Chapter 29

JOEY was busy renovating her newly bought property while Ellie and Ridge were occupied with the wedding preparations, but they still managed to finish the pitch and presentation with Chaya in less than a week.

They sat on the couch as they played the presentation on the laptop.

“I’m so proud of us, guys,” Chaya said as it ended. She began to tear up, too.

“Group hug,” Ellie said in a childish tone and pulled them into a hug.

“We should celebrate with some pizza and iced coffee, you know,” Jae said. “We deserve it.”

“Yeah,” Chaya agreed, wiping the corners of her eyes.

“Oh, she’s crying,” Ellie teased. “I know you like pizza and iced coffee. So, let’s go!”

Jae stood up first. “All right!”

“So, how are the preparations going?” Chaya asked as she munched on her favorite pepperoni and cheese. They ate at their favorite food corner just across the apartment.

The wedding was to be held at Casa Inamorata. Ellie wanted it to be very intimate.

“I’m glad you asked.” Ellie beamed. “There are still a few things to be done, but it’s all good. Chaya, will you sing my bridal entrance for me?”

She chewed slowly. “W-what?”

“I was thinking, you know. I wanted to cry on my wedding day. I don’t want to ruin the song myself. But if you are to do that, that won’t be a problem. And Jae,” Ellie smiled. “As my makeup artist—”

“I know. You want me to use the most water-proof mascara out there. I got you,” Jae said and sipped her coffee.

Ellie giggled.

Chaya stared at Ellie. Come to think of it. Ridge and Ellie only met this year too, but here they are, already bringing their relationship to the next level. She was more than happy for these two. But yes, she must admit she felt a little jealous.

“What do you want me to sing?” Chaya asked.

Ellie’s face lit up. “Oh, I actually got a list. I’m going to give it to you so you’ll have more time to practice. Thank you, guys! You really are the best.”

“I’d do it if I am not tone deaf, honestly,” Jae said.

“By the way, about the presentation, Ridge and I have a meeting with the caterer, so I’ll be out of town that day.”

“Me, too,” said Jae. “The materials will arrive on that day, and I have no one to trust with that.” She pouted. “Yeah.”

“It’s okay. All of us didn’t have to be there. I think I can do it,” Chaya chirped. “Jellybean’s going to be there, so I’ll be fine, I guess. Just pray for me.”

“I really wish I could see you nail that presentation,” Jae said.

“Me, too. Don’t worry. I’m going to leave the car with you. Take it anywhere you want,” Ellie said.

***

Chaya woke up with a migraine. The presentation would start at nine, and the last thing she needed was a throbbing head. She did not get decent sleep last night; she tossed and turned and was anxious the whole time.

Great. Just great.

Her eyes widened when she picked up her phone from the nightstand and checked the time. It was almost eight-thirty already!

“No!”

She got up abruptly and regretted it at once as she felt dizzy.

“Chaya, where are you? The pitch has begun,” Jellybean said frantically over the phone.

“U-um, I’m almost there. I’m sorry. I didn’t hear my alarm,” she said apologetically as she fixed her earpiece.

“Okay.” Jellybean drew a breath. “Maybe I could ask the board to wait for a little in case you couldn’t make it on time.”

“T-thank you. I would appreciate it a lot. Um, do you have paracetamol with you? I was in a hurry, so I forgot to take something for my migraine.”

“Oh, you got a migraine right now?” Jellybean uttered in shock. “D-don’t worry! We have it here. Just be here, all right?” She said reassuringly.

“Yes, yes. I’m almost there. Thank you.”

But that was not the end of Chaya’s troubles. She parked her car at the farthest part of the parking lot because it was packed. Then, she went running for the nearest elevator. She found one, and it was about to close. But before she could catch it, she stopped as her stomach turned.

Chaya found herself kneeling at the nearest trashcan, throwing up.

“No,” she uttered weakly as the elevator closed.

“Ma’am, are you all right?”

She looked up and found a middle-aged security personnel. She nodded and took his hand when he offered it.

“Thank you.”

“Do you have any business here?”

“Y-yeah. I have a presentation on the eighth floor,” she replied as she pulled a sanitizing gel from her bag.

“But you don’t look well, ma’am.” The guard looked genuinely concerned.

“It’s just a migraine, sir. It’ll go away.” She looked around as she rubbed the gel on her hands. “Is there another elevator on this floor? I’m sorry. I’ve never been here before.”

“This way, ma’am. Follow me.”

Chaya sighed in relief. “Thank you, sir!”

She swallowed when she spotted Jellybean standing before a group of people outside the meeting room. She was smiling as she talked. It looked like she was congratulating and encouraging them.

Her smile was replaced with worry when she turned in her direction.

“Chaya!”

She gave Jellybean a reluctant smile.

“It’s over, isn’t it?” she said as she glanced at the door behind her.

“Here. Take this.” She put bottled water and paracetamol in her hand. “I’ll go ask them.” She turned to the five people whom Chaya assumed were the representatives from each of the ad agencies. “Guys, I’ll see you at the cafeteria later. If you need to go to the bathroom or something, go ahead. I’ll get back to you later, all right?”

“Yes, Miss Jellybean. Thank you,” they chorused.

“Let’s go, Chaya.”

Chaya took a deep breath as Jellybean opened the door. Four men were discussing at the long table.

“Gentlemen, hi. Um, as promised, we still have another presenter. This is Chaya Rosales from Infinitales. I’m sure you would love to hear what she has to say.”

“Chaya Rosales? She looks familiar,” the youngest of the men said.

Chaya blinked when she studied his face. He resembled Kyrie a lot, but he was younger by a couple of years.

Then, he must be…

“This is Kyros Page,” Jellybean said. “One of Kvings graphic designers.”

“Yeah,” Chaya said breathlessly. “Good morning, gentlemen. I apologize for being late. I hope you’ll give me a chance to present. My partners and I really worked hard for this pitch,” she implored.

“Do we still have time, gentlemen?” Kyros asked, glancing at his wristwatch.

“We got to ask your brother. He’s got the final say in this,” one of the panels replied.

Brother. Chaya’s heart skipped a beat. Before she could utter his name in her head, a tall figure appeared from the adjacent room.

For a moment, Chaya forgot how to breathe. She could not blink or move. She felt like her heart was in her throat as she watched the man she had missed for the past six months come into view.

She met his cold stare. His handsome face remained blank as though he had not seen her at all.