***Have you ever had Cupid intervene and dramatically change your life? Read my real-life Valentine's Day romance which you might have thought only happened in movies.*** https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/diosarich/AKYNweMZBF3ej9Jhit41sgnieNjBfCfTxYKPH6inDmu1KxLSEZpzwTph8AYCKuF.jpg ___ ## *How did you and your partner meet?* ***I was working in one of the best Regional Offices within the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), where our income was occasionally mistaken for dollars. It was on Valentine's Day that I first met him. I was at the front desk chatting with a Telephone Firm Representative who brought me a bouquet of red flowers and chocolates given to me by the firm when a very respectable man in a coat and tie stepped up to the building's front entrance. He handed me a bouquet of yellow roses, a stuffed toy teddy bear, and chocolates and said, "Happy Valentine's Day, my dear." He laughed at my reaction because I didn't know him and he just gave me roses and chocolates? I regained my composure and inquired, "For whom are these, Sir?" He replied, "Is there another really attractive woman here?" He looked at the Telephone Firm Representative then said, "Those are, of course, for you. Tonight, you'll be my date! "The Telephone Firm Representative grinned and whispered, "Ma'am, you have a secret admirer." My cheeks flushed crimson, I felt hot, and his sleaziness irritated my ears! Because of his posture and the way he looks at me as if my personality is being assessed, I judged him for arrogance. I raised my brows at him, moved away, returned my gaze to him, and rolled my eyes. The phone suddenly rang, I excuse myself from him and the Telephone Firm Representative for a few moments while I answered it. My Boss is letting the male guest in, as the front door guard notified me. "Sir, please proceed to the CEO's office, where he will be waiting." I was told by the guard that I appeared to be "suplada." I inquired as to who it was. "He is the son of our former Director, according to the guard. He recently returned from the United States, and I understand he has been hired as a Human Resources Specialist."*** *Those were the instances when I felt embarrassed. Whew! I told myself that first impressions mattered. Well...* ***I sat down and returned to my computer screen and work after returning to the CEO and Directors' Office. As a Travel Assistant, my table is next to the secretaries'. When they finished conversing, I heard him say goodbye to our CEO. "Bye Art, see you Monday," he said as he walked out the door to the Boss' Secretary's table. "Hey Al, you look really good!" "Hello Ate Liz, it's been a while." "Thank you, Ate Liz." We'll talk again on Monday. "Then he came over to my table and said, "Don't forget about our date tonight, gorgeous lady." "I'll pick you up at 7:30," he added, and I thought to myself, "This man must be insane." "Have you known Venus, Al, for a long time?" "Ate Liz, she hasn't paid attention to me since university days." I was dumbfounded by what he said and I looked at Ate Liz who frowned because I no longer understood the events. Am I dreaming? I asked myself: Venus, wake up! (while tapping my face), Ate Liz laughed. "You have a date tonight." I replied, "I don't know, Ate Liz! I just met him today - I'm going crazy!" (What's happening to me?!) "You better go home before I lost my senses, Al!" The Secretaries of the two Deputy Directors on the other tables laughed. "Okay, I'll go home but it would be better if I will pick you up after office hours so you won't run away from me!" Oh, my, he's so tenacious! I'm about to burst into tears with rage because Cupid is toying with me that day! It's Valentine's Day indeed!*** *I thought everything was great after that bizarre conversation with tenacious Al...* ***Before 5 p.m., Al was waiting for me in the Motor Pool area. For the second time, I pondered, "What does this guy genuinely want from me?" It's a mystery to me. I intended to run from him and was considering using the back door to do it. When a driver spotted me approaching the building from behind, security notified the motor pool, alerting Al that I was leaving through the backdoor. He gave me the impression that he was in cahoots with everyone!*** ***He suddenly appeared in front of me, much to my amazement. "Lady, where do you think you're going?" "Hey! I'm going home, man, so don't get in my way." "We talked earlier, why would you run away from me?" "You were the only one who mentioned it, don't put words on my mouth, and I didn't respond by suggesting that we date. I'm not even sure who you are." "If you don't give me an opportunity to know myself, how will you know me?" The Head of the Motor Pool replied: "Venus, you best give in because he will never give up on you; I know him." I wanted to cry at that time because it was my first encounter with a highly persistent individual. I told him that I'd go home first and inform my mother that we were going out. "Sure, I'll tell her we're going on a date." My brain was aching from the uncertainty over the events of the day...*** https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/diosarich/AKe9WHabwvvFcGwo5zjMEXjbTFKsWyDKj1jVnDwEoJgyNvoUdnJihsXpRkbRACp.jpg ***He asked one of the drivers to take his car and bring it to the back door. He said to the security guard and the Motor Pool Head, "I don't want to leave this gorgeous woman and flee once more. I'm going to miss out on a date."*** ***Al tapped my shoulder and urged me to sit at the back next to him as the driver parked Al's car in front of us. "Hijo, please take us to Venus' house, and I'll just tell her Mom that we have a date!" The driver smiled at Al's declaration - I forced myself to behave because I couldn't do anything with this kind of person.*** ***When we arrived home, my Mom opened the gate. I kissed my mother. Alex paid his respects, handed my Mom a box of chocolates and greeted her a Happy Valentine's Day, and introduced himself. I whispered to my mother's ear, "He's the son of the former Director. "Alex remarked to my mother, "Mommy, it's Valentine's Day, and Venus and I are just going to have dinner."My mother glanced at me and said, "All right, you two, be careful and don't stay up late."*** ## *How does your first date go?* ***We walked into the receiving room and motioned him to take a seat. I was irritated by him and felt uneasy around him. I rolled my eyes, tilted my chin and turned my heel, and strolled into my room. "I'll pinch your eyes the next time you do that," he said, amused. "It's constantly googling at me." I stopped walking, looked at him again, arched my brows, and left him. "I'll just take a shower and get dressed." I heard him say, "Don't take too much time. No make-up, please. You are stunning as you are."*** ***He informed the receptionist that he had a reservation for this afternoon as soon as we got to the restaurant. I was genuinely surprised that he was able to secure a reservation on the same day. To believe that all good dining establishments took reservations a month before Valentine's Day? I said to myself, "Well, wealthy folks have their way." We were escorted to a table with a view of the entire Tagaytay hamlet. The restaurant is quite intimate, and only the affluent, such as he, can afford it. The proprietor of the restaurant (to my surprise, happens to be a friend of my brother Rick) came to see us as we were waiting for our dinner. "Hey, Al, how have you been?" "I've been OK, thank you; by the way, this is Venus, my fiancee." I was on the point of falling out of my chair. What message is he trying to send when he flaunts me like this? "Oh, sure!" he said, smiling. "I met her in Art's office, and she's Rick's sister." Our order has arrived. "All right, I'll leave you two to enjoy the night; Happy Valentine's Day, Al and Venus!"*** ***While we were eating, Al broke the silence by telling me that the first time he spotted me, he vowed to find a way to know more about me. He admitted to having been spying on me for a week. He recognized me from our university days. I couldn't comprehend how we could be schoolmates despite the fact that we attended different universities. At the time, he was a senior at UPLB and I was a sophomore at CEU in Metro Manila. He revealed to have seen me while my family was still a Grove resident. "So, all of your actions are planned. Everything has been meticulously arranged. You're working together with the guards and drivers. All you have to do now is kidnap me when things don't go as planned. Man, you outsmarted me! What a jerk you are! I truly hate you!" "Please don't! Please give me an opportunity to prove myself?"*** ## *What is your most memorable date or travel together?* ***Before I could respond, he summoned the sommelier and spoke to him in hushed tones. When the sommelier reappeared, he was carrying two goblets and a bottle of wine in an ice bucket. He strolled away as he set the table, returning with strawberries and chocolate fondue in a heart-shaped dish. The strawberries are incredibly juicy and sweet. As I proceeded to dip the third to the last strawberry in the chocolate fondue, I noticed it was tied with a red ribbon to a round silver. "Let me do it for you," Al offered. He loosened the ribbon, and that silver item I saw was a RING WITH A BEAUTIFUL PEARL! He held up the ring and pleaded, "WILL YOU BE MY GIRL?" to which I responded, "Are you crazy?" He then repeated himself, "Can we be more than friends...FOREVER?" "You are really getting on my nerve, Al! When are you going to stop all of these?" "Please, Venus, let's be friends forever if not more than friends FOR NOW." I responded by saying. "Ok, let's be FRIENDS forever... to put an end to your antics tonight." "Will you please drive me back home?" "Yes, I'll drive you back home, of course!" he said, "but you should try the wine." He poured some wine into our goblets and drank it. It's fantastic! After completing his glass of wine, Al stood up and took my hand in his, placed the ring on my finger, and kissed it. I said, "There's no need for this ring, Al," I responded. We can always be friends." "Please don't take it off your finger since it's a bond between us," he protested.*** https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/diosarich/23ynfVVy16fMSfCxi6x3oPQDF9iKULWa82V3DGbeeGg9C7dSfcsFhgLWWmnB9FHKqkrxM.jpg ***The night was over, and I was confronted with a slew of unanswered questions. He seemed at ease holding my hand while driving his car and smiled at me as we drove back home. "Thank you very much, Venus, you made me so happy," he remarked, and I wanted to respond, "You are happy, but me? I'm crazy at the notion of what's going on in my life today."*** ***After a week, he started his new position. At a welcoming reception, he was introduced to everyone, and the senior staff who knew him were ecstatic to have him join the organization. "I'd like to get to know someone better while working here," he stated when he was introduced to the rest of us. Our CEO, who also happened to be my Boss, burst out laughing as everyone yelled. My Boss asked him, "Who do you want to learn more about?" He smiled as he glanced at me. My coworkers are whispering to one another and teasing me. That was the start of my ever-shrinking world...*** ***Over lunchtime, he peered through the door of the CEO's office. He'll inform my boss that it's time to eat. "Can I borrow Venus?" I always grimaced and arched an eyebrow at him. My boss simply chuckles and tells me that my Prince Charming is picking me up. "You're tolerating him, Boss...hmp!" I'd remark to my boss, and he'd reply, "just be nice to him, he hasn't made any friends since he returned to the Philippines. Due to personal and health concerns, he has spent a significant amount of time in the United States. You'll find out soon enough since I'm confident he'll tell you."*** ***He never got tired of chasing and pursuing me. One evening, when we were out for dinner, he revealed to me why he traveled to the United States and stayed for so long. I learned everything there was to know about his predicament (my Boss was right, he will tell me everything). Doctors discovered a swollen vein in his brain, prompting surgery. He had to go through a series of tests before surgery, and his doctor warned him that he could die. He underwent surgery successfully, but the saddest reality was that his eyes were impaired. He's partially blind. That's why he looks sideways when he looks at you, giving the impression that he's assessing your personality.*** https://i.postimg.cc/wBCV7Xnt/Al-Love-is-a-Gift.jpg ***I have learned that his marriage was already on the rocks before the swollen vein in his brain was detected. (Yes! He is a married man). He is a father of six (6) children, including twin daughters! ***His wife filed for divorce*** before he left for the United States, alleging that he was a skirt-chaser and that she, too, had already been romantically involved with someone else, and that the children were aware of the situation. I was introduced to all of his children, ranging in age from 6 to 15. They're all courteous, friendly, and intelligent. They would kiss me and call me "Auntie." I'd hear updates about the girls' ballet lessons from them. The boys would share their school crushes with me, and the youngest would show me his toy. They were all speaking in English, and I had a nosebleed...*** ***On the other hand, I've heard so many awful things about him from other women officemates. That he is a womanizer, and his mother is a tyrant who restricts him from having another relationship. Their family is widely known in Los Banos because they are one of the old rich. He is, in fact, the nephew of one of our Senators. You can tell by his features (guapong version nga lang siya!...hahaha)*** https://i.postimg.cc/BZ5WH02v/Al-bungisngis.jpg ***At that time, he already has a place in my heart because of his perseverance and I saw his true nature. Very gentlemanly, honest, and thoughtful. Going up as a traditional Filipino custom. Polite and courteous to my Mom. Every time he visits me, he would be carrying something for the family. He always talked to my brothers and my Mom. I kept asking myself if he was really interested in me or my Mom? hahaha ...*** ***Our bond grew stronger, yet envious coworkers do not go away while you work in an office. And it all got to Al’s mother. One afternoon, when Al was in Manila, the guard said Al's mother was coming to meet my Boss, I was somewhat surprised. I quickly left using the back door to the canteen. I lingered there for quite some time. I don’t want to see Al’s mother and see her reaction when she sees me. I'm terrified since I've heard Al's mother is strict from older female employees.*** https://i.postimg.cc/wBkMqcNk/Al-a-good-mentor.jpg ***I was summoned to my boss' office, after work. He told me that Al's mother had gone to visit him and had urged him to tell me to stay away from Al. He told Al's mother, though, that he doesn't want to become involved in private matters, especially because Al and I are grown enough to comprehend what we're doing. Al's mother was informed by my boss that I am the daughter of one of his Master's classmates at UPLB and that his husband (our former Director) knew my father. My boss said, adding that I earned my Bachelor's degree from one of Metro Manila's universities. I asked my boss how Al's mother reacted when he told her all of this. My boss stated that she assumed I was just a regular woman with no higher education.*** ***Because Al was in Manila, he asked Mike, his brother, to pick me up at the office and drive me home. I told his brother what occurred at work that day. I assured him I'd be in charge of informing Al. I informed Al of his mother's visit to the office. He was annoyed and told me to leave everything to him and that we'd talk the next day.*** ***I chose to disengage from Al that night because I was under too much pressure and a lot of people were interfering, including his Mother. We're too old to be messed with. Also, Al's divorce from his wife is still pending, so I think we should part ways first. I had geared up myself for what I would do and say to Al the following day. I don't want to live a stressful life! Cupid has played havoc with my life. I'm getting concerned!*** ***I told Al about my plans. His gaze was fixed on mine. "Can you give me one acceptable explanation why we have to part ways? Is that your solution? To brush aside our solid bond just because of my Mom and those gossip-mongers? It's not fair, Venus. It's not fair for us both."*** ***I'm crying since I'm not used to being in such a predicament. Events had already engulfed me. He hugged me, silenced me, and whispered, "Please don't leave me. If you did, I'd die sooner. I can't handle being alone any longer, and I'm used to having you around."*** https://i.postimg.cc/wxwpZ2Pc/Alex-Tough-Love.jpg ***Why would I listen to office gossip and jeopardize the solid bond we had developed, I reasoned. Al and I grew closer as time went on. We sometimes climb Mount Mariang Makiling since he enjoys walking and is a nature lover. We go shopping. Eat at a restaurant. When he is invited to speak at conventions as a guest speaker, he often brings me along. We are content, and our aspirations are merely fleeting. Our bond became stronger until one day, Mike, his younger brother, called to inform me of some devastating news. They took Al to the hospital emergency room. Doctors attempted to resuscitate him, but he died after only a few minutes.*** ***I went to his wake at the church nearby. I met his Mom personally. She embraced me and expressed regret that we had met in such a precarious situation. I felt completely alone. Mike was there at my side at the time.*** https://i.postimg.cc/CK33SfN7/Al-beloved.jpg ***Mike continued to pick me up after office hours because Al begged him not to leave me until I could be alone without Al after he died. Mike used to tease me for being his sister-in-law, which he never has.*** ***I resolved to remain celibate after his passing. They claim I have a widow's peak, which signifies I'll lose a loved one or be abandoned...*** https://i.postimg.cc/bN61Z75D/Al-and-Vee1.jpg ***I declared that I would never fall in love again after my college boyfriend died. Someone had walked in. I tried again, but he simply abandoned me and replaced me with a woman worth millions of dollars. So I claimed I'd had horrible luck with love and that I wouldn't love again until I met someone I liked, but I didn't get marry and instead chose to bear children. When Al came around, our bond had been growing stronger. He appeared to be the one, yet he too died... It's intensely painful, but that's life. I'm not interested in getting married. I told myself...ENOUGH!*** **Mike, Al's brother, messaged me as I was writing this. "HOW'S MY SISTER-IN-LAW? I MISSED YOU and AL, THAT'S WHY I SENT YOU A MESSAGE and wanted to know how's life treating you," he stated.." I was flabbergasted. Was it just a coincidence? or was I inadvertently sending a wire?** This is my entry to the Steemit Philippines major contest. ___ *Cyclone Milenio wiped up several of our photographs. It's a good thing my mother has kept some of our photos.* I am inviting @sarimanok, @reginecruz, @antonette to partake in the contest. ___ ***Stay blessed,*** ***@joshuelmari*** ___ ## **All glory and honor belong to God** ___ https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmavJ2qFBCYHn9Vx9aZUW6cVDcSzmMfW3aEEcasvZSZQta/steemit%20border1.jpg ![steemit banner.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmVckUFC2CNYd4PKXQ1k98vdNhZH3hdZnmtw2ueBPCrE1F/steemit%20banner.png) https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmavJ2qFBCYHn9Vx9aZUW6cVDcSzmMfW3aEEcasvZSZQta/steemit%20border1.jpg ___ ___ https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/diosarich/AK7xzNtGoUXj7CbtPX5rXX4xTc2qQJ9G8XAd2bfbLNTTQocutdzKBespoAWpAhR.jpg ___ #lovemonth-ph#myvalentine#steemexclusive#steemph-contest#krsuccess#club505#club75