Chapter 13: Nine Years To Realize
1338words
As I descended the stairs, the staccato of my high heels echoed through the room, creating an irritating rhythm.
"Good morning, ma'am," Gabriel greeted, rising from the couch.
"Good morning, Gabriel. Did you sleep well?"
"I did, ma'am. You look more radiant today. How was your night?"
"Are you saying I don't always look radiant?"
"Don't get me wrong, ma'am. You are always beautiful, but today, you look different," he said.
I smiled. "Thanks for the compliment. I had a peaceful night, and I did something satisfying yesterday, so my mood is bright."
"What did you do this time?"
"What are you implying?"
"We both know what pleases you these days, ma'am."
"Oh, come on. It's not that bad," I chuckled.
"Good morning, Miss Scarlett. Hi, Mr. Gabriel. I'm off to school," Razi greeted, walking past us.
"Why are you going alone? Where is your nanny?" I asked.
"I don't care about her. She can disappear for all I care," she declared, shutting the door behind her. I turned to Gabriel, surprised.
"Uh, I was going to tell you, ma'am."
"Don't tell me you ignored my orders and let her visit that stepmother of hers."
"I didn't. She resigned."
"What? Who does such a thing? Has she gone crazy?"
"Calm down, ma'am. Her stepmother needed her urgently. She had no choice but to quit. I have already arranged for a new nanny to start immediately. She will be here before we return," he explained.
"I hate having to get used to new staff all over again. Make sure the next one doesn't have a silly excuse to leave. We are running late," I said, walking ahead.
We arrived at Heritage Hotel, where I had a meeting.
"Can I ask you a favor, ma'am?" Gabriel asked, stepping closer.
"Sure."
"Could you be more professional with the client this time?"
"I don't think I understand what you mean."
"Please, don't try to strong-arm him into joining your company. With my limited knowledge of the business world, I know that coercing people isn't the best way to build or maintain a top-performing company. If they don't like you as their boss or partner, do you think they will strive to be their best while working with you?"
"I understand. I will just tell him to choose between my company and death. How about that?"
"What?" He froze, making me laugh.
"I got you there. I will try," I said, and he sighed. "Stop acting like I'm that terrible, Gabriel."
"Hello, Miss Guzman," the client greeted, extending his hand for a handshake.
I shook his hand. "Mr. James, right?" I asked, taking a seat opposite him. Gabriel sat beside me.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. James. I don't have much time, so let's get down to business," I began. "According to my research, you are Reyes Legacy Jewels' top business partner, correct?"
"Yes, I have been working with Reyes Legacy Jewels for over a decade, and I don't plan to end that relationship anytime soon," Mr. James replied.
I glanced at Gabriel. "That shows you are a loyal client. But without trying to sound like a fortune teller, I can tell you that in the next few months, Reyes Legacy Jewels will become one of the least recognized companies in the country," I said, leaning back.
"May I ask why you say that?"
"It's not your place to know, Mr. James. To save yourself the trauma of losing both profit and a beloved company, I'm urging you to partner with my company, RR Agency. We are among the largest and most trusted firms in the Philippines. I will offer you a 50% share of revenue. How does that sound? Isn't that better than your 25% share at Reyes Legacy Jewels?" I offered, a smile playing on my lips as he swallowed hard.
"Uh, I'm not sure. I don't want to burn bridges."
"Bridges? Ha! They are not worthy of your business, let alone your loyalty. Trust me, Mr. James, you won't miss out on anything by leaving them behind. Partnering with me promises not just revenue but also recognition for your brand. So, Mr. James, what's your decision?"
He took a moment to think before looking up at me. "I will give you a call, Miss Guzman."
"I hate waiting, Mr. James. You have today to think it over and give your feedback to my assistant. Have a nice day," I said, standing up.
"You too, Miss Guzman," he replied, and we walked out.
"How did I do?" I asked Gabriel.
"I'm not sure, ma'am."
"Come on, Gabriel. Give me some credit. I really tried, didn't I?"
"Sure, you did."
"That doesn't sound sincere," I smiled.
"Scarlett?"
I halted abruptly at the sound of my name. My heart skipped a beat, and I glanced over my shoulder.
Nathan closed the distance between us.
As I locked eyes with him, the piercing sapphire blue stare that once captivated my heart and soul nine years ago now cut through my very being. The depth of his gaze still held the power to unsettle me, awakening memories and emotions I had been trying hard to forget. His eyes, like a treacherous tide, pulled me back in, reminding me of the love, the laughter, and the tears we once shared. The sapphire sparkle that once shone bright with hope and promise now seemed tinged with melancholy, a reminder of the pain and heartache that drove us apart. Yet, even after all these years, his eyes still held a mesmerizing power over me, drawing me in with a siren's call that I feared I might not be able to resist.
"Scarlett? Is this really you?" he asked in that deep voice that synced with the rhythm of my heartbeat.
He tilted his head slightly, and I swallowed hard. "Nathan?" I tried to sound as natural as possible.
Without another word, he enveloped me in a hug. A hug so warm, yet heartbreaking. As much as I wanted to push him away, my body stood numb, melting under his embrace.
"I searched everywhere for you, Scarlett. Where have you been?" Nathan asked, his voice tinged with tears.
Tears welled up in my eyes. "Let go, Nathan," I pulled myself together and pushed him back. "What do you think you are doing?" I snapped.
"I'm sorry. I know I don't have the right to do that. Can we talk alone, please?"
"About what?"
"Please," he begged.
"I will be outside, ma'am," Gabriel excused himself.
"What do you want, Nathan?"
"I'm sorry, Scarlett. I know what I did to you is unforgivable, but I want you to know that I regret every bit of it. Letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life. I should have fought for us. I'm deeply sorry."
"It took you nine years to realize this, Nathan. You don't understand the gravity of your actions, do you? You don't know what your rejection did to me, and you don't know the new Scarlett standing before you," I began. "If you haven't heard or noticed, we are now enemies. So, if I were you, I would watch out for the things I cherish because I'm here to bring you down," I added and tried to walk away before he blocked my path.
"Please, Scarlett. Don't do this. It's hard enough not having you in my life. You can't make me your enemy, please. Can we let go of the past?"
"You don't know what you are asking, Nathan. Get out of my way," I brushed past him and headed out.
I got into the car without waiting for Gabriel to open the door for me.
"Take me home," I said.
"Are you okay, ma'am?"
"I'm fine," I affirmed. I took out my earbuds and plugged them in, letting the music drown my emotions.
When we arrived home, I rushed into the house, only to bump into the most unexpected person on Earth; my stepmother.
"Sorry, ma'am. She's the nanny," Gabriel announced.
