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Chapter 29 part 1 Fate I never slept again after what happened. Although I really wanted to sleep because of my emotional exhaustion, drowsiness no longer visited me. After all those flashbacks that made me shed tears silently, I became light-headed. I'm not myself. I don't know if Jared noticed it but … whatever. I only regained my consciousness when the car turned to a familiar road, the way to La Sirene-Zambales. The aqua blue sea on the left, and the thick, green forest on the right filled the frame of my sight, like a king and queen seated on their respective thrones. The sea waves are slow but violent creeping across the vast waters towards the shore. The leaves of trees from the nearby forest dance dramatically to the rhythm of the wind, some falling freely to the ground. Somehow, the view made my insides feel better. After a couple of minutes, we already reached the familiar golden gate with 'La Sirene' embedded on it in large, thick, and curly letters. Suddenly my weakness disappeared. Excitement replaced my weak state. I friskily shifted on my seat to face the car's window, anticipating so much to see the view ahead, making Jared look on my direction but I didn't pay attention to it anymore. The last time I went here I was amazed at the view just outside the hotel. I wanna feel that again though a voice at the back of my mind tells me not to. I know as much as here, in this place, he told me he loved me. This place witnessed our happy memories that I never thought were too late. But like what he said, it's all in the past. I don't want to mourn the things that remind me of the past, especially this one. This place is meant to give leisure to people. I should enjoy, then. When the car is already passing by the pathways, my eyes cannot help but to gawk at the view. Luckily, it slowed down. I had the chance to indulge myself with every bit of La Sirene. The pathway is still garnished with bushes of flowers. By the way, now there are more types of flowers out there. I remember only roses were here then. The flowers also grew there. There were more views outside the hotel now. As before, tourists flocked just in front of the hotel. How about their beach? When I saw the hotel itself I was not deterred. This isn't my first time here but the way the Spanish-themed establishment stood majestically at the heart of the land made my lips protrude like it's my first time. Maybe it's been really long since I last went here and I'm so amazed! My amazement was not over when the car stopped. We were in front of the hotel. "Let's check your accommodation details," Jared said then got out of the car. I did the same. Jared waited for me outside. When I got out he gave his key to the valet. We entered the hotel lobby together. Funny how the view of La Sirene made me unaffected of him. Hopefully that will continue. "Good morning, Sir!" the employees greeted in chorus. They are lined up just like the old times. Jared just nodded at them. They also greeted me and I felt isolated. What do they think when their boss enters the hotel with a woman? Well, I almost forgot that he's a womanizer before. They're probably so used to it. And wait, I am not his girl! I will work for their hotel! I just shook my head to stop my dirty thoughts. I turned my attention to the design of the lobby. As in Manila, the lobby of La Sirene-Zambales is also screaming with extreme luxury. Only now did I realize that its design is very similar to the one in Manila but the one in Manila is a little wider. I was behind Jared while heading to the front desk. Again, I find it funny when I think that the last time we went here, we were even holding hands together unlike now … whatever. What the hell, Thalia? Jared was talking to those at the front desk for my accommodation while I was busy looking at the furniture. Four years had passed but the grandiose of this place never changed. Instead it made it even more beautiful. Now that I think of it, the hotel doesn't seem to need renovation yet. Even just expansion. "Sir, our VIP rooms are still fully booked since last week. There is no room available for ma'am right now …" Chapter 29 part 2 What I heard immediately caught my attention. "What, miss?" I butted in. The woman turned to me. "Ma'am, there's no room for you yet," My brows shot up. "Well, I have a reservation here, miss. My father booked me a room three days ago," I said with conviction. "That's it, ma'am. You don't have a reservation …" He replied tensely. My forehead creased. "What do you mean by that?" My tone cooled. "A-I thought we were actually going to check out your guest who was in your room right now so when Mr. Villegas called we acknowledged his reservation. But your guest extended his stay He just told us … so you don't have a reservation … "He almost bowed when I looked at him sharply. So am I now the one to adjust for that guest? I didn't say anything because it was rude to listen and the President of La Sirene was just next to me. And speaking of, why don't he do something about it? Ugh! Nevermind. I wiped my face. "How's that now, miss?" My voice was full of frustration. "I'm really sorry, ma'am …" I frowned. Sorry? Is that it? Where will I stay, then ?! This is a problem. This is negligence of their management. If they hadn't been so receptive to reservations it wouldn't be like this! It's a shame when it spreads. But I don't have time to think about that anymore. I need a solution because where will I live for a few months if there is no vacant room here ?! "How about the economy rooms?" I was suddenly encouraged by the thought. "Uh …" He turned to Jared before me. "Fully booked starting yesterday, ma'am." What the hell? Every time I go here, is it always fully booked? They really need expansion! "How 'bout the room reserved for us, miss? For the renovation team? Maybe you can put me in there? Even if it's just an extra bed …" I said desperately. Jared intruded. "Ayen, isn't it really gone? Double check it. Maybe you just made a mistake." The girl blushed at Jared's mention of her name. Extraordinary. Here, I almost fight him but he still has the urge to blush there! "O-okay, sir. Ma'am, just wait," he said and turned his back on us to face their computer. I'm nervous. In fact, my fingers were already tapping the desk out of worry. Where would I stay if there were no vacancies here? I should call Dad if there really isn't. "Uh …" I looked up at Ayen as he spoke. "What, miss? Is there?" Just by the woman's expression, I closed my eyes firmly. "Shit," Is there nothing to show today? "Stay in my rest house." Jared declared. I blinked and turned to her. His dark expression and menacing eyes told me that he was serious with what he just said. My shameless heart swelled. I was swallowed. "H-huh?" I asked. He clicked his tounge, seeming to lose his temper immediately. "The hotel's fully booked, I can't just shoo that guest …" The pain in my heart passed but disappeared immediately. Of course he cannot throw a guest out of their hotel just for me or for anyone. Even maybe for Miara! Their name will be ruined! Damn it! "A-and?" I stuttered. He sighed and averted his gaze. I could see the disdain in his expression but I think I was just imagining it because when he faced me his cold expression was there again. "You need a place to stay. You stay in my rest house, then." He said in at tone that businessmen usually use when closing a deal with other firms. My mouth ran dry. I was no longer surprised because he had said so before. It's engaging but I need to clarify everything … "Who will be there?" I trailed off. "I will be staying there and if you agree to stay there … the two of us." Chapter 29 part 3 My face turned scarlet. Hell, no! I understand that he's just helping me but … If in just a few hours of traveling with him I can hardly handle it, can I still live on the same roof with him ?! "W-is there no other hotel here?" He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, like he is so problematic of me. That I am the one who is being helped is that I am still the artist. Well, he can't blame me. Me and him, in a rest house? Fuck it! "The next nearest hotel is one hour away from here. It's hard to find a car there because it's secluded and they don't have their own transportation. You need to report to me everyday. If you'll stay there, you'll have a hard time going here. " I bit my lower lip and turned to the front desk again. "Miss, do you know when to check that out? Or when there's a vacancy? Even in the economy room?" I said, almost pleading. At least maybe I'll just stay at his rest house temporarily. Just don't just be the whole time we're here! "If you're worrying that only the two of us will stay in the rest house, don't be. I'll request for a personnel from here to accompany us the whole time." He said in a low baritone. I turned to him. We looked at each other. "This is your only choice right now, Thalia, to stay with me. This is also for your convenience. If you'll agree, I'll call your Dad now to ask for his permission. I'll also apologize about the reservation mo. " I swallowed hard then sighed in a defeated manner. In the end, I found myself getting into his car again to go to his rest house where I will be staying for two fucking months. Back then, my encouragement to myself to pursue this project was the reality for it in our business. If it wasn't for that I would never have continued. Earlier, I convinced myself that I would just ride in his car so I had the courage to go with him. And now, do I have to convince myself that I can just live so it's okay? Damn! How many times do I need to compromise ?! How can I avoid him now if we're just in one roof? How about my plan of forgetting him, then? I think destiny is really crazy! On our way there, Jared called my dad. Turn on the loudspeaker. Their conversation just made more upset. Dad agreed to him and even thanked him for his concern and kindness to me! Like, what the hell? She didn't even think I was a virgin to live with a young man? But, it's not like something unethical will happen between us upon our stay in one roof, anyway. The hell, Thalia? I'm just saying it's not good to see that we're not but on the same roof! Concentrated reeds on the right and the blue sea on the left surround our paths. There aren't too many households. If there is, the distance will be far. I realized the location of their rest house was secluded. I was swallowed. How can I do that if I have to go to town or to the warehouse or to the hotel itself? It would be like a miracle if a passenger tricycle passed by here, ah! I just want to cry. That means then I will depend on Jared on a daily basis. How can I, if we just have a little interaction, I can't take it anymore? To deliver more? Argh! Jared turned the car into a corner that was not paved but also not a bumpy road. A couple of minutes had passed, I spotted a two-storey concrete house in front of me. "That's our rest house," Jared said noticing my curious expression. Again I was amazed. And once more, I've proven that the Arevalos are filthy rich. Rest house is just pretentious! An old man opened the steel and concrete gate of the house for us. The car stopped in front of him and Jared lowered his young man. "Good afternoon, Mang Toni," "Good afternoon too, Ser. You arrived correctly and I just cleaned the house," His eyes then drifted on me and smiled. I can't help but smile back. Chapter 29 part 4 Jared turned to me and introduced me to the old man. He introduced himself as the caretaker of their vacation home here. He turned to Jared afterwards. "It's good that you told me right away that you two will stay here, Ser. I also cleaned a room where your bride will sleep …" He smiled at me again. My eyes widened. I was about to correct the old man but Jared already chuckled. "Thank you for that, Mang Toni. Let's go inside the house first so we can have a snack," He turned to me abruptly. What the? He didn't even correct what the old man said! What will Miara's reaction be when they talk to the old man and maybe someone else introduced her boyfriend ?! And why does the old man seem to know for so long that the two of us will be staying here? "Oh, not anymore, Ser. I'm going home and my grandchildren are not at home now. Next time …" With a little letting go, the car moved back to the house. Chapter 29 part 5 He parked the car in the garage on the side of the house. I then panicked. I don't know what to do next. "Wait for me in front of the house. I'll just put our things down for a moment," He instructed and swiftly went out of the car. I also slowly got out of the car afterwards, confused by him and not knowing what to do. We looked at each other as he opened the back of his car. I swallowed and immediately averted my gaze. On Twitter, I walked straight out of the garage. When I got out it was as if a thorn had pulled me out. Two white sun loungers greeted my sight. They are in the carabao grass that is spread all over the yard of the house. It was properly trimmed, along with the other expensive plants which surrounded the vicinity of the yard. The cold wind enveloped my skin. I grabbed my hair blowing because of the wind and placed it on my right shoulder. I looked up to see the whole view of the house. Suddenly I was anxious to live here for two months, if I just didn't know who I would be with here … It is a modern beach house painted in white. The columns are mostly glass, only covered with white long curtains. Right now, they were dancing dramatically because of the wind. In front of the house there is a staircase that is also modern. It's railings were made with square pieces of glass and its staircases were made with well-polished blocks of wood. The stairs will take you towards the work also on the glass veranda on the second floor. When you are there you can see the thick fibers in the distance. The design of the house is minimal but it just made it more appealing to the eye. "Let's go," I jumped slightly as Jared spoke. I was unaware of his approach. He passed me as someone pulled out of his pocket. I was just biting my lip when I saw him carrying our belongings in one hand. As much as I want to present myself that I will be the only one to lift my equipment, I am ashamed and I will definitely not be able to lift it either. My suitcase is even bigger than hers! We crossed the stairs and entered the glass door. He pressed a switch next to it and the whole house lit up. The lights produced a yellow gleam. Feeling home, I walk ahead of Jared, celebrating the design of their rest house. As I reacted to the exterior design of the house, I was again amazed at its interior design. It has a minimalist but absolutely elegant and classy look. I think this is Aunt Jene's idea. I turned to my right. I think the kitchen is over there. "I'll just take those things upstairs. I'll just call you when your room is ready," I turned to Jared. "Okay …" I immediately averted my eyes. He nodded and went up the side stairs. I closed my eyes emphatically. To my great consolation I forgot when he was with me here! It's as if my situation is just now sinking deep into my brain. I am in one roof with Jared! Extraordinary! How will I deal with him? I shook my head. I'll fix that later. I continued gawking at the interiors of the house, like I've never seen a design as cool as this when in fact, veteran architects designed the house. To my left is a set of gray sofas. I approached it but when I got closer something else grabbed my attention. Holy cow. The view of the blue and infinite sea penetrated the white curtains. I pulled back the curtain to see it more clearly. From the glass windows of the house, the sea looks surreal. It's like coming out of the house is the sea itself that you can meet! Astonished, I went outside. The back door was open so I just went straight to the exit. The aqua blue sea welcomed my already drooling eyes. The extent and darkness of it did not matter to make me even more amazed. I advanced a step, until I found myself in the seashore. The sound of the big waves crashing into the shore immediately filled my ears. The pounding of the waves was violent, probably because the climate was cold. I grabbed my hair again which was exploding due to the strong and cold wind. I looked up at the shady sky and slowly closed my eyes, feeling the peace around me. When will I stop being amazed? I thought paradise doesn't exist until I went here. I slowly opened my eyes afterwards. I removed my sandals and went nearer the sea. Immediately my feet felt fine and whitish sand. I soaked my feet on the cold waters. It feels so refreshing. I looked around the house and Jared and I immediately met. I immediately averted my gaze as my heart pounded hard in my chest. Calm down, Thalia! He approached me at the sea and said that my room was in order. He did not even directly say that I entered the house that is what I did. I was behind him as we entered. He guided me to my room on the second floor. Their rest house has five rooms, his bedroom is in the middle, while mine is on the left side. Before I finally left to rest, he told me that this afternoon at three in the afternoon we would return to the hotel for a briefing with the team. Chapter 29 part 6 I showered and dressed afterwards. Aldrin called to check on me. We had a pretty long conversation and all that time I was convincing him I was okay. Exhausted, I fell asleep immediately after the call. My alarm went off at two o'clock in the afternoon. I really made sure that I won't be running out of time because I already know that I will ride with Jared again. It would be embarrassing if I was the reason we were late for the meeting. Well, at least now, we can talk in a civil manner, or maybe that's what I think. There is something in his presence that makes me stammer and uneasy. Back then, never did I imagine I'd be uncomfortable around him. It's possible. The nosy and loud Jared is replaced with a serious and intimidating Jared. Or maybe just me. I straightened up again and got dressed. I wore a beige boat neckline dress with short sleeves and back slit matched with a pair of light brown pointed close patent pumps. I let my long, dark brown, straight hair down. I also put light make up on my face. When I came out of the room I saw Jared already in the living room, sitting on the sofa and calling. He turned to me. My mouth ran dry when our eyes met especially since his dark expression was there again. I swear I will never be used to the new Jared! I hesitated to go down the stairs especially since he followed me with his gaze. When I got downstairs, I sat on the sofa in front of him, like a child who didn't know what to do. He is wearing a crisp white longsleeves folded till his elbows and a pair of black slacks. His silver watch is shining on his wrist. The way he sat on the sofa and the way he holds his phone is so manly. Even though the sofa was spacious it seemed to be cramped because he was the one sitting. He is so massive. "I'll call you again later … yes, yes. We have a meeting to attend … give me an update about it." He let go of the conversation. When the call ended we looked at each other again. I immediately averted my gaze. He stood up. I looked up at him. "Let's go?" He asked. I nodded. On the way there I was quiet again. Jared is busy with his calls. The whole twenty-minute drive from the rest house to the hotel he has a call. What a busy man. We proceeded to the conference room upon arriving at La Sirene. It's on the first floor. When we entered the conference room all the eyes of those present were on us. Now, this is trouble. Maybe that's what they think because we go in together and we always go in together! "Good afternoon, sir!" They greeted in chorus. Jared nodded at them. "G-good afternoon, ma'am," they hesitantly greeted me. My cheeks got hot because of that. Maybe they think I'm Miara? The hell! I'm just embarrassed to smile at them. I walked away from Jared and looked for a vacant seat. I found an empty seat on the end of the table, beside a woman maybe in her late 20s. "Hi," She greeted when I sat beside her. I was surprised there but also delighted. "Hi," "I'm Georgia, are you?" I smiled. "Thalia." She offered her hand. "Nice meeting you," I smiled widely and held her hand. "Nice meeting you, too," "Are you an engineer too?" He asked then. "Uh, no. I'm from JV Lumber …" "Oh. Alas. I thought you're one of us. I wish I could have someone with me here. Almost all of the members of the team were boys!" She ranted. I laughed. We talked for a long time. I was easy to get along with because he was talkative. I feel so happy thinking that aside from Jared, I already know someone else. I can ask someone else for help just in case. We stopped talking when the meeting started. "Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to La Sirene-Zambales …" Jared's opening baritone. The meeting went on. Many spoke up front, mostly your engineers presenting the plan for renovation and expansion. The official start of the project is open but excavation and stripping have already begun. I found out that the only ones to be renovated are your restaurants and some of the pools. It's good because I think the lobby is still nice. The meeting lasted for hours. It was getting late when we finished because of the amount of talk. I have already talked to the foreman and the leader of the group of engineers. We agreed to go to our warehouse tomorrow morning to check on the materials that they will be needing. That means I'll already be in action like them tomorrow. We also had dinner there. The hotel's cuisine prepared a fulfilling dinner for us. It's like we get to know each other very well especially and we will stay here for a long time. We all need to get along well in order to do our jobs properly. After our dinner, we immediately left everyone to rest because the real fight will start tomorrow. And now, here I am again, beside him, sitting silently on his car. He was also quiet and seemed to be deep in thought. I looked up at the sky from the dashboard. It was a starry night. The stars are glowing brightly. I suddenly missed stargazing … with him. I bit my lower lip and stared blankly at the night sky again to forget that thought. The galaxy is so peaceful compared to what I thought it was even more than the thread that was tangled in so much chaos. I slowly closed my eyes and asked the heavens on my mind. When will fate continue to play with my life? When will it stop controlling the situations around me? What do the heavens really want to happen?