2 Is she my Yvory?

The employees of Cozy Bell Hotel and Resort are standing by their respective positions. Their new boss is already in the vicinity and rumors are spreading that he is driving his own car.

I am not ready for this. What if he recognizes me? I think I should leave early.

Those are my thoughts. I have been having second thoughts ever since I heard his name and saw his picture from the Internet. I am afraid of the hurtful words that he might say to me. You might ask what makes me so afraid to see him again. It is because I hurt him. I was the one who ended the relationship 3 years ago.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered here today to welcome our new CEO. He is the son of Mr. Vince Eric Gray. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration National Institute and pursued his Master's Degree in Sydney, Australia. Let us give a warm round of applause to Mr. Vincent Gray!"

The hall was filled with claps from the employees. Most of the managers even exchange hands with him as he walks towards the stage to give his speech.

Most of the employees are here in this room. It is impossible to notice me if not for this speech! I can't back down. I can only hope that he will not recognize me.

"Thank you. Please take your seats. You were able to make this extravagant welcome event for me in a short notice. You truly amazed me! You really lived up to the positive feed backs I heard about this hotel. However, as your new CEO, I will not be contented with being one of the best. Let's reach another star and be the BEST in this field. Let's make Cozy Bell Hotel and Resort, the go-to hotel and resort. I know that the road will be long and difficult. Please join me and be with me every step of the way. That's all"

And he concluded his short speech with a bow and he received applause and a standing ovation from his employees.

He is really amazing. It seems that he hasn't changed since then. He still values every good deed that a person does to him. I'm just happy that whatever I did to him three years ago doesn't seem to affect his views about people, in general.

After a few minutes, he went back to his seat and and the people took their seats. I guess it will be my turn next.

"Thank you very much for that motivational speech, Mr. Vincent Gray. And now to formalize our response to you, we have one of our shift managers from the Customer Service Department. She is Yve Smith. Please give her a round of applause."

That is my cue. I guess there is no turning back now.

"Good day to all of you and welcome to Mr. Vincent Gray. Today we heard his future plans for our beloved second home. Many of us are shocked and afraid of his new plans yet we are excited to hear the good effects that it might bring. To Mr. Gray please bear with all of our possible rants as we are only human. As much as we want to remain professional within the workplace, certain instances might prevent us. Please also understand that there are some emergency situations that are unplanned which can affect our working time. But among all of these negativity, rest assured that we will work our absolute best most of the time. You can count on us as we strive for the BEST that you foresee and the BEST that we want to see and experience. Once again, in behalf of the Cozy Bell Hotel and Resort, I welcome you aboard."

With a bow, I concluded my speech and heard their applause. As I walk down the stairs I saw most of the people giving their standing ovation. I was relieved.

Or I thought I would be..... until I saw HIM walking towards me.

Who is HIM? He is none other than Vincent.....

He extends his right hand to me. I think he is asking for a handshake but I am not sure.

"What are you waiting for?" Mr. Reyes asked. He is looking at me with piercing eyes.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I am not used to this." With that sentence I extend my hand to Mr. Gray for a handshake.

"Have I met you before?"

I look at him eyes to eyes and for sure my face gave me away but then Mr. Reyes said,

"That is impossible, Mr. Gray. She was not on the list of the supervisors and managers that were sent to Australia for your debriefing."

"Oh, I see. But I just have a feeling that I know her."

I evade his eyes and look at Mr. Reyes. For the first time, I feel so grateful that he resents me so much. I can see his head signaling me to go away. And because I also want to go away, I politely asked permission and said,

"Excuse me, Mr. Reyes and Mr. Gray, I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Gray." With that I bowed to the both of them and left.

As I was walking away, my back facing them, I sighed a relief knowing that he has a gut feeling but he didn't recognize me. But deep inside, I think I am hurting. Hurting because he has moved on and has forgotten about me.

----------------------------------------------------------

Vincent's POV

"I think I also need to go to my office, Mr. Reyes."

Without waiting his reply, I decided to walk away. I somehow hated him. I know that he wants to make me think that he is the only person I can go to in this company. Well, I think the shift manager is more trustworthy than him. It's just she has the same name as her. Could she be the one? But that would be impossible. She studied a different field.

"Vince..... Vince.... VINCENT!!!"

"Seriously, you don't need to shout!"

That was my cousin and my secretary, Edward. His full name is Edward Reid. It is his first time here in the Philippines but when I was in Australia, I told him all the things that happened to me. Even with Yvory.

"I know, bro. It's just I have been talking to you about your schedule today and you are not answering me. Are you ok?"

"Yes."

"Maybe it's a wrong idea to report to work upon arriving. I'll just cancel your meetings this afternoon. I think the investors will understand."

"No, I'm fine. I'll just need a short nap at the office."

"Okay. Then I will not let anyone disturb your sleep."

"Thanks, Ed."

With that Edward is about to leave my office, when I call out to him.

"Ed?"

"Yes?"

"Can you give me the information about that Yve Smith, the lady who made a speech? Just what she submitted to the company."

"I know what you're thinking, Vince."

I looked away and blushed a little bit.

"Don't worry. I am already working on it. You will see the papers on your desk tomorrow."

"Thanks but have them emailed to me by this evening, instead."

"Tsk3x. Okay then. Enjoy your nap."

"Thanks bro."