Chapter 1: Meet the New Atasha 2.0

Early morning at Hacienda ANNICA everyone was busy preparing for the welcoming party of Atasha Ricci Roman the only granddaughter of Doña Andrei Roman the owner of the second biggest hacienda in town. It has been three weeks since she finished her Master’s in Business Administration at a prominent university in Paris. It has been 7 years since she flew away from home and now she came back because of Doña Andrei health condition. Her grandmother is overjoyed that she granted her wish to return home, her one and only granddaughter.

When she arrives at the airport, she reminisces about the time when she was in her senior year in high school and Alexander Rusco Montinegro was in his 3rd year in college.

flashback

There was a party in hacienda ANNICA at that time and her grandmother Doña Andrei invited her best friend Doña Elisa and her grandchild Alexander.

That night, she was with her friends and her bestfriend Nikki since six grade. They were talking about the party but she notice her friends looking at something or someone. Then Alexander arrives together with his grandmother Doña Elisa. Right there and then she had feelings for him at first sight. He was fit that you will notice here biceps are bulging on his aquatic blue polo and fitted black pants. He was like Gerald Anderson in his get up. All the girls were so flustered to the guy who just arrived.

Atasha stared at the man who just arrived and she seemed the clock stopped and only she could see Alexander. On the other hand, Alexander was looking intently at Atasha who had been staring at him for a long time. Atasha almost slipped the glass of wine from her hands when his steps were going to her spot. When he reached her, Atasha didn’t notice that he was already standing in front of her until Nikki waved him off in front of her.

“I don’t like a girl who keeps staring at me like you have plans on seducing me”. he said to her in front of her friends.

Her face turned tomato red from embarrassment and walked out, leaving her friends without even saying goodbye. After that incident she doesn't want to do anything with him, about him or related to him.

end of flashback...

She was at the arrival lounge where she was waiting for her luggage when her phone rings.

“Hello, princess, I apologize for being not there to pick you up at the airport. I was a bit busy, hope you understand.” Doña Andrei explained to her over the phone.

Her face was sad when her grandmother cannot be there to pick her up and there will be someone who will.

“He will pick you up and drive straight away here at the hacienda princess. I already prepared your favorite food and Nana Trinidad is cooking your favorite chicken liver adobo.” Doña Andrei happily said to her.

“Mommyla who’s gonna be the one to pick me up here at the airport? Really you cook my favorite?” She was ecstatic hearing her favorite foods.

“Alex will be the one to pick you up there at the airport princess.” Doña Andrei answered her.

“What Mommyla, why him? Ok. I’ll wait here then.” frustration written all over her face knowing that the man who will pick her up was the guy who knocked her up 5 years ago. Even her grandmother didn’t know about her situation back then.

After a few minutes, Alexander arrives. He looks a bit like Tom Cruise's but younger version. Alexander never thought that she grew so beautiful and all the curves are in the right places. She’s wearing a simple yellow shirt with a print “I am a fierce and grown up woman, so better back off”, wearing knee length black shorts and Gucci flat sandals.

Atasha mesmerized the man who was standing in front of her that she didn’t even notice that he was her side already.

"Hi dear? How was your flight? smirking at her. He was wearing Levis jeans and blue polo shirt that compliment his complexion and height.

"Hello? Are you alright dear? kissing her forehead and that's the time she was back to herself.

"Ahm i'm ok.. Why did you do that?"

"You're so cute to look at." smiling at her while she was flustered and her face turned red. She noticed that she still has an effect on him.

The 4 hours ride going to Hacienda ANNICA was very silent and intense. When they reached the lawn, her grandmother hugged her tight and kissed her cheeks on Alexander.

“I miss you Mommyla?” Atasha said while hugging her grandmother going inside the mansion.

While Alexander was looking at Atasha being so sweet with her grandmother, he was wondering if she will be more sweet to him when they will be together. He was thinking on how he will tell and show his feelings and affection to her when she was not yet over to what happened to them 7 years ago. Then suddenly he was stunned when he noticed that she was looking at him too and her face was confused and hurt.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Are you falling in love with me?" taking his steps to her while showing his dimples and smiling eyes.

“As if your that handsome…. Hmmmmp!” she's annoyed going to the dining area

Even for several years she still hasn't forgotten her feelings for him. If I could just embrace you I would. Thoughts that was on her mind. They were happily having breakfast with her grandmother and Alexander. She was so happy to share about her life in Paris. The first time when got lost or whether she had a boyfriend out there who had been left behind but none.

Atasha couldn't help but glimpse to the man who always had her heart, mind and soul. He even gave her a blessing though she wasn't sure if he remembers 5 years ago. She told her grandmother many guys liked him in Paris but she remained a single. After lunch she said good-bye to Alex and his Mommyla that she was going to be in her bedroom. Alexander asked for permission to Doña Andrei if he can go to Atasha's bedroom and talk to her alone. He was glad to know that Atasha's grandmother allowed him to follow the young woman.