“Loeisal Malmdan Company,” I answered, and just by that my body shivers. That company is well-known, and it owns the most expensive perfume in the Philippines. They only started a few years ago, but their market is growing rapidly. I am curious how their marketing supervisor operates. As a business management student major in marketing, I am quite fascinated by how large organizations and corporations are handled by their marketing staff. Even if the items or services are excellent, poor advertising and marketing will prevent them from becoming popular among the general public. You must truly understand how to sell.
“You mean the famous perfume company? They claim they sought to dominate the perfume industry.”
I nodded. That is what impressed me. The mission, vision, and basic values of that firm are excellent.
“I didn’t know you liked perfume, Thea.” Her comment made me smile. When I talk about perfume, my mood shifts. I’m not sure why, but something about perfume appeals to me. It’s just that when I hear it even that single word, I began to be ecstatic. What if one day I create my own perfume line that others can enjoy?
“It’s not that I like it, but I discovered that I have the strength to know a smell or scent immediately and to identify it and its differences.” I remembered what had happened before. When I woke up in a hotel room, all I had left was the fragrance of perfume and a red necktie. I remembered it fast, so I knew who owned the necktie as proof that he had taken me to that location.
I sighed; even in everyday situations, I remember Ismael, making me feel as if he never left me. I missed his glistening scent. It lingers in my soul.
“Gosh, Thea! Even just telling me about your dreams makes me proud. I hope everything works out well for you!”
I smiled. “Same to you, Sav. Best wishes with your forthcoming cosmetic brand. I am confident that you will succeed. I eagerly await our future collaboration.”
She laughed. “Of course! Physical beauty is not sufficient! You should also smell fantastic!”
*****
I left the exam room after I had completed all of our exams. I really hope I can pass all of my classes. I really want to graduate this year. I do not want to waste another year of my life as a student.
“Jothea!”
I turned to the person who had called me. I noticed Raviel heading towards me. I scowled when I remembered our previous dispute. Where does he get the guts to show himself to me more?
“Do you want us to have dinner together? My treat,” he added, making my brow wrinkle even further. Is he crazy?
“What are you up to, Raviel?” I asked, giving him a blank expression.
He smirked feistily. “Don’t you want to know where Ismael is? I know where he currently is.”
My breathing stopped. What in the world? How would he know where Ismael was while his family was having difficulty finding him? “Are you trying to mess with me?” I said to him, disgusted.
“Nope. And if you believe I am lying, why don’t you see for yourself?”
I clinched my teeth as I glanced at him. I chose to get into his car, not knowing where he would drive me. I was breathing quickly and deeply because of what I might know about Ismael. Where is he? Does Raviel actually know where Ismael is? How?
However, it serves as assurance that Raviel is indeed after him. Given that he’d undertake a job to find Ismael, my suspicions were correct.
The car came to a stop. I looked out the window and noticed that we’d arrived at a familiar restaurant. It was at the Black Gourmet that my family and I had supper with Ismael.
“What are we doing here?” I asked him severely, but instead of responding, he got out of the car and opened the door for me. I sighed and headed outside. I was astonished when he placed his arms around my waist. “Don’t touch me,” I retorted.
He laughed. “Okay, fine! That was my habit. Sorry!”
I rolled my eyes before entering the restaurant. “Where is he?” I inquired while looking around.
“Don’t be impatient. Let us eat first,” he muttered, still smiling like a dog.
“I’m not here for that, Raviel. Do not waste my time.”
“Waste some for me, and I’ll tell you where he is,” he deviously replied to me. He took me to the dining table, and I had no choice but to follow his instructions. If I hadn’t been curious about Ismael’s whereabouts, I would not have joined him.
He’s smiling from ear to ear and appears to be enjoying his dinner, while I’m on the edge of puking. How does his stomach feel about eating when he is alone with someone? I’m not sure what Ismael did to him or why he seems to wish to harm him.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” he inquired.
“I have no appetite.”
“Eat; I might lose the appetite.” He cut the steak like a psychopath. He ate it as if it were fresh human flesh. Then he sipped his red wine as if it were blood. I’m not sure what type of human he is, but I get the impression that he can do whatever he wants, and I’m becoming concerned about how strange he acts and looks at me.
I began eating. Even if my stomach refused to accept it, I forced myself to swallow. I noticed him smiling.
“Look, I’m very sorry. I have offered you to join me for dinner several times, but you always say next time. You didn’t even give me a chance to apologize for what I did. I am truly sorry,” he explained, which I know is not true. Is there an issue with his brain? What journey is he on? I do not comprehend him.
I sucked my teeth and stared at him blankly. Why not reveal his true colors? He’s wasting his time by pretending to be someone else and donning a mask to trick me. I will not buy that. Even if he tries to cover it, I can smell his filth. “I just did it because I care about you. Jothea, you know how much I’ve liked you since then. That professor was simply manipulating you. I warned you, didn’t I?”
My fists clenched. “Who are you kidding?” I muttered as I took the table napkin from my lap. “Don’t dare talk to me again if you don’t want to hear something depressing.” I marched away from him, but what he said halted my movements.
“Then I won’t tell you where Ismael is.”
I exhaled. Never mind. I stormed out of Black Gourmet and got into my car to head home. I scowled with annoyance. That person is really attempting to irritate me. If I had been the Jothea I was, I would have been unable to stop myself. If I didn’t care about anything right now, I would fight him.
“City of Lourdez,” I told the driver when he inquired where I was headed. He started his car. In contrast, I continue to keep my breath under control. It’s difficult to settle yourself down when you’re upset. He’s consuming my rope.
Yes, I am grateful to him for introducing me to the casino. He’s the reason I have a job and can make ends meet because my parents don’t send me money, but that’s not enough to justify how he treats me. Is he attempting to manipulate me, or what? He still conditioned me to believe he liked me, so he interfered in my life. I was very satisfied with my secret relationship with Ismael until he shattered it. And for the nth time, I wasn’t sure he did it for me. He’s got a different agenda. It’s my lover, Imael.
I’ll just wait for Ismael and make sure to sue Raviel for trespassing, stalking, and violation of privacy.
*****
I’ve been watching the CCTV footages since earlier, but there’s no sign of Ismael. This is also disturbing. I kept checking the camera if he attempted to pass by my house again, but he was not there. Is there no reason for him to visit?
I sighed and returned my attention to our graduation practice. After a few days, our exam results were announced. Thank God, I passed everything.
“He’s still gone?” Sav inquired.
I nodded. “It seems like my idea is failing.”
She tapped on my shoulder. “Do not lose hope. He will also appear before your eyes”
“What if not?”
She looked at me before sighing. “Didn’t he say to endure and trust in him? Let us wait. He’ll return. He promised, didn’t he?”
I breathed and looked down at my hand to see where the promise ring Ismael had given me was. “I hope so.”