Tulip's Destiny

XVI - Lead You Home

It had already been three weeks passed and all the more his birthday came closer by the day. While Mikhail had been busy with business since he announced to the press of Bruxen Corps. newest project in the Philippines. This had quickly made a ruckus with the board of directors and shareholders that depend on the success of the company to thrive.

Although he hadn't anticipated it himself, Mikhail took the impression that maybe their new branch could give Bruxen Corps a fresh face to expansion and continue to dominate the market.

On the other hand, Raine was juggling her duties at the office with Khalil. As well as planning out his birthday party back in Rotterdam. She had been flying in and out of the country without him noticing. He had been so busy taking care of the big move he was planning to make that he initially forgot about their plans.

Time and time, Mikhail would also fly to the Philippines just to check up on her, himself. Raine took this opportunity to plan out their surprise while he was occupied with a never-ending workload.

"Another day of hustling!" Raine shrieked, rubbing her exhausted face. "Now where were we?" She thought, pushing herself out of the chair.

Immediately her phone began ringing, reading the caller ID, Raine instantly answered with a sweet tone. "Hey! what's up?"

"Nothing much. You? Are you heading out now?" Mikhail asked from the other side of the line. "Yes, but I have to run some errands before I head home." Raine answered, stacking files one after another.

"Home? Cavite?" Mikhail asked. "Nope! AHAHAHAHHAHA! Maybe this weekend I'll visit home." She laughed.

"I'm too tired for a two hour drive!" Raine snorted looking around her office for the last minute before she calls it a day. "Don't skip meals ah?" He noted in a serious tone. "Yes sir! By the way, how's your day so far?" Raine giggled.

"I'm getting tired of these papers! They just keep stacking up! Now I just miss you more!" Mikhail expressed in almost a childish squeal. "You can always call, you know?" She said. "But that's different! Can you open your camera?" He suggested excitedly.

"Nooo!!! Stop! I look like a stressed potato!" Raine shrugged. "Pleaseeeeee???" Mikhail pleaded desperately. "No!" She laughed. "But why not?!" He whined. "Just because I don't feel like it!" Raine reasoned, gagging in laughter.

"Ohh... okay..." Mikhail trailed off, downhearted. "Maybe later?" Raine smiled, turning her keys to open the car. "Alright! That's a promise!" He announced happily.

"You're probably busy..."

"Not at all! I could talk to you for the whole day!"

"Really?" She asked, rolling her eyes with a slight chuckle.

"Yes, my Tulip. Everyday..."

"Well, you better finish whatever you're doing first. Stay healthy for me ah? I gotta go, I'm in my car now."

"Okay, drive safe. And before I forget, if you happen to see Manuel by any chance or if you can give him a call... tell him to respond to my messages."

"Got it!"

"Byeiii, Raine!" He raised with a tired crack in his voice.

"Take care. Talk to you later."

"Yes! Later!"

Before putting her phone away, she decided to give Manuel a call just as Mikhail asked her to. However, Raine was surprised to be put on voicemail because she had grown accustomed to Manuel casually picking up her calls immediately. "I guess he's busy. Oh maybe I can ask Lars to come shopping with me," she thought, dialing her friend's number.