Love Bites

Daddy's Boss 01

Warning : Unedited

Gale's POV

"Do I really need to come with you guys? I mean, diba mga associates ni dad ang invited doon? Hindi ba out of place naman ako don? Can I just stay home, please?" I begged my mom desperately while she's busy fixing my hair.

She kept pulling and twisting on it na akala mo'y naggagantsilyo.

Pati make-up ko ay siya na rin ang nag-apply. Hindi ako sanay ng may make-up at kung ano-ano mang kulorete sa mukha. But in fairness, my mom's hands worked wonders. Looking at myself in the mirror, pati ako ay nagagandahan sa itsura ko.

"You MUST come with us, Gale! That's final!" I hate it when she says that! She even crossed her arms in front of her chest just to let me know there's nothing I can say to change her mind.

"Alam kong hindi ka pa nakaka-attend ng ganitong party but your dad needs our support right now. Gusto mo bang mapahiya siya kay Mr. Mendez? Inilagay pa nga ang pangalan nating tatlo sa invitation!"

I heave a defeated sigh.

Kayden Mendez, my dad's big boss. Halos paulanan ni dad ng papuri si Mr. Mendez sa tuwing mababanggit niya ito. At the very young age of 25, he's already one of the most successful entrepreneur in the city not to mention one of the most sought after bachelor even amongst the few very rich people that live in the city.

Given na bilyonaryo ang tatay niya, it's widely known how he built his way up without much help from his father. To be a multi-millionaire in his young age, walang makakatanggi ng galing at talino niya.

I've tried to search his name through social media and even within his own company pero ni isang litrato niya ay wala akong makita. Even my dad only saw him a few times at iisa lang ang bukambibig ni dad, he said Mr. Mendez was an intimidating man not only because he's so handsome and bold, but also because sometimes when he smiles, my dad would feel like he could read what's on my dads mind.

But I guess dad is just getting old! Muaha!

I don't know what my dad meant by that so I just shrugged it off.

Anyway, my mom's right. Nakita ko noon kung papaano naghirap si dad para lang maiahon kami sa kahirapan ng buhay and when he's about to break, Mr. Mendez was the one who trusted and helped him. It's not an exaggeration to say that Mr. Mendez is our saviour. The least I can do is to thank him in person.

Fast forward to Mr. Mendez's place, we arrived a bit early but the place is swarming with people. I can not believe what my eyes are seeing around me. Extravagant would be a humble word to describe the luxurious setting they call "party". Everyone's sparkling with jewels and colorful dresses and gowns and even in my innocent eyes, I know, we don't belong here.

"How are you feeling, princess?" My dad's warm voice soothe into my shaking body. "Hindi mo kailangang kabahan. You look more beautiful than the other ladies in here. Walang-wala sila sayo, princess!" Sabay kindat ni dad na nagpahagikgik sa akin.

"And what about me? Am I not beautiful as well?" Hirit naman ni mom sabay siko sa tagiliran ni dad.

Napangiti naman si dad sakanya sabay may binulong kay mommy. Her face turned red almost instantly. I knew it's something I'm too young to hear!

PDA much?!

"Mr. and Mrs. Veloso, and..." The guy who read our invitation stared at me for a second then smiled and bowed. "Right this way, please." Magalang na udyok sa amin ng lalaki.

My mom and dad didn't seem to be bothered by how the guy acted but for me, something seemed weird. Paglingon ko sa lalaki ay nakatitig parin ito sa akin kaya ako na mismo ang umiwas ng tingin.

It was weird but maybe it's just me... maybe.

An hour passed but for me, it felt like hours! I kept looking at the golden clock hanging on the wall. And yes, it's made of gold. My dad would check up on me every now and then, I always say I'm okay but he knew I feel so bored kaya maya-maya'y aaliwin niya ako sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahula kung alin sa mga gamit rito ang gawa sa totoong ginto at kung ano ang hindi.

So far, everything that's golden in color is made of real gold! So much for guessing, right?

The next few minutes, may mga binata rin namang sumubok na makipag kilala sa akin. Ang buong akala ko ay puro matatanda lang ang umaattend sa mga ganito. It just hit me na medyo bata pa nga pala si Mr. Mendez. Sa mga lumapit sa akin, almost all of them were stuck-ups so I just slightly entertained them and as politely as possible, declined their offer to "leave the party".

It feels like I'm walking on thin ice whenever I talk to those scums. Halata kasing mga anak mayaman. Paano na lang kung investors pala ang mga magulang nila. I'd be denying my dad bigger opportunities if I mess up.

But one particular guy caught my attention, his name was Craig, he's talkative and charming. Hindi ko naman siya kinakitaan ng kayabangan kahit pa halata sa pananamit at pananalita niya na mayaman siya. If it wasn't for my shy nature ay baka pumayag pa akong maisayaw niya.

At pareho pang kaliwa ang paa ko so NOPE-UH!

We only ended up exchanging numbers and emails. Nakatulong din siguro na pareho kami ng ilang interes at dalawang taon lamang ang agwat ng edad namin. Maybe having someone to at least connect to ay baka matanggal ng kaunti ang pagiging mahiyain ko.

And besides, gwapo naman siya at nasa edad na rin naman ako kung sakali man. KUNG SAKALI MAN!

My blood rushed to my cheeks with just the thought of it! I honestly wish hindi ako nagkamali sa kanya. Kahit kaibigan lang ay okay na okay na ako.

I definitely don't want the past to repeat itself.

My mom on the other hand made a lot of friends by the looks of it. I can tell that she loves the attention, bukod kasi sa extrovert at matalino si mommy, magaling rin siya mambola. Minsan nga ay napapa-isip ako kung kainino ko ba nakuha ang pagiging mahiyain ko. My dad is also enjoying the party with his other business pals na palagay ko ay nakilala niya dahil kay Mr. Mendez.

Speaking of Mr. Mendez, hindi pa siya nagpapakita sa sarili niyang party. Normal ba sa sobrang yaman na host na malate sa sariling party? It's more that an hour since the party started.

After a few minutes later, nakasalampak na lamang ang mukha ko sa magarang mesa. A few attendees were even whispering upon seeing me like that. Napapaupo na lang ako ng maayos sa tuwing may titingin sa akin. I dont really belong in this kind of place.

My eyes wonders around, trying to look for my mom and dad. Sana pwede na kaming umuwi ang kaso ay wala pa ang mismong host. I can't find any of them, instead a familiar looking face caught my eyes. A guy seem to be watching me from afar. Hindi ko nakita ng buo ang mukha niya dahil sandali ko lamang siya nakita. Bigla siyang nawala sa paningin ko dahil sa dami ng nagsasayawan sa gitna ng hall.

But those eyes that resemble the night themselves... I can never forget who they belong to.

My heart began to race! If it wasn't for someone ringing a wine glass in the middle of the ball, I would've ran out of this place already!

"Please, may I have everyone's attention!" The same guy who greeted us when we arrived spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to announce, the arrival of the humble host of this party and the next Heir of House Mendez, Mr. Kayden Faust Mendez!"

Everyone stood up, looking up at the man who's descending from the red-carpeted stairs. Smiling and greeting everyone like a prince in all his glory. His jet black hair and black eyes suit his black tux and demanding yet respectable aura.

Everyone seems glad and excited to finally meet him. I, on the other hand, is extremely shocked and overwhelmed by the mere sight of him!

He's not HIM! It can't be him! N-No way!

If it's really him... Then t-this... From the very beggining... All of this is a trap!

My dad held me on both my shoulders which made me jump a little.

"Oh, I'm sorry, princess! Did I startle you? Bakit namumutla ka ata?" Dad worriedly searched my face for answers.

I can feel the inside of my stomach churning and my mouth drying as I try to find the right words to say without alarming him.

"I-I'm fine, bigla lang akong nahilo, dad. Dad, g-gusto ko nang umuwi. Can we please leave right now?" I lied, which I very rarely do.

But at this moment, I'm really desperate to get out of this situation.

My dad, upon seeing me as I am, slowly nods. I see mom coming from behind my dad with her worried look when she sees me.

"Gale? Is there something wrong? Gale, baby, are you okay?" My mom held my hand firmly.

"Gusto ko nang umuwi, mom. Please, umuwi na tayo!" I begged while whispering, afraid that someone would hear me.

"S-sige, but let us at least greet Mr. Mendez before we leave. Then uuwi na rin tayo agad. Unless gusto mong masabihan tayo ng walang modo, Gale. Okay?"

I am thinking of another excuse that won't make them notice that I am really avoiding Mr. Mendez himself! But it's too late.

"I was looking for you." A voice so low and daring, it almost made me kneel.

My mom and dad turn toward the voice while I remain standing still, too afraid to even move.

"Boss! I was on my way to greet you, sir! It's always an honor to be in your presence!" My dad politely and respectfully greeted him and bowed.

My mom didn't let go of my hands but managed a tepid bow upon seeing him.

There's an awkward pause after it and I can almost feel his gaze digging into my back.

"I heard someone doesn't want to meet me? Is that right?" His voice was calm and polite while he said it but the way I know him, I'm quite sure he's warning me.

And how in hell did he know I was trying to leave?!

"Who would not want to meet you, Mr. Mendez! It's our honor to meet the man who supported us all this time! Am I right, Gale?" Sa ganyang pataas na ang tono ng pangalan ko kay mama ay isa lang ang ibig sabihin.

You better stop being rude right now and greet him!

I can almost hear mom's thought right now.

I close my eyes for a second and breathe heavily. I turn toward him and look up.

I swear, pagkakita ko pa lamang sa mga mata niya ay gusto ko na talagang kumaripas ng takbo!

He got taller and bulkier it seems but his eyes still speak the same language and I know what they mean at this moment... wanting.

"Greet him, Gale! Why are you just standing there!" My mom whisper-yelled near my ear without losing her award winning smile.

My lips are too dry so I lick them wet. His eyes caught it and a secret smirk formed on his cheek.

"G-gale, sir! Ah-I-I mean, m-my name is Gale, sir!" I'm stuttering like a stupid toddler for fu**s sake!

"I-I've been d-dying to meet you, Mr. Mendez, s-sir. Uhm, t-thank you for- for your trust all this time. My family o-owes you a lot, s-sir!" I wanted to strangle myself to death on how pathetic that was!

Kita kong napatakip ng mukha si mama sa hiya para sa akin at hindi naman naitago ni dad ang tawa niya sa nangyari.

Faust... Mr. Mendez on the other hand smiles amusingly.

"My daughter is pretty shy so please excuse her, sir!" Embarrassed by how I reacted, mom made excuses.

"Pasensyahan niyo na ang prinsesa ko, boss! Mahiyain kasi talaga ang anak ko sa mga magagandang lalaki!" Biro ni papa kay Mr. Mendez.

Not now, dad!

Narinig ko naman ang tawa ni Mr. Mendez sa biro ni papa.

I can't believe they got this close to each other. It's like they're close friends!

"It's fine. I'm pretty sure she's not used to this, so let's not embarrass her further."

Nakita ko na lang ang palad niyang nakalahad sa harap ko habang ako'y nakayuko.

I look up once again and sees him staring into my eyes again. Absentmindedly, I put my hand on his and he ever so gently he kissed it with his soft lips.

Nagsitayuan lahat ng balahibo ko at ipinapanalangin ko na sana ay hindi nila iyon nahahalata.

I don't want him to know he still affects me! Though my stuttering gave it away already...

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Gale. You're much more beautiful than how your dad described you." He sweetly but respectfully said.

"P-pleasure is all mine, sir." Kako naman.

"You're father is a brilliant man. I'm sure having a lovely and supportive family like you and your mother, he can achieve a lot more while working with us. I hope you will keep supporting him during this critical time of his career. I'll be looking forward in the future." There's a hidden meaning to whatever he's saying.

I simply nodded, not knowing what words to say. Everything's making sense to me now... It's overwhelming.

"Regrettably, I have to greet the other guests as well. Please, excuse me and I hope you enjoy the party." Aniya at nagpaalam na rin siya kila dad at mom.

I caught him looking back and there I saw his real smile and I can almost tell what it means...

I'm just getting started.