LOVING HIM

CHAPTER 9

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It was their department's biannual outreach feeding program. They're all in an orphanage a few minutes away from Quito-Ang that weekend.

It was a busy day and everyone's busy doing things here and there. They also invited two young celebrities to the event, making the kids even more hyped than ever. They all looked happy it was so satisfying to see. Sophia and Gio were hosting, the rest were their helping hands. While watching his team get busy with the program and with the kids, Irving couldn't help but feel content. His team's certainly doing a great job.

However, he also found himself taking glances at Mr. Geronimo from almost every now and then. He couldn't help it. He couldn't help but look at his secretary who was sitting and playing innocently with the kids. He looked particularly close and comfortable with them. It was obvious the little ones liked him the most. He had this natural, undeniable connection to them. One would think young girls would shy away from a boy like his secretary but on the contrary, it's them who kept hugging onto his legs and wouldn't let him go. They're all smitten by him.

Moreover, Irving just couldn't help noticing how he looked younger and brighter wearing their simple blue departmental shirt and denim jeans, not his usual tucked-in-polo-shirts-and-slacks everyday look in the office.

And that smile...

Rian's smile.

It isn't illegal to call him by his first name, right?

Rian kept smiling and giggling with the kids and Irving was stuck. The younger man didn't usually smile and giggle like that in the office. It was astonishing to watch. Being with kids brought out Rian's natural charm. He was all smiles all day and it was similarly like a breath of fresh air for Irving.

Irving didn't know he was taking glances at his secretary a little too often not until Lucille sat beside him. "Rian's really good with kids," she commented, looking at the younger man with a smile.

Irving immediately looked away and cleared his throat.

Was he being obvious? He didn't mean to stare...

Lucille continued. "He grew up in an orphanage. That must be why he's really into kids."

Irving instantly looked at Lucille with questioning eyes. He had no idea Rian grew up in an orphanage. The information was new to him.

Lucille smiled and nodded seeing his reaction. "Yes, sir. He grew up in an orphanage in Santa Barbara. Look at him. He's so bright and joyful around kids. He's used to them."

He looked at his secretary again.

Rian...

Suddenly, Irving remembered what his friend Nana said a few nights ago...

...He has the kindest heart in the world. He withstood a lot of difficulties in the past so I really, really want to see him happy this time. Please, please take good care of him. That's all I ask of you, Sir Irving...

What's his story?

What difficulties did he endure in the past?

What happened to him?

A lot of questions clouded Irving's mind as he watched Rian who was now running around chasing children during a game. The more he looked at him, the more he felt that unfamiliar and intriguing pull towards the younger man. And to be very honest, it wasn't the first time that he felt it. Not at all.