"Good morning. It warms my heart to see you both here," masayang bungad ni Miss Al-Najjar sa amin ni Scarlett nang makarating kami sa opisina niya.
We exchanged smiles, feeling the warmth of her hospitality as she graciously offered us seats on her luxurious couch. To our surprise, she even requested champagne from her secretary, elevating our meeting to a more relaxed and enjoyable level as we discussed work.
Scarlett and I found ourselves in Dubai for a special purpose: to oversee the progress of the Dubai Renaissance Heights construction project. Hindi ibibigay ni Scarlett sa iba ang trabahong ito, ang pagbisita, sa iba dahil Miss Al-Najjar mismo ang nagrequest kay Scarlett to lead and pick the members of the team for this project. Scarlett, too, was eager to witness the project's development firsthand.
Miss Al-Najjar playfully smacked her lips together before asking, "So, how have you both been?"
Scarlett's smile radiated warmth as she replied, "Everything's going well. I've been juggling various responsibilities with the company, with my kid, with my life."
Napangiti ako sa loob ko nang makitang liningon ako ni Scarlett when she said 'life'.
Clearing my throat, I added, "I echo Architect Carvajal's sentiments, Miss. I'm thoroughly enjoying everything and eagerly anticipating the progress of the project."
Miss Al-Najjar's smile grew wider as she said, "I can give you a tour after your site visit."
Napaturo ako sa sarili ko dahil ako lang ang tinignan niya. "Really?" tanong ko na lang dahil wala naman akong ibang masagot.
"Yes," she confirmed.
Scarlett interjected, her tone more reserved, "Our purpose here is solely for the site visitation, Miss Al-Najjar."
Mabilis na nalungkot ang mukha ng kliyente. "That's unfortunate, Architect. Dubai is a vast and enchanting place to explore. A short adventure around the city could be quite delightful."
Tumango ako kasi may point naman si Miss Al-Najjar. Dubai was renowned for its captivating architecture and advanced technology in construction. Kaso mahal daw. If you wanted to truly savor Dubai, dapat mayaman ka.
This was my first time in Dubai, and the desire to explore it tugged at my heartstrings. But the purpose of our trip was strictly business.
Maya-maya ay nakaramdam ako ng pagkurot sa likod ko pagkatapos kong tumango.
"I know that, Miss. It's just that we are here for work only."
"I understand," malungkot itong tumango.
"But should we have a change of heart, we can always explore Dubai independently. I happen to have a property nearby." Hindi ko alam kung nagyayabang si Scarlett o hindi eh. Her tone was humble but her smile is... well, you guess it, boasting.
Miss Al-Najjar maintained her pleasant demeanor as we continued our professional conversation. When we were finished, we headed straight to the construction site. Hinatid si Miss Al-Najjar ng sarili niyang sasakyan, samantalang ako ay nakisakay kay sa sasakyan ni Scarlett.
Her silence behind the wheel was conspicuous. She kept her gaze fixed ahead, never once turning to look at me. I discreetly poked her leg, but she remained resolutely focused on the road.
I softly called her name, "Scarlett." I noticed her eyes rolling in exasperation, but she still didn't speak. Undeterred, I repeated her name.
"Ngayon Scarlett ako, pero kanina Architect?" pagsusungit niya dahilan para matigilan ako.
"Huh?" I tilted my head in confusion.
She let out a sharp sigh. "And you nodded when the client suggested touring you around! Oh my gosh," she said, clearly annoyed.
BINABASA MO ANG
Break Fresh Ground
RomanceScarlett and Artemis are two women from vastly different worlds. Scarlett, born into wealth and privilege, has always had everything she's ever wanted handed to her on a silver platter. She lives in the fast-paced city, surrounded by skyscrapers and...
