If we're not together in the end

I'll restrain myself from falling in love again

If we're not together in the end

Do I force my heart to stop loving you?

"They're still holding their grounds." A man informed his boss through a voice call.

"Those two don't know their place yet particularly that girl." A woman can be heard on the other line.

"I need to come back to the meeting room. I will tell you about the rest once this is finished." The man said ending the call and discreetly entered the hall where the shareholders' meeting was being held.

The woman was frustrated. Their chance of having the new Chairman of the board on their side were unsuccessful already. They need to find a way to manipulate the shareholders and management on their side.

#######

The meeting went on for another hour after Natalia showed up. Most of the present stockholders were surprised in a good way with the way the Zimmer siblings handled the pressures and effectively drafted solutions and other alternatives on how will the company cope up with the competition and the market.

Some of them, who first experienced the wild ideas of the two back in the days, were not that surprised and were satisfied on their methods. They forgot that they were once called the formidable duo.

Once the meeting was over, every corner of the company came to know what had transpired inside the meeting room.

Seeing the siblings walked at the hallways and radiated an authoritative presence, the stakeholders including the employees felt a sense of security.

"Thank you piglet." Jake said with a tired voice. They were now sitting inside his office situated at the top floor.

"It's what family does, brother. It would always be my pleasure. Now, why don't you take a few days off. I will handle these things for the time being." Natalia replied looking at the files which spread over Jake's table. She pitied him but admired his determination. She needed her brother in full strength and in great condition that's why she has to take over even for few days.

When her brother didn't respond and just looked at her, she started to plead.

"Please. Dad will not be happy if I let you go on like this."

Her brother finally stood up and gave her an embrace of appreciation. Natalia patted his back to comfort him. It's only them against the world.

"My assistant, John, will update you on everything you need to know and the meetings which were already set this week. Be good, sister." Jake reminded his sister of her words and approached the door.

"Always." Natalia snickered at the familiar phrase. Her brother then went on his way.

Looking at her brother's fading back, she thought of the wasteful years she had. Natalia shook her head. She can't be bothered of it anymore. Her family needs her the most.

"John." She pressed the intercom to invite the assistant inside the office and let her day start.

#######

For the next days, Natalia became busy juggling between reviewing and approving documents, meetings in between, answering to the inquiries of other stakeholders and keeping in touch with the private nurses she had hired.

They reported the same thing everyday to her about her father. No improvement. She sighed helplessly and silently prayed to Someone in highest. 'One chance.'

"Young madam, you're 2PM is here." The assistant informed her through the intercom making her snapped back.

"Thanks John." She shortly replied.

Someone entered the doors but didn't say anything. It seemed the person waited for her to speak and be acknowledged.

Natalia looked over the person.

"Hello, Nat." The person greeted her.

"What brings your here, Ariel?" She asked amusingly. She didn't expect her dear friend would come here. She thought a company representative from the Zippi family set up the meeting with them.

"First, I wanted to apologize for any wrong thing I have done. Second, I'm here to lend a helping hand to the Zimmers. I can talk with my parents to invest more to the company." Ariel said in a sad tone. Her acting was on the spot.

'First, lies. Second, I don't need to be indebted to you and your kind.'

"It's alright dear. You don't need to do that. We wouldn't want to be a burden to you. But thank you for being mindful." 'Particularly with my husband.'

Ariel looked conflicted as if she didn't expected Natalia to reject the offer. But at the end, she pretended to understand and hugged Natalia like a sister.

Exiting the office, Ariel observed the surroundings. This is such a huge company and she's willing to be used by Victoria to help them gain the upper hand against the Zimmers and planned on taking over the company.

Her luck must be good as she saw a familiar middle-aged man that's approaching coming off from the elevator. Mr. Genome, one of the investors of the Zimmers and the Zippi company. She plastered a gentle smile towards the man and greeted him. Her charm worked and the man noticed her. From what she'd remembered, this indecent man had his eyes on her as early as when she was a teenager. Truly, the bees are meant to be attracted to a beautiful flower.

Ariel smiled widely.

########

Natalia was the last person to leave the building. She's waiting for Cal at the lobby when a night guard stationed at the reception area gave her a bouquet of red roses.

"Did you know who sent this?" She asked them as she didn't find any cards with it.

"No Madam. It was delivered by a normal messenger." One of the guards answered.

"Alright. Thanks." She simply said.

Consumed by curiosity, she noticed that her phone was ringing for some time now. It was an unregistered number. Nevertheless, she answered.

"Hello---"

"Did you received it?"

"Devon..how did you know this number?"

"Doesn't matter. Are you free tonight?"

"No."

"Okay. I'll just drive you home then."

"There's no need---". Natalia wasn't able to finish her sentence when a man appeared in front of her.

"Shall we?" Devon ended the call on his cellphone right in front of her.

* * * * * * *