Threads of Love

Chapter 8

The following morning after the grand engagement party, I found myself immersed in the familiar hustle and bustle of my office. The glow of the previous night's festivities still lingered in my mind, but the demands of my work pulled me back to the reality of deadlines and responsibilities.

As I focused on my tasks, the door of my of my office interrupted my concentration. Glancing at the door, I saw that it was Lana.

Sighing, I braced myself for the usual blend of sarcasm and mischief that accompanied any interaction with Lana.

"Good morning, Lea. Or is it Mrs. Muhlach already?" Lana's voice oozed with a teasing tone.

I rolled my eyes, "Good morning to you too, Lana. And no, it's still Miss Salonga." Lana chuckled and sat on the chair. "And what brings you here?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wanted to check how my little sis is doing."

"I'm swamped with work here, tell me what's your real agenda or leave."

Lana laughed, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Alright, no beating around the bush. I just wanted to remind you that I'm heading to Malibu to handle the business problem there since someone here doesn't want to go there. Too committed to your glamorous life here in the Philippines, so I volunteered to save the day."

"Oh, so you're leaving now?"

"Uhuh, my flight leaves in a few hours. Won't you miss your big sis? I'll be gone for 3 months but don't worry, I'll still attend your grand wedding. I wouldn't want to miss it, would I?"

"For pete's sake, why would I miss you?"

She chuckled, unfazed by my response. "Oh, Lea, you wound me with your cold indifference. But don't worry, I'll survive the heartbreak of being missed."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Cut the drama, Lana. Just tell me what's the real reason for this sudden trip to Malibu. I know you too well to believe it's solely about handling a business problem."

Lana leaned back, crossing her legs and adopting an air of nonchalance. "Fine, you caught me. The business problem is just a convenient excuse."

I arched an eyebrow, skeptical. "Tama nga ako, you want escape the daily grind and have some fun in Malibu?"

Lana smirked, admitting, "Well, a bit of both. Malibu is calling, sis, and I can't resist the siren song of its beaches and business opportunities. Plus, who knows, maybe I'll find my future husband there. A Malibu tycoon, perhaps?"

I shook my head, half-amused and half-exasperated. "You're unbelievable, Lana. Just promise me you won't cause too much trouble there."

She winked. "No promises, but I'll try to keep the chaos to a minimum." She stood up, "Anyway, I thought I'd drop by your office before I leave. You know, bid farewell to the soon-to-be Mrs. Muhlach."

I raised an eyebrow at Lana's dramatic proclamation. "Farewell? It's not like you're leaving the country forever."

Lana shrugged, feigning a melancholic expression. "Well, you never know, Lea. Malibu might steal my heart, and I'll decide to live there permanently, basking in the sun, sipping cocktails on the beach, and finding that elusive Malibu tycoon."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her theatrics. "You watch too many romance movies. Just go, handle the business issue, and try not to turn the entire west coast upside down."

Lana blew an exaggerated kiss in my direction. "Don't worry, darling sister. I'll be the epitome of grace and composure. They won't know what hit them."

As she headed towards the door, she turned back with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, and do keep me updated on your wedding plans. I might want to swoop in and offer my expert advice, you know, since I'll have so much free time in Malibu."