The South City resort project kicked off immediately after the signing. June was glad to get her hands filled with work again.
After her discharge, Lucy took on the bulk work in JL, only getting her approval or signature when necessary.
Getting back to work in the office and having meetings was a joy she missed. Today was the first meeting with her design team handpicked for the resort project.
June had some ideas for the project but was eager to rub minds with other designers.
The first meeting was a success, an introduction to the journey ahead. Everyone was asked to present a concept for the resort project at the next meeting.
After the meeting, June spent the rest of the day in her office, working tirelessly as she sifted through the various documents and projects the company was handling.
She was so proud of how much Lucy achieved and thought of the best way to reward her diligence while she was gone.
Unknown to June, a surprise party was planned for her birthday. She didn’t realise it was her birthday, too caught up caring for Luis and working on the resort project. She barely remembered she was turning a new age.
Her forgetfulness came in handy as she didn’t suspect anything when Lucy came into her office with news of an important client who wished to see her,
“I’ll just finish up here and join you in a few minutes,” June responded but Lucy wasn’t having it.
“That won’t do.” Lucy said, “We have to stop by the mall and get a change of clothes. We have to leave now.”
June raised her brow in question. “Is there a problem with my clothes?”
“Of course not. You look exceptional.” She smiled. “I just think we should change your looks a bit today. The clients are foreigners. We need to impress.”
“I believe our work will do the needful,” June said. “There will be no need for that.”
Lucy thought of the best way to get June to comply without giving herself out but came up null. She looked at the time and it was a few minutes past three pm.
They needed to leave now to be on time. Lucy’s phone beeped with a text message from Liam who arrived in South City for the celebration.
She needed to act fast.
Lucy looked around the office and saw a mini fridge. She dropped her bag and walked right to it, muttering something about needing a drink.
Lucy took a canned drink from the fridge and headed towards June who was busy on her laptop.
“Are you still reading the paperwork?” She asked, looking over June as she slightly shook the drink.
Lucy opened the canned drink and as expected, it made a mess, ruining June’s shirt.
“I’m so sorry!” Lucy said apologetically and quickly reached for a paper towel which worsened the situation.
“It’s alright,” June said, getting up from her chair.
“Oh dear, this is bad… You can’t attend the meeting in these clothes anymore.” Lucy said remorsefully. “We should leave now so we can get you a change of clothes.”
Thankfully, this time around, it worked. Lucy led June out of the office and they hit the malls. What started as a shopping for a change of clothes transformed into a full makeover for June.
“Don’t you think this is a bit extra?” June asked her after the full makeover.
“Of course not! You look beautiful.” Lucy encouraged her and they got into the car.
“Drive down to Royal Hotels please.” She ordered and soon they were standing before the prestigious hotel to meet a new client.
June made her way inside the hotel with Lucy, discussing the project. They entered the elevator and headed to the last floor where the meeting was supposed to be held.
As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, a loud pop sound ensued and a startling chorus of ‘Happy Birthday June!”
June felt her heart melt as Luis gave her a flower bouquet. “Happy birthday, mommy.” He whispered and June hugged him tightly.
“How?” She looked around with a moved expression. Everyone was there. Her mother, Liam, employees and even Carson.
Everyone wore matching smiles as they congratulated her on the new age, and led her to cut the cake.
“Thank you,” June said again, moved by the goodwill of the people around her.
“You deserve the best,” Carson remarked and they all agreed.
June had a nice time, dancing until she couldn’t. Despite the happy atmosphere, she couldn’t help the side of her that felt incomplete, making her step out of the hall for a breath of fresh air.
Rafael was still in a coma, deteriorating by the day. These days, she couldn’t handle seeing him. It seemed like anytime she returned from a visit, her hopes depleted.
“Little Rivera.” A voice jolted June out of her reverie and she turned around. It was Liam Fernando.
“Tired?” He asked, stepping to her side.
“A little.” She said with a smile. “A lot is going on and we are barely done with the night.”
“You don’t get to run away from your party, little Rivera” He said in a light tone, “you should enjoy it.”
“I am.”
Liam stared into the black skyline with June for a moment before speaking. “I heard you moved into Rafael’s home.”
A brief silence. “Yes.”
“Do you love him?”
June didn’t speak. That was all the answer he needed.
“I flew into South City because I thought this would be the best opportunity to make my intentions known, little Rivera.”
June turned to Liam who now held a ring in his hand. “Be my bride.” He said with a taut expression. “Allow me to heal your heart. To take care of you.”
“I love Rafael,” June said in a cool tone. “You know that.”
“I don’t care,” Liam said with a wild look. “I am certain you can learn to love me too.”
June shook her head, “I won’t.” She said confidently. “I don’t want to.”
Liam threw his head in a laugh, taking her off guard. “I can’t say I didn’t expect that.”
He placed the ring into his pockets and faced her. “I just couldn’t live without trying.”
The atmosphere was tense as they both regarded each other. “You will find your bride, Liam,” June said and he smiled. “She will be everything and more.”
“Rafael could die any minute,” Liam said with a comical look in his eyes. “Don’t you think you should think this through? I’m willing to wait.”
“He will not die.” June was quick to refute his words. “And I don’t need to think about it. Rafael is my husband. I love him and-”
“And what if he doesn’t return?” Liam pressed. “You should think about your future. Returning to his home was not your wisest decision.”
June felt aggravated by his words. “Thank you for your proposal, Liam.” She made to leave but he held her back.
“I’m sorry,” Liam said. “I just… let’s start over?” He held her still. “Please?”
June took a deep breath and stayed put. They remained in comfortable silence.
“Good thing I came prepared.” He mused and snapped his hand. One of his men rushed forward with a document which he handed over to her. “Happy birthday, little Rivera. I hope you have a lovely life.”
“What is this?” June said with a confused look.
“Take a look at it.” He urged.
June’s eyes went the size of saucers as soon as she saw the title of the documents. “Is this a prank?” She asked with shaking hands, eyes splitting between Liam and the papers.
“Everything has been prepared. You are the new CEO of Rivera and the Lontoc group of companies.” Liam said. “My lawyer will work you through the process-”
Before he could finish his words, June attacked him with a hug, causing him to freeze. “Thank you….” She said softly, moved to tears.
“I wish you the best, Little Rivera.” He said once they pulled apart. “Even if it’s not with me.”
Just then, a message beeped into Liam’s phone and he looked at it. His eyes frosted and he immediately typed back a response.
“I have to go.” He suddenly said to June who was confused at his sudden words. “Stay in touch.”
With that, Liam left the party and headed straight for the airport. The message he received earlier played in his mind.
“Lydia Cordel is in our possession.”