News of the closure of five of JLT's store spread like wildfire.

It had been a week since the revelation, a week since I saw Jade at the cemetery.

I kept repeating the moments we had before we had to go back to our lives.

I have no way of talking to her because I didn't ask for her number.

Also, I wasn't sure if she would give it to me or if it was a good idea.

There is a very important detail in her life that I can't ignore: she is still married.

As much as I want to allow myself the freedom to claim what I thought was mine, it's not possible.

Legally, she isn't mine anymore.

With or without amnesia, a contract binds her to David.

As a businesswoman, I know the implications of violating a contract.

Am I doing this because of morals?

Let's just say I'm human.

If the tables were turned, I wouldn't want to be in David's shoes right now.

***

Although I am officially on leave, I found myself spending more time at the office.

Batchi seemed to be pleased with my presence because she confided that the bidding war was stressful.

"They're like vultures," she remarked as she set aside the drink tray she ordered from Starbucks.

I was on my computer reading the news on CNN and alternating the articles with entertainment.

She frowned when she saw me looking at Beyonce.

"Really, Althea?" she asked as she sat beside me.

"Here I am thinking that you are cooking something up with that brilliant mind of yours only to be surprise that you are checking out Beyonce," she sighed.

I laughed at my best friend.

I lay my head on her shoulder, a gesture I haven't done in a long time.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Everything's all right with the world Batchi," I told her as I lifted my head.

I took the venti green tea frap from the tray and opened the packet of straw.

"By the way Batchi, I am meeting Angel here today," I reminded her as I sipped the cold drink.

The sweet taste tickled my tongue.

"Oh yeah, whatever happened to your plan to go incognito? She asked as she grabbed the red velvet frap she ordered for herself.

"Plan B didn't take off because for some weird reason, Jade showed up when I didn't expect her to." I explained.

"It was like she has a plan of her own that totally trumps mine,"

"Also, I didn't want to keep lying to her or to myself so I told her the truth."

"But you'll never know," I winked at her.

Batchi licked the whipped cream from the straw.

"Or maybe this is the universe telling both of you that things will finally fall into place?" she shrugged.

"I hope so too, Batchi." I replied.

"Because to tell you the truth, I don't know what I'm going to do if everything fails again,"

Batchi looked at me with an assured air.

"Althea, if you were able to resurrect this company from the ashes, I am sure you will once again survive the catastrophe that is Jade Tanchingco," she remarked.

I laughed at how she emphasized the last few words.

"Besides you have someone waiting in the wings," she winked at me.

Even without mentioning any names, I know whom she was talking about.

"I'd better get ready before Angel gets here," I glanced at my Rolex watch and saw that I only have fifteen minutes left before she arrives.

"Then I'd better get going so the two of you can have privacy," Batchi walked towards the door, chuckling.

I only shook my head as I gather the scattered folders on the table.

It had been a while since I last saw Angel.

I am apprehensive about the meeting but excited to learn new information about Jade and her

daughter.

***

A soft knock on the door told me Angel had arrived.

Unlike our previous meetings, she looked somber and exhausted.

She still managed to dress for the meeting although the ensemble reflected her mood because she was dressed in black from head to foot.

She smiled weakly as I offered her a seat.

"Are you alright, Angel?" I asked her and she nodded her head.

Without delaying, she took a document out of her suit pocket and handed it to me.

I unfolded the paper and read it.

My eyes scanned the every detail in the document.

Although stunned to learn about the information, I controlled my reaction.

"How long have you known this?" I asked as soon as I finished reading.

"Since our last meeting," she replied.

"Why didn't you tell me about it?" I felt betrayed but I want to hear her side.

"You were emotional at that time," Angel looked hurt but remained steadfast.

"Also, I want to make sure that the information I gathered are accurate before I present them to you," she explained.

"So is it true?" I pushed the nagging thoughts away from my mind and focused on Angel.

"Yes, Althea."

"DJ, as they call her, is the daughter of Gab and Pearl."

"When Oscar disowned Gab because he decided to leave Pearl for Angeline, Pearl had sole custody of their daughter."

"Sadly, she succumbed to depression and took her own life."

She paused for a moment as if to honor the dead.

"Since Jade and David can't have a child of their own, they decided to adopt DJ," Angel exhaled.

When she spoke, her expression was regretful.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away," she told me.

A part of me wanted to hold on to my feelings of betrayal but what would it do?

She had her own reasons for doing so.

"It's okay," I answered.

"What are you going to do now, Althea?" The question was random.

"Do you still want to do this?"

I nodded.

Angel pursed her lips.

"Just to let you know, Jade is also doing some researching on her own," Angel disclosed.

"What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled.

"She asked for her medical records and if my instinct were right, you wouldn't have to wait too long till she finds out the truth," Angel remarked.

"I hope you are ready for what's going to happen, Althea." She warned.

"From what I heard about the Tanchingco's, they don't give up easily."

"That's true," I agreed.

Angel stood up.

There was a sad look in her eyes, as if she was saying goodbye to me forever.

"I think I'm done here, Althea." She smoothed the front of her black suit.

"It was nice doing business with you." She extended her hand.

I took it and she shook it firmly.

"Hopefully, it was to your satisfaction." She added.

I smiled at the sexy detective.

A part of me was sad that she had to leave but we both know with whom my heart belongs.

It would be torture and unfair for both of us if we kept dancing around the flames of our attraction.

I was thankful that Angel extinguished it before it's too late.

I walked her to the door.

She touched the handle but didn't unlock it.

"Perhaps in another lifetime, with a different you and a different me, we'll have the chance?" Angel flashed her beautiful smile and I was aware of how close she was standing beside me.

"Perhaps," I replied.

She tipped her imaginary hat and unlocked the door.

But before she could step out, I pulled her by the hand and I tiptoed to kiss her lightly on the cheek.

"Thank you, Angel." I smiled at her.

She winked at me and stepped outside.