Secrets unveiled

SAVANNAH

"ARYA! ASK FOR THE SOFTCOPY ON THE FURNITURE DESIGN AGAIN. There's something else I haven't done yet." I said.

"Sure! I'll just send it to your email." He says.

"Thanks!" I said as I started to finish the rest of my work.

I was in the middle of reading and memorizing what I could use as a design reference when suddenly someone approached me.

"Ms Angeles?" It called my name.

"Yes sir?" I answered.

"Come with me." He said.

I was surprised but I still followed him.

As far as I remember he was the CEO's secretary.

Does that mean I will be fired because of what I did yesterday? Wow! It's not hard to apply for the same job!

I swallowed a few times as we walked down the lounge to the parking space.

"Wait? Where are you taking me?" I asked.

It didn't answer me. He brought me in front of an expensive car then he opened the car door.

Is that a limousine?

"Get in, someone wants to talk to you in private." He said.

I got into the car and saw a man sitting there wearing a mask but I remember the color of his eyes.

I closed my eyes, Mr Monroeville! Sh*t I'm saying he's going to fire me!

"Why are you closing your eyes?" He asked in a very cold tone.

"Number one rule : don't stare the CEO in the eye d-"

"Stop." He said.

I tightly held the side of my dress and closed my mouth.

Whatever comes out here is annoying.

"Open your eyes. I have something important to deal with you." He said.

I opened my eyes and looked directly at the floor of the car.

Its seat was facing me like I see in the movies beautiful cars then the high-

A brown envelope was thrown and I looked at it.

"Read and sign it, quick." He said that's why I looked up.

I couldn't see his whole face because he was wearing a mask, but I could feel the coldness in his eyes on me.

I turned my attention back to the envelope and read the contents.

M-marriage certificate? Confused, I looked up at it and asked a question.

"What am I going to do here?" I asked.

"Eat it." Philosophizing it.

I forced myself not to look at him badly and he might even scold me.

"I am offering you marriage. Isn't it obvious?" he added.

"But...why me?" I asked.

"Well, you were the first person who didn't judge me on our first meet so-"

"But.."

"Just sign it and then I'll order someone to get your things on your apartment because you're going to live with me." He said and handed me a ballpoint pen.

Even though I was confused, I signed the marriage contract that was resting on my thigh.

He held out a small emerald-colored box. I opened it and saw two sing-sing.

"The top ring is our engagement ring while the bottom ring is our wedding ring." It raised its left hand and I saw a sing sing that was the same as mine.

"Wear it, I will have a conference meeting later so you should come with me. I'll introduce you to my board of directors."

Yes, he is having a meeting but he is not showing up at that meeting.

Is it a video call? I don't know.

How much do I know? Arya told me those things because the CEO's secretary is her boyfriend.

"That's too fast." I asked.

"Why? Don't you want to be my wife? I can ask someone to do the job." it said.

Ah job, it's just a job for him.

Does that mean I need to pretend to be his wife? What for?

Haist Savannah, pretend you are. that's better and maybe someone will benefit from pretending like that.

"Choose. You stay as my employee or be my wife?" He asked.

I kept my mouth shut and thought.

"Alright..I'm ready." I said.

"Good. Here wear it so you'll look decent. We will walk into my company building together. Be ready there are lots of paparazzi around." He says.

He left the car first so I could get dressed.

I'm wearing it okay! Looks decent! So yes!

When it was over, I knocked them outside and said I was okay.

I also put on the sing-sing he gave me.

I just noticed that those two are connected.

He went inside again and then sat next to me.

I felt the car move out of the parking space and turn towards the entrance of the building.

He's making a show huh? I looked at it. He is really handsome even though he has freckles on his face.

He shouldn't be ashamed of himself because no matter what others say he is still the one to decide his life.

Look at him now. His name is all over the country even overseas he is well known.

He's company became bigger and bigger and the others can't match him anymore so why is he hiding his face from the public?

To avoid hurtful words? Yes, I totally forgot that we are living in a judgmental society.

Just one look at you, they have already created something that you will issue.

When the car stops, he didn't make a mistake as the paparazzi immediately approached to take pictures of his car.

His secretary came out from the passenger seat and opened the door for us.

Mr. Monroeville came out first then he extended his hand in front of me.

I reached for it and got out of the car.

I felt his grip on my hand tighten so I looked at him.

He's not used to a lot of people? But why is he doing it?

"Mr Monroeville, is that true that you are married."

"Mr Monroeville why don't you take off your mask?" I looked at the person who said that.

I felt it stop when I saw who it was.

A tall blonde woman was in front of the paparazzi holding her gucci bag while smiling sweetly.

"Oh my...is this your wife? You really got no taste on woman don't you?" It's still teasing.

I wanted to reach out but it wouldn't let me.

It just kept walking so I was pulled.

"I will be very excited when that day comes Gabriel." he shouted.

We have entered inside and the eyes of the employees are looking at us now.

They bowed together and greeted.

"Good morning, Mr. Monroeville."

He just nodded then he walked away still holding my hand.

We walked into the elevator and I couldn't escape their questions today.

"Isn't that Savannah? Why are they together with Mr. Monroeville?"

"Yes, they will hold hands."

"He's the rumored wife?"

"Halaa! How lucky he is!"

"Yes, but until now he still hasn't removed his mask."

"I'm also curious what Boss's face really looks like."

Those are just some of the things I heard before the elevator door closed.

"Promise me you should never take this ring off of your hand-uh never mind." He said then he let go of my hand that he had been holding.

What really happened? It's very fast.

I sighed and focused my attention on the floor.

I just hope I don't slack off in this job.

**

SAVANNAH

We are now in his OFFICE and I am very nervous.

Maybe the member of the board of directors will be surprised because now he will introduce me to them.

I am now sitting on the sofa on the side near his table while tightly holding the pillow there. I'm also cold because of the nervousness.

"They are all ready, Sir. You are the only one waiting." His secretary said.

He stood up and walked in front of the camera that was connected inside the conference room.

He sat in the chair in front of him and then ordered to turn on the camera to make a video call with the board members.

"Goodmorning, Mr. Monroeville. Why did you suddenly call for a meeting?" said the Chief Financial Officer or CFO.

I can only see his nameplate on the side.

"I'm going to introduce to you my wife." He signaled me to come so I stood up from my seat and walked towards him.

He grabbed my waist so I sat on his lap.

"Savannah Angeles-Monroeville. I know you are surprised but my wife and I have been engaged for a long time and now I decided to introduce her to all of you. I want you to treat her the way you treat me."

I smiled sweetly in front of them when I felt him gently squeeze my waist.

"But how can she be your wife when I saw her in your employees list Mr. Monroeville. She's the team leader of your designers team and i-." He was cut off when Mr. Monroeville clicked his tongue.

"Do you have any problem with my wife Mr. Executive Director? I do not need to ask permission of who and in what state of life the woman I will marry with." He stopped midway before continuing.

"if you have a problem with her. You can leave that position right now, it's easy to find someone to replace you and who's even more worthy with that." He said. Like he's stating a fact.

"I'm sorry Mr. Monroeville. I didn't mean to offend yo-"

"That's good. My company, My rule so if you tried to mistreat my WIFE. It will be your last day in this company do you understand?" He said. His voice is very serious this time what I see on TVs that are in business mode.

Ah huh? His wife really stood up for me? Well it's not bad to hear.

"Meeting adjourned." He said.

The video call had died so I was about to leave his lap when he didn't let me.

"I'm sorry, does this position make you feel uncomfortable?" He asked.

It's not that I'm comfortable or uncomfortable, I'm just different from our current position.

"I-I'm just a little shy." I honestly said.

"Don't use 'po'. Call me by my name."

He said.

I left sitting on his lap and thought about what to call him.

"Can I call you by your name or do you want me to call you Mr. Monroeville?, If it is okay with you or-."

"I'm not convincing you to call me Mr. Monroeville since my employees will start calling you Mrs. Monroeville." He said

"Gab-Gabriel." I called and tasted it.

He slowly nodded.

I cannot see his face because he is wearing a mask.

I just noticed that he is treating me nicely now.

Maybe he was in his mood? Boss is in a good mood.

It tasted so I removed my gaze from it. I didn't notice that I was staring at him.

"Do you want to see my house?" He suddenly asked.

"Po-i mean okay Gab, shall we go home?" I asked shyly.

"Well it's your choice?" He asked.

I nodded with a smile.

"Let's go home then." he said.

He stood up from the chair and then extended his hand to me.

I put my hand there, he held it tightly and then his other hand reached my face and caressed my jaw.

"Does it hurt?" He asked.

"Which one." I asked.

"This one." He said.

"No, it doesn't hurt." I said.

"Okay." He says. "Let's go." We walked out of his office together and boarded the elevator.

I'm feeling a little better now, unlike before when I was so nervous that my heart felt like it was going to explode.

I sighed, maybe he's not a bad person.

Maybe it was just his defense mechanism yesterday when he thought I was going to reveal his secret.

-

GABRIEL

I HOLD HER hand tightly. I treated her kindly because I noticed she was trembling with nervousness earlier.

I know she won't really tell anyone about my secret.

Yes, I have trust issues but I also have a feeling that I can trust her. Tyler also sent me her background info and there is nothing suspicious about this woman.

I also found out that he had a dog and his face was burned but he is still alive.

I had all his things taken including his dog and sent to my house.

I ordered my maids to fix her room and I also bought a big bed for her dog.

I just found out now that maybe her dog was her reference so she didn't judge me and put pressure on me.

We are on our way home now, I asked him if he wanted to go home and he nodded so we just went home.

I will also be bored in the office since I don't have much work anymore.

I looked at it next to me who had fallen asleep.

Because my house is far away and it's inside a village and well secured.

Most of the people who live there are all bachelors who have the same status in life as me and are married and have families

I heard my phone rings so I looked at the caller and answered it.

"Yes mom? Did you get called?" I answered on the other line.

"I heard that you're already married to my son! How could you not invite us to your wedding! I'm very disappointed my son!" Mommy's drama.

"Mom, you know me. I have issues right?" I said.

"I know my son, if only I could turn back time and stop her from doing that to you. I'm very sorry that your life was ruined because of her." It said.

Mom knows about certain someone who did this to me.

I want to sue her and let her live the hell I was living when I'm still in my worst year but I just let it go.

It was also my fault that it happened.

I put his head on my shoulder and let him rest there so it wouldn't be difficult.

I hope you don't like them. I seriously hope you don't like them.

I sighed. My married life will start here and I will create precious memories with her even though it was ugly when we met.

I don't need to pretend. I'm making this relationship real. This isn't really a pretend relationship, that's all I can think of him.

I'll test her if she's really worthy to be my wife.

**

SAVANNAH

I WAKE UP BECAUSE of a soft tap on my cheek. I opened my eyes and looked around.

"Wake up, Savannah. We're here." Who said it?

I just remembered that Gab asked me to go home to her house. I felt ashamed when I noticed that my head was resting on his shoulder.

I immediately removed my head from there and apologized.

"S-sorry I fell asleep." I said.

"It's okay, you must be tired. Don't force yourself too much at work. Take care of your body too." he said so I nodded.

He went out first then he waited for me to get out of the car.

The huge house immediately stood out to me-it can't be called a house because it's like a mansion.

We walked in and passed the beautiful landscape in front of the big house.

It is beautiful to see because it is full of flowers and beautiful trees.

"The scenery is breathtaking isn't it?" He asked.

"Your house is beautiful." I just said it.

"It's not actually mine. This is my parents' house. Besides, they don't come home much here compared to the suite they own."

"My mom owned the 5-star hotel near the best restaurants in Manila. La Casta Hotel is its name."

"Let's go inside so that you can see the interior design." he said and then held out his hand which I took.

It shook our hands so I was startled. I also saw the maids lined up there and there was a woman in her mid 50's standing in front who seemed to be waiting for us.

"Welcome back señorito." The maids said at the same time and bowed in respect.

"Manang Lucy, this is my wife Savannah Angeles. I know it's a sudden news but I hope you'll treat her the way you treated me." He said the woman nodded that I knew she was the butler of the house.

"I'm glad to meet you hija. Come on in, the food is ready on the table." He said then walked first.

"I told them to prepare us our food when we get here, I'm pretty sure you're hungry are you?" He asked.

He must have noticed that I frowned at what manang said.

We walked to the dining area and he let go of my hand to pull me to a chair.

"Sit here." He said pointing to the chair.

I sat there while the maids who were there took care of us.

"Do you still allow me to work even though you know this relationship-"

"If you want to then I won't stop you." He said then took a bite of rice.

I felt my phone vibrate so I made an excuse to talk to the caller.

"My dear brother! I heard you have sinned what? Are you rich?" Kuya Jace opened up to me.

We are the only two left since my mother passed away due to heart disease, and my father, I don't know if he is still alive.

My aunt said that she left us when mom was pregnant with me.

"Brother." That's all I said, I don't want to tell him the truth and what else he might do to Gab.

I know Kuya, he asked my girlfriends for money in exchange for them being my boyfriend.

He beat the others because they didn't want to give him money.

"Send me a lot of money tomorrow, Savannah, so that you can be useful. Ever since you left here, my life has been a mess! When are you coming home?" This is a question.

"Brother...I'm not married yet and I'm not married to anyone." I said.

"Hah! You're going to be good! When I really get out of Manila, I'm going to drag you back here and lock you up until you're old!"

"You skinny girl, it's good for you that you got out of Manila because of my vices! You owe me that, so pay me back! I want the money tomorrow-"

I was shocked when someone grabbed my phone.

It no longer has a mask, so I can see the tension in its jaw.

"How much money do you want me to send it to you." He said in a formal voice but I could feel the chill in every word he spoke.

"Ha! It's been a big time to be your wife! You've been complaining a while ago! I want a million! Can you give me a million for what I want?"

"Name your price because after this I won't let you get near my wife ever again." he said then he looked at me.

"Ten Million in exchange for my brother, I promise I won't bother you anymore." I heard Kuya say.

I grabbed my phone from him and yelled at Kuya.

"You will not ask him for money brother! I will! I will give it. Wait and I will send the money tomorrow!" I said annoyed.

I was holding my phone tightly that I wanted to throw it away because I was annoyed with my brother.

Will he also ask my boss for money? We are just pretending to be a couple! We don't have a relationship anymore!

"What are you really doing! You are too arrogant to come home here and when I hit him your face was on the wall here at home! You are useless brother bwesit!" He shouted on the other line before hanging up.

"Sorry, I kept bothering you with your food. Let's go back." I said as if nothing had happened.

I don't want to talk about my brother because my family is outside of my pretense.

I won't let my brother ask Gab for money.

I know what my brother can do to me, but I know better what Gab can do to him if my brother plans something bad against him.

"Is that your brother?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Is he hurting you or what? I kinda don't like the way he cursed at you like he's not your brother nor are you blood relatives, I can sense that he's abusive too." He says.

"Boss, let's eat." I said because I don't want to talk about my brother.

He just tasted it then continued eating.

--

GABRIEL

I CAN'T BE RELAXED because of what I found out today.

I am willing to give his brother what he wants if he would promise not to get near her nor approach her in person.

"Tyler. Can you give me his background info. I want to know everything about him." I said as I sent the person's name to my most trusted secretary.

Tyler is a computer graduate and his very good at that thing he's like a spy from an unknown agency.

I ended the call when someone called so I answered.

"Gabriel." Kendra spoke to me on the other line.

Kendra is my cousin and she is the only one out of all my cousins who didn't judge me.

"Yes, Ken? You got called?", I asked.

"I heard you're already married, by whom?" She asked.

"She's kind Ken, there's nothing to worry about, besides she didn't judge me like you." I said.

"Are you sure about that? You might have second thoughts and backstab-in because you're only looking for money-"

"That is why I married her to test her if she's worthy to be my wife." I said.

I heard her sighed so I smiled.

"I'll meet her then." It said.

"Okay, I'll tell her." I said.

The call ended so I went back to our room.

I was in the office in front of the master's bedroom so I just looked at some papers.

When I entered, he was fast asleep, so I was careful not to make a sound so as not to wake him up.

I walked towards the mirror on the side of the walk-in-closet.

I looked at myself there.

Just because of that thing, my life was ruined.

Why? Why do I have to suffer? I don't remember having problems with anyone 7 years ago.

I clenched my fist when suddenly what happened before came to my mind.

I know I have a wedding but she doesn't need to do that to me to get revenge.

I touched the part with the scar and looked at my large portrait on the wall.

It was taken 7 years ago before that incident happened.

I took a deep breath before laying next to him and closing my eyes.

**