Searching the Stars (Montereal Series #1)

Prologue

This is the first installment of the Montereal Series.

NOTE: This story may contain inaccuracies with the real profession, grammatical errors, conflicting timelines and mature scenes and language which may not be suitable for young readers. Read at your own risk. Will edit errors once I find the time to do so.

This is my first completed published story in wattpad, where I just write what comes into mind and publish it. Expect some errors. Currently editing to fix some wordings and inconsistent events.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

***

"Architect Elizalde."

I massaged the bridge of my nose, trying to calm my nerves. It's been hours and I'm still seated here trying to finish a design for one of my projects. I turned to the one who called me.

"Yes?"

"Pinapatawag po kayo ni Sir." she said and smiled.

I nodded. "Okay. I'll be there." I said with a smile. She smiled back at me, before leaving. I held onto my head, trying to take a deep breath. Pakiramdam ko mauubusan na ako nang buhok dito, kakaisip.

"Oh, are you okay?"

I looked up to see Drake. We've been friends ever since I entered in the company. Dati, hindi kami gaano nag-uusap because of certain reasons, but he seemed a good friend so I accepted his friendship.

"Yeah..." I replied. "By the way, congrats nga pala."

He will be the CEO of the company, now that the CEO has stepped down. He's been here longer than I am and he's one of the best Engineers as well. Kaya naman, hindi rin nakakapagtaka at sa kanya na ipagkakatiwala 'tong kumpanya. He's also the nephew of the owner, but he has been proven to be good enough to handle this.

"Thanks," he chuckled. "You'll come to the party later right?"

I gave him a small smile. Hindi pa ako nakakapagdesisyon kung pupunta nga ako. There a lot of reasons why I don't want to come and one of them is because I didn't really wanna continue associating myself with their family. "I'll try."

Kumunot naman ang noo niya sa akin. "Anong I'll try? Asteria, lagi ka nalang abala sa trabaho. You are one the best architects here. Dapat lang na pumunta ka." he told me. "Sige ka, sisentahin kita, kung hindi ka pupunta. Ayaw mo ba malaman kung sino ang bagong Head of Engineering?" he said while wiggling his eyebrows.

Before he was promoted as the CEO, siya ang Head of Engineering. I have a feeling he knows who it is pero ayaw niya lang sabihin sa akin.

Initially, I wasn't gonna enter this company for certain reasons, but I did because it's included in my contract. They gave me a scholarship in college, and therefore I had no choice but to work here for at least 5 years. Sa ngayon, I am on my 3rd year in this company.

"You know the reason why I don't want to come." sabi ko sa kanya. "Besides, I am not really interested to know sino papalit sa'yo."

He rolled his eyes. "C'mon, he's not even here in the country! Can't you at least come for me? We're friends right?"

I pursed my lips, thinking about it. He's right. Wala naman dito sa Pilipinas yung iniiwasan ko. Besides, if I am comfortable enough to work in their company, maybe I could spare some time to go to their parties. Never rin kase ako pumunta dahil nga ayoko nang mas lumalim pa ang ugnayan to anyone related to him. Wala naman silang kasalanan sa nangyari... kaya nakakahiya nga naman kung pilit kong ilalayo ko sarili ko sa kanila.