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Chapter 27 part 1 Forgive "Good morning, Ma'am Thalia!" The employees at the entrance greeted me when they saw me entering the shop. I smiled and nodded. "Morning," I stopped walking for a while to observe the place. Our people were already busy. Just in the morning there were many customers in the shop. From here the first to the second floor looks overcrowded. I combed my hair using my fingers while assessing the situation. It looks like the two floors of our building are missing for the shop. The third floor is our staff office while the entire fourth floor is Dad's office. I guess expansion is needed. I'll suggest it to Dad later. I adjusted my grip on my handbag and then headed for the elevator. The employees on board also greeted me. Arriving on the third floor where the office is I immediately went to the log-in area. "Good morning, crush!" Hiro, our staff accountant, greeted me. "Tss. Tease me more, Hiro. Let's just see if Dad doesn't scold you again when he hears you calling me 'crush' inside the office." He was just annoying because he called me 'crush' but when Daddy heard that, he called him to the office. Unprofessional raw. He followed me up to the log-in area. He leaned over the desk I was writing at. "Well, the boss is on the fourth floor so, good morning, crush!" He laughed out loud I just shook my head and laughed as well. "I don't know about you. Go to work!" I left him there to go to my office. I stopped walking straight to the announcement area because I noticed a new paper posted there. I faced our fiberboard. My eyes widened when I saw the announcement. It states there that we have a meeting with the officers of La Sirene two days from now! "Hiro," I called, not removing my gaze on the board. "Yes, crush?" He approached me. "W-When else is this?" I pointed the paper. He looked there. "Ah. Jim posted that just yesterday, when you got home. Why?" Fuck. Seriously? "Nothing," my voice trembled. I left him there and instead of going to my office I went to the elevator again to go to Dad in his office on the fourth floor. "You're welcome, huh?" Hiro yelled at me which I ignored. I was very confused. Or should I say, shocked? It's been four years since the Arevalos cut all the ties between us! Map-business or personal! How come we have a meeting with them ?! Not that I'm against it but it's just shocking. Did they initiated it? Or did we? "Dad," I immediately called when I entered his office. Dad and Frank, one of our employees, immediately turned to me. I just covered my lips. I think I disturbed them. "Uh, sorry …" Dad turned to Frank. "I'll just call you again later." "Okay, sir." Frank stood up and picked up the folders on Dad's desk. I bit my lip as I watched him walk out of the office because of my annoyance. "Sorry," I shyly said when he's already in front of me. He smiled. "It's fine." When he got out Dad spoke. "What is it, Thalia?" I lost my temper. I cleared my throat and went to him. I sat in the chair in front of his desk. "Dad, the new announcement." I said in a horrified tone. He removed his glasses and placed it on his desk. "What about it?" He asked nonchalantly. "We … have a meeting with La Sirene?" "Oh. That," My forehead furrowed. I guess I'm the only one who's uncomfortable with the flow of events. You can't blame me … "That's what I'm going to discuss later during our meeting. Their secretary called me yesterday. Good news, Thalia. They invited us to present our products." He loftily said. Instead of rejoicing, I became even more confused. "For what, dad?" He handed me a piece of paper. It is a letter. "For their renovation and expansion of La Sirene- Zambales, they are canvassing on different firms for materials. We are lucky they included us in their lists of potential suppliers." Oh. La Sirene-Zambales. My memories on that place. Damn. I shifted on my seat when I remembered something. "That's good to hear, dad, but aren't you confused? I mean … you know, enemies …" My voice dropped. Chapter 27 part 2 Dad laughed. "Easy, hija. Don't take this personally. Also, don't you want that? This is a good sign! They are already reaching out!" My chest tightened. Dad's eyes were full of hope. Hope for settlement. Hope for regaining their friendship. If I can only do something about it. My system already calmed down. Maybe I was just really shocked earlier. "So please, do good on the meeting. La Sirene will only choose one supplier. They will choose to provide all the materials they will need. That'd be jackpot. I will be sending you, Monette, and Jim. You will deal with them. " My eyes widened. "What, Dad?" No way! I … am not yet ready to see familiar faces! Damn. Dad didn't know what really happened between Jared and me back then. All he knew was that I rejected Jared because Aldrin was the one I wanted from the beginning! "Of course, hija. Of all our people, you and Monette are the smallest of our products. Don't worry, Jim will help you out." I opened my mouth to protest but I decided to just shut it in the end. I just took a deep breath. It's my dad's favor. It was also one of the ways I could help them repair their broken relationship with the Arevalo because of me. Darn. For the sake of the company and dad, can I do it? Can I step on their territory again when I'm still on the process of healing? Three weeks. It's been three weeks since I cried the whole night because of him. Again. After that I promised myself that would be my last cry because of him. I will forget him forever. He already found his match. Someone way better than me. I shouldn't chase him anymore. It would just make me selfish and desperate. I will not fight anymore. If there is one thing I want to do now with Jared, it is to apologize for what I did to him in the past. I want to ask for his forgiveness but how? Even his shadow is shaking my system. Can we talk more? Should I heal fully first before I ask for it? Bahala na. All I know is that, no matter how hard it is, I will do everything to make him forget. Even if the process is slow, I will wait. Chapter 27 part 3 "Shit. I've never been this nervous in my entire life. " "Me too. I'm so fucking … nervous." I don't know if I will laugh at my two companions or sympathize with them. We've been trapped here inside the van for ten minutes because we both don't want to get out. The two had previously stared at the entrance lobby of La Sirene. Today is the day. The meeting. It's a good thing we got here early because we're all waiting now, maybe five minutes before it's time for us to get out of here. After a while we decided to go out. Upon entering the lobby, my stomach seemed to be turning. The grandiose of the place made me feel small. The atmosphere of the place is very different. It screams of so much class. The Spanish feels of the hotel made it look like a palace, or more than that. There is a classical music background and their employees were dressed in Spanish attires like those in Zambales. There's a prodigious chandelier in the middle of the lobby and a grand stairs on both sides. The whole floor has a red carpet and the whole lobby is decorated with gold-colored furniture. It looks like only those with blue blood can check in here. So high-end. I'm not sure which is wider, this or the one in Zambales. Zambales seems to be just as grand as I remember. Whatever. The crowd in the lobby. Most are foreigners. They are all obviously rich in clothing just yet. We went to the front desk to ask where their convention hall was. After telling us the floor number we went to the elevator to go there. Arriving on the right floor we asked again at the station that was there. Before we could ask, a woman in corporate attire already approached us. "Excuse me, are you the representatives of JV?" "Yes ma'am." Jim replied. "Oh, hello! I was the one who called your firm last Monday. I'm Erika, the secretary," She smilingly said and offered her hand. We accepted you one by one. "You're twenty minutes early, huh." She commented. Jim chuckled. "So that we have time to prepare, ma'am," He laughed too. "Yeah. So, shall we?" He gestured the passage. "Sure, ma'am." She led the way to the hall. My two companions were already blabbering on about the secretary. I don't know if that's part of us giving a good impression or just their trip. It's also good for them to lose their nervousness. I just quietly tailed the three of them. Don't know what to feel. Actually, I can't feel anything right now and I need to be like this until later so that I can do good. Thinking that I'll be seeing him today again is terrifying that I just wanna faint. It's really good and I don't feel anything. "Are you going to use a visual presentation?" Ma'am Erika asked as she opened the door of what I think was the convention hall. "Yes. So that they can see visually our products aside from the copies we will give them." He nodded. When we got inside I was amazed again. Even their convention hall is grand. "I'll leave you here for the meantime, then. I'll just call our technicals to help you with setup. I'll notify the officers as well." "Thanks, ma'am," When he left Monette spoke. "Fortunately, only officers will attend! When it's board members, I don't know!" "Don't be complacent about that, Monette. The president is in the meeting, no." I was swallowed. Damn. She rolled her eyes. "So what? That's what I want, e. I heard, before the president of La Sirene. Your son of Mr. Arevalo? He's handsome, eh, he's still young. I'm so excited!" My stomach is cold. "Hey, Thalia, why are you quiet. Are you still nervous?" I turned to them. "Don't mind me. I'm just okay," I smirked fakely. Monette nodded. "Oh, Thalia. Get organized, ha. Did you hear what I said? Your President is still a young man. Use your beauty so we can take it!" She giggled. I went home now. So was Jim. "It's up to you, Monette. 'When Sir hears that you're selling Thalia, you're going to wrap up." Monette laughed out loud. "Duh! Why would Sir be angry with the handsome and rich I'm going to sell Thalia? You really are, Jim. You know, later when he sees Thalia, he'll be right away." I was just shaken. What she's saying is impossible. Maybe when he sees me he will immediately reject our proposal out of annoyance and anger at me, e. Chapter 27 part 4 After a while, the participants arrived one by one. They are so intimidating. If they look at us we are like the accused. Fortunately, they made noise afterwards so we lost their attention. When the door opened again I literally felt the pain of my heart along with its beating loudly. Jared and Miara entered the hall at the same time. I immediately avoided looking at them. Shit. I didn't expect this. I thought only Jared would attend! If anything, Miara's father is the second largest share in La Sirene. He just has to work here. Come on, Thalia! Everyone stood up when they saw them. We were already standing. "Good morning, ma'am, sir!" They greeted in chorus. Jared just nodded while Miara smiled at us all. Our gazes met and his smile widened even more. He almost waved his hand. I smiled at her, too, even painfully. I don't want to feel bad for him because he's not doing anything wrong. If I get annoyed with him I just prove to myself I am insecure. Must not. I should even thank him for making Jared happy. Monette hugged me and then simply whispered. "Is that your president?" He poked Jared's back. I nodded. "Shit. That's handsome." I secretly rolled my eyes. Why is it that every time I see him he is in a tuxedo ?! Not looking at him while he's wearing that is torture! It looks so good on him! It perfectly molds his well-toned body! Earlier, I only stared at him for a while but my brain retained his appearance well now. Darn his thick brows and curly lashes. Darn his thin and light stubble. Darn his angled jaw. Fuck his seductive red lips! "What are you doing there? Monette, help me here. Thalia, distribute those copies." Jim's orders. My eyes widened and pointed to myself. "Yes, you. Monette and I will speak. You just stand by there so you can distribute." I was swallowed. It's like I'd rather talk in front of them than approach them one by one! No choice, I took the clearbooks and distributed them to everyone there. In the last two years I have given up my demeanor has slowed down. Can I stop giving them? Dammit! "It's good to see you again, Thalia," I turned to Miara after placing her copy in front of her. "Yes, it is." I smiled genuinely. Chapter 27 part 5 I could clearly see Jared turning to us. I simply gasped for air. I turned my back on Miara and sideways approached Jared's band, avoiding his gaze. For the first time after four years, I got to get closer to him again. It was just to give him a copy and not for a personal reason. My heart thumped violently when I inhaled his familiar manly scent. It is nostalgic. It was like everything came back to me! When I landed his copy I immediately walked away to suppress my strange feeling. No. You can't be attracted to him, even just by his scent. To me, it is a sin because I know I still love him. He belongs to someone else. I should pay respect. Damn this life. Ma'am Erika stood up in front and gave her introductory speech. She presented us in front as one of their potential supplier for the renovation and expansion of La Sirene-Zambales. After her speech, she gave the floor to us. "Ladies and gentlemen, good morning …" Jim's introduction. I sat while my two companions were busy presenting everyone. Why else did Dad bring me here, e. I have nothing to contribute. The presentation went on and on. There were many questions but my companions answered them well. Jared, on the other hand, just quietly listened. I don't want to steal his eyes. Once when I glanced at him, he was playing with his lips with his hand and the other was tapping on the table. I hated how it made me shiver. It was a great sin to glance at him! "Yes ma'am?" Jim gestured with his hand as someone raised his hand to ask maybe a question. "How can we assure that all of the information you presented were true? I mean, it's easy to say that you have all of these, but to prove it, it's different, right? This is a big project of La Sirene Chain of Hotels and Resorts we're talking about. The number one five-star hotel in the country. Materials can't be taken lightly. " She mocked and turned to her colleagues for approval. Chapter 27 part 6 They nodded. I smirked. Jim can defend that. "Well, ma'am, JV Lumber and Hardware has been trusted by and the partner of big firms since then. Especially for their expansion purposes. In fact, in all their projects, we supply all the materials that One of our big clients is PAV Philippines run by the Villacortas. They recommend us to their clients in terms of materials to be used in the construction of various infrastructures- " Jared interrupted which surprised me. Only now will he really speak! "If that's the case, how can we assure that we'll get enough supply of materials from you? The number of firms you supply. Maybe when we hire you, our project will be at a disadvantage because you still have PAV Philippines. ? " I can sense the sarcasm in his tone. I took a peek of him. He's seated far from us and on the center of the long table. Far in front of my fellow presenters. If before he was just listening calmly, now he seems to be on fire. His facial expression is laced with mockery and I don't know why. They all agreed to what he said. Punyeta. Jim cleared his throat. "Sir, we have many sources within and outside the country. Even with our clients' projects at the same time, we can supply them all without fail. In fact, we now have a warehouse in Zambales. That's where the stocks go directly. from the port from different countries. So if you take us, the transport of materials will be easier and more convenient especially since your next project is also in Zambales. And we can have a contract if you want , Sir. " Hmm. Nice one, Jim. The discussion continued, and Jim successfully defended our company's name. When the presentation was over Jared called Ma'am Erika. He approached Jared. Jared whispered something to her. After that Ma'am Erika went to the front and spoke. "Thank you for favoring our invitation, JV Lumber and Hardware. We will call you shortly if the board has already decided." She directed her words to us. We thanked them all. "Meeting is adjourned." Jared said coldly afterwards. He turned to Miara and his expression immediately softened. They talked for a while before Jared kissed Miara on the cheek and then stood up. He walked to the door. He was followed by several men who were present at the meeting earlier. "Bye, sir!" Employees claim. My two companions approached him and shook hands while I pretended to sort out our clutter but actually had deep thoughts. Shortly after Jared left I looked up at my companions. "Monette, Jim, I'm just going somewhere, huh? I'll just wait here, please." I said then hurried out. "Huh? Where-" I never heard what Monette said next because I was already out of the hall. I looked around and when I saw Jared was gone I acted half-running. I need to find him! Since the other day I have been thinking about what I will prioritize. The apology or the forgetfulness of him. I realized, I won't be able to forget if I won't be forgiven first. Because I carry it with me. And even if maybe he doesn't need my sorry anymore, he will still apologize and apologize to me. This is the right time to do that. Because whether he forgave me or not, the important thing was that I was able to apologize. And I want to move on now. So right now. I can no longer watch him be sweet to others. This is it. Chapter 27 part 7 "Jared!" I called when I caught up with him in front of the elevator. He stopped walking and immediately looked at my band. Even those with him turned their attention to me. His lips parted when he saw me. Clenching my fists tightly and biting my lower lip, I closed the distance between us. Take care of the embarrassment I will get. It's too late. His forehead creased at my move. My chest clenched there. "Jared, can I talk to you for a while?" The wrinkle on his forehead increased even more. He looked at me like I'm a puzzle he's trying to solve. You look like he's telling me why I approached him even though we're not close. I just bowed. The pain, Jared. It was a while before he lazily turned to his companions. "You go first. I'll be right next," His companions nodded and then left us there when the elevator opened. Then tension I am feeling got worse when there's just the two of us. He cleared his throat and took a peek at his watch. "What is it, Ms. Villegas? Make it fast. I have a meeting to catch." My insides contracted at that. I am already at the verge of crying. I hope I didn't decide to talk to him first. I can still bother. But here I am. If I had to push it now I might not have the courage again. "Jared-" "Ms. Villegas, we're in the office. Be formal." I weakly nodded. "S-Sorry, M-Mr. Arevalo." He nodded. "Speak," he demanded. "About four years ago …" I bit my lower lip. He tilted his head and shot his brows up. "What about it?" Suddenly his tone became interested. I gasped for air and looked directly at his pitch black eyes. "I'm sorry." I'm sorry for not trusting you. I'm sorry for not believing in you. I'm sorry for judging you. I'm sorry for hurting you. As much as I wanted to apologize but for some unknown reason I couldn't be heard. I am supposed to chase you but it'd be a wrong move now. You already have someone else. This is the only thing I can do. He clenched his jaw but his look remained the same. Ruthless. "It's all in the past. It's nothing to me now." I can almost feel my heart being torn into pieces. Anyway, what do you expect, Thalia? He has something new! He shouldn't criticize me for something he doesn't have anymore, right? Damn it! I blinked to stop the tears from dripping. I faked a smile and nodded. "I-I hope you can forgive me." He stared at me with his cold eyes. But even though he looked blank I still couldn't bear the weight of it. He sneered. "That, I'm not sure." I squeezed my fingers and then nodded. I accept, e. "But maybe you can earn for it. You can try. But I cannot assure you." He added.