Discovered My CEO's secret

"No! She's not coming back!"

Lucy grabbed my sister’s arm when it showed strong opposition to Aunt Matilda’s decision.

"Hijo, if you want to go in your way..."

She gripped his cellphone and threw it on the table. I swallowed the lump in my throat. What is this mess again?

"You answered the eternal call there on my phone!"

Lourd's lips parted and he stood up and turned his back on us. He rubbed his nape, suppressing anger. I found Lucy's confused eyes. I bit my lip.

"Lourd, maybe we should follow Aunt Matilda."

"And what? You got bitten by that issue? Coming back to the Philippines will just fuel the fire! You will just look defensive because you went back there to cover your name!"

My eyes begged him to calm down. He seemed to have a hard time seeing my eyes.

"She will not cover her name Lourd, she will come back to the Philippines because that is the company's order."

Even Matilda. I nodded in agreement. He keeps on jumping into conclusions so here is the warmth of his head again.

"Babe you knew she needed to follow the company. Her contract hasn't ended yet."

 His condolences here.

"Then fucking end that contract!"

His voice thundered and I closed my eyes firmly there. My heart skipped a bit. Tita Matilda's phone that kept ringing made the situation worse.

"Do you hear yourself Lourd? Ava is one of the highest paid models today, she can't just make stupid decisions!"

Aunt Matilda grabbed his penis and picked up her phone to answer it. He got up and went to the kitchen.

"Lourd, I t-think I really need to go back."

He hopelessly shook his head. He put both his hands on the back of the sofa.

"What the fuck is that scandal Ava?"

"N-no! It's not me!"

Don't tell me he believed that?

"But I saw it! The posture and the hair as well as the shape of the body are just like you!"

My mouth hanged opened, so he really did think that was true?

"There's also this picture of you Ava with that guy, and it's really your face in the picture. It's dark but I can still see your face and you're wearing that gown you wore in -"

I picked up my cellphone and clicked on the link sent by aunt Matilda. There I saw some unbelievable article with a video that I could no longer afford to watch as well as a few photos.

It's ... It's really me. That's me! My face was clearly visible as I leaned against the wall and a man surrounded me. In the next photo, I can't see my face anymore because the man's head is already covered, which makes it look like we're kissing. I was breathing fast along with the trembling of my hand. This is Jomar. This is the night in Mar De Vena high and we have this Graduation ball. I remember it!

"This is ... me."

It came from me but even I couldn't believe it. Lucy sighed but Lourd's expression was helpful and seemed incredulous.

 "I m-mean ... I'm the one in the picture. But I haven't had any scandal! For godess sake, Lourd!"

I rubbed my forehead and sank into my arms. I cried at what was happening. I was afraid that this issue was already making noise in the Philippines, but that fear was not for me. I was afraid for my brother, everything would be wasted of his suffering for nothing. He's okay now, we're okay now and now just because of one picture will mess everything up again. The next days were crucial. I had to finish my last projects with all the noise. Everywhere I go, medias are everywhere and over time I am choking. I answer Aunt Matilda's call.

"I booked your ticket. I will also take care of your university. For now let's focus on our deadline. When we arrive in the Philippines, we will take care of everything."

I fell silent and stare at myself at the mirror. Am I really coming back?

"Yes tita, thank you."

I wore denim in the last batch of the catalog. This is my last shoot in New York. And after, reality will hit me hard as soon as I stepped into the Philippines. I accept their decision, if they remove the contract it's okay, I'm in my last year of college and I think I have enough savings for that.

The information about my return here is hidden, I don't know how the company and aunt Matilda took steps to make my return home so peaceful. I'm on the right company, it's just embarrassing that I'll leave them with shame.

When we left Mar De Vena we only stayed here a week then we left for New York. I didn't even have time to marvel at the beauty of Manila that I used to only see on television. I used to think this city was beautiful, because of the buildings I always adore, the city lights I've always wondered but not yet. New York was beyond it.

My arrival didn’t create noise, no headlines, no articles and all. I don't know how I'll deal my life if the news spreads out all over. I arranged some paperwork given to me by Tita Matilda, I don't know how she arranged everything and I transferred so fast even though I still have a year to finish. I just need to find an internship here and attend a few classes at the university I attended as an irregular student and it’s all set. I'm gonna take the review and get my license.

This is the power of money, I thought then that if I just study and have my own principles everything will be easy but that is not what life has taught me.

Hard as it is to admit, it is easier for privileged people to deal with day-to-day, while others still have to reach both ends just to get what they want. Or worst, they won’t even get it, it will stay as an illusion.

"Yes tita, I'm running some errands today. Do you mind if you can email the address of some companies that I can coordinate with regarding the internship?"

"Oh yes, of course."

The email popped out. I wondered.

"It's only one address tita .."

"Uhm yes! That's the only company who can handle an intern professionally. The others who recommended me have dirty management so that's all I'll give you."

I nodded and read the address. I'm still not familiar with Manila. It's also a good thing not having a car because for sure I might not be able to use it anyway. I'll just book a car service to make things easier.

I read the schedule given to me and that wasn’t that bad. I have to attend class once a week. I would have liked to be a regular student but it is unclear what will happen because big adjustments will be made.

The curriculum is different in other countries and here so maybe I won't base too much on that. The most important thing is to finish my last year together with the internship.  

There is nothing wrong with the chaos of Manila and the chaos of New York. That's the charm of the city, isn't it ironic how you find peace in a chaotic place? The tranquility provided by the city is different. After a long day you'll feel that life hasn't ended yet, you feel worn out. The night doesn’t seem to end, but somehow you’ve still managed to have a good rest and peace of mind.

"I have an appointment. Cyreese Suarez."

I smiled to the woman in corporate. She smiled but when she read my name to my ID she lost her smile and turned to me. They looked at another woman and they made a meaningful look at each other. I gulped due to nervousness.

"Can you wait for minutes ma'am? I'll just call it up." "Of course. Thank you." It stopped me from ignoring me and spoke to the intercom. A few seconds after he spoke he turned to me. "You can proceed to the 40th floor ma'am." It reached my ID. I thanked her and before I turned in the elevator I saw her and her desk companion whispering again. Now, that's uncomfortable.

I got to the 40th floor and compared to the floor I came from before, the people here are more frugal, almost free and not that spacious. There was just a long passage with some scaffolding decors around some places and it was more formal to see the people here. I went to a desk similar to the one before. There was a woman in uniform so I asked her.

"I'm here for an appointment. Internship-" "This way ma'am, let me fill you with some drink while you wait. Mr. President is still on a meeting." President? Isn’t all I need to talk to is the Manager or even just HR? Before I was finished he left and guided me to a place where there were small tables and soft furniture. I would have asked him more but it was like a robot just left in front of me.

I read my lower lip as I leaned back on the soft single sofa. I felt my eyes bulge due to drowsiness, I didn’t immediately fall asleep last night. I was still adjusting my sleeping time. I even had to draw things just to sleep. I lifted the pinched hem of my corporate cream formal long sleeve, the same as the loose high waist short at my waist. Just a simple black embroided spaghetti top was inside of my corporate. My straight and long hair is loose.

I didn't even have time to groom myself. And at least I've managed to wear my black talons even if I'm just forced to. I prefer flats but these are the only formal shoes I carry. It hurts the eyes if I pair doll shoes or sneakers here. I remember Lucy again, she used to help me with my outfits.

Next to me are the wide mirrors. The busy city is clearly visible here. The Philippines is very different. The woman came and dropped it a tall glass with only iced tea. I kept looking back at the desk to see if I would be called but still nothing. Someone came out, that man at a glass door and imagined.

I was called but for a few minutes I was still not called. I tried to take a peek inside from the seat because it had a view of the surrounding glass of that room but I couldn't really see anything because those mirrors were tinted. After minutes of waiting I got bored, I checked my phone to entertain myself.

As soon as I left New York, I already turned off my social media accounts because it wouldn’t help if I could see people’s hefty issue with me. What's the news? New York already knew that I had to clean it to go to the Philippines. I was tempted to open my notifications but I manage to stop myself. Some message from Lourd, Justine and many more are left unread. I read them and filled in.

Justine: How's Philippines?

Me: It's OK.

Lourd: Damn paparazzi.

I chuckled. I was unable to reply to it. He must be fighting them again. This impatient man. Tsk. I was about to hang up the phone when Lucy's message popped out.

Lucy: Guess what?

I typed quickly in his enticing text.

Me: What?

Lucy: I ate chocolate.

My forehead furrowed. This woman!

Me: Lucy please ...

Where is the older brother? Why is he eating chocolates?

Lucy: Kidding. I miss you girl. My shoulder loosened when I read his text.

I smiled. Why does she sound so bored without me around? When in fact my life is so boring without her.

Me: Stop eating chocolates. I miss you too. Before I could send it, the intercom rang. My attention is on the lady in corporate now, wanting her to call me. I sent the text to Lucy and when I looked back she called me.

All smiling, I immediately put the cellphone in the bag. I got up and approached the door, I thanked the woman before entering. I looked around even though I hadn't entered the prose yet. Compared to its appearance on the outside, it has a wider interior.

The combination is a mixture of darkness and light. I narrowed my eyes because of the blur of my vision. I did not wear my lenses because my eyes are hurting due to lack of sleep. I also want to rest it. I entered completely and when I entered I saw more of the surroundings. I saw a man's posture leaning with his back in front of the table.

My breath hitched. Fvck. I almost took my breath away at what I saw. My knees trembled even as my hand clung tightly to the bag. I don't understand. Why is he here? This is not Vidalio Group of Hotels.

Why is he here? I can't ... no, I didn't expect this one coming. He's standing there looking so cocky with his gray long sleeves folded till his elbows, slacks ... his arms.

Damn. With his cold and dark expression. Four years, if I say nothing has changed in him is a big lie. I feel like he's way more taller now and his body became bulky than it used to be before. His hair is still looking so clean with it's cut but its style is different than before.

It's longer but still clean looking. My throat went dry and I blinked repeatedly. I never knew that this day will come, I'm not ready for this. I was never ready for this! Why didn’t I think of all this? The side of his lips rose.

"You might want to take a seat, Ms. Suarez." I think I swallowed my tongue and it was as if no more words wanted to come out of my mouth. His eyes are dangerous and his brows are furrowed, they're cold but I see irony in them. Fold it and let's get organized. Both of his hands are in his pocket now looking so proud standing there while I can't even imagine myself in his eyes right now.

How can he looked at me when I can't even met his eyes? He chuckled. He turned his back on me and circled in his chair. What will I do? Am I leaving? Say I just got the place wrong? But I had an appointment.

Why am I meeting him anyway !? I saw a raw grin on him. Strange heat rose to my cheek when I saw his eyes traverse me from head to toe. Fury and not of anything else. Damn him. I can't just run to this. He is the one who is behind me so why would I run?