❲ NOT FOR SALE ❳

⊱⋅── ＢＯＯＫＴＲＯＶＥＲＴ ──⋅⊰

POSSESSIVE 25: Reigo Vasquez

Volume 1 SYNOPSIS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50
CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

EPILOGUE

SYNOPSIS:

A bitter man who thinks highly of marriage, but was always being dumped and cheated
on and a insouciant woman who doesn't believe in marriage and who thinks that
relationship was just a burden and a waste of her time.

What will happen if these two met?

Will their differences clash, or will the sparks fly?

CECELIB | C.C.

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT | R-18

Cover: Astrid Jaydee

PROLOGUE

IN SOME random high-end café, Reigo was sitting on a table for two with his eight
months girlfriend — now soon-to-be ex-girlfriend — and listening to her talk about
the things she hated about him and the reason she wanted to end their relationship.
"Hindi ko lang nararamdaman na mahal mo talaga ako. Palagi ka nalang busy sa
trabaho. Ni hindi ka makapag-text sa'kin ng 'good morning' o kaya naman 'good
night'. As your girlfriend, I am ashamed to tell my friends that you don't have
time for me. All you do is work and you can't even take me on vacations like my
friend's boyfriends. I mean, you're Reigo Vasquez, but you gave me a local-made bag
when you can afford a branded one and I feel ashamed to show it to my friends! They
always think that you don't love me enough because of your lackluster gifts! I just
feel like we're not meant to be, Reigo. Please, understand me."

Reigo didn't even blink. Sanay na siyang naririnig ang mga salitang binitiwan ni
Shania. 'Yon ang palagi niyang naririnig na rason sa mga naging girlfriend niya.

He was so used to it; it didn't bother him anymore and went straight to the point.
"Why don't you just admit it to me that you found someone else and that you're
cheating on me?"

Shania's went pale, and it took her a couple of seconds before she could pull
herself together and tried to reply as sophisticatedly as possible. "I don't know
what you're talking about. Gumagawa ka lang ng kung ano-anong kuwento sakin para
sakin mo ibunton ang sisi ng paghihiwalay natin. You're just trying to destroy my
name—"

With a bored sigh, Reigo placed his phone on the table in front of Shania to show
her his proof. "I'm working, so I have little time for you, but that does not give
you the right to cheat on me. Gaano ba kahirap sabihin sakin na 'break na tayo'?
It's not like I will oppose."

From pale of worry to red of anger. That was the changes that happened in Shania's
face. "Roman is good to me! And you're not there when I needed you the most!"

"And when was this?" Reigo replied indifferently.

Shania glared at Reigo. "When you were busy."

"You could've called me and told me you need me."

"I did!"

"When?" Reigo's voice had become interrogative. "I still have my call logs."

It infuriated Shania. "Fuck you!"

Reigo looked at Shania, uninterested. "Shouldn't I be saying that to you? You're

the one who cheated."

"I did that because of you...!" Shania shouted and everyone in the café was
eavesdropping while trying not to look at their table. "Kung binigyan mo lang ako
ng oras, e di sana hindi ko 'yon nagawa!"

Reigo was as calm as ever. "Bakit ako ang sinisisi mo sa ginawa mo? It was your
choice."

"Bastard!"

Reigo's eyebrows rose and indifferently asked. "Should I call you a bitch, then?"

Nanlilisik ang matang umangat ang kamay ni Shania at malakas na dumapo iyon sa
pisngi ni Reigo. Ang ingay na nilikha ng malakas na sampal na 'yon ay halos
nagpatigil sa buong café maliban nalang sa mesa na katabi lang din ni Reigo at
Shania na may argumento ring nagaganap.

"Why, Zehan?! Explain to me why you don't want to accept my proposal? Ayaw mo ba
akong makasama habang-buhay? Ayaw mo ba'ng makasal tayo? Tell me!"

Rommel was in turmoil while holding the engagement ring in his hand. Meanwhile, his
girlfriend, Zehannah, was calm as an untouched lake after saying 'no' to Rommel's
proposal. "Makasama habang-buhay? Gusto. Makasal? Hindi."

Mas lalong nasaktan si Rommel sa narinig. Para rito, ang hindi pag tanggap ni Zehan
sa inaalok nitong kasal ay pruweba na hindi ito mahal ni Zehan. "Am I that
worthless to you, Zehan?"

"No. It's not about your worth to me, Rom." Kalmadong nagpapaliwanag si Zehan sa
isang taon nitong kasintahan. "It's about marriage. It's a no for me. I'm sorry."

"Why? If you really love me, you will say yes."

That angered Zehan, but she remained calm. "Hindi ako o-oo sa kasal na inaalok mo
para lang patunayan na mahal kita. That's just childish and very manipulative.
Naririnig mo ba ang sarili mo? Bakit? Kapag kasal na ba tayo, habang-buhay na
tayong magsasama? That's a bullshit reasoning and you know that."

"But we're already at the marrying age, Zehan!" Giit ni Rommel. "Halos lahat ng
kaedad natin nagpapakasal na at may mga anak na."

Hindi na napigilan ni Zehan na hindi tumaas ang kilay. "E di sabayan mo sila. Huwag
mo lang akong isama."

"Zehan!"

"What?" Zehan was trying to reign in her frustration that Rommel was not listening
to her and only thinking about himself. "Wala akong pakialam kung lahat ng kaedad
ko sa buong mundo ay kasal, may-asawa, at may anak na. Ang mahalaga sa akin ay
makatulong ako sa mga magulang ko na nagkandakuba-kuba para lang mabigyan ako ng
magandang buhay at syempre ang kasiyahan ko. At sa pagkakataong 'to, masaya ako sa
buhay ko Rom kahit wala akong asawa, kahit hindi ako kasal at kahit wala akong
anak. So what if my age is already near the end of the calendar? My priorities
differ from theirs. My life, my decision."

Rommel's lips parted in astonishment. He knew Zehannah was not enthusiastic when it
comes to marriage, but he didn't know the extent of that. And now that he does, he
felt so worthless in front of her. He felt small that Zehan didn't even think about
him and a future with him.

"How about me, Zehan?" Tanong ni Rommel. "Am I not part of your priorities?"

Zehannah looked into Rommel's eyes. Eye to eye. No lies. Zehan gave it to Rommel
straight. "You are like a bonus in my life, Rom. I'm happy that you're with me and
staying with me even though I'm far from being perfect and I can't give you a lot
of things, but if you pushed marriage unto me with a bullshit reasoning of 'being
together forever', it will hurt me, but I will not dislike it if you left."

Napatanga si Rommel sa mga sinabi ni Zehan at kahit alam ni Zehan na nasaktan niya
si Rommel sa sinabi niya, hindi siya nag-iwas ng tingin. She didn't enjoy hurting
Rommel nor talking about marriage. For her, married or not, if a couple wanted to
stay together forever, then they will make it happen even without 'marriage'. Her
parents were a great example of that.
To Zehannah, marriage was a powerful paper — a paper that could bind someone
without a viable exit. And it was scary for her.

Marriage here in the country was like entering a building without a way out. If
that building got burned and collapsed, they had nowhere else to go because they
were stuck inside without an exit.

Well, there was a way out called annulment, but aside from consuming a lot of time,
it consumed a lot of money, too. And there was no guarantee that the annulment case
would go well and be approved. Normal citizen like her who had no money to burn
should be wary of marriage. She's happy for those who decided to get wed and be
together, but that didn't mean she want to get wed herself.

She just didn't see herself getting married. Not even with Rommel, whom she liked
the most out of all her boyfriends.

"Kung sasabihin ko ngayon na makikipag-break ako sayo kung hindi mo tatanggapin ang
proposal ko, hindi mo pa rin ba tatanggapin?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "I will use the same words you used to me earlier. If you love
me, you won't force me."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Rommel. "I really want to build a family with you, Zehan.
But if it's a no, then I will look for someone else who would prioritize me more."

Zehannah understood, so she nodded. Hindi niya pinakita na may kaunting kirot sa
dibdib niya dahil sa desisyon nitong maghanap ng ibang babaeng pakakasalan dahil
umayaw siya.

Hindi si Rommel and unang nag-propose sa kaniya na hindi niya tinanggap, pero lahat
sila na 'ayoko' ang naging sagot niya, lahat umalis at iniwan siya na para bang
dahil sa pag-hindi niya ay hindi na niya gusto ang mga ito at wala na siyang
maramdamang pagpapahalaga sa mga ito. Ayaw lang naman niyang magpakasal, pero hindi
ibig sabihin ay hindi na niya gustong makasama ang mga ito. Pero palaging 'yon ang
nangyayari. It was sad that they always think that way, but marriage was really a
no for her.

Or maybe her exes who proposed to her were right. She just didn't love them enough
to change her belief and say 'yes'. Like at that moment, she felt a tinge of pain
in her chest that Rommel was breaking up with her, but that pain was not enough to
make her sulked or sobbed in the corner. She would be just fine without Rommel in
her life, and that was a fact. It would not be hard for her to move on and be with
someone else again. She was used to it.

"I'm sorry that I'm not the woman you're looking for." Zehannah was really sorry
that she couldn't be the woman Rommel wanted her to be, but she would never forced
herself to be someone she didn't want to be just to please him. "If you found a
woman who would say 'yes' to your proposal, please treat her well and don't give
her a reason to think that marriage is just a sham because if that happened, you're
going to prove me right and that would suck for you."

Rommel said nothing and just left.

And just like that — Zehannah was single again.

Nang tuluyang makalabas si Rommel sa café, napatingin si Zehannah sa lamesa at

napabulong. "Ang gago hindi man lang binayaran ang kinain niya." Ang mahal pa naman
dito. Tangina. Tapos broken hearted pa ako — well, not really broken, but still...
Zehannah was so tempted to get her phone and call her friend, Cassia, but decided
not to. Baka imbes na makapaglabas siya ng sama ng loob, ang ulo niya ang sasakit
dahil sa isip nitong kakaiba.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay napaigtad ng biglang nagdadabog na

umalis ang babae sa katabi niyang table.

Curious why the woman left so dramatically, Zehannah glanced at the table beside
her and her eyes landed on the man sitting across from her with an 'I'm done'
expression on his handsome face.

Zehannah felt like they're both going through the same thing and she felt a little
camaraderie with him, so she spoke to him. "The break-up is that bad?"

The man stilled before he glanced at her with a frown and their eyes met.

Such tantalizing eyes. Zehannah commented inside her head.

"What did you say...?" He asked with a frown.

"I said 'the break-up is that bad'?" Ulit ni Zehannah. "You have an 'I'm done'
expression on your face."

"Oh. Not really. I'm just done with all these cheaters who only know how to
complain when you catch them and then they'll blame you for it while playing the
victim card."

Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Zehannah sa narinig. "Seriously? She cheated on...
you...?" She didn't believe him one bit.

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang kilay ng lalaki. "Why? Do I look so handsome that you
didn't believe they cheated on me?"

"... kinda."

"Well, she cheated on me." The man paused, then added, "and so did my previous
girlfriends."

"Damn..." what an unlucky guy. "Must suck to be you."

He chuckled humorlessly. "Yes. It sucks. All I want is to find a good woman to

marry and have a family."

Inilahad ni Zehannah ang kamay sa lalaki. "I'm a good woman, but not someone to
marry. Marriage is a no for me. The name's Zehannah Sevil." Pagpapakilala niya.

Reluctantly, the man reached out his hand and accepted Zehannah's hand. "Reigo
Vasquez. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Zehannah pulled back her hand back and smiled. "Want to go club
hopping? My boyfriend just left me as well. Want to celebrate being single again?"

Reigo frowned at Zehannah as if she said something weird. "Being single is

something to be celebrated and happy about?"

"Oo naman." Zehannah grinned. "More time for yourself and you can love yourself to
your heart's content. Not only that, being single is peaceful."

Reigo was still looking at Zehannah weirdly. "You said club hopping, but," tinuro
nito ang labas ng café, "it's just ten in the morning."

"Then let's go coffee hopping and drink our bitterness away." She really felt a
camaraderie with Reigo and at that moment, she didn't want to be alone and think
about her previous failed relationships which was going to happen if she went back
to her condo now.

Pinag-isipan naman ni Reigo ang suhestiyon ni Zehannah ng ilang segundo bago tumayo
at inilahad ang kamay kay Zehannah. "I know lots of café. My ex-girlfriends always
bring me to cafes when they want to break up for some reason."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka walang pangingiming tinanggap ang kamay ni Reigo
at sabay silang lumabas.

And so, the café-slash-coffee hopping begun and Reigo and Zehannah used Zehannah's
old-model car to go around and visit the café's that Reigo remembered. Reigo had a
car, but decided to ride with Zehannah to lessen the traffic.

Zehannah seemed like a swell woman. Very witty and a breath of fresh air for Reigo.
They enjoyed the coffee and the food while talking about their failed relationships
— they call it talk, but it's more like complaining.

Enjoying each other's company, the two didn't realize how time was passing by fast
and the next thing they know, it was already dark out when they stepped out from
the café they last visited.

"Huh?" Hindi makapaniwala si Zehannah na wala nang araw sa kalangitan. "Where did
the day go?"

"That was fast." Reigo commented.

"Yeah."

"Want to go club hopping now?"

Zehannah glanced at Reigo. "After all that coffee, you're still thirsty?"

Reigo shrugged. "May naka-save na ibang space ang alak sa tiyan ko."

Natawa si Zehannah. "Lasenggo ka no?"

"Not really."

"Sus..." natatawang naglakad patungo si Zehannah sa sasakyan niya. "Come on. I know
a good nightclub, though no club hopping. I want to drink and we don't have a
designated driver."

"Only one club it is." Reigo declared with his always so serious face and followed
Zehannah to her car.

Inside Zehannah's car, she narrowed her eyes at Reigo. "Mister, my car is not
moving unless you put your seatbelt on."

"So strict..." Reigo mumbled under his breath, but still put his seatbelt on.

Seeing that her passenger was now secured, Zehannah started maneuvering her car out
of the café's parking lot and drove towards the bar she sometimes visits and liked.

Out of nowhere, Reigo randomly asked. "Don't you have a nickname? Zehannah is too
long."

"Most call me Zehan."

"Still too long."

Zehannah throws a glare at Reigo. "Hey! My parents gave me that nickname."

In their café-slash-coffee hopping, Reigo learned how much Zehannah adored her
parents, so he said nothing about her nickname. "Can I make one?"

"Make what?"

"A nickname. For you."

"Bakit?"

"I feel like making one. Used only by me."

Zehannah clicked her tongue. "Pasalamat ka kanina pa tayo nagka-café-slash-coffee

hunting. Kahit papaano may pinagsamahan na tayo. Fine. Make one."

For the first time, Reigo smiled, but Zehannah was driving so she didn't see it.
"Hmm... how about just Zee?"

"Wow. So fucking creative." Puno ng sarkasmo na sagot ni Zehannah.

That did not deter Reigo. "From now on, I'll call you Zee."

Zehannah sighed. "Sa kadami-dami ng nickname na puwede mong ibigay sakin, 'yon
talaga? Masama ba ang loob mo sakin?"

"It suits you."

Zehannah just clicked her tongue and continued driving until they reached their
destination. After expertly parking her car, she and Reigo went inside the club and
occupied a table, then they ordered a drink. Tequila since she really wanted to
forget what happened with Rommel today and she knew that liquor could help her with
that.

It was a harmless 'drinking' at first, Zehannah and Reigo were even cursing their
exes and celebrating their single life, but after one bottle of tequila, everything
started getting messy.

Zehannah and Reigo found themselves on the dance floor, dancing to the rhythm of
the loud music while their bodies were rubbing against each other. Reigo's hands
were on Zehannah's waist and Zehannah's arms were around Reigo's neck.

They danced naughtily and sexily while drowning themselves with liquor. They did
not care about anything, but themselves. They stick together, not leaving each
other's side and doing all naughty stuff that Zehannah and Reigo wouldn't do with
each other if sober.

But the tequila was in full effect.

It was fun. It was satisfying. Until it became so hot that Reigo and Zehannah ended
up in the club's private bathroom, making out like they couldn't get enough of each
other — and they couldn't.
They were kissing, sucking and licking each other's lips while carelessly
undressing their lower garments to do more than kiss. Both wasted and out of their
minds, Zehannah just bit her lips and moaned when she felt Reigo entered her from
behind while she was holding on the sink not to fall.

She did not care about anything other than the pleasure that was blowing her mind
at that moment. Nothing else. Just the pleasure that was curling her toes and
eliciting a cry of pleasure from her throat.

Reigo was not gentle. No. He was rough. Groaning as he thrust deeper into
Zehannah's wet, tight and throbbing core.

She was wet and aching. He was rough. She was moaning. He was groaning. Both were
drunk, wasted, and out of their minds with pleasure.

"Ahh... ahh! Ah! Ah!" Gripping the bathroom's sink, Zehannah's moan filled the
small space. "Reigo...! Ah! Uhh! Fuck. Ah, shit! So good..."

"Fuck." Reigo cussed as he slammed his cock harder inside Zehannah. "So fucking
tight — fuck!"

"Ahh...! Reigo! Ahh...! Uh..! More. More! Sige pa. Isagad mo pa. Sige pa." Zehannah
was begging and she was moving her hips.

Reigo obliged, and he thrusted so hard that Zehannah's whole body was shaking at
the impact and she was screaming with ecstasy.

"Oh, shit! Reigo! Fuck! Good — fucking good! Fuck! Ahh! Fuck! Harder! Fuck me
harder — yes, yes, like that! Yes! Ahh...!" Zehannah did not care if someone could
hear her lustful pleas. She just wanted more. Her body felt so hot and needy that
she wanted Reigo to fuck her senseless until that heat inside her dissipates.

Yes. She wanted to be fucked senseless, and she didn't even know where this 'want'
was coming from. She just wanted that thick, long cock inside her throbbing core.

"Holy... fuck...!" A chain of cusses escaped Zehannah's lips as she felt a blinding
pleasure exploded inside her. It shook her whole being.

That was the first time she ever felt that kind of blinding pleasure that took her
breath away. Literally. She never knew that sex was that good and mind blowing and
she wanted more even after Reigo had his released.

At mukhang ganun din ang nararamdaman ni Reigo dahil balik na naman sa mapusok na
halikan ang dalawa. Parehong walang pakialam kung may malakas na kumakatok sa labas
at sumisigaw na lumabas na sila.

Zehannah and Reigo did not care about anything but themselves. They made out,
touched each other and fucked again.

And when they finally stepped out from the bathroom, cusses and glares were thrown
at them, but they only laughed and went back to the dance floor and dance while
their hands were on each other.

And it seemed like their lips couldn't bear to be away from each other and found
their lips locked again and making out heavily in the middle of the dark dance
floor, where no one cared if you're making out or being fucked.

Drinking. Dancing. Making out. And fucking multiple times in the bathroom
throughout the night like hungry animals who couldn't get enough of each other.
Zehannah did all that in one night with one guy who was nowhere to be found when
she woke up alone in her car the morning after, hangover and sore beyond belief.

Softly placing her hands on her sore and aching vagina, Zehannah wanted to smack
herself as she muttered in disbelief under her breath. "Why the fuck... did I do
all that last night?"

Yes. She remembered, but no answer. No. There was one answer — no. Two.

She was drunk and stupid. Yes. That's it. Drunk and stupid.

Reigo Vasquez ... I hope we won't see each other again.

Yes. A girl could hope.

CECELIB | C.C.

#Happy8thCCversary to us, CCBells 🥰 It's been a fun journey with you all. Can't
wait to share more stories with you! 🥂

CHAPTER 1

Zehannah chose to be single after what her break-up with Rommel and her stupidity
with Reigo. And it had been nearly a year since. It was not really a hard choice to
make. She's happy with her life and contented of what she has. And as she always
says, being single was peaceful.

Yes. Very peaceful that the only chaos in her life was her newlywed best friend,
Cassia. Oo, ang halos walang muwang niyang kaibigan ay ikinasal na. Though it was
not marriage because of love, it was arranged. And her husband happened to be gay —
well, according to Cassia and Zehannah, took it with a grain of salt.

Medyo kakaiba mag-isip si Cassia kaya hindi niya masyadong dinindib ang sinabi
nitong lalaki rin ang gusto ng asawa nito kahit pa nga alam niya ang rason kung
bakit.

She's a believer of 'to see is to believe'. Kaya hanggang hindi niya nakikita ang
asawa ni Cassia ng personal, hindi siya maniniwala sa kaibigan niyang may hangin
yata ang utak.

Pero hindi lang naman si Cassia ang nagpapasakit ng ulo niya, ang mga magulang din
niya na hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ayaw ng mga ito tanggapin ang allowance
na palagi niyang binibigay sa mga ito buwan-buwan.

At ang mas lalong nagpapasakit sa ulo niya, nalaman niyang ang allowance pala na
binibigay niya sa mga ito simula ng makapagtrabaho siya ay inilagay lang ng mga ito
sa bangko at hindi ginalaw. At ngayon nga, nasa condo niya ang mga magulang niya
para ibalik sa kaniya ang pera na palagi niyang ibinibigay sa mga ito.

"'Nak, hindi naman namin kailangan ng Papa mo ang pera na 'to." Ang tinutukoy nito
ay ang passbook na nasa ibabaw ng center table sa salas kung nasaan sila. "May
negosyo naman kami. Komportable naman ang buhay namin. Bakit hindi mo nalang ipasok
ang pera sa account mo para may mahugot ka kapag kailangan mo ng pera."

Nagpapadyak si Zehannah. "Papi naman e! Binigay ko 'yan sa inyo. I am not taking it

back."

"Paano 'yan, hindi rin namin tatanggapin 'yan?" Anang papa niya na natatawa sa
pagpapadiyak niya. "Ang dami mo nang naitulong samin, Zehan. Napalago na namin ang
puhunan na ibinigay mo samin noon. Saka ilang taon pa bago mag-retire ang Papi mo
sa university bilang professor. We're doing well, Zehan."

Tumango ang Papi niya. "Very well, so stop worrying, okay? Your Papa is good at
managing the business and we're both living a comfortable life."

Napasimangot nalang si Zehannah dahil alam niyang wala siyang masasabi na

makakapagpabago sa isip ng mga magulang niya.

Her fathers — Daniel and Cameron — were both amazing, after all, and they loved her
so much. Hindi tinago ng dalawa sa kaniya na ampon siya. Ipinaliwanag ng mga ito
kung bakit dalawa ang papa niya sa murang edad. Kaya madali niyang natanggap ang
sitwasyon niya noon. Pero dahil na rin 'yon sa sobrang pagmamahal sa kaniya ng Papi
at Papa niya. Hindi man sila magkadugo pero ang mga ito ang tinuturing niyang
pamilya.

Her Papi Dan and Papa Cam loved her so much that they dedicated their lives to
raising her — an abandoned child. Iniwan siya ng ina niya sa Papi niya ilang buwan
pagkatapos siyang ipangana. Magkaibigan ang dalawa kaya pumayag ang Papi niya na
noon ay kakasimula palang ng relasyon nito sa Papa niya. Pumunta ng ibang bansa ang
ina niya para magtrabaho at nangakong magpapadala ng pera kay Papi para sa kaniya
pero parang naglaho nalang na parang bula ang ina niya. Hanggang ngayon, wala
silang balita at hindi rin naman siya interesado.

Kaya mula noon, si Papi na at Papa niya ang nag-alaga sa kaniya. Sabi ng Papa niya,
siya raw ang naging dahilan kung bakit mas naging matibay ang pagsamama ng mga ito
kahit pa nga ang daming nanghuhusga sa relasyon ng mga ito noon.

Though she was an abandoned child, she didn't have a bitter view in life. Maybe
because she had an amazing upbringing. Her fathers loved her so much that she
didn't need her biological mother's love. For her, her Papi and Papa were enough.
Naguumapaw ang pagmamahal ng mga magulang niya sa kaniya kaya gusto niyang suklian
'yon sa abot ng makakaya niya.

"Just take it and keep it," anang Papi niya. "Baka kailanganin mo in the near
future."

Nakasimangot pa rin si Zehan kaya naman lumipat ng upuan si Dan at Cameron at

pinagitnaan si Zehan sa mahabang sofa.

"Tingnan mo ang anak natin, mahal. Nakasimangot. Papangit ka niyan, sige ka."

Her Papa chuckled before kissing her temple. "Stop worrying about us. Nakikita mo
naman di'ba? Maayos ang kalagayan namin ng Papi mo."

"I know, but..." Zehannah's shoulder fell. "I just want to help and give back."

"You already did."

"Pero kulang pa 'yon sa pagmamahal at pag-aalaga niyo sakin."

Her Papi flicked the tip of her nose. "Sinong may sabing kailangan mong suklian ang
pag-aalaga namin sayo? Sapat na samin na lumaki kang mabuting anak."

Nakasimangot pa rin si Zehan. "Kahit wala akong jowa?"

Natawa ang Papa niya. "Kahit wala kang jowa ayos lang."

"Kahit wala akong asawa? Kahit malapit ng lumampas ang edad ko sa kalendaryo? Kahit
manang na ako?"

Pinisil ng Papi niya ang pisngi niya. "Ang importante samin masaya ka. At anong
manang? Look at you." Inilagay ng Papi niya ang kamay nito sa baba niya na para
bang pinagmamalaki ang mukha niya. "Fresh na fresh pa ang Zehannah ko. Kung sino
man ang tumawag sayong manang, hambalusin mo. Utos ko."

Napailing si Cameron sa kapareha. "Dahil sayo kaya naging basagulera itong anak
natin."

"Keysa namin api-apihin siya? Hindi ako makakapayag!"

Cameron sighed and shook his head. "Sabi ko nga."

Naiiyak na natatawa na yumakap si Zehannah sa mga magulang niya. She had become a
strong, independent woman because of her amazing parents. They raised her that way.
They raised her to be confident.

"Pero 'nak, wala ka talagang jowa ngayon? Ayaw mo talaga mag-boyfriend?"

Zehannah sighed and leaned back on the sofa. "I'm just not feeling it, Papi. Ewan
kung bakit. Nawalan ako bigla ng gana na makipag-date kasi alam ko naman ang ending
no'n. Either they'll break up with me because I don't want to marry them or they'll
cheat on me. 'Yon lang 'yon."

Napabuntong-hininga ang Papa niya saka kinurot ang pisngi niya. "I know why you
don't want to marry, but it still baffles me that you feel that way."

"Hindi naman kasi basehan ang kasal para magtagal ang pagsasama." Iminuwestra ni
Zehannah ang mga kamay sa mga magulang niya. "Look at you two. You're not married
and people always say bad things about your relationship, but you're still together
and proving me right."

Ang Papi niya ang sunod na napabuntong-hininga. "'Nak, kung legal lang ang same-sex
marriage dito sa bansa natin, nagpakasal na kami."

"Precisely. And you're still together, even after all these years." May diing sagot
ni Zehannah. "And it's so scary to get married these days. Iba na ang panahon
ngayon, Papi. Cheating is so rampant these days that no one gets shock anymore.
Imagine being married to a cheater with no way out? Napakamahal ng annulment at
napakahaba ng proseso kung wala kang koneksiyon. Hindi lang 'yon, paano kung
nananakit ang mapangasawa ko? Paano kung impyerno pala ang magiging buhay ko sa
kaniya?"

Napailing si Cameron sa pinagsasasabi ng anak. "Zehan, wala namang pumapasok sa

relasyon na 'yan ang iniisip. They enter a relationship with dreams of being
together forever."

Zehannah snorted. "Yeah. And when that didn't work out? What happens next? Hindi
lahat ng kinasal, masaya."
"Hindi rin naman lahat ng kinasal ay miserable." Her Papa countered.

"Enough you two." Kaagad na namagitan si Dan sa mag-ama. "Cameron, love, don't
argue with Zehan. You know how she is."

Cam sighed at Dan and looked at their daughter. "Zehan, why don't you open your
mind to marriage a little—"

"Nope. No way, Papa."

Dan silently shook his head at his partner, signaling him to stop. Dan knew how
stubborn their daughter was.

Cam sighed and kissed Zehannah's forehead. "Fine. Hindi na kita pipilitin."

Kaagad na napangiti si Zehannah at niyakap ang Papi at Papa niya saka umalis sa
sofa, kinuha ang passbook sa center table at nakapameywang na humarap sa mga
magulang. "Okay. Let's have dinner together. My treat."

Dan and Cameron smiled.

"Saang restaurant mo kami dadalhin, 'nak?" Tanong ni Dan. "I know some high-end
Restaurant... want my recommendation?"

Cameron chuckled, seeing his partner coercing their daughter into taking them into
a high-end restaurant.

"Ang mamahal ng pagkain sa mga 'yon, Papi. Tapos ang liliit pa ng serving. May
turo-turo sa kabilang block ng condo ko. Masarap pagkain do'n, mura pa."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Dan. "Sabi ko nga. Sa turo-turo."

Mahinang natawa si Cameron saka inakbayan ang kapareha at ang anak. "Come on.
Kumain na tayo. Kahit naman saan basta magkakasama tayo, masarap palagi ang
pagkain."

That made Zehannah smile. Her fathers were really amazing. But still... she didn't
take them to a high-end restaurant. It's just too expensive. But she took them to a
good one with amazing food and service just below her condo.

Tulad ng sabi ng Papa niya— kahit saan, basta magkakasama sila, masarap ang
pagkain.

And Zehannah believed that too.

MALAPIT LANG ANG condo ni Zehannah sa kompaniya na pinagta-trabahuan kaya maman may
karapatan siyang hindi gumising ng maaga, pero alas-singko palang ng umaga, mulat
na mulat na ang mga mata niya.

Groaning, she left her bed and readied for work.

Just like yesterday, it was a simple, uneventful day at work. She's a Marketing
Supervisor in her best friend's parents' company, but the most funny thing was, her
position was higher than Cassia.
Masakit sa ulo ang pamilya ng kaibigan niya kaya naman sinisiguro niya palagi na
available siya kapag kailangan ng kausap ni Cassia. She knew what Cassia had been
through and the trauma it had left behind. Kahit masakit din sa ulo minsan si
Cassia dahil sa pag-iisip nitong hindi niya maintindihan minsan, hinahayaan na
niya.

Tulad nalang ngayon na nasa canteen sila. Tahimik ito at nakatulala sa hangin.
Hindi 'yon gawain ni Cassia na palaging bukang-bibig ang asawa nito kaya naman
pilit niyang ginigising ang isip nito na wala siyang ideya kung nasaan.

"Hello. Earth to Cassia...!" Zehannah kept snapping her fingers in front of

Cassia's face, who that had been having a conference with the air. "Cassia...
Cassia! Cassia...!"

Sa wakas, napakurap-kurap din ito at nagtatanong na tumingin sa kaniya. "What?"

Malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga saka kunot ang nuong tinanong ito. "Nasaang
planeta ka ba? Kanina ka pa nakatulala riyan."

Bumuntong-hininga ang kaibigan saka uminom ng tubig na para bang pinaghahandaan ang
susunod nitong sasabihin. "I met my husband's boyfriend last night."

Hindi napigilan ni Zehannah ang mapasinghap. Since the two got married, Zehannah
knew the real score between the them because Cassia made it her mission to tell her
everything. Yes. Everything. Cassia didn't know what too much information means.

"OMG!" Nasapo pa ni Zehannah ang bibig sa gulat. "Girl, nakaka-shook ba?"

Parang wala sa sariling tumango si Cassia. "He's so handsome up close that I felt
so small." Sinapo nito ang pisngi na parang hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa nangyari.
"I was so nervous last night. I think they were arguing, Zehan. Is it because of
me? I don't want to cause trouble. Thorn has been really nice to me."

Hindi maiwasan ni Zehannah na makaramdam ng awa sa kaibigan dahil sa sitwasyon

nito. "Hay, mabait nga ang napangasawa mo, pero sobrang nakaloloka naman ang set-up
niyo. Anyway, pinakilala ka ba niya or tinago ka?"

"Pinakilala," pabulong na sagot ni Cassia na para bang hindi ito makapaniwala.

"Tapos?" Kung kailan gusto niyang malaman ang pangyayari, saka naman pabitin ang
kuwento ni Cassia. "Anyare, girl?" Zehannah was getting impatient. "Anong pangalan
ng jowa ng asawa mo?"

Bumuntong-hininga si Cassia. "Reigo Vasquez. See? Pangalan pa lang, guwapo na,

Zehan. As in, ang guwapo niya."

Palihim na natigilan si Zehannah sa narinig. Reigo Vasquez? How could she forget
that name? But... gay? I doubt it. Must be a different Reigo Vasquez from the one
she knew. Marami naman ang magkakapangalan sa mundo. Yeah. Must be. It's just so
impossible for that guy who made me sore all over to be gay.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Zehannah sa laman ng isip niya saka ibinalik ang

atensiyon sa kaibigan. "Cass, ganiyan na talaga ang panahon ngayon. Ang guwapo,
guwapo rin ang hanap."

Tumango si Cassia saka unti-unting humaba ang nguso.

"Oh, anyare sa 'yo?" Tanong niya ng makita ang nguso ng kaibigan. "Bakit parang
hinang-hina ka riyan? Para namang hindi mo alam ang tunay na katauhan ng asawa mo
bago mo siya pinakasalan. 'Di ba nga, sabi mo pa, susuportahan mo kung anong gusto
niya? Heto na 'yon."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Cassia. "Hindi ko nga rin alam ba't ako nagkakaganito.
Pagkatapos akong ipakilala ni Thorn kay Reigo, pumunta sila ng kusina. I can hear
them arguing. I can't make out the words, but I knew they were arguing. After that,
Reigo stormed out of the kitchen and I was so guilty, so I spoke to Reigo to clear
everything. I apologized for accepting the marriage and I told him that I will
support his relationship with Thorn."

Oh! A development! Parang nanonood si Zehannah ng pelikula. "What did he say?"

"Reigo seemed shock. His anger disappeared, and then he went back to the kitchen
while I went upstairs to rest."

"That was intense."

Tumango si Cassia. "Super intense. Pero sa tingin ko nagkaayos na sila. Kaninang

umaga, bago ako pumasok sa opisina, nakasalubong ko sa gate si Reigo at
nagpasalamat siya sa 'kin. Nakangiti pa nga siya kaya sa tingin ko maayos na sila."

Napatitig si Zehannah sa kaibigan saka huminga ng malalim. "Cass, girl, ang intense
ng married life mo." The reason I don't want to marry.

A faint smile appeared on Cassia's lips. "But I'm actually enjoying my married
life. My husband is nice, he treats me well, he cooks really good and I'm not his
type, so I'm happy."

Zehannah was not buying what Cassia was selling. She didn't seem happy to Zehannah.
"Sure ka na masaya ka? Because your face looked sad from where I'm sitting."

Tumango si Cassia saka ngumiti. "Yes. I'm happy."

Hindi na nakipag-argumento pa si Zehannah sa kaibigan pero hindi siya naniniwala na

masaya si Cassia. Zehanna had known Cassia since they were in college, so she knew
when Cassia was genuinely happy or not. And something was telling her — a gut
feeling — that her best friend was not as happy as she claimed to be.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Zehannah na tumuon ang mga mata niya sa daliri ng
kaibigan. "Binili ng asawa mo?"

That was the only explanation. It was, after all, a beautiful engagement and a
wedding ring.

A genuine smile made its way to Cassia's lips before nodding. "He even bought me an
engagement ring, even though he doesn't really have to."

"It's pretty. Bagay sa 'yo. Your husband got taste."

Cassia nodded while caressing the rings on her finger. While Zehannah just shook
her head while looking at her friend and thought, if this continues, she's really
gonna fall.

"Cass. Don't forget that your husband is gay, okay?" Seryosong paalala ni Zehannah
sa kaibigan. Baka makalimutan nito iyon at masaktan ito. Masakit lang sa ulo si
Cassia pero hindi niya gustong makita itong nasasaktan.

Kinunotan siya ng nuo ni Cassia. "Bakit ko naman makalilimutan 'yon? I saw them,
remember?"
"Just a fair warning. Anyway, kailan mo ipakikilala sa 'kin ang asawa mo? Kailangan
ko siyang pasalamatan sa pagiging mabait sa 'yo."

Cassia's smile was back on her lips. "Soon."

"Okay. Asahan ko 'yan."

Iinom sana ng tubig si Zehannah ng bigla nalang inanunsiyo ng kaibigan na late na

sila. Syempre, sabay silang tumakbo palabas ng canteen at patungong elevator para
bumalika sa kaniya-kaniyang trabaho.

Ang bagal ng oras kapag nasa trabaho na gusto nang maglupasay ni Zehannah kasi
gusto na niyang umuwi.

Gusto niyang mag-Netflix and chill ng mag-isa. Oo. Mag-isa! Wala namang nagsabi na
kailangan may kalandian para ma-enjoy niya ang Netflix at makapag-chill siya.

Thankfully, her office hour finally came to an end, and she went home. Nauna na
siya kay Cassia dahil may sasakyan ito habang siya naman ay maglalakad lang.
malapit lang naman ang condo niya at hindi na ganun kainit ang araw. Sayang sa gas
kung dadalhin niya ang sasakyan niya sa trabaho.

When she arrived at her condo, she took a quick bath, changed clothes and went to
the Supermarket to buy groceries. Her stock of food was running low.

After the supermarket, Zehannah went around looking for something sweet. Mayroon
namang mga café at cake shop malapit sa condo niya pero palagi nalang iyon ang
kinakain niya, nananawa na siya.

So she went looking for a new café. Some were too luxurious, and some were not her
vibe. An hour later of looking, finally, she came across a cozy looking one by the
road.

Bitter Sweet Café.

From outside, it was cozy looking and when she went inside; It surprised her how
warm in looked and felt.

Definitely my scene. Sana masarap ang pagkain nila rito. Zehannah was really hoping
for that as she walked towards the counter.

Zehannah was looking at the cake near the counter, deciding to herself what to buy,
even debating to herself how many she should buy when she felt someone staring at
her so she turned her head to side and in front of the cashier, stood a man, who
was looking at her in shell-shock.

She should be shell-shocked too, but she's Zehannah-freaking-Sevil. Poker face was
her middle name.

She returned her attention to the cakes, picked four different slices of cakes,
paid for it, left the café, and drove away with her car.

She did not panic. Did not stutter. Did not falter. Nor did she make a fool of
herself in front of Reigo Vasquez.

Yes. That was him. Her drunken, stupid mistake. Reigo Vasquez. After nearly a
year... damn. Guwapo pa rin ang gago.
CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 2

NAPAILING AT NAPABUNTONG-HININGA nalang si Zehannah ng makatanggap siya ng text

message galing sa Papa niya habang nasa trabaho siya. Hindi na niya kailangan pang
buksan ang text nito. Alam niyang nagrereklamo na naman ito dahil 'inaapi' na naman
ito ni Papi.

And she was right.

From: Papa

'Zehan, inaapi ako ng Papi mo. He didn't kiss me goodbye when he went to work this
morning. Hindi lang 'yon, inubusan niya ako ng coffee creamer. Tapos nalaman ko
mula sa mga hugasan sa lababo na nagluto siya ng pancake. And you know what? Hindi
niya man lang ako tinirhan! How dare he! Maghihiganti ako.'

Kaagad na nag-reply si Zehannah sa Papa niya para pigilan ito. 'I advise against
that, Papa. Baka sa sofa ka na naman matulog, sige ka. Tapos magrereklamo ka sakin
dis oras ng gabi.'

'You always take your Papi's side. Nagtatampo rin ako sa'yo, Zehan.'

Nagpakawalanng buntong-hininga si Zehannah sa reply ng Papa niya. 'Papa, taglamig

ngayon. Malamig sa sofa.'

'Oo nga pala. Sige, sa summer na ako maghihiganti. Mainit na no'n.'

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung matatawa o mapapailing siya sa Papa niya. Well, he was
always like that. Complaining about her Papi's attitude and personality, but at the
end of the day, he still loves her Papi, and he never left his side.

Bumalik na sa trabaho si Zehannah pagkatapos ilapag ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng

lamesa niya.

Zehannah was busy, but it still feels like a very dull day. Napapansin ni Zehannah,
nitong mga nakaraang buwan, parang nagiging monotonous ang buhay niya. Parang
naghahanap ang katawan niya ng bagong mapaglilibangan at hindi puro trabaho at
bahay lang.

Bumaling ang atensiyon ni Zehannah sa pintuan ng may kumatok doon.

"Pasok," aniya.

The door opened, and Dexter entered with a smile. He's a head from a different
department, but he never missed a day without visiting her office to ask her out.

"Are you free tonight? Have dinner with me."

Awtomatiko ang naging sagot ni Zehannah. "I can't. Maglilinis ako ng condo ko
mamaya pagkauwi ko."

"Oh." That was a no, but that did not deter Dexter. "I can help if you need a
hand."

"No. Thanks." Zehannah smiled. "I can do it alone."

Nawala ang emosyon sa mukha ni Dexter. "You can't do everything alone, Zee."

Nagpanting ang tainga ni Zehannah. "Of course I can. Everyone needs to know how to
be alone. Dahil hindi sa lahat ng oras ay may kasama at may maaasahan ka."

Dexter instantly knew he misspoke. "I'm sorry, Zee—"

"No need to apologize. Just please, don't call me 'Zee'." Zehannah went back to
work and didn't bother sending Dexter away. Kusa na itong lumabas ng opisina niya
na ikinahinga niya ng maluwang.

As she aged, her preference in men had changed. Siguro kung nuong bata-bata pa
siya, hinayaan na niyang manligaw si Dexter sa kaniya, pero ngayon? Wala na nga
siya sa mood, napakamapili pa niya.

She knew that people always say to lower one's standard when looking for a partner,
but really, for her, that's just plain bullshit. She would never lower her standard
because she was sure that she'll be the one to pay for it in the end.

People who have standard were the people who knew what they want and their worth.
If she chose to lower her standard, then it also meant she chose to disappoint
herself and she didn't want that.

Bahala nang tawaging pihikan, ang mahalaga masaya siya at kontento sa pinili niya.

Nagpakawala ng buntong-hininga si Zehannah ng tumunog ang alarm niya na

nagpapaalala sa kaniya na uwian na. She was excited to go home and clean her condo
until it became spotless.

When she entered the elevator, Cassia was inside and Cassia immediately rested her
head on her shoulder.

"Tired?" Tanong ni Zehannah sa kaibigan.

Tumango ito. "Ang dami kong tinapos na bukas na ang deadline at dumagdag pa si
Mariz na nagpapakalat na naman ng tsismis tungkol sa 'kin."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah ng marinig ang pangalan ni Mariz. "Ano na naman ang

pinagkalat ng tsismosa na 'yon?" Si Mariz ang leader ng mga marites sa buong
kompaniya.

"Hindi ko alam paano niya nalaman na may asawa na ako, e si Sir David lang naman
ang pinagsabihan ko kaya nagulat ako sa tsismis na narinig ko. Pinagkakalat na
naman ng grupo ni Mariz na totoo raw na may asawa na ako, pero pinagkasundo lang
daw kami at tinatago ko kasi raw walang itsura at kinakahiya ko."

Zehannah snorted. "Buti natama nila 'yong pinagkasundo, mga bobo pa naman ang mga
'yon." Inis na inis si Zehannah kay Mariz at sa grupo nitong mga marites. "Naku!
Ibalandra mo nga 'yang asawa mo rito nang manahimik ang mga gagang 'yon. Nauubos na
ang pasensiya ko sa kanila."

Ngumiti si Cassia. "Hayaan na natin. Mapapagod din ang mga 'yon."

Umingos si Zehannah. "Kapag napagod sila, siguradong gagawa na naman 'yon ng
panibagong issue." Ganon naman palagi. "Sa dami ng tsismis nila tungkol sa 'yo,
puwede nang gawing isang magazine."

Tumawa lang si Cassia saka nauna nang lumabas ng elevator nang bumukas 'yon. Kaagad
namang sumunod si Zehannah pero parehong natigilan ang dalawa ng makitang umuulan
sa labas.

"Great." Bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Cassia. "Kung kailan sira ang sasakyan ko,
saka naman umulan."

"Sa condo ko ka kaya muna magpalipas ng ulan," suhestiyon ni Zehannah sa kaibigan

dahil malapit lang naman ang condo niya. "Saka ka na umuwi kapag tumila na."

"Sige," kaagad na sagot ni Cassia.

Napabaling naman dito si Zehannah ng mapansing natigilan ang kaibigan sa

paglalakad. Pasimple niyang sinundan kung saan ito nakatingin babang binubuksan ang
payong na dala. Lihim nalang siyang napabuntong-hininga ng makita kung sino ang
tinitingnan nito.

It was Cassia's persistent boss. Ang boss nitong hindi makaintindi ng 'ayoko' kahit
pa isampal sa mukha nito.

Handa na si Zehannah na ipagtanggol ang kaibigan laban sa boss nitong may ubo ang
utak ng makuha ang atensiyon nila ng grupo ni Mariz. May kinakausap ang mga itong
isang guwapong nilalang na kaagad na ngumiti ng makita si Cassia.

Instantly, Zehannah assumed he was Cassia's husband. That charming smile of his
that was only meant for Cassia says it all.

And the two proceeded to talk as if no one was around while Zehannah was just
staring at Cassia's husband. Halos nakatanga na siya rito dahil sa kaguwapuhan
nitong taglay at dahil na rin naglo-loading ang utak niya habang inaalala ang mga
kinuwento sa kaniya ng kaibigan.

This guy — this drop dead gorgeous guy is gay?! Instantly, Zehannah didn't believe
it because of the way he acts around Cassia. The way he speaks to her. The man's
body language. His smile. His eyes. As if he only sees Cassia and no one else, he
focused all his attention on her. Nope. This guy is not gay.

Biglang natauhan si Zehannah ng maramdamang may kumurot sa kaniya sa tagiliran. It

was none other than her airhead friend, Cassia.

"What?" Tanong niya kay Cassia habang pasulyap-sulyap pa rin sa asawa nito.

"Uwi na ako." Anito saka kaniya bago tinuro ang lalaki sa harapan nila at
ipinakilala sa kaniya. "Ahm, Zehan, this is my husband, Thorn Calderon. Thorn, this
is my best friend since college, Zehannah Sevil."

Cassia's husband quickly offered his hand and Zehannah accepted it.

"Nice to meet you." Anito. "Come by our house if you have free time. Let's have
dinner."

Tumango si Zehannah. This guy is so handsome. He's on par with Reigo in that
department. If there was one thing — no, two things she couldn't forget about
Reigo, it was his handsome face and his big 'D'.
Kinurot na naman siya ni Cassia bago nagpaalam ang kaibigan at naglakad patungo sa
magarang sasakyan ng asawa nito. Pero pagkalipas lang ng ilang segundo, bumaba si
Cassia at naglakad pabalik sa kaniya.

"May nakalimutan ka?" Kaagad niyang tanong sa kaibigan.

Her airhead best friend didn't answer her and just pulled her to her husband's car.

"Cassia, what the heck are you doing—"

Bago pa matapos ni Zehannah ang tanong, binuksan na ni Cassia ang backseat saka
pinasakay siya at isinara ang pinto.

Naglo-loading pa ang utak ni Zehannah ng marinig niya ang boses ng asawa ni Cassia
na nasa driver's seat.

"Masyadong malakas ang ulan. Mahihirapan kang umuwi. Ihatid ka na namin."

"Thanks." Zehannah muttered as she observed Cassia's husband.

Bigla siyang naging detective Zehannah sa backseat habang nasa biyahe at

pinapakinggan ang usapan ng dalawa.

Hindi na kailangan ni Zehannah ng pruweba. Sigurado siyang hindi bakla ang asawa ng
kaibigan niya. Nope. Hindi. Siguradong nagpapanggap lang ang isang 'to. Why? She
didn't know. Maybe it had something to do with Cassia's 'airheadedness'.

"Saan ka pala namin ihahatid?"

Nabigla si Zehannah sa tanong na 'yon dahil mukhang may sariling mundo ang mag-
asawa sa harapan niya. Pero syempre, binigay niya ang address niya na isang liko
nalang ay nandoon na sila.

"We're here." Anunsiyo ni Thorn.

Ngumiti siga. "Thanks." Then she tapped Cassia's shoulder from the backseat. "See
you tomorrow, girl."

"See you."

Tumango si Zehannah kay Cassia saka lumabas na ng sasakyan.

Habang pinagmamasdan ang papalayong sasakyan, gustong sabihin ni Zehannah sa

kaibigan na hindi bakla ang asawa nito pero naalala niya na may hangin ang utak
nito kaya hindi nalang niya itinuloy. Siya ang ma-i-stress panigurado.

Kaya nga ako hindi nag-jowa dahil ayokong ma-stress, pero stress naman ako sa love
life ng iba. Tangina.

Nakasimangot na sumakay ng elevator si Zehannah at tinungo ang unit niya.

And just like planned, she cleaned her condo until it was spotless — well; she
tried her best — then she cooked for herself while talking to her parents over the
phone, had a peaceful dinner after and enjoyed a glass of wine while watching a
series on Netflix.

Her day was supposed to end smoothly, with her, sleeping peacefully until her body
wakes her up in the morning, but that night was just full of bad luck.
First, her Papa called to inform her that her Papi fell on the stairs and was now
on the way to the hospital. Second, when she arrived at the hospital worried sick
and looking like she just won a wrestling contest with a freaking bear — her hair
was everywhere since she used her scooter to avoid traffic and her helmet was only
half — she saw her drunken, stupid mistake exiting the hospital and yep, as cliché
as the movies, their eyes met.

But she's Zehannah—freaking—Sevil. She pretended like she didn't see anyone she
know; she looked straight ahead and then she entered the hospital like a queen with
a hair that looked like something exploded in it.

But she didn't care because she knew she had slayed her entrance.

Yeah. And then she worriedly runs towards the E.R. to check on her Papi.

Thankfully, her Papi's condition was not severe, but he had to take a leave from
work and stay in the hospital for a couple of days. Hindi naman 'yon problema dahil
kasama nito ang Papa niya na halos hindi makahinga sa sobrang pag-aalala.

"Papa, si Papi ang aksidenteng nahulog sa hagdan, bakit ikaw ang umiyak?" Sita niya
sa Papa niya na namumula ang mata.

"I thought I'm gonna lose Dan." Her Papa whispered and held her Papi's hand. "Akala
ko tumama ang ulo mo sa semento. I couldn't think straight."

Her Papi smile softly at her Papa before his attitude turned one-eighty degrees and
glared at her Papa. "Hindi ba sinabi ko sa'yo na ayos lang ako, pero hindi ka
nakinig! At tinawagan mo pa ang anak natin." Tinuro siya ni Papi. "Tingnan mo naman
ang itsura ni Zehan, parang nakipagsabunutan sa aswang!"

Kaagad na sinubukang ayusin ni Zehannah ang sabog na buhok pero wala namang
nagbago. Sabog pa rin. "Sorry naman. Nagmamadali kasi ako kaya nag-scooter ako para
makaiwas sa traffic." Kapagkuwan ay ngumiti at niyakap niya ang ama. "But I'm happy
that you're okay, Papi. Pinag-aalala mo kami ni Papa kaya huwag mo nang pagalitan
si Papa. He's just worried because he loves you so much."

Cameron smiled at his daughter for being a sweet talker and for helping him out.
While Dan just sighed and smiled before intertwining his hand with Cameron's.

"O siya, umuwi ka na at magpahinga." Anang Papi niya sa kaniya. "Ayos lang kami
rito ng Papa mo. Don't worry."

Seeing their daughter being reluctant to say yes, Cameron helped his partner. "Ako
na bahala sa Papi mo. Huwag kang mag-alala."

Tumango si Dan. "You trust your Papa, right? Ayoko ring magtagal rito. Daming
nagnanakaw ng tingin sa Papa mo akala naman nila kung sinong guwapo."

Natawa si Zehannah sa Papi niya. But it was indeed true that her Papa was a
handsome man even though he was already nearing his fifties. Hindi halata sa mukha
ng Papa niya ang edad nito. He was fit and very healthy, after all. Same with her
Papi.

"Syempre. Mana ako kay Papa." Nagmamalaking sabi niya. "Guwapo si Papa, maganda
ako."

Dan looked at her daughter flatly. "Sa Papa mo lang?"

Zehannah grinned at her Papi. "Syempre, mana din ako sayo, Papi." Kaagad na
napangiti si Dan pero kaagad ding nabura 'yon ng sabihin ni Zehannah kung anong
namana nito rito. "Basagulero."

Biglang bumangon si Dan. "Anong sabi mong bata ka—"

"Zehan. Run!" Her Papa hissed under his breath and Zehannah immediately took off
running.

Tumigil lang si Zehannah sa pagtakbo ng makalabas siya ng E.R.. Hindi ni Zehannah

napigilang matawa ng maalala ang mukha ng Papi niya. Siguradong patay ako kay Papi
kapag nakalabas na siya ng ospital. Kailangan kong kasabuwatin si Papa para mawala
galit niya. Yeah. That's what I'm going to do. I have to —

"Zee."

Zehannah remembered the nickname and the one who gave it to her, but she didn't
give him the reaction he wanted. She pretended like she heard nothing and walked
towards the exit.

Zee was not her name, after all.

"Zehannah!"

That was the only time she stopped and turned around to face her drunken, stupid
mistake. "Yeah? You need anything?"

Namulsa si Reigo. "Remember me?"

Zehannah could lie and say she didn't, but she had no reason to. "Yeah. Anything
else?"

Reigo's lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but alas, he pressed his lips
together and shook his head.

Zehannah smiled with her business smile. "I'm going then. Nice seeing you."

Reigo just stared at Zehannah before he nodded and watched Zehannah leave the
hospital.

And just like that, Zehannah slayed her second coincidental meeting with her
drunken, stupid mistake. And she planned to slay it every time since she felt like
fate was playing a game with them.

But what fate didn't know was that she's Zehannah—freaking—Sevil. Whatever was
thrown at her, she'll slay it. Because that's the queen her parents raised her to
be.

Oo nga't guwapo pa rin ang gago, pero maganda pa rin naman ako. Patas lang kami.

CECELIB | C.C.
CHAPTER 3

ZEHANNAH WAS thankful that her Papi was doing good in the hospital. Kailangan pa
rin nito ng alalay lalo na sa paglalakad, pero maliban doon, maayos na ang kalagay
nito. She had nothing to worry about since her Papa was with her Papi, so her days
continued without being stress.

No. She takes that back. Stress pala siya. Stress siya sa kaibigan niyang may
hangin ang utak at malisyosa. Kahit sinabi na niya kay Cassia na hindi bakla ang
asawa nito, walang pinatunguhan 'yon tulad ng inaasahan niya. Palaging may sariling
interpretasyon si Cassia sa mga bagay-bagay, lalo na pagdating sa asawa nito kaya
naman hindi na siya nagtaka, pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n ay hindi siya kinain ng
frustrasyon.

But instead of being frustrated as hell and forcing Cassia to believe her, she let
her airhead friend be. Pasasaan ba't mari-realize rin nito ang totoo.

To relieve her stress caused by Cassia and her marriage life, she went back to that
café with good ambiance after work. The Bitter Sweet café. Hindi siya kumain do'n
nung huli at nag-take out lang ng cake kasi gabi na, pero ngayon, gusto niyang
kumain do'n at i-enjoy ang magandang ambiance ng café at syempre pa para tikman
kung masarap ang Caramel Macchiato ng mga ito.

Zehannah thinks that meeting Reigo in Bitter Sweet café for the first time was just
a coincidence. Kaya naman malakas ang loob niya na bumalik doon. Ang hindi niya
alam, kaharap lang ng café ang village kung saan nakatira si Reigo.

At that moment, Zehannah didn't know, so she went to Bitter Sweet café and ordered
a caramel macchiato paired with two slices of chocolate cake.

She thoroughly enjoyed her order and eat in peace. It was always nice eating with
someone, but there's also therapeutic about eating alone, in silence. She gets that
everybody was scared to be alone somehow, but when one gets a taste of it, it was
not so scary and would sometimes seek it, if not most of the time.

A good coffee and a delicious cake. What a magnificent pair. Zehannah was satisfied
as she stepped out of the café. But her satisfaction completely disappeared when
she saw her drunken, stupid mistake leaning on a luxury car parked beside hers as
if waiting for someone.

Sa halip na makaramdam ng pagkailang, lihim na natawa si Zehannah dahil kung gaano

kakinis at kakintab ang sasakyan ni Reigo, ganun naman kaluma at kakupas ang
sasakyan niya na katabi niyon.

Araw-araw talaga akong sinusubok ni Lord. Aniya sa sarili habang naglalakad patungo
sa sasakyan niyang nakaparada.

Wala siyang balak pansinin si Reigo pero nagsalita ang gago. "Can we talk?"

She could be rude and just ignore Reigo, but her drunken, stupid mistake had been
nothing but a stain in her past, and she wanted to clean that stain once and for
all.

Umikot paharap si Zehannah kay Reigo at walang paligoy-ligoy na sinagot ito.

"Saan?"

Tinuro nito ang café kung saan palang galing si Zehannah. "If you don't mind."
Zehannah was still full, but she will not say no to another cup of coffee in the
form of caramel macchiato. "Sure."

Sabay na pumasok si Zehannah at Reigo sa café at sabay ding umorder. She ordered
caramel macchiato, and he ordered a black coffee with an extra shot of espresso.
And as they settled on their table, the talk began.

Nope. Not really.

Zehannah was the one who started it since the handsome man who asked if they could
talk did not speak a word until she did. Gago talaga.

"I hate driving at night. Masakit sa mata ang mga ilaw ng mga sasakyan. So you
better talk or else I'm leaving with my macchiato."

Thankfully, that made the bastard talk.

"I know what happened to us in the club meant nothing to you," that's what Reigo
concluded after Zehannah ignored him two times. "But I just want to ask... why did
you leave me that morning?"

Zehannah blinked at Reigo while looking at him flatly.

One, two and three blinks, but Reigo seemed so genuine with his question.

"May tama ka ba sa utak?" Tanong ni Zehannah sa kaharap.

Si Reigo naman ngayon ang napakurap-kurap kay Zehannah bago seryosong sinagot ang
tanong ng dalaga. "Last I check, my head is perfectly fine."

"Sure ka?"

"Yes. Very."

"Hmm..." tumaas ang kilay ni Zehannah. "You know, Mr. Vasquez, it's you who left me
alone in my car, not the other way around."

Bumakas ang pagkabigla at kaguluhan sa guwapong mukha ni Reigo. "Wait... I didn't

leave you alone in your car, Zehannah. We were together the whole night. Magkasama
tayo sa sasakyan mo ng magising ako. I wanted to freshen up a little because I
smelled like a severe hangover, so I went back inside the club to wash my face and
my mouth. Ikaw ang nang-iwan dahil ng makabalik ako sa parking lot, wala na do'n
ang sasakyan mo. After that, I was hoping to see you again to ask, so I went back
to the club a few times, but well, you know how it went."

Reigo made sure to explain himself and what happened thoroughly, hoping to get an
explanation for why Zehannah left after what happened to them, but the answer he
got from her blew his mind.

"Oops. My bad."

Reigo waited for an additional answer, but it never came. That's all? Her bad?
Reigo's face hardened. "I looked for you."

"Sorry," nakangiwing wika ni Zehannah. Ngayong alam na niya ang totoo, parang ngang
kasalanan niya pero syempre, 'parang' lang. Hindi naman niya sinadyang umalis.
"Akala ko iniwan mo akong mag-isa sa sasakyan kaya nang magising ako at wala ka,
umalis ako kaagad. My head was throbbing at that time because of a severe hangover
so I didn't really think that much and just went home."
Reigo was speechless and the conversation about what had happened ended.

"Why do I feel so cheated?" Reigo grumbled after a long minute. "I looked for you
that morning."

"I feel like shit that morning. Patas lang tayo." Sagot ni Zehannah kay Reigo saka
nginitian ang binata. "It was all just a misunderstanding. My bad. Can we move on
now?"

"Just... like that?"

"Bakit? May iba ka bang inaasahan?"

"Aren't women emotional when it comes to these stuff...?" Lahat ng babaeng naka-
date at naging kasintahan ni Reigo ay mga emosyonal lalo na sa usaping 'sex'. But
Zehannah was so nonchalant that Reigo was having doubts if he really took her
multiple times in the club's restroom that night.

"Why should I be? It's done. Can't take it back."

"You... don't want me to take responsibility?"

"I can take responsibility for myself." Ani Zehannah. "It was my decision to go
clubbing with you and drink. And it's been nearly a year, Mr. Vasquez. As you can
see, hindi ako nabuntis kaya wala kang responsabilidad sakin."

Silence fell on the two until Reigo leaned back and asked Zehannah a question
Zehannah did not expect.

"Are you still single?"

"Oo."

"Want to try and date me? I'm single too."

It did not faze Zehannah. She only raised her eyebrow. "Is there a merit in dating
you?"

Reigo's answer was instant. "I'm handsome with a big dick and I can bring you to
high heavens in bed or anywhere you want."

"That's actually tempting..." Zehannah did not hide her interest. "But I'm not
really in the mood to date."

"May I ask why?"

Zehannah did not hide her reason. "You told me before that you're looking for a
good woman to marry and I'm not that woman. I don't want to marry anyone and since
you date to marry, dating me will be a waste of your time. At dalawa lang ang
patutunguhan kung susubukan natin ang gusto mo, either you break up with me because
I don't want to marry or you'll cheat on me."

"What if I won't ask you to marry me and I won't cheat on you?"

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. "Then I'm a very lucky woman."

"Rejoice then. You're in luck. I'm here."

"May nakapagsabi na ba sa'yo na ang hangin mo?"

"Yeah, and I don't care."

Zehannah sighed. "Ayoko sa mahanging lalaki."

"I can tone it down a bit."

"Just a bit?"

Reigo spread his arms as if telling Zehannah to check him out from head to toe.
"Bakit? Wala ba akong karapatang magmalaki?"

Zehannah stared at Reigo and indeed, he was drop-dead gorgeous. And with a luxury
car, she knew he's loaded. The thing between his legs was also something to be
proud of. He's educated and smart. He carries himself handsomely. That's why it
baffles her that his exes cheated on him.

"Naaalala kong sinabi mo sakin dati na palagi kang niloloko. Dahil ba 'yon sa
pagiging mahangin mo?"

"No. it's because I don't have time for them, so they cheated." Reigo sighed and
crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm a busy man, you see. There are a lot of
companies under me. I have no time to go on vacations and it seems like women likes
those things."

"And you think I don't, since you want us to date?"

"I think you're different." Reigo looked into Zehannah's eyes. "I feel like my head
is going to spin and explode because of your attitude and personality, but that's
what draws me in. Because if I'm not drawn to you, I would've forgotten you months
ago. And I feel like it would be idiotic of me to not ask you to date me. It's not
every day that I get to meet a woman as confident and as intriguing as you. And—"

"There's more?" Zehannah was genuinely shock that Reigo had so many reasons.

"It's the last one."

"Oh. Okay. You may continue."

"And you and I are very physically compatible."

Natahimik si Zehannah. Reigo's offer was tempting and interesting. It might change
her monotonous life. But there was a part of her that was saying 'no' and she
couldn't ignore it.

"Still a 'no'?" Reigo asked when Zehannah remained silent.

Sumimsim si Zehannah ng caramel macchiato niya saka bumuntong-hininga. "I'm

skeptical."

"I can wait."

Kaagad na umiling si Zehannah. "Don't. Ayokong may naghihintay sa desisyon ko. It's
uncomfortable and very straining. Just give me two weeks. I'll think about it."

"You sure?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Kung hindi ako makapagdesisyon sa loob ng dalawang linggo,

kahit pa bigyan mo ako ng isang taon, walang mangyayari. Maghihintay ka lang sa
wala. I will give you my answer after two weeks."

Reigo was becoming more intrigued as minutes passed that he was with Zehannah. He
knew she's different from all the women he dated and that alone was enough to draw
him in and risk it.

Inilahad ni Zehannah ang kamay kay Reigo. "I'll see you here in two weeks."

Reigo frowned at Zehannah. "Is that...? Are you...? Wait... handshake? Really?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "To seal our agreement?"

Zehannah stilled when Reigo stood up, put his palms on the table, leaned in and
without hesitation, he place a quick kiss on her lips.

"Now it's sealed." Reigo whispered over her lips and Zehannah swallowed.

Her weaknesses—Good breath and masculine scent — Reigo had them all and Zehannah
felt cornered.

Tangina. Bakit ang bango ng gago na 'to? Kung sana naging mabaho si Reigo, madali
para kay Zehannah na magdesisyon pero pati hininga nito luluhuran.

Lasing na lasing siya ng may mangyari sa kanila noon pero kung mauulit 'yon, hindi
na magtataka si Zehannah kung luhuran niya si Reigo. Lahat ng kahinaan niya, nasa
binata.

"Zee?"

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka umaktong kalmado siya. Poker face was her middle
name after all. "I will let you off this time, but don't kiss me again without my
consent."

"Noted. But you can kiss me without my consent." Reigo said that with a straight
face as he went back to his seat that Zehannah didn't know if he was joking or
serious. "The more I'm surprise, the more I'm turned on."

Zehannah didn't know what to reply, but, "noted."

Why the fuck am I noting this?! Gustong kutusan ni Zehannah ang sarili kapagkuwan
ay tumuon ang titig niya kay Reigo na sumisimsim ng kape habang matiim ang titig sa
kaniya. Fuck this guy. Kung makatitig parang mangangain ng buhay. Siguro kong
pinalaki siyang marupok ng mga magulang niya, siguradong namula na ang mukha niya
at nailing siya.

But she's Zehannah—freaking—Sevil. It would take everything Reigo had to make her
blush.

Hindi ko sinasabing makapal ang mukha ko, pero parang medyo ganun nga. Napabuntong-
hininga si Zehannah saka inubos ang caramel macchiato at nagpaalam na kay Reigo.
"Uwi na ako. See yah in two weeks."

Reigo nodded and Zehannah left. She could feel Reigo's eyes on her back as she
walked out of the café, but she acted like she was not affected. She walked
normally and calmly to her car and slayed her exit.
AFTER HER SLIGHTLY intense meeting with Reigo, Zehannah went home to rest. She
wanted to have a good night sleep and did not want to think about anything, but her
airhead best friend called.

Nang marinig niya ang nagpa-panic na boses ni Cassia na humihingi ng tulong, halos
lumipad siya palabas ng condo niya. Hindi siya nagda-drive kapag gabi, pero sa
sobrang pag-aalala niya kay Cassia, wala siyang pakialam kung gaano kasakit sa mata
ang mga headlights ng sasakyan na nakakasalubong niya. She drove fast, but with
great care.

When she arrived at Cassia's new address, it surprised her that the village her
airhead friend lived in was just in front of the Bitter Sweet café. And she had to
undergo a series of security protocol before she was allowed entry to the village.

Imagine the worry and panic she was feeling while driving and waiting outside the
Bachelor's Village to be let in — only to find out the idiotic reason her airhead
friend called.

Zehannah felt like murdering someone—her name was Cassia.

"Did you see that?!" sigaw ng kaibigan niyang may hangin sa utak. "He kissed me,
Zehan! He kissed me!"

Sa totoo lang, gusto niyang sabunutan ang kaibigan niya pero baka mas lumala pa ang
tama nito sa ulo. "Did you honestly ask me to be here right now, in this godly
hour, just to freaking tell me that?"

Cassia nodded earnestly. "Of course! This is a life and death situation—"

Zehannah couldn't take this idiocy anymore. She flicked Cassia's forehead. "Anong
life and death? Sakalin kaya kita! Grabe ang pagmamadali ko kasi akala ko napaano
ka na, tapos malalaman kong pinapunta mo ako rito dahil hinalikan ka?" Zehannah
flicked Cassia's forehead again. Nilakasan niya para magtanda ang may hangin sa ulo
niyang kaibigan. "Malamang hahalikan ka ng asawa mo, lalaki 'yan, gaga!"

Humaba ang nguso ni Cassia saka nilaro-laro nito ang daliri na parang bata. "Zehan,
I think he's bi."

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung sasabunutan niya ang sarili o si Cassia mismo sa
sobrang frustrasyon na nararamdaman. "Urgh! You're so dense that I want to pull my
hair out in frustration! Hindi ka ba nakikinig sa 'kin?! Kasasabi ko lang na lalaki
ang asawa mo! Paano pumasok sa isip mo na 'bi' 'yang asawa mo, ha? Matalino ka
naman pero bakit hindi mo naiintindihan ang sinasabi ko?! Cass, wala ka namang sira
sa utak, 'di ba?"

Sumimangot si Cassia. "Kasi 'yon lang ang kayang i-explain ng utak ko."

Malapit nang sumigaw si Zehannah sa kabuwesitan niya sa kaibigan. "Ako ang

mababaliw sa 'yo!"

"Pero may sense naman ako, ah," pakikipag-argumento pa ni Cassia kay Zehannah. "My
husband is gay, and then suddenly, he kissed me. That means he's bi. He likes both
gender—"

"How about you take out the gay part and just focus on her liking women?"
suhestiyon ni Zehannah na punong-puno na sa kakaibang pag-iisip ni Cassia. Kaunti
na lang, sasapakin na talaga ni Zehannah ang kaibigan para matauhan.
"Pero, Zehan—"

"Walang pero-pero," pigil ni Zehannah sa iba pang sasabihin ni Cassia. "Believe me.
Walang gusto sa lalaki 'yang asawa mo dahil lalaking-lalaki siya. Ikaw lang itong
hindi ko alam kung paano tumakbo ang utak at naniniwalang lalaki rin ang gusto ng
asawa mo. Cass, wake up! Your husband just kissed you on the lips! A gay man would
never do that—"

"That's because he's bi."

Literal na napasabunot si Zehannah sa sariling buhok. "Ayoko na. Ayoko na talaga.

Bakit ba kita naging kaibigan? Mamamatay ako nang maaga nang dahil sa 'yo."

"Zehan"—nameywang pa talaga si Cassia—"how could you say that he's not 'bi' when
you don't have proof?"

Zehannah gritted her teeth while pointing her finger at Cass. "You. You are the
proof. For goodness's sake! Maaga pa para mamatay ako sa konsomisyon, Cassia
Engelyn Calderon!"

Natahimik naman si Cassia, kapagkuwan ay hinawakan nito sa braso ni Zehannah saka

hinila si Zehannah palabas ng bahay na para bang may naalala ito.

"At saan naman tayo pupunta?" Punong-puno na si Zehannah sa kaibigan na nagpaubaya

nalang siya.

"Basta. Samahan mo na lang ako," ani Cassia. "I'm going to give you proof that my
husband is gay—I mean, bi."

Zehannah just rolled her eyes and let Cass drag her outside the house.

Napatitig si Zehannah sa under-construction na bahay kung saan siya hinila ng

magaling niyang kaibigan.

"That's Reigo's house," imporma ni Cassia kay Zehannah. "Sa kaniya tayo magtatanong
ng katotohanan at pruweba na tama ako."

Zehannah groaned in annoyance because she didn't want to think about Reigo, but she
still let her friend drag her around the under-construction house, but there was no
Reigo on site.

"Ano ba 'yan, wala rito si Reigo."

Napatitig si Zehannah sa kaibigan na para bang ito na ang pinakawalang laman ang
utak sa buong mundo. "Alam mo, Cass, sa sobrang talino mo sa trabaho, nagiging bobo
ka na sa ibang bagay."

Cassia tilted her head at Zehannah. "Huh?"

Tinuro ni Zehannag ang tinatayong bahay sa harapan nila. "Paanong nandiyan si Reigo
e under-construction nga?"

Sa narinig, napasuntok sa sariling palad si Cassia saka hinila na naman papunta

kung saan si Zehannah. "I think I know where he is, Zehan. Kailangan natin hanapin
ang high-tech na barn na sinasabi ng asawa ko. Sa tingin ko nandoon si Reigo."

Hindi na nakipag-argumento si Zehannah at walang imik na nagpaubaya sa kaibigan

kung saan man siya nito balak dalhin.
After asking six residences, they finally found the high-tech barn.

"Wow. Barn nga."

"Yeah, yeah. What now?"

"Hanapin natin si Reigo," ani Cassia saka hinila na naman si Zehannah.

Pero sa halip na kumatok, hinila ni Cassia si Zehannah patungo sa pinakamalapit na

bintana at sumilip sa loob na parang magnanakaw. At dahil mukhang nag-e-enjoy sa
paninilip si Cassia, nakisilip na rin si Zehannah para malaman kung anong
tinitingnan sa loob ng kaibigan.

"So high-tech," bulong ni Zehannah ng maaninag ang loob ng barn, "nahiya 'yong
condo ko sa barn na 'to."

Tumango si Cassia saka patuloy na nailip hanggang sa makarinig sila ng tikhim sa

likuran nila.

Kaagad na napatayo ng maayos ang dalawa saka mabilis na umikot paharap sa tumikhim.
Pero kaagad na nawala ang kaba ni Zehannah dahil sa nahuli siya ng makita kung sino
ang nasa harapan.

Reigo Vasquez—wait...!

Zehannah looked at Cassia, who was smiling at Reigo and then at Reigo, and
something clicked in her mind.

Reigo— Cassia's husband's boyfriend—is the Reigo who made me sore all over? Biglang
sumakit ang ulo ni Zehannah.

"Reigo," ani Cassia nang nakangiti.

Reigo smiled back, surprising Zehannah, since Reigo's smile was as expensive as
diamonds. "Hi, Cassia."

"Sorry," Zehannah stepped back when Reigo looked at her, looking unimpressed,
knowing full well what happens when Reigo was drunk. "I can't take alcohol scent on
someone. It's nauseating."

Kaagad namang pasimpleng inamoy ni Reigo ang sarili bago bumaling ulit kay Cassia.
"So, what brought you here? Thorn's not here."

Inunahan na ni Zehannag ang kaibigan dahil alam kaagad niya ang sasabihin nito.
Baka talaga matuyo na ang utak niya kung magpapatuloy pa 'tong kabobohang 'to.
"Tell her you're not gay." Nakataas ang kilay ni Zehannah kay Reigo. "And don't
lie."

Reigo frowned at Zehannah—surprised that she was a friend with Thorn's wife— and
then he looked at Cassia, who was looking at him expectantly. Of course, he didn't
like lying, but he had to cover up for his friend. Si Thorn ang palaging takbuhan
niya sa magkakaibigan kapag may problema siya at walang itong reklamo—well, panay
pala ang reklamo nito pero wala siyang pakialam. Sorry, Cassia. I have to protect
that idiot friend of mine.

Reigo forced a smile and said, "I'm gay," he said with utmost confidence, and then
he looked at Zehannah to check if he believed him—because if she did, he's
finished.
Zehannah didn't seem convinced, but Cassia was.

"See?"

Nagpakawala ng buntong-hininga si Zehannah saka naglakad palapit kay Reigo para

patunayang nagsisinungaling si Reigo.

Si Reigo naman ay bahagyang napaatras sa akalang galit si Zehannah sa

pagsisinungaling niya at sasampalin siya.

Especially when Zehannah grimaced at him when she stopped in front of him.

Ah, I'm finished. That's what was on Reigo's mind when Zehannah suddenly grabbed
him by the neck, pulled him down with brute force and she just claimed his lips
like nobody's business and kissed him senseless.

Lip-locked. With tongue.

And in a split-second, Zehannah exposed his lie.

Sorry, Calderon. I can't resist her kiss.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 4

STRESS NA STRESS si Zehannah kay Cassia na ng makabalik sila sa bahay nito

pagkatapos niyang patunayan dito na hindi bakla si Reigo ay uminom siya ng alak.
She wanted something to wash her mouth with after the kiss and tequila was her
choice, since she had a very wild relationship with it. And tequila always reminded
her of Reigo.

Mula ng may mangyari sa kanila ni Reigo sa club, hindi na siya nagtangka pang
uminom dahil baka ano na namang kagagahan ang gawin niya. Mabuti nang nag-iingat.
Kaya sa condo lang niya siya umiinom palagi at ngayon ay sa bahay nila Cassia.

And she finished the entire bottle while being stress over Cassia's way of
thinking.

Kahit nakipaglaplapan siya kay Reigo sa harapan ni Cassia, ayaw talagang patinag ng
kaibigan niya. At dahil ayaw niyang mamatay ng maaga sa konsomisyon, uminom nalang
siya hanggang sa malasing siya. She did give Cassia some advice, but she doubt if
Cassia would understand it the way it was supposed to be understood.

At dahil sa kalasingan, sa guesthouse siya ng bahay nila Cassia natulog.

Kinaumagahan, kakagising lang ni Zehannah pero sinubok kaagad siya ni Lord habang
kasamang nag-aagahan ang mag-asawang Thorn at Cassia na pakiramdam ni Zehannah ay
naging invisible particles siya.
Seeing Thorn take care of Cassia, it was the first time that Zehannah thought, kung
hindi ganito kaalaga ang magiging asawa ko, hindi na lang ako mag-aasawa. And for a
woman who didn't want to marry, that thought was something else.

That morning, Zehannah left the Calderon's household feeling happy for Cassia. Yes,
she didn't want to marry, but seeing her best friend being taken care of like a
queen, she was happy for her. Cassia deserved it.

But her happiness quickly withered away when she saw Reigo outside the Calderon's
household, sitting crossed leg on the hood of his luxury car.

Kakapalan ba ng mukha kong iisipin kong hinihintay ako ng gago? Tanong ni Zehannah
sa sarili habang naglalakad patungo sa sasakyan niya na nakaparada sa gilid ng
kalsada, sa likuran lang ng sasakyan ni Reigo.

Zehannah wanted to pass and ignore Reigo so badly because she wanted to go home
fast, freshen up and spent her weekend in silence with Netflix, but alas, luck was
not on her side.

Reigo spoke as she passed him.

"Morning."

Zehannah did not stop. She replied as she passed him. "Morning to you too."

Umalis si Reigo sa pagkakaupo sa hood ng sasakyan nito at sinabayan sa paglalakad

si Zehannah. "Had breakfast yet?"

Tinuro niya ang bahay na pinanggalingan. "I just came out from a chef's house. Of
course I had breakfast."

"Do you still have space for pancakes and caramel macchiato? I know a good café
that makes amazing pancakes and coffee."

Napatigil sa paglalakad si Zehannah at napatingin kay Reigo na nakatingin din sa

kaniya. Isa sa mga kahinayaan niya ang pagkain — masarap na pagkain. That's why at
the moment, she's in turmoil while showing her poker face to Reigo.

Food or her peace?

Food. Zehannah answered herself and sighed. "Akala ko ba busy ka?" Naalala niya ang
rason kung bakit palagi itong niloloko ng mga ex-girlfriend nito. "Sabi mo wala
kang oras sa mga naging ex mo dati. Anong tawag mo rito?"

Reigo shrugged. "I only have two weeks to change your mind. I have to make you say
yes in fourteen days, so of course I have to make an effort."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Puwede bang hindi tayo magkita ng dalawang
linggo habang nag-iisip ako? Hindi ba sabi ko sayo sa café kahapon 'see yah in two
weeks?"

"Hell no." Reigo immediately shuts down Zehannah's plan to not see him for two
weeks. "You decided to think about my offer for two weeks because there's a part of
you that doesn't want it. So, to combat that 'no', I have to do something to make
you say yes. I don't know what though, so let's start by getting to know each
other. Paano ka o-oo kung hindi mo ako lubusang kilala?"

Zehannah shrugged. "I don't know... Your handsome face, big dick, and high
heavens?"
Reigo stared at Zehannah flatly.

"What?" Zehannah asked so innocently. "Ikaw ang nagsabi no'n, hindi ako. Inulit ko
lang."

Reigo sighed like he gave up. "Mag-agahan na nga lang tayo."

Lihim na natawa si Zehannah sa reaksiyon ni Reigo. Hindi niya alam kong matatawag
bang pikon ang binata o ano.

Thankfully, Reigo did not force her to ride with him like her exes before when they
had a better looking car than her. Reigo suggested a convoy which Zehannah
appreciates. Her car was old, but she loved it. Ilang taon na niya iyong kasama at
maraming lugar na ang pinagdalhan niyon sa kaniya ng walang problema.

Following Reigo's car, he brought her to one of the richest business centers in the
city and Zehannah could only sigh as she parked her car next to Reigo's.

"You don't like it here? Kanina ka pa tahimik." Pansin ni Reigo kay Zehannah habang
magkatabing naglalakad ang dalawa patungo sa café kung saan daw may masarap na
pancake at kape.

Tinakpan ni Zehannah ang bibig saka naghikab bago sinagot si Reigo. "I look like
shit compared to the people around us."

Nalasing kagabi si Zehannah at doon natulog sa bahay nila Cassia. At ngayong umaga,
nanghiram siya ng pambahay na damit ni Cassia dahil balak niyang dumeretso sa condo
niya. Kaya lang may humarang na dumuho sa kaniya at nag-alok ng masarap na pancake
at kape na hindi niya mahindian kaya heto siya ngayon, naka kulay krema na loose
linen short, naka-puting sleeveless shirt at naka-tsinelas habang ang dumuhong
kasama niya naka-porma at napakaguwapo.

Sinusubok talaga ako palagi ni Lord.

"Tingnan mo nga ang suot ko." Dagdag pa ni Zehannah.

"You look fine." Reigo said nonchalantly. "You're slaying your outfit."

Zehannah attitude turned one-hundred-eighty as she flipped her hair and said, "of
course. Ako pa ba?"

The corner of Reigo's lips tugged up. "You know, Zee, there's a thin line between
confidence and boastfulness."

"Bakit?" Ginaya ni Zehannah si Reigo kahapon at nameywang dito habang naglalakad

sila. "Wala ba akong karapatang magmayabang?"

Reigo's lips twitch as if he was holding back his smile. "Sabi ko nga."

Inirapan ni Zehannah si Reigo. "You have no right to call me boastful — I mean,

look at yourself. Sa sobrang hangin mo, hindi na ako magtaka kung may ipo-ipong
kapangalan mo."

"Hindi ako mahangin, nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo." Ani Reigo hinawakan ang kamay ni
Zehannah at masuyo hinila ang dalaga papasok sa isang café na hindi mabigkas-bigkas
ni Zehannah ang pangalan.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok palang nila, ramdam kaagad ni Zehannah na nasa isang high-
end café sila. Maybe it's just her, but wealthy people—the one they called an old
money—had a unique aura around them and Zehannah was quick to pick up on it. Reigo
had the same aura, the same with Cassia's husband. But of course, her observation
was not always accurate. May mga tao kasing mga mukhang mayaman pero hindi naman.
Minsan talaga nasa pagdadala 'yan ng tao sa sarili nila.

"Zee?"

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang mesa na nasa gilid. "Doon tayo."

"Okay."

Zehannah and Reigo took their seat, and they ordered while Zehannah was observing
Reigo. Marami na rin siyang naka-date at naging boyfriend kaya marami siyang
experience pagdating sa iba't-ibang uri ng lalaki, at gusto niyang malaman kung
anong uri ng lalaki ang binata.

Was he the demanding type? The one who likes to be in control? Or was he the
passive type and just go with the flow or was he someone who likes deciding for her
date as if he's the only one that matters?

'Yon ang nasa isip ni Zehannah ng iabot sa kaniya ni Reigo ang menu.

"I recommend their pancakes, but they have so many variants. It would be best if
you chose for yourself." Anito.

Zehannah smiled. She was happy that he gave her the menu and let her choose for
herself even when he had a recommendation. "Thanks."

Tumango si Reigo saka kinausap ang waiter para sa order nito, kapagkuwan ay si
Zehannah naman ang kumausap sa waiter ng makapili siya ng pancake na gusto.

"You'll like it, I promise." Ani Reigo habang hinihintay nila ang order nila at
tahimik lang na nakaupo si Zehannah.

Tumingin si Zehannah sa kaharap. "Dapat lang magustuhan ko, ang mahal kaya no'n."
Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. "Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng pancake na mahigit
isang libo ang dalawang piraso."

"It's already cheap, though."

Zehannah sighed at Reigo. "Mr. Vasquez ipapaalala ko lang sayo na magkaiba tayo ng
estado sa buhay. Ibig sabihin, hindi pareho ang cheap mo sa cheap ko. If this was
your standard of cheap, I'm telling you now, this is my standard of expensive."

"Oh." It was like a realization hit Reigo. "My exes like to visit places like this—
I mean, not this place since you're the first woman I ever brought here, but other
places with higher prices of food. Hindi naman sila namahalan."

"I'll bet they didn't pay for their food."

"Hmm. I did."

Sumimsim ng tubig si Zehannah. "That's why."

"Is that bad?"

"Who knows?" Zehannah shrugged. "Kung hindi ka naman napilitang magbayad, siguro
hindi naman masama. Ang masama siguro ay yong ginamit ka lang ng babae para dalhin
siya doon dahil alam niyang mayaman ka at kaya mong bayaran kahit anong orderin
niya."

Reigo became silent.

"Na bull's eye ba kita?" Tanong ni Zehannah ng nagbaba ng tingin si Reigo.

Reigo breathes out. "Yeah. Lots of my exes are like that."

"It really sucks to be you."

Reigo held Zehannah's gaze. "Not really. I met you, didn't I?"

Okay. I'll give it to him. That was smooth. Sa isip ni Zehannah saka mahinang
natawa. "You're a smooth talker, aren't you, Mr. Vasquez?"

"I try." Reigo said with a shrugged. "Bakit? Naaakit na ba kita?"

Zehannah smiled sweetly at Reigo. "Try harder."

"That I will."

Zehannah rolled her eyes, but a smile was still playing on her lips, remembering
his 'confession' to Cassia last night. "Talaga ba? Akala ko ba bakla ka?"

The corner of Reigo's lips tugged up. "Want to say that again? They have a restroom
here too. I'm sure we'll fit perfectly inside."

Zehannah smirked back. "No, thanks. I'm not drunk."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah ng bumuka ang bibig ni Reigo pero wala namang lumabas
na salita doon. Mukhang wala itong naisip na sagot sa pambabara niya. And Zehannah
was enjoying Reigo's speechlessness. It was a good thing for Reigo that their order
arrived.

"Sana talaga masarap 'to," bulong ni Zehannah bago tinikman ang pancake na inorder.

"Well?" Reigo asked when Zehannah remained silent after tasting the pancake.

With her closed eyes, she hummed and commented. "Hindi ko alam kung paano nila
ginawa 'to pero sulit ang bayad sa pancake na 'to. Ang sarap."

Reigo was pleased. "I'm glad you like it. I know lots of places with good food.
Though they might be expensive by your standard, but I swear, they're worth every
penny."

Tumango-tango si Zehannah habang ini-enjoy ang pancake at caramel macchiato na in-

order. "Take me there then. No worries, I'll pay for my food."

"That's a deal then. Should we seal our agreement with a kiss?"

She showed her middle finger at Reigo. "Dream on."

For the first time, Zehannah heard Reigo chuckled, and when she looked up to see
his face, she was taken aback by how handsome he looked while chuckling. Even the
movement of his shoulder as he chuckled compliments his handsomeness that Zehannah
had to drag down her gaze so Reigo wouldn't notice.

Kulang ka lang sa kape, girl. Kape ka muna para magising 'yang utak mong may hangin
na rin yata. Ani Zehannah sa sarili saka inubos ang macchiato saka umorder pa ng
isa.

Aside from glancing at Reigo's handsome face from time to time, Zehannah's second
breakfast went well.

"Do you want to have lunch or dinner with me later?" Reigo asked while they're
walking towards the parking lot.

"Lunch? No. I want to eat by myself in peace since it's the weekend." Sagot ni
Zehannah. "Dinner? Hindi ko ugaling kumain sa labas kapag gabi. I usually eat in my
condo, so I guess that's a no, too."

"Noted. By the way, can I get your number?"

"Sure." Zehannah gave Reigo her number and waved her hand at him before she entered
her car.

Watching Zehannah leave with her car, Reigo looked at Zehannah's number on his
phone and sent a text of introduction so she'll save his number. Akala niya
mahihirapan siyang kunin ang numero ng dalaga dahil sa ugali nito, pero
kabaliktaran ang nangyari.

She's really a bundle of mystery. Reigo thought before he called his secretary to
convene an emergency meeting for the upcoming bidding for the biggest mall project
of Colhen Corporation and the biggest infrastructure project of the government.

After the call, he stepped inside his car and drove to his office where he's going
to work even on weekends. But even though he was busy as hell, he knew he would've
moved or not called for a meeting if Zehannah agreed to have lunch and dinner with
him.

Really... what the hell am I doing...?

ARRIVING AT HER condo, Zehannah was still feeling a little hangover—the power of
tequila—so she slept like a log. Nagising lang siya dahil sa pag-iingay ng doorbell
niya. Still feeling groggy, she went to open the door with an annoyed face.

"What?!"

Delivery boy ang nasa labas at halatang gulat na gulat ito sa pagsigaw niya. "M-
ma'am... d-delivery ho."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. "Wala akong inorder."

"Ah. Si Zehannah Sevil ho ba kayo ma'am?"

"Oo."

"Kung ganon sa inyo po talaga 'to." Anang delivery boy na pinakita pa kay Zehannag
ang resibo kung nasaan ang pangalan at address niya. "Wala naman ho kayong
kailangang bayaran, ma'am."

Pero wala talaga siyang maalala na umorder siya kung saan. "Kanino ba galing 'yan?"
"Reigo Vasquez po."

Immediately, Zehannah opened the door wide and accepted the paper bag. "Ano ba'ng
laman nito?"

"Pagkain ho, ma'am. Lunch yata galing sa boyfriend niyo."

Walang emosyong tiningnan ni Zehannag ang delivery boy. "Kuya, huwag tayong
masyadong malisyoso. Hindi ko boyfriend ang mahangin na 'yon."

Napakamot sa ulo ang deliver boy. "Pasensiya na, ma'am. Heto po. Papirma po ako
rito na natanggap niya na po."

Zehannah sighed on the delivery boy's phone, thanked him for delivering and then
she went back inside her condo.

Nang mailapag ni Zehannah ang paper bag sa hapag-kainan niya, hinagilap niya ang
cellphone para tanungin si Reigo kung anong paandar nito at pinadalhan siya ng
pagkain, pero bago pa niya magawa niyon, nabasa na niya ang text sa kaniya ng
binata.

From: Bagyong Reigo

'The food I sent is from that excellent restaurant I told you about this morning.
You said you want to eat in peace, so I didn't include myself in the package.
You're very much welcome for my thoughtfulness, by the way. If you're not
comfortable eating it because I bought it, attach below is my account number and
the amount I paid. You can reimburse me if you want, but I'd rather if you
reimburse me with a deep kiss and tongue. Have a pleasant lunch and eat wild, my
Zee.'

Zehannah took a deep breath and threw her phone on her bed as if she didn't want to
read more and went back to the kitchen.

Yeah, let's forget that that bastard put a 'my' before my nickname. Not a big deal.
Nope. Zehannah—freaking—Sevil was not swayed. But damn, that was smooth.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 5

'Good morning. I'm sending pancakes to your office (the cheapest one I found in a
fast-food restaurant) and caramel macchiato from Bitter Sweet café. If the pancakes
and macchiato are not to your liking, I'm also on the menu. I can be your
breakfast, lunch, and dinner—even a midnight snack and very early breakfast.
Anyway, have a good day, Zee.

From the one who's going to make you say yes in twelve days, Reigo.'

Receiving a message like that from Reigo for two consecutive days now, Zehannah had
become immune to Reigo's suggestive words.
Pero dumuho pa rin ang lalaking 'yon, napaka-landi kahit sa text.

But she couldn't really deny that just after a few days, she found something that
made Reigo likable.

Hindi ito mapilit.

Kapag nag-aya ito ng lunch o dinner at sinabi niyang ayaw niya, wala na 'yong
kasunod na tanong kay Reigo. Pero ang kasunod naman no'n ay pagkain na padala nito
mula sa restaurant kung saan sila dapat kakain kung umu-o siya.

It was one of those small things that she really appreciate since she valued her
peace and alone time.

"Mukhang may nanliligaw sa 'tin, Ma'am Zehan, ah." Tudyo ng Assistant Marketing
Supervisor niya sa kaniya ng makapasok ito sa opisina dala ang pinadalang agahan ni
Reigo. "Para tanggapin niyo itong bigay na pagkain ng manliligaw niyo, mukhang wala
nang pag-asa si Sir Dexter."

Napatingin si Zehannah sa kaharap. "Huh? Paano mo naman nasabi 'yan, Yumi?"

"Kasi, ma'am Zehan, hindi po ikaw ang tipo ng babae na basta-basta lang tumatanggap
ng bigay o regalo lalo na kapag galing sa manliligaw." Anang Assistant Supervisor
niya na ilang taon na rin niyang kasama sa trabaho. "Ilang beses ka nang binilhan
ng kape ni Sir Dexter na hindi mo tinatanggap."

Sa narinig, hindi maiwasan ni Zehannah na mapaisip. Oo nga, no? Ayaw na ayaw kong
tumatanggap ng bigay. Dahil ba binabayaran ko naman ang pagkain? Pero kahit na,
binigay pa rin naman sakin. Anong pinagkaiba ng mga binibigay ni Reigo sa mga
binibigay sa kaniya ng ibang lalaki na hindi niya tinatanggap?

Zehannah couldn't find an answer, and it bothered her.

"Ma'am Zehan?"

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka umaktong walang nangyari. "Ano pala ang kailangan
mo, Yumi?"

Naglapag ng portfolio si Yumi sa ibabaw ng mesa niya. "Galing sa website developer

na kausap natin. It's for the theme, the color scheme and the design of the
website. They said they needed a feedback from you by the end of the day."

"Thanks, Yumi. I'll talk to them later after I check this," Zehannah said while
tapping the portfolio.

"Sige, sabihan ko sila. By the way, Ma'am Zehan, natanggap mo ba 'yong e-mail na
sinend ko tungkol sa pagbabago ng schedule ng meeting with the investors?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yep. Hindi lang ako nakapag-reply kasi may ginagawa ako. See
you there tomorrow. I'm sure they will bombard us again about the social media
accounts they wanted to open on every social media platform."

Napabuntong-hininga si Yumi. "Even if we advice against it because it's already too

late and not really as relevant as our website, but what can we do if that was
their decision?"

"Precisely." Zehannah blows a loud breath as she leaned back on her swivel chair.
"Gawin nalang natin. I'll make a budget proposal plan for the social media accounts
so the Accounting department won't hound us in the meeting."

"Sige, Ma'am Zehan. Ako na ang bahala sa reports."

"Thanks, Yumi."

Ngumiti lang si Yumi saka lumabas na nang opisina niya. Napatitig naman si Zehannah
sa pagkaing pinadala ni Reigo kapagkauwan ay kinuha 'yon sa lalagyan at
inumpisahang kainin ang pancake. Habang ang caramel macchiato naman ay iniinom niya
habang gumawa ng budget proposal plan.

When she finished the caramel macchiato, it was already cold, but she didn't mind.
She completed the Budget Proposal plan and sent a copy to the Accounting
Department, then she turned her attention to the report she was reading about the
market research that her department conducted a few months ago.

It was a busy day for Zehannah that if not for Cassia calling her on the phone to
tell her it was lunchtime and she saved her a seat, she wouldn't even realize that
it was time to eat.

Going down to the canteen, Zehannah's lunchtime had become a therapy session with
Cassia. Araw-araw siyang sinusubok ni Lord pagdating kay Cassia. Palagi siyang
stress sa love life nito na pakiramdam niya kotang-kota na siya.

And for some reason, Cassia started calling her Master Zehan, much to her
disapproval. But Cassia was Cassia.

After lunch, she went back to work. Dahil hindi pa rin tapos ang trabaho niya,
kahit masakit sa loob niya, nag-overtime siya.

As usual, Reigo sent her a text asking if she wanted to have dinner with him and
she answered, 'Can't. Overtime.'

And Reigo only replied, 'Okay. Have fun.'

Gusto niyang tawagan si Reigo para singhalan ito ng walang 'fun' sa overtime, pero
marami pa pala siyang gagawin kaya hinayaan na niya ang binata at nagtrabaho.

Five hours later, she and Yumi finally finished the work needed by tomorrow.

"Hay. Kapagod..." reklamo ni Yumi habang nasa elevator sila pababa.

Napabuntong-hininga rin si Zehannah. "Oo nga. Let's not do this again."

Hindi talaga fan si Zehan ng overtime pero may mga pagkakataon na kailangan talaga
lalo na kapag bigla-bigla nalang nagbabago ang schedule ng meeting at may kailangan
silang ihanda. Minsan lang mangyari, pero nakaka-strees palagi.

Napatigil sa pag-uusap si Yumi at Zehannah ng tumigil ang elevator sa eight-floor

at pumasok doon si Dexter na kaagad na napangiti ng makita siya.

"Overtime rin, Sir Dexter?" Magiliw na tanong ni Yumi.

Tumango si Dexter saka tumabi kay Zehannah. "Yep. Anyway, since we just finished
overtime, let's grab dinner together. What do you say, Zee?"

Gusto pagsabihan ni Zehannah si Dexter na huwag siyang tawaging Zee, pero ayaw
naman niyang ipahiya ito sa harap ni Yumi.
"May masarap ka bang kainan na alam, Sir Dexter?" Tanong ni Yumi ng hindi umimik si
Zehannah.

"Oo. Malapit lang dito saka mura pa ang mga pagkain at masarap. No worries,
ihahatid ko kayo pagkatapos. What do you say, Zehan?"

Nang marinig na 'Zehan' ang tinawag sa kaniya ni Dexter, doon lang siya sumagot.
"Sorry. May leftover pa ako sa condo. At gusto ko nang magpahinga."

"Zehan, naman. Isang oras lang naman." Giit ni Dexter. "At masayang kumain kapag
may kasama."

"Nah. I like my peace when eating."

Dumating na ang elevator ground floor at si Zehannah ang unang lumabas ng bumukas
'yon.

"You're always like this, Zehan! You're always pushing people away!" Wika ni Dexter
na hinabol si Zehannah. "Dapat baguhin mo 'yang ugali mo hangga't hindi pa nananawa
sayo ang mga taong nagmamahal sayo. Baka magsisi ka."

"Sir Dexter...!" For Yumi, that was out of line, and she wanted to stop Dexter, but
Zehannah was not the kind of woman who would wither away by those words. She was a
savage woman with no filter when she needed to be.

"Hindi ako magsisisi dahil ang tinutulak ko lang palayo ay ang mga taong hindi ko
mahal at walang halaga sakin." Ani Zehannah habang naglalakad patungong exit.

And those words hit Dexter like a truck. Even Yumi covered her mouth in shock at
how savage those words were.

As usual, Zehannah slayed her exit, but Dexter was persistent and followed
Zehannah.

Gusto nitong ipaintindi kay Zehannah na kawalan ng dalaga kung hindi nito
tatanggapin ang panliligaw nito.

"Zee, hear me ou..." Dexter's voice weakened when he stepped outside the building
and saw Zehannah staring at the man leaning on a slick-black Mercedes-Benz with his
hands on his pocket and his eyes on Zehannah and then on him.

"Did he just call you 'Zee'?" The man looked irritated at him.

Zehannah waved her hand nonchalantly. "Don't make a big deal out of it. Ikaw lang
ang tumatawag sa 'king 'Zee' na sinasagot ko."

"Oh. Okay." Just like that, the man calmed down and returned his attention to
Zehannah. "Want to have dinner?"

"Nah. I still have some leftovers from my dinner last night."

Zehannah's answer made Dexter happy knowing that he was not the only man she was
pushing away, but the next exchange of words made his heart sunk.

"Let me drive you home, then."

"Sure." Zehannah easily answered and walked towards the man's luxury car. "Is it
just me, or is this a new car?"
"Kakauwi lang ni dad galing Germany. It's a gift. Does it bother you?"

Zehannah sighed. "Sinasampal talaga ako palagi ng kahirapan kapag kasama kita."

The man just chuckled and went inside his car without opening the car's door for
Zehannah, making Dexter frown in annoyance.

"Mayaman nga wala namang asal. Hindi man lang pinabuksan ng pintuan si Zehannah—"

"I don't think that's the case, Sir Dexter." Putol ni Yumi na iba pang sasabihin ni
Dexter. "I think that's his way of respecting Ma'am Zehan's independence."

"Ano...?"

Walang imik na nilampasan ni Yumi si Dexter at hindi na nagpaliwanag saka pinara

nito ang taxi na paparating. Samantalang nakaalis naman na ang sasakyan na
kinalululanan ni Zehannah at naiwan si Dexter na nawalan na nang ganang kumain.

"Who was that man?" Reigo asked while driving Zehannah to her condo, that was just
around the corner.

"Katrabaho."

"Manliligaw?"

"Gusto niya, pero ayoko."

"Why?"

"Same reason I gave you." Ani Zehannah habang nakatingin sa labas ng sasakyan.
"Wala ako sa mode—" natigilan sa pagsagot si Zehannah ng mapansing lumiko si Reigo.
"Saan tayo pupunta?"

"May dadaanan lang ako." Anito. "Don't worry. I won't force you to have dinner with
me."

Zehannah was not worried. Alam naman kasi niyang hindi siya pipilitin ni Reigo. He
was not like that after all.

"Nag-order ka ng pagkain?" Tanong ni Zehannah ng i-park ni Reigo ang sasakyan nito

sa harap ng isang restaurant.

"Yeah." He answered. "I wanted to have dinner with you, but you said you're working
overtime. Then I thought of waiting for you and asked you to dinner again, but I
remember you telling me you don't like eating dinner outside, so I just ordered
something for you."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Katatanong mo lang kung gusto kong mag-dinner kasama
ka."

Reigo shrugged. "Just pleasantries. I know you'll say no."

"Wow. I'm impressed by how attentive you are."

"Praise me, then."

Zehannah smiled and went along with Reigo. "Good job, Mr. Vasquez."

"If it's you, I want a praise plus a kiss."

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang restaurant. "Kunin mo nalang ang inoder mo, gutom lang
'yan."

"No need. They'll deliver it to my car."

And just like Reigo said, a waiter—no, it was the manager — came out and gave the
takeout food that was put inside an expensive-looking basket to Reigo.

"Thank you for your patronage, Mr. Vasquez."

Reigo just nodded, thanked the manager, and gave Zehannah the basket with food
before he maneuvered his car out of the parking lot and drove her straight to her
condo.

"Have a nice dinner," was all Reigo said after he parked his car.

Humigpit ang hawak ni Zehannah sa basket na nakapatong sa hita niya saka

nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga bago bumaling kay Reigo. "Want to have dinner
with me?"

Reigo stilled before he asked. "You sure?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "I wouldn't have asked otherwise."

A soft smile grazed Reigo's lips. "Naaakit na ba kita?"

Zehannah smiled back softly. "Binabawi ko na ang imbitasyon ko."

"Wala nang bawian." Ani Reigo saka pinatay ang makina ng sasakyan at nauna nang
lumabas sa kaniya pagkatapos nitong kunin ang basket na nakapatong sa mga hita
niya.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Zehannah saka lumabas na rin ng sasakyan nito at

sabay silang pumasok sa loob.

Iyon ang unang beses na may hahayaan siyang pumasok sa condo niya na hindi niya
pamilya. Tanging ang Papa at Papi lang niya ang puwede sa condo niya. Si Cassia na
rin minsan nuong wala pa itong asawa. Pero maliban sa tatlo, wala na. She never
invited her exes in her condo, even how much they wanted her to. Hindi siya
komportable.

But here she was, inviting Reigo over to have dinner.

Gutom lang siguro 'to. Ani Zehannah sa sarili saka binuksan ang condo at inaya sa
loob si Reigo.

The first that came to Reigo's mind when he entered Zehannah's condo was—aesthetic.
It was simple, cozy, clean, and pretty. Even at first glance, anyone could tell
that the one living in that condo took good care of it.

"Nice place," Reigo commented.

"Thanks. The kitchen's there," tinuro ni Zehannah ang kusina. "Magpapalit lang ako
ng damit."

Napatitig si Reigo kay Zehannah. "Don't say that to my face. It's giving me ideas."

Zehannah just waved her hand nonchalantly and went inside her room.
Napailing naman si Reigo saka bumubulong na tinungo ang kusina. "Zee should thank
and praise me for being a gentleman when it was so hard to be one. Yeah... I should
be praise with a kiss. I deserve it."

Reigo was still muttering to himself while taking out the food from the basket when
Zehannah entered the kitchen.

"Anong binubulong-bulong mo riyan?"

"Just telling myself that I deserve a kiss for being a gentleman."

Zehannah rolled her eyes at Reigo before she helped him set the table for two.
"What's with you and kisses?"

"I like it." Tinigil ni Reigo ang paghahain saka tinitigan ang mga labi ni
Zehannah. "Your lips and kisses. It's addictive."

"Kawawa ka naman." Sarkastikong sabi ni Zehannah.

"Yeah. So why don't you put me out of my misery and just kiss me? With tongue,
please." He requested, as if he was just asking for an additional ice cube for his
water.

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang pagkain. "Gutom lang 'yan. Kumain ka na."

"Heartless." Reigo mumbled before he sat on the table.

And Zehannah heard that. "Yes. Yes, I am."

As Zehannah sat at the table to join Reigo for dinner, their conversation shifted.

"Are you free this weekend? Let's have a date." Aya ni Reigo.

"Akala ko ba 'you're a busy man'?" She quoted in the air.

"I can make time for you."

"Hmm. Let me think about it." Ani Zehannah saka ini-slice ang karne ng baby back
ribs na inorder ni Reigo saka nilagyan ito sa pinggan na ikinatigil nito sa pagkain
pero hindi iyon pinansin ni Zehannah. Nasanay na siyang gawain 'yon kapag kumakain
siya kasama ang Papi at Papa niya. "If I may ask, where do you plan to 'date' me?"

Reigo cleared his throat. "Food hopping."

That immediately piqued Zehannah's interest. "Sige. Sayo na ang sabado ko."

"Give me your Sunday too, if you don't mind, please."

"Give me a reason."

"More food."

Napatigil sa pag-nguya si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay napatingin kay Reigo. "Fine. I'm

all yours this weekend."

That made Reigo smile, and he was gorgeous.

"No kissing."
Reigo immediately lost his smile. "How could you be so mean? I want a kiss."

"Nope. I'm not kissing you."

"Can I kiss you then?"

"No."

Nanglumbaba si Reigo sa mesa habang nakatingin sa kaniya. "What am I going to do,

then? My lips are itching to kiss you, Zee."

"Scratch it."

"It's rather you scratch your lips against mine."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Nakakakita ka na ba ng lalaking nagngangalang

Reigo na nahampas ng spatula ang labi?"

Reigo stilled and subtly covered his lips with his fingers, then whispered
grudgingly. "Am I not kissable enough...?"

Napailing nalang si Zehannah saka tinapos na ang pagkain. Kapagkuwan, sinubukan ni

Reigo na tulungan siyang maghugas pero ng mabasag nito ang isa sa baso niya,
nagdesisyon itong tahimik na umupo nalang sa tabi at panoorin siya.

"Sige na, uwi na. Matutulog na ako. May pasok at meeting pa ako bukas." Pagpapaalis
ni Zehannah sa binata habang tinutulak ito patungo sa pintuan ng condo.

Nagpaubaya naman si Reigo at nang makalabas ay humarap ito kay Zehannah at

pinakatitigan ang dalaga.

"What?" Zehannah asked while holding the door to her condo so she could close it
immediately once Reigo left.

"Thank you for inviting me to have dinner in your condo." Reigo spoke earnestly
while looking into Zehannah's eyes. "I would say thank you for the hospitality too,
but you threatened to slap my lips with a spatula, so no... but, really, I
appreciate the invitation. It'll be an honor to dine with you again in your place."

Humilig sa hamba ng pintuan si Zehannah saka pinagkrus ang mga braso sa harap ng
dibdib. "Talagang malaking karangalan na makapasok sa condo ko. You're welcome."

Reigo stared at her again — the kind of stare that could make a woman uncomfortable
or swoon, but not Zehannah. She stared back without backing down and only blink
when Reigo suddenly leaned forward and claimed her lips.

When Reigo pulled away, he was expecting a furious Zehannah, but she only narrowed
her eyes at him.

And then Zehannah showed something from her back—a spatula!

"I have a feeling you'll do this, so I readied my spatula—"

Reigo immediately took off by running as if his life depended on it. "Good night,
my Zee! See yah!"

Ibinaba ni Zehannah ang nakataas na spatula kapagkuwan ay ang labi niya ang
masuyong tinampal-tampal gamit 'yon.
Her lips were tingling. And it bothered Zehannah.

She sighed. "Seriously, that guy..." she sighed again. But it's not like I dislike
it. It actually felt nice. But the reluctance was still there, so she was not sold
yet.

Tatlong araw pa lang sa labing-apat na araw na napagkasunduan nila ni Reigo.

Now she couldn't help but wonder if she'd have a change of heart and say yes in
eleven days.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 6

"SOMEONE LOOKS grumpy." Boses iyon ni Ream na kakapasok lang sa barn at nakita si
Reigo na nakatambay sa Jacuzzi at masama ang tabas ng mukha. "Aren't you supposed
to be working?"

"Day off."

Ream frowned and glanced at the calendar inside the barn. "Today is Wednesday
though."

"Don't care. I decided to take a day off, so I'm taking a day off."

Hindi na nakipag-argumento si Ream. This was Reigo, his friend who schedule his
mood swings. "Why so grumpy? Naka-schedule ba?"

"Nah. Just thinking of something." Bumaling si Reigo kay Ream. "How about you?
Anong ginagawa mo rito? Sa dami ng anak mo, may oras kang mamasyal?"

"Nope." Umupo sa pang-isahang sofa si Ream. "I'm meeting Dark here for his order.
So technically, I'm working."

"Oh."

"Yeah. So why are you grumpy?"

Naalala na naman ni Reigo kung bakit. "Say you made a nickname for someone and then
someone else — a very insignificant bug — use that nickname to call her. Would you
be pissed?"

"Does this 'someone' have a relationship with that bug?"

"Nah. Katrabaho lang."

"Then do I have a relationship with this someone?"

"No. Just courting — I mean, trying to court."

Pigil ni Ream ang mapangiti. Reigo was the most misunderstood of them all. Maybe
it's because of his long list of ex-girlfriends and his bitterness. Just a few
months ago, he was cursing all women — even cupid, and now, it looked like Reigo
found a new one.

Hope it ends differently this time, Ream thought, and answered Reigo. "Wala kayong
relasyon kaya wala kang karapatan."

Natahimik si Reigo saka bumulong. "Tama lang pala na hindi ako nagalit kahit gusto
kong pasabugin ang bungo ng surot na 'yon."

Reigo's vocabulary shocked Ream. "The hell, man...? Alam mo kung ano ang surot?"

"Yeah."

Ream was still shocked. "I'm amazed."

Reigo shrugged nonchalantly, and moments later, he groaned as if pissed. "Ah, fuck.
I want to crush that bug, but if Zee finds out, she's going to have my head and not
the head that would bring me pleasure."

Napailing si Ream. "Then don't do it. If that bug went out of line, let your woman
handle him. I'm sure she could crush him by herself after hearing the fear in your
voice."

Reigo leaned back on the Jacuzzi's edge and sighed as he looked at the ceiling.
"I'm telling you, Oliveros, Zee is like a firewall. She would never crack under
pressure. Her heat resistance is too high that I'm having a hard time melting her.
Not only that, I think she is a very scary and dangerous feline. But damn..." Reigo
sighed, as if contentment just filled him. "I'm still drawn to her like a moth to a
flame."

"Be careful."

Mabilis na napalingon si Reigo sa kaibigan. "What?"

"I said be careful." Ulit ni Ream. "If you lost her like your exes, I don't think
you'll ever be the same. All those bitterness that you felt when your exes cheated
on you and left you, it is nothing compared to what you'll feel if you lost this
one."

A frown made its way to Reigo's forehead. "Why?"

Ream smiled mysteriously. "You'll realize 'why' soon enough."

Oliveros was being cryptic, and Reigo was confused. He didn't know what Oliveros
mean by his words, but he listened and noted it.

"So... kumusta ang panliligaw mo?"

Ibinalik ni Reigo ang tingin sa kisame. "I'm trying, but I sucked at it."

"Ano ba'ng ginagawa mo para ligawan siya?"

"Be myself...?" Reigo sighed. "Calderon said to be myself."

Napangiwi si Ream. "Sa ugali mo? Hindi ako nagtataka na hindi mo pa siya napapa-
oo."
"Yeah..." Reigo sighed. "I'm not really a good guy. I mean, I know myself, so I
know what I lack and I know my shortcomings and I actually want to hide them from
Zee... but I have a feeling I'll regret it if I did. All my life I've been
operating through gut feeling — the reason I always feel when my exes are cheating
on me is through that — and my gut feeling this time is telling me to be honest and
not hide anything, so that's what I'm trying to do."

"I hope it works well for you." Ream was really hoping for the best for Reigo. "I'm
rooting for you."

"Thanks!" Reigo got up and as bare as the day he was born, he left the Jacuzzi and
walked around the barn, naked and unashamed.

Nagpakawala ng buntong-hininga si Ream habang nakangiwing nakamasid kay Reigo na

hubad pa ring palakad-lakad sa barn. "Don't you have some decency?"

"Huh? What's that?" Sarkastikong tanong ni Reigo bago kinuha ang itim na roba na
nakasabit sa likod ng upuan sa hapagkainan at isinuot 'yon, kapagkuwan ay kinuha
nito ang cellphone sa briefcase bag at pabagsak na umupo sa pang-isahang sofa
habang umiinom ng beer na kinuha nito sa ref.

Reigo looked like a bum with no future, and Ream just shook his head. Dark's
reaction was the same when he arrived at the barn and saw Reigo lounging on the
couch like it was not Wednesday.

Oh well, Reigo came from an old money family. Kahit hindi ito magtrabaho buong-
buhay nito, hindi mauubos ang pera nito. His family was that wealthy. And the only
reason Reigo was working his butt off was because he wanted to spend his own money
— the money that he makes for himself and not anyone else's. Ayaw nitong umasa sa
mga magulang nito at sa mamanahin nito.

"Ano nangyari diyan?" Tanong ni Dark kay Ream patungkol kay Reigo na nakahilata sa
sofa. Katatapos lang ng dalawa mag-usap tungkol sa order ni Dark.

"Nagbibinata."

Tumaas ang mga kilay ni Dark. "For real this time? I mean — you know what I mean."

"I guess..." Ream shrugged. "A bull's eye from Cupid."

Dark chuckled. "He needs lots of lucks then. And he also need an anti-Volkzki
curse."

Mahinang natawa si Ream. "Hayaan mo na para naman malasap niya ang nalasap naming
sinumpa ni Volkzki. Damay-damay na 'to."

"True. Pa-libre nalang tayo sa kaniya sa tindahan nila Eva kapag na brokenhearted
siya."

Tumango si Ream. "Yep. That's the plan."

Dark said nothing and leave the barn. Afterwards, Ream followed, and left Reigo
alone in the high-tech barn, exchanging messages with the scary and dangerous
feline.
ZEHANNAH LET OUT a relieved sigh when the meeting with the investors came to an end
and they did not chew them out. The overtime was worth it, Zehannah thought as she
walked towards the elevator that would bring her to the eleventh floor—her
department's floor.

Riding the elevator, she checked her phone for any important messages, and there
were none.

Well, there was one. From her Papi. Just informing her that he'll be discharged
soon, and she didn't need to come to the hospital and help.

Kahit na sinabi 'yon ng Papi niya, gusto pa rin niyang tulungan ang mga ito pero
may trabaho siya bukas. Siguro bisitahin ko nalang sila sa bahay pagkatapos ng
trabaho.

Aside from her Papi's text, there was another one that she hadn't opened since she
received it this morning.

From Reigo.

'Good morning, My Zee.'

Hindi siya nag-reply kasi busy siya at hindi 'good' and morning niya. Pero ngayong
tapos na ang meeting niya, ni-replayan na niya ang binata.

'Good morning to you, too. Wdyw?'

The reply from Reigo was instant. 'You.'

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Zehannah. 'Kulang sa tulog lang 'yan.'

'Nah. My sleep is good and I'm having a day off.'

Zehannah frowned. 'Day off in the middle of the week?'

'Yeah. Self-proclaimed day off since I woke up pissed.' Reigo replied. 'That's why
I'm pretty sure about what I want, which is you, by the way.'

If Reigo was in front of her, she would've looked at him flatly. 'Gaano ka
kalandi?'

'Sayo lang lalandi.'

Napailing si Zehannah sa reply ng binata saka lumabas ng elevator ng bumukas 'yon.

Ibinulsa niya ang cellphone saka tinungo ang opisina. Nang makarating doon at
nakaupo na, saka lang niya nilabas ang cellphone at tiningnan ang messages.

Reigo sent another text.

'Am I bothering you at work?'

Napatitig si Zehannah sa text sa 'yon ni Reigo. She had a feeling that if she
replied 'yes', he will immediately stop texting her because he understood her
priorities when she's at work, which was much appreciated.

So she replied. 'Just finished my meeting and I'm resting, so I'm giving you 30
minutes of my time before I went back to work. Be grateful and say thank you.'
Reigo, who was in the barn, chuckled when he read Zehannah's reply. He really like
how sarcastic, witty and confident she was. Though she could be savage when she
wanted to and there were times that he couldn't rebuke her and have a comeback when
they were bantering, he still wanted more of her.

'If I say thank you, would you kiss me?'

'Seriously. What's with you and kisses?'

Reigo licked his lips. 'You made me like this. You kissed me with tongue and I got
hooked, so take responsibility of me, Zee.'

'You kissed me back, so take responsibility for yourself.'

'Am I not kissable enough?'

And Zehannah replied savagely. 'I would be lying if I said yes, but I'm just not
interested in kissing you.'

Napahawak si Reigo sa dibdib niya saka napabuntong-hininga at pabulong na

nagsalita. "Such savagery. Good thing I'm not fragile."

'Zee, how could you be so mean to me? *insert sulking in the sofa*.'

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah sa reply na iyon ng binata saka napaisip kung
anong itsura nito habang nagsu-sulk sa sofa.

'Take a picture of you. I'm curious what you look like while sulking.' She replied.

And Reigo did. He sent a photo and Zehannah's lips parted.

Reigo Vasquez was freaking naked! And he purposely showed the v-shape muscular
grooves on his abdomen alongside his hips — also known as Adonis belt — down below,
just enough to see the little hair that Zehannah was sure would lead her to that
monstrous thing between his legs.

And the bastard was doing a very fake sad face. It was too fake that Zehannah
forgot Reigo's body — okay, that was a lie. How could she disregard that body?

Ang katawan ni Reigo ay 'yong uri ng katawan na luluhuran.

Kung wala lang siguro siyang nararamdamang pag-aatubili na tanggapin ang alok nito,
baka kagabi pa siya lumuhod. But Reigo's salivating body aside, she was still
wasn't sure if it was a good idea to enter a relationship with Reigo.

Like she asked him that day. What was the merit of dating him other than his good
looks and big 'D'? Ito ang katanungan na gusto niyang masagot sa loob ng dalawang
linggo.

Hindi sa nagpapakipot siya, hindi lang talaga siya sigurado kung tama ba ang
magiging desisyon niya kaya nga humingi siya ng dalawang linggo para makapag-isip.

'Too much?' Reigo texted when Zehannah didn't reply.

'Your 30 minutes is done. Have a wonderful lunch 😀'

'Why am I hearing a sarcasm in your reply?'

'Because I'm really being sarcastic.'

'So mean. Did you not like my body? It's all yours.'

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. 'Why do I feel like you're selling your body to

me?'

'Because that's the only good thing I have. My face. My body. And my money. Other
than that, I have nothing.'

Zehannah wanted to earn their conversation at her last reply, but after reading
Reigo's message, she couldn't stop replying.

'Who told you that?'

'My exes. And I think they're right. I mean, why would they cheat and look for
someone else if I'm not lacking in a lot of things? Handsome face and good body
alone can't make a woman stay.'

There it is. Zehannah thought after reading Reigo's reply. The effect of what those
women did to him. He's always boasting about how good he looks, but his self-esteem
was really low.

Those women who selfishly cheated on him... did they even wonder what happened to
the one they cheated on? The emotional and psychological torture they put their
partners through... did they even think of that after the fact?

Just like Reigo—this handsome and flirty guy—his self-esteem had taken a severe
blow. Affecting him emotionally and psychologically. Just like everyone else who
was cheated on.

And she was angry. Angry for those people who suffered because of their
inconsiderate partners and also angry for Reigo for experiencing horrible
relationships one after another.

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka tinawagan si Reigo.

"Zee...?" He sounded surprised that she called. "Wow. You're actually calling me. I
should throw a party—"

"Those women cheated on you because they're all inconsiderate bitches, and not
because you're lacking something. It's not your fault, it's theirs. Keep that in
mind, Mr. Vasquez."

Zehannah ended the call without waiting for Reigo's reply, who was lost for words
after he heard what Zehannah said.

After a little while, a smile stretched Reigo's lips and it turn into a soft
chuckle. "Indeed. It would be idiotic of me not to ask you to date me, even though
you're out of my league."

Bumaba ang tingin ni Reigo sa cellphone na hawak at mabilis na nag-type ng mensahe

para kay Zehannah.

'Have fun working.'

'😤 What so fun about working?'

'Let me send you a delicious lunch and a snack to make it fun. Or you could choose
me for lunch and a snack. Naked or clothed is okay. I could be hard, rough, gentle
and soft. In short, I'm an all around delicacy.'

Zehannah's reply was only one emoji. '🖕'

And Reigo's reply was, '😚'.

And somehow, that kissing emoji made Zehannah chuckle and shook her head because
she could actually imagine Reigo doing the same thing as his emoji — he's a kiss
addict after all.

REIGO DID NOT bother Zehannah after his thirty-minute texting time. He only texted
twice after that and that was to inform Zehannah of her lunch and then snack. Other
than that, he was silent, which Zehannah appreciated because she really was busy
working her ass off.

Kaya naman masaya si Zehannah ng oras na para umuwi pero ang kasiyahan niya ay
naputol ng makitang inaabangan siya ni Dexter sa labas ng opisina niya.

"Zee, can we talk?"

Zehannah didn't reply.

"Zehan."

Doon lang siya tumingin kay Dexter. "Talk about what?"

"About last night—"

"Hindi na kailangan. Nakalimutan ko na 'yon." Nauna nang sumakay si Zehannah sa

elevator at ayaw man niya, sumakay din si Dexter.

Dexter was about to start a conversation with Zehannah when Zehannah's phone rang.

It was the first time that Zehannah was over the moon with happiness that Reigo
called. Who wouldn't be? She avoided a conversation with Dexter.

"Yeah?" she answered Reigo's call.

"Hey, my Zee. I was roaming around and wasting my gas when I realized that I'm near
your workplace. Can I pick you up?"

She rolled her eyes. "Dahilan mo, bulok."

"Ouch."

Zehannah sighed. "And no, you can't. Malapit lang naman ang condo ko. I can take
care of myself."

"Hmm. Do you want me to have dinner with you in your condo?"

"Huwag ka nang umasa. One time, big time lang 'yon."

Reigo grumbled. "Nawalan ako bigla ng ganang kumain."

"Kawawa ka naman." Sarkastikong sabi ni Zehannah.

"Mean and sarcastic. That's what you are, Zee." Reigo continued grumbling while
driving.

"Yes. I am. So why do you still want me to date you?"

"I like you. That's why."

Zehannah clicked her tongue. "Such a smooth talker. Pero hindi pa rin ako
magpapasundo sayo."

"Sabi ko nga. Uwi na ako sa barn."

Zehannah smiled and exited the elevator when it reached the ground floor, not
minding Dexter, who still wanted to talk to Zehannah. "Sige na. Ba-bye na.
Maglalakad ako papunta sa condo. Baka mahablot cellphone ko bigla, wala akong
pambili ng bago."

"Okay. Ingat sa pagtawid."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. "Ano ako, bata?"

Reigo chuckled. "Hindi. Pero puwede ka ng gumawa ng bata."

"Gago ka talaga."

"Did you blush?"

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "You wish. It would take your all to make me blush."

Reigo sighed like he gave up. "Sabi ko nga. Sige na, umuwi ka na. Ingat."

"Yeah, you too."

The call ended, and Zehannah immediately went home. Nang makita niya ang mamahaling
sasakyan ni Cassia sa parking lot na bigay ng asawa nito, tinext niya si Cassia na
mauuna na siya. Mukha may tinatapos pa ito dahil hindi ito umangal na hindi niya
ito hinintay.

Nang makarating sa condo niya, nag-text siya kay Reigo na huwag siyang padalhan ng
pagkain dahil ang dami na niyang leftovers at 'yon ang balak niyang kainin para sa
hapunan.

At ang dumuho, lyrics ng kanta ang reply sa kaniya.

Lyrics from the song 'All by myself'.

Napailing lang si Zehannah saka nagpadala ng text kay Cassia para makisuyo.
Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, nagpasalamat siya kay Cassia dahil nagawa nito ang
pinapasuyo niya.

'No problem, Master Zehan 😚.' Was Cassia's reply making Zehannah smile, but when
she read how Cassia addressed her, her smile turned into a sigh.

"Ayaw talagang makinig ni Cassia," bulong ni Zehannah sa sarili. "Oh, well. She did
me a favor just now. I owe her one."

Pinalipas muna ni Zehannah ang isang oras bago ginawa ang balak.
She opened the app she usually used when she's feeling lazy to cook and ordered
different kinds of food for one person and then she put in the address and paid for
the food. After that, she went back to rehearing her leftovers for her dinner.

Meanwhile, in the barn, Reigo sulkily dropped himself on the sofa and grumbled at
how unlucky he was. Zehannah didn't let him take her home, didn't want to have
dinner with him and didn't want him to buy her food.

Nawalan siya ng ganang kumain dahil sa kamalasan niya ngayong araw kaya naman
nahiga nalang siya sa sofa at nagpatugtog ng kanta sa cellphone niya.

But his music was interrupted when the barn's phone rang.

It was a call from the village's gate. May delivery daw para sa kaniya. Nagtaka
siya dahil nakapangalan talaga sa kaniya pero wala namang maalala si Reigo na
inorder niya. Pero kahit ganun, pinapasok pa rin niya baka padala ng isa sa
kaibigan niya o para sa isa sa mga kaibigan niya.

Those lunatics usually address it to the barn, especially if it's a gift for their
wives to avoid being found out and ruining the surprise.

But to his surprise, it was a food delivery for him. Yes. Him. Nakapangalan sa
kaniya ang delivery.

Reigo was skeptical and didn't want to accept the food until his phone beeped and
he received a message from Zehannah.

'Enjoy your dinner and eat wild, Mr. Vasquez.'

With a smile he couldn't hold back, he accepted the food and thanked the delivery
guy. Then he went back inside, place the paper bag with food on the center table in
the living room and replied to Zehannah.

'I'd rather eat you, but thanks for the food. Unlike you, I'm not paying you back.
I'm deciding that it's your treat.'

'I'm amazed at how thick skinned you are.'

He chuckled. 'Yes. I'm very thick and you know it.'

'Kumain ka nalang. Gutom lang 'yan.'

'I'll tell you how thick I am after I'm full. Anyway, enjoy your leftovers and eat
wild, My Zee.'

There was no reply after that, but Reigo was in a good mood. Who wouldn't be? His
Zee just sent him food. If that was not a good development, then what is?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 7
IN THE DAYS that followed, Zehannah and Reigo had become constant text-mates. Their
messages to each other were comprised of savagery and sarcasm on Zehannah's part
while kisses and flirting on Reigo's.

Sanay na sanay na si Zehannah sa kalandian ni Reigo sa text man o sa personal na

nagiging-immune na siya.

Though nothing really changed between the two. Reigo still buys food for Zehannah
and Zehannah would sometimes do the same for Reigo. And it might not be every day,
but Reigo was happy when Zehannah would let him drive her home and have dinner with
him in her condo.

Just like that Friday night. Inimbitahan ni Zehannah si Reigo na mag-dinner ng

ihatid ito ng binata sa condo nito.

Reigo eagerly accepted the invitation, and now he's trying his hardest to peel four
pieces of carrots for their dinner.

It was so hard, Reigo started cussing the carrots.

Napailing naman si Zehannah na katatapos lang maghiwa ng bawang at cabbage.

"Don't judge. I don't cook, okay?" Said Reigo when he felt Zehannah's gaze on him.

"I'm just looking." Inosenteng sagot ni Zehannah.

"Yeah, right."

Pigil ni Zehannah na matawa ng sunod-sunod na mura ang lumabas sa bibig ng binata

ng dumulas ang ginagamit nitong peeler para balatan ang carrots.

"This is so fucking hard..." despite that, he continued peeling the carrots until
he got the hang of it and slowly finished peeling the four carrots.

"Slice it afterwards," utos ni Zehannah kay Reigo habang nakapameywang si Zehannah

sa harap ng air fryer at binabantayan ang nilulutong buong manok sa loob.

Reigo let out a loud, exhausted breath. "Zee! Can't we just order? It's easy as
breathing."

"Nope. Kung gusto mong kumain kasama ko, umpisahan mo nang hiwain 'yang carrots."

Nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga si Reigo saka dahan-dahang hiniwa ang carrots. He

had no proper training, so Reigo was scared shit that he'll cut his fingers.

Meanwhile, Zehannah was inwardly smiling at Reigo's unparalleled concentration

while slicing the carrots.

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung papalakpakan niya ang binata ng matapos din ito sa
wakas.

"Yes! Success!" He hissed and even punch the air in happiness.

Napailing si Zehannah saka pinatay na ang air fryer na katatapos lang lutuin ang
roasted chicken. Kapagkuwan ay kinuha niya ang cabbage at bawang na hiniwa na nasa
island counter bago kinuha ang carrots na hawak-hawak pa rin ni Reigo ang
pinaglagyan na pinaggan parang nagmamalaki ito saka mabilis na niluto 'yon.
It was nothing complicated. She just sauteed the carrots and cabbage in garlic and
butter. Then she added a little bit of water, let it boil for a couple of minutes,
seasoned it with salt and pepper and done.

Zehannah served it alongside the roast chicken. And she was thankful that Reigo did
not ask for a cup of rice because, truthfully, she had none. Nasanay kasi siya sa
bahay ng mga magulang niya ng doon pa siya nakatira. Hindi kumakain ng kanin ang
Papi at Papa niya. They said it's for their health and she adopted that way of
eating as well.

Nang makaupo si Zehannah, bahagyang pumikit si Reigo saka umusal ng maikling

pasasalamat sa pagkain bago nito tinikman ang roasted chicken na ginawa niya.

"It's..." patuloy itong ngumuya saka nagkomento, "it's not bad."

Sapat na 'yon kay Zehannah. Wala naman kasi talaga siyang talent sa pagluluto. And
she prefered the 'it's not bad' comment than a 'it's delicious' just to please her.
Alam naman kasi niyang hindi siya kagalingang magluto.

"Magpasalamat ka sa air fryer," ani Zehannah na nag-umpisang kumain na rin. "It did
all the work. Pinaglalagay ko lang lahat ng ingredients sa loob tapos ini-on ko."

Reigo was impressed. "Damn. That's magic."

"Yep." Sangayon ni Zehannah saka tinuro ang nilutong cabbage at carrots. "Eat it,
just don't expect anything. I'm not a good cook. I just like cooking for myself."

Reigo said nothing and eat the cabbage and carrots. After chewing, he looked at her
and said, "walang lasa. Ang tabang."

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang asin, "dagdagan mo nalang."

Without complaints, Reigo added salt to his sauteed cabbage and carrots and
continued eating.

"You said you like cooking. Have you tried attending cooking classes?" Tanong ni
Reigo kay Zehannah habang kumakain.

"Walang oras, walang pera." Deretsong sagot ni Zehannah dahil 'yon naman talaga ang
dahilan niya.

"Are you having a hard time?"

Napatigil sa pagkain si Zehannah saka napatingin kay Reigo. "What?"

That was the first time someone asked her that. Ang iba kasi kapag nalalaman na
Marketing Supervisor siya, feeling ng mga ito e ang yaman-yaman na niya.

"I'm born wealthy, but even I'm having a hard time with this 'adulting' thing." He
looked at Zehannah. "Are you, too?"

Reigo was always flirtatious, that when he gets serious, it always takes Zehannah
aback. Like now.

"Who doesn't?" Zehannah went back to eating. "May pera naman ako, may ipon, pero
hindi pa rin sapat. I have bills to pay, I have dues and I'm working my ass off
every day to not go broke and support myself, but at the end of the day, I'm not
really going anywhere with my job and life. I mean, it has always been a dream of
mine to build my own business, but it's not really that easy. Sa pinagta-trabahuan
ko ngayon, kahit naman mag-split at tumambling ako sa trabaho, wala pa ring
patutunguhan 'yon."

Reigo nodded after listening to Zehannah. He understood her, and he was happy that
she was thinking about her future. "You're still young, Zee. Marami ka pang
magagawa at mababago sa buhay mo. Just keep on slaying like you're doing now."

"Young, huh?" Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. "Malapit na akong mamaalam sa

kalendaryo."

"Mamamaalam na ako ngayong taon sa kalendaryo pero wala lang naman sa'kin 'yon.
Aging is inevitable, but it's no reason to stop growing, dreaming and setting
goals, Zee. As they say, life begins at thirty. There's still a lot you can do.
Maybe, hmm, say, build a business?"

Napangiti si Zehannah. "Hindi ka lang pala malandi, puwede ka na ring maging

motivational speaker."

Reigo smiled back. "I will be your motivational speaker anytime. I may not be able
to tell you what you want to hear, but I will be sure to tell you what you need to
hear. I won't sugarcoat my words. I'll always give it to you straight." Then he
grinned so gorgeously. "How's that for your future boyfriend?"

Natawa si Zehannah saka inirapan ni Reigo. "Okay na sana. Dinagdagan mo pa sa

huli."

"Syempre. I have to work hard. I only have a week left."

Napailing si Zehannah saka hiniwa-hiwa ang roasted chicken at nilagyan ang pinggan
ni Reigo.

Nuong unang kumain si Reigo kasama si Zehannah, ikinagulat 'yon ni Reigo, pero
ngayon naiintindihan na ni Reigo na ugali na 'yon ng dalaga. She was doing it
unconsciously that Reigo would bet that she was not even aware of it.

"Papauwin mo ba ako kaagad pagkatapos nating kumain?" Tanong ni Reigo habang

inuubos ang nilagay na roasted chicken ni Zehannah sa pinggan nito.

"Hmm. Why?" She glanced at him. "Want to stay?"

"Can I?" The way Reigo's face lit up made Zehannah smile inwardly. "Just until your
bedtime, but if you want, I can—"

"Huwag mo nang tapusin." Pigil ni Zehannah sa iba pang sasabihin ni Reigo. "Alam ko
na ang kasunod niyan, kabastusan. Huwag mo nang dagdagan pa. Baka magbago ang isip
ko at pauwiin kita kaagad."

Reigo immediately straightened his body as if he was in a military and in front of

his commander. "Yes, ma'am."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata saka nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Napangiti naman si

Reigo saka tinuloy na rin ang pagkain.

Zehannah and Reigo finished their dinner while making small talks and when it was
time to wash the dishes, Reigo tried again, but failed. Sa pagkakataong 'yon,
pinggan naman ang nabasag nito kaya naman pinaubaya na nito kay Zehannah ang
paghuhugas.

Napailing si Zehannah sa nabasag ni Reigo. "Go away. Doon ka sa salas. Wait for me
there."

Reigo instantly listened and left the kitchen to go to the living room, afraid that
he might break something again.

Sa barn ni Lysander, hindi siya nahihirapang maghugas dahil may dishwasher doon. He
just had to put the dishes in, press some buttons and then viola, done.

Who would have thought that it was hard to manually wash the dishes?

Sighing, Reigo stayed in the living room, appreciating the minimalist design of
Zehannah's condo, when he spotted a guitar in the corner.

Does she play? Tanong ni Reigo sa isip habang naglalakad patungo sa gitara.

It has her name on it. Reigo carefully picked up the guitar and strummed it softly
to check the tune. It was in perfect condition. And by the looks of the guitar up
close, it was often used.

Reigo wanted to play, but was reluctant since it was not his, so he called out to
Zehannah from the living room. "Zee...! Can I borrow your guitar?"

"Sure!"

With Zehannah's consent, Reigo took the guitar and went to sit on the long sofa.
Reigo did not have to think about what song to play, he always play the same song
when he's playing the guitar.

'I feel you crumble in arms down to your heart of stone,

You bled me dry just like the tears you never show,

Why don't you take want you want from me?

Take what you need from me,

Take what you want and go.'

That's when Zehannah entered the living room and when she saw Reigo playing the
guitar and singing, she stopped on her track to watch and listen. His deep,
baritone voice immediately got her.

'I never needed anything from you,

And all I ever asked was for the truth,

You showed your tongue and it was forked in two,

Your venom was lethal, I almost believe you.

Yeah, you preyed on my every mistake,

Waited on me to break,

Held me under hoping I would drown,

Like a plague, I was wasting away trying to find my way out.

Find my way out...'

Zehannah was listening intently, but Reigo suddenly stopped.

In Zehannah's eyes, Reigo looked so somber that she unconsciously walked towards
the long sofa and sit on the opposite end while facing Reigo. "What's that song
called? Ngayon ko lang narinig 'yon."

Reigo face Zehannah and place the guitar in between them. "Take what you want by
Post Malone."

Zehannah took the guitar and place it on her lap. "I'll assume that it's your
chosen break-up song?"

Reigo leaned on the back of the sofa on his side while looking at Zehannah. "I
don't know. It's a song that sums up my dating experiences, so... maybe?"

Zehannah strummed her guitar. "I envy you a little. You've dated a lot, been hurt
and cheated on, but you're still here and risking it all over again. Only brave
people could do that."

"Choosing to be single and staying single is also a brave thing to do, Zee." Ani
Reigo. "Hindi lahat kayang gawin 'yon. Some are afraid to be alone and single, but
not you. It takes courage to be alone same as it takes courage to enter a
relationship. I dated a lot and honestly, I'm at my limit." Reigo let out a
strained chuckle. "I don't want to date anymore because I can already see how it'll
end. I can already see them cheating on me or picking on my mistakes and
shortcomings."

"But here you are..." Zehannah drawls.

Reigo smiled at her, and it was the most gorgeous smile she had even seen him wear.
"But... here I am. I want to risk it one more time with you. One more. Who knows?
You might be my lady luck."

"And if I'm not?"

"That's why it's called risk. Because nothing great comes without a risk. And you,
my Zee, is one of the greatest human beings I've met. You...are worth the risk."

Wala sa sariling humigpit ang hawak ni Zehannah sa gitara kapagkuwan ay huminga

siya ng malalim dahil pakiramdam niya kinakapos siya ng hininga.

And it's all because of Reigo's earnest words and the sincerity in his eyes.

He's exasperating but amusing when he's flirty, however, when he's like this... I
honestly don't know how to handle him. Zehannah felt like she was being cornered,
but it was not an uncomfortable space like she was used to.

"Did I make you uncomfortable?" He asked as if that was the last thing he wanted.

Umiling si Zehannah. "May naisip lang ako. Pero bakit parang huli na ang tanong mo
na 'yan? Pagkatapos ng mga malalanding pinagsasasabi mo?"

Nagkibit-balikat ang binata. "You don't really get uncomfortable when I'm being
flirty and suggestive. Yes, you get exasperated with me, but not uncomfortable."

Reigo was right on the money that Zehannah couldn't even deny it. "Well. You're
amusing sometimes."
"I deserve a praise and a kiss then." Reigo extolled shamelessly.

"Nope."

"Why?" He was like a child asking why he couldn't have what he wanted.

"Because I don't want to kiss you. Is that reason enough?"

"Well..." he sighed heavily and his shoulders fell. "Yeah. It is."

"Good." Zehannah smiled and turned her attention on her guitar.

She had been strumming it since earlier and she was itching to play a song.

"Want to play?" Reigo asked, seeing Zehannah staring down at her guitar.

"Kinda. Pero pakiramdam ko hindi mo magugustuhan ang mga paborito kong kanta."

That intrigued Reigo. "By all means, let me hear it."

"Hmm..." Zehannah strummed her guitar and started with the first chord of one of
her favorite songs.

'I book myself tables at all the best restaurants then eat alone,

I buy myself fast cars just so I can drive them real fucking slow,

I like my own company, company I don't need it,

I'm not always cold, I'm just good on my own, so good on my own.'

Zehannah raised her head and looked into Reigo's eyes as if the next lyrics were
meant for him.

'I've always been told

One day, I'll find somebody who changes my mind,

If they come along, I won't think twice,

'Cause I already got a good thing with me,

Yeah, I already got everything I need,

The best thing in life are already mine,

I'm good by myself, need no one else,

Don't tell me that you got a good thing for me,

'Cause I already got a good thing with me.'

Zehannah stopped playing and smiled at Reigo. "That's one of my anthems. It's 'Good
Things' by Zedd and Kehlani. Did you like it?"

Reigo smiled back, unfazed by the lyrics of one of Zehannah's favorite songs "My
Zee, I'm not that fragile. If that one song could easily break my spirit, then I
don't deserve to be sitting in front of you right now."
Zehannah chuckled and started playing her guitar again. This time, it was a
different song but still one of Zehannah's favorites.

'Kings & Queens' by Ava Max.

'If all of the kings had their queens on the throne,

We would pop champagne and raise a toast,

To all of the queens who are fighting alone,

Baby, you're not dancing on your own.'

She looked at Reigo and smiled.

'Oh, no damsel in distress, don't need to save me,

Once I start breathing fire, you can't tame me,

And you might think I'm weak without a sword,

But if I had one, it'd be bigger than yours.'

Zehannah repeated the chorus while looking into Reigo, who never looked away. He
listened to her song, her anthem, without making a face or a snide comment. He even
seemed like he was enjoying himself listening to her.

At nang matapos siyang tumugtog at kumanta, pumalakpak pa ang binata habang

nakangiti. "Indeed. That song is so you."

Zehannah was pleased at Reigo's reaction. "I know, right?"

Reigo's smile turned flirty and Zehannah exactly knew what he would say next.
"Though that song mentioned a king. And since you're the queen, I could be your
king. I'm not really interested in anything but you, so you can have the throne. I
don't mind."

"I'm really amazed at how your brain works, Mr. Vasquez."

"I know, right?" Parang nagmamalaki pa ang binata. "So, how am I doing so far? Are
you leaning to 'yes' now?"

Napailing si Zehannah. "I'm leaning to 'kicking you out of my condo'."

Kaagad na umayos si Reigo. "Can't I stay for the night?"

"Nope."

His shoulders fell. "At least I tried asking."

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang pintuan ng condo. "Oras na para umalis. Inaantok na ako."

"Yes, my Zee. I'm leaving."

Zehannah was surprised that Reigo stood up without a fuss, but she was not
surprised when he leaned in, stole a kiss then ran.

Napailing naman si Zehannah na nakatingin sa pintuan na nilabasan ni Reigo,

Kapagkuwan ay hinagilap ang cellphone para i-text ang binata.
'Kapag ginawa mo pa 'yang modus operandi mo, hahambalusin ko ng maraming spatula
'yang labi mo hanggang sa magtanda ka.'

At ang reply ng dumuho, 'good night, My Zee. Until my next modus operandi.'

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Zehannah saka ni-lock ang pinto at tinungo ang

kuwarto para matulog na.

She prayed for a good night sleep, but looks like she wasn't heard, because in the
middle of her sleep, she dreamed of Reigo and that dream was far from being
wholesome.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 8

ZEHANNAH'S NOT SO wholesome dream bothered her greatly, especially when she woke up
and realized that today was Reigo's day. She promised him her entire weekend and if
she could take it back, she would.

But even how much she didn't want to see him, she was now face to face with the man
in her not-so-wholesome dream, Reigo Vasquez.

"Good morning," kaagad na bati ni Reigo kay Zehannah ng pagbuksan ng pintuan ng

dalaga ang binata.

"Ang aga natin, ah." Hindi pinahalata ni Zehannah na hindi siya makatingin ng
deretso sa kaharap. Paano siya makakatingin ng deretso kung sariwa pa sa ala-ala
niya kung paano niya ito niluhuran sa 'panaginip' niya. "Hindi pa nga ako nagka-
kape, nandito ka na." Aniya saka pinapasok ang binata.

Zehannah should feel guilty that Reigo had to wait for her, but it's only five-
forty five in the morning! He was too early! May karapatan siyang magpahintay!

"The early bird catches the worm." Reigo reasoned as he entered her condo, and
Zehannah grimaced at that.

"So you're telling me that ... I'm the worm?"

"In this saying, yes, you are. But of course you're not a worm." Nakangiting
paliwanag ni Reigo. "You're too great to be one. I'm risking my all for you, after
all."

Hindi na nagulat pa si Zehannah na may sagot at banat na naman si Reigo. He always

had an answer to everything, and a segue to his flirtatiousness. Hindi natatapos
ang sasabihin nito ng walang kaharutan o banat sa dulo.

"Maliligo lang ako tapos mag-aagahan. Wait for me here." Ani Zehannah na iniwan sa
salas si Reigo at naglakad pabalik sa kuwarto nito.
"Can I join you?" With a charming smile, he asked. "It's for the environment, my
Zee. Save water, bath together — ever heard of that saying? It's for mother earth,
not for me."

Zehannah just sighed and showed Reigo her middle finger.

At least I tried. Reigo mused. "If I can't join you under the shower, can I use
your kitchen instead?"

Doon napatigil sa paglalakad si Zehannah saka umikot paharap kay Reigo. "Why?"

"I'll make breakfast."

Zehannah frowned. "I thought you don't cook?"

"I can cook a little. Like frying eggs and frying other stuff. But nothing
complicated. Unfortunately, I'm really no good at slicing and peeling stuff. It's
scary as shit, so I have an automatic peeler and slicer at my place. Pero nag-aral
na ako maghiwa kagabi pagka-uwi ko. Inisturbo ko si Calderon at nagpaturo ako para
marunong na akong maghiwa at maayos akong makatulong kung kailangan mo ng tagahiwa
ng mga sahog."

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zehannah sa kamay ni Reigo na puno ng band-aid ang ilang
daliri. He really did practice last night.

"Gusto ko lang matikman ang luto mo kaya sinabi kong hindi ako nagluluto."
Kapagkuwan ay nakagat ni Reigo ang pang-ibabang labi na para bang kinakabahan. "Are
you, um, mad?"

"Hmm. Not really." How could she be mad after seeing those band aids around his
fingers? He learned how to slice and peel just for her. "But of course I will not
let you off the hook." She smirked at Reigo. "Gusto mong matikman ang luto ko di
'ba? Sure. I'll cook for you every night. Be grateful and say thank you."

Reigo gulped in nervousness. Dapat maging masaya siya na ipagluluto siya gabi-gabi
ni Zehannah, pero bakit pakiramdam niya torture sa katabangan ang mangyayari sa
kaniya gabi-gabi?

Pero at least, hindi maalat. Pakunsuwelo ni Reigo sa sarili bago nakangiwing

ngumiti sa dalaga. "Thank you. Pakidagdagan lang ng asin, please."

Misteryosong ngumiti lang si Zehannah kay Reigo at pumasok na sa kuwarto para

maligo. Si Reigo naman ay napabuntong-hininga ng makita ang ngiti ni Zehannah.

It felt like a predator smiling at its prey. And I'm the prey! Ah, fuck. Bagsak ang
balikat na tinungo ni Reigo ang kusina para gumawa ng agahan.

He was not an amazing cook like Calderon. His cooking skill was just so-so, nothing
special, but he was proud to say that he could make a perfect sunny side-up egg.

Yep. I'm an egg master. That's his specialty. Cooking eggs and frying stuff. Pero
nasisiguro niyang hindi matabang ang timpla niya.

Hindi naman sa pinapatamaan niya si Zehannah pero parang ganun na nga. Pero syempre
pa, sasarilinin niya lang 'yon, baka masapak siya ni Zehannah at pakainin siya ng
walang lasang pagkain. Mukhang 'yon pa naman ang balak ng dalaga.

Habang nagluluto siga, nakatanggap siya ng tawag mula kay Calderon.

He answered his call while frying bacon and sausages.

"So you're actually cooking...?" Thorn sounded skeptical when Reigo told him what
he was doing at the moment.

"Yep. I can cook, you know."

"You can't. Imahinasyon mo lang na marunong ka. All you can do is fry. Nakakahiya
naman sa mga marunong magluto."

Tiningnan ni Reigo ng masama ang cellphone na naka-loud speaker na parang bang

nakikita doon ang kaibigan na kausap. "I can cook, asshole. I just can't slice or
peel stuff, but I can cook a decent meal."

"You mean you can fry."

"It's cooking too!" He exclaimed.

"Imahinasyon mo nga lang 'yon." Thorn clicked his tongue. "Anyway, how are you and
Zehan?"

"Magdi-date kami kaya huwag kang isturbo. Bye!" Pinatay niya ang tawag at
pinagpatuloy ang pagpi-prito.

Nang matapos siyang magluto, tamang-tama naman na pumasok si Zehannah sa kusina.

Bagong ligo ito at may dala-dalang first aid kit.

Huh? Reigo was confused as to why she was carrying a first-aid kit until she took
his hand and inspect his fingers. "I'm fine, Zee."

"When did you put these band-aids on?"

"Last night before sleeping...?"

"Alisin mo lahat tapos hugasan mo ang kamay mo." Utos ni Zehannah saka ito na ang
naghain ng niluto ni Reigo.

Nakamasid lang si Reigo kay Zehannah habang gumagalaw ito sa kusina at hinuhugasan
niya ang kamay. At nang makita ni Zehannah na tapos na siya, lumapit ito sa kaniya
habang dala-dala ang first-aid kit.

Reigo just watched as Zehannah dried his hand with a clean, lint-free towel,
inspect his cuts before carefully putting an ointment on them. Only after that did
Zehannah put a new band-aid around his cuts.

"There. Let's eat."

Sumunod ang tingin ni Reigo kay Zehannah na naglalakad na patungong hapag-kainan.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Reigo looked at his hands and thought, yeah, those cuts are worth it.

Mabilis na sumunod si Reigo sa hapagkainan at pinagsaluhan nito at ni Zehannah ang

niluto nitong agahan.

A perfectly cooked sunny side-up egg that was praised by Zehannah, a well-cooked
bacon and sausage and also perfectly toasted bread.
"I only accept praise with a kiss."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah habang sumisimsim ng ginawang kape. "Reigo, masyado

pang maaga para sa kalandian mo. Pakapehin mo muna ako."

"Kapag nakapag-kape ka na ba, hahalikan mo na ako—" Reigo abruptly stopped and his
eyes widened at Zehannah when he realized something. "Fuck. You just called me by
my name!"

When Reigo pointed it out, Zehannah was surprised herself that she did. Palagi
kasing Mr. Vasquez ang tawag niya rito dahil hindi naman sila matagal ng
magkakilala. But now that she had called him by his name, it means she's
acknowledging his existence in her life little by little.

Hay. Gusto kong sabihin na gutom lang 'to, pero tangina, busog ako.

Gustong kutusan ni Zehannah ang sarili pero umakto siyang hindi big deal ang
pagtawag niya kay Reigo sa pangalan nito. "Ayaw mo bang tawagin kita sa pangalan
mo? I'll happily go back to calling your Mr. Vasquez—"

"Nope. I'm happy." He was smiling happily alright. "Call me by my name again."

Zehannah indulged Reigo. "Reigo."

"Again."

"Reigo."

"Again."

Ibinuka ni Zehannah ang palad kay Reigo. "Give me your phone."

Curious about what Zehannah needs on his phone, he gave it to her after unlocking
it. Nakamasid lang si Reigo habang nay pinipindot-pindot ang dalagawa sa cellphone
niya saka biglang sinabi nito ang pangalan niya. Kapagkuwan ay ibinalik nito sa
kaniya ang cellphone niya.

"Hayan. Ni-record ko na ang pagtawag ko sa pangalan mo. If you want to hear it

again, just press play." Zehannah innocently smiled at Reigo. "Now, be grateful and
say thank you."

"Thanks, Zee!"

Balak inisin ni Zehannah si Reigo sa ginawa niya pero nakangiti ang dumuho habang
nay ginagawa sa cellphone nito. Hindi niya alam kung ano 'yon hanggang sa hilingin
ng binata na tawagan niya ito sa cellphone.

And that's when she found out what he did to her recording.

He made it his ringtone! And it was so weird hearing her voice calling Reigo's name
again and again while his phone was ringing!

It sounded like she was moaning his name, goddamnit! "You...!"

"I made it a ringtone and assigned it to your number. Aren't I a genius?" He

proudly grin at her as if he did something so remarkable. "Come on, My Zee. Praise
me and kiss me."
Zehannah was beyond exasperated, but getting annoyed by Reigo would only stress her
out, so she breathe in and out deeply until she calmed down.

The whole breakfast, Zehannah did not heed Reigo any attention. Baka talaga ma-
spatula niya ang binata.

"Hindi mo ba nagustuhan ang ringtone na ginawa ko?" Tanong ni Reigo ng natapos

silang mag-agahan at naghahanda nang umalis. "You recorded it."

She glared at Reigo. "E kung gawin ko ring ringtone ang pagtawag mo sa pangalan ko,
matutuwa ka ba?"

"Yep." No hesitation whatsoever. "Give me your phone. I'll happily record myself
calling you 'Zee' again and again. Nanginginig pa."

Zehannah internally shuddered. "That's creepy."

"Really?" Reigo did not feel the same. "I'm okay with it, though. It's actually a
turn on. You sounded like you're moaning my name. At least, kahit man lang sa
ringtone, inuungol mo ang pangalan ko."

Okay! That recording was a mistake! A big mistake! "Burahin mo."

Mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro ang sagot ni Reigo. "Ayoko."

"Kahit halikan kita bilang kapalit?"

Again, he didn't hesitate. "That's tempting, but no. Gusto ko halikan mo ako kasi
gusto mo, hindi dahil may kapalit kang gusto. I may not seem like it, but I'm a
very pure minded when it comes to kisses, my Zee."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. "Pure minded, my ass."

"I am." He gorgeously and playfully smiled at her. "Kisses are meant to be enjoyed
and not to be used as a means to barter, my Zee."

"Wow. Ang kapal ng mukha. Pagkatapos ng modus operandi mo?"

"Bakit? Hindi ka ba nag enjoy sa halik ko?"

Zehannah did not deny because she did not dislike those stolen kisses, but she was
a savage woman. "Halik pala 'yon? Those were just pecks, Reigo. I can hardly call
it a kiss—"

Suddenly, Zehannah's face was in between Reigo's hands, cutting her words off and
in less than a breath, Reigo's lips claimed hers and unlike those stolen kisses of
his, he slid inside his tongue and kissed her senseless that he was almost
devouring her lips.

The bastard was too good of a kisser that Zehannah didn't even think of pushing him
away. Plus that fresh breath of his that was one of Zehannah's weakness. She didn't
even think of distancing herself from him.

Her body tingled and shuddered at that kiss and she felt like chasing Reigo's lips
when he slightly pulled away. But still, his lips were hovering over hers and his
tongue was licking her lower lip as if tempting her for another kiss.

"How's that for a kiss?" Reigo whispered over her lips, making her subtly gulped.
"Did it pass your standard of kisses, my Zee?"
Thanks to Zehannah's strong willpower, she was able to speak calmly even though her
insides were melting after that kiss. "Yeah. It was good."

Reigo's lips dropped, and he softly kissed her neck, then her shoulder, and then he
rested his forehead on her shoulder as if tired.

"Sorry for kissing you with tongue without your consent." He apologized softly
while wrapping his arms around her waist. "I got a little pissed, and I snapped.
I'm sorry, Zee."

Sa narinig, ibinalik ni Zehannah ang sinabi ni Reigo sa kaniya ng mapansing hindi

ito masaya kahit nakahalik sa kaniya. Hindi katulad ng modus operandi nito palagi
na nakangiti itong tumatakbo. "I thought kisses are meant to be enjoyed?"

"I did, but you didn't. That's why I'm sorry."

Zehannah sighed and tapped Reigo's back. "Raise your head."

Reigo obliged and looked at Zehannah as if he was ready for anything — even a slap.

Iyon ang nasa isip ni Reigo, na sasampalin siya ni Zehannah dahil sa ginawa niya at
nakahanda na siya roon, pero kabaligtaran ang ginawa ng dalaga.

Instead of slapping him, her hands softly cupped his face and her lips met his.

It was a simple meeting of the lips for a couple of seconds until Reigo opened his
mouth and welcomed Zehannah's addictive tongue.

With ragged breathing, Reigo pulled Zehannah closer and deepened the kiss that
Zehannah started. He was devouring her, and Zehannah was doing the same as she
wrapped her arms around his neck, biting, sucking and licking Reigo's lips and
tongue.

The sound of kissing and soft moans and groans filled Zehannah's condo. It's as if
the two had forgotten that they were about to go out on a date.

They kissed and kissed some more until their lungs screamed at them to breathe.

That was the only time they pulled away from each other, but their lips were still
brushing against one another as they filled their lungs with air.

"Alam ko na ang isasagot mo sa 'kin pero gusto ko pa ring magtanong." Reigo place a
quick kiss on Zehannah's lips. "Want to stay at home and kiss 'til we can't anymore
or food hopping?"

Mabilis ang sagot ni Zehannah. "Kahit gaano pa kasarap ang labi mo, pagkain pa rin
ang pipiliin ko."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "Sabi ko nga."

Zehannah rolled her eyes at Reigo as she stepped back from him and glanced at his
crotch. "You should calm that down before we leave."

"Yeah, I should." Reigo breathes in and out while jogging in place a little, but it
was not going down.

"Why don't you sit?" Zehannah suggested saka ang dalaga na ang humila kay Reigo
paupo sa mahabang sofa habang nakatayo naman siya at nakaharap dito. "Kalma lang.
Breath in, breath out. You can do it."

Sinunod ni Reigo ang sinabi ni Zehannah pero hindi siya makapag-focus dahil nasa
harapan lang niya ang dahilan kung bakit buhay na buhay ang pagkalalaki niya.

Reigo did not realize that he was giving Zehannah a hot and bothered look like he
would devour her any second.

And those seductive and lust-filled eyes were giving Zehannah the feeling like
Reigo was fucking her with his eyes, and it made her shiver.

"Hindi tayo makakalabas sa ginagawa mo." Tumalikod si Zehannah para takasan ang
titig ni Reigo. "Nakatalikod na ako. Calm down, will you?"

"Zee..." They were in the living room, but Zehannah was certain that that was
Reigo's bedroom voice. "Your back looks so sexy."

Zehannah cleared her throat and move so Reigo will see her side and not her back.

"Such seductive side-profile." He commented while gulping.

And Zehannah groaned. Front, back and side, Reigo's horniness knows no bounds!
"That's it! Doon ako sa kuwarto ko. Hindi ka kakalma kasi kung saan-saan ka
natingin. Tawagan mo ako kapag kalmado ka na."

Nang makapasok sa kuwarto niya, naiiling na napaupo si Zehannah sa gilid ng kama.

Seriously, that guy.

Kapagkuwan ay wala sa sariling napahawak si Zehannah sa mga labi.

The kiss she shared with Reigo made her mind stopped working, which was dangerous.
But she did not dislike it. She actually enjoyed it. A lot.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. Slow down, Zehan. Kalma lang. Halik palang
'yon. Hindi ka pa niya hinahawakan, gaga. Huwag maging marupok kahit masarap si
Reigo! Isipin mo nalang na diet ka at bawal na pagkain si Reigo. Huwag na huwag
mong titikman. Huwag magpapa-akit!

Zehannah was talking to herself and conditioning herself while Reigo, who was now
alone in the living room, was surprised to see how fast he went soft after Zehannah
left. Ngayong walang Zehannah sa harapan niya, parang nawalan ng buhay bigla ang
pagkalalaki niya at bumalik sa pagtulog.

"Fuck..." he muttered under his breath. "That was dangerous. Halik palang 'yon."

Reigo was worried about himself, but his addiction to those lips was something he
couldn't and didn't want to control. Kissing Zehannah makes him happy. He enjoys
feeling her lips against his.

I don't think I can stop. I am interested in those lips and the owner of those lips
too much.

Reigo groaned and called for Zehannah. "Zee...! I'm calm now. Let's go before I
become hard again!"

Lumabas naman kaagad si Zehannah sa kuwarto niya at pinakatitigan si Reigo na

ngayon ay nakatayo na at wala nang bukol sa harapan ng pantalon.

"Okay ka na?" Tanong ni Zehannah.

Tumango si Reigo at parang nagmalalaking sumagot. "Yep. It's down."

Zehannah just shook her head, put her sling bag on and silently walked towards her
condo's door.

Nang makalabas ang dalawa, siniguro muna ni Zehannah na naka-lock ang pintuan ng
condo niya bago umalis.

"That's my car," ani Reigo ng nasa parking lot na sila. "Gusto mong sumakay sakin—I
mean, it would be nice if you would ride me and—"

Tumikhim si Zehannah. "Wala talagang pinipiling lugar ang kahalayan mo."

Reigo smiled. "Thank you for the compliment. Anyway, which do you prefer? Ride in
my car, ride on me, or in your car?"

"Mahal ang gas." Nauna na siyang maglakad patungo sa sasakyan ni Reigo. "I'll ride
in your car."

"How about riding on me?"

Her middle finger saluted at Reigo before she opened Reigo's car door and went
inside.

Kaagad na nag seatbelt si Zehannah ng makasakay si Reigo at tinanong ang binata ng

nasa daan na sila. "Ang aga-aga pa at busog pa ako, ma-i-enjoy ba natin 'tong food
hopping natin?"

"It's a food hopping date, Zee." Pagtataman ni Reigo kay Zehannah. "It's a date. A
date."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Oo na. Food hopping date. Masaya ka na?"

Reigo grinned. "Yep. Anyway, I think the time is perfect. I want to take you to
fifteen different places with great food and delicacy — just like me since I'm an
over all delicacy—and I think we can go to the first seven places today and visit
the eight tomorrow."

Tumango si Zehannah. Reigo invited her and he had an itinerary in mind, so he let
him decide their route. At ayaw niyang mag-isip sa mga sandaling 'yon dahil abala
siya sa pagtingin sa dashboard ng sasakyan ni Reigo.

Ang laki talaga ng kaibihan ng normal na sasakyan sa luxury cars. There're tons of
buttons and Zehannah admits that it was a little intimidating, but she was curious.

"Reigo, anong pipindutin dito sa sasakyan mo para magpatugtog ng kanta?" Tanong ni

Zehannah dahil inaantok siya. Ang aga ba naman niyang magising at lumabas ng condo.

"Here." Reigo pointed at the center of the dashboard and patiently taught her how
to.

The music in his car was connected to Reigo's phone, so the playlist that Zehannah
was now browsing was Reigo's playlist.

"Bakit lahat ng kanta mo pang-broken hearted at bitter?" Tanong ni Zehannah sa

binata.

"Because that was me before I met you."

Napa-tsk si Zehannah. "Bumanat ka na naman."

Reigo chuckled. "I only have two new songs. It's on the top list. Check it out."

Zehannah listened, and it surprised her to see that it was 'Kings and Queens' by
Ava Max and 'Good things' by Zedd and Kehlani.

"Seriously?" Hindi makapaniwalang niya na bumaling pa sa binata.

"What?" He smiled while driving. "They're wonderful songs and they remind me of
you."

Zehannah chose 'Kings and Queens' by Ava Max and the sound inside the car surprised
her. It was so good that Zehannah couldn't help moving her body and singing along.

"... to all of the queens who are fighting alone, baby you're not dancing on your
own...!" Bigay na bigay si Zehannah habang sumasabay sa kanta. "Can't live without
me, you wanna, but you can't, nah-nah-nah."

To Zehannah surprised, Reigo sang along too and he was slaying the lyrics. "Think
it's funny, but honey, can't run this show on your own. I can feel my body shake,
there's only so much I can take..."

"...I'll show you how a real queen behaves. Oh..." Zehannah continued singing and
when the song hit the chorus, Reigo sang along with her with a wide radiant smile
on his lips while moving his body as if dancing while sitting down.

Nawala ang antok ni Zehannah habang sabay silang kumakanta ni Reigo. Early in the
morning and she was having fun listening and singing along to her favorite song.

"Ah, that was good." Sumandal si Zehannah sa kinauupuan at ngumiti. "Nawala ang
antok ko. Parang gusto ko tuloy paulit-ulit na pakinggan ang 'Kings & Queens'."

"You can put it on repeat. I don't mind."

"Sure ka?"

"Yep. Go ahead."

Zehannah was happy to put her favorite song on repeat while singing along. And
seeing Zehannah having fun in his car, Reigo had a smile on his face while driving.

It was a first for him. He did not want to compare Zehannah to his exes, but
Zehannah was just so refreshingly different that he couldn't help it. It was not
only Zehannah, his reactions and emotions too differed from before. He's genuinely
happy, and it shows on his face. Hindi na niya kailangang i-schedule kung kailangan
siya dapat masaya. Just thinking of Zehannah and her savageness and witty comebacks
were enough to make him smile.

"Huh?" Zehannah frowned when she saw the sign of the building where they were
parking. Vasquez Constructions. "Anong gagawin natin dito?"

Nginitian lang ni Reigo si Zehannah saka lumabas na ng sasakyan. Kaagad naman

sumunod si Zehannah at natigilan ng lumapit sa kaniya si Reigo at inilahad nito ang
kamay sa kaniya.

A flash back entered her mind—it was the time when she first met Reigo at the café.
Reigo did the same too — he offered his hand at her and, just like now, she didn't
hesitate to accept it.

"May naiwan ka ba sa opisina mo?" Tanong ni Zehannah sa binata habang nagkahawak-

kamay silang naglalakad patungo sa elevator.

"Nope. Just trust me." He smiled at her. "It'll be fun."

As if she had another choice, she was already holding his hand and riding in the
elevator with him to the ... wait, rooftop?

Bago pa makapagtanong si Zehannah kung anong gagawin nila sa rooftop, dumating na

ang elevator. It was the fastest elevator she had ridden, and it surprised her, but
what awaits her when she stepped outside the elevator was even more surprising that
it made her jaw slacked.

A helicopter with a three letter on its tail — E.E.Z.

Reigo tugged Zehannah's hand, pulling her out from her reverie. "Come on, Zee.
Let's go to our first food hopping destination. Cavite and their pansit."

Zehannah was still having a mini-shocked. Nang sabihin ni Reigo na magfo-food

hopping sila, sa isip niya ay sa lungsod lang kung nasaan sila at sa malalapit na
bayan. Hindi ito!

Food hopping date on a helicopter.

Sinampal na naman siya ng kahirapan. Sinusubok talaga siya araw-araw ni Lord.

Hay. Makapag-pancit na nga lang sa cavite.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 9

REIGO AND ZEHANNAH started their food hopping date and their first stop was Cavite
for their 'pansit'. Ideya 'yon ni Reigo at dahil ibinigay na ni Zehannah kay Reigo
ang buong araw niya, nagpaubaya siya sa gusto nito.

Their mode of transportation was a helicopter—yes, a freaking helicopter, as if gas

expenses didn't matter. And when they landed, it was on a private property and a
luxury car was already waiting for them.

"It's rental." Wika nito Reigo bago pa makapagtanong si Zehannah. "For hassle-free
travel."

Wala nang sinabi si Zehannah dahil hindi lang siya sinampal ng kahirapan,
tinadyakan pa.

And since it was Reigo, Zehannah already expected that it'll be a high-end
restaurant, but to her surprise, he brought her to a simple one, much to her
relief.
"According to my research, they'd been serving pansit pusit longer than any
restaurants here and according to the reviews, it's delicious." He looked excited.
"Buti maaga silang nagbukas."

Pasimpleng tiningnan ni Zehannah si Reigo saka masuyong napangiti. He researched

the place and the food before coming here and Zehannah couldn't help feeling
flattered by the effort and Reigo's attention to small details.

"Come on, Zee." He smiled at her. "Let's eat."

Lumabas na ng sasakyan si Reigo at sumunod naman kaagad dito si Zehannah. Nang

makapasok sila sa restaurant, matatawag ni Zehannah ang sarili na early bird dahil
sila pa lang ang tao roon.

Reigo immediately ordered Pansit Pusit, Pansit Puso and Bacalao.

"Gutom ka?" Tanong ni Zehannah ng makitang marami-rami ang inorder ni Reigo.

"Magaan lang naman ang agahan natin." Rason ni Reigo saka inilabas ang cellphone
nito sa bulsa. "I don't get why my exes do this stuff before, but now I kind of get
it."

Zehannah frowned. "What?"

"Pictures." He said. "I want to take a picture of us. Is that okay?"

Zehannah was not against it, but she wanted to know his reason. It was Reigo, so
she was sure that he had one. He's always flirty, but he was a deep person when he
wanted to be.

"Why?"

"Making and collecting memories." Sagot nito saka kinunan siya ng larawan at
masuyong ngumiti habang nakatitig sa larawan niya na kinuha nito. "I'm not sure if
a week from now you'll say 'yes', so I want to collect memories as much as I can.
Para kung humindi ka, kahit papaano, may babalikan ako."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah ng maramdamang kinakapos siya ng hininga, kapagkuwan

ay sumandal siya sa kinauupuan. "Mamaya na tayo mag picture kapag may pagkain na.
It'll be nicer that way."

Reigo smiled at that before he placed his phone on the table so he could give his
unparalleled attention to Zehannah. "Zee, may tanong ako. Can you answer me
honestly?"

"Kailan ba ako nagsinungaling sayo?"

"Hmm. Fair enough." Somehow, he looked serious and serious Reigo was not someone
Zehannah could handle easily, but she had to. "Anyway, my question is, how am I
doing so far? Am I doing good, or am I doing bad?"

"I'd say good."

Reigo's lips broke into a gorgeous smile, as if he heard a wonderful news. "Really?
I am? Even though I'm not really a good—"

"Huwag mong tapusin 'yan." Nagbabanta ang boses ni Zehannah na ikinatigil ni Reigo
sa pagsasalita. "If you want to continue doing good, you have to appreciate
yourself too, Reigo. If you keep bringing yourself down, I won't even consider
dating you. Ever."

Reigo stilled.

"Seryoso ako, Reigo." Tumingin siya sa mga mata ng binata. "I know those exes of
yours did a number on your self-esteem and it will take a while for you to recover,
but it would be good for you if you start appreciating yourself. Not just your
handsome looks, or your big dick and your performance in bed. There are a lot of
things about yourself that you can appreciate, Reigo."

"Like what...?" Reigo looked and sounded as if he had no idea.

"You're smart and witty. Funny too, when you're not being horny. And your attention
to little details is amazing. The effort you give when you want to learn something
is incredible. Your open-mindedness in a lot of things is remarkable. Your amazing
voice when you sing and how good you are with guitar." Ayaw niyang naririnig na
binababa ni Reigo ang sarili nito kaya naman gusto niyang malaman nito kung anong
nakikita niya rito kahit pa nga alam niyang delikado 'yon. "Sabi mo sakin 'I'm one
of the greatest human beings you've met'. Well, this greatest human being
appreciates you, so you should appreciate yourself too, Reigo."

Reigo's expression softened, and a tender smile appeared on his lips. "Appreciate,
huh? I'll try."

Zehannah's face broke into a wide smile. "That's good! You won't regret it.
Appreciating and loving yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself."

"Hmm. I'll keep that in mind, my Zee."

Nanatili ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Zee hanggang sa dumating ang pagkain na inorder
nila at nagpa-picture sila sa waiter. Her mood improved and her smile became a lot
brighter.

For some reason, knowing that Reigo would try to appreciate himself more from now
on made her day.

"Masarap ba?" Tanong ni Reigo ng matapos silang kumain.

Nasapo ni Zehannah ang tiyan. "Masarap."

"Kasing sarap ko?"

Zehannah looked at Reigo flatly. "Really?"

"You said appreciate myself more." Bahagyan nitong ibinuka ang mga braso. "This is
me appreciating myself. Masarap ako at alam mo 'yon. You already tasted this over
all delicacy before."

Zehannah just let out an exasperated breath and stood up to go to the counter to
pay their bill. Hindi kasi niya nakita ang waiter kanina at gusto niyang matakasan
ang kahanginan ng kasama niya.

"I'm paying," imporma niya kay Reigo bago umalis patungong counter.

"Sure."

"Magkano ho?" Tanong niya sa babae na nasa likod ng counter ng makalapit siya.
Kaagad naman nitong ibinigay sa kaniya ang total ng kinain nila.

Taking out her wallet from her sling bag, Zehannah handed the payment and was
waiting for her change when Reigo appeared behind her, rested his chin on her
shoulder and spoke with his baritone voice.

"Zee, can you buy me soda?" Tinuro nito ang ref na nasa gilid na puro soda. "I feel
like having one."

Ngumiti si Zehannah sa cashier, "miss, isang in-can soda pa ho."

Kaagad namang tumango ang babae at binawasan ang sukli niya habang pasulyap-sulyap
kay Reigo.

"K-kuha nalang ho kayo, ma'am, Sir."

Nilingon ni Zehannah si Reigo at hindi binigyang pansin ang pagkakalapit ng labi

nila dahil sa biglaan niyang paglingon. "Kumuha ka na."

He just groaned.

"Reigo—"

"Can you get one for me, please?"

She glared at him over her shoulder. "Ano ka, bata?"

"Nope. Pero kaya kong gumawa ng bata kasama ka." Anang dumuho habang may inosenteng
ngiti sa mga labi nito.

Sanay na si Zehannah sa kalandian ni Reigo pero hindi ang cashier na malinaw na

nadinig ang sinabi ng binata. Napasinghap ito saka namumula ang mukha na nagbaba ng
tingin.

Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead. "Huwag kang magkakat dito, Reigo. Ilugar mo
'yang kalandian mo. Sige na, kumuha ka na ng soda. Dahil kung ako ang kukuha, baka
isapak ko 'yang soda sayo. Sayang naman ang binayad ko."

"So violent." Reigo whispered before he went to get his soda.

"Pasensiya ka na Miss sa kasama ko." Ani Zehannah sa cashier habang pasulyap-sulyap

siya kay Reigo na nasa harapan na ng ref at pumipili ng sofa na gusto. "Makalat
talaga 'yan."

"O-okay lang." Namumula pa rin ang pisngi na sagot nito.

Nginitian ni Zehannah ang cashier saka naglakad palapit kay Reigo na nasa harapan
pa rin ng ref. "Hindi ka makapili?"

"Yep. This one, or this one? Can't decide."

Kinuha ni Zehannah ang dalawang uri ng soda na tinuro ni Reigo saka binigay 'yon sa
binata bago bumalik sa cashier para bayaran ang isa.

Nang makabayad, lumabas na ng restaurant si Reigo at Zehannah habang umiinom ng

soda si Reigo.

Napailing si Zehannah. "Ang aga-aga, nag-so-soda ka na. It's not good for you."
"Minsan lang naman." Anito saka humilig sa hood ng sasakyan nito habang inuubos ang
soda na iniinom.

Seeing that it might take a little while before Reigo finished his soda, Zehannah
leaned on the car's hood too, beside Reigo.

And under the rising sun, they talked.

"Is that your company? The Vasquez Construction?" Zehannah asked.

"Hmm? Yep."

That building was enormous. "So, you're a successful businessman."

"I just got lucky." Ani Reigo. "Sinasabi ko palagi na ayokong umasa sa mga magulang
ko kahit pa may pera sila, pero pera pa rin naman nila ang ginamit ko para itayo
ang Vasquez Construction. I mean, galing 'yon sa ipon ko mula nuong nag-aaral pa
ako pero pera pa rin naman nila 'yon. Inipon ko lang. And my parents are already
well known in the business world, so it's not that hard for me because I already
have connections."

"But you still worked hard for it, right?"

Napatigil sa paginom ng soda si Reigo saka napabaling kay Zehannah. "What?"

"You worked hard for it." Ulit ni Zehannah saka tumingala sa maaliwalas na
kalangitan. "I saw your company. It's huge. Ibig sabihin, napalaki mo siya ng
maayos. Sabi mo galing sa ipon mo ang pera na ginamit mo para itayo 'yon, ibig
sabihin hindi 'yon ganun kalaki ng umpisahan mo, pero napalago mo siya. It only
means one thing—you worked hard to make it happen. Sabihin na nating may connection
ka at kilala ang mga magulang mo, pero hindi lang naman 'yon ang basehan para
lumago ang kompaniya mo. Maybe your parents' fame made them curious about you and
made them chose you, but it was all your hard work that made them stay. It's easy
to attract clients, but making them stay and chose your company's products and
services repeatedly was the challenge."

Reigo's expression softened before he leaned his head against Zehannah's shoulder.
He said nothing and just savor the warm feeling of being close to Zehannah.

Si Zehannah naman ay napatingin sa binata na nakahilig ang ulo sa balikat niya.

Reigo's eyes were closed, and he looked so peaceful and content being there.
Zehannah didn't have the heart to shrug him off of her shoulder like she planned
after seeing that peaceful face.

Well, maaga pa naman. Pagdadahilan ni Zehannah sa sarili at hinayaan ang binata na

humilig sa braso niya.

But Reigo was not Reigo if he was not flirtatious. From resting his head on
Zehannah's shoulder, he also wrapped his arm around Zehannah's waist and kissed her
neck.

"Namimihasa tayo, ah." Ani Zehannah saka matalim na tiningnan ang binata na
nakangiti rito.

"Not everyday you'll let me get this close to you." Anito. "Kailangan kong sulitin.
Baka hindi na masundan."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata. "Pasalamat ka masarap 'yong kinain nating pansit."
"So if our next stop is delicious, you'll let me get close to you again?" Reigo
sounded hopeful.

"Who knows?"

"How about a kiss if it's delicious?" Reigo puckered his lips.

And Zehannah flicked it. "Maaga pa para magkalat, Reigo."

"I don't mind making a mess out of you." Reigo said suggestively.

"I won't let you make a mess out of me."

"Why not? I'm a delicacy, delicious, big and long, handsome with a great body and I
can do it all day and all night—standing, sitting, on the bed, outdoor and anywhere
you want. Wala ka nang hahanapin pa sakin." He grinned proudly. "I'm an over all
package only for my Zee."

Zehannah sighed, shrugged Reigo off of her shoulder and stood up. "Umalis na tayo.
Baka biglang magka-ipo-ipo rito sa sobrang hangin mo."

Reigo leaned back with both his hands on the hood of the car, supporting him. "Look
at me, Zee. Am I not delicious?"

Walang pag-aalinlangsn na tumingin si Zehannah kay Reigo. "You are."

"Then why don't you want to taste me?"

"'Cause I'm on a diet." Zehannah replied blandly and smiled. "And on my diet,
you're the food that I'm not allowed to eat."

That made Reigo's eyebrows rose before a seductive smile appeared on his lips. "My
Zee, there is a thing called a cheat day. And I taste so good that every bite, lick
and suck is worth it."

"Sorry, but I don't cheat." Zehannah matched Reigo's seductive smile. "And I'm more
delicious than you, Reigo. My lips and kisses got you hooked, remember?"

"Indeed. That's why I want to taste you." Reigo's gaze became hot and seductive
that it was making Zehannah feel tingly and bothered. "It's been so long since I
tasted such delicacy. And I was drunk. I feel like I missed out on a lot, so I
wanted to taste you again, this time, to savor the favor which is you."

Zehannah's lips parted, and her pulse quickened. Fuck this guy. That voice and
those eyes... a minute more of those and Zehannah—freaking—Sevil will, without a
doubt, kneel and sing.

"What happened to us in the club is just an appetizer, my Zee." Reigo smiled. "The
main course and the dessert has yet been served."

Zehannah pressed her lips and pulled herself together so she wouldn't melt from
those words and voice. "Well, I am a full course meal, Reigo. To enjoy my main dish
takes effort and to eat my dessert takes time. If you're not into that, I suggest
you stop. You'll be just wasting your time."

Reigo's smile broadened. "For my lady luck, Zee, no time is wasted. I told you,
you're worth it."

Zehannah smiled. "I really like how smooth that mouth of yours is, but I would
prefer it more if you take me to our second food hoping date spot now. You want a
kiss if it's delicious, right?"

Kaagad na umalis sa pagkakahilig sa hood ng sasakyan si Reigo saka tinapon sa

malapit na basurahan ang lalagyan ng soda na iniinom nito saka ngumiti kay
Zehannah.

"Come on, My Zee. Next stop, Batangas and their lomi and goto."

Reigo excitedly drove back to the private property, where the helicopter landed and
the two were off to Batangas.

Less than an hour later, Zehannah was kissing Reigo in the car after washing her
mouth with mouthwash in the restroom.

Yes. She lost. Masarap ang goto at lomi. At masarap din ang labi ni Reigo kaya
walang pagkatalo na maramdaman si Zehannah.

Of course, Reigo, who was enjoying the kiss, was unaware of that.

After kissing for half an hour only stopping to breathe because Reigo was
insatiable and won't let Zehannah's lips go, the two continued their food hopping
date.

Their third stop was Laguna and their delicacies. Reigo made the pilot stop at
different towns of Laguna to buy kesong-puti, buko pie, rice cake and ube flavored
snacks.

Those were quick stops via taxi. Pinigilan ni Zehannah na mag-renta ng sasakyan si
Reigo dahil ilang minuto lang naman sila. Sayang lang sa pera dahil alam niyang
mamahaling sasakyan ang rerentahan nito.

And it was more convenient traveling via taxi because they get to eat the snacks
they bought while on the road.

"This is good." Komento ni Reigo ng matikman ang rice cake.

"Yeah."

And Reigo kissed Zehannah because the food was delicious. At laking pasasalamat ni
Zehannah na nasa taxi sila. Reigo only gave her a peck on the lips, much to her
relief.

Nang makabalik si Reigo at Zehannah kung saan nakalapag ang helicopter, ilang
minuto silang naghintay bago sumkay kasi nag re-refuel 'yon.

After that, they went to Pampanga where they enjoyed morcon and sisig. Sobrang
sarap ng kinain nila na may ngiti sa mga labi ni Zehannah ng matapos siyang kumain.

"That was so good." Kapagkuwan ay mabilis na tinakpan ni Zehannah ang bibig saka
tiningnan ng matalim si Reigo na alam niya kung ano ang iniisip. "No kissing.
Kakakain ko lang ng sisig."

"I don't mind—"

"I do!"

"Okay. I'm noting it though. One kiss—saved for later."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Pasalamat ka masarap ang kinain natin."

Ngumiti si Reigo. "How was our food hopping date? Nag-i-enjoy ka ba?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "The best date I ever have, if I say so myself."

Reigo was pleased. "I'm glad. We still have two more stops. Dapat may isa pa, pero
masyado nang malayo. Gagabihin tayo sa pag-uwi at baka masyado ka nang mapagod sa
biyahe. Kaya naman tinawagan ko ang isa sa mga Engineer na nagta-trabaho sa
kompaniya ko kanina na taga doon na naka-paternity leave. Nakisuyo ako. Pinadala na
niya kanina 'yong pagkain kaya daanan nalang natin."

Napatango-tango si Zehannah. "You know, Reigo, your idea of date is something else.
Siguro kasi mayaman ka."

"Huh? Anong kinalaman 'non?"

"It's because you're wealthy that you could pull this kind of date."

"Is that a bad thing?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "Hindi naman. Sinasabi ko lang. Saka nag-i-enjoy ako. Not only
that, you let me pay for all of our food and you didn't stop me from doing so even
once. And to me, that's something to be happy about. Alam kong mayaman ka at kahit
ilang libo pa ang gastusin mo hindi ka kukurap, pero para sa 'kin masyadong mahal
ang fuel ng helicopter kaya naman sakin na ang pagkain. That's why I'm thankful
that you let me pay for our food."

Reigo was silent for an entire minute before he said. "I, um, have a confession to
make."

Zehannah looked at Reigo curiously. "Hmm? Ano 'yon?"

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi ni Reigo. "I like it when you pay for me. It makes me
feel special. I mean, you're spending your hard earned money on me. Who wouldn't
find that special?"

Zehannah was lost for words. This side of Reigo always left her speechless.

"Zee?"

Zehannah blinked and cleared her throat. "Alis na tayo? Excited na ako sa sunod
nating pupuntahan."

"Sure."

Zehannah asked for the bill and paid for it. At nang handa na siyang umalis,
inilahad ni Reigo ang kamay kay Zehannah. "Let's go?"

Walang pangingiming tinanggap 'yon ni Zehannah saka lumabas sila ng restaurant.

Leaving Pampanga behind, they went to Pangasinan and visited a couple of towns.

Bumili si Zehannah ng bagoong, sinubukan nila ni Reigo ang pinakamasarap na luto ng

bangus, kumain din sila ng longganisa, syempre, bumila ang dalawa ng tupig at puto
calasiao para baon sa biyahe patungo sa sunod nilang pupuntahan.

Nang matapos ang food hopping date nila sa Pangasinan, may dinaanan sila ni Reigo
para kunin ang pinasuyo nito at laking gulat ni Zehannah ng malaman kung saan pa
'yon galing. Ilocos Sur!

Longganisa, dinuguan at empanada. Nakalagay sa styrofoam ang dalawang pagkain para

siguro hindi masira, habang ang empanada naman ay nakalagay sa box at paper bag.

Reigo looked happy while telling Zehannah about the food that she suggested eating
it in her condo after they got home.

Feeling happy at the invitation, Reigo held Zehannah's hand, and the two went back
to the helicopter and it took them back to the city — in the Chinatown district, to
be specific.

Sadly, Zehannah was too full to eat everything she wanted. Nakakalungkot man pero
hindi na talaga niya kayang kumain pa. Kaya naman ang plano nila ni Reigo na kainin
ang pinasuyo nito sa Ilocos ay hindi rin natuloy.

Nang ihatid siya nito sa condo niya, sa halip na kumain, nagpahinga sila sa salas
at uminom ng wine habang nanonood ng pelikula sa Netflix hanggang sa makatulog si
Zehannah.

Reigo carried Zehannah to her bedroom and made sure that she was comfortable before
he kissed her forehead good night, then he whispered. "Me too, my Zee. It's the
best date I ever had. See you tomorrow."

With that, Reigo left Zehannah's condo after locking it and went home with a smile
on his lips. Ang hindi alam ni Reigo, habang masaya siya sa date nila ni Zehannah,
ginawa siyang pulutan ng mga baliw na umiinom sa tindahan nila Eva.

Si Reigo ang sentro ng tsismis dahil pinagkalat lang naman ni Thorn sa mga baliw
ang date nito at ni Zehannah. At dahil do'n, umaatikabong tsismis ang nagaganap sa
tindahan nila Eva patungkol Kay Reigo na walang kaalam-alam sa nangyayari.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 10

BALAK NI REIGO na umuwi kaagad sa barn para makapagpahinga dahil maaga pa siya
bukas para sa food hopping date part two nila ni Zehannah, pero ang mga gago niyang
kaibigan, pinatigil muna siya sa tindahan nila Eva.

Reigo thought something urgent happened, only to find out the truth when he
arrived.

"Balita namin nagbibinata ka na raw."

"Ayon sa tsismis, patay na patay ka raw sa ka-date mo ngayong araw."

That was Iuhence and Calyx. The gossipers.

Everyone looked at Reigo, expecting an answer from him, but nothing came out of his
mouth and he just stared blankly at his friends.
"The fuck happened to Vasquez?" Knight asked. "Pipi ka na ba ngayon?"

Binatukan ni Valerian si Knight. "Tumahimik ka nga. Ang ingay mo."

Cali was curiously staring at Reigo. "He doesn't talk much, and he's always bitter,
so this was not shocking, but something is different about him."

"Nakadilig ka ba?" Tanong ni Lander.

"Na basted?" Tanong naman ni Lath.

"Naka-first base?" Tanong ni Beckett.

"Second base?" Si Train.

"Third base?" Si Tyron.

"Saan kayo umabot?" Tanong ni Evren.

"Sa Pangasinan." Sagot ni Reigo at lahat natigilan.

"Pangasinan?" Ulit ng lahat.

Bored na tumango si Reigo. "Yeah. Can I leave now? I still have to get ready for
tomorrow."

"Anong mayroon bukas?" Usisa ni Phoenix.

"Date. Part two." Sagot naman ni Reigo saka tinalikuran ang mga kaibigan. "Uwi na
ako. Ayoko kayong kausap. You're not my Zee. Not worth my time. Bye."

Napatanga ang lahat kay Reigo saka nagkatinginan ng makaalis ang binata.

"What was that?" Tyron asked, stunned. "Schedule niya ba ngayon para maging
iritado?"

Si Dark ang sumagot. "Nah. Hindi lang talaga tayo si 'Zee'."

"Is that his woman?" Ymar asked.

"I think so." Dark shrugged. "We all know Reigo. He's moody and grumpy, but when it
comes to his women, he's generous and tolerant."

"Yeah, but that was before his exes cheated on him." Ani Titus. "Nagbago na siya
pagkatapos niyang ilang beses na naloko."

Lash nodded. "Napansin ko rin. He became bitter and spiteful towards women."

"At nawalan na rin siya ng pakialam sa mga nakakarelasyon niya nitong huli." Dagdag
ni Shun. "He had lost interest in dating."

"So what fucking change?" Usisa ni Valerian.

Si Knight ang sumagot. "Easy, best friend. He found a good woman who could please
his bitter tastebuds. In short, malapit ng maging miyembro ng understanding si
Reigo."

"Who the fuck is your best friend?!" Walang pumansin sa pagrereklamo ni Valerian
kay Knight.

"Oh." Tyron smiled. "Should I prepare a grand welcome?"

"Unahin muna natin i-welcome si Calderon." Sabad ni Khairro na katatapos lang

makipag-usap kay Eva tungkol sa 'listahan' nito sa tindahan. "Nagbibinata palang si
Vasquez, samantalang si Calderon, binata na na malapit nang mamental dahil sa asawa
niya. Calderon needs more attention."

Tumango ang lahat.

"Hayaan natin si Vasquez." Ani Knight na panay kain ng barbeque. "Si Calderon ang
panay hingi ng advice at dahil magalino ako, kahit nasa CR ako at naglalabas ng
sama ng loob, sinagot ko ang tawag niya."

Nalukot ang mukha ng lahat sa sinabi ni Knight.

"Velasquez! We're eating here!" Beckett snapped.

Knight just grinned.

"Tama si espanyol." Sabad ni Shun. "Kapag nanghingi na ng advice si Reigo, oras na

para sa spotlight niya."

"So, this is for real this time?" Pierce asked. "I mean, he dated a lot."

"Who knows?" Ream shrugged. "But I think this one is different."

"Why?" Khairro asked.

Ream answered. "Well, for one, he's not scheduling his mood to suit the taste of
the woman he's dating like he always does before. He's being himself, he said."

That was enough for everyone to stop being concern.

"Gossipers," tinuro ni Tyron si Iuhence at Calyx. "Galingan niyo makasagap ng

balita tungkol kay Vasquez. Kailangan fresh palagi ang balita. Baka kapag na
brokenhearted 'yon, araw-araw niyang i-schedule ang pagkairitado niya, maapektuhan
tayong lahat."

"Leave it to us!" Iuhence even pounded his chest.

"Kami pa ba." Wika naman ni Calyx.

Some nodded, and some shook their heads at the gossipers, but one thing was certain
with everyone, they're all concern about Reigo and his love life.

JUST LIKE YESTERDAY, Reigo was just as early making Zehannah groaned. She just woke
up, for Pete's sake! It's just five in the morning! "Natutulog ka pa ba?" Tanong ni
Zehannah sa binata. "Seriously, Reigo. It's still fucking early."

"Early bird catches the worm, my Zee."

She glared at him. "The only thing you'll catch here is my anger!"
The bastard just smile, kissed her forehead and said, "good morning, my Zee. What
do you want for breakfast? Me, me or me?"

Zehannah couldn't help it anymore. She groaned in annoyance. "Fuck! I'm pissed."

Reigo blinked at Zehannah. "Did I do something?"

Napasabunot nalang si Zehannah sa sariling buhok saka impit na sumigaw bago

nagmamartsang bumalik sa kuwarto nito at iniwan sa salas si Reigo.

Napakurap-kurap si Reigo sa pintuan ng kuwarto ni Zehannah saka sinundan ang dalaga

pero hindi siya pumasok. Nanatili siya sa labas habang kinakausap ito.

"Zee...? You look mad."

"Oo! Sayo!"

Napangiwi si Reigo. "Is it because I was early and I interrupted your sleep?"
Tanging impit na sigaw lang ang narinig ni Reigo sa labas. "Zee...? What do you
want for breakfast?"

"Not you!" Sigaw ni Zehannah. "I want eggs, but not your eggs!" Inunahan na ni
Zehannah ang kahalayan ni Reigo. "Hotdog as well, but not your hotdog! And you're
not included in the menu! I don't want to eat you!"

Reigo sighed at the door. "How can this woman be so savage in the morning...?"

"I heard you!" Zehannah snapped.

"Sabi ko nga." Bagsak ang balikat ni Reigo. "Normal eggs and hotdog—not my eggs and
hotdog — coming right up."

Reigo went to the kitchen to make breakfast while Zehannah was trying to tone down
her frustration so early in the morning.

In the kitchen, Reigo was humming while cooking. To avoid staining his clothes, he
used Zehannah's apron and continued making breakfast until he heard the doorbell
rang.

Remembering that Zehannah was in her room, pissed, Reigo went to open the door with
apron and all.

And Reigo came face to face with two good looking and familiar middle-aged man.
Maybe in their late forties. And they looked so shock when they saw him.

"Anong kailangan nila?" Tanong ni Reigo para masabihan niya si Zehannah na may
bisita ito.

Pero sa halip na sumagot ang isa sa dalawa, siya ang inusisa ng mga ito.

"Who are you?"

"What is your relationship with our daughter?"

Reigo blinked, and he looked at the two men in front of him. They said daughter...
Wala sa sariling napalingon si Reigo sa loob ng condo bago ibinalik ang tingin sa
dalawang lalaki na nasa labas.

"What are you doing in our daughter's condo?" One of the two men asked him.
"Um, cooking breakfast...?" Sagot ni Reigo saka nilakihan ang pagkakabukas ng
pintuan ng maalala kung bakit pamilyar sa kaniya ang dalawa.

Ito ang dalawang lalaki na kasama ni Zehannah sa graduation picture nito na nakita
niyang naka-display sa divider nuong nakaraang gabi habang naghihintay kay Zehannah
na matapos maghugas sa pinagkainan nila.

"Pinapasok ka ni Zehan sa condo niya?" Tanong ng isa sa dalawa kay Reigo.

Nalukot naman ang mukha ng kasama nito. "Cam, nakikita mo ng nasa loob na siya,
itatanong mo pa talaga?"

Napangiwi ang lalaki saka hinalikan sa gilid ng nuo ang kasama. "Sorry, Dan, love.
I was just shock that Zehan let someone inside her condo other than us and little
Cassia. You know how she values her privacy and space."

Reigo's pulse quickened at that. So I'm the first person she ever brought here
aside from her parents and Thorn's wife? He wanted to smile, but remained calm and
collected since he was in the presence of Zehannah's beloved parents.

"So," Dan face Reigo. "Anong relasyon mo sa anak namin?"

Reigo didn't know how to answer that, but he tried his best to explain. "Um, we're,
um, friend...? No, not that. I'm kinda of a suitor, but not really...?"

Now Dan and Cameron were confused.

"Which is it?" Cameron asked.

Reigo didn't know too, so he simplified it. "I'm Zee's future boyfriend. Nice to
meet you." Inilahad ni Reigo ang kamay sa dalawa. "I'm Reigo Vasquez. I'm an
engineer, a businessman, and I'm currently doing my best to win Zee's affection."

Nagkatinginan si Cam saka si Dan sa huling sinabi ng binata kapagkuwan ay

nagpakilala ang dalawa.

"I'm Daniel and this is my partner, Cameron. We're Zehan's parents."

Nakipagkamay ang dalawa kay Reigo habang inoobserbahan ang reaksiyon ng binata. Dan
and Cameron were trying to gouge the young man's opinion to the same-sex couple.
They had met some of Zehannah's ex-boyfriends and some of them had that uneasy
glint in their eyes when they found out that Zehannah's parents were a same-sex
couple, while some tried their best to hide their distaste.

Zehannah never hid who her parents were from her exes and if her exes showed any
distaste towards her parents, Zehannah would immediately break up with them.

So Dan and Cameron wondered what this young man, Reigo, reaction would be.

To Dan and Cameron's surprised, Reigo didn't even blink. His expression didn't
change at all, and he treated them normally, like any other parent, and that got
Reigo into Dan and Cameron's good side.

"Pinapahirapan ka ba ng anak namin?" Tanong ni Dan pagkatapos magkamay ng dalawa.

"I bet she is." Cameron whispered. "We know our Zehan. She's very savage."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Reigo sa narinig saka nagsumbong. "She's always being
savage with me. But I'm really interested in her, so I'm doing my best."

Tinapik-tapik ni Cameron ang balikat ni Reigo. "Hang in there. Our Zehan can be so
mean, but she's very caring. You just have to unlock that side of her. You'll get
there."

Tumango si Dan habang nakakaramdam ng munting awa para sa binata. Kapagkuwan ay

napalinga-linga ito. "Nasaan pala si Zehan?"

"In her room. She's pissed because I arrived early for our date."

Napangiwi si Cameron saka mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin ng makitang pinaningkitan

ito ng mata ni Dan.

"Katulad ka pala ng isa rito, mas maaga pa sa tilaok ng manok kung bumisita." Ani
Dan.

Napakamot sa batok si Cameron. "Early bird catches the worm."

Reigo's lips formed into an 'o'. "Damn. That's my reason too!"

Dan groaned. "No wonder my Zehan is pissed. I'll go talk to Zehan."

Dan left the two near the door. After a couple of seconds just standing there,
Reigo asked Cameron.

"Want some coffee...? Oh, wait, this is your daughter's house. That came out
wrong."

Mahinang natawa si Cameron. "Sure. I'd like a coffee."

"Great." Nauna nang naglakad si Reigo papuntang kusina na para bang bahay niyo 'yon
saka nag-timpla ng kape para sa ama ni Zehannah at para sa sarili.

Cameron enjoyed his coffee on the island counter while Reigo went back to cooking
breakfast. Dinagdagan ni Reigo ang niluluto para sa mga magulang ni Zehannah.

For our Zehan to let this young man cooked in her kitchen and let him stay, she
must've trusted him a lot. Cameron was observing Reigo, who was so immersed in
cooking.

"Reigo, can I ask you something?" Kapagkuwan ay kuha ni Cameron sa atensiyon ni

Reigo.

Kaagad na humarap si Reigo kay Cameron. "Yes, Sir."

Mahinang natawa si Cameron sa reaksiyon ng binata bago seryosong nagtanong. "Let's

say that you and my daughter ended up together and God blessed you two with a son
or a daughter. Will you let me and Dan take care of them from time to time?"

Reigo was confused by the question, but he still answered. "Isn't that a given? I
mean, you're their grandparents."

Reigo's answer brought a smile to Cameron's lips that Cameron hid by sipping his
coffee. "Hmm. Yeah. We are. Anyway, do you want to know anything about my daughter?
I'll happily tell you three things about her."

Reigo did not even think. "It's tempting and I appreciate it," bumalik si Reigo sa
pagpi-prito ng longganisa, "but I want to know those things about Zee myself. It'll
be more memorable that way."

Cameron was impressed. Looks like my Zehan found a good guy. I just hoped she
opened up to him. But knowing his daughter, that'll be hard.

Napatigil sa pagsimsim ng kape si Cameron ng makita ang kapareha at ang anak na

pumasok sa kusina. Kaagad na dumeretso si Zehannah sa coffee maker para gawan ng
kape ang Papi niya at ang sarili pagkatapos ay pasimpleng lumapit ito kay Reigo at
tumabi sa binata habang nagkakape.

"Binomba ka ba ng tanong ng mga magulang ko?" Pabulong na tanong ni Zehannah.

"Hmm? Not really."

That's a first. "Wala ka namang kahalayang pinagsasasabi sa harapan nila 'di ba?"

Nginitian ni Reigo si Zehannah. "Hindi ba sabi ko, sayo lang ako lalandi. Ibig
sabihin no'n, sayo lang din ako magiging mahalay."

Zehannah narrowed her eyes at Reigo. "Anong sakin lang? Ang kalat mo kaya. Kung
saan-saan ka lang naghahasik ng kahalayan mo."

"Only when I'm with you."

Zehannah rolled her eyes at Reigo and was about to go enjoy her coffee with her
parents when Reigo used a fork to bring a hotdog over her mouth.

"Here, my Zee. Taste it."

Zehannah looked at the hotdog. "That's a big one."

"Mine's bigger." He said with an innocent smile, as if he was not talking about
something explicit. "And this is practice, my Zee."

"Really?!" Zehannah half whispered and half shouted at Reigo. "In front of my
parents?!"

"Hindi naman nila naririnig," dahilan nito saka mas inilapit pa ang hotdog sa labi
ni Zehannah. "Come on, my Zee. Open up and let me feed you. No worries, it's just a
normal hotdog."

Zehannah sighed and looked at Reigo flatly. She already had given up on hoping that
Reigo would stop being a suggestive, horny guy. "Kung 'yong hotdog mo kaya ang
prituhin ko?"

"No need to fry my hotdog, my Zee. You can eat it raw."

"Maybe I should cancel our date." Kalmadong wika ni Zehannah.

Kaagad na ibinaba ni Reigo ang hawak na tinidor saka hinalikan sa gilid ng nuo si
Zehannah. "I'll be finished with breakfast soon. Help me set the table?"

Zehannah narrowed her eyes on Reigo before saying, "sure." Then she gave him the
'don't-say-anything-horny-related' look before she set the table.

Pangiti-ngiti naman na tinapos ni Reigo ang pagluluto saka inihain 'yon sa lamesa.

"I'm glad you can cook, Reigo." Ani Dan habang kumakain na silang apat. "Gustong-
gusto ni Zehannah na nagluluto, pero walang gusto sa kaniya yong pagluluto kaya
hanggang ngayon, matabang pa rin."

"At least it's not salty." Sinimangutan ni Zehannah ang Papi niya. "Gusto mo, Papi,
dalhan kita ng niluto ko araw-araw?"

"Araw-araw na katabangan." Bulong ng Papa ni Zehannah.

"Papa...! Mas wala kang alam sa kusina keysa sakin."

"Anong wala? Marunong na ako ngayon. I can boil eggs now, cooked a perfect noddles
and fry anything to perfection."

"Oh. Me too. I'm good at frying too. It's my specialty. I'm like the god of
frying." Sabad ni Reigo saka napatingin kay Zehannah ng lagyan ng dalaga ng ulam
ang pinggan nito.

"Isang matabang ang timpla at isang pagpi-prito ang specialty." Dan sighed. "What a
pair."

"Papi, hindi kami 'pair'." Pagtatama ni Zehannah sa ama. "I haven't said yes yet."

Dan looked at his daughter flatly before he motioned his hand at Reigo, as if Reigo
was a product he wanted to introduce. "Look at him, Zehan, and tell me that he's
not worth saying yes to?"

Reigo immediately showed his charming smile to Zehannah.

"Kahit papaano ay marunong siyang magluto, guwapo, magalang, mabait at higit sa

lahat, hindi makitid ang utak." Dagdag ng Papi niya. "Ano pang hahanapin mo?"

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. "Papi, huwag kang magpapaloko riyan. Mahangin at
mahalay 'yan."

Dan and Cameron looked at Reigo as if expecting him to defend himself. But Reigo
just shrugged and smiled innocently, as if he couldn't say the word 'fuck'.

"Huwag kayong magpapadala sa inosenteng ngiti na 'yan." Pinaningkitan ni Zehannah

si Reigo. "Mahalay po 'yang nilalang. Nagpapanggap lang 'yan na hindi."

"Well..." Dan shrugged, "mahalay din naman ang Papa mo at okay lang naman kami."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. "That's too much information, Papi!"

Nginitian ni Reigo si Zehannah. "You heard your Papi, my Zee. We'll be just fine."

Sa halip na ma-stress siya umagang-umaga, kalmadong kumain nalang si Zehannah

habang sumisimsim ng kape paminsan-minsan at hinayaan ang tatlo na mag-usap-usap.

At habang nakikinig siya, hindi niya maiwasang mapansin na mukhang gusto ng mga
magulang niya si Reigo. Halata iyon sa kung paano makipag-usap ang mga ito sa
binata.

Her parents were even giving Reigo tips on how to get into her good side.

Zehannah never intended it, but Reigo met her parents and it went well that it
surprised her. Her parents left her condo after breakfast with a smile on their
faces and wishing them to have an amazing date.

Nang maisara ni Zehannah ang pinto ng condo, bumaling siya sa katabi na inosente pa
rin ang bukas ng mukha.

Zehannah clicked her tongue. "If only you're as innocent as you look right now."

Reigo closed the space between them and softly kissed her forehead, then his lips
pressed against her neck so seductively before he whispered over her ear, "my Zee,
admit it, you like that I'm like this. It turns you on. You make me hard as much as
I make you wet. Aren't we a perfect pair?"

Zehannah gulped subtly.

How could she rebuke that fact? She knew she couldn't, and she didn't want to lie
just to save herself.

But the bastard was not done.

"I'm maybe food that you're not allowed to eat, but I'm certain that my Zee is
salivating right now." He smiled and kissed her shoulder so tenderly. "And there's
nothing to be ashamed about it. I, too, am drooling and want to devour you. So if
you finally want this piece of delicacy in front of you, no need to ask, you can
take a bite anytime you want."

And as if he didn't say anything to stimulate Zehannah's brain and body, he

straightened his body and offered his hand. "Shall we date, my Zee?"

Zehannah accepted Reigo's hand and looked him in the eyes. "When the time comes
that I want to eat you, you better give me everything you have or I won't eat you
again. I love good food, after all."

A broad smile grazed Reigo's lips. "I told you, I'm a delicacy."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Mr. delicacy. Mag-date nalang tayo. Ibang
delicacy ang gusto kong tikman ngayon, hindi ikaw."

Tumawa lang si Reigo saka hinawakan ang kamay ni Zehannah habang palabas ng condo.

Nagpaubaya naman si Zehannah at paminsan-minsan ay napapatingin sa magkahawak

nilang kamay ni Reigo habang naglalakad. At sa paminsan-minsan na 'yon ay sumasagi
sa isip niya ang sagot na 'oo' sa alok ni Reigo.

CECELIB | C.C.

A/N: For those who are asking, it's pronounce as Rey-go po. Anyway, happy reading!

CHAPTER 11

ZEHANNAH THOUGHT REIGO couldn't surprise her anymore, but that was only her
imagination. Sinong hindi magugulat kung kailangang sumakay sa isang pribadong
eroplano para sa 'food hopping date'?

At para lang kumain ng lechon.

Then they went to Illilo for their La Paz Batchoy, roasted native chicken, and
Binakol. Afterwards, they hit Bacolod for their chicken inasal, Kansi and Piaya.
After that, they went to Guimaras for their mango pizza. And their last stop was
the Seafood capital of the Philippines, Roxas City.

Eating lots of seafood mixed with different kinds of foods they've eaten that day,
Zehannah's stomach was not feeling happy.

Nanlalamig na napahawak si Zehannah sa tiyan ng makalabas sila ni Reigo sa

restaurant na kainain at nakasakay sa nirentahan nitong sasakyan.

She was trying to hold it in, but her stomach was not being nice to her.

Zehannah breathe in and out and she did it a couple of times that Reigo took
notice.

"You okay, Zee?"

Tangina naman tiyan! Huwag kang magkakalat! Napakagat ng labi si Zehannah. Ayaw
niyang sabihin! Ayaw niya! This was their second date, for Christ's sake! "Nothing.
Just keep driving."

Of course, Reigo didn't buy that and did the last thing Zehannah wanted. He stopped
the car on the side of the road!

Sinubukan ni Zehannah na kumalma, umaasa na makikisama ang tiyan niya pero ayaw
talaga. Kahit anong kagat niya pa sa labi, hindi siya pinakinggan ng walanghiya
niyang tiyan.

"Zee...?"

Okay. This is it! Makapal ang mukha mo 'di ba? Pagkausap ni Zehannah sa sarili.
Oras na para mas kapalan mo pa!

"Zee...? Are you okay?"

Lumunok muna si Zehannah bago bahagyang umiling. Ayaw niyang igalaw ang katawan
baka biglang may sumabog na hindi kanais-nais.

"Anong problema?" Kaagad na ibinigay ni Reigo ang buong atensiyon sa dalaga. "Is
there something I can do?"

Zehannah squeezed her eyes shut and spoke the words that she never thought she
would speak in front of Reigo. "I want to..." Zehannah's voice became a whisper at
the end, "poop."

Hindi narinig ni Reigo si Zehannah. "What did you say?"

Bahala na, tangina! Tumingin si Zehannah kay Reigo. "Sama ng loob." Tinuro ni
Zehannah ang tiyan. "Lalabas na. As in, sobrang lapit na!"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo. "Sama ng loob...?" A couple of seconds, a

realization hit Reigo. "Oh. You want to poop?"

Fuck! Zehannah nodded. "Nasobrahan yata ang kain ko ng sea food. May-giyera sa
tiyan ko."

Mabilis na pinagalaw ni Reigo ang sasakyan saka may tinawagan ito sa cellphone.
Zehannah was too focused on controlling her muscles down there to care who and what
Reigo was talking about.

"Three minutes, my Zee. Hold for three."

"What the fuck do you think I'm doing?!" Zehannah snapped.

"Just focus, Zee." Ani Reigo saka binilisan ang pagmamaneho habang may tinatawagan
sa cellphone nito.

Reigo never drove fast when he's with Zehannah and he wouldn't dare use a phone,
but they were in different circumstances at the moment.

Finally, they arrived at their destination and Reigo carried Zehannah inside the
establishment—which was a hotel owned by Tyron Zapanta. And since Reigo already
called the owner, he was immediately welcomed by the manager, who guided them to
their room.

Zehannah, on the other hand, was gripping the front of Reigo's polo while still
holding it in. She knew they entered a hotel, but she didn't care how luxurious
looking it was. She just wanted to poop.

"Zee, we're here—"

Zehannah literally jumped down from Reigo's arms and run towards the bathroom as if
she was on fire.

Meanwhile, Reigo cleared his throat and face the manager. "Thank you for
accommodating my sudden request to checked-in."

"It was our pleasure, Mr. Vasquez." Anang manager saka ngumiti. "Please, excuse
me."

Akmang aalis na ang manager ng pigilan ito ni Reigo. "Wait, um, may malapit ba
kayong pharmacy dito?"

"Yes, Sir. Nasa baba lang ho. Katabi lang ng hotel."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, Sir." Anang manager saka umalis na.

Thinking that Zehannah might take a while, he took one of the two key cards and
left the room. He didn't waste any time. He went down to the pharmacy and bought
something for Zehannah and some that he thinks Zehannah might need. Then he went
back to their hotel room.

Pagkabalik ni Reigo, nasa loob pa rin ng banyo si Zehannah kaya iniwan niya sa
pinakamalapit na lamesa sa banyo ang pinamiling alcohol, wet wipes at gamot saka
pabagsak na nahiga sa kama.

That scared me. Reigo thought. Akala niya napaano na si Zehannah ng mapansing
pinagpapawisan ito, buti 'yon lang pala ang dahilan. Maybe eating different kinds
of food in one day was not a good idea.

Mabilis na napalingon si Reigo ng bumukas ang pintuan ng banyo at lumabas doon si

Zehannah na parang nakipag-sabunutan sa kung sino.

"You feeling okay now?" He asked.

Zehannah groaned and stilled when she saw the alcohol, wet wipes and medicine on
the table near the bathroom. "Binili mo?"

"Yep. I thought you might need it."

"Thanks." Kaagad na ginamit ni Zehannah ang alcohol saka sapo-sapo ang tiyan na
tinungo ang kama at nahiga sa tabi ni Reigo.

Reigo immediately put a safe distance between them. He didn't want to do anything
he might regret, like forcing himself on Zehannah.

"Medyo masakit pa rin ang tiyan ko." Ani Zehannah.

Tumagilid si Reigo paharap kay Zehannah. "Want me to take you to a hospital?"

"I'll be fine. Pahinga lang ng kunti. Parang naubos ang lakas ko sa mga lumabas.
Tangina talaga."

Reigo smiled. "I know for a fact that you have an amazing stamina, my Zee. Hinding-
hindi ka basta-basta napapagod kahit pa ilang beses kang labasan."

"Reigo," Zehannah didn't want to be stressed out because it takes a lot of energy,
"please lang, tama na muna ang kalandian mo. Masakit pa ang tiyan ko. Hindi ako
makakalaban sa kahalayan mo. Baka mas sumakit pa lalo ang tiyan ko, masasapak
kita."

Tinuyo ni Reigo ang pawis sa gilid ng nuo ni Zehannah. "I'll try. Pahinga ka na."

"Salamat naman. Let me rest for a little while."

"Sure. Kung sa tingin mo makakatulong 'yong gamot na binili ko, sabihan mo muna ako
bago mo inumin. I'll ask a friend of mine if the medicine is good for you."

Zehannah nodded and closed her eyes. "Pahinga lang ako. Huwag kang gagawa ng
katarantaduhan, tatamaan ka sakin." Pagbabanta rito ni Zehannah.

"Malandi lang ako, hindi tarantado."

Zehannah just grimaced and was planning to relax when she felt a hand softly
combing her messy hair.

She opened her eyes to look at the owner of those hands.

"Hindi ba puwede?" Tanong ni Reigo na kaagad na itinigil ang ginagawa.

"Nah. It's okay. Massage my head too while you're at it." Ani Zehannah saka
nginitian ang binata. "Ayosin mo, ha?"

Mahinang natawa si Reigo saka umupo para maayos na mamasahe ang ulo ni Zehannah. It
felt so nice that Zehannah's eyes slowly dropped.

"Ah, that feels nice."

Tumikhim si Reigo. "Zee, don't moan. You're turning my head into a pile of
greeneries."

Umingos si Zehannah. "Matagal ka nang berde. Huwag mong sisihin ang ungol ko. Saka
hindi 'yon malanding ungol, 'ungol of appreciation' 'yon."
"Ungol pa rin." Reigo argued while still massaging Zehannah's head. "The effect is
the same."

"Maharot ka lang talaga." Zehannah opened her eyes and looked up at Reigo. "Ganito
ka ba sa lahat ng naging ex mo?"

Umiling si Reigo. "I usually pattern my attitude to whatever they wanted me to be."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "The fuck...?"

"It was tiring," Reigo kept massaging Zehannah's head and scalp while combing her
hair with his fingers, "adjusting your attitude and mood to suit someone's taste.
It drained me. And then I realized, whatever I do, however much I change for them,
they'll just discard me when I no longer suit their taste. That's when I got tired
of dating. Ang daming manloloko at ang hihilig pa nilang manisi. Kesyo naghanap
sila ng iba dahil wala akong oras o kaya naman hindi ko daw binibigay ang atensiyon
na gusto nila mula sakin. Gaano ba kahirap sabihin sakin na ayaw na nila?" Reigo
sighed. "It's tiring to keep a lid on yourself while dating. Because aren't we
dating to get to know each other?"

"So... this is your true self?"

Reigo smiled. "You could say that."

"So, itong kalandian mo, ito ang naipon mong kalandian sa mahabang panahon?"
Napatanga si Zehannah sa binata. "How did you manage to survive that? With that, no
filter mouth of yours?"

"I don't know. I just did." Reigo shrugged. "Siguro dahil na rin sa kagustuhan kong
magkaroon ng katuwang sa buhay. All of my friends already have a partner and
they're all happy. I want the same happiness. But what I failed to realize is that
everyone is different. That I shouldn't have compared myself to them, but it was
already too late for me to realize that." Reigo took a deep breath. "Life really is
hard."

Bumangon si Zehannah saka pa-indian sit na naupo paharap kay Reigo. "You're looking
at it the wrong way, Reigo. Don't think that it was sad because it's already too
late when you realized it. Instead, think that it's a blessing that you realized it
before it was too late. Sabi mo pa nga, life begins at thirty, or forty to some, so
it's still not too late, right?"

Reigo's expression softened. "I like it."

Zehannah tilted her head so the side because Reigo's response didn't make sense to
her. "Huh?"

He smiled. "I like how our opinion differs in some ways and how we see things
differently. Together, we're growing. Isn't that nice? We're becoming a perfect
pair. You can expect nothing less from your future boyfriend."

Dalang-dala na si Zehannah sa mga unang sinabi ni Reigo, pero dinagdagan pa nito sa

huli. Nawala 'yong kaseryosohan ng sinabi nito.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. Lately, she realized that she'd been sighing

heavily a lot. Thanks to Reigo. "When I first met you, you're very serious that
your smile is too expensive, but now.... I don't know anymore."

"Isn't that normal?" Ani Reigo saka nahiga sa kama at walang pagaalinlangan na
ginawang unan ang hita ni Zehannah. "Everyone is serious at the first meeting.
Then, gradually, people show their true colors as they become comfortable. They
begin to smile, cuss, joke and even act childish. Katulad lang 'yan sa mga kaibigan
ko. Mga seryoso sa trabaho, sa ibang tao na hindi ng mga ito kilala o kakikilala pa
lang, pero kapag kami-kami lang ang magkakasama dahil komportable kami sa isa't-
isa, lumalabas yong ugali na hindi namin pinapakita sa iba. Like being childish and
doing crazy stuff because we've known each other for so many years that we can act
like that.

"And I'm also like that when I'm with you. I'm getting comfortable with you, Zee.
Hindi ko kailangang i-ayon sa gusto mo ang ugali na pinapakita ko at para sa akin,
big deal 'yon at naging rason 'yon para maging komportable ako sayo. That's why I
wanted to get to know each other. Tulad ng sinabi ko nuong una, paano ka o-oo kung
hindi mo ako lubusang kilala? Aside from my handsome face, big dick and the fact
that I could bring you to high heavens, you know nothing about me. But now, you
know so much in just a short amount of time. Aren't I an amazing future boyfriend?"

Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead. "Anong 'so much'? Maliban sa malandi ka, mahalay
ka, malibog ka at mayaman ka, wala na akong alam tungkol sa'yo." Well, she knew
other things, but compared to the four she mentioned, they seemed so little to her.
"At bakit pala ginawa mong unan ang hita ko?"

"Gusto kitang landiin ng palihim."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata. "Para namang madali akong malandi."

"What can I say? I'm enjoying the chase, Zee."

"And after that? What happens after you catch me?"

"I'll spoil you, of course. But I don't think the chase will end once you say yes.
Knowing you, my Zee, that would be close to impossible."

"And when I'm not a delicacy in your eyes anymore?" Zehannah asked earnestly. "A
time will come that I will just be a normal meal to you."

"When would that be?" Reigo frowned. "I don't see that happening."

"Siguro hindi ngayon, pero darating ang panahon na mangyayari 'yon."

"Wala akong sagot sa tanong mo," ani Reigo. "It could happen to anyone, not just
you, Zee. In the back of my head, I think of that as well. But I don't want that
thinking to consume me. I want you, and I'm doing all this because I want to be
with you, not because I'm thinking that in a year or so, I will lose my interest in
you. It's risky, trust me, I know. But, compared to not being with you at all, I'll
take the risk however much I'll pay in the end."

"How brave of you. I can't do it."

That did not deter Reigo. "I still have a few more days to change your mind."

Hindi umimik si Zehannah at bumaba lang ang tingin sa binata. Kapagkuwan ay umangat
ang kamay niya saka hinaplos ang buhok ni Reigo.

That gesture made Reigo stilled and looked up at Zehannah. "Zee...?"

"I'll think about it properly while getting to know you," Zehannah said while still
caressing Reigo's hair. "Thank you for thinking that I'm worth the effort and
risk."
Reigo smiled. "Anytime." Somehow, he felt like he's getting one step closer to
Zehannah, but he knew he had a long way to go. "Though, my Zee, tasting each other
is part of getting to know each other. Want to taste each other now?"

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka piningot ang tainga ni Reigo. "Ang seryoso ko

tapos puro kahalayan ang nasa utak mo."

"Aw! Ouch! Zee! Have mercy!"

"Bakit? Naaawa ka ba sakin kapag naghahasik ka ng kahalayan mo kung saan-saan?"

"Hindi naman kung saan-saan, basta kasama lang kita."

"At nagdahilan ka pa?"

"It's a fact."

Tinigil ni Zehannah ang pagpingot sa tainga ni Reigo saka tinulak paalis sa hita
niya ang ulo nito. "Umuwi na nga tayo, baka masakal kita ng wala sa oras."

"If choking is your kink—"

Zehannah's sharp glare clamp Reigo's mouth shut. "Continue that and I will murder
you."

"Sabi ko nga."

Nakahinga ng maluwang si Zehannah ng hindi na nagsalita pa ng kung anong kahalayan

si Reigo hanggang sa makapag-check out sila sa hotel at makasakay sa sasakyang ni-
rentahan nito.

It was a peaceful drive to the airport. Nang makasakay sila sa pribadong eroplano
ng pamilya ni Reigo, nakahinga ng maluwang si Zehannah na sa wakas ay uuwi na sila.
It's not like she didn't enjoy the date, it was just tiring to travel from one
place to another.

"Zee?" Kuha ni Reigo sa atensiyon ni Zehannah ng nasa himpapawid na ang eroplanong

sinasakyan.

"Hmm?"

"Can I have you weekend again?"

Another Reigo's day? Zehannah didn't mind but, "no helicopter and plane involved
and I'll agree."

"Promise. Nothing of sort."

"Okay. Then you can have my weekend again."

Reigo happily leaned his head on Zehannah's shoulder. "I know how much you treasure
you weekends, so thank you."

Sa sinabing 'yon ni Reigo, napaisip si Zehannah. Yes, she valued her weekends so
much because it's her rest day and family day, but she gave it to Reigo just like
that.

What's happening? Hindi masagot ni Zehannah ang sarili. At hanggang sa makauwi sila
'yon pa rin ang nasa isip niya. It was bothering her so much that she didn't
realize Reigo already pulled over his car in her condo's parking lot.

"You okay, Zee? You'd been out of it since we're on the plane."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka bumaling kay Reigo. "Nag enjoy ako sa date
natin. Hindi mo na ako kailangang ihatid sa condo ko."

"Did I do something?" Tanong ni Reigo ng akmang lalabas na ng sasakyan si Zehannah.

"Wala naman. Gusto ko lang mapag-isa at mag-isip."

"Oh. Okay. Ingat sa pag-akyat."

Tumango si Zehannah saka lumabas na ng sasakyan, pero bago pa siya makalayo,

narinig niyang tinawag ni Reigo ang pangalan niya. Nang lingunin niya ang sasakyan
nito, nagulat siya ng makitang lumabas ito ng sasakyan at naglalakad palapit sa
kaniya pero hindi siya nagulat na hinalikan siya nito sa mga labi at tumakbo ito
pabalik sa sasakyan nito.

Zehannah shook her head before she went inside the building.

Nang nasa elevator na siya patungo sa palapag niya, nakatanggap siya ng text mula
kay Reigo.

From: Talandi Reigo

'I don't know if I did something wrong, but if I did and I'm unaware of it, forgive
me. I hope I can still buy you breakfast tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't be on the
menu—not even part of the package. May nahanap lang akong restaurant na may masarap
na pancake kaya gusto kong matikman mo.'

Zehannah replied. 'Pancake is always welcome.'

'Great! How about me? Am I still welcome?'

'Sure. Just bring good food.'

'I'm a delicacy myself, so that's not a problem.' Reigo replied, making Zehannah
sighed because she knew he was.

'Umuwi ka na at itulog mo lang 'yan.'

'Tell me to drive safely first.'

Napailing si Zehannah. 'Drive safely. There, be grateful and say thank you.'

'Thank you and good night, my Zee.'

'Good night.'

'You know, Zee, you should put 'my' before my name as well. I won't mind.'

'No, thanks. Baka hindi ako makatulog.'

'Sa kakaisip sakin dahil kahit sa panaginip masarap ako?'

'Sa bangungot.' Hindi na nag reply si Zehannah pagkatapos niyon kahit pa tumunog
ang cellphone niya.
Pumasok siya sa condo niya at kaagad na naligo. Pagkatapos ay tumawag siya sa mga
magulang niya para kumustahin ang mga ito pero siya at ang date nila ni Reigo ang
naging sentro ng usapan. Halos tuyo na ang buhok ni Zehannah ng matapos siyang
makipag-usap sa mga magulang niya kaya naman kaagad siyang naghanda para matulog ng
tumunog ang cellphone niya.

Dahil hindi pa naman siya masyadong inaantok, kinuha niya ang cellphone na inilagay
niya sa bedside table saka tiningnan kung sino ang nagpadala sa kaniya ng text.

It was from Talandi Reigo.

Zehannah nonchalantly opened it — and it was a mistake.

Why?

Because Reigo sent a photo of him—almost naked! She could see the v-shape along his
hips and the little pubic hairs on the entrance to his groin area!

'Sending my delectable body for sweet dreams. Good night, my Zee.'

With a slightly trembling hand and deep breathing, she put her phone back on the
bedside table and hurriedly lay on the bed and sleep after praying for a good
night's sleep without Reigo in it.

But she was not heard once again.

Though this time, she was not the one eating, but Reigo.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 12

"YOU WANT to build your own company too?" Gulat na wika ni Cassia ng mabuksan nila
ang usaping negosyo ni Zehannah habang nananghalian ang dalawa sa cafeteria. "Me
too, master Zehan. Pero baka magalit sakin ang mga magulang ko. I already caused
them so much pain and trouble. I don't want to add more."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka pinisil ang pisngi ni Cassia. "Sabi nang huwag
mo akong tawaging master."

"Pero master kita—"

"Isa pa, Cassia, iiwan kita rito sa cafeteria."

Napasimangot si Cassia saka bumulong, "master pa rin kita kahit hindi kita tawaging
master Zehan."

Hinayaan na ni Zehannah ang kaibigan at napunta sa asawa nito ang usapan nila.
Tungkol sa 'listahan' na ginawa nito at mga payo ni Zehannah para maniwala na si
Cassia na hindi nga bakla ang asawa nito.
It was a long talk that it consumed their lunchtime, but Zehannah was certain that
she hammered a lot of things into Cassia's head that Cassia will surely follow—
well, after editing them to her own understanding, of course.

"You're hopeless." Ani Zehannah ng matapos tumawag ang asawa ni Cassia rito na
pumutol sa pag-uusap nila.

"What did I do?" Cassia genuinely thinks she did nothing wrong.

She's hopeless. Zehannah thought. "You ended the call like he's one of your
clients. 'Okay. Bye. Have a good day.' Really? Seriously, Cass. Be sweet, for
goodness' sake!"

Cassia blinked at Zehannah. "I am sweet. I told him to have a good day."

Zehannah looked at Cassia dryly. "Cass, you could've added an endearment at the
end, maybe? Sweeten your voice a little. Make it softer. What I'm saying is, flirt
with him on the phone too, not just in person."

"Is that so?" Cassia's shoulder fell. "You know I'm rusty with these kinds of
things."

Napabuntong-hininga saka napailing si Zehannah. "Landiin mo ang asawa mo sa lahat

ng pagkakataong makikita mo. Personal man o sa tawag. Landi lang nang landi. Asawa
mo naman 'yon."

Cassia nodded earnestly while mumbling to herself, "Landi lang nang landi." Kumuyom
pa ang kamao nito na parang pinalalakas ang sariling loob. "Kaya ko 'yan."

She's hopeless, but she's learning in her own way. Nginitian ni Zehannah ang
kaibigan. "Always use endearment. Sweeten him up and soften him until he gets hard
for you."

Cassia stilled and stared at Zehannah. "Gets hard... for me?"

Nakataas ang kilay na inginuso ni Zehannah ang pagkababae ni Cassia. "His penis. If
that got hard because of you" — Zehannah made an 'ok' sign with her fingers—"one
hundred percent not gay, Cass. No doubt."

Napakurap-kurap si Cassia saka napatingin sa pagkababae nito kapagkuwan ay nag-

angat ng tingin kay Zehannah at bumulong. "Sweeten him up and soften him... 'til he
gets hard. What's that supposed to mean? Does that mean I really have to touch his
intimate part? 'Yon lang ang tanging paraan para malaman kong matigas siya."

Tumango si Zehannah saka nag-thumbs up sa kaibigan na sinagot din naman ng thumbs

up ni Cassia. That's not what Zehannah's meant, but if that's how Cassia
interpreted it, that's okay as well. Asawa naman nito si Thorn. And Zehannah thinks
Thorn would thank her if he found out.

"Come on, let's go back." Aya ni Zehannah sa kaibigan. "I have a report to finish
for my meeting later. I don't want to get chewed out."

"Okay. Good luck on your meeting, Master Zehan."

Zehannah just sighed, but didn't correct Cassia anymore.

"Mauna ka na. May gagawin ka pa 'di ba?" Ani Cassia ng makarating sila sa elevator
at isa nalang ang puwedeng sumakay.
"Sabay na tayo." Ani Zehannah.

"Nope." Masuyong tinulak ni Cassia si Zehannah papasok. "Mauna ka na."

"Okay. Okay. I'm going." Zehannah waved her hand at Cassia and rode the elevator.

Unfortunately, Dexter was in the elevator and most of the employees inside got off
at second and third floor. Silang dalawa nalang ni Dexter ang naiwan sa loob ng
elevator.

"Zehan, puwede ba tayong mag-usap?" Tanong ni Dexter ng silang dalawa nalang sa

elevator.

Hindi talaga niya ako tatantanan. Zehannah was annoyed, but she didn't show it.
"May kailangan ka?"

"It's about that night—"

"Oh. Don't worry about it. Wala na sa 'kin 'yon."

Natahimik si Dexter kapagkuwan ay nagtanong na naman ito. "Boyfriend mo ba 'yong

lalaking sumundo sayo?"

She could lie and say yes, but what's the point? "Nope. Just a suitor."

Nagliwanag ang mukha ni Dexter at hindi ito lumabas kahit dumating na sila sa
palapag nito at sumira ang elevator. "Kung ganun may pag-asa pa ako—"

"Nope." Zehannah was done being considerate, and it was time to put an end to this.
"I told you, remember? Ayokong magpaligaw sayo."

"Why not?" Dexter snapped. "Nagpapaligaw ka nga sa kaniya, bakit sakin hindi?"

"Hmm? Because he's different."

"How so?" Dexter demanded.

Dumating na ang elevator sa palapag ni Zehannah pero sinagot pa rin niya si Dexter
habang naglalakad palabas ng elevator. "Because he's handsome with a big dick and
he could bring me to high heavens." With that, the elevator behind her closed and
with a smile, she went to her office with her chin up.

Wala siyang paki kung anong isipin ni Dexter sa kaniya sa sinabi niya, ang mahalaga
sa kaniya ay ang tigilan na siya nito at sana naman gumana 'yon. She honestly
didn't want to deal with Dexter anymore. He's suffocating.

Entering her office, she immediately went back to work, but was distracted when her
phone beeped.

It was her Papa.

'Zehan, your Papi is being mean to me again. You know what he did today? Inubusan
niya ako ng ulam! Yes! Ulam! And he told me to buy a take out for myself. What am I
going to do, Zehan? I can't let this go. I have to get my revenge.'

Zehannah sighed and replied. 'Papa, ipapaalala ko lang, malamig ang panahon.'

'Ah, fuck. Bakit ang tagal mag-summer? Talk to your Papi, Zehan. Hindi kami bati.'
Napailing si Zehannah saka tinawagan ang Papi niya. "Papi, nagrereklamo na naman
sakin si Papa. Inubusan mo raw siya ng ulam at hindi ka raw niya bati."

Tumawa lang ang Papi niya. "Hayaan mo siya. Pinagmamalaki niya sakin yong boiled
egg na ginawa niya tapos hindi ako binigyan dahil inubos niya. Binabalik ko lang
naman sa kaniya ginawa niya, ah."

Zehannah sighed. "Papi, Papa wants revenge."

"Tell him it's still cold. Magkakasakit siya sa sofa."

"'Yon nga sabi ko."

"Ano sabi niya?"

"Ang tagal daw mag summer."

Dan chuckled. "Hayaan mo siya. In summer, I'll sweeten him up so he won't think of
revenge."

Napailing nalang si Zehannah. "Ewan ko sa inyo na Papa. I'll hang up now. Bye,
Papi."

"Bye, 'nak."

Nakangiting pinatay ni Zehannah ang tawag kapagkuwan ay wala sa sariling napatitig

sa screen ng cellphone niya.

Maliban sa 'good morning' text ni Reigo, hindi na ito nag-text pa sa kaniya.

He must be busy. Zehannah thought before placing her phone on her table.

It bothered her that she was feeling 'bothered' that Reigo hadn't sent her a
message since this morning. She was not a clingy person, so what was this?

Pilit na winaksi ni Zehannah ang nararamdaman saka itinuon nalang ang atensiyon sa
trabaho niya. Pilit niyang hindi pinapansin ang kahungkagan na nararamdaman
hanggang matapos ang araw niya at makauwi sa condo niya.

While going home, she heard an unpleasant rumor about Cassia, David, Cassia's
parents and Cassia's husband. Looks like something awful happened and Cassia left
work with her husband. Gusto niyang tawagan si Cassia at alamin kung anong
kalagayan nito, pero naisip niyang kasama nito ang asawa nito ngayon.

I'm sure he can take care of Cassia and they might need some privacy after what
happened. I'll visit tomorrow.

As usual, she had dinner alone that night. It was peaceful and very much welcomed.
Afterwards, she spent her time watching a series on Netflix and sipping wine.

Zehannah enjoyed her time alone. Paminsan-minsan sumasagi sa isip niya si Reigo
pero kaagad niyang winawaklit ang binata sa isip niya.

Me, myself and I ang gusto ko ngayon. Huwag na muna nating isipin ang mahalay na
'yon.

It was around ten in the evening when Zehannah decided to hit the hay. She finished
two glasses of wine and finished the series she was watching on Netflix, meaning
she's a very happy woman as she went to her bedroom.

But as soon as her back laid on the mattress, her phone started beeping, notifying
her that someone sent her a message.

She checked her phone.

Zehannah felt like something lit up inside her when she saw Reigo's name on her
messages.

From: Talandi Reigo

'I was busy the whole day. Meetings after meetings. How's your day, my Zee? Did you
miss your future boyfriend?'

Sa hindi malamang kadahilanan, parang nakahinga ng maluwang si Zehannah na nabasa

niya ang kahanginan na naman ni Reigo.

'Patulog na ako. Good night.' Reply ni Zehannah.

'Oh. Okay. Good night, my Zee.'

Sa reply ng binata, naisip ni Zehannah ang mga naging ex ni Reigo. Isang araw na
hindi nagparamdam si Reigo sa kaniya. Kung siya 'yong klase ng babae na palaging
gusto ng atensiyon at palaging gusto na siya ang priyoridad, siguradong
nagkasagutan na sila.

But she enjoyed being alone and the peace it gives her, so she didn't mind. It
bothered her a bit, but not enough to anger her since she knew that Reigo had a
company to run, just like she had an eight-to-five job that needs her full
attention.

Bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah dahil sinabi niya kay Reigo na patulog na siya, pero
mulat na mulat pa rin naman siya at hindi makatulog kaya nag-reply siya kay Reigo.

'Nakauwi ka na ba o pauwi pa lang?'

Reigo answered her by calling. Zehannah answered.

"I'm driving. Pauwi pa lang ako." Kaagad na sabi ni Reigo ng sagutin ni Zehannah
ang tawag. "Bakit mo pala natanong? Gusto mo iuwi kita sa bahay ko? Hindi pa ako
kumakain. Puwedeng ikaw nalang ang kainin ko kung gusto mo."

Zehannah sighed. Here we go again. "Kahit saan talaga, kahit kailan, nakakatangina
ang kahalayan mo."

Reigo chuckled. "Na miss lang kita."

"I get that, pero anong kinalaman nun sa pagkain sakin?"

"Pumasok lang sa isip ko."

Napailing si Zehannah. "Ang halay mo talaga."

"Sayo lang naman."

Bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Ang tanong niyan, magaling ka bang kumain?"

"Oo naman." Mabilis na sagot ni Reigo. "Gusto mo taste-test?"

"I'll pass."

"Your loss, my Zee."

Zehannah smirked. "Is it? Ang sarap ko kaya."

Mahinang natawa ni Reigo. "Masarap ka, masarap ako, pareho tayong masarap, so why
don't we taste each other?"

"No, thanks."

"Sure? Ayaw mo talaga?"

"Yep. And it's not my loss, it's yours."

"Sabi ko nga." Reigo conceded. "By the way, Zee."

"Hmm?"

"How's your day?"

Such a simple question, but Zehannah appreciates him asking. "Just so-so. Dexter
was being annoying again, but I told him not to bother me anymore."

"Hmm... knowing you, I'm sure Dexter experience what savagery means."

"I'm not that bad!" Depensa ni Zehannah sa sarili. "Sinabi ko lang sa kaniya na
hindi ako magpapaligaw sa kaniya dahil may manliligaw na akong guwapo, mahaba at
kaya akong dalhin sa langit—huwag lumaki ang ulo. Sasapakin kita."

Too late. Reigo was already smiling. "Ah, I'm such an amazing future boyfriend.
Wala ka nang hahapin pa sakin, Zee. Hindi lang ako sagad sa kaguwapuhan, kaya rin
kitang sagarin ng paulit-ulit hanggang hindi mo na kaya."

Zehannah looked at the ceiling flatly and sighed. "Lahat nalang talaga may
kahalayan kang dinadagdag. Let's stop talking. Matutulog na ako. Maaga pa ako
bukas."

Reigo smiled. "Good night, my Zee. I'll eat you for dinner some other time."

Pinatay ni Zehannah ang tawag saka hinilot ang sentido. Wala sa kaniya ang
kahalayan ni Reigo. Ang pino-problema niya ay ang mga panaginip niya na parang
tinutulak siyang makipagyugyugan sa binata.

Zehannah sighed. "Ah. My head hurts."

Malapit nang matapos ang dalawang linggo na hiningi niya kay Reigo. Honestly, it
was not hard saying yes to Reigo. As he said, they're a good pair. But she was
frightened of relationship failure, not just for herself, but also for Reigo.

She'd been with Reigo. She knew his experiences with his exes; she knew how low his
self-esteem was and the trauma his exes left behind. And lots of things might
worsen if something bad happened between them.

That's why she was asking herself if it was a good idea to date Reigo, knowing full
well that there were things that she might not be able to give to Reigo if he asked
and she'll just hurt him in the end.
Malakas na bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka napatitig sa kisame.

She had never been this conflicted before. Sa mga naging ex niya dati, oo kaagad
ang sagot siya sa panliligaw ng mga ito kapag gusto niya. She never thought of
'what if's'.

Was this because she was getting old?

Napatingin siya sa cellphone na hawak pa rin saka nagpadala ng text sa Papi niya.

'Papi, dating someone who can't give you a lot of things is just a waste of time,
right?'

She was thankful that her Papi was still awake, and he replied.

'Nak, you don't date someone because you want something from them or you want them
to give you something. You date them because you like them and want to be with
them. Look at me and your Papa. There are a lot of things we can't give to each
other, things what we have to compromise on, but we're still together. That's
because that's what we wanted—to be by each other's side regardless if we can give
something to each other or not.'

Ilang ulit na binasa ni Zehannah ang reply ng Papi niya bago ulit napatitig sa
kisame.

Date them because you wanted to be with them, huh? That was the past her. 'Yong
Zehannah na hindi pa iniiwan dahil hindi niya tinanggap ang marriage proposal na
inaalok sa kaniya ng mga naka-relasyon niya.

But once she tasted that feeling of being left behind because she couldn't give
them what they wanted even though she already told them beforehand, that changed
her perception in relationship.

She knew full too well that she hurt her exes by saying no to their proposals and
she was sorry for it, but she did not leave those relationships unscathed.

It left a scar on her too, and the one suffering from her scar now was Reigo.

Zehannah took a deep breath and tried to sleep after that, but sleep eluded her
until midnight. And because her body clock was early as five in the morning, she
woke up groggy.

But she didn't have time to feel that.

Naligo siya, nag-ayos at nagpadala ng mensahe kay Cassia para kumustahin ito. Nang
nag-reply ang kaibigan, sinabi niya ritong pupuntahan niya ito na ikinasiya ng
kaibigan.

Going to Bachelor's Village, Zehannah brought bread for breakfast since it was
still early and went to Cassia and Thorn's house. And unlike the last time she
visited, her name was already under the Calderon's household trusted person list,
so the security was not as tight as the first time. Kinailangan lang na tawagan ng
guard ang bahay nila Cassia para kompermahin na walang problema sa pagpasok niya.

After that, she went to Cassia's house, and it was so obvious that Cassia cried
becaause of her eyes.

Kaagad na niyakap ni Zehannah ang kaibigan. "How are you feeling?"

"Ayos lang." Nginitian siya ni Cassia pagkatapos nitong kumawala sa yakap niya. "My
husband was there for me."

"I'm glad."

"Me too."

Cassia guided Zehannah towards the kitchen and they shared the bread Zehannah had
bought while having coffee.

"I'm resigning, Master Zehan." Ani Cassia pagkatapos sumimsim ng kape.

"Ano ba'ng nangyari?"

Cassia told Zehannah what happened yesterday and the words she received from her so
called mother.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Anong balak mo ngayon? May plano ka na ba

pagkatapos mong mag-resign?"

Tumango si Cassia. "Balak kong magtayo ng sarili kong agency. Siguradong

mahihirapan ako dahil mag-isa lang ako, pero kakayanin."

Matiim na tinitigan ni Zehannah ang kaibigan kapagkuwan ay inalok niya ito. "How
about we become partners?"

Umawang ang labi ni Cassia. "For real?! Hindi ako hihindi riyan. You're my Master
Zehan ang my best friend after all."

Napangiti si Zehannah. "Matagal ko na rin gustong magtayo ng sarili kong negosyo

pero tulad mo, alam kong mahihirapan ako. But with you and me partnering up, I'm
sure we can do it."

Mabilis na tumango si Cassia. "Yes! We can."

Tumango na rin si Zehannah saka ngumiti. "Kahit may agiw minsan ang utak mo, alam
ko pagdating sa trabaho at negosyo, maasahan kita at ganun din naman ako. You can
count on me to do everything I can. I will leave my career now and start from
scratch with you. Life begins at thirty or forty, after all. Kaya natin 'to."

Kanina lang may pagdadalawang-isip pa na nararamdaman si Cassia pero ngayong kasama

niya si Zehan na itatayo ang negosyo na naisip, wala na siyang pag-aalangang
maramdaman. Zehan was good with her job and Cassia knew she could always count on
her master Zehan.

"Let's finalize this after we resigned." Ani Zehannah saka inubos ang kape na
iniinom. "Pagkatapos no'n, marami tayong kailangang gawin. So we should get ready
by making plans and studying our planned business."

Tumango si Cassia kapagkuwan ay naputol ang pag-uusap ng dalawa ng pumasok sa

kusina ang asawa ni Cassia na halatang bagong gising lang.

Syempre, naging hangin na naman siya dahil may sariling mundo ang dalawa kahit pa
nga paminsan-misan ay nasisingit siya sa usapan.

Zehannah sighed heavily and spoke, "You two are annoyingly sweet. Can I leave now?
Stop slapping it in my face that I'm single."

"But you're single by choice, right?" Cassia knew about Zehannah's take on
marriage. "But I think you and Reigo are perfect for each other." Dagdag ni Cassia
saka ngumiti ito.

Zehannah looked at Cassia flatly. "Says the woman who's as dense as a rock."

Kaagad na humaba ang nguso ni Cassia. "Hey! I'm just rusty."

"Yeah, yeah," Zehannah said dismissively before leaving the stool. "I have to go
and take care of my resignation." Kapagkuwan ay tumingin siya sa asawa ni Cassia.
"Mr. Calderon, I like that you're taking good care of my dense friend here, but if
you continue spoiling that dense brain she has, you'll regret it." Then Zehannah
showed her fisted knuckle at Thorn, like she was saying 'you can do it'. "Just
consummate your marriage already." Zehannah tsked before turning her back on the
two. "Bye!"

Hindi na hinintay ni Zehannah ang sagot ng dalawa. Kaagad siyang umalis sa kusina
at lumabas ng bahay.

Nang makasakay sa sasakyan niya at nagmamaneho palabas ng Bachelor's Village, wala

sa sariling bumagal ang sasakyan niya ng mapadaan sa under construction na bahay ni
Reigo at nakita doon ang binata na nakatayo sa harapan at nakatingin sa bahay nito.

Zehannah could pass him by and he wouldn't see him, but she pulled over and she
couldn't help looking at his sexy back.

Black sweat pants, white muscle shirt and running shoes. He was sweaty and looking
like he just finished running. But damn, he was really a hot stud—a delicacy like
he always say.

Ibinaba ni Zehannah ang bintana saka kinuha ang atensiyon ng binata. "Good morning,
Mr. Delicacy."

Mabilis na lumingon si Reigo at gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi ng makita siya.
"Why're you here?" He jogged to her car. "You here for me?"

"You wished." Tinuro niya ang dereksiyon ng bahay nila Cassia. "May pinagusapan
lang kami ni Cassia tapos nakita kita. Lalampasan sana kita pero nagbago ang isip
ko."

That made Reigo smile widened. "Hmm. Na miss mo ako no?"

"Medyo."

Reigo rested his arm on her car's window and leaned in to her. "Want to have
breakfast with me, my Zee? Nagpa-deliver ako ng masarap na pancake sa barn na
tinutuluyan ko pansamantala. Want to eat with me? Or we could eat each other, I
don't mind."

Hindi pinansin ni Zehannah ang kahalayan ni Reigo dahil masyado pang maaga. "If
it's pancake, I'm in."

"Great." Reigo leaned back and stretched his arms. "I'll jog, you drive."

"Okay."

Reigo took off jogging on the sidewalk while Zehannah followed him by her car. And
she couldn't help sighing from time to time because of how sexy Reigo's back
looked.
Tumikhim si Zehannah para gisingin ang diwa niya. She couldn't let her guard down
around Reigo after having all those crazy, wet dreams. One wrong move and she might
end up his breakfast.

Yeah. Let's avoid that at all cost. Zehannah was not yet ready to be eaten even if
it brings her to high heavens.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 13

"THAT WAS A good pancake." Ani Zehannah ng matapos mag-agahan kasama si Reigo at
ngayon ay naglalakad na patungo sa sasakyan niya habang katabi ang binata. "And
excellent coffee, too. Hope my day goes well today. Sana walang epal akong makita
ngayong araw."

"Why? Planning something today?"

Zehannah nodded. "Handing my resignation."

"Oh. Do you have plans after?" Reigo did not take Zehannah as a someone who would
do something without planning ahead.

"Magtatayo kami ng marketing agency ni Cassia."

Zehannah was taken aback when Reigo smiled as if he was excited for her.

"See? I told you, your life is just beginning." He looked like he was happy for
her. "I'm sure you can do it."

Tumango si Zehannah at ngumiti na rin. She liked that Reigo had so much faith in
her ability to establish a business. There was no doubt in his whole being that she
could handle it, which made Zehannah feel empowered.

"If you need any help, which I doubt you would because you'll be just fine, tell
me." Reigo kissed Zehannah on the side of her forehead, then his lips made way to
her neck, kissing her there as if his lips belonged there.

Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead as she stepped away from him. "Too much kissing."

Namulsa ang binata. "I doubt. It was just a peck. Hindi ba sabi mo hindi halik
'yon?"

Gago. At talagang binalik sakin. Zehannah mused and rolled her eyes at Reigo.

"Unless you want a proper kiss with a tongue?" He smiled suggestively. "I would be
happy to use my tongue to explore your mouth thoroughly to indulge my Zee."

"No, thank you." I should get out of here before my body started to craved that
kiss with tongue. "...tangina. Kasalanan 'to ng panaginip na 'yon."
"What did you say?"

"Nothing." Binuksan ni Zehannah ang sasakyan saka sumakay para makatakas kay Reigo.
"Sige, alis na ako. Bye!"

Ni hindi man lang nakapagpaalam si Reigo ng maayos. Basta nalang umalis si Zehannah
na para bang nagmamadali.

That made Reigo frown. "Hmm... what's gotten into her?"

He had no answer, so he went back inside the barn just in time to hear his phone
ringing.

It was his mother.

"Hey, ma."

"Reigo," his mother sounded happy. "How's the pancake and the coffee beans?"

"It was good."

"Just good?" There was a frown in his mother's voice.

"Well, compared to the ones you've sent me, yes, it's just good."

To them, 'good' meant just 'so-so'.

"My, my, such connoisseur."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "Ma, it's the same as when you're buying your precious
gems and stones. Being 'good' is not just enough."

"True," his mother sighed. "Anyway, son, I heard from your father that you have
something for me...?"

Napatingin si Reigo sa attaché case na nasa ibabaw ng center table. "Hmm. It's an
invitation."

"You know I don't accept mediocre ones."

"I know. This one is an auction for rare diamonds. Are you interested—"

"Did you just say rare...?!" His mother immediately got hooked.

"Yep. That's what I said."

"Goodness..." his mother sighed in bliss. "You really know me, son. Now," she
suddenly became serious and Reigo knew what was coming, "how much do I have to pay
for that invitation you obtained for me?"

Reigo smiled because his mother understood him very well. He actually didn't have
something in mind as a payment for the invitation until just a moment ago.

"Nothing much. It'll just cost you three recommendations."

"For your company? But you're already doing well, Reigo. You don't need our help
anymore."

"It's for someone else." Zehannah's face entered his mind. "Few months from now,
someone will open a marketing agency. I want you to recommend it to three companies
that you think would highly need their services. They're new, so please be careful
who you recommend them to, Ma."

"Is this 'someone' capable?" His mother asked, doubtful. "I don't want to recommend
someone who would embarrass me."

"No worries, ma. She won't." Reigo had faith in Zehannah.

"So it's a woman."

"Yes."

"Did she ask for your help?"

"No. She would never do that. She's very proud and confident. She likes to do
things her way."

"Then why are you doing this? Do you not trust her abilities?"

"I do." There was no doubt that he did. "That's why I want you to recommend her
agency once it's open. I can't help in a lot of things, but what I can do is create
an opportunity for her. You can recommend her agency, but it's still up to her to
make her clients stay, and I know she will."

Zehannah once told him that his clients stayed because he worked hard. Now, he had
the same belief in Zehannah. He knew his mother's recommendation will not be for
naught.

"Okay. I get it." Anang ina ni Reigo. "But this is the first time you asked me do
to something like this. I'm intrigued." She giggled. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"I wish."

His mother chuckled, as if mocking him. "My, my, now I'm curious. What's her name?"

"Not telling." Reigo flat out replied. "Leave her alone, ma. She's just a simple
girl."

"For you to be interested in her? I doubt she's that simple."

"Ma."

Mahinang natawa ang ina. "So protective. Fine. I won't do anything but recommend
her agency once it's open."

"Thanks, ma."

"Welcome. Now send that invitation to our house. I can't wait!"

"I will. Bye, ma."

"Bye, son!"

The line ended and Reigo let out a long sighed. Nang sabihin sa kaniya ni Zehannah
kanina na magri-resign na ito sa pinagta-trabahuan nito, ang daming pumasok sa isip
niya na tulong na puwede niyang i-alok dito.

But he knew Zehannah. She would prefer to stand on her own two feet.
The opportunity that I will open for her is just that—an opportunity and nothing
more. It was up to her to grab it, work hard, and make it work. And I know she
will.

He remembered nearly a year ago, while coffee hopping with Zehannah, he thought how
nice it would have been if he met her sooner. But now, he was thankful that he met
her later rather than sooner.

Because I get to see her grow. Risking and challenging life. She's smart, she knows
what she wants, confident, mature and independent. These were Zehannah's
characteristics that draws him in and he hoped that he could get more chance to be
with her—not just for two weeks.

But alas, that's Zehannah's decision, not his. All he could do was wait, and, of
course, seduce her with all his might.

As long as Zehannah was not saying the word 'no', he will give his all to make her
say 'yes'.

AFTER HANDING HER resignation, Zehannah agreed to stay for three days in the
company for the turnover. Yumi will be her replacement so the work turnover will
not be arduous since Yumi already knew the workflow and the projects under their
department.

Almost everyone asked why she was leaving and her only answer was 'her life begins
at thirty' even though she won't be thirty until next year.

Walang maramdamang pagsisisi si Zehannah sa ginawa. She was actually relieved as

she informed her parents about her resignation.

As usual, her Papi and Papa supported her decision. Ganun naman palagi ang mga
magulang niya. Nakasuporta sa kaniya kahit anong gawin niya. Kaya napakasuwerte
niya sa mga magulang niya.

'Master Zehan, I'll make a business plan this week and I'll send it to you for your
inputs and opinions. Good luck. We can do this!' It was a message from Cassia.

Maasahan talaga si Cassia kahit may agiw minsan ang isip niya. Ani Zehannah sa
sarili saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa mga folder na nasa harapan.

She was about to start her meeting with Yumi for the work to turn over when her
phone beeped.

It was from Talandi Reigo. It was a picture—not of himself, thank God—of food.

A pudding.

And below that picture was a message. 'Found an excellent restaurant that serves
Japanese desserts. Want to try? I'll pick you up after work.'

Nanubig ang bagang ni Zehannah pero iniiwasan niya ngayon si Reigo dahil sa mga
panaginip niya.

But can I really say no to this mouthwatering pudding?!

She was conflicted.

Another text from Talandi Reigo arrived.

'Or you can have me for dinner. I'm a dessert myself.'

After that, Reigo sent countless pictures of Japanese desserts and Zehannah kept
swallowing.

Fuck this guy. Tempting me like this...! But she couldn't say no. At alam 'yon ni
Reigo. Kaya ba pinadala nito sa kaniya ang mga larawan ng pagkain? He's evil! Very
evil! But those desserts... Zehannah sighed and replied 'okay. Pick me up later.'

Zehannah's reply made Reigo. If there was one thing his Zee couldn't reject, its
good food. And thanks to his exes and, of course, his mother, who's a connoisseur
when it comes to food, he knows a lot.

'Okay. See you, my Zee.' He replied with a smile.

'It pains me to say this, but see yah.' Zehannah replied that made Reigo chuckled.

Zehannah's mouth really had no filter when she wanted to. And even though he was
always at the receiving end of her savageness, he still finds it amusing.

Because just like what her father said, she's savage, but caring. He already had a
glimpse of that side of her when he got those cuts from his cutting and peeling
training with Thorn, and he wanted more of it.

He wanted to be cared for by his Zee. But he still had a long way to go.

MEANWHILE, IN THE Vasquez mansion, Contessa Vasquez, Reigo's mother, received the
invitation her son sent, and she was all smile as she opened it.

When she saw the word 'rare diamonds' on the invitation, she inwardly thanked her
son again and went to the master's bedroom while humming.

"Someone's happy."

"Oh," Contessa beamed at her husband, Rohan. "Hello, dear. How's your morning?"

Rohan smiled at his wife and kissed her on the forehead. "Same as always. Business.
You? Mukhang may magandang nangyari. You're humming. May pinadala bang bagong
imbitasyon ang anak natin?"

"Hmm-mm." Tumango si Contessa saka pinakita sa asawa ang imbitasyon. "Reigo got
this for me. That son of ours seldom comes home, but he never forgets about us."

"Of course. Mabait na bata ang anak natin." Nakangiting wika ni Rohan. "And he's
already at the age where he wanted to face the world alone."

"Speaking of facing the world alone," itinabi ni Contessa ang imbitasyon na

pinadala ng anak. "I think our son is interested in someone."

Rohan frowned. "What do you mean? He always has a girlfriend, so that's not
shocking, love."

"Nope. I think it's different this time." Contessa had a hunch. "Those girlfriends
only wanted money and fame from him. That's I met none of them."

"And this one is different?"

"Well, she seems like it. But just to make sure, I'll have her investigated."

Rohan sighed. "Love, don't do that. Kapag nalaman ni Reigo, baka magalit 'yon."

"Hmp! I'm curious. I'm just going to take a peek."

Napailing si Rohan. "If so, don't overdo it. And don't let Reigo catch you or else
he won't look for those valuable invitations you like."

"Noted." Contessa smiled. "Thank you, dear."

Napailing nalang si Rohan ng lumabas ang asawa sa master's bedroom pagkatapos itabi
ang imbitasyon na natanggap. Alam kaagad niya kung anong gagawin nito, kaya hindi
na niya sinundan ang asawa.

Reigo's girlfriend, huh? Well... as long as she can tame that son of mine.

Rohan finished his preparation before he picked up his attaché case and went to
work. His companies should have been Reigo's responsibility, but his son went and
created a company for himself.

Ah, that boy... always so stubborn.

BACK IN ZEHANNAH'S office, her meeting with Yumi just came to an end. Now she had
to give attention to her computer to check if she had any files that needs to be
deleted or transferred.

While doing so, her phone beeped.

A message from Talandi Reigo.

'Hi, my Zee. Can I send you a file? I want to hear your thoughts about it if that's
okay?'

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. Iyon ang unang beses na hindi kalandian at pang-
aakit ang mensahe ni Reigo sa kaniya.

Zehannah replied. 'Sure. Send it.'

'Thanks.' Reigo replied and below that was a file with a title 'Vasquez
Construction Marketing Strategy'.

Umawang ang labi ni Zehannah. This file was not something anyone could have or
read.

'Are you sure?'

'Yes. I want to read it and tell me what you think.'

Zehannah closed her mouth and opened the file. It was a massive marketing strategy
and as she read on; she was impressed at the presentation and how thorough it was.
Halos wala siyang makitang butas. A very efficient and cost-effective marketing
strategy.

Zehannah sent Reigo a message. 'I know nothing about your company, so my bases are
lacking to actually draw a conclusive assessment, but in a marketing perspective,
the marketing strategy you sent me is very efficient and cost-effective. If you're
looking for an outside perspective, it's best if that someone knew about your
company, so they could give your marketing strategy a proper assessment.'

Zehannah seriously didn't know why Reigo sent it to her until she read his reply
together with a link that brought her to different marketing books and some other
that would greatly help her.

'A renowned marketing agency made the one I sent you. Since you'll be creating your
own agency, I want to help you read as much marketing strategy as you possibly can.
By reading, you'll encounter different ideas, different approach, and different
perspective when it comes to marketing. I hope this can help you even a little. And
if you need more materials, I'll help as much as I can to find it. It's always best
to learn new things and improve one's self.'

Reigo's thoughtfulness moved Zehannah. She was not expecting that. After reading
Reigo's reason, she felt an urged to see him and hugged him—even kissed him. It was
a big deal for Zehannah because she knew she still had a lot to learn, and Reigo
was giving her the materials she needed.

It may not seem important to others, but receiving a help from Reigo in a form of
learning and knowledge was something that she considered an unequalled help.

Really, that guy...

Her doubts were lessening.

Just like that and I'm swaying. Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka mahinang
natawa. Indeed, he's a worthy delicacy to have and to taste.

Zehannah smiled and sent a message. 'Can I call?'

Reigo's answer was fast. 'Sure.'

With Reigo's consent, Zehannah called, not knowing that Reigo was in the middle of
a meeting with the four CEO of his four companies under Vasquez Constructions—the
Vasquez Architectural firm, the Vasquez Engineering firm, the Vasquez Construction
Management Company and the Vasquez Construction Supplies.

The Vasquez Architectural Firm CEO's monthly report consists of drawing plans for
the 'Pabahay project' of the government that they won the bid two months ago and in
the collaboration with the Vasquez Engineering Firm, the two firms were now working
together to build one of the largest malls in the country.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Vasquez Construction Management company reported the big and
small projects they were overseeing and managing. The VCMC's CEO report took a long
while before they finished it since they were an integral part of the Vasquez
Construction.

The last one to report was the CEO of Vasquez Construction Supplies. The report was
more on a number of sales and the more in demand and often used supplies of the
Vasquez Engineering Firm, but everyone's eyes in the conference room turned to
Reigo when his phone rang.

"Pass me the report." Reigo gave his order to the VCS's CEO before he answered the
call. "Hey, my Zee. What's up?"

Everyone in the conference room was too stunned because that was the first time
their boss answered a call while they were at the meeting. He was usually strict
when it comes to outside interference in their meetings.

"My Zee is always welcome." Reigo smiled, and the people in the conference room
couldn't help but gasp a little.

Reigo put his forefingers over his lips to silence the people around him while
flipping the pages of the report he received from the VCS's CEO and scanning it.

"Me?" Reigo smiled, and everyone was speechless at the scene happening in front of
them. "Nah. May ginagawa pa ako. I don't have time to eat for the time being. I'm
busy." Their boss smiled once again, shocking everyone. "You're sending me
something to eat? Hmm... I won't say no to that, though if you want you can add
yourself to the men—" he chuckled. "Okay, okay. I'll stop. Bye." Paused. "See you
later, my Zee."

The moment the phone call ended, Reigo lost his smile and looked at the front.
"Continue with the report." Reigo gave his order.

Everyone was still speechless.

"I don't have all day." Reigo said, and it snapped everyone from their reveries.
And the report continued.

Pero paminsan-minsan, napapatingin ang mga naroon sa boss nila na ngumiti lang ng
tumawag si 'Zee' pagkatapos ay nawala na ang ngiti nito.

Unbeknownst to Reigo, after that meeting, rumors about him dating a person named
'Zee' took the Vasquez Construction by storm and the funny thing was the employees
were all torn if Zee was a woman or a man.

Yes. Just like his savage friend Thorn, unbeknown to Reigo, because of that call,
half of his employees think he's gay.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 14

OPENING A BUSINESS consumes so much of Zehannah's time, even though she had Cassia
to help her with everything. The preparation, the legal documents to be processed
and having meeting after meeting with Cassia, it was draining. But however tiring
it was, Zehannah did not stop and kept going.

This was her dream. And she will make it happen. Kahit pa nga halos wala na siyang
oras para sa sarili niya.

"Master Zehan?"

Nag-angat ng tingin si Zehannah sa pintuan ng pansamantalang meeting room na

ginawala nila ni Cassia para lang may mapaglagyan sila ng mga importanteng gamit
hanggat hindi pa nagagawa ang opisina nila. Cassia's husband, Thorn, let them use
the building next to his restaurant that he owned for their business. And for the
meantime that it was still under construction to look like a decent office, they
made a rough resemblance to a meeting room which where she was at the moment.

"Uwi ka na?" Tanong ni Zehannah sa kaibigan.

Tumango si Cassia saka humaba ang nguso. "Okay lang ba? Promise, maaga ako bukas.
Si Thorn kasi, gusto niyang magkasama kaming mag-dinner. I can't say no."

Zehannah waved her hand nonchalantly. "Sure. Go. Tatapusin ko lang din 'tong
ginagawa ko at uuwi na rin ako. Gusto ko nang ipasa ang mga ito at asikasuhin
bukas."

"Okay." Cassia smiled. "Thanks Master — I mean, Zehan."

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Zehannah saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa mga papeles

na nasa harapan.

She was checking if all the necessary legal documents were present and had been
processed when her phone beeped.

A text from Talandi Reigo.

'Puwedeng umakyat ng ligaw?'

Zehannah rolled her eyes and replied, 'Umakyat ka nalang, huwag mo ng dagdagan ng
ligaw.'

Hindi na nag-reply si Reigo pero pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, may kumatok sa pintuan
ng meeting room at bumukas ang pinto. "I'm here to seduce my Zee. Can I come in?"

"Not now, Reigo."

Naglakad palapit si Reigo sa pahabang lamesa kung saan nakaupo si Zehannah saka
maingat na inilapag sa mesa ang paper bag nitong dala kapagkuwan ay bahagyang
ihinilig nito ang pang-upo sa gilid ng mesa malapit kay Zehannah. "I saw Cassia
leave, so I entered."

Zehannah's eyes were still glued to the documents in front of her. "I don't even
know why you won't come up when Cassia's here."

"Too innocent. I don't want to taint her mind."

"Buti naisip mo 'yon."

"Well, Calderon will have my head." Then Reigo quickly added. "And before you
asked, it's my head above. I reserve my lower head only for you."

Zehannah was not even fazed by those words. Sanay na sanay na ang dalaga sa
kahalayan na lumalabas sa bibig ni Reigo kapag nagsasalita ito.

"You seem busy. Should I leave?" Reigo asked after seeing how busy Zehannah was.
"Nah. You can stay." Sagot ni Zehannah habang nakatutok pa rin ang atensiyon sa
ginagawa nito.

And that made Reigo smile. "Dinalhan kita ng pagkain. Msarap. Kasing sarap ko."

"Thanks. I'll eat it later."

Reigo could tell that Zehannah was busy and having a hard time with the legal
papers in front of them, so he offered help. "Want my help. I went through that as
well when I opened my company."

Sa wakas, tumingin din si Zehannah sa binata. "You will? Pinapasakit ng mga papeles
na 'to ang ulo ko. Ang dami nilang hinihinging requirements at tsini-check ko
ngayon kung nakuha ko na ba lahat." Bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "If you can
review these documents, that'll be a big help."

"What do I get in return?"

She glared at Reigo. "Gago ka talaga. Ano ba ang gusto mo?"

Reigo immediately answered. "Kiss, please."

"'Yon lang naman pala. Tumulong ka na."

Mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro na umupo si Reigo sa upuan na nasa tabi ni Zehannah saka

tiningnan niya ang mga dokumento na itinabi na ng dalaga para i-ri-check 'yon.

"Damn. This is a lot." Komento ni Reigo. "It's been a couple of years since I
opened my company that I have forgotten how arduous and tedious it was to process
these legal documents."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Zehannah. "Sinabi mo pa. Itong mga dokumento na 'to
ang sisira sa ulo ko. Buti nga may katulong ako. Ang iba rito si Cassia ang
umasikaso."

"You pretty much have all the permits needed, but I can't see any insurance." Ani
Reigo. "Not planning to get one?"

"'Yon ang aasikusahin ko bukas."

"Got it. And the BIR?"

"Naka-scheduled ako sa makalawa." Zehannah blows a loud breath and groaned. "Fuck.
I'm tired."

"You can do it."

Natigilan si Zehannah sa paggalaw saka napabaling kay Reigo na nakatingin din dito.

"Hmm?" Reigo hummed at Zehannah.

"Say that again."

Reigo frowned, then he smiled when he realized what Zehannah meant. "You can do it.
Ikaw pa ba?"

Zehannah took a deep breath. "Yes. Of course, I can."

Reigo was happy that his words could somehow ease Zehannah's mood. "Hey, my Zee?"

"Hmm?"

He remembered his talk with his mother and his gut feeling said that it was not a
good idea to hide it from Zehannah. "Magagalit ka ba sa 'kin kung sasabihin ko na
humingi ako sa ina ko ng recommendation para sa itatayo niyong agency ni Cassia?"

Napatigil si Zehannah sa ginagawa saka napalingon sa binata. "Ano?" Nagsalubong ang

kilay niya. "Why would you do that?"

"To create an opportunity for your agency. It's an excellent opportunity to put
your agency out there and be known."

Well, Zehannah was not complaining because that would be a great help, but,
"ayokong isipin ng mama mo na ginagamit kita."

"Nah. Mom's not like that. And I explained it to her that you didn't ask for my
help, so don't worry about it."

But Zehannah was still feeling bothered. "I'm grateful because that's really a big
help, but what if we did something wrong and fucked up the recommendation? I don't
want to embarrass your mother—"

"Naniniwala ako na hindi mangyayari 'yon." Reigo sounded so certain. Not even a
sliver of doubt. "With you and Cassia running the agency, I know it'll be fine."

Humugot ng malalim na hininga si Zehannah saka ginulat si Reigo ng bigla nalang

iniyakap ni Zehannah ang mga braso sa leeg ng binata.

"Z-Zee—"

"For once, Reigo. Just shut your mouth and enjoy my embrace."

Reigo stilled before he hugged Zehannah back and caressed her back as if comforting
her.

"What did I do to deserve a hug?" Reigo asked when Zehannah tightened her embrace
on him.

"For being handsome. With a big dick and can bring me to high heavens?"

Mahinang natawa ang binata. "You forget to add 'delicacy' to the list."

"That'll be pushing too much."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. I'll settle with handsome, big dick and high heavens."

"You should." Slowly, Zehannah let go of Reigo and messed his hair. "Thanks for the
help. That means so much to me and Cassia."

"Akala ko magagalit ka sakin." Ani Reigo na kinuha ang kamay ni Zehannah na gumulo
buhok nito at pinagsiklop iyon sa kamay nito. "I know how much you like doing
things alone."
"Yeah, but I appreciate the help." Zehannah smiled. "I know how hard it is to enter
the business world, but the real challenge is how to stay in that world. The
opportunity you gave us is a big help, nevertheless, it's still up to us to take
advantage of it and make it work."

"You can do it." Reigo brought Zehannah's hand over his lips and kissed the back of
her hand. "Recommendation and materials for learning are the only thing I want to
offer as help. However much I want to spoil you, it won't do you any good,
especially when it comes to managing your own business, so I'm trying my best to
stop myself from helping too much. Alam ko rin na hindi mo tatanggapin kapag sobra
na. Even I was scared to tell you about that recommendation."

Natatawang ibinalik ni Zehannah ang atensiyin sa mga papeles na tinatrabaho nito.

"Scared? Why?"

"Because you're scary."

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Zehannah saka matalim na tiningnan ang binata. "Anong
sabi mo?"

"What? You are scary." Reigo didn't take back his words. "You're scarier than my
mom and that's saying something, my Zee. I mean, you have the power to make me
crumble just by saying 'no'. Now tell me that that's not scary."

Napipilan si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay pabirong sinabunutan si Reigo. "Pasalamat ka

good mood ako ngayon. Palalampasin ko 'yon."

Mahinang natawa lang si Reigo kapagkuwan ay pinalibot ang tingin. "How's the
renovation going, by the way? Hindi ko tiningnan ng pumasok ako."

"Renovation lang naman kaya madali lang." Ani Zehannah na isa-isa nalang inilalagay
sa folder ang mga papeles na kakailangan niya bukas habang inilapagay naman sa
ibang folder ang ibang requirements na sa ibang araw niya aasikasuhin. "Salamat nga
pala dahil tinanggap ng kompaniya mo ang renovation project namin kahit maliit
lang."

"You're a paying client. Why would my company say no?"

"You say that, pero tatlo ang hindi tumanggap sa renovation project namin. Buti
nalang ni-refer kami ni Thorn sa kompaniya mo. Sabi niya tumatanggap kayo kahit
maliliit na projects lang."

Reigo shrugged. "Money is money. Malaki man o maliit ang proyekto, pera pa rin
'yon."

Napangiti si Zehannah saka inayos ang buhok ni Reigo na ginulo niya kanina. "When
you're being like this, it's really hard to imagine that you're the same Reigo I
know."

"Being like what?"

"Serious and acting like a boss."

"Oh. Hmm. Do you like it more than the side you know?"

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka pinisil ang tungki ng ilong ng binata. "If

you're going to pattern your attitude to the one I prefer, like what you did to
your exes, I'm going to cut ties with you."
"I wouldn't." He smiled. "Ang landiin ka ang pinakapaborito kong gawin."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata.

"You done?" Tanong ni Reigo ng mapansing tinatabi na ni Zehannah ang mga dokumento
na tina-trabaho nito kanina.

Tumango si Zehannah saka minasahe ang sariling balikat. "I'm going to have a nice
soak in the bathtub when I get home."

"Can I drive you home?"

"Nope. Dala ko ang sasakyan ko."

"Oh. Ingat sa pag-uwi kung ganun."

Lihim na napangiti si Zehannah dahil hindi nagpumilit si Reigo. "Thanks. Anyway,"

tinuro ni Zehannah ang paper bag na inilapag kanina sa lamesa ni Reigo ng matapos
niyang itabi lahat ng papeles sa mesa. "Anong pagkain ang laman niyan?"

"Open it."

Sa narinig, mabilis na inabot 'yon ni Zehannah saka inilabas ang laman.

Baby back ribs, buffalo wings, garlic roasted potatoes and cheese tart.

Nang makita ang laman na pagkain, mabilis na tinungo ni Zehannah ang gilid ng
meeting room kung saan naroon ang pinahiram sa kanilang utensils at dinnerware ng
asawa ni Cassia galing sa restaurant nito saka bumalik sa lamesa.

"From Calderon's restaurant?" Kaagad na nakilala ni Reigo ang pinggan, baso at iba
pa dahil sa logo niyon.

"Yep. Palagi niyang ini-spoil si Cassia kaya naambunan din ako ng grasya." Mahinang
natawa si Zehannah pero nanatiling seryoso ang mukha ni Reigo. He didn't even say
anything, even when they were already eating. And it bothered Zehannah. "Something
wrong?"

Umiling si Reigo pero hindi naniwala si Zehannah.

"Sabihin mo na kung ayaw mong mawalan din ako ng gana." Aniya.

"I rather not say it." Ani Reigo. "I don't have the right, and it's not my place to
be feeling that."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Don't be cryptic with me, Reigo. Sabihin mo
nalang."

Reigo did not want to say it, but seeing that Zehannah was close to being
irritated, he did. "I don't like the fact that you're eating on a dinnerware that
Calderon provided. It doesn't sit well with me. I know I'm being possessive, and it
makes little sense, even to me, but I just really hate it."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Yes. It doesn't make any sense at all. Saka pinggan lang
naman 'yon at pansamantala lang habang hindi pa natatapos ang renovation."

"I'm sorry."

Zehannah sighed and flicked Reigo's forehead. "Don't think about it."
"I'll try."

Napailing nalang si Zehannah saka tinuro ang mga pagkain. "Kumain ka na. Hindi ko
kayang ubusin 'to. Sayang naman."

Zehannah was glad that Reigo went back to eating.

From time to time, she would get a glimpsed on Reigo's other side, the possessive
and jealous side. And she liked that she could see it and that it sometimes
resurfaced. At least alam niya ang ibang ugali ni Reigo maliban sa pinapakita nito.

"Thanks for the food." Zehannah said.

"Ingat sa pag-uwi." Ani naman ni Reigo ng makalabas ang dalawa sa ginagawa pa ring
opisina.

The two parted ways in the parking lot and rode in their own cars to go home.

Naunang umalis si Zehannah. Nang mawala na ang sasakyan nito sa paningin ni Reigo,
doon lang si Reigo nagmaneho pauwi.

Nang makarating si Zehannah sa condo niya, doon pa lang niya nabasa ang text sa
kaniya ni Reigo.

From: Talandi Reigo

'My Zee, text me once you get home, please.'

Zehannah didn't even think about it. She replied to tell Reigo that she's home.

From: Talandi Reigo

'Just got home as well. Rest well. Marami ka pang gagawin bukas. Good night.'

Napangiti si Zehannah sa text ni Reigo. She was thankful that Reigo know when to
give her peace and quiet. She likes that about him.

Speaking of which... the day after tomorrow was the due date of Reigo's offer. Sa
sobrang busy ni Zehannah, hindi na niya naisip kung oo ba o hindi ang sagot niya,
pero hindi na niya inisip 'yon. She already had an answer.

Taking a deep breath, Zehannah took off her clothes and went to soak herself in the
bathtub to relax after a hectic day. After that, she dried her hair, put her
sleeping clothes on and went to bed.

In no time, she fell asleep. When morning came, she woke up feeling refresh and
ready for work.

Nang makarating siya sa ginagawa pa rin nilang opisina, nagulat siya ng may iniabot
sa kaniyang katamtamang laking kahon si Cassia na maaga ngang dumating tulad ng
sabi nito kagabi.

"Nakapangalan sayo," ani Cassia. "Nasa may pintuan lang kanina ng dumating ako.
Mukhang may nag-iwan para sa'yo."

Tinanggap ni Zehannah ang kahon saka pumasok sa meeting room at doon ang kahon
binuksan.
Zehannah's lips parted when she saw what was inside the box.

It was a set of utensils and dinnerware. And a post it note.

'Please use this.–Your hunk future boyfriend.'

An amused smile spread across Zehannah's lips. And Cassia, who just entered the
meeting room, saw it.

"Master Zehan, ang ganda ng ngiti natin, ah." Nakangiting lumapit si Cassia kay
Zehannah. "So, kanino galing ang box, master Zehan?"

Zehannah flicked Cassia's forehead. "It's Zehan, Cass."

Napalabi si Cassia. "Oops."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka ibinalik ang tingin sa laman ng kahon. "It's

from a handsome guy."

Cassia's lips formed into an 'o'. "Oh!" Pumalakpak si Cassia. "Yey! Nagpapaligaw ka
na ulit?"

Hindi sinagot ni Zehannah ang tanong ni Cassia saka isinara ang kahon at itinabi.
"Magtrabaho na tayo. Marami pa tayong gagawin."

"Okay." Cassia grinned and immediately went to work.

Samantalang si Zehannah ay kinuha ang mga papeles na itinabi niya kagabi bago umuwi
saka naghanda na para umalis para asikasuhin ang mga kailangangan nilang asikasuhin
ara maumpisahan na nila ang agency nila.

"I'm going, Cass." Paalam niya sa kaibigan. "I'll finish this tomorrow."

"Okay. Ingat, Zehan."

"Yeah, you too."

Zehannah left and went to finish all the requirements. It was hectic and tiring,
and all she finished was half of the thing she needed to do.

"Argh! So annoying." Hungry, Zehannah went back to their agency to have a late
lunch.

Gusto sana niyang matapos ngayon ang mga kailangang gawin para kahit papaano ay may
oras pa siya bukas pagkatapos niya sa BIR, pero mukhang kukulangin talaga siya ng
oras at nasisiguro niyang wala siyang oras para kay Reigo. May importante ring
ginagawa si Cassia kaya wala siyang takas.

Zehannah sighed.

Pero...hindi naman kailangan ng maraming oras para ipaalam kay Reigo ang sagot ko
'di ba? Ani Zehannah sa sarili. It'll only actually take a couple of seconds. After
that, it's done.

Yeah. Let's keep it simple. Zehannah had decided and sent a message to Reigo.
CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 15

REIGO WAS JUST noticing it now, but his employees had been stealing glances at him
with curiosity for quite some time now, and it was starting to bother him. Hindi
naman sa pinagbabawalan niya ang mga trabahante niya na tumingin sa kaniya kasi
normal lang naman 'yon dahil guwapo ang boss ng mga ito, pero hindi na normal kung
makatingin ang mga ito sa kaniya nitong nga huling araw.

Kaya naman pinatawag niya ang isa sa mapagkakatiwalaan niyang empleyado sa

kompaniya. His secretary, Oliver, who loves cross-dressing and a proud member of
LGBTQIA+.

Oliver's clothing preference didn't bother him one bit. As long as he does his job
well and so far, Oliver was his most efficient secretary since he started his
company. Smart and intuitive.

"Yes, Sir Reigo?"

Reigo leaned on his swivel chair. "Is something going on in the company that I
should know about?"

Oliver frowned, clearly thinking about what he meant before answering him. "Well,
there is this rumor taking the company by storm, but it's hardly relevant, Sir."

"Pray tell."

"Well, according to the rumor, Sir Reigo," Oliver gave it to his boss straight,
"you're gay. Half of the company believes it."

Reigo had no reaction whatsoever which was already expected by Oliver.

Karma ko na ba 'to dahil sa palagi kong pang-aasar kay Calderon? "That's all?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Akala ko naman ano na."

"Precisely why I didn't inform you, Sir. Ako ang una-unang makakaalam kong totoo
ang tsismis."

"When did the rumor start?"

"When the person you call 'Zee' called you while in the conference."

"Oh. Zee is a woman, though."

"I know, Sir. I've read the name Zee and Zehannah a couple times in your calendar
and I assumed they are one person."

"Then why didn't you correct the rumor?"

Oliver smiled as if he couldn't hurt a fly. "It seems fun."

Reigo sighed. "Are you that bored?"

"Yes, Sir."

Reigo smiled back, much more innocent looking that Oliver's. "Then why don't I send
you to La Isla de Vares to personally oversee our resort and hotel projects?"

Oliver's smile didn't falter. "I'd rather resign."

"Double the compensation with hazard pay?"

"Consider the resort and hotel done, Sir." Oliver grinned. "When do I leave?"

Napailing si Reigo. "Next week. Tapusin
then make sure that all the documents I
You'll be on the island for a month, so
on my table and find an employee in the
the time being."
mo muna ang mga trabaho mo rito ngayon. And
need to sign is on my table by next week.
make sure you leave a month-worth of work
HR department to be your replacement for

"Yes, Sir. Is that all?"

Reigo was about to dismiss Oliver when something entered his mind. "Do you know how
to make a woman you're wooing say yes?"

Iminuwestra ni Oliver ang damit nito na para bang sapat na ang sagot na 'yon. "Sa
tingin niyo, Sir?"

Napabuntong-hininga siya. "I accept theories."

"I think it depends on what kind of woman she is, Sir."

"She's smart, independent and savage."

"Ihanda mo na ang sarili mo, Sir." Oliver smiled gregariously. "Siguradong basted
ka na."

Reigo looked at Oliver flatly. "I want to fire you right now."

"But you can't because I'm amazing." Oliver said in a matter-of-fact with an
amiable smile. "I'm just spitting facts, Sir. Those kinds of women, the smart and
independent ones, you don't choose them, they choose you. You're not a necessity,
but a want to them. They're the kinds who can live with or without you. So kahit
anong effort niyo pa, Sir, kung hindi ka niya bet, hindi ka niya pipiliin. Kahit
tumambling ka at mag-split, walang mangyayari, Sir."

Reigo sighed because she felt that with Zehannah. He knew he was far from being a
necessity to her. "If they choose you, will they keep you?"

Oliver shrugged. "I have no idea."

Reigo dismissed Oliver after talking for a bit. Nang mag-isa nalang siya, napatitig
siya sa desk calendar niya at sa petsa sa araw na 'yon.

Today is the day. Reigo thought. I wonder what her answer will be? They really
didn't spend a lot of time this week because Zehannah was busy with her agency.
Maliban sa pagunta niya sa agency nito para dalhan ito ng pagkain, wala na siyang
maisip na oras na magkasama sila. They don't text each other often because they're
both busy and when he had the time; it was already night and Zehannah's bedtime.
'Will things change if she said 'yes'? Tanong ni Reigo sa sarili at alam kaagad
niya ang sagot. Nothing will change because they're both working adults who had
their own responsibilities. But I just wished she gave me some of her time. Would
that me too much to ask? He didn't know.

Sa mga naka-relasyon niya dati, ang oras niya palagi ang rason kung bakit
hinihiwalayan siya o niloloko. Kesyo wala siyang oras sa mga ito at hindi naman
niya dini-deny 'yon. He was focused on his work because he had responsibilities.
But with Zehannah, why was it that I can change my schedule without a second
thought for her?

It was a mystery to him.

Do I like her too much? Am I getting desperate for her 'yes'?

Napatigil sa pag-iisip si Reigo sa pag-iisip ng pumasok sa opisina niya si Oliver

dala-dala ang tablet nito.

"Sir, I will read your schedule for today."

Tumango siya.

"You're free until lunch, but you have papers to sign so, you're still busy. At one
PM, you have a meeting with Mr. Tyron Zapanta for the Zapanta hotels. At three PM,
you have a meeting with Lancove. They are visiting the company to talk about their
condominium expansion that they want us to handle. Joining the meeting are the four
CEO of the company. This meeting will take a lot of your time, but please remember
that you have a dinner meeting with the secretary of public works and highways. We
won the bidding last month, and he wanted to have a word with you before the
project starts."

"Dinner meeting, huh?" It was too important to cancel. Looks like I won't be seeing
my Zee today. "I got it. Thanks, Oliver."

Oliver nodded, then excused himself and Reigo started working.

When lunch time came, he was too busy to even send a message to Zehannah. He had to
finish his work so his meetings won't hinder his other work's progress. Ni hindi
nga siya nananghalian at dumeretso sa meeting niya kay Zapanta.

Good thing it was a meeting with Tyron. He could order food and eat while talking
business.

"You didn't eat lunch?" Kunot ang nuong tanong ni Tyron ng makita na maganang
kumakain si Reigo.

"Busy."

"Pasalamat ka ako ang ka-meeting mo."

"Yeah, I know. Continue with your request for the hotel's design while I'm eating,"
tinuro ni Reigo ang department head na pinadala ng Vasquez Architectural Firm para
sa meeting. "They will handle your requested design. I'm listening and I'll give my
inputs later."

Tyron nodded, knowing that even though Reigo was eating, he could still do his job
properly.
As the meeting progressed, Reigo continued eating while dropping his inputs and
ideas from time to time. And without taking a breather, his next meeting started.

Compared to his meeting with his friend, Zapanta, his second meeting was not as
laid back. There's only a bottle of water on the table and the rest were documents.
And in the middle of that meeting, his phone's screen lit up, and a notification
popped out. Good thing his phone was in silence.

From: My Zee

'Can we talk tonight?'

Reigo immediately knew why. Today was the day.

He breathes out and replied, 'I want to, but I have a very important meeting I
can't cancel.'

He hated his reply, but he really couldn't cancel his dinner meeting. It's an
important one.

'Then come to my condo after.'

'Sure. I'm sure I'll be late. Is that okay?'

'Yeah. That's cool. We have all night.'

Reigo frowned at that as his brain slips to the gutter. 'You're giving me arousing
ideas, my Zee.'

'Stay arouse then. I MIGHT eat you tonight.'

Nawalan ng lakas ang kamay ni Reigo at bumagsak sa sahig ang cellphone na hawak na
gumawa ng malakas na ingay.

Lahat tumigil at napatingin kay Reigo.

Reigo hurriedly picked up his phone and stood up. "Excuse me. It's an emergency.
Please continue. Oliver, take notes." He said, then left the conference room while
dialing Zehannah's number.

Fortunately, Zehannah answered.

"What? I'm busy—"

"After you texted me that?" Reigo complained. "I was in a middle of a meeting."

Zehannah sighed. "Oh, tapos?"

"Zee...!"

"Ano nga? I don't know anything."

"You said you're going to—" Reigo paused because an employee passed him, then
continued when there was no one in sight. "—eat me."

"Might eat you, Reigo. It will be up to you though. Anyway, got a problem with
that?"

Natigilan si Reigo. "No. Not really."

"Kung ganun bakit parang gulat na gulat ka?" Usisa ni Zehannah. "You'd been
offering yourself to me, tempting me every time, telling me you're a delicacy and a
delicious one at that, so there's nothing wrong if I MIGHT want to taste you now,
right?"

"Well," Reigo stared at the ceiling while trying to calm his groin, "I'm yours, so
you can taste me anytime you want."

"Good. Then come to my condo tonight."

"And your answer to my offer?" He asked.

"I'll tell you then."

"Can't you answer me now?"

"I want to say it face to face."

"Why?"

"To see your handsome face."

His gut feeling was sending a signal. "Zee?"

"Hmm?"

"You're not pranking me, are you?"

"Bakit ko naman gagawin 'yon?"

"It's just sudden."

"Not really. I'd been thinking about it before going to bed." Ani Zehannah. "And
I'd been dreaming a lot. It's been tempting me so much and since it's your offer's
due date, might as well..."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo. "Dream? What dream?"

"Not telling."

"Such a tease." Reigo leaned on the nearest wall. "Fine. I'll go to your condo
tonight."

"Great. I'm kinda busy, so bye. See you tonight, Mr. Delicacy."

The call ended and Riego stared at his phone's screen.

I was not expecting that.

He couldn't predict Zehannah's answer at all, even after talking to her! He took a
deep breath and braced himself for what might happen in Zehannah's condo tonight.

But before that, he had to get back to the meeting.

"How's the emergency?" Kaagad na tanong ng Lancove representative kay Reigo ng

makabalik ang binata sa conference room.

Umupo si Reigo sa kinauupuan din kanina. "It had been taken care of. I apologize
for excusing myself so suddenly at this important meeting."

Lancove representative, Emma Usoro, smile sweetly at Reigo. "It's okay, Mr.
Vasquez. I don't mind at all. An emergency is an emergency." She tucked her hair
behind her ear. "I'm a very understanding woman."

"Thank you." Reigo replied short and uninterested before he turn his attention to
everyone. "Please continue."

Reigo was relieved when his meeting with Lancove finally ended, but he became
irritated when the Lancove representative stayed to talk to him. Because he knew it
was not for business, but for pleasure.

"Did you resolve your emergency?" Emma asked. "I can help if need anything."

Oliver, who was walking behind his boss and Emma, couldn't help sighing, seeing the
irritation boiling beneath his boss' calm and indifferent face.

"It has been resolved." Reigo replied. "Don't concern yourself with it."

"Well, if you need anything, I'll be happy to help." Emma smiled at Reigo. "I'm
hoping that the project will bring us closer as we work together, Reigo."

Oliver had been working for Reigo for three years now and he knew his boss was
about to snap, so Oliver interjected.

"Sir Reigo," Oliver handed his phone to his boss, "Ma'am Zehannah is calling. Hindi
ka raw niya ma-contact, kaya sa'kin nalang tumawag."

Reigo accepted Oliver's phone and excused himself.

"Who's Zehannah?" Tanong ni Emma na bahagyang madilim ang mukha kay Oliver.

Oliver gave his most courteous smile. "Ma'am Zehannah is Sir Reigo's special
someone."

"Girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"Hmp! Girlfriend pa lang naman."

Ay, bruha pala ang isang to. Sa isip ni Oliver saka gumawa-gawa nalang ng kuwento
para layuan ng kausap ang boss niya. "Masyadong patay na patay si Sir Reigo kay
Ma'am Zehannah. Well, ma'am Zehannah is a smart, strong and independent woman,
after all. Bagay sila ni Sir." Kapagkuwan ay nagpaalam na. "Anyway, please excuse
me, Miss Usoro. I still have work to finish."

Oliver left Emma near the elevator and went to his boss' office.

"Thanks for this." Ani Reigo saka iniabot ang cellphone kay Oliver. "That woman
looks like my exes."

"Mukha nga. Should I request a different representation on our next meeting with
Lancove?"

"That would be good. Thanks."

"Noted." Oliver excused himself.

Alone in his office, Reigo went back to work while waiting for his dinner meeting.
Though he couldn't focus. He kept on thinking about Zehannah and what might happen
in her condo. His brain was pre-occupied that he nearly became late at his dinner
meeting.

It was thanks to Oliver, who kept reminding him that he was not a minute late.

The meeting was mostly about the plans, the budget and the time frame for the
project, but it still took them hours to finish. It was already past ten PM when
Reigo and Oliver stepped out from the restaurant.

Medyo malalim na ang gabi kaya naman hinintay pa ni Reigo na makasakay ang
sekretaryo niya bago umalis at nagmaneho patungo sa condo ni Zehannah.

Arriving in front of Zehannah's condo, Reigo took a deep breath and pressed the
bell.

He was on edge when the door opened, but the woman inside looked so nonchalant that
Reigo immediately assumed that nothing was going to happen and they'll just talk.
Like usual.

"How's the meeting?" Zehannah asked while sipping wine and walking towards the
living.

Reigo followed behind Zehannah. "Exhausting."

Umupo si Zehannah sa mahabang sofa saka sumimsim ng wine. "Want to rest a little?"

"Nah. I'm good." Tumabi ng upo si Reigo kay Zehannah saka parang pagod na pagod na
humilig sa balikat ng dalaga.

Tumingin si Zehannah sa binata. "Akala ko ba 'you're good'?"

"Gusto lang kitang landiin ng malapitan."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Hindi na sakin tatalab 'yan. Immune na ako sa kalandian
mo."

"Yeah?"

"Yep."

"Hmm. Too bad. Looks like I need to level up my seduction skills."

Napailing si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay sumimsim ng wine. Maikling katahimikan ang

dumaan sa dalawa dahil kaagad 'yon binasag ni Reigo.

"So? What's your answer?"

"Straight to the point, huh?"

"Call me excited."

"Excited ka pa rin ba kung sasabihin kong 'no' ang sagot ko?"

"Is it? I thought you want to taste me?"

Natahimik si Zehannah.
Huminga ng malalim si Reigo saka umayos ng upo at patagilid na humilig sa likod ng
sofa habang nakatingin kay Zehannah na sumisimsim pa rin ng wine. "Puwede mo ba
sakin sabihin kung bakit 'yon ang sagot mo?"

Bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka bumaling kay Reigo. "You ask me to date you and
my answer is yes, I want to."

Reigo was hearing a but. "But?"

"But if dating you means being exclusive with you, like a boyfriend and girlfriend
thing, I can't say 'yes' to that at the moment." Zehannah explained further.
"Pareho tayong busy. I literally don't have time to spare for you at the moment
because I want to focus on C&Z marketing agency until it has a solid foundation and
I think it would be unfair for you. May oras ka sakin, pero ako wala at kahit gaano
mo ako naiintindihan, siguradong pag-aawayan at pag-aawayan natin 'yon habang
tumatagal. And I don't want that. I want to preserve this," ininuwestra niya ang
kamay kay Reigo at sa sarili niya, "this thing we got going on now. No pressure.
We'll see each other if we have time. Enjoy each other's company and other stuff
when we have time to spare."

Reigo was silent for a long time before he said, "casual dating, huh?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "I can't give you anything more than that, Reigo. I'm sorry."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Reigo. Just like what Oliver said, I'm just a want, not a
necessity.

"I really like you," Zehannah said that made Reigo looked at her. "I mean, we're
very compatible in a lot of ways and I can't deny that I developed a care for you.
That's why I don't want to give you a half-baked relationship. I mean, if it's just
sex, I would love to do it with you. But relationships are different. It needs to
be nurtured. And as of the moment, I am not fully equipped to nurture anything and
I can't leave you to nurture our relationship alone because that's why it's called
a relationship—we have to do it together. And if I'm not doing my part, then
wouldn't it be better to not enter a relationship at all and caused each other so
much misery?"

Reigo remained silent, and Zehannah let him. It would be selfish of her to enter
into a relationship she couldn't nurture. She likes Reigo, so she didn't want to
disappoint him that way. She wanted to be honest with him—to be transparent of what
she could and couldn't give.

"I could..." Reigo bit his lower lip, "I could extend the time if you want..."

Umiling si Zehannah. "Pareho pa rin ang magiging desisyon ko."

Reigo became silent again. And it took him a while to speak. "But sex is okay?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "These past weeks, I have become comfortable being with you
that I actually like to do it with you again. Only if you want to after tonight."

Reigo became silent. Again. Now he understood why Zehannah said 'might' earlier.
This was it.

Zehannah tightened her hold on the wineglass, seeing Reigo clenching and
unclenching his fist while looking calm on the surface.

Bahagyang kinagat ni Zehannah ang pang-ibabang labi. Hindi niya ikakaila na gusto
niya ang binata. Napakadaling magustuhan ni Reigo. Tulad ng sinabi niya, para sa
kaniya compatible silang dalawa.

She wanted to keep going out with him, actually. To date him casually, but that
would be selfish of her if she forced that on him, knowing he wanted to exclusively
date. So she gave him the answer that would give him a lot of time to escape from
her and leave her because at the end of the day, she really had nothing to offer.

Zehannah's eyes snapped at Reigo when he slowly stood up and said, "let me think
about this alone. Excuse me."

Sumunod ang tingin ni Zehannah sa binata hanggang sa makalabas ito ng condo nito.

There goes my delicacy.

Ngayong mag-isa nalang si Zehannah, itinaas niya ang wineglass na hawak saka
bumuntong-hininga. "Cheers to Reigo for leaving. That was the best decision you
could do for yourself, Mr. Vasquez."

Zehannah sipped her wine.

Her experience in dating taught her that when one couldn't give nor offer anything
to someone, that someone will leave for sure. That's why she couldn't understand
her Papi's view in dating and being in a relationship, because there was never
someone who stayed after she says 'no' to their offer.

And it's normal, really. Who would stay with someone who couldn't give the thing
you desire the most?

Zehannah sighed. "So much for eating him..." she muttered with a wry smile. "I'm
sure he tasted delicious. He's a delicacy after all."

Sighing again, she place the wineglass on the center table and went to her room.

Zehannah didn't pray to have a good night's sleep, because she knew that after what
just transpired... she wouldn't.

CECELIB | C.C.

A/N: I haven't been updating everyday lately. Pinagpapahinga ko kasi ang mata. Once
my eyes are okay, I'll be back to daily update. 😚

CHAPTER 16

ZEHANNAH'S LIFE went back to normal after that night. Meaning, no Reigo, which made
Zehannah feel bittersweet. She was happy that Reigo had run away from her, but at
the same time, it saddened her that she wouldn't see him again.

But that's life. People come and go and she had a lot of things to do.

Though as busy as she was, she entertained Thorn, Cassia's husband, when he came to
the office to talk to her.
"Anong gusto mong pag-usapan?" Tanong ni Zehannah kay Thorn ng pumasok ito sa
meeting room pagkatapos lumabas ni Cassia para asikasuhin ang iba pang papeles na
kakailanganin nila para tuluyan nang makapagbukas.

"Why did you do that to Reigo?" Kaagad na tanong ni Thorn. "Why did you hurt him
like that?"

Sinalubong ni Zehannah ang tingin ni Thorn. "Mr. Calderon, I don't want to sound
insensitive, but Reigo knew my stand before he started pursuing me. I didn't
promise him anything. I told him I'll think about it and that's what I did. Pinag-
isipan ko at 'no' ang sagot ko. Sinabi ko sa kaniya ang rason kung bakit ayoko at
kung ano lang ang kaya kong ibigay sa kaniya. May mali ba sa ginawa ko?"

Thorn's face darkened.

But Zehannah was not yet done. "Anong gusto mong gawin ko? Enter a relationship
with Reigo when I know myself that I'm not ready? That I can't give him the time?
And that he won't be my priority? Don't you think that would be more painful in the
long run? That would damage Reigo more. The disappointment and pain he was feeling
now was because I said no. But if I said yes to his offer and I hurt him in any way
while we're together, that'll be a different kind of pain and I don't want that for
him or for me. Hindi ko siya ikukulong at ang sarili ko sa isang relasyon na hindi
ko kayang bigyan ng oras at panindigan."

Thorn stared at Zehannah while she was speaking as if reading her. "You cared for
him..."

"Duh?" Zehannah rolled her eyes. "If I don't, I would've said yes and fuck his
brains out."

Thorn sighed and sat on one of the chair in the meeting room. "Hindi ba kung gusto
maraming paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yeah. Kaya nga marami akong dahilan, kasi ayoko."

"You say that but you look scared to me." Thorn said as he observed Zehannah. "Is
it that scary to exclusively date Reigo?"

Zehannah did not deny Thorn's observation. "Reigo dates to marry and I don't want
to get married. Ano sa tingin mo ang mangyayari kung magiging kami ni Reigo? Mabuti
nang putulin ng maaga keysa patagalin at mas sobra pa ang maibigay ko sa kaniyang
sakit o pagsisisi na nakilala niya ako."

Thorn sighed. "It's obvious that you care for him, but you looked so chill that
anyone would think that you had fun turning Reigo down."

"I don't really care what anyone thinks of me." Zehannah smiled. "Reigo is a good
guy, Thorn. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit siya iniiwan at niloloko ng mga ex
niya. Yes, he's flirty, but to me, it's amusing than irritating. Madali lang siyang
magustuhan. He's naughty and lovable, and a guy like that deserves a woman who
could give him the world—"

"—and it's not you?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yes. It's not me. I'm afraid of marriage and I'm wary of
relationships. It's scary. And not to mention that at the moment, I don't have free
time to indulge him. Sigurado akong marami pa siyang mahahanap na iba na mas higit
pa sa 'kin—"
"Ikaw ang gusto niya." Putol ni Thorn sa iba pang sasabihin ni Zehannah. "Sa tigas
ng ulo ng isang 'yon, napaka-imposible na magbago ang isip niya."

"Mas makakabuti para sa kaniya kung maghahanap siya ng iba."

"And how about you?"

"I will be busy with work, so I'll be fine. And this is what I wanted, so I will
stand on my decision. If I come to regret it, I only have myself to blame."

"You won't miss him?"

Mapaklang tumawa si Zehannah. "I still have his text messages on my phone. Basahin
ko nalang ang kalandian niya do'n kapag na-miss ko siya."

Thorn sighed again. "If given a chance again, would you change your decision and
say yes?"

"No. It'll always be a 'no'."

"What if he came back and pursue you again?"

"If that happened, please bash his head on the wall. Para matauhan siya na hindi
saya kundi sakit ang dala ko sa kaniya."

Napailing si Thorn sa katigasan ni Zehannah.

"But it's true that I really have no time to spare for him," Zehannah muttered and
sighed. "Siguro kung naitayo na namin ni Cass ang agency namin at may solidong
pondasyon na, baka umu-o pa ako kay Reigo kasi alam ko na mabibigyan ko siya ng
oras kahit pa nga hindi ko maibibigay ang gusto niya. Pero sa ngayon talaga, tulog
nalang ang pahinga ko. At alam kong nag-uumpisa ka na ring magtampo kay Cassia
dahil wala siyang oras sayo palagi."

Thorn couldn't deny that. It was true. "Yes. You two are so busy."

"See what I mean?"

"So if Reigo just waited for the perfect time, you'll say yes?"

"I don't want him to wait. That would be selfish of me and unfair to him."

"Paano kung makahanap si Reigo ng iba?"

"Then good for him."

"And will you find a partner as well?"

Mahinang tumawa si Zehannah. "I don't think anyone could surpass Reigo if I'm being
honest."

"So you're basically telling me that he's your ideal guy and no one can compare?"

Ngumiti lang si Zehannah saka itinuon ang buong atensiyon sa trabaho.

"Well..." Thorn stood up. "Pumunta ako rito para ilabas ang sama ng loob ko sa 'yo,
pero walang nangyari. Anyway," Thorn waved his hand at Zehannah even though she was
not looking. "Bye. You can eat at my restaurant today. It's in the house."
"Really?" Zehannah's eyes shined when Thorn mentioned his restaurant. "Thanks!"

"Welcome." Thorn said, and left the building.

Nang makalabas si Thorn, sumakay siya sa sasakyan niya saka nagmaneho patungong BV,
deretso sa barn ni Lysander kung saan naroon si Reigo at mag-isang umiinom.

Reigo growled at Thorn when Thorn entered the barn.

Thorn shook his head and throw the device that was in his pocket to Reigo. "You owe
me for that, Vasquez."

Napatingin si Reigo sa ihinagis ni Thorn sa kaniya at nagsalubong ang kilay niya ng

makitang digital voice recorder 'yon.

"Press play and grovel before my feet for my ingeniousness." Ani Thorn saka kumaway
kay Reigo habang umiikot patalikod. "Have fun and with that, hope you can decide
what to do next and not just chug every liquor you see. Bye. Huwag magpapatalo sa
sumpa ni Volkzki." Pagkasabi no'n ay lumabas na ng barn si Thorn.

Naiwan naman si Reigo sa loob na hawak-hawak ang voice recorder.

Curious why Thorn was boasting his ingeniousness, Reigo pressed play, and he
immediately realized one of the voices in the recording.

The one Thorn was talking to.

Zehannah.

"You cared for him..."

"Duh? If I don't, I would've said yes and fuck his brains out."

Humigpit ang hawak ni Reigo sa recorder at habang nakikinig siya, pahigpit ng

pahigpit ang hawak niya doon at palalim ng palalim ang iritasyon na nararamdaman.

Fuck it! Why are you deciding for me...?!

Umalis si Reigo sa salas saka pinagbabasura ang mga basyo ng alak na ininom.

"Just you wait, Zehannah. I will give you a piece of my mind!" With gritted teeth,
Reigo entered the bathroom to take a bath while still listening to the recorder, as
if he was memorizing it.

"LOOK AT YOU..." Dan cupped his daughter's face when Zehannah visited their house
after work. "You look so stressed, 'nak. Masyado bang maraming ginagawa sa agency
na bubuksan niyo ni little Cassia?"

Tumango si Zehannah saka naglalambing na yumakap sa Papi niya. "Can I sleep here,
Papi?"

"Of course. We always clean your room."

Napangiti si Zehannah saka pinakawalan ng yakap ang Papi niya saka sunod na niyakap
ay ang Papa niya na nasa likuran at nagmamasid lang sa kanila.
"Hi, Papa."

"You look exhausted." Anito.

"I am. Pakiramdam ko isang hangin lang ang katapat ko, makakatulog ako kaagad."

Hinaplos ng Papi niya ang buhok niya. "Oo nga't halatang pagod na pagod ka pero
mukhang malungkot ka rin. May nangyari ba?"

Yumakap lang si Zehannah sa Papi niya. Nagkatinginan naman si Dan at Cameron at

palihim na napabuntong-hininga ang dalawa dahil alam kaagad ng mga ito kung bakit
umuwi ang anak nila sa bahay.

When Zehannah says no to her exes before, be it a marriage proposal or something

else she couldn't give, she would always come running to her parents' house as if
to heal.

"Did he leave?" Cameron asked his daughter.

Tumango si Zehannah. "It's a normal reaction."

Hinalikan ni Dan sa gilid ng nuo ang anak. "How are you feeling, 'nak?"

"Okay, I guess...?"

"Hindi ka sigurado?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "Malungkot lang ng kaunti pero lilipas din naman 'to.
It's weird. Even I can't understand what I'm feeling. Oh, well. I have to face the
consequences of my decision."

"Because you know he's a good catch and you like him. Despite that, you had to say
no."

"Siguro." Ihinilig ni Zehannah ang ulo sa balikat ng Papi niya. "Hanggang ngayon,
alam kong walang mali sa naging desisyon ko. Pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n na masaya
ako sa desisyon ko."

"You were happy with him when we visited you." Ani Papa niya. "I thought you're
going to say yes."

Zehannah smiled. "Happiness is a frail thing, Papa. It crumbled at the slightest

push."

Napabuntong-hininga si Cameron saka niyakap ang anak. "Puwede kang mag-stay dito
hangga't gusto mo. You're always welcome here, Zehan."

"Salamat, Papa."

"Come on," giniya siya ng Papi niya patungo sa kuwarto niya. "Pahinga ka muna.
Kumain ka na ba? Ipagluluto kita."

Umiling si Zehannah. "Nakalimutan ko."

"Hay kang bata ka." Napailing ang Papi niya. "Sige. Ipagluluto kita ng hapunan.
Cam, dalhin mo si Zehan sa kuwarto niya."

Humaba ang nguso ni Zehannah. "Papi, I know where my room is."

"Oo nga. Pero mukha kang nawawala."

Natigilan si Zehannah sa sinabi ng Papi niya saka hinayaan ang Papa niya na iginiya
siya patungo sa kuwarto niya.

Nang makarating doon at makapasok siya, walang pinagbago ang silid niya. Ganun pa
rin ang ayos. Malinis at komportable pa rin.

"If you need anything... if you want to talk about anything... nandito lang kami ni
Papi mo."

Umikot si Zehannah paharap sa Papa niya saka ngumiti. "Thank you, Papa. I'll keep
that in mind."

Tumango ang Papa niya saka naglakad na paalis. Si Zehannah naman ay tinitigan ang
kama saka padapang nahiga doon at ipinikit ang mga mata.

'Sex is okay?'

Mabilis na bumukas ang mga mata ni Zehannah dahil sa biglang pagpasok ang ala-ala
na 'yon sa isip niya.

She offered sex to Reigo, because that was basically the only thing she could give
him.

Tumihaya si Zehannah sa pagkakahiga saka napatitig sa kisame ng kuwarto. "This will

pass." Bulong niya sa sarili. "It always does."

If I've learned anything in my twenty-nine years, it's that 'life goes on'. Life
would not stop for anybody. Same with what she was feeling at the moment. It will
pass and her life will go on.

It always does.

"PABABAIN KO ba si Zehan para dito siya kunain?" Tanong ni Cameron sa kapareha ng

makitang malapit ng matapos ang niluluto nitong hapunan ng anak nila. "O ihahatid
mo nalang sa kuwarto niya?"

"Pababain natin para malibang." Ani Dan saka napabuntong-hininga. "She's always
like this after saying no to her exes."

Masuyong niyakap ni Cameron si Dan mula sa likuran. "I thought he'll be the one to
change Zehan's mind."

Napabuntong-hininga ulit si Dan. "This is not about Zehan's mindset anymore. Hindi
man niya aminin satin, nagkaroon siya ng trauma pagkatapos ng mga nangyari sa mga
nakarelasyon niya. Lahat sila iniwan si Zehan ng humindi si Zehan sa alok ng mga
ito, kasal man 'yon o ibang bagay. That's why to Zehan, because of her experiences,
she developed this thinking that it's better to keep to herself because she'll be
only left behind if she couldn't give them what they wanted. Para sa kaniya, hindi
lang siya makakasakit kundi iiwan din siya kapag hindi niya kayang ibigay ang
hinihiling sa kaniya dahil 'yon palagi ang nangyayari at ayaw na niyang maransan
'yon ulit."
Cameron buried his face in Dan's neck. "May magagawa ba tayo para sa anak natin?"

"All we can do is to be there for her." Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Dan.

"Ayokong nasasaktan ang anak natin, pero ganun talaga ang buhay. Mas maraming sakit
keysa saya. At ang magagawa lang natin ay gabayan siya."

Cameron sighed. "Our daughter is strong, but even the strongest wall crumbles."

"That's why when that time comes, we have to be there for her."

Mas humigpit pa ang yakap ni Cameron sa kapareha. "We have to take care of our
baby. Nag-iisang anak lang natin 'yon."

Tumango si Dan saka pinagpatuloy ang pagluluto.

Ang hindi alam ng dalawa ay nasa labas ng kusina si Zehannah at nakikinig. Dapat
papasok ang dalaga sa loob dahil ayaw ni Zehannah mag-isa sa kuwarto niya dahil
kung ano-ano lang ang pumapasok sa isio niya ng narinig niyang nag-uusap ang mga
magulang niya tungkol sa kaniya.

She was happy that she was blessed with amazing parents. Ayaw niyang pinag-aalala
ang mga magulang niya, pero hindi niya maiwasan minsan.

Not wanting to worry her parents any further, she entered the kitchen with a smile.

"Hi, Papi, Papa. Anong niluluto mo para sakin, Papi? Ang paborito ko ba?"

Pinisil ng Papi niya ang pisngi niya ng makalapit siya sa mga ito. "Anong paborito?
Kulang ang ingredients para doon."

Humaba ang nguso ni Zehannah saka inagawan ang Papi niya sa Papa niya.

Cameron grumbled. "Hey! I love you and all, Zehan, but Dan is mine."

She stuck her tongue out at her Papa. "Between me and you, Papa, Papi loves me
more."

"Hmm-mm." Dan nodded.

"Dan!"

"Huwag ka ngang maingay." Saway ni Dan sa kapareha saka hinaplos ang buhok ni
Zehannah.

Hindi nagpatalo si Cameron, bumalik ito sa pagyakap ng Dan na nag-aagawan na ito at

si Zehannah sa beywang ni Dan.

"Titigil kayo o paghahampasin ko kayo nitong spatula?!"

Kaagad na bumitaw si Zehannah at Cameron at sabay pa ang dalawa na tahimik na umupo

sa hapagkainan.

Napailing si Dan saka hawak-hawak ang spatula na inihain ang pagkaing niluto para
sa anak.

With a smile on her face, Zehannah enjoyed the food her Papi cooked for her.
Paminsan-minsan, nagnanakaw ng ilang piraso ng karne ang Papa niya pero kaagad
itong na-i-spatula sa kamay ng Papi niya. Walang takas ang Papa niya sa
makapangyarihang spatula.
Pagkatapos niyang kumain, nilinis niya ang pinagkainan at sumama sa Papa at Papi
niya na manonood daw ng pelikula sa salas.

Sa mahabang sofa, nakaupo si Dan at Cameron sa magkabilang dulo habang si Zehannah

ay nakahiga sa gitna. Ang ulo ni Zehannah ay nakaunan sa hita ng Papi niya habang
ang mga paa niya ay nakapatong sa mga hita ng Papa niya.

Maganda ang pelikula na pinanood nila na nawala ang mga iniisip niya at nakatuon
lang ang buo niyang atensiyon sa pinapanood hanggang sa makaramdam siya ng antok na
hindi niya kayang labanan.

After her futile struggle, Zehannah fell asleep while her Papa was combing her
hair.

Noon, kapag nakakatulog siya sa sofa, pagkagising niya kinabukasan, parang magic na
nasa kama na niya siya. Pero nang magising siya sa pagkakataong 'yon, nasa sofa pa
rin siya. May kumot at unan lang siyang kasama.

I guess I'm already too heavy for Papa and Papi. Naiiling niyang isip saka naghikab
bago bumangon at tinungo ang kuwarto para maligo at mag-ayos para sa pagpasok niya
sa C&Z marketing agency.

Kahit papaano, mas maayos na ang pakiramdam niya keysa nuong nga nagdaang araw.

Being in their old house and being with her parents was really a therapy for her.

Well... another day, another chance to be better and feel better. Zehannah thought
as she finished her breakfast with her parents and was in her car and ready to
leave for work.

And as she drives to work, Zehannah thought that she'll be fine. This melancholic
feeling will soon disappear. It always does.

Because that's life. It goes on.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 17

BELIEVING THAT everything will pass and that life goes on, Zehannah continued her
days, working her ass off. Tulog nalang ang pahinga niya at minsan nga
nakakaligtaan niyang kumain. Natapos na rin nila sa wakas ni Cassia ang dapat gawin
para makapagbukas sila ng agency at tapos na rin ang renovation ng opisina nila.

And of course, Cassia had been nothing but a TMI these past few days. Telling her
thing like being eaten by her husband and how her husband eats his wife.

All Zehannah could do was sighed and facepalmed, especially after realizing that
her airhead friend had been watching porn for 'educational' purposes.
Cassia was brilliant at work, but in her personal life, especially when it comes to
her husband, she was too much for Zehannah to handle that Zehannah always ended up
stunned at the absurdity of the words that were coming out of Cassia's mouth.

But I guess that's just Cassia. And it seemed that her husband didn't mind.

And finally, the day came that Cassia acknowledged that her husband was not gay.
Grabe ang pasasalamat ni Zehannah sa panginoon na naisip din 'yon sa wakas ng
kaibigan niya. Pero ganun pa rin ang isip nito, may hangin pero hinayaan na niya.

Enduring Cassia's way of thinking had always been her specialty, but now it comes
with glorious reward. Free meal in Thorn's high-end restaurant.

"... then could you please teach me how a wife eats her husband?"

Cassia and Zehannah were in Cassia's office because they were discussing their
plans seriously—well... until Cassia suddenly started talking about her husband.

Zehannah literally became frozen for a couple of seconds, just staring at Cassia
dryly. And when Zehannah didn't speak, Cassia continued talking.

"I want to research again about how a wife eats her husband, but Thorn said it's
bad for me to watch those porn videos, so I'm not doing it. That's when I thought
of you." Cassia grinned at Zehannah as if Zehannah had the answer to all her
questions. "No need to watch since I've got a master with experience. Say, Master
Zehan, have you eaten someone already?"

Well... in my dreams, yes, I have. Nakain na nga rin ako. Sa panaginip nga lang.
Zehannah sighed. But no way in hell I'm gonna tell her that! "Cass, that's TMI.
Please, learn the meaning of that."

Humaba ang nguso ni Cassia. "But we're best of friends. And you're my master. Who
cares about TMI—"

"I do!" Zehannah snapped at Cassia.

"But Zehaaan," Cassia whined. "I can't ask anyone about it—"

"Ask your husband. I'm sure he'll teach you." Knowing that sly man, Zehannah knew
Thorn will wholeheartedly teach Cassia everything.

Natigilan si Cassia pero mas humaba pa ang nguso nito. "Hmp! It's kind of
embarrassing—"

"Wow," Zehannah said in sarcasm. "You actually know that word? Shocker."

"Of course, I know. And Zehan, I still haven't seen his little hotdog down there.
The list, Zehan! I still haven't completed the list!"

Gustong takpan ni Zehannah ang tainga para hindi marinig ang pinagsasasabi ni
Cassia. "Cass, naririnig mo ba ang pinagsasasabi mo? Trust me, your husband doesn't
have a little hotdog. I'm pretty sure the size is bigger than a jumbo hotdog."

"Jumbo—" napakurap-kurap si Cassia kay Zehannah na parang nagulat ito—"hotdog?"

Cassia gasped. "Holy molly! That's big, Zehaaan! Wait. Did you just say BIGGER?!"
Cassia gasped again. "O.M.G. Zehan, anong mangyayari sa 'kin kapag pinasok niya
'yon?"

Zehannah smirked at Cassia. "Simple, Cass, wawasakin ka niya sa sarap."

Cassia gulped, and she unconsciously covered her little baby down there. "Zehan,
I'm scared."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah sa reaksiyon ni Cassia at akmang pakakalmahin ito nang

may kumatok sa pinto ng opisina ni Cassia saka bumukas 'yon kapagkuwan.

Then Thorn entered with a paper bag in his hand, and behind him was Reigo.

Zehannah was stunned.

She was not expecting Reigo to show himself in front of her again. After her
rejection and her offer, she was sure that Reigo would steer away from her.

But here he was. His eyes never leaving her as if he missed her face after not
seeing each other for a while.

After what happened, seeing Reigo was the last thing Zehannah wanted. But here she
was also, staring back at him until he arrived beside her.

"Let's talk." Kaagad na wika ni Reigo ng makalapit sa kaniya. Not a question nor a
request. His voice leaves no space for a 'no'.

But Zehannah was cut from a different cloth. "As you can see, I'm busy. I don't
have spare time with you—"

"Just talk, Zehannah."

It surprised her when he said her complete name and not the nickname he made for
her. "I really don't want to."

"You're not busy."

"I am."

"It's lunchtime!"

Zehannah was about to say 'no' when Reigo grabbed her wrist and pulled her up. Then
he proceeded to drag her—well, as carefully as he could. Kung gugustuhin ni
Zehannah, makakawala siya sa hawak ni Reigo. Sigurado siyang hindi mahigpit ang
hawak nito sa kaniya at binigyan siya nito ng pagkakataon na kalasin ang
pagkakahawak nito.

Pero nasa labas na silang dalawa, nagpapaubaya pa rin si Zehannah sa binata.

And Reigo noticed it and let go of Zehannah.

"Just talk," Reigo whispered as he turned around to face Zehannah. "It's lunchtime.
I'm sure we can talk while you eat."

"Eat?" Zehannah echoed and looked at Thorn's restaurant beside their agency. "Hmm.
Okay. Eat and talk."

Nauna nang naglakad si Zehannah patungo sa restaurant ni Thorn at kaagad namang

sumunod si Reigo.

When the manager saw Zehannah and Reigo, he immediately entertained the two and
assigned a waiter to them. Reigo was the owner's friend and Zehannah was the
owner's wife's friend. In short, these two were part of VIPs.
Zehannah and Reigo settled on the American cuisine floor while also asking the
waiter if they could serve some Filipino dishes at their table. And since they're
VIP's, the manager allowed it, but only up to two dishes as to not get the other
customer's attention.

"Thank you," ani Zehannah sa waiter at sa manager bago tumingin kay Reigo na
tahimik lang na nakatitig kay Zehannah. "What?"

"You look stressed."

Zehannah sighed. "Who wouldn't be after working all day? Halos tulog nalang ang
pahinga ko."

"Pumayat ka rin." Obserba nito. "Are you not eating enough?"

"Nakakalimutan ko minsan sa sobrang busy ko," sagot niya. "Good thing I have
Cassia. She's like my alarm clock when it comes to eating these days."

Reigo seemed like he was regretting something. "Sorry I stopped sending you food."

Bumadha ang gulat sa mukha ni Zehannah. "Why wouldn't you? I mean... after what
happened, it's normal that you would stop doing those things."

"I... shouldn't have stopped." Reigo said. "You rejected me as a suitor, but I can
still send you food as a friend, right?"

Now Zehannah was confused. "What...?"

"I thought about it. Your reason for rejecting me." Reigo looked into Zehannah
eyes. "I get it. You're busy. Even Thorn keeps grumbling these days that Cassia had
no time for him anymore. I understand what you said, but there was one thing that's
been bothering me."

Zehannah gave Reigo a look that says she's waiting for him to tell her what was
bothering him when he paused.

Reigo continued. "Why... did you offer sex at that time? Is that the only thing you
want from me?"

Zehannah frowned. "What are you talking about? It's more like it's the only thing
that I can give you."

Reigo blinked. "What...?"

Zehannah sighed. "I can't give you time or attention. I can only give you some
spare time, and only if I'm not busy. And I was thinking of using that time to...
well, you know, be together and do some stuff." Zehannah let out a loud breath.
"You'd been seducing me since day one, always being suggestive and vulgar... so I
thought you would like that."

Reigo's lips parted.

Zehannah added, "ang totoo niyan, naging masaya ako ng umalis ka at hindi nagpakita
sakin. It only shows that you choose yourself and that you decided that I'm not
worth the pain at all. I was happy for you."

Reigo scoffed. "Sorry to disappoint, but I did not leave because of those reasons.
I left because I got rejected, not because of some fancy reasoning. I was sulking
like a dying cow, chugging liquor one bottle after another like a drunkard and
grieving like a widow." He sighed. "I never knew I could be that messed up after
being rejected."

"I'm sorry."

Reigo shrugged. "It's okay. Alam ko naman kung ano ang pinasok ko at wala kang
ipinangako sa'kin."

Zehannah looked at Reigo's face. "I'm glad you look okay now after sulking,
drinking and grieving."

"I'm not okay." Reigo looked straight into Zehannah's eyes. "I just have something
to say. That's why I'm here and acting like I am fine. Will you hear me out?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Say it."

Huminga ng malalim si Reigo. "Zehannah, please don't decide for me."

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Zehannah. "...what?"

"Thorn... well, um, he told me what you two talked about."

Of course he did. Zehannah sighed inwardly. "And your conclusion is I'm deciding
for you."

"Yes. You are."

"It's for your own good, Reigo."

"You say that, but I'm not really in a good place right now." Anito saka
napabuntong-hininga. "I get it. You don't want to date me and that's okay. Hindi
kita pipilitin pero hindi ko rin tatanggapin ang alok mo. You offered sex because
that's the only thing you can give me?" Reigo's face darkened. "Hell, no. As much
as I want to fuck you senseless, I don't want it."

Zehannah frowned, confused. "Then what do you want? You know I can't give you
anything other than—"

"Who told you I want something from you?" Reigo was clearly irritated. His sharp
glare silenced Zehannah. "Yes, I desperately want you to say yes to dating me, but
that's it! I want your 'yes' because I'm interested in you, not because I want you
to give me something! What do you take me for, Zehannah?!"

Zehannah flinched. It was the first time that Reigo snapped at her. He was always
being naughty and silly, sometimes serious, but that's it. He was never this angry
at her. Not even when she rejected him. Just now.

"You want to offer sex because that's the only thing you can give me?" Reigo became
even more irritated. "I don't want it. If we're going to have sex, that's because
you wanted me and craved for me, not because you feel obligated to give it to me
because you can't give me anything else."

Napipilan si Zehannah. For the first time, she didn't know what to say.

"And casual dating? I don't want it as well." Dagdag ni Reigo. "I'd rather go on
dates and have fun with you like usual when we both have time to spare than label
it as casual. You're not a casual thing to me and I don't want anything from you.
Well," he suddenly looked away, "I mean, I want your affection, but I'm not asking
for it. I would be happy if you feel affection towards me, but you don't have to
feel obligated to feel that way towards me just because you can't give me anything.
I'll accept what you can give... well, for now, that is."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "For... now?"

"Yes. For now. Because I'm going to change your mind, Zehannah Sevil. I will make
you fall madly in love with me that I'll be a necessity and not just a 'want'." He
declared with so much confidence and without an ounce of hesitation. "This is my
answer to your offer. I don't want to date casually or use it to label what we have
and I will not accept your sexual offer until you sincerely want it."

"That..." Zehannah was speechless.

"And I won't ask you to say 'yes' again and I won't give you a time frame. Let's
get to know each other until I become part of your necessity. Mas lalandiin pa kita
ng sobra hanggang sa manginig ang mga hita mo. Hindi ako nangangako na hindi ako
magiging seloso dahil seloso akong tao pagdating sayo, pero huwag mo nalang
pansinin 'yon dahil alam naman natin pareho na wala akong karapatan. If you have
free time, tell me because I want to monopolize it. Yes. I want your free time all
to myself except if you wanted to be alone or you have to do something alone. I'm
busy as well, but I can make time for you. Meaning, our schedule will not clash
unless I have an important meeting that I can't cancel. In short, what we'll have
is mutual understanding. Now, after saying all that, are you free this weekend?"

Zehannah was dumbfounded. "Um... only Sunday afternoon...?"

"Then I'll visit you in your condo Sunday afternoon, is that's okay?"

Zehannah blinked. "Give me a minute. I think I'm shocked."

Napahawak si Zehannah sa sariling ulo saka minasahe iyon habang unti-unting

isinisiksik sa isip niya ang lahat ng sinabi ni Reigo na gumulat sa kaniya.

He didn't accept my offer, and he wanted nothing from me, but he still wants to
stay? Did I get that right? Is that even possible? To stay with someone without
wanting anything in return?

She looked at Reigo. "Seryoso ka ba sa mga pinagsasasabi mo? You don't want
anything from me, but still... you want to stay...?" She didn't understand him at
all! "Why...? I mean, I told you, I can't give you anything—"

"Doesn't matter." Reigo cut Zehannah off. "I'm staying. The end. Let's eat."

Hindi na nakasagot pa si Zehannah dahil hinahain na ang inorder nilang pagkain.

Kailangan niyang hintayin na makaalis ang waiter bago niya masagot si Reigo.

"Kung ano man itong gusto mong gawin, binabalaan na kita ngayon pa lang, masasaktan
ka lang."

"I'm old enough to be responsible for my decision. Don't worry about me."

"How can't I?" Zehannah sighed in exasperation. "I'll be the one who's going to
hurt you. Of course I'm worried!"

"Simple. Don't hurt me."

Zehannah glared at Reigo and snapped. "As if I can guarantee that!"

Reigo just smiled. "Aren't I nice? Now, say thank you and kiss me."

Zehannah wanted to bash Reigo's head on the table. "Are you out of your mind?!"
Hindi niya talaga maintindihan kung paano gumana ang isip ng binata. "This will
surely hurt you—"

"I won't know until I try." He said dauntlessly. "I told you, Zehannah, you're
worth the risk."

Zehannah sighed before helplessly staring at Reigo. "I will unintentionally hurt
you one day."

"Likewise. And if one day that happened, I only have myself to blame. So would you
please let me in?"

"Reigo..." umiling si Zehannah. "You will regret this."

"If this went south, I'm sure I will. I'm only human, after all. My father always
says that regret is part of life. But I rather regret because I did it rather than
regret because I didn't."

"Reigo..."

"They say that life is all about taking risk to get what you want, and I want you,
Zehannah." Reigo said earnestly. "I know that you're not a fan of risk, especially
when it comes to relationships, but I hope one day I can change your mind and make
you believe that I'm worth risking for."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Zehannah saka malalim na bumuntong-hininga. By agreeing to

what Reigo wanted was already a gigantic risk. But does she even have the strength
to say no when, deep down, she knew she was happy that he's staying with her even
though she couldn't give him anything?

"Zehannah..."

Nag-angat ng tingin si Zehannah sa binata at tumingin sa mga mata nito. "It's Zee
for you, Reigo."

A smile broke on Reigo's lips, and then it turned into a teasing smile. "You miss
me calling you my Zee, didn't you?"

Zehannah looked at Reigo flatly. "Gusto mo magripohan gamit itong tinidor na hawak
ko?"

Reigo chuckled. "Ah, fuck. I missed you. I shouldn't have sulked, drunk and grieved
for so long." He sighed. "I just really didn't know what to do because I couldn't
make myself accept your offer."

Pinakatitigan ni Zehannah ang binata saka huminga ng malalim. Hindi niya alam kung
ilang beses na niyang ginawa 'yon simula ng makita niya si Reigo ngayong araw.

"Reigo."

"Hmm?"

"Promise me something."

"What?"
"If things get messy between us, promise me you'll leave me immediately and choose
yourself."

"I can't promise that." Mabilis na sagot ni Reigo.

"Reigo...!"

"Because the only reason that it'll get messy between us is when we're between the
sheets, fucking like horny animals."

Hindi na nagsalita pa si Zehannah at kumain nalang. The serious Reigo had been long
gone, and he was now the horny seducer that she knew. He's hopeless. But so am I.
Zehannah sighed again. Why the fuck did I not stop him earlier? Am I really that
desperate for someone to stay, even though I couldn't give them anything?

At that moment, it made little sense to Zehannah at all. She was overthinking and
making up possible negative scenarios in her head to realize that she was already
taking a collousal risk for Reigo by letting him enter her life again.

Albeit unconsciously. But still. Her risk had already begun.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 18

THE BUILDING has been renovated to become C&Z Marketing Agency's office. The permit
to open had been processed, and the dream had finally become a reality. Zehannah
and Cassia still had to finalized some things and it'll be weeks before they could
formally open their agency, but Zehannah was already proud of how long they had
come from just planning it to doing it.

After her talk with Reigo, her busy days continued, but she was not as stressed as
before. No melancholic feeling anymore. No lingering loneliness. Just calmness and
a powerful drive to give her all.

In short, she was contented with her life.

"Excuse me. I'm here to seduce Ms. Zehannah Sevil. May I come in?"

Napatingin si Zehannah sa pintuan ng opisina niya na bahagyang nakabukas at lihim

na napailing ng makita doon ang malandi niyang ka-MU.

"Akala ko ba may dinner meeting ka?" Tanong niya.

"Maagang natapos." Pumasok si Reigo sa opisina ni Zehannah. "You busy? Can I stay?"

"Feel free." Iminuwestra ni Zehannah ang visitor's chair. She was just rechecking
Cassia's list of the things they needed to buy for the agency to see if she needed
to add something.

Pabagsak na naupo si Reigo sa isa sa visitor's chair saka nangalumbaba sa lamesa ni

Zehannah. "Zee, kumain ka na?"

"Nope. Mamaya na pag-uwi ko sa condo."

"Gusto mo, ako nalang ang kainin mo?"

"I'll pass."

"Why not? I'm a delicacy."

"Yeah, yeah." She had become immune. "By the way, I have time this coming weekend.
Bibisita lang ako kasama sila Papi at Papa sa puntod ng lolo at lola ko sa side ni
Papi sa umaga ng sabado, pagkatapos no'n wala na akong gagawin. I want to be alone
in my condo to rest and have my peace, but..." she looked up at Reigo, who was also
looking at her, "I have this urge to see your face this weekend. So, wanna come
hang out?"

Ngumiti ang binata habang nakapangalumbaba pa rin. "How about your Sunday? Want to
see my handsome face as well?"

"Hmm. Magsisimba ako sa umaga dahil matagal-tagal na rin mula nuong huli akong
magsimba dahil masyado akong na-busy. Gusto mong sumama?"

"May gagawin ka pa pagkatapos no'n?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "As far as I know, I'm free after that."

"Okay. Noted. Sasama akong magsimba."

"You sure?"

"Yep. I have a lot to thank him for."

"Okay. I usually attend the morning mass."

"Ako pa? I'm an early bird."

"Oo nga pala. Mas maaga ka pa sa tilaok ng manok."

"Hey! Early bird catches the worm."

Such a simple thing and uncomplicated conversation, but Zehannah felt a surge of
happiness. It was weird.

"By the way, hindi ko nakita ang sasakyan mo sa parking. Did you commute?" Tanong
ni Reigo.

"Yep. Mahal ang gas ngayon."

"Then can I drive you home?"

"Sure. Makatipid man lang ako sa pasahe. Halos naubos ang ipon ko dahil dito sa
agency. I think Cassia's the same. But unlike Cassia, I don't have a wealthy
husband who will save me if I became broke."

"You have me."

Napatingin siya kay Reigo. "And so?"

"I'm wealthy too and a handsome-husband material." Reigo said boastfully. "Aren't
you lucky, my Zee? I'm a perfect delicacy. Wala ka nang hahanapin pa sa'kin. I'm
like a chef's kiss. Perfect."

"Wala ka bang ihahangin pa?"

"Gusto mo pang palakasin ko ang hangin?"

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Anyway, kumain ka na?"

"Nope. I ate little at the dinner meeting. I was hoping we could eat together."

"Sure. Umorder ka na. Medyo matatagalan pa ako. We can eat here."

Reigo happily obliged and called Thorn's restaurant to order. Pagkatapos no'n ay
tumingin si Reigo kay Zehannah at mukhang nakatuon ang buong atensiyon nito sa
ginagawa kaya hindi na niya ito inisturbo at tinungo nalang ang sofa para doon
mahiga at hintayin na dumating ang pagkain.

Reigo didn't know if it was because he was tired or because he woke up early, but
he fell asleep the moment he closed his eyes to rest.

And he came awake feeling a soft hand caressing his face so softly. As if he'll
break.

By the scent, he knew it was Zehannah.

It felt nice. The hand caressing his face was warm and caring, as if promising to
care for him.

And then, he felt a set of warm, soft lips pressed against his forehead. The kiss
was so tender that he was having a hard time believing that it was his Zee.

But it really was her. He could smell her familiar scent and he felt like it was
lulling him back to sleep.

After that soft kiss, Reigo didn't know if he heard her right. It was only a
whisper. But he heard it clearly.

"Thank you for staying."

Just four words and Reigo felt like he melted and all the pain he felt after being
rejected faded away. As cheesy and cringe as it may sound, it really turned him
into a puddle, and he didn't want the moment to end. But alas, Zehannah already
pulled away and then he felt her pinched his cheek. Gone was the warm and caring
Zehannah. Now the savage one was back.

"Wake up, Reigo. Lalamig na ang pagkain."

He opened her eyes and looked at Zehannah who was now sitting on the single sofa
near him. He wanted to tease her so bad about what she did while she thought he was
sleeping, but he was half-afraid that she wouldn't do it again. And he had a
feeling that she'll choke him to death if he ever start teasing her about it.

So he acted normally. "Dumating na yong inorder ko?"

"Yep. Kanina pa."

Sinundan niya ang tingin ni Zehannah. Nakahain na sa center table ng sofa ang
inorder niya. "Hmm. Hindi sila nagpahiram ng pinggan?"

"They did, but I sent it back." Tumayo si Zehannah saka pumasok sa munting office
pantry sa loob ng opisina. Nang lumabas ang dalaga doon, may dala itong mga
dinnerware na pamilyar kay Reigo.

'Yon yong binigay ko sa kaniya. Sa isip ni Reigo ng mailapag ni Zehannah ang

pinggan at iba pa sa center table.

"You gave these to me. So let's use it. Baka mawalan ka na naman ng gana dahil sa
mga pinggan na 'yon." Then Zehannah whispered. "Pati pinggan pinagseselosan. Baliw
talaga."

That brought a smile to Reigo's face. Zehannah may not seem like it, but she's
sweet in her own way.

As usual, Zehannah put food on Reigo's plate without so much thought and then she
started eating. Habang si Reigo naman ay patingin-tingin sa dalaga habang kumakain
na para bang inaaral si Zehannah.

"Hey, my Zee?"

"Hmm?"

"Would you..." he paused as if thinking about his next words, "would you like to
make out?"

Tumingin si Zehannah sa kasamang kunain. "Really, Reigo? In front of my pork chop?"

"What?" Reigo looked so innocent. "I'm just asking."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata. "Pakainin mo muna ako. I'll think about it and
I'll answer you later."

Reigo smiled. Looks like she's considering it. Hmm. Good enough for me.

"Stop grinning like an idiot. Para kang baliw. Kumain ka na."

Hindi nabura ang ngiti ni Reigo. "You know, my Zee, you told me you will not have
time for me, but we're together now."

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang wall clock. "It's ten P.M.. What do you expect?"

"Hmm. Still. You're giving me your time."

"At sapat na 'to sayo?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Reigo. "Mababaw lang ang kaligayahan ko."

Hindi na nagkomento pa si Zehannah at kumain nalang.

Pagkatapos ng hapunan nila, sabay na nagligpit ng pinagkainan nila si Zehannah at

Reigo bago nagdesisyon si Zehannah na umuwi na. At dahil wala siyang sasakyan,
hinayaan niya si Reigo na ihatid siya para makatipid ng pamasahe.

Nang makarating sa condo niya, mukhang aalis din kaagad si Reigo para umuwi pero
may ibang nasa isip si Zehannah.

"Uwi ka na?"
"Yep. It's your bedtime."

"Hmm. So I was wrong?"

"What?"

"I thought you want to make out—"

Kaagad na binuksan ni Reigo ang pintuan saka lumabas ng sasakyan. "Come on, my Zee.
Let's go to your condo."

Napailing si Zehannah. Ang bilis talaga ang gago kapag may kinalaman sa halik ang
pinag-uusapan.

Zehannah stepped out from the car and walked inside the building together with
Reigo. And since it was already late, it was just them in the elevator going up.

Zehannah immediately flicked Reigo's forehead when he leaned down and kiss her
neck. "Pigilan mo 'yang kaharutan mo. May CCTV 'tong elevator."

But of course, he didn't listen. Though he did nothing extreme and only kissing her
neck and running his tongue along it, but it was enough to send Zehannah's body
burning like she was in a pit of fire.

She wanted to moan so badly because it felt good, but if she did, she'll just fuel
Reigo's horniness.

But could she really held back her moan when the bastard's tongue was not targeting
her ear? She was gritting her teeth and tightening her grip on the strap of her
bag.

She was so close to moaning. Thankfully, the elevator opened, and they have arrived
on their floor.

Thank goodness! Kaagad na lumabas si Zehannah at sumunod naman si Reigo na pahalik-

halik pa rin sa balikat ni Zehannah.

Zehannah had to gulp and breathe deeply multiple times to calm down. But how could
she? When the moment they entered her condo, he was back to kissing her neck again.

"Reigo, I said we can make out, but don't you think you're being a little too much
—"

Reigo claimed her lips, silencing her and freeing the moan that she was holding
back. But Reigo did not stop there, he slid his tongue and Zehannah's eyes
voluntarily closed at the pleasurable sensation spreading through her body and her
arms automatically wrapped around Reigo's neck—her bag dropped on the ground—when
he pinned her against the door.

And then Reigo's kissed became light, dropping feathery kisses on his lips as if
tempting her to open her lips, but it was already parted.

"Reigo..."

"Hmm?" He licked her bottom lip and the corner of her mouth before his lips went
down to her neck.

He really likes my neck so much. Zehannah mused. Though it's not like I don't want
it, I just want other things. Like a fucking French Kiss!

With that thought, she cupped Reigo's jaw with both her hands and forcefully pulled
his face up to level their face and she kissed him fully in the mouth.

Yeah. This is what I want. While that thought was running on Zehannah's mind, she
felt Reigo's lips formed into a smile, but she couldn't care less. She wanted those
lips and now she had them pressed against her, moving against hers while Reigo's
hands were on her waist, massaging her lightly that it was turning her on.

Hindi nakakatulong na panay pasok sa isip niya ang ala-ala ng mga panaginip niya.

Zehannah knew she's becoming a wanton woman, but she couldn't care less. She was
with Reigo anyway. If there was one man she could entrust her body to, that was
Reigo.

A gasped suddenly escaped Zehannah's lips when she felt Reigo's hands moved down
her ass and gave it a hard squeeze as if he wanted more and couldn't get enough.

And that hard squeezed made Zehannah wet.

Tangina. Gaano ba kasarap ang gago na 'to? Lasing siya nang huling may mangyari sa
kanila. Pero ngayon, gising na gising ang diwa niya kaya ramdam na ramdam niya
lahat.

Halik, hawak at pisil pa lang pero gusto nang lumuhod ni Zehannah, ano pa kaya kung
hindi lang 'yon ang gawin sa kaniya ng binata?

And it seems like Reigo read her mind because one of his hands crept up on her body
and cupped one of her breasts while deeply kissing her that breathing had become a
chore.

Yeah. Feels good. Zehannah thought while Reigo was softly massaging her breast.

"Ahh..." a moan escaped her lips when Reigo feel her taut nipple and fondle it from
outside her dress. Fuck! Just that and I'm already so wet. Just how pent up am I?
Kasalanan 'to ng mga panaginip niya!

But she couldn't deny that she wanted this. Yeah, she's craving for it, for Reigo
to just do what he did to her in the club more than a year ago.

This was why she didn't like kissing Reigo. Her body was too much of a softy when
it comes to Reigo's kisses and touch. As if it missed the time when Reigo was
pounding into her so hard that her whole body was shaking.

Zehannah muster all her strength to pull her lips away from Reigo. Because at this
rate, she will really open her legs for him with all her heart. "Reigo... stop."

Slowly, Reigo did. And then he rested his forehead on her shoulder. "Let me calm
myself down a little. I feel like I'm on fire."

Zehannah understood. She was feeling the same thing.

"It woke up?" She asked.

Reigo breathes out. "Yeah. Hard as fuck."

"Does it hurt?"
"Just uncomfortable."

"Oh." Zehannah bit her lips and licked it afterwards. "Want me to... take care of
it?"

Reigo gulped at that offer. "You sure?"

She was certain. "Yeah." Ilang beses na siyang lumuhod sa panaginip niya, gusto
niyang totohanan naman.

Reigo nuzzled his nose against Zehannah's neck. "To say no to that is idiocy, but
I'd been working all day, visiting sites and all that and I haven't showered yet. I
don't think I smell, but still... I don't want to make you uncomfortable or turn
you off."

That made Zehannah smile because she felt like she chose the right man to offer her
mouth to.

She could offer him her shower, but the mood was already gone. And she was already
feeling tired as well. She needed her sleep.

"Say, Reigo," niyakap ni Zehannah ang binata, "do you want to sleep over this
coming Saturday? Magsisimba tayo sa Sunday 'di ba? It'll be more convenient for
you."

Reigo stilled, and his mind was racing. His brain had become a pile of greenery
that he could not answer Zehannah immediately.

"Reigo...?"

"Yeah. I want to." Mabilis na sagot ni Reigo saka niyakap ang dalaga. "Can I
really?"

"Sure. I just invited you, didn't I?"

Humigpit ang yakap ni Reigo sa beywang ni Zehannah. "You're spoiling me, aren't
you?"

"Can't I?"

Reigo had been working hard since their talk, matching her schedule and accepting
what she could only give. That's why she wanted to spoil him a little.

And it's not like it's only for Reigo. It's for herself too. Alam niya sa sarili
niya na hindi niya iimbitahan ang binata na matulog sa condo niya kung hindi siya
sigurado sa sarili niya at sa desisyon niya.

Just like what Reigo said—only when she wanted him and craved for him.

Natigilan sa pag-iisip si Zehannah ng sapuin ni Reigo ang mukha niya.

Napatitig siya sa binata. "What?"

"I just want to make sure. You're not doing this because there's not you can give,
right?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "FYI, Mr. Delicacy, my condo is my special

place. Hindi ako basta-basta nagpapapasok ng kung sino-sino lang. And even if I
couldn't give you anything else, I will never give you permission to sleep in my
condo unless I wanted you to. So be grateful and say thank you."

A smile spread across Reigo's lips. "Thank you then. I promise to tire you before
we sleep. Sisiguraduhin ko na hindi ka na makakalakad—"

Piningot ni Zehannah ang tainga ni Reigo. "Gago. Magsisimba tayo sa umaga. Subukan
mo, sasakalin kita."

"Ouch. You know, my Zee, is choking is your kink—"

"It is not! But I will choke you to death if I'm late for the early mass on
Sunday!"

"Then maybe after the mass we could do some exercise that will make your legs and
thighs tremble and weak until you couldn't walk anymore—"

"Nope. It'll be Monday the next day. I have work. Kaya huwag mong subukan, Reigo.
Hindi tayo bati hanggang mamuti ang buhok mo!"

Reigo looked like he was contemplating. "What a predicament."

Inirapan ni Zehannah si Reigo. "Sige na. Uwi na. Baka saan pa mapunta itong usapan
natin. Make out is done. Good night. Bye."

But Reigo did not let Zehannah pushed him out of the condo. He wrapped his arms
around her waist, pulled her close, and claimed her lips once again.

Zehannah immediately melted, but she was not so soft that she would let Reigo have
his way.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nito saka kinurot niya ito sa tagiliran. "Sabi
nang umuwi ka na."

"Yes, ouch, my Zee. I'm leaving—ouch."

"Uwi na. Bye, Reigo."

Pero ang gago, nanatiling nakahilig sa hamba ng pintuan niya na nakabukas. "Hey
Zee, instead of Reigo, can you call me something else?"

"Gago gusto mo?"

"It doesn't suit a handsome delicacy like me."

Zehannah grimaced. "'Talandi' gusto mo?"

"Ayoko. Iba pa."

"Mahangin?"

"Nope. Another one."

"Annoying, horny bastard?"

"Too long and too mean. Sa guwapo, macho at sarap kong 'to?"

Honestly, Zehannah had nothing. "Wala akong maisip. Uwi na. Matutulog na ako."

But Reigo didn't budge. "Ako nalang ang mag-iisip. From now on, you call me 'babe'.
At oo, pala-desisyon ako."

"Ayoko."

"Come on, my Zee. Won't you make me happy tonight?"

Zehannah sighed. Pagod siya, gusto na niyang matulog at heto kinukulit siya ng
isang dumuho. She had no strength left to fight.

Fine. "Good night, babe. Now leave."

Reigo smiled widely. "Thanks, my Zee! Good night! Have fun. Have wet dreams of me."

If you only knew. Zehannah thought as she watched Reigo leave.

Nang mawala ang binata sa paningin niya, saka lang niya isinara ang pinto at ini-
lock kapagkuwan ay kaagad na tinungo ang kuwarto.

As much as she wanted to just drop dead on her bed and sleep, she went to the
bathroom to wash herself because she felt sticky down—a consequence of that short
make-out session.

Ah, fuck. I'm still turned on. With that thought running through her mind, she
cleaned herself thoroughly until there was no residue of how pent up she was.

Meanwhile, Reigo was whistling as he drove his car home—well, Lysander's barn was
his second home.

Only a week ago, he felt suffocated and couldn't decide on what to do. But now, he
was feeling elated.

It was scary that Zehannah had so much impact on his emotional state, but he really
wanted her. So much that he was willing to compromise and adjust.

Napatigil sa pagsipol si Reigo ng maalala ang sinabi niya kay Zehannah ng magkausap
sila.

Until I become a necessity and not just a want. That was easy said than done. But
he will do it. Regardless of if he'll regret this in the future.

He was willing to risk it because he knew he will never meet another Zehannah in
his life.

And his gut feeling was telling him that Zehannah was someone he couldn't afford to
lose.

Well, that was a given. She just rejected him, and he became a pile of
disappointment and pain. He did not want to feel that again. So he'll give it his
all that even if Zehannah rejected him again, he will not have regrets because he
gave everything he could.

Taking a deep breath, he maneuvered his car to enter the village. After stopping at
the gate, he drove to Lysander's barn.

Hindi na nagulat si Reigo ng mapasukan ang mga kaibigan sa salas ng barn pero
nagulat siya na doon nag-iinuman ang mga ito. "Why are you drinking here?"

"Eva kicked us out." Kuwento Terron. "Kaya dinala nalang namin ang barbecue sa
tindahan nila Eva rito. Si Knight ang nag-ihaw para sa book of life raw niya. It's
just the two of us now."

"Do you have tons of work?" Dark asked Reigo. "You're pretty late."

"Nah. I was with Zee." Reigo massaged the base of his neck and shoulder before
sitting on the sofa together with Terron and Dark. "You mentioned Knight earlier,
nasaan ang baliw na 'yon?"

"Went home just a minute ago." Sagot ni Dark. "His wife called."

"So," tumingin si Reigo sa dalawa. "What's this? Meeting of the royalties?"

"Nah. We were just talking about some stuff," sabad ni Terron. "By the way, Reigo,
is your mom home? There's a private luxury gem and jewelry show in France. My mom
wanted me to give the invitation to her personally."

"Mom will be over the moon." Reigo could already see her mother squealing in
delight. "Yep. She's home, but I think she's leaving for Italy next week, so give
it to her this week."

"Got that. Noted."

"My mom has an invitation for your mom as well," ani Dark. "It's in Athens."

Napailing si Reigo. "Looks like she'll be spending tons again."

Terron chuckled. "As if that's a problem for the Vasquez household."

Reigo shrugged. "Mom's making money on her own, so it's not really a problem. Panay
nga sabi ni Dad na pera niya ang gamitin, pero ayaw ni Mommy. She didn't want dad's
money when it comes to her precious gems and jewelries."

"Really?" Dark was stunned to learn that.

Tumango si Reigo. "I remember mom telling me that she didn't want to marry. Dad was
just persistent that she finally agreed. But before they got married, mom and dad
made an agreement that when it comes to money and mom's personal expenses, she'll
handle it on her own. That way, she'll keep her independence."

"So basically, your mom is just as wealthy as your dad?" Terron asked.

"Yep. Mom's into stock investment and trading." Sagot ni Reigo. "If she'll sell
those expensive gems that she didn't want anymore, she'll be more wealthy than dad,
but she didn't want to."

"Ganiyan talaga ang mga collector. Ayaw na bini-benta ang mga collection nila kahit
pa nga luma na."

Reigo sighed as if he had given up. "Okay lang sana kung ganun, but my mom is
different."

"How different?" Terron asked.

"She threw all the gems she wanted to discard to the fountain." Reigo sighed.
"Basically, we have a fountain in the house full of expensive gems and diamonds."

"Seriously...?" Dark gawked at him.

"Yep. She even used those expensive gemstones to decorate our house's entrance and
hallway walls."

"Damn..."

"Yep. My mom's crazy." Napailing si Reigo. "Dad always let her be crazy and
independent. I once asked dad about it and he said I'll understand in perfect time.
And now, I finally got it. My Zee is very independent that it's scary because I
always feel like she doesn't really need me."

"Independent women could make you feel that way, I guess." Ani Terron.

"Yes, but dad made it work." Sagot ni Reigo. "Dad said he took his time to get to
know mom to learn what she really wants in a partner. He supported her career, he
conversed with her to understand each other, he knew mom too well that he knew when
mom needed a hand without asking for help, he let mom make her own mistakes and try
new different ways to have fun a be with each other, he never impressed her, he
assumed nothing about her and he plan ahead for their schedule not to clash."

"That's a lot of work." Terron grumbled.

"Well, relationships usually are." Sabad ni Dark. "Love is not enough to make a
relationship work, Dashwood. Kailangan pagtrabahuan mo ng maigi para maging maayos
ang relasyon niyong dalawa. Couples, friends or families — every type of
relationship needs effort and work. That's how you make it through tough times and
be together for a lifetime."

"Yeah. Dad said that as well. And he also said that if an independent woman kept
you by her side, that's something already."

"And your mom?" Terron asked Reigo. "Is she like your dad? Compromising?"

"In a way." Reigo leaned back in his sit. "I mean, dad was not the type to ask mom
not to do things, but when he does, she would always listen after dad explained why
he didn't want her to go. At hindi lang naman ang dad ko ang nag-i-effort. Mom
would set dates and surprises for dad when he least expects it. I know she was
always trying to make time for dad in her busy schedule. But even how busy she was,
she always makes sure to celebrate their special days."

"So that's why you can handle this 'Zee'?" Terron asked.

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "Handle Zee? I'm not that skilled. But I'm trying to
understand her in my own way. Nakikita ko na busy talaga siya. She's hardworking
and she just opened a business with Thorn's wife so she's very hands-on and always
A for effort in everything. I'm trying to compromise with her schedule and I know,
in her own way, she was trying to make time for me as well because she never missed
to tell when she'll be free."

"That's nice," komento ni Terron. "At least this time, you're certain that she's
not after your money like your exes."

Natawa si Reigo. Talks about his exes usually make him grumpy, but now, he could
just laugh it off. "Baka masapak ako ni Zee kapag winagayway ko 'yong pera ko sa
pagmumukha niya. She enjoys splitting the bill in everything we do or eat and it
was refreshing."

"Yeah. May tsismis si Calderon na si 'Zee' mo raw ang nagbabayad sa kinakain mo?"
Usisa ni Dark.

"Yeah." Reigo sounded and looked proud. "I like it when she pays for me, be it food
or anything. It only shows that I mean something to her. Imagine, she's spending
her hard-earned money on me. Who wouldn't find that sweet?"

Natawa si Dark. "Same. Gustong-gusto ko kapag pinagluluto ako ni Anniza. Imagine,

she spent her precious time and effort cooking just for me. My agapi mou is the
sweetest."

Terron looked at the two flatly. "Vasquez, wala ka pang asawa pero bakit parang
kasapi ka na ng understanding club?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Reigo saka naghikab. "Wala na ba'ng sasama sa inuman

niyo?"

"Nope. Just us. We still have some business to talk about." Ani Terron. "Wanna
drink?"

"Nope. I have an early work tomorrow." Tumayo na si Reigo saka umakyat sa ikalawang
'palapag' ng barn. It's more like a small attic, actually. It's where the bed was.
"Kayo nalang. Anyway, turn off the lights after you're done. Baka makatanggap na
naman ako ng litaniya galing kay Lysander dahil sa babayaran niyang ilaw."

"Lysander is still paying for the electricity?"

Reigo shrugged. "This is his barn."

"You're using it."

"Nope. We're all using it." Pagtatama ni Reigo saka kaibigan saka umakyat na.
"G'night."

Reigo didn't wait for the reply and just went to bed after washing up.

Before he closed his eyes, he checked his phone.

A smile made its way to his lips when he saw that he received a message from
Zehannah telling him 'good night', bur his sour mood immediately reappeared when he
read a message from an unregistered number on his phone.

'Hi, Reigo. This is Emma. Can I invite you to lunch tomorrow? It's for Lancove.'

Reigo knew how important their Lancove project was, but he didn't reply and turned
his phone off when his phone.

There's only one woman that could make me reply positively when it comes to lunch
dates—only my Zee.

With a sour mood, he forced himself to sleep, not knowing that the day will come
that Emma would try to tear down Zehannah's trust that he worked so hard to earn.

CECELIB | C.C.
CHAPTER 19

"SIR, MISS Emma from Lancove called, asking if you were busy." Imporma ng
pansamantalang sekretarya ni Reigo na si Fara na pumalit kay Oliver dahil nasa isla
ito para i-monitor ang isa sa malaki nilang project nitong taon. "Hinihingi niya ho
ang schedule niyo pero hindi ko ibinigay. She sounded rude and very demanding, Sir.
Ano hong puwede kong sabihin sa susunod na tumawag siya? Pangalawang tawag niya na
ho 'yon at mukhang tatawag pa siya ulit."

"Tell her I'm busy."

"Sinabi ko na ho 'yan sa kaniya, Sir, pero nagpupumilit pa rin po siya. Nagtanong

nga rin po siya kung ano ang personal number mo o kung tama daw po ba yong numero
niyo ho na naka-save sa cellphone niya."

"Just tell her I'm busy." Ulit ni Reigo habang abala sa pagbabasa ng dokumento na
iniwan ni Oliver na kailangan ang pirma niya. "I don't have time for her unless
it's an official meeting with Lancove."

"Yes, Sir. I'll tell her."

"Kapag nagpumilit pa siya, sabihan mo ako."

"Yes, Sir."

Lumabas na ang pansamantalang sekretarya ni Reigo habang si Reigo naman ay

pinagpatuloy ang pagta-trabaho.

It was a few hours later, near lunch, when Reigo noticed a commotion outside his
office.

Tumayo siya at lumabas ng opisina para tingnan kung ano 'yon.

Kaagad na nawala ang emosyon sa mukha ni Reigo ng makita si Emma na representative

ng Lancove at malakas at mataray ang boses na ini-interrogate nito ang sekretarya
niya. But when the woman saw him, she showed how two-faced she was when she smiled
sweetly at him, sickening him.

"Reigo, I'm glad to see you!" Emma exclaimed. "Itong sekretarya mo, panay sabi na
busy ka—"

"I am busy." Reigo replied coldly and slid his hands in his pockets. "Anyway, what
are you doing here, disrupting my secretary's work? As far as I remember, I do not
have an appointment with Lancove."

Hindi hinayaan ni Emma na maapektuhan sa lamig ng boses ni Reigo. "I'm here to see
you, Reigo. I'm here for you—"

"If it's for personal reason, please see yourself out. I'm a busy man."

"But I'm here for you—"

"I'm busy and I'm not interested. Please, leave."

"No, I won't! I want to talk to you!"

Reigo was close to snapping, even if the person in front of him was a woman. He
didn't care. It always annoyed him how some women couldn't understand the word 'no'
and 'I'm not interested'. Pinipilit pa rin ng mga ito ang gusto nito.
Reigo was about to give the woman, Emma, a piece of his mind when the phone on his
secretary's table rang, dispelling the tense air a little.

"Yes? This is the President's secretary. How may I help you?" She paused as she
listened. "Wait a moment. I will ask." Then his secretary covered the telephone's
mouthpiece and asked him. "Sir, may food delivery daw ho kayo sa baba."

Reigo frowned. "I didn't order anything. Kanino raw galing?"

Kinausap ng sektarya niya ang nasa kabilang linya para tanungin kung kanino galing.
Kapagkuwan ay tumingin sa kaniya ang sekretarya. "Sabi ng delivery boy, pinadala
daw ni Miss Zehannah Sevil."

Instantly, Reigo's face brightened that it surprised the secretary and Emma. "From
my Zee? Let the delivery boy in. Baka lumamig na ang pagkain." Pagkasabi no'n ay
kinuha ni Reigo ang cellphone sa bulsa saka tinawagan si Zehannah. "Hello, my Zee.
You busy?"

"Nope. I'm having lunch. Why?"

"Thanks for the food."

"Oh, that? Bumili ako tapos nasarapan ako kaya pinadalhan kita diyan sa opisina
mo." Ani Zehannah. "My treat."

"Alam kong nagtitipid ka pero binilhan mo pa rin ako." Ngumiti Reigo. "Hmm...
should I be grateful and say thank you?"

"Yes, you should."

"Then, thanks, my Zee."

From the other line, Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Baliw talaga. Anyway, have a
pleasant lunch."

"I will. See you tonight. Let's have dinner together again and then you can be my
dessert."

"Gago. Kumain ka na nga lang. Gutom lang 'yan."

Reigo chuckled and glanced at the elevator when it opened. "It's here. Bye, my Zee.
See you later."

"Yeah, yeah. Bye."

"Bye."

He ended the call and personally accepted the food. Then he walked back to his
office.

"Reigo, I want to talk to you."

She's still here? Reigo sighed and turned to face Emma. "Unless it's about Lancove,
I can't spare time for you. I'm a busy man."

"We can have lunch together." Emma looked at the food Reigo was holding. "If you
don't mind sharing—"
"I mind." Reigo's face darkened that Emma unconsciously stepped back. "Excuse me."

Pumasok na si Reigo sa opisina nito at naiwan naman si Emma sa sekretarya sa labas.

Irritated, Emma glared at Reigo's secretary. "Who the hell is Zee?"

Iritado na si Fara, ang sekretarya ni Reigo, kay Emma. Kung hindi lang ito
representative ng Lancove, baka nakapagsalita na siya ng hindi maganda. "Si Miss
Zee po ay ang special na babae sa buhay ni Sir."

"Hmp! Sino nga 'yon? Saan siya nagta-trabaho?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Fara. "Hindi ko alam, Ma'am. Ang alam lang namin ay kayang
patigilin ni Sir ang importanteng meeting para kay Miss Zee."

Emma gritted her teeth when she remembered it happening in their last meeting. "Can
you find out more?" Emma hurriedly wrote a cheque and handed it to Fara. "I'll pay
for your effort."

Kumulonang dugo ni Fara pero hindi niya pinahalata. "Sorry, Ma'am. Kahit
pansamantalang sekretarya lang ako ni Sir Reigo, hindi ko gagawin ang pinapagawa
mo."

"Hmp! Gusto mo dagdagan ko pa?"

"No, ma'am. I will not accept it. I'm loyal to Sir Reigo. Not just me, but everyone
in this company is loyal to our boss."

What Fara said was the truth. It was because their boss was the kind of boss who
takes care of his people. Giving credit to where it belongs and not hogging all the
benefit to himself. Their boss may be strict, but he was the kind of boss who
appreciate one's work capability than appearance, academic background or romantic
partner preference.

And for the employees of Vasquez Construction, it's something they appreciate and
want to protect.

Kaya alam ni Fara na walang tatanggap sa kung ano man ang inaalok ng representative
ng Lancove.

"Hmp! Whatever. I'll find out on my own." Then the woman left.

Nakahinga ng maluwang si Fara saka mabilis na inangat ang awditibo ng telepono ng

tumunog 'yon.

It's from the President's office line.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Is that woman gone?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Don't let her bully you. If she's here for Lancove, then entertain her. If
she's here for personal reason just like earlier, don't let her hinder your work,
understand?"

"But, Sir, even if she's here for personal reason, she's still a client—a costumer—
and costumer is always right, right?"
"No. Costumer has a right." Pagtatama ni Reigo sa sekretarya. "But if she's
hindering your work and shouting at you rudely, feel free to talk back and defend
yourself. I'll take full responsibility if that happened."

Fara was moved and very grateful. "Thank you, Sir."

"Welcome." Then Reigo put down the telephone and continued enjoying the food that
Zehannah gave him.

After lunch, he went back to work.

It was midafternoon when he received a call from Lancove's CEO.

"Mr. Vasquez, I just want to apologize for what Emma did. I hope this did not
affect our project deal."

"It won't." Aniya. "I don't care if she pesters me or sends me messages, but if she
rudely speaks to my employees again, I apologize in advance, because I may not be
able to hold my tongue like earlier."

"I understand. I will make sure to punish her thoroughly."

"Thank you."

"Thank you as well."

When the line ended, Reigo blows out a loud breath and called his father.

"Oh, my stubborn son is actually calling."

Reigo grumbled. "Dad, don't make it sound like I'm a black sheep."

Mahinang tumawa ang ama niya. "Well, what is it? Siguradong may kailangan ka."

"I have a project deal with Lancove and there's this annoying woman—their
representative—who kept on pestering me." His face darkened. "I don't want to see
her again because I have a gut feeling that she'll only bring me trouble. Can you
do something about it? Her name is Emma Usoro."

His father sighed. "I do have a good relationship with the owner of Lancove, but
what will you do for me in return, son?"

Reigo could hear the smile on his father's lips. "Hmm... how about I urge mom to
have a vacation with you?"

"If you said that last week, I might have said yes, but your mom is taking me to
Italy, so you can't bribe me using that, son."

Reigo clicked his tongue. "Fine. What do you want?"

His father let out a triumphant laughter. "I want to meet your Zee."

That surprised Reigo. "... what?"

"I want to meet her."

"Wait—what? Why...?"
"No reason." Reigo's father said with a shrugged. "I just want to meet the woman
who made you a mess that you actually called me for help."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Reigo ng maalala niya ang pagtawag niya sa ama para humingi ng
payo rito habang nilulunod niya ang sarili sa alak. "What do you want from my Zee?"

"I want to thank her for taming you." His father chuckled. "My stubborn son
actually wanted to go back to the woman who rejected him, swallowing his pride and
all that shit." His father even clapped. "She must be a wonderful woman."

"More like she's like mom." Reigo grumbled. "Too independent and didn't want to
marry, but I couldn't care less."

His father laughed again. "Anak nga kita."

Reigo sighed and slumped on his seat. "You have any advice for your son, dad? I'm
hanging on a thread here."

"Well, when dealing with independent women, some men likes to make them submit as a
proof of their 'love', but I advise against that, son. You don't make an
independent woman submit. That's not going to happen. She'll either leave you or
let you go. What you should do is compromise with her and talk to her. Do not ask
for her time because they're usually busy with their work and career. No worries
though, because if you matter to her, she'll give it to you freely without asking."

Reigo remembered Zehannah telling him she's free this coming weekend. "Thanks,
dad."

"Welcome." His father replied cooly. "So, do we have a deal? I'll talk to Lancove's
owner in return, I will meet your Zee?"

"Just you?"

"With your mom of course."

"I don't think my Zee will agree." Reigo leaned in his seat. "Our label now, if
that could even be called a label, is mutual understanding. I know, I know, it
sounded like we're teenagers, but I like it more than calling it casual dating."

Napailing ang ama ni Reigo sa kabilang linya. "Just talk to her. Independent women
usually like it if you gave it to them straight. Walang pasakalye. Speak your mind
and if she still didn't want to, then our deal is off."

Reigo sighed. "You're a wicked one, dad."

His father chuckled. "Don't act like this is new. We always bargain and make deals
in the house when you want something. That's how we always do things."

Napailing si Reigo. "Fine. I'll talk to Zee."

"Looking forward to it. Bye, son."

"Bye."

Nang mawala ang ama sa kabilang linya, napabuntong-hininga si Reigo saka napatingin
sa kisame ng opisina.

Siguradong aayaw si Zehannah kung sasabihin niya rito ang gusto ng ama niya.
But he already made it his rule not to assume anything about Zehannah, so he had to
at least ask her and get her answer. He didn't want to decide for her.

Sana pumayag si Zee. Sighing, Reigo went back to work until his annoying friend,
Thorn, called.

"Dinig ko panay tsismis mo tungkol sakin." Aniya sa kaibigan.

"What?" Maang-maangan ni Thorn. "Wala akong alam diyan. Anyway, I'm planning to add
another floor on my restaurant. Can I get a quote?"

"Send me your previous building plan." Ani Reigo. "I have to make sure that the
foundation of your restaurant can accommodate another floor."

"Sige, hanapin ko. Bye."

Reigo grimaced. Alam niyang tumatakas lang si Calderon sa pagti-tsismis nito sa

kaniya kaya mabilis itong nagpaalam.

I'll get my revenge in due time. Reigo mused, and went back to work. He only
stopped when he realized that it was already dark outside.

He checked his wristwatch.

It's still early. I'm sure Zee is still working.

Lumabas siya sa opisina niya para kausapin ang sekretarya niya. "Fara, mauna ka
nang umuwi. Mamaya pa ako. I still have some things to finish."

"Sige po, Sir."

Seeing his secretary gathering her things, readying to leave, he went back to his
office and was about to work again until he was sure that Zehannah was not busy
anymore when he received a call from Zehannah.

"Anong gawa mo?" Walang hi o hello. 'Yon kaagad ang tinanong ni Zehannah sa kaniya.

"Working."

"Oh."

"Why?"

"Nothing. Just want to invite you to dinner. But you're busy."

"I'm done working, actually." Reigo changed his answer immediately. "Ngayon na?"

Zehannah inwardly smiled at Reigo's change of answer. "Sigurado ka?"

"Yep."

"Aren't you being too available for me, Mr. Delicacy?"

Natigilan si Reigo. "Ayaw mo ba?"

"Gusto." Hindi nagsinungaling si Zehannah kay Reigo. "Sinasabi ko lang para maging
aware ka. It's not sometimes good to be always available, you know."

Instead of saying she's deciding for me, it's more like she's always looking out
for me in her own way. Reigo thought, and smiled. "It's you, Zee. Of course I'm
available. Pero kung iba, syempre, hindi. You're special."

"Pinapakilig mo ba ako?"

"Nope. Pero kung gusto mo, puwede kitang pakiligin hanggang sa manginig ang mga
hita mo at mamaos ang boses mo."

Inaasahan na ni Zehannah ang kalandian ni Reigo kaya hindi na siya nagulat at hindi
rin niya pinansin. "So, anong gusto mong kainin?"

"Ikaw." Mabilis na sagot ni Reigo.

"I'm not on the menu," kalmadong ani ni Zehannah. "Normal na pagkain ang tinatanong
ko, hindi hilaw."

"I don't mind eating raw, if it's you."

"We. Are. Not. Eating. Raw." Malinaw na binigkas ni Zehannah ang bawat salita.
"Normal food, Reigo. Normal."

"Hey, my Zee. What happened to 'babe'?"

"Tinangay ng ihip ng hangin dahil sa kahanginan mo."

"Call me 'babe' again."

"Reigo, I don't think two people who's in a mutual understanding relationship call
each other 'babe'. Huwag kang masyadong advance mag-isip. Wala pa tayo sa exciting
part."

"Why won't you call me 'babe'?" Reigo asked. "Do I not look like a 'babe' to you?
With this handsome face of mine?"

"Kaya nga tinangay na ng hangin 'yong 'babe' sa sobrang kahanginan mo." Zehannah
sighed. "Let's go back to our food. Anong gusto mong kainin? And no, I'm not on the
menu."

"Grilled beef and pork. It's not as delicious as you, but it'll do."

"Now that you mentioned grilled beef and pork, gusto ko tuloy mag-samgyup. Tagal na
ng huli akong makakain ng samgyup."

"Samgyup? I know an excellent restaurant. Eat-all-you can, buffet style. You can
grill meat, eat sushi and enjoy hot pot."

Zehannah couldn't say no to that. "Mahal ba?"

"Not for me. I think it's less than a thousand."

"Oh." That excited Zehannah. "Let's go. Saan ba 'yon, kita nalang tayo do'n."

"Sunduin nalang kita." Ani Reigo. "Medyo malayo 'yon. I'll call the restaurant to
reserve a seat for us."

"Okay...! Let's go."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "Kapag pagkain talaga, ang bilis-bilis mo."

"Syempre."

"Sana kapag ako ang kinain mo, hindi mo bilisan. I don't mind if you savor me for a
long time. I'm such a delicacy that you will not regret savoring me."

"Yeah, yeah. Kain nalang tayo. Gutom lang 'yan."

"Yes, my Zee. I'm on my way. Nanginginig pa."

Napailing si Zehannah. "Oo na. Ikaw na ang nanginginig."

"See yah."

"Yeah. See you."

Reigo ended the call and packed his things before he left his office. When he
reached his building's parking lot, he frowned when he saw his car being blocked by
another car.

Nasa dulo na ng dila niya ang malutong na mura ng lumabas mula sa passenger seat ng
sasakyan na nakaharang sa sasakyan niya si Emma Usoro.

Kaagad na nabalot ng iritasyon si Reigo lalo na ng sinalubong siya nito.

"I want to talk."

"And who the fuck do you think you are to demand that to me?" Reigo did not reign
his tongue and words. "I don't know you and I don't have any interest in knowing
you."

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Emma. "Gusto ko lang naman na makipag-usap. Let's have coffee
together—"

"No, thanks. I have dinner plans with my Zee." Tinalikuran ni Reigo ang babae saka
sumakay na ng sasakyan niya.

He did not let the woman control his movement. He maneuvered his car out of the
parking lot and crashing the side bumper of his car against Emma's car, but he
couldn't care less.

He left and went to C&Z's Marketing Agency.

Nang makarating doon, nasa baba na si Zehannah at kaagad itong sumakay sa sadakyan
niya. Pero hindi kaagad umalis si Reigo, sa halip ay walang sabi-sabing yumakap ang
binata sa dalaga. Sa gulat ni Zehannah, hindi na tuloy niya naitanong kung bakit
may yupi ang gilid ng sasakyan nito.

Zehannag was stunned, because Reigo seldom touched her without asking. "You okay,
Reigo?"

"I encounter a witch bitch a couple of times today. It's draining me."

Zehannah frowned. "Witch...bitch...?"

"Yeah. A witch bitch."

"A woman?" Zehannah tried to deduce Reigo's word.

"Yeah."
Zehannah wanted to ask what the woman did, but she did not feel the need to. May
ideya kaagad siya kung anong ginawa ng babae. Masyadong guwapo si Reigo para hind
ito maging lapitin ng babae at mukhang may isang 'witch-bitch' na nasilo ang
kaguwapuhan nito.

Though he looks amusing when irritated, I don't want seeing him like this. Zehannah
sighed and patted Reigo's back before she kissed the side of his neck. "Kumain
nalang tayo para mawala ang iritasyon mo."

"Yeah. That would be nice. Let's eat." With that, he looked up and claimed her
lips. With tongue. Deep and possessive.

A groan she couldn't control escaped her lips when Reigo sucked her tongue and
licked her lips, then tongued her mouth again just like how she wanted it.

The kiss was melting her so much that she found herself responding to Reigo's
kisses and following the movement of his tongue.

Suddenly, the dome light inside the car was turned off and darkness wrapped around
them. And in the darkness, Reigo become even more aggressive that his hands were
touching her private parts that she wouldn't let anyone touch.

Nasa sasakyan sila. Posibleng may makakita dahil maraming dumadaan sa lugar na
'yon. Pero wala doon ang isip ni Zehannah. Nadala na rin siya sa init ng katawan
niya na binuhay ng halik ni Reigo.

Zehannah let Reigo slid his hand inside her upper garment and cupped her breast
while his other hand was squeezing her legs, thighs while moving towards the center
of her femininity.

She was wearing a skit, so she freely parted her legs open to accommodate Reigo's
hand while he was still French kissing her hard and deep.

Zehannah wanted so much more at that moment, but when she felt the tip of Reigo's
finger caressed her mound over her slightly wet underwear, she stopped Reigo and
took a deep breath.

"Reigo, stop."

Breathing hard and uneven, Reigo listened, but he continued kissing her neck.

"Reigo..."

"Hmm?"

"Kumain na tayo."

"I rather eat you."

"You can't. We're in a car. In public."

Reigo nuzzled her neck and the back of her ear. "Kung iuuwi kita ngayon sa condo
mo, hahayaan mo ba akong kainin ka?"

Zehannah bit her lower lip. "But I want to eat grilled beef and pork..."

Reigo slightly pulled away to look at Zehannah. "Grilled beef and pork, or me?"
Zehannah slightly looked away. "Ayokong saktan ka, pero... grilled beef and pork
'yon e. Tapos sabi mo may hotpot pa saka sushi. Puwede bang 'yon muna tapos saka na
ang ibang pagkain na gusto mo?"

Reigo narrowed his eyes on Zehannah. "Why do I have a feeling that you'll chose
food over me? I'm even more motivated to be an over-all delicacy."

That's when Zehannah's stomach made a sound enough for them to hear.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Reigo sa tiyan ni Zehannah. "Ganon ba ako kasarap humalik na
nagutom ka?"

Mabilis na piningot ni Zehannah ang tainga ni Reigo. "Gago. Kanina pa ako gutom
kaya please lang kumain na tayo."

Reigo sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Magda-drive na po, matakaw kong kamahalan."

Zehannah glared at Reigo, but Reigo just laugh it off and drove.

Somehow, Zehannah was relieved that Reigo was not feeling irritated anymore and was
back to his normal self.

But it looks like I have to watch out for that witch-bitch. Zehannah never thought
that a time will come that she would care, even though it's just a mutual
understanding relationship.

Who would have thought that thinking about Reigo being stolen by the witch-bitch
puts her in a sour mood?

Just who the fuck is that witch-bitch anyway?

CECELIB | C.C.

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

CHAPTER 20

HINDI ALAM NI Zehannah kung matatawa siya ng makitang may dalang backpack si Reigo
ng dumating ito sa condo niya hapon ng sabado. Kakatapos lang niyang maligo dahil
kadarating lang niya galing sa pagbisita sa puntod ng lolo't lola niya sa side ng
Papi niya at hindi pa nakakapagpalit ng damit ng tumunog ng door bell niya.

Mabilis na nagbihis ng pambahay na damit si Zehannah at tinungo ang pintuan ng

condo.

"Seriously, Reigo...? A backpack?" Pinapasok ni Zehannah ang binata. "Isang gabi ka

lang matutulog dito."

"Mabuti na ang handa."

Napailing nalang si Zehannah saka isinara ang pintuan at kinuha ang bag ng binata
sa balikat nito saka napamura ng maramdaman ang bigat niyon. "Tangina, anong laman
nito?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya kay Reigo.

"Clothes and stuff."

Zehannah narrowed her eyes at Reigo. "Isang gabi ka lang matutulog dito, ipapaalala
ko lang."

"Malay mo naman, maging dalawang gabi."

"Still! Hindi pa rin sapat na eksplinasyon 'yan sa bigat ng bag mo." Sa halip na
buhatin, hinila nalang ni Zehannah ang bag patungo sa kuwarto niya. "Ang gago. Ano
naman kaya ang laman nito?"

Napailing si Zehannah pagkatapos iwan ang bag ni Reigo sa kuwarto niya at lumabas.
Naabutan niya ang binata sa salas na tinitingnan ang mga larawan na nakasabit sa
dingding.

"You were really cute growing up." Ani Reigo ng maramdaman nito ang presensiya ni
Zehannah. "But I didn't know you like dressing up."

"It's Papi who likes to dress me up." Sagot ni Zehannah saka umupo sa mahabang
sofa. "Tumigil lang si Papi nuong nasa college na ako."

Humarap si Reigo sa dalaga saka tinuro ang photo album na nasa ibabang bahagi ng
center table. "Can I open that?"

"Hmm? Sure." Naghikab si Zehannah saka nahiga sa sofa, ang ulo ay nakapatong sa
armrest ng sofa.

With Zehannah's consent, Reigo took the photo album and sat on the floor in front
of the long sofa. Ang likod ni Reigo ay nakahilig sa sofa kung saan nakahiga si
Zehannah at halos gahibla nalang ang pagitan ng likod ng binata sa dibdib ng
dalaga.

But Zehannah didn't mind. It felt nice.

At habang tinitingnan ni Reigo ang mga larawan sa photo album, tahimik lang na
nakamasid si Zehannah sa binata.

Sa lahat ng tinanggihan niya, sa lahat ng hinindian niya, si Reigo lang ang bumalik
at piniling manatili sa tabi niya. And that made him more special than the rest.

But the fear was still there. The fear of being left behind. The fear of being
hurt. And she was not Reigo who was brave to risk it all.

Will a time really come that I'll be able to risk it all with no fear? I doubt
that. Zehannah let out a sigh and continued watching Reigo, who had a smile on his
face after seeing a couple photos of her.

Zehannah couldn't stop her fingers from poking Reigo's cheek. "What's with the
smile, Mr. Delicacy?"

"I know you're smart, but really? Sixteen medals in your High School graduation?"

"Hmm, that?" Zehannah moved her head and rested her chin on Reigo's shoulder from
behind to take a peek at the photo album. "Look here," tinuro niya ang isang
larawan. "Papi looks so tired because that's the fifteenth time he went to the
stage for my medal. Panay tawa ni Papa rito dahil taga-picture siya namin. At ito
naman, ito yong panghuling medal ko na muntik ng matapilok si Papi. Hindi siya
nakatakas sa kamera ni Papa at nakunan siya ng larawan." Mahinang natawa si
Zehannah. "At ito naman ang larawan namin pagkatapos ng graduation. Ang bigat ng
medals kaya nakabusangot mukha ko. Gusto ko na kasing umuwi at kumain, pero ayaw pa
ng homeroom teacher ko. At itong larawan naman—"

Zehannah felt a light quick kiss on her cheek, making her stopped talking and
glanced at Reigo, who had an innocent look on his face.

"What?" He asked.

She narrowed her eyes at Reigo. "What's with you and kisses?"

"You just look so adorable while telling me about the photos. I can't help it."

Zehannah rolled her eyes and moved her head back to rest on the sofa's armrest.
"Hmp. Mag-isa kang tumingin sa mga larawan na 'yan."

Reigo closed the photo album and turned his body so he's facing Zehannah. When he
did, his eyes held Zehannah's gaze, and she did not back down. She held his gaze
back until Reigo leaned in and place a kiss on the side of her neck.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si Zehannah. "Ang hilig mo talaga sa leeg."

"Hmm. You smell nice." Reigo nuzzled her neck with the tip of his nose. "Well, you
always do." Then he licked her neck. "Tastes good too."

Zehannah bit her lower lip when Reigo started running his tongue along the side of
her neck. It was getting out of hand that Zehannah's body was responding to it.

She felt a burning sensation deep down in her belly. That was a sign that her body
had sexually awakened.

"Reigo..."

He stopped, but he didn't pull away. He just nipped the skin on her neck. "Should I
stop?"

Things like this, it always came down to Zehannah's decision and her decision at
the moment was, "go ahead. Do whatever you like."

Zehannah felt Reigo's smile against her skin and his tongue returned to licking and
kissing her neck, her ear, the back of her ear, down to her shoulder and
collarbone.

Those licks and kissed were making Zehannah's breathing ragged, and she knew Reigo
noticed it because his kisses had become somewhat teasing, as if he wanted to hear
a moan from her.

But Zehannah was holding it in.

Until Reigo's hand slid inside her upper garment and cupped her breast.

Nasa bahay lang siya, kaya manipis lang na bra ang suot niya at madaling naipasok
ni Reigo ang mga daliri nito sa loob at masuyong pinaglandas ng binata ang daliri
nito sa gilid ng nipple niya na para bang tinutukso niya.

No! He's teasing her, alright!

"Reigo..."

His lips kissed her ear. "What, my Zee?"

"Stop teasing me and just move your hand."

"Hmm. I'm trying to figure out what you like. I was drunk back then, so I didn't
get the chance to find out. So, could you indulge me just this one?" He asked.

Zehannah looked at Reigo. He had that determined glint in his eyes, and she knew
she couldn't change his mind. Being with Reigo these past few weeks, she learned
that Reigo had a stubborn side, and it was manifesting at that moment.

"How should I indulge you?" She asked.

"Be honest with me. Like you always have."

Meaning not to hold my moans and just let it go? Hmm. Easy enough. "Okay. Just this
one."

Reigo smiled and softly kissed her jaw. It was a very sweet kiss that it made her
closed her eyes. But her attention was yanked away from her jaw to her breast when
she felt Reigo massaging her breast and slightly pinching her nipple.

Unconsciously, she bit back her moan, then she remembered Reigo and his request to
indulge him.

Zehannah let go of his inhibitions and let a moan escaped her lips when Reigo
rolled her nipple against his finger. Another moan followed when Reigo pinched her
nipple. And it was louder than the last.

But those moans were nothing compared to the moans followed. Kissing her neck,
licking her ear and teasing her with his tongue while his hand was on her breasts,
massaging, pinching and kneading.

"Ahh..." she moaned. "Hmm..."

Zehannah knew the moment she invited Reigo to sleep over that this was going to
happen—no, she invited him over for this purpose, actually. And now that it was
happening, Zehannah realized how her body was not yet ready to the pleasure Reigo
was making her feel.

Maybe because it had been so long since something happened between them that her
body felt like everything was new and uncharted. Or was it because when she gave
herself to him that night, they were both drunk and couldn't care less about
anything than putting it in and being pounded hard?

Whatever it was, Zehannah did not let it affect her.

However new this was, however different, it was still a good kind of new and
different. And this was Reigo. The man she entrusted her body to.

"You're deep in thoughts, my Zee. What are you thinking?"

That snapped out Zehannah from her reverie and looked at Reigo, whose hand was now
sliding down from her breast to her belly.

"Nothing much. Just thinking that this felt different somehow."

"A good or a bad different?"

"Good."

"I'm glad." He moved to kneel on the floor and hovered his lips against Zehannah's.
"Now, my Zee, let me show you the pleasure that only I can give you."

Reigo was staring at Zehannah so intently that it made her gulped in anticipation.

But however much she expected, she was not ready for the pleasure that assaulted
her whole being when Reigo's hand slid inside her cotton shorts and his finger
touched the most sensitive part of her body—her clit.

"Ahh...! Reigo—"

He sealed her lips with his and kissed him deeply. Roughly. As if he wanted to bury
his tongue deep down her throat and Zehannah accepted it all while moaning inside
Reigo's mouth.

He rolled her clit around his finger. Teased it. Draw circle around it. Pinched it.
And rubbed it.

Zehannah was losing it. She had become dripping wet—a soaking mess — but she
couldn't care less as Reigo used all of his fingers to bring her to high heavens.

His thumb was massaging her clit, his index finger was teasing her clit, his
middle, ring and pinky finger was teasing her entrance.

Just those fingers and Zehannah was already a mess. Plus Reigo's lips that were
still kissing her senseless, Zehannah had lost hope that she could still resurface
from this pleasure that was drowning her.

"Reigo... ahh..." some of Zehannah's moans escaped Reigo's mouth, followed by a

loud gasped when one of his finger entered her. "Reigo...!"

Pero hindi hinayaan ni Reigo na makawala ang labi ni Zehannah sa mga labi nito. Mas
dumiin pa ang halik ng binata. Mas naging mapusok. Mas naging mainit na hindi na
muling naisip ni Zehannah na ilayo ang mga labi sa labi nito.

Yumakap ang mga braso ni Zehannah sa leeg ni Reigo at mas lalo pang naging mainit
at mapusok ang halikan ng dalawa habang ang mga daliri ni Reigo sa pagkababae ni
Zehannah ay patuloy na bumabaliw sa dalaga.

Zehannah's body was squirming, her legs were slightly shaking and her toes were
curled as she tasted her first orgasm after that drunken night.

Zehannah moans were sealed inside Reigo's mouth, but her groans echoed in the
living room. The groan of pure pleasure and ecstasy.

But it was not the end of that, Zehannah knew, and she was right. Reigo undressed
her while their lips still glued to each other, only parting when need be and to
breathe and finally, after sealing her mouth with his, he finally pulled away to
savor her now naked body.

Ngayong wala na ang mga labi ng binata sa labi ni Zehannah, malaya nang lumabas ang
mga ungol niya na kaagad na pumuno sa buong salas.

"Reigo... Ah...! Ohh! Fuck..."

Reigo's lips travelled down from her lips, to her chin, neck, collarbone, and it
found her breast and nipple where it stayed and his tongue swirled around her
nipples, making her arched her body.

"Fuck...! Ahh! Harder... suck it harder..."

Reigo obliged and sucked it the way Zehannah wanted, and the moan that came out
from her was louder than the rest.

It was only natural, since her breast was one of the most sensitive part of her
after her clit. It was one of her weakness. Her soft spot that could easily turn
her.

"Ohh... ahh... uhm... ahh...! Reigo... Reigo..."

Zehannah was almost chanting Reigo's name as he gave his entire attention to her
breasts.

Parang mababaliw si Zehannah sa sarap. Pero wala pa 'yon na tunay na sarap na

naghihintay sa kaniya ng nagpatuloy sa pagbaba ang labi ni Reigo patungo sa puson
niya, pababa pa hanggang sa marating ng labi nito sa pinakamasilang parte ng katawa
ni Zehannah.

Zehannah's whole body trembled and shook the moment Reigo's lips made contact with
her clit.

"Ahh...! Reigo!"

He sucked her wet fold.

"Ahh...! Ohh... fuck! Reigo...!"

He licked and lapped her clit.

"Ahh, fuck! Uhm! Ahh! Reigo! Ahh!"

His lips, his tongue—his entire mouth was devouring her whole wet sex that Zehannah
had lost her mind. It was like she was back at that night when she was drunk. All
she wanted was sex. Sex with Reigo. Yes. Reigo. She wanted Reigo. She craved for
him.

"Reigo..." in between her moans of ecstasy from being eaten raw, she called Reigo's
name to get his attention. "Reigo... please... just enter—ahh—me—ahh... already..."

His fingers were heaven, his tongue could send her to high heaven, and she knew his
cock buried inside her could send her past the high heavens and she wanted it.
Impatiently.

But Reigo did not give it to her.

He continued licking and lapping her until she came again, but even after that, he
continued with his mouth as if he couldn't get enough of her taste.

Napasabunot nalang si Zehannah sa sariling buhok at sa buhok ng binata habang

gumalaw mga hita at beywang niya para mas ipagduldulan pa ang pagkakababae niyang
basang-basa at mainit na tumitibok para sa binata.

Napuno ng ungol ni Zehannah ang buong condo niya habang walang humpay siyang kinain
ni Reigo. Halos walang kapaguran ang bibig at dila ng binata sa pagkain sa buo
niyang pagkababae na bumaliw kay Zehannah.

Yes. She wanted his cock, but his tongue was also to die for that she couldn't get
enough even how much she came.

And when Reigo slid his fingers inside her while he was devouring all of her sex,
her whole body trembled and spasm at the pleasure consuming her.

Ni hindi nga namalayan ni Zehannah na nakaupo na pala siya sa sofa at nakasandal na

sa likod niyon habang nakaluhod ang binata sa harapan ng nakabuka niyang nga hita
at walang humpay na kinakain ang basang-basa niyang pagkababae.

When another orgasm ripped through Zehannah, Reigo's mouth suddenly left her mound
and he started kissing her belly, up to her stomach, her breast and neck while he
was taking off his clothes.

Zehannah just watch Reigo with her half-hooded eyes that went wide when Reigo's
mouth reached her ear, his breathing ragged and uneven and without a word, as if
feeling impatient, he buried his cock so deep inside her that Zehannah nearly lost
her consciousness at the inexplicable pleasure that ripped inside her.

Her sex was full. Reigo was big and long that she felt the tip of his cock reaching
the end of her sheath.

"Reigo..." Zehannah was breathing hard and clinging to Reigo's shoulder and neck.

Reigo's breathing remained ragged and uneven next to her ear. "Fuck... still tight
as I remember." He whispered and kissed her ear, then he licked it and slightly bit
it before he whispered in her ear again. "I want to fuck you senseless, my Zee. Can
I?"

Wala sa sariling tumango si Zehannah. "Do it."

"Don't regret it," was his reply before he slightly pulled his length and then
thrust it deep inside her. Then he repeated it. Again and again. Getting faster at
every thrust until Zehannah felt like her world was spinning.

Reigo was fucking her senseless, like he just said. Pounding her so hard that her
whole body was shaking, thrusting so deep inside her that Zehannah became afraid
that he'll ripped her apart.

But the pleasure, yes... the pleasure.

It was making Zehannah's head spin. It was too much. Too much to handle that she
was losing her grip on reality.

Reigo fucked her hard, rough, fast, and senseless. Gripping both her thighs, he
parted it even more to penetrate deeper inside her, to pound insanely fast that she
found herself screaming in a hoarse voice.

Zehannah couldn't even recognize her own voice as she screamed in pleasure.

"Ahh! Ahh! Ahh! Fuck! Ahh! Yes! Ahh... another scream of moans left Zehannah's lips
as Reigo pounded even faster, creating a pounding sound— the sound of slapping
flesh against one another. "Ohh...! Ahh..! Fuck! Reigo...! Ahhh! Reigo! Reigo!
Reigoooo! Ahh! Uhm! Reigo...!"

"Ah, fuck, Zee... fuck!"

Zehannah was losing her breath, but Reigo pounded into her even harder.

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung saan siya kakapit kundi sa leeg ng binata na halos
wasakin siya sa uri ng pag-angkin nito sa kaniya. Sagad na sagad na nanginginig ang
buong kalamnan niya.

At sa pangungunyapit niya kay Reigo, umangat na halos ang buo niyang katawan sa
sofa at mas lalo pang sinagad ng binata ang pagkakalaki sa kaloob-looban niya na
napapasinghap nalang siya habang kinakapos na ng hininga.

Reigo continued mercilessly, pounding her hard until Zehannah spasm in pleasure as
another orgasm ripped through her.

But they were not finished. Reigo hadn't come yet.

The only thing that changed was their position. She was now kneeling on the sofa,
her back on Reigo as Reigo pounded and thrust inside her. The slapping sound of
flesh, the squeaky sound of wetness because of insane friction, her moans, Reigo's
groan — it all filled her whole condo as she gripped the back of the sofa to steady
herself while being fucked mercilessly and thoroughly.

"Ahh... ah! Ahh! Reigo! Ahh!" Namaos na ang boses ni Zehannah at umiikot na ang
paningin niya sa sobrang sarap pero patuloy pa rin ang sagad na sagad pagbayo ni
Reigo sa pagkababae niya.

And just when Zehannah thought that it will not end, Reigo pulled out, and then she
felt a warm liquid spurt on her bare ass.

Reigo pulled out and Zehannah was thankful for that, since they were not using a
condom—which they should have. But what happened was too intense to even think of a
condom.

Reigo was true to his words. He brought her to high heavens, and he was delicious
beyond belief.

A delicacy indeed.

Tired, Zehannah moved her body to turn and sit on the sofa. "Now's my sofa is a
mess..." komento niya ng mapansing basa 'yon sa pinaghalong pawis at katas niya at
ni Reigo.

"I'll buy you a new one," Reigo said before he leaned down and kissed her lips
deeply.

After that, one would think that it was enough, right?

Nope.

Not Reigo and Zehannah.

Both had been holding back since they met again and both were craving for more.

So, no. They're not done.

Zehannah accepted the kiss and cling on to until she found herself standing,
rubbing her front against Reigo, their mouth not leaving each other.

"You hungry for dinner?" Reigo asked in between their kisses.

"No. Not really."

"Good. Let's have a different dinner then."

Zehannah bit Reigo's lower lip. "In my room?"

"Yeah. I still have more ways to mess you up."

That made Zehannah smile. "Okay, Mr. Delicacy. You're on."

Reigo smiled and kissed Zehannah deeply while walking towards Zehannah's bedroom.

The two didn't stop kissing. Their lips were glued to each other even when they
were already on Zehannah's bed.

They kissed and kissed and kissed and kissed until Reigo started romancing
Zehannah's body again.

She squirmed and trembled under his teasing kisses and lips. And she opened her
legs wide to accommodate him.

No inhibition. No reservation. And no hesitation. Zehannah gave her whole body to

Reigo, and she had never felt so appreciated, as Reigo savored every inch of her.

Slowly, Reigo gets to know Zehannah's body. What made her squirm, what made her
tremble, what made her moan, what made her lose her mind and what made her dripping
wet.

It was so intimate that Zehannah came without penetration and clit licking. Just
watching Reigo savored her body was enough to get her off. It was that powerful
that she became a dripping mess.

But when the time for fucking came, Zehannah found herself breathless as Reigo sent
her to high heavens multiple times in different positions.

Missionary, dog style, bended knee, Octopus, Pretzel, down stroke which they did
with half her body on the bed, while Reigo was standing on the floor, and the last
one was Irish garden which Reigo liked because he get to see Zehannah's whole back
as she moved her hips as if twerking to pleasure them both.

And each position made Zehannah and Reigo came. Hard. Both covered in sweat and
breathless, they didn't stop. They went on and on like horny animals in heat.

Tumigil lang ang dalawa ng parehong nakatulog dahil sa pagod. Ni hindi ng mga ito
alintana na oras na ng hapunan ng tumigil ang mga ito.

Basically, Zehannah and Reigo had sex from early afternoon to dinner time. At dahil
doon, nagising si Reigo at Zehannah lampas hating-gabi na.

Zehannah yawned. "I can't believe we're eating dinner at two A.M."

Reigo kissed Zehannah's temple while she was sitting at the dining table. "I'll
make a quick dinner."

Umingos si Zehannah. "Magpi-prito ka lang naman."

"Kaya nga quick, e."

Zehannah rolled her eyes, but when Reigo turned his back on her, she smile and
watch Mr. Delicacy cooked.

Suot niya ang t-shirt ni Reigo—'yon lang ang suot niya at wala nang iba — kaya
naman naka hubad-baro ang binata at nagpi-pyesta ang mata ni Zehannah sa katawan
nito.

In fairness, he really has a delicious body. Zehannah didn't get to enjoy that body
though because Reigo had been adamant about savoring her each time. Kahit gusto
niyang lumuhod, ayaw nito dahil ito lang daw muna ang gagawa ng lahat.

Reigo did promise to let her have her way with him, but not at the moment, since he
wanted to savor her more, he said.

And Zehannah was not complaining. It felt heaven to be savored by Reigo. That
mouth, his tongue, those long fingers were enough and his big and long package—who
would complain? Definitely not her.

"—earth to my Zee?"

Nalakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka tumingin sa mukha ni Reigo na parang hindi siya

nito nahuling nakatanga sa abs nito. "Hmm?"

Reigo shoots her a teasing grin. "Want a taste?"

Inirapan niya ang binata. "You wouldn't let me."

"Want me to stay for another night?"

Pinaningkitan ni Zehannah ang binata. "Why do I get the feeling that that was your
plan all along?"

Inosenteng ngumiti lang si Reigo pero hindi 'yon pinaniwalaan ni Zehannah.

"Gago ka talaga."

Reigo just chuckled and went back to cooking. "As I was saying, while you're
staring lustfully at my body, are you still sleepy or do you want to stay awake
until six A.M. for the early mass?"

Zehannah looked at Reigo's back suspiciously. "Wala ka naman sigurong balak gawin
habang gising tayo at naghihintay ng oras 'di ba?" Because of those odd sex
positions they did, Zehannah felt like she had no strength left. But she wouldn't
deny how she enjoyed all of it. It was just tiring, but very satisfying.

"Whatever do you mean?" Reigo asked innocently.

Inirapan niya ang binata. "Huwag ako ang ginagago mo, Reigo. You're like an animal
in heat—I can feel your horniness from here."

"Oh?"

"Yes!"

Reigo said nothing after that. Tinapos nito ang pagluluto saka naghain at sabay na
kumain ang dalawa.

Zehannah wanted to make small talks, but she couldn't because she could feel Reigo
staring intently at her, as if she was the one he wanted to eat at that moment.
And that feeling was right because, after they eat and clean up, Reigo wrapped his
arms around her body so intimately after she stood up and claimed her lips.

After their romp on the sofa earlier and in her bedroom, Reigo already knew what
could turn Zehannah's body on and he only need to touch and pinch it to make
Zehannah's body burn again.

"You're such a horny animal." Ani Zehannah ng madarang ang katawan niya at tinugon
ang halik ng binata.

"My Zee," Reigo pulled away and kissed her ear before he whispered, "you're just as
horny as I am. That's why we're meant to be." He licked her ear to tease her. "Tell
me to stop and I will."

As if. Zehannah knew she couldn't say it because truthfully, she didn't want him to
stop.

And when Zehannah did not say the two words that would make Reigo stop, he stripped
her, laid her naked body on the dining table and without foreplay; he took her hard
and rough in the kitchen and Zehannah's moans filled the whole place.

"Ahh! Reigo..! Fuck! Ahh!"

"Ah, fuck." Reigo groaned, sweat running down his face and body. "I'm gonna go
crazy because of you." Then he leaned down and sucked Zehannah's nipple while
fucking her senseless.

Hindi na nagtaka si Zehannah ng kaagad siyang labasan dahil sobrang sarap talagang
bumayo ni Reigo. Nakakawala ng ulirat kaya naman gumalaw rin ang nga hita niya para
salubungin ang bawat ulos ng binata hanggang sa hugutin nito ang pagkalalaki at
inilabas sa tiyan niya ang mainit pa nitong katas.

Huffing and sweaty, Reigo looked at the wall clock in the kitchen. "We still have
three hours left before the mass," he smiled lustfully at Zehannah, "my Zee, how
about I fuck you senseless 'til six in the morning?"

Zehannah licked her dry lips while heaving. "'Til five in the morning only. I have
to prepare."

The glint in Reigo's eyes became lewd as he licked his lips while looking down at
Zehannah sprawled naked on the table. "That'll do." He said and picked up Zehannah
from the table and carried her to the sofa.

And on the couch, Zehannah learned that it was a mistake to let Reigo have her 'til
five A.M.

She was throughly screwed with sweat covering her whole body. From being taken from
the front, from behind and on the side to lying face up, facedown and riding him
that when five A.M. arrived, she was beyond exhausted that fell asleep again.

At ang naging resulta sa kaharutan nila ni Reigo ay hapon na sila nakapag-simbang

dalawa.

"So... can I stay over tonight?" Reigo asked after the mass.

Dapat 'no' ang sagot ni Zehannah pagkatapos niyang maranasan kung gaano kalandi si
Reigo sa sofa man o sa kama o sa kusina, pero hindi pa rin siya nadala dahil
tumango siya.
Hindi nadala o gusto pa niya, hindi alam ni Zehannag ang sagot.

Maybe it's the latter.

Dahil ng makauwi sila sa condo niya at hinayaan niyang angkinin na naman siya ng
binata, ihi na lang talaga ang naging pahinga niya.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 21

ZEHANNAH WAS BEYOND sore when Monday came. Her body was hurting all over.
Pakiramdam niya para siyang binugbog. Paanong hindi sasakit e ihi lang ang pahinga
niya? Talagang hindi siya tinantanan ni Reigo hangga't hindi siya lupaypay. She
already had a knowledge of Reigo's stamina back in the club, but what happened to
them over the weekend was just plain insatiable.

Halata sa bawat bayo ni Reigo na gigil na gigil ito sa kaniya. Ramdam na ramdam
niya 'yon sa bawat ulos nito. Was it because he held back quite a lot? Or was it
because he was really an insatiable man when it comes to matters in the bed?

Ayaw alamin ni Zehannah baka ma-wheelchair siya kapag nagkataon. Reigo's every
pound and thrust could shake her whole body through her very soul and also make her
lost her mind. It was scary, yet she liked it a lot.

Gustong-gusto niya kung paano bumayo si Reigo. Nakakawala sa sarili.

I should really stop thinking about it. Isip ni Zehannah saka pilit na magtrabaho
kahit pa nga dapat nagpapahinga siya dahil nanginginig pa rin ang mga hita niya at
masakit talaga ang buong katawan niya.

'Pakikiligin kita hanggang manginig ang hita mo at mamaos ang boses mo.'

"Gago." Bulong niya sa sarili. "Hindi 'yon kilig. Sarap 'yon. Tangina talaga ang
lalaking 'yon."

Zehannah groaned and forced herself to be efficient, even though her body was
shouting at her to rest. Kaya halos sumigaw siya sa saya ng dumating na rin sa
wakas ang oras ng uwian. Hindi siya nag-overtime tulad ng mga nakaraang linggo. Mas
nauna pa siya kay Cassia na umalis dahil gusto na talaga niyang magpahinga.

She felt sore all over and the last time she felt this way was because of Reigo as
well. After they did it in the club.

Tangina ka talaga Reigo. Kung hindi ka lang masarap.

Zehannah dragged her sore body home and immediately fell asleep on her bed. When
she woke up, her stomach was growling. Pero kahit gutom na gutom siya, ayaw niyang
gumalaw kahit pa nga nabawasan na ang sakit ng katawan niya at pagkababae sa hita
nalang niya ang masakit.
It was already a godsend that she didn't catch a fever after that soreness, so she
didn't want to push her body.

Reaching for her phone on the bedside table, she checked the time. One-thirty in
the morning. Bukas pa ngayon ang café na malapit dito pero kailangan kong maglakad
at bumaba. Ayaw niyang gumalaw pero nagugutom naman siya. Tangina.

Napatigil sa pag-iisip si Zehannah kung bababa siya o hindi ng mabasa niya ang mga
messages ni Reigo sa kaniya.

From: Delicacy Reigo

'Zee, are you feeling okay?'

'Zee, do you want to have dinner?'

'Zee, umuwi ka na ba? Can I come over?'

'Good night, Zee. Call if you need anything.'

Doon tumuon sa huling text ni Reigo ang mga mata ni Zehannah.

'Call if you need anything.'

Zehannah narrowed her eyes and puffed a breath. "I will take you up on your offer
then, Mr. Delicacy."

It was one-thirty five AM when Zehannah dialed Reigo's number. Hindi siya umaasa na
sasagot ito dahil dis-oras na ng gabi kaya nga isang beses lang niyang balak na
tumawag pero ganun nalang ang gulat niya ng sumagot ang binata.

"Hey, Zee. Just woke up?"

Zehannah did not know how to respond to that. "Um... anong oras na, gising ka pa?"

"Working." He answered.

"Nakaka-isturbo ba ako?"

"Nope. Just rechecking the measurements on Thorn's new floor for his restaurant.
After this I'm done. Why?"

"Um..." Kinagat ni Zehannah ang pang-ibabang labi. She disliked asking someone to
do things for her unless it's their work or responsibility, but here she was, about
to ask Reigo something.

Seconds later, she still couldn't voice it out.

"Zee?"

"Nevermind." Wika niya. Nagdesisyon siyang bumaba nalang sa malapit na café para
kumain. It take more time to cook, and she's feeling lazy. "Have a good night. Bye
—"

"Zee, wait."

"Hmm?"

"You sounded like you just woke up."

"Yeah. My body was so sore, thanks to you."

"Sorry about that. Anyway, kumain ka na ba or natulog ka kaagad pagkauwi mo?"

Napahawak si Zehannah sa tiyan na tumunog na naman. "Natulog ako kaagad. Masakit

katawan ko e."

"Want me to buy you dinner then?"

Zehannah's lips parted. "You will...?"

"Yep. Anong gusto mong kainin?"

"Meat. Not raw. You're not on the menu. And something sweet."

Reigo chuckled. "Noted. I'll order it now for you. Hintayin mo nalang."

"Hmm. Okay. Thank you."

"Good night, Zee."

"G'night."

The call ended, and Zehannah had a small smile on her lips. It's a good thing I
called Reigo. Ngayon, hindi na niya kailangang lumabas. Maghihintay nalang siya.

And that's what she did. She waited until she heard her doorbell rang.

Dahan-dahan, bumangon siya at maingat na naglakad patungo sa pintuan at sinilip sa

peephole kung sino ang nasa labas. Ganun nalang ang pagbuka ng labi ni Zehannah ng
makitang nasa labas si Reigo.

Mabilis niyang binuksan ang pinto.

"Anong ginagawa mo rito?"

He showed her the paper bags he was holding. "Food for you. May I come in?"

She was speechless as she let Reigo in and watch him take off his shoes and socks.

Reigo was still in his work clothes, but he smelled so nice. She wanted to sniff
him.

"Zee?"

"Hmm? Coming." Isinara niya ang pinto at ini-lock saka susunod saka kay Reigo ng
makitang bumalik ito at basta nalang siyang pinangko at dinala sa kusina.

"Just sit. Let me take care of you." Anito ng idiposito siya nito sa upuan
kapagkuwan ay inihain nito ang mga biniling pagkain.

Just like she requested. Meat and something sweet.

"Thank you," aniya kay Reigo bago tahimik na kumain dahil nga gutom na gutom siya.

Habang tahimik siyang kumakain, wala ring imik si Reigo na sinamahan siya sa hapag-
kainan. He stayed with her until she was done, and he even cleaned up after her.
Zehannah was used to being alone, but she couldn't deny the fact that she was
starting to appreciate Reigo's presence in her condo.

Matapos maglinis ni Reigo, hindi na nagulat si Zehannah ng pangkuin ulit siya ng

binata at dinala sa kuwarto niya saka ihiniga sa kama.

"Pahinga ka na ulit." Ani Reigo saka hinalikan siya sa nuo. "G'night."

Inayos ni Reigo ang kumot ni Zehannah at nang akmang aalis na ito, parang may
sariling isip na gumalaw ang kamay niya para pigilan si Reigo. It was too late for
Zehannah to realize that she grabbed Reigo's pinky finger to stop him. And it was
also already too late to take back her movement and blame her reflexes.

Reigo immediately turned to her, his eyes asking what she wanted.

Nandito na 'to. I'll just roll with it. Sa isip ni Zehannah bago sinagot ang
nagtatanong na mga mata ng binata. "You can stay if you want."

Reigo smiled and without saying a word, then he took off his long sleeve polo
shirt, put his phone on the bedside table and carefully laid himself on the bed.

Pinaningkitan ni Zehannah si Reigo. "Ang sabi ko 'you can stay', hindi ko sinabing
mahiga ka sa kama ko at tumabi sakin."

Nginitian lang siya ni Reigo saka umusog ito palapit sa kaniya at pinaunan siya sa
braso nito.

"Come on. I'll hug you to sleep."

She wanted to say no, but his scent was so inviting that she found herself scooting
closer and letting Reigo cuddle her.

Ah. Bakit ba ang bango ng gago na 'to? Hindi naman niya ako siguro inaakit dahil
tangina naaakit ako. Gustong kutusan ni Zehannah ang sarili. Self, masakit pa pepe
mo. Huwag munang lumandi. Maghunos-dili ka!

While Zehannah was berating herself, she didn't even realize that she was pressing
her body against Reigo's and unconsciously sniffing him.

When she realized it—it was already too late. Reigo already had a teasing smile on
his lips.

"Wipe that smile off your lips." She ordered.

"Why? You look adorable sniffing me."

Grr! Zehannah purred in annoyance. "I'll kick you out of my room."

Natatawang niyakap ni Reigo si Zehannah saka hinalikan ito sa nuo. "Yeah, yeah. I'm
behaving now."

"Hindi kapani-paniwala." Zehannah mumbled while closing her eyes. "Huwag kang
gagawa ng kalandian, masakit pa ang katawan ko."

"No worries. Saka lang kita lalandiin kapag hindi na masakit ang katawan mo."

Zehannah clicked her tongue and let her sleepiness take in.

Meanwhile, Reigo made sure that Zehannah was comfortable in his arms. Then he
placed a soft kiss on her lips before he closed his eyes to sleep.

Reigo slept late, and Zehannah knew that. So when morning came and Zehannah woke up
before him, she tiptoed around her room while preparing to go to work. Nang matapos
siyang maghanda, bago pumasok, nag-iwan siya ng note sa bedside table, sa ilalim ng
cellphone nito.

After making sure that everything was okay, Zehannah went to work, leaving Reigo on
her bed.

Naturally, Reigo woke up late and alone on the bed. At kaagad na nakita ni Reigo
ang note na iniwan ni Zehannah ng akmang aabutin nito ang cellphone para tingnan
kung anong oras na.

Squinting his eyes and slightly rubbing them, he read Zehannah's noted.

Mr. Delicacy,

Lock the door after you leave. You can use my bathroom since your very heavy and
suspicious backpack is still in my room and you didn't take it home with you the
last time. Knowing how crafty you are, I'm sure you have a set of work clothes
inside *I didn't take a peek*. Anyway, I'm taking you to dinner later. Bye.'

A smile crept onto Reigo's face. He didn't want to hope, but he could feel like he
was slowly being welcomed into Zehannah's world. Little by little, she was starting
to accept his presence in her life.

It was more than enough for him.

With still a smile on his lips, he left the bed and walked to his backpack in the
corner next to Zehannah's closet.

Tulad ng hula ni Zehannah, may laman nga 'yong damit pang-trabaho niya.

It was actually an experiment of him if Zehannah would force him to take his
backpack home or if she would accept it in her room. Nang hindi siya pinilit ni
Zehannah at hinayaan lang nito ang bag niya, alam niyang kahit papaano ay nakapasok
na siya sa mundo nito.

And he didn't want to push too much. It was already enough. Let's do it slow until
she questions herself why my bag is not in her room anymore.

Reigo sighed and went to the bathroom. Looks like I have to thank dad for the
advice. Should I send him a bottle of his favorite wine? Or send him and mom to
vacation? Reigo chose the latter because his dad would be happier if his mom was
involved. That's just how his dad was. His mom was always his dad's priority and
happiness.

Kaya pagkatapos niyang maligo at magbihis, tinawagan niya ang ama.

"What? Son, you know I'm in Italy. Mind the time difference." Kaagad na sabi ng ama
niya ng sagutin niya ang tawag. "And I slept late accompanying your mom last
night."

Napailing si Reigo. "Ba't ka pa kasi sumama e hindi ka naman nag-i-enjoy sa jewelry

showing?"

"Well, your mom invited me." Anito na parang sapat na ang sagot na 'yon.
Reigo sighed. "Just informing you that I'm sending you and mom to a vacation next
month. I will let you decide where."

"What? Why? What did I do?" His father knew that there was no free stuff in their
house. Either you earn it, work for it, or make a deal to have it.

"It's a thank you for the bag advice."

"Oh, that? I'll accept then." May bahid na ngiti ang ama niya. "I'll tell your mom
later."

"Okay. Thanks, dad. Good morning, by the way. And bye."

"Yeah. Bye. Good night."

Nang matapos ang tawag, inayos ni Reigo ang damit saka napatingin ulit sa bag niya
bago lumabas ng kuwarto at condo ni Zehannah.

Dahil ginamit niya ang banyo ng dalaga para maligo, matamis na bulaklak ang amoy
niya ngayon at mukhang nahalata 'yon ng mga empleyadong nakakasalubong niya ng
pumasok siya sa kompaniya.

"Good morning, Sir! You smell nice."

"It's my Zee's body wash." Sagot niya sa sekretarya. "Anyway, read me my schedule
for today and make me coffee. No sugar. Thanks."

"Yes, Sir."

Nang makapasok si Reigo sa opisina, ilang minuto lang ang lumipas bago sumunod si
Fara na dala ang kape niya kapagkuwan ay inimporma siya nito sa schedule niya buong
araw.

Looks like I have a packed schedule again. Reigo thought and nodded at Fara.
"Noted. I'm late, so let's get to work."

"Yes, Sir."

Reigo immediately dive in to his work since he had to leave early today for his
dinner with Zehannah. He didn't want to be late or give Zehannah a reason to cancel
their dinner.

TULAD KAHAPON, hindi nag-overtime si Zehannah pero mag-a-alas-sais na ng lumabas

siya ng agency. Sinamahan pa kasi niya si Cassia dahil ayaw nitong mapag-isa.

"Thanks, master Zehan! Bye!"

"Bye! Ingat!"

Hinintay muna ni Zehannah na makapasok si Cassia sa restaurant ng asawa nito na

katabi lang ng agency nila saka siya pumara ng taxi.

Malapit lang sa kompaniya ni Reigo ang restaurant na napili niya para sa dinner
nila kaya balak niyang daanan nalang ang binata para sabay silang pumunta.

'Hintayin mo nalang ang text ko. Malapit lang naman ang restaurant na napili ko sa
kompaniya mo.' 'Yon ang text niya kay Reigo ng magtanong ito sa kaniya kanina at
hanggang ngayong hindi pa rin niya ini-imporma na dadaanan niya ito.
She wanted to surprise him since he texted her that he was done with his work a
moment before she left the agency.

Nang makarating siya sa kompaniya ni Reigo, sinalubong siya ng guard at tinanong

kung anong pakay niya dahil nagsiuwian na ang mga empleyado.

"I'm here for Reigo. My name is Zehannah Sevil."

"Sige, sandali lang, ma'am. Tawagan ko muna ang secretary ni boss." Anang
guwardiya.

"Nasa taas pa ba si ma'am Fara?" Tanong ng isa pang guard na kasama ng guard na
kumausap sa kaniya.

"Oo. Hindi pa siya umuuwi. Nag-i-inform naman si Ma'am Fara sa security kapag
mauuna siya kay boss umuwi."

"Ah, sige." Bumaling ang pangalawang guwardiya kay Zehannah. "Pasensiya na ma'am,
ha? Tatawag lang kami."

Tumango si Zehannah. "Sige lang. Ayos lang."

Akala ni Zehannah matagal siyang maghihintay pero laking gulat niya na kaagad
siyang pinapasok at sinamahan pa siya ng guwardiya patungo sa elevator.

"Ingat, ma'am." Sumaludo ang guwardiya sa kaniya. "Top floor po ang opisina ni
boss."

Tinanguan niya ang guwardiya saka pinindot ang button para sa pinakamataas na
palapag.

While in the elevator, she checked herself out if she looked presentable. Nang
masiguro na maayos ang itsura niya, tamang-tama naman na dumating na ang elevator
sa palapag kung nasaan ang opisina ni Reigo.

Her high-heeled shoes immediately made a sound when she stepped out of the
elevator.

She saw two women outside the President's office. One in the waiting area and one
on the secretary's table.

Akala ko ba wala na siyang trabaho? Pasimpleng pinasadahan ng tingin ni Zehannah

ang babae sa waiting area habang naglalakad patungo sa mesa ng sekretarya.

"Hi." Magiliw niyang bati sa babae na biglang tumayo ng makalapit siya. The woman
looked so tense that Zehannah wondered if she was okay. "I'm Zehannah Sevil and I'm
here for Reigo. He's waiting for me. Would you mind getting him for me, please?"

Bago pa makasagot ang babaeng kausap, biglang may sumingit sa usapan nila. 'Yong
babae na nakaupo sa waiting area.

"What's your name again?"

Hearing the haughty voice, Zehannah readied her resting bitch face and answered the
woman without turning to face her. "Who's asking?"

"Face me when I'm talking to you!"

Of course, Zehannah didn't. "My attention is only for people who deserved it."
"You, bitch!"

Zehannah's calm smile remained, and she continued to speak with the secretary. "May
I bother you to get Reigo for me? I'm taking him to dinner."

The secretary looked at her, and the fuming woman and then at her before she
answered. "Y-yes, ma'am."

Pero hindi nagawa ng sekretarya dahil hinarang ito ng babaeng mahadera.

That irked Zehannah.

"Who do you think you are calling for Reigo so casually?" Anang mahadera na dinuro
pa si Zehannah. "And what dinner? You looked like a cheap woman. Reigo would never
come out for someone like you!"

Kaagad na pinagsalitaan ng sekretarya ni Reigo ang babae. "Miss Emma, please, don't
treat Sir Reigo's visitor like this. Walang kinalaman si ma'am Zehannah sa'yo kaya
huwag niyo sana siyang tratuhin ng ganun. Please show respect to Miss Zehannah and
apologized for your rude words."

"Hmp! Lahat ng babae na gustong landiin si Reigo ay tatratuhin ko kung paano ko

gusto!"

Zehannah was the kind of woman who never take shits from anyone and she also didn't
need anyone to stand up for her. She could do it herself, but she appreciates
Reigo's secretary for speaking up.

"Answer me, you cheap woman!"

Zehannah sighed and with belittling tone, she answered. "If I'm cheap, then you
must be trash."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Fara sa sagot ni Zehannah. At bahagyang napaatras si Fara
ng humarap si Zehannah at tumingin sa kanila. Kahit hindi nakatuon ang mata ni
Zehannah kay Fara, ramdam ni Fara ang talim niyon at ang nangmamaliit na kislap ng
mga mata nito.

Gone was the sweet woman who smiled at Fara earlier. The woman in front of Fara now
was like a tigress eyeing her prey. It was scary that Fara found herself gulping
twice.

And when Zehannah took one step forward, Fara's lips parted. To Fara, Zehannah just
did not look scary. She looked so cool too while standing for herself in front of
Emma, the desperate bitch—as Fara secretly called her.

Fara watch with bated breath as Zehannah walked towards Emma and stopped in front
of her. Mas matangkad si Zehannah kay Emma na mas lalong nagpadagdag sa
intimidating na aura ni Zehannah.

"I have no desire to know the likes of you," Zehannah spoke in a cold, dignified
manner. "But as I can see now, you must be the woman Reigo called the witch bitch."

Emma tried to speak, but Zehannah raised her index finger to stop Emma from letting
a word escape her mouth.

"For your information, miss witch bitch. I'm not the kind of woman who would seduce
a man to get his attention. Reigo is the one who seduced me and still seducing me
to get my attention." She walked past the witch bitch and added, "yes. I'm
expensive like that."

Without asking Reigo's secretary, Zehannah walked to Reigo's office and knocked
twice before opening the door.

"Is Mr. Delicacy in?" Zehannah asked teasingly and also to annoy the witch bitch,
"I'm here to be seduced."

"Zee...?" The shock in Reigo's voice was immediately replaced by a sexy tone. "You
promise you don't mind if I seduced you?"

Zehannah chuckled. It was so flirty that Reigo had to blink twice. "Who knows, if
you seduced me real good, I might let you sleep over again."

"Then expect me to seduce you with all my might the entire dinner."

Zehannah daintily covered her mouth with her fingers and slightly turned to look at
the witch bitch mockingly before she stepped inside Reigo's office and closed the
door.

Ang dalawang babae na naiwan sa labas at magkaiba ang reaksiyon ng dalawa sa

nangyari.

Fara was covering her gaping mouth while blushing because of the words she just
heard while Emma was fuming mad. Nagpapadyak ito at akmang susundan si Zehannah sa
loob ng opisina pero naka-lock ang pinto.

Pigil ni Fara ang matawa sa nasaksihan, lalo na ng galit na nagsisigaw si Emma bago
nagpapadyak na umalis.

With that desperate woman gone, Fara smiled at the door and whispered with her
fisted knuckles. "I'm rooting for you, Ma'am Zehannah."

It's not every day that her boss becomes soft for a woman. And after seeing how
cool Miss Zehannah Sevil was, Fara had become a fan.

Unbeknownst to Fara, behind the locked door of the President's office were two
horny individuals making out without a care in the world. Be it the place or time.

The man was the one seducing, while the woman was the one being seduced. And their
early dinner plan had become a late dinner, thanks to the man who did not leave the
woman's lips alone until he was satisfied.

Naturally, the man was Reigo—talandi—Vasquez, and the woman was Zehannah—freaking—
Sevil.

CECELIB | C.C.

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

CHAPTER 22

AFTER DINNER, Zehannah got seduced and found herself on the couch in her condo's
living room, naked and sweaty with ragged breath while grinding her hips, moving it
up and down, riding Reigo's cock and moaning and gasping like crazy again.

"That's my Zee," Reigo slapped Zehannah's ass and squeezed it, earning a loud
lustful moan from Zehannah. "Move your ass and bury my cock inside you."

Zehannah already lost her ability to talk back and just cling on Reigo's neck and
move her hips while moaning.

Reigo's soft moans and deep groans were not helping her burning body to calm down.
Sa tuwing naririnig ni Zehannah ang ungol ng binata, parang mas lalong nag-aapoy
ang katawan niya, lalo na kapag sinasabayan 'yon ng binata sa pagtampal sa pang-upo
niya.

She didn't why, but Reigo smacking and squeezing her ass was turning her on so
badly, her hips were desperately moving to cum.

"Ah! Fuck! Ah! Ah! Fuck! Ah! Ah!" Zehannah leaned back, her lips parted wide open
while gripping a handful of her hair while moving her whole ass and burying Reigo's
cock so deep inside her warm sheath. "Fuck... so good."

Zehannah bit her lower lip in ecstasy and Reigo watched her body move up and down
on his stiff cock, her bare breast bouncing so sensuously that he couldn't help
leaning in to put it inside her mouth, making Zehannah's body arched.

Her nipples were one of Zehannah's greatest turn on and now that it was inside
Reigo's mouth, her movement had become desperate.

"Zee... fuck.. ahh... harder."

Zehannah squeezed her eyes shut and move her hips faster and harder, welcoming
Reigo's long and big cock inside her warm sheath that she was screaming alongside
Reigo's moans of pleasure.

"Ah, fuck...! Zee!" He groaned and sucked her nipple hard. "Bury me deep. Move your
hips and pound it hard. Come on, my Zee. Fuck me! You can do it."

Gripping a handful of her hair, she smirked at Reigo with her half-hooded lustful
eyes. "Of course I can. Who do you think is fucking you?"

"The woman who can make me crazy?"

Zehannah's smirk widened. "I like the sound of that." She claimed Reigo's mouth
that just let go of her nipples and kissed him deeply while pumping her body up and
down.

She mimicked the way Reigo kissed her, like he wanted to bury his throat in her
mouth. She did the same, and Reigo moaned at that.

The bastard liked her kiss, that he started sucking her tongue and deeply devouring
her entire mouth.

It felt too good that Zehannah could feel her whole body buzzing and trembling and
the next thing she knew, a long moan filled with raw desire escaped her lips and
she came. Hard. That her legs convulsed in pleasure.
Her whole sex became over too sensitive because of her orgasm, but Zehannah could
only endure that crazy, intense tingling pleasure until she felt Reigo thrusted his
hips upward to bury his cock deep inside. Zehannah felt Reigo's cock throbbed and
pulsate and felt him cum after he stiffened.

Zehannah felt Reigo's intense orgasm even though he was wearing a condom and
somehow, she felt a little happiness that she was the one who made him cum hard.

Both calming themselves down after their mind blowing orgasm, Zehannah wrapped her
arms around Reigo's neck while Reigo wrapped her arms around Zehannah's waist.

"I'm done." Ani Zehannah na hinihingal pa rin. "I can't... do it again. Mawawasak
na ako kapag inulit pa natin 'to ngayon."

Reigo chuckled and nuzzled her neck. "Can I stay over? Promise I'll behave."

Zehannah was enjoying the feeling of Reigo's warm body that she said yes. "Be
grateful you feel warm and my room's cold."

Napangiti si Reigo saka hinalikan sa leeg ang dalaga. "How's your body, by the way,
my Zee? Dadagdag ba sa sakit ng katawan mo itong ginawa natin?"

Umingos si Zehannah. "I'm not that weak and I don't break easy. Hangga't hindi na
to masundan ngayon, ayos lang ako."

"You sure?"

"Yep."

"Okay." Reigo kissed Zehannah's shoulder. "Wrapped your legs around me tightly. I'm
taking you to bathe."

"Hmm." Zehannah hummed and let Reigo carry her to the bathroom inside her room.

Standing under the shower and feeling the water pouring on them, Zehannah unwrapped
her legs around Reigo and stood up on the shower tile. Then she turned her back on
Reigo to feel the water on her face.

Seeing Zehannah's bare back, Reigo took off his condom, tied it and throws it on
the trash bin in the corner and kissed Zehannah's neck as he joined her again under
the shower.

"No funny business, Reigo." Paalala ni Zehannah sa binata.

Reigo just kissed Zehannah's neck again and hugged her from behind. Fortunately for
Zehannah, Reigo was behaved under the shower until the bastard whispered something
in her ear.

"I want to fuck you so bad while we're under the shower."

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Nope. Hindi ko na kakayanin. Mawawasak na talaga

ako."

Reigo licked Zehannah ear. "Alam ko. Kaya nga nagpipigil ako."

Umingos si Zehannah saka umikot paharap kay Reigo para tingnan ang matigas na bagay
na tumutusok sa likod ng dalaga.

"'Yan ba ang nagpipigil?" Tanong ni Zehannah habang nakababa ang tingin sa tigas na
tigas na pagkalalaki ni Reigo.

Reigo smiled. "Can't help it. I'm with you, after all."

Inirapan ni Zehannah si Reigo. "Pasalamat ka gusto kitang luhuran."

Reigo did not get that at first until he saw Zehannah dropped on her knees and
licked the tip of his cock as if tasting his pre-cum.

"Zee..."

"Shh..." Zehannah silenced Reigo. "I'm offering my mouth to you. Be grateful and
say thank you."

Napalunok si Zehannah ng biglang nag-iba ang kislap ng mga mata ni Reigo. From
looking at her softly to looking at her lewdly that it was making her body tingle.

Yes. She likes it when Reigo looked at her like that. It turns her on.

But this was not about her. This was about Reigo and her mouth she was offering.

Napalunok ulit si Zehannah ng sapuin ni Reigo ang baba niya habang puno ng
pagnanasa ang mata nito na nakatingin sa kaniya. "My Zee, I might go rough on your
mouth. Is that okay?"

Rough? How rough? I like rough. "... yeah."

He smiled while looking down at her lustfully. "Then... open your mouth wide, my
Zee. Let me in."

Obediently, Zehannah opened her mouth wide while still looking into Reigo's eyes.

Reigo licked his lips when the tip of his cock entered Zehannah's mouth and
Zehannah used her tongue to tease it while her eyes were still under Reigo's gazed.

"Lick it, my Zee." Reigo ordered while licking his lips. "Make it more wet.
Smothered it with your saliva."

Sumunod naman si Zehannah at pinalibot ang basang dila sa dulo ng pagkalalaki ni

Reigo at nang-aakit na hinagod ng dulo ng dila niya ang maliit na hiwa sa dulo ng
kahabaan ng binata.

Reigo hissed at that and unconsciously buried his cock in Zehannah's mouth while
gathering Zehannah's wet hair and using it to take control of Zehannah's head.

Zehannah couldn't care less about that. Nasa harapan na niya ang laman palagi ng
mga panaginip niya. Nakaluhod na siya at nasa bibig na niya ang gusto niyang tikman
mula ng una siyang nanaginip tungkol sa binata.

She opened her mouth wider and moved to devour what she could. Reigo was too big to
be eaten whole. Her mouth could only accommodate more than half of it while her
hand took care of the rest.

Blow job and hand stroke. Zehannah combined it together as she swallowed Reigo's
cock deep inside her throat, sliding his cock in and out. Her head was bounding up
and down with her tongue swirling as she makes dirty love with Reigo's cock.

"Ahh... fuck." Reigo hissed once again.

Hearing Reigo moan and feeling his grip tightening on her hair, Zehannah tightened
her lips around his cock as her head bobbed, delivering a blinding pleasure that
Reigo wanted to cum.

No. Not yet. I don't want to. Reigo steeled himself not to come. Who knows when his
Zee would want to eat him up again? He wanted to savor the feeling of Zehannah's
warm mouth around his stiff, throbbing cock.

But Reigo's control nearly slipped when Zehannah's mouth let his cock go and it
went down to his balls. Nibbling it. Sucking the skin. Licking and lapping. While
her hand was stroking it up and down fast.

"Fuck!" He hissed.

Reigo squeezed his eyes shut and let his head dropped back as he held back his cum.
He still didn't want to, but Zehannah's mouth and hand were too much.

Control! Fuck. Think about a sheep! Reigo ordered himself, but just as he was about
to think about a sheep to lessen his horniness, Zehannah's warm mouth wrapped
around his cock again and her hands squeezed his ass as she pulled him closer. Her
nails dug into his bare ass.

"Fuck... ah, fuck! Zee...! Damn it!" Unconsciously, as pleasure blinded him, he
gripped the back of Zehannah's head and buried his cock deep in her throat.

Zehannah gagged, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she became fiercer and more
aggressive. She even twirled her tongue around, teased the head of his cock and
played with his balls.

Reigo's breathing was a mess. He was moaning, cussing, while moving his hips to
fuck Zehannah's mouth. It felt so good. Too good that his control finally slipped,
and he exploded inside Zehannah's mouth.

"Fuck...!" He hissed as pleasure ripped through him and nearly made his knees
buckled, but he could still feel Zehannah's tongue, licking, cleaning and sucking
every drop of his cum and swallowing every bit of it making his mouth agape.
"You... swallowed...?"

Zehannah licked her lips and smiled. "Who do you think is sucking you off? You
taste nice and clean, anyway."

Nilabasan na si Reigo pero nakaluhod pa rin si Zehannah at 'yon ang pinagtataka ni

Reigo hanggang sa halik-halikan ni Zehannah ang pagkalalaki niya.

He hissed because of how sensitive his cock was after he came, but Zehannah was
relentless. She took him in her mouth the second time and sucked him until he
became hard.

Reigo's palm pressed against the bathroom wall to steady himself when Zehannah went
back to sucking, licking and eating him until he was close to coming again and he
fucked her mouth so desperately until he exploded in her mouth the second time. And
just like the first time, Zehannah swallowed ever drop as if she enjoyed his taste.

Kapagkuwan ay parang walang nangyari na tumayo si Zehannah saka nagmumog at naligo

sa ilalim ng shower kasama si Reigo. She was even humming while soaping herself and
Reigo's body.

This should be a crime. Reigo thought as he watched Zehannah enjoying under the
shower while he's still steadying his breathing.
Pagkatapos maligo at tuyuin ang mga sarili, nagtaka si Reigo ng hawakan siya ni
Zehannah sa pulsuhan saka basta nalang siyang hinila patungo sa kama nito at
itinulak siya pahiga.

Zehannah was looking at his naked body like how a researcher would look at her
favorite specimen.

"My body hurts, I can't possibly do another romp with you, but I'm pretty sure I
can suck you dry." Zehannah licked her lips while smirking at Reigo. "You're a
delicacy, right? Let me have a taste then."

Zehannah crawled on the bed and settled on top of Reigo.

"Say, Reigo, you're not going to complain, are you?"

"... no." That came out weak because Zehannah's wanton behavior stunned him.

"Good." She smiled and fiddle the tip of his cock. "I don't know what's with your
cock, but I want it in my mouth. I'm allowed, right? Since you're all mine."

"... yes."

"Hold on then," Zehannah said with a smile. "We're going to have a long night."

At that moment, Reigo's belief about him and Zehannah being physically meant to be
solidified. Because just what he did to her a few nights back, Zehannah was doing
the same thing to him.

Kissing his whole body, savoring his taste, and finding out what made him tick.
Then she feasted on his cock again and again until it became too sensitive and
wrung him dry.

That night, Reigo learned that too much blow job can hurt too, not just too much
sex. It hurt not only the giver's jaw but also the receiver's cock because of
repeated sucking and intense friction.

At ang salarin ng pagsakit ng pagkalalaki niya ay basta nalang gumapang sa katawan

niya ng mapagod at mahimbing na natulog sa ibabaw niya.

Napailing nalang si Reigo at hinayaan ang dalaga na matulog sa ibabaw niya habang
hinahaplos ang buhok nito.

He just hoped that tomorrow, after a good rest, his cock would not hurt anymore.

Unfortunately, he was not that lucky.

Nang magising siya kinabukasan, may kaunting sakit pa rin dahil mukhang nasobrahan
talaga sila kagabi ni Zehannah. At nang malaman ni Zehannah ang kondisyon ng
pagkalalaki niya, tumawa lang ito.

"Patas na tayo ngayon." Anito saka nauna na sa banyo para maligo.

Naiiling na kaagad na sinundan ni Reigo ang dalaga sa banyo saka sinabayan itong
maligo. Ligo lang dapat pero natukso na naman si Reigo ng makita ang hubad na
katawan ni Zehannah at nag-umpisa itong halikan at sipsipin ang balat at nipple ng
dalaga.

Since penetrative sex might hurt Zehannah more, Reigo kneeled and gave Zehannah the
best good-morning-oral-sex in her life.

Napuno ng malalakas na ungol ni Zehannah ang banyo hanggang sa labasan ito at

hinihingal na napayakap kay Reigo ng tumayo ito pagkatapos.

"Gago ka talaga."

"Masarap naman."

Well. I can't argue with that. Zehannah thought. "Hmp! Mas masarap ako sayo."

Mahina siyang natawa saka niyakap ang dalaga at hinalikan ito sa gilid ng nuo. "Can
I stay over tonight?"

Piningot ni Zehannah ang tainga ni Reigo. "Namimihasa tayo, ah."

"Well, my house is still under construction, and I'm living in Lysander's barn.
It's a comfortable house to live in, but it's still not a house."

Inabot ni Zehannah ang shampoo saka nilagyan niyon ang sariling ulo bago ang ulo ni
Reigo sa taas. And then, after she shampooed herself, she did Reigo's hair, making
Reigo smile.

"Puwede kang matulog dito kapag weekend." Ani Zehannah. "Friday night is okay until
Monday morning. Though on weekdays, I'd like my peace and alone time."

"Okay. Noted." He kissed her neck and caressed her naked body.

Umingos si Zehannah saka pinisil ang pisngi ni Reigo. "Magbanlaw na 'tayo. Ayokong
ma-late sa trabaho."

"Okay." Reigo smiled and rinsed their bodies under the shower, and the two finished
together.

Habang sabay na nagbibihis ang dalawa, nag-ingay ang cellphone ni Reigo. Zehannah
was the one closest to it, so she saw who it was.

"It's Emma Usoro, Mr. Delicacy." Imporma ni Zehannah sa binata.

Kaagad na nalukot ang mukha ni Reigo saka bumulong. "That witch bitch is really
testing my patience." Nilapitan ni Reigo ang cellphone saka ni-reject ang tawag. "I
should have blocked her sooner—"

"Don't." Biglang sabi ni Zehannah na ikinagulat ni Reigo at ikinatingin dito.

"What...?"

"Don't block her. Let her be."

"But—"

"The more na iniiwasan mo siya, the more na mababaliw siya sayo. May ilang babae
akong kilala na ganun. Trust me, they get worse."

Reigo's face darkened. "I don't want her to ruin what we have, Zee. And I have a
feeling she will."

Zehannah snorted. "'Yong babaeng 'yon?" Her snort turn into a mocking chuckle. "If
that woman managed to steal your attention away, then it only proved that you're
not really mine and not meant for me."

"That would never happen!"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "Then it won't." Tumingin si Zehannah kay Reigo.

"What's the fuss, anyway? Iritado ka sa kaniya, wala akong paki sa kaniya at basura
siya. She's not worth our time. Hayaan mo siya pero maging on-guard ka pa rin.
Desperate woman like her would do lots of desperate things, so you better get
ready, Mr. Delicacy," she said in a sing-song voice.

"Why do you look so happy and amused?" Tanong ni Reigo ng makita ang ngiti sa labi
ni Zehannah. "Wala ba akong halaga—" mabilis na pinigilan ni Reigo ang sarili saka
bumuntong-hininga. "Never mind."

Reigo continued putting his suit on and Zehannah did the same in silence, even
though she knew Reigo was about to blurt out something big. Hinayaan ni Zehannah
ang binata.

Pagakatapos magbihis ng dalawa, walang imik na nagsalo si Zehannah at Reigo sa

'matabang' na agahan na niluto ni Zehannah bago sabay na umalis. At dahil ayaw ni
Zehannah na gamitin ang sasakyan, hinatid muna ni Reigo ang dalaga sa C&Z Marketing
Agency.

When Reigo parked his car in front of the C&Z agency, he was still silent and
hadn't spoken to Zehannah unless he needed to.

And Zehannah hated the frigid atmosphere, so she shared what's on her mind. "It's
not about your worth, Reigo. It's because I trust you." She opened the car's door
and stepped outside.

Naiwan si Reigo na nakatanga sa likod ng dalaga na naglalakad papasok sa agency. Ni

hindi siya nakasagot at nakagalaw. At hanggang sa makapasok siya sa opisina, ang
mga sinabi pa rin ni Zehannah ang laman ng isip ni Reigo.

It's not about my worth, but her trust in me. Reigo took a deep breath and let out
a deep sigh. Who would have thought that I would be this nervous and scared to
break someone's trust? Only Zehannah could make me feel like this. That's why
losing her was not an option.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 23

ZEHANNAH HADN'T realized it yet, but she was already forming a symbiotic
relationship with Reigo. She liked to think that she and Reigo were just in a
mutual understanding relationship, but something different was going on behind her
rational thinking and controlled emotions.

Of course, Zehannah didn't know that yet, as her life with Reigo and her soon-to-
open agency with Cassia continued.
"Sigurado ka na wala ka nang trabaho?" Paniniguradong usisa ni Zehannah kay Reigo
habang pinagmamaneho siya ng binata patungo sa supermarket.

When Zehannah told Reigo earlier that she didn't want to have dinner with him
because she'll be busy buying groceries and stocking her pantries, Reigo
volunteered to drive her and helped her out.

Hindi naman niya tinanggihan ang tulong ni Reigo. Having a car after buying
groceries was very convenient. 'Yon nga lang, mahal ang gas, kaya panay commute
niya nitong buwan. Nagtitipid siya. Kaya ng nag-volunteer si Reigo, tinanggap
kaagad niya.

But now that she thinks about it, wasn't this too early for Reigo? He's usually
still at work or dinner meeting until nine in the evening.

"I told you to put your work before me." Dagdag ni Zehannah. "Ayokong maka-isturbo
sa trabaho mo."

"Don't worry. I'm done with work." Reigo stole a kiss from her lips before he run
to get her a push cart and also to escape.

'Yon naman palagi ang modus operandi ni Reigo.

"So... what are we buying?" Tanong ni Reigo ng makabalik sa tabi niya habang tulak-
tulak ang push cart. "I suggest lots of salt. Para naman magkaroon ng kaunting lasa
ang luto mo."

Pinaningkitan ni Zehannah si Reigo. "Pasalamat ka dahil hindi ka magkakasakit sa

kidney at gallbladder dahil matabang ang luto ko. You should be grateful and say
thank you."

"Thank you, my Zee. Dahil sa'yo, makakaiwas ako sa sakit na bato."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata saka nauna nang naglakad. Kaagad naman na sumunod
si Reigo at naglakad sa tabi ni Zehannah habang ito ang nagtutulak ng push cart.

Inilabas ni Zehannah ang cellphone saka tinignan ang listahan ng kailangan niyang
bilhin. "Canned goods. Coffee. Biscuit. Sweets. Meat. Vegetables and some personal
stuff. Hmm...sana hindi nagmahal ang bilihin."

Reigo can't relate when it comes to grocery prices, so he remained silent beside
Zehannah as she shopped. Taga-tulak lang siya ng push cart at taga-sunod kung saan
pupunta si Zehannah pero nag-i-enjoy siya dahil kasama niya ang dalaga.

Mababaw lang talaga ang kasiyahan ni Reigo basta kasama si Zehannah.

"I have always liked this coffee," kinuha ni Zehannah sang kape na napili saka
bumaling kay Reigo. "Anong gusto mo?"

Reigo blinked at Zehannah, confused. "Why are you asking me?"

Kinunotan ng nuo ni Zehannah si Reigo. "Akala ko ba sa condo ko ka matutulog kapag

weekend?"

Reigo blinked at Zehannah. She's thinking of me? He smiled. "Anything's fine. I

like that brand of coffee, too."

"Sure ka?"
"Yep. Saka wala dito yong brand ng kape na gusto ko. Okay lang naman sakin kahit
anong brand, basta mapait."

"Okay." Zehannah put the coffee beans on the cart. "Tapos na tayo sa canned goods,
biscuits, sweets and coffee. Palagi kong hinuhuli ang meat saka vegetable, so, doon
tayo sa personal stuff."

Zehannah brought Reigo to the health and beauty department, which includes hygiene
products.

Zehannah faced the different brands of sanitary pads and panty liners. She was torn
between two brands and wants to think about it, so she asked Reigo to get her a
feminine wash and put it on the cart.

Sinuyo niya 'yon kay Reigo dahil ilang beses naman na itong nakapasok sa banyo niya
at nasisiguro niyang nakita na nito ang tinutukoy niya, pero tapos nalang siyang
mamili ng sanitary pads at panty liner, nasa harapan pa rin si Reigo ng mga
feminine wash.

Zehannah sighed, and she's about to approach Reigo when a beautiful woman beat her
to it.

"Oh, my! Reigo? Is that really you? You look handsome as always, love!"

Zehannah became intrigued when Reigo faced the woman and he frowned, as if he
didn't recognize her.

"Huwag mong sabihing nakalimutan mo ako?" Mahinang tumawa ang babae ng makita ang
reaksiyon ni Reigo pero halatang peke ang tawa nito. "Why are you being like that,
Reigo? Are you that bitter that I broke up with you for someone else?"

Instantly, Zehannah's face darkened. So she's an ex. One of those bitches who
traumatized Reigo.

But Zehannah's anger dissipate when Reigo finally spoke.

"Sorry, but who are you again?"

Halatang hindi nagustuhan 'yong babae. "Come on, Reigo. Stop kidding around. It's
me, Daniela."

"Daniela?" Reigo narrowed his eyes at the woman. "Your nose and cheeks look
different that I remembered. That's why I didn't recognize you."

Bumadha ang iritasyon sa mukha ng babae na tinatago nito kanina sa peke nitong
ngiti. Daniela was expecting 'you look more beautiful' from Reigo, but instead, she
received those words from Reigo. "This is why I looked for someone else. You are
not supportive of my wants!"

Reigo replied indifferently. "That's the thing, it's your want to have a nose and
cheeks lifts. Why did you ask me to pay them for you?"

The woman fumed and Zehannah bit back a smile. Reigo can be very savage when he
wanted to. And to those women who couldn't take Reigo's honestly and interpreted it
as rudeness, it's their loss.

"You're really a jerk!" The woman was starting to attract the attention of the
other shoppers.
Zehannah thought Reigo would clap back, but instead, he excused himself. "Excuse
me. I have to find my Zee's feminine wash."

Pero hindi hinayaan ni Daniela na talikuran ito ni Reigo. Pinigilan nito sa braso
si Reigo. "I'm still talking to you, jerk! Ito ang rason kung bakit ka kaiwan-iwan,
wala ka na ngang oras, wala ka pang kuwentang kausap. Tulad nalang ngayon. Whoever
that Zee is, I'm sure she'll leave you too once she realized that dating you is a
waste of time and that the only good things about your is your body and money."

Zehannah gritted her teeth. She could see it in Reigo's face that Daniela's words
took a direct hit on him and Daniela was gloating, knowing she hurt Reigo. Zehannah
was ready to step in and go to war against that bitch, but Reigo clapped back that
made Zehannah stopped on her track.

"Even if my Zee left me, I will have no regrets. She didn't even have to ask. She
can have all my money and my whole body because, unlike you and my other exes, my
Zee is worth all the risk and all the wealth I own."

Daniela was enraged and immediately raised her hand. Reigo was expecting a slap.
What he said was really not that nice to his ex, but before Daniela's palm strike
him, a hand stopped Daniela's wrist and push Daniela's hand away from him, the
forced made Daniela stumbled back.

That hand was Zehannah's. Reigo only realized it when Zehannah stepped in front of
him, as if to protect him from Daniela. Ang likod lang ng dalaga ang nakikita ni
Reigo kaya wala itong ideya kung gaano kagalit si Zehannah hanggang sa narinig ni
Reigo ang boses ng dalaga.

"Sige, subukan mong sampalin si Reigo, manghihiram ka ng mukha sa aso."

Reigo's lips parted in shock hearing the anger in Zehannah's voice.

But Zehannah was not finished.

"Sa susunod na lumapit ka kay Reigo at pagsalitaan mo siya ng kung ano-ano, bumalik
ka nalang sa sinapupunan ng nagluwal sayo dahil kahit dila mo, hindi makakatakas sa
galit ko."

Nagbabantang humakbang si Zehannah palapit sa babae na mabilis na tumakbo palayo sa

takot kay Zehannah.

Reigo did not see Zehannah's anger because he was behind her. But Zehannah's eyes
were sharp and dark, promising pain beyond belief and her entire face could kill
that Daniela immediately run away in fear.

And seeing Daniela run away, Zehannah went back to being calm and cool headed, then
she flipped her hair. "What a weak bitch." Zehannah click her tongue and turned to
face Reigo as if nothing happened. "Come on. I need my feminine wash."

Reigo blinked at Zehannah in disbelief. "Really?"

Pinisil ni Zehannah ang pisngi ni Reigo. "Yes. Really. Ayokong pag-usapan ang
mahadera na 'yon. Baka habulin ko siya at hilahin ko siya sa buhok palabas ng
grocery store at ingudngod ko ang pagmumuka niya sa semento."

Nanggagalaiti si Zehannah pero may munting ngiti sa mga labi ni Reigo.

"Anong nginingit-ngiti mo riyan?" Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata. "Ayoko lang na

inaapi-api at pinagsasalitaan ng kung ano-ano ang mga taong malalapit sakin.
Nagiging war freak ako. Kaya sa susunod na may lumapit sa'yong ex mo at pagsalitaan
ka ng kung ano-ano, siguraduhin mo lang na hindi ko maririnig dahil baka umabot
tayo sa presinto dahil manghihiram talaga sila ng mukha sa aso. Mga gaga." Zehannah
flipped her hair again and went looking for her feminine was brand and drop it on
the cart. "Come on. Sa meat section na tayo. Hindi sapat na ikaw lang ang karne na
kinakain ko."

Nauna na si Zehannah at may munting ngiti pa rin sa mga labi na sumunod si Reigon
pagkatapos matawa sa huling tinuran ni Zehannah.

Though Reigo's smile turned into a frown after a couple of minutes, seeing Zehannah
shopping in a hurry. From the meat, to the vegetable and even while paying in the
cashier.

Walang ideya si Reigo kung bakit parang nagmamadali si Zehannah hanggang sa ma-i-
deposito nila ang nga pinamili sa back compartment at makasakay sila sa sasakyan.

"Come on." Nakabuka ang mga braso ni Zehannah kay Reigo.

Kahit naguguluhan si Reigo kung para saan ang yakap na 'yon, inilapit pa rin niya
ang katawan sa dalaga at hinayaan itong yakapin siya.

Zehannah's embrace felt soft and warm.

"What that woman said is full of shit." Ani Zehannah saka hinagod ang likod ni
Reigo. "Kahit kailan, hindi ka naging walang kuwentang kausap. Talking to you is
exasperating at times because of you're a big flirt and a very horny man, but
you're also fun and amusing. Hindi ako nabo-bored kapag ikaw ang kausap ko. Hindi
rin totoo na pera at katawan mo lang ang maganda sayo." Then Zehannah hesitated a
little. "I mean, I admit you do have a body made for eating, but it's not the only
good thing about you. And when she said that it was a waste of time dating you, I
actually want to smack myself because I think I said that to you before. Though I
didn't mean it to belittle you in any way. It's just that my suitors always leave
after I said 'no'. So I don't want to waste my time on you because the outcome will
just be the same. But you prove me wrong and here we are. So, don't mind that
Daniela. Higit na mas maganda ako do'n kaya sa'kin ka makinig."

Reigo closed his eyes and buried his face in Zehannah's neck. He had no words to
describe his feeling. He had no idea that Zehannah was trying to console him until
she spoke. And it hit him really differently because all the words she said were
the words he didn't know he wanted to hear when he heard Daniela's words earlier.

Somehow, the hollowness that lingered deep inside because of Daniela's words
earlier slowly disappeared and was replaced by a warm feeling.

"Thank you." He whispered. And since he didn't want to make it more emotional, he
joked. "Pero hindi ko alam na ganda na pala ngayon ang basehan kung sinong
pakikinggan."

Zehannah chomped on Reigo's cheek and pinched the other one. "Sa akin lang apply
'yon kasi may karapatan akong magmaganda."

Reigo chuckled and pulled away from Zehannah to look at her pretty face. "Well...
you are beautiful."

Zehannah flipped her hair. "Of course. Kaya sa'kin ka makinig."

Reigo smiled and tucked Zehannah's hair behind her ear. "Thank you for the pep
talk. I needed that one."
"Welcome." Umayos na ng upo si Zehannah. "Come on. Umuwi na tayo."

Zehannah looked like she was in a hurry, so Reigo asked. "What's up? May emergency
ka?"

"Nope. I just want to have a dirty sex with you before dinner. Puwede ba?"

Reigo immediately maneuvered his car out of the parking lot. "Hold on to your sit,
my Zee. We're going home."

Zehannah was surprised how fast Reigo drove. But she was not complaining because
they get to have a dirty sex before dinner.

And the couch in the living room was the witnessed to how horny Zehannah and Reigo
were. Pounding and thrusting with sweat all over their bodies while moaning crazily
loud, Zehannah and Reigo reached the high heavens together before dinner.

Of course, the two travelled to high heavens again after dinner as part of their
dessert.

"AHH! FUCK! YES...! Ah! Ah! Reigo! Harder! Fuck me—ah, fuck... Ahh...!" Zehannah
was begging to be fucked hard while feeling her orgasm about to explode and Reigo
rammed his cock deep and fast until all Zehannah could do was gasped in pleasure.

Sarap na sarap si Zehannah na halos mabaliw siya umagang-umaga. They didn't even
reach the couch in a hurry to fuck. Reigo just let Zehannah hold on to the back of
the sofa and he fucked her standing up from behind. At nang hindi naging sapat
'yon, ipinapatong ni Reigo ang isang hita ni Zehannah sa tuktok ng likuran ng sofa
at binayo si Zehannah ng binayo hanggang sa napuno ng sigaw ng dalaga at ungol ni
Reigo ang buong condo.

Reigo pounded Zehannah hard, both moaning hard and long. He rammed his cock inside
her warm sheath again and again that Zehannah's work clothes were getting soak with
sweat. Not just Zehannah, but also Reigo.

But the two couldn't care less.

They fuck so early in the morning with their work clothes on until their orgasm
both exploded and realized that they're supposed to go to work and now they're
running late.

"Ah, fuck!" Zehannah runs back to her room to clean up quickly and change clothes
because of how messy she got after that mind blowing quickie so early in the
morning. He's indeed a delicacy. Too delicious to say no to.

Nandoon si Reigo para sunduin si Zehannah dahil alam nitong ayaw ng dalaga na
ilabas sa garahe ang sasakyan nito, pero dahil sa munting halik na ginawad ni Reigo
sa labi ni Zehannah ng pumasok ang binata sa condo, nauwi 'yon sa kapusukan at ito
na nga ang resulta ng kalandian ng dalawa sa umaga.

Looking at the time in her wristwatch, she hurriedly stepped out of her room after
she was all cleaned. Again.

Dinuro ni Zehannah si Reigo. "Mula ngayon, hindi mo na ako kailangang sunduin at

ihatid. Hindi maganda kapag magkasama tayo sa umaga."

Reigo just smiled and followed Zehannah out of her condo.

Fortunately for Zehannah, she and Reigo were not alone in the elevator, but Reigo
was standing behind her and the bastard whispered something naughty in her ear.

"Having a quickie with you is the best breakfast in the morning."

Napalunok si Zehannah dahil ramdam niya ang init ng hininga si Reigo.

And it looks like Reigo's purpose was to rekindle the fire inside her body because
he whispered again. "I think I can make you cum before this elevator arrived at the
ground floor."

Too much! Too much! Sigaw ni Zehannah sa isip niya. Mabango na, masarap pa. This is
unfair! Unfair! Paano ko lalabanan ang kaharutan na 'to?! Tangina naman! Zehannah
Sevil! Huwag kang marupok! Talandi is not your middle name! Malakas tayo! Hindi
tayo maaakit—

"Will you come visit my office tonight? Don't you think it's a good place to fuck
hard and rough? I always wanted to mess you up on my office table. How about it, my
Zee? Will you indulge me?"

Zehannah gulped and wanted to cry in happiness when the elevator opened. Kaagad
siyang lumabas para matakasan si Reigo.

"I'm taking a taxi." Mabilis na sabi ni Zehannah kay Reigo. "Bye!"

Hindi alam ni Reigo kung matatawa siya o maiiling habang pinagmamasdan si Zehannah
na alam niyang tumatakas lang sa kaniya.

Though what he whispered in her ear was true. He had always imagined what it would
be like to fuck and eat his Zee at his office table. He was certain it'll be
something he'll never forget.

But, alas. It will not happen anytime soon. Looks like my Zee is still not ready to
be messed up in my office.

Smiling at that thought, he stepped inside his car and drove to his company.

Only after he entered his office did he send a message to his Zee.

'What do you want for lunch later? Me or quickie with me?'

Zehannah replied. 'Na-late ako ng dahil sayo. Oo kasalanan mo kasi inakit mo ako.
Gusto kitang sakalin hanggang sa maubos ang kaharutan mo sa katawan.'

'If choking is your kink, what should I call you, my Zee?'

'I really want to kill you right now!"

'Would you hurt such a delicacy body?' Reigo replied.

'I hate you!'

'You liked it, my Zee. Admit it and I won't seduce you 'til next week.'

'Yes. I like it! Absolutely! Bye!'

Nailing na natawa si Reigo ng mabasa ang reply ni Zehannah pero kaagad iyong nawala
ng bumukas ang pinto ng opisina at kasamang pumasok ni Fara ang representative ng
Lancove na si Emma Usoro.

And just seeing the glint in Emma's eyes, Reigo had a bad feeling about it, but
it's work. Even if she was revolting in his eyes, he had to be professional. This
time Emma Usoro was there as Lancove's representative and whether or not he liked
it, he will be in the same room as her.

I just hope she didn't do something revolting.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 24

KATATAPOS LANG interview-hin ni Zehannah at Cassia ang ilang aplikante para sa

tatlong bakante nilang posisyon sa agency na bubuksan ng tumunog ang cellphone ni
Zehannah. It was a chat, a notification from a person she didn't know, so it was in
the filtered messages.

But when she saw the name of the sender, Zehannah just let out a sigh and put her
phone back on the table and gave her attention back to Cassia who's deliberating
with her who will they hire.

"Ang hirap mamili," Cassia pouted and leaned in Zehannah's shoulder. "Master Zehan,
ikaw nalang kaya ang mamili? Naaawa ako sa hindi mapipili e."

Zehannah flicked Cassia's nose. "It's part of our responsibility as the owner of
this agency, Cass. Hindi puwedeng ako lang ang nagde-desisyon kasi partnership
'to."

Mas lalong humaba ang nguso ni Cassia. "But I trust you..."

"Wala 'yon sa tiwala. It's about being responsible."

Napabuntong-hininga si Cassia. "Okay."

Kahit nahihirapan, tinulungan pa rin ni Cassia si Zehannah na mamili ng tatlong

aplikante para sa Marketing Agency nila. Nang makapag-desisyon sila, si Zehannah
ang nag-volunteer na mag-text sa mga aplikante na natanggap at hindi natanggap.

While composing a message for the applicants, Thorn arrived with a snack for
Cassia. Syempre, kasama si Zehannah sa meryenda.

And seeing the two newlyweds eating together and being sweet in the meeting room,
in front of Zehannah, she took her food, excused herself and went back to her
office.

Doon na kinain ni Zehannah ang meryenda baka mabulunan siya sa ka-sweet-tan ng

dalawa sa meeting room.
Speaking of which, she remembered Reigo when she saw Thorn. So she picked up her
phone while enjoying her slice of blueberry cheesecake and coffee and opened Emma
Usoro's message.

The first message was three photos. Ang una ay nakahawak si Emma sa braso ni Reigo,
ang pangalawa ay nakayakap na ang mga braso ng babae sa leeg ni Reigo at ang
panghuli ay magkalapat na ang labi ng dalawa.

And below those pictures was a message.

'You're nothing but a fling. He's mine.'

Zehannah sighed and deliberated with herself if she'll reply or not... then she
decided not to. Not worth my time.

Pero ayaw talaga siyang tantanan ng mahadera. Nagpadala na naman ito ng chat.

'Back off, bitch. He's mine.'

And below that was a photo of Reigo and Emma eating at a restaurant together. And
it looked like it happened today because Emma was wearing the same clothes, the
same with Reigo.

Fine. You asked for it, witch bitch. Isip ni Zehannah habang nagta-type ng message
pabalik.

'Tell Reigo to smile more in your photos to make it more believable. And kudos to
your photographer. Very good angle. You should pay your photographer more. Taking a
quick photo like that must've been a great effort, so be grateful to him/her. Have
a good day! 😊'

Nang ma-i-send 'yon ni Zehannah, bumalik siya sa pag-enjoy sa meryenda niya.

Hindi pa niya nauubos ang blueberry cheesecake niya ng tumunog ang cellphone niya.

It was Reigo.

"Zee, are you busy?" He sounded so down that it made Zehannah frowned.

"Okay ka lang?"

"No. I'm not."

Alam kaagad ni Zehannah kung bakit ganun nalang ang boses ni Reigo. "Why you
called? May kailangan ka?"

"I let my guard down and I fucked up, Zee." His voice sounded strained that
Zehannah got annoyed at Emma Usoro.

Not because of jealousy, but because that woman made Reigo feel like shit. This was
that witch bitch's fault!

"What happened?" Zehannah asked. May ideya na siya, pero gusto niyang sabihin mismo
ni Reigo sa kaniya para mailabas nito kung ano man ang nasa loob nito.

"The witch bitch happened." He sighed heavily. "Our meeting was going well. She did
nothing revolting, so my guard was down. That's when it happened. She suddenly
touch me and kissed me. I pushed her away, but it was already too late and I feel
like shit. I'm sorry, my Zee. Kahit sabihin ko na hindi ko ginusto ang nangyari,
nangyari pa rin 'yon. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."

Zehannah was fuming mad. Gusto niyang sugurin ang mahaderang babae na 'yon, pero
pinigilan niya ang sarili. She's a professional. She would never stoop down to that
witch bitch's label.

"Mag-tooth brush at magmumog ka nalang. Kuskusin mo 'rin ang labi mo. Basura pa
naman ang humalik sayo."

"Hmm."

Zehannah knew it still bothered Reigo. "Dinner nalang tayo mamaya, gusto mo?"

"Yeah. That'll be nice."

Zehannah sighed, sensing the unease in Reigo's voice. "Daanan nalang kita mamaya.
Puntahan natin 'yong malapit na restaurant sa huling kinainan natin. Good food
always makes anyone feel better."

"Sure. Text mo nalang ako kapag papunta ka na."

She really didn't like hearing Reigo's strained voice. "See you later."

"Yeah. See you."

The call ended, and Zehannah went back to Emma Usoro's chat.

May bago na namang chat ang mahadera.

'The fact still remain that I tasted those lips. And he tastes good.'

Honestly, Zehannah didn't care how much Emma talked about how it felt to kiss
Reigo. It was odd, but she was not jealous because she knew the truth and she trust
Reigo. What she was feeling was anger remembering Reigo's voice.

Anger for making Reigo feel uneasy and strained for that bitch's self-
gratification.

Be it a man or a woman, sexual assault was sexual assault! That's why Zehannah was
enraged.

'You sexually assaulted him, you bitch. That's not something to be proud of. And
even how many photos you send, we both know the truth. Stop being delusional. Keep
those trash lips of yours to yourself, because the next time you pull the same
stunt, I will put you in the hospital.'

She hit send, then she blocked her.

"Master Zehan, bakit mukha kang galit? Hindi mo tuloy napansin ang pagpasok ko."
Ani Cassia na pumasok pala sa opisina niya ng hindi niya namamalayan dahil sa galit
niya.

"It's nothing," she placed her phone on her table. "May basura lang na pakalat-
kalat sa chat box ko. Nilinis ko lang."

"Oh." Cassia grinned and tiptoed towards Zehannah as if Zehannah couldn't see her.
And then Cassia hugged Zehannah from the side. "Master Zehan, sabi ng asawa ko
nagkakamabutihan na kayo ni Reigo. Is that true? I'm rooting for you two—"
Pinisil ni Zehannah ang nagkabilang pisngi ni Cassia. "Focus ka muna sa asawa mo
bago tsismis. Nawasak ka na ba?"

"Huh?" Mabilis na umiling si Cassia. "Hindi pa ako handa. I told hon I'm not there
yet, so he settled with just eating me."

Too much information, as usual. Zehannah thought and sighed. "Kailan ka magiging
handa?"

"I don't know. But I think soon." Biglang bawi nito.

Napailing nalang si Zehannah. "Sabi ko nga."

Cassia grinned. "Magtatanong ako sayo kapag handa na ako. You're my master, after
all."

Tumango nalang si Zehannah.

"By the way, Master Zehan, I'm inviting you to a surprise party for my hon this
weekend." Cassia smiled. "Nakausap ko si Reigo nuong isang araw. At nag sorry ako
dahil pinagkamalan ko silang bakla ni Thorn. And then Reigo was so nice to forgive
me and even plan a party for my Thorn, so it's gonna be fun. You have to be there
since you're my master."

"Hmm? Sure. Tell me the time. I'll be there for moral support."

"Yes!" Cassia let go of Zehannah. "Update kita kung anong oras. By the way, Master
Zehan, puwede ba akong umuwi ng maaga? Si Thorn kasi e."

Tumingin si Zehannah sa wall clock. Isang oras nalang bago ang uwian. "Sure. Ako na
bahala rito. Wala naman na tayong masyadong gagawin hanggang sa pagbukas natin."

"Yey! Thanks, Master Zehan."

Zehannah smiled at her adorable airhead friend. "Yeah, yeah. Go and have fun eating
each other."

Cassia grinned so innocently before skipping on her feet as she leave Zehannah's
office.

Napailing naman si Zehannah ng makalabas si Cassia sa opisina niya. Kapagkuwan ay

ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa ginagawang mensahe para sa mga aplikante.

Nang matapos, kaagad niyang pinadala iyon sa lahat ng nag-apply at kinausap ang
tatlong nakakuha ng trabaho.

It was not an orientation, but Zehannah informed them of their responsibilities and
what they expected of them while working in their agency. When they all answered
that they could do it with enthusiasm, she was happy as she ended the call.

Afterwards, she went around the entire office, making sure everything was in place
and that she and Cassia did not miss anything around the office before she left
when the clock strikes six in the evening.

And just like the first time she went to Reigo's office, she took a taxi, and
surprisingly, the guards immediately ushered her in when she arrived.

Nang makarating siya sa palapag kung nasaan ang opisina ni Reigo, ang sekretarya
lang ng binata ang nakita niya roon na pinagpasalamat niya.

"Hi, Ma'am Zehannah!" Magiliw na bati ng sekretarya sa kaniya na ikinangiti niya.

"Hi." Zehannah smiled back and stopped in front of the secretary's table. "Puwede
ba akong magtanong?"

"Oo naman, Ma'am!" Iminuwestra nito ang upuan sa harapan ng mesa nito. "I will
answer anything, Ma'am Zehannah."

"Call me Zehan." Aniya. Hindi siya sanay na buong pangalan niya ang tawag sa
kaniya. "Zehannah is too long for most people."

Fara's smile widened. "Thank you, Ma'am Zehan. I'm Fara, Sir Reigo's temporary
secretary. By the way, ma'am, ano hong tanong niyo?"

"About Emma—"

"Oh, God!" Fara went into panic and she started rambling. "If you're going to ask
about the kiss, I swear on my father's grave, ma'am Zehan, that Sir Reigo pushed
her away and was disgusted! Wala pong kasalanan si Sir Reigo! It's that desperate
bi—I mean, woman's fault! Kaya huwag ho sana kayong magalit kay Sir Reigo. Please,
ma'am. Wala talagang kasalanan si Sir—"

"Fara, hindi ako galit." Pigil ni Zehannah sa mabilis na pagsasalita ng kaharap

saka nginitian ito. "See? I'm not mad. I'm just asking."

"Oh." Fara finally calmed down. "That's good. Baka malungkot si Sir Reigo kapag
nagkagalit kayo. Kayo lang ho ang nagpapalambot kay Sir."

Ako rin ang nagpapatigas sa kaniya. Sa isip ni Zehannah na mahinang ikinatawa niya.
"I'm glad Reigo is well loved in his company."

"Syempre naman, ma'am. Sir Reigo is a good boss."

"That's not shocking, since he's a good man too."

Fara blushed. "Sorry. Kinikilig ako sa inyo, ma'am."

Hindi mapigilan ni Zehannah ang mapangiti dahil naalala niya si Cassia kay Fara.
"Anyway, what I was going to ask is if I could leave my number to you and inform me
if that woman is here for personal reason again? Would that be okay, or will that
be interrupting your work?"

"No, ma'am. It would be my pleasure to inform you if that woman come here again."

Hindi inaasahan ni Zehannah ang mabilis na sagot ni Fara.

"Thank you." Using the post-it-note Fara handed her, Zehannah wrote her number.
"Here. I'm grateful. Thank you so much."

Oh. So sweet and nice. Bagay lang talaga sila ni Sir Reigo. Sa isip ni Fara ng
tanggapin ang pasasalamat ni Zehannah.

"Anyway," tumayo na si Zehannah mula sa pagkakaupo, "may trabaho pa ba ang boss mo?
Puwede na ba akong pumasok?"

"Yes po, ma'am Zehan. Puwedeng-puwede na. Binilin sakin ni Sir papasukin kayo
kaagad kapag dumating kayo."
Zehannah smiled. "Thanks, Fara. Pasok na ako."

"Welcome, Ma'am Zehan."

Tinanguan ni Zehannah si Fara bago naglakad patungo sa pintuan at pinihit ang door
knob pabukas. Nang makapasok siya, kaagad niyang nakita si Reigo na nakaupo sa
swivel chair nito at nakasandal sa likuran niyon.

Akala niya ay nagpapahinga lang ang binata pero ng makalapit siya, napansin niyang
mahimbing itong natutulog.

Humugot ng malalim na hininga si Zehannah saka ipinatong ang bag sa mesa ng binata
saka lumapit siya sa tabi nito at ihinilig ang pang-upo sa gilid ng mess nito.

She was facing Reigo while leaning on the edge of his table next to him.

Pinakatitigan ni Zehannah ang binata saka umangat ang kamay niya para hawiin ang
iilan nitong buhok na tumatabing sa nuo at kilay nito.

So handsome. Zehannah thought and added, and delicious as well. He's also honest,
and he always remembers the minor details about me.

Zehannah leaned down to level her face with Reigo and stared at that handsomeness
before she smiled. Palagi kong sinasabi na mahangin siya pero may ipagmamalaki
naman talaga ang loko.

Smiling to herself, Zehannah kissed Reigo on the cheek to wake him up. "Come on,
Reigo. Let's have dinner."

Slowly, Reigo's eyes opened, and he did a small yawn. "Zee?"

"Hmm. It's me."

He blinked at her. "Oh. Hi, my Zee." Then he smiled. "How's your day?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "So-so. How about you?"

"Horrible."

Kaagad na pinisil ni Zehannah ang magkabilang pisngi ni Reigo. "Come on. Kumain na
tayo."

"Okay."

Reigo looked okay, but Zehannah felt like something was off. Hanggang sa makarating
sila sa napili niyang restaurant, hindi nawala ang kakaibang nararamdaman niya.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" Tanong ni Zehannah sa binata habang kumakain sila.

Reigo smiled. "Bakit naman hindi? I'm with you."

That's sweet and all, but she could still feel that something was different with
Reigo.

"You sure you're okay?" Zehannah couldn't help asking again when they were driving
home in Reigo's car after dinner.

Reigo just nodded and smiled at her.

Zehannah was ransacking her brain what this odd thing she was feeling when she
finally realized it after Reigo walked her to her condo and was about to leave.

He didn't kiss me. Zehannah realized. He's always kissing me. He's addicted to it
that it became his modus operandi, but since they saw each other, he didn't even
try—not even once.

"Reigo?"

Akmang aalis na ang binata ng tawagin ito ni Zehannah kaya mabilis itong umikot
paharap sa dalaga. "Hmm?"

Zehannah puckered her lips to test her theory of why he hadn't kiss her since
earlier. "I want a kiss."

Reigo smiled before he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

I knew it. Zehannah sighed and playfully flicked Reigo's lips when he pulled back.
"Why are you holding back? For a kiss addict like you, it's something."

Nag-iwas ng tingin ang binata. "It's just... my lips shouldn't be kissing yours for
the meantime. It had been contaminated today. It needs to be quarantined for a
little while."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Dahil kay witch bitch?"

"Yeah..."

Zehannah did not want to push Reigo or forced him to see it her way since he had
his own belief. "Okay. But I'm telling you now, Reigo. I don't really mind. Hindi
mo naman ginusto 'yon."

"Still." Namulsa ito saka ngumiti. "I have to brush my teeth, my lips, my entire
mouth and then take a bath to thoroughly clean myself. And then tomorrow, I will
kiss you so hard until you can't breathe anymore and begged me to fuck you."

And Zehannah didn't doubt Reigo one bit. "Akala ko naman matagal ka pa bago
makabawi sa kalandian mo."

Mahinang tumawa lang si Reigo saka nagpaalam na. "Bye, my Zee. Have a good night."

"Yeah. G'night."

Reigo waved his hand at her, then left. Pumasok naman kaagad si Zehannah sa condo
niya at ini-lock ang pintuan. Pagkatapos no'n ay dumeretso si Zehannah sa banyo
para mag half-bath. Matapos 'yon ay nahiga siya sa kama at tinawagan ang Papi niya
pero ang Papa niya ang sumagot sa tawag niya.

"Huh? Nasaan si Papi?"

"Why? Need advice?" Her Papa asked. Kapag advice kasi ang usapan, sa Papi niya siya
palagi lumalapit.

"Sana. Nasaan si Papi?"

"Hmm... asleep? He was tired."

"Huh? This early? Why?"

"Um... just because."

Hindi na nagtanong pa si Zehannah ng karagdagang paliwag dahil may ideya na siya

kung bakit pagod ang Papi niya. "Sige. Tawag nalang ako ulit bukas—"

"Wait. I can give good advice too, Zehan. How could you be so mean to your Papa?"

Napailing si Zehannah. "Well, it's about a desperate bitch who sexually assaulted
Reigo, and I'm pissed because she made Reigo feel uneasy and strained."

Nang marinig ni Cameron ang reklamo ng anak, mabilis na ibinigay niya ang cellphone
sa kapareha na hindi naman talaga tulog, pagod lang.

"Your Papi's awake. Here you go, Love. It's Zehan."

Napailing si Zehannah sa narinig.

"Oh, hey 'nak." Halata ang pagod sa boses ni Dan. "I heard what you said. Why is
there so many desperate bitches? Sa panahon din namin noon, daming desperada na
naghahabol sa Papa mo."

Cameron chuckled and kissed Dan on the temple. "That's because I'm too handsome."

Dan snorted and turned his attention to his daughter on the other line. "Two
choices lang, 'nak. Either you fight those bitches or you let them be."

"Anong ginawa mo dati, Papi?" Tanong ni Zehannah.

"War freak ang Papi mo." Sabad ni Cameron. "He fought for me."

Dan rolled his eyes. "As much as I hate to admit, patola ako noon. Hanggang ngayon
pa rin naman. Nakakairita lang kasi na hindi sila marunong makaintindin ng salitang
may 'partner' na at 'ayoko'. I don't want to suggest anything, because we're
different, but whatever you decide, nasa likod lang kami Papa mo."

"Gusto ko siyang pagsasapakin hanggang sa manghiram siya ng mukha sa aso."

Parehong napangiwi si Cameron at Dan saka bumulong si Cameron sa kapareha. "Sa'yo

talaga nagmana ang anak natin."

Dan glared at his partner before he answered his daughter. "Think of the
consequences before you do that."

"I know." Zehannah sighed. "Hindi lang ako ang maapektuhan, baka si Reigo rin. At
siguradong kakasuhan ako ng gaga na 'yon."

"Good that you're thinking." Ani Dan. "People like her will wait for you to make a
mistake and then she will drag you down. Don't give her the opening."

Zehannah smiled. "Thank you, Papi."

"Don't mention it, 'nak. I'd been in social media these days and I read a quote
about people holding their breath waiting for you to make a mistake and fail. Make
sure you make them suffocate, okay?"

Zehannah's smile widened. "Yes, Papi."

"Good. Now, good night. I'm too tired. I need rest."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah dahil alam niya kung bakit. "Okay, good night, Papi.
Bye. Good night din Papa."

"Good night, 'nak." Sabay na sagot ng dalawa bago naputol ang linya.

After the call ended, Zehannah found herself staring at the ceiling. Thinking about
nothing in particular, until she fell asleep.

MEANWHILE, THE MOMENT Reigo arrived at the barn, he called the CEO of Lancove.
Pinag-isipan niyang mabuti ang desisyon na gagawin niya pagtapos ng nangyari kanina
at ngayon nga ay nakapagdesisyon na siya.

"After what happened in the meeting earlier, I am sorry, but your representative
crossed the line and I want her gone." Reigo explained to the CEO what had
transpired. "Kapag hindi niyo siya pinalitan, o inalis sa posisyon niya, hindi ko
itutuloy ang proyekto na napagkasunduan natin. I am willing to pay the fee for
breaking the contract we signed. I will not work with a company who would let a
woman like that have her way with no consequences. She's trying to ruin my
relationship with my special someone and I will not let her. Either you fire her or
you find a new construction firm to handle your projects."

Hindi hinintay ni Reigo ang sagot ng kausap at nagpaalam kaagad saka pinatay ang
tawag. Ilang beses na siyang nagsabi na palitan ang representative ng mga ito pero
walang nangyari. He did not berate Lancove when they continued sending that woman,
but after what happened today, he didn't care if she was a woman. He will make her
pay.

He did ask his father for help, but since he still hadn't introduced Zehannah to
his parents, his father did not help. Though there was nothing wrong with that.
This was his problem, after all.

"Someone's grumpy again."

Napatingin si Reigo sa pintuan ng barn. He saw Knight, Shun, Dark and Terron walked
in.

"Anong nangyari?" Tanong ni Terron na mukhang nahawaan na ni Iuhence at Calyx sa

pagiging tsismoso.

Shun chuckled. "Someone kissed Reigo, and it pissed him off."

Hindi na nagulat pa si Reigo na alam 'yon ni Shun. Because he's Shun—freaking—Kim.

Mas magulat pa si Reigo kung hindi nito alam ang nangyari. Oo nga at si Iuhence at
Calyx ang tsismoso sa kanilang magkakaiba, pero walang tatalo kay Shun Kim sa
lakapan ng impormasyon.

Against Shun Kim, Iuhence and Calyx were nothing but newbies.

"Ah, I remember my wife." Biglang pasok ni Knight sa usapan. "She got pissed as
well when I kissed her without her consent. She punched me hard." Knight sounded so
proud. "What a wonderful wife I have."

Hindi pinansin ni Dark si Knight dahil sanay na itong palaging pinagmamalaki ni

Knight ang asawa nito at tinanong si Reigo. "You don't like the woman?"
"I told her countless times that I'm not interested." Sagot ni Reigo.

"May mga babae talagang hindi makaintindi ng salitang 'hindi kita gusto'." Ani Shun
saka umupo ang apat sa sofa para samahan si Reigo.

"What did you do then?" Terron seemed interested. "Maybe I can use that to fend off
women too, since I know tons who wouldn't take no for an answer."

"I asked the company she's working to fire her or I'm dropping their project." Wika
ni Reigo na madilim na madilim ang mukha. "I'm so pissed. How dare that witch try
to ruin my relationship with Zehannah? It's already fragile as it is. I will not
let anyone ruin what I worked so hard to build."

Sumandal si Terron sa likod ng sofa. "You're really invested in her, huh?"

"She's worth the investment." Reigo answered.

Shun whistled. "That's some statement, Vasquez."

"Well, she is." May diing sabi ni Reigo. "She's worth my time and effort."

"You're that in love?" Dark asked.

Reigo stilled, and his eyes widened as if a realization had just hit him. Then a
soft chuckle escape his lips. "I think I'm whipped."

"Aren't we all?" Ani Knight saka tinuro si Terron. "And don't even deny it,
Dashwood. Magalino akong tao. Naririnig mo ako? Magalino! You're whipped as well.
Kahit nga siguro alilain ka niya doon sa tindahan, magpapaalila ka at
magpapasalamat ka pa na inalila ka."

Terron pretended like he didn't hear a thing. And Shun shook his head.

"Whatever. We're here to have a meeting for the expansion of my orphanage with you
three royalties help, so let's start."

Reigo immediately got up and left. Marami nang nakutong sa kaniya si Shun. Wala na
siyang balak mabudol pa.

Mabilis na tumakbo si Reigo patungo sa attic ng barn para tumakas.

But Shun didn't let him.

The lunatic followed him and dragged him back to the living room where he, Reigo
Vasquez, got conned by Shun—budol—Kim.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 25
ZEHANNAH HAD blocked Emma Usoro on her social media accounts, but the woman kept on
making new accounts to harass her. Buti nalang nasa filtered ang messages nito at
hindi niya nakikita. Ayaw ni Zehannah patulan ang isang basura kaya kapag May bago
itong account, block kaagad niya.

Ang gaga, siya ang sinisisi bakit daw ito nawalan ng trabaho. Kasalanan daw niya
kasi pinilit niya raw si Reigo na sabihin sa Lancove na tanggalin ito sa posisyon.
Inakit daw niya si Reigo para gawing miserable ang buhay nito.

She didn't even know that Reigo contacted that woman's company to have her fired or
else he'll drop that project even if he had to pay a fine.

Reigo must've looked cool making that call. Siguradong naakit na naman sana siya
kung nakita niya 'yon. Who wouldn't be? Reigo did all that partly for her and for
the sake of their 'mutual understanding' relationship.

Pero kahit gaano pa ka-cool 'yon, kahit gaano pa ka-sweet, muntik nang maapektuhan
ang kompaniya ni Reigo. Alam niyang mayaman ang binata pero ayaw niyang mabawasan
ang pera ni Reigo ng ganun kalaki para lang sa basura na 'yon. 'Yon yong kinakainis
ni Zehannah.

At mukhang ayaw ni Reigo na pag-usapan ang witch bitch na 'yon dahil hindi ito
nagsabi sa kaniya.

Kaya nagagagahan siya sa mga binabato sa kaniyang pananakot at paninisi ni Emma

Usoro. Wala naman akong ginawa kundi ang maging maganda at masarap, ah. Siguro
mayroong kakaiba sa utak ng babaeng 'yon.

Hay. Makapag-kape na nga lang. Tumayo si Zehannah saka tinungo ang maliit na pantry
sa gilid ng opisina niya para magkape. Mayroon din ganun sa opisina ni Cassia at sa
labas para sa kaunti nilang empleyado.

Pa-kape-kape nalang si Zehannah dahil wala na siyang masyadong ginagawa kundi ang
maghintay sa pormal na pagbubukas ng agency nila. She and Cassia thoroughly worked
hard early on—when they were just starting — that now, all they had to do was
recheck things to make sure everything was okay.

Nang makapag-timpla, kaagad na bumalik si Zehannah sa mesa niya saka sumimsim ng

kape habang binabasa ang mga chat sa group chat na nasalihan niya.

Zehannah didn't even know why she was added to the Amazona Group Chat, but she bet
that Cassia had something to do with it. Lalo na ng malaman niya na group chat 'yon
ng mga asawa ng kaibigan ni Thorn at alam ng mga ito na may 'something' sila ni
Reigo.

Though Zehannah was not complaining, the Amazona Group Chat was full of odd,
carefree and strong women who always speak their mind. Be it sex, serious stuff, or
something scandalous. Kaya siguro madali niyang nasakyan ang usapan ng mga ito
dahil na rin isang napagandang luntian ang utak niya.

Themarie Kim: No worries. It'll be fun tomorrow. Anyway, may tsismis akong nasagap
mula sa asawa ko. It's juicy!

Everyone in the group chat expressed their interest, except for Cassia, who's not
online and her, of course. Hanggang basa lang siya.

Anniza Montero: Sabihin mo na.

Red Martinez: Tungkol saan ang tsismis?

Grace Volkzki: 🧁🧁🧁

Themarie Kim: No to @Grace cupcakes. Anyway, this is about our new member.

Cassia? Isip ni Zehannah.

Haze Coleman: Si baby Cassia?

Czarina Salem-Stroam: Dapat talaga turuan na natin si baby Cassia @ElizaSanford.

Themarie Kim: Nope. It's @Zehannah.

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah sa nabasa. Me? Kaagad siyang nag-reply.

Zehannah Sevil: Me? What did I do?

Themarie Kim: It's not about what you did, it's about Reigo. I heard from my
husband that he's so serious about you that you'll be a full-pledge member of
Amazona soon.

Everyone congratulated her.

Zehannah Sevil: To be a full-pledge member is to marry him, right? But I don't want
to get married. It's a scary thought for me. I can't even put a label on our
relationship at the moment because I'm wary and I don't know if it's the right
thing to do.

Gladz Muller: Nakakatakot naman talaga ang magpakasal lalo na't hindi mo alam kung
magbabago ba siya sayo pagkalipas ng ilang taon, magiging gago, o ano. I want to
say it's all about trust, but however much you trust him, it always comes down to
risk.

Faith Yilmaz: Yep. The question is always — are you willing to risk your life and
your future with him? Do you think he's worth risking for? It's scary. Masuwerte
lang talaga kami dito dahil hindi mga gago ang mga asawa namin. Loko-loko lang kasi
mga baliw naman talaga sila.

Sweet Monday Velasquez: No pressure. Just do your thing, @Zehannah. Only marry if
you wanted to, not because you were coerced to. It's all different for all of us
when it comes to marriage. It's not something you do on a whim. Marriage is
marriage. I don't know if Reigo could change your mind about marriage, but whatever
you decide, we'll be rooting for you here. No judgement in this group chat."

Raine Zapanta: Yep. You can stay here in our group chat for as long as you like.
We'll cheer you on.

Zehannah Sevil: Thank you @everyone.

Lahat ng online ay nagreply sa kaniya ng 'you're welcome' na ikinangiti ni

Zehannah.

Czarina Salem-Stroam: @Zehannah kung mag-aasawa ka, dapat i-consider mo yong

performance. Dapat masarap. Dapat hanggang langit. Dapat sumiksik at mamuti ang
mata mo sa sarap.

Mhelanie Vergara: Nag-umpisa na naman si Doc.

Eliza Sanford: Totoo naman 'yon, ui. Tingnan mo ang Khairro ko, sa sobrang sarap
kahit saan nalang kami. Syempre, wala ngayon kasi buntis ako 😭😭😭 I miss sex!

Etheyl Vargaz: Sex na naman ang usapan dito?

Ruth Furrer: Sex is wonderful. Lalo na kapag wild.

Zehannah Sevil: Yeah. Rough is good too.

Ivy Salazar: Same 🫦

Czarina Salem-Stroam: Sino rito ang gustong ibalibag ng partner nila at buhat-
buhatin habang binabayo at isalya sa kung saan-saan?

Eliza Sanford:

Zehannah Sevil:

Ruth Furrer:

Ivy Salazar:

Gladz Muller:

Vienna Storm: I'm more into sucking.

Zehannah Sevil: Same. I can do it for hours! 🤤😋

Czarina Salem-Stroam: Ay! Nadagdagan ang mga mebeberde! Mag bunyi! I-welcome natin
si @Zehannah, @Eliza 🥂🤗😇

Eliza Sanford: Yey! Plok! Plok!

Sweet Monday Velasquez:

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka napailing. Akala niya siya na ang may
pinakaluntian ang utak, pero naka-chat niya si Czarina at Eliza. Mas mayabong ang
luntian ng dalawa, lalo na si Czarina.

Zehannah could already tell that she'll hit it off with these two.

"Master Zehaaaan...!"

Nag-angat ng tingin si Zehannah sa pintuan ng opisina at nakita doon si Cassia na

nakasilip. "Hmm?"

"Wala na akong trabaho kaya punta ako sa restaurant ni Thorn. Lalandiin ko siya
tulad ng sinabi mo." Cassia grinned and fisted her hand. "Anyway, may pagkain ka
bang gusto? Daldalhin ko pagbalik ko."

It's Friday today. May bagong roommate ako sa condo kapag weekend. "Nah. I'm okay.
Maaga rin akong uuwi. Gusto kong magluto."

"Okay. Dalhin ko nalang din ang bag ko." Kumaway si Cassia. "Bye, Master Zehan! See
you tomorrow!"

"Bye." She smiled at Cassia, seeing her happy and very carefree.

Takot siya sa pag-aasawa, pero kapag nakikita niya ang masayang mukha ni Cassia
kapag kasama nito si Thorn, napapaisip siya.
Kaso hanggang 'isip' lang. Takot pa rin siya.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka nagpadala ng mensahe kay Reigo.

'Punta ka nalang sa condo. I'll be home early. Huwag mo na akong sunduin.'

Reigo replied. 'Noted, my Zee. See yah.'

Hindi na nag-reply si Zehannah at patingin-tingin nalang sa oras habang nagka-kape.

Nang dumating na ang oras ng uwian, saka siya nagligpit ng gamit at ini-lock ang
agency nila bago umalis.

Nang makarating sa condo niya, kaagad siyang nagpalit ng damit. Pagkatapos ay

nagluto siya. Siguradong magrereklamo na naman si Reigo na matabang pero 'yon ang
timpla na gusto niya kaya bahala ito sa buhay nito.

Lakas maka-reklamo pagpi-prito lang naman alam niya. Hmp!

Dahil mahal na ang karne ngayon, puro gulay na may kaunting karne lang ang niluto
ni Zehannah.

Sausage and vegetable skillet. Vegetable soup. And scrambled egg with vegetables.

Tamang-tama na ng matapos siyang magluto, narinig niyang tumunog ang doorbell niya.
Akala niya si Reigo na pero ng tumingin siya sa peephole, delivery boy lang pala.

Binuksan niya ang pinto at magiliw na nginitian ang delivery boy. "Pagkain ba?"

Si Reigo lang naman ang mahilig magpadeliver sa kaniya ng kung ano-ano kaya akala
niya pagkain.

"Hindi ho, ma'am. Sabi ng nagpadala, gamit daw."

Reigo would never send me one. Same with Papi and Papa. "Kanino galing?"

"Emma Usoro ho."

Nagtagis ang bagang ni Zehannah. Talagang sinusubukan siya ng mahadera.

Nilabas niya ang cellphone at kinunan ng video ang delivery boy. "Pakiulit nga po
kuya ng pangalan ng nagpadala sakin niyan."

"Ah. Emma Usoro ho."

Ngumiti si Zehannah. "Ayos lang ba kung bubuksan ko sa harapan mo ang parcel,

kuya?"

"Oo naman, ma'am. Ayos lang ho."

"Salamat, Kuya."

Gamit ang isang kamay, binuksan niya ang 'package' na para sa kaniya sa tulong ng
delivery boy. Ang isang kamay kasi niya ay may hawak na cellphone at nagbi-video.

And she was right to take a video because the moment they opened the small box
inside the parcel, the smell of a dead rat exploded.

"Hala!" Gulat na gulat ang nag deliver saka mabilis na ibinalik ang takip ng karton
at ibinalik sa pouch na kilalagyan. "Sorry, ma'am! Hindi ko alam na ito ang laman.
Pasensiya na ho talaga. Pasensiya na, ma'am. Kaka-pick up ko lang nito kani-kanina.
Sorry, ma'am. Sorry talaga."

"Ayos lang, kuya. Pakibalik nalang 'yan sa nagpadala." Zehannah rubbed her nose,
trying to erase the smell. "Ingat sa susunod."

"Yes, ma'am. Sasabihin ko sa manager ko ang nangyari, ma'am."

"Salamat, Kuya. Kung kailangan niya ng proof, nag-video ako sa cellphone ko."

"Sige, ma'am. Pasensiya na ho ulit."

"Ayos lang."

Pinagmasdan ni Zehannah ang pag-alis ng delivery boy saka isinara ang pintuan ng
condo at ini-lock.

Zehannah wanted to keep what happened a secret to Reigo. Alam niyang hindi niya
iyon puwedeng solohin dahil may kinalaman din dito ang binata. But still... I don't
want to see Reigo angry or anxious. Zehannah's face darkened. That bitch! Huwag ka
talagang magpapakita sa'kin dahil makikita mo kung gaano ako ka war freak na
tangina ka!

Reigo always did his best to make her comfortable. He always compromised and always
doing his best to balance their schedule and her peace. Maybe that's what
influenced her to do the same for him.

I want to protect him like he tries to protect me and make me happy.

Pabagsak na naupo si Zehannah sa sofa at tumayo lang ng tumunog ang doorbell ng

condo niya ulit.

It was Reigo this time.

"Hey, my Zee." He kissed her on the temple.

"Hmm. Hi to you too." Aniya saka kinuha ang briefcase na dala ni Reigo at ipinasok
'yon sa kuwarto. "Come on. Let's eat." Ani Zehannah ng makabalik sa salas at
naabutan si Reigo na hinuhubad ang necktie nito at binubuksan ang butones ng suot
nitong long-sleeve shirt.

So handsome. Komento ni Zehannah sa isip pero nagpanggap na wala siyang nakitang

guwapo at dumeretso siya sa kusina para maghain.

Sumunod naman sa kaniya si Reigo at tinulungan siya.

"Hey, Zee. Can I ask you something?" Tanong ni Reigo ng nakaupo na sila sa hapag-
kainan at pinagsasaluhan ang nilutong hapunan ni Zehannah.

"Hmm? What is it?"

Inabot ni Reigo ang asin para magkaroon ng lasa ang kinakain. "Well, um..."

"What?" To see Reigo hesitating, it intrigued Zehannah since she seldom see Reigo
hesitate. Hindi nga to nagdadalawang isip sa malalanding pinagsasasabi nito kaya
nakaka-intriga.

"You see," Reigo took a deep breath as if he was about to say something shocking so
Zehannah braves herself. "My parents want to meet you."

Napatigil sa pagnguya si Zehannah sa narinig saka napakurap-kurap sa binata. "Ha?"

"My parents want to meet you." Ulit ni Reigo na mas kabado pa keysa kanina.

Pakiramdam ni Zehannah nabingi lang siya ng kaunti kaya iba ang narinig niya kaya
hiniling niya ulit kay Reigo na ulitin ang sinabi nito. "Come again?"

"My parents want to meet you."

Zehannah blinked at Reigo. Then again. And again. And then she closed her mouth,
but she ended up opening them again as she finally understood that she did not hear
Reigo wrong!

"Parents...?" Zehannah blinked. "Your... parents? Can I say no?"

Reigo's face slightly fell, but he smiled as if to reassure her. "Of course you
can. It's actually a deal with my dad." He explained. "In our house, you don't get
things for free. You have to earn it, work hard or make a deal. And dad wanted to
meet you in exchange for dealing with the witch bitch."

"His help?"

Tumango si Reigo. "Ang totoo niyan, wala naman na sana akong balak na ituloy ang
deal namin ni dad. Kaya lang nalaman ko kanina kay Shun, isa sa kaibigan ko na
inilipat lang pala ng branch si Emma Usoro at hindi inalis sa kompaniya."

Tapos panay sisi niya sakin? Tangina talaga ang mahadera na 'yon. Nagsalubong ang
kilay ni Zehannah. Isa lang kasi ang ibig sanihin no'n. "Ganun ba kalakas ang kapit
niya?"

"Shun told me that Emma is the Lancove's CEO's illegitimate child."

"Is the CEO the owner?"

"Nope. That's why I want dad's help. He's friends with the owner of Lancove. He can
immediately and directly reach out to him."

"At para gawin 'yon ng dad mo, kailangan niya akong makilala bilang kapalit?"
Paninigurado ni Zehannah.

"Yeah. Over dinner. With him and mom."

Nagpakawala ng malakas na buntong-hininga si Zehannah saka napasandal sa likod ng

upuan ng hapagkain para mag-isip ng mabuti.

Zehannah wanted to make herself believed that 'it's just a simple dinner', but she
knew that that's not the case. Meeting the parents was always crucial.

Parents could make or break a relationship and at the moment, what she and Reigo
had was still fragile. If she'll compare it to a human life, it's like a newborn
baby without a name.

"Zee...?"

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah. "Kapag nakipag-meet ba ako sa parents mo, mapapatalsik

kaagad ang babae na 'yon?"
"Yes. My dad will make it happen. He's more powerful that I am in the business
world."

I bet he is. Zehannah thought and steeled herself. "Sure. I'll do it."

Reigo's eyes widened. "Seriously?" He was not expecting that.

"Yeah. It's for our peace of mind, so let's accept the deal."

"Ayos lang talaga sa'yo?"

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah. "I don't do 'meet the parents' because it's like a
relationship level up, but..." bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "I don't want seeing
you uneasy and strained, so let's just do it and meet your parents."

Reigo looked so happy, Zehannah could see it in his eyes as he leaned in and kissed
her deeply.

"Gago." She flicked his forehead and push him away. "Lasang sausage ang bibig mo. I
don't hate them, but they're not my favorite. Binili ko lang 'yon kasi gusto mo."

Reigo smiled at her suggestively. "That actually works for me, since the only
sausage I want you to eat is mine."

Zehannah looked at Reigo flatly. "Really? In front of my vegetable soup?"

Reigo just chuckled, and Zehannah could tell that he's happy. As if nothing can
dampen his happiness. Not even that witch bitch.

I'm glad.

Maybe because Reigo looked happy the whole dinner, their dinner went well and while
Zehannah was washing dishes, Reigo decided to be clingy and hugged Zehannah from
behind.

Zehannah sighed heavily. "Reigo, nakakita ka na ba ng malandi na nagngangalang

Reigo Vasquez na nasampal ng spatula?"

Reigo immediately let go and slipped out of the kitchen, making Zehannah sigh in
relief because she'll finally be able to wash the dishes in peace.

Thankfully, Reigo didn't return to the kitchen. At dahil wala ang binata, mabilis
ang naging galaw ni Zehannah. Pagkatapos maghugas, nagligpit siya ng kalat at
nilinis ang kusina bago lumabas.

Zehannah smells like oil, onion, vegetable and sweat when she exited the kitchen
that she grimaced when she found a freshly bath Reigo in the living room, reading a
magazine.

Mas nauna pang maligo keysa sakin. Nakakahiya naman. Ang thoughtful ng tangina.
Puno ng sarkasmong komento ni Zehannah sa isip.

"Oh, Zee—"

Zehannah pointed his finger at Reigo to make him stop moving because she knew he
was about to leave the couch to cling to her. "I'm sweaty and I smell like shit.
Kapag lumapit ka sakin, matutulog ka rito sa labas. Huwag mo akong subukan."

The bastard just smiled and still walked towards her.

Zehannah actually shrink back when the bastard sniffed her!

"Mabango ka pa rin naman." Anito.

Tiningnan niya ng masama ang binata. "Wow. Napaka-bias ng ilong mo. Kahit pa gaano
mo ako kagusto, ang mabaho ay mabaho."

Reigo shrugged. "But I like how you smell. I mean, there's vegetable and some
things mix in there, but you still smell like my Zee."

Mas lalong tumalim ang mata ni Zehannah. "Lumayo ka sakin. Masasapak kita."

"But—"

"Reigo, lumayo ka." She gave him a pointed look. "Compared to you, I stink, so back
off."

Masyadong matalim ang tingin ni Zehannah para hindi humakbang palayo si Reigo.
"Okay. Okay. Tawagin mo ako pagkatapos mong maligo. Aamuyin kita mula ulo hanggang
paa."

"Gago." Sagot ni Zehannah saka pumasok na sa kuwarto at iniwan si Reigo sa salas.

Dumeretso kaagad si Zehannah sa banyo saka naligo. Pagkatapos ay nagbihis siya ng

pantulog na damit at tinuyo ang may kahabaan niyang buhok gamit ang hair dryer
pagkatapos niya iyong lagyan ng hair protectant oil.

After her hair became dry, she cleaned her bed and laid herself on her side of the
bed—which was on the right—when Reigo was sleeping on her bed.

Speaking of Reigo, Zehannah didn't need to call for him. Pumasok ito sa kuwarto ng
nakahiga na siya saka isinara ang pintuan at basta nalang sumampa sa kama tapos
dinaganan siya.

But not to do anything sexual. He just stayed on top of her and rested his head in
between her breast and stomach while playing with her hand that was resting on the
mattress.

Zehannah let Reigo be as she checked her messages and e-mails on her phone.

Marami na namang message galing kay witch bitch, pati sa e-mail niya nagsi-send na
rin ito laya pinagba-block niya lahat. It's useless fighting that bitch online. Mas
gusto ko personal para masapak ko ang desperada na 'yon.

"Zee?"

"Hmm?" Her attention was still on her phone.

"Are you working?"

"Not really." She looked at Reigo and found him looking at the phone in her hand.

Zehannah immediately understood and put her phone on the bedside table. "May
kailangan ka?"

"Just your attention."

Zehannah sighed and cupped Reigo's whole face with her hands and squeezed it
against her palms. "So clingy."

"Do you hate it?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah saka tinapik ang balikat ni Reigo. "Come on. Get off
me. Pabigat ka ng pabigat. Balak mo ba akong yupiin?"

Mahinang natawa si Reigo saka lumipat na ng higa sa kama saka pinaunan siya sa
braso nito ang masuyo siyang niyakap.

As usual, Reigo smelled so nice that Zehannah didn't complain and just let him
cuddle her.

"Zee?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you ever feel jealous?"

Reigo sounded a little insecure that Zehannah couldn't help looking up at him.
"Selos? Kanino?"

"Emma or Daniela, maybe?"

"Bakit naman ako magseselos?"

"Sabi nila kasama palagi ang selos kapag gusto mo ang isang tao. Kung wala kang
maramdamang ganun, ibig sabihin, hindi mo ako ganun kagusto."

Zehannah became silent and Reigo understood it wrong.

"No pressure." He said. "I get it. Ako lang naman ang nagpumilit na pumasok at
manatili sa buhay mo kahit ayaw mo. Maybe it's too early for you to feel that
emotion. Sorry if my question made you uncomfortable—"

"Shut up, Reigo."

Reigo stopped talking.

Zehannah buried her face against Reigo's chest. "A little I guess."

Reigo stilled and frowned. "What?"

"I said a little!" She snapped and pinched Reigo's stomach, but her pinch failed
because of the abs there. "When that woman from the grocery called you 'love'.
She's so annoying. How I wish she talked back to me instead of running, so I'll
have the excuse to smack her head. And that witch bitch! Making you feel uneasy and
strained. I want to slap her so bad that she'll find her face thrown across the
room. But that bitch hasn't shown herself to me. Hmp! Sana magpakita siya sakin
para masubukan ko sa kaniya ang tinuro sakin ni Papi na sapak para sa mga gaga at
desperada—"

Reigo tightened his embraced around her and he kissed her forehead multiple times.

Pinakikiramdaman ni Zehannah kung may gagawin pang iba si Reigo ng tawagin nito ang
pangalan niya.

"Zee?"
"Hmm?"

"Do you like me?"

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Sa tingin mo talaga makikipag-chukchakan ako sayo kung
hindi kita gusto? Gago ka ba? Mukha lang akong malandi, pero sa'yo lang 'tong
kalandian ko. Gago."

Zehannah was surprised when Reigo suddenly picked her body up and rolled her on top
of him.

"Say, Zee. Could you fuck me?"

She pushed herself up and sat on Reigo's abdomen before she narrowed her eyes on
him. "Do you like being dominated? Is that your kink?"

Reigo smiled, and it was filled with lust. "If that means you being on top, riding
me, giving me the pleasure to watch you fuck me and take control while smirking and
looking so sexily at me then yes... by all means, my Zee, dominate me and fuck my
brains out."

That put a smirk on Zehannah lips. "I like the sound of that." She took off her
pajama and sat on top of Reigo, naked.

And Reigo just watched her while caressing her bare legs and thighs as if he was
waiting for what she'll do next.

"Remember, babe," Zehannah smiled at Reigo while looking down at him from the top,
"you asked for it."

Reigo was anticipating what Zehannah would do. His Zee was unpredictable in bed,
after all.

A smile spread across Reigo's lips when Zehannah moved up and sat on his face—more
like his mouth while biting her lips so sexily and licking them in anticipation.

"Eat up, Reigo." She said, while clenching a handful of his hair. "Bon appétit."

With a smile, Reigo parted his lips, sticks out his tongue and said, "thanks for
the food."

And then, he digged in and enjoyed his favorite dessert after meal.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 26

ZEHANNAH JUST watched Reigo while fumbling in his pockets, looking for his car keys
while swaying a little. Lasing ang loko at mukhang hindi nito maalala na ibinigay
na nito sa kaniya ang susi bago pa sila lumabas ng village hall pagkatapos ng
surprise party ni Thorn.
"Wait, Zee..." he continued checking all his pockets, "it's somewhere—here. Yep.
Wait—did I drop it? Fuck. What?"

Seeing Reigo, Zehannah took out her phone from her bag and took a video of Reigo
fumbling around and being clumsy until he just sat on the ground like a child that
has given up after giving his all.

Pigil ni Zehannah ang matawa.

"Reigo, come on. Get up." Aniya sa binata habang bini-video pa rin ito.

Reigo groaned and pouted. "But we don't have keys, Zee...! I will not walk!"

Kinagat ni Zehannah ang pang-ibabang labi para mapigilan ang tawa na gustong
kumawala doon. "Hindi naman tayo maglalakad."

Reigo's pout remained while looking at Zehannah like a gullible child. "Really?
We're not walking? I hate walking. I rather do push-ups and exercise."

"Yep." She smiled at Reigo. "Who do you think I am?"

A drunken grin appeared on Reigo's lips. "You're my very powerful Zee."

Zehannah bit back her chuckle. "Yep. I'm so powerful that I can magically drive
without keys. So come on, get up."

"Okay!" Reigo got up, swaying in the process, then he walked to Zehannah and hugged
her. "Zee, you smell so nice. I want to eat you."

"Nope. Uuwi na tayo. Sakay na."

"Ikaw nalang kaya ang sakayan ko."

"Reigo. Behave. We're in public, for Christ's sake."

"But I want to eat you." Ungot nito na parang bata habang hinahalikan at kinakagat-
kagat ang leeg niya. "Hmm. My Zee... you taste good. And smells good too. Ah, I'm
addicted."

"I said no." Pinatigas ni Zehannah ang boses. "Hindi kita patutulugin sa condo ko
kapag hindi ka nakinig sakin."

Reigo groaned, but he listened anyway. Swaying, he went to open the passenger's
door and slid himself inside.

Napailing si Zehannah saka tinigil ang pagbi-video at sumakay na rin sa sasakyan ni

Reigo.

Zehannah sighed heavily when Reigo hugged her the moment she got inside the car. He
was clinging to her that it was hard to move around in the driver's seat.

She glared at Reigo. "Seatbelt and behave. I swear, Reigo, I'll spank you, so be a
good boy and stay in your seat." She's treating Reigo like a child, since he's
acting like one.

Reigo grinned. "You'll spank me? Hmm. My Zee has lots of kinks. First, choking and
now spanking."
Exasperated, Zehannah blows a loud breath and pushed Reigo to his seat and put his
seatbelt on. "Don't move because I'm driving. Kapag panay yakap mo sakin habang
nagmamaneho ako, baka may hindi magandang mangyari. Baka ma-aksidente tayo at
mamatay ako, mumultuhin kitang gago ka."

"Okay." Reigo sounded like an obedient child. "I'll behave. I don't want to lose
you."

Natigilan si Zehannah saka parang may kung anong lumambot sa dibdib niya dahil sa
sinabi ng binata at dahil sa emosyon ng mukha nito. He looked so sad, as if losing
her will break him.

His defense is all down now that he's drunk.

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka humarap sa manibela.

"Zee, dahan-dahan lang." Wika ni Reigo ng nasa daan na sila. "I don't want to lose
you. Drive slowly, Zee."

"Forty na lang ang takbo natin, Reigo." Imporma niya sa binata.

"No!" He snapped. "Make it thirty! I told you, I don't want to lose you!"

Nagtatagis ang bagang na binagalan pa ni Zehannah ang sasakyan. Kung hindi ka lang
lasing na gago ka, at hindi ka sweet na lasing, hindi ako magiging ganito kabait!
Tangina!

Zehannah's patience was wearing thin while driving for 30KPH. Fortunately, she was
able to calm herself down and arrived at her condo without snapping at Reigo.

Hindi na nagulat pa si Zehannah na ng lumabas sila ng sasakyan ay kaagad na yumakap

sa kaniya mula sa likuran si Reigo habang naglalakad sila papasok. Pinagtitinginan
sila ng mga tao, pero ang gago, wala talagang balak na humiwalay sa kaniya.

Reigo stuck beside her, hugging her and whispering sweet and horny nothings in her
ear until they arrived at her unit.

Drunk Reigo was amusing, but it now had become so annoying.

Ayaw nitong humiwalay sa kaniya. Kahit saan siya magpunta, nakayakap ito sa kaniya
na para bang iiwan niya ito. She couldn't shake him off.

In short, he was acting like a troublesome child!

Giving up, Zehannah dropped herself on the long sofa and Reigo immediately laid
himself on the same sofa, making her thighs his pillow.

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Zehannah dahil wala naman siyang magagawa dahil

lasing ang binata. She's sure that he was not in control of his action—this was all
instinct and his unconscious desire to stay with her. It was manifesting, since he
couldn't control himself.

Ibig sabihin ganito siya kadesperado na manatili sa tabi ko kung hindi niya kino-
kontrol ang sarili niya? Zehannah sighed and combed Reigo's hair. And Reigo looked
like he was enjoying it.

"Zee?"

Napatitig si Zehannah sa guwapong mukha ng binata. "Hmm?"

He opened his eyes to look up at her. "I like you. So much."

Zehannah felt her pulse quickened. "What do you even like about me?"

"There's a lot, actually." He stared hard at her. "But it all boils down to you
being my Zee."

Zehannah didn't get it, so she remained silent.

"I like you because you're Zehannah Sevil." Reigo added.

"So... you like me because I'm... me?"

"Yeah. Pretty much. Anyone can have your attitude and personality—which I doubt —
but even if they have all that, they're still not Zehannah Sevil. And it's you I
like. I like Zehannah Sevil. I like my Zee. You are serious about your work. You
are independent and I like that about you. I like that you know what you want. I
like that you buy me food and pay for me. I like that we're physically compatible.
I like that I don't have to be someone else to be with you. I like how comfortable
I am with you. I like how you always think of my well being and protecting me on
your own. I like... so much... there are a lot of things I like that it might take
time to narrate them all... ah, fuck... I'm so whipped."

Zehannah had to steady a lot in her body as she listened to Reigo. Her pulsed. Her
breathing. Her reaction and the emotion on her face. And it was maddening to keep
calm while Reigo was saying those things!

"But there is one thing I dislike—no, dislike is a strong word." Reigo corrected
himself. "Maybe just bothered. Yeah. That's the word. There's one thing that
bothers me when it comes to you."

Zehannah's breathing stopped. She felt anxious suddenly.

"You're not honest with me. And it bothers me sometimes." Reigo said and Zehannah
tried to defend herself.

"I am honest—"

"Yes, you are." He cut her off. "Your honest with your thoughts and with your body,
but with your emotion—I'd say not all the time. Just like now."

Natigilan si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay pinakatitigan ang binata. "Kung kailan ka

nalasing saka mo sasabihin sakin 'yan?"

"Hindi ako lasing."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. And what do you mean I'm not honest now?
How can you say that?"

"I always observed your facial expression and body language." Sagot ni Reigo saka
gumigiwang na bumangon ito at umupo sa sofa paharap sa kaniya at sinapo ang mukha
niya. "When you're controlling your emotion, you always have this calm and
collected look on your face—just like now. I can tell because I've seen how
expressive you can be. Especially in bed or when you're angry or annoyed or
irritated. That's why I enjoy having sex with you a lot, because your emotions
became unrestrained when we do it." Slowly, Reigo buried his face on Zehannah's
neck as if seeking solace in her warmth.
Zehannah sighed. "And that bothers you?"

"I like you too much that I always end up disregarding it." He kissed her neck.
"And now I feel bad because I said it. I shouldn't have said that. Paano kung
magalit ka sakin? Now I feel like I'm a jerk for saying it." He sighed and buried
his face against her neck once again. "In my previous relationships, I always keep
my mouth shut when I'm bothered about something, but with you... I want to tell you
everything because I really like you so much—flaws and all."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka hinayaan ang emosyon na nararamdaman at

pinipigilan na kumawala.

Umangat ang mga braso niya saka masuyong niyakap si Reigo at hinaplos ang buhok
nito. "Mahirap baguhin ang nakasanayan lalo na kung natutunan mo 'yon habang
nagkaka-edad. Adulting taught me that if you couldn't control your emotions, you
will not go far in life. My previous relationships taught me as well that if you
show your emotions so openly, they'll use it against you when they see fit."
Huminga siya ng malalim. "Reigo, I'd been guarding and standing for myself for as
long as I can remember. It won't be easy to break my behavior and change."

"I know." He whispered. "And I won't tell you to change. I know that your guard is
still up, even after everything that has happened between us. And I get it. When I
ask you to have a mutual understanding relationship with me, I already accepted the
fact that your emotions are well guarded. It bothers me, yes, but as I said
earlier, I like you too much and I want to be honest with you."

"Honest, huh?"

"Hmm. Because how can I expect honesty from you if I'm not being honest myself?"

A soft smile spread across Zehannah's lips. "I'm used to dating men who only cared
about the superficial me. They never cared to open up the package to see what's
inside. I always thought that it's because I'm difficult to deal with, because my
belief and opinion differs from most women. Naisip ko na baka nga ako ang may mali.
Baka ako ang may problema at hindi sila. Pero nakilala kita. You're like a breath
of fresh for me. When we're together, you always wear your heart on your sleeve. So
I rejected you. A man like you will only be hurt by me. But then... you stayed.
Naisip ko, siguro, walang mali sakin at hindi ako ang may problema dahil nanatili
ka."

Slowly, Reigo slightly pulled away to look into Zehannah's eyes. "Zee, walang mali
sayo. Whatever your opinions and beliefs are, they matter because you believe in
it. Kung sa tingin ng iba problema 'yon, ibig sabihin lang no'n ay hindi sila handa
para sa isang katulad mo."

Zehannah rested her forehead against Reigo's shoulder. "I sometimes think that I'm
born in a wrong time and place because of my different opinion and belief."

He kissed her temple. "If that was so, then I'd like to think that you were born
here and now so we can meet."

"You're even more cheesy when drunk."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "Hmm. Pero hindi ako lasing."

"'Yan ang palaging sinasabi ng mga lasing."

Reigo just comfortably hugged Zehannah as silence fell on them. Reigo was close to
falling asleep when he heard Zehannah spoke.
"You want honesty, right?" Bago pa makasagot si Reigo, nagsalita na ulit si
Zehannah. "I'm thankful and happy that you stayed."

Reigo pulled away to look at Zehannah in shocked.

Silence fell on them until Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead. "Tulog na. Magsisimba
tayo bukas ng maaga."

Reigo blinked at Zehannah. "Huh? What? How could you ask me to sleep after saying
those things—"

"Lasing ka. Matulog ka na."

"Hindi nga ako lasing."

"Then how do you think I drove your car without keys?"

Reigo tilted his head to the side. "Because you're my very powerful Zee?"

Zehannah sighed before she leaned in and kiss Reigo on the forehead. "Come on."
Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay saka hinila patayo. "Matulog na tayo. Sana hindi mo
maalala bukas itong pinag-usapan natin. I just realized that I'm so cheesy that I'm
cringing."

"But Zee—"

"Come on." Hinila niya ang lasing na binata patungo sa kuwarto niya. "Tulog na."

"Ayoko pa nga—"

"Tatabihan kita."

"Okay." Mabilis na sagot ni Reigo at nauna pang pumasok sa kuwarto niya.

Napailing si Zehannah. "He's like a child when drunk and like a baby when feeling
down. He's goofy and sarcastic when he wants to." She sighed. "And to think that
he's my breath of fresh air... ah, I'm screwed."

"Zee! Come on! I'm naked already. Let's sleep!"

Zehannah just sigh and entered her room. And yep, Reigo was as naked as the day he
was born. And the bastard didn't even bother covering his groin with a blanket.

Paano ako makakatulog kung hubad itong gago na 'to? "Reigo, put a pants on or
something."

"Ayoko."

Nameywang si Zehannah. "Hindi ako tatabi sayo kung ganiyan ka."

Groaning and swaying, Reigo got off the bed to get a sweatpants from his bad in the
corner of her room.

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung matatawa o maiiling siya ng makita ang pagiwang-giwang
na paglalakad ni Reigo pabalik sa kama.

"Zee, come here. Let's sleep."

"Half-bath lang ako."

"Sama ako—"

"No. Mahiga ka na riyan." Pigil ni Zehannah sa binata. "I'll be quick."

"Okay." Reigo sighed heavily.

Napailing si Zehannah saka pumasok sa banyo pagkatapos kumuha ng damit sa closet.

Binilisan ni Zehannah ang paglilinis sa katawan dahil iniisip niya si Reigo, pero
ng makalabas siya ng banyo, natagpuan niyang mahimbing na natutulog na ang binata.

Zehannah let out a sigh and went to cover Reigo with the comforter. And then she
sat on the bed and stared at Reigo.

Zehannah was enjoying what she and Reigo had at the moment. She had no plan on
stopping, and she genuinely wanted to be with him.

But a fear was taking root in the back of her mind. Sana hindi mangyari. Because if
Reigo asked and I said no, what they have now will really end. She wanted to stay
like this with Reigo, but... shit. Ayokong mag-isip. Malayo pang mangyari 'yon.
Baka nga hindi mangyari. Sana hindi.

Zehannah sighed heavily and kissed Reigo on the forehead before mumbling good
night.

Then Zehannah turned off the lights and went to bed. Reigo immediately cuddled her
under the comforter.

He's drunk, but he still smells nice. Either life is not fair or bias na rin ang
ilong ko. Zehannah thought before she closed her eyes to rest.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 27

REIGO WOKE UP like his head was being hammered down to his last brain cell. His
throat was dry, and he felt like shit. And to top it all off, he was buck naked in
Zehannah's bed and the woman who owned the bedroom was leaning against the door
frame, sipping coffee and watching him with interest.

"Um..." he knew he was drunk last night, but he had no memory of it. He blinked at
Zehannah, who was still sipping coffee while watching him. "Did I do something...
last night?" Reigo was almost afraid to ask because he felt like he did something.

"What do you think you did?" Umalis si Zehannah sa pagkakahilig sa hamba ng pintuan
saka naglakad palapit sa kaniya at tiningnan ang hubad niyang katawan. "Wala kang
naaalala?"

Umiling si Reigo.
Zehannah's lips twitch a little, as if she was holding back a smile or a grimace,
then she picked up her phone from the bedside table, open it and she handed it to
him, "have fun. Breakfast in the kitchen."

Pagkasabi no'n ng dalaga ay naglakad ito palabas. Naiwan naman si Reigo na hawak-
hawak ang cellphone ni Zehannah at nang bumaba ang tingin niya do'n, nakita niya
ang sarili sa thumbnail ng video.

Reigo immediately click play to see the whole video and he swore to never drink
again after seeing it.

"Fuck. What did I just do?"

He dropped the phone on the bed and grab his sweatpants that was on the floor then
he run out of the room, shirtless, to look for his Zee.

He found her in the kitchen sipping coffee.

"Bakit ang pula ng mukha mo?" Tanong ni Zehannah kay Reigo.

Reigo looked away. "Um... I saw the video. Did I do something more horrifying than
that? I feel like I did."

Pigil ni Zehannah ang matawa. "Hmm... let me think. Nuong nasa sasakyan na tayo,
gusto mong 30KPH lang ang takbo natin kasi sabi mo 'I don't want to lose you'.
Pagkatapos no'n, ng dumating na tayo rito sa condo ko, mula parking lot papunta
rito sa unit ko, para kang ahas na ayaw kumawala sa'kin. And then ng nasa loob na
tayo ayaw mo pa ring lumayo sakin at nahiga ka sa kama na hubad. Somehow, I managed
to threaten you into putting pants on, but just a few hours from that, I woke up to
see you taking it off and throwing it on the floor. And you vomited after that,
then you went back to sleep."

Reigo was horrified that Zehannah saw all those bad things about him! "Vomit? I — I
did that?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yep. Good thing it was on the floor."

Inamoy ni Reigo ang sarilihing hininga at napangiwi ang binata saka mabilis na
lumayo kay Zehannah. "Fuck. I smell like puke."

Tumango ulit si Zehannah. "Yep. And cleaning your vomit is the worst. Kailangan
kong maligo pagkatapos."

Nanghihinang napaupo si Reigo sa sahig ng kusina at bumulong. "Ah, I'm done. After
vomiting and cleaning it all up, I'm sure you dislike me now."

Zehannah sipped her coffee. "Hindi ako ganun kababaw. Gusto pa rin kita."

Sa narinig ni Reigo, akmang susugurin nito ng yakap ang dalaga ng duruin ito ni
Zehannah na ikinatigil nito.

"Don't you dare, Reigo." Babala ni Zehannah. "Go take a bath and brush your teeth
thoroughly first. Because, ew, I'm not kissing you after all that shit."

"Oh." Reigo stood up straight. "Yeah. Wait for me." He said and left the kitchen.

Napailing nalang si Zehannah habang sinusundan ng tingin ang binata. Lahat ng

sinabi niya rito ay totoo. Sumuka talaga ito kaninang madaling araw at napilitan
siyang linisin 'yon dahil hindi niya kaya ang amoy.

And because of that, she woke up early and was able to attend the early mass.

Nanginig si Zehannah ng maalala ang nilinis niya. That was the worst indeed. That
was her first time cleaning that shit. Hindi kasi siya hinahayaan ng Papi niya na
maglinis niyon noon nuong nasa bahay pa siya ng mga magulang niya at nalalasing ang
Papa niya na mahilig uminom pero ang hina naman ng alcohol tolerance.

She had seen and smell vomit, but that was the first time she cleaned one.

Thanks to Reigo. Note the sarcasm.

That should have been enough to turn her off, but nothing had changed. She still
likes Reigo.

Breath of fresh air, my ass! Can I take back my words from last night? Buti nalang
talaga walang naaalala ang dumuho na 'yon. She prayed that he wouldn't remember a
thing from last night. Yeah. Let's not juggle his memory.

With that in mind, she waited for Reigo in the kitchen. After two cups of coffee—
yeah, I should really stop drinking too much coffee—Reigo entered the kitchen
again. This time, he looked fresh, and he smelled great. And yes, he's still
shirtless and Zehannah was not complaining as Reigo scoop her up and kiss her on
the lips.

"Morning, my Zee."

"Morning."

He smiled, then he winced. "Fuck. My head hurt."

Napailing si Zehannah saka kumawala sa yakap ng binata at hinila ito patungo sa

hapag-kainan. "Come on. Eat up. You need coffee and carbs in your system."

Reigo followed and watched as Zehannah care for him. She made him coffee and put
food on his plate. And he felt like he's being babied and spoiled.

"Drink lots of water." Ani Zehannah saka naglapag ng isang pitsel ng tubig sa
harapan ni Reigo. "I'll go get some pain reliever for your head—up there."

Reigo smiled when Zehannah left the kitchen to get him some medicine, but his smile
vanished when he tasted her food.

"Ang tabang pa rin talaga." Bulong niya saka kinuha ang asin at nagpatuloy sa
pagkain.

Minutes later, Zehannah went back to the kitchen.

"Here. Inumin mo 'to pagkatapos mong kumain." Inilapag ni Zehannah ang gamot sa
mesa. "Hayaan mo lang ang kinainan mo sa lababo. I'll take care of it. Baka mawalan
ako ng mga plato kapag hinugasan mo. Anyway, doon lang ako sa kuwarto."

Reigo just watched Zehannah leave. Gusto niya itong makausap, pero mukhang may
gagawin ito kaya hinayaan na niya.

And just like what Zehannah told him, he left his dishes on the sink and went to
the bedroom to check on Zehannah after he eat breakfast.
Akala niya nagpapahinga ang dalaga, kaya natigilan siya ng makitang wala ito doon
pero bukas ang palaging nakasarang bintana sa kuwarto nito at sobrang linis ng
buong kuwarto.

The floor was clean and shiny; the sun was shining inside the bedroom because of
the open window; the bed had a new set of beddings—and he couldn't see his bag.

He panicked.

Oh, shit. Reigo was about to look for his bag when the door to the bathroom opened.

"Zee, can I ask where's my—"

Reigo swallowed his words when he saw Zehannah stepped out of the bathroom with
only her panties on. Not even wearing a bra and even after she saw him, she walked
to the closet like an unbothered queen.

And Reigo couldn't stop his eyes from following Zehannah around. From the bathroom
to the closet, his eyes followed her and watched her pull a spaghetti strap tops
and nothing else.

She didn't wear a bra or a short. Just spaghetti strap tops and panty. That's it.
Nothing else and Reigo found himself gulping.

"Stop looking like a horny animal and ask what you wanted to ask earlier."

That pulled Reigo from his horny reverie. "Oh, yeah. My bag. Where is it?"

Zehannah opened the other side of her closet. "It sticks out like a sore thumb in
the corner, so I put all the clothes inside your bag here and your bag is there."
Itinuro niro ang drawer sa ibaba ng closet. "May tanong ka pa?"

"Why?"

"Huh? What why?"

"Why did you put it in your closet?" For Reigo, that was a big change. It was as if
Zehannah was accepting him into her life.

But Zehannah's answer was, "kasi gusto ko?"

Reigo chuckled at that. Zehannah's answer may be as simple as 'kasi gusto ko', but
to Reigo, it speaks volume.

From sharing a dinner to sharing a closet. He's becoming a part of Zehannah's life
little by little.

"Bakit nakatulala ka riyan? Masakit pa ulo mo?"

"Nah. I'm good." He smiled and walked towards Zehannah to wrap his arms around her.
"Since we're both fresh from the shower, why don't we eat each other?"

Zehannah looked at Reigo flatly. "Is that all you think about?"

"Hmm. Not really, but yeah?"

Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead. "Schedule ko ngayong manood ng favorite TV

series ko sa Netflix. So, nope. No sex for you."
Reigo pouted, but he didn't stop her or complain. He just followed her to the
living room, sat beside her on the long sofa and joined her as she binge watch her
favorite show.

After a couple of episodes, Zehannah found herself curled in Reigo's arms. She
thought Reigo was just nonchalantly joining her for the sake of watching it
together, but he became more engrossed in the show than her, making her smile.

There's nothing more satisfying than knowing that the person she liked enjoyed her
favorite show. It felt nice.

So their binge watching continued. When lunch came, they just ordered online since
Zehannah and Reigo both didn't want to stop watching. And they eat lunch in front
of the TV. After that, they went back to cuddling on the couch. This time, it was
Reigo who wanted to be cuddled, so he was in her arms as they continued to watch.

Parehong tutok na tutok ang dalawa sa pinapanood na hindi ni Zehannah namalayan na

nag-text ang Papi niya para ipaalam na dadaan ito sa condo niya para mag-dinner sa
labas kasama siya.

Kaya ng tumunog ang doorbell ng condo ni Zehannah, walang kaidi-ideya ang dalawa
hanggang sa makita ni Reigo sa peephole kung sino ang nasa labas.

"Zee, I think I need a shirt."

"Ha? Bakit?"

"It's your parents. They're outside."

Mabilis na umalis si Zehannah sa sofa saka tumakbo sa kuwarto. "Don't open the door
yet!"

Mabilis na kumuha ng cotton short si Zehannah sa closet saka isinuot 'yon

kapagkuwan ay mabilis na nagsuot ng bra. Pagkatapos ay kumuha rin siya ng t-shirt
para kay Reigo saka ihinagis yon sa binata ng makalabas sa kuwarto bago siya
kalmadong bumalik sa pagkakaupo sa sofa at nanood ng TV na parang walang lang.

As for Reigo, he only opened the door after putting a shirt on and making sure he
looked like a decent future boyfriend of Zehannah.

"Good afternoon po." Magiliw na bati ni Reigo sa mga magulang ni Zehannah ng buksan
niya ang pintuan.

Unlike the first time he opened the door for them, Zehannah's parents didn't ask
anything or become hostile.

"Oh, Reigo's here." Ani Cameron ng makapasok. "That's good."

"My daughter is not enslaving you, is she?" Dan asked Reigo.

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "My Zee is not like that. Though she's always bullying
me, Tito Dan."

Dan patted Reigo's shoulder. "Hang in there."

"I will, tito."

Dan nodded at Reigo before he looked for his daughter and found her watching TV on
the sofa. "Zehan, 'nak, we're here."
"Yeah. We texted you." Dagdag ni Cameron.

Acting like she just found out, Zehannah left the sofa and excitedly welcomed her
fathers with a big hug.

"Papa! Papi! Nanonood kami ni Reigo kaya hindi ko nabasa ang text niyo sakin."

"Oh. Are you two on a date?" Tanong ni Cameron saka tumingin kay Reigo na
naglalakad palapit sa tatlo. "Did we barge in?"

"No, tito Cam. We're just binge watching." Sagot ni Reigo.

"If that's so, then you two won't mind accompanying us to a celebratory dinner,
yes?"

Zehannah blinked at her Papa. "Celebratory dinner?"

"Yep. Your Papi got promoted at work!" Balita ni Cameron sa lahat habang
pumapalakpak pa at mas masaya pa ito keysa kay Dan na napapailing lang sa kapareha.

"Really, Papi?!" Zehannah hugged her father tightly again while jumping up and
down. "Yey! So happy for you, Papi."

Dan smiled and patted Zehannah's back. "Yeah, yeah. Now go change. We're going to
dinner. Libre ni Papa mo."

Zehannah grinned and immediately run to her room to change. Meanwhile, Reigo was
left behind to Cameron and Dan, who immediately turned to Reigo after Zehannah
left.

"Hindi ka magbibihis?" Tanong ni Dan sa binata.

"I'm coming with you?" Reigo was surprised because he thought it was a family
dinner.

Kumunot ang nuo ni Cameron. "What? Of course you are."

"But isn't it a family dinner?" Reigo asked.

"Yeah. And you're the closest thing my Zehan has for a partner, that makes you part
of the family." Ani Dan. "And I'm sure you didn't come here to Zehan's condo
looking like that. Either you have spare change somewhere or you have clothes here,
so go change."

Reigo didn't want to put Zehannah on the spot with her parents if they found out he
had clothes in her closet, so he excused himself. "Nasa sasakyan ang damit ko. I'll
go get it." Reigo was thankful that it had become his habit to always bring spare
clothes. And also, his car keys was on the living room, much to his luck.

"Sige. Sabihan namin si Zehan na kumuha ka ng damit sa sasakyan mo."

Reigo thanked the two, took his key and stepped out of Zehannah's condo to get his
'clothes' and 'change'.

"Huh? Nasaan si Reigo?" 'Yon kaagad ang tanong ni Zehannah ng makalabas sa kuwarto
at hindi nakita ang binata.

"Kumuha ng damit sa sasakyan niya." Sagot ni Dan sa anak. "He's going to dinner
with us."

Natigilan si Zehannah saka napakunot ang nuo. Pero may damit siya sa kuwarto— oh!
He must be trying to save me from my parents' questions if they found out. Lihim na
napangiti si Zehannah. Maasahan talaga ang loko na 'yon. She was grateful that he
thought of her instead of his own convenience.

Then the doorbell rang. It was Reigo. He already changed into his casual clothes.
White polo shirt, grey check pants and white sneakers.

Damn. Being that handsome should be a crime. Isip ni Zehannah ng mapagbuksan si

Reigo ng pintuan saka ngumiti ito sa kaniya.

"Sa sasakyan na ako nagbihis." Anito ng makapasok. "I just throw in what I have in
my car." Bumaling si Reigo kay Zehannah. "Do I look decent?"

Cameron saw how his daughter looked at Reigo, so he teased her. "Yeah, Zehan. How
does Reigo look? Nakapasa ba siya sa panlasa mo?"

"Of course he's handsome. He's a delicacy after all." Sagot ni Zehannah saka inayos
ang kuwelyo ng polo shirt na suot ni Reigo saka pabulong na kinausap ito. "Thanks
for not letting my parents know that you have clothes in my room."

"Oh, that? It's for my sake too. I'm sure they'll be wary of me if they found out.
I mean, they clearly like me, but you're still their daughter."

"Hmm, yeah. Siguradong hindi ka na hahayaan ni Papa na makapasok dito sa condo ko.
They're only letting you because they trust me and my decisions."

Reigo smiled, and he looked dashing. "I should be grateful and say thank you."

Zehannah rolled her eyes and pinch Reigo's cheeks. "You better behave, Reigo."

Reigo gave her a reassuring smile. "I will."

"Kids, stop flirting." Ani Dan kay Zehannah at Reigo. "Come on. Mali-late na tayo
sa reservation natin."

Unang lumabas si Cameron at Dan saka sumunod naman si Zehannah at Reigo. At tulad
nga ng sabi ni Reigo kanina, hindi nito ginawa ang palagi nitong ginagawa kapag
sumasakay sa elevator—may tao man o wala — at 'yon ay ang landiin siya.

He was well behaved and Zehannah wanted to laugh at Reigo's innocent face while
sharing small talks with her parents in the elevator.

"I'm so proud of you," bulong niya sa binata ng makalabas sila ng elevator. "You
survive the elevator challenge."

Reigo let out a long, relieved breath. "Yeah. I was so close to touching and
flirting with you."

Natatawang tinapik ni Zehannah ang balikat ni Reigo. "Good job. Bigyan kita ng
premyo mamaya."

Reigo's eyes immediately glistened with determination. "I will be in my best

behavior."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka hinila na si Reigo para makahabol sila sa mga
magulang niya na nasa labas na. At para maka-save ng oras at gas saka makabawas sa
traffic, nakisakay lang si Zehannah at Reigo sa sasakyan ng mga magulang ni
Zehannah.

In the backseat, Reigo was well behaved, keeping his hands to himself and Zehannah
was dying to tease him.

Pasimpleng ipinatong ni Zehannah ang kamay sa hita ni Reigo habang kausap ang Papi
niya sa passenger seat.

"Hmm. Next week na. Excited na nga kami ni Cassia e."

"I'm so happy for the two of you."

"Thanks, Papa."

Zehannah felt Reigo tensed up, bur she didn't mind it. Instead, her hand moved
until she was in his groin area.

Reigo gritted his teeth to control himself not to let a moan escape from his lips.

"Reigo, ayos ka lang ba diyan?" Tanong Papa ni Zehannah na nakapansin sa

katahimikan ng binata.

Reigo cleared his throat. "Yes, tito. I'm fine."

"Oh. Good."

Zehannah looked at Reigo and smiled innocently at him before she cupped his groin
and, against her palm, she felt him hardened.

Reigo looked at Zehannah helplessly while trying not to make a sound.

'You're evil.' He mouthed at her.

Pigil ni Zehannah ang matawa saka inalis na ang kamay sa pagkalalaki ni Reigo.
'There. I'm innocent.' She mouthed back, and Reigo just glared at her.

Zehannah was having fun, especially seeing Reigo trying to calm himself after her
teasing.

Thankfully, Reigo's 'friend' calmed down before they arrived at the restaurant.

"Huh?"

Napabaling ang tatlo kay Reigo na napatigil sa pagpasok sa restaurant.

"May problema ba?" Tanong ni Dan kay Reigo.

"Wala ho." Umiling si Reigo saka tumingin sa restaurant na nasa harapan nila.
"Asawa ng kaibigan ko ang may-ari nito. She's a really excellent cook."

"Oh? Nahirapan kaming makapagpa-reserve rito." Ani Cameron. "Palagi silang fully
booked."

"Yeah. Masarap kasi pagkain nila rito."

"Come on. Pasok na tayo." Aya ni Dan sa mga kasama.

Dan and Cameron entered first, then Zehannah, and Reigo followed.
The four were immediately shown to their table, and the service was outstanding, as
usual. From the waiter to the manager, making sure if they were comfortable. And
looks like the manager recognized Reigo because a few minutes later, the chef,
Anniza Montero—Dark Montero's wife stepped out of the kitchen to greet Reigo and
Zehannah.

"You have lovely parents, Zehan." Anniza was smiling so genuinely sweet when
Zehannah introduced her parents to Anniza. "I'm so happy that you chose our
restaurant to celebrate a milestone in your career, Sir Dan. Allow me to express my
gratitude. Dessert is in the house for everyone. Don't hold back."

Zehannah smiled at Anniza. "Thanks, Anniza."

"No biggie." Anniza smiled back. "Anyway, I'll be in the kitchen. Kung may
kailangan kayo, magsabi lang kayo sa waiter or sa manager. I hope you have a
sumptuous dinner."

Everyone nodded and thanked Anniza.

"Nahirapan pa kami magpa-reserve. Kakilala niyo lang pala ang may-ari." Ani
Cameron.

"Her husband is a friend of mine." Ani Reigo.

"And I just met Anniza recently when they added me to their group chat."

Mabilis na napabaling si Reigo kay Zehannah. "Sa Amazona group chat?"

"Yep."

"My friends fear that group chat." Pagkuwento ni Reigo. "Lahat kasi ng mga asawa
nila myembro do'n tapos nandoon ka na? Now I know why they're scared. Magiging
sobrang amazona ka pa nito ngayon—"

Pinangigilan ni Zehannah ang pisngi ni Reigo dahilan para mapatigil ito sa

pagsasalita.

Natawa naman ang mga magulang ni Zehannah na nanonood lang sa dalawa.

They didn't meet a lot of Zehannah's ex, just a few, and Zehannah was never this
carefree with her exes. She always had that mature aura around her, but with Reigo,
she really looked like she was having fun with him.

"I'm glad you're happy, 'nak."

Natigilan si Zehannah sa panggigigil sa pisngi ni Reigo saka bumaling sa ama.

"Happy? Sino? Ako?"

Dan nodded and smiled at Reigo. "Keep making my daughter happy."

Reigo smiled, looking so happy and proud. "As long as I'm able to, I will, tito."

Thankfully, their dinner was served so Reigo's cheesiness ended there and they
enjoyed a pleasant dinner while sharing small talks about anything they could think
of.

Zehannah enjoyed the whole dinner because she could see her parents being
comfortable with Reigo, to the point that they shared their love story and their
relationship struggle to Reigo, who was intently listening and commenting. The
interaction warmed Zehannah's heart that it was not only her stomach that was full
when they finished their dinner, her heart too.

"Good night, Papi, Papa." Ani Zehannah ng ibaba sila ng mga magulang niya sa condo
niya. "Ingat sa pagmamaneho pauwi."

"Good night din. Ingat din kayo."

Reigo and Zehannah nodded and only went inside the building when Zehannah's parents
drove away.

Side by side, Zehannah and Reigo rode the elevator to Zehannah's unit.

Reigo was certain that they'll continue their binge watching once they arrived at
Zehannah's place, but his mind went blank when Zehannah suddenly claimed her lips
the moment they entered her condo and wrapped her hands around his neck.

And Reigo was not someone to pass an opportunity to take his Zee to high heavens.

He kissed her back and one by one, their clothes disappeared while hungrily
devouring each other's lips.

It was not a surprise anymore when Zehannah and Reigo ended up on the couch, with
Zehannah kneeling in front of Reigo, who was sitting down. Zehannah had become
addicted to oral sex thanks to Reigo. She loved sucking and licking him and hearing
him moan like crazy while he's inside her mouth. She likes it when he gets rough
while fucking her mouth and when he let her do whatever she wanted with his cock as
if he was giving all the rights to pleasure it to her.

Yes. She loved sucking Reigo's cock. It had become her favorite thing in the world.
Big and long. Worthy to suck on.

With a euphoric expression on her face, Zehannah deep throated Reigo and did not
stop until she heard his loud moans, pleas, and cusses.

It was a music to her ear.

Well, until she was the one being eaten and pounded hard on the couch. Then her
moans had become music to Reigo's ear, who loved making her scream in pleasure.

And yes. She's a screamer.

After their romp on the couch, Zehannah lost count of how many times they fuck on
the sofa and on the bed and under the shower—but fuck wildly they did.

So it was not surprising that when morning came, Zehannah was sore all over and
Reigo's dick was hurting from too much sucking and fucking.

As usual. They over did it again.

CECELIB | C.C.
CHAPTER 28

IT'S BEEN DAYS since Reigo told Zehannah about meeting his parents and Zehannah had
been dreading about it. Wala siyang nakilala sa mga magulang ng ex niya kasi ayaw
niya. Para sa kaniya kasi ibang level na 'yon at hindi niya kaya ang
responsabilidad na dala niyon kaya umiiwas siya.

She said yes to meeting Reigo's parents for the deal, but it's seriously nerve-
racking.

"Bakit ka kinakabahan? It's just meeting the parents." Her Papa shrugged when she
visited him in his shop one afternoon when she already had no work to do, seeking
advice.

"Hindi ka ba kinabahan ng pinakilala ka ni Papi sa parents niya?"

Natigilan ang ama niya saka nakangiwing nag-iwas ito ng tingin. "That's a different
story."

She narrowed her eyes at her father. "Papa, don't lie to me."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Cameron. "Fine! It was nerve-racking, but that was because
I was serious with Dan and I want to be accepted by his family." Napabuntong-
hininga ito. "I want Dan to be my partner with his parent's consent, so it was
really important to me."

Napangiti si Zehannah sa kinuwento ng ama. "You survived that night in one piece,
right?"

"Well, I had to go back a lot of times to be accepted, but we did it." Natatawang
sagot ni Cameron saka tumingin kay Zehannah. "Pero magkaiba ang sitwasyon natin,
'nak. You're just meeting them for the deal, right? It's not like you're serious
about him for you to fret like this."

She blinked at her father. "What?"

"Well," her father gave her a confused look, "sa uri kasi ng pag-aalala mo, kung
hindi ka kilala ng makakarinig sa'yo, iisipin nila na sobrang mahalaga sayo ang
kalalabasan ng pagpapakilala sayo. If you're not my daughter and I didn't know you,
I would think that you want their approval to be with Reigo because you're serious
about him and you want to take your relationship to the next level, but... you're
not really serious, right?"

Napipilan si Zehannah.

And Cameron probed his daughter, seeing her so open. "You're simply having fun
being with him. And when he becomes really serious about you, you'll pull back,
right? So why bother being nervous about meeting his parents? Hindi mahalaga kung
magustuhan ka man nila o hindi, iiwan mo rin naman si Reigo kapag nagseryoso siya
'di ba?"

Zehannah was still speechless.

Cameron sighed at his daughter's stunned face. "Zehan, I will not tell you what to
feel and I will not put words in your mouth, but think about this for me,
seriously. Kapag nawala ba sa buhay mo si Reigo, magiging masaya ka ba? O magiging
miserable ka?"
Zehannah was still silent.

Bumuntong-hininga si Cameron. "'Nak, Zehan, alam kong takot ka sa relasyon. Alam

kong hindi madaling mabago ang paniniwala at opinyon mo. Alam namin ng Papi mo na
takot kang sumubok, kaya may tanong ako sa'yo. After meeting Reigo and being with
him, do you still think that he's not worth risking for?"

Sa wakas, nagkaroon din ng ibang reaksiyon si Zehannah. She looked confused. "I
don't... know, Papa."

Cameron smiled at his daughter and playfully pinched the tip of her nose. "Think
about it carefully. Kung hindi mo masagot kaagad, ayos lang. Pero pag-isipan mong
mabuti. Because I think Reigo's honesty and perseverance deserved to be respected
by thinking about your relationship with him seriously."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Zehannah. "I'm going to hurt him, aren't I?"

Cameron gave his daughter a tight smile. "You have a choice not to, but it will
always be your decision, Zehan. Just... just make sure that your decision will make
you happy and contented. That's all we're asking of you. Kahit anong maging
desisyon mo, basta masaya ka, susuportahan ka namin."

Naiiyak na tumayo si Zehannah sa kinauupuan saka sinugod ang ama ng mahigpit na

yakap. "I'm scared, Papa."

"I know." Hinagod ni Cameron ang likod ng anak.

Zehannah's voice trembled as she spoke. "I honestly don't want to hurt him,
but...."

"Take your time, Zehan. Use the time you're spending with him to think about your
relationship with him. Reigo deserved that. He deserved your honesty and your
sincerity."

Tumango si Zehannah. "Thank you, Papa."

Ngumiti si Cameron saka pinagaan ang usapan dahil ayaw nitong nakikita na umiiyak
ang anak. "See? Mas magaling akong magbigay ng advice keysa kay Papi mo."

Natatawang tinuyo ni Zehannah ang luha sa pisngi. "Isusumbong kita kay Papi—"

"Shh! Don't. Your Papi will be hostile for sure. Baka patulugin niya ako sa labas
ng kuwarto." May takot sa boses ni Cameron.

Natawa si Zehannah saka niyakap ulit ang ama. "Thank you, Pa. I'm glad I came
here."

Cameron kissed his daughter's temple. "Anytime, 'nak. Nandito lang kami ng Papi
mo."

Tumango si Zehannah saka pinakawalan sa yakap ang ama. "Kailangan ko ng bumalik sa

agency. We still have some preparations to do before we can open. Bye, Papa. See
you again soon."

"Bye, 'nak. See yah."

Kumaway si Zehannah saka nakangiting umalis sa shop ng ama. Kabaliktaran sa

pagpasok ng dalaga kanina na problemado ito, ngayon, maaliwalas ang bukas ng mukha
ni Zehannah.

She received some good advice from her father, and Zehannah was raring to give it a
try. She didn't know if this will make her fear disappear, but at the very least,
she had to try, right?

Just try.

Tama ang Papa niya. After all that had happened, after all the things Reigo showed
her and made her feel, Reigo deserved her honesty and sincerity.

Zehannah says that, but when she got back to the agency, she learned that Reigo was
one of the people who tricked Cassia and made her cry after Thorn's surprise party.

Reigo...! How dare you make my friend cry! "Humanda ka sakin, Reigo." Kaagad na
nawala sa isip niya ang pina-plano kanina-kanina lang.

Kinuha ni Zehannah ang cellphone saka nagpadala ng mensahe kay Reigo.

'How dare you make Cassia cry. That's a jerk move, Reigo. I don't care if you set
Thorn up, but to make Cassia cry? Cassia doesn't deserve your little prank. Don't
you dare show your face to me if you know what's good for you.'

Ayaw na ayaw ni Zehannah na nakikitang umiiyak at malungkot si Cassia. She

witnessed how Cassia cry every day because of what happened to her and her sister.
And it was a traumatizing experience. Seeing her best friend's lifeless eyes while
tears were falling down her cheeks. She didn't want to see that again. She hated
seeing Cassia cry and feeling pain. That was the reason she hated Cassia's parents.

But, of course, Reigo still showed himself in front of her when she arrived at her
condo.

Pero hindi niya pinansin ang binata.

Nilampasan niya lang ito.

"Zee...!"

She acted like she heard nothing and went straight to the elevator. Reigo tried to
follow her, but when he saw how sharp her glare was, he stop on his track and
didn't follow her any further.

Though Reigo may not have followed her, but he called her number multiple times.
She ignored it and even turned her phone off.

She really didn't want to deal with Reigo at the moment. Cassia was her precious
best friend. She was there when Cassia was suffering and crying non-stop. So
learning that her airhead best friend cried and was hurt because of Reigo and
Thorn's other friends' little prank, she was seriously pissed.

Once she had calmed down, she'll talk to Reigo. But for now, it's better that she
wouldn't. Her emotion was still all over the place. Siguradong may masasabi siyang
hindi maganda.

Natulog si Zehannah na 'yon ang nasa isip. Nang magising siya kinabukasan, medyo
may iritasyon pa rin siyang nararamdaman kaya hindi niya binuksan ang cellphone.
Nasisiguro niyang maraming text si Reigo.

But to her surprise, when she got to her office and opened her phone, there was
none.

It was unlike Reigo not to message.

Did something happen to him? Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. I was just pissed,

and now I'm worried? Nababaliw na ba ako dahil sa lalaking 'yon?

But she couldn't discard the worry she was feeling. Even though she was still
irritated, she decided to reach out first. Kailangan niyang masiguro na ayos lang
si Reigo. She had a feeling she wouldn't be able to focused on anything while she
was worried.

...so she called him.

After two rings, Reigo picked up.

"Reigo—"

"Um... this is Dark Montero. Reigo's friend."

Kaagad na nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Is... he busy?"

"Yeah. He's busy shivering."

"What...?"

"Since you're Zee, I'm pretty sure you know about the barn, right?"

Zehannah was confused where this conversation was going, but she still answered.
"Yeah."

"Great. I'm here in the barn right now to get something and I found Reigo shivering
on the sofa. I think he has a fever." May pag-aalangan sa boses ni Dark ng muling
magsalita. "Alam kong busy ka pero puwede ka bang pumunta rito? It would be nice if
you bought him some meds and make him take it." Dark could call Reigo's parents and
take him to a hospital, but Dark knew that Reigo would be more happy if the one who
would care for him was his Zee. "Well? Can you come? I have an early appointment,
so I can't stay here."

Zehannah stood up from her chair. "I'll come. Daan lang ako sa pharmacy at punta na
ako riyan."

"Great!" Dark smiled. "I will inform the security in the gate, so no worries."

"Thank you." Zehannah didn't waste any time. She grabbed her bag and went out.
Cassia had a key, so Zehannah locked the agency and went to the nearest pharmacy
before going to the Bachelor's Village.

With Dark recommendation, Zehannah was let inside the Bachelor's Village with no
problem. Kaagad siyang dumeretso sa barn at naabutan doon si Dark Montero, ang
asawa ni Anniza.

He was sitting handsomely on the sofa, reading a magazine as if there was no sick
person beside him.

Then her eyes fell on Reigo. He was indeed shivering.

"Reigo..."
"Oh. Hey, Zehannah." Dark casually greeted her as he got up. "Sorry to bother you
like this."

"No. It's okay." Mabilis na lumapit si Zehannah sa tabi ni Reigo saka sinalat ang
nuo nito. "Ang taas ng lagnat niya." Bumaling siya kay Dark. "Kailan pa 'to?"

Dark shrugged. "No idea. He's alone here last night. Anyway, the kitchen is right
there if you need anything. And Reigo's bed and some of his clothes, well, it's not
really his room, but yeah. It's in the attic." Imporma ni Dark kay Zehannah.

"Thanks!" Zehannah did not waste any time. She went to the attic to get Reigo's
blanket, pillow, change of clothes and face towel.

Seeing Reigo's 'bedroom', Zehannah was taken aback at first. Indeed, it was not a
bedroom. Parang nilagyan lang ng kama dahil may kailangang matulog do'n.

Zehannah sighed when she felt a tug in her heart.

Not the time to be emotional. Paalala ni Zehannah sa sarili at bumaba mula sa attic
dala-dala ang mga kinuha doon.

While Zehannah was busy, Dark was watching her and observing. She looked so
worried. 'Yon ang nakita ni Dark habang pinapanood ang dalaga. It was easy to see
how worried she was about Reigo. Her calm face was being betrayed by her shaky hand
and pale face as she worriedly care for Reigo.

Looks like there's nothing to worry about, Dark thought, before he excused him and
left the barn. Of course, before he took off, he sent a message to their group chat
informing them not to visit the barn to not disturb the two inside.

Ni hindi namalayan ni Zehannah ang pag-alis ni Dark. She was too focused on Reigo
to care about her surroundings.

It was a good thing that she bought koolfever for adult when she bought medicine
earlier. The only problem now was food before the medicine.

Tinungo ni Zehannah ang kusina. Unfortunately, it lacks ingredients to make a

decent chicken soup.

But just when she was thinking about what to do, she heard a knock on the door.

When Zehannah went to open the door, she came face to face with a very handsome
man. Too handsome that Zehannah blinked a couple of times, making sure that it was
not an apparition.

But nope. Hindi imahinasyon ang nasa harapan niya.

"Miss Zehannah Sevil?"

"That's me." Zehannah was so thankful for her strong will power to stay calm when
she wanted to.

The man smiled and Zehannah swore this man's gorgeousness could kill. It was not
just the face, though. It was the whole vibe. He looked impeccable.

"I'm Cloud Sebastian Beaumont," pagpapakilala nito. "Lady SM and my lord, Knight
Velasquez, sent me here give you this breakfast and some other things." He
carefully handed her an eco bag. "They learn from Mr. Montero what happened to Mr.
Vasquez and immediately provided everything you will need to take care of him. We
hope for Mr. Vasquez' quick recovery."

Zehannah blinked at Cloud. "Thanks."

"It was our pleasure."

Zehannah just nodded and watched Cloud turn to leave. Then she caught sight of
another man. Instead of the word handsome, Zehannah could describe the other man as
beautiful. And as the two left, Zehannah saw something familiar about the two.
Somehow, she was reminded of her parents.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Ang daming guwapo talaga sa village na 'to. Good

thing Reigo was just as handsome." Buti talaga hindi ako madaling maakit sa
kaguwapuhan—well, if it's Reigo... that'll be another matter.

Naiiling na isinara ni Zehannah ang pinto saka tinungo ang salas at inilabas doon
ang laman ng eco bag.

A chicken macaroni soup in a sealed container, pancakes, bacon and egg, medicine,
lots of patches for fever, vitamins and a small cake.

What the...

She was so confused why that man, Cloud, called SM 'Lady SM' and her husband
'lord', but she was grateful, so she sent a private message to SM thanking her and
her husband.

Sweet Monday Velasquez: You're welcome 😊 just message me if you need anything for
Reigo and yourself. I have tons of helpers in the house.

Zehannah smiled. 'Thanks.'

She then put her phone back in her bag and return to Reigo's side. Ayaw man ni
Zehannah, ginising niya ang binata na kaagad na dumaing at unti-unting nagmulat ng
mata.

And when he saw her, he tried to get up, but he was unsuccessful.

"Zee...? You're... not angry... a-anymore?"

Tinulungan ni Zehannah na bumangon at makaupo si Reigo. "Huwag mo ng isipin 'yon.

Kumain ka nalang muna para maka-inom ka ng gamot."

Reigo just stared at Zehannah.

"Come on. Eat."

Reigo just kept staring at Zehannah.

"Reigo—"

"You're... a dream? My Zee... will not come... here."

Zehannah sighed and brought a spoonful of soup close to Reigo's mouth. "Come on.
Say 'ah', Reigo. Kailangan mong kumain para makainom ka ng gamot."

Thankfully, Reigo opened his mouth. But after a few spoonfuls of soup, he didn't
want to open his mouth anymore.
"That'll do. At least nainitan ang tiyan niya." Mabilis na kinuha ni Zehannah ang
gamot saka tubig at ibinigay 'yon kay Reigo. "Inumin mo 'to para gumaling ka na."

"... still mad at me...?"

"No. I'm here, right? Kaya uminom ka na ng gamot. Sige na."

Reigo looked relieved as he weakly nodded and carefully took the medicine. After
that, he tried to get up, but failed so he looked up at Zehannah. "Bed."

"Ayaw mo ba rito sa sofa?" She asked.

"Bed." Ulit lang ni Reigo.

Thinking that Reigo wanted the bed for comfort, Zehannah steeled herself and helped
Reigo stand up, walked, and climbed the stairs to the attic. Only to find out that
Reigo had a different reason he wanted the bed.

Zehannah was pulled down to the bed along with Reigo, and he immediately cuddled
her. He was literally hot, and it was uncomfortable, but Zehannah didn't move and
just let Reigo be.

Why?

Because he was mindlessly mumbling for her to stay and not be mad at him anymore.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah sa sarili. Kailan pa ako naging ganito kalambot?

Not once did I become this soft to my exes. It should have bothered Zehannah
because she felt like something was different and shifting inside her but instead
of thinking about it, she faced Reigo, covered him with blanket and hugged him
back.

Whatever. I like it.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 29

ZEHANNAH TOOK CARE of Reigo the whole day that when night came, she was exhausted.
It was a good thing that they had little work to do before the opening, so Zehannah
had time to spare without feeling guilty for leaving Cassia alone in the agency.

But even exhausted, Zehannah did not let herself fall asleep. Binantayan niya ng
maigi ang lagnat ni Reigo at ang oras ng pag-inom nito ng gamot. She stayed by his
side, took care of him and cuddled him to sleep whenever he mumbled her name.

When night fell, Reigo was finally starting to feel better, but he was still
feeling sluggish and weak. But he was now conscious.

"Feeling better?" Tanong ni Zehannah pagkatapos painunim si Reigo ng tubig. Nasa

attic pa rin ang dalawa at may koolfever pa rin sa nuo ng binata.
"A little." Wanting to be closer to Zehannah, Reigo moved to place his head on
Zehannah's lap to feel her warmth.

Hinaplos ni Zehannah ang buhok ng binata saka pinakiramdaman na rin ang temperatura
nito. "Hmm. Bumaba na nga ang lagnat mo. Sana bukas maayos na ang pakiramdam mo."

Reigo was silent for a little while before he asked. "Did you stay with me the
whole day?"

"Hmm? Yeah."

"Paano ang trabaho mo?"

"I told Cassia that I have an emergency."

"Is that okay?" Reigo's voice sounded weak, yet Zehannah could still notice a hint
of worry. "I know how much your work meant to you. Sorry you had to take a day off
because of me."

Zehannah agreed with Reigo. Her work meant a lot to her. It should be her priority,
but when she heard that Reigo was shivering, she forgot about her work and she
hurried over to take care of him. And at that moment, even after her exhaustion,
she did not regret a thing.

"I'm just glad you're feeling better now." Ani Zehannah sa binata saka patuloy na
sinuklay ang buhok nito. "Bakit ka pala nilagnat? Naulanan ka ba? Masama na ba ang
pakiramdam mo kahapon? O may ibang sakit ka?"

"Nah. I was just stress I guess." Answered Reigo in a low voice.

"Stress?" she parroted. "Is it that witch bitch again?"

"No."

"Then what made you stress?" Zehannah wanted to get to the bottom of it so they
could avoid it.

"I kept thinking how angry you were at the elevator yesterday. I can't get it off
my head and I kept thinking about it and my brain just kept making scenarios after
scenarios of you leaving me behind and I couldn't sleep. I guess... that's when my
fever started. I'm not sure though."

Zehannah blinked at Reigo. "A psychogenic fever?"

"Hmm?" He looked at Zehannah. "What's that?"

"Psychological stress fever."

"Oh."

Zehannah was in disbelief. "You were... that stressed?"

Reigo looked away. "You should have seen how you looked at me. It was my first time
seeing you so livid. It was scary."

Nagpakawala ng hininga si Zehannah. Iritado pa siya kaninang umaga pero pagkatapos

niyang alagaan buong araw si Reigo, nawala na ang iritasyon na 'yon kaya niyakap
niya ang binata.
"I was really pissed last night and I will not say sorry for it. You prank Thorn
using Cassia and she felt terrible that she cried." Nagtagis ang bagang ni Zehannah
ng maalala na naman ang nangyari. "I hate seeing Cassia cry. Ang dami na niyang
sakit na naranasan at palagi nalang siyang umiiyak kaya ng makita ko siyang umiyak
tapos isa ka sa salarin, sinong hindi magagalit? That's my best friend, Reigo."

"I'm sorry..." earnestly he apologized.

"Apologized to Cassia, not to me."

"Still. I'm sorry I made you angry."

"You made worry as well." Pinisil niya ang pisngi nito. "Ang taas-taas ng lagnat mo
kanina."

"Sorry."

"If you are, then get well soon." Ani Zehannah. "This is why I don't like being
attached to someone. I worry too much."

Reigo's eyes snapped at Zehannah. "You're... attached to me?"

Zehannah glared at Reigo. "What do you think? Sa tingin mo mag-aalala ako sayo ng
ganito kung wala akong pakialam sayo?"

A smile appeared on Reigo's lips.

Mas lalong tumalim ang mga mata ni Zehannah. "Don't you dare smile when I'm worried
as fuck."

But Reigo's smile remained. "Thank you. For worrying."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata. "Kapag pinag-alala mo pa ako ng ganito talagang

iiwan kita."

"I'll try not to make you worry again."

Pinanggigigilan ni Zehannah ang tungki ng ilong ni Reigo. "Buti naman. Pahinga ka

na ulit para gumaling ka na."

"Hmm." Reigo turned to his side to face her, and then he buried his face in her
stomach and hugged her. Hindi na lang gumalaw pa si Zehannah at hinayaan lang ang
binata hanggang sa lumalim na ang paghinga nito.

That was the only time she moved his head to rest on the pillow and then she left
the bed to clean up the attic, the living room and the kitchen. Once done, she went
back to the attic to monitor Reigo's temperature.

So far, so good. Reigo was getting better, while she was getting more exhausted by
the minute.

Just as she was about to doze off, her phone beeped. It woke her up.

Sweet Monday Velasquez: Are you still with Reigo? Do you need anything for the
night? Have you had dinner?

Zehannah smiled at that. She just met SM, but she was already taken by her
sweetness and generosity. Mula kaninang umaga hanggang ngayon, nagtatanong pa rin
ito kung may kailangan siya kahit hindi naman nito iyon obligasyon. SM was the
reason she didn't have to go out and buy anything. SM provided it all, and she was
grateful.

'A change of clothes would be nice, but it's not really necessary.' Reply ni
Zehannah kay SM.

But SM was SM. 'I think magka-size kayo ni Themarie. I'll ask her for some spare
clothes sje can lend you and a set of unused underwear. Ipapadala ko riyan kay
Cloud.'

'Thank you, SM. Advance thanks to Themarie as well. You two are a godsend.'

'Welcome 😊'

Minutes after SM's last message, Zehannah heard a knock on the barn's door. When
she opened it, she came face to face with Cloud. Ilang beses na niya itong nakausap
ngayong araw na feeling niya close na silang dalawa.

"Salamat ulit dito." Aniya.

Cloud nodded and bowed his head. "May you have a pleasant night, Miss Zehannah."

Tumango si Zehannah saka pasimpleng tumingin sa magandang lalaking palaging kasama

nito kapag pumupunta sa barn. Ang guwapo nito pero mukha itong palaging may kaaway
dahil magkasalubong ang kilay nito sa lahat ng pagkakataon na kasama ito ni Cloud.

He and Cloud... such handsome couple. It's so obvious.

Zehannah slightly leaned in and whispered at Cloud. "You have a very beautiful
partner there."

Cloud looked slightly stunned before he showed her the most beautiful smile. "Yeah.
He's my baby dragon, so he's being feisty today."

The baby dragon clicked his tongue at Cloud. "Stop disturbing the lady and let's
go, Nube. If I get one mosquito bite, I will kick your ass!"

But Cloud just chuckled at that, as if the baby dragon's threat meant nothing to
him. "Are we that obvious?" He asked her.

Zehannah smiled, remembering her parents. "Kinda. And I have two loving fathers,
so..."

"Oh. So that's why." Cloud looked happy before glancing at his baby dragon. "You
hear that, babe? She has two fathers."

Looks like it piqued the baby dragon's interest because he closed their distance
and he stared at her. "Are you... happy with them?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Very. They're amazing."

The baby dragon seemed relieved. "Are they still together?"

Tumango ulit si Zehannah. "Thirty years and counting."

"Oh." Then the baby dragon asked again. "Is one of your dad flirty, a shameless
playboy and a woman magnet?"
Napangiwi si Zehannah dahil mapaka-detalyado ng tanong nito. "I think that would be
my Papa."

"And? What's your other father like?" The baby dragon asked.

"Si Papi?" Zehannah smiled. "He's a war freak. He fought for Papa, and Papa is
always proud of it, flaunting it on my face all the time, but Papi is sometimes
bullying him."

"And they're still together?"

"Yep."

Tinapik ng baby dragon ang dibdib ni Cloud. "We'll be fine then. Let's go, you
shameless bastard."

Mahinang natawa lang si Cloud saka nagpaalam na kay Zehannah at sumunod ito sa baby
dragon nito na inakbayan nito pero panay naman ang tulak ng huli rito.

Napangiti si Zehannah habang pinagmamasdan ang dalawa na naglalakad palayo habang

nagbabangayan. They reminded her of her parents, and she felt genuinely happy for
them.

"Pero ang guwapo talaga nilang dalawa. Bagay na bagay." Bulong ni Zehannah sa
sarili bago isinara ang pintuan ng barn at tinungo ang banyo para maglinis ng
katawan at magpalit ng damit.

When Zehannah got back to the attic, Reigo was awake, and he looked grumpy.

Kaagad na umupo si Zehannah sa kama at inilapat ang kamay sa leeg ng binata. "Halos
wala na ang lagnat mo. May masakit ba sayo?"

"Who were you talking to?"

Napatitig si Zehannah sa binata. So that's why he's grumpy? She sighed. "It's
Cloud. Sinuyo siya ni SM na dalhan ako ng damit para hindi na ako lumabas."

Hearing Cloud's name, Reigo's grumpiness surprisingly disappeared. "Oh, it's Cloud?
Okay." He then scooted close to her and hugged her as he buried his face against
her neck and sniffed her. "Smell so nice..."

Tinapik ni Zehannah ang likod ng binata. "Magpahinga ka na para gumaling ka kaagad.

I have work tomorrow. I'll be guilty if I'm absent again."

"Hmm, yeah. Let's rest." Anito saka tinulak si Zehannah pahiga, kinubabawan ang
dalaga at nagpahinga sa ibabaw nito.

Zehannah could only sigh, especially when she felt his 'friend' waking up and
poking her thigh. "Even in this state, a horny man is a horny man indeed."

Reigo groaned. "Can't help it. You're so close. It'll calm down... I think."

Napailing si Zehannah saka pagkalipas ng mahabang katahimikan, nagsalita siya.

"Hey, Reigo?"

"Hmm?"

"Let's date."
Reigo became frozen, and he became silent for a long while before he raised his
head to look up at her. "Date as in... formally see each other?"

Tumango si Zehannah saka tumingin sa kisame. "I'm struggling with commitment, as

you know, but 'dating' is the closest thing to being 'in a relationship', so...
would you like that?"

Reigo was just staring at her. Lips parted open and stunned.

"Ayos lang ba sayo?" Tanong ni Zehannah kay Reigo ng tumingin dito saka umangat ang
kamay ng dalaga at hinawi ang buhok na nakatabing sa nuo at gilid ng mata ng
binata. "I won't call it casual dating since I know you don't like that and that's
not really what I want as well."

Reigo was still silent.

"I will let you think about it." Ani Zehannah sa binata saka hinaplos ang buhok
nito. "Promise, it's not casual. I think our relationship has level up a little.
Halos sa condo ko ka na nakatira at may damit ka na roon. For me, that's already
something else because I will never do that with other people. I know it's not a
gigantic leap or change, but if it's okay with you, let's elevate our mutual
understanding relationship to formally dating."

Reigo didn't say anything. He just stared at her for a long time and then he buried
his face in her neck and muttered, "sa tingin ko magkakalagnat ako ulit."

He's adorable sometimes. Sa isip ni Zehannah habang pabirong kinukurot-kurot ang

tagiliran ni Reigo. "So... you like it?"

"... yeah."

"Bakit ang hina ng boses mo?"

"Can't breathe properly."

"That's because your whole face is buried in my neck."

"I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with my breathing."

"Uh-huh."

"Zee, don't ruin the atmosphere. I'm having a moment here."

Pigil ni Zehannah ang matawa. "It's a big deal, huh?"

"Very."

It's a big deal for me too. "Sorry if that's all I can give you for now. Not even
close to a bare minimum."

Umiling si Reigo. "Don't downplay this and say that. Alam ko kung gaano kalaking
desisyon 'to para sayo. This may not be close to a bare minimum, but to you, it's
already a big deal."

Mahigpit na niyakap ni Zehannah ang binata saka hinalikan ito sa balikat. "I'll try
to seriously think about commitment and what's our relationship is going to be,
so... yeah." She ended it there because she didn't really know what to say next.

"It's okay."
"Is it really?"

"Yep."

"You sure?" Paninigurado ni Zehannah.

"Very. Tulad ng sinabi ko noon, alam ko ang pinasok ko."

"I will really think about it seriously." May diing sabi ni Zehannah.

"Just don't force yourself. Masaya na ako na hindi ka na galit sakin."

A smile appeared on Zehannah's lips. "Pasalamat ka nagkasakit ka. Dahil kung hindi,
hindi pa tayo bati."

"I'll apologize to Cassia when I see her." He kissed her neck and licked her skin.
"Though for the record, we didn't mean to make her cry. Si Thorn lang naman ang
gusto naming inisin kasi ang pangit ng ugali no'n."

"Thorn says the same thing about you. Pangit din daw ugali mo."

"Oh, e di kami na ang parehong masama ang ugali. Kaya siguro napagkamalan kami ni
Cassia."

Natawa si Zehannah ng maalala ang pagiging malisyosa ni Cassia. "She told me she
saw you and Thorn pinning each other on the wall."

Reigo groaned. "I don't even want to comment on that. But it was a good laugh when
Cassia confronted me about my 'relationship' with Calderon."

"Yeah. I remember my headaches as well because of Cassia."

"Pero mukhang nagkaintindihan na rin sila sa wakas."

"Yeah. She looks happy with Thorn, so I'm glad for her."

"How about you, my Zee? Are you happy with me?"

Zehannah answered Reigo straight. "Kung hindi, hindi kita hahayaang makapasok sa
buhay ko."

"I'm glad then."

Zehannah became silent after that, just enjoying the feeling of Reigo's hair
running through her fingers.

Then she remembered something about the place they're in. "Matagal pa ba bago
matapos ang bahay mo? Your bed here is not exactly comfortable looking."

"Well... it's a makeshift bed. And I change my house's design again, so the
contractor working for me had to stop and start again."

"Ha? Isn't that expensive?" Zehannah was stunned at the news. "Changing your house
design on a whim? Seriously, Reigo. Wala ka na bang magawa sa pera mo?"

"I was just not feeling it. That is actually not the first time I changed my
house." Pag-amin ni Reigo. "I destroy and rebuild it yearly."
Pakiramdam ni Zehannah sumabog ang utak niya. "Get off me, Reigo. Baka masapak
kitang tangina ka."

Nag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya ang binata. Nangungusap ang mga mata nito. "What did
I do?"

She glared at him. "Alam mo ba kung gaano karami ang walang bahay sa bansa? Tapos
ikaw, halos taon-taon mong sinisira at binabago ang bahay mo?!"

Reigo looked away, as if escaping from Zehannah's anger. "Um... is that bad?"

Zehannah was beyond exasperated that she just stared at Reigo in disbelief. "Why
would you even destroy your house in the first place...?"

"I'm in the mood to destroy it...?"

She looked at him flatly.

Reigo changed his answer. "My mood change so I destroy it...?"

"It's the same thing!" She snapped.

"Why are being mad at me?" Reigo complained. "Oh shit. I feel like my fever is
coming back. Oh.. ah! My head hurts."

Tiningna ni Zehannah ng matalim si Reigo. "I'm not buying it."

Reigo sighed and got off Zehannah before he answered. "Well, I have this habit of
destroying my house when I'm in a bitter mood."

"Bitter mood?"

"Yeah. When my exes cheated on me, I got so bitter and annoyed, I destroyed my
house to let out my anger and rebuild it anew again after I moved on."

"Pero kakasabi mo lang na binago mo ang design ngayon lang."

"Yeah." He looked away. "That was when you rejected me."

Hindi makapaniwala ang tingin ni Zehannah kay Reigo. "Lagi nalang talaga akong
sinasampal ng kahirapan kapag kasama kita. Lagi rin akong sinusubok ni lord."

Reigo couldn't look at Zehannah. "Um... I'm building a minimalistic design house
this time around. I think I unconsciously patterned it with your condo's design.
So, um, do you think you can live at my house after it's done?"

Napatitig si Zehannah sa binata. "Like... living in together?"

"Yeah."

She blinked at Reigo. "We're still in a dating stage, you know."

"I know. Did I scare you?"

"Not really. Just surprise." Pag-amin ni Zehannah. "Living in together is a big

deal, you know."

Reigo shrugged and finally looked at her. "I know. Just pretend I didn't say that."
As if! But Zehannah nodded. She didn't want to drag that topic because it really
speaks of commitment and responsibilities. Things she was not ready to give.

Silence fell on the two until Reigo leaned in and urged Zehannah to cuddle him in
her arm, which Zehannah did so naturally, making Reigo smiled inwardly.

"Zee, about the dinner with my parents... is weekend okay with you?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Sure. Which restaurant so I can prepare the right dress?"

"My parents' house."

Natigilan si Zehannah habang pilit na ini-imagine kung anong klaseng bahay mayroon
sila Reigo. Alam niyang mayaman ang pamilya nito, kaya awtomatikong naisip niya na
mansiyon ang bahay ng mga ito.

"Hmm. I'm not sure what to wear..."

"Kahit ano, ayos lang." Ani Reigo. "They care more about intellect and character."

"Reigo, wearing an appropriate clothing to an occasion such as dinner in your

parents' house is part of character." Pangaral ni Zehannah sa binata. "And
honestly, I don't want your parents to dislike me."

Reigo smiled at that. "I don't think they will."

"Hindi mo alam 'yon."

"I do. They're my parents. Feeling ko nga magkakasundo kayo ni Mommy."

"Now I'm nervous."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "You'll be fine. And about what to wear, I'm serious when
I said you can wear anything. Maliban sa malaki, normal lang naman ang bahay namin.
Kung saan ka komportable."

Kahit paaano kumalma si Zehannah. "I never knew meeting parents could be this
nerve-wracking."

"You really never met one of your exes' parents before?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "I'm doing things I don't do because of you." She confessed
and sighed heavily. "And I know I shouldn't, but I can't help comparing you to my
exes in my head because everything is different and new when it comes to you. So I
keep assessing myself every time I'm doing something different to find out what
going on with me. Like, what the fuck, I don't cuddle, but here I am, cuddling you
like a spoiled baby."

Ang lapad ng ngiti ni Reigo habang nakikinig kay Zehannah. "I am your baby."

"Stop grinning like an idiot." Saway ni Zehannah kay Reigo ng makita ang ngiti
nito.

Biglang naging seryoso si Reigo. "Zee, sa tingin ko kinikilig ako. Panagutan mo

ako."

"Gago ka talaga."

The smile was back on Reigo's lips. "Gago pero guwapo at masarap."
Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead. "Yeah. Whatever. Pahinga ka na nga. Medyo
napagod rin ako buong maghanapon kaya gusto kong matulog ng maaga."

Kaagad na umalis si Reigo sa mga braso ni Zehannah at maayos itong nahiga sa kama
at tinalik-tapik ang tabi nito.

"Come here, Zee. Tabi tayo. I want to cuddle."

"Ayoko."

Ngumiti lang ang binata na parang hindi naniniwala sa kaniya kaya tingingnan ito ng
masama ni Zehannah.

"Come on, Zee. I'll cuddle you real good." Pang-iingganyo nito.

Zehannah glared at Reigo, but she still lay herself beside him and let him cuddle
her real good.

That made Reigo smile. "Comfortable?"

"Hmm."

"Good night then, my Zee."

"G'night."

Zehannah closed her eyes to rest. Halos kaagad siyang mahimbing na nakatulog pero
mga bandang madaling-araw, nagising si Zehannah na parang may kumikiliti sa hita
niya, patungo sa pagkababae niya.

Her groggy eyes opened, and it landed on Reigo, who was in between her legs and
kissing her inner thighs.

"Anong... ginagawa mo riyan?" Inaantok pa siya para gumana ang utak niya.

"Greeting you good morning?"

Nag-loading si Zehannah. "Ha?"

But her 'loading' brain immediately woke up and sprung into action when Reigo's
tongue slid inside her panty and licked her.

She flinched, and her center fold clenched at the familiar sensation that only
Reigo could make her feel.

"Good morning, my Zee."

Indeed, it was a good morning, but all Zehannah could reply was, "fuck—ohh...!" And
then moans filled the whole place, then loud pants followed and little screams of
ecstasy.

At the very moment that Zehannah was being devoured but Reigo again and again
without mercy, it was safe to assume that Reigo had now recovered and was enjoying
an early breakfast in bed.
CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 30

'SA WAKAS', 'yon ang nasa isip ni Zehannah ng malaman niya kay Cassia na balak na
nitong isuko ang bataan sa asawa nito. Cassia even went too far as to ask her and
the other amazona in the group about how to do it and everyone had the same answer.

'Let your husband teach you.'

And with Cassia gone, Zehannah was free of worry—nope. That was not the case. She's
full of worry.

Her dinner with Reigo's parents was past approaching.

It's tomorrow.

It's a good thing that the witch bitch finally got tired of harassing her,
lessening her worry because she had a lot in her mind at the moment.

"Zee...? Wala ka bang balak na pansinin ako?" Tanong ni Reigo na kinubabawan siya
sa kama. He had recovered from his fever and had been staying in her condo ever
since. Baka mabinat ito kaya pinayagan niya itong sa condo muna niya matulog
pansamantala.

Patuloy ang pagtitig ni Zehannah sa kisame ng kuwarto. "I'm busy thinking."

"About the dinner again?"

"Kung alam mo naman pala, huwag mo akong isturbuhin."

"Kahit bigyan kita ng masarap na dessert?"

Kaagad na tumingin si Zehannah kay Reigo. "Where?"

Reigo grinned. "Me. I'm the dessert."

Her stare became flat, and it returned to staring at the ceiling.

"Come on, Zee..." Reigo whined, and he's being clingy again. "We're finally
officially dating and you don't want to taste this delicacy anymore? What a
preposterous thing to do!"

Hindi pinansin ni Zehannah ang pagrereklamo ni Reigo. Abala siya sa pag-iisip kung
anong magandang isuot bukas. Kung anong klaseng pag-aayos ba ang gagawin niya. At
kung paano niya haharapin ang mga magulang ni Reigo.

Her mind was preoccupied with so many things that she became only aware that Reigo
was kissing her when he slid his tongue into her mouth.

Pinanggigilan niya ang mukha ni Reigo saka tinulak iyon palayo sa mukha niya. "Sabi
nang busy ako, e!"

Reigo stared at her, then without saying a word, he rolled off of her and turn to
his side with his back on her.

Zehannah knew for a fact that Reigo was very clingy in bed, so to see this, it
intrigued her.

Hanggang kailan naman kaya niya kayang magtampo sakin? Zehannah wondered about it
because Reigo was a very clingy partner. Ako naman kaya ang maglambing sa dumuho na
'to? It's always him being clingy. Maybe she should be sweet too? She didn't want
him to stay mad for a long time, after all.

I know how to be sweet. I even taught my airhead friend how to be sweet, but to do
it... It's more embarrassing than pleading Reigo to fuck her hard when they're
doing it like horny animals.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah. Let's try to be sweet. I did shout at him, so...

yeah.

Slowly, Zehannah scooted close to Reigo and hugged him from behind. "Reigo..."

He didn't budge.

She kissed his nape. "Galit ka?"

No reaction.

"Ayaw mo na sakin?"

Nothing. Still no reaction, but she knew he's awake. She felt his breathing
quickened when she hugged him earlier.

So she did what she think would get Reigo's full attention. She slipped her hand
inside his sweatpants and cupped him.

Reigo immediately hissed, but he didn't turn to face her.

So Zehannah leaned closer and lick his ear, then she nibbled it before she
whispered suggestively while pressing her breast against his back. "Come on, babe.
Stop sulking. I'll make it up to you, hmm?"

Finally, Reigo turn around and he looked so turned on, making Zehannah smile before
she captured his lips. She knew Reigo was done sulking when he opened his mouth and
kissed her back.

Happy that Reigo was not sulking anymore, she moved to top him and continued
kissing him until she went down on him, pulled his sweatpants off, and sucked him.

"Ah, fuck!" He hissed.

Music to Zehannah's ears. Her mouth continued bobbing up and down, deep throating
him until she gagged, but she never pulled away. She was enjoying his taste, his
pre-cum, and his moans.

"Zee... ahh.. fuck. I'm coming—damn it...!"

Zehannah's mouth moved even faster while minding her teeth and sucking and licking
him good until he exploded inside her mouth.

He always tastes nice and clean. Zehannah swallowed and licked the remaining cum
surrounding Reigo's depleted cock.
Reigo kept tensing at Zehannah's ever lick because his cock had become sensitive,
but he knew Zehannah, she will never stop sucking him until she was satisfied, so
he told her to move her body so he could eat her too.

Zehannah obliged with excitement, and the two started eating each other at the same
time. Licking and sucking each other. Making each other cum so hard that they
trembled at the pleasure. But however much they trembled at how sensitive their sex
had become, Zehannah and Reigo continued pleasuring each other with their mouth.
They enjoyed oral sex. They enjoyed doing and receiving it at the same time that
for the next couple of hours, that was all they did until they finally had enough
and Zehannah settled on top of Reigo, her head resting on his chest.

"Tired?" He asked.

"Hmm? Why? You want more?"

Reigo slid his hand in between their sandwiched body and he slid a finger inside
Zehannah.

"Ahh... Reigo..."

Reigo rolled Zehannah over, her back on the bed and he finger fuck her as he took
his nipple inside his mouth.

"Ahh! Ahh! Ah! Fuck! Reigo...! Ah! Yes! God... I love your fingers so much... ahh!"

Reigo sucked Zehannah's nipple as if thirsty before he claimed her lips, and she
started moaning inside his mouth, but Reigo's kiss couldn't muffle the scream when
he took out his fingers and replaced it with his hard, throbbing cock.

Zehannah can feel her sex pounding as it accommodates Reigo's enormous size. She
was gasping at how good it felt, especially when the thrusting and pounding began.

"Ahh...! Uhm! Ah! Ah!"

"Zee... " he groaned, "Zehannah..."

"Ahh, yes— um! Ah! Ahh...! Fuck me. Harder."

"Fuck. Fuck! You feel so fucking good."

"Yes! Ahh! Ahh!" Napahawak na si Zehannah sa uluhan ng kama habang sagad na sagad
na binabayo siya ng binata. "Shiiit! Ahh...!"

"Fuck. So good. Fuck! Fuck! Zee... ah..."

Zehannah was filled with ecstasy when her orgasm ripped inside her that she
convulsed at the intensity. And just after she hit the peak, Reigo pulled out and
exploded outside her sex.

Zehannah bit her lower lip when she felt his warm, thick liquid on the center of
her thighs, dripping.

Zehannah felt so sticky on her center and a bit uncomfortable until Reigo cleaned
Zehannah with wipes and a tissue. Afterwards, he covered her whole body with his
and buried his face in her neck.

It was Reigo's favorite thing to do.

"Sex is always amazing with you." Ani Zehannah na bahagyang hinihingal pa rin.

"Yeah. I think I'm addicted."

"Hmm." Zehannah closed her eyes, but opened them again when she remembered her
conversation with Eliza the other day. "Hey, Reigo?"

"Hmm?"

"I want to try something new in bed. Is that okay?"

"Now?"

"Nah. It needs preparation."

"Oh. Sure. Do whatever you want. As long as my Zee is happy."

That made her smile. "Happy, huh? Don't worry. It will make you happy, too."

"Looking forward to it, then."

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni Zehannah pagkatapos ay niyakap ang binata na parang
pinanggigigilan ito bago pinakawalan. "Good night, Mr. Delicacy."

"G'night, my Zee."

Zehannah was already used to feeling Reigo's weight on her that it didn't bother
her ability to sleep one bit.

As Zehannah fell to oblivion, Reigo get off her and cuddled her close before he
sleep as well. He plans to have breakfast in bed tomorrow so he better sleep as
early as he could.

And just as Reigo planned, he enjoyed his breakfast in bed when morning came and
Zehannah's voice became hoarse so early in the morning from too much moaning.

REIGO SAID TO wear something comfortable, so Zehannah went with white off shoulder
top and a beige high wide leg pants paired with white high-heeled shoes. Adding a
white sequence clutch bag and she was good to go.

It was a house dinner so Zehannah went with a casual, but a little formal look.
Hoping she wouldn't be under or overdress.

For her face, she went with a no-make-up look to keep it simple and then she let
her hair down.

When Reigo saw her, he stared at her for a few seconds before he kissed her.
Zehannah kissed him back of course since he looked so handsome—she's wearing a kiss
proof lipstick so it was okay—along with a little moan before she pulled away.

"Let's stop. Baka kung saan pa mapunta 'to. I don't want to mess my clothes."

Reigo smiled, knowing full well that it could happen. "Okay. Let's go?"
Tinanggap ni Zehannah ang nakalahad na kamay ng binata saka huminga ng malalim.
"Let's go."

"What's with taking a deep breath?" Natatawang tanong ni Reigo ng malalabas sila ng
condo no Zehannah at naglalakad patungo sa elevator.

"Don't judge. I'm nervous."

Lihim na napangiti si Reigo. Seeing Zehannah nervous about meeting his parents and
knowing that this was her first makes him happy. Alam niyang umuo lang si Zehannah
dahil sa 'deal' nila sa ama niya pero hindi 'yon ang nakikita niya sa inaakto ng
dalaga.

If it was just because of the 'deal', she wouldn't be this nervous and she would
never be invested in it. She could just show up with no effort at all. But she was
concerned with her look, her dress and every little thing that Reigo felt like she
wanted to be liked by his parents and build a relationship with them. That this was
not a one-time thing for her.

"Zee?"

"Hmm?"

Reigo pushed the ground floor button after they entered the elevator. Fortunately,
they were alone.

"Thank you."

"For?"

"For making me happy."

Zehannah became silent at that and didn't speak until they were in his car and
driving towards his parent's house.

"You know, Papa asked something that made me think." Pagkuwento ni Zehannah sa
binata. "Tinanong niya ako kung magiging masaya o miserable raw ba ako kung
mawawala ka sa buhay ko."

Reigo tensed up.

"I couldn't answer Papa's question because I don't know." Bumaling si Zehannah sa
nagmamaneho. "But hearing you thanked me for making you happy, I think I finally
have the answer."

"What?" Reigo asked, impatiently.

Mahinang tumawa si Zehannah. "Not telling."

"You're just teasing me, aren't you?"

Umangat ang kamay ni Zehannah saka pinanggigilan ang pisngi ng binata. "You're
adorable when you're like this."

"Now I'm sure you're just teasing me."

Zehannah just chuckled before she looked outside the car.

Reigo continued grumbling about him being teased and Zehannah just laughed it off.
Somehow, teasing Reigo lessened Zehannah's nervousness, but it came rushing right
back in when they entered a private property with an arched gate that had Reigo's
surname on it.

Right there and then, Zehannah knew that this would not be a normal wealthy family
house.

Why? Because it was an open gate leading to a driveway and it had been a three full
minutes since they entered and all she could see were trees and gardens of
beautiful flowers. That means they were still not in the main area.

And Zehannah was right because after a couple of minutes, an off-white luxurious
looking gate with security guards came into view.

Lihim na napalunok si Zehannah, naghahanda sa makikita niya sa loob.

From his car's small compartment, Reigo took a small remote control and use it to
open the gate instead of asking the guards to do it for him.

Right there and then, Zehannah was intimidated.

Then Reigo maneuvered his car to enter and Zehannah swore that her breathing
stopped.

Sinampal, tinadyakan, binugbog at sinagasaan siya ng paulit-ulit ng kahirapan ng

makita ang kabuonan ng 'bahay' nila Reigo, kung matatawag ngang bahay 'yon.

No. It was not a house nor a mansion like she thought. It was close to a modern
castle. It was huuuge. Massively and incredibly huge! And it was not only the
house. It's the surrounding area as well.

Aside from magnificent looking fountains, she could see rows and rows of flower
gardens adding to the beautiful landscape and in the distance, she could see...
wait... is that a waterfall?

"R-Reigo," tinuro niya ang waterfall, "that's a waterfall, right?"

"Yeah." Reigo answered as if it was nothing. Well, it was nothing to him since he
had seen it since forever. "My mom is into nature, so she hired people to make her
a man-made waterfall."

Zehannah gaped at Reigo. "You can do that?"

Reigo shrugged. "Whatever mom wants, mom gets."

Zehannah gulped, but she nearly did a spit-take when she saw a serene lake with a
rest house in the middle and a massive pool with a grandiose design on the other
side. So grand that it had mini-falls too and fountains.

And then, just before Reigo parked his car, Zehannah saw water terraces. Yeah.
Water terraces. She was not kidding. She really saw one.

And looks like Reigo saw her looking at it because he offered an explanation to
what she just saw.

"Mom visited a water terraces in one of her vacations and she fell in love with it,
so she made some."
Zehannah blinked at Reigo. "She made some? That's it? She made some?"

"Yep. It's mom so we usually don't mind it." Reigo said nonchalantly and kiss her
on the lips. "Come on, we're here."

Ilang beses muna na huminga ng malalim si Zehannah bago lumabas ng sasakyan ni

Reigo at tinanggap ang nakalahad na kamay ng binata sa kaniya.

Once more, Zehannah roamed her eyes around and she was blown away by it all. The
whole estate was stunningly beautiful, that she had no words.

And her intimidation grow as her eyes returned to Reigo.

Reigo's family was so wealthy that Zehannah was literally afraid to take a step
forward, but when she looked at Reigo, looking at her, as if she was the only thing
he could see... somehow, she slowly calm down and steeled herself.

I'm here to meet Reigo's parents, not be wowed by their wealth. This is for Reigo,
so that witch bitch won't stress him anymore. Yeah. You're Zehannah—freaking—Sevil!
Go for it, girl! Slay it like you always do.

Yeah. Easier said than done.

Especially when she caught sight of a fountain with something shimmering at the
bottom of the water.

She frowned. Curious.

"Don't mind it. That's mom's favorite fountain." Reigo offered an explanation.
"That's where she throws gems and diamonds she wanted to discard."

That was Zehannah's shock of a lifetime.

"Throw... diamonds?" Zehannah felt like her brain exploded and it was trying to put
itself back.

"Yeah. Ayaw ni mommy na ibenta at pinaglalalagay niya riyan." Pagkuwento ni Reigo

habang ginigiya si Zehannah patungo sa pintuan ng bahay.

Zehannah was already too stunned to speak when she felt like her brain exploded
once again when she saw gem-like stones embedded on the pathway they were walking
on.

Zehannah was almost afraid to ask.

"Reigo... those are not, um, gems, right?"

"Hmm?" Sinundan ni Reigo ang tingin ni Zehannah. "Oh, those? Mom wanted to
incorporate her gems to our house, so she put them on the pathways and hallway
walls inside the house, and also at the door."

Zehannah looked so calm outside, but inside, she had lost her brain and it didn't
show any sign of recovering.

"... and you said your house is normal." She mumbled.

"It is." Reigo looked so genuine that Zehannah was once again reminded that this
was the man who destroys and rebuild his house based on his mood.
Yeah. Normal, my ass. Nothing was normal in this house and honestly, she wanted to
leave. Right away.

But she told Reigo she'll meet his parents, and she wanted to keep her words. And
she had a feeling Reigo would feel bad and sulk if she backed out now.

And it was also not in her nature to back out on thing she already decided to do.

Zehannah steeled herself once again and Reigo saw how Zehannah's face changed from
stunned beyond belief to fierce with class. It was breathtaking.

"Ready?"

Zehannah looked at Reigo, cancelling everything out around her and just focusing on
the reason she was here, in this massive, luxurious castle. "Yes. I am."

Reigo smiled and guided Zehannah to the house's door. It was open, as if welcoming
them beforehand.

In the corner of Zehannah's eyes, she saw the embellishments on the door and on the
walls. Gems after gems. She had no eye for jewelry, but she could tell those were
expensive crystals and stones and if she dwell on it, her brain might explode
again.

"... welcome to my family's home, Zee."

Zehannah did her best not to react to every little extravagant and expensive thing
her eyes saw. She really tried her best. I really did. Until she saw the chandelier
in the living room.

It was like a golden big tree hanging upside down from the ceiling and its branches
were filled with crystals instead of leaves. It was stunning that Zehannah just
stared at it.

"It's pretty, isn't it?"

An elegant voice snapped Zehannah out if her reverie and her eyes moved to where
the voice came from.

On top of the staircase. There stood a woman wearing a simple champagne casual
dress reaching her knee. But there was nothing simple about her. The woman had that
wealthy aura around her. Glamorous even in a simple dress and the way she carried
herself, Zehannah felt small all of the sudden.

This woman... she was a personification of sophistication and elegance and it

enthralled Zehannah as the woman descended on the stairs.

"... this is my mom, Contessa Vasquez." Zehannah heard Reigo, but she was having a
hard time pulling herself together even after Contessa arrived at the bottom of the
staircase. "And mom, this is my Zee—I mean, this is Zehannah Sevil. We're
officially dating." Reigo sounded so proud while putting emphasis on the last two
words.

Zehannah blinked at the mention of her name and she muster all the confidence she
had, even if it was shaking at the moment, to greet Reigo's mother as respectfully
as she could.

"Good evening, Ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Contessa did not reply, she just stared at Zehannah as if reading her whole being.
And then, she asked. "Zehannah, is it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Do you know anything about shares and stocks?"

Zehannah's rule to herself was to not pretend to be someone else or to know

something when she didn't. "I'm afraid I have little knowledge about shares and
stocks, ma'am. I'm more into marketing, but I won't close my doors to knowledge
that could help me grow."

"How about crystals and stones?"

Zehannah felt like she was being tested, but she still gave her genuine answer. As
much as she wanted to be liked, she did not want to lie to herself. "I can't say
that I have no interest in them because I appreciate their value and beauty,
unfortunately my financial won't let me buy one." She chuckled. "I came from a
middle-class family and to own one would be a luxury we couldn't afford."

"But you can save up."

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yes, but in my life, there are more important things than
luxury items. As I said earlier, it's a luxury we couldn't afford and I want to
live a lifestyle that I can afford. I don't want to burden anyone just so I can get
what I wanted. My parents raised me to be independent."

Reigo cleared his throat and interjected. "Have you had your fun, mom?"

Napalabi ang ina ni Reigo. "Nagtatanong lang naman ako. So overprotective."

Zehannah blinked at the duality she had just witnessed. Reigo's mother just
transformed from strict to a tease.

"Contessa, love, you're going to give your son a heart attack." A baritone voice
from the top of the stairs spoke. It was a handsome middle-aged man who resembles
Reigo a little. "You know how much he adores Miss Zehannah."

Contessa chuckled before she suddenly grabbed Zehannah's hands and looked into her
eyes. "Zehan, dear, how about I show you my jewelry collection?"

Zehannah blinked at Reigo's mother. "Am I... I mean, is that okay?"

Contessa giggled and playfully poked Zehannah's cheek. "I like you. I actually
already know a lot of things about you because, um," she looked away guiltily, "I,
um, hired someone to investigate you and, um, yeah. That was bad of me. Sorry."

Reigo gaped at his mother. "Mom! How could you? I told you not to."

Meanwhile, Zehannah was like, "huh? Investigate me? It's okay." She just
nonchalantly brush it off. "I would do the same if I'm in your position."

Contessa beamed at Zehannah. "I knew you'd say that, so come on," she just dragged
Zehannah, "don't mind the boys. They can fend for themselves. Bye! See you at
dinner later!"

Walang nagawa si Zehannah kundi ang magpahila habang si Reigo naman at ang ama
nitong si Rohan ay walang nagawa kundi ang mapatingin sa papalayong bulto ng
dalawa.
"There goes your mom."

Reigo let out an exasperated breath. "I knew it! I knew she'll kidnap my Zee!"

His father shrugged. "Well... how about coffee, son?"

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Reigo. "I want my Zee."

"In this house, you have to work for it."

He looked at his father flatly. "I brought her here, dad!"

"Then work hard and tell your mom about it."

Napipilan si Reigo kapagkuwan ay mas lalo pang bumagsak ang balikat. "Mom is scary,
plus Zee is scary... that means—"

"—that means we'll have some coffee."

"Yeah." Reigo sighed. "Coffee is good."

Rohan smiled at his son and patted his son's shoulder, then the two went to share a
coffee because the women in their lives were too feisty.

CECELIB | C.C.

VISUAL FOR THE CHANDELIER

CHAPTER 31

ZEHANNAH HAD BEEN kidnapped and Reigo had been grumbling, but he couldn't really
complain because the one who kidnapped Zehannah was none other than Reigo's mother
and the kidnap victim at the moment was being tortured by luxury and wealth around
her.

Kahit saan tumingin si Zehannah, puro mga diyamante at iba pang mamahaling bagay
ang nakikita niya. At sa bawat naka-display sa vault kung nasaan sila na
tinititigan niya, pinapaliwanag sa kaniya ng ina ni Reigo kung ano 'yon at kung
saan nito iyon nabili. Pero ni minsan, hindi sinabi nito sa kaniya ang mga halaga
no'n maliban na lang kung nagtatanong siya.

Contessa, Reigo's mother, was more into explaining the stone or the gemstone's
history and where it all began and how it landed in her collection than telling her
how much it cost.

"This is amazing..." komento ni Zehannah habang pinapalibot ang tingin sa buong

vault.

"Do you like it?" Contessa asked Zehannah while beaming.

"Like it?" Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka tumingin sa mga diyamante na kahit
siguro ibenta niya lahat ng internal organs niya, hindi niya pa rin ma-a-afford. "I
don't even know what to say."

"But you like it, right?"

"Yeah. I do."

"Then... how about I give this all to you and, in return, you marry my son?"

Mabilis na napaikot paharap si Zehannah sa ina ni Reigo. "Ano?" Baka nagkamali lang
siya ng pagkakarinig.

Contessa smiled haughtily at Zehannah as she repeated her words. "I'll give all
these to you. Just marry my son."

Zehannah did not even think if it was a test or not. Her face darkened instantly
and her tongue became sharp. "I don't care what you think of me, ma'am, but don't
use Reigo for any form of barter. He doesn't deserve it and when it comes to
marriage, no one can decide but me. My belief and decision are not for sale."

Contessa's haughty face disappeared and was replaced by delight. Napatutop pa ito
sa labi nito na parang tuwang-tuwa.

The duality of the woman in front of her confused Zehannah.

"So you care about my son and what he deserves. Not only that, you also have a
strong stand about your belief and opinion about marriage... hmm... I like it."

Zehannah frowned at Reigo's mom. "Do you... do this to all the women Reigo brought
home, ma'am?" She was curious.

"What? Of course not." Contessa smiled and looked at Zehannah's eyes. "Ikaw ang
unang babae na dinala rito ng anak ko sa bahay kaya syempre normal lang na
kilalanin kita ng maigi."

"By... tricking me?"

Contessa waved her hand nonchalantly. "Don't sweat the small stuff. Anyway, Zehan —
wait, I can call you Zehan, right? I mean, according to the investigation, you
prefer that to Zehannah."

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yeah." She felt like she was talking to a woman close to her
age. Reigo's mother had that kind of vibe when she was not serious.

"Great!" Contessa clasped her hands together. "Anyway, may gusto akong itanong
sayo. Babae sa babae. Sana sagutin mo ako. Pangako. Huli na 'to."

Zehannah readied herself. "Okay. Ask away."

Contessa grinned. "Have you done it with Reigo yet? Magkakaapo na ba kami?"

Zehannah felt like her readiness crumbled and she became speechless.

"Zehan? Magkakaapo na ba kami?" Ulit nitong tanong. "According to the

investigation, Reigo sleeps in your condo every weekend." She stepped closer and
brought her face close to Zehannah, as if to observe and study her reaction. "So
I'm assuming you're not just staring at each other all night, right? No worries.
I'm open minded to those naughty things so you can open up to me with no problem
and judgement. So? Nasaan na kayong dalawa? Kiss? Touching? Make out? Oral? Or have
you done the nasty already? Now, don't be shy and share, Zehan." She offered
Zehannah her widest 'no judgement' smile and said in a sing-song voice, "I'm
waitiiing..."

Zehannah blinked at Reigo's mother. She seriously didn't know how to handle her.
She's like a woman's version of Reigo, and it was too much for Zehannah. Dahil
kahit ano pang sabihin nito, ina pa rin ito ng Reigo. She was not that shameless to
announce that she and Reigo had been fucking like horny animals.

Contessa sighed seeing Zehannah being silent. "You really won't share?"

"There's nothing to share, ma'am."

"Really...?" Of course, Contessa didn't believe that.

"Yes."

Contessa dramatically sighed and sat on the bench inside the vault. After a little
while, her teasing aura changed into a serious one as she spoke earnestly. "I'm
happy that my only son found a good woman to be with, but I'm also worried because
you reminded me of myself. Independent, smart with firm belief, and would never
take shit from anyone. And it takes a man to date women like us who don't see them
as necessity."

That made Zehannah looked down on her hands. "Do you think... I should leave Reigo,
ma'am?"

Contessa looked at Zehannah and what she saw in Zehannah's face made her smile
wryly. "Look at the mirror over there and see the expression on your face, dear. I
don't think that's the face of the woman who can leave my son so easily."

Mabilis na napatingin si Zehannah sa pinakamalapit na salamin at napaawang ang labi

niya ng makita ang ekspresyon sa mukha.

Contessa sighed. "You and Reigo's path to a happy ending is rough and hard to see,
but if you continue having that face when you talk about leaving Reigo, I think you
two will be just fine, however rough the road gets."

Bumaling si Zehannah sa ina ni Reigo. "How sure are you, ma'am?"

Contessa smiled at Zehannah. "Because I had the same face when I was dating my
Rohan."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah. "I don't want to hurt, Reigo, but—"

"—but you're scared." Pagtatapos ni Contessa sa sasabihin ni Zehannah. "Zehan, may

I speak brazenly to you?"

Zehannah gave her consent.

Contessa nodded. "Kilala lang kita base sa imbestigasyon na natanggap ko tungkol

sa'yo. You have amazing parents—two fathers. They raised you well. You're a happy
child. Always smart in school and you became independent at a young age. All in
all, you are an amazing woman. Then I read your relationships history. And I saw a
pattern with your exes. You were always left behind. They never stayed with you
once you told them 'no'. And I bet it tug a traumatic memory in your past... the
memory of your mother who left you behind."

A tear just fell from Zehannah's eyes. And then another. And another. Until her
eyesight became blurry.

"You act like what your mother did did not affect you in any way. You suppressed it
and became happy for your fathers. But fate is merciless, and it dug up the fear
and pain you buried since you were a child through your failed relationships. And
the you now is the result of that, and my Reigo is trying to fix what the fate
broke, not knowing that if he tried harder to fix it, it'll break him too."

Zehannah dried her tears. "I... don't want... to... break him..."

"I hope so." Tumayo si Contessa saka humarap kay Zehannah na patuloy ang pag-agos
ng luha sa mga mata nito. "I didn't mean to make you cry, Zehan." Tinulungan nito
si Zehannah na tuyuin ang luha nito. "Forgive me for sticking my nose where it
doesn't belong. I couldn't help it."

Zehannah continued drying her tears. "It's okay. Totoo naman ang sinabi niyo. But
I'm now trying... trying to break my fear and have a relationship with Reigo. It's
just... it's hard and I couldn't even do the bare minimum for him, even though he's
giving it his all. And I think I'm being unfair to him. I honestly want to let him
go and push him away like I should but, I can't do it. I always find myself
reaching out to him... and I'm scared."

Contessa was torn. She understood Zehannah, but she also didn't want her son to get
hurt. "As a woman, I feel you. But as a mother, I'm wary of you." She sighed. "You
alone have the power to make my son happy or put him through hell. But to intervene
would be disrespectful to my son's decision to be with you. Respect begets respect.
I raise Reigo with this kind of thinking, and I don't want to be a hypocrite. I
guess all I can do is observe and pray for you two to find your peace and happiness
together."

Reigo's mother mesmerized Zehannah. Contessa understood her as a woman, but she was
wary of her as the woman her son was dating. But even though Contessa did not
approve of her for her son, she was not hostile and she even explained why. And
Zehannah understood her clearly because she had the same worry as her.

"Thank you for you honest, ma'am." Zehannah said earnestly after she pulled herself
together. "I understand why you don't approve of me to be with Reigo—"

"It's not a hundred percent disapproval, Zehan." Contessa corrected Zehannah. "It's
more like eighty-twenty. As a woman to a woman, you are amazing and I'm sold. But
as a mother to Reigo, I'm worried. But you said you don't want to break him, so
I'll hold on to that for now. As long as you're not hurting my son intentionally, I
will approve of you and treat you like family, so don't worry. Totoo ang sinabi ko
na gusto kita. Kaya nga gusto kong makabuo na kayo ng anak ko." Napalabi nito
habang inoseteng nakangiti. "Imagine having a son or a daughter with your
personality and Reigo's. Ohh! I'm excited!"

Ginawa ni Zehannah ang lahat para hindi mapangiwi. "I don't think we're ready for a
child, ma'am."

"No worries. I'm ready."

Napatanga si Zehannah sa ina ni Reigo. "Ho?"

"I'm ready to be a grandmother." She said with a wide grin. "Ako ang mag-aalaga."

Zehannah was back to being stupefied. "Um..."

Contessa cupped her own face as excited filled her face. "I will adorn my
grandchild with diamonds and gemstones. She will be the most beautiful of all!"

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah. "She...?"

"Yes." Contessa's eyes snapped at Zehannah. "I want a granddaughter, you see. No
worries, Zehan." Hinawakan nito si Zehannah sa magkabilang balikat habang
nakatingin sa mga mata ng dalaga. "I already researched about sex positions that
guarantee a daughter."

"Um... are those even real?"

Contessa's smile became sly and teasing. "Want to try it with Reigo?"

"Um. No."

Parang hindi narinig ng kausap ang sagot ni Zehannah dahil patuloy ito sa
pagsasalita. "I compiled everything in one file and make it into pdf. I will send
it to you via e-mail and I would be over the moon if you read everything and try it
with Reigo."

Zehannah was speechless, but she had a feeling that if she didn't stop Reigo's
mother now, she will never hear the end of this. "Um, ma'am, I'm really not ready
for it. And the same goes for Reigo, ma'am."

Contessa waved her hand nonchalantly. "Yeah, yeah. Not ready. I hear you. But I'm
still sending you the pdf. Pinaghirapan ko 'yon. Anyway, call me Tita, Zehan. Ma'am
is too formal. After all, you're officially dating my son."

That made Zehannah smiled sweetly. "Thank you, tita."

Contessa sighed in surrender. "Seeing you smile so sweetly, I somehow get why my
son was so smitten with you. I want to poke your cheeks. You're adorable when
you're sweet."

Napangiwi si Zehannah sa ina ni Reigo. "Tita, your duality is confusing and scary
at the same time."

Malakas na natawa si Contessa saka sinapo ang mukha ni Zehannah hanggang sa maging
hugis 'o' na ang bibig ni Zehannah. "Zehan, want to borrow my make up? Your eyes
look puffy. Kapag nalaman ni Reigo na pinaiyak kita, siguradong hindi niya na ako
hahanapan ng mga imbetasyon na gusto ko."

"Don't worry, Tita. Sabihin ko kay Reigo na umiyak ako sa sobrang saya."

Umiling si Contessa. "But that's not really the case, and if Reigo found out the
truth, he might tell his friends and connections not to give me the invitations I
needed. And he will because my son's observation skill is topnotch. So wait here
and let me get my make-up kit."

Walang nagawa si Zehannah kundi ang sundin ang sinabi ng ina ni Reigo.

Habang hinihintay ang ginang, pinadaan niya ang oras sa pagtingin-tingin sa mga
collection ng ina ni Reigo na hindi niya nabigyan ng pansin kanina.
Lahat magaganda. Lahat mamahalin. Nakakalula sa totoo lang. Zehannah had met a fair
share of wealthy people, but she was not ready for this kind of wealth. It was too
much, really.

While that thought was running on Zehannah's mind, she came across a very simple
vine leaf ruby bracelet. It's so simple that it could pass as an everyday jewelry.

But I bet the price will make you not want to use it every day.

"You like it?"

Napaigtad si Zehannah ng marinig ang boses ng ina ni Reigo mula sa nakabukas na

pintuan ng vault.

"It's simple and pretty." Sagot ni Zehannah ng makabawi.

Contessa pulled the trolley she was holding with her as she walked towards
Zehannah, then she opened the glass container of the bracelet that caught
Zehannah's attention.

Zehannah thought that Reigo's mother will just show it to her up close as she
explained its origin and history, but to her shock, Reigo's mother put it on her
wrist and then she looked at her wrist, looking pleased with herself.

"Um, tita—"

"It's a gift." Putol ni Contessa sa iba pang sasabihin ni Zehannah. "You're opening
your agency soon, right? Rubies are often associated with wealth, prosperity,
fortune, and courage. That's why I always like to have them in my collection. Now
I'm giving this one to you."

Gustong ibalik ni Zehannah ang bracelet, pero ayaw naman ng ina ni Reigo. And the
two spent half an hour going back and forth with the bracelet and the result was...
Zehannah lost.

She was no match against Reigo's mother, who now had a triumphant smile on her
face.

Bagsak ang balikat ni Zehannah. "At least tell me how much is this, tita."

"Ayoko. Siguradong babayaran mo ako."

She got me. "Nasisiguro kong mahal 'to—"

"It's a gift." May diing sabi ng ina ni Reigo. "And if you can't accept it as that,
think of it as a promise bracelet—a promise that you'll take care of my son. Rubies
also have ties to love and passion, you know."

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zehannah sa bracelet na suot kapagkuwan ay napabuntong-

hininga. "Okay. I concede and accept this bracelet."

Reigo's mother grinned. "Yes...!"

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah sa reaksiyon ng ina ni Reigo. "Tita, para kang si Reigo
minsan. Bata kung umakto."

"Well," Contessa cupped the side of her face. "I always try to be young and
beautiful. Anyway, my make-up kit is here," bumaba ang tingin nito sa trolley na
hila-hila nito kanina. "Let's do something with that puffy eyes of yours."
Napatanga si Zehannah sa make-up 'kit' na dala ng ina ni Reigo. It's a trolley with
three layers! It's not a kit, it's more like a make-up case!

Wealthy people and their things. Zehannah mused and just let Reigo's mother do her
magic to cover her puffy eyes.

Minutes later, when Zehannah checked, her eyes were still a little puffy, but it
had lessened enough not to be noticed immediately.

"How about that, Zehan?"

"I think okay na 'to, tita."

"Great!" Ibinalik nito ang ginamit na make up sa lalagyan. "Anyway, I was informed
that dinner has been served. Let's go eat."

Zehannah nodded and followed Reigo's mother out of the vault.

After they locked the vault, the two went to the dining hall together. Sa sobrang
laki ng bahay, hindi humiwalay si Zehannah sa ina ni Reigo dahil baka mawala siya.
At hindi niya mapigilan ang humanga sa bawat parte ng bahay na nadadaanan nila.

Truly luxurious and extravagant.

Zehannah even saw a unique lamp when they passed the third living room. It's not
just a normal lamp. The design was like a vine coming down from the ceiling to the
floor and it has blooming flowers as its light.

It was stunning.

Zehannah had thought that nothing could compare the beauty of the unique, designed
lamp she saw until they arrived at the dining hall.

The chandelier, shaped like a flower crown in the middle of the dining hall, took
her breath away.

"Your house is really pretty, tita." Zehannah commented.

Contessa smiled. She takes pride in their house because it was mostly her design.
"Thank you. Are you into clean and minimalistic designs as well? I try to be
minimalistic as possible, but these chandeliers and lamps just spoke to me, you
know. I couldn't resist!"

Tumango si Zehannah. "I enjoy cleaning too, so minimalistic works for me."

"I hate cleaning," Contessa grumbled. "Good thing we have lots of maids in the
house. They're my angels."

Napangiti si Zehannah. "Though I see what you mean about the chandeliers and lamps,
tita. Marami akong nakita habang papunta tayo rito at ang gaganda nila at ang
unique pa ng mga design. Bagay na bagay sa palasyo niyo, tita."

Contessa beamed. "You think our house is a castle?!" Her eyes twinkled. "I'm so
happy! I work hard to design our house to be castle-like—"

"My Zee...!" Reigo just popped up and hugged Zehannah from behind, then kissed his
favorite spot—her neck. "I missed you."
Contessa glared at her son. "Why are you bothering us, Reigo? Me and Zehannah are
talking about an important matter!"

Reigo hid from his mother's sharp glare behind Zehannah's back. "You kidnapped my
Zee, mom! I have all the right to interrupt."

"What did you say?!"

Reigo flinched and tightened his embrace on Zehannah. "You can't have my Zee.
Dinala ko siya rito para maghapunan. You can't waste her time by explaining about
chandeliers, lamps and stones!"

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Zehannah kay Reigo na nagtatago sa likod nito. "It's
not really wasting my time. its additional knowledge."

Reigo looked at Zehannah as if he had been betrayed.

"What?" Zehannah asked while looking at Reigo over her shoulder. "I enjoy learning
new things."

Contessa was all smile, happy that she finally found someone willing to learn about
her interest and not just faking it. "See, son? You heard Zehan. It's not a waste
of time. It's knowledge, and knowledge is power. What do you think, Zehan? Do you
also want to learn about shares and stocks and how to trade and invest? It's my
forte. It will really help you a lot."

That pique Zehannah's interest. "It would be my pleasure to learn."

Contessa was happy that the woman Reigo brought to their house was interesting and
bright. "Then let's schedule our first lesson. How about next weekend?"

"Sure." Zehannah was quick to answer.

But someone was not happy behind her. "Zee! That's my precious time with you!"

"Sumama ka nalang sakin." Ani Zehannah kay Reigo. "You can teach me about business
as well." She enjoys going wild with Reigo every weekend, but she wanted to learn
new knowledge that could help her and her agency in the future. "Sigurado akong
marami pa akong hindi alam. It'll be a big help to me since I'm opening an agency
with Cassia."

"If that was so, then let me teach you, too." A baritone voice of Reigo's father
interject. "Mas marami akong alam keysa riyan sa anak ko na baguhan pa sa negosyo."

Reigo glared at his father. "Don't steal my thunder, dad. My Zee wants me, not
you."

"Hmm? I don't mind." Sabad ni Zehannah.

Rohan snickered at his son's face. "Look at our son's face, love." Inakbayan nito
ang asawa. "Ah, memories. I used to look like that as well when we were still
dating."

Napailing si Contessa sa asawa. "You're really an odd one, dear."

"That's why I'm your husband."

"True."
Rohan smiled and kissed his wife's temple. "Anyway, let's go inside and sit.
Lalamig ang pagkain."

Rohan guided his wife to the table, while Reigo guided his Zee to the table.

And the moment Zehannah saw the lavish food being served up close, she remained
calm. After all the surprises she had seen in this house, she had already become
immune.

"Oh! Looks like Chef Marino went all out." Komento ng ina ni Reigo.

Of course, they have a chef. Sa isip ni Zehannah. It's normal. They're wealthy
after all.

"And looks like our pastry chef did not want to lose." Anang ama ni Reigo.

They have a pastry chef as well? Well. It's to be expected. Zehannah was
conditioning her mind. Until she heard about the sous chef, fish chef, sauce chef,
vegetable chef, meat chef and other kinds of chef that she didn't even know existed
until that moment.

No. It's not a kitchen over there. It's a freaking restaurant in there!

"Zee...?"

Zehannah calmly glance at Reigo. "Hmm?"

"You okay? You're spacing out."

Bago pa makasagot si Zehannah, mula sa sulok ng mata niya, nakita niya ang apat na
lalaki na pumasok sa dining hall at may dala ang mga ito na dalawang malalaking
letson at inilagay iyon sa mesa. Hindi lang 'yon, sumunod na ipinasok ay isang cake
na pagkataas-taas at sinundan 'yon ng pinakamalaking roasted turkey na yata na
nakita niya sa buong buhay niya.

And Zehannah's mind just went, huh?

CECELIB | C.C.

VISUAL FOR THE LAMP AND THE FLOWER CROWN CHANDELIER (FROM PINTEREST)

CHAPTER 32

FOR ZEHANNAH, it was not a normal family dinner. Ito ang unang beses niya na
makipag-dinner sa pamilya ng dini-date niya pero nasisiguro niyang hindi normal na
may letson—dalawang letson—sa hapag-kainan.
Sinong magpapa-letson?! It's just a simple dinner, they said!

Well... she could hardly call Reigo's family normal. They're even different from
the wealthy families she knew.

"Kain lang, Zehan." Anang ina ni Reigo. "Nagpahanda ako ng maraming pagkain para
sa'yo."

Nagulat si Zehannah sa nalaman. "Ho?"

Ngumiti ang ginang. "According to the investigation I received, you love food and
would willingly trade my son for a good food."

"Geez! Thanks mom." Reigo bitterly chided.

Contessa just smiled at her son before she returned her attention to Zehannah.
"Nalaman ko rin na pumunta kayo ni Reigo sa Cebu para lang kumain ng letson, kaya
naman," iminuwestra nito ang kamay sa dalawang letson, "nagpaluto kami ng dalawa
para sa'yo. Sana magustuhan mo."

It had been so long—so, so long—since Zehannah felt her cheeks heat up. Yes. She
was blushing becasue of embarassment. "T-thanks, tita."

Contessa beamed at Zehannah and continued eating.

"Zehan, I heard that you're opening an agency. Need a hand to advertise it?" Ang
ama iyon ni Reigo habang kumakain sila. "I know some big companies."

Kaaagad na umiling si Zehannah. "I appreciate the offer, tito, but I think it'll be
best to start small since our agency is just starting. We have so much to learn.
And I don't think we have the manpower to accommodate big clients as of now. We
don't want to bite off more than we can chew."

Rohan smiled at Zehannah's answer. "Mukhang napag-isipan mo nang mabuti ang

tatahakin ng agency na binuksan niyo."

Zehannah nodded. "I'm opening it with a friend of mine, and Cassia is a smart one.
We've been sharing our ideas and plans so we could set a goal for our agency."

Rohan nodded. "That's good. I wish you luck, Zehan."

"Thank you, tito."

"I wish you luck too, Zehan." Hindi pahuhuli si Contessa.

"Thank you, tita."

Zehannah was happy that Reigo's family seemed to like her, but the food really
bothered her on the long table. Apat lang sila pero hanggang sa dulo ang pagkain.
At mayroon pang nakatuka sa pagtanggal ng balat ng letson at halos lahat ay ibigay
sa kaniya.

Zehannah had an enormous appetite for good food, but at that moment, she didn't
want to touch anything. It was stressing her out that all this extravagant food was
served because she liked them.

I never thought a dinner with these insane amounts of food could stress me out so
much.
Therefore, after dinner, she excused herself to go to the bathroom to talk to the
amazonas. Syempre, ang banyo sa bahay nila Reigo puwede nang tulugan sa linis,
bango at laki.

Pero sobra-sobra na ang na-experience niya sa bahay na 'to para magulat pa siya
para lang sa banyo kaya wala ng reaksiyong makikita sa mukha niya.

Sitting on the toilet's cover after she peed and use the flush, she sent a message
to Amazona Group Chat.

Zehannah Sevil: May kilala ba kayong pinakilala sa magulang at may letson sa

simpleng dinner lang?

Gladz Muller: May ganun?

Haze Coleman: May ganun pala?

Nez Coleman: Wala akong kakilala na ganun.

Grace Volkzki: I know nothing about letson, but I have cupcakes here 😋

Tessmarie Baltazar: Gusto ko! Kaso umayaw si Hunt na magpa-letson ako para sa
kaniya.

Ruth Pascua: Wala rin akong kakilala na ganun.

Eliza Sanford: Me! Me! It happened to me! Pero nangyari 'yon nuong buntis na ako at
sinabi ko sa Mommy ni Pangit Khairro na gusto kong kumain ng balat ng letson. Tapos
binilhan kaagad ako ni mommy ng tatlong letson! 💃💃💃 Ako kasi talaga ang tunay na
baby ni mommy, hindi si pangit. 🤣🤣🤣

Czarina Salem-Stroam: Not counted ang sayo, Eli. Sa yaman ng pamilya niyang asawa
mo?

Zehannah Sevil: Gaano kayaman?

Czarina Salem-Stroam: Ridiculously rich.

Zehannah Sevil: Gaano kalaki ang bahay nila?

Nang makita ni Zehannah ang reply ni Eliza kung gaano kalaki, nagpakawala siya ng
malalim na hininga. Wealthy people and their homes.

Faith Yilmaz: Hey, Zehan. I heard from my husband that Reigo's family is
ridiculously rich and could even surpass Khairro's family. Pinakilala ka na ba?
Kaya ba nagtatanong ka? May pa-letson ba?

Sweet Monday Velasquez: Yeah. Reigo's parents both came from an old money family,
so it's not surprising that they're ridiculously rich. Reigo's mother hailed from a
wealthy family in London. She was the only daughter, and Reigo's father was an heir
to a multi-million dollar company in Spain. Napunta lang sila rito sa Pilipinas
dahil nakapag-asawa ng pinay ang ama ng ama ni Reigo at dito ginusto ng lola ni
Reigo na manirahan. They may have moved here, but their businesses and connections
outside the country are still thriving up to this date and Reigo is the only heir
to all this wealth.

Napatanga si Zehannah sa nabasa.

She wanted to say 'no wonder...', but remembering her very clingy Reigo, all she
could do was sigh to calm herself down.

Let's not be intimidated. I'm here for Reigo, and not for any reason. So what if
they're rich? Nothing will change. I'm still Zehannah—freaking—Sevil and Reigo will
always be Mr. Clingy delicacy. And if she was going to think about her relationship
with Reigo seriously, she had to get used to Reigo and his ridiculous wealthy
family.

Honestly, if her confidence was easy to break, she might have crumbled the moment
she entered Reigo's home. But she's Zehannah—freaking—Sevil. She was proud of the
life she had lived. Even though her life had lots of mishaps and she had lots of
flaws, she was proud of the woman she had become.

Yeah. Be strong and slay it all. Zehannah—freaking—Sevil!

Taking a deep breath, she got up, fixed her clothes and stepped out of the comfort
room, only to stop at the door when she saw Reigo waiting for her outside.

"Are you okay? Sumakit ba ang tiyan mo?" Kaagad na tanong ni Reigo ng makalabas si
Zehannah sa banyo. Naalala kasi nito ang nangyari nuong nag food-trip sila kaya
sinundan nito ang dalaga. "I told mom to make it a very simple dinner. Dad told her
as well, but mom didn't listen—of course, she didn't." He mused. "What did I
expect? She has always been like that—"

Zehannah closed the distance between her and Reigo and she pressed her lips on his
to stop him from rambling. "I admit the dinner was over the top, but the food was
great, so let's thank your mom and your family chefs. And no, my tummy is fine. I
just peed."

Reigo looked relieved as he pulled Zehannah into a soft embrace. "Thank you for
meeting my parents, Zee. I know it's difficult for you. Especially being alone with
mom. She could be wicked when she wanted to. That's why please accept my apology.
Alam kong pina-iyak ka ni mommy."

Hindi nag-react si Zehannah para itago ang nangyari.

"Zee, you know I always take a good look at you every time. Your eyes have changed
after you returned with mom."

Zehannah still didn't react and just said, "nothing happened."

"So, you're lying to me now?"

Zehannah blows a loud breath and furrowed her eyebrows. "Don't be harsh on your
mom. Hindi naman niya ako gustong paiyakin. We just talk and then I cried. That's
all."

"I doubt that."

"That's really all, Reigo." May diing sabi ni Zehannah saka kumawala sa yakap ng
binata at pinakatitigan ito. "Normal lang ang ginawa ng mommy mo. I would do it as
well if I were in her shoes. Masaya nga ako na nagkausap kami. She was not mean to
me, okay? She was actually nice and considerate of me and you."

Zehannah could tell that Reigo was still not buying it, so she showed him her
bracelet.

"See this? Binigay sakin 'to ni tita kanina." Hinaplos ni Zehannah ang isa sa
maliliit na ruby na disenyo ng bracelet saka masuyong napangiti ng maalala ang
rason kung bakit nito ibinigay 'yon sa kaniya. "If she was mean to me, do you think
she'll give me one of her precious collection?"

Reigo breath out, knowing his mother's love language. "Okay. I get it. No worries."

Zehannah was relieved. "Buti naman. Your mom is really amazing, you know. I mean,
her duality sometimes is confusing, but overall, she's an amazing person."

Napatitig si Reigo sa dalaga. "You sounded like a fan."

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "I am. I mean, look at her."

Reigo sighed and went back to hugging Zehannah. "I hate this. Pakiramdam ko inaagaw
ka ni mommy sakin. I know you two will click, but not like this! Zee, uwi na tayo.
Baka kidnap-pin ka ulit ni mommy."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. "Okay lang na kidnap-pin ako ng mommy mo. Pakiramdam
ko marami akong matututunan sa kaniya kapag nagpa-kidnap ako."

"Zee!"

"Oh, hush." She playfully slapped Reigo's ass. "I'm interested in learning a lot of
things, so be a good partner and let me learn new things that will help me grow.
Hindi ba 'yon ang gusto mo? Kaya nga binigyan mo ako ng maraming libro tungkol sa
marketing at pinabasa mo sakin ang mga nakaraang marketing strategies ng kompaniya
mo?"

Reigo had no answer to that. Totoo naman kasi lahat ng sinabi ni Zehannah. "Fine."
He grumbled. "It's true that you'll learn tons from mom, but she has weird habits
that you might learn as well. 'Yon ang kinakatakot ko."

"Habits like?"

"I rather not say." Pinakawalan ni Reigo sa pagkakayakap si Zehannah saka umangat
ang kamay nito para haplusin ang ilalim ng mata ng dalaga at bumuntong-hininga.
"You must have cried so hard for your eyes to be puffy."

"Medyo."

"Sasabihin mo ba sakin ang pinag-usapan niyo?"

Umiling si Zehannah.

"That personal?"

Tumango si Zehannah.

"Okay. I won't ask." Reigo kissed Zehannah's forehead. "By the way, mom and dad are
on the terrace for some wine. Want to join them?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "I would love to."

Reigo offered his hand. Zehannah took it. And the two went to the terrace together.

"Sabi mo sakin normal ang bahay niyo," ani Zehannah habang naglalakad sila.
"Nothing is normal in this house."

"What do you mean?" Reigo frowned. "It is normal."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Sayo siguro, pero para sakin, hindi. Have you seen my
condo? That's what normal looks like."

"What are you talking about?" Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo. "Your condo is not
normal either. It always makes me want to go home and sleep in your bed. It has
your smell, so I enjoy staying there. Not only that, it's warm. Just like you when
we cuddle."

Umingos si Zehannah. "Kalandian ang tawag do'n."

Reigo smiled innocently at Zehannah. "Anong kalandian? I don't know what you're
talking about."

Inirapan lang ni Zehannah si Reigo saka hinayaan ang binata na igiya siya patungo
sa balkonahe kung nasaan ang mga magulang nito.

Zehannah was not even shocked anymore when they arrived at the terrace and she saw
how luxurious it was to hang out there and sip wine while overlooking the water
terraces she saw earlier.

And because it was now dark, Zehannah could see the water in the water terraces
glowing, giving it an ethereal look from the terrace. It was simply stunning and
plainly breathtaking.

That's a view for you, Zehannah thought as she accepted the glass of wine Reigo
gave her and joined his parents on the nordic minimalist sofa in the center of the
terrace.

Nang makaupo si Zehannah, kaagad na itinaboy ni Contessa ang anak na uupo sana sa
tabi ni Zehannah at ito ang tumabi kay Zehannah.

Reigo just sighed, seeing his mother and the woman he adored talking about the
scenery, gemstones, furnitures and business as if no one was around. They were so
engrossed in their own conversation that he and his father had become a decoration.

Para silang napag-iwanan ng ama niya dahil tahimik lang silang sumisimsim ng wine
habang panay ang buntong-hininga. They would sometimes share a look, daring each
other to break his mother and Zehannah's conversation, but they always ended up not
doing it.

Why? Because the wine tastes good, just like the coffee they shared earlier.

Yeah. We're enjoying the wine so much that dad and I looked like we're grieving.

But seeing the two women actively conversing and debating about their interest,
standing firm in their opinion and never backing down, the two Vasquez men just
found themselves sighing because those were their weaknesses. A strong, smart and
independent woman.

"Anak nga kita," ani Rohan kay Reigo ng makita kung paano si Reigo tumingin kay
Zehannah.

Reigo shrugged and raised his wineglass at his father. "Kanino ba ako magmamana?"

"Sakin, syempre. Tingnan mo naman ang mukha mo. Namana ang kaguwapuhan ko."

Reigo sipped his wine. "Dad, sa tingin ko mahangin din si lolo katulad mo."

"It's in our blood, son."

Reigo chuckled. "I guess." His Zee was always pointing out how boastful he was.
"Anyway, more wine, dad?"

"Yes, please. Mukhang matatagalan pa tayong magiging dekorasyon sa terasa na 'to."

Reigo chuckled and picked up the wine bottle on the center table, then poured some
on his father's glass and did the same to his own. Afterwards, the father and son
duo continued sipping wine while having small talks to pass their time.

Fortunately, Zehannah and Contessa's conversation finally concluded before Reigo

and Rohan fell asleep.

"Zehan, dito nalang kayo matulog ni Reigo. Malalim na ang gabi baka mapaano kayo sa
daan." Ani Contessa.

"No, thanks." Sagot ni Reigo.

At the same time, Zehannah answered. "Sige, tita. Ayoko talagang bumabiyahe kapag
gabi."

Contessa was happy and Reigo sulking. Especially when he heard that Zehannah would
stay in the guest room, while he'll be sleeping in his old room.

Immediately, Reigo wanted to complain, but when he saw Zehannah's warning glare, he
closed his mouth and smiled in loneliness.

This was his weekend! This was supposed to be his precious day with Zehan! But look
at what happened? Zehan had been kidnapped twice, and she's now sleeping away from
him!

Unacceptable!

Knowing that he couldn't complain in front of his parents, he sent a message to

Zehannah.

'Zee! Are you torturing me?! How can I going to sleep now? I want to cuddle!'

His Zee was quick to reply when she heard her phone beeped from her clutch bag.
'it's just one night, Reigo. It won't kill you.'

'Zee...! I want to cuddle!'

'Do it with your pillow.'

'Zee...!'

'Suck it up. It's just one night.'

'I rather you suck me, Zee.'

Zehannah sighed and did not reply to Reigo, making Reigo grumpy. And Reigo's
grumpiness doubled while looking at Zehannah's retreating back, together with his
mother.

But of course, he will not be defeated.

Just you wait, my Zee. I'm cuddling with you to sleep tonight!
ZEHANNAH JUST SMILED even though her brain felt like it exploded again when Reigo's
mother guided her to the guest room where she will sleep for the night. "Thanks,
tita." She even managed to express her gratitude.

"Don't sweat the small stuff," Contessa smiled back and motioned her hand towards
the closet in the corner. "There are PJs in there. Mamili ka na lang kung anong
kakasya sayong size. There are also new towels and bathrobes in there. Our bathroom
is packed with all the necessities you could think of, so feel free to use them
all. As you can see, behind that forested glass wall next to the bed is a jacuzzi.
You can use it to relax tonight. You can also drink all the wines and liquors in
the mini-bar next to the jacuzzi. Basically, you can use anything in this room
without holding back, okay?"

"Okay po, tita."

"Good. Have a good night, Zehan."

"Good night din po, tita, tito." Then she looked at Reigo. "G'night, babe."

Unlike earlier, Reigo was not sulking. He was actually smiling and right there and
then, Zehan knew Mr. Delicacy was planning something. "Good night, my Zee."

Lihim na napailing si Zehannah saka isinara na ang pinto ng kuwarto. At bago

humarap sa tutulugan niyang silid, huminga muna siya ng malalim at pinakalma ang
sarili.

Once calmed, she finally turn around to look at the guest room.

Zehannah only had one comment: nagmukhang hampaslupa ang itsura ng condo ko na
pinaghirapan kong ayusin.

Zehannah sighed heavily. "It's a good thing I don't break easily."

With another heavy sigh, she walked to the bed and sat on the edge while staring at
the frosted glass wall while thinking what's behind that.

A private jacuzzi and a mini-bar.

What to do? What to do? Zehannah grinned. Enjoy it to the fullest, of course!

With that thought, she got up, stripped and run to the jacuzzi buck naked.

It felt like she was in a five-star hotel, to be honest. Masyadong magara ang buong
kuwarto para sa isang 'guest room' lang.

A contented sigh escaped Zehannah's lips as her body became enveloped with warm,
bubbling water. "Ahh... what a nice way to end a brain-wrecking day." She muttered
to herself. "If only Reigo's here... it'll be more fun." Pero mas mabuti na
sigurong wala rito ang binata dahil siguradong kapag nalaman ng ina nito na
magkasama sila sa iisang kuwarto, siguradong pagbubuntis niya ang iisipin nito.
Though if he came here, she won't chase him away.

Yeah. Let's just rest.

With her head resting on the edge of the jacuzzi, her body felt like being massage
by the water and it felt so nice that she moaned a little.

Zehannah closed her eyes to fully relax, only to open them a couple of minutes
later when she felt a presence near the jacuzzi.

When she turned her head and saw Reigo, she did not even feel an ounce of shock to
see him in her room.

And Reigo noticed that. "You're expecting me?"

"Hmm. Malandi ka kaya alam kong pupuntahan mo ako."

"That's because I want to cuddle." Reigo licked his lips as he stared at Zehannah's
naked body in the jacuzzi, "but seeing you like this, I want to fuck you senseless
before we cuddle."

Again. Zehannah was not shock, but she warned Reigo. "Don't you dare ruin my
Jacuzzi experience. No cuddle for you."

But Reigo already joined her in the jacuzzi, naked and sporting a massive hard-on.
He was even holding it while walking towards her.

Napalunok nalang si Zehannah ng makita ang pagkalalaki ni Reigo.

That enters me all the time. No wonder I always lose my mind. Worth it though. What
a dick. No pun intended.

Hindi ginalaw ni Zehannah ang katawan na nakalutang sa jacuzzi kahit nasa harapan
na niya si Reigo. Pero ang loko, basta nalang ibinuka ang hita niya sa tubig at
ipinalibot sa beywang nito saka dumukwang para hulihin ang mga labi niya at mapusok
siyang hinalikan.

Zehannah groaned at the meeting of their lips, but that was not the only reason a
moan escaped her mouth. Reigo's fingers were on her clit and massaging it
thoroughly, as if teasing her.

"Reigo..."

Reigo's kiss deepened before he pulled away, bit her lower lip, and stared at her.
"What? Do you want me to leave?"

Zehannah licked her lips. "Did you lock the door?"

"Of course."

"That's my good babe," Zehannah cooed Reigo before she wrapped her arms around his
neck and claimed his lips.

It surprised Reigo for a second before he opened his mouth and welcome her warm
tongue inside. And while their lips were locked on each other, Zehannah was guiding
him towards the jacuzzi's ledge and when his back hit the edge, Zehannah pulled
away from his lips and she whispered.

"Up, babe. I want to suck you."

Reigo obliged without a word and the moment he sat on the jacuzzi's edge with his
feet dangling and submerged in the pool, Zehannah took him inside her mouth while
she was still in the pool and suck him without mercy.
Reigo's mind became blank, and he threw his head back when an intense, unbelievable
pleasure consumed him inside Zehannah's mouth with her wicked tongue.

His Zee was getting better and better at sucking him. He was now losing his mind.

"Fuck...! Zee..."

Zehannah smiled at that and continued moving her mouth and tongue to make Reigo
moan as loudly as he makes her.

So she sucked him without mercy. Until the sound Reigo makes satisfied her. Then
and only then did she let Reigo fuck her senseless.

CECELIB | C.C.

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

CHAPTER 33

ZEHANNAH HAD her fun in the jacuzzi. It's not every day that she gets to experience
that. And Reigo being there added to the fun. He let her suck him off as much as
she wanted even when he becomes so sensitive after coming. Of course, that was not
all. Along the ledge of the jacuzzi, Zehannah was bent over and Reigo was pounding
her from behind.

Zehannah tried to muffle her moans, but Reigo kept thrusting inside her too deeply
that she always ended up letting a small scream of pleasure. She couldn't help it.
Reigo had always been a hard pounder, and her body shook at the intensity of his
every thrust.

Too good! Oh, fuck! Her vision was getting blurry, her breathing was uneven, she
was gasping for air, and she was holding on to the Jacuzzi's edge while Reigo
rocked her entire world.

"Ahh! Ahh! Reigo...! Ohh! Ahh!" Zehannah couldn't stop her moans anymore.

"That's it, my Zee," Reigo reached out to Zehannah's front and massaged her clit
while he was pounding her hard. "Moan for me."

As if on cue, Zehannah started moaning so lustfully. "Ahh! Ahh... oh! Fuck!"

Feeling Reigo's fingers on her clit and his cock inside her, Zehannah had lost her
mind already and intense pleasure ruled her body as her orgasmed exploded
intensely.

As her sheath convulse inside and pleasure tingled in every corner of her body,
Zehannah felt Reigo's erection throbbing inside her. She knew he was close. He was
pulsing inside her and he was growing bigger and bigger that she couldn't help
biting her lower lip. Halata 'yon sa bawat pagbayo ng binata sa kaniya. Every
thrust was desperate, and his moans had become louder.

And then Zehannah said something to Reigo that made him snapped.
"Cum inside me, babe. I'm safe."

Reigo's vision became white as his restraint broke and he exploded inside Zehannah.

Mahinang napadaing at napapikit si Zehannah ng maramdaman ang pagpuno ng katas ni

Reigo sa loob niya. May kiliting hatid 'yon at punong-puno ang loob niya sa dami ng
inilabas ng binata na napakagat-labi siya sa sarap ng pakiramdam niyon. Reigo
always wears condom and if he wasn't, he would always pull out so the feeling of
Reigo's seed inside her was new. And it felt so good.

And Zehannah was scared because it was an addicting feeling.

But I guess it's okay. She decided to use a contraceptive yesterday. She knew
nothing about it, so she had to research and ask Doc. Cza about it. It was a
pleasant conversation with Czarina. Very informative to someone like her who had a
very active sex life.

Mas bumaon ang ngipin ni Zehannah sa pang-ibabang labi niya ng maramdamang hinugot
ng binata ang kahabaan nito sa loob niya at umagos pababa ang katas nito.

"Shit..." she groaned and hurriedly run to the bathroom to clean herself.

And while she was under the shower, Reigo joined her and hugged her from behind
before his lips started kissing her neck.

"Zee..."

"Hmm?"

"Are you sure it was okay to cum inside you?" He asked, while licking her neck and
kissing her nape. "I know for a fact that you're not ready for that yet."

Hindi mapigilan ni Zehannah na humarap kay Reigo at sapuin ang mukha nito dahil
natutuwa siya rito. Malandi lang talaga ito pero maasahan sa kahit na anong bagay.
Lalo na pagdating sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa kaniya at sa relasyon nila.

"It's okay," aniya saka hinalikan ito sa mga labi. "I'm on pill since yesterday.
Nagpatulong ako kay Doc. Cza, so don't worry about it."

"Pill?" Reigo frowned as his brain works to understand that. "The one that you have
to take every day?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yep. That one."

"Oh. Okay." He hugged her under the shower. "Mag-alarm ka sa cellphone mo para
hindi mo makalimutan. I know you're still not ready for a baby, so I'll help in any
way I can."

Zehannah rested her head on Reigo's shoulder while still under the shower. "How
about you, Reigo? Are you ready for that?"

"I'm not sure." He hesitated before answering.

Zehannah said nothing after that and just embraced Reigo.

He felt nice under the shower. He felt so warm and Zehannah was getting addicted to
it. The cuddle that Reigo wanted so much, she was getting used to it.
"Zee?"

"Hmm."

"I want to cuddle."

Napangiti si Zehannah saka pinakawalan sa pagkakayakap ang binata. "Let's clean up

first."

"Yes, ma'am." He said and then he kissed her while roaming his hand around her body
as if cleaning her.

Lihim na napailing nalang si Zehannah at hinayaan ang binata na 'linisin' ang

katawan niya. She let him do his thing until he was satisfied.

"There. Clean."

She looked at Reigo flatly. "No soap and shampoo? Really?"

Reigo lowered his head at her. "Ikaw na ang mag shampoo. I like it more."

Zehannah sighed and put a shampoo on herself and on Reigo's head—up there — and
then she massaged his scalp before hers.

"You like acting like a baby, don't you?" Zehannah asked, while massaging Reigo's
scalp.

"Hmm." Reigo didn't even deny it. "You enjoy babying someone, and I want to be
babied. We're perfect for each other."

She sighed. "Paano mo naman nasabi na gusto ko 'yon?"

"Napapansin ko lang."

Zehannah wanted to argue, but chose not to. Reigo was always observing her, so
maybe she's doing something she was not aware of. "Do you like being babied that
much?"

"Not really. Just you." Sagot nito. "I would never let just anyone baby me, you
know. They have to be my Zee first."

Zehannah smiled inwardly at that while she pinched Reigo's cheeks. "Maligo na nga
lang tayo."

Zehannah reached for the conditioner, and then for the body wash afterwards. When
they're finally both clean, they dry themselves with a towel and wore the
bathrobes.

Stepping outside the bathroom, something caught Zehannah's eyes. The mini-bar near
the Jacuzzi.

"Come on, Zee. I want to cuddle." Reigo was already in the bed.

Hindi ito pinakinggan ni Zehannah at binuksan ng dalaga ang closet. Naghahanap si

Zehannah ng dark-shade na tuwalya o kahit na anong malapad na tela.

Yes! Impit na sigaw ni Zehannah sa isip niya ng makahanap siya ng midnight green na
fleece microfiber na kumot sa loob. Mabilis niyang kinuha 'yon at naglakad palapit
sa kama.
"Get up, Reigo."

"What...?"

"Get up!"

Reigo saw how excited Zehannah looked, so he left the bed and let her do her thing.

Reigo saw Zehannah folded the fleece microfiber blanket and spread it across the
bottom half of the bed, covering the white sheet. He was so confused what she was
planning to do with it until she run back to the Jacuzzi and return with a bottle
of wine.

"You want to drink?" Naguguluhang tanong ni Reigo kay Zehannah.

"Yeah."

"Want me to ask for a glass?" He offered.

"No need."

Reigo looked at Zehannah in shock. "You want to drink straight from the bottle?"

Zehannah smiled at Reigo teasingly. "Para sa isang malanding katulad mo, hindi mo
talaga alam ang gusto ko?"

Reigo stared at Zehannah, and then at the wine bottle she was holding. He really
didn't know until his eyes dropped at the blanket she spread and it dawned on him.

Instantly, his eyes snapped at Zehannah. "My Zee, you're not thinking about..."

Zehannah smiled and licked her lips while staring at Reigo. "There' are a lot of
wines in the mini-bar, babe. And I want to taste this one. On you. I already opened
it, so don't you dare waste it."

Reigo blinked at Zehannah.

Zehannah urged Reigo. "Come on, be a good babe and lie on the bed. You're a
delicacy, right? Let me have my wine on you."

Napalunok si Reigo habang nakatitig kay Zehannah. His heart was racing. It excited
him. The way his pulse quickened at the sight of Zehannah holding a bottle of wine.
And when Zehannah impatiently pushed him to the bed and straddled his lap, he was
breathing raggedly.

"Hmm. Looks like Mr. Delicacy is excited."

"Yeah..."

"No worries. I am too." Eliza suggested it to her, and she wanted to try it. After
Eliza's suggestion to incorporate food into their wild deeds in bed, wine
immediately came to her mind since she likes an excellent wine after dinner.

Moving her body to kneel on the bed, in between one of Reigo's thigh, she tilted
the wine bottle and poured a small amount of wine on to Reigo's abs.

Reigo hissed a little, and a groan followed it when Zehannah leaned down and licked
the wine off of his abdomen. And then her lips found his nipple and as she suck,
she was rubbing her clit against Reigo's thigh, making them both moan.

"Fuck... Zee..." Reigo gritted his teeth as pleasure ripped through him at every
flick of Zehannah's tongue on his nipple.

It felt so good that it illicit a moan of pleasure from his mouth. Not only that,
he could also feel Zehannah's warm and wet sheath rubbing on his thighs and he was
losing his mind.

"Fuck...!" He wanted to touch her, but every time he would try, Zehannah would swat
away his hand and bit his nipple hard, making his cock hardened even more. "Zee..."

Zehannah pushed herself up while licking her lips. "That was good. Hmm. Let's
continue then, shall we, babe?"

Before Reigo could answer, Zehannah already poured wine from his abdomen to his
groin area.

Looking at Reigo's naked body with wine, Zehannah bit her lower lip. "This is the
best way to enjoy wine." She said, then dipped her head to lick and drink the wine
off of Reigo.

From his abdomen, down to his navel and deeper down to Reigo's groin, she licked
and drank the wine like a thirsty drunkard. And when her mouth was just above
Reigo's rock-hard card, she drank the wine straight from the bottle without
swallowing it, put the wine next to the bed on the floor, then she leaned down and
let Reigo's cock penetrate her mouth.

The moment the tip of Reigo's cock parted her lips, the wine slipped out of her
mouth and covered Reigo's cock, much to Zehannah's delight.

"Hmm...!" Zehannah moaned as Reigo's length reach the back of her throat and the
intoxicating taste and scent of wine was all over him.

Yes. Perfect. Zehannah began sucking Reigo. From the tip to the bottom, her tongue
swirled like a snaked.

"Fuck...! Zee!"

She bobbed her head up and down in fast movement while her tongue swirled and
teased.

"Ahh! Fuck! Zee— ahhh...!"

Hearing Reigo moan crazily, Zehannah swallowed his cock until she gagged and then
sucked him. Up and down. And then lick his length from the tip down to his balls.

"Ahh! Fuck! Yes! Ah! Fuck. Zee..."

She sucked his balls, nipped the skin, play with it with her tongue and then
swallowed it into her mouth and let her tongue tease each ball until she felt
Reigo's legs trembling at the pleasure. Then, as Reigo trembled in sheer ecstasy,
Zehannah freed his balls and swallowed half of Reigo's cock and moved her hand to
stroke him up and down while she sucked him off and bury his cock deep in her
throat.

"Ah! Fuck! I'm coming... fuck! Ahhh..."

Zehannah picked up the pace and her mouth move even faster. Up and down. Reigo's
cock was growing bigger inside her mouth that she was gagging, but did not stop
until she felt his seed spurted inside her mouth.

With the taste of wine and Reigo's cum, Zehannah swallowed it in relish. She was
satiated as she climb on Reigo's and rested on top of him.

Silence fell on the room until Reigo spoke after a while, when they had already
calmed down.

"Tired?"

"My jaw is." She answered.

He chuckled. "Want to get it check?"

"Nah. Kailangan ko lang siguro na tumigil muna sa kakaluhod sayo. I always get
carried away when I'm sucking you. I like it so much that I don't want to stop at
just one round."

And Reigo knew that pretty well. He was, after all, the one on the receiving end of
Zehannah's addiction to sucking. "If your jaw is the only part of you that hurts,
can I roll you over and eat you?"

"Hmm? Sure. Bon appétit."

In a blink of an eye, Zehannah's back was on the bed and Reigo was in between her
thighs, eating her.

Pinipigilan ni Zehannah na mapaungol ng malakas kaya nangunyapit na lang siya sa

headboard na kama habang nakasampay ang isa niya hita sa balikat ni Reigo at
nakabuka naman ang isa para malayang makain ni Reigo ang pagkababae niya.

"Ahh... fuck..." Zehannah was trying so hard to muffle her moan and it was draining
her. The control she had to exercise not to scream in pleasure was exhausting, but
control it, she did.

And just when her body was about to reach the peak of her climax, Reigo stopped
eating her.

It pissed her off.

But before she could complain, Reigo grabbed her legs, hanged it on each side of
his shoulder and without warning, he rammed his stiff cock inside her.

Napamulagat si Zehannah sa sarap na lumukob sa buo niyang pagkatao na nagpasigaw sa

kaniya sa sarap. Nawala bigla sa isip niya ang kagustuhan na huwag sumigaw ng
malakas.

"Ahh! Reigo...!"

Hindi kayang pigilan ang ungol na kumawala sa bibig niya. Sagad na sagad ang
pagkababae niya. Abot hanggang dulo. Punong-puno siya. Ganun kasarap ang nasa loob
niya. At nang nag-umpisa na si Reigo na bayuin ang pagkababae niya, nawala na sa
isip niya ang lahat.

She lost it, and she moaned. And she didn't stop until she orgasmed and Reigo
buried all his seeds inside her.

"Kapag narinig tayo ng mommy mo, lagot ako do'n." Hinihingal na sabi ni Zehannah ng
pabagsak na humiga si Reigo sa tabi niya.

"My parents' room is on the top floor, so that will not happen. Why though?" He
cuddled her close to him.

"She wants a grandchild, Reigo. A grand daughter to be specific."

Reigo chuckled and buried his face in Zehannah's neck. "She always wanted a
daughter, but after me, the Doctor told her she shouldn't get pregnant again.
Nagkaroon kasi ng komplikasyon ang pagbubuntis sakin ni mommy at nag-agaw buhay
siya. Afraid to lose mom, Dad immediately had a vasectomy procedure and I think mom
had a contraceptive implant just to make sure. Gusto pa raw no'n sumubok ni mommy
na magbuntis, pero grabe daw ang iyak ni dad at nagmakaawa siya na huwag na nila
akong sundan dahil hindi daw ni dad kakayanin kapag may nangyaring hindi maganda
kay mommy."

Zehannah smiled at that. It was so sweet and heartbreaking at the same time.

"Mom is a very independent woman, she's used to deciding on her own and doing
things on her own pace, but she said that when she saw dad crying while looking so
afraid to lose her, for the first time, she crumbled and listened to dad."

"You dad seems sweet."

"I'm sweetest." Hindi pahuhuli na wika ni Reigo.

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka isiniksik ang katawan palapit kay Reigo. "You feel
nice."

Reigo smiled at that. "Yeah?"

"Hmm."

"That's why cuddling is a must, my Zee."

Zee just yawned and closed her eyes. "G'night, Reigo."

"Good night, my Zee."

'Yon ang huling narinig ni Zee bago nagdilim ang lahat at mahimbing siyang
nakatulog.

Zehannah had a good sleep. It was expected. Palagi namang maganda ang tulog niya
lalo na kapag nakakatulog siya pagkatapos ng kainan at bayuhan nila ni Reigo.

Nang magising si Zehannah, wala na ang fleece blanket na ginamit nila kagabi at
wala na rin si Reigo. Tanging ang bote na lang ng wine ang nasa bed-side table.
Looking around the entire room, it seemed like nothing lewd happened. She was even
in PJs, much to her shock.

Alam kaagad ni Zehannah na kagagawan 'yon ni Reigo na pinagpasalamat niya.

Ang sweet talaga ng gago na 'yon. Malandi nga lang. Pero mas gusto ko naman ang
malandi keysa sa walang pakialam.

Bumangon si Zehannah saka ini-stretch ang katawan. Bago nagpalit ng damit, nag-
exercise muna siya ng mga trenta minuto bago nag-ayos ng sarili at lumabas.

To her surprise, a maid was waiting for her outside.

"Good morning, Miss Zehannah. I'm Cecil. Pinapunta ho ako rito ni Ma'am Contessa
para sunduin ko kayo. Nakahanda na ho ang agahan."

Thank God. Baka nawala ako kapag nagkataon. "Thank you, Cecil."

Ngumiti si Cecil. "You're welcome po, ma'am." Anito saka nauna nang naglakad sa
kaniya.

Sumunod naman si Zehannah kay Cecil. Akala niya papunta sila sa hapagkainan kung
saan sila kumain kagabi pero agad na na-realize ni Zehannah na hindi doon ang punta
nila ng pumasok sila sa isang hardin na may iba't-ibang uri ng bulaklak na
namumukadkad at sa gitna niyon ay isang may katamtamang laki na pavilion at naroon
ang buong pamilya ni Reigo, kasama na ang binata at nagkakape.

Breakfast was the most important meal of the day and Zehannah wanted to honestly
skip it the moment she saw what was on the table. Remembering the 'letson' last
night, she immediately realized that the breakfast was meant for her and that made
her want to skip breakfast more.

Why?

Because of pancakes. Lots of pancakes. And when she says lots, it was over ten
kinds of pancake.

"Oh! Good morning, Zehan. Come. Let's have breakfast."

Zehannah had no choice but to sit and not gape at the 'breakfast' in front of her.

"Morning, my Zee." Reigo left his chair next to her to kiss her on the forehead and
greet her. "How's your sleep?"

Acting so innocent. Kung silang dalawa lang siguro ni Reigo, napingot na niya ito,
pero syempre dahil kasama nila ang mga magulang nito, lalo na ang ina nito, umakto
rin siyang inosente. "It was good. I enjoyed the Jacuzzi and a bottle of wine."

May kahulugang ngumiti si Reigo sa kaniya bago bumalik sa kinauupuan at gusto niya
itong kurutin pero kinuha ng ina ni Reigo ang atensiyon niya.

"We have blueberry and banana pancake, lemon and sour cream pancakes with
blueberries, cranberry orange pancakes, chocolate berry pancakes, cinnamon roll
pancakes, pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes, Nutella stuffed pancakes, Piña colada
pancakes, fluffy Greek yogurt pancakes, strawberry buttermilk pancakes, peanut
butter chocolate chips pancake, red velvet pancakes and bacon pancakes."

Zehannah just smiled at Reigo's mother, even though her brain felt like exploding
so early in the morning. Who would eat this much pancakes?! Though she was excited
to taste all the pancakes, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by it all. Yes. I
like pancakes. But only the normal ones! The normal!

"And you can choose from our ten different pancake syrups here." Reigo's mother
added. "Also, I learn that you like coffee, so I ask the maids to make you a sample
coffee." She motioned her hands to the small teacups in front of Zehannah. "Take a
sip and tell me which one you like so I can ask the head maid to make you a cup of
coffee choice."

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zehannah sa maliliit na tasa na nasa harapan at walang nagawa
kundi tikman 'yon isa-isa saka sinabi niya sa ina ni Reigo kung anong gusto niya.
"You heard her." Anang ina ni Reigo sa head maid na nasa likod ni Zehannah. "Bring
her a cup of black ivory coffee, please. Thanks, Cecil."

Zehannah nearly did a spit take when she heard the name of the coffee she chose.
Hindi siya mayaman pero kilala niya ang uri ng kape na 'yon.

Tangina. Bakit ka naman ganun dila, ha? At namili ka pa ng mahal! While Zehannah
was beating herself up, Contessa was smiling because of Zehannah's taste bud.

"Mom, stop grinning like that," pansin ni Reigo sa ina. "You're looking like a
villain."

Contessa glared at her son. "Should I kidnap your Zee again?"

Kaagad na tumahimik si Reigo. Habang si Rohan naman ay tahimik na sumisimsim lang

ng kape at pangiti-ngiti.

Seeing her son backing down, Contessa turned her attention to Zehannah. "Kain ka
lang, Zehan. Don't be shy. Pinagawa ko talaga itong maraming pancake para sa'yo."

Zehannah had no words, so she just smiled and eat. Hindi naman sa patay-gutom siya,
pero paborito niya ang pancake kaya lahat ng klase, tinikman niya.

It was honestly the best breakfast she had ever experienced, albeit a little
overwhelming, but she enjoyed it. O siguro dahil nasanay na siya sa dami ng pagkain
kagabi kaya naman naging medyo immune na siya kahit papaano.

"So, what's your favorite pancake, Zehan?" Contessa asked.

"Lahat po masarap, tita." Sagot ni Zehannah na nakangiti. "I can't decide."

Contessa was pleased to hear it. "I know you're leaving afterwards, but can't you
stay for a little more while? Hapon na kayo umuwi ni Reigo, hmm? I still want to
show you around the house and the whole place."

For the first time, Reigo and Zehannah had the same answer.

"No, mom. Let Zehannah rest."

"Maybe some other time, tita. Lunes na kasi bukas. I need to prepare for work."

Contessa sighed and then smiled as if she made an instant recovery. "Alright,
alright. But next weekend, we're roaming around the entire estate, okay? Pupunta
tayo doon sa falls at sa may water terraces. Magandang tumambay doon at lumangoy
lalo na kapag hindi na ganun kataas ang sikat ng araw."

Tumango si Zehannah. "Yes, tita. I'll bring a swimwear next time."

"That sounds nice! Aasahan ko 'yan."

"Yes po, tita."

"... and we're still a decoration, aren't we, son?" Rohan asked Reigo with a smile.

Reigo raised his cup of coffee at his father in understanding and the two sip their
coffee at the same time.

With breakfast finished, it was now time for Reigo and Zehannah to leave. And
there's a problem. Contessa, Reigo's mother, wanted Zehannah to bring home food—not
leftovers, but a newly cooked dish though Zehannah didn't know that. Hindi 'yon ang
problema. Ang problema ay kung saan 'yon nilagay ng ina ni Reigo.

Sa loob ng Louis Vuitton giant monogram bag.

And here I thought I have become immune. Isip ni Zehannah ng tanggapin niya ang
bag.

"Thank you, tita." Aniya. "Pero sana sa eco bag nalang niyo nilagay."

Contessa just waved her hand nonchalantly. "Don't sweat the small stuff. Ingat kayo
sa pag-uwi. Reigo," tumingin ito sa binata. "Drive safely."

"Yes, mom."

"Okay. Bye, you two."

Contessa hugged Zehannah and kissed Reigo on the temple before she let them in the
car. Wala doon ang ama ni Reigo dahil nagkaroon ang isang kompaniya na pagmamay-ari
nito ng emergency meeting.

Ibinaba ni Zehannah ang bintana ng sasakyan ng makasakay saka kumaway siya sa ina
ni Reigo. "Thank you, tita. See you soon po."

"See yah, Zehan."

Contessa and Zehannah shared a smile before Reigo drove his car.

Now on the way out of the Vasquez property, Zehannah leaned back and let out a long
breath.

"Success..." she whispered. "Thank God."

Reigo smiled at that. "I told you they'll like you."

That put a smile on Zehannah's face. "Yeah..."

A lot of emotion was swirling inside Zehannah. But there was one emotion that
surpasses all.

It was happiness.

Happiness of being accepted and liked even after knowing who she was.

"Hey, Reigo."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for asking me to meet your parents." Zehannah said earnestly. "I enjoyed
it."

Reigo's smile widened. "Anytime, my Zee. Anytime."

With that, they finally left the Vasquez property, and the meeting with Reigo's
parents concluded.

Zehannah was nervous before meeting Reigo's parents, and now, she was actually
looking forward to going back and learning from them.
Life really is full of surprises.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 34

ZEHANNAH HAD BECOME so busy in the opening week of their marketing agency that she
was late to realize that Reigo had become her everyday roommate. Biglang naglaho na
parang bula ang usapan nila na weekend lang ito matutulog sa condo niya. She just
realized one busy morning while she was eating breakfast with Reigo, that he hadn't
gone home to the Bachelor's Village to sleep. He was always in her condo.

"Reigo."

"Hmm?"

"Wala ka bang balak na umuwi sa barn?" Tanong ni Zehannah.

Reigo answered nonchalantly. "Huh? Why would I?"

"Huh?" That got Zehannah confused. "Wala kang balak na umuwi ro'n?"

"Do I have to?"

"Um, yes."

"You don't want me here anymore?"

Hindi kaagad nakasagot si Zehannah. She actually enjoyed having Reigo around. She
was just scared that she'll get use to it. In the back of her mind, her fear was
there.

"Zee?"

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka napatingin kay Reigo. Natigilan siya ng makitang

nakatingin din sa kaniya ang binata.

"Puwede naman akong umuwi mamaya." He smiled as if it was nothing. "I know you're
busy, but don't forget to eat dinner, okay?"

Zehannah could tell that behind that smile was someone trying his hardest to
compromise with her. "It's okay. You can stay here."

Reigo's entire face lit up. "Really? Are you sure?" For Reigo, it was a big deal.

"Yep." Tinapos ni Zehannah ang pag-aagahan. "Mali-late nga lang ako ng uwi mamaya
dahil may meeting kami nila Cassia pagkatapos ng trabaho namin." Inabot ni Zehannah
ang cellphone na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa saka nagpadala ng text kay Reigo. "I sent
you my condo's lock combination. Mauna ka na sakin. No need to wait for me or come
get me. Dadalhin ko ang sasakyan ko kasi may pupuntahan akong kompaniya mamaya, so
don't worry about me."
"Noted." Reigo did not even try to hide how happy he was. "Should I make you dinner
tonight or will you be eating out?"

"Out, I think."

"Noted."

Tumingin si Zehannah sa binata habang inuubos ang kape. "Kumuha ka na rin ng damit
sa barn. I can make some space for you in my closet."

He smiled. "On it."

"Huwag mong damihan. Hindi kakayanin ng closet ko." Zehannah finally finished her
coffee and she walk towards Reigo. "See you later." She leaned down and kissed him
on the forehead. "Mauna na ako."

"Ingat sa pagmamaneho." Bilin ni Reigo.

"I will."

"Don't forget to take your pill and the morning-after pill." Paalala ni Reigo sa
dalaga.

"I won't." Zehannah smiled and kissed Reigo on the lips this time. "Thanks, babe."

Sinundan ng tingin ni Reigo si Zehannah na nagmamadaling lumabas ng kusina habang

panay bulong ng 'I'm gonna be late. Shit'.

Napangiti si Reigo kapagkuwan. She always says that, but she never missed a
breakfast with him. Even though how late and busy she was, she would always sit at
the table and have breakfast with him. And he treasures those slight gestures
because for Zehannah to give him time, it was a big deal knowing how busy she was
these days.

"Looks like her agency is doing well..." he mumbled under his breath and continued
his breakfast.

A couple of minutes after that, he heard Zehannah's voice shouting from the living
room. "I'm leaving, babe! See you later!"

Before Reigo could answer, he heard the door opened and closed. "And there goes my
Zee."

Knowing his Zee will once again slay her day, he finished his breakfast and
carefully—very carefully—wash the dishes afterwards. Laking pasasalamat ni Reigo na
wala siyang nabasag.

Hmm. I'm improving. Nice.

Happy with himself, he changed his clothes for work, put everything important in
his leather briefcase and left Zehannah's condo.

Nang makababa siya sa parking lot, nagsalubong ang kilay niya ng makitang may naka-
ipit na papel sa windshield wiper ng sasakyan niya.

Picking it up, he read it.

If you don't leave Zehannah Sevil, she will pay for seducing you.
Mabilis na tumingin si Reigo sa paligid niya. Nang walang makitang kahina-hinalang
tao, pinunit niya ang papel, ibinasura at sumakay sa sasakyan niya.

He didn't have to have a brain to figure out who sent it. So she's still not
stopping, huh?

He called his father while driving.

"Dad, have you talked to Lancove yet?"

"Well, good morning to you too, son." His father chided before he answered his
question. "And yes. I already did after I met Zehannah."

"And? What did the owner say?"

"The woman is out of the company, but the father—the CEO, I think he'll have him
fire too. Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang nangyari."

That's good. "That woman is still hanging around. Just now, she left a note in my
car. I'm getting pissed, dad. I don't want to resort to power play, but if she
tried anything on me and my Zee, I will destroy her."

"Son, relax." His father sounded chill. "You don't need to do anything extreme. Let
your mom take care of it."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo. "Mom?"

"Yeah. She found out about the woman and she was pissed." His father sighed. "I
don't want her moving as much as possible, but you know your mom."

Hearing that, Reigo's calmness returned. "Okay. I'll leave it to mom. What does she
want in return?"

Suddenly, he heard his mom's voice.

"You're really my lovable son, Reigo!"

Napailing si Reigo. "Anong gusto mong kapalit, ma?"

"Oh. Nothing much. Just you know, um... you see... I want to meet Zehan's parents."

Natigilan si Reigo. "What?"

"Yep. I said it!" Nagmamalaki ang boses nito. "I want to meet her parents. They
raised such a fine young woman and I want to meet them."

Reigo sighed heavily. "Mom, Zee is very busy."

"I know. Pero hindi naman niya kailangang samahan ang parents niya. We can have our
dinner without you and her. Just parents to parents." Her mother sounded so
convincing.

Reigo did not want to argue with his mother. "I'll ask Zee and her parents, but
don't hope too much, okay?"

He heard a clap from the other line. "Yes! Thanks, son! I'll go do my work now."

Napailing nalang si Reigo. "Thanks, mom. Bye, dad." Then he ended the call.
It was nice that he had a parent he could rely on anytime, but it always comes at a
price. Oh, well. It's not like it was new. Mula pagkabata niya ganun na ang set up
nila. Ganun din pinalaki ang ama niya. In a way, it made him responsible and aware
that life was difficult. At an early age, he worked hard for what he wanted. He had
to make deals with his sly parents to get the things he needed.

The greatest example of that was when he was a high school freshman. His parents
gave him a list of bags. The bottom one—the most hideous—was free. And to get the
bag on top of the list, the expensive, sturdy and cool looking one, he had to work
in his father's company as a secretary to his father's secretary.

His father's secretary, Mr. Froilan, was very strict with him. Walang araw sa buong
summer niya na hindi siya inutusan at pinagtrabaho. He was cursing him to no end at
that time, but looking back now, his work that summer was a great experience.

Sighing at the memory, he drove carefully to his company and sent a message to
Zehannah about his mother's request after he parked his car.

Knowing how busy she was, she didn't wait for her reply and went to his office to
work.

He was a busy man, too. Hindi lang halata.

REIGO GOT HOME early. It was eight PM, but it was still early than Zehannah who
only texted him once today to tell him they'll talk about his mom's request when
she got home.

Alone in Zehannah's condo, he ordered dinner for himself and ordered food in
Calderon's restaurant to be delivered at Zehannah's agency for his Zee's dinner.

Afterwards, he eats, cleaned up and watch Zee's favorite show on Netflix that had
become his favorite as well.

When the clock strikes ten, he decided to wait for Zehannah in her room. He wanted
to cuddle, so he hugged her pillow as he lay on the bed. He had nothing better to
do that his eyes started closing.

Before he could control his eyelids, his eyes closed, and he fell asleep.

Reigo didn't know how long he slept, he just came awake when he felt someone lying
on top of him.

He slowly opened his eyes as he sleepily groan, but the scent of someone on top him
entered his nostrils. He closed his eyes again and wrapped his arm around the
person on top of him.

"How's your day, my Zee?" He asked, his voice still sleepy but trying to be awake.

"Tiring," she answered. "You?"

"So-so. How did the meeting go?"

"It's okay. Our agency is doing great for a small and inexperience one."
"That's good to hear."

"Hmm. I want to celebrate our opening with you, but I'm too busy. It's making my
head spin."

"Saka na tayo mag-celebrate kapag hindi ka na masyadong busy."

"Yeah. That's my plan too. I'll clear my entire weekend for you next month. Sorry
kasi wala talaga akong oras ngayong buwan. Nangangapa pa kami ni Cassia at ang
daming kailangang gawin at asikasuhin. Ayoko namang basta ka nalang isingit tapos
walang kasiguraduhan na hindi ako magiging busy no'n."

"It's okay." Tulad ng sinabi niya kay Zehannah. Alam niya kung anong pinasok niya.
"I understand. Just keep working and keep slaying it. We'll be fine."

"You sure? You don't want my attention?"

"There's a time and place for that." Reigo answered. "Magsisinungaling ako kung
sasabihin kong hindi pero nakikita ko naman na tulog nalang ang pahinga mo kaya
ayos lang. Keep working and I'll do the same. You're giving me your weekends next
month, anyway. I can wait."

That put Zehannah's mind at ease. "Thank you."

"You welcome." Reigo tightened his embrace around Zehannah's waist. "You smell
nice, by the way, my Zee."

"You too. Want to cuddle?"

That put a smile on Reigo's lips. "I thought you enjoy sleeping on top of me."

"Hmm."

"Then stay there and destress."

That put a smile on Zehannah's lips. "Thanks."

"Sure. Just got home?"

"Medyo. Nag-half bath lang ako tapos pumatong ako sayo."

"Patong lang ang gusto mong gawin?"

Zehannah wanted to roll her eyes, but she's too tired. "I don't think I have the
strength to open my legs and moan with you."

"When do you think you'll have time?" He asked. "I'm always ready to go to war in
bed for you."

Lihim na napailing nalang si Zehannah. "Inaantok na ako dahil sa kalandian mo. Can
we talk about this tomorrow?"

"'Yong kalandian ko? Sure. Good night, my Zee."

"Hmm. G'night, babe."

Reigo smiled at that and observed Zehannah's breathing. When it became even, he
moved her body to lie on the bed, then he cuddled her close to him.
Once it was comfortable, he closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

When morning came, he woke up before Zehannah and didn't leave the bed until she
opened her eyes. And when she did, he was the first one she saw.

"Good morning, my Zee." He greeted her with a smile. "Rise and shine. Look at me
and my handsomeness. It can make your day dazzling."

Naghikab si Zehannah. "Bakit pakiramdam ko binantayan mo ako hanggang magising para

ikaw ang una kong makita?" Reigo just smiled innocently, making Zee sighed.
"Morning to you too, Mr. Delicacy." She kissed him on the lips while he hugged her
around her waist and pulled her close.

"Five-thirty pa lang," ani Reigo. "Want to talk about my mom's request?"

"Oh, that? Yeah." She gave all her attention to Reigo. "Hindi mo sinabi sa text
kung bakit kaya hindi ko masabi sa parents ko."

Napangiwi si Reigo. "I don't know too. Gusto lang daw sila ma-meet ni mommy. You
know how weird she is."

Of course, Zehannah couldn't decide for her parents. "I'll ask Papi today, then
I'll update you. How about it?"

"I appreciate that. Thanks."

Isiniksik ni Zehannah ang katawan sa katawan ni Reigo dahil mainit ang katawan nito
sa ilalim ng comforter. "Babe?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you drive me to work today?"

"Sure." Reigo's answer was quick.

"Thanks." Zehannah smiled. Kahit hindi naman aabot sa kalahating minuto ang biyahe
patungo sa agency nila ni Cassia, dagdag oras pa rin 'yon para magkasama at
magkausap sila ni Reigo.

They label their relationship as 'dating', but they hadn't gone on a date recently.
She wanted to clear her weekend schedule, but that means cancelling on Reigo's
mother.

Zehannah sighed, and it didn't go unnoticed to Reigo.

"You okay? Sighing in the morning while you're in front of this handsome and
delicious specimen is outrageous, my Zee."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "I'm just thinking about this coming weekend."

"Anong mayroon? Maglilibot lang naman kayo ni Mommy sa buong bahay namin. Nothing
to worry about it, but mom is weird, so just brace yourself."

Kinurot niya sa tagiliran si Reigo na mahinang ikinatawa nito. "Mag-request kaya

ako sa mommy mo na ikaw na lang ang maglibot sakin?"

"If you want me to be killed by my mom, please go ahead."

"Stop exaggerating."
"I'm not." He kissed her forehead. "I don't think mom will say yes to that. You
have to bargain with her before she ever agrees with you."

"Bargain like?"

"Don't even think about it." Mabilis na pigil ni Reigo sa dalaga. "Mom is
different, so her deals are different as well. Kaya ito ang isang bagay na hindi
kita hahayaan."

That intrigued Zehannah, but she didn't voice it out. "Okay. I won't bargain with
her, so relax."

Reigo was relieved. "That's good. Don't even try it. It's dangerous."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah dahil halatang takot si Reigo sa ina nito. "Anong oras
na pala? Isn't it time to get up and get ready?"

"Hmm? Nope. We still have fifteen minutes to talk."

"Oh. Okay. May gusto ka pang pag-usapan?"

"Yeah."

"What?"

"I missed you."

Natigilan si Zehannah. "Hmm? Palagi ka namang nandito sa condo ko."

"Iba naman 'yon."

Zehannah knew what Reigo meant, so she asked. "Want to go on a date this weekend?"

"But you already promised mom..."

"Yes, I did. Pero umaga naman 'yon. You can have my night."

"All night?" There was a hint of lewdness in his voice.

"Yep. All night."

"Okay. It's a date!"

Hearing happiness in Reigo's voice, Zehannah closed her eyes, not knowing that she
would fall asleep.

Thirty minutes later, Reigo woke her up with his lips and fresh, minty breath.

"Wake up, my Zee. Breakfast is ready."

Zehannah stretched her body while opening her eyes. After a little groan, she gave
Reigo a quick good morning kiss, then she left the bed and went to the bathroom.

Napangiti naman si Reigo sa ginawa ng dalaga bago lumabas ng kuwarto.

After a little while, Zehannah entered the kitchen and shared a breakfast and a
small talk with Reigo. Nang matapos silang dalawa, hinatid ni Reigo si Zehannah sa
agency nito at pinagpatuloy ang pag-uusap nila kanina ng kahit na ano lang.
Just small talks and a little flirting makes Reigo and Zehannah's day different—a
little brighter and happier.

"See you tonight." Ani Reigo ng iparada ang sasakyan sa harap ng C&Z Marketing
Agency. "Susunduin kita."

"Okay. Thanks. Bye!" She gave him a quick kiss on the corner of his lips and
hurriedly went out to avoid being late.

Napangiti naman si Reigo habang pinagmamasdan si Zehannah. Nang mawala ang dalaga
sa paningin niya, saka lang siya umalis at pumunta sa kompaniya niya para
magtrabaho rin.

But maybe his day was not meant to go well. Because when he opened his email, he
received a message from that witch bitch. Dapat idi-delete niya kaagad pero
aksidente niyang nabuksan 'yon.

And he stilled when he saw a photo of Zehannah kissing someone.

Almost immediately, his jealousy flared up, and he became infuriated until he heard
his phone on the table beeped and it opened, showing him his phone's lock screen.

A photo of him and Zehannah leaning on the bed's frame while making wacky faces.

Slowly, his mind went back to being rational. Fortunately. He didn't do something
he might regret. And since he was still over thinking, he saved the photo and sent
it to Zehannah.

Yes. He asked her. Walang mangyayari kung hindi siya magtatanong. Knowing Zehannah,
she would give it to him straight.

And she did.

She called, "That's Rommel, my recent ex, before I met you the first time."

"And you haven't seen him ever since you broke up?"

"Yep. I've been single since that night at the club. Why? Jealous?" Zehannah teased
Reigo, because he's too serious.

Reigo did not hide it. "Yeah. But this photo was taken before we started seeing
each other, so that's fine. I mean... I'm jealous and pissed and I'm feeling my
possessiveness welling up, but you had a life before you met me—same with me—and I
have to accept that. But I'm still jealous, so there's that."

Seriously, Zehannah should find Reigo's jealousy suffocating, because who likes a
jealous man? But she was not feeling suffocated one bit. She was actually smiling
because she finds him adorable.

"You know, Reigo. I don't kiss in public and that photo was taken from my ex's
birthday in a restaurant with his friends. I'm pretty sure we only dance because I
don't do PDA."

"But you kissed me in public all the time. I mean... you let me kiss you in
public."

Zehannah sighed at that. "Yeah, well. You're different from them, so don't be
jealous anymore. And I'm sure that that photo is edited, so don't waste your energy
on that, okay?"

"Okay." Paused, then he muttered. "I'm still jealous and I'm pissed at that witch
bitch for making me feel like this."

Nagdilim ang mukha ni Zehannah ng makompirma na galing nga ang larawan na 'yon sa
babaeng 'yon. "Don't mind her. Nagpapapansin lang 'yon sayo. You should have seen
how many photos of you and your exes kissing I received from her."

Biglang natahimik si Reigo na akala ni Zehannah na nawala ito sa kabilang linya.

But when she checked, he was still there.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Reigo?"

"Um... yeah?"

"What's with the tense voice?"

"Photo of me... and my exes kissing?"

"Yep."

Zehannah was so nonchalant that Reigo's voice change from tense to in pain. "You
must be the not-jealous-type."

"Oh, I am." Zehannah smiled, and it was a good thing Reigo couldn't see it. It was
a dark, threatening smile. "But you met them before me and they're all bitches, so
why bother?"

"T-thanks."

"Welcome. I'm so nice, right?"

"Yes. Very." Mabilis na sagot ni Reigo.

"Great! Then, I'm hanging up now. I have tons of work."

"Okay. See you later. Bye."

"Bye."

The line ended and Reigo sigh a breath of relief. Looks like that witch bitch
really wanted to destroy what my Zee and I have. Good thing my Zee is levelheaded
while I... well... I snapped.

Reigo sighed and deleted the witch bitch's email and blocked her before he went
back to work.

But Reigo couldn't focus even in his meeting in the morning, so he ended up sending
Zehannah a message if he could call. But there was no reply, even though it was
lunchtime.

Just when he was about to leave his office to see Zehannah, the door to his office
opened and Zehannah entered while carrying a paper bag.

He blinked. "Zee...?"

Zehannah chuckled at Reigo's stunned face. "The one and only."

"You're... here?"

"I have some free time, so, want to have lunch together?" She showed him the paper
bag. "Fresh from Thorn's restaurant."

Reigo didn't answer. He just got up and went to hug Zehannah.

And Zehannah welcomed it. That's why she was here, anyway. Because she knew Reigo
would be secretly sulking and he'll be bothered the whole day, so she begged Cassia
to give her a two-hour lunch break.

"Kain na tayo?"

"I rather eat you."

Zehannah sighed at that, "not today. Just normal eating, Reigo. May meeting pa ako
sa isang client pagkatapos dito."

"Okay." He grumbled, but when she saw his face, he looked better than earlier.
"Just normal eating."

Napailing si Zehannah saka kumawala sa yakap ni Reigo at inilapag ang paper bag na
dala sa center table ng sofa. "Come on. Let's eat. I only have one hour to be with
you, so let's—"

"—use it wisely." Reigo said and claimed Zehannah on the lips before he whispered,
"Zee, my bathroom is big."

Zehannah sighed because she wanted it too. "Just a quickie."

Reigo smiled and took Zehannah to the bathroom where Zehannah learned that a
quickie with Reigo could still mess her up too.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 35

WHEN ZEHANNAH told her parents about Reigo's mother wanting to meet them, they
didn't even hesitate to accept the invitation, much to Zehannah's surprise. And
when she asked why, her Papi's answer was, 'not everyone could accept us, Zehan.
Tanggap na namin 'yon ng Papa mo. So, for Reigo's mother to take an interest in us
rather than disdain after she met you, we would gladly and proudly meet her as you
parents.'.

Hindi maitago ni Zehannah na masaya siya na walang natanggap na panghuhusga sa

pamilya ni Reigo ng malaman ng mga ito na dalawa ang ama niya.

They seemed like they didn't mind at all. Just like how Reigo did not mind that he
had two fathers.

They really are Reigo's parents. She thought.

"Master Zehan?"

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah ng marinig ang boses ni Cassia na hindi niya namalayan

na nasa harapan na pala ng mesa niya at may inaabot sa kaniyang dokumento.

"Oh, Cassia," tinangap niya ang dokumento na inaabot nito sa kaniya, "need
anything?"

Cassia nodded and placed a folder on her table. "Nandiyan na lahat ng dokumento na
kailangan ng notaryo. Gretch is doing our accounts, so no worries with that." Si
Gretch ay ang empleyado nila na nakatuka sa accounting. "By the way, Zehan, may
malaking kompaniya na gustong kunin ang serbisyo natin. I'm a bit skeptical,
though. What do I do?"

Nginitian ni Zehannah ang kaibigan. "Don't panic and research about what kind of
company they are and how their employees and costumers view them. Analyze their
public relation and start from there. Kapag maayos naman sila, tanggapin natin.
It's not every day that we get a big client. Siguradong mahihirapan tayo, pero
pagtutulungan natin. We're hiring new employees next month, so they'll be able to
help as well. I'll take over some of your minor projects so you could focus on our
new big client. And if you need help, just tell me."

Suminghot-singhot si Cassia saka sinugod ng yakap si Zehannah. "I'm so glad I

partnered with you, Zehan! Kung mag-isa lang ako, baka sumabog ang utak ko."

Zehannah flicked Cassia's forehead. "I'm sure you'll be just fine, even if you're
doing this alone. Malisyosa ka lang at hindi ko maintindihan ang isip minsan pero
pagdating sa trabaho, maasahan ka."

Cassia grinned. "Thank you, master Zehan."

Zehannah sigh at Cassia. "You should really stop calling me master. Kung ano-ano na
tuloy ang iniisip ng mga mga empleyado natin dahil diyan."

Cassia just looked away and tip-toed out of Zehannah's office. Napabuntong-hininga
naman si Zehannah saka binuksan ang folder na inilapag ni Cassia sa mesa niya.

We really need new employees. Parami na na ng parami ang trabaho nila na hindi na
'yon kaya ni Zehannah lahat. At hindi niya inaasahan 'yon. With Cassia's husband
and his friends' recommendation and also Reigo's, they were too busy for a small
agency, so they needed more helping hand.

And more employees mean more efficiency when it comes to handling projects and, of
course, her work wouldn't consume her time.

Isn't it just me low-key wanting to have time with Reigo? Zehannah face palmed.

She never wanted to be invested in someone because they always leave her one way or
another, but here she was with Reigo. She called it dating, but really, what they
have could already be called 'in a relationship'. She was just to coward to label
it as that because everyone who became in a relationship with her left her in the
end.

At the back of her mind, it was telling her that Reigo would do the same even when
she knew he wouldn't.

It was hard fighting her brain. She was trying, but she could not even do the bare
minimum. Sobrang suwerte lang niya na naiintindihan siya ni Reigo, pero hanggang
kailan 'yon? Lahat naman may hangganan. Lahat may katapusan.

I'm overthinking again.

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka akmang babalik na sa trabaho para mawala ang
mga iniisip niya ng tumunog ang cellphone niya.

A text message from an unregistered number.

Thinking that it might be Emma, she quickly picked it up and was planning to block
the number fast when she read the content of the message.

'Zehan! It's Reigo's mom. 😙 I heard from Reigo that your parents agreed?! Yes!
Thank you so much! Would you mind asking if there's a restaurant they prefer for
dinner?'

That made Zehannah smile. Reigo's family may be rich, but they were a considerate
bunch.

'Hi, Tita. I can give you Papi's number so you two can talk. Baka kasi hindi ako
maka-reply kaagad kung may tanong pa ho kayo. Sobrang dami kong ginagawa. 😢 I'm
sorry, Tita.'

'No need to apologize, Zehan. It's okay. I would love to ask your father directly,
but make sure to tell him you gave me his number, okay? Baka magulat 'yon.'

'Yes, Tita. I just sent a message to Papi with your number. Anyway, here's my
Papi's number.' Zehannah sent the message with her Papi's number attached.

'Thanks, Zehan! Good luck with your work 😚.'

Napangiti si Zehannah sa emoji na ginagamit ng ina ni Reigo saka i-si-nave niya ang
numero nito bago bumalik sa pagta-trabaho.

Without Zehannah's and Reigo's knowledge, but with their consent, Contessa, Reigo's
mother and Dan, one of Zehannah's father, started messaging each other after
introducing themselves.

And their topic was the upcoming dinner.

'Whichever restaurant you prefer is okay with us, Sir Dan. No worries.' Contessa.

'I wouldn't dare choose, Ma'am Contessa.' Dan.

'I insist.' Contessa.

'Well... if that's the case, then how about dinner at our house? We'll prefer the
food as a token of our gratitude for taking good care of our daughter.' Dan.

'Oh, my! Is that really okay?! We don't want yo intrude, but we would love to, of
course!' Contessa.

'Great! How about this coming Sunday?' Dan.

'Yes. We're free every weekend. By the way, should we drag those two to our dinner?
I feel like seeing them together. They always look good.' Contessa.

'How about we surprised them?' Dan.

'Oh! I love how your mind works, Sir Dan! Very ingenious. Nagmana sayo si Zehan.'
Contessa.

'You flatter me, Ma'am Contessa. You are very exceptional as well. Nagmana sayo si
Reigo.' Dan.

The two both smiled as they compliment each other and they continued their talk. At
walang kamalay-malay ang mga anak nila na naging partners in crime na ang dalawa.

ZEHANNAH CAME HOME late again. Pero nang makauwi siya sa condo, wala pa roon si
Reigo. Does he have a dinner meeting? Tanong ni Zehannah sa sarili habang hinihubad
ang damit. She was hoping they could eat dinner together or something.

She planned to message Reigo after taking a half-bath, but a chat from some
'random' woman, she was certain it was Emma again, beat her to it.

It was a photo of Reigo and a woman in a restaurant. And the two were sitting
pretty close, almost touching and very intimate.

Zehannah immediately knew that the photo was taken today because the Reigo in the
photo was wearing the same clothes he was wearing today.

Nagtagis ang bagang ni Zehannah at tumalim ang mga mata niya pero pilit niyang
pinapakalma ang sarili. She was overflowing with jealousy that she wanted to laugh
at herself because she was closed to snapping.

Thankfully, some part of her brain remained rational.

Knowing that Emma sent it, it could be edited or a forceful intimate picture—Emma's
specialty. Yeah. Let's not make it a big deal. Reigo would never do it.

Yeah. She says that, but she was jealous. Sa selos na nararamdaman niya sa mga
sandaling 'yon, may takot 'yon na kaakibat. Takot na maiiwan na naman siya. Takot
na kailangan na naman niyang gawin ang lahat para makalimot. Takot na masaktan. At
takot na dumagdag si Reigo sa mga taong gusto niyang kalimutan.

She was too afraid that she didn't move from sitting on the edge of the bed, just
staring at the floor, thinking, until she heard the door to her condo opened.

"My Zee? Your home?"

Mahilis na umalis si Zehannah sa pagkakaupo saka patakbong lumabas ng kuwarto niya.

She didn't know what possessed her, but she run to Reigo and hugged him tightly
when she reached him.

And the relief she felt when she didn't smell a woman on Reigo was evident. He
smells the same. Smells good. No foreign scent. It was all Reigo.

Reigo, on the other hand, was confused and stunned at Zehannah's action. He was not
expecting such a greeting from her.

"Miss me?" Reigo asked.

"Hmm." Zehannah hummed and tightened her hug around Reigo's neck. "You smell nice,
by the way."
That put a smile on Reigo's lips. "You too, my Zee. Kumain ka na?"

Umiling si Zehannah habang nakayakap pa rin kay Reigo.

"Want to eat with me? Normal dinner. I promise."

"Hindi ka pa busog? Didn't you have dinner?"

Natigilan si Reigo sa tanong na 'yon ng dalaga. Did I tell her I have a dinner
meeting? "Hindi ako nakakain ng maayos sa dinner meeting."

"Bakit?"

"Nawalan ako ng gana."

"Bakit?"

"Someone I was not expecting showed up."

"Sino?"

Nagtataka talaga si Reigo sa pagiging palatanong ni Zehannah dahil hindi naman nito
gawain 'yon, pero sinagot pa rin niya ang dalaga. "An ex."

"Oh."

"Yeah. She was my first girlfriend." He confessed as he hugged his Zee as if they
were not in the middle of the living room. "She didn't cheat on me, but she left me
to pursue her studies in the UK. No hard feelings, though."

It must be that pretty woman in the photo. Zehannah thought and her mood became
sour. Still, she controlled her jealousy and let go of Reigo. "Order tayo ng
pagkain? Anong gusto mo?"

Reigo stared at Zehannah. "My Zee... you're not looking good. Are you sick?"

"Nah." Zehannah tried smiling. "Just tired because of work. Okay lang ako."

"You sure?"

Tumango si Zehannah saka kinuha ang cellphone sa kuwarto at umorder ng pagkain

habang nagbibihis si Reigo. Nang makapagbihis ang binata, sinamahan siya nito sa
kama at niyakap siya mula sa likuran habang nakaupo silang dalawa sa gilid niyon.

The two were silent until Zehannah couldn't take it anymore and asked. "Bakit
nawalan ka ng gana ng dumating ang first ex-girlfriend mo?"

Reigo blinked at Zehannah's random question and then it all sank in. "Zee... are
you jealous of Katrin?"

Zehannah froze, then she mumbled. "Isn't that normal? I like you, after all."

Kumawala ang malapad na ngiti sa labi ni Reigo saka mas hinigpitan pa ang yakap kay
Zehannah. "It's been more than a decade since Katrin and I broke up. Honestly, I
already forgot about her. Nawalan ako ng gana hindi dahil nakita ko siya kundi
dahil sa inakto niya. She's the daughter of the owner of Verona Real-estate that I
have an enormous project with and she'd been trying to get close to me the whole
dinner. I lost my appetite."
"You did not like her advances?" Zehannah asked.

"Well, she's not my Zee, so why would I?"

Zehannah leaned against Reigo's chest. "Maghahabol din ba siya katulad ni Emma?"

"I don't know. But if she does, can I call you to save me?"

Umingos si Zehannah. "Can't you save yourself?"

"I enjoy being saved by you." Reigo smiled and kissed Zehannah's neck. "Pero sana
hindi niya ako kulitin. I don't want to deal with another witch bitch. She seemed
like a nice girl before, but now... I don't know anymore."

Umingos ulit si Zehannah. "Wala akong paki kung mabait siya noon, huwag lang siya
tutulad kay Emma dahil baka mauna ko siyang masapak keysa kay Emma."

Reigo's smile widened. "Hmm. My Zee is very possessive."

"Nah. Ayoko lang na ma-harass ka ulit. It's not a good feeling. Though I'm a bit
nervous, to be honest." Pag-amin ni Zehannah. "We're just 'dating', that means you
can leave and switch boat. And she's wealthy, like you, so I think that's a plus."

Natigilan si Reigo sa paghalik sa leeg ni Zehannah. "My Zee... you're not planning
on switching boat, are you?"

"Nope."

"Then we're good." Reigo was back to kissing Zehannah's neck. "I like our boat.
It's homey and comfortable."

Zehannah closed her eyes. "Yeah. Me too. It's a fragile boat, though."

"No worries. Kailangan lang naman nating alagaan ang bangka natin."

"Yeah. You're right." Then Zehannah sighed. "Kaso ang daming sirena na nakapalibot
sa bangka natin na gusto kang akitin. Nakakabuwesit."

Reigo smiled against Zehannah's neck. "Why would I look outside our boat when I
already have the most beautiful temptress with me that could overpower those puny
sirens?"

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah sa sinabi ni Reigo. "And now we're both being cheesy."

"It's facts though."

Zehannah said nothing and just continued leaning on Reigo while waiting for their
food.

"Zee...?"

"Hmm?"

"Would you mind if we move our relationship to exclusively dating?" Reigo waited
with bated breath while waiting for Zehannah's answer.

Maybe if it was before, Zehannah would definitely mind. But after being with Reigo
for months, she didn't think she does anymore. "I don't mind."
A relieved breath escape Reigo's lips, and a happiness surged inside him. "That
means you won't change boat, too."

Zehannah wanted to scoff at that. In her emotional estate at the moment, that will
never happen. Well, unless something came up.

"You say that as if someone is going to steal me away from you."

"You'll never know."

Umingos si Zehannah. "Hindi ako madaling makuha, Reigo."

"What if someone better than me came along?"

"I doubt that." Zehannah closed her eyes. "Hindi ko sinasabi sayo kasi ang hangin
mo at baka madagdagan pa ang kahanginan mo pero sasabihin ko na rin para mapanatag
ka. For me, you're better than anyone. Heck, you're actually my ideal man. Maliban
sa kahanginan at kaharutan mo, pero kaya ko namang palampasin 'yon kasi mahangin at
maharot din ako." She shrugged. "I don't think there's another man who would
understand me and compromise with me like you do. So no. I doubt that there's a man
who will be better than you in my eyes."

Zehannah expected a massive reaction from Reigo, but to her surprised, it was a
quiet one.

How quiet? Well, he stopped breathing.

"Babe, breathe."

Finally, Reigo release a breath and was silent for a while, just hugging her tight.
"Zee?"

"Hmm?"

"When it comes to my exes, you have nothing to worry about. I'm not a fan of second
chances—well, until I met you. Ikaw lang ang ginusto kong makita ulit at balikan.
Ikaw lang ang gusto kong habulin ng paulit-ulit."

Zehannah wouldn't deny that Reigo's earnest words made her feel at ease. "I'll keep
that in mind."

"Thank you."

"Hmm." Zehannah then moved to change her sitting position. From sitting on the edge
of the bed to sitting on Reigo's lap, facing him. And then she cupped his handsome
face. "Magiging busy ako mula bukas hanggang sa makapag-hire kami ng dagdag
empleyado. I'm pretty sure I will not have time for you, but I'll try to come home
early. That said," she smiled, "I hope Katrin won't harass you while I'm busy."

"I won't let her."

That's enough for Zehannah. "Okay. I'm good."

Seeing Zehannah back to her usual self, Reigo smiled. "By the way, my Zee, I have a
drunken appointment with the lunatics this coming Friday."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah dahil naguluhan siya. "Drunken... appointment?"

"Hmm. Inuman." Tumango si Reigo. "May manglilibre kaya hindi ako puwedeng um-
absent. Minsan lang mangyari 'yon kaya dapat samantalahin—ay, sulitin pala."

Dahil sa amazona group chat, kahit papaano ay may kaunting ideya si Zehannah kung
ano ang mga ugali ng mga kaibigan ni Reigo kapag ito ang magkakasama. "Sure. Kung
maglalasing ka, huwag kang mag drive."

Reigo smiled, "noted, my Zee."

Papangaralan pa sana ni Zehannah si Reigo ng tumunog ang door bell ng condo.

"Mukhang dumating na ang pagkain natin." Aniya.

"I'll get it." Boluntaryo ni Reigo.

Kaagad namang umalis si Zehannah sa pagkakaupo sa hita nito at lumipat ng upo sa

kama. Nang tumayo si Reigo at lumabas ng kuwarto, napansin ni Zehannah na dumupilas
ang cellphone nito na nasa harapang bulsa nito at nagulog sa kama.

Picking it up to put it on the bedside table, Zehannah couldn't help running the
message that popped up on the notification when the while screen lit up.

From an unregistered number.

'Hindi kita nakalimutan habang nag-aaral ako, Reigo. I keep thinking about you.
That's why I'm here, Reigo. I want you back. Please give me a chance. I will do
anything.'

Zehannah closed Reigo's phone and put it on the bedside table like she planned to
do.

Hindi ikakaila ni Zehannah na naapektuhan siya sa text na nabasa, pero nagdesisyon

na siyang pagkatiwalaan si Reigo.

If that woman successfully takes Reigo, then she'll let them be. She'll be hurt for
sure, but she had this thinking that if Reigo wanted to stay with her, then he
won't let himself be taken away from her. Kasi kahit naman anong gawin niya, kahit
tumambling at mag-split pa siya, kung magpapaakit si Reigo sa iba, wala siyang
magagawa.

Walang makakapigil sa lalaking gustong magpaakit sa iba. 'Yan ang paniniwala ni

Zehannah dahil 'yon ang nakita niya sa mga magulang niya habang lumalaki siya.

Ang daming gustong umakit sa Papa niya, babae man o lalaki, pero walang nangyari,
kasi ang Papi lang talaga niya ang gusto ng Papa niya. Yes, her Papi was a war
freak, but it wouldn't have mattered if her Papa did not seriously want to stay
with her Papi. And that's a fact.

"My Zee! Dinner's ready!"

Umalis si Zee sa kama at lumabas ng kuwarto. Nang makapasok siya sa kusina,

naghahain na si Reigo at napangiti siya.

Naalala pa niya nuong nag-agahan siya kina Cassia at nakita niya kung paano alagaan
ni Thorn ang kaibigan niya. Sabi niya kung hindi magiging kasing maalaga ni Thorn
ang magiging asawa niya, ayaw niya.

And now, here she was, watching Reigo take care of her in his own way, and she
wouldn't have it any other way. Oo nga at pagpi-prito lang ang alam ng Reigo niya,
pero wala siyang paki. Puwede naman kaming umorder ng pagkain. Sa isip niya saka
mahinang natawa at napailing. I have become so biased.

"Hmm?" Reigo was confused, seeing Zehannah shaking her head. "Ayaw mo sa pagkain?"

"Nope. May naisip lang ako." Nilapitan niya ang binata saka hinalikan ito sa gilid
ng labi. "Kain na tayo?"

Reigo smiled after being kissed. "Sure. Let's eat."

Zehannah and Reigo shared the simple dinner they ordered. And while eating, they
talked, they laughed, and they had fun sharing small talks.

Maybe I'm being biased, Zehannah thought, but really, no one could compare Reigo in
her eyes.

And when Zehannah thought of that, she could only sigh and smiled at Reigo whose
oblivious to her thoughts.

I'm pretty sure that this was not a simple 'like' anymore. And I'm in deep trouble.

CECELIB | C.C.

A/N: Sorry for the late update these past few days. Been busy with my family
lately. I'll try to update daily again. Thank you for understanding 🧡

CHAPTER 36

ZEHANNAH WAS happy that she could still be a rational woman after receiving tons of
photos and delusional messages from Emma. And for some reason, Reigo's ex, Katrin,
joined the bandwagon and sent her a message telling her to back off because Reigo
was hers.

Ayaw niyang patulan ang dalawa dahil gusto niya ng personal na bardagulan, pero
mapilit ang mga ito. At dahil sumabay pa ang dalawa sa busy niyang araw, mas lalong
nadagdagan ang iritasyon niya kaya naman nag reply na siya kay Katrin.

'Kung sayo, e di kunin mo. 'Yon lang ay kung kaya mo. And a friendly advice, stop
being friends with that witch bitch, Emma, pareho na kayong nagiging delusyonal.
Bye. Have a good day.'

"Kung kailan ako nag reply, saka walang masabi." Napa-tsk si Zehannah saka
napailing. "Kung personal na bardagulan nalang sana, hindi ako hihindi. Mas madali
'yon."

Akmang i-o-off niya ang cellphone ng makatanggap ng text galing sa Papi niya.
'Dinner at our house this Saturday, 'nak. Bring Reigo with you.'

Ang totoo niyan, gusto niyang manatili sa condo niya buong weekend para magkasama
sila ni Reigo na sila lang, pero hindi niya kayang hindian ang ama lalo na't alam
niyang na-meet na nito ang mga magulang ni Reigo nuong isang araw. Gusto niyang
malaman kung anong pinag-usapan ng mga ito.

Though unbeknownst to Zehannah, the 'meet-up' actually didn't happen. Gawa-gawa

lang 'yon ni Dan at Contessa para surpresahin ang mga anak nila sa sabado kung
kailan mangyayari ang tunay na meet up.

The clueless Zehannah replied. 'Sure, Papi. See you this weekend.'

'See you, nak.'

Napangiti siya sa reply ng ama pero nawala ang ngiti niya ng makatanggap ng mensahe
galing sa ex ni Reigo. She already stopped blocking every unregistered number that
comes into her inbox because there was no point. Mayaman sa simcard ang dalawa.
Siya ang napapagod sa kaka-block.

'Talagang kukunin ko siya. Just you watch!'

Zehannah was in the mood for sarcasm since the bitch already ruined her coffee
break, so she replied to annoy Katrin. 'Sure. I'll watch. Please make it worth my
while, okay? Reigo is only soft to me, so good luck. You need lots of it.'

'Spare me the sarcasm. He was mine first and I will be his last. I will show you a
really splendid show, so watch closely.'

Zehannah replied with emoji to show what she was feeling. '😐🥱😪 hurry and steal him
away. If you could. I wish you good luck. 💪'

Nanlisik ang mata ni Katrin sa kabilang linya ng mabasa ang sagot ng girlfriend ni
Reigo sa mensahe niya. She had been trying to get into the woman's skin, but that
woman was unbothered and always sarcastic.

"I will really show you...!" Katrin said with gritted teeth. "How hard could it be
to seduce a guy?" Katrin smirked and caressed her own body curves seductively.
"Once I'm naked, Reigo wouldn't be able to say no."

Katrin couldn't accept the fact that Reigo rejected her. She was perfect for him!
Ever since they were in high school, she was the only perfect girl for him! Only
her! So for Reigo to reject her was unacceptable.

With that plan in mind, Katrin left her place and went to Reigo's company.

Less than an hour later, the headache arrived at Reigo's office and wanted to force
her way in, but Reigo's secretary, Oliver, was back from the island. He was tanned
and not feeling nice today, so Katrin's bitchiness was not working.

"Look, ma'am, you don't have an appointment. That means you can't enter Sir Reigo's
office. Gaano ba kahirap intindihin 'yon?" Malakas lang ang loob ni Oliver na
sumagot-sagot dahil alam niyang po-protektahan siya ng boss niya lalo na't nasa
tama siya. "Sir Reigo is a busy man. He has no time for you."

Katrin was fuming mad. "Don't you know who I am?! I'm Reigo's girlfriend!"

Tumaas ang kilay ni Oliver saka pinulot ang cellphone at mabilis na kinunan ng
larawansi Katrin. "I have to check with my boss." Ani Oliver. "Girlfriend or not,
you have no appointment and that's that."

Honestly, Oliver was a bit disappointed to see that this was the Zehannah his boss
was pinning for. He was rooting for them.

Sighing to himself, he went inside his boss' office, locked the door so no one
could enter uninvited and walked to his boss' table.

His boss was busy with work and he didn't want to bother him, but this was a must.

Inilapag ni Oliver ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng mesa ni Reigo at napasulyap doon si

Reigo.

"What is it, Oli?" Reigo asked, and continued reading the construction plan for the
real estate project. "Didn't I tell you not to bother me today?"

"You did, but this is important, Sir." Tinuro ni Oliver and cellphone nito kung
saan naroon ang larawan ng girlfriend ng boss niya. "Someone is looking for you.
She said she's your girlfriend. Here she is."

Reigo didn't even bother looking at Oliver's phone. "My Zee will never introduce
herself as such, so don't let her in. That's not my girlfriend."

Bahagyang umawang ang labi ni Oliver sa narinig. "Really?" Somehow, he felt happy
that this was not Zehannah.

"Yeah. If you could chase her away real quick, I'll appreciate it. But if she
forced herself in, don't bother touching or stopping her. It might turn ugly and
they might accuse you of something."

Oliver picked up his phone and smirked. "I'm good at chasing women away, Sir. Leave
it to me."

"Thanks, Oli."

"You're very much welcome, Sir."

And then Oliver stepped out of his boss' office and face the woman. "Sorry, Miss.
But Sir Reigo said that the only woman who can enter his office without an
appointment is Miss Zehannah only. That means no, you're not the girlfriend and you
can't enter. So, if you please, leave immediately."

But Katrin did not back down. She stomped her feet towards Oliver and raised her
hand to slap him, but Oliver was quick to catch her hand and stop her.

"Miss, I don't care who you are," binitiwan ni Oliver ang kamay ni Katrin, "you
have no appointment, so please, leave."

"No!"

"Leave." Ulit ni Oliver.

"And I said no! Let me in and I'll speak to Reigo personally!"

Oliver was about to bring that his bitcheness when his phone rang. It was his boss.

He answered. "I'm sorry, Sir. Ayaw niyang umalis."

"It's okay." His boss' voice was calm. "Tell her I'm busy and if she could wait for
maybe thirty minutes, I'll entertain her."

Oliver was skeptical of his boss' sudden change of mind, but he answered, "yes,
Sir." And when the call ended, he glanced at the woman. "Sir Reigo said he's really
busy, but if you could wait for thirty minutes or so, he'll entertain you."
Iminuwestra ni Oliver ang waiting are na kaharap lang ng mesa nito. "Please."

Katrin had a triumphant smirk on her face as she went back to the waiting area. For
Reigo to entertain her, it's a big win. I knew I still have a space in his life.
Who cares if he's taken? May-asawa nga, madaling agawin.

Katrin was so sure of herself that Reigo would be hers eventually that she waited
patiently for thirty minutes. And when the waiting time was up, she stood up with
overflowing confidence that Reigo will be her man in no time when the elevator
beeps open.

Simultaneously, Katrin and Oliver both looked at the elevator and saw a gorgeous
woman stepped out.

Her long wavy chair was down, she had a little to no makeup on. The air around her
sizzles with confidence, and the way she carried herself was stunning.

And when she walked towards Oliver's table, her presence easily commanded the room
that even Oliver was mesmerized for a second until he pulled himself together.

"Hi! How may I help you?" Oliver asked.

The woman frowned. "What happened to Fara?"

Hearing Fara's name, Oliver immediately concluded that the woman had been here
before and she had spoken to Fara. "Fara was my temporary replacement when Sir
Reigo sent me to monitor our project on an island."

"Oh." The woman smiled courteously. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Zehannah Sevil.
Could you please tell your boss that I'm here? I already texted him, but just in
case."

When Katrin heard the name Zehannah, she immediately interjected with her chin up.
"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, Zehannah Sevil, but I have an appointment with
Reigo. He's mine first."

Oliver was ready to get between the two, but seeing how calm Zehannah looked while
standing there and facing Katrin, he felt like he needn't worry. And he was right.

"Go ahead," said Zehannah so calmly with a little triggering tone, "let's see if he
entertained you."

Katrin smirked haughtily at Zehannah and was about to move to enter Reigo's office,
but before she could, the door opened and Reigo stepped out.

Seeing Zehannah, a smile immediately appeared on his lips. And as if Zehannah was
the only person he could see, he walked towards her, softly wrapped his arms around
her waist and kissed her forehead and then her lips.

"Thank you for coming," Reigo whispered over Zehannah's lips.

Zehannah playfully bit Reigo's lips and whispered back. "I told you to save
yourself."
"You said you're not busy, of course, I prefer to be saved by you."

Zehannah rolled her eyes and flicked Reigo's forehead. "Be thankful I want to meet
her, too. Now be grateful and say thank you."

Reigo smiled. "Thank you, my Zee."

Zehannah sighed at how charming Reigo looked and to escape that, she glanced at the
woman, who looked green with jealousy. "Babe, why don't you entertain Miss Katrin
over there?" Siniguro ni Zehannah na maririnig siya ng babae.

Reigo put a small distance between their bodies, but his arm was still wrapped
around the back of her waist, as if he didn't want to let her go as he spoke to
Katrin. "As I said earlier, it's been thirty minutes. I'll entertain you now."

But Reigo didn't move, so Katrin glared at Zehannah, thinking that Zehannah was
stopping Reigo from being alone with her.

Zehannah playfully raised her hands in the air. "Don't look at me like I'm a
villain, miss. I'm just an innocent woman who was called here by my man," tinuro
nito so Reigo, "because he didn't want to talk to you alone. He feels unsafe with
you, so he called me and demanded me to save him." Zehannah smiled sweetly and
innocently. "See? Very innocent."

Katrin fumed, but Reigo couldn't care less.

"You want to talk, right?" Reigo said to Katrin. "My Zee is here now. We can now
talk."

Oliver had to stop himself from snickering. No wonder his boss suddenly changed his
mind.

Katrin remained silent and enraged. And Zehannah's next words added to that anger.

"Should I give you two some privacy?" Zehannah asked Reigo and Katrin. "I could
give you thirty minutes. Tops."

Pagkatapos marinig ang mga salita ni Zehannah, biglang sumabog ang galit at selos
ni Katrin at sinugod si Zehannah.

Reigo could not protect Zehannah—not that she needed it—because Zehannah pushed him
away before Katrin could get closer to her and before Katrin could put a hand on
her to hurt her, Zehannah beat Katrin to it.

Zehannah grabbed Katrin by the jaw and Katrin tried to grab Zehannah hair and
succeeded, but it didn't go well for Katrin. Zehannah was much stronger than her
and, with Zehannah's grip on her jaw, Zehannah had the upper hand.

"I'd been enduring your desperate messages, and I had enough." Ani Zehannah saka
ngumiti. "I actually came here when Reigo asked because I wanted to see you. You
see, Katrin, mas gusto ko ng personal na bardagulan keysa sa text o e-mail, kasi sa
personal, kaya kitang sampalin ng paulit-ulit at hilahin kung saan ko gusto
hanggang sa magtanda ka na huwag landiin ang Reigo ko. He's mine and you can only
have him, if he chose you. But as I see it, he chooses me and he doesn't like you,
so fuck off. Because the next time I see you making my man uncomfortable and you
try to hurt me, this," pinakita niya ang kamao, "will beat the shit out of you.
Sisigiraduhin kong manghihiram ka ng mukha sa aso."

Zehannah shoved Katrin to the sofa where Katrin stumbled and fell while Zehannah
stood in front of her with an unwavering confident.

"If you want my Reigo, go get him. But don't make him uncomfortable. Kung kaya mo
siyang akitin, sayo na siya. Pero dahil ayaw naman niya sayo, lumayo ka. Because
bitch, if you keep forcing yourself on him and making him uncomfortable, that's
called sexual harassment. Look it up and educate yourself." Tinarayan ni Zehannah
ang babae bago humarap kay Reigo na tahimik lang na nakatitig sa kaniya. "And you,
babe, back to work." Then she went to Reigo and placed a kiss on his lips. "Let's
finish our work on time so I can have you the entire weekend, okay?"

Reigo was a soft man when it comes to Zehannah. He nodded and said, "yes, my Zee."

"Good." Zehannah smiled. "Bye. I'll see you tonight, babe."

"Bye, my Zee."

Just as she came in, Zehannah left and entered the elevator with confidence. As
usual, she slayed her entrance and exit. Just a normal thing for Zehannah.

Nang sumara ang pinto ng elevator, tumingin si Reigo kay Katrin na nasa sofa pa rin
at hawak ang sarili nitong panga.

"I don't want to see you again." The soft Reigo was gone, and the coldness in his
voice was clear. "We're done. Stop making a fool of yourself and stop chasing me
because I will not hesitate to drop my project with your company just to get away
from you or anyone who could jeopardize my relationship with Zehannah. So back off
before I showed you how bad I could be."

Reigo turned and was about to go back to his office when Katrin spoke.

"Why her?!" She snapped. "She's not even from an affluent family! She's fucking
poor in my standard! She has a normal education! And a not so impressive
background! So why her?!" Katrin was so angry at being rejected and she was asking
Reigo in desperation.

And Reigo gave her the answer. "Because she's my world and the woman I'm in love
with."

Katrin's lips parted in disbelief hearing Reigo's last words.

"So don't you dare ruin what I have with her, because if you did, I will ruin you
too, together with your family and everything you hold dear." Reigo added. "I
dislike using power and money to get what I want because I enjoy working hard for
it, but if you did anything to the woman I love, I will ruin you and cripple your
whole family that you wouldn't be able to come back up even if you begged, so don't
try me."

Reigo went back to his office and Katrin left, looking pale and angry. She hadn't
given up. She couldn't accept the rejection and she will not stay quiet.

Meanwhile, Oliver sat on his chair after feeling all those intense air. His boss
had always been a pleasant boss to his employees and everyone, so to hear him speak
like that, he was dead serious.

And seeing and meeting Zehannah Sevil, Oliver only had one thing in mind. Bagay na
bagay ang dalawa. A power couple if they really ended up together.

Leaving Oliver outside his office, Reigo went back to work, but his phone kept on
beeping.
Chats from a certain group chat keep on coming.

Something must be up again. Reigo thought, and picked up his phone to check.

THICK DADDY'S GROUP CHAT

Reigo grimaced at that. It was Calyx's schedule to change the group chat name.
Mukhang ito ang salarin.

Shaking his head, he read the messages.

Knight Velasquez: Make sure to be ready tomorrow! It's free drinks!!! Yehaw!

Iuhence Vergara: May pa-take home?

Calyx Vargaz: I want take home as well.

Train Wolkzbin: @IuhenceVergara magbayad ka na ng utang mo.

Iuhence Vergara: Huh? Someone tagged me? Didn't see it. Sorry. 😌

Ymar Stroam: I just finished a legit and an instant hangover cure. Sino ang puwede
nating lasingin bukas para masubukan ko ang gamot na ginawa ko?

Lath Coleman: Since when did we become a Guinea pig for you, @Ymar?

Ymar Stroam: Since we became friends.

Knight Velasquez: We can all get drunk and try it 🍻🍻🍻 Book of life experience!

Lander Storm: Hindi ba kami gagapang patungong CR niyan?

Mandu🔪: That's not Valerian's wife's cupcakes... 🤢🤮

Valerian Volkzki: You want some? My wife has already evolved, you fucking morons!
She'd been making those devil fucking cupcakes for years now and so far, so good.
Hindi ka na kaagad maghahanap ng CR, dadaan muna ang ilang minuto. And that's a
fucking improvement.

Evren Yilmaz: We still don't want cupcake.

Dark Montero: Tried one before. I nearly died in the bathroom.

Reigo sends his own message.

Reigo Vasquez: I'm attending tomorrow. Save me a seat.

Cali Sudalga: @Reigo you're really coming? So shocking! 😱 was not expecting that.
You're always MIA.

Reigo Vasquez: 🖕🖕🖕

Cali Sudalga: So sensitive.

Napailing nalang si Reigo saka ini-off ang cellphone at nagtrabaho. He had to work
hard so he'll have a free weekend.

Free weekend meant in between the sheets with his Zee, so it's a must to work hard.
Yep. For my Zee.

'Yon ang nasa isip ni Reigo habang nagta-trabaho. At ganun din si Zehannah na
nakabalik na sa opisina. She worked hard to have a free weekend with Reigo.

Unbeknownst to Zehannah, the agency she was working so hard to thrive and succeed
will crumble down little by little because of Reigo. And she had to make the
hardest choice in her life.

But at that moment, Zehannah was oblivious to it. All she wanted was to spend time
with Reigo and spend time with Reigo, she will. Nothing and no one could stop her.

At doon napagtanto ni Zehannah ang kasabihan na kung gusto maraming paraan, kung
ayaw maraming dahilan. Dahil sa mga sandaling 'yon, gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan
para makuha ang gusto niya. At iyon ay ang makasama si Reigo.

For me to make time for him, Zehannah thought and massage her forehead, can I even
resurface from this if this become a mess? Zehannah didn't know, and that scared
her because then she realized that if there was one thing she didn't want to let
go, it was Reigo.

And that thought scared the shit out of her.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 37

FRIDAY MORNING, a sudden news dropped on C&Z Marketing Agency. Two of their clients
pulled back and didn't sign with them. When Cassia and Zehannah heard of it, they
didn't ponder over it. They had lots of incoming clients and they were short of
employees, so the news did not bother them much.

Cassia focused on her work while Zehannah was busy doing interviews the whole day
for their new set of employees. Zehannah barely had a time to check her phone. Kaya
naman nabasa niya ang mga text message ni Reigo oras na ng uwian.

'Hi, my Zee. Wants to have lunch with me?'

'Should I send you a snack?'

'Are you that busy?'

'Don't forget to rest. Text back if you're not busy anymore.'

Zehannah smiled at that. With Reigo, she didn't need to worry about not replying
when she's busy. Reigo understood that and she appreciate that.

'Hey, babe. Sorry I was busy the whole day. I'll be home late tonight. Mag-o-
overtime ako kasi wala ka naman sa condo.'
Few seconds after she sent it, Reigo replied.

'Mag-o-overtime ka dahil wala ako sa condo...?'

Zehannah replied. 'Yeah. Umuuwi lang naman ako ng maaga para sayo.'

On the other line, Reigo had to hide his smile after reading Zehannah's reply
because he was in the middle of an executive meeting, but he was unsuccessful.
Everyone that had eyes could see that their boss was texting with someone, and he
looked like a love-struck teenage boy.

And everyone was gaping at the scene. Their strict boss could actually smile so
sweet and soft. It was beyond them that no one interrupted their boss and just
subtly watched him.

'Is it safe to assume that you're adjusting for me?'

Zehannah replied. 'Hindi ba halata?'

Reigo couldn't hide it anymore. He let his smile go as he replied. 'My Zee, you're
spoiling me and I'm getting hard.'

Napailing si Zehannah sa nabasa. 'You're always hard. What's new?'

Reigo's smile widened. 'And you're always wet for me. Balance.'

Napailing ulit si Zehannah pero may ngiti sa labi nito. 'Wala ka bang ginagawa at
hinaharot mo ako?'

Sa tanong na 'yon ni Zehannah, natigilan si Reigo ng ma-realize kung nasaan siya.

'I'm actually in the middle of an executive meeting?'

'At nilalandi mo ako? Unbelievable 🙄.'

Tumikhim si Reigo saka nag-angat ng tingin sa mga kasama sa conference room na

tumigil mag report dahil na busy siya sa cellphone niya. "Please continue."

"Y-yes, Sir."

Then Reigo sends a quick text to Zehannah. 'Give me thirty minutes to finish this
meeting. Lalandiin kita ulit. Bye, my Zee.'

Zehannah couldn't do anything but shake her head, though she had a smile on her
lips. Ilang minuto lang silang nagka-text ni Reigo pero nakangiti na siya na para
bang isang araw siyang nilandi nito.

Ah. I really got it bad.

Inilapag ni Zehannah ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng lamesa saka inumpisahang gawin ang
mga trabaho na iniwan niya kanina para interview-hin ang mga aplikante na gustong
magtrabaho sa agency nila ni Cassia.

She left tons of work on her table and now she had to finish these, so she won't
have anything to think about this coming weekend. Just the dinner with her parents
and Reigo.

More than an hour later, her phone rang.

It was Reigo. She answered.

"Hmm?"

"I'm done with the meeting," ani Reigo na inaalis ang necktie na suot ng makapasok
sa opisina nito. "Puwede na ba kitang landiin?"

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. "Ako naman ang busy ngayon. I have tons of work."

"Bummer," Reigo said playfully. "Handa pa naman na akong harutin ka."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Maghanda ka nalang kasi may drunken appointment ka 'di
ba?"

"Hindi ko naman kailangang paghandaan 'yon." Umupo si Reigo sa swivel chair saka
binuksan ang dalawang unang butones ng long sleeve polo na suot dahil naiinitan
ito. "Anyway, sabi mo busy ka, nakakaisturbo ba ako? Should I end this call?"

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zehannah sa napakadaming papeles na kailangang niyang basahin

at i-review pero ang naging sagot niya ay, "nah. I can manage. Just keep talking
while I'm working. I can multitask."

Reigo smiled a lopsided smile at that. "I'm sure you can. Your mouth and hands
could do wonders at the same time, after all."

Zehannah smirked. "Miss my mouth and hands?"

"Yeah..." Reigo bit his lips. "Maybe I should just cancel with those lunatics and
have my way with you tonight."

"Nope." Mabilis na sabi ni Zehannah. "You're going drinking and I'm doing overtime.
Tama na muna 'yang kalandian mo. Save it for the weekend."

Reigo sighed heavily. "Fine. Weekend it is."

Zehannah smiled at Reigo's voice, sounding sullen. "Hindi ka pa ba aalis para sa

inuman niyo?"

"Five more minutes," Reigo said. "Gusto pa kitang makausap."

"Okay." Zehannah replied with a smile.

Five minutes later...

"Another five minutes, my Zee." Ungot ni Reigo. "I still want to talk."

Hinayaan lang ito ni Zehannah at nakipag-usap siya sa binata habang nagta-trabaho.

Five minutes later...

"My Zee, another five minutes, please..."

Napailing si Zehannah. "Hindi matatapos itong five minutes mo. I'm hanging up. Go
and have fun drinking."

Reigo was against that. "Can't we talk more?"

"Nope. I need to focus on my work now. At puro kalandian lang naman ang
pinaguusapan natin. Masakit na sa tainga."
"You said you can multitask."

"Yeah. I can. But I can't if you keep telling me you'll eat me and being suggestive
over the phone. So, bye, babe."

Hindi na hinintay ni Zehannah ang reply ni Reigo. Pinatay niya ang tawag at bumalik
sa ginagawa.

Few seconds later, she received a message from Reigo. More like a line art photo.

It's a woman sitting on top of a table and being eaten by a man. And Reigo's
message below was 'I'm coming over and I'm eating you for dinner.'

Hindi sineryoso ni Zehannah ang mensaheng 'yon ng binata dahil sanay siyang ganun
palagi kahalay si Reigo at alam niyang makikipaginuman ito sa mga kaibigan nito.

That was her mistake. She didn't believe in Reigo's horniness and what he could do
when he's horny.

Because half an hour later, Reigo messaged her again.

'Open up, my Zee. I'm here for my dinner.'

Magkasalubong ang kilay na tumayo si Zehannah at naglakad palabas ng opisina para

tingnan kung nasa labas nga ng pintuan ng agency nila si Reigo.

And to her surprise, the bastard was indeed outside.

When she opened the door, before she could ask what he was doing here, he sexily
smiled at her and said, "I'm here to eat you for dinner. May I come in?"

Napatanga si Zehannah sa binata ng ilang segundo bago nakasagot. "You're not

allowed to eat me. I haven't had dinner yet, so no."

"We can eat each other for dinner then," Reigo suggested. "I promise I'm
delicious."

Zehannah looked at Reigo flatly. Of all people, it was Zehannah who knew how
delicious this man was in front of her. Very delicious that she couldn't get enough
when eating him. But if she folds now, this handsome delicious delicacy will always
come to her office to eat 'dinner'. She couldn't have that.

Kailangan niyang maging matigas. Bawal ang karupukan.

So Zehannah stood her ground, looked into Reigo's eyes and said, "It's a n—"

Mister delicacy licked his lips, as if promising that their 'dinner' was going to
be delicious.

Ah, fuck! Inis na napamura sa isip niya si Zehannah saka nilakihan ang pagkakabukas
ng pintuan ng agency at pinaningkitan ang binata. "Siguraduhin mo lang na mabubusog
ako sa hapunan na inaalok mo."

Reigo smiled. "Kailan ka ba hindi nabusog sakin?"

Well... true. But still... Napabuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka naglakad pabalik sa

opisina niya habang nakasunod sa likuran niya ang binata.

Zehannah thought Reigo meant nothing lewd about their 'dinner' and maybe she was
just thinking too much because he was well behaved and had done nothing while
walking to her office, but that was clearly a failed observation on her part
because the moment they entered her office and the door closed, Reigo picked her up
and put her on top of her office table while he sat on her swivel chair.

Zehannah was wearing a pencil cut skirt, so she knew Reigo had a perfect view of
what's in between her thighs when he parted open her legs.

It was so sudden that Zehannah tried to close her parted legs. "Reigo, what do you
think you're doing—"

"I'm going to eat you and have my dinner." He replied simply as he kissed her inner
thigh, then he looked up at her, "do you want me to stop?" He asked that, but his
tongue was already licking the length of her inner thigh.

Seriously, this man...! Zehannah didn't have the strength to refute Reigo,
especially when his lips started kissing towards the most sensitive part of her
body.

Ang tanging nagawa nalang niya ay ang mapasabunot sa buhok nito na hawiin nito ang
underwear na suot niya saka idinampi ang mga labi sa pagkababae niya.

"Shit..." Zehannah muttered under her breath when Reigo's tongue touched her clit.
"Ahh..."

Rolling his tongue around her clit, sucking it lightly and then hard, followed by a
soft lick and then hard sucking again, Zehannah was losing her mind as she pulled
Reigo's head close to her center.

"Shit—ahh! Ahh! Babe... ahh...!" Zehannah arched her body while biting her lower
lip. "God—ah! Shit! More. Lick me more. Harder, babe. Faster...! Ahh! Ahh!"

Zehannah's toes were curling, and she was panting so hard as Reigo eats her for
dinner.

Zehannah felt like Reigo's tongue, his lips and his entire mouth were making love
to her sheath. The way his tongue licked and lapped her, the way his lips kissed
and sucked her clit and the way his mouth moved to devour every inch of her center,
Zehannah was moaning crazily until she felt herself explode inside his mouth.

"Ahh...!" Zehannah trembled as Reigo licked her wetness and cum. Her legs shook at
how sensitive her sheath had become as seconds passes, but even so, she let Reigo
drink every drop of her cum until he was satisfied.

With dry throat and mouth, she looked at Reigo, who finally pulled back from her
wetness, but still licking his lips as if making sure that he had drank all her
juices and hadn't miss a single drop.

"You..." inabot ni Zehannah ang wet wipes na nasa gilid lang ng mesa niya saka
ginamit iyon para linisin ang bibig ng binata. "... are incorrigible."

Reigo just smiled charmingly. "You loved it."

Zehannah couldn't deny that. "Well, yeah. Of course. Who wouldn't after being eaten
like that?"

Reigo's smile widened. "I enjoyed my dinner."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata sa ikinipot niya ang nakabukang mga hita bago
kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi. "Should I... eat you too?"

"I'm good." He kissed her on the neck. "I know you, my Zee. You will not stop until
I'm drained and I won't let you drain me tonight. May pupuntahan pa akong inuman."

Sinadya ni Zehannah na pahabain ang nguso. "Pipiliin mo ang inuman keysa sakin?"

Reigo blinked at her because he was not used to Zehannah asking those kinds of
questions.

And seeing Reigo so confused, Zehannah laughed and pressed her lips against Reigo's
forehead. "Chill, babe. I'm just playing with you." She pinched his cheek. "Hindi
ka pa ba late sa lakad mo?"

To answer her, Reigo wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed the side of his
face into her lap. "Can't I stay here and talk to you instead?"

Zehannah finds it sweet, but it seems like he already told his friend that he'll be
attending their drunken appointment. "Sinabi mo na ba sa mga kaibigan mo na pupunta
ka?"

"Yeah."

"Then go. Magkikita naman tayo bukas. We'll talk up to your heart's content."

"Okay." Reigo agreed, but he didn't let her go.

Napailing si Zehannah saka pabirong piningot ang tainga ng binata. "Come on. Go.
Baka wala ka nang abutan do'n."

But Reigo still didn't budge.

Zehannah sighed. "Anong mayroon sa hita ko at ayaw mong umalis diyan?"

"Comfy." He answered cozily.

"Kaya kang ipitin at sipain niyan kung hindi ka pa aalis." Pagbabanta ni Zehannah.

Kaagad na umayos ng upo si Reigo saka hinalikan ang mga hita ng dalaga bago tumayo.
"Okay, okay. I'm leaving. Dumaan lang talaga ako."

Pinaningkitan ni Zehannah si Reigo ng makitang naglalakad na ito patungo sa pintuan

ng opisina. "At saan ka pupunta?"

Kunot ang nuo na nilingon ni Reigo si Zehannah. "To my drunken appointment...?"

"Without washing your mouth? Hell no!" Tinuro ni Zehannah ang banyo. "May
toothbrush ako do'n na hindi pa nagagamit. Brush your teeth and wash your mouth
thoroughly. Hindi kita palalabasin ng opisina ko na amoy pepe ang bibig mo!"

Reigo burst out laughing at Zehannah's words before he went to the bathroom to wash
his mouth.

Napailing naman si Zehannah saka umalis sa ibabaw ng mesa niya. The moment her feet
touches the floor, she felt her wetness soaked her panty. "Shit..."

Gustong tingnan ng masama ni Zehannah si Reigo na kalalabas lang ng banyo dahil sa

pagkabasa ng panty niya, pero nasarapan naman siya kaya hinayaan na niya.
"I'm going, my Zee." Reigo went to kiss her on the lips and forehead before
leaving.

Napailing naman si Zehannah. "Seriously, that guy. Dumaan lang para 'kumain'." She
sighed. "Well, it looks like he enjoyed his dinner, which was me, so, yeah... let's
get back to work."

Sitting back in her chair, she was so uncomfortable working because her panty was
soaking wet. She keeps clicking her tongue and cursing Reigo in her head for
licking her and making her cum. Wala pa naman siyang extra na underwear na dala.

Urgh! That delicacy bastard! Pasalamat ka talaga Reigo gusto kitang tangina ka!

Zehannah continued working with wet panty and when she finally finished her
overtime, she hurriedly went home, desperate to clean herself.

Meanwhile, on Reigo's side, beers and barbecues were raining. Mukhang napaghandaan
ng tindahan nila Eva ang inuman nilang magkakaibigan ngayong gabi dahil hindi nila
kinailangang magtuhog ng sarili nilang barbecue.

"Let's driiink...!" Sigaw ni Calyx na hawak-hawak ang bote ng beer na hindi na ni

Reigo mabilang kung pang-ilan na nito.

Everyone raised their bottle of beer and cheers as if celebrating a monumental

achievement. Meanwhile, Reigo was just in the corner, watching his crazy friends
and wondering what was the occasion.

"Tingnan mo si Vasquez, tahimik na naman." Komento ni Beckett.

Reigo raised his bottle of beer and just drink.

"Reigo, damihan mo ang inom mo." Wika ni Evren. "We're going to get drunk tonight!"

"Yes! Get drunk!" Everyone shouted, making Eva grimaced.

"Ang iingay. Magsara na kaya ako?"

"Eva naman, minsan lang manlibre si Reigo. Dapat samantalahin namin 'to!"

Umiinom si Reigo ng beer ng marinig 'yon at napaubo siya. "Huh? Did I hear that
motherfucker right?"

"Yeah." Knight grinned. "You're paying. Thanks!"

Reigo was in shell shock. "Why? Aren't you celebrating something?"

"Yeah," Shun answered. "Sini-celebrate namin ang pagpapalit mo ng bahay. From barn
to Zehannah's condo."

Nag thumbs up si Khairro. "Nice, bud. Very nice!"

Reigo felt like his head had become empty as he listened to his lunatic friends.

"He'd been living with Zehannah for weeks now," wika ni Thorn. "It needs to be
celebrated!"

"Hell, yeah!" Everyone shouted, and Eva grimaced again.

"Ang iingay. Mga letse..." bulong ni Eva sa sarili pero wala naman itong magawa
dahil loyal customer ng tindahan nila ang nag-iingay. Sa sobrang loyal, may
listahan na sila sa mga kinukuha ng mga itong pagkain.

Meanwhile, Reigo was speechless to the point that he didn't even say no to his
friends. Because at the back of his mind, it was indeed worth celebrating for.

Pulling himself together, he raised his bottle of beer. "If that's what we're
celebrating for, then more drinks."

Hearing Reigo, everyone shouted in happiness. "Hell, yeah!"

Of course, Eva grimaced again. Pero wala nang nagawa pa si Eva. Napuno na ng ingay
ang buong karinderya nila. May kumakanta na wala sa tono sa videoke. May sumasayaw.
May naguusap-usap at may panay ang sigawan.

Laking pasasalamat ni Eva na wala silang katabing bahay kundi siguradong napuno na
sila ng reklamo sa sobrang iingay ng mga 'loyal costumer' nila na ilang kahon na ng
beer ang naubos kahit mahigit isang oras pa lang ang mga itong nag-iinuman.

"If you're serious about her, you better not messed up!" Lasing na si Cali kaya
panay ang advice nito kay Reigo na nakikinig naman dito. "Don't follow in my
footsteps. I messed up and hurt my wife..." Cali became silent after that and then,
out of nowhere, he started crying.

Everyone near Cali just patted Cali's back and shoulder. They were already used to
Cali feeling guilty when drunk. Maayos na ito at ng asawa nito, pero ang guilt ni
Cali sa mga nangyari nandoon pa rin. Hindi na siguro 'yon mawawala.

And then someone dragged Reigo away from Cali and towards the videoke.

"Kakanta na ang may love life!" Kantiyaw ni Khairro.

Nag-uumpisa na ring malasing si Reigo kaya nagpasulsol ito kay Khairro at pinili
ang kantang 'Sun and Moon' by Anees.

And then Reigo sang it so passionately and with all his heart, not knowing that
he's being taped by Thorn and the video was directly sent to Zehannah, who was
still awake because she couldn't sleep.

She had a smile on her face while watching the whole video.

After the video, Thorn continued providing videos and photos to Zehannah as the
night deepened until the entire gang finally decided to stop drinking and drank
Ymar's 'legit hangover cure' before their designated driver—Andrius—drove them to
their houses.

It was past midnight when Zehannah heard her condo's doorbell rang.

Mabilis siyang lumabas ng kuwarto at sinilip muna ang nasa labas sa peep hole bago
kaagad na binuksan ang pinto ng makita sa labas si Reigo. He looked sober,
surprising Zehannah because she knew how drunk Reigo was. Halatang-halata ang
kalasingan nito sa video at mga larawan na sinend sa kaniya ni Thorn.

But the Reigo she saw was sober.

And the moment she opened the door, and he saw her, he shocked her by confessing.

"I love you, Zehannah Sevil."

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 38

"I LOVE YOU, Zehannah Sevil."

Zehannah was frozen in place when she heard those words from Reigo. Pakiramdam niya
tumigil ang buong mundo niya at ang buong atensiyon niya ay nakatuon lang sa binata
na nakatayo sa harapan niya, sa labas ng condo niya. Napipilan siya. Hindi niya
alam ang isasagot o i-aakto. Parang nawalan ng laman ang isip niya at ang tanging
naririnig lang niya ay ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso niya.

At sa gitna ng gulat ni Zehannah, inulit na naman ni Reigo ang pinagtapat nito.

"I love you, my Zee."

It took Zehannah a couple of minutes to finally be able to pull herself together

and respond. "Are you... drunk?"

"No. I'm perfectly sober."

Zehannah highly doubt that. Lasing ang Reigo sa mga larawan na pinadala sa kaniya
ni Thorn. But she couldn't deny that the Reigo in front of her was perfectly sober.

"Come on in," ani Zehannah na nilakihan ang pagkakabukas ng pinto. "You should
rest."

"I said I love you."

Zehannah nodded. "Yeah. I heard."

A glint of sadness crossed Reigo's eyes. "Is my love unrequited?"

Zehannah chose not to answer Reigo. "Magpahinga ka na."

"Zee..." Reigo's voice sounded like he was pleading for an answer, but Zehannah
really didn't know what to tell him.

Bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah. "Reigo, love is a very strong word. Yes, I like you
a lot. But love? I honestly don't know."

Tumango si Reigo saka pumasok na rin sa loob ng condo ni Zehannah. Nang akala ni
Zehannah na tutungo na ito sa kuwarto niya para magpahinga pero tumigil ang binata
sa harapan niya at pinakatitigan siya.

'Yong uri ng titig na parang matutunaw si Zehannah.

"Reigo..."

"I'm scared, Zee." He said and Zehannah couldn't help worry why. And then Reigo
explained, and it made Zehannah pale. "Alam kong mahal kita. Matagal na. Hindi ako
magiging ganito kalambot at kabaliw sayo kung hindi. Alam ko rin na ikaw ang
babaeng gusto kong makasama hanggang pagtanda ko, pero natatakot akong magtanong
kasi alam ko na ang isasagot mo. Ayaw mong matali sa kahit na kanino, at 'yon ang
gusto kong gawin sayo. Ang itali ka sa tabi ko. Pero paano ko gagawin 'yon kung
mula't sapul alam ko na ayaw mo?

"I keep telling myself that it's okay. As long as you're with me, it's okay. As
long as we're together, it's okay. And then suddenly, I realized, it's not okay —
I'm not okay, Zee. I thought I'm special because I could go with the flow with you,
but tonight, I realized that I'm no different from other men. Just like your exes,
I want to marry you, but I'm so scared to ask because if I do, we're going to break
up and I'm already so madly in love with you to accept a no and forget about you.

"What am I going to do, Zee?" A lone tear fell from his eyes. "Sinabi ko noon na
hindi kita tatanungin tungkol sa kasal pero kinakain ko ngayon ang mga sinabi ko
noon. Gusto kitang pakasalan, Zee. Gusto kitang iharap sa simbahan. Gusto kitang
maging asawa. Pero...hindi puwede. Kasi iiwan mo ako. Huwag nalang pala. Okay lang
pala na ganito tayo. Hindi naman kailangan ng kasal para magsama habang-buhay 'di
ba? Hindi natin kailangan 'yon.

Reigo tried smiling, but it was so sad that it broke Zehannah's heart. "Okay lang
pala ako. Don't mind what I said. I'm just rambling." He walked past Zehannah while
taking his clothes off. "I'm going to bed now, my Zee. My head is pounding. It
hurts."

Nakasunod lang ang tingin ni Zehannah kay Reigo na basta nalang siyang iniwan sa
salas na parang walang nangyari hanggang sa mawala ito sa paningin niya.

Nang mag-isa nalang siya sa salas, napatitig siya sa kawalan. She couldn't forget
Reigo's pained expression.

That pain. I caused it. This is what I was worried about before. Hurting Reigo
because of my belief in life. Why did I make myself believed that Reigo is
different? Not because he understands doesn't mean he's okay with it. He's just
enduring the pain because he didn't want to lose me.

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Zehannah. Kung sana hindi siya naging marupok noon at hindi na
niya hinayaang makabalik pa si Reigo sa buhay niya, hindi ngayon masasaktan ang
binata ng dahil sa kaniya.

Naglakad si Zehannah patungo sa kuwarto niya at nang nasa pintuan siya, humilig
siya sa hamba ng pintuan at pinakatitigan ang binata na mahimbing nang natutulog sa
kama niya habang yakap ang unan niya.

Should I just let you go? Push you away? Forget about you?

Zehannah's inside was screaming no. It was thrashing.

But will I be happy if I let him go? Will I not regret pushing him away? Will I be
able to move on?

Gustong sabunutan ni Zehannah ang sarili dahil puro makasarili ang sagot na mayroon
siya.

Mabilis na umalis si Zehannah sa pagkakahilig sa hamba ng pintuan ng maramdaman ang

takot na lumulukob sa kaniya saka nanlalamig ang kamay na kinuha ang cellphone niya
at nagmamadaling lumabas ng kuwarto dahil alam na niya ang kasunod ng panlalamig na
'yon.
It was way past midnight, but she still called her Papi. She didn't know who to
call. She only had her parents.

Laking pasasalamat niya na sinagot ng ama ang tawag niya. "'Nak...? Mag-uumaga na,
ah. Bakit gising ka pa?"

Zehannah hugged her folded knees while sitting on the single sofa. Fear was
consuming her. "Papi... hindi ba magiging okay lang naman ako kahit iwan ko si
Reigo? 'Di ba, magiging masaya pa rin ako?"

Hindi nakapagsalita ang ama niya sa kabilang linya.

"Papi... please tell me I'll be okay without Reigo. Tell me... please..."

Dan could hear the fear in his daughter's trembling voice and he immediately
realized what's going on. "What happened?"

Ikinuwento ni Zehannah ang nangyari sa ama.

"Gusto mo bang pumunta ako riyan ngayon sa condo mo?" Tanong ni Dan sa anak ng
matapos ang kuwento nito.

Umiling si Zehannah. "No. Just tell me I will be okay, even without Reigo in my
life. This is not the first time that I have done this. I've broken up with my exes
and I was okay. I moved on. I can do that with Reigo too—"

"Zehannah, 'nak, kumalma ka at huwag kang magpadalos-dalos." Kaagad na pigil ni Dan

sa iba pang iniisip ng anak. Alam kasi nito na hindi malinaw ang pag-iisip ni
Zehannah sa mga sandaling 'yon dahil sa takot na nararamdaman nito. "Don't decide
on your own. This concerns you and Reigo. And that man has been so amazing to you
that he deserves some respect from you, Zehannah. Talk to him. Don't let your fear
consume you. I'm sure Reigo will understand if you talked to him. Don't bottle it
up, Zehan. Communicate with Reigo."

Zehannah bit her trembling lips. "P-paano kung sabihin ko sa kaniya na ayokong
magpakasal tapos iwan niya ako?" Hindi napigilan ni Zehannah luhang namalisbis.
"Anong gagawin ko, Papi? Magiging masaya pa ba ulit ako? Hindi ko na alam ang
gagawin ko kung may mang-iiwan ulit sakin. Kaya nga di ba ayokong makipagrelasyon
kasi ayokong mangyari 'yon? Paano kung iwan ako ni Reigo kasi hindi ko maibigay sa
kaniya ang gusto niya? Ngayon pa nga lang, nasasaktan na siya. Papi, anong gagawin
ko? Iiwan niya ako..."

A tear fell from Dan's eyes, hearing his daughter cry. He knew his daughter's
trauma was starting to creep into her again and it was clouding her rational
thinking and judgement. "'Nak, huwag kang mag-isip ng kung ano-ano. Just talk to
Reigo. Huwag mo siyang pangunahan. Huwag kang magdesisyon para sa kaniya."

"...natatakot ako, Papi..." nanginginig ang boses ni Zehannah, parang bumalik lahat
ng sakit na naranasan niya at hindi siya makapag-isip ng matino. "Everyone of them
left me when I couldn't give them what they wanted. Kayo lang ni Papa ang mayroon
ako saka si Cassia. Si mama, iniwan din ako. Maayos naman ako 'di ba? Hindi naman
masama ang ugali ko. Ayaw ko lang talagang magpakasal— bakit kailangan akong iwan
dahil lang 'don? Isa ba 'yong pagkukulang? Nagkulang din ba ako bilang anak kaya
iniwan ako ni mama? Bakit palagi nalang akong iniiwan...? Hindi naman ako masama
e... mabuting tao naman ako. Bakit palaging ganun...?"

Dan wanted to hug his daughter so badly. Lahat ng sinasabi ngayon ni Zehannah,
narinig na niya ang mga 'yon noon pero ang sakit-sakit pa rin bilang magulang. Iyon
palagi ang mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig nito kapag iniiwan ito ng mga naging
kasintahan nito noon dahil ayaw nitong magpakasal. Palaging ganito si Zehannah
kapag kinakain ito ng takot at sakit ng nakaraan nito at kasalukuyan.

And it breaks Dan's heart every time because of how his daughter's past and
heartbreaks became a trauma.

"Love, what happened?" Cameron whispered to Dan when he woke up with Dam crying
while on the phone.

"Si Zehan..." pabulong na sagot ni Dan sa asawa. "She's breaking down again..."

Kaagad na kinuha ni Cameron ang cellphone kay Dan saka kinausap ang anak. "'Nak,
Zehan, si Papa 'to. May ipapagawa ako sayo. Puwede mo bang gawin?"

"Yes, P-papa..."

Cameron smiled. "Papa wants you to take a deep breath..."

Zehannah took a deep breath.

"And then breath out."

Zehannah obliged.

"Deep breath and breath out again." Wika ni Cameron. "Slowly and calmly."

Zehannah listened to her father.

"Keep the deep breath and slowly breath out. Count from one to five and then do it
again." Cameron's voice was soothing. "And when you're finally calm, tell Papa the
magic word."

Zehannah did what she was told. Slowly, her brain cleared up. She was slowly
calming down. And when she felt like she's in control of her emotions again, she
said the magic word. "I want ice cream, Pa."

Cameron smiled shakily. Relief could be seen on his face. "We'll buy you some.
Ipapadala kaagad namin sayo."

Zehannah smiled at her Papa's attempt to make her happy. "How about later, Papa?
Hindi ba diyan naman kami magdi-dinner ni Reigo mamaya?"

"Oh, yeah." Finally, Cameron's smile became relax. "How are you feeling now,
Zehan?"

Nagbaba ng tingin si Zehannah. She felt ashamed. "Sorry for breaking down again.
I'm okay now. My head is clear now."

Dan hugged Cameron in relief. "That's good, 'nak. I'm glad."

Tipid na ngumiti si Zehannah. "Pasensiya na Papi. Nagising pa kita."

"Anything for my daughter."

"Thank you, Papi. Thank you, Papa."

"Anytime, 'nak." Ani Dan.

"Pahinga ka na, Zehan." Wika ni Cameron. "Tomorrow, talk to Reigo. For now, sleep.
Para mamaya, kapag nagkausap kayo ni Reigo? maaliwalas ang isip mo."

Zehannah nodded as if her parents were in front of her. "Yes, Papa. See you later."

"See you, 'nak."

Napatitig sa kawalan si Zehannah ng mawala sa kabilang linya ang mga magulang.

Hindi niya maiwasang isipin ang nangyari. Laking pasasalamat niya na kausap niya
ang mga magulang na alam kung paano siya pakakalmahin kapag nagbi-breakdown siya.

Nakagat ni Zehannah ang pang-ibabang labi habang inaalala ang mga pinagsasasabi
niya kanina.

Her fear of hurting Reigo... her fear of being left alone again... her fear
consumed her that she couldn't think straight again. Palaging 'yon ang nangyayari
kapag katatapos lang niyang makipaghiwalay sa mga nakarelasyon niya dati.

The only time she didn't break down after break-up was when she met Reigo and she
enjoyed his company. Too much that she ended up doing the nasty with him in the
club's bathroom.

Taking a deep breath and releasing them calmly, Zehannah stood up and went to her
room. Then she sat on the edge of the bed to watch her Reigo sleep peacefully.

'Sinabi ko noon na hindi kita tatanungin tungkol sa kasal pero kinakain ko ngayon
ang mga sinabi ko noon. Gusto kitang pakasalan, Zee. Gusto kitang iharap sa
simbahan. Gusto kitang maging asawa.'

Marahas na ipinilig ni Zehannah ang ulo. She didn't want to think of it again. She
didn't want to be consumed by fear again. She didn't want to be irrational again.

Umangat ang kamay niya para haplusin ang buhok at pisngi ng binata. "Reigo..."

Dahan-dahang tumabi ng higa si Zehannah sa binata at masuyo itong niyakap sa

beywang at ipinikit ang mga mata habang nagdarasal na sana paggising nilang dalawa,
maging maayos pa rin ang pagsasama nila.

Pinagdasal 'yon ni Zehannah bago pinilit ang sarili na makatulog. Pero dahil ang
daming tumatakbo sa isip niya, paputol-putol ang tulog niya hanggang kinaumagahan.

At nang makita ni Zehannah na maliwanag na sa labas, bumangon siya kahit wala

siyang maayos na tulog saka tinungo ang kusina para magkape.

At the island counter, Zehannah sat on the stool as she unconsciously sipped her
coffee. Her mind was too preoccupied to notice Reigo entering the kitchen while
clutching his head.

"Morning, my Zee..." Reigo kissed Zehannah on the cheek, pulling Zehannah out of
her reverie.

"H-hey..." Zehannah couldn't look at Reigo. "Good morning..."

Reigo immediately noticed the little change in Zehannah. "You okay, my Zee?"

Tumango si Zehannah saka sumimsim ng kpae para takasan ang tingin ni Reigo.

Zehannah didn't know how Reigo could act nonchalant after what happened last night.
As if nothing happened.
"Anong gusto mong agahan, Zee?" Tanong ni Reigo habang nakaharap sa nakabukas na
ref. "My head is pounding. Walang silbi ang hangover cure ni Ymar. That lunatic
will have a piece of my mind later." Reigo clicked his tongue as he continued
rummaging through the refrigerator, looking for a good breakfast ingredient.

Sensing Zehannah's silence, Reigo closed the refrigerator's door and face Zehannah.
"My Zee, are you feeling okay?"

Zehannah conjured all her courage to be able to look at Reigo. "Are you?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo bago sumagot. "Well, aside from my pounding head,
I'm perfectly fine."

Zehannah frowned. "But last night, you..." she couldn't finish her words. She was
afraid to finish them.

And that confuses Reigo. "Something happened last night?"

Zehannah stared at Reigo, bewildered. "You don't remember?"

Reigo delved into his memory, but nothing. And that worried him because he was
drunk last night. "May ginawa ba akong hindi maganda kagabi?"

Seeing the genuine confusion on Reigo's face, Zehannah pulled herself together and
smiled. "It was nothing. You were just too drunk."

Pinakatitigan ni Reigo ang dalaga. He could feel that something was off. "You sure?
'Yon lang ang ginawa ko?"

Tumango si Zehannah saka inubos ang kape. "I want bacon and eggs for breakfast,
babe."

Sa halip na sundin si Zehannah, naglakad palapit si Reigo sa dalaga saka umangat

ang kamay nito para haplusin ang ibaba ng mata ni Zehannah. "Hindi ka ba nakatulog
ng maayos?"

Reigo's hand on her face felt nice, that she tilted her head to feel his hand more
on her cheek. "I'm okay. I was just thinking too much last night."

"Like what?" Reigo probed because he really felt like something was off with
Zehannah.

"Just life and some other things," Zehannah smiled at Reigo. "Nothing to worry
about. I was just overthinking things again."

"You sure?" Paniniguro ni Reigo sa dalaga.

Tumango si Zehannah.

Reigo pressed his lips against Zehannah's temple. "If something's bothering you,
you can talk to me, my Zee."

Tumango si Zehannah habang kagat ang pang-ibabang labi.

Paano niya kakausapin si Reigo kung hindi nito maalala ang nangyari kagabi?

Was he that drunk last night? He looked sober to her.

Zehannah took a deep breath and sighed before she step down from the stool. "Ligo
lang ako." Then she smiled at him. "Make my breakfast delicious, Mr. Delicacy."

Reigo nodded, and he watched Zehannah leave the kitchen.

May ginawa ba ako kagabi? Tanong ni Reigo sa sarili habang naghahanda ng agahan. I
can't remember anything. I think I blacked out after I drink Ymar's hangover cure.

Sighing to himself, he finished making breakfast and set the table. While waiting
for Zehannah so they could have breakfast together, he pulled out his phone from
his pocket and as if on cue, his phone started receiving notification after
notification.

It was the lunatics on their group chat with a different name again.

DADDEEH'S GROUP CHAT.

Seriously. What's with the group chat name and using Daddy all the time? It's
cringe.

Reigo opened the group chat, and he was surprised to see how active everyone was so
early in the morning.

Active meaning complaining. Complaining to Ymar, to be exact.

Evren Yilmaz: My wife and I fought last night when I got home and I don't even
remember what we were fighting about! @YmarStroam what was in that drink of yours?!

Dark Montero: My Anniza won't talk to me! @YmarStroam what the fuck?! I don't
remember anything!

Pierce Muller: Same experience, but my wife is not angry. She even told me what I'd
been spouting last night. Apparently, I was apologizing to her again and again
while begging to forgive me because of what I did to her in the past. But I can't
remember.

Cali Sudalga: My Anette told me I was crying and apologizing. But I can't remember
anything! I'm not that drunk last night, damn it!

Lander Stroam: My wife said we fought last night, but I can't remember. She said it
was not a big deal, but she's not talking to me. Fuck it! Just what did I do last
night?!

Knight Velasquez: I fought with my wife's butler, so I'm safe. My wife was already
asleep last night.

Valerian Volkzki: In my case, my wife told me I was fighting with our dog,
Valerian.

Mandu🔪: I can't remember what happened last night—why my wife was treating me
coldly this morning, so I checked my house's CCTV and there it was. Apparently, I
fought with my baby, telling her I don't feel her love at all and that it was not
enough. When I saw it, I was shocked because that's not what I honestly feel. Her
love is enough. She's more than enough, so I was asking myself why I said what I
said and then it dawned on me — @YmarStroam drink.

Train Wolkzbin: @YmarStroam, man, you have some explaining to do. What's in that
drink of yours?

Did something similar happened to me and Zehannah last night? Kumuyom ang kamao ni
Reigo. May nasabi ba akong hindi maganda? Kaya ba parang hindi ito makatingin sa
kaniya kanina? Reigo had no answer until, finally, Ymar went online.

Ymar Stroam: I honestly don't know what happened. I, myself, fought with my wife
for some reason I can't remember. I guess the drink stimulated your negative
thoughts and feelings and manifested it. I'll run some test and update you. Sorry,
lunatics. Bye!

Sa nabasa, kaagad na ibinulsa ni Reigo ang cellphone at akmang pupuntahan si

Zehannah sa kuwarto pero ng umikot siya, nakita niya ang dalaga na papasok sa
kusina.

"What?" Zehannah asked when she saw how panicked Reigo looked.

"My Zee," sinalubong ni Reigo ang dalaga saka hinawakan sa magkabilang balikat.
"Wala naman akong pinagsasasabi sayo kagabi 'di ba? I didn't say anything hurtful,
did I? I didn't, right? Please, Zee. Tell me I said nothing hurtful last night!"

Si Zehannah ang tipo ng babae na kaagad sinasabi ang nasa isip niya, pero pagdating
kay Reigo, lalo na sa sitwasyon nila ngayon, hindi niya magawa.

"My Zee..."

"Can we, um, talk about it later?"

With that, Reigo could conclude that he really did something stupid last night. "My
Zee, I'm so sorry..."

Umiling si Zehannah. "You don't have to be. Wala ka namang ginawang masama. Sinabi
mo lang naman kung anong nararamdaman mo. Just let me think it over before we
talked. My mind is getting blurry again. Baka may masabi akong pagsisihan ko sa
bandang huli kaya mamaya na tayo mag-usap, puwede ba?"

Reigo's shoulder fell. "Zee..."

She smiled at Reigo, as if to reassure him. "I promise we'll talk later, okay? I
just need to clear my head a little more."

He didn't want to force his Zee, so he nodded and let Zehannah go. Then he watched
her walked to the dining table and eat her breakfast silently.

Reigo wanted to smack his head, seeing his lively and vigorous Zehannah looking so
down and spiritless so early in the morning.

Just what the fuck did I do last night?! I can't lose my Zee... I can't...

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 39

THE DINNER surprise didn't go well. Unfortunately. After the initial shock of
seeing their parents together, Reigo and Zehannah became silent as their parents
talked and enjoyed the dinner cooked by Zehannah's parents.

The Vasquez's hit it off with the Sevil's family. Especially Dan and Contessa, who
planned the surprise. Unfortunately, the one they surprised, Zehannah and Reigo,
were both silent and would only speak when spoken to.

Of course, it bothered the whole family.

"May nangyari ba?" Tanong ni Contessa kay Dan ng tapos na ang hapunan at naglilinis
na ng pinagkainan si Dan habang nasa hapagkainan pa si Cameron at Rohan at
sumisimsim ng wine kasama si Zehannah at Reigo.

Bumuntong-hininga si Dan saka pabulong na nagkuwento. "It happened last night..."

kinuwento ni Dan ang alam niya sa ina ni Reigo.

Natutop naman ni Contessa ang bibig ng marinig ang buong kuwento. "Oh, my... that's
a very hard one."

Tumango si Dan. "Kilala ko 'yang anak ko. Matigas ang ulo niyan. Gusto ko man
tulungan si Reigo kay Zehan, hindi ko mapipilit ang anak ko na baguhin ang
paniniwala niya sa buhay."

"You're right. You can't do that." As a woman, Contessa could really relate to
Zehannah, but as a mother, she's worried about her son. "Nang makilala ko si
Zehannah, mula't sapul, alam ko na na mahihirapan ang anak ko sa kaniya dahil
nakikita ko ang sarili ko sa kaniya. Nahirapan sakin ang asawa ko. But I saw how
Zehannah looked and treat my son. There's a big chance that Reigo could change her
mind. But my son will have to endure a lot for sure."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Dan. "If only we could help..."

"We can," ani Contessa, "by letting them be. Gusto kong mangialam at alam kong 'yon
din ang gusto mo pero matatanda na sila. They're both mature enough to decide for
themselves." Contessa sighed. "That's what I want to say, but..." Contessa grinned.
"...yeah, let's help."

Mabilis na tumango si Dan. "What can we do?"

"Huwag mong pauwiin ang dalawa." Bulong ni Contessa kay Dan habang naghuhugas ang
ama ni Zehannah ng pinggan. "I'm sure Zehannah and Reigo couldn't reject your offer
for them to stay for the night. And then put them in the same room so they'll talk.
They won't have a choice."

Dan was reluctant. "Madam Contessa, babae ang anak ko."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Contessa. "Do you really think that those two haven't done it
already?"

Napatigil si Dan sa paghuhugas saka nasapo ang ulo. "They're both adults, but I
can't accept it. Not my baby!"

Mahinang tumawa si Contessa. "I know it's hard, but I saw how Zehannah looked at my
son. I'm pretty sure they've done it already. I'm sure you also noticed. Their
closeness differs from couples who haven't done it."

Dan clutched his heart, remembering how close the two were. "I think I'm going to
have a heart attack."
Tinapik-tapik ni Contessa ang likod ni Dan na para bang pinapakalma ito. "Breath
in, breath out. You can do it, Dan. For our plan."

Dan nodded and took a deep breath to calm himself.

Meanwhile, at the dining table, Cameron and Rohan could see Contessa and Dan
whispering to each other.

"Why do I have a feeling that my wife is planning something?" Patanong na sabi ni

Rohan.

Cameron sipped his wine. "Yep. I can sense that too from my husband's back.
Nakakaawa kung sino man ang pinagpaplanuhan nila."

Rohan sighed and raised his glass at Cameron. "Good thing we're good husbands."

Cameron raised his glass, too. "To being understanding."

Rohan chuckled. "Cheers to that."

Habang nakikinig sa mga magulang, nagpapakiramdaman naman si Zehannah at Reigo.

Alam ng dalawa na may problema sila bago pa sila pumunta rito kaya halos parehong
walang imik ang dalawa.

Reigo was worried sick and Zehannah was mulling over about what happened last
night. Both minds were not present.

Rohan glanced at his son, who had been silent since earlier. Cameron also glanced
at his daughter. And through their eyes, Cameron and Rohan spoke. Of course, they
knew that something was not right, but they couldn't ask the two.

Good thing Dan and Contessa were back at the dining table.

"Zehan, 'nak, medyo malalim na ang gabi. Dito nalang kaya kayo ni Reigo sa bahay
matulog?" Suhesityon ni Dan.

"Oo nga." Segunda ni Contessa ng pareho nag-angat ng tingin si Zehannah at Reigo.

"Dito rin kami matutulog ni Rohan. Gabi na rin kasi. Delikado na sa daan."

Cameron and Rohan subtly looked at the wristwatch and saw that it was only ten in
the evening. Kaagad na napagtanto ng dalawa na may pina-plano ang mga kapareha
nila.

"Pero Papi, isa lang ang guest room natin." Paalala ni Zehannah sa ama.

"Kaya nga doon matutulog si Reigo sa kuwarto mo."

Biglang napaayos ng upo so Cameron sa narinig at handa na itong pigilan ang plano
ng kapareha ng dagdagan ni Dan ang sinabi nito.

"Syempre, sa sahig matutulog si Reigo. May extra namang kutson doon. At hindi kayo
magla-lock ng pinto."

Cameron immediately sat back, relieved.

Meanwhile, Zehannah and Reigo both looked at each other.

Concurrently, Rohan showed his wife a thumbs up, making Contessa smile proudly,
knowing she and Dan concocted this plan.
"Sige na, Zehan, ayusin mo na ang tutulungan ni Reigo." Sabi ni Dan sa anak. "Maaga
kayong magpahinga. Magsisimba tayo bukas."

Tumango si Cameron sa anak. "We'll be here if you two need us. We'll be finishing
this bottle of wine before we rest."

Tahimik na tumango si Zehannah saka tumayo. Kaagad namang sumunod si Reigo kay
Zehannah.

Nang makalabas ang dalawa sa kusina, nagpakawala ng buntong-hininga ang apat.

"What is going on with those two?" Rohan immediately asked his wife.

Contessa sighed and shrugged. "The same problem we had back then."

Rohan immediately understood. "Oh. That's going to be hard."

"We like Reigo for our Zehan, but we can't force her if she didn't want to." Ani
Cameron.

"Don't worry. We won't do that." Ani Contessa. "Gusto lang namin ni Dan na bigyan
sila ng pagkakataon na makapag-usap ng maayos. I believe they're both mature enough
to decide for themselves."

Tumango si Cameron. "Sana maayos ang kalabasan ng plano niyo."

"Sana..."

ZEHANNAH INVITED Reigo to her room in her parents' house. "Upo ka muna sa kama ko.
Ihahanda ko lang ang tutulugan mo." She was trying to act like nothing was wrong
between them.

Tumango lang si Reigo habang tahimik na nakamasid sa dalaga.

Lumabas si Zehannah sa kuwarto niya saka tinungo ang guest room kung saan may isa
pang kutson doon at binuhat 'yon patungo sa kuwarto niya kasama ang bagong
bedsheet.

Zehannah immediately felt Reigo's stare on her. From the moment she entered up to
the moment she finished preparing Reigo's bed. She had to step out again to get him
a set of pillows and Zehannah took it as a brief rest from Reigo's stares.

Hindi na nagulat si Zehannah na ng makabalik siya ay titig na titig na naman sa

kaniya ang binata.

"Dito ka matutulog." Sabi ni Zehannah kay Reigo pagkatapos ayusin ang hihigaan nito
sa sahig, katabi ng kama niya. "Nasa labas ang banyo. Sa kanang bahagi paglabas mo
rito. Katabi lang ng kuwarto ko."

Tumango si Reigo habang titig na titig pa rin kay Zehannah.

Tinalikuran ni Zehannah si Reigo saka binuksan ang closet niya para kumuha doon ng
damit. Hindi nawawalan ng damit si Zehannah sa bahay ng mga magulang niya dahil
paminsan-minsan ay umuuwi siya roon.
"Magha-half bath lang ako." Paalam niya kay Reigo saka lumabas ng kuwarto at
tinungo ang banyo.

Pagkatapos niyang mag-half bath at nakapagpalit ng damit, bumaba siya sa kusina

para itanong kung may extra bang damit ang Papa niya na puwedeng gamitin ni Reigo.

"Don't worry, Zehan. Palaging may dalang damit 'yan si Reigo sa sasakyan niya." Ani
Contessa. "Pahinga ka na lang. Stop worrying about him."

Tumango si Zehannah at nag-good night na sa apat bago bumalik sa kuwarto niya.

Zehannah opened the door and entered. "Reigo, kung magha-half bath ka—" hindi
natapos ni Zehannah ang sasabihin dahil nakita niyang nakatagilid na nakahiga na si
Reigo sa inihanda niyang tutulugan nito.

Is he asleep? Zehannah asked herself as she turned off the light and just left the
lampshade open before she tiptoed to her bed to not wake Reigo up. But when she
laid herself on her bed, he heard a movement from Reigo's bed and when she turned
to see what it was; she saw Reigo sitting next to her bed, facing her. His arms and
chin resting on the edge of her bed while looking at her softly.

"Reigo."

His hand moved to touch her hand and fingers. "Matutulog ka na ba?" Tanong nito
habang nilalaro ang mga daliri niya.

Umiling si Zehannah. "I don't think I can sleep."

"Me too."

Silence fell on them until Reigo broke it.

"My Zee?"

"Hmm?"

"Alam kong may problema tayo. Gusto mo bang pag-usapan?"

Tumagilid si Zehannah ng higa, paharap sa binata, bago sumagot. "May... sasabihin

ako sayo. Will you hear me out?"

That made Reigo nervous, but he nodded and did his best to calm himself. "Sure.
I'll hear you out."

Huminga muna ng malalim si Zehannah bago nag-umpisang ikuwento kung ano ang
nangyari ng nagdaang gabi. Ang nakalimutan ni Reigo. At habang nakikinig si Reigo
kay Zehannah, gusto niyang sapakin ang sarili dahil pakiramdam niya gini-guilt trip
niya ang dalaga kagabi.

Reigo immediately opened his mouth to explain his side after Zehannah finished her
story, but Zehannah softly covered his mouth with her fingers.

"Hear me out first, Reigo."

Reigo swallowed his words and nodded.

Seeing that, Zehannah opened up while Reigo earnestly listened. "Tulad mo, takot
din ako, Reigo. I never once change what I believed in to accommodate someone in my
life. I know what I want and what I don't want. Then you came along. I like you a
lot. Like a lot, a lot. I even sometimes think that my like is just one step away
from turning into love, but I'm scared Reigo. Pagkatapos ng mga sinabi mo kagabi,
nabuhay na naman 'yong takot ko na masasaktan lang kita. Yong takot ko na kapag may
gusto ka at hindi ko naibigay, iiwan mo ako. Kasi sa totoo lang, Reigo, natatakot
akong iwan ulit. Kaya nga ayokong makipagrelasyon kasi palaging 'yon ang
nangyayari. I don't blame my exes for leaving me or you, if you chose to leave me
because I, myself, know what I lack, but I can't help feeling the pain and the fear
of being left behind.

"My situation, my belief and the way I see things are very unfair to you, Reigo. I
can't even give the bare minimum to you. Kapag nagpatuloy tayong ganito, sigurado
akong masasaktan kita ng sobra-sobra. I know you're doing your best to understand
me, but it will take a toll on you someday and then you'll hate me for it. Pero
alam mo 'yong malala? Hindi kita kayang pakasalan pero hindi rin kita kayang
pakawalan. Napakamakasarili ko 'di ba?

"Sa buhay ko ngayon, ikaw ang kahuli-hulihang tao na gusto kong masaktan. Gustong-
gusto kita, Reigo. Pero alam kong may posibilidad na hindi mo paniwalaan ang
nararamdaman ko kasi hindi ko kayang magpakasal sayo." Namalisbis ang luha sa
pisngi ni Zehannah. "You said you love me, but I don't have the courage to say I
love you too, because it wouldn't make sense. Hindi ko rin naman kasi kayang
patunayan. To prove my love, marriage is necessary, and I can't, Reigo. I can't
prove my affection towards you through that. I... I don't think I can and it's
going to hurt you. I can't prove my love, so what's the point of saying it? They
say if you truly love someone, you marry them, but I can't. I'm scared. I'm not
ready for that. That's why it's so suffocating knowing that I cannot give you what
you want the most from me. Napakalaki ng magiging pagkukulang ko sayo kung itutuloy
natin kung ano man ang mayroon tayo ngayon. Mas makabubuti pang maghiwa--"

"Don't say it." Pigil ni Reigo sa iba pang sasabihin ni Zehannah.

Zehannah bit her lower lip.

Reigo had to breathe deeply to calm himself. Seeing his Zee cry was making him
angry. And it made him shake in fury listening to her view in love and relationship
because he knew someone did that to her. Someone made his Zee believe that that was
the meaning of love and relationship!

"My Zee... just who the fuck told you that to prove your love, you have to marry
them?"

Zehannah dried her tears. "It's based on my experience."

Reigo's jaw tightened. He wanted to beat her exes. "My Zee, marriage is not a
proof. It's a commitment between two people who chose each other to be together for
a lifetime."

A sad smile appeared on Zehannah's face. "Everyone who asked my hand in marriage
thinks otherwise. They said that if I truly love them, I'll marry them. When I said
no, they left me simply because I don't want to marry. Kaya napagtanto ko na walang
silbing magsabi ng mahal din kita. Kasi kailangan palaging may pruweba. Kailangan
laging patunayan sa pamamagitan ng kasal. Kaya ng sabihin mo sakin ang mga 'yon
kagabi, natakot kaagad ako kasi paano kung hingan mo rin ako ng pruweba sa
pamamagitan ng kasal tapos umayaw ako? Siguradong iiwan mo ako at ayoko nang maiwan
ulit. Alam kong makasarili ang kagustuhan kong hindi iwan kahit wala naman akong
maibigay pero ayoko lang talagang iwan mo ako. Ayokong maging isa ka sa mga taong
gusto kong kalimutan kasi hindi ko alam kung kakayanin kong mag move on kung ikaw
ang mang-iiwan sakin. I consider leaving you last night, to save myself, but I
couldn't becasue I don't even know if I can stand back up again. That's how big of
an impact you brought into my life and I'm scared, Reigo. I'm used to doing things
on my own, but now, I can't even sleep peacefully without you sleeping beside me.
Sinong hindi matatakot do'n? I'm changing and I'm scared, Reigo. I'm scared..."

Bumagsak na naman ang luha sa gilid ng mga mata
dalaga, parang may pumipiga sa dibdib ni Reigo.
them mold Zehannah's view of relationships. And
bastards hurt the woman he loved and turned her
her.
ni Zehannah at nang humagulhol ang
Her exes and her experiences with
Reigo was so angry that those
into someone jaded and traumatized

He was livid.

"I'm sorry that I'm scared." Zehannah touched Reigo's trembling hand. "I'm just fed
up of always being left behind. First my mom, then my past relationships, not that
I blame them. And now that I have you, I'm more scared than ever."

"And I thought I had the worst exes." Reigo joked to lighten up the mood, but he
was serious. "I don't know about your mom. but those bastards don't deserve your
affection. Hell, they don't even deserve your attention! Whatever they told you,
whatever fuck up thing they made you believe about love, relationships and
marriage, bury them where the sun never shines. Forget about them and look at me."
He begged. "Look at me, my Zee. Just me. Focus on me. And let me show you what
genuine love and relationship looks like."

Zehannah obliged, and she looked at Reigo. Just Reigo. "I'm looking..."

Reigo reached out his hand to caresses Zehannah's damp cheek. "My Zee, genuine love
is selfless—it does not ask for anything. And a genuine relationship means not
giving up on someone just because your situation does not favor you. Relationship
is all about facing the situation and the problem together and finding a way to
make it work. And that's what I want from you, Zee. I want to make this work. I'm
not going to give up on you just because you don't want to marry. As long as you
hold my hand and as long as you want to be with me, I will stay with you for the
rest of our lives. Married or not — I'm staying, my Zee. Getting rid of me is not
that easy. I will redefine your belief in love and relationship, so get ready. I'm
not going anywhere."

A tear fell from Zehannah's eyes, and she started whimpering. "Why are you always
like this to me?"

Reigo smiled lovingly. "Because I love you."

She sobbed as her hand touched Reigo's face softly. "You're really amazing. Do you
know that?"

Reigo chuckled. "You're the only one who said that to me while crying, and you're
also the only one I will believe."

With tears on her face, Zehannah smiled sadly. "I'm so close to breaking it off
with you."

"I know. But I won't let you."

"But being with me will hurt you, Reigo."

"That's where you're wrong, my Zee. Being with you makes me so goddamn happy." He
gave her an earnest smile. "Kaya kapag pumasok sa isip mo na gusto mo akong itulak
palayo at hiwalayan, kausapin mo ako. Hindi ako magsasawa na ipaalala sayo at
ipaintindi sayo na mahal na mahal kita at sayo lang ako sasaya."

Tears fell from Zehannah eyes again. "Pero ayaw kitang saktan."

"Pain is part of life, my Zee. At alam ko kung anong pinasok ko ng pilitin kong
maging parte ng buhay mo." Reigo intertwined their hands together and kissed the
back of Zehannah's hand. "Ang mga sinabi ko kagabi, hindi ko man maalala pero hindi
ko ikakaila ang mga 'yon. I really want to marry you, Zee, but I'm afraid to ask
because I know the answer I'm going to get. But if you can't give me that, then I
won't force you. Yes, it pains me, but not being with you and you pushing me away
will hurt me more." He shrugged. "I know you think that there's no other way in our
situation, but that's not true. There's always a way and we will find it and we'll
make it work. Together. Because that's what a relationship is. Choosing each other
and deciding to make it work even when the situation is not ideal."

Zehannah bit her lower lip to stop her tears from falling again. How she wished she
met Reigo earlier. She could've saved herself from a lot of heartache. And he
could've saved himself from those cheating exes he had. "How I wished I met you
when I was younger..."

"Same thought," Reigo smiled, "pero kung maaga tayong nagkakilala, siguradong
masasaktan kita. I know nothing about relationships before. It took me a lot of
break ups and observing my married friends to realize what relationship is. Nagbago
lang ako ng makilala kita. I applied everything that I learned from my previous
relationships and from my friends. That's why I turned out a little okay. Kung
nakilala mo ako noon pa, baka hindi mo ako nagustuhan. Though there was one thing
about me that didn't change over the years."

Zehannah got curious. "And that is?"

Reigo grinned. "I have always been delicious."

Mabilis na pinisil ni Zehannah ang pisngi ni Reigo na ikinatawa lang ng binata.

Kapagkuwan ay naging seryoso ito.

"Zee, I have a request. Will you grant it?"

Zehannah became serious too. "Tell me and I'll see what I can do."

Reigo intertwined their hand again, and he looked her in the eyes. "My Zee, I know
that even after we talked, there's still a lot going on in your mind. Your trauma
won't disappear just because of my words. I know because my insecurities still gnaw
at me from time to time. We've both gone through some shits and we're imperfect in
so many ways, but there is one thing that could make everything better.
Communication. Kapag pumasok na naman sa isip mo na gusto mo akong itulak palayo,
kapag nilukob ka na naman ng takot, kapag hindi ka makapag-isip ng tama at kapag
may pag-aalinlangan ka sa relasyon natin, kausapin mo lang ako. We'll talk and we
will figure it out. Can you do that for me, my Zee?"

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka tumango. "I can."

A broad smile appeared on Reigo's lips. "I'll do the same. We can do this."

Tumango si Zehannah saka sinuklian ang ngiti ng binata. "Thank you, babe."

Reigo frowned. "For what?"

"For not leaving me. It honestly scared me."

"I was scared shit as well that you'll leave me." Mahina natawa ang binata. "Look
at that. We have the same fear. We're really made for each other."

Umirap si Zehannah. "Seryoso ako, Reigo."

Reigo rubbed the back of his finger against the tip of Zehannah's nose. "I'm just
lightening up the mood. Ayokong nakikita kang umiiyak at malungkot. It hurts me to
see you cry. I'd rather see my Zee being haughty and proud than sad and crying."

Gumalaw si Zehannah sa pagkakahiga at dumapa sa kama, paharap kay Reigo saka

inilapat niya ang mga labi sa labi ng binata.

She kissed him tenderly, and Reigo smiled against her lips, enjoying the tender
kiss. And when Zehannah pulled away, Reigo smiled at her and rested his chin back
on the edge surface of the bed and whispered softly.

"I love you, my Zee."

Zehannah smiled before she leaned in and placed the softest kiss on Reigo's
forehead.

There were no words spoken. Just a simple kiss on the forehead that lasted for a
couple of seconds. But Reigo felt it. Zehannah's affection and care for him. It's
beyond words. And it left him speechless.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 40

NAPATINGIN SI Rohan at Cameron sa pintuan ng kusina ng pumasok doon si Contessa at

Dan na nagbubulungan. Bumalik lang sa normal ang mga boses ng mga ito ng tuluyang
makapasok ang dalawa sa kusina at makalapit sa hapag-kainan.

"Well?" Rohan asked Contessa and Dan.

"What happened?" Segundang tanong ni Cameron sa dalawa.

Sabay na umupo sa hapagkainan si Dan at Contessa na siyang umakyat sa taas at

palihim na nakinig sa labas ng pintuan ng kuwarto ni Zehannah.

Contessa sighed. "We didn't get to hear their entire conversation. Sayang ang
pakiki-tsismis namin."

"But," Dan added. "We heard that they'll work it out."

Rohan smiled, and Cameron nodded.

"I'm glad they're okay," ani Rohan. "Who would have thought that my son had it in
him to communicate and compromise?"

Ngumiti na rin si Contessa. "Oo nga. Palaging may girlfriend noon si Reigo tapos
palagi siyang hinihiwalayan dahil wala siyang oras o kaya naman dahil sa ibang
bagay. Akala ko hindi na magseseryoso ang batang 'yon. But I stand corrected.
Kailangan niya lang pala si Zehannah para magseryoso."

"Everyone has that special person in their life. The one that would motivate them
to change for the better." Cameron glanced at Dan who also looked at Cameron. "And
when you finally found that person, you will never let him go. That's when you know
that he's the one."

Rohan nodded at Cameron's words. "We breath differently when we finally met that
person we want to grow old with." He glanced at Contessa. "Even when that person
had her own set of rules. We compromise."

Contessa shrugged at her husband and raised her eyebrow. "I bend my rules for you,
dear. You should be proud."

Rohan grinned. "I am. Forever and always proud that I have you as my wife."

Umingos si Contessa. "As you should."

Dan chuckled at the two. "I feel like I can see my Zehan and Reigo's future after
listening to you two."

Tumango si Contessa. "Very precise, Dan. I'm like Zehan before. I have so many
traumas and issues. Hindi ko nga alam bakit hindi ako iniwan ng isang 'to e."
Tinuro nito si Rohan.

Rohan shrugged at that. "Because I know you're the one for me."

Contessa had a satisfied smile on her lips before she turned to Dan and Cameron.
"We should do this often. Next time, let's have dinner in our house. Then mag
sleepover din kayo."

Napangiwi si Dan sa narinig. "I don't think I can sleep in your house, madam
Contessa?"

"Why not?" Humaba ang nguso ni Contessa. "I made sure our house is very
comfortable. Just like yours."

Umiling si Dan. "Kinuwento sakin ni Zehan ang bahay niyo. I don't think I have the
courage to walk on a pavement with insanely expensive gemstones."

Tumawa si Rohan. "May technique riyan. Don't look down. That's what I always do
every day."

"Come on," Contessa shrugged with her shoulder and hands. "It's not that
expensive."

"Sabi ko nga." Ani Dan.

Tumingin si Contessa kay Cameron. "Ayaw mo rin? Our house is very comfortable, you
know."

Napangiwi si Cameron at hindi na nagkomento. Masaya sila ni Dan na walang arte sa

katawan ang mga magulang ni Reigo at kayang sakayan kung ano lang ang kaya nilang
ibigay, pero ibang usapan pa rin ang bahay ng mga ito. Just listening to Zehan's
story was enough for him.

Napabuntonghininga si Contessa dahil hindi nito mapilit ang mga magulang ni

Zehannah. "Fine. I won't force you two. But someday, you have to come visit."

Dan and Cameron nodded. "We will."

That was enough for Contessa, so she raised her wine glass. "Cheers to our
children, who's finally talking."

The three also raised their glass and said, "cheers!"

As the four celebrates, Zehannah and Reigo were still talking. But Reigo has
already changed position. He was now sitting on Zehannah's bed, his back against
the bed frame while Zehannah was lying on the bed. Her head was on Reigo's lap as
Reigo caressed and combed her hair softly.

"Mukhang napaaway din ang iba kong kaibigan sa mga asawa nila dahil doon sa
hangover cure ni Ymar." Kuwento ni Reigo kay Zehannah tungkol sa tunay na nangyari
at kung sino ang salarin ng biglaan nitong pagtatapat sa dalaga at pagkalimot nito
kinaumagahan. "Ymar said the drink manifested our negative emotions, but I
confessed my love. There's nothing negative about it."

"Baka negative sa iba, naging truth serum sayo. Iba-iba naman kasi ang tao."

Reigo grimaced. "Good thing we didn't part ways because of that fucking hangover
cure."

Napailing si Zehannah. "Bakit naman kasi ininom niyo kahit alam niyo naman na hindi
pa clinically proven at hindi pa FDA approved?"

"Si Knight kasi..." Reigo clicked his tongue. "Nadamay pa kami sa book of life
experience niya."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. "Kasalanan niyo pa rin. Hindi naman kayo siguro
pinilit ni Knight."

Reigo groaned and frowned at Zehannah. "My Zee, I'm your delicious babe here. You
should side with me."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Totoo naman ang sinabi ko."

Napabuntonghininga nalang si Reigo. "Hindi talaga ako mananalo sayo. Oo nalang."

Ngumiti si Zehannah saka tumagilid ng ng higa at niyakap ang likod ng beywang ng

binata gamit ang isa niyang braso.

And Reigo groaned at that. "My Zee, your face is literally on my crouch. Can you
show mercy? Nandito tayo sa bahay niyo. Baka makatay ako ni Tito Cam at Tito Dan."

Zehannah just smiled and even kissed Reigo's crotch.

Napailing nalang si Reigo. "You are one mean woman."

Zehannah smiled. "You love this mean woman."

Reigo sighed in defeat. "Yes. Yes, I do."

Zehannah's smile turn triumphant. "Then stop complaining. I'll eat you up
tomorrow."

"Deal." Mabilis pa sa alas-kuwarto na sagot ni Reigo.

"Basta kahalayan talaga."

Ngumiti si Reigo. "Of course. Ako pa ba. Pagdating sayo, nanginginig pa."

Zehannah just shook her head and continued moving her head closer to Reigo's
stomach.

"My Zee?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm getting a feeling that our parents planned this 'sleep in your room' thing. Or
maybe it's just me..."

Mas inilapit ni Zehannah ang ulo sa tiyan ng binata dahil gusto niyang ibaon ang
mukha niya sa abs nito. "It was ten PM when they sent us to bed. Of course they
planned it."

"Should we thank them tomorrow?" Reigo asked earnestly.

"I'm not sure, but I think seeing us talking to each other again would make them
happy."

"Yeah?"

Zehannah finally buried her face in Reigo's abs. "If they planned this, then,
yeah."

Bumaba ang tingin ni Reigo kay Zehannah. "Nakakahinga ka pa ba sa ginagawa mo?"

"Yep. I'm enjoying your abs."

Reigo sighed at Zehannah. "My Zee, feel free to enjoy the abs, but don't tickle my
belly button."

But Zehannah was enjoying it. "Your belly button smells nice." It smells like
Reigo's usual scent. That one that smelled so good, Zehannah wanted to sniff him.

"Of course. I clean it every day."

Zehannah kissed Reigo's belly button, then her lips trailed from there up to his
nipple, licking and biting it. Zehannah's head was basically inside Reigo's shirt.

"My Zee," Reigo was breathing heavily. "Do you want me to be killed by your
parents?"

Sumimangot si Zehannah dahil alam niyang malaki ang posibilidad na mahuli sila ng
mga magulang niya kung itutuloy niya ang panghaharot kay Reigo kaya naman tumigil
nalang si Zehannah saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga at pagkakaunan sa hita ni Reigo.

Nakahinga naman ng maluwang ang binata. "You horny, my Zee?"

"Yeah." Walang patumpik-tumpik na sagot ni Zehannah. She had become so comfortable

with Reigo that she could express her sexual desire to him with no inhibitions,
because she knew Reigo would never judge her. "We were so distant the whole day
because of what happened and my issues. Now that we made up, I want a make-up sex,
babe."
Sinulyapan ni Reigo ang hindi naka-lock na pintuan. "But we're not even allowed to
lock the door."

Zehannah looked so down. "I know." She groaned in annoyance. "At may pakiramdam ako
na bigla-bigla nalang bubuksan ni Papi ang pintuan ng kuwarto ko para i-check kung
anong ginagawa natin."

Reigo sighed heavily, as if they were facing a big crisis. "I miss your condo."

"Hmm. Me too."

Seeing Zehannah's frustrated and annoyed face, Reigo chuckled before he wrapped her
Zee in his arms and pulled her closer so he could feel her body heat. "Let's just
settle with this for now."

Zehannah said nothing, but the frustration and annoyance in her face were slowly
disappearing. It seems like Reigo's embrace was working to calm Zehannah.

Moments later, Zehannah spoke, breaking the brief silence when she thought of
something. "Babe?"

"Yes, my Zee?"

"Want to go clubbing next week?"

That made Reigo frowned. "Clubbing? You're into that?"

"Yep. Masyado lang akong busy kaya hindi ko na nagagawa." Sagot ni Zehannah. "I
used to go clubbing to destress."

Reigo's face darkened when a thought came to mind. "Let me guess, maraming
lumalapit sayong lalaki na gusto kang bilhan ng maiinom?"

Zehannah looked at Reigo and chuckled. "Why do you sound and looked so jealous?
It's before I met you, silly."

Reigo was still looking pissed. "Can't help it. I'm jealous."

Zehannah was amused. "You don't have to be, though. Ikaw lang naman ang lalaking
hinayaan kong gawin 'yon sa'kin sa CR ng club."

"You were drunk back then." Reigo had a sullen face. "Kung hindi tayo nalasing ng
gabing 'yon, hahayaan mo pa rin ba ako?"

"Probably not."

Reigo's face fell and Zehannah laughed.

"What?" Zehannah was still laughing. "You're clearly delicious, but I'm not easy,
Reigo. Kahit pa ikaw yong tipo ng lalaki na luluhuran at kakantahan, hindi ako
basta-basta luluhod at kakanta para sa'yo no. Pasalamat ka alam kong masarap ka
kaya pinapasok kita at niluhuran nung magkita tayo ulit pero natagalan pa rin
'yon."

Sinapo ni Reigo ang dibdib nito kung nasaan ang puso nito. "I think you just broke
the heart of this handsome with a big dick that brought you to high heavens, my
Zee."

Umangat ang kamay ni Zehannah para pisilin ang pisngi ni Reigo. "You're adorable."
Reigo chuckled at that and looked down at Zehannah with a teasing one on his lips.
"Earlier, you called me amazing, and now adorable. My Zee, are you sure you still
haven't fallen for me?"

Zehannah became silent, then she said, "I don't know. I'm not sure. Ayoko namang
sagutin ka na hindi ako sigurado at hindi ko kayang panindigan. I will not say
those words until I'm sure."

"Sure about what?"

Misteryosong ngumiti lang si Zehannah saka tinuro ang higaan ni Reigo. "Balik ka na
sa higaan mo. Matutulog na ako."

Kaagad na sumama ang mukha ni Reigo. "Ayaw mo akong makatabing matulog?"

"Gusto mong makatay ng dalawa kong Papa?" Balik tanong ni Zehannah kay Reigo.

Immediately, Reigo left Zehannah's bed and went back to his—on the floor.

Natatawa namang nahiga si Zehannah ng patagilid, sa gilid ng kama niya, paharap kay
Reigo na nakahiga rin ng patagilid at nakaharap sa kaniya.

"This is torture." Reklamo ni Reigo.

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Zehannah saka ipinikit ang mga mata. "Hindi ako nakatulog
ng maayos kagabi sa kakaisip. Pero ngayong okay na tayo, parang ang sarap matulog
dahil alam kong pagkagising ko bukas, nasa tabi pa rin kita."

Parang may humaplos sa dibdib ni Reigo sa mga sinabi ni Zehannah. "It would be my
pleasure to be by your side and to be the first person you see in the morning."

With her eyes still closed, Zehannah smiled softly as if Reigo's words had softened
her up that she was melting.

And as Reigo stared at Zehannah on the bed, slowly, she lost her smile together
with her consciousness. She fell asleep just as easy as breathing. And it was
because Reigo was close to her.

Meanwhile, Reigo's eyes followed Zehannah's hand that fell down from the bed and
was now hanging down. Unconsciously, his body moved closer to Zehannah's bed and
when his hand could finally reach Zehannah's hand that was hanging down, he
intertwined their pinky fingers and utter a silent promise to Zehannah and to
himself.

Moment later, he found himself smiling at himself at how silly and cheesy he was
before he closed his eyes and fell asleep with his pinky finger still intertwined
with his Zee.

THE MOMENT ZEHANNAH opened her eyes the next morning, the first person she saw was
Reigo and instantly, it brought a smile to her lips. For some reason, he was now on
her bed and cuddling her. Hindi niya niya namalayan ang paglipat nito sa kama niya
pero hindi siya nagrereklamo.

To see that handsome face with a caring heart so early in the morning, she was a
very lucky woman.

So handsome.

Paunti-unti, maingat na iginalaw ni Zehannah ang kamay para masuyong sapuin ang
mukha ng binata at pinakatitigan ito hanggang sa magsawa siya at pinakawalan ang
pisngi nito.

"Does my Zee already have her fill?" The bastard suddenly spoke.

Zehannah playfully punched Reigo's stomach. "Sigurado akong kanina ka pa gising."

Bumukas ang mga mata ni Reigo at nanunudyo siyang nginitian. "I didn't have the
heart to disturb my Zee while staring at me."

Inirapan niya ang binata saka piningot ang tainga nito. "Ang sabihin mo, gustong-
gusto mo na tinititigan kita kaya nagpanggap kang tulog pa rin."

"Yes. You're right." Reigo didn't even bother denying it.

Napabuntonghininga nalang si Zehannah saka bumangon. Pero bago pa siya makaalis ng

kama, nahila siya ni Reigo pabalik sa kama sa beywang.

"Reigo!"

Inosenteng nginitian lang siya ng binata bago siya kinababawan at hinalikan sa nuo.
"Good morning, my Zee."

It was sweet, so Zehannah replied. "Good morning din."

Reigo then dropped three sweet kisses on her lips before he got up and left the
bed. "Kuha lang ako ng pampalit ng damit sa sasakyan ko."

"Okay," was all Zehannah could say because she could feel her heart beating fast
because of those three sweet kisses.

At ilang segundo pa siyang nanatili sa kama at nakatitig sa kisame bago siya

nagkaroon ng lakas na bumangon, kumuha ng damit sa closet at tumungo sa banyo na
nasa labas ng kuwarto para maligo.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Reigo waiting outside.

And Mr. Delicacy kissed her again before he stepped inside.

Naiiling na napapangiti na lang si Zehannah na bumalik sa kuwarto para tuyuin ang

buhok at mag-ayos para sa pagsimba nila.

Nang matapos siyang mag-ayos, tamang-tama naman na bumukas ang pintuan ng kuwarto
niya at pumasok si Reigo.

Zehannah couldn't help standing up from her vanity chair and licking her lips as
she stared at Reigo handsomely walking towards with a simple white shirt and faded
blue jeans. He looked so handsome, so clean, so fresh, and so delicious.

Parang gusto niya itong gawing agahan. Pero nagpigil siya dahil nasa bahay siya ng
mga magulang niya.

Reigo smiled as he stopped in front of her. Seeing how his Zee looked at him, Reigo
was feeling cocky and confident. Who wouldn't be? The woman he loved was looking at
him like she wanted to have him for breakfast and if they were not in Zehannah's
parents' house, they would have enjoyed their breakfast under the sheets, naked and
moaning.

"How do I look?" Reigo asked his Zee.

Zehannah thought that there was no point denying the truth. "Handsome."

Reigo smile. "Yeah?"

"Hmm." Zehannah leaned in and place a kiss on Reigo's lips and whispered over his
lips. "Such a handsome face."

Reigo licked Zehannah's bottom lip, and he whispered back. "Imagine that handsome
face in between your legs."

Zehannah unconsciously bit her lower lip because she really imagined it. It just
filled her mind, and she groaned before she buried her face in Reigo's neck.

"I hate you." She whimpered. "You're not handsome anymore."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "I don't believe you."

"Huwag mo akong landiin. Ang aga-aga. Ayokong maging marupok."

Reigo gathered Zehannah in his arms and kissed her temple. "Labas na tayo? Baka
ibang agahan ang makain natin kung mananatili tayo rito sa kuwarto mo."

Tumango si Zehannah saka humakbang palayo kay Reigo saka tinampal-tampal ang
sariling pisngi para mawala sa kaberdehan ang diwa niya at nauna ng lumabas ng
kuwarto.

Nangingiti namang sumunod si Reigo kay Zehannah at magkasunod na pumasok ang dalawa
sa kusina.

Their parents were already there, enjoying a coffee and pancakes.

"Good morning." Nakangiting bati ni Contessa sa dalawa. "How's your sleep?"

Reigo intertwined his hand with Zehannah and showed it to their parents. "It was
good."

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni Contessa habang ang iba naman ay napatango at masaya na
maayos na ang dalawa.

"Upo na kayong dalawa." Aya ni Dan. "Mag-agahan na kayo. Magsisimba pa tayo."

Kaagad namang nag-agahan si Reigo at Zehannah. At nang matapos sila, kaagad na

umalis ang dalawang pamilya patungong simbahan. Nag-convoy lang ang mga ito.

First to leave were Cameron and Dan, then followed by Rohan and Contessa and the
last one were Reigo and Zehannah.

Nang makarating sila sa simbahan, tahimik silang pumasok at naupo sa pinakagitnang

bahagi.

From the beginning of the mass up to the end, Reigo held Zehannah's hand like he
didn't want to let go. Hinayaan lang ito ni Zehannah dahil gusto naman niya ang
pakiramdam ng kamay nito sa kamay niya.
Nang matapos ang mesa, inaya ng mga magulang ni Zehannah ang lahat patungo sa parte
ng simbahan kung saan sila puwedeng magsindi ng kandila at magdasal.

Nang makarating sila sa candle lighting area, bumili ang anim ng kandila saka
nagkaniya-kaniya hanap ng bakanteng mapaglalagyan niyon.

When Reigo and Zehannah found a spot, they lit their candles and placed them
carefully before they prayed.

Zehannah thanked the lord for her parents' good health, healthy relationship and
career. And then she thanked the Lord for guiding their agency and for taking care
of her and Cassia. Then she prayed for Reigo's parents' good health and prosperous
life. And at the end of her prayer, she closed her eyes and prayed.

'Lord, thank you for letting me met Reigo. Alam ko na palagi kong pinagpapasalamat
'to sa'yo, pero magpapasalamat ulit ako. Salamat dahil pinakilala mo sakin ang
lalaking hindi ko akalain na magpapahalaga sakin ng ganito. Please continue guiding
us to the right path and the right choices. Amen.'

Zehannah had a long prayer. Meanwhile, Reigo had a simple one.

'I pray for my Zee's happiness. Amen.'

And then Reigo spent his couple of minutes watching his Zee pray. He was curious
what his Zee was praying because she looked so earnest.

When Zehannah opened her eyes, she immediately glanced at Reigo and found him
looking at her. "What?" She asked.

Reigo shrugged. "Nothing."

"Tapos ka ng magdasal?"

Tumango si Reigo. "Yeah. I had a very short prayer, so it was quick."

Zehannah was reluctant to ask, but she was curious. "What did you pray for?"

"Your happiness."

Napaawang ang labi niya sa binata. Hindi siya nakagalaw. Ni hindi niya alam ang
sasabihin niya.

Inilahad ni Reigo ang kamay sa dalaga na nakatitig pa rin dito. "Let's go? Mukhang
hinihintay na tayo nila mommy at Tito Dan."

Wala sa sariling tinanggap ni Zehannah ang kamay ni Reigo saka nagpaubaya ng masuyo
siya nitong iginiya patungo kung saan naroon ang mga magulang nila.

And Zehannah still couldn't move on from Reigo's prayer, even though they already
left the church and were now in a restaurant to have an early lunch.

"Zehan, 'nak, ayos ka lang ba? Namumula ang mukha mo." Tanong ni Cameron ng
mapansing may kakaiba sa anak. "May lagnat ka ba?"

Worried, Dan immediately pressed his palm against Zehannah's forehead. "She's
warmer than usual."

Cameron and Dan were both doting fathers. They immediately fuss over Zehannah,
asking if she was okay and if she's feeling ill, so Zehannah didn't have a choice
but to come clean why her face was red and warm.

"Papi, Papa," pabulong siyang nagsalita para silang tatlo lang ang makarinig sa
ipagtatapat niya. "I'm okay. I'm just blushing."

Cameron and Dan looked at Zehannah flatly before they went back to their sit and
acted like nothing happened.

"Mukhang nainitan lang si Zehan." Wika ni Cameron.

Dan nodded. "Mainit naman talaga sa labas."

Contessa and Rohan agreed. Meanwhile, Reigo leaned in to Zehannah to ask.

"Are you really okay?"

Tumango si Zehannah habang pinapakalma ang sarili.

"So, what are you two going to do after here?" Rohan asked Zehannah and Reigo.

"Home." Zehannah answered.

"Condo." Reigo answered at the same time.

Contessa smirked at her son. "Oh, may condo ka na pala ngayon?"

Reigo smirked back at his mother. "I don't. I'm going to my Zee's condo because we
decided to have a date there."

"Oh?" Cameron raised his eyebrow at Reigo. "At anong klaseng date ang gagawin
niyong dalawa sa condo ng anak ko?"

Zehannah pinched Reigo's thigh, and it was a code they came up with to not make a
mess that would get them caught.

"Binge watch my Zee's show that had become my favorite on Netflix."

"Watch my favorite show while enjoying a wine."

Sabay na sagot ni Zehannah at Reigo. Syempre, walang naniwala pero hindi nalang
pinagsabi ng mga ito at in-enjoy nalang ng mga ito ang maaga nilang tanghalian.

After lunch, everyone bid their farewell and then Reigo literally drove to
Zehannah's condo like he was being chased by a demon.

And the moment they entered Zehannah's condo and closed the door, no words were
exchanged. Their lips hungrily found each other while their hands stripped one
another. Nothing was more important to Zehannah and Reigo at that moment than
owning, tasting and fucking each other until they had enough—which was not going to
happen.

CECELIB | C.C.
CHAPTER 41

MAHIGPIT NA NANGUNYAPIT si Zehannah sa bedsheet at malakas na napadaing ng isagad

ni Reigo ang kahabaan nito sa loob niya at sinundan nito iyon ng malalakas na ulos
na halos gumina sa pagkababae ni Zehannah pero sa halip na patigilan ang binata
dahil sa masidhing paglalabas-masok nito sa loob niya, mas ibinuka pa niya ang mga
mga hita at tuhod na nakaluhod sa kama at inabot ang headboard ng kama kung saan
nangunyapit ang isa niyang kamay.

"Ahh! Ahh! Fuck! Yes! Harder!" Iyon lang ang mga katagang lumabas sa bibig ni
Zehannah habang habol ang hininga. "Ahh! Faster...! Oh, shit! Malapit na ako."

"My pleasure..." Reigo replied with a hoarse voice as he thoroughly fuck his Zee
from behind.

Zehannah gripped the headboard and her body arched when Reigo buried his cock deep
and hard and rough again and again inside her that Zehannah could feel her legs
trembling at the intensity.

"Oh, god! Ahh! Shit! Reigo—ahhh!"

Reigo continued burying his cock deep and hard. "Fuck... so tight..." he muttered
under his breath as his head fell back with his eyes closed and mouth agape.

Zehannah buried her entire face on the pillow while still holding on to the bed
frame and gripping the sheet. She was gasping for breath at every thrust and when
Reigo buried his cock more deeply, Zehannah swore her eyes rolled back deliriously
as she accepted every thrust.

Zehannah and Reigo were both out of breath, sweating and exhausted since it was not
the first time that night that they did it, but the intensity of their lovemaking
hadn't lessened. It even became more aggressive to the point where Zehannah's whole
body was trembling.

"My Zee," Reigo said as he buried his cock deep while his hand reached to tease and
rub Zehannah's clit to bring her more pleasure—enough to make her tremble and
breathless. "I love you and I love fucking you."

Zehannah's knees finally gave up. There was already no strength left on her legs
even though she still hadn't come, but Reigo didn't let her body fall into the
mattress.

Hinawakan ni Reigo ang balakang ni Zehannah, ini-angat iyon saka walang pasabing
isinagad nito ang pagkalalaki sa loob ng dahan na napasigaw sa sarap.

"Reigo...!"

Reigo thrusted deep again. And again. And again. Until the only thing that could be
heard inside Zehannah's room was her and Reigo's moan of pleasure.

Supporting her hips, rubbing her clit and fucking her from behind, Zehannah
screamed as her orgasm ripped through her. Sagad na sagad ang bawat bayo ni Reigo
sa pagkababae niya na halos mawalan siya ng ulirat ng labasan siya. Lalo na ng
sabayan siya ng binata at ipinutok nito ang mainit na katas sa loob niya.

Parehong habol ang hininga na bumagsak ang katawan ni Zehannah at Reigo sa kama.
Nakatalikod pa rin si Zehannah kay Reigo at nakayakap naman ang binata kay Zehannah
sa beywang na para bang ayaw nitong pakawalan si Zehannah.

And slowly, as they catch their breathing, Reigo's length slid out and Reigo pulled
Zehannah even closer to him.

"Babe, I'm not going anywhere." Zehannah groaned while still taking deep breaths.

"Even so," Reigo pulled Zehannah closer to him again. "I want you close."

Zehannah turned her body around to face Reigo, then she made Reigo's arm into her
pillow and brought her body close to Reigo—as close as she could possibly be—while
hugging him.

"Is this okay?"

Napangiti si Reigo sa ginawa ng dalaga. "Hmm. Perfect."

Zehannah didn't speak after that. She just stayed close to Reigo, as if taking
solace after what happened in their agency that day.

"Feeling better now?" Reigo cancelled his meeting so he could go home early and
console his Zee.

Hindi alam ni Reigo ang nangyari basta tumawag nalang sa kaniya si Zehannah na
parang nagpa-panic. He didn't even ask what's wrong. He immediately cancelled his
meeting, picked her up from her agency, and drove to her condo. And when they
arrived, as if wanting to forget what happened, Zehannah asked Reigo to make love
to her, which Reigo immediately obliged.

"My Zee...?" Reigo was worried. "Do you want to talk?"

Tumango si Zehannah habang nakayakap pa rin kay Reigo. They did it so many times
because Zehannah wanted to forget her worries, but even when it's already past
midnight, she was still worried.

Doon napagtanto ni Zehannah na kailangan niya ng kausap.

"It's Cassia. I'm worried." Zehannah remembered again how panicked Cassia was
earlier when that demon from her past resurfaced and contacted her.

Seeing her friend in that state, Zehannah was reminded again how scared she was
when Cassia never spoke a word—not even to her—after that incident. Kaya ayaw na
ayaw niyang nakikitang umiiyak si Cassia dahil naalala niya ang hindi magandang
kalagayan nito noon na tumakot sa kaniya.

Kaya ng makita niya ito kanina, parang bumalik ang takot niya na bumalik na naman
sa dati ang kaibigan. It was a good thing that Cassia had her husband who loved her
and cared for her.

Maybe that was the reason why she couldn't help calling Reigo. When she saw Thorn
taking care of Cassia, she just had the strong urged to feel Reigo's arms around
her, knowing that she will feel better.

"Did something happen to Thorn's wife?" Reigo asked as he caressed Zehannah's bare
back.

"It was personal. I can't tell you. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. Just tell what you can."

Zehannah told Reigo what happened while skipping Cassia's past and that traumatic
incident. "Nag-aalala ako sa kaniya. Nang makita ko siya kaninang takot na takot,
hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. I acted like I'm calm, and I had it under control
while trying to calm her, but... it scared me too. I don't want to see her
suffering and pain again. It's too painful."

Reigo hugged his Zee. Alam na alam ni Reigo kung gaano pinapahalagahan ni Zehannah
si Cassia. She even got mad at him for making Cassia cry. "She's with Thorn now.
Masama ang ugali ng isang 'yon pero pagdating sa asawa niya, maalaga 'yon."

"I know. Sobrang nag-aalala lang talaga ako kay Cassia. Kung puwede ko nga lang
sabihin na huwag siyang pumasok bukas. But knowing Cassia, I'm sure she'll be at
work tomorrow like nothing happened."

"Want me to make love to you again?" Reigo suggested innocently. "One more round to
make you forget your worry...?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "Nope. Siguradong hindi ako makakalakad mamaya. My legs are
already trembling, Reigo, and I have work."

"But you're still not drained, my Zee."

Zehannah punched Reigo's abdomen. "And I don't want to be drained. May trabaho pa
ako mamaya."

Kaagad na nagreklamo si Reigo. "So kapag ako, ayos lang na masaid kahit may trabaho
ako pero ikaw hindi ko puwedeng sairin?"

Zehannah nodded haughtily. "Yes, babe. Aren't I amazing? Hindi ka na makakahanap ng

ibang babae na kaya kang sairin. Ako lang. Be grateful and say thank you."

Reigo sighed. "Sabi ko nga. Thank you, my Zee."

Ngumiti si Zehannah at mas lalo pang isiniksik ang katawan sa katawan ni Reigo bago
pinikit ang mga mata para matulog. At dahil sa katahimikan ni Zehannah, akala ni
Reigo ay nakatulog na ang dalaga hanggang sa masuyong tinawag ni Zehannah ang
pangalan ni Reigo.

"Reigo...?"

Niyapos ng mga braso ni Reigo ang katawan ni Zehannah. "Hmm?"

"Thank you."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo. "For?"

"For being here with me." Pabulong na sabi ni Zehannah. "Nasisiguro kong may iniwan
kang trabaho para lang puntahan ako. Kaya salamat. Dahil nandito ka."

Hinigpitang ni Reigo ang pagkakayapos kay Zehannah. "I will always be with you, my
Zee. Through high and low, I will stay."

And Zehannah believed that. She trusted Reigo that much. Napatunayan na 'yon ng
binata sa kaniya kaya siguro ganun na lang ang tiwala niya rito. How many times had
she pushed him away? And he's still here with me. Ilang beses na ba niyang binigyan
ito ng rason na iwan siya? Pero nandito pa rin siya sa tabi ko. Ilang beses na niya
bang kinausap si Reigo na masasaktan lang niya ito? Pero, heto, ako pa rin ang
gusto niya.

Zehannah already resolved herself to fight the fear
her very soul for Reigo. She knew it won't be easy,
just a blink of an eye. It was always hovering over
moment. But when she looked at Reigo and remembered
could feel her resolve getting stronger.
that had already taken root in
the fear could consume her in
her, ready to devour her at any
how he always chose her, she

Who would have thought I'll be this soft to Mr. Delicacy?

"Good night, my Zee." Reigo whispered after a couple of seconds before he pressed
his lips against her forehead.

And it felt nice that Zehannah fell asleep so comfortably. Only with Reigo that she
could be like this.

"GROCERY TAYO mamaya?" Tanong ni Zehannah kay Reigo ng makapasok sila sa mall para
pumunta sa furniture store na napili nila. They were planning to buy a new set of
sofas and a large bed for Zehannah's condo. Sinong mag-aakala na masisira naming
'yong sofa at kama? Tanong ni Zehannah sa isip bago napabuntong-hininga. "Halos
ubos na ang stock natin sa condo."

"Well, we've been eating at home lately," inakbayan ni Reigo si Zehannah saka
hinalikan sa gilid ng nuo. "Pakiramdam ko nga nasasanay na ako sa matabang mong
luto."

Zehannah rolled her eyes. "Says the guy who can only do fried food."

Tiningnan ng masama ni Reigo si Zehannah. "Take that back, my Zee. I do know how to
cook! I was independent when I was studying abroad."

Zehannah shrugged. "Well, frying is the easiest thing to do, especially when you're
independent."

"That's not — take that back, my Zee! I only suck at peeling and cutting."

"Hmm-mm. Whatever makes you sleep better at night, babe." Zehannah said
nonchalantly with a shrugged. Palagi kasing sinasabi ni Reigo na matabang ang luto
niya, gumaganti lang siya.

"Huwag mong maliitin ang pagpi-prito ko, my Zee. 'Yon ang bumuhay sakin nuong nag-
aaral pa ako." Pagmamalaki ni Reigo. "And frying is part of cooking too."

"Hmm-mm." Zehannah just hummed and Reigo's shoulder fell.

Reigo sighed and whispered. "What a mean woman."

"I heard you." Zehannah pointed it out with a warning tone.

Kaagad na tumahimik si Reigo saka hinalikan ulit sa gilid ng nuo si Zehannah.

"You're right, my Zee. I'm in the wrong. Frying is not part of cooking."

Pigil ni Zehannah ang matawa. "Reigo, masyado pang maaga para maging understanding
ka."
Reigo pumped his chest. "I'm always an early bird, my Zee."

Napailing nalang si Zehannah at hindi na tinukso pa si Reigo.

"What kind of bed do you want, my Zee?" Tanong ni Reigo ng makapasok sila sa
furniture store.

Nagkibit-balikat ni Zehannah. "Anything big and sturdy. Yong kahit magpagulong-

gulong ako at kahit gumawa tayo ng lindol, hindi masisira."

Mahinang natawa si Reigo sa deskripsyon ni Zehannah sa kama na gusto nito. "Let's

go ask a saleslady."

Nagpaubaya naman si Zehannah at hinayaan si Reigo na kumausap sa sales lady.

"May partikular ho ba kayong gusto sa isang kama?" Balik na tanong ng sales lady ng
magtanong dito si Reigo kung puwede sila nitong tulungan sa paghahanap ng kama na
akma sa gusto nila.

Bumaling muna si Reigo kay Zehannah na hawak nito ang kamay bago ibinalik ang
atensiyon sa saleslady at pigil ang ngiti na sumagot. "'Yong puwede kaming dalawa
magpagulong-gulong at gumawa ng lindo na hindi nasisira."

Mukhang kaagad na naintindihan ng sales lady ang ibig sabihin ni Reigo dahil mahina
itong natawa. Napailing naman si Zehannah saka pinisil ang pisngi ni Reigo dahil sa
deskripsyon na binigay nito.

"What?" Reigo demanded at Zehannah. "It was your description."

Napabuntonghininga nalang si Zehannah saka sumunod sa saleslady na iminuwestra ang

kamay patungo sa kama na akma sa deskripsyon nila.

"Heto po, Ma'am, Sir. Bagong design po namin ito. Matibay, malapad at saka napaka-
komportable po sa pagtulog. Kapag ito ho ang pinili niyo, may libre po itong
dalawang unan at isang set ng bed cover ho. Bagay na bagay po 'to sa bagong mag-
asawa na katulad niyo ho."

Ang lapad ng ngiti ni Reigo sa huling sinabi ng sales lady. "Is it okay to try the
bed? We'll keep in PG."

"Y-yes, Sir."

"Well, come on, my Zee." Nauna nang umupo si Reigo sa kama. "Let's try this bed."

Zehannah flicked Reigo's forehead. "Wala talagang pinipiling lugar 'yang kalandian
mo." Kapagkuwan ay tinungo ni Zehannah ang kabilang bahagi ng kama at doon naupo
kapagkuwan ay nahiga para subukan ang kama.

"Should we check the durability?" Reigo asked Zehannah.

"How?"

"Mimic the earthquake we make when we're fu—"

Zehannah glared at Reigo. "Continue that and I'll kick you out of my condo."

Reigo immediately swallowed his words and smiled. "So... are we buying this bed?"

Bumangon si Zehannah bago sumagot. "Mukhang maganda nga itong kama na 'to pero
tingin pa rin tayo sa iba nilang kama bago tayo magdesisyon."

Reigo looked at the saleslady. "You heard my Zee. Recommend us a good one."

Kaagad na tumango ang sales lady saka iginiya sila patungo sa iba pang kama na
binibenta ng mga ito. Halfway through the bed recommendation process, Reigo's name
was called from behind them.

"Sabi ko na nga bang ikaw 'yan." Anang babae ng lumingon si Reigo kasabay ng
pagharap din ni Zehannah para tingnan kung sino ang tumawag sa binata.

Zehannah expected Reigo to grimace because she thought it was one of his exes, but
to her surprised, Reigo smiled and greeted the woman. "Didn't expect to see you
here, Gemini."

Reigo was close to Gemini. They were childhood friends, after all. So, to hug
Gemini was pretty much normal for both of them as a greeting. But knowing that he
had his Zee now, he didn't hug Gemini or touch her. He settled with a smile. And
Gemini did the same, knowing how easily her jealous gets jealous.

"Kumusta ka na?" Tanong ni Gemini kay Reigo. "I haven't seen you for a year. That
busy?"

Tumango si Reigo. "Yep. How about you?"

"Same as always."

"How's Aidan treating you? Good?"

Gemini narrowed her eyes at Reigo. "Don't be mean to him. He has changed for the
better. He's part of the reason I've been busy." Hinaplos ni Gemini ang tiyan.
"We're expecting."

Reigo's entire face lit up and when Zehannah saw that, her mood became sour, but
she held it in. Nag-uusap lang naman ang dalawa. Nothing to be jealous about. Yeah.
I say that, but I am jealous. She took a deep breath. Calm down, Zehannah. Don't be
jealous. You're not like that. Pero kahit ano pang sabihin niya sa sarili, palala
ng palala ang selos na nararamdaman niya lalo na dahil nakikita niyang masayang
nakikipag-usap si Reigo kay Gemini na para bang nakalimutan nitong may kasama ito.

But just as Zehannah thought that Reigo had forgotten that she was with him, he
turned to her and offered his hand at her.

Naturally, she accepted and let Reigo introduced her.

"Gem, meet the woman I want to spend my whole life with." Pagpapakilala sa kaniya
ni Reigo dahilan para mawala kaagad ang selos na nararamdaman niya. "My Zee."

"Oh, my!" Gemini grinned and offered her hand. Immediately, Zehannah noticed her
wedding ring. "Nice to meet you. I'm Gemini. Reigo's childhood friend."

Tinanggap ni Zehannah ang pakikipagkamay nito. "I'm Zehannah. You can call me
Zehan. By the way, you're married?"

Nagtataka man sa tanong, nakangiting tumango si Gemini. "Yes."

Doon pa lang ngumiti si Zehannah na hindi peke. "Great. I hate feeling jealous."

Mahinang tumawa si Gemini. "No need to feel that way towards me. I'm a very
dedicated wife to my husband."

Mahinang tumawa rin si Zehannah. "My bad. Please forgive me. Masyado lang kasing
maraming barakuda ang gustong makuha itong si Reigo. I have to be alert most of the
time. I don't want my man taken away from me after all. Malandi lang ang isang
'to," Zehannah playfully pinched Reigo's chin, making Reigo chuckled, "pero hindi
ko 'to ipagpapalit sa kahit na kanino."

Pigil ni Reigo ang malapad na mapangiti pero huli na. Halatang-halata sa bukas ng
buong mukha nito na masayang-masaya ito sa mga sinabi ni Zehannah.

"I'm glad you finally found the one for you, Reigo." Gemini said earnestly.

Reigo nodded proudly before softly glancing at Zehannah. "She is indeed the one for
me."

Zehannah's lips parted slightly when she felt her heartbeat quickened at that.
Trying to hide her fast-racing heart, she smiled and pretended like those words did
not affect her when, in fact; it made her breathing hitched, to be honest.

"Well, I have to excuse myself now," ani Gemini. "I'm sure Aidan is looking for me
now. Tumakas lang ako sa kaniya ng makita ko kayo. He's always jealous of Reigo,
so... bye."

Zehannah and Reigo both bid their goodbyes, and when Gemini was already out of
their sight, Zehannah raised her eyebrow at Reigo and repeated Gemini's words.
"He's always jealous of Reigo. Hmm... I wonder why."

Napangiwi si Reigo. "Well, um, I, um, made him jealous by pretending to be

romantically involved with Gemini." Napahawak sa batok si Reigo habang unti-unting
nagpa-panic habang nagpapaliwanag lalo na ng makitang walang emosyong nakatingin
lang sa kaniya si Zehannah. "But I'm not in any way romantically involved with
Gemini. I swear! It's just, Aidan was hurting her, and he's fucked up, so I did
what I did. Believe me, my Zee! There is really nothing going on with me and
Gemini. Nothing. We're just childhood friends. There is really no one but you. Just
you, my Zee. So don't be mad. I swear!"

Zehannah wanted to continue teasing Reigo, but she couldn't hold it anymore and
chuckled. "Seriously, babe. Hanggang ngayon hindi mo pa rin ako kilala? Binibiro
lang kita." She pressed her lips against Reigo's. "I got jealous earlier, I admit.
But not anymore, so chill and let's go back to choosing our bed and sofa."

Reigo was visibly relieved. "... that was scary."

Zehannah looked amused. "May dapat bang ikatakot do'n?"

"Well, my previous relationships taught me that having a close 'girl' friend is a

recipe for disaster and break-up, so I'm steering clear away from that." Reigo
explained. "I don't want us to have a misunderstanding because of that. I have few
women friends and they're all taken and married, but still. A little distance from
them won't hurt."

Zehannah's entire expression softened as she wrapped her arms around Reigo's neck.
"I take back what I said. I like the Reigo now and I'm happy that I met you now and
not before. You're more experienced and you have a tacit understanding of what a
relationship is. You're the reason we're not clashing even though we have different
views in life and relationship. And I'm thankful for your thoughtfulness. You're
the most amazing man I've met."
"Most delicious too." Reigo added as if he couldn't take not adding that to his
description.

Tumango si Zehannah dahil totoo naman 'yon. "Pinakamaharot at pinakamalandi rin."

Tumango si Reigo dahil totoo naman 'yon. "Yes, and yes."

Nagkatitigan si Zehannah at Reigo dahil sa walang pag-aalinlangang sagot nito,

kapagkuwan ay sabay na natawa ang dalawa.

And when the two finally sobered up, Zehannah said, "our new bed is waiting. Let's
hurry and pick one."

"On it, my Zee. Nanginginig pa."

Mahinang natawa ulit si Zehannah saka hinila si Reigo sa pulsuhan patungo sa

susunod na kama na dapat titingnan nila bago dumating si Gemini.

After checking out all the beds, Reigo and Zehannah finally chose one, they moved
to the sofas and then to the supermarket. When they got home, they were both tired,
but that did not stop them from fucking hard and rough under the shower.

And for Zehannah and Reigo, that was the best end for their precious Saturday.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 42

"ALWAYS REMEMBER, Zehan, that when you're buying a stock, you're buying a company.
You buy stock in a profitable firm because you believe in its future and want a
piece of the pie. You are not making an investment if you purchase stock in a firm
that is losing money. Stocks are generally not a suitable investment choice, but
there are circumstances under which this is not the case. However, profitable
enterprises may be able to take advantage of buying opportunities during a down
market. When it comes to stocks, the counsel of an expert isn't always necessary
when picking a solid stock; sometimes you just have to use your head."

Zehannah nodded at Contessa, who was teaching her about stocks and how to invest
properly. Zehannah was trying her best to listen and understand, even though her
mind was somewhere else.

"Before buying stock, it's vital to do some research about the firm. A little
sleuthing can go a long way, so don't discount its value. Do your homework on the
companies you're considering investing in before you make any stock purchases. When
analyzing a company's primary financial statements, you should focus on their
earnings, sales, debt and equity—" tumigil sa pagpapaliwanag si Contessa ng
mapansing wala na naman dito ang atensiyon ni Zehannah. "Zehan, am I boring you?"

Mabilis na napakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka nagpaliwanag. "Sorry, tita. May iniisip

lang ako."
"Tell me."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah. Ang totoo niyan, gusto niyang sarilinin muna ang
iniisip kasi wala naman siyang pruweba pero dahil sa pag-iisip niya, nawala ang
atensiyon niya sa ina ni Reigo. And for that, tita Contessa deserved an explanation
of her absentmindedness.

"Kasi tita," huminga ulit ng malalim si Zehannah bago nagpatuloy. "Two potential
clients backed out last week, just as we were about to sign contracts with them.
The same thing happened again this week. Nuong una akala ko coincidence lang 'yon
kasi nga marami kaming kliyente pero halos bawat linggo, may nagba-backout kahit pa
nga handa na ang lahat." Bumuntonghininga si Zehannah. "Maybe I'm just paranoid,
but I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. Pero ayoko rin namang buksan
ang usapin na 'to sa business partner ko na wala akong ebidensya. Cassia already
has a lot on her plate right now. I don't want to worry her even more."

Napatango-tango si Contessa sa paliwanag ni Zehannah. "Nag-imbestiga ka na ba?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "I honestly don't know where to start, tita. I went to see all
the clients who had canceled on us, and the only reason they provided us was that
they had changed their minds and decided to work with a different agency."

"Yeah. That is indeed troubling." Napahawak si Contessa sa baba nito habang nag-
iisip. "Hmm. If your gut is right, this could be a work of a competitor."

"I don't think so, tita."

Contessa's eyes snapped at Zehannah. "Oh? You have someone in mind?"

Zehannah blows a loud breath. "This is just a hunch, tita, but I'm thinking that it
might be Emma—"

"—that woman could never pull that off." Contessa immediately shot down Zehannah's
wild guess.

"— or it could be Reigo's ex, Katrin."

Doon natigilan si Contessa. "If it's her, then it's possible."

Zehannah was taken aback for a moment, surprised that Reigo's mother would agree
with her, considering that Katrin's family was a family friend of theirs.

Sumandal si Zehannah sa likod ng sofa na kinauupuan. "I don't really care that they
—she harassed me on a daily basis. Messaging and emailing me, calling me names and
threatening me. I'm not bothered by it. Pero iba na 'to ngayon. Kung tama ang
hinala ko, hindi ko 'to kayang palampasin. Alam kong wala akong lakas para labanan
ang isang katulad niya, pero lalaban ako."

Zehannah was so wrapped up in her own feelings that she failed to notice the change
in Contessa's expression when Zehannah casually mentioned that Emma and Katrin had
been harassing her via email and SMS. Contessa was not happy about that.

"I'll help you."

Sa narinig, mabilis na napatingin si Zehannah sa in ani Reigo. "Po?"

"I'll help." Contessa smiled. "Yes, you're right. You are not financially strong
enough to fight Katrin, and she knew that. But what she didn't know is that you
have me. Kaya kong palampasin ang pang-aakit niya kay Reigo dahil alam kong hindi
naman siya papatulan ng anak ko, pero ang i-harass ka?" Nagdilim ang mukha ng
ginang. Bakas ang galit sa mukha nito. "'Yon ang hindi ko mapapalampas."

"Tita..." Zehannah was touched.

Contessa calmed herself and smiled at Zehannah. "Continue with your life and keep
working hard. Leave her to me."

That made Zehannah teary-eyed. "I don't know what to say, tita."

Contessa's smile widened. "I do. Tell me that you're going to have lots of babies
with Reigo. As soon as possible."

Napangiwi si Zehannah sa ginang. "Tita naman e..."

"What?" Mahinang natawa ang ginang. "I'm just telling you what I want to hear."

Nangingiting napailing si Zehannah habang tinutuyo ang gilid ng mga mata. "Thank
you, tita. Ang totoo niya, wala akong balak magkuwento tungkol dito hanggat wala
akong pruweba, lalo na kay Reigo—"

"Good choice," sansala ni Contessa kay Zehannah. "My son disliked using money and
power to get what he wants. And honestly, I want him to stay that way. Unlike me,
who's used to money and power struggle. So, leave it to me and just focused on each
other. I'll provide you periodic updates." Then Contessa's lips curved into a
smirk. "It's been a long time since I played with someone. I hope she's fun to play
with."

Zehannah was thankful that she was not on the receiving end of that 'play'.
Nasisiguro kasi niyang hindi madaling kalaban ang ina ni Reigo. Having been on the
receiving end of Contessa's teasing, she knew that her "play" would not be amusing.

"Is there anything I can do to help, tita?" It's her problem, and honestly,
Zehannah wanted to resolve it herself. But against Katrin's wealth and connection,
she would surely lose.

Lihim na napangiti si Contessa sa tanong na 'yon ni Zehannah. Inaasahan na 'yon ni

Contessa. Zehannah was a strong, self-reliant woman, thus she struggles with the
idea of letting others take care of her problems for her. But Zehannah knew that
she couldn't win against Katrin's wealth and influence by herself. "Sure. If I need
your assistance with something, I will let you know."

Kahit papaano, napanatag ang loob ni Zehannah. "Salamat, tita."

"Don't mention it." Kalmado at inosente ang ngiti ni Contessa pero may binabalak
ito sa likod ng ngiting 'yon. Other than the fact that her only son loves Zehannah,
she could also relate to her. She also feels comfortable with Zehannah's
unpretentious family. They were open and honest with who they were and very proud
of it. They were her kind of people.

"Katrin is not a threat. Trust me. So can we go back to our lesson now?" Tanong ni
Contessa sa dalaga pagkalipas ng ilang minuto. "Siguradong panay reklamo na ngayon
ni Reigo. Not that he could do anything, really."

Napangiti saka napatango na lang si Zehannah. Somehow, her worries had lessened,
and she could now focus on her lesson.

With a smile, Contessa continued their lesson. "Now let's move to several
quantitative factors to weigh when buying a stock..."
"HOW'S THE lesson?" Reigo asked the moment Zehannah sat in the passenger's seat of
his car. "Ayaw kang pakawalan ni Mommy kahit oras na para umuwi."

"Ang dami kong natutunan." Bakas ang kasiyahan sa boses ni Zehannah. "Tita Contessa
is every thorough with her lesson. I want to learn more, but it's Tito Rohan's turn
to teach me next week, so my stock trading lesson has to wait."

Binuhay ni Reigo ang makina ng sasakyan. "Ikaw lang ang kilala kong natutuwang mag-
aral."

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "Knowledge is power."

"Sabi ko nga." Reigo said as he maneuvered his car out of her parent's house's
garage. "By the way, you're free tomorrow, right? Let's go on a date."

"Where?"

"I found a nice restaurant."

That's all Reigo had to say to get a quick 'yes' from Zehannah. "Is it here in the
city? Ayoko sa malayo. Nakakapagod mag biyahe."

Tumango si Reigo. "Bagong bukas kaya hindi pa masyadong kilala. I actually found
out about it through my secretary, Oliver, and I already asked him to reserved us a
seat two days ago."

A lopsided smiled appeared on Zehannah's lips. "Ang advance natin mag-isip, ah."

Reigo shrugged. "its good food. I know you're going to say yes."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah dahil totoo naman kasi 'yon. "Hinding-hindi ako hihindi
sa masarap na pagkain. Pero sana masarap talaga. Wala ng mas sasakit pa sa
pagbabayad ng mahal pero hindi mo naman na-enjoy ang pagkain na binayaran mo."

"No worries," Reigo reach out his hand to pinch Zehannah's check while driving.
"Oliver is a foodie, and he recommended the restaurant."

"If that is so, then I'll look forward to it." Zehannah had high hopes now. "By the
way, babe, hindi pa ba tayo uuwi?" Wala kasi silang plano ni Reigo kaya nagtataka
siya kung bakit ibang daan ang tinatahak nila, hindi pabalik sa condo niya.

"Dadaanan ko 'yong naiwan kong mga gamit sa barn." Imporma ni Reigo kay Zehannah.
"I still have some space in your closet, so I'm planning to take all my things to
your place."

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Zehannah sa binata. "Wow. Feeling comfortable in my

place, are we?"

Reigo nodded earnestly, not letting Zehannah's sarcasm change his mind. "Yep. I
didn't ask for permission because you like good food, right?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Ano naman ang kinalaman ng pagkain sa paglipat
mo ng lahat ng gamit mo sa condo ko?"
Reigo was now sporting a smug smile. "Well, because I'm a delicacy, of course. I'm
the best food you could ever get your hands on. My lips, my tongue, my body and
gifted Reigo down there will not disappoint your tastebud. I'm a full coarse meal
from head to toe. With me in your place, you will always be full. And the perks of
having me include eating me whenever and wherever you want. In your bed, on the
sofa, in the kitchen, on the balcony, on the floor and against the wall. I am
delicious like that."

Napabuntonghininga nalang si Zehannah at isinandal ang gilid ng ulo sa bintana ng

sasakyan. "Don't you have another adjective than delicious to describe yourself?"

"I am tasty, appetizing, luscious, succulent, scrumptious, delectable, savory, and

lush."

Zehannah sighed. "Kapag kagaguhan talaga ang galing-galing mo."

"Kaya kang panginigin ng gago na 'to."

Zehannah sighed again. "At kaya rin kitang sairin kaya manahimik ka riyan. Wala ako
sa mood i-entertain ang kahalayan mo ngayon."

Reigo glanced at Zehannah, worried. "So, I'm not getting any tonight?"

"Yep."

"My Zee! How could you?!" Reigo was in crisis. "It's weekend, and that means it's
my moment to shine!"

"Shh!" Pagpapatahimik ni Zehannah kay Reigo. "I'm sleepy. Gisingin mo nalang ako
kapag nasa condo na tayo."

Reigo could only sigh and let his Zee sleep peacefully. Ni hindi nga ito ginising
ni Reigo ng itigil nito ang sasakyan sa labas ng barn para kunin ang natitirang
gamit nito sa loob.

And while Reigo was inside the barn, Zehannah woke up and yawned. At nang hindi
makita si Reigo sa loob ng sasakyan, lalabas sana siya ng mapagtanto niyang nasa
labas silang barn kaya hindi na lang siyang lumabas at hinintay nalang sa sasakyan
ang binata habang tsini-check ang cellphone kung may natanggap siyang importanteng
mensahe.

Other than Emma and Katrin's harassment, there was none, so she decided to put her
phone back in her bag. But before she could, she received another message from the
second witch bitch.

'I hope you enjoy my gift.'

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. Ano na naman kaya ang binabalak ng baliw na 'to?

Bago pa masagot ni Zehannah ang sariling tanong, nakita niyang lumabas sa barn si
Reigo kaya kaagad niyng ibinalik sa bag niya ang cellphone. Ayaw niyang masira ang
araw niya kaya winaksi niya sa isip niya ang mensahe ni Katrin.

"I have something for you." Kaagad na sabi ni Reigo ng makasakay sa sasakyan at
nakitang gising na si Zehannah.

"Ano?"

Reigo handed Zehannah a lollipop. "Hope this will sweeten your day, my Zee."
"I already have you, though." Ani Zehannah pero tinanggap pa rin ang lollipop na
wala nang balot dahil inalis na iyon ni Reigo para sa kaniya.

While Zehannah was enjoying her lollipop, she was waiting for the car to move, but
it didn't. So she turned to Reigo and saw him staring at her. "Hmm? What?"

Napabuntonghininga nalang si Reigo saka pinausad ang sasakyan habang tinatapik-

tapik nito ang parte ng dibdib kung nasaan ang puso nito. "You're fine. Stop
beating so fast."

Napapantastikuhan si Zehannah kay Reigo pero hindi na ito nagtanong sa binata at

ini-enjoy nalang ang lollipop na bigay nito.

When they finally made it to her condo, it was raining and there was a long walk
between the parking lot and the entryway.

"Bummer." Reigo muttered under his breath while looking outside before he changes
his car's gear from P to D. "Put your seatbelt back, my Zee. I'll drive you to the
entrance."

"Huwag na." Pigil ni Zehannah sa binata. "May payong naman ako rito. Share na lang
tayo."

But Reigo did not listen to Zehannah and drove her to the entryway. "Go on. Mauna
ka na."

"Okay." Iniwan ni Zehannah ang payong niya sa passenger seat. "Gamitin mo. Medyo
malakas ang ulan."

"Yes, my Zee."

Binuksan ni Zehannah ang pintuan ng sasakyan ni Reigo saka lumabas. Kapagkuwan ay

sinundan ng mga mata niya ang sasakyan nito na umikot patungo sa parking lot.

Hindi mapigilan ni Zehannah ang mapangiti ng makita niyang ginamit nga ni Reigo ang
payong niya na bulaklakin. And the contrast between his manly appearance and her
umbrella was so distinct that she couldn't help finding her Reigo adorable and
taking a picture of him.

"What was that?" Reigo asked when he arrived in front of Zehannah. He noticed her
chuckling to herself while looking at something on her phone.

"Nothing. Come on." Ibinalik ni Zehannah ang cellphone sa bag saka nauna nang
pumasok.

Sumunod naman kaagad si Reigo pero tumigil din at hinitay si Zehannah sa labas ng
elevator dahil dumaan pa ang dalaga sa front desk.

Reigo didn't need to ask what Zehannah was doing at the front desk because when she
neared him, he saw her hugging a parcel in a pouch and she looked so excited.

"What's that?" Reigo couldn't help asking Zehannah as they entered the elevator.
"Your smile looks wicked."

Inirapan ni Zehannah si Reigo. "I bought this for you, you know."

May kasama sila sa elevator kaya inilapit ni Reigo ang bibig sa tainga ni Zehannah
saka bumulong. "Something nice or something naughty?"
Zehannah said nothing, but by her smile, Reigo knew that something was up with that
parcel she was holding too tightly in her arms.

Nang makarating sa palapag nila at makapasok sa condo, handa na si Reigo na i-

interrogate si Zehannah tungkol sa binili nito para sa kaniya pero mukhang hindi na
kailangan dahil kaagad nitong binuksan ang lalagyan sa harapan niya mismo.

From the ripped pouch, Zehannah took out two black boxes. One was small, and the
other was just an inch bigger than the small box.

"Here. Hold it. Ito muna ang buksan natin."

Kaagad namang hinawakan ni Reigo ang maliit na box saka tahimik na pinanood lang si
Zehannah habang binubuksan nito ang itim na kahon.

An underwear? Tanong ni Reigo sa sarili ng makita ang laman ng binuksang itim na

kahon ni Zehannah. That's a very odd-looking underwear. Bakit niya nasabi? Dahil sa
halip na tela, gawa iyon sa maliliit na bilog na may butas sa gitna na pinagdikit-
dikit. Wait... she said she bought it for me, right? Fuck. "My Zee... I am not
wearing that."

Nag-angat ng tingin si Zehannah kay Reigo mula sa sinusuri nitong underwear. "Huh?
What are you talking about?" Kumunot ang nuo ni Zehannah. "This is for me and
that's," tinuro ni Zehannah ang box na hawak ni Reigo, "for you. Buksan mo na ang
sayo."

To his great relief, Reigo tore into the tiny box with nothing inscribed on it to
give him any idea what was inside.

And what he saw made him furrowed his eyebrows because he had no idea what it was.
It was a round item made from the same material as his Zee's underwear.

"You like it?"

He looked at his Zee. "Um... I guess? This bracelet looks intriguing..."

Malakas na natawa si Zehannah sa sagot ni Reigo. "Babe, that's not a bracelet.

That's a ring."

Sa sinabi ni Zehannah, kaagad na isinuot iyon ni Reigo sa daliri nito. But it was
too big to be a ring. "My Zee, are you teasing me again?"

Mabilis na umiling si Zehannah. "Of course not. It's really a ring, but it's not
for your finger."

Reigo became even more confused. "Then... where do I put this?"

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zehannah at tumigil iyon sa pagkalalaki ni Reigo. At dahil

sinundan ni Reigo ang tingin ni Zehannah, kaagad nitong naintindihan ang gustong
iparating ng dalaga. "My... cock?"

Zehannah grinned because Reigo finally figured it out. "Yep." Itinaas ni Zehannah
ang underwear na hawak. "This is for me—the edible candy heart g-string underwear
while that's," tinuro nito ang hawak ni Reigo, "the edible candy cock ring."

Reigo blinked at Zehannah as his mind slowly wrapped around the item in his hand.

The edible what now...? The fuck?!

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 43

KATRIN'S GIFT THAT Zehannah was worried about, unbeknown to Zehannah, the details
had already reached Contessa's hand. Just a day after Zehannah received Katrin's
message, Contessa already found out about it from her trusted private investigator.
The thought of it made her feel sick. Alam ni Contessa na maraming babae ang
katulad ni Katrin, pero nasobrahan naman yata ito lalo na ng malaman ni Contessa
ang rason kung bakit ginagawa 'yon ni Katrin.

It was all because her son, Reigo, rejected her. That's it. Katrin's ego couldn't
take it, especially after finding out that the woman Reigo chose was Zehannah. For
Katrin, her wealth and education make her a better choice than Zehannah, but those
aren't the only things that matter. Manners, attitude and personality also play a
big part in life. Which was something Katrin sorely lacked.

"Alam ko na ang kailangan kong gawin ay kausapin si Katrin at patigilan siya

pero..." bumuntonghininga ang ginang saka inilapag ang binabasang report na
ipinadala sa kaniya ng private investigator niya saka sumimsim ng kape habang nag-
aagahan kasama ang asawa, "... where's the fun in that, right?"

Napatingin saka napailing nalang si Rohan sa asawa. "Love, Katrin is still young
and reckless. Would you please show mercy?"

Umingos si Contessa. "You wouldn't tell me that if you knew what she had just
done."

And that made Rohan frowned. "Tell me."

Contessa sighed and told her husband. "She's messing with Zehan's parents."

Contessa was right, and the look on Rohan's face changed dramatically. From calm to
anger. "What did she do with those good people?"

With her eyes rolling, Contessa sighed. "Huwag mo nang alamin, magagalit ka lang.
Just focus on your work, dear. Leave it to me."

Alam ni Rohan na mapagkakatiwalaan niya ang asawa sa mga ganitong bagay kaya
nagpaubaya siya. "I take back what I said. Don't show mercy."

Marahang napatingin si Contessa. "I'm not planning to. After I learned that she had
been harassing Zehan and Reigo, I don't think I can hold back." When she thought
about the report she had gotten, her expression darkened. "I just want to lessen
Zehan's stress a little, that's why I offered my help, but when I read all the
details from our private investigator, my reason had changed. Kapag hindi natin
pinutol ang kapagyarihan ni Katrin at ang pamilya niyang kunsintidor, hindi lang si
Zehannah at ang pamilya niya ang masasaktan. I am horrified that we are friends
with their family, dear."
Seeing how bothered his wife was, Rohan offered. "Then let's cut ties with them."

"Yes. Let's."

Rohan nodded and Contessa was somehow relieved that her husband supported her on
this. "Leave everything to me, dear." She smiled at her husband as if to show her
confidence that everything will be just fine. "Kailan ba ako natalo sa mga ganitong
bagay?"

Napangiti si Rohan sa asawa. "Never."

"Precisely." Contessa remarked, proud. "Zehan is a strong woman, and I know she can
verbally and physically destroy Katrin. Unfortunately, Katrin wanted to play using
money and influence, which Zehan lacks at the moment."

"Does our son know about this?"

Umiling si Contessa. "Let him be. You know how Reigo is. He's not a fan of
resorting to the use of connection or monetary means to achieve his goals. This
kind of scheme is not his thing."

Rohan sighed, then he smiled at his wife. "Then we'll leave things in your capable
hands, love."

Tumango si Contessa at nakangiting tinapos ang agahan kasama ang asawa. Pagkatapos
mag-agahan at nakaalis na ang asawa sa trabaho, tinungo ni Contessa ang pribadong
opisina sa loob ng bahay niya saka tinawagan ang isa sa malaking investor sa
pribadong unibersidad na pinagta-trabahuan ng ama ni Zehan.

Katrin used her connection to influence the dean to get rid of Dan. And now the
dean was doing everything he could to get rid of Dan, including spreading malicious
rumors about him.

"Contessa!" Anang magiliw na boses sa belong linya. "It's been a long time since we
talked. How have you been, you devilish woman?"

Mahinang natawa si Contessa sa tinawag sa kaniya ng nasa kabilang linya. "Same old,
same old, Jana. Still beautiful as ever. You?"

Mahinang natawa rin si Jana. "Heto, may-asim pa."

Sabay na tumawa ang dalawa sa sagot na 'yon ni Jana bago naging seryoso ang usapan
ng dalawa.

"So?" Jana asked after their small talk. "You need something? I know you... you
prefer talking in person rather than over the phone. You only call when there's an
emergency."

Napangiti si Contessa dahil kilala talaga siya ng kumare. Inaanak niya ang nag-iisa
nitong anak na lalaki. "I heard you're now a big shot investor of some private
universities."

Jana rolled her eyes. "Contessa, dear, if you need something, give it to me
straight."

"Okay." Contessa told Jana the help she wanted from her. "You're one of their
investors, right? Can you do that?"

Jana sighed as she massages her temple. "The moment you called; I know it will not
be sunshine and rainbows. But, hell, I owe you one, so I'll see what I can do."

"Jana, you don't owe me one." Contessa said in a reprimanding tone. "You needed
help, so I offered. That's all."

Jana smiled on the other line. "I know, Contessa. Though the fact remained that I
owe you. Anyway, I'm curious. Bakit mo gustong tulungan si Mr. Dan Sevil? He's one
of our outstanding teachers, but these rumors surrounding him these past weeks have
reached the investors' ears and they wanted him gone."

Contessa sighed and explained the circumstance to Jana.

"Oh, so that's how it is." Jana was relieved. "I trusted Mr. Sevil and his very
honest disposition, so I didn't sign his termination for misconduct. I told them to
investigate thoroughly if he really did sexually harass one of his male students."

Napailing si Contessa. "I can vouch for Dan, Jana. He's not that kind of person."

"I know, but they're using his sexuality to worsen the accusation. Saying that he's
gay, that's why he did it."

Nagtagis ang bagang ni Contessa. "That man is very dedicated to his husband and
family!" Hindi mapigilan ni Contessa na magtaas ng boses sa galit na nararamdaman.
"And being gay doesn't mean he's attracted to every male he sees! Dan has taste and
standard. Ang kakapal naman nila para isiping magugustuhan sila ni Dan. Have you
seen Cameron, his partner? That's his standard!"

"Contessa, dear, calm down—"

"No! How could I calm down knowing that that happened because of a little girl
who's sulking because her ego had been crushed for being rejected?" Contessa was
livid. "And using sexual harassment to harass someone was just pure evil. What a
desperate girl!"

Jana took a deep breath, knowing that when Contessa was angry, all hell would break
loose. "I will do everything I can to investigate and thoroughly clean Mr. Sevil's
name. Just calm down, Contessa. I'll handle it."

Huminga ng malalim si Contessa para pakalmahin ang sarili saka nagsalita. "I'm
sorry, Jana. I'm calm now. I just hate it when people use a very serious crime to
harass and bully someone." She sighed. "Imagine if no one would help Dan? They
would drag his name into the mud, just because of a little girl's ego."

"I know. I'll take care of it."

"Thank you."

Jana and Contessa shared a short, small talk before they bid goodbye and ended the
call.

Alone in her private office, Contessa's expression darkened when she remembered
what happened again.

Oh, little girl. Contessa's lips curved into a dark smirk as she placed her phone
back on her table. I'll show you how women fight.
"OKAY LANG ba si Papi?" May pag-aalalang tanong ni Zehannah ng makapasok siya sa
bahay ng mga magulang galing sa opisina niya, kasama si Reigo na siyang sumundo sa
kaniya at sinalubong sila ng Papa niya sa pintuan ng bahay. "How's his health? I'm
worried, Papa. I can't focus on work so I came here as soon as I can."

Cameron immediately hugged his daughter for comfort and then patted Reigo's
shoulder. "Dan is resting." He sighed. "Sorry, Zehan. Ilang linggo na 'to pero
nuong isang linggo lang namin sinabi sayo baka kasi mag-alala ka."

"Papa..."

Cameron tried to smile, to reassure his daughter. "Don't worry. Under investigation
naman na ngayon ang nangyari. Your Papi is innocent, and the investigation will
surely come out in favor of Dan because he did nothing wrong."

Hindi makapagsalita si Zehannah, lalo na't nakikita niyang nahihirapan ang Papa
niya dahil sa mga paratang sa isa pa niyang ama.

Who did this? Hindi mapigilan ni Zehannah ang mapatanong sa sarili. Is this just
bad luck, or did someone do this to Papi? Katrin? Emma? Pero wala siyang pruweba.
Should I hire a private investigator? Where would I even find a trusted one?

Zehannah pulled herself together. "How's Papi doing these days?"

Cameron sighed and lead Zehannah and Reigo to the sofa. "Stress, of course. But
he's hanging in there. Sabi niya mukhang may nakakataas na naniniwala na inosente
siya dahil hindi kaagad siya na-terminate sa trabaho at pina-imbestigahan ang
nangyari. Pero dahil do'n, hindi muna siya puwedeng magturo hanggat hindi pa
natatapos ang imbestigasyon."

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Zehannah at masuyong hinawakan 'yon ni Reigo. "Sino ang
estudyante na 'yon na umakusa kay Papi?" Hindi 'yon ang unang beses na tinanong
'yon ni Zehan sa ama. She had been asking her father that since she found out.

"Zehan, calm down." Pigil ni Cameron sa anak dahil alam niyang malaki ang
posibilidad na sugurin nito ang estudyante.

But Zehannah couldn't calm down and Cameron understood her, because even he was
barely hanging on.

"Our anger won't do us any good, Zehan." Ani Cameron sa anak. "Let's be patient and
wait for the investigation result." Tumayo si Cameron mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa.
"I'll get you some refreshment, so you'll calm down."

"... thank you, Papa."

Nang makaalis ang ama sa salas, doon bumagsak ang luha ni Zehannah na kanina pa
niya pinipigilan. It was a tear filled with frustration — because she couldn't do
anything other than wait.

"Do you want me to investigate?"

Nang marinig niya ang nag-aalalang boses ni Reigo sa tabi niya, kaagad siyang
napabaling dito.

"I know someone," dagdag ni Reigo para kahit papaano ay mapanatag si Zehannah.
"He's a little bit expensive, but he could be trusted."

Mabilis na tumango si Zehannah. "Please. I'll pay."

Tumango si Reigo. "Sure. I'll inform him for you."

Zehannah's expression softened, then she leaned against Reigo's shoulder. "Thank
you, Reigo. It's a big help."

Reigo gathered Zehannah in his arm and kissed her temple. "Don't mention it. It's
nothing."

Silence fell on them, and that's when Cameron came back.

"Calm now?" He asked his daughter.

Tumango si Zehannah habang yakap pa rin ni Reigo. "Hmm."

"Good." Masuyong nginitian ni Cameron ang anak. "Kung hindi pa kayo naghahapunan,
may pagkain sa kusina. Feel free. Doon lang ako sa kuwarto. Sasamahan ko si Dan.
And since it's already dark out, you can stay here so you can talk to Dan tomorrow
morning."

Tumango si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay nagtanong bago makaalis ang ama. "Can Reigo stay
in my room, too?"

Ilang segundong natigilan si Cameron bago pabuntonghiningang sumagot. "Just don't

lock the door to your room."

"Thank you, Pa."

Tumango si Cameron saka umakyat na sa ikalawang palapag. Naiwan naman ang dalawa sa
salas.

"You hungry?" Reigo asked.

Umiling si Zehannah. "Wala akong ganang kumain."

"Even when I'm on the menu? And of course, those sexy edible things you bought."

She laughed a little instead of rolling her eyes like she always did when Reigo was
being flirty. She was grateful that she had a person by her side who could make her
laugh even when she was being swallowed by problems and stress. "I'll pass, babe.
Our edible candy underwear and cock ring have to wait. I'm so stress right now that
I don't know if I can make you happy in bed."

Reigo's expression softened, gone the flirty Mr. Delicacy. "Don't belittle your
ability to make me happy in bed, my Zee, because sleeping next to you is already
enough to make me a happy man."

"Aww..." Zehannah pinched Reigo's cheek. "My Reigo is being sweet."

Reigo nodded haughtily and spoke while acting proud. "Of course, I'm a delicacy
after all. Delicious and sweet."

Napailing doon si Zehannah pero hindi niya kinontra ang sinabi ng binata at patuloy
lang na humilig sa balikat nito at tahimik na pinalipas ang oras.

"My Zee, alam kong nag-aalala ka sa Papi mo pero kailangan mong kumain." Wika ni
Reigo. "Kapag hindi ka kumain, ang Papi mo naman ang mag-aalala sayo."

Bumuntonghininga si Zehannah. "I know. Wala lang talaga akong gana."

"How about I'll make you a soup?"

"Palakpakan. Hindi na lang puro prinito ang kaya mong gawin." Tudyo ni Zehannah sa
katabi.

"At least hindi matabang."

Napassimangot si Zehannah saka masamang tiningnan ang binata. "Pasalamat ka sa

matabang kong luto, hindi ka magkakasakit sa bato."

Reigo flatly looked at Zehannah. "My Zee, would it kill you to, I don't know, add
more salt to taste?"

"Yeah, it would." Pamimilosopo ni Zehannah.

Mabilis na pinisil ni Reigo ang magkabilang pisngi ni Zehannah na parang

nanggigigil saka pinupog ng halik ang labi ng dalaga bago tumayo at tinungo ang
kusina.

Si Zehannah naman na naiwan sa sofa at mahinang natawa saka napadausdos ng

patagilid na higa sa mahabang sofa habang hinihintay na matapos si Reigo sa 'soup'
nito.

Good thing Zehannah did not expect, though. Because Reigo's soup was a well-cooked
instant noodle.

"Why am I not surprised?" Ani Zehannah habang humihigop ng sabaw. "But it's well-
cooked. I give you that, babe."

Mahinang natawa lang si Reigo saka pinisil na naman ang pisngi ni Zehannah. "Is
bullying me your hobby now, my Zee?"

"Huh?" Inosenteng tumingin si Zehannah kay Reigo. "At kalian kita binully?"

Reigo was giving Zehannah a 'really' look, making Zehannah laughed.

Ah, I needed that. Zehannah thought as she continued eating the instant noodle
Reigo made for her. She'd been so stressed lately that a good laugh was always
welcome.

Bad news after bad news. Kahit sana isang good news lang lord. Kahit isa lang.
Dasal niya.

And as if the lord had answered her prayer, her phone beeped.

When she checked who it was, it was a message from Cassia.

'I'm pregnant, master Zehan!!! 😚😚😚'

Thank you, lord, for the good news. Zehannah prayed and then replied to
congratulated Cassia before she turned to Reigo. "Buntis na si Cassia."

Reigo smiled, then he murmured. "I wonder if that bastard passed out..."

"Passed out?" Zehannah parroted. "Who? Thorn?"

"Yep. It's common in our circle to pass out with that kind of news."

Natawa si Zehannah sa nalaman saka nanunudyong ngumiti kay Reigo. "I wonder kung
mawawalan ka rin ng malay..."

Reigo earnestly replied. "Buntisin na ba kita?"

Zehannah was about to drink a glass of water when Reigo said that, and she just
stared at him. Then blink. Her stare continued. And then blink.

She was too shocked to speak until Reigo smiled and asked.

"Did I scare you?"

Zehannah cleared her throat while pulling herself together. "... not really."

It was Reigo's turn to be shocked. "Huh? What?"

"Not really." Ulit ni Zehannah sa tanong ni Reigo saka tumayo ang dalaga at
naglakad patungo sa hagdanan. "I'll ready the bed. Sumunod ka na lang kung gusto
mo."

Then Zehannah left Reigo in the living room, who was still shocked as hell. And it
took him a couple of minutes to come back from his reverie and asked himself.
"She's not scared. Does that mean it's okay...?"

Halos liparin ni Reigo ang daan patungo sa kuwarto ni Zehannah saka humahangos na
pumasok at nagtanong. "Are you really not scared? Is it okay? Kasi bubuntisin
talaga kita."

Zehannah, who was changing the sheet, frowned at Reigo. "Sinabi ko lang na hindi
ako natakot, pero hindi ibig sabihin gusto ko ng mabuntis."

"Oh." The disappointment was vivid.

Bumuntonghininga si Zehannah at nagpaliwanag. "Reigo, a half-baked family could

destroy a child. Look at me. I have a loving family, but because of my mother
abandoning me, I don't know anymore..."

"My Zee..."

She looked into Reigo's eyes. "Ganun mo ba kagustong magkaroon ng anak?"

Hindi nakasagot si Reigo.

Malungkot na napangiti si Zehannah. "I'm sorry..."

"Give me little time to gather my thoughts," Reigo said, then he left her room.

Parang nanghihina namang napaupo si Zehannah sa gilid ng kama saka napatingin sa

nilabasang pintuan ng binata.

Seeing Reigo disappointed, it gnawed at her. But marriage and having a child scare
her. And she didn't even know why. She's just scared at the thought of marrying and
having a child.

Nasaan na ang pangako kong lalabanan ko ang takot ko para kay Reigo?
"Zehan, 'nak—" napatigil sa pagpasok sa kuwarto ni Zehannah si Cameron ng makita
ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito. "Zehan, ayos ka lang ba?" Then he remembered seeing
Reigo seconds ago when he stepped out of his and Dan's room to check on Zehannah,
and Reigo was not looking so good. "Did something happen between you and Reigo
again?"

Instead of answering him, Zehannah looked up at him and asked with a lone tear in
her eyes. "Papa, I think I need a therapist."

Cameron stilled. For the first time since Zehannah had become an adult, it was the
first time he saw her looking so... lost. Like she didn't know what to do.
"Zehan..."

Another tear fell from her eyes. "I don't want to keep hurting Reigo and myself
because of my fear. I want to understand why I'm like this." With a new resolve to
be better for herself and for the people she cared about, she spoke the words that
she was hesitant to utter for the longest time. "Pa... I need help."

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 44

EVERYONE'S LIFE WENT on as the university's investigation into Dan's misconduct in

the university continued. To pass his time and not be a burden to his family, Dan
decided to help his partner, Cameron, with his furniture business. Meanwhile,
Zehannah and Reigo were both busy with their own businesses while trying to find
time for each other, especially Zehannah.

Weeks after Dan's suspension, the result of the investigation finally came out in
favor of Dan. The male student in question came forward and confessed his made-up
story in guidance with the dean. While the board fired the dean and other faculty
members, the student was given a half a year suspension from school.

What followed that were weeks of peace.

Dan returned to the university with a clear name and Zehannah continued with her
therapy, not skipping a single session, even how busy she was.

"Free lang talaga 'yon?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Zehannah kay Reigo habang
magkasalo ang dalawa na kumakain ng tanghalian sa restaurant ni Thorn. "Sigurado ba
si Mr. Kim? I mean, he investigated the whole thing."

Mr. Shun Kim was the one Reigo recommended to her, and when they asked, he
immediately accepted the job. And it was a thorough investigation. Zehannah found
out that Katrin was behind all that, but Reigo's mother countered her and Katrin
failed to hurt her through her father. But she was still pissed at that bitch. She
made her parents stressed and if only that bitch would show herself, she will drag
her to the ground where she belonged.

"Yeah. He's sure." Reigo reassured Zehannah. "Pili lang ang sinisingil niya ng
mahal. I think he's being considerate of you. And his wife will cut his head off if
he made you pay for it."

Napangiwi si Zehannah. "But still... nakakahiya sa kaniya."

"Don't be. It's all good." Ako ang siningil ng gago. Dagdag ni Reigo sa isip niya
at lihim na napailing ng maalala ang paniningil sa kaniya ni Shun dahil kasama
naman daw siya ni Zehannah ng lumapit sila rito. Really, a motherfucker. "By the
way, my Zee, how's your therapy?"

Zehannah had a biweekly therapy session. Reigo could still remember Zehannah
informing him about her plan to ask for a professional help just minutes after he
left her in her room to gather his thoughts. She was crying and apologizing about
the emotional stress she had put him through.

Seeing his Zee cry, he had forgotten his initial plan to gather his thoughts and
just hugged his Zee.

He would be lying if he said he didn't want to advance their relationship further.

But he had to consider his Zee. She's really working hard to be a better version of
herself and knowing that she's partly doing it for him was enough to halt his
thoughts about advancing their relationship and just be there for her.

"I think I'm improving." Zehannah had a smile on her lips. "Little by little."

"We should celebrate with that edible candy of yours." He gave her a flirtatious
grin. "Binili mo pero hindi mo ginagamit."

Pinisil ni Zehannah ang pisngi ni Reigo. "Maharot ka lang talaga. And didn't I tell
you I'm saving it for a special occasion?"

"But every day with you is a special occasion, my Zee. That's why we should do it
every day."

"Nope. We can do it every day without the candy."

Reigo's shoulder fell. Then he straightened them again. "No. I'm not giving up. For
the candy!"

Zehannah just shook her head at Reigo and changed the subject.

After lunch, Zehannah and Reigo bid their goodbyes and return to their work.

As usual, one client backed out in the very last minute which made Zehannah sighed
and clenched her fist. She had already informed Cassia about their client's
decision to back out, afterwards she enquired whether she could handle the
situation on her own. At dahil sobra ang tiwala sa kaniya ng kaibigan, pumayag
kaagad ito. At dahil doon, ayaw niyang biguin ang tiwala nito. Pero heto, may isa
na namang nag back out.

The only reason why their business was still moving even after all those clients
backed out was because they still have big clients left. Pero hindi magtatagal,
kung magpapatuloy ito, siguradong mag-uumpisa na silang malugi. Zehannah felt as
though everything would fall apart with just one mistake because their financial
situation was so unstable, even at this point.

And a week has passed since it began. As a result, she had to lay off two of her
employees in order to cover the agency's expenses.

Dahil hindi mapakali, lumabas siya ng opisina at tinungo ang opisina ni Cassia.
Nang makapasok at makaupo sa visitor's chair nito, kaagad niyang sinabi rito ang
problemang pinansiyal ng agency nila.

"I want to say we'll be fine, but..."

Cassia smiled at Zehannah. "I know you're worried, but we'll be fine—"

"Cas—"

"We're both working hard, Zehan." Cassia cut her off. "For our agency, we are
putting forth our absolute best effort. Wala tayong inaapakang tao at maayos ang
pakikisama natin sa mga kliyente natin."

"Cassia..."

Tumayo si Cassia mula sa kinauupuan para takapin mula sa likuran si Zehannah. "Alam
ko kung bakit sobra ang pag-aalala mo, pero wala tayong magagawa kung gustong mag
back out ng mga kliyente natin. Hindi natin hawak ang desisyon nila o kung ano ang
gusto nilang paniwalaan. Just always remember that this is not your fault, okay?
Nothing of this was your fault, so don't worry. We'll do this together. As business
partners. And if worse comes to worst, and we had to start from scratch again, it
won't be difficult for us to repeat the feat."

Zehannah nodded while her eyes were closed, feeling the warm hand caressing her
heart as if to comfort and calm her. "Thank you, Cassia. I needed that one."

Cassia grinned and gave her best friend an even tighter embrace. "Anything for my
master."

Zehannah just sighed because Cassia was back to calling her 'master' again.

Leaving Cassia's office, Zehannah went back to her office to give it her all. Like
what Cassia told her. Give it her best, so there will be no regrets. Just like what
she was doing with her life now. Giving it her all to be better so there will be no
regrets.

Yes. We can do this. Zehannah cheered herself and went back to work. Not knowing
the storm, Katrin was brewing.

ONE LOOK AND Reigo noticed how exhausted his Zee was. Kaya hindi na siya nagtaka na
ng matapos silang maghapunan ay kaagad itong nakatulog. And it worried him because
it was clear that Zehannah was pushing herself again.

So, he called Calderon.

"Hey, bud. I have a question."

"Wow. No hello, how are you?" Sarkastikong sagot ni Thorn.

Reigo sighed. "Nagkikita pa lang tayo kanina. Seryoso ako."

"Fine. Anong kailangan mo?"

"Kumusta ang agency ng asawa mo at ni Zehan?"

"Hmm... we don't really talk much about it. All I know is my Cinnamon is working
hard these days and very busy. Why? Something wrong?"

Reigo heaved a deep sigh. "Zehan had been coming home exhausted as of late."

"Well... that's adulting, bud."

"I know. But something is off."

"Ask her then."

"She wouldn't tell me anything." Reigo frustratedly answered. "She's always saying
everything is fine, but I'm pretty sure it's not."

"How about you ask Shun?" Thorn suggested.

Reigo clicked his tongue. "Moron. The issue here is communication, not information.
Didn't you do the same thing when your wife didn't want to tell you about her past?
You keep quiet and waited for her. You didn't ask for Shun's help to dig into her
past because you wanted her to open up to you and that's what I'm trying to do, you
motherfucker!"

Thorn clicked his tongue back. "You're a motherfucker for ranting at me, you moron.
Take it to Zehan. Siya naman ang umi-stress sayo, hindi ako. At saka baka ayaw lang
talaga niyang sabihin sayo dahil wala kang maitutulong. Accept the truth."

"Wala ka talagang kuwentang kausap. Ang sama pa ng ugali mo."

"Same to you, bud."

Reigo groaned. "Fuck you."

Thorn grinned. "You're welcome."

Reigo ended the call feeling pissed, and then he went back to the bedroom to force
himself to sleep. But that did not go well.

He only slept a little until morning came and he watched Zehannah ready for work as
if he didn't exist. That's how busy she had gotten.

"My Zee, wait for me. I'll drive you to—"

"No need. Kaya ko na ang sarili ko." She quickly kissed Reigo goodbye on the lips,
but Reigo caught her hand and didn't let her go.

"My Zee, would it kill you to wait for me for a couple of minutes while I get
ready?"

Napatitig si Zehannah kay Reigo at nang maisip ang kalagayan ng agency nila ni
Cassia, seryosong sumagot si Zehannah. "Yeah. It would."

"My Zee—"

"Reigo, I'm really busy." May diin nitong sabi. "I don't have time for your right
now. I'm sorry."

Bahagyang natigilan si Reigo bago binitiwan ang kamay ni Zehannah. "Okay. Ingat
ka."
Tumango lang si Zehannah saka umalis habang nakasunod ang mga mata ni Reigo rito.

Something is really wrong.

Therefore, he made a call to the person he knew who could advise him because that
person had years of experience.

His dad.

"Oh, hey, son. Napatawag ka. Need something?" His father chuckled as if happy that
he called. "It'll cost you."

"Dad..."

Hearing his son's troubled voice, Rogan immediately knew what Reigo wanted.
"Something happened to Zehannah?"

"Something feels off, dad. It's just that... something is different with my Zee."
He runs his fingers through his hair, frustrated. "But I can't pinpoint what."

"Talk to her."

"I already did."

"Anong sinabi niya?"

"She's busy."

"Then she's busy." Rohan said in a matter-of-fact voice. "People like her and your
mom— when hen they say they're busy, they're just really busy. She's not cheating
or tired of you, she's just really busy. They will tell you straight away if they
don't want you anymore. Siguro may importanteng tinatrabaho lang si Zehannah na
kailangan ang buong atensiyon niya."

Reigo was frustrated. "Can't she tell me?"

"Son, she must be doing something important that keeps her real busy, and she
didn't want to tell you about it." Ani Rohan. "Dalawa lang 'yon. Either she's
keeping it from you because she didn't want you to know, or she's keeping it from
you because it doesn't concern you. You chose and then ask her again."

Natahimik si Reigo.

"Though if you want my advice, I say let her be." Seryosong wika ni Rohan.
"Sometimes, a little distance makes the heart grow fonder."

"Distance could kill a heart too, dad."

"Son, genuine love is hard to kill. Remember that."

His father's last words still echoed in his mind as his father bid farewell and
ended the call.

Distance, huh? Reigo scoffed at himself. Distance from my Zee is synonymous with
not really living. Just how the fuck am I going to get through this?
READING THE REPORTS on her table, Zehannah called Cassia and their accounting
department's head to have a meeting to talk about the current issue their agency
was facing. The reason why she was so busy—trying to pacify the situation they were
in.

"The agency just doesn't have enough money for the fine, if that's the path we'll
take." Ani Josie, and head ng accounting department ng C&Z Marketing Agency. "We're
already losing money because of the attorney's fee."

Zehannah sighed, her hands cupping her head. The business lawyer recommended by
Faith Yilmaz's husband already gave them a consideration and a discount because
they were friends with Attorney Evren Yilmaz, but it was still an enormous chunk of
their finances.

"And if we pay the fine, it was like admitting that it was indeed our fault and we
failed to deliver the marketing campaign we promised." Zehannah gritted her teeth.
"Y&Z Supermarket is one of our big clients. For them to do this..."

"If we took this to court, it'll take some time and money, and I don't think our
small agency could take it. Siguradong makakagamit tayo ng personal na pera natin."
Dagdag ni Cassia saka bumuntonghininga. "Kahit anong piliin nating daan, masisira
at masisira ang reputasyon ng agency natin. And reputation is important in this
kind of business."

"What do our other clients think is the most important factor, we all know this."
Zehannah added while trapping her head in between her palms while her elbows were
resting on the edge of the oval-shaped table. "It's obvious that if word gets out,
it could spell disaster for our agency. If we take this to court, the trial could
go on for months or years if things don't go well. The best-case scenario is to
settle the fine and tarnish our reputation, the worst-case is we'll go bankrupt."

Cassia sighed and caressed her stomach. "Either way, because we're just a small
agency, we're doomed." Bumagsak ang balikat ni Cassia saka tumingin kay Zehannah.
"Zehan, anong gagawin natin? Even though we have hard days ahead, we have to
proceed with business as usual. We also need to focus on our other clients' needs.
Our lack of attention could cause them to think that something is wrong."

Zehannah took a deep breath and answered Cassia with the best smile she could
muster. "Don't worry. We'll get through this. I promise. Our budget is our major
concern right now. As it is, we can't afford to spend any more money right now. One
solution for staying afloat is to look for ways to gain immediate funds. Until we
settle this, we could borrow money to cover expenses."

Nakangiting nag-thumbs-up si Cassia kay Zehannah. "No worries. Maraming tayong

puwedeng hiraman ng pera."

Tumango si Zehannah. "But we still have to be very careful. Ang hiramin lang natin
ay yong kaya nating bayaran."

Tumango si Cassia sa kaibigan saka bumaling kay head ng accounting department nila.
"Don't worry, Josie. Just hang in there. We'll get through this together. Kami ang
bahala."

Magiliw na tumango si Josie. "Yes po, ma'am Cassia, ma'am Zehan."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehan saka ngumiti kay Josie. "Thank you, Josie. You can go
back now. Cassia and I still have to talk about our plans moving forward."
Tumango si Josie saka lumabas ng meeting room.

Nang si Zehannah at Cassia na lang sa loob ng conference room, kaagad na napasubsob

si Cassia sa mesa at napasimangot kay Zehannah. "I honestly don't know what to do,
Zehan. This is a colossal risk we're taking. Nuong nag-umpisa tayo, ang problema
lang natin ay kung magkakaroon tayo ng kliyente, ngayon kinakasuhan na tayo ng
kliyente natin. How time flies, really."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka pabirong pinisil ang ilong ni Cassia. "Hang in
there and trust me."

"I do trust you, master Zehan." Ani Cassia saka ngumiti. "We can do this. Pagsubok
lang 'to."

Tumango si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay napabuntonghininga. "This is exhausting."

Cassia couldn't help but nod. "Yeah. This agency has a special place in my heart,
so if we filed for bankruptcy, my heart is going to break, but my financial
wouldn't be a problem because I have my husband, but you, Zehan..."

Zehannah smiled reassuringly at Cassia. "I'm okay. A few weeks ago, I bought a
stock, so yeah... I hope that one goes well—no. I'm sure it'll go well."

Lumipat ng upuan si Cassia para yakapin si Zehannah. "Master Zehan, kahit anong
mangyari, nandito lang ako para sayo. Hindi kita iiwan sa ere tulad ng hindi mo rin
sakin pag-iwan dati. Kahit anong harapin o mangyari sa agency natin, palagi mong
iisipin na nandito lang ako sa tabi mo kahit maaga akong umuuwi palagi sa trabaho
kasi makulit ang asawa ko."

Babagsak na sana ang luha ni Zehannah peri umurong dahil sa huling sinabi nito.
"You're always so silly." She flicked Cassia's forehead. "But thank you for
sticking with me and trusting me with all this."

Cassia just grinned and nodded.

Napailing si Zehannah saka tinapik ang mga braso ni Cassia na nakayakap rito. "Sige
na, balik ka na sa opisina mo. Ako na ang bahala maghanap ng mahihiraman natin ng
pera pansamantala."

Tumango si Cassia saka lumabas ng conference room.

Ilang minutong nagpaiwan naman doon si Zehannah bago lumabas. At habang patungo
siya sa opisina niya, dumaan muna siya sa accounting department para humingi ng
financial statement kay Josie.

While Josie was printing the financial statement, Josie's phone was beeping
nonstop. Text after text. And since Zehannah was near Josie's table while waiting,
she couldn't help seeing the name of the sender, though the content was hidden.

"Mukhang miss na miss ka ng boyfriend mo, Josie." Tudyo ni Zehannah sa empleyado.

"Daming text oh."

Namula ang pisngi ni Josie. "Seaman ho kasi ang boyfriend ko, ma'am. At pauwi siya
kaya panay plano kung anong gagawin namin."

Mahinang tumawa si Zehannah saka tinanggap ang financial statement na katatapos

lang i-print ni Josie. "Okay lang sakin makipag-text ka, huwag mo lang pabayaan ang
trabaho mo."
"Yes, ma'am Zehan."

"And make sure to give your boyfriend time," Zehannah advice. "Huwag kang gumaya
sakin. I don't have time for my man, and I think he's going to snap at me soon
enough."

"Noted po, ma'am."

Nginitian ni Zehannah si Josie bago tinungo ang opisina nito at nagligpit ng gamit.
May pupuntahan siya.

With her shoulder bag in her hand, she left the agency and drove to her
destination.

Reigo's company.

Nang makarating siya doon, si Fara ang nakaupo sa mesa ng sekretarya sa labas ng
opisina ni Reigo.

"Ma'am Zehan!" Fara was delighted to see Zehannah.

Zehannah smiled back. "Si Reigo? Puwede ko ba siyang isturbuhin?"

Napatingin si Fara s sa pintuan ng opisina ni Reigo bago sumagot. "Naku, ma'am,

nasa labas ho ngayon si Sir Reigo kasama si Oliver. They're visiting construction
sites and I don't know when they will be back."

"Oh." Zehannah's shoulder slightly fell.

"Gusto niyo ho bang sa loob na lang kayo ng opisina ni Sir maghintay?"

Zehannah pulled an amiable smile and nodded. "Thank you, Fara. Sa loob na lang ako
maghihintay kung ayos lang."

Tumango si Fara at sinamahan si Zehannah sa loob. Kapagkuwan at naghanda ng pang

meryenda si Fara bago iniwan sa loob ng opisina si Zehannah.

Zehannah was planning to wait for Reigo patiently, but unbeknown to her, Fara
already informed Oliver and Oliver informed Reigo, and Reigo was on his way back
from visiting constructions sites.

Kaya naman ng makabalik kaagad si Reigo, nagulat is Zehannah. Ni hindi pa nga niya
nauubos ang meryenda na ginawa ni Fara para sa kaniya.

"That was fast..." she commented.

"Hmm." Reigo pretended not to have rushed up to meet his Zee. He even nonchalantly
sat beside Zehannah. "This is new. You're actually here."

Tumango si Zehannah. "I'm here to explain myself."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Reigo kapagkuwan ay kumalma ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito.
"May I ask why?"

"Because I know my busy schedule had been bothering you and because I need your
help."

Reigo leaned back in his seat while staring at his Zee as if he was reading her.
Then he blows a loud breath and shrugged. "Okay. Explain."
Zehannah turned to face Reigo before she explained herself. "Our agency is about to
sink and me and Cassia had been busy trying to save it."

Kaagad na umayos ng upo si Reigo at buong atensiyon na hinarap ang dalaga. "What
happened? Is there something I can do? Tell me."

Zehannah told Reigo about how the Y&Z Supermarket were suing them for failure to
deliver their marketing campaign. How they asked Atty. Yilmaz to recommend them a
good business lawyer and how they're now stuck between paying the fine or taking it
to court.

"Yilmaz didn't tell me..." Reigo muttered under his breath.

"It's because me and Cassia asked him not to. I mean, this is our problem as
business owners, and I don't want to bother you with it. As owners, we're
responsible for doing everything we can to save it. Kaya hindi ako nagsabi sayo o
humingi ng tulong."

Reigo's face softened. "But now you're here. Asking for my help."

Tumango si Zehannah saka nagbaba ng tingin. "We, um, we have no more options left.
Ginawa na namin ang lahat at ito lang ang naisip naming paraan para kahit papaano
magpatuloy ang agency namin habang inaayos namin ang probelma sa Y&Z Supermarket."
Bumuntonghininga si Zehannah. "Ang totoo niyan, nahihiya akong humingi ng tulong
sayo. Hindi ako sanay humingi ng tulong pero hindi na talaga kaya e." Bumagsak ang
luha mula sa mga mata ni Zehannah. "Naiinis ako sa sarili ko kasi hindi ko nakita
'tong problema na 'to. We were doing so well, and then boom, just like that,
everything we work hard for is falling apart. And I hate it because I feel so
powerless."

Reigo dried Zehannah's tears. "My Zee, I'm right here. You can ask me for help
anytime."

"Alam ko. Pero hindi naman puwedeng lahat ng problema ko, iasa ko sayo." Zehannah
dried her own tears. "Ang dami mo na ngang iniisip ng dahil sakin, ayaw ko nang
dagdagan pa. Pero heto, nandito ako, humihingi ng tulong. At nahihiya ako kasi wala
naman akong magandang naibigay sayo. Puro nga lang problema at sakit ang dala ko e
tapos heto na naman. I want to do something for you as well. I don't want to be
someone who only takes and takes that's why I ask for a professional help, so that
I could be a better person for you. But then, this disaster happened and," she
heaved a deep sighed, "instead of giving back, I'm going to take something from you
again."

Reigo took a deep breath and wrapped his arm around his Zee as he rested his chin
on her shoulder. "My Zee, you've given me enough already." He whispered. "You've
given me happiness, you gave me a home, you gave me your body, you gave me your
time and a lot more, so don't discredit yourself."

Zehannah became silent as her breathing calmed down.

"Feeling better?" Reigo asked.

Ngayong nailabas na niya ang saloobin? Tumango si Zehannah. "A little."

"I'm glad. Now. Tell me what you need."

Zehannah bit her lower lip before she turned to face Reigo. "Money. I want to
borrow money from you."
"How much do you need?"

"A million." She whispered.

"Okay. When do you need it?"

"Tomorrow."

"When will you pay me back?" Reigo asked because he wanted to treat it as a
business deal to ease Zehannah's mind.

And his decision was spot on, because Zehannah had loosened up. "We plan to pay you
monthly. Twenty-four to thirty-six months starting two months from now, if that's
okay with you."

That's two to three years. It means I have two to three guaranteed years with her.
Would three years even be enough to woo her? Reigo smile at the uncertainty.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing." Reigo smiled at Zehannah. "I'll transfer the money tomorrow to your
agency's account, then we'll sign a contract."

Tumango si Zehannah saka niyakap si Reigo. "Thank you so much, Reigo."

It was a big sum of money she's borrowing, and Zehannah was happy that Reigo
offered to make a contract. It puts her mind at ease somehow becasue it was Reigo's
hard earned money. A debt was a debt.

I have to be even more serious about my therapy. I want to be better. For Reigo...
and for myself.

MEANWHILE, BACK IN C&Z Marketing Agency, a certain someone in the accounting

department was busy exchanging message with her 'boyfriend', but there was nothing
sweet about their exchange.

'Is Zehannah suffering?'

'Yes, ma'am. The agency is falling apart, and they're going to borrow money to save
it. Not only that, I learn that because of Zehan's busy schedule, Sir Reigo is
about to snap and maybe they'll fight.'

'Music to my ears! I want her to suffer more! I want her to grovel! As long as
she's not breaking up with Reigo, I will make her life a living hell. Starting with
her puny business. Hahahaha.'

'Yes, ma'am. I will update you every time they change their plan.'

'You're such an angel, Josie. I will raise your fee even more.'

'Thank you so much, ma'am!'

'Don't mention it. Just keep working hard for me.'

'Yes, ma'am.'

The exchanged ended and Josie went back to her work like nothing happened.

CECELIB | C.C.

SKL: Natawa ako sa 'A debt is a debt' ni Zehan kasi naalala ko si Iuhence 😂

CHAPTER 45

"GIVE UP ON Reigo or continue to suffer." Kararating lang ni Zehannah sa opisina at

maagang-maaga pa at 'yon kaagad ang narinig niya ng tanggapin niya ang tawag ni
Katrin. "If I can't have him, then no one can. That's my decision. And if you
continue being stubborn, I have more ways to make you suffer. I can destroy
anything you hold dear—"

"Hindi ka ba napapagod?" Putol ni Zehannah sa iba lang sasabihin ng nasa kabilang

linya. She was genuinely curious. "Ang aga-aga puro na kasamaan ang pinaggagagawa
mo. And you said you're a wealthy, well-educated woman." She sighed. "I guess it's
true that you can't buy manners."

Halos lumabas ang ugat ni Katrin sa leeg sa sobrang galit. "You bitch—"

"Nope. I'm sure that's you. Anyway, I have an agency to run and save. Have a nice
day." Hindi na hinintay ni Zehannah ang sagot nito. Pinatay niya ang tawag saka
napabuntonghiningang pabagsak na naupo sa swivel chair niya.

Save my agency or give up on Reigo. It's been weeks since she received the offer
from Katrin, and her answer still hadn't changed, hence the problem with Y&Z
Supermarket. But she's going to fight even if it cost her her life savings—
actually, it already did. I always slay. Over my dead body, you witch bitch.

She says that, but she's really struggling. Kung hindi lang niya pinapalakas ang
loob niya at wala siyang pinaglalaban, matagal na siyang umayaw. But even how easy
it was to just give up, she couldn't find it in herself to just let that witch
bitch win.

"She called again?" Tanong ni Cassia ng makapasok sa opisina ni Zehannah at nakita

ang madilim na mukha ng kaibigan at ang mahigpit na hawak sa cellphone nito. She
was actually here to ask Zehannah about the money they burrowed, but seeing
Zehannah, Cassia's question changed.

"It's her hobby to piss me off every morning." Pagod na sagot ni Zehannah. "Kung
sana magpakita na lang siya sakin at pisikal kami na mag baradagulan, e di tapos
kaagad at panalo ako."

"But she's rich and powerful. You know how they operate."

Hinilot ni Zehannah ang sentido. "Marami tayong kilalang rich and powerful pero
hindi naman sila ganun kung umasta."
Cassia shrugged. "Masama lang talaga siguro ang ugali niya."

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Zehannah. "Gusto ko siyang sapakin."

Natawa si Cassia kay Zehannah. "Patience is a virtue, master Zehan."

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah sa sinabi ni Cassia. "Well, my patience is about to

run dry. Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko pang magtimpi. Araw-araw sinusubok ako ni
lord at kung malapit lang sakin ang gaga na 'yon, baka talaga na bugbog ko na siya
sa sobrang galit na nararamdaman ko."

Cassia sighed and went to comfort Zehannah. "We'll fight and we will give our all."

Pagod na tumango si Zehannah saka inimporma ang kaibigan na nakahiram na siya ng

pera kay Reigo.

Bumuntonghininga si Cassia. "Would it be enough?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Ako na ang bahalang makipag-meeting kay Josie para ma-budget
natin ng maayos ang pera na hiniram natin."

Tumango si Cassia. "Okay. I'll leave it to you, master Zehan. Balik na ako sa
opisina ko. Ayos ka na ba?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Ayos lang. Kakayanin..."

Cassia smiled at Zehannah before she left, but worry replaced her smile once she
stepped out of Zehannah's office. Nag-aalala siya sa kabigan niya. Zehannah had
always been strong and independent, but even the strongest wall crumbles.
Hinahayaan lang niya ito dahil sinisisi nito ang sarili sa nangyari kahit hindi
naman nito kasalanan 'yon.

Cassia took a deep breath and muttered under her breath. "I have to give my all."

"Ma'am Cassia?"

Napakurap-kurap si Cassia saka napatingin kay Josie na siyang may-ari ng boses.

"Oh, Josie." Magiliw na ngumiti si Cassia. "Ang aga natin, ah."

Nahihiyang ngumiti si Josie. "Nakakahiya ho kasi maaga ang mga boss kong pumasok."

Mahinang natawa si Cassia. "Naku, huwag mo kaming pansinin. We're just busy trying
to save the agency." Nilingon ni Cassia ang pintuan ng opisina ni Zehannah. "But
Zehannah is more stress than I am. Pati sa personal niyang buhay, stress din siya."

"Nag-away ho ba sila ng boyfriend niya?" Usisa ni Josie at nang nakita nitong

nagtatakang tumingin dito si Cassia, mabilis na nagpaliwanag si Josie. "Nabanggit
kasi sakin ni Ma'am Zehan na hindi sila maayos ng boyfriend niya dahil palagi
siyang busy."

"Oh," understanding dawn on Cassia's face. "Hindi ako sigurado, pero parang ganun
nga yata. Nakikita mo naman kung gaano ka-busy si Zehan. Anyway, doon lang ako sa
opisina ko. Kung may kailangan ka, dumeretso ka nalang kay Zehan. She'll be taking
care of our finances and budget with you while I'll take care of our remaining
clients." Then Cassia smile at Josie. "Break a leg."

Josie smiled back. "Yes, ma'am."

But Josie's smile disappeared as soon as Cassia turned her back on her. And
immediately, Josie reported her findings to her 'real' boss.

EARLY MORNING and he already had it rough. Zehannah went to work so early again—too
early that he was still asleep when she left. And not seeing Zehannah after he
opened his eyes in the morning spells bad day to him. Therefore, when he arrived at
his office, he was grumpy as hell and his secretary, Oliver, immediately noticed
it.

And then something added to his already bad day.

A message from Katrin.

'I have news and an offer to make. I know you'll be interested.'

Reigo sighed and deleted the message, and then block the number. Hindi siya
interesado. Alam niyang gulo lang ang dala ni Katrin. Mas makabubuti pa na ituon
ang atensiyon niya sa pag-iisip kung paano matutulungan si Zehannah kapag humingi
ito ng ibang tulong sa kaniya maliban sa pera.

Honestly, he wanted to intervene and just threaten Y&Z Supermarket, but he could
feel that it would somehow put C&Z Marketing Agency in a bad light if their clients
find out. The best way to help his Zee was to trust her and leave it in her hands.
And only moved when she asked him to.

Ayaw niya itong pangunahan dahil kung siya ang nasa kalagayan nito, hindi siya
magiging komportable dahil responsabilidad niya bilang may-ari ang ayusin ang
problema ng sariling kompaniya niya. And she knew Zehannah would feel the same way.

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Reigo. But could I help her? Is the money she
burrowed really enough to make their agency afloat for the time being?

He was worried, but Zehannah seemed certain that the money was enough. That means
she had a plan.

Reigo blows a loud breath again and leaned back in his swivel chair. I know how
self-reliant she is, but she actually asked for my help. That was unexpected, but
he couldn't deny that he was happy when she asked. Looks like her therapy is
working great. The Zehannah he knew would never ask for help. She would always keep
her worries to herself. But now, she's more open when it comes to asking for help.

Reigo picked up his phone and sent a message to Zehannah.

'Call me if you need anything. Let's have a date if you're not busy anymore.'

After sending his text to Zehannah, he called his secretary to know his schedule
for today before he start his work.

THE DAYS OF Zehannah, being overly busy, continued. The only time Zehannah and
Reigo saw each other at daytime was when they signed the contract for the money
Zehannah burrowed. Other than that, the two always see each other at nighttime and
after a simple dinner, Zehannah would be on the bed, deep in her sleep.
Reigo understood how busy Zehannah was, but he couldn't help feeling left behind.
He felt like something important was happening in Zehannah's life and he was being
excluded. Though he immediately discarded the feeling. Of all people, it was him
who's supposed to understand Zehannah better. Siya ang kasama nito sa condo at
nakikita niya palagi kung gaano ito kapagod sa tuwing umuuwi ito.

Though it bothered him, his days of only seeing Zehannah at night continued. And
then his work entered the scene.

"My Zee, I'm leaving for work."

Napatigil sa pagkain ng hapunan si Zehannah saka napabaling kay Reigo bago

kalmadong nagtanong. "Kailan?"

"Bukas." Sagot ni Reigo. "There's a project that my company had been interested in
and the bidding will start the day after tomorrow. In Japan. I'll be there for
three to four days, maybe."

Tumango si Zehannah saka ngumiti. "Good luck. You can nail it."

Reigo appreciate the 'good luck'. "Anong pasalubong ang gusto mo?"

Nag-isip si Zehannah. "Hmm... a new keychain for my keys?"

Reigo chuckled at Zehannah's simple request. "Got it. I'll buy you tons of
keychains."

"One keychain will do, babe." Naiiling pero nangingiti na sabi ni Zehannah.

"I'll buy matching keychains then."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. "Cheesy."

"I'll make sure you'll like it." Pangako ni Reigo kapagkuwan ay tumiim ang titig
nito kay Zehannah. "How's your agency, by the way?"

Bumuga ng marahas si Zehannah ang kitang-kita sa mukha ng dalaga ang frustrasyon,

pagod at stress. "I actually don't want to talk about it. I don't want to be
stressed about it while I'm with you."

Reigo's expression softened. "Sorry. Nag-aalala lang ako sa'yo. You're too busy.
Nagpapahinga ka pa ba?"

Bumaba ang mga kamay ni Zehannah na may hawak ng tinidor at kutsara sa ibabaw ng
lamesa saka napabuntonghininga. "Pahinga? Ano 'yon?" Pagak si Zehannah na natawa.
"I honestly don't know what I'm doing anymore. Siguro... ayoko lang matalo."

"My Zee..."

Taking a deep breath, Zehannah's face dramatically changed from frustrated to

motivated. "But I'm not losing. I won't let myself lose." She looked at Reigo.
"Specially knowing what's at stake... I'm not losing."

Feeling Zehannah's resolved, Reigo was relieved. "Alright then. Basta kung may
kailangan ka, kahit nasa Japan ako, tawagan o i-chat mo lang ako. I'll help however
I can."

Tumango si Zehannah saka tumayo ito sa kinauupuan para yakapin ang binata. And it
stunned Reigo for a second before he let himself be immersed in Zehannah's warmth.

"Ingat ka do'n. Huwag kang mangbingwit ng bagong barakuda. I already have enough
with those two witch-bitch."

Natatawang tumango si Reigo. "Yes, ma'am. I will make sure to tone down my
handsomeness and deliciousness."

Zehannah rolled her eyes at that and tightened her embraced on Reigo before she
slowly let him go and kissed his forehead. "Oh, there is one thing you can buy for
me," ani Zehannah ng pabalik na ang dalaga sa kinauupuan nito. "Buy me an authentic
Japanese matcha."

"Noted, my Zee. I'll buy lots for you."

Happy and looking forward to her matcha, Zehannah enjoyed the rest of the dinner
and then went to the bedroom to clean herself and brush her teeth.

Meanwhile, the chore such as washing dishes had been passed down to Reigo, not that
he was complaining. Because of washing multiple times, Reigo believed that he's now
an expert in the field of dishwashing and he's a very proud man.

After doing all the chores, he went to Zehannah's bedroom to ready his clothes and
bag for his travel tomorrow, expecting that his Zee was already asleep when he saw
her sitting on the edge of the bed as if waiting for someone.

"That's new," his tone was playful. "Hindi ka pa tulog."

Zehannah narrowed her eyes at Reigo. "Plano kung tulungan kang mag-impake para
bukas. Magsabi ka lang kung ayaw mo, matutulog ako kaagad."

Reigo immediately changed his tone. "I will gladly accept your help, my Zee."

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata saka tumayo at tinungo ang closet saka binuksan
'yon. "You chose the clothes you want to bring, and I'll do the folding."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Do you have a trolley bag?" Zehannah asked. "Or you can use mine."

"Nope. I prefer a backpack. Oliver has a travel iron, so that'll be fine."

"Okay." Kinuha ni Zehannah ang backpack ni Reigo na nasa gilid lang ng closet at
inilagay 'yon sa ibabaw ng kama.

And as Reigo chose his clothes, Zehannah folded them and carefully placed them
inside the backpack. From clothes to Reigo's essentials, Zehannah helped Reigo
packed and only went to bed and sleep after making sure that everything was ready.

A soft smile appeared on Reigo's lips as he watched his Zee sleeping peacefully.
Sanay siyang siya lang ang nag-iimpake ng gamit niya kapag umaalis siya ng bansa
para sa trabaho niya, ayaw kasi niya ng may nangingialam kung anong dapat niyang
isuot. But if it was his Zee, he'll gladly welcome it. Though she didn't really
choose anything for him. She let him choose for himself and that was one thing he
loves about Zehannah.

Smiling to himself, he sat on the bed and kissed his Zee on the forehead before
lying next to her and cuddling her to sleep.
UNANG GABI PA LANG mula ng umalis si Reigo, ramdam kaagad ni Zehannah na may
kulang, lalo na sa condo niya. Pagkapasok na pagkapasok pa lang niya, parang gusto
na niyang lumabas kaagad at pumunta sa bahay ng mga magulang niya.

Her condo was so silent that it scared her. Aside from the silence, she felt like
it had become bigger and different.

Is it because I'm already used to living with Reigo that it feels different now
that he's not here with me?

Walang emosyong natawa si Zehannah sa naisip. Look at me being dependent and

comfortable with someone other than my parents and best friend. Her past self would
surely laugh if she told her that a guy will come who will change how she views a
relationship.

She was still in a 'exclusive dating' stage with Reigo, but sometimes — no, most of
the time — she considers Reigo her boyfriend to be honest. Not just someone she's
exclusively dating. And she didn't mind at all. The thought of having a
relationship with Reigo didn't scare her anymore.

Is it because I'm changing or is it because of my therapy sessions? Whatever the

reason was, Zehannah felt that it was a pleasant change. Yes, scary. But she felt
good about it.

Though there was one thing that didn't change while Reigo was gone, and that was
the e-mail she received from Emma or Katrin. She was not sure anymore since those
two were so alike. Although this time, the email didn't contain words of insult; it
contains photos.

Photos of Reigo and Katrin entering the same hotel together in Japan. She even
received a photo of Katrin's boarding pass and other details that would certainly
prove that Katrin was indeed in Japan—with Reigo.

She was not a jealous woman, but when it comes to Reigo, a small part of her was
jealous. Yes. Jealous. Kahit gaano pa kalaki ang tiwala niya kay Reigo. May selos
pa rin siyang nararamdaman. And it was scary to Zehannah because she was not that
kind of woman.

But here she was, jealous of that witch bitch, even knowing that Reigo wouldn't do
anything that would hurt her.

Pero kahit may selos siyang naramdaman, hinayaan niya lang at nagdesisyon na
matulog na lang ng maaga dahil abala ulit siya kinabukasan. Pero mukhang walang
balak si Katrin at Emma na hayaan siyang magkaroon ng matiwasay na umaga. Dahil
hindi pa nga siya nag-aagahan, nakatanggap na kaagad siya video.

"Seriously..." Zehannah muttered under her breath as she watched the video of Reigo
having breakfast with Katrin in a restaurant in Japan. And it looks like the two
were having a merry time because Reigo was smiling at the video, not serious nor
distant. Smiling.

Yeah. Let's calm down. Sa isip ni Zehannah saka itinigil ang video na pinapanood.
They're just eating and talking. Nothing to fuss about.

That's what she says, but it bothered her the whole day. And at dinner, she again
received another video of Katrin and Reigo having dinner while talking merrily.

But Zehannah's self-control was so strong that she, again, let the video be and
continued her night chatting with Reigo.

'I have something to tell you when I get back. I'm sure it'll lessen your stress.'
– Reigo

'Ngayon mo na lang sabihin.'

'Nah. Mas maganda sa personal.'

'Hindi naman 'to tungkol sa kalandian mo, 'di ba?'

'Nope. By the way, look at what I found while roaming around earlier.'

Below that was a photo of two long wooden keychains with a photo carving of her and
then the other keychain had Reigo's.

'Yours is the one with my face, while I'll keep the one with yours.' Reigo added.

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung matutuwa siya o ano. 'Or you can have the one with your
face and I'll keep mine.'

'Hell no, my Zee. I bought these with the purpose of keeping the one with your
face.'

Napailing si Zehannah pero may ngiti naman sa labi niya. 'Sige na. Tatanggapin ko
na yong isang keychain. Nakakahiya naman sa pagmumukha mo na naka-carve do'n.'

'Yes! Wala ng bawian, my Zee.'

Zehannah imagined Reigo's cheerful face, and it was enough to make her night and
forget her horrible day.

Pero mukhang sibusubok talaga siya ng panginoon dahil kinabukasan, may video na
naman siyang natanggap at magkasama na namang nag-aagahan si Reigo at Katrin. And
the video had a timestamp.

She was convincing herself that it was edited and not authentic, but if it was,
what was she going to do?

Bago pa niya masagot ang tanong na 'yon, nakatanggap siya ng isa pang mensahe.

'Are you really prepared to go broke for Reigo?'

Zehannah's lips thinned as she replied without hesitation. 'Yes.'

After Zehannah hit send, she took a deep breath, let her head fell and stared at
the ceiling. Whatever was happening with Reigo and Katrin in Japan, she already
fought for Reigo and not lose.

She's risking her agency, her mental health, her hard-earned money and everything
for Reigo... if that was not love, then she didn't know what is.
CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 46

NAGSALUBONG ANG KILAY ni Zehannah ng makita si Emma sa labas ng agency nila ni

Cassia. Katatapos lang niyang mananghalian sa restaurant ni Thorn at pakiramdam
niya hindi siya matutunawan dahil sa babae. "Anong ginagawa mo rito?" Nakakuyom ang
kamaong tanong niya ng tumigil siya sa harapan ni Emma.

Honestly, she wanted to bash Emma's head against the nearest wall, but she was
stopping herself. Aside from the fact that they were in public, it was also a crime
to do so, and she already had too much problem as it is.

Calm down, Zehan. This could be a trap. Be sharp! Pagkausap ni Zehannah sa sarili
habang kalmadong nakaharap kay Emma.

"Puwede ba kitang makausap?" Parang nahihiya nitong tanong.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Zehannah. "Drop the act. I know how shameless you are."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Emma na parang nagsisisi sa kawalang hiyaan nito. "I know I
don't have the right to demand to talk, but it's important. Please."

Zehannah sighed. She already had so much on her plate at the moment, she didn't
want to add another one, but Emma coming here meant something was up and she
planned to play along. Hinding-hindi siya magpapa-isa sa mga barakuda na walang
alam gawin kundi manghila ng kapwa nila babae pababa.

"Come in," Zehannah invited Emma calmly. "But don't expect hospitality. You don't
deserve it."

Emma nodded and followed Zehannah inside. Nang makapasok ang dalawa sa opisina ni
Zehannah, umupo si Zehannah sa swivel chair at iminuwestra niya ang isa sa
visitor's chair kay Emma. "Have a seat and start talking. Marami pa akong gagawin."

Napatingin si Emma sa kabundok na mga papeles na nasa ibaba ng lames ani Zehannah
bago umupo at humarap kay Zehannah. "It's, um... it's about Miss Katrin."

I know it... Zehannah sighed. "What about her?"

"She's crazy."

Zehannah didn't even blink. "I know. So what?"

"I want to help you destroy her."

Walang pagbabago sa ekspresyon sa mukha ni Zehannah. "I don't know what happened
between you two, but no, thank you. Hindi ako interesado. Makakaalis ka na."

"But we have to work together...!" Emma finally showed her horns and snapped. "She
can't just do whatever she wants! She needs to be stopped! We have to fight her!"

Zehannah leaned back in her seat. "As you can see, I'm busy. Hindi ako interesado
sa kung ano man ang problema niyong dalawa ng babaeng 'yon. You hate her guts? Then
fight her. Bakit kailangan mo pa akong isama? Bakit? Hindi mo ba siya kaya na ikaw
lang?"

Nagdilim ang mukha ni Emma. "She's a crazy, narcissistic and egotistical woman who
thinks the world revolves around her!"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "Mukhang nakahanap ka ng katapat at kaparehas mo.

Makakaalis ka na."

"She will take Reigo away from you!"

Nagkibit-balikat ulit si Zehannah. "If Reigo could be easily seduced, then she can
have him."

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa kaniya si Emma. "What the fuck is wrong with
you?! Hindi mo man lang ipaglalaban si Reigo?"

Zehannah's expression turned stony. "Bakit ko ipaglalaban ang lalaking nagpaaakit

sa ibang babae? Now, please leave."

"You—"

"Leave." Matigas ang boses na sabi ni Zehannah. "Take your offer to someone
gullible."

Nagtagis ang bagang ni Emma at matalim ang mga mata nitong lumabas sa opisina niya.

Nang mag-isa na lang si Zehannah sa opisina niya, malakas siyang napabuntong-

hininga saka hinilot ang sentido. Problem after problem. She didn't know how long
she'll last if this continued.

Because they didn't settle and give in, Y&Z Supermarket was now suing them, and
they needed tons of money to sustain the case. Alam ni Zehannah na nasa tama sila
at ipaglalaban nila 'yon ni Cassia. Kaya mas busy siya nitong mga nakaraang araw
dahil kinakalap niya ang mga papeles na kakailanganin para patunayan na walang
pagkukulang ang ahensiya nila pagdating sa nakasaad sa kontrata.

It was exhausting really, but she believed it was worth. I just have to hold on for
a while longer. I can do this. I always slay.

Motivating herself, she took a deep breath and was about to work when she
remembered Reigo. Mamayang hapon ang dating nito galing Japan. Gusto man niya itong
sunduin at makita kaagad, wala talaga siyang oras para gawin 'yon dahil may
briefing siya mamaya kasama ang abogado nila para sa kaso na isinampa sa kanila ng
Y&Z Supermarket.

I'll just text him. Zehannah thought and started looking for the documents needed
for their case.

ZEHANNAH WAS EXHAUSTED the whole day, and all she wanted was to go home, see Reigo
and rest, but there was someone who made it their sole purpose in life to annoy her
at every chance. And that afternoon was not an exception. Nakatanggap ulit si
Zehannah ng video at sa video na 'yon, malinaw niyang nakita na magkasabay na
sumakay si Reigo at Katrin sa pribadong eroplano na sinasakyan ni Reigo.

So, they're together again... She couldn't really deny it anymore. Magkasama ang
dalawa at masayang nag-uusap. Pero kahit may paninibugho siyang nararamdaman, hindi
talaga niya maisip na lolokohin siya ni Reigo. She just couldn't see it. Hindi
ganun ang nakilala niyang Reigo. Nasisiguro niyang kung ayaw na nito sa kaniya ay
magsasabi ito dahil alam nito ang pakiramdam ng niloloko.

But then again... the fact still remains that she was feeling jealous.

Oh, well... I'm seeing him tonight. I'll just ask.

'Yon ang plano ni Zehannah. Ang magtanong. Gusto niyang marinig ang sagot ni Reigo
mula sa bibig nito mismo.

Unfortunately, Reigo came home late because of some work he had to finish and
Zehannah slept early because of how exhausted she was. Umaga na nang magkausap ang
dalawa na habang nagsasalo ng agahan na niluto ni Reigo.

"How's your trip?" Zehannah asked after having breakfast with Reigo and while
washing the dishes. Dapat nakaalis na siya papuntang opisina para maaga siyang
makarating at makapag-umpisang mag-trabaho pero nagdesisyon siyang magpa-late ng
kaunti para makasama pa si Reigo at makasabay itong mag-agahan.

Zehannah may not admit it to Reigo, but she missed just hanging out with him.

"We won," Reigo answered while standing beside Zehannah and helping with cleaning
the dishes. "Anyway, I brought tons of authentic matcha, and I'm going to ask Thorn
to teach me how to make a matcha drink so I could make one for you."

Lihim na napangiti si Zehannah. This is the reason I can't see him being easily
seduced. But I'm still asking. Just subtly though. "Maliban sa pagkapanalo niyo sa
bidding, may nangyari pa bang iba sa Japan?"

"Hmm..." Umaktong nag-iisip si Reigo habang nakasandal sa lababo bago sumagot. "I
don't know if it's a good thing, but I met Katrin in Japan. And she seemed
different."

"Hmm? How so?"

"For one, she didn't get into my skin like before. We actually had a pleasant
conversation about business and stuff." Pagkuwento ni Reigo.

A pleasant conversation, huh? Is that why you're smiling while talking to her,
Reigo? Zehannah felt uneasy. I'm sure that witch bitch is planning something.
"Bakit daw nandoon si Katrin sa Japan? Following you?" Zehannah couldn't hide the
bitterness in her voice in her last question. Good thing Reigo did not pick up on
it. If he did, he ignored it.

"Nope." Reigo answered, as if it didn't concern her. "She's there for a fashion
show. Inimbitahan nga niya akong samahan siya pero umayaw ako."

"Bakit naman?" Zehannah was trying so hard to sound nonchalant.

"Because I want to talk with you that night and it feels weird going with her, you
know. Baka ano pang isipin ng ibang tao na makakakita samin. I want to avoid that
as much as possible."

"Why?"

"Because I have you." Reigo's answer was simple, but enough to make Zehannah feel
better.
"By the way, babe. Welcome home." Ani Zehannah kapagkuwan.

Napatigil sa pagtulong si Reigo kapagkuwan ay ilang segundong napatitig kay

Zehannah bago gumuhit ang munting ngiti sa mga labi nito at tumungo ito sa likuran
ni Zehannah para yakapin ng mahigpit ang dalaga. "Yeah. I'm home. Did you miss me,
my Zee?"

"Kinda." Zehannah answered as if it was nothing.

"Me too." He buried his fact against the side of Zehannah's neck. "I missed you."

"Hmm."

"My Zee."

"Hmm?"

"Take responsibility of me."

"Why?"

"Because I can't sleep peacefully without you anymore." Reigo said as he tightened
his embrace on her. "Hindi ko alam kung paano at kalian, nalaman ko lang nuong nasa
Japan ako. Hindi ako makatulog ng maayos dahil wala ka sa tabi ko. It was
maddening. Gustong-gusto ko nang umuwi. Kung hindi lang 'yon importante, umuwi ako
kaagad sayo."

Yeah. It was worth it. Zehannah thought after listening to Reigo. "Hmm. Is that so?
I slept like a baby, though." She teased Reigo.

"And you just broke my heart, my Zee."

Tinapos ni Zehannah ang paghuhugas saka humarap kay Reigo. "But I really missed
you, babe." Kapagkuwan ay mabilis na hinalikan sa mga labi ang binata. "Welcome
home again, Reigo." Pagkasabi niyon ay kaagad na tumalilis ng alis si Zehannah sa
kusina para maghanda na sa pagpasok niya sa opisina.

And knowing Reigo, Zehannah locked the door to her room.

At tama nga ang hinala ni Zehannah, sinundan siya ni Reigo at mabilis na kumatok sa
pintuan ng mapansin nitong naka-lock ang pinto.

"My Zee, come on. Open up! After that, I really want to have my dessert after
breakfast!"

Mahinang tumawa lang si Zehannah habang mabilis na nagpapalit ng damit.

"Come on, my Zee. Open up! I really want to fuck you, my Zee!"

"Nope." Zehannah finally answered. "I'm busy."

"My Zee!"

Zehannah finished getting ready and opened the door. "I said no. I'm busy."

Reigo gave him a puppy dog face. "Just a quickie?"

Zehannah was tempted, but when she remembered the documents waiting for her on her
table, she sighed heavily and shook her head. "Can't. How about this weekend?"

Reigo's face immediately lit up. "Promise?"

Ngumiti si Zehannah. "Promise."

"Deal."

"Okay. Deal." Zehannah kissed Reigo on the lips one last time. And then she was out
of her condo and off to work.

Samantalang si Reigo naman na naiwan sa condo ay napabuntonghininga habang may

masuyong ngiti sa mga labi.

And then he remembered something.

"Fuck." He hissed. "I forgot to deliver Katrin's message to my Zee." He sighed

heavily. "Well... it's not like it's urgent. I'll tell her tonight."

With that, Reigo got ready for work.

IN THE VASQUEZ estate, Contessa had a visitor in her private office. A woman who
looked so beautiful and serene, as if she couldn't hurt a fly, but Contessa knew
better. Katrin Verona was a woman who would hurt anyone she wanted without a care.

"Reigo and I were together in Japan." Katrin informed Contessa with a sweet smile
on her lips.

Contessa smiled back calmly. "So, I heard."

"You did?" Katrin beamed at Contessa in happiness. "I'm so glad. I hope I can get
your blessing, Tita."

"Blessing?"

"Yes, Tita. I'm pursuing Reigo, and it would be amazing if you can give me your
blessing, tita."

Contessa's expression didn't change, much to Katrin's disappointment because she

couldn't read Reigo's mother. She felt like she was facing an older version of that
irritating and lowly woman, Zehannah Sevil. Oh, well. Whatever. I'm sure Tita will
choose me than some poor woman.

"Oh, I see." Said Contessa and then change the topic. "By the way, Katrin, how was
your company doing? I heard the management was transferred to you last month. Your
parents must've been so proud of you and trusted you so much for them to let their
heiress manage everything."

Katrin's smile turn proud. "Yes, Tita. They gave me the full reign. As you know, I
graduated from a prestigious university in London and I'm decisive and firm when it
comes to decision making, so my parents trusted me with our company. Of course, I
will not disappoint them. I will make our company more successful."

Tumango-tango si Contessa. "That's very nice of you. But I heard that since you
followed my son to Japan, you missed a lot of board meetings."
That made Katrin stilled and quiet. It was not surprising that Contessa Vasquez
knew what's going on in her company because Contessa was a stockholder in her
parents' company. "I-I'm sorry, tita. I was just so happy to be with Reigo..." she
bit her lower lip and acted meek to not be scolded. It always worked on her
parents, and it looks like it did on Reigo's mother as well, making Katrin smile
inwardly.

"Very well," Contessa sighed. "Just don't do it again. Your parents trusted you
with everything, so you shouldn't disappoint them. Always remember how your parents
worked hard to steal that company from their partner."

Katrin paled at that, and she felt humiliated, but she couldn't rebut because it
was true. She knew the whole story, and it looked like Reigo's mother knew, too.

"Anyway," Contessa smiled nonchalantly after seeing Katrin's reaction. "About the
blessing you were talking about earlier. You see, I let my son be independent when
it comes to his relationships. If he chooses you, then that's it."

Worry filled Katrin's face. "What do you mean, tita? Paano kung ang piliin ni Reigo
ay isang babae na galing sa isang hindi marangyang pamilya? Won't your family be
tainted? I mean, when it comes to women, I'm a better choice for Reigo. I'm well-
educated and from a wealthy family. That's actually why I'm here. To ask for your
blessing and also help to have Reigo."

"Hmm..." Contessa was in deep thoughts before she looked at Katrin. "Maybe I can
lend some help, but don't hope too much. And my help is not cheap, Miss Verona."

Of course, Katrin knew that. Contessa Vasquez was, after all, known for being a sly
businesswoman. Money makes the world go round, after all. "I will give anything to
have your blessing and your help, Tita."

"Is that so? Then let me tell you the price of my blessing and help." Contessa's
smile widened. "Let me buy an additional two percent of your company stock."

Katrin became silent as she thought about Contessa's price. Two percent will not
damage their company since they have other stock owners. The two percent wouldn't
change anything and it won't make any difference as well, and it was actually a
cheap price to pay, considering Contessa's help.

"Deal."

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni Contessa. "Okay then. Let's finalize the document needed
and when it's done, I will help you with my son with everything I got. I will even
tell him to have dinner with you... say, a dinner date, maybe?"

Katrin beamed at Contessa. "It's already a big help for me, Tita! Thank you very
much!"

Contessa smiled gregariously. "You're very much welcome, Miss Verona."

It bothered Katrin that Contessa calls her Miss Verona, but she just didn't care at
the moment. Her mind was busy planning ahead and secretly celebrating her victory
against Zehannah Sevil.
REIGO HAD A busy afternoon when he received a call from his mother. It made him
frown. Hindi kasi ang ina niya ang tipo ng ina na palaging tumatawag. If her mother
wanted something, she'll text him. If it's urgent, she'll call him.

Must be something important. He thought as he answered his mother's call. "Yes,

mom?"

"No greetings for your mother?" Contessa playfully clicked her tongue.

Reigo sighed. "Good afternoon, ma. What can I do for you? If it's an invitation, I
don't have any."

"I have a favor to ask."

Natigilan si Reigo sa sinabi ng ina. For his mother to ask for a favor, it must be
something important.

"I'll pay, of course." Contessa added. "Anything you like, son."

Reigo already had a payment in mind. "Stop hogging my Zee to yourself when we're in
the house and when you're teaching her. She's mine. Always remember that. I'm just
letting you borrow her."

Contessa smiled to herself. "Sure. I promise."

"Okay. Deal. So, what kind of favor do you want from me?"

"I want you to meet someone for me over dinner three days from now." Said Contessa.
"Don't worry. You don't have to do anything special. Just entertain that person for
me. It's a one-time thing."

"Just that?"

"Yep. It's already a big help."

"Okay. Sure."

Contessa grinned. "Thanks, son. I'll text you the restaurant's address once it's
settled. Bye."

"Okay. Bye, mom."

Frowning, he looked at the screen of his phone after the call ended. Minsan lang
humingi ng pabor ang ina niya. Kapag humingi ito ng pabor, isa lang ang ibig
sabihin niyon, wala itong ibang pagpipilian kundi hilingin ang tulong niya.

Though he wondered... who am I meeting that mom had to ask me for a favor?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 47
FACING KATRIN was her uncle from her father's side. She called him to her new
office to talk about something important that concerns the company and her uncle
was kind enough to listen to her summon. Of course he would. I'm the boss of this
company. She was surprised that her uncle Ted, who was older than her father,
hadn't turned senile at his age.

"You must be wondering why I called you here, uncle."

Ted nodded and remained silent to listen to what Katrin needed from him.

Katrin didn't beat around the bush. "I want you to sell to me two percent of the
stock you owned, uncle. No worries. I'll give it back after my plan succeeded."

Ted frowned at his niece. "What are you planning to do with the two percent?"

Katrin sighed and explained. "I made a deal with Contessa Vasquez and in return, I
sold her two percent of the family's stock. That's why I need two percent from you
to balance the stock, so it won't hurt the company."

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig si Ted sa pamangkin. "What were you even thinking
dealing with Contessa Vasquez?! Don't you know how sly that woman is?!"

"Hush, uncle." Katrin rolled her eyes. "I had it under control. Kaya nga 'di ba
kailangan ko ang two percent ng stock mo? Syempre hindi ako makakapayag na bumaba
ang stock na pag-aari ng pamilya natin ng ganun lang. I always have a plan."

Napailing si Ted. "It's still a dangerous trade, Katrin. You don't know that
woman."

"What can she do?" Katrin shrugged nonchalantly. "Kahit naman binenta ko sa kaniya
ang two percent ng stock ko, wala pa rin namang magbabago. I'm still the highest
stockholder once you sold me your two percent."

Napabuntonghininga si Ted dahil mukhang walang balak na makinig sa kaniya ang

pamangkin. Hindi naman talaga ito nakikinig sa kahit na kanino, mula pa noon. At
mas lalong lumala ang ugali na iyo ng dalaga ng makapagtapos ito sa pag-aaral sa
London. "Whatever you say. Let's settle the contract at our next board meeting."

Katrin nodded, delighted that her plan was coming together. "Thank you, Uncle Ted."

Ted nodded and excused himself.

Now alone in her office, Katrin smiled in satisfaction. Kaunti na lang, makukuha
niya rin si Reigo. Wala siyang pakialam kung hindi siya ngayon gusto ng binata,
magagawan naman 'yon ng paraan kapag naalis na niya si Zehannah Sevil sa tabi nito.
Napatunayan na niya 'yon nuong nasa Japan sila.

Kaagad na nagkaroon ng emosyon ang mukha ni Reigo at hindi na siya nito iniwasan ng
sabihin niyang makikipag-ayos siya kay Zehannah Sevil at hindi na ang binata
guguluhin. Though it was frustrating because all they talked about was business
and, of course, that woman, Zehannah Sevil, she'll settle with that than Reigo
avoiding her.

Yes. It took all her strength not to snap in front of Reigo for always talking
about Zehannah Sevil in every conversation they had in Japan. Hindi ito mawalan ng
kuwento tungkol sa babaeng 'yon na masakit na sa tainga. Even when she used her
father to call Reigo to asked him to give her a ride home in his plane so she could
be closer to him, all Reigo talked about was Zehannah Sevil and how amazing she was
and how he missed her and how he wanted to go home to her.

And Katrin endured all that. Why? Because that was the only topic that always
brought a smile to Reigo's lips, and she needed him to look so happy for the video
and photos she'd been sending to Zehannah Sevil. Kahit sinong babae, kung makikita
ang mga video at larawan na pinadala niya, siguradong magdududa at magdududa ito.
And that's her plan—to plant doubt in Zehannah's Sevil mind.

And Katrin knew she was successful. Because according to Josie, the spy she planted
in C&Z Marketing Agency, overheard Zehannah and her business partner, Cassia,
talking about Reigo and how Zehannah's trust was dwindling as more videos and
photos she received.

It's just a matter of time. Katrin smirked in triumphant before she opened the
folder in front of her and start working.

"IS THIS ALL I have to sign?" Zehannah asked Attorney Henares in front of her who
visited her office just after lunch to make her understand the contract and sign
multiple documents.

"Yes, Miss Sevil."

"And after this?" Zehannah handed the documents back to the attorney. "What's the
next step?"

"You may leave everything to me, Miss Sevil." The attorney smiled. "Someone will
contact you once we settle everything."

"Do you have a timeline?"

"Hopefully, this will be finished next week."

Tumango si Zehannah. "Thank you, Attorney."

The attorney nodded and excused himself. And the moment Zehannah's visitor left,
Cassia entered her office, looking haggard.

"Are you okay?" Nag-aalalang tanong ni Zehannah sa kaibigan.

Tumango si Cassia saka bumuntonghininga. "Just some personal problem, but I'll be
okay. By the way, I'm here to inform you that our lawyer called for another
briefing, and he told me to bring the documents you two were talking about last
time. Hindi mo raw sinasagot ang tawag niya kaya ako nalang ang kinausap niya."

Oh, yeah. I put my phone in silent when Attorney Henares entered my office. "Noted.
Thanks, Cassia. By the way, nakabalik na ba si Josie galing sa BIR?" They're
understaff at the moment, so Josie was also taking care of their taxes.

"Kanina pa siya umalis, baka pabalik na 'yon ngayon." Nagpaalam na si Cassia kay
Zehannah. "Sige, balik na ako sa office ko. Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Thanks, Cass."

Cassia just smiled before she stepped out of Zehannah's office, leaving Zehannah
alone inside.
Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ni Cassia sa opisina niya, kaagad na hinanap ni Zehannah
ang mga papeles na tinutukoy ng abogado nila. Naitabi na niya 'yon pero ng hindi
niya nahanap sa pinaglagyan, halos buong hapon ang ginugol niya para mahanap lang
ang mga dokumento na kailangan pero wala talaga.

Zehannah was so closed to losing her mind that their attorney immediately noticed
it when she visited his law office.

"Cases like this can be really exhausting, Miss Sevil." Anito. "You should rest
once in a while."

Zehannah smiled wryly. "I don't have time to rest, Attorney. Siyanga pala attorney,
anong mangyayari kung yong dokumento na sinabi mo sakin na kailangan mo ay mawala?"

Walang pagaalinlangan na sumagot ang kaharap. "We're going to lose the case. Those
documents are our proof that your agency did not breach the contract."

Zehannah let out a loud breath. "I'll find it then."

"Please do."

Leaving the law firm, Zehannah went back to the agency and asked the help of their
employees to find the missing document. Unbeknownst to everyone who was looking for
the documents frantically, one of them was just pretending to help. Why would she
give an effort into finding a document that she already destroyed as per request of
her real boss?

And Josie was having a time of her life watching everyone, especially Zehannah,
looking for the said document frantically. Because Zehannah's suffering means her
boss will give her a raise and it means more money for her.

Unfortunately for everyone, until nighttime, no one found the document, and it
devastated Zehannah. Josie got it all on video, and only Josie had a good
afternoon.

"YOU LOOK EXHAUSTED, my Zee." 'Yon ang lumabas sa bibig ni Reigo ng makapasok si
Zehannah sa condo at nakita nito ang dalaga. "Did something happen? Something I can
help with?"

Ilang segundong tinitigan ni Zehannah si Reigo bago ibinuka ang mga braso. "Yeah. I
need a hug."

Kaagad na tumayo si Reigo mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa at lumapit kay Zehannah saka
masuyo at mahigpit na niyakap ang dalaga.

"If you're this exhausted, you should've told me when I called earlier. Sinundo
sana kita." Ani Reigo. "Maagang natapos ang trabaho ko."

"Nah. It's okay. Kaya ko pa naman."

"My Zee..."

Zehannah heard the protest in Reigo's voice, so she explained. "Something is going
on in the agency. I'll take care of it on my own. Kapag hindi ko na kaya, pangako,
hihingin ko ang tulong mo."

Mas humigpit pa lalo ang yakap ni Reigo kay Zehannah. "Is this because of Y&Z
Supermarket?"

"Hmm."

"You want me to investigate why they're doing this?"

"I already know why." Zehannah rested her chin on Reigo's shoulder while Reigo's
arms were still embracing her warmly. "No need to bother with them. Just hug me and
I'll be fine."

Reigo caressed Zehannah's back. "Sigurado kang ito lang ang kailangan mo sakin?"

"Hmm."

"Just hug?"

"Sex too, but I'm too exhausted." Zehannah confessed, making Reigo smiled.

"You miss this delicious specimen, didn't you?" Reigo teased Zehannah.

"Yeah." Zehannah closed her eyes to feel Reigo's warmth. "I miss sucking you dry."
Argh! Shit talaga ang Katrin na 'yon! Sa sobrang busy ko, hindi ko na maluhuran si
Reigo! Isa talaga 'yon sa kinaiinisan niya.

She had been so busy and exhausted that it's been weeks since she and Reigo went
nuts on the bed. Buti nga hindi pa nagrereklamo si Reigo at kapag sinabi niyang
ayaw niya dahil pagod siya ay naiintindihan nito.

Pagnatapos itong mga problema ko, babawi talaga ako. Pangako ni Zehannah sa sarili.
Just you wait, babe. I will really suck you dry. "... for now, I'll settle with a
hug."

Reigo chuckled and kissed Zehannah on the forehead.

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung ilang minuto silang magkayap ni Reigo sa gitna ng
salas. Nagkahiwalay lang ang dalawa ng tumunog ang tiyan ni Zehannah.

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. "It'll take some time for me to cook. How about takeout,
my Zee?"

"Sige. 'Yong masarap lang."

Pinakawalan ni Riego sa pagkakayakap si Zehannah pero ilang segundo lang 'yon dahil
kaagad na pinangko ni Reigo ang dalaga at karga-karga si Zehannah na naglakad
patungo sa kuwarto nilang dalawa habang nag-uusap.

"'Yong kasing sarap ko ba?"

"Yep."

Reigo grinned. "So, you're finally admitting that I'm delicious...?"

Zehannah shrugged. "Let's just say that it's part of why I like you."

Reigo's expression dramatically changed to show how 'hurt' he was. "Ah, you hurt
me, my Zee. I knew it, katawan ko lang talaga ang habol mo."
Zehannah played along with Reigo. "Hmm. Kamay, labi, dila at pagkalalaki mo lang
ang gusto ko."

"Ah. My heart is breaking."

Zehannah had to keep her serious face, even though she was laughing inside. And
just like that, she was happy after a very exhausting day. Nagiging simple ang
kaligayahan niya kapag si Reigo ang kasama niya. Even a simple and playful banter
could make her happy and at ease.

Honestly, it was scary. But she realized that losing this happiness is much
scarier. Relationship was really a risk. It was like investing in a business
without knowing if it'll profit or go broke. But instead of money, it was the heart
and mental health that were at stake. And that's what makes it scarier than any
risk Zehannah had taken before. Because she will never know if it was a fruitful or
fruitless risk until the very end.

Only time could tell if the relationship will end in heaven ... or hell.

That's why it's a risk...

"A penny for your thought, my Zee?"

Zehannah blinked and looked at Reigo, who's now putting her on the bed. "I was just
thinking about relationships..."

Nang maihiga ni Reigo si Zehannah sa kama, umupo si Reigo sa gilid ng kama at

pinakatitigan ang dalaga. "And? Have you changed your mind...?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "I still believe that all kinds of relationships are
scary." Reigo's heart already drop to his stomach when Zehannah added, "fear is
part of life and that's it—it's just a part of life and not whole. If I let my fear
consume me, I will miss a lot of things — beautiful things that I couldn't see nor
appreciate because I let my fear permeate towards the part where it didn't belong.
I realize that while undergoing therapy sessions." A melancholy smile spread on
Zehannah's lips. "I put you through so much, didn't I?"

Reigo's answer was simple. "You're worth it."

Zehannah's smile widened. It was not melancholic, but a smile of a happy woman. One
of these days, I will finally be able to say those words back to Reigo. Just a
little bit longer. Just a little bit.

Zehannah was about to say something sweet when her stomach grumbled again, making
her and Reigo stilled then chuckled simultaneously.

"I'll order take out." He spoke. "You're exhausted. Dito ka lang sa kuwarto. Huwag
ka ng lumabas. I'll take care of everything and bring the food to you."

"Yes, boss."

Reigo frowned at Zehannah. "That sounded weird. I don't like it."

"You just like being dominated by me," Zehannah retorted.

Reigo didn't even try to deny it. "Yeah. I do."

Napailing na lang si Zehannah kay Reigo. "Sabi ko nga. Sige na, umorder ka na."
"Yes, ma'am." Ani Reigo saka lumabas para kunin ang cellphone nito na nasa salas.

Napailing ulit si Zehannah saka bumangon para maglinis ng katawan at magpalit ng

pambahay ng damit. Pagkatapos ay bumalik ulit siya sa kama at doon hinintay si
Reigo.

After Reigo ordered, he went back to the bedroom and chatted with Zehannah while
waiting for the food. Fortunately, it didn't take long for their order to arrive.
At tulad ng sinabi ni Reigo, ito nga ang nag-asikaso ng lahat at dinala ang pagkain
sa kuwarto at doon nagsalo ang dalawa ng hapunan.

"By the way, my Zee, Katrin has a message for you."

Nagpatigil sa pagkain si Zehannah saka kalmadong tumingin kay Reigo. When it comes
to Katrin, she didn't want Reigo to see how agitated she was. "Anong... mensahe
niya?"

"She said she wanted to apologize for being a bitch to you and for trying to seduce
me. She also said that if you have time, she wanted to have a meal with you to
apologize properly."

Gustong pagak na matawa ni Zehannah pero pinigilan niya ang sarili. Sinong baliw
ang maniniwala sa gaga na 'yon? Fine. I'll play along. "Sure. Kailan niya gusto?"

Reigo shrugged. "Don't know. She tried to give me her number in hopes that I will
be the mediator, but I rejected her favor. I told her to just contact you
directly."

Zehannah frowned at Reigo's cautiousness. I mean, this was the guy who was talking
amiably with Katrin in the video. "Why is that?"

"Feels weird, to be honest," Reigo shrugged. "Pakiramdam ko hiningi niya ang pabor
na 'yon para kausapin ko siya sa text o tawag man. I played along with her 'change
of heart and attitude' thing to see if the changes she claims are genuine, but it
screams fake even from miles away. I don't know what she's up to, but I think she's
planning something." He looked at her. "Be careful around her, okay, my Zee?"

Zehannah blinked at Reigo. "Careful, huh?"

"Yep. My guard was up the whole time in Japan. It was exhausting."

"At naniwala ka na hindi ka niya sinundan doon?"

Reigo shrugged. "Oliver confirmed that Katrin was indeed there for a fashion show,
so..."

Nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga si Zehannah saka tumingin ng matiim kay Reigo na

napatigil sa pagkain nito dahil sa uri ng titig ni Zehannah. "Hindi mo alam 'to
kaya sasabihin ko sayo. Habang nasa Japan kayo, palagi akong nakakatanggap ng
larawan at video niyo ni Katrin na magkasalong kumakain. Nakangiti ka habang kausap
siya. Pero may tiwala ako sayo. Hindi ako nagalit. Hindi kita inakusahan ng kung
ano-ano. At hinintay kitang makabalik para magtanong. And I know I did the right
thing after listening to you now. But behind my rational thoughts, a part of me
hated that you played along with her." Pag-amin niya. "Naiinis ako na naging mabait
ka sa kaniya kahit pa nga ginawa mo 'yon dahil may gusto kang patunayan. I still
hate that you give her an ounce of your attention. I hate it. So much. So please,
Reigo, don't do it again. Baka sa susunod hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko at
mag-isip ako ng kung ano-ano."
"My Zee..."

"Oo, may tiwala ako sa'yo. Pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n ay hindi ako nagseselos."

Umawang ang bibig ni Reigo kay Zehannah pero umakto si Zehannah na hindi iyon
nakita at nagpatuloy lang sa pagkain. She already expressed her honest feelings; it
was up to Reigo what he wanted to do with it.

Unfortunately, two days later, Zehannah saw Reigo and Katrin on a dinner date.

And as much as she wanted to be rational... she snapped.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 48

UMAGANG-UMAGA, masakit na ang ulo ni Zehannah. Ang daming nawawalang importanteng

papeles sa agency nila at kahit anong hanap niya, wala talaga. Pero sa halip na
hayaan 'yon umi-stress sa kaniya, ang ginawa niya, nagkape siya at nagpalibot-libot
sa agency nila habang pasimpleng sumisimsim ng kape.

And just when she was about to finish her coffee and was about to go back to her
office, their employees started arriving, one after another.

And then Cassia arrived with a smile on her lips. Mukhang nadiligan na naman ang
kaibigan ko. Sa isip ni Zehannah.

"Zehan...!" Cassia beamed at her. "Good morning, master."

Zehannah finished her coffee and smiled back. "Cass, ipapaalala ko lang, may
problema tayo."

Kaagad na humaba ang nguso ni Cassia. "Wala naman sa batas na nagsasabing kapag mag
problema bawal ngumiti." Kapagkuwan ay niyakap ng braso nito ang braso niya. "I'm
worried about you, Zehan. Masyado kang problemado. Tingnan mo, ang aga-aga,
magkasalubong na ang kilay mo. Papangit ka niyan, sige ka."

Natawa si Zehannah dahil parang bata siya sa pananakot ni Cassia. "Kahit pa siguro
tambakan ako ng problema, hindi kukupas ang ganda ko." Pagkasabi niya 'yon ay
natawa rin siya dahil naisip niya si Reigo at kung paano nito ipagmalaki ang sarili
nitong kaguwapuhan. We are the same, really.

"Kumusta na pala kayo ni Reigo?" Tanong ni Cassia habang naglalakad sila patungo sa
opisina nito.

Zehannah shrugged. "I have no time for him. What do you expect?"

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Cassia. "So, nag-away kayo?"

Zehannah just shrugged again and then flicked Cassia's forehead. "Tama na ang
tsismis. Trabaho na tayo."

Sumimangot si Cassia kapagkuwan ay hinila siya nito papasok sa opisina nito. Nang
nasa loob na sila, kaagad na naging seryoso si Cassia at pinakawalan ang braso
niya. "The documents have already been sent to our lawyer last night."

Tumango si Zehannah saka umupo sa isa sa visitor's chair sa harapan ng lamesa ni

Cassia. "Thanks, Cass. With those documents, it's just a matter of time before we
secure our agency."

Umupo si Cassia sa swivel chair nito. "Don't thank me, Zehan. Dapat nga ikaw ang
pasalamatan ko dahil mabilis mong naisip na itago ang mga orihinal na dokumento
natin at palitan ng mukhang orihinal na kopya. With your quick thinking, we have
misled the spy."

"That's the plan." Zehannah crossed her legs. "It's human nature to underestimate
the weak. But for us, being seen as weak is an advantage."

Tumango si Cassia. "Yep. So, what are we going to do now?"

"We work hard." Zehannah smiled at Cassia. "As always."

Cassia smiled back. "Okay. I'm good with that."

Zehannah nodded, and she stood up before she excused herself and went to her office
to work and, of course, to look for their 'missing' documents.

But just before lunchtime, she received a message from Katrin. The witch bitch was
inviting her to lunch. Of course, Zehannah accepted the invitation and chose the
restaurant herself.

She chose Thorn's restaurant. Malapit lang 'yon sa agency nila at kung may
binabalak man ang baliw na babaeng 'yon, hindi nito magagawa 'yon sa restaurant ni
Thorn.

Para namang magpapaisa ako sa gaga na 'yon. Lukot ang mukhang isip ni Zehannah
habang naghahanda para sa lunch niya kasama si Katrin.

Zehannah sighed. I just hope she brings some of her brain to the table. It's hard
to talk to dumb people.

With that hope, Zehannah left her office and went to Thorn's restaurant. And since
she's free to order anything she wanted—it's Thorn's way of saying thank you to her
for advising Cassia — she ordered everything she liked and eats. Hindi niya
hinintay si Katrin dahil gusto niyang pagkaupo nito, kape lang ang nasa harapan
niya. Pambuhos rito kapag ginalit siya nito ng sobra-sobra.

And like planned, Katrin arrived after Zehannah finished her meal and was now
enjoying her coffee.

"The audacity you have to eat before me." Katrin was sending a dagger look at
Zehannah.

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. "I'm not that nice to share a meal with the likes of
you. Hindi ako matutunawan kung kasama kitang kumain."

Katrin fumed, but she couldn't do anything but glare at Zehannah. Meanwhile,
Zehannah was calm as an undisturbed lake. Ayaw ni Zehannah na magalit dahil alam
niya ang kaya niyang gawin kapag galit siya. Baka nga maitapon niya itong kape sa
pagmumukha ng kaharap.

Let's calm down. Physical injury is a crime. Ani Zehannah sa sarili bago tumingin
kay Katrin. "So? What do you want from me? And don't give me a crap like you're
sorry. Sa kademonyohan mo, hindi bagay sayo."

Katrin was finally able to calm her nerves and answered Zehannah. "I'm here to
offer you—"

"If it's the same as your generous offer from before, please shove it in your ass.
I'm not interested."

"I'll add money to the offer." Katrin added.

"Still not interested." Sagot ni Zehannah saka naghikab. "'Yon lang ba ang
kailangan mo sakin? Sana tumawag ka na lang. Sinasayang mo ang oras ko."

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Katrin. "Reigo is mine. I deserve him more than you! I'm
wealthy and well-educated. Unlike you, who doesn't have an impressive background.
In terms of family ties and connections, I'm better than you! Between us, it's me
who deserved Reigo."

Zehannah sighed and placed her cup of coffee on the table before her sharp eyes
sent a dagger look at Katrin. "This is not about what you deserve, you narcissistic
bitch. This is about Reigo's choice. And you may be well-educated, but clearly not
well-mannered. I know that talking to you is pointless, but I still hope that
you'll bring some brain to the table. My bad, though. Umasa ako na may utak ka,
nakalimutan kong wala pala."

"You...!"

"What?" Zehannah's icy stare became sharp again. "For someone who graduated from a
prestigious university in London, you're dumb."

Galit na mabilis na pinulot ni Katrin ang tasa ni Zehannah na may kape pa para
itapon sa mukha ni Zehannah ang laman niyon, pero mabilis ding nahawak ni Zehannah
ang sariling tasa niya at napigilan ang binabalak ni Katrin.

"If I were you, I'll think long and hard if you really want to start a physical
fight with me." Zehannah smiled tauntingly. "Baka nakakalimutan mo na ang ginawa ko
sayo sa labas ng opisina ni Reigo. Ipapaalala ko lang. Kung bardagulan ang gusto
mo, hindi kita aatrasan. Kaya kitang ilampaso sa sahig ng restaurant na 'to
hanggang manghiram ka ng mukha sa aso."

Katrin's hands trembled in anger, and her veins in her neck protruded in rage.

But Zehannah was smiling. "Ano? Lalaban ka?"

Katrin groaned in anger before she pulled her hand away from the cup and pointed
her finger at Zehannah. "You will pay for this!" And then she stormed off.

Meanwhile, Zehannah gracefully picked up her cup of coffee and sipped its remaining
liquid inside before standing up and leaving the restaurant with a full stomach and
a smile.

But her smiled didn't remain on her lips.

Just after talking to Katrin, she received photos and videos of Reigo and Katrin
while in Japan. Ngayong alam niya ang rason ng pakikipag-usap ni Reigo kay Katrin,
gusto niyang sabihin na hindi siya galit at naiintindihan niya. Pero normal na
babae lang siya na nakakaramdam ng selos kahit gaano pa ka-rational ang isip niya.

I have a brain that thinks. But I also have a heart that gets jealous.

But as usual, she put her jealousy aside and continued to work.

Pero sinusubok talaga siya. Bago pa matapos ang trabaho niya sa araw na 'yon,
nakatanggap siya ng dalawang mensage galing sa magkaibang tao.

The first message was, 'Watch me steal, Reigo.' And below that was a restaurant's
address.

While the other message was, 'Dinner date.' Before the restaurant's address. It was
the same restaurant as the other message, and it made Zehannah's head ached so
much.

Worry and doubt consumed her, but she took a deep breath and steeled herself. I
have to do this. I have to see for myself.

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Zehannah saka tinapik-tapik ng kamao na 'yon ang parte ng
dibdib kung nasaan ang puso niya. Be strong, heart. We can do this. With those
words running through her mind, Zehannah readied herself for the confrontation of
her life.

NANG MATANGGAP NI Reigo ang text ng ina, kaagad siyang naghanda para sa napag-
usapan nila. And since he considered it as a normal dinner, he treated it the same
way he treats his business dinners.

On the way to the restaurant, his mother called.

"Yes, mom?"

"Be polite." Bilin nito na ikinakunot ng nuo niya.

"I am polite, mom."

"I doubt it with this one," Contessa mumbled under her breath before taking a deep
breath. "Just be polite. That's all I ask."

Reigo's frown deepened even more. "Now you're worrying me. Who am I meeting, mom?"
He had a bad feeling about this. "This is unlike you—"

"Because this is important." His mother cut him off. "Very important. You hear me,
son?"

Reigo was not sold. "I have a bad feeling about this. Why did I forget that dealing
with you is always a headache, mom?"

Contessa chuckled in the other line. "Well... consider me as the lesser evil in
this."

"Lesser what now?"

"Nothing. Just... be polite."

Napabuntonghininga si Reigo. "I will."

"Great! Thanks, son."

The call ended, and it left Reigo wondering who he was meeting while driving
towards the restaurant.

Upon arriving, he fixed his clothes and went inside the restaurant. He gave his
name for the reservation and someone immediately ushered him in towards the table
in the corner where he couldn't easily be seen by other costumers.

What's up with this setup? Reigo asked himself as he waited for the person he's
going to have dinner with.

And it seems like he didn't need to wait long to know who it was, because a few
minutes later, a waiter guided someone to the table—a woman he knew too well.

Immediately, his expression went cold until he remembered his mother's request. Be
polite.

Fuck.

"Hi! I hope you didn't wait long." Ani Katrin ng makaupo sa tabi niya.

"No. I didn't." He said politely before changing seats.

Katrin pouted at Reigo. "Why'd you change seat? We're on a date, aren't we?"

Nagpanting ang tainga ni Reigo sa narinig at kaagad niyang naisip ang ina at ang
hiling nito sa kaniya. "Did you strike a deal with my mother?"

Katrin smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about, Reigo."

Reigo's expression darkened. "I will not play along with you." He stood up and was
ready to leave when Katrin threatened him.

"Leave me and I will make sure to sue your mother."

He froze before he turned to Katrin. "What did you say?"

"I have a contract with your mother." Ani Katrin habang may matamis na ngiti sa mga
labi. "I will sell her some of my stock while she asks you to have a proper dinner
date with. We already signed it, so if you leave, you'll be breaching your mother's
contract with me."

Be polite. This was his mother's request, and now he knew why.

Bumalik sa pagkakaupo si Reigo saka tumingin ng deretso kay Katrin. "What do you
hope to gain for this dinner? Nothing will change. I don't like you."

Katrin's sweet smile remained. "You'll see later." She accepted the menu from the
waiter and handed it to Reigo. "Order for me, please. Since we're on a date."

Hindi tinaggap ni Reigo ang menu. Punong-puno siya ng pagtutol. "There is only one
woman who I allow to order me around. And it's not you."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Katrin. "So, we're back to Zehannah Sevil." Tumalim ang mata
nito. "That woman really is a pain in the ass. Ano bang mayroon siya na wala ako?"
Pagak na tumawa si Reigo. "She has my love and affection. You don't."

Katrin rolled her eyes. "Come on now, Reigo. We both know she doesn't feel the same
way about you."

As much as Reigo wanted to discard those words, it hit him hard. And Katrin noticed
that and prodded it.

"Working to the point where she doesn't have time for you anymore. Always choosing
her agency over you. Always arguing because she's always working. Not asking for
help because she belittles your capability to help her. Not only that, but her
trust towards you is also diminishing. 'Yon ba ang klase ng babae na pinaglalaban
mo, and hindi ka kayang ipaglaban pabalik?" Katrin had a smug look on her face.
"Unlike me, I can fight the entire world for you."

Reigo remained silent.

"We're a great match, Reigo. We both came from an affluent family. We're both well-
educated with outstanding background. Our families had been good friends since we
were little, and we were childhood friends. I was your first girlfriend and I
treasure the fact that I was your first. You see, Reigo, I'm the best woman for
you. You can never find anyone like me. I can and will give you anything you desire
—"

"I desire Zehannah."

Katrin's whole face darkened. "If I hear her name again, I will destroy her."

Reigo chuckled, and then it turned into a fit of laughter. And in between his
laughs, he looked at Katrin. "You threaten me as if I can't fight back. Katrin,
have you forgotten who I am? In terms of money and power, you're beneath me. The
only thing keeping me in this seat is the contract you made with my mother. Other
than that, nothing—"

With a suddenness that took Reigo aback, Katrin leaned in and claimed his lips with
tongue.

Their chairs rattled and creaked as Reigo pushed Katrin away and stood up. But he
didn't move his feet to leave. He couldn't. The sight of Zehannah just standing
meters away from the table, her eyes on him made him froze.

Her eyes were cold. The warmth in her eyes was gone. She was expressionless.
Silent. Immobile. And was just staring at him.

In the background, he could still hear Katrin yapping about showing Zehannah the
truth and how Zehannah should just give up, since she didn't deserve him. But Reigo
didn't care about anyone else except for his Zee at the moment who was just staring
at him, unemotional.

It was his first time seeing his Zee looking at him like that. Indifferent. Cold.
And emotionless.

"My Zee..."

He took a step forward; she took a step back.

Reigo felt his heart dropped to his stomach. "My Zee..."

He took another step forward; she took another step back. And with words that could
cut him deep, she spoke.

"Don't come near me." With those words, she turned around and left.

Reigo went rigid. He was frozen by Zehannah's cold words. He couldn't seem to move
and accept that those words really came out of his Zee's lips. She had always been
understanding when it came to these things. His Zee was not the kind of woman who
easily gets jealous. She always trusted him. Always asking for his opinion and
always listening to his explanation.

But this... why?

And then it dawned on him. His Zee's request not to entertain Katrin again.

In that realization, his feet started moving to run after Zehannah.

Damn it! I fucked up!

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 49

FOR SOME UNKNOWN reason, Zehannah had a clear head while walking towards the
restaurant's exit. She didn't space out; she was in command of herself, and her
emotion was under control. She wanted to praise herself for still being clear-
headed, but truthfully, her head was clear because she didn't know what to think.

Kung gagamitin niya ang isip niya, kaya niyang bigyan ng rason ang nakita. Katrin
must've forced herself on Reigo again, and Reigo pushed her away because he didn't
like it. But her heart... yes, her bitter heart that already had enough of hiding
her jealousy, couldn't think straight.

Her heart was jealousy and furious and it didn't care for any rational thoughts in
her head. And the jealousy and fury she was feeling was consuming her in every step
she took back to her car.

Then the jealousy and fury took a combined new form—it became pain. At hindi
namalayan ni Zehannah na habang naglalakad siya ay namamalisbis ang luha sa pisngi
niya.

Feeling that pain, feeling the bitter jealousy in her heart and fury in her head,
she realized something. She loved Reigo. This pain... this was love. The very thing
that she'd been avoiding was now in front of her, slapping her with the truth. And
she couldn't deny it any longer. She couldn't disregard it anymore as a mere change
of emotion.

Those emotions she was feeling were because she fell in love. With Reigo.

And now she's hurting.

I want to be alone. I don't want to think. I want my peace of mind back! I want my
old self back!

Amid her tears, she couldn't help letting a dry chuckle when she remembered a
certain song.

Only love can hurt like this.

That couldn't be any truer in every sense of the word.

"My Zee...!"

She was not in the right mind to talk. So might say something she couldn't take
back, so her steps became hurried to get away from Reigo.

But Reigo was faster. He took a hold of her arm in the parking lot, pulling her to
stop and face him.

"I can explain that!" Reigo exclaimed, panic was in his voice.

I know you can. Zehannah thought as she stared at Reigo, unemotional as her head
ached. She suddenly couldn't think straight. Seeing Reigo made her so angry that
her mind became chaotic. I have to get out of here. "I don't want to hear it."

"Zehannah!" Reigo raised his voice, unable to control his surging emotion of panic
and fear. "Come on, my Zee! Hear me out! Be rational about this!"

When Zehannah heard the word 'rational', the last thread of her self-control she
had been trying to hold on to snap. "Rational? You're asking me to be rational? How
jerk of you to ask me that." A wry smile stretched her lips. "Do you know how much
harassment I received in daily basis from Katrin? Tons! Photos! Videos! Messages!
Name it! You look like a fucking playboy in every photo and video I see, but did I
get mad? Did I blame you for it?! No. I didn't!

"It's because I'm rational that I didn't heed it any attention and stayed with
you!" Hindi mapigilan ni Zehannah ang sarili na duruin si Reigo. "Pero may
hangganan ang pagtitimpi at pasensiya ko, Reigo. Nakiusap ako sayo na huwag mo na
siyang pansinin dahil alam kong malapit ng masagad ang pasensiya ko. Siguro naman
dahil hindi mo tinupad ang sinabi mo sakin, may karapatan akong magalit sayo.

"So don't ask me to be fucking rational! I may have a logical brain, but I have a
heart that gets jealous. And at this moment, I'm fucking jealous and I'm fucking
pissed, so get the fuck away from me and give me my peace of mind!" Zehannah
screamed in so much pent-up emotion inside her while tears fell down from her eyes.
The emotion she had been discarding to become a rational thinker. "I don't want to
talk to you! I don't want to see you! So scram!"

Reigo's eyes widened at Zehannah's outburst. She had always been so calm and
rational, so to see her like this... he knew he did something wrong. "My Zee..."

Zehannah took a deep breath to calm herself before she opened her car's door.

And before she went inside, she spoke in a whisper that only Reigo could hear. "You
said you will not give her your attention again, but you went and did this..." she
trailed off, her voice exhausted. "I don't care if you're here because she
threatened you or someone coerced you. I'm tired, Reigo. Please, leave me alone and
let me rest for a while."

Reigo couldn't form a coherent word as he watched his Zee step inside her car and
drove away, leaving him in the parking lot.

And as he watched her leave, he remembered all the times she showed her rational
thinking in situations that could have put a dent in their relationship. From Emma
to Katrin, his Zee had always trusted him and chose to believe in him.

In that moment, he realized something.

Ah. I'd been complacent. Because he knew Zehannah would always ask for his
explanation without thinking negatively of him, he had come to rely on her rational
thinking all the time.

Sa loob ng restaurant kanina, habang kausap si Katrin, ni hindi man lang niya
naisip ang sagot niya ng hilingin ng dalaga na huwag na niyang pansinin si Katrin.
Nawala 'yon sa isip niya. Masyado siyang nagtiwala at nasanay na palagi siya
maiintindihan ni Zehannah at hahayaang magpaliwanag.

Have I been relying on my Zee too much?

Dejected and in turmoil, he slid himself inside his car and just stared at the
steering wheel for a long time until he heard a knock on his car's window and
someone trying to open his locked car door.

He looked up and all the emotion was drained from his face when he saw who it was—
Katrin.

Without giving her any attention, Reigo maneuvered his car out of the parking lot,
not caring if he ran over Katrin. He just wanted to get out of there. He was mad
and guilty and that combination was always dangerous.

Nevertheless, he drove to his parents' home to give his mother a piece of his mind.

"WHAT HAPPENED, Zehan...?" 'Yon kaagad ang lumabas sa bibig ni Dan ng makita ang
mukha ng anak ng mapagbuksan ito ng pintuan. Hallow, red and puffy eyes, tear-
stricken face and an unemotional expression—a look of a brokenhearted person.

"Gusto kong mapag-isa muna, Papi."

Tumango si Dan at hinayaan si Zehannah na makapasok. Nanatili ang tingin ni Dan kay
Zehannah hanggang sa makaakyat si Zehannah sa ikalawang palapag.

"What do you think happened?" Tanong ni Cameron ng mawala si Zehannah sa paningin

nila.

Dan took a deep breath and sighed. "These past few months, only Reigo could affect
her that much."

Worry fell on Cameron's face. "Nag-away na naman ba sila?"

"For her to have a tear-stricken face, I think it's more than that."

Tumayo si Cameron mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa saka nilapitan ang kapareha at

niyakap. "Don't worry. She'll be fine. We'll be here if she needs us."

Tumango si Dan habang nakatingin sa hagdanan na inakyat ni Zehannah at yakap ng

kapareha.

Meanwhile, inside Zehannah's old room, Zehannah was just lying on her bed, staring
at the ceiling. Her head was a mess. She couldn't think straight, and she didn't
know what to do but stare at nothingness while feeling the pain caused by her
jealousy and fury.

I want to say it's okay, that I understand him, but the pain in my chest wouldn't
let me. I'm not... okay. She acknowledged that as tears fell from the corner of her
eyes. But I can't stay like this. I have things to do and an agency to save.

She ransacked her mind for the best course of action, but she couldn't think of
anything.

Just how... do I fix myself? Just what am I supposed to do to be okay?

Alam ni Zehannah na iba si Reigo sa lahat ng lalaki na naging parte ng buhay niya.
Her normal coping routine would never work. I fell madly in love.

Zehannah closed her eyes at the same time her phone started beeping, notifying her
that she had received multiple text messages.

But Zehannah didn't want to move or open her eyes.

She was exhausted.

She didn't even notice how tired she had become because of all the problems that
keep on coming. And all that was so she could keep Reigo.

She was fighting so hard to keep him, but now... I don't want to see him. Just
why... am I feeling like this?

Zehannah's body move to lie on her side and curved into a fetus position. What she
saw in the restaurant keeps repeating in her head and it was driving her mad. Again
and again, her mind replayed it like a broken record until she couldn't take it
anymore and a scream escaped her mouth.

A scream of pure rage directed at Katrin.

Next time, I won't hold back. I will give you a beating, you narcissistic bitch!

With full of rage inside her, Zehannah didn't know how she managed to fall asleep.
Maybe it was exhaustion, both mind and body, but when she opened her eyes again, it
was morning already.

At ang unang pumasok sa isip niya ay si Reigo. And almost instantly, everything
came crashing back. The jealousy, her fury, and the pain.

But Zehannah sucked it all in and buried it deep inside her.

She had no time to fix herself.

She still had work to do.

"YOU LOOK LIKE you'd been to hell and back, son."

Reigo couldn't help glaring at his mother as he sat at the dining table to have a
late breakfast. "At sino sa tingin mo ang may kasalanan nito, ma?"

"Think of it as a necessary evil, son." Contessa sipped her coffee before she
added. "Don't worry. I'll talk to Zehannah for you and admit my transgression."

Reigo continued glaring at his mother. "As if it's that easy! You didn't see her
last night. She looked like she had given up on me!"

"That's not possible." Contessa replied to Reigo's worry so nonchalantly that it

pissed Reigo off. "That child is still fighting, Reigo. Just give her time."

Napipilan si Reigo.

"And while you're at it, reflect on your relationship with Zehan these past few
months." Huminga ng malalim si Contessa saka nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga.
"Pag-isipan mo kung may dapat ka bang ayusin at kung ano pa ang dapat mong gawin.
Para kapag nagkaayos kayo, maayos na talaga."

"Paano kung... hindi kami magkaayos?" Nagawa na rin sa wakas ni Reigo ang magtanong
kahit natatakot siya sa sagot niyon.

Nagkibit-balikat si Contessa. "Then you two are just not meant to be. It happens."

"As if I would let that happen!" He snapped.

"Good for you then." Ani Contessa saka matiim na tinitigan ang anak. "Reigo, I want
you to promise me one thing."

Hindi kaagad sumagot si Reigo kaya nagpatuloy si Contessa.

"Promise me you won't intervene with Katrin. I know you're mad at her, but we might
clash if you enter the scene. Leave her to me. Don't worry," Contessa smiled. "I'll
make her pay dearly."

Reigo was not in an understanding mood. "No, mom. I'll do it—"

"Don't you dare interfere with me, Reigo!" Contessa's voice boomed in the dining
room. It had been so long since Reigo and Rohan heard that that it made them
stilled and stunned. "I did not do what I did just so you could destroy it! The
plan is in place, so do not try me. Even if you're my son, I will cut you down!"

Reigo's lips parted. "Mom..."

"Hindi lang ikaw ang biktiman ng kabaliwan ng babaeng 'yon." Nagtagis ang bagang ni
Contessa ng maalala ang pangha-harass ni Katrin kay Zehan at sa iba pang tao na
nakapaligid kay Zehannah. "If you want revenge for yourself, then I will let you
interfere. But I know you. You're my son. You want revenge, but not for yourself
but for Zehan. If that was so, then stand down, Reigo. Kaya ni Zehannah maghinganti
para sa sarili niya. Zehannah is a strong woman. She doesn't need a knight in
shining armor to sweep her off her feet and save her. What she needs is not a
knight, but a man who will let her stand on her own two feet while preparing his
armor in case she needs it."

Reigo pressed his lips together. He couldn't rebut his mother.

"That said," Contessa sighed apologetically. "I know my fault, so I will own up to
it and talk to Zehannah."
Reigo remained silent, so Rohan spoke for his son.

"Love, what is it that you're really planning?"

Sa tanong ni Rohan, gumuhit ang malapad na ngiti ni Contessa. "Just something

amusing, dear."

"Amusing?"

"Hmm-mm." Contessa's grin widened. "It'll be so amusing that it'll be an excellent

source of laughter."

Rohan visibly gulped. Kilala ni Rohan ang asawa. What she meant by 'amusing' was
'devious' and 'savagery'.

If Zehan became our daughter-in-law, it's just a matter of time before she became
like my beloved. Rohan sighed to himself. With my love's tutelage, Zehan will
honestly become someone scary. All that was missing from Zehan was money and
connection, but even without that, she was already tenacious. If properly honed,
Zehan will be much scarier that Contessa.

"Anyway," Contessa stood up after finishing her breakfast. "I have to go. I have an
early appointment today."

"Si Zehannah ba?" Mabilis na usisa ni Reigo sa ina.

Pero ngumiti lang si Contessa saka lumabas ng hapagkainan.

Walang imik ang mag-ama na naiwan sa hapagkainan hanggang sa pabulong na kinuha ni

Reigo ang atensiyon ng ama. "Dad?"

"Yes, son?"

"Am I a jerk for asking Zehannah to be rational after what she witnessed in the
restaurant?" Up to that very moment, Zehannah's words still bothered Reigo.

Pinakatitigan ni Rohan ang anak bago sumagot. "What do you think?"

"I don't know..."

Rohan took a deep breath and offered his son a smile. "Look at it as getting to
know each other in the midst of an emotional outburst."

"Emotional... outburst?"

Rohan nodded. "When we're angry, we use strong words to express our uncontrollable
emotion. And sometimes, those words cut deep, and it was already too late for us to
realize the pain our words had caused. That's why words are powerful. What Zehan
said to you, whatever words she had thrown at you, take it with a grain of salt,
son. Maybe it was just a spur of the moment, or maybe it was half-meant."

"Half-meant...?" gagad ni Reigo.

"Yes. Though not all people are like that. Some already had those kinds of words
deeply hidden in their consciousness, and it was only able to come out because of
the emotional outburst that they couldn't control. Sometimes, the words people say
when they were angry were the words they couldn't convey or express when they had
their emotions under wraps. That's why emotions are scary. It may bring out the
best in people, but it also brings out the worst in them."

Then Rohan added, "that's why communication is the key to everything. Words spoken
in anger could destroy a solid relationship. That's why communication is necessary.
It settles disputes, understands differences, it compromised and also offers an
explanation for better understanding. That's why, son, if you're confused or hurt
by Zehan's words, communicate with her. It's the best answer you can ever give to
yourself."

Reigo looked down at his plate. Communication, huh? But Zehannah didn't want to
talk to him or see him. What am I going to do? I can't lose her...

Seeing his son deep in thoughts, Rohan smiled to himself and continued his
breakfast. Rohan was certain that his son could figure things out on his own. They
raised him to be like that, after all.

Concurrently, Contessa was already in her new inconspicuous car, driving towards
C&Z Marketing Agency. She was planning to talk to Zehannah and admit her
transgression, but when she arrived at her destination, there was a commotion.

When Contessa rolled down her car's window, she heard panic-filled shouts and
hurried voices just before she saw Zehannah stepped out of the agency's entrance
with a fear and worry-stricken face while trailing behind a middle-aged man
carrying a bleeding woman.

Contessa sighed and rolled up her car's window after seeing how exhausted Zehannah
looked. Problem after problem.

Contessa heaved another sigh. I'll just come back later or tomorrow. With that
thought, Contessa drove off and went to her next important appointment with
Attorney Henares. The plan had to continue even if the leading lady was busy.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 50

"AYOS LANG ba talaga si Cassia?" Puno ng pag-aalalang tanong ni Zehannah kay Doc.
Czarina na siyang doctor ni Cassia ng dalhin ang kaibigan sa ospital dahil dinugo
ito. Kung sana napigilan ko lang ang mga magulang ni Cassia, sana hindi nangyari
'to. Masyado siyang abala ng dumating ang mga ito para kausapin si Cassia.

Zehannah was worried, so it was not surprising when a worried and panicking Thorn,
Cassia's husband, entered the room.

Kitang-kita ni Zehannah kung gaano kamahal ni Thorn ang kaibigan niya na napangiti
na lang siya. Pero nawala ang ngiti niya ng mag-umpisang magtanong si Thorn kung
anong nangyari kay Cassia.

Zehannah told Thorn the truth about Cassia's parents visiting and he was livid and
instantly planned to leave to confront Cassia's parents.
"Hingan niyo ng ID kapag nagpakilala siya sa inyo," bilin ni Thorn kay Zehannah at
Czarina bago umalis. May tinawagan ito na siyang papalit dito pansamantala sa
pagbabantay kay Cassia. "He's like an oversized puppy. You can immediately
recognize him."

Zehannah frowned. "An oversized... puppy?" She couldn't imagine.

"Yep." Thorn tried to smile before leaning down to kiss his wife on the forehead.
"I'll be back soon," bulong ni Thorn sa asawa bago ito humakbang paalis ng kuwarto.

Nagkatinginan naman si Zehannah at Doc. Czarina ng makalabas si Thorn.

"Oversized puppy?" ulit ni Czarina sa sinabi ni Thorn. "Parang hindi ko ma-imagine

na may taong gano'n..."

Zehannah couldn't imagine as well. "Oversized puppy... Hmm, I'm imagining a

Pomeranian with a body of a German Shepherd." That's kind of weird, but cute.

So the two ladies waited for this 'oversized puppy' to arrive after Thorn left.
They were both curious as to what does an oversized puppy looked like. So when
someone knocked on the door after some time had passed, Czarina was actually
excited to open the door.

Czarina and Zehannah were expecting a big cuddly man, but what they saw was a
handsome man, maybe six feet in height, and he didn't look cuddly at all. He
actually looked more like a ferocious Rottweiler rather than an oversized puppy.

And Czarina and Zehannah knew they were both thinking the same thing—he doesn't
look like an oversized puppy at all! Something is wrong with Thorn's eyes.

Then the ferocious Rottweiler—er, oversized puppy, spoke, "I'm here for Cassia
under Thorn's request."

Si Zehannah ang unang nakabawi sa pagkabigla. "ID please."

"Yes. We need proof of identification," sabad ni Doc. Cza.

Cassiuz looked at the two women, dumbfounded. The two were clearly sizing him up
the moment he entered the room, and they were not even confused or surprised to see
him. That means they were expecting him, but now they want a proof of
identification? The hell?

"Did Thorn tell you to ask for ID?" Cassiuz asked. Wala na kasi itong maisip na iba
na masama ang ugali maliban sa bayaw nito.

Zehannah nodded. "Yes. So, ID please."

Sighing, Cassiuz took out his wallet and handed his ID to the two women who
immediately accepted and examined it like he was some kind of species they hadn't
seen before.

The hell is going on? Hindi mapigilang tanong ni Cassiuz sa sarili nang tumango ang
dalawang babae saka ibinalik ang ID kay Cassiuz.

"Well, since he's here, I'm taking my leave," ani Czarina saka nagpaalam na kay
Zehannah. "I have to go. I still have some charts to attend to. Kung may kailangan
ka, hanapin mo lang ako sa nurse station. I'll be there, charting my ass out."

"Thanks, Doc," ani Zehannah kay Czarina kapagkuwan ay natahimik ang buong silid
nang makalabas ang doktora.

"Can I sit there?" Cassiuz asked while eyeing the sofa on the side.

Tumango si Zehannah na nakaupo sa gilid ng kama na kinahihigaan ni Cassia. "Sure.

Feel free."

After Cassiuz sat on the sofa, silence engulfed the entire room again—awkward
silence. The two were both strangers to each other. Well, for Zehannah, this man
was related to Thorn and by his name, she realized he was a big client in their
agency. While for Cassiuz, Zehannah was his little sister's best friend and
business partner. 'Yon lang ang alam ng dalawa sa isa't isa kaya wala mapag-usapan
ang mga ito.

Hanggang sa wala sa sariling nagtanong si Zehannah nang maalala na naman ang sinabi
ni Thorn na 'oversized puppy'. "Do you like dogs?"

Gulat na napatingin si Cassiuz kay Zehannah bago tinuro ang sarili. "You're, ahm,
asking me?" paniniguro nitong tanong.

"May iba pa bang gising sa kuwarto na 'to maliban sa 'ting dalawa?" balik na tanong
ni Zehannah. She didn't mean to be sarcastic, but she had that tone and voice that
sometimes makes everything she say sarcastic.

But Cassiuz, who was already used to Thorn's rude and sarcastic behavior, discarded
Zehannah's tone and answered, "Well, yeah, I own two dogs actually."

"Really?" Now Zehannah was slightly feeling excited. She always wanted a dog, but
she was too busy to care for one. Ayaw niyang may mapahamak na aso dahil sa
kapabayaan niya. "What kind of dogs do you have?"

"It's a Roman Rottweiler," sagot ni Cassiuz. "It's a little bigger than a normal
Rottweiler."

Rottweiler. I can see him owning one. Zehannah thought while nodding her head. "The
other one is of the same breed?" Walang maisip na topic si Zehannah kaya tinuloy na
niya ang topic na naumpisahan.

"No. It's a Doberman."

"You really like big dogs, huh?"

Cassiuz nodded. "Well, I'm big as well so—" Cassiuz paused when he realized what he
just said. "I didn't mean it like that." Fuck! I hope she wouldn't think I was
speaking lewdly... I didn't mean that! Cassiuz didn't want to offend his little
sister's best friend.

A smile appeared on Zehannah's lips. She was already used to Reigo's

flirtatiousness that— no. Let's not think about him. To calm her mind and not be
awkward, she went into a teasing mood. "Didn't mean what?"

Cassiuz knew she was teasing him, but he still answered, "I didn't mean that." Then
he awkwardly looked down at his crotch before looking up again, just enough to see
Zehannah chuckling.

For some reason, Zehannah understood why Thorn called the man in front of her an
oversized puppy. Yeah. I can see it. "So you're not big?"

"I am!" biglang bawi ni Cassiuz.

And Zehannah laughed. In her eyes, Cassiuz looked like a puppy trying to prove that
he's big and strong. Yeah. Really an oversized puppy. "Alright, I'm just teasing
you. Thorn was right, you're like an oversized puppy."

Napatanga si Cassiuz sa dalaga. "The husband is rude and the best friend is a
sarcastic tease... that's just mean."

Zehannah chuckled before she clicked her tongue."It's to balance Cass' attitude.
She's too innocent, so I have to balance her out. We can't be both innocent and
nice, you know. Women who are nice and sweet are good and all, but I believe that
the world needs a bitchy type, and that's me."

"Bitchy, huh?"

"Yeah."

Cassiuz smiled at Zehannah. "I like you."

Zehannah smiled back. "Likewise."

"Married?" Cassiuz asked.

Reigo's face entered her mind, and she felt that familiar pang of pain. "Nope.
Marriage scares me." It really is scary, but...

"Boyfriend?"

Reigo's flash on her mind again and a pang of pain immediately assaulted her heart,
but she control her urged to shed a tear. "Not that I know of."

"Want to have dinner with me?" Cassiuz asked casually.

"A date?" Zehannah wanted to clarify because if it was, her answer was an immediate
no.

"Nope. Just dinner."

"Good. Dinner's fine." Zehannah smiled and added. "I don't do dates." Even after
everything that had happened, there was only one man whom she wanted to date.

Cassiuz matched Zehannah's smile. "Same. Though I'm curious... why does marriage
scare you?"

Zehannah shrugged. "Don't you find it scary? Being tied down to a person without
escape. And you don't know if that person would take you to heaven or hell—you'll
find out after a few years of being together in the same house, but it's already
too late." That was one of her fear. "It's good if it's heaven, but if it's hell,
there's no way out. There's no divorce here. Annulment is a pain in the ass process
and the thought of giving someone that kind of power over me doesn't look appealing
at all—it's downright scary. I mean, I get it, marriage has become a norm—a
tradition, but I don't want to be tied down by tradition and social norms. Marriage
does not define women."

Hearing Zehannah, all Cassiuz did was smile. Hearing her answer, even a blind man
could see that Zehannah was an independent woman—a very intimidating one, but to
Cassiuz, he was not intimidated at all. As part of the Organósi, he had seen strong
and powerful women who could hold their own and protect their own hide. In the
Ultor's Court, his workplace, there were women who were as badass as men. Hell,
even their leader was a woman—a queen in her own right.

"Sorry for babbling," ani Zehannah na pumukaw sa pag-iisip ni Cassiuz.

"Nah, it's okay." Cassiuz offered a smile. "I know a lot of independent woman. It's
cool."

That made Zehannah smile genuinely. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Zehannah felt revitalized by Cassiuz's response. Sanay na kasi siyang palaging

negatibo ang reaksiyon ng mga nakaririnig ng opinyon niya tungkol sa pag-aasawa
kaya naman masaya siya na hindi gano'n si Cassiuz. She thought he would be the same
as everyone else because of his status in life and his dominant appearance, but she
was wrong about him.

Looks like the dinner with him will be enjoyable... Zehannah thought before her
thought turned to that familiar handsome face in her mind again.

Reigo.

Zehannah could only sigh inwardly as pain crept into her heart again. But she had
no time to drown in her own pain, fury, and jealousy. So she suck it up and buried
it deep inside again as she continued her conversation with Cassiuz.

After a long while, Thorn finally returned and she and Cassiuz left Cassia's
hospital room to give the two some privacy.

Once outside and walking beside Cassiuz towards the hospital's cafeteria, she
received a message from Contessa, Reigo's mother.

Pagkatapos basahin ang mensahe sa kaniya ng ina ni Reigo, hindi niya iyon sinagot
at ibinalik ang cellphone sa handbag niya. Hindi niya alam ang isasagot dito at
hindi niya alam kung anong dapat niyang maramdaman sa pinagtapat nito.

But amidst the turmoil in her head, there was one apparent emotion that she could
feel.

Anger.

And rather than burying it, she let herself feel it. She didn't want to bottle it
up. Her therapist advice against her bottling up her emotions. So she let her anger
be. Hoping that by the coming days, it'll dissipate.

She was hoping and praying that it would.

"Woah. Someone looked piss."

Natigilan si Zehannah saka napabaling sa katabing naglalakad. "...what?"

"You look pissed." Ulit ni Cassiuz habang nakatitig sa mukha ni Zehannah na para
bang inoobserbahan nito ang dalaga.

"Yeah. I am pissed." May diing wika ni Zehannah saka tahimik na ipinagpatuloy ang
paglalakad at ganun din si Cassiuz.

But when they arrived at the hospital's cafeteria, Cassiuz couldn't take the
silence anymore, so he spoke. "You know, if you're that angry, you should give that
person a piece of your mind."

"I can't." Zehannah answered.

"Can't or won't?"

Zehannah and Cassiuz occupied one of the cafeteria's vacant table.

"Won't."

"Why?"

"Because it's not his fault. Well, sort of."

Cassiuz immediately picked up the 'his'. "I thought you don't date."

"Nah. I just don't want to date you."

Cassiuz chuckled at that. All the women he met wanted to date him. It's not about
being boastful. It's a fact. And here was a woman who didn't want to date him. It
was... refreshing. He liked that Zehannah was not interested in him that way.

"So, tell me about him." Cassiuz was curious about the man who could make this
strong and independent woman waver. "I'm a man. Maybe I can give you a different
perspective."

Hindi sumagot si Zehannah.

"I understand if you don't want to talk because I'm a stranger, but if you don't
want to talk because you're bottling it all up, I advice not to do that." Said
Cassiuz. "My therapist always advises me to express my emotions rather than bottle
them up. It's not healthy for your mind."

Zehannah's eyes snapped at Cassiuz. "You have a therapist?"

Tumango si Cassiuz. "With the kind of work I do, I need to have a few sessions
every month to stay sane, you know."

Napatitig si Zehannah sa kaharap. What work? Isn't he a businessman? Must be the

stress and pressure. And she understood that so well. Without thinking, and just
feeling a camaraderie with Cassiuz, Zehannah told him about the situation she was
in.

"Damn." Ani Cassiuz ng matapos ang kuwento ni Zehannah. "I know some women could be
vicious, but isn't that Katrin being too much?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah.

Cassiuz was still gawking at Zehannah. "And you actually put up with her
harassment? Say, Zehan, are you a masochist?"

Zehannah glared at Cassiuz while holding her cup of coffee. "You want to feel what
it's like to be showered with hot coffee?"

Napangiwi si Cassiuz. "Sorry. It's just so unheard of. But harassment is

harassment. One way or another, it'll affect you somehow. And it looks like you
finally reach your limit and now you are fighting with your boyfriend—wait, you're
just only exclusively dating him and not in a formal relationship so, what is he to
you, exactly?"
Hindi nakasagot si Zehannah.

Bumuntonghininga si Cassiuz. "I'm not a relationship expert, but I think you two
should talk once you've calmed down and are in the mood to talk. And then you
should beat Katrin up."

Tumango si Zehannah. "I agree with your last sentence."

Mahinang tumawa si Cassiuz. "Be careful, though. Animal cruelty is a crime."

For the first time since yesterday, Zehannah laughed out loud until tears were
forming in the corner of her eyes while agreeing with Cassiuz in between her
laughter. "Yeah... animal cruelty is a crime indeed."

Cassiuz smiled at seeing Zehannah laughing. Somehow, he had taken a liking to

Zehannah. Not romantically, but as a friend. Wala kasi siyang babaeng kaibigan
dahil halos lahat iba ang gusto sa kaniya.

But with Zehannah, he could feel that he could build a friendship with her. Yep.
Very possible.

"What?" Tanong ni Zehannah ng maramdaman ang titig ni Cassiuz.

Cassiuz offered his hand. "I want to be friends with you. Is that possible?"

Napatitig si Zehannah kay Cassiuz kapagkuwan ay mahinang natawa. "Thorn's right.

You really looked like an oversized puppy."

Kaagad na ibinaba ni Cassiuz ang kamay na nakalahad saka tiningnan ng masama si

Zehannah. "Not you too...!"

Zehannah just keeps on laughing until she finally sobered up. "Ah, that was fun.
Unfortunately, I have to go back to the agency." Tumayo na si Zehannah at pinulot
ang handbag na nakalapad sa ibabaw ng lamesa. "And about the friendship you're
offering... sure. It wouldn't hurt to have a rich friend once in a while."

Cassiuz grinned as he stood up. "Great! Then, to celebrate our friendship, let me
walk you to the parking lot."

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Zehannah at hinayaan si Cassiuz sa gusto nito.

Walking towards the parking lot, Zehannah and Cassiuz continued talking—mostly
about Cassia and Thorn — and then she felt a sense of déjà vu when they reached the
hospital's exit and she saw Reigo just standing outside, shock was visible on his
face while looking at her and then at Cassiuz.

But Zehannah didn't stop walking. She said goodbye to Cassiuz and walked past
Reigo.

She didn't look or turn around. She went straight to her car and drove back to
their agency. She still had work to do, and she still hadn't given up.

She was still fighting after everything that has happened. And she will not call it
quits until she served what Katrin deserved.
CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 51

REIGO DID HIS best to meet up with Zehannah and talked to her, but it seemed
Zehannah wanted the opposite. Even without words, she made it clear to him that she
didn't want to see him or talk to him. Zehannah's apartment was locked. She changed
the passcode. And every time he went to her parents' house where he knew she was
staying, Tito Cam and Tito Dan would entertain him in the living room, but Zehannah
never showed herself.

He even tried to meet her at her workplace, but seeing how busy she was, he let the
idea go. And it was maddening. He was so close to going crazy thinking that
Zehannah might already have lost her interest in him, and she's now interested in
another man.

Yes. That man she was with in the hospital.

He wanted to shout 'mine. Mine. Mine! She's mine!'. But he knew all too well that
Zehannah was not his. She was never his. And that made him even more jealous and
afraid that he will really lose his Zee.

The only thing that was keeping him sane was the fact that Zehannah still hadn't
sent his clothes back to him. Lahat ng damit at gamit niya na nasa condo ni
Zehannah ay nandoon pa rin. Walang bumalik sa kaniya. At iyon lang ang
pinanghahawakan niya.

But seeing Zehannah eat dinner with that man, even though they did nothing but talk
and then go to their separate ways afterwards, he was going crazy with jealousy. He
had never felt such intense emotion before. Not even once. And it was consuming him
day by day that he couldn't control it anymore.

"What's your problem?" Tanong ni Thorn sa kaniya ng basta na lang siyang pumasok sa
bahay nito at kumuha ng beer sa refrigerator nito. Thorn was already used to him
complaining about his relationships, so he just let him be most of the time.

"Your wife's best friend." Sagot niya bago uminom ng beer.

Tumaaas ang dalawang kilay ni Thorn. "You two still seeing each other?"

Reigo scoffed, remembering Zehannah having dinner with that man. "Seeing each
other... I don't even know if that's what we were doing." She just left me out and
didn't want to talk to me as if we had never dated. Was he asking for too much if
he asked for just a bit of her time? He just wanted to explain his side. He wanted
to talk to her. To fix their mess. To be with her again...!

"What happened?" Thorn asked again.

"Do I look like a player to you?" Reigo asked back, remembering Zehannah's words
that night.

Thorn shrugged.

"Do I look like someone who would break someone's heart? Do I look untrustworthy?
Do I look like a jerk—"

"Yes," mabilis na sagot ni Thorn. "The jerk part. Ikaw lang ang kilala kong naka-
schedule ang mood swings at mas masama pa ang ugali mo sa 'kin."

"Fuck you."

Thorn sighed and shook his head. "Wala bang tiwala si Zehannah sa 'yo?"

Tumango si Reigo. After everything that had happened, that was the only explanation
he got. Naubos na ang tiwala ni Zehannah sa kaniya. He took her trust for granted
because he knew she would always trust him.

"Then go and earn her trust."

What's this bastard saying? Reigo wanted to snap at Thorn. "That's not an easy
thing to do, you know."

"So, what?" Naghahamon ang boses ni Thorn. "If you're really interested in her, go
and do some work. Don't go around bitching. Go to her, earn her trust and don't
fuck up. Want to make it work? Then don't fuck up."

Reigo sighed, put the bottle of beer he was holding on the table, and left without
saying a word. His mind was busy thinking of ways on how to talk to Zehannah.

He was running out of options.

My Zee...

Abruptly, Reigo stopped on his track when he remembered something. Cassia's

surprise party for Thorn. I'm sure my Zee will be there. He had to do everything to
get his Zee's attention there.

I can't lose her. No. I won't let it happen! Even if I have to beg!

Steeling himself, he entered his car and drove to be barn to get ready. He will not
miss this chance to talk to Zehannah.

But things don't always go according to plan.

The whole BV Hall was noisy. The man he hated who turned out to be related to Thorn
and Cassia was present and Zehannah never glance at him even once. Kaya ng makita
niya ang dalaga na ngumiti kay Cassiuz, nagdilim ang paningin niya pero nandoon si
Dark at Knight na pumigil sa kaniya.

"Reigo, don't ruin Thorn and Cassia's happy day." May babala na wika ni Knight.
"Try to have fun for now and do your thing later."

Dark nodded. "Just hang on a little."

Reigo gritted his teeth and listened. Seeing Calderon happy, he did nothing that
could ruin it and make them feel like shit, just like what he was feeling now.

He waited until the party was over, and it was time to go home.

Mabilis na tumayo si Reigo at tumakbo para habulin si Zehannah na naglalakad na

palabas ng BV Hall.

Hindi na siya nakapag-isip kung tama ba ang gagawin niya basta ihinarang nalang
niya ang katawan sa harapan ng dalaga para patigilan ito sa paglalakad.

"Zee, please... I'm close to losing my mind."

Hindi gumalaw si Zehannah para umalis pero hindi rin ito umimik. And Reigo took it
as his one and only opportunity to get his Zee back.

"Please..." he begged. He wanted to touch her hand and feel the warmth that he
missed so much, but he was afraid that she'll swat his hand away, so he stopped his
hands from reaching out. "Just five minutes, my Zee. Just... just let me explain.
Please. Please..."

Reigo felt his heart sunk when Zehannah just walked past him, but he move his feet
to follow. He will not let her go and he will not lose her!

When Zehannah entered her car, he hurriedly slid himself into the passenger seat
and put his seatbelt on.

Handa na siyang ipagtabuyan ni Zehannah. Handa na siyang manatili sa loob kahit pa

nga alam niyang ayaw sa kaniya ni Zehannah. Wala siyang planong umalis kahit
ipagtabuyan siya nito.

Pero hindi nangyari ang kinatatakutan ni Reigo.

Hindi siya pinagtabuyan ni Zehannah pero hindi rin ito umimik. Binuhay lang nito
ang makina ng sasakyan at nanatiling tahimik sa driver's seat.

So he took his chance. "I don't want to give you excuses, but I really didn't know
that I will meet Katrin that night. Wala akong ideya. Mom asked for a favor and I
just did it. And that's my mistake." Reigo leaned down and cupped his head with
both his hands. Regret filled him. "I should've forced mom to tell me. I should
have known better. I should have left the moment I saw Katrin. I should have kept
my promise not to entertain her again. I should have not been complacent. And I'm
so sorry. I'm sorry because I took advantage of your trust and rational thinking
all the time. I'm sorry for always relying on you too much—"

"Nagpaliwanag na sakin si tita."

Hindi nakagalaw si Reigo. Dahil isa lang ang ibig sabihin no'n. Alam na ni Zehannah
ang totoo. Ayaw lang talaga siya nitong kausapin.

Dahan-dahang umayos ng upo si Reigo saka huminga ng malalim. "Zee... iiwan mo ba

ako?"

Hindi sumagot si Zehannah at pakiramdam ni Reigo kinakain ng takot ang lahat ng

parte ng katawan niya. Nanlamig siya at nag-umpisang pagpawisan ang mga kamay niya.

"Please... d-don't leave me." He didn't know his voice was trembling until he heard
it. "Please, my Zee..."

Gusto niyang sabihin kay Zehannah na gagawin niya lahat hindi lang siya nito iwan,
pero walang lumabas sa bibig niya dahil ramdam niya ang panlalamig ng buo niyang
katawan at ang bahagyang panginginig ng labi niya.

He was scared—so scared to lose his Zee that he was cold and trembling. He wanted
to beg, but he couldn't seem to move his body, that had become frozen in fear and
panic.

"I love you."

Reigo's mind went blank when he heard Zehannah and he glanced at her with his mind
blank and stupefied expression. "What... w-what did you say...?"

"I said I love you."

Those words melted away all his worries, jealousies and anger. "Then—"

"That's why it hurts. Because I love you." For the first time, a smile appeared on
Zehannah's lips, but they were humourless. "I'm in love with you, Reigo. That's why
it hurts so much." Kumuyom ang kamao ni Zehannah. "Alam kong hindi mo kasalanan
pero masakit pa rin. Kaya ayaw kitang kausapin. Hindi ko pa kaya. Baka ano ang
masabi ko sa'yo. Dahil kahit ako sa sarili ko, hindi ko alam kung bakit masakit pa
rin."

A tear fell from Zehannah's eyes and Reigo's hand immediately reached out to dry
it, but stopped midway. Then, slowly, he pulled his hand back and clenched his
fist. "Is there... anything I can do?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "Panay isip ko kung anong problema—kung bakit masakit pa rin.
Wala akong maisagot. Naisip ko, baka ako ang may problema kaya ayaw kitang makausap
o makita. I'm unstable at the moment, Reigo. I might say something to you that I
might regret, so please, get away from me for a while. It's not because I hate you
or because I'm blaming you, it's for your own safety. I'm not safe to be around at
the moment. I'm furious and I don't want to lash out at you, so please keep your
distance."

Reigo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. And when he opened them again, a
determined look glint in his eyes. "Two weeks. I will give you two weeks to figure
it out. And if you still can't by then, we will figure it out together. I don't
care if you lashed out at me. I will not let you push me away. Mahal kita at hindi
mababaw ang pagmamahal ko sayo, Zehannah."

Zehannah's head lowered as tears continue to fall from her eyes until she was
pressing her forehead against the steering wheel.

Iyon ang unang beses na narinig at nakita niyang malakas na humagulhol ng iyak ang
dalaga. Pakiramdam ni Reigo parang may bumibiyak sa dibdib niya dalhil ramdam niya
ang sakit at frustrasyon ng dalaga sa bawat malakas nitong hikbi.

He wanted to hug his Zee so bad. He wanted to coddle her, tell her everything was
going to be okay, that he will always be by her side. But instead of words, he
offered his hand for her to hold and let her continued crying.

It took a while for Zehannah to calm down and stop her tears from falling. And
through all the sobbing and crying, Reigo stayed by her side with her hands tightly
holding his.

Slumping on the steering wheel, Reigo could see how exhausted his Zee was.

"My Zee..."

Huminga ng malalim si Zehannah saka dahan-dahang binitawan ang kamay ni Reigo

habang panay hinga ng malalim at tinutuyo ang basang pisngi.

"I'm okay now." She said.

Hindi mapigilan ni Reigo, inabot niya ang pisngi ni Zehannah saka tinuyo ang parte
ng pisngi nito na hindi pa nito natutuyo. "I'm just here, my Zee. Always."
Tumango si Zehannah at nilukob ng katahimikan ang buong sasakyan kaya nagpaalam na
si Reigo. Sapat na sa kaniya na nakausap niya si Zehannah. Na kahit papaano ay
nagkaliwanagan sila kahit hindi man sila nakapag-usap ng mahaba at masinsinan.

"I'll... go now." He said, reluctant to leave.

Zehannah just nodded and didn't even look at him. But after hearing her confession
of love, those words were enough to ease his heart as he stepped out of Zehannah's
car and watched her drove away.

"So, how's the talk?"

Mabilis na umikot si Reigo paharap sa nagtanong. Si Knight 'yon at nasa tabi nito
ang asawa nitong si SM.

"It, um, went well, I think? I mean," he sighed. "... I think so. She said she
needed some time, so... yeah."

Tumango-tango si Knight. "Good for you then, bud."

Reigo nodded and was about to walk to his car when he remembered something and face
the Velasquez couple again. "If I asked for help, will you help me?"

Si SM ang sumagot sa kaniya. "If it's about Katrin, I have to decline."

Ni hindi si Reigo nagtaka kung bakit alam nito ang tulong na hinihingi niya. Mas
nagtaka siya sa sagot nito. "Bakit?"

"Because as a woman, I don't want to step on Zehannah's determination."

Reigo frowned. "What?"

"Hindi ba sinabi sayo ng ina mo?" Tanong ni Knight.

Reigo remained frowning. "I know she has a plan for Katrin and she didn't want me
intervening. I tried these past few days, but mom kept pinning me down and blocking
my path."

SM took a deep breath and smiled. "All I can say is that Zehannah is determined to
win." Then SM pulled Knight to leave.

Reigo was still confused, but somehow he understood some of it.

My Zee against Katrin? But he thought it was his mother against Katrin. Since when
did his Zee enter the picture?

EXHAUSTED WITH A puffy eye, Zehannah went home—not to her parent's house, but to
her condo—and went to sleep. She was tired and wanted to be alone. But when night
came, she received a sudden visitor.

Contessa. Reigo's mother.

"Galit ka pa rin ba sakin, Zehan?" Tanong ng ginang ng makaupo silang dalawa sa

mahabang sofa.
Sinalubong ni Zehannah ang tingin nito. "What do you think?"

"I know it was cruel—"

"Yes. You're very cruel, tita."

Contessa looked down. "I know apologizing would not suffice, but I'm sorry, Zehan.
I truly am."

Zehannah said nothing and just looked away.

After a long silence, Zehan asked. "Was it worth it?"

"Yes. As you know."

Bumuntonghininga si Zehannah. "I feel so betrayed."

"I know."

Hindi napigilang umingos ni Zehannah. "Owning your mistake doesn't make you less
guilty, tita."

"I'm aware, Zehan. You can call this an excuse, but I partly did this for you to
learn. If you want to be with Reigo, that means you'll be welcome into our world,
and that world is full of twisted and sly people. And there are far crueler people
than me and Katrin. And those are the people that you have to face if you want to
fight for Reigo.

"You can hate me and not forgive me. I will understand, but learn from my cruelty,
Zehan. Not everyone who's nice to you upfront will have your best interest at
heart. Everyone has their own intention when they offer help. Everyone has their
own motive when they approached you. Take this as my early lesson, because Katrin
won't be the last of your worries if you are serious about being with my son.

"So observe me and learn what I do. Learn how to deduce me and how to handle
someone wicked like me. Maybe it's early for me to teach you this in a hard way,
but I want to ready you so that you and my grandchildren—if you plan to have any
with Reigo—will not be helpless when I'm no longer around to be a wicked evil
bitch."

Zehannah's lips parted as she stared at Reigo's mother, who's exuding a very
intimidating aura. Then, a couple of seconds later, she returned to the warm person
she was.

"But I'm really sorry for what I did, Zehan. I really am." Contessa's voice had
become soft. "When I made that decision, I only thought of the benefit, the
advantage we'll have and how it'll help solidify our plan." She sighed with regret.
"Kaya naiintindihan ko ang galit mo sakin. Naiintindihan ko kung hindi mo ako
kayang patawarin. Pero sa ngayon, kailangan nating ituloy ang nasimulan natin. You
worked hard for this, Zehan. You went through hell of harassment for months just to
bait them. You willingly became broke just to pull this off, so please, reconsider.
You can hate me all you want afterwards, but in the next few days, we have to work
together. You set the stage already, and it's now time for the show, Miss Leading
lady."

Zehannah took a deep breath and straightened her back. "I have no plans to
withdraw, tita. Marami na akong isinakripisyo. I'm just angry and frustrated that's
why I didn't reply to your messages. Sinong hindi magagalit sa ginawa mo? Kahit
gaano pa kalawak ang pag-intindi ko, hindi ko kinaya ang sakit na pinaranas niyo
sakin, tita. Yes, it made me realized how much in love I am with Reigo, but
still... it was too painful."

"I'm sorry, Zehan..."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Zehannah saka pilit na pinakalma ang sarili.

"Apology accepted, but I'm still angry at you, tita. At hindi ko alam kung kailan
mawawala itong galit na nararamdaman ko."

Contessa smiled at that and went to hug Zehannah softly while caressing her hair.
"With you being in love with my son, I'm sure we'll have more time to see each
other. Babawi ako. Pangako."

Nagdududang tumingin si Zehannah sa ginang. "Bakit iba ang pakiramdam ko sa pagbawi

na 'yan?"

Misteryusong ngumiti lang si Contessa saka pinisil ang pisngi ni Zehannah. "Sorry
talaga, Zehan. Hindi ko na uulitin."

"Hmp. As if I'll give you a chance to do that to me again."

Contessa chuckled at that. "That's good. Be wary of me and outwit me, Zehan."

"'Yon talaga ang gagawin ko, tita."

Lumapad ang ngiti ni Contessa saka tumango ito. "I'm looking forward to it. Anyway,
I have to go. We don't want our little dear Katrin to get a whiff of the little
show we prepared for her."

Tumango si Zehannah saka tumayo at hinatid ang ginang sa pintuan.

Bago umalis, masuyo ang ngiting ibinigay ni Contessa kay Zehannah. "Thank you for
loving my son, Zehan. Thank you for fighting for him."

Tumango lang si Zehannah at pinagmasdan ang papalayong bulto ng ina ni Reigo.

Nang maisara ni Zehannah ang pintuan ng condo, pakiramdam niya kahit papaano ay
gumaan ang kalooban niya. Siguro dahil nailabas na niya ang hinaing niya sa ina ni
Reigo.

Only two people left. Emma and Katrin. Emma she could handle later, but Katrin took
precedence.

You tried to ruin my agency. I will do the same to your company. But I won't just
try. I will drag you to the ground and serve you what you deserve, you narcissistic
bitch.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 52
WITH A CUP of cappuccino in her hand, Zehannah stepped out from her car and entered
their agency. And while walking to her office, her eyes were roaming around,
watching their employees and greeting them back.

From the outside, she looked like she had no problems at all, but contrary to what
she looked, her head was aching.

"Someone's early," Zehannah commented when she saw Cassiuz stepped out from
Cassia's office.

"And someone is late," Cassiuz commented back with a grin. "That's a first, though.
And by the way, your eyes looked horrible."

Zehannah chuckled wryly. "That's what happens when one cries too much."

Naiiling na lumapit si Cassiuz kay Zehannah. "Have you been crying again?" Then he
lowered his head a little while leaning towards her to ask in a whisper. "Still
fighting with your not-really-boyfriend?"

"Nah. We talked. Then I cried. Hard."

"So you two fought again?"

"Nope. I confessed actually."

"And cried?" Napapantastikuhang tanong ni Cassiuz.

"Yes. It was dramatic like that. Someone cold like you wouldn't understand." It was
a playful, snide comment.

And Cassiuz gripped his chest where his heart was and played along. "The woman I
can relate to is leaving me behind because of love. Oh, the injustice. I'm hurt."

Inirapan ni Zehannah si Cassiuz kapagkuwan ay sabay na natawa ang dalawa.

In the outside perspective, Cassiuz and Zehannah looked like they were flirting
with each other, but the truth was, it was a show Zehannah asked Cassiuz to play to
satisfy Katrin's spy.

And Zehannah was right on the mark. Josie was already relaying to Katrin what she
was witnessing so early in the morning.

"By the way," Cassiuz straightened his body and walked beside Zehannah towards her
office. "I did what you asked. You're very much welcome, by the way."

Nasisiyahang tumango-tango si Zehannah. "It's really nice to have a wealthy friend

with a scary connection once in a while."

Napailing si Cassiuz sa dalaga. "I feel used. You owe me dinner."

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah dahil mukha talagang oversized puppy si Cassiuz.

"Someone is going to get jealous even if it's only a friendly dinner, so... I'll
ask him first."

Cassiuz gaped at Zehannah. Sarcasm dripped from his words. "Wow. So considerate."

Umirap si Zehannah sa binata bago rumason. "I just don't want him to feel that
emotion. I mean, I know what it feels like. It's awful, and it's an emotion I don't
want the person I love to feel."

Mahinang natawa si Cassiuz sa paliwanag ni Zehannah. "Or you have been tamed."

Napatigil si Zehannah sa paglalakad saka nagsalubong ang kilay. "Hmm..." Then she
resumed walking. "I don't think so. I just love him."

"Uh-huh." Cassiuz did not believe a single word.

"Oh, hush, Mr. Oversize puppy."

"Hey! Not that again!"

Hindi pinansin ni Zehannah si Cassiuz at pumasok sa loob ng opisina. Si Cassiuz

naman ay umupo sa isa sa visitor's chair at tahimik na nakamasid lang kay Zehannah
isa-isang inaayos ang mga papeles na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa nito.

"So, what are you going to ask for compensation?" Cassiuz asked. "That Katrin did
try to ruin yours and Cassia's agency."

"Her entire company."

Napangiwi si Cassiuz. "Isn't that a bit too much?"

Umiling si Zehannah. "If I don't strip her of everything she has, she'll just
harass me and Reigo all over again. I'm not that stupid to let it happen the second
time."

"I guess. Anyway," Cassiuz got up and took a deep breath. "I think I stayed too
long already. I'm sure the spy has now sent the news to her employer that we are an
item. As much as it pains me," Cassiuz sighed dramatically. "I have to go. I'm
going back to Athens tomorrow, so see yah, Zehan. Make sure to win."

Zehan smiled at that. "I don't plan on losing."

Cassiuz chuckled and waved his hand before he walked out of her office.

Zehannah stared at the door for a couple of seconds. She was thankful to Cassiuz
for helping them. Dapat si tita Contessa ang gagawa no'n, pero ng boluntaryo si
Cassiuz kaya wala silang nagawa ni Cassia. But maybe it was a good thing because
Cassiuz worked fast.

Two weeks. Naalala niya ang palugit na binigay sa kaniya ni Reigo. I think two
weeks is more than enough to finish everything.

And then... she'll finally have time for Reigo.

Ah, at last. Those toy candies had been waiting for so long.

Bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah saka umupo sa swivel chair at binuksan ang folder na

nasa gitna ng lamesa. It was the agency's financial report made by a different
employee. A trusted one.

Ah. We lost so much money. Zehannah sighed. Siguradong kayod kalabaw ang kailangan
naming gawin ni Cassia para maibalik namin ang perang nawala.

Napatigil ang pagbabasa ni Zehannah ng may kumatok. "It's open. Come in."

Zehannah subtly closed the folder containing a very important document when she saw
Josie entered her office.

"Oh, Josie!" Zehannah put on her most amicable smile. "May kailangan ka?"

Tumango si Josie ng makatayo sa harapan ng lamesa ni Zehannah. "May isusumbong lang

sana ako, ma'am Zehan."

Zehannah immediately showed Josie her serious expression. "Sure. Tell me."

"Kasi ma'am," sumama ang tabas ng mukha nito. "Tina is bypassing me."

Kumunot ang nuo ni Zehannah. "Bypassing how?"

"She'd been making accounts and financial statements without passing through my
table and my approval." Sumbong ni Josie. "Ako ang nakakataas sa kaniya, dapat lang
na dumaan sakin. Paano kung may mali pala siya? E di ako ang sasagot sa kamalian
niya dahil ako ang mas nakakataas sa kaniya. I'm just worried, ma'am Zehan, that
she could be providing the agency wrong data."

After listening to Josie, Zehannah nodded earnestly. "I'll talk to Tina later and
reprimand her."

Josie immediately smiled. "Thank you, ma'am."

Zehannah smiled back. "Of course. You are our accounting department head. Anything
for one of our important employee."

Josie beamed at that before she excused herself.

Nang makalabas si Josie at mag-isa na lang ulit si Zehannah sa loob ng opisina

niya, hinilot niya ang sentido saka sumandal sa likod ng kinauupuan at napatitig sa
kisame.

Bumuntonghininga si Zehannah. "Only taking care of menial things now, but it's
still a headache." She complained. "Seriously. Sino ba'ng nagplano nito?"

Me. Sagot ng sarili na nagpabuntonghininga ulit kay Zehannah.

Yeah. This is my plan so I better give my all. Tita Contessa already paved the way
for me. I just have to walk on it to victory.

Easier said than done, but Zehannah was not one to give up. She was determined to
serve Katrin what she deserved and she will collect Katrin's debt to her in the
next few days to come.

I will make sure that you paid me in full, Katrin.

"IS EVERYTHING READY, Attorney?" Contessa asked Attorney Henares after reading all
the documents presented in front of her. "Wala ba tayong magiging problema kung
sakali?"

Kaagad na sumagot ang abogado. "As you can see in the documents I provided,
everything is legal and by the law. I made sure to throughly process it with no
possible loopholes."
Tumango si Contessa. "That's good. Thank you."

"If I may be so bold, madam," Attorney Henares asked the question that had been
bothering him since he started processing the acquisition. "May I ask why are you
doing all this for Ms. Sevil?"

Kaagad na gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Contessa. "Because she will be my future
daughter-in-law and also your future employer."

Napakurap-kurap ang abogado kay Contessa. "Pardon?"

Contessa chuckled at Atty. Henares' stunned reaction. "Attorney, nakikita mo ba ang

anak ko na papalakarin ang lahat ng negosyo na iiwan namin sa kaniya?"

According to Attorney Henares' understanding, Reigo Vasquez was an independent man

when it comes to business and earning money. But still... "maybe...?"

"No. He won't." Contessa said it in a matter-of-fact tone. "Maybe some, but I'm
sure he will give the rest to our relatives. Especially the businesses we have
abroad. And we don't want that. That's where Zehan would come in. As you can see,
my future daughter-in-law is a brilliant woman. A little more lesson and she will
be able to surpass me and Rohan. With her by Reigo's side, they will be a pair like
no other. I will have no worries about the future."

Napatango-tango si Attorney Henares. Naiintindihan na rin nito sa wakas.

Mahinang tumawa si Contessa ng maalala ang pagbisita sa kaniya ni Zehannah para

sabihin sa kaniya ang plano nito. "Will you believe that this was her plan?"

Surprise was written on Atty. Henares face. "With an elaborate plan like this, I
thought this was your idea, madam."

Umiling si Contessa saka mahinang tumawa. "She pretends to be weak, but really, she
has the sharpest fangs and claws. While her enemy was harassing her, she was busy
studying her enemy's company and the people involved in it. Honestly, being part of
this plan makes me shudder. My future daughter-in-law still has no money,
connection and only borrowing my power to pull this off, but she was already this
intelligent and cunning. I have no qualms about leaving everything to her and
Reigo. And I have no worries about my future grandchildren as well."

Attorney Henares smiled. "Congratulations on acquiring a very smart and competent

daughter-in-law, madam."

Contessa was pleased. "It's all thanks to my son. He found an amazing woman."

Tumango ang abogado. "Indeed." Paused and a brief silence before Attorney Henares
went back to his serious demeanor. "By the way, it looks like the other camp has
already noticed our movements. Should I do something to block their information
network?"

Umiling si Contessa. "No need. Hayaan mo sila. Gusto kong kainin sila ng kaba bago
sila bitayin ni Zehannah. Wala naman na silang magagawa kahit pa malaman nila. It's
already too late for counterattack."

"Yes, madam. I shall not interfere."

Contessa got up from her chair and walked towards the glass wall overlooking their
massive and lovely house garden. "I can't wait..." she murmured to herself. "I hope
they fight to the bitter end. Hostile takeover seems fun."
Napalunok na lang si Attorney Henares na narinig ang ginang. Hostile takeover could
destroy a company if not done properly, but here was the madam, hoping for it to
happen. Maybe they don't really want that company. They just want to destroy it.
The attorney sighed. Though why waste tons of money? Even Miss Sevil became broke
because of it. Well, she's not technically broke, but as of the moment, she had no
cash or savings on her. The attorney sighed again. To take such a risk, Miss Sevil
is indeed a formidable woman.

"By the way, Attorney, kumusta 'yong isa pang bagay na pinapagawa ko sayo?" Tanong
ni Contessa na pumutol sa pag-iisip ng abogado.

"We're closing in on that one too, madam." The attorney answered suavely . "I will
hand you my report once our private investigator report the finding."

Relief crossed Contessa's face. "Thank you, Attorney Henares. You may leave now."

"Yes, ma'am. Have a good day."

"Yeah, you too." Contessa replied and continued watching the garden until her feet
became sore from standing too long.

Contessa went back to her table and sent a message to Zehannah.

'I ordered a suit for you, Zehan.'

After a little while, Zehannah replied. 'Tita, not an over the top clothes,
please.'

Contessa chuckled, then grinned. "My poor future daughter-in-law, even the simple
one for me, will be over the top for you. But you have to get used to such luxury."

With a pleased smile, Contessa opened the limited jewelry brochure she received
yesterday. It's from her favorite jeweler, who only sells one piece per design.

A limited edition, as some call it. I really want to order here, but Zehan didn't
want to because she couldn't afford it, she said. Hmm... let's refer her to
Reaveros Jewelries then. They also have amazing pieces even if you're in a budget.

Contessa closed the brochure and smiled when her phone started ringing—Katrin's
father was calling.

"You're not that special for me to answer." She chuckled to herself before she went
to open a gemstone brochure.

CURLING UP IN her bed at night, Zehannah opened Reigo's message and read them.
Every day without missing, he would send her a greeting and a motivational message.

Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas mula ng magkausap sila. Kung hahayaan ni Zehannah
ang sarili, baka tinawagan na niya si Reigo at pinapunta sa condo niya. Pero
pinipigilan niya ang sarili.

May tamang oras at lugar ang karupukan ko. Huwag muna ngayon. I need to focus.
Hindi rin niya maikakaila na nakakatulong sa kaniya si Reigo habang malayo ito sa
kaniya.
The distance between her and Reigo gave Katrin a sense of accomplishment and
assurance that she had won and that Reigo had given up on her already. Sigurado
siyang nagbubunyi na ngayon ang gaga dahil 'napaghiwalay' sila nito. Siguradong
masyado itong masaya para makita ang ibang kaganapan sa paligid nito. Hindi lang
'yon, tumutulong din syempre si Josie sa kasiyahan nito.

Napatigil sa pag-iisip si Zehannah ng biglang tumunog ang cellphone niya.

She stilled when she saw who was calling.

Reigo.

She missed him and she couldn't deny that, but she didn't answer. Mas lalakas lang
ang kagustuhan niyang makasama at makausap ito kung maririnig niya ang boses ng
binata.

But Reigo was persistent. He sent a message before calling again.

'It's important.'

Reluctantly, she answered the call. "Yes?"

"I missed you."

Natigilan si Zehannah. Is this the 'important' thing he was talking about?

"And I love you." He added. "Just want to tell you that before going to bed. See
you soon, my Zee."

The call ended without her talking, but there was a smile on her lips.

My Mr. Delicacy is still sweet as ever.

Gustong mag reply ni Zehannah, pero hindi niya ginawa. Sa halip, bumangon siya at
tinungo ang closet saka binuksan iyon.

And then she just stood there, in front of her closet, staring at Reigo's clothes
that were hanged inside.

Sharing a closet with Reigo for the rest of my life doesn't seem so bad. She
thought. Why am I even hesitating? I already made it this far just to keep him. All
the things she had endured wouldn't make any sense if she had no plan for their
future.

And... Zehannah touched her stomach. I really need to finish this and rest. I've
been stressed for far too long already. I'm already mentally exhausted.

Umangat ang kamay ni Zehannah para hawakan at haplusin ang damit ni Reigo na naka-
hanger sa loob ng closet.

I really miss that flirty, delicious guy. Buwesit talaga ang Katrin na 'yon.

Iritadong isinara ni Zehannah ang closet saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga sa kama at

pinilit na makatulog.

Kinabukasan, sinadya ni Zehannah na late nang pumasok. Why? To feed Katrin's spy,
of course.
But then, she saw a box on her table when she entered her office. She immediately
became alert until she saw the name of its sender on the note pinned on top of the
box.

Contessa Vasquez.

Binuksan iyon ni Zehannah at bahagyang umawang ang labi niya sa nakita.

Set of diamonds as a piece of jewelry. Siguro kung 'yon lang ang laman niyon, hindi
siya magugulat ng ganito. Pero may kasama iyong damit.

It was a glimmering black suit with a strong squired-up shoulder and deep-collared
blaze that would accentuate her chest and immaculately tailored trouser. It screams
business and power. Not to mention the buttons that were made of diamonds. And
pairing that suit was a stiletto.

Zehannah face palmed. "Seriously, tita. This is just overkill." Nasampal na naman
ako ng kahirapan. But she had to look the part, so she had to thank Reigo's mother
for this. Might as well wear it now.

Pumasok si Zehannah sa banyo ng opisina para doon magbihis at ng makalabas siya,

tinungo niya ang opisina ng kaibigan para ipakita ang hitsura niya.

"Oh, my God! You look so elegant and pretty, Zehan...!" Cassia even had teary-eyes.
"I expect nothing less from my master!"

Napailing si Zehannah pero hindi niya maitago ang ngiti sa mga labi. "Bagay ba?"

Mabilis na sumagot si Cassia. "Yes! You look expensive."

Tiningnan ni Zehannah ang damit. "Indeed. I look expensive." Really an overkill,

tita. "But I like it."

"Me too." Cassia showered her with another praise before she became serious. "So,
today is the day, huh?"

Tumango si Zehannah. "Thank you for leaving everything in my hand, Cass. Hindi ko
to magagawa kung hindi mo ako hinayaang gawin ang gusto ko."

Nakangiting umiling si Cassia. "No need to thank me, Zehan. Alam kong hindi mo
ipapahamak ang agency natin. Pareho nating mahal ang agency na 'to at pareho nating
ibinigay ang lahat natin para maitayo ito kaya nagtiwala ako sa plano mo. Of
course, I want that Katrin to pay for harassing you, too!"

Zehannah's expression softened. When Katrin targeted their agency, Zehannah was
honestly not shock. She was even more shock that it took Katrin a long time to
attack her agency. So when she did, she told Cassia her plan and begged her to let
her handle it. Cassia agreed. At nagpapasalamat siya na may tiwala sa kaniya ang
kaibigan.

Kahit hirap na hirap na sila, kahit paubos na ang pera nila dahil sa kagagawan ni
Katrin, ni minsan, hindi nagreklamo si Cassia at hindi siya nito sinisi. Cassia
remained by her side, helping her and motivating her along the way when she's
blaming herself for everything that had happened.

She promised Cassia that she wouldn't let their agency fall in exchange for her
trust. "Is it now safe to assume that I kept my promise?"

Cassia's smile widened and nodded. "Yes, master Zehan. Your plan to lure Katrin and
distract her attention using our agency while Reigo's mother do her part of your
plan was successful. A round of applause for my master!"

Zehannah was happy that it was successful, but it was very exhausting. "Pero
nakakapagod. Akala ko talaga malulugi ang agency natin dahil sa plano ko. We have
to work extra hard to keep our agency afloat for months. It was barely hanging, but
it really survived..."

Tumango si Cassia. "Thanks for Kuya Cassiuz's help. Y&Z Supermarket will pay for
the damages they caused us."

Zehannah nodded back. The original plan was for Tita Contessa to talk to Y&Z
Supermarket and make them stop. But it'll be too obvious. So Zehannah changed the
plan and enlisted Cassiuz's help. Kahit kausapin at patigilan ni Cassiuz and Y&Z
Supermarket gamit ang koneksiyon nito, hindi magtataka si Katrin dahil ang alam
nito ay may 'namamagitan' sa kanila ni Cassiuz. If Cassiuz did not offer his help,
they would've asked Thorn instead.

That's why she and Cassiuz had to put on a show. For Josie. And it worked.

It bought them some time and also get rid of Y&Z Supermarket from harassing their
agency.

"What's the next step, Zehan?" Cassia asked afterwards.

Zehannah shrugged. "Hire a new accounting department?"

Mahinang natawa si Cassia kapagkuwan at nagseryoso ito. "Ikaw na ang bahala sa

ispeya habang ako naman ang bahalang makipag-usap sa Y&Z Supermarket. I won't let
them slip away. I will make them pay for trying to ruin our agency."

With a clear path ahead, Zehannah left Cassia's office and went straight to the
accounting department.

Bago pa makatayo si Josie para salubungin si Zehannah, nagsalita na ito.

"Josie, you're fired."

Bumadha ang gulat sa mukha ng mga nakarinig pero mas gulat na gulat si Josie at
nakuha pa nitong magreklamo.

"May nagawa ba akong mali, ma'am Zehan?" Bumagsak ang luha sa pisngi nito. "This is
against labor code—"

"Wipe that crocodile tears on your cheeks. Doesn't suit a spy like you." Zehannah
replied coldly remebering the time when tita Contessa informed her that Josie was
Katrin's spy. "You can sue me if you want, I don't care. I have evidence for your
misconduct.

Still, Josie tried to defend herself. "No! That's not true Ma'am Zehan—"

"I know you're Katrin's spy from the very beginning." Zehannah smiled. It was cold,
and it sent a shiver down Josie's spine. "What do you say, Josie? I put on a good
show, don't you think?"

Napipilan si Josie at parang nalulon ang dila na hindi makapagsalita. Nakatanga

lang ito kay Zehannah na may malamig at nakakataas ng balahibong ngiti.

Zehannah walked towards Josie. "Nasisiguro kong malaki ang kinita mong pera mula
kay Katrin. I suggest you take great care of that money. You'll need it to survive
the case that I'm going to file against you. I will not stop until you go broke and
crawl back to where you came from. And through the connection of Contessa Vasquez,
Cassiuz Savvaz, Reigo Vasquez, Thorn Calderon and all the influential people we
know, you will be banned from working and entering the corporate world again."

Nanghihinang napaatras si Josie. "N-no... no...!" She stumbled on her feet and fell
to the floor as fear for her future consumed her. "Please, no... don't... no! No! I
don't deserve it! I don't deserve to be banned! You can't do that! You can't!" She
screamed desperately at Zehannah, but Zehannah remained unperturbed and just
looking down at Josie on the floor.

And as if to mock Josie's fear and desperation, Zehannah leaned down and gripped
Josie's jaw and forced her to look up at her.

"Go and run to your boss." Zehannah uttered those words in a low and menacing
voice. "And make sure to tell that narcissistic witch bitch that I'm coning for her
next."

Out of panic and despair for her future, Josie scrambled on the floor to get up and
ran.

Meanwhile, Zehannah sighed, straightened her body, flipped her hair and
nonchalantly left the accounting department after telling everyone to continue
their work with Tina as their new head.

"That was anticlimactic..." Zehannah muttered under her breath as she entered her
office. "I should have beaten her up, but animal cruelty is a crime."

Sighing, she answered her phone that had been ringing since she entered her office.

"Yes, tita?"

"Your ride has arrived."

Zehannah took a deep breath and steeled herself. "Alright. Thank you, tita."

"Anytime." There was a hint of a smile in Contessa's voice.

Zehannah ended the call and went outside their agency, where a limousine—her ride —
was waiting for her.

Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the limousine.

It had gone on for far too long. Time to end this headache and the cause of my
stress.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 53
INSIDE A LAVISH conference room was a long table with twelve seats, but unlike the
previous conference meetings held in that room, the shareholders' seats were empty,
which was an impossibility knowing the content of the meeting that day.

And the shareholder absence made the woman sitting in the CEO's chair fumed.

"Just where the hell are they?!" Katrin couldn't help snapping at her secretary in
front of the Board of Directors. "We have to start the meeting. I don't have all
day!"

Katrin's uncle, Ted, the only shareholder present, spoke to his niece. "Calm down
for a moment, Katrin. I'm sure they're just running late."

Sumabad si Jessa Vidal, isa sa mga board of directors na siyang nagtaas ng kilay ng
nagtaas ng boses si Katrin. Contessa Vasquez elected her as her representative to
help the Veron Real-Estate prosper and profit. "Mrs. Vasquez just informed me that
she'll be late. Sinundo pa raw niya kasi ang isang shareholder para sabay silang
pumunta rito."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Katrin sa narinig. Since when did Contessa became chummy
with other shareholders? Those people tend to avoid Contessa because of her
connection and power in the corporate world. Not to mention her overprotective
husband who's always backing her up in whatever she does—whether it could destroy
or make someone.

Feeling suspicious, Katrin glanced at her uncle and spoke to him in a low voice.
"What's the news with the shareholders? You had a meeting with them two days ago,
right?"

Tumango ang tiyuhin. "Everything is fine. No need to worry."

Katrin was still feeling doubtful. "Are you sure? Dad warned me to be wary of
them."

Tumango si Ted. "Yes. No need to worry. The company is safe and secured."

Katrin had no choice but to believe until she launched her own investigation. Her
uncle Ted was her eyes and ears on the shareholder's side. "And about the share I
asked you to sell to me?"

"Already been taken care of. You'll see it later at the meeting."

"Alright. Good." Katrin was pleased. "Sabi ni daddy may nabalitaan daw siyang may
binabalak ang mga shareholders pero mukhang false alarm lang 'yon." Napailing si
Katrin ng maalala ang mensahe rin sa kaniya ng ispeya niyang si Josie. Pinaghahanda
siya nito dahil nalaman na raw ni Zehannah na ispeya ito. Ano naman ang magagawa ng
babaeng 'yon sakin? Gustong matawa ni Katrin. "Dad is always overacting. It's not
like it'll be easy to do something against us under our noses."

Ted just nodded his head while the board of directors were having a secret
conversation of their own.

"So you received the same message?" Usisa Herman Lagman.

Tumango si Phil Leman na isa rin sa mga board of directors. "Sa tingin ko lahat
tayo nakatanggap ng parehong mensahe."

"When I received the memo, I didn't even think of going against that cunning
woman." Wika ni Jorge Heron.
"Same." Anang pinakamatanda sa lahat na si Filman Ricafort saka napabuntonghininga
ito. "I'm old enough to know not to mess with that family."

Sumabad si Mina Busmante, isa sa dalawang babae sa Board of Directors. "My answer
was immediate. Who wants to go against that woman? I mean, we all know what she's
capable of. Even with my backing, she could still make my career a living hell if
she desired so."

Jessa Vidal nodded, knowing full well what kind of woman Contessa Vasquez was.
"Only idiots would fight knowing what that woman is capable of."

Palihim na tumingin ang anim na Board of Directors sa dereksiyon ni Katrin na

nakikipag-usap pa rin sa tiyuhin nito kapagkuwan ay napabuntonghininga ang mga ito.

"I admire her guts." Ani Jessa.

"Yeah. But you know what's more terrifying? I heard that that woman is doing this
for someone else." Wika ni Mina.

Tumango si Phil dahil 'yon din ang narinig nito. "Yes. I heard it's because her
future daughter-in-law asked her to."

Lahat tumaas ang kilay.

"She must be one hell of a daughter-in-law for that woman to give her time,
attention, and assistance." Napailing si Jorge. "Scary."

"That's for sure." Ani Phil. "And I think we're going to meet the future daughter-
in-law today."

"Yeah. She's our new boss, after all." Said Jessa, then sighed. "This is going to
be a mess."

"But what shocked me were the shareholders." Ani Mina kapagkuwan. "They didn't even
make a fuss. Not even a word was heard from them before and after the tender
offer."

"Sinong mag-iingay at magrereklamo kung sobra-sobra pa ang nakuha nilang kapalit

para sa share nila rito?" Nagkibit-balikat si Phil. "I heard from my uncle that it
was massive. I don't know what went down, but my uncle was happy to let go of his
shares here."

Napailing si Filman. "And for Contessa Vasquez to do all that for someone else..."
Filman sighed. "Yeah. It'll be a mess."

The Board of Directors continued talking while Katrin was also having a
conversation with her uncle.

And then, suddenly, someone barged in inside into the conference room. They were
Katrin's parents—Donald and Kathy. Fuming mad, especially Katrin's father.

"Where the fuck is that woman?!" Katrin's father screamed in rage, making everyone
inside stilled. Even Katrin. Pero kaagad ding nakabawi si Katrin at nilapitan ang
ama na nanggagalaiti sa galit.

"Dad, what's happening—"

"You idiot...!" Dinuro kaagad nito si Katrin ng makita. "What did you let this
happen, huh?! I told you again and again to watch the shareholder's movement, but
you didn't listen! This is your fault! How idiot could you be?!"

Katrin glared at her own father after being called an idiot twice. "Would you stop
calling me an idiot and just tell me what are you talking about?!" she screamed
back. "You're not making any sense, dad!"

Nanlisik ang mata ng ama ni Katrin at pinagduduro nito ang nuo ni Katrin na
napaatras ang dalaga. "This is all your fault! You were too busy with your
delusional love life that you didn't see them conniving under your nose!"

Katrin still didn't know what her father was talking about. "Ano ba'ng
pinagsasasabi mo, dad?!"

Kumuyom ang kamao ng ama ni Katrin. "That Contessa...! I'm talking about her! She
connived with other shareholders to steal our company...!"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Katrin sa narinig saka napatingin sa Board of Directors na
tahimik lang bago napatingin sa tiyuhin kapagkuwan ay mabilis na bumaling sa ama.
"How is that possible? Uncle Ted assured me that everything is fine—"

"That's because he's in cahoots with Contessa!" Dinuro ni Donald si Ted. "Paano mo
nagawa samin 'to, ha?! Tinuring ka naming parang pamilya—"

"Since when?" Ted cut Donald off, silencing everyone. "Ang naalala ko lang ay ang
araw-araw na pangmamaliit niyo sakin." Nagkibit-balikat si Ted. "It was your
business partner, Greg, who treated me—you — as his family. Pero ginago mo 'yong
tao. Doon ko napagtanto na hindi kailangan maging kadugo para maging pamilya at
hindi porke't kadugo mo ay pamilya mo na. Pinagdasal ko ang pagbagsak niyo. Kaya ng
makatanggap ako ng alok mula kay Contessa Vasquez tinanggap ko kaagad."

"Bobo!" Sigaw ni Donald kay Ted. "If we go down, you're going down with us, you
dimwit!"

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Ted. "I don't really care. As long as I get to see you
suffer. After what you did to Greg and his wife, this is only fitting. This way, I
can avenge his death even a little."

"I have nothing to do with his death!" Donald defended himself.

Mapaklang tumawa si Ted. "You say that, but didn't Greg kill himself because you
stole the company he built and the company he loved? Nagpakamatay siya dahil ginago
mo siya at ninakaw mo ang sa kaniya. Now, taste your own medicine."

Nanggagalaiti na sinugod ni Donald si Ted para bugbugin pero bago pa dumapo ang
kamao nito sa mukha ni Ted, may nagsalita mula sa pintuan.

"How uncivilized."

Napatigil ang lahat at napalingon sa pintuan.

It was none other than Contessa Vasquez. The mastermind of this mess in everyone's
mind not knowing that it was not really her doing.

Nang makita ni Donald si Contessa mas nagdilim pa lalo ang paningin nito at sa
halip na si Ted, si Contessa ang sinugod nito. "I'll kill you, you bitch!"

But Contessa did not even blink or bothered to escape Donald's wrath. It was the
lawyer beside her who moved and took down Donald, who was still screaming in rage
while being pinned down by Attorney Henares.

"My, my..." Contessa look down at Donald on the ground and chuckled. "What a scene.
Such a warm, welcoming party. I'm touched." The sarcasm in her words was thick.

"You—"

Contessa cut Donald off calmly that it made the people who heard it on edge. "Now,
now, let's not scream and shout. We're all civilized people here. As far as I know,
I'm here for a meeting, yes?" She smiled amiably. "Why don't we start then?"
Contessa signaled Attorney Henares to let go of Donald. "You can let him go now,
Attorney. Nasisiguro kong malinaw na kahit papaano ang isip niya at makakapag-isip
na siya ng tama. My beloved husband maybe kind, but if you lay even a single finger
on me, my Rohan will kill you in more ways than one, so I suggest you think before
you act, okay, Donald?"

Donald did not speak nor move, making Contessa's smile widened and said, "so you do
have a brain. Good."

Nanlisik ang mga mata ni Donald pero wala itong ginawa o sinabi. Hanggang doon lang
ang kaya nitong gawin.

Umupo si Contessa sa bakanteng upuan saka iminuwestra ang kamay sa lamesa. "Come
on. Sit. I'm sure we have a lot to talk about."

Habang nagtitinginan, dahan-dahang nagsiupuan ang lahat.

It was Kathy, Katrin's mother, who first spoke to Contessa. "Anong gusto mong gawin
namin para lang tumigil ka?"

Kabaliktaran sa ina ni Katrin na matalim ang boses, kalmadong sumagot si Contessa.

"Hmm... wala...?"

"Then why—"

"This wasn't my doing, you know." Contessa's expression was innocent, but no one
bought it. "I just did what my future daughter-in-law asked me to do."

Lahat napatanga sa sinabi ni Contessa. Ang iba hindi makapaniwala lalo na ang
pamilya Veron.

"So you played with our company for a spoiled bitch—"

"Ah-ah-ah," Contessa playfully raise her forefinger to make Katrin's mother stop
talking and then she pointed Katrin. "Your daughter started it. She harassed my
daughter-in-law on a daily basis. Unfortunately for your daughter, my future
daughter-in-law is more cunning and hates losing."

Slowly, it sunk into Katrin's mind what Contessa was talking about. And the
expression on Katrin's face became uglier and uglier. "You...! You lied to me!"

Contessa laughed and her English accent became apparent when she spoke again. "Oh,
dear. Do you really think I will accept you for my son? You...? Contessa laughed
again, humiliating Katrin. "Goodness me, Katrin. I would never, ever, accept
someone as demented as you into my family. I already have Zehannah."

Katrin's entire face was red, and she was enraged for being humiliated. But she
became even madder when Contessa spoke again.
"Speaking of which," Contessa beamed, not caring if the entire room was tense.
"Attorney, go get Zehannah, please. I don't want to keep her waiting."

Padaskol na tumayo si Katrin para pigilan si Contessa at Attorney Henares. "Hindi

ko hahayaang makapasok ang babaeng yan dito sa kompaniya ko! Over my dead body!"

But Contessa only blinked at Katrin's fury innocently. "What are you talking about?
That is not a good behavior towards the new owner of this company, you know."

The Board of Directors already had an inkling idea that the company will have a new
owner, so did Ted. That was why no one was surprise and was even excited to see the
future daughter-in-law whom Contessa adored. But the Veron family—the word shock
was an understatement.

Especially Katrin, who's already going mad. "No... no...! No! No!"

Attorney Henares did not heed any attention to Katrin's madness and just walked
past the Veron family to fetch Zehannah.

At habang naghihintay ang lahat, maliban sa pamilyang Veron, sa pagbalik ni

Attorney Henares, tahimik ang buong conference room na puno ng tensiyon. At mas
lalong lumakas ang tensiyon ng bumukas ulit ang pintuan ng conference room at
pumasok doon ang isang matangkad at magandang babae habang nasa likuran nito si
Attorney Henares.

All eyes were at the woman who just stepped inside the conference room. Everyone
was making their own judgement, but they all have one thing in common as they
looked at Zehannah Sevil.

The woman reminded them of Contessa Vasquez. Her gait, the way she carried herself,
her sharp unforgiving eyes, and the aura of authority she was exuding. The Board of
Directors and Ted now understood why this woman was adored by Contessa Vasquez.

"This way, Miss Sevil." Ani Attorney Henares saka iminuwestra nito ang kamay sa
upuan na nasa tabi ni Contessa.

Zehannah silently nodded and walked towards her chair. Habang naglalakad patungo sa
upuan niya, siniguro ni Zehannah na magtatama ang mga mata nila ni Katrin at
makikita nito ang ngiting tagumpay sa mga labi niya.

But Katrin will never accept the humiliation. She stood up and was ready to attack
Zehannah, but when she saw the sharp glint in Zehannah's eyes, she was reminded how
physically strong Zehannah was and all Katrin could do was clenched her fist and
shake in anger with her eyes glaring sharply at Zehannah.

And Katrin shook even more, and she felt her head about to explode when Attorney
Henares handed everyone a folder filled with legal documents and announced, "meet
the new owner of Veron Real-Estate with fifty-two percent shares, Zehannah Sevil."

The whole Veron family was silent in shocked until Donald spoke while controlling
his anger. "We still own forty-eight percent of the share. We will not let you boss
us around."

Zehannah didn't even look at Donald, instead she looked at the Board of Directors.
"I want you to halt all the projects you have and cancel all the active contracts
you have and pay for the damages."

"Are you insane?!" Katrin shouted at Zehannah. "That could destroy the company—"
"Yes. That's the plan." Zehannah shoots down Katrin with those few words. "That's
what I'm here for."

"You bitch...!"

Zehannah just shrugged at Katrin's outburst and calling her names. "The plan was to
give the shares to Greg's wife, but the wife wanted nothing to do with this company
anymore, so I decided to just destroy it. It will take some time and we'll incurred
big losses, but Tita Contessa told me not to give a rat's ass about it and do what
I like. And I want this company to fall into ruin even if it means losing money,
but it'll be boring if you just let me do as I please." Zehannah gave Katrin a
'good luck' smile. "So please entertain me and fight to the bitter end, like how I
fought when you targeted my agency. That way, you'll be able to pay me in full.

"I will even let you continue being the CEO. Aren't I nice?" Zehannah's smile
widened. "With forty-eight percent share, show me how you can save your company as
I destroy it from the inside. And selling your share is not an option. Wala namang
bibili. Though if you beg, I might buy it at a cheap price. Anyway, good luck.
Okay?"

"Heartless..." Katrin's mother muttered. "How heartless could you be to the

employees who's giving their everything for the company?!"

Zehannah just shrugged uninterestedly.

Padaskol na tumayo ang ama ni Katrin at madilim ang mukha na dinu