Two weeks had passed since Theresia and Alice ended their relationship. Where Alice once found herself chasing after Theresia, now she seemed to have accepted that it was truly over between them. Since their mutual breakup, their lives had taken separate paths. Theresia was busy in Cebu, directly managing a new project for the LFHG Group, while Alice immersed herself in her work as a doctor. In an attempt to move on, Alice had also started going out to bars with friends, something she didn't usually do. Drinking had become her way of coping to ease the pain. Though the end of their relationship had left her deeply hurt, this time, she was too tired to keep begging Theresia to come back.
Cebu...
Theresia standing in the side, brows furrowed, both hands on her hips, her frustration clear. Sweat was beginning to trickle down her face; the groundbreaking ceremony was supposed to start at 9 a.m., but it was now nearly 10am, and Engineer Alonzo still hadn’t shown up. With a frustrated sigh, she pulled off her safety helmet, handed it to Kate with a huff, and moved under the large tree.
“For someone in charge of this project, he’s not making a very professional impression.” she muttered, crossing her arms.
Kate looked at her with a sympathetic smile, trying to lighten the mood. “Ma'am malapit na raw po siya, may dinaanan lang daw po.”
Theresia’s cheeks were turning a light shade of pink from both the heat and her irritation.
“Tell him if he’s not here in five minutes, he can forget about this project. Magpapalit nalang ako ng engineer.”
As Kate heard Theresia’s firm response, she quickly nodded, her phone already in hand. She sent a quick text to Seb. About three minutes later, Kate spotted Seb’s car approaching. She hurried to meet him halfway at the entrance, where Seb stepped out of the vehicle. He had a young girl with him, and both were moving briskly toward the site. Seb adjusted his polo, his steps quick.
"Ang sungit talaga ng boss mo." Seb said as he met up with Kate while looking at theresia's direction.
"Masungit talaga 'yan, broken eh," Kate answered with a playful smirk.
"Ano?" Seb repeated, looking at Kate in confusion.
"Ay, wala po. Bilisan niyo po, kayo na lang inaantay," Kate said, waving a hand dismissively.
Seb nodded, his eyes glancing back at Nishi— his niece who had been quiet, standing beside him.
"Kate, pabantay muna sa pamangkin ko." Seb said politely as he gently handed the doll to Kate.
"Nishi, dito ka lang muna kay Ate Kate ha. Mabilis lang si Tito, babalik din ako." Seb said softly, crouching down to speak to his niece, who nodded in response, holding onto the doll tightly.
Kate smiled down at Nishi, gently holding her hand. They sat at the side, not too far from where the others were gathered.
“Hello”
Seb greeted Theresia as he approached her. But she only lifted her black shades and looked him up and down before turning away without saying a word.
The ceremony began immediately. As usual, there were some photo sessions, and they were next to each other.
“Engineer, lapit ka po ng konti kay Ma’am, hindi po kayo kita.” the photographer gestured for Seb to move closer as he was a bit far from Theresia.
Seb awkwardly stepped closer, and their shoulders brushed. He smiled with his eyes, showing his dimples, while Theresia forced a smile, clearly irritated by the sudden closeness.
