The Gift of Tears (Casa Fuego Series #2)

Chapter 23

The first meeting

"Good morning, Ma'am Avery," bati ng mga empleyado.

I smiled at them as I walked through the corridor, on my way to the office. Nagsitayuan ang mga emplyeado at bahagyang yumuko habang bumabati. Nakasunod sa aking likuran si Romeo na hinahabol ang bilis ng lakad ko.

"Good morning," I greeted back.

Kitang-kita ko kung paano nagkatinginan ang mga luma nang empleyado. Maybe the witnessed how rude I was before when I visit Mother sometimes. I would always roll my eyes and ridicule their greetings. Hindi naman napansin ng mga bagong empleyado ang pagbabago sa pakikitungo ko.

I changed the way I socialize to people not just to look pleasant as a boss, but to just be nice to people. It doesn't cost much to be nice. They didn't do anything wrong to me.

"Schedule, please..."

Umupo ako sa aking swivel chair nang nakapasok na sa malawak kong opisina. Agad binuksan ni Romeo ang kanyang iPad. Dinuyan ko ang aking sarili.

"We have a meeting with the product development team this morning, Ma'am. After that, you will meet your designer for your dress fitting. And then I cleared your schedule for next week... since..."

Natigilan siya at sinulyapan ako. Kinagat niya ang labi niya na parang nagsisisi sa nasabi niya. I pursed my lips.

"Go on," sabi ko.

"Mr. Charles de Guzman will arrive this afternoon from Switzerland. Magtutungo muna siya sa Davao dahil may aasikasuhin. He will then fly to Cebu next week for your dinner."

Hindi ako nagsalita. Nagpupuyos ang galit sa aking kalooban.

"We will leave after lunch for your fitting, Ma'am. The designer will wait for you in the mansion."

Umirap ako. Mother wanted me to customize a dress for a one-time dinner with my fiancee. I do not understand why she had to romanticize our first meeting like this doesn't outrage her. Does she actually think I am excited about this damn first meeting?

"Did you scheduled a flight to Manila for me?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I already informed the driver about going to Batangas the same day," natigilan siya.

Tumango ako at dinuyan muli ang sarili sa aking swivel chair.

"Pagkatapos sa Batangas, baka sa Romblon naman o kaya sa Mindoro," I chuckled sarcastically. "That's too far but there's a possibility, right? There is..." I tried convincing myself.

Romeo pursed his lips and looked away. I sighed and just stood up. Kinuha ko ang aking coat at ipinatong sa aking Balenciaga black tux and mini skirt. My hair is in mid-part bun. Kinuha ko ang aking black handbag.

"Sinabi mo ba kay Mommy ang mga lakad ko?" tanong ko habang naglalakad na kami palabas.

"H-Hindi po, Ma'am. Nasa Manila po siya kaya hindi niya nalalaman ang mga lakad niyo. Nagtatanong po pero... pinagtatakpan ko po kayo..."

"That's good. I'm sorry you have to lie for me."

"It's okay, Ma'am..."

"Darating na ba ang inorder kong Chanel bag? I've ordered that last month. Ang tagal naman masyado," I commented.

"It will arrive by the end of this week, Ma'am."

"That's good. How about my Louboutin pumps? I need that for a company visit in Manila."

"It's already been shipped, Ma'am."

"That's good to hear."

I conquered the hallway with confidence. When I entered the conference room, the employees immediately stood up and greeted me.