Chasing The Broken CEO

After the conversation I had with Shaira, I took a bath hoping that I can at least clear my head a bit because the things I've learned from my cousin made me suffocated. I know that she's too stressed about everything that is happening and I really can't blame her if she talks or feels that way.

I hope and prayed that the issue with our company will get resolved very soon. I don't really know the entire details. The only thing I knew was our shareholders are trying to pull out their shares from our company because of the incorrect annual financial report that resulted imbalance for our company's expenses and funds. There is also an issue with the budget itself reason why Shaira and my father are currently in a tough situation at this time.

After taking a bath, I wore comfortable clothes and walked downstairs. I saw my grandmother who are still sitting comfortably on the terrace and doing something on her phone.

I noticed that the rain has stopped already but the gray sky is still visible as if it's only taking a rest and the rain will pour down again in any moment.

I sat beside my grandmother and she started to talk about the things she did for today while I was working in the office. By just listening to her, my heart calmed down and my mind became at ease. Seeing her happy face and smile makes me feel a little bit happy.

She reminds me of my mother. My mom has taken her innocent face from grandma. Whenever I look at my grandma Helga, I can't help but to remember my mother. Now, I miss my mom a lot.

***

I called my mom right after I ate my dinner. She wanted me to return in Manila but just like what I did couple of months ago, I refused to go back. My responses made her cry on the other line. She's worried about me and I felt that. I assured her that I am doing fine here in Bohol and also comforted her. That's the least thing I can do as I can't really go back now.

"Please, Nathalie... Whenever you feel you're ready... Please, let us know... We'll wait for you until you're ready..." she pleaded with a cracking voice.

The night sky is glowing as I looked up from the window of my room. I only realized that the night sky can be fascinating like this even though it is plain dark. The clouds are not visible and so are the stars yet it is still beautiful and calming. The moonlight brings nothing but a big comfort to my restless soul.

"I am doing fine here in Bohol, mommy. Please let me stay here with grandma Helga. It will be better if I stay here. I'm comfortable in this place." I simply added.

I lost count on how many times I've heard my mom sigh. I also heard my father's voice in the background, telling my mom that she has to let me live here instead. Based on the noises I'm hearing from the other line, it's pretty obvious that my parents are having an argument because of me.

It's funny that it doesn't bother the shit in me anymore.

I remembered how I wanted to please them before, that I made a promise to myself that I will fulfill their dreams even if my freedom will be at stake as if I can't live my life if I ignore their request.

But everything has changed. In fact, they don't boss me around anymore. They have learned to respect every decision I made. They have learned to set me free, from being that daughter who had been caged for her whole life.

And for me, living here is one of my best decisions I ever made. If I can stay here forever, I will grab that chance as I don't want to return in Manila at all. I can't go back anymore.

"If... if that's the case then I can just visit you there once I get your dad's permission..." she said defeatedly.

I nodded slowly. I inhaled the cold night breeze when it also kissed my pale skin. I pressed my lips together and tried to think of something else that I can tell my mother right before we end this call.

I can only think of one thing. I gathered all my courage and decided to say it.

"I love you, mom. Please take care of yourself... for me..." I said softly and then I heard her weep that broke my heart into small pieces.

"I love you too, sweetheart! Please take care of yourself, too... Don't forget to take your medicine," she added.

"Alright, mom." I bit my lower lip as I remembered the familiar medicine she brought up.

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I haven't taken that medicine for a while now.

Right after we finished our conversation, I went inside the bathroom and opened the hanging cabinet above the sink. My eyes found the familiar medicine my mom was referring to, which was prescribed to me more than a year ago. I was advised to take a medicine for anxiety as I was diagnosed of social anxiety disorder back then. I mean... who wouldn't feel a severe anxiety after what happened?

My mother got stroke due to her high blood pressure, after that night. It took months for her to fully recovered from what happened. On the other hand, my father's company isn't performing well since that day. Right after that unwanted event, our supposed investors were just gone out of the blue.

I bit my lower lip firmly that I can taste the blood from it. My hand is shaking when I held then medicine and stared at it blankly.

For the longest time, I thought I was already doing better but when I heard my mom's cracked voice, it felt like I became too weak and vulnerable again.

I stopped taking this medicine as I don't like the side effect of it. It's been a while though... I inhaled heavily and then took one pill. Then, I immediately went to bed, unhappy because I feel like there's something missing... There's something that makes me so incomplete. I closed my eyes firmly and heaved out a huge sigh. I hugged myself upon feeling the familiar dizziness the pill normally gives me.

***

I woke up early the next day. I worked on my shorthand and the documents I have to submit to Judge Villanueva as soon as possible. I also put two new recorders inside my bag because I will need to attend to two court hearing today. One in the morning and then the second court hearing will be held around afternoon.

I turned on the flat screen television and listened to the morning TV news while I am getting dressed. I wore a black formal jumpsuit and a black high heels. After that, I stood up in front of my vanity mirror. I combed my hair and put a red matte lipstick on my pale lips.

It's funny that I didn't like this kind of lipstick before but I got used to it now. It helps me hide my pale lips. I also think it hides the true version of me whenever I try my best to interact with people, even though I don't feel like speaking out. I just have no choice because my work requires me to interact even if I don't want to.

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'We just received an update about the Zendejas' on going case. Mr. Richard Zendejas showed his utmost support to his son, Evan Zendejas- the most popular business tycoon in the Philippines, who happened to hid himself from any publicity for such a long period of time. According to Mr. and Mrs Zendejas, there was actually a reason as to why their son Evan Zendejas hid himself. The reason was their son was trying to tie down a certain group of people who blackmailed him by sending multiple death threats. We also got a report that the Zendejas' family is now working on filing a case against these people who are against Evan Zendejas, and the Supreme Court will release an update once the court hearing is held.' I turned my gaze on the television. I saw the familiar faces of Richard and Czarina Zendejas who are being interviewed by the media.

"I hope you all get this cleared. My son didn't want to abandon our company. We supported him all throughout and we knew he's been working hard just to get us safe. These death threats he had been receiving for more than a year wasn't a joke and we'll make sure to make a proper action to deal with it." stated by Richard Zendejas.

"Thank you for the information, Mr. Zendejas. How about you, Mrs. Zendejas? What can you say about this issue?"

"I am pretty confident that the court will take our sides. I will make sure that these people who almost killed my son will live their lives in jail." the beautiful Czarina Zendejas replied.

'We haven't received any response from Evan Zendejas regarding this issue he's facing but one thing is for sure, the employees of their company are happy-'

Using the remote control, I turned off the television. I grabbed my sling bag and attache case from my bed and then went out of my room. I heard my phone vibrate while walking downstairs. I took it inside the pocket of my coat and saw a text from Chandria.

Chandria: Happy birthday, Nathalie! I miss you so much and I hope you miss me too! For sure you already forgot what date it is today. I talked to your mom and she said you're pretty busy out there but I am still hoping we can at least celebrate. I booked a flight going to Tagbilaran today. See you in a few hours! Love you, Nathalie :*

My lips parted just when I realized what date it is today. It's already 29th of June. My mind has a lot of thoughts that I almost forgot about my own birthday if Chandria did not remind me of it.

So I just turned twenty-four years old today.

I swallowed hard and just shrugged it off.

I went ahead and greeted my grandma Helga in her garden instead before I leave for work.

It is going to be another day that you will need to survive, Nathalie.