Things Must End To Begin Again

Encounter

On a one fine day, Mrs. Marquina was having a lunch with her favorite person, Agata.

"Are you sure you don't want me to call Sergio to join the lunch?

"Yes... The opening ceremony of the Children Care Foundation by Marquina is around the corner, I'm sure he's busy right now. Besides, I love spending time alone with you"

Seemed that everything about Agata was mesmerizing for Mrs. Marquina. Indeed, she's good at stealing her heart with her nice attitude.

"Alright, you're so thoughtful, Agata.. I'm sure you'll be the perfect wife for him"

"Do you think he'd be thinking the same way?"

Mrs. Marquina smiled at the question, knowing what Sergio felt about marriage, but that didn't mean she would give up her intention to have Agata as her daughter-in-law.

"My dear Agata, it'll take time to open his eyes to get married soon. Therefore, I'm thinking about engagement after he finished the project. Only if you agree"

She didn't think Mrs. Marquina would talk about this matter so soon but that's exactly what she hoped for, so she was nothing but feeling blessed and bright. With all her happy smile, she excitedly nodded.

***

It came to the day of the Children Care Foundation by Sergio's grand opening. The ceremony took place in its brand new building. There will be some speech, cutting the ribbon, followed by a generous banquet event and entertainment for all the guests.

"Sergio Marquina... My man!"

Someone was howling, stealing Sergio's  attention who's busy chatting with his assistant. His alarmed face turned bright as he saw Daniel Ramos walking prestigiously toward him.

"The great Daniel!! Welcome.." Sergio greeted him back. Instead of a formal handshakes, they spread their arms and hugged each other. They were ex-college friends and he happened to be the biggest contributor for the foundation.

After talking for some time, Raquel appeared in their sight from afar, she seemed having casual talk with some people as getting ready for the ceremony to begin.

"That's Raquel, right?" Daniel asked, but his eyes were locking on her. "Yes, she is" Sergio answered casually. "Damn, she looks ten times better than on TV! Good choice, Sergio" he was still focusing on her who's indeed looking so stunning with that long white dress.

"A good choice?" Sergio questioned, wondering if he knew that he used to be in relationship with her.

"The campaign ambassador, I'm glad you chose her, she's lovable"

"Aahh... People's choice, they chose her"

"Right? She's perfect for this. Oh, I wished my mom can come, she's her fan, she watched all of her drama and movies"

"So your mom likes her? I wish my mom does too" He mentally mumbled to himself. He agreed, Raquel's lovable but unfortunately that didn't apply for his mom. But there's no use of wishing, she's no longer his woman.

"You know what?" Daniel broke Sergio's daydreaming. "I think I attracted to her more than I should. Sergio, I would really appreciate if you can get me her manager's contact, I'd like to ask her for let's say a dinner..."

"What? A dinner? With Raquel?"

***

As a part of the ceremony, they're -- Sergio as the founder and CEO, some representative executive managers and contributors, and also Raquel as the campaign ambassador -- cutting the ribbon to symbolize it. Raquel was standing next to Sergio by accident. When their hands accidentally touching each other while holding the ribbon, their eyes glimpse each other in an awkward state but there's also a hint of smiles from both.