CHAPTER 50: A Little Hope

Ram's POV.

Who would have thought that the great and mighty Ram Santiago would be this pathetic?

If I saw myself like this during the time when I didn't know or met Atilla, I would definitely be angry with myself for being a martyr, but maybe this is what happens when you love someone so much that even if you're hurt, you still want to be with them—someone who is near but feels so far away because you know that they are no longer within your reach.

"Ram, are you okay?" I was surprised to hear Atilla call my name, I just remembered that I was in a meeting with some of Henry's company staff, aside from Atilla.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear the question?" I calmly asked while looking at Atilla's beautiful face.

I was so distracted while looking at her face, that I was having difficulty concentrating on what she was saying.

We've been managing her brother's business for a few days now while Henry is in the United States for his operation.

I can say that Atilla is completely different now than she was in the past few days, the way she handles herself in front of other people and the way she deals with them is amazing.

She is not the same Atilla that I know, no wonder Elaine told me that before she left the Philippines to be with her husband, Henry.

Atilla redeemed herself from all the drama that happened in her life, and I don't have the right to destroy whatever she has right now just because I still love her so much, especially now that I know that she no longer feels the same way about me.

"What I said earlier was that we are going to meet two foreign investors who are planning to build a world-class hotel and restaurant on an island in the Visayas near the island that Henry recently purchased," she explained.

She was referring to a small island that is a half-hour trip from Cebu Port and has an old resort that Henry plans to replace with a high-end resort that will attract many visitors.

"I see, you mean the Japanese investors?" I asked, trying hard to focus.

I missed Atilla so much, but it doesn't mean that I shouldn't focus on the task given to me.

"Yes, and two days from now, we need to meet them in Cebu to accompany them on an ocular inspection of the island," she continued.

I have seen the plans and proposals, and I can say that they are good, so I wouldn't be surprised if the planned resort on that island is successful.

I suddenly remembered the resort that another billionaire built in Norway, and that resort became one of the most visited resorts in the world.

I planned on visiting that resort, but it was just that I couldn't find the time and freedom to do so, besides, I wanted to go there with the woman I love, and with that in mind, I couldn't stop myself from staring at Atilla.

After our talk we made a few other preparations, making sure that the transaction would sail smoothly.

Atilla and I made sure that our conversation with the investors would be smooth, and I could see how hands-on and effective Atilla is in making decisions, which made me wonder if she really needed my help in running Henry's businesses.

The night before our flight, I decided to invite Atilla on a dinner date to fix the minor things that needed to be fixed. I know that both of us want a smooth business transaction.

My heart was pounding so hard as I waited for Atilla. I arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes early.

I saw her enter the restaurant wearing a simple blue dress. She never failed to mesmerize me with her beauty, and almost all the men were looking at her since she entered the door.

"Sorry, there was an accident on the way, so I'm a bit late," she apologized.

"No worries; I just got here as well. Shall we order?" I asked her as she sat across from me.

"Sure," she replied shortly.

We've been together for several days, but my longing for her has not faded yet, and she seems unaffected now that we're together.

After we ordered our food, Atilla and I were left in an awkward situation, neither of us wanting to break the silence.

"Are we just going to meet in Cebu?"

"I'm sorry, Atilla."

We both said it simultaneously, and as our eyes met for a few seconds, I saw the same look she had given me before—those stares when she still loved me, but it was only for a moment and it quickly vanished, so I thought I might have just imagined it because that's what I wanted to see.

"What do you mean?" She asked, furrowing her brows and avoiding my gaze.

"I'm sorry for hurting you; I'm sorry for letting my pride take over my feelings for you; and I'm sorry for not recognizing you immediately," I said emotionally, but her frown deepened even more.

"What do you mean by your last remark?" She asked, confused.

"I'm sorry for not recognizing my childhood friend right away; sorry for not recognizing you when you were the one who saved my life," I said seriously.

I saw tears forming in her eyes that she was trying to hold back.

"Please Ram, it's all in the past, and thanks to my experiences that made me who I am now—successful, independent, and not relying on anyone else," she replied.

I couldn't help but notice that I saw the old Atilla I used to know, and because of that observation, I couldn't help but hope.

"They say you only realize the value of a person when they're gone, and that's exactly what I felt when you were no longer by my side. That's when I realized how much I love you, and Atilla, I still love you," I said emotionally, ignoring what she just said, I saw the surprise on her face, but it quickly turned into a cold stare.

"Like what I said earlier, Ram, all of that is in the past, and there are things in life that should be left in the past, besides, I'm happy with what I have now," she replied, but I decided to push my limit.

"I still love you, Atilla, so much that it hurts, and if you'll give me a chance..." I said, but she quickly stood up.

"Enough Ram! Whatever happened between us is in the past, and some things in life don't deserve second chances, especially when that person is already happy with their life. Aside from that, I already have a boyfriend."

I felt a pang of pain in my heart when she mentioned her boyfriend, but it only made me determined.

"Sorry, I need to leave, I still have something to do before my flight tomorrow, let's just meet in Cebu," she said, and then hurriedly left as if someone were chasing her.

I looked at her retreating figure and a smile formed on my lips, followed by a spark of hope in my heart from what Atilla did, because her actions answered a question in my mind.

"Sir, here are your orders..." the waiter said as he delivered our orders, but I quickly interrupted him.

"Please get me the bill," I said, which surprised him.

"But what about your orders?" he asked, confused.

I thought for a moment and decided to have them wrapped up. In just a few moments, I paid our bill and had our food packed without even touching it.

Carrying a few bags of food, I quickly got into my car, and for the first time in two years, I smiled like this.

The happiness I felt then was worth more than any success I had in my businesses.

The joy I felt from any success I achieved in my business back then is nothing compared to how I feel now. I stopped for a moment when I saw a couple rummaging through the trash, perhaps looking for food.

I got out of the car to hand them the food we ordered with Atilla. After giving them the food, I went back to my car and continued driving.

"You seem happy now, Ram," Dad said as soon as I entered the house.

"I decided to follow your advice, Dad," I replied, and I saw the confusion on his face as he tried to recall what he told me before.

"You told me to fight for Atilla, and everything is fair in love and war," I explained, and I saw understanding in his eyes.

"What made you change your mind, Ram?" he asked, and I just smiled and went straight to my room to take a quick shower and lie down on my bed.

When I remembered Atilla's reaction earlier, it felt like a warm hand was caressing my heart because there was only one meaning behind her reaction - that she still had feelings for me.

Before, I didn't want to bother her because I thought she had no feelings for me anymore, but that changed tonight.

"I will do everything to make you love me again and be mine, Atilla," I whispered to the air.