Panimula — Rejected

VICENZIO APOLLO’s POV

I still remember how Mom and Dad would get headaches every time I brought different women to my condo. Parang damit lang kung mag palit ako ng babae noon.

I thought I’d be like that forever. I’m not satisfied with just one woman. I’m looking for something. And even the women I have sex with are the ones who are chasing me. But I’m not interested in them, and I don’t even know their names.

I just fuck and then I leave.

Until fate played tricks on me, I met Hirah. I didn’t know but she was the only woman who made my heart beat faster. The woman who revived my interest in her. Everything is new to me, which is why I’m even more interested in her.

But the situation is reversed now, she’s the one who doesn’t like me.

But I don’t care.

“Sir, the CEO of Westville, Mr. Dela Fuentes, said that they will be ten minutes late,” My secretary, Ms. Coleman, announced those information at a wrong timing on this day.

I didn’t move and just gave a weak sigh to her statement, “How long have I been here?” I asked casually, trying to calm my waning patience.

“A-almost an hour po—”

I gave her a simple nod, just enough for her to stop talking. She immediately closed her mouth because my secretary knew what will happened if she speak back to me. Marahan kong minasahe ang aking sentido. Almost an hour? For pete’s sake, I haven’t had breakfast just for this quick meeting.

Or is it because I’m just too excited for this meeting?

I loosened my neck tie and shifted my weight on the swivel chair I was sitting on. Pilit na kinakalma ang sistema at iniisip na lamang kung gaano ka ganda ang pag-uusap naming ito ni Mr. Dela Fuentes kung papayag siya sa sasabihin ko sa kaniya.

I can’t imagine how happy I would be if Mr. Dela Fuentes agreed to my request. I know this request of mine is no joke, but I know we can both benefit from each other.

It’s just a bonus that the Negros will be considered as the best gambling city in the Philippines if we can merge two big companies.

Besides that, I can give everything for her. I can give her everything she wants, even the whole world just for her.

I owned Apex Casino, nestled in the heart of Manila, is renowned for it's unparalleled commitment to guest satisfaction and responsible gaming since its grand opening, it was my father, Vicentius Acheivaughn who made this casino of ours to be known all over the world. My father is the one who made this prestigious casino of ours exists. Apex has consistently exceeded expectations since then, earning a stellar reputation for it's impeccable service, lavish amenities, and unwavering dedication to ethical practices.

Hindi din naman biro ang Westville Hotel and Resort na pagmamay-ari ng mga Dela Fuentes. It is embrace on the pristine shores of Dumaguete, Negros, Westville Hotel and Resorts stands as Negros' premier five-star destination. A haven of unparalleled comfort and luxury, Westville seamlessly blends the island's natural beauty with world-class service, offering an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers.

That’s why my casino and their hotel is the perfect combination if ever this meeting went well.

Isang katok ang nag agaw sa aking atensiyon. Nang idinilat ko ang aking mga mata ay nakita kong ang sekretarya ko iyon.

“Sir, Mr. Dela Fuentes has arrived,” My secretary announced.

I immediately stood up. I first gently adjusted my neck tie and brushed out the slightly wrinkled clothing to look comfortable. I also fixed my hair before leaving my office. Making sure that I’ll look good in every angles of my face.

“Good morning, sir,”

Some of my employees are greeting me while walking, bowing their heads and smiling at me as what I’ve always told them to do. A way of showing their respect of the leaders.

“Good morning,” I greeted back.

It’s a good thing Mr. Dela Fuentes was able to make it to this meeting. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to hold my patience any longer, and I don’t know what I could have done to them.

I can kill them, if that’s the only way so I can get what I want. Anything, in the name of success. Nothing can stop me, not even the justice. You know, I can pay justice just to clean my own stain.

Ilang beses ko na nga bang ginawa ito? Oh...many times. At may lumabas ba sa mga ginawa ko? None. And that’s the power of money.

But now, it’s not about the business I’m going to offer him. It’s about the marriage I want.

“His secretary said the meeting would only last for fifteen minutes,” Pahayag ulit ng aking sekretarya.

I took a deep breath, “Fifteen minutes, huh?” I said sarcastically.

My eyebrows rose. I just ignored the fact that I had been waiting for almost an hour in their presence. I clicked my tongue in annoyance, I should have gone to their company myself.

Why the hell did I invited them here? Kung alam ko lang sanang paghihintayin ako ay ako na mismo ang pumunta sa kanila. Alam ng lahat ng mga kilala ako na ito ang pinakaayaw ko—ang pinaghihintay ako.

I value my own time. Time is gold so I don’t want to waste it for something useless.

Or else...they will pay for it.

Nang buksan ko ang pintuan ng conference area ay kaagad na umayos ng upo ang mga naroon. Ang iba ay tauhan ni Mr. Dela Fuentes at ang iba naman ay akin. I put my simple smile on my lips. As I greeted all the people inside the conference room.

My eyes immediately landed on Mr. Dela Fuentes who quickly drank the wine in the glass, he looked thirsty and tense.

“Another glass, Mr. Dela Fuentes? Such excellent brandy. It complements the… stimulating conversation we're having.” I immediately said before extending my hand in front of Mr. Dela Fuentes.

He is fat and his thick mustache makes him look even older. His wrinkles are visible everywhere. Wearing a pair of high-grade glasses, he gave me a simple smile.

Mr. Dela Fuentes steeples his fingers, “Stimulating is one word for it, Mr. Acheivaughn. I prefer… confrontational,” Mr. Dela Fuenges said bluntly, not accepting my hand extended in front of him.

“Let's dispense with the pleasantries. You’ve made your intentions clear regarding Hirah,” Mr. Dela Fuentes added emphatically, it seems he doesn’t like my purpose for this meeting.

I slowly sat down in the swivel chair in front of him and then I raise the glass slightly, “My intentions are honorable, Mr. Dela Fuentes. Hirah is a remarkable woman, a jewel… and I believe I can offer her a life of unparalleled luxury and security,” I spoke seriously to him.

Mr. Dela Fuentes scoffs, “Luxury and security she already possesses all of those, Vicenzio. My daughter is not some prize to be won in a business deal. She is a person with her own desires and ambitions,” I can hear the anger in Mr. Dela Fuentes’ tone.

I leans forward, “And those desires and ambitions, I'm confident, align with mine. My resources… my influence… they would allow her to pursue any endeavor she chooses. Think of the philanthropic opportunities, the global impact she could have, with my backing,” I dictated to him the great benefits if I could marry his daughter, he knew I had been telling him this matter for a long time.

Mr. Dela Fuentes takes a slow sip of his brandy, “Your backing comes at a price, Vicenzio. A price I’m not willing to pay. Hirah’s happiness isn’t something I can quantify in dollars and cents,” Mr. Dela Fuentes said it directly.

I sighs dramatically as I massage the temple of my nose, “Hiro, you underestimate my sincerity. This isn’t just a business proposition. I… I've fallen for Hirah. Her intelligence, her spirit… they captivate me,” I said to him sincerely.

I saw how Mr. Dela Fuentes raises an eyebrow, It seemed like I was using funny language to him.

“Love, at your age, Vicenzio? I find that hard to believe. This sounds more like a calculated move to consolidate power, to further your empire. My daughter doesn’t deserve some woman whore like you,” Mr. Dela Fuentes said emphatically.

I clenched my fist in anger, “My feelings are genuine. I offer you not just wealth, but a partnership, a union of two powerful families. Think of the legacy we could create together!” I hissed at him in anger.

But Mr. Dela Fuentes sets down his glass firmly “My legacy is already secure, Vicenzio. And it won’t be built on the sacrifice of my daughter’s happiness. I appreciate your proposal, but it’s a resounding no. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” Wika ni Mr. Dela Fuentes.

I stands up, the patience I had shown earlier has also disappeared.

“You’ll regret this, Mr. Dela Fuentes. You’ll regret in the decisions you made,” I greeted my teeth.

Mr. Dela Fuentes stands as well, meeting my deadly gaze, “Perhaps. But I’ll sleep soundly tonight, knowing I've done what’s right by my daughter,” Huling sinabi ni Mr. Dela Fuentes bago ito tumalikod at umalis ng conference room.

Nang matapos na ang pag-uusap naming dalawa ni Mr. Dela Fuentes ay kaagad na itong lumisan as building ko. Para bang nag mamadali at mukhang may iba pang asikasuhin.

I loosened my neck tie. I clenched my fist in anger. Dumoble ang init ng ulo ko at ang pag kulo ng dugo ko.

“FUCK! You will regret all fo this, Dela Fuentes!” I gritted my teeth.