His Property (Ugly Past Series #1)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Maisie

Napatingin ako sa relo ko. It's already late in the evening and I'm still stuck here at school. I've never thought that I'm going to be busy as hell. I have to prepare for our case study presentation tomorrow together with my group mates and what makes this task special is I'm the leader. Iba na talaga pag fourth year student ka na.

"Okay, time to go home guys. Just study your part and prepare for tomorrow." I said as I pack up my things. My group mates cheered when I called it a day.

I'm dedicated to my studies since I'm the only daughter of my parents. Unlike other unica hijas, I don't have vices or luxuries in life. I'm not into parties and social events even though my family is one of the elites of this country. I am more focused in my academics and high grades are what I call my 'luxury'.

Nagpasundo na ako sa driver namin nang matapos na kami ng group mates kong mag huddle. I'm just dead tired that I immediately walked my way upstairs when I reached our house.

I was about to enter my room when I heard strange noises inside my father's library. Lumapit ako roon at nakita kong bahagyang nakabukas ang pinto sa library.

"I just need more time! Eleven months lang ang hinihiling ko. I won't run away from you. I swear I will pay within those months." I heard my Dad pleading. What's happening inside? I sneaked in closer to the door and heard a deep voice coming from another person.

"We made a deal before and that's it! Tapos na ang oras na binigay ko sayo. It's either you pay your debt on Saturday or you will lose your company. I know your company is very important to you so you better hurry up."

"Please, just give me an extension. I can't... just please." My eyes opened wider when I heard how Dad's voice painfully pleaded. This is the first time I heard him like this and it hurts to think how other people can be this rude to him.

Hindi ko na kayang pakinggan ang pagtatalo na nangyayari sa loob at walang pag-alinlangan akong pumasok sa library. And there I saw my father sitting behind the desk, his back crouched in defeat, and his head was down like in surrender. Lumapit ako agad sa kanya.

"Dad?" I called. Sumikip ang dibdib ko nang makita ang pinag halong sakit at pagmamakaawa sa mukha niya. He seems like he lost in a battle, so helpless and hopeless. "Ayos ka lang ba Dad?" I asked.

He immediately straightened his back and forced a smile. "Everything is alright dear. Please go back to your room, Maisie." Mahina niyang sagot sabay tingin sa kung sino man ang nasa likuran ko.

Sinundan ko kung saan nakatingin si Daddy and there I saw him. A man in complete office suit was lazily standing near the door... a gorgeous, tall man with wide-shouldered frame that brings out his rugged features and masculinity. His presence inside this room is too much. It made the air inside my lungs constrict that makes it hard for me to breathe.

I stared at him for I don't know how long like he's hypnotizing me. I was back to my senses when he opened his mouth to speak.

"Aren't you going to tell her what's happening, David?" His voice was almost like a growl.

"No! I don't want my family to be involved with this." Dad protested.

The man lifted his lips in a smirk and locked his eyes on me. "It's your call. After all, they will know eventually."

I turned my head to see Daddy's face and gave him a questioning look. I don't understand and someone should explain what's happening. "Dad? What is he talking about?"

Napahilamos sa mukha si Daddy at mariing ipinikit ang mata. He drew a long deep breath before lifting his head up. "Our business is losing, Maisie." Natutop ko ang aking bibig. "I can't keep up with all the emerging bigger companies. Some of our partners transferred to others because of our company's low status. I have all the options like reducing the number of employees or selling our properties, but I can't do it. I don't want to give up what we have." Sandaling tumigil sa pagsasalita si Daddy. Itinukod nito ang dalawang kamay sa mesa bilang suporta sa tila nanginginig na katawan.

"If that's the case, why is this man here? Why are you pleading like you owe something to him?"

"I asked for Mr. Ponferrada's help at ngayon ay sinisingil na niya ako. But I don't have the money dear. The company is not earning enough."

Still shocked of what I've heard. After all this time, wala akong kaalam-alam na nahihirapan na pala si Daddy. We're almost losing the company and here I am still thinking that we have everything. I can't help but to blame myself. If only I knew better, I would help Dad on our business. I know my course is not business related and I don't know how business works but I know for sure I could still be a help. I am the only daughter. I am the heiress of this company and by now I should know how to run it.

"Dad! If I've only known that you were having these problems, sana tumigil na lang muna ako sa pag-aaral. I could have helped you. Sana sinabi mo man lang sa amin ni Mommy para natulungan ka namin." My eyes are heated but I kept my tears at bay.

"I'm sorry, Maisie. Ayoko kayong madamay ng Mommy mo sa problema na 'to. As long as I can handle it by myself, I will be okay. You don't have to worry."

I heard a low chuckle at my back and I know it's from the man whom my father owes a debt. Nilingon ko siya at tinapunan ng masamang tingin. How could he ruthlessly laugh when we are pain? Nagkamali ng nilapitan si Daddy. Dad shouldn't be asking for help to a man like him!

"Sir, please hear my father out. Please give us time to pay you. It's just eleven months." I pleaded despite the blooming hate that I feel towards this man. I need to lower down my pride and beg for him to consider us.

He walked a few steps towards me with a dangerous look on his face and stopped. "No."

"Why are you so rude? Why can't you ju-"

"Now you're calling me rude after helping your father?" His eyes have this demeanor like he could eat me alive. Napayuko ako dahil hindi ko kaya ang tignan siya ng matagal. What he said was true. Ako na nga ang humihingi ng pabor, ako pa ang may ganang sabihan siya ng ganoon.

"Maisie, you don't have to do that. Please leave the room and let me handle this." Nilingon ko ulit si Daddy at inabot ang nanginginig niyang balikat para pakalmahin siya.

I'm also losing hope with our situation. How could we pay our debts if our company is still in drought? I know Daddy would not resort to firing his employees. He's too kind to do that. I could convince him to sell our properties instead. We can buy it again in the future for sure. Iyon ay kung makakabawi pa kami.

"Are you done stretching your options, David? Because I think you have other ways to solve this mess."

Sabay kaming napatingin kay Mr. Ponferrada. Daddy cocked his head sideways trying to figure out what he said. "What do you mean, Kyle?" Tanong ni Daddy sa kanya.

There was a moment of silence in the air, waiting for whatever Mr. Ponferrada or Kyle might say. Unti unting nabuo ang pag-asa sa dibdib ko. Naniniwala akong may iba pang paraan para maayos itong problema ni Daddy.

"Maisie." He caught my attention when he called my name. The way he uttered my name is terrifying but inviting at the same time. Mas lumapit siya sa akin. Even at this distance, he could make my spine shiver with his intensity.

"Marry me and your father will have the extension that he asked from me."