Chapter 13;The Past and Future

I received your message about the rejected proposal. Can you explain the reason behind it?Amiver's opening line to Denmark on the telephone, she's restraining her voice from getting louder."

It's good that you're calling now. I actually wanted to talk to you privately, Amiver," Denmark said.

Amiver raised an eyebrow at what she heard.

"So, is there a personal reason why you've been rejecting our designs?"she asked, irritated.

Look, Amiver, please, let's talk for the last time."

Amiver's heart skipped a beat at Denmark's unexpected request. She felt a mix of apprehension and curiosity, unsure of what he wanted to discuss.

"We've already talked, Denmark, and I believe there's nothing more to discuss and please I hope we can keep our personal issues separate from our work, if possible."

Amiver's voice came out stronger than she expected, masking the internal conflict she was feeling.

I will work on revising the project proposal today. Hopefully, this time, I will accept whatever is wrong with it. But if there's a personal reason, I won't accept that. We need to start the project to move forward. That's what we need," she added

The line fell silent after Amiver's statement.

"Please, Denmark," she repeated.

Okay Ami, I really understand how important this is for you. I'm sorry .Goodbye for now."

With the phone now lowered, Amiver was left staring into space, her mind filled with confusion. "What does Denmark want to talk about?" she asked herself, lost in thought.

Do you want us to go and talk to Mr. Marquez? Justine asked him to find out the news about the design."

Justine frowned, thinking for a moment. "Perhaps we can schedule a follow-up meeting with him and our design team. We could present our ideas more comprehensively and address their concerns."

Maybe not anymore. I've already talked to him anyway. Sorry Justine, it seems like we might lose a big client," Amiver said with a sad tone.

Amiver is aware that Justine is also worried about losing the project from Denmark. Aside from the fact that sales have been somewhat low in the past years due to the emergence of larger firms, the project from Denmark could have been a significant boost for the company's recovery.

".Amiver, Mr. Marquez has approved our design, and the mall project, we can now start the construction as soon as possible," Justine informed Amiver the next morning as she reviewed the reports.

Amiver felt a sense of relief, as the company's problems were somewhat alleviated.

That's great news, Justine. This is a positive step forward for us."

I've already coordinated with the contractors. They're ready to get started as soon as we give them the green light," Justine said, her face showing excitement and happiness.

I've already scheduled a meeting with Mr. Marquez later, and I'd like you to join me," he added.

What? Um, Justine stammered, besides not knowing that Denmark, her soon-to-be ex-husband, was also someone she didn't want to see."

I'll come to your office around 3 pm so we can meet Mr. Marquez together, okay?" Justine said with a smile.

She didn't say anything further, as she didn't want to disrupt her boss's good mood.

Amiver and Justine arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before 3 pm. Denmark was already there, seated at a corner table. As they approached, he looked up and greeted them with a warm smile.

Hi, good afternoon Mr. Marquez," Justine greeted with a smile. "I am Justine Doritos, owner of ADCE firm. Perhaps you've already met our Vice President, Amiver Moreno," Justine said with a smiling expression, extending his hand to shake Denmark's. They then took a seat.

Amiver couldn't help but feel uneasy and uncomfortable in their current situation, constantly glancing around and catching Denmark's gaze.

The three of them engaged in polite conversation, discussing the project's recent developments and potential strategies moving forward.

So, you and Ms. Moreno met in Cebu, right?" Denmark changed the topic, directing his question towards them after a while.

Yes, Amiver is one of the most talented interns I have had. I saw her potential and determination in her work, which is why I hired her in the US and now she's my Vice President .And I didn't make a mistake for trusting her," Justine said confidently boasting Amiver to Denmark

Amiver felt a flutter in her chest at what Justine said, but at the same time, she felt a sense of discomfort from Denmark's lingering gaze.

"Enough talking about me,". "Um, if we're done with our discussion, I think we need to dismiss our meeting, if that's okay with both of you".Amiver's face flushed with embarrassment as she looked at both Justine and Denmark.

After the meeting concluded, an unfamiliar silence settled within the confines of the car between Amiver and Justine.

After a moment, Amiver took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"Justine, there's something I need to confess," she began, her voice wavering.

Justine searched for a parking spot and pulled her car over before finally speaking up. "What is it, Amiver?"

The man we met earlier, Denmark Marquez, he's Marcus's father, my ex-husband," Amiver confessed to Justine

Justine's expression shifted from surprise

From the very first time I saw him, I immediately noticed Marcus's eyes. I thought it was just a coincidence that he resembled someone, but the way he looked at you and kept stealing glances, I knew there was definitely something between you two.he said.

I'm sorry, Justine, if I kept this from you, and I hope it stays between us for now. Only you and Messie are the only ones who know about Marcus's father. I also wanted to wait for the right time to tell Marcus the truth, but not now," Amiver's statement was lengthy, her eyes filled with emotion and concern.

Justine nodded in response to what Amiver said. Upon arriving at the condo, Amiver quickly excused herself, telling Justine that she was going to rest and take a break.

Imagine facing two CEOs, one from your past and the other from your future. You know, you're really lucky and being pursued by billionaire guys," Messie remarked, recounting what happened earlier between Justine and Denmark.

Amiver chuckled at Messie's lighthearted observation. "Oh, come on, Messie. It's not like that at all."

Messie shrugged, still wearing a mischievous smile. "Well, from where I stand, it sounds like quite the interesting situation you've got there."

Amiver rolled her eyes playfully. "You and your dramatic interpretations."