Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Last

Tommy was stripped off of his position in the company. I'm evil if I'd say that I'm happy with what happened to him. I just feel indifferent. He did it to himself so I guess he deserves it.

The following week, everything returned to normal. No Tommy has been bothering me. Well, he wasn't really being a trouble to me, I just felt like he was somehow giving me a hard time. It's nice to know that he's gone. For now, maybe?

Trevor, on the other hand remained sweet. Since the day of my presentation, he has always brought me my favorite drink every morning. That's always the first thing he gives me before my day starts.

His white roses were also consistent. I always arrive at the office with them already in the vase.

Mew's sunflowers stopped coming. As well as his free lunches. Maybe he he knew that I didn't want to receive them?

Not that I'm expecting him to continue doing so, it's just that I got used to receiving them somehow.

But who needs them when Trevor gives me white roses and prepares lunch for me everyday? If Mew has given up, then I don't care.

Mew and I also talked after the presentation. I actually went straight to his office to talk to him about the CCTV videos. I asked him if there was also a video of us while having sex.

"Yes. There is." his voice was serious. He sat on his swivel chair and stared straight at me.

"I didn't know there was a CCTV in my office. Have you deleted the video? Maybe someone saw us in the control room." I worried.

It would be really embarrassing if someone was watching over the CCTV videos that time! We might have had a live audience!

"The video is stored inside my office. I installed the CCTV when I knew you were taking over as COO. I'm the only one who has a copy so don't worry."

"Then I'd like to ask you kindly to delete it."

"No."

"What do you mean 'no'? Delete it!"

"I do not want to."

"Why?"

"I will watch it every night." he smiled at his silliness.

I blushed.

"Asshole! Delete it!" I'm starting to get annoyed trying to convince him.

"You wish. Give me a kiss first." His voice was menacing.

"As if I'd kiss you! Do whatever you want with the video then!"

Our conversation did not end well that's why Mew still has a copy of our sex videos! The hell!

The past week, we've been civil towards each other. But we are definitely far from being together again. I am not getting back with him. Everything he's done so far is not enough for me to forgive him.

I have been very busy this week because I have to execute the promotional plans that I presented at the meeting last week. Mew had no time to bother me.

Finally. Inner peace.

Today is Friday. Later tonight is our dinner with the potential investor.

It was four o'clock in the afternoon when Trevor came into my office.

"I just need you to sign these." he said and laid some papers on my desk. I signed all of them after reading. I didn't notice that he went behind me.

I handed him the files after signing them.

"Thanks." he said and pinched my cheek.

I stared at him.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop pinching my cheeks?"

I looked at the location of the CCTV camera. Mew might be rushing here already if he saw that.

"I'm just waiting for you to pinch my groin." he laughed at what he said, referencing my words the other day.

"Get out!" I joked.

The phone rang on my desk. I quickly picked it up to answer the call.

"Hello?"

"Stop flirting with that assistant!" Mew's warning voice answered on the other line.

I immediately hung up the phone.

"Who was that?" Trevor asked, frowning.

"Wrong number."

"What's your answer about the company party? Just say yes please." he pouted his lips, trying to feel cute.

Well, he's really cute even if he doesn't pout.

"It's still next week. You have to wait. I'm still having second thoughts about attending. I might just watch a tv show at home with Hugo."

"You have to come. It's your first company party and it will be a formal introduction to you because you are new to the company. You will be introduced to everyone."

"Yeah. But I don't think it's really necessary."

"Just tell me right away when you've decided, kay? We must have matching ties." he raised his eyebrows.

"You're not even sure if I'll come with you."

"I'm sure you'll agree. Who can refuse me anyway?" he winked at me. "Or would you rather go with Mew?" He raised a brow.

"Tsk. Nonsense. Is there nothing else to sign? I'll be out early today because we'll have dinner later with a potential investor."

"Nothing else." he replied.

I stood up quickly.

"Then I'm leaving to get ready for dinner later. Wish me luck and hopefully convince the investor to invest."

"I'm sure you can do it. I believe in you." he pinched my cheek again. "But do you really need to go with Mew? Usually, only the CEO meets with potential investors."

"I don't know. That's what the potential investor wants and it would be rude to refuse."

"Maybe Mew is just using that as an excuse to have dinner and be with you."

I thought about what he said. He has a point though.

"I'm not sure. But anyway, I need to go. See you on Monday?" I bid goodbye to him.

"Take care, babe." he laughed.

"Fuck off, Trevor!" I said trying to suppress a laugh as I went out of my office.

Trevor is such a tease!

I took Hugo from the nursery and we headed straight home. I called Mild and asked him if he can take care of Hugo for the night. He agreed to it.

It was six o'clock in the evening when Mild arrived, dressed up in his pajama. I just finished getting dressed and ready to leave.

"Who will you be having dinner with?" Mild asked as I looked at myself in the mirror. He is looking at me suspiciously.

"A potential investor." I answered. I adjusted my blue long-sleeved turtleneck shirt which I covered with a gray coat that matched my gray slacks. Brown is the color of my leather shoes.

"Who else? Mew will be with you too, right?" he mocked. "I'm telling you, Gulf, Mew's moves are real. And here you are, very much vulnerable and fragile to fall for his tricks HAHAHA."

I approached him and smacked his head.

"Ouch!" he scratched his head, acting to look hurt.

"Shut up. Let Hugo eat at seven. The food is ready on the table. Make sure that he does eat. That boy can be a pain in the head sometimes." I glanced at my son who is in the living room watching cartoons on TV.

"Yes. Get out of here and flirt with your husband already." Mild pushed me slightly.

"Nonsense." I grabbed the key to my car and went straight to the garage.

Earlier, Mew sent me the details of where the private dinner will be. The investor chose a famous and expensive fine-dining restaurant here in the city.

It was seven o'clock in the evening when I got there. The exact time we agreed upon.

I saw Mew inside the restaurant sitting alone at a two-seater table. He is not with the investor.

I went in and approached him. He's wearing a red button down shirt paired with black trousers and a black sportcoat. His leather shoes are also black.

Why do I have this feeling that he's tricked me into having dinner with him? Where is the investor he told me about?

"Where is the investor?" I asked, a little angry.

"Please sit down first." He looked at me with hopeful eyes.

I calmed myself and nodded. I sat down in front of him.

"What time is he coming?" my voice is now calm.

"There is no investor." he tried to hold my hand resting on the table.

I quickly pulled my hand away from him.

"What?" I couldn't help myself so I raised my voice a bit and looked at our nearby table. "Are you kidding me?"

Fucking unbelievable!

"I wanted to have dinner with you. Alone. It's been years since the two of us ate together. I just want to spend time with you. That's all. Please don't be mad." He pleaded. His voice seemed tired.

I got up from my chair, almost ready to leave.

"You're saying that you tricked me? Just so you can have dinner with me?" I gritted my teeth. His face became worried.

"I'm sorry. I knew you wouldn't agree to it. Can't you just have dinner with me? Now that you're already here? I just miss you so much. Please." he begged

"This is a waste of time, Mew."

I left our table and turned my back on him.

I'm not ready yet, Mew. I'm just not ready to forgive you yet.

"Gulf, please!"

I could still hear his voice calling me but I ignored him still.

He was able to grab my wrist before I could get into my car.

"Can you at least be my date for the party next week? Please?" he touched my elbow. His voice was sad but hopeful.

"No. Trevor is my date." I said coldly.

"O-okay." His voice broke. He slowly released me.

I did not bother looking at his expression. Instead, I opened the car door and drove home alone, furious. I can't believe I fell for his trap! Trevor was right! Mew just tricked me into having dinner with him. But still, he failed!

I was not in a bad mood when I got home. I found Mild and Hugo eating at the dinner table.

"How was your date with Tito Mew, Papa?" Hugo asked.

I restrained myself from raising my voice at my son and be grumpy because Hugo is very sensitive. It would take him a long time to forget if I'd be grumpy towards him.

"Yeah. I even thought you won't be home until morning. I thought you wouldn't come home tonight and sleep in a hotel with Mew." Mild inserted. I wanted to hit him again but I didn't because Hugo was here.

"Shut up, Mild." I glared at him. I turned my attention to Hugo.

"It wasn't a date, baby." I kissed his head. After that, I went to the dish rack and took a plate to join them in eating. "Wait, you knew that it was your Tito Mew I was with?" I asked him with a frown before proceeding to sit down.

"Yeah. Tito Mew told me earlier at the nursery. He asked for my permission and I agreed."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tito Mew said that it's a surprise."

"And what makes you think that I'd like to have dinner with him?"

"Tito Mew seems to be a good guy. I want him for you."

What is Mew telling Hugo for him to say these things? And why do they seem so close?

"We already talked about this, baby. Enough of shipping us."

"But--"

"No buts. Finish eating and take a half-bath. We'll sleep early."

"Okay, Papa." he said weakly and proceeded to eat.

---

The day of the party came. I decided to go because Trevor has been talking nonstop about it. I again asked Mild to watch over Hugo while I am away. He agreed.

I have been feeling nervous and anxious since this morning. I do not know why. What's gonna happen today?

It was eight o'clock in the evening when I arrived at Nobu Hotel where the party is held. I met Trevor at the entrance wearing his black tuxedo. He looks handsome and dashing.

For this night, I decided to keep it simple. My tuxedo is also black but the design is different from that of Trevor's. I decided to have a tousle-hair look for tonight.

"You look so fucking hot." Trevor remarked as I approached him.

"I know." I raised an eyebrow at him. "You look hot too."

"I hope you mean that."

We entered the venue together. The venue looks sophisticated. The decorations are obviously expensive and everyone's attire is very formal.

We went straight to the table reserved for us.

Many employees greeted me while many investors tried to have a conversation with me. It was half past eight when the dinner started.

My eyes have been scanning the whole venue ever since I got here, looking for someone. Of course, I was looking for Mew. And I can't seem to find him. Maybe he did not attend?

Well anyway, I don't know why I'm looking for him when he isn't my business anymore.

I should stop thinking about him.

The foods were served on our table. We didn't have to line up for the buffet.

I quickly finished eating. So did Trevor. We started talking to each other.

The music was a bit loud so we had to talk on each other's ear.

"I have to ask you something." said Trevor.

"What is it?" my brows furrowed.

"I've been meaning to ask you this. I just got the courage to do so now." he took a deep breath before continuing. "Can I court you? I like you so much. I know you're already married but I don't care."

I was stunned by what he said. But eventually felt sad.

I shook my head. "I'm sorry Trevor. I don't think I'm ready for another relationship." I said sadly.

I'm not sure how I feel about Trevor. Maybe I like him? But not that much. Because right now, I am still trying to sort out my feelings.

I am still stuck with Mew. I haven't been able to move on from him yet and I don't want to make Trevor a rebound. But it doesn't mean I'm getting back with Mew.

I don't want to rush myself. If I need more time, then I will give myself more time.

"Is this because of Mew? I thought you don't want him anymore?" he asked, disappointed.

"This isn't only about Mew. This is also about me being ready. I'm not ready yet, so I hope you understand."

"Why did you flirt with me then?" his voice raised.

"I wasn't trying to flirt with you. I was just being friendly. I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable. I wanted to treat you right. Because everyone deserves to be treated that way."

"But it was obvious that I liked you. It's like you gave me false hope!" Now he sounded accusing.

"I didn't give you false hope. Like I said, I wanted to treat you right because you deserve it. I'm sorry if you misunderstood my gestures. I was honestly just being friendly. Would you rather let me treat you harshly because I knew you liked me but I didn't like you enough?"

He fell silent and looked down, feeling embarrassed. He got up from our table.

If I've learned anything from my experience with Hughie, it's that you should not use other people to make up for the pain you are going through. Treat people right and treat people the way they deserve.

I sighed. I hope Trevor understands my reason someday.

"Mic test." the sound from the microphone echoed in the venue.

Everyone turned to the speaker on stage.

It was Mew.

My heartbeat began to speed up.

"Good evening everyone. I'm Matthew Darth Fletcher, CEO of MG Airlines." He introduced himself.

Everyone applauded except me.

"You all may be wondering why I'm here right now even if I'm not the MC, but I'd like to use this moment to tell someone how much I love him."

Everyone fell silent. The spotlight focused on Mew who was slightly sweaty and nervous.

What is this gimmick?

Mew began looking for someone in the audience. He met my gaze and our eyes locked. He stopped searching when his eyes found me.

His eyes were full of regret and sadness that it almost broke my heart.

"As you all know, Gulf is my husband. But we've been separated for five years already. And this isn't the first time we've separated. It was eight years ago when we got married. But a few days after our wedding, he left me. But I don't blame him, because it was all my fault."

The whole crowd went quiet and all the attention was on Mew who continued speaking using the microphone.

"Gulf first left me when I hurt him because someone went between our relationship. I didn't treat him right. I hurt him so many times. He couldn't stand it so he left me. But three years later, he forgave me. It wasn't easy but he forgave me. " Mew started to cry. "I know I didn't deserve a second chance, but he still gave it to me. And I failed him again." his voice broke.

I saw some employees crying.

"I felt like I was being ignored. I kissed someone else while he wasn't around. I cheated on him. Just because I couldn't keep myself behaved. That is why for the second time, I lost him. And this time, it was for five long years. I regret it so much. I blamed myself so much. I hurt him again. And this time, the blame was all on me. It was all my fault."

He tried to wipe the tears dripping from his eyes before continuing.

"I know I don't deserve a third chance, but I am hoping that you will still give it to me, Gulf. I have suffered enough. I blamed myself for five years. I almost didn't make it. But I convinced myself that there is still hope. So I am hoping, my love. If there is even a little love left there in your heart for me, I hope you will forgive me and give me another chance."

Music began to play in the background. Mew began to sing. His gaze was just focused on me. His voice was trembling but it still sounded good. He wiped away the tears that were dripping from his eyes.

Every line he sang was full of emotions.

I couldn't stop myself from crying anymore. Tears started streaming down my cheeks and my chest began to feel heavy.

The song ended. I don't know what I'm supposed to feel. There was a sudden rush of mixed emotions inside of me. But one thing I'm sure of is that Mew was crying during the entire time he was singing. His voice broke so many times, but still, he managed to finish the song beautifully.

"I love you, Gulf." that was the last thing he said before coming down the stage. I burst into tears and got up from my seat to get out of the venue.

Pain, anger, joy, and remorse are what I feel now.

Pain and anger because I again remember what he did to me. Joy because somehow, I knew he still loves me. And remorse because of the so many years we wasted.

I had to get out of the venue because I had to think.

I was crying loudly and my lips were trembling.

When I got to the hotel garden, I did not know that Mew was following me. He grabbed my wrist so I turned to face him.

"Gulf, please. One more chance. I promise I won't waste it again. Please, Gulf. Please." he begged. He was also crying loudly.

Now we both look like fools.

I shook my head and wiped away the tears but my traitor tears continued to flow.

"I'm so sorry Mew. I'm scared. I'm scared." my voice broke.

"I promise that I won't hurt you again. All I need is one more chance to prove my worth to you. Please, Gulf." He knelt down in front of me, begging. He held my hands as he continued to cry.

I shook my head.

"I'm scared, Mew. Because if I give you one more chance and you fail me again, I might not be able to handle the pain anymore. I might lose myself forever."

"I promise that I will never hurt you again. Please, Gulf. Please, baby. I still love you. My love for you never faded." his voice broke for the nth time as his tears streamed down his handsome face.

I lifted him to make him stand up but he remained on both knees with his hands trembling as he held mine.

I tried to calm myself. I took a deep breath.

"This is hard for me too, Mew. But we can handle it. We can handle it even if we're not together." I tried to stop myself from crying. "We've been able to handle five years far apart. We can definitely handle the years to come."

"You might be able to handle it Gulf, but I might not. Please, please, please. Please give me another chance." He did not stop crying.

I tried to remove his hands with all my strength. I was able to do it because he was so weak from the overwhelming feelings.

I turned my back on him but he grabbed my coat. I removed his hand from there.

"Gulf, please. I might not be able to." he pleaded.

"I'm so sorry, Mew."

With a very heavy heart, I started walking away from him. Every step I took was heavy. And with every step, my heart was breaking into fragments.

He spoke again so I stopped but I didn't look at him.

"I have done everything I could to have you back. But I was still unable to give you a reason to forgive me. So I guess this is goodbye?"

I felt devastated with what he said. But I could not answer him.

I heard him sniff.

"MJ and I will be leaving the Philippines tonight for good. I was expecting that you wouldn't really give me another chance. I have talked to my lawyers and I have already signed the papers. I am transferring my shares of the company to you and I have already signed the papers for our annulment. Just sign the papers and we will finally be annulled, just like you want. I have pleaded for psychological incapacity that is why MJ and I will leave the country tonight."

His hand was shaking when he handed me a paper and a pen. It was our annulment paper.

"Just sign this and this will all be over. You can finally remarry, just like you asked."

My hand did not want to accept the papers. So he put them in my hand instead.

My hand was shaking when I signed it. He immediately took it away from me after I did.

I felt his hug from behind me and laid his head on my shoulder. He cried there.

"I guess this will be our last touch. Our last hug."

My tears flowed quietly. His hug was felt too tight.

"I tried, Gulf. I really tried. But I can't take this anymore. I want you to be happy. And if this will what make you happy, then I will give it to you."

He was just there, crying as he hugged me, feeling my warm body.

"I love you so much Gulf. I am sorry for letting you feel so much pain. I am sorry for hurting you so much. Always take care of yourself. It's time for me to really move on."

For five minutes, I let him hug me while we just continued to cry. I allowed myself to feel the warmth of his embrace.

My heart is in pieces and my knees are trembling.

I felt like a part of me died when he let go of the hug. He did not speak another word and just walked straight away from me.

I wanted to chase him, but my feet seemed to have been cemented to the ground because I couldn't move them.

And not a moment later, he was no longer in front of me. He was nowhere to be seen. I felt nothing but my body going numb.

I fell to my knees because of the excruciating pain I was feeling. There I wept in tears. My crying was so loud that I felt like I could be heard even from inside the venue.

Mew just left with his car. I almost lied down on the grass because of the extreme pain in my chest.

Why can't I forgive Mew?

Because he cheated on me before? I can forgive him if that's the problem.

Because of what he told Hughie? Maybe.

What he said for Hughie hurt me so much. And to this day I still can't forgive him for that.

But if Hughie was here, what would he tell me?

I thought about why Hughie broke up with me.

He broke up with me because he wanted Mew to take care of me. He let me go so that I can be happy with Mew. He sacrificed. Will I just let his sacrifice go to waste?

The biggest thing that's keeping me from forgiving Mew is fear.

What if Mew hurts me again? What if I don't make it the next time he hurts me?

I forced myself to get up. I need to think straight.

I felt so empty while walking towards the comfort room of the venue.

I faced myself in the mirror. Then I heard the whispers of two men inside a cubicle.

"I'm sorry, Tommy. I can't do this anymore. I don't want to hurt Gulf. I've been throwing the flowers and food that Mew has been sending. I don't want to hinder them anymore. I just want Gulf to be happy."

I was stunned by what I heard. That voice was Trevor's.

"You're such a coward! Useless piece of shit!"

And in that moment, I realized one thing.

Mew deserves another chance. I can't believe they conspired to get between Mew and I.

I am sure that Hughie would want me to be happy. If I know to myself that it is only in Mew will I feel true happiness, then why should I stop myself?

I realized that I should not let myself be consumed with fear.

Because life is a gamble. You have to bet in order to win. Yes, it is scary because you may eventually lose and might be left with nothing. But you have to be brave. And when others see that you are close to winning, they will find a way to stop you. They will cheat.

Tonight, I will choose to let love prevail. It's time to be brave again, Gulf.

Tommy came out of the cubicle and he saw me listening to them. I glared at him but this was not the time to confront him.

Third Person Point of View

Gulf quickly exited the venue and headed to the parking lot. He pulled up his car and drove quickly, with the hope of catching up with Mew at the airport before it's too late.

Tommy tries to chase Gulf to confront him. He has lost everything so he is very angry. Trevor tried to stop Tommy but he wouldn't budge. Tommy got in his car so Trevor, trying to stop him for whatever he's thinking, got in the car as well.

Tommy chased Gulf's car. He wanted to hit it so they could get into an accident.

"Tommy, stop it! Stop the car! We'll get into an accident!" Trevor screamed. But Tommy continued to drive fast until he was finally close to Gulf's car.

Gulf's Point of View

I tried to call Mew. I can't let him leave the country.

But I don't have his number! So I called Mild to ask him for Mew's number.

Please, Lord. I hope Mew's plane hasn't took off yet.

I can't stand another day without us reconciling. I can't stand another day without him.

Mild immediately sent Mew's number to me.

I tried to call him. But he didn't pick up.

I noticed the speeding car behind me.

I noticed Tommy was it's driver. He tried to collide with my car but I managed to speed up before collision.

I increased my speed even more but he did the same.

I felt nervous and scared.

As I focused too much on my side mirror, eyeing Tommy behind me, I didn't notice a large truck that was now in front of me, heading towards my direction.

And in a second, I heard a honk as my car crashed into the truck. And everything went black.