His Wife To Be

Chapter 1

“ENJOY your stay, Ma’am,” I enthusiastically uttered as I closed the door of the guest’s hotel room. I just served her meal. Wearing a fitted navy-blue mid-knee skirt with a long sleeve on top, five-inch black heels, and skin tone stockings, I walk confidently towards the elevator while pushing the cart. My hair was in a cleaned bun and my face had light make up applied.

           I already feel how tired my body was. My knees were slightly wobbling, and my back was aching. Being an attendant in a five-star hotel in London is really exhausting. I need to deal with every guest’s complaints, demands and give the service that is worth the money they spent. I can’t be careless as my job would be at stake. But I enjoy this job as it was really what I wanted.

            I politely smiled when a couple that probably in their thirties entered. I can’t just ignore the hollow inside me when I see how happy they are with each other. The love was sparkling in their eyes as if they’re the only ones existing in this world. I want to have that kind of love too. A love that makes a person stay by your side no matter what. A love who’ll choose you even if the past intervened.

           I bumped into Lucy when I was walking towards the kitchen and she convinced me many times to eat before I continue my work. It isn’t new to me. I prefer to finish my work first before I do my things.

           “You haven’t eaten yet, Isabella. It’s lunchtime. Eat now and I'll take care of your work here for a while.” Lucy said as she helped me to push the cart into the kitchen room.

            She’s half-Filipina and half-Spanish. She lived in the Philippines too, that's why she’s familiar with the culture there. It’s also the reason why we get along so fast as we share the same culture. Her family is living in Spain now and she decided to live in her own here in London.

            I heaved a deep sigh and defeatedly looked at her. “I’ll eat fast. Please arrange the food for room 305.” I caressed her arm. “Thank you, Lucy!” 

           She smiled at me. “No worries. You don’t have to hurry. I’ll take care of it.” 

           I waved at her as I started walking towards the cafeteria for employees. We all have free meals. This is what I really like about this hotel. There are so many privileges for the employees, and they didn't mistreat us. I really made a great decision to work here. 

           I chose a seat near beside the window so I could gawk at the beautiful scenery. The cafeteria is on the 4th floor of the hotel. It has a total of 20 floors. 

            I was 3rd year in college when my mom got a job as a chef in a restaurant here. She’s just a janitress at the restaurant in the Philippines and the owner discovered how my mom cooked so well. So, he offered her to be one of the chefs at his restaurant here in London. It was a big opportunity for an ordinary family like us. Until Mr. Gilbert –the owner offered me a scholarship too. At first, I declined it. I can’t believe I chose love over the great opportunity that he was giving me. But in the end, I chose his offer to forget the heartaches I got for the love I shouldn't have fought.

            I’m not regretting any of it.

             I got my dream job. My whole family is with me here now. They all have worked here too. And if you ask me, I would never go back to the Philippines.

            I’ve already moved on.

            I don’t want to ruin everything again.

            “Thinking too deep, huh?” A playful baritone voice lingered in my ears the reason why I stopped thinking.

            A man wearing a dark gray suit, black necktie, and his signature smirk is sitting in front of me. His hair is very dark and looks so thick. I can see the wave of his thick lashes. It looked more beautiful than my thin brown ones. He’s Jackson Smith. A certified Londoner.

            I want to roll my eyes at him, but I need to be polite especially when almost the eyes of the employees eating in the cafeteria were settled with us. “Good afternoon, Sir.” I was about to stand up and politely bow my head, but he stopped me by grabbing my hands and pulling me down.

            The low baritone chuckle of his voice echoed. “That’s not how you treat me when we meet.”

            It may sound ridiculous to hear but my boss is the first person I became friends with the moment I stepped into this country. We’re just college students back then. Even if I was not familiar here yet, I roamed the city with tears in my eyes while remembering how my relationship made me so stupid.

            The man I really loved the most did stupid things just to end up what’s between us. And the moment I set him free, he chose to marry the woman he told me not to worry about.

            Jackson saw me on the street while crying. He thought I was lost and just wanted to help me. That’s how our friendship began. I told him about Finch without mentioning his name. Until when we graduated, I shared my moment with him when I got this job not knowing he’s the successor of his family. And this hotel is one of their businesses.

            Some of the employees thought we’re a thing because of the closeness we had. I already met his parents when we were in college. I can see the envy in their eyes because of the relationship I have with Jackson. Little did they know, this man is so insane to the point you couldn’t imagine he's a filthy rich bachelor. I don’t know how I became friends with this handsome-dominant but a crazy man.

            “Shut the hell up, Jackson.” I grimly whispered and continued to eat as if the man in front of me is not the CEO of this hotel.

           “Woah, you’re good at changing your emotions so quickly.” He took my fork and grabbed a small portion of meat on my plate. He spoke again as he swallowed it. “Why the hell are you eating late again, Isabella? How many times do I have to tell—”

           This time, I couldn't help myself but rolled my eyes at him. “I don’t need you here to sermonize me. As long as I’m doing my job, you can’t nag at me. Understood, Mr. CEO?” 

             “I’m not nagging at you. I’m just concerned...,” his lips protruded as he ate my food again, “as a friend.” The ghost of a smile is on his lips as he wrinkles his nose to prevent himself from laughing.

            I shook my head as a small smile appeared on my lips. When I found out he owned this hotel, I confronted him if he used his influence so I could get in. I was mad at that time, but he told me he did nothing. I was thankful for that. I would resign immediately if it’s because of him why I got this job. It isn’t about pride, but I want to prove to myself that I’m deserving because of my own skills.  

            “You supposed to be in your office now and busy arranging things for the event. How’s the preparation for the CEO and Senior Executive Seminar?” I asked. I saw him sighed deeply. He must be so stressed and making fun of me is his way to rest.

            He slightly loosens his necktie as if it’s straggling him. He rested his back at the chair. “There are still so many things to do. It’s a big event and my parents are pressuring me to give the best I can for this. They don’t want to humiliate our family name.”

            I drank my water and wiped my lips. “Different CEOs from multi-billionaire companies are the ones who will participate in this event. You should really do your best. If you satisfy them, the name of this hotel will be popularized. You can get more investors and clients.” I can feel how stressed he is right now. His parents are kind and well-mannered. They weren't disgusted by me when Jackson introduced me to them before. They even welcomed me as if I was not an ordinary person but they’re a beast in business. “I know you can do it, Jackson.”

            Now a genuine smile curved at his face. “You never fail to make me feel better.” He squeezed my hand that rested on the table. I felt shivered because of the sudden contact. “I don’t know how your ex was able to leave—”

            I glared at him that made him stop talking. He bit his lips and looked guilty at me. “I’m done eating. I’m going back to work now.”

            He stood up too and walked with me. I am aware of the eyes that are watching us.

            “Can you spend a little time in my office? I want you to check the list of attendants that will assist the CEOs.” Jackson guided me to the elevator as if I’ve never been there. I know he’s a gentleman but sometimes he’s too much for being one. There are some guests and attendants too inside.

            “I’m not decided yet. Since you work with them, I think you can evaluate them based on their skills.” He put his arm around my waist to guide me to step sideward when guests entered the elevator. “Let’s go to my office now. I’ll just inform the general manager that you’ll spend your time with me today.”

            I can feel the scrutinizing gazes of the people on our back. I don’t know what I should do knowing they’re staring at us while the CEO of this hotel keeps talking to me as if we are the only ones inside. I tried to calm down when I turned to him and secretly pushed his arm away from my waist. He still noticed the irritation on my face. He just grinned as he already knows he’s the reason for it.

            “I’m happy to help you, Sir,” I emphasized my last word for making him realize that it’s office hours and not time to chitchat.

            I immediately sat on his sofa and rested my back on it when we got to his office. While he leaned at the front of his desk, arms crossing under his chest while looking at me.

            “Don’t you have a secretary? Why do I have to evaluate the attendants? What about Ms. Jones, your general manager?” There’s a scowl on my face when I glanced at him. “Ask her about this.”

            It was like he didn’t hear everything I say, he arrowed a white envelope to me and I lazily took it. I focused my attention on the folder while he’s now busy talking with his secretary through the intercom. Moments after, two slices of chocolate cake and drinks were served for us.

            “Here’s what you’ve requested, Sir.” Megan enthusiastically uttered, his secretary. I groaned loudly when she left.

            “Are you freaking serious, Jackson? I just ate.” I incredulously looked at the desserts. “I’m already full.” I pouted as the temptation to eat the cake heightened. I love sweets. He really knows how to corner me.

            “You sure you don’t want it?” He was about to take my cake away, but I immediately stopped him, and it made him laugh. “It’s really easy to bargain with you.”

            I rolled my eyes at him as I started to eat the cake. It tastes like heaven. I won’t ever exchange sweet desserts for material things.

            While eating, I checked the folder again and my eyes automatically widened when I spotted my name in it. “I’ll be assigned to assist CEOs too?” I can’t hide the disapproval in my voice. 

            His eyebrow quirked up. “You don’t want to? It’s a big opportunity for you to be promoted, Isabella.”

            Even though we have a personal relationship, he didn’t use his power just to give me a higher position. We still do the process even though sometimes; he can’t help himself but give me special treatments that I always immediately declined.

            “Well, I want it. It’s just that they’re too successful and I’m afraid to make mistakes when they’re around.”

            I scanned the names and I’m familiar with them. I could say they deserve to be chosen as they’re really doing their work properly. Even Lucy was chosen too and I’m glad as my closest colleague in the hotel will be with me during the seminar.

            “You excel at your work, Isabella. I’m certainly sure you’ll be promoted after this event.” He confidently uttered as he’s manly eating the cake. His one big bite is equivalent to my three bites.

            The typical Jackson.

             I narrowed my eyes suspiciously as a fierce scowl in my face. “Don’t you dare use your position to get me promoted. I swear to God, I would never forgive you.”

            He made face as if he’s having an earache for hearing those words for so many times. “I know. I know. If I was using my power as the CEO, you probably my secretary by now.”

            “Good. I don’t want your employees to think that it’s because of you why I get it.” I put the folder on the table. “Everyone in the list is deserving. Orient them before the day of the event.”

            He nodded as he chewed the remaining cake on his plate. He was about to take a portion on mine, but I immediately put it all on my mouth. We both laughed because of our childishness.

*****

            I can feel my hands were trembling a little as I’m in a queue to welcome the CEOs. The big event starts today. It was a one-week event that our hotel will be holding. My nervousness heightened more when the attendants started to accompany the CEO that was assigned to them.

           When I look around, it seems like I’m the only one who’s nervous. They were all confidently waiting. Even Lucy doesn’t look tense. She even squeezed my arm to calm me. I don’t know why I’m feeling this way. For my three years working in this industry, this is the first time I became so nervous.

            I smiled at Jackson when he glanced my way. He’s in front exchanging greetings and shaking hands with the CEOs but he still checks me if I’m okay. He probably noticed how nervous I am right now.

           “Don’t be so nervous, Isabella.” I heard Lucy whisper on my side, but her eyes were settled in front. “Don’t think that they’re multi-billionaires. Think that they’re just ordinary people that we need to entertain.”

           Somehow, it eases the tension of my body. Maybe, I am just thinking too much about the reason why I’m so nervous. I never thought that I would meet the people behind those successful companies that are well-known in the world. I grew up in a small and simple house. I never experienced having expensive clothes or toys. Where I’m standing right now is beyond my imagination.

            The CEOs look elegant and there’s no doubt they are billionaires. Most of them are men with their female secretaries. Some were in their fifties and I’m so amused as there are good-looking CEOs that are just in their late twenties. 

            There are only nine attendants waiting at the entrance of the hotel including me. It’s already 9:40 AM and the event will start at 10:00 AM. Though it still has time, they should be earlier as it’s not just an ordinary event. I was expecting that all the participants are already in a function hall by this time.

           “Good luck, Lucy. Do your best.” I whispered at her before she approached the CEO that was assigned to her. A man in his late twenties is the one that was assigned to Lucy. The man is tall, has a chiseled face, and looks so tyrant.

           I bit my lower lip to suppress my smile as I saw how Lucy became starstruck by that handsome CEO. Her cheeks have a shade of red. Even though she reacted that way, she remained professional and guided the young CEO to the function Hall. I winked at her when they passed in front of me and it made her cheeks redder. I think this event will be interesting.

            The playful smile on my face suddenly vanished as Megan gestured that it’s my turn to welcome the assigned CEO to me. I stood beside Jackson and I felt his arm squeeze my waist to calm me.

           “You really look so nervous. Stop drinking too much coffee in the morning.” He whispered as we are still waiting.

           “It’s not about that.” I inhaled to calm myself.

           The treacherous butterflies on my stomach are shamelessly flying around when a luxurious car stopped in front of us. A valet immediately opened the car door. A young sophisticated woman steps put first. My eyes widened slightly when I recognized she’s a Filipina. She’s wearing a fitted skirt and blouse while her long black shiny hair is swaying with the air.

            “Must be the secretary,” Jackson whispered at me. I agreed as she’s holding a tablet, the typical secretary getting up. “Your turn,” he caressed my waist even more and it tickled me. I glared at him before I focused my attention on the CEO that until now is still inside his luxurious car.

           “Why isn't he coming out?” I curiously asked. He just shrugged at me.

          We waited for more minutes until my lips slightly parted when a man with his navy-blue suit came out of the car. His slacks defined his long and iron-clad legs. His black shoes made him look like he’s from a men’s magazine photo shoot. The wind blew his hair a bit making it look like art. His broad shoulders looked more defined when he walked near. Even in his coat and tie, I can sense the firmness of his arms. It really fits him and the bulge in between his thighs look… well… I looked away. 

            I almost forgot to breathe when his deep ocean blue eyes settled on me, expressing nothing but coldness. His thick eyebrows, thick lashes, and perfectly angled jaw looked so gorgeous. He moved a bit. His steroid-enhanced biceps moved too when he fixed his handcuffs. He was handsome but the coldness in his eyes made him hard to look at. He had the type of look that could scar anyone who could try if he tried hard enough.

            I couldn’t contain it.

            I don’t know why destiny needs to do this with me.

            I’m happy now.

            I’ve moved on.

            Seeing the man ruined me before is the last thing I imagine. And now he’s standing in front of me as if I’m the one should bow my head for him. I feel the rage within me intensified. I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger.

            I don’t care if he owns everything under the sun. It doesn’t change the fact of what he did to me in the past.

             He left a deep scar in me and no one can ever efface it.

            “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Finch de la Vega.” Jackson exchanged handshakes with him, and I was frozen in place to the point I didn’t feel my feet anymore.

            He looked at me with a stern expression. His lips were in a thin line and his hair fell majestically just inches closer on his forehead. I returned the way he looked at me. A sarcastic smile almost curved at my lips.

            I got back on my senses when I felt a gentle caress on my waist. It was Jackson, reminding me to greet and assist this jerk. A protest was visible in my eyes. Jackson looked baffled. I don’t want to do it anymore. I can’t breathe the same air with Finch inside a room. I don’t want to be near him not because I’m intimidated but because I hate everything about him.

            But I’m here as a professional attendant. I should put aside my personal feelings and work accordingly.

            I saw how Finch clenched his jaw repeatedly when his gaze settled at something and when I followed his line of vision, it was in the hand of Jackson in my waist. Confusion filled me but I didn’t let any emotion overpower me.

            I walked towards him, enough to see him closely. His manly scent is intoxicating me. His eyes were just following my every move. I smiled at him as if there’s no grudge in me.

            “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. de la Vega. I’m Isabella Alcantara, the assigned attendant for you during the event.” I offered my hand for a handshake and I almost grimaced when he didn’t even look at it as he’s busy staring at my face.

            I feel like my face is heated in anger and fear at the same time. He finally looked down at my hand and I hated how awkward and embarrassing it is.

            “Nice to meet you too.” His words were like emphasizing else more. I almost gulped when our skin touched. I felt how he gently squeezed my hand. I immediately pulled it without vanishing the smile on my face.

            “This way, Sir.” I politely guided him and his secretary to the entrance of the hotel. I looked at my behind and mouthed to Jackson ‘I’m okay’ with a genuine smile. I know he’ll bomb me with questions later when we have free time because of the reaction he saw in me. He knows everything that happened between me and my ex-boyfriend, but I never mention Finch’s name to Jackson. 

            I was startled when I met Finch’s deep ocean blue eyes that were still staring at me even if we’re now walking towards the function hall. My heart hammered in my chest like crazy. I managed to smile at him, and he quickly looked away with irritation in his eyes. 

            I don’t care about him anymore. I won’t let his presence affect me. I’ll just do my job and act as if we never met before. In that way, it’ll be easy for me to work properly. 

            We’re now sitting on the designated seats. I was in front of him while his secretary was sitting beside him. There are so many investors and well-known CEOs that greet this jerk. I almost roll my eyes every time I see his fake smile and how good he is to meddle with people. At his young age, it seems like they’re respecting him. Maybe because he’s a de la Vega and that family name is very famous in the business world.

             "Anica, could you please ask the waiter to give me a glass of water?” His baritone voice lingered on my ears. There’s something in his voice that’s so calm whenever he’s talking to his secretary while when he’s talking to me earlier, he sounded so stern. 

            He just finished drinking the water on the table and yet he wants more. Anica—his secretary was about to stand up, but I stopped her.

            “I’ll do it,Sir. Wait for minutes and I’ll be back with a glass of water—”

            “I’m not asking you to get it for me.” His eyes stayed with me in the most irritated state. He gestured to his secretary to go now but I stopped Anica again. Fear is now visible on her face as her boss looks like a beast now. 

            The anger was dripping on the way I looked at him, but I blinked it away. I don’t want him to think that I’m still affected. “It’s my job to do it for you, Mr. de la Vega. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.” I remained polite even though I badly wanted to throw all the tables here on his face.

            “Do you think I care?” A sarcastic tone made me irritated more. “I want my secretary to get it for me. What kind of hotel is this? They didn’t even teach their attendants on how to be obedient to their guests.”

            I badly want to punch him until his nose bleeds. How could he make this a big deal? It’s just a glass of water and I don’t understand why he needs to act this way.

            Despite the irritation I’m feeling right now, I smiled at him and remained calm that I think it made him angrier. “I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll be obedient from now on.”

            His secretary walked out on our table to get the water he’s dying to have. It’s just only the two of us now. I even smile wider when I notice it irritates him more.

            The best way to get revenge for those people who hurt you is to show them that you aren’t affected.

            His lips twisted and his eyes were cold and distant. I know he’s a cold person back then but looking at his emotionless eyes right now feels like he isn’t the same person anymore.

            He changed a lot.

            His body became broader and defined. I hate to say this, but he became more handsome. His voice was so manly and his eyes that showed so much love for me before were nothing but coldness now.

            “You were my schoolmate in the Philippines, right?” He asked me with a low baritone voice as his eyes    softened.

            I stared at him for seconds without answering his question. I can’t believe he’s still playing that trick on me. I can’t even see the guilt on his face as he’s too confident to stare at me as if it was really his intention to let me know that he’s staring. How could he be so cold and distant while in fact, he’s the one who hurt me?

            I know he’s aware of the pain he caused me. He knew everything I’ve been through for loving him. I almost chose him over my family… but still he left me.

            “Yes…” I stared back at him, hiding the brokenness inside of me.

            I just felt completely lost and broken inside, like a part of my heart had been ripped out and stepped on in the most brutal way possible as I unconsciously glanced at a gold plain ring on his ring finger.

            He really got married.

            And thinking it wasn’t me who he married felt like someone stabbed me in my chest brutally.

            I shouldn’t feel this.

            I despised him.

            But I despised myself more at the thought of him still making me in pain after all the years I healed myself.