The Breakfast
His words were unexpected and sudden, almost making me spit out the tea from my mouth.
"Damn!" I yelled between my coughing, and I felt Cielo's hand gently patting my back to ease my choking throat.
I began to cough intensely after the hot tea ran down my throat when I swallowed it hastily.
"Are you okay?" he asked worriedly. "Your face is so red!" he added.
Glaring at him as I recovered, I shouted, "Do you want me dead?"
"I'm so sorry, okay? I didn't mean to surprise you," Cielo sincerely apologized as he continued to coax my back to comfort me.
"W-well... done!" I stuttered. "You did surprise me, and you better behave, or I'll punch your face!" I added, noticing him biting his lower lip to suppress a laugh at my expression.
"I'm serious! I didn't mean it!" Cielo apologized and sighed. "Mr. Talledo and Harrish asked for your hand in marriage," he added, which stunned me and left us in silence.
My mind was filled with questions about Harrish's sudden appearance and now he wanted us to get married? 'For what reason?' Moreover, there are numerous women available who are more suitable than I, all of whom possess exceptional beauty
"A-and what did you say?" I asked to break the silence, hoping he would dispute this marriage thing.
He sighed. "I don't know what to say," he honestly admitted while staring at me. "I don't want to see you hurt again." His eyes looked concerned and sincere.
Cielo's words softened my heart, and it was enough for me to know how deeply he cared for me.
For all those years of living together, we never had a chance to talk like this. It feels unreal yet so wonderful to know that my brother has always cared for me.
Ever since Dad passed away, I became busy with school and managing the company, and we never had a chance to communicate with each other.
I had even lost sight of the fact that he was no longer my little brother. Cielo had grown into a fine gentleman, able to defend himself and those he cared for when necessary
'What?' Cielo queried, his dark brows furrowed in confusion as he looked at me.
'I wish I had inherited those brows from our mother,' I thought, though his words resonated deeply with me.
In response to his question, I embraced him warmly. He was taken aback initially, yet he soon reciprocated the gesture.
"Thank you!" I expressed sincerely, my tears cascading down my cheeks. I did not anticipate hearing such heartfelt words from him.
To many, he may appear as a grown man, but to me, Cielo will always be my younger brother.
"What should I do?" I asked softly as we broke our embrace.
Cielo gently cupped my face and used his thumb to wipe away my tears, offering a reassuring smile. "The decision is yours,' he replied warmly. "However, I will always be here to support you," he added, enveloping me in another hug.
That evening proved to be extraordinary. We engaged in deeper discussions about our daily lives, and Cielo shared anecdotes from his college experience that elicited genuine laughter from me.
We reminisced about fond childhood memories, particularly our sibling disagreements. Gradually, we reestablished our closeness, realizing that we could rely on one another for support.
That night, I rested peacefully, a smile upon my lips. Cielo's voice resembled a soothing melody that brought joy and warmth to my heart.
I will never forget this wonderful night! I promised myself.
*******
On Monday morning, I found myself busier than usual due to a series of meetings scheduled throughout the day. By noon, I needed to visit the site where our project was taking place.
Initially, this was to be my brother's responsibility; however, his schedule was disrupted when the contractor withdrew from the project. Consequently, he required assistance, adding to my existing workload.
I am grateful that I had packed my belongings the previous evening, ensuring I was prepared for the day ahead.
I woke up at five, took a hot shower, and finished getting ready. Once I was prepared for work, I rushed to the garage and got into my car.
I reached the office within an hour, where
Miss Kim was already waiting for me at the entrance of the building.
After parking my car in a vacant space, Miss Kim kindly opened the door for me.
"Good morning, Miss!" she greeted me with a smile.
"Good morning!" I replied as she took my belongings from my hands.
I proceeded inside the building, followed by Miss Kim, who was discussing my schedule, which I was already familiar with, having received it via email the previous day.
As I walked through the lobby, many colleagues respectfully greeted me, but the atmosphere was somewhat tense.
People moved aside when I entered the elevator, giving me some space. Miss Kim continued to talk behind me, but I did not engage in conversation
I sighed and pressed the button for the top floor. The elevator transported us to my office within a minute. When the doors opened, we emerged onto a floor with a narrow lobby containing five doors on each side.
I walked directly to the third door on my right, which is my office.
Once inside, I went to my desk and sat down after hanging my dark blue coat neatly on the hanger.
"I will bring your coffee shortly," Miss Kim said after organizing my things in my locker. I nodded as she left.
I was reviewing documents when the door opened and closed softly.
When I looked up, I was momentarily speechless upon seeing Miss Kim carrying two packages of food.
"Mr. Harrish has sent us breakfast," she informed me politely as she set the packages down.
I slowly rose from my chair and walked over to her as she arranged the food on the center table in my office.
"It is for us, he indicated," she added, her tone hesitant, prompting me to raise an eyebrow. "I will send him the receipt later," she quickly stated, lowering her gaze to avoid seeing my disappointed expression.
I sighed and gently patted her shoulder. "No need," I replied softly. "I will to talk to him later." I assured her, besides it not her fault that Harish send us some breakfast
Miss Kim has been my personal assistant and secretary for nearly five years, and she performs her duties with both efficiency and professionalism. She is aware of my aversion to individuals who perform good deeds to conceal ulterior motives.
Although I am not fond of the idea of him bringing food without prior notice, I did not want to waste food, especially my favorite lasagna, which caught my eye.
By the time I took my third bite, I noticed that Miss Kim was still standing nearby.
I gently raised my head to find her watching my actions with amusement. "What are you waiting for?"I asked. "I cannot eat all of this by myself!" I encouraged her to join me, and she complied.
After we finished our breakfast, we both returned to our work. I was reviewing the blueprint layout of the apartment, which was part of our project when my phone beeped beside me.
I picked it up and felt unhappy to see his name on the screen.