In Love With You

Chapter 20

"Self-respect"

ERICA's POV

I decided to finish all my works as early as possible today. I have to assist my manager with his meeting for a huge company that our firm had closed a deal with. We were assigned to handle the business matters of the said contract with a huge conglomerate. Our company is set to provide a huge participation with a railway construction that is set to be built in certain provinces in the country. As a business analyst, I am aware that this is way too huge to handle. Especially that it had something to do with the government and with foreign investors. But with my senior's ability and experiences, I know it's gonna be a lot easier for him when it comes to labor costs, timelines, staffing and employment, etc.

"Erica, I know it's not easy for you to decide but I need your answer by tomorrow regarding the business travel that I offered you."

We are still on our way to the building where the meeting was set. And honestly, after everything that had happened to me and Ans recently, I'm not in the right mind anymore. I can't even get myself to focus with my work though I know that this is very important.

"I'll keep that in mind Sir."

We entered a meeting room together with Linda, my colleague. We settled ourselves and started to study the papers on our desks. After some time, some representatives from the government office has arrived and we're now waiting for the investors. While waiting, we've discussed some details with the others and thank them for choosing our firm for such a huge project. We are gonna be responsible for Labor and employment, not that we are recruiters since we also have a different department for that but we are mainly here to study timelines and costing in accordance with the country's memorandum of agreement with investors from other countries.

The door opened and I didn't get enough surprises yet I guess. The first person to have entered is the least person I want to see for now. Yes, Ans the CEO. And why would a Railway construction need him here? Seriously? Of all people?

We all stood up and got the chance to introduce one another by each representatives. And yes, I got the chance to hold his hand for a shake though I wouldn't want to. He seems more surprised as he even hesitated to let go of my hand. What was he thinking?

"His company might have been the government's choice for technical aid. Gosh, we'll be working with your boyfriend"

Linda whispered into my ear and I couldn't agree more of the idea of working with him.

You mean, with the man you had a one-night-stand with?

At least I didn't said that loud I think.

So yes. We had so many discussions and I decided not to put too much attention to him. I would sometimes caught him glancing but would stop staring after. Such a hypocrite.

Everyone praised my manager's ideas and we were thankful. And of course as usual, he would always say that it's because of our hardworking Team.

"Thank you so much gentlemen, for any meetings and necessary discussions please do not hesitate to call us. In any case that I will not be available you can reach Linda, and rest assured that you'll get any data that you need.   Erica here is my most expert assistant. But she'll be a manager soon, she might not do this project with me anymore."

Wait, I haven't decided yet. I don't know if I turned red that moment that my manager praised me and saw Ans smiled in a corner of the table.

"Wow" I heard him blurted it while the others are still smiling at me. I don't know if I'm happy or embarrassed.

"But she hasn't decided yet since she might transfer to London."

Oh crapt. Why did my manager had to say that?

"London."

I heard him repeat it but I didn't mind. I didn't do an eye contact with him as we thank them and exited the room.

"I bet he didn't know did he?"

Linda whispered to me and I just smiled.

"Let's grab some lunch at the ground floor. Wait for me. Okay?"

Uggh! I wish I can just leave them all now. I wanna go back to the office. I don't want to see him for now. Plus I don't know what to tell him. But hey, I don't care anymore. It won't even matter to him.

Linda and I ordered our lunch at the ground floor and thank God it's somehow silent in here and refreshing. Not too crowded and the ambiance is really good. We settled at the seats near the window and waited for our order. I decided to go to the powder room since I think I've been feeling uneasy all day. I was on my way back to our table when I bump into someone.

"Oh gosh I'm sorry"

She said that in her most girly tone.

"No it's fine."

I replied and she smiled. She had a long blonde hair and her figure is really good. I think she's hitting the gym everyday. It's just that her make-up is too much that you can't really notice how pretty she could be without it. And then, I just realized that she look so familiar. Hmm. Never mind. My stomach is already protesting so I decided to go back and eat. It's the best thing to do after a stressful day plus the sight of the person you don't wanna see.

"Where's Dad?"

I heard that tone again and it's irritating. Well, I don't mind. Mukha naman syang mayaman and she's gorgeous so she has the right to be 'maarte'.

"Erica, hindi masarap pagkain tara na. Sa office na tayo kumain."

Linda came and I don't get why she wouldn't want to eat now that we've already paid.

"Ano ka ba, nakabayad na tayo saka gutom na ako."

Hinila ko sya sa table namin but I stopped when someone familiar caught my attention.

"He went straight to his office I guess. What do you wanna eat?"

I felt like I was glued in my position. He was talking with the girl I bumped into. Little did I realized, she's that blonde woman from Ans' party that night.

"She's the daughter of the Investor we just had a meeting with."

Linda told me and it made my feelings even worst.

"Are you okay? Should we transfer?"

I felt that Linda was sincere. I should've listed to her earlier. But no. I don't have to feel this way. It's his choice not mine.

"No Linda. We're not going anywhere."

She held my hand and I nodded.

So, if you're going to LA our house is always open for you.

I wish I can't here them so I can at least digest my food.

"Let's eat and go back at the office. I think we still have things to do."

Linda told me and I agreed.

Thanks but my secretary would always handle it. -Ans

I wish I was your secretary - Blonde girl

Tsk! Pigilan nyo ako!

You know you don't really need to go back in LA, I can talk to Dad so he can invest more on your projects.

Konti nalang hindi ko na kayang marinig sa sobrang arte ng boses nya.

You can't do that, I think I won't be able to afford what you need in return.

His tone is emotionless and poor girl, if I know he's not the typical guy to sweet-talk.

Simple, let's date.

I choked.

"Okay ka lang ba?" Linda asked and I just drank all the water in my glass.

Too much to handle. But I wanted to stay longer and listen to his response.

I don't date.

Yeah. You don't. You just f*ck the h3ll out with any woman you can grab. And Linda and me was not an exemption!

Dating is not my thing either.

She said it seductively and I know what's gonna happen next so I decided to leave. It's not that I don't mind him f*cking around, It's called, self-respect. I'm done with him. It's not something that I deserve anymore!

I went straight to the office and signed my new contract.