FALSE MARRIAGE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

The New EVP for Marketing

July 11, 2011. Monday. Raine woke up early to get ready. She had worn a pencil-cut, five inches above-the-knee powder blue skirt paired with a white Sabrina neck sleeveless blouse and powder blue coat. She had paired it with her two-inch heeled black shoes, black shoulder bag, black lap top bag, and black attaché case.

She just applied a very light make up on her face. She just applied cherry flavored lip balm on her naturally red lips. She also had let her hair just cascade freely.

The accessories she had worn were just the diamond stud earrings, the diamond engagement ring, and a stylish watch.

She had taken an early breakfast alone.

She was ready when Jerry's car appeared on the driveway. His driver was again the one driving.

They had shared the backseat.

On their way to the office, Jerry had briefed her with what was about to happen.

He had immediately shown Raine her office. He introduced her to his secretary, Anna Ramos. He told Raine that for the meantime, Anna could also act as her secretary until she had hired one for herself. He didn't take the liberty of hiring a secretary for her because he wanted her to do the choosing on her own.

At around nine, the executive meeting started. All the EVPs, and department heads had discussed their semi-annual report.

Jerry had discussed the report for the marketing. He had ordered Raine to come up with new marketing strategies since the competition was really becoming tougher and tougher. He had given her two weeks to work on a proposal.

The meeting ended at around eleven in the morning. They had then prepared for a luncheon meeting with a prospective business connection. They would be having lunch with Mr. Chester Alcantara, the CEO of the biggest travel and tours agency in Ramad.

Jerry had decided to bring along Raine with him. She needed the exposure. And for sure, she would be an asset in persuading possible business partners.

Their meeting with Mr. Alcantara was a success. The CEO had really found Raine so attractive and smart. She used her charm in persuading the CEO to tie up with them. Mr. Alcantara was on his early thirties and he was still a bachelor.

The young CEO had even invited Raine out for a romantic dinner date in front of Jerry. She had turned him down nicely. "I would really love to go out with you, Mr. Alcantara, if I'm not yet taken." She had shown him her hand containing the diamond engagement ring. "I'm engaged to be married with Jerry."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know. Forgive me, Mr. Castelo." The CEO had apologized sincerely.

"Well, if I were in your shoes I would do the same, Mr. Alcantara," he had replied to the CEO in a lighter note. "Let's just say, I'm much luckier than you because this very lovely lady with us happened to be my fiancée when you had met her."

"So, when would be the wedding?" Mr. Alcantara had asked.

"Six months from now," Raine informed the CEO. "We'll just send you an invitation."

On their way back to the office...

Jerry teased her, "He really found you so attractive, sweetheart."

"Yeah! But he had really gone so apologetic when he found out we're engaged."

Jerry commented, "Your beauty is really an asset to ACSC."