Recuerdo De Amor Island 3: I'm Yours, Now and Forever

Chapter 4

RAFAEL

Sometimes you wish your life was different. Where everything was simple and peaceful... like living in the Recuerdo De Amor Island. But you can't have both world. In this world we live in need to be strong to survive, to be cunning if we needed too.

Everyday is a challenge.

Kailangan mong maging matalino at masipag para maging matagumpay. Sa mundong kinagagalawan ko dapat marunong kang sumagal. Gamitin ang impluwensya kung kinakailangan. Salapi ang may kapangyarihan para mapaikot mo ang mga tao sa paligid mo.

Isa ito sa mga dahilang kung bakit kasama ako sa pinakamayamang negosyante sa mundo. Hinubog ako mula pagkabata para sa negosyo namin. Natuto akong magtrabaho mula sa pinakamababang posisyon sa kompanya para mas lalong kong maintindihan ang pamamalakad nito.

I worked hard to reach in the top and become one of the most influential businessman in the world. Being first born in Velasquez new generation and part of Royal Family of Spain, that have century old wealth already added to reach me in the top. Being CEO of Luisa Airlines and Velasquez Empire also some small companies I owned.. said it all.

Kung tutuosin hindi kakulangan sa pamilya namin ang Velasquez Corporation. We can survive for many generation to come without the company. It's not about the money why we can't let the company crumble, it's because of the VC history. Kompanyang pinagsikapang buhuin at palaguin ng mga ninuno namin hanggang sa magkaroon ito nang pangalan sa industriya. Nagsimula lang ito sa maliit na negosyo ng mga electrical machinery. My great great grandfather was a prideful man. Kahit mayaman ang angkang pinagmulan nito mas pinili n'yang tumayo sa sarili n'yang mga paa at magtayo ng negosyo gamit ang kanyang mana mula sa kanyang Abuelo.

After the world war II nag-umpisang umunlad ang infrastructure ng mga bansa. Doon unti-unting lumago ang negosyo ng aking ninuno hanggang nakilala ito sa ibat-ibang panig ng mundo. He never been interested in royal courts and politics. Pinili n'yang magfocus sa pagpalago ng kanyang negosyo hanggang sa nagkaroon s'ya nang sarili n'yang pamilya and his children had their own.

My grandfather was great grandfather eldest son. Abuelo were more interested in politics in his younger age kaya s'ya inihirang na Enfante of Spain and he married a Countess of Austria. After many years that he received his title and serve in the people of Spain, ipinamana sa kanya ang pamamahala ng Velasquez Corporation. At that time my father and his siblings were born.

Nang mga panahon na lumago ang VC sa pamamahala ng great grandfather ko, mapagkasunduan ng ama ni Abuelo at ng kanyang matalik na kaibigan na itakda ang kasal ng kanilang anak sa tamang panahon. Hindi ito nangyari sa panahon ni Abuelo dahil puro lalaki ang mga anak ng magkaibigan. Kaya sa apo nila ipinagpatuloy ang kasunduan. My father and the only daughter of his bestfriend, na hindi din nangyari dahil sa nagkaroon ng karelasyon ang dalagang Castañeda sa tunay nitong iniibig at si papa kay mama.

They thought that was the end until my Abuelo talk to his bestfriend before he passed away that they need to continue the arrangement on their grandchildren. That's where my cousin Carlos and Catherine enter the picture, that now in mess because of my cousin's infidelity and his fiancee's disappearance.

I'm thankful na hindi n'ya pinagpilitan noon na ako ang pinagkasundo sa dalaga dahil tulad ni dad. Never I'm going to enter in loveless relationship. I do have my fun but I make sure it was short and hidden from public eyes. Sometimes I made woman sign a NDA (non disclosure agreement) in order for them to keep their silent once we are done. Its jerk as it sound but I only use them for stress release. I never been in a relationship longer than 45 days. And that's what I have right now.

"You can leave after you done fixing yourself," I said coldly to the woman in the bed before I exit the room and enter the next one to use the shower. I didn't wait for her response, I didn't need to.

I need to release some of my stress from work and she was available. Her name is Alvina, a top model here in Spain. She's desperately wanted my attention everytime I saw her kapag narito ako sa Spain. Kaya s'ya agad ang naisipang kong ipatawag kay Elliott. Sinigurado kong malinis s'ya at pinapirma nang NDA bago ko s'ya gamitin. Forgive me for my term..."used" but that who she was. A high class prostitute looking for richer men to have s*x that can pay higher amount for their service.

"Why are you still here?" irritabling tanong ko kay Alvina.

Akala ko umalis na ito but no... she still sitting in the couch waiting for me. She stand up at nang-aakit na lumapit sakin. Her lust-filled eyes is looking my well toned boned body hungrily. I mentally roll my eyes.

"I'm wondering if we could dinner before we leave separately. And maybe we can see each other more." She said huskily while seductively bit her lower lips.

Umatras ako at lumakad papuntang mini bar ng suite.

"You know the rules that you signed in Alvina so better stick on it," I uttered as I pour a whiskey in the glass and drink. Humarap ako sa kanya. "Now leave! I'll call you if I need you."

She shiver with my cold voice. I see the fear in her before she could hide it. "So what they said are true... you're beast in bed but cold to talk with."

Tinapunan ko lang ito nang malamig na tingin. Maarti itong napabuntong hininga at kinuha ang kanyang gamit sa upuan.

"Just call me then." She smiled sweetly. I didn't response.

"I'm yours while you are here." Malandi nitong sabi bago tuluyang lumabas nang suite ko.

Napailing lang ako. It was fun until it last but after that I can't feel a thing again. It was like they passed, leaving you unsatisfied.

I sighed...not worth to think. Pumunta ako ng kusina at naghanda nang makakain ko. Nasa penthouse ako ng C.A Luxury Hotel nila Christian, I only used this suite for this kind of activity. Ni isa wala akong dinala sa bahay ko. Someday maybe, once I find the right woman for me.

It was been two weeks since I live here in Spain, working non-stop to make sure my companies are in the right track. Inayos ko rin ang mga documento para sa pagtransfer ng shares nila Uncle Philip sa pangalan ko. Nakausap ko na rin ang tauhan ko sa loob ng Velasquez Corporation kung bakit wala silang binalita tungkol sa laganap na kurapsyon sa loob ng kompanya. They said ipapasa na dapat nila ang report tungkol doon sa akin, ngunit nalaman nilang nandito na ako kaya hindi nila ito ipinasa sakin kundi pinagplanohan nilang kausapin ako ng personal. I accept their reasons and I read the report that they gathered. Accurate like the report I read at the King's file.

Nagawa ko ring pumunta ng Abu Dhabi last weekend para supportahan si Liam sa kanyang laro. Worth it naman dahil nagawa nitong maging champion sa drag racing. I saw Heaven and her friends too.

Few days ago ng tuluyang naging maayos ang kalagayan ni Abuelo but the doctor keep monitoring his condition closely dahil ilang beses na itong mangyari sa kanya and the next time can be fatal. Unfortunately for him, another news ang sumalubong sa kanya pagkagising nito. He was livid and halos atakihin uli ito sa puso when he heard the news about a speculation of new VC owner. Buti na lang nasa hospital pa rin s'ya at agad naagapan ng doctor ang sitwasyon nito. They immediately sedatate him. When he calmed down agad nitong pinatawag ang kanyang pinakakatiwalaang tauhan sa kompanya at inalam kung anu ang totoo. I heard he even talk to the King and the Prince to confirm more about the issue. Thats where he knew now, I bought their shares. After that, pabalik balik na ang kanyang mga tauhan at abogado sa hospital. Then bigla na lang ito nagpatawag ng board meeting sa hospital, hindi pa kasi s'ya pinayagan ng doctor na lumabas dahil mataas ang hypertension nito.

Kaya nandito kaming lahat ngayon sa conference room ng hospital na s'yang pinagamit nang management. Kung anu man ang dahilan ng pagpupulong na ito alam kong ito ang magpapabago sa takbo ng buhay ko.

More work for me...sighed!

Nandidito ngayon ang lahat ng kasapi ng Velasquez family. Mula sa magulang ko, minus kina Heaven at Jacob, uncle Carmelo and Aunt Fatima with Carlos, and Aunt Rosalinda and Uncle Jordan with Noah. Few of my Abuelo's relatives are here that have position in the company. Crown Prince Phillip is only present but the King called my Abuelo to meet him once he leave the hospital.

When all the higher employees, stockholders and board members of Velasquez Corporation were complete. My Abuelo clear his throat to take everyone's attention. Naging seryoso ang lahat. Tension arise slowly in the room. Sweats are forming to those who were guilty on committing fraud. Lalo na ng makita nilang may nakaantabay na security personnels sa harap ng pintuan.

"Thank you everyone for coming here in short notice. I will briefly tell you the history of Velasquez Corporation even I know you all hear this many times. This time I want you to remember always how important this company to my family. That I will make sure it will remain to us." Abuelo firmly said.

Glaring to uncle Carmelo and my cousin, Abuelo continue talking.

"Its been decades when my grandfather build the company from the ground. Leaving his luxury life and focus on his ambition. He work hard to make it successful. Velasquez blood and sweats of every generation spill in the ground just to reach its glory today. But thats what I thought when I turn over the company to my second son and his son."

Everyone turn their eyes to my uncle and cousin. They look uncomfortable with the stares everyone are given.

My grandfather speak again.

"Through the decades, Velasquez Corporation earned billion dollars profit, given so many jobs to community. And I was confidence to turn over my responsibilities to my son and grandson, for them to continue the legacy of Velasquez family. Unfortunately, it never happened, instead the company were now in the edge of bankruptcy. I found out that my grandson and few other highest official of the company embezzled huge amount of money that cause of bankruptcy."

The moment my grandfather said those words, his security personnels step behind those involved on the fraud. Nasa mga mukha nila ang takot at pagkahiya sa kanilang ginawa. Sininyasan ni Abuelo ang kanyang mga tauhan na patayuin at lagyan ng handcuffs ang mga sangkot. They protest and start freaking out but the others remain oblivious on their pleas.

"All the property that you invest from VC will be taken from you and I already files cases against you all," my grandfather said coldly. "Leave my grandson, the rest take them to the precinct."

My cousin is panicking, he can't even look at our Abuelo.

"I'd been so blind of your behaviour Carlos. Tolerating your idiocy was the biggest mistake I made in my life. I'd defended you even I know it was your mistake. I put my trust in you and boy... I'm wrong to do that. If only you aren't my grandson I will give you to the authority and joined the rest in jail. But I wont do that... actually I have a better place for you." He smirk at my cousin making his face pale. Parang may ideya na ako kung saan n'ya ipadala si Carlos. That would be the worst place for him.

"For your punishment, I will send you to Rancho Leticia for 3 years. There, you will live like them... a laborer. I want you to learn the life of those hard working people. To make you understand the hardwork just to earn money." Everyone gasped of our grandfather's decision. We all how hard living in the Rancho Leticia. Mas mahirap pa ito kasya sa makulong ka.

Carlos shiver. He tried to speak but our Abuelo signed him to stop. Sininyasan nito ang guards na ilabas si Carlos. He tried to struggle in the hold of the guard but it's useless. He's trying to reason out and ask for forgiveness but once our grandfather made a decision, no one can change his mind unless he wanted too.

"Papa you can't do that to your grandson. Por favor, I don't know if he could survive there for 3 years." Pakiusap ng ina ni Carlos. Aunt Fatima is crying and ashamed. Her eyes are begging for my grandfather to change his mind. My Abuelo is too stubborn to take back his words. Nasa mukha ng mga kasama ko sa conference room ang sympathy for aunt Fatima. We all know how hard the life in Rancho Leticia at ang tulad ni Carlos na mulat sa marangyang pamilya ay walang puwang sa rancho. Rancho Leticia can be found in the mountain part of Aragon, the birth place of my late grandmother Duchess Maria Leticia before they move in Austria. Sa lola ko rin ipingalan ni Abuelo ang rancho.

The main source of income of the ranch are dairy products from cows and sheeps, small hectares of vine yards, vegetables and rice. Ang mga tauhan sa Rancho are capable of working in stormy, difficult, rough life. Strength is the key to stay alive there. Hard labor and punctuality are imposed strictly in Rancho Leticia.

My Abuelo may own the ranch pero ang namamalakad doon ay nasa kamay ng lubos na pinagkakatiwalan ni lolo. And abuelo never question how their ways of work unless it's too much and against the law.

"He's lucky I only give him 3 years in the ranch not in the prison for the rest of his life. It's such a shamed to call him my grandson." Abuelo uttered frankly. Tumingin ito kay tito Carmelo.

"You my son was also a disappointment. I want you to resign in your position in the company and do whatever you want in your life. Your share in the VC will be yours after 5 years once I see you change the way you live. You better fix the marriage of yours before I send you both in Rancho too." Tito Carmelo look uncomfortable after Abuelo said that. He simply nod and never uttered a word to disagree. He know his mistake and deserve the punishment of his father.

Abuelo sign.

"Now let's go down in business. I am aware that my grandson Rafael bought the share of my cousin and Mr.Perez which equalled my share in the company. Now that my son and Carlos are no longer working there. I think it's time for me to step down and give the position to my grandson Rafael. He know better than anybody how to make a bankrupt company climb into success."

I cleared my throat taking the attention of everyone in the room. My grandfather told me to speak through his eyes.

"I want to clarify my shares in the company Abuelo, at this moment I have 38 percent shares of stock in VC. Mr. Clemente sold his shares to me years ago discreetly and I let him handle all the transaction here. It was very important decision in his side to give up his share. I'm thankful that he came to me. I maybe owned the majority of the company yet I still believe my Abuelo have fully right to make a decision. I only brought the shares to keep the company in Velasquez name." I said.

I don't want my grandfather to think I'm disrespecting him. Bad enough that we don't see each other eye to eye, ayaw kong dagdagan ang strain na relasyon naming dalawa.

He nod. Kaya maraming nagsasabi na nagmana ako sa kanya dahil kahit anung reaksyon maliban sa blankong expression, walang makikita sa mukha nito. "Good to hear. Atleast I don't need an excuse to turn over the management of VC to you. You have my full support of any changes in company. I know you can pull back the Velasquez Corporation into the top again. Any objections?"

I will take that as compliment. I cut him some slack, my Abuelo is too proud to admit and show his appreciation or compliment anyone.

No one object. They all agreed na ako ang mamahala ng companya mula ngayon. They even congratulate me already. I politely thank them.

"It's official. From now on, the company belongs to my grandson Rafael Luis Velasquez. " Everyone applause. My parents look at me proudly.

"Ok...lets continue. Now that my grandson own the company, it's time for me to divide my share to my children. Each of them will receive 10% share. My lawyers will give you all the copies of my share under your name. It's time for me to retired and enjoy my life so I could see my great grandchildren one day." He said making others to laugh and agree.

Kahit anung pilit nitong maging masaya. Deep in my Abuelo's eyes hidden the sadness, guilt and loneliness he felt for all this years of being alone, for being distant to his two children, and for being prideful father causing his son and daughter choose to live away from him. I think wake up call na talaga sa kanya ang eskandalong kinasasangkutan ng pinsan ko. And the doctor's prognosis on his health.

Tumagal ng ilang oras ang meeting until Abuelo's doctor inform us that he need to rest for his quick recovery. Nagpahabol pa ito na maghahanda s'ya ng salu salo sa kanyang villa once makalabas ng hospital at family meeting na rin daw. Siguradong tungkol ito sa na-usyaming kasal ng dalagang Castañeda at Carlos. Frankly speaking ako dapat ang sa position ni Carlos dahil ako ang panganay pero dahil sa hindi magkasundo ang aking ama at Abuelo, si Carlos ang pinapasok nila sa relasyon. He don't mind a loveless marriage so he agreed. Whoring around was what he like to do, na akala nito magawa n'yang maitago.