Embracing Her Flaws (ONHOLD)

CHAPTER 7

"May appointment pa ba ako mamaya?" seryoso kong tanong kay Nursima habang sabay naming tinatahak ang daan patungo sa opisina ko.

We just came out of the conference room where the meeting was held—it's about the company's expansion at Batangas. Like the normal assembly, we talked a lot of things—plans, ideas, supplies, budget, etcetera. Pagod akong umupo sa aking swivel chair nang nakapasok ako ng silid.

"3pm, Sir. Meeting with Mr. Wong," she answered, standing in front of my desk.

"Cancel it. Bukas mo na siya isingit sa schedule ko," mataman kong wika.

I loosened my tie and leaned against my seat. Sandali ko pang ipinikit ang mga mata ko dahil sa pagod. It's been a week since my hectic schedule started, good thing Nursima was good at her job. I am amazed at her skills. She's a beginner, but I could say that she can already work under pressure.

"Would you like me to make you some coffee, Sir?" Her soft voice lingered in my office.

Sir. Why am I pissed hearing it?

Marahan kong iminulat ang mga mata ko at pasimpleng kinagat ang ibaba kong labi. Damn. Because of my loaded works, I couldn't gave her my full attention.

As if she needs it, Gavriel.

And why the fvck is it important, asshole?

Sa huli ay napabuntonghininga na lamang ako sa ginawa kong pagtatalo sa aking isip. "Huwag na. Tumawag ka na lang sa canteen sa ibaba at magpa-deliver ng pagkain dito. It's already lunch," ani ko.

Awtomatiko namang umangat ang paningin niya sa wall clock, bakas sa kanyang mga mata na hindi niya inaasahang tanghalian na. Hindi ko tuloy naiwasan na mapanguso.

Now, I will always keep note in my mind to finish my next meetings early, or I will no longer accept schedules that can last until lunch. Fvck. She almost went hungry because of work.

"What do you want for lunch, Sir?" she asked politely.

Napatiim-bagang ako nang narinig ko na naman ang pagtawag niya sa akin nang pormal. I should be happy because she's good when it comes to professionality, but damn. I want the fierce Nursima.

Idinaan ko na lamang sa paghihilot ng aking sintido ang frustrasyong nararamdaman. "Kung ano ang sa iyo, gano'n na lamang din ang sa akin," tugon ko.

Hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang munting pag-awang ng labi niya na mabilis ding bumalik sa normal. Her throat moved slowly which made me cursed inside my head. Marahan siyang tumango at naglakad patungo sa lamesa niya para tumawag sa ibaba tulad nang iniutos ko.

"Padala raw po ng pagkain dito sa office ni Sir," mala-anghel na boses niyang wika. "Ano po... one serving po ng afritada and rice," she added.

My forehead creased. "Nursima," hindi ko napigilan na tawagin siya sa gitna ng kanyang pakikipag-usap.

My lips slightly tugged upwards when she jolted at her place because of my sudden call.

"It's two serving," I corrected, looking stern.

Ilang beses siyang napakurap bago tumango. "Two serving daw po," she informed.

Sandali pa silang nag-usap sa telepono hanggang sa tuluyan na niya iyong ibaba. "May iba pa po ba kayong gusto, Sir?" usisa niya.

I shook my head and tapped my fingers on the table. "Come here, eat with me," I uttered.

She looked astounded. Pinagtaasan ko lang naman siya ng kilay. Trying to intimidate her.