Chapter 1

I forced a bitter smile as I gently caressed my parents' tombstone. Years had passed since they were gone, but the pain in my heart remained. Losing both parents at the same time was a tragedy too painful for any child to bear. I could hardly believe I had survived it all. "Ma, Pa, how are you?" I whispered softly. I bit my lower lip to keep the tears from escaping my eyes. The ache in my chest grew stronger as I stared at their tombstone. I took two bouquets of flowers and placed them on top of the gravestone. It had been nine years since I last saw and heard them, and for all those years, I prayed for their souls every day. It was the least I could do for them. "I'm doing okay, Ma, Pa. Life is tough on my own, but I'm managing. As for Kuya Elmer, I don’t know where he is anymore. I'm worried because he’s been missing for years, and I haven't heard anything about him." I let out a deep sigh, hoping to ease the heaviness in my heart. Closing my eyes, I offered a silent prayer. I wiped away a tear that escaped. "If only you were still here, Ma, Pa, you'd see that I'm doing my best at work. Even though my boss is grumpy, I can handle it. Your youngest is strong, Ma, Pa." I laughed softly, though tears welled in my eyes. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. I'm about to graduate soon, and our dream of me becoming a flight stewardess will finally come true. I'll fulfill it for you." I looked up and exhaled deeply. Visiting them at the cemetery always left my chest feeling heavy. Their early passing still hurt. They were too young to die, and they never got to see me achieve my dreams. Maybe this was fate—their sudden loss, my brother's disappearance, and me being left alone. I knew there had to be a reason for it all. I took a handkerchief from my bag and wiped my tears. I fanned myself, trying to calm down before heading to work. Glancing at my watch, I realized I had to leave soon or risk being late—especially since my boss was in an even worse mood than usual. "Ma, Pa, I have to go now. I'll visit you again next month. I love you both so much." I gently touched their tombstone. Whenever sadness overwhelmed me, I found myself coming here because talking to them, even if they couldn’t respond, helped lighten the burden I carried. I jumped in surprise when my phone suddenly rang loudly in my bag. I quickly grabbed it, and my heart pounded when I saw the caller ID. It was the executive secretary. Why was Miss Cindy calling? "Hello, Miss Cindy," I greeted politely. My heart pounded harder. Every time Miss Cindy called, it always meant bad news. "You have to come to the office right now. Mr. Samaniego is looking for you, Ms. Ocampo. Don’t make him wait." "Huh?" I stood up straight at her words. Why was the CEO looking for me? Had I made a mistake at work again? Oh God, I hoped not. "Come here now. This is urgent," she said firmly before ending the call. I clutched my chest. My heart pounded painfully, and I struggled to breathe. Something was wrong. It was way too early for Mr. Samaniego to be in the office. It was only 7:45 AM, and he usually arrived at ten. Oh no, what had I done this time? I hailed a taxi to Diamond Tower. Restlessness consumed me as I sat inside. I kept replaying yesterday's tasks in my head. Had I forgotten anything? Hopefully not. I didn't even want to go to the office—I was sure I'd be scolded again. And my boss? He was always grumpy, his eyebrows constantly furrowed, and his voice always sharp. Oh well, whatever happens, happens. I rushed into Diamond Entertainment Building, also known as Diamond Tower. My hands went numb from nervousness. Mr. Samaniego’s temper was notorious, and he had made me his favorite target these past few months. As soon as I reached our office, I noticed something odd. The usually noisy and chaotic space was eerily silent. Everyone was buried in their work, and no one was gossiping in the corner like they usually did. "Bree, Sir is here early, and he's in a bad mood. He's been yelling all morning. I think there's a major issue with a business deal," Cheska whispered, careful not to be overheard. My body went cold. Oh God! I was doomed! Summoning all my courage, I walked toward our cubicle. The window blinds were closed. I pushed open the glass door to our office, but I froze in place as soon as I stepped inside. I gaped when I met his sharp, intimidating gaze. His expression was deadly serious. He stood tall in front of Miss Cindy and Rachelle, my co-assistant secretary. I swallowed hard as his piercing eyes met mine. His brows were furrowed so tightly they nearly touched. "Good morning, Mr. Samaniego." I tried to keep my shaky legs steady. My throat went dry when he glared at me. Chelle gestured at me, but I couldn’t understand what she was trying to tell me. "Are you the one who spoke with Mr. Lao’s secretary?" His voice was stern and laced with irritation. I swallowed and nodded hesitantly. "Yes, sir. I was the one who spoke with Mr. Lao’s secretary." His jaw clenched, and he shut his eyes tightly as if holding back his anger. The veins on his neck popped out, and he massaged his temples as if dealing with a migraine. Did I make a mistake? My eyes widened in realization—I forgot to log Mr. Lao’s appointment! It was supposed to happen yesterday, but with all the work piling up and my parents' death anniversary weighing on me, it completely slipped my mind. I glanced at Miss Cindy and Chelle. They both shook their heads. Oh no, today was supposed to be Mr. Lao’s breakfast meeting with Mr. Samaniego. My heartbeat pounded wildly. "In my office." That was all he said before storming off. He even slammed the glass door on his way out. I clutched my chest, feeling like my heart might burst out of my ribcage. He was terrifying! I bit my lower lip and turned to Miss Cindy, who was staring at me seriously. "Miss Cindy, I’m so sorry! I forgot to log the meeting schedule," I said, nearly in tears. "Go to his office. And good luck," she instructed. Shoulders slumped, I nodded and hurried after him. I had no other choice. I just had to prepare myself in case I got fired today. But I hoped not—I still needed money for next semester’s tuition, and my savings weren’t enough. I took a deep breath, fanned myself, and then opened the door to Mr. Samaniego’s office. A sharp scream almost escaped my lips when something suddenly flew toward me—a paperweight! I barely dodged it. Did I just make him angrier by not getting hit? "Do you have any idea how important that meeting was?! Huh?!" he roared. I flinched as his voice echoed through the office. This was it—my career’s end. "Sir, I’m so sorry—" I didn’t even finish before he threw a pen holder. Pens scattered across the floor. "Shut up! Incompetent bitch! I will not allow this kind of dumbness in my company. Do you know how much money I lost because of your stupidity? I’ll charge that loss to your account! You embarrassed me in front of Mr. Lao, and now my credibility is being questioned. Get out!" I gasped as he suddenly hurled his laptop in my direction. My jaw dropped as its shattered parts scattered across the floor. Trembling, I picked up the broken laptop and placed it back on his desk. He was breathing heavily, head bowed as if trying to compose himself. "Sir, I’ll talk to Mr. Lao’s secretary again and apologize. Please don’t worry. I’ll take full responsibility—" "Jackson, just spare her. It’s not her fault. I shouldn’t have let her handle that deal," Miss Cindy interrupted as she entered. "Go. And good luck," she told me. With a sigh, I left. I had survived another day with my infuriating yet undeniably handsome boss.