If You Were Mine (Tagalog-English) ✔

Chapter Eleven

Weeks had passed and I was able to report to Mr. Lim about what happened in Singapore excluding my personal experiences. I was able to thank him for letting me go out of the country and hoped that whatever has happened in their household will soon be fine.

I was busy being a single mother and a cousin to Louisse when I met, Mr. Park So Young. A Korean Businessman who happened to own the resort I am working in.

Kasosyo nya pala si Mr. Lim dito and he also has two brothers. At least, that's the news that came to me, according to his fangirls here in my workplace.

Our resort's receptionist and some of our single housekeepers were all dreamy-eyed whenever he passed by and talked to them.

He is definitely a babe magnet here! I almost rolled my eyes at how they swoon over him.

Our bellboys and male employees took their turns kissing up to him for a higher position. I almost scoffed at their behaviour whenever I get to be alone in our office.

Since Mr. Lim admitted that he will be spending more time with his wife and children, I get to see less of him and started wondering about his state.

Sino na lang magiging boss ko kung paunti-unti syang mag-avail ng early retirement nya? Oh noes!

I still am not ready to play close with a new boss. And I'm still not prepared to tell him or her about my life, let alone, talk about my kids.

I sighed and played with my pen. My eyes rested on my computer screen and found out that it was nearly lunch time.

Mr. Lim was again out of the office. He had to attend a business conference in Manila and I was left here in our office.

Usually, I would enjoy having the office to myself. But lately, I feel so useless.

I get to be paid higher than the regular amount and I mostly rarely get to exert my full potential because my boss always look after me and my kids.

Not that I'm complaining. But, as much as possible, I try to avoid getting slacked.

11:30 in the morning.

I am still undecided whether to have am early lunch or not. I get to nap for less than hour if I'll give in to the temptation.

Eventually, the first option won.

With the office keys and phone with me, I went out of the office and posted my Lunchbreak notice at our door.

I already have my money inside my rompers' pockets so I mindlessly went to our resort's kitchen.

On a regular day, I would normally enjoy lunch over our beautiful view of the sea, sand and coconut trees. But, today's not one of those days.

I just feel so off. Off the radar. I felt so out of mood.

I was greeted by our friendly chef and his sous chef when I seated on their wide kitchen counter.

"Miss Via!" Chef Arman Lopez greeted me with his signature smile. He is in his late fifties and I somehow considered him as a father.

Working here for almost a year now, I get to know our employees and always treated them as a family.

"Hello Itay!" I exclaimed with equal enthusiasm and placed both my hands underneath my chin. I batted my eyelash and received a chuckle from him. "Ano po ulam naten ngayon?"

"Nagluto ako ng paborito mo, Oli. Guess what?" Chef grinned and served me my favorite dish.

Served in a bowl was my ultimate favorite, sinigang na hipon. Although I have allergies, I rarely get to eat this food so whenever I get the chance, I made sure I have my antihistamines with me so I can enjoy it.

"Yehey! Salamat Itay!" I exclaimed and clapped my hands. I was almost drooling when I heard voices from behind me.

I turned to look. My eyes widened when I saw who are they.

It was our boss. Mr. Park. Talking with another man younger his age.

"Tara bro. Dito na tayo kumain sa loob. For a change." The younger guy suggested and led the way to my direction.

I quickly turned my back to them and got my plate and utensils.

I was hoping I wouldn't be noticed by them but it seemed impossible when the younger guy hooted for Chef Arman as they approached my place.

"Hola Chef!" The younger guy's voice boomed in the kitchen. "Long time, no see!"

I could feel them nearing my place while I silently removed the shells of my shrimps and devoured it with rice. I quietly sipped off some hot soup and kept myself busy without looking at their direction.

"Annyeonghaseyo, So Min! Namiss kitang bata ka! Bakit ngayon ka lang bumisita?" Chef Arman asked and took off his chef's hat.

He sat on the chair at the far end of the kitchen counter and gestured for them to sit as well.

"Hindi na ako nakilala ni Tatay Arman." Mr. Park So Young said in a baby voice.

I almost choked in surprise. What I am witnessing in front of me was the brothers being childlike and carefree.

So opposite from their silent and strict demeanor back at the main lobby.

Chef Arman's forehead creased and then his eyes widened in realization.

"Parker! Ikaw na ba yan?" Chef Arman asked in amazement. Mr. Park nodded and gave a toothy smile.

"Pambihira! Mukha ka ng tao!"

That comment earned a laugh from the younger guy whose name was So Min and from the people inside the kitchen. I couldn't help but to laugh also.

Mr. Park's face turned red in embarrassment. Napayuko sya sa kahihiyan but gained his composure and noticed my presence.

I gulped and avoided his gaze.

"Onga pala. Nakilala mo na ba si Oli? Secretary nga pala siya ni Boss Klaus." Chef Arman said and it was Mr. Park's turn to raise an inquisitive eyebrow. "Gutom na siguro kayo. Hala, paghain mo na sila Parker at Soju. Teka at maglalabas pa ako ng ibang ulam." With that said, Chef Arman left us three and went inside his kitchen.

"So, Miss Antonio, kamusta?" Mr. Park asked and rested his chin on his hands.