Chapter 01

My father told me that my mother died when she gave birth to me. Sadly, I grew up without a mother. Dad didn't fail; he stood up like my father and mother. So even if I tripped once in school, I was able to overcome all of that. I don't want Papa to see that I'm weak; he says I'm his strength, so if I become weak, he will lose his strength too. That's why I keep getting stronger.

We are going out of Manila on mom's death anniversary. Manila is where my mother was born, where she grew up, and where she was laid to rest. We only visit her because she has no relatives living in Manila; that's what mom told dad. It was surprising and confusing that I didn't ask Dad anymore; visiting her at least once a year was enough. But this time I wasn't with Dad; he was left at the hacienda because he needed to fix the problem. So, my cousins Red, Theo, and Lucas are with me; the three are currently living in Manila, and another one is also working here.

That's good because I only visit the cemetery when I go out; that's why I can say that I haven't memorized the place. I don't even know where I'm going or where I'm going; only Papa knows about Manila, so if he's with me, there won't be any problem. I'm so thankful to have a cousin here; I won't be afraid any longer.

I looked at the flowers I knew had been there for a few minutes: white roses. This isn't the first time I've seen the flowers; it's strange because the day I went was also the day the owner of the flowers went. I looked in the hallway, where the person who placed the flower might have exited, but all I noticed was the man who was currently walking with the phone in his ear.

"Are you okay?" Theo.

"Huh?" "It's fine," I said, returning my gaze to the hallway where the man had been earlier. "I think I saw a familiar face."

"Maybe one of your ardent lovers," Lucas commented. I just shook my head and smiled slightly, and I put down the flower I was carrying. Also, a white rose; I want to know the person who is visiting her because it's surprising that he knows mom's favorite flower. If my memories are not tricking me, Papa mentioned to me that he was the only one who knew Mama's favorite flower. It's impossible for Papa because we're always together when we visit, and I'm pretty sure it's at the hacienda now.

We didn't stay long at the cemetery; we were staying at the hotel where Dad stayed if he wanted us both. But now that I'm not with him today, I decided to spend the night at Lucas's condo. There is a restaurant near Lucas's condo; we talked about having lunch there. I quietly observed the place; if not casual, I saw people wearing formal clothes.

"Uncle said you wanted to work in Manila," Red began the discussion. I nodded to him in response. "You don't want to handle the hacienda?" "What did Grandpa say?" he added.

"They know I have no interest in the hacienda; what I want is to work in an office."

"You have an office at the hacienda." "Which company do you intend to work for then?"

"The view I want is an office with work; I don't know where yet." "Because I don't have a well-known company here."

"What do you take me for?" "I'll take care of it; my friend just mentioned the other day that their boss is looking for a secretary!" My eyes immediately lit up, and my ears perked up when I heard it.

“Really? If so, I can apply, but... did you ask the reason why the position is vacant? The two also looked at Lucas when I asked him that question.

"The boss is said to be grumpy, like a dragon. If you don't want to, I can ask my acquaintances."

"Or you'll just manage Grandpa's company." Theo grinned at me.

"I don't want to," I immediately answered. "That's why I can't apply because, like Red and Lucas, I also want to try something else." I smiled at him, and he looked me in the eye.

"Then my hope is gone!" he complained, so the three of us laughed.

"Why, are you tired of being the big boss?" Red teased.

"I'm not tired of being the big boss; I'm tired of correcting my new secretary every day!"

"New?" "Where is your former secretary?” Lucas covered his mouth and sneered at Theo.

"Don't say you're pregnant?!" I rolled my eyes at what Lucas said and immediately turned to Theo.

"Did you?" I breathed. But he immediately took the tissue that was on the table and threw it at Lucas.

"I'm not like that!" "What the fuck?”

"Maybe it's just the new secretary!" Red laughed out loud. I winced because of his speech; he was sure that it would happen to Theo. Another thing is that Lucas also supports him. He laughed and nodded beside him.

Knock on wood, Theo; it's not bad, to be sure! I exclaimed.

"Azeria!" he grunted. We stopped fiddling when the waiter came to us; he put down the menu, so I took it. But I was surprised when I looked at Theo without anything; he bent down like you were hiding.

"Because you were told that you should only bring one woman here at a time." Lucas teased. Theo just hissed at him; he tried to peek, so I followed the direction where his eyes were.

"Good," I commented, so Theo looked at me. "But the guy next to him looks familiar; I just don't remember where I saw it."I shook my head when I saw my cousin's fist clenched; it looks like Theo doesn't need to knock on wood.

When we got to Lucas's condo, Theo was still not in the mood, so he got all the teasing from the two of them.

"Get pregnant now." Lucas

"Tie him up so that no dog can get around him." The other one is cheering.

"Stop it, you two; it's not like Theo wants that girl," the cousin says. I asked even though what I saw earlier was clear.

"Of course! "I don't like an employee!" He tsked.

"Aren't you convincing yourself?" He immediately laughed at what I said and pointed to himself.

"Why do I deny Azeria?" I don't have a feeling for her... "I mean, she's not my type."

"The girl is pretty, right, Lucas?" I smiled and got what I wanted.

"Of course! It's nice to visit the company once in a while. "How about I introduce you, Theo?"Lucas was beaming.

"What?!" Theo shouted and stood still, so we burst out laughing. Look at this person's own words and actions; they are already badass.

"Chill, it's like you're going to kill yourself."

"I will!" "If you dare to step on my company!”

"Wow! You still have my company!” Lucas made me shake my head and take them off. They are getting together and might even fight.

We immediately ordered, and I reopened the topic regarding the company Lucas was talking about.

"When I was in high school, the company was just starting." "But I know he's stronger than others; his boss is another well-known engineer."

"Do I know you?" is Red's question. By the way, one of them is an engineer.

"De Ferrer is the last name; I don't remember a De Ferrer getting top marks in the bar exam." But they say that one is well known, and I'm not even familiar with the last name if I've heard it from afar. But here in Manila, particularly here in San Juan, I don't remember anything. You Theo? "Familiar to you?” Theo held his chin, thinking.

"Hmm. I'm not sure. But I've heard that surname somewhere, and it seems Tanda also mentioned it once.

"You mean Uncle Theodore?" I croaked, and it nodded. When he hears his father's call, these crazy jerks might stone him.

"Well, I'm going to talk to Papa first to find out what his opinion is, and then I'll make a decision." "But if I'm allowed, I might go there if that's the case."

"Okay, update me then so I can tell my friend."

"Why don't you just stay here and say goodbye when you call, Aze?" Theo's suggestion, which I immediately asked for

"I'm not going to do that, sir; I don't want the father to have a heart attack in no time."

"Maybe you won't be reprimanded; weren't you allowed not to touch the hacienda?" "I know Uncle Cessair will support you, Azeria."

"Still, it would be better if I said goodbye in person."

"Well, the decision is yours; if you are not permitted to work poorly at your so-called true office view, that is your decision." Then you don't have a choice but to take my position!” Theo woke up.

"Why would I take your position?" "I could be your employee."

“Bingo!” Lucas laughed, so Theo looked at him evilly. Why does it want to be replaced? How rude is his new secretary?

Will my belongings be ready tomorrow, or will they be identified by the purse I'm carrying? It was obvious that I only meant to be a guest, yet the three of them took me to the airport. I want to stay longer, but even if I wanted to, I couldn't, let alone after I said goodbye to Papa.

"If you come back early, Azeria, you'll call me, and you can't count on these two." He pointed to Lucas and Theo at the same time.

"Noted, Red, I will update you only when Papa agrees." I turned to Lucas.

"Even if you don't agree, I will talk to you and continue with your plan." Theo.

"Which plan?" "Make me the big boss or something?” he tsked.

"You will work for the company if the company does not want you to join."

"Really, will you do that for me?" I was tempted, but it made me suffer, which made me laugh in the end.

"Be careful on your way home!" They have been together for a long time, he said. They nodded and smiled, and I hugged them one by one.

"You too, be careful when you go home." My flight was announced, so I walked over, looked at them again, and waved to them; they waved back.

Theo took care of my flight, so I said that I probably took the first class. But it's too late; it's over, so my appeal can't do anything. It's not my first, but it's fine with me if it's not in first class, but as I said, it's useless now because it's done.

"Drinks, ma'am?” the flight attendant offered me. So, I took the juice that was on the tray; I saw some wine, but it was too early for that kind of drink.

"Mr. De Ferrer, what drinks do you want, sir?” I heard the flight attendant behind me ask.

"I'm good. "Is my cousin there yet?" I blinked at the feeling. Why am I having goosebumps about that voice?

"Yes, sir, Captain Hillarca is currently in his perspective position." The flight attendant said politely, "Doesn't the airline own the man it's talking to?" I was suddenly nervous at the thought of this being behind me. What's wrong with you, Azeria? It's like your first time riding a plane! I patted my cheek, but when a passenger saw me, I sighed and hid out of embarrassment. But I was even more nervous when the man the flight attendant was talking to earlier called me.

“Miss your purse.”