Lead Me To You

Kabanata XXII

Monica

Recompense

I couldn't hide it anymore. The more he's getting curious, the more it's hard for me to keep it to myself.

And I am always asking, what could happen if he realized I am not the owner anymore?

"Yeah, I have a job in the company. It's just an entry-level." I keep on sulking at my chest.

"Entry level? Do you even need that? I mean, it's Carluccio's. Derived from your last name. You should have aimed for a higher position." He said.

"I always wanted to start from the bottom. That way, I can learn the work of all the departments we have."

I can't believe that he actually bought that excuse. Kahit naman siguro ako ay hindi ko agad papaniwalaan dahil the company should be mine in the first place. We are having our night conversation on the veranda of my bedroom while having a few sips of wine. It gets in my system to actually help me sleep faster and better. Sitting next to others while looking out at other houses in front of ours.

"That's nice thinking though," I heard him say. Sipping his wine after.

"Yeah, you're right. It was my father's idea, actually. Like letting a regent take over until the heir is ready to manage." Iyon na lamang ang aking sinabi dahil sa totoo lamang ay nauubusan na rin ako ng palusot para lamang paniwalaan niya ako.

"And you're fine with that?" He asked.

No. Definitely not.

"It's my Papa's will. I have to obey it." I said.

How can I be okay with that? Without knowing if that regent will give it back to me. I tried and I didn't succeed. I might need to talk to him again and maybe use my sympathetic state, just maybe... he will give in.

Parang hindi na naman ako nasanay sa dami ng mga maskuladong tao ang pumapalibot sa akin. Imbis na maramdaman ko ang seguridad ay lalo lamang akong nainis. It will draw too much attention in the office. This just too much for me to handle.

Pagbaba ko ng hagdan ay naghilera na sila at naghihintay sa aking pagalis. Kabilinbilinan ni Paris na silang lahat ang maghahatid sa akin sa opisina dahil nauna na siya roon. Naalala ko nga pala ang text message sa akin ni Matteo na siya ang susundo sa akin ngayon. I dismissed them all kahit na utos naman ni Paris ang kanilang sinusunod.

I waited for Matteo's car to be parked in our driveway before I enter the shotgun door and forcefully closed it.

"Good morning, sweet cupcake. How was the first night together?" Matteo sarcastically greeted.

"Don't even start with me. I am literally in hell. I don't want to go because I don't have the face to show them!" I exclaimed.

I am still embarrassed by the idea that my husband, the second biggest investor in Carluccio's was now here and is attending the meeting at the office. At the same time, his wife is just working as a secretary. Other shareholders will be there and there might be a chance they will talk about me. I cannot pull myself down any further.

"Well, you don't need to be there. You have to go straight to Francis' office. He has something to tell you." My cousin said while hitting the road.

"What now? Is he going to fire me then?" Because of what I have done to him last time?

"I don't know. He just told me."

I am so sick of people telling me what I should do. Hindi naman ako nagpunta dito sa Pilipinas para lamang utusan ng mga lalaking nakapaligid sa akin.

We are now pulling off the driveway and going to the parking of the building. Hindi naman masyado mabigat ang trapiko dahil maaga pa lang naman. Paalala palagi ni Matteo na magdiretso ako sa opisina ni Francis. Nauna na ito sa meeting room kung saan naroon na ang mga board of directors at ilan pang investors mula sa iba't ibang branches ng kumana all over the world.