THE COLD CEO SPOILED ME

THE PROMISE

SATURDAY — 8:00 A.M.

Nagising si Hanna sa ingay ng kanyang cellphone.

Unknown Number.

"Hello?"

"Hanna?"

"Yes?"

"This is the hospital."

Biglang kinabahan si Hanna.

"Is something wrong with my grandmother?"

"Her condition became weaker this morning. The doctor wants her to come back for another examination."

Napaupo agad si Hanna.

"I'll bring her."

Pagkababa niya ng tawag, mabilis siyang nagbihis.

"Lola, pupunta tayo sa hospital."

"Anak, huwag na. Baka mawalan ka ng trabaho."

"Work can wait. You can't."

---

9:30 A.M. — HOSPITAL

Naupo si Hanna sa tabi ng kanyang lola habang hinihintay ang doctor.

"Lola, please don't worry about the money."

"Pero paano?"

"Hahanap ako ng paraan."

"Anak, ayokong mangutang ka."

"I won't."

Ngumiti si Hanna kahit nag-aalala siya.

"I'll handle it."

Maya-maya, lumabas ang doctor.

"Ms. Mendoza?"

"Yes, doctor."

"We need to discuss your grandmother's treatment."

Tumango si Hanna.

"Okay."

Kinuha ng doctor ang folder.

"Her condition is manageable, but she'll need regular medication and follow-up care. The treatment will take time."

"How much will it cost?"

Sinabi ng doctor ang estimate.

Napayuko si Hanna.

Malaki.

Sobrang laki.

"Okay..."

"Ms. Mendoza, don't worry. We'll help you find a payment arrangement."

"Thank you."

Pagkaalis ng doctor, tahimik si Hanna.

Hindi niya alam kung saan kukuha ng pera.

---

11:00 A.M.

Habang nakaupo si Hanna sa hallway, biglang may tumabi sa kanya.

Michael.

"Hanna."

Napatingin siya.

"Michael? What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you."

"Why?"

"You didn't answer my messages."

Hanna looked at her phone.

"I was busy."

Michael noticed her expression.

"What happened?"

"My grandmother needs long-term treatment."

"How much?"

"Michael..."

"How much?"

Hanna shook her head.

"I don't want to talk about money."

"I'm asking because I want to help."

"I know."

"Then let me."

"No."

Michael looked frustrated.

"Why do you always refuse?"

"Because I don't want to depend on you."

"I'm not asking you to depend on me."

"Then what are you asking?"

"I'm asking you to let someone help you."

Hanna looked at him.

"Why?"

Michael became quiet.

He didn't know how to answer.

Finally, he said,

"Because I don't like seeing you struggle."

Hanna's eyes softened.

"Michael..."

He continued.

"You've been working every day, taking care of your grandmother, and trying to pay every bill yourself. You're exhausted, Hanna. Anyone can see it."

She looked down.

"I can handle it."

"I know."

Michael sat beside her.

"But being strong doesn't mean you have to do everything alone."

Hanna's eyes filled with tears.

She quickly wiped them.

"I just don't want to lose her."

Michael looked at her.

"You won't face this alone."

Hanna looked at him.

"Promise?"

Michael paused.

Then nodded.

"Promise."

---

THAT EVENING

Nasa bahay na si Hanna.

Nakatulog na ang kanyang lola.

Tahimik siyang nakaupo sa kusina.

Biglang nag-vibrate ang cellphone niya.

Michael: Did your grandmother take her medicine?

Hanna smiled.

She replied.

Hanna: Yes. She did.

A few seconds later...

Michael: Did you eat?

Hanna laughed softly.

Hanna: Yes.

Michael: What did you eat?

Hanna: Why are you asking?

Michael: Just answer.

Hanna: Rice and eggs.

Michael: That's not enough.

Hanna: It is for me.

Michael: Tomorrow, I'll send food.

Hanna immediately replied.

Hanna: No.

Michael: I'm not asking.

Hanna smiled.

Hanna: You're so bossy.

Michael: And you're stubborn.

She stared at the message.

Then she smiled.

For some reason, their arguments no longer felt annoying.

They felt familiar.

Comfortable.

Something she was beginning to look forward to.

---

MONDAY — GREY INTERNATIONAL

Pagpasok ni Hanna sa office, may maliit na paper bag sa ibabaw ng desk niya.

Nakasulat:

Eat before you start working.

Hanna looked around.

Michael was inside his office.

She walked in.

"Michael."

"Hmm?"

"What's this?"

"Breakfast."

"I told you I can buy my own food."

"I know."

"Then why?"

Michael looked at her.

"Because I wanted to."

Hanna smiled.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

She turned to leave.

"Hanna."

She stopped.

"Yes?"

Michael looked at her.

"How's your grandmother?"

"She's okay."

"Good."

Hanna smiled.

"She's asking about you."

Michael looked surprised.

"About me?"

"Yes."

"What did you tell her?"

Hanna laughed.

"I told her you're annoying."

Michael smiled.

"Good."

"But she said you're probably a good person."

Michael became quiet.

Hanna walked away.

He looked at the door after she left.

A strange warmth filled his chest.

For the first time, Michael realized something he didn't want to admit.

He wasn't simply helping Hanna anymore.

He was beginning to care.

And that feeling would soon force him to make a decision that could change both their lives.

TO BE CONTINUED...