The Heartless CEO

CHAPTER 17

HEIDEN'S POV

I sighed heavily.

It's been a month since I gave Rinne a break. I know she is still feeling depressed about her grandma's death. I was about to hire back Mang Dweldo but he's not also capable to do the job at all due to his illness. No secretary for a month but that's wasn't a big deal to me. I can run errands by myself. And besides nariyan naman si Tyron Santos. My next in command.

Actually, I wanna see Rinne particularly the little baby girl. She looks so gorgeous like her old sister but something isn't clear inside my thoughts. I don't know I just couldn't structured it.

I put back my phone on top of my bedside cabinet after looking at our picture, me and baby Ameerah. At least for of a moment, I'm feeling a bit better.

Damned! I felt so grumpy this past few days. No. A month literally. Ba't ang tamad ko ngayon?

I was slowly enforced by my inner voice to do my job which is being a CEO. I can't let my company to be dragged down just because I was being in a hole of shits.

That woman still hunted my mind. She even can't escape my dreams. What's with her making me so bamboozled for almost 8 years?

Did she used a love spell that night?

I've been lying in my bed since I woke up early at dawn but no plan to take a shower. I just want to cuddle myself, feeling the soft and warm mattress. I reached out for my phone again on top of bedside cabinet. I need to call that punk.

"Yow? Good morning Mr. CEO" Jeyo quickly answered my call with his annoying chuckle.

I groaned. "You're ruining my morning asshole"

"Hahahaha seryoso? why are you calling me then?" He asked from the other line. "Ako pa ngayon ang nanira ng umaga hah?"

"Cut the crap. Meet me at your bar. I needed an information about her" My voice became a bit serious.

"Oh someone was still not moving on huh? Hindi kapa----"

"Shut up asshole. I needed an information not your fvcking opinion" I said with a firm tone.

"Naka ilang asshole kana ngayong umaga ah? wala na bang mas nakakagago pa diyan?" He said then chuckled "Well, alright I'll see you then and I'm bringing you the bacon"

I shook my head as I nodded. "Well, see you then" Then I turned off the call.

I threw my phone on top of my bed and lazily stood up. Gotta get off my ass! Darn. Nakakatamad pa gumising pero narealized ko ako pala ang CEO.

After fifteen minutes of showering and fixing myself, my roaring dragon keep on punching my 6 packs of abs. I opened the fridge. Great! I've seen a pure white surface inside my fridge. Darn this condo. No food. Only cans of beers. Walang pagkain, walang breakfast. Ayaw ko naman maging breakfast ang beer. Ulcer will be soon waving at me. I wanted a homemade breakfast and I know where to go.

I drove fast as I can. I parked my car after the maid open the gate for me. After that, I foundd myself walking over the door. No hesitation. I quickly opened the door without knocking. They got a big house as they dream years ago. Well, I'm considering to have one as big as this but I should consider first my life as f*cking CEO.

"Good morning" I greeted while grinning and directly seated on the dining table.

"Oh, ang aga mo naman ata makibahay ngayon Mr. CEO?" medyo confused ang boses ni Felicia but I heard her strides from behind. Nilapag niya sa lamesa ang basket na may lamang pandesal.

"Not really, makikain ako hindi makibahay lang" ano ang pinagkaiba non? I grabbed one piece of pandesal at mabilis kong kinagat yon, oh damn! it taste so good!

Apparently, I got curious. Parang may napapasin akong kakaiba. This isn't kind of a breakfast. Ang dami niyang handa ah? Anong meron ngayon?

Tumawa ng mahina si Felicia. Not to mention she's a good cooker anyway.

"Bahala ka nga pareho parin yun anyways, I have a guest today. I was about to call you to come over because that guest is my surprise for you" nakangiti niyang sambit bago umupo kaharap ako.

I suddenly paused. Guest? a surprise?

I looked at her confusingly. "A surprise guest? What do you mean by that?" I don't expect any guest to meet at breakfast.

She handed me a cup of coffee "Have a cup of coffee muna" I took it.

"Yeah a surprise guest for my brother but mamaya pa siya dadating" I gave Felicia an O shape reaction.

"Wala namang espesyal ngayon araw ah? why minding a surprise for me anyway? or maybe you're doing this in exchange of something. Look, I know your trick" I said lifting my eyebrows then take a sip of my coffee given by big Sis as I continue eating my breakfast.

Umiiling si Felicia. "Yeah you can say that way but yes, you're right. Wala naman talagang espesyal ngayong araw but that certain guest is a absolutely special" Felicia gave me an suspicious look. Oh hell. Is she planning something?

"Tsss. Whoever may it be, it's not a surprise anymore. Nasabi mo na sakin" putol ko ng usapan. I don't like talking about that certain guest. Nakakalito.

"Bahala ka nga" usal niya at sinimaan ako ng tingin.

"Tito!" I looked up overhead and I saw Tobi who's running on my direction. I quickly embraced him in my arms. I hugged him back.

"Oh andito pala si Mr. CEO. What's with the morning visit brotha-in law?" nakangising bungad sa'kin ni Clark. Felicia's husband. He patted my shoulder bago tumungo sa asawa niya.

"Wag kana magtanong darling, makikain daw umano si Mr. CEO" I just rolled my eyes. Ngisihan naman ako ni Felicia.

"Well, that's a good thing. I've been missing you bro. You should come often" Clark happily uttered.

Clark kissed his wife on her cheeks kaya namula naman si Felicia. Gusto ko magsuka with that scene. I looked awkward here watching them.

"Tito? have you found a girlfriend for me?" excited na tanong naman sa akin ni Tobi habang nakaupo sa tabi ko.

Napalunok ako ng dahan-dahan at pakunwaring natawa.

Felicia's expression is literally jolted. She's glaring at Tobi then to me. My big sis eyes are now darted on my direction pero si Clark ay nakangisi lang sa tabi. Ang sarap ng kain niya.

"W-what did you just say Tobi?" nakataas kilay na tanong ni Felicia. I gulped.

"I asked Tito if he already find me a girlfriend" walang ka muwang-muwang na sagot ni Tobi kay Felicia. Sa akin binaling ni Felicia ang nakakamatatay niyang titig. Oh darn.

"Ikaw, kung anu-ano ang tinuturo mo sa pamangkin mo. Look, he is really influenced with your shits" medyo naiinis na sambit niya sa'kin.

"Tobi stop with that girlfriend thing okey?" saka niya inabot kay Tobi ang gatas niya. "Masyado kang bata for that"

"Darling, that is just normal. Ayaw mo nun? our big boy is now grown up?" anang ni Clark sa asawa niya.

"Isa kapa hah? Stop it darling. Bata parin siya. Kayo talagang mga lalaki" pagmamatigas ni Felicia. Napatawa ng mahina si Clark sabay iling nalang sa asawa.

My older sister looks on my way. "At Ikaw naman, stop teaching my little big boy with your nonsense thoughts. It's a bad thing for him" a firm tone voice of Felicia while glaring at me.

I smirked. "Not really, I'm not his teacher to teach him though, remember I'm a CEO right, Tobi?" I and Tobi made a clap while grinning at Felicia. She rolled her eyes then hissed in a defeated tone.

"GOOD MORNING!" an enchanting voice suddenly came in. I almost choke when I heard her voice. Napaubo ako ng wala sa oras.

Wait what?

What is she doing here?

I was astonished. Seeing her is really a great surprised. Yeah I was surprised. I thought she don't like coming back here in Philippines?

After seconds of sticking my eyes on her, I slowly diverted my gaze from her as I continue eating my breakfast. I don't know. Hindi ko alam kung paano siya tignan. I don't even know how to express what I felt seeing her around.

"Hi there Paris! Good morning din sayo. Nice to see you dear" tumayo si Felicia at pumunta sa kinaroroonan ni Paris.

"I'm more feeling glad to come here Ate Fel" she replied.

I ignored what's happening around. Gutom ako. I need my breakfast. Nahuli kong tumitig sa'kin si Clark pero agad naman umiwas.

"Look at you Paris, ang ganda mo na talaga ngayon. Tatak Victoria's angel talaga. Diba Heiden? mas gumanda si Paris ngayon?" lumingon sa'kin si Felicia pero tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay. Sumulyap naman ako kay Paris who's now staring intently on my direction.

I nodded as I agreed. "Hmm"

Iyon lang ang tugon ko saka nagkibit balikat. I'll just continue eating. Darn! awkwardness overload.

"Thank you for that but I was unfortunate to get in" aniya ni Paris na may bahid na kalungkutan ang boses. Napatingin ako sa kanya at ganun din siya pero ako ang unang umiwas.

Niyakap ulit siya ni Felicia "That's find dear. It's not the end of everything to give up your dreams" Pampapalakas loob na sabi ni Felicia kay Paris.

"Nga pala, meet my husband si Clark" sabi ng Ate ko at kumaway naman si Clark kay Paris. Sa akin na nakatingin si Felicia and I know who'll be the next she would introduce.

"And, well you guys both perfectly know each other right?" I can sensed the overflowing awkwardness sa boses niya.

I looked at Paris and I just gave her a slight smile. Let's be an adult in this kind of situation.

"And here he is my baby boy, si Tobi" napaubo naman si Tobi pero kaagad ko inabot sa kanya ang tubig.

"Tobi? say Hi to your Tita Paris" utos ni Felicia kay Tobi na katatapos lang niya mag-inom ng tubig.

"Hi Tita Paris" sapilitan na sambit ni Tobi "Good morning po"

"Hello too baby boy. OMG Ate Felicia? Is he your son? he looks so handsome!" puri niya kay Tobi.

"Of course manang-mana kay Daddy, right darling?" bumaling siya kay Clark.

"100% agree" tanging sang-ayon sa kanya ni Clark sabay kibit balikat. "Come and sit Paris. Samahan mo kami

sa hapagkainan" magalang na pag-anyaya ni Clark.

"Tobi, sit beside me dapat Si Tita Paris mo ang katabi ni Tito"

Nagtama ang mga titig namin ni Paris. She gave me her sweetest smile. Though I'm not in mood to respond, sapilitan ako ngumiti. I admitted it, mas gumanda nga siya ngayon. She's beautiful as usual. My old Paris came back, pero bakit iba ang pakiramdam ko? This is what I wanted since back then ang umuwi siya sa Pilipinas para magkasama na kami.

Just act casually CEO. Alam kong may nakaraan kami, and I shouldn't let it f"ck the hell out of me.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko and I turned to her.

"Hi babe, how have you been?" she asked showing her sweetest smile again. Okey I missed that smile particularly her calling me babe.

"Good as always" wala sa sarili kong tugon at uminom ulit ng kape.

"That's great, Babe----" saad pa ni Paris.

Umubo ako. Pakunwari lang at naputol naman ang sasabihin ni Paris. She look a bit concerned.

"I have to go, I'm already damn late. Anyways thanks for the breakfast" nilingon ko si Paris. "And also for the surprise" sabi ko saka tumayo.

Tinapik ko ang balikat ni Clark at binigyan naman niya ako ng tango. But I can sense Felicia's deadliest glare at me. No thanks.

"Kakaupo palang ni Paris sa tabi mo and you're leaving? God Heiden you're the boss so it's okey if malate ka" pagmamaktol ni Felicia.

Natigilan ako. "I know I'm the boss and a boss should always be the one who impose punctuality"

Ang mukha ni Paris na ngayo'y malungkot na nakayuko nalang.

"Kahit na, kahit ngayon lang Heiden. Kararating palang naman ni Paris. She's your girlfriend!" pagpupumilit ni Ate at diniin pa ang girlfriend.

Sumulyap ako kay Paris "I know. But I have a lot of things to catch up"

Napaisip ako if girlfriend ko pa ba siya? we had no communication for a couple of months.

"Darling, he's right. He probably shoulder many company problems as of now, let him leave" sabi ni Clark at ngitian ako. Thanks for saving custard.

"Edi umalis siya" pagtataray ng Ate ko at matalim na tumitig sa'kin.

I chuckled "I'll go ahead first"

Nilingon ko ulit si Tobi. "I'll talk to you next time big boy" Pero nakasimangaot lang siya sa akin.

"Have a safe ride custard" sambit ni Clark pero diretso lang akong lumabas ng bahay. See you next time, Clark.

This is a great surprised. Very well said.

Bubuksan ko sana ang pinto ng sasakyan ko nang bigla akong naistatwa dahil may yumakap sakin mula sa likod. Who the hell?

"Heiden" she whispered. "Don't go please?" I didn't move. I didn't say a word either.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. Don't be mad at me please? I love you so much Heiden. Umuwi ako dito sa pilipinas kasi miss na miss na kita" malambing na boses ni Paris na may halong pananabik.

How do I miss that voice.

I stood froze, my muscle trembled. Halos hindi ako makapag-salita. Pero bakit ako naguguluhan? This is what I wanted ang bumalik si Paris sa Pilipinas for how many years kong hinintay at tiniis ang mga araw na hindi siya makasama.

"F"ck" I cursed silently.

I bite my lower lips then sighed heavily. I removed her hands then turned around to face her. She's now staring at me with her gloomy eyes. I can't help but to look at her attractive eyes.

"Babe? Galit kapa ba sakin? please forgive me for leaving you behind. You know naman ang dahilan ko diba?" hindi ako umimik.

"Heiden, kausapin mo naman ako please? Andito na ako. I won't leave you again. Hindi na ako aalis sa tabi mo" she clinged her arms up to my neck. She was about to kiss me but I quickly stopped and put her arms down.

She was confused and astonished.

"Why babe? hindi mo ba ako namiss halikan?" she asked in her almost broken voice "Come on babe talk to me"

Iniwas ko muna and tingin mula sa kanya before I chuckled sarcastically. I slowly rolled my tongue inside my mouth bago nagpakawala ng malaking hininga.

"You came back para sabihin sa'kin lahat 'yan?" she nodded "But I'm already broken in pieces Paris"

"And I'm here to fix you, kaya bati na tayo please?"

Umatras ako ng kunti mula sa kanya at napailing-iling ako.

"You think you can easily fix me? If you think that way well, I'm warning you" anguish feeling is mixed with my voice. I watched her tears continue trailing down her cheeks and she didn't even mind to wipe it.

"You left me behind so hopelessly. Hindi mo lang ako iniwan, pinagtutulakan mo pa ako palayo sayo" I said. "Let me remind you something you have said, My dreams are better than this pointless relationship. You said that to me before. I understand that but what hurt me the most is when you left without even telling me" I said. Paris shook her head as I watched her wiping her wet cheeks.

"I gotta go" akma akong umalis pero hinigit niya ako sa braso.

"Sorry. I'm so sorry Heiden. Why can't you just forgive me? I know sorry isn't enough to ease your pain but I thought naiintindihan mo na talaga ang dahilan ko? I'm so sorry Heiden" niyakap ulit ako ni Paris habang humihikbi.

Napasinghap ako sa ere. I can't take seeing her like this. But I can't scrape the pain that I felt inside nung iniwan niya ako para sa pangarap niya. Which is to study in abroad. The most painful part of it is iniwan na nga niya ako, pinagtutulakan pa niya ako palayo sa kanya.

I intended to visit her those past years in London but she just pushed me away. Last 3 months I also visited her but she keeps on avoiding me. How would I understand her reason? tell me? Hindi lang matatapos sa isang sorry ang sakit na nararamdaman ko.

"Doesn't mean you're telling me your reasons can easily take away the pain, I still needed time" I admitted it. I still loved her. I really loved Paris. She's my everything back then.

"Then I'll be that time to heal you. Please let me" she softly said to me.

***

"Hey boy" malanding bulong sa'kin ng isang Malboro girl.

Andito na ako sa Jeys resto bar. (JRB) nakikiinom lang sa may island counter habang panay naman ang ingay ng musika.

"Do you smoke?" she asked in a very seductive tone. Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay at napapailing bago ko muling nilagok ang isang botilya ng tequila.

"I don't. Just leave"

"Oh such a pretty bo---"

"Back off! I don't need you. Look, you're just giving me shits" I yelled at binalewala siya. She looks at me with disappointment and frustration before leaving.

Clap clap clap clap!!!

Nilingon ko kung sino ang pumapalakpak.

"Lapitan ka talaga ng mga babae e noh?" nakangising tanong sa'kin ni Jeyo saka umupo sa tabi ko "Samantalang ako? iniiwan palagi"

Nilalapitan ng mga babae o nilalapitan ng malas?

I chuckled. "Ang pagmumukha mo kasi ay pang iniiwan"

Nanlisik ang mga mata ni Jeyo sa akin "The f**k? marami ng pinaiyak ang mukhang 'to bro," sabay turo sa mukha niya. "Hindi ko lang sinasabi sayo kasi dinidibdib ko lang"

"You're a bad boy then, for making those girls crying" at binigyan siya ng mapang asar na titig.

Sabay namin nilagok ang alak. "Hahha langya, bad boy kaagad? Di ba pwedeng gwapo lang kaya marami akong napaiyak?"

Umiling ako. Puro kalokohan ang mga sinasabi ng gagong 'to.

"Pero pati mga gwapo iniiwan din pala sila" pahabol niya sabay halakhak.

Natigilan ako dahil sa sinabi niya pero sa huli ay nakitawa na lang din.

"She's back" I uttered after I drunk another shot.

Nilingon ako ni Jeyo habang medyo nagtataka. "She's back? You mean the woman that---"

"Hell no. Si Paris"

Na pa O ang bunganga niya at umiiling. "That's a good news then? Kaya ka pala nag-cecelebrate ngayon? so ano? mag out of town ba tayo?" anong tayo?

"Shut up! kaya ka palagi iniiwan e kasi napaka assuming mo. I wasn't here to talk about Paris but getting some information about your damn task"

"Eto naman nasisiraan kaagad ng mood tsaka ako? assuming? Hell no Mr. CEO" saad niya at uminom ulit. Umiiling nlang ako saka uminom ulit.

"And about my task? I'm still working on it" Jeyo said.