I was damn sweating bullets when some of the board members greeted me with a wide smile!

Terrence also guided me to sit beside him.

"Just relax, Miss Selene. You can pass this through it." Pampalubag loob sa akin ni Terrence, habang inaayos ang mga papeles na hawak-hawak nito.

He already sent me the email about what will be the content of our meeting. This is supposedly the first meeting together with Selena, pero nang dahil sa mga nangyari ay nagkataon na ako ang dadalo ngayon.

Pumasok na ang ilang mga board members at lahat sila ay nakipagkamayan sa akin. I shake with their hands, too!

My heart pounded so fast when I saw Constantine Fernandez enter the board room! Patuloy lamang siya sa kaniyang paglalakad at sa pagbati ng iba pa na nandito sa board room. Hindi ko tinanggal ang aking paningin sa kaniya. Thankfully, he didn't glance at me. Para lamang akong hangin sa kaniyang gilid na hindi napapansin.

Napahigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa gilid ng aking chair nang makita kong pumasok si Manuel Fernandez, kasama ang ama at ang ina nitong si Ophelia Fernandez. My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but  get nervous even more! 

She's wearing an all-red dress, showing power and confidence! Nagulat pa ito nang mailipat ang paningin sa akin. Her jaw dropped when she saw me in front of her.

Don't worry; I feel the same way too.

They all smiled at me except the Fernandezes. Hindi ko nalang pinansin ang paghuhuramentado ng puso ko at itinuon ko nalang sa lamesa ang aking mga paningin.

"Is everybody here already?" Pagtatanong ni Manuel Fernandez sa iba pa naming kasamahan sa table.

"Yes, sir. All the board members are already here." Sagot ng kaniyang sikretarya.

Yes, they are all here; even the non-executive directors were present in the meeting. 

"Okay, good morning everyone. Before we start the meeting, let us welcome the Vice President of the SG Real State Company, Miss Selene Clio Verluz." 

Umawang ang aking bibig nang ipinakilala ako ng isa sa mga mag-pre-present ngayon ng mga proyektong gagawin.

I don't have a choice but to stand and smiled awkwardly. Hindi ko mapigilan ang hindi mapatingin sa direksyon ni Constantine, he was still looking at the man in front of the projector. Never mind, bakit naman kasi ako tumingin!

"The pretender one..."

Kumunot ang aking noo nang marinig ko iyon galing sa bibig ni Mrs. Fernandez. It was a whisper but I almost heard it right! Gusto kong sumabog nang dahil sa inis at hiya na nararamdaman pero pinigilan ko ang aking sarili.

"You can start now, Alfred." Mr. Fernandez Sr said in a cold tone.

Tumikhim ang lalaki at nagsimula na itong magpakita ng mga litrato sa harap. Dahil sa aking pagkalito ay hindi ko mapigilan ang hindi mapabulong kay Terrence upang magtanong.

"What is this presentation all about?" I whispered him in his left ear.

Napabaling siya sa akin at inilapit ang kaniyang pagmumukha para makasagot sa akin.

"It's all about the big project that the SG and the Fernandezes-Alcazars have."

"Big project?" Nalilito kong pagtatanong sa kaniyang muli.

"There will be upcoming five-star hotels that need to be built, and the Fernandezes and the SG were on contract. Bago aprobahan ang mga disenyo na galing sa mga arkitektong ito, ay dadaan muna sila sa pag-pre-presenta ng mga disenyo nila sa isang meeting. That's why all the board members were here, including you." Pagpapaliwanag sa akin ni Terrence nang mas maayos.

Napalingon ako sa aking paligid at abala sila sa pakikinig ng presentasyon ng isang arkitekto.

Hindi ko sinadyang mapalingon sa direksyon ni Constantine. My heart feels like it will explode outside to my ribcage when I see him with his cold and hard expression while looking in my direction, with his right hand, playing the pen. 

Akala ko ay nakikinig ang isang ito, hindi naman pala!

""Good morning esteemed board members. Thank you for the opportunity to present my designs for the renovation and expansion of our esteemed five-star hotels. Firstly, let's address the exterior façade. Inspired by the hotel's rich history and luxurious ambiance, I've incorporated elements of neoclassical architecture, such as grand columns and ornate detailing, to exude a timeless elegance that will captivate guests upon arrival." Pagpapaliwanag ni Architect Alfred, kasabay nang pagtuturo ng kaniyang blueprint.

"Moving on to the lobby, I've designed a grand entrance foyer featuring a cascading waterfall centerpiece, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows to seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere. I'd like to highlight the outdoor amenities. The rooftop terrace provides a panoramic view of the city skyline, complete with a bar and lounge area for alfresco dining and socializing. Additionally, the landscaped gardens offer a retreat for guests to unwind lush greenery and tranquil water features." Ani Architect Alfred was interrupted by Manuel Fernandez.

"Excuse me, Architect, I have a question regarding the outdoor amenities. You mentioned a rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge area. How will you ensure that this space is accessible and enjoyable for guests during inclement weather?"

Napalingon ako nang makita ko ang pagpapawis ni Architect Alfred, kahit na malamig naman ang aircon sa loob ng meeting room. If I were in his situation, I would feel the same way too.

"Ensuring the comfort and accessibility of our outdoor amenities during all weather conditions is indeed a crucial consideration. To address this, we've incorporated retractable awnings and weatherproof enclosures that can be deployed during inclement weather, providing shelter while still allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views and ambiance of the rooftop terrace." Walang pag-aalinlangan na sagot ni Architect Alfred sa kaniya.

Nakita ko ang dahan-dahan nilang pagtango sa mga paliwanag ni Architect Alfred at nagsimula na silang magbotohan. Same thing with the Department of Engineers who presented their works.

"It is important to have someone look at the properties in Laguna. Hindi naman puwede na i-asa nalang natin lahat sa mga arkitekto at engineers natin. There will be someone to look these properties and observe the locations." Sabi ng isang matandang lalaki.

Some of the engineers and architects from the Fernandez-Alcazar Group of Companies have also been planning a subdivision that will happen in the next year. Kailangan ko pa talagang pag-aralan iyon, dahil isa iyon sa malaking proyekto na kasama namin sila.

"How about Ms. Verluz? She is capable enough to watch the properties in Laguna, since she is the Vice President of the SG Real State."

Napasinghap ako nang wala sa oras nang marinig ko iyon galing kay Architect Alfred. Nang lumingon ako sa kaniya ay nakita ko ang lihim niyang pagngiti sa akin.

Bakit naman ako?

"I can-" someone interrupted me.

"You mean who is capable enough to do the work, Architect. Someone who is trustworthy and not a liar," sambit ni Mrs. Fernandez sa akin.

Nakita ko ang pagkunot ng kanilang mga noo at ang palihim na pagpipigil ni Mr. Fernandez sa kaniyang asawa.

Napayuko ako at nahiya. I swallowed hard and I played my fingers under the table. Parang dinurog ang puso ko sa mga sinabi niya.

"She is capable enough, Ma'am. She is the only sister of Selena Gelmor, the chairwoman of the company. Hindi naman siguro ipagkakatiwala ni Mrs Gelmor ang kompanya kung hindi niya kaya, hindi ba?" Pagtatanggol sa akin ni Terrence sa tabi.

Labas sa ilong na bumuntong hininga si Mrs. Fernandez at nag-iba kaagad ang ihip ng hangin nang magsalita si Manuel.

"He's right."

"I can be with Ms. Verluz! Since I am one of the architects on that project, I can ensure all of you that Ms. Verluz will make good work from it! I can guide her," maligayang sabi ni Architect Alfred.

A small smile couldn't help but to show. Sobrang init na nang sitwasyon pero nagpapasalamat ako sa lalaking ito dahil ipinagtatanggol niya pa rin ako, kahit ngayon pa lamang niya ako nakilala at nakita.

"I can be with her, too!" Singit ni Engineer Rolly sa meeting.

"Are you ready for this, Ms. Verluz?" Malamig na pagtatanong sa akin ni Manuel.

He is so professional; even when he knows me already, he is still firm in communicating with me with professionalism.

Dahan-dahan akong tumango sa kaniya. Kinakabahan ako dahil unang trabaho ko ito, pero, alam ko rin naman na gagabayan ako ni Architect Alfred para mas magkaroon ng kaalaman tungkol sa proyektong ito.

That is I can least do and help. Pag nagising na si Selena, at naging maayos na siya, babalik rin naman siya rito kaagad.

I don't want to stay here forever. Magtatayo na lang ako ng flower shop sa States at maging isang businesswoman sa isang maliit na negosyo.

Lahat sila ay bomoto sa akin, maliban na lamang kay Constantine at sa kaniyang ina.

Kinabahan akong muli nang bigla siyang nagtaas ng kamay.

"Yes, Constantine, is there a problem?" Pagtatanong ni Erwin Alcazar, the President of the company.

"Are you really sure that she can do that? No offence, Ms. Verluz, but you are new here. Everyone here came from a very simple task to do. Hindi porke't kapatid ka ng isang chairwoman ay aplikado ka nang gawin ang bagay na ito." Malamig niyang sabi sa akin.

Ayos lang naman sa akin kahit na laitin niya ako nang harap-harapan. Ayos lang sa akin kahit na saktan at durugin niya pa ako nang paulit-ulit, pero ang ipahiya sa harap ng mga board members ay hindi na ito tama.

He is cruel and rude! Malayong-malayo na siya sa Constantine na nakilala ko noon, pitong taon ang lumipas.

"I am the Vice President of the company, Mr. Fernandez. They won't vote for me if I'm not good and applicable enough to handle this job. If you are having doubts about choosing me to do this task, you can check my personal information and details about my work and experiences for the past seven years," I said to him.

His hooded eyes remained cold and indifferent. Halatang galit na galit pa rin sa akin.

Sige lang, magalit ka lang sa akin.

Wala na akong pakialam sa'yo.

"I still doubt that, though... I still doubt about your background and personal information."

Gusto kong umiyak at magwala sa harapan niya pero hindi ko magawa! Natigil lamang ang pagtatalo naming dalawa nang tinapos na ang meeting kaagad.

"Excuse me," sabi ko kay Terrence at kaagad na umalis ng board room.

Dumiretso ako sa powder room at doon ako huminga nang malalim. I was breathing deeply! Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba ito sa galit o sa inis! Basta ang nararamdaman ko lang ay nararamdaman ko ang dalawa!

Pumunta ako rito sa powder room para makapag-isip nang maayos nang mapatalon ako sa gulat nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan.

I was too stunned to speak when I saw Constantine Fernandez enter the room with his mad expressions towards me.

He grabbed my right elbow, and spoke something.

"What the fuck are you doing here, huh?" He asked in an amused tone with sarcasm in it.

Kaagad kong binawi ang aking siko sa kaniya at nagulat siya sa biglaan kong paghablot.

"Why? Am I not allowed to be here? My sister has connections with your company. Hindi rin ba puwede na makisali ako?" Sarkastiko kong sabi sa kaniya.

His jaw clenched tight with frustration, as he struggled to contain his anger.

"You are back here after seven fucking years... bakit? Bakit ka pa nagbalik?" Malamig niyang tanong sa akin.

Nasaktan ako doon pero nilabanan ko ang aking panghihina at tinapatan ang pagkakatitig niya sa akin.

"Bakit? Bawal ba na bumalik ng Pilipinas? Bakit? Issue na ba sa'yo na nandito ako ulit?"

"You are causing a scene! Tapos, gugustohin mo pa na makasama ang mga lalaking iyon?!" He said pointing his finger to the door.

His forehead furrowed even more. Nagulat ako sa biglaan niyang pagkilos sa aking harapan.

He locked me with his arms in my side and put his hands on the sink! Sinubukan niyang hulihin ang aking mga mata. Mas lalo akong nanghina nang magtama ang aming mga mata.

What the hell are you doing to me, Tino?

Tinampal ko ang kaniyang braso at kaagad na sinagot.

"I am not causing a scene here! I am just trying to help! Ayoko naman na pagsabihan akong walang alam. Atsaka, ano naman ngayon kung si Architect Alfred ang makakasama ko?"

He sighed in frustration and he is trying to control his anger towards me.

"You really want that guy, huh?" He said in a baritone, sarcastic voice.

"Ano naman ngayon?"

Naramdaman ko ang unti-unting paglalim ng kaniyang hininga. Hindi ko ito pinansin at mas piniling asarin pa siya lalo.

"I. Won't. Fucking. Let. You. Have. This. Task. Instead."

Umawang ang aking bibig sa kaniyang mga sinabi at itinulak ko siya at pinaghahampas.

"How dare you say that! You don't own me!"

Natigilan lamang ako nang bigla niyang hinuli ang aking mga kamay at isinandal sa isang pader.

He locked me between his legs and kissed me thoroughly. His kisses were not gentle; they were forced and pure of lust.

I tried to push him away but it makes me weak!

Nagusot ko ang kaniyang suot na polo shirt na pang hanggang siko.

I avoided his kisses, but they were rough, and they searched my soul even more.

I gasped when he almost barely touched my right underboob. I couldn't help but  moan a little bit.

Nang iminulat ko ang aking mga mata ay nakita ko ang galit na nanatili sa kaniyang mga mata. He was panting when he stopped himself from kissing me.

"Yes, I fucking own you, Selene. I still fucking own you..."

I know he meant something on it.

I know he meant... my heart.

And he wasn't wrong about it.

He is so fucking right in any ways, in all ways...