Chapter 1 -Again
“OMG!”
I was rushing when I realized I was going to be late for work. I'm not late every day, but it happens often. The last time I was late, my boss/mom assigned me an additional task as punishment, even though I already had a heavy workload. Before heading out, I said goodbye to my two-year-old cat named Moby. I live in a condo with my cat. However, I visit my mother every weekend at her home.
Upon entering the building, a security guard and my colleagues greeted me. As I headed to my office desk and was about to sit down, someone called my name. I knew where this was going.
"Good morning, Miss Danica. Architect Celine is requesting your presence," my boss's secretary announced.
Architect Celine has been a tremendous mentor and a second mother to me. During my struggles in studying for the boards, she provided unwavering support, guiding me through two attempts. I faced financial challenges after losing my parents during my third year of college. Working as a student and doing my OJT in her firm, Architect Celine adopted me as her own. Every interaction with her feels like a miracle, as she gives me the strength to carry on. Despite her kindness, she addresses my habitual lateness with additional tasks, a gentle reminder of both her care and commitment to my professional growth.
Entering her office with a smile, I greeted her respectfully. She reciprocated the smile and remarked, "Well, Miss Danica, you know the drill. You've been consistently late, so as a consequence, I'm assigning you an additional task. Fortunately, you're one of my talented architects. You’re my daughter but I shouldn’t tolerate your tidiness. "
"Okay, Mama Celine," I replied.
"You're tasked with designing a Street Art Project for a new museum. It involves creating the necessary designs for our client, who happens to be my friend. I have a lot on my plate, so I'm entrusting this to you. You'll be collaborating with a street artist, my friend's son. I haven't been informed about his identity yet, but I'm confident he'll assist you. There's a meeting later this afternoon; my secretary will provide the details. Also, my friend is not around later, I bet her son will accompany you for the meeting.”
"Okay, thank you, Mama. However, do you know his son? Is it safe for me to attend the meeting when you don't know the client yet?" I asked.
"Of course, my daughter. I know his son and his mother. As I mentioned, she's a longtime friend of mine. However, she's currently in the States working on their business. I'm confident you'll get along well with his son, as he shares your passion for art and design."
"Okay, thank you, Mama. I trust you then. I'll head back to my desk," I said, leaving her office.
While I acknowledge that I deserve the punishment, I'm grateful that it's another task. I wondered who I'll be working with on this project, but it doesn't really matter to me. Compared to other architectural projects, this one seems relatively light.
Iwas in the middle of my work when the secretary called and said, 'You have a meeting appointment this afternoon, Architect Danica. It's at Mott32 around 5 PM, and Mr. Salvador reserved the restaurant.”
“Thank you, miss,”' I replied, though the surname struck a familiar chord. Perhaps just a coincidence.
I freshened up until it was 4 PM, then headed straight to my car and drove to Mott32. I regret not going to the restaurant earlier, I’m currently stuck in the traffic and it’s currently 4:45PM. I remembered that my mother's secretary gave me a phone number for the mysterious client.
To: +630000
Hi, this is Architect Danica. I’m sorry, I think I will be late for a few minutes. I’m currency stuck in the traffic. I shall see you in a bit. Thank you.
From:+630000
It’s okay. Take your time, Miss Architect Danica.
Miss Architect Danica?
I was stressed with traffic, well it’s rush hour so it's natural that it’s late. Even though the restaurant is quite near the company, I endured almost a two-hour journey.
“I have a reservation for Mr. Salvador, thank you,” I said to the attendant, who replied, “This way, Ma’am.” Entering the restaurant, I felt oddly nervous. I'm accustomed to client meetings. From a distance, I could already see who was sitting at the table.
My heart skipped a beat as I approached. He looked taller and massive. Everything feels different now, the last time I saw him. He looks more handsome now—his hair has thickened, he's grown taller, his physique has developed, and formal attire suits him well.
Then his gaze lifted as he smiled at me.
I froze when I realized I was about to have a meeting with Marco! My ex-boyfriend!?
