Chapter 18.1
First day of work is always a hassle. That's why I always hate Monday. Maraming mga gawain at ang layo pa sa weekend. I'm wearing my Addy Long Sleeve Blazer Dress. It also has a white belt attached to it to hug my curves. I love the color ivory that's why I paired it with my black stiletto sandals.
When I entered the hall, my shoes made a clicking sound whenever my heels touched the floor. They also greeted me whenever the employees would walk passed me. "Goodmorning, Mrs. Patterson." Bati ng mga empleyado sa akin.
I'm not shocked anymore that the news spread like a wildfire. There were lots of controversies and gossip as I've heard. But it's none of their business to focus with.
I replied them with a smile and a greetings too. Nang makarating sa pinaka-tuktok ay kaagad kong pinatawag si Riu na papuntahin roon.
"Morning Mrs. Patterson, welcome back to work. Here are the lists of the exports that have been made for the last five months." She handed me a clearbook filled with thick pages. Kaagad kong inabot iyon.
Kumuha pa siya ng isang clearbook at inilahad iyon sa'kin. "At ito rin po yung mga proposals a sinulat ng proposal managers. These are just a part of the unsolicited ones, while the blue folder contains the solicited proposals." "Thank you, Riu. When was the schedule for the meeting regarding the planning for the new look of the brand?"
My dad owned one of the most well-known liquor brands all around. Pumapayagpag iyon hindi lamang sa Asya kundi pati na rin sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa.
Every year, we have an annual celebration for the foundation of our brands. At sa bawat taon niyon ay may iba't ibang klaseng mga produktong ipapalabas. There were also new looks to be shown by a chosen personality made by the board of directors.
The employees also have the chance to suggest but the 40% needs to be made by the directors itself.
I didn't waste any time and started my dues one by one. Task after task, and meeting after meeting. It's already a pattern for me to follow.
A day or two has passed and I'm still working my ass off.
It was Day 5.
It was a sleepless night. Nakalimutan ko na 'ring kumain paminsan-minsan. I didn't even bother to check my phone if there's an email or call. I was working on with the proposal for tomorrow's meeting. I'll be meeting with some of the board of directors tomorrow and I need to make sure that my presentation is presentable and makes sense.
Hinilot ko ang magkabilang sentido at sinara ang laptop ko. I glanced at the small calendar that's on my desk. Two days... two days of waiting and they will be back already. I can not disappoint them with this.
Another hour passed and I didn't even notice the time ticking fast. Walang katapusang mga gawain ang mga pinagtuunan ko ng pansin. The other departments of the company too are in a rush just to meet their dues. And just before I knew it, it was already the fourth day of the week.
Kaagad kong inayos ang suot ko at tinignan ang sarili sa salamin. I put on some lipstick and also fixed my hair. There, done!
Tinignan ko ang pambisig relo at nakitang ilang minuto nalang ay magsisimula na ang meeting. I immediately went back to my office to prepare everything. Riu is also my second hand in preparing everything.
"Are you read, Mrs. Patterson?"
"Always am." I smiled.
When I entered the conference room, the board directors were already there. They are mostly the same age as my dad, and they greeted me with their smiles.
"Goodmorning, Ms. Villcarcel." Mr. Tsui held his hand. Agad kong inabot iyon at nakipagkamay. Looks like they still don't have an idea about my marriage.
"Goodmorning, shall we start the meeting?" Kaagad akong umupo sa pinakadulong upuan at inilabas ang mga reports roon. I can feel their stares on me. It's making me uncomfortable from time to time but I remained my composure. Nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng meeting nang pabalyang bumukas ang pintuan ng conference room. Iniluwa niyon ang isang pamilyar na lalaking. He is wearing his formal attire and his hair is styled in a top knot. Kumunot ang noo ko nang tuloy-tuloy itong pumasok sa conference room. Without even acknowledging the people in the room.
"Goodmorning, Ms. Vircacel! Pasensya na at nalate ako. May emergency lang na nangyari kaya ngayon lang ako nakapunta."
Nang makita ang maliit na plaque kung nasaan ang nakalagay ang pangalan niya ay napataas ako ng kilay.
"Be sure that you're punctual next time, Mr. Monterced. Tardiness is not allowed here." Pang sesermon ko sa kanya. Ngumisi lang siya at nagkibit-balikat.
"Oh, sorry for that, Ms. Vircacel. But I can assure you, my reason is valid."
"Very well, let's start the presentation about our annual celebration." I motioned Riu to present the presentation that I made yesterday. I stood up and also gave them an explanation regarding my presentations.
"How can we assure that the hired photographer is efficient and has the quality? Why don't we hire one of the famous photographers? Marami akong kakilala kahit mahal ang bayad sa kanila." Mr. Chua interrupted me.
"Sir, we need to be practical in choosing our photographers. There are also some famous photographers whose quality is not that condemnable, besides, we could save a lot of funds if we could choose a photographer which is just right for the price and their quality is excellent. After all, we are after the quality and not how famous the person is." I politely explained.
"I agree with Ms. Vircacel. We should consider the price and the quality of a photographer, Mr. Chua." Mr. Monterced said with an amusement in his voice.
Nakita ko ang pag-iba ng timpla ng mukha nito at hindi na umimik. I grabbed the chance to continue again and presented some slides. After the reports, I received the report, I received such compliments and the approval of the boards. I bowed and thanked them.
"Woah! I never expected that you could be that awesome in office works, Ms. Vircacel." Mr Monterced stood up and handed his hands. We shaked hands and I smiled.
"Meeting adjourned, have a good afternoon, everyone." I was keeping my things and put it in my folder when Mr. Tsui went to me.
Naramdaman kong sinuyod niya ang kabuuan ko. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at sinalubong ang tingin niya His expression shifted and smiled at me.
"I'm really impressed by your reports Ms. Vircacel." Sinubukan nitong mas lumapit pa pero humakbang ako papalayo sa kanya. The uncomfortable expression is visible in my face and I let him see that for him to stepped back. But he didn't. "Thank you, Mr. Tsui. Is there anything you want aside from that?" I caught him looking at my chest. The lust in his face is visible and it makes me want to kick his balls right now. Disgusting.
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"Might well... spend a time with me? Lumabas naman tayo paminsan-minsan." Hindi ko na napigilan at naiirita ko siyang tinignan. I was about to hit him in the face when someone interrupted.
"Huwag tumingin kung saan-saan tanda. Mas mabuting magfocus ka nalang sa mga apo mo kaysa maghahanap ka ng mga mabibiktima mo. Tang ina, hindi ka paba nauubusan ng semilya?" nang-iinsultong sabi nito kay Mr. Tsui. It's Mr. Monterced.
He removed his coat. Kaagad niyang ibinalot iyon sa akin at ibinutones. Malaki ang coat niya kaya sakop-sakop niyon ang maliit kong katawan. I was actually shocked with his gesture but appreciated it very much. "How dare you say those words to me, Monterced. Napakayabang mo talaga." Mr. Tsui gritted his teeth. Mr. Monterced just shrugged and acted like he was surprised.
"Matagal ko ng alam yun, Mr Tsui. May iyayabang naman ako kaya wag kang mag-alala. If ever I saw you disrespect a girl like that, wushu! Alam mo na ang kalalagyan mo." The side of his lips rose up and raised his eyebrow. "Don't test my patience, Monterced. May kalalagyan ka rin." nagpupuyos sa galit na aniya ni Mr. Tsui. Inangatan ko siya ng isang kilay at nagsalita. "That's enough, Mr. Tsui. Out now."
Lumingon si Mr. Tsui sa akin at masama akong tinignan. I didn't bother to say anything and motioned the exit for him.
"Don't let me see in your face in our company ever again, Mr. Tsui. Don't ever disrespect my wife, again." Nanlaki ang mga mata kong napabaling sa entrance.
We saw Wayde leaning on the door jamb. His both hands are put in his pocket. Nakalapag ang attached case nito sa lapag at madilim ang mukhang nakatingin kay Mr. Tsui. My face brightened up when I saw him. Gusto ko nalang siyang takbuhin at yakapin!
Finally.