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Chapter 5
"I'm Vivoree, remember? I'm the only one you're telling about your soon to be husband but he ran away."
I see. Ever since I had an accident, I have sometimes lost my memories of something when I just saw it or I'm not familiar with it.
"I'm sorry.."
"So, are you okay?"
I took a moment to collect myself before managing a weak nod. "Yeah, I... I think so. Just a bad dream."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Asher turned to his father.
"As a new COO of the company, I know this is new for you.." he looked at Diego. "But the CEO of the company is here, and I have confidence that he can help you.." he stood up and went to Diego's way.
He patted his shoulder.
"I'll leave you there for now, Asher, if you want a question, Diego is right here.."
Asher was about to calm down, but his father immediately preceded him.
"Be professional, you're not a child anymore..." he said seriously and immediately left.
Both of them were left inside and neither wanted to speak. Diego looked at Asher who was now also looking at him. They had so many questions, but now that they were in front of each other, it seemed that no one would speak.
"Why did you leave?" Diego broke the silence.
SOMEONE'S P.O.V:
I was just looking out of the balcony while smoking a cigarette when suddenly my phone rang.
"Hello, Sir? What news inside?" I asked immediately.
"Asher... Asher Rodriguez is back," Gino replied.
I almost dropped my phone out of shock. "How?"
I hesitated, the vivid images of my dream still haunting me. But the warmth of her touch and the concern in her eyes encouraged me to open up. "It was about the wedding... about Asher."
As I recounted the dream to her, my voice wavered with emotion, reliving the betrayal and heartbreak I had experienced in my sleep. She listened attentively, offering words of comfort and reassurance as I poured out my feelings.
When I finally finished, I felt a weight lift off my chest, grateful for her presence and support. Looking into her eyes, I found solace in the understanding gaze she returned.
"Thank you," I whispered, grateful for her comforting presence.
She smiled softly. "Anytime. I'm here for you, no matter what. Because, what you're going through, I relate so much. Because, mine is the same. She was my first love and till now. But yeahh when destiny had other plans, it will really make a way."
Vivoree stayed by my side, offering me comfort and support as I grappled with the aftermath of my nightmare. Her presence was a soothing balm to my troubled mind, and I found myself opening up to her in ways I hadn't anticipated.
As we talked, I learned more about her and the struggles she had faced in her own past relationships. Her honesty and vulnerability touched me deeply, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with her. I admit that over the years, I have grown cold towards other people, especially people I don't know. But Vivoree?, I don't know but it feels light. It seems like you've known each other for a long time.
Despite the pain and heartache we both endured, there was a glimmer of hope in our shared experiences. It was as if fate had brought us together for a reason, guiding us through the darkness towards a brighter future. I also learned from him, that the woman he loved for the longest time, also passed away on his birthday. If I think what I've been through is painful, there's something more painful than what I'm going through.
As the hours passed, our conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving through topics both lighthearted and profound. In Vivoree's presence, I felt understood and accepted, free to be myself without fear of judgment.
As my phone suddenly rang, and I saw that it was Gino calling, I hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to answer or not. Vivoree noticed my reaction and gave me a questioning look.
"Should I answer it?" I asked, uncertainty lacing my voice.
Vivoree nodded understandingly. "It's up to you. If you need some privacy, I can step out for a bit."
I appreciated her offer but decided to take the call in her presence. With a deep breath, I answered the phone, holding it to my ear as I greeted Gino.
"Hey, Sir. What's up?" I said, trying to keep my tone casual despite the turmoil of emotions still swirling inside me.
"Sir, Diego? Where are you? The board directors, they want to have a meeting, and need your presence! And Mr. Rodriguez wants everything to be complete, because he has something important to say, the company's new COO."
"Okay, Gino. I'll be there," I replied, trying to sound composed despite the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind.
After ending the call, I turned to Vivoree, a hint of uncertainty in my expression. "It looks like I need to head back to work. Thank you for everything."
Vivoree offered me a reassuring smile. "Of course. Take care, and remember, I'm here if you ever need to talk."
With a grateful nod, I gathered my things and prepared to leave, steeling myself for whatever challenges awaited me at the company.
THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V.
As Diego entered the company, his employees immediately greeted him. But, as usual, he only responded with a small smile.
On the other hand, their car stopped right in front of the company.
"Papa, Daddy.." Asher called attention to the parent, while he was happily playing with his son.
"Am I really the new COO of the company? I don't know anything like that," he said matter of factly.
The old man took a deep breath.
"Don't worry, the CEO of the company will help you."
Unbeknownst to Asher, this was just a plan by his parents to make their paths meet again. This time, they won't let their paths diverge again, especially since they have a child.
As everyone gathered in the conference room, anticipation hung thick in the air. Diego sat at the head of the table, his expression composed despite the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind. Across from him, the board directors exchanged murmured conversations, their attention focused on the impending announcement.
Meanwhile, outside the conference room, Asher stood with his child, a sense of nervous excitement coursing through him. His parents had informed him of his new role as the company's COO, but the reality of the situation had yet to sink in fully.
"Dad, what are we going to do later?" asked his child, eyes wide with curiosity.
He smiled at his son and ruffled his hair. "I don't know either, baby.."
Just then, the doors to the conference room swung open, and the board directors motioned for Asher and his child to enter. With a deep breath, Asher stepped forward, his heart pounding with anticipation.
As he entered the room, all eyes turned to him, and a hush fell over the gathered crowd. Diego's gaze met Asher's, as if everyone stopped, except for Asher who was currently looking at him.
They looked at each other, but in the end Asher turned his gaze in another direction. While Diego was still looking at her seriously. He had expected this, because Mr. Rodriguez, and that's Asher.
But I don't know, something seems to want to escape from his heart. He wanted to go to Asher now and drag him because of the many questions entering his mind. Diego turned his gaze to his son, Liam, who was being carried by Asher. He also looked at her and immediately smiled.
"Good afternoon, everyone," began Mr. Rodriguez, the Chairman of the company, his voice commanding attention. "Today, we have an important announcement to make regarding the future of our company."
Asher stood at attention, his pulse quickening with each passing moment. Beside him, his child fidgeted with excitement, sensing the gravity of the situation.
"With great pleasure, I announce that we have appointed a new Chief Operating Officer for our company," continued Mr. Rodriguez, his eyes sweeping across the room.
A murmur of anticipation rippled through the room as everyone waited with bated breath for the announcement of the new COO.
"And that person is none other than Mr. Asher Rodriguez, my only son," declared Mr. Rodriguez, gesturing towards Asher with a smile of approval. Asher went to the front, looking around.
Asher couldn't help but be nervous. Especially the questions that were directed at him will follow one after the other.
As the questions about Asher's qualifications and capabilities continued to flow, Diego sensed the need to provide additional context by addressing the perspectives of the other board members. Clearing his throat, he turned his attention to the gathered directors.
"I understand that many of you may have reservations or questions about Asher's appointment," Diego began, addressing the board members directly. "Perhaps some of you would like to share your thoughts on the matter." He looked at Asher, who was now looking at him.
A few board members exchanged glances before one of them, a seasoned executive named Sarah, spoke up. "Diego, while I admire Asher's dedication to the company, I have concerns about his experience in handling high-pressure situations and navigating complex corporate challenges. Are we confident that he's prepared for the demands of this role?"
Diego nodded, acknowledging Sarah's valid concern. "I appreciate your perspective, Sarah. It's natural to have reservations, especially when it comes to such a significant leadership transition. However, I believe Asher has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges."
Because of hearing the answer of Mr. Rodriguez, to Diego, he couldn't help but smile. Even though it was a long time ago, he knew, they all knew that Diego's heart was still Asher. Although, he found other people to vent his anger, he found comfort, satisfaction, and sympathy in other people, but he still couldn't hide that Asher was the only thing in his heart.
No matter how hard he tries to forget everything, but in this case, they won't let the same mistake happen again.
Another board member, Michael, chimed in. "Diego, I have to agree with Sarah. Asher has certainly shown promise, but I worry about his ability to effectively manage our diverse team and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation."
Diego listened attentively before responding. "Michael, I understand your concerns. Building a strong team and fostering a culture of collaboration are indeed critical aspects of leadership. However, I have witnessed Asher's ability to inspire and motivate others firsthand. I believe he has the potential to cultivate a positive and inclusive environment within our company."
The conversation continued as Diego addressed each board member's concerns with patience and conviction. Through open dialogue and transparent communication, Diego sought to reassure the board of directors that Asher's appointment was not only well-deserved but also a strategic decision for the company's future success.
As the other board members filed out of the conference room, Diego, Mr. Rodriguez and Asher, remained seated, the gravity of the moment sinking in. Diego turned to Asher.
To Be Continued...