The Business Rivalry

Chapter 3

*Rayni



"Ms. Fuentes, they're here. The conference room on the 23rd floor."

"Okay, just a minute. I'll send this email to our investors first." Why do I suddenly feel anxious?

What if Remi's with one of my ex-flings? s**t, this can't be.

Why does this elevator seem so slow? Come on, I need to find out who that girl is. Who the heck is she to make me feel this way?

My office is on the 42nd floor, goodness. I'm late. Wala ka na bang itatagal pa? Never mind, I'll just run after I set foot on the 23rd floor.

*****

Okay, here we are. Take a deep breath, Rayni. Act natural, professional, it's just a 20-minute meeting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Hmm, I don't know her so I think I'm safe? And she's pretty. ☺️

She looks... sophisticated but a... little bit... what word is that? Like a... mean and rude person. Let's see.

"So... who is she...?" I'm not going to deny it, but she's... dazzling.

"Blaine Kingsley." Wow, the number 2 entrepreneur in our country. Her hand is kinda cold, she's nervous?

I know her name but not her face. I'm not the type of person who searches for the other names of CEOs just to know their physical appearances. Their names are enough for me.

"Oh, nice to finally meet you, Kicks & Heels." I'm a fan of your brand and designs.

I saw that she punched Remi's thigh. What was that for? She's cute when she rolled her eyes.

Alias?

"Yes? I'm a philanthropist. But I'm using an alias." She looks like a selfish spoiled brat but has a heart of gold. This is my weakness.

When Remi said she was leaving Blaine in my arms, I was ecstatic. I also liked the idea.

Honestly, I can't glance at her. I can sense that Remi is guarding my every move... so, is she... her... friend..? Special someone?

I'm saddened that the meeting has already ended. I don't know why I feel this way. Who is she? I want to know more.

I intentionally talk to Remi giving her the way to leave the room first and I stare at her figure from behind.

Hmm. She's not bad, great frame. I can't figure out her height, she's wearing heels. But... I think she's... 176 cm? She has curves even though she's thin. The way she walks, mapapalingon ka for sure.

We're wearing the same clothing line brand, from the legendary Yuan-Tan Crown of Luxury. Their masterpieces are grandeur but for the most part, she gives life to the outfit itself.

And that perfectly rounded ass— Wait... what?? Rayni, stop that lewd thought!

****

Hannah? Who is she? Why does Bless look like that? What's with the reaction?

"That's her secretary, she called her by the first name because she's not wearing her company ID. It's their rule." I glanced at Remi. "Just want to tell you seeing that you look... confused."

"Oh... okay. So, first name basis if they're not wearing IDs?"

"Yes. Pretty great, right?" Yeah, pretty interesting. Seeing this scene... I'm 50% convinced that she's kind-hearted. Ang layo sa itsura niyang... I'm sorry for the word but she looks like a b***h.

That Hannah step closer to me, but Blaine blocked her path. She's standing in front of me. Shocks! She smells so good. Wait. I know that perfume.

I can smell strawberries, flowers?

Aha! MJ's Daisy. I love that brand.

Maganda na mabango pa, saan ka pa?

****

She's mi? What? Ma? What was that word?

They slightly bow their heads and leave. Next month we will meet again. Next month... that's... a long period of time.

****

I got to my office with Blaine still on my mind.

Hmm, Blaine Kingsley. I suddenly want to search for her name. This is so not me.

I search for her name in the end, curiosity is killing me.

Oh, a new article.

"The CEO of Kicks & Heels and famous singer Remi was seen entering the building of Rei—" I let out a deep breath. This is so bland, uninteresting, and boring.

They had just entered my building! For f*****g sake!

Blaine Kingsley.

Oh, this is a nice article.

"A self-made billionaire, after her parents and unborn sibling died in a car accident 19 years ago with no other relatives to adopt her, she grew up in an orphanage. With her intelligence and hard work, she finished her studies with a scholarship from grade school to college." Wow, impressive.... she is one tough woman. So, is that why she became a philanthropist?

"Her parents leave her a hefty amount of money, but no access until she's 20 y/o. And now that she acquired it, rumors say she used it to buy a hospital, yacht, penthouse building, mansion, helicopter, island, etc. Moreover, others say she donated all or half of it to her orphanage. While others say she just keeps it." I think she gave it all to charities. I also think that she has scholarship programs.

Knock... knock.. knock.

Fuck! Shet. This is the first time I startled like this! Wala naman akong ginagawang illegal.

"Yes. Come in." Chill, Rayni. You're not doing anything against the law.

"Someone left their phone." Bless said directly.

"Let me see." She handed it to me and left. I knew Remi's phone case and this is not hers.

It's Blaine's phone!

*****

*Blaine

From Rayni's company to ours, I can't help but rewind to our meeting a while ago. Over and over again. I know Hannah noticed that I was smiling from time to time.

I gotta admit, I'm still in awe. I still can't believe that I met and talked to my one and only, forever crush.

I know I won't have a chance with her if you've ever seen her flings? My gosh, I hate to say this but they're all hot and pretty... while I'm... just... hay, let's not think about this.

Work and work till we drop!

.

Scanning my office. I suddenly felt the urge to renovate this. I'm not pleased anymore. But I don't have time to do that! f*****g bullshit!

Now, where is it?

Phone? Where are you when I needed you the most?

Don't tell me, I dropped it again in the car?

I pressed the button on the intercom that connects to my secretary's office.

"Hannah, can you check my phone inside the car? I think I left it there."

I think I read and signed 7 papers when Hannah came to my office.

"No sign of a phone in the car and cafeteria."

I didn't leave it in the car and cafeteria? Then whe—

"No f*****g way."

*****

*Rayni

Of course, it's locked.

What could her passcode be? Birthday?

Wait, why am I suddenly curious about her?

Ugh, let's search for her birthday.

On July 22, 1994, I'm two years older than her and our birthdays are exactly seven days apart.

I'll try 220794.

Incorrect... hmm...

Should I call Remi? But she's busy.

Whatever, I'm calling her!

I immediately reached for my phone, searched for her name, and called her. After the 5th ring, she answered it.

"Hello?"

"Remi, it's Rayni."

"Oh, hey. Did you forget to tell me something?"

"No, no. Actually, it's about... Blaine..?"

"Do you want her number? Address? or her heart?" She said chuckling.

"Ha-ha none of them. She left her phone, and..." f**k, when did I ever do this kind of stuff?!

"You want to unlock it? So, you called me if I know her passcode?" Why is she laughing? Is something funny??

"If... that's okay..?" This is really not me!

She didn't say anything for... 7 seconds. "Okay, wait. I'll go to the dressing room."

"Okay." Hurry up!

"Still there?"

"Yeah?"

"Okay, try 941522."

"Unlocked!" I don't know why the heck did I laugh?

"Uh-huh. You're welcome."

"Oh, yeah. Thank you." That was embarrassing.

"I gotta go. Enjoy browsing bye!"

Okay... let's see the photos? Wait, her contacts!

Hold on. Why am I so excited?! Argh!

"Blessie, what's my next schedule?" I asked through the intercom.

"You still have four minutes until your meeting with Mr. Carreon." That's enough time to look at her contacts and photos.

"Okay, please tell Ms. Mallari to bring Ms. Kingsley straight to my office if she returns."

"Noted, Ms. Fuentes."

Now, let's scan this phone.

She has three favorites. Hmm, who are they?

'Lucy the sexy' with fire emoji. It's Remi. How cute.

'Greasy Maniac ?' with sweat droplets emoji. Who's this?

I didn't know Blaine is... strange?

Hold on.

'? Forever Crush ?' with heart eyes and a monkey face with hands covering its eyes.

Forever Crush?! This is a strange number.

Moving on to her photos.

Oh, this is cute. But she's prettier in person.

What? Forever crush locked album? Who is this Forever crush?!

Knock... knock... knock.

"Come in."

"Ms. Fuentes, meeting in two minutes."

"Oh, yeah, right. I'm coming." f**k! I was so engrossed in her phone that I forgot about my meeting!

"Wait a minute. You looked surprised. Is everything alright?" She approached me and scanned my face.

"Yes, of course. I'm very much... functioning? Normally." I gave her a reassuring smile.

"I don't think so. Do you want me to repair you?"

"I'm fine, Bless."

"You're not doing... anything... against the law, are you?"

"What? Bless!" Kung alam mo lang Bless. Kung alam mo lang.

"Okay, okay. We will talk later after the meeting."

Forever crush... forever crush. Who the heck are you?!

*****

*Blaine

"Ugh, why are things going slower when you're in a hurry!"

"Relax, Blaine. Calm down. Brea—"

"How can I calm down?! She's not allowed to see my phone!"

"What phone is it?"

"My... personal." I saw her reaction at the elevator door and she was shocked.

"Okay, it has a passcode, right?"

"Yes."

"Then it's good, she can't dig at it."

"But... my lock screen."

"The one you downloaded online when she's fixing her shoes while sitting down?" I don't have any strength so I nodded as a response.

"You edited it on a black and white one so, I'm sure she can't recognize it."

"I'll drive so we can go there quickly."

"Nuh-uh, not in that situation. I'll drive." And she quickly sat in the driver's seat. I'm thankful to Hannah when it comes to this.

I can't think straight. I don't know where we are if we're almost there or not.

"Drive fast, please."

"Repeat after me if you want to feel better."

"Hans, I don't have time for this."

"Blaine, trust me. Okay? Say, bwa." I need to kill some time, so let's just trust her on this.

"Bwa."

"Ka."

"Ka?"

"Nang."

"Nang."

"Shit."

"s**t?"

"Now, say the word."

"Uh, bwa ka nang s**t?"

"No, it's BWAKANANGSHIT! Your turn."

"Bwakanang... s**t?"

"Shout it out, Blaine."

"What word is that?"

"Parang fuckshit gano'n. Para hindi ka fuckshit ng fuckshit. Ibang word naman para masaya. Oh, isa pa."

"Bwakanangshit! Drive faster!"

"Bakit 'pag ikaw nagsabi parang ang expensive?" She said laughing.

"Is that another audacious remark? Like burat na tinuro mo noon at puke.. puki?"

"Pukinangina?"

"Go to church, Hans, and drink the holy water." I glance at my watch and f**k we're traveling for 15 minutes?! "Hannah! Bwakanangshit! Tarantado gago kang punyeta ka, drive a little faster!"

"Teka lang gagu."

"Stop laughing and focus on driving!"

Minutes passed, and we arrived at her company. I told Hannah to drop me off at their entrance at siya na lang mag park mag-isa sa basement.

"You drive faster than Remi. Thank you." I immediately ran inside.

"Uh. Hi. Good noon. I don't have a schedule for Ms. Fuentes, but I really need to see her now."

"Good noon, Ms. Kingsley. Ms. Fuentes notified me to bring you to her office if you come back."

"Okay? Shall we?"

Fortunately, she walks at high speed and we're in the elevator right away.

Come on, faster.

42nd?! Why the heck is she— that's not the problem right now, Blaine.

Good thing the elevator didn't stop. I instantly got out but I face the front desk officer.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Ms. Kingsley." We slightly bowed to each other and I ran after the door got closed.

Take a deep breath, Blaine. Relax. Calm down. Chill.

"Ms. Kingsley!"

"Woah!" What the f**k?? That nearly gave me a heart attack!

"I'm sorry. You and Ms. Fuentes are both looking jumpy after your meeting. Has something happened?"

"No, we're... good."

"Okay. I should go, Ms. Kingsley. You know her office, right?" The staff said the further black door.

"Yes. I can manage. Thank you."

Okay, here we are. My goodness, my palms are sweaty!

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Bless, can you stop knocking and just come in?"

"Um. Hi?" Crap, this is harder than our meeting earlier.

"Oh, Bla— Ms. Kingsley. At last, you're here."

"Are you waiting for me?"

"Yes, I'm waiting for you. I have your phone." She holds the phone with her index and thumb, hands closed, and points it to me. And I was kind of disappointed.

I imagined it like the movies when the protagonist reaches her hand... like our fingers brush each other and an electrifying feel runs between us. But here we are, impossible for me to slightly touch her.

"Blaine? It's not yours?" Bullcrap! Stop embarrassing yourself!

"Huh? Uh, yeah. It's mine. Thank you." I was holding the door when she spoke again.

"Nice lock screen wallpaper you got there."

Oh, s**t.