CRUISZIER'S COGNITION
Cruiszier's was still deeply thinking about what had happened between him and his friends when a familiar voice suddenly interrupted him pulling him back to reality.
"Sir, would you like some coffee?" the stewardess said.
When he raised his head a little to face her , He could tell she was startled to have seen him. He knew her. She was one of the women who used to tail him.
Just like that , an automatic script played from his mouth "Vanessa , What a pleasant surprise Bab...."
Before he could finish his sentence ay she interrupted him"I'm sorry SIR."It was obvious she was forcing a smile.
They weren't that close in his context but they were far from strangers.
****Is she playing hard to get now?****He asked himself.
"C'mon Babe , you know you can drop all formalities ." He said with smirk.
He didn't saw her answer coming .
"Sorry Cruiszier but I'm working right now and I need to accommodate the other passengers. Kung wala ka namang kailangan , I have MORE IMPORTANT BUSINESS to attend to . I have to go." She said straight to his face and left.
**** I'll be your slave Cruiszier Baby just please stay with me for another night .**** He could still recall how Vanessa that same woman who just glared at him pleaded weeks ago to even get him to notice her.
He couldn't help but to cup his face with his hands in frustration. His ideal life suddenly Turned into a Hell of a nightmare.
"Where did I started drowning?" He asked himself.
Then it suddenly occurred to him. It was because of that wicked woman who just appeared from nowhere.
"Nathalie Fordier" He called out her name with tight fists.
He was furious with her alright. Why wouldn't he? She was the one who brought out the issue . The sole woman who made a hole in his mighty Ship.
FLASHBACK
A month ago an Exclusive Press conference was administered by Cruiszier's company to launch their newest yacht . Only Selected people were invited , those who were renowned in the field of both entertainment and news. That conference was held on the very same yacht. The distinguished guests were the first to experience Cruiszier's new fancy Yacht . Everything was set perfectly that day. Being the company's CEO , he personally hosted the event and graced the Press with his charming presence. All was going smoothly between him and the press at first. In fact, he never ceased to fascinate them with his alluring wit and charm.
Until one of them asked him a fate turning Question.
A striking lady stood up and faced him. Her deep grey eyes looked straight at him and without hesitation she asked, " Mr. De Castro , As a business tycoon and a renowned bachelor you definitely stood up to your reputation. Girls would chase you and beg before your feet, The Cruisin' Casanova. " She paused and her red lips arched with a luring smile.
Indeed She captured his interest. She was a true beauty. But unlike the other beauties he'd met before ,she was A Straight forward Goddess who stands with power. Just his type.
**** A dangerous seductress****He said in his mind.
Without hesitation She asked, " I heard you've had a lot of international travels within this past few weeks , I'm very sure you had your fair share of fun . So How many women have you slept with ?"
His secretary interrupted, "I'm sorry but that is a personal question. It's removed from our discussion here."
Everyone was surprised but Cruiszier seemed to be rather amused with her .
"It's alright, go on." He said to the woman whom he knew was determined to proceed.
She continued "If I'd knew. it's probably twice the number of your expensive Yachts . " with grace ,she moved away from her seat until she reached the center where she stood straight to his direction. " Have you heard about the Cellion Virus?" Her face suddenly went serious.
Everyone from the Yacht froze from their seats . Both curiosity and fear were evident in their faces.
He knew about it of course , It was all over the news in the foreign countries he'd visited. The woman is pertaining to a highly contagious virus which had made headlines and is definitely not to be taken as a joke . It has taken a number of lives already and experts are still looking for a cure .
He saw the guards approach her so he signaled them to stop.
"Where are you going with this miss?...." He stood from his chair and walk towards her .
" If I were you , I'd keep my distance. I wouldn't want to cause more damage ." She said with a straight face. "How sure are you that none of those women were infected?"
Curiosity was suddenly replaced by fear . Everyone in the yacht were looking at her as if they were totally swayed by her implied claim .
" Cruiszier Louie Gonzales De Castro , I challenge you to undergo a Cell-V test .If you appear positive will you take full responsibility for the damage you and your company would cause for luring people into this kind of hazard?" She asked still looking straight at his dark eyes .
He was not even a bit shaken.
" I accept ." He said with confidence .
" But of course , I'd prefer to know the name of my Challenger?" He said with a smile .
"The name is Nathalie Fordier ." She said and turned her back .
" I will keep that name in mind" He said as he watched her leave.
"Believe me ,you will ." She said and waved him goodbye.
The night after the conference , Cruiszier and his friends enjoyed a good wine on one of his private Yacht.
"Wow Cruis! I saw your interview . That woman was hot ." Gian teased him.
" You were all over the news ." Ursa interrupted .
"Seriously tho, Why did you agreed with her challenge ?I mean I don't think you need such a publicity stunt . It's not like you to take some challenge from strangers. The Cruiszier we know will not put his business at risk . Besides , her insinuation is not a joke . You can actually sue her for slandering you in public if you wish to." he added.
His friends knew that he would Prioritize his work and career above anything else.
" C'mon Ursa , Our lover boy barely cares about the issue. Am I right Cruiszier?" Gian teased.
"What's there to be afraid of? I can already tell the result. I know my body and I know it's in perfect shape. Besides, I'm up to something better here." He said confidently with a devilish smile.
"You're interested in that woman , aren't you?" Ursa knew the answer to his question by the look on his friend's face.
" Why not ask her out directly, Just how you did with the rest of your woman?" Gian asked.
" Perhaps the Casanova found his match" Ursa opened the red wine he bought from France and poured some in Cruiszier's glass .
Cruiszier gently moved his wine glass in a circular motion enjoying the gentle waves of his red wine . " Those woman are far from her league ." He claimed as he recalls the face of the first brave woman who dared to threaten him. He smiled when he realized how his red wine resembles her lips .
He gently took a sip.
****Would they taste the same**** The idea left him with great excitement
"Gentlemen, A fine lady just like this fine wine deserves nothing but the best occasion . But just like any other fine wine we've shared before , It would not suffice our taste forever. " Cruiszier said after he took a sip.
He knew Ursa would get his point , because He too is fascinated with wine. He has travelled numerous country just to bring different liquors in the table whenever they would gather. Never did his friend brought the same bottle on any of their party. They were all exquisite and diverse. Ursa never bought nor drank the same wine in his entire life .
"Now that is the Cruiszier we know." Ursa raised his cup.
They all laughed.
Cruiszier knew that something was bothering his friend Junzhzu who kept a distance from them and was quietly drinking his wine from the other corner of the Yacht but he dared not to meddle on his thoughts. He was caught of guard when Junzhzu suddenly insulted Urza. The tension began to build between the two men. . Before they knew it , Ursa has already given Junzhu a taste of his fist which sent him lying straight to the floor.
Before leaving, Jhunzu gave Cruiszier a straight warning .
"Itigil mo na nag paglalaro sa babae bago ka pa mahuli ni Karma . You'll never know when the ones who chase you would turn their back and ran away from you." Jhunzu said with a serious face.
Days after the Yacht incident with his friends, Cruiszier just woke up one day with a loud knock on his door . He was pretty sure who it was.
He could see the troubled expression painted in the face of his Aunt Lend but the old lady just walked pass him and opened his television. He didn't protest.
**** I've got to find her a groom soon **** He said to himself.
" What is it this time?" He asked her while yawning.
" Cruisio-Loius ..." She said while she stared at the television
He'd recognize that tone anywhere and he knew something was wrong.
He directed his attention to the TV where the image of a very familiar figure appeared .
He looked closely.
****Nathalie****He confirmed .
She was in the middle of an interview. NO, it wasn't a simple interview . It was a press conference . Did she organized it herself?
" What I have in my hand is the actual result of the Cell-V test of Mr. Cruiszier Louie Gonzales De Castro." She waved the piece of paper she was holding from her right hand .
From Cruiszier's television it almost appeared as if they were actually facing each other in person. She was staring straight in his eyes.
She read the entire paper before media but it was her last word which had sent our Casanova kneeling .
Now he's awake , He is definitely wide awake.
"We can sue her for publicizing this without our consent. I will call our lawyers ." Said his Aunt Lind who was furious .
Her aunt was far from being calm and the media was also very loud asking Nathalie further details.
" How irresponsible of him,Hindi ba't delikado ang nasabing virus at mabilis itong makahawa?" sabi ng isang media person a TV." His company should pay for any future damage ." Others claimed.
" Will this be the fall of one of our countries leading bachelor?" another reporter asked.
He found himself staring blankly at his television while still on his knees.
***** POSITIVE ***** he could hear her voice echoing in his mind.