CHAPTER 2

The number you have dial- Shit! I've dialed a few times until now the supplier still not answering my calls. "Argh!" I said in frustration. "You okay, Jean?" Mia asked, my friend. Wait, has this woman been inside my office before? I can't remember when she got in. "Mia, help me. I'm in a big big big trouble. I can't contact the supplier." I almost cried in frustration. Who will not cry after all the supplier just ran my client's ten million pesos down payment. Isn't a big trouble? "Oh darn, Jean! That's really a big trouble, didn't you already give the down payment to them? How is that?" Now, I really cried hard in front of my friend. I gave the whole money because I have been their source of materials for my clients for a long time. I trusted them! Then in a flash they suddenly disappeared like bubbles. What ?! Were they dazzled by the money I paid? Dammit! Worse is I have a meeting with my client tomorrow. What supplies will I show him? How can I say that the supplier ran away from me? How can I get back his ten million pesos? How is the contract? I'm doomed! This is the end of my career! But weather I like it or not, I need to face the consequences. I need to tell my client the truth. God, help me please! The next day we met at a famous restaurant of Ms. Fatima Magtoto-my client. My chest tightened. I was ahead of him and I practiced what I had to say. I drank my water when I saw her coming in. I heaved a deep sigh. I stood up and greeted her as we faced each other. "Good morning, Ma'am Magtoto." "Good morning too, Ms. Gomez." She is in her late 40's and looks good. Maybe I can do her a favor, right? "Are you alright?" "Ah, yes. Let's have a seat." "You're too formal." She said with a smile and then sat across from me. I sat down as well. "So, let's start?" I drank water again. Darn, here we go. "Ms. Magtoto. I .. ahm .. I have something to tell you." I hesitate to say. She furrowed her brows. I sneezed and spoke again, "about the supplies ... something happened .." "What? Tell me?" I stared at her for a long time, I wondered if she was angry or what. "Because .. the supplier ran for me, ma'am." "Oh Jesus! What about the money?" "They also got it, but I promise ma'am I will be responsible. I will return the money. Just give me time, ma'am. I can't give a damn. But I will pay you .. if you want—" She raised her hand which made me stopped, "Relax, Ms. Gomez." I bit my lower lip. I'm dead. This is it. End of my career. "It is not your fault that the supplier escaped you and it is okay if you pay the installment of the ten million down payment of our company. But honestly, I will not decide. I mean, it is not me who will decide. I'm sorry, Ms. Gomez .. " "Not you?" "Haven't you read the contract? I'm just a manager and I don't have the final decision. You need to convince our CEO. But I am telling you that he is not an ordinary man. He is powerful. But I promise, I will help you. " I breathed a sigh of relief somehow. "Thanks, ma'am. How can I talk to the CEO?" "I will just call you, our boss is very busy and you still needs to schedule an appointment." "Thank you very much, ma'am." "No problem, just be ready." Three days since ma'am Magtoto and I met I have hardly slept. I was wondering how I could convince their CEO, just like ma'am Magtoto said that their boss is not just that. A day later I received a call from ma'am Magtoto. It is said that their boss is already in the Philippines and she has also scheduled our meeting. Today is that day. I wore a formal white dress and I wore a black blazer then I matched it with black ring killer heels. I have to look professional because I will be meeting a big personality. Oh, wait? What is the name of their boss? Agh! Did I even forget that? You are really very unprofessional, Jean! I told the taxi driver the address of their building. When I got there, my phone rang. I thought it was Ma'am Magtoto. I smiled and lost my fear in my system when I saw who was in the other line. Baby Gabriel ♥ calling ... I read the big name made of silver metal arched in front of the building before answering the call. GdF Enterprise. "Yes baby?" I answered Gabriel excitedly. "I miss you .." he replied on the other line. My chest throbbed but I also smiled. "when are you coming home?" "I still don't know, baby and I miss you too .." I entered the building while talking to him. "I hope it'll be soon." "Of course, baby. Oh wait, I'm at work, I'll call you later. Bye, baby .." "Okay, take care. Bye. I love you more .. mommy!" "I love you too, son." I smiled. I have not been able to spend time with my son for a few weeks because of my work. I should have gone home last week if this big problem wasn't happened. I sighed. I went to the information desk and asked for the CEO's office. The female receptionist even asked if I had an appointment with the CEO, when she finally confirmed it she only told me where their boss's office was. I went up to the 48th floor as the woman said. Arriving on that floor the ambience suddenly changed. If before all the white walls were all around, on this floor it was pure glass. I see people outside. The aircon is also stronger here. Because of the extreme cold, I feel so nervous. There were a few people around but it was quiet. As if their every move was calculated. I walked closer to a woman, which is I assumed the boss' secretary. "Excuse me, I'm Jeannette Gomez. And I believe I have an appointment to the CEO." I said. "Ah yes. The CEO is expecting you, Ms. Gomez but you still have to wait for him because he is still in the middle of a meeting." His secretary explained kindly. I nodded. "Sit down first .." He guided me to the waiting area where two others were waiting. "Thanks." I murmured my thanks. I have been waiting for almost 20 minutes but there are still no signs. I was drowsy and I wanted to take a nap but I couldn't because I was so nervous. I was even surprised when the CEO's secretary called me a moment later. I adjusted myself and headed closer to the woman's desk which is located just infront of the tinted glass door. "Miss Jean Gomez, Sir del Fierro is waiting for you inside." I stiffened at what I heard. My whole body went cold. I feel like I will fall not because of stress or drowsiness. But because of what I heard. Shit! Did I heard it right? I blinked. "del Fierro?" I ask. "Yes. CEO del Fierro, Ms." Will I deal with a del Fierro ?! I looked at the door in front of me now. My jaw dropped. The name of the man I had long erased in my mind was written on the glass door. The man I hated the most! The man who ruined me! I need to get out of here. But it was too late for me to step back because the door slowly opened. I froze. I think I will faint. Especially when our eyes meet. "Gabin .." I whispered before I fell down ... on his huge and firm chest.