Chapter 5

Olivia smiled widely as she remembers how she is able to be the assistant of Don. In this place she is able to grow and know the person who sweeps her off her feet and shows her what love is.

She subtly laughs as she speaks, “Yes! You are right. I can still remember when you just arrived here in the company to take over the CEO position after your father retired. My aunt has been your father’s assistant for over a decade and that is how they have recommended me. Come to think of it. They think this place is a palace to pass down their works to us,” she jokes which makes the both of them laugh before Olivia calms down and a sad smile forms on her lips.

“I hope that Ms. Sanchez can adapt quickly and learn my job within this month so I can have ample time to prepare for my upcoming wedding.” Olivia says with a sigh. As much as she wants to leave and prepare for the wedding, she and Don are already more than a boss and employee as they are friends, she could not just leave him when she knows that there is no replacement for her yet who can do the job the same as her. Or at least close to her.

Don laughs at her as he replies, “I hope too as well or else I will have no choice but to ruin your honeymoon.”

Olivia looks at him with frown and puppy eyes as she begs, “please do not ruin our honeymoon,” by this statement they both burst out laughing. They sure will miss working with each other. Working together for the past five years makes them synchronous in their work that one already knows their job without asking. Their workflow is sailing smoothly, but with her resigning, new adjustments must be made.

Don continues to sign all the files when he remembers the preparations for their wedding, so he asks her how it is going so far.

“Oh yes. I almost forgot about it. We will go later to meet the wedding planner,” she excitedly tells him.

“Oh really?” he asks with raised eyebrows.

“Yes, sir!” she exclaims. Don smiles and asks her what time her and Aaron’s meeting will be with the planner and she replies that it will be at five o’clock, right after work.

Don nods his head as he compiles the files again which he is now finished signing. “Will Aaron fetch you here?” he asks but Olivia only shakes her head to say that she will take a taxi as Aaron and she will meet at the venue instead.

Don shakes his head as he gives the files back to Olivia before he speaks, “no need to get a taxi, I will drive you there.”

“Really? Thank you very much Sir!” Olivia exclaims.

“Don’t mention it. What are friends for? Besides, I am the groomsman at the same time,” He says with a wink.

Olivia laughs at his statement before she says goodbye and turns to leave but not before Don says that she must call her when it is already time to leave.

----------FIFTEEN YEARS AGO----------

In the middle of the day, the sun has already risen and its sunshine is spread to the world. Unlike any other day, the weather is magnificent on that day as the sunshine is not too hot and there are clouds in the sky that give no sign of rain. A great day to play and bond with your friends and families.

In the spacious grass lawn, laughter filled the place as Don and Thalia chased each other around. Thalia is running as she looks on her back, calling for Don to chase after her and that is exactly what he did. It does not take a long time before Don is able to catch her and tickles her in her waist.

Thalia laughs so hard as she struggles to break free from Don’s hold, but it is all in vain. “Stop it please,” she begs as Don continues to ickl;es her.

“Don please stop, I can not breathe” Thalia begs with her cracking voice as she can no longer properly speak because all she does is involuntarily due to Don’s tickling. Laughing at Thalia’s struggles, Don finally stops tickling her and lays down on the soft green grass while Thalia is catching her breath. He extends his hands and hands her a water which she g;ladly accepts and immediately drinks. Her face is already reddish from all the running and her sweating is already evident in her face and drench clothes. Don sighs before he sits up and pulls the bag near him where he grabs a towel to hand over to Thalia.

“Thank you,” Thalia says in gratitude. Thalia then uses the towel to wipe her face when Don sees how wet the back of her shirt already is. Sighing, he grabs another towel and places it on her rear as he fears that she may get sick afterwards. Afterwards, he lays back down to the grass, places both of his arms under his head, and he looks up at the sky.

“So do not run away from me again if you do not want me to punish you by tickling.” he threatens and Thalia laughs but nods at him as she finishes the water.

“Come on and lay beside me,” he says to her as he taps the grass beside him. Thalia looks at the grass before she obediently follows what he wants her to do and lays down beside him. Thalia then looks at him and asks him what he wants to do when he grows up and finishes his schooling. He has not given his answer yet when Thali continues and says that she wants to be a doctor.

Don looks at her and asks her why.

“Because I want to take care of you when you get sick,” Thalia innocently replies to him which warms his heart.

“Really? You promised that.” he says and Thalia promises him and asks him again, “What is yours?”

“I want to be a businessman,” he answers without any hesitation. Thalia looks at him with curiosity and asks him what is his reason behind it.

Don sits up on the grass and Thalia follows. He then looks at her before he averts his eyes in front of them. He raises his hand and points forwards as he speaks, “Do you see that mountain? Once I become a businessman and earn a lot of money, I will build our palace there… on the top of the mountain.”