Dana Pov...
Upon arriving home, I immersed myself in forwarding my resume and sifting through my emails for job applications. Opting for a day of rest, I abandoned my pursuit of a position at the Hyatt Hotel in BGC. I felt as though an eighteen-wheeler truck loaded with cement had plowed into me. Letting out a deep sigh, I acknowledged the necessity of nourishment to ward off any potential illness. Sulking wouldn't alter the situation, I reminded myself.
"Good day, Auntie Lydia. What's on the menu today?" I queried our long-time housekeeper, a cherished member of our extended family, just like her husband, Uncle Kanor, who served as our personal driver.
She responded with a smile, "We have your favorite, pork binagoongan."
"Fantastic! How about mom and dad? Where did they go?" I inquired suddenly.
"They left without a word, but your mother was in tears. I overheard from Kanor that they had an urgent matter." She relayed.
After my meal, I retreated to my room to relax and review my job applications. Amidst checking my inbox, I stumbled upon an email from Jenny.
Jenny Santos:
Dearest Dana, I regret to inform you that I'm departing for Dubai tomorrow. I confirmed my acceptance of their offer via email yesterday. I intend to leave a letter for my older brother Jared, explaining my sudden departure. I'm sure he won't approve. I hope you're faring well. I heard you went missing at the bar.
Promptly, I responded to Jenny's email, bewildered by her abrupt decision. Typically, she would seek refuge with me when at odds with her family, and her older brother Jared would call to verify her whereabouts.
Dana Clemente:
Jen, why are you leaving? You've never expressed a desire to work abroad, have you?
Jenny Santos:
I'm perfectly fine, babe. I simply have an urgent need to depart. Numerous opportunities await me there since the individual I'm replacing has resigned. Don't worry, I'll stay in touch. I'll miss you. Love you bestie.
Dana Clemente:
I'll miss you too. You're the only friend who can tolerate my blunders. I love you too, bestie. Sending you warm embraces and love.
With the prospect of Jenny's departure, the realization dawned on me that Julie and Rod were in Batangas, leaving me friendless in my immediate circle. Suddenly, an email from Canada materialized. Excitement surged within me as I eagerly opened the message.
From: Axel Montecillo
Congratulations, Ms. Dana Clemente. Your application has been selected for our Hotel & Resort Expansion in Canada. You will assume the role of Marketing Manager, serving as your training ground before we transfer you to Palawan, one of our forthcoming establishments. You will be responsible for training the team there and will be evaluated for future opportunities to work between the two locations.
Your flight ticket will be sent to you tomorrow for your departure the following day.
Bon voyage! Looking forward to your arrival.
Dana Clemente
Good evening, Sir. Thank you. I will see you soon.
My response was brief, a testament to my overwhelming excitement and inability to express my feelings adequately. My mind was preoccupied with the urge to depart as soon as possible.
"Mommy, where's Daddy?" I asked eagerly as I found her in the living room. It was essential for me to bid them farewell, especially with my impending departure scheduled for the following day.
"Is everything alright, sweetheart? He attended a meeting for the Palawan branch." My mother responded, visibly puzzled.
"No, mom. I wanted to inform you both about my job offer in Canada. I have to leave at 6 a.m. tomorrow; they need me urgently." I shared, my excitement barely contained as I relayed the news while concealing the underlying motivation behind my decision to work abroad.
Surprised and concerned, my mother queried, "But I thought you applied to work at the Hyatt Hotel in BGC. Why opt for a job overseas?"
I smiled in response, "Their offer was too good to pass up, and I am eager to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives. It has always been my dream." The perfect lie I ever did.
Overjoyed, she exclaimed, "Well, then, let's celebrate! I'll inform your father." Her initial shock had given way to support, illustrating her commitment to my growth and development.
"Princess, remember to keep in touch. This will be the first time you've lived away from us. Take care of yourself and don't neglect your health." My father reminded me with a hint of melancholy. The thought of leaving also pained me. I wasn't accustomed to being away from my family, but it was a necessary step in my personal growth.
"Daddy, you're going to make me cry! I'll miss you and our family outings every year. I promise to take care of myself, so I can be with you. I hope you and mommy do the same." I said through tears, embracing them tightly. I paid no attention to the curious gazes of others; to them, I was their princess, and my well-being was their primary concern, especially now that I would be far away from them.
Despite having a meeting, my parents insisted on seeing me off, a testament to their unwavering love and support. It was a reflection of the priority they placed on me, which I reciprocated in full.
"Daddy, try not to work late all the time. Use the platform I set up so that you don't have to visit all your branches, and I'll keep an eye on everything." I said playfully, winking at him.
"I will, princess!" My father responded with a smile.
"Mommy, make sure you get to bed early and don't wait up for daddy. Call him to come home earlier." I added, winking at my father, who chuckled at my remark.
"I love you both so much, Daddy and Mommy," I said, kissing them once more before bidding them the longest farewell.
Here I am in Canada, where I'll be spending the coming days, months, and years until I'm ready to confront my fears. I'm sorry, Mommy, Daddy, for making this decision, but I'm doing it because I love you so much. Canada, please treat me kindly, let's be friends. I felt slightly foolish speaking to myself while awaiting a taxi to take me to my apartment, conveniently located close to the hotel where I would be working.
This place is beautiful, and it will be my home from this point onward. The scenic views were captivating and foreign to me. This place was exactly what I needed as I embarked on a fresh start.
Ah! This unit is fully furnished. I'll simply need to shop for some groceries and familiarize myself with the area later.
You'll be fine, Dana, I reassured myself with a deep sigh as I settled onto my bed, surveying the room. My life had unexpectedly changed within a mere 24 hours.
Jenny Pov...Dubai ranks among the top destinations you should consider visiting.Sir Axel's advice resonated with me as I recognized the need to acquaint myself before diving into work. Fortunately, he granted me some time to familiarize myself. It was reassuring that he had already briefed me about my new workplace.Navigating through this job presents challenges, for various individuals both inside and outside the workplace. However, I was assured that the employees were well-trained in handling discrimination issues.A proactive and respected CEO, Sir Axel's dedication to his work is admirable. If he has a wife, she must consider herself fortunate to have such a hardworking and strikingly attractive husband.Jenny, don't let your friend's infatuation cloud your judgment. I chuckled to myself. While I'll miss my life in the Philippines, it's time for me to chart a new course.At the beach, I admired the luxurious surroundings, watching people interact and soaking in the beauty of t
Dana Pov...Days and months passed swiftly, marking my third month at this job. Adjusting was a breeze due to the professionalism of my colleagues and the comprehensive training Montecillo Corp provided. I aimed to integrate these practices when managing my parent's business, a responsibility I couldn't evade; they relied solely on me. If only I had a brother, the burden wouldn't weigh as heavily.Lately, I've noticed some peculiar changes within me, like unexpected cravings for Japanese food and strong drinks, although I usually prefer homemade meals."Good morning, Ms. Dana. You seem tired." The hotel manager remarked, noting my fatigued appearance."Good morning, Mam Rayver. I may have skipped breakfast again." I replied, trying to compose myself."Please don't skip meals, Dana. Take care of your health and appearance. You are on the face of our hotel." She advised before leaving.As the staff prepared for an upcoming wedding event, I began feeling faint, likely due to skipping lun
Jay Pov...In three months, the upcoming branch of the resort in Palawan, which Daniel and I have been developing, will be completed, allowing me to return to Canada. Although I could choose to remain there, as it offers a peaceful environment, I often find myself missing my mom during my stay. Her premature passing due to cancer left a void, even though she managed to rectify a mistake before departing. Despite this, I'm not prepared to confront my biological father yet. I encountered him during my first year of high school, and to this day, I still feel unprepared to face him. Introducing myself to him was necessary to dispel any assumptions about my intentions, even though he never showed any signs of suspicion. I've chosen to be self-reliant, simultaneously pursuing my education and employment at a hotel and resort. This was a significant reason for my collaboration with Daniel Montecillo in this business venture.Reminiscing the past reminds me of my one-night stand. I frequent
Dana Pov...I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Daniel's unwavering support since he found out about my pregnancy. I shouldn't burden him as he doesn't have time to commit to himself busy looking for me but I can help as well and he insisted on helping me until we find the father of my child, though, I'm not hoping so much not to hurt myself.Without him, I believe I would have been struggling to make ends meet, possibly facing homelessness and more than what you think for leaving outside your comfort zone alone. He has been my guardian, ensuring that I will not only keep my job but also receive the necessary care. When he was around missing my parents hurt less.Fortunately, my baby's cravings are manageable, and I don't experience frequent bouts of nausea or dizziness which are common to pregnant people. Daniel has been by my side for every monthly checkup, and he even enrolled me in a yoga class for added support. He is not a parent yet but he knows how to treat a woman. I wonder
Daniel Pov...I still have a week left before my brother arrives. I don't want Dana to freak out when she sees him. How did he get those pictures? Fuck! I cursed continuously bothered as I know my brother well.I was on my way to the parking lot when my phone vibrated one after another."Daniel, where are you? I haven't heard anything from you in two days." A message from Dana. Worried about my brother I forgot about Dana.Fuck!"Daniel, the baby is coming, please follow us in the hospital. Be careful." Another message from her.Shit!!! She's going to give birth, I need to be there! I panic as I enter my car key. Fuck! Daniel, calm down you can't start a car when you panic like a girl. I cursed and relaxed before starting my car."Princess, sorry I'm on my way! Just relax and I know you can do that." I replied it doesn't matter if she reads it.When I arrived at the hospital, she had already given birth to a healthy baby girl. I am happy watching them while the pedia cleans the baby.
Jay Pov...Ever since the day I saw them together, my life has never been the same. I know, I feel like a dead man entering my office just to follow the normal routine. I spent days, weeks, and months hiding from them, my heart and brain were not yet ready to see them up close. The excitement I felt coming home and to see my favorite buddy again shattered just like that turning into a regrettable and remorseful feeling. Pain keeps on chasing me just like that and it's exhausting this time.Whenever I see them together at my favorite Coffee Shop, at the Japanese Restaurant, and in the park near here in my suite as well as Daniel’s taking her monthly check-up. It's too painful to handle the pain, drilling your heart into pieces and making you break. I could feel my heart slowly tearing a part that I couldn't breathe leaving me helpless as I get suffocated and frozen. I can't prevent my tears slowly falling thinking of them. How can I run from this excruciating pain that I always feel ev
Daniel Pov...Dana had given birth already, but Jay was still nowhere to be found. I almost bumped into brother Axel, I just got lucky one of her staff needed his assistance. I might kiss that woman who saves me from dangerous hell. I don't know what will my brother do this time! I want Dana to gain her strength before meeting brother Axel. It will be chaos since they think I impregnated her. I sighed. I need my favorite buddy right now. The only person who can stand my stubbornness and craziness. I'll just send an email to Jay. I miss him too. Fuck! What's taking him so long to come home? Three months is already over!To: Jay FuentabellaBuddy, how are you? When are you coming? If, you're already here, meet me for lunch at the same place and spot. Call me when you get this buddy. I need to see you, buddy. See you!It's been a week since I sent emails and messages to Jay but couldn't hold off on him. My anxiety is killing me and needs a diversion. This is the moment I needed him. I s
Jay Pov...Expect the unexpected when you are on the same ground and it will be way less painful. I tried my best not to be affected but pretending didn't work as I just made myself a perfect idiot sitting in front of them. What a fool I am not thinking of the possibility of surprising him. Now, I was the one surprised again making me a bitch heartbroken.Fuck! It really hurts to fall in love dearly. It hurts badly seeing them lovingly hold each other's arms. It crushes my heart into pieces that I want to scream out loud, but I can't even utter any words. I wanted to move, but my body was glued, unable to move any muscle.Never felt this with Joana before. It's a more painful experience liking and loving her. It's too late to look back and regret it because she already swept me away. I'm all over her spell.You want to stand up and walk away to relieve the pain, but your knees are too weak and unable to stand. You want to drink water because you feel very thirsty, but your throat is s