Loving the Rain

PROLOGUE

Things have changed for so long now, including myself. When it rains outside, it reminds me of the time when I was at my lowest point in life. I cannot help but think about how much has happened, how pain can change a person, and how even your favorite food can change. So here I am, with a cup of coffee in my hand, looking for warmth and comfort while reminiscing as the rainy season starts.

I looked down at my coffee and took a sip. My face immediately grimaced, and I stuck my tongue out because of how bitter the coffee was.

Ang pait!

Yeah, sure, the cup of coffee was comfortingly warm in this cold weather, but it's bitter as heck!

I glanced at the cup, like I had beef with it. I left a red lipstick stain on the rim. I set the cup down on the table.

I take a deep breath and look out at the gray day ahead of me. Below me lies a blurred city, obscured by heavy rain and shrouded in mist. It is funny how some things can be so soothing yet still trigger old memories.

Suddenly, I was brought back to reality when I heard a rhythmic click of high heels. My colleague and friend Cianne is approaching, holding a file.

"Kaira, we're going to a meeting. Are you ready?" Cianne asked as she walked over.

"Ay, I'm sorry, akala ko may oras pa bago matapos ang lunch break natin." I smiled back while trying to read her expression.

She gave me a file while maintaining eye contact with me. "The meeting is important. Mr. Jenkins wants you to handle the details of the endorsement deal. This is a big opportunity for us."

Curious, I opened the file. I read the first few words of the document as soon as it appeared, and my breath froze in my throat. The name from the first page was staring back at me, and my eyes widened in panic. I felt a chill go down my spine when I realized what this meant.

Parang gusto ko nalang magpalamon sa lupa at maglaho ng parang bula.

It's him...

Andrius Jayden Primero

A beat skipped through my heart. An overwhelming sense of dread and fear rushed through me. The memories flooded back. He was the last person I ever wanted to see again, yet here he was, back in my life.

"Is there a problem?" Cianne asked, observing my changed expression.

"No, it's just... unexpected," I said, attempting to maintain my composure. I quickly glanced back at the file, as if I had read the name wrong. But there it was, printed clearly. Andrius Jayden Primero, the famous international basketball star, and my... ex-boyfriend.

"Ah, you know we have other 'better' people in our department that could handle this deal, right? I mean, I could fail thi-" I couldn't finish my excuse because Cianne cut me off.

"We need this deal, Kaira," Cianne said, not knowing how confused I was inside. "Your negotiation skills are top-notch due to your background in finance, according to Mr. Jenkins, thus making him think you're best suited for such a task that we can't let go."

I tried not to look her in the eye while I gazed out the window, afraid she might read me. Napatingin ako muli sa kaniya nung may pahabol siya. "Also..."

"Mr. Jenkins asked for you specifically," she said in a curious tone. "Apparently, he thinks you can convince Mr. Primero."

Of all people, me?! Kung sinuswerte ka nga naman.

Binasa ko muli ang file upang makasigurado kung kailangan ba talaga na ang basketball player na 'yon ang mag-eendorse para sa aming kumpanya. There, I saw that this deal was for our new sportswear line. Hindi rin naman makakaila na makakatulong talaga siya upang mapalakas ang sales namin dito.