I bit my bottom lip. Shit. Shit. Masyado akong nataranta kaya hindi ko siya gaanong nabati. Hindi ko nga siya napagbuksan ng pinto.

I took all the guts in the world to turn to him. His attention was on his phone. Nabasa nang kaunti ang buhok niya. May bakas din ng patak ng ulan sa kanyang itim na coat.

"My apologies, Mr. Delgado. I am Miss Rizaline Chavez, the executive assistant. I will be the one who will conduct a brief meeting with you. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh..." That's when he looked at me. "I've heard how you upset Mr. Cortez. I didn't want to believe it at first, but it's making sense now. I just hope it won't happen to me."

Natikom ang bibig ko. What?

He sighed. "Is this my suite?"

Hindi ko napansin na kanina pa pala nakabukas ang elevator. Agad kong hinarang ang kamay ko nung aktong sasarado uli ito.

Walang pasabi na lumabas si Ulrich ng elevator. Sumunod naman ako agad sa kanya, pero nanatili ako sa gilid ng elevator. The entire floor was for him.

He took off his coat and hanged in on the wooden coat hanger stand. Umiwas ako ng tingin nung alisin niya rin ang puting pang-loob.

"Uhmm. Where?" I've heard him ask.

Without looking at him, I showed him the walk in closet. Nakayuko lang ako habang pumipili siya nang maisusuot. Hindi ko alam kung dapat na ba akong umalis o ano.

Yet I stayed. Sasabihin naman niya kung hindi na niya kailangan ng assistant ko. Plus, I need to make sure he's comfortable before I leave.

Umangat ang tingin ko. Nakatalikod siya sa akin. His broad back pleasured my eyes for a moment. I also decided to look away.

My face flushed. Buti na lang nakatalikod siya sa akin.

"I will rest for now," dinig kong sabi niya.

"Don't you want to eat first?" I suggested.

"Nah."

Parang hangin na nilagpasan niya ako saka pumunta sa sala at umupo sa couch. Ako naman ay parang alalay na nakasunod lang sa kanya.

He comfortably sat down. Nag-focus na siya sa kanyang cell phone.

I cleared my throat. "I guess I will let you rest, for now, Mr. Delgado. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. Enjoy your stay here. Thank you."

I was about to exit when he said something.

"Have you already introduced yourself to me?" he asked. "You look familiar."

Nakatalikod ako sa kanya kaya malaya kong tinaas ang mga kilay ko. I plastered a smile as I turned to him. Nakatayo na siya ngayon at nakahalukipkip habang nakatingin sa akin.

I walked near him and looked into his eyes.

"A pleasant morning, Mr. Delgado. I am Rizaline Chavez, the executive assistant. I've been working here for almost two years now."

He nodded, still not satisfied.

"I see." Kumunot ang noo niya. "Have we met before?"

I gulped. "We used to be schoolmates, I guess? I'm sorry if I don't remember it precisely, too. Hindi rin po talaga ako matandaing tao."

"Chavez..." he mentioned my surname. "Oh. Are you one of the daughters of Mr. Megardon? If I remember it right, he used to be one of the board members here, right?"

"Yes, Sir."

What about it?

He nodded. "I see. That's why your name rings a bell."

Hindi na ako kumibo.

"Did you really pass the interview?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean..." He smirked. "The position isn't for everyone. But then again, your father used to be a board member. No offense meant."

I gritted my teeth. "I achieved my position because of my skills, Mr. Delgado."

"Right. I'm sorry. That's how I felt that time." He sighed. "I remember a schoolmate of mine. I worked hard to get the top spot, yet some random bitter girl accused me of just using my father."

Natutop ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Fuck!

"Anyway..." He offered his right hand. "I am Ulrich Damian Delgado. I'm sure you already know who I am."

I held his hand back. He tightened the grip.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Chavez." He smiled.

Hanggang sa paglabas ng elevator ay hawak ko ang hininga ko. Tumigil ako sandali sa paglalakad para huminga nang malalim.

Holy shit.

Did that really happen?

Sinalubong ako ng mga kasamahan ko, halos wala akong naisagot sa kanila. I've also informed our head chef about the food. Saka ako pumasok sa opisina ko.

Sumandal ako sa swivel chair ko. Akala ko ay mahihirapan akong kausapin siya dahil sa nakaraan namin. Hindi ko inakalang mahihirapan lang ako dahil antipatiko ito.

Did he really accuse me of just using my father?

What? Is this his revenge for what I did back then?

How pathetic!

Kinalma ko ang sarili. I should set aside my personal issues. He's our guest. Kailangan ko siyang pagsilbihan para sa hotel namin. I need to kiss his pettiness for the sake of my job.

My telephone rang. Mabilis ko 'yong sinagot.

"A glass of water, please?" Ulrich ended the call after.

Tangina? Pati tubig ba naman?

Tumawag na lang ako ng maghahatid ng tubig sa kanya. I was busy practicing my words in my head when my telephone rang again.

Huminga ako nang malalim bago ito sinagot.

"Did my secretary fail to inform you that I don't want anyone coming into my suite other than you?" He sounded irritated. "How irresponsible!"

Napapikit ako. Okay.

I went to his suite. Naabutan ko silang dalawa ni Mr. Cortez na nagtatawanan. Pero nung dumating ako ay agad na tumahimik ang dalawa.

I went to the kitchen to get him a glass of water.

"Here..." I placed the glass of water on the center table. I stood beside the couch and waiting for another request.

"Thanks..." Kinuha ni Ulrich ang tubig saka diretsong ininom.

"Boss... siya 'yung sinasabi ko sa 'yo na masungit," bulong ni Mr. Cortez pero dinig na dinig ko. "Iniwan ba naman ako? So unprofessional."

Nanatiling tikom ang bibig ko.

"Actually, I've talked to a few employees here. They are all hospitable so far," dinig ko pang sabi ni Mr. Cortez. "Also, Mr. Fernandez has talked to me. He's cool, too. I also love this company. Siya lang talaga ang problema..."

Sobrang pagtitimpi ang ginagawa ko. Be professional, Riza.

"I see..." Ulrich mumbled. "My father has also recommended this company. I just really wanted to try as one of their guests. If that's how she treats their guests, I don't see any reason to associate my company with them."

"What do you think boss?"

"I will give it two stars... for now." Ulrich looked up at me. "Let's see how things will turn out soon."

I sniffed as I stared back at him.

"Miss Chavez..." Ulrich called.

"Yes, Mr. Delgado?"

"Do you like me?"

What the fuck?

Mr. Cortez laughed.

Ulrich raised an eyebrow when I didn't respond immediately.

"I don't think she likes you, boss."

I swallowed. "I admire you, Mr. Delgado."

"Good. Alam mo ba kung bakit ako bumalik dito?"

"Yes. For a business deal," I answered, confidently. "That's I know. That's all I care anyway."

"Ouch..." Mr. Cortez whispered.

"Not at all..." Ulrich sighed. "But you are right. I am just here for temporarily. Aalis din ako pagkatapos ng business meeting ko."

"Boss, CR lang ako..." paalam ni Mr. Cortez.

I nodded. "Okay, then. Kung wala na kayong iuutos, may mga gagawin pa po kasi ako. But if you need something, just call me again."

I was set to leave when he grabbed my arm.

Napayuko ako.

"Riza..." His voice was calm now.

"I need to go, Mr. Delgado." Inalis ko ang pagkakahawak niya sa braso ko. I kept my poise as formal as possible, even though I don't think what's happening is still about business.

I heard him sigh.

"Ang tigas mo talaga..." bulong niya.

I ignored him. Pinindot ko na ang elevator at naghintay na bumukas ito.

"I see. You leave me with no choice, Miss Chavez. Sisiguraduhin kong mahihirapan kang mapapayag ako. Tingnan natin kung hanggang saan ka tatagal."

Pumasok ako agad sa elevator. Napatingin pa ako kay Ulrich na nakatingin din pala sa akin. Tila nagliliyab ang kanyang mga mata. Nakakuyom ang kanyang mga kamao.

Before the elevator closed, I said something that made him even more infuriated.

"Let's practice professionalism at all times, Mr. Delgado." I smirked.