Chapter 3 - 3 Years Later

ELISHA POV

I couldn't help but smile as I looked around at my employees and the guests enjoying the resort.

It had been three years since my parents passed away.

I still didn't know how I had managed to survive those years without them.

None of it had been easy.

Every single day felt like I was in a dark place, unable to find my way out.

I didn't know what to do, where to start my life again, or how to move forward after everything that happened to me.

 

My parents already trained me on how to handle our business, but I know I’m still not ready to face it without them.

But I don’t have any choice now. I need to handle everything because they’re gone. And I don’t want their hard work to get ruined.

I'm so grateful to our employees. They were among the people who helped me get to where I am today.

"You built this business on your own," Yana said.

I shook my head.

"I didn't. My parents did."

"I'm so proud of you, Eli. You've been so brave these past three years. I can't even imagine the pain you've been carrying."

I smiled at her.

"I guess that's what happens when you have a goal to hold on to. I didn't really have a choice. I couldn't let all of my parents' hard work go to waste. Besides, I had all of you supporting me."

"The resorts have become even more well-known over the past three years. I'm sure Auntie and Uncle are smiling proudly in heaven."

"They better be!" I laughed. "I nearly lost my sanity trying to memorize and learn everything I needed to know."

"But are you really sure about your decision?"

I looked at her and nodded.

"I trust my employees enough to manage the resorts now. As for me... I want a different experience. I want to achieve something on my own."

"You're already doing a great job, Ali. And I don’t think you still need validation from others. You’re already successful. And all the resorts your family owns are the proof of how hard working you are for all these years.”

"I know. But I want to step outside my comfort zone. I can't stay here forever. I want to challenge myself by trying something different."

"I understand that it's what you want," she replied. "But do you really have to move away? Do you really have to work for another company when your family already owns a successful business? Here, you're the boss. Why would you choose to work under someone else? Besides, we both know people in Manila can be difficult."

"Don't you think it sounds exciting?" I asked with a grin.

She rolled her eyes.

"I honestly don't know what got into your head to make you decide something like this."

I laughed.

"You were the one who said I'm the boss here. That's exactly why I also want to experience what it's like to be an ordinary employee."

She sighed.

"I'll support whatever decision you make. You're not a child anymore."

"Just admit you're going to miss me," I teased.

"Oh, please! In case you've forgotten, I work in Manila too."

"And yet you don't want me to move there. Don't tell me you've got a boyfriend already."

"Oh, stop it, Elisha. Romance isn't even on my mind. I want to focus on myself."

"Sure you do."

"What about the companies you applied to?"

"I'm still waiting for their emails.”

"That's good. I hope you find a decent job that won't be too stressful."

I lightly smacked her arm.

"What do you take me for? Weak? I can do or learn any job as long as I put my mind to it."

The following morning, I visited the last resort on my list before heading home to pack for Manila.

"Ms. Elisha, are you really leaving? What are we supposed to do without you?" one of my employees asked.

I smiled and nodded.

"I want to achieve something on my own, somewhere no one knows me and where I don't have any connections. And besides, I trust you all here.”

"You don’t have to worry about it."

"I’ll visit here often if I have time. Just promise me you'll take good care of our resort."

"Good luck on your new journey, Ma’am. We will always cheer for you.”

After talking to everyone, I headed to my office with the cousin I trusted the most to oversee all the branches of our resorts.

"Look who’s excited here," my cousin said with a smile.

I laughed. “Why? Do you want me to cry? This is what I wanted to do; that’s why I'm happy and excited. I know life in there would not be easy on me, but I have a huge trust in myself that I can handle it.”

"Good luck to you then."

I simply smiled.

Most people would probably dream of living the kind of life I already had.

Who wouldn't?

I had properties, a beautiful home, and financial security.

And I was my own boss.

Before leaving, I faced my cousin.

"I'm leaving everything in your hands.”

He smiled and nodded. "You don’t need to worry. I’ll handle everything. Just focus on the things that make you happy and achieve your goals."

After we finished talking, I said goodbye and left.

I still needed to finish packing everything I'd be bringing to Manila.

Thanks to Yana, I'd already rented a condominium there.

For now, I didn't plan on buying one.

It was already five in the afternoon when I finished checking the sales reports.

Just then, a new email notification popped up on my screen.

I opened it...

And a smile slowly spread across my face.

An interview invitation...

From Guevarra Corporation.

I had submitted an application there, but honestly, I hadn't expected anything.

I knew countless applicants dreamed of working for one of the most successfulccessful