Raining in Manila

Chapter 1: U-turn

Have you ever felt like your life has been a repetitive cycle? A never-ending loop without breaks, turns, or even a chance to go back to where you were before.

You wake up to the sound of your alarm and have to switch it off. No matter how much you want to sleep longer, you have to get up because you're obligated to. Even though sometimes, you just don't want to wake up for another new day.

You have your breakfast, take a shower, and get dressed, knowing that people will judge your outfit for the day, even though you never asked for their unsolicited opinions. Some people have turned critiquing and discussing you into a hobby, treating it like it's their own business. Maybe that's what makes their day complete. After working hard and relying on coffee for all your meals, you return home to sleep, only to wake up again the next morning and repeat the same cycle.

This is just another day in that same cycle. I woke up, had breakfast, took a shower, got dressed, and headed out to drive to work. It's the same repetitive pattern that has become a part of my everyday life. Occasionally, there are changes like this traffic situation. It's taking much longer than I anticipated, and I didn't have the time to plan an alternate route for this kind of scenario. My usual routine has been disrupted, and now I'm running late for work.

Living in a city like Manila, one of the worst things for me right now is being stuck in this extensive traffic, especially when you're a busy person and time is of the essence. Adding to the frustration are drivers who love to cut into lanes, even when they know the road is congested. This behavior only contributes to the already terrible traffic jam.

On top of all this, there's the intense heat from the sun and the hot air surrounding you. Just imagine dealing with scorching heat even at 7 in the morning. Who ever said that the sun is good for you? Certainly not here in the city, because I can swear that the likelihood of getting sick due to the heat is higher than the chances of getting your vitamin D, even if you spend just a few minutes under the sun.

I glanced out of the window and let out a deep sigh, reminiscing about the times I spent in the province with my Mom. Life used to be so different when I was younger. I'm only 25 now, so I'm not exactly old. However, things changed when my father needed someone to manage our company. My desire for attention and validation took over, and I decided to claim that responsibility. I had to stand up for myself, as no one else would. At 23, I informed my Dad that I would take charge of the company. After all, if my brother could do it, why couldn't I? Was it because I'm a woman? Because my heart isn't as tough as theirs? Because I'm still young? I was determined to challenge their assumptions about me and prove that I'm not what they think.

Throughout my childhood, I always felt a sense of competition with my brother Mikael. They made me believe I wasn't worthy of being part of the family due to my different mom, and that I couldn't do anything right. Growing up in that environment led me to seek my father's approval and attention. Perhaps this upbringing shaped who I am today. I constantly craved my father's validation to show my brother and his mom that their actions couldn't bend or break me. Because how can someone be bent or broken when they were already shattered to begin with? I've learned to wear a perfect mask whenever I'm around them.

As I approached our building, the incessant traffic had already drained a significant chunk of my time. It's incredible how this routine delay manages to consistently eat away at my schedule.

"Hello?"

"Hello? Ma'am Nabi, are you getting close?" Lea, my efficient secretary, inquired from the other end of the line.

"Yes, Lea, I'm almost there. Unfortunately, I got stuck in this horrendous traffic, but I'm en route. Is there something amiss over there?"

Lea hesitated slightly before responding, "Well, Ma'am, it appears you may have inadvertently overlooked your scheduled meeting today with Mr. Leyvan Benitez. He arrived quite some time ago. Sir Gustav asked me to reach out to you because he mentioned that Sir Mikael has been attempting to contact you since earlier, but you seem to be unreachable."

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I had let the chaos of the morning make me forget about this critical meeting. And as for Mikael's attempts to contact me, well, I had preemptively blocked his number. I refused to grant him the power to summon me at his every whim, just to assert his authority. No chance whatsoever that I'd allow him to disturb the hard-earned tranquility I've managed to carve out for myself.

But seriously, why on earth is that annoying guy showing up at our company? When did he suddenly decide he's into our business, and why is he making himself noticed now? All this time, he's been nothing but a troublemaker, just messing with me and trying to get under my akin.

"Oh my god, Lea. I'm really sorry, I've been super distracted these past few days and I completely forgot about our plan today. Is he still there? I feel bad for causing you all this trouble."

"No problem, Ma'am. I called because I got a bit worried. You usually aren't this late. And yes, Ma'am, Sir Gustav is here. He's having a meeting with Sir Leyvan and Sir Mikael in the conference room."

I was gripping the steering wheel so hard that my knuckles turned white. I can't tell if it's because of the traffic or the stress building up inside me, knowing that my annoying brother is hanging around our company. Because wherever he goes, it seems like chaos follows. He brings nothing but problems into my life. He's a 27-year-old grown man for crying out loud! Yet, I'm always the one stuck cleaning up after his messes, as if I'm his older sister or something!

As I stepped out of my car, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and determination. "Okay, Lea," I spoke into my phone, my voice carrying a sense of urgency, "I am pulling up in the parking lot now. Can I ask you to assist me with our important meeting?" I could almost feel the weight of responsibility pressing on me. "Could you please head to the conference hall first and inform them that I'll be heading up shortly?"

"No problem, Ma'am," came Lea's reassuring response, a hint of dedication evident in his voice. "I'll prepare everything you need. See you later."

"Thanks, Lea," I managed to say amidst my quickened breaths, my focus already shifting to the task at hand, "I'll be there in five." With that, I ended the call and slid my phone into my blazer pocket.

Rushing to the backseat of my car, I gathered my belongings in a whirlwind of efficient movement. The clock was ticking, and I had no time to spare for any last-minute adjustments. My fingers danced over the surface of my pants, straightening out any imaginary creases that might have formed during the relentless traffic jam that delayed my arrival. A final deep breath steadied my nerves before I swung open the car door and stepped onto the pavement.

The familiar face of Kuya Alfred, the guard who had greeted me countless times before, welcomed me as I strode towards the building entrance. "Good morning, Ma'am Nabi," his warm smile accompanied his words. His unwavering dedication, a constant in a world of variables, never ceased to uplift my spirits. From my very first day at this establishment until now, his reliable presence stood as a testament to the sense of community that thrived within these walls.

With a nod of gratitude and a soft "Good morning, Kuya Alfred," I hastened forward, my determination echoing in the rhythm of my steps. The conference hall awaited, and as I made my way through the lobby, the anticipation of the upcoming meeting fueled my resolve. Each footfall resonated with purpose, a reflection of the commitment that had driven me from the start of my journey until this pivotal moment.

I find myself rarely wearing a smile when interacting with my employees. It's a gesture as scarce as the raindrops that grace this region. This tendency arises from my deliberate choice to direct my attention towards individuals I believe to be genuinely sincere. I reserve my warmth for those who greet me out of genuine desire, not out of any perceived obligation. You see, there are times when I receive these well-intentioned greetings, yet the moment I turn away, I inadvertently become the central topic of their conversations once again. Such a dynamic doesn't sit well with me. The discomfort is undeniable whenever whispers circulate behind my back, and occasionally, even brazenly in my presence. I dare say, who among us wouldn't feel a sense of unease under those circumstances?

Having traversed the lobby, I encountered a few more friendly exchanges before stepping into the elevator. Some of the faces were comfortably familiar, while others were fresh introductions. Is it due to the fact that this is the first time I've entered the premises at this particular hour that these countenances now grace my view? Ordinarily, my early arrivals ensure a quieter environment with fewer occupants. A conscious strategy to avoid tardiness and sidestep the propagation of idle chatter among the employees.

As I stood in the elevator, I found myself sharing the small space with three people—two women and a man. I'd seen their faces around quite a bit, so I'd call them "familiar faces." They often glanced my way and then quickly looked away when our eyes met. You know, the kind of coworkers you usually spot in an office setting.

When the elevator stopped on the floor where the conference hall was, I didn't waste any time. I noticed the three of them exchanging whispers and quick glances, sort of like busy bees talking. The elevator doors slid open, and I walked with purpose toward the room at the end of the hallway.

Just before entering the room, I took a short moment to send a message to Lea, letting her know I was outside. It didn't take long before she came out, carrying a few folders. I figured those folders held the files we needed for our meeting. She seemed to have a sixth sense about what I needed, making everything flow smoothly. It was like she could read my mind.

"Good morning, Ma'am," she greeted with a warm smile. "Everything is all set and ready to go. We're just waiting for your presence to begin," she informed me. I acknowledged her with a nod and requested a quick briefing before we proceeded into the room.

Stepping into the expansive room, I immediately noticed four gentlemen seated not too far away. My father, who also happened to be the CEO of our company, Gustav Fernandez, was there along with an unexpected presence—my brother Mikael Fernandez, who really shouldn't have been there. Also present were Leyvan Benitez, my scheduled meeting partner for today, and another gentleman whom I assumed was Leyvan's secretary or assistant.

As I made my entrance, Leyvan was in the process of standing up, seemingly eager to greet me. However, a subtle gesture from my father prompted him to remain seated. Despite this, Leyvan's determination led him to stand and approach me with a warm and friendly smile. He extended his hand as a gesture of welcome, embodying the air of professionalism that seemed to envelop the room.

"Nabi, it's been so long," he began, his voice carrying a sense of familiarity tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

I extended my hand for a handshake, which he reciprocated, but the exchange was brief. "Mr. Benitez, let's maintain a professional tone, shall we? Nadia Bien is the name to use. And let's do away with any attempts at theatrics."

"Come on, Nabi, you and I go way back. This isn't an act, really. I'm genuinely excited to reconnect with you after all these years," he defended himself, his expression earnest.

"While we may have a history, Mr. Benitez, we are currently in a professional environment. Our purpose here is to focus on the matter at hand. So, kindly find your seat so we can proceed. I have a busy schedule, and I'm not here for casual conversations," I stated firmly, my tone conveying the gravity of the situation.

A subtle sigh from my father beside me caught my attention, prompting me to glance in his direction. By his side was my grinning younger brother, Mikael, clearly enjoying the exchange.

"Relax, Nabi. It's not like you and Leyvan never shared any memories together. You're acting like you're complete strangers," Mikael playfully interjected.

I shot him a stern look, my annoyance palpable. "Mikael, please refrain from unnecessary commentary. I don't require your unsolicited opinions." If withering glances held power, he would have been silenced long ago, peacefully resting beneath the earth's surface.

We settled into our seats, getting ready to kick off the meeting. The main topic on the table was the idea of our company joining forces with another one. To be honest, my mind wasn't fully into it, and I couldn't really explain why. Maybe it's because I didn't sleep well last night, which makes me feel like I might get sick or collapse right where I'm sitting.

Leyvan was the one leading the discussion. You see, their company is interested in teaming up with ours. The thing is, we're actually doing really well on our own, so this merger isn't something we necessarily need. Right from the start, my dad was always against the idea of teaming up with other companies. He'd say our business could stand strong all by itself. So, I'm left wondering what's made him change his mind this time. Could it be that he doesn't want Leyvan's dad to feel left out, which is why he's considering it? It's definitely a shift from his usual way of thinking.

"My dad and I have been discussing the possibility of teaming up for quite some time now, Mr. Fernandez. That's why I decided to take the initiative and have a chat with him about my ideas. I'm genuinely convinced that this partnership could bring benefits to both of our companies. I mean, why engage in unnecessary competition for the top spot when we have the chance to work hand in hand and reach the pinnacle together as collaborative partners?"

"Your presentation was quite persuasive, Leyvan. And by the way, you don't need to stick with the formal 'Mr. Fernandez.' Your dad and I go way back, and you're practically a part of our extended family," Gustav shared. The word 'family' struck a chord in me, making me momentarily pause and reflect.

"Yeah, he's practically gonna be family soon, Dad," Mikael chimed in with an ever-present grin on his face. Does his smile have a mind of its own? It's been plastered there for ages.

"What do you mean he's going to be family soon?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. I admit my focus has been drifting off a bit. The thought of enjoying my favorite coffee after this meeting is what's keeping me going. If it weren't for Mikael's presence, I might have even considered skipping this meeting altogether, perhaps sending Lea in my place.

"Have you been completely zoned out during the presentation, Nadia?" my father's question pierced the air, carrying a tinge of disappointment or perhaps a flicker of annoyance. It's always hard to decipher his emotions—his tone barely shifts.

"The proposal was quite lengthy, Nabi, so I didn't recap the whole thing," Leyvan clarified, understanding my lack of attention.

"But I can give you the condensed version," Mikael chimed in, interrupting our exchange with an eager grin. Why is he being so persistent in meddling?

"Shut the--" "You're getting married, sis! Congratulations!" Mikael jumped in again, stealing my words before I could finish my sentence.

I'm what?

My gaze shifted to the looming presentation projected before us. It showcased a peculiar amalgamation of Leyvan and my images, clumsily edited alongside another figure—a suited-up Leyvan and me wearing a... wedding dress?

What in the world is going on? Is this some kind of bizarre prank?

I feel like I need something much stronger than my regular coffee right now. But before that, I think I might need a moment to steady myself. My thoughts are racing and swirling, and my stomach feels uneasy.