Tales Of The Heart

Sydney, Australia.

Caldwell Publishing Office.

"Mornin', Serena!"

Serena looked up from her laptop and to greet her colleague back. She curiously frowned when she saw Nicky smiling from ear to ear, and there's something about her that seems a bit... Weird.

"Morning, Nicky. Wait, what's with that smile?" Serena asks, while observing her bestfriend-slash-co-worker.

Nicky averted her blue eyes away from Serena's gaze while acting so strange.

"Tell me... Is there something that I need to know?" Serena did a follow-up question.

Nicky bit her lip, and it was obvious that she is hiding something.

"Well, you see---!" Nicky wasn't able to finish her sentence when they heard a familiar voice behind them.

"I believe we're still in the middle of working hours, and I expect you to focus on your work, Miss Hughman." it was the CEO of Caldwell Publishing, Mrs. Rosie Caldwell.

Nicky's face became red like a steamed crab after they heard their Boss. Serena took the opportunity to cover up for her friend.

"Nicky was just asking for some opinions regarding her article, Boss. I apologize for the inconvenience." she made up an excuse to save her friend.

Serena saw Nicky who's giving her a secret smile, while looking relieved.

"Alright then. You should concentrate on your work. We have lots of things to do today." Boss Caldwell reminded them.

"Yes, Boss." Serena and Nicky said in unison.

Both of them went back to work, but Serena is planning to have a talk with Nicky later on.

She will have a talk with her bestfriend later. It's obvious that Nicky got some juicy news for her, and she wants to know more about it.

After a few moments, Serena suddenly received a call from the CEO's office.

"Hello, Boss?"

"Come to my office as soon as possible, Miss Montana. I need to talk to you about something important." Mrs. Caldwelll said it all in one breath, and Serena knew that it was something serious since her boss called her by her last name.

Their Boss is known for being close to her employees, and she calls them on a first name basis. However, if there's something wrong, their old Boss calls them by their surnames...

"Yes, Boss..." responded, while feeling nervous.

Serena closed her laptop and took out her pen and paper to write down all of their Boss's agenda for that closed meeting.

She's also thinking that maybe she did something wrong on her manuscript and the Boss will just reject it or she will ask for revision... There are many things that is going on her mind while she's making her way towards the CEO's Office.

After a few minutes, she is now standing by the door of the CEO's Office. Serena took a deep, calming breath, then afterwards, she knocked at the door twice.

"Come in." she heard Mrs.Caldwell's voice.

"Well, this is it." Serena whispered to herself.

She opens the door and enters the room.

She saw Mrs. Caldwell looking at her with a serious expression on her face.

"Please take a seat. I want you to calm down and listen to me carefully." the old woman seriously stated.

Serena's heart started beating faster after she heard her Boss' remark. She has this feeling that she's going to be fired. She just feels sad to leave the company because she loves working here, and she treats everyone like a family member...

"Miss Montana?"

Serena's train of thoughts stopped in a halt when she heard Mrs. Caldwell's voice again.

"O-Oh, I'm sorry..." Serena apologized. She took a seat as her legs trembles with extreme nervousness.

"Let's start with the meeting, then. Miss Montana, how long have you been working with us?" Mrs. Caldwell began.

"A-Almost six years now, Boss..." Serena answered, while stuttering.

Mrs. Caldwell leans back on her swivel chair, as she seriously stares at Serena.

"Hmm...That's right. You were still a fresh College graduate when you started working here." the old woman can still remember the old times.

"Y-yes, Boss." replied again.

"And do you really think that you have gained lots of experience in those six years of working with us?" Mrs. Caldwell questioned her again.

"I believe that I still have many things to learn, Mrs. Caldwell. I still have a long way to go." Serena enunciated.

"Well, I'm a little disappointed to hear that you're not that confident with your skills. But I have to tell you this big news..." Mrs. Caldwell faltered on her words.

Serena held her breath in suspense while waiting for her Boss to speak again.

"I'm going to be fired. I'm going to be fired. I'm going to be fired..."

"Unfortunately, you'll be doing lots of overtime work starting next week since you are going to be Assistant to the President!" Mrs. Caldwell happily announced, as her lips breaks out into a wide smile.

Serena instantly froze on her seat once she heard Mrs. Caldwell. She clearly heard what she said, but she still couldn't believe it.

"I-I apologize, Boss, but I don't understand..."

"Well, Nicky told me that you won't believe it a first, and she's definitely right. But you heard it. right, Serena. You are now promoted as an Assistant to the CEO!" Mrs. Caldwell announced again.

Serena's eyes widened in utter shock, and it took her a few seconds before she regains her composure.

"B-But why me? How about Nicky?"

"Nicky will be the Head of our Department. It means that all of the manuscripts and works will be assessed by her, and she'll do the approving process. So both of you are going to be promoted. Because of your talents, skills and dedication to the company, you deserve this promotion." Mrs. Caldwell happily explained.

"I can't believe this is happening to me!" Serena stated, while feeling overwhelmed with the news.

Mrs. Caldwell smiled at her.

"Then better believe it, dear."

"Thank you very much for trusting me, Mrs. Caldwell.

"But the good news doesn't end here, Serena, so you better brace yourself." Mrs. Caldwell spoke again.

Serena curiously frowned, as she waited for her Boss to speak again.

"The big bosses from a certain TV Network actually had a chance to read your script. And they wanted to turn your manuscript into a film project!"

Serena was at loss of words because she feels like she's floating in the air!

"I... I really don't know what to say, Mrs. Caldwell. This is just like a dream come true to me!"

"You deserved it. So, you should be ready tomorrow at the ABZ TV Network Building for our meeting, okay?" the old woman informs her.

When she heard the name of that television network, one person suddenly came into her mind.

"Mrs. Caldwell, does Liam Beckett has got something to do with this film project?" she suddenly asks her Boss.

Mrs. Caldwell shook her head as an answer.

"No, of course not. It's the President of the company's idea, not him."

Serena heaved a sigh of relief after she heard Mrs. Caldwell. At least she got this wonderful opportunity because of her own talent, and not because "someone" pulled some strings.

"You'd better get back to work, Serena. You need to get your presentation ready for tomorrow's meeting." Mrs. Caldwell reminded her.

"I'll do it right away. And thank you very much for giving me this great opportunity." Serena sincerely thanked her Boss.

Afterwards, Serena left the CEO's Office and went back to her own desk. She was caught by surprised when her co-workers, including Nicky congratulated her in a loud voice.

Mrs. Caldwell returned her smile.

"Congratulations, Serena!" they excitedly greeted her.

Some of them are holding balloons and few of them are wearing party hats.

"Oh my goodness! Thank you, guys!" Serena happily thanked all of them.

"How about a speech there?" one of their co-worker suggested.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!" all of the employees said in unison.

"This is such a pleasant surprise for me, and I really don't know what to say. But I just wanted to say thank you for all of the support that you gave me throughout the years..." Serena made a speech, as she's getting a bit emotional.

All of the employees gave her a warm applause.

"Enough of this, guys! You're making me cry. Let's all go back to work, okay? And by the way, thanks for the greetings, I really appreciate it." Serena thanked her colleagues again, and after that, they went back to work.

After a few minutes, their office became quiet again because they are all busy with their own work...

=======================

The next day.

Serena took a deep breath as she and Mrs. Caldwell made their way to the private office of the President of ABZ Television Network, which is one of the top TV Stations in Australia. This will be the day that she will meet with the President, Director, the actors and the actresses for the big film project that will be based on her manuscript.

"Still nervous, Serena?" Mrs. Caldwell suddenly asks her.

"Yes, just a little bit." she admitted.

"You don't have to be nervous. I am confident that you'll be able to impress them." the old woman is trying to make her feel better.

"But don't you think it's too early for me to accept this bib project?" Serena can't help herself but to feel nervous.

"Don't say that. This is your chance, Serena, and you have to grab this opportunity." Mrs. Caldwell tries to cheers her up.

After a few minutes, they finally reached the Conference Room. They entered the room, and they were greeted by the people inside.

"Good morning, everyone. Are we late for the meeting?" Mrs. Caldwell greeted everyone in a confident manner.

"No, not at all. We're just waiting for the President. His secretary said that he got caught up with something." a forty-year old man answered.

"That's a relief! And you must be Director Ainsworth?" Mrs. Caldwell smilingly guessed.

"Yes, at your service. And you must be Mrs. Rosie Caldwell, the core of the Caldwell Publishing House." Mr. Ainsworth said, as he raises his hand towards Mrs. Caldwell for a handshake.

Mrs. Caldwell accepted the handshake.

"Yes. And this is Serena Montana, the writer behind the amazing novel."

The rest of the people in the Conference Room stood up.

"You're Serena Montana? Oh my! I've heard so much about you. I've read your work, and I just couldn't let it go. I was happy when I found out that you chose me to play the role of Jasmine. It's really an honor for me. I'm Kathy Lisbon, by the way." a famous actress gushes at Serena.

"I'm so glad to hear that, Miss Lisbon. And it's such an honor to be working with you." Serena smilingly said.

"Oh please, just call me Jasmine. I'm so excited about this project, and I can't wait for the shooting to start!"

Hello, Miss Montana. I'm Patrick Harville, and I'm looking forward working with you, guys." a jaw-dropping gorgeous man suddenly joins their conversation.

"Introductions are not needed when it comes to you, Mr. Harville. You're one of the most popular actors in Australia, not to mention in Hollywood as well." Serena smilingly enunciated.

Their conversation just ended when the secretary suddenly enters the Conference Room, along with the Big Boss of ABZ Television Network. After apologizing for being late and after a bit of introductions, they finally started the meeting...

==========================

After a few hours.

"It's been a productive day, isn't it, Serena?" Mrs. Caldwell asked, while they are walking at the parking lot of ABZ Building.

"Yes, it is." Serena happily responded.

They had a successful meeting, and it means that the big film project is finally in full swing.

"You have to me mentally, emotionally and physically ready for this big project, Serena. You are in for an intense pressure." Mrs. Caldwell gave her a piece of advice.

"Yes, Boss. I will." Serena nodded in return.

"Goodness, is this the time? Matthew will be very mad at me!" Mrs. Caldwell suddenly said, while looking frustrated

"Oh, right. It's your son's football match today!" Serena remembers this special day as well.

"I'm sorry, Serena, but I have to go to Matt's school right now! Are you going to be alright?" Mrs. Caldwell asked worriedly.

"I'll be fine, Boss. You'd better hurry or Matt might get angry with you." Serena reassures her Boss.

"Okay, see you at the office tomorrow." Mrs. Caldwell quickly said goodbye.

When Mrs. Caldwell drove off and her car is finally out of sight, she started walking towards her car. She was surprised to see a big bouquet of yellow roses at the windshield of her car, with an envelope at the top of the flowers.

She smelled the roses first before she opened the envelope.

"--- I wouldn't dare to give these to you in public because I know you won't let me, so I just left a note. Congratulations, babe. I'm so proud of you. I'm going to prepare a little dinner for us at my place, with your favorite champagne. It's time celebrate your success. See you at 7."

Only yours, Liam.

Serena smilingly smelled the yellow roses. She is actually relieved to know that her boyfriend, Liam, doesn't have anything to do with her movie project.

Liam's father, Mr. William Beckett is the owner and the CEO of ABZ Network, and she doesn't want to be directly involve with Liam's family, especially when it comes to business matters...

She smelled the roses one last time, and afterwards, she steps inside the vehicle and she started the engine. She needs to go back to the office to finish some pending tasks...

===========================

Later that night

Serena went straight to Liam's apartment after a long day at the office. She pressed the buzzer and after a few seconds, her boyfriend, Liam smilingly greeted her.

"Did you like the roses?" Liam asks her as they walk inside the apartment.

"Yes, I did. It was lovely. Thank you, Liam." Serena lovingly thanked her boyfriend.

Serena's gasp was caught in her throat when she saw the dinner table.

Petals of yellow roses were scattered on the floor, forming a circle where the dining table is placed. It was a candlelight themed-dinner.

"Shall we take a seat, then?" Liam invited her.

"This is beautiful, Liam. I'm impressed!" she answered in amazement.

"I'm glad to hear that. Let's have dinner, shall we?" Liam suggested.

When Serena lifted the stainless plate cover, she was surprised to see another envelope on her plate. Something was written on it, which says "Open Me."

She looked at Liam in amazement, who just lovingly smiled at her. She decided to open the envelope.

"There's a surprise hidden by another surprise. If you want to know what kind of surprise it is, take the staircase that would lead you at the rooftop. Another clue awaits for you there."

Serena teasingly rolled her eyes heavenward.

"Rooftop? How romantic, Liam..." she cajoled.

Liam chuckled in return.

"I know you would say that. C'mon." he said, as he offered his hand towards Serena.

Serena accepted his hand and stood up.

They left the apartment and took the emergency staircase. When they arrived at the top of the stairs, Serena saw another letter pasted at the emergency door exit.

"Open the door towards the treasure. A treasure only fit for a queen like you is waiting for you there." Serena read the letter out loud, and after that she looked at her boyfriend again in surprise.

Liam just gave her an encouraging smile.

Serena sighed, but she was feeling a little nervous.

This is getting interesting, she thought.

She pushed the door open. The gust of the evening wind greeted them. What she saw next that left her breathless was a red carpet. It was another candlelight-themed dinner. There were 2 people there playing a wonderful song on a violin.

"Oh, Liam..." she was already near tears when Liam suddenly spoke.

"Lead the way, Serena." he said.

Serena slowly walked at the red carpet, while Liam is silently following her. When they finally reached the table, there was something written on the stainless plate cover. It says:

"Thee treasure lies in here."

With trembling hands, she slowly opened the lid, and she saw a small velvet box. And she didn't have to ask or guess what was inside.

"Open it, Serena." Liam whispered at her.

With cold hands, Serena opened the box and saw a diamond solitaire which sparkled like a star in the sky!

Liam pulled the engagement ring out from the small box and asked for her right hand. He bent on his knees and stared straight into Serena's eyes...

"Will you give the honor to marry you, Serena?" Liam finally popped the question.

"Yes!" Serena exclaimed.

Liam slipped the ring on her finger and kissed it.

They both hugged each other happily...Liam carried Serena and spun her around.

============================

After a few hours.

Serena smiled and looked at Liam's car while he is driving away. They had a wonderful dinner after the surprised proposal and after some champagne glasses and a few little dances, she asked her fiancé to take her home since she still has an important meeting tomorrow.

When Liam's car was out of sight, she went upstairs leading to her very own apartment room.

She was about to go straight to the bathroom when the phone suddenly rang. Serena quickly grabbed the phone because she knew it was her dad calling at that time. The timing was perfect. She was about to tell her father about her engagement to Liam.

"Hi, Dad! I'm glad you called-----!"Serena was interrupted when she heard her father's worried voice.

"---Serena! What happened to you? I've been calling you on your smartphone since afternoon!"

Serena frowned. She knew right away that there was something wrong based on her father's agitated voice.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I just switched off my smartphone and I just got home..."

She heard her father lets out a deep sigh from the other line.

"I'm sorry if I snapped at you...It's just your sister---she's in the hospital. She tried to commit suicide this morning." her father sadly announced.

Serena froze when she heard what happened to her younger sister.

"I-Is she alright now?" she nervously asks her father.

"Via is in a stable condition now. She tried to swallow down a bottle of sleeping pills. She was deeply heartbroken because things are not working well with her boyfriend..." her father explains Via's situation.

"Oh, Via..." Serena helplessy said.

"Do you think you can come home, Serena? I know you have a job over there, but your sister doesn't want to be with me. She only listens to you." her father begged from the other line.

"Of course, Dad...I'll be able to go home as soon as possible." Serena quickly answers.

"I'm relieved to hear that, Serena. At least the three of us will be together even just for a short time." the old man stated.

Serena asked few more things about Via's condition. Afterwards, Serena weakly hungs up the phone. Even though her father reassures her that Via is in good condition now, she still feels uneasy.

She needs to talk to. Mrs. Caldwell and talk about her situation, and ask her permission to go back to her hometown. She's quite sure that her old Boss will understand her.

She needs to be with her younger sister as soon as possible.

And she also needs to talk to Liam.