Love Survival (Hunk Omega Society 2)

KABANATA 8

KABANATA 8: Kindness

SLOAN

"I have something to tell you," Dominic said while we were in the middle of having our breakfast.

I looked at him. "A-Ano 'yon?" utal na tanong ko.

Binaba niya ang hawak na kubyertos at saka ituon ang atensiyon sa akin. "I'll be gone for a week."

Kumurap ako. Aalis siya? "S-Saan ka pupunta?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I have an important business trip abroad. I'm leaving tomorrow. I was thinking, maybe you could take care of my company while I'm away?"

My eyes widened. "W-What?!" gulat na bulalas ko.

"Hey, chill. You just need to attend my important conference meetings and sign some documents. Besides, Ronna will take care of you."

Naguguluhan akong tumingin sa kaniya. I did graduate with a business-related degree, but I've never actually tried managing a business, and VMC is a huge company! I haven't even managed our own company yet; how much more, VMC!

At saka 'yong secretary niya ay ayaw sa 'kin!

"I c-can't do it," pagsasabi ko ng totoo.

"You're afraid." It's not a question, it's a statement.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Yes, I'm afraid, and I am not ashamed to admit it.

"D-Dito na lang ako, Dominic, please. I can't really do it. Dito lang ako sa bahay. Hindi ako lalabas hangga't hindi ka umuuwi, I promise."

He looked at me. Nakikita ko sa mata niya na nakapagdesisiyon na siya but I'm still hoping to change his mind.

He took a deep breath. "Sloan..." he called. I looked at him. "You can do it, 'kay? I trust you, so trust yourself too."

I shook my head. "I can't. W-What if I failed? What if... What if I make a mistake that will cause trouble for your company? What if—"

"Shh..." he cut me off. "Why always focus on the negative? Give the positive a chance. What if you actually can? What if you have the power to do things that you're afraid to do? Try to face your fear."

I gulped. Hindi ko maalis ang mata ko sa kulay asul na mata ni Dominic. It feels like I am looking at the ocean through his eyes always.

I bit my lower lip and looked down. Natatakot ako kasi takot akong ma-disappoint ko siya at ang mga tao sa paligid ko. I always focus on the negative aspects of the situation because I know that it is possible for it to happen.

"Y-You won't be mad if I stir up some trouble with your company, will you?" I asked.

My heart skipped a beat as Dominic flashed a smile and a nod. "I won't. I will never be mad at you..." he assured.

Natapos ang breakfast namin na napapayag niya 'kong ako na muna ang mag-manage ng kumpaniya niya for the meantime. One week lang naman daw. I think Dominic was right; it won't hurt if I try.

"I think t-this is approved," I said after reading the proposal document na pinabasa niya sa 'kin.

Nandito kami ngayon sa opisina niya dito sa condo upang tulungan ako kung ano ba ang mga dapat approved na proposal at ang mga dapat ibasura.

Dominic's right eyebrow rose. "Hmm? Really? Why do you think so?"

I gulped and looked again at the paper. "T-Their proposal was comprehensive and showcased how a partnership would allow us to access new markets and technologies. It also outlined potential areas of collaboration that align with our long-term objectives, such as joint product development and international distribution."