Raining in Manila

Chapter 2: Proposals?

The soft beeping sound in front of me, which I'd normally ignore, was suddenly all I could focus on. It seemed louder than the bustling noise around the café. Despite the cacophony, I couldn't find the motivation to get up and collect my order from the counter. Lea, ever perceptive, stood up and went to fetch our food.

Could this be a dream? Is it some sort of strange nightmare? I can't remember having a dream this vivid and unsettling before.

My thoughts are a mess. I'm feeling dizzy and unwell. Is it because I didn't get enough sleep, or is it because of the chaotic events in the conference room earlier? I'm struggling to make sense of it all. I was caught completely off guard, especially by that guy Leyvan! How dare he waltz into my company and start talking without even giving me a heads-up?

The room was filled with a palpable tension as my words lingered in the air, reverberating off the walls. It felt as though my statement had cracked open a door that had been firmly shut for years, revealing a glimpse of the real me that had remained hidden beneath the surface.

My father's expression displayed a mixture of surprise and intrigue, caught off guard by my unanticipated reference to my Mom. Mikael, however, wore a look of utter bewilderment, as if he had just stumbled upon a secret that had been concealed from him for far too long.

Summoning the courage to continue, I elaborated, "I firmly believe that marriage should be built on genuine connections and mutual affection, Dad. I won't trade my happiness and future for the sake of mere convenience or the appearance of success."

Lea, who had been attentively observing the unfolding conversation, chimed in, "Absolutely, Ma'am Nabi is absolutely right. Marriage is a deeply personal journey that should be rooted in love and compatibility."

Taking in the collective expressions of those present, it was evident that my words had set off a wave of introspection. This side of me, which had remained largely concealed, was now exposed, prompting those around me to reevaluate their own perspectives.

Finally breaking the silence, Mikael's voice carried a blend of astonishment and genuine curiosity, "Nabi, I had no idea..."

Cutting him off gently yet resolutely, I asserted, "You never took the time to find out, Mikael. Our relationship has been distant for so long, and proposing a casual wedding won't change that."

A contemplative quiet descended upon the room, each person lost in their thoughts as my words hung in the air. This was a moment of unfiltered truth, a crossroads that had the potential to redefine the dynamics within our family and reshape the course of my life.

And then he drops the bombshell of a wedding idea? Seriously, what is he smoking?

I can't wrap my head around how he could nonchalantly suggest such a life-altering decision without giving it any real thought. And to top it off, he has the audacity to claim that it's some kind of solution for both of our families? Spare me. SubZero has been doing just fine without their supposed contributions. Thank you very much. I'm more than capable of steering the ship.

He's throwing around the notion of marriage as if he's pitching a business proposal. It would be almost laughable if it weren't so infuriating. Does he honestly believe I'm some sort of pushover who'll blindly follow his lead just because I share a last name with my Dad? Not a chance.

The truth is, I've never once imagined settling for just anyone in marriage. I don't even know basic things about him, like his favorite food. And the notion of tying the knot with someone I don't even have genuine affection for? Out of the question, especially in this day and age. Just because my Dad gives his stamp of approval doesn't mean I'm relinquishing my autonomy. This is my life, my personal narrative, and I won't allow anyone to snatch this profoundly consequential decision away from me.

The memory of our earlier conversation in the conference room came flooding back. "I don't want to marry just anyone, Dad. That's not how Mom raised me," I replied, recalling my words from our exchange.

The room fell silent, and it seemed like my response had taken everyone by surprise. Particularly Mikael, who looked stunned, probably because he had never heard me bring up my Mom before, especially in front of our Dad. Growing up with different mothers meant we never really had the chance to connect or share details about our lives. I doubt he even knows basic things about me, like my favorite color or my strong aversion to pineapples on pizza.

"Dad, I want you to know that I can contribute to the company's success without needing to get married," I said firmly, making sure my words reached not only my father but everyone else in the conference room. My voice echoed with determination.

I have confidence in my abilities and what I can achieve. I'm not just doing this for the sake of our company, but also for my own growth and future. I won't let anyone force me into a marriage. I'm determined to stand my ground, no matter how competitive things get.

"Lea, do you have more information about Mikael's supposed project in that small town?" I inquired, glancing over at Lea who was seated next to me.

"In a small town in the province, Ma'am, I believe it's somewhere in Visayas? Just a moment, I'll check, po," Lea's voice faded for a moment as she searched. "Oh, the town is called--"

"It's in Hermosa, a small town somewhere in Visayas," Mikael quickly added, as if he couldn't resist getting in on the conversation. Tch, always trying to take the spotlight.

"Thank you, Lea. Now, about that project, I've taken a good look at the proposal for that place. Basically, we need the local people to sign the important papers, so we can buy their land for our expansion, right?" I said confidently.

I turned my attention to the people in the room, noticing the different looks on their faces. Some seemed interested, others were thinking hard, and a few might have been doubtful. I looked at my father, his forehead wrinkled as if he was thinking deeply. At this important time, it was clear that the big decision was on his shoulders.

Being the boss of the company, my father had seen how hard I worked and how good I was for three years. I dealt with problems, made smart choices, and always did well. I showed that I was someone he could trust to lead the company forward.

The room was quiet for a while, and I knew that making my father agree was going to be really hard. But I was ready to show him a good plan, and I would talk about any worries he had. I really wanted this and believed it would help the company grow.

Lea looked back and forth between us, reminding me that there were people on my side, people who believed in me. I had a group of people who knew how hard I worked and how much I cared.

I took a deep breath and talked straight to my father, my voice strong and sure, "Dad, I know how important this decision is. I am sure that I can do this project well and make it successful. I've shown that I can be trusted and can handle things. All I'm asking is for the chance to prove myself again, not just as your child but also as someone who can really help the company."

The room seemed really quiet as my words hung there, showing how important this moment was. This was like a big change, a time when what I wanted and what the company needed were coming together. I waited to hear what my father would say, knowing that this talk could change a lot – not just for the project, but also for how I fit into the company and my family.

"You're underestimating me, Nabi. It's not as simple as you think to persuade the landowners. You'll need my help to make that happen," he asserted, his tone dripping with confidence. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his audacity. Who did he believe himself to be? Especially when he couldn't even effectively manage the affairs of this company.

I shot back, my voice tinged with skepticism, "And pray tell, who do you believe you are? Are you some sort of special envoy who can magically secure signatures with a mere request?"

He responded with a smug expression, his lips curving into a self-assured smile, "In a way, sister, you could say that." His words struck a nerve, igniting a fire of frustration within me. How dare he insinuate that his involvement was the key to success in this endeavor? I was well aware of his tendencies to grandstand and act as if he held all the answers.

The room seemed to hold its breath as our exchange continued. Mikael's arrogance was like a thorn in my side, provoking an intense reaction from within me. His confidence was grating, a stark contrast to the reality of his past actions and responsibilities.

My annoyance was palpable as I retorted, my words laced with a mixture of sarcasm and disbelief, "Oh, forgive me if I don't swoon at the thought of your invaluable assistance. Clearly, your track record speaks volumes." My tone dripped with disdain, a reflection of the exasperation I felt towards his overbearing attitude.

In response, Mikael's smirk only seemed to widen, as if my frustration was some form of entertainment for him. "Well, Nabi, whether you like it or not, my involvement can tip the scales in our favor. You may have the ambition, but ambition alone won't seal the deal."

The audacity of his claims fueled a surge of anger within me. It was as if he reveled in belittling my abilities and belied his own inadequacies. His arrogance was a stark reminder of the rift between us, the resentment that had festered over the years.

My voice took on a colder edge as I shot back, "Don't flatter yourself, Mikael. Your presence hardly guarantees success. And I refuse to be indebted to you for anything, especially not in matters as critical as this."

As our tense exchange lingered, I could feel the weight of unspoken emotions between us. The air was charged with a sense of rivalry, a battle of wills that had been long in the making. My determination only solidified, fueled by a burning desire to prove that I was more than capable of achieving success on my own terms.

Mikael's self-satisfied expression did little to deter me. In fact, it only fueled my resolve to prove him wrong, to show that his misplaced arrogance had no place in the path I had chosen for myself and the future of our company.

"Do you truly have such a strong dislike for the idea of being married to me, Nabi? Are you willing to take things this far just to reject my proposal?" Leyvan questioned, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability, as if he was struggling to express himself.

A heavy silence settled over the room, and all eyes turned to focus on us, as if we were the main characters in a dramatic show, like one of those Korean dramas.

"Actually, I don't have a general aversion to the notion of marriage, Leyvan. In fact, I'm eagerly looking forward to that special day in my life when the right person comes along. But you want to know what truly bothers me, Leyvan? It's your approach to marriage that I find quite off-putting. You waltz into my workplace and talk about marriage as if it's just a transaction or a deal. I'm not an object that can be traded, Leyvan. I'm sorry if my response isn't what you had hoped for, but I can't accept such a shallow and insincere view of something as significant and meaningful as marriage."

My words hung in the air, tension palpable as I asserted my stance, unwilling to compromise my values for the sake of a convenient arrangement. The room remained still, as if holding its breath, waiting to see how Leyvan would react to my candid response.

We all fell silent, our attention shifting to my father as we heard his booming voice cut through the air.

"Can you please stop arguing about this matter?" he spoke with firm authority. "We don't have time for this kind of disagreement. We're not opponents here, but allies. So, please, put an end to this."

"Regarding your proposal, Leyvan," all of us were on edge, waiting to hear what he would say. The drowsiness that had been creeping over me seemed to vanish like a puff of smoke, replaced by the tension that hung heavy in the room. "I am pleased and grateful that you're both willing to do whatever it takes for the betterment of our respective companies. I must admit, your proposal was quite compelling, and I was tempted to say yes. However, Nabi's concerns are valid, and I will take her feelings into consideration. So, yes, Nabi, I entrust you with the lead on the Hermosa project," he responded.

A mixture of relief and surprise washed over me as I absorbed my father's words. I had expected a longer deliberation, a more intense back-and-forth. Yet, his willingness to consider my perspective and entrust me with such a significant responsibility left me feeling a newfound sense of validation.

Leyvan's expression shifted, a mix of disappointment and resignation, though he tried to hide it. The dynamics within the room had shifted, and it was clear that my father's decision held a weight that transcended the boundaries of our personal aspirations.

As the moment lingered, it was evident that this juncture marked a turning point not only for the Hermosa project but for the way our family and companies would collaborate when moving forward. My father's words echoed in the air, affirming my role and igniting a renewed sense of determination within me.

I stared at my father, a mixture of gratitude and determination filling my expression. "Dad, thank you so much. I won't let you down, I promise," I said with unwavering conviction, my eyes conveying my sincerity.

He met my gaze with a measured look, his tone carrying a blend of seriousness and assurance. "I have complete faith in your capabilities, Nabi. This is a chance for you to prove yourself. Stand your ground about marriage, but understand that the success of this project holds significant weight."

"Yes, Dad, I understand," I responded, my voice steady and resolute.

"In addition," he continued, his words surprising me yet again, "you'll be collaborating with Mikael on this project."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of working with Mikael, my mind racing to process this new twist. "Dad, I appreciate the opportunity, but I'm confident in my ability to handle this project independently."

He fixed me with a firm gaze, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Nadia, there's more at stake here than just the project. This is about teamwork, about the unity of our family and our companies. You'll both need to find a way to work together effectively."

I nodded, absorbing his words and the weight they carried. This wasn't just a project; it was a test of my adaptability and collaboration skills, even if it meant partnering with someone as challenging as Mikael.

"But, Dad, I..." I began to voice my hesitation, but he interrupted me with a stern look.

"No excuses, Nadia. Remember, it's either the success of this project or the alternative we discussed earlier."

His ultimatum hung heavily in the air, a reminder that the decision before me wasn't just about business; it was about my future and the path I would choose to take.

With a nod, my father left the room, leaving us all to process the unexpected turn of events. As the shock began to wear off, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of Mikael's smirk, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges that lay ahead and the intricate web of emotions that continued to define our relationship.