Chapter 3. LHI

Ellie's POV

"You better tell me what the hell happened! How did you get pregnant? You don’t even have a boyfriend!” Luna asked me, almost hysterical.

I just rolled my eyes. "Simple. I had a one-night stand."

"What?! Y-you had a what?!" Her eyes widened at my words.

I giggled upon seeing her reaction.

“Stop giggling, Penelope Quinn, it’s not funny! How did you have a one-night stand when you don’t even go to a bar alone because you are allergic to people?!”

My head hurts from all of Luna’s rants. I don’t think she will stop interrogating me until I tell her everything.

"I planned this pregnancy, okay?! For six years, I've been living alone. I miss my family. I want my family back, but I know that’s impossible to happen! I want to have a family of my own, but with my attitude and achievements, do you think I will find a guy who is perfect for me?” I said, frustration evident in my voice.

Her face became serious, and she sat in the chair across from mine. She took my right hand and gently squeezed it.

"Of course! You're a great woman, Ellie! Someday you'll meet your perfect match."

"But I want it now," I said almost in a whisper.

"Ellie..."

I smiled at her while tears are forming in my eyes. 

"Luna, I feel so empty. What will I do with all of this—my company, money, achievements—if I don’t have someone to share or dedicate them to? My parents are gone. I have nothing but myself. I desperately wanted a family. That's why I came up with this crazy idea. And I never regretted it because right now, I have my babies with me. In a few months, I'll be able to see and hold them."

Her forehead creased. "B-babies?"

I nodded. "According to my OB, I'm having twins!"

Her eyes widened, and she came over to give me a warm, tight hug.

"Omg! I'm so happy for you. I'll help you with your babies. And never think that you're alone because you have me, okay? I'll always be here for you."

I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. Damn these hormones for making me so emotional at this moment!

"Thank you." I just said.

Due to my condition, Luna decided to reduce my meetings for the coming weeks, or maybe months, until I give birth to my twins.

Yes, she was the one who made the decision, and according to her, I don’t have the right to contradict her because all of this is for her godchildren.

I just shook my head.

I was almost done with my work when Luna entered my office.

"Ellie, I talked to the secretary of Laertes Hotels International. The only available schedule for the meeting with their CEO is next Friday at 10 am. I already agreed to the given schedule because I know how difficult it is to arrange a meeting with them.”

I agreed with her. "Sure, no problem."

LHI is a major account. They have more than 300 hotels and resorts in 35 countries, with only a few hotels here in the Philippines. I've heard that most of their hotels are in Europe, so their main office is located in Spain.

Mr. Laertes Escarrer IV is the Chairman of LHI and is based in Spain. From what I've heard, his son Kade Ulysses Escarrer is the CEO of LHI, handling their business here in Asia. Fortunately, their office is located here in the Philippines.

I never had the opportunity to do business with them. As I mentioned earlier, they own only a few hotels here in the Philippines. When they were expanding their business in the Philippines, I was still in school, studying.

Most of their current expansion is focused on other countries. Here in the Philippines, they are focusing on renovating their existing hotels. We never had a chance to work with them, not even on the renovations, because from what I heard, they prefer to work with the same company that originally built their hotels for renovations.

And I've heard that after ten years, they will launch a new project here in the country. Instead of a hotel, they are planning to bring Laertes Resorts here.

Many were excited upon hearing this news. It’s not surprising, though, because Laertes Resorts are well-known in other countries. This project is a big deal here in the Philippines.

The world of architecture and engineering here in the Philippines is going crazy trying to get this account, and my company is one of them.  

It’s a significant achievement to have Laertes Resorts to our portfolio. This project could potentially elevate our company's reputation and open doors to new opportunities in the global market.

I gently touch my belly, which now has a small bump.

“We will get this account. You guys are my lucky charms,” I whispered to my twins.

The following day, I was so busy preparing for my meeting with Mr. Escarrer.

I gathered my team for a kickoff meeting to discuss our strategy. It's crucial that we make a good impression with LHI. This account could be a game-changer for us, and I want us to be well-prepared and unified in our approach.

"It's almost 9 am. Are you ready?" Luna asked over the intercom.

"Yes. Please call the driver, and I'll be out in a bit."

"Copy. Thanks."

I heaved a heavy sigh.

"This is it! Wish me luck, my babies."

I saw Luna waiting for me as I exited my office.

"Let's go," I told her.

She nodded at me and accompanied me outside.

My office is near the LHI hotel, but due to the traffic, our supposed 10-minute drive turned into 45 minutes.  

As expected, the LHI hotel is grand. Its quality can compete internationally, with the same vibe as their hotel in Berlin.

I carefully evaluated the interior of the hotel as we made our way to Mr. Escarrer’s office.

I have already visited some of their hotels, and I have always wanted to collaborate on a project with them.

Their hotels and resorts are beautiful and unique, which is why I am eager to work with them. As an architect and engineer, you consider Laertes Hotels and Resorts as masterpieces.

We reached the CEO’s office, and a handsome guy welcomed us. He looked to be in his late 20s and had a distinctly Filipino appearance, so I was sure he wasn't Mr. Escarrer, as I had heard he has Spanish blood.

"Cabello International Corporation? I'm Jace Nuñez, Mr. Escarrer's secretary," he introduced himself.

"I'm Penelope Quinn Cabello, CEO and President of CIC," I said, introducing myself.

"I'm Luna Bianca Nielis. I was the one who talked to you on the phone. I'm Ms. Cabello's secretary," Luna formally introduced herself.

He nodded and then opened the door, gesturing for us to enter first.

As expected, their CEO’s office was larger than mine. The office had a minimalist design, with black and brown as the predominant colors, giving it a very masculine feel.

My eyes widened suddenly when Mr. Escarrer lifted his face.

This is not happening! I suddenly want to forget that I ever wanted this project. Of all people, why him?!

He was equally shocked as I was, but he immediately recovered from the shock.

I saw him smirk. He stood up and approached us.

"Ms. Penelope Quinn Cabello." 

I just gave him a forced smile. "Mr. Escarrer."

I could feel Luna nudging me slightly. She sensed that there is something wrong between this guy and me.

"You are here for the Laertes Resorts project?" His voice took on a formal tone.

'Yes, but I want to change my mind and back out from this project,' I whispered to myself.

"Yes," I said instead.

I lost my enthusiasm to speak with him.

My twins! Why do we always have these interactions with your dad? We don’t need to tell him about your existence.

I can’t stop myself from panicking. What if we get this project? We will surely see each other often, which means there is a strong possibility that he will find out about my twins!

I need to give up on this project.

This is not a good idea.