Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 10

Date

The boardroom is filled with high-ranking executives and investors seated around a large polished table. A sense of anticipation fills the air as I, stands at the head of the table, ready to deliver my closing remarks, while feeling the intense gaze of Arik piercing my soul.

As Arik continues to gaze at me intently, it appears that he is attempting to capture my full attention. Throughout the entire meeting, his approach towards me has been professional.

"Thank you for your trust, your dedication, and your unwavering belief in our shared vision. Together, we will continue to change lives, push boundaries, and build a future that we can all be proud of."

Matapos tapusin ang meeting na iyon ay agad akong umalis sa silid na iyon at bumalik sa aking opisina.

Arik's company, Florida INC., along with his cousin Spiker, had decided to invest in our upcoming projects, and I was certain that Mom and Dad would be delighted by the news.

Hindi nga lang ako sigurado kung maganda ba ito para sa akin.

"Ma'am Celeste, Teacher Amelia actually dropped off Ariah here earlier. Nasa kabilang silid na si Ariah," Pau informed me, placing some papers on my desk.

Agad na natigilan ako nang marinig ko iyon at binalot ng kaba ang dibdib ko. Nakalimutan ko na half day lang ang pasok ngayon ni Ariah at wala akong mapag-iiwanan sa kanya sa bahay.

Napalunok ako nang maalala kong nandito si Arik ngayon.

"Since earlier?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Tumawag din si Sir Oliver. Papunta na raw siya ngayon dito."

I nodded and quickly made my way to the adjacent room in my office. I found Ariah sitting quietly at the study table designated just for her, engrossed in what seemed like writing. Pinagawa ko ang silid na ito dahil alam kong magiging madalas siya rito.

"Ariah," I called out to her, capturing her attention.

Agad na nilapitan ko siya at niyakap.

"How are you? Mommy's meeting just ended. You'll be waiting for me here until later. Is that okay with you?" I asked, glancing at the notebook in front of her.

Natahimik ako nang makita ko kung ano ang ginagawa niya. It seemed to be a project-a family tree designed in a chart format. At the top were our names, mine and hers, and next to her name was a blank space. Below that were Mom and Dad, and her uncles.

That empty space left a question lingering in my mind.

"It's fine, Mommy. I like being here in your office," she replied casually at nagpatuloy na sa kanyang pagsusulat.

"Is that an assignment, dear?" I asked.

"Yes, Mommy," she simply replied.

"Why is there a space next to your name?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity.

Bumaling siya ng tingin sa akin. Bakas ang mga tanong sa kanyang mga mata ngunit hindi ko pa rin maintindihan kung ano ang ipinaparating niya.

"For my father's name, Mommy. Why?" she responded.

Her words caught me off guard. Bigla akong sinuntok ng konsensya. Ni hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko.

"Don't worry, Mommy. I won't put his name on it. My teacher said it's okay," she said, redirecting her attention back to the notebook.

Lalo akong natahimik doon.

She knows who her father is. I've told her about him ever since she was old enough to understand, and I know she remembers.