Ninoy International Airport:
Three hours before arriving in Japan,
There were countless hugs, and the tears seemed unending as Ashley and her family said their goodbyes. Her parents and brothers were full of last-minute pieces of advice they felt they needed to share.
"Whatever happens...if you don’t like your work, or your boss mistreats you, don’t hesitate to come right back home. Do you understand?" Jessie, her father, had said to her, his voice full of concern.
Mrs. Gusman’s tears streamed like waterfalls. She felt her heart being pulled as she held her daughter tightly. She didn’t want to let her go.
"My dear, don’t forget, your purity is a treasure too precious to be bought with money. It can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t let any man take advantage of you. Remember, wedding first before..."
Mrs. Gusman didn’t get to finish this sentiment, as the P.A. announcing Ashley’s flight interrupted her. It was already time to board.
"Mom! Mom, they’re calling my flight! I need to go now," Ashley said as she began pulling away from her mother’s tight embrace. "Don’t worry; I remember everything you and Dad have taught me."
She gave her mother a sweet kiss on the cheek and quickly kissed her crying Dad and brothers.
"Little Sis, " Arman called out, "if anyone fools with you, call me. Japan isn’t that far. I’m always only a few hours away. Don’t forget that, do you hear me?"
"Fighting," her brothers yelled together excitedly.
"Fighting," Ashley responded with a smile, and eyes filled with tears. "Goodbye! Please don’t worry! I’ll take good care of myself. I’ll call as soon as I land, " she shouted to her family as she walked away.
This was Ashley’s first international flight. It will take three hours to fly to Japan. As she walked toward the terminal, her eyes were glued to her phone. She was so focused she didn’t notice she was about to bump into someone...
Bam! Ashley ran right into a tall, handsome man. Speechless, she dropped her phone. The man caught it just before it hit the ground. Ashley was stunned as she stared at his handsome cold face.
She quickly moved back to put some distance between her and the stranger. "I’m so sorry, sir. Thank you," she said. She couldn’t help but notice his eyes. They were such a beautiful, deep blue it feels like she was looking at the sea. They were like magnets, bewitching her to move closer to him.
She didn’t realize how close she had moved towards the man. They were only a breath away from their lips touching. She was in a daze. The man chuckled quietly at her enchanted state. He found himself amused. Instead of stepping away, he moved closer, breathing in her alluring scent.
"What kind of perfume are you wearing?" The man asked Ashley curiously.
His calm voice snapped her back to her senses like a pail of cold water. "Excuse me? Perfume? Oh, I’m sorry. I’m not wearing any. It must just be my shampoo," Ashley managed to reply.
She was about to say something else when she heard her name being called.
"Passenger Ashley Gusman, please come to gate 12. This is your last call, passenger Ashley Gusman." The customer service at the flight desk making the announcement.
"Oh...I’m sorry. That’s me. I have to go." She sprinted to the terminal where the plane was waiting without looking back. She didn’t realize that she had forgotten her cellphone being in a rush to get to gate 12.
"Hmmm...so her name is Ashley Gusman," he mumbles to himself. Before continuing towards where his private jet awaits him.
While Tanaga Jones walked toward the private jet that was waiting for him, he realized Ashley’s phone was still in his hands. He was reluctant. Should I go after her, or wait for her to come looking for it? After contemplating his options, he decided he would let her come to him.
Until we meet again....he thought.
CEO Tanaga Jones had no idea, but he would meet Ashley Gusman again...the very next day. She would come in his life like a Tsunami and will sweep his heart out like there’s no tomorrow...