Weeks passed by, the company becomes as hectic as before. The employees at work especially Pat seem to lose how to smile. It looks like every corner in the office, sadness was all around. For the past three years, they were used with Gab's cheerfulness and positive vibe that's why even during failure, they were motivated to move forward and be the better version of themselves because there was always one person who never get tired to believe on the team's capability. They miss her even more especially when there is an upcoming huge projects. Gab knows how to handle pressure. She's truly the expert on that field.
One day, while Luke was having a coffee at a nearby coffee shop, a business man approach him. This man happens to be a well-known owner of a chain of malls abroad and in Asia. During their meeting the business man was stunned with the designs of clothing by M's Collection and wanted to make partnership with them in terms of distribution and selling of their clothing line on his malls abroad and in Asia as well. But on one condition, he wanted Gab to lead this project since she was the one who introduce the company to him. He was impressed with Gab's proposal when they accidentally meet somewhere. He had seen how dedicated and passionate Gab was. Even if Gab doesn't know that the man she was talking was a business tycoon, she had presented it the best she could with all honesty and sincerity. But the problem was, Gab was already fired by Luke—or shall we say, she already quit.
Luke was very irritated by how fate tries to provoke him. He was very happy indeed--having found a new client out of the blue but he was also anguish since the client's condition is too impossible to happen unless he begs Gab to return. But that would be the last thing he would do. He keeps on thinking whether he would really do the client's request or not until he almost hit someone on the road. Ooopsss… It was Gab. He felt that his heart skip a beat, then suddenly it starts thumping faster. They were both caught by each other. They wanted to say a lot of words towards each other but found no single words to express their true feelings. They were still overwhelmed with the other day's confrontation. They just suddenly stop when a car beep and yelling at them not to cause disturbance to others.
At the bar.
"Hey! Guys, what's up?" "Hey!" "Luke! Are you okay?" Will asked. "You seem stressed. Something bothering you? What about work? How was it so far? Being the boss?
"Hey dude, don't mess up with him his not on the good mood." Mat added.
"Why?" "Does your ex give you a hard time?" Will jokingly asked. "Ooopsss… I mean your ex best friend." He laughingly added.
"Hey? Will, stop it. This is not the time for your scheme." Mat warned him.
"Why?" Will playfully uttered. "I mean, who would have thought that a merely woman out their can actually take you down. I guess you have found your match, dude. You've finally have a weakness after all—just a woman." He laughs hard.
"Don't get involve Luke with that." Mat strongly expressed. "This is not the same with your situation. This involves with his friend while yours is about your playful tricks with your exes."
"Why?" "Remember back in college, you were the charismatic and a bit Casanova guy. Well, next to me of course. I'm the king and you're just the prince. You have that reputation not to lose to anyone especially to girls. But I guess, everyone changes after quite some time." He mockingly added.
"Will, enough. Not this time please." Matt seriously pleaded.
"What? I'm just telling the truth. Why are you so KJ Mr Fernandez? Is it because of your sudden reunion with your "The one that got away" ex-girlfriend? Come on Matt. That's why everyone leaves you because you're just too good to be true." Will harshly explained.
Matt were about to punch Will when Luke suddenly yelled. "Yeah! I'm Luke Perez and I don't lose to anyone."
"Really?" Will mockingly asked. "Then prove it."
Luke left the two with provocative words. "You'll see within the end of this month."
Matt pushed Will to the couch. "Look what you've done."
"What?" Will playfully asked.
Will explains as he picks himself up. "Yeah! I mean he will not take it too seriously though. He will just teach his friend a little lesson—that no one should dare to mess with him."
But Matt already left him. Will is so annoyed—how come a "nobody" can actually wrecked their 15 years of friendship. Well, this is just Will's character—he won't let anyone take a piece of him.
After leaving the bar, Luke was called by his other executive assistant—the one who takes charge on his duties at PGC due to urgent matters. After the meeting, Luke was smiling as his droves his car. Finally, he got a card to bring back Gab without letting his ego down.
Meanwhile, Gab was pissed off seeing Luke. She wasn't even got to finish her work at home seeing Luke's face after their heated confrontation. She was really angry until her phone beeps.
"Hello?" Gab speaks. "Yes. What? Okay. I'm coming." She rushed outside with a worried face.
Gab went to the foundation after she got a call. She was told that a notice was sent ordering the foundation to evacuate as soon as possible to avoid any legal disputes in the future. The land where the foundation was built was now owned by a rich business tycoon after it was sold 3 years ago. Now, the company wants to take over the land since they will be constructing a golf course and resort. And since, there was no rightful deed of donation given to the foundation, the company has all the legal rights to claim the land.
After hearing the bad news, Gab was really stress out. It seems like problems keep on piling on her shoulder. But, knowing Gab. She wouldn't let her problems hit her rock bottom. She decided to talk with the new owner of the land to ask for more time in preparing for the evacuation of granny's in the foundation. But sad to say, she saw the person she least wanted to meet right now.
"Where you lost? As far as I know, this is not the office. Are you spying on me?" Gab irately asked.
Luke offered her seat. "Take a seat first, Ms Gonzales."
"No, thank you. I'm came here to meet someone very important. So if you will excuse me then. I don't want my mood to be ruin." Gab proudly uttered.
But as soon as she searched for her table reservation, the restaurants receptionist instructed her that her appointment was on table 8—on the table with Luke. She can't believe that the one she's meeting with was actually Luke.
"You? Why?" She confusingly asked.
"Yes. Ms Gonzales. You're right. I'm the new owner." Luke introduce himself.
Now awkwardness was killing Gab silently. She don't know what to say.
She was puzzled of the idea. "But, why? I mean, how?"
"Well, I don't have the time to narrate everything to you. I'm a very busy person. So let's get to the point." He strongly explained. "What do you want to say? I believe you have a very important reason that you wanted to meet with me."
Before talking, Gab collects all the courage she barely needed right now. As she feels anxious, she then drinks the water upfront to her quickly as she could. "Yes. I actually wanted to request a very, very, very little favour."
"Okay." Luke agrees.
"Actually, the foundation was in a bit of situation right now and we would to ask for an extension of the contract. I think, six months would be enough?" Gab hastily pleaded. "We just have 1/3 of the money to be used to buy another land with a building already constructed on it. And six months would be enough to earn the other 2/3 of the money."
"And why would I allow it?" Luke irritably asked.
"Well, I believe your good enough to agree with our request. I mean you're a very rich person and this is just a cents compare with your wealth." She explain further.
But Luke just sarcastically laugh. "Said who? Look, Ms Gonzales. In business, you don't involve your emotions—how good you are or not, if you want to be successful, you should think like a businessman always and every time." He continue as he shrug his shoulders. "So, what would I gain if I allow you for the extension? I believe you came here with e better proposal. No one in the world is free. When you give, you should receive something in return."
Gab was caught in between. She didn't came prepared for that. "Well… I…"
"Well, it looks like you haven't any prepared proposal. Am I right? So, what if I'll be the one to give you a better offer." Luke tried to entice her. "I'll give you the extension you want in exchange will be you."
Gab was astounded and a lot weird thoughts is running into his mind. "Sir? I'm not like those kind of woman." As she forms an x position with her hands as if blocking anyone from coming into her.
"What? Excuse me." Luke replied defensively. "I'm not interested in you. What I mean is that you will work for me as my assistant again. You'll be back in the office.
"Ah! Really?" Gab bites her lips and wants to laugh for being so stupid. "You haven't made yourself clear in the beginning that's why I keep thinking weird things."
"Is it a deal?" Luke asked.
"Yes." Gab instantly responded. It was not really her intention to go back to the company especially that Luke haven't apologize to her but she swallow her pride since it's the only way she can do to help the foundation. For her, now is not the time to think only for herself.
Meanwhile, at home. Gab wakes up early and decided to prepare their breakfast. Chad was surprised seeing his best friend so alive and was even singing.
"Hey!" "Why did you wake up early? Have you found a job already?" Chad curiously asked as he take a sip on his coffee.
"Yes." Gab happily answered.
"Where?" Chad added.
She hesitated to answer since she knew Chad wouldn't allow her to go back at her previous company. But she realize, she's not good at lying. "I'm back at M's Collection." Gab answered soflty.
"What?" Chad astonishingly asked. "Yeah! Isn't you're not okay with your boss? The other day he fired you, right? You said he has embarrassed you and said mean words in the front of a lot people. Why would you work there again?"
Gab protested. "Yeah! I wasn't fired. I resigned, okay. And, now is not that time that I will just think for myself."
"Did he apologize to you?" Chad added.
"Well, it's not something to be sorry for. I mean, it's only natural for the boss to get angry if his/her employees mess up especially on important events." Gab staggers while explaining herself.
"Hey!" Chad heatedly yelled.
"Why?" Gab objected. "I mean as what Lolo always say "Love your neighbour as you love yourself" which means we should learns how to forgive those people who have hurt us even if they don't ask for it. You should give it to yourself." Gab explained thoroughly.
Chad understands Gab's situation especially the problem they are facing now with the foundation. "Okay. But if he hurts you again, you should not cry anywhere and you better tell me right away, okay?" Chad warned Gab.
At the office.
Everyone was stunned as Gab enters the office. Everyone were very happy seeing her around. They gathered to welcome her.
"Gab?" Pat happily shouted. "We miss you so much."
"Me too." Gab laughs.
"Welcome back, Ms Gonzales." Luke uttered.
"Yes. Thank you, Sir." She responded with a smile.
"Let's get back to work." Luke yelled.
Everyone is so busy with their new project. Though their fashion show wasn't successful but luckily they got a new client. Everyone is working very hard. Now, the busy office at M's Collection is truly back into business.
After a very busy day, Chad came into the company waiting for Gab. Well, he was so excited to see her since he got a surprise for her. Tomorrow is Gab's birthday and normally, Chad prepares a celebration for her a day before her birthday since Gab won't celebrate her birthday after her grandfather died on exactly on her birthday. Since then, Gab won't like to make any fuss regarding her birthday because this will just put her into tears so instead, Chad celebrates Gab's special day a day before her real birthday.
"Oh! Since when did you come? You have called me then. Sorry. I've just finish a lot of things for our new project." Gab apologizes as she clings on Chad's arms.
And apparently, Luke saw all this thing. He was a bit mad though he don't have any right to feel so. He was spying on them until they went home. But obviously, this is only just the beginning of Luke's childish act.
One day, Luke was even taking a sneak peak on Gab while they were having a company meeting and even Pat caught him on the act. But, she won't make any fuss about it since it's too impossible to believe in. The other day, when they were having a company outing, he even make excuses that he needs Gab to wait for him at the office since he forgot his phone on this house while the others already left on the bus. But the truth is, he was just watching from afar, waiting for the rest to leave since he wanted Gab to ride with him on the car. During the team building, he wanted to be with Gab's team that he commanded one of his employee to make switch with him. But the best part was when they were having an amazing race where two members in each team should tie their hands together—the left and right of each other as they walk, run, search and solve every obstacles. Since Luke was too proud of himself, he wants to take the lead but apparently, his bad at direction that's why they were lost in the forest. He was even more scared than Gab especially when it reaches night time and they could hear howling and some noise in the forest. He was sticking so hard with Gab that when he hears a little scary sound, he immediately jumps into the back of Gab. Gab was so annoyed at him and throws him into the ground but he always come back when he hears another noise.
But since, it was so dark and their flashlight was already drained, they decided to take a rest and spent the night in the forest. Quietness was all over the place. They were amazed by the beauty of the night sky seeing all the stars. Gab even made a wish as a meteor passes by and drags Luke to close his eyes and make a wish as well. As the night deepens, they fall into sleep when Luke suddenly open his eyes. When he saw Gab sleeping, it reminded him of the past. Before, he used to enjoy watching Gab sleeping and would sometimes make a fun on her—he draws her face, take a photo and etc. Then he became serious.
"I'm sorry Gab. I'm really sorry for keeping pain, hate and anger against you. I just don't know how to make it up to you after all those years. I'm really sorry." Luke silently cries.
But, one thing that could really make someone confess his/her true feelings is through jealousy after all. One day, Gab and Luke went for a meeting with their client. Well, the meeting was good and they close the deal for exclusive distribution in Asia but after the meeting, their client requested to have a personal talk with Gab. He was asking her for a blind date to his son since after they accidentally meet with Gab before, he was impressed with how Gab grew into an awesome lady despite not having her parents around her. He was always looking for the best partner for his dear son who actually never dated again after his fiancée died. The client knew this was really absurd for him to ask but he was just desperate to see his son in pain for the past 10 years. His been setting him up on a lot of women but it always ended with a disaster. He stop for a while not until he meet Gab. At first, he ordered for a thorough investigation about Gab—her family, her work everything about her. The more she knew about Gab, he wanted Gab to be his daughter-in-law. He believes Gab is the best woman for his dear son. Gab was totally shocked that she don't know what to response. She was given ample time to decide but she thought that there's nothing wrong if she will meet him because it's not like they're going to marry immediately. They will just have coffee and small chit-chats. Plus, it's a good thing also to meet a lot people—to make new friends. And, she was also curious of this man since her father always talk about him if ever they happen to meet.
In addition, she also wants to give a good impression towards their client. She doesn't want to mess up again, not this time.
One day, at the office, Luke was so happy when he arrived. He brought cupcakes for everyone but he secretly separated 3 pc of chocolate cupcakes for Gab alone. But his mood suddenly changes when he knew that Gab will be late since she was meeting with their client's son. Luke knew all of this since Gab was honest enough to tell him what they've talked about but he didn't knew that Gab will really do it. In fact, he clearly suggest that Gab should not meet just anyone since it will be too dangerous and scary to meet a stranger but apparently, this was just his excuses.
He tried to call for Gab but she won't pick up. He looks everywhere—those coffee shop near at their company. Then he remembered that Gab told him the coffee shop that they will meet. He immediately drove his car. At first, he was just spying on them until they went to a softball court since it was the man's favourite pass time and Gab was also eager to learn even the basic skills. Still Luke was following them secretly. Gab tries herself to take shot but she doesn't know anything. So, the man teaches her but when he takes her hand to do the basic way in holding the bat, Luke approached him and punch him right away which led him into the ground.
"What was that all about?" Gab asked.
Luke hesitate to answer but Gab won't take his eyes on him and keep nagging him until he confess his feelings.
"Hey! I already told you that you should not meet with him alone. Why did you went out and still meet up with him? Are you really dumb?" Luke angrily uttered.
"Hey! What? Did you just come here to insult me?" Gab furiously speaks and leave.
Luke follows her and keeps on talking when a rushing car approached him. Luckily, he wasn't hit because Gab save him. They continue walking. They were both silent when Luke started to talk.
"I'm sorry."
But Gab remains silent. Luke keeps on apologizing. Then he suddenly spill something that causes Gab to stop walking.
"I'm sorry, okay? It's all my fault. I know I'm the dumb one here. I'm crazy… I'm crazy because I like you."
"What?" Gab confusingly asked.
Luke slowly approached her. "Yes. I like you. I really do."
Gab doesn't know what to say at that moment. She was in awe with Luke's sudden confession. Her heart beats faster. Everything was slow mo. As if she can't see and hear her surroundings. She just stare at Luke persistently. No words came out of her. Just a smile. It seems like their eyes were just talking to each other. Love has truly found its way to this two fated souls. But this is just the beginning of their love story. Will they be able to stand through the test of time? Will their love be enough to survive everything that may come along the way? Or was it just a bet after all? Since it was Luke's idea before coming home after 15 years.