Episode 004
1174 Words
Throughout the interview, the man in the grey suit remained silent and serene and wore a strange smile. I felt ill. For some reason, I felt uneasy around him.
Perhaps it was the way he stared, as if he knew something I didn't. was the way he gazed, as if he knew something I didn't.
My brain was racing and my heart was thumping by the time I left the Reyes-Salazar Corporation building.
I said that, but why?
Why was I unable to stop talking?
I kept thinking about how I told that man to go home and change because he looked too wealthy, even though it was obvious he didn't belong in an HR interview. I actually said it aloud. with my entire chest, in front of a potentially significant individual.
Upon returning home, I discovered Bea curled up on the couch, engrossed in romantic comedies and popcorn.
"How was it, then?" As she asked; she threw a kernel of popcorn into the air and used her mouth to catch it. "Has" your mouth ruined everything again, or did you show off your HR prowess?"
She paused her show as I collapsed onto the opposite end of the couch and let out a deep sigh.
"I believe I made a mistake."
I then filled her in on everything. Word for word.
Her mouth fell open. "He looked too wealthy, so you told him to change his clothes."
Then she snapped. She began to wheeze from laughter.
"What the devil were you thinking, Althea?"
"Bea, I'm not sure! He didn't look right! Who shows up for an interview looking like he's going to buy a business? And you know how I act when I'm anxious—I just say stupid things!
She shook her head and threw a pillow at me. "You most likely told that man the story of his life."
My face was buried on the same pillow. "I can't have nice things because of this."
"Hey, relax. Perhaps you left an impression. Unusual, to be sure, but still... unforgettable?
I received an email two days later. The kind that makes you want to jump, scream, and call every person on your contact list.
Requested meeting.
Not a rejection.
There must have been some significance to this.
I put on my clothes, made an effort not to perspire through my blouse, and entered the office as though I was the owner.
However, I didn't.
And I knew I was in for a crazy ride the moment I saw the man in the gray suit again, this time in the Director's office with an older man.
The older man gave his name.
Carlos Soriano. I appreciate you coming in. Ms Cruz.
I tried not to appear anxious as I nodded and smiled. or in a desperate situation.
"But regrettably", he added, "you were not chosen for the HR manager position."
Hold on, what?
I blinked. "Oh."
Nobody made a move. Suddenly, the air felt heavier.
Was someone punching me? Was this retribution for my verbal abuse?
"Ms Cruz?"
I raised my head. The man in the gray suit was standing up now.
Before leaving, Carlos said, "Mr Santos would like a word."
Santos Miguel.
I hadn't yet been hit by that name. However, his subsequent remarks did.
"I have another offer, but you weren't selected for HR," he said in an unintelligible tone.
I scowled. "An alternative... offer?"
I was stunned by what he said next.
Unable to speak at all.
When I told Bea the entire story later that evening, she was sitting with a glass of wine and appeared far too composed to listen to what I had to say.
Remember the guy in the gray suit? "He's more than just a manager," I began.
Bea's eyebrows went up. "I'll venture a guess. Is he the CEO?
I gave a nod. "And the position he provided?"
"What was it?" She sipped her wine.
After hesitating, I blurted it out. "He wants me to wed him."
She suffocated, Literally. Her mouth exploded with wine.
"What?"
"I understand!"
"Are you playing tricks on me, Althea? After the interview, did you hit your head or something?
"I hope! However, I'm being completely serious.
"Why would he desire that?"
I inhaled deeply and went over Miguel's words from that morning again.
He looked directly into my eyes as he said, "My mother threatened to cut me off from the company if I'm not married in a month."
"This is my business, My business is my family's legacy, and I am willing to give it all to my half-brother's child, regardless of the financial consequences. I am willing to give everything to my half-brother's child. give it all to my half-brother's child.
Then he revealed the secret.
"Get married to me for a year. I'll give you five million pesos.
Bea gave me a confused look.
It's a set-up. No. In real life, who even does this?
"Bea, I'm not sure, but he was serious."
She shook her head and said, "All right, all right." "But hold on, what's the catch?"
I looked at her. "There's always a catch."
She bent over. "All right?"
I paused for a while.
"His nephew is Miguel's competitor."
"All right."
I took a deep breath. "And Miguel Santos is that nephew."
Bea stopped.
"What?"
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"You mean Miguel Santos, with whom you were engaged?"
I remained silent.
"Althea, my god. This series is a literal drama. Like, even if you tried, you couldn't make this up.
"It seems that the world is much smaller than I initially believed."
"So what? Are you simply going to wed your ex's uncle?
Yes, technically. However, only for a year.
She got up and paced. "Can you hear yourself at all? This time, you might actually be a Santos, even though you were almost one. How will you conceal your history with Miguel?
"I haven't made up my mind yet."
"You must inform him."
"I am unable to. This entire situation collapses if I do.
"Are you certain you want this deal at all?"
I said nothing.
"Althea. You can't just enter this without giving it any thought.
I went to the window and peered out. The night sky cast a hazy glow over the city lights, was all over the place.
Five million.
A year.
No conditions.
And the ideal opportunity to confront everything I fled.
I was drawn back by Bea's voice. "You're not only considering the money, are you?"
"No."
"So what?"
"I believe... I'd like to win.
"What do you win?"
"I lost everything."
Bea's eyes softened as she gazed at me. "Are you not planning something?"
"Not just yet."
"But you will."
Slowly, I nodded.
She approached and took hold of my shoulders. "Just make me a promise."
"What?"
"That the process won't cause you to lose yourself."
I gave a small smile. "I refuse to."
In my heart, though, I wasn't sure.
Because I had a feeling that this deal would completely transform my life.
Forever.
- Writer
