45

I can’t help but wonder if he’s proud of me because I finished or if he’s still angry because of what I did.

I keep sending him money every month. I went to Bicol to see him but he said he was no longer there.

It really doesn’t want to see me. But even so, I sent money again just now so that it has a ticket to the launch of the Weiler Company & Resort in Palawan.

“Hey, are you ready for your event?” Hades asked. “She’s still not texting you?” He refers to mom. I shook my head.

I answered him even though he looked worried about me. “Yes. But I’m nervous, I’m new to this industry and what if people don’t like it?” I remember asking.

“Don’t be such a downer, Fertine. You work hard for this. I know that you can make it successful in no time. No Wu has lost yet.

Wu blood runs in your body.” He smiled at me.

“Okay.” I smiled back.

I finished checking all the things needed for the event.

The event starts later at 7pm but I’m already nervous even though it’s 2pm in the afternoon. It’s so close. This is what I started doing when I got back to the Philippines. I want my own line of business. Unlike Papa and Hades.

I walked through the front of my hotel.

My phone vibrates. I look at it. It’s Freeda.

From Freeda:

Can’t wait to see your success, Fertine!

It will also be included later, will he be the one to lose!

To Freeda:

Thank you!

I put the cellphone back in my pocket but it vibrated again.

From Freeda:

Did you see the news?

To Freeda:

What news?

From Freeda:

Wilder Villacorta is engaged!

Then she sent a link of the news. I opened it trembling. I’m nervous.

I got chills when I read the news, it’s true that he’s engaged.

My chest suddenly hurt. I was fine earlier.

I breathe deeply. I need to get that thought away from my brain. I need to focus for my resort opening!

“Please welcome the owner of Weiler Company & Resort… Ms. Athena Fertine Wu, the daughter of the famous business tycoon Nathaniel Zeus Wu! Let’s give her round of applause?”

I shook my head when I heard Papa’s name being mentioned. I said just introduce myself as Athena Fertine Wu and don’t include that end! I’m sure people will think that I was able to do this because of their help. Yes they helped me but I’m the one who made it happen.

The event takes place at the spacious pool of my hotel. That place is big so it’s just right for guests. It is a formal event. Everyone is wearing a suit and long gowns. All eyes are on me when I step in. They all cheered and applauded me.

The light is currently dimmed and there is a spotlight focused on me so I can’t see the people much.

I sighed slightly. This is Fertine!

“Good evening everyone. As a toddler back then, Im amazed by tall and luxurious buildings but it never crossed my mind to build one. But someone inspired me to be dependent and break the norms that tradition caged us in. Welcome to Weiler Resort! “ This was applauded.

“It features a 20-floor building with a height of 200 feet.” I will continue.

“The perfect place to wind down from the exhausting work and busy schedule of the city. The hotel has all the facilities you need, as well as a restaurant and breathtaking view, especially at night, where the fun starts because bars and casinos are alive during night. Rooms are spacious and have automatic curtains.” Everyone is listening to me. I try to look at the crowd to see someone but I failed to even get a clear vision of the people there.

“The spa has big treatment rooms and an international skilled therapists that can soothe, calm and pamper your body. The shuttle van is provided every hour to different malls. Four islands are nearby this hotel so it’s easy to island-hop. It’s also fun to enjoy island activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving here.” I saw Dad right in the front table sitting beside his wife who looks beautiful.

Hades was also sitting there with our grandmother and grandfather. I saw the grinning Freeda next to Hades, maybe she almost died of excitement. He’s not really listening to what I’m saying.

Hera is not in there.

“The hotel also offers trainers for beginners who want to know how to swim and beginners in diving. There are a lot of beautiful islands to discover and explore when you stay here, and it is environmentally friendly and sustainability is a priority.” Everyone applauded after my speech.

“Enjoy your stay here.” I finished it and then smiled.

Finally the lights are on. I get a better view of the place.

I walked in front and all of the crowd stood up.

Others immediately greeted me.

I went to Dad’s table. Hades supports me. “That was amazing!” Hades whispered to me.

“Great job, Athena. I can already see your success! You’re going to be a self made business woman!” Dad said happily then hugged me. I hugged him back.

Hera’s mother and I just kissed. She congratulated me.

She’s never meant to me eversince but I know that u should be at my place. Even so it happened. I did the same thing to my grand parents. They are so happy.

“Now I realize you’re really a Wu.” Grandma said. “Thank you.” I hugged them both.

“OMG! Fertine your speech is so good! Freeda said. “No, stop me, I know you didn’t listen to my speech because you were just staring at my brother and you were dying of excitement earlier!”

“Shhh.. you’re making so much noise.. we’re right next door so we might hear you!” He whispered. “And I remember what you said!” It continues. “Alright what?” I challenge her. “Welcome to Weiler Resort!”