Monday — Vera HQ, 10:00 AM
The scent of roasted espresso swirled inside Jade's glass-walled office as Elise handed her a tall black coffee and a schedule for the day.
Elise:
"Ma'am, may board meeting tayo at 1 PM for the Monaco project. Also, final concept revisions from our Florence partner just came in. Oh, and your mom texted — family dinner daw later. Di ka raw pwedeng umarte."
Jade (groaning):
"Ugh. Family dinner on a Monday? The audacity."
Elise (laughing):
"Sabi ni tita, baka raw ikaw 'yung nawawalang Vera sa Forbes list. Nasa love life ka raw masyado, hindi sa empire."
Jade (smiling, sarcastic):
"I guess it takes one rich woman to raise another... or ruin her with unsolicited opinions."
But the truth was, she didn't mind.
Not today.
Because somewhere in the background of her whirlwind life—Chase Miller existed, quietly, steadily, like the calm after the storm.
Later — Boardroom, 1:10 PM
The meeting with Vera's international investors was in full swing. Crisp Italian suits, pristine architectural renders, and holographic scale models filled the room. Jade moved with command, a picture of modern royalty.
Investor (Italian accent):
"Miss Vera, the curve of the Monaco penthouse—how do you envision light shaping it through the Riviera seasons?"
Jade:
"Imagine winter sun—subtle but golden. The shape invites it in like a secret. That's the goal. Light as emotion, not just illumination."
Applause followed. Even the most critical clients were smitten.
Elise caught her eye from across the room and gave a subtle thumbs up.
Later That Afternoon — Vera Family Home, Forbes Park
The garden was breathtaking: wide, lush, and artfully chaotic. Jade's mother, Olivia Vera, was sipping champagne by the koi pond like it was Sunday in the Hamptons.
Olivia:
"Darling. Sit. You look thinner. Are you skipping breakfast again for 'architectural aesthetic'?"
Jade:
"I'm surviving on black coffee and adrenaline, Mom. Like any successful woman."
Olivia:
"Your Monaco project—impressive. But let's talk about what's not on paper. That doctor. Chase?"
Jade:
"He's... not just a doctor. He's been—"
Olivia (cutting in):
"—a source of gossip. Even the Ayala wives are whispering."
Jade (smiling calmly):
"Let them whisper. I like the sound of it."
Evening — Elle and Seb's Loft, Rockwell
A casual hangout turned into full-blown Friday night prep. Elle had texted everyone in their core group: "Tonight: bar. Theme: sinong pinakalaseng, siya ang may unresolved trauma."
Elle (throwing clothes on Jade's lap):
"Wear this. That green satin set with the thigh slit. You need to serve 'expensive but emotionally available' realness."
Seb (popping wine):
"Andito na rin tayo. Might as well make questionable decisions in couture."
Jade:
"Let me guess... Chase's coming?"
YOU ARE READING
The One I Cannot Touch
Romance"How do you love someone who carries the heart of the man you already lost?" Jade Celestine Vera is rich, guarded, and grieving - still haunted by the death of her fiancé five years ago. Dr. Chase Alexander Miller is Manila's top trauma surgeon, sav...
