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Chapter 2 - The starry night

The starry night

 "As you could see, our investors aim for this project to be affordable for all people in need of shelter without spending too much money," Miss Kim's voice echoed throughout the room as she led the presentation of the project.

 We were all seated silently at our individual chairs around a long mahogany table, with a total of twelve individuals present in the conference room. All participants were attired in business suits, a choice I found less than agreeable; however, there was little room for discretion in the matter. Fortunately, the room was fully air-conditioned, alleviating concerns about discomfort due to heat. As we approached the conclusion of the presentation, we were interrupted by Mr. Talledo's low voice, which drew our attention as he directed his gaze towards me.

"My son is very eager to collaborate with you, Miss Heron, on this project," he stated imploringly, seeking to appeal to my better nature.

"My son really wants to work with you, Miss Heron, on this project," he pleaded, hoping to soften my heart.

Mr. Talledo is a good man who has always supported us by backing our company to be more successful and stable. He even merged his company with ours without asking for anything in return, despite my not having a good relationship with his son. He treats us like his own children, and the look in his eyes right now makes my heart clench.

"I'm so sorry, Sir, but my sister has a lot of work in her office. However, rest assured that I'll be with him throughout the project," Cielo said in a deep, calm voice, speaking with respect. It saddened the old man.

"It's fine, Father," Harrish said gently, soothing his father's back as he sat beside him.

This father-and-son duo was making me feel guilty for not being part of the project.

"Maybe we should discuss this matter after the meeting," my brother suggested, and we all turned our attention back to the meeting.

The meeting lasted about an hour, during which I was busy instructing Ms. Kim about the next presentation when my brother came up to me and gently tapped my shoulder to catch my attention.

"We need to talk in your office," he whispered, which made me furrow my brows. "Now!" he added before walking out of the conference room, followed by Harrish with his father by his side. After saying goodbye to Ms. Kim, I hurried back to my office, my mind still lingering on my brother's words. As I entered my office, I expected them to be having a good conversation, but the entire room was filled with silence.

"Mr. Talledo is headed to his office," my brother's deep voice said when he saw me searching for Harrish's father. They were comfortably seated on my white leather sofa, with their favorite cups of tea placed on the table in the center.

I reluctantly walked closer to them and slowly sat beside my brother, which was a poor choice since Harrish was sitting across from me. There was a pin-drop silence, and I found myself in an awkward situation, sitting with these two men.

"Mhel is coming home this weekend," Harrish calmly said, breaking the silence.

'Mhel? Is he referring to my best friend in a friendly way? Are they close? Well, I'm not updated.'

"We were chatting last night," he said with a smirk on his face, as if he knew what was on my mind.

'Is he reading my mind?' I cleared my throat and replied, "I guess I'll wait for her," not wanting him to notice that I was already aware of his plans.

He was using my best friend for his own agenda, but I would show him what I was capable of when it came to protecting the people close to my heart. I would make sure that his strategies, which relied on my weaknesses to get what he wanted, would never work on me. 

**************

The cold breeze of September softly touched my face as I marveled at the beautiful starry sky. Despite this breathtaking scenery, my mind was filled with thoughts of him. I never expected to see him in a business suit that perfectly fitted his masculine body, accentuating his attractive physique. He looked hot and gorgeous.

'He really looks perfect.'

Harrish's facial features, marked by maturity and resilience, indicated the passing of time, but they hadn't changed him much—except for his dark brown eyes. As they say, "The eyes are the windows to your soul." But why do they seem empty now? What happened to those eyes that once captured my heart?

Eight years may have passed, but I still feel the pain and heartache of his leaving without a word. The tears I shed every time I try to forget him feel as fresh as yesterday.

"Can't sleep?" A familiar voice pulled me back to reality, making me jump in surprise at my brother's sudden appearance.

He stood beside me, wearing his royal blue sleepwear and holding my favorite cup of tea in his right hand.

'Why didn't I sense his presence earlier?' I thought.

He smiled brightly as I turned to him.

"Your green tea, my lady," he said sweetly, gently handing me the cup.

"Oh!" I chuckled. "Thank you, my lord," I replied, playing along with his joke.

He smirked at me as I took the teacup from his hand.

"You seem preoccupied," Cielo commented, glancing up at the sky.

"Hmmm," I replied, taking a sip of my favorite green tea while looking back at the starry night.

The tiny stars twinkled, bringing beauty through their brightness; certainly, only God could have done such a good job in creating them. Staring at them made me feel at ease and relaxed. We both loved stargazing, and this spot was one of my favorite parts of the house where we often spent time enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The huge terrace was designed by us and is adjacent to our separate rooms. Our father built the black-and-white two-story concrete house, which is only an hour's drive from the main city where our company is located. I really enjoy watching the stars at night with my brother by my side, and I know he feels the same way.

"He wants to marry you," Cielo said in a calm voice.