Whisper of the Heart (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER XXXV

For a while, Edward drowned in self-reproach and guilt. He couldn't believe he chose to erase Maymay from his memory.

He spent nights and his waking hours wondering why. He hated himself. He hated himself that much that he thought he doesn't deserve her anymore. He couldn't even look at himself in the mirror.

But dear readers, if there has to be a silver lining in his dark clouds, it is that tiny spark in his heart, that fuels his self-redemption.

He didn't realized that he was that weak enough to resort to forgetting. And he doesn't know when will he ever forgive himself. A year. He just lost a year.

And through those times, his heart always whispers her name.His heart made him go to places his mind could not even remember.

His heart held on to things his mind had chosen to forget.

And looking back, it amazed him that Maymay has always been a fighter. She fought back hard in life by her own means. She fought for her family, even if that meant losing him.While he chose to fought his battles like a cold-blooded coward. He did not even fight for her. Because he never dared go up against his father. Never.

But if there is one good thing this whole thing has taught him, its that it made him stronger this time.

He turned his swivel chair when he heard his office door click opens. No one ever enters this room without knocking. Except one.

And he is right. There is his father standing before him. He wondered what made his father come to see him personally. It has to be that important to him.

Edwards stands and meets his father's commanding glare.

His father throw the folder he is holding on the table.

"What's this?" Edward asked. Reaching for the folder.

"Come see, yourself"

For split seconds he thought Maymay's profile is what he's going to see. But thank goodness, no. He sighed deeply as soon as he sees its content. Partly because of relief, because it isn't about Maymay. And partly, disappointment because it is the result of the votes of the members of the board, and it DIDN'T GO as he wishes.

His cousin, Luke, has the 64% of the trust of the board as a candidate to be the next CEO. He only has 36%. This isn't final. But it will greatly affect the result of the next board meeting.

It's not that he thought of himself highly that he thinks he doesn't deserve that low percentage. He wasn't himself lately and its only natural that the board would deem Luke more deserving than he is. And besides, Luke has been showing full potentials in decision-making and exceptional management through the years of his being one of the youngest members of the board. He could not beat that overnight.

He didn't want it in the first place. If his memories haven't come back, he would have gladly received this news. He wanted nothing of it. Luke can have it, for all he care.

But now he has reasons to fight for it. At all cost. He needs to protect Maymay from his father.

And to do that, he has to have power.

"Where have you been up to lately?"

Does his father have an idea?

"Just needed a break."

"You even have time for that when YOU CANNOT even secure your position!"

Edward is surprised to hear his father raised his voice. He never raises his voice. And he is not a man of many words. But when he speaks, it imposes authority. Power.

And to be honest, his father always has this effect on him, his father makes the rules, and no one should dare go against the rules.

"Pull yourself together Edward! The next board meeting is RIGHT UP in the corner. And you gotta find your way how to fix this! Or else.. YOU'LL REGRET IT."

With that, his father turned around, opens the door and closes it behind him with a loud bang.

Their name is always been important to his father. It seems, all his life, he'd been living up for that name. His whole life he dedicated to this business. And that's why for Edward, he is more of a CEO than a father. A CEO than a father. That reflection sort of brings sadness to his heart.

Edward thought he should be mad. But in the bottom of his heart.

He felt pity.

Edward stared hard at the closed door.

"Yes. I'm gonna pull myself together, Dad. And I'll show you, what I can do."

That, he said to himself.

He stayed at his office thinking of the strategies he would make in order to regain the trust of the board. It's not going to be an easy fight. But he can't just give up. Not now.

When it's past five. He left the office.

He wanted to see Maymay. To pull her in his arms and never let go. To tell her he's sorry. That he'd take care of her. Protect her. He wanted to forget the world and run away with her.

But it isn't as simple as that. How he wish it is as simple as that. With his father in the picture, it wont be as simple as that.

So he parked his car far enough from the studio, where Maymay would not see him. From what he remembers, Maymay always gets out of the building at 6pm. He was already there 30 minutes earlier.

He wouldn't show himself up. That's a promise. For Maymay's safety. He just wanted to see her, that would be enough, then he'd go.

When her figure emerged from the exit of the studio, he had to stop himself from getting out of the car and running to her. How his heart ached for her!

Her staids slow, like every step is measured, energy lost. Her one hand holds the sling of her bag, and the other inside her pocket. Her long hair loose, as it always have. A little different from the Maymay he knew. But always as beautiful.

Edward sighed.

He remained there watching her, his heart breaking, until she disappeared in the next corner.

He gets his phone and dialed Marco's number.

"Hey, bro?"

"I have a request, bro."

"What's that? Anything."

"Please, take care of Maymay, for me. I just have things to take care of in the mean time."

"Hah! No problemo bro. Wait, wait, wait, wait! Does that mean, you remember everything?"

"Yeah."

"As in, everything?"

Edward paused. Marco doesn't have to know THAT part. Or maybe he'll tell him, someday.

"Yeah, everything. "

"Should i tell her?"

"Not now. I will, at the right time."

"Ok. You're the boss."

"And Marco?"

"Yes?"

"Don't let anyone get near her."

"You mean, your father??"

"Nope. I'll take care of that. Boys, I mean."

Marco burst out laughing over the line.

"Di ka pa rin nagbabago, hays. Always jelly. Fine bro. Your wishes granted."

Then he drops the call.

Just a little longer, May.

I won't give you up this time.