Work Text:
THEME SONG: Kinikilig by Bini
Characters:
Aiah Arceta as Janine Guevarra
Eula Valdes as Celine de Dios
Albert Martinez as Xavier Alcantara
———
Janine ran through the lobby of the towering De Dios Incorporation building, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor.
"Late na akooo," she muttered to herself, glancing at her watch. The numbers seemed to mock her as she hurried towards the elevator.
As she reached out to press the button, the elevator doors slid open, and there stood Celine de Dios, her boss, and a woman who commanded both fear and respect in equal measures.
Celine was a vision of sophistication, her tailored black suit is impeccable, every strand of her hair is perfectly in place. That red lipstick is her staple.
Janine's heart sank as she realized she had been caught. Omg.
Celine looked up from adjusting her suit, her sharp eyes locking onto Janine's. She said nothing, just raised an eyebrow in a silent question. Janine felt the weight of her boss's gaze, the expectation hanging in the air.
Mukhang pangit ang gising ni bossing.
"Good morning po, Ma'am Celine," Janine started, her voice slightly breathless from her rush.
"Hmm."
"Pasensiya na po I'm late, it wasn't my intenti—"
"Coffee," Celine interrupted, her tone as cool as her demeanor. "Black. And my schedule for the day, Janine."
"Okay po, Ma'am." Janine replied quickly, nodding. She was relieved that Celine didn't seem interested in further explanation or reprimand.
But that didn't mean she could let her guard down. She had learned long ago that her boss's silence could be more dangerous than her words.
The elevator ride up to the executive floor was quiet, save for the soft sound of the machinery. Janine stole a glance at Celine, who was already engrossed in her phone, fingers flying over the screen as she managed whatever crisis or deal was at hand.
When the doors opened, Janine hurried to the break room to prepare Celine's coffee. She moved quickly, the routine of it calming her nerves.
"Luh, ngayon ka lang dumating?" one of her officemates asked her.
"Shhh!" she stopped."Please, don't start."
"Baka mag-alburoto na naman ang bulkan niyan." her co-worker joked.
"Black coffee for the grumpy boss. Let's go, Janine." she whispered to herself, focusing on getting everything just right. "Bye. Una na ako."
She placed the cup on a tray along with a folder containing the day's schedule and headed to Celine's office.
Celine was seated at her large mahogany desk, already deep in thought as she reviewed some documents.
Janine approached and placed the tray carefully on the desk. "Here's your coffee, Ma'am. And your schedule for the day."
Celine took a sip of her coffee and nodded slightly, acknowledging Janine's efforts.
"Thanks. We have a meeting with the Alcantara's at 10 AM. Make sure everything is prepared," she instructed, her eyes never leaving the papers in front of her.
"On it po!" Janine replied, jotting down a note to double-check the meeting preparations. She couldn't afford to mess this up.
When she was about to leave, Celine spoke again, her voice softer but still firm. "Janine,"
Janine quickly turns, "Po?"
Celine rested her back on the swivel chair, "I have no plans on hearing your reason why you're late for the first time—but make sure you get some rest. Para kang pagod na pagod, kakasimula pa lang ng araw."
Janine blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected concern. "Thank you, Ma'am. I will."
"Good. Have some breakfast bago ka bumalik sa opisina ko."
It was moments like this that made her relationship with Celine so confusing. One moment, she felt like she was walking on eggshells, the next, she showed a hint of care that made Janine wonder if there was more to her boss than the strict exterior.
"Love-hate relationship talaga," Janine thought as she walked back to her desk. She took a deep breath and began preparing for the day's tasks, determined to prove herself despite the rocky start.
Hours passed in a blur of phone calls, emails, and last-minute adjustments. Janine barely had time to think, let alone reflect on her morning.
It wasn't until she was organizing some files for the meeting that she realized how much she had come to depend on those brief, often silent exchanges with her boss.
———
Janine was still riding the high of the earlier compliment as she prepared for the next meeting. The agenda was a collaboration with Alcantara Enterprises, a company she knew all too well.
It was the first job she had tried applying for, but unfortunately, she hadn't been accepted.
And now, here she was, face to face with its president and CEO, Xavier Alcantara. Pogi pa rin kahit na hindi ako tinanggap before. Char.
The conference room screamed millions and billions of dollars just by looking at it. The polished wood table, the plush chairs, and the state-of-the-art technology all spoke of power and prestige.
Janine couldn't help but feel a bit awed, even as she focused on her tasks. Mas maganda pa rin building natin kesa dito, Boss. Huwag ka patalo!
Xavier and Celine were seated face to face, the tension between them is palpable. They both exuded authority and confidence, making it clear that this meeting was a clash of titans.
"Thank you for being here," Xavier began, his voice smooth and commanding. "This collaboration is crucial for both our companies. Ms. de Dios, your team's expertise in construction is unmatched."
Celine nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Thanks. Alcantara Enterprises brings a wealth of resources and market reach that can elevate this project. It's a partnership that makes sense, I guess."
Anong I guess, Madam? Huhu. Taray mo talaga bhie. Janine thought.
Janine sat at the corner of the table, taking meticulous notes. She could feel the undercurrent of competition and something else—an almost electric tension between Xavier and Celine.
Their eyes would meet, and it was as if the air between them crackled with unspoken words and suppressed emotions.
"Alam niyo naman," Xavier continued, "Ang project na ito ay kailangan ng dedication so we need to be in sync every step of the way."
Celine leaned forward slightly, her expression intense. "Obviously. We are all aware that any miscommunication could result in costly delays. Bilang kami ang mag-hahandle ng construction supplies, kailangan din namin ng protocols and updates from your company. Are we clear?"
Xavier nods, "Yes, understood."
Janine's eyes darted between them, feeling the weight of their words. Ay mabilis kausap. Go!
During a brief pause, Xavier's gaze shifted to Janine. "I believe you are Ms. de Dios' PA?"
Before she could even answer, Janine heard her boss says, "Yes, she is. Why?"
"Could you provide us with the timeline for the initial phase?" Xavier continued, not minding Celine's gaze.
Janine nodded, feeling a flush of nerves and excitement. "Of course, Sir." She pulled out the detailed timeline she had prepared and handed it over. "Base on the records I have, the initial phase will span six months, focusing on site preparation and foundational work. Here are the specifics."
Xavier took the document, their fingers brushing briefly. "Thank you, Miss?" His tone was polite, but his eyes held a trace of something warmer.
"Janine Guevarra po, Sir." she answered Ako
po yung nireject niyo. Char ulit.
Celine's eyes narrowed slightly at the interaction, but she remained focused. "We'll need to ensure that all permits and regulatory approvals are secured within the first two months. That's critical."
"Absolutely," Xavier agreed, his eyes returning to Celine. "And we must allocate sufficient resources to avoid any bottlenecks. Our reputations are on the line."
After the meeting concluded, Xavier approached Celine. "Anyways, Miss de Dios, can we talk privately for a moment?"
Celine glanced at Janine, then back at Xavier. "If it is about work then yes."
"It is."
"Janine, you can leave us for now."
Janine nodded and quickly gathered her things, leaving the room but not the vicinity. Ganito ba kapag usapang yayamanin, bawal makisali?
She had no choice but to step outside as Xavier and Celine needed to discuss budget issues or perhaps financial matters in general.
She chose to stay at the lounge, drinking her free coffee and checking the agenda for the next meeting. She couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about the tension that she had to release it somewhere: maybe on her private twitter account.
@ja9guevarra: daming nangyayariiiiiiiii arhshdksjshhdkshshdh!!! hay naku crush!!!!
Minutes passed, and Janine decided it was time to return. When she reached the conference room, she saw the door open and Celine stepped out, looking slightly disordered and she was all flushed.
Celine stared at her. "Janine! Have you called the driver?! Gutom na ako, let's go for lunch." her tone indicating no room for delay.
"Okay po, Ma'am," Janine replied, immediately pulling out her phone to arrange for their transport. In her peripheral vision, she saw the other boss walked passed by the opposite direction.
When they arrived at the restaurant, an upscale establishment known for its exquisite cuisine, Celine and Janine were promptly seated at a private table. The ambiance was quiet, perfect for a business lunch—or so Janine thought.
"Ma'am, are you alright?" Janine couldn't help but ask.
The boss slowly turn her gaze at her personal assistant, "Oo, bakit mo natanong?"
She shook her head, "Just checking po."
After they placed their orders, Celine looked at Janine, her expression softening slightly. "Kamusta naman kapatid mo? First year college right?"
Janine smiled, grateful for the concern. "Uh, he's doing well, Ma'am. Actually, he just finished his first semester and he's been getting good grades. Salamat po for your help."
"Buti naman at hindi sayang ang pag-fund ko sa education niya." Celine replied, taking a sip of her water. "What's he studying again?"
"Engineering po, Ma'am. He wants to follow in the footsteps of my father," Janine said, her pride evident in her voice.
Celine nodded. "That's a tough field, but it sounds like he's handling it well. Maybe he can work someday sa De Dios."
"Yes, Ma'am. He's very dedicated," Janine said, feeling a warm sense of pride for her brother.
Celine's gaze softened even more, something rare and almost tender. "Well, I'm glad I could help. Education is important. Make sure he knows he has to keep working hard. Opportunities like this don't come often."
"Ay opo. I tell him that every chance I get," Janine assured her.
"And you," Celine stares at her. "Why don't you go back to finishing your architectural degree?"
Janine shyly smiled, "Gusto ko po, Ma'am kaso—"
"Kaso?" Celine added, putting her palm under her chin.
"Paano ka po?"
Celine crossed her arms, "Mukha ba akong lumpo?"
"Ay hindi po sa ganoon, Ma'am—I mean,"
Celine smirked, "Yeah, well. It'll be hard nga naman on your part but when the time comes that you wanted to pursue studying again—just tell me and I'll let you."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their food. As they began to eat, Janine couldn't help but reflect on the complicated dynamics at play.
She admired Celine's professionalism and strength, but moments like this revealed a more human side to her boss, a side that cared about the people who worked for her.
"By the way," Celine said after a few moments of silence, "I want you to prepare a report on our current projects. I need to review it before our next meeting with Mr. Alcantara."
Janine nodded, immediately switching back to work mode. "Yes, Ma'am. I'll have it ready by the end of the day."
"Very well." Celine added, her tone softer.
Janine was surprised but nodded. "Thank you, Ma'am."
As they continued their meal, Janine couldn't shake the feeling that today had revealed new layers to the people she worked with.
Celine's concern for her brother, the tension with Xavier—everything felt more complex than it had before. She was part of something bigger, something that went beyond just business.
———
Days later, Janine arrived at the office before her boss. She had Celine's coffee prepared just the way she liked it, and all the documents that needed signing were neatly arranged on her desk.
Yesh, most punctual awardee.
She took a moment to enjoy the quiet before the storm of the day began.
But then, a loud, abrupt entrance shattered the calm. Celine barged into her office, phone in hand, her voice raised in anger—something Janine had never heard before.
"No, that is unacceptable." Celine's tone was heated, though she still maintained a semblance of control. "We cannot just change the plans last minute without consulting everyone involved. This will cost us time and money."
Janine watched from her desk, eyes wide. She had never seen Celine so agitated. Her boss paced back and forth, her breathing becoming more labored as the conversation continued.
"This is not just about your company's reputation." Celine's voice shook slightly with frustration. "We have a partnership here, and you can't just make unilateral decisions. How unbelievable of you naman."
Teka, bakit ang lambing pa rin?!
Janine's eyes were also moving side to side.
"Alright, bye!" Celine shouted, "Bwiset!"
Finally, the call ended, and Celine slammed the phone down on her desk, breathing heavily. Janine sprang into action, her concern overriding any hesitation.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" Janine asked, moving quickly to her boss's side. She noticed Celine's hand was trembling as she tried to steady her breathing.
"What do you think?" Celine asked, but it was clear she wasn't. "Just... give me a moment."
"Here, Ma'am," Janine said, reaching into the drawer where Celine kept her medications.
"I don't need that."
She handed her a glass of water and the prescribed pills. "Ma'am, huwag po matigas ang ulo. Take these and sit down for a bit."
Celine reluctantly took the medication and allowed Janine to guide her to the chair. She leaned back, closing her eyes as she focused on her breathing.
"Is there anything I can do to help, Ma'am?" Janine asked softly, standing nearby in case Celine needed anything else.
Celine opened her eyes and looked at Janine, her frustration evident. "It's Mr. Alcantara. He was on the phone earlier. Gusto baguhin pa last minute yung mga plano. Wala man lang pag-consult. This is the first time he's pulled something like this, and it's completely unreasonable."
Janine nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. May mga dapat po ba akong gawin to assist this?"
Celine sighed, rubbing her temples. "Prepare a revised schedule and impact report. If this man wants changes, we'll show him exactly what those changes will cost and how they'll affect the timeline. I won't let him bulldoze us."
"Consider it done, Ma'am," Janine said, already mentally organizing her approach. "I'll get started on that right away."
Celine looked at Janine with a mixture of gratitude and fatigue. "Thank you, Janine."
Janine smiled reassuringly. "You're welcome, Ma'am. Just rest for a bit and leave this to me."
Ginagalit niyo ang crush ko!!!
———
Janine was about to pick up some documents from the printer when she heard footsteps echoing in the hallway.
She looked up and nearly dropped the papers when she saw a familiar face approaching. It was the root cause of her boss's sudden burst out.
The Xavier Alcantara, his expression dark and fierce.
"Hi, Janine, is Celine in her office?" Xavier asked, his tone firm and unyielding. Wow close, first name basis na lang kay Madam.
Janine quickly positioned herself between Xavier and the door to Celine's office. "Uh, Mr. Alcantara, Si Maam po ay...very busy right now. May important meeting po siya—with herself. You know, deep strategic planning."
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Deep strategic planning? Huh?"
"Yes!" Janine nodded vigorously. "Very deep. So deep, she might not resurface for hours."
Xavier crossed his arms, clearly not buying it. "I actually need to see her. Now."
Janine racked her brain for more excuses. "She's also on a call. With... the President."
"The President?" Xavier asked, his tone incredulous. "Which President? of the Country?"
"Ewan ko po e, basta president," Janine said, her voice slightly desperate. "You know, Sir, she's a...very busy woman."
"E siya ang presidente ng kumpanya niyo? Are you kidding me?"
Just then, the door to Celine's office opened, and Celine stepped out, looking surprised to see Xavier standing there. "O, at talagang pumunta ka pa. What are you doing here?"
Janine winced internally and quickly tried to backpedal. "Wow, look at that! You're done with all your Presidents, Ma'am. I mean, your meetings."
Celine glanced between Janine and Xavier, clearly amused. "What?! Janine, go ahead. That'll be all for now."
Janine nodded, giving a quick salute before scurrying away. "Opo, yes po. I'll just... disappear now."
As Janine made her escape, she couldn't help but chuckle to herself. Well, that was something. Back at her desk, she tried to focus on her work but couldn't resist glancing back at the office door.
Meanwhile, Celine faced Xavier with a raised eyebrow. "So, what's so urgent that you had to storm my office?"
Xavier took a deep breath, the tension between them palpable. "We need to talk about the project plans. You know I had to make some changes."
Celine folded her arms, her gaze steely. "Without consulting us first? That's not how partnerships work, Xavier. Alam mo 'yan!"
Xavier stepped closer, the air thick with unspoken emotions. "We're running out of time. We can't afford any delays."
Celine held her ground, their proximity making her pulse quicken. "You should have talked to me first. Hindi yung padalos-dalos ka."
Xavier's gaze softened slightly, a hint of something more than just business flashing in his eyes. "See, that's why I am here, in person, to talk to you...first."
Celine's breath hitched, the tension shifting into something more charged. "Huwag mo ako pilosophin. You can't keep doing this, Mr. Alcantara. We need to be on the same page."
Xavier breathed out, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Can you keep your voice down and start talking to me properly, Miss De Dios?"
Celine nodded, her voice barely above a whisper but with an eye roll.
"Pwede na? Pwede na akong magsalita?" Xavier asks, his voice now gentle.
Celine sighed,"This project might affect both of our companies."
Xavier leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving hers. "I know, and I apologize. But you understand how necessary this project is. We can't afford to wait."
Celine sighed, leaning forward slightly. "That's exactly why we need to communicate better. This power struggle is going to get us nowhere."
Xavier's eyes softened as he leaned in closer, their figures just inches apart. "Celine, we used to make a great team. I hope we understood each other perfectly. We need to get back to that."
Celine felt her pulse quicken but kept her voice steady. "Let me remind you—while you were still working under your father's authority, I am already the head of my company. We're completely different."
"That's not the case here, Miss." Xavier murmured, his gaze dropping briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. "Wala tayong matutumbok nito."
Celine's breathed, caught in her throat, but she maintained her composure. "Get back to me with a proper documents, Xavier. I can't let you command this project without my recommendations."
Xavier smirked, leaning back but still close enough for Celine to feel the heat between them. "You're a pain in the ass! Why do you have to make this complicated?"
Celine narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to keep her tone professional. "Because you're just thinking about the benefits your company might have. This is purely and strictly business."
"What, are you saying I'm selfish?" Xavier echoed, his voice low and intimate.
Celine swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way her heart raced at his words. "No, mahirap ka lang ka-trabaho."
"Or maybe," Xavier said, his voice dropping to a mumble, "You are the difficult one."
Before Celine could respond, the door suddenly opened, and Janine barged in, her eyes widening at the sight of them so close together.
"Uh, sorry po," Janine stammered, holding up the phone. "There's an urgent call for you."
Celine coughed, quickly composing herself. "Sino raw?" She reached for the phone, her voice steady but her eyes still locked with Xavier's.
"Someone from the HR po."
Xavier stood up, smoothing his suit as he prepared to leave. "I should go."
Celine nodded, "Yes, definitely."
Xavier turned to Janine, giving her a nod. "Thank you, Janine."
Janine nodded, stepping aside to let Xavier pass. She watched him leave, sensing the lingering tension between him and Celine. Once he was gone, she turned to her boss, "Ma'am?! Inaway ka ba noon?!"
"Dapat siya ang tanungin mo niyan."
Janine quietly exited the room, closing the door softly behind her. She returned to her desk, shaking her head with a bemused smile.
"I'm starting to dislike you, Mr. Alcantara," she muttered to herself, glancing back at the closed office door. "Iniistress mo ang boss ko!"
Meanwhile, inside the office, Celine tried to focus on the phone call, but her mind kept drifting back to Xavier and the unresolved tension between them. She sighed inwardly, knowing that their next conversation would be just as charged, if not more so.
———
WEEKS PASSED...
The partnership had officially commenced, and the power duo aka Janine and Lady Boss were on their way to visit the site where their future building was to be constructed.
As they neared the parking area, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down to reveal none other than Xavier, dressed casually in a fitted shirt and jeans—the first time Janine had seen him without his usual suit and tie.
She couldn't help but notice how different he looked, more approachable yet still exuding the same confidence. Mas pogi siya ngayon. Infairness!
"Wow, hello ladies," Xavier greeted, a charming smile on his face. "Are you on your way to the site as well?"
Celine raised an eyebrow, her tone cool and collected. "Yes, we are. At naghihintay na ang driver ko."
Xavier chuckled, undeterred by her frostiness. "Maybe you can tell your driver to sit back because I was heading there myself and thought it'd be more efficient if we went together."
Janine watched the exchange with amused curiosity, noticing the subtle way Xavier's presence seemed to unnerve her usually unflappable boss.
"NO." Celine insisted, her tone firm but with a hint of exasperation, "we're perfectly fine with our driver. Itabi mo na 'yang sasakyan mo."
Xavier leaned slightly out of his car window, his eyes twinkling. "Why waste resources? You are a big environmental advocate, right? Besides, I am insisting already."
Celine's lips twitched, fighting a smile. "Shutting up might help. We are not going to ride with you."
Ma'am, parang this time kailangan na muna natin. The weather is scorching hot. Medj sayang po ang sunblock ko...
"Hop in," Xavier echoed, raising an eyebrow.
Janine bit back a laugh, feeling like she was watching her parents have a playful argument. She decided to join in. "Ma'am, it might actually be faster to go with Mr. Alcantara. Sabihin ko na lang po si Manong to take a break sa office."
Celine shot Janine a glance, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Traitor."
Janine shrugged with a grin. "Just thinking of efficiency, Ma'am."
Xavier smiled at Janine, "Right?!"
Celine sighed, clearly losing the battle. "This would be the last time."
"Yes po," Janine replied, quickly pulling out her phone to make the call.
With that settled, Celine and Janine got out of their car and walked over to Xavier's. Janine took the back seat while Celine slid into the front passenger seat, her composure still radiating cool professionalism.
As they drove towards the site, the banter continued, much to Janine's quiet amusement.
"Nice to see you out of the office attire," Celine remarked, her tone almost teasing.
Xavier glanced at her, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's because I have a life outside the conference room."
"Do you now?" Celine replied, feigning surprise. "I thought you lived in your office."
"I only do that to keep up with you," Xavier shot back, grinning. "Wouldn't want to fall behind."
Celine rolled her eyes, but there was a smile tugging at her lips. "You are not in any way closer with me. Try harder."
"Huh, you'll see."
Janine chuckled softly from the back seat, finding their dynamic both entertaining and endearing.
"So, Xavier," Celine said, shifting the conversation back to business, "about those changes you proposed, I'd like to believe it worked."
"Of course," Xavier agreed, his tone turning serious. "Trust a little, will you? I've already worked out the details. I think you'll find the adjustments quite beneficial."
"If you spent as much time on the project as you do on charming everyone, we might actually be ahead of schedule." Celine stated, her eyes on the road.
Xavier's eyes flashed, his smile turning into a smirk. "And if you weren't so obsessed with micromanaging every detail, Celine, we wouldn't have to keep redoing things to meet your impossible standards."
Janine, sitting in the back seat, watched as the tension rose, feeling like a child caught between bickering parents. Gosh mali ata na sinakyan ko si Mr. Alcantara...
"My standards are what ensure quality, Xavier," Celine retorted. "Something you could learn a thing or two about."
"Oh, please," Xavier shot back. "My track record speaks for itself. Maybe if you let go of your control freak tendencies, baka makita mo."
"Control freak? Hindi lang ako kasing reckless mo." Celine's voice was rising now, matching Xavier's intensity.
"What reckless?! Are you on a tight budget? Or near bankruptcy that you had to cut the finance short—"
Janine finally had enough. She leaned forward, placing a hand on each of their seats. "Okay, okay. Ma'am Celine? Sir Xavier. Tama na po siguro? Para po kayong mag-asawang nagtatalo sa harapan ng anak ninyo."
Both Celine and Xavier fell silent, their faces a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
Janine continued, her tone a mix of exasperation and concern. "Medyo hindi po nakaka-professional kung mag-aaway po kayo ngayon..."
Celine and Xavier exchanged glances, the tension between them is unmatched but muted. They both turned away, staring out their respective windows in silence.
Janine sat back, feeling a flush of embarrassment herself but also relief that the argument had been stopped. Deep down, she was thankful that they finally shut up, even if it meant they were now giving each other the cold shoulder.
When they reached at the site, the air between Celine and Xavier was noticeably chilly. They stepped out of the car, each maintaining a frosty look. Janine followed, hoping the site visit would distract them from their spat.
Celine turned to Janine, her voice clipped. "Let's get this over with. I want a full report on the progress."
"I'll get that po." Janine replied, her voice steady but her eyes flickering with concern.
Xavier nodded curtly to Celine. "I'll be joining the tour as well. I need to make sure everything is up to par."
"Alright," Celine said, her tone icy.
Walking through the sit, Janine couldn't help but feel like this is her last day at work. The usual situation was replaced by a stark professionalism that bordered on hostility.
She sighed inwardly, hoping that this tension wouldn't derail the important work they had ahead of them.
———
The visit went completely fine, and now they were on their way home.
Finally, their driver had arrived on time, and the two of them settled into the back seat of the car. The atmosphere was markedly different from the journey earlier, with a heavy, awkward silence hanging in the air.
Janine, feeling the need to break the tension, cleared her throat. "Siya nga po pala, Ma'am, pasensiya na po sa nangyari earlier. I didn't mean to overstep po."
Celine glanced at Janine, her expression still cool but softening slightly. "It's alright."
"Sure po kayo, Ma'am? Is there anything I can do para po sana makabawi?"
Celine glance at her, "Next time, don't give in to that man's charms."
At sino po ang nagsabi na na-ccharmingan po ako sa kaniya? Baka po sa'yo. Janine joked at the back of her mind.
"Noted po."
The rest of the drive continued in silence, but the air was less charged than before. When they finally reached Celine's home, Janine couldn't help but marvel at the modern design.
The house was too big for a person living alone, with expansive windows and a minimalist aesthetic. The car parks could fit two or three cars, including the work van they usually use.
As the car pulled up to the entrance, Janine prepared to leave, gathering her things. "Goodnight po, Ma'am. See you tomorrow."
Before Janine could step out of the car, Celine turned to her. "Who said we'll work tomorrow?"
Janine froze, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. "Ma'am? Are you firing me?"
Celine's tone was unexpectedly gentle. "Are you crazy? Pack your things tonight."
Janine blinked in surprise. "Omg?"
"We're going somewhere," Celine replied. "I have a place about three hours away. We could both use a breather."
Janine nodded slowly, still processing the sudden change in plans. "Oh. Oh! Okay po, sige po."
Celine gave a small, approving nod. "Good. I'll see you first thing in the morning."
Janine stepped out of the car, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement. As the car drove away, she looked back at Celine's house one more time, its grandeur a stark contrast to her own modest abode.
When Janine arrived home, she quickly packed a small bag with essentials, still in a bit of a daze from the day's events. She couldn't help but wonder what the next few days would bring.
Her relationship with Celine was complex. This trip could be an opportunity to understand her boss better, or it could be just another test of patience.
———
The next morning, Janine arrived at Celine's house bright and early, her small suitcase in hand. Celine greeted her at the door, looking more relaxed in casual attire.
"Is that all your things?" Celine asked, her tone surprisingly light.
"Opo, Ma'am."
Celine nods, "Okay. Ready?"
"Nasaan po si driver niyo?" Janine asked, looking around.
"Infront of you," Celine said, leading the way to a black SUV parked in the driveway.
"Po?!"
After a few hours of driving through scenic countryside and along coastal roads, they finally arrived at what Janine assumed was Celine's other home.
However, as they pulled up to the entrance, Janine's surprise knew no bounds. It wasn't just a simple home; it was an entire island, more akin to a luxurious beach resort than a private residence.
"Sa inyo po ito, Ma'am?! Grabe..."
"Shh." Celine said, unloading her stuff. "Welcome to my humble abode."
Janine stepped out of the car, taking in the breathtaking surroundings—a sprawling mansion surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, lush greenery, and the sparkling blue ocean stretching as far as the eye could see.
The air was filled with the scent of saltwater and tropical blooms, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city they had left behind.
Celine led Janine inside, where they were greeted by a team of house staff. She instructed them to prepare a room for Janine, her voice calm and composed.
Janine couldn't help but wander around the house, marveling at its size and elegance. It was indeed too grand for a in individual, yet everything seemed meticulously maintained and impeccably designed.
She's the goal.
As she explored, Janine accidentally bumped into one of Celine's maids—a middle-aged woman with a warm smile.
"Ay sorry po!" Janine apologized, offering a polite smile.
The maid smiled kindly. "Okay lang, anak. Ikaw ba ang bago niyang PA?"
Janine nodded. "Opo. Ako po si Janine."
The maid's smile widened. "Ilang buwan ka na sa kaniya?"
"Years na po. Two years. Going three." she shyly answered.
The maid clapped, "Naku salamat sa Diyos! Wala kasing nagtatagal sa kaniya ng taon. Ang pinakamahaba ay dalawang buwan. Mahirap kasi siyang katrabaho, yun ang sabi."
Janine chuckled nervously, realizing she was being subtly warned. "'Medyo po, pero kaya naman po. May soft side po si Ma'am. Minsan."
The maid nodded understandingly. "Pero may mabuting puso naman si Celine lalo na kapag nakilala mo talaga siya nang tuluyan."
Janine smiled "Mukha naman po."
The maid sighed softly, as if considering her words carefully. "Perfectionist lang 'yan at gusto palaging maayos ang lahat. Pinalaki kasi ng magulang niya na straight lang ang pananaw sa buhay."
Janine nodded thoughtfully. "Oo nga po eh. Inaadmire ko po kung paano siyang maging leader. Ang galing po niya."
The maid smiled knowingly. "Totoo 'yan. Dinala ka niya rito? Isa lang ibig sabihin niyan. Talagang tiwala siya sa'yo."
Janine furrowed her brow slightly, recalling her recent encounters with Celine, especially the tense moments during the negotiations with Xavier.
"Oo nga po. Lalo ngayon, lumalabas lang pagiging leader niya dahil po sa recent partnerships niya with the Alcantaras."
The maid's expression shifted subtly, a hint of unease crossing her features. "Ah, Alcantaras pala ang ka-trabaho niya ngayon—"
Before the conversation could continue further, another maid called for the woman's assistance, and she hurried off with a parting smile. Janine watched her go, pondering the insights she had gained.
It was clear that working for her boss would not be easy, but perhaps it would be worth it in the end.
———
The sun sets already, Celine emerged from her room dressed in casual attire—a loose linen blouse and comfortable trousers.
She found Janine near the shore, standing mesmerized by the gentle lapping of the waves against the sand.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Celine remarked, her voice carrying a rare softness as she joined Janine.
Janine turned to her with a smile. "Sobra po. Ang peaceful po dito, Ma'am. Salamat po for taking me with you."
Celine nodded, her gaze lingering on the horizon. "I come here to unwind whenever I need a break from the chaos of the city."
"Ganito po pala mag-unwind ang mayayaman. Kami po kasi, sa mall lang. Joke."
They stood in companionable silence for a moment before Celine spoke again. "Janine, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Ma'am," Janine replied, turning to face her employer.
Celine's expression was contemplative. "I was just curious—did you ever think of quitting this job?"
Janine hesitated briefly, gathering her thoughts. "Honestly, Ma'am, when I first started working for you, hindi ko po talaga alam ang mararamdaman ko. Nung una, talagang hate na hate po kita pero pero I needed this job badly at eventually, nakita ko po how you lead. Big respect po."
Celine chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You hated me at first? Do you still hate me now?"
Janine blushed slightly, surprised by Celine's candidness. "Dati po kasi ang sungit sungit niyo, Ma'am. Pero ngayon, hindi na po. I've got used to it."
Celine nodded knowingly. "I can be quite intimidating, I've been told."
They both shared a smile, a rare moment of levity between them.
"I hope I haven't made your life too difficult," Celine added, her tone genuinely curious.
Janine shook her head. "No, Ma'am. It's been challenging at times, but I've learned a lot from you. You even help my family."
Celine seemed to mull over Janine's words, her gaze turning thoughtful. "Thanks. At least I can be a little influential."
Janine nodded in agreement. "Grabe po dedication ninyo. Sometimes I wonder kung wala po talagang nagtatangka manligaw sa inyo."
Celine giggled, "Ay wala talagang susubok."
They continued to talk as the sky darkened, exchanging stories and sharing more about themselves than they had in all the time they'd worked together.
Janine learned about Celine's upbringing, her early struggles in the business world, and the sacrifices she had made to reach where she was today.
In turn, Janine opened up about her own aspirations, her family, and the challenges she faced in her career when she decided to stop pursuing architecture.
Tonight, she had glimpsed a different side of her boss—a side that was vulnerable, human, and deserving of understanding.
———
Janine woke up before the crack of dawn, the silence of the island estate enveloping her as she quietly padded through the corridors.
The house seemed even more serene in the early morning hours, bathed in the gentle light of pre-dawn glow peeking through the windows.
She couldn't resist the urge to explore further, admiring the meticulous beauty and thoughtful design that permeated every corner of the mansion.
Wandering, Janine stumbled upon a guest room, the door slightly ajar. Pushing it open, she was greeted by a breathtaking view of the beach through the wide windows. Ganda oh my god!
The room itself was a masterpiece of coastal decor, with hues of blue and green reminiscent of the sea. Janine's eyes were drawn to an album lying on the bedside table, curiosity getting the better of her.
She hesitated for a moment, then decided to leaf through its pages.
To her surprise, the album contained Celine's childhood photos—innocent snapshots capturing moments of joy and laughter. Janine's curiosity deepened as she turned to the next pages, revealing family portraits.
"Ang gandang bata naman ni Ma'am."
She hadn't known Celine had siblings, let alone an older brother. "May kuya pala siya..."
But then, as she turned another page, her breath caught in her throat.
Wedding photos stared back at her, and Janine's eyes widened in astonishment as she recognized the groom—
Xavier Alcantara, the same man who had caused such tension between Celine and herself during their recent business negotiations.
What the heccck?
She felt a wave of conflicting emotions—shock, disbelief, and a strange pang of realization.
Mr. Alcantara wasn't just a business associate; he is her boss's husband.
The implications of this revelation began to sink in, and Janine couldn't tear her eyes away from the intimate moments captured in the photographs.
Continuing to flip through the album, she came across family pictures—a younger Celine and Xavier with children of various ages, their smiles bright and genuine.
At may anak sila—oh my god, oh my god...!
From the backdrop and clothing styles, Janine deduced that their children were now grown and likely based in America.
The enormity of what she had discovered hit Janine like a tidal wave. She had been working closely with both Celine and Xavier, completely unaware of their personal relationship.
The tension between them during negotiations suddenly made sense—it wasn't just business, but a complicated interplay of them being married.
So that explains why Ma'am Celine looks completely disheveled the last time.
Did they make out?!!?!!?! Kaya ba magulo ang hair ng Madam???? At namumula?!?!!!
OH MY LORD!!!!
She closed the album slowly, her mind racing with questions and thoughts. It's completely out of her business but that took her breath away.
Slowly closing the door, another shock made her froze in the doorway. Meron pa?!?!?!
Her eyes widening as she took in the sight of Xavier and Celine looking equally shocked to see her standing there.
Xavier, with his usual calm posture slightly shaken, was the first to break the awkward silence. "Bakit nandito ka?!"
Janine blinked rapidly, trying to gather her thoughts. "Uh, sinama po ako ni Ma'am. Nag-lilibot lang po ako, and I didn't mean to see both of you—to, together..."
Celine, her face buried in her hands, let out a groan of exasperation. "Oh my god..."
Xavier glanced at Celine, then back at Janine, his expression a mix of confusion and amusement. "You found the album, didn't you?"
Janine nodded slowly, feeling like she had stumbled into the middle of a sitcom. "Opo."
Celine sighed deeply, dropping her hands from her face. "So you know?"
"Po? Ang alin?"
"The wedding photos," Xavier added.
Janine's eyes widened even further, if that were possible. "Ay married po kayo? Wala po akong idea..." Omg acting 101!
Xavier chuckled awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. "Yes. Surprise."
Janine's mind raced as she tried to process the revelation. "Pero, ah, hindi ko po ma-gets...hindi niyo po na-mention before..."
Celine gave a wry smile, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "We prefer to keep our personal lives private, especially at work."
Janine nodded slowly, the pieces starting to click into place. "So yung mga moments po na nakikita ko kayo both together—"
Xavier nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yes, that was us, fighting like a married couple—I believe that's what you said."
Janine couldn't help but laugh nervously. "P-Para po akong nasa telenovela. Grabeng story po ito. Ma'am, hindi niyo po ginagamit ang surname ni Sir?"
Celine rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course, I do. With private and primary documents, I'm Celine de Dios-Alcantara, I just use my maiden name for the sole purpose of privacy...obviously?!"
Janine heaves out, "Hindi ko po kinakaya."
"I know, right? We really should have put up more 'Keep Out' signs."
They all chuckled awkwardly, the tension in the room easing slightly as the absurdity of the situation sank in.
"So, ibig sabihin po pala lahat ng mga nagtatangkang i-date po kayo, they are all just wasting their time?" Janine blurted out before she could stop herself.
Xavier looked at his wife questionably, "Wait? There are men asking you out?!"
"Sorry po! Akala ko po..."
Celine exchanged a knowing look with Xavier before replying with a sly grin, "There are many of them but let's just say my husband set the bar pretty high."
Xavier coughed awkwardly, trying to hide his amusement. "Well, I did try my best."
"Kaya po pala wala talagang magtatangka kasi may nanalo na."
Janine couldn't help but laugh at their banter, feeling relieved that the revelation hadn't turned into a dramatic confrontation.
"Alright, well, I'll, um, leave you two to... whatever you were doing," Janine said, gesturing vaguely toward the room.
Xavier smiled warmly, pulling his wife closer by the waist. "Janine, um, I hope hindi ito lumabas or malaman ng kahit na sino. My wife and I really value our privacy and that's all that we want. We love our lives quiet."
"Yes po. Makakaasa po kayo. Ako po ang Eye Witness ninyo." she laughs, "By the way, I'm sorry po but I happen to see your children's face po. Ang ganda ganda po nung anak niyo."
"Sino dun?" Xavier asked, fixing some of his wife's loose hair.
"The one with the red hair."
As Janine hurried out of the room, she couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief. Working for a married couple—now that was something she never saw coming. Nevertheless, they do match perfectly.
END.