Chapter 10: Andrea Blushed

“So, that was why! Way back then in Dr. Calvo’s clinic, when I supervised his discharge, I was in awe to know that the bill was already paid. The cashier just informed me that the patient's bill in suite room 207 has been settled. Dr. Calvo didn’t even mention his full name that time and how foolish I am to think that he’s an Imperial. I pitied him not because not every Imperial in the whole city holds a prestige life, but because he was injured because of me.” Andrea silently recalled and screamed on her head.

“You lied. You told me and Trina once that you are an Imperial. We asked and you said, you are Miguel Imperial.” Andrea voiced out instead. She argued after contemplating.

“I am. As so you know, I’m Allen Miguel Imperial – Jackson.”

“What the –” Andrea was stunned and couldn’t argue any longer. She doesn’t know what to say and what to feel. She was out of words, because the truth is, she felt so anxious for she never expect that she is keeping not only a stunning and handsome guy in their small apartment, but a billionaire one.

In contrary, Miguel smiled at Andrea slyly. He grinned as his eyes silently gleamed victory. He was about to stand from his seat and approach her to explain everything when suddenly, Trina who has a long hair covering her face appeared before him.

“M-Miguel!”

“Ahh!” he was literally startled in his seat when Trina called him on her creepy advent.

Trina immediately kneeled as she held his hand and looked up on him. With her pitiful look, she begged and said, “Miguel please forgive me, I am really sorry if I silently yelled and cursed you before. I’m so sorry for my ill behavior. Just please don’t kick me out from my work just because your family owned that commercial building my boss is occupying. I can’t easily find a job because I am not a degree holder, so don’t make me become a jobless person, please.”

Andrea’s eyes became uptight in Trina’s reaction. She shifted her gazed to Miguel and unexpectedly, she met his blue eyes filled with astonishment.

Miguel cleared his throat as he withdrew his gazed from Andrea, afterwards he removed Trina’s grip on his arm. He silently thought that it’s good Trina didn’t touch his wound though it’s already getting better. He looked at her and reassured her, saying, “Ah… Trina relax. I didn’t plan to kick you out from your work.”

Trina heaved a sigh of relief. She merrily stood from her stance and thank Miguel. But before she could finish her gratefulness, she heard him say, “But –”

Andrea and Trina wait for his statement. Both of them were confused as they looked at each other.

“But – I hope no one will know that I am here in your place. Don’t worry, I will go back to my family next week, just let me stay here in your place for the remaining couple of days.” Miguel remarked.

“Yes of course, even if it’s a year –”

“No!” Andrea cuts off Trina.

“Andrea?” Trina’s brows wrinkled as she protested.

“Can’t you hear the news? Your family is looking for you and until now, the Policemen are still investigating to find you. I’m sure your family is worried of you.” Andrea uttered out of concern while staring intently at Miguel.

“I have reasons why I choose to recuperate here in your place and you agreed to take care of me within two weeks. Besides, some member of my family knows I’m here.” Miguel replied coldly.

“Are you serious? How come your family knows this place?” Andrea retorted.

“You forgot to ask where I get the money I used to pay for your house rental." He declared, directly staring at her. "As for you to know, I didn't withdraw any single amount of it, but one from my family has brought it over. If you don’t believe me, then I can let you meet him tomorrow.” Miguel stood as he continued. He encircled at the table and approached Andrea whose standing near the lavatory. He placed his left hand in her side and stared at her closely the moment he reached before her, and roughly said, “It’s just one week left and we had a deal that you’re going to take care of me. Why are you so eager to kick me out huh?”

Andrea was stunned because Miguel’s face was nearly apart from her. She could actually smell his aromatic scent and she could almost feel his breathing. She couldn’t understand, but her heart beats faster when she met his gazed. It seems like she is slowly melting from that pair of blue eyes. She can almost hear the erratic thumping of her own heart.

“Oh! No, I am bewitched by him.” Andrea blinked twice as she thought. Afraid that he could noticed the abnormality of her heart, so, she quickly swift her attention to the other side and escape from him immediately as she reasoned out, “I – I’m not. I’m not eager to kick you out. I – I’m just worried on behalf of your family okay!”

Miguel scoffed. He turned at Andrea whose back is facing against him and firmly said, “Then don’t be. You’re worrying for nothing. I will go home after our two weeks agreement and it’s just a week ahead. I think, I am fully recovered by that time.”

Andrea immediately bow down, trying to hide her blushing face. She felt so hot out of the sudden and even if she’s not looking in the mirror, she could tell that her face is as red as a ripe tomato.

“Then, it was settled!” Trina clasped her palms as she interrupts impatiently. She smiled as she exchanged her gaze to one after another. Afterwards, she encouraged them to have their meal because apparently speaking, the news made her starve.

Moments later, dead air filled the atmosphere and only the clinking sound of the utensils could be heard in the dining table.

***

Inside the wide study area of the Jackson’s mansion were the father-duo confrontations. Don Arthur and Simon were drinking their teas as they have their conversation, while Oman is standing near at the door.

“I wouldn’t be there If I didn’t hear your son, Edward telling his mother that you have decided to pass down the company to his hands.” Don Arthur declared as he has another sipped of his tea.

“I thought you will do the right thing by telling the board to wait until Miguel is back and if not, you will encourage them to select between Jason and Marcus. But now, you have proven to me that your decision could easily be swayed as you’re still blinded by that woman.” He added seriously.

“Dad you saw and witnessed how Edward worked for the company. It has nothing to do with my wife. Edward would be an excellent leader because I molded him –”

“Enough!” Don Arthur scolded. His hand is gripping on his walking stick, trying to stabilize his emotions.

“I gave in to your plea before and allowed you to marry that woman after Miguel and Adam’s mother died, and I even let them stay here. I allowed you to give your name to her bastard son, and that’s more than enough! I will never ever agree for them to be the heir of the company in which I built through my devotion and perspiration!” He added agitatedly.

“Dad, please let’s not talk about the past. You know that Edward is not a bastard! He is my son and your grandson. I’m sure, he will take good care of the family’s business if you would just allow him.” Simon rebutted patiently.

Don Arthur gave his son a stern look and replied calmly, “It was already decided. If Miguel won’t still show up, then let him prove his worth and capabilities over Jason and Marcus. I won’t object if he qualifies!”

Simon was about to rebut, but the words were stuck in his throat when his siblings, Selena and Sabrina eagerly entered the study room and made their way before their father's eyes.

“Dad what happen? Why are there so many reporters at the hospital who wants to interview me? Yes, I was able to escape from them, but when I got home, there were still many of them blocking our way at the main gate.” Dr. Selena asked as she narrated what happen to her.

“Even at the DVU, there are reporters as well.” Sabrina added. She faced Simon and said, “Brother, you must find a way to stop this. Please, not in the University because they’re disrupting the harmony of the school.”

Simon looked at his two sisters, trying to analyze what they're saying. It took for him a little while to respond and asked, “Selena, where’s your husband?”

“I’m here.” Ezequiel retaliates. He walked through his wife’s side and kissed her cheek before he joined in the conversation. He actually heard what his wife, Selena and sister-in-law, Sabrina have reported.

“I know who leaked the information of Miguel being missing.” Ezequiel announced. He faced Simon and continued, “Brother-in-law it’s the other network since a closest relative of one of your boards, Johnny is their journalist. I presumed, their making a big fuss because you withdrew your partnership in their company. Remember? You freeze the sponsorship and advertisement. You know, they lost a huge amount because of that.”

“Nonsense! They didn’t meet our standards and they're simultaneously breaking the contract, so I have to withdraw. Besides, you and your company alone are enough to advertise the company, and aside from that, we’re 50 years from the making and we don’t need for our structures to be advertised all over again.” Simon replied frustratedly.

Don Arthur heave a sigh as he commented, “So, just sit for an interview, and it shall be done. Anyway, the people will really gossip and after that - the issue will eventually subside.”

Ezequiel nodded silently. He agreed to Don Arthur's notion. 

“Well, I think you should let your brother-in-laws, Alexander and Ezequiel to go with you, so that you will be steered on some legal issues advice and that sponsorship and advertisement matters.” Sabrina suggested.

“It’s definitely nice to have a strong family ties and connections!” Simon thought. He still managed to smile despite the odds he has with his father.

"Okay, then." Simon answered.