Chapter 1

The Meeting

I was fourteen years old when my father died through illness and since then my youth has been forgotten..

At the young age I start to take over the business firm of my father and take his responsibility as the head of the family and it's not easy to do.

I've face a lot of challenges and giving up is not an option to me,I have to be strong for my family and to myself

Fortunately I succeeded on managing the company into great success and those years had passed is only the beginning of my new journey.

"Good morning sis!" A warm but deep voice echoed all over the house.

I was enjoying the beautiful sun rise at my balcony adjacent to my room and with a cup of my favorite hot green tea in my hand,he barged through my room without even knocking.

"I've already booked our tickets back to manila." He happily announced that made me sad.

I preferred staying at the province than living at the stressful city but my work is in there,so literally I don't have a choice.

"What?" He asked innocently when he noticed my sadness.

We're taking our two weeks vacation here in our home town where my parents brought a wooden house when they get married.

This house is one my favorite,It may not look that much but it has a lot of beautiful momeries I loved to remember.

"It's already been two weeks." He insisted and frustration written all over his face when he senses my silence.

"And thanks to you my vacation has ended!" I blurted out of frustration.

Why time run so fast when you spent it on a special moment?Can it be pause for a while so I can enjoy it more?

"We both know that we have a lot of work to do and also I have a client to catch up." He calmly said and it sounds not good to me

"Ok,I don't like the sound of that." I honestly said at him and his face became serious while looking at me.

"I know that you will not like it but i have to do this." He stated,taking some deep breath and made me wonder why he look anxious about this matter?

Besides I trust him so much and I know he well never make a decision without considering ourselves.

"I've got a new project under Mr.Talledo's son and he is already in manila waiting for us."

Ok, I take it back he really,

unbelievable!

"And you're already made up your mind without asking me first?"I asked, His thoughtless behavior enraged me to the point I want to smack his face,if only he is not my brother.

"Im so sorry sis but I need this project for my promotion,please consider this just once." He begged with a puppy eyes that making me hard to declined his request.

He really knew that I can't afford to hurt him because he is my weakness and my everything.

"I'll make sure that you will only meet him tomorrow and the rest is on me"

He promise but no matter how much I tried to avoid him,he still comes on my way.

******************

We arrived at manila per shedule and after some introductions to all the members We headed to the bord room and our agenda was presented by Ms.Kim,my personal secretary.

"As you could see,our investors aim to this project is to be affordable to all people whose in need of shelter without spending too much of money." Miss Kim voice echo all over the room.

We all silently seated on own chair with a long mahogany table infront of us and If I counted right, We're twelve person inside the conference room.

We all wearing in business suit which I don't like much but made me no choice and thank goodness the room was fully air-conditioning,,so Im not sweating that much.

We're almost done the presentation when We heard Mr.Talledo low voice that caought our attention and he was looking at me.

"My son really wants to work with you Miss hannie on this project."He pleaded that soften my heart.

Mr.Talledo is a good man who always at our side,backing up our company to become more successful and stable.He even merge His company to us without asking anything in return dispite of me not having a good realtionship to his son.

Mr.Talledo still treats us like his own children and he is a good father figure to me and the look on his eyes right now made my heart clench.

"Im so Sir but My sister has a lot of work to do at the office,so I'll be with him throughout the project." Cielo deep and calm voice said with a respect and it saddens the old man.

"Father don't force her." Harrish said gently,soothing the back of his father who seated beside him.

This father and son duo was making me guilty on not accepting the project.

"May be we should discuss this matter after the meeting." My brother suggested and all of us back our attation to the meeting.

*********

Our meeting lasted within an hour and I was busy instructing Ms.Kim about the project when Cielo,my brother came and gently tap my shoulder to catch my attention.

"We need to talk at your office." He lowly said that kneeted my brows.

"Now!."He added before he walked out from the conference room followed by Harrish with his father on his side.

After I saying my good bye to Miss Kim,I hurriedly go back to my office and my mind was wondering Cielo's words.

Entering inside my office,I was expecting them having a good conversation but the whole room was filled with silence.

"Mr.Talledo are already headed to his office." My brother deep voice said when he see my eyes searching for Harrish father.

They are comfortably seated on my white leather taking their favorite tea above the center table.

Reluctantly I walk closer to them and slowly take my seat beside my brother which is a wrong spot because Harrish was setting across of us.

There's was a pin drop of silence and I find myself in awkward situation sitting with this Men's

"Mhel is coming home on this weekend." Harrish calmly said,breaking the silence.

Mhel?is he addressing my best friend in a friendly way,they are close? Im not updated.

"We're chatting last night."He added with a smirk on his face as if he was telling me they already close.

"I guess I'll wait for her." I simply said pretending not to know his plan on using my bestfriend to his business agenda and if it is the fact,then I'll show him what I'm capable of in protecting those people close to my heart.

I will make sure that his strategies using my weaknesses to get what he want well never work on me.