HUGS #3 Hades Luke Martin (God Of The Underworld) -Completed

Chapter 3 -All Are Coming Back

High & Untouchable Gods Society

Hades Luke Martin

GOD OF THE UNDERWORLD

written by: Blackrose

Chapter 3 -All Are Coming Back

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Hades Luke

'HLM High Rise is almost done, Mr. Martin. In a month and in your own resolution, HLM High Rise can operate.' my Engineer aforementioned as he placed the latest occurrence of my newest project at my desk. I look at it and smile when the outcome fascinates me.

'How's the job expo we're conducting Beverly? Are there applicants who have passed our qualifications for the managerial position that can pioneer HLM High Rise?' I switch my eyes at the head of the Human Resources Department in HLM Group Of International Hotels.

'There had been several applicants for the managerial position aside from the other Departments, Sir. I've also segregated those applicants with experiences from those who don't have.' she answered promptly.

'How many have passed on the introductory interview for the managerial position?' my eyes still bores at her.

'We've got six, Sir. All have managerial experiences for at least a year.'

'I want to be included on their final interview. I want to be in the panel of inquistors and I also want you to be there as well, Beverly.'

'Noted Sir.'

'When will the final interview be held? We only need 2, right?'

'Yes Sir.'

'I'm fine with the six applicants, Beverly. Stop the hiring for the managerial position. When is the final interview?'

'The day after tomorrow, Sir. 9 in the morning here at the conference room.'

'Acquaint my head secretary Lana about the details of that day. Give her the six applicants' curriculum vitae now, I'll study their bios.'

'Noted Sir.'

'Send in my secretary as you leave, Beverly.'

'Right away Sir.' she leaves my office so I return my attention to my Engineer.

'HLM High Rise will operate after a month, Engineer Fajardo. I want the final copy of its facade and interior next week. Coordinate with the Interior Designers and set up a date where you all can meet me. I want a presentation of the finish product the soonest, Engineer.'

'Yes Mr. Martin.' my attention was diverted when I heard knocks at my door. My secretary Michelle enters. I have three secretaries aside from Lana who is my Head Secretary. Michelle, Trina and Theodore.

'I'll see you the soonest Engineer.' after bidding his farewell, he too left my office.

'What's my appointment for today Michelle?' I didn't glance at her, my eyes are checking out the images at my laptop.

'At 2, Sir. You have a meet up with the De Guzman and Ramirez Inc. This is with regards about their proposal to you last month. Then at 6, you have a dinner meeting with your sister Ms. Isabelle Artemis at Mirage Hotel. The reservation is at the VIP room of First Crown Restaurant.'

'Okay. I want you to contact Lana. Beverly will be giving her the lists of our applicants' curriculum vitae, I need it at my desk ASAP today. Get it from Lana. Mamaya pa naman ang appointment ko, go to her after an hour. Hand me another coffee. That's all.'

'Right away Sir.'

I am currently here at my office in HLM Group Of International Hotels Tower, just a few blocks away from Mirage Hotel in Makati City. Michelle and Lana are here with me while Theodore is at Mirage Hotel and Trina is at Goldstruck Hotel. Lana's office is a floor under mine which is at 16th floor, my Executive Office is at the 17th. At exactly 11am, all six curriculum vitae are all at my table as instructed. Inisa-isa ko ito and the last one caught my attention bigtime. At the upper center of the front page was a picture of a woman who never left my mind for the past 7 years. Nilapit ko ang hawak kong paper and stared intently at the printed photo.

'Cherish Athena Demir Chua.' I read her name out loud before I immediately look down at her status. I felt relieved ng makita kong "single" ang nakasulat doon. I look further to see her work experiences. She have worked as a Human Resources Department Manager and at the same time as the Chief Operating Officer of Demir-Chua Enterprise. 'You are over qualified for the managerial position, honey.' I read her bio over and over again. So she just stayed at their company for the past 7 years. 'Why do you want to work with me then, honey?' several ideas came crushing inside my head. I don't want to assume highly because I knew that there's still a huge possibility that she is still mad at me for what I did to her 7 years ago. Kaya ganon na lang ang pag-iisip ko why she have applied as a Manager sa HLM High Rise. It is impossible that she didn't knew who the owner is because it is all over the business pages.

A day had passed quickly and today is the day of the final panel interview for all six applicants of the managerial position. I am wearing an all-black Giorgio Armani corporate suit, which is my favorite color by the way. I am anticipating this moment, excited na akong magkaharap kami again ni Cher. Not that I don't see her often dahil I am always at her home secretly, but the feeling of excitement na makita siyang nakita ako is a different thing. It is already 15 minutes before 9 in the morning, 15 more minutes to wait. I heard a knock at my door, Michelle went in.

'Sir, the panel of interviewers are complete and are just waiting for you at the conference room. The six applicants are also complete, they are all at the lobby.'

'I'll be there at exactly 9, Michelle.' ngumiti siya sa akin and excuse herself. I close my eyes then my mind is filled with the vision of her the time I saw her at Manila Peninsula. All are coming back inside my mind.

*FLASHBACK*

I am currently here at Manila Peninsula, attending my friend's birthday bash. I am wearing a black button down long sleeves and a black slim fit jeans, the sleeves are folded up to my elbows.

'I'll introduce you to my friends, Luke.' we walk towards a group of ladies. 'Everyone! This is a good friend of mine, Luke!' I scan my eyes to the women infront of me. I am accustomed with their stares but a certain lady catches my attention. She's wearing a black cocktail dress and her curve was emphasize because the dress is body hugging. She just glance at me then turn her attention to the woman beside her. Everybody introduces themselves except for the lady who has a long shiny black and straight hair.

'What's her name man?' I whisper at Troy while staring at the lady who didn't showed interest to me.

'Who?' he whispered back.

'The one in the black cocktail dress.' I answered.

'Cher!' the lady with a long shiny black and straight hair look at Troy.

'What?!' I notice that she has an attractive blue eyes. She must be a foreigner. Lumapit si Troy sa kanya and lead her to me.

'You're such a snob Cher! This is Luke! Hades Luke Martin, he's my friend!' she still didn't show any interest at me but she extend her hand anyway.

'Hi! Cherish Athena Chua.' she timidly smile at me. I reach for her hand. It's soft and smooth. But what shocks me was when I felt a short current that runs through my palm na alam kong naramdaman rin niya because her eyes widens and she stares at me.

'Hades Luke Martin. Pleasure to meet you Cher.' she was about to free her hand but I held it tight and smile boyishly at her.

'I'll leave the you two alone. Don't shoo him away Cher. I know you!' sabi pa ni Troy before leaving us alone, not totally alone because we are with their other friends.

*FLASHBACK*

When I enter the conference room, I immediately saw my employees sitting at a long table. Beverly who is my Head of Human Resources Department is here, Lana is also here and one of my Managers is here too. I sit at the center, in between Beverly and Lana. The first applicant enters. After the first, the next applicant follows then the next until all four applicants are done with the final interview. Dalawa na lang ang natitira, Divinagracia Cristobal and her. The first one enters and Beverly was the first interviewer to ask her. Just like the previous four applicants, I was the last to ask. Judging by the looks of this applicant, Divinagracia Cristobal looks more like a student than an applicant. Her hair is in a braid style, she wore a plain white coat, white fitted skirt and a black undershirt plus a black shoes. But according to her bios, she is a graduate of Business Administration in Ateneo De Manila major in Finance. Just resigned from her previous job at Intercontinental Hotel as Concierge Manager. She also received an award last year as Outstanding Manager of the Year. I look at her while she answer Lana's questions to her. I wonder why did she left that hotel if the upper management commended highly of her. With her curriculum vitae is a letter from the management of Intercontinental Hotel. After the panels series of questions to her, it is my turn for the final question.

'Good morning Ms. Cristobal. According to your CV, you were awarded last year as Outstanding Manager of the Year. You were at Intercontinental Hotel during that time, am I correct Ms. Cristobal?'

'Good morning too Mr. Martin, and yes I was still at Intercontinental Hotel that time.' she answered promptly and clear. She knew me. Perhaps she did a background check about the establishment she was applying, unlike the first four applicants prior to her. That's a plus point for me. I've put a smiley face at the upper right of her CV before looking back at her.

'And the upper management commended you highly as their Concierge Manager.' she smile humbly at me and nodded. 'Then why did you have to leave such a wonderful job where I believe compensates you fairly and generously? And why would you rather apply as a manager here when you were already a manager for 3 years at a prestigious hotel?'

'Thank you for that question, Mr. Martin. I am a single mother of a 4 years old kid. My daughter is growing up fast and it breaks my heart everytime I can't be with her most of the time because my work is far from where we live.' I glance at her CV, she lives in Cubao Quezon City. 'I am not after the position nor the huge amount of salary Mr. Martin although I needed it. I just want a job that can provide for my daughter's needs and can cope up for our daily expenses. Then this opportunity came wherein I'm just a ride away from where I live, so I didn't let this opportunity pass. This position if ever I will be hired, will be convinient on my part at the same time means a lot of time for my daughter.' I can't help but to smile at her. I am impressed by her answer. She is good at being a mother, a loving mother.

'That's all, thank you.' matapos kong magsalita ay nagsalita na ulit si Beverly sa kanya. I put the word HIRED beside the smiley face that I've drawn earlier. I gave her CV at Beverly and nod at her.

Last to come in is her. She's wearing a black pencil cut skirt and a black tight fit button down long sleeves that was tucked in with her skirt. The creaminess of her legs were exposed at nang tumingin ako sa manager kong si Hubert, admiration is visible in his stare. I curse underneath my breath. For her footwear, a black pointed closed shoes completed her outfit. Her hair is very different from the one that I've visioned a while ago, her light yellow curly hair is tied in a high ponytail. Our eyes met when she scan the table where I am. But after a few seconds, inalis rin niya kaagad ang tingin sa akin which aches a part inside my heart. She remained serious and just answered the questions that are thrown at her by my employees. Honestly, I don't know what to ask her. I am in awe of seeing her face to face now, walang pumapasok sa isip ko. My mind is haywired and my heart beats rapidly because of her presence infront of me now.

'Sir?' I blink twice before I icily look at her. Masking my longingness for her with a stiff and cold feature.

'Why HLM High Rise when you are one of the owner of Demir-Chua Enterprise, Ms. Chua?' I ask her rigidly. I see how she take a deep breath before answering my question.

'I want to try other fields aside from textile business. And besides, Demir-Chua Enterprise isn't my company, it can't be labelled as my company because it is given to my brother. So I want to know and explore other opportunities aside to what I grew up with. This company of yours Mr. Martin, will be a learning experience for me if I'll be given a chance. I want to put up my own business someday, without the help of my family and I am foreseeing a business just like this in the near future. So if ever that I will be hired here, this opportunity will be my stepping stone and the experience that I can gain here will be my advantage that I can use in the future.'

Hindi ko man makuha kung ano talaga ang reason niya on why she applied, I still put a HIRED word at the upper right of her CV. After handing it to Beverly, I stood up with a poker face and walk towards to door.

'Coffee, Lana.'

'Noted, Mr. Martin.'

Cherish Athena

I am now here at the lobby of HLM Group of International Hotels Tower. Alam kong makikita ko siya dito but I have a job and a sworn oath to my beloved profession. I remember the day I saw my next assignment.

*FLASHBACK*

I am now holding a brown envelop as I walk out of the elevator. Nalipat ko na ang mga gamit ko dito sa 3rd floor where my own office is located. Pagpasok ko sa bago kong office, umupo agad ako sa desk ko and open the brown envelop where my new assignment is. Nilabas ko ang folder from it saka ito binuklat. Front page pa lang ay nakuha na nito agad ang buong attention ko. Written in bold letters.

NEW ASSIGNMENT OF

DETECTIVE CORPORAL CHERISH ATHENA CHUA

Sa ibaba nito ay ang pangalan ng bagong assignment ko na ikinalaki ng mga mata ko.

HADES LUKE MARTIN

HLM GROUP OF INTERNATIONAL HOTELS

Agad kong nilipat ang next page, written there are the personal details of Luke that I knew so well. Kasama rin doon ang mga chains of hotels niya around the world. When I turn the next page, doon na nagsimulang kumunot ang noo ko.

'This can't be! The f**k?!' napapikit ako. 'f*****g s**t!!' then open my eyes again. Before I further read kung ano ang nasa ibaba ng introductory sentence, I hastily pulled my ashtray and grab my cigarette case inside my bag. Nanginginig ang kamay kong nagsindi ng isang stick. Then hinubad ko ang leather jacket ko saka muling hinarap ang folder infront of me. I silently read the content as I continue to smoking. Nang matapos kong basahin ang page ay nilipat ko na sa kasunod. After reading all of it ay binalikan ko ang brown envelop at mabilis na kinuha ang ilan pictures. Kada pictures ay may inscriptions sa likod. A picture showed Luke is with a man na according sa nakasulat sa likod ay si Gilbert Suarez na kilalang businessman and owner of Suarez Freight and Cargo Shipping. Ang isang picture naman ay may kaharap silang isang lalaking Chinese at isang matangkad na lalaking may hawak na atache case and a high powered gun. According sa nakasulat sa likod, ang lalaking Chinese ay si Lucio Tangco na isa rin businessman and known druglord in Macao, China.

After looking at the pictures ay kinuha ko naman ang isang naka-seperate na white paper. According to it, I'll go undercover and apply at HLM High Rise as Manager para makapasok ako doon at magkaroon ng better lead and access kay Luke. I have to gather facts that will consolidate that he is into drugs and lead to the captivation of the foundee of the number one drug syndicate na si Gilbert Suarez.

*FLASHBACK*

Hindi ako sure if what will his reaction be once he'd learned that I am applying sa bago niyang establishment. He didn't know that I've studied in PMA at hindi niya rin alam kung ano ako ngayon. All our details were classified unless to our families kaya malakas ang loob kong walang nakakaalam maging si Luke that I am here to investigate him. My bios are fabricated. Totoong nagtrabaho ako sa company namin sa Demir-Chua Enterprise as HRD Manager, pero hindi ganon katagal at hindi ako naging Chief Operating Officer. I have to fabricate my curriculum vitae para walang leaks na lumabas if ever lang naman, although I am supported by my brother sa kasinungalingan ko sa CV ko.

Tinawag na isa-isa ang mga kasamahan kong pumasa sa initial interview. I know that I have a big chance to get in sa managerial position because aside for my good credentials na gawa-gawa lang rin ay may nakaraan kami ni Luke. Sana lang ay hindi na siya bitter sa akin para tanggapin niya ako. Hindi ko parin maiwasan na kabahan, although we have a plan B if ever hindi ako matanggap dito ay kinakabahan parin ako. Tinawag na ang babaeng sinusundan ko and just a matter of minutes ay magkikita na ulit kami. Honestly, I anticipate this moment a long time. Pinagdasal ko noon na magkita kaming muli, that our paths will cross again. Kung nangyari ito noon ay matutuwa pa ako pero ngayon, maybe years had made me a different person because all that matters to me now is to solve this case and get this over and done with.

When the last woman told me na ako na ang papasok, I take a deep breath and walk calmly with my head held high. Pagpasok na pagpasok ko, I immediately roam my eyes at the panel of interviewers na nasa harapan. Sakto naman na nang tignan ko siya ay nakatingin rin siya sa akin, that's why our eyes met. Seconds lang na nagtama ang paningin namin when I look away from him at tumingin sa babaeng katabi rin niya. After series of questions ay siya ang huling nagtanong sa akin. Pagkatapos ng isang tanong, he immediately stand up and walk towards the door.

'Coffee, Lana.' his deep, cold baritone voice filled the four corners of the room.

'Noted Mr. Martin.' sagot ng babaeng katabi niya rin kanina then also walk out of the room.

Pinatawag lahat kaming anim and was given some brief instructions tapos ay pinalabas na ang first four applicants. Kami ang naiwan ng sinundan ko kanina na napag-alaman kong Divinagracia Cristobal pala ang name. Lumapit sa amin ang isa pang babae na kasama rin sa panel of interviewers kanina. She smiled at us before asking us to sit with her sa isang table.

'I'm Beverly Corpuz, Head of the Human Resources Department. Mr. Hades Luke Martin which is the owner of the establishment where you've applied na isa rin sa mga interviewers kanina, hired the both of you.' I can't help but to show a victorious smile, same goes with Divinagracia. 'We have your numbers. We'll contact you both for further meetings, orientations and such. We are still looking for the people that you both will be handling. On the process pa kasi ang job expo na kinonduct ni Mr. Martin. So for now, I am welcoming you both to HLM Group of International Hotels which is our company's name.' she smile vibrant at us.

Yes! I am in! I smirk at the back of my mind.

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