9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts

As I entered the company, my secretary and other board members followed closely behind me. I was engrossed in my phone, scrolling through the negative feedback about our cruise ships."Bakit ang dali lang sa kanila ang manghusga ng basta-basta? Hindi ba nila alam na ang laking damage ito sa kompanya ko?" I thought bitterly. Our cruise ships have been on top since our great-grandfather established the company. We have always provided excellent service to our guests and passengers, earning numerous awards over the years. And now, problems about our cruise ships' bad service are spreading like wildfire? What is wrong with these people?!My grip tightened on my phone as I walked towards the elevator, the anger simmering just below the surface. I was furious about the tainted reputation of our cruise ships."Miss Cali, there's someone who wants to invest," Monica's voice interrupted my thoughts."So? That's not my work, Monica. Let Era handle it," I snapped at her, continuing my stride towa

I bit the inside of my cheek when I saw Thaddeus. Him? Investing in my company? Was this some ridiculous joke?"Good afternoon, Cali," he greeted with a smile. I glared at him and was about to walk away when he reached out and grabbed my hand. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through my veins.His touch brought back memories—intense and passionate moments we once shared. Despite my resolve to keep things professional, his presence stirred emotions I thought I had buried long ago."What do you think you're doing?" I said, trying to pull my hand away, but he held on firmly."Cali, please," he said earnestly, his eyes searching mine. "Let's talk. Give me a chance to explain."I hesitated, torn between the past and the present, between my business instincts and my personal history with him. Finally, I nodded reluctantly."Fine," I replied, my voice firm despite the turmoil inside me. "Let's talk, but keep it professional."He nodded, releasing my hand slowly. We sat down at the table,

The door swung open and I was glad that I was saved. There I saw Mel looks shocked when she saw Thaddeus.“Ow, you have a visitor.” Sabi niya sa boses na gulat pero kita ang pilyong ngisi sa kanyang labi. Napairap ako tsaka tumayo at hinayaan si Thaddeus na ligpitin ang pinagkainan ko.“So, what are you doing here?” Tanong ko kay Mel tsaka napaupo sa upuan ko at kinuha ang papers sa kabilang lamesa para ipagpatuloy ang pagbabasa.“When did you got here, Captain?” Mel asked Thaddeus. Captain? Huh? Captain? Ng alin? Pagkakaalala ko Thaddeus wants to be a seaman. Is he a captain now?“Last month.” Nakangiting sagot ni Thaddeus. Napatingin naman saakin si Mel na may kahulugang ngisi.“Ow, and anong ginagawa mo rito? Sinadya mo lang ba si Cali?” Tanong niya pa, pero nakatingin ito saakin kaya iniwas ko ang tingin ko at pinagpatuloy ang pagbabasa ng reports.I made myself busy while they're having a conversation, but I can't help to listen.“Oh, I signed a contract earlier. And I noticed Ca

Mel, Era, and I are on our way to the airport, where our private plane awaits, ready to take us to Germany. That's where Urania, our newly built cruise ship, is located. Today is the big day—the inspection. If everything goes well, we will move her to Amsterdam and later to Singapore to serve the Asia-Far East countries. As our car speeds toward the airport, I glance out the window, the cityscape blurring past. The anticipation of the trip fills the air, a mix of excitement and nerves. Mel and Era are discussing last-minute details, ensuring every aspect of the inspection is covered. "Do you think everything will go smoothly?" Era asks, her voice tinged with concern. "I believe so," I reply confidently, pero may parte parin saakin na kinakahaban, pero hindi ko na iyon pinahalata sa kanila. It's my first project after taking the position of CEO. I've worked hard for eight years to fully accomplish our last ship, which is part of the Nine Muses. Kaya naman ay may parte parin saakin

Days after Thaddeus confessed, he gave me flowers. It wasn't a typical bouquet but a single bloom he picked from their garden. Thaddeus couldn't give me expensive flowers because of his status. I understood that. I didn't need those extravagant gestures, especially when I could easily buy such things for myself.What made his gifts special was the poetry he included with every flower. Each note was carefully crafted, filled with heartfelt words that made me see a different side of him. It was thoughtful, and despite everything, I still saw him as my competitor from school.As I sat at my desk, I admired the latest flower he had given me, a delicate daisy with a small card attached. I opened the card and read:"In every petal lies a memory,Of days gone by and dreams set free.May this bloom remind you of our time,When we were young, and life was sublime."I couldn't help but smile at the simplicity and sincerity of his words. Thaddeus always had a way with language, a talent that had