Rozzean Cyron Valleje's POV
"Good morning, sir!"
"Good morning, Mr. Valleje!"
It was not a good morning because I am not feeling well today, but I had to smile back at the workers who greeted me.
"Good morning, Mr. Valleje."
I nodded to my secretary. She's walking with me while reminding me of my schedules for today.
I arrived early at my company for the work that needed to be finished. I looked at my watch to check the time.
7:45 am.
"What's my first meeting for today, Miss Salas?" I asked my secretary.
It's early, but my head is already aching. This is probably the effect of working overnight.
"You have a meeting with the production team about the new RCV product at exactly 9:00 am, Mr. Valleje."
RCV is my own company. I can say that I've worked hard to establish this company. I've had setbacks that nearly shattered my self-confidence before I reached my current position.
"As far as I can remember, I already talked to the production team last week. I approved everything. All the materials look good to me, and I don't see any problems. What's the issue this time? They're really working hard, huh?"
Miss Salas smiled at me. "Maybe they just want to impress you, sir."
It's actually about the new product we're launching this month. That's why everyone is busy. This is what I like about my employees – they're hardworking and professional.
"Sir, Bizz Entertainment wants to schedule an interview with you. It's for their new magazine. They want to feature you again in this year's bachelor magazine for successful bachelor businessmen. Based on your schedule, you have some free time this afternoon..."
I raised my hand and looked at Miss Salas.
"I'm going home early. If they want to do it next week, I'll attend the interview then."
She nodded, and I continued walking. This week had been a hectic one for me. There were numerous meetings that needed to be completed and papers to sign before the end of the day. I massaged my temples as I began to feel a headache coming on.
I needed to go home early; otherwise, this headache could become worse later.
As I entered my office, I was surprised to see my father there. What was he doing here?
"Mr. Valleje," I greeted him.
The expression on his face suggested that he had something important to discuss. I approached him and gave a slight bow. I showed him respect because, in the workplace, he was not my father but Mr. Valleje.
He was one of the highly respected and successful businessmen in the country.
"You're here early."
"I should be, Mr. Valleje. The company has a lot of work to do, and the CEO should start as early as possible."
He nodded in agreement and then walked over, taking a seat on the sofa.
"When are you going to visit us, Cyron?"
I thought he was going to discuss business matters.
I set my suitcase down and walked closer to my father. Taking a seat in front of him.
"I have a lot of work to do, Mr. Valleje. The company is launching a new product this month. We are running out of time, and if—"
"Reasons. You're working even on weekends, Cyron?"
"Yes, Mr. Valleje. I'm ensuring that everything in my company is running smoothly."
He shook his head, as if he couldn't believe it. I remained silent, waiting for him to continue. I knew that he was a hard worker, too, and I inherited that trait from him. I had seen his dedication to his work when I was younger. I understood that he worked hard to secure a better future for us, as he always reminded us.
"Even on the weekends?" He shook his head again.
Despite having started my own company, he rarely acknowledged my achievements. He only seemed to focus on my brothers' successes. I couldn't remember the last time he had acknowledged my accomplishments. In fact, when I faced difficulties with my business and thought I had enough knowledge to run it, he invested in it at first. But when I experienced setbacks, he didn't offer words of encouragement or moral support; instead, he blamed me for my perceived incompetence.
He had told me back then that I was too young to have my own company.
I actually started RCV when I was 28. My brother Aloncious supported me and invested in the company, and so did Dad. However, I knew he did it more to be able to say he'd contributed in some way.
But when RCV encountered difficulties, he laughed at me and claimed that I had been hasty. That's not how business works, he said.
From that point on, I stopped seeking help from Dad and crawled my way up alone.
As my company gained more investors, I worked diligently to maintain their trust. As the business grew, so did the number of people who believed in me.
"I am working even on weekends, Mr. Valleje," I continued. "Alright, when I have some time, I'll come home for a visit—"
"I can't wait, Cyron. Your mother wants to see you. I expect you next week."
He got up, and I followed.
"Also, Taki misses you. The little kid keeps asking me where you are. Since he left your house, he's been crying a lot."
I miss him, too.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Valleje. After this month, I will bring Taki back and find a nanny."
My father nodded and left my office without saying another word.
I loosened my tie and sat back in my swivel chair, massaging my temples as my headache grew more intense.
"The day just started, Rozzean... patience... you have a lot more to do."
I pressed the intercom and requested for a black coffee. I began reading the papers that had arrived, awaiting my signature.
I didn't expect my father to come here this early. It's been a month since we last met.
But he didn't mention anything about his company, as he usually does. I sighed. Whenever we meet at events where RCV and his company, Larzon Inc., are invited, he always talks about how capable Luther is in running it.
How Luther attracts new investors and garners international recognition.
Luther Rico Valleje. He's an adopted child of my parents, two years older than me.
"Father is still the same."
He still doesn't look at me and acknowledge what I've accomplished. He's the same person who doubted my skills and knowledge in business.
"It's okay, Rozzean. You've done well, you're doing very well. You don't have to prove anything to him."
I sighed heavily and rested my head.
But I want to be noticed by Dad. Even just once. I want to hear him say he's so proud of me for all the achievements I have right now, all the rewards my company has received. The company I built on my own.
I closed my eyes and smiled with the realization.
"I am 33 and still craving for the care and love of a family."
Mr. Valleje is a strict father. There are three of us, all boys. I'm the youngest. Since then, I rarely felt my parents' love.
Our parents were so busy running all our businesses. Often, it was the maids who took care of us.
That's why I have a soft spot for maids.