Chapter 3

What surgery?

My Lolo is old but he is as healthy as a cow. It's unbelievable!

Is this the reason why he suddenly wanted to live permanently in the Philippines, leaving me behind here? Why didn't I know?

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. It was his order not to tell you. And… he's as hard-headed as you.” She said the last sentence a bit mischievously in a nonchalant way. This girl..

I glared at her. Of course, he’s my Lolo. It’s in the genes.

“He doesn’t want to undergo surgery. He said he won't live his remaining life in a hospital." Her voice cracked a little while looking down as she said her last statement.

My temples were begging me to massage them because of the hella bomb of a news. This isn’t sudden but it feels so sudden. With all of these bombarding me right now.

I heaved a sigh as I looked at her calmly, like a tranquil ocean but deep within it is a world full of chaos and predators.

"I won't go back. Lolo should be here instead to get his surgery. The best is here in France. And I'll only give him the best. Look for the best cardiothoracic surgeon. I’ll convince Lolo to do the surgery." Finality is evident in my voice, not accepting any negative for an answer.

"But ma'am, if you won't go back until next month, the board members will make their move. You know how much those opportunists want to own the Bachs right?”

I know that. Of course I know. But I don’t want to go back. If things can be resolved here in France, then things should be resolved here. Why fly to another country?

But I do know too. I know how cunning they are. It’s grave, graver than how it truly seems.

Looking back, there were a lot of internal conflicts these past months. They were just minor and easily resolved so I didn’t overthink.

Looking back, looks like they already knew Lolo’s health is failing and they’re doing their best to advance in this game.

“They know there’s something wrong with your Lolo and also, you don’t have an heir yet, let alone being married. Not going back to the Philippines, Ma'am, would be a very bad move."

Of course I know that but fuck it! Thick-faced money-digging assholes! They really have the audacity to force me into a wedding when in fact, my Lolo doesn’t even force me himself.

Lolo already warned me about this. I should marry before turning thirty so these leeches won’t be able to make their move.

Now, they think they’re leading the game. Ha! As if I will let them.

"And Ma'am, once you get back in the Philippines, Ms. Tan will assist you in everything. My resignation as your head secretary is effective next month."

My mouth gaped as shock spread into my entire system. Oh god! I almost forgot.

I close my eyes, trying to calm myself from the irritation of all the shits that has been happening lately. What a bad luck!

"Why?"

I know I'm a cruel boss but she was my fucking secretary for 10 years. Ever since I started working here, she has already been there to assist me.

She applied for resignation a month ago because she wants to be more domesticated rather than a working woman.

I rolled my eyes at the thought of my efficient secretary just washing the dishes and doing the laundry. I don’t know how many times I asked her ‘Why’ cause why the hell an efficient employee like her give up all that just to be a fucking housewife?

Does she really have to resign? We’re compensating her well. I don’t think she has to.

She just smiled at me and I don't know if it's just me or her eyes has the galaxy residing in it, full of stars twinkling so bright.

"I'm pregnant ma'am."

 

My mouth hung open. Pregnant. I gasped when it all sink it.

A smile slowly crept to my lips. She has been waiting for this. And finally, it’s here. After for five fucking years, finally!

But..

"Congrats!"

She got married five years ago, when she was still my age. It's a great blessing for them. I'm happy for them.

It’s just that, I can’t be completely happy with all the shits going on with my life. With her gone, I don’t think things will sail smoothly. Sure, there’s Andrea but will the newly hired secretary be as competent as her?

"Thank you ma'am. My husband has been asking me to stop working to avoid stress. And he also wants to focus on me.” She giggled as she said her last statement that made me roll my eyes.

Lovesick lady. If I were here, I’d just take a short leave. I’ll never be a plain housewife.

"Too O.A for a doctor." The sarcasm in my statement surely didn’t go unnoticed. She just laughed at my remark about her husband.

"You're free to come back any time." I said sincerely. She has been a good employee. 

"I’ll be a hands-on house wife ma’am so sorry to disappoint you but I will no longer come back as your secretary. My husband doesn't know about it yet. I want to surprise him. All he knows is that I’ll be taking a temporary leave. He’s been hoping for this even before we got married." She said a bit too dreamily.

"But don't worry ma'am, Miss Andrea will take my place and I'll make sure that whoever will be appointed as new secretary will be efficient too."

I heaved a sigh. Her decision is irrevocable; I can’t do anything about it.

"Of course, if the one replacing Andrea in her old post is not good enough, I’ll really hunt you down and let your husband work as my secretary instead." 

She chuckled at my threat. I’m serious though. Afterall, I’m also the boss of her husband.

Before she went out, she said something that really occupied my mind until the day I came back to the Philippines.

"You need to go back ma'am. You need someone in your life, not for the company but for yourself. Your Lolo would surely also be happy to see you happy, ma'am. I may disagree about the idea of forcing you into marriage, but I guess Philippines can help in healing your wounds. You need saving Ma'am. You badly need it.”