Chapter 01

"It's a good thing Lucas has such a strong sense of responsibility for a seven-year-old. Unlike other children his age, he doesn't cry when left alone, which allows you to focus on your work."

Manuela smiled at the subtle compliment from Suzie, her friend and secretary. They were on the production floor of Ibañez Furnitures, inspecting the cabinets and tables crafted by the company's skilled workers. Manuela, now CEO, inherited the business after her father's passing, a responsibility that weighed heavily on her young shoulders.

Only a few months had passed since the tragic car accident that claimed her parents' lives, a loss that still felt raw and immediate. She now carried the weight of two significant responsibilities: her seven-year-old brother, Lucas, and the family furniture business. She had vowed to protect and nurture Lucas, filling the roles of both mother and father, and she was fiercely determined to keep her father's legacy alive.

The employees at Ibañez Furnitures had grown close to Manuela, and she deeply valued their respect and trust.

"I wonder who Lucas takes after – Mom or Dad? Sometimes he acts more mature than I do," Manuela mused.

"Well, you're all he has now, so you've become his mother. Why don't you find a husband to help you with Lucas? You're at the right age. Isn't Peter still pursuing you?" Suzie suggested, bringing up a familiar topic.

Manuela sighed, picking up a small checklist. "You always bring this up, Suzie. I'm not even considering marriage right now. It's not something to take lightly, and I'm completely focused on the business and Lucas. As for Peter, I don't want to give him false hope, so I've gently rejected him. Dating should be mutual, and I only see him as a friend."

"Poor Peter, even after your rejection, he's still willing to wait, but you can only offer friendship in return," Suzie sighed, shaking her head.

"Do we have another set to finish?" Manuela asked an employee.

"One last set, ma'am. We'll get to it immediately."

"Good. Please ensure the packaging is perfect. We can't afford any customer complaints," Manuela said, smiling, before moving to another part of the production floor.

"Wait, Manuela, what are you looking for in a man? Even if you're not interested in a relationship right now, you must have an ideal in mind, right? Can I know?" Suzie asked, her curiosity undeterred.

Manuela stopped and turned. "Suzie, we're at work. These personal questions are inappropriate. Do we have any new customers? How are our suppliers doing?"

Suzie's face fell, clearly disappointed. "Sorry, ma'am. We have two new customers – one a newlywed moving into a new home, the other replacing old furniture. Regarding suppliers, the mahogany wood delivery will be delayed a week, but it won't affect production as we have sufficient stock."

"Is that all?"

"Oh, you have a board meeting with investors, and a scheduled office visit today." Suzie consulted her notebook.

"A visitor? Who?" Manuela frowned.

"Mr. Uno Juaquin Urquio. He owns La Corrs Container Company in Seattle, but has a large branch in Manila."

Manuela's eyebrows shot up. "La Corrs Container Company? What does a container company owner want with a furniture company?"

Suzie shrugged. "I don't know, but his email states he wants to discuss something. He followed proper procedure to schedule the visit, so he's expected today. Should I cancel?"

"No. I'm curious about this Mr. Urquio."

Manuela found the prospect of a container company owner visiting her furniture company perplexing, but her curiosity was piqued.

Despite the mystery, Manuela focused on her responsibilities. Her day was productive. The investor meeting went well, leading to plans for company expansion. Production was efficient, and inspections revealed no significant issues. Manuela was proud of her dedicated employees and the high quality of their work.

Back in her office, Manuela reviewed delivery documents when Suzie reappeared.

"Mr. Urquio has arrived, and Manuela, he's incredibly handsome! He looks like Zeus's son, incredibly imposing. He doesn't seem to smile much, though – very serious."

Manuela chuckled. "Suzie, it's not fair to judge someone based on appearances. Mr. Urquio might overhear you. It's impolite. Let him in. I want to know what he wants."

Manuela straightened her desk, stacking the folders she'd reviewed. Before she could finish, the door opened.

"Nice office," a deep, masculine voice announced, and Manuela turned to see her visitor.

"Welcome to Ibañez Furni..." She stopped, her words catching in her throat as she saw the man standing before her.

He was exactly as Suzie described: handsome, tall, impeccably dressed. Manuela had to agree with Suzie's assessment – he could easily pass for Zeus's son.

"Mr. Urquio?" she asked, rising to her feet.

"Ms. Manuela Iriz Ibañez, it's an honor to finally meet you," he said, his voice cool and measured. Manuela sensed there was more to this man than just a businessman.

She found it odd that he addressed her by her full name, as if he already knew her well. His presence was both intriguing and slightly intimidating, but Manuela smiled and gestured to a seat.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Urquio. Please, have a seat." She watched as he sat on the sofa.

Manuela couldn't quite explain the unsettling aura he exuded, but she dismissed it and sat opposite him.

"You have a fine company, Ms. Ibañez," he commented, his gaze fixed on her.

"Thank you, Mr. Urquio, but I honestly don't understand why you scheduled this meeting. Our businesses are so different."

"I'm aware of the difference, Ms. Ibañez, but my reason for seeking you out isn't business-related. I waited a month out of respect for your mourning period. I believe now is the appropriate time to speak," he said seriously.

"What do you mean, Mr. Urquio? I don't understand."

Manuela waited for an explanation, but he reached into his coat and produced a small, red box. He opened it, revealing an elegant diamond ring, which he placed on her desk.

Manuela stared at the ring, then back at the man, whose serious expression remained unchanged.

"Can you explain this, Mr. Urquio?"

"That box contains a ring, a genuine diamond," he replied, his words still unclear.

"Please be direct, Mr. Urquio. Why is this ring here?" Manuela pressed.

Uno Juaquin Urquio leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "Give me a further explanation…"

"—be my wife for 365 days, Ms. Ibañez, and that ring will be proof of our marriage," he finished, cutting her off. Manuela was speechless.

She waited for him to say it was a joke, but his serious expression left no room for doubt.

"Re-repeat that, Mr. Urquio. I think I misheard you."

"You heard correctly, Ms. Ibañez. I'll repeat it clearly. Wear that ring and be my wife for 365 days," he stated, his words causing Manuela to jump to her feet in shock.

"What?! You want me to be your wife?!" she exclaimed, incredulous, staring at Uno, who met her gaze with unwavering intensity.

"I believe you understand my proposal now."