Chapter 2

• "I guess this all for today?" the board members gave their nods. "Thank you, gentlemen."
• "Likewise, Jacob."
• After the board meeting adjourned, Jacob loosened his tie, leaning back against the swivel chair. His tie was choking him.
• These days, it's so hard to breathe. It's like something is rubbing him his breath, he feels so suffocated, anxious and uneasy. He knew it had something to do with what happened with him two weeks ago.
• He took out his phone, calling the private investigator he re-hired after meeting her.
• "Any updates?" He asked.
• "Sir, I'm sorry. I've been at the PSA, NBI, even went to Palawan myself but there's no record of her.”
• His jaw clenched and unclenched as he listened.
• "Are you sure that this is the same girl you asked me to look into years ago?”
• "Yes I'm sure."
• How could she hide her identity like that? No trace, no marks.
• "Sir, but are you sure it's Tatiana Villaflor?”
• She wouldn't lie about her identity, would she?
• "Leo, I want you to search for all the Tatiana in this country. Use all your connections, send me all their photos.”
• He hadn't get much sleep since he saw her. It kept him up all night thinking she's near, and she's breathing the same air. The more he thought of her that way, the more he couldn't think straight. He couldn't focus on his work or make the right judgements.
• "Copy that, sir.”
• He dropped the call when Andrew barged in.
• "Man, I'm sorry. I don't think I'll make it to the meeting with attorney Falcon. Rochelle has a checkup and we're finding out the baby's gender today, I can't miss it.” Andrew sighed.
• Jacob smiled at his friend. "It's okay. Update me about the baby's gender.”
• "I'm hoping it's a boy.”
• "Now I don't think Rochelle would like another version of you." He teased, "This Attorney Falcon, how is she related to the famous Falcons?"
• "Oh, it's their daughter."
• His eyebrows met together. He didn't know that their lawyer would be the daughter of the CEO of the chain of hospitals here in the country. Jacob isn't even aware that they have a daughter. He's always assumed Christian Falcon was the only son.
• He arrived at the coffee shop twenty minutes early. He wanted to give a nice impression to their prospect corporate lawyer if all things go well.
• He has yet to meet this lawyer. Andrew said she's been in Italy, one of the best corporate lawyers.
• And dang, he forget to ask for her name. He hasn't read her credentials yet since Andrew's supposed to be taking care of this matter.
• He sipped from the capuccino he ordered and glanced at his watch.
• "Tsk."
• The Attorney was ten minutes late, and he didn't like that. He has a lot of appointments for the day. In fact, he only have an hour for this one.
• He was on his phone reading news online when he heard a voice. "Good evening Mr. Zobel. I'm very sorry, I was stuck in the traffic.”
• He froze when he heard that voice.
• No... No it can't be
• He slowly lifted his eyes, felt his whole world shattered or turned rapidly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
• Who he was seeing.
• Shit.
• The woman infront of Jacob Shaw had the same look on her face, mirroring his. She was so shocked, she couldn't speak.
• She looked like she's seen a ghost.
• It's been nine years.
• "You..." it wasn't a question. It was more likely a phrase.
• "I---I didn't know that it was you." Tatiana stuttered.
• He swallowed that lump on his throat.
• They were silent for a few minutes. Her eyes were everywhere but to him. Jacob on the other hand felt like in this sea of people, she's the only one that matters.
• He stood up. "Where were you? I looked for you anywhere, Tatiana! All these years.... I've been searching for you for nine years!"
• He could only imagine that this would happen. Even his wildest dreams, he knew it was impossible to see her again but here she is, in the flesh. He wanted to reach out, to embrace her, to kiss her senseless but all he could do is gawk at her.
• "Yes. It's been nine years. Long time no see, Jacob." Tatiana gained her composure back now staring at his eyes, those blue eyes that are so familiar with her. "I believe that this is a professional meeting, Mr. Shaw. We shouldn't discuss anything personal especially if it's in the past now.”
• He was taken aback by her personality. She's so different now. He talks so professionally, so cold. How could she act like this? How could she look at him this way?
• Something in him broke when he realized she doesn't look at him that way anymore.
• Well, Jacob. You had her looking at you the way you want her to years ago. But you left her, right?
• "I didn't know it was Falcon now and not Villaflor. Did you marry?” he asked all of a sudden, but then remembered Andrew telling him she is the daughter of a renowned businessman Albert Falcon.
• "No. You're not married to someone else." Jacob sneered. "Why did you tell me it's Tatiana Villaflor, huh? You had me searching a wrong identity!”
• Just in time, Jacob's secretary came and whispered he only has 20 minutes left to conclude this meeting.
• "Cancel all my meetings. I want it cleared for the whole afternoon." he made sure Tatiana heard that. Damn it to hell, he'd cancel anything just for this woman.
• Tatiana cleared her throat. She heard that of course. "If we're not here to talk about the terms in Strike bankings I think I should go." she grabbed her briefcase only to be stopped by the mogul.
• "No. Take a seat, we'll talk about the business now, Tatiana.” he said, taking a seat again. “The vice president was the one who appointed you, replacing our previous corporate lawyer.”
• That professional tone he used was enough for her to take her seat again. Though he was using his professional tone, his blue eyes shamelessly tracing her from her head up to her white blouse, lingering to her breasts, then back to her face again.
• She was conscious. His heated stare--- glare was slightly affecting her. His eyes full of unadulterated lust.
• "There are a few things I'd like to discuss such as confidentiality, the terms and agreements."
• Jacob looks so different now, she noticed. He grew beard, which wasn't there nine years ago. He's bigger and even in that expensive suit she could see her broad shoulders, the muscular torso and biceps. His hair is shorter and neat, unlike how it used to be. He always had tousled hair.
• Now where did that carefree boy go?
• But she kept that thought to herself.
• When they finished signing papers, Jacob spoke up.
• "I didn't know you were the lawyer Andrew Zobel was talking about. I never had a time to look through your credentials. For months, I didn't know that the person I was looking for years was right on top of my desk."
• When she stayed silent, he spoke again.
• "You stayed in Italy, why? Tatiana, can we talk?"
• "About what?”
• " What happened to you? Where were you. God, I've been looking for you.”
• "Mr. Shaw, it's all in the past. The only reason I am here is because I am the corporate lawyer of your company. I am sorry, Mr. Shaw but I don't have time for reminiscing." she said in a polite tone. "But it was nice seeing you again. And I am glad to be the lawyer of Strike bankings." She started packing up when his hand held her arm.
• "You stop walking away from me, Tatiana." He growled. “we will talk.”
• "What do you want?" she asked, irritated, shaking his hand off her. When did this guy became so bossy? He wasn't like this years ago---
• "Not what-- but who. And you know exactly who I want."
• "I told you, there is nothing to talk about."
• "There is! Why don't you hear me out for godness' sake---"
• "Why, haven't you gotten over? It didn't even cross my mind for years until I saw you again. If I didn't see you here, I won't even remember you." She whispered but she knew exactly he heard her. She knew that anytime soon he'd explode, turn into a mad man with those words.
• She's moved on.
• "I am a busy person, Mr. Shaw. And I believe that you are, too? So if you don't mind? You're wasting our time."
• She left him there glued into his seat, still in utter disbelief.
• ___________________
• "MOMMY!" the little boy ran into her arms the moment she entered their home. He clung into her, planting a kiss on her arm.
• Clingy.
• "Hello baby. How was the fourth day of school, huh?"
• "Was fine. My classmates were nice mommy. And I already have friends." Julian said happily, his english accent still so crooked it made her wrinkle her nose. His Italian accent was still very prominent.
• “It's true, ma'am. He already has playmates when we picked him up from school.” the personal maid for her son said from behind.
• She brushed her son's jet black hair. She knew he'd make friends, he's a sweet boy. Well-disciplined, too.
• "Where's Poly, Susan?”
• "He already left, ma'am. He said he'll pick sir Christian up.” the nanny answered.
• Tatiana nodded her head. Poly is just the driver she temporarily borrows from her brother since she's yet to look for one.
• "How was work, mommy? Did you meet new clients today?"
• Oh you have no idea. "Yes. I had a meeting with---" she sighed. "a CEO."
• "Si?" her son was speaking Italian again. "Was he nice to you, mom?"
• She fought the urge to roll her eyes. "He was."
• "Good. So about this toy I wanted to buy, mom." Julian said, watching his mom take off her stilettos. "I really liked this model plane I saw at the mall with Uncle Christian. Can I buy it tomorrow, mom?"
• Her son gave her the puppy look. His blue eyes boring into hers. Too familiar.
• "Of course, Julian." She laughed, hoisting her son into her lap. "As long as you behave and be a good boy."
• Julian smirked. "You know that I am a good boy, mom."
• That night she tucked her son to bed, then read him a story until he fell asleep. At eight, he was already a smart boy, mature enough and responsible with the things he does.
• She raised him right. Making sure she does not spoil him that much.
• Tatiana was about to sleep when her phone rang. She smiled when she saw the caller ID.
• "Hello, love." his husky voice told her that he just woke up.
• "Hey, I miss you."
• She heard him groan. "You don't know how lonely I have been since you and our boy left. The bed has become bigger since you were gone, and I've been in Julian's room since you guys left, touching his toys and imagining he was there playing. I miss you both.”
• Jerome was her boyfriend for years--- and the father to her son. He works as an engineer in Italy.
• "We miss you too, so much. 10:30. Julian's already asleep."
• "I really wanted to talk to him. How's work, love?"
• "I just got hired as a corporate lawyer to Strike bankings. On the other hand, Julie's been loving his new school. He's adjusting well."
• "Tatiana, that's huge! I'm proud of you! I just hope that work does not make you spend less time with our son? Hmm? And make sure he studies well."
• "Of course, Jerome. Julie's my top priority, you know that and of course, you. My family...”
• He heard his boyfriend's sigh in the background.
• "I'll see you in five months, right? I'll take a vacation. And I want you and Julian to pick me up at the airport."
• "All right, love.” she chuckled. “Now go get to work, Engr. Castro."
• He laughed. "Alright. Iloveyou, hon."
• Jacob's face flashed into her mind. She just couldn't believe that after so many years, she saw him again. Of all places where she could work, it has to be in the company he actually owns. God knows how she hoped to not see him ever again.
• Fate doesn't really seem to play fair.
• He was in the past and nothing will change. She wasn't that naive, island girl nine years ago who was hopeless and head over heels inlove with that fresh, city boy.
• She is now a corporate lawyer, the daughter and sister to the Falcons, a mother to Julian Joaquin---- and a lover to Jerome.
• "I love you too." she said, removing that image of a blue eyed teen age boy who caught her heart years ago.