Oneirataxia: My Fictional Man

CHAPTER 40

Chapter Forty

2 years later...

After buckling down for months of endeavor, we finally made our way on the top 3 best reputable and high-rated book publishing companies nationwide. When Book Pal Publishing Company boomed in the industry, we started receiving commissions from famous authors and even celebrities who write travel, food, and love journal. We also have sustained ample investors for the last two years.

Building our company's name and reputation was one hell of a ride. It was stressful and full of pressure but every single day was worth it. Within just a span of two years, our reported annual revenue exceeded 100 million.

I could say that this was my happiest state--- well, in the aspect of a business to be precise.

I wouldn't deny that I poured my whole time to the company just so I could forget that one person who kept hunting me by his memories.

Andami nang nireto sina Yma sa akin. Ang iba ay pinayagan ko namang manligaw ngunit hindi pa umaabot ang isang linggo ay pinapatigil ko na dahil hindi ko naman sila mapagtutuonan ng oras at atensiyon. Ryan even tried to pursue me but I couldn't see myself affiliated to my employee.

Napailing na lang ako sa sarili ko. I knew I was just making excuses because the truth is... I am still stuck by the thought of him.

"Who inspires you to reach this milestone?"

I stiffened by the next question of the interviewer. Kakaisip ko lang kay Benjamin at ito naman agad ang naging tanong.

Nasa opisina kami ngayon at kasalukuyan akong iniinterview para matampok ang kuwento ko sa Executive Magazines. This was so unexpected yet honorific for me. Executive Magazines only features prominent people whose names were already established for more than 10 years.

I thought Bella was just fooling me when she told me that the said media signed for an appointment to interview me.

Sino ba naman kasi ang maniniwala agad doon? I'm still new in the industry for goodness sake!

"I may sound crazy for saying this but that one person who inspires me wasn't even a real person," I answered. Napansin ko ang pagkunot ng noo ni Bella na nasa may pintuan at kinukunan ako ng litrato.

"Do you mean--- folklore creatures?" Napangiwi ang interviewer sa sariling tanong. I think she was weighing if it was an offensive question or not.

Her confusion just made me chuckle.

"Of course not. He was a successful tycoon and he inspires me to also do well in business," simpleng sagot ko. I wouldn't bother to elaborate on my answer anymore. Isipin na nila kung ano ang nais nila isipin sa sagot ko.

Pagkatapos ng interview, nagmamadaling lumapit si Bella sa akin para sabihin ang iba ko pang appointment sa araw na ito. Her eyes were intriguing as she looked at me.

"What?" I snapped.

"Sino po 'yung tinutukoy niyo kanina?" mahinang tanong niya. Huli ko nang napagtanto kung ano ang pinupunto niya. Napairap na lang ako. Nahawaan na nga ata talaga siya nina Yma, Anne at Chanel. Ang hilig intrigahin ang buhay ko.

"Anong appointment ko mamayang hapon?" I asked, not planning to feed her curiosity arousal.

She glanced at her iPad and swiped something before looking at me with those intriguing eyes again.

"Wala po mamayang hapon, Ma'am. Supposedly, buong araw nga dapat kayong bakante dahil paulit-ulit niyong pinapaala sa akin noon na huwag tatanggap ng appointment sa eksaktong araw na ito. But since you told me you can't refuse the interview invitation of Executive Magazines, ininsert ko na lang po," mahaba niyang lintaya.