Jaysid Montereal (Bohol Series #1)

PROLOGUE

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

No part of this story may be used or reproduced in any manner without the permission of the author.

This story is not affiliated with UB/BISU/BIT or other universities in Bohol.

This story contains strong and sensitive language that may not be suitable for young audiences. Read at your own risk.

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"Of course! I can't wait to hang out with you tonight!" I said with excitement. "See ya!" I added before ending the call.

As the plane landed, I saw the green hills and islands of Bohol glowing in the early morning light. The view of the lush landscape and clear beaches was a stunning introduction to the island.

My beautiful Bohol.

"Good morning, Ms. Cassidy, welcome back to Bohol!" I heard my secretary's voice and saw her walking towards me with a friendly smile.

"Morning," I said, smiling back. "What's on my schedule today, Jordyn?"

"Miss, you have an important meeting with the CEO of Montereal Group of Companies at 9:00 a.m. And also—"

I interrupted her. "CEO of Montereal?"

"Yes, miss," she confirmed.

"Cancel my appointment with them," I said firmly.

"But miss—" she was trying to keep up with me while scrolling on her iPad.

"You heard me, Jordyn." I adjusted my sunglasses and kept walking.

I got into the car and looked out the window as we drove. The city was waking up, and the sun was shining brightly. I heard the driver start the engine and head towards the company.

"Jordyn?" I called my secretary on the phone.

[Yes, miss?] she answered quickly.

"Come here for a moment," I said, then ended the call.

A knock at my office door made me look up. Jordyn entered, holding a white folder.

"Look," I said, showing her my new tumblers. "Which one do you prefer?"

She picked up the one with my name on it. "I like this one more," she said, examining it.

"I know, right? It’s nice and it has my favorite color," I said, smiling at the blue tumbler. Lovely.

"Thank you, Jordyn. You can get back to work now," I said.

"Yes, miss," she replied and left the room.

I turned back to my tumbler when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," I said, putting the tumbler back on the desk.

I looked up as my mom walked in. Her presence filled the room with warmth.

"Ma!" I stood up and kissed her cheek.

"Cassidy," she said, kissing my cheeks. "How was your meeting in Manila?"

"The meeting went well. I met a lot of people, and hopefully, our offers will be accepted," I said, gesturing her to sit down.

"That’s good to hear," she said with a smile. "Anyway, about Montereal Group of Companies—"

"Ma, I already turned down their offer," I said, clasping my hands together.

"Sorry, dear, but we need to work with them," she said, gently fixing a few strands of my hair.

I knew she’d bring this up again, but I really can't. I turned my gaze to the door when I heard a knock. "Later, please," I told my secretary enough for her to hear.

"Sweetie, we’ve looked for the best, but no one else accepted our invitation," she said, holding my hand.

I walked to the window, trying to calm myself by looking outside. Why does it have to be this way? Ngano?

"They made a big offer. Please understand," she added.

"Ma, seriously? Our company has to work with that–" I struggled to keep my voice calm. "–guy?" my voice broke.

"Cassy, don’t let personal feelings get in the way. You need to set aside the past. Our company needs this," she said, looking at me earnestly.

"Ma, please, I can't jud," I urged while gripping my tumbler

"Cassy, you can handle this. Trust yourself," she encouraged, holding my hand.

I sighed in defeat and leaned back in my chair. I nodded slowly while organizing my tumblers. I can’t argue with her right now.

"Thanks, honey," she said, sounding relieved as she looked at the clock.

We turned our gaze to the door when we heard another knock. Jordyn popped in, glanced at my mom, and then at me. "Sorry to interrupt, but the Montereal Group of Companies has been waiting in the conference room for about 10 minutes," she informed.

"W-what?" I turned to my mom, shocked.

"I called their company—"

"Seriously, Mom?! I wasn’t ready!" I said, fixing my hair quickly. What the heck? Why so sudden?

"Oh, I see," she said with a teasing tone. "You look fine, dear. Let’s go." she kissed me and left the room.

I took one last look in my pocket mirror and headed for the door.

I sighed before entering the conference room. The space was bright and modern, but it felt like it darkened as soon as I sensed him watching me like a hawk.

I looked around and saw everyone was silent. I feel like he's still watching me while comfortably sitting in his swivel chair. Like a boss, huh?

"You’re late, Ms. Monterde," he scoffed, breaking the silence. "Fortunately, we’re patient enough to understand the reason for your delay even if you didn't reason out," he added.

Does he really need to state the obvious?

The corners of my lips lifted as I realized the double meaning of what he said. Did he just mentioned the past?

I cleared my throat. "Thank you for your patience, Mr. Montereal, let's get started with the meeting," I said, trying not to smile sarcastically.

I sat down, gripping my notebook tightly. He was wearing a grey suit with a white shirt and black tie.

I noticed a slight smirk on his lips as he looked at me.

Our eyes met, and he quickly looked away.

As if he didn’t care at all.

Bohol Series #1: Jaysid Montereal

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