16. Starting Over
End of my story
Present day:
At the tombstone
"I have realized something very important about life. I found out that the people you really love and trust can betray you, there is a saying " keep your friends close and your enemies closer".
Experience has taught me not to trust people easily because they can end up stabbing you in the back".
" Life has been so cruel without you, it's been one year since you two died and I miss you dearly. I've gotten used to to coming here when I feel sad. I am now in college and I am studying business administration like you two wanted me to, I hope I make you proud. I will strive to be the best and I would protect our family from the evil clutches of Uncle Armando".
After the death of Ma and Pa,I couldn't stay in the US anymore. The funeral was held in Manila, Philippines, after the funeral I stayed back in the phillipines and I began studying. I visited my parents tombstone whenever I was sad. I stayed in Manila where our old house was and I renovated it. Maya went to the UK to stay with Ethan and also for studies and I was all alone. Yna and Ji-yoo remained in the US but they would always come to visit me in Manila even Maya too but I still felt empty and alone, I missed my parents dearly. Noah went to Italy for further studies and I didn't hear from him again and I already fell in love with him but I couldn't confess it to him because he wasn't here.
Four years Later
"Yeeeeh, we've just graduated. I am so happy Tori". I shouted
"Yes girl, we are going to party tonight". Tori replied
"You know I hate going to clubs, those places disgusts me".
"You are so overdramatic, we are partying at your big house". Tori replied
"Alright ". I smiled at her
Tori had been there for me ever since I moved to Manila. I never felt alone around her, she always cheered me up. Maya, Yna, Ji-yoo and Noah have not contacted me for about four years and I was so angry at them, I am already used to betrayal and I didn't trust so easily anymore so I didn't care to find out what happened.
"My sister and friends didn't even come for my graduation". I said to Tori and bowed my head
"It's okay". Tori assured me with a smile
Tori and I partied till midnight and we fell asleep on the floor in my sitting room
I heard a vibration and I woke and I checked my phone was ringing.
"Hello, who's this ". I answered drousily
"It's me, aunt Roma Christie ".
"Yes aunt, good morning".
"Good morning, sorry that I couldn't make it to your graduation ".
"It's okay aunt, you really care about me. I appreciate you for taking care of Bonifacio Corporation and for making the company to be successful".
"There's a problem with the company". Aunt Roma answered nervously
"What happened".
"Armando, took over the whole company".
"What! How, I thought he was serving his jail term". I replied
"He got released somehow".
"No! He can't do this to me and family. This was my parents company and they struggled to make it successful".
"I have to stop crying and lying around and start up my own business before I get broke".
"Don't stress yourself Rhian, I will help".
"Don't help aunty, you've helped me alot and I'm grateful for that. It's time I become independent".
Two weeks Later
I was not able to start up a business so I began doing menial jobs to sustain myself. I sold some things in my late parents house where I stayed.
"Rhian, I have found a perfect job at a restaurant for you. The pay is very high". Tori replied
"Ok, thanks".
"You've really helped me alot and I'm really grateful ". I replied
"That's what friends are for. You also allowed me to stay at your big house because I don't have anywhere else to stay, thanks alot too".
I giggled
"This is my late parents house not mine". I replied
"It's your house silly ".
We laughed and went out for some lunch
Next Day
"Wakey Wakey sleepy head, time for your interview at the restaurant". Tori shouted.
I yawned and I stood up from my bed, I did a little exercise and I went to shower. I packed my hair in a ponytail and I dressed up

I went downstairs for breakfast, Tori was a very good cook and she also taught me how to cook. She was one the head chef of one the restaurants here in Manila.
"Where's the restaurant?".
"Here's the address ". Tori gave me a piece of paper
"What's the name of the restaurant? ".
"Arabella"
"What a nice name". I replied
I ate my breakfast and I rushed to get to the restaurant on time. I drove my late parents car .

I parked my car at the car park and I came down. The restaurant was beautiful.

"Wow, this is beautiful ". I walked into the restaurant and I was so carried away with the beauty of the place that I bumped into someone.
"So sorry". I looked up to see a woman standing close to me with a smile.
"Sorry ma'm".
"No problem dear, what brings you here".
"I came to apply for a job, my friend told me there is vacancy for the post of a personal assistant". I replied confidently
"Ok, I really need a personal assistant. All my former P.A's where very greedy and unreliable". The woman replied
"Ma'm, so you are the owner of this restaurant. It's very beautiful Ma'm".
"Yes I am and thank you for the compliment ". She smiled at me and directed me towards her office.
"I'm impressed with your resume, you are highly qualified for this job and I like your composure. You don't seem pretentious like the others".
"Thanks Ma'm". I smiled
"You're hired". She smiled at me
"Thank you ma'm". I stood up from my seat and I ran to hug her.
She giggled
"What's your name dear".
"I'm Rhian Bonifacio".
"Your name sounds familiar. Your parents own Bonifacio Corporation".
"Yes Ma'm".
"I heard they passed on, so sorry dear".
"Don't worry ma'm, I'm okay. Thanks ".
"I'm Mrs Corazon Da'Leon ".

"Nice to meet you ma'm, thank you for giving me this job".
"It's my pleasure, you can start now if you want".
"Of course ma'm". I smiled at her
She reminded me of my own mother
"You will be paid weekly, since you are my personal assistant ".
"Thanks Ma'm". I left her office and I went to get her some files she requested for.
I finally got a well paying job and I'm so happy