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Beautiful Mistake by W
Beautiful Mistake by W
by Warranj
Trinity Velarde loves her dear father so much that she's willing to do everything
just to see him happy. So when her father asked her to marry someone who's a mere
stranger, she couldn't say no, doesn't matter if it's her freedom they're talking
about.
Marriage for convenience, that's what they call it. Para sa negosyo nila,
nagpakasal siya. Trinity's in pain when she married Archer Ravena, her husband. She
feels like she's in hell when they're together. Alam niya sa sarili niyang walang
tsansa na maging successful ang relasyon nila bilang magasawa. Pero dahil sa ama
niya ay hindi niya magawang makipaghiwalay dito.
She was about to accept that she'll be a fucked up wife for the rest of her life
when her gaze landed to a man who has a perilous, obsidian pair of eyes on a one
boring night inside a chaotic bar she's staying in. And when fate gave her the
chance to personally meet that man just in a different situation, she had the
sudden urge to break her marriage off with Archer as soon as possible!
Bigla niyang hiniling sa isip na sana ay iyong lalaki na lang na iyon na may
madidilim na mga mata at pilyong ngisi ang inireto at ipinakasal sa kanya ng
kanyang ama. She will surely oblige and be a good wife to him!
Cupid must be really playful to let their hearts collide. She's married. He's not.
But they fell in love with each other. Wrong timing, isn't it?
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Beautiful Mistake
Synopsis
Beautiful Mistake
Trinity Velarde loves her dear father so much that she's willing to do
everything just to see him happy. So when her father asked her to marry someone
who's a mere stranger, she couldn't say no, doesn't matter if it's her freedom
they're talking about.
Marriage for convenience, that's what they call it. Para sa negosyo nila,
nagpakasal siya. Trinity's in pain when she married Archer Ravena, her husband. She
feels like she's in hell when they're together. Alam niya sa sarili niyang walang
tsansa na maging successful ang relasyon nila bilang magasawa. Pero dahil sa ama
niya ay hindi niya magawang makipaghiwalay dito.
Oo, kakakasal pa lang pero hiwalay na kaagad ang nasa isip niya.
She was about to accept that she'll be a fucked up wife for the rest of her
life when her eyes landed to a man who has a perilous, obsidian pair of eyes on one
boring night inside a bar. And when fate gave her the chance to meet that man
personally in a different situation, she had the sudden urge to break her marriage
off with Archer as soon as possible!
Bigla niyang hiniling sa isip na sana ay iyong lalaki na lang na iyon na may
madidilim na mga mata at pilyong ngisi ang inireto at ipinakasal sa kanya ng
kanyang ama. She will surely oblige and be a good wife to him!
Cupid must be really playful to let their hearts collide. She's married. He's
not. But they fell in love with each other. Wrong timing, isn't it?
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Chapter 1
I puffed the thin cigarette and sucked the smoke deep into
my lungs. I held it there, trapped for seconds before blowing it in the air.
Pinanood ko ang unti-unti nito paglaho hanggang sa tuluyan ng nawala.
I chuckled lifelessly. Cigarettes always helped me cope. It's my love, my
comfort, my companion and consistency.
The ash sprinkled across the glossy tiles when I flicked the filter. As if each
floating piece were a moment of my life sheared away. I inhaled deeply, letting the
smoke seep into my cells. The comfort I ached for had finally returned.
At some certain point in my life, I realized that not all the things you want
in this world can be yours. No matter how rich and powerful you are, no matter how
you can get those things in just a snap of your fingers, mayroon talagang mga bagay
na hindi para sayo.
Just like how I ached for my own freedom. Gaano ko man kagusto mapasaakin iyon,
hindi ko magagawa. Oras na ipilit ko ang gusto ko maging malaya, alam kong
masasaktan at masasaktan ko ang kaisa-isang pamilya na natitira sa akin. At ayokong
mangyari iyon. Ayoko siyang biguin. Ayoko siyang mawala sa akin.
"Papa, please. Baka puwedeng pagisipan ninyo muna ito mabuti? You can't decide
that fast. This is my life we're talking about!" I cried frustratingly.
My father was strict just like any father to their daughter. Nakita at
nasubaybayan ko kung paano siya naging mahigpit at madisiplina pagdating sa akin.
Mama left us since the day she gave birth to me kaya naman hindi ko alam kung ano
ang pakiramdam ng may ina sa aking tabi. Ganoon pa man ay hindi ako nagsisisi o
naghahanap. Despite of his strict attitude, he still managed to make me feel loved
and wanted. Lahat ng bagay at luho ay ibinigay niya sa akin. Hindi siya naghanap ng
ibang babae noong mga panahong bata pa siya at may kakayahan pang magpaibig. Na
kung gugustuhin naman niya ay magagawa niya.
He poured all his love and attention to me while I grow up. I can still
remember when I was a kid. Whenever he had business meetings, I would force him to
bring me along with him instead of leaving me with a bunch of nannies. Sa huli ay
papayag siya. Isasama niya ako sa conference room. Naroon lang ako sa swivel chair,
nakakakalong sa kanya at tahimik na nakikinig sa kung ano mang pinaguusapan nila ng
mga katrabaho niya. Kahit na alam kong bawal ang bata ay ayos lang. What can they
do? My father is their president. What he say goes.
After meeting, we would go back to his office. Iuupo niya ako sa ibabaw ng
table niya at papakainin ng paborito kong fastfood habang nakikipagkwentuhan sa
akin.
You see? I may not have a mother who will comb and pony my hair throughout my
childhood pero meroon naman akong ama na ginawa ang lahat para lang matutunan ang
mga bagay na iyon para lang sa akin.
He took the sadness away and made me feel that I'm complete. Ang presensiya ni
Papa ay sapat na para maramdaman kong buo ako at wala ng kailangan hanapin pa.
That's why I made a promise to myself that I'll do anything that can make him
happy. Whatever he asks me, I'll gladly do it.
But not this one. Hindi ko kailanman inasahan na hihilingin niya sa akin ang
magpakasal sa lalaking hindi ko mahal! Ni hindi ko kilala ang lalaking iyon!
"Trina, anak, it's for your own good. Balang araw ay ikaw ang magmamana ng
kumpanya natin. Nagiisang anak kita, sino ang inaasahan mong magmamana nito maliban
sayo?" Papa answered calmly.
Behind those thick eyeglasses, I can still see his wrinkled eyes that looks so
alarming even in his old age.
"Pa, I can manage it alone-"
"No, hija. You can't. You're too busy managing your own career and I doubt that
you'd have the time and strength to handle our own family business all by yourself.
That's why you need Archer. He can help you, us. Kapag naging magasawa na kayo at
nagsanib-pwersa na ang mga kumpanya natin, mas lalawak ito at mas lalakas pa ang
koneksyon natin sa industriya ng kontraksyon."
Archer, huh?
I stand still in front of my Papa sitting on his swivel chair as I stared at
him in the eyes. I wanted to ask him; is it connections and wealth that only
matters to him?
Paano naman ako? Ang kalayaan ko bilang isang tao? Did he ever imagine me
imprisoning myself into that marriage together with that stranger? Does he even
know that man he's talking about? Baka sa pangalan niya lang rin kilala iyon, e!
My eyes shimmered in tears as I looked into my old man. Nakatitig lang din siya
sa akin, tinatanya ang bawat reaksyon ko. My lips quivered.
"P-Papa..." I begged, hands balling into fists.
It's few seconds later before he averted his eyes from me and released a sigh.
Napatungo siya bago napailing. Hinubad niya ang suot na salamin at ipinatong ito sa
study table niya. Slowly, he pulled his body off the chair and made his way towards
me.
My insides broke down when he brought his wrinkled hand on my cheek and stroked
it gently. Napatungo ako, mas lalong lumakas ang pagiyak, wala ng magawa pa.
"I'm sorry, hija. But you have to understand that I'm doing this for you.
Masiyado na akong matanda para hintayin pa ang pagkakaroon mo ng nobyo. Gusto kong
bago ako mawala ay naiayos na kita at ang kumpanya sa mabuting kamay. Don't worry,
Archer is a good man. You will learn to like him for sure."
Bumigat ang dibdib ko nang bumalik sa alaala ko ang naging usapan namin ni Papa
may isang linggo na ang nakakalipas. Para gumaan ay muli akong humithit ng
sigarilyo at ibinuga ang usok sa hangin.
Umaasa pa rin akong magbabago ang isip ni Papa kahit pa alam kong imposible na
mangyari iyon. Sana, sa kahit na anong paraan, hindi na matuloy ang kung ano mang
pinagkasunduan nila.
Sa gitna ng pagiisip ko, naulinigan ko ang magkakasunod na katok mula sa aking
pinto. Without breaking off my eyes to the nature in front of me, I spoke.
"Come in,"
Walang ilang segundo nang lumangitngit ang pintuan. Nanatili akong nakatingin
sa malawak na kapatagan na naghahatid sa akin ng kapayapaan sa tuwing pagmamasdan
ko. Everytime I feel down, dito sa veranda ng kwarto ko ako madalas nagpapalamig at
nagpapalipas ng oras.
"Ma'am, pinapatawa na po kayo ng Papa ninyo. Nasa ibaba na po ang mga bisita."
Bumuga ako ng hangin. This is the fuckest day of my life. The day where I'm
going to meet my damn fiancee. Isn't it bullshit?
"Susunod na ako," I answered lifelessly.
"Sige, po."
Narinig ko ang pagsara ng pinto. I stared at the cigarette between my fingers.
It was almost short enough to burn me. With an effort, I leaned sideways and
crushed it out on the ashtray.
I stood up and blew a frustrated breath before heading to the doorway.
Sa entrada pa lang ng hagdan ay natanaw ko na si Papa. Nakaupo ito sa
pangdalawang sofa nakikipagtawanan sa dalawang tao sa harapan niya. Dahil
nakatalikod ay hindi ko magawang makita ang mga ito. Sa gilid nila ay naroon naman
ang isang lalaki na nakadekwatro habang ang mga siko ay nakatuon sa arm rest ng
couch at ang kamay ay magkasalikop sa ibabaw ng kanyang tiyan. Walang emosyon itong
nakamasid sa mga naguusap.
Napairap ako. He must be that Archer guy my father's talking about.
Sinadya kong lakasan ang yabag ko sa bawat pagbaba ko sa hagdan. Successfully,
nakuha ko ang atensyon nila. Papa was the one who lifted his head. Nang makita niya
ay ako ay agad gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi niya.
"Oh, here's my daughter! Trinity, come here, hija." Papa said delightfully.
Bakas na bakas ang saya sa boses niya.
While he's happy, here I am, feeling like going into my own place of hell.
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Chapter 2
"So, Archer, I hope you won't mind if I ask you this, hijo.
But... are you single? I mean, wala bang relasyon na masasagasaan itong anak ko
kung sakaling maikasal na kayo?"
That question from my father... stole my attention from staring blankly at the
food. Nag angat ako ng tingin kay Archer. Madilim lang itong nakatitig sa plato
niya at para bang iniintindi mabuti ang naging tanong na iyon ni Papa. Wala sa
sariling inilipat ko ang mga mata sa mga magulang niya.
His mother is looking at him and with the facial expression she's sporting, I
can feel that she doesn't feel comfortable at that sudden question from my father.
"I'm not, Tito. I have a girlfriend but I'm planning to break up with her
tonight. Don't worry." malamig na sagot ni Archer na nakapagpagulat sa akin.
He has a girlfriend? And he's planning to break up with her? Obviously, dahil
iyon sa mangyayaring fixed marriage sa pagitan namin. But why would he need to end
their relationship instead of fighting for it? Mas maganda siguro kung ipaglalaban
niya 'yon. At para na rin makawala ako sa kalokohan na ito.
"Hmm, surely, that's sad on her part." sagot ni Papa.
I removed my stare from Archer and heaved a sigh. Sinubukan ko ibalik ang
atensyon ko sa pagkain pero naging mahirap na iyon para sa akin. There's no way for
me to stop this marriage. Hindi ko kayang biguin si Papa. Only Archer can halt
everything that's bound to happen pero hindi ako sigurado kung gagawin niya. Base
on our conversation just awhile ago, he's willing to do this for the sake of their
company.
Then maybe he doesn't love his girlfriend that much that he's willing to let go
of her without thinking about it properly.
"That woman is just a hook up. Nothing serious about her for sure. Right, son?"
Mrs. Ravena asked.
Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya ay sa anak na siya nakabaling. I simply
looked at Archer and I noticed how tight he's gripping his utensils while staring
lifelessly at his food.
"Of course," he answered.
"That's good to know. My Trinity here never get to experience of having a
serious relationship eversince. At the age of twenty six, wala pa sa isip niya ang
makipag nobyo. Maraming nagtangkang manligaw pero wala ni isang nagugustuhan. I
guess she has a high standards for men." Papa chuckled.
"That's understandable, Nestor. Kumbaga sa bagay ay high class itong si
Trinity. She's beautiful and talented, that kind of woman should only settle for
best. Dapat lang na maging mapili."
And what made you think na pasado si Archer sa standards ko pagdating sa isang
lalaki? Yes, he may be handsome and rich. Every woman will surely beg for his
attention. Pero hindi ako. I don't see myself growing old with him. Sigurado akong
siya rin ay ganoon sa akin.
"We'll set your engagement party as soon as possible. Pagkatapos ay ang mismong
kasal naman ninyo ang aayusin natin. What type of wedding do you prefer, Trinity?"
Mrs. Ravena asked.
Kasal na walang bisa, puwede ba iyon?
Binitawan ko ang kutsara at tinidor ko bago kinuha ang table napkin na nasa
gilid ng plato ko. I wiped the side of my lips elegantly before answering her.
"Civil wedding is fine, Tita."
Umawang ang bibig niya sa naging sagot ko. "C-Civil wedding? You're kidding,
right?"
"I'm not. Since you all want to make this marriage happen as soon as possible,
then civil marriage is the best choice here."
"Hija, Archer wants to give you a church wedding. Isa pa ay kailangan
maimbitahan lahat ng kakilala. Hindi uubra ang civil wedding. At puwede pa rin
naman mapabilis ang kasal kahit engrande. We have people who can work on that. Wala
kang kailangan intindihin. What do you think, Archer?"
Huminga ako ng malalim sa naging sagot na iyon ni Papa. What's the use of
asking my opinion kung hindi rin naman nila ako susundin?
"Whatever my bride says goes, Tito. Civil wedding is fine." Archer answered
coldly.
See? I'm not the only one who doesn't like the idea of a grand wedding here.
Sino nga ba naman ang makaka-appreciate ng maganda at magarbong kasalan kung hindi
mo naman gusto ang pakakasalan mo? It's just a waste of time and energy.
"We'll give you time to think, hija. I'm sure na magbabago pa ang isip mo. We
can't settle for a civil wedding knowing our position in this society. Marami ang
magtataka kung bakit civil wedding lang gayong kaya naman natin ang engrandeng
kasal." that's the last words from Mrs. Ravena that just earned a slight snob from
me.
Sino ba ang magpapakasal? Hindi ba at ako naman? Bakit mas marunong pa siya
kesa sa akin?
Natapos ang lunch sa paganoon-ganoon na lang. Kasalukuyan na kaming nasa labas
ng bahay para ihatid sila. While Mr and Mrs Ravena are already going inside their
car, Archer is left here with me as we both watch our parents bid their goodbyes.
Tumigil kami sa paglalakad. Humarap sa akin si Archer at tinitigan ako sa mga
mata. The afternoon sun hit his face that illumunated his mini stubbles. I rolled
my eyes at him. He chuckled.
Bahagya akong natigilan nang yumuko siya para patakan ako ng halik sa aking
noo. I glared at him. Binasa niya ang ibabang parte ng labi niya bago muling
ngumisi.
"Stop being so distant. Magiging magasawa na tayo sa mga susunod na buwan.
Pagaralan mo na ang maging malapit sa akin," he said.
"We're going to have a civil relationship, Archer. Huwag mong asahang magiging
malapit tayo kagaya ng inaasahan mo."
His smirk grew even more wider. "We'll see about that."
Pagkasabi niya noon ay tumalikod na siya at hinarap si Papa. Nakipag kamay siya
rito bago tuluyang pumasok sa itim na SUV niya. Nanatili akong nakatayo roon habang
busangot ang mukha at magkakrus ang mga braso.
Nakita ko ang paglalakad ni Papa pabalik sa akin. Kasabay ng pagkakalapit niya
sa akin ay ang pagharurot ng sasakyan ni Archer paalis.
"Thanks for doing this for me, hija. You don't know how happy I am right now.
Alam kong labag ito sa kalooban mo pero naniniwala akong magagawa mo rin mahalin si
Archer pagdating ng panahon."
Bumuntong hininga ako. Yumuko ako at ilang saglit nanatiling ganoon. Seconds
later when I lifted my head and stared at my beloved father in his eyes. Pilit
akong ngumiti sa kanya.
"I love you, Papa."
I'll do everything that can make you happy, Pa. Even if it's hurting me so bad,
I'll still do it.
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Chapter 3
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Chapter 4
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Chapter 5
I was the first one who broke our stares off. Napansin ko
kasi ang pagbaling sa akin ni Mrs. Follosco habang nakatingin ako sa anak niya. Sa
klase ng pagtitinginan namin nito, baka kung ano pa ang isipin ng ginang sa akin.
Why, Trinity? Anong klase ba ng tinginan ang meroon kayo ng anak niya?
It's too intense and magnetic. And that's not the kind of stares you're going
to throw into someone who you have just seen twice.
Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa digital camera at nagkunwaring abala roon. Fuck! This
is the first time I got intimidated by someone's presence. Kahit kailan ay hindi
ako nabahala na meroong isang lalaki ang nakatitig sa akin. My self confidence is
too high that even Archer who's undeniably handsome can't affect me.
"Ah, Trinity, I want you to meet my only son."
Napaangat ako ng tingin kay Mrs. Follosco. She's looking at me with a ghost of
warm smile on her ageless beautiful face. Nakakunyabit siya sa braso ng anak niya
na pansamantala kong iniiwasan ang tingnan.
"This is Flavian. And son, this is Trinity Velarde. She's a famous interior
designer. She's here to redesign our room." pagpapakilala ni Mrs. Follosco sa amin.
Iwasan ko man, alam kong dadapo pa rin ang mga mata ko sa kanya kahit na anong
gawin ko. I ambled near them and looked straight into his brooding eyes.
"Trinity Velarde. Nice to meet you," I extended my hand.
I am five and eight inches tall but this man in front of me makes feel so
small. He's towering over me. His appearance alone was seductive. His rugged
features were alluring. His raven black hair, which glisten in the sunlight
illuminating from the window was falling freely against his forehead and his face
carefully structured. As if God had molded him just to spoil every women's eyes.
His cold black hooded eyes were full of intensity. He had a Roman nose and a
thin pair of lips that was in a form of a smirk. His tight jaw was an angular shape
that was filled with well trimmed stubbles. His light skin looked so...right. And
the white button down shirt that's paired with a gray slacks rippled every muscles
across his body. Part of me wishes I could see his massive chest. The other very
small part said I should get ahold of myself.
This is so wrong. Did I just really describe him within just a minute of
staring at him?
"Flavian Follosco, nice to meet you, too." he spoke raspily as he accepted my
hand. The way he holds my hand was too tight that I can even feel the callouses all
over there.
Well, a sign that he's working hard and not like any other men who knows
nothing but to party and booze, huh?
Bakit si Archer? Magaspang rin naman ang kamay niya. Bakit hindi mo siya
nagawang purihin kagaya ng pagpuri mo sa lalaking ito? Nababaliw ka na, Trinity.
Nang mapansin na nananatili pa rin magkalapat ang mga kamay namin ay ako na
mismo ang naunang magbitaw. I saw his lips twitch sexily before glancing at his
mother.
"You are having a renovation, huh?" he stated and roamed his eyes around the
whole master's bedroom. "Isama mo na 'yong sa akin, Mama."
"What for? You're not always staying here, anak. Palagi ka doon sa penthouse mo
kaya bakit ipapabago mo pa ang disenyo ng sa'yo kung hindi mo rin naman madalas na
tutuluyan?" kunot noong tanong ni Mrs. Follosco sa anak.
Mula sa pagkakatingala at pagmamasid sa kwarto ay nagbaba siya ng tingin sa
ina.
"Who knows, kapag nagustuhan ko ang maging resulta, maglagi na ako dito. So it
depends on your interior designer, Mama." he said and then looked at me.
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Chapter 6
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Chapter 7
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Chapter 8
PARIS, FRANCE
"Bakit iisang kwarto lang ang kinuha mo, Archer?" nagtatagis ang mga bagang na
tanong ko.
I harshly threw my shoulder bag in the couch the moment we entered the
presidential suite. Hinarap ko si Archer na ngayon ay kasunod ko na at kapapasok
lang rin ng pinto.
Ipiniwesto niya ang traveling bag namin sa gilid ng couch. Sinundan ko ang
bawat galaw niya hanggang sa naglakad siya at pasalampak na naupo sa tapat ko.
He rested the back of his neck against the back rest and squeezed his eyes
tightly. His jaw clenched. Nanatili naman akong nakatayo sa harapan niya habang
nakapameywang.
"Do you still want me to remind you why we are fucking here?" he drawled
darkly, irritation was very much heard within his voice.
"I know! But that's just for a show! Now that we are here and totally far from
our families, hindi na natin kailangan magpanggap pa!"
He lazily opened his eyes and immediately found mine. They're already bloodshot
and looks weary, probably exhausted from the long hours of travel.
"How can I get you pregnant if we're not going to stay in the same room? Gusto
mong puntahan pa kita sa sarili mong kwarto at doon natin gawin 'yon?"
My lips separated in horror. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng pagaalinlangan dahil sa
mga salitang lumabas sa bibig niya. Vivid images of us doing that thing suddenly
played in my head - Archer on top of me, kissing my jaw to my neck down my chest
while we're half naked.
Shit!
Napapikit ako ng mariin. Tumaas ang balahibo ko sa aking batok at agad
kinilabutan sa mga naiisip.
Kung tutuusin ay walang tulak-kabigin sa kanya. He's a very handsome and sexy
man. With his rippled biceps, chiseled chest, to his six pack abs and visible V-
line, every woman would wish a man like my husband to be on top of them and do
those wild scenes on their bed.
Kahit ang simpleng paglalakad niya ay nakakaakit sa paningin. Kalmado ngunit
maawtoridad. If there's one thing I can describe Archer, it'd be hot.
"Do you like that, Trinity? Do you want me to do you in your room, instead?" he
snapped that pulled me up from drowning into my own unholy reverie.
I glared at him. His lips twitched playfully.
"Shut up, Archer. We're not going to do it!"
"Uh-huh. You don't want to do it with me. I can deal with that. But tell me...
Is there any other way to get you pregnant?" nakangisi pa rin tanong niya.
This bastard! He knows I can't get away with this. Alam niyang walang ibang
paraan para mabuntis ako. Of course, I know it, too! The only idea I can think of
is to delay whatever is supposed to happen between us.
I sighed. Mabigat ang katawan kong naupo sa sofa. I crossed my legs as well as
my arms above my chest. Kumalansing ang ilang gold Bangles sa kamay ko. I glared at
Archer, he's already staring at me as if he's watching every bit of my expression.
"What if we just tell them that we our always doing that thing but
unfortunately, walang nabubuo?" hope is very noticeable in my voice.
Lumapad ang ngisi sa mapula niyang labi.
"Always, huh?"
Pinadilatan ko siya. "Come on! Let's just tell them that way. Siguro naman ay
hindi na magse-set ng virginity test si Mama sa akin para lang patunayan na may
nangyari na sa atin. I mean, come on! That's too private."
He let out a playful chuckle. Kahit inis at ayaw ko sa kanya ay hindi ko
maipagkakailang gwapo ang isang ito lalo na kapag nakangiti. Bihira ang pagkakataon
na nakikita ko siyang tumatawa. Most of the time, he's serious. Ngumingisi rin
naman pero may halong dilim iyon.
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Chapter 9
I never expected that our first time to be that intimate would be a damn failure.
Napahiya ako, sa sarili ko at maging sa kanya na rin. I felt embarrased at how he
rejected me. Kung paano niya sinabing hindi namin puwede gawin iyon, na hindi niya
kayang gawin iyon sa akin. The way his cold eyes stared at me the other night, it
was like he's telling me that doing it with me feels like he's trapped in a very
damned situation.
Nagpupuyos ang kalooban ko. Hindi dahil sa hindi namin natapos ang nasimulan
namin. Hell, I never wish it to happen between us in the first place. Heaven knows
that I'm not really up for it! I might be responsive to his kisses but that doesn't
mean that I'm wishing for it to happen. I was just carried away!
Iyon ang unang beses na nakaramdam ako ng kakaibang init para sa isang lalaki.
Iyon ang unang beses na nahalikan ako ng ganoong kalalim. It's the very first time
that someone kissed me on my jaw down my neck. Iba ang pakiramdam na dulot sa akin
ng mga halik na iyon ni Archer. I'm not a saint or dense to not feel aroused.
Naiinis ako dahil pinagmukha niya akong tanga. Napahiya ako dahil ako ang dapat
na naunang umayaw sa kung ano man ang inumpisahan niyang gawin. Pero hindi, e. He
rejected me and acted like doing it with me was fucking disgusting!
"Baka wala lang sa mood, Trina. Nakainom siya kamo, hindi ba? Maybe that's the
reason why." Zoe said through our video call.
Tanghali ngayon at magisa lang ako sa unit namin. I am not in the mood to go
out and I even think that my whole stay here in this country will be a disaster.
Archer is out. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya. Hindi ko tinatanong kung saan
siya nagpupunta sa tuwing nawawala siya. I've been more distant to him ever since
that thing happen.
Naguusap kami. Isang tanong, isang sagot. Ganoon lang parati. Alam kong
napapansin niya ang malamig na pakitungo ko sa kanya. We're not talking about it
anymore. I don't think we should be.
"That's the point, Zoe. He's drunk! Men who are drunk got higher percentage of
having a strong sexual desire rather than when they're normal! Kaya sabihin mo sa
akin kung paanong ganoon ang kinahinatnan namin?"
Mula sa monitor ay nakita ko ang pagangat ng kilay niya, kaakibat noon ay ang
seryosong ekpresyon ng maamo niyang mukha.
From the background, I saw Tito Zach walk behind her. He's reading papers
between his hands. Sumulyap siya sa monitor at agad rin napahinto. Marahil ay agad
niya akong nakilala.
"Hi, Tito!" I waved at him.
Tumungo siya at inakbayan si Zoe. He fixed his eye glasses and moved near the
monitor just enough to recognize me clearly.
Mabilis na sumilay ang ngiti sa labi niya. Kahit may edad na ay hindi pa rin
maipagkakaila na maganda siyang lalaki lalo na nung kabataan niya.
Zoe glanced at him and smiled before she transferred her eyes back to me.
"Hi, Trinity. How are you? You looked like you're out of the country, huh?"
Siguro ay dahil sa suot kong makapal na trench coat ay agad niyang nahalata ang
kinaroroonan ko. Of course, who would wear a fucking trench coat in a tropical
country like Philippines?
"Yes, Tito. I'm in Paris."
"Honeymoon?" he asked. He knows about my marriage with Archer.
Tipid akong ngumiti at tumango na lamang. "Opo,"
He nodded and smiled, too. "That's great! Enjoy your stay there, Trina.
Siguradong paguwi niyo dito ay meroon ng laman iyan,"
Nagkatawanan kami ni Tito Zach, pero ang sa akin ay hilaw at pilit lamang.
Ngumisi rin si Zoe. Napailing na lang ako dahil alam kong lalo nang imposible ang
magkaroon kami ng anak dahil sa nangyari sa pagitan namin.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 10
My most awaited day has finally arrived. Ito na ang huling araw namin sa Paris at
mamayang madaling araw ay lilipad na kami pabalik ng Pinas. Hindi ko sukat akalain
na nagawa kong manatili sa kwartong ito kasama si Archer sa loob ng halos dalawang
linggo.
My relationship with him got only worser after that fight between us. Can I
claim that it was a huge fight? Oo, dahil iyon ang naging dahilan para masabi ko na
wala talaga kaming pagasa maging maayos sa loob ng pagsasama na ito. Kung noon ay
nagagawa ko pa siyang kausapin at pakiharapan kahit na sa malamig na paraan, ngayon
ay hindi na.
Everytime he would dare to talk to me, my blood can't help but to boil. His
presence irritates me. His voice angers me. Ang kahit na anong may kinalaman sa
kanya ay nakakapagpasagad ng pasensiya ko.
Why don't he just go back to his ex girlfriend, reconcile with her and break
this marriage off, instead? Puwede naman niya gawin iyon, e. I no longer care if I
disappoint my father. Kagaya ng sinabi ko kay Archer noon, no matter what I do, it
will always turned out this way. Madidismaya pa rin sa akin ang ama ko. And the
main reason why is I will never ever give him a grandchild.
"I'll be going out. May gusto kang ipabali?"
Kahit na narinig ko ang tanong na iyon ni Archer ay hindi ako nag angat ng
tingin at nananatili pa ring nasa monitor ng laptop ang atensyon ko.
I heard him let out an audible sigh. Tanging ang pagtitipa ko sa keyboard ang
maririnig mula sa paligid. From where I am sitting, I saw him walking near me. His
image right from my peripheral vision is too clear that I even saw him massaging
the bridge of nose. It's like he's frustrated for some reason and he can't lash it
out.
I tried to focus my attention on looking at my drafts. Hindi iyon naging
mahirap dahil sisiw na para sa akin ang ignorahin ang presensiya ni Archer gaano
man siya kalapit sa akin.
Ang mga mata ko ay kusang gumalaw patungo sa bandang gilid ko nang makita ko
ang pagkakatuon ng dalawang kamay niya sa mesang pinagpapatungan ng laptop ko.
I lifted my eyes to him and shot him a lazy glare. He's staring intently me.
Wala na doon ang lamig na nakita ko sa kanya noong huling magaway kami. All I can
see now is desperation. Kung para saan iyon ay hindi na ako interesado pang alamin.
"Galit ka pa rin?" tanong niya, nahihimigan ko ang pagiingat roon.
My brow raised up. Why is he still asking about that? Hindi ba puwedeng umalis
na siya at pumunta sa kung saan man niya gusto? Do we still need to grab a
conversation about that? Can't he notice that I'm avoiding that topic? His voice
and words only fuel the fire inside me.
"Why do you care?" pairap na sagot ko bago muling ibinalik ang atensyon ko sa
screen ng laptop.
My brows knotted together when I saw him squat beside me. His hand is still on
the table while the other one is holding the backrest of my chair, slightly
imprisoning me.
"Can't we fix this, Trinity? I know that I've been so harsh to you these past
few days and I'm sorry. I was just frustrated-"
"Do you think I care? Sa tingin mo may pakielam ako kung ano mang dahilan ang
meroon ka?" I fired back. I averted my eyes from the monitor and looked at him in
disbelief. "Look, Archer, I don't want you to think that I'm still mad at you just
because of what happened between us that time. Nagpapasalamat pa nga ako na
nangyari iyon sa atin. At least, I had the chance to realize that you are not good
for me and this marriage will never gonna work out. You just gave me the reason to
realize that I deserve someone better and that's not you."
Pagkasabi ko noon ay muli ko siyang inirapan at tumayo na. I snatched my laptop
and went back to our bed. Oh, no. Just my bed. Since our huge fight, hindi na kami
nagtatabi sa kama. He's sleeping in the living room which is really in favor for
me. He could have just rent another room instead of forcing himself to fit in that
couch but he didn't. Hindi ko alam kung bakit.
Naupo ako sa gilid ng kama. Itinaas ko ang aking isang hita
at inilapag ang laptop sa harapan ko. I was staring blankly at my design drafts for
minutes when I heard the door from the outside shut.
I rolled my eyes. Mabuti naman at hindi niya na pinatulan pa ang mga salita ko
laban sa kanya. It's either he's tired of having those nonsense confrontation with
me or he knows that he deserves those harsh words.
Itinuon ko ang atensyon ko sa screen. When I finalized all the designs I've
been working on for the past two weeks, I went to my Gmail and imported all the
designs examples there.
Huminga ako ng malalim. Kinuha ko ang wallet ko na nasa ibabaw ng bedside
table. I took the black calling card from there and stared at the name that's
embossed in a gold shade. Hinaplos ko ang pangalang iyon.
I wonder how is he right now. Ilang linggo na rin simula ng huli ko siyang
makita. Palagi pa rin kaya siya naroon sa bar na iyon?
Kinagat ko ang ibabang parte ng labi ko. Tumungo ako at ipinatong ang calling
card sa gilid ng laptop. Nagsimula na akong magtipa ng mensahe para sa kanya.
From: FineandLiteDesigns@gmail.com
To: FlavianFollosco@gmail.com
Subject: Good day!
Hello, Mr. Follosco. Here are all the design examples I have made for your room
project. Feel free to choose your preferred style. If you have questions regarding
it, please do not hesitate to ask me and rest assured that I will do my best to get
back to you as soon as possible. Thank you and more power!
Ilang beses ko pang pinasadahan ng basa ang mensahe ko para lang masigurong
tama at maayos iyon. Nang masigurong ayos na ay agad ko ng ipinadala iyon sa kanya.
I was about to close the tab when a message popped out of the screen all of a
sudden. My heart clobbered excitedly when I saw that it was a response from
Flavian! He's online!
But why the hell would I be excited just because of a simple reply from a
client?
Oh, don't fool yourself, Trinity! You know that he isn't just a basic client to
you. That man is your fucking crush!
I bit my cheek from the inside as I clicked his name.
Flavian Follosco:
I have a question for you.
Ngumuso ako. That fast? May tanong na agad siya tungkol sa mga designs?
Nakapili na agad siya?
As much as those questions crashed into my head, I typed a message and still
managed to make a good response.
Me:
Anything, Mr. Follosco.
Waiting for his reply made me feel agitated and I don't even know why. Kung
tungkol lang naman sa mga detalye ng disenyo ang itatanong niya ay bakit ako
kakabahan? But of course it will be just about my designs! Tungkol saan pa ba ang
dapat niyang itanong bukod doon?
Flavian Follosco:
I thought you're the one who's going to personally show me these designs. What
happened?
Crap! I'd love to! Pero paano? Narito ako sa ibang bansa? We're miles and miles
away to personally show him the designs. Paano ko gagawin iyon? Isa pa ay ito ang
eksaktong araw na sinabi kong matatapos ko ang mga disenyo ko. Nakakahiya kung
hihintayin ko pa na makauwi muna ako bago ko ibigay ang mga disenyo ko. Baka
sabihin niya ay wala akong isang salita. Na hindi ako marunong tumupad sa usapan.
Me:
I know, Mr. Follosco, and I truly apologize for that. I'm in Paris for almost
two weeks now.
Flavian Follosco:
When are you coming back?
Nagbuga ako ng hangin. Ang palad ko ay nanglalamig at bahagyang nagpapawis. My
heart is doing a tango inside my chest and I can't understand why. Binukas-sara ko
ang kamay ko at muling humugot ng hangin bago nagtipa ulit ng isasagot.
Me:
Tomorrow morning.
Flavian Follosco:
I'll wait for you, then. Saka natin pagusapan ang mga disenyo mo kapag narito
ka na.
Napapikit ako ng mariin, ang ngiti ay hindi napigilan sumilay mula sa aking
labi. How can his simple message put a smile on my face? I feel giddy and the idea
of seeing him directly makes me excited! Pakiramdam ko ay hindi na ako
makapaghintay na umuwi bukas at bumalik sa trabaho... at makita siya.
This is bad. Flavian can summon the butterflies inside my stomach while Archer
cannot. Archer is my husband while Flavian is just a mere client, a stranger and
yet, he's the one who can pull different emotions from me. Doon pa lang ay hindi na
iyon maganda. Doon pa lang ay nagkakasala na ako.
Ngumuso ako sa mga bagay na tumatakbo sa isip ko. I'm thinking too advance. I
like Flavian but here I am, thinking like we already have a relationship. Sigurado
naman akong may nobya na iyon. Maybe his girlfriend is that woman he's with one
time we saw each other in the restaurant? I don't know. Baka. That's fine. May
asawa na rin naman ako. But I won't let Flavian know that. I won't let someone know
that.
I will try to keep my marriage a secret as much as I can. Being married to
Archer Ravena is something I can't be proud of.
Mabilis na lumipas ang buong araw. Sa biyahe pauwi, inaksaya ko ang labing-
limang oras sa pagtulog. Archer and I were in the same seat line but we're not
talking too much. Kapag may sinasabi siya ay hindi ako ganoong nakikinig. All his
words were just passing through my ears like they're not that important.
Halos madaling araw na ng makadating kami sa condo niya. Si Archer na ang
nagbukas ng pinto dahil siguradong tulog pa ang kasambahay sa mga oras na ito. As
soon as he opened the door, naglakad na ako papasok at nilampasan siya.
"Pag gising ni Mica sabihin mo sa kanyang ipasok ang mga luggage ko sa loob ng
kwarto ko." sabi ko habang umaakyat na ng hagdan.
"Why don't you sleep in our room, Trinity?" he asked that stop me from stepping
up.
Taas kilay akong tumingin sa kanya. "Are you kidding me?"
"Do I looked like I'm kidding to you?" he fired back coldly.
"We're not in Paris anymore, Archer. Hindi ko na kailangan magtiis pa na
makulong sa isang kwarto kasama ka. Now, if you'd still insist that damn nonsense
idea, then I've no choice but to move out of this house. But then, that would be so
much in favor of me."
Ilang sandali siyang tumitig sa akin. Nanh napansin na hindi ako nagbibiro ay
nagpakawala siya ng buntong hininga. He muttered a silent curse like everything
that's going on between us is too much. I smirked at the frustration that's
dripping from his face.
I didn't wait for him to answer and continued stepping on my way to the guest
room. Pagkasara ko ng pintuan ay iniitsa ko ang aking coat sa mini couch at
isinalya ang katawan sa malambot na kama.
I'm home... But this doesn't feel like it.
"Welcome back, Ma'am Trinity!" maligayang salubong sa akin ni Shey pagkaapak ko
sa entrada pa lang ng building namin.
Bumeso siya sa akin habang may matamis na ngiti sa kanyang labi.
I smiled at her. "Thank you, Shey. Nasa kotse ang mga pasalubong ko sa'yo.
Kunin mo na lang mamaya."
Mas lumawak ang ngiti niya. "Salamat, Ma'am! Love mo talaga
ako."
I chuckled and then shook my head. Nagtuloy-tuloy ako papasok sa mismong
opisina ko habang ramdam ko naman ang presensiya niya sa aking likod.
"So, how's Mrs. Follosco's feedback? Positive?" tanong ko nang nakaupo na ako
sa swivel chair ko.
Shey chortled. "Tayo pa ba, Ma'am! Her reaction after we finished her room was
beyond happy. Sabi pa nga niya ay irerekomenda niya tayo sa mga kaibigan niya na
mahilig rin magpaayos ng bahay."
"Sana niloko mo. You should have told her that we don't need her recommendation
anymore because we're already well known in this field!" natatawang sabi ko. Maging
si Shey ay natawa na rin.
"How's vacation, Ma'am?" she asked after seconds of laughing.
"Fine. Oh, by the way, I'll be meeting Mrs. Follosco's son for his room
project. Tapos na ang mga designs at kailangan na lang niya mamili. Sandali lang
ako roon."
Ilang sandali siyang nakatitig sa akin. Alam kong ramdam niya na ayaw kong
pagusapan ang tungkol sa naging bakasyon namin ni Archer. Ayokong masira ang araw
ko dahil lang doon. Good thing that Shey is intelligent enough to feel it.
Suddenly, she nodded. "Alright, Ma'am. Babalik na po ako sa table ko. I'll send
you the list of our clients for this week."
"Yes, please." I agreed.
Tumalikod na siya at lumabas na ng opisina ko. When she's no longer in my
sight, I blew a deep breath and took my iPhone out of my shoulder bag.
I already saved Flavian's number here in my phone so I won't have to check his
calling card everytime I need to look for his contact details.
Biting my fuschia pink painted lips, I composed a message for him.
Me:
Good morning. I'm already in my office, Mr. Follosco. When are you free?
Pagkasend noon ay ipinatong ko ang cellphone ko sa ibabaw ng aking table. I
leaned my forearm against the handrest and crossed my hands just above my stomach.
Pinagalaw-galaw ko ang upuan ko habang ang paningin ay nasa kawalan.
Natigil ang aking ginagawa nang tumunog ang cellphone ko. Without exceeding too
much effort, I stretched my hand and grabbed the phone.
Napatuwid ako sa pagkakaupo nang mabasa ko ang pangalan ni Flavian sa screen ng
cellphone ko. Oh, my God! He's calling!
With my heart started beating so fast, I tapped the accept button and put the
phone across my ear. I straightened my back and cleared my throat.
Relax, Trinity!
"Hello, Mr. Follosco?" I greeted first.
"Too formal, huh?" he chuckled sexily. Hearing his voice again made my heart
quiver even more! "Drop the formalities, Trinity. Meet me here in my office. I'll
wait for you."
Why does my name sounds so good when he's the one saying it? I never appreciate
my name not until I heard it coming from his lips. This is insane!
"Uh, o-okay. I'll be there. Give me thirty minutes."
"Alright, then. See you." he said before we both cut the line.
Madiin kong kinagat ang ibabang labi ko habang pilit na pinapakalma ang
nagwawalang puso. I exhaled a sigh and leaned my head against the headrest,
shutting my eyes tightly.
Bago pa ako tuluyang mawala sa sarili dahil sa kakaisip ko kay Flavian ay
nagayos na ako at nagdesisyon nang puntahan siya sa opisina niya.
Going to his company wasn't that hard since the exact address was also engraved
on his calling card. Wala pang trenta minutos ay nasa tapat na ako ng isang
malaking gusali. I stepped down my BMW and closed door.
Ang suot kong sunglasses ay hinawi ko pataas at hinayaan
itong nakapatong sa ibabaw ng ulo ko. I looked up and roamed my eyes to the whole
building. Masiyadong mataas at purong salamin pa ang bawat haligi. Halatang hindi
basta-basta ang presyo sa naging kontraksyon nito.
He own this? Well, obviously, it's his. Nakalagay ang surname niya sa itaas ng
gusali kalakip ang pangalan ng kumpanya. I didn't know he's this rich. I mean,
importing and exporting cars are a huge business but I didn't know that he's
this... damn. What do I know about him anyway?
Ibinalik ko pababa ang salamin sa aking mata at naglakad na patungo sa entrada
ng building. The guard welcomed me with a kind smile on his wrinkled face. I walked
near the elevator. Kita ko mula sa gilid ng mga mata ko ang tinginan ng mga tao sa
akin.
Wearing an emerald green longsleeve pencil skirt dress that's paired up with a
nude Manolo Blahnik dupes, a Cartier gold bangle on my arms and my brown laptop
tote bag on my other hand, I honestly feel beautiful right now. I'm already used to
gain attentions wherever I go and it's an overwhelming feeling. Those stares that's
laced with amazement added some spark to my self-esteem.
Isang matandang babae lang ang nakasabay ko sa elevator. Sa tingin ko ay
maintenance siya rito dahil na rin sa unipormeng suot niya at sa hawak niyang mop.
I smiled at her and she smiled back. I pressed the thirtieth floor button which I
think is the top floor.
The ride went smooth and fast. Mas nauna sa aking bumaba ang matanda kaya naman
magisa na lang ako nang makarating ako sa destinasyon ko.
As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I pulled my sunglasses upto my head
and scanned the area. Malawak ang espasyo ng buong lugar. Puti at itim ang kulay ng
bawat haligi. Maging ang ilang couch na naroon ay kulay itim. Iisang pinto lang ang
naroon. It must be Flavian's office. Sa labas ay isang cubicle na sa tingin ko ay
sekretarya naman niya.
I glided elegantly towards the secretary's table. Tanging ang pagpalo lang ng
takong ng aking sapatos sa marmol na sahig ang maririnig. I was just meters away
from her when she lifted her eyes and met mine.
Nasisinagan ng liwanag mula sa desktop computer niya ang kanyang mukha dahilan
para mas malinaw kong makita ang pagngiti niya.
"Good morning, Ma'am. How may I help you?" she asked with full respect.
Ngumiti ako. "Hi! I have a meeting with Mr. Flavian Follosco. Is he inside?"
"Yes, Ma'am. May I know your name, po?"
"Trinity Rave - Trinity Velarde." muntik pang madulas na sagot ko.
"Kayo po iyong interior designer?"
Tumango ako. She smiled. Her chinky eyes tells me that she's a good and
responsible employee. Maayos ang pananamit niya at disente. Hindi kagaya ng mga
ilang sekretarya na nakikita kong halos lumuwa na ang katawan sa sobrang iksi ng
damit lalo pa at alam nilang gwapo ang amo nila. This girl isn't taking the
advantage of having a very handsome boss.
"Mr. Follosco is already waiting for you. Kanina pa po niya kayo ibinilin sa
akin. I'll accompany you inside, Ma'am."
"Sure,"
Tumayo na siya mula sa swivel chair niya at nauna ng maglakad sa akin. I
followed her as I feel my heart pumping so fast like a mad ape running in the
jungle fighting for its life. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga nang pasukin na
namin ang isang glassdoor. I can see my reflection through it and found that my
cheeks are already flushing.
What the hell? Bakit ako namumula?
Bumungad sa akin ang isang moderno at eleganteng disenyo ng opisina. Painted in
a white, cream and black, the room looks so alive and classy. There are different
portraits hanging in the wall and most of them are business portraits. Ang kulay
krema na kurtina ay nakahawi dahilan para matanaw ko ang naglalakihang gusali sa
ibaba at ang sinaw ng araw na tumatagos rito.
Sa tingin ko ay magkasing laki sila ni Papa ng opisina. Ang pagkakaiba lang ay
ako ang nagdisenyo nung kanya kaya naman sasabihin kong mas maganda iyon kesa dito.
Siyempre. Sino pa bang pupuri ng mga gawa ko kung hindi ako?
"Sir, Miss Velarde is already here..."
Napukaw ang atensyon ko mula sa pagmamasid nang maulinigan ko ang boses na iyon
ng sekretarya ni Flavian. I turned my head sideways and my eyes immediately landed
to the man who's sitting authoritatively in his swivel chair while attention focus
on his laptop.
Nag angat siya ng tingin at ang mga mata ko ang agad na natagpuan niya. His
hawklike eyes sent shiver down my spine that I had to temporarily stop from
breathing because it suddenly became abnormal.
He lifted his brow at me.
"Thank you, Jen. You can leave us now." he ordered without looking at his
secretary.
"Yes, Sir."
Pagkasagot noon ay lumabas na ito hanggang sa tuluyan na akong naiwan sa loob
ng malamig na silid na ito kasama ang lalaking nagagawa akong pakabahin sa hindi
malamang dahilan.
He closed his laptop, eyes still on me. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya dahilan
para mas lalo kong maramdaman ang paghanga para sa pisikal na itsura niya. Papasa
talagang Diyos ng mga Griyego ang isang ito.
"Damn... Finally..." he whispered softly with a sinister smirk etched in his
lips.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 11
Kung meroon man akong napagtanto habang nakatayo ako sa gitna ng apat na sulok na
silid na ito... Iyon ay ang gusto ko talaga si Flavian.
Mabilis ang tibok ng puso ko. There's some electrifying feeling in my stomach
as I stared at him smirking sexily at me. Never in my life have I like someone
romantically. Kahit noong kasagsagan ko ng pagdadalaga, sa dami ng nanuyo sa akin
ay wala ako ni isang nagustuhan o nakakuha man lang ng atensyon ko.
Even the first time I saw Archer, nagwapuhan man ay hindi pa rin naging dahilan
iyon para makuha niya ang loob ko.
But with Flavian? Damn it. His hazardous eyes alone can make my knees turn into
jelly. Ang paraan ng pag angat ng sulok ng labi niya at ang paghagod ng mga mata
niya sa kabuuan ko ay para bang nagagawa akong dalhin mula sa ibang dimensyon ng
mundo.
"Are you done?" Flavian snapped me out of my thoughts.
"H-Huh? Saan?" kunot noong tanong ko.
The corner of his lips quirked up, one of his moves that has become my weakness
for the short span of time that I've get to know him. Mula sa swivel chair ay
tumayo siya at naglakad paikot sa table niya. He leaned against it, feet crossed
while arms both inside his pocket. He really looks like a dominant Greek God while
I am the submissive hook up. What a combination, huh?
"Checking me out," he answered arrogantly.
Tumaas ang kilay ko at nagpakawala ng matunog na ngisi. "You're so full of
yourself, Mr. Follos-"
"Flavian. Call me Flavian. I don't need your formality here, Trinity." he cut
me off.
I sighed inwardly before crossing my arms above my chest. Pinaglandas ko ang
mga mata ko sa kabuuan ng opisina niya ngunit agad rin ibinalik sa kanya ang
atensyon ko. The arrogant Greek God is still wearing his sinister smirk on his
face! Para bang hindi niya siniseryoso ang usapan namin na ito. I eyed him for a
couple of seconds before biting the bottom of my lips.
Nagtungo ang mga mata niya roon. I suddenly felt something warm just beneath my
stomach at the way he stared at it. It's like he's tempted. Or... I'm the one who's
tempted?
Suminghap ako, pilit na ibinuhos ang concentration sa tema ng usapan naming
dalawa. Naliligaw ako, e.
"Well, apparently, it's needed. You are my client and I should give respect to
you. Babayaran mo ako sa serbisyo ko kaya natural lang na igalang kita."
Slowly, his hawklike eyes moved up, meeting mine. His chest rose and fell. He
flicked his tongue over his lips, this time, I am the one who got attracted by
those red and moistened lips. Nakita ko ang pagpipigil niya ng ngiti kaya naman
agad akong nagbaba ng tingin. Nahuli niya ata akong nakatingin doon!
"Classic, huh?" he chuckled. "Hmm, well yes, you have a point there. I am your
client and that only means I have the right to demand anything from you. So when I
demand that you stop calling me by my surname, there's nothing you can do but to
follow me. Tama ba ako?" he sneered playfully.
Oh, this moron! He's making sure that I won't get away with this.
I scratched my forehead and let out a defeated sigh. "Alright, Flavian, can we
start focusing on business now?"
Isang tagumpay na ngisi ang gumuhit sa labi niya. He took his hands out of his
pockets and stood properly.
"Hmm, my pleasure."
Umalis siya sa pagkakasandal sa desk niya at naglakad patungo sa itim na couch
na naroon. Bawat galaw ng katawan niya ay nagsusumigaw ng kakisigan. All about this
man is screaming darkness and authority that no one would dare to defy him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 12
"W-What?" I repeated.
"Let's have lunch. It's already noon."
"Thanks but no thanks. Sa office na lang ako kakain-"
"I insist. It's a client's request so you have no choice but to agree." he
warned cleverly.
Oh, now he's using that alibi to get what he wants?
My eyes narrowed to crinkle slits. Nagpakawala ako ng buntong hininga at
nagpatuloy sa pagbabalik ng laptop sa bag ko.
"Fine."
Hindi na ako nakaangal pa ng ipilit ni Flavian na sa kotse niya na ako sumakay
papunta sa kung saan man restaurant ang sinasabi niya. I tried to insist that I'll
bring my own car but he would just keep on telling me that we could save gas if
we'd just use his car. Kaya ang ending, naiwan ang kotse ko sa parking lot ng
building nila at babalikan na lang pag uuwi na kami.
Marahas akong napabuga ng hangin habang tinatanaw ang mga lugar na nilalampasan
namin sa labas ng bintana.
Ano ba kasing naisip niya at niyaya niya ako kumain ng tanghalian sa labas? At
anong nakain ko at pumayag ako?
He warned me and used his privilege as a client! Baka mamaya ay ipull out niya
pa ang project niya sa akin kung hindi ako pumayag. Sayang din iyon.
Weeh? Iyon ba talaga, Trinity? O, gusto mo rin ang makasama siya ngayon?
"I know a good restaurant just near our building. Doon ako palagi kumakain,"
Flavian said in the middle of our defeaning silence.
I crossed my arms above my chest and smirked a little. "That's where you
probably bring all your babies, right?"
His laughter roared inside the car. "You are always thinking me of the worst,
Trinity. First, you accused me of being a stalker. Ngayon naman ay pinaparamdam mo
sa akin na babaero ako. What is wrong with you?"
Hindi ko nagawang seryosohin ang sinabi niyang iyon dahil nahahaluhan ng
paglalaro ang tono ng boses niya. I glanced at him. He also shot me a quick glance.
He gave me a subtle wink that made me roll my eyes at him.
"Bakit mo ba ako niyayang maglunch? Mamaya niyan ay magalit ang girlfriend mo,"
tukoy ko sa babaeng nakita kong kasama niya noon sa restaurant kung saan naroon
kami.
The woman who had thick layer of foundation on her face.
Mula sa daan ay mabilis niya akong sinulyapan at pinag angatan ng kanyang
makapal na kilay.
"I have one?" he snapped.
"Iyong babae na kasama mo noon sa restaurant kung saan naroon din kami ng
sekretarya ko." dire-diretsong sabi ko at muling bumaling sa labas ng bintana.
He chuckled lowly. "Hmm, I remember that day. The day you walked passed me like
I was just a slave and you're the respected elegant queen."
Ngumuso ako at binalingan siya. Sandali niya akong sinulyapan at ngumisi.
"Pinansin naman kita, ah?" busangot na sabi ko.
"You did. By raising your eyebrow at me." muling natatawa na aniya.
Did I raise my eyebrow at him that time? Hindi ba at tipid ko naman siyang
nginitian? Kahit pa nakaramdam ako ng pagkailang ay pinansin ko pa rin siya. Did he
forget? Maybe. He's with someone that time. Baka doon lang nakatuon ang atensyon
niya.
Dinala ako ni Flavian sa isang Italian restaurant. I've never been here before.
Maybe because I am not into Italian food. Kumakain naman, hindi lang talaga
mahilig.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 13
"I told you, Archer, I can't come with you. May sarili
akong negosyo na kailangan asikasuhin. It's just a three day seminar. Why do you
have to bring me with you, anyway?" salubong ang kilay na tanong ko.
Kinabig ko ang manibela ng aking sasakyan sa gilid para magover take sa isang
itim na sedan. I am already irritated with the way my conversation with Archer goes
and yet, the slight traffic here is giving me reason to double the frustration I'm
feeling.
"Three days, Trinity. Just for fucking three days. It won't cost you any big
deal. Hindi malaking kawalan sa'yo ang tatlong araw na iyon at kung tutuusin ay
dapat ka talagang sumama dahil naroon sila Mama. Kapag nalaman nilang wala ka ay
makakarating iyon sa Papa mo-"
"Wala na akong pakielam sa sasabihin o iisipin ni Papa tungkol sa atin, Archer.
I told you, whatever I do, it will always turn out this way. Madidismaya pa rin
siya sa akin."
Mabilis na tumulis ang nguso ko nang makita ko ang itim na sedan na nilampasan
ko kanina na inikutan rin ako at inunahan ako sa pwestong dapat ay sa akin. Sunod-
sunod ko itong binusinahan ngunit ang sira ulo ay nagtuloy-tuloy pa rin.
Nakikisabay pa itong sasakyan na ito. Kung kailan nagmamadali ako!
"You are making this hard for us, Trinity. So are you saying that you don't
care anymore to your father?" Archer asked coldly.
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. Why does he sounds like he wants me
to feel guilty for not allowing this fucking things to fall into its right places?
Bakit parang lumalabas na ako pa ang mali? Ako pa? Doesn't he know that marrying
him isn't right? Hindi niya ba alam na ang pagsasama namin ay isa ng malaking
pagkakamali? Bakit kung umasta siya ay parang ako pa ang may problema dito?
"Look, Archer. What I meant to say is I don't really give a damn anymore if my
father gets angry at me for not fixing this marriage with you. Malaki ang
pagkakaiba noon sa salitang wala na akong pakielam sa kanya. Since the very
beginning, you knew how much I love my father. But we also both know that we are
totally a wreck and this pragmatic marriage won't work anymore. How many times do I
need to tell you that?"
"I guess this cold treatment from you has still something to do with what
happened betwees us in Paris, huh?" he chuckled evily. "I'm doing all my best for
this marriage to work out, Trinity. If it's not still obvious to you, I sacrificed
my own happiness for your father's happiness so please don't just waste it." A sigh
escaped his mouth. "Let's talk this matter over dinner tonight. I'll be home early.
Hihintayin kita," he said with finality before ending the line.
Nang marinig ang senyales ng pagtatapos ng tawag ay pabato kong inihagis ang
cellphone ko sa dashboard.
He has the guts to bring that thing up between us? Bakit kailangan pa? Hindi
iyon ang dahilan kung bakit nagdesisyon na akong wala ng patutunguhan ang pagsasama
namin kahit nagsisimula pa lang. Pero ang pangyayararing iyon ang naging ugat para
masabi ko sa sarili ko na naguumpisa pa lang ay tapos na kaagad kami.
My pride as a woman was beaten up and there's no way for him to make it up to
me. Kung gaano ko siya kaayaw noon bilang isang tao, lalo na nang matapos mangyari
iyon.
And... My attention have been pulled out by someone who own a perilous eyes, a
playful smirk and the one who can make the butterflies in my stomach fly. And that
someone isn't Archer Ravena.
Nakita ko ang itim na sedan na naging mabagal ang takbo sa gitna ng maluwag na
kalsada ng express way. Ngumisi ako.
"My turn, asshole."
Inapakan ko ang accelerator at pinaharurot ang kotse ko bago muling inunahan
ang itim na sedan. A smile of victory escaped my lips when I saw the car running
after me through my side mirror. Inayos ko ang suot na aviator saka itinuon ang
atensyon sa daan pagkatapos.
It's five seconds later when my phone ring again. The first
person who came in my mind was Archer. Baka may nakalimutan sabihin. Without
detaching my eyes from the road, I took my phone from the dashboard and grabbed a
short glimpse on the screen.
Kaagad kong naramdaman ang paglukso ng puso ko nang rumehistro sa utak ko ang
pangalan ng caller. I gazed back to the road, and then to the screen again. My gaze
lasted for just two quick seconds there before I decided to answer it.
"Flavian," I greeted first, heart doing a tango inside my chest.
"Where are you?"
Napanguso ako nang mahimigan ko ang pagiging seryoso sa boses niya. Sinilip ko
ang gold wrist watch ko at nakitang hindi pa naman ako late sa usapan naming oras
ng dating ko sa bahay nila.
Ngayon ang araw nakaschedule ayusin ang kwarto niya after almost two weeks of
preparing and settling everything we need for his room. Ganoon katagal rin nang
huli kaming magkita. That's still the day we had lunch together. Hindi naman siya
tumatawag, hindi rin nagtetext. No that I'm expecting him to do it but... I waited.
Naaalala kong sinabi niyang huwag ako masiyadong magpamiss sa kanya. Baliktad
pa nga ata ang nangyari. Ako ang naka-miss sa kanya.
"On my way to your house. Nagdadrive ako." sagot ko.
"Hmm, and your team?"
"Nauna na sila sa akin. Kanina pa sila nasa bahay ninyo. Are you already
there?"
The lines on my forehead suddenly showed when I heard a noise coming from his
background. Parang mga busina ng sasakyan. Nasa kalsada rin ba siya?
"Where are you?" I asked, following my last question.
Mula sa kabilang linya ay narinig ko ang malalim at baritonong tawa niya.
"Bakit ka natatawa-"
"Look on your left," aniya.
Wala sa sarili akong napatingin sa kaliwang banda ko at ibinaba ang salamin ng
aking bintana. Nakita ko ang itim na sedan na kanina ko pa inuunahan na nagtungo sa
gilid ng sasakyan ko at sinabayan ang bilis ng pagpapatakbo ko. Just before a word
come out of my mouth, the passenger side's window rolled down and exposed the
driver of that black sedan!
My heart leaped in surprised when I saw his dark but magnetic eyes looking at
my direction with a glimpse of smirk in his lips.
"What a bad ass driver you are..." he mocked.
Isang kamay lang ang gamit niya sa pagmamaniobra ng manibela niya habang ang
isa naman ay hawak ang cellphone niya at nakatingin sa akin. Thank God the road was
wide open. Hindi delikado ang ginagawang pasulyap sulyap namin sa isa't-isa.
"It's y-you..." tanging nasabi ko na lang dahil sa sobrang pagkabigla.
He chuckled. "Yes, baby. Love the way you fight for your own spot. You just
proved me how bitchy you are."
Ngumuso ako. Siguradong ang pag o-overtake ko sa sasakyan niya ang ibig niyang
sabihin. Hindi ko naman alam na siya iyon. Kung alam ko lang, hindi ko na siya
uunahan pa. O baka hindi rin. Masiyadong matigas ang ulo ko para intindihin pa
iyon.
Mas lumalim ang ngisi sa labi niya nang masilayan ang reaksyon ko. Hindi pa rin
lumulubay ang kotse niya sa gilid ko. Nagangat ako ng kilay. I raised my aviator up
and let it rest on top of my head. Nilingon ko siya. His eyes are now directed to
the road.
"I know, Flavian. I really am a bitch." sagot ko bago inalis muli sa kanya ang
atensyon.
His soft but manly chuckle filled my ears. "Hmm... You are my bitch."
Those words from him immediately caught my heart and dropped it into an ocean
of giddiness. I glanced at him. He also looked at my way. His deep set beneath
heavy black brows met mine. Kinindatan niya ako bago nagsimulang paharurutin ang
kotse at lampasan ako.
Natawa ako at napailing habang sinusundan ang papalayo niyang sasakyan. He
really knows how to make his way to my heart. Simpleng galaw mula sa kanya ay
nagagawa niya akong pasayahin. Wala pa nga siyang kakaibang ginagawa ay para na
akong nahuhulog. Paano pa kaya kapag may ginawa na siya? Baka ikalunod ko iyon.
And damn, he should stop calling me that endearment! Bago pa ako masanay...
Bago ko pa paniwalaan na para nga iyon sa akin.
Huminga ako ng malalim at ibinaba na ang salamin sa mga mata ko. Nagsimula na
akong pabilisan ang takbo ng kotse ko at pilit na sinundan siya.
Minutes later when we both reached their mansion. Mas nauna siyang gumarahe sa
tapat ng gate nila habang ako ay papahinto pa lang. I saw his door open. His brown
boots stepped on the concrete cement. Huminto ang sasakyan ko sa likod ng kotse
niya at kasabay noon ay ang tuluyan niyang paglabas sa kotse niya.
Sa akin kaagad tumama ang mga mata niya. Even though my windows are tinted, I
can feel that he can still see me through that. He shut his door before leaning his
body against it with arms crossed over his chiseled chest.
Kinuha ko ang purse ko na nakapatong sa passenger's seat at binuksan na ang
pinto sa side ko. I stepped on the ground and finally climbed out of the car. I
slammed the door closed and my gaze instantly met his hooded eyes.
Nakapaskil na kaagad ang ngisi sa labi niya. Hindi ko na rin napigilan ang
mangisi dahil doon. Masiyadong nakakahawa. Kinalas niya ang braso niya at umayos ng
tayo. Naglakad siya patungo sa kinatatayuan ko habang ako ay nakatingin lang sa
kanya.
Doon ko lang nagawang mapagmasdan ang kabuuan niya. He's not wearing his usual
business attire and this is the first time I've seen him casual.
Wearing a dark blue denim cuffed jeans, a black vneck fitted shirt and a brown
boots, he looks like a Hollywood actor. He can actually pass as Theo James' twin!
Ang silver dog tag na suot niya ay mas lalo pang nagbigay angas sa dating niya.
He stopped walking when he's inches away from me. He crouched and planted a
kiss on my cheek that startled me a bit. Umawang ang bibig ko sa naging galaw
niyang iyon. My breathing suddenly paused for a moment, thinking what had just
happen. Ngunit bago pa man ako makabawi ay naramdaman ko ang marahang pagdampi ng
hininga niya sa may bandang tainga ko.
"I miss you..." bulong niya na mas lalong nagpayanig sa buong sistema ko.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 14
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 15
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 16
"What's your plan?" Flavian asked the moment he entered the driver's seat.
We both decided to used his car instead of using mine too because we know that
I'm now under the influence of alcohol so driving all by myself will be quite
impossible for me.
Nilingon ko siya. My eyes seems so heavy and lethargic because of the alcohol
that's starting to take over my normal senses.
Bahagyang nakaharap ang katawan ni Flavian sa akin. His left hand was placed on
the steering wheel while the other one was on my head rest. Hindi niya pa binubuhay
ang sasakyan, nananatili pa rin nakamasid sa akin.
"I actually don't have a plan in my mind. I just want to go somewhere else. A
quiet and private place to be exact." I said softly.
He raised his left brow up. Attentiveness was very much visible on his handsome
face like he has to understand every words I'm going to lash out.
My heart skipped a beat when he suddenly moved his body just inches away from
mine. Ang kamay niya na kanina lang ay nasa manibela ay nasa bintana na sa aking
gilid. He's slightly imprisoning my body which became his familiar move whenever
we're this close.
His dark and intense eyes were like a silver lightning; sharp, doesn't miss a
thing. It's so black that I can't even find a shade where kindness and genetiality
lives.
"And where exactly is that quiet and private place, hmm?" he asked through a
breathless whisper.
Nagkibit balikat ako. "Anywhere,"
Tumango siya. "My house then?"
"Your house? Your Mum might be there, Flav. Baka kung ano ang isipin niya
tungkol sa atin kapag nakita tayong magkasama."
His chest heaved up for a calmed sigh. He lowered his head and a sexy chuckle
escaped his throat. Nag angat ako ng kilay dahil sa reaksyon niyang iyon. It's
three seconds later when he lifted his head again and gaze at me with a smirk
etched on his face.
"Mine, baby. My house. The one you're talking about is my parent's house. I
have my own," he informed. My eyes blinked repeatedly. "And so what if my mother
see us together? I don't see anything wrong with that."
Oo nga pala. Naalala ko na mayroon siyang sariling bahay. He even want me to
design it. And those houses might be his hideout. The place where he usually brings
his hook ups.
Hook ups... he's going to bring me there... Does it mean that I'm also one of
those hook ups?
"I just don't like it." Bago ko pa nasabi ang totoong nasa isip ay iyon na ang
lumabas sa bibig ko.
"I'm not a child anymore, Trinity. My parents are already out of my personal
life. They don't tell me who I should like... or who I should bring to my house.
And as far as I'm concerned, my mother is so fond of you. She's even your fan. Baka
nga matuwa pa 'yon kapag nalamang gusto kita."
I cocked my brow up, a bit surprised of his straightforwardness.
"You're really serious about that, huh? You're really hitting on me."
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya. He titled his head and wetted his lips. Mas
lalong lumalim ang paghanga ko sa kanya. He's definitely a living Greek God for me.
"I never joke, woman. Not belong in my vocabulary. Put that in mind." he ended
the conversation with those words before going back to his seat and bring the car's
engine to life.
Naiwan akong nakamaang doon, gulantang sa mga sinasabi niya. Well yes, I know
that he's not the type of man who's into jokes but I can't believe that he would be
that straight forward when it comes to that. Parang ganoon lang sa kanya kadali
sabihin na gusto niya ako. Parang sanay na sanay na siya.
Chapter 17
Keeping his lips firmly against mine, he wrapped one arm around my waist and splays
the other across the back of my head. Lifting me from my feet, he deepened his kiss
and walked me across his room until my back is against the wall.
Our tongues dance together wildly, my hands moving down his back. I want closer
contact. I grabbed the front of his button down sleeve and started unbuttoning it
until I took it off his shoulders, forcing him to release his hold of me.
He keeps our lips locked, stepping back slightly to give me space to rid him of
the obstruction to his body. Inihagis ko iyon sa sahig at mas hinila pa siya
papalapit sa akin.
All my previous battling of conscious long forgotten. I want to have him, too.
Our bodies smashed together and he pushes me up the wall, devouring my mouth.
"Fucking hell, Trinity." he pants through strangled breaths. "Binabaliw mo
ako."
He rolled his hips, pushing his erection into me, milking a small cry from my
lips. Damn it! This is the first time I have ever felt that thing. I only saw it on
movies and now I'm already feeling it.
I fist my hands in his hair, moaning in invitation. Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko
pa itong itigil. Pakiramdam ko ay malabo na. My mind and body have gone into cruise
control, the stop button lost somewhere in the land of lust.
Naramdaman ko ang maiinit niyang palad sa aking mga hita. My dress bunched in
his fists and pulled up over my waist in one swift tug. His hips rolled again and I
whimpered.
He bit my bottom lip and releases me, pulling his face away and looking me
straight in the eyes. He rolled his hips again, grinding hard against my core. My
head fell back on a deep moan, giving him open access to my throat, which he took
full advantage of, licking, sucking and lapping at the hollow.
"Baby, I can't get enough of you. You are too tempting."
Tumungo ako at tiningnan siya. Mapungay at halos namumula na ang mga mata niya.
He kissed me hard on the lips as he scooped me up into his arms and stalked towards
his king size bed.
Maingat niya akong inihiga sa malambot na kama. My dress is still bunched
around my waist, my legs and knickers completely exposed.
Flavian watched me closely using those hawklike eyes while kneeling beside me.
I watched him gain on me, his mouth lax, his eyes hooded. Anticipation has my
stomach churning and my thighs clenching shut.
This man is absolutely stunning.
My eyes went down his chest. I can't resist reaching up and running my finger
down the center of his hard, chiseled chest. Ilang balahibo ang naroon at mas lalo
siyang naging kaakit-akit sa paningin ko.
He looked down to follow my trail, placing his hands on either side of my hips,
nudging his way between my thighs. As he looked at me, his lips at the edges and
his eyes sparkled, the slight creases at the corner softening the casual
intensiveness of them.
"Or maybe, we leave it on?" He broke into a full on smile as he held his hands
up.
He slid his hands around my back. "But then again, I have firsthand knowledge
of what's under this lovely dress." He reached up, grasping the zipper, breathing
into my ear as he does. "And it's far superior to the dress," he whispered, pulling
it down slowly, teasingly. I'm panting hard and desperate. "I think we'll get rid
of it."
He lifted my knees up before pulling my dress away from my body and threw it
somewhere without taking his eyes off me.
He resumed his position. He pressed his body against me and grabbed my hips,
pulling me in towards him so we're locked tight together. He grinds his hips while
staring at me.
The throb at my core is bordering on painful, and I'm at serious risk of
falling apart if he continues with that alone. Gusto ko sabihin sa kanya na bilisan
niya dahil nahihirapan na akong kontrolin ang sarili ko dito.
Reaching behind me, he unclasped my bra, pulling the straps down my arms and
flinging it behind him. I leaned back on my hands, exposing my breasts to him.
Looking into my eyes, he lifted his hand and placed it, palm down, under my
throat.
"I can feel your heart hammering," he said quietly. "You're affected by me."
I'm not going to challenge him on that statement. He's right, and I'm not even
bothering to try and fight it anymore.
He glided his palm down between my breasts until it rests on my stomach, as he
looked at me - all smoldering and delicious.
I arched my back, thrusting my chest forward, and he smiled before lowering his
mouth and taking my nipple deep, sucking hard. When he brought his hand up to
massage my other breast, I moaned, letting my head fall back against the pillow.
"Flav...". I whimpered.
His arousal is as hard as lead, pressing between my thighs, causing me to roll
hios to ease the throb on a long, drawn out moan. I don't know what to do with
myself. I want to soak up the pleasure because it's so good, but the need to have
him is getting the better of me. The pressure in my groin near exploding point.
Damn, this is much better than what I felt with Archer before.
As if reading my mind, he skates his hand up the inside of my thigh, finding
the edge of my panties. One finger breached the barrier, lightly brushing the tip
of my clit.
"Fuck!" I cried as I grabbed his shoulders, digging my nails in his strained
muscles.
"Language, lady." he warned, then slammed his lips against mine, plunging two
fingers into me.
My muscles grabbed onto him as he works them in and out. I might...
literally... die of pleasure. I feel the fast buildup of something in my stomach.
Hindi ko pa kailanman naramdaman ito. This will be the first time, and I know it's
going to blow me apart.
Holding onto his shoulders for dear life, I moaned into his mouth as he
continues his assault on me.
Here it is.
"Come." he commanded, applying more pressure to the top of my clit.
I fell apart in an explosion of stars, releasing his mouth and tossing my head
back in a complete frenzy.
"Flav!" I cried out.
He grabbed my head, yanking it forward to tackle my mouth, catching the tail
end of my cries. I'm in pieces. I'm panting, shaking and boneless as I
disintergrate all over him, completely inhibited and unashamed of what he does to
me. I'm delirious with pleasure.
Flavian's kiss softened and his thrusts slow, easing me gradually down as he
scattered tender kisses all over my damp, warm face. Too good, just too, too good.
I felt him brush a stray tendril of hair from my face and I opened my eyes,
meeting a obsidian, satisfied stare. He planted a soft kiss on my lips. I sighed. I
feel like a life's time of pent up pressure has been extinguished, just like that.
I'm relaxed and stated.
"Better?" he asked, sliding his fingers out of me.
"Uh-hmm..." I hummed. I'm too tired to even speak.
His fingers dragged across my bottom lip and he leaned into me, watching me
closely as he ran his tongue across my mouth, licking the remnants of my juices
away.
His eyes burned straight through me as we gaze at each other in silence. My
hands, instinctively, reach up to his face, smoothing down his face. He smiled
lightly, turning his face to kiss my palm before returning his eyes to mine.
Oh, Sweet Mercy. I'm in trouble.
Muli na namang sumiklab ang apoy sa kaibuturan ko nang mariin niya akong
halikan sa aking labi. I attacked him with equal force, thrusting my tongue into
his mouth, circling his with mone as he lifted his grip from my hands. They
impulsively flew to those taut, rippling shoulders that I like so much.
I reached for his trousers and began unfastening his belt, whipping it out of
his loop holes in one swift pull, instigating a snapping sound to erupt around us.
He raised his eyebrow at me. "Are you going to whip me?"
"No," I answered uncertainly.
Does he like that sort of stuff? What are we? Fifty Shades of Grey?
I threw his belt to join the pile of clothes on the floor and slid my hand
between his tight narrow hips and the waistband of his trousers. I wrenched him
forward so we're nose to nose.
"But if you want me to..."
Oh. Did I just say that?
He smirked. "I'll bear that in mind."
Keeping my eyes firmly on his, I start to undo the button on his trousers, ny
knuckles brushing over his solid erection, causing him to jerk. He squeezed his
eyes shut. I slowly undo his fly, sliding my flat hand into his boxers, grazing
across the mass of dark hair.
Flavian shuddered, looking upto the ceiling. The muscles on his chest are
rolling and undulating, and I can't resist leaning forward and flicking my tongue
up the center of his chest bone.
"Trinity, you should know that once I've had you, you're mine."
Masiyado akong lango sa pagnanasa para bigyan pansin pa ang mga salita niya. I
moaned against his skin, circling his nipple with my tongue and withdrawing my hand
from his boxers. I grasped the waist band and ease them down over his tidy, narrow
hips. His manhood springs free.
Oh shit! He is this big?!
The head is swollen, moist and pointing right at me. The involuntary gasp that
escaped my mouth is an indication of my shock. Flicking my eyes to his, I found a
small smile tickling the corner of his mouth, which is all the mortifying evidence
I need to tell me that he's picked up on my reaction.
He moved a bit far from me, removing his trousers and boxers. I'm instantly
drawn to his powerfully lean thighs. I'm dribbling at the magnificence stood before
me in all of its naked glory. I can't help it!
Gathering some of my shattered confidence, I reached forward slowly, and gently
circle my thumb over his tip, watching him as he watches my hand explore him. When
I tentatively wrap my hand around the base, I saw him struggle with the contact.
"Shit, baby." he gasped, resting his hand on my hips. I jerked and he smiled.
"Ticklish?"
"Sa bandang iyon lang."
"I'll remember that," he said sweetly, taking my lips and working my mouth
urgently as I begin slow, even strokes of his hardness, increasing the pace when I
feel his mouth getting firmer against mine.
His hand disappeared between my legs, and with one skim of his thumb over my
beating clit. I gasped into his mouth. He bit my lips.
"You ready?" he asked hoarsely.
I only nodded because speech has completely evaded me.
Flavian ripped his hand from the apex of my thighs and knocks me away from his
throbbing arousal. In one measured movement, he moved his hands to my backside,
lifted me and impales me onto his waiting length.
Tang ina! Masakit!
"Are you alright?" he panted.
"Seconds. I need a few seconds."
I wrapped my legs around him, crying out the mixture of
pleasure and pain. I know he's not even all of the way in. Damn, he's enormous.
I tried to adjust myself to Flavian's hugeness for a couple of seconds. He
rested his forehead against mine, my hands slipping over his sweat drenched back as
he holds still for a few moments, giving me time to adapt to the intrusion.
He panted as he slowly withdraws from mw, re-entering on a deliberaye, steady
thrust. This time, he's in further and the fullness is making my head spin.
"Can you take more?" he asked gently.
More? How much more is there? Kaya ko pa ba? Kaya ko ito. Ngayon pa ba ako
aatras kung kailan naipasok niya na?
I took some calming breaths as I adjust to his size. When I know I've got a
handle on it, I kissed him slowly, pulling him against me and let my breasts
brushes his chest. I thrust myself forward, deepening the connection.
"Trinity, tell me you're ready." he breathed.
"I'm ready."
With my prompt, he extracted himself and drives back inside of me more
forcefully. I sighed, tilting my hips upward in acceptance as he growled in
appreciation and repeated his swift thrusts, again and again.
"Akin ka na, Trinity." mabilis ang paghinga na aniya bago ako mabilis na
sinalubong. "Pagaari na kita."
In one fast move, he pulled back and pounded home. I screamed. I'm full to
capacity and loving every wonderful bit of it. I grippes his shoulders as he
increases his thrusts, slamming into me, hitting my womb everytime.
"Ah!"
I yelped in pleasure when he found my lips, plunging his tongue into my mouth
in a desperate claim as our damp sweat riddled bodies clash and slid together.
Pakiramdam ko ay may muli na naman sasabog mula sa kaiburan ko. I've never come
during penetrative sex!
"F-Flav... I'm..."
"You're going to come?" Flavian gasped against my mouth.
"Yes," I shouted, sinking my teeth into his bottom lip.
He moaned. It's animalistic, but I'm losing control here.
"Wait for me," he demanded, pounding harder.
I screamed, desperately clenching my muscles around him to try and hold off,
but it's not working. Matagal pa ba siya? Hindi ko na kaya.
After three more hard strikes, his jaw clenched. "Now, baby."
And I burst at his command, throwing my head back and screaming his name as I
feel hot liquid shoot into me.
He gripped me hard, pulling me as close as he can get me and holding me there,
burrying his face in my exposed throat.
"Oh, fuck!" he groaned against my neck.
The long, satisfied moan falling from my own lips is symbolic of how I feel
right now. I'm totally satisfied.
He slowed his thrusts to ease us both down from our own definition of ecstasy.
I held him tight, my inner muscles contracting around him as he lazily circles his
hips.
"Look at me," he ordered softly.
I looked at him, sighing happily as he searched my eyes. He rolled his hips
again and planted a soft kiss on the end of my nose.
"Remember what I told you, Trinity. Akin ka." he said like it's just that
simple, enlightening every single word.
He rested his face at the side of my neck and breathed harshly. I could
actually stay like this forever... if I was just free...
A deep sigh escaped my lungs.
I'm sorry, Archer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 18
The sun peeking through the black thick curtain was the
first thing I saw the moment my eyes came to life. I was staring there for a couple
of seconds, didn't care if the sunlight is hurting my eyes a bit until I felt
someone plant a soft kiss on my neck.
Slowly, I turned around only to find Flavian staring closely at me. Nakatuon
ang siko niya sa kama habang nakasandal ang sentido sa kamao. His position tells me
that he's been watching me for quite a while now.
"Morning," he greeted huskily, a sweet smile plastered on his lips.
Tipid akong ngumiti sa kanya pabalik. "Good morning."
He tilted his head as he flicked his tongue over his lips. His smile grew even
more wider like he can't suppress his happiness right at this moment. Dahil sa
matamis na ngiti niyang iyon ay hindi ko maiwasan ang purihin siya isip ko.
His bedrooms hair suits him very well. Kahit na bagong gising ay natural na
matalim na ang mga mata niya. His cheeks are a bit rosy. His facial hair was a
little longer than yesterday and it only added masculinity to his physical
appearance. Nakalantad ang dibdib niya, ang ilang balahibo roon ay literal na
nangaakit. Tanging ang bewang pababa sa hita ang siyang natatakpan ng puting kumot.
Kahit ang mabalahibo niyang mga binti ay nakalabas at masuyong nakadantay sa binti
ko.
With his hand above my stomach, he suddenly pulled me gently to him and gave me
a chasely kiss on my lips before embracing me.
"Thank you for last night," he whispered passionately. His voice was too gentle
and caring. This is actually the first time I heard that kind of voice from him.
I bit the lower part of my lip. The memories from last night immediately
crashed into my head. Simula nang magtagpo kami sa bar, yayain ko siyang umalis
doon at nang dalhin niya ako dito sa bahay niya, hanggang sa mangyari ang bagay na
iyon sa amin... ng paulit-ulit, lahat iyon ay malinaw pa sa akin.
Then slowly, like this sunlight peeking through the window, I smiled and
wrapped my arm around his body, too.
Knowing that I've lost myself to him doesn't really feel like I lost something
in me. I didn't scream. I didn't run. I didn't faint. There might have been a
little crying knowing that I already lost my virginity to someone who isn't belong
to me, who isn't mine, someone who is still a stranger to me, and the fact that I
really cheated on Archer makes me feel a little bit guilty but all in all, I
danced. My heart did. Until now.
I know this sounds incredibly lame but I don't want losing my virginity to feel
like losing something. I want it to feel like I'm finding something. I want sex to
be amazing. I want it to be life-alteringly wonderful. And I want it to happen with
someone I love.
Basically, I don't love Flavian. But I like him. I really, really like him. And
I suddenly feel grateful that nothing really intimate happened between Archer and I
way back we're in Paris. Lihim akong nagpapasalamat na hindi natuloy ang kung ano
mang mangyayari sana sa amin no'n. Kung nangyari siguro iyon, hindi ako
makakaramdam ng satisfaction sa sarili ko.
"You don't have to thank me, Flav. Ginusto ko din ang nangyari kagabi." I
answered honestly.
I can feel his chin over my head. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin na para bang
ayaw na akong pakawalan sa mga oras na ito.
"Even so. You don't know how happy I felt the moment I found out that I was
your first. It knocked me off. Completely, baby."
I giggled. "Come on, you sounds like it was your first time deflowering a
woman. It's just purely fuck, Flav. It's no big deal."
I lied. I really want Flavian to treasure what happened between us. Pero
pakiramdam ko ay hindi siya ang tipo ng lalaki na papahalagahan pa ang bagay na
'yon. He's a modern type of guy. Meaning, sex and virginity isn't that huge for
him. I guess I should just not brag about it anymore. Ayokong isipin niya na
maghahabol ako sa kanya dahil lang siya ang nakauna sa akin.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 19
The situation got only worser when Flavian said that there's no more traffic along
his way and that he might reach my place earlier than expected. Mas lalo lang
bumundol ang kaba sa aking dibdib at halos umakyat na ang lamig mula sa aking
talampakan patungo sa mga palad ko.
"F-Flav. Can you wait a bit? W-Wala ako sa condo ngayon."
Mabilis kong tinungo ang cabinet ko at humila ng isang itim at bulaklakin na
kimono roon. Ipinatong ko ito sa suot na nighties at nagmamadaling kinuha ang pouch
na nasa ibabaw ng bedside table ko.
"Where are you?" seryosong tanong ni Flavian mula sa kabilang linya.
Lumabas ako ng kwarto at maingat na isinara ang pinto. Baka kasi marinig ni
Flavian iyon at magtaka pa kung nasaan ba talaga ako.
Damn it! Ang hirap ng may sikreto.
"G-Galing ako sa bahay ng secretary ko, si Shey. I just had to drop some
paperworks. Pabalik na rin ako."
"Why not through email?"
"It's too important, Flav. Kailangan personal na iabot." I lied nonsensely.
Sandaling nanaig ang katahimikan. Sinamantala ko 'yon at dali-daling bumaba ng
hagdanan. Even the way I stepped into the marmol stairs was too gentle and silent.
Hindi ko hinayaan na maglikha ni kaunting ingay ang paglapat ng tsinelas ko roon.
The house is still silent. Tanging ang mga dim lights lang ang nakabukas. The
city lights looks so bright outside the transparent glasswall. Wala pang anino o
senyales na narito na si Archer kaya naman nakahinga rin ako ng maluwag. Kung
narito siya ay paniguradong mahihirapan akong umalis.
Of course. I am already wearing my nighties. Magtataka iyon kung bakit bigla
akong aalis ng bahay nang ganito ang suot.
"Alright. Drive safely. I'll wait for you at the basement." Flavian responded.
My breathing flowed back to normal. Tumango ako kahit pa hindi naman niya
nakikita.
"Okay,"
Pinutol ko kaagad ang linya pagkasabi ko no'n. Just when I'm about to open the
main door, a cold and baritone voice filled my ears.
"Going somewhere?"
Kinagat ko ang ibabang parte ng labi ko nang masigurong kay Archer ang boses na
iyon. Nanatiling nakahawak sa doorknob ang kamay ko, hindi alam kung itutuloy ba
ito sa pagbukas o hindi.
I thought he's still out? Nakauwi na pala siya? Did he hear me talking to
someone? Bakit ang aga niya umuwi? I remember him going home by eight or nine in
the evening. Seven pa lang. What happened?
I let my eyes focus on the doorknob for half a minute before looking at him.
Anong sasabihin ko? Na sa condo ko ako pupunta? Kapag tinanong niya kung bakit
doon gayong may bahay naman siya, anong idadahilan ko? What if I used Zoe as my
alibi? Na doon ako matutulog? Would he believe me? Kaya lang ay baka tanungin niya
si Zoe at malaman ang totoo. They're not close but still, he knows that Zoe is my
best friend.
Bahala na. I'll just tell him the truth. Hindi naman siya siguro pupunta doon
para siguraduhin kung naroon nga ako.
"Sa condo ko. I'll sleep there." walang emosyon na sagot ko.
He's still wearing his white button down sleeve. Nakatupi pa ito hanggang siko,
halatang kakauwi lang talaga. He loosened his tie as he gave me a curious gaze.
"Again? Nadadalas ang pagtulog mo doon. Why can't you sleep in the guest room
just like before? Puwede ka rin naman sa kwarto ko." kunot noong tanong niya.
It's only Archer who can make my blood boil. Kung sana ay
nananahimik na lang siya at hindi na umaarte pa na akala mo isa siyang inosente at
ulirang asawa, hindi sana kami magtatalo ng ganito.
From the road ahead of me, my eyes automatically went to dashboard when I heard
my phone beep. Inabot ko ito at mabilis na sinulyapa bago ibinalik sa kalsada ang
mga mata.
I glanced at it and found a message from Flavian. My heart skipped a beat.
Flavian:
I'm here.
Mas binilisan ko pa ang pagmamaneho pagkatapos mabasa 'yon. Mabuti na lang din
talaga at wala ng traffic. Wala pang labing limang minuto ay papasok na ang
sasakyan ko sa basement ng building.
My eyes scanned the whole area the moment I reached inside. Hindi ko alam kung
anong sasakyan ang pagaari ni Flavian sa mga ito. Yesterday, he used a black Aston
Martin. Alin kaya sa mga ito ang kanya?
I slowed down my pace. My question got answered when I saw Flavian step down a
black SUV. His eyes were already directed to me like he already knows that I am the
one who owns this car. Siguro ay tanda niya na ang klase ng sasakyan na pagaari ko.
Tinulak niya pasara ang pinto ng kotse niya. He gestured the vacant space
beside his car, probably telling me that I can park there. Sinunod ko 'yon at
ekspertong iginarahe ang sasakyan doon.
The engine died down. Tumingin ako sa kanang gilid ko at nakitang nakatingin sa
gawi ko si Flavian habang nakasandal sa gilid ng kotse niya. His hands are both
inside his slacks' pockets.
My car windows are tinted so he probably can't see me here as I looked at him.
But the way he directed his eyes to me feels like he can clearly see me.
Mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Marahan kong binuksan ang pintuan sa
gilid ko at lumabas doon. I slammed the door close and ambled to the other side.
Flavian's obsidian and piercing eyes were anchored to me as I walked near him.
Bumaba ang mga mata niya sa katawan ko na naging dahilan para makita ko ang
pagsasalubong ng kilay niya.
Tumigil ako sa harap niya. Matangkad na ako pero pag katabi ko itong si Flavian
ay nagmumukha akong maliit. When I'm wearing heels, our height would just leveled.
Pero ngayong nakaflip-flops lang ako ay nagmistulan akong punggok sa kanya.
He moved his eyes back to me. I suddenly had a hard time breathing at the
intensity of his gaze. He looks so pissed.
What? Did I do something wrong?
Like a true couple, he suddenly crouched down and planted a soft kiss on my
cheek.
"You went out wearing just that?" he asked coldly.
I looked down my body. Nawala na rin sa isip ko naka nighties nga lang pala ako
dahil narin sa sobrang pagmamadali na mapuntahan siya dito.
To look more natural, I shrugged my shoulders like it's nothing to me.
"What's wrong with my get up? Naka kimono naman ako."
Kumunot ang noo niya. Siguro ay hindi niya alam ang tawag sa nakapatong na
damit sa nighties ko.
"I mean I have a cover up. Hindi naman ako masagwang tingnan."
He sighed heavily. "I didn't say that you are, Trinity. Heaven knows that even
if you're just wearing a rug, you would still looked like a goddess to me. But
baby, I don't want other men ogling at your body."
Napairap ako. I had to bite my lips just to stop myself from smiling because
hell knows that those words from him makes me feel ridiculously giddy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 20
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 21
Pasimple kong inaalis ang pagkakadantay ng kamay ni Archer sa aking bewang matapos
niya akong alalayan makalabas ng Davao International Airport. Kung hindi lang dahil
sa in-laws ko na halos katabi lang namin ay kanina ko pa ito tinarayan.
I have no idea if they already knew the real score between Archer and I.
Probably, not. Dahil kung may alam sila ay hindi wagas kung makayakap sa akin si
Mama Evangeline kanina pagkakita sa akin.
When she saw us arriving at the NAIA, she excitedly welcomed me with a warm
hug. It seems genuine, though. Halos buwan na rin simula nang huli kaming magkita.
Iyon pa 'yong naglunch kami ni Archer sa family house nila.
"Can't you hide the scowl on your face and smile a little? Mother will surely
notice you, Trinity." Archer whispered coldly.
"What? They're not looking at us!"
"Even so! Malakas ang pakiramdam niyan kaya kahit hindi nakatingin ay
siguradong makakahalata 'yan."
Nagtagis ang bagang ko. "Talaga? Bakit hindi niya pa nararamdaman na hindi tayo
ayos kung ganoon? She seems innocent."
Napaigtad ako nang maramdaman ko ang pagdiin ng mga daliri niya sa bewang ko. I
shot him a death glare but his glare was more deadlier.
"Stop being so immature, Trinity. It's not funny anymore."
Inirapan ko siya. And does he think he's funny? Hindi niya ba alam na salot
siya sa buhay ko? Hindi niya ba alam na sa tuwing makikita ko siya ay umiinit na
ang ulo ko? Dikitan pa, lalo na.
Huminto ang dalawang itim na kotse sa harapan namin. Dumako ang mga mata ko kay
Papa na ngayon ay nasa bukana na ng pintuan ng driver's seat ng sasakyan. Papa
avoided my gaze. My heart pummeled painfully. Huminga ako ng malalim.
"Hija, we'll just see each other in the hotel, okay?" Mama Evangeline said that
made me look at her.
I nodded blankly. "Yes, Mama."
Binuksan ni Archer ang pintuan sa backseat at inalalayan akong pumasok doon.
Hindi na ako umalma pa dahil wala rin namang mangyayari.
Umusod ako sa dulo nang umupo siya sa tabi ko. Why don't he just sit in the
passenger's seat instead sitting here beside me?
"Stop being so distant. This is just for a couple of days. After this, you can
already go back to your life." he growled.
I shot my brow at him. "My life, huh? You mean my single life?"
From ahead, he brought his eyes to me and the irritation from them were so much
visible. His jaw clamped tightly but I don't feel afraid. Para bang galit na galit
na siya sa akin.
Well, I don't care.
Inalis ko ang tingin sa kanya at pinanood na lang ang maayos at malinis na
kalsada ng Davao. Halos magtatanghali na rin. Dalawang oras ang naging biyahe namin
patungo rito. It's almost lunch time and I'm a bit wondering if Flavian has already
sent me a text... perhaps, called me?
But how would I know if I won't activate my line? Gustuhin ko man buksan ay
nagaalala akong paulanan niya ako ng mga tanong at masabi ko ang totoo.
Nakarating kami sa hotel na tutuluyan namin makalipas lang ang kalahating oras.
Archer opened the door for me and the tall building under the bright blue sky
greeted my eyes.
Kumalabog ang pinto ng kotse pasara. Archer's hand felt warm on my waist as he
gripped it gently. Hindi ko siya nilingon. Nakita ko ang pagdating at pagparada ng
isa pang itim na sasakyan ng mga in-laws ko at ni Papa.
Naunang bumaba si Papa. Ako na ang naunang nagiwas ng tingin dahil kung muli ko
na namang makikita ang pagiwas niya sa akin ay tuluyan nang masira ang araw ko.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 22
The first thing that came into my mind the moment I opened
my eyes was to book a ticket back to Manila. The fight between Archer and I last
night was beyond crucial that I had to drink to forget it a little.
Nagtungo ako sa isang bar malapit sa hotel na tinutuluyan namin at hinayaan ang
sarili malango sa alak. I was also stupid for imagining things like Flavian would
suddenly came in and joined me, and then would asked me to go out of that bar but I
just felt disappointed.
Siyempre, imposible iyon mangyari dahil nasa Manila siya at nasa Davao ako. He
doesn't even know that I'm here. Paanong malalaman ay patay pa rin ang cellphone ko
hanggang ngayon.
But I am planning to activate it now since I have to call Shey and ask her to
book me a ticket. Hindi ko na kaya pa tumagal sa kwarto na ito kasama si Archer.
Alam ko na normal lang sa magasawa ang ginawa niyang paghalik sa akin pero para
sa akin ay hindi niya iyon dapat ginawa lalo pa at alam niyang hindi kami ayos. I
felt disrespected! Akala niya ba ay ang tungkol pa rin sa Paris ang dahilan kung
bakit mas lalo akong naging malamig sa kanya?
Ang tagal na non! At hindi ko gaanong dinibdib 'yon. Maybe I got frustrated but
that didn't last for too long.
I don't know where he slept last night. Basta nang umuwi ako pasada alas dose
ay wala siya sa suit namin. Baka nagpalipas ng gabi sa ibang kwarto, o di kaya
naman ay naginom rin na kagaya ko.
I took a deep breath. Ang gulo talaga ng buhay ko!
Clutching my head that's been throbbing so bad, I leaned sideward to reach my
phone over the bedside table. Nagpakawala pa ako ng isang mabigat na buntong
hininga saka binuhay ang cellphone ko.
I was my biting my lips for the whole seconds of watching it come to life.
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang pumirmi na ito sa homescreen.
Why am I suddenly being nervous? Bakit pakiramdam ko ay may mangyayari oras na
buhayin ko ang cellphone ko?
Wala pa man ilang minutong buhay ang cellphone ko ay sunod-sunod na ang
pagtunog nito dahil sa mensahe mula sa iba't-ibang tao. From business colleagues,
friends, my secretary but most of it, messages were all coming from Flavian!
Thirteen messages to be exact!
Suminghap ako. I swallowed because my throat suddenly went dry. Nanglamig ang
aking kamay at ang kalabog ng puso ko ay bumilis.
Unconsciously, my finger tapped his name to read his messages.
Flavian:
Where the hell are you, Trinity? Stop playing games with me.
Flavian:
Answer my fucking calls.
Flavian:
You're frustrating the hell out of me.
Flavian:
You're not in your office. Where are you?
I checked the time history and it's already afternoon when he sent me those
texts. Siguro ay nanggaling na siya sa opisina ko at nalaman na wala ako doon. May
usapan kami na susunduin niya ako paguwi at sa kanya matutulog tapos ay biglang
ganoon.
Hindi ko na binasa pa ang ilang mensahe niya. I visited on Shey's messages and
my eyes shut tightly after reading them.
Shey:
I'm sorry to ask this, Ma'am. But is there something going on between you two?
Shey:
Ma'am, Mr. Follosco was very angry. Akala niya ay pinagtataguan mo siya at alam
ko kung nasaan ka. I don't know what to tell him.
Shey:
Oh my gosh, Ma'am! He just entered your office. Ayaw niya kasi maniwala na wala
ka dito.
Shey:
Ma'am, Mr. Flavian Follosco is already here.
Kinagat ko ang aking labi matapos basahin ang lahat ng mensahe niya.
Damn, Flav. Mukhang hinarass pa ata niya si Shey doon.
Dali-dali kong pinindot ang call sign at tinawagan ang sekretarya ko. Tiningnan
ko ang wall clock. It's already nine in the morning and Shey is probably on her
table right now.
Finally, three rings and she already answered it.
"Ma'am!" she answered lively like she's already waiting for me to call.
Pakiramdam ko ay ganoon nga. At pakiramdam ko ay si Flavian ang dahilan kung
bakit ganito na lang siya kataranta sa pagtawag ko.
"Shey, kamusta?"
"Ma'am, buti naman po at napatawag ka na. Nastressed po ako ng bongga kay Mr.
Follosco. Napaka-aggressive po niya! Galit na galit siya kahapon dahil akala niya
ay may alam ako sa pinuntahan nyo."
"Sinabi mo ba sa kanya na nariyan kahapon ang pamilya at asawa ko?" tanong ko.
Bigla akong kinabahan. Paano kung nasabi niya kay Flavian na kasama ko umalis
si Papa at Archer? And then Flavian would definitely doubt about those people. O,
kung sino sila sa buhay ko.
"Hindi, po. Hindi na rin ako nagkaroon ng pagkakataon dahil halos manglisik na
ang mga mata niya sa akin. Basta ang sabi ko lang po ay nag out of town kayo dahil
sa isang kliyente."
Lihim akong napangisi. Knowing Flavian and the way his eyes move, it can
actually freeze anyone to death. Kung kapag nakangiti nga ay matalim at nakakailang
na ang mga mata niya, iyon pa kayang galit siya.
Come on, Trina. Natatawa ka pa gayong siguradong naghihimutok na sa'yo yung
tao.
"Just let him. Please, book me a ticket back to Manila, Shey. Book the earliest
flight. Iyong papaalis na."
"I thought three days ka riyan, Ma'am?"
Huminga ako ng malalim. Dapat. Sana. Kung hindi lang naging gago si Archer ay
baka pinilit ko pa manatili rito ng dalawa pang araw. I remember him telling me
that the first day would spend in a convention meeting and the following days will
be a private seminar for businessmen whose business are into construction.
Ano naman ang gagawin ko doon kung sakali? Tutunganga?
"Hindi na. Uuwi na ako ngayon. Isa pa, marami akong pending drafts na kailangan
tapusin. Send me the flight details through email. I'll wait for it."
"Okay, ma'am. I'll do it now."
"Thank you, Shey."
Pagkatapos ng tawag na 'yon ay hindi na ako nagaksaya pa ng oras. Bumangon ako
at nagdiresto sa banyo upang maligo. An hour later and I'm already out of the
bathroom. Saktong paglabas ko ay pag bukas ng pintuan ng suite.
Hinigpitan ko ang pagkakatali ng robe sa aking bewang nang pumasok mula roon si
Archer. Nagtama ang mga mata namin. His eyes weren't blooshot like I expected them
to be. Akala ko ay puyat siya dahil hindi dito natulog. Baka nga tama ako. Baka nga
sa ibang kwarto siya natulog.
"Prepare yourself. We'll be leaving for the seminar before lunch." he stated
authoritatively.
My lips twitched. Naglakad ako patungo sa bedside table at kinuha ang
cellphone. I opened it and a smile crept on my lips when an incoming email popped
up on the screen.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 23
Isang linggo? Sosolohin niya ako ng isang linggo? Is he serious? Maybe... he's out
of his mind, right? At saka bakit ba siya narito ng ganitong oras? Bakit kung
kailan nakauwi na ako ay saktong narito siya?
Did Shey tell him about my arrival? Probably, yes. Wala namang ibang nakakaalam
na ngayon ako babalik ng Manila kung hindi siya lang.
"You're kidding me," natatawa ngunit hindi makapaniwalang saad ko sa kanya.
Hindi ko maiwasan ang bahagyang mapaigtad nang maramdaman ko ang paghaplos ng
parehong hinlalaki niya sa aking bewang habang mahigpit na nakadaiti roon.
His dark eyes sent shiver deep down my soul as he gaze at me. Nagiwas ako ng
tingin.
"Do I looked like I'm kidding to you?"
Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa kanya. He shot his brow up, a smirk plastered on his
red, moistened lips.
"Hindi natin puwede gawin 'yon, Flav. We have our own job to take care of."
But the truth is, his offer actually sounds exciting. A one week vacation with
him will be my temporary escape... a sinful but sweet escape to be exact.
Walang problema kung liliban ako sa trabaho ng isang linggo. Hawak ko ang oras
ko. But what about Archer? Paano ako magdadahilan sa kanya sa ilang araw na
pagkawala ko? A few days will be fine. Pero ang isang linggo ay malabo. Siguradong
magtataka si Archer. At sa huli, baka malaman niya ang dahilan ng pagkawala ko.
Naagaw ni Flavian muli ang atensyon ko nang gumapang ang mga kamay niya patungo
sa kamay ko at marahan akong hilahin habang siya ay umaatras.
Few steps backwards and he's already leaning at the edge of my desk. Habang
siya ay bahagyang nakaupo, ako naman ay nakatayo sa harap niya at pinagmamasdan
siya. I honestly find our position very sensual.
With his hands now back to my waist, his intense gaze piercing through me, I
feel like we're about to do something wild.
God, Trinity! Your mind!
"Puwede. Kung gugustuhin mo. Don't you want to be with me? Hmm?" he asked
erotically.
Ngumuso ako. Who doesn't want to be with him? Definitely not me.
"But we still have works to-"
"Works my fucking ass. I want to be with you. End of conversation." he fired
back.
Ang mga kamay ko na nakapirmi lang sa tagiliran ko ay parang may sariling buhay
na nagtungo sa bewang niya at hinayaan itong mamahinga roon. Suddenly, he parted
his feet and jailed me with his firmed thighs.
Gumapang pababa ang tingin niya patungo sa kung nasaan ang mga kamay ko. His
eyes stayed there like he suddenly fell into a deep thoughts. Mabagal na tumaas-
baba ang kanyang dibdib.
"Fine... but make it three days only. Marami pa talaga akong trabaho na dapat
asikasuhin. Mayroon pa akong deadline sa isang linggo. I'm sure three days are
already enough to make it up to you." sagot ko.
His eyes became dreamy as he brought it back to my face. Hinapit niya ang
bewang ko mas papalapit pa sa kanya. I can feel his lean body pressed up against
me.
My breathing almost halt when he titled his head and moved closer to my neck.
He sniffed it as he graze his lips against it - a gesture that would have normally
sent my head spinning only made me sick to the very pit of my stomach.
"Hmm... three days with you still sounds good." he said between his soft
kisses.
He kissed my neck like it's my lips. Long, passionate and very gentle. I'm
amazed at how one touch of his lips could hitched my breath. I tilted my head
sideways - giving him more access to enjoy what he's doing.
Chapter 24
He flicked his sexy tongue over his lips and nodded his
head. Kinuha niya na ang kanya na nasa ibabaw lang ng mesa at walang salitang
isinuot ito.
And damn it! Even a white printed shirt looks so good on him. Kahit ata basahan
lang ang isuot niya ay magagawa pa rin niyang maging makisig. That white shirt he's
wearing complimented his fair complexion. Mas lalo siyang nagmukhang malinis at
disente.
A washed denim pants, white souvenir tshirt and a white rubber shoes, who says
a man can be this stupidly hot? Only Flavian can rock this outfit without losing
his ruthless and snobbish air.
"Your turn," Flavian snapped me from glorifying him.
Napaayos ako ng upo.
"Okay,"
Isinuot ko na ang tshirt at hinayaang patungan ang suot kong maxi dress.
Iniangat ko ang buhok ko dahil pumaloob ito sa t-shirt at ibinagsak rin kalaunan.
Isang mabilis na hagod ng tingin ang ginawad ko sa sarili bago sinulyapan si
Flavian na masusing nakatitig sa akin.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"Well... How do I look?" I asked.
His lips stretched out for a smile. "Walang nagbago. Maganda ka pa rin,"
I sneered. "Bolero. Patay na patay ka talaga sa akin, no?"
Ngumuso siya, nagpipigil na ng ngiti.
"Gandang-ganda lang."
Humagalpak ako ng tawa. God, this man is really my happy pill.
I shook my head and moved my chair near him. I held his phone and inched closer
to him. Itinapat ko ang cellphone sa amin at matamis na ngumiti sa harap ng screen.
I can see Flavian wearing his sexy smirk while staring at the screen, too.
"Wacky," natatawang sabi ko.
I didn't expect his definition of wacky. He shifted on his seat and faced me as
I looked at the screen. Nakita ko ang paghalik niya sa aking pisngi, kasabay noon
ay ang pagcaptured ko sa posisyon namin.
"That's not a wacky, you moron." kunyari ay nakasimangot na sabi ko at ibinaba
na ang cellphone.
Umangat lang ang sulok ng labi niya, hindi na sumagot pa.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your aircraft is now ready for your flight to Amanpulo.
You can already board inside and may you have a safe trip ahead. Thank you and God
bless."
Nagkatinginan kami ni Flavian matapos i-anounced iyon ng isang staff.
"Let's go," aniya.
Tumango ako. Sabay kaming tumayo at muling isinukbit ang bag sa balikat ko. Ang
mga kasabayan namin ay nagsitayuan na rin at naghahanda na sa paglabas ng lugar.
Flavian and I were the first one who got out of the lounge. One of the crew
guided us towards the plane. Naghihintay na ito sa malawak na lote.
Hawak ni Flavian ang kamay ko sa ilang minutong paglalakad namin palapit sa
eroplano. Sa likod namin ay rinig ang yabag ng mga kasama namin. This trip is
indeed private dahil hindi lalampas ng labing lima ang pasahero kabilang na kami ni
Flavian.
Hindi ko tuloy mapigilan ang masabik dahil sa lugar na naghihintay sa amin. At
dahil na rin sa ilang araw na makakasama ko si Flavian ng kaming dalawa lang.
Walang ibang iisipin. Kami lang.
"You climb first," marahan na utos ni Flavian sa akin.
Agad akong sumunod. Ang ngiti sa labi ko ay mabilis na naglaho nang makitang
nakahilera ang ilang one seater couch at ang ibig sabihin lang noon ay hindi kami
magkakatabi ni Flavian sa upuan at sa buong byahe patungo roon.
Tulis ang nguso akong huminto at napatingin sa aking likod.
"What's wrong?" takang tanong ni Flavian na nakahinto rin.
"Hindi tayo tabi?"
He chuckled, amusement was visible in his face.
"Clingy,"
Mahina ko siyang hinampas sa braso na mas ikinatawa niya pa. My lips protruded
longer at his playfulness. Nahinto siya sa pagtawa pero ang ngisi ay naroon pa rin.
"It's just a one hour trip, baby. You won't miss me that long." mapangasar na
aniya bago ako kinindatan.
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Chapter 25
It's been only fifteen minutes since our plane left the
ground of Manila and I can already feel the boredom striking me for the remaining
time Flavian isn't beside me.
Kung tutuusin ay ilang metro lang naman ang layo niya sa akin. Magkatapat lang
ang upuan namin. He's on my left side, parehas na nasa pinakahuling row ng mga
upuan.
Kung bakit ba kasi ganito ang seating arrangement ng eroplano na ito? I
understand that it's a private plain and the loading capacity of it isn't that
many. Pero puwede namang dalawang upuan sa bawat hilera?
Kung bente katao lang ang puwede sumakay, puwede namang limang row na lang at
apat na upuan kada linya, hindi ba?
I breathed frustratedly.
Flavian is indeed right. I'm clingy. I don't even know why I am acting this
way. Muntik ko ng hindi makilala ang sarili ko. What I'm acting right now is such a
foreign to me, but natural. Siguro ay dahil ngayon ko lang naman ito naramdaman sa
tanang buhay ko. Ni hindi ko nararamdaman ito kay Archer. Heck, I don't even give a
care on what he does every time we're together. Ganoon rin siya sa akin.
Siguro, kaya ganito na lang ako kung umasta, at kung bakit gusto kong palagi ko
siyang katabi at kasama ay dahil alam kong panandalian lang ang saya na mayroon
kami. Maiksi lang ang panahon na makakasama ko siya dahil darating at darating ang
oras na malalaman niya ang totoo tungkol sa akin.
Pero kung mayroon man paraan para mapahaba ko ang relasyon namin na ito nang
hindi niya nalalaman ang totoo, gagawin ko. Susundin ko. I just don't want to end
this thing between us. I want to feel this happiness for as long as I live even
though I know that's impossible and so much to ask for.
Isang haplos sa aking braso ang naramdaman ko. Nahinto ang paglalayag ng isip
ko at nilingon ang aking gilid. Flavian is looking at me in his serious aura.
"Yes?" I mouthed.
Maingay ang engine ng eroplano kung kaya naman hindi kami magkakarinigan.
Suddenly, he lifted his phone up and gave it to me. Kumunot ang noo ko.
Why is he giving me his phone?
Naguguluhan man ay kinuha ko ito ay awtomatikong napadpad sa screen ang
atensyon. The screen is on. My eyes went to the words that were written on his note
app.
I want to cuddle with you.
My brow lifted in amusement. Nagangat ako ng tingin sa kanya. The corner of his
lips rose. Pasimple akong natawa dahil sa kabila ng katotohanan na hindi kami
makakapagusap dahil sa distansya at ingay ng paligid namin, nagawa niya pa rin
makipagcommunicate sa akin.
I typed a reply on his note app.
Too bad we're meters apart from each other.
Ibinigay ko ito sa kanya na agad rin niyang inabot. He anchored his eyes to his
phone. I watched his reaction as he read my response.
Masiyado naman kaming teenager sa mga galawan naming ito.
He typed again. Segundo lang ang itinagal at ibinigay niya na ulit sa aking ang
cellphone niya.
We can do something about that.
Really? Paano naman kaya?
Itinipa ko ang tanong sa aking isip.
How?
Muli kong ibinalik ang cellphone sa kanya. Waiting for him as he type his
response is a bit frustrating. Para akong nasasabik na hindi ko maintindihan!
Ano ba, Trinity? Masiyado ka namang aligaga!
A breathe of excitement leaped of my mouth when he handed me his phone back. My
brows knitted in pure confusement when I read what has written there.
"No one's gonna stop me now, baby. I just want you so bad.
Don't worry, this will be quick." he breathed before crashing my moistened lips and
kissed me like he's never going to stop.
Heat spread through my body like a wildfire as lust sipped my blood making it
to ignite. Automatically, my arms went to his nape and encircled it gently. I
wrapped my leg around his perfect hips as I felt him kissing the side of my neck.
Flavian pulled back and lifted the hem of my shirt up as I automatically raised
my hands to give him access to remove it. He let my shirt fall in the floor and
gazed lustfully at me.
I shivered at the thought of getting naked inside this plane because hell knows
I'm a bit nervous and excited at the same time.
"Just a quickie. No need to remove our clothes. Just want to have a taste of
your tits."
I gulped at his bluntness. This is the first time I heard him dirty talking and
it honestly turned me on!
Muling naglapat ang mga labi namin. I ran my hands down his long and lean torso
feeling every bump of his defined muscles. Flavian moaned erotically at my sudden
touch.
He suddenly cupped my breasts and gripped it with so much hunger. He stopped
kissing my lips as I felt him pulling the neck line of my dress down, exposing my
breasts. He took it in his warm mouth in delicately but with manly power caressed,
licked, bit and sucked me to the point of no return.
"Ah!" I moaned.
Hinila ko siya palapit sa akin dahil sa kuryenteng nararamdaman sa aking
katawan. I felt his growing crotch against my leg and all thoughts of not getting
naked went out the window as I gasped and pulled his shirt off, revealing exactly
what I expected, perfection.
He stopped savoring my breast and stood properly. He smirked.
"There you go. Your wild side has finally come out,"
"Take me right now," I said sexily, couldn't recognize my voice anymore.
His smirk grew wider.
"No need to tell me. Just keep your moans low,"
I nodded eagerly. He took it as a sign and immediately unzipped his pants. My
eyes went there as he released his protruding manhood and let me see it on its full
glory. It's a bit pinkish and the tip was already pooling with moisture.
Oh gosh. He's this horny!
Itinaas niya ang laylayan ng maxi dress ko. I'm glad that I did not wear a
cycling. It won't be hard for him to slide his thing inside me.
Damn you, Trinity. Wala ka na rin sa matinong pagiisip!
Suminghap ako nang hindi na hinubad pa ni Flavian ang underwear na suot ko. Sa
halip ay hinawi na lang niya ito patagilid saka ipinasok ang kahabaan niya. It sent
me over the top. I arched my body at the sudden action but moaned at the greatness
of it.
Great. The people won't hear me outside since the plane's engine is too loud
and guttural.
Flavian started slamming into me while looking lustfully at my eyes.
"I would never feel tired doing this with you, Trinity." he said as he cupped
my breasts with his large and warm hands.
I caught myself biting my bottom lip, breathing so heavy. With one last thrust,
I was sent into a taste of ecstasy.
"Flav!" I shivered, my toes curled and arched my back against the cold tiled
wall.
Not so long ago when Flavian went off inside me, his warm seed filled my womb
as veins on his neck protruded sexily. He moaned loudly in my ear and his breath
became erratic.
"F...uck..." he growled sexily, dropping his last juices.
We were both gasping for breath when we both heard a couple of knocks from
outside. My eyes widened as we stared each other. Umawang ang bibig niya.
"Shit!" I cursed lowly.
Inilayo ko ang katawan niya sa akin. Natataranta kong inayos ang dress na suot
ko at pinulot ang aking tshirt sa sahig. I wore it with a pounding heart inside my
chest.
Meanwhile, Flavian looks so calm and relaxed as he zipped his pants. What?
Hindi man lang siya kinakabahan?
Naulit ang pagkatok. I'm so sure that it's one of the passengers!
"I'll go first. You stay here for a minute or two. Ako na ang bahalang
magdahilan sa kung sino man ang nasa labas. Relax. You looked like a woman who just
had a mind-blowing orgasm." he taunted.
Mahina ko siyang hinampas sa dibdib kasabay ng pagpahid ko sa butil ng pawis na
tumulo sa may sentido ko.
"Because I just had, you moron!" I scowled.
He chuckled before planting a soft kiss on my nose. "Leave it all to me, babe.
I got you."
Ngumuso ako. Pagkatapos noon ay tumalikod na siya. Sinabayan ko iyon at
naglakad sa gilid kung saan hindi ako makikita kung sakaling buksan ang pinto.
My heart was beating so loud when Flavian held the door handle and twisted it
to open. Binuksan niya ang pinto sa maliit na espasyo lamang para hindi ako makita.
Marahan niya itong inilapat pasara.
Hindi bumagal ang ritmo ng puso ko. I stayed in the bathroom for two damn
minutes. Pinuno ko ng hangin ang aking dibdib bago nagdesisyong pihitin na ang door
handle pabukas.
Unti-unti kong isinilip ang ulo ko. A middle aged woman was standing outside,
arms crossed over her chest while staring somewhere else. Nang maramdaman ang
presensiya ko ay agad siyang tumingin sa akin.
"Hi! Are you feeling better now?" she asked, genuine concern laced with her
voice.
Umawang ang bibig ko. Kumurap-kurap ako sa naging bungad niya sa akin. Unti-
unti kong inilabas ang sarili ko mula sa loob ng banyo.
Why is she asking me that?
"Uhm-"
"I heard from your husband that you're suffering from stomach cramps right now.
Nagsusuka ka daw kaya sinamahan ka niya. I have a medicine for that. I'll give it
to you once I'm done here."
Damn, Flavian. Ito ba ang ginamit niyang dahilan sa kalokohan naming ito? A
stomach cramps? Really?
Para magmukhang kapani-paniwala ang rason namin ay tumango ako sa ginang at
ngumiti.
"Yes, please. Thank you so much. And sorry for keeping you waiting."
She nodded kindly. "No worries. You're lucky to have a caring husband like
him." aniya at tumingin sa gawi ni Flavian. Sinundan ko iyon ng tingin at nakitang
nakatalikod siya sa gawi namin.
Husband... What a pleasant label to hear. What have been good if it's really
true.
"I'm going in. Naiihi na ako." the woman said that made me look at her again.
"Alright. I'm going to my seat. I'm sorry again."
She just smiled at me and entered the comfort room. Sinamantala ko na iyon at
naglakad na pabalik. Kita ko ang nakatalikod na bulto ni Flavian. Huminto na ako
nang nasa hilera na ako ng upuan namin. Agad siyang tumingin sa gawi ko. Ang ngisi
ay mabilis na bumalatay sa labi niya.
I saw him holding his phone. I snatched it before seating back to my chair.
Nagtungo ako sa note app niya at nagtipa ng mensahe doon.
Stomach cramps my ass.
I handed his phone back to him. With a playful smirk, he took it and read it.
Ilang saglit lang nang manginig ang balikat niya dahil sa tawang pinakawalan. I
rolled my eyes. He composed a message there and gave it to me.
Pahablot kong kinuha iyon, nagkukunwaring naiinis. Nang ituon ko ang atensyon
ko roon, agad na gumapang ang init sa aking pisngi matapos mabasa ang kabuuan ng
mensahe niya.
At least it worked, right? Doing quickie with you felt so good, babe. It's the
best. Let's do it again next time. ;)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 26
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Chapter 27
"I know. I just can't help it. You know how dedicated I am
with my career."
"Hmm, one of the reasons why I fell for you." he said straightforwardly.
"What's your family business, by the way?"
"We own a construction and development company,"
"Hmm. And your father runs it, right? Don't have any plans on taking over your
empire?"
My chest rose and fell at the sudden heavy air I let out.
Wala. Kaya nga pinilit ako ipakasal sa lalaking hindi ko naman gusto para
mayroong mamahala roon. Dahil alam ni Papa na hindi ako interesado sa negosyo niya.
"Wala," simpleng sagot ko.
"The reason why your father introduce you to some random businessman for a
pragmatic marriage. For business sake."
Napapikit ako ng mariin sa mga kasinungalingang lumalabas sa bibig ni Flavian
na ako rin naman mismo ang nagpasok.
"Y-Yes,"
Naramdaman ko ang pagtaas-baba ng dibdib niya mula sa aking likod. He went
silent for a moment. Sa ilang sandaling iyon ay malaya kong narinig ang hampas ng
alon sa dalampasigan, ang pagihip ng hangin at ang pagsayaw ng mga dahon mula sa
puno ng niyog. Maging ang ilang sigawan at tawanan mula sa mga turista sa
dalampasigan ay dinig din.
"Pagbalik natin sa Manila, ipapakilala kita sa pamilya ko." saad ni Flavian sa
seryosong tono.
"I already know your Mother, Flav. She's my former client, right? There's-"
"As my girlfriend, baby. I want them to meet you as my girlfriend. Not an
interior designer or whatever."
Bumigat ang loob ko sa mga bagay na gusto mangyari ni Flavian. Meeting his
parents as his girlfriend is something I never want to happen. Magiging delikado
lang 'yon sa sitwasyon ko. Lying to Flavian about my real identity is already a
huge mistake for me. Ang magsinungaling sa magulang niya? Lalo na.
"And I want to meet your father, too."
My body stiffened at his last words.
No, that can't be. Hindi puwede. Hindi sila puwedeng magkakilala. It will be a
fucking disaster between the two of them!
Bahagya akong humarap sa kanya nang may tipid na ngiti, sa likod noon ay isang
emosyon na punong-puno ng takot. He looked down at me with those intense dark eyes.
"Papa is too busy, Flav. Baka mahirapan tayo magset ng schedule para makausap
siya."
He licked his bottom lip and nodded at me. "I can wait. I need to introduce
myself to him, Trinity. Therefore, he will stop bragging about that Archer."
Bigo akong bumalik sa posisyon ko. Palihim akong nagpakawala ng buntong
hininga. Kung ipipilit ni Flavian ang kagustuhang makilala si Papa, wala akong
magagawa kung hindi ang sumang ayon. Dahil kapag hindi, siguradong magdududa lang
siya sa akin.
Pero sa tingin ko ay hindi na aabot pa sa puntong makikilala nila ang isa't-
isa. Kapag sinabi ko na ang totoo sa kanya, imposibleng gustuhin niya pa makilala
ang Papa ko.
Kakamuhian niya ako. Baka nga isumpa niya pa ako oras na malaman niya ang
totoo. Bakit hindi? He just fucked a married woman. He had an affair with the
unfaithful wife of the great Archer Ravena. What a big scandal it is, right?
Palihim kong pinunasan ang luha na paunti-unti ng sumusungaw sa mga mata ko.
Kailanman, hindi talaga papaburan ng langit ang maling pagibig. Kung bakit
naman kasi ngayon ko lang siya natagpuan? Sana noon ko pa siya nakilala. Noong mga
panahon na malaya pa ako.
"FLAVIAN, saan mo ba ako dadalhin?" angal ko.
Mula nang sumakay kami ng golf cart ay piniringan niya na ang mga mata ko.
Kanina ko pa siya tinatanong ngunit ayaw niya akong sagutin. Nakababa na kami at
lahat ay nananatili pa rin nakapiring ang mga mata ko.
I heard Flavian chuckle, probably because of my reaction.
"Relax, baby. We're almost there."
"Saan ba kasi 'yan?"
Alam kong nasa dalampasigan na kami dahil ramdam ko na ang mainit at pinong
buhangin sa paa ko. Sumasabay sa bawat hakbang ko.
Hindi ako sinagot ni Flavian. Nagpatianod lang ako sa marahang paggabay niya sa
akin, iginigiya sa tamang direksyon.
Umihip ang hangin dahilan para haplusin ko ng isang kamay ko ang aking braso.
It's just seconds later when I felt Flavian place his arm against mine as we
continue walking, shielding my body from coldness.
Ilang hakbang pa ang ginawa namin bago kami huminto.
"Ready?"
Nagtaasan ang balahibo sa batok ko nang maramdaman ko ang hininga niya sa aking
tainga dahil sa bulong na iginawad niya.
Tumango ako, walang maisip na salita.
Kinalas niya ang tali sa aking mga mata. At first, I saw nothing but blurriness
and bokeh of lights. I scratched my eyes, trying to adjust my vision. Sandali lang
iyon nang agad itong bumalik sa normal at mapagtanto ang eksena sa harapan ko.
Umawang ang aking labi. Ang paru-paro sa tiyan ko ay mabilis na nagsilaparan
habang isa-isa kong pinagmamasdan ang kabuuan ng lugar.
In front of me is a two seater dining table. Nababalutan ito ng puting table
cloth. Sa ibabaw ay naroon ang mga pagkain at ang bote ng wine. Nagkalat rin ang
mga lantern sa buhangin dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng liwanag ng madilim na lugar.
There's even a scented candle above the table that made the whole scenery romantic!
Maang akong napatingin kay Flavian. He already looking at me with a smirk
plastered on his face.
"You like it?" he asked.
Ngumuso ako. Umapaw ang luha sa mga mata ko at mahina siyang sinuntok sa
dibdib. Mabilis kong pinunasan ang mga mata ko na ikinahalakhak niya.
Damn it! I've never been this emotional because of happiness.
He gently pulled me closer to him and embraced me. He caressed my hair and
planted a kiss on my forehead.
"No need to answer me. You like it," he stated.
"I do. But it's too much, Flav. You don't have to do this for me-"
"Shh. I want to do this, Trinity. I want our last night here to be more
special." he cut me off.
Ipinulupot ko ang mga kamay ko sa bewang niya at sinuklian ang higpit ng yakap
niya sa akin.
"You don't know how happy I am right now..." I said through my sobs.
I was a bit surprised when I heard a music from our background. Bahagya akong
kumalas kay Flavian at nilingon ang pinanggagalingan ng musika.
A smile etched on my lips when I found three men playing mini instruments in a
tune of some romantic song. Nakasuot sila ng floral polo shirt at may matamis na
ngiti sa mga labi habang nakatingin sa amin.
Nilingon ko si Flavian. He's smiling at me, too. I made few steps towards him
as I tiptoed and marked his lips a soft and passionate kiss. Pumikit siya ngunit
agad rin nagmulat matapos humiwalay ng labi ko mula sa kanya.
Under the bright huge moon that seems to be hanging like a great luminous pearl
on the radiant breast of heaven, we stared deeply in each other's eyes like it'd be
the last time we'll be able to do this.
I put my hand on his cheek and caressed it softly.
"You just made my sweet escape much sweeter, Flav. Thank you."
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Chapter 28
Me:
Nasa office na ako. I miss you.
Napangiti ako matapos i-send ang text na 'yon para kay Flavian. Simula ng
ihatid niya ako kanina sa condo ko ay hindi pa siya nagpaparamdam sa akin. Sabagay,
ang sabi naman niya ay tatawagan niya ako kapag natapos na ang mga meetings niya.
Ipinatong ko ang cellphone ko sa tabi ng mga dokumentong binabasa ko at
ipinagpatuloy iyon. I was honest when I told Flavian before that I have alot of
deadlines to finish this week so a three day vacation should be enough for us.
Funny because I was the one who suggested that three damn days but I was also
the one who felt regretfull. Nabitin ako.
Lumipas ang araw ko na nakakulong lang sa loob ng opisina. Making drafts,
reading documents and answering some inquiries. Sa buong maghapon na 'yon ay hindi
ako nakatanggap ng text o tawag man lang kay Flavian. He's that busy?
Me:
Sobrang dami bang meetings?
God, Trinity. You're being clingy as the time goes by.
Kakapatong ko pa lang ng cellphone ko sa table nang tumunog ito. My heart
skipped a beat, assuming that it's Flavian who texted me.
But my heart slowed its movement when I found a message from Archer, instead.
Archer:
Let's have dinner outside. I'll fetch you after work.
Umikot ang mga mata ko. Bakit ba siya umaarteng maayos kami na para bang puwede
niya ako yayain kumain sa normal na paraan?
With a creased forehead, I typed a reply.
Me:
Bakit kailangan sa labas pa? Puwede namang sa bahay na lang.
Segundo lang at nagreply na kaagad siya. Hindi ba siya busy?
Arche:
Don't like. I know a new restaurant near here. I want to try their specialty.
Nagbuga ako ng hangin. Hindi ito titigil hangga't hindi ako papayag. Magkaka-
wrinkles ako kung patuloy akong makikipag bangayan sa kanya nang dahil lang sa
pagkain.
Me:
Fine. 8pm.
Tumingin ako sa orasan. Alasingko pa lang ng hapon. I still have three hours to
finish my pending work.
Nakaalis na si Shey at lahat ng empleyado ko, ako na lang ang naiwan. It's just
seven and the only thing I can hear is the clock ticking and the stroking of my
sign pen as I write my signature over some documents.
Nanghahaba ang nguso ko, ang kilay ay salubong na salubong. Hindi pa rin
nagpaparamdam sa akin si Flavian. Ni isang reply ay wala. Gusto ko man tawagan ay
nagaalala naman ako na baka makulitan na siya sa akin.
Ano 'yon? Non-stop meeting? Walang pahinga? Walang bathroom break? Can't he
reply to my messages while he's inside that meeting? Nagagawa naman niya 'yon noon.
Bakit hindi ngayon?
Damn it. This is frustrating, huh?
Pabagsak kong ibinalik ang sign pen sa lalagyan nitong mug at bumuntong
hininga. Isinandal ko ang batok ko sa headrest ng swivel chair at kalmadong
pumikit.
That asshole! Makakatikim siya sa akin kapag nagkita na kami bukas.
Nagmulat ang mga mata ko nang tumunog ang cellphone ko tanda ng mayroong
nagtext. So much hoping that it's only Archer who texted me, I got up and took my
phone in a lazy manner.
Napanguso ako dahil hindi naman siya ganoon. He always sits beside me. Kahit
maliit ang espasyo ay isisiksik at isisiksik niya ang sarili niya sa akin.
Baka badmood. Baka may problema talaga sa negosyo niya at ayaw niya lang
sabihin sa akin? He's stressed. That's for sure. I can see and feel it. His
handsome face can't hide it.
"I bought your favorite food from your favorite restaurant. Nakahain na. Hindi
na ako nagluto dahil biglaan itong pagpunta mo dito. Akala ko bukas pa,"
Mula sa pagkakasandal sa couch ay yumuko siya at itinuon ang dalawang siko sa
tuhod. Inihilamos niya ang palad pababa sa mukha at tumitig sa sahig. Pinagsalikop
niya ang mga kamay na para bang kasalukuyan siyang nasa malalim na pagiisip.
Segundo lang ang itinagal noon bago siya nag angat ng tingin sa mga kamay ko na
para bang mayroon siyang hinahanap doon. And when he moved his eyes back to my
face, my heart suddenly pounded violently inside my chest.
Halos mapalunok ako nang makita ko ang kasing bilis ng kidlat na pagdaan ng
dilim doon. His thick brows were owning each other as his eyes became bloodshot.
"F-Flav, what's wrong-"
"What's your whole name again, Trinity?" he cut me off.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Nagtataka man sa naging tanong niya ay sumagot pa rin ako.
"Trinity... just Trinity. Trinity V-Velarde."
The edge of his lips curled up, showing a perfect sinister smirk.
"Velarde, huh?"
Nagaalinlangan man ay pinilit kong tumango. Nagsisimula ng sagasaan ng kaba ang
dibdib ko sa klase ng mga tanong niya at sa paraan ng ngisi niya sa akin. Bakit
pakiramdam ko ay mayroong hindi magandang patutunguhan itong pinaguusapan namin?
"B-Bakit mo natanong? Is there something-"
"Why don't you use your husband's surname, instead? Trinity Ravena sounds much
better."
Umawang ang labi ko. Tuluyan ng nilamon ng kaba ang buong pagkatao ko. Ang luha
sa mga mata ko ay walang pasabing nagsialpasan.
Hindi...
"Pa...paanong..."
Bago ko pa maituloy ang sasabihin ko ay may inabot na siya mula sa likod ng
black coat niya at inihagis iyon sa center table. It's a magazine, and it's already
open. Nang tingnan ko iyon ay halos hindi ko na maramdaman pa ang daloy ng hangin
sa dibdib ko.
My vision got blurry and the lump in my throat suddenly appeared bigger. Hindi
ko magawang lumunok ng maayos. Hindi ako makahinga. Sunod-sunod ang naging paghikbi
ko habang pinagmamasdan ang litrato namin ni Archer sa magazine kung saan nakasuot
ako ng wedding gown habang si Archer ay nakahawak sa bewang ko.
The Velarde-Ravena Nuptial.
Nagangat ako ng tingin kay Flavian. Ang galit at dilim sa mga mata niya as mas
malala na kumpara kanina. There are so many untold pain in those menacing eyes. I
want to take it away but I know in myself that I am also the one who cause him
that.
"F-Flav, I can e-explain..."
The smirk on his lips won't just disappear like it's the only thing he can do
to hold his anger. Suddenly, he shook his head while staring lifelessly at me.
"You disgust me," he growled darkly.
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Chapter 29
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Chapter 30
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Chapter 31
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Chapter 32
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Chapter 33
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Chapter 34
Not only he has a member down there that's huge and thick,
he also has this ass that you wanna grip all day and you won't even get tired!
Heat immediately occupied my cheeks. What the hell are you thinking, Trinity?!
Naupo si Flavian sa mahabang couch. He looked at my face and stayed his eyes
there like he's been studying it. Seconds later when he lifted his brow.
You're blushing," he stated.
Kinagat ko ang ibabang parte ng labi ko at napailing sa kagagahan ko. "Mainit
sa labas,"
His intense eyes remained on my face. Ilang sandali bago siya tumango at
tinapik ang espasyo sa tabi niya.
"Come here,"
I shook my head. "You have plenty of vacant couch here. We don't need to sit
together,"
The edge of his lips turned upward. He flicked his tongue over it and like the
usual, it stole my attention from whatever we're talking about.
"Ipapakita mo sa akin ang mga disenyo mo nang malayo ka sa akin? Isn't it too
unprofessional?"
My teeth gritted. Bakit ba hindi siya makahalatang ayokong lumapit sa kanya
dahil naiilang ako? Pakiramdam ko ay nangaasar pa siya. Pakiramdam ko ay nananadya
pa siya.
Rolling my eyes at him, I stepped towards his direction with a heavy feet.
Narinig ko ang mahinang halakhak niya at padabog na naupo sa tabi niya.
As soon as my butt touches the soft couch, I opened my laptop and activated it.
Sa loob ng ilang minuto na nagbubukas ito ay panay ang kalampag ng puso ko. Paanong
hindi? His exposed hairy legs was brushing my knee that sent me a ticklish feeling.
I also feel that this scene was a dejavu! Parang nangyari na ito noon sa
opisina niya kung saan dinala ko rin ang design examples na kailangan niya para sa
kwarto niya. And that time, he's flirting with me.
Well, siguro naman ay hindi niya na gagawin iyon ngayon dahil may asawa na ako
at ilag na siya sa akin.
Waiting for my laptop to be activated feels like forever. Kaagad akong nagtungo
sa documents at pinakita sa kanya ang mga disenyong ilang gabi kong pinagpuyatan.
I handed him the laptop without even looking at his face but I can sensed that
he's facing me, watching my every movement.
"Here, choose the one that stands out." I said coldly.
Inabot niya sa akin ito at ipinatong sa mga hita niya. Napako ang mga mata ko
roon, lihim na napapamura.
Maging ang pagkakalapat ng mga balahibo sa hita niya ay napakalakas ng dating
sa akin! Nababaliw na naman ako.
"What design do you prefer?"
Nagangat ako ng tingin sa kanya. Nasa screen ng laptop ang mga mata niya at
salubong ang kilay na pinagmamasdan 'yon.
"Pardon?" I asked, a bit confused.
Nag angat siya ng tingin sa akin. "Anong disenyo ang gusto mo dito?"
Damn it. Tinagalog niya lang, e!
"Excuse me, Flav, but I am not the client here."
"Yes, but you're the reason why I want that bedroom to have a renovation."
Kumunot ang noo ko, tuluyan ng naguluhan sa mga sinasabi niya.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" litong tanong ko.
He gazed intently at me. Tumaas-baba ang kanyang dibdib at bumuntong hininga.
Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa screen at seryoso iyong pinagukulan ng pansin.
"Naisip kong ipaayos ang kwarto ko sa disenyong gusto mo para kung sakaling
narito ka... kasama ko... ay matutuwa ka dahil ikaw mismo ang may gawa no'n. And I
also want my places to have a touch of you so I won't miss you all the damn time."
Kumurap-kurap ako kasabay ng pag awang ng labi ko. Ang puso ko ay halos lumabas
na mula sa aking dibdib dahil sa tensyon na nararamdaman.
Ano...ano bang sinasabi niya?
"S-Sorry. Hindi kita nasusundan sa mga sinasabi mo."
Muli siyang bumuntong hininga. Inilapag niya ang laptop sa ibabaw ng center
table at humarap sa akin. He took my hand, cupping it with his. Maang kong sinundan
ng tingin iyon.
For the third time, he heaved a deep breath while looking at our hands.
Suddenly, he lifted his dark eyes and stared at me.
"I want you back, Trinity. I want us back."
Huminto ang daloy ng hangin sa dibdib ko matapos marinig ang sinabi niya. My
eyes widened a bit as shock filled my entire being. Nanglamig ang aking kamay,
ganoon rin ang mga paa. I watched how Flavian gaze at me, witnessing my reaction.
"W-What?" the only word that came out of my lips.
Dinilaan niyang muli ang ibabang bahagi ng labi niya at masuyo akong tinitigan
sa mga mata.
"I'm in love with you, baby. I don't care if you are married or not. As long as
you're in love with me too, I'm gonna fight for you.. for us..."
He lowered his head and brought my hand on his lips and planted a soft kiss
there. Muli siyang nag angat ng tingin sa akin gamit ang malamlam niyang mga mata.
"Handa akong maging sikreto mo... basta ipangako mo sa akin na ako pa rin ang
pipiliin mo sa huli."
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Chapter 35
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Chapter 36
"Hey, glad you're home. I've been waiting for you so we can
eat dinner together." si Archer nang makapasok ako sa loob ng penthouse.
Tumango ako sa kanya. Lumapit siya sa akin, tumungo at pinatakan ako ng halik
sa aking pisngi. Tinitigan niya ako sa aking mukha, nagiwas ako ng tingin.
"You alright? Bakit namumula ang mga mata mo?"
Nilampasan ko siya at naglakad na patungo kusina. Narinig ko ang yabag niya
pasunod sa akin.
"I'm fine. Nasobrahan lang na pagtitig sa laptop," I lied.
The truth is... I was crying inside my car right after my conversation with
Zoe. Hindi ko lang kasi gaano matanggap na ang pinakamalapit na kaibigan ko pa ang
siyang tutol sa kasayahan ko. It's really painful but I guess I'll get used to it
as the time goes by.
"You didn't wear your eyeglasses?" Archer followed up.
Naupo ako sa dinning area. Nakita ko ang paglabas ni Mica bitbit ang isang
putahe. I noticed that there are different dishes over the table. Hinila ni Archer
ang upuan sa harap ko dahilan ng paglikha nito ng maingay na tunog.
"Bakit ang daming pagkain?" blanko ang ekspresyon na tanong ko kay Archer.
When he's done settling himself on the chair, he clasped his hands above the
table and stared at me.
"I saw a new open restaurant near here. Thought of buying their specialty. Baka
magustuhan mo. Don't worry, it's a non-carb meals."
Hindi na ako sumagot. Pinanood ko na lang ang pagaayos ni Mica sa mga pagkain.
Later on, we started eating our food in silence. Wala ako gaanong gana pero pinilit
ko pa rin dahil maayos naman akong niyaya ni Archer pagdating sa bagay na ito.
"Hindi na tayo gaano nagkakakitaan dito sa bahay," panimula niya matapos ang
ilang sandaling katahimikan.
"We're both busy," I answered without lifting my eyes to see him.
"I know. How's your career?"
"Doing great,"
"Hmm. Your family business is doing fine, too. Mas lumawak ang koneksyon nyo.
Even international companies are making transactions with us,"
Ngumisi ako. "Thanks to you."
He chuckled softly. "No. Your family business is already known for its quality
and service. Hindi na ako nagtataka na nakilala ito maging sa ibang bansa."
Nagangat ako ng kilay at tiningnan siya. "No need to sugar-coat it, Archer.
Hindi ba at kaya nga tayo nagpakasal ay para sa mas ikalalawak pa ng negosyon
natin? Both our families are benefiting from this marriage. Kilala kami, kilala
kayo. Nang magpakasal tayo, mas lalong naging popular. And you're also a shark when
it comes to this. Simula ng pamunuan mo ang kumpanya namin, mas lalong lumago.
Companies will really flock to our business knowing that you're the one handling
it. So, thank you."
He smirked. "Don't know if it's a compliment or an insult,"
"Both," I fired back.
Hindi siya sumagot. Kalaunan ay pumailanlang ang malalim niyang paghinga sa
buong dinning area.
"Let's not talk about this matter. I forgot to remind you that we'll be
attending a business party tomorrow night. I need you to come with me-"
"Sasama ako," walang pasubaling sagot ko.
Sigurado naman kasi ako na oras na tumanggi ako ay tutunog na naman ang
cellphone ko mula sa tawag ni Papa. Sasabihin na kailangan ko sumama.
"That's great."
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Chapter 37
Archer:
Have you already eaten, Trinity? You want me to send you lunch?
Kumunot ang aking noo sa text ni Archer. Ibinaba ko ang hawak na lapis at tamad
na isinandal ang likod sa swivel chair.
Why is he suddenly being nice to me? I know we're already civil to each other
but this extra kindness from him is too surreal. Parang hindi kapani-paniwala.
Sa aming dalawa ay alam kong mas matindi ang ugaling ipinapakita ko, lalo na
noon. I always shout at him. I always see and treat him as my enemy. Kung ibang tao
nga lang ako ay siguradong pinatulan niya na ako. I just thought that after
everything I have done to him, he would treat me the other way around. Not like
this.
Siguro ay may ginagawa itong kalokohan. Maybe, he's seeing her ex girlfriend,
or still her girlfriend for all I know. Magaling lang talaga magtago at pagsabayin
ang dalawang tao.
Hmm, just like you, Trina?
My eyes rolled up at my sudden thoughts. Nagtipa ako ng sagot kay Archer.
Me:
No need. Nagpaorder na ako ng pagkain kay Shey. Thank you.
Archer:
Alright. See you tonight. Don't be late. We need to attend the party on time.
Nagbuga ako ng hangin. Isa pa 'yon. Parang ayoko na lang sumama sa kanya sa
party na iyon. Flavian will be there, too. Masaya sana magpunta doon kung hindi ko
kasama si Archer. Knowing that he will only watch me from afar gave me an endless
heartache.
Kung puwede lang sana ipagtapat kay Archer ang totoo ngayon, gagawin ko na.
Kaya lang ay naiisip ko si Papa at maayos na pakiusap niya sa akin.
I exhaled a frustrated sigh. Here I am again, pinanghihinaan na naman ng loob
dahil lang kay Papa.
Unang pagsubok pa lang ito. Paano pa kaya sa mga darating sa araw?
Hawak ang cellphone sa aking kamay, I searched for my father's contact and
called him. Itinapat ko ang speaker sa aking tainga at hinintay itong sagutin niya.
But continues ringing is the only sound that fills my ears. Sinipat ko ang gold
wrist watch ko. It's just past noon, ang alam ko ay nasa bahay lang siya ng
ganitong oras. Nagpapahingin. Ever since I married Archer, he stepped down from his
position and gave the full control of the company to Archer. Imposibleng abala siya
ngayon.
Natapos na ang pagri-ring nang hindi naririnig ang boses ni Papa. Pinatay ko na
ang tawag at ipinatong na lang ang cellphone ko sa ibabaw ng table. My eyes gazed
at the laptop, looking at the details I need to organize for Flavian's penthouse
project.
Suddenly, I heard knocks from outside and the door opened. It's Shey. Bumaba
ang tingin ko sa mga kamay niyang may hawak na tatlong paper bags. My forehead
started to crease.
"Ma'am, there's a delivery for you." Shey stated.
Mas lalong lumalim ang linya sa aking noo. "Kanino galing?"
She glided towards my direction, ang mga mata ko ay nasa mga paperbags.
Nababasa ko doon ang pangalan ng mga prestihiyosong designer mula sa ibang bansa.
Shey shrugged her shoulders.
"Anonymous, Ma'am. Basta pinapirmahan lang sa akin ng delivery boy ang form.
Maybe there's a little note inside. Wala ka po idea?"
Ipinatong niya ang mga paperbags sa ibabaw ng table ko. I closed my laptop and
moved it to create some space for the bags.
"Wala,"
"Flavian Follosco,"
Archer's dark and bushy brows contorted. Ngayon pa lang ay nararamdaman ko ng
hindi niya nagustuhan ang isinagot ko.
"He's your client?"
Walang emosyon akong tumango. "Yes. May masama ba doon?"
Irritation danced in his eyes. "He's an asshole, Trinity. I can still remember
what he said that night I introduced you to him."
And you're not?
Napailing ako. Nahagip ko ang taas kilay na pagtitig sa akin ni Mama Evangeline
na agad ko iniwasan.
"Whatever happened between you two that night was totally out of my concern,
Archer. Trabaho ang sadya ko roon at wala ng iba."
"Why, son? What happened between you and Mr. Follosco?" sabat naman ni Papa
Tyron.
Narinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga ni Archer mula sa aking tabi.
"Just a misunderstanding, Papa. I just hate that man's guts. Masiyadong
mataas."
Gusto kong umirap sa mga pinagsasabi niya tungkol kay Flavian. Kung
makapagsalita ay akala mo kung sinong mababa at simpleng tao.
Papa Tyron chuckled. "May ipagmamataas naman talaga, hijo. That man is also a
shark in the bank industry. Pero ang balita ko ay mas hands-on siya sa sariling
negosyo niya. Nakakamangha na naipagsasabay niya 'yon. He's one of the richest
businessmen in Asia, right? Isang pagitan lang ang lamang niya sa'yo, Archer."
No, Papa. Flavian is way higher than Archer in every aspect.
Inilinga ko ang mga mata ko. Nakita ko sa malayo si Zoe at Tito Zach. Nagtama
ang mga mata namin ni Zoe ngunit siya rin ang unang nagiwas.
I guess she's still not feeling alright about the revelation she found out
yesterday. Ayos lang. Makakaya ko tiisin ang kaalamang galit siya sa akin basta
huwag siyang makikielam. Huwag niya akong pangungunahan.
Muli akong sumulyap kay Flavian. Bahagya niyang inangat ang kamay niya kung
saan hawak niya ang itim na cellphone niya. Automatically, I looked down my phone
and read a response from him.
Flavian:
Let's see each other at the back. I'll wait for you.
Nagangat ulit ako ng tingin sa kanya. Tumayo siya mula sa kanyang upuan habang
nakikipagusap sa kasama niya. He fixed his coat and then shot me a sharp glance.
Isang beses siyang tumango sa akin bago nagdiresto sa paglalakad.
Huminga ako ng malalim. My mind suddenly think of some alibi I can use to exit
from this conversation with my in-laws. Tanging ang pagbabanyo lang naman ang
naiisip ko na puwede kong gawing dahilan.
"Excuse me, I'll just go to the bathroom." tanging nasabi ko na lang.
Mama Evangeline's eyes like a knife watched me as I stand from my seat.
Tiningnan ko si Archer, tumango ito sa akin.
"You already know where?"
"Yes, don't worry."
Pagkasabi ko noon ay tumalikod na ako at taas noong nagtungo sa lugar kung saan
naroon ang banyo. Sa kabila ng walang emosyon na ipinapakita ng aking mukha ay
siyang mabilis na pagdagundong ng puso ko sa kaalamang palihim kaming magkikita ni
Flavian habang ang asawa ko at pamilya niya ay malapit lang rin sa amin kung
tutuusin.
I saw the comfort room. Dumiretso ako doon sandali at inayos ang aking sarili
sa harap ng salamin. Hindi nagtagal ay lumabas ako at pasimpleng naglakad patungo
sa likod ng garden kung saan nakita kong pinaglabasan ni Flavian kanina.
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Chapter 38
"I... I don't understand you, Mama. I'm not c-cheating on
Archer. Mr. Follosco is just a client." nauutal na sagot ko kay Mama Evangeline
matapos niya ako paratangan.
Kung tutuusin ay totoo naman ang paratang niya na iyon sa akin. I am really
cheating on her son but I won't let her know about it this way. Hindi ko gustong sa
ganitong paraan nila malaman ang tungkol sa relasyon namin ni Flavian. I am a bit
careful about this matter now since I am considering my father's request of getting
civil with Archer but in my own way.
Flavian is willing to wait for me as I get ready to tell everyone about us.
Masaya ako sa bagay na iyon, na nagagawa niya akong intindihin kahit mahirap sa
kanya ang sitwasyon namin. Bonus na lang 'yon. I will just find the most perfect
and right time to inform my father about our situation. Si Papa lang ang iniisip
ko, hindi si Archer o ang pamilya niya. Ayokong pangunahan nila ako sa pagsasabi
tungkol sa bagay na ito.
Mama Evangeline stood elegantly as she crossed her full of gold bracelet arms
over her chest and looked at me with so much sarcasm in her slightly wrinkled face.
The edge of her brick red painted lips sided up.
"I didn't know that a client can hold your waist freely. Tell me, hija. Kasama
ba 'yon sa business niyong dalawa?" she fired back through gritted teeth.
Pasimple akong suminghap, hindi kaagad nakaapuhap ng idadahilan. So, she saw
Flavian holding me on my waist, huh? Kahit pala binitawan ako kaagad ni Flavian ay
nakita pa rin niya.
Umiling ako. "You're taking it the wrong way, Mama."
Seconds of staring mockingly at me rolled out. Ramdam ko ang pagniningas ng
iritasyon niya para sa akin pero pilit na isinasangtabi sa hindi ko malaman na
dahilan.
Humakbang siya paabante sa akin. I remained stoic in my position, waiting for
whatever she's going to tell me.
Kumalat ang lamig sa aking katawan nang dalhin niya ang kanyang palad sa aking
pisngi at masuyo akong haplusin doon habang ang mga mata ay matalas na nakalapat sa
akin. Due to help of the light posts, I can see my own reflection through her fiery
eyes.
"I'm a kind mother in law, Trinity. But if someone treated my son unfairly,
then I have no choice but to show my evil side to whoever that person is." she
continued caressing my cheek as I feel the tip of his long red nails brushing
against my skin. Nanatiling walang emosyon ang mukha ko. "Take this as a warning,
hija. Sundin mo ako kung ayaw mong malaman ito ng Papa mo."
Dalawang beses niya pang tinapik ang aking pisngi bago ako tuluyang tinalikuran
at nauna nang naglakad palayo sa akin. Kumuyom ang palad ko dahil sa emosyong
pinipilit itago habang pinapanood siya sa kanyang paglayo.
Sa loob ng ilaw buwang pagsasama namin ni Archer bilang magasawa ay hindi ko
kailanman itinuring si Mama Evangeline bilang pangalawang ina ko. Siguro nga ay
magiliw siya sa akin tuwing makikita niya ako, pero marahil ay dahil kaharap si
Papa at gusto niyang maging maayos ang impresyon sa kanya ng ama ko.
But behind those smiles and kind treatment towards me, I know that she really
doesn't like me for her son. Alam ko na hindi ako ang tipo ng babae na gugustuhin
niya para maging kabiyak ng anak niya. Siguro... mas gusto niya ang babaeng sunud-
sunuran sa anumang sasabihin ng anak niya. Unfortunately for them, I am not that
kind of woman.
"Ma'am Trinity, saan po namin ipupwesto ang ang sofa na ito?"
Natigil ang pagbabalik tanaw ko nang marinig ko ang tanong na 'yon mula sa
aking empleyado. Looking blankly at the black curtains that's starting to become
white, I transferred my eyes to the men in front of me and smiled a bit. Kaagad ko
rin ibinaba ang tingin ko sa sofa bago sa aking laptop kung saan naroon ang pattern
ng disenyo ng kwarto ni Flavian.
I lifted my eyes to them after awhile of staring at my
laptop.
"Place it ten meters from the bed. Huwag masiyadong isagad sa wall." utos ko.
Sabay silang tumango. "Sige, Ma'am."
Ito na ang huling araw namin sa pagaayos ng kwarto na ito. We started yesterday
without having Flavian around us. A day after that business party, he told me that
his father needed him to go to Thailand to fix some matter about their family
business.
"How long will you be there?" tanong ko kinabukasan matapos ang party. "Biglaan
ata."
He sighed over the line. "I was really planning to tell you about it last night
but your mother in-law suddenly came in the picture. I'm sorry. I'll be staying
there for two weeks."
"Ang tagal. Paano ang kwarto mo? Puwede ko na 'yon simulan this coming week."
"Don't worry. Iiwan ko ang susi sa reception. Just go their and ask for it
whenever you need."
Tumango ako kahit pa hindi niya nakikita.
"Okay."
Seconds of silence ran out. Tanging ang paghinga lang namin ang maririnig na
para bang mayroon kaming kanya-kanyang iniisip sa mga oras na ito.
"Don't think about your mother in-law too much, sweet cheeks. I don't like you
stressing yourself over that nonsense people." he stated.
"Ayoko lang na pangunahan niya ako. Kapag sinabi niya kay Papa ang tungkol sa
nakita niya sa atin, siguradong hindi magiging maganda ang dating no'n. Gusto kong
sa akin niya mismo maririning ang totoo at hindi kay Mama Evangeline."
He exhaled. "Baby, she can't just conclude that we're in relationship and
you're cheating on her son just by seeing my arm on your waist. That's not a proper
evidence. Kung nakita niya tayong naghahalikan, baka puwede pa."
Ngumuso ako. "That's a total disaster if ever, Flav."
"But just in case she saw us kissing together, then I have no choice but to go
to your father and tell him the truth so you can free yourself from that damnshit
marriage."
Huminga ako ng malalim. I can hear the frustration from his thick and deep
voice like he's refraining something from himself.
"Are you already tired of our situation, Flav? It's just been a day since you
agreed to this set up pero parang gusto mo na kaagad ipagsabi ang totoo sa lahat."
"No one is tired here, baby. I told you, we're not giving this relationship up
no matter what. We'll run this fight in your terms. Kung saan ka mas kumportable,
doon din ako. You know damn well we'd go crazy without each other, lalo na ako."
humugot siya ng buntong hininga. "I just don't like other people throwing threats
over you like they owned you. Like it's you who initiated that marriage between you
and their asshole son."
Natawa ako sa inis na naririnig sa boses niya. I can almost visualize his face
right now. Crumpled forehead, furrowed thick brows and eyes blazing in anger.
"It's Papa's fault. Naisip niyang mas lalakas at magiging makapangyarihan pa
ang negosyo namin oras na maikasal kami ni Archer. The Ravena's are known for being
one of the powerful families in Philippines."
"Tss. Try to break that marriage off and be my Follosco, baby. I'll show them
how powerful I am not just here in Philippines but all over Asia. I can easily give
your company the power and boost its needed."
Oh, great. Now here's my ever arrogant man. Arogante sa paraang hindi mo
kaiinisan oras na marinig mong magyabang, kung hindi mas lalo mo pang hahangaan.
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Chapter 39
My fingers can't seem to stop from tapping my leg as I watched the views outside
slowly vanishing from my sight. I may look calmed and collected by the way I sit on
this passenger's seat but my mind is too busy wandering about this damn meet up
with his parents.
In the first place, bakit ba ako pumayag na ipakilala niya ako sa mga magulang
niya? Bakit hindi man lang muna ako nagisip kung dapat bang pumayag agad ako sa
paanyaya niya. Maybe I was too intoxicated last night from our own love making that
my brain didn't function well. Ayan tuloy at hindi ko na mabawi pa ang desisyon ko
kay Flavian.
He's a bit excited when he fetched me earlier. Sa basement siya ng condominium
naghintay. I still had to wait for Archer to leave for work before I totally left
the penthouse. Nakangising Flavian ang sumalubong sa akin, halatang nasasabik
habang ako ay nagaalinlangan nang sumama.
I already met his mother but in a business way. She's my client before, dahilan
para makilala ko si Flavian ng personal matapos ang unang beses ko siyang makita sa
isang bar noon.
It's been months. Sigurado akong tanda pa rin ako ni Mrs. Follosco. She once
labeled me as one of the famous interior designer and I know that she admire my
talent so much. Wala pa siyang ideya noon tungkol sa tunay kong pagkatao. And if
she ever knew that time about my real identity, I doubt if she'd give a care.
Pero ngayong may relasyon na kami ng anak niya at alam niya na ang tungkol sa
pagkatao ko, hindi ko alam kung tuluyan niya pa ako magugustuhan. Maybe as a
person. But the woman for her son? I don't think so.
I can still remember the strong facade behind her beautiful and ageless face. I
can still remember her sharp and intent eyes that made me easily conclude that
she's not one of those mother who will just nod and accept whatever her children's
decision will be. Siya iyong tipo ng ina, base sa itsura, na kailangan ay kalkulado
ang lahat ng mangyayari sa buhay ng anak niya.
But who knows... I'm wrong and Flavian is right... na ayos lang sa mga magulang
niya ang tungkol sa relasyon namin. Sana.
"You're quiet." basag ni Flavian sa katahimikan habang tinatahak namin ang daan
patungo sa kanila.
Nilingon ko siya. He's maneuvering the steering wheel using his right hand
while the other one was leaning against the window. When he felt me staring at him,
he glanced at me and smiled a bit.
"You okay?"
An anxious sigh slipped out of my lips.
"Medyo kinakabahan ako. Do we really have to meet them at this early stage? I
mean, kumplikado pa ang sitwasyon natin."
Nagpakawala siya ng buntong hininga. Huminto ang sasakyan. Tumingin ako sa
unahan at nakitang kasalukuyang naka redlight. I glanced at him again, he's already
looking at me while drumming his index finger against the leather steering wheel.
Seryoso ang ekpresyon ng mukha niya ngunit hindi naman kakakitaan ng ano mang
inis o galit. Baka kasi naiirita na siya sa akin dahil kanina pa ako paulit-ulit ng
hinaing sa kanya.
"I already informed them about our situation, Trinity. Complicated or not, I
want them to meet you as my girl. It's up to them if they will support this
relationship or they will be against us. Whatever it is, wala akong pakielam. You
will not back out from this, baby. Ako ang pakikisamahan mo at hindi sila."
Bumuntong hininga ako at hindi na nakipagtalo pa. Nanatili akong nakatitig sa
kanya. Nang mapansin niya na wala akong balak na sagutin ang sinabi niyang 'yon ay
inabot niya ang kamay niya sa pisngi ko at masuyo itong hinaplos.
"Don't worry too much. I won't let them intervene in our relationship." he
assured sincerely.
I smiled tensely at him. Wala naman na akong magagawa, narito na ako at kasama
niya. Ano man ang maging kalalabasan ng mangyayari mamaya ay tatanggapin ko.
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Chapter 40
I'm not asking her to like me and accept me for her son
because I know that it's too impossible as long as I'm being stuck to this
marriage. All I want to ask her is time... I need enough time to get from this
marriage out. Sana ay huwag niya muna isara ang pinto sa akin.
Lumakas ang hikbi ko nang hilahin ako ni Flavian palapit sa kanya at masuyo
akong ikulong sa kanyang bisig. He softly stroked my shoulder length black hair
while breathing heavily. Despite the heaviness in my stomach, it fluttered at the
feeling of my body pressed against his. i sunk into the warmth of his side,
appreciative of the simple gesture.
"I'm sorry, baby. From now on, I'll listen to you. Kung ano ang gusto mong
mangyari at kung paano natin patatakbuhin ang relasyon na ito hanggang sa magkaroon
ka na ng pagkakataon na ipagtapat sa kanila ang totoo, susundin ko, makikinig ako.
I'll support you in every decision you are going to make. I promise," he kissed my
hair and embraced me tightly like his life depends on it. Lihim akong napangiti.
Marahan niya akong inilayo sa kanya at mataman na tinitigan sa mga mata.
Suddenly, he lifted his hand on my cheek and wiped the tears there.
"Stop crying. Nanghihina ako kapag nakikita kitang umiiyak." he breathed.
Ngumuso ako. Hindi na nakatiis pa ay ikinunyabit ko ang aking kamay sa kanyang
batok at muli siyang niyakap.
"Thank you for understanding me, Flav."
He chuckled. Ibinalik niya ang pagkakapulupot ng kamay niya sa bewang ko at
nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga.
"Mahal na mahal kita, Trinity. Hindi ako magsasawang ipaalala yon sa'yo."
A sad smile leaped out of my lips. Huwag ka rin sana magsawang intindihin ang
relasyon at sitwasyon natin na ito, Flavian.
Hindi rin nagtagal at nagdesisyon na akong magpahatid pauwi kay Flavian.
Gustuhin ko man magtagal sa penthouse niya at sabayan siya sa hapunan kagaya ng
gusto niya ay hindi puwede. I need to stay at home, eat dinner with Archer and
such. Lalo pa ngayong naghihinala na sa akin si Evangeline at sa maaaring
pagtataksil ko sa anak niya.
"By the way, I love the result of our room. It became lively." si Flavian nang
huminto ang kotse dahil sa traffic.
Taas ang kilay ko siyang binalingan. Natawa ako.
"Our? Atin?"
He glanced at me. Cockiness radiated in his hawklike eyes.
Flavian and I decided to take things easy despite of everything that happened.
Hindi namin pipilitin o gagambalain ang Mama niya na pumayag sa relasyon namin. For
the meantime, we'll continue this relationship without their blessing. Hindi rin
naman nila iyon ibibigay kaagad.
"Yes, baby. Ours. Got a problem with that?" he asked with pure playfulness in
his voice.
"Well, apparently—" natigil ako sa pagsasalita nang matanaw ko ang isang
pamilyar na lalaki na bumababa ng sasakyan niya. My brows furrowed together. "Is
that Archer?"
Sinundan ni Flavian ang linya ng tinitingnan ko. We both saw Archer entering a
five star hotel. He's alone. Tiningnan ko ang wrist watch ko, it's nearly 6pm. Ang
alam ko ay hanggang five lang ang oras niya sa office so basically, he's now out of
work.
"What is he doing there?" I muttered inwardly.
Nilingon ako ni Flavian. Taas ang kilay niya na para bang may mali sa tanong
ko.
"Why do you care?" busangot na tanong niya.
Tiningnan ko siya ngunit muli rin ibinalik sa entrada ng hotel ang paningin. Is
Archer seeing someone there? Probably. Baka mayroon siyang ka-meeting doon? Knowing
him, he's very dedicated when it comes to his job.
"Trinity..."
"Hmm?" wala sa loob na tanong ko kay Flavian nang muli ko siyang sulyapan.
Flavian's dead eyes reflected the charcoal clouds above. His lethal stare felt
terrifying and piercing, as if his glare was tearing my heart apart with a blinding
teal light.
"You now care for your husband?" he emphasized every word.
Kumunot ang noo ko. "Nagtataka lang ako kung anong ginagawa niya diyan. Does it
already mean that I care about him?"
Hindi siya sumagot. Umusad na ang sasakyan sa harapan namin ay nananatili pa
rin matalim ang titig niya sa akin. I equalled his glare, trying to mock him.
Kung hindi pa bumusina ang sasakyan sa likod namin ay hindi pa mawawaglit ang
pagkakatitig niya sa akin. He rolled his eyes at me and then maneuvered the
steering wheel again.
I chuckled. "Selos ka na niyan, Follosco?"
His jaw clenched, I can even see his obsidian eyes directed dangerously towards
the view ahead of us.
"Shut up," he growled.
Humalakhak ako. "Nagseselos ka sa hindi karapat dapat na tao, Flavian."
"I have all the reasons to get jealous, Trinity. He's your husband—"
"Pero ikaw ang mahal ko. That's more than enough to kill all your damn reasons
to feel jealous."
Nahagip ng mga mata ko ang pagkakahigpit ng hawak niya sa manibela. He bit his
lowerlip like he's trying so bad to suppress his smile. Hindi na nakayanan pa,
nilingon niya ako at matalim na tinitigan nang may ngisi sa kanyang labi.
"You sure know how to wrapp me around your sexy fingers, huh?" he mocked.
I winked at him and that earned him a chuckle.
Napapailing na lang ako sa takbo ng isip niya. Nagagawa niya pang magselos
gayong alam na alam naman niya kung gaano ko siya kamahal. He knew how I am willing
to fight for us and for what we have right now. Alam niya kung gaano ako nasaktan
nung iwan niya ako, at kung gaano ako sumaya nang balikan niya rin ako.
A love like mine shouldn't be put in doubt anymore. I've already surrender him
everything that I have. Be it physically and emotionally. Dapat siyang maging
panatag kung tutuusin. He's already in the safe place.
I'm so sure in myself that he's the one who I want to be my end game.
Days have passed. Maayos ang naging relasyon namin ni Flavian kahit pa madalang
kaming magkita dahil na rin sa kanya-kanyang trabaho. Nevertheless, we never forget
to video call every night before we go to sleep.
Nawala ang bigat sa kalooban ko dulot ng pagtutol sa amin ng Mama niya. Iniisip
ko na lang na hindi pa gaanong buo ang pagpanig ng tadhana sa amin. Kaunting
pagsubok pa na sabay naming kakaharapin ni Flavian, aayon na rin sa amin ang lahat.
"Don't worry, Miss Velarde. The expenses will be paid by the company. Wala
kayong kailangan intindihin ng team mo sa lahat." nakangiting sabi ni Mrs.
Dominggo, bagong kliyente ko.
Tanghaling tapat at nasa isang restaurant kami para pagusapan ang tungkol sa
malaking project ko sa kanya na gagawin sa Aklan. Kapag nagkataon, pangalawang
beses ko na makakatanggap ng proyekto na resort ang aayusin.
Sa totoo lang ay perfect timing ang pagdating ng proyekto na ito. Once I accept
it only means that I'll be staying in that place until the project gets done. Mas
maganda 'yon dahil makakapagpahinga ako at makakatakas ako panandalian sa magulobg
mundo na mayroon ako.
Dapat ko ba sabihin kay Flavian ang tungkol dito? Kung sasabihin ko ay
siguradong sasama siya. Pero nagaalala ako na magtagal ako roon, at kung ganoon ang
mangyayari ay maaaring hindi rin siya uuwi hanggang hindi rin ako nauwi. Magtataka
ang mama niya at baka magalit pa kapag nalamang magkasama kami.
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Chapter 41
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Chapter 42
This isn't the right time for him to know the truth.
Kailangan ko pumayag sa paanyaya niya, para hindi siya maghinala. Who knows, baka
nakakarinig na siya ng kung ano tungkol sa akin at kay Flavian at gusto niya lang
ako hulihin.
"I can't. May usapan k-kami ni Archer na kakain sa labas."
Kasing bilis ng kidlat na kumislap ang galit sa mga mata niya. His dreamy eyes
were no longer there as they immediately went back to hawkish and dangerous. Sa mga
oras na ito ay alam kong naguumpisa na siyang makaramdam ng galit sa sagot kong
iyon.
Slowly, a sarcastic smirk blossomed in his lips.
"How sweet..." he mocked.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Pumayag ako dahil ayokong maghinala siya sa akin.
Baka mamaya ay sinadya niyang yayain ako dahil may ideya na siya sa ginagawa natin.
May I remind you, Flavian. His mother caught us talking in the dark while your hand
resting against my waist. Hindi mabigat na pruweba pero puwede pa rin panghawakan
laban sa atin. Stop your ass from getting jealous because I'm going to do it for
us. We can't be caught. Not now."
Pinaglandas niya ang mga mata niya sa mata ko. Maya-maya lang ay isang beses
siyang tumango at bumuntong hininga.
"Alright. If that's what you want. I made a promise that I'll listen to you and
follow all your decisions. May tiwala ako sa'yo." malamig na aniya.
Kumunot ang noo ako. "Ba't parang galit ka?"
Umiling siya. "I'm not. Sige na, puntahan mo na ang kaibigan mo. I just need to
get some important document inside our library. It's the reason why I'm here
anyway."
I remained looking at him, making sure that he's not really mad at my decision.
Nang wala akong makitang kahit na anong reaksyon sa mukha niya ay tumingkayad ako
at pinatakan siya ng halik sa kanyang labi.
"I'll make it up to you tomorrow." I said sincerely.
He only nodded. Tipid akong ngumiti sa kanya at tinalikuran na siya. My chest
feels heavy as I glide towards my car. Hindi niya man sabihin ay alam kong labag sa
kalooban niya ang naging pagtanggi ko sa kagustuhan niyang magkita kami. He need to
understand that I'm doing this for us.
Nakarating ako sa sasakyan ko nang hindi siya nililingon. Baka kapag lumingon
ako ay masaktan lang ako sa emosyon na mababanaag ko sa mukha niya.
I climbed inside the car and pulled the door close. I looked at the side mirror
and saw him still standing there while hands inside his pocket, staring coldly at
my direction. Nagpakawala ako ng hangin at binuhay na ang makiba ng sasakyan.
I drove my way out of there and took my phone from the passenger's seat. I
slowed down my car and typed a message for him. Hindi ako mapakali kapag
nagkakahiwalay kami ng ganito.
Me:
Someday, you won't have to ask for my permission if you can see me because I'll be
with you for as long as you want. Ikaw na mismo ang magsasawa sa mukha ko.
Wala pang ilang segundo nang tumunog ang cellphone ko mula sa reply niya. Dahil
hindi ko pa nabibitawan ay madali kong nabasa 'yon.
Flavian:
Not going to happen.
Natawa ako. Nasasabi niya lang 'yon dahil hindi pa naman nangyayari na palagi
kaming magkasama, iyong walang puwang. Iyong hindi mabibitin sa oras.
Hindi ko na sinagot ang text niya at nagpatuloy na sa pagmamaneho. Binilisan
kong muli ang pagpapatakbo ko at sinuyod na ang daan patungo sa mansyon ng mga
Monterro.
I know that Zoe is there. Alam ko ang schedule kung kailan siya nasa opisina at
kung kailan siya sa bahay. Most of the time, she works at home through laptop.
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Chapter 43
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Chapter 44
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Chapter 45
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Chapter 46
Chapter 47
My fever got only worsen the next following day. Siguro, bukod sa pagpapaulan ko,
isa rin dahilan ang kumosyon sa isip ko kung kaya mas lumala pa ang sakit ko.
Instead of relaxing myself and pulling my thoughts out of my mind, puro pagiisip pa
ang ginagawa ko.
Hindi ko maiwasan.
Our voices from last night that was being drowned in the rain was still playing
in my head like it's automatically on repeat mode. I can even still remember the
pain etched in his dark eyes the moment he ran after me as I ambled towards my car.
"Please, baby. Don't do this. I know I'm at fault. Pagusapan natin ito ng
maayos." he whispered against my neck that sent shiver deep down my spine.
Malakas man ang ulan, hindi pa rin nakaligtas sa pandinig ko ang pagkabasag ng
boses niya habang sinasabi iyon. He tightened his arms around my waist and hugged
me like he doesn't want to let go of me.
"Bitawan mo ako, Flavian." I answered frigidly.
As much as I want to show him how badly hurt I am, I can't. Sa umpisa pa lang
ay siya na ang gumawa ng dahilan para humantong kami sa ganito. He made unfaithful
things behind my back and I really do think that this is my karma for cheating on
Archer.
The man I love was also cheating on me. Kung ano pa man rason ang mayroon siya
kung bakit niya nagawa 'yon, itago na lang niya. Hindi na ako interesado pang
malaman 'yon.
Isa-isa kong kinalas ang mga kamay niya sa aking bewang. Nahirapan ako dahil
pilit niyang ibinabalik sa dating higpit ang pagkakayakap niya pero sa huli ay
bumigay na rin siya na para bang ubos na ang lakas niyang lumaban pa.
When I successfully loosened his arms around my waist, nagpatuloy ako sa
paglalakad, hindi na lumingon pa habang ang mga luha ay tuluyan ng binulag ang
pananaw ko.
Nang makasakay sa loob ng sasakyan at simulan itong buhayin, hindi ko naiwasan
ang tumingin sa side mirror at tingnan siya. My burnt heart turned into ashes when
I saw him looking at my direction. Bagsak ang balikat at malungkot ang mga mata na
nakadirekta sa side mirror. Alam ko na sa mga oras na 'yon, tanaw niya akong
nakatingin sa kanya.
I maneuvered the steering wheel and left the place with a heavy heart and the
truth that this is not our time and never will it be.
Tonight, my heart died along with the hope that we can be together because
trials like this defeated us.
"I really have to bring you to the hospital, Trinity. Kahapon pa mataas ang
lagnat mo."
Mula sa nagtataasang gusali na tanaw sa salamin na dingding ng kwarto ko,
natuon kay Archer ang mga mata ko na abala sa pagaayos ng kumot na nakatabing
hanggang sa aking dibdib.
Bakas ang pagaalala sa malalim at malamig niyang mga mata habang pinagmamasdan
ako.
Wala ni kaunting ideya si Archer sa nangyaring pagalis ko kagabi. Maayos akong
nakabalik. Walang naging problema.
Umiling ako at inalis ang tingin sa kanya.
"This is just plain fever, Archer. You're overreacting."
He sighed. "You don't expect me to stay calm knowing that you've been
experiencing that damn fever since yesterday."
"I just need some rest. Mawawala rin ito kaagad. Please, Archer. Huwag na natin
ito pagawayan. Mas lalo lang nauubos ang lakas ko."
Walang salita ang namutawi sa kanya. Isang beses pa siyang nagpakawala ng
malalim na buntong hininga. It's like a defeated sigh for me.
"Fine. I'll call Mica to check on you as often as possible. I'm sorry if I have
to leave you for work, Trinity. I have important meetings to attend to today."
"I'm not asking you to stay with me, Archer. You can go
now." walang emosyon na sagot ko.
Hindi ko na nakita ang ekpresyon ng mukha niya. Pero base sa pananahimik niya
ay alam kong seryoso lang siyang nakatitig sa akin. Suddenly, I felt him removing
some wandering hair on my forehead and brushed it up. The way he brushed my hair
using his fingers made me feel exhausted and emotionally tired that I just want to
close my eyes and let my soul fall into oblivion.
Ganoon nga ang ginawa ko.
Segundo pa lang ang nakakalipas simula ng ipikit ko ang mga mata ko nang
maramdaman ko ang labi niya sa aking noo.
"I'll stay with you no matter how many times you push me away, Trinity." he
whispered sensually. "I'll go ahead. Sana magaling ka na paguwi ko mamaya. I
already miss your shouting voice." he chuckled.
Kung nakamulat lang ako ay siguradong makakatanggap ito ng irap mula sa akin.
Hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin talaga maintindihan kung bakit bumaliktad ang
ikot ng mundo at may nararamdaman na sa akin ang isang ito.
Siguro ay natsa-challenge lang siya sa ugali ko. Or maybe he just want to try
me, kung uubra ba siya sa akin sa kabila ng ganitong pakikitungo ko sa kanya. He
wants the thrill and he find it in me. Maaaring gano'n.
Bakit? Nagsasawa na siya kay Lean? Does he find her boring? Well basically, he
will find me boring, too. Boring dahil wala siyang mapapala sa akin.
Hindi ko na namalayan kung ilang oras ako nakatulog. O kung nakatulog na rin ba
ako agad pagalis ni Archer. My body and mind is too tired to even notice what's
happening around me. Basta ay nagising na lang ako dahil sa ingay na nagmumula sa
cellphone ko.
Kinapa ko ang cellphone ko sa bed side table nang hindi nagmumulat ng mga mata.
Nang makuha ko ito ay walang lakas ko itong dinala sa harapan ko at pikit ang isang
matang tiningnan kung sino ang tumatawag.
Nang makitang si Shey ito ay sinagot ko na ito at tamad na itinapat ang speaker
sa tainga ko.
Isang beses akong naubo.
"Shey..." namamaos ang boses na bungad ko.
"Ma'am! Narito po si Sir Flavian at hinahanap kayo. Hindi daw po siya aalis
hangga't hindi niya kayo nakakausap. Hindi rin daw po kayo nasagot sa mga tawag
niya."
Napamulat ako ng mga mata. Kumalampag ang puso ko ngunit hindi na dahil sa
sabik o saya na nararamdaman para sa kanya. Kung hindi dahil sa sakit para sa
kinahinatnan naming dalawa.
Imposibleng matawagan niya ako. I already blocked him from my contacts. Siguro,
kapag magaling na ako, magiiba na ako ng linya nang sa gano'n ay tuluyan ng maputol
ang komunikasyon namin.
"Is h-he still there?"
"Trinity..."
My heart palpitated wildly when I heard his cold voice. Napapikit ako ng mariin
dahil sa pamilyar na emosyon na nararamdaman.
"Baby, please. Let's talk."
Kahit hindi personal na naririnig, ramdam ko ang sakit sa boses niya habang
sinasabi ang mga salitang 'yon. Humugot ako ng hangin at tahimik na ibinuga ito.
"Leave my office, Flavian. Huwag mong guluhin ang mga empleyado ko diyan. We
have nothing to talk about."
"Fuck. That's it? Ganoon lang kadali sa'yo tapusin ang relasyon na ilang buwan
nating itinago—"
"You ended it first! The moment you decided to avoid me without hearing my
explanation, the moment you decided to kiss that woman and who knows what'd happen
next if I didn't come, that's the moment you ended that fucking relationship you're
talking about, Flavian! Hindi ako martir para manatili pa sa taong ni hindi ako
magawang pagkatiwalaan. And for your information, I didn't choose you just to call
me a damn fling." mahina ngunit mariin na sagot ko.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 48
"I... I missed you, too. I'm sorry, Zoe, but how did you
get here? I mean... paano ka nakapasok dito sa loob?"
Kami lang ni Archer ang mayroon ng susi sa penthouse na ito. Ang duplicate ay
hawak na ng staff ng tower na ito. Kaya nakakapagtakang nakapasok siya dito ng
basta-basta.
She chuckled. Her chest vibrated against mine. Naramdaman ko ang pagluwag ng
yakap niya sa akin. She faced me while sporting that beautiful smile on her lips.
Isang taon ang lumipas, nananatili pa rin siyang maganda. Kagaya noon, hanggang
balakang pa rin ang haba ng buhok niya, tuwid ngunit pagdating sa dulo ay kulot.
It's already darker than her usual ash blonde hair. Mas lalong pumuti. Ang katawan
ay mas lalong kumurba.
"I fooled the receptionist. Sinabi kong may surprise ako sa inyo na kailangan
ko gawin dito. I even showed them my pictures with you so they will believe me that
we really know each other. Mabuti na lang at naniwala, hindi sila gaanong
kahigpit."
Tumango-tango ako. Naramdaman ko ang paggapang ng kamay ni Archer sa bewang ko.
Suddenly, I saw Zoe transfer her eyes to my waist where Archer's hand is. Her lips
sided, showing a taunting smirk.
What was that for?
"Good evening, Archer." she greeted.
Archer cleared his throat. "Evening."
Ilang beses pang nagtagal ang tingin niya kay Archer bago ito ibinalik sa akin.
"Let's catch up?" she suggested like everything that happened between us was
just nothing.
"Y-Yes, of course." bumaling ako kay Archer na nasa likuran ko. "You'll cook
tonight, right?"
He nodded. "What do you want for dinner?"
Tiningnan ko muli si Zoe.
"Dito ka na maghapunan. Anong gusto mong kainin? We have stocks of Filipino
groceries here."
She shot her perfect bushy brow up.
"I want beef broccoli. Can you cook that?" she asked and then looked to Archer.
"I'm sure Archer can cook that."
"Alam mo, Archer?" tanong ko sa kanya nang hindi siya nililingon.
My eyes were just focused on Zoe. Kung mayroon man akong napapansin na nagiba
sa kanya, iyon ay ang pagiging matapang ng dating niya.
I've always known her as a woman who has soft and gentle attitude. Hindi
makabasag pinggan kung tutuusin. Ngayon ay parang hindi na ganoon. O, baka... dahil
iyon ang gusto kong maging dating niya sa akin?
"Okay. I'll cook that." Archer answered with a slight tone of hesitation.
Isang beses pang hinaplos ni Archer ang bewang ko bago ako pinatakan ng halik
sa sentido ko, senyales iyon ng pagpapaalam niya. Tiningnan ko siya at tinanguan.
Iniwan niya na kami sa living room. I glanced at Zoe, tipid niya akong
nginitian.
"Sa pool area tayo." sabi ko.
Tumango siya sa akin. Nilampasan ko na siya at umakyat na patungo sa pinakataas
na parte ng penthouse kung saan naroon ang private pool namin. Naramdaman ko ang
pagsunod ni Zoe.
Having my best friend's presence near me is far from the feeling I had felt
back when we're still okay. I mean, I should have move on from everything and
forget whatever fight we have been shared a year ago but seeing her right now
doesn't excite me at all.
It feels like I have already lost my best friend. Because in the first place,
real best friends never judge you no matter how bad and sinful you are. But she
did.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 49
Lean calling...
They're still at it? I mean... they still have connections? Hindi pa rin
napuputol kahit isang taon na ang nakalipas?
Ngayon ko na lang ulit siya nakitang tumatawag kay Archer. Or maybe... they're
still calling with each other but Archer is so good of hiding it from me.
Nahinto ang pagtawag. Hindi na 'yon nasundan pa. Now I'm wondering if she's
really calling Archer or just a missed call.
Consistent sila, huh? At ngayon tumatawag pa siya kay Archer kahit alam nitong
nasa ibang bansa ito. Sabagay, nakaroaming ang number namin ni Archer kaya hindi
mahirap tawagan kahit nasa ibang bansa pa.
Bumuntong hininga ako. Nagtungo ako sa kama at naupo sa gilid no'n. I picked
the nude stiletto that's placed near the feathery gray carpet and slid my right
foot there.
Alam kong hindi ako dapat nagtataka sa bagay na ito. But Archer has been
telling me how in love he is with me since then. Nung isang gabi nga lang ay sinabi
niya 'yon sa akin.
But what's with Lean? Mahal niya ako pero may komunikasyon pa rin sila? Hindi
ako dapat nagkakaroon ng pakielam dahil wala naman akong nararamdaman para sa kanya
pero... nakikipaglaro ba siya sa akin? Is he just playing with my feelings?
Mula sa pagkakatungo ay narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan ng banyo. I remained
in my position, didn't bother to pay him a glance.
"Lean called. Or just a missed call. I don't know." I informed him.
Isinuot ko ang isa pang sapatos at hinayaan ilapat ang talampakan ko sa madulas
na swelas nito.
Lumipas ang ilang segundo na hindi ko siya narinig nagsalita. Siguro ay iniisip
niyang nagagalit ako o kung ano man.
"Look, Trina. I don't know why she's still calling me. We're already done a
long time ago. Nasa Pinas pa lang tayo ay tapos na kami." he explained after
minutes of hiding in the shadow of silence.
Nang maramdamang ayos na ang pagkakalapat ng paa ko ay tumayo ako at naglakad
sa tukador nang hindi siya tinitingnan. I pulled the door to open and took my gold
Marc Jacobs watch there.
"You don't have to explain, Archer. It's your personal life—"
"Goddamnit, Trinity! You are my wife and that only means you belong in that
personal life you're talking about. At hindi kasama si Lean do'n. Whatever we had
before were all in the past."
Huminga ako ng malalim at ipinagpatuloy ang pagkakabit ng relo sa palapulsuhan
ko. Ayokong pagtalunan namin ang bagay na ito Kaya hindi na lang ako nagsalita. I
don't think arguing over this matter will worth our time.
Hindi pa man ako natatapos sa ginagawa ay naramdaman ko na ang pagpulupot ng
mga braso niya sa bewang ko. He rested his face at the side of my neck. His warm
and minty breath made love with my skin that sent shiver deep down my spine.
I paused and suddenly feel the wild beating of my heart.
"Nang sabihin ko sa'yo na mahal kita, wala akong ibang nasa isip kung hindi
ikaw lang. I loved Lean. I admit it. I was fucking in love with her that I couldn't
help but to get mad at myself for leaving her just for a woman who never treated me
as his husband, who never respect me as a person. Palagi kang nagagalit sa akin,
simpleng galaw ko ay ikinagagalit mo. I even told myself that I'd never like you as
my wife, that you're far from Lean who never failed to show me how much she loved
me, na malayong-malayo ka sa babaeng una kong minahal. But who am I kidding?" he
chuckled humorlessly. "Heaven knows I'm fucking in love with you, Trina. I fell in
love with your strict attitude, your nagging mouth and even the way you throw
curses at me. I fell in love with your bad attitude but who cares? You make me
happy. Your presence alone can make me happy."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 50
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Chapter 51
Like an extinguished candle, Flavian's hooded eyes melted into an ever growing
darkness of misery and despair, no longer flickering with the fire of spirit.
As he looked at me, I can feel my breath being ripped from my lungs. I couldn't
breathe as I took in his sharp, pert nose and that curvy lips. But it was his eyes
that winded me like a punch to the stomach. Something like bitterness flickered in
those remarkable eyes and instantly flashed away, buried deep in that icy mask that
overtook the rest of his handsome features.
"W-What are you doing here, Flavian?" I stammered.
Pigil ang hininga akong lumunok habang pinagmamasdan siyang titigan ako gamit
ang madidilim niyang mga mata. Suddenly, his chest heaved up and exhaled a deep
sigh. Gamit ang natitirang lakas ng loob, naglakad ako paabante at mabilis siyang
nilampasan. Hindi pa man ako tuluyang nakakalayo sa kanya nang maramdaman ko ang
kamay niya sa siko ko at ang pagbalik ko sa kung saan siya naroroon.
"Ano ba?!" taas kilay na tanong ko.
He's staring at me, his eyes were like they're made of stardust and then cut
out of the sky. The feeling of his warm and calloused hand against my skin sent an
electrifying sensation all over my body.
"Let's talk." he growled lowly.
Pagkasabi niya no'n ay hinila niya na ako papasok ng banyo na ikinalaki ng mga
mata ko.
"Bitawan mo ako, Flavian!" mahinang asik ko ngunit ni hindi niya man lang ako
pinagukulan ng pansin.
Lumingon ako sa likod ko at lihim na nagpapasalamat na walang taong nakakakita
sa amin at sa sapilitang panghahatak sa akin ng lalaking ito!
As soon as we both stepped into the white marble floor of the bathroom, he
immediately locked the doorknob that made my breathing hitch.
"Why did you fucking lock—"
Natigil ang pagsasalita ko nang marahan niya akong isalya sa malamig na
dingding ng banyo. He's jailing me with his hands leaning against the wall, both of
them are on the sides of my face. Halos ilang metro lang ang agwat ng mukha niya sa
akin kung kaya naman amoy na amoy ko ang pinaghalong alak at menthol mula sa
hininga niya.
Marahas ang pagtaas-baba ng dibdib ko. Halo-halo ang emosyon na nararamdaman
ko. His dark stares was turning my knees into jelly. Gusto kong umalis sa harapan
niya ngayon ngunit pakiramdam ko ay pinanawan na ako ng lakas.
"You're here..." he whispered.
I shot my brow up, trying to be more intimidating than him.
"Obviously."
Hindi siya sumagot. Nananatili lang siyang nakatitig sa akin at iginagala ang
mga mata sa bawat parte ng mukha ko.
Missing my face so much, Follosco?
"Why?" bulong niya sa namamaos na boses, tila ba nahihirapan.
"What do you mean why? Bakit ako narito? Of course, we're invited and—"
"Why didn't you show up?" he asked breathlessly. "I waited."
Nagiwas ako ng tingin. Pakiramdam ko, kahit hindi na niya linawin at
kumpletuhin pa ang litanya niya ay alam ko na kaagad ang ibig niyang sabihin.
"Eyes on me, Trinity."
Bumuntong hininga ako at matalim ang mga mata siyang binalingan.
"Is my explanation still important—"
"Yes. Hanggang ngayon, iniisip ko pa rin ang dahilan kung bakit hindi mo ako
sinipot nung gabing 'yon. I'm still waiting for a better reason, Trinity. Until
now, I'm still waiting for you."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 52
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
This is how it will always be for the two of us. Just like
thunder and lightning — our timing will always be a little off.
Natigil ang pagiisip ko nang marinig ko ang paglapag ng babasagin sa mesa ko.
Nilingon ko ito at nakitang naroon na ang aking kape.
"Enjoy your coffee, Ma'am." maligayang saad ng crew. His warm and gigantilc
smile can brighten anyone's mood.
"Thank you." balik sagot ko.
Tumalikod na siya at naglakad paalis. Tiningnan ko ang kape ko at napangiti
dahil sa smiley na nakadesign dito gamit ang whipped cream. Para tuloy ayokong
inumin dahil sa ganda ng presentation na ginawa dito.
Huminga ako ng malalim. Hawak ang handle ng puting tasa, iniangat ko ito at
dinala sa pagitan ng mga labi ko habang ang mga mata ay nakababa lang sa mesa. The
hot temperature is tolerable that made it easy for me to drink a little. The milky
sip creeps over my taste-buds and down my throat.
"Mind if I join you?"
My slightly puffy eyes suddenly rose when I heard someone drop that question.
Mabilis na naningkit ang mga mata ko nang mapagsino ko 'yon.
He's holding a cup of coffee like mine. A little smirk was plastered on his
lips while eyeing me cockily.
"You see, there's a lot of vacant chairs around." I said frigidly.
"I can see that. But I want to sit here. It's boring to drink coffee alone, you
know."
My brow jumped to the roof. Nakipagtitigan ako sa kanya nang ilang segundo bago
nagpakawala ng buntong hininga.
"Suit yourself,"
I can still remember his harshness towards me before. Alam kong hindi niya ako
gusto bilang isang babae, lalo na para sa kaibigan niya. So I cannot understand why
he's joining me in my table right now and act like we're in good terms.
"Thanks." he said before settling himself in the chair across me.
Nagiwas ako ng tingin nang makaupo na siya. I focus my attention on the coffee
I'm drinking. The sooner I finish this, the better. Ayokong tumagal sa pwesto na
ito kung saan kaharap ko ang taong may kuneksyon sa kanya.
"I believe I haven't introduce myself to you yet." he said, breaking the dead
silence between us.
Maingat kong inihiwalay ang palibot ng tasa sa mga labi ko at ibinaba ito sa
mesa. I can sense his piercing gaze at me. I feel awkward but I intend not to give
care about that.
As soon as my fingers let go the handle of my cup, I lifted my eyes to him
without a trace of any emotion in my face.
"Don't you think it's already too late for that?"
Umangat ang kilay niya. He smiled a little and seems to be amused by my
response. Bumuntong hininga siya at sumandal sa backrest ng upuan. He folded his
arms above his chest. His position made me notice the slightly huge tattoo on his
wrist. It was an eye, surrounded by rays of light and enclosed by a triangle.
"Look, Trinity. I know that you're holding a grudge against me for whatever I
told you before—"
"I'm not holding a grudge against you. I just don't appreciate someone calling
me a bitch." I fired back while staring frigidly in his eyes.
He chewed the bottom part of his lip and nodded once.
"I'm sorry. I know I was harsh to you back then. It was a mistake calling you a
bitch despite of the fact that we do not know each other personally. I really
deserved Flavian's punch back then." he chuckled.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 55
"W-What?" I whispered so low that even I, can't hear my
voice.
A salty fluid dripped over my small, cracked lips. It feels like someone was
gripping my heart until it stops from beating. Nanglalaki ang mga mata ko habang
nakatitig kay Archer na nakatungo lang at paulit-ulit na inihihilamos ang palad sa
mukha.
Umiling ako, paulit-ulit. Sa nanghihinang mga tuhod ay pinilit ko ang tumayo
nang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kanya.
"The fuck are you talking about? What... What do you mean he's found lifele...
fuck! Archer, kausap ko pa siya kahapon! I went to our house and we even shared
breakfast together! Anong pinagsasabi mo?"
Nagangat siya ng tingin sa akin. He stood up and tried to step near me but I
moved backwards. Pain danced in his bloodshot eyes.
"Tell me you're kidding," my voice turned dark and dangerous. "Sabihin mong
nagbibiro ka lang."
Humakbang siyang muli papalapit sa akin. This time, I didn't had the chance to
step backwards as I felt my knees weaken. He got to hold my hand and pulled me
closer to him, imprisoning my body inside his warm embrace.
"How I wish this is just a joke, Trinity. How I fucking wish." he murmured
against my hair.
Fresh fat tears found their way to get out of my eyes and uncontrollably slid
down my already wet cheeks. Nagsalubong ang aking kilay, tulalang nakatingin sa
kung saan. My lips are trembling as well as my body. It's like some bucket full of
ice had been thrown all over my body.
"I-Imposible. He's very lively while we're talking to each other yesterday.
Panay pa ang tawa niya, Archer. Malakas pa si Papa! He's not even that old! Kaya
paanong... putangina!" I screamed.
My throat closed tight and each word pitched higher than the last in an effort
to squeak out the words that were bottled up inside me. Tears split over and flowed
down my face like a river escaping a damn.
Paanong wala na si Papa? Paanong patay na siya? Wala naman siyang sakit! Masaya
pa kaming naguusap kahapon. Hindi ko maintindihan. Wala akong maintindihan.
Imposible. Buhay pa siya. Buhay siya. He's just at home, sitting on the bench while
watching the sunrise from the garden! Buhay pa ang Papa ko!
Sa mga nanginginig na kamay, pinilit kong itulak ang katawan ni Archer palayo
sa akin. Walang lakas siyang nagpadala sa tulak ko at malamlam ang mga matang
pinagmasdan ako.
"I'm gonna call him. I'll show you that my father's still alive and breathing.
Whatever the reason you have why you're pulling this kind of joke on me, I swear,
I'm not going to forgive you. This is not funny." I glared at him. "Give me your
damn phone."
His chest heaved up. Tumungo siya at bagsak ang balikat na tumalikod. He
crouched down and grabbed his iPhone. Pagkaharap ay iniabot niya ito sa akin.
I snatched his phone away. Mabilis ang aking paghinga. Itinuon ko ang atensyon
ko sa phone at hinanap ang numero ni Papa. I saw the call history and found that
their last conversation was just yesterday afternoon.
I clicked the call button and placed the speaker across my ear. Nang iangat ko
ang tingin kay Arched ay malungkot lang itong nakatanaw sa akin.
The ringing started. My heart is pounding so fast as pain invaded my whole
system. Nagpatuloy ang pagri-ring ng linya. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa cellphone, ang
bagang ay mariing nagtatagis. Mas bumilis pa ang tibok ng puso ko nang matapos na
ang ring at wala akong narinig na boses ni Papa.
I put the phone down and stared at the screen.
"Maybe he's just busy. Knowing him..." I chuckled fakely.
I was about to call him again when an incoming message
popped on the screen up. It was a message from Papa Tyron.
Dad:
How's Trinity, son? We're now here in the morgue. We'll wait for the two of
you. Ang asawa mo ang magdedesisyon kung saan niya gustong iburol ang papa niya.
Humigpit ang hawak ko sa cellphone. My hands trembled as another tear rolled
down my cheek, stinging my tear stained face. My eyes are now filling with tears
glistening in the light, bouncing sadness through the atmosphere.
Nagangat ako ng tingin kay Archer. My eyes were burning and my chest felt heavy
as if it filled with lead.
"A-Archer..." my lips quivered.
His jaw clenched. Malalaki ang naging hakbang niya palapit sa akin. Just before
Archer could reach me, my knees buckled as the marble tiles collided with my knees.
I screamed at the top of my lungs as Archer and I both slammed into the floor.
His arms encircled around my waist, giving me a comforting hug. I clutched his
shirt and dropped his phone, creating a loud thud against the floor. I cried
hysterically. My noisy sobs echoed through the empty house.
He's really dead... My father is really dead... but how?
"The only f-family I have... he... he left m-me... Magisa na l-lang ako..."
basag ang boses na litanya ko.
"Ssh. Don't say that. I'm here, Trinity. I'm your family. Asawa mo ako at hindi
kita iiwan. I'll stay by your side. We'll get through this, kay?" he whispered
against my hair and kissed me on my forehead.
Pumikit ako ng mariin kasabay ng paghigpit ko ng yakap sa kanya. At this very
moment, my mind can't seem to understand why he died. Anong dahilan? Bakit biglaan?
Hindi ko na nagawa pang magbihis at agad ng niyakag si Archer patungo sa morgue
kung saan naroon si Papa. Tahimik ang naging biyahe. Hindi ako kinukulit ni Archer.
My attention was just outside the window as my tears keeps on falling my cheeks.
Tahimik akong humikbi. I felt Archer's gentle caress on my hand. It only
triggered my emotions.
"How did he d-die, Archer?" I asked painfully.
I heard his heavy breathing. The way he puffed those air out feels like he
doesn't want to talk about it right now. Sa nakikitang sitwasyon ko, alam kong
nagaalinlangan siya kung dapat bang sa kanya manggaling ang mga impormasyon na
gusto ko malaman.
"Cardiact arrest, Trina."
Napalingon ako sa kanya, kunot ang noo.
"Cardiact arrest? May sakit siya sa puso?"
He sighed once again. "Yes,"
"Kailan pa? Ba...bakit hindi ko alam? Hindi siya mukhang may sakit, Archer. At
bakit hindi niya sinabi sa akin? Matagal mo na ba itong alam?" histerikal na tanong
ko.
Isang beses siyang tumango.
Napapikit ako ng mariin. Kumuyom ang mga kamao ko.
"Then why didn't you tell me?! Bakit inilihim mo sa akin? Bakit hindi sinabi sa
akin ni Papa!"
He shot me a quick glance. Nabanaag ko ang pagaalala sa mga mata niya.
"It's your father's decision, Trinity. I'm sorry."
Hinampas ko ang bintana sa gilid ko at inihilamos ang kamay sa aking mukha.
Tears started to fall from my helpless eyes.
"He was sick all along and he didn't bother to tell me. Ako pa na anak niya.
Ako pa ang hindi nakakaalam."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 56
The bright rays of the sun was directly pouring down on me, creating a shadow
behind my parent's gravestone as I stared at them.
It's a hot morning but I felt gloomy and cold like I was in the middle of the
forest while the wind is blowing so hard and nobody's around to embrace me and
protect me from the upcoming storm.
Naramdaman ko ang isang kamay sa aking balikat. Mula sa lapida ng aking mga
magulang, tumingala ako. Naningkit ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman ko ang pagtama
ng sikat ng araw rito. Ganoon pa man, nakita ko roon si Ryan kasama si Russell at
ang ilang kaibigan niya. They're all standing in their white poloshirt while
staring at me with sympathy in their eyes.
"We'll go ahead, Trinity. Stay strong." pangunguna ni Ryan.
Tumango ako. As much as I want to stand up from kneeling in this fresh grass, I
couldn't. Pakiramdam ko, oras na tumayo ako ay manghihina ang mga tuhod ko hanggang
sa bumagsak ako. Since the day I lost my father, I feel like I have lost all my
strength, too.
"Thank you, Ryan. Thanks to all of you." I answered sincerely.
Tipid silang ngumiti. Kagabi, sa huling lamay ni Papa, nakaramdam ako ng gulat
nang makita ko ang pagdating ng mga kaibigan ni Flavian sa chapel. Nasa higit lima
sila pero ang kilala ko lang ay si Ryan, Russell Trajano at Chase Saavedra. They
all came to expressed their condolences.
I appreciated it. Kahit na hindi naman kami malapit sa isa't-isa ay nagawa pa
rin nilang makiramay. Hindi man nila sabihin, pakiramdam ko ay may kinalaman si
Flavian kung bakit sila naroon. O, puwedeng wala. Hindi ko alam. Ayoko munang
isipin ang kahit na anong may kinalaman kay Flavian.
"Keep going." Russell Trajano stated.
Tipid akong ngumiti. "Of course."
Nakita ko ang pagtapik ni Chase sa balikat ni Archer na nasa tabi ko at
nakatingin lang rin sa kanila.
"Mauna na kami, Archer."
"Take care." sagot ni Archer bago tumayo at nakipagkamay sa kanilang lahat.
Hindi nakatakas sa mga mata ko ang pagtitig ni Ryan kay Archer na para bang
pinagaaralan ang mukha nito. Huminga ako ng malalim. Knowing that Archer was
shaking hands with Flavian's close friends made me feel guilty. Sigurado akong alam
nilang lahat ang tungkol sa nakaraan namin ni Flavian, ang panlolokong ginawa ko sa
taong kaharap nila ng dahil sa kaibigan nila, samantalang si Archer ay wala ni
kaunting ideya sa mga sikretong itinatago ng mga taong ito. Though, I don't know if
Chase Saavedra is also aware of my infidelity.
Nagiwas na ako ng tingin at ibinalik na sa puntod ni Papa ang atensyon. A
breath of pain and longing escaped my lips.
Papa, although I haven't spend my whole life with you, or talked very much with
you, I love you with my whole heart. I just lost you three days ago and I'm already
missing you so bad. I feel incomplete knowing that you won't be here anymore. No
more walking around the village every morning, no more laughs, no more hugs, no
more father-daughter relationship.
I want to see you again, Papa. To kiss you on your forehead, to hug you
stronger than before but I know you're happy wherever you are right now with the
love of your life, and that's Mama. I won't take that happiness from you, Pa. I
know that you've been longing to be with her since the day she left us. Just know
that I'm already missing you with all my heart and soul.
I felt Archer's hand on my waist. I glanced at him with my puffy eyes, he
smiled at me. I can see the sadness behind his smile like it wasn't meant to show
up.
Kaming dalawa na lang ang naiwan sa sementeryo. Lahat ay nagsialisan na. Sa mga
oras na ito, pakiramdam ko ay siya na lang ang natitirang mayroon ako.
From Zoe, she lifted her eyes and found me. Tipid akong
ngumiti sa kanya. Inilipat ko ang mga mata kay Zoe, bahagyang nanglalaki rin ang
mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa akin.
What's with their reaction?
"T-Trina..." Zoe called out.
Napatayo si Mama na ikinakunot ng noo ko.
"Trinity, hija, nagawi kayo dito? Malayo ito sa work place nyo, ah."
nangingiting sabi ni Mama at bumeso sa pisngi ko pero halata ang pagkaligalig sa
boses.
Nakay Zoe pa rin ang atensyon ko na seryosong nakamasid sa akin.
"Napadaan lang, Ma. Galing kaming MOA ni Archer. We just bought something."
sagot ko at tiningnan na siya.
I found her looking intently at Archer. Nang maramdamang nakatitig na ako sa
kanya at ibinalik niya na ang atensyon sa akin.
"Oh, I-I see. Pauwi na kayo?"
I nodded. "Yes, Ma. Pauwi na rin. Anyway, you have business with Zoe?"
Evangeline looked at Zoe before transferring it to me again.
Seriously? These people should stop looking at each other like they're talking
through their minds. Nahihilo ako sa pagiging malikot ng mga mata nila.
"Y-Yes! The Monterro's are having their mall expansion. Sa atin siya
nakikipagkontrata pagdating sa construction." sagot niya.
Tumango-tango ako. I sipped on my frappe and the sweet and strong taste of
mocha combined in my tongue. I glanced at Zoe. She's staring at her table. She then
looked up and found my cold eyes.
"I don't know you're now this hands on when it comes to Megaworld. I thought
you hate it." I smiled timidly.
Zoe doesn't want to handle the Megaworld because she feels like it's too much
for her. Malaki ang mga mall ng Monterro at kalat-kalat. May point naman siya kung
talagang tatanggihan niya 'yon. Her father seems to be alright with her decision.
But at least, he needs someone to take over his position if ever he already wants
to retire.
"No choice." Zoe answered.
"Hmm. You are supposed to talk to my husband when it comes to that matters
instead of my mother in law, Zoe. Mama Evangeline has no control with our
business." I said, sounding polite as much as I can.
Zoe lifted the corner of her lips.
"Don't worry. I'll go to your husband's office one of these days and talk to
him in private." she rebounded.
I smiled. "Alright then. We'll go ahead."
Pagkasabi ko noon ay bumeso ulit ako sa biyenan ko. She accepted it without
saying anything. Si Archer ay ganoon rin ang ginawa at walang pasabing tumalikod at
hinawakan ako sa bewang. He didn't bother to say goodbye to Zoe.
Nang makalabas kami ng coffee shop at muling makasakay sa kotse ay nilingon ko
si Archer.
"They're acting weird." sabi ko sa kanya.
Mula sa pagkakabit ng seatbelt ay nagangat siya ng tingin sa akin.
"You think?"
I nodded as I continued sipping on my straw.
"Yes, mostly Zoe."
Tumaas ang kilay ko nang lumapit si Archer sa akin at ikinabit ang seatbelt sa
katawan ko. When he's done, he crouched a bit and planted a kiss on my lips. A
gentle smile spread across his face.
"You're just over thinking. Huwag mo na sila isipin. Nagulat lang siguro sila
sa presensiya natin."
I shrugged my shoulders and didn't bother to answer him. Zoe's frustrated and
problematic face keeps on playing in my head. Ngunit kalaunan ay nakalimutan ko na
rin 'yon.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 57
The whole mansion visit and meeting with Mrs. Corpus was really a disaster. I went
back inside their house with a crumpled face and slightly bloodshot eyes. Pansin ko
ang pagtataka ni Mrs. Corpus sa naging itsura ko pagbalik. She even asked me if I
was alright. Of course I said I am, but deep inside, I'm not. But she doesn't need
to know about that.
Shey was giving me the look that she already had an idea why I suddenly went
out of the house the moment I saw Flavian talking to Mrs. Corpus' husband. Alam
niyang hindi ko inaasahan ang makita ulit ito.
It was so sudden that I didn't had the chance to think properly instead of
walking out. All throughout the meeting, my mind was wandering and couldn't focus
on the topic. Mabuti na lang at naroon si Shey para saluhin ako sa pagiging lutang
ko. I wouldn't know what to do if she's not with me. I might disappoint Mrs. Corpus
if ever.
I slammed my body against the soft mattress the moment I entered the master's
bedroom. It's just seven in the evening and Archer isn't around yet. Tumawag siya
sa akin kanina upang sabihin na baka ma-late siya ng uwi. I heard from him that he
still has alot of paperwork to do.
Dinala ko ang mga palad ko sa aking mukha at tinakpan ito. Huminga ako ng
malalim, ang maiksing paguusap namin ni Flavian kanina ay paulit-ulit na naglalaro
sa utak ko.
Inalis ko ang mga kamay ko sa aking mukha at pagod na nagbuga ng hangin. I
glanced at the white ceiling and let my mind drown in the ocean of thoughts.
"He has changed. A lot." I whispered inwardly.
The cold and emotionless aura surrounding the dark orbs of his eyes were some
of the reason why I'm hurting right now. Hindi ko na makita ang init at
pangungulila sa mga mata niya na nakikita ko noon sa tuwing tinititigan niya ako.
Para bang ang dating nag-aapoy na mga mata tuwing nakatingin sa akin ay binuhusan
ng tubig na punong-puno ng yelo hanggang sa tuluyang mamatay ang apoy roon.
It's too lifeless.
Hindi ka na dapat nagtataka ng ganiyan, Trinity. You pushed him away several
times! Ilang beses ka niyang sinuyo, ilang beses ka niyang iniyakan at nagmakaawang
balikan mo siya, do you really expect him to stay beside you even if you don't want
him to? Tapos na ang pagpapakatanga niya sa'yo!
And now he's back in Korea. To fullfill his duties as that Sandra's boyfriend.
I rolled my eyes skyward. Boyfriend duties my fucking ass!
On a second thought... I wonder how that woman looks like? I mean, is she
prettier than me? Mas sexy ba siya sa akin? I surely have a body to die for. Kung
tutuusin ay marami ang nagaakalang isa akong modelo dahil sa pagiging balingkinitan
ng katawan ko at sa tangkad na mayroon ako.
Hindi ako iyong babae na kailangan pang yukuin ng lalaki sa tuwing hahalikan.
Tall men won't have to crouch down just to reach my lips. Archer and Flavian have
the same height. Hanggang tainga na nila ako at hindi na kailangan tumingkayad pa.
So, what are you trying to point out now, Trinity? That you're damn sure that
you are way prettier than his girlfriend? Ang dami-dami mong sinasabi! Ang sabihin
mo, nasasaktan ka lang at hindi pa man nakikita ang itsura ng kinahuhumalingan
niya, insecure ka na agad!
Ngumiwi ako sa takbo ng isip ko.
Wala lang. Share ko lang. Bakit ba?
Sa hindi mapigilang pagusbong ng kuryosidad sa isip ko, kinuha ko ang cellphone
ko na nasa aking gilid at binuksan ito.
I suddenly thought of opening my Instagram account to check if there's some
information about them that I can gain. Lahat ng social media accounts ko ay bago
na. I deleted the old accounts since I stayed in Canada. Lahat ng may koneksyon kay
Flavian noon ay walang alinlangan kong binura.
I tapped the search bar and typed Flavian's name there.
Dalawang account ang lumabas. Ang isa ay Flavian Follosco ang pangalan, ito ang
natatandaan kong gamit niya noon na nakakunekta sa luma kong account.
When I clicked it, it's the same and old profile picture that welcomed me. I
scrolled down and searched for a recent post. Pero ang pinakahuli ay isang taon na
ang nakalipas. But what made my heart ache is the portraits I have there were
already in deleted. Siya ang kumuha ng mga litrato kong iyon at nagpost, siya rin
ang nagbura.
Funny.
I swiped up to exit the useless account. Napunta ulit ako sa mga resulta ng
accounts ng pangalan niya. Under the Flavian Follosco was an account named as Ian
Follosco. I'm not sure kung sa kanya rin ito. Ang profile picture kasi ay hubad at
nakatalikod na katawan lang. The man was just wearing a white Calvin Klein boxer
brief. He honestly looked like an underwear model.
I still clicked the account. The owner of it account has 425k followers. Tumaas
ang kilay ko.
Famous, ah.
I scrolled down. Unang row pa lang ng mga pictures ay kumunot na ang noo ko.
Muli ko na namang naramdaman ang mga pinong kirot sa puso ko nang mamukhaan ko ang
mga nasa pictures.
It's his. The account is his.
I tapped the first picture. It's Flavian... with a woman. Maputi, kulot ang
buhok, bilugan ang katawan at malayong-malayo sa katawan ko na balingkinitan.
They're both sitting inside the car, wearing black and brown trench coat. Itim ang
kay Flavian, brown naman ang sa babae. Nasa driver's seat si Flavian, ang babae ay
nasa passenger's seat. Sa posisyon ng litrato ay halatang ang babae ang kumuha.
They're both smiling genuinely like they had just finished laughing about
something.
I read the caption. Intolerable pain ravaged my bleeding heart.
Her smile is slowly becoming my weakness.
I let go of the air I didn't know I was holding. This must be her. This must
be Sandra.
My palms suddenly became cold and sweaty. The beating of my heart is thumping
so fast like someone is chasing me with a knife on his hands and I have to run
faster for my life.
I closed the picture and pressed the next one. Nagtubig ang mga mata ko nang
masilayan ko ang pangalawang litrato. Nakaupo si Sandra sa couch, si Flavian ay
nakahiga sa hita niya. He's obviously the one who took the picture and Sandra
didn't like it based on the scowl on her face.
I looked at her body.
She was just wearing an oversized plain shirt and a floral boxer shorts that's
too fitted on her. Halatang hapit sa kanya iyon dahil sa pagkakahubog ng hita niya.
Habang si Flavian naman ay walang suot na pang-itaas at tanging ang pamilyar na
gold necklace lang na may pendant na crucifix ang naroon.
At sa malamang, ang tshirt na dapat ay sa kanya ay ang t-shirt na suot ni
Sandra.
How sweet. Did they just finished fucking each other?
Nagtagis ang bagang ko sa naisip. It's possible! Having sex with each other is
a possibility! Suot nga ni Sandra ang tshirt ni Flavian, hindi ba? So ano pa ang
dapat kong isipin doon?
I actually find it unfair. He's already having sex with other woman while here
I am, cannot give myself to Archer because I am still stuck to him and the marks he
had imprinted all over my skin.
Well, Trinity. It's your choice. Flavian is a man and he has needs. Same with
your husband. May pangangailangan siya na hindi mo maibigay sa kanya. Ikaw na asawa
niya! Huwag kang maghihimutok diyan kung umuwi siya ng isang gabi na mayroon na
namang marka sa leeg niya.
Hindi ko alam. I would be totally unfair to Archer if I
would let something intimate happen to us despite of the truth that I'm not up for
it. Hindi dahil sa ayoko sa kanya, hindi pa lang talaga ako handa.
I don't know when I will be ready. But who knows? Mangyayari na lang 'yon nang
hindi namin inaasahan.
My grip on the phone unconsciously tightened. I was staring at the picture for
too long that I haven't notice the tears cascading down my cheeks.
I pressed the arrow button to move back to his profile. Sinuyod ko ang mga
litrato at karamihan sa mga naroon ay litrato nila ni Sandra.
I noticed the red linings around Flavian's profile picture. He has a story
which only means that this account is really active. Sabagay, halata naman. The
last picture he posted was just three days ago.
I clicked his barely naked profile picture. Halos magdugo ang mga mata ko nang
makita ko si Flavian at Sandra na magkayakap. They're in some garden or wherever
that place is. I just noticed some trees around them so I assume that they're in a
garden. They're both smiling but Flavian's smile was the warmest. It's posted five
minutes ago.
Lumindol ang puso ko.
Sandali! Five minutes ago? Ibig sabihin ay nasa Korea na siya at ngayon ay
magkasama na sila ng babaeng iyon doon!
I studied his clothes and realised that it's the same clothes he's wearing when
I saw him back in Mrs. Corpus house.
He's really telling the truth, huh? He really had to go back there because
she's waiting for him? Unfortunately, tatlong oras lang ang biyahe patungo doon
kaya nakarating agad siya.
Bumuga ako ng hangin.
Ano ba ang nakita niya sa babaeng iyon? I admit that she's pretty. Kahit mataba
ay maganda ang mukha niya. I didn't know that Flavian was into those kind of
beauty. Iyong malaman.
"I don't see anything wrong with that. But I don't see anything wrong with
girls who have thick thighs and wide waistline, too. I find them hot."
Napapikit ako ng mariin. Those bold statement from Flavian suddenly rang in my
head. Naalala kong sinabi niya 'yon nang unang beses niya akong yayain kumain sa
labas. We're just having business that time even though I was secretly having a
crush on him.
"Kaya pala gusto niya si Sandra. Nasa kanya ang gusto niya pagdating sa isang
babae." bulong ko sa isip.
Natapos na ang duration time ng story niya at bumalik na ito ng kusa sa profile
niya. Suddenly, a wicked idea slammed my head. Nangiti ako sa naisip.
Pinindot ko ulit ang story niya at nagpunta sa message na naroon. I was about
to type something evil when a realization hit me.
Sandali! Hindi niya dapat malaman na ako ang nagsend nung message na 'yon. I
should hide my identity.
Mabilis na gumana ang utak ko. Dahil wala naman akong balak na i-follow siya,
maybe I can just change my profile picture from my own selfie to a cartoon
character. Papalitan ko rin ang pangalan ko para hindi niya ako makilala. Naka-
private naman ang account ko kaya siguradong hindi siya maghihinala na ako ang may
ari nung account na ito.
With that idea, I quickly changed my profile picture to a frowning Elsa of
Frozen. Ang pangalan ko na Trinity Ravena ay ginawa kong Ice Princess. Such a jeje
name but it's fine rather than exposing my real name and get caught by him. Baka
isipin pa niya ay may pakielam pa ako sa kanya at bitter.
Bakit, hindi ba?
Isang beses ko pang pinasadahan ang profile ko at nang masigurong wala ng
dahilan para makilala niya pa ako ay muli akong nagtungo sa account niya. I clicked
his profile picture where his story can be shown and typed a message below.
Ice Princess: Hindi kayo bagay. You have a bad taste when
it comes to a girl. 😏
Humagikhik ako at mabilis na nagexit sa Instagram. I was laughing hard, so hard
that I felt a fresh and warm tear fell from the corner of my left eye. Naramdaman
ko ang pagdaan nito sa tainga ko bago tuluyang bumagsak sa kama.
Sa mga oras na ito, hindi ako sigurado kung dahil pa rin ba sa sobrang pagtawa
ang dahilan ng luhang ito.
Pasado alas-otso na ng gabi nang maisipan ko lumabas ng bahay at magtungo sa
isang club kesa ang magmukmok sa kwarto tungkol sa katotohanang hindi ko naman na
puwede baguhin.
And Arched isn't still home. Tumawag siya sa akin at sinabing baka matagalan pa
ng ilang saglit sa opisina niya. I told him that I am planning to go out and he let
me. Ang sabi niya ay susunduin na lang daw niya ako. Wala namang kaso sa akin 'yon.
Tumigil ang taxi sa tapat ng The Rebel. Since my husband is going to fetch me
later, I didn't bother to bring my own car.
Gusto ko sana yakagin si Shey para may kasama ako kaya lang ay nahihiya naman
ako. Maghapon na nga siyang maraming ginawa, siya pa ang halos nakipagusap kay Mrs.
Corpus bago ay yayayain ko pa dito.
Ayos lang ako magisa. I just need some drink to calm my anxious and broken
heart. Seriously? Kailan ba naging maayos itong puso ko? Simula ng dumating sa
buhay ko si Flavian ay naging kadikit ko na rin ang salitang wasak.
I entered the club's grand entrance. 16 shots of Stefflon Don was playing wild
along the polluted air. Marami ang nagsasayaw sa dance floor at halatang nag-eenjoy
sa kantang pinapatugtog ng DJ.
Dumiretso ako sa paglalakad at hindi pinansin iyon. I am planning to spend the
rest of my night in a wide couch. Mas gusto kong doon uminom kesa a bar counter
nang sa ganoon ay wala gaanong istorbo at hindi siksikan.
Iginala ko ang paningin sa lugar at naghanap ng couch na puwede kong upuan. My
brows furrowed together when I didn't see a vacant one.
Ano? Marami ba ang problemado ngayon at gustong maginom kaya narito lahat?
"Trinity?"
Sa kabila ng maingay na tugtugin sa paligid ay narinig ko ang malalim na boses
na tumawag sa akin. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko hanggang sa dumapo ito sa isang
pwesto kung saan nakita ko roon si Ryan. A smirk instantly blossomed in his face
the moment he saw me looking at him.
Tumaas ang kilay ko at pasimpleng inilibot ang mga mata ko sa mga kasama niya.
Nasa isang paikot na couch siya, along with him are Russell Trajano and some of
their friends he's with when they came to my father's burial. May ilang babae rin
ang naroon pero hindi na pamilyar sa akin.
Nahahip ng mga mata ko ang pagtayo ni Ryan. Naglakad siya patungo sa akin nang
may mapaglarong ngisi sa labi niya. I kept my brow up.
"Hey. It's nice to see you again." he said, his thick voice was being drowned
in the loud music.
"Yeah, long time no see." I smirked.
"Alone?"
I nodded. "Naghahanap ako ng bakanteng upuan."
"You can join us! Maluwag pa naman doon sa pwesto namin."
Ngumiwi ako. "No, thanks. Hindi ko kilala ang ilan—"
"Oh, shut up. Halos lahat sa mga iyan pwera sa mga babae ay kasama ko noong
nagpunta kami sa lamay ng Papa mo."
I stared at him. He seems like he's not going to give up until I accept his
offer. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Fine." I said defeatedly.
He chuckled. "Damn, ngayon ay alam ko na kung bakit tiklop sa'yo si Flavian.
You looked like an evil queen when you're rolling your eyes."
Muli ko siyang inirapan. "Halika na. I don't have the rest
of the night."
Tumango siya at dinilaan ang ibabang parte ng labi niya. Nagpatiuna na siya at
naglakad patungo sa couch nila. Taas noo akong sumunod. Halos lahat ng mga mata ng
kaibigan niya ay nakapako sa akin.
When my eyes landed to Russell, he raised his shot glass and smirked at me.
Ngumisi rin ako sa kanya. Umusod siya at nagbigay ng espasyo, doon ako naupo kung
saan napapagitnaan nila ako ni Ryan.
"Alone?" Russell asked the moment I sat beside him.
I glanced at him. His white complexion is already flushed like he's been
drinking for a awhile now.
"Obviously."
He chuckled and didn't speak anymore.
"Trinity, this is Cole, one of our friends. And that's Kyle, Brandon and Mike.
I'm sure familiar ka na sa iba sa kanila bukod dito kay Cole. Madalang na itong
nakakasama sa amin dahil may asawa na. Under." Ryan mocked that earned a middle
finger from Cole.
Natawa ako. Itinaas ni Cole ang basong hawak niya sa akin na sinuklian ko ng
tango.
"Trinity Ravena..." I said.
He nodded. "You are the famous interior designer and the wife of Archer
Ravena?"
I nodded my head. This time, I can already acknowledge that title without being
furious. Kahit pa sabihin na hindi ko pa mahal si Archer, sa tingin ko ay hindi
niya deserve ang ilihim sa harap ng ibang tao. After everything he has done for
me...
"I am..."
"At ang kaisa-isang babae na kinababaliwan ni Flavian." sabat ni Ryan.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
"Shut up. He's already in a relationship with Sandra. We're over a long time
ago."
Nahagip ko ang paglipat ng tingin ni Cole sa tabi ko. It's a serious gaze.
Unconsciously, I looked beside me and found Russell staring coldly at his glass.
His elbows were both resting above his knees like he's in a deep thoughts.
"Uh-oh, you've just mentioned the wrong person." Ryan whispered on my ear.
Kunot noo ko siyang binalingan. Nakataas ang kilay niya sa akin na para bang
mayroon siyang sinabi sa akin na nakaligtaan ko. It's seconds later when I
remembered that Sandra was Russell's ex-fiancee! My eyes widened a bit and leaned
closer to Ryan.
"Hindi pa siya nakakamove-on?" I whispered softly.
I'm bothered that Russell might hear us talking about him and his fiancee. Baka
isipin niya ay insensitive ako.
Ryan shook his head.
"Hindi pa. Hindi na ata mangyayari 'yon. He's still head over heels with
Sandra."
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. "Bakit hindi siya makipagbalikan kay Sandra kung
ganoon?"
"Masakit ang pinagdadaanan ng dalawang 'yan. Russell was being an asshole back
then so Sandra left him. And now that she's with Flavian, lalo ng hindi makagawa ng
paraan si Russ para bumalik ito."
I rolled my eyes. "Then he has no balls."
"Maybe you're right. I don't have the balls to chase her and win her back after
everything that I have done to her."
Nakagat ko ang labi ko nang maulinigan ko ang boses ni Russell. Shit, he heard
me?
Hindi siya nag angat ng tingin sa akin, ang mga mata ay nasa alak lang sa
kanyang harapan. The way he dropped those words made me conclude that he's in
tremendous pain right now.
I glanced at Ryan. Umiling lang siya sa akin bago ako
inabutan ng shot. I accepted it without hesitation and consumed it. The bitter and
strong taste of alcohol burned my throat down my stomach.
"Wanna get drunk tonight?" Ryan asked playfully.
I nodded and sighed. "Yes."
"Cool."
My eyes unknowingly darted on Cole. He's staring intently at me. Nagtaas lang
ako ng kilay bago binawi ang tingin sa kanya.
Time flies so fast. Ramdam ko na ang pagkahilo ko at ang pagtama ng alak sa
buong sistema ko. Pakiramdam ko rin ay nagaapoy na ang pakiramdam ko dahil sa
sobrang init.
"I wonder why Flavian didn't fight for you..." Cole asked all of a sudden.
Natuon ang atensyon namin sa kanilang lahat. With a blurry vision, I laughed at
him.
"Oh, Cole. Believe me when I say that he did. Ako ang bumitaw."
"What's the issue?" he asked coldly.
"I'm married. That's the issue—"
"Don't fuck with me, woman. We all know here that you were still in a
relationship with Flavian even if he's aware that you're already married. You had
an affair with him. So I'm wondering what really happened..."
My jaw clenched tightly at his questions but I shrugged it off. Pinilit kong
matawa at inirapan siya.
"Are we all going to pretend here that you don't have even the slightest idea
why we broke up?" nakangising anas ko.
Ryan sighed heavily and tapped my shoulder.
"Don't answer him. Chismoso lang talaga 'yan si Cole. Pagpasensyahan mo na."
"Fuck you, Ry." Cole hissed.
Nagkatawanan sila. Even Russell who's serious all the damn time let out a
chuckle. Sa mga narito ay ako pa lang ata at ang mga hindi kilalang babae ang
tinatamaan ng alak. Ryan and his friends are still normal. Ganoon ata talaga kapag
sanay na sanay sa pagiinom.
Dumako ang mga mata ko sa isang babaeng kasama namin. She's already drunk and
clinging to Kyle. I saw her kissing his neck while Kyle was caressing her legs.
Nagiwas ako ng tingin nang maramdaman ko ang namumuong init sa puson ko.
Damn. I can't believe this.
I took the shot glass in front of me and swallowed the amber liquid. Kasabay ng
paglalapag ko nito pabalik sa lamesa ay ang panginginig ng cellphone ko sa loob ng
purse ko.
With a hazy vision, I opened my purse and took my phone inside. I found a
message from Archer.
Archer:
I'm already outside. Gusto mong puntahan kita diyan?
I immediately typed a reply.
Me:
No. Im goiht otu niw.
Seconds later and he replied again.
Archer:
You're drunk.
I giggled. Itinabi ko na ang cellphone ko sa loob ng purse at tumayo na. Umikot
ang paningin ko pero nagawa ko pa rin naman ang tumayo ng ayos. It's just an
initial reaction because I sat too long.
"I'll go ahead. My husband is already outside. Thank you for the drink." I
smiled at them, specifically at Ryan.
Tiningala nila ako.
"Can you still walk? I can accompany you till your husband's car—"
"No, Ry. Thank you. I'm fine." I assured.
Nagsimula na akong maglakad. Taas noo kahit pa nahihilo na. I can feel their
heavy stares at me but I ignored it and continued walking my way out. Nakarating
ako sa parking lot at kaagad ko nakita si Archer na nakasandal sa hood ng kotse
niya.
He instantly saw me. His jaw clenched and immediately walked towards me. I
giggled.
"You're here." I stated.
He muttered a curse as he wrapped his arm around my waist.
"You drink too much, huh?" he growled darkly.
Humagikhik ako. "Not really."
Hinayaan ko siyang alalayan ako hanggang sa makarating kami sa kotse niya. He
opened the car door and helped me get inside. Nang maiayos ako sa loob ay isinarado
niya ito at umikot patungo sa driver's seat. As soon as he got inside, his fresh
manly perfume lingered in my nose.
"You smell good," I whispered sensually that I couldn't even recognize my voice
anymore.
Taas kilay niya akong nilingon habang binubuhay ang makina. Bumusangot siya
nang makita ang ngisi sa labi ko. He then sighed and shook his head.
"It took you alot of alcohol before you notice it, hmm?"
I giggled and averted my eyes from him. Agad ko rin ibinalik ang mga mata ko sa
kanya at pinagmasdan siya. He's gazing at the dim view ahead of us with furrowed
brows while waiting for the engine to be ready. I moved my eyes down his body.
The way his hand gripped on the steering wheel made me see his hairy arms and
the protruding veins on it. It looks... sexy.
Naramdaman ko ang mas lalong pagiinit ng pakiramdam ko habang pinagmamasdan
siya. I gazed back to his face.
"Archer..." I called out.
"Hmm?" he said and shot me a glance.
I grabbed that chance and leaned over him, attacking his lips with a fiery
kiss. Naramdaman ko ang pagkakatigil niya na para bang nagulat siya sa inakto ko. I
deepened the kiss and entered my tongue inside his mouth. I felt him transferring
his arm from the steering wheel to the small part of my back as he responsed to my
kiss a little bit hungry.
Iniangat ko ang sarili ko at lumipat sa kandungan niya. Inalalayan niya ako
hanggang sa makaupo ako patagilid sa kanya, my feet we're now both relaxing on the
passenger's seat.
When he started kissing me back, my brain lit on fire and the warmth spread
throughout my entire body.
A kiss is one of the most sensual happenings, aside from sex and, of course, I
loved it. His lips was warm and tasted of mint; he had obviously been chewing gum
earlier. His hands were wrapped around my waist and mine locked around his neck
pulling him closer.
"Trinity, this is Archer you are kissing right now..." he breathed through our
kiss.
"I know," I answered with my soft voice, completely ignoring his words.
Whatever the reason why he said those things, it doesn't matter now. I know I
don't love him back, but I couldn’t resist.
"Fuck..." he cursed before leaning closer to me, deepening the kiss even more.
Damn. I couldn’t fight against the thoughts that starting to go through me. His
very smell, his minty breath and the warmness of his body were flooding my senses
now...
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Chapter 58
"You just puked your liver out in the middle of our make
out session, babe." he chuckled. "Binitin mo ako."
Nagmulat ako ng mga mata. "What?"
"Oh, I see. You didn't remember what we did last night, huh?" he teased.
"No, that's not what I meant. Ang ibig ko sabihin ay sumuka ako kagabi?"
That explains the vomit taste in my tongue. Bakit hindi ko matandaan na nagsuka
ako? Am I too drunk last night?
"Unfortunately, yes. You just sprayed your vomit all over the floor. Too bad
you didn't make it to the bathroom. Don't worry, I cleaned it last night before I
sleep."
Natapon ang init sa aking puso sa sinabi niyang 'yon. Umawang ang labi ko
habang pinagtatagpi-tagpi sa aking isip ang mga kapalpakang ginawa kagabi.
I had a drink with Ryan and his friends. Archer fetched me and I initiated a
kiss while we're inside the car. After that... I can't really remember the exact
details. Hanggang doon na lang ang naaalala ko.
Nagsuka ako sa sahig. At pagkatapos ay nilinis niya? He didn't call Mica to
clean my mess? Bakit? Puwede namang si Mica na lang. Hindi ko lubos maisip na
magagawa niyang maglinis ng suka ng ibang tao. Kahit ako ay baka mandiri kung
ipapalinis sa akin ang sarili kong suka. Siya pa kaya?
"You shouldn't have clean that and asked Mica, instead." napapalunok na sabi
ko.
"Why would I call her if I could do it myself?"
"Pero suka ko iyon, Archer! It's disgusting and smelly–"
"I don't care, Trinity. I wouldn't hesitate to clean all your mess no matter
how disgusting it is if the situation asked me. But, babe, I don't wanna see you
experiencing that kind of shit again. Hirap na hirap ka sumuka kagabi."
Pakiramdam ko ay may humaplos sa puso ko sa naging litanya na iyon ni Archer.
Here is the man I loathed before, hated to the depth of my soul and almost cursed
him for marrying me... showing and proving to me that he's worth the chance.
Without trying too much, ipinaparamdam niya sa akin na deserving siya bigyan ng
pagkakataon para sa maayos na pagsasama na ito.
He's a respected businessman, one of the richest men in Asia, and yet, he's
willing to clean my disgusting vomit without even feeling hesitant.
"T-Thank you, Archer. I'm sorry for giving you head aches. At sorry dahil...
nabitin ka."
Humalakhak siya mula sa kabilang linya.
"Shut up, wife. Just don't start the fire again if you don't have plans on
playing with it. Baka hindi na ako makapagpigil sa susunod." natatawang aniya.
I don't know what's gotten into my head that I kissed him last night while
we're in the car. Maybe because it's all because of the alcohol. Kapag ang katinuan
mo ay nahaluan na ng espiritu ng alak, mayroon sa loob ng katawan mo ang
nakakaramdam ng pagiinit at para bang gusto mong gawin ang bagay na 'yon.
I know that I'm not yet ready to do it with him but the alcohol made me ready.
Pero hindi pa rin nangyari, wala pa rin nangyari kahit pa ako ang naging agresibo.
Siguro ay hindi pa lang talaga panahon para gawin namin ang bagay na 'yon.
"I asked Mica to give you a pain reliever just in case you're still
experiencing head ache. I'm already here in the office. Maaga akong umalis dahil
may meeting ako. I didn't dare to wake you up 'coz you're sleeping soundly."
Tipid akong ngumiti kahit pa hindi niya nakikita.
"Thank you, Archer. Thank you for taking care of me." I said sincerely.
Naglaro ang mga salitang iyon sa utak ko. Pilit pang binalikan ng isip ko ang
dahilan kung bakit ganoon ang message niya sa akin.
My eyes widened when I remembered telling him about having a bad taste when it
comes to a girl. Oh my gosh! Bakit ganoon ang sagot niya? Hindi ba dapat ay magalit
siya dahil nilait ko si Sandra? Bakit parang tanggap niya pa? And why do I feel
insulted that he accepted that troll knowing that I became one of his girls?
You, idiot! Hindi naman niya alam na ikaw ang nagmessage sa kanya. Did you
forget that you used a fucking Disney character to hide your real identity?
Suminghap ako. Oo nga pala, ano?
Ibinalik ko ang atensyon ko sa screen makailang sandali. I clicked his message
and saw that it was sent to me last night, just five minutes after I sent it to
him. Ngayon ko lang nakita dahil nga naginom na ako kagabi.
Nagimbak ako ng hangin sa aking dibdib habang nakatitig sa screen ng cellphone
ko. Ramdam ko ang biglang pagkawala ng sakit ng ulo ko dahil mas nananaig ang kaba
at mabilis na pintig ng puso ko.
Ramdam ko ang pagusbong ng talim sa mga mata ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Perfect
for his taste? What does he mean? Na mas gusto niya ang malaman kesa sa payat na
katulad ko? Is he really fucking insulting me?
He doesn't know that it's you, Trinity! Ano ba? Masiyado kang affected!
Sa nagtatagis na bagang ay muli akong nagtipa ng sagot sa kanya. Halos dumiin
ang mga daliri ko sa screen tuwing tumitipa ako.
Ginigigil mo talaga ako, Follosco!
Ramdam ko ang pagkalat ng iritasyon at inggit sa buong puso at utak ko. Para
itong lason na unti-unting pinapatay ang kabaitan sa pagkatao ko.
Minutes later and he replied again.
Inis kong pinatay ang cellphone ko at hinagis ito sa paanan ko. How dare him!
Huwag niyang sabihin na magpapasa siya na naman siya ng litrato ng ibang babae niya
para lang patunayan na marami siyang magagandang babae na nakalandian?
Ha! I didn't know he's saving his women's picture in his phone.
Pumikit ako ng mariin. Marahas ang bawat pagtaas-baba ng dibdib ko dahil sa
iritasyong namamayani. Muli kong naramdaman ang pagsakit ng ulo ko dahil sa naging
paguusap namin ni Flavian.
Though, the conversation wasn't directly for me... I still feel hurt. Nagagawa
niyang ipakita sa ibang tao ang litrato ni Sandra at ipagmalaki na para bang proud
na proud talaga siya rito. Samantalang sa akin ay hindi niya nagawa iyon.
Paano naman niya ako ipagmamalaki gayong nakatali na ako sa ibang tao? Gayong
hindi naman niya ako pagaari.
I chewed the bottom part of my lip and sighed frustratingly. Suddenly, my phone
rang. Pumasok sa isip ko si Archer. Baka kakamustahin ang pakiramdam ko.
Kinalma ko ang sarili ko at pilit inabot ang cellphone. My brows furrowed
together when I saw an unfamiliar foreign number.
Sino'to?
Sinagot ko ito. Hindi muna ako nagsalita at hinintay mauna ang kung sino man
ang nasa kabilang linya.
Suddenly, a sexy and deep chuckle filled my ears.
"I have a bad taste, huh?" the baritone voice from the other line said.
Namilog ang mga mata ko kasabay ng pagusbong ng matinding tensyon sa dibdib ko.
His voice... his familiar words... and the butterflies in my stomach...
Fuck!
"You didn't reply," he added.
Nagpalinga-linga ako. Ano'ng ibig niyang sabihin? Don't tell me he has an idea
about the stunts I pulled? Kung wala, bakit siya tatawag sa akin at ganoon agad ang
bungad? Pero paano nangyari iyon?
"What... What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about..." I asked
nervously, still trying to pretend.
He chuckled. "Hmm, how are you Ice Princess? I think you should check my
message for you and see if I really have a bad taste for women."
Hindi ko na halos mahabol ang hininga ko sa sobrang kama. Wala sa loob kong
inilayo ang cellphone mula sa tainga ko at ine-exit ang call ni Flavian habang naka
hold ito. I went to my Instagram and saw a new message from him.
My heart suddenly palpitated when I completely opened the message and saw the
content of it.
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Chapter 59
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Chapter 60
Ryan held the gold metal door knob and twisted it. He
pushed it and stepped inside, kaagad akong sumunod.
The first thing that welcomed my sight were a bunch of people talking while
holding a beer on their hands. Napatingin ang karamihan sa akin pagkapasok ko.
Actually, most of them were staring intently at me. Karamihan pa ay mga lalaki.
Dahil sa pakikipagsukatan ko ng titig sa kanila ay wala rin sa sarili ang
pagsunod kay Ryan. I saw him heading towards a wide gray couch.
My eyes automatically looked at them one by one. I saw Russell, smirking at me.
Kyle and Mike are also giving me a friendly smile. And then my eyes stopped in the
man who's sitting in the middle, a bottle of beer resting in his slender hand while
staring darkly at me.
My lips pursed at his sight. My heart increased its beat but I remained calm.
Hindi ko ipinapahalata na malakas pa rin ang epekto ng presensiya niya sa akin.
Five days ago, Ryan informed me that Flavian is already back... with Sandra. I
was shocked at first, not knowing what to really feel. Masasaktan ba ako dahil
magkasama pa talaga sila sa paguwi o mainiis dahil malapit na naman sa akin ang
presensiya niya.
Hindi pa man nasasabi sa akin ni Ryan ang tungkol sa pagbabalik ni Flavian,
pumayag na akong dumalo sa kaarawan niya. Nobody will think that I just accepted
his invitation because Flavian might be here.
No. If I would be given the chance to make a decision if I would come to this
party or not, I would say no, without hesitation. Ayoko na ng gulo. Ayoko ng
masaktan. Knowing that I'm trying to care for Archer's feelings for me, ang layuan
at kalimutan si Flavian ang una ko dapat ginagawa.
"Dito ka, Trinity." alok sa akin ni Kyle bago umusod para magkaroon ako ng
espasyo.
Ngumiti ako sa kanya. I walked towards his direction but Ryan occupied the
space that's supposed to be mine. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Ako dapat ang katabi ni Trinity dahil ako naman ang may birthday. Usod ka,
Kyle." makulit na utos ni Ryan.
Kyle didn't bother to complain. Umusod siya, umusod rin si Ryan hanggang sa may
tamang espasyon na para sa akin. Sa kabilang banda naman ay naroon si Russell,
mataman lang din nakatitig sa akin. Habang patungo sa kinaroroonan nila ay iniwasan
ko ang mapatingin sa gawi ni Flavian. Those dark eyes are the last thing I want to
see right now.
I crouched a little and kissed Russell on his cheek.
"Hey, Russ. Good to see you again."
His smirk went deeper. "Likewise, Trina."
I settled myself in the middle of them. From my position, I can feel Flavian's
heavy stares for me. Pilit kong hindi dinadala ang tingin ko sa kanya kahit pa
malinaw kong nakikita ang bawat galaw niya mula sa gilid ng mga mata ko.
"How are you, Russ? Heard you just got from Batangas." I whispered at him.
Russ glanced at me and nodded. "Yeah, Marga's birthday. Remember her?"
"Hmm. Cole's wife, right?"
"Right,"
"Russ and Flav got into a verbal fight," Ryan butt in, making soft chuckles
against my ear. "It's because of you and Sandra."
Taas kilay ko siyang nilingon. "Me? Why me?"
He chugged the amber liquid on his bottle and sneered at me. "Obviously, Russ
was so jealous when he saw Ian and Sandra went out of the same room. He's damn
frustrated that he even asked Ian about you. Kung paano ka na, na palagi mo siyang
hinahanap kay Russ."
"What the hell!" my eyes widened, trying so bad not to scream.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Ask him."
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Chapter 61
"Just go,"
Sininghalan ko siya bago tinalikuran at naglakad na patungo kay Seb na nakaupo
na sa tabi ng adjustable chair at nakatingin sa akin. Taas noo akong lumapit sa
kanya kahit pa ramdam ko ang pagtitig sa akin ng ibang naroon.
Seb handed me a mini notepad.
"Write here the word you want me to put,"
Naupo ako sa adjustable chair at walang alilangan isinulat doon ang design na
gusto ko.
Freedom...
Iniabot ko 'yon sa kanya. Naabutan ko siyang nakatitig sa akin. He accepted the
pad and glanced at it. Makailang sandali ay tumango siya.
"Saan banda? Ituro mo." aniya.
Bahagya akong tumagilid. I grazed my fingers on my left side boob. I felt the
silky texture of my blouse brushing against my index finger. Tiningnan ko si Seb.
He's looking at the part of my body I was pointing out. Couple of seconds had
passed before he looked up and met my eyes.
"You will need to remove your top. Okay with you?"
Confident ako sa katawan at balat ko. Hindi pa man nakakarating dito ay alam ko
ng ganoon ang dapat ko gawin. Hindi na ako dapat mahiya o mag-alinlangan. We're in
a modern type of world where people find being naked all fucking normal.
Tumango ako sa kanya. "Let's get this thing over with."
Magkakrus ang mga kamay kong iniangat ang puting vneck blouse ko. Ngunit hindi
pa man nakakalampas ng dibdib ko ang damit ay naramdaman ko na ang pagpigil sa
braso ko.
"Don't you dare..." a voice, dark and freezing, played in my ears.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Ibinaba ko ang damit at nilingon ang gilid ko kung saan
naroon ang nagtangkang pumigil sa akin.
My eyes encircled in bewilderment when I saw Flavian glaring at me. His stormy
eyes were like having spikes all over it, cutting through my soul.
Anong ginagawa nito dito?
Sa kabila ng pagkagulat na naramdaman ay pilit kong pinagmukhang mataray ang
mukha ko. I lifted my arched brow at him. He didn't faze.
"And what are you doing here?"
"Trying to stop you from your craziness. Isn't it obvious?" The scowl on his
perfectly handsome face deepened.
"Craziness!" I spat unbelievably. "You call this craziness? Anong kabaliwan sa
pagpapatattoo? E, ikaw nga may tattoo rin! At saka bakit ka pa nakikielam? Bakit ka
narito? Sinusundan mo ba ako?"
Nagtungo ang mga mata ko kay Ryan. The bastard was just leaning against the
black wall while arms folded over his chest. He's grinning ear to ear as if he's
enjoying this damn moment between Flavian and I.
He must be the one who told Flavian about this!
"I didn't say that having a tattoo is crazy. But you... taking your shirt in
front of these men is definitely fucking crazy." he growled venomously that made my
attention back to him.
Wala sa sariling napatingin ako sa paligid. Lahat ng narito, lalo na ang mga
lalaki ay nakatingin sa amin... sa akin. Sandali akong nakaramdam ng pagkailang.
Still, I shook that awkwardness out of my body before it could swallow me and
decided not to have this tattoo anymore.
Pinagkrus ko ang mga braso ko sa ibabaw ng dibdib ko, dahilan para mas lalong
humapit ang suot kong blouse sa aking hinaharap. Flavian's sharp and hooded eyes
automatically went down my chest and a glimpse of lust suddenly rose from there.
Napairap ako.
"Okay, fine. Ayaw mong makita ako ng mga taong ito? Then we'll make this
session private," lumingon ako kay Seb na nakatingin kay Flavian ngunit nang makita
akong nakatingin sa kanya at tiningnan na rin ako. "Do you have a room here? Iyong
walang tao."
"Uh... yes?" he whispered, lips almost didn't move.
"Great. Then we'll do our session there—"
"Goddammit, Trinity! What the hell is wrong with you?!" he hissed, trying so
bad not to shout at me.
The way his eyes squinted when he glared at me reminded me of black clouds
gathering at one place and readying for an earth-shattering hurricane. I gulped
secretly. A burning animosity was developing in his black orbs, and I could tell
that I am likely the root cause of his anger.
"Wala. Ikaw? Anong problema mo? Bakit mo ako pinapakielaman? We're done a long
time ago so you don't have any say on whatever I do with my life." I said firmly
despite of the uneasiness I'm feeling.
He didn't say anything. Nanatili lang madilim ang titig niya sa akin na para
bang sa isip niya ay pinapatay niya na ako. Everything around us seems to be dark,
like we're the only people left in here, glaring sharply at each other. His jaw was
clenching so hard, halatang nagpipigil ng iritasyon para sa akin.
Later on, he nodded his head once.
"Fine. Do what ever you want."
Pagkasabi niya noon ay tumalikod na siya at naglakad. My eyes widened in
shocked when he suddenly pulled the neckline of his black vneck shirt from his nape
and removed it up from his body, showing his well toned upper extremities. The only
clothe that's left in him was his dark blue denim jeans that's lazily hanging on
his hips, along with it is a black leather belt that made him look even sexier.
Hindi pa nakatulong ang pagkinang ng kwintas sa leeg niya dahil sa panaka-nakanag
pagtama ng ilaw rito.
I blinked a few times when he walked towards the vacant adjustable chair where
a woman who's probably at the same age with me is sitting while eyeing him,
confusement was lace in her chinky eyes.
Flavian crouched down, whispering something against the tattooed woman.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko nang makita ko ang pagsayad ng labi ni Flavian sa tainga
noong babae habang mataman ito nakikinig sa kung ano mang sinasabi nito.
A fire was suddenly ignited in my chest. Unti-unti na itong nag-aalab,
kumalakat sa buong katawan ko at mabilis na tinutupok ang lahat ng pagpipigil sa
katawan ko.
Flavian looked at the woman, she nodded. My lips separated when Flavian let out
a smirk and suddenly straddled the chair. His firmed thighs were spread apart on
each other's side of it, showing me the perfect muscles on his back that's
effortlessly flexing everytime he moves.
Ano ito? Magpapatattoo rin siya?
Kumunot ang noo ko. Tumingin ako kay Ryan. Mas lalong umusbong ang nakakalokong
ngisi sa labi niya habang pinagmamasdan ako. Ramdam kong alam niyang naguumpisa na
akong makaramdam ng iritasyon ngayon dahil kay Flavian.
Naagaw ang atensyon ko nang maupo ang babae sa likuran ni Flavian at marahang
hinaplos ang parteng ibaba ng batok niya. My sight is starting to become red now.
"Uhm, Trinity? Can we start now?" Seb asked.
Huminga ako ng malalim at kuyom ang kamaong nilingon siya.
"Puwede bang palit kayo nung babaeng iyon? Siya ang sa akin, ikaw kay Flavian.
Magaling din naman siguro siya, hindi ba?"
A mocking smirk spread across Sebastian lips. Napairap ako, pakiramdam ko ay
tinutukso niya ako sa pamamagitan ng ngisi na 'yon.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 62
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Chapter 63
Mali.
Maling mali. Ang desisyon na ito, ang pagpayag ko sa pagsama kay Flavian at ang
pagbibigay tsansa na magkausap kami ay hindi tama. Mali kung utak ang papaganahin.
Tama kung puso ang susundin.
The very exact moment I saw a glimpse of sadness, desparation and pain in
Flavian's eyes, I knew right away that there's no way in hell that I would let this
night pass without giving ourselves the chance to talk to each other. To talk about
the things that have been chasing us since we parted ways. Mga bagay na pilit namin
iniwasan noon, mga katotohanang paulit-ulit naming tinatakbuhan dahil sa dami ng
bagay na maaaring maging kapalit oras na harapin namin iyon.
Binuksan ni Flavian ang pintuan ng penthouse niya pagkarating namin. He stepped
inside, I followed him with a stone cold facade, not looking at his face. I don't
want him to see me getting emotional. My father taught me how to sweep my emotions
and hide it under the rug when it's needed, and I think that this is the best time
to do it.
Hangga't kaya ko, hangga't kaya ng puso ko... pipilitin ko sundin ang tama
kahit pa labag sa puso ko. Pipilitin ko. Sana kayanin ko.
Huminto ako nang malampasan ko na siya. From my peripheral vision, I saw him
close the door then walk past me.
"Follow me." he said frigidly and ambled towards the stairs.
My brows gathered together as I watched his near to perfection back.
"Where are you going?"
Ilang metro man ang layo ay dinig ko ang pagpapakawala niya ng buntong hininga.
Facing the stairs, he turned his head on me and gazed at me with his perilous pair
of eyes.
"We'll talk."
"Then why can't we just stay here and talk? Do we really need to go somewhere
else?"
"Are you afraid to be with me in the same room?"
My brow jumped a bit. "Of course, not. Why would I be?"
The corner of his lips twitched.
"Prove me then." he stated and continued climbing up the stairs, leaving me
dumbfounded.
Pinanood ko siya hanggang sa tuluyan na siyang makapasok sa pinto ng kwarto
niya. Salubong ang kilay ko nang mapatingin ako sa kawalan kasabay ng pagbubuga ko
ng hangin. Isang beses ko pang tiningnan ng masama ang pintuan ng kwarto niya bago
nagmartsa na rin patungo doon.
Malakas ang bawat hampas ng mga sapatos ko sa bawat hakbang ko sa hagdan. Bukas
na ang pintuan ng kwarto niya nang makarating ako, sinadyang iwanang bukas para sa
akin.
I pushed the door widely. I saw him standing at the edge of his bed, holding a
remote control while the white Venetian blinds are sliding backwards, making me see
the bright and majestic views of city lights from afar.
"I can't stay too long, Flavian. Archer might found—"
"Close the door..."
"What?" salubong ang kilay na tanong ko.
He breathed calmly as he threw the remote in the bed, making it slightly
bouced. Pumihit siya paharap sa akin, madilim pa rin ang ekpresyon ng mukha.
"Close the door. And please, just for tonight, stop mentioning his name."
Iniiwas ko ang tingin sa kanya bago tumalikod at naglakad patungo sa pintuan. I
shut it hard, creating a loud thud.
"So what are we gonna talk about?" I asked the moment I faced him. He's just
looking through the wallglass while hands inside his pocket.
"Matagal ko ng sinabi ang mga dahilan sa'yo, Flavian. Umpisa pa lang ay alan mo
na kung bakit tayo humantong sa ganito, at kung bakit hindi na tayo puwede pa.
Bakit ba kailangan ko pang ulitin? Masasaktan ka lang kung—"
"I want to hear it, Trinity. Gusto kong marinig ulit galing sa'yo... baka
sakaling maintindihan ko na... baka sakaling matanggap ko na..."
Kumunot ang noo ko sa sobrang pagpipigil na nararamdaman. The views outside are
starting to get blurry as tears invaded my eyes. My hands balled into fists, trying
my very best to stop myself from shutting down.
I heaved a sigh.
"Two years ago, having a secret affair with you was the biggest mistake I've
ever done in my life... loving you was a mistake, Flavian. A beautiful mistake,"
malungkot akong napangiti. "Buo ang loob ko nang makipagrelasyon ako sa'yo,
pakiramdam ko kaya kong harapin ang lahat ng magiging kapalit ng pagkakamaling
gagawin ko, at wala akong ibang pinagkukuhanan ng lakas ng loob kung hindi ikaw at
ang pagmamahal na mayroon tayo para sa isa't-isa," hindi na nakatagal pa nang
marinig ko ang pagkabasag at panginginig ng boses ko. "I was willing to fight
anyone for you. I was willing to give up everything just to achieve the happiness
we're aching for. Pero natatandaan mo ba? Sa isang pagkakamali na hindi ko naman
ginusto at sinadya, itinapon mo ang lahat ng pinaghirapan natin. Binalewala mo ang
lahat ng sakripisyo ko para sa'yo, para sa relasyon natin. You were jealous, I got
that. Pero sapat na dahilan na ba 'yon para iwasan ako? Para makipaghalikan ka sa
ibang babae kesa ang harapin ako at ayusin ang problema na kinakaharap natin ng mga
sandaling 'yon?"
"This is the last fight we're going to face, Trinity. And I promise you that it
will be worth it. I can't afford to lose you again. Hindi ko na kakayanin.
Mababaliw na ako ng tuluyan." he begged, sincerity was dripping from his husky
voice.
Seeing the truthfulness in his eyes, hearing the genuineness in his voice, I
know that right at this moment, the walls I have built two years ago are alreading
collapsing down. Ang salamin na binubuo ng galit, lungkot, sakit at pagdududa ay
unti-unti ng nagkakaroon ng lamat hanggang sa tuluyan na itong nabasag pabagsak sa
paanan namin.
Sa mga oras na ito, alam kong bibigay na ako sa kagustuhan ng puso ko na muling
bigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat sarili namin. I will gamble again. Life's a game
made for everyone, and love is the prize.
Like they have said, gamble everything you love if you're a true human
being. If not, leave the gathering. Half-heartedness doesn't reach into its
majesty.
Sa huling pagkakataon, ibibigay at ipagkakatiwala ko ulit ang puso ko sa kanya.
Huminga ako ng malalim, malamlam siyang tinitigan sa mga mata niya.
I nodded. "One last chance. Let's fight again... together."
Kasabay ng pagkakabigkas ko sa mga salitang iyon ay ang paghigpit ng hawak niya
sa bewang ko at ang pagkakapikit niya ng mariin. He uttered a fluent curse.
Bumuntong hininga siya na para bang doon lang siya nakaramdam ng kaluwagan sa
paghinga. As soon as he unlocked his eyes, he pulled me against him and gave me a
tight hug.
"Damn it, is this real?" he asked.
Bahagya akong natawa sa reaksyon niya. "Yes."
"Fuck." he growled hardly and tightened his hug on me. It's five seconds later
when he pulled away and stared intently in my eyes. "You won't regret this. I
swear."
I held out a warm smile. Just before I could utter a word, his arms grabbed me
on my butt and tosses me onto the work table beside us, sending the glass of water
crashing to the tiled floor. The glass shattered loudly around us. My legs were
spread with his thighs, causing my dress to ride up, and he attacked my mouth with
his inexorable tongue, plunging deep and meaningfully.
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Chapter 64
Ramdam ko ang pagkakatapon ng init sa puso ko matapos marinig ang sinabi niyang
iyon. Muli kong ikinawit ang mga braso ko sa batok niya at niyakap siya ng
mahigpit.
Sana nga, Flavian. Sana nga hindi na matapos. Sana nga magpaikot-ikot lang at
wala ng hangganan. Sana ito na ang huling beses na magbabalikan tayo. Sana hindi na
tayo magkahiwalay muli.
Ilang sandali pa kaming nanatili sa kama ni Flavian at nagusap, paguusap na
nauwi sa ilang beses na pagtatalik. Hindi ako tumanggi. Aaminin kong gusto ko rin
iyon dahil doon ko nararamdaman ang pagkakatanggal ng pangungulila ko sa kanya sa
nakalipas na mga taon na nagkahiwalay kami. We made love like there's no tomorrow.
We consume each other, savoring the moments like it will be our last time feeling
each other's body.
I'm aware that my phone is off because I did it intentionally. Sigurado na
akong hinahanap na ako ni Archer ngayon at marahil ay nagaalala na. Paguwi ko sa
bahay ako magpapaliwanag. Iyong personal, pero hindi ko pa sasabihin ang lahat.
Hindi pa ngayon.
Sa ilalim ng tirik at mainit na sikat ng araw, huminto kami ni Flavian sa harap
ng puntod ng mga magulang ko. Kneeling down, I placed all the flowers we bought
along the way beside their gravestone and sighed.
Ang makita ang munting litrato ng mga magulang ko sa lapida nila, lalo na ang
kay Papa, ay naghahatid pa rin ng matinding kirot sa puso. Parang kahapon lang.
Sariwang-sariwa pa.
Flavian squatted beside me, I glanced at him and he's also looking at my
parent's gravestone. Huminga ako ng malalim at ibinalik ang atensyon sa mga
magulang ko.
"It must be really hard for you losing both of your parents." Flavian muttered.
"It was. Hanggang ngayon, masakit pa rin. Mas masakit ang pagkawala ni Papa
dahil siya ang nakasama ko buong buhay ko. Hindi kagaya ng kay Mama na hindi ko na
nasilayan matapos niya mamamatay pagkapanganak sa akin." malungkot na saad ko.
"Not having a mother didn't make you feel incomplete, right?"
"Yes. Ginawa lahat ni Papa para lang maiparamdam sa akin na mayroon akong ama
at ina sa katauhan niya. He's the best father a child could ever possibly had.
Hanggang sa huling sandali ng buhay niya, ako at ang kapakanan ko pa rin ang
iniisip niya."
"Your father was a good man."
I smiled, tears starting to build at the corners of my eyes.
"Very. The last time I talked to him, a day before he died, he told me to chase
for my happiness. And it's you he's talking about. Alam ni Papa ang tungkol sa
atin, Flav. I don't know how but he knew everything about us. And he was sorry for
taking my freedom away from me..." my voice cracked, remembering all my father's
last words for me. "I told him that it's fine, na hindi na rin kailangan dahil huli
na ang lahat. Binitawan mo na rin ako noon. That's the night you asked me to sleep
beside you and in exchange of that, you would finally set me free. Nagpunta ako kay
Papa noon, mugto ang mga mata dahil sa sobrang pagiyak. Umpisa pa lang, alam niya
na na ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ako nagkaganoon ng araw na 'yon..."
Couldn't take it anymore, my insides tightened and tears uncontrollably rolled
down my cheeks. Flavian wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to
him.
"He gave us the blessing to be with each other and be happy, Flav. I was a bit
ecstatic to hear that from him but then I realized that it's really over for us.
Kung kailan binigyang laya na ako ni Papa, ako naman mismo ang umaayaw dahil
ayokong saktan si Archer. Umayaw ako, napagod ka. Pero tadhana na mismo ang gumawa
ng paraan para sa atin. You gained your strength back and you came back to my arms.
I guess father is delightful right now. Seeing his daughter being happy again with
the man she truly loves." I smiled.
Hindi nagsalita si Flavian. Patuloy lang siya da paghaplos sa bewang ko habang
paulit-ulit na hinahagkan ang sentido ko. We remained that way, sitting in the
grass under the bright blue sky while staring at my parent's gravestone, imagining
that they're still alive and currently watching us.
A silent sob escaped my throat.
"Papa, this is Flavian Follosco. He's my happiness, my strength, my weakness,
the love of my life and my eternity. He's the biggest mistake I've ever done in my
whole life but I'm not regretting it. He's making my life worth living and I know
that you're very much happy for me, for us..." I smiled warmly at his picture. "One
day, I'll be taking the Ravena off my name and replace it with Follosco. I'll marry
this man beside me, Papa. At the right time, he will turn me into a Follosco. His
very own Follosco..." huminga ako ng malalim ng dumiin ang hawak ni Flavian sa
bewang ko na para bang nagulat siya sa sinabi kong iyon. Nilingon ko siya,
nakaawang ang labi niya habang nakatitig sa akin. Namumula ang mga mata at tila ba
nagtitimpi sa kung saan. Tipid akong ngumiti at ibinalik ang paningin sa kay Papa.
"And your last wish, Pa. I'm granting it now. I'm finally chasing my happiness and
this time, there's no turning back."
Pagkasabi ko noon ay mabilis akong kinabig ni Flavian at ikinulong sa mga bisig
niya. His rugged and warm breathing was making love with my neck. Hinaplos ko ang
likod niya dahil ramdam ko ang emosyong nananalaytay sa yakap niyang iyon.
"Turning you into my own Follosco is my one and only dream, Trinity. So in
front of your parents, fullfill that dream and be my wife... at the right time."
My lips separated in shock when he pulled his body away from me and stared at
me with his bloodshot and glassy eyes. Marahan siyang nagbuga ng hangin.
Looking puzzled at him, he grabbed my hand and suddenly kneeled his left knee
into the grass. Nanglaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ko ang isang white gold na
singsing na may katamtamang laki ng bato sa gitna. Dahil sa sikat ng araw ay pansin
na pansin ang pagkinang nito.
Clenching his jaw constantly, he gaze lovingly at me and smiled a little. His
hand was trembling while holding the ring.
"I'm sorry if this happened too fast. I have to seal this relationship because
heaven knows I can't lose you again. I don't care if it will take you years before
you become free from your marriage wih him, I don't care if I have to wait a decade
before I can finally call you my wife, I'm willing to wait. Just accept this ring,
baby. Marry me at the right time. Kahit ilang taon, maghihintay ako. Maghihintay
ako hanggang sa tuluyan ka ng maging malaya. Hanggang sa tuluyan ka ng maging
akin."
Fresh fat tears cascaded down my already wet cheeks. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at
sunod-sunod ang naging pagtango. I'm not really expecting this but... this is what
I've been dreaming, too.
"Yes, Flavian. I'll marry you. Papakasalan kita sa tamang panahon." nanginginig
ang boses na sabi ko habang ang kamay ay nakalahad pa rin sa kanya. Ang kamay kung
saan bakante at wala ang singsing na isinuot sa akin ni Archer noon.
Sumibol ang ngisi sa labi niya at mabilis na pinadulas ang singsing sa daliri
ko. Ngumiti ako. Sabay kaming napatayo mula sa pagkakaluhod at mahigpit na niyakap
ang isa't-isa.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." he whispered sincerely.
The wind blew gently, making our hair dance. I closed my eyes and a smile
blossomed in my face as we listen to each other's calm breathing.
No, Flavian. Thank you. Thank you for coming back.
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Chapter 65
"Relatives of Follosco?"
Naagaw ang atensyon naming lahat ng lumabas ang isang doctor mula sa loob ng
operating room. Mabilis kaming nagtungo roon ngunit mas nauna ang ina ni Flavian.
"Right here!" aniya. "How's my son, Doc?"
The Doctor looked all over us. He's serious and cold. Matinding panglalamig ng
sikmura ang naramdaman ko at para ano man oras ay masusuka ako dahil sa paghihintay
ng magiging sagot niya. The way his eyes darted around us made me conclude that
everything isn't going well.
Pero ang takot at pagaalala ko ay mabilis na naglaho nang masilayan ko ang
ngiti sa labi niya.
"He's out from danger. We already removed the bullet from his chest. You should
be thankful that the bullet didn't hit his heart nor his lungs dahil kung hindi ay
malaki ang posibilidad na mamatay siya. He's already stable but still unconscious
due to blood loss. We already did the blood transfusion so nothing to worry about.
Sa ngayon, kailangan niya bumawi ng lakas kaya medyo matatagalan bago siya
magising. Maybe twenty four hours more or so on."
Napapikit ako. Kasabay noon ay ang pagluwag ng daloy ng hangin sa dibdib ko.
Lihim akong umusal ng pasasalamat sa Kanya. Pakiramdam ko ay ito na ang
pinakamagandang balita na natanggap ko sa buong buhay ko. Hearing that Flavian is
finally out of danger is the most beautiful news I've ever received in my whole
life.
Matapos ang balitang iyon ay nagumpisa na rin magpaalam sila Russell at Sandra.
Tango lang ang isinasagot ko sa kanila. I remained sitting on the bench, waiting
for another good news to come. Hindi nagtagal at sinabing ililipat na si Flavian sa
isang private room at puwede ng dalawin.
Hindi ko napigilan ang mapaiyak nang makita ko ang kalmado at nakapikit na
mukha ni Flavian habang nakaratay sa kama. Nakasuot ng puting hospital gown habang
halata ang pagod sa mukha. He's now in his private room. Walang pagaalinlangan
akong nagpresinta sa pagbabantay sa kanya. His parents were with me all the time.
Si Mr. Follosco lang ang kumakausap sa akin, ang esposa niya ay ni hindi man lang
ako tinitingnan.
Ayos na iyon akin. Kahit hindi niya ako pansinin ay walang problema. Hayaan
niya lang ako manatili sa tabi ni Flavian, ayos na ako.
"Sigirado ka bang ayos ka lang rito, hija?" tanong sa akin ni Mr. Follosco
kinabukasan.
Nagsabi siya sa akin na kailangan nilang pumunta sa presinto kung saan naroon
si Damian, na kung maaari ay ako na muna ang bahala kay Flavian. Kahit hindi naman
nila sabihin ay iyon ang gagawin ko. I don't have any plans on leaving him in this
kind of situation.
"Ayos lang po ako dito. Huwag kayong magaalala."
Tipid siyang ngumiti. Si Mrs. Follosco ay nakaismid lang at nakabaling ang
atensyon sa kung saan.
"Thank you. Babalik rin kami."
Tumango ako hanggang sa tuluyan na silang makaalis. Tahimik kong pinanood si
Flavian, nakuntento na sa pagtitig sa perperktong mukha niya at sa kalmadong
pagtaas-baba ng kanyang dibdib.
Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ako mananatili dito. Gusto kong bantayan
siya hanggang sa gumaling siya. Gusto kong pagkagising niya ay ako agad ang
masisilayan niya. Gusto kong maramdaman niya na nandito lang ako, na hindi ko siya
iiwan.
I was already watching him sleeping peacefully for almost three hours when the
door suddenly opened. Iniluwa noon si Sandra. Nanglaki ang mga mata nito pagkakita
sa akin.
"A-Ah, narito ka pala. B-Babalik na lang ako." aniya at nagumpisa ng tumalikod.
Bumuntong hininga ako at itinuon na ulit ang paningin kay Flavian. "You can
stay."
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Chapter 66
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Chapter 67
"Do you remember back when we're in Davao and we had a huge
fight? You were asking for an anullment that time and it made me confused why you
were so eager to ask for that damn thing," the corner of his lips twitched but it
can't still hide the frustration in his voice. "I had you followed, Trina. Simula
ng magdesisyon kang bumalik ng Manila at iwan ako sa Davao, naisip kong pasundan ka
sa tauhan ko, and he's successful because he found you going out of your office
with Follosco that very same day. I know everything that you did. Everything.
Maging ang paghihiwalay ninyo ay alam ko. The reason why you suddenly decided to
have a vacation in Canada, right?"
My eyes widened in disbelief. Alam niya na? Matagal niya ng alam? He had me
followed? All this time ay wala rin silbi ang pagtatago namin ni Flavian dahil
bistado niya na ang mga galaw ko? Pero bakit inilihim niya? Bakit hindi siya gumawa
ng aksyon? All throughout the years, why did he remain silent?
"I saw you cry in front of him. Noong gabing nakipaghiwalay ka sa kanya
dalawang taon na ang nakakalipas... naroon ako, pinapanood kang mawasak sa harap ng
mundo mo sa gitna ng malakas na ulan. I watched the woman I love break down in
front of the man she loves. Funny, right?" he chuckled fakely. "And when you
thought of going to Canada, probably because you want to move on, kinuha ko ang
pagkakataon na iyon para samahan ka. Kasi alam kong malungkot ka, kasi alam kong
masiyado kang nasaktan sa paghihiwalay niyo, kasi alam kong kailangan mo ng
karamay. Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, gagawin ko ang lahat para pasayahin ka, para
hindi ka makitang umiiyak. Sasamahan kita, kahit alam kong hindi ako ang gusto mo
makasama. Ganoon kita kamahal, Trina."
Unti-unting nabasag ang boses niya. Ni minsan, hindi kailanman ko inakala na
ang isang kagaya ni Archer ay makikitaan ko ng kahinaan. Para bang sobrang bigat na
ng dinadala niya sa dibdib niya at ngayon ay hindi na kinaya pa.
"Sinubukan kong kunin ang loob mo, sinubukan kong gawin ang lahat para mabaling
sa akin ang pagmamahal mo, pero hindi ko nagawa. Ganoon mo siguro siya kamahal na
kahit ilang beses kong ipagtulakan ang sarili ko sa'yo, wala pa rin. I don't want
to give up. Fuck. Hell knows I don't want to. Mostly when I saw you trying so hard
to love me, but still failed. You failed because you know in yourself that there's
only one man who truly owns your heart, and that's not me."
He lowered his gaze, his jaw clenched tightly. A single tear fell from his eye
and went directly to the pool. I remained looking at him even though the pain in
his eyes was too much to take.
"Remember the first night I told you that I'm in love with you? That's true.
Minahal kita sa kabila ng katotohanang niloloko mo ako," hindi na nakapagpigil pa,
pumailanlang ang mahinang hikbi ni Archer sa tahimik at mapayapang gabi. "I loved
Zoe. She's my first love and I was truly hurt the moment I left her for you. But
every journey has an end, same with our love story. Natapos ang lahat sa amin
simula ng mahulog ako sa'yo. I avoided her, Trina. Kahit alam kong nasasaktan siya
sa ginagawa kong pagiwas, ginawa ko pa rin. Dahil simula ng araw na mahalin kita,
ipinangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako gaganti sa pagkakamaling ginagawa mo sa
relasyon natin, na sa ating dalawa, tama na ang ikaw na lang ang nagloloko, na
hindi ko iyon gagawin sa'yo kahit pa sobrang sakit na, kahit pa sobrang nakakadurog
na ng pagkalalaki. But I still fucked up, something happened to us. And now she's
pregnant with my child."
Huminga ako ng malalim at napatingala sa madilim ngunit maulap na kalangitan. I
couldn't help but compare the night with my own state of mind. Just like those
clouds, my insides were in a chaos. A mess. Something was bothering me. Something
was hurting me. Something ached inside me. Something felt so wrong, so invalid but
I couldn't tell what. I tried to pin point the cause for this unexplained pain but
failed. I tried to reason this unbearable burning but didn't find any. Everything
felt so confused, just like a jumbled set of a puzzle.
I am simply hurt. This revelation was too much.
I sobbed and looked at him. "Hindi ka ba masaya? I remember you telling me
about dreaming of having a child. Ito na 'yon."
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Chapter 68
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Chapter 69
Mabagal kong inihakbang ang mga paa ko. With each step, my
knees shook. With every movement, I can feel my bone losing its strength. Nang
makalapit na ako sa kama ay kinailangan ko pang kumapit sa bakal na nagsisilbing
harang nito para hindi tuluyang mabuwal sa kinatatayuan ko.
"A-Archer..."
My eyes glimmered with tears and I feel as if my whole world was about to
crumble. Ang Archer na nasa harap ko ay malayong-malayo sa lalaking nakasama ko sa
nakalipas na ilang taon.
With a white bandage wrapped around his head, an oxygen mask that's covering
his nose, a tube that's inserted in his mouth and a bruised and swollen face, I
almost didn't recognize the man I have married years ago. The slow movement of his
chest was going along with the beeping sound from the machine beside him. I tried
to bring my hand on his wounded arm and caressed it gently. Natatakot akong baka sa
kaunting haplos ko sa sugatan niyang katawan ay makaramdam siya ng sakit.
But is it possible even though he's in coma? Makakaramdam ba siya ng sakit
kahit na wala siyang malay? Are they aware? Pero ang sabi nila ay kapag kinausap mo
ang isang taong na-comatose ay maririning ka nila.
"P-Puwede bang gumising ka na diyan? Hindi bagay sa'yo ang nakahiga diyan at
mukhang kawawa. You are not meant to be there, Archer. Being helpless and weak
aren't one of your your characteristics. You are strong and joyful, right?" I
sobbed and tears flooded like the waters rushing down from a waterfall and the only
time I'd stop was to fill her my with fresh air. "Wake up. Please wake up. Ayokong
nakikita ka sa ganyang lagay, Archer. You're supposed to work your ass off and
managed the company my father gave you. Kailangan mo gumising at magpalakas, kasi
magkakaanak ka na. It's your dream, asshole. Gusto mo bang lumaking walang tatay
ang anak niyo ni Zoe?"
Pinunasan ko ang luha sa pisngi ko gamit ang likod ng aking palad. I watched
him carefully, thinking that he heard me and will open his eyes soon. But minutes
have passed and he remained unmoving like a stone.
My teardrops fell in his hand. I watched it crawled in his skin until it fades.
Ibinalik ko ang paningin ko sa mukha niya bago inilibot sa mga monitor na
nakapaligid sa kanya at sa mga kableng nakakabit sa kanyang katawan. There are many
numbers and graph out there but I don't understand any of it aside from his blood
pressure which I think is low.
Pinuno ko ng hangin ang aking dibdib at muli siyang tiningnan sa kanyang mukha.
I held his hand and lifted it a bit.
"I'll be here, Archer. I'll stay here until you finally wake up. Hindi ako
aalis. Babantayan kita. Pangako." bulong ko at pinatakan ng halik ang likod ng
palad niya.
Ilang minuto pa akong nagtagal sa tabi niya bago ako nagdesiyong lumabas na ng
ICU. Huminga ako ng malalim nang maaabutan ko si Zoe sa labas at mukhang papasok na
rin sa loob. Naglapat ang mga mata namin ng ilang sandali bago siya bumitiw. Umalis
ako sa pagkakaharang ko sa pinto at hinayaan siyang makadaan.
As soon as the door closed, a heavy sigh broke out of my lips. I think this is
how it's going to be between Zoe and I. Mananatili siyang galit sa akin hangga't
hindi nagigising si Archer.
I must understand her because that's what I felt to Sandra when Flavian got
shot. Normal lang ang magalit dahil nakakaramdam siya ng sakit at takot. When
Archer finally gain his consciousness back, then maybe... just maybe... we can fix
our relationship as friends. Kahit hindi na matalik na kaibigan.
"When can we see each other again, Trinity? Ilang linggo na tayong hindi
nagkikita." malamig na wika ni Flavian mula sa kabilang linya.
Bumuntong hininga ako, binagalan ang paglalakad habang ang mga mata ay nasa
puting sahig.
It's been almost five weeks since Archer got involved into an accident. Limang
linggo na rin simula ng ma-comatose siya at ni isang beses ay hindi ako umalis sa
hospital para iwan siya asikasuhin ang ibang bagay.
Zoe cried like there was too much raw pain inside her to be
contained. She cried like her spirit needed to break loose from her skin, desperate
to release an elemental rage on the world. Her cry was too much that I even found
tears flooding my eyes.
Umusod ako sa tabi niya at mahigpit siyang niyakap. Mas lumakas ang hagulgol
niya kasabay ng pagpulupot ng mga kamay niya sa bewang ko. I placed my chin above
her head and listen to her every sobs.
Kagaya noon, sa tuwing iiyak siya ay ako ang laging nasa tabi niya para yakapin
siya at sabihing magiging maayos rin ang lahat. Para akong isang ate sa kanya,
pinapapaalala na magiging maayos rin ang mga bagay-bagay pagdating ng tamang oras.
I guess this will always be the situation between the two of us. She will
always be my sister and best friend even if she doesn't treat me the same.
"It's okay, Zoe. Magiging maayos ang lahat. Gigising si Archer at babalik siya
sa'yo, magiging maayos ang relasyon nyo at bubuo kayo ng pamilya. Just trust Him.
Walang imposible sa Kanya." malungkot ang ngiti na wika ko.
"Hindi niya na ako m-mahal, Trina." nauutal na aniya.
"Oh, believe me. He still does. That man is just confused."
Humigpit ang hawak niya sa bewang ko at isiniksik ang mukha sa gilid ng leeg
ko.
"I'm sorry for everything. For hurting you, for keeping all this to you. Mahal
na mahal kita, Trina. My life has never been the same when we got mad at each
other. Losing you was like losing an important part of my body."
I smiled at her statement.
"I will always be your best friend, Zoe. Ilang beses man tayo magaway, ilang
beses man tayo magkasamaan ng loob at magkasakitan, mananatili akong kaibigan
sa'yo. You are my little sister even if we're in the same age."
We both chuckled.
She pulled herself away from me and stared at me with a soft smile.
"Always, Trina. Always."
Ramdam ko ang pagluwag sa kalooban ko matapos ang naging paguusap na iyon sa
pagitan namin ni Zoe. Kung mayroon man magandang dulot ang naging aksidente na ito
ni Archer, iyon ay ang pagkakaayos namin ni Zoe.
I've never imagined that this day would still come. Akala ko ay malabo na.
Given the anger she had for me, getting back to what we are was merely impossible.
Nakakatuwang isipin na sa harap ng Panginoon pa kami nagkaayos. He really listen to
our prayers.
I'm sure, Archer will be the most happy person when he found out that my best
friend and I are already okay. Kaya dapat ay magising na siya para masabi ko na sa
kanya ang magandang balita na ito.
"Sandra and Russ are going to marry this coming week. Can you come with me?"
tanong ni Flavian mula sa kabilang linya.
I damped the wet cotton ball on Archer's cracked lips as I listen to Flavian.
Sa ilang buwang pagkakatulog ni Archer ay hindi na maiwasan ang pagbibitak-bitak ng
labi niya. I even trimmed his facial hair because it's getting longer as days goes
by.
"I can't. Walang magbabantay kay Archer. My mother in-law is sick. Si Papa
Tyron ay out of the country." bulong ko.
I can't speak loud since I am inside the ICU. Baka sitahin ako ng nurse kapag
nagkataon at palabasin dahil may isa rin namang pasyente rito.
A loud breathing from Flavian is the next thing I heard across the line.
"Three months, Trinity. We've not seen each other for three fucking months. You
don't want me to go there and see you even for a minute. Ni ang makipagtawagan sa
akin ng matagal ay hindi mo nagagawa. Seriously? Am I the only one who wants this
relationship to go on?" he asked, frustration was laced with his sharp voice.
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Chapter 70
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Epilogue
He let out a sigh, lowered his head and shook it. Nag angat
siya sa akin ng tingin. The sincerity in his eyes were too much that I couldn't
look at him properly. Pakiramdam ko ay nagsasabi siya ng totoo, na wala namang
dahilan para magsinungaling siya sa akin.
Tangina. Paanong mangyayaring kasal siya? She told me that she's fucking
single! Ano 'yon? Kasinungalingan lang? Pero imposible. Trinity won't feed me lies.
She's a decent woman. She's not married. I'm not falling for a woman who's already
chained to someone. No. Never.
"She's been married to Archer Ravena, the CEO of Ravena Steel Corp, for months
now. It's a marriage for convenience, Flav. Kilala ang mga Velarde sa larangan ng
construction kaya hindi malabong totoo ang bagay na iyon-"
"No, man. That's not true. You're just hearing rumors. She's not married! Damn
it. She can't be married. Bago umuwi dito, may plano kaming ipakilala ang isa't-isa
sa bawat pamilya namin. Stop this shit, Russ. This isn't funny anymore."
Russell breathed again. "Shellie has a copy of the lifestyle magazine where
their wedding was featured. I can get it for you. Just tell me."
Rage and frustrations bursted in my chest like a damn confetti when Russell
handed me the magazine where Trinity's private wedding with that Ravena was
feautured. My anger for her held all the power of a wildfire, everyone could
practically see the flames roaring in my eyes, ready to ignite anything that I came
in contact with.
How dare her lied about her real identity and pretended to be free! She
should've told me the truth! Pinagmukha niya akong tanga. Ginawa niya akong kabit.
Whatever her intentions are for doing it, it doesn't matter. She still lied to me
and I can't just forget it no matter how in love I am with her.
"I'm already quitting on us."
Hindi ko maintindihan ang sarili ko kung bakit sa naging laki ng pagkakamali
niya sa akin ay nasasaktan pa rin ako habang nakikita siyang tumatangis sa harapan
ko.
Ni minsan ay hindi ako nakaramdam ng pagkalambot sa tuwing nakakakita ako ng
babaeng umiiyak sa harapan ko. But Trinity is different. Seeing her cry makes me
weak and helpless. I wanted to embrace her and wipe those tears away from her
cheeks but my pride was telling me not to do any of it. Kahit pa sinabi niya sa
akin na mahal niya ako.
Kung sa ibang pagkakataon ay baka nagtatatalon na ako sa tuwa matapos niya
ipagtapat sa akin ang bagay na iyon. But I can't be happy knowing that the woman I
love is already married to someone who isn't me.
Fuck! Realizing that truth feels like someone had shot me in the head.
"Is this... is this what you really want?" her lips quivered as I made my way
towards the door.
Huminga ako ng malalim. Sa kabila ng galit at sakit na nararamdaman ay hindi ko
pa rin maiwasan ang makaramdam ng kirot sa puso ko habang pinapakinggan ang
pagkabasag ng boses niya.
No, baby. This is not what I want. But this is what I have to do. I need to let
go of you no matter how much I want to keep you in myself. Hindi kita puwedeng
angkinin dahil may iba ng nagmamay-ari sa'yo. I have no plans on being your dark
secret. That's far from the dreams I've built before. And that dream is to be your
husband and shout to the world how happy and in love you're with me.
I looked coldly at her, never imagined that I would give her this kind of
stare. It's supposed to be warm and passionate, not cold and full of hate.
"This is what I want, Trinity. I'm sorry but I can't just be your paramour.
Take care of yourself." I said and walked my way out of her life.
But that decision didn't let me sleep for nights. Ilang buwang kong pinilit
kumbinsihin ang sarili ko na hindi kami dapat, na hindi ko na siya puwedeng balikan
dahil may iba ng nagmamay-ari sa kanya. Na ako lang ang masasaktan kung ipipilit ko
pa rin ang sarili ko. Pero pakiramdam ko, ang katotohanang ako ang mahal niya kahit
kasal na siya sa iba ay sapat ng dahilan para balikan siya at muling sumubok.
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Special Chapter
"Found you..."
Slowly, I closed the door behind me. My eyes were fixed on my wife who's lying
seductively against the white covered mattress. The door knob made a clicking sound
as I locked it, eyes still not leaving her face. My lips stretched into a playful
smirk. She raised her brow up as if she already know the meaning behind it.
I padded towards her as I pulled the neckline of my white plain shirt from my
head and removed it out of my body. Wearing only my white Calvin Klein boxer brief,
I crawled into the bed and attacked her with a fiery kisses on her jaw.
She giggled.
"Flav, no. Not yet. Kabuwanan ko na." she breathed, moans are escaping along
with her words and scorching breath.
My lips continued on installing feathery and burning kisses on her jaw down her
neck.
"Just five minutes, baby. Please."
She cackled like a baby and then wrapped her arms around my back. Ipinapatuloy
ko ang paggapang ng labi ko sa kanyang leeg na ikinahalinghing niya. Hungrily, my
moistened lips traveled from her jaw to her soft and smooth cheek. Mas lalo siyang
humagikhik.
"Your facial hair sucks. Nakikiliti ako!" tatawa-tawang aniya.
Huminto ako sa paghalik at taas kilay na nagangat ng tingin sa kanya.
"You asked me to shave my facial hair five days ago because it irritates you.
Nang inahit ko na ay gusto mo ulit na patubuin ko. What now, my wife? You want me
to shave it again?"
Ngumuso siya. "Nagtatampo ka ba? I know how much you love your facial hair,
Flav. I was just curious what you would look like without—"
"It's fine. I can always shave it whenever you want, Trinity. You can tell me
whatever you want and I'll gladly oblige."
A sweet and loving smile blossomed in her beautiful face as she brought her
hand on my jaw and gently stroked it. A giggle escaped her throat, the three-day
stubbles on my jaw is probably tickling her palm.
Staring intently at her face, I can't help but to admire her secretly. She's
already nine months pregnant and here she is, still stunning as ever. Pakiramdam ko
ay mas lalo siyang pinaganda ng pagbubuntis niya. She even gain some weight but she
just became prettier. Her breasts got rounder. Even her ass looks so hot mostly
when she's wearing a leggings. Everytime she dares to wear that kind of bottom, I
can't refrain my hand from slapping it. Hindi naman siya nagagalit, tataasan niya
lang ako ng kilay.
I nuzzled her neck. Tumawa siya at bahagya akong itinulak sa balikat. Tulak na
walang pwersa, tulak na halatang labag sa loob.
"Flav—"
I cut her off by kissing her lips. She kisses back, her hands come up to my
neck and hair. I pull away.
"Few minutes. Just let me release this." I whispered.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Special Chapter ll
Hindi ko alam kung mababaw ba ang tulog ko o sadyang hindi pa talaga bumabagsak
ang diwa ko nang malinaw kong marinig ang tunog ng cellphone sa aking gilid.
Along with that beeping tone is the sound of the rain trickling the roof. I
smiled inwardly. I have always wanted the sound of the rain. It's something that
stopped my thoughts from buzzing, calmed me and at the same time, excited me.
Marahan akong nagmulat ng mga mata. Ang madilim na kwarto ang nabungaran ko.
Buong ingat akong pumihit sa aking gilid. The calm and enticing face of Flavian
instantly put a smile on my face. He may look calm and peaceful while sleeping but
his features can't hide the darkness of his personality.
Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya bago iniangat ang kamay niyang nakapatong sa tiyan
ko. Dahan-dahan ko itong inilagay sa gilid niya at tumayo. I fixed the strap of my
black silky nighties because it almost fell off my shoulder. Tumayo ako, nagtungo
sa bintana at hinawi ang makapal na kurtinang tumatakip roon.
Mula sa sliding window ay tanaw ko ang pagsayaw ng mga puno hindi kalayuan at
ang malakas na ulan na bumubuhos sa kalupaan. Humalukipkip ako, pinagmasdan ang
tanawin sa labas.
As I watched the pouring rain, my heart can't help but to yearn for my son.
Tatlong araw na kasi ito sa mga biyenan ko. Mama Valerie doesn't want to be parted
with Tobias. Gusto niya ay palagi niya itong nakikita. Kulang na lang ay sabihin sa
akin na doon ito tumira. I can't blame her though. Alam kong sabik siya sa bata
dahil nagiisang anak lang naman si Flavian. Lalo pa at kamukhang-kamukha ni Tobias
ang ama niya, parang pinagbiyak na buko.
Maybe, we should start making another baby. Magiisang taon na rin naman ang
pagitan simula ng ipinanganak ko si Tobias at sa tingin ko ay puwede na siya
sundan. Para naman kapag hiniram nila Mama Valerie ang isa sa kanila, mayroong
maiiwan sa akin at hindi ako mangungulila ng ganito.
Nangiti ako sa naisip.
I uncrossed my arms and pulled the curtains back to its place. Tumalikod ako at
naupo sa gilid ng kama. Inabot ko ang cellphone ko nang maalalang may tumunog
kanina.
Kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang wala namang text o kung ano para sa akin. I
put it back above the night table and grabbed Flavian's instead.
I tapped the screen twice to activate it. My brows furrowed when I saw an
incoming message from... Nadia?
Who is this?
Nadia:
I miss you, Flav. Let's see each other, please. As friends.
Anger flowed in my veins like a hot molten lava as I stared at the message.
Paulit-ulit ko itong binabasa, nagbabakasaling nagkakamali lang ako ng basa rito.
My lips pursed tight as my breathing quickening its rhythm. I glared at Flavian
who's sleeping peacefully.
Nagtagis ang aking bagang. Hinablot ko ang unan ko at marahas itong inihampas
sa mukha niya. His thick brows immediately crumpled.
"Gumising ka diyan!" asik ko.