In the middle of the crowd, a brown-haired and grey-eyed middle-aged man walks toward them and warmly welcomes Kaizer. “Finally, I almost thought you rejected my invitation seeing how you don’t want to attend gatherings like this.” When he saw Lauren beside Kaizer, he curiously asked, “This beautiful young lady is…?” Kaizer proudly introduced her, “This is my girlfriend, Lauren.” Then he looked at Lauren to introduce the man. “Lauren, this is Mr. McDaniel, he's the owner of this cruise ship.” “It’s nice to meet you, Sir.” Magalang na bati ng dalaga.Tinapik ng lalaki ang balikat ni Kaizer. Halata mong natutuwa sa nakikita niya. He jokingly said, “We thought you would never have a girlfriend and end up being a single old man. But it seems you only want to keep your relationship a secret. Looking at this beautiful lady beside you, you must be afraid that another man will take her away from you.” “Of course, who wouldn’t be anxious if someone wants to steal your woman. But I wouldn’t

Early in the morning, Stella and Marielle were already busy. Finally, the date for the engagement party was all set. It was 2 months from now that’s why the two of them were busy finding a great venue. Galing na sila sa iba’t ibang resort. Nagka-canvas kung saan may pinaka-magandang venue para sa engagement party ng anak. Naka-ilang resort na sila ngunit wala pa rin silang magustuhan sa mga ito. Minsan lang ‘yon kaya naman gusto nila na maayos ang lahat. Mula sa venue, invitation, gamit hanggang sa araw mismo ng event. Nasa isang pastry shop sila ng mga oras na ‘yon. Matapos kasi puntahan ang pang-apat na resort ay nagpasya sila na magpahinga muna sandali.Ibinaba ng ina ni Theo ang iniinom na fruit juice. Binaling ang tingin sa ginang na nasa harap niya. “Stella, akala ko ba ay sasama sa paghahanap ng venue si Hazel? Paano natin malalaman ang gusto niya kung wala siya rito?” nagrereklamo na saad ni Marielle.Ngumiti muna si Stella bago sinagot ang tanong nito. “May inasikaso lang d

Dahan-dahang umupo si Kaizer sa silya habang minamasahe nito ang ulo niya. Halos lahat yata ng activities sa cruise ship ay nasubukan niya. Tuwing nakikita o nakaka-salubong siya ni Lauren ay inaaya siya nito na magliwaliw sa cruise ship. Natatapat pa na nasa paligid nila si Claudia.Hindi niya alam kung nagkataon lang ba o talagang binabantayan ng babae ang kilos niya para makahanap ito ng tyempo na kausapin siya.“Here’s your coffee, Sir.” saad ni Jason matapos ibaba sa harap ni Kaizer ang isang tasang kape. Umayos naman ng upo si Kaizer saka dahan-dahang humigop ng kape. Matapos ilapag ang tasa sa lamesa ay tumingin siya kay Jason.“Report.” maikling utos nito.“Yes, Sir.” sagot ni Jason. Kinuha niya ang tablet saka inabot iyon kay Kaizer. Tinanggap naman ito ni Kaizer at saka tumingin sa dokumento na nakalagay roon.Tumikhim muna si Jason bago nag-umpisang mag-report.“Mr. Romero was the head of purchasing department* and the one that was responsible for sourcing and purchasing ra