Eternal Love

JAKE’S POV I am a firm believer in love at first sight. Because that is exactly what I felt the moment my eyes landed on her. And right then and there, I made a promise to myself—no matter what it takes, she will be mine. Even if I have to step on boundaries or hurt feelings along the way, I won’t stop until I have her. I slid a folder across the table toward the private investigator sitting in front of me. Inside were basic details and a photo I had managed to take secretly. “Here’s everything I’ve gathered so far, including her picture. I want to know every single thing about her—her routine, her family, her likes and dislikes. Make sure you give me details that will satisfy me,” I ordered firmly. I need to know everything there is to know before I make my move. I already have a clear plan in mind. If I can’t win her over gently, then I’ll just have to take her by force. It doesn’t matter if she gets hurt in the process. The only thing that matters is that she ends up in my arms. I am fully aware of the consequences of what I am planning to do. But I am ready to face anything, as long as I get to have the only woman who has occupied my mind and made my heart beat faster than it ever has before. “Yes, sir. You have my word,” the detective replied. “Good. Just beep me the moment you have new information.” He nodded, stood up, and excused himself. I leaned back against my swivel chair, spinning it slowly while twirling my company pen between my fingers. My mind instantly drifted back to her. She is absolutely breathtaking—flawless, in every sense of the word. She is everything I have ever wanted in a woman. My dream girl. I will use every connection, every power, and every resource I have just to make her mine. I found myself imagining our future together: building a family, walking hand-in-hand while carrying our children, watching them grow. A perfect, happy family. A small smile crept onto my face as the picture became clearer in my mind. Jhie, Jhie, Jhie… I want you so badly. You’re driving me crazy. I can’t even sleep properly at night because you’re always on my mind. I was still smiling to myself when a knock on the door pulled me back to reality. “Come in,” I said, my voice returning to its usual authoritative tone. My secretary entered and handed me a thick stack of documents. Right, I had asked her to prepare these. I had completely forgotten because I was too busy thinking about Jhie. Damn it. “Is this everything?” I asked, not even glancing at her as I started flipping through the papers. “Yes, Mr. Montez. All the reports and the documents you need to sign are there as well.” I just nodded, my focus shifting to the files. “Okay. You can leave now.” “Noted, sir.” She turned to walk out. “Ah, wait!” I called out before she could close the door. “Please bring me a cup of tea as well. Thank you.” She nodded again and finally left. I dove straight back into work. These past few days have been really hectic, filled with one meeting after another. Aside from managing my other businesses, I am currently building a new branch of our mall, as well as a franchise of that famous doughnut brand known all over Asia. I decided to franchise it because I saw how profitable it was, even though their prices are a bit higher than usual. But people keep coming back because the quality is worth every penny. I even flew all the way to Indonesia just to process the franchise agreement. That explains why I’ve been so busy lately—organizing the space inside my own mall here in Makati. And it was exactly in that same mall where I first met her. She was working as a crew member at the coffee shop located on the ground floor. I remember it clearly; she was the one who served my coffee the day I visited. I wanted to talk to her so badly, but no words came out of my mouth. It was also embarrassing to try and strike up a conversation when the line was so long and everyone was waiting. I chuckled softly as I remembered that moment. Then, a brilliant idea popped into my head. Maybe I should just start taking my coffee breaks there from now on, I thought, a mischievous smirk forming on my lips. When snack time finally arrived, I quickly fixed my things and stood up. I couldn’t wipe the wide grin off my face. Even as I walked out of my office, my smile remained, and my eyes were shining with excitement. My secretary gave me a strange look as I passed by—she was probably thinking I had lost my mind. But what can I say? Love really does make you act crazy, doesn’t it? Since my office is just in a separate building within the mall complex, it only took me a minute to reach the coffee shop. The moment I stepped inside, my eyes immediately searched for her behind the counter. But she wasn’t there. I looked around, hoping she was just wiping tables or attending to customers, but there was still no sign of her. Maybe it’s her break time? I told myself. I ordered my usual drink and sat down, but even after waiting for a while, she never appeared. I couldn’t hide the disappointment written all over my face. Before I knew it, my break time was already over. “Damn it. Where is she? My break is done and I still haven’t seen her. Did she even come to work today?” I muttered to myself. I noticed one of her male co-workers walking toward the table beside mine to clean it up, so I called out to him. “Excuse me, dude. Can I ask you something?” “Yes, sir. What is it?” he asked politely. I hesitated for a second. Should I really ask this? It feels too personal, and he might find it weird. But screw it. He doesn’t know me, and I don’t come here often anyway. I’d rather ask and satisfy my curiosity than go back to work feeling restless just because I didn’t see her. “Uhm… Did Jhie come in today? I’ve been looking for her but I can’t find her,” I asked, trying to sound casual, like we were really close friends so he wouldn’t get suspicious. He smiled at me before answering. “It’s her rest day today, sir. That’s why she’s not here.” I paused for a moment, surprised. “Is this her usual day off?” I asked again without thinking. He frowned slightly, staring at me curiously. I could almost read his thoughts—if you know her, why don’t you know her schedule? I mentally cursed myself. I should have kept my mouth shut. Now he’s definitely going to find it strange. I had to think of an excuse fast. “Ah, right! I remember now, every Friday is her day off. I just forgot, sorry. I thought it was still Thursday today,” I lied, trying to sound casual. Thankfully, his expression relaxed and he seemed convinced. Phew, that was close. “It’s actually Friday today, sir. So yes, every Friday is her rest day,” he corrected me. I just nodded and thanked him. I decided not to ask anything else anymore; I might just mess up my own plans if I keep talking. I guess, I’ll just wait for the investigator’s report instead. With a heavy sigh, I stood up and headed back to my office. There was no point staying here any longer when the person I wanted to see wasn’t even around.