Chapter 58
Code's POV
Even though it was hard for me to leave Grey in that state, the three messages from my father were enough to drag me out of my unit and drive as fast as I could to the company.
When I arrived at the building, everyone seemed tense. Everyone who looks in my eyes seems on the verge of crying and can't even look at me straight.
I went to my office first to change into my extra pair of slacks and button-ups. I wasn't paying attention much on anything inside my office as I grabbed my clothes. I went to the bathroom and did a quick change before going back inside the office.
That's when I noticed my secretary tearing up from her table. My eyes grew wide and rushed at her, "A-Anong nangyari?" Nag-aalala kong tanong.
Nang mag-angat ito ng ulo ay mas nakita ko ang pag-iyak niya. Umiling ito, "Wala Sir, pagod lang—"
"Anong nangyari? Dahil ba kay Dad?" Putol ko sa kaniya. Suminghot ito bago nagpahid ng luha at tumango, "Ang sakit niya magsalita, Sir. Tatay niyo ba talaga yun?" Tanong niya at kumunot ang noo ko.
"Bakit? Anong sabi niya?" Mariin kong tanong sa kaniya.
Umiling si Maze. "Maze..." May pagbabanta sa boses ko.
Suminghot ulit ito, "Ang incompetent daw natin, Sir. Tapos hindi pa kita mahanap noong una. Anong klaseng secretary raw ako? Dapat daw sa akin sinisisante." Nanginginig ang boses niya nang magsalita.
Nakuyom ko ang kamao ko bago tinalikuran si Maze at mabilis na lumabas ng office. Umigting ang panga ko at pakiramdam ko'y umuusok ang noo ko habang naglalakad sa hallway.
He can't just barge inside the company and talk shit about our employees specially with someone who works under me. This may be his company but some of these people have worked longer with me than him. Baka nga hindi siya kilala ng iba rito tapos bigla niyang itatarato nang ganito?!
I turned heads when I entered the meeting room. Mr. Villanueva who was sitting somewhere else than his usual chair looked relief when I arrived. Some executives cleared their throats, and some even hung their heads low as I walked towards my usual seat, next to the President's chair, where my Dad is sitting right now.
"Finally," Dad sighed when I sat next to him.
I straightened my back. Some of the executives around the table seem to be looking at me as if they're asking me for help.
Dad cleared his throat, "I see the situation here," he started.
I remained looking at the investor across me and didn't even spare a glance at Dad. "It's a mess here. Your people are lousy and incompetente. Halatang napapabayaan niyo ang kumpanya." Dagdag pa niya. Umigting ang panga ko at tumingin sa gawi ni Mr. Villanueva na nasa kabilang dulo ng lamesa. Malungkot ang mga mata niya at nakababa ang ulo.
You have done a great job, Sir! 'Wag kang magpapadala sa mga sinasabi ng tatay ko!
"Mr. Villanueva personally talked to me and asked me to assign someone to replace him in the CEO position. Siguro'y hindi niya na rin kaya ang kaguluhan ng kumpanya at ginusto nang mag-retiro."
Agad namilog ang mata ko habang nakatingin kay Mr. Villanueva. Gumuhit ang maliit na ngiti sa labi niya bago tumango.
It was as if he was telling me it's gonna be okay.
"And those five minutes I spent looking around the company is enough to tell me that... the company is not yet ready for Attorney's management." My head snapped in my father's direction. He was already facing me, cocking a brow and the side of his lip rose.
"I asked you to revise the company's system. To fix the rules, regulations, and policies, but what I saw earlier, parang wala kayong ginawa." Sumaltik ang dila ni Dad. Nang magtagpo ang mga mata namin ay naramdamana kong kumulo bigla ang dugo ko.
I really hate how we look so much like each other. Para akong tumitingin sa salamin na may age-filter. Nakakainis.
Dad looked around the table, "That led me to my decision to bring back Attorney Costa to Canada while I assign someone else to take over the company here." My eyes grew wide. When Dad looked back at me, he had this smile printed on his face that I know hides an evil plan underneath.
"May gusto bang pumalit sa posisyon ni Mr. Villanueva?" He looked around the table.
Maski ako ay tiningnan ang mga executives at ibang investors na nasa lamesa. Wala halos makatingin nang diretso kay Dad. Karamihan ay nakatungo habang ang iba ay nag-iiwas ng tingin.
Mr. Villanueva cleared his throat, "Mr. Costa, I think your son is the most deserving person to take over the position. Attorney Costa has been working so well from the moment he got here. Most of us in this meeting room may have worked longer for the company than your son, but Attorney Costa should be the one who should take over the position." Mr. Villanuave said. My lips parted, and he glanced at me, giving me a warm smile.
"Well," I looked back at Dad, who had his elbow pressed against the armrest of his chair. "Ang pangit ng sitwayson dito, they don't deserve Attorney Costa—"
"But I believe I can do my best and fix whatever's wrong in the company. They may not deserve me but I deserve the position." I cut him off.
My Dad always loves it when I fight back or assert dominance. He loves it when I show an attitude similar to his: cocky, arrogant, confident, and boastful.
Dad raised a brow, a smile suddenly growing on his lips, "You deserve it, Attorney?" he leaned on his chair and crossed his arms.
I cleared my throat and gave him a nod, "Yes, I deserve the CEO position. And besides, I am your only inheritor. Bakit? May iba ka pa bang anak?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Like Mr. Villanueva said, I've been working my ass off the day I came here. I've been doing a pretty good job, kahit tanungin mo pa sila. Tama lang kung sa akin mo ibibigay ang posisyon." Dagdag ko pa.
Ni minsan ay hindi ko inakala na magsasalita ako nang ganito. Mayabang na pananalita at mapagmataas na boses. Gaya ng sabi ko, hindi ako kagaya ng tatay ko. Pero gustong-gusto niya kapag umaasta ako na para bang siya mismo ang nagluwal sa akin.
Dad smiled, "Then... we're settled. You will take the CEO position. Arrange an inauguration as soon as possible. Ayaw ko nang magtagal dito sa Pilipinas."
Everyone's eyes grew wide when Dad suddenly stood up from his seat, his secretary trailing from behind. Maski ako ay napatayo at nagpaalam sa ibang executives bago sinundan si Dad na nakaabas na ng opisina.
"Dad— I mean, Mr. Costa," I called formally. Dad stopped in his tracks and faced me.
"Yes? Attorney Costa?" he replied with the same formality.
I pursed my lips, "May I... ask where will you spend the night?" I nervously asked.
I saw his brows furrowed, "Sa bahay, saan pa ba?" sagot niya bago ako muling tinalikuran.
Namilog ang mga mata ko bago agad dinukot ang cellphone ko mula sa bulsa ng pantalon para magmessage sa mga kasambahay na mag-handa ng maraming pagkain at linisin ang bahay. Ipinahanda ko rin sa kanila ang malaking guest room lalo pa at hindi naman nila malilinis nang mabilisan ang kwarto mismo ni Dad.
"Dad?!" I was panting when I reached the CEO's office where Dad sat in Mr. Villanueva's chair.
He lifted his head and arched a brow, "Yes, Attorney? May kailangan ka?" Seryoso niyang tanong.
Bumuntong-hininga muna ako bago inayos ang buhok ko, "Uhm... what time will you be going home, Sir? I... I asked the maids to prepare dinner and have the guest room ready for you." I asked.
Dad raised a brow, and looked at his watch before letting out a sigh and closing the folder in front of him, "Now," he said before walking towards me.
I thought he was gonna say something to me, but he and his secretary just walked past me and left the office.
I was trailing behind their van on our way to the house. The guard and even Kuya Top looked surprised when Dad stepped out of the car. Some maids even rushed back inside to hide.
I was trailing behind Dad when we entered the house. I was talking to a maid when I heard Chiara scream, but she didn't seem to be hugging me.
"Daddy!!"
Pare-parehas kaming napasinghap nang biglang yakapin ni Chiara ang binti ni Dad. Mahigpit pa ang pagkakayakap niya rito sa puntong naiipit ang pisnge niya sa binti ni Dad.
She lifted her head, "Where's Da—"
Her eyes grew wide. She immediately let go of Dad's legs and took a step back.
Horror drew on her face. I saw how her arms and body started shaking and how her eyes shone. "Uhm... C-Chiara," I immediately rushed towards her and kneeled down to her level.
"D-Daddy..." she's about to cry any minute now.
I held both her hands and gave them a light squeeze, "He'll stay here for a few days— only for a few days." I gave her an assuring smile, but her eyes were glued on Dad behind me.
"Hey," I tapped her cheek to catch her attention, "Few days lang, anak." Bulong ko rito.
Narinig kong tumikhim si Dad na agad kong nilingon. "Kung ayaw niya akong makasama, paalisin mo nalang—"
"Dad," I immediately stood up and hid Chiara behind me.
"Gagawan ko ng paraan. Magpahinga na muna kayo." ani ko bago binuhat ang anak ko at dinala sa kwarto niya.
Tahimik na naka-upo si Chiara sa kama niya habang iniimpake ko ang mga damit niya sa isang duffel bag.
Ito ang dahilan kung bakit bumukod kami ni Chiara ng bahay kay Dad sa Canada. Hindi ako mapapanatag na nakatira siya sa ilalim ng iisang bubong kasama ang tatay ko.
"Daddy? Where am I going po?"
I froze. When I heard how shaky and scared Chiara's voice was, I felt like my heart had crashed into pieces.
I faced her and gave her a smile, "You're staying at Daddy Grey for now, okay? I will... leave you muna sa kaniya so you won't have to see Lolo Collin, is that okay?" I calmly asked.
Her face lit up a bit, and a small smile grew on her face before nodding. "That's okay po! I want to be with Daddy Grey!" she excitedly said and I smiled before nodding.
"But don't mention anything about Daddy Grey to Lolo Collin, okay? Don't tell him where you're going." I said and she nodded before sealing her mouth like a zipper.
A chuckled, "Only for a few days, anak. After this, we will be happy na. 'Wag kang mag-alala."
Grey's POV
Sumaglit ako sa ospital lalo pa at masama na talaga ang pakiramdam ko. Kay Bianca ako nagpa-consult para hindi na makita ng iba pa ang mga nagkalat na marka sa leeg ko at hindi na mapansin nag paika-ika kong paglalakad.
Nakakuha rin ako ng medical certificate kay Binaca at ipinakita ito sa Head namin at dinala sa HR para magpaalam na hindi muna ako makakapasok. Pasalamat nalang talaga ako na madalang kaming ma short staff kaya't madalas napapagbigyan ang mga leave ko at ng iba sa amin.
Nahirapan ako sa pagmamaneho lalo pa at naiipit ang puwetan ko. Ramdam ko ang pag-ikot ng paningin ko at paninilim ng paligid kaya imbes na umuwi sa condo ay dumiretso ako sa bahay namin.
Kahit alam kong mapapansin nila Mom and Dad ang marka sa leeg ko at paglalakad ko ay medyo komportable na ako sa kanila kaya hindi na ako mahihiya kung mapagtanto man nila ang mga bagay-bagay na ginawa ko.
"Grey...! Napabisita ka?" Gulat na gulat si Mom nang madaanan ako sa sala ng bahay na kakapasok lang. Galing siya ng kusina at mukhang naghugas pa ng kamay.
Napakamot ako sa batok ko, "Uhm... I'm having a fever and it's kinda bad. I don't want to be alone at my unit so I decided to... spend the night here. Is that okay?" I hesitantly said.
Her eyes grew wide before she nodded continuously, "Of course, anak," Agad niya akong nilapitan at inalalayan sa paglalakad. "Kumain ka na ba? May pagkain pa tayo, kumain ka muna. Uminom ka na ba ng gamot?" Sunod-sunod ang tanong niya.
Napamasahe ako sa noo ko bago umiling, "Hindi pa po," maikli kong sagot. Ini-upo ako nito sa hapag at umalis.
Sumobsob ako sa lamesa habang iniinda ang sakit ng ulo ko. Maya-maya ay may pinggan na lumapag sa harap ko na may lamang kanin at chicken curry.
"I will tell your Dad that you'll spend the night here." Mom left as I tried to shove the food down my throat.
Karma ko yata 'to. Nag-peke ako na may sakit para hindi pumasok sa trabaho. Tapos ngayon, may sakit na nga ako. Dahil siguro ito sa gutom ko kahapon at sa pagod ko kaninang hapon.
Maya-maya ay narinig ko na ang sunod-sunod na yabag ng paa sa pababa ng hagdan. Wala pang isang minuto ay nasa dining room na agad si Mom and Dad.
"Your Mom said you're sick?" Dad asked as he sat in the chair next to me. He placed down his glasses and pressed his palm on my forehead which surprised me.
"Have you visited the hospital?" he asked, and I nodded while chewing on my food.
"I also got my medicines, don't worry," I replied, and Dad hummed. I took another bite of the chicken curry when Dad suddenly pulled the collar of my shirt, revealing my shoulder.
"Dad—!" I immediately pulled away from him.
He sighed and and shut his eyes, "You're just dehydrated. Magpahinga ka lang." ani niya. Mukhang dismayado pa siya sa mga nakita niya. Utay-utay kong nginuya ang pagkain ko bago tumango.
Pagkakain ay agad akong pina-inom ni Mommy ng gamot. Gusto pa akong pakainin ni Dad ng cake na binili niya sa Singapore kahapon lang pero isipin palang ang matamis ay nasusuka na ako.
Mom sent me to my old room, I was surprised that it was cleaned and ready to be used. She also prepared a hot tea for me that I drank before tucking myself to sleep.
I woke up with a sudden knocking on my door. I feel better this time and I was able to stand and walk without feeling dizzy.
"Is... something wrong?" I asked Mom who was standing by the door.
She didn't respond or speak, but just held my wrist and brought me downstairs.
At first, I was confused when I saw Dad standing by the door, but when I saw the figure in front of him, my eyes grew wide and I immediately rushed towards the door.
"B-Bakit kayo andito? Anong nangyari?" Natataranta kong tanong kay Code lalo pa at buhat-buhat nito ang anak habang may nakasabit na bag sa balikat.
"How did you know I'm here?" I whispered to him,
He smiled, "Wala ka sa condo ko o condo mo, saan ka pa pupunta?" bulong niya pabalik.
"Pumasok muna kayo, baka masirinuhan yung bata." Seryosong turan ni Dad bago kami tinalikuran at naglakad papunta ng sala.
Agad kong nilapitan si Code para kunin ang dala niyang bag, "Anong nangyari?" Bulong ko rito.
He gave me a faint smile, "I'll explain later," he said before following Dad to the living room.
Code gently sat down as the little girl slept on his arms. I sat next to them and brushed the few strands of hair away from her face.
"Good evening po," Bati ni Code sa magulang ko.
Mom and Dad sat across us, just by the faces of the two of them, I know they were confused, but not happy at the same time.
Code cleared his throat, "I..." he paused and licked his lower lip.
"Iiwan ko po muna sana si Chiara kay Grey." Maski ako ay nagulat sa sinabi niya. Namilog ang mga mata ko habang kumunot naman ang noo nila Mom and Dad.
Nilingon ko si Code, "Bakit? Anong nangyari?" Nag-aalala kong tanong.
Kumura-kurap sa akin si Code bago muling nilingon ang magulang ko, "Dad came back. Andito po siya sa Pilipinas at... sa bahay po siya manunuluyan." Paliwanag ni Code.
Maski ako ay nagulat, nagparte ang mga labi ko at ganun din sila Mom and Dad.
He adjusted his daughter in his arms, "He's... not very happy to see Chiara. And I'm not also comfortable with him being under the same roof as my daughter at ganun din ang anak ko. Kaya... Kaya papaki-usapan ko po sana si Grey na alagaan muna si Chiara habang inaasikaso namin ang turnover sa'kin." Dagdag pa niya.
Agad akong nagbalik ng tingin kay Code. Ang dami-dami niyang sinabi sa punto na hindi ko alam kung ano ang pagtutuunan ko ng pansin pero naintindihan ko ang huli niyang sinabi tungkol sa turnover sa kaniya.
"That means..." I gasped, "You're gonna be a CEO na?" I asked. Code smiled at me before nodding.
"He wanted to bring me back to Canada, but I don't want to be away from you ever again, so I pushed it through and forced him to give me the position so I will get to stay here," he replied, which immediately made my face heat up.
Our little moment was cut off when Dad suddenly cleared his throat, "Bakit hindi sa nanay niya—"
"Dad," Putol ko agad sa kaniya.
Code and I exchanged glances before I cleared my throat, "Ihahatid ko muna sila sa kwarto para makahiga na yung bata." Paalam ko bago bahagyang hinigit ang polo ni Code at pinatayo siya.
Marahan niyang inilapag ang bata sa kama, kinumutan pa ito at inayos ang buhok bago bumuntong-hininga.
"Ako na ang magsasabi kay Tito."
Agad ko siyang nilingon. Napakunot ang noo ko at bahagya pang kumiling ang ulo, "Magsasabi ng ano?" Taka kong tanong.
He bit his lower lip, "About Chiara," he shortly replied.
My lips parted, "A-Are you sure? Code, you don't—"
"I want to. And besides," he showed me his ring, "We'll have to tell them about this too. They're gonna be my in-laws, they deserve to know." he added.
A small smile flashed on my lips before I nodded. "Okay, we'll do it together." I intertwined our hands before walking towards the door of the room.
Mom and Dad watched us as we sat across them in the living room. I saw Mom eyeing our hands together, and I gripped Code's hand tighter.
"Sir, I have a confession to make." Code started.
Dad raised a brow and tilted his head to the side.
Code took a deep breath. "Hindi ko po anak si Chiara. Anak po siya... ng Dad ko sa ibang babae."
I watched my parent's reaction. Mom's eyes grew wide, and her jaw dropped, while Dad seemed shocked but still composed.
"I... treated her as my own since my father didn't want to take responsibility for her. And her mother also left her at our doorsteps, so I... I wanted to give her the life she deserves." I heard a shaky breath escape Code's lips.
I saw how Mom's eyes softened as she brought her hands to her lips. Dad also looked frustrated, just based on his expression.
"I know you're worried and concerned about Chiara's mother showing up one day to take her or us back. But I assure you, Sir, I won't hurt your son ever again."
I lowered my head and pursed my lips to suppress myself from smiling. I'm afraid I might started smiling and tweaking from what he just said.
I held Code's hand tighter, almost burying my nails in his skin.
Dad hummed, "Thank you, Code, I'm happy you told us the truth." Dad said and Code nodded.
I lifted back up my head back and watched as the two of them looked at each other seriously.
"And I hope this information stays between the four of us. Wala pong ibang nakaka-alam." Hiling ni Code at agad tumango si Dad at Mom.
"Of course, of course, we'll keep it a secret," Dad replied, and both Code and I nodded.
I smiled and bit my lower lip, "So... what do you think about Chiara? I suddenly asked.
Mom glanced at me before nodding, "Mukhang mabait naman na bata." sagot ni Mom at tumango ako.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Code, parehas may ngisi sa labi bago mas hinigpitan ang kapit sa kamay ng isa't-isa.
"What do you say about... having her as your grandkid?" I asked and Mom's lips parted while Dad squinted his eyes at us.
I showed them Code's ring, "We're gonna married... soon." I hesitantly said.
Mom shuts her eyes as she covers her lips with her hand. I can't tell if she's upset or just shocked. Code and I sat there waiting for their reaction.
I don't feel worried or any fear that they won't approve it since they already accepted us. And besides, we're at the right age to get married — heck, 33 and 32?
Dad cleared his throat, "What's your father's say on this?" he faced Code.
Code's shoulders dropped. His lips parted, and his lips moved as if he were about to speak, but nothing came out of his mouth.
Dad sighed and adjusted his glasses, "I'll let Collin decide— for the second time. Kapag pumayag siya sa kasal, saka ako papayag."
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a/n: gusto ko ilagay yung emoji na nakataas ang kilay pero tinatamad ako ksksks, btw, last two chaps kskskskksks
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