Found Again

I could see the disappointment in them and I understand. Andrew was never in my plan when I went back to the Philippines. I thought that what we had is already over. But now that everything is clear, I don’t want to lose him again but I can’t be selfish. I should think about the people around me who will be affected if the public will know about my romantic relationship with Andrew.

“Are you serious?” I could see pain and disappointment in his eyes.

“You are a celebrity now my love. Imagine the reaction of your fans if they found out that you are already taken? Look at Anne. She was bashed by your fans thinking that she is your girlfriend. What more if it’s me?” I explained to him.

“Alli has a point bro. Most of your fans are shipping you with other singers. Alli will be the one who will be greatly affected if you guys announce your relationship. Showbizness is scary bro, believe me.” Vince supported my stand.

I smile at him. Good thing Vince was here. He completely understands my point.

“Then I could just retire from showbiz,” Andrew said cooly.

He earns a death glare from me. “Don’t you dare do that now! I was not able to listen to your songs nor watch your live performances when you had a concert in America because I was trying to move on from you! Now that we are back together, I want to see you performing live.”

“But I don’t want to date you secretly. I want the world to know how much I love you!”

A smile crept across my face. Who wouldn’t be right?

“You like what he said.” Lance can’t help but comment.

I rolled my eyes at him. “You are not yet vindicated so you have no right to express your thought,” I said to him.

The group burst out laughing. Then they started to tease my cousin. But Lance was unbothered by all their teasing which made me more annoyed at him. Suffering for two years is no joke. I don’t think I can forgive him easily.

I turn to Andrew. “Baby I know you don’t want it. But I think dating secretly is not that bad. It might be more exciting than dating publicly.” I said trying to console him and at the same to convince him.

Andrew licked his lips and look away as if he’s trying to think about it. All of us were waiting for Andrew’s answer.

He was looking at me softly then he sighed aloud.”Fine. I will agree to what you want this time but not for long. Especially when a celebrity tries to hit on you. I heard many celebrities declaring their admiration for you.”

My eyes widen at his answer. I hug him and kiss him on his cheek. “Thank you, baby! You are the best!”

The next morning, my dad and Gelo went with me to One Media Inc.’s main office. Gelo just graduated from college and he currently working in the company as a marketing executive. Dad wanted Gelo to earn his position.

Gelo went straight to his department while dad showed me my new office. When the elevator stops at Stellar’s office floor, my dad went out and I followed him. I smile when I saw Stellar’s name at the side of the door. Stellar was occupying half of the floor. The stellar magazine continues to grow in the past one and a half years.

The employees stand up from their seats and went out of their tables to greet us. I know all of them by name and face but not in person. I only talk to them through video meetings. It’s nice to finally meet them in person.

Isabel, my assistant editor started to introduce me to the staff one by one. She also showed me the studio for my upcoming interviews.

“This studio is was always been here since we started to occupy this floor. We are glad that after more than a year, this studio will finally be utilized and not a display anymore.” Isabel said.

I smile and nodded at her. I know what she meant. I never had my own studio like this because Noah insisted to use his studio for Stellar. I did not try to argue with him especially when he became one of our investors in Stellar magazine.

Lastly, Isabel showed us my office. My office here in the Philippines is bigger than my office in the US. The nameplate on my desk caught my attention.

Allison Alonzo, Editor-in-chief.

The title editor-in-chief never crosses my mind. Everything feels surreal.

“Do you like your new office?” My dad asked.

I nodded at him. “I love it, dad! It’s much bigger than my office in the US. I also love the studio that you put. It’s the exact replica of Noah’s studio in the US.”

Speaking of Noah, I suddenly miss him. I was not able to call on him yesterday because many unexpected things happen. I look at my watch, I still have time to call Noah before the meeting start. It’s still early in the US. I’m sure Noah is still awake at this time.

‘How’s my star?’ Noah said as soon as he answered my call.

“I’m good. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to call you yesterday. Many things happened and I was also tired from the long flight.” I explained to him.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

‘No worries my star. I understand. I always will. Anyway, what happened yesterday?” Noah asked.

I explained to him everything that happened. I did not miss anything. I wanted to record everything that I said because for sure I will say the same story to Charles.

“Wow! Unexpected indeed. But I’m happy for you my star. I hope your friendship with me will be okay with your boyfriend. I can’t believe someone owns you now.” Noah reacted.

I chuckled. I feel the same way. Things happened so fast again that made me a bit scared.

“This time enjoy your relationship with him. You need to make effort this time. I am happy for you my star.” Noah said sincerely.

I always thank God for letting me have this kind of person beside me.

“I will. Thank you, Noah. I also wish for your happiness.”

I ended my call with Noah when my assistant Isabel remind me about the meeting. I went straight to the conference room.

Our meeting agenda for today is for the upcoming cover of Stellar. Many things will change now that I am here in the Philippines.

“We strongly suggest Mr. Andrew Lopez to in our upcoming cover.” One of the marketing team suggested.

We are doing brainstorming for now then next week we will present a draft proposal for the upcoming cover of Stellar.

I nodded at them. “I understand your point. We should indeed grab the opportunity while it’s still hot. But aside from Andrew, I’m thinking of a more impactful concept for next month’s cover. Remember, our market is not just here in the Philippines, we also distribute Stellar in America.”

I already expected Andrew to be on our cover next month. I have no reason to reject this idea this time. But I am also thinking of a much bigger impact. As I said I also need to consider the people in the US. They are also our target market. For the past year and months, we are just having foreign artists on our cover, it will be the first time for Stellar to feature local artists.

Andrew indeed is starting to make a name internationally, but I don’t think that is enough for this cover to be a hit.

“Who are you recommending Ms. Alonzo?” Alice bravely asked.

I smirked at them. “Allison band.”