I forced a bitter smile as I gently caressed my parents' tombstone. Years had passed since they were gone, but the pain in my heart remained. Losing both parents at the same time was a tragedy too painful for any child to bear. I could hardly believe I had survived it all.
"Ma, Pa, how are you?" I whispered softly. I bit my lower lip to keep the tears from escaping my eyes. The ache in my chest grew stronger as I stared at their tombstone.
I took two bouquets of flowers and placed them on top of the gravestone. It had been nine years since I last saw and heard them, and for all those years, I prayed for their souls every day. It was the least I could do for them.
"I'm doing okay, Ma, Pa. Life is tough on my own, but I'm managing. As for Kuya Elmer, I don't know where he is anymore. I'm worried because he's been missing for years, and I haven't heard anything about him." I let out a deep sigh, hoping to ease the heaviness in my heart. Closing my eyes, I offered a silent prayer.
I wiped away a tear that escaped. "If only you were still here, Ma, Pa, you'd see that I'm doing my best at work. Even though my boss is grumpy, I can handle it. Your youngest is strong, Ma, Pa." I laughed softly, though tears welled in my eyes.
"Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. I'm about to graduate soon, and our dream of me becoming a flight stewardess will finally come true. I'll fulfill it for you." I looked up and exhaled deeply. Visiting them at the cemetery always left my chest feeling heavy.
Their early passing still hurt. They were too young to die, and they never got to see me achieve my dreams. Maybe this was fate-their sudden loss, my brother's disappearance, and me being left alone. I knew there had to be a reason for it all.
I took a handkerchief from my bag and wiped my tears. I fanned myself, trying to calm down before heading to work.
Glancing at my watch, I realized I had to leave soon or risk being late-especially since my boss was in an even worse mood than usual.
"Ma, Pa, I have to go now. I'll visit you again next month. I love you both so much." I gently touched their tombstone. Whenever sadness overwhelmed me, I found myself coming here because talking to them, even if they couldn't respond, helped lighten the burden I carried.
I jumped in surprise when my phone suddenly rang loudly in my bag. I quickly grabbed it, and my heart pounded when I saw the caller ID. It was the executive secretary.
Why was Miss Cindy calling?
"Hello, Miss Cindy," I greeted politely. My heart pounded harder. Every time Miss Cindy called, it always meant bad news.
"You have to come to the office right now. Mr. Samaniego is looking for you, Ms. Ocampo. Don't make him wait."
"Huh?" I stood up straight at her words. Why was the CEO looking for me? Had I made a mistake at work again? Oh God, I hoped not.
"Come here now. This is urgent," she said firmly before ending the call.
I clutched my chest. My heart pounded painfully, and I struggled to breathe. Something was wrong. It was way too early for Mr. Samaniego to be in the office. It was only 7:45 AM, and he usually arrived at ten.
Oh no, what had I done this time?
I hailed a taxi to Diamond Tower. Restlessness consumed me as I sat inside. I kept replaying yesterday's tasks in my head. Had I forgotten anything? Hopefully not.
I didn't even want to go to the office-I was sure I'd be scolded again. And my boss? He was always grumpy, his eyebrows constantly furrowed, and his voice always sharp.
Oh well, whatever happens, happens.
I rushed into Diamond Entertainment Building, also known as Diamond Tower. My hands went numb from nervousness. Mr. Samaniego's temper was notorious, and he had made me his favorite target these past few months.
As soon as I reached our office, I noticed something odd. The usually noisy and chaotic space was eerily silent. Everyone was buried in their work, and no one was gossiping in the corner like they usually did.
"Bree, Sir is here early, and he's in a bad mood. He's been yelling all morning. I think there's a major issue with a business deal," Cheska whispered, careful not to be overheard.
My body went cold. Oh God! I was doomed!
Summoning all my courage, I walked toward our cubicle. The window blinds were closed.
I pushed open the glass door to our office, but I froze in place as soon as I stepped inside. I gaped when I met his sharp, intimidating gaze. His expression was deadly serious. He stood tall in front of Miss Cindy and Rachelle, my co-assistant secretary.
I swallowed hard as his piercing eyes met mine. His brows were furrowed so tightly they nearly touched.
"Good morning, Mr. Samaniego." I tried to keep my shaky legs steady. My throat went dry when he glared at me.
Chelle gestured at me, but I couldn't understand what she was trying to tell me.
"Are you the one who spoke with Mr. Lao's secretary?" His voice was stern and laced with irritation.
I swallowed and nodded hesitantly. "Yes, sir. I was the one who spoke with Mr. Lao's secretary."
His jaw clenched, and he shut his eyes tightly as if holding back his anger. The veins on his neck popped out, and he massaged his temples as if dealing with a migraine.
Did I make a mistake?
My eyes widened in realization-I forgot to log Mr. Lao's appointment! It was supposed to happen yesterday, but with all the work piling up and my parents' death anniversary weighing on me, it completely slipped my mind.
I glanced at Miss Cindy and Chelle. They both shook their heads. Oh no, today was supposed to be Mr. Lao's breakfast meeting with Mr. Samaniego. My heartbeat pounded wildly.
"In my office." That was all he said before storming off. He even slammed the glass door on his way out. I clutched my chest, feeling like my heart might burst out of my ribcage. He was terrifying!
I bit my lower lip and turned to Miss Cindy, who was staring at me seriously.
"Miss Cindy, I'm so sorry! I forgot to log the meeting schedule," I said, nearly in tears.
"Go to his office. And good luck," she instructed.
Shoulders slumped, I nodded and hurried after him. I had no other choice. I just had to prepare myself in case I got fired today. But I hoped not-I still needed money for next semester's tuition, and my savings weren't enough.
I took a deep breath, fanned myself, and then opened the door to Mr. Samaniego's office.
A sharp scream almost escaped my lips when something suddenly flew toward me-a paperweight! I barely dodged it. Did I just make him angrier by not getting hit?
"Do you have any idea how important that meeting was?! Huh?!" he roared.
I flinched as his voice echoed through the office. This was it-my career's end.
"Sir, I'm so sorry-"
I didn't even finish before he threw a pen holder. Pens scattered across the floor.
"Shut up! Incompetent bitch! I will not allow this kind of dumbness in my company. Do you know how much money I lost because of your stupidity? I'll charge that loss to your account! You embarrassed me in front of Mr. Lao, and now my credibility is being questioned. Get out!"
I gasped as he suddenly hurled his laptop in my direction. My jaw dropped as its shattered parts scattered across the floor. Trembling, I picked up the broken laptop and placed it back on his desk.
He was breathing heavily, head bowed as if trying to compose himself.
"Sir, I'll talk to Mr. Lao's secretary again and apologize. Please don't worry. I'll take full responsibility-"
"Jackson, just spare her. It's not her fault. I shouldn't have let her handle that deal," Miss Cindy interrupted as she entered.
"Go. And good luck," she told me.
With a sigh, I left. I had survived another day with my infuriating yet undeniably handsome boss.
I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a bouquet of flowers on my desk. Red roses, beautifully arranged, clearly an expensive bouquet.
I looked around the room. It was still early, and there weren't many people in the office yet. It was only seven in the morning, and I was the only employee on this floor. I had intentionally come in early to catch up on my work, which was a mess. I had promised to personally talk to Mr. Lao and apologize for my stupidity. I just hoped Mr. Lao wasn't as grumpy as Sir Jax.
"I wonder who put these here?" I whispered. Chelle and I shared an office, while Miss Cindy was in the office across from us. She was the Executive Secretary, and Chelle and I were her assistants.
I picked up the card attached to the flowers and read it.
"Dear Bree, I hope this flower brightens up your day. Always smile, you have a very beautiful smile. Your secret admirer." I raised an eyebrow at the message on the small card. "Secret admirer? Who could it be? This is ridiculous." How many bouquets was this? I couldn't even count anymore, and honestly, instead of feeling flattered, I was getting scared.
I took the flowers off my desk and placed them on an empty table. Whoever this admirer was, I didn't have time for them.
"Wow! These are fancy. Are these for you, Bree? Who are they from?" Chelle entered and that was her first question. "This is the fifth one this month, huh. You're so beautiful, girl." She walked over to the table where I had placed the flowers and picked up the card attached to them.
"I don't know who they're from. They were here when I arrived. I don't know who put them there." I shrugged at her.
"You're so charismatic. Look, you have a secret admirer here. You've only been here for three months, but you've already captured some hearts." She laughed. "I'm going to be a hopeless romantic." she added.
"Yeah, with my charisma, even Sir Jax is obsessed with me. I don't know why he's so angry with me." I said with a pout. "I feel like his nostrils are literally steaming whenever he sees me."
"Maybe his head is hot down there, so he's hot for you?" She said suggestively. Her eyebrows went up and down as she gave me a mischievous look.
"Hey, shut up. You're just saying anything that comes to mind. Someone might hear you." I scolded her. I widened my eyes at her. This girl was always thinking about inappropriate things.
Instead of stopping, she burst into laughter, seemingly delighted by my reaction.
"You know, it's really strange that you're Sir Jax's favorite. He's so hot for you, girl. He always looks at you so badly, like he's about to devour you." She even gestured like she was about to bite something.
I felt heat spread across my face! Chelle was always messing with my head!
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just going to see Miss Cindy." I rolled my eyes at her to hide my blushing face.
I quickly turned around and left before she could say anything else. As soon as I stepped out, Sir Chris greeted me. He was one of the managing directors of the company. He's Sir Jax's cousin, but they have different personalities.
"Hi Bree! How are you?" he greeted me warmly. His smile was very contagious. While Sir Jax was always frowning, Sir Chris was like a clown.
I shyly smiled at him. He was one of the most handsome employees here, so I was always embarrassed when he smiled at me.
Hey! Sir Chris smiles at everyone, not just you! You're assuming too much!
"Good morning, Sir Chris." I greeted him politely. Oh my God, how do I act around him? He's so handsome!
"C'mon, just cut the formality, you can call me Chris. Where are you going?" His smile widened at me, making me blush even more. My heart felt like it was about to fall out of my chest because of how fast it was beating.
"A-ah, just to Miss Cindy's office. She called me." I stammered. His handsomeness was too much for me to handle. I felt like I was going to suffocate talking to him.
"Ah, I see. Okay, see you later, Bree." He winked at me before leaving.
My heart felt like it was going to jump out of my ribcage. My forehead was sweating, and I knew my face was bright red.
"Shit, he's so handsome." I felt like I was about to pee myself from excitement. I took several deep breaths to calm my racing heart. I made sure I was okay before entering Miss Cindy's office.
"Good morning, Miss Cindy."
She was typing something on her laptop when I entered. She didn't even spare me a glance when she spoke. She was just staring seriously at her laptop screen, not smiling at all. She and Sir Jax were alike in that they both had serious faces. But Miss Cindy was kind, she just didn't know how to smile.
"Take these to Mr. Samaniego's house. He needs to sign these papers before noon. Bring them back here. These are confidential files, don't give them to anyone. Give them directly to Mr. Samaniego. We clear, Bree?"
"Po? I'm going to bring these to Sir's house?" I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt nervous about going to my boss's house. I knew Sir Jax lived alone. Since his wife died, he lived alone in a high-end subdivision.
Miss Cindy finally looked up at me. Her eyebrows went up. She eyed me with annoyance and disbelief.
"Are you choosing your job, Bree?" Her tone was challenging me.
I immediately shook my head at her.
"Oh no! No, Miss Cindy. Okay, I'll bring these." I immediately took the papers that were on her desk. "Okay, Miss Cindy, I'm leaving now." I said goodbye to her.
As soon as I left her office, I let out a heavy sigh. My chest felt tight, and my heart was pounding hard. Who wouldn't be nervous? You're being sent to the house of your boss, who loves to scold you. I must be the Employee of the Year this year.
"Oh God! You're in charge of me! Please guide my boss so he doesn't yell at me later." That was all I could do, pray. I hope he wasn't in a bad mood today, because I was definitely his target.
I hailed a taxi to take me to the Exclusive Subdivision where Mr. Samaniego lived. As soon as the taxi entered the subdivision, I was amazed by the beauty of the place.
Big houses, and so clean!
"Wow, it's so beautiful. This is definitely for the rich!" I exclaimed.
We stopped at a large house. It had a high fence. I looked up at the fence, no chance for burglars here. The guard let me in right away when he recognized me. Miss Cindy had called ahead and said I was coming to deliver the papers for Mr. Samaniego to sign.
"Come in, ma'am, Sir Jax is inside."
"Thank you, manong."
If I was amazed by the beauty of the houses outside, I was even more amazed by the beauty of Sir's house. I literally gaped at its size and the beautiful design! There was a small fountain surrounded by flowers.
"It's so good to be rich." I said unconsciously. The woman who wins Sir's heart is so lucky, she'll live like a queen here.
The whole place was quiet, and there was no one around. I looked around, hoping to find Sir so I could give him these papers. Miss Cindy had strictly instructed me to give them to Sir himself. It was risky, and I might actually get fired if I messed up this time.
"Sir? Mr. Samaniego? It's Bree, sir. I brought the papers you requested from Miss Cindy." The front door was closed. I tried to push it, but it was stiff.
I called his name several times, but no one answered. When no one answered, I decided to look for another door.
I walked around the left side of the house, towards the swimming pool. The French door was open, so I dared to go in. There was still no one around, and the whole house was quiet.
"Is Sir here? Maybe I'll be accused of stealing something."
I stopped as I entered and saw the messy living room of Sir's house. There were scattered bottles of alcohol and cigarette butts. Clothes were scattered everywhere. I even spotted his underwear on the floor.
And on a long sofa, Mr. Samaniego was lying there. He was shirtless, so I could see how beautiful his body was.
I was like a statue because of what I saw. Sir's beautiful body was on display in front of me. So delicious!
I bit my lower lip as my eyes shamelessly raked his exposed body. His washboard abs were on full display. The slow rise and fall of his abs indicated that he was in deep sleep. One of his arms was resting on his forehead, so I could see how beautiful the shape of his arm was.
Even in his sleep, his brows were knotted. Sir was so handsome! This was the first time I saw him shirtless.
I slowly walked towards where he was sleeping. Sir Jax's body looked so good to touch! Even though he was grumpy, he was still delicious to look at. That is, when he was asleep. I don't know if I could stare at him like this when he was awake. I'm sure I'd be scorched by his angry gaze.
My eyes went down to his waist, and then lower. The buttons of his slacks were open, and the bulge! There was a big bulge! It looked so big! My body tingled as I imagined how big it was.
Oh my God! I think I'm becoming a pervert!
I just shook my head at my thoughts. I'll just clean up the mess here while Sir is still asleep. Miss Cindy told me to bring these back, so I can't leave them.
Maybe I could also cook some food for Sir? So he'd be happy with me and stop picking on me at the office.
I smiled at the thought. That's right, I'll just cook him a delicious meal.
"What the f*ck are you doing?!"
"Oh, f*ck you, sir!" I shrieked in shock when a thunderous voice boomed behind me. It reverberated through the kitchen walls. It felt like an earthquake because of how loud his voice was.
I was so startled that, in my attempt to clutch my chest, I almost dropped the plate in my hands. Fortunately, I caught it just in time-otherwise, I would've been in trouble again.
I turned around only to see a scowling Jackson Samaniego standing at the kitchen door. His face was flushed red, and he was panting. His massive physique almost filled the entire doorway, making him look larger than life. With his towering height and menacing expression, he was truly terrifying-like a raging beast ready to devour its breakfast. And unfortunately, I was that breakfast.
But instead of being scared of his fierce expression, I couldn't help but let my eyes roam over his bare upper body. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and the only thing covering his lower half was a thin pair of boxer shorts. Yes, thin-because his jumbo banana was very visible.
I swallowed hard, unable to take my eyes off the bulge between his legs. So, bananas really do come in that size-jumbo, indeed. Or maybe even bigger than jumbo.
I suddenly felt the urge to make the sign of the cross. My mind was filthy. I wasn't like this before!
"Who the f*ck told you that you can enter my house, woman?" His brows furrowed even deeper. It seemed like he didn't appreciate me checking out his body-or staring at his jumbo banana.
That was when embarrassment finally hit me. I realized I had been staring at Sir Jax's bulge the entire time. Heat spread across my face.
How humiliating!
I cleared my throat and forced a smile. It was hard, though-he was furious that I was messing with his kitchen, but honestly, I couldn't bring myself to be scared because what was laid out in front of me was far more tempting than what I was cooking.
"A-h, sir. I apologize. Miss Cindy asked me to bring those important papers for you to sign. They're on your coffee table," I said formally. But my eyes? They were completely disobedient-now, they were fixated on Sir Jax's abs.
"Who the f*ck told you to intrude on my wife's kitchen?" His voice was now low and hoarse. It made me even more nervous because it seemed like he was barely holding back his anger.
I winced at his words.
I'm so dead.
Why did I even think of cooking for him?
I instinctively stepped back when he took a single stride toward me and roughly grabbed my arm. I winced in pain-his grip was tight. He started dragging me out of the kitchen and threw me aside, making me stumble.
Thankfully, I caught myself before my face could kiss the floor.
I rubbed my aching arm. That hurt!
This old bastard is so rude!
"No one messes with my wife's kitchen, woman. Get. The. F*ck. Out!" he shouted in my face.
I panicked at the sheer volume of his voice.
I didn't waste another second and quickly left the kitchen. It was only then that I realized the huge mistake I had made. I wanted to punch myself for being so insensitive.
Turns out, the kitchen was important to him. Maybe it was his wife's favorite part of the house. Maybe he didn't want anyone else touching it because it reminded him of her.
Why did I even mess with his things? I knew he couldn't stand me, yet I still meddled. And now, I almost ended up making out with the floor.
I clutched my chest, my heart pounding wildly. I was still catching my breath.
I stepped outside through the door leading to the swimming pool. It was a French door, making it easy to see if someone was approaching from the inside. I remained standing near the door, waiting for Sir Jax to return. After pushing me earlier, he had suddenly disappeared.
I could see the anger in his eyes earlier when he caught me touching his wife's things.
Did he love his late wife that much that he even treasured her memories like that? He must have really loved her.
Not long after, Sir Jax returned. He was now wearing a shirt. He had also taken a shower, but the scowl on his face remained. He glared at me through the closed French door.
I stayed standing outside and made no move to enter. Better to keep my distance. I still hadn't forgotten the time he threw a paperweight at me in his office.
Sir Jax closed his eyes and leaned back against the cushioned seat. He massaged his temples, as if he had a headache.
I suddenly felt guilty-had I just made his headache worse?
Looking at him now, it was obvious that he was carrying a heavy burden. Maybe he still hadn't accepted his wife's passing.
Honestly, who could? Losing a spouse like that would be unbearable.
I peeked at him again through the slightly open door. His eyes were still closed. His jaw was covered in a thick beard and mustache. Maybe he didn't shave anymore.
Sir Jax was incredibly handsome. If I were to compare, he was even more attractive than his cousin, Sir Chris. The way his brows furrowed as if he hated everything around him, or the way his voice deepened when he was angry-it was such a turn-on. He was the kind of man who became even more appealing when mad.
Too bad I was always the target of his anger.
My brows furrowed when I caught a strange scent. I sniffed the air to be sure.
Why does it smell... burnt?
"What's that smell?" I muttered to myself.
I turned to Sir Jax, who also seemed confused. He was staring at me with a questioning look.
I found myself staring back at him.
"What the f*ck is that smell?!" he suddenly shouted.
Panic gripped me as a terrible realization hit me.
"Ahh, sir... I think something's burning," I stammered, my voice shaking.
My eyes widened in horror when it finally dawned on me.
I forgot to turn off the gas stove!
The food I was cooking is on fire!
"Oh my god! My cooking!" I screamed in panic.
I didn't waste a second and bolted back into the kitchen, only to be greeted by thick, black smoke.
"Shit!"
I heard Sir Jax curse behind me. When I turned around, I saw him staring at the kitchen with a mix of shock and devastation.
His expression was unreadable. He looked both angry and hurt.
He just stood there, watching the kitchen as if he didn't know what to do.
At that moment, I understood.
That kitchen was truly special to him.
The hurt in his eyes was evident. He looked like a helpless child watching his most precious treasure be destroyed-powerless to stop it.
Without hesitation, he rushed into the smoke-filled kitchen. I followed him inside and saw him desperately trying to put out the fire that was slowly devouring his late wife's kitchen.
I coughed as I inhaled the smoke. It burned my lungs, and my eyes stung.
"F*ck! No! Please, no!"
But when I saw Sir Jax crying while fighting the flames, my heart shattered for him.
This man was in pain.
And he had been enduring it alone ever since his wife passed away.
Now, I finally understood why he was so cruel.
He was just trying to conceal his pain by inflicting it on others.
It wasn't fair.
But maybe...
That was the only way he knew how to cope with the loneliness.
Because at the end of the day...
He was just a man with a broken heart.