Chapter 9

　　I took a deep breath and looked at him. I didn't plaster how shocked and horrified I am after hearing him. "Who told you that?" I asked.

　　"I overheard Auntie Jamie talking about my Dad. He said he's in the Philippines, that's why I asked if you're working with him. Are you seeing him, Mom? Can I meet him, too? he asked in an innocent question. Jaime is my guy friend and he prefer to be called as Auntie not Uncle.

　　I took a deep breath and stroked his cheek. This is the reason why I'm doing this, son. I'm taking you away from your father. You can't be with him. I'm so sorry, my son. We can't be with your father because he just get married now with my sister.

　　I signed. This is going to be hard for me specially for my son. How can tell him the truth that he's father has his own family now?

　　"No, baby. Mommy is not working with Daddy. And Daddy's working somewhere far, right? So very far that even Mommy didn't know where he is right now." I spoke softly. Sorry, son. Sorry if I need to lie. I don't want to hurt you and this is the only way I know to keep you away from pain. Our reality is suck.

　　I saw him nodding his head. It was not impossible for Kai not to believe what I said. My son is a smart kid so it's not impossible for him not to doubt what i told him.

　　"Alright, Mom." he said. He smile causes his dimples to show on both cheeks making him look so cute. " I'll come with Auntie Jamie. Just promise me that you'll come more often." he said with a smile. I'm so glad that he understand me.

　　I smiled and kissed his forehead. "I promise." I said smiling. I hugged him again before letting go.

　　"Go. Pack your things, now. I love you." I said and playfully tap his handsome face.

　　He really looks like him. How can i forget you, my love. How can I move on from loving you If I always see your face in our son. Regardless. I'm still hoping for his happiness. I have my son. I have a reason to continue and live my life to the fullest. I'm happy and contented with my son even without him. But I'm still hoping that maybe one day,we can be together. Him, my son and me. Like a happy family that everyone wants.

　　"I love you, too." he said and kissed my cheek, which made me even more relieved before he left my lap and ran closer to his nanny.

　　I immediately stood up. "Kindly help Kai pack his things, pack your things too. Just wait for James' orders, okay?" I told my son nanny.

　　"Yes ma'am." She answered.

　　I was about to speak when suddenly my cellphone rang in my pocket. I pulled it out and walked out of the room.

　　"Hello, this is Architect Sam Alexis, speaking. Who's this?" I said in a formal tone.

　　"Hello, Architect Sam. This is Alyana Gallego, from Rial Group of Companies." I heard a feminine voice from the other line. I nodded when I realized that this was what Clint meant by company. "Oh, yes. How can I help you with?" I asked in a formal tone. This is all about work.

　　"The boss wants to meet you this afternoon after his last meeting and that would be at five o'clock. Please bring your plates with you." The woman said politely.

　　"Oh sure. Thank you, Ms. Gallego." I answered.

　　"Looking forward to meet you, Architect." There was a hint of joy in her voice.

　　I chuckled. "Same with me. I'll hang up for now. Good day, Miss Gallego." I said and hung up the phone and walked to the kitchen where James was.

　　"Hey, Jamie." I greeted him.

　　"Oh? How was your talk with Kai?" He asked.

　　I squeezed my sinuses. "He agreed. When are you leaving?" I asked. He drink with his water before answering.

　　"Maybe tomorrow, I'll book our flight tonight." I glanced myself at the mirror for the nth time. I can't figure out why I'm nervous. My gosh! How many business company owners have I faced in different parts of the country, am I still nervous?

　　I'm wearing a blue off-shoulder paired with a black jeans and a creamy colored stiletto. My hair was loose up to waist length, I also curled the ends of it. I didn't put too much make up, just a red liptint and a blush on for me not to look very pale. My eyelashes are naturally thin so I didn't bother to put on a mask. I will just present the plates I made. One of the reasons why Clint sent me, I have lots of back up sketches of everything I really planned to present in the future bidding. So, I guess I'm bringing my sketch pad with me. Suddenly my cellphone rang. It was Adele calling. I immediately answered her call and picked up my handbag on the bed. I walked out of the room and went to James who was in the kitchen. "Hey, Jamie. I'm leaving." I mouthed. He just nodded and continued watching his favorite Thailand drama. I walked out of James 'condo and closed the door. I immediately walked towards the elevator and pressed the down button and waited for it to open. "Hey, witch. Where are you?" I heard Adele speaking on the other line. I chuckled.

　　"Hey, too. I'm going to my client, why?" I said and laughed. "Let's have a coffee date! My treat. For god sake, Sam we need to talk about many things!" She exclaimed. The elevator opened and it was empty. I entered and pressed close, I also pressed the ground floor button before answering Adele.

　　"What time is it? I might be able to stay there longer." I said and glanced at my wristwatch, it was only four o'clock. I'm actually early for the said five o'clock. I just don't like being late. I don't want to give our company a vibe for being late. Nikken Sekkei architects are the most punctual achitects as far as I know. "Maybe seven, tonight? I'll also soak in the bath tub first. I feel embarrassing for you. You smell so good." She said,trying to teased me. I shook. "Crazy. Just text me our meeting place, I'll be right there." I replied. I heard her groaned.

　　"There are coffee shops here but only at Starbucks." She said. I laughed softly. "You're pure coffee."I said. "Whatever. Bye! I'll still need to take a shower." She said. And with that, she turned off the call. Just the same old Adele Castillo.

　　The elevator rang and it opened, I immediately got out and looked for James 'car. That brute, he is so rich here in Cebu. I heard, he owned another condo but it was much cheaper than the condo of this building. I pressed the car control's alarm button and was slightly taken aback when a sleek red Ford Mustang rang next to me. I raised my eyebrows and sounded it again. I pressed the unlocked button and I heard the car click.

　　Woah. This is the 2019 model of Ford's mustang car. I couldn't help but whistle as I caressed the hood of the car. I shrugged and opened the driver seat's door. I entered immediately and was greeted by the smell of rose petals. Maybe it was the air conditioner. "Okay, cool." I said smiling. I started the engine and glanced over my wristwatch again. A minute or two, I drove the car away from the parking lot. I also located the said address of the company using whatsapp. I am no longer very familiar with Cebu, but I still remember the name of the streets. James never really told me how rich he was. The hatred, on the other hand. When I saw the large Rial Companies in a very tall building, I accelerated the operation even more. Driving someone else's car seemed very smooth. The smell of rose petal inside the car is soothing.