Substituting My Sister

by alegnaelle

The pain doesn't go away. You just get used to it. You learn to live with it as if
it isn't there.

I got used to their rejection. I learned to live with their dismissal. But getting
used to being your second choice? Learning to live with the fact that you're not
supposed to be mine? It's not that easy.To the point I don't think it's going to
happen.

THIS HAS A CRAPPY ENDING. DON'T BOTHER READING THIS

=================

My Sister's Substitute

I get it. She's beautiful. She's kind. She's obedient. She's the epitome of the
perfect daughter. She's everyone's favorite. And we lost her. Because of me? Maybe.
They'll never know. They didn't bother to ask. It was pretty much assumed that it
was my fault. I'm alive. She's dead. End of story.

Even from childhood, I'm used to being second best to my parent's. I guess that's
just the way the world goes.

Pero tangina lang! Pati ba naman sa mapapangasawa ko, pangalawa ako?!

=================

Prologue

Brianna’s POV

It’s her burial today. She’s too young to be dead. I’ve never seen
her truly happy and this happens. I wish I took the time to be close to her.
FLASHBACK

“Ano? Iinom tayo? Okay ka lang ba Bea?” tanong ko sa kapatid ko.

Umiling lang siya

“Bea tama na yan. Lasing ka na,” pigil ko. I know for a fact she
doesn’t drink. She can’t even go over two glasses of wine and now she thinks she
can handle hard drinks?

“Bea, utang na loob. Ako na ang magdadrive. Di mo na kaya,”

pakiusap ko. Pero ayaw niya ibigay ang susi kasi kotse naman daw niya yun.

“Bea hit the brakes or get out of the way!” sigaw ko sa kanya. What
the fuck is she thinking? Can she not see the truck?
END OF FLASHBACK

That night took so much from my parents. Their favorite daughter

and their supposed heir to the business.

Ang di alam o naisip man lang nang lahat, mas nawalan ako. Di lang
kapatid nawala sa akin. I lost my parents and whatever affection they had for me.
Kasi kasalanan ko. Kung di ko lang pinayagan si Bea na uminom. Kung di ko lang siya
hinayaan uminom ng ganun karami. Kung pinilit ko lang siyang ako ang magmaneho.
Nandito pa sana ang anak nila. Ang prinsesa nila.

=================

Chapter 1

Brianna’s POV

Dumeretso na ako sa condo galing ng sementeryo. Kahit nakasling ang

kaliwang braso ko, makakaya ko naman siguro. Thanks God for small mercies that it’s
my left arm. Wala naman silbi kung sa mansion ako uuwi. It’s not as if my parents
are going to fuss over me. Kung tutuusin, dalawang beses lang kami nagkita ng mga
magulang ko simula nung aksidente. Nung pumunta sila sa ospital kasama ang pulis
para kunin ang statement ko at kanina sa libing.
 Mabuti na lang nakilibing ang mga kaibigan ko. May maghahatid sa
akin sa condo. Nauna na ang kambal na kaibigan ko at si Jenny na lang naghatid sa
akin. Mabuti na lang at pinayagan ito ng asawa ngayon na walang driver. Tahimik
lang siyang nagmamaneho. Nakaramdam yata na ayaw kong magsalita.

Di nagtagal at nasa harap na kami ng building ko. “Thanks for the

ride Jen,” sabi ko at ngumiti pero alam kong di yun umabot sa mata ko.

“It’s nothing. Ba’t kasi ayaw mong sa bahay na lang magstay? Alam
mo namang okay lang kay Jake. Para naman di ka mahirapan mag-isa,” pagpupumilit
niya ulit. Siya at an kambal kong mga kaibigan ang nag-alaga sa akin ng lumabas ako
ng ospital. Nakitira ako sandali sa kambal nung kakalabas ko at kahapon lan ako
bumalik sa sarili kong condo.

“Sanay akong mag-isa Jen. Di ko lang matanggihan ang kambal nun

kaya ako pumayag nna sa kanila muna mamalagi. Kaya ko naman sarili ko at di naman
ako napuruhan,” paliwanag ko.

Tumango naman siya. “Sige. Basta pag may kailangan ka o di mo na

kaya, tumawag ka ah,” bilin niya.
 Natawa naman ako ng bahagya at tumango. “Oo na.”

Kakatapos ko lang magshower at sa awa ng Diyos, nakayanan naman.

Pantulog na agad sinuot ko. And when I say pantulog, I mean lingerie, meaning a few
thin scraps of silk sewn together. Pupunta na sana ako sa telepono sa sala para
magpadeliver ng pagkain. I don’t want to cook right now. It must be Jenny or the
twins, Charmaine or Chantelle.

Nagsuot na lang ako ng silk robe. Pero wala rin namanng pagbabago.
Kasing nipis lang nun ang suot kong pantulog. Binuksan ko agad ang pinto dahil
palakas na ng palakas ang pagtunog nito.
 “Eric?!” gulat kong sabi. “What the hell are you doing here?” si
Eric lang pala. The supposed fiancé of my now dead sister. I should’ve known that
the twins or Jenny won’t see me. Sinabi kong kayak o kaya maniniwala ang mga yun.

Mukha siyang nag-aalala na natatakot. “Ba’t ang tagal mong

makabukas ng pinto sabi?” tanong niya habang naglakad papunta sa couch at umupo.

“Ang hirap kaya magbihis na isang lang ang kamay,” pabalang kong
sagot. “Ano bang ginagawa mo dito? Shouldn’t you be in mourning or something?”

“I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Nag-alala ako sayo nung
napansin kong bigla ka na lang nawala. Tsaka ano ba yang suot mo? di ka ba
giginawin niyan?” tanong niya.
 Hinigpitan ko ang pagkakatali sa robe ko. “Nakita mo ng okay lang
ako. Makakaalis ka na,” sabi ko.

Seriously, I don’t know what’s wrong with this guy. Ba’t ba parang
sobrang concerned naman niya sa akin? Di naman kami close, kahit nung buhay pa ang
kapatid ko. “Ano ba Brianna?! Nag-aalala na nga yung tao sayo, tinataboy mo pa!”
sigaw niya. Ano bang problema niya?

“Ba’t ka naman kasi mag-aalala? Di naman kita kaano-ano!” sigaw ko

rin.

“Damn! Bahala ka na nga,” sabi niya sabay sabunot sa sarili. Di

nagtagal ay tumalikod siya at umalis sabay bagsak ng pinto.

Ano kayang problema nun?

=================
Chapter 2

Brianna’s POV

I can’t believe how some people can be. Take my parents for
example. Di man lang naiisip na kakagaling ko lang sa aksidente at di pa ako
nakakapagmaneho, pinapapapunta na ako sa bahay nila. Nagtaxi na lang ako papunta.
Kahit ayaw ko pa silang makita, wala akong magagawa. I can’t avoid them forever. As
much as I’d like to try.

Pinapasok ako ng maid. Mukhang napapabayaan na nila ang bahay ah.

Pumunta ako sa dining room, God knows why they invited me for dinner. It’s not as
if they actually want to see me. “Good evening po,” I muttered. Di na ako nabigla
ng maabutan ko si Eric. “Hi Eric.” Nginitian ko lang to ng tipid. Don’t get me
wrong, di ko kinakahiya ang inasal ko nung huli kaming magkita.

I took a seat in the only vacant table, facing my father. Tahimik

lang kaming kumakain ni Mama. Si Dad lang at Eric ang madalas magkausap. “The
reason I called you here Brianna, is to tell you that you are going to marry Eric?”
 “Say what?! Are you serious?” I all but screamed at him. Tiningnan
ko si Mama na di makatingin ng diretso sa mata ko, same as Eric. “Dad you can’t do
this.”

“I can and I will Brianna. I already did. Wala ka ng magagawa. My

decision is final. You are going to marry Eric,” he said calmly. Nasisiraan na ba
siya? Baka nakalimutan niyang ang nakakatanda niyang anak ang kausap ngayon. “Don’t
worry, after two years pa ang kasal. We still have to respect your sister’s recent
death after all,” he continued.

See? He respects the fact that my sister recently died that’s why
the supposed wedding is going to happen in two years. But did he respect the fact
that I might not want to marry my sister’s fiancé? I guess this is what I get for
not being the favorite child. Ganito kasi yan, ipinanganak ako ng binabangon pa ni
Dad ang kumpanya namin. Pinanganak si Beatrice nung naibangon na niya. I was four
years old that time. I never had single decent memory of my father and me together.
He was always busy. Then when Bea was born, he had time for her. Maybe that’s why
she’s the favorite.

“Dad, did you even consider that maybe I don’t want to marry him?”
I asked as calmly as I could. Wala akong makitang emosyon na kahit ano sa mukha
niya. Wala ba talaga siyang pakialam sa akin?
 “Let’s not be melodramatic here. I did not consider that because I
wasn’t going to give you a choice anyway. Minsan na lang nga ako may hilingin sayo,
ipagkakait mo pa?” pangongonsensya niya.

“I’m sorry for saying this Dad but, hindi ako si Beatrice. Di mo
ako mapipilit gawin ang gusto niyong mangyari. I have a mind of my own. Tanggapin
niyo na lang. Patay na ang kapatid ko. At di mo siya mabubuhay sa katauhan ko,”
sabi ko.

(insert sound effects of sampal here)”How dare you?” he shouted.

Napatayo si Mama at Eric pero wala lang sa akin yun. I’ve been expecting it
actually. “If you were more like your sister, if you had sense like her, we
wouldn’t be in this goddamn situation and she would’ve been still alive!”

“Tito, tama na,” pigil ni Eric pero walang narinig si Dad.

“Stay out of this Eric,” sabi ni Dad na nakatingin pa rin sa akin.

 Huminga ako ng malalim at nag-ipon ng lakas ng loob. “So it finally
came out. You’re blaming me for her death right? Sinabi niyo na lang sana agad.
Alam ko naman na ako sinisisi niyo eh. Maybe it’s time I burst your bubble father
dear. Si Beatrice ang nag-ayang uminom. Si Beatrice ang nagpumilit na magmaneho. Si
Beatrice ang muntik bumangga sa truck. All I did was grabbed the wheel pero inalis
niya kamay ko kaya sa puno kami bumangga.”

Namumula na sa galit si Dad. Pati na rin si Mama. They can’t bear

to here bad things about my dear sister. “Tumigil ka na Brianna,” pigil ni Mom sa
akin.

“Why? You can’t bear to hear the truth? Kilala niyo ako. I’m in a
bar almost every night. You think I’d take my sister to a bar? Mamanstahan ko ang
malinis na reputasyon niya? I’m not that much of a bad influence,” nakangiti kong
sabi. Oo, unang beses to na pinagbuhatan ako ng kamay ng tatay ko. But I’ve been
through much worse. What’s one more right? “Now you punish me by marrying me off to
Eric? He’s even worse than Beatrice. You can’t expect me to marry him and sleep
with him. He’s so damn serious in work. He doesn’t know how to have fun,” I said
facing him. We both know I’m lying where he’s concerned. “He probably doesn’t know
how to perform in bed,” I taunted him. The truth is, sa minsan ko paggala pag gabi,
nagkikita kami. The twins think he’s hot and they wondered why my sister was
marrying him and not me. Iba ibang babae kasama niya sa tuwing nagkikita kami at
alam ng kapatid ko yun pero wala siyang pakialam kasi di naman niya mahal. “He’s
probably frigid or having an erectile dysfunction since no girl has been linked to
him.”

Kung aangal siya sa mga sinasabi ko, mapapasama pa rin ang tingin
sa kanya ng mga magulang ko. If he’s going to contradict everything I said, he’ll
come out as manwhore. Either he save his male ego or save his good boy reputation.
“Wag mong itulad si Eric sayo,” depensa ni Dad. “Just because you’re promiscuous,
doesn’t mean you have the right to insult him like that.”

“Whatever. You want me to marry him? Fine!” I said carelessly.

Kung iisipin nila na wala akong pakialam, bahala sila. Di naman talaga nila ako
kilala. For goodness’ sake. Ni hindi nga ako nagbabar, tapos maniniwala sila agad
na nagpaparty ako gabi gabi? “Pero wag kang umasa na kadugo mo ang susunod na
tagapagmana ng kumpanya mo. There’s no way in hell I’m sleeping with him to give
you an heir. There’s no way I’d let you use me just like how you used my sister.
Ibahin niyo ako ako sa kapatid ko. Di ako santo. May hangganan ang kakaunting
kabaitan meron ako. Sawa na akong maging parang hangin sa letseng pamilyang to!”

With that said, I walked out.

=================

Chapter 3

Brianna’s POV

“Get him on the line Jess,” sabi ko sa kabilang linya. Tumawag raw
kasi si Eric. Kahapon pa to paulit ulit na tumatawag dito sa opisina. Akala ko
tinigilan na ako. Can’t he see that I don’t want to talk to him? It’s annoying.
“Yes, hello?” sabi ko sa telepono. Mabuti na lang pala wala siyang cellphone number
ko.
 “Kahapon pa ako tawag ng tawag ba’t ngayon mo lang sinagot?” medyo
galit niyang tanong sa kabilang linya.

Huminga ako ng malalim at nag-ipon ng pasensya. Sino ba siya sa

akala niya? Ngayong wala na ang kapatid ko, wala ng nag-uugnay sa amin. “May I
just remind you Eric, that my sister is dead? There is nothing that connects us any
longer. Kaya pwedeng kong di sagutin ang tawag mo kung ayaw ko.” Di ko nagawang
itago ang inis sa boses ko. “Ano bang kailangan mo?”

“We need to talk. Magkita tayo mamayang alas kwatro sa coffee shop
malapit sa building niyo,” utos niya. Akala mo naman kung sinong close sa akin para
makautos ng ganun.

“Look Eric, one thing you and my father have in common is that you
both think I’m like my sister. Di ako sunod sunuran sa mga kung anong gusto niyong
mangyari. I am not going in that fucking coffee shop. I am not going to see you any
time soon. And this is the last time I’m saying this, pagod na akong ulit ulitin
ito, I AM NOT GOING TO MARRY YOU! Kaya wala na tayong dapat pag-usapan.” mahina
kong sabi pero may diin sa mga huling salita. Narinig ko ang pagsinghap niya sa
kabilang linya. At bago pa siya makapagsalita, binaba ko na ang telepono.
 Damn it. Ba’t kailangang umulan pa ngayon. Makikipagunahan pa ako
sa taxi sa mga empleyado ng building na to. Papalabas na ako ng building ng marinig
ko ang isang pamilyar na boses na tumatawag sa pangalan ko.

“Brianna,” mahina na pagkakasabi ni Eric, pero di niya naitago ang

inis dun. “I told you to meet me in the coffee shop,” he said angrily but quietly.

I smiled sarcastically. “And I told you I wasn’t coming. Just be

thankful it rained. It actually gave you the chance to say what you really wanted
to say,” I said smiling. One thing I’m grateful for my family is that the taught me
how to lie beautifully. Being with them trained me on how to not show any negative
feelings. For twenty five years, I have learned the art of the poker face and the
fake smile. Kaya kayang kaya kong makipagplastikan kay Eric ngayon.
 Lumingon lingon siya sa paligid at napansin niyang marami rami pang
tao at pinagtitinginan na kami. Ang pamilya namin ang may-ari ng building na to at
naipakilala na siya bilang fiancé ng kapatid ko. Nagtataka siguro ang mga tao ba’t
kami magkasama ngayon. “We are going to talk but not here,” he said as he dragged
me outside. “Hintayin mo ako dito,” sabi niya habang tumakbo sa parking lot. Kung
pwede ko lang sana siyang takasan ay ginawa ko na. Di nagtagal ay nadala na niya
ang kotse niya sa harap ng building. Inabot niya ang pinto at binuksan yun.
“Sakay,” utos niya. Wala na akong magawa kundi sumunod.

He just drove on and I didn’t bother asking where we’re headed.

Wala na akong pakialam. I can’t help but feel I have no control over all of this.
Di rin siya nagsasalita, for which I’m grateful. Nabibwisit akong marinig ang boses
niya na parang sa tatay ko lang. Puro utos, walang pakiusap.

“Di mo ba itatanong saan tayo pupunta?” bigla niyang tanong habang

hinihintay ang green light.

“Para ano pa? Pwede bang sabihin mo na lang kung ano ang gusto mong
sabihin para makauwi na ako?” irritable kong sagot.
 Napailing na lang siya at ngumiti ng konti. May nakakatawa ba sa
sinabi ko? Di ko namalayan na naipark na niya ang kotse sa harap ng isang
restaurant. It didn’t really look expensive but it seemed a good enough place. Di
na siya nag-aksaya ng panahon para pagbuksan ako ng pinto o alalayan. Sabihin na
lang natin na umuulan kaya nagmamadali siya. Or sadyang di lang siya gentleman.

Wala akong magawa kundi lumabas at sumunod sa kanya. Pagkapasok ko

ay agad tumambad sa akin ang masasarap na amoy ng pagkain. Maybe this place isn’t
so bad after all. Nakakita siya ng bakanteng table at dumeretso kami doon.

Pagkatapos niyang umorder ay di ko na napigilan ang sarili kong

magtanong. “Ano ba talagang pag-uusapan natin Eric? Utang na loob sabihin mo na,
pagod na ako,” inis kong sabi.

“Di ba pwedeng kumain muna tayo Bri?” inis niya ring tanong.
“Dalawang oras akong naghintay sa coffee shop kanina.”
 “Sino bang nagsabi sayo na maghintay ka. Sinabi ko na di ako
pupunta diba?” galit ko ng tanong. Pinapalabas pa niyang kasalanan ko. Sinabi ko
nga na di ako pupunta, pumunta pa rin siya. May saltik yata to eh.

Dumating ang pagkain namin at tahimik kaming kumain. Pasalamat siya

gutom ako at di ako allergic sa inorder niya. Kakahatid lang ng waiter ng dessert
at kakakuha lang rin niya ng mga pinagkainan namin. “Just one question Bri, why
don’t you want to marry me?” he asked without hesitation.

“Di tayo close kaya wag mo akong tawagin na Bri,” inis kong sabi.
“Either you’re stupid or just playing dumb. Di pa ba obvious ang dahilan ba’t ayaw
kong pakasal sayo? You were my sister’s fiancé for goodness’ sake. It would seem
wrong on so many levels,” I explained irritably. “Besides, I’m tired of being
pitied. Ayaw ko ng magmukhang kawawa. At yun ang mangyayari kung magpapakasal tayo.
It would be too obvious. I’m already second best to my sister in our parent’s
perspective. I don’t want to marry someone who was supposed to marry my sister.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe in love and all that shit, pero kung
magpapakasal man ako, gusto ko sa lalaking ako yung gusto, ako yung pinili, di yung
pakakasalan ako kasi namatay ang kapatid ko na mismong pakakasalan niya.”

“What if I told you I would have chosen you if I was given a

choice,” he told me quietly looking me in the eye.
 Wait. What? Nagpapatawa ba siya? “Wag nga tayong maglokohan Eric.
If you preferred me over my sister, you should’ve said so. So wag ka ng
magsinungaling diyan. You chose her. You agreed to marry her. Now face the
consequences of her death. Wag kang mag-aalala. Mapapasayo pa rin ang kumpanya ni
Dad. Pero maghanap ka ng ibang babaeng mauuto na pakasalan ka. Wag mo na akong
idamay,” kalmado kong sabi. “Thanks for dinner,” sabi ko nalang at tumayo. At
ngayon alam kong di niya na ako pipigilan.

=================

Chapter 4

Brianna’s POV

Kumatok at pumasok sa pinto ang sekretarya ko. “I’ll just remind

you of you meeting with the president and the Malaysian partners at nine am Ma’am,”
she said. Damn, I almost forgot I had to meet the new partners along with Dad. Ba’t
kasi di na lang si Eric kasama niya.

Nakita kong sampung minuto na lang bago mag aalas nuwebe. Huminga
ako ng malalim at tiningnan si Jess. “Thanks Jess,” I said thanking her. Ngumiti
lang siya at lumabas na.
 Tumayo ako hinarap ang view sa labas ng opisina ko. I can’t help
but think of running away from this life. Pagod na ako. Simula pagkabata ginawa ko
na lahat mapansin man lang ako ni Dad. My sister was the perfect daughter but I was
the perfect child. Kahit anong gusto nila o kung ano sa tingin ko ang magpapasaya
mga magulang ko, ginawa ko. I was class valedictorian both elementary and high
school. Pero nung college na ako, naramdaman kong wala man lang pakialam parents ko
sa achievements ko. So I didn’t bother aiming for cum laude. Okay na sa akin ang
mapasama sa DL. Pumasok ako sa kumpanya naming kasi akala ko baka maging proud na
sa akin si Dad pero wala lang pala. Ni hindi niya alam na ako ang COO ngayon. In
just a matter of three years I became the chief operating officer without any
acknowledgement from the company president who is my father. Nakakabwiset lang na
ang iniisip ng ibang empleyado dito, narating ko ang posisyong to dahil anak ako ng
may-ari. Di lang nila alam, minsan lang naaalala ng may-ari na nandito nagtatrabaho
anak niya.

Lumabas ako ng opisina at tinungo ang boardroom. Nabigla ako ng

maabutan ko si kasama si Dad at ang Malaysian partners. “Good morning,” bati ko sa
kanila at lumapit.

“Gentleman, my daughter, Brianna Rodriguez, soon to be Mrs. Ericson

dela Vega,” Dad introduced. I shook the hands they offered and pasted a fake smile.
Puntangina lang. How many times do I have to tell them I’m not marrying Eric? What
exactly do they take me for? A robot who they can control?

Lumapit naman sa kin si Eric at pinulupot ang isang braso sa

baywang ko at humalik sa aking pisngi. I know this is all for show for the sake of
the investors but what the hell? Tahimik lang akong umupo sa isa sa mga upuan
habang sila lang ang nag-uusap. Tumatango lang ako pag ako na ang tinatanong.
 May plano kasi silang magpatayo ng isang residential resort sa
isang maliit na town somewhere in Davao region. Since di pwede foreign investors
lang ang makinabang, kami ang kinuha nilang partners para sa project na ito. “Miss
Rodriguez, what do you think of the property?” tanong nung isang matanda na parang
Boss nialng lahat.

“In all honesty, it seems a very good investment. Along with the
help f the town’s mayor, I’m sure we can convince the current owners to let us buy
the land. Almost all of them want to be paid in lump sum since they all seem to
need the money. Only one of the owners agreed to the original proposal of having a
small share. It seems as if he is the only one who is educated enough to see the
advantages of the original proposal,” I explained. I’ve been to the property itself
and I can honestly say that the place is beautiful. It has mangroves and beautiful
coral formation.

Tumango tango naman sila na tila nagustuhan ang sinabi ko. “How
about you Mr. dela Vega? Do you agree with your fiancé here?” nakangiti naming
tanong nung isa.
 “Of course Sir, it’s a beautiful property. I’ve been to the
property myself. But first of all, I just want to point out that the property is an
untouched piece of land. The original owners never bothered with it. The deed is
still in Spanish, so you can imagine that they have owned for longer than any of us
thought. The heirs are in conflict with each other. And the local government is
strict on the preservation of the wildlife and environment. So we can’t do anything
drastically with the beach,” Eric explained.

Tumango tango ulit sila. “Of course,” sabi nung isa. “We must make
sure to retain the beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the area.”

Matapos nila hingin ang opinion naming ni Eric ay bumalik na sila

sa pagpaplano para sa project. I excused myself and went out.

Nang makalabas ako ay halos takbuhin ko na ang daan para makabalik

sa opisina ko. Agad kong kinuha ang phone ko sa bag ko at tinawagan si Jenny.
“Hello Bri? Napatawag ka?” sagot niya.
 “Call the twins. I need you. Meet me in the café of your hotel,” I
said then cut the call. Alam na niya gagawin niya.

“Oh ano na? Ba’t mo kami pinatawag?” tanong ni Charmaine. Itong

dalawa talaga sobrang atat.
 Huminga ako ng malalim. “I think I’m getting married,” I muttered.

Nakatinginan ang kambal habang si Jenny naman ay halos mabitawan

ang hawak na tasa. “Did I just hear you right? You’re getting married?” this from
Chantelle.

Tumango lang ako. Nakatitig lang si Jenny sa akin. “Let me guess,

you’re marrying Eric right? Your parents actually made you replace your sister?”
she asked calmly.

Tumango lang ako ulit. “I told them repeatedly that I won’t. Pero
parang wala silang narinig. Kanina pinakilala na talaga nila ako bilang fiancé
niya. Punyeta lang,” galit kong sabi.
Author's note:

If you're wondering why I use davao as a point of reference, it's because I'm here.
Ang hirap magdescribe ng lugar na di makikita. All the of the places I used in my
stories, napuntahan ko na, except lang nung mga nasa labas na ng bansa. The beach
I'm referring to is actually real. XD

=================

Chapter 5

\Brianna’s POV

“Ma’am, a call from Sir Eric,” sabi ni Jess mula sa pinto. Pansin
ko lang, napapadalas na yata pagtawag ni Eric sa akin. Anong akala niya, seryoso
tong engagement na to? It’s just a show for goodness sake!

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. “Put him on the line,” I said

exasperated. “What do you want this time?” I asked annoyed. It’s almost five and
I’m not even through with my work.

“May party mamayang gabi sa bahay ng Tita ko na kaibigan ng mga

magulang mo. Your dad wants us to come together,” sabi niya. Ayon sa boses niya,
parang napipilitan lang siya.
 Napasandal ako sa backrest ng upuan at napahilot sa sintido ko.
Napapadalas na ang pagsakit ng ulo ko. Must be the stress of work and this so
called engagement.

“Do you honestly believe I care about what my father wants Eric?
Haven’t I yet made it clear that it doesn’t interest me what any of you want? Pagod
na ako kakarinig sa pagsabi mo na gusto ni Dad nito, gusto ni Dad nun,” inis kong
sabi. Whenever he calls me, he always tells me something about what my father
wants. Hanggang ngayon ba di niya naisip na wala na akong pakialam? Pakakasal na
nga ako, kailangan ko pa bang sumama sa kanya sa party?

Natahimik siya ng ilang sandali sa kabilang linya. Napabuntong

hininga siya na tila ba sumusuko. “Bri, it’s not that. It’s just that it’s obvious
to me you don’t know what he thinks nor do you care, but then, I do. Kaya ako na
lang nagsasabi sayo,” paliwanag niya na tila ba bata kausap niya.
 I hate it when people talk condescendingly to me. At anong sabi
niya? Wala akong pakialam sa gusto ni Dad? Kung wala akong pakialam, matagal nang
tapos ang kalokohan na pagpapakasal na to. “Don’t you dare tell me I about caring
about what my father wants. I’m done caring years ago. Tangina pagod na ako! Lahat
na ginawa ko para lang mapansin man lang niya pero wala. Kaya ba’t ko pa
papahalagahan anong gusto niya kung wala man lang siyang pakialam sa akin!”

“Look, I’m sorry okay?” he said raising his voice. Nagkakataasan na

kami ng boses dito. “Ayaw ko nang pahimasukan ang problema niyo sa pamilya pero...”

“Pero ano? Eric matagal ka ng nadamay sa problema ng pamliya

namin,” sabi ko. Pinilit kong huminga ng malalim para kumalma. “Just text me the
address of the party. Doon na lang tayo magkita,” sabi ko na may pilit na
pagkakalma.
 When he told me where the party was being held, I almost backed
out. Punyeta, dito pa talaga sa hotel kung saan ginanap ang engagement party nila
ng kapatid ko. At reception pa talaga sa kasal ang okasyon ha. The actual wedding
ceremony was for family members only. Ngayon lang maraming bisita sa reception na.

Nakita ko si Eric sa lobby ng hotel. Thank God hindi ito isa sa

hotels na pagmamay-ari ng asawa ni Jen, dahil paniguradong nandito yun kung sa
kanila to kasi malalaman nila ang koneksyon sa pamilya ni Eric. “Bri, god thing you
made it,” he greeted with surprise evident in his face. Anong akala niya, di ako
sisipot kasi dito rin yung engagement party nila ni Bea? I’m not that much of a
coward.

“Of course,” I said smiling sweetly. Note the sarcasm. “This is

where my father wants me to be right?” I added sarcastically.
 Tumango naman siya at kinuha kamay ko at isinabit sa braso niya. So
paninindigan talaga namin ang pagpapanggap na isang engaged couple. As expected,
pinagtitinginan kami ng ibang mga bisita. Ang ipinagtataka ko lang, ba’t wala
parents ko? Sila ang may gusto diba na makita ako rito?

Ang Tita na tinutukoy ni Eric pala ay di bagong kasal. Renewal of

vows pala ang nangyari. Lumapit kami sa kanila at agad kaming bumeso ni Eric. “Oh
Eric! My favorite nephew. It na ba si Beatrice, your fiancé?” what the fuck?! Saan
ba galing tong matandang to at di niya alam na patay na kapatid ko.

Natigilan saglit si Eric pero agad rin naming nakabawi. “No Tita,
this is Brianna,” he corrected.

“Oh, I must be getting old. I thought her name was Beatrice,” she
said apologetically. Pucha naman oh, ba’t pa kasi ako nandito.
 “Actually ma’am, my sister’s name is Beatrice. She was Eric’s
original fiancée. Unfortunately, she died a little over two months ago,” I
explained with a sad smile.

Ang Tita naman ni Eric ang natigilan ngayon. Halatang nagtataka

anong ginagawa ni Eric kasama ang kapatid ng babaeng dapat niya sanang pakasalan.
Pwede ko naming di sabihin ang totoo eh. But I’m not in the mood to play nice right
now. “Oh I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said along with condolences.

Ngumiti lang ulit ako na tila nalulungkot. “It’s hard but we’re all
moving on. The one who suffered the most was Eric. I had my sister for almost all
my life. Eric had a fiancé for just about a year, he had the most to lose. Excuse
me,” sabi ko na tila masyadong nasasaktan kapag napag-uusapan ang yumao kong
kapatid.
 Narinig ko ang bulong bulongan sa paligid. May iba naaawa, naiinis
at di makapaniwala. By now I’m sure they know of my engagement.

“Nakakaawa talaga si Brianna. Mas maganda naman at mas matalino

naman siya, pero palagi naman siyang pangalawa sa kapatid niya.”

“Tingnan mo nga naman oh, may gana pa siyang magpakita dito. Akala
mo kung sinong mabait, yun naman pala ang landi. Mag-iilang linggo pa lang patay
kapatid niya, sinulot na niya ang fiancé. “

“So she’s really taking her sister’s place? I bet she’s just doing
that for their family business. Pero ang swerte niya pa rink ay Eric ah.”
 ‘I never really could understand why her parents never seem to
appreciate her. Kung anu anon a lang pinapagawa. Alam mo bang tinaggihan niya ang
isang offer para magtrabaho sa New York para manatili sa kumpanya nila?’

“So Eric is really marrying the Brianna Rodriguez? Lucky bastard.”

Iilan lang yun sa narinig ko mula sa ibang bisita. Lumabas na lang

muna ako at hinanap ang powder room. Inayos ko ang nasira kong make up at paglabas
ko, nasa harap ko na si Eric na mukhang naiinis.

“Look, I’m sorry for the way my aunt acted but did you really have
to tell her the cold truth that way?” he demanded. Nanlilisik na ang mata niya sa
galit.
 Napangisi na lang ako sa inasal niya. “As you said, the truth was
cold. What did you expect me to do? Sugarcoat it and tell lies? Ibahin mo ako sa
kapatid ko Eric. Di ako ang tipo ng tao na sasabihin sayo kung anong gusto mong
marinig. Di ako mabait. Kaya dapat ngayon pa lang, pag-isipan mong mabuti kung
gusto mo ba talaga akong pakasalan. Baka mapahiya ka lang kasi dahil sa susunod,
maririnig mo na lang na si Mrs. Dela Vega ay walang kahit konting bait sa katawan.”

=================

Chapter 6

Brianna’s POV

Nandito ako ngayon sa coffee shop ng restaurant nina Jenny. I badly

want someone to talk to right now. She was the only one who ever understood me.
Parang kasing may sariling mundo ang kambal kaya mas malapit ako kay Jen.

“So, what up?” tanong niya na parang nag-aalala. The one thing I
like most about Jenny is that she always knows something is wrong.
 Napaiwas ako ng tingin dahil sa lalim ng pagkakatitig niya. “I’m
tired Jen. I’m tired of being second choice. Malayong malayo ang ugali ko sa
kapatid ko pero ba’t parang lahat ng tao pilit binughay ang kapatid ko sa akin?”

“Maybe because you let them? Face it Bri, malayo man ugali niyo
pero sa huli, ginagawa mo naman ang anong pinapagawa nila sayo. Think about your
parents, santa na si Beatrice kung ikukumpara sayo pero parehas lang kayong
ginagawa ang gusto ng parents niyo. Oo umangal ka nung gusto kang ipakasal kay
Eric, pero sa huli pumayag ka rin. Then remember tha party Eric took you to? Sumama
ka pa rin. Ang iniasal mo lang sa party ang pinagkaiba niyo,” paliwanag niya.
Sometimes I hate it when she has a point. Tama na naman siya eh. Magkaiba nga kami
ng kapatid ko pero parehas naman kami ng ginagawa. We just do it differently.

I just smiled bitterly at the thought. “I guess we never get over

trying to make our parents proud. Kahit anong pilit kong paniwalain sarili ko na
lahat ng ginagawa ko, wala pa rin. In the end I still admit I want their approval.”
Kakatapos lang ng meeting ng executives ng kumpanya. Nakaalis na iba at konti na
lang kaming naiwan. Pinapaiwan ako ni Dad kasi may pag-uusapan pa daw kami tungkol
sa outflow ng pera last quarter. It’s funny how he only sees me as his employee,
not as his daughter.

Pagpasok ko ay kakatapos lang daw nila. “Congratulations on your

engagement hija,” sabi ng CFO. Nabigla ako ng konti sa sinabi niya. I really doubt
congratulations are in order. It’s not as if I’m getting married because I’m in
love.

Napangiti ako ng alanganin sa kanya. “Thanks Tita,” sagot ko ng

nagdadalawang isip. I’m not really formal with the other executives here. Mga
Ninong at Ninang ko ang iba sa kanila at ako ang pinakabata. They never really saw
me as one of them but rather, as the daughter of the company president. “But I
don’t think congratulations are in order. It’s a marriage of convenience after
all,” paliwanag ko. Nahiya naman si Tita. She seems to think the situation was
awkward. Maybe she was one of those people who think Eric and I look good together.
“Excuse me,” sabi ko na lang.

I could see my father glaring at me from my peripheral vision. He

wants people convinced that Eric and I are getting married because it was our
choice. Not because we were forced into it. Siya kasi ang mapapasama sa mata ng mga
tao kung malalaman nilang ipapakasal niya agad ako sa fiancé ng yumao niyang anak.

Lumabas di agad si Tita kasama ng iba pang execs. “What was that
about Brianna? What were you thinking telling her it’s a marriage of convenience?”

“I was only telling the truth. Ano bang gusto niyo? Magsinungaling
ako? Magmumukha akong sulutera at desperada kung papalabasin kong ginusto kong
makasal kay Eric,” sagot ko. “I don’t want to seem like a slut.”

Namumula naman siya sa galit at napatayo. Nahampas niya ang lamesa

sumigaw na. “So what? Di naman yun ganun kalayo sa katotohanan diba? Ikaw na mismo
nagsabi, nasa bar ka gabi gabi. What do you expect people to think of you when
you’re out partying everynight?”
 I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I hate being made aware of
the fact that my father thinks very lowly and very little of me. “Look Dad, pumayag
na akong pakasal kay Eric. Pero kung gusto mo pa ng higit pa dun, pasensyahan na
lang tayo dahil yun lang maibibigay ko. Ayaw kong paniwalain ang mga tao ng gusto
ko siya dahil kakaawaan nila ako. And that’s the last thing I want right now.
Goodbye!”

Mainit pa rin ulo ko dahil sa sagutan namin ni Dad kanina. I’m so

mad right now I’m considering leaving all this shit and move on. Kung may boyfriend
lang siguro ako, matagal na akong nagtanan. It’s not as if they would really care
anyway.
 Kakadating lang ipinadeliver kong pagkain ng tumunog na naman ang
doorbell. Sino naman to. Pasensya na lang siya dahil wala akong ganang humarap sa
ibang tao ngayon kaya baka siya pa mapagbuntunan ko ng galit.

Nang buksan ko ang pinto ay tumabad sa akin ang galit ng mukha ni

Eric. He looked at me from head to foot and back up again. Di ko pa siya
pinagbubuksan talaga ay kusa na siyang pumasok. “Ano naman ba yang suot mo?” inis
niyang tanong.

Napailing na lang ako sa tanong niya. Honestly, this guy doesn’t

make any sense. “Pantulog. Look, I wasn’t expecting any guests tonight so I’m not
decently dressed. Besides, wag mong sabihin na unang beses na makakita ng babae na
halos hubad na.”
 Normally, I would’ve excused myself to put on some decent clothes.
Pero wala talaga akong gana makisama ngayon kaya bahala siya diyan kung nalalaswaan
siya. Wala naman akong ikinakahiya sa katawan ko. I go to the gym to work out four
times a week. Why hide my figure when I should flaunt it?

Napadako ang tingin niya sa take out food sa lamesa ng sala ko.
Dalawang malaking bag ng isang fastfood ang nakita niya. “Fine. My mistake. Tsaka,
di ka ba marunong magluto? Why do you always eat fastfood?” inis niya pa ring
tanong.

Marunong akong magluto but there’s no way in hell I’m telling him
that. Ayaw kong isipin niya na importanter sa akin opinion niya para depensahan ko
sarili ko. “Hindi. Pero si Beatrice magaling. Kaya pwede ba, just call off the
wedding,” I said. Hanggang ngayon umaasa pa rin ako na di matuloy ang kasal.
Pathetic, I know.

Huminga siya ng malalim na parang nag-ipon ng pasensya. “We are

getting married Brianna so get used to the idea that you are going to be Mrs.
Ericson dela Vega soon.”
 I just rolled my eyes at him. Umupo ako sa couch habang siya naman
ay nakatayo pa rin sa harap ko. I didn’t bother with inviting him to sit. “A girl
can try, right?” kinuha ko ang fries sa isa sa mga bag at nagsimulang kainin yun.
“Ano ba kasing pinunta mo dito?”

“I want to know why the hell you keep telling everyone we’re having
a marriage of convenience?” he demanded angrily.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at nagpatuloy sa pagnguya ko sa fries ko.

“Kasi yun ang totoo? Matanong ko nga, ba’t mo ako sinama sa party ng Tita mo? You
even lied to me that my Dad asked you to take me. He didn’t even know about the
damn party in the first place.” it was my turn to be angry now.
“Fine. So I lied. I wanted everyone to start thinking you’re my fiancé to avoid
trouble. It’s not the first time either of the two of us lied anyway,” he said
smirking.

“Trouble? What kind of trouble?” I asked curiously.

Napailing siya na parang ang bobo ko para di malaman ang sagot sa sarili kong
tanong. “Don’t play dumb with me Brianna. Alam nating pareho na maraming lalaking
umaaligid sayo. Ngayon pa lang gusto kong iwasan ka na nila.”

“What the?! Binabakuran mo ako? Where are we? High school? Uso pa ba yan ngayon?”
natatawa kong tanong. Biglang nawala ang inis ko. Di lang ako makapaniwala na
magagawa ni Eric yun.
“Call it what you want Bri. I don’t care,” he said. Lumapit siya sa akin pero dun
lang siya nakatayo sa hara ko natalaga. Wala ng harang.

Kinuha ko ang coke sa bag at uminom saglit. I don’t like having him this close to
me. I’m being made conscious that he’s still a guy. A handsome well built guy. Di
ko alam saan ako kumuha ng lakas ng loob na tumingala para matingnan siya. “I’m not
going to deny we’re having a marriage of convenience. Ayaw mo pa nun? Parehas
tayong di mapapasama sa mga tao kung sakaling...” parang ayaw kong tapusin ang
sasabihin ko sana. It sounded crude and immoral.

“Kung sakaling ano Bri?” tanong niya ng nakangisi. Tinulak niya papunta sa gillid
ng lamesa ang pagkain ko at umupo siya sa lamesa.

I tried my best to put on a blank expression. “Kung sakaling mangaliwa ka. Think
about it, if people think it’s a marriage of convenience, di ako kakaawaan dahil
nangangaliwa ka at di ka magmumukhang masama.”
“Really Bri? That’s the best excuse you could come up with?” tanong niya habang
hinila palapit ang couch sa kanya. Did I mention that the couch was for one person?
Nilagay niya sa magkabilang gilid ko ang brasso niya at itinukod ang kamay niya sa
sandalan. “Paano kung sabihin kong di ako mangangaliwa?” tanong niya habang
inilalapit ang mukha niya. “If you’re thinking our marriage will be devoid of any
physical contact or intimacy, think again. Ba’t ko kakailanganing gumamit ng ibang
babae kong nandyang ka naman?” tanong niya sa may tenga ko. Parang binubulong niya
lahat ng sinabi niya at nararamdaman ko ang ginhawa niya sa leeg ko.

“Wha... what are you saying?” I asked stuttering. Kinakabahan na ako,ewan lang
bakit. I’m not used to being intimidated like this. Most guys are intimidated by
me, not the other way around.

“Hmmmm. Who would expect I could make Brianna Rodriguez nervous and stutter?” he
asked and I know that he was smiling. Inilapit pa niya ang mukha niya sa leeg ko.
Pero bago pa ako makaangal ay kusa na niyang inilayo ang mukha niya at humarap sa
akin. Tumingin siya sa kamay ko at parehas nakita niyang nanginginig yun. Kinuha
niya ang basong hawak ko at nilagay niya sa mesa. Binalik niya ang titig niya sa
akin at ngumisi ulit. “What I’m saying Brianna is that our marriage will not be one
of convenience. It will include everything married couples do. Like have healthy
sex,” he said still smirking.
My eyes widened at what he said. Naitulak ko siya palayo at nabuhos ang coke sa
mesa. “Are you fucking serious Eric? There’s no way in any circle of hell I’m
sleeping with you. Mangabit ka kugn gusto mo pero wag na wag mo akong hahawakan!”
sigaw ko.

Siya na naman ang napataas ng kilay. “Believe anything you want Bri but it doesn’t
change a thing. Do you know how much control it took to not prove you wrong when
you told your parents, in front of me, that I was frigid? Di mo lang alam anong
klaseng pagpipigil ginawa ko nun,” natatawa niyang sabi.

“Get out,” I said quietly. I was raging but scared inside. But no way will I show
him just how much what he said affected me.

Di siya natinag sa sinabi ko. At bago ko pa siya mapigilan ay hinapit niya na ako
palapit. His left hand was on my waist and his right hand was on my nape.
And his lips were on mine, ravaging. He was kissing me as if pouring out all of his
anger. And before I could stop myself I was returning his kisses.

=================

Chapter 7

Brianna’s POV

Flashback

I was eagerly returning Eric’s kisses, God knows why. I can’t help
but moan into his mouth when I felt him caressing my breast through the thin
material of my nightgown and robe. Kung saan saan na dumaan kamay niya hanggang sa
maramdaman ko ang mga kamay niyang minamasahe ang dalawa kong dibdib. Napalakas ang
ungol ko ng bigla niya akong itayo at pinalitan ako sa pag-upo sa couch.

When he seated himself comfortably in the couch, he sat me on his

lap and I could feel his thing poking my stomach. Napahigpit ang kapit ko sa leeg
niya at tinaggal niya ang pagkakatali ng robe ko at hinubad niya yun sa akin. Nang
maialis niya na yun ay marahas niyang ipinasok ang mga kamay niya sa pantulog ko.

His lips were trailing kisses from the side of my mouth to my jaw,
to my neck until it reached my breasts. He sucked them through the material of my
clothes. I can’t help but moan again. Di ko rin namalayan na napasabunot na pala
ako sa kanya.

Bigla siyang tumigil sa ginagawa niya at pilit akong hinarap sa

kanya. His eyes were burning with passion and I can’t help but admit that those
looks were mirrored in my own. “See Bri, you’re attracted to me as I am to you.
Tell me again you won’t sleep with me once were married and we can both say you’re
lying,” with that said, he remove his hands from under my nightgown.

It was like a slap in the face. He was just proving a damn point.
Napatayo ako mula sa pagkakakandong sa kanya. I can’t believe I just did that. How
could I act like some oversexed whore towards him?

“We both know I can be like that towards any other man Eric. I’d be a liar when I
say you’re not hot and handsome. Pero ganun naman talaga ako sa kahit sinong lalaki
lumalapit sa akin. Don’t think you’re special just because something almost
happened,” I lied. Ayokong malaman niyang sa kanya lang ako nagkaganun.

Nanlisik ang mga mata niya sa sinabi ko pero di na siya sumagot.

End of flashback

That night is still firmly etched in my mind. Halos di na wala ang alaala ng gabing
yun sa utak ko. Di ko alam paano haharapin si Eric. Sa tuwing kailangan naming
magkita para sa trabaho ay kinakausap ko siya nang nakatalikod ako. Pero ngayon, di
ko maiwasan na di siya harapin. Magkatabi kami dito sa lamesa at kumakain. Nandito
kami ngayon sa bahay ng mga magulang niya at kanina ko pa ipinagdadasal na di
napansin ng mga magulang niya ang pagiging ilang naming sa isa’t isa. The last
thing I need right now are stage parents hovering on our relationship, if this is
called a relationship.

“Hija, kumain ka pa,” sabi ng mama niya ng nakangiti. I can’t help but envy his
mother. She’s one of those lucky women who age beautifully. Kahit may edad na
siya, di pa rin maikakaila ang ganda niya.

Ngumiti lang ako na parang nahihiya. “Busog na po,” tanggi ko pero nakangiti rin.
My mother gave me a disapproving look. I know she wants me to eat more. She says I
always look so thin. Di ko maiwasang isipin na inggit siya sa akin. Ever since
kasi, di ko nakitang payat ang nanay ko. She was always on the chubby side. Kahit
anong gawin niyang work-out, ganun na talaga siya. I guess I have my father’s genes
to thank for my figure.

Pinahatid na ng papa ni Eric ang desert which was blueberry cheesecake na mama niya
mismo gumawa. Dun lang naparami ang kain ko at pinanlisikan na naman ako ni mama.
“So you like sweets hija?” tanong naman ng papa niya.

Tumango lang ako at ngumiti. Naubusan na yata sila ng topic na patungkol sa

negosyo. Besides, nandito mga nanay namin. Kung patuloy kaming mag-uusap tungkol sa
negosyo, baka magwalk-out na sila. “So, when are you two planning to get married?”
excited na tanong ng mama ni Eric.

I was about to answer her nang inunahan ako ni Eric. “The sooner the better,” he
said. What?! Is he out of his mind? Sinabi na ni Dad na sa dalawang taon pa kami
ikakasal.
Pinandilatan niya ako ng mata para sabihing wag na akong umangal. Nagtinginan naman
mga magulang namin at nagsitanguan. “Okay then. That’s decided,” sabi naman ni Dad.
“How about in three months?” he suggested.

“That simply won’t do dear,” sabi naman ni Mom. Thank God. Kahit naman siguro di ko
talaga siya kakampi, di sisya isa sa naniniwalang pakakasal ako kay Eric sa lalong
madaling panahon. “It takes time to plan a wedding. Gawin na lang nating five
months,” dagdag pa niya. Shit, I thought I found and ally. Guess I was wrong.

“That’s right,” Eric’s mom agreed. “We still have to look for a church, a hotel for
the reception, and the gowns. My goodness, kulang pa nga yata ang limang buwan,”
natatawang sabi ng mama niya.

Tumahimik na lang si Dad at si Tito. “Teka lang po,” awat ko sa kanila. “I’m sorry
but I’m busy woht work. I don’t think I can plan a wedding in five months and work
at the same time. Di po ba pwedeng sa susunod na lang na taon ang kasal?”
kinakabahan kong tanong. I need all the time I can get to not only delay but cancel
this wedding.
Napaupo ako ng tuwid sa silya ng maramdaman ko ang isang kamay niyang humahaplos sa
binti ko. Ano bang ginagawa ng gagong to? “Don’t worry Bri, our mothers can plan
it,” he said smiling but I don’t trust his smile. Parang may masama siyang
pinaplano. Humarap siya sa mga nanay naming at nagsalita. “I’m waiting no longer
than five months. Kung di pa kami ikakasal by then,” sabi niya sabay harap sa
parents ko. “Itatanan ko na anak niyo.”

Pareho kami ng reaksyon halos lahat sa silid maliban kay Eric. Halos kaming lahat
ang napanganga sa sinabi niya. I can’t believe he just issued that ultimatum. Has
he gone insane? Itatanan niya ako? Anong akala niya, teleserye to kami ang bida? We
don’t even like each other for goodness sake! Tapos sasabihin niyang itatanan niya
ako? “Eric, I don’t think right now is the time for jokes,” I said, breaking the
silence he brought on.

“I’m dead serious Bri. Itatanan kita pag di pa tayo nakakasal sa loob ng limang
buwan,” banta niya.

“Fine,” his mom said. “Challenge accepted. You think we can’t pull
this off? Think again son. I’ll give the best damn wedding this society’s ever
seen,” his mom challenged.
 Napangisi na lang si Eric at umakbay sa akin. “Good, now if you’ll
excuse us, may pag-uusapan pa kami ni Bri.”

Sinabi niyang may pag-uusapan kami para lang makatakas sa bahay

nila. Agad niya akong hinatid sa condo ko at halos iyulak na ako papasok.

“What the hell were you thinking Eric?” I asked angrily, almost
screaming. “How could you order them to rush the wedding? Paano na lang ako
makakahanap ng paraan na maikansela yun kun minamadali mo?” nasa may pinto pa rin
kami pero agad ko na siyang nasigawan.
 Napatawa siya ng nang-aasar. “Give it up Bri, we’re getting and
that’s final. Why are you so determined stop this wedding anyway?”

Napasabunot ako sa sarili ko dahil sa inis sa kanya. “Damn it!

Isn’t it obvious? Ayaw kong makasal sayo. Ba’t ka ba atat na atat na magpakasal?
Pwede bang humanap ka na lang ng ibang babaeng pakakasalan?”

“Nope. Not gonna happen,” sabi niya habang marahas akong isinandal
as pinto. “I never thought I’d say this Bri but I want you. And what I want, I
usually get. If what happened a few nights ago wasn’t enough proof to you that
you’re mine, consider this as a reminder.”

Before I could stop, he had me pressed against the door. He held my

wrist near both sides of my head and kissed me the same way he kissed me couple of
nights ago. I gasped and he took this as opportunity to put his tongue inside my
mouth. Kahit gusto kong pigilin, di ko maiwasang di madala sa mga halik niya. I’d
be the first to admit he’s a good kisser.

Napatigil siya sa paghalik sa akin ng halos pareho na kami maubusan

ng hininga. “You are mine Brianna,” he said passionately. “To answer your question
a while ago, the reason I’m rushing the wedding because I’m possessive. Malaman ko
lang may lalaking lumapit sayo, baka anong magawa ko sa kanya. You won’t like me
when I’m mad Bri, so don’t give me a reason to do something we’ll both regret
later.”

Natulak ko siya palayo sa akin. How dare he claim as if I’m

something he could just pick and discard as easily as toy. Then I remembered what I
said to him the night something almost happened. Ako ang nagbigay ng dahilan sa
kanya na magkaganito. Pero kahit na. “Oh for goodness sake! Ni hindi na nga ako
nakakalandi dahil sa rami kong trabaho, ngayon pinagbabantaan mo ako?” di ko
makapaniwalang tanong.

“Anong di naglalandi? One of my friends saw you accepting a drink

from a guy just two nights ago,” he accused pissed off.
 “So? Di pa tayo kasal,” pilosopo kong sagot.

“That’s the point! Malaman ko lang ulit na may lalaking lumapit

sayo, baka makapatay na ako. This won’t be the last time I’m saying this but you
are mine Brianna! No one can take away what’s mine!” bago pa ako makasagot ay
binuksan na niya ang pinto at umalis.

Author's note:

I wasn't supposed to update today but since minsan lan may net dito, nilubos lubos
ko na. Kaya medyo confusing tong chapter nato kasi di ko talaga to pinag-isipan.
dirediretso lang ako type. XD

=================

Chapter 8

Brianna’s POV

Kanina pa ako di nakikinig sa pinag-uusapan nilang tatlo.

Nagchichismisan lang rin naman sila. Ang kambal ay excited na nag-uusap tungkol sa
isang kasal na di ko alam kanina. Tango lang naman ng tango si Jenny. Di ko alam
anong ginawa nila sa akin para mapilit akong sumabay sa kanila maglunch. Ang rami
ko psng naiwan na trabaho sa office.

“Bri? Hey Bri! Nakikinig ka ba?” di ko namalayan na kinakaway na ni

Charmaine ang isa niyang kamay sa mukha ko.

Napabigla naman pagharap ko sa kanya. “Huh? Yeah, you’re excited

about a wedding you and Chantelle are attending,” I answered absentmindedly.

“Ughhh. So you really weren’t listening,” Chantelle said annoyed.

“We weren’t talking about just any wedding. We’re talking about YOUR WEDDING!”

“What? What about it? Hinayaan ko na ang mga mama namin ni Eric
magplano,” sabi ko ng walang pakialam. “Kailangan ko lang naman gawin ay magpakita
sa fitting ng gown at sa mismong kasal.”
 Natawa naman si Jenny sa pagsasawalang bahala ko sa sarili kong
kasal. “Kaya nga sobra silang excited. Di na ako magtataka kung matatalbugan nun
ang kasal ng kapatid ko,” natatawa niyang sabi.

“Come to think of it, pati rin siguro ako di na magtataka. By the

way, pakisabi na lang kay Ria at sa mga kaibigan niya. I think they’re invited
along with their husbands,” I added. Kahit kasi di ako ganun kalapit sa kanila,
they’re acquaintances and our parents used to be in business together, sort of.

“Really? Wow, your mothers are really going all out aren’t they?”
Charmaine asked sort of amazed. I was also at Ria’s wedding and I have to say, it
was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen. Pero base sa preparasyon
na ginagawa ng Mommy ko at ni Eric, di papatalo kasal ko.

Napatango na lang ako manghang ekspresyon ng kambal.

 “Ma’am, there’s a Dominic Alvarez here to see you,” biglang sabi ng
secretary ko sa may pinto. Di ko naitago ang pagkabigla sa mukha ko. “Should I tell
him you’re available?”

“Yes, of course. Offer him a drink and let him in,” utos ko.

Di nagtagal ay nakita ko na ang mukha ng lalaking dating

kinabaliwan ko. “Nick, it’s good to see you,” I greeted smiling. Tumayo ako para
salubungin siya mula sa pinto.
 “My God Bri. You look good. Kung di lang patay na patay kay
Chantelle dati, baka pinatulan na kita,” natatawa niyang sabi sabay yakap ng
mahigpit sa akin. “So how are you? I heard you’re getting married.”

“Unfortunately,” I confirmed. “I’m sure you also know my sister

died that’s why I’m taking her place at the wedding,” I added with no hint
bitterness towards my sister. Tanggap ko naman na di niya kasalanan na papalitan ko
siya. It’s just one of the unfortunate things that come with being born to our kind
of family.

Tiningnan ko ng mabuti si Nick and he really looked good. Life

abroad was good to him. Too bad it caused him his love life. “Ikaw, kamusta ka?
Have you been to see Chantelle?”

Di niya naitago ang ngiwi niya sa tanong ko. “Come on Bri. Whatever
was between me and Chantelle was put to stop the moment I left and she decided not
to wait for me.”

Napairap na lang ako sa sinabi niya. It was obvious they weren’t

over each other. Ang OA lang ng dalawang to. “Okay, if you say so,” umiiling kong
sabi.

“I can see you’re busy. How about dinner tonight so we could catch
up?” he suggested while smiling?

“Sure,” sagot agad. “Should I take the twins and Jen?” nang-aasar
kong tanong.

Umiling lang siya. “Don’t. I’ll probably see them again in few days
but not now. Bigyan mo naman ako ng ilang araw na maghanda Bri,” natatawa niyang
sabi.

I was about to open my mouth to give a witty reply pero biglang

nagring ang phone ko. Agad akong pumunta sa lamesa ko para kunin yun. “Hello?”
sagot ko agad kahit di tinitingnan kung sinong tumawag.
 “Meet me tonight for dinner.” Utos ni Eric sa kabilang linya. I
didn’t bother looking at the screen to know who called. Kung ganyan ang tono ng
pananalita sa akin, alam kong si Eric nay un.

I looked at Nick for a moment and an idea formed in my head.

“Can’t. I’m having dinner with someone else,” I said uncaringly.

“Look, I don’t care if your dinner is for business. Cancel it and

meet me tonight. There’s something we have to do,” he said demandingly. Kung
makautos ang gago, akala mo naman katulong lang pinagsasabihan.

“I don’t care. I’m not dining with you tonight. May date na ako so
kung ano man yang kailangan mong gawin, ibang babae na lang idamay mo,” inis kong
sabi.
 “Date? What the hell Brianna. Didn’t I tell you to stay away from
other men?” he demanded angrily. Kaharap ko lang si Nick habang kausap sa phone si
Eric. Tinaasan ako ng kilay ni Nick habang nakikinig sa mga pinagsasabi ko sa
telepono.

“Fine, if you want, we can have dinner tomorrow but not tonight.
I’m eating with a special friend tonight and I haven’t seen him for years. We have
dinner tomorrow or not at all. Those are your only options. Take it or leave it,” I
offered. Baka naman kasi importante sana gagawin naming.

“That still doesn’t explain why you’re going on a date with a man
Brianna. Cancel your date or else,” he threatened. Napairap na lang ako sa inis
niya.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. Nauubusan na ako ng pasensya

kausap siya. “Even if you have no right to worry, I’ll ease your over possessive
mind. Oo, crush ko dati ang kasama ko mamya. Back when we were in high school. I
got over it. Now he’s just a guy bestfriend who is trying to get back together with
one of my other best friends. Ngayon kung di ka pa rin mapanatag yang loob mo,
bahala ka na sa buhay mo. Tumawag ka na lang ulit bukas,” inis kong sabi at binaba
na ang tawag.
 Pinatay ko ang phone ko at nilagay sa bag. “Jealous fiancé?”
nakangising tanong ni Nick.

“Yeah. As if he has the right to get jealous. Kapatid ko ang dapat

pakakasalan niya, di ako,” inis kong dagdag.

“Ba’t parang affected ka masyado. You’re in love with him aren’t

you? You really wanted him for yourself?” he asked in a teasing tone.

Napairap naman ako ulit sa pinagsasabi niya. How could he accuse

me of liking my sister’s fiancé? I had no time for men before. Pinipilit ko na nga
lang magkaoras kay Eric dahil sa dahan dahan ko nang natatanggap na ikakasal ko sa
kanya. Though I’d still jump at the chance to be rid of him. “There’s no way in
hell I’m in love with him. I don’t even like the guy for goodness’ sake.” Tinaasan
lang niya ako ng kilay at may nagbabadyang nang-aasar na ngiti sa labi niya.
 “Okay, fine. I’m attracted to him. Gwapo na man siya and he has
muscles in all the right places. Any woman will be sexually attracted to him,” sabi
ko pero natigilan ako. “Why the hell am I talking to you about him in this way?” I
laughed. I can’t believe I’m saying this to a guy.

Natawa na lang rin si Nick. Good thing I got over my crush on him
before. Dahil kung hindi, sobrang awkward siguro ngayon. “Who else would you talk
about this with? Aasarin ka lang ng kambal at masyado ng busy si Jenny ngayon
diba?” tanong niya.

“Well yeah. But still, I can’t believe I’m actually admitting the
fact that I’m sexually attracted to my fiancé with another guy,” I said with a hint
of a laugh in my voice.

Umiling lang ulit at tumayo. “I better get going. I still have a

meeting in an hour.” Tumango lang ako at nagpaalam.
 Nang makalabas na siya ay napaisip lang ako. Being in love and
sexually attracted are completely different things right?

=================

Chapter 9

Brianna’S POV

I was finishing my dessert with Nick. It’s been years since I’ve
been with him. Miminsan lang kami nagkachat sa fb. Di kasi namin naaabutan ang
isa’t isa na online. But the years we’ve been apart didn’t seem to matter. We’re
still open to each other. In fact I don’t think we have secrets from each other.
Kung di lang siguro siya patay na patay kay Chantelle, hulog na hulog na siguro
ako sa kanya. I guess I’m not meant to fall hard for someone who’s in love with
someone else.

“Look, no matter how you go around it, no matter how hard you try
to avoid it, magtatanong at magtatanong pa rin ako tungkol sa nalalapit mong kasal.
Kaya bago pa tayo mauubusan ng pag-uusapan, diretsuhin mo na ako. Ano ba talaga ang
namamagitan sa inyo ni Eric dela Vega?” tanong ni Nick. He was never one to mince
his words. I’ve never seen him less than straightforward.

I daintily raised a brow to let him know my dislike of the topic.

“Fine. To make a long story short, namatay kapatid ko. Gusto ni Dad na si Eric ang
mamahala ng kompanya. Kaya ipapakasal kami. Kung ayaw kong itakwil ako ng mga
magulang ko, pakakasal talaga ako,” walang emosyon kong sabi. I don’t want him to
think I’m making a big deal out of this.
 “So that’s it? Di ka na lang man kokontra?” di makapaniwala niyang
tanong. Nagslice siya mula sa cake niya at isnubo ng wala sa isip.

“Trust me, I did all I could have done to escape my marriage.

Kinokonsidera ko na nga na hayaan na lang sina Dad na itakwil ako, wag lang akong
makasal,” walang gana kong sabi. Kinuha ko ang baso ko at saglit na uminom ng wine.
“Di naman ako maghihirap eh. I’ve saved enough from my job at the company and I
could always sell all of my properties if I’m desperate.”

Naghintay ako ng ilang sandali para sa sasabihin ni Nick pero

parang natigilan siya. Nakatitig lang siya sa may likod ko.

“Bri,” rinig kong sambit ng boses na parang kay Eric mula sa likod
ko. Paglingon ko, nakita ko ang galit na mukha ni Eric. What the hell is he doing
here? I thought he was supposed to meet some people right now. Naglakad siya
palapit sa lamesa namin ni Nick at agad naman tumayo si Nick para magpakilala.

“Dominic Alvarez pare. I take it you’re Eric dela Vega? Bri’s

fiancé?” pakilala niya sabay abot ng kamay niya kay Eric.

Tinanggap naman to ni Eric at tumango. “I guess you’re the friend

she was talking about this morning?” balik tanong niya. “I can see you’re done with
you dinner. Pwede ko na bang kunin si Bri? May kailangan pa kasi kaming puntahan
eh,” paalam ni Eric.

“Sure,” nakangiti nang sabi ni Nick. Ewan ko lang ba’t bigla yatang
nag-iba mood nito ngayon. Natuwa yatang nakitang galit si Eric. Binaling niya sa
akin tingin niya. “Next time na lang ulit Bri. Isama na natin si Jenny at ang
kambal.”
 Napatango na lang rin ako. Tumayo na ako at nagpaalam kay Nick.
Tahimik kaming lumabas ng resto ni Eric. He was so pissed at so was I. “Paano mo
nalaman nasan ako?” tanong ko pagkapasok naming dalawa sa kotse.

“It was just a matter of asking your secretary Bri. It didn’t take
too much stalking expertise,” he said sarcastically.

Tahimik lang kami sa byahe papunta sa kung saan. Napansin ko na lang na nasa area
na kami ng metro na kung saan maraming mga bar. Nagpark siya sa isa sa mga
exclusive na bar. Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto at agad akong lumingon lingon sa
paligid. Shit! Mabuti na lang at nakadress ako.

“My friends have been nagging me to meet you. Di sila naniniwala na pakakasal ka
talaga sa akin,” paliwanag niya habang papasok kami.

“Sinabi mo na lang sana ang totoo, na para sa negosyo to,” sabi ko habang paakyat.
Di na siya sumagot per alam kong nainis siya sa sinabi ko. Dumeretso kami sa second
floor ng bar kung saan nandun yung mga couch. Pumunta kami sa pinakadulo kung saan
mayroong naghihintay na tatlong lalaki at isang babae. Nagtinginan silang lahat na
parang di makapaniwala na nasa harap talaga nila ako.

“Ric,” tawag sa kanya ng nung nag-iisang singkit sa grupo. “You were serious?” he
asked.

“Of course I was,” Eric answered irritably beside me. He dragged me along him so we
could both sit. The girl who was still staring at me got back to her senses enough
to get a glass and poured me a drink. “Why would I joke about getting married?”

“Wow man! Not only are you getting married, but you managed to grab the most
unattainable and elusive woman in society,” the Latin hunk said. Nakalimutan ba
niyang nandito ako para magsalita siya ng ganyan. Which also makes me wonder, from
what magazine did he get those descriptions of me? Tsaka, may lahi bang foreigner
lahat ng kaibigan nitong gagong to?
“Ni hindi nga siya mapapayag makipagdate ng ibang lalaki pero ikaw napapayag mo sa
kasal,” manghang komento ng babae. “Kristina pala, pinsan ng Eric. The assholes
here are his childhood friends. Ang singkit ay si Ken Chan, pinaka isip bata sa
kanilang apat. Ang latino jerk is Alejandro Vergara or simply Alex, ang
pinakababaero sa kanila. At ang amerikanong hilaw naman ay si Clark Keller, the
closest thing to normal among the four of them,” pakilala niya sa mga lalaki. “Sa
international school kasi kaming apat nag-aral kaya wag ka nang magtaka ba’t ganyan
itsura ng mga yan. Wag kang papaloko sa malaanghel na ngiti ng mga yan. They’re
assholes once you get to know them better.”

Napatango na lang ako. Ngumiti na parang bata si Ken, ngumisi lang si Alex at
ngumiti nang nakakaloko si Clark. Di nga maikakaila, magkakaibigan talaga itong
apat. Sigurado ako, kung ipapakilala ni Kristina sa akin si Eric, sasabihin niyang
ito ang pinakasuplado sa apat.

“Pwede ba! Tigilan niyo na yang kakatitig kay Bri ng ganyan,” singhal ni Eric sa
mga kaibigan.

“Easy bro,” pagkakalma ni Clark. “Bawal na bang tumingin ngayon?” natatawa niyang
dagdag.

“Kaya nga,” sang-ayon ni Kristina. “Why are you so possessive all of a sudden?
Tsaka nakakatampo ka ah, di mo man lang sinabi na ikakasal ka na pala.”

Wala sa sarili akong napatingin kay Eric. “You didn’t tell them you were supposed
to marry my sister?” I asked absentmindedly.

Panasinghap silang lahat sa sinabi ko. Shit! I can’t believe I just said that out
loud.

“Wait, what?!” said a surprised Alex. “He was supposed to marry your sister?” he
asked disbelievingly.
Napatango ako. Hinarap ako ni Eric at pinanlisikan ng mata. Di siya nagsalita. Ibig
sabihin, ako ang magpapaliwanag sa mga kaibigan niya. “My sister and I got into an
accident months ago with another vehicle. I survived, she didn’t. She was the one
originally arranged to be married to Eric. When she died, it was decided by my
parents and Eric that I will take her place. Di ba niya nasabi sa inyo?”

“Ni hindi nga niya sinabing ikakasal na siya. Narinig ko lang to sa isang naming
tita. And since I also heard the same rumors. Kaya nung tinanong naming siya, di
talaga kami naniwala,” sagot ni Kristina para sa kanilang lahat.

“Kung makapagsalita ka, parang wala kayong itinagong relasyon dati ni Alex,” ganti
naman ni Eric. “Ni hindi ko nga nalaman na kayo pala talaga kung hindi kumalat ang
usap usapan na wala na kayo.”

I noticed Alex wince while Kristina blanched. “Pwede ba, wag mong ibahin ang
usapan. Ang Bri,” simula niya, “wag kang papaloko sa pinsan kong to ah. Mukha lang
to matino pero gago rin to. Trust me when I say this, you’re way out of his
league.”
“Damn it Tina!” he shouted. “Tumigil ka bago ko makalimutang magkadugo tayo!”

“Oh please. Wag ka ngang umarte diyan na parang di totoo sinabi ko. She said
clearly that you and her parents decided. I mean, didn’t it even occur to you to
give her a choice?” she asked, pissed off. Parang alam na alam niya talaga kung
anong pakiramdam. I wonder what her story is.

“At kayo,” baling niya sa mga kaibigan niya. “Akala niyo di ko napapansin ang titig
niyo sa fiancé ko?”

“Come on Bro. Ba’t ang init ng ulo mo?” tanong ni Clark. “Nagtataka lang kami anong
pinainom mo kay Brianna para di siya umangal na pakasalan ka.”
Di daw umangal. Kung alam mo lang. Napailing na lang ako. Nakakatawa tong
magkakaibigan na to. Kung makapag-usap, para lang wala ako.

“Kaya nga. Baka akala mo rin di namin napansin yang kamay mo sa

balikat niya,” dagdag naman ni Ken. “Talaga bang negosyo dahilan mo?” nang-aasar
niyang tanong kay Eric.

“Oo na...” bago pa ako makasagot, pinaharap na ako ni Eric sa

kanya. He kissed me suddenly but deeply.

Ngumisi lang siya sa ekspresyon sa mata ko. “Does that answer your
question?”
=================

Chapter 10

Brianna’ POV

Nagbabasa ako ng mga dokumento ng marinig ko may kumatok sa pinto.

Ilang sandali ay agad naman yung kusang bumukas at pumasok ang walang iba kundi ang
tatay ko. I guess surprise was evident on my face because he frowned upon seeing
me.

My father sat himself at the couch provided for visitors and

flipped through the business magazines on the center table. Without facing me, he
started to talk. “I want you resignation by the end of the week,” he said suddenly.

“What?” I asked in shock. Putangina! Ano na naman bang problema

nila. “Are you serious?”I questioned without thinking. Since when is my father not
serious?
 “Yes Brianna. I’m serious. Don’t worry, may gagawin ka pa naman. I
talked to your tita Anna. She’s thinking of retiring but she still can’t find
anyone whole replace her. We both thought you’d be perfect for the job. In fact,
you’re overqualified. It’s not good for people to think your equals with Eric.” At
least he tried to sugarcoat it. But damn, I don’t want to run some charity.

Huminga ako ng malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili ko. I may not
have an ideal father-daughter relationship with the man in front of me, but I can
still speak my mind where his concerned. “Dad, no offense to tita Anna, but she
runs a charitable organization. I’m sure what she does is great but I can’t live
the rest of my life just handing checks and visiting orphanages,” I explained as
calmly and as civilly as humanly possible for me.

“Come on Brianna. Don’t be so hardheaded. Di naman yun sing hirap

ng ginagawa mo dito sa opisina eh. It’s just a matter of controlling another set of
staff. You’re sister managed to do it, I’m pretty sure you can too.” Am I supposed
to take that as a fucking compliment? How many times do I have to repeat myself? I
am not my sister!
 “Dad, I am not merely telling people what to do here. I actually do
some serious work, like go to the site, check on the facilities, and make actual
decisions. I did not go through five years of college and two years to get my
master’s degree to arrange parties to ask rich people to donate to charity!” I
shouted at him. For once, I don’t give damn if anyone outside hears me scream at my
father.

“Don’t you dare use that tone on me. Remember! I am your father,”
he demanded. Pucha, ngayon sasabihin niya sa akin na tatay ko siya?

“Since when?” sigaw ko sa kanya. “There’s nothing between us but

blood and genes. You were never a father to me as far as I can remember. And as far
as I’m concerned, you only had one child who unfortunately died.”

“Tumahimik ka! Wag mo akong susubukan Brianna. Kung ayaw mong

mawala ang lahat sayo, gagawin mo ang gusto ko!” sigaw niya sa akin. Napatayo na
siya at namumula dahil sa galit.

“Fine! You want my resignation? You have it! Let’s see you survive
the next quarter without me. Let’s see if you find any of your executives willing
to get their hands dirty to do some real work.”
****

Putangina naman tong si Eric. Kanina pa ako tawag ng tawag sa

kanya, ni hindi man lang sinasagot. Ano bang problema ng gagong yun. Kung kelan
pinahiya niya ako sa mga kaibigan niya, gagnituhin niya ako? Tangina niya.

Bwisit! Looks like I have no choice but to go to his office. Mabuti

na lang kilala ako ng sekretarya. Lumabas muna ang sekretarya niya para sa break
nito. Papasok na sana ako ng opisina niya pero may mga narinig akong boses sa loob.

“Alam ko naman eh. Oo, kung tutuusin, mas bagay sa akin si

Beatrice. She’s well-educated, she’s into charity works and the next thing to
perfect.” Fuck! Boses yun ni Eric ah! Tangina niya. “She would’ve been the perfect
wife had she lived,” dagdag pa niya.
 Di ko na kaya. Pumasok ako kahit di kumakatok. Nakita ko sa loob
ang isang lalaki na medyo kamukha ni Eric at di malayo ang edad. “Bri, you’re
here”, he said surprised. “Bri this is Adam, my cousin. Adam, this is my fiancé,
Brianna Rodriguez.”

I smiled sarcastically at both of them. “Ex-fiancé,” I corrected.

Eric’s face paled with what I said. “Look Bri, if you heard what I
said, you got it all wrong. Kung mas maaga kang dumating, di yun ang pagkakaintindi
mo,” paliwanag niya.

Umiling lang ako. “There’s no need to explain Eric. Neither of us

wants this marriage. Why keep up the pretense. Excuse me.”
 Narinig kong pinigilan pa niya ako pero halos takbuhin ko na
papunta sa elevator kaya di niya ako inabutan. Nang makababa ako ay agad ko kinuha
ang cellphone at tinawagan ang kambal.

“Maine? Yeah, can you please spread the word that my engagement is
off... no, don’t make it a big announcement. Don’t make a big deal out of it...
Isingit niyo lang sa usapan na parang chismis lang siya... Oo seryoso ako. Thanks,
bye...”

=================

Chapter 11

Brianna’s POV

p “Kung may kailangan kayon sabihin sa akin, puntahan niyo ako dito.
Wag yung ako pa pinapagod niyo para bumyahe papunta diyan,” sigaw ko sa telepono.
Wala na akong pakialam kung mga magulang ko pa kausap ko.

Pabagsak kong binaba ang telepono. Tangina! Tumitiklop pa rin ako

pagdating sa kanila. Agad kong kinuha ang bag ko sa kwarto. Shit! Shit! Shit! Alam
ko naman ang dahilan nila ba’t ako pinapapunta sa bahay nila eh. I’m pretty sure by
now they’ve been getting calls that the engagement is off.

Mabuti na lang at medyo late na. Di na masyadong traffic. Nang

makarating ako sa bahay ay agad sinabi sa akin ng maid na nasa library silang
lahat. Silang lahat? Sino pa pala ang kasama nila? Don’t tell me they also dragged
Eric and his parents here to discuss my shortcomings as their child.

Agad akong dumeretso sa library at tumambad sa akin ang galit na

galit na mukha ng mga magulang ko at ang blangkong mukha ni Eric. So I guess he was
expecting this to happen? “So I guess you heard about what I did?” I asked, not
addressing anyone in particular.
 “Cut the crap Brianna!” dad shouted. “What the hell do you think
you were thinking spreading the word that the engagement is off? Alam mo naman na
napadala na ang mga imbitasyon,” galit niyang sabi.

“For God’s sake! It was what I should’ve done all along. Honestly!
You didn’t actually think I’d go through with are you?” I shouted back at him. “Can
you at least be reasonable about this? Hindi porke’t din a ako nagsasabi na hindi
ako pakakasal ay wala na akong ginagawa. Ni minsan ba tinanong niyo sa akin kung
gusto ko bang magpakasal sa lalaking yan?” natigilan sila sa sinabi ko.
Nagkakatinginan si Mom at Dad at halatang di nila alam anong isasagot.

“Don’t talk to me about being reasonable Brianna! If you are as

reasonable as you claim, wala sana tayo sa sitwasyong to. Buhay sana ang kapatid mo
at siya sana ang magpapakasal,” giit niya. Tahimik lang si Eric na nanonood sa amin
habang si Mom naman ay nakakapit lang kay Dad na parang tagasuporta lang.

“Bakit? Tingin niyo sasaya ang kapatid ko kung ginamit niyo siya
para sa negosyo niyo? Damn you! She died because of you! If you only asked her
what she wanted, she’d still be alive right now. Oo ginawa niyo lang yun para sa
ikabubuti niya! But did you even think maybe what’s good for her wouldn’t make her
happy? She was in love with somebody else for Christ’s sake! So don’t you dare tell
me she died because of me! You killed her! You killed my sister and you killed your
daughter!” There, I finally said it. Wala na akong pakialam kung ano pang gawin
nila sa akin.

“We weren’t the ones inside the car with her,” my mom said in
defense. Her point is as weak as her. Ni minsan di ko siya nakitang ginamit ang
sarili niyang utak. Maked me wonder if she even has one. Palagi lang siya nakasunod
kay Dad.

“That’s right. But it wasn’t my selfishness that drove my sister to

her own death, it was yours,” I pointed out. Binaling ko kay mommy ang tingin ko.
“Sabihin mo sa akin mom, magkano ang inalok mong pera kay Carlo para layuan ang
kapatid ko? One million? Two?”

Tingin nila hindi ko alam anong ginawa nila? All this time,
everyone accused me of accidentally killing my sister. Ang nasa isip nila, kung
sana di ko hinayaan uminom kapatid ko, buhay pa sana siya ngayon. Di nila alam,
kung di lang hinadalangan ng mga magulang namin ang relasyon niya sa mahirap niyang
boyfriend, di sana siya maglalasing ng ganun.

“I’m only saying this once Brianna,” dad threatened. “You will
marry Eric or I will disown you.”

“Congratulations Dad, or maybe I should say Mr. Rodriguez. You just

lost another daughter.”

If they think turning my back on them is as easy as I made it seem.

Then they’re right. They’re not exactly a loss. I’ve been emotionally detached from
the people I call my parents for more than half my life now. Forgetting they exist
isn’t exactly that much of difficulty.

*****

“Bri! Bri, sandali!” rinig kong sigaw ni Eric. Paglingon ko, nakita
ko siyang nakasunod pala sa akin, papalabas rin ng bahay.

“I don’t want to talk anymore Eric. Hayaan mo na ako,” sabi ko nang

di lumilingon sa kanya. Pero bago ko pa mabuksan ang kotse ko, napaharap na niya
ako sa kanya at naagaw na niya ang susi ko mula sa mga kamay ko. Letse naman oh.

Napasandal ako sa kotse ng wala sa isip dahil di ko napansin na ang

lapit na pala niya. Nasa magkabilang gilid ng ulo ko ang mga kamay niya kaya di ako
makagalaw. “Look Bri, I’m not letting you go that easy,” he said staring straight
into my eyes. There was some emotion there I can’t read.

“What do you mean?” I asked out loud without thinking.

“I don’t care if your parents disowned you just now. Marry me,” he
said. Wait. Did I just hear him correctly? Did he just ask me to marry him? Even if
he doesn’t get my parents company?

=================

Chapter 12

Brianna’s POV

Flashback

“I don’t care if your parents disowned you just now. Marry me,” he
said. Wait. Did I just hear him correctly? Did he just ask me to marry him? Even if
he doesn’t get my parents company?
 I stared at him as if he lost his mind. Scratch that, it’s not as
if he lost his mind. He really did just lose his mind. Okay. I get it. I’m
beautiful, everybody said so. I’m hot, how could I not be when I spend six hours a
week in a gym every week. I’m smart, everything I achieved over the years proves
that. Pero ang pakasalan niya ako kahit wala siyang makukuha sa parents ko? Di na
kapanipaniwala yun.

Both our families’ lives center on one thing. And that is to keep
our wealth within the family or get married to someone who is as affluent and
powerful. Itinakwil na ako ng mga magulang ko at tanggap ko yun. The only assets I
have are a few properties and shares in various companies. Walang wala yun sa yaman
ng mga magulang ko. I don’t even have the security and power my family name
provides me. My last name is reduced to just a name, no more power attached to it.

“This isn’t a time for jokes Eric,” I said as calmly as I could.

“It was understood that we were marrying for business. Alam ko sa sarili ko na
matutulungan kitang patakbuhin ang kumpanya mo kung sakali pero hanggang dun lang
yun. Di mo na makukuha ang kumpanya ni Dad. I’m no use to you anymore.”

“Contrary to what you’re thinking Bri, I am not joking. A man

doesn’t just make a joke out of a proposal, no matter how random or sudden.”
Inialis niya ang sarili niya mula sa harapan ko at tumabi sa akin sa pagsandal sa
kotse niya. Mabuti na lang at di sa harap ng bahay ang library kundi kitang kita
kami ng mga magulang ko. They’d probably think he was trying to make me change my
mind and see sense. “I need you Bri. When you heard me talking to my cousin, it’s
not hard to guess what you were thinking. Sinabi ko lang naman sa kanya ba’t
perpekto si Bea para sa akin. But that’s speaking from an outsider’s point of view.
She’s a great person but honestly, she’d be of no use to me. Nung sinabi ng Daddy
mo na pakakasalan ko ang anak niya, I was actually thinking you were the one I was
marrying. You knew the ins and outs of business. You were the obvious choice. Too
bad your father thought differently. I need someone who is more than a beautiful
decorative object on my arm at parties. I need someone who knows how to think for
herself and can pull her weight. I need someone like you. Mayaman na ako, di ko na
pa kailangan ang yaman ng pamilya mo.”

I honestly don’t know what’s going on inside this guy’s head. I

mean seriously? Is this his idea of a marriage proposal? Even if it’s just for a
marriage of convenience? “Naiintindihan naman kita eh,” pagsinunaling ko. “But the
fact remains, I don’t want to marry you. I don’t want to marry anyone for that
matter. So I’m sorry. Marami namang babae diyan eh. Mas maganda, mas matalino kesa
sa akin. Just ask any of them to marry you.”

End of flashback

I’m here relaxing on a coffee shop just around the area of my

office. Or it used to be. Di ko mapigilang di mapangiti sa mukha ng sekretarya ko
ng sabihin kong ihatid niya ang resignation letter ko sa opisina ng dati kong
tatay.
 Bago ko lang rin naibenta ang shares ko sa kumpanya. I sold it to
my uncle who was the CFO f the company. At least it will remain inside the family.
Naibenta ko na rin ang bahay ko sa isang resort subdivision. I’m planning to go to
New York for a change of scene. Makakahanap naman siguro ako ng trabaho dun. Bahala
ng secretarial lang. I don’t really mind living the luxurious lifestyle I’ll leave
behind. The only property I’m not giving up is my partnership with the twins. May
negosyo kasi kaming tatlo na boutique and they are both running it. I’m only a
silent partner. And since it’s doing very well, it would be crazy of me to sell it.

Di ko mapigilang di mapansin ang lalaking kanina pa titig ng titig

sa akin. He’s a foreigner and I’m betting American. Narinig ko ang pag order niya
kanina at walang siyang accent. He’s not that bad looking pero may something sa
kanya eh. Di ko alam kung ano.

Nagtitigan kami ng ilang sandali hanggang sa bigla na lang siyang

tumayo. Naglakad siya papunta sa akin at napakunot ang noo ko. Is he going to try
and hit on me? “Hi, I’m Connor Daniels,” he introduced. I gestured for him to sit.

“Brianna Rodriguez,” I said absentmindedly. He seemed harmless

enough. “Do you mind telling me why you were staring at me a while ago?”
 “I was just amused at your changing expressions. You have such
expressive eyes. You cheekbones are high and your full lower lip is something
anyone would envy,” he said absentmindedly. He continued staring at me as if I was
a product he was considering of buying. “Also, I don’t think your legs aren’t that
bad. I could work with those, depending on the angle.”

Napatawa ako ng mahina sa pagkakasabi niya. Parang sanay na sanay

siya. “If you’re telling me I’m beautiful, I’m well aware of the fact,” I said
confidently. “If you’re trying to ask me out, then thanks but no thanks. I’m too
busy right now to hook up with a guy.”

Tinaasan niya lang ako ng kilay at nginisihan. “Darling, I’m not

trying to hook up with you. Actually, I want to offer you a job. I work for Top
Models NY. We could definitely use you.”

It was my turn to raise an eyebrow at what he was saying. “If you

really are from that model agency, what the hell are you doing here offering me a
job?”
 “I’m currently on leave. I just broke up with my boyfriend and I
decided to take a vacation since overworking didn’t help,” he said quietly. I can
tell he wasn’t lying about that part. I can judge most people correctly so I’m
pretty sure he’s harmless.

“As much as I’d like to accept, I don’t want a job that doesn’t
require me to use my brain. I’m not saying models are stupid and brainless but, I
need a job that takes more than just walking on runways on high heels and posing
for a magazine,” I declined with as much tact I could muster.

His eyes narrowed as he stared at me. “Tell me, what did you take
up in college? You seem to want a job that challenged your mental capacity,” he
asked in a challenging tone.

“I took up management engineering and I just got my master’s degree

in business management last year,” I said proudly.
 Napangaga siya sa sinabi ko. He’s probably thinking the same thing
people think about when finding out what I took up in college. Looking like this,
no one would think I have a functioning brain inside my head. “Are you serious?” I
just nodded at his awed expression.

“Yes. But I just resigned from my job a week ago and I’m
considering moving to New York. I was offered a job in an investment bank years ago
but I declined seeing as it was better for me to work in the family business. And
since I was disowned by my father last week, I currently have no job and nowhere to
go.”

Reading his expression, he was having a hard time believing me.

“How about a temporary job as an executive secretary and a promise of an immediate
promotion to a managerial position if there’s a vacancy?” he offered.

Well what the hell?! If he was kidding me, what do I have to lose?
I smiled guilelessly at him. “Done,” I said.
Author’s Note:

I know I promised to update days ago but I just couldn’t manage it. I have too much
schoolwork to finish. Mabuti na lang at wala BL teacher ko at mamayang alas otso pa
ng gabi susunod kong klase kaya naisingit ko itong itype.

=================

Chapter 13

Eric’s POV

FLASHBACK

I was staring silently at the beautiful girl drinking with her

friends. She was wearing a tightly fitting dress with the back draped low. It
wasn’t daring by any standards but with the way she carried herself with so much
confidence, she could’ve been wearing her underwear and still have all the single
men in the bar panting after her.

I wonder why she looked so familiar. Alam kong pareho lang kami ng
mundong ginagalawan. Pero alam ko ring di siya palagi dito sa bar. I’ve seen her
somewhere, I just don’t know where exactly. Ilang lalaki na rin ang tinaggihan niya
para sumayaw.

“Damn it Ric. Just go to her and ask her to dance or something.

Kanina pa kami naiinip dito,” sabi ni Clark. Di sila sanay na tititig na lang ako
sa babae pero di gumagawa ng kahit ano.

********

“Bea Sir? Your younger daughter? Di po ba mas mabuti kung si

Brianna?” tanong ko sa ama ng babaeng mapapangasawa ko.

Umiling lang siya. “Brianna is far too strong willed for you. Bea
is a much better choice. Besides, kay Bea ko ko ipapamana ang shares ko ng
kumpanya. Makakaya naman kasi ni Brianna na walang mana. She’s very independent.
She can survive without marrying for business,” he explained.

Damn! Does this man consider his eldest child his daughter? Kung
makapagsalita, mukhang empleyado lang ang tinutukoy at di anak.

I know I’m marrying for business but can’t I at least choose which
one of his daughters I’m marrying? With the background check I got from his two
daughters, I knew right then who I wanted to marry. Honestly, Bea was too nice and
tame for me. Also, I found out that Brianna was the girl I have been trying to find
since I saw her in the bar months ago.

I totally gave up on ever finding her and that’s why I decided to

go along with her father’s decision to marry one of his daughters to get his
company. Malay ko bang anak pala niya ang babaeng matagal ko nang hinahanap. Malas
lang at hindi siya ang ipapakasal sa akin.

******

Nandito ako ngayon sa bahay nina Brianna. It’s funny how I keep
thinking of her. We’re having dinner to formally introduce me to their family as
Bea’s fiancé. Nakita kong namuntla si Bea nang ianunsyo nang Daddy nila na
magpapakasal siya sa akin.

“Arent you going to congratulate them Bri?” their mother said to

Brianna. She just gave their mother a bored look while looking at her sister
sympathetically.

“Congrats Bri,” sabi niya sa kapatid. “Take care of my sister

Eric,” she said to me. Tumango lang ako. Alam kong labag sa kalooban ni Bea ang
kasal namin pero wala akong magagawa. Ang mga magulang ko rin ang nagtutulak sa
akin na pakasalan ang isa sa anak ni Mr. Rodriguez.

Kanina ko pa pinagmamasdan si Brianna. Even without makeup, she

looks so damn beautiful. It was also obvious that she was brilliant. Kinakausap
lang siya ng Daddy nila tungkol sa negosyo habang ang tinatanong naman ni Bea ay
tungkol sa buhay niya. It was obvious who was the favored child.

********

I know I should feel some grief over Bea’s death but just can’t
find it in my heart to feel anything but relief. Alam kong ayaw niyang magpakasal
sa akin. At alam ko rin na may mahal siyang iba. Siya na mismo nagsabi sa akin.
Sinabi rin niyang patuloy pa rin silang nagkikita ng nobyo niya. I promised her I’d
try to get us out of our situation. It’s sad to think I can’t keep my promise.

Kanina ko pa rin tinititigan si Brianna, mabuti na lang at

nakasunglasses ako. It was obvious she was devastated by her sister’s death. Ang di
ko lang maintindihan, ba’t parang siya pa ang sinisisi ng mga tao rito. She never
shed a single tear. She’s trying so hard to keep herself together. It’s not her
fault she can’t stop her sister from driving while drunk and never bothering to put
her seatbelt on.

Kanina pa tapos ang libing at bigla na lang siyang nawala na parang

bula. Damn it! Where could she be?

*****

I can’t help but hate myself for not trying to convince Brianna to
stay harder. Sabi ng mga kaibigan niya, pupunta na raw siya ng New York ngayon
kasama ang isang Connor Daniels. Tangina! Di ako makakapayag. Akin lang si Brianna!
I don’t know why I feel so possessive of her but right now, I don’t care. Ang
mahalaga ay mapigilan ko siya.
 Mabuti na lang at di matraffic. Maaabutan ko pa yun.

Brianna’s POV

I’m on my way to airport. It’s three hours before my flight to New

York. Dun na lang kami magkikkita ni Connor sa airport. Baklang yun, di na lang
talaga ako sinundo. Kainis siya. Sayang lang talaga siya, ang laking kawalan niya
sa kababaihan. Mabuti na lang rin at di na masyadong traffic. Wala pang isang oras
at nakarating na ako ng NAIA.

Kinuha agad ng taxi driver ang mga bagahe ko. Mabuti na lang at may
porter na naghihintay na may dalang cart. Nakaupo na lang ako sa waiting area
habang hinihintay ang oras na pwede nang magcheck in.

I suddenly saw women staring at something at the door. Shit! Kung

di ko pa lang siguro alam na bakla siya, isa na rin ako sa mga babaeng halos mabali
ang leeg matitigan lang si Connor. Walanghiyang bakla! Gumawa pa ng eksena. Why did
he have to dress up like that? Nakakhaki pants lang siya at polo pero shit, ang
gwapo niya.

He was holding two cups of coffee and as he neared me, gave one to
me. I could almost hear other women’s sigh of envy. Di lang nila alam, lalaki rin
ang gusto nito.
 “Don’t you dare accept that coffee Bri!” a familiar voice from
behind me say. Paglingon ko, nakita ko ang galit na galit na mukha ni Eric.

Why was he even here? “Anong ginagawa mo dito?”

“Pinipigilan kang umalis,” matigas niyang sabi. Lumapit siya sa

amin at sinamaan ng tingin si Connor. “Who are you?” tanong niya rito.

Tumingin sa akin saglit si Connor na tila nagpapaalam na magsalita.

“Her friend and employer. Connor Daniels. And you are?” it was times like this that
I thank God that Connor is just a closet gay. Hindi siya ladlad kaya matutulungan
niya ako.

“Eric dela Vega. Her fiancé,” he said back.

 “Ex fiancé Eric. Tell me, why do you insist that I stay? There’s
nothing left for me here,” I asked arching my brow. Ano bang pinaglalaban ng gagong
to?

“Look Bri, I’ll do anything for you to stay. Ibibigay ko sayo ang
kumpanya ng Daddy mo kung mapapasaakin nay un. Please, just please, don’t go,” he
begged. He really looked as if he didn’t want me to go. Anong bang meron? It’s not
as if he’s in love with me.

“Oh my God! Can you please stop acting like this is some melodrama? Di to teleserya
na pinagbibidahan mo. You’re not my boyfriend for heaven’s sake! Wag mo akong
pigilan sa pag-alis ko,” galit ko nang sabi. Gumagawa na kami ng eksena. People
were starting to crowd around us.

“Pucha naman Brianna! Di pa ba halata sayo ba’t kita pinipigilan.

Gusto kita,” sabi pa niya. Natigilan siya saglit na para bang ngayon lang rin niya
narealize yun. “Ikaw na man sana talaga gustong pakasalan eh. Pero di talaga
pumayag Daddy mo,” giit pa niya.
“Sige, sabihin nating na sa amin ni Bea, ako ang gusto mong pakasalan. Pakiexplain
nga ba’t di mo pinilit si Dad? Oh ngayon natigilan ka? Pwede ba Eric, tama na. sino
bang niloloko mo? You just want my father’s company but I’m sorry, you can’t use me
anymore to get it.”

With that said, agad na akong tumalikod at pumila para sa check in. Di na rin niya
ako hinabol. I guess he finally realized he can’t fool me with his lies.

Author’s Note:

Sorry kung medyo malabo ang POV ni Eric. Di ko kasi talaga alam anong ilalagay eh.
Isiningit ko lan flashback niya.XD

=================

Chapter 14

After 6 months

Brianna’s POV

I’ve been staying in New York for about half a year now. It’s been
good, to say the least. I miss my parents, God knows why. I guess miss my friends,
though we talk on skype from time to time. I love y new friends here, though we’re
all still getting to know each other.

I’m currently working as an executive assistant for Connor's

cousin, Elena Daniels. She’s the EIC of the fashion magazine we’re all working for.
It’s under the publishing conglomerate that is owned and ran by their family. I may
not be good in following my father’s orders back home but I realized that I can be
amenable to following other people’s orders. Although Elena has repeatedly reminded
me of my position sometimes just so she can make me do what she wants. Besides,
being an assistant to her is more challenging than I expected. I have a certain
amount of power over other people in the company.

“Bri!” Elena called from inside her inner office. Fuck! What does
she want now? I immediately stood up and went to her. “Yes your highness?” I asked
sarcastically. I was in the middle of fixing her schedule for next week. She’s like
not Miranda from the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” anyway so I can talk to her in
any way I want. She also considers me her friend so she’s tolerant of my sarcasm
and she knows I’m not used to being in anyone’s being beck and call.

“Go to the feature editor and tell her that if she does not present
me a feature article on the new line of lingerie from that designer everyone has
been talking about, she might as well hand in her resignation letter. And before
you ask me why you should tell her personally, it’s because I want her to know I’m
serious. She may be one of the best, but she’s not indispensable. After you see
her, go to the shoot for the new perfume campaign. I want to know if the model is
there or not. If she’s not, find a replacement. I do not tolerate
unprofessionalism. I don’t care if she’s one of the highest paid models. Models are
a dime a dozen. You get that?” she asked with sweet smile on her lips. I take back
what I said. She may have been smiling while giving away orders, but she sure as
hell is serious. She’s worse than Miranda Priestly.
 I immediately went to the feature editor in her office two floors
down. I saw her chatting with the stylists. I knocked on her door twice and pushed
the door open. Her jaw dropped open upon seeing me. “Ms. Wilde?” I asked.

“Elena wants the article about the lingerie designer before the end
of the week. If you don’t give her what she wants, she told me specifically to ask
you to hand in your resignation.” Her jaw dropped even lower.

I left her as she was and headed to the studio inside the building. Good thing the
shoot is just indoors. The senior art director who is Connor Daniels looked pissed
off. This is the first time I’ve seen him ready and willing to kill someone. “Hey
Connor, Elena said that if the model isn’t here yet, you can replace her,” I said
offhandedly. He stared at me intently for a few seconds before grabbing his phone.
He turned his back on me and talked to whoever was on the other line, although I
didn’t hear any of their conversation. I just noticed him nodding absentmindedly as
if the person he was talking to was on the other line was in front of him and
smiling.

He stared at me again after returning his phone back in his pocket. “Jean,” he
called out to someone without taking his stare away from me. “Miss Miller?”
 “Yes?” a redhead in jeans answered, taking her place beside Connor.
If I remember correctly, she’s the head photographer. This must be a major brand if
these people were personally handing the shoot. The person he referred to as Miss
Miller only came near us but didn’t talk.

The redhead also stared at me. “What do you think?” Connor asked.

“You’re a freaking genius! Why didn’t we think of her?” the redhead

exclaimed excitedly. They were both staring at me as if I was a piece of meat they
were about to have for dinner when they haven’t eaten for an entire day. The other
woman only stared at me for a moment and nodded her head briefly.

They walked towards me slowly, as if they were scared of me running

off because of any sudden movement. “Hey, I don’t like the way you guys are looking
at me,” I said a bit intimidated. Please, someone, tell me that I’m thinking wrong.
 When they were finally in front of me, Connor put his hands on my
arm and grabbed me towards him. “You always asked me how you can repay me, well
this is how. Do the shoot. I swear this will be the first and last. Just for this
campaign,” he begged with puppy dog eyes. Pathetic.

Jean rolled her eyes as if believing that everything Connor said

was a load of bullshit. I couldn’t help but do what she did. Fine! If this was the
only way to repay him, I’ll do it. “Okay, but if you realize that I’m not cut out
to be a model, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Both their eyes lit up in triumph. What did I get myself into? They
dragged me towards the makeup artists and hairstylists so my face and hair could be
done. Crap! They used all sorts of expensive makeup and hair products on me. When
they were done with my eyes, the transformation was obvious. My hair was styled
into a very loose braid with wavy strands escaping. My eyes had a shadowy effect.
And my lips were a deep, bloody red. After the makeup, I was dressed in a sheer and
loose white gown.

Connor then immediately rushed me to the shooting area. There was a

topless guy with well defined abs sitting in a fancy looking sofa, looking bored.
Fuck! Nobody said I was going to pose with a male model. Before I could scream at
Connor, someone else was already doing the screaming. I immediately looked at the
place where the noise was coming from. A skimpily dressed woman was shouting at
everybody.
 I guess the model just arrived. I sat beside the guy, waiting for
someone to tell me the shoot was off. “Hey, I’m Donny. You are?” he asked.

“Bri,” I said simply. Shit! How am I suppose to model if some guy’s

hands was on me?

I guess I gave off the aura of being scared since Donny felt the need to reassure
me. “Don’t worry. I’m gay so you don’t have to look so scared,” he said with a
smile.

Damn! First it was Connor. Then this guy? It’s a crime against for guys this hot to
be gay. “Thanks,” I said, not knowing what else to say.
“This your first time?” he asked chattily.

“Yeah. I’m not a model, truth be told. This is just a payment for a
favor done to me by Connor,” I admitted.

Donny looked thoughtful for a few moments, unmindful for the noise
around us. “I guess you’re the girl he met in the Philippines. You don’t look
American to me, though you don’t have a noticeable accent.”

“Well yeah. Are you the boyfriend he was talking about?” I asked
back.

He nodded. Before he could he could open his mouth to say

something, we heard Connor shouting angrily at the model. “Then sue us! We’re not
the ones who breached the contract and screaming obscenities at everyone.” Right
then, security came in and dragged the model outside.
 “Okay! Places everyone! You’re the focus of the shoot Bri so always
looke here.” Jean said from behind the equipment in front of me and Donny. “Bri,
lean back on the armrest but look here,” she ordered me. “Donny, lean into her and
grab her hair,” she said. She took a few shots and showed them to Connor. They
looked at each other and both shook their heads. “Show a little more neck and leg
Bri,” she said. I leaned back more on the chair. Connor came in and dragged the
dress down to show more of my legs. “Donny! Put your face in her neck! This is a
perfume campaign, not a romance novel cover.” Donny did as Jean asked. “Yeah,
that’s it. Bri, part your lips a little,” she ordered. Donny moved around a little
and so did I but basically we just changed the angles. “Great! We’re done here.
Great job everyone!”

I didn’t realize a shoot went this fast. It took us more time

putting on my make up than taking the photos. I hurriedly changed back into my
clothes and went to Connor and Jean. They showed me the pictures. Wow! I didn’t
think I looked this good.

“Thanks Bri. You really came through for me,” Connor said
gratefully.
 “You’re welcome. But remember what you said earlier. This is the
first and last time,” I reminded him.

Author's Note:

Sorry for the very late update. Happy new Year guys. Love yah!

=================

Chapter 15

Brianna’s POV

“Congrats Bri! The campaign was a success. Everybody who’s anybody

wants to know who you are. Cosmetic lines want to use your face,” Connor said
proudly. We were at a bar in the east village. They’re celebrating my so called
success. Kanina pa ako palinga linga dito. The bar was pretty full, kanya kanyang
party ang mga tao. It reminded me of the times na sinasama ako ng kambal para
magbar dati. “Hey! I’m talking to you! How are you not happy about this?”

I just rolled my eyes at his excitement. Honestly! It was a onetime

deal. What’s the fuss about? “Just to remind you, you promised me it’s only going
to happen once. So sorry to break you bubble, but I swear, I’m not doing it again,”
I declared unfeelingly.

Connor’s face fell. “But Bri, this could be your break,” Jean
convinced. Her face looked down as well. Anong problema nitong mga taong to?

“Guys! Seriously, I’m not doing it again. I didn’t come here to New
York to become a model,” I said unconvinced. Damn! I just remembered the time I
passed by newspaper and magazine and two guys flipped through the pages of a
magazine. They stopped on the page where my add was and stared at my face for like
a few minutes. I mean, what were two guys doing with a fashion magazine? Had they
purposely looked for the ad where I was in?

It was Jean’s turn to roll her eyes. “Look Bri, you can’t change
the fact that you’re a big hit in the fashion industry right now. Sooner or later,
you going to have to accept that fact and hopefully, accept more projects,” she
explained unmindful of the party atmosphere. It was like she was in an office
convincing a client to accept a project. Beside her, Connor’s face was drained of
all color as he looked far ahead, behind me.
 Tiningnan ko kung ano ang parang pagkatakot sa kanya. Fucking shit!
What the hell is he doing here? It’s been months since I last saw him but damn, I
got to admit he still looks hot. Even though I never admitted to myself before.
Naglakad siya palapit sa amin na parang inis na inis. Nang makalapit na siya,
inilibot niya ang kanyang mga mata sa kabuuan ko. I was wearing an indecently short
dress. It covered the upper part of my body naman pero the back was a bit
revealing. Ewan ko dito kay Connor, siya pumili ng sinuot ko.

“Can we talk?” he asked, pissed off. He was wearing a suit but

without a coat. His tie was a bit loose and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I
gestured towards Connor and Jean. They nodded their assent.

I raised I daintily penciled brow as a sarcastic smile graced my

lips. “Do I have choice?”

“Not really,” he said. I stood up on my four inch heels and grabbed

the table for support. He grabbed my arm as he stopped me from falling face down on
the floor. Shit! Ba’t kasi kanina pa ako inom ng inom. Di na man ako ang
nagdiriwang. I may not be drunk but I sure as hell am tipsy. Nahihilo talaga ako.
 “Damn,” he muttered under his breath. I know I’m being an
inconvenience but he has the choice of bothering with me or not. “Iinom inom, di
naman pala kaya,” inis niyang sabi.

“Just so you know, this is the first time I’ve had liquor since
I’ve arrived here,” I said, defending myself.

“I’ll just take her home later,” he said to Connor and Jean. They
just nodded their heads sagely. What is it with this guy? Ba’t parang lahat na lang
ng tao napapasunod niya, maliban sa akin? The way he moves commands nothing but
obedience from people around him. Hinila niya ako palabas ng bar. The cold air was
like a slap to my face, so I sobered up a bit. “Let’s take a walk.”

“Why are you so familiar here?” I asked curiously? I know we had no

particular direction but he didn’t seem to worry about getting lost.
 Inalis niya sa kanyang bulsa ang kanyang mga kamay. Inalalayan niya
ako and I have no choice but to accept his assistance. I’m not that stupid to
refuse help when I know for myself I need some. “I also got my master’s degree from
a school here,” he said. Oh, so that meant he got himself a master’s degree from an
ivy league university. Why am I not surprised?

“So? What are we going to talk about?” I asked sullenly. How else
am I going to talk? I’m cold and walking around in four inch stilettos.

“Your father’s sick,” he said looking away from me. I felt the
color drain from my face. Good thing he wasn’t looking at me. I’m not that much of
a bad daughter to not care. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “He’s blood
pressure rose. And people are starting to put two and two together and are blaming
you.”

“And I care, why? It’s not as if I still live there. Besides, he

can afford the medicine.” I pretended not to care as he continued to walk. But deep
inside, I was holding myself back from grabbing my phone from my purse and call my
mother to ask how they are.

It was his turn to let out an exasperated breath. “That’s not the
point Bri. Nagkahypertension siya dahil sa pagkawala mo. We both know that. When
you left, he barely kept himself together. You’re mother’s thankful it wasn’t a
heart attack. Di na nga niya kinaya ang pagtatakbo ng kumpanya. At the moment, I’m
not the one who’s running it,” he explained.

“So you got what you wanted after all. Ba’t mo pa ako pinuntahan
dito?” tanong ko. At the moment, all I wanted is to go back to my apartment and
call someone at the house.

Marahas niya akong pinaharap sa kanya. His hands tightened on my

arms I could feel them bruising. I’ve never seen him this violent and I’m a little
scared. “”Damn it Brianna! I’m here to take you home! Your father needs you. I need
you!” he raised his voice a little, earning us the questioning looks from other
people walking.

Di ko namalayan na nasa harap na kami sa isang hotel sa may central

park. This must be where he’s staying. Hinila niya ako papasok at dumeretso kami sa
elevator. Tumigil kami sa isang floor at naglakad saglit hanggang sa nasa harap na
kami ng kwarto niya. He got his keycard from his pocket and swiped it harshly, as
if being impatient and annoyed at the same time.
 Dumeretso ako sa seating area at umupo. Hinubad ko ang sandals ko
at hinilot saglit ang mga paa ko. I saw his feet in front of mine as I massaged my
aching foot. “Here,” he said as he handed me a cup of coffee. Probably to sober me
up even more. I gladly accepted but also in consternation because he sat himself
beside me.

He stared at his own coffee for a while before looking at me,

straight into my eyes. “What will it take for you to come to the Philippines Bri?”
he asked humbly. Does he really care about my father’s condition that much?

I took a deep breath. Just as deep as I was thinking. “Give me

three months Eric. I’ve been here for what? Half a year? And you’re making me go
back? I don’t think so.”

“Fine. But if you’re not there after three months, don’t think I
won’t come back here and get you back,” he said. I just nodded and put the empty
coffee cup on the table. I stood up and got my purse from the table. “Where are you
going?” he asked, surprised.
 “Back to my apartment. Don’t worry, I can just grab a cab,” I said
when I saw him stand up as well. I turned my back and started for the door. I was
about to get a hold on the doorknob when I felt his breath behind me.

“Who said I was letting you go that easy?” he asked as he grabbed

me to face him and pushed me to the door. Our faces were only inches apart and I
could feel his entire body against mine. I never realized he has a rock hard
physique until now. I didn’t bother stopping him as he also pressed his lips
against mine.

=================

Chapter 16

Brianna’s POV

I rubbed my eyes as I tried my damndest to open them. I roamed my eyes

around the room I was in. Fuck! Where the hell am I? Why am I naked beside Eric?

“Who said I was letting you go that easy?”

 “Who said I was letting you go that easy?”

“Who said I was letting you go that easy?”

Damn! Did I just have sex with him? I quickly got my ass out of bed.
Fuck! May konting dugo sa kama. I could also feel faint discomfort between my
thighs. How many times did we do each other last night? For God’s sake, I wasn’t
even drunk!

Agad agad kong kinuha ang mga damit ko kagabi at sinuot. I went outside
his room and found my purse at the center table. Mabuti na lang at hindi niya
pinunit ang damit ko. Thank God for small mercies. I didn’t bother taking a shower
or what. I don’t even know the protocol for morning after one night stands. I mean,
is it even a one stand if I know the guy. Bahala na nga. Makaalis nga.
 My head hurts and Conner and Jean can’t stop nagging me about Eric.
Like seriously! I lost my virginity, so what? It’s not like in the Philippines
where it’s a big deal for most people. Mabuti na lang at nainis na ang boss ko sa
kanila at pinalabas na sila.

May biglang kumatok mula sa outer office ng ma’am. “Miss Brianna,

someone is here to see you,” magalang na sabi nung isang assistant. At the blank
expression on my face, she elaborated. “He said his name is Eric and that he’s your
fiancé?”

Say what?! What exactly did I say to him last night for him to think
we’re engaged? Binalingang ko ng tingin ang boss ko. “Can I use the conference
room? I’ll only be a few minutes?” I asked for permission. She didn’t hide her
curiosity but she nodded anyway.
 Paglabas ko, nakita kong nakadekwatro si Eric sa sofa. “Sa conference
room tayo,” sabi ko. Dumeretso ako ng lakad at ramdam ko ang pagsunod niya. “Look,
whatever happened last night shouldn’t have happened. I admit I was a little drunk
so don’t go all honorable on me and offer marriage, I don’t need it. As for my
father, alam natin pareho na di niya ako kailangan. So you can go back to the
Philippines with your conscience appeased. You did everything you could.”

“You think it’s that easy Bri?” I could hear the tension in his voice.
I could feel he won’t give up on the argument easily. “You were a fucking virgin!
Don’t you dare tell me it doesn’t matter!”

“God Eric! I’m in my twenties. I should’ve lost it years ago. Besides,

don’t tell me sleeping with a virgin actually matters to you. Just think of it as
one of you other one night stands. A blip in the radar. Di mo ako kailangan
panagutan!” mabuti na lang soundproof tong conference room. If not, it would’ve
been embarrassing to the people who could hear us from outside.

“If that’s how you see then fine! Pero punyeta Brianna! Kailangan ka ng
tatay mo! He’s barely holding on to the company! Kailangan ka niya!” sabi niya
ulit. I remembered how I felt last night. How worried and guilty I was. But I guess
those particular feelings were brought on by my slight intoxication. Now that I’m
sober, I feel as though I don’t anyone anything, especially my father.
 “He brought it on himself. It’s funny how everyone realizes my worth
after I’m gone. It’s a fucking cliché actually. Now that he disowned me, he finally
sees my worth. No way Eric. Sabihin mo ng wala akong puso o wala akong utang na
loob. The hell I care. I won’t go back,” diin ko. Tanggap ko naman eh. They don’t
want me back because they love me. They want me back because they need me. Without
me, it’s possible they might lose the company. Gusto lang nila ako gamitin.

“Three months Bri. You promised me three months,” Eric reminded me. I
oculd see the determination in his eyes. It makes me wish I changed my name, my
entire identity all together. I just want to be left in peace.

“You know better than to take a drunken person’s promise seriously

Eric. Lasing ako nung sinabi ko yun,” paalala ko. Di siya natinag sa sinabi ko. At
alam kong di niya isusuko ting diskusyong to. “You know what, just leave. Umalis ka
na bago ako magpatawag ng security.”

“Three months Bri. Pag nalaman kong di ka pa babalik sa tatlong buwan,

babalikan kita dito,” ulit pa nito. Bago pa ako makasagot o makaangal, tumalikod na
siya at umalis.
author's note:

Did I promise a BS? next time na lang. LOL. Busy si author this past few days. apat
major subjects ko ngayon eh. Di tulad last year, wla akong major kaya ayun, UD ng
UD sa HBW. Sorry guys. :)

=================

Chapter 17

Brianna’s POV

It’s been five months. And I haven’t heard from Eric. Thank God! I
knew for a fact that he wouldn’t go through with his threats. But admittedly, it
has given me some bad moments. I kept thinking, what if he suddenly turns up at my
door. Or what if I arrived at the office and he was waiting for me in the reception
area. But it didn’t happen, and I’m eternally grateful for that.

My modeling career shot off since that perfume campaign. Now I’m
modeling for mostly make up, and sometimes a clothing line. A famous clothing line
that is. I seldom do high fashion though. I also quit my job as an executive
assistant. Though sometimes, I still help out at the office. “Hey Bri, there’s
another offer for you,” Connor said after taking a sip of his coffee. Were
currently in a coffee shop just in front of our office building.
 “What am I endorsing this time?” I asked, bored with the topic.
Since my career shot off, Connor has been acting as my manager. I’m now part of
their agency. And I think I’m also the highest paid there.

He averted his eyes. Damn, I don’t like where this is going. “It’s
an up and coming brand in Southeast Asia. It’s founded and based in the
Philippines.” Connor still won’t look straight at me. There’s still something he’s
not telling me.

“And?” I prompted.
 He sighed deeply. He kept stirring his coffee, now looking at it as
if it contained the way out to my questioning. “The owner is a certain Alaina dela
Vega. Her business is being backed by a certain silent partner. I didn’t find out
more because Alaina won’t disclose his identity to the public.”

It was my turn to let out a deep sight. “I take it you’re already

accepted the offer?”

He nodded sagely. “You’re not going to model their clothing line.

They’re launching there perfume and skincare product line and they want you as
their image model.”
 “You said it yourself, it’s and up and coming line. How can they
afford my fee?” I asked incredulously, raising a delicately penciled brow.

“I told you, it’s being backed by a certain silent partner,” he

said again.

That bastard. I know for a fact who that freaking silent partner
is. Damn him! I guess I have no choice but to go back to my country then.

Eric’s POV
 “So she accepted the offer then?” I asked on the other line. My
cousin called me out of an important meeting just to tell me Bri agreed to model
for my cousin.

I can almost imagine my cousin nodding enthusiastically. Her dream

of starting her own clothing line came true because of my money. Her parents wanted
her to enter the family business but she refused, pursuing a career in fashion
through her own hard work. And now, her company is successful enough to launch its
new line of perfumes and skincare products.

After finding out about my engagement to Brianna, siya na mismo

nangulit sa akin na kunin si Brianna bilang model. I saw it as a perfect
opportunity. I couldn’t push through with my plans of bringing Brianna back here
two months ago because of her own father’s wishes. Ang sabi niya, hayaan ko na lang
muna si Bri dahil di pa niya kayang harapin ang anak. He doesn’t want his own
daughter to see him with loathing in her eyes. But his condition is getting worse.
I’m not sure exactly what his sickness is but it’s made him age ten years.
 Before I could continue my thoughts, the intercom sounded and my
secretary’s voice got through. “Sir, a Miss Joanna Castro is here to see you.
Papasukin ko ba?” tanong niya.

What? What is she doing here? Isn’t she supposed to be in Paris?

“Sige Margie,” sagot ko na lang.

Agad namang pumasok si Joanna sa opisina ko. Her sickeningly sweet

perfume wafted through the air. I wonder how I managed to tolerate it when we were
still together. “Eric, It’s so nice to see you again.”
 Tumayo ako para batiin siya. “Joanna,” I said with forced
cheerfulness. “What brought you here?” I asked with as much enthusiasm I could
muster.

“I heard about your cancelled wedding with Brianna Rodriguez. Gusto

lang kitang kamustahin,” paliwanag niya. Kakamustahin niya ako? Seryoso ba siya?
Nakalimutan ba niya ang nangyari nang huli kaming magkita? She slept with a fucking
producer to get a minor part in a movie that caused our breakup. Now she wants to
see how I am? Is she for real?

“Our impending wedding wasn’t cancelled. Just postponed,” I lied

through gritted teeth. Now I have more reason to get back Brianna as quickly as
possible.
 “Oh, and here I thought I still had a chance,” she said, suddenly
sad. What the hell? Tingin niya may pag-asa pang magkabalikan kami?

“I’m sorry Jo, pero kung yan ang dahilan ba’t ka nandito,
dederetsuhin na kita. Wala nang tayo. Ang there’s no chance of any reconciliation,”
paliwanag ko.

Bigla siyang kumapit sa damit ko. Nakikita kong may namumuong luha
sa mga mata niya. “Pero Eric, nagbago na ako. I changed for you. Alam ko na ngayon
na di ko dapat pinili ang career ko over you. I know now I shouldn’t have left
you.” pagmamakaawa niya.
 Is she fucking serious? “I’m sorry Jo. Pero wala na talaga akong
natitirang nararamdaman para sayo. Kaya mabuti pa, umalis ka na.”

“But....”

“I’m sorry Joanna. But I’m not breaking off my engagement to Bri
for you. You don’t know what she means to me. Kaya bago pa ako magpatawag ng
security, mabuti pang umalis ka na.”
 I turned my back on her the same way I did four years ago. I’ll be
eternally grateful I found out about her true nature before I proposed. Kahit di ko
pa alam kung anong nararamdaman ko para kay Bri, sigurado ako. There’s no other
woman I’d rather have than her. There’s no way I’m giving her up.

Author's Note:

At dahil 6:20 pa klase ako, may naisingit akong UD. Baka bukas ng umaga
meron din. Pero di ako sure sa kung anong story.

=================

Chapter 18

Brianna’s POV

I just got back here from the states and they already arranged a
press conference. Seriously, do this people think I’m some kind of superhuman who
can function without a decent night’s sleep? Last time I checked, I was still a
normal person who needs enough time to rest.
 Galing sa airport, dumeretso na agad ako sa isang mall para sa
presscon. Mabuti na lang at para sa contract signing na lang to na formality kaya
di masyadong publicized dahil kung hindi, baka dinumog na ako. People here are
aware of my past, my background, and the history behind me leaving the country.

Nang maupo na ako sa stage, di na nagpapigil ang press.

“Miss Rodriguez, are you still in contact with your parents?”

 Bwiset, anong klaseng tanong ba to? This was supposed to be for the
company I’m endorsing. Not my personal life. “I’m sorry but I can only answer
questions regarding my work,” I said as much control and grace I could muster.
There’s no way in hell my discussing my family, or the lack thereof.

Pagkatapos nang tanong yun, natauhan na ang iba dahil tungkol na

lang sa pagtanggap ng project ang mga tanong nila hanggang sa matapos kami.

Mabuti na lang at sa mismong hotel na ito rin ako nagcheck in. Nang makapasok ako
sa kwarto ay may babaeng naghihintay sa akin sa receiving area ng suite. She was
beautiful in a deceptively innocent way. And she also looked familiar. She was
staring at me, smiling in a friendly way. “I’m sorry, I’m just taken aback by your
beauty. The pictures didn’t do you justice. I’m Alaina dela Vega. President and CEO
of the line you’re endorsing,” she said, introducing yourself. “I just wanted to
personally welcome you. And I wasn’t able to contact you. So I just let myself in.
I hope its okay.”

I just nodded my head. And trying not to ask how she’s related to Eric. Pero di na
ako nagtanong. Baka di ko kayanin ang sagot. “It’s okay, really. Here to make sure
the face is worth the fee?” I asked jokingly.
Tumawa siya nang may kalakasan. “It’s worth it. Believe me. I’m also here to remind
you of another interview scheduled later this afternoon to be aired tonight. Your
manager, Connor, asked me to remind you. He can’t contact you either.”

I rolled my eyes at what Connor did. Interview na naman? “God! Di na lang ba niya
ako pagpapahingahin?” tanong ko sa sarili.

Ngumisi naman si Alaina. “When he mentioned it, I felt compelled to warn you. The
hostess isn’t exactly known for her tact when asking personal questions. And she
won’t stop until she has answers. Pasensya na. Kung alam ko lang, I would’ve
advised against it. Pero naka oo na kasi siya.”
“It’s okay. I’ll handle whatever question they’ll throw at me. If it’s personal, it
doesn’t matter. If it has consequences, I’ll get over it. I always do.”

“Oh, I just want to say, I’m sorry for your cancelled engagement to my cousin,” she
said with feigned ignorance on the subject. I’m pretty sure she knows more about it
than she admits. “Nababagayan pa naman ako sa inyo. No offense to your sister, but
I knew from the start your sister was wrong for him. He needs someone who can stand
up to him. Pero nung nalaman kong ikaw na pakakasalan niya, your reputation along
told me you could hold your own.”

Eric’s POV

“Sir, your cousin Alaina is calling. Are you going to take it or

I’m going to tell her your busy?” sabi ng secretary ko.

“I’ll take, thanks,” I answered curtly.

“I got to hand it to you cousin. She was the epitome of grace under pressure. How
did you ever let her go?” she asked teasingly. I could almost see her laughing from
the other line.

“She was never even mine,” I answered impatiently. “Tumawag ka ba para lang mang-
asar?”
“Nope, I called to let you know she’s fine and lived up to the advance publicity.
May interview pala siya sa late night show ng isang network. The one with the
tactless and insensitive host. Maybe you should check up on her yourself.
Paniguradong tungkol sa personal niyang buhay at nakaraan ang itatanong sa kanya.
She needs all the help and protection she can get.”

Author's Note:

Napaaga ang UD kasi may load net namin kasi nag-aabang ako grades. Sorry kung ito
lang muna. Busy ako last week pabalik balik sa city. Try ko sipagin magtype next
week.

=================

Chapter 19

"So Ms. Rodriguez, how is it being back in the Philippines?" tanong ng maarteng
host sa akin. Seryoso ba siya sa tanong niya? Wala na bang mas original diyan.

Sinagot ko lang mg sinagot ang bawat tanong niya. But it didn't escape my notice
that her questions were becoming more invasive as the interview went on. From
asking about my past relationships to my lack of communication with my parents.
"So is there any truth to the allegations that you caused your sister's death?"
tanong naman niya. My smile was in place but I was in rage inside.

My smiled widely but anyone who knew me well knows that smile was pure sarcasm. "To
be honest, I don't care about people believing that notion. I know the truth and
everyone who matters to me know that truth. If people believe I killed my sister,
it's not my concern anymore."

"And what is the truth Ms. Rodriguez?" pahabol niyang tanong.

"I don't think that matters now. My version of the truth and my parents' version
are vastly different. Even if they disowned me, I don't want anyone thinking
differently about them because of what they believe or did. I think I owe them that
much at least."

"You said it yourself Ms. Rodriguez, they disowned you. Why do you believe you owe
them that much? Everyone wants to know your side of the story. Wala ka na dapat
pakialam sa iisipin ng mga tao sa mga magulang mo."

After saying that, I saw a very familiar face walk in the studio. Anong ginagawa ni
Eric dito? And what's with the glare? I haven't done anything wrong. Yet. Umiling
iling siya na parang pinipigilan ako sa kung ano man ang gagawin ko.

But that's the trigger. "Well, if you insist." I took a deep breath as I prepared
myself. "The truth is, my sister had a boyfriend. Unfortunately, he wasn't
acceptable from our parents' standards. Pero yun lang ang tanging pagkakataon na
nakita ko ang kapatid ko na sinuway ang kagustuhan ng mga magulang namin. Bea went
ahead with her relationship with him. And I have never seen her happier since. But
since our parents have their ways of finding out everything she does, nalaman nila
bago pa nag isang taon ang relasyon."

I was holding back the tears that threatened to fall down. Kung iisipin na mga tao
na naghahanap lang ako nag simpatya, nagkakamali sila.

"I was wracked with guilt after the accident. Dahil nung panahon na yun, pati ako
sinisisi sa sarili ko. When I got out of the hospital, pinuntahan ko ang boyfriend
ni Bea. He was guilty himself. He also blamed himself. Pinuntahan pala siya ng mga
magulang namin at binantaan. They told him that if he didn't stay away from my
sister, mawawalan ng scholarship ang mga kapatid niya na siya nagpapaaral.
Matatanggal din sa factory ang ama niya kung saan ito nagtatrabaho."

"So basing from what you're saying, Bea's boyfriend was poor and your parents
threatened him?" di makapaniwalang tanong ng host.

Tumango lang ulit ako. "Bea met him when she was still in university. Matagal na
silang magkaibigan bago nagkalakas ng loob yung lalaki na ligawan ang kapatid ko.
Like my parents, he thought he wasn't good enough for her. Actually, Bea had no
knowledge of her engagement that's why while she's still with her boyfriend, she
was engaged at the same time. Until her boyfriend said he wants out. Then that
night happened. Pinuntahan niya ako sa condo ko at inayang uminom. I told her to go
home but she said she couldn't face our parents. I was used to their indifference
so I didn't know what she was going through. Wala akong ibang nagawa kundi samahan
siya. Hinayaan ko siyang uminom at malasing. Kaya nung napilit ko na siyabg umuwi,
I insisted I drive pero di siya nagpatinag. When we were about to hit the truck,
whose driver helped us, I grabbed the wheel but I didn't know there was a tree so
we hit that instead. May plano na yata siyang banggain ang truck nun eh. Or maybe
she didn't see it. She even stepped on the accelerator. I don't know. I was wearing
a seatbelt so I was okay but she didn't wear hers."

With that said, I couldn't hold back the emotion any longer. I took long calming
breaths pero di nakatulong. Nahihirapan pa rin ako. Parang di na alam ng host anong
gagawin niya. She probably realized it's better to end the show since I was
overcome with too much emotion.

"That's it ladies and gentlemen. The truth from Bianca Rodriguez herself. Good
night everybody!"

Some of the staff helped me gather my bearings and help me stand up. Nakayuko pa
rin ako hanggang sa napansin kong iniwan na ako ng mga tao maliban sa isa. I
noticed a pair of black leather shoes directly in front of my heels. That's when I
looked up and saw Eric still glaring at me closely.

"What the hell was that? Alam mo ba kung anong maaring mangyari pag nakita ng daddy
mo ang interview na to?" galit niyang tanong.

"You're asking me what it was? Well it was the truth. Just like everyone wanted.
And honestly, I don't care what happens to him. He disowned me for God's sake! Why
should I still care? Why waste any feeling on someone who never gave a damn about
me. Why are you even here anyway?" bago pa siya makasagot, inunahan ko na siyang
magsalita. "You know what, wag ka nang sumagot. The hell I care anyway."
Author's note:At dahil walang pinapagawa ang mga boss ko dito sa company kung saan
ako nag ojt, sinubukan ko na lang tong itype.

=================

Chapter 20

Brianna's POV

I ran out of the studio without a glancing back. Alam kong

pinagtitinginan ako ng mga tao pero wala akong pakialam. Nang makapasok ako sa
elevator ay agad kong sinara yun bago pa makasunod si Eric. He ran as fast as he
could para makaabot pero di niya ako naabutan dahil nagsara na ang elevator.
Hanggang sa nakababa na ako, nasa akin pa rin ang tingin ng mga tao. Di ko alam
dahil ba halatang umiiyak ako o nakita na nila ang interview.

Pagkalabas ko ng building, nakaabang na sa akin ang kotse at driver

ko. Mabuti na lang at walang press na naghihintay sa labas kundi, di ko alam anong
gagawin ko. I honestly didn't have no idea what I'm crying for. As far as I'm
concerned, my parents disowned so I didn't have to care how they'll react once they
see or even hear about that interview. And I also didn't give a damn how Eric felt
about me. So why the hell am I crying? I'm supposed to have already killed whatever
feelings I have for him. It's not even considered feelings damn it! It was just
plain attraction. To put it crudely, it just lust.

Nang makarating kami sa hotel, di ko namalayan na gutom na pala

ako. Nagparoom service na lang ako. I am in no state to face anyone right now. Not
even the hotel staff. I hastily changed into a nightgown and pulled on my robe.
Kahit naman halos hubad na ako sa ibang photoshoot ko, may kahihiyan pa rin naman
ako.

Nang may kumatok na, agad ko na itong binuksan nang di tinitingnan

kung sinong nasa labas. I was halfway decent anyway. Pumasok naman ang waiter na
tinutulak ang cart. Pag-angat ko ng tingin, agad tumambad sa akin ang nakangising
mukha ni Eric.
 "What the hell are you doing here?" I know it was a cliché to ask
him that but what else could I say? "How did you even get in?"

"Clark owns this hotel. I threatened the waiter who was supposed to
deliver your food. Di naman pala ganun kahirap makita ka," nakangisi niyang sagot
sa akin. He raked his gaze over me and his smirk got more arrogant. Shit! I why did
I have to check in at a hotel his friends own?

Napaiwas ako ng tingin. I didn't like how he was looking at me.

"Pwede ba?! Umalis ka na! I don't want you here!"

"Since when have I cared what you wanted Bri? And I am not leaving
until you promise that you'll see your parents. Kung tutuusin, you should've been
here two months ago. Ang usapan natin, tatlong buwan ka lang."
 "I was drunk when I agreed to that! You can't possibly think I
meant it. And if my parents wanted to see me, sila dapat mismo magsabi sa akin.
Face it Eric, ikaw lang ang naniniwala na gusto nila akong makita. They don't want
to see me. If they did, they should've contacted me themselves. Now get out!"

Pinanlilisikan namin ng mata ang isa't isa. Alam kong di ko siya

mapapaalis basta basta kaya tinalikuran ko na lang. Pero bago pa ako makalayo,
nahila na niya ang braso ko at napaharap sa kanya. I could see the anger burning in
his eyes.

"Damn it! Fine! Di ako pinipilit ng mga magulang mo na dalhin ka sa

kanila. Pero one thing remains the same. I want to you Bri. One way or another, I
am going to have you. Di mo alam kung sinu sino sinuhulan ko at kung ano ano ginawa
ko mapauwi ka lang," he said with so much anger that the veins in his neck were
showing and the muscles in his arms were bulging.

It was like a bucket of cold water was poured on me. Ang buong
akala ko, ang tanging dahilan niya lang sa paghahabol sa akin ay para makuha ang
kumpanya. But now, he's almost got me convinced he wants me for myself. With or
without my father's company. "Wha...what are you saying?" I had an idea what he was
talking about but I won't let myself assume.

"What I am saying is that with or without your parents' blessing,

magpapakasal tayo," medyo mahinahon na niyang sabi pero di pa rin ako binibitawan.
"Look, I know mahirap paniwalaan na gusto talaga kita. Para malaman mo, kilala na
kita bago ka pa ipakilala sa akin ng Daddy mo. I've seen you numerous times at a
bar pero lumalapit lang ako sayo sa tuwing lasing ka na. I bet you don't even
remember those times hinahatid kita dahil lasing ka na. You weren't COO just then
so I guess matagal tagal na yun bago tayo pormal na ipinakilala. I never bothered
asking for name coz I knew already then I was meant to marry one of the heiresses
of the Rodriguez's. Hanggang sa bigla ka na lang di bumalik sa kahit isang bar
dun."
 Suddenly, vague memories of talking to random strangers to a bar
came flashing back. Akala ko iba ibang lalaki nakakausap ko nun. Iisa lang pala.
That was the time when I was so down because I finally accepted the fact that my
parents will never notice my achievements so I tried getting their attention by
being the opposite of the perfect daughter. Pero wala pa rin. Back in those days, I
was always surprised to wake up in my own room but still wearing the clothes the
previous night.

Then realization hit me. He was the one I was looking for along.
Buong akala ko, nasa imahinasyon ko lang ang lalaking naghahatid sa akin gabi gabi.
Na panaginip lang lahat. Dala nang kawalan ng atensyon sa akin ng mga magulang ko.

But it doesn't change the fact that his original fiancée is my

sister. I felt myself go cold inside. And it had nothing to do with room
temperature. Oo mahal ko kapatid ko. Pero di ako sasalo nang kahit anong kanya.
Kahit si Eric pa, kahit wala silang nararamdaman sa isa't isa.
 Naramdaman ko na lumuwag ang hawak niya sa braso ko. "If that's the
case, then maraming salamat. But it doesn't change things Eric. You first belonged
to my sister. And there's no way in hell that'll change. And I have no intension of
having anything that was ever hers."

"I never belonged to her Bri." He said quietly. Nararamdaman kong

gusto pa niya akong pilitin pero napapagod na siya.

Umiwas ako ng tingin. "Pero yun ang paniniwala ng lahat. Pagod na

ako Eric. Pagod na akong kaawaan ng iba at pagod na akong kaawaan ang sarili ko.
Makakaalis ka na."
 Bumuka ang bibig niya na tila may sasabihin pa pero di yun natuloy.
Tumalikod siya at akmang bubuksan na ang pinto. "This isn't over Bri."

"It has to be." Di ko alam ba't nasasaktan ako. I'm not supposed to
have feelings for him. I'm not supposed to feel anymore. The less feelings you
have, the less chances of getting hurt. Pero ba't parang may kamay kumukuyom sa
puso ko. Why does it feel as if I'm letting him go when he was never mine to begin
with?

=================

Chapter 21

Brianna's POV

FLASHBACK
 I was on my ninth shot of tequila and I don't know whether I'm
still fit to hail a cab to get myself home. These past few days, di ko maalala kung
paano ako nakakauwi sa condo ko. I have vague memories of being in a car but I
don't remember paying a cab or getting myself into an elevator.

Nagiging malabo na ang paningin ko nang may lumapit sa akin na

lalaki. Medyo pamilyar siya nang matitigan ko ang mukha niya nang inagaw niya sa
akin ang shotglass. "Hey... bumili ka nang sarili mong iinumin. Wag kang mang-
agaw." Di ko alam paano ako nakapagsalita ng dirediretso. Or maybe I was too drunk
that I'm the only one who believes I'm still talking straight.

"This is the fourth time in a row I've caught you drunk. Pasalamat
ka at di ako masamang tao." I could still see he was smirking but I didn't
understand a word he just said. It was my vision that supposed to be faulty. Not my
hearing. He really looked familiar. Pero hindi ko naman siguro siya empleyado. I
would've surely recognize him if he was. But before I could try to remember further
who he was, lumala ang panlalabo ng paningin ko at naramdaman ko na lang ang
pagtumba at pagsalo sa akin.
END OF FLASHBACK

I was swirling some wine in a glass as I watched the blinking city

lights in my window. Ang hirap paniwalaan na ang lalaking akala ko ay literal na
panaginip ko lang ay si Eric. When I stopped going to bars at that point in my
life, napaniwala ko ang sarili ko na dala lang ng kalasingan ko ang lalaking
nakakausap ko.

But to think it was Eric? My God! No wonder iba pakiramdam ko sa

kanya nung panahon na pinkilala kami. I always thought it was irrational of me to
resent the fact that he was supposed to marry my sister. So my subconscious did
recognize him. Di ako ipokrita. Una pa lang naming pagkikita na di ako lasing, I
felt attraction towards him. But I always thought it was one-sided.

Until that time na pinuntahan niya ako pagkatapos ng libing ni Bea. Now that I
think of it, I never asked him how he knew my address. Malamang dahil yun sa paulit
ulit niyang paghatid sa akin nung mga gabing nagrerebelde pa ako.

Kahit na sabihing niyang gusto niya ako, di pa rin yun sapat. I had to live in my
sister's shadow almost my entire life. Kahit na sabihin niyang pipiliin niya ako
kung may pagpipilian siya nung panahong yun, di pa rin mababago nun ang
katotohanang parang sinalo ko lang siya. I promised myself I will never be second
best to my sister in anything else. I love her but growing up, my parents always
made it feel like a competition. And I never won. Not in any way that mattered to
them. I was the perfect child. But she was loved more.

Nagring ang phone ng kwarto ko dahilan ng pagkainis ko. It was

freaking six a.m. in the morning. Sinong matinong tao ang tatawag sa akin ng
ganitong oras. I didn't get a decent night's sleep and now this? "Hello?" I didn't
bother hiding the annoyance I felt.

"Bri, it's Eric." Di ko mapigilang mapairap nang marinig ko ang

boses niya. What does he want now? "Your Dad's been rushed to the hospital. He's
had a mild heart attack. Di pa siya nagigisng," parang hinahangos niyang sabi.

I could feel the blood and color leave my face. Napatakip ako sa
bibig ko nang marinig ko ang sinabi ni Eric. Fuck! What made me think I could turn
off my conscience that easily? Di ko makontrol ang biglang paninikip ng dibdib ko
at ang pagbilis at paglaas ng tibok ng puso ko.

"Sa...saang hospital...al?" I couldn't stop stuttering as I said

those two simple words. Pinangalanan niya ang ospital na pinakamalapit sa resthouse
ng mga magulang ko sa Batangas.

Nanginginig ang kamay ko nang ibaba ko ang telepono. Pero bago pa

ako makapasok sa kwarto ko talaga ay kinuha ko ulit ang telepono para makatawag sa
front desk para kunin naman ang serbisyo ng isa sa mga driver nila.

Eric's POV
 Nakaakbay lang ako kay Tita Miranda habang hinahagod ang likod
niya. She hasn't stopped crying since she called me at almost 6 am to tell me of
Tito's condition. My bet is that she didn't even notice what time it is. Ever since
kasi nung tinakwil nila si Brianna, ako na ang tumayong parang anak nila. I run
their company and practically speaking, I run their lives. At least it distracted
me from missing Bri. But honestly, I don't give a damn about getting their company
anymore. Nagpapalakas lang ako sa kanila kung sakaling magkabagti na sila ng anak
nila para mapadali ang kasal namin. I can't honestly say I love Brianna. But I sure
as hell want her. And no one else can have her. I don't know why I want her this
much. But ever since I saw her drinking alone in that bar years ago, I knew no one
would ever measure up to her in my affections.

"Eric," I heard someone from nearby said in a nearly breathless

whisper. Napalingon ako sa pinagmulan ng boses at narinig ko ang pagsinghap ni
Tita sa tabi ko. Napatayo si Tita pero muntik pa siyang matumba ulit.

Bri was standing in front of us in jeans and a plain t-shirt. Halos

di ko siya mamukhaan. I have never seen her this ordinary. If you look closely,
there were dark circles under her eyes and it looks like she's been crying or no
sleep.
 Akmang lalapitan siya ni Tita para yakapin pero nakita kong nanigas
si Bri kahit di pa siya nahahawakan ni Tita. "What happened?" she asked coldly.
Pero alam kong pinipilit niya lang palamigin ang boses niya.

"He saw your interview. He kept blaming himself. Then he had the
heart attack," I said in voice just as cold. Tumango lang siya. Parang may
sasabihin pa sana si Tita pero lumabas na ang doctor sa kwarto ni Tito.

"He's fine now Mrs. Rodriguez. Hintayin niyo na lang siyang

magising," sabi ng doctor. Tumango na lang kaming tatlo at pumasok sa kwarto.

Agad na lumapit si Tita at kinuha ang kamay ni Tito at ninlapit

niya yun sa mukha niya. Napansin naming tila kumurap kurap si Tito kaya lumapit
kami. Napako ang tingin niya kay Bri na parang di siya makapaniwala na nandito sa
harap niya.
 "Brianna..." nahihirapang sambit ni Tito sa pangalan ni Bri.
Napatingin ako sa kanya at nakta ko ang pmumuo ng luha sa kanyang mga mata. Pero
alam kong hinding hindi niya aaminin yun at pipigilan niya ng pagtulo ng mga luhang
yun kahit anong mangyari.

Pero lumapit pa rin siya sa kabilang tabi ng Daddy niya at

hinawakan ang kamay nun. Napangiti naman si Tito.

Author's Note:

Kagabi ko pa sana to ipopost habang nag-aabang ako ng grades, pero sa sobrang

bagal ng net, di matuloy-tuloy. So here.

=================
Chapter 22

Brianna's POV

Tahimik kong sinamahan si Mama sa pagbabantay kay Dad. Kanina pang

tanghali umalis si Eric pero nangako siyang babalik ngayong gabi. Alas singko na ng
hapon at alam kong malapit lapit na yung dumating. Nasa tabi pa rin ni Dad si Mama
at nakakapit pa rin ito sa kamay ni Dad. Inaamin kong nakokonsensya ako sa nagawa
ko. Pero di ko na mababawi ang mga nasabi ko kagabi. It felt good and at the same
time. It felt as if a burden was taken of my shoulders but replaced with a
different one. The burden of the guilt that I felt when I found out I caused my
father's heart attack. It was just like the guilt I felt when my sister died. My
rational mind says I had nothing to do with either my sister's death and my
father's heart attack, pero di ko pa rin maiwasang maguilty.

Gumising na naman si Dad at ako agad ang hinanap. Pumunta ulit ako
sa kabilang gilid niya at inabot ang kanyang kamay. "Bri... pe..please,"
nahihirapan niyang sabi. "Please, ma...marry Eric. Ple...ase."

Nanlamig ako nang marinig ko siya. And here I thought we were on

our way to a reconciliation. I guess I'm wrong again. Bakit ba hanggang ngayon di
ko pa rin matanggap tanggap na ang tanging silbi ko kay Dad ay para sa pagpapabuti
ng kumpanya. Even in his sickness, the only thing that concerns him is the company.
Ngayong wala na ang kapatid ko, wala na siyang ibang inaalala kundi ang kumpanya.

I guess this is the problem with being strong. No one considers you
might feel weak or helpless sometimes. Everyone always thinks you're immune from
getting hurt. I always projected myself as strong, so even my parents think I'm
indestructible. Even they think I might need to feel affection from them. Bumitaw
ako sa kamay ni Dad. If he's already worrying about the company then he's probably
okay. Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa gilid ng kama ni Dad. "Mauna na ako,"
tahimik kong sabi at agad tumalikod.

"Where do you think you're going?" my mother hissed. This is the

first time that I've seen and heard her stand up for something. Paglingon ko,
nanlilisik na ang mga mata niya. She didn't bother hiding her animosity.

"I'm sorry Ma, but I can't do this anymore. I have a new life in
the States now. I'm sorry," I apologized again. Tatalikod na sana ulit ako nang
magsalita siya ulit.
 Binitawan niya ang kamay ni Dad at tumayo. "You ungrateful child.
Oo may kasalanan kami ng ama mo sa pagkamatay nang kapatid mo at ikaw ang sinisi
namin, pero pag may nangyari sa Daddy mo, ikaw na at ikaw lang may kasalanan nun
dahil di mo siya pinagbigyan. Saan ba kami nagkulang ha? We gave you everything,"
she hissed again.

I smiled bitterly at the last thing she said. Gusto kong matawa sa
sinabi niya. "You may have given me every material thing anyone could ever ask for
Ma. But you never gave me anything that should matter to a child. You probably
don't know what that is and there's no way I'll tell you. Salamat na lang dahil
pinagkait niyo sa akin yun. You made me strong because I grew up without it.
Mabubuhay naman pala ako kung wala yun. I'm done paying my dues when I put Dad's
company at the top, way ahead of the competition. So thank you."

Pulang pula na siya galit but I'm past the point of caring.
Tumalikod na talaga ako at agad na lumabas.
 Nararamdaman ko na may namumuo na naman na luha sa mga mata ko.
God! How stupid can I get? Kalian ko ba matatanggap na walang kahit katiting na
pagmamahal sa akin ang mga magulang ko. I'm just a means to an end to them.

"Bri, what happened? Si Tito?" may humawak sa mga braso ko. Di ko

namalayan na nasa harap ko na pala si Eric. Umiling iling lang ako para sabihing
walang nangyari kay Dad.

Inalis ko ang pagkakahawak niya sa braso ko pilit hinarap siya sa

kabila ng mga luhang pilit kong pinipigilan. Pilit ko ring ngumiti kahit alam kong
napakaplastik ko na. "He's okay. I better get back to the city. May shoot pa ako
bukas. I have to be there early,"
 "Nakausap ko na si Alaina. She already told me she'll go ahead with
the shoot with the other models. You don't have to be there. She already
rescheduled you," he explained in so much hurry.

Hinawi ko na naman ang kamay niya na nasa braso ko. "You didn't
have to do it Eric. I'm doing it tomorrow. Para makabalik na ako agad sa States. I
already overstayed my welcome here I think," I said quietly but firmly. Nothing
won't change my mind. Unless something happens to Dad again.

"But what about us?" napatitig ako nang ilang sandali kay Eric? Us?
Seriously?"

He looked hurt and confused that exact moment he asked. "Cliché as

this may sound Eric. But there never was an "us." There never will be. There's just
you, and there's just me. I'm sorry." Huminga ako ng malalim. Naramdaman ko ang
panghihina niya and all I wanted that moment was to give in. "I'm too messed up
right now Eric. Maybe if I wasn't Brianna Rodriguez, you business partner's
daughter, there might have been an us. Now unless you can change circumstances,
that will never change. I'm too insecure, unsure and just damn confused right now.
You deserve better."

I got to admit. That little speech hurt. Kung kailan napatunayan ko

sa sarili ko na may kakayahan pa pala akong makaramdam, sinundan agad nang sakit. I
know I feel something for Eric, too bad I can never overcome my insecurities which
I have just accepted.

Author's Note:

Sorry kung ngayon ko lang naipost to. Matagal ko na tong natapos itype. Ngayon lang
talaga ako sinipag na gamitin ang laptop. Magiging mas madalang na rin siguro pagUD
ko. OJT ko kasi ngayon, tulad nung summer. Baka next sem pa magiging regular pagUD
ko.

=================
Chapter 23

Brianna's POV

I've been smiling at the camera for an hour now, holding different
skin care products like body wash, facial wash and moisturizer. Nasa rooftop kami
ng isang building at alas dos na ng hapon. God! Nakalimutan ko na gaano kainit sa
bansang pag ganitong oras!

Kahit kanina pa ako ngiti ng ngiti dito, napansin ko pa rin ang

masamang tingin ni Eric. I honestly don't know what he's doing here. Dumating siya
dito kani kanina lang. Mukhang pinagsasabihan pa nga niya si Alaina. Maybe because
of what I'm wearing. I was wearing a sheer white gown. Pero di naman malaswa. It
was almost identical to the one I wore on my first ever photoshoot.

Nang matapos na ako, agad akong inabutan ng tubig nung isang staff
at towel. Pinunasan ko ang pawis ko at uminom ng tubig. Lumapit ako sa magpinsan at
ramdam ko ang tensyon sa pagitan nila. "What's wrong?" I asked curiously.

"Why wasn't I told you were going to wear something so revealing?

Kitang kita na kaluluwa mo," inis na sabi ni Eric.

Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay na mukhang lalong nagpainis sa

kanya. "I don't have to explain anything to you. You have no say in what I wear.
Only Alaina does, and the creative director and the stylist of this shoot. Ba't ka
ba kasi nandito?" inis ko ring tanong sa kanya.

Napahawak siya sa sentido niya at napahilot saglit run. Rinig na

rinig ko rin ang buntong hininga niya. "Look, I didn't come here to discuss
clothing with you. We have unfinished business. I'm just here to fetch you.
Kelangan pa nating mag-usap."

Napairap na lang ako. Is there no escaping this man? Hanggang

kalian ba siya bubuntot sa akin? Nakalimutan na ba niya ang sinabi ko sa kanya
kahapon? "Fine, let me just get changed." Agad akong tumalikod sa kanila. Napansin
ko ang pananahimik ni Alaina. Ano kayang nasabi sa kanya ni Eric?

Kasalukuyan akong nagbibihis nang maramdaman ko ang pagpasok nang

kung sino sa makeshift dressing room ko. Agad akong napalingon. Thank God! Si
Alaina lang pala. Akala ko na kung sino. I was already wearing my shorts pero
nakabra pa rin ako.

"Sorry to barge in like this. I just wanted to say I'm sorry about
your father. If I'd known Eric would react like this, di na lang sana ako pumayag
na humabol ka," nakangiti niyang sabi.

"Don't worry about it. Dad's okay anyway." After I put on a shirt,
agad kong hinarap si Alaina. "Spill it Alaina. Alam kong di lang si Dad ang gusto
mong pag-usapan natin," nakangisi kong sabi. Obvious din kasi masyado tong babeng
to eh. And since she let herself inside my hotel room, I've considered her a friend
even if we never really had a conversation.

Ngumisi na lang rin siya. "I'm not sure how you're going to take
this. As advice or a warning. I know Eric may seem like the most infinitely
annoying person in this planet, but he is a good person. Di ko alam ang storya
niyong dalawa pero alam kong pwede na yung gawing teleserye. All I know is that for
some reason, he cares for you. And I don't mean in a brotherly way. Ate Kristina
said he was really hung up on you. He's never hung up on a girl before. So if you
could, try not to break his heart. And don't say you can't because he doesn't care.
You can if you chose to. Maybe you're even in the process of doing so. Maybe he can
do the same to you. I just hope to God you both don't."

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Magsasalita na sana ako nang ngumit

siya nang malapad at tumalikod. Sumunod na lang ako pero di ko na siya makita. How
can someone disappear so fast? Nakita kong nag-aabang si Eric. Sabay kaming bumaba
pero tahimik lang kami. Dumeretso kami sa basement parking kung saan nakapark ang
kanyang Lamborghini. Since I know next to nothing about cars, I can't say what car
it is. I could only identify the brand coz of its logo. Ito ang unang beses nakita
kong kotseng to na gamit niya. He can't be showing off to me. He knows I'll never
be impressed.

Di ko alam saan kami patungo pero di na ako nagtanong. He drove off

to only God knows where with speed that would make me think he was in a Fast and
Furious shoot. Wala naman sanang humahabol sa amin. One would think the hounds of
hell were after him. I'm pretty sure his speed was already past the legal speed
limit. Nakarating kami sa isa na namang basement parking. Di ko namalayan kung saan
kami dumaan dahil sa bilis niya.

Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto at hinila palabas. Halos takbuhin

namin ang daan patungo sa elevator at papunta sa unit niya. I felt right at home at
his place. It was bigger than most condos I've ever been in. it wasn't so
surprising since I'm guessing he owns the building. It wasn't also the typical
bachelor's pad. There wasn't any artwork with questionable meaning and it wasn't so
messy. But I guess that was to be expected since he was such a control freak.

Iniwan niya ako sa sala at pumunta siya sa kusina sa likod ng

counter. He got to wine glasses and an unopened bottle of white wine. May plano ba
tong lasingin ako? He put some wine of equal amount on the two glasses and handed
one to me. I muttered and absentminded "thanks," as I accepted the glass.

"Why am I here exactly?" I asked breaking the awkward silence. I

took a huge gulp that almost downed the entire contents of my glass.

"Di ko na alam san ka dadalhin nang di mo ako matatakasan. Gusto ko

lang namang mag-usap tayo," kalmado na niyang sagot. Nakatitig lang siya sa laman
ng baso niya. Ba't di niya ako matingnan?

Huminga ako nang malalim. "If this is about your proposal Eric,
then you already know the answer. Ano pa bang kailangan mo?" pagod ko nang tanong.

"I won't stop pestering you until you say yes Bri. So you might as
well give in," he said unconvincingly. Para siyang nagdadalawang isip. Meron siyang
hindi sinasabi sa akin.

"Spill it Eric. There's something you're not telling me. And unless
you tell me what it is, di mo talaga ako mapapapayag sa gusto mo," banta ko sa
kanya. Tumingin siya sa akin saglit at umiwas na naman.

Inubos niya ang laman ng baso niya at dinagdagan ulit. Halata

masyadong tensyonado siya. "Your father's dying. Walang nakakaalam kundi ako at ang
mama mo. Ayaw niyang malaman mo pa dahil alam niya sisisihin mo na naman sarili mo.
He begged me to keep it a secret. And it's his dying wish for you to marry me. Di
ko alam paano niya nalaman, pero parang alam niyang may ugnayan sa ating dalawa
dati, bago pa niya tayo pormal na ipinakilala."

Literal akong napanganga sa sinabi niya. "Is this some kind of sick
joke? Kasi hindi nakakatawa. My father can't be dying. My God! He thinks he's
immortal for God's sake! Di siya mamamatay nang hindi ayon sa plano niya!"

"I wish it was also a joke Bri. Pero hindi. That's why I was so
adamant that you go back here with me months ago." Fuck! Pinaglalaruan ba ako nang
gagong to?

"Then why the hell didn't you just tell me? Ba't kailangan mo pang
magsinungaling na gusto mo talaga ako? That you wanted me for me? Not for the
company and not to appease you fucking conscience?!" putangina! Di ko na alam anong
paniniwalaan ko. Lahat na lang yata nang sinasabi nang gagong to puro
kasinungalingan!

"Godammit! I wasn't lying when I said that! Nagkataon lang na mas

madali yung aminin kesa sabihin sayo na unti unti nang kinakain ng sakit niya ang
Daddy mo!"

I looked at him sadly and stood up. "There's no need to lie anymore
Eric. You should've been honest from the start. Sana di na tayo nahirapan nang
ganito. Don't worry. I'll marry. Not for both our consciences but for my dying
father's peace of mind. Ikaw na bahala sa mga preparasyon. I don't care. As long as
you all get what you want. Even at my expense."

=================

Chapter 24

Brianna's POV
 "Runaway Heiress Engaged to Real Estate Magnate"

"Model Heiress to Marry Local Tycoon"

"Socialite Turned Model Engaged to Elusive Bachelor"

Yun lang halos ang makita ko sa mga social media accounts ko. Alam
kong ako yun. Dahil matapos kung pumayag sa proposal ni Eric, kinabukasan ay
nagsimula na ang pagtawag sa akin ng media at paghingi ng interview.

Tinag lang ako ng mga kaibigan ko sa mga link na naglalaman ng mga

articles na yan. Naiinis pa nga ang kambal sa akin dahil di ko raw sinabi na
nakauwi na ako. Kailangan pa nilang makita ang billboard ko.

Ang pinakaiinisan ko ay ang paglabel sa akin bilang "socialite." I

don't want to be labeled as one. I don't want to offend anyone but I always think
that socialites are basically useless. I see them as trust fund babies who think
daddy's money won't run out. Pretending to care about the charities they hand
checks to.

It's only been a week since the news got out but until now it's
still trending in social media. Wala na bang ibang pwedeng ibalita? Everyone's
guessing who's going to design my gown and what church we're going to get married
in. Everyone's also wondering if who's going to do my hair and make-up. Hanggang sa
sino kasali sa entourage, pinagdidiskitahan nila. Is my marrying Eric that big a
deal to society? Has everyone forgotten that it was my sister who was supposed to
marry him? Nag engagement party pa nga sila!

Anyway, Eric being Eric, left nothing to chance. He had his cousin
who was my employer at the moment get the best wedding planner and had her meet me
in a coffee shop near his office. Susunod rin kasi daw siya. She going through a
list of designers for me to choose from. Kahit sinabi ko kay Eric na siya na
bahala, dinamay pa rin niya ako sa pagpaplano. I couldn't have cared any less.

"Miss Rodriguez, here's the list of designers who can make your
gown. Sigurado naman akong magagawa nila ang gown mo in a rush if you just ask. Mr.
dela Vega told me not to spare any expense," sabi ng wedding planner. Eric told me
she was best in her field. I put my phone on the table and took a sip of my coffee
before accepting the tab she handed me.

Speaking of the devil, he entered the premises and it didn't escape

my notice that almost all of the women's eyes turned to him. The sleeves of his
shirt were rolled to his elbows, showing his muscled arms. He noticed the attention
so when he reached the table I shared with the wedding planner, he sat himself next
to me and kissed me in the lips chastely. Halata ang disappointment sa mukha ng mga
nakatitig sa kanya. Napangisi na lang ako. That's right bitches, he's mine! Even if
temporarily and just pretend.

He held my hand throughout the meeting. "Who'd you choose to make

your gown babe?" he asked. They were both looking at me expectantly.

"I'm leaning towards the one based in Dubai. I like his work. The
details and intricacy of his work is to die for," I answered. It might cost me a
fortune but I'm sure I can afford it. Tumango na lang silang dalawa. We all agreed
on a church and reception venue and even a date. It was going to be two months from
now. Diane Fortun, the wedding planner, just said that she'd just call us for the
food tasting and fitting.

When the meeting was over, agad na kaming umalis. He told me that
we'd go to my parents. Nasa ospital pa rin si Daddy. Pero sigurado naman akong alam
na nila ang tungkol sa pagpapakasal namin ni Eric.

Nang makarating kami sa kwarto ni Dad, bumeso sa amin sa mama. I

also gave dad a perfunctory kiss on the cheek. He held my face in his hand for a
few seconds before completely letting me go. Makakauwi na daw siya bukas. Bumalik
ako sa tabi ni Eric dahil di ko alam saan ako lulugar.

"I'm so happy your doing this Bri." May konting luha sa mata ni
Dad. Napansin ko ang pagtawag niya sa akin ng "Bri." He never called me that
before.

"It's nice to know I finally did something you approve of." I

couldn't keep the bitterness out of the words that came out of my mouth. Humigpit
ang hawak ni Eric sa balikat, sinasabing magpigil ako. I paid too high a price to
make them happy.

Nawala ang saya sa mata ni Dad. Para namang nanlumo si Mom. They
actually looked guilty and contrite. Napangisi ako. Good to know they actually came
to the realization that I didn't want his to be guilty about it. Bumawi naman sila
agad. They pasted another smile on their faces. "Well, how did your parents take
the news Eric? I hope they approve of our daughter." Alam kong kalahating biro at
kalahating seryoso si Mom sa tanong niya. Dahil sa pagiging modelo ko sa States,
hindi na ganun kalinis ang record ko sa paningin ng mgamagulang ko sa akin.

"They're were than pleased to be honest. We had dinner with the

other night. My parents are smitten at Bri. Di nga sila makapaniawala na napapayag
ko ang anak niyong pakasalan ako." Well, at least that part was true. Gustung gusto
ako ng parents niya. My current job as a model was something they were proud of
too. Beauty and brains they said. It was the first people recognized me as that.

"That's great!" mom said a little bit enthusiastically it was a

little doubtful if it was genuine. Alam kong kinahiya niya ako the moment lumabas
sa mga international magazine ang mukha at katawan ko. Kahit di ako naging
underwear model, alam kong ganun na rin ang tingin niya.

Tumingin ako sa relo ko at nakita kong malapit nang mag gabi. "I
have to meet my friends. You wanna stay here? Mauna na ako," sabi ko kay Eric. Di
ko na kayang makipagplastikan sa mga magulang ko. Matigas na kung matigas. Ingrata
na kung ingrata. They raised me to be this way however unintentional.
 "No, sabay na tayo. Ihahatid kita. Kailangan ko rin puntahan mga
kaibigan ko. Masama na raw loob nila sa akin," nakangiti niyang sabi. Di ko alam
kung maniniwala ba ako o hindi. There was something off about his smile.

Tumango na lang ako. "Mauna na kami," malamig kong sabi. Ngumiti na

lang sila ng pilit. Do they honestly want me to spend more time with? They barely
stood my presence when I was still living with them.

Nang makalabas na kami, nakahawak na lang si Eric sa kamay ko.

Pilit kong inaalis ang kamay ko pero hinigpitan niya lang lalo ang hawak niya.
"Bitawan mo na nga ako. There's no need to pretend anymore." I couldn't hide
anymore the annoyance lacing my voice.

"I'm not letting you go Bri. Why are fighting it anyway. We've done
more that hand holding before," he said and I wanted nothing better than to wipe
the smirk on his face. Alam ko anong ibig niyang sabihin. "Who said I was
pretending anyway? I've been nothing but true to you since you've been back here."

"Cut the bull, will you? Kailan mo ba matatanggap na walang tayo? I

don't need you and I don't need anything from you! I don't need the feelings you
think for have for me! What we have is nothing but plain attraction. We're both
normal and healthy adults. Normal lang tong nararamdaman natin. It's just physical.
Don't mistake lust for real feelings we both know you're only forcing yourself to
have any at all. Just stop playing these sick games!" Napuno na talaga ako. The
stress has finally got to me and it was Eric is the one on the nasty end of it.

"It was never a game for me Bri," he said quietly as he unlocked

his car. "And don't kid yourself. What we have is real. You're the one trying to
force yourself it's not coz you're too afraid it might hurt you. You're afraid the
feelings you have for me will hurt you. And you're afraid I'll hurt you. Ikaw mismo
nananakit sa sarili mo Brianna. By trying to deny you have feelings, you're hurting
yourself."

ֳ ֳe

=================

Chapter 25

Eric's POV

The doors opened and she walked down the aisle towards me. I could
hear the faint sound of the wedding march being played but my entire attention was
on her. Her beautiful face was covered by a thin veil. Her long hair was curling
down her back with crystals on them. Her chest and arms were draped with lace. Her
parents were walking her down the aisle. And I couldn't take my eyes away from her.
 She was walking ever so slowly. Di ko mapigilang mapaisip sa mga
alaala ko sa kanya. The first time I saw her. The first time tasted her lips. The
first time I touched her.

Nang makarating na siya sa tabi ko, tahimik lang na inabot sa akin

ng Dad niya ang kamay niya. She looked at me and actually smiled. A smile that
reached her eyes. Humarap kami sa pari at sinimulan na ang seremonya.

Brianna's POV

Everything passed by in a blur. Di ko namalayan na tapos na ang

kasal na pala ako kay Eric. It went by like a dream. I was smiling and somewhere
through the ceremony, it doesn't actually didn't feel forced. It was never in my
plans to get married anyway. So I guess this is just me settling for the best I
could get.

"Take us to the airport." Napalingon ako kay Eric. Nakita niya

siguro ang pagtataka sa aking mata. "I planned to skip the reception. The guests
can do it without us. Kakain lang naman sila. I know you're not keen on doing it
too."

"Saan tayo pupunta?" tanong ko. We never planned anything beyond

the wedding. Di ko nga alam saan na kami titira nito.

Ngumisi lang siya at alam kong di ko magugustuhan ang susunod

niyang sasabihin. "Palawan," simple niyang sabi.

"What!? What in hell are we going to do there?" Damn it! Ano bang
nakain nitong gagong to bigla bigla na lang ako dinadala kung saan saan. And yes, I
know he's taking me. He won't give me a choice.

"Honeymoon. What else?" he said stating the obvious and looking at

me as if I was so stupid not to know. He tightened his arms around me nang masimula
akong umalma. And since driver niya gamit namin, alam kong di ako tutulungan nito.
Nagtagumpay ako sa pag-alis sa akbay niya pero hinarap naman niya ako. "What? You
seriously didn't think we won't have one. Just because I didn't tell you of the
plans, there wasn't going to be one. Tulad nga nang sabi mo sa akin, we're both
healthy adults. Magtataka ang mga kakilala natin ba't di tayo naghoneymoon."

So that's it. Ayaw niyang masira reputasyon niya. He doesn't want

anyone questioning his manhood and virility. "Fine then! Maghoneymoon na kung
maghoneymoon. As if namang papayag akong may mangyari sa atin."

Tahimik ako buong biyahe namin. Naiinis ako sa kanya dahil di man
lang niya sinabi sa akin na aalis kami. We flew commercially for whatever reason
only he knows. May private plane naman siya. Sinundo kami ng van ng isa sa mga
exclusive na resorts. I recognized the place as one of the most expensive resorts
in the country. He must've spent a fortune for this so called honeymoon.
 It took us a few hours before we got to the resort. Gabi na nang
makarating kami. Di ko pa rin pinapansin si Eric. Bahala siya sa buhay niya.
Pagkapasok na pagkapasok namin sa suite, agad kong hinalungkat ang maleta ko na di
ko alam sinong nag-impake. All there was were flimsy nightwear, underwear, bikinis
and summer outfits that were too revealing for my taste. Either may galit sa akin
ang nag-impake nito o kinuntsaba ni Eric. Kumuha ako nang isa sa dalawang towel sa
kama at dumeretso sa CR. Nanlalagkit ako dahil sa init at tagal ng biyahe.

Inadjust ko ang init nang tubig. When I turned on the shower,

saktong namang bumukas ang pinto ng CR at alam kong pumasok si Eric. Mabuti na lang
at natatakpan ako ng shower curtain. "Ano ba? Alam mo namang nakikitang naliligo
ang tao eh," singhal ko sa kanya. He wasn't moving from behind the shower curtain.
Anong problema nang isang to. I could see he was naked except for the other white
towel around his waist. Bago ko siya mapigilan, hinawi niya ang shower curtain.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I screamed at him. Itinakip ko ang mga
kamy ko sa dibdib ko at sa baba.

He dropped his towel on the floor and joined me in the tub. Before
I knew what he intended to do, he already backed me on the wall. There was no
alcohol on his breath so I could tell he wasn't drunk. Kaya bakit niya ginagawa to.
Inilapit niya ang kanyang mukha sa tenga ko. "You didn't actually think I'd last
the entire duration of our stay here without touching you, did you?" he whispered
huskily in my ear which made my knees go weak. I hated him being so close to me. I
hated it because I know I might just give in to what he wants if we're this close
and naked.

Authors Note:

I know it's fvcking short. You can curse and hate me all you want.
Di ko na feel mag-isip ng wedding scene. And the rest of the honeymoon will be on
the next chapter which will be PRIVATE. So yes, it's going to be a bed scene.
Matatagalan pa kasi pag-iisipan ko na namang mabuti anong ilalagay. It's always a
challenge for me to make one.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR READING THE NEXT (PRIVATE CHAPTER):

Dahil alam kong marami namang magtatanong. Di ko pa naeedit bio ko. Wala pang mga
link dun sa latest na mga private chapters ko.

1. Follow/fan me. Kung follower or fan ko na kayo, good! Wala na yatang

problema.

2. Refresh the story or remove from the library. If mobile reader, remove the
story and add it again.

3. Done! Yan lang ata gagawin. Di na ako maglalagay ng external link.

Tinatamad ako. If you want the link, tingnan niyo na lang sa notifs niyo. Hahaha
=================

Chapter 27

Brianna's POV

It's been a few months since our honeymoon. And I still don't know
how I managed to live under the same roof as him. We've been civil to each other,
but other than that, di ko na alam paano ilalarawan ang relasyon naming dalawa.
Other than sharing meals and doing our duties as husband and wife, halos wala na
kaming imikan. Ang alam ng mga tao, we're still on the honeymoon stage. We
projected ourselves as the perfect couple. But the truth is, our relationship is
barely hanging on a thread.

Alas diyes na at ngayon lang siya nakauwin. Narinig ko ang pagbukas

ng kwarto kaya agad akong napaangat ng tingin. If it weren't for the pretense we
were trying to keep for the house help, we would be having different bedrooms by
now. Pero dahil bumili talaga siya ng bahay para sa amin at di pwedeng walang
katulong, kaya kami nagsasama sa iisang kwarto.

"Natagalan ka yata?" tanong ko na para bang di siya late gabi gabi

kung umuwi. Tinititigan ko lang siya habang inilapag niya sa lamesa ang kanyang
briefcase at inalis ang necktie niya.

Nang napansin niya ang titig ko, tinaasan lang niya ako ng kilay.
"Don't tell me you're actually worried about me," he said sardonically. Tuluyang
niya nang hinubad ang kanyang pang-itaas. Kaunting buwan naming pagsasama, sanay na
ako ibalandra niya sa kwarto namin ang katawan niya. "Ba't gising ka pa?" tanong
naman niya.

"Kakauwi ko lang rin eh," nakangisi ko ng sagot. Alam kong maiinis

lang siya. Ayaw niyang umaalis ako o nagpupunta kung saan saan ng di niya alam. At
mas lalo lang siyang maiinis dahil gabi na rin akong umuwi. Nanlisik ang kanyang
mga mata at pumasok sa banyo. Wala siyang magagawa. Kinulong niya ako dito sa bahay
niya.

Pagkalabas niya ng banyo, nakaboxers na lang siya at pinupunasan

ang basa pa niyang buhok. Hinagis niya ang tuwalya sa hamper at may kinuha sa
briefcase niya. Paglapit niya sa akin, hinagis niya ang isang puting envelop na
elegente ang disenyo. "Alex and Tina are holding a charity ball tomorrow night.
They're expecting us," he said coldly.

"Wait, Alex and Tina? Your friend and cousin? Nagkabalikan sila?"
he just shrugged and took his place beside me on the bed. Nakaboxers lang talaga
siya. Di na lang man nagsando ang walangya. Inilapag ko sa bedside table ang
librong hawak ko.
 Diretso siyang humiga at tumalikod mula sa akin. "Malamang. Why
would they sponsor an event if they weren't together? Apparently, they eloped
sometime ago and got married in Vegas. End of story." Gusto ko pa sanang magtanong
pero may pumipigil sa akin. Pakiramdam ko wala naman akong karapatan. Pinsan at
kaibigan niya yun. Mukhang mainit rin yata ulo niya.

God knows why I'm still here. He made me quit being a model dahil
di raw bagay sa pagiging Mrs. Dela Vega ko ang trabahong yun. Ayaw niya rin naman
akong pagtrabahuin sa dati naming kumpanya. At lalong mas ayaw niyangsa mismong
kumpanya niya ako magtrabaho. This is the exact reason why I didn't want to marry
him or anyone for that matter.

We were okay at the start of our marriage. He told me we should

compromise. Pero parang ako lang naman ang nagsakripisyo. I gave up my job and my
career. What did he have to give up? Nothing. Except for his freedom and
bachelorhood. Pero putangina! Siya ang may gustong makasal kami. Ngayon gaganituhin
niya ako? No way! No way in hell!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<

"Eric!" rinig kong tawag ng isang matinis na boses sa asawa ko. "I
wasn't expecting to see you here." I immediately gave an appraising look at the
woman who had the gall to kiss Eric's both cheeks in front of me. Either she lived
under a rock for the past few months or wala lang talaga siyang delikadeza.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa braso ni Eric, senyales na ipakilala niya

ako. Pero may kutob na ako sa kung sino ang walang pinag-aralan na babaeng to.
"Joanna, meet my wife, Brianna. Bri, si Joanna, kaibigan ko." At least he didn't
introduce her as one of his indiscretions when he was younger.

"Oh, he didn't tell me he was married last night. In fact, I

thought he wasn't involved the few nights we've been together." If it weren't for
my breeding and class, nasabunutan ko na sana ang babaeng to. At nasampal ko na
siguro si Eric. How dare he do this to me? "Can I borrow Eric for a second? Gusto
kasi siyang makausap ni Daddy."

Inalis ko ang pagkakakapit ko sa braso ni Eric. "Sure. Don't worry.

You don't have to return him right away. As a matter of fact, I'd be thankful if
you didn't bother returning him at all. Excuse me."

Agad akong umalis. Pero bago ako makalabas ng venue, hinarang na

ako ni Tina. "My God Bri. I'm so sorry. Di ko alam na si Joanna pala ang gagawing
escort ng Daddy niya sa event na to. Usually her dad takes his current mistress."

"Don't worry about it." I smiled at her sarcastically. Alam ko

naman di niya mamasamain. "It's not your fault your cousin who is, unfortunately,
my husband can't keep his damned fly up. Di mo rin kasalanan na kinalimutan niyang
sabihin sa akin na kaya siya ginagabi umuwi ay dahil nakikipagkita siya sa higad na
yan. Mangangabit na nga siya, sa hipon pa. Namili na lang sana siya ng maayos
diba?"

"What? I know there was something between them some years ago but I
assure you, there's nothing personal going on between them anymore." Tina's
disbelief of my husband's indiscretions was so sincere, I was almost believed Eric
was innocent. Maniniwala naman sana ako. But the fact that it was so coincidental
was too uncanny to be disregarded. Paano malalaman ng babaeng yun ang tungkol sa
gabi gabing pag-uwi ni Eric kundi sila magkasama. He always makes work his excuse.
He just didn't specify what kind of work it was.

I just shook my head. "Don't bother defending him Tina. I know what
I saw. That woman is staking her claim at my husband and honestly, I don't give a
damn. Pasesnya ka na. Kailangan ko na talagang umalis."

Bago pa niya ako mapigilan ulit, dumeretso na talaga ako sa pinto.

Nakatagpo ko naman si Nick. Thank God he's here. "Kasama mo ba si Chantelle?"
tanong ko. Umiling naman siya. "Good. Get me out of here."

Author's Note:

Sorry kung medyo fast paced siya. Last chapter honeymoon, ngayon
dumeretso na. maglalagay na lang siguro ako ng flashbacks sa ibang chapters. Kagabi
ko pa sana to ipopost pero, nawawala net eh.

=================

Chapter 28

Brianna's POV

I was quietly drinking my brandy in the living room nang biglang

bumukas ang pinto. In fairness, ang aga niya. I was honestly not expecting him to
be back home tonight. I basically gave him my blessing to spend the night with his
mistress, why didn't he take advantage of it? Ni hindi pa nga ako nakabihis,
nakarating na agad siya.

"How dare you Bri? How dare you walk out on me and humiliate me
like that? Alam mo bang tayo ang usap usapan ng mga tao sa party pagkaalis mo?"
galit niyang tanong. Kalmado lang akong nakatitig sa kanya.
 Napangisi na lang ako. "Why? Coz we arrived together but went home
with different people? Come on Eric! You don't honestly expect me to stay
pagkatapos akong ipahiya ng babae mo. And really? Wala na bang mas matino sa
babaeng yun? A class A whore and a bastard? Seriously?" I didn't know where I got
the guts to talk to him like that. Tinamaan na naman yata ako sa iniinom ko.

Napakuyom siya ng palad. Mukhang ilang minute na lang, sasabog na

siya. "My God Brianna! Are you actually accusing me of cheating? That's low even
for you. Ganyan ka ba kabobo para maniwala agad sa babaeng yun?"

"What did you expect me to think? Na ginagabi ka dahil sa trabaho?

How stupid do you think I am? The company, Dela Vega Real Estates and Rodriguez
Properties is at the top of the industry! Sino bang niloloko mo? Walang dahilan
para umabot ka ng alas dies ng gabi sa opisina. Kaya aminin mo na! You are cheating
on me. Ni hindi pa nga tayo umaabot ng isang taon, nangaliwa ka na! Sana man lang
hindi sa harap ko diba? Coz honestly Ric? I expected better from you. I'm not
expecting you to be faithful. Pero wag mo naman sana akong pagmukhaing tanga nang
harap harapan."

Di ko napigilan ang mga luhang lumandas sa mukha ko. This was why I
refused to admit I had feelings for him. Agad siyang lumapit sa akin at pinahid ang
mga luha ko. Pero inalis ko lang rin ang kamay niya. "Bri please, believe me. I am
not cheating on you. What reason do I have? You're everything I want in a woman.
Kahit yun man lang paniwalaan mo. Joanna, she's just trying to mess with us. Wag mo
naman sanang hayaang masira niya tayo."

"Sira na tayo simula pa lang! The only time we were anything close
to being okay was on our honeymoon. But the moment we got back to reality,
everything was ruined. I was so willing to try for this marriage to work Eric. I
was desperately willing to try I compromised. I gave up my career. I gave it up
because you wanted me too. Inisip ko na siguro, pag gawin ko lahat ng gusto mo,
baka mahalin mo rin ako. But boy was I wrong! Tulad ka lang rin pala ng mga
magulang ko. Kahit gawin ko na lahat ng gusto niyo, kulang pa rin. Sometimes I
wonder, anong bang mali sa akin? Ba't sarili kong pamilya, ginagamit lang ako?" di
ko alam saan ako kumuha ng lakas ng loob para ilabas yun. Lahat ng sama ng loob ko,
sa kanya ko pa talaga naipalabas. Niyakap niya lang ako at hinagod ang likod ko.
Wala na akong lakas para itulak siya palayo.

"Sssshhh... stop crying. I promise, I'll make all your sacrifices

worth it." He just continued rubbing my back as he made soothing noises. Pero di
nagtagal, tinigil niya na yun. Iniangat niya ang mukha ko para salubungin ang
tingin niya. "Don't worry. Huling beses na yung pagkikita namin ni Joanna kanina.
Walang malisya yung pagkikita namin, she just implied it. Oo, inaamin ko, she's my
ex. But I was never really serious with her. I was honestly happy when she chose
someone else over me." I was past the point of caring whether he was lying or not.
Ang gusto ko na lang ay maniwala sa kanya kahit parang di kapani paniwala ang mga
pinagsasasabi niya. "So stop crying okay." Tumango na lang ako.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Natulog ako ng kagabi na nakayakap sa kanya. I can't deny the fact

that it was the best sleep I've had this past few months. Nito kasing mga nakaraang
araw, restless ako masyado. I don't know why but I can't seem to be able to do
something without having some sort of breakdown or burnout. Lahat na lang kinaiisan
ko. Wala akong pasensya sa para sa kahit ano. And last night was the last straw.
Kaya di ko mapigilang ilabas lahat ng sama ng loob ko.

Nagising akong na nakayakap pa rin sa asawa ko. Asawa ko. It feels

strange referring to him as that. Maybe because it really has yet to sink into me
that I'm married to him. Nakaharap ako sa kanya habang unti unting bumukas an gang
mga mata niya. Ngumiti siya sa akin na para bang walang nangyaring kakaiba kagabi.
"Good morning," bati niya. Akmang hahalikan niya ako pero itinakip ko ang kamay ko
sa mga labi niya.

He frowned and looked at me annoyingly. This probably the first

time I denied him anything. "We haven't even brushed our teeth," I explained.
Napatawa na man siya.

"Akala ko kung ano na." Di ko alam kung nagtatampo ba siya kaya di

nagpumilit o tanggap niyang tama ako. Bumangon siya at kinuha tiningnan ang
cellphone niya saglit. Tinakip ko ulit ang kumot sa halos hubad kong katawan. Di na
kasi ako nakapagbihis kagabi kaya natulog akong nakaunderwear lang. Bumangon ako
pero di ko namalayang nasa likod ko na naman pala siya. At di ako nakapalag ng
bigla niyang alisin sa akin na nakabalot na kumot at kargahin ako papunta sa banyo.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

"Sino ba kasing pupuntahan natin dito?" pangungulit ko. Nagmamaneho

siya papunta sa isang bahay dito sa isang exclusive na subdivision.

Natawa na lang siya sa akin. "Malapit na tayo, maghintay ka diyan."

Di na ako mapakali sa kinauupuan ko. After what happened last night, I didn't
expect him to act as if nothing happened. Di ko nga alam kung okay na ba talaga
kami,

Di ko namalayan na pumasok na pala kami sa isang mansion. It was a

house that dreams were made of. Kahit bahay namin, di ganito kalaki at kaganda. The
owner must be filthy rich. "Kaninong bahay to? Sinong pinunta natin dito?" tanong
ko.

Diretso kaming pumasok sa bahay kahit parang walang tao. Strangely

enough, I didn't feel as if we were trespassing. The house was fully and
beautifully furnished. Tumigil kami sa paglalakad sa harap ng hagdanan. "Welcome
home," he said seriously.

"This is ours?" I whispered in awe? Tumango lang siya.

"This is why I've been arriving home late these days. I was rushing
the interior decorators. Joanna's mother own one of the best interior design firms
around. Pero di siya parte nun. Di ko nga alam ba't siya ang nakikipagnegosasyon sa
akin. They only presented copies and drawings of the designs but I'm sure hindi si
Joanna ang may gawa ng mga disenyo na yun."

Napatango na lang ako. He was right. There was no doubt that bitch
couldn't have designed this place. It was far too beautiful to have anything to do
with her.

=================

Chapter 29

Brianna's POV

Kakatapos lang namin ilipat lahat ng importanteng gamit namin ni

Eric. Since the house was already fully equipped, there was no need for us to shop
for new things like kitchen supplies or curtains. Kakatapos ko lang ayusin lahat ng
damit ko sa walk in closet ko. At least this one had more space. There were
separate compartments for my clothes, shoes and bags. Mukhang pinag-isipang mabuti
talaga ang interior sa bawat sulok ng bahay na to. Mabuti na lang rin at naisip ni
Eric mag-interview para sa mga bagong katulong. We had three maids and one driver
slash gardener.

"Babe?" tawag sa akin ni Eric. Ewan ko ba sa lalaking to. Kung anu

ano na lang tinatawag sa akin. "Lunch na tayo." Naramdaman ko na lang siya sa likod
ko. Niyakap niya ako bago pinaharap sa kanya. "Are you done here?" Umiling lamang
ako.

"Sobrang laki kasi nitong closet na to. Sigurado ka bang para sa

'kin lang to?" tanong ko. Medyo masikip rin kasi dun sa condo namin dati. It was a
typical bachelor's pad. Nakisingit lang nga ang mga damit ko sa walk in closet
niya. Mabuti na lang malaki laki rin yun. Mas napuno pa nga yun ng gamit ko. No
wonder he gave me so much space for my things here.

Napatawa na lang siya. "Yes, this is all yours. Wag ka mag-alala.

Mapupuno mo rin too in no time. Alam ko namang may mga damit ka pang naiwan mula sa
condo mo. At kung di mo pa rin to mapuno, we can always go shopping."

"Don't worry. Mapupuno to. Ipapadala ko kay Connor ang mga damit
kong naiwan sa States kung di pa rin to mapuno," nakangisi kong sabi.

"Can you please not mention his name?" naiinis niyang sabi. Lumapad
lalo ang ngisi ko. He was seriously jealous with someone gay?
 Umirap na lang ako. "Anyway, I have to go somewhere later," paalam
ko. It felt weird having to tell someone my whereabouts constantly. Ni sa mga
magulang ko nga, di ako nagpapaalam. Ngayon lang talagang masasabi kong okay na
kami ni Eric.

Sabay kaming bumaba ng hagdanan. "Saan ka pupunta. It's Saturday. I

can't be anything work related."

"Actually it is. Informal interview pa lang. Sa pinsan mo. She

offered me a position as operations manager," paliwanag ko. I don't know what I'd
do if he's going to say no. Sigurado na akong mababaliw ako pag wala akong gagawin
buong araw sa mansion na to.

Napamura siya nang wala sa oras. Ganyan ba niya kaayaw na

magtrabaho ako? "Bri, I was going to offer you the same position. The current COO
just retired. It was actually my cousin who suggested I offer you the position.
Pero wala siyang sinabi na plano ka rin pala niyang kunin."

"What? At wala kang sinabi sa akin?" di ko mapigilan ang pagtaas ng

boses ko. Nakalimutan kong nasa harap kami ng pagkain.

Napakamot siya sa batok. "I just forgot okay? Which reminds me, you
have to meet with representatives from Jo's Designs later. They're the ones we
contracted for the interior of the new condo we're building."

"I haven't accepted your offer yet Eric. Besides, diba yan yung
firm ng nanay ng baliw mong ex?" napatikhim siya sa tanong ko. Clearly, he wasn't
used to not getting his own way. Kung kelan okay na kami, nagtatampo na siya agad.
Tahimik kaming kumain. Nakakabingi ang katahimikang sa paligid. Kahit mga katulong,
parang di gumagawa ng kahit anong ingay o tunog. "Fine, I'll accept the COO
position. And I'll meet your ex's mother later," I said grudgingly.

Napangisi naman siya. I should've known it was all an act to make

me say yes.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

I was wearing a simple maroon peplum dress which reached the middle
of my thighs. it screams bitch but professional at the same time. I was hoping for
the best and expecting the worst. Nang bumukas ang pinto ng coffee shop kung saan
kami magkikita ng representative. I'm thankful I expected the worst. Pumasok kasi
ang mahaderang ex ni Eric. She was wearing the same shade of red but in a body
hugging sleeveless dress. Simple lang ang suot niya pero bumawi siya sa accessories
at sapatos at bag. Just what I expected from a social climbing, gold digging bitch.
I would've admired her style if it weren't for the ostentatious bangles and multi-
layered necklace.
 "Ms. Castro, I wasn't expecting it was you I was going to meet.
When Eric said representative, I thought it was going to be an employee. I wasn't
expecting to see the daughter of the owner instead." Kung pakikipagplastikan lang
naman pala, sanay na sanay ako diyan. Sa pamilya ko palang, nahasa na ako.

"Is there a problem with meeting me Mrs. Dela Vega?" her smile was
saccharine sweet, it was obvious it was fake. Umupo siya sa nakalaang silya sa
harap ko. I got to give her credit for confidence. Di siiya basta basta umaatras.

Binalik ko ang matamis na ngiti niya. Two can play this game
bitch! Let's just see who plays harder and better. "Wala naman. Anyway, I'm just
here to give you a copy of the contract." Inabot ko sa kanya ang papel nang
nakangiti pa rin. "I'm sorry if it seems too fast, pero alam mo naman si Eric diba?
Minamadali lahat? Kung anong gusto niya, nakukuha niya, at kung gustong gusto niya,
di siya makapaghintay."

"Of course. He was once mine after all." Gusto kong matawa sa
sinabi niya. Either she's a pathological liar or a delusional brokenhearted whore.
Sa tingin ba niya seseryosohin siya ni Eric? Nang kahit na sinong lalaki?

Kinuha ko ang kape ko. Nagdadalawang isip kung uubusin ko na ba o

ibubuhos ang natitira sa mukha niya. "Well. It's your loss not mine. Anyway, he's
waiting for me at our new house. Your mom's company did a fabulous job. Pakisabi na
lang nagustuhan talaga namin ni Eric. Lalo na ang master bedroom." Tumayo ako at
kinuha ang bag ko. "If you'll excuse me, hinihintay na ako ni Eric."

Nang umabot na ako sa gilid niya, natigilan ako nang bigla siyang
magsalita. "Lubos lubosin mo na because I assure you, it won't last."

"Is that your best shot at breaking up my marriage Joanna?" randam

ko ang paninigas niya sa gilid ko. Alam kong hindi niya inaasahang ppatol ako. I am
a well bred woman of high society after all. "Try a little harder my dear."

"Okay then. Just ask Eric who Katelyn Perez is. Ipaalala mo na lang
rin sa kanya na malapit na walong taon simula nung araw na yun." Who the hell was
this Katelyn Perez and who is she in Eric's life? "Don't be so arrogant just
because you're married to him Brianna. He's just normal man who has his share of
secrets."

=================

Chapter 30
Brianna's POV

It was my third day as operations manager pero tambak na agad ako

sa trabaho. Aside from our merged companies that concentrate on real estate, may
iilan pa palang negosyo si Eric. He has shares on various business interests and
he's a part owner of some companies. At dahil alam niya raw kung paano ako
magtrabaho, ako na lang daw rin bahala sa mga yun. I can't believe he has this much
trust in me. Ni tatay ko nga di ganito kung magtiwala sa akin.

"Ma'am Brianna, pinapatawag kayo ni Sir Eric sa opisina niya," sabi

ng sekretarya ko pagkatapos kumatok ng dalawang beses. Ewan ko ba dito kay Eric, di
na lang talaga nagtext o tumawag sa akin. Inabala pa talaga si Jean. Tumayo na lang
ako at sinuot ang blazer ko. Nakasleeveless na dress lang kasi ako. Ayaw ko naming
may masabi sa akin ang mga tao dito. They all know me as the former model, not as
the previous COO of my family's company.

Agad akong naglakad papunta sa office ni Eric sa kabilang dulo

talaga ng floor. At least we're on the same floor. Pagkarating ko, nginitian lang
ako ng sekretarya niya at pinapasok diretso. Pero natigilan ako dahil may narinig
akong boses na hindi kanya.

"You really have her wrapped around your finger don't you Eric?"
Even if the voice belonged to male, the insinuation is still insulting. Sino pa
naman kasi ang ibig sabihin sa tanong nito? "Who would've thought, mapapaamo mo
pala ang naglalakad na yelo na yun? Many have tried seducing, propositioning and
even begging her. Ikaw lang pala makakatapat niya."

"Kilala mo naman ako. There's nothing and no one I can't have. Oo

nga pala, yung tungkol sa shares mo. Sigurado ka na ba na ibebenta mo yun sa akin?"
This voice I'm sure is Eric's. But the arrogance was something I almost didn't
recognize.

Mukhang bumaling na sa negosyo ang pinag-uusapan. Kaya pumasok na

ako. "Eric? You called for me?" may ngiti sa mukha ko but I'm sure Eric would know
it wasn't genuine. He should know I heard them talk about me like I'm some kind of
prize. Napawi ang ngiti niya. Alam niya talagang narinig ko pinag-uusapan nila.

"Bri, good you're here. I want you to meet Joaquin Alvarado. He's
my cousin on my mom's side. He's moving permanently to the States. Binibenta nya sa
akin ang shares niya sa iilang kumapanya. I want you to look them over to help me
decide." He was blabbering and we all knew it. There was also a guilty flush on his
cheeks.

Tumango na lang ako. I turned my attention on the list of

companies, the shares and their worth. At least he wasn't trying to con my husband
into buying worthless shit. Binalik ko ang ang papel kay Eric. "They all seem
legit. Though I have to check the stock market today. Pero wala siguro masyadong
diperensya diyan sa persyo ngayon. Yun lang ba?"

Tumango lang siya. Napansin niya sigurong nag-iba timpla ko. "Yeah.
Mom also invited us for lunch. I hope you don't have plans."

Umiling lang ako. "See you later. Marami pa akong tatapusin."

Tumalikod ako agad. The way he made me seem like a prized really pissed me off.
Ganun na lang ba talaga ako? Another status symbol? The only reason I'm not some
trophy wife is because I'm working and not hanging off his arm at social events.
Pero anong bang kinaiba ko sa mga babaing kinaiinisan ko. All I'm worth to him is
nothing but an accessory to make him look better.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Naghihintay ako sa lobby ng building naming kay Eric. I don't want

him to pick me up from my office. I want to delay seeing him as possible. Kaya nung
nagtext siya na pupuntahan niya na ako sa opisina ko, agad kong pumunta sa elevator
na mas malapit sa aking opisina kaysa sa kanya.

Nang makita ko siyang palabas ng elevator, nginitian ko lang siya.

Sana di niya mahalatang peke. "Bri, I'm so sorry about what you heard earlier. I
didn't mean any of it. I promise."

Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay. There's no way in hell I'm

admitting the fact that I heard, coz it would come so close to admitting that what
he said hurt me. I'm so tired of caring and expecting everyone to return at least
half the affection I try deny. Pero hindi pa rin pala kaya. They will never want or
need for who and what I am. All they'll ever want from me is what I can give them.

"Huh? Anong bang sinasabi mo? If you don't want to go through with
buying your cousin is selling, ba't di mo sinabi agad?" Alam ko kanina pa na
uungkatin niya agad ang nangyari sa opisina niya. Kaya pinag-isipan ko talaga lahat
ng posible niyang itanong at pinaghandaan ko yun lahat ng sagot.

He sighed in relief. "Never mind. Let's go?" tumango na lang ako at

tinanggap ang kamay na inabot niya. Naghihintay na sa amin ang driver at kotse.
Tinatamad kasi kami parehong magmaneho dahil sa traffic. Kaya nagsasabay na lang
rin kami. Isa lang kasi ang stay in na driver sa bahay.

Sa isang malapit na restaurant lang naghihintay si Tita Melanie.

Agad rin namin siyang nakita. "Hi Mom," bati ni Eric sa nanay at bumeso.

Sumunod naman ako. "Hi Tita," sabi kong nakangiti. Umupo kami at di inalis ni Eric
ang kamay niya sa akin. Ever since we sort of ironed our differences, he's so
touchy. Basta magkasami kami, palagi siyang nakahawak sa aking kamay o nakaakbay.

"Come on hija. How many times do I have to tell you to call me mommy as well?"
Eric's mom was all smiles when she said that. We're not exactly close. Pero at
least di siya yung tipong mother-in-law na kinakakatakutan ng magpapakasal. We're
affectionate at best, civil and indifferent at worst. Di pa kasi na nakakalimutan
na arranged lang ang pagpapakasal namin ng anak niya.
Binalik ko na lang ang ngiti niya. Her enthusiasm didn't lack for sincerity this
time. "Of course Mom." Tamang dumating rin ang waiter at kinuha ang orders namin.
Binaling ko na lang sa kanya atensyon ko. "I'll have steak. Well done please."

Ginaya lang rin nila order ko. Mom seemed to approve of my choice. "So, how's the
new house? Ba't di kayo nagparty paglipat niyo? Kahit simple at intimate lang?"

"Mom, please. Siguro pag may okasyon na lang. Wag muna ngayon." Naiinis pero
natatawa si Eric pagsagot niya. Labag na labag talaga sa loob niya magpapasok ng
ibang tao sa bahay namin.

"Anyway, you guys have disappointed me again." Nagkatinginan kami ni Eric sa sinabi
ng nanay niya. Ngayon nga lang siguro kami nagkita sa loob ng dalawang buwan, yan
ang ibubungad niya sa amin? Napairap na lang si Mommy Mel. Nahalata niya ang
pagkabigla. Kitang kita rin siguro na naguguluhan kami. "You've been married for
what? Six months? Seven? Wala pa ba akong apo?"

Nabulunan sa sariling laway si Eric. Has the thought of having children with me
never crossed his mind? Maiinsulto na na ba ako? "Mom, we're trying, every night.
We try very hard as a matter of fact." Pinanlisikan ko siya ng mata. Tama bang
aminin sa nanay niya na sobrang active ng sex life namin?

Nanahimik na lang ako. Alam kong pulang pula na ang mukha ko. "You only seem to be
enjoying the trying part Eric. Sabihin mo nga sa akin, may plano ba kayong
magkaanak?" Uminom saglit si Mom sa tubig niya bago bumaling sa akin. "Are you
taking pills?" Umiling ako. Damn! This is so damn embarrassing.

Nagkaroon na ako ng lakas na loob na salubungin ang tingin niya pero nakabaling na
ulit kay Eric ang atensyon niya. Nakataas pa ang kilay niya. "Mom!" he didn't
bother hiding his irritation. "Fine! No. I'm not using anything. We are not using
any contraceptives. Natural or otherwise."

"Then what's wrong?! Eric naman. Di na kami bumabata ng Daddy mo. And you are our
only son. Ibigay mo naman samin to." Di ako makapaniwala sa pinagsasabi ni Mimmy
Mel. Kung makahingi ng apo, parang nagpapabili lang ng bagong kotse.

It was so fucking awkward. "Excuse me, I need to use the ladies room." Pagtayo ko,
saktong nag-abot ang mata namin ni Chantelle. And the arm around was Dominic's. Can
this day get any crazier?

Naglakad na ako papuntang CR at alam kong sumunod si Chantelle. Bago ko pa masara

ang pinto, tinulak niya na yun pabukas. "So okay na kayo ni Nick?" She just
shrugged off the question.

"We're okay, I think. We're getting there. Sinusubukan naming ayusin pero di ako
sigurado kung may patutunguhan pa ba kami o pinipilit lang namin." She had this
sad, distant look on her face.
"Telle, he's still crazily in love with you. And you obviously still feel the same
way. What's stopping you two?" mabuti na lang at wala pang pumapasok sa CR. Sa
lahat ng lugar na pwede naming pa-usapan to, dito pa talaga.

Umirap na lang siya. "I'm afraid of getting hurt again while he's afraid of having
his ego deflated again. Anyway, let's talk about you. Kamusta na kayo?"

"We're doing good. I realized all I ever was and all I probably ever will be to him
is a status symbol and successful conquest he can brag about to his friends. And
his mom is asking for her grandchild. As if ganun kadali gumawa ng bata."

"Pero aminin mo. Nag-eenjoy ka sa paggawa diba?" nang-aasar niyang tanong. Umiling
na lang ako. Talking to her is such a comfort. "I won't ask about the first
statement coz honestly, I'm not very surprised. I just hope that it won't last
long."

Napangisi ako. That is most likely not going to happen. "Let's go? Baka hinahanap
na nila tayo." Pagkabalik ko ng table, ang shares na lang na binebenta kay Eric ng
pamangkin ni Mom ang pinag-uusapan nila. Thank God! I don't know what else to say
if she's still going on about us having a kid.

Ayaw ko naman kasing magkaanak sa isang relasyon na walang kasiguraduhan. I don't

want a child to grow up like me. Cynical and disillusioned so young.

�I59���

=================

Chapter 31

Brianna's POV

"Nasaan si Eric?" tanong ko sa sekretarya niya. It's almost 1 pero

di niya pa ako dinadaanan para sabay kaming maglunch. Wala rin naman siyang
sinasabi na di kami sabay ngayon.

Inangat ni Tina ang tingin niya saglit. Maybe just to acknowledge

my presence. She looks pissed. I hope not at me. She has the reputation of being a
bitch around the office. Sabi ng iba, nahawa daw kay Eric. Parang daw siya may
dalaw araw araw. "Pinatawag po siya kanina sa front desk. Around half past 11."
Hindi na siya tumingin ulit at nagpatuloy sa pagtype.

Mukhang minamadali niya ang kung ano man ang ginagawa niya.
"Naglunch ka na ba?" tanong ko. Ang alam ko kasi, pinapauna niya talaga si Eric
bago siya kumain at hinihintay niya talaga itong makabalik. Kaya maaga kaming
kumakain ni Eric. Umiling lang siya pero di pa rin lumilingon sa akin. Maybe her
disposition is worsened by her hunger. "Kumain ka muna. I'm sure what you're doing
can wait til then."

Ngumiti siya nang bahagya sa akin. "It's okay Ma'am. Di naman po

ako masyadong gutom." This is the nicest she's ever been to me. She's always been
detached. She's pretty in a nerdy sort of way because of the glasses and she's
obviously smart. But she never made me feel that is should be threatened with her
relationship with Eric. She's nothing but professional. At least she's one less
female in this world who isn't trying to get into Eric's pants.

"No. You're eating your lunch right now. Hayaan mo na ang boss mo.
Malaki na siya." Tumango na lang siya. Maybe no one's ever made her do things that
are a direct opposition of what Eric wants her to do. Ngumiti na lang rin ako sa
kanya.

Agad akong bumaba at pinasadahan ng tingin ang lobby. There was no

Eric anywhere. "Miss, nasaan si Eric?" tanong ko sa front desk officer.

"May naghanap po kanina sa kanya na babae. Kate Perez daw." My God!

Just when my relationship had some semblance of normalcy, another bitch from his
past comes back. Napansin ng babae ang panlilisik ng mata ko. "They went in the
direction of the smoking area Ma'am." Tumango na lang ako. At least she didn't tell
they went to a hotel.

Nasa likod ng building nato ang smoking area. They better be there.
Or else all hell is going to break loose. Pagkarating ko sa likod, may nasalubong
akong iilang mga empleyado na bumabati sa akin. Masyado akong naiinis ngayon para
bumati rin kaya tumango na lang ako sa kanila. May maliit na garden sa likod na
considered smoking area. May pinto rin papunta dun galing sa canteen. Pagkarating
ko sa pinto, pinagtitinginan ako ng mga empleyado na parang kinakabahan. Pagsulyap
ko sa dinaanan ko, nakatingin rin sa akin ang mga nakasalubong kong empleyado. What
the hell is exactly going on in there?

Nakarinig ako ng boses ng babae na sumisigaw. "But Eric! You

promised me! Pinanghawakan ko ang pangakong yun!" I can sense she was on the verge
of being hysterical.

"Kate please, huminahon ka!" di ko napigilan ang sarili ko na

buksan ang pinto. Pareho silang napatitig sa akin. Her hands were on his chest and
his were on her arms. Whether to push her away or pull her closer, I don't know.

Nanlisik ang mata ng babae. "You! You bitch! Ikaw ang dahilan ba't
tinalikuran kami ni Eric. What the hell are you doing in his company? Di pa ba
sapat na sa iyo siya umuuwi? Pati ba naman dito sinusundan mo sya?" Sinugod niya
ako at halos di siya mapigilan ni Eric na dumugin ako.

Nagpupumiglas siya at ang kapit ni Eric sa kanya ang unti unting

lumuluwag. "Excuse me?! Di ba dapat ako magtanong niya? Remember where you are
bitch! And remember who I am! I am his wife. I have all the rights to be here.
Aside from being his wife, I am the heiress and owner of the other half of this
empire! So don't you dare question my presence here. Matuto kang lumugar!"

Lalo siyang nagalit sa sinabi ko. Nakawala siya sa pagpipigil ni

Eric. "I don't care who you are! Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit tinalikuran ni Eric
kami ng anak niya!"

It was like I was suckered punched in the face. It actually had the
same effect. Kinuha niya ang pagkakataon na yun para dumugin ako. Pero nakaisang
sampal lang siya sa akin bago ko siya nilabanan at napatumba. I would've continued
using ten years worth of martial arts training on her but it was Eric who stopped
me. "Get your hands off me! Don't force me to use Taekwondo on you too Eric because
I swear, di ako titigil kung di ka nalulumpo!"

"My god Brianna! Tingnan mo kung anong ginawa mo sa kanya! You

could go to prison for this!" I glanced back at her and my brow raised at his
concern. "Kailangan mo ba talagang bugbugin siya? Anong gagawin mo kapag napuruhan
siya?"

I shrugged and turned my back on him. "Anong gagawin ko? Hire the
best damn lawyers in the country. What else? Wala naming di nalulusutan dito
basta't may pera ka lang diba?"

Halata sa mukha niya na di yun ang inaasahan niyang sagot. "What is

wrong with you?"

"What is wrong with me? The woman that my husband is apparently in

love with and the mother of his child and heir apparent is in my building. That is
what is wrong with me."

"That still doesn't give you the right to physically attack her!"
sigurado akong naririnig kami ng mga empleyado sa labas. It wasn't everyday their
bosses and two of the most powerful people in the metro made a spectacle of
themselves. At sigurado akong napansin nila ang pagtatanggol ng asawa ko sa babae
niya.

"You're forgetting Eric, siya ang nanugod. Siya an gang unang

nanampal. So my self defense went a little too far, so what? As long as I'm not the
one who hit first, my conscience is clean."

Lumabas ako at agad napaatras ang mga tao na tila nag-aabang ng

artista. Pero wala silang nakitang reaksyon sa akin. I've been through one too many
humiliations in this lifetime. Di ko na ipapahiya ang sarili ko sa mga empleyado ko
sa pag-iyak.

I want answers. No, I need them. At dahil ibang version ng

katotohanan ang ibibigay ni Eric sa akin, kailangan sa ibang tao ko makuha to.
Kinuha ko ang phone ko mula sa bulsa ng blazer ko. "Jean, get me Joanna Castro's
cellphone number. Now."

Agad tinext sa akin ng sekretarya ang number. I didn't waste any

time.

Meet me at the coffee shop where we met last week. May kailangan
tayong pag-usapan.

=================

Chapter 32

Brianna's POV

Nasa table ako sa may pinto talaga. Dahil salamin lang ang pader,
nakita kong bumaba ng kotse si Joanna. Nakababa ang bintana ng kotse. The driver
was no other than Eric's cousin who sold him company shares last week. Nakita ko
rin ang pagtaas ng kamay ni Joanna. Her middle finger was also raised at the
driver.

Agad siyang pumasok at uminom saglit sa kapeng binili ko para sa

kanya. Good thing I remember her preferences from the last time we were here. "So
what do you want to talk about?"

"Sino si Kate Perez?" di na siya nabigla sa tanong ko. It seemed as

if she was actually expecting it.
 Huminga siya nang malalim at tumitig sa akin. "The dead one or the
live one?" natigilan ako sa tanong niya. There are two people in Eric's life whose
names are Kate Perez? For God's sake! This feels like a teleserye coming into
reality.

"Both," I said quietly. Di ko na makayanan ang lahat ng nangyari at

nalaman ngayong araw. Pagod na akong magpanggap na malakas.

Tumango siya at uminom ulit saglit ng kape. "But just to set the
record straight, I'm not really in love with your husband. Ginamit ko lang siya. I
wanted to spite someone and prove a point to the same person. Eric was just a
convenient collateral damage."

It was my turn to nod. I smiled bitterly before saying anything.

"Trust me, after what happened today, your feelings for him are immaterial."

Napangiti na lang rin siya na tila nang-aasar. "I don't know the
whole story. I also don't know about Eric's perspective. But here goes. Katelyn
Perez, sometime called Kate or Lyn, depending kung sino tumatawag sa kanya. She was
Eric's girlfriend years ago. Ayaw ng mga magulang ni Eric sa kanya. She had a
history of being, I don't know, mentally or emotionally challenged. Pero ayaw
maniwala ni Eric. She was sort of obsessed with him. Di nagtagal, parang nalaman
talaga ni Eric ang totoong ugali niya. Or baka napilit lang siya ng mga magulang
niya na hiwalayan si Katelyn. I heard she threatened him with suicide. Ang alam ko
lang, nabuntis siya when they're barely out of their teens. Pinanagutan ni Eric ang
bata. I think he even proposed marriage. A few months later after the child was
born, nagdemand ang parents ni Eric ng DNA test. I don't know how they did it
without Katelyn's permission but it turns out, di si Eric ang tatay ng bata. I
don't know what Eric felt them. To cut the long story short, she drove while drunk
or high and got into an accident with another drunk driver."

Di ko alam anong nararamdaman ko. Part of me was relieved that I

wasn't depriving some kid of a complete family. Part of me is still pissed and
doubtful of Eric. Kung alam ng lahat na di si Eric ang ama, ba't pinapalabas ng
babae kanina na obligado pa rin si Eric sa bata? "What about the other Kate Perez?"

"She's Katelyn's slightly older sister, Katherine. Kinupkop niya

ang bata. Maybe she's like her sister who's mentally challenged. All I know is that
after Katelyn died, she sort of went into depression. When she snapped out of it,
unti unti siyang nagiging katulad ni Katelyn. She also got obsessed with Eric. But
this time, nadala na si Eric. He wouldn't give in to her. She went to the States
with the child. But a few years back, umuwi siya ng Pinas. Di ko alam anong
nangyari pero pinupuntahan ni Eric ang bata. That was when we were together, when I
was using him. Dinadalhan niya ng regalo. Sinamahan ko siya isang beses at nakita
ko si Kate, tuwang tuwa siya. Di na ako nagtataka kung paniwalain niya ang bata na
si Eric ang tatay nito."

Alam kong nakatitig lang si Joanna sa akin. It was strange but

somehow, I felt okay with that. She didn't exactly feel like a friend, but she
wasn't an enemy anymore. Di ko napansin ang luhang tumulo mula sa sarili kong mata.
Naramdaman ko na lang yun nung iabot niya sa akin ang tissue sa may gilid ng table.

"Alam mo anong mahirap sa may karibal sa taong mahal mo? You're not
competing with another person, you're competing with the memory. You're competing
with the fact that they were once happy together. Ang mas masaklap sa sitwasyon mo,
patay na yung kakumpetensya mo. It would've been easier if she left him with bitter
and ugly memories. Kasi kahit papaano, may galit si Eric na mararamdaman. But
before he could analyze his feelings after proving it wasn't his son, namatay si
Kate. Di mo kalaban ang ex na nagwasak sa puso niya Brianna. Kalaban mo ang ex na
nag-iwan sa kanya ng magagandang alaala. I should know. The same situation broke my
heart too. Ang hirap maging brokenhearted no?"

Despite the tears, napangiti na naman ako ng mapait sa kanya. I

never expected to get love advice from her. "I had my heart broken a long time ago.
But it got pulverized beyond mending today. Napaniwala ko na sana ang sarili ko na
wala akong puso. But he proved to me I still had one by breaking it."

Author's Note:

GUYS!!! USO COMMENT!!! Kahit pagmumura pa yan sa kabagalan kong mag update hahaha

=================

Chapter 33

Brianna's POV

"No way Brianna! There is no way in hell I am signing these papers!

And you can't make me!" From the look on Eric's face, I knew he was trying his
hardest not to get violent. Kahit ni minsan, di niya ako napagbuhatan ng kamay.
Pero ngayon, mukhang may posibilidad na.

Nakaupo ako sa sofa ng bahay namin na malapit na maging bahay na

lang niya. Nakatayo siya sa harap ko pero alam kong di siya lumalapit dahil baka
masaktan niya ako. "Just sign the damn papers Eric! We both know this is what we
need. Sino ba kasing niloloko natin? We tried, okay?" At least I know I did. For my
parents' sake. I gave them all what they wanted. The alliance between our companies
and the an heir. But they all have no idea about the latter. Alam kong di niya na
ako pakakawalan pag nalaman niyang buntis ako. Unless he believes he's not the
father. "It just didn't work out Eric. Tanggapin na lang natin na di tayo para sa
isa't isa kahit anong pilit natin. Besides, the love of your life is back. Madali
na lang dapat sayo ang pakawalan ako."

"Putangina Brianna! The love of my life?" Napahilamos siya sa mukha

nya. "The love of my life is currently in front of me asking for a damn annulment!"
Wait, was he referring to me? Seriously? "My God Brianna! Wag mo naman akong sukuan
agad! Kakakasal lang natin and this is the first fight we've had. Nagfile ka na
agad ng annulment? How pathetic can you get?"

"This is the first damn fight we've had because I gave in to your
every whim. I compromised everything I wanted and everything I ever believed in to
make all of you happy. Pero pagod na ako Eric. Pwede bang ako na naman pagbigyan mo
ngayon?" my chest was heaving from the effort of raising my voice. Kaya di ko siya
masisisi kung bakit sa dibdib ko na nakatuon ang atensyon niya. Pero tama bang nag-
aaway kami at pagnasahan niya ako? "All I want is to have a peaceful life, is that
too much to ask?"

"That is not too much to ask Bri. But only if the peaceful life you
want is with me. Di kita mabibitawan Brianna. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the way I
acted last week. Nabigla lang ako." Mukhang kumalma na siya ng konti. Tumabi siya
sa akin at kinuha ang mga kamay ko. "You don't how much I regret the way I acted
last week towards you. Di mo alam kung gaano ko kinasuklaman ang sarili ko sa mga
nasabi ko. I shouldn't have blamed you, I realize that now."

The sincerity in his voice was faultless. Alam kong nagsisisi

talaga siya. Pero di pa rin yun sapat. I have had enough. I'm almost at breaking
point. "Fine. I'll forgive you and burn the damn papers myself on one condition."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko and the look on his face was so
damn hopeful. "Anything Bri. You know I'd give you anything."

"Stay away from Kate Perez and her child. Tigilan mo na ang mag-
inang yun. You will cut all communication with her and her son. Kahit pagpapadala
ng maliliit na regalo sa bata, tigilan mo. I don't want you to have anything to do
with them. Kaya mo ba yun Eric?"

Namutla siya sa sinabi ko. Alam kong iba ang inaasahan niyang
kondisyon. It may be irrational for him. Even I myself consider it irrational to
deprive an innocent child of its father figure. Pero ayaw kong lumaki ang anak kong
tulad ko. I don't want any child of mine to think he or she is second best. I don't
want my child to think he or she is competing for her father's affection. Ayaw kong
may kaagaw ang anak ko.

"Bri, pwedeng iba na lang? I can do what you're asking but I have
to make Ricky to understand first. Ako ang kinikilala niyang ama at ayaw kong
isipin ng bata na tinalikuran ko na lang siya bigla. Please try to understand."
Nagsusumamo ang mukha niya. Kahit mahigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko, pinilit kong
magkaroon ng lakas para bumitaw kahit nanghihina na ako. I just can't do this right
now.

Huminga ako ng malalim. Paano ko ba ito ipapaliwanag sa kanya? Pag

sinabi kong buntis ako, baka ipilit niya lang akong maniwala na magkakasundo ang
anak ko at anak nung babaeng yun. "I'm sorry Eric. But I don't want anything to do
with that woman. She's breaking us apart Eric. She's breaking apart this marriage.
And don't tell me ako ang gumagawa nun because I know about her. The dead one and
the live one. She's your first love and I understand that. I know I can never
replace her in your heart. At ayaw kong ipilit ang sarili ko sayo. Alam ko naman
pinipilit mo lang paniwalain ang sarili mo na mahal mo ako. Kaya ayaw kong
magkaroon ka pa ng ugnayan sa babaeng yun. Dahil ayaw kong makipagkumpetensya sa
patay at ayaw kong lumaki ang anak kong iniisip na mas mahal ng tatay niya ang anak
ng ibang babae dahil ito na lang ang ugnayan mo sa taong mahal mo."

Napabitaw siya ng tuluyan sa mga kamay ko. I know he's blind to the
fact that I know about his first love and how she killed herself because of him.
Tulala siyang nakatitig sa akin. Mukhang nasaktan talaga siya. But I have to look
beyond the pain I see in his face. Mas kailangan kong isipin ang mas nakakabuti
para sa anak ko. I'd rather have him or her grow with separate parents than a
dysfunctional family.

"Bu...buntis ka?" nauutal niyang tanong. Tumango na lang ako. I

didn't plan on telling him like this. I didn't even have plans on telling him now.
"You're telling me you're pregnant and your annulling our marriage in the same
breath?! How could you Brianna! Mas gugustuhin mo pang lumaki ang anak natin na di
kumpleto ang pamilya kesa hintaying ipaintindi ko sa anak ni Kate na di ako ang
tatay niya?"
 Tumango ulit ako. "I'm sorry Eric. I know you think I'm being a
brat about this. That I'm being irrational. Pero sana isipin mo ang pinanggaliingan
ko. Lumaki akong nakikipagkumpetensya sa kapatid ko. I never had affection thrown
my way. Ayaw kong maging tulad ko ang anak ko na kinasusuklaman ang sarili kong mga
magulang. Naiintindihan ko naman na napamahal ka na sa anak ni Kate. At alam ko rin
na naaalala mo ang patay na Kate sa ate niya. Kaya ganun na lang kung ipagtanggol
mo siya. Pero sana, tanggapin mo rin ang desisyon ko."

Tulala lang siyang nakatitig sa mukha ko pero alam kong di na niya

napapansin ang paligid niya. He's looking at my face but he's not seeing me.
Hinalikan ko siya sa labi kaya bumalik siya sa katinuan. "I'm sorry Eric. But this
is goodbye."

Tumayo ako at naglakad papuntang pinto kung saan naghihintay ang

maleta ko. Tiningnan ko siya sa huling sandal na nakatitig lang sa kawalan.

I love you Eric, but this is goodbye.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Dahil di naming kelangang magrevise ng thesis proposal, naisipan kong mag udate.
Hahahaha. Gusto ko nang tapusin tong story na to. Sorry kung medyo fastforward na
siya hahaha.

PS
Kung magcocomment kayo, pwede yung kahit criticism man lang? Sawa na ako sa
nanghihingi ng update. Sinabi ko na sa simula pa lang mabagal akong mag update
hahaha

=================

Chapter 34

Author's Note:

I know, di ako naglalagay ng author's note sa simula. But I just want to warn you
guys! Sobrang fast forward na to. Ilang chapters na lang. Di ko na yata papaabutin
ng 40 chaps. Depende na.

LISTEN TO THE SONG GUYS!!!

Brianna's POV

I never thought moving on was easy. I knew it was hard. I just

didn't realize that it was this fucking hard! Ilang buwan na ang nakakaraan pero
para pa rin akong patay. If not for the baby in my stomach, I don't if I would
still bother eating and sleeping. I've been devoid of almost all emotion except
pain. Kahit saan ako lumingon, may alaala namin ni Eric nung maayos pa kami. Nung
Masaya pa kami kahit papaano.

Simula nung lumipat ako sa dating condo ni Jenny, parang nawalan ng

saysay ang buhay ko. Unti unti naman akong nasanay na wala ang presensya ni Eric.
Nung mga unan araw ko dito, nahihirapan pa akong matulog man lang. Kahit sandali
lang kaming magkasama, nasanay na akong matulog na nakayakap sa kanya.

I'll find out the gender of my baby in a few hours. I'm in my

underwear staring at myself in the mirror. Malaki na pala ang tiyan ko. Ni hindi ko
namalayan. I have maternity clothes but I don't recall buying them. Ganun na ba
kalala ang pagiging wala ko sarili? Pagtingin ko sa daliri ko, nandun pa rin ang
wedding ring namin. Maybe it's time for me to take it off.

***********************************************************************

"Congratulations Mrs. Dela Vega! It's a boy," nakangiting sabi ng

obgyne ko. She was tactful enough not to question where the heck the baby's father
is. She's recommended to me by Jenny. Siguro alam na niya ang tungkol sa amin.
Sanay na rin siguro siya sa palagi kong pagpunta dito sa clinic nang mag-isa. She
never asked me where my husband is. Nakakainis lang at ang dala dala ko pang
apilyido ngayon ay kay Eric. Di pa rin kasi tumatawag ang abogado ko tungkol sa
annulment. I wonder what's taking so long. "Do you want a picture?" tumango na lang
ako.

Iniwan niya ako saglit para makapag-ayos at kunin ang picture ni

baby. Eric Jacob R. dela Vega. His name is going to be Eric Jacob. Nang
makapagbihis na ako, pumasok na ulit si doktora para ibigay sa akin ang picture.
"Congratulations again Mrs. Dela Vega."

"Thanks doc." Lumabas ako ng clinic niya at agad napawi ang ngiti
ko. When will this pain just numb, even a little? Naiiyak na naman ako. I don't
know if it's the hormones or I'm just hurt. Thank God di ako naglilihi. Di ko na
alam anong mangyayari kung sakaling maglihi ako pero wala akong mauutusan.

Nang makarating ako sa kotse ko, naisip kong tawagan si Eric at ang
mga magulang ko para sabihan. Mabuti na lang at di ako kinukulit ng mga magulang
kong bumalik kay Eric. Siguro ngayon alam na nilang sinubukan namin. Kulang nga
lang talaga. I dialed Eric's number pero walang sumasagot. When I tried the
telephon in his office, nasagot naman agad naman ng sekretarya niya. Bago pa
makapagsalita si Tina, inunahan ko na. "Nandyan ba si Eric, Tina?" tanong ko.

"Sorry Ma'am pero wala po. Kakaalis niya lang po. Naiwan rin po
yata ang celphone kasi narinig kong nagring sa loob. Bakit po?" magalang niyang
tanong. Nakilala niya siguro boses ko.

"Do you know where he is? May kailangan lang akong sabihin sa
kanya." I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse that he's not there. Gusto kong
ako mismo magsabi sa kanya na lalaki anak namin pero nagdadalawang isip rin akong
kausapin.
 "He told me that I can reach him in Kate Perez house. Pero sabi
niya emergency lang dapat," tila nahihiya niyang sagot. And I can't blame her. It
must be awkward to be the bearer of bad news.

I smiled bitterly at myself. He has the time to see Kate Perez and
his bastard but he can't find the damn time to sign and file our annulment. At
least, that's what I tell myself. Na wala siyang oras na asikasuhin ang annulment.
Wala naman siyang ibang dahilan para di pa ako pakawalan. Nakakaputangina lang
isipin na may oras siya para sa isa niya pang pamilya.

"Thanks Tina. Pakisabi na lang sa kanya na lalaki ang magiging anak

namin. Bye."

=================

Chapter 35

Eric's POV
 I've just been to see Kate and Ricky. Gusto ko na sanang tapusin
ang ugnayan ko sa mag-ina kanina pero umiyak ang bata. Kahit wala akong obligasyon
sa kanya, di ko naman siya kayang saktan ng ganun na lang. I'm partly responsible
for the mess that my life is right now.

Bumalik ako sa opisina na nakokonsensya. Somehow, I know Brianna is

right. Masyado na naming nasaktan ang isa't isa. I can't be with her while I still
care for Ricky or even Kate. Kaya lang, di ko maatim na manakit ng bata. Even
emotionally. All I wanted was time to lay Ricky down gently. Kahit di ko siya anak
talaga, ayaw ko pa rin siyang masaktan ng ganun. Alam naman niya na di niya ako
tatay pero nasanay na siya sa akin. I don't want him to pay for his mother's or my
mistakes. Too bad Brianna doesn't see it that way.

Yung annulment papers namin, nasa lamesa ko pa. Di ko pa

tinitingnan man lang. Di ko pa kaya. It hurts too much. Kahit anong pilit ko,
isipin lang na pirmahan ko na, nanginginig na gad kamay ko. Pucha, nakakabakla
naman to!

Pagkaupo ko, nakita kong tumawag siya. Gustong kong malaman bakit
pero ayaw kong malaman na ang dahilan sa pagtawag niya ay para alamin kung bakit di
ko pa inaasikaso ang annulment. Dahil kahit alam kong papel na lang nag-uugnay sa
amin, pinaghahawakan ko pa rin yun.

Kumatok si Tina na tila nag-aalangan. "Sir, tumawag po si Ma'am

Brianna dito, may pinapasabi po."
 Para siyang nahihirapang magsalita. I knew it! It's about the
annulment. Why else does my secretary seem so fucking scared to tell me? Nakita
niya paano ako nasira at halos mawasak ang buong pagkatao ko nung mga unang araw ng
paghihiwalay namin ni Brianna. Siya rin mismo nagsabi na hangga't di ko pa
napipirmahan ang annulment, may panghahawakan pa ako. "Ikaw na lang tumawag sa
kanya at sabihin mong wala pa akong oras para sa annulment namin." I know it's a
pathetic excuse. All I had to do was sign it and give it to my lawyers.

"Sir, ang pinapasabi po ni Ma'am Brianna ay lalaki ho ang anak

niyo. Wala po siyang binanggit tungkol sa annulment niyo. Excuse me." Di ko
namalayan na nakalabas na pala siya ng opisina. The knowledge that my child was a
boy made me so fucking proud. If only I could share the happiness with his mother.

I grabbed my phone and called Bri without thinking twice. Nakailang

ring muna bago niya sinagot. Alam kong nagdadalawang isip siyang sagutin yun o
hindi. "Hello, Eric?" alam kong nag-aalangan siyang kausapin ako.

"Bri? Tina said we're going to have a baby boy. Ba't di mo ako
pinatawagan kay Tina? Alam niya naman nasaan ako." Alam kong parang nag-aakusa ang
pagkakatanong ko. Pero di ko mapigilan. I wanted so bad to be with her through
everything. The morning sickness, the doctor's appointments, even the irrational
cravings. Pero alam kong mahihirapan lang kaming dalawa. Kaya pinapasundan ko na
lang siya sa isa sa mga tauhan ko. I know when her morning sickness stopped. I know
she hasn't gone through craving anything through the night. He doctor said so.

She sighed as if she was so tired. Mag-aalala na sana ko pero

naisip ko, it's the emotional upheaval she's sick of. "You were with Kate and your
son. Ayaw ko naman makaabala."

My son? Does she honestly believe Ricky is my son? What the hell?
"Bri, alam mong di ko anak si Ricky."

I could almost see her rolling her eyes. "That's not the point
Eric. Anyway, ano pa bang ikinagagalit mo. Alam mong lalaki anak natin. End of
story."

"My problem Bri? My problem is that I should have been there when
you found out!"

=================

Chapter 36

Brianna's POV

It hurts. It fucking hurts. Pero ano pa bang magagawa ko? I was the
one who pushed him away. I was the one who pushed him into his arms. Wala akong
karapatan magreklamo. Wala rin akong karapatan mag-inarte. Ni wala na nga akong
karapatan masaktan. Ako nagtulak sa kanya palayo. I should deal with its
consequences. Besides, walang may kasalanan sa amin.

Neither of us owns this mall where he decided to have some quality

time with his family. If I had known, namili na lang siguro ako ng ibang mall para
mamili ng gamit ng anak ko. But fuck this shit, it hurts! Kung kelan nasanay akong
di nakikita ang pamumukha niya, makikita ko pa siyang masaya sa kabila niyang
pamilya. Nakita ko ang mukha ng batang lalaki which is obviously Kate's son. Ang
saya ng mukha niya habang karga siya ni Eric. Makikita ko rin kaya ang ganyang saya
sa mukha ng magiging anak namin? Probably not.

Hindi ko alam anong pinaglalaban ko dito habang tinitingnan sila

palabas ng resto kung saan sila nananghalian. I've never saw myself as a masochist
but this is as close as it gets. Nakangiti rin si Eric sa bata at di maikakaila ang
saya ni Kate. She got what she wanted after all. Lucky her.

Para akong tanga dito na parang nag-aabang na makita nila. Sa

kasamaang palad, nakita nga ako ni Kate. I don't want to deal with her shit right
now so what the hell. I raised my hand and waved, as if we were friends. As if she
didn't use her child to steal my husband. Whatever. Magsama sila. The hell I care.

I smiled at the sweetly. Too sweetly. I wasn't called the ice queen
or queen bitch for nothing. Mukhang nakakita ng multo si Eric habang si Kate naman
ay nakangisi. If they think I'm done messing with them, then they've got another
thing coming. Kung akala nila tatahimik na lang ako sa isang tabi, nagkakamali
sila. I am Brianna Margaux Rodriguez-dela Vega after all. No one messes with me and
gets away with it.
 Tumalikod na ako at naglakad palayo sa kanila. The image of them as
a happy family is sickening. Tumawag agad ako kay mommy. Strange as it may seem,
we're on talking terms now. Pero kami lang ni mommy dahil nagpapagaling pa si Dad.
The moment she picked up the phone, I knew where I got being a bitch from.

"It's done Bri. Their investors are pulling out their money or
selling back their shares. Tatawagan ko na lang ang Ninong Conrad mo to make sure
his bank and other reputable banks refuse their loan." I'm only going to say this
once but, I love my mom.

"Thanks Mom. I never knew I'd say this but, thank God you're my
mother." Tumawa siya sa kabilang linya. For sure nabigla rin siya sa sinabi ko.

"Of course dear. I got to try being a good mother sometimes. Pasalamat ka at anak
kita at di kalaban. Besides, no one messes with my plans. I waited for years for
you and Eric to get married. No bitch can ruin that."

Ako naman ang natawa sa sinabi niya. Damn! May pinagmanahan pala
talaga ako. "Mom, baka nakakalimutan mong nagfile ako ng annulment. I'm only
waiting for Eric to sign it."
 "Whatever Brianna. As I said, no one messes with my plans. That
includes you."

Napailing na lang ako at napangiti sa sarili. Sorry mommy dear.

This is one bitch you have no control over. Pumasok ako sa CR para mag-ayos.
Unfortunately, tila inaabangan na pala ako ni Kate dun.

"I never thought I'd live to see the day you accept defeat
gracefully Bri. Halos di ako makapaniwala kanina." I can't wait to wipe the smirk
of her face. I would love to repeat what I did to her on my building but I won't
risk my child like that. unfortunately for her, di niya siniguradong walang tao
dito sa CR.

"Are you sure I accepted defeat Kate? Di mo pa ako lubos na kilala.

You have no idea what I can do. Subukan mo kayang tawagan mga magulang mo.
Kamustahin ang negosyo niyo. Baka dumating ang araw, pati bahay na pinatayo ni Eric
para sa akin, ikaw na na nakatira kasi wala ka ng bahay. That's your ultimate goal
isn't it? To be the next Mrs. dela Vega?" nakangiti pa rin ako. But anyone who knew
me would know that when I smile so nicely as this, it was dangerous. "Kinuha mo na
nga asawa ko, pati ba naman bahay ko?" natatawa kong tanong. Tinitingnan na kami ng
ibang babae dito sa CR. Namutla naman siya. Siguro sinabihan na siya ng mga
magulang niya sa estado ng kanilang negosyo. O sadyang nahiya lang siya dahil
maraming nakarinig kung gaano siya kawalang hiya.

Itinaas niya angkanyang kamay na tila sasampalin ako. Napahawak

agad ako sa tiyan ko. "Are you sure about that Kate? Baka nakakalimutan mo ang
kinalabasan nang huli mo akong pinagbuhatan ng kamay. Even if I'm pregnant, I can
still make sure you stay at the hospital due to broken bones. At kung may mangyari
mang masama sa anak ko, sisiguraduhin kong di lang ang pamilya mo ang magbabayad.
Isasali ko na ang apo mo at apo sa tuhod. And I'm being serious about this.
Sisiguraduhin kong sa kalye kayo pupulutin ng buong pamilya mo. So don't you dare
try messing with me Kate. Kahit magsumbong ka sa asawa ko, wala akong pakialam."

Author's Note:

Thank you for making it this far guys. This is the second to the last chapter. Not
counting the epilogue. The next one is the final chapter followed by the epilogue.
I'm going to type it after I post this. Di nga lang ako sure if matatapos ko. I
still have no idea what to put in the epilogue so baka matagalan pa siya. I'm going
to start editing our thesis tonight, kung makikisama mga kagrupo ko hahahaha. So I
doubt if I am going to have free time soon.

=================

Chapter 37

Brianna's POV

Pagbukas ko ng pinto, I was worried when I realized the door wasn't

locked. Sigurado akong nilock ko yun bago ako umalis. May pumasok ba? This is one
of the most expensive condos in the area pero nilooban ang unit ko. What the fuck?
Pero pagkapasok ko, everything was in its place. Except for the miserable looking
Eric sitting on the couch. If misery had a face, it would look like him right at
this moment. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Pinilit kong palamigin ang boses ko. I can't
afford to break down and give in to him right now. I just can't.

After weeks of forcing myself to believe I can live without him,

seeing he's as miserable as me is so close to changing my mind. Yes, I can live
without him. But I doubt if I'm going to be happy. And I doubt if I can ever move
on. Coz let's face it. He made me realize I still had a heart and he proved it to
me by breaking it. Still, the broken pieces beat for him.

"Bri please. Wag na tayong mag-away. I don't have the energy or the
heart for it. Please." He was just at the edge of begging right now. He was happy
awhile ago. Before he saw me that is. Ganun na lang ba ako kasama sa paningin niya
para maging ganyan ka miserable makita lang pagmumukha ko?

I let out an exaggerated sigh as he stood up and went near me. Alam
kong bibigay ako sa sandaling makalapit siya. And I can't let that happen. There's
no way in hell I'm betraying myself like that. "Stay where you are Eric. Wag ka ng
lumapit sa akin. Please lang." Nandun pa rin ang lamig sa boses ko. Pero di ko
maikakaila na nanginginig yun.

Napatigil siya sa palalakad. Pero di nawala ang pagiging miserable

sa mukha niya. "Bri, I came here to finally fix this. Us. Yung nakita mo kanina.
That was me saying goodbye to Ricky."
 Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Sino bang niloloko niya. "Goodbye?
Really? Ba't mukhang Masaya ang bata. At bakit ako hanggang kumprontahin ako ni
Kate, naniniwala siyang sila ang pinili mo?"

Gusto kong maniwala. Gustong gusto kong maniwala sa kanya. Kahit

para na lang bigyan ng buong pamilya ang anak ko. But there's too much to lose if I
let myself be fooled again. "That's because I didn't tell them anything yet. Sinabi
ko lang na tatapusin ko na ang kung ano mang namamagitan sa amin bago ako umalis. I
told the kid that I'm going away and I don't think I'm coming back. I had to push
him off me damn it. Pero kahit alam kong masasaktan ko ang bata, ginawa ko pa rin.
Dahil ayaw kong dumating ang panahon na ang anak ko mismo ang magtutulak sa akin
palayo gaya nang ginawa mo sa parents mo. I came here to make things right Bri. I
know you have all the right to make this difficult for me pero parang awa mo na,
wag mo na akong pahirapan. I don't know what's right or wrong anymore but I'd do a
hundred wrong things for you to take me back again Masyado ko nang pinagbayaran ang
pananakit ko sayo.."

"Pinagbayaran? Paano?" gusto kong matawa sa mga sinabi niya. He

made it seem as if the entire time he was away from was killing him. Sige, nasaktan
nga siya sa pang-iiwan ko. Pero di siya ang pinagpalit. Ako ang pinagpalit niya.
"Eric, all I did was ask you to cut ties with them. I never wanted you to hurt that
much. Patawarin mo ako pero di ko pa talaga kaya Eric. Masyado pang masakit. I
don't know which hurts more. Being with you or being without you."

I was on the verge of crying. This much stress isn't good for the
baby. I walked past him towards the couch, sat down, and let go of the tears I was
trying damn hard to not slip. Naramdaman ko ang paglubog ng sofa sa tabi,
palantandaan na tumabi siya sa akin. Di nagtagal, pumalibot na sa akin ang kanyang
brasso at napahagulgol na ako. He arms felt like home. The home I tried running
away from but still home. Ibinaon niya ang mukha ko sa kanyang dibdib at hinaplos
ang buhok ko. "I'm sorry Bri. Please, ayusin na natin to. I swear to God, di na ako
magpapakaita kay Kate o kahit kay Joanna man lang. Please Bri, I'll do anything you
want, just don't tell me to stay away from you. You don't the hell I've been
through thinking I lost you."
 Lalong lumala ang paghagulgol ko sa sinabi niya. Kung impyerno
naranasan niya, ano na lang yung sa akin? His secretary told me he's with then
seeing it with my own eyes that their happy together. I didn't bother talking.
Naghihintay na lang ako sa sinabi niya. I used to be so strong, not giving a damn
about anyone's explanations. But know, I managed to wait patiently for his while
sobbing on his chest. Ano na bang nangyayari sa akin?

"Lalayo tayo kung gusto mo. I'll build you a new house if the one
we had has too much bad memories for you. We can go to the States if you want to
continue modeling if you want. Papayag ako sa kung ano mang plano mo Bri. As long
as I'm part of those plans." Inalis niya ang pagkakabaon ng mukha ko sa dibdib
niya. He lifted my face with his fingers and his face was a few inches away from
mine. "I love you Bri. Say you'll have me again. Say you won't leave me again.
Please. Masisiraan na ako ng bait the next time I see you walking away from me."

Kakatapos ko lang umiyak at mahina na lang na himihikbi pero di ko

mapigilan ang pamumuo ng luha ulit sa mukha ko. May luha na rin sa kanyang mga
mata. Napatango na lang ako kay Eric. At dun napatulo ang kanyang mga luha. Niyakap
niya ako at kahit nahirapan akong huminga sa higpit nang pagyakap niya, di ko siya
tinulak palayo.

I don't care if I betray myself. If he's going to hurt me again,

I'm past the point of caring. I love him and if I let him go at this point, I know
I'm never going to survive it. I'm not that strong to lose him again.
Author's Note:

That's it guys. That's the last chapter. God knows when I'm going to start the
epilogue. I still have another exam this week and I can't afford not to study for
it. And again, I still have to work on our thesis.

I know some of you don't want them to end up together. I mean seriously, sinong
babae ang babalik sa lalaking nanakit nang sobra sa kanya diba? But whatever, this
is fiction. Tanga ng kung tanga basta happy ending. Hahahahaha atat lang talaga
akong tapusin to. Papahirapan ko pa sana si Eric, pero tinatamad na ako. I know you
all deserve better pero di ko na talaga kaya. Wala na kasi dapat si Kate eh. Bigla
ko na lang siyang naisipan nung feel ko gagawan ko rin si Joanna ng story. I wasn't
really expecting that this story would reach this many chapters. When I started it,
I was only planning more or less 20 chapters.

So there you go guys. I hope you don't hate me so much for this. Lots of love
everyone. Happy new year.

=================

EPILOGUE

Brianna's POV

Tulog na tulog na siya. I can't help but stare at his perfection.

He was innocence personified. Kahit ilang ulit kong titigan ang anak namin, di ko
pa rin mapigilang mamangha sa mukha niya. He has Eric's nose, eyes and bone
structure. There was no question about it. Anak talaga ni Eric itong batang to. It
was all worth it. All the pain was worth just to get this point.
 "Bri, di mawawala ang anak natin kung ilalagay mo na siya sa crib."
Naramdaman ko ang pagyakap ni Eric sa akin mula sa likod. Ibinaon niya ang mukha
niya sa batok ko. Sabay naming minamasdan ang payapang sanggol sa mga braso ko.

He caressed the baby's cheeks with one hand while the other still
didn't let go of me. Sobrang ingat kong ibinalik sa crib ang bata. Dahil kung
hindi, baka buong gabi kaming di makatulog ni Eric para mapatulog lang ang anak
namin.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Maaga kaming nagising dahil pinapapunta kami ni mommy sa bahay

nila. She told me it has been two weeks since she saw her grandson. Kung
makapagsalita, parang dalawang taon ang pinag-uusapan namin.

When we arrived at the house, my parents were there to greet us.

However, di ko maiwasan mapansin na may baston na talagang hawak si dad. Old age
and unhealthy living didn't let him get away. The man I was afraid of for years is
finally vulnerable in my eyes. Yet I couldn't be happy about it. We never patched
up our difference. But I'll take what I can get. At least now I know I made him
proud. My relationship with Eric was no less than perfect and I had a son to
inherit their empire.

Pumasok kami at agad akong tumungo sa kusina para tingnan anong

inihanda ng mga katulong. Almost three decades and I still don't feel at home here.
Agad kinuha ni mommy si baby Eric and dad led my husband to his office to talk
business. I know my father. He'll never take me seriously. Nakita kong nagluto ng
adobo, kare-kare at tinola.

Tumulong ako saglit sa mga katulong hanggang sa maramdaman kong may

nagbabantay sa akin. Lumingon ako sa likod at nakita kong nasandal lang sa may
pinto si Eric at nakangisi. Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay. "May kailangan ka?"

"Pinapatawag ka ng parents mo. They're in Dad's office." Tumango na

lang ako. What did they want now? Sabay kaming pumasok ni Eric sa opisina ni Dad.

He was now the one carrying my son. Binalik niya kay Mommy ang bata
bago humarap sa amin ni Eric. The way he leaned back on the chair made him look
tired and old beyond his years.

"I've decided to finally sign over the company to you. These past
months made me realize na di ko na talaga kaya. It also made me realize that it's
what I should've done years ago," Dad said with a tight smile.

I barely understood what he said. "That's great." I tried to rid my

voice of any hint of sarcasm or bitterness. "I'm sure Eric will take care of the
company Dad. Besides, he is the one running it now."

"No Brianna. I'm signing it over to you. And you alone. Of course
it will probably become conjugal property but that's just legalities. A month from
now, you will be the CEO and President of Rodriguez Real Estate. (A/N: if I named
their company differently in the previous chapters, sorry. Nakalimutan ko na anong
ginamit ko. pagpasensyahan niyo na.) The merger with the dela Vega's never pushed
through so you have the option of going through it or not. It's for you to decide
now."

Di ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko. I must be dreaming. There's no

way in hell my father just tell me he gave me ownership and control of his precious
company. Naramdaman kong may namamasa sa pisngi ko.

Shit! I can't cry right now. Lumapit si Dad sa akin at pinahid ang
mga luha ko. Humigpit ang hawak ni Eric sa isang kamay ko. "I'm sorry anak. I'm
sorry kung hindi ko nagampanan ang pagiging ama ko sayo. You don't know how much I
depended on you when you were still working for me. I may not have been a good
father but never doubt the fact that I love you and I believe in you. But you were
so independent. You grew up never really needing anyone, not even me. Kaya hinayaan
na lang kita. Patawarin mo ako kung naiparamdam ko sayong balewala ka. But believe
me, I always worried about you. Pinipilit ko lang di ipahalata dahil alam kong huli
na." Lalo akong napahagulgol sa sinabi ni Dad. "Choosing who you and your sister
were to marry was one of the ways I used to take care of you. Alam kong mali pero
ginawa ko lang yun dahil gusto kong masigurado na di kayo pagsasamantalahan ng kung
sinong lalaki. Beatrice was so much more vulnerable and naïve than you. That's why
I chose Eric for her. But her death changed everything. Alam ko namang kaya mo ang
sarili mo pero ayaw kong madehado ang natitira kong anak kaya pinilit ko si Eric
sayo. He is one of the few people I trust. That's why I chose angering you further
by forcing you off to him. Di mo lang alam pero nung pinili kong ikaw ang magiging
bagong COO ng kumpanya, maraming nagalit sa desisyon ko. I chose you because you
are my daughter and I believe in you. Pero pakiramdam ng iba sa board, mahina ka at
di mo kaya dahil babae ka. They also didn't like the fact that I chose you because
you are my daughter. Others went as far as threatening me and us. They forgot that
it's a family owned company. They knew I was grooming you to become the next CEO.
That's why I wanted you to marry Eric so no one would question anything because at
that time, negotiations were already happening for the merger with the dela Vegas."

I wanted to ignore what I just found out. Parang ang hirap

tanggapin na all these years, may pakialam pala si Dad sa akin. I grew up thinking
I was never good enough for him but he was just protecting me in the ways he knows
how. Mali man pamamaraan niya, pero ginawa niya pa rin yun para sa akin. Para di
ako mahirapan. He chose to hurt me so he could protect me. Napayakap ako kay Dad at
dun ako nagpatuloy sa pag-iyak sa balikat niya habang hinahagod ang likod ko.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

MAY SPECIAL CHAPTERS PA!!! PIPILITIN KONG IPOST NGAYON BUT I MAKE NO PROMISES. KAYA
DUN SA ANG DAMING REKLAMO, UTANG NA LOOB, MAY DALAWANG CASE STUDY AT THESIS PA
AKONG KAILANGAN ISIPIN. KAYA PLEASE LANG, DAHAN DAHAN SA REKLAMO AT PAGMUMURA.
NAKAKAPAGOD DIN.

=================

Special Chapter 1
Eric's POV

"Mama please. Nakikiusap ako, bawiin mo yung utos mo sa guard ng

condo na tinutuluyan ni Bri." I can't believe this. Akala ko kakampi ko ang mga
magulang ni Brianna but it turns out, her mom is helping her hide from me. Kung
saan saan ko siya hinanap pero dun lang pala siya sa dating condo. Her mother
blacklisted from the building. The guards were ordered not to let me inside the
building. And damn it! They have every right to. Di ko pagmamay-ari ang building.
The merger between our companies was never pushed through. I have no power over the
guards.

"I'm sorry Eric but you hurt my daughter. Don't you think she's had
enough? Me and her father already did enough damage on her. Ngayon lang ako
bumabawi sa kanya sa pagtulong na iwasan ka. At nakalimutan mo na ba? You promised
you will never hurt her. Pero ano to? Pinagtanggol mo babae mo kesa sa kanya. You
chose your mistress and bastard over my daughter and grandson Eric. Deal with the
consequences. Because I will not have my daughter break her heart all over again!"

Binabaan na ako ni Mama. Fuck this life! Kanina pa ako parang baliw
dito sa labas ng condo ni Brianna. I feel like a fucking stalker and what I'm doing
is illegal. Pero pucha, wala na akong ibang naisip gawin para makita siya.

I'm done through the phase of getting drunk and passing out. Ilang
beses na akong hinila pauwi ng mga kaibigan ko dahil magsasara na ang bar pero di
pa ako tapos uminom. Ilang beses na akong pagalitan ng sariling sekretarya ko.

Naalala ko naman ang mukha ni Ricky kanina habang sinabi ko sa

kanyang di na niya ako makikita. It broke my heart seeing him like that. But then I
remembered Bri's face when she saw us. If hurting Ricky broke my heart, seeing
Brianna watch us from afar broke my soul. Grabeng pagpipigil ang ginawa ko para di
lang basta bastang iwan si Ricky at Kate at puntahan si Brianna. I had to stick to
my plan.

Lumabas ako ng kotse. There was no way in hell I'm letting anything
stand in my way of getting my wife and child back. Kahit suhulan ko pa ng ilang
milyon ang mga gwardya ng building, gagawin ko. Pero di nila ako mapipigilang
puntahan ang mag-ina ko. I don't need anyone's permission or cooperation to see my
family.

Author's Note:

There are more special chapter's to come. More chapters of Eric suffering. Kaya
please lang, wag muna kayong magalit masyado sa akin. Matatagalan pa siya but I
promise, meron pa talaga. Good night!