Jacob was my childhood sweetheart. Our parents were very good friends, and our first shippers. They did not hide the fact that they wanted us to end up together.

My relationship with Jacob did not start early, since we experienced a time when we found our parents' teasing and shipping so annoying and awkward, that we avoided each other.

It was only during senior high that we started talking again. One night, we had a meaningful conversation after Dad's birthday dinner. From then on, we hung out often, talking on the phone for hours, until we had our first romantic date, where he popped up the question if I would be his girlfriend.

My feelings for Jacob were gradual, slowly progressing, but rooting deeply at the bottom of my heart.

If I would spell love, it would be J-A-C-O-B.

My definition of love is purely the strong feelings I have for him. Strong. Solid. Unbreakable.

My relationship with Jacob was so secure. Marriage was in our minds from the very beginning. Whatever we planned or decided, it had to be for both of us.

For four years, our love for each other continued growing. Our parents were very happy for us, that they already made fun of setting up the wedding - who would pay for the wedding cake, the venue, the priest and so on. They even made names for our future kids.

But why is it that a love so perfect, could easily get shattered, in just a blink of an eye? Until now, I don't understand why it had to happen. And why did it have to be Jacob?

I still remember it clearly a year ago, the last time we went out as a couple. Jacob surprised me with a romantic date in a fancy restaurant.

"Thank you, Jacob. I love the place, and the food... they're all beautiful. But this must have cost you a fortune!"

"Don't worry, I really saved for this special occasion."

"Special occasion? But our anniversary is next month."

I was surprised when he knelt down with one bent knee, in front of me. He was holding a small red velvet box. I gasped when he opened it, and I saw a very beautiful diamond ring.

That moment was very special. The image of him still lingered in my mind. His beautiful smile, his expressive blue eyes, and his flowery words, as an expression of his undying love for me.

"Will you marry me, Pia, and make me the happiest man in the whole universe?"

"Of course!" I answered right away.

"We don't have to get married right away, if you don't want to. I know how important your career is," he said later on, when we were inside his car.

"You're more important to me, Jacob," I hugged him, "I'll marry you now if you'll have me."

He chuckled, then gave me a long lingering kiss.

"Of course! But we have to tell our parents first, I'm sure they'll be ecstatic."

"When are we going to do that? You're leaving tomorrow."

"I'll be back in four days. We'll set up dinner at my place," he took my hand, then kissed my chuckle, "are you excited, my Pia-pie?"

"Super," I went into his arms, and we kissed vigorously.

The following day, Jacob left with his brother, Ronnie, to Canada. It was supposedly a romantic getaway for Ronnie and his girlfriend in Quebec's famous Ski Resort. Unfortunately, his girlfriend could not make it, so he made Jacob as his plus one.

"Yeah, it's a beautiful spot but it's freezing in here," he complained when he called me that evening, "I'm not really fond of skiing, I'm more of a beach person."

"I know. Just try, for your brother's sake. Consider it as your bonding also."

"I would rather bond with you," his voice went sensual, "when I get back, we'll go to Florida. We'll celebrate our anniversary there."

"I can't wait," I giggled, "I should go bikini shopping this weekend."

"I'll go with you," he teased, "you'll be needing my opinion."

We laughed and continued talking for an hour.

"I have to sleep now. We have to be early tomorrow, we're going to the peak of the mountain."

"Be careful, okay? I know there are plenty of steeps, moguls and glades there."

"Don't worry. I'll be at the beginner's slope, and an instructor will be with me."

"But still, be very careful," I said, then almost in a whisper, in my sleepy voice, "I love you so much, Jacob."

"I love you more, my Pia-pie. Dream of me," he whispered back, then we hung up.

The following day, I was in my history class, just finished taking a major exam, when I received a call from Ronnie.

"Pia..." his voice broke, he was sobbing.

"What's going on, Ronnie? Where's Jacob?" I was trying to keep calm, despite the cold shiver that ran all throughout my body.

"We're in the emergency room, and... and..." he was finding it hard to speak.

"What the hell, Ronnie! Tell me what's going on. Where's Jacob?" My heart was hammering hard, afraid of what he was going to say.

"Jacob lost his balance, his head hit a rock. And now, he's bleeding profusely, Oh God, I'm so sorry Pia... he's... he's dying..."

__________

"Hey, are you okay?"

My mind returned to the present. I turned to Jean who continued to look at me with an odd expression.

I was in the living room, cleaning the corner table with a rug.

"Yeah, I'm good," I smiled at her.

"Seems like you were on the moon."

"Oh, I just remembered something," I transferred to the center table, "why? Do you need anything?"

"It's the boss. He's having a dinner party this coming Friday, and he wants you to organize it."

"For how many guests?"

"Five. If you include the master, you prepare for six," she informed.

"Good for six would be easy," I nodded.

I'm good with designing the table. I had done it many times during my parents' dinner parties.

"I'll take care of the food, while you do the other stuff, like the dinner table, plates, utensils, decorations and so on."

"No worries. I had many experiences with that, " I answered her confidently.

"I'm sure you do. Calliope wouldn't hire you if you're not capable," she nodded, "by the way, the master has a very strict instruction. He said that you have to be there when the guests arrive."

"What do you mean?" my forehead furrowed.

"You're going to welcome them, and maybe play hostess."

"A hostess? Why would I do that? I'm the maid."

"I wonder also. But that's his instruction, we cannot contradict that," she nodded slowly, trying to make me understand, "and he wants you to dine with them too."

"Dine with the guests?" My mouth dropped open.

"Yes. So, you have to doll up and look very pretty," her eyes were teasing, "maybe he has a middle-aged guest that he wants to set you up with."

"No way, Jean! That's a ridiculous idea."

"I can't think of any reason, actually. I just wonder why you're joining them for dinner."

I got puzzled too. But I assured Jean, I agreed. I would be joining Mr. Stavrakos and the guests at the dinner party.

Wednesday evening came, and I haven't seen much of Kristov Stavrakos.

In the morning, I served him breakfast, but he would not even bother to look at me. I wanted to ask him about the dinner party, but did not have the nerve to. I kept on saying... I'll ask him tomorrow.

In the evenings, he often came home late at night. I could only hear from the helicopter at midnight that he already arrived.

I was getting ready to bed, when Kimberly called.

"Mom wants to talk to you. She said it's very important," she stated firmly, like there was a life and death situation, "here's mom."

Mrs. Park and I exchanged pleasantries, then she said in a bright tone.

"I have a favor to ask you, Pia. It would mean a lot if you can help us with this."

"Of course, Mrs. Park. Anything I can do to help, it would be an honor."

"Thank you. This is not too much though, but it would mean a lot for us, especially for my husband."

"What is it, Mrs. Park?" I got curious.

"My husband is really desperate for Mr. Kristov Stavrakos to invest more in our telecommunication company. Joon is trying his best to sell him more stocks but Mr. Stavrakos could not be swayed anymore."

The mention of Kristov Stavrakos perked my ears up.

"How can I help?"

"Mr. Stavrakos invited us for dinner this coming Friday in his house," Mrs. Park stated.

The dinner on Friday. I almost forgot about it. So the Parks were part of the five guests.

I listened as she continued.

"He also invited Kimberly, and... you."

"Me?" I was really surprised. Why include me?

"Yes. Pia. Mr. Stavrakos requested your presence. My husband would consider it a very huge favor from you if you could come with us."

That ruthless beast. I rejected his invitation and now, he's using the Parks! What a manipulative jerk!

But the Parks... They were like my family. They've been so kind and caring to me, for many years.

I could not disappoint Mister Park. I remember, he helped me accomplish my thesis, by introducing me to his scientist friend to get respondents. He represented me as my parent when I received my academic awards, because dad was at work, and mom did not want to travel far alone. He sponsored my Clean and Green Environment Drive and other things.

"Please say yes, Pia," she almost begged.

"Okay, Mrs. Park. I'll be there," I answered, without giving much thought anymore.

"Thank you, Pia. I know we can count on you. Joon will be so happy," her tone brightened, "see you on Friday, dear."

We hung up the phone, and I stared at the ceiling, thinking of what to wear on Friday. Maybe... a black dress?

Black dress.

I sat up abruptly, my eyes widened so big. Realization suddenly hit me.

Oh no... I could not be Olympia and Pia at the same time!

What am I gonna do?

___

Hey Dreamers!

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See you on Tuesday, my loves. Take care!

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Lovelots,

Neilani