Coconut Shake
The warm glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across Adrielle’s old bedroom. Unlike the sleek, minimalist style of their house, this space was filled with remnants of her younger years. Warm wood furniture, a full bookshelf, and personal trinkets that hadn’t been touched in years. The room smelled faintly of aged paper and a hint of lavender, a scent Cassandra had long associated with Adrielle.
Cassandra ran her fingers along the spines of the books stacked neatly on the shelf, pausing at a thick business strategy textbook, its edges worn from use. Next to it sat a framed certificate from a case competition, Adrielle’s name printed in bold, elegant letters. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she carefully pulled the book from its place.
"You kept all of these?" she mused, flipping through the pages, her fingers grazing over color coded tabs and scrawled notes in the margins. Some were written in Adrielle’s neat, calculated handwritting, concise and sharp. Others were messier, a different ink.
Her own handwriting.
The memory tugged at her instantly. Late nights in the university library, whispered debates over financial projections, Adrielle’s exasperated sighs whenever Cassandra insisted on overcomplicating things.
"This was the first case study we worked on together," Cassandra murmured, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You were so competitive. Akala mo mauubusan ng awards."
From her spot on the bed, Adrielle raised an eyebrow. "Tama naman ako. If we were going to do something, might as well be the best at it."
Cassandra shook her head, flipping to a page where their scribbles nearly drowned out the actual text. "You were insufferable."
"Pero ikaw ang pumilit na maging partner ko," Adrielle shot back smugly.
"Dahil wala akong choice! You rejected three other people before me. Wala na akong makuhang matinong kakampi."
Adrielle smirked. "Aminin mo na lang na talagang gusto mo akong maging kapartner noon pa."
Cassandra turned to look at her, her teasing expression softening as she took in Adrielle’s face. Being here, in this room filled with reminders of their younger selves, made everything else fade into the background, the blind item, Julian Park’s threat, the uncertainty hanging over their heads.
For a fleeting moment, it was just them.
Cassandra slid the book back onto the shelf, exhaling softly before making her way to the bed. Adrielle watched her, a knowing look in her eyes.
"Matutulog pa ba tayo o magrereminisce ka nalang buong gabi?" she murmured, patting the empty space beside her.
Cassandra rolled her eyes but obliged, slipping under the covers. As soon as she did, Adrielle tugged her close, her arms wrapping around her with a quiet certainty. Their bodies molded together naturally, effortlessly.
"We’ll figure everything out," Adrielle whispered against Cassandra’s temple, her voice gentle but sure.
Cassandra closed her eyes, allowing herself to be enveloped in Adrielle’s warmth, letting it push away the worries threatening to creep in.
"I know," she whispered back.
And for tonight, that was enough.
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, painting the room in soft golds. The quiet hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustling of sheets were the only sounds filling the space. It was rare moments like this, waking up with nothing urgent pulling them apart. Cassandra stirred first, stretching slightly before turning to Adrielle, who was still half asleep beside her.
A small smile played on Cassandra’s lips. She brushed a stray strand of hair from Adrielle’s face, fingers lingering just a little longer than necessary.
"Morning, sleepyhead," she murmured.
Adrielle let out a low hum, eyes fluttering open. "Too early," she mumbled, voice still thick with sleep.
"We promised your mom we’d have breakfast with them," Cassandra reminded her, nudging her lightly.
Adrielle groaned but shifted closer, wrapping her arms around Cassandra’s waist. "Five more minutes."
"You said that ten minutes ago." Cassandra laughed, shaking her head before finally prying herself away. "Come on, I’ll make you coffee."
That got Adrielle moving.
By the time they made their way downstairs, Antonio Hidalgo was already at the dining table, flipping through the morning paper, while Elena busied herself setting down a fresh plate of pandesal and eggs.
"Ah, the stars of the show have finally arrived," Antonio remarked without looking up.
Adrielle rolled her eyes. "Good morning to you too, Papa."
Cassandra greeted them with a polite smile before pressing a quick kiss to Elena’s cheek. "Good morning, Mama."
Elena breaking into a smile asked. "Did you sleep well?"
"We did," Cassandra replied, taking a seat beside Adrielle.
Elena beamed. "That’s good. Eat while it’s warm."
"Although, I must say," Antonio continued, finally lowering his paper, "I don’t think I’ve seen you two sleep past breakfast in this house before."
Adrielle shrugged, reaching for a slice of toast. "Maybe because it’s the first time we actually needed the rest."
Elena and Antonio exchanged a knowing look.
"That bad, huh?" Antonio mused.
"That bad," Cassandra confirmed.
They fell into easy conversation, discussing lighter topics to ease into the day. The atmosphere was warm, familiar like nothing outside these walls could touch them.
But peace never lasted long.
Cassandra’s phone buzzed on the table. Liv. She frowned, wiping her hands before picking up the device. The message was brief but urgent.
Liv:Call me. Now.
A prickle of unease ran down her spine. Before she could react, Adrielle’s phone vibrated next. This time, it was Rafa.
Rafa:Turn on the news. May bago na namang lumabas.
Adrielle’s jaw tightened. Without a word, she reached for the remote and turned on the television. The morning business segment flickered to life, and the headline at the bottom of the screen made Cassandra’s stomach drop.
"Power Couple or Corporate Scandal? Mystery CEOs in a Secret Affair?"
Then the footage played.
It wasn’t just the grainy grocery store photos anymore. It was clearer. Sharper. Clips of them walking side by side, laughing at something only they understood. A moment where Adrielle instinctively reached out, brushing a stray hair from Cassandra’s face. Another where Cassandra adjusted Adrielle’s coat as they stood by the parking lot.
None of it was inherently damning, but the intimacy was undeniable to anyone who had ever been in love.
Elena’s fork clattered against her plate. Antonio’s paper lowered just enough for his sharp gaze to peek over the rim.
"This is getting worse," Cassandra muttered under her breath.
Adrielle exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around her coffee mug. "It was only a matter of time."
Elena’s voice was calm, but laced with concern. "You told us you were being careful. How did this happen?"
Antonio leaned back, studying them with the sharp gaze that had built an empire. "The timing is too convenient. Someone is making sure this spreads."
Cassandra and Adrielle exchanged a glance. There was no more hiding.
"It’s Julian Park," Adrielle said, her voice even but firm. "He’s the one behind this."
A heavy silence settled over the table.
Antonio sighed, finally setting his paper aside. "Then we need to talk strategy."
The Hidalgo family’s living room was a picture of warmth and refinement. With its high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and soft earth toned furnishings, the space invited comfort urging anyone who entered to sit back and relax.
But today, no one was at ease.
Seated on the large sectional, Adrielle and Cassandra sat side by side, their bodies tense, their hands resting between them, close, but not quite touching. Seeking comfort from each other felt dangerous at the moment. They were strong together, but even the slightest indication of vulnerability might make the weight of reality even harder to bear.
Across from them, Antonio Hidalgo sat with his signature composed and unreadable expression, his presence alone commanding the attention of the room. Elena, beside him, had softer but no less intense eyes watching over them.
On the other side, Cassandra’s parents, Charles and Margaret Sy, mirrored the same intensity. Charles sat forward, elbows on his knees, the deep crease between his brows telling Cassandra just how serious he was taking this. Margaret, arms crossed, had the same sharp, assessing look that Cassandra had inherited, cold, calculating, but with a quiet fire burning beneath.
The only one who looked remotely out of place was Liv, who sat at the edge of the couch, her phone clutched tightly in her hands. Normally, she would’ve had some lighthearted comment to throw in, but today, even she knew there was no room for jokes. Rafa wasn’t here. He had left early for work, but knowing him, he would have his ways of keeping tabs on what was happening.
Then, Antonio finally spoke.
"We all know why we’re here." His deep, steady voice cut through the room, heavy and unwavering. No sugarcoating. No small talk. Just the truth laid out as it was.
Cassandra swallowed. She had always respected Antonio Hidalgo, feared him, even, in the way one would fear a man with undeniable power. Even with her father, Charles, beside her, Antonio’s presence alone could command the entire room’s attention.
"The board will hear of this," Charles added, his voice measured but sharp. "If they haven’t already, they will by the time we walk into our offices tomorrow. Investors will have questions. Employees—our entire workforce—will be watching our every move."
"And if we don’t move first," Margaret said, her tone unyielding, "the rumors will control the narrative before we even get the chance to."
Adrielle took a slow, deep breath, the weight of her mother’s words settling in. This wasn’t just about them anymore.
"We have spent years building our reputations," Antonio continued. "The two of you have achieved what others could only dream of at your age. You’ve built something that demands respect. And now, in a matter of days, that foundation is being challenged."
Cassandra clenched her jaw.
"This is precisely what Julian wants," Antonio went on, his gaze locking onto them both. "To push you into a corner. To make you doubt yourselves. To force you into a position where he can manipulate the outcome."
"You know that, don’t you?" Charles added.
They both nodded.
"But we will not be forced into a position of weakness," Charles stated.
Elena finally spoke, her voice softer than the men’s but no less pointed. "We trust you both. You know your company best. So, tell us." She gave them a long look before continuing. "How do you want to handle this?"
And just like that, the helm was in their hands.
Cassandra exhaled, finally sitting up straighter. "We need to get ahead of this."
Adrielle nodded. "We’re already the subject of speculation. If we don’t take control of the narrative, the public will shape it for us."
Margaret arched an eyebrow. "So, what exactly do you have in mind?"
"We confirm it," Cassandra said firmly.
Liv, who had been silent the entire time, finally broke her silence. "Wait—what? Just like that?"
"Not just like that," Adrielle corrected. "We do it on our terms. Carefully. Subtly. We don’t make it a spectacle, but we don’t let them twist it into a scandal either."
"How subtle are we talking about?" Margaret asked.
"Enough to let people piece it together without making it seem like an outright announcement," Cassandra explained. "A carefully placed appearance. A well curated interview. Something that confirms but doesn’t sensationalize."
Charles nodded slightly. "That might work. But even then, the board will demand answers."
"We need to reassure them that this does not compromise our leadership," Cassandra said.
Adrielle added, "We present a solid front. Let them know that our relationship strengthens our companies, not weakens them. That we built our empire together, and we will continue to run it with the same vision and discipline."
A pause.
Then Antonio nodded. "Good. Now, what about Julian?"
Cassandra’s jaw tightened.
"We shut down his merger before he gains any more leverage," Adrielle stated. "We need to discredit him."
Margaret leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "That will not be easy. He is a strategist. A dangerous one. If he already has leverage over you, he will not hesitate to use it."
"That’s why we take away his power before he can act," Charles added.
"How?" Liv asked, looking between them.
Adrielle took a deep breath. "Julian’s biggest asset right now is the fact that he holds information over us. But if we turn the tables—"
"We find something on him before he can use what he has on us," Cassandra finished.
Silence fell over the room as their words settled.
Then Antonio spoke, his voice low and firm."Then that is where we begin."
The weight of their decision settled like a thick cloud in the room, heavy and unshakable. This was not just about them anymore, this was about their companies, their people, their legacies. One wrong move, one miscalculated step, and years of hard work could crumble beneath them.
Adrielle and Cassandra exchanged a glance, both of them understanding the gravity of what they were about to do.
"We need to handle this strategically," Cassandra finally said, breaking the silence. "Our first step is addressing the board. They have to hear this from us directly before the rumors fully take root."
"They need to understand that this does not compromise our leadership," Adrielle added. "If anything, it strengthens it. We’ll call for a private board meeting, lay everything out before them, reassure them of our vision, and make it clear that our relationship does not interfere with business."
Charles nodded approvingly. "That’s the right approach. The board will have concerns, but if you present yourselves as a united and unwavering front, they will have no choice but to see the truth that your leadership remains unchanged."
"And what about the employees?" Elena asked, her tone softer but no less concerned.
"We communicate with them next," Cassandra answered. "Not through an announcement, but through action. We continue as we always have—business as usual. No drastic changes, no sudden shifts. If we remain steady, they will have no reason to doubt us."
"The media will be harder to control," Margaret pointed out.
Adrielle exhaled. "We won’t fight the rumors. We let them run their course while carefully shaping the narrative. A strategic interview, an appearance together at the right time. We don’t need to confirm it outright, just enough to let people piece it together without making it into a scandal."
Margaret and Elena exchanged a look before nodding in approval. Antonio leaned back, his fingers interlocked as he studied them both. "You’ve thought this through."
"We have to," Cassandra replied firmly.
The room fell into a brief silence, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Then, Antonio sighed, his expression softening just enough for them to see past the strict, formidable businessman to the father underneath.
"We’re proud of you both."
Elena reached for Adrielle’s hand, squeezing it gently. "We know how hard this must be. But we trust you. We always have. And we will always be behind you."
Margaret turned to Cassandra, her sharp eyes brimming with something softer. "You have always been strong, Cassandra. And you are even stronger with Adrielle by your side. We believe in both of you."
Charles nodded. "You’ve built something incredible. No one—not Julian, not anyone—can take that away from you."
Cassandra felt her throat tighten. It wasn’t often that their parents showed this level of emotion, but in this moment, she realized just how much their support meant.
"Rafa will do his part as well," Antonio added. "His connections in high society will prove invaluable in controlling the social narrative. He may not seem like it, but he understands the weight of this situation."
"And you have me," Liv finally spoke, her voice unwavering.
Adrielle and Cassandra turned to her, finding a quiet intensity in her gaze.
"I have been with you both since business school," Liv continued. "I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked, how much you’ve sacrificed. I was there during the late nights, the breakdowns, the triumphs, the endless cups of coffee. No one—no one—understands your journey better than I do."
She leaned forward, her tone sharper now.
"And I’ll be damned if I let anyone like Julian or should I say, Jose ruin what you’ve built."
Cassandra let out a soft chuckle, despite the tension still thick in the air.
"You really are our ride or die, huh?"
Liv smirked. "Did you ever doubt it?"
Adrielle reached over and squeezed Liv’s hand. "Thank you."
"Always," Liv said.
The room fell into silence again, but this time, it was different. There was still tension, but there was also something else, something unshakable.
Conviction.
They weren’t alone in this.
And no matter how hard Julian tried to back them into a corner, he would never succeed.
Despite their parents’ insistence, Adrielle and Cassandra chose to head back to their house. The weight of the week ahead loomed over them, but for now, in the quiet of the car, they allowed themselves to exist simply, just the two of them, away from prying eyes and the suffocating weight of expectations.
The hum of the engine was the only sound for a while, the city lights flickering past as they drove in comfortable silence. Cassandra, resting her head against the seat, sighed dramatically.
"Bakit nga ba tayo nagbusiness ulit?" she mused, stretching her legs. "Pwede namang bumili ng isang isla at tumira na lang doon. Wala nang mergers, wala nang board meetings. Just the beach, fresh seafood, at ako."
Adrielle chuckled, side eyeing her. "At ikaw lang talaga? Wala bang kasama?"
Cassandra smirked. "Depende. Sino bang gustong sumama?"
Adrielle hummed as if considering. "Kung may coconut shake ba, kasama ako?"
"Hmm... depende kung sino magbabayad ng coconut shake."
"Ang dami mong kondisyon, Cass," Adrielle teased, shaking her head.
Cassandra grinned, shifting slightly to face her. "Syempre. Quality control. Hindi ko pwedeng basta iaccept kung sino sino lang."
Adrielle played along, nodding seriously. "Ah, ganun pala. So paano ako makakapasa?"
Cassandra pretended to think, tapping her chin. "Hmm. Kailangan, marunong magluto, may diskarte sa buhay, at higit sa lahat... dapat cute."
Adrielle smirked. "Eh pasok na pasok pala ako."
Cassandra burst into laughter. "Ang bilis mo namang magclaim!"
Adrielle shrugged. "Facts lang naman. Marunong akong magluto, may diskarte ako, at ayon sa maraming credible sources, cute daw ako."
Cassandra rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Credible sources? Like sino?"
Adrielle shot her a knowing look. "Ikaw."
That shut Cassandra up for a second. She felt warmth creep up her neck, but she quickly covered it up with a scoff. "Tsk. Ang kapal talaga ng mukha mo minsan."
Adrielle grinned, tapping the steering wheel. "Pero hindi ka nagdedeny."
Cassandra huffed, looking away, but the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.
They arrived home soon after, both moving on autopilot. Shoes off, bags down, sighs of relief.
"Shower muna ako," Cassandra said, stretching.
"Go ahead. I’ll just send the board meeting invite," Adrielle replied, already typing on her phone.
By the time Cassandra emerged from the bathroom, fresh and in an oversized shirt, Adrielle was still lying on the bed, her phone screen the only light in the dim room.
"Sent na?" Cassandra asked, slipping under the covers beside her.
"Mmm." Adrielle put her phone down, rolling onto her side to face Cassandra.
A moment of silence stretched between them, the exhaustion from the day settling in.
Cassandra exhaled softly. "Ang bilis ng deadline ni Julian. Parang siya pa ‘yung nagmamadali."
Adrielle nodded, her fingers absentmindedly brushing against Cassandra’s. "Which only means may tinatago siya. Pero hindi niya tayo mauunahan."
Cassandra turned her head to look at her. "We’ll figure it out. We always do."
Adrielle studied her for a moment before reaching out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Cassandra’s ear. "Yeah. We will."
Cassandra sighed, leaning into her touch. She shifted slightly, stretching her arms above her head. "Ikaw naman. Shower ka na."
Adrielle groaned. "Mm, mamaya na—"
"Ngayon na," Cassandra insisted, nudging her side. "Bago ka pa makatulog nang diyan sa kama nang ganyan."
Adrielle groaned dramatically but obeyed, dragging herself off the bed and towards the bathroom.
By the time she stepped out, drying her hair, the room was quiet except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. Cassandra was curled up on her side, her phone still in her hand, screen dimmed.
Adrielle softened at the sight.
Between the two of them, Cassandra had always been the stronger, the stricter, the one with unwavering focus. But deep inside, she was the softer one—the sentimental one who overthought things in silence. Adrielle knew that despite Cassandra’s composed demeanor, the weight of everything still lingered in her mind.
Carefully, Adrielle climbed onto the bed, slipping under the covers before gently prying the phone from Cassandra’s grasp and setting it on the nightstand. She pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Good night, Moja," Adrielle whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Cassandra’s temple.
Half asleep, Cassandra instinctively moved closer, burying her face against Adrielle’s neck as she mumbled, "Mmm… Night, Moja."
A small smile graced Adrielle’s lips as she tightened her hold, allowing herself to finally rest wrapped in the warmth of the one person she would always choose, no matter what.
The sun had barely risen, yet Adrielle was already moving with purpose. The kitchen was alive with the soft sounds of breakfast preparation—the sizzle of bacon, the clink of plates, and the slow drip of coffee filling the air with its rich aroma.
Just as she finished plating their meal, she heard the familiar shuffle of feet behind her.
"Morning," Cassandra mumbled, still half asleep, as she lazily wrapped her arms around Adrielle’s waist from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder.
Adrielle smiled, reaching for Cassandra’s coffee and handing it to her without a word.
"You spoil me too much," Cassandra muttered before taking a sip.
"You make my coffee, too, so patas lang," Adrielle teased, turning in her embrace to press a quick kiss on her temple.
Cassandra hummed, finally waking up. "Yeah, pero mas masarap ‘yong kape mo."
"I know."
Cassandra chuckled, rolling her eyes as they sat down for breakfast.
As they ate, their usual morning routine played out, light teasing, stolen glances, and comfortable silences filled with the clinking of cutlery against plates. Despite the looming weight of the day ahead, they both held onto these small moments, as if grounding themselves before walking into the storm.
Once breakfast was finished, they moved with synchronized ease, getting ready for work. Cassandra fixed the cuffs of her blouse while Adrielle adjusted the lapels of her blazer in front of the mirror.
"Dri."
Adrielle turned just in time for Cassandra to straighten her collar, smoothing out the fabric with careful fingers.
"Perfect," Cassandra murmured, patting her shoulder.
Adrielle smirked. "Cass, kung gusto mo lang akong hawakan, sabihin mo lang."
Cassandra raised a brow. "Oh? Ganun? Ikaw din kaya kanina, ang tagal mong nakatitig sa ‘kin habang nagbibihis ako."
Adrielle just chuckled, stepping closer and softly tapped Cassandra's cheeks. "Dream on, Cass. Dream on."
They stepped out of their home, briefcases in hand. But as they reached their respective cars, they both stopped. A silent thought passed between them.
For years, they had mastered the art of keeping their personal and professional lives separate. Two leaders, two CEOs, running an empire side by side but never crossing the line that would expose the truth of what they truly were to each other.
This was the first time they would arrive at the office together.
Adrielle turned to Cassandra, lips pressing into a firm line before she exhaled. Then, with quiet determination, she walked towards Cassandra’s car and held out her hand for the keys.
"Sasabay na ako sa ‘yo," she said, her voice steady.
Cassandra blinked at her for a second before nodding. Without a word, she handed Adrielle the keys and walked to the passenger side. They didn’t need to say anything more—the weight of their decision was already heavy enough.
The drive was quieter than usual, but not uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that spoke volumes since both of them were nervous. Still, Cassandra, ever the one to keep things light, tapped a finger against the steering wheel.
"Alam mo, Dri, wala pa rin akong playlist na gawa mo."
Adrielle sighed, smirking. "Cass, hindi mo talaga ako titigilan, no?"
"Eh kasi, unfair. Ako, meron na akong ginawa para sayo, pero ako wala?"
"Cass, yong ginawa mong playlist para sakin… bakit halos lahat ng kanta dun, may hint ng panunumbat?"
Cassandra feigned innocence. "Grabe ka, hindi naman. Interpretative lang talaga ako sa pagpili ng kanta."
Adrielle laughed. "Yong ‘Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita’ ba, interpretative rin?"
Cassandra smirked. "Depende sa interpretation mo."
Adrielle shook her head, chuckling. "Ewan ko sa ‘yo."
The playful exchange helped ease their nerves, but as they neared their office building, a quiet tension settled between them again.
When Cassandra parked, they both took a deep breath.
"Ready?" Cassandra asked.
"Nope," Adrielle admitted.
"Same," Cassandra muttered.
They exchanged a look before Adrielle straightened up, smoothing her blazer. "Pero wala namang ibang choice, so tara na."
"Tara," Cassandra echoed, stepping out of the car.
The moment they entered the building, the shift in atmosphere was palpable. The murmurs started instantly, whispers exchanged, heads turning, subtle glances thrown their way. Despite the noise around them, they walked with steady, confident strides. Their aura demanded respect, and despite the curiosity that followed them, no one dared to approach.
"Ang tahimik naman," Adrielle muttered under her breath as they walked to the elevator.
"Hmm, biglaan kasi. Dati kasi, sabay lang tayo lumalabas sa meetings, pero ngayon, sabay na rin tayong pumasok," Cassandra mused, keeping her voice light. "They’re probably recalculating everything."
Adrielle smirked. "Gusto mo iconfirm natin para hindi na sila mahirapan?"
Cassandra chuckled. "Baka ikaw mahirapan pag bigla kitang hinalikan sa hallway."
Adrielle paused for a second before humming. "Huh. Not the worst way to start the workday."
Cassandra shot her a look, amused. "You’re unbelievable."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside, still hearing faint whispers as they ascended to the top floor.
The moment they reached their respective offices which were positioned at opposite ends of the floor, they both paused.
Cassandra glanced at Adrielle. "See you on the battlefield?"
Adrielle smirked. "Always."
With a final look, they stepped into their offices, ready to face whatever awaited them.
Adrielle exhaled deeply as she settled into her office chair, her fingers briefly rubbing her temples. The weight of the morning, of the murmurs, the stares, and the unspoken speculations hung in the air like an unfinished thought. Just as she was about to reach for her laptop, a gentle knock sounded at the door before it swung open.
"Good morning, Miss Hidalgo," Mira greeted, stepping in with her usual poise. In her hands was Adrielle’s usual coffee, made just the way she liked it.
Adrielle looked up and gave a small, appreciative smile. "Mira, you always have perfect timing."
Mira chuckled, placing the coffee on Adrielle’s desk. "Well, I figured you’d need an extra boost today."
Adrielle let out a soft laugh. "Let me guess. The entire floor is talking?"
Mira offered a knowing smile as she straightened some documents on the desk. "Let’s just say the company chatrooms are… active."
Adrielle sighed, taking a sip of her coffee. "Of course they are."
Mira didn't comment further, but her gaze held a quiet understanding. She had been working under Adrielle long enough to notice things, little things that others might miss. The subtle glances in meetings, the way Adrielle’s mood seemed lighter whenever Cassandra was nearby, the way they unconsciously gravitated towards each other even in strictly professional settings.
Mira had long suspected that there was more between them than what the world saw, but she never pried. It wasn’t her business, and more importantly, she respected them both, not just as individuals but as leaders who had built an empire together.
Still, that didn’t mean she didn’t feel a little kilig whenever she caught glimpses of their subtle affections. Like this morning, when Adrielle casually walked over to Cassandra without hesitation, or how Cassandra had instinctively waited for Adrielle to fall into step beside her before walking into the building. They never announced anything, but they didn’t really have to.
Adrielle noticed Mira’s thoughtful expression and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Mira shook her head with a small, amused smile. "Nothing. Just… you and Miss Sy make a great team."
Adrielle smirked, leaning back in her chair. "We built an empire together, of course we do."
Mira hummed, eyes twinkling. "That’s not exactly what I meant, but sure, let’s go with that."
Adrielle narrowed her eyes playfully. "Mira."
Mira merely shrugged, still smiling as she stepped back towards the door. "Let me know if you need anything else, Miss Hidalgo."
Adrielle shook her head in amusement. "I will."
As Mira left, Adrielle glanced at her coffee, a soft smirk tugging at her lips. Mira may not say much, but she knew that her assistant saw more than she let on.
And strangely enough, Adrielle didn’t mind.
The tension inside the boardroom was almost suffocating. The air was thick with unspoken judgments, whispers that had already spread long before the meeting was even called. The long, polished mahogany table stretched between them and the people they had worked tirelessly to gain the trust of.
Adrielle and Cassandra sat at the head of the table, their backs straight, their expressions unreadable. Beside Cassandra, Liv sat with her hands folded, her gaze sharp as she scanned the room. The emergency meeting had only just begun, but the weight of it was already pressing down on them.
"Miss Hidalgo, Miss Sy," one of the senior board members, Mr. Alvarez, finally spoke, his tone edged with disapproval. "You called this emergency meeting, and I assume it’s regarding the—" he hesitated, as if the word itself was distasteful, "—the matter that’s currently circulating in the media?"
Cassandra met his gaze directly. "Yes," she said, voice steady. "We wanted to address it head-on rather than allow rumors to control the narrative."
"And what exactly is the narrative?" another board member, Mrs. Chua, crossed her arms. "Because as of now, what the public sees is an inappropriate relationship between the two CEOs of this company."
Adrielle’s jaw tightened, but she remained composed. "Inappropriate? I wasn’t aware that a marriage was considered inappropriate."
The room fell into a stunned silence. A few exchanged glances, some in shock, others in disapproval.
"Marriage?!" Mr. Tan, one of the more conservative board members, leaned forward, his face a mixture of disbelief and displeasure. "You mean to say that not only are you in a relationship, but you’re legally bound to each other?"
Cassandra nodded. "Yes. Adrielle and I are married."
A murmur rippled through the boardroom. Some looked scandalized, others seemed more intrigued. The weight of the revelation was heavier than expected, and Adrielle could already see the calculation behind some of their expressions.
"You hid this from us," Mr. Alvarez said, his voice sharp. "Do you realize what that does to our trust in you both?"
"The trust should be in our ability to run this company, not in our personal lives," Adrielle countered, her voice unwavering.
"Hiding something like this is an issue," Mrs. Chua pointed out. "How can we be certain that your decisions weren’t compromised by personal bias?"
Cassandra inhaled deeply, her fingers pressing against the table. "If our decisions were ever compromised, this company wouldn’t be where it is today. Every single move Adrielle and I have made has been for the growth and success of this empire. Our relationship did not build this company—our competence did."
Liv leaned forward, finally speaking up. "If I may add, I have worked with both Adrielle and Cassandra for years. If there was ever a conflict of interest, I would have been the first to call it out. But there never was. Because they don’t let their personal lives affect how they run this company."
"That’s easy for you to say, Miss Vasquez," Mr. Tan scoffed. "You’re their friend."
Liv’s gaze sharpened. "I’m also this company’s CFO. If you think I would allow anything to jeopardize our financial standing because of personal ties, then you’re underestimating my professionalism—and theirs."
A few of the board members shifted uncomfortably.
"Look," Adrielle leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the table. "We understand that this is a shock. But if our track record isn’t enough to convince you that our relationship has never interfered with business, then let’s talk numbers. Let’s talk growth. Because from the moment we stepped into leadership, this company has only flourished. And it will continue to do so, because nothing about the way we work together has changed."
Cassandra nodded. "Our priority has always been the company. That will never change. But we called this meeting because we respect the board enough to tell you the truth ourselves. We’re not here to ask for your approval. We’re here to assure you that our focus remains exactly where it should be—on the company’s success."
The room fell silent again. The weight of their words lingered, cutting through the initial tension.
Some board members exchanged looks, clearly considering their words. Mr. Alvarez still looked displeased, but his expression had shifted into something more thoughtful. Mrs. Chua, though still skeptical, no longer looked as outright hostile.
Finally, Mr. Lee, one of the more neutral members, spoke. "You both have built something remarkable. That’s undeniable. But understand this—your leadership will always be under scrutiny, especially now. You say your relationship doesn’t interfere with business? Prove it. Not just to us, but to the entire company."
Cassandra and Adrielle both nodded. "We intend to," Adrielle said firmly.
The meeting ended on a tense but somewhat victorious note. While two or three board members still wore doubtful expressions, the majority seemed reassured—if not by their words, then by the undeniable success they had achieved together.
As the board members filed out, Liv leaned back in her chair and exhaled. "Well, that was intense."
Adrielle smirked slightly. "Could’ve been worse."
Cassandra let out a dry chuckle. "It almost was."
Liv shook her head, smiling slightly. "You two really don’t do anything halfway, huh?"
Adrielle glanced at Cassandra, a silent understanding passing between them. "Never."
After the last board member left, Adrielle finally let out a slow breath. The meeting had gone better than expected, but it was just the beginning. She rolled her shoulders back and made her way to her office, mind already racing with the next steps.
When she opened the door, she found Rafa lounging on the couch, flipping through one of the business magazines she had left on the coffee table.
"Took you long enough," Rafa said without looking up. "Thought you got eaten alive in there."
Adrielle exhaled sharply and closed the door behind her. "Close call."
Rafa finally glanced up, his usual playful smirk replaced with something more serious. He sat up, setting the magazine down. "So, what’s the plan now? You two need to decide how you’re going to handle the media. The rumors are already out there, and they’ll only get worse if you don’t take control of the narrative."
Adrielle raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you become the responsible older brother?"
Rafa scoffed. "I don’t like it either. It’s cringy. But someone’s gotta step up, right?" He shrugged. "Besides, I have connections. High society loves a good scandal, and I hear things before they hit the press. You need to get ahead of this before it spirals."
Adrielle crossed her arms, considering his words. "You’re right. We need to be strategic about this." She pulled out her phone and dialed Cassandra.
The call barely rang twice before Cassandra picked up. "Miss me already?"
Adrielle smirked putting the call on speaker. "Always. But I called for something else. Rafa's here, and we need to decide on how to handle the media before the situation gets worse."
Cassandra sighed from the other end. "I was just thinking about that. We have two options here. Either we release an official statement ourselves, or we agree to an exclusive interview to control the narrative."
Rafa leaned forward. "Exclusive interviews are tricky. The media will want drama. They’ll poke around, try to make it more controversial than it actually is."
"Which is why a well crafted statement might be the better move," Adrielle added. "Something professional but firm. No denials, but no unnecessary details either. We subtly confirm it while keeping the focus on the company."
"Agreed," Cassandra said. "We can have our PR team draft a statement, but we need to be the ones to approve every single word. We can’t afford misinterpretations."
Rafa nodded. "I can reach out to a few key media contacts and make sure the statement is published by reputable sources first. That way, we set the tone before the tabloids start twisting things."
Adrielle tapped her fingers against her desk. "That handles the public. Now, what about our employees? The rumors are definitely spreading internally."
Cassandra hummed in thought. "We need to address them directly. Maybe an internal memo? Or a company-wide meeting?"
"A memo might feel too impersonal," Adrielle said. "A town hall meeting might be better. It gives people the chance to hear it from us directly, and it’ll set expectations moving forward. If they see us addressing it head on, it’ll lessen the gossip."
"It’ll also show that we have nothing to hide," Cassandra agreed.
"I can handle the logistics for the town hall," Rafa offered. "I’ll coordinate with your HR and internal communications to set it up discreetly. You two just have to prepare what you’re going to say."
Adrielle shot him a look. "You’re being surprisingly useful today."
Rafa placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Wow. I come here, offer my help, and this is what I get? Unbelievable."
Cassandra chuckled on the other end of the line. "Dri, be nice. He’s actually helping us this time."
Rafa smirked. "See? Cass gets it." He stood up, stretching. "Alright, I’ll get to work on my end. You two figure out the rest. Just don’t make it too sappy—I still have a reputation to uphold."
Adrielle rolled her eyes. "Get out of my office, Rafa."
He laughed, giving her a lazy salute before walking out.
Once the door closed behind him, Adrielle leaned back in her chair, she placed the phone on her ear.
"You okay?" Cassandra’s voice was softer now.
Adrielle sighed. "Yeah. Just… thinking about everything. This is a lot."
"We’ll get through it," Cassandra assured her. "Together."
Adrielle smiled slightly. "Yeah. Together."
The town hall meeting was scheduled for tomorrow. Adrielle and Cassandra spent the day ensuring everything was set in place, finalizing the internal memo, coordinating with HR, and setting the tone for the discussion. They wanted their employees to hear it directly from them, not from rumors or whispers in the hallways.
The discussion wasn’t just about addressing the issue surrounding them. It was also an opportunity to refocus the company’s attention on something bigger which is their upcoming anniversary next month. A milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to shift the atmosphere than to emphasize the appreciation they had for their employees?
They planned to roll out incentives, a company-wide appreciation event, and career development opportunities to keep morale high. No matter what challenges came, their people needed to know that they were valued.
As the day stretched into the evening, the office slowly began to quiet. Employees packed up, the hum of work gradually fading into a peaceful lull.
Cassandra made her way toward Adrielle’s office, passing by Mira, who was tidying her desk.
Mira gave her a knowing smile. "She’s still inside, isn’t she?"
Cassandra smirked. "Of course, she is."
Mira chuckled, shaking her head. "You’re the only one who can make her leave, Miss Cassandra. Good luck."
"Always a challenge." Cassandra gave her a light wave before stepping inside Adrielle’s office.
Adrielle sat at her desk, eyes glued to her laptop, fingers typing away with precision. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, and Cassandra could tell she was completely locked in.
Leaning against the doorframe, Cassandra crossed her arms. "I know you have a deep, passionate love affair with your laptop, but I think it’s time you say goodbye for the night."
Adrielle didn’t look up. "Five more minutes."
Cassandra strolled over, plucking the glasses off Adrielle’s face and placing them on the table. "Nope. You said that thirty minutes ago."
Adrielle blinked at her, momentarily thrown off. "I need to—"
"We need to eat. We need to sleep. And you, my dear CEO, need to rest that overworked brain of yours." Cassandra tapped her forehead lightly before shutting the laptop.
Adrielle sighed, finally leaning back in her chair. "You win."
Cassandra smirked. "I always do." She reached for Adrielle’s hand and tugged her up. "Come on, we’re getting takeout."
The car ride was comfortably quiet, filled only with the soft hum of the radio. Cassandra drove with one hand, the other resting lazily on the gearshift. Adrielle, now visibly more relaxed, scrolled through her phone absentmindedly.
“Ano gusto mong kainin?” Cassandra asked.
“Hmm… something easy. Maybe yung Thai place natin?”
Cassandra hummed. “Gusto mo lang yung spicy chicken mo.”
Adrielle smirked. “At gusto mo lang ng excuse para umorder ng dalawang mango sticky rice.”
“Gotta have my priorities straight.” Cassandra shot her a grin.
They stopped by their usual takeout spot, the familiar scent of spices filling the car as they drove the rest of the way home.
The moment they got home, both kicked off their shoes and flopped onto the living room floor, setting their food in front of them.
"We have a perfectly good dining table," Adrielle pointed out as she opened her takeout box.
"And yet, here we are," Cassandra replied, popping open her drink.
Adrielle laughed softly, nudging Cassandra’s knee with her foot. "You’re impossible."
"And yet, here you are." Cassandra threw her words back at her, grinning.
They ate in comfortable silence, the weight of the day finally settling in. Their bodies were tired, but there was a quiet satisfaction in knowing they had taken steps to steady things.
As Cassandra finished her meal, she glanced over at Adrielle, who was staring at her phone again, reading through emails.
"Work email?" Cassandra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Mm."
"Dri, put the phone down."
Adrielle sighed but placed her phone aside, giving Cassandra a look. "You’re bossy."
"And you love it," Cassandra teased, leaning her head against Adrielle’s shoulder.
Adrielle let out a soft chuckle, wrapping an arm around Cassandra’s waist. "Yeah, I do."
Cassandra let out a satisfied hum, sinking further into the warmth of Adrielle’s embrace. They stayed like that for a while, letting the stillness of their home wrap around them.
After finishing their meal, Cassandra leaned against Adrielle’s shoulder, sighing softly.
“Long day,” she murmured.
Adrielle hummed in agreement, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Cassandra’s head. “We did good today.”
Cassandra smiled, closing her eyes briefly. “Yeah… we did.”
Neither of them needed to say anything more. They just sat there, letting the warmth of each other’s presence make up for the exhaustion.
Eventually, they made their way to bed, slipping under the covers, the familiar scent of home wrapping around them. Adrielle pulled Cassandra close, their legs tangling naturally, as if this was the most effortless thing in the world.
As sleep started to pull them under, Cassandra whispered, “Night, Dri.”
Adrielle tightened her hold around her. “Good night, Cass.”
And just like that, the world outside faded away.