Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Office

I am no longer the person that I was five years ago. My son changed me a lot. My experiences with Mew changed me a lot. I have become so much stronger, as a person, and as a father.

It's been a week since I got back to the Philippines. Hugo is still adjusting to the climate because he is used to the cold climate in the UK.

My son and I are now at the house where I grew up with my parents.

Mild is also here. He has been asking me if he could bond at our poolside ever since we got here. We haven't seen each other for years because of everything that has happened in my life.

I am so mean. I even neglected my college bestfriend. All because of one guy.

"Papa, it's so hot here," Hugo complained while we were by the poolside of the house.

It is now nine o'clock of a Sunday morning. Tomorrow is my first day as the new Chief Operating Officer of our airline. And I will admit, I feel nervous and anxious.

I am wearing my board shorts. I'm not wearing a top though. So is my son. I was spacing out while lying on the sun lounger when Hugo approached me.

"Sorry baby. Would you like to go back inside?"

"Hugo, let's go back inside later because the sunshine is so beautiful today. Enjoy the sun while it lasts," Mild butt in.

"But it's so hot," Hugo continues to whine.

I removed the sunglasses I was wearing and lifted him up to make him sit on my lap.

"Would you like to eat some pancakes and drink a shake?" I asked before kissing his cheek.

"I want another daddy."

I was surprised by his response, meanwhile, Mild laughed.

"Hey, hey. What daddy?" Mild's laughter echoed as he laid his back on his sun lounger. I gave him an angry stare before turning my attention back to Hugo.

"What? You don't want me as your Papa anymore?" I asked with a frown.

"No, Papa. What I mean is, I want another one. Like Lola Ester, she has Lolo Scott. How about you? Don't you have someone else I can call as another papa?"

(lola- grandmother lolo- grandfather)

I was even more surprised by his questions. Hugo knows that I like men too. I explained it to him early so that he would also understand early on why he has no mother. He even said that he understands even if it was obvious that he does not. He is still very young to understand these concepts.

But Hugo is a very smart kid. He is quick to understand things and he is aware of what is going on around him. At age 3, he already knew how to read. At age 4, he was able to memorize the multiplication table. Not to mention that he can speak four languages! Maybe he inherited that from his biological mother.

"Oh Gulf. You're dead. Your son is looking for another dad," Mild groaned. My lips formed into a line as I watched my friend. I turned back to Hugo who was looking at me with his innocent eyes that he obviously got from me.

"Why do you need another dad? Am I not enough?" I sounded sulking. I gave him a sad look.

"Of course you are enough. I just think that you would be more happy just like Lola Ester because of Lolo Scott. They are happy together."

"Stop worrying about me, baby. I am very much happy because of you." I kissed his head. "You're still young yet you worry about these things. Why don't you swim?" I picked him up to make him stand. I motioned him to swim at the pool.

"But it's so hot," he complained.

"It won't be when you are already in the water. Trust me. And don't you like the tropical climate? Because I do. UK is so cold!"

He had no intention of swimming so I picked him back up instead. He shrieked as I jumped into the pool and we both got wet. A loud splash was heard.

"Papa, you did not even warn me! I hate you."

"You really hate me?"

"Just kidding. I love you."

His hair was now wet. Water trickled from his hair down to his face. His cheeks turned red, an effect of the scorching heat of the sun.

"If you love me then give me a kiss here," I pointed at my left cheek and brought my face closer to him. He immediately did as I requested.

After that, I took him to the shallow part and let him play alone. I went back to my sun lounger and wiped my body with my towel.

"I feel so jealous. I want to have my own child too," Mild joked.

"You still don't have a partner. How can you do that?"

"Correction. I have a boyfriend. We might get married next year. Hihihi. Besides, we might just adopt. We don't have money for surrogacy. How much did you pay for Hugo again?"

"More or less 20 million pesos," I answered.

"Holy molly! Brent and I will just adopt then!" he laughed. "Anyway, are you ready for your first day tomorrow?"

"Of course!" I lied. "Why won't I be?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Chill. You're really very defensive! HAHAHA. Just asking."

"Of course I'm ready. I'm just nervous because, you know, this is my first time handling operations. Besides, I don't know anything about it. But the head of the HR department told me that Tito Achilles' secretary who was also my dad's secretary will train me."

"I see. But good luck though. Remember, don't be too easy to get," he laughed. I glared at him. "I mean, don't be so impulsive! HAHAHA. I know you Gulf! Someone might show you sweet gestures and you'll easily give in. Or someone might ask for your forgiveness." I could hear the playfullness in his voice. "Are you sure that you won't give in easily?"

"Tss. I don't know what you're talking about. Stop it."

"Hmm. All right. Suppose I believe you. HAHAHA."

I smacked his head lightly.

"Ouch! That hurts!" he complained and scratched his head.

---

It's not hard not to think of Mew especially if I'm not with him and when I'm with Hugo. But today, my first day at my new job, I feel nervous. The fact that we will be working in one building is really bothering me.

As much as possible, I do not want to have a lot of interactions with him, unless it is work related or unless they are court hearings.

Yes. I will finally pursue this annulment now that I am in the Philippines. I have already contacted my lawyers because I plan to start the annulment process next week.

I can no longer wait to get annulled with Mew. I just really hope he cooperates.

But why will he not cooperate when he already has someone else? Tss. Maybe he can't wait for us to be annulled.

And for the record, I did not leave the airport immediately because I was hurt by what I saw. I honestly don't mind. I just really don't want to see Mew.

I'm just wondering, does he already have a child? Is that his child with Tommy? I mean no doubt that that kid was Mew's son because he has the same last name but maybe it was their decision? Mew and Tommy's?

I don't know. And I don't care. As for me, I'm happy with Hugo. I am happy with my son.

I was with Hugo as I entered the company building. I want to take him everywhere I go.

It is now eight o'clock in the morning. I will have to leave him in the nursery of the building and just check on him from time to time. The nursery is a section here in the company where employees can leave their children while they are working especially when there is no one to take care of them at home.

I have to focus on my work especially that I have a lot to learn from my secretary.

"See you later, baby. Behave, okay?" I say goodbye to Hugo. I kissed his forehead and left the nursery. I hope he won't get bored playing here all day.

I went straight to the elevator. The nursery is on the ground floor and my office is on the 49th floor. The CEO's office is on the 50th floor. In short, Mew will be on top of me.

Not the top that you are thinking. What I mean is the office. His office is on top of my office.

When I took the elevator, there was no one else inside because it was exclusive for the top executives or for people in high ranks.

I am wearing a black business suit and a yellow tie. On my left hand is my work bag.

I've had projects where I had to model suits so I'm sure these clothes fit me. No doubt that I look good wearing these kind of outfits.

The elevator was almost closing but someone stepped inside before it did. And who else could it be? No other than the person I hate the most!

Mew!

You are a fool, Gulf! Of course, there is a good chance that you would be in the same elevator with him here because it is the elevator of people in high positions.

I moved to the side to give him space, not wanting to be near him.

He moved towards me but I moved even further to make sure that there is space between us. His face was just serious as his jaw clenched. He adjusted his tie and seemed to loosen it.

I felt sweats building up on my forehead.

No, Gulf. You are not affected because you do not care about him.

Mew is a massive person. The spacious elevator looks small because of the size of his body. I put on my bored look and ignored him. His manly scent filled the elevator and took over my sweet scent.

The elevator was about to close again when a hand stopped the doors. A tall, handsome man in a corporate suit entered.

"Good morning, Mr. Fletcher."

Mew did not answer him. He's such a snob! He did not even bother giving the guy a nod. What an asshole.

Wait, why does this guy look familiar to me? Why do I feel like I've seen him before?

I tried to move to the side but the guy got there before I could.

So in the end, I was between them.

I could also smell the manly scent of the man who just got in. That's why the scents I could smell felt like they were attacking each other.

The elevator finally closed. I stared at our reflections in front of us and noticed that we were all equally serious. The three of us are almost the same height.

I caught Mew eyeing me so I averted my eyes from him and instead stared at the reflection of the man next to me.

I turned to face him. I spoke when I realized who he was.

"Hey! Aren't you the guy I talked to when I was at Jones Bridge?" I asked, as if we were close friends.

He raised an eyebrow at me but when he recognized me, he smiled in amazement.

"Oh, I remember you. You're the one I thought was going to jump off the bridge, right?" he laughed. "But it was like four or five years ago?"

"Yes. HAHAHA. It was five years ago."

Mew cleared his throat, obviously trying to get our attention. The man and I both fell silent as we turned to Mew.

I raised an eyebrow at Mew but he did the same.

"What was the reason again why you were there that day?" the guy asked and tried to think.

I turned to him.

His nose was pointed and his beautiful eyes matched his thick eyebrows. His chiseled jaw is breathtaking and his thin lips are surely kissable.

"Huh? Ah. I don't remember," I lied.

I don't want to tell him the real reason again especially that Mew is here next to us. I do not want to revisit that memory. Because that night was really painful.

"Oh, I remember ..." he spoke. Oh shit! You can remember but please don't say it out loud! There is no need to! "You were planning to surprise your husband but you caught him~~hmmmm."

I couldn't think of something else to stop him from talking so I claimed his lips and shut him up with a kiss. He looked so surprised. I grabbed his coat to pull him closer to me. His eyes were wide open, still trying to process what was happening.

I don't care if Mew can see us. Why should I think of him when he can kiss others in front of me? I don't care what his reaction would be. I don't give a damn how he would feel.

I don't want to kiss this guy even though his lips are attractive but I did not want to look like a total fool if Mew found out that I went to the bridge and cried then afterwards, he broke up with me! No way! I had to stop this guy from spilling it. I had to save my reputation. And dignity.

Not a second later, I felt him kiss me back.

The elevator dinged and the door opened. Mew quickly got off from the lift with his fist clenched.

It was clearly not the right floor to his office yet because we are only at the 30th floor.

I quickly broke away from the kiss when the elevator closed.

"Well that was wild!" the guy remarked. "But hey! You can't just kiss someone without their permission! And it was embarrassing to Mr. Fletcher! He even had to get off at the wrong floor," his voice sounded flustered because of what just took place.

"I'm sorry. Were you offended?" I asked shyly.

"Not really. I quite enjoyed it, actually. But still, you should have asked for my permission first. Be thankful that you are cute."

He tried to straighten up as his face turned red. His lips slowly formed into a smile but he tried to stop himself.

He's obviously flushed! HAHAHAH

The atmosphere became awkward.

"What floor are you getting off? Do you work here?" I asked.

"49th. And yes, I work here." His face is still flustered because of the kiss.

I was surprised by his answer because we were both headed to the same floor.

"What are you going to do at the 49th floor?" I asked, frowning.

"I am the executive assistant of the new COO."

"What?" I got even more suprised. "Don't tell me you are Trevor Hinshaw?"

"How do you know my name?" Now he is the one in shock.

"I am the new COO!" I declared.

"What? No way!"

"Yes way!"

"You are Mr. Gulf Chandler Gibson?"

"Yep."

"I can't believe that I just kissed my boss in front of my other boss."

"Well, you just did."

The elevator opened, signaling that we were on the right floor.

I straightened up and got out of the elevator first. He was left processing the events of the past two minutes.

The entire 49th floor is only for the COO. It has its own conference room and its own pantry.

My office is spacious. The walls are made with glass and they are not tinted. There are also no window blinds. Maybe that's the first thing I would install. Outside my office is Trevor's table.

Upon entering my office, I noticed that Tito Achilles' belongings have already been removed.

But before I could even sit on my swivel chair, the office phone on the table rang.

I answered it quickly.

"Hello? Who's this?"

"Good morning Mr. Gibson. This is Mr. Fletcher's secretary, Gina. Mr. Fletcher wants to meet you in his office right now."

The information surprised me. A few seconds later, nervousness started creeping into my chest.

What could be the reason why Mew wants to talk to me?

"May I know the reason why he wants to meet me?" I asked.

"It's work-related. He was very angry when he ordered me to call you so it would be better for you to get up here as soon as possible, Sir. As in now. Right now. Please."

My chest started throbbing.

"Oh, a-all right. I will be up in a minute."

So I hurried to the elivator

I would be lying if I tell you that I don't feel nervous. I haven't even spent thirty minutes here at the company and Mew and I will meet right away!

What the heck? Is he that excited to see me?

His secretary's table was also outside his office. I felt the cold sweats that have formed on my forehead especially when I saw the fear on his secretary's face. She looked like someone just shouted at her because of the traumatized look on her face.

I slowly opened the door to Mew's office. I saw him sitting on his swivel chair. He gave me an angry stare. His aura screamed of danger, eyes burning with anger. Our eyes locked.

I went in and closed the door behind me. He got up from his chair and walked quickly towards me.

The speed of his walk accompanied by his angry stare at me made me take steps backward until I felt the cold glass door behind me. I leaned on the door.

Mew's eyes were now blazing with anger and lust.

At that moment, I just wanted to run out but my treacherous knees felt weak again!

I was so shocked when Mew claimed my lips and kissed me hungrily. He cupped my face so I would not move. I tried to push him away but I failed.

With the size of his body compared to my small body, I could not do anything.

His kiss was ruthless and hungry. It was as if he wanted to suck my lips until they turn dry. As if he would never grow tired kissing me. He could almost suck all my saliva.

What the fuck is his problem!

I tried to push him again but he bit my lower lip so I lost my focus.

I did not want his kiss! How dare he kiss me if he already has a boyfriend? When he already has Tommy? Is he fucking messing with me?

But I was cornered. I had to think of another way to get away from him.

So I reciprocated with a kiss and sucked on his tongue. I kissed him back, more intensely.

I felt him weaken. Effective!

Ha! The audacity to make me feel like I still have that effect on him! What an asshole!

I held his coat. I matched the intensity of his kissing and sucking. Gradually, his grip on me started to loosen.

You want to play with me, Mew? Fine! I will give you the game that you want and I will show you how good I am at playing.

I noticed that he was getting drunk with my kisses. With all my experiences with other boys, I know how my kisses could make them drunk. A lot of men have told me that, especially when I was in UK, Russia, France and Italy.

Mew is no exception. He is also just one of the many men who go crazy with my kisses. Time to use it to my advantage.

When I found out that he was still very hungry for my kisses, I pushed him away from me. I flashed an evil smile.

I saw how he looked so dissatisfied because of our interrupted kiss.

He tried to kiss me again so I let him. I bit his lower lip and sucked on his tongue.

When I noticed that he was enjoying himself again, I pushed him.

"Fuck! What the hell is wrong with you?" His voice was filled with so much frustration.

You want more, Mew? Guess what. You ain't getting more!

I gave him a hard slap. He stares at me angrily before trying to kiss me again.

So hungry for my kisses, huh? Guess what, you have to suffer, Mew.

I grabbed his tie and kissed him back. But I immediately pulled away from the kiss, leaving him wanting for more.

"Fuck!" he groaned.

I slapped him again and smirked.

"Are my kisses making you crazy, Mew?" I asked him with a smile on my face. "You can only beg for more. But I won't give you that satisfaction."

After that, I turned my back on him. It was only then when I noticed that Tommy, with his shocked face, was by the door with Mew Jr.

I walked straight towards them and made sure that my body collided with Tommy's. Tommy almost fell to the floor, as if his knees felt weak with what he just witnessed.

Serves him right. I walked out of Mew's office smiling, feeling my small victory.