A Billionaire's Love

KABANATA 1

GENEVIEVE

“You're Genevieve Aurora Malton, right?” Tanong sa akin ng isang matangkad, matipuno at seryosong lalaki.

Siya kaya ang CEO? Grabe ang intimidating niya pero approachable.

Akala ko ba may sapak sa utak yung CEO? Parang kabaliktaran naman nitong nasa harapan ko?

Infairness, pogi siya. At mukha rin mabait.

“Y-yes po?” Gulat kong sambit sakanya kaya bahagya siyang ngumisi.

“Come in.” Sambit niya kaya tahimik akong tumango at sumunod sakanya papasok sa loob.

The company is really huge, lahat ng nakakapasok dito ay talagang sinasala at pinipili ng mabuti.

Dawson Corp is a name that echoes across the world. Kilala sila because they are very powerful and respected in all industries like technology, finance, real estate, and innovation. Almost every big company in the world knows Dawson Corp at marami ang gusto magkaroon ng partnership with them because of their success at global influence. People see Dawson Corp as a symbol of ambition, luxury, at excellence, hindi lang sa business kundi sa reputation nila sa buong mundo.

The headquarters of Dawson Corp is a giant skyscraper that dominates the city skyline. Its walls are made of shiny reflective glass and strong steel. During the day, it sparkles under the sun. At night, the building glows with soft golden lights and is very elegant and impressive. The entrance is huge with high security. Biometric scanners, cameras, and guards are everywhere. Sobrang secured and high tech. Kapag pumasok ka, you immediately feel the power and importance of the place. It feels like the building itself watches you, reminding everyone na this is not an ordinary company.

Pag pasok ko ay laking gulat ko sa bumungad sa akin.

Is this the Haze Denzel Dawson? The young CEO? The jérk, intimidating, foul mouthed, bossy, cold, heartless CEO?

Sino yung isang kumausap sa akin?

“Let’s start — I don’t like wasting time.” Seryosong sambit ng lalaking naka upo sa swivel chair na naka gitna sa table na nasa harap ko. Habang ang lalaking nag tanong sa pangalan ko kanina ay naka upo lamang sa gilid.

So if that guy is not the boss, ibig sabihin ay itong seryoso at akala mo kakain ka kung makatitig ang CEO?

Infairness, nakakatakot nga.

“Good morning, Sir. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.” Sambit ko matapos ilapag ang aking resume sa lamesa nila habang nakangiti at hinihintay na paupuin nila ako.

As they scan my resume ay mas lalong sumeryoso ang mukha ni Haze. “So… you’re applying as my secretary. Tell me, why do you think you’re fit for this position?” Sambit niya habang matalas ang kaniyang mata na nakatitig sa akin.

“Because I’m organized, hardworking, and I know how to deal with pressure, Sir. I don’t just do the job… I make sure it’s done perfectly.” Seryosong sambit ko habang punong puno ng confidence ang aking boses.

“Perfectly? I don’t believe in “almost.” I want everything done exactly right. One mistake can cost this company millions. Kaya mo bang panindigan ’yon?” Seryosong sambit ni Haze at mukhang hindi pa kumbinsido sa naunang sagot ko.

“Confirmed! Arogante nga ang bwisit, kainis siya ha.” Sambit ko sa aking isip habang pinipigilang irapan siya.

“Yes, Sir. I can handle it. I don’t promise perfection, but I promise consistency and results.” Sagot ko.

Sa peripheral view ko ay nakita ko kung paano ngumisi at bahagyang mapatawa yung lalaking napagkamalan kong si Haze.

“You talk confidently. Most people tremble when they sit in that chair. You’re not nervous?” Tanong ng lalaking hindi ko kilala.

“Oh, I forgot. I am Salvius. Right hand.” Sambit niya habang nakangiti at nakasandal sa kaniyang kinauupuan.

Nilingon lamang siya ni Haze at muling ibinalik ang seryosong titig sa akin.

“I am, Sir. Who wouldn’t be? Pero kabado man, I won’t let it control me. I believe professionalism is staying calm kahit kinakabahan.” Nakangiti kong sambit.

“You do realize I’m not easy to work with. I don’t tolerate excuses, I don’t repeat instructions, and I hate slow workers.” Seryosong sambit ni Haze at may pagbabanta sa kaniyang boses.

“That’s fine, Sir. I don’t give excuses, I don’t need to be told twice, and I don’t waste time.” Seryoso at matapang kong sagot. Mukha namang natigilan si Haze matapos marinig ang sagot ko, habang si Salvius naman at mas lalong napangiti.

“Hmm. You sound tough. But words are cheap. How do I know you won’t break down when things get intense?” Seryosong sambit ni Haze. Alam ko namang sinusubukan niya akong hanapan ng butas, but sorry siya, hindi ako madaling matakot.

“Because I’ve been through worse, Sir. Stress and pressure doesn’t scare me, it pushes me to move faster, to think smarter.” Nakangiti kong sambit, tila sinusubok siya para sa mas mahirap at nakakatakot na tanong.

“You think you can handle me?” Taas kilay na tanong ni Haze sa akin.

“I don’t need to “handle” you, Sir. My job is to assist you, not control you. I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on bigger things.” Seryosong sambit ko, at talagang sinadya na baguhin ang tono sa salitang “handle.”

I saw how Salvius smirked, mukhang enjoy na enjoy siya sa naririnig at nasasaksihan niya ngayon.

“What if Haze loses his temper? What if he starts shouting?” Nakangising tanong ni Salvius.

“f**k off.” Agad na sambit ni Haze ngunit hindi nagpatinag si Salvius.

“Tss, I am asking her seriously.” Dagdag ni Salvius dahilan para mapa ismid nalang si Haze.

“Then I’ll listen, Sir. I won’t take it personally. I’ll fix what needs to be fixed, pero kung sobra na o below the belt, sorry not sorry, Sir.” Seryosong sambit ko. Tumango lamang si Salvius at mukhang satisfied sa sagot ko.

Buti pa ‘to satisfied, yung isa hindi man lang makuntento jusko daig ko pa nag te-thesis defense sa mga tanungan niyang napakarami.

“You’re not afraid to look Haze in the eye. Most people can’t.” Puna ni Salvius dahilan para mabaling sakanya ang atensyon ko.

“Respect doesn’t mean fear, Sir. I respect him, you, but I can’t do my job properly kung hindi ko kayang tumingin sa taong pagsisilbihan ko.” Seryosong tugon ko dahilan pars bahagyang mapa taas muli ang kilay ni Haze.

Hindi maintindihan ang expression niya, at mas lalong hindi ko mabasa ang nasa isip niya. But one thing is for sure, he looks caught off guard.

“You seem… different. What’s your weakness?” Mahina ngunit seryosong tanong ni Haze.

“Sometimes, I care too much about others, Sir. I tend to prioritize people before myself. But I’m learning to balance that, to care without losing focus on the job.” Seryosong sambit ko.

“Caring too much can make you vulnerable.” Sambit ni Salvius habang makahulugang naka tingin kay Haze na walang emosyon pa rin ang mukha.

“Maybe, Sir. But sometimes, empathy helps you understand people better, and that’s useful, especially when working close to someone as busy as you.” Seryosong dagdag ko habang nakikipag titigan kay Haze.

Grabeng mga tanungan ito, sana pala nag Miss Universe nalang ako sa sobrang lala ng question and answer portion ha.

“You’re confident. Too confident, maybe.” Malalim ang boses at seryosong sambit ni Haze dahilan para mapalunok ako.

Nakakatakot nga, seryoso na.

Ngumiti ako sakanya, “Confidence isn’t arrogance, Sir. It’s just knowing my worth and what I can contribute.” Sambit ko.

“Then tell me why should I hire you instead of the ten others waiting outside?” Seryosong sambit niya.

“Because I don’t need to be told what to do all the time. I anticipate things. I work fast, I stay loyal, and I keep things confidential. You won’t need to remind me twice, I’ll make your time my responsibility.” Seryosong sambit ko dahilan para mas lalong tumalim ang tingin niya sa akin.

May mali ba sa sinabi ko? Ang oa naman niya makatingin sa akin.

“You do realize, if we hire you, you’ll be expected to be available almost 24/7. No excuses, no delays.” Sambit ni Salvius.

Tumango naman ako, “I understand, Sir. I’m not scared of long hours. As long as I’m productive, I don’t mind the time.” Sambit ko.

“Basta kung saan may pera, nandon ako.” Sambit ko sa aking isipan.

“You really don’t get intimidated, huh?” Sambit ni Haze na ikinapag taka ko.

Well, I am aware na tinatakot niya ako, pero hindi ko expected na talagang sasabihin niya ito mismo sa harap ko, harap namin, at sa interview.

“Intimidation doesn’t build success, Sir. Discipline does.” Sambit kong muli at talagang nakipag titigan kay Haze, mata sa mata. Walang bahid na kaba, miski takot.

Pero deep inside nanginginig na ko sakanya. Ang talim ng mata niya, parang anytime soon mapapaiyak nalang ako.

“Alright, you may leave now.” Sambit ni Haze.

Tatayo na sana ako nang bigla siyang magpahabol ng salita, “We’ll see if that confidence of yours will last.” Dagdag niya.

“It will, Sir.” Makahulugang sambit ko, habang nakangiti, puno ng confidence at tapang bago sila tuluyang tinalikuran para umalis.