Ang tensyon sa meeting room ang nagpapatahimik sa mga narito sa loob. Kanina pa kaming may debate ni Lavin regarding sa construction ng project at ayaw niyang patalo.
"Xena, you fail to grasp the company's need for higher construction quality," Lavin stated, his expression grave.
Naiinis ko siyang tiningnan and my hands clenched. "No, Lavin, it's you who doesn't understand! You fail to see the budget and time constraints we're under!"
Lavin sighed, his brows furrowing. "This isn't about the budget, Xena. It's about the quality and safety of the projects we're undertaking."
Nagsalita naman si Engineer Mikael, "Lavin's right. We shouldn't compromise on quality to cut costs. People's lives are at stake here."
The eyes of Architect Pia, Kuya Lexus, and the others around the table glinted, their gazes shifting between us. Na nagbigay pa lalo ng inis saakin.
Lavin's voice grew louder, his hands gesturing emphatically in his frustration. "Xena, can't you see that lives are at risk here? We can't compromise on the safety of our workers and the public." Mahinahon pero madiin niyang sabi.
I took a deep breath and I tried to compose myself. "Yes, Lavin, you're right. But we also need to consider the limitations we're facing. Hindi natin pwedeng kalimutan ang responsibilidad sa kumpanya lalo na sa mga empleyado." I said.
Nagpatuloy ang argumento namin, the onlookers in the room remained attentive, observing our every word. Parang hinihintay nilang matapos kami kami sa usapan naming ito na dapat ay nagsasalita rin sila.
Kuya Lexus suddenly intervened, his voice commanding silence. "That's enough," he declared, his tone authoritative and decisive. "We need unity for the sake of this project. Let's find a compromise and determine the best solution for everyone." He said seriously.
Lavin and I exchanged glances, and despite our disagreement, understanding flickered in our eyes. Sa huli naman din ay nagkaroon kami ng pagkakaunawaan sa gagawing project at masisigurado ang sinasabi niya at sinasabi ko.
"Meeting adjourned." My brother said before he left for another meeting.
"Architect Mateo kindly please send me the contract of the upcoming project for the St. Louise hotel, I'll need to check the it first before we accept it." Utos ko kay Pia habang inaayos ang papeles ko.
"Yes, Attorney Miller." She said and leave.
Nang nakalabas na kami at nasa hallway papunta sa office ko sumabay sa paglalakad ko si Lavin.
"Babe," Lavin began, his voice gentle, "I know things got heated in there, but I hope you know I wasn't trying to undermine you. I just want what's best for the project and for us."
I looked into his eyes, see the sincerity on it. . "Alam ko, Lavin," I replied, my tone softer now. "I'm sorry for getting so worked up. I just... I want to make sure we consider all angles."
He nodded, taking a step closer to me. "I understand. Kung napagtaasan man kita ng boses kanina, I'm sorry."
My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I felt a warmth spreading through me. "No need to apologize, naunang uminit ang ulo ko at masigawan kita, I'm sorry.," I murmured, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me.
He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "Xena, I care about you more than anything," he said softly, his gaze intense. "I don't want us to let our disagreements get in the way of what we have."
I felt my breath catch in my throat, his closeness sending shivers down my spine. "I care about you too, Lavin," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
Without another word, he closed the distance between us, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss. It was a sweet, reassuring gesture, filled with the promise of understanding and forgiveness.
"Lavin! Baka may makakita satin!"
He chuckled. "In my office, then."
Pagkapasok namin sa kanyang opisina ay sinunggaban niya na ako ng mga halik. Hindi ko inaasahan ang kanyang pagkasabik at naramdaman ko agad ang init ng kanyang mga labi.
Natumba ang isang bundok na mga papel sa lamesa niya habang inuupo ako roon. Gosh! Ang kalat na!
At habang hinahaplos niya ang aking buhok, ay napapikit na lang ako at tinugunan ang kanyang mga halik nang may kaparehong alab. Dumagundong ang pintig ng puso ko sa kaba at pananabik.
"Gosh…"
Parang naglaho bigla ang lahat ng ingay sa paligid. Kami lang ang natira, nag-iisa sa isang mundong kami lang ang nakakaalam.
Ang mga malilikot niyang kamay ay bumaba sa aking likuran, at ang bawat haplos ay nag-iwan ng bakas ng init.
Bawat halik ay mas matindi kaysa sa nauna, at bawat saglit na lumilipas ay mas lalong nagpapalalim sa aming damdamin.
Napahinto kami saglit upang habulin ang aming hininga, nagkatitigan kami at nakita ko sa kanyang mga mata ang parehong damdaming bumabalot sa aking puso. Walang salitang kailangan, sapagkat ang aming mga puso ang nag-uusap.
"Thanks for the lunch, babe." He chuckled. "This will be fast,"
"Make sure, marami pa akong tatapusing trabaho." I started to unbuckled his belt.
Muli niyang dinampian ng halik ang aking mga labi. Kanina lang ay mainit ang ulo namin tapos ngayon buong katawan na.
Hindi kami gumagamit ng kahit anong proteksyon. I'm planning to visit a doctor for pills para sure. Kakasimula pa lang ng karera ko noh.
"Anong oras ka uuwi?" I asked habang sinusuot ang panty ko habang siya ay walang kahirap-hirap na itinaas lang at binotones ang slacks!
"Kung anong oras ka uuwi." Sagot niya.
Napangiti na lang ako. "Sa condo mo ako tutulog."
"Sure. Ipagluluto kita, what my baby wants to eat?"
"Ikaw." Sagot ko.
Sumimangot siya. "Don't start Xena. My thing is getting aggressive."
I laughed and leave his office.
______________________
Happy reading my Twilights! 💚✨
BINABASA MO ANG
Finding Peace In The Missing Piece
AcakAlexena Alaina Miller had always a secret love for Lavincent Atlantius Sevilla, her brother's charismatic and kind-hearted friend. Lavin often visited their home, and every time he did, Xena's heart fluttered with unspoken emotions. Despite her feel...
