35 - Test of Destiny

RJ's POV

I have to make sure that Meng would not know more about Patrick Ledesma until I have a concrete plan on how could I avoid their meeting. Eversince I met that Patrick Ledesma, I was never at ease. I have been pre-occupied on the thought of how to prevent him from being near my wife.

But it seems, destiny is testing my patience, because today I received a news that I could not determine whether if it is good or bad news.

"Congratulations RJ, we got the deal. This is our major project for this year and I am expecting everyone to put their outmost attention to this project. Hindi tayo pwedeng mapahiya because this may lead us to our target of dominating the regional market then eventually we could hit the global market." My Dad excitedly said.

"Mike's team should be commented for getting that project, Dad. His team works hard to get this deal" I said.

"I agree, but it is too early to compensate them for their work. Let's have this completed before its target date and I promise he and his team will be properly rewarded." Daddy Ricky said.

"Yes, Dad. I understand." I replied.

"As the COO, I want you to prioritize this project RJ. There should be no room for error. You know what this project could bring to our company." He commanded.

"Noted, Dad." I briefly replied.

"On top of Mike, I am putting you as the overall-in-charge for this project. Make sure you will have a constant communication with Patrick para kung may magiging problema, madaling masolusyonan because you can immediately decide, unlike if we give the lead to Mike." Daddy further commanded and I honestly did not like what he said dahil hangga't maari nga ayoko nang makasalamuha yang si Patrick Ledesma.

"But Dad, this can be a big break for Mike, since his team works so hard for this project. Why don't we trust him to handle this until completion? He will be rewarded anyway." I suggested at nakita ko kung paano kumunot ang noo ng Daddy ko.

"This is the first time I heard you decline to lead a big project. Dati naman, ikaw ang excited. What is going on? Napapagod ka na ba sa mga pinapagawa ko, RJ?" He asked.

"It is not that Dad, I just find Mike more deserving to be in-charged." I said.

"I'll think about it. Anyway, I already talk to our Administration Group, we will be hosting a grand contract signing in two weeks. Make sure that you are free on that important occasion. I am planning to have the whole family to be present in this event. Para naman makilala ng bagong kliyente natin ang buong pamilya natin. This is a big project RJ and I want the whole family to get involved." Dad further said and I choose to just listen.

"Sabi ni Patrick, he will be back by next week to review the contract before their key officers fly here in Manila for the contract signing. Maybe we could also invite them for a small dinner before the event. Can you ask Charm to help your Lola to arrange that dinner?" My Dad continued.

"Can we spare Meng on this event Dad? She is not used to this kind of event, much more arranged a small dinner for the clients. Baka ma-culture shock sya Dad. Maybe Rizza can help Lola on this." I said.

"I will give Rizza a different assignment. Charm will only help your Lola on the preparation for one night RJ. Mas mabuti na yung ganon so that when the time comes, she already knows what to do." My Dad said but I was able to reply only with a deep sigh.

"I can see something is bothering you son, not only now but for several days already. There were times na lutang ka sa mga meetings natin. You don't seem motivated while everyone else in this company is too excited for this deal. Is there something that I need to know? Not as the CEO of this company but at least as your father. What's bothering you son? Let's talk about it." He further asked.

"I just don't want to work with Patrick Ledesma Dad. I don't think I will be comfortable working with him ever." I admitted and my Dad I is obviously surprised.

"Why is that so?" Do you think you'll have a hard time dealing with him? Does Patrick Ledesma a threat?" He asked.

"He will never be a threat for me Dad …. Professionally." I said.

"Therefore this is a personal thing. Bakit nakasuntukan mo na ba yang si Patrick before at halos ayaw mo na syang makita?" He asked.

"I only met him when he had his ocular visit in our office last week." I replied.

"Paanong naging personal?" He asked.

"He is Charm's ex-boyfriend." I replied and I saw how my Dad smirked.

"What's wrong with that? May batas na ba ngayon na hindi pwedeng magkaroon ng business deal with your wife's ex-boyfriend? Tell me RJ, what exactly is on your mind son?" He asked.

"I don't want Patrick and Charm to see each other again. Kapag nagkita sila ulit, pwedeng magkabalikan sila, kapag nagkabalikan sila pwede nilang ilayo sa aking si Celestine at hindi ako papayag ng ganon, Dad." I firmly said.

"Ang layo na ng narating ng paranoia mo RJ. If Charm and Patrick get back together, what's the big deal? What the two of you have right now is just an arranged marriage, which you, yourself wishes to end through an annulment. Ayaw mo ba nang ganon you are sure to be a free man after a year of being married to Charm." Daddy said.

"Hindi mo ba ako narinig Dad, if Charm and Patrick end up together, pwedeng mawala sa akin si Celestine and I don't want that to happen." I explained.

"Is loosing Celestine your only concern here? Wala na ba talagang iba pa?" He asked.

"You are not helping Dad, you are making things harder for me." I said in frustration.

"Magsabi ka kasi ng tutoo para hindi ka mahirapan." He commented. "I don't believe this is about Celestine alone. You are smarter than that RJ. You very well know na hindi pwedeng mawala si Celestine sa yo. We can fight for custody, specially if her mother will get into a relationship first so para saan ngayon ang worry mo? Pati ang trabaho idadamay mo." He added.

"I still can't work with Patrick Ledesma, Dad." I straightly said.

"Then tell that to your Lolo, tell him straight that you are choosing to deal with your personal issue than be professional for the sake of the company." Dad dares me.

"You are making things more complicated, Dad." I said.

"You are the one making things complicated. Paikot-ikot tayo RJ, yung tutoo lang naman ang gusto kong marinig, and you are beginning to be stubborn, how can I help you kung hindi ka magsasabi ng tutoong nasa puso mo?" He said.

"I am telling you the truth Dad, I cannot afford loosing Celestine." I said.

"Loosing Celestine …. and who else?" He asked.

It took me a while before I was able to tell my Dad the truth "And Charm." I softly said.

"Pardon me? Hindi ko narinig, RJ." He said

"I cannot afford to loose my girls, ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko na and this does not need to wait a year for me to say this, Dad. I cannot live without Celestine and Charm. They are my life now." I honestly uttered.

"Are you saying that you are falling in love with your wife? Tama ba ako ng hunch na mahal mo na si Charm?" He asked.

"Yes Dad, I am already in love with my wife, Mahal na mahal ko po si Charm." I replied.