A LOVE WE LEFT BEHIND

Chapter 10 — The Partnership

A love we left behind

Chapter 10 — The Partnership

Monday morning arrived with an unusual kind of energy at the Rivera residence.

The first floor of Zielle's house was already busy before eight.

Her secretary was arranging documents in the conference room. Two associates were reviewing corporate records. Someone from Rivera Prime Land Greenfields “ANI” Corporation had arrived with additional contracts.

Today wasn't about the Batangas relocation case alone.

Today was about something much bigger.

The proposed partnership between the Rivera and Inigo companies.

Zielle stood inside her private office downstairs, reading through the draft agreement for the third time.

She had highlighted several sections.

Corporate governance.

Land development responsibilities.

Environmental compliance.

Revenue sharing.

Construction liabilities.

Insurance.

Dispute resolution.

Termination clauses.

Confidentiality.

Everything needed to be precise.

She placed the document down.

“Okay.”

Her secretary entered.

“Ma'am?”

“Yes?”

“The Inigo team has arrived.”

Zielle looked at the clock.

Eight thirty.

“They're early.”

“Yes.”

“Who came?”

“Mr. Del Rosso, Attorney Navarro, and their corporate counsel.”

Zielle nodded.

“Send them in.”

Her secretary smiled.

“Yes, ma'am.”

She left.

Zielle took a deep breath.

This was business.

Nothing else.

She repeated that silently.

Business.

The door opened.

Clert entered first.

Their eyes met.

“Good morning, Zielle.”

“Good morning.”

Behind him came Olcen.

“Good morning, Attorney Rivera.”

“Good morning.”

Olcen looked around the office.

“You really have everything here.”

Zielle raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“Nothing. I'm just impressed.”

Clert looked at his friend.

“Sit down, Olcen.”

“Yes, boss.”

They took their seats.

Zielle remained standing for a moment before joining them.

She opened the agreement.

“Let's begin.”

And just like that, the two of them became lawyers and businessmen again.

No flowers.

No memories.

No old nicknames.

Just work.

---

The first hour went smoothly.

The second was more complicated.

Zielle pointed to one provision.

“This section gives Inigo Grand Hotels exclusive authority over the hospitality operations.”

Clert nodded.

“Yes.”

“I don't agree.”

“Why?”

“Because ANI is contributing land development resources and infrastructure. They should have representation in the operational decisions that affect the shared property.”

Clert looked at the document.

“What do you suggest?”

“A joint management committee.”

Olcen leaned forward.

“How many representatives?”

“Three from each company.”

Clert considered it.

“And the chairperson?”

“Rotating every twelve months.”

Clert nodded.

“Agreed.”

Zielle looked at him.

“That easily?”

“It's reasonable.”

She returned her attention to the document.

“Next.”

Olcen smiled.

“I'm beginning to think you two are going to make my job easy.”

Zielle looked at him.

“Don't get comfortable.”

“Too late.”

Clert shook his head.

“Olcen.”

“Yes?”

“Read the agreement.”

“I am reading it.”

“You're talking more than reading.”

“That is also a skill.”

Zielle laughed quietly.

Clert glanced at her.

She immediately stopped.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“You looked at me.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

“I haven't heard you laugh like that in a while.”

The room became quiet.

Zielle looked down at the agreement.

“We're here for business.”

Clert nodded.

“Yes.”

He didn't push further.

That was becoming his habit.

Whenever she closed a door, he didn't try to force it open.

He simply stepped back.

---

By eleven, they reached the environmental provisions.

Zielle became especially serious.

“Any development under this partnership must comply with all applicable environmental regulations.”

Clert nodded.

“Of course.”

“I want independent environmental assessments.”

“Agreed.”

“Not only company-appointed consultants.”

Clert looked at her.

“Independent?”

“Yes.”

“Both companies share the cost?”

“Yes.”

He thought for a moment.

“Agreed.”

Zielle looked at him.

“You're agreeing to everything.”

“Not everything.”

“Almost.”

Clert smiled slightly.

“Because most of what you're asking is reasonable.”

“And if I ask for something unreasonable?”

“I'll tell you.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“You would?”

“Yes.”

Olcen laughed.

“That's the first time I've heard him admit that.”

Clert looked at him.

“Do you want to leave?”

“No.”

“Then be quiet.”

Zielle smiled again.

She hated how easily he could make her laugh.

---

During lunch, everyone moved to the dining area upstairs.

Zielle had initially wanted the meeting to stay downstairs, but her father insisted that everyone eat together.

The two families had arrived by then.

Liam and Celestine were seated with Marco and Beatrice.

Zane and Zafra were also there.

Clert sat across from Zielle.

Olcen sat beside Zafra.

The seating arrangement was suspiciously convenient.

Zafra noticed it.

She leaned toward Olcen.

“Did you plan this?”

Olcen smiled.

“No.”

“You're lying.”

“I swear.”

“You look too happy.”

“Maybe I just enjoy lunch.”

Zafra rolled her eyes.

“You're annoying.”

“I've been told.”

“And you're proud of it.”

“Very.”

She laughed.

Across the table, Zielle noticed them.

She smiled faintly.

Her mother noticed too.

Celestine exchanged a glance with Beatrice.

Neither woman said anything.

They didn't need to.

---

Marco lifted his glass.

“I think it's wonderful that we're finally doing business together.”

Liam nodded.

“After all these years.”

“We've been friends for decades,” Marco said. “It's about time our companies worked together.”

Zane smiled.

“It's a strong combination.”

Clert nodded.

“Inigo can handle hospitality and resort operations.”

“And ANI has extensive land development experience,” Zane added.

Zafra looked at the preliminary proposal.

“This could expand beyond Batangas.”

Everyone looked at her.

She continued.

“If the first project succeeds, we could explore other developments.”

Marco smiled.

“Exactly.”

Zielle listened quietly.

She could already see the possibilities.

It wasn't just a hotel.

The partnership could eventually create integrated developments—commercial spaces, residential communities, agricultural projects, hospitality destinations.

It was a serious business opportunity.

And surprisingly—

she felt comfortable with it.

The Rivera and Del Rosso families had trusted each other for years.

Maybe the companies could do the same.

Her father looked at her.

“Zielle?”

“Yes, Dad?”

“What do you think?”

She nodded.

“I think it's worth pursuing.”

Marco smiled.

“Good.”

Clert looked at her.

“Then we'll pursue it.”

Their eyes met.

For a moment, neither looked away.

Then Zielle returned to her plate.

---

After lunch, the adults continued discussing the partnership.

Zielle stepped outside to the balcony.

She needed a few minutes alone.

The view of Batangas was beautiful under the afternoon sun.

She rested her hands on the railing.

A few moments later, she heard footsteps.

She smiled without turning around.

“Do you always follow me?”

Clert stopped.

“No.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I wanted some air.”

“You have a balcony at home.”

“I know.”

She turned.

“You're becoming very good at finding reasons.”

He smiled.

“Maybe.”

She looked back toward the view.

For a while, they were quiet.

Then Clert said,

“Your family seems happy about the partnership.”

“They are.”

“Are you?”

Zielle thought about it.

“Yes.”

“Even though I'll be involved?”

She looked at him.

“This is business.”

“I know.”

“I'm capable of separating business from personal matters.”

“I know.”

She smiled slightly.

“You really like saying that.”

“Because I trust you.”

Her expression softened.

“You shouldn't.”

“Why?”

“Because you don't know me anymore.”

Clert looked at her.

“I know you changed.”

“That isn't what I mean.”

“I know.”

She sighed.

“Clert…”

He remained quiet.

Zielle looked toward the balcony.

“When you left, I was seventeen.”

He nodded.

“I know.”

“I didn't understand.”

“I know.”

“I waited.”

Clert's jaw tightened.

She continued.

“For a long time.”

“I know.”

“How?”

He looked down.

“Because I knew.”

She turned toward him.

“What does that mean?”

Clert hesitated.

“I knew you were waiting.”

“Then why didn't you come back?”

The question landed between them.

He didn't answer immediately.

Zielle stared at him.

“You always say you'll tell me.”

“I will.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

She laughed softly.

“Again.”

“I know.”

“Do you realize how frustrating that is?”

“Yes.”

“Then why keep doing it?”

“Because I'm trying to find the courage to tell you without making you feel like you have to forgive me.”

Zielle's expression changed.

“Maybe I won't forgive you.”

Clert nodded.

“I'll accept that.”

“Maybe I'll never understand.”

“I'll still tell you.”

“Maybe the truth won't change anything.”

“I know.”

She looked at him.

“Then why are you still waiting?”

Clert took a slow breath.

“Because you deserve the truth.”

Zielle became quiet.

He continued.

“Not because I want something from you.”

She looked down.

“And if I don't want you after hearing it?”

His answer came softly.

“Then I'll respect that.”

Her chest tightened.

She hated that answer.

Because it was exactly the kind of answer she wanted to hear from him.

And that made everything harder.

---

Inside, Olcen was talking to Zafra while pretending to review a document.

“You're staring at the same paragraph.”

Zafra looked at him.

“No, I'm not.”

“You've been on page twelve for ten minutes.”

“Maybe it's complicated.”

“It's the definition section.”

She laughed.

“Fine.”

Olcen smiled.

“You're avoiding something.”

“What?”

“The partnership.”

“Why would I avoid it?”

“Because you're smiling.”

Zafra looked confused.

“What does my smile have to do with the partnership?”

“Nothing.”

“Then?”

Olcen shrugged.

“I just like seeing you smile.”

Zafra stared at him.

For once, Olcen had no joke ready.

She looked down.

“You're strange.”

“I've been told.”

She smiled.

“By who?”

“My best friend.”

“Clert?”

“Yes.”

“He's serious.”

“Very.”

“Too serious.”

Olcen laughed.

“That's why he needs people like me.”

Zafra smiled.

“Maybe.”

Olcen looked at her.

“And maybe I need people like you.”

She immediately looked away.

“Don't start.”

“Start what?”

“You know.”

He smiled.

“Okay.”

But he didn't look away.

---

That afternoon, the final version of the partnership framework was completed.

The lawyers reviewed every clause.

The executives discussed the financial structure.

Zielle read the final pages carefully.

Then she placed the document down.

“I think we're ready for the memorandum.”

Marco smiled.

“Excellent.”

Liam nodded.

“This could be the beginning of something very good.”

Clert looked toward Zielle.

“Yes.”

Something very good.

The words sounded simple.

But to Zielle, they carried another meaning.

Perhaps this partnership would bring their families closer.

Perhaps it would mean seeing Clert more often.

Perhaps that was dangerous.

Or perhaps—

it was exactly what life had planned.

---

Before everyone left, Beatrice approached Zielle.

“Can I talk to you?”

Zielle nodded.

“Of course.”

They moved to the balcony.

Beatrice looked around.

“Your home is beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“You built it yourself?”

“Yes.”

“You should be proud.”

Zielle smiled.

“I am.”

Beatrice held her hand.

“I want you to know something.”

Zielle looked at her.

“You don't have to be uncomfortable around us.”

“I'm not.”

“I know things are complicated.”

Zielle remained quiet.

Beatrice continued.

“But our feelings toward you never changed.”

Zielle's eyes softened.

“I know.”

“When you were young, we thought you would someday become part of our family.”

Zielle swallowed.

Beatrice immediately added,

“But we never want you to feel pressured.”

“I don't.”

“Good.”

Beatrice smiled.

“Because whatever happens between you and Clert should be your choice.”

Zielle nodded.

“I agree.”

Beatrice squeezed her hand.

“And if nothing happens?”

Zielle looked at her.

“We will still care about you.”

Zielle's eyes became glassy.

“Tita…”

Beatrice hugged her.

“You were never someone we forgot.”

Zielle closed her eyes.

For years, she had wondered whether Clert's family had forgotten her.

Now she knew.

They hadn't.

---

When everyone finally left, Zielle returned upstairs.

The house was quiet.

She walked into the living room.

There were flowers everywhere.

Pink tulips.

White daisies.

White roses.

The bouquets Clert had sent over the past weeks.

She smiled.

Then she noticed something.

One of the older bouquets had dried.

She carefully removed the flowers and placed them inside her wooden box.

She was becoming careful with every single one.

As she closed the box, her phone rang.

Clert.

She answered.

“Hello?”

“Did you get inside?”

“I am inside.”

“Good.”

“You called just to ask that?”

There was a short silence.

“Yes.”

She smiled.

“You're ridiculous.”

“I know.”

She sat on the sofa.

“The partnership is finalized?”

“Almost.”

“Tomorrow we'll sign the memorandum.”

“I know.”

Another silence.

Then Clert said,

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For agreeing to work with us.”

“This is business.”

“I know.”

She smiled.

“You really need a new answer.”

“I'm working on it.”

She laughed.

Clert smiled on the other end.

Then his voice softened.

“Good night, Zielle.”

“Good night.”

She was about to end the call.

Then she heard him.

“Zai—”

Silence.

Zielle froze.

Clert immediately corrected himself.

“Sorry.”

She didn't answer.

He waited.

Then he said,

“Good night.”

The call ended.

Zielle stared at her phone.

He had almost said it.

The name.

The name that belonged to another time.

The name that belonged to them.

She whispered it herself.

“Zai.”

She hadn't said it in years.

And somehow, hearing herself say it didn't hurt.

Not anymore.

---

The following morning, the memorandum signing took place.

Both companies' representatives were present.

The document was signed.

Hands were shaken.

Photographs were taken.

The Rivera and Inigo partnership was officially underway.

The Batangas development would now become the first major project under the new partnership.

Zielle stood beside her father.

Clert stood beside Marco.

Their eyes met across the room.

This time, there was no courtroom between them.

No opposing sides.

No legal dispute separating their positions.

They were standing on the same side of something.

Zielle smiled.

Clert smiled back.

Olcen noticed.

He leaned toward Zafra.

“Look.”

Zafra looked.

“What?”

“Progress.”

She smiled.

“Finally.”

---

That evening, Zielle returned to her office after everyone had left.

She sat at her desk and looked at the signed memorandum.

She had spent years building her own career.

Her own office.

Her own home.

Her own life.

And now, somehow, Clert was slowly becoming part of that life again.

Not as her boyfriend.

Not yet.

Not even as someone she trusted completely.

But as someone who was there.

Someone who showed up.

Someone who waited.

She looked upstairs.

Then toward the flowers.

Her phone vibrated.

A message.

Clert: Congratulations, Attorney Rivera.

She smiled.

Then another message arrived.

Clert: We make a good team.

Zielle laughed.

She typed:

Zielle: Don't get used to it.

His response came quickly.

Clert: Too late.

She shook her head.

Then typed:

Zielle: Good night, Clert.

She placed her phone down.

For a moment, she sat quietly.

Then she noticed something on the corner of her desk.

A tiny dried petal.

She picked it up.

She didn't know which flower it came from.

She smiled.

Then carefully placed it inside the wooden box upstairs.

Because somewhere along the way, she had stopped preserving the flowers because they reminded her of the past.

She was preserving them because they reminded her that something beautiful could survive even after years of silence.

And perhaps—

that was what she was beginning to believe about love, too.

Maybe love didn't always disappear.

Sometimes it waited.

Sometimes it changed.

Sometimes it became quieter.

And sometimes, after years apart—

it simply found its way home.