Behind Her Innocence (Hughes Series)

Chapter 1: The Bosses

"Good morning, Maam Gwen!"

All my employees greeted me when I passed by them. I answered all of them with a smile.

I have a good relationship with our employees. In fact, I know each one of them especially those who work closely with me. Gusto ni dad na matutunan naming makihalubilo sa mga empleyado kasi sila ang tumutulong sa amin mapalago ang company.

"Good morning, Maam Gwen," my secretary greeted me as I approached my office.

"Good morning, Ines."

Ines has been my secretary kahit noong intern palang ako ni dad years ago after I graduated from my undergrad degree. Umalis lang ako because I had to do something important, and I had to finish my masters degree in the US. Pagbalik ko, siya parin ang naka-assign na secretary ko.

I just came back a month ago. I stayed in the US for almost five  years. I graduated from my masters degree couple of months ago.

"Maam, nasa loob na po ng office niyo ang dad niyo kasama si Mr. Loyzaga."

I stopped on track when I heard her last word. I turned my head to her. "Sino?"

"Si Mr. Benj Loyzaga po. Business colleague ng daddy po ninyo."

Napalunok ako. I thought... I cleared my throat. I nodded at her saka na ako pumasok sa office. I saw dad laughing while talking to Tito Benj.

"Oh, here's my daughter."

I smiled at dad when he saw me. Tumayo siya agad saka sinalubong ako. I gave him a peck on his cheek then he put his arm around my shoulders and faced me to his guest.

"Benj, naalala mo pa ba ang bunso ko, si Gwen. She just came back from the states. Kakatapos niya lang ng masters niya," Dad proudly told Tito Benj about my accomplishment.

"Of course, Garret. I remember your children especially this beautiful lady. Kaklase siya ng anak ko nung college, remember? Si Aaron. Do you still remember him, hija?"

I didn't know what to answer. Buti nalang at nagsalita agad si daddy.

"Yeah, right. Magkaklase nga pala sila dati. I remember he went to our house one time because he and Gwen were doing their pair project."

Napalunok ako. If only dad knew... I was so sure that he would go crazy in madness. I was regretting everything I did behind my dad's back.

"Yun naman pala eh. Hindi naman pala iba sa 'yo ang anak ko, Garret. I'm sure hindi tayo mahihirapan. Magkakasundo sila ng anak mo at anak ko dahil magkakilala naman pala sila dati pa."

I was alerted by what he said.

"What do you mean, tito?"

Dad faced me to him and he smilingly said, "You have a task, Gwen. Your job is to be Aaron's adviser. You will teach him how to manage a business and work in financial handling. He will be reporting here every Monday and Tuesday. Your brother, Gray, will be training him in other areas and work with him every Wednesday and Thursday."

"Wait, why me, dad? Kakabalik ko lang po. H-Hindi pa po ako ganun kagaling para magturo."

This was crazy. No way I would meet that man again. Ang alam ko ay wala siya dito sa bansa. Now, he's back?! Why this was so sudden?

"Anak, I've trained you since I could remember. Alam kong madami kang alam pagdating sa negosyo. I entrust him to you because I know your capabilities. Ayaw ko naman tanggihan ang Tito Benj mo. He needs our help. I am happy to help him."

"Through me?" I asked confused.

"Yes, hija. Napag-usapan kasi namin ng dad mo na mas mabuting ikaw at si Gray ang mag-train sa kanya. Your dad has multiple out of the country trips this year kaya hindi siya pwede. Ang anak ko kasi, ang tagal na nakapagtapos pero wala paring alam sa negosyo. Puro kasi pasyal ang alam. Actually, kakabalik lang din niya last month. I told him to start training because he will be managing our business sooner. Tumatanda narin kasi ako. Isa pa, pag sa sariling company ko siya e-train, baka hindi seryosohin nun at hindi makikinig sakin yun kaya mabuti ng ibang tao ang magturo sa kanya baka mahiya naman siya at gawin ng maayos ang trabaho niya."

"Don't worry, Benj. Your son will be in good hands. We will do our best to train him, so he will be efficient in your business."

Yeah, dad, but I was the one who wouldn't be in good hands. I needed to stop this. Hindi pwede. I couldn't afford dad to find out the secret na matagal ko ng binaun sa limot. There's a big chance that he'll know the truth if Aaron will be here. Dad shouldn't find it out. Hindi ko kaya.

"Daddy, I have no time to—"

"Gwen, please anak, you will only do this for two months. After that, you can go back focusing on our business alone."

"I would be so happy if you agree on this, hija. Don't worry, matigas man ang ulo ng anak ko, but I swear he won't give you a difficult time."

They both smiled at me waiting for my answer. I sighed. How could I say no? They were asking for my help in a nice way. How could I turn them down?

"Okay," I said in a whisper.

Their smiles widened. Nag-handshake pa sila ni dad and even with me.

"It's settled then, Benj."

"Yeah, my son will report here on Monday next week. Thank you so much, hija."

I just answered him with a smile.

I didn't know what to do. This was not what I was expecting to happen. In fact, never kong inexpect na magkikita pa kami ulit after we broke up. As in never.

I thought I could escape from the past, but it was hunting me again.

My knees weakened as they both left.

Napahilot ako ng sentido. He was always giving me a headache. Hindi pa kami nagkikita pero may problema na siyang dala sa akin. How much more when we worked together for two months?

I didn't know how I would react if I saw him. Did I really move on after 5 years of being divorced and away from him?

Though I admit, hindi ko pa siya nakakalimutan. Paano ko siya makakalimutan eh kung araw-araw ay may nagpapaalala sa akin sa kanya. He was always hunting me even in my dreams.

I hated him. I loathed him. He left my heart broken. He left me for his selfish reasons.

30 May 2018
Miss Kae 💋