《Arrange To You (Tagalog)》


 Prologue

    "What?! You want me to marry that man?" napaawang ang bibig ko sa narinig.


    I can''t just marry a stranger!


    Hindi ko m kung ano ang nasa isip ng mga ama ko para ipinagkanulo ako sa taong di ko kla. I''m still not ready for it, heaven sake! I still want to venture out on many things. W pa nga akong napapatunayan.


    "Our decision is final, Celestia. Besides, he is a good man. I''m sure you can get along with him." Wow! They are so sure na mabait ang mapapangasawa ko. Ni-hindi manng n pinaringgan ang magiging desisyon ko. "What about my opinion, then?"kas loob kong tanong sa kan. I diverted my attention to my dad who was just quiet. "Ikaw, dad. Would you really approve of me marrying someone? To a person that I don''t have even feelings with?" "If that''s what''s best for you, then yes, Celestia. We still have a meeting to attend so if you excuse us, darling."


    Hindi ako makapaniwng tumingin sa mga ito. Dad tried to kiss my cheeks but I stepped back. How could they?


    Out of frustration, I pushed the vase nearby that created a deafening noise that echo the house. Nagkabasag-basag ang mga iyon at nagkanda pira-piraso. Napa-atras rin ako dahil sa gt. "I-I''m sorr---" natataranta kong tugon at tinignan ang mga bubog na nasa sahig.


    "That''s enough Celestia Quinn! Hindi kalabas ng bahay hangga''t hindi ko sinasabi, maliwanag?!" unti-unti akong tumango. My vision started to get cloudy because of the unwanted feelings inside. I''m hurt. How could they rush such a decision like that?


    I nced at Roseanna and clenched my fist. Who is she by the way? W siyang karapatan pang himasukan ang buhay ko. I''m enraged and I don''t know where would this frustration can lead me.


    Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita si daddy na nakatingin sakin. He let out a low smile before turning their back at me. I want to beg at him to just give me my happiness. To be free... and to finally feel that someone is not controlling me. "But I''m just 25, dad..." paos kong sabi habang tinitignan ang papyo nng bulto. I let out a harsh breath and urged myself to calm down. God knows how much I want to be excluded from this narrative, but I just couldn''t leave it behind. "It''s okay, Celestia. It''s okay..." But I can''t.


    Unti-unti akong napadausdos sa sahig. Not minding those shards from the broken vase awhile ago. I let myself drown in my own grief. Nag-uunahang kumaw ang mga butil ng luha sa mga mata ko. How could they ruin my life?


    Naramdaman ko ang pagdaloy ng kung anong likido sa paa ko. When I looked down, I saw myself bleeding. May isang bubog pa ang nanatili sa paa ko. I didn''t even notice the pain that it caused.


    "Celestia, anak. Ay jusko kang bata ka! Anong nangyari sa''yo?" mabilis akong dinaluhan ni Manang Glenda at inakay pa-upo sa pang-isahang sofa.


    "Helen! Mercy! Pakid ng first aid kit rito at nang magamot natin si Celestia. Jusko anak, ano bang nasa isip mo at lumapit kapa sa basag na plorera." Inenspeksyon niya ang paa ko at nakita ang mki kong sugat. "Manang..."


    "Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo, anak? Lumiban kana muna sa trabaho mo para makapagpahinga ka."


    Sint nito ang noo ko at umupo sa tabi ko. Out of the blue, I hugged Manang Glenda tightly. Gumanti naman ito ng yakap at ipinahilig ang ulo ko sa balikat nito. I''m d that Manang Glenda is here. Somehow, the heavy burden inside me lighten.


    "Asus, nalambing ang ga ko. O sya, wag kang mag-la at lulutuan kita ng paborito mong ngang baboy. m kong gustong-gusto mo ''yun." A genuine smile came out on my lips.


    m tga nito kung ano ang gusto ko kainin kapag masama ang pakiramdam ko


    "I''m gonna miss you so much..." Halos hindi na lumabas iyon sa bibig ko.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "Bakit, anak? Saan ka ba pupunta?" takang tanong niya sa''kin. Matamisng akong ngumiti sa kaniya at yumakap ulit.


    "Kung mawaw man ako ay wag kang mag-la sa akin, Manang ah? I will put myself to safety always," pilit kong pinasi ang boses kahit meron na namang nagbabadyang luha sa mga mata ko.


    This house is not healthy for me anymore. I need to breathe somehow. To find inner peace and to feel sce. W naman sigurong masama ''run diba?


    If leaving the house would be the way to have that, then why won''t I leave by now?

 Chapter 1.1

    Tinignan ko ang mga naka-impake kong gamit. It''s allpletely set. Sinipat ko ang pambisig na relo at nakitang mpit na mag-s dose ng hapon. I need to leave before Roseanna and my dad find out.


    I only have spare cash to bring. Lahat ng mga gamit na pwede akong ma-track ay iiwan ko rito sa kwarto ko. It''s the safest method I know for them not to track me. I also disconnected the GPS location in my phone just in case. "Sigurado kana ba sa desisyon mong ito, anak?" bumaling ako kay Manang na kaka-pasokng sa silid. I already told her my n.


    "Hindi naman ako mawaw ng matagal, manang. I would be back, I promise." I assured her.


    "O siya, mki ka naman na at m ''kong babalik ka rin. W na akong magagawa sa pasya mo, basta ang maipapayo kong ay pag-isipan mo ang mga desisyon na gawin mo, anak. Mahirap ang buhay pero m kong mlampasan mohat ng problema mo. Hindi ko ba tga pwede mman kung saan ka pupunta?" nalambing na tanong niya sa''kin.


    Nakita ko ang dumaang lungkot sa mga mata ni Manang. I would really miss her damn much.


    "Nah, it''s better this way manang. Pa-hug nga ulit," lumapit ako sa kanya at yinakap siya ng mahigpit. I kissed her cheeks beforeposing myself. It''s already time to go. I already have a ce in mind to temporarily live in. It''s a rural ce with not much poption.


    "Mag-iingat ka roon at kumain ka sa tamang oras. Nanditong ako kung gusto mong lutuan kita ulit ng mga paborito mo," naiiyak na sambit ni Manang at kinurot ang pisngi ko.


    We bid farewell for onest time before heading out of the mansion. W naman masyado kaming tao sa bahay kaya normalng sa akin ang hindi sinusundan oras-oras. When I got out, I immediately made my way to the entrance of the vige.


    Ngunit hindi pa man ako nakarating sa destinasyon ay may humintong pamilyar na sasakyan sa gilid ko. I swallowed hard. m ko na agad kung sino ang nagmamay-ari sa sasakyang ''yun. My body is trembling in fear that I couldn''t take another step.


    "Celestia."


    Unti-unti akong lumingon kay daddy. Dumako ang tingin niya sa mking bag na d ko. I held the strap of my bag tightly as if my life depended on it. "D-Dad, please. Just let me be."


    Pagmamakaawa ko sa kaniya, but to my disappoint, he just went near me and get my backpack. Ingay niya anghat ng mga gamit ko sa sasakyan at binuksan ang passenger seat. Tahimik akong pumasok sa sasakyan at hindi na umimik pa. Yumuko ako at pinagmasdan ang nanginginig kong kamay. Naramdaman ko ang papat ng kamay ni daddy sa kamay ko at minasahe iyon. He let out a deep sighed.


    "I will let this pass, Celestia. Just don''t do something that could anger me again, Celestia." Hindi ako tumango. Cause I know in myself that I can''t even do that. Hindi ko mapapangako na hindi ako susuway sa kan. W kaming imikan habang pabalik ng mansyon. I just don''t have the appetite to say a single word when I knew that it would just lead into an argument.


    I''m tired of fighting for my freedom when all they do is to lock me in a cage that I''ve been trying to escape.


    It''s suffocating.


    When we got back at the mansion, tuloy-tuloy akong pumasok sa kwarto ko. Not minding the maids in their house who looked at me worriedly. Kahit si Manang Glenda ay hindi ko pinansin at pabalya kong sinarado ang pinto. "Damn it! I hate you! Why do you have to ruin my life so bad?!" napahmos ako sa mukha at wng pakim kung may nakakarinig man sabas niyon. I cried to the extent of my heart and dive myself on the bed.


    W akong tigil sa pag-iyak at inilubog ang sarili ko sa mmbot na kama. There are so many things that lingered in my mind. When would I ever have the chance to experience such a wonderful life? Not this shit that I''m experiencing right


    now.


    "Celestia." I heard daddy calling me from the outside. Hindi ako tumayo para pagbuksan siya ng pinto.


    I just want them to leave me be at the moment. Gusto kong mapag-isa kahit ngayong arawng.


    "Celestia, anak." I didn''t hear him out. Narinig ko ang playong yabag ni daddy.


    Hindi ko m kung ng oras na ang lumipas at nakalubogng ako sa kama ko. I don''t want to go out in my room.


    "Anak, kumain ka muna. W pangman ang tiyan mo kaninang umaga." I heard Manang Glenda''s voice outside.


    "Anak, m kong mahirap ang sitwasyon mo ngayon pero kangan mong ingatan ang sarili mo."


    Tumayo ako at kahit masama ang pakiramdam ay agad kong binuksan ang pintuan. I weed Manang with a tight hug and couldn''t help myself but to cry.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!


    "Shhh oh tahan na. Wag ka ng umiyak, kumain kana muna at nang magkman ang tiyan mo."


    Tumango ako at maya-mayang ay nagpahatid siya ng kasambahay para bigyan ako ng pagkain sa kwarto. It''s so hard to even swallow the food. T may bumabara salamunan ko kahit madali namang lunukin ang pagkain. "Celestia " I cut him off.


    "Dad, pakiusap, patapusin niyo muna akong kumain bago niyo gawing miserable ang buhay ko," ani ko ng hindi pa rin tumitingin sa kaniya. Narinig kong napabuntong-hininga si daddy sa sinabi ko. "Alright, I''ll let you finish first. I have something important to tell you, after."


    Mahigpit ang kapit ko sa kutsara dahil sa inis. I don''t want to hear their statements about the uing marriage. Hindi ba mahga sa mga ito ang pagpapakasal?


    My father loves my mom dearly. He means so much to her. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit may Roseanna pa. When all she did was to take control of my life. And my dad lets her.


    Nang matapos sa pagkain ay kaagad akong bumaba sa s. s kwatro na p ng hapon. Mugto ang mga mata kong hinarap si daddy.


    "What is it that you want to tell me?"


    "I have a preposition to make, youngdy." May inpag itong dokumento sa harap ko kasama ang isang ballpen.


    "Roseanna wants to move the wedding tomorrow morning. Sa pamamagitanmang ng kontrata kayo magpepermahan since the groom is out of country."


    Mariin akong napapikit ng marinig ang sinabi niya. Tomorrow? Are they kidding me? Wow.


    "And what is that proposition are you going to tell me, Mr. Vircacel?" Hindi ko na alintana ang pagka-wng respeto sa harapan ng ama. I just want to get this over with.


    "Sign this... and you can go wherever you want. If you want to be far away from this house then do it, anak."


    Napukaw ang atensyon ko sa sinabi ni daddy. Pinakatitigan ko ang dokumentong hawak. I could hear my heart thumping so loudly. Grabe ang kaba na lumukob sa''kin. What''s the sudden decision now? "Why are you doing this?" I tly asked.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "It''s for the best, Celestia." Dad''s voice turned stern and stoic.


    "Papayag na ako. Just promise to let me go after this." My voice is desperate.


    Hindi ko man aminin ay sobra akong nasasaktan. Kangan ko pang magbigay ng kapalit para pakawn n ako. Nakakapagod na rin.


    Humugot ako ng mlim na hininga at inabot ang ballpen. After this, then I''m already free to go. I could be free and would be able to experience those things that I haven''t done before. "I promise."


    With that, I signed the paper with trembling hands.


    I''m now


    married woman. At the age of 25, I''m married to a stranger. Kasal ako sa taong hindi ko kla at sa taong hindi ko naman mahal. What a damn circumstances. "I''m done with my business here. Gusto ko ng lumayo rito." I stood up and was about to turn my back when I heard daddy say something. "Take care of yourself, anak."


    Tumango ako ng hindi lumilingon rito at dire-diretsong pumasok sa kwarto ko. I got all the things I packed a while ago and called someone who can help me. "Diego."

 Chapter 1.2

    "Ay ma''am, nasaan na po kayo? Kanina pa po kami naghihintay rito." "Pasensya na, I still have some errands to do. Papunta na po ako diyan."


    Isinukbit ko sa balikat ang backpack at nagmamadaling lumabas ng bahay. Nakad ako papunta sa bukana ng vige hanggang sa makarating sabas. Pumara agad ako ng taxi at agad sumakay. Naghihintay na ang mga minessage ko sa terminal upang ihatid ako sa destinasyon. ng minuto ang lumipas ay kaagad akong nakarating.


    "I''m already here," Kausap ko si Diego sa cellphone.


    They are open for booking to drive you in a ce you want to go. Hindi naman s mahirap kontakin at maganda ang services n.


    "Nandito po kami sa may market ce, ma''am. Iwawagayway ko po ''tong puting panyo ko para madali mo kaming mahanap." "Sige."


    Lumilinga pa ako habang hinahanap ang mga maghahatid sa akin. Maraming tao sa paligid kaya nahirapan ako ng kunti sa paghahanap kay Diego. To add to that, lots of vendors and horns from the bus can be heard everywhere. After minutes of looking for him, and there I saw Diego with hispanion. Kinakaway nito ang puting panyo para madali ko siyang makita.


    "Good morning ma''am! Kami na po yung magd ng mga gamit niyo ma''am."


    Isa-isang kinuha ang mga gamit ko at iginiya ako papasok sa sasakyan.


    "Hi ma''am! ako nga p si Sasha, Ganda for short." Isang morenang dga ang lumapit sa akin at kinuha ang gamit niya.


    Nginitian ko siya at nagpakla na rin, "I''m Celestia, nice to meet you."


    "Naku ma''am ang ganda ng pangn niyo, parang pang fairytale. Eh ''tong si Sasha may nlaman pang ''Ganda'' eh w naman akong nakikita."


    "Hoy Buboy! W akong ginagawa sayo ah. Ikaw nga feeling gwapo eh kamukha mo naman yung unggoy."


    Mahina akong natawa ng binatukan ni Sasha si Buboy at piningot ang tainga nito.


    "Kayo, tumahimik nga kayo at nakakahiya kay ma''am. Bawasan niyo ang pagiging assuming niyo at masama yan sa kalusugan," saway ni Diego sa mga kasamahan.


    "Ayosng, nakakatuwa nga s eh," nangingiti kong tugon kay Diego na nagmina-obera ng sasakyan.


    Maya''t maya ay nagsim na rin kaming bumyahe. Open ang likod ng sasakyan kaya mya akong nakakagw. Maganda rin sa bt ang haplos ng hangin at naaliw kong pinagmamasdan ang paligid. "Sasha, m mo ba kung bakit kumikinang ang mga bituin?" panimng tanong ni Buboy kay Sasha na ab rin sa pagtanaw sa paligid.


    "Hindi. Bakit nga ba?" kyuryuso ''ring tanong ni Sasha kay Buboy.


    "Ewan ko, hindi ko rin m eh. Basta ang m kong naging tao yung pinya kaya nagkaroon ng mat ng Pinya."


    Kinuha ni Sasha ang maliit na karton at hinampas sa likod ni Buboy. Natawa rin ako sa sinabi ni Buboy. I''m really fond of watching this two. Nakakatuwa.


    "Puro ka tga kalokohan!" Hindi naman umg si Buboy at hinayaanng si Sasha na hampasin siya.


    "Sorry naman! Eh hindi ko tga m kung bakit kumikinang yung stars, pero may isa akong nlaman." May demonyong ngiti ang sumupil sabi ni Buboy.


    "Ano na naman yan?!" maarteng tugon ni Sasha.


    "Ang m kong kasi, kumikinang yung mata ko kapag nakikita kita yieee," tinutudyo pa nito ang tagiliran ni Sasha na pinipign pa ang ngumiti.


    Hindi ko na rin mapign na matawa. Nala ko tuloy ang mga kase ko noon kapag nagtutudyo s sa kapwa kase ko. They really love to paired the boys to their crushes.


    "Ewan ko sa''yo, Buboy! Kung ano-ano nng pumapasok sa utak mo. Puro ka kalokohan."


    "Sasha naman, seryoso kaya ako sa''yo. Ikawng yung pinapasok sa utak ko... at pati na rin sa puso ko yieee. Luh si Sasha kinikilig! uyy kinikilig."


    "m mo, ang bata-bata mo pa pero angndindi mo na! Tigil-tign mo ako Buboy at baka pasakan kita ng durog na sili sa bunganga mo," naparolyo ng mata si Sasha at bahagya pang lumayo kay Buboy. Oh, these witty kids.


    "O tama na yan," aniya ni Diego at bumaling sa''kin. "Ma''am myoyo pa kasi ang byahe natin kaya bumili na muna kayo ng gusto niyong pagkain sa convenience store."


    Huminto kami sa kpit na gas station at sinamahan ako ng dwa papasok sa convenience store.


    "m mo Buboy, gusto ko paki ko, makakapag may-ari ako ng ganito. Yung malinis at maganda tignan sa paningin." I was busy finding something to eat when I overheard their conversation.


    Napangiti ako dahil sa sinabi ni Sasha. I was once like her too. A dream girl who wants to aim for her goal. The girl''s innocence and sincerity are only the motive.


    It''s so much different now. So much different that I find myself mending those broken pieces that I''m not the one who''s responsible.


    "E''di mag-aral ka ng mabuti. Gusto ko ''ring maging businessman. Pagtungtong ko ng College ay gusto ko sa Mayn mag-aral dahil maraming oportunidad roon. Tapos maghahanap ako ng trabaho at makakapunta na ako sa lugar na gusto ko."


    Nakita kong umakbay si Buboy kay Sasha habang ab s sa pagtingin sa lugar. Npitan ko s at itinuro ang mga stalls.


    "Kuha na kayo ng gusto niyo at bilhan niyo na rin si kuya Diego niyo at nang may makain kayo sa byahe natin."


    "Tga po ma''am Celestia? Kahit ano pong gusto namin?" nagningning naman ang mga mata ni Sasha sa sinabi ko. "Yup, kahit ano."


    Naghahabn naman ang mga itong namili ng mga pagkain at kaagad na ngay sa counter. Masaya ako dahil kahit papaano''y napasaya ko s.


    I have no siblings and seeing Buboy at Sasha made me feel like an elder sister.


    "Smat po ma''am Celestia! Ang sasarap po ng mga ''to," lumubo pa ang pisngi ni Sasha dahil sa kinakaing siopao. Gusto ko tuloy na kurutin ang pisngi nito dahil roon.


    "Huwag na ang ma''am. Ate Celestia nng."


    "Sige po. May tanong ako ate."


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Ano ''yun?"


    "Sa Mayn po ba, maraming mga mlaking paarn?" "Hmm oo, mki ang mga paarn roon," tumango ako.


    Kumikinang ang mga mata ni Sasha ng marinig ang sinabi ko.


    "Tga? Gusto ko kasing mag-aral roon kasi kapag daw makakuha ng iskrship ay may sariling kwarto at libreng pagkain. Eh ang liitng ng bahay namin eh tsaka ayokong nahihirapan si tatay."


    May kirot na bumtay sa puso ko ng marinig iyon. Sasha is young but the way she speaks, she sounds more older and mature. Iniisip kaagad nito ang kapakanan ng iba bago ang sarili.


    "Tga? mabuti ''yun. Marami kang makukuha na opportunity kapag sa Mayn ka mag-aral. Mag-focus ka muna sa pag-aaral mo ngayon at pagbutihin mo." As much I want to help Sasha and Buboy, hindi ko pa magagawa yun dahil wng- w rin ako.


    I don''t know if I could find a job easily not knowing what would be waiting ahead for me. Nakatapos naman ako ng pag-aaral at mlaki ang grades ko.


    But I think this is not the kind of job that I wanted to have. I want to meet new people and smile at them. Kahit mag-trabahong sa isang bakery shop ay okay na okay na sakin yun. My ie in thepany is good, that it could provide my necessities for the whole year. But I want to experience other things aside from that.


    Na hindi ko nagawa noon, dahil kapag anak mayaman ka, you need to be prim and proper in front of them To show them that you''re good and no room for errors.


    "Oo nga ate eh, gusto ko na tgang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral para matulungan s."


    I smiled.


    I''m hoping that they could reach the dreams that they wanted to have.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Napatingin ako sa paligid at nakitang nasa probinsya na kaming bahagi. The fresh breeze that enveloped our body is just so good.


    Hinawakan ko ang buhok ko dahil nililipad na rin iyon ng hangin. Under the shining moonlight, we just talked all night andugh about Buboy''s jokes.


    As if the time just stopped and I can feel the lightness that was given to me. Napakagaan sa pakiramdam. It''s something that I looked forward to for the rest of my life. And somehow, I feel happy and free.

 Chapter 2.1

    Pasado s-dos na ng madaling araw nang makarating kami sa destinasyon. Tahimik na ang lugar at w na akong nakikitang mga taong gumag sabas. Despite the darkness that slightly invaded the area, the trees and the green environment weed us. Kaagad ''ring humampas ang mmig na hangin sa amin.


    It makes me shiver a bit.


    "Ma''am, wee to Punto Sierra. Sigurado ''hong magugustuhan niyo rito, ma''am. Mababait ang mga tao rito at madali mong mahihingan ng tulong."


    Tinulungan niya akong buhatin ang mga gamit ko. Napangiti ako nang makita si Buboy at Tasha na nakatulog sa sasakyan. Ginising naman kaagad ito ni Diego kaya naalimpungatan ang mga ito.


    "Smat po tga ng marami, Diego. May m po ba kayong pansamantng matutuluyan ko rito?" usisa ko sa kanya.


    It''s dawn already and I don''t want to disturb people in their sleep. Bukas na bukas rin ay maghahanap ako ng malilipatan para maghanap ng trabaho.


    "Ay oo, ma''am! Kaso nandito kasi yung may-ari ma''am at ayaw po kasi nitong may babaeng kasama. Pero halika ma''am at subukan nating pakiusapan. Mabait naman si boss at matulungin." Diego said and lead the way. Binaybay namin ang matarik na daan patungo sa lugar na sinasabi ni Diego. Kasama ko sa magkabng gilid ko si Buboy at Sasha na mukhang antok na antok na rin.


    "Yung sa boss niyo, Diego. Bakit ayaw niya ng babaeng may kasama? Hindi ba s tumatanggap ng pa-upa?" I curiously asked.


    "Hindi ma''am. Pa-upahan naman tga ang bahay n boss Wayde noon. Galing pa kasi sa lolo''t l niya ang bahay pero nung namatay na ang l niya ay natigil na rin ang pa-upa sa bahay. W na kasing nag mo-monitor roon at nahuhulog na libre nng sa mga umuupa noon kaya napagdesisyonan nng na hindi na gawing pa-upahan."


    Napatango-tango ako sa sinabi ni Diego. Sayang naman at hindi na nagawang pa-upahan yung bahay.


    "Eh kayo? Saan po kayo nakatira?"


    "Mpitng sa bahay ni boss, ma''am. Timing naman at ako ang nakita ni boss at kapag nandoon siya sa siyudad ay kami muna n Buboy ang nagbabantay sa bahay. Ayosng po ba kayo ma''am? Huwag kayong mag-la at mpit naman na tayo."


    "Ayosng naman ako, Smat."


    "Kung hindi niyo po mamasamain ma''am, bakit niyo po gustong pumunta rito sa Punto Sierra? nagbabakasyon ho ba kayo?" tumango ako sa tanong ni Diego. "Nakita ko kasi na maganda ang lugar niyo kaya naisip kong magbakasyon rito. Puro usok nng kasi nlanghap ko sa Mayn," pabiro kong tugon sa kaniya.


    Tumigil kami sa mking gate at kaagad naman iyong binuksan ni Diego.


    "Diego, what are you doing here?" a baritone weed us not far.


    Isang matangkad nalaki ang bumungad sa amin. Naka-suot ito ng puting t-shirt at pinaresan iyon ng cotton short. Base sa hitsura niya ay mukhang hindi ito galing sa Punto Sierra.


    He looks like someone who came from America or something. He''s tall and masculine. To note that, he has those strict vibes and firm personality. Masungit nga ang awrahan niya.


    "Ay boss! nandiyanng po p kayo. Ah, ano kasi... May kasama po kasi akong bagong salta rito sa ating probinsya at hindi pa m kung saan mangungupahan. Nagbabaka-sakaling po kaming na makituloy siya rito at ng bukas ay makahanap siya ng matitirhan."


    Napasulyap anglaki sa''kin at sinuyod ang hitsura ko. As if they weresers in his eyes and I am wearing something harmful. His thick eyebrows furrowed and looked at his wrist watch.


    "You know that I don''t ept girls here, Diego," his voice is cold and distant.


    Sasagot pa sana si Diego nang magsalita ako.


    "Just give me time and I''ll find a new house to rent. Kahit magbayad ako. Ten thousand per night, would it be okay for you?" I negotiated. I''m willing to double the price if he wants too. W akong problema sa iaalok niyang presyo. I just really need somewhere to stay too.


    "I don''t need money and I don''t want a girl lurking in my property. Umuwi na kayo ng mga bata, Diego," he averted his gaze to Diego.


    Bumaling ako kay Diego at tumango. I also bid my goodbye for Buboy and Sasha. Nag-angan sng umalis pero sinabi kong kaya ko na ang sarili ko.


    When they left, kaagad akong bumaling salaking nagmamay-ari ng bahay.


    "Aren''t you afraid that I will do something bad to you?" Wng emosyon sa mukha niyang saad.


    To be honest, hindi manng sumagi sa isip ko iyon sa kagustuhang makyo sa bahay. Now that he said that, I can''t help it but to think about it. Hindi ko pa kabisado ang lugar at kung anong seng mga tao ang naririto.


    "Bakit? gagawan mo ba ako ng masama?" I learned martial arts ever since and a ck belter, pero hindi ko pa ''rin masisiguro na ligtas na ako sa kapahamakan.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


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    However, I smell no harm with this guy infront of me.


    "No. Pero paano kung magtiw ka kaagad sa isang tao at gawan ka ng masama? By the looks of you, you are the type of person who could easily get fooled." He said tly while folding his arms.


    He got a point. Ako ang tipo na madaling magtiw sa kung sino.


    "It would be on me if that happens. Please, just let me stay here for some time until I could find a house to rent. Bukas na bukas rin ay maghahanap ako ng trabaho." I pleaded. Desperate as I can be pero saka ko na lulunukin ang kahihiyan ko bukas.


    Pagod na pagod pa ako dahil sa biyahe at gusto ko nng ihiga ang sarili sa kama. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at sinalubong ang mga mata niya. I was startled when I saw him looking at me also. T nangingtis sa buong pagkatao ko. "Hindi ikaw ang tipo na titira sa gan''tong seng lugar. Why are you here?" nagtaas siya ng ky sa akin kaya napaiwas ako ng tingin. Sungit.


    Gusto ko ng matulog pero pilit kong nlabanan iyon dahil sa kakatanong nito. Ako ang humingi ng pabor, but it looks like I''m a short tempereddy.


    "I got married to a stranger and I want to get away with it. Got the answer already?" I blurted out honestly.


    Mukhang nabi naman siya sa deritsong pagkasabi ko. I''m really sleepy right now and I don''t know if I could take hold it any longer. Masyado akong napagod sa biyahe kanina.


    "Fine." My face lightened with what he said. "Take the second floor, first room and use it. Ang ayaw ko sahat ay gumagw ng gamit ng iba at nangingim ng wng permiso. Understood?" kaagad akong tumango.


    Bumaling ako sa sinasabi niyang pansamant kong titirahan at palihim na napangiwi. Nagdadwang isip ako sa paghakbang nang makita ang itsura ng bahay. Gawa sa mve ang bahay at htang sa Espanyol na era pa ito ginawa. Dahil sa alikabok atwa ng mga gagamba ay nagmist itong horror house.


    That thought made me stop.


    "What? Don''t tell me that you''re afraid of ghosts?" masungit niya akong pinagtaasan ng ky at sinulyapan ang bahay nito na kung saan ako papatuluyin.


    "Pwede ba na... sa kpitng na kwarto mo ako manuluyan?" napakagat ako ng ibabangbi. With the age that I have now, I''m really afraid of those creatures. Not only that, I grew up with no one beside me whenever I''m afraid of the dark kaya mas nakadagdag iyon ng phobia ko.


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    "And why would I do you a favor?" he asked tly.


    "I-I''m afraid with ghosts. At t-takot din ako sa madilim," I blurted out honestly."


    I could still remember the night when it''s raining and thunder. I was alone in my room and my nanny was sleeping at that time. Umiiyak ako magdamag habang yakap-yakap ko ang paborito kong teddy bear. It was the onlyfort zone that I had.


    Mukhang w na siyang nagawa at nagpati-una ng makad habang ako naman ay nakasunod sa kaniya.


    "Let''s go."


    Nababalutan man ng mga alikabok ay m kong maganda ang itsura ng bahay. Nasa harapan ang hardin n at sa kaharap naman ng hardin ay ang napakagandang tanawin.


    It would be surely beautiful if the sun would start to rise. My eyes diverted to the exterior of the house. Nagmumukhang itong luma sabas pero napakaganda sa loob niyon. High-tech na ang sa loob niyon at napaka-aliwas pagmasdan. It looks like our house but located in the province area. Is he the only one staying here?


    "Take the first room. Magkatabing ang kwarto natin kaya kung may kangan ka ay katukin mong ako sa kwarto ko. Just don''t disturb me when I''m asleep." I nodded at him.


    "Thank you so much! I would really take note of the rules that you had said a while ago. I''m Celestia, and you are?" pakikipagkla ko sa kanya. It''s better to get to know him rather than being in an awkward situation. "Wayde. Don''t thank me, sisingilin rin kita kapag nakahanap kana ng ibang ma-uupahan."


    "How much ba? Is it okay for me to pay you ten thousand per day? I don''t have work at the moment kaya maghahanap muna ako ng trabaho at ng maka-bayad ako sa''yo," my eyebrows furrowed when I heard him chuckled lightly. He bobbed his head towards the ceiling, looks like stopping himself tough more.


    May nakakatawa ba sa sinabi ko?

 Chapter 2.2

    "Do you think really think that a stay per day would cost ten thousand? It''s just too much, Celestia. I assumed that you are born with a silver spoon your whole life, aren''t you? Kung nasa ibang tao ka ay baka pinagsamanthan na ang mga sinabi mo."


    Nalaro sa mga mata niya ang pagkamangha marahil ay dahil sa sinabi ko. He folded his arms while looking at me intently. What''s with his stare? T ba kiniktis niya ang pagkatao ko


    "Sorry. This is my first time to actually do this kind of thing." Hindi pa ako nakaka-isang araw rito pero ramdam ko na ang hirap sa pag-intindi ng mga bagay-bagay.


    "I was trained to not care about those material things. Hindi kasi ako pinapayagang umalis ng basta-basta. Bantay-sarado ako ng daddy ko," I bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying. Naiiyak ako kapag binabalikan ang parte na iyon. I''m always the kind of person who gets easily emotional. I always cry for the smallest things.


    "Hush, you don''t have to say sorry for the things that are not beyond your control. Take the second room."


    Tinulungan niya akong dalhin ang mga gamit ko dahil medyo mabigat ang mga ''yun. He is a gentleman tho. I was shocked when I saw myself standing in front of his room.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Wayde, ak ko ba roon ang kwarto ko?" itinuro ko ang pinaka-unang silid.


    "Use it while I clean the first room. You''ll befortable there and can sleep peacefully," napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. One minute ago, he refused to let me stay and now, he offered me his room.


    Should I believe in a miracle? Well, I''m just thankful that he offered me such a favor. Kung hindi, hindi ko m kung saan ako pupulutin.


    So stupid of you, Celestia huh?


    "T-Tga? saan ka matutulog?" Hindi ko mapigng humikab at nasaksihan niya iyon. He just chuckled lightly again and acted as if he didn''t see me.


    "This house has lots of room. Pumasok kana at baka magbago pa ang isip ko." Wayde leaned on the wall and folded his arms. Kaagad akong tumango at tumalikod.


    Pinihit ko ang door knob at lumingon kay Wayde, "Smat nga p sa pagpapatuloy sa''kin rito sa silid mo. I would repay you if I would be able to find a job here."


    "Don''t mention it. You''re not the first person who went here to rest for the night. Take your rest now." Oh.


    Kung ganun ay marami p kaming ginagawang pa-upahan ang bahay niya kahit hindi na nito pinapatuluyan ang bahay. Mabait naman p tga si Wayde at sa unang masungit. "Goodnight, Wayde! Thank you! You''re such a savior," mwak ko siyang nginitian at kinawayan. "Goodnight, Celestia."


    I''m so sleepy.


    Nang mapasok ako sa kwarto ay kaagad kong binagsak ang sarili ko sa kama. Inilibot ko ang tingin sa silid ni Wayde at namamangha ako dahil mas masinop pa siya kaysa sa akin. Organisadong-organisado nito ang mga gamit at wng kahit anong pumapalya sa pagtutupi ng mga damit. The room has a cozy vibes yet a manly atmosphere.


    I take off my shoes and didn''t even take a half bath. Pagod na pagod ang katawan ko dahil sa byahe kanina. Pumaloob ako saforter at binalot ang sarili ko doon.


    It smells so manly.


    Napatingin ako sabas at sumilip sa may bintana. So much had happened for today. This is my choice and I should take a stand for it. There''s no turning back now. It''s also a time to explore myself.


    I let my thoughts drown me that I didn''t even notice that I dozed off into a deep slumber.


    ***


    I stretched out and stood up. The sun hasn''t risen yet. Hinawi ko ang mking kurtina na nasa silid at hinayaang pumasok ang liwanag. I want to witness the sunrise, today. Kaagad akong pumasok sa banyo at naligo. My supply won''tst at kangan kong pumunta sa kpit na bayan para bumili ng mga kakanganin.


    I used the shower room of Wayde. Kaagad na bumalot sa akin ang mmig na tubig. The gushing water is so refreshing in my body. When I finished, I immediately went outside and found Wayde. Nakita ko siya sa harap ng hardin na naghahanda ng pagkain. Tumunog ang tiyan ko dahil sa bagong niluto nito.


    God, that looks so yummy.


    Pero hindi naman gaanong kakapal ang mukha ko para maki-kain. Tumikhim ako para makuha niya ang atensyon ko. Tapos na rin siyang maligo at pansin kong gustong-gusto niyang magsuot ng v-neck in t-shirt. It suits him well, anyways. "Good morning," bati ko sa kanya at umupo sa kpit na stool chair.


    I squeezed my eyes shut to feel the freshness of the area. Sobrang tahimik. I could even hear the birds chirping and the smell of nature.


    Napamt ako nang magsalita si Wayde, "Morning,e and join me. m kong hindi mo pa kabisado ang lugar rito para maghanap ng pagkain."


    Pagkasabi niyang yun ay kaagad akong tumayo at umupo sa kaharap ngmesa. Napapantastikuhan tumingin si Wayde sa akin at kaagad kong naramdaman ang pamum ng pisngi.


    Hindi naman htang gutom na gutom kana, Celestia ''no?


    "Slow down, you can eat whatever you want."


    "Sorry, I was just really hungry," nahihiya kong amin.


    Hindi na sumagot si Wayde at umupo na rin sa kaharap na upuan ko. Breakfast while the sun is rising? Not bad. Ngayon komang nakita ang bulubundukin di-kyuan. Napakagandang pagmasdan ang berdeng kapaligiran. Kumuha ako ng kanin at ngay iyon sa to ko.


    We eat in silence. Ngayon ay susubukan kong pumunta sa bayan para bumili ng mga kakanganin. Magpapasama nng ako kina Buboy o Sasha roon.


    "Mpitng ba ang bayan rito?" tanong ko kay Wayde. Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa''kin bago sumagot.


    "Aabutin kapa ng isang oras at khati bago makapunta sa bayan. Pero may mga habal-habal naman na maghahatid sayo ''run."


    "Ganu''n ba? Sige, magpapasama nng ako kina Buboy mamaya."


    "They still have sses now," aniya at sumandig sa upuan at humalukipkip. Pupunta ako mamaya sa bayan, sumama ka nng at ilista ang mga kakanganin mo." "Sige, thank you so much for helping, Wayde."


    "Don''t thank me, this is not for free. You have to do me a favor." He looks like a businessman saying those things. Kinuha ni Wayde ang tasa ng kape at sumimsim roon. "What is it?" nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya.


    "Be my assistant temporarily. Ayokong kumuha ng katulong and since you''re here, you might be able to do the job. Like a worker, you could also get a sry and free aodation. Deal?"


    Pinag-isipan ko ang sinabi ni Wayde. Naghahanap png naman ako ng trabaho at hindi ko rin kabisado ang lugar. I could do part time as his assistant. Hindi nama bago para sakin ang mga trabaho sa isang kompanya dahil ganun na ang trabaho niya noon paman.


    Tumango ako sa kanya, "deal, is there any paperworks that I could start to work?"


    I''m hands on in doing such paperworks. Ak ko''y tatango siya ngunit ang pagka-aliwng sa mga mata nito ang nakita ko.


    "Hindi ang mga papeles ang magiging kaharap mo, Celestia," nalaro sa mga mata niya ang aliw at pagkamangha. Why does I always see that expression from him? "Ano ba dapat?" naguguluhang tanong ko.


    Tinuro nito ang mga tong kina-inan n kanina, " Chores, Celestia. You will do the chores and start it by washing the dishes."


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    I''m actually challenge sa trabahong ini-atas ni Wayde. It''s actually a good time to start being on my own and to be independent.


    "Limitado...ng ang m ko pagdating sa gawaing bahay, pwede mo ba akong turuan sa iba? Promise, I''m a fast learner." I raised my right hand as a sign of promise. "You''re a married woman, Celestia. You should start to know how to do simple chores."


    "I didn''t want to get married, Wayde. It''s my parents choice to arrange me," matabang ang boses na sabi ko sa kaniya.


    I really hate to bring up that topic again.


    "Kaya ka nagyas?" I looked at him with shocked.


    "H-How did you know?"


    "You said itst night. That you want to get away with it." Oh. Nasabi ko na p sa kaniya iyon.


    "Ikaw? How would you feel if you knew that you''re going to get married to someone you don''t even have feelings for?" matagal siyang nakatungo bago sumagot.


    "I would also get angry. They don''t have the right to do that to me unless I want to marry that woman. It takes both people to agree if they want to be wed or not." Simpleng sagot ni Wayde. Napabuntong-hininga ako at nagsim ng ligpitin ang mga pinag-kainan. Wayde also helped to put the tes in the sink.


    Labis ang pag-iingat ko na hindi dums ang to habang naghuhugas ng to at baka makabasag ako ng w sa oras.


    Nang mgay ko na ang mga to ko sa dish rack ay tumunog ang cellphone ko. I reached for it and saw hundreds of messages from Roseanna. Kaagad kong in-off iyon at bumalik sa ginagawa ko. "Is running away from them really your only option?" Wayde asked politely.


    Napatingin ako sa kaniya at nakita siyang nakasandal sa hamba ng pintuan. Humalukipkip ito habang tinitignan siya sa ginagawa.


    "For now. I still can''t face those problems yet. It would only get more chaos if I add fuel to the fire," pinunasan ko ang basang kamay bago humarap ulit sa kaniya. "I''m done. Ngayon kana ba pupunta sa bayan?" "Yeah, hihintayin kita sabas."

 Chapter 3.1

    "You''re not kidding me, aren''t you? Hindi naman siguro tayo sasakay diyan?" tanong ko kay Wayde habang tinuturo ang motorbike nito.


    "I''m not kidding, Celestia. This is the only way we could get there. Sanayin mo na ang sarili mo na puro mga motorng ang masasakyan mo kung saan ka pumunta rito sa Punto Sierra. It''s either you take it or leave it." He mumbled and shrugged his shoulders.


    Wayde leaned on his motorbike while he waited for my decision.


    "Hindi mo naman siguro ako ihuhulog di ''ba?" naniniguradong tanong ko. Hindi pa ako nakakasakay ng isang motor, honestly. It looks like one wrong turn and you fall. Tapos dagdagan pa at matarik ang daraanan namin patungong bayan. "W naman akong rason para ihulog ka di''ba? Don''t worry, sigurado akong mawiwili ka sa pagtingin sa mga paligid. It would be a fun experience if you''d try." Napatango-tango ako. "Just be careful when your driving, matatakutin ako sa mga ganyan."


    "Well... I can''t promise that." He is surely teasing me about it. Pinukn ko siya ng masamang tingin dahil sa sinabi niya. Tinaas nito ang dwang kamay habang pinipigng tumawa. "Fine, I will be careful driving but I can''t promise to not be fast."


    Nang makasakay si Wayde ay kaagad niya akong inlayan para makasakay sa motorbike nito. I''m wearing my jammies right now so that I can befortable. Mahigpit ang kapit ko sa magkabng gilid ng upuan nang pina-andar na nito ang motor.


    "Encircle your arms around me," namilog ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. Tama ba ang narinig ko?


    "And why would I do that?" mukhang nagt ito sa sinabi ko kaya binabaan ko ang boses ko. "I mean, is it really necessary to encircle my arms to your waist?"


    He shook his head-trying to meet my gaze. Narinig ko na naman ang mahinang pagtawa nito. Napanguso ako.


    "Bakit ka na naman ba tumatawa ha?" I scoffed at him.


    "You. I didn''t know you could be this amusing, Celestia. Ang mga maliliit na bagay na w kang ideyang gawin ay ang nagpapamangha sa''kin. You just showed me that you''re eager to learn despite of your social status." May humaplos sa puso ko sa sinabi niyang yun.


    I want to learn those simple works no matter if it''s not a big deal for others. For me, mking bagay na iyon. Tama si Wayde, there''s still a lot of things I need to know since I was born being served my whole life.


    I want to make those things an achievement and something I can be proud of.


    "Alright, just hold the hem of my shirt if you''re notfortable." Kaagad kong sinunod ang sinabi ni Wayde at mina-obera na nito ang motorbike.


    Paminsan-minsan ay humihigpit ang kapit ko sa damit niya kapag may mga bato-bato kaming madaanan sa lugar.


    Tinotoo naman ni Wayde ang sinabing magdahan-dahan muna siya sa pag-drive. Mariin siyang napapikit ng madaanan n ang steep na daan.


    Pa-taas ang daan kaya ganun nng ang higpit ng kapit ko sa damit ni Wayde.


    "Open your eyes and see this beautiful disaster, Celestia."


    Sinunod ko ang sinabi niya at ganun namang ang pag-awang ng bibig ko sa nakita. I looked to my right and not far from us, I saw a beautiful cliff.


    Sa ibaba ng mking bangin ay may napakagandang karagatan na ang mga alon ay humahampas sa mga mababatong bahagi. Hindi kapani-paniw ang nakita ko ngayon.


    The sun is kissing the top of the cliff that created a tremulous gleam towards the area. Nakakamangha.


    "This is beautiful..." Gusto kong kunin ang cellphone ko ngayon para mag picture sa napakagandang tanawin.


    "This ce is like our little secret. It''s one of the best spots here in Punto Sierra."


    "Sana wng umabuso sa lugar rito. Hindi nga ako nagkamaling piliin ang lugar na ''to. There''s lots of things to look forward to in this ce," I smiled.


    I looked down at my hands that werefortably holding the hem of Wayde''s shirt. I''m slowly getting used to it. Mmig ang hanging bumabalot sa amin at hindi pa masakit sa bt ang haring araw.


    Ang mga kabahayan rin dito sa Punto Sierra ay kadsang gawa sa mga nipa hut. W masyadong mga gawa sa semento.


    "Ay boss Wayde! Kasama mo p ngayon ang nobya mo?" Isang matandanglaki ang kumaway kay Wayde. Pinahina naman ni Wayde ang motor at sinalubong ang matanda.


    "Hindi ko siya girlfriend tay, nagpapasamang po siya sa bayan dahil hindi pa niya kabisado ang lugar. Bagong saltang kasi siya rito."


    Nginitian ko ang matanda at binati ito, "Magandang umaga po."


    "Ahh ganun ba? Oh sige, mag-ingat kayo sa daan at sana''y magustuhan mo rito sa lugar namin, ineng."


    "Sige po, smat po tay," kumaway rin ako sa matanda bago kami nagpatuloy.


    "Want to experience an exciting ride?" the side of his lips rose.


    "Don''t you dare, Wayde," tinignan ko ang pababang daan na tatahakin namin.


    I tugged his shirt to stop him from doing it. T nakikipagkarerang ito sa daan.


    "Ready? In one, two, three---" kaagad nitong pinaharurot ang motor pababa at hindi ko mapigng tumili. Imbes na mapa-kapitng sa damit ni Wayde ay mas napa-usog ako pappit rito at napayakap sa bewang nito. I could smell his manly scent from his shirt.


    "Oh gosh! Slow down!" kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran pero mukhang wng iyon sa kaniya.


    "We are almost there," pala ni Wayde habang may ngisi sa mgabi. I rolled my eyes at him and focused on him driving. Baka ano na naman ang gawin niya.


    Nakikita na namin ang mga stalls at mga vendors na nasa gilid-gilid. Hindi masyadong mki kumpara sa Mayn ang mga tindahan n pero sapat na rin iyon para sa lugar.


    "Boss Wayde! Magandang umaga ho sa inyo at sa kasama mong magandang dg!" maingat akong bumaba sa motorbike nito at pinagpagan ang sarili.


    Haloshat ata ng tao rito sa baryo n ay klang-kla si Wayde.


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    "Eto ayos naman, anihan na ngayon kaya sana mki ang kita."


    I looked like a puppy who''s following Wayde around. Naing rin ako dahil pinagtitinginan ako ng mga tao sa bayan.


    May ngiti sabi n kaya sinusuklian ko rin s ng ngiti. Nang tapos na mag-usap si Mang Temyong at si Wayde ay kaagad ko siyang npitan.


    "You''re popr in this town." It''s not a question but a statement.


    "Not really, it''s just because of my grandparents why our name became popr."N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "Ano p ang bibilhin mo rito?" Natign si Wayde sa sinabi ko. Mukhang nakalimutan na niya kung bakit siya pumunta rito sa bayan.


    "Uhh, just some food and stock for my house."


    Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa harap at nagsim ng tumingin sa listahan ko. Uunahin ko muna ang mga toiletries bago ang iba. Nagpam muna ako kay Wayde na bibiling ng mga listahan ko. "Alright, I just meet you here, after. Are you sure that you won''t be needing any help?" umiling ako.


    "Naku, hindi na. Just focus on your own lists too." Nakakahiya na rin kay Wayde at kahapon ko pa siya inaab.


    "Okay, just don''t hesitate to ask for help if you need one."


    Kaagad akong nagpam at tumalikod na. Organisadong-organisado ang mga stalls rito at malilinis pa. Lumapit ako sa isang stalls na puno ng mga kakanganin ko sa pang-banyo.


    "Magandang umaga po. Isang pack nga po niyan at dwang towel po." Kaagad naman akong dinaluhan ng tindera at binigay ang mga kinakangan ko. Sa isang sulok ay nakita ko ang pa-oblong na may maraming bristles. Kinuha ko iyon at bina-brush sa kamay ko. I''m actually enjoying it.


    "Ate, saan po ginagamit ''to?" turo ko sa brush na hawak. Napakamot naman ng ulo si ate sa tanong ko.

 Chapter 3.2

    "Ay ma''am para po yan sa palaba. Kapag po nahihirapan kayong magkusot ay pwede niyo po itong gamiting alternatibo." Oh. I actually didn''t notice this at home.


    Sanay akong nalaba pero pging washing machine ang gamit ko. We also have dryer at home to dry it quickly. Mukhang marami pa akong kangang matutunan.


    "Sige po, pabili po ng dwa." I would give the other one to Wayde. I want to learn how to use those things in doing myundry.


    Whenever I went to different stalls, I always find something cute or likely souvenir. Hindi ko rin maiwasang bilhin ang mga ''yun kahit kangan kong magtipid ng pera. Gosh, brace yourself, Celestia.


    Marami na rin akong stic na d-d at tapos ko na rin bilhin ang mga nasa listahan ko. My eyes immediately went to the crowd and find Wayde there. Hindi kyuan ay nakita ko siyang nagbubuhat ng isang sako ng bigas. Tumutulong siya sa mga nagtitinda roon.


    Sweat was dripping from his forehead and a pair of eyes suddenly caught his attention. Lalo na yung mga kababaihan sa baryo. Wayde has a nice body built that someone could drool over.


    Even I, myself could tell that he is expensive looking.


    Lpit na sana ako sa kaniya nang may bumangga sa akin at mabilis na lumapit kay Wayde. Sa pagkabi ko ay napa-atras ako at nahulog ang mga stic na d ko. Damn it.


    "Waydyyyy! ! Kan kng naka-uwi rito? Ang tagal na nating hindi nagkita ah! Namiss kita Waydyyy!" kumapit ang babae sa braso ni Wayde at yinakap niya ito ng mahigpit. Napataas ako ng ky sa babae. She''s not even sorry for what she did.


    "Sino yan, Melissa?" usisa ng isang babae na mukhang kaibigan ni Melissa.


    "Ahh, kababata ko, si Wayde. Wayde, mga kaibigan ko p, si Jojo at Anya," pagpapakla ni Melissa kay Wayde. Kumikinang ang mga mata nito habang pinapakla ni Melissa si Wayde sa mga kaibigan nito. Dinampot ko isa-isa ang mga nahulog na stic at mukhang naagaw ko ang pansin n. Mukhang nagt naman si Wayde sa pagdating ko at agad akong tinulungan.


    "Sorry, I haven''t noticed you. I was busy helping Jay to transfer the sack of rice." Siya na mismo ang kumuha ng iba pang stic na d ko at nagpresentang dalhin iyon.


    "It''s okay, Wayde. Ako pa nga ang nakaka-istorbo sa''yo. Are you done buying your own too?" tumango siya sa''kin at binalikan ang tindahan kung saan siguro nito ngay ang mga pinamili. Hindi naman marami iyon at madadng. "Waydyy, sino siya? Hindi mo ba ako ipapakla sa kaniya?" turo ni Melissa sa''kin. Nakasunod rin ang mga kaibigan nito sa likod at sinuyod siya m ulo hanggang paa.


    "Hindi mo p sinabi Wayde na ang ganda ng katulong mo. Mukhang may masamang intensyon sa''yo." aniya ng isa kaibigan nito at sabay sng nagtawanan. Gusto kong magtaas ng ky sa sinabi nito sa''kin.


    Excuse me? W akong ginagawa but those words that she threw at me were harsh. Nagsalubong ang mga ky ko habang pinagmamasdan siya. Hindi ako maldita pero lumban ako sa mga taong pinag-iisipan ako ng masama. I felt insulted, big time.


    Sinulyapan ko si Wayde at kumunot ang noo nito sa sinabi ng kaibigan ni Melissa. Mukhang hindi nagustuhan ang lumabas rin sa bibig nito.


    "Hindi ako katulong niya, miss. " I said while smiling. But the truth is, I''m ready to throw her some words that she could regretter. How dare her.


    I gritted my teeth when they didn''t stopped teasing me. Napa ''ohh'' pa ang mga it sa turan ko sa kan. Hindi ko s maintindihan sa ugali n. Aren''t they aware that what they are mumbling are offensive?


    "Ay sorry! Para ka kasing katulong. Kusinera ka siguro ni Wayde ''no?" Kokomprontahin na sana ni Wayde ang mga ito pero pinign ko siya. I can handle this unmannered people.


    "Excuse me?" I raised an eyebrow at her. "Who are you to tell me those things? First of all, I''m not Wayde''s maid and eventually not his cook. Pero ano ba ang problema mo sa pagiging katulong o isang kusinera? Hindi naman yan nakakagawa ng kasnan kung papasukin ko ang ganyang trabaho, di ba?" Nagtaas-baba ang dibdib ko dahil sa inis. Diniinan ko pa ang huling salita para ipahiwatid sa kan na naiinis ako.


    Pinagtitinginan na''rin ako ng mga tao sa lugar. I don''t like confronting someone but they are already out of the line. And it''s making me mad.


    Tatalikod na sana ako nang may mala akong sabihin ulit.


    "And oh," I pointed at her face. "Before you insult someone just because they chose to have such a decent work. Let me tell you this to you, darling, okay?" lumapit ako sa kaniya at pinagpantay ang tingin namin ng babae. I could see the panicked in her eyes but I just smirked.


    W ng bawian.


    "Siguraduhin mong na mas mki pa ang sahod mo kaysa sa mga trabahador namin sa bahay bago ka magsalita ng kung ano-ano diyan. Our maid''s sry is ranging from 100k above so you better watch that ugly mouth of yours. Take care on your way home, honey. Baka matapilok ka ng ''di mo nlaman." I gave her a sweet smile and tapped her shoulder before turning my back away.


    Naririnig ko pa ang mga bulong-bulongan sa paligid at pkpakan ng iba. I''m not happy with what I did confronting her in a public ce but I''m not guilty with what I said to her.


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    She needs to bear in mind that what she''s thinking about those workers are wrong. Hindi dahil katulong s ay mababa na ang tingin n sa mga ito. "What?" pa-asik kong tanong kay Wayde na nakatingin sa''kin. He let out a lopsided smirk.


    "I won''t condemn what you said. You really amuse me, you know that?"


    Kinuha nito ang mga sariling pinamili. Sabay kaming nakad patungo sa pinaradahan nito ng motorbike nito.


    "That''s too muchpliment as of today, Mr. Wayde. Baka laki ang ulo ko dahil d''yan," biro ko rito at pabiro siyang siniko sa tagiliran.


    "I know you won''t. You really look cool while blurting out those words. With ss and elegance are we?" napa-iling iling nng ako sa sinasabi nito.


    "You might have a different thinking level, but I hope that she would put it in her mind the things that you said a while ago." I hope so.


    "I want to say sorry to her for confronting her in public. Mali ang ginawa ko pero hindi ako magso-sorry dahil sa mga sinabi ko." I stopped from walking.


    Napahinto rin si Wayde sa palakad.


    "Hmm, I agree with that. I love your personality."


    "Stopplimenting me, Wayde. Naing na ako sa mga pagkokomplimenta mo sa''kin," I folded my arms and raised an eyebrow at him. Totoo naman na nakakang ang pagkokomplimenta nito sa''kin.


    I''m not used to thepliments or spotlight around me.


    "Am I?" pa-inosente pa nitong tanong.


    "Yes, so stop it," lumagpas ang tingin ko sa likuran ni Wayde at mwak na ngiti nang may nala. "Magkano po ''tong keychain?"


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    "P25ng po ma''am."


    Magkasingking ang dwang keychain at may naka-ukit na aso. Habang sa isa naman ay isang pusa. May nala ako sa dwang ''to.


    "Bibilhin ko po ''tong dwa, kuya."


    Lumapit sa''kin si Wayde at bahagyang bumulong.


    "To whom would you give it too?"


    "Kay Sasha at yung isa naman kay Buboy. Para sng aso''t pusa but eventually, they will tag along after. So much describes of them right?"


    I''m busy looking at the other keychains while Wayde''s just watching me. Napadako ang tingin ko sa isang keychain na may naka-ukit na Punto Sierra. Kinuha ko iyon at tumingin pa ng iba pa. I saw a keychain with a monkey design on it. Bumungisngis ako nang may maisip. Pagkatapos kong mamili ay ibinigay kohat iyon sa tindero at binayaran.


    "Oh, this is for you," inabot ko sa kaniya ang binili ko kanina.


    "What the fuck? Unggoy?" I bit my lower lip to surpass myugh.


    "What? Ang cute kaya! Hey, you should appreciate it because that''s my friendship gift for you, I guess?" napahinto ako. "We''re friends, right?"


    "Who said that I''m your friend?" naw ang ngiti ko sa sinabi niya. "Of course we are. I also have something for you. Here," nakangiti niyang inabot sa''kin ang isang keychain rin.


    When I looked at it, I can''t help but to smile. May naka-ukit roon na isang araw at sa pinaka-gitna ay may nakast na ''Celestia''. This is beautiful.


    "I just thought that you like sunrise or sunset so much. Your eyes glisten in glee when you witness the sun rising a while ago. And didn''t I mention that your name is rted to it? I guess you already knew ng meaning behind your name." "Smat p dito, sobrang na-appreciate ko. So friends?"


    Mukhang nag-angan si Wayde pero kunan ay sumagot rin.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Friends."

 Chapter 4.1

    It''s already noon time when we get back in the house. Niyakag rin ni Wayde ang mga pinamiling pagkain habang ako ay inaayos ang pinaka-unang kwarto na tutulugan ko sana kahapon.


    I''m busy brooming the floor and getting rid of the dust in every corner. Hindi naman madami ang lilinisan ko dahi ginawa na iyon ni Wayde kahapon. Which I''m thankful of.


    ***


    Daddy, look! I already know how to used the broom. Manang Glenda taught me!" magiliw na aniya ng isang bata habang nakatingin sa ama niya. Kinuha ito ng ama at pinugpog ng halik sa mukha. The child can''t help but to giggle. "Wow! I''m proud of my princess. Show daddy how you do it?"


    "First, you need to listen very carefully, okay?" kumuha ito ng isa pang walis at inhad iyon sa ama.


    "Alright, princess. Daddy will lend his ears for you."


    "That''s good! So first step, hold the broom properly. Be sure to befortable when holding it, okay, Daddy?"


    ****


    I smiled bitterly.


    Those were the times that it was only I and him. Before Roseanna came into the picture, his girlfriend. I didn''tpletely understand why he chose that woman who basically just wanted money from him.


    Narinig ko ang pagtikhim ng kung sino sa likod ko. My eyes darted to Wayde who''s bringing a new set of nkets and pillow.


    "Wayde."


    "Tinawag kita ng ng beses, you seems spacing out," napakurap ako at pinilig ang ulo.


    "Pasensya na, I''m just thinking about something. Thank you for your effort in bringing this nket and pillow," kinuha ko sa hawak niya ang mga iyon at npag sa maliit na bedside table.


    Mpit na rin naman akong matapos sa paglilinis kaya ma-lagay ko na ang mga pinamili sa mgalagyan niyon. Ngayon kong din napansin na marami-rami p ang nabili ko. Masyado akong nawili sa mga kagamitan sa bayan. "How long are you staying here?" umupo siya sa kama ko.


    I sat at the sofa in front of him, "hindi mo pa naman ako papa-alisin rito diba?" Wayde shook his head.


    "You can stay if you want, you''re doing me a favor, anyway."


    "Bakit nga p ayaw mo ng babae na makasama rito sa bahay mo? I mean, Diego mentioned it to me the first day we met."


    Those intimidating looks made me scared, I admit. We always tend to have a bad impression about someone in the first meeting. It turns out na mali p ang hinuha ko sa kaniya.


    "Not to boast, but there are certain women from the outside who went here just to see me. It''s not the first time that it happened and I didn''t like it. Kaya sim ''nun ay hindi na ako nagpapa-pasok rito," he answered. "I don''t want to lend my kindness to the wrong people or they will abuse it."Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Napatango-tango ako. If that was the case before, then even I myself wouldn''t want someone in my own property. Ang ayaw ko rin sahat ay nang-aabuso ng kabaitan.


    "So you''re really popr, huh?" nagkibit-balikat ito.


    "Am I? Hindi ko napapansin. I''m too busy to even notice." Ibinagsak niya ang sarili sa kama ko at ingay ang braso sa mga mata.


    "Sooo... w ka manng naging crush? or even starstruck to such beauty?" lumapit ako sa kaniya at umupo sa upuan na gawa sa kahoy kaharap niya.


    "W." He ndly said.


    "You should have one! m mo, having crushes can make your day two times brighter!"


    I and my dad would always talk about my crushes in school way back then. I''m a picky chooser. Ang pinipili kong ay tahimikng sa gilid pero hindi naman maarte sa paligid. Looking back at those memories was fun and cringe at the same time.


    "And why is that?" napangiti ako sa tanong ni Wayde.


    "Well, you have an inspiration to go to work every day because you can see your crush. Pwede mo pa siyang maka-usap, masulyapan or whatever would you like to do. Find at least one, Wayde." Speaking from my experience, a little admiration could make me energize.


    "My world don''t work that way, Celestia. Masyado akong ab sa mga gawain ko at marami pang mga conference ang kangan puntahan. Not unless, I would hire someone to work on that."


    Humilig ako sa upuan at pinagkrus ang kamay sa dibdib. Wayde seems to be really busy at his work. Mukhang pagtra-trabahong ang inaatupag niya buong magdamag.


    He needs to have a little break too.


    Speaking of break...


    "Hey, I have a proposal for you."


    "Anglaki ang dapat gumagawa niyan, Celestia," a smile crept on his lips with what he said. Hindi ko m na pbiro p si Wayde.


    Tumawang ako sa kaniya at napa-iling.


    "Help me to find a job, then I''ll help you with your paperworks. You''re a businessman, I assume?" Mukhang napukaw ko naman ang atensyon niya dahil inalis niya ang braso sa mukha at tumingin sa kaniya. The side of his lips rose.


    "And in what way would you be able to help me with that?" May panghahamon sa boses niyang saad.


    Maarte ko siyang pinagtaasan ng ky.


    "With the things that I can help you with?" I sarcastically said. "Tinuruan na ako ni daddy kung paano mamah sa murang edad. Ang pasikot-sikot at ang pagktis sa mga taong nasa industriya natin."


    High school pang ako ay tinuturuan niya na ako sa mga kangan kong paunti-unting matutunan. My mom died when she gave birth to me and dad has no other choice but to teach me those things. Which I didn''t even regret. Lumaki akong pinagsisilbihan and the only thing that I could be proud of was the knowledge I have regarding the business industry.


    I may not be the best employee that my dad could ask for but I surely know in myself that I am capable of something.


    Which I can carry through my whole life.


    "Hindi ka naman mapili sa trabaho? You''re starting from scratch and in a rural ce you''re in, mahirap maghanap ng trabaho na ka-lebel ng kalidad mo." Kahit anong trabaho ay tatanggapin ko.


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    Mki ang na-ipon ko sa pagtra-trabaho sa kumpanya at kayang tumagal ng ng buwan pero hanggang doon nang iyon. I need to work and earn money. Besides, I''m here to have my escape and to feel the tranquility of the ce. "Deal. Could we make it next week? Pwede kitang tulungan sa mga gagawin mo ngayon. Gusto ko munang suyurin ang lugar bago maghanap ng trabaho." It''s always been a dream I''ve had since then.


    To travel like how my dad used to. But when that woman came into my life, it all vanished like a bubble. Hindi ako maramot sa atensyon. I was even supportive of them, before.


    Not until Roseanna became controlling and it affected everyone in the house. Even my dad. The only person that I looked up and the person that I could give my life to. Napabuntong-hininga ako.


    "Wayde, could you teach me how to cook?" tanong ko, umaasa na sana pumayag siya.


    "What''s the sudden urge to do it?" nahihimigan ko ang kyuryusidad sa boses nito.


    "Ang sabi mo nga ay dapat kong matutunan ang ganyang mga bagay dahil kasal na ak¡ª"


    Wayde cuts me off, "Hey, I didn''t mean it that way. I''m sorry if you interpret it like that," nakita ko ang pagka-rma sa mga mata nito. "Gawin mo dahil gusto mong gawin. And I''m sure that your husband won''t let you do the work alone." Usal niya na parang sigurado na itong hindi siya pagtra-trabahuhin siya ng asawa. Asawa. That certain word even makes her shiver.


    "I don''t even know him. At w akong nong klanin siya," naramdaman kong natign ito. Siguro''y hindi makapaniw sa sinabi ko.


    "Hindi mo kla ang asawa mo?"


    "It was an arranged marriage and can we not talk about it, please? Hindi ko gustong pag-usapan ang parteng iyon." Mahina siyang tumango sa''kin at nagpam na ihanda ang mga kakanganin sa pagluluto.


    I heaved a sighed.


    ****


    "Is there anything we could do para hindi ''to tumalsik? It''s freaking hurting my skin!" napangiwi ako sa sakit nang natamaan na naman ang braso ko ng mantika.


    Png-p na ang bahaging iyon ng braso ko at mas humahapdi pa nang humupa.

 Chapter 4.2

    Simpleng pagpri-pritong ng isda ay nahihirapan na akong gawin. Pa''no pa kaya kung ibang mga putahe na ang lulutoin ko. My lips turned into grimaces when I saw the state of my swollen hands. "You should get used to it. After you put the fish on the pan, you can already put back the lid for the oil not to bursts." Pagpapalinag ni Wayde na kaagad ko namang sinunod. Umupo si Wayde sa mismong counter top at mukhang aliw na aliw pa habang tinignan akong natatalsikan ng mantika.


    Eh kung buhusan ko kaya siya ng kumukulong mantika?


    Tumalikod ako at umupo sa bar stool na nakahilera sa countertop. Suot-suot ko pa ang apron at hawak-hawak ang mking sandok.


    "What should I do next?" I red at the frying pan when the oil started to burst violently.


    "Wait for it to be golden brown. Huwag mo muna gwin kaagad cause it might stick to the pan." He shrugged. Giving up already?" nanunudyo nitong tanong. Of course not! "I''m not the type of woman who easily gives up, Mr. Wayde." Aniya ko, puno ng determinasyon. The side of his lips rose up.


    "Let''s see then," nanghahamon nitong sabi.


    Several minutes had passed and I decided to look for the state of the fish. I''m not good at cooking department and I''m already expecting the worst.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Are you kidding me?" halos singhn ko ang nag tatalsikang mantika dahil mas dumarami na ang mapupng spots sa bt ko. The spots can be seen clearly due to my milky skin. Unti-unti kong inangat ang isda at nang maramdamang hindi dumidikit iyon sa pan ay flinip ko iyon para maluto naman ang kab.


    "Why''s the eyes popping out?!" I could hear Wayde''s heartilyugh. Nakahawak pa ito sa tiyan nito habang humahkhak.


    "It''s just normal, Celestia. Just flip those fish over and wait for several minutes."


    Napasimangot ako, "huwag mo ''kong tawanan at di tayo close."


    Iniripan ko siya ngunit narinig kong ang pagtawa nito ng mahina. Bumalik ako sa kina-uupuan kanina at naghintay ng ng minuto. ng tupa na rin ang nabng ko nang mapagdesisyonang tignan ang prinito na isda. I hope that this wouldn''t be a bad thing.


    "Please, be good to me frying pan," I prayed. But looks like destiny has its own way of ying a trick on me.


    Unti-unti kong inangat ang takip niyon at hindi ko napaghandaan na may kunting talsik pa iyon. Nabitawan ko ang takip ng pan at tumama iyon sa paa ko. I winced in pain.


    "Celestia!" napakislot ako nang marinig ang boses ni Wayde. It''s the first time that he raised his voice and I admit that I''m scared because of it.


    Napayuko ako at nakitang nabasag ang mga iyon. Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Wayde at nakitang nag salubong ang mga ky niya. He looks even more scary.


    I bowed again and bit my lower lip.


    Galit ba siya dahil nabasag ko ang takip ng frying pan?


    "P-Pasensya na at nabasag ko ang taki-," I was caught off guard when he immediately scooped me up and put me at the counter top.


    I blinked several times and looked at him shockingly. Pero ang atensyon niya ay nasa mga paa ko na dumudugo dahil sa mga bubog.


    "Let me see," in-inspeksyon ni Wayde ang paa ko at kaagad na umalis para kumuha ng first aid kit.


    I let out a harsh breath. Ngayon kong din napansin na kanina ko pa pinipign ang paghinga ko.


    What was that, Celestia?


    "You should be careful next time, Celestia" his voice was serious and firm. T boss na nagbibigay ng gawain sa isang secretary niya. Tangong ang naisagot ko.


    Kumuha si Wayde ng pnggana at hinugasan ang paa ko. Afterwards, he got the betadine and started cleaning my wound. Naka-upong ako sa counter top habang tinitignan siyang ginagamot ang sugat ko.


    I remember Manang Glenda doing it for me when I was still a kid. O kahit hanggang ngayon. I kinda miss her.


    "I''m sorry, hindi ko naman inaasahan na ganun ang mangyayari," pag-hingi ko ng paumanhin.


    Wayde was kneeling in front of me and didn''t say a single thing. Binendahan niya ang isang paa ko para masigurong hindi magca-cause ng infection.


    Pagkatapos niyang linisin ang sugat ko ay ito na rin ang naglinis sa mga bubog na nakakt sa sahig. He carefully put it in a newspaper and put it in stic several times.


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    I just watched him all do the work. Napako ang tingin ko sa frying pan kung saan ako nagluluto kanina.


    Oh gosh!


    "Celestia, can yo-"I encircled my hands on his nape and hugged him for seconds.


    Nasakto na rin ang pagluluto ko!


    Hindi niya inaasahan ang ginagawa ko kaya nagay niya ang mga kamay sa magkabng gilid ko. Having the position of cornering me.


    My eyes twinkled in delight when I saw the finished product. Hindi iyon sunog at hindi rin hw. Saktong-saktong ang pagkakaluto niyon.


    "Thank you for teaching me how to fry that fish! The look turns out really good." Mwak ang ngiting sinukli ko sa kaniya pero bahagyang natign. His face is so red! "A-Are you okay?" nag-alang tanong ko sa kaniya.


    "Don''t... don''t do it again," aniya na parang kayhirap bigkasin ng mga salitang iyon. Napalunok siya at mukhang nabuhusan ng mmig na tubig.


    "Do what?" hindi makapaniwng tinignan ako ni Wayde at marahas na umiling.


    "Nothing. Can you make your way to the table?" tumango ako at tinapak ang kaliwa kong paa.


    Kumuha ako ng suporta sa hamba ng counter top at paika-ikang nakad papunta samesa. I was just quiet for the whole time.


    Si Wayde na ang nagpresentang maghanda nghat dahil hindi ko pa kayang makad ng matagal.


    "I''ll be out at four in the afternoon. I''m expecting you to guard the house while I''m away. Pagkatapos ng se n Sasha at Buboy ay dito ko kaagad s paderitsuhin para hindi ka mainip." There''s formality in Wayde''s voice. Ibang-iba sa nakausap niya kanina sa kwarto. Parang nagay siya ng distansya sa kan. I mean, I''m even afraid to open some jokes to him.


    "If Sasha and Buboy can''t make it today then don''t bother them already. Baka may iba pa sng gagawin pagkarating sa bahay. I could manage here by myself."


    W pa naman akong masyadong gagawin kaya mababantayan ko ang bahay. I would just want to stand by the garden and watch the sunset by that time. "Alright."


    Maikli kong sagot at hindi na nasundan ang pag-uusap namin. Pagkatapos naming kumain ay si Wayde na rin ang nagligpit ng pinagkainan at naghugas nghat ng yun. I would really want to help but he insisted that he will be washing the dishes. Kanina ko pa napansin ang pananahimik niya at bahagyang lumyo sa''kin.


    Not to ask for his attention, but I was just shocked with the sudden treatment. Did I do something to put distance between us?


    "Wayde, are you avoiding me? Did I do something na hindi mo nagustuhan?" diresto kong tanong nang pumunta ito sa garden. Tatalikod na sana siya nang tanungin ko siya.


    "Of course not. Why would I even do that?'' I looked straightly in his eyes and he avoided his gaze at me.


    Is this what he''s saying that he''s not avoiding me? liar.


    "Looked, I''m sorry kung may nagawa man akong mali. If you''re angry that I broke the ss of the pan then I will rece it again."


    His emotion just shifted in a blink of an eye. Lumapit siya sa''kin at marahang ginulo ang buhok ko. Tinampal ko naman ang kamay niya at pinukn siya ng masamang tingin. "ng beses ko ''bang dapat sabihin sa''yo na w akong pakim sa kung anong nabasag. You wanna know why I''m avoiding you?" wng pagdadwang isip akong tumango. "Bakit?"


    He looked at me with a questioning look which adds to ny confusion, "I already changed my mind. Sasabihin ko nng kung kan ko gusto." Wayde smiled and stoop up. With that, he left me without even telling me what is it.


    What the?

 Chapter 5.1

    Di-kyuan ay nakita ko si Buboy at Sasha na kumakaway sa''kin. Magiliw nng binuksan ang gate habang naka-uniporme pa. I waved back and smiled at them.


    "Hi po ate Celestia! Kumusta yung araw niyo?" bungad sa kaniya ni Sasha.


    Kanina pa naka-alis si Wayde at ng minuto ko na ''ring ginagw ang paa ko para hindi lum. It''s getting better now.


    "Ayos naman. How''s your school?"


    Npag n ang mga bag sa gilid at umupo sa damuhan. I also sit on the grass and followed them.


    "Okay naman ate Celestia. Etong mga boys kasi ang iingay, nagpa-long quiz tuloy si Sir Montebon." Parang bata na sumbong sa akin ni Sasha. Napakamot pa ito sa ulo at tinignan si Buboy. "Pasmat nga tayo at matagal kakatk si sir at naubos yung time niya na dapat quiz natin." Gatong naman ni Buboy.


    Napangiti ako sa dwa. I could clearly remember my highschool days. Kagayang-kagaya n. Yung kapag maingay ang se ay nagpapa-long quiz ang prof. namin.


    Yung ayosng makakuha ng mababang score kasi pati yung Top 1 ay maliit rin yung nakuhang score.


    "Teka, di''ba matalino ka ate Celestia? Pwede po pa-review ng essay ko?"


    "Hindi naman ako matalino, but sure, I can check the essay for you."


    Inabot ni Sasha ang bag niya at kinalkal para hanapin ang notebook, "Sinong nagay ng bato sa bag ko?!"


    Naapawang ang bibig ko nang makita ang mking bato sa bag ni Sasha. Narinig kong tumawa ng pagkkaskas si Buboy.


    "Bwesit ka tga!" Mkas na kinurot ni Sasha si Buboy sa tagiliran kaya naptak ito.


    "Sorry naman! T-teka, may essay png gagawin?" nagtataka ang mga mata nitong kay Sasha na binubut na ang notebook niya.


    "Oo! Ayan kasi, puro kalokohanng m sa utak. Sabi ni Ma''am, kangan daw ng five hundred words sa essay. Dapat wng error at may katuturan yung sinasabi."


    I was checking Sasha''s essay while listening to the two. Sasha exined to Buboy what he needs to do for the tasks. Nakikita ko namang nakikinig si Buboy sa paliwanag ni Sasha.


    "Ay yun p yun? Pa''no ba kasi naging 8 yung x?" nakakunot ang noong tanong ni Buboy kay Sasha.


    Nahihirapan siguro siya sa topics n ngayon at hindi niya makuha yung tamang sagot. Tinignan ko ulit sng dwa.


    Sasha is holding a notebook and a pen in herp. I''m happy that she has a long patience to teach Buboy about the subject. Si Buboy naman ay mariing nakikinig rito at sinasagutan ang mga nlagay ni Sasha. "Wag ko nng kaya sagutan? Tutal di ko naman ''to madad sa trabaho eh."


    "Pero iba pa rin yung may nlaman, Buboy. Praktisng ng praktis kung paano to isolve at makukuha mo rin yung tamang equation."


    We stayed like that for a while. Hindi rin naman ako nabagot at tinuturuan ko rin s Sasha sa mga gawain n. Parang gusto kong maglibot-libot sa lugar. Badian, Cebu is like a little secret with so much to give. From those green hills, the cold breeze and even the bluest sea not far from them.


    It shouts so much healing. And I''m looking forward to seek more.


    "Ate Celestia, tapos na po kami! Bisita ka po sa bahay namin. Nandun si mama at mga kapatid ko." Sasha''s suggestion made my eyes twinkled. "Myo ba rito?" Baka kasi matagn kami at w pa namang magbabantay ng bahay. Patay ako kay Wayde pag nagkataon.


    "Hindi naman, ate. Mpitng yung bahay n Sasha rito at pwede mo namang i-lock yung bahay na kadsang ginagawa ni Sir Wayde." Si Buboy.


    Wng pagdadwang isip at sinarado ko agad ang pintuan. I also checked if something is plug on the socket before heading out. Tinulungan din naman ako n Buboy para madali yung paglock ng bahay. I also secured the gate and used my spare key.


    Pagkbas agad namin ay kaagad bumungad sa''kin ang mmig na hangin. Hapon na kaya hindi masyadong masakit sa bt ang haring araw. It feels so good to be here. Napaka-aliws ng paligid. The road here is not constant, but a wavy one. Malinis at puro mga puno ng niyog ang kadsang makikita.


    We are on the sidewalk while looking at those tricycle''s passing by. Minsan ko pang nakikita ang ibang mga driver na kumakaway kina Buboy at Sasha. Nakahawak siya sa railing at napalingon sa di kyuan.


    This is always the ce that I always dreamed of.


    "m mo ate Celestia, ''yan yung tinatawag naming Virgin Ind," tinuro nito ang s hindi kyuan sa kan. They were some small inds that can be seen from here. The sun reflected on the water that resulted in a tremulous gleam. Wow. W pa akong nakikitang ganitong kaganda na dagat sa ka-Maynan. Cebu is such a ce of wonder.


    "Oh! Yan na na p si Berto at John. Ate Celestia, mga kaibigan po p namin."


    Isa-isa sng kumaway sa''kin kaya nginitian ko s isa''t isa. May hawak ng isang b ang mga ito at mukhang mag babasketball. Ngay ni Buboy ang bag sa kpit na tindahan at hinubad ang uniporme. "Aling Meriam, pgay muna ako rito ng bag ko a! Malarong muna kami ng basketball." Pagpapam nito sa ginang at kaagad na lumapit sa magkaibigan.


    W masyadong dumadaan na tricycle kaya sa gitna ng kalsada s nalaro. The road is wide that it could amodate several transportation. Ang ring n ay naka-dikit sa isang kawayan sa pinaka-gilid ng bahagi ng sidewalk. "Ate Celestia, tara punta tayo sa bahay namin!" Kaagad akong nagpah kay Sasha at binaybay namin ang matarik na daan patungo sa bahay n. Wng hulmang hagdanan at sa tuktok pa ng bundok ang bahay n Sasha. Ingat na ingat kaming nakad papunta sa taas.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    There''s no railings and any minute you can slip without having anything to hold on.


    "This goats are too cute," namamangha kong saad nang makita ang dwang kambing na nasa mkinglagyan nito. Prenteng nakahiga ang mga ''to at parang nagugustuhan rin ang hangin na yumayakap sa kan.


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    "Cute tga s ate Celestia. Mga ga ko yan, si Pepa at si Pane."


    Humawak ako sa mking bato para pang suporta at maingat na inangat ang sarili. We''re almost there. Nakikita ko na ang mga tanim ng mais at iba pang mga hmang hindi pamilyar sa''kin.


    I should have listened to my EPP teacher before, to know more about these things. I grimaced with that thought.


    Nang makarating sa tuktok ay sinalubong kami ng isang ginang, I assumed that it was Sasha''s mother.


    "Nay! Nala niyo po yung sinabi ko kahapon? Yungking Mayn. Yung mabait at maganda na nangunguhapan k sir Wayde? Siya po yun nay!" magiliw na pagpapakla ni Sasha sa''kin. "Magandang araw ho sainyo," magng kong ani at pinagpagan na rin ang sarili.


    "Ay kagwapa aning bayhana. Magandang hapon rin sa iyo, halika at ma-upo."


    Sasha''s mother motioned me to sit down which I obeyed. Ang bahay n ay gawa sa nipa hut at sabas niyon ay ang sari-saring hman.


    Their house may not be as big as ours but it screams so much simplicity by just the looks of it. May mga tanim na mais rin sabas ng bahay n.


    Kitang-kita niya rin ang mga bulubundukin sa harap at nakikita ang magandang hugis ng pakurbang kalsada na t yumayakap sa kabundukan. There were lots of coconut tree in the area and I''m really craving to drink those.


    "Ang ganda rito," halos bulong nng na lumabas iyon sa bibig ko. The ce was astonishing and I wouldn''t even be tired of mumbling it over and over again.


    The sun is almost kissing the waves, symbolizing that the sun is ready to set. Mas lumapit pa ako sa may paanan ng bundok at umupo sa damuhan. I sat on the rock and watched as how the environment shifted. To view as the sun prepares for its rest.


    Magpahinga at hayaan ang mga bituin at buwan na sakupin ang kwakan.


    Ang mga p ay nagsisim ng maw tanda na sasapit na ang gabi. The skies are now turning orangebining with the ocean teal sunset.

 Chapter 5.2

    The only thing that I could see was those silhouettes from those people ying from a far and the shape of the trees that were dancing together with the wind.


    "Napakaganda ng paglubog ng araw, ate Celestia ''no?" lumapit p si Sasha at hindi ko manng napansin ang presensya niya. I was busy looking at this beautiful scenery in front of me. It was truly captivating. "Napakaganda. Napakaganda ng paglubog ng araw na hindi mo maiwasang malungkot," kumunot ang noo niya sa sinabi ko.


    "Bakit naman ate? Malungkot ka ba ngayon?"


    I smiled dryly, "Malungkot dahil... we always tend to remember memories in good moments like this. Maganda o masalimuot man ang mga . Malungkot dahil napakabilis ng oras at sa isang ipng ay ang mga ginagawa natin ngayon ay maging isang  namang."


    "Eh bakit po naging malungkot iyon?"


    "Cause we can''t go back to that certain moment to feel that pure bliss and happiness again. Peoplee and leave to leave a memory. You might not appreciate it now, but when you get there, those moments will be just fragments of your memories. Pero m mo ba kung anong kagandahan sa mga ng iyon?" I asked, still my eyes fixated on the setting sun.


    "What is it?" Bahagya akong natign nang marinig ang boses niyon.


    Unti-unti akong napalingon at nakita ko si Wayde na nakatayo hindi kyuan sa akin. Nakasuot na naman ito ng in v-neck t-shirt na pinaresan ng khaki short. I smiled and waved back at him.


    Lumapit siya sa''kin at umupo sa tabi ko. Dangling his hands between his both knees.


    "Tell us about the beauty of those memories, Celestia," nilingon ko siya at kagaya ko kanina ay napako ang tingin ni Wayde sa lumulubog na araw.


    As if he was also fixated on the scenery which he can''t cast away his eyes.


    Humugot ako ng mlim na hininga bago sumagot, "It just stayed. Magka-amnesia ka man ay hindi mawaw niyon ang pakiramdam sa mga ng iyon. It would stay right here," I pointed my chest. "Those memories will always be kept and be treasured."


    In my peripheral vision, I saw Wayde looking at me. Nakita ko ang kayraming emosyon sa mga mata nito. I wonder if he also has a story to tell. I mean, we all have.


    ng minuto rin akong nanatili roon bago napagdesisyonang tumayo. Humarap ako kay Wayde na ngayo''y nakakunot ang noo. Ak ko ba''y maykad siya?


    "I told you not to leave the house." My eyes widened. Oo nga p! How could I even forget that I''m asked to guard the house?


    Ang ak ko''y paglibot-libot sa lugar ay tumagal ng khating oras. Ngumisi ako at itinaas ang kamay. I just gave him a peace sign hoping that he could forgive me for my recklessness.


    "That won''t work for me, Celestia."


    Nameywang akong humarap sa kaniya, "you know what, I didn''t really thought that you''re easy tomunicate with. Madng nng ang mga taong ganyan no," ngumisi ako. Pero hindi ata siya nagpatinag at masungit akong tinignan. Oh-


    oh.


    "Sorr-y? Magpapam ako sa susunod, I promise," I raised my right hand to him. He sighed and put his both hands on the side of his pockets.


    "How''s your foot?" nagbaba ito ng tingin sa paa niya.


    "Ginagw ko naman na at nakakkadkad na ako unlike the first attempt. I''m all well and fine!" I widely smiled and bowed my head to let him see my foot.


    "Oh boss Wayde, andiyan ka p. Hali na kayo at magmeryenda na tayo rito," tawag sa''min ng nanay ni Sasha. I wiggled my eyebrows to Wayde and went ahead to the table that was ce outside.


    "Diego, kumuha ka na ng buko roon," sa narinig ay bing nakuha ang atensyon ko. Maraming mga puno ng niyog sa Punto Sierra kaya hindi kami nahirapang kumuha ng isa.


    Diego climbed the tree carefully and twist the coconut to get it. Medyo nahirapan pa siya sa pagkuha niyon pero nagtagumpay naman. He threw the coconut to the grass and got another one.


    "Boss Waye, diba po marunong rin kayong kumuha ng buko? Kumuha rin po kayo boss Wayde!" magiliw na tugon ni Sasha kay Wayde at sinabayan pa iyon ng pkpak. Napangisi rin ako at lumingon kay Wayde.


    "You should do it, Wayde. Bring up your skills!" pang-sasakay ko pa ko pa sa kaniya. Sumang-ayon kaminghat at siya nng ang hinihintay.


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    "Alright," Sasha and I cheered for him. Hinubad nito ang puting t-shirt at ngay sa mesa.


    I could say that Wayde has a nice body built that suited him perfectly. It could oozle a bunch of women with a perfect build like that.


    Tuming ako nang magsim na siyang umakyat sa puno. He looks like a skilled one while climbing the tree. Wayde held on the tree tightly to put his weight on his.


    When he finally reached the top, he immediately started to pick the coconut and let it fall in the grass. Marami-rami rin ang nakuha nng dwa at inipon iyonhat. The juice of the fruit were put in a pitcher. Ngyan iyon ng brown sugar at inihalo. While the fruit itself just stayed on its shell at ngyanng ng kutsara''t tinidor.


    "Sa wari ko''y hindi ka pa nakaka-inom ng ganyan?" Wayde pointed at the pitcher. Umiling ako.


    I tasted varieties of coconut drinks but not this province style juice. Si Wayde na mismo ang kumuha ng baso ko at sinalinan iyon ng buko juice. His oozling body could let a bunch of woman fantasize about him. He handed it to me,"Try it, you would love the taste."


    "Thanks," Kinuha ko ang baso sa kamay niya at uminom ng paunti-unti.


    Sa una ay hindi ko pa masyadong nlasahan ang tamis pero ng uminom ako ng parami ay doon na lumabas ang totoongsa. The taste is really good, actually. It''s not nd and it''s not too sweet. Sunod ko namang tinikman ang prutas ng buko, they say that it would be more best to put a brown sugar to it. Mmbot ang prutas at mman. Din niya iyon sa bibig at tinikman. "How does it taste?" bulong ni Wayde sa gilid ko.


    Napa-abante pa ako ng kaunti dahil nasa likod ko siya. We are too close with each other and it''s making me nervous. To add that, he didn''t wear anything on top. Naasiwa tuloy ako sa presensya ni Wayde.


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    "M-Masarap, my taste buds approved of the taste. Kung pwedeng akong magd ng puno ng niyog sa amin ay ginawa ko na," naki ang mga mata ko nang kinuha niya ang baso ko at siya naman ang uminom roon. What is he thinking?!


    "Yeah, it really tastes good." Patay malisya na sagot ni Wayde at pinahiran ang gilid ngbi niya gamit ang hintuturo.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Nababaliw kana ba? What made you think to drink in my cup?" pinagtaasan ko siya ng ky pero ang loko ay nagkibit-balikatng.


    Ngumingising siya at sa hindi na namang inaasahan pagkakataon ay kinuha nito ang tinidor ko na may nakatusok pang buko at din sa bibig niya. Sa pagkakataong ''yun ay kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran pero hindi pa rin natinag si Wayde. "Huwag kang feeling close, akin na ''yan!" inabot ko ang tinidor ngunit inyong niyalo. Yung totoo, does Wayde have some mood swings?


    From serious to be this tease. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at inhad ang kamay ko.


    "I''m the feeling close, now? Let me remind you that you''re the one wh-" Is he really enjoying in teasing me?! Grabe, tuwang-tuwa tga ako.


    Sa sobrang tuwa baka gusto niyang masaksak ng tinidor.


    "Give it back to me," I gritted my teeth. Natatawa siyang lumapit sa''kin at binigay ang tinidor sa nakhad kong pd.


    "Sorry, I''m just fond of teasing you. I didn''t know that you''re a short tempered woman," paghingi niya ng sorry pero hindi ko manng naramdaman ang sinseridad sa boses niya.


    He''s even smiling like an idiot and watching me gritting my teeth. Wow, tuwang-tuwa ah. Sino ''bang nanay nito at ng maibalik nga sa tiyan ng nanay niya.

 Chapter 6.1

    My eyes darted to my phone. Roseanna''s calling again. I rolled my eyes and tapped the decline button. If it''s not with her then I wouldn''t end up marrying someone I don''t even know. Sim nung dumating siya ay w na siyang ginawang tama. And here''s my dad who''s blinded by that woman all over again.


    I''m just tapping the screen of my phone while looking outside. Binalot ko ang sarili ng kumot at umupo sa s set.


    I saw Wayde outside, talking with someone over the phone. Tanging ang ss panelng ang naghihiwy sa amin kaya kitang-kita ko siya sabas.


    Hindi matigil sa kaka-ring ang cellphone ko kaya sinagot ko na iyon. I was weed by Roseanna''s ear shattering voice.


    "Where the hell are you?!" Gusto kong i-rolyo ang mga mata ko sa pagtatanong niya.


    "Sa lugar kung w ka," I answered tly.


    "You''re such a brat! Come back here and meet your groom, this instant!" T mapuputol na ang litid niya sa kaka-sigaw.


    "You don''t own me, Roseanna. So don''t act one. And please, just leave me alone." I said with finality and ended the call.


    Napabuga ako ng marahas na hangin at isinandal ang likod sa sofa. She is still calling me kaya ang ginawa ko ay pinower off yung cellphone ko. We would just be arguing all over again if I answer that call.


    Why is she rushing to set up me on my groom, by the way? Nagawa na n ang gusto nng gawin. What''s that shitty contract marriage is for?


    I wished that I had my mom beside me. Siguro... hindi mangyayari ''to. Dad would surely attend to my mom minute by minute. Siguro... my kapatid rin ako ngayon. If only mom didn''t die while giving birth to me, then all of those dreams woulde true.


    I frustratedly sighed.


    Tinungo ko ang hardin at mataman na tinignan ang mga hman.


    "The nts might melt."


    "Joker," I mockingly said. Nillingon ko ang klapitng na si Wayde. I smiled at him.


    "Why aren''t you sleeping yet? Manananggal ka ''ba?" umupo siya sa kpit na upuan ko.


    Napapantastikuhan ko siyang tinignan.


    Wayde is not really in the joking department. O masyadong akong seryoso?


    "Seriously? Tatawa na ''ba ako?" narinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa niya at pinilig ang ulo.


    "You shouldugh sometimes, it''s not good to be stressed about things." Kibit-balikat nitong tugon.


    Easier said than done. Kung ganu''nng sana kadali iyon.


    "I came here because I want to fix myself first, pero mukhang mas nadadagdaganng ang problema ko. Is it the right decision to stay here?" pumitas ako ng ngas na dahon at pinaruan iyon. "Why did youe up with that decision in the first ce?"


    "To fix myself?


    "Why do you seems doubting?" hindi ako sumagot.


    "A decision always have consequences. Kahit anong gawin mo, may masasabi pa rin ang iba sa''yo. So do what''s good for you. At the end of the day, uuwi kng din sa sarili mo." Wayde said.


    "I hope so, Wayde. The situation was just so heavy that I needed to fresh up my mind. The girlfriend of my dad just called, gusto niyang makipagkita ako sa asawa ko," tumayo ako.


    "She told me to go back to the mansion but I refused. I''m a brat as she called me and I will be more likely if they''ll continue."


    Lumingon ako sa kanya at nagpam na para matulog. Wayde''s right. A decision alwayses with consequences, and it''s up to me on how I will be responsible for it.


    ***


    Napangiwi ako nang makita ang puting damit ko ay nagky p na. I''m washing the clothes but the stain won''t go away. Naka-nggay na ako ng sachet na paba pero hindi pa rin matanggal-tanggal iyon.


    "Ano ba yan!" remo ko at inpag ko ang damit sa bath tub at tinignan ang kamay ko. Nangungulubot na rin ang mga kamay ko sa pagbabad sa tubig ng matagal.


    The advertisement in the tv is a scam! Ang sabi n''y mawaw ang stain sa damit kapag ginagamit yung brand n. But it turns out scam.


    "What the hell?" napalingon ako kay Wayde na kakapasokng sa shower room. His eyes darted on the bathtub filled with water and my clothes. To the open sachets ofundry detergent that was scattered on the floor. Napadako rin ang tingin niya sa basang-basa ko na damit.


    Hng akong ngumiti sa kaniya at gustong ilublob ang sarili ko sa bath tub dahil sa kahihiyan. If only I could kick him out of the room for him not to see the mess I made.


    "Uhh, I can exin." I bit my lower lip and actually don''t know where to start. Ngayon kong din napagtanto na sobrang kt ang ginawa ko. It was just messy all over the ce. A total disaster.


    "I tried to wash my clothes but it turns... uhh, disaster." Wayde eyes darted to my clothes that are almost the color red.


    "You should separate the white one from the colored ones. Here, let me show you how." He was about to get near my clothes, but I blocked myself in front of him. Kumunot naman ang noo niya sa ginawa ko.


    "Yes! Yes, I get it! You can go out now, byeee!" It''s embarrassing for him to see my clothes, especially that my bra was there! That would be so embarrassing. Tink ko pa tga siya sabas ng pinto pero hindi naman siya umangal at hinayaanng ako.


    "Are you sure?" ngumiti ako at wng pagdadwang isip na tumango.


    Nakita kong kumunot ang noo niya at kaagad kong sinara ang pintuan at napabuga ng hininga.


    "That was close." Kaagad kong tinungo ang mga nlabhan ko at inihawy ang mga puti at ingay sa pabilog nalagyan.


    Napasapo ako ng noo nang makita ang mga puting damit ko na kung ano-ano nng ang ky. Maybe I should really need Wayde''s help.


    I separate my innerwear from my outerwear and put those in a separate bucket. Kaagad kong binuksan ang pinto at nakita si Wayde na nakatayong roon. His hands were folded and it looks like he''s been standing in front of the door for quite a while.


    Then his eyes went on me.


    "K-Kanina ka pa diyan?" tumangong siya.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Bakit ka n-naman nakatayo diyan?" nagkibit balikatng siya at nakikita na naman sa kaniya ang masungit nitong mukha.


    "Cause I know that you will be needing help," casual niyang sagot.


    Tumatango-tango ako at tinignan ulit siya. Pero bakit parang nagsusungit siya?


    "Galit ka ''ba?"


    "Why would I?" His eyes were filled with amusement while maintaining his calmness.


    "Dahil ginamit ko yung bathtub sa palaba? O baka naman dahil halos naubos ko yung sabong panl-Aray! Ba''t ka namimitik?" hinihimas ko ang noo kong pinitik niya. Masakit tga yung pagkakapitik niya ah.


    It will surely leave a red mark there.


    "Why would I be mad at you for doing those, silly? C''mon, let''s teach you how to wash the clothes."


    Wayde entered the shower room and sat at the little chair in front of the bathtub. Kinuha niya anghat ng damit roon at ingay sa mking pabilog nalagyan. Natign pa siya nang makita kung gaano ka king kt ang ginawa ko. "Wayde, I actually bought two of these. Sayo yung isa, at akin naman ito. Teach me how to use it!" I joyfully grabbed the two brushes and handed the other one to him.


    He''s very hands-on in doing those chores. Wayde put theundry deterget and stir it with his hands until the bubbles came out. Nasa gilidng ako at matamang nakikinig sa kaniya.


    "Why are you helping me this much?" tanong ko habang sinusubukan kong gamitin yung brush. Pging dumuds sa kamay ko kahit may handle naman.

 Chapter 6.2

    "What do you mean?" aniya habang ang mga mata''y nakatuon sa hawak ko na brush. This is frustrating as hell. Pa-urong sulongng ang ginagawa ko at hindi ko pa m kung tama. I sucked at this kind of chore.


    "I mean, you just met me. Well, I thought your intimidating at first, but that was just at first so don''t worry," pagkwekwento ko pa. Lumingon siya sa''kin, "Hmm, is it bad helping you?"


    Marahas akong umiling, "No! Don''t misinterpret it ah, pero ito," tinuro ko ang nlabhan namin. "These are all new to me. Someone like you helping me from the very first ce. It was... new. It''s just unusual for me because I''m not used to seeing that value to those people that surrounded me before."


    "I''m helping you because I want to, Celestia. Naninibago ka dahil hindi na ito ang dating nakagawian mo, and there''s nothing wrong with it." Seryoso niyang saad. That made my heart flutter for a moment.


    "m kong ng beses ko ng sinabi ''to sayo but thank you. This is just the very first time that I felt someone wanted to help me without something in exchange. Except for the fact that you want me to be a part time assistant, but that''s excluded from my narrative so thank you."


    "And I was always telling you, don''t thank me yet, a lot of things are about toe."


    "Kagaya ng pagtalsik ng mantika?" napasimangot ako habang tinignan ung mga hindi ko pa hilom na paso sa braso dahil sa talsik ng mantika.


    "You got it right." We both chuckled as we yed with those bubbles from the bucket.


    I scooped the water lightly where we washed the clothes and made a bubble by it. Nang humarap ako kay Wayde ay hindi ko sinasadyang gumawa ng bubble at tumama sa ilong nito.


    The bubble popped out by the tip of Wayde''s nose. Napakurap naman si Wayde dahil nabi rin siya sa bng paparating. He looked at me and I just gave him a peace sign.


    It was noon already when we finished. Nananakit ang balikat at ang likod ko dahil sa kakayuko kanina. ''E halos si Wayde naman ang gumagawa nghat. I was just busy watching him and didn''t even dare to intervene.


    Ako nng ang nagpresentang gay ang mga damit ko sa sampayan. Some of my clothes already had some stains because I mixed both colors. Kng nng ay gawin iyong basahan dahil sa hitsura. It looks awful.


    I got an amount of hanger immediately and hung it on the clothesline. Hindi naman mahirap abutin dahil ka-lebel kong naman ang sampayan.


    "Did I do good?"


    "Waydyyyy!" nagkatinginan kami ni Wayde dahil sa narinig na sigaw.


    By the sound of it, we already knew who it was.


    "What do you think would happen if I run?" kalmado niyang ani at tinanaw ang kababata nito na halos pudpudin na ang gate sa kaka-kakbog nito. Wayde frowned his eyebrows and huffed a breath before heading to the gate. "You better found out," kibit-balikat kong tugon at natawa.


    "Dang it," napakamot pa sa ulo si Wayde bago tinungo ang gate at binuksan. I chuckled lightly when we heard an ear shattering voice. Nangunyapit agad ang babae kay Wayde na parang isang unggoy na hindi makaw sa amo. I just mouthed him ''Goodluck'' and proceeded to hang my clothes in the clothesline.


    "Wayde! nagd nga p ako ng lunch para sa''yo," Melissa''s smile widens and looks like a student who got an A+ from her teacher. She must really like Wayde that much.


    Ibinigay ni Melissa ang d-d niyang stic kay Wayde at mwak na ngumiti. Kaagad namang tinanggap ni Wayde ang binigay niya at npag iyon samesa. I saw Melissa nced at me before turning her back away. "Thanks Melissa. Hindi kana sana nag-ab pa." Wayde politely said and motioned her to sit down.


    Nang matapos sa pagsasampay ay kaagad kong ibinalik ang mga gamit sa banyo at naglinis. Hindi ko maiwasang mang dahil kanina pa ako sinusulyapan ni Melissa. When our gaze met, I saw a hint of... jealousy? What for?


    Ak niya ba na may... namamagitan sa aming dwa ni Wayde? Gosh, that would be even so impossible!


    When I went out from the shower room, hindi ko maiwasang marinig ang pag-uusap n. I heard Melissa''s sobs not from a far. Are they arguing?


    "Kan ba magiging ako... Wayde? Kan mo ba ako titignan na hinding kababata? Hinding yung kaibigan mo at matagal ng kasama?" When I took a peek, I saw Melissa crying in front of Wayde.


    "Our feelings wouldn''t be the same always, Melissa. I don''t like you, and I will never give you back the same feelings that you feel for me. Masasaktan kng. May dadarating rin para sa''yo, and I''m not that person." Wayde exined to her directly.


    Pain is visible in Melissa''s eyes.


    "But I love you, Wayde... ikawng mahal ko." Melissa said desperately.


    "I can''t tell you to unlove me that instant. Prioritize yourself before prioritizing others, Melissa. The words that I''ll tell you might hurt you big time, but I can''t just give you false hope and leave you hanging. I know that there''s a person that is worthy of your love, and it will never be me, Melissa."


    "Dahil ba sa babaeng ''yun, Wayde? Dahil ba maganda siya at mukhang mayaman?" I hardly gulped when I realized what Melissa is talking about. She''s talking about me!


    She really did have a wrong impression about us!


    "No." Wayde''s voice was cold and firm.


    "There''s always none, Melissa and you know that. And if there''s someone, I don''t settle for a person just because of her appearance or status in life. Let''s not drag someone into this." Those bloodshot eyes became more serious and stoic. Mukhang hindi nagustuhan ni Wayde ang patutunguhan ng usapan n.


    Tumatangong ngumiti si Melissa,"smat at sinabi mo sa''kin ang mga bagay na ''yun. Ang hirap mo kayang iwasan, m mo ba ''yun? Masyado ka kasing pa-fall eh," pilit itong ngumiti pero kitang-kita ang sakit sa mga mata nito. I sighed and was about to leave when Melissa caught me.


    "Hey Celestia! Pasensya kana sa mga nasabi ng mga kaibigan ko nung nakaraang araw. Sadyang mga inggeterang tga ang mga yun eh."Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Nah, it''s okay. Just tell her to not do it again." I smiled at her and tapped her back.


    Silence invaded us three before Melissa stood up and fixed herself. She turned to Wayde and nodded at him. "Mauuna na muna ako, may pupuntahan pa kasi ako." She smiled awkwardly and waved her hands at us.


    "She likes you so much, didn''t she?" tanong ko habang tinatanaw si Melissa papbas ng gate.


    "There''s someone who''s much more deserving for her love. She just didn''t see it because she''s focusing on me. Friendship is the only thing that I could offer to her."


    "Well, mas mabuti ng magpakatotoo than to give a person hope despite knowing that we couldn''t give back what they feel for us. It''s a battle between mind and heart. And as you''ve said, a decision alwayses with consequences," humalukipkip ako at dinama ang simoy ng hangin ng paligid.


    "And you know what," I faced him. "Love is a pain in the head." Sabay kaming natawa dwa sa sinabi ko. Half meant true.

 Chapter 7.1

    Two months had already passed. After adjusting to this ce, it was hell yet heaven. Maraming mga bagay na dapat na kangang matutunan. I also enjoyed apanying Wayde doing his paperworks that I just decided to find work today. The more I get to know him, the more Ipared how big the differences between the both of us. But those differences also set me an example. He is independent, and while living alone, I encountered such trials and some frustrations. And the more I interact with him... the more I''m getting used by hispany.


    "Thank you po." I slightly bowed my head and handed my payment. Bumalik ako rito sa bayan dahil may iba pa p akong hindi nabili. My eyes went through the busy street filled with those small stores. Matindi ang sikat ng araw pero hindi s masyadong naapektuhan dahil natatakpan ng mga bulubundukin ang haring araw.


    "Oh! Antonio! ayusin mo nga iyang banderilya at ang pangit tignan," sigaw ng isang ale sa asawa nito.


    "Oo na misis ko. Ito naman, baka tataasan ang presyon mo niyan. Baka hindi na kita masayaw sa pyesta kung pging mainit ang ulo mo,"mbing ng asawa nito habang inaayos ang banderilya. "Tse! Tataas tga ang presyon ko kapag hindi mo pa naayos ''yan."


    The ce was filled with the crowd. T may pinaghahandaan ang mga ito na isang kaganapan. Aside from those banderi, there were also some other decors in the ce.


    Nakita ko si Mang Temyong habang nagtitinda ng mga kakanin nito. I waved at him.


    "Oh ineng, magandang hapon sa''yo. Naparito ka ata sa bayan?"


    "Good afternoon po," I greeted him. "May bibilhinng sana ako rito. Bakit may mga banderilya sa paligid, Mang Temyong?" tanong ko.


    Mukhang pinaghahandaan tga n ang paparating na event.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ahh iyan! Sa susunod na linggo na kasi ang piyesta rito sa Punto Sierra, hija," bumaling si Mang Temyong sa mga tao na naghahanda at napangiti.


    "Dumalo ka, hija. Nala ko pa naman noong kapanahunan ko, ako at ang aking asawa''y bida sa sayawang tuwing piyesta. Pgi siya ang inaaya ko kapag may mga okasyong ganito. Magpa-hanggang ngayon rin naman at kasama na ang aming mga anak." I looked up at Mang Temyong.


    Those eyes really can''t lie. It''s just full of love and admiration for his wife. Napangiti ito habang binabalikan ang pangyayaring iyon kasama ang asawa niya. Gusto kong mapangiti dahil sa mga emosyong dumaan sa mga mata nito. "Susubukan ko po, Mang Temyong. Ditong ho ba gaganapin sa bayan ang piyesta?" I curiously asked.


    Bago ang mga ganitong kaganapan para sa''kin. The usual events that I mostly attended were rted to my dad''s business. Hindi ko rin nagugustuhan kapag uma-attend ako.


    Seriously, the people there are mostly likely to brag about their wealth and status in life.


    "Doon sa mking damuhan, hija. Huwag kang mag-la at m naman ni Wayde kung nasaan iyon. Sigurado akong kayo ang magiging atraksyon sa gabi ng piyesta," puno ng gk na sabi niya. My eyes widened. "P-Po? bakit naman Mang Temyong?"


    "Sa piyesta ay mlaman mo," nang lumingon ako sa kaniya ay ngumiting ito.


    Maslo akong na-curious sa sinabi ni Mang Temyong. Nagpam na ako sa kaniya at bumili na ng kakanganin.


    All I could hear from the vendors is their excitement for the uing fiesta. May nabanggit s na bago para sa''kin. I got excited with that thought of attending the fiesta too.


    It must be so fun and enjoyable.


    I was actually ready to go back home when my eyes caught something. It''s a bakery and they are hiring!


    Kaagad akong nakad papabalik at pumunta sa bakery. When I peek, I saw an elderly woman putting the dough in a big oven. I knocked lightly to caught her atensyon.


    Hindi naman nagtagal at lumingon ito sa''kin.


    "Hello po." I greeted her and she immediately went to me.


    "Ano hong sadya natin?"


    I huffed a breathe and said, "Mag-aapply po ako ng trabaho?"


    ***


    "Ano?!" I was startled back when Marissa and Laren almost bawled their eyes out. I just awkwardly smiled and nodded.


    "Hija, sigurado kaba rito? Ah ehh, graduate ka at may magandang trabaho kapang mapapasukan. At tignan mo ang kamay mo oh, mukhang hindi pa dinadapuan ngngaw." Manang Isa holds my hands as if examining if there''s calluses that can be seen.


    Gt na gt s sa sinabi kong graduate ako ng Bachelor of Business Administration. There''s really no problem working at Manang Isa''s bakery shop. I have a little knowledge about baking so there''s really no problem with me doing it.


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    "Ayosng po tga, Manang Isa. Pagbubutihin ko po tga kung matatanggap ako sa trabaho."


    Nakita ko ang pagkurot ni Melissa sa tagiliran ni Laren na parang excited na excited. Dumako ang tingin ko kay Manang Isa na htang pinag-iisipan ang sinabi ko.


    "Tanggapin mo na si Celestia,! Para tres marias na kami dito, dimo m na kami na p ang pag-pyestahan kesa sa mga paninda mo," mkas na humkhak si Marissa at pabirong tinampal si Manang.


    "Tse! Tumigil ka nga riyan Marissa! Kung meron ''mang pag-pyestahan ng mga klakihan ay si Celestia yun at hindi ikaw, tangi!" inirapanng ni Marissa si Laren at humalukipkip.


    Mukhang sanay na sanay na ang mga itong mag-inisan sa isa''t isa. Kung si Melissa ang makulit ay si Laren naman ay may pagka-seryoso.


    "Oh sige hija, papayag na ako na magtrabaho ka rito." I yelped with what Manang said. Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo n Laren at napatili naman ang mga ito. They looked like a kid who was given a bunch of candies.


    "T-Tga po?" I stuttered. "I will do my best po tga!" Sa sobrang tuwa ay nayakap ko si Manang. Mki ang ngiti kong humiwy sa kanya. I think I''m one of the luckiest people after running away from home.


    It''s just that, I already expected those bad things woulde my way after running away. But what happened to me is like a reverse card shifting its position to where it''s supposed to be. I''m beyond thankful to those people who helped me. Sobra.


    People might say that this stubbornness will lead to the wrong path, but you wouldn''t really know unless you''re in that person''s position.


    "Nakikita ko namang pursigido ka at nandito naman ang aking mga apo para magtrabaho rito. Hindi ka naman maiinip rito." My lips formed an ''o'' because of what Manang Isa said.


    Maybe that''s the reason why I can see some simrities from Marissa and Laren''s faces. They are surely siblings based on their features.


    "Ayan! Tres marias na tayo, huwag kang mag-la at magaling naman ako magturo. Ako ata ang pinakamagaling na baker rito sa Punto Sierra. Nagtra-trabaho ng may pagmamahal, nagmamasa ng may pag-iingat at nagbebenta ng may ngiti! Bongga!" Marissa pped her hands and proudly looked up.


    "Wee rito sa bakery, Celestia. Buti nng ay nag-apply ka, nakngan na kasi kami ng tao rito dahil nag-resign na si ate Gemma." It''s Laren.


    "Smat rin sa pagtanggap niyo sa''kin," lumingon ako kay Manang. "Kn po ako magsisim, Manang Isa?"


    "Sa Lunes kana magsisim, hija. Sasabihin ko sa dwa kung ano ang gagampanan mo rito sa bakery at ng makasim kana sa trabaho mo."


    Napatango-tango ako sa sinabi niya. Nag-usap rin kami tungkol sa ibang bagay ukol sa trabaho ko at pati na rin ang sweldo. It''s not that much, but I could do savings little by little.


    Maya''t maya pa ay nagpam na rin si Manang Isa dahil may aasikasuhin pa siya. Nagkukumahog naman akong npitan n Marissa.


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    I flinched a bit when Marissa held my hands, "Girl! Ang sarap pisilin ng kamay mo at ky gatas pa! Ano skin care mo sis?"


    "Uhh, I don''t really used skincare, only when I go to work." I don''t really used skincare since hindi rin naman ako lumbas.


    Besides, I inherited my mom''s fair skin. That''s one of my assets I think?


    "Oh pak! How to be you, Celestia! Gosh, kung ako ikaw, maghahanap na tga ako gwapings na mgalaki." Marissa giggled as if dreaming to really have his ideal guy. Tinampal naman ito ni Laren sa balikat, "huwag mo dalhin ang kndian mo rito at baka msin tayo."


    "Ito naman, nagjojokeng naman ako eh," kamot nito sa ulo at humarap sa''kin. "Saan ka nga p nakatira?"


    Oh, right. I haven''t told them about it. Speaking of home, it''s almost time for dinner and I don''t know what meal would I cook. Maghahanap nng siguro ako ng maluluto sa bahay.


    "I don''t know what the ce is called, but I''m currently staying at someone''s ce. I need to ride a motorcycle just to get in here," pagkwe-kwento ko pa sa kan.


    Laren sat at the chair beside me and folded her arms.


    "Bagong salta kng rito, Celestia? Umuukupa ka ba sa pamilya mo?" umiling ako.


    "Not really, pero mabait naman yung may-ari ng inuupahan ko."


    Melissa looked amused," tga? wow namaaan. m mo ba, may pa-upahan rin rito at yung may ari bes! ang gwapings tga at namumutok yung mga pandesal!"


    "Kahit kan tga ay hindi mo nilulugar yang kndian mo, Melissa. Hindi ka naman papansinin nun eh," inirapanng ito ni Melissa at nagtatalon pa sa tuwa.


    "Duh! Tignanng natin, mapapansin rin ako ni Mr. Patterson! Oh diba! apelyido png,fang na!" I chuckled. Mukhang mki ang pagkagusto nito salaki. I got really curious about this guy also. "Ipapakita ko siya sa''yo! Basta wng agawan ah! Bumibili rin dito yun," mki ang ngiti nitong saad.


    Mr. Patterson? Not a bad name.

 Chapter 7.2

    I wiped the sweat in my forehead and got my spare keys. Tahimik ang bahay senyales na hindi pa umuuwi si Wayde. It''s time for me to have a dinner. I nned to boil some water to cooked noodles. E ano ''bang m ko sa pagluluto? W. "hmm..." I opened the cab and the food was well organized already.


    Sim sa mga kasangkapan hanggang sa mga canned goods ay wng palya ang pag o-organize niyon. Wayde must be really a neat person. Sa kwarto png niya ay w kanang makikitang alikabok sa mga sulok-sulok. Napaka-masinop at ayaw ng kt.


    For a week staying here, sado ko na din ang routine ni Wayde. The first thing he does is work out, and resting in the garden for awhile. After, he would directly go to the kitchen to cooked. Kung nakatira rin siguro ako sa ganitong lugar ay gagawin ko rin ang gagawin niya.


    But the thing is, I don''t.


    Binuksan ko ang ref at naghanap ng maluluto roon, "Fish... chicken... and pork."


    Really? Ngayon pa tga?


    Napabuntong-hininga ako at nanlulumong sinarado iyon. I couldn''t even fried fish without someone guiding me, baka ako pa ang dahn kung bakit abo nng ang madadatnan ni Wayde sa bahay.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    I sat at the bar stool for awhile- contemting on what dish would I cooked. Hindi naman pwedeng i-aasa kong kay Wayde pgi ang pagluluto. Besides, there''s still a lot of time for me to learn. Tumanaw ako sabas at makulimlim na ang kngitan.


    The cold breeze is brushing off my hair and I don''t even need a fan to obtain some air. I fixed my posture when a bright ideaes to my mind. Right! Gagawa nng ako ng tinng isda!


    Madaling naman siguro ''yon. But the thing is, I don''t trust my cooking skills. I sucked at that department, but I''ll still try to do it.


    It''s good that the vegetables that I need are already set, and also the fish. Niyagak ko ang mga isda at hinugasan iyon. After I prepared the ingredients, I immediately searched on how to cook it. Buti nng ay marami-rami rin akong tutorials na nakita. I reached out for the knife rack and got some standard knives there.


    ng minuto rin akong tumunganga bago sinimn ang paghihiwa ng mga gy. I grimaced from time to time when the knife slipped on my hand. Buti nng ay hindi ako nasugatan.


    I boiled some water down and put the vegetables there. Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapagtantong may kng. Should I put a potato there? Siguro naman ay mas sasarap ''yun kapag ngyan ko ng patatas.


    Right! I should slice one. Nang ma-slice ang mga yun ay kaagad ko iyong nilunod sa sabaw. I wonder if what would it taste like.


    "What are you--" napalingon ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Natign naman si Wayde nang makita niya akong nagluluto.


    Wayde''s eyes darted to the food that I''m cooking. Bahagyang napaawang ang bibig niya nang makita ang itsura ng niluluto ko. He''s still in his business suit while holding an attached case.


    He immediately removed his coat and I can''t helped it but to admire his masculine body. His long sleeve polo is flexing his muscles that makes him tremendously sexy. Even the veins in his hands were showing and wearing that rolex watch made him even more attractive.


    Napansin niya ata ang pagsuyod ko sa suot niya kaya mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin. In my peripheral version, I saw him smirked and rolled up his sleeves upto his elbow.


    I smiled awkwardly, "G-ginagawa ko ba ng tama ''to?"


    Napadako ang tingin niya sa sibuyas-dahon na mukhang giniling na, ang kamatis na durog at sa mga seasoning na na nagkt sa counter top. Then his eyes settled on me. Lumapit pa siya sa''kin at sinilip ang pan, "What are you cooking, woman?"


    Nag-aangan akong sumagot at napalunok. I should have not came to this decision! Napangiwi ako nang makita ang niluluto ko. Ako ba tga ang nagluto nito? Halos hindi na maitsura iyon at hindi na makla ang mga gy na naroon. Seryoso ba ''to?


    "Tinng isda?" Now I''m not sure if it''s really tinng isda. "Uhm.. ngyan ko kasi ng patatas kaya nagka-ganiyan. Ayosng ba?"


    He raised an eyebrow before massaging the bridge of his nose. Mukha itong problemado at sinulyapan ang mga kt sa kusina. I bit my lowerlip waiting for him to answer.


    It looks like I just got myself into a big trouble big time.


    "I''m sorry. I was just trying to cook for dinner. Ak ko madaling gawin pero..." sinundan ko siya nang tingin nang sumandal ito sa counter top at pinagkrus ang mga braso.


    For thest time, he roamed his eyes on the mess I made before saying something. Inayos nito ang reading sses nito at inalis ang relo.


    "Let me teach you how," lumapit siya sa mga pinaghihiwa kong gy at sinuri iyon.


    "Damn... that''s a in torture right there." He said and chuckled. Napangiwi ako nang sumilip rin ako roon at tinignan ang kabuuang itsura. "Hindi ka ba galit?" bumaling siya sa akin habang nakakunot ang noo.


    "And why would I be mad at you?"


    "Kasi ang kt ko? at kng nng ay gawin kong giniling ang mga gy?" napanguso ako. "Sumusunodng ako sa youtube, but it turns out a mess. Sana p naghintay nng ako sa''yo." "Hmm..." he said coolly while listening to my rants.


    "I thought it would be okay to put some potatoes in that soup. Yung kamatis naman, it''s so soft to cut that I can''t even cut it properly. It''s frustrating!" turo ko pa sa pan habang nagreremo. "Well, yeah?" he looked amused.


    Tinaasan ko siya ng ky. "Ba''t mukhang tuwang-tuwa ka pa?"


    "You''re hrious. Instead of being mad at you, bakit hindi nng kita turuan?" natign ako sa sinabi niya. I really thought that he would be mad because I mess his kitchen up.


    But it turns out I''m wrong. Wayde''s action made me realize a lot of things. It may sound ironic but his simple actions made a big change inside me. His words are like a rope that is tugging the vulnerable state inside to make me wander outside myfort zone.


    Sometimes, I get overwhelmed. But most of the time, I learned.

 Chapter 7.3

    Sinimn kong kunin ang mga seasoning at binalik ang mga ''yun salagyan. Si Wayde naman ay naglinis ng iba ko pang kt samesa.


    "It''s not a big a crime to teach a kid like you, yeah?" napawi ang ngiti ko sa sinabi niya. Tinampal ko ang braso ni Wayde at umirap.


    "Wow ah! Sa bagay, madali naman tgang matuto ang mga bata sa mga matatanda na kagaya mo." Nang lumingon siya sa''kin ay nginisihan ko ito.


    I continued cleaning the counter top with a smile on my face. Ready to tease Wayde if he would counter back. I was enjoying humming a song when I felt a strong gaze on me.


    Lumingon ako kay Wayde at napawi ang ngiti ko nang makita ang seryoso nitong mukha.


    Patay, mukhang napikon ito sa sinabi ko.


    His face were dead serious that it made me want to stepped back. His face is calm but I could sense some danger circting. Humakbang siya ng isang beses pappit sa''kin habang ako naman ay napaatras. "What did you say, Celestia?" may banta sa boses niya.


    I kept stepping back until I felt my back leaning on the cold counter top.


    "A-ano... sorry n-naman." But my apology was no used.


    "Come again, Celestia?" The side of his lips rose as he watched my reaction.


    Kinakabahan ako ng sobra dahil sa ginagawa niya. I could even heard my heart beating loudly because of nervousness!


    Ingay niya ang mga kamay sa magkabng gilid ko kaya mabilis akong napayuko. I could feel him staring at me intently. I saw him looking at my lips before eyeing me.


    Now what?


    "Want to hear a fun fact?" He whispered.


    Nanindig ang bhibo ko dahil sa sinabi niya. I really don''t know how to react right now. Sobrangpit niya sa''kin at isang tkng ay masasakop niya na ako. T pinagpapawisan ako kahit mmig naman ang panahon. "A-ano?" My breathing hitched when he leaned his face more closer to me.


    "I wasn''t actually nice as you thought I am. Well, I could be a beast... too," nalaki ang mga mata kong nag-angat ng tingin at t natulos sa kinatatayuan.


    With the strength that I have, I pushed him away, but all I could hear was his heartilyugh. T dumadagundong ang hkhak nito sa buong kusina.


    I red at him. I grabbed the table napkin that was disyed in the table and threw it at him. Kaagad naman niya iyong sinalo at ibinalik samesa. Pinukn ko siya ng masamang tingin pero bumalik na siya sa paglilinis. Hindi ko tuloy mman kung sino ba ang namimikon o pikon sa aming dwa.


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    Bwesit!


    But wait, what did I expect him to do anyway? It''s not like he''s going to kiss m-


    Seriously, Celestia?!


    Pinilig ko ang ulo ko sa naisip at napagpasyahang tulungan si Wayde sa paglilinis. Whenever our eyes would met, I just red at him while he just let out a grinned. And it''s annoying! Because whenever he smiles, it sounds so genuine and sincere. Argh!


    ***


    "It''s the back of the knife that you''re using, Celestia," napayuko ako at tinignan ang hinihiwa kong kamatis.


    I grimaced when I saw the look of the tomato. Pang-ng subok ko na nga ba ''to?


    "Ay sorry..." I switched the knife back and tried to concentrate. That''s why I love baking more than cooking!


    Kumuha ako ng isang kamatis at hinugasan iyon. I ced it above the chopping board and ced the tip of the knife in the center. I curled my fingertips and knuckles to press down the tomato to keep it in ce. Magsisim na sana akong maghiwa nang dums ang kamatis sa kamay ko at muntik nang matamaan ang daliri ko.


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    I slowly turned around and saw Wayde frowning. "May no ka ''bang matanggn ng daliri?" He washed his hands and took the knife in my hand.


    Pinahawak niya sakin iyon at ginabayan ang kamay ko. I was pressing down the tomato in my left hand while my right hand was being covered by his hand to guide me. My breathing hitched when he leaned more closer to see the state of the tomato.


    After two slices, he let go of my hands and observed me as I finished slicing. It wasn''t a clean cut, but it''s enough to put in the dish. Sunod naman niya akong tinuruan na magslice ng scallions. It wasn''t that hard to cut those and can be easily divided by hands.


    "Ouch-" napangiwi ako nang sumakit ang kamay ko dahil sa pag-slice ng sibuyas. Aside from it''s making me cry, it''s also slipping from my hands!


    "Giving up already, Celestia?" napbi ako sa sinabi niya. He just smirked and folded his arms while watching me.


    I put the sliced onion on a te and gathered the ingredients. "I never thought that cooking would be this hard! Mas gusto ko pang magbake kesa magluto ng mga m."


    "Really huh? You''re into baking?" may paniniguradong tanong niya.


    "Of course! Ba''t parang hindi ka ata naniniw?"


    "Nothing. You just looked like someone who couldn''t bake," he said in a teasing tone.


    "Are you challenging me, Mr. Wayde?" may panghahamon sa boses kong tinignan siya. He looked at me with the same ferocity.


    "Why? Did you feel challenged?" matagal niya akong tinitigan at ngumisi. Napa-iwas ako ng tingin at ngay ang lemon grass sa kumukulong tubig.


    "If you''re up for a challenge then why not?" pinagpantay ko ang tingin namin at nanunudyong tumingin sa kaniya. That would be he exciting and fun.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 8.1

    I stretched out and headed out of my room. I reached out for my hair and fixed it in a bun style. It''s Sunday and I don''t know what to do right now. Wayde is probably up by now. Knowing na napaka-aga gumising nglaking ''yon. Dumeritso ako sa garden at nanatili roon ng ng minuto. Another day of this breath-taking view in front of me. Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko para madama ang masamyong hangin na humahalik sa pisngi ko. I heard footsteps behind me. "You''re early today." It''s Wayde.


    May nakasabit na bimpo sa balikat nito at tagaktak ang pawis galing sa buhok. Didn''t I mention how attractive he is with that?


    "Wng, I have the urge to wake up early so... here I am."


    "How''s your application going?"


    "Oh that," umingos ako. "Guess what? I got epted!" I giggled.


    "Him," I threw sharp res at him.


    "I have the capability, m mo ba yun," proud akong nag-angat ng tingin at sinalubong ang tingin niya. He just scoffed and shrugged. Weeks of staying here is probably the best thing that I want to look back on. I expected the worst but it turns out the opposite.


    "Nga p, bk kong maglibot muna rito sa Punto Sierra. May fiesta ''raw next week, m mo ba kung saan yun?" usisa ko.


    Kumunot ang noo niya at umupo sa katabing upuan ko. Bahagya naman akong lumingon sa kaniya.


    "Mpitng naman dito, why?" My eyes sparkled with what he said. Nagsalubong ang ky niya.


    "Eh kasi..." I hesitantly said. Mukhang m na niya kung saan papatungo ang pinag-usapan namin.


    "Don''t tell me that you''re going there?"


    Wng pagdadwang-isip akong tumango. I wiggled my eyebrows to convince him to go there. I got really curious on how the event would flow. It must have been to go there.


    "What? It''s fun kaya! I just talked to Mang Temyong about it and he said that there will be dancing and a contest in there. Sabihin mo nang sa akin kung saan para ako nng ang pumunta ''run. Or maybe I could take Laren and Marissa with me." Tama! I''m sure that those girls would epted my invitation.


    "It''s boring there."


    "I would bet that it''s not! C''mon Wayde, I''m sure that you will be the center of attention there. Then invite a girl to dance with you! How ''bout that?" Napapantastikuhan niya akong tinignan at umiling-iling. I pouted.


    "I''m really handsome, yeah?" umirap ako sa kaniya.


    "Confident, are we? m mo kas- asdfjk aray! Bastos ah!" pinukn ko siya ng masamang tingin dahil binato niya sa mukha ko ang bimpong hawak niya.


    But the idiot just smirks and stands up. Kampante pa nga itong pumasok sa bahay at dumeritso sa kwarto nito. Wng modo tga!


    Tumayo at dumeritso sa kwarto. I washed up and made my way to the sd after. I cleaned the s out of boredom and leaned my back on the sofa after. W akong maisip na gawin!


    I''m done with the chores inside the house. Little by little, I was slowly adapting to the changes in my environment. There''s no such thing as easy work. Lahat dapat pagtuunan ng pansin para matuto.


    Grabe p kahirap ang mabuhay mag-isa. You do all the work. From washing the tes, cooking- except for the fact that Wayde is a thoughtful guy and does the cooking himself. Kasi m niyang w na siyang madadatnan na bahay kung ako ang papalutuin niya.


    "Arghh!" I heaved in frustration and embraced the pillow beside me."Celestia."


    Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay si Wayde ang nabungaran ko. He is wearing his usual in v-neck and cargo shorts. Sa isang kamay niya ay isang helmet na nakhad sa''kin. Kumunot ang noo ko.


    "Oh, ano yan?" tukoy ko sa nakhad niyang helmet.


    "Subukan mong kainin baka masarap. He said in a mocked courtesy. I rolled my eyes. Pilosopo.


    "Heh! Ikaw muna, ikaw nag-aya eh." Hindi na siya sumagot at tinungo angbas. Sumunod naman ako.


    I saw him wearing his helmet and checking his motorbike. His motorbike is really something. Wng ganyang se ng motor sa Pilipinas. I''ve been with my father once, checking for this kind of thing and it was in Europe. Exclusively in Europe. "That motorbike of yours is he expensive."


    "Yeah, it was a gift from someone. I wouldn''t buy such expensive things, not unless it''s an important person."


    Napatango-tango ako. Contrary to what his saying, I live a life when taking a peak of the price doesn''t bother me anymore.


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    "You''re in the business industry right? In what field are you managing?"


    Kinuha niya ang hawak kong helmet at siya na mismo ang nagsuot sakin niyon. He sped it and made sure that it will not fall.


    "Everything," maikli niyang sagot. Namilog naman ang mga mata ko. So does that mean... he is...


    "You''re a CEO?!" gt na gt kong tanong. Napaayos ako ng tayo nang mapansing napkas ang sigaw ko. But he doesn''t seem to be bothered at all.


    So that''s the reason why I always saw him at the s... He is always busy with some paperworks and always stayed upte because of it. T kalkdo na ang bawat gw niya at siguro nga''y hindi nito mapapansin kung may magnanakaw mang pumasok sa bahay.


    But I''m just wondering, why did he choose to stay in this ce rather than in the city?


    "Hmm," he hummed. "You seemed surprised."


    "I''m just... really shocked. I mean, the way you live your life was far from what I expected. Uhm, I grew up surrounded by luxurious things and wealthy people. The people I usually met were boastful and arrogant. Naninibago ako." Napahawak ako sa noo ko nang kinatok nito iyon na parang kumakatokng sa pintuan. I creased my forehead and massaged it. Nakakadwa na siya ah! "What was that for?!" I red at him.


    "To knock your senses down." Simple niyang sagot. "Open your eyes to each side, Celestia. We still got learning to do and it''s still not toote. At the end of the day, ourselves will always be our shoulder to lean on." Lumapit siya sa''kin at hinawakan ang magkabng balikat ko.


    "And a home to get back after a tiring day." Wayde smiled and tapped my back lightly. Tumalikod siya at sumakay sa motor. He shook his head to meet mine and offered his hand to help me.


    When I finally gotfortable in my seat, the words that he mumbled kept loitering in my mind. What is in his words that gives me the utmost satisfaction of answers? He is surely a person of mystery.


    I let out a breath of relief and feel the coldness of the environment.


    ****


    "Oh my! Are you serious? This ce is freaking beautiful!" I shrieked out loudly when we arrived at the field.


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    Mking damuhan ang naroroon at di kyuan ay ang mga bulubundukin. There were some set ups that was made. May mga banderilya din sa paligid na nlagay. I can''t believe that I would eventually attend this kind of event! "Oh Wayde, andito ka p!"


    "Magandang hapon, Mang Karding! Kumusta na ang pagdedesinyo?" sinulyapan ko si Wayde habang lumpit ito sa isang matandang ginoo.


    They looked so close with each other by the looked of the old man''s expression. Sikat na sikat siguro si Wayde rito o sadyang p-kaibiganng ang mga taong nasa Punto Sierra.


    Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa paligid at sinuyod ang lugar. Ahh, this ce is so good to be true. Hindi rin naw sa paningin ko ang mga niyog at meron pang umaakyat roon para kumuha. Punto Sierra has abundant resources when ites to food.


    I went near to the people who were putting some banner in their stage. Gawa iyon sa kawayan at katamtamanmang angki.


    "Hi! Mukhang ngayonng kita nakita rito, bagong salta kng ba?" lumingon ako sa nagsalita.


    It''s a woman that looks same my age. May hawak-hawak itong banderilya at iba pang pan-desinyo.


    "Yeah, bagong ako rito." I folded my arms and we watched the process of how they set up the ce.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "Ahh, kaano-ano mo p si Wayde?" Oh.


    "Hindi kami rted, I''m renting in his house." I said politely. Nakita kong umawang ang bibig niya at nalaki ang mga matang tinignan ako.


    "Tga? Ginawa niya ''yun? Ang swerte mo, ate!" my forehead knotted.


    "Bakit naman?"


    Lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ang balikat ko para bulungan. Animo''y may iba pang makakarinig sa amin kahit nasa myo naman ang ibang kasamahan. Is really being close with Wayde a talk of the town?


    I nced at Wayde. Nakita ko siyang nakatingin sa direksyon namin at bahagyang kumunot ang noo. His both hands are on each side. He''s wearing his aviator too.


    Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at hindi na siya pinansin.

 Chapter 8.2

    "Sa pagkaka-m kasi namin, hindi tumatanggap iyan ng babaeng bisita si boss Wayde unless nng kung kakla niya o importante sa kanya. Sigurado ka ba tgang hindi kayo magkakla?" umiling ako


    That''s because I forced him to let me stay. Gusto ko sanang isantig ''yun sa kanya nang makarinig kami ng karipas ng takbo pappit sa amin.


    Sinulyapan ko si Wayde na nakahilig sa motorbike nito. There are some people circling him down and greeting him which he exchanges with a sincere smile. He didn''t even get tired of exchanging smiles and even talk with them like they are long friends.


    "Daday, d ko nahat ng gamit. Saan ba lagay ang mga ''to?" I stilled when I heard a familiar voice not far from us. Sigurado akong siya ang nagmamay-ari ng boses na ''yun!


    "Late kana naman, yton! Naku tga, ak ko ba magbabagong buhay kana ha?" kompronta ng isang babae.


    "Sorry naman, free trial png yun eh. W pa tayo sa premium subscription," napakamot ito sa ulo at napahawak sa ulo nang bi siyang binatukan ng babae. "Aray naman! ikaw kaya batukan ko?!" "yton?" I mumbled. Nakuha ko naman ang atensyon nng dwa.


    My eyes widened when I finally confirmed who it was. Oh gosh!


    "Celestia?" Mki ang ngiti kong kumaway. There I saw my ssmate way back in highschool. Ng ang panga ko nang makita siya. He looks so much different right now. What the hell is he doing here? Oh my God!


    Maslo rin siyang tumangkad at gumwapo. I shrieked out and shout in glee when I saw him. Mwak rin ang ngiti niya nang makita ako at idinipa ang dwang kamay. I ran towards him and weed him with a hug. "Gosh! Is that really you?! You look so much different now!" I hugged him tightly before stepping back.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "yton at your service!" sumaludo pa siya na parang isang sundalo. "Ikaw rin naman ah, pumuti kapa ngalo eh. Lumak kaba ng gluta?"


    Inirapan ko siya at nirolyohan ng mata. Hindi pa rin tga siya nagbabago. Napasimangot ako ng guluhin niya ang buhok ko at piningot sa ilong. Tinampal ko siya kaagad.


    "Bakit ka napunta rito sa Punto Sierra?" I clinged in to him and smiled.


    He smiled and shrugged. "I think I should be the one to ask you that."


    "M-Magkakakla kayo?" The girl who approached me awhile ago asked. We both nodded.


    I and yton came from the same school and we''re ssmates. We initially became close because he''s the type of guy who wants to be friend all of the students in the university. And that''s because of his out-going personality and bubblyness. "Oo naman! Baka muse namin ''to nung highschool!" yton encircled his hands on my neck at mess with my hair again. Palibhasa matangkad! That''s why he''s always the top pick in choosing a yer in basketball.


    W namang remo ang mga coach namin dahil sobrang galing rin niya sarangang iyon.


    "Sumali kaya kayo sa Punto Sierra contest? Siguradong kayo ang mananalo!"


    Nagkatinginan kami ni yton at sabay na umiling. It would be a disaster if we would! As far as I can remember, yton was partnered to me before, but it turns out drastically chaos! Instead of being serious in the pageant, it became aedy show because of yton''s recklessness.


    He always ruin a serious moment that left usughing. It was in a good way tho.


    "No thanks, I''m too good for that." See what I mean?


    "You''re so mayabang! Kaya p imbes na maging pageant contest yung sinalihan natin, ginawa mongedy show. To note that, the dean called your attention because of what happened." I chuckled, shaking my head.


    "Ang harsh mo ah! Porke''t naging muse kng, ganyan kana sakin. Hini-hurt mo ang aking feelings!" umakto pa siyang nasasaktan kaya kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran.


    Naphaw ito sa gt at napahiwy sakin. I just shrugged and stuck my tongue out at him. He just mimicked what I did and massage the side that I pinched. Nakakamanghang isipin na rito kami ulit magkikita. It''s been awhile since we have seen each other.


    "You lit-" kukurotin sana niya ang pisngi ko nang natign siya. yton stood up properly and fixed his gesture. Tumaas rin ang ky niya at lumampas ang tingin sa likod ko.


    "Celestia." It''s Wayde, calling me.


    Lumingon ako sa kanya. "Let''s go home. I still have worked at 4," tumango ako at bumaling kay yton.


    Hindi ko m kung matatawa ako o maiinis sa itsura niya ngayon. His jaw dropped and his eyes widened because of shock. Unti-unti nitong tinaas ang hintuturong daliri at tinuro ang papyong bulto ni Wayde.


    "D-don''t tell me. Naungusan n-na naman ako nglaking yun?! Anong h-home yang sinasabi nglaking yan ha?" ininguso nito si Wayde na nakahiligng sa motor nito habang tinitignan ang eksena naming dwa. With a cross arms and still wearing those aviators to protect his eyes from the scorching heat.


    Pinagtitinginan na rin kami ng iba dahil sa sigaw ni yton.


    "You know him, yton?" unti-unti siyang tumango habang hindi inaalis ang tingin kay Wayde. Then suddenly, nagdadabog ito at kinuyom ang kamao. Damn it, nasapian na naman ng pagka-isip bata ''tong kaibigan ko.


    "Anak ng teteng naman oh! Naungusan na naman ako. Pgi nng Wayde, Wayde! W ''bang, yton diyaaan?" natawa ako sa hindi na halos ma-itsura nitong mukha.


    I chuckled lightly and just watched his reaction.


    "At saka Celestia! H-how dare you na s-sumama salaking yun! Pati ba naman ikaw?! nad na sa kaniya? Humanda ka tgang Wayde ka at mababangasan din kita!" He bumped his left fist with his right palm. And he just looked like someone who wants to go in a boxing match.


    Binatukan ko siya.


    "Baliw! I''m renting one of the room in his house for the meantime. Nothing more and nothing less, so vanished that thoughts inside your mind."


    "Aray naman, Celestia! You chose Wayde already, what is it with him that you didn''t saw in me? Kapalit-palit ba ako? Am I change-change? Then why?!" pagdra-drama nito sa harap ko. Napailing-iling ako at nakad na pyo sa kanya habang naghihisterikal pa siya.

 Chapter 8.3

    "Hey Celestia! Come back here!" rinig ko pang sigaw niya.


    I turned my back to him for onest time and bid my goodbye.


    "See you sa piyesta, yton! Look good and let out your charms, okay?" I signalled him a thumbs up and waved my hands to him.


    Nakabusangot pa rin siya nang makita ko at kinakaway rin ang kamay niya. It''s really yton ever since, and ever ever would.


    "Uungusan ko pa yung Wayde na ''yan, makikita niyo!"


    He''s really witty as ever. Napailing-iling nng ako habang tinatahak ang daan kung nasaan si Wayde. When he saw me, he immediately handed the helmet and ride his motorbike.


    Nang masuot ang helmet ay kaagad akong sumakay sa motorbike. He drove in silence until we went back. Kaagad akong dumeritso sa s at inihilig ang likod ko ''run. I reached out for one pillow and put it in myp. "Thanks for showing me the ce! I''m excited to attend the event!" mking ang ngiting ani ko sa kanya.


    "You''re wee, enjoy the event next week, then." Wayde said. He seems different today.


    We were interrupted when Wayde''s phone rang. Kinuha nito iyon sa bulsa at wng emosyong tinignan ang hawak na gadget. His lips formed into thin line, and his eyes were damn serious.


    "Excuse me," pam niya sa akin at umalis.


    He walked outside and continued the call. Nakgay ang isang kamay nito sa bulsa habang ang isa naman ay hawak-hawak ang gadget. Their conversation must be important.


    Inayos ko ang pagkaka-pwesto ko sa sofa at unti-unting pinikit ang mga mata ko. I want to take a little nap for today. W naman na akong gagawin mamaya at gusto kong bawiin yung oras ng kng sa pagtulog ng mga nakaraang araw. I''ve been having bad habits of sleepingte,tely and it''s not good. I took out my phone and yed some rxing music to doze myself in a deep of slumber. After minutes of listening to it, I squeeze my eyes shut and let the peacefulness conquers my dream.


    ***


    Mas hin ko pa ang kumot pataas para mabalutanhat ng katawan ko. This thickforter really feels good when sleeping. I shifted my position to the other side and hugged the pillow beside me. Ahh, what a cold night to sleep under the breezy environment.


    "Hmmm..." I groaned when I felt a touch in my hair. Maslong pinapasarap niyon ang tulog ko. It feel so good.


    If this is a dream then I would want to stay longer. Nagpatuloy ang paghahaplos sa buhok ko. It''s so tender and caressing with care. Hindi ko tantiya kung ng oras na akong nakatulog.


    I just saw myselffortably sleeping in the sofa with aforter all over my body. May bolster na rin akong hawak-hawak at maraming unan sa gilid ko. It''s one of the best sleep that I had after so long. Nag-inat ako at nabitin ang kamay sa ere nang makita si Wayde. How long have I been sleeping here?!


    Makulimlim na ang kngitan at siguradong magsisbasan na ang mga uwak. I massaged my left shoulder and the another. Wayde didn''t seemed to notice me. As usual, his eyes are busy reading with some paperworks, while ying the ballpen between his index and ring finger.


    Napagpasyahan kong dumeritso nng sa kusina at baka maab ko siya. Tumayo ako at pinagpagan ang sarili, I also folded the nket and put the pillow where they belong.


    I was about to head in the kitchen when he spoke. "I made a soup, just re-heat it. Wait for it to boil before you off the stove, or the soup might dry out. "T-Thank you, Wayde," nahihiya kong tugon sa kanya.


    Minsan rin ay naaasiwa ako dahil sa mga normal na mga bagay na ginagawa niya pero hindi ko nakasanayan. There were big adjustments that I made, and it amazed me despite that people might see it as little things. But for me, it''s a stepping stone to learn.


    I on the stove and started to re-heat the soup. Umupo ako sa bar stool habang hinihintay na maluto ang sabaw. I was actually facing the s kaya kitang-kita ko si Wayde na ab sa ginagawa.


    His forehead sometimes turned to frowned when he reads. His elbow is ce above the coffee table and his knuckles is press down in the side of his head. Ngayon kong din napagmasdan ng matagal ang mukha niya.


    "Now I know kung bakit ka talk of the town," bulong ko sa sarili. Mainting to lower my voice to not disturb him.


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    Siya tga ang tinaguriang crush ng bayan. I could have make him my crush too if we''re not living in the same roof! I mean, I do have crushes, but only when I''m far away from them. I don''t do crush if I know that someone or he''s my friend. Sayang! pero baka pwede na kapag naka-alis na ako rito.


    Pero w naman sigurong masa, Celestia, kung palihim mo siyang gusto di''ba?N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Tumahimik ka nga! Sigaw ng isang panig ng utak ko.


    "I know I''m handsome so quit staring. Staring is rude, Celestia," tinapos nito ang sint sa papel bago ibinaba iyon.


    He turned to my direction, and like he always did the side of his lips rose. Napalunok at napa-iwas ng tingin. Tinitigan ko nng ang pinapainit ko na para ''bang makaka-solve iyon ng problema ko.


    Gusto ko nng malunod sa kumukulong tubig!


    Oo na, crush ko na tga siya!

 Chapter 9.1

    "Okay! Ang ayaw ko sahat ay yung mabagal kumilos, hindi nakikinig at pging lutang. Maliwanag ba?!" I swallowed hard and nodded.


    Naka-linya kaming tatlo n Laren habang dumadaan sa gitna namin si Ate Alma. Her intimidating presence made us fixed our gesture and hoping that we will not be in her cklist.


    "Tia, tignan mo yung ky ni ate Alma, kng nng mgpasan na yung Arch of Centuries," napaawang ang bibig ko nang bumulong si Marissa. Humagikgikng siya at pinagsiklop ang dwang kamay bago ibinalik ang tingin sa ginang. Ate Alma didn''t seem to hear it. Nakasiklop ang mga braso nito at may d-dng mataas na stick na animo''y isang guro na handang magturo sa nga estudyante niya.


    We are now wearing an apron and a hai. Ate Alma is our head when ites to the bakery. Matagal na siyang nagtra-trabaho rito kaya siya ang pinagkakatiwan ng l n Laren.


    "Ang pinaka-ayaw ko rin sahat ay yung makupad at p-tanong. Maliwanag ba?!"


    "O-opo, ate Alma." Sabay-sabay naming tugon sa kanya.


    Dumukwang si Melissa at bumulong na naman sa akin. "Paano kung ayaw rin natin sa kanya?"


    "May sinasabi ka Marissa?" Ate Alma interrupted. Ang kaninang pakurba nitong ky ay maslong pang humaba at tumaas.


    Marissa shake her head to disagree, "Nakuu, w po Ate Alma. Sinasabi kong kay Celestia na maganda ang ky niyo."


    Marissa is surely not serious with what she meant. Mki naman na ngisi ang ginanti ni Ate Alma at nag-angat ng tingin. "Dapatng! Nagmamatch sa mukha ko ang kagandahan ng ky ko " Proud na proud niyang sabi.


    "W naman akong nakikita, Ate Alma eh," pinanggigitnaan ako ni Laren at Marissa kaya rinig na rinig ko ang mga binubulong n.


    I was just standing there and listening to their statements.


    "May sinasabi ka, Laren?" taas-ky na tanong ni Ate Alma kay Laren.


    "W po, Ate Alma! ang sabi ko po, w naman akong nakikitang mali sa ky niyo. Ang ganda nga po eh,"


    "Smat, m kong maganda ako kaya wag niyo ng ipandakan." The three of us trying to stop ourselves fromughing. Kagat-kagat ko ang pang ibabangbi ko para hindi mahta. Same goes with Laren and Marissa too. "May pinaghahandaan ka ata, Ate Alma? Magda-date kayo ng jowa mo?" usisa ni Marissa sa kanya, at napgay naman si ate Alma ng hi ng buhok sa likod ng tainga nito, nagpipigil ng ngiti.


    Marissa shrieked out when she saw ate Alma''s reaction. T kinikilig naman si ate Alma nang bi itong sumeryoso.


    "Oh tama na ang palandi! pero syempre," ngay nito ang magkabng kamay sa pisngi. "Ihahanda ang mukha pgi para kay Mr. Patterson!"Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Nagtilian naman ang dwa kong kasama na parang m na kung ano ang hinahanap n. I looked at them with curiosity. Curious na curious na ako kung sino ba ang Mr. Patterson na pinagsasabi n.


    "At hep!" tinuro niya kaming tatlo. "Wag na wag niyong subukan lumandi sa kanya at kukurutin ko kayo sa singit. Maliwanag ba?!"


    "Eh ate Alma naman! Share nng tayo!"


    "Hindi, malilintikan kayo sakin kapag sinubukan niyong lumandi kay Mr. Patterson." Wng nagawa at tumango ang dwa. Tumango nang rin ako at tumungo sa working space ko.


    Come to think of it, sigurado ngang may malilintikan sa aminghat kung may managahas na kunin ang atensyon ni Mr. Patterson. Ate Alma didn''t really mean what she said, but just to be safe, hindi ko nng amin kung sino yun. Iwas pa sa atensyon ni ate Alma!


    Busangot namang nag-handa si Marissa ng mga gagamitin sa paggawa ng mga pandesal. I could hear her murmurs from where I''m standing.


    ***


    Busy.


    It''s the only word that I can describe for the whole afternoon. Ate Alma instructed us on what to do and we even barely talk because od the hectic schedules. Nanakit na ang mga kamay ko sa pagbubuhat at pagdad ng mga tray sa oven. I''m not used in doing physical work, but this is something I have to deal with. Hindi pa ako nakakain ng lunch sim pa kanina.


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    "Celestia, ikaw na muna ang assign sa pagbibigay ng mga breads." Tumango ako at kaagad na hinubad ang gloves bago tumungo sa harapan.


    It''s quarter to four already and I know that there will be lots of customers by this time. I''m actually nervous since it''s my first time here.


    "Pabili nga po ng yoyo at isang crinkles ate ganda." A kid knock on the ss and pointed his chosen breads. I wore a new pair of gloves and got his order. I slid it to the cute paperbags and handed it to him. "Thank you ande again!" I smiled widely while bidding goodbye to the kid.


    "Pabili ng isang ensaymada ineng."


    "Pabili po ng sampong francis at dwang cheese bread, ate."


    "Sa akin naman po is yung egg bread, bale lima po."


    I stopped midway when there''s a lot of them gathering in front of the bakeshop, and I''m confused on who should I aodate first. Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa mga customers, and for a second, I felt dizzy. There were lots of them, and for the first time, I felt in panicked.

 Chapter 9.2

    Lumingon ako kina Laren to ask for their help, and they immediatelye near to guide me.


    "Ayos kang ba?" It was Laren who asked.


    I slowly nodded my head and stepped back. Nang yumuko ako ay nakita ko ang nanginginig kong kamay. I shake my hands to get back on track, but no used. Dang it, not now please. Napatukod ako sa hamba ngmesa at mahigpit na hinawakan iyong bng suporta. Nahihilo ako at unti-unting hindi nagiging normal ang paningin ko.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "Celestia, ayos kng ba? Uminom ka muna ng tubig," Maria handed me a ss of water which I immediately drank.


    Nang hagurin ni Laren ang likod ko ay napansin niyang basang-basa iyon. I''m sweating so bad. In my peripheral vision, I saw her getting a new handkerchief and wiped my sweating back. Pina-upo muna n ako at pinagpahinga. What suddenly happened to me?


    "Oh," inabutan ako ni Marissa ng isang paper bag. "Kumain ka muna, m kong sumama ang pakiramdam mo dahil nalipasan ka ng gutom. And let me guess, hindi ka sanay sa mga ganitong gawain no?" Being embarrassed, I nodded. Unang araw ko png sa trabaho ay inaab ko pa s.


    "Magpahinga ka muna diyan, Celestia," tumango ako at nakinig. Sinimn ko na rin kainin ang binigay sa akin ni Laren. Umiikot pa rin ang paningin ko at pinagpapawisan ng sobra.


    "Ate Alma, Tignan mo daliii! Si Mr. Patterson oh! paparating na rito!" nagkukumahog sng lumapit sa maliit na siwang sa harapan. I could also hear the murmuring too, but didn''t bother to peak because of my state. "Oh may ghad! yung script niyo ha, ayusin niyo, wnglandi kay Mr. Patterson pero akong dapat!" sambit ni ate Alma habang inaayos ang sarili.


    "Wag ka ''ring mndi, ate Alma! sharing is caring tayo dito."


    Napapantastikuhan ko sng tinignan habang nag-aagawan ng pwesto para makita si Mr. Patterson. I tried to peak pero napapalibutan nng tatlo ang harapan.


    "Hi Mr. Patterson! Ano po yung gusto niyo? Tinapay o ako?" napaawang bibig ko sa sinabi ni ate Alma.


    "Ate Alma, umayos ka kung ayaw mong matanggal yung dwang ky mo," bulong ni Marissa na nagpalingon kay ate Alma.


    Ate Alma gritted her teeth and looked at Marissa sharply, "anong sabi mo?"


    "H-Ha?" maang na tanong ni Marissa. "Ang sabi ko matanggn ng trabaho. Focus ka kasi kay Mr. Patterson ''e, kaya ayan tuloy!"


    I shook my head in amusement. Kumindat sa akin si Marissa at binalik ang atensyon sa sinasabi nng Mr. Patterson. They surely like him that much.


    After I recovered, kaagad akong bumalik sa trabaho hanggang sa papalubog na ang araw.


    "Oi, Celestia! May mpit na kainan rito sa bayan. Sikat daw at maraming pumupunta ''run. Gusto mong sumama?" pag-aaya ni Marissa sa''kin.


    I was busy putting my things in my bag. Kaagad kong sinukbit iyon at sabay kaming lumabas.


    Umiling ako.


    "Hindi na muna sa ngayon, Marissa. Sa susunod nng." I''m not really in the mood to go out. Gusto ko munang magpahinga sa bahay after a long day of work.


    "Oh mga ineng! Kay gagandang mga dg. Oh, may bago png trabahador si Tasia?" lumingon siya sa''kin at ngumiti.


    "Magandang hapon sa inyo, Mang Rene! Naks saganang-sagana tayo sa inuman ngayon ah?" gatong ni Marissa nang makita ang matandanglaki.


    "Ay naku! Napayaganng tga ng maganda kong misis. Ano nga p ang pangn mo hija?"


    "Celestia po, Mang Rene."


    "Napakagandang bata--- kaygandang dg. m mo ba na ang ibig sabihin ng pangn mo ay galing sa salitang ''makngit'' o ''p''? Isa iyan sa mga magagandang malarawan sa Punto Sierra. Ako rin ay nakakatiyak na sa lugar na ito mo makikita anglaking para sa iyo."


    "Imposibleng mangyari pa iyon, Mang Rene." I am tied to someone whom I didn''t even know.


    "Aba''y bakit hindi? Sa lim ng paglubog ng araw ay mag-aaminan ang pag-ibig na wagas na hindi kan mapupugto ng kung anumang mga bkid."


    "Ikaw tga Mang Rene! Huwag mo nga idadamay si Celestia riyan sa mga words of love mo. Pasensya kana Celestia ah, pinaglihi ata si Mang Rene kay Pilosopo Tasyo ng Noli Me Tangere."


    A gentle smile escaped from my lips. "It''s okay. I also want to hear from Mang Rene."


    "O siya! Humayo na kayo mga magandang dg basta tandaan niyo ang sinabi ko. Huwag kalimutan gamitin ang puso at utak."


    "Noted, Mang Rene! Oi Laren at Celestia, tignan niyo yung sunset oh!"


    Tumalikod ako upang tignan ang tinuro ni Marissa. The orange teal sunset invaded the vast skies. Kahit ang mga vendors na naroon ay napalingon sa tinuro ni Marissa.


    "Oh kunan ko kayo ng litratong tatlo mga ineng! Mas magandang may babauning  sa magandang pangyayari na ito." Pagprepresenta ni Mang Rene kaya kanya-kanya kaming kuha ng mga cellphone namin at binigay iyon sa kanya. "O, one, two, three, say cheese!" I''m in the middle of the three. Naka-peace sign ako habang nakayakap naman sa bewang ko si Laren. Habang si Melissa naman ay idinipa ang dwang kamay at mki ang ngisi. We didn''t just take one picture, but lots of ''em. Sinali pa n Marissa si Mang Rene at kumuha kami ng litratohat.


    This moment is ethereal that I actually want to keep hold of this forever.

 Chapter 10.1

    It''s past midnight already nang maalimpungatan ako. I''m thirsty and made my way to the kitchen. My forehead knotted when the light is still up in the ss. Nang magtungo ako ''run ay nakita ko si Wayde, bahagyang nakgay ang mga braso sa coffee table at ito ang ginamit niya bng unan.


    He''s sleeping peacefully. Napagod yata ito dahil sa ginagawa.


    Lots of paperworks was scattered on his table as usual. No wonder that he''s one of a he working guy. I wonder where''s his parents are right now. They must''ve been so proud to see their son working hard to earn the achievements he has


    now.


    I squatted in front of him and watched those small details from him. Nakatungong ako sa kanya at pinagmasdan siya. Iid my chin above the coffee table and stared at him. "You''re going to marry someone, Celestia."


    "Meet your groom here this instant, Celestia! Huwag mo akong galitin." Marriage.


    Yan ang pinaka-iiwasan ko sahat. Matagal ko ng naririnig kay daddy ang usapin sa mga ganun, but I just neglected that idea, thinking that it wasn''t a big deal. But no, it was even more than that now. It''s ironic to speak about it but my life looks like a drama series.


    Running away from home, marrying a stranger and meeting someone in the most important time.


    Napatitig ako sa ring finger ko. Sooner orter, they would found out where I live. Roseanna would be frantically celebrate if that would happen. Gustong-gusto niya ako ipakasal to whom ever that guy is. Bakit hindi nng siya magpakasal ''run, tutal ay siya naman ang gustong-gusto makasal ako?


    "Damn it," bulong ko.


    My eyes went to Wayde''s pointy nose and tantalizing eyes. If ever I can choose someone to marry. How lucky could I be if I could find someone as an independent, hardworking and loving husband? W na siguro akong mahihiling pa. But this is reality. Aplex word that I should emphasize in my life. If only I have...N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "Get yourself together, Celestia," tinampal ko ang magkabng pisngi para bumalik sa kamunduhan. It''s reality after all.


    I heaved a sigh and fixed my squatting posture. Nahagip ng mata ko ang pamilyar na dokumento na naktag samesa nito. May nakapatong na folder sa ibabaw nito kaya hindi ko makita ng maayos ang pang-ibabang parte. But I''m so sure what it refers to.


    A marriage contract.


    Inangat ko ang kamay ko para kunin sana iyon nang may humagip sa kamay ko. Napaawang ang bibig ko at sinuyod ang kamay na nakahawak sa akin.


    "What are you doing?" his voice is stern and serious.


    "I-I''m sorry, I just saw that... uhm a contract about something," t naumid ang d ko at hindi maipagpatuloy ang sasabihin.


    He put my hands down and fix the papers in his table. Nang maayos at mgay salagyan nito ay humarap siya sa''kin.


    "Why are you still up by this hour?" His voice is still groggy. Umiling ako.


    "Naalimpungatanng ako. I was about to fetch a ss of water when I saw you here. G-Gigisingin sana kita, but I think you''re already up."


    "Really?" may pagdududa at panunudyo sa boses niya. He''s teasing me again.


    I stood up. Pinagpagan ko ang sarili, "Tgang-tga. Bye!"


    I hurriedly turned my back away from him and headed to the kitchen. Kumuha ako ng isang baso tubig at kaagad na ininom iyon. What I saw earlier went back through my mind. It''s a marriage contract. Are we also in the same situation? Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko at dinama ang mabilis na pag pintig nito.


    I peaked at Wayde once more and saw him standing up. Napalingon siya sa direksyon ko at ngumiti. I was fixated by his smile.


    "Goodnight... Celestia."


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    Dwang salita pero sapat na ''yun para buhayin ang kalma kong puso. My heart reacted so violently that it left me in confusion and some questions. Could it be I''m... falling for him?


    ****


    "Oh God! I''mte!" I didn''t even bother to brush my hair properly. I rushed outside while tying my hair in a ponytail. Muntik ko pang makalimutan magsuot ng footsocks dahil sa pagmamadali. Nang makbas ako ay nagt ako kung sino ang naroon.


    "yton? What are you doing here?"


    "Nman kong sa isang bakery ni Nay Tasia ka p nagtra-trabaho. At," lumapit siya sa akin at hindi ko napaghandaan ang pitik niya sa noo ko. "Late kana sa trabaho mo kaya tara na."


    Oh Yes! Muntik ko ng makalimutan ang trabaho ko dahil sa biang pagsulpot niya.


    "Let''s go! Pakihatid ako pakiusap, ayaw ko pang masibak sa trabaho ko no!" natataranta kong aniya at ako na mismo ang lumapit sa motor niya.


    "W ba yunglaking naiinggit sa kagwapuhan ko? Sayang, sasampn ko pa sana siya." Binatukan ko siya. Ang madaig si Wayde pa rin ang iniisip niya hanggang ngayon.


    "Ihatid mo nng ako, pakiusap."


    "Aray naman! Oo na, eto na, Amazona!" I rolled my eyes and made myselffortable on his motorbike.


    Marahanng ang pagpapatakbo ni yton sa motor niya which is hindi ako sanay. Oh, it''s not the same person who is driving, Celestia. I got used to Wayde''s driving if we were going to the town. Pinilig ko nng ang ulo at nagfocus sa daan. It didn''tst for an hour when we arrived. Kaagad ko siyang niyakap dahil sa tuwa. Mabuti nng tga at nandito si yton para mahatid ako.


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    "Thank you! Thank you! You''re such a saviour, yton!" mahigpit ko siyang yinakap sa leeg.


    "A-ray... hindi ako m-makahinga, C-Celestia." I immediately let go.


    "Oops! Sorry! I''ll go ahead now, yton. Thank you so much." I waved my hand at him before entering the bakery.


    "Sabihin mo sa Wayde na ''yun na hindi ako titigil hangga''y diko siya maungusan!" he wiggled his eyebrows at me. Kahit kan tga.


    Kaagad kong pinihit ang pintuan at nagt sa nabungaran ko. Shocked was stered in my face when I saw Laren, Marissa and ate Alma lining up. Ang mga tingin n ay parang nambubusisi. Uhh, I didn''t do anything right? "Uh... may problema ba?" takang tanong ko. Lumapit si ate Alma sa akin at sinuyod ako m ulo hanggang paa.


    "Ikaw..." What? Napatingin ako sa pambisig na relo at nakitang hindi pa naman akote. In fact, I just arrived five minutes before the in time.


    "Celestia.. sabihin mo nga sa amin."


    "Na ano?" ano ba ang sinasabi n?


    "Bakit mo kasama si yton?" Finally, Laren was the one who blurted it out.


    "yton? Oh, he''s my close friend way back in highschool." Napaawang ang bibig nnghat at sabay-sabay na napasigaw.


    "What?!" I was startled a bit.


    "Y-yeah," napakamot ako sa ulo."Mlate na sana ako sa trabaho kaso sinundo niya ako sa bahay at naghatid sa akin rito." Hindi ko m kung matatawa o maiiling sa mga reaksyon n. Their eyes widened in shock and the three of them rushedly went to me.

 Chapter 10.2

    "Anong favorite food niya? Favorite color? Anong tipo niya sa babae? Sagutin mo''ko Celestia! Sagutin mo''ko!" hinawakan ko sa magkabng balikat si Marissa upang patigilin sa pagyugyog sa balikat ko.


    "Calm down. Alright, I''ll tell you after work." Ate Alma and Marissa shrieked out except for Laren who became quiet.


    "Promise mo yan ah! Wng bawian! How to be you po?"


    "Baliw, we''re just friends, that''s all."


    I went to my locker to put my things when I realized that I forgot to bring them! This is the result of not being prepared for this kind of situation. Looks like my first week of working days would be blended by my recklessness. "Hep! Sure ka diyan ah?" paninigurado niyang tanong at tumango naman ako.


    Maligaliw na nagtrabaho s ate Alma at Marissa. They would just shriek out from time to time. Pano nng kaya kung hinding si yton ang makikita n. If Wayde woulde here, they would definitely shout in glee. It was a normal day in the bakery. After the preparation, kaagad kong sinimn ang pagdad ng mga pandesal sa bread racks. Ang natirang oras ay winili ko sa paggawa ng mga cookies. It wasn''t that hard to make because all of the ingredients were already there.


    "Woah! Magbabake ka ng cookies, Celestia? Paturo!" I nodded. Tinulungan naman n akong ihanda ang mga ingredients at s na mismo ang naghalo ng iba.


    I''m sifting the flour and put the right amount of baking soda and salt in one bowl. Kaagad ko namang hinalo ang iba pa at kumuha ng chocte chips at hinalo iyon. Pagkatapos mahanda anghat ay kaagad kong ngay sa refrigerator ang dough. I''ll let it settle for a couple of hours.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ganyan siguro ang mga mayayaman ''no? Oi bigyan mo''ko ah!"


    "Baking cookies is our bonding time with my father. Oo naman, you can also give your crush if you''d like."


    "Hoy! Hoy! Wag mo ko bigyan ng idea at baka kumagat ako hihihi."


    "Marissa! Tulungan mo ako dito at mamaya na angndi ah!" sabay-sabay kaming tumawa nang marinig ang sigaw ni ate Alma. Kamot-kamot ang batok na umalis si Marissa at tumungo kay ate Alma.


    ***


    I stretched out and massaged both of my shoulders. My body is tired from all of the work. Mas dumoble pa ang customer namin ngayon kaysa ''nung isang araw. Kaagad kong kinuha ang dough sa refrigerator and let it chill for several minutes.


    "Here, mold this one like the size of a golf ball." Pagtuturo ko kina Laren at Marissa. Kaagad naman nng sinunod yun at iniligay sa baking pan.


    "Pwede ba heart shape to? Baka naman may pag-asang sagutin ni crush."


    "Naririndi na ako sa''yo, Marissa kaya tigil-tign mo na yan," ngiwing saad ni Laren na mukhang punong-puno na sa kapatid.


    "Palibhasa kasi yung crush mo, dika pinapansin. Ikaw na kasi mag damoves dun par-" kaagad na pinasakan ng dough ni Laren si Marissa sa bibig kaya napaubo ito bi. Nahihintakutang kong tinignan si Laren na natawang sa hitsura ni Marissa.


    I tapped Marissa''s back and handed her some water. Pati rin ako ay natatawa sa ginawa ni Laren.


    "Ang bastos niyo ah! Ambad niyo tga sa''kin huhuhu." Umaakto pang umiiyak si Marissa kaya nakatikim ng mahinang batok kay Laren.


    "Ang oa mo tga. Magfocus ka nng sa mga cookies mo at baka himng sagutin ka ng mga nagugustuhan mo." Rumolyo ang mga mata ni Marissa at bumusangot ang mukha.


    As we wait for the cookies, Marissa really asked for yton''s favorites. Sinagot ko naman ang mga nlaman ko and their reaction is just hrious. Bawat sagot ko sa katanungan n ate Alma ay may kasamang tili o kilig. "Tgang ah? Bet p ni fafa yton ang mahinhin na mga babae. Hindi naman ako mahinhin pero... naniniw akong wng yan kapag pag-ibig na mismo ang tumarget sa''yo."


    "Tama ka tga diyan, Marissa. Kaya meron pa tayong pag-asa," pag-sang ayon naman ni ate Alma sa kanya.


    We waited for several minutes before checking the oven to see if the cookies were already baked. Lumulukob ang halimuyak niyon sa boung silid. I wore the safety gloves before opening the oven and got the tray inside. "Ang bango naman niyan, Celestia," puri ni ate Alma at tinignan ang umuusok pa na mga cookies. We let it chill for several minutes before packing it.


    Kumuha ako ng isa at tinikman iyon. I smiled when it tasted as what I expected. Matagal-tagal na rin nung nakagawa ako ng cookies.


    Nang makbas kaminghat ay nasapo ko ang noo nang may marealize. I don''t actually have a money to go home! W na ''ring yton ang maghahatid sa''kin pauwi. I bit my lower lip, contemting on what to do.


    I''m actually shy of asking a favor to Laren or Marissa. But how could you go home if you don''t ask for help, Celestia?! Makulimlim na ang kngitan nang makbas kami. I was just standing outside, holding the paper bag filled with cookies. Nagdadwang isip pa ako kung sino anglapitan ko.


    "Nakikita niyo ba ang nakikita ko?" kinbit ako ni Marissa kaya agad akong napatingin sa kanya.


    Halos lumuwa na ang mata niya sa kakatutok sa isang banda.


    "Oh my... anong ginagawa niya rito ngayon?" ate Alma held Marissa''s elbow. Sinundan ko ang tinitignan n. Naki ang mata ko nang mapagtanto kung sino iyon. "It''s.. it''s... Mr. Patterson." si Laren.


    What?! Did I hear Laren right?


    I thought he would just pass by us, but what he did made me stunned. With a nk expression, Wayde stood in front of me and flicked his fingers in my forehead.


    "I''ll be waiting for you at the parking area." He whispered in my ear before walking away. Nanatili akong nakatungo habang pinagmamasdan ang papyong bulto ni Wayde.


    I can feel their strong stares at me. Hinampas ako ni Marissa at nang tignan ko s, it looks like I owe them an exnation.


    "I... actually don''t know that he''s Mr. Patterson."

 Chapter 10.3

    Unti-unti akong napapahakbang pa atras at hng na ngumiti. What they said was congested in my mind.


    "m mo na kung gaano ka kaswerte, Celestia? Lahat ng babae ay pinapangarap na makapalit ng pwesto mo! Ano ba ang sekreto mo sa buhay?"


    "Uhh... mali kayo ng iniisip, okay? I''m... actually renting in his house for quite awhile since I just moved here in Punto Sierra." I exined but it looks like they are not buying it. May mga panunudyo sa tingin n.


    "Promise! There''s nothing going on between us." Sabay sng napatango-tangong tatlo pero hindi pa rin makaka ang mga panunudyong tingin sa kan.


    "Sige... naniniw kami ah. Puntahan mo na ang jo- este si Mr. Patterson at baka nababagot na yun kakahintay. Regards mo nng kami sa kanya ah..." napangiwi ako sa kakaibang tingin n. Mukhang hindi tga ako titign kakatudyo ng mga ''to kapag hindi ako aalis.


    I bid my farewell before running towards the parking area. Pero hindi png ako nakakapunta sa parking area ay nadatnan ko si Wayde ng hakbang kang m sa bakery na naghihintay habang ang dwang kamay ay nakgay sa magkabng bulsa ng pantalon nito.


    When his eyes met mine, bakas sa mukha nito ang pagka-inip.


    Oh, napahintay ko ata siya ng matagal.


    Marami ''ring mga vendors ang nagliligpit roon at nagdad ng mga mking gamit para iligpit. It was a busy area indeed


    "Sorry for keeping you wait." Paghingi ko ng tawad sa kanya. We walked together-heading to the parking area.


    "You shouldn''t leave your belongings like that, Celestia. If I haven''t seen your bag at the s, then I wouldn''t knew that you don''t have something with you." Is this the reason why his in a bad mood earlier?


    Well, he got a point tho. I''ve been so recklesstely that I didn''t notice that it affected my shift for the day.


    "I''m sorry, muntik na kasi akong mte kanina kaya ganun."


    He bobbed his head and looked faraway.


    "Always keep your things with you. That little boy will not always be with you to save you." Wayde bitterly said.


    My forehead creased due to curiosity. Si yton ba ang tinutukoy niya?


    "You mean, yton? I didn''t expect him to see there early in the morning. It was also a blessing of disguise since I''m alsote for work." I smiled. yton was just in time to save me from being tardy. "Good for you, then." He replied, pero t ba may iba pang tono ang pagkakasabi niya yun.


    I raised my hand and showed him the paper bags. Napakunot ang noo niya at napatingin sa hawak ko


    "What''s that?"


    "I made some cookies! I told you, don''t challenge me or you might embarrass yourself. Have some!" mki ang ngiti kong sabi sa kanya.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Bubuksan ko na sana ang paperbag nang hinapit niya ako sa bewang at napasubsob ako sa dibdib niya. My breathing hitched when he pulled me closer to him. I could even smell his scent because of our closeness. "What..." Hindi ko na natuloy pa ang sasabihin ko nang bumulong siya sa''kin. His lips brushed slightly in my ear that made me stunned


    "Careful," he whispered before pulling away. Kaagad nanindig ang bhibo ko sa ginawa niya. There''s... something in his act that made me confusedtely. And it always corrtes with the beating of my heart. I don''t know what it is, but one thing for sure is that Wayde really has an effect on me.


    It''s just then I found out na may nakasunod p sa amin. The guy is holding a sharp object and barely notices that I almost got hit by it.


    "Pasensya na po ate. Hindi ko po sinasadya." I smiled and nodded not to bother the person.


    When the person left, kaagad kaming nagpatuloy sa palakad.


    "T-Thank you," I said without even taking a nce at him. In my peripheral vision, I just saw him nodding.


    Bago kami makarating sa parkingte ay nakarinig kami ng busina ng sasakyan. No, a van rather. It''s not just one but two. Pinagtitinginan na rin ito ng mga taong naroroon. Nang lumingon ako roon ay isa-isang nalabasan ang mgalakihan.


    My mood shifted when I saw the logo imprinted in the van.


    Vircarcel''s Empire.


    T namig ang buong katawan ko at napako iyon sa mga nagsbasang mga kkihan roon. There were my dad''s men.


    What are they doing here?


    May npitan ang mga itong vendor at mukhang nagtatanong. When one of them looked at our direksyon, kaagad akong nag-iwas ng tingin.


    "W-Wayde..." He looked at me and saw the panicked in my eyes. T nakuha niya ang ibig sabihin ko at tumango.


    He wrapped his arms on me. Tinago ko ang mukha ko sa leather jacket niya at kaagad naman niya akong niyakap.


    "Please, don''t let them see me." I tried my best to remained myposure but the plea in my voice is still visible.


    "Trust me..." he whispered. At sa pagkakataong iyon, I nodded. The way he said it gives me assurance that he wouldn''t do something bad. I can feel his hand brushing my hair lightly. "Just believe with what I say." Kaagad akong tumango sa sinabi niya.


    "Sir, excuse me po." Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa kanya at maslo pang nagsusumiksik sa kanya. W akong pakim kung magmukha akong tanga sa paningin ng iba. "What is it?" His voice is stern and distant.


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    Kagayang-kagaya nung una png naming pagkikita


    "Kla niyo po ba ang taong ''to?" My heart is beating so fast that I could even hear its own beating from the outside. Kagat angbi kong lihim na nanngin na hindi ako mapansin. "Sorry, I haven''t encountered this person yet here." Wayde''s hand travelled in my back and caressed it back and forth.


    "Sige sir, smat. Asawa niyo po?"


    I''m hoping that the guy would just walk away but he didn''t.


    "Yeah, buntis kasi kaya nalambing. W na raw akong oras sa kanya." Wayde casually said and chuckled lightly. Mas pinag-igihan tga nito ang pag-aacting at mas nmbingan pa ang boses. If I were the guy asking him, I wouldn''t even suspect that he''s with the perpetrator. He is so convincing!


    "Ahh ganun ho ba sir. Suyuin niyong ng suyuin at bibigay rin yan si misis. Smat sir!"


    "I''ll take note of that." Amusement is visible in Wayde''s tone. We stayed in that position for a couple of minutes.


    "They''re gone." Kaagad akong bumitaw sa kanya at kinurot siya.


    "Really?! Out of all the excuses, yun pa tga ang naisip mo?" napapantastikuhan ko siyang tinignan.


    "It was adrenaline rush. Kesa naman w akong masabi sa kan. Why? You''re affected?" t napapaso akong lumayo sa kanya at marahas na umiling.


    The confidence!


    "H-Hell no! not even in a million." That''s a lie, really. Hindi ko man aminin, but I know that there''s already something growing inside me


    "Ows? Do you think that I didn''t notice those simple nces from you?" he teased.


    I rolled my eyes, "E ano naman ngayon?" defensive kong sagot.


    Napatigil si Wayde. I looked at him as if I said something wrong.


    "What?" I mouthed.


    Pinipign nitong ngumiti at nang hindi nito iyon napign ay mkas itong humkhak. I was confused, really. His heartilyugh got some attentions from the people in the ce too. What could I say? It''s him who''sughing. It makes him more attractive.


    "You didn''t realize, didn''t you?"


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!


    "Na ano... ba? Oh my!" napatakip ako ng bibig nang marealize ang sinabi ko kaninang.


    For the second time around, Wayde chuckled. Hindi ko kayang tumingin sa kanya dahil sa kahihiyan na sinabi ko. Did I just actually confessed in front of him?


    How much embarrassment could I get?!


    Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng pisngi ko. My face is red as the tomato right now. I red at Wayde who''s clearly just teasing me the whole time. Siya pa ang masamang tinignan ko gayung ako naman ang gumawa ng sarili kong kahihiyan. "You''re the one who said it not me." Unang nakad si Wayde kaysa sa''kin.


    I grimaced with what I did. Nakasunodng ako sa kanya nang tumigil ito. I frowned.


    "Celestia." tawag ni Wayde at hindi pa rin ako nililingon.


    "hmm?" I replied. Containing myself to remain calm when in fact, my stomach is rumbling with the different kind of feeling inside.


    "I..." he paused for a while.


    "like you, too." He said and went to his motorbike.


    Napatigil rin ako at mahigpit ang kapit sa paper bag. It left me dumbfounded.


    Starting from that day onwards, it''s like everything shifted from its right position. He is still that Wayde that I knew, but whenever he is around, something changes.


    Seeing his smile was already more than that. Witnessing as the sun rises or sets was even moreforting and peaceful whenever he is around. From those jokes, the things I learned from him and a lot of teasing. It''s a memory that is worth keeping.


    I''m starting to get used by his presence. I always noticed those small gestures from him. As the days passed by, those admiration kept getting more stronger that it was almost mold into something that I wasn''t expecting. That interaction continues and grows. That I didn''t even notice that...


    it wasn''t already crush or admiration.


    It was already something else.


    Something...


    That we called ''Love".


    And in that moment, I just knew that there''s no holding back for the feelings that keep growing each day and are worth looking forward to.

 Chapter 11.1

    "Wayde! Aren''t you excited for the fiesta?" I styled my hair into soft curls and put on my headband.


    Naghahanda ako para sa idadaos na event mamaya. This would be the very first time that I would attend such a thing and I''m excited for it.


    Marissa and Laren would be there too. Hindi rin naman papigil si yton at kukuhanin niya raw anghat ng atensyon ng mga kababaihan. I really can''t believe that the brute is here. What a small world after all. "Hmm, there''s nothing exciting about it. I''m not going," ani Wayde habang ang mga mata''y nakatuon sa Ipad nito.


    "O c''mon, it''s just for tonight and then done. Dapat sumama ka. And I''m also sure that you might be interested on dancing with a girl too!" I didn''t really mean when I said thatst line. I''m in denial and I admit it! Ever since that confession, I always tried to pushed this feeling away. But as I tried to erased it, the more it has the urged to approached me. It looks like it''s trying to y a tricked on me. A tricked that always got me thinking. Damn it. "You." Napatigil ako sa ginagawa at lumingon sa kanya.


    "W-What about me?" I stammered.


    "You''re the one I''m interested to dance with," sinarado niya ang ipad case at maingat iyong ngay sa ibabaw ngmesa. Napakurap-kurap ako sa sinabi niya. Did I hear it right?


    Tumayo siya at lumapit sa''kin. I stepped backward when he tried to close the space between us. He bowed a little to meet my gaze, and when he met mine, the corners of his lips turned up. I felt like the color drained out of my face. "You gotta be kidding..." hindi ko makapaniwng saad. Rinig ko ang mkas na kbog ng dibdib ko. How could he say it casually when I''m trying to stopped myself from this kind of sensation? I thought he would justugh and take away his words but it didn''t happened.


    Humalukipkipng siya at lumayo. "And I''m not even kidding."


    Then he left. Nakatungangang ako dahil sa sinabi niya. I could feel my heart beats violently. Did he just... What the heck is happening to me? Ang inipon kong eneryhiya ay parang naupos dahil sa tatlong salita na sinabi niya. The feelings that continues growing responded like a wildfire.


    How many days have passed since that confession?


    It''s so ironic to think, but I can''t help to start questioning myself. It''s making me nervous and confusing sometimes.


    "Tao po! Celestia yuhooo!¡± nabalik ako sa kamunduhan nang marinig ang pagkbog ng gate. That ear shattering voice from Marissa started to echo in the house. Inayos ko ang sarili bago lumabas.


    My lips parted when it wasn''t just Laren and Marissa who is present. Also ate Alma. The three of them were wearing dresses and you can really tell that they really prepare for this kind of event. I greeted them and invited them to go inside as I waited for yton.


    Siguradong magugt ang tatlo dahil hindi ko sinabi sa kan na hinihintay ko pa si yton.


    They would surely bawled their eyes out.


    "Hindi ako makapaniwng nandito tayo sa bahay ni Mr. Patterson! Sana makasayaw ko siya mamaya." Marissa giggled. I motioned them to sit down in the sofa.


    "Unfortunately, he''s not going." Kaagad sng napalingon sa akin na may palaki ang mga mata.


    "Ano?!" napagig ako nang lumukob ang mga boses n sa silid.


    I nodded. " Yeah, he''s a busy person."


    Ate Alma and Marissa''s shoulders fell. Ak ko rin ay sasama tga siya, but it turns out that he wouldn''t. He must be so busy with his work that he had no time to attend such an event. I''m actually concerned with his well-being. He has been working day and night consecutively since he forgot to eat his meal.


    I can really rte with him also too. My dad''s always so busy with ourpany that he sometimes forgets to attend my activities in school way back. Nanlulumo rin ako minsan, but whenever I think that he''s doing it for my future, those kind of thoughts fade away.


    "Sayang! Pinaghandaan ko pa naman ang pagdating niya. Tignan niyo kung gaano ako kaganda ngayon? umikot pa siya sa harap namin at ipinakita ang bestida niya.


    It''s a Korean style dress that is now popr now a days. She also have that bandana style in her head that we usually seen in the olden days painting about a young woman. Marissa really looks good on that.


    Her morena lookpliment the color of her dress.


    We were just having a conversation when I heard a knock from our gate. Kaagad akong sumilip para tignan kung sino iyon. Nakita ko si yton na pormang-porma at may d ''pang rosas sa kamay niya. I gestured him toe in and cling to him.


    yton looks so good with his in basic tees tucked in and paired with some textured trousers. His messy hair alsopliments with his look.


    "m kong gwapo ako kaya huwag mo akong titigan ng ganyan." I rolled my eyes on him.


    "May kasama tayong pupunta, and it''s gonna be fun!" yton frowned. "Who?"


    "Celestia, sino ba ya--- OMG!" Marissa shrieked out when she peaked outside and saw yton. Her lips parted in shocked. Nagpalipat-lipat pa ang tingin niya sa aming dwa at napakurap-kurap ng ng beses na animo''y sinisigurado kung nandito ba tga si yton.


    "May mga crush ''yang mga yan sa''yo," bulong ko kay Wayde at kinindatan siya. Nang makapasok ay lumilinga pa siya sa paligid na parang may hinahanap.


    "Where''s Wayde? Makikipag-bardagn pa ako salaking ''yon."


    "Para ka tgang bata." Nalukot ang mukha nito sa sinabi ko. When he bobbed his head, his stare averted to Laren''s side who is also shocked seeing him. Kaagad namang umiwas ng tingin si Laren kay Wayde.


    Is there something going on between them?


    "So ano? Tara na?" Pang-aaya ni ate Alma sa amin at kanya-kanya naman s ng tayo.


    Lumingon ako sa silid ni Wayde. Is he really noting? What he said a while ago shed in my mind again. I shake my head to washed it off in my head. It''s just for tonight. I sighed and faced yton.


    "Mauna na muna kayo, susunodng ako." They nodded and proceeded outside.


    Kaagad akong nakad patungo sa silid niya. I was in front of his door, I was hesitant to even hold the door knob. Inangat ko ang kamay ko para sana buksan iyon nang may nauna nang bumukas niyon. Nakita kong nagt rin si Wayde nang makita ako sabas ng silid niya.


    Kaagad akong tumikhim at nagsalita. "You sure that you will not go?"


    "I''ll figured it out. You''re with that yton, again?" kumunot ang noo ko sa se ng pagtatanong niya. Hindi ko nng pinagtuunan ang sinabi niya at tumango.


    "Yeah, I''m also with my workmates. Sige, I''ll keep going now."


    Tatalikod na sana ako nang magsalita siya.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Celestia," he called.


    "Hmm?" I bobbed my head halfway.


    "Have fun. I''ll try if I can attend." My eyes twinkled in glee.


    "Aasahan ko yan." I smiled before turning back.


    Nang makabalik ako ay nagsim agad kaming makad. Marissa and ate Alma are busy intriguing yton sa game na game naman sumagot.


    Sinabayan ko sa palakad si Laren na tahimikng sa gilid. She seems spacing out.


    "Laren."


    "H-Ha? Ano yun?" nahihiya niyang saad.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Anong gusto mo sa isanglaki?"


    Laren was taken aback with what I said. I can sense that she panicked for a moment beforeposing herself together.


    "E-Ewan, w pa naman akong nagugustuhan eh." Napatango-tango ako sa sinabi niya.


    "What do you think about yton?"


    "H-Ha?" maang na tanong ni Laren sa akin.


    "Si yton, anong tingin mo sa kanya?" sinulyapan ko si yton.


    Nagbaba siya ng tingin at pinalaruan ang mga maliliit na bato sa dinadaanan naming. "A-Ayos naman pero depende naman iyon kapag nakla mo tga ang isang tao." "Do you like yt-" napagig ako nang tinakpan niya ang bibig ko. Lumilingon pa si Laren sa magkabng gilid at baka may makarinig.


    "We... w-we have a past." My mouth turned into ''o''. A shocking revtion indeed! Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya.

 Chapter 11.2

    Sumulyap ako kay yton na patingin-tingin rin sa direksyon namin. What a small world after all!


    "Please... huwag mo sabihin sa iba." With ny mouth drape open, I nodded like a robot.


    Oh gosh! I can really smell something fishy from the first time I saw Laren reaction whenever yton''s name will be mentioned.


    "Laren! Watch out!" bab ko nang merong paparating na kbaw sa pwesto niya. It was almost toote for her to stepped aside when a set of arms caught her waist and pulled her closer. "yton, Laren!" Sabay sng bumagsak sa damuhan. yton''s irritated face is visible as he sharply red at Laren.


    Kaagad namin sng dinaluhan at tinulungang tumayo.


    "Tanga ka ba?! Hindi kaba tumitingin sa dinadaanan mo?" yton scoffed at Laren. Bakas ang pagka-irita sa mukha nito.


    "Pasensya na, hindi kong napansin." Paghingi ng tawad ni Laren at pinagpagan ang sarili. I heard yton hissed before turning his back.


    "Are you okay?" tinignan ko kung meron ba siyang mga gasgas. I breathe in relief when I saw none.


    "Ayosng, nagalit ko ata si yton," mahina niyang bulong sa''kin.


    Umiling ako, "Naku! Huwag mo na ''yang pansinin, may dw ata yan eh."


    "Galit sa mga tanga kamo" rinig kong bulong ni yton sa likod ko.


    "yton!" inis kong aniya pero parang wng ito at nagpati-una nang makad. Patay ka tga sa''kin mamaya, yton.


    "Don''t mind him, kngng tga yun sa kain." I assured Laren. Tumangong siya kaya hin ko siya sa mga nagkukumpng tao. The set up was really good.


    Myo png ay kitang-kita na pinaghandaan tga ang kapiyestahan sa lugar.


    "Oh My God! What''s that called?" curios kong tanong nang makita ang napakking pig pen at may bamboo pa na nakgay sa loob. Sa pinakataas naman ng bamboo ay isang g. "Karera ng mga biik na baboy, Celestia. Isa ''to sa mga pinakasikat naro rito sa Punto Sierra. Kangan mahuhuli n ang mga biik at kung sino man ang mananalo ay yung mismong biik ang premyong makukuha n." Pagpapaliwanag pa ni Laren.


    Napapkpak ako sa tuwa. That game must be so fun!


    "Ano naman yun?" turo ko sa apat na bamboo na nakahilera sa loob ng karerahan para sa mga biik.


    "Yan naman ang tinatawag na Palo Sebo. Aakyat yung mga contestants ''jan at kung sino yung unang makakuha ng g ay siya yung mananalo. Maaliw ka tga na manood sa mga pro ng Punto Sierra."


    Dahil sa sinabi ni Laren ay maslo akong na-engganyong manood. The games were said to be starting at exactly 1 pm.


    "Eh sa gabi? Ano ung mga gagawin sa gabi?"


    "Meron sng pa beauty pageant at sa kahuli-hulihang bahagi naman ay sayaw sa baryo. Ang mga klakihan ay may dadalhing ppa ng niyog na pasisindihan n at ibibigay n iyon sa gusto nng babaeng maisayaw."


    I got even more excited. How nice could it be to see a guy inviting his girl to dance under the moonlight? It''s wholesome!


    "Let''s enjoy this day, then!" I made a bright smile and together we venture those different traditional games that will be heldter. Kung nanditong si Wayde ay siguradong mawiwili din yun sa ka-kapanood!


    ***


    Ab ako sa pagkuha ng litrato sa paligid. Hindi ko napansing may d-d p na mking nket si ate Alma at ntag iyon sa damuhan.


    Para kaming nagpi-pic sa set up namin ngayon. The green grass and the ravishing skies creates a majestic effect towards the environment.


    "O! Magsisim na ang karerahan ng mga biik! Sa mga gustong sumali ay hali na kayo rito!" sabay-sabay kaming napalingon sa nagsalita.


    "Tara naaa!" pang-aaya ni yton at tumakbo sa nagkukumpng tao. Kaagad kaming tumayo at sumuot hanggang makarating pinakaharap. May apat na biik na rin ang ngay sa loob at kung saan-saan tumatakbo. "W ba kayong hiyawaaann diyaaan!!!" mkas ang sigawan ng bawat banda at pati na rin ako ay nakikisigaw.


    "Go!!! Gooo!!!"


    "Punto Sierrang mkas!!!"


    The ce went crowded all of the sudden. ng minuto png ang lumipas pero puno na agad ang field kung saan idadaos ang mga pro.


    "Magsisim na ang pro kaya hali na kayo!! Bigyan niyo ako ng mkas na hiyawaaann!!"


    Maslo pang lumakas ang sigawan ng paligid dahil roon.


    Ang mga khok naman ay pumasok na kung nasaan ang mga biik. And when one of the contestant removed his shirt, halos maputol na ang litid sa leeg ng mga sumisigaw. "Ang init naman dito hoi!"


    "Yummy! Dwang pandesalng, saphat na!" bumunghalit kami ng tawa dahil sa narinig namin sa paligid. There''s also some gays who portrayed to be a cheerleading team if the game will start.


    "Hey girls! Cheer niyoko ah!" turo ng isang khok sa amin at kumindat pa.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Humanda kayo at ako ang mananalo ritooo!" sabat pa ng isa at gumigiling giling pa sa harapan naminghat. Maslong naging mkas ang hiyawan sa paligid. Tuwang-tuwa naman akong nanonood sa mga nangyayari. "Oh my gosh..." natatawa kong sambit habang nanonood.


    "Sino ang magboboluntaryo na magpaligo gamit ang hose sa mga gwaponglaking ito? mamimili ako ng apat na magagandang dg!" lumibot ang tagapagsalita sa pwesto namin. "Kami!" naki ang mga mata ko nang magtaas ng kamay si Marissa at sinama pa niya si...


    Laren?


    "Marissa, ano ba..." nahihiyang tugon ni Laren pero huli na para tumanggi dahil hin na siya ng kapatid at din sa loob ng pruan.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!


    I witnessed how yton''s expression shifted. He took a leap into the fences and whispered something to the coordinator. Salubong ang mga ky nitong nakikipag-usap salaki.


    When the coordinator nodded, yton ripped off his shirt in front of everyone. He did that effortlessly! Lumakas ang tilian sa paligid at sahat ng mga sigaw ay sa kanya ang may pinakamkas. Not to mention that yton has the same body built with Wayde that can make any girl melt.


    "Mayst contestant pa tayo na humabol! at dahil apatng ang biik natin, isa sa kan ang hindi makakauwi ng biik. Isigaw niyo ang pambato niyo!!"


    "Go yton! Bring out your charms you prick!" I shouted to cheered him up.


    Kumindat naman si yton sahat bago tinapunan ng tingin si Laren. The side of my lips rose up when their eyes met. Take that, you jerk.


    "Oh magsisim na angro, pkpakan naman natin ang mga khok sa pro!" ani ng coordinator at lumabas na sa fence.


    "Isa!" sabay-sabay naming count down.


    "Dwa!"


    "Tatlo!"


    When thest number was mumbled kaagad naging alerto ang mga khok at nakikipaghabn sa mga biik. The mud is slippery that made them fall from time to time. Ang mga mukha n ay nababalutan ng putik pati na rin ang katawan. They looked so funny with that!


    "Go yton!" I cheered for him as I saw him capturing one of thr piglet.


    Nang makuha iyon, bi nng tumalon ang biik at nakaw sa hawak niya. All of them are busy catching the piglets pero w pang nagtatagumpay. Nababalot ng putik ang mga mukha n at halos hindi na nga s makl. I wasughing so hard too as I watched the game.


    "Mga biik kayo! humanda kayo sakin at gagawin ko kayong ''Cochinillo''  Marvin Agustin pagkatapos ngro!" sigaw ng isa sa mgalaki at nngoy ang putikan para makuha ang biik. Pero hindi pa rin iyon epektibo.


    "Yuhoo! mga biik!e to daddy na para ebrybady happy na!" aniya naman ng isa na parang asong ang kinukuha kung maka-utos sa mga biik.


    "Piggy, piggy, yes papa! Swimming in the mud? no papa! Telling lies! No papa, where are you piggy? ha ha ha!" parang sundalo ang isa kung makahakbang habang kumakanta pa ng isang sikat na tono na para sa mga bata. Oh Gosh, I can''t resist myself fromughing so hard!


    "They''re unbelievable..." I tried to stopped myself from giggling too much. Nanakit na ang tiyan ko sa kakatawa at kakahiyaw.

 Chapter 11.3

    With a cross fingers, only two contestants were left. yton and the other guy. They are making eye contact, waiting for someone to attack to catch the pig. "Tatapusin ko na ''tooo!" sigaw nglaki at nngoy ang putikan para makuha ang kahuli-hulihang biik. All of us shouted in unison when the game ended. Isa-isa nng tinaas ang mga nakuhang biik. My eyes went to yton, salubong ang mga ky nitong lumabas sa pruan at lumapit sa direksyon namin. "I could have won that!" ytonined. The mud were still dripping in his body.


    "Oh! Ang isa sa mga paborito ng mga khok natin! Hinding biik ang premyo niyo kundi meron rin tayong mga magandang dg ang magpapaligo sa inyo. bas ang hose!" Pkpakan at sigawan ulit ang maririnig sa boung paligid. I frowned when I noticed yton walking towards the coordinator''s ce and asked if he could borrow the microphone. Nang mahiram iyon ay kaagad nitong hinarap anglaking naging kban nito kanina.


    Nakita kong lumapit anglaki sa pwesto ni Laren at pinahugasan ang biik nito


    "Congrattions for winning, bud. But note that, you take the piglet and I''ll take the girl. End of discussion." With that, yton handed the microphone back.


    Laren''s expression was exceptional. Png-p ang mukha nito habang hawak-hawak ang hose. Suddenly, yton pulled her over and brought her somewhere else.


    "Wng forever!" sigaw sa kabng banda.


    "Mamatayng p ako sa inggit mga hangal!"


    "Sabi ko na nga ba wng mag-momove on!"


    Majority cheered as we saw yton pulling Laren out from the crowd. His smug expression says it all. A small smile stretched my lips as I watched them walking away from the noise. This might be a good scenario for them. And I can''t wait what would await for them in the near future.


    Goodluck... yton and Laren.


    *****


    Hindi pa ''rin bumabalik s yton kaya kami nng muna ni Marissa at ate Alma ang nanood ng mga pro. They are also too stunned to speak after what happened a while ago. Hinuha ko''y w sng m sa namamagitan sa dwa. Perhaps Marissa knew a little bit about it.


    It was really a long day ahead. I enjoyed the event so much that I didn''t even notice the time. I didn''t feel any hunger as of the moment. The people here are also very friendly and witty.


    "Oh Palo Sebo na! Ihanda na ang iyong maskdong katawan dahil magsisim na ang pro. Handa na ba kayo?!!" pasim ng host.


    "Teka! Kuya, pwede ba akong sumali?" nagtaas ng kamay si Marissa at mukhang nagt naman anghat.


    "Sigurado ka ''ba hija?" determinadong tumango si Marissa at pumwesto isa sa mga bamboo.


    "I''m rooting for you Marissa!" excited kong sigaw at nagsim na rin ang ibang icheer siya. What''s woman empowerment for? I smiled.


    When the time starts. I couldn''t even predict on who''s close to winning. Ang bibilis nng umakyat at nangunguna roon si Marissa. Mas umugong pa ang mga sigawan nang makuha niya ang g na nakasabit sa pinakatuktok at wng kahirap-hirap na bumaba sa kawayan ng bamboo.


    "That''s a smooth glide right there!" I mumbled when Marissa walked near me.


    "Kalma, akong ''to!" aniya at kumindat.


    It was a busy day for the Punto Sierra. Marami pa ang mga prong idinaraos at w kaming pinmpas ni-isa roon. Until the sun sets and everyone is holding their sulo torch. Many rested on the grass while the others were inviting someone to dance in the crowd.


    "Go Ate Alma!" We cheered for her as someone asked for her hand to dance.


    Nasa gilidmang kaming dwa ni Marissa at naka-upo sa naktag na mking kumot. The torches that the majority are holding created a fiery effect in the ce. Ang apoy na nagmum sa mga ito ay nagmimistng mga aliptaptap sa di kyuan.


    The intricate details of the night are filled with joyful noises and mellow music. Elderly, teenagers and even the children participated in this kind of event. I heaved a sigh and leaned my back on the tree.


    "You seemed quiet," napalingon ako sa nagsalita. Si yton na kakabalikng. In his back was Laren who just continued walking and sat near me.


    "I was just enjoying the view." I murmured. Ininguso ko rin ang mga taong nagsasayawan roon.


    "Beautiful night isn''t it? Pero wng makakatalo sa kagwapuhan ko ''e." Napailing-iling ako dahil naririndi na tga ako sa mga sinasabi niya.


    Ayan na naman siya. Kung nakakasunogng ang pagiging gwapong-gwapo sa sarili ay baka naging-abo na siya.


    "Celestia, want to dance?" pang-aaya ni yton. It took me minutes to decide before nodding. With what he said, an idea came to my mind. A small smile crept in my lips when I n something wicked. Kaagad akong tumayo at inayos ang sout ko.


    "Sanahat maisayaw ng isang yton!" pagpaparinig ni Marissa sa gilid namin.


    "Mauna kana muna, aayusin kong ang sarili ko." A smile let out in my lips when I saw him running towards the said field. Sinulyapan ko si Laren at nakitang pinagmasdan nito si yton.


    She seemed to notice that I was looking at her and suddenly diverted her attention to something else. Without talking, I held her hands and pulled her to the field.


    "S-Saan tayo pupunta?" Laren asked in panic. Sumuot kami sa mga nagsasayawang tao at kaagad hinanap ng mga mata ko si yton.


    Nang makpit ako kay yton ay kaagad kong hinawakan ang kwelyo niya at binulungan siya. "She''s leaving the country soon, better have your decisions, right." I said and walked away.


    Hindi na ako lumingon at sumuot ulit sa mga tao para makbas--- when a pair of arms caught my hands. Sinubukan kong ksin iyon pero masyado siyang mkas. I was in panicked for a moment nang makitang lumyo na kami sa mga tao. We ended up in a secluded area with trees and rivers around us.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    "What are-? nabitin ang pagsasalita ko nang matanto kung sino iyon.

 Chapter 11.4

    "Wayde? A-Anong ginagawa mo rito? And... Why did you take me here?" luminga ako sa paligid.


    Sa halip ay sagutin ako ay umupong ito sa batuhan kaya sumunod ako. Umupo rin ako sa gilid niya but leaving some distances between both of us. The light from the shining moon was the only thing that gave light to the ce. Hindi kyuan rin sa amin ay makikita ang mga pahapyaw ng liwanag na gawa ng mga apoy na galing sa ppa ng niyog o sa sulo. Natatabunan iyon ng mga puno sa paligid.


    The river looks sparkling whenever the light hits the water. Payapa ang agos ng tubig sa ilog at kung sinuman ang makikita niyon ay mahaharuyo sa kagandahan nitong tay. It screams so much peacefulness and sce. From those rustling leaves, and the sound that the river made was justforting.


    "How''s the fiesta?" tanong niya.


    "It''s fun! And you know what, yton made a scene earlier. Sayang at hindi mo nakita. Bakit ngayon kang kasi? You missed it."


    Tumatango ito, "hmm, it''s a good thing that you have fun. You''re with that kid for the whole day?" t nag-iba ang tim ng boses nito sa huling linya. Umiling ako.


    Umungklo ako at ingay ang kamay ko sa pisngi, "Of course not, let''s just say that something happened unexpected." I exind. Tumatangong ito.


    "But anyways, buti ay naisipan mong pumunta rin rito? Have you seen the elders? They looked so sweet while dancing! I also saw Mang Temyong with his wife too. His wife is gorgeous!"


    "That''s nice to hear."Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Kaya dapat pumunta ka ''run! I''m just d that it-" napatigil ako nang bi nitong ingay ang hintuturo sa bibig ko, trying to shush me out.


    He bobbed his head and smiled. "Do you want to see something extra ordinary?"


    When I met his gaze, his tantalizing eyes were filled with different emotions. Without answering, I nodded and stood up. I can feel it again.. the drastically beating of my heart whenever Wayde''s close to me.


    We are just one step closer between each other. Unti-unting inangat ni Wayde ang kamay niya upang magmistng piring. I just let him be. I turned around- facing the river and I could feel him covering my eyes. I can feel his heavy breathing from my back and to my nape.


    "What I saidst time... I mean that." He whispered.


    "I''m an organized person and never felt messy emotions before. Pero nung dumating ka, isa-isang natibag ang mga ''yon. Those mixed emotions before left me in confusion. And when I saw you with that yton, I felt irritated whenever I see you."


    "Wayde..." I felt the rumbling sensation in my stomach at mas grumabe pa iyon ngayon. I can feel my forehead sweating so hard. He encircled his right hand on my shoulder de level while still covering my eyes using his left hand. Kung hinding siguro niya ako hawak-hawak ay kanina pa ako bumagsak sa lupa.


    "Y-You really like me that much?" I mumbled.


    He nodded. "You might didn''t noticed it. I''m always trying to hide it whenever you''re around. But the more I try to hide it, the more it''s chasing after me." He rested his chin above my head.


    I remained speechless. How ironic it is to be in this kind of situation.


    "Be with me as I witness this beautiful scenery." Unti-unti niyang kinuha ang kamay niya.


    And when I opened my eyes, a group of fireflies came out from their hide outs and created a transcend effect to the river. The fireflies glow just made the night more beautiful. Nakakaharuyo ang kagandahan nitong tay.


    My mouth slightly opened as I witnessed them making the environment more vibrant. If only I could picture out this scene, this would be one of the things that majority would be mesmerize about.


    "I... I don''t what to say..." unti-unti akong lumingon sa kanya at nagbaba ng tingin. He held my chin and let me meet his gaze.


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    "It''s okay. You don''t need to say something. Just be with me." He whispered.


    "But I can''t, Wayde. You know, I can''t." Mapait kong sabi sa kanya. As much as I want to bloom this growing feelings for him, but there''s a huge barricade that hindrance the both of us.


    Natatakot ako na baka isang araw... kapag susugal na ako, siya yung aalis. The circumstances I am in right now makes a huge gap between us both.


    "Do you trust me?" Wayde caressed my cheeks and for the first time in my life, I feel assured.


    I nodded.


    "Trust me on this one. Je suis d¨¦sol¨¦ de te l''avoir cach¨¦ pendant longtemps, femme." Kahit hindi ko maintindihan ang huling sinabi niya ay kumbog ng sobra ang dibdib ko. He leaned closer and nted kissed in my forehead. I squeeze my eyes shut and feel his lips touched my forehead.


    Under the shining moonlight, the calm river and the fireflies dancing in the night-filling those dull environment with its glow. Hearing those confession from him made my violent heart made its way outside its cage.


    I smiled. There''s no need to stop it then.

 Chapter 12.1

    Days, weeks and months had passed. The moments just passed so quickly.


    Pinunasan ko ang pawis na tumagaktak sa noo ko. After long hours of standing and making those breads, atst, makaka-uwi na rin ako sa wakas. I got my little backpack and washed my hands before going out. Bumungad kaagad sa akin ang maaliws na kapaligiran. I inhaled a breathe and let the vast wind embraced me.


    "Oh, ineng, ika''y uuwi na p. Sa''n na yung gwapo mong manliligaw?" salubong tanong ni Mang Rene sa akin nang makbas ako ng bakery.


    Kumakain siya ng tinapay at may hawak-hawak na soft drink sa isang kamay. Lately, I''m getting used to their presence every afternoon. S kaagad ang sumasalubong sa amin pagsapit ng hapon upang bumili ng meryenda. Nakakapag- kwentuhan rin kami minsan n Mang Rene.


    Mahina akong naptak, "Kayo tga mang Rene, joker po tga kayo. Hindi ko naman mga manliligaw yunglaki na yun ''eh."


    Mang Rene might suspect Wayde for being my suitor when he saw Wayde fetching me from work sometimes.


    "Asus, hta namang may gusto si Wayde sa''yo, ineng. Basta ang maipapayo kong, sundin mo ang puso mo pero huwag mong kalimutan gamitin ang utak mo." Tinuro niya pa ang puso nito. "Ang pagmamahal, hindi yan nasusukat, kaya hayaan mo ang sarili mong mahalin ang taong sinisigaw ng puso mo."


    For a moment, what Mang Rene said struck my mind. What he said was easy toprehend yet so deep. Love... is an easy word to say, yet aplex one when ites to executing it. It''s so powerful that it could lead you to someone that you wouldn''t expect you''re not.


    Love...


    I smiled when I remembered something. Yeah, I must be fool with that kind of feeling. There''s no point of denying it. W na''kong kaw. But how would I even opened up my feelings when there''s still lots of barriers that are dividing between


    us.


    "Oh, ika''y nangingiti riyan ineng. Sino nga ba ang sinisigaw ng puso mo?" napawi ang ngiti ko nang may narealize.


    Truthfully... I wasn''t even thinking about it ''cuz there''s only one person that went through my mind. My heart beats in triumph whenever I''m thinking about him. Did he really meant with what he saidst time?


    Sa pag-iisip pang sa mga ganung katanungan ay hindi na ako mapakali. I immediately neglected that idea. May parte sa akin na nanlumo. After a month... isang buwan nng ang hihintayin ko bago harapin ang problema sa amin.


    It was a rushed decision, alright. Just like how rushed I am when running away from home. Siguro... oras na para bumalik ako. Lots of things have changedtely. Punto Sierra already showed me lots of realization. I''m still learning new things, and that thought still excites me. There''s no turning back.


    Tumikhim ako at sinukbit ang maliit kong backpack, "sige na po, Mang Rene. Magagabi na at myoyo ang biyahe ko. Smat po sa advice at ingat!"


    "Ingat hija. Mag-iingat ka ah, matarik pa naman ang daan, pero pumili kng ng tamang habal-habal diyan at maayos kang i-uuwi sa destinasyon mo." Mang Temyong adviced and smiled.


    And I know there''s something else with what he said. Tumango ako at kumaway para magpam. Kaagad akong naghanap ng habal-habal driver at hindi naman ako nahirapan dahil marami-rami rin ang naghihintay ng mga taong uuwi galing sa trabaho.


    It''s indeed true that when you chose a good driver, despite how rocky the road is, you can really arrived at your destination safely. Mag-as sais na nang makarating ako sa bahay. Kaagad akong nagpasmat sa driver at binigay na ang bayad ko.


    I could hear voices from the inside. Wayde must be home already. Pagkabukas ko sa gate ay maslong naging mkas ang boses sa loob. My forehead frowned as I get closer.


    Does Wayde have some visitors?


    Papasok na sana ako sa loob nang marinig ang boses na pinaka-iiwasan ko sahat. They must not have notice me entering.


    Natutop ko ang bibig at nagtago sa gilid ng bahay upang hindi n ako makita. I could still hear their voices from the distance. Now, I could hear the voices clearly, and already knew to whom Wayde is talking too. I... was confused.


    Why is he...


    Why is he talking to Roseanna?


    "Have you transferred the money in my bank ount, Wayde?" lumabas si Roseanna sa bahay at umupo sa stool chair na nandoon.


    "No," matigas na saad ni Wayde. Hindi ko siya makita ng maayos dahil nakatalikod siya sa akin.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    But I knew him. I knew him too well when he answered with that kind of tone. Hindi niya nagugustuhan ang patutunguhan ng usapan n Roseanna.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!


    My mind is clouded with too many questions. Nababalisa at hindi m kung ano ang unang gagawin.


    "Why?!" bakas sa mukha ni Roseanna ang pagkagt dahil sa inakto. Kapagkuwan ay huminahon rin ang boses nito. "I already told you to wire it in my ount, Wayde. What''s taking you so long?"


    "I''m sorry, I was just busy these days. Don''t worry, I would transfer the money when I have free time," mahinahon na ang boses niya ngunit ramdam ko pa rin ang pagtitimpi sa boses ni Wayde. What''s his rtionship with Roseanna? May isang sagot na sa katanungan ''kong iyon pero gusto kong masigurado galing sa kanya. My mind is in turmoil, right now.


    Pinagmasdan kong lumapit si Roseanna kay Wayde at pinagpagan ang damit nito. Her lips curled into a smile while she''s tapping the shoulder of Wayde.


    "Philip is already mine, and the Villcarcel''s estate will also be mine too. That''s why I always love working with you... son," Roseanna grin and thatst statement from her left me dumbfounded. "Napahulog mo na ba ang loob niya sa''yo? Make sure that you''ll win in the end, Wayde. I hate that girl so much, make her suffer." I heard Roseanna''s evilugh. That bitch!


    Ginagalit niyang tga ako. How dare her to actually do that behind our back.

 Chapter 12.2

    Gusto kong magmura at sugurin s. How could they?! Marahas akong lumingon kay Wayde. Does... he knew all along?


    m niya ba kung bakit ako nandito sa unang pagkikita png namin? Does he knew that I''m arrange to someone? Did they nned this all along?


    But meeting Diego through the inte to make it here in Punto Sierra is something that I''m not expecting!


    "Don''t tell me that it''s just a coincidence?" I whispered. I leaned my back in the wall. Nanghihina ang mga tuhod ko sa narinig.


    I squeeze my eyes to shut, and didn''t even bother to listen to their conversation. There''s a part of me that wants to defend him. Na maling ang rinig ko. Na... hindi no ang pagkikita namin m sa umpisa. Nasapo ko ang bibig ko at naramdaman ang pamamasa ng mga kamay ko. When I caressed my cheeks, lone tears escaped my eyes. My eyes became blurry because of sobbing but I couldn''t care less. Out of all people, bakit siya pa?


    Why did they have to do that?! At bakit... ngayon pa?!


    When I heard Roseanna giving her farewell and left the house. There''s only one thing that I want to do as of that minute. I closed the space between us, and couldn''t think of anything.


    Kaagad na dumapo ang pisngi ko sa pisngi niya. But looks like Wayde is already expecting it. His expression remained stoic and cold. Nagmarka rin sa pisngi niya ang pagsampal ko sa kanya. My hand was also hurt because of what I did. "Bakit?" halos hindi na iyon lumabas sa bibig ko.


    Wng sagot m sa kanya.


    Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin at kung nasa normal na sitwasyonng kami ay maaasiwa ako sa se ng tingin na ibinigay niya sa akin. There''s a glint of sentiment flickered when he saw me crying. Ano? Masaya na siya?


    "Was all of it... nned?" I felt a lump in my throat while waiting for him to answer. Hinampas ko siya nang hindi siya sumagot. My frustration poured when he just looked at me.


    Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa p at kasabay niyon ang pagbuhos ng mkas na n. Great! Fuxcking great! T nakikisabay iyon sa bugso ng damdamin ko ngayon. My emotions were all mixed up. Confusion, anger, and answers.


    "Answer me!" My voice raised and I didn''t hold back the tears that came out. W ng rason ''pang pign pa iyon. We were already soaked in rain anyway. Nagpapasmat ako na hindi masyadong mapapansin iyon dahil sa n. I would look so pathetic in front of him. Damn it.


    "Yes. All of it are nned, got the answer already?" he answered tly.


    Nanlumo ako. Naramdaman ko ang panginginig ng tuhod at gustong bumagsak ang mga iyon. But no, I held myself all together and exchanged him with a sharp looked.


    "Bakit? naghihirap kana ba? Kayo ni Roseanna?" hindi ko inaalis ang tingin ko sa kanya. Magsabi kng at bibigyan pa kita." I saw his jaw clenched while staring at me intently.


    The rain is pouring hard, and one of us would be surely sick tomorrow. Nalabanan kami ng tingin, wng nagpapatalo.


    "W akong bk na hingan ka, Celestia."


    Pagak akong natawa, "then what''s with that conversation all about, huh?! Ano? For the sake of money? What did Roseanna asked you to do?" nanginginig ang mgabi kong tanong sa kanya.


    His eyes remained on me and folded his arms after while. Ang kaninang puting t-shirt niya ay nagmist ng maging nipis dahil yumayakap iyon sa maskdong katawan niya.


    "Nakawan kami? nning to make me fall for you? Congrattions cause you already did, you idiot! You fucking let me fall into your trap!" t nakuha ko ang atensyon niya at naguguluhang tumingin si Wayde sa akin.


    At bakit parang gt na gt siya? He nned this for hell sake!


    "You what?" Hindi makapaniw niyang sambit.


    "Oh, fuck you!" galit kong saad sa kanya. But what he did next left me unguarded. Lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ang magkabng balikat ko.


    "You''re... inlove with me." It wasn''t a question but a statement.


    "At ano ''bang pakim mo? I must be fool inlove with-hmp..." He pulled me closer to him and in those split seconds, he sealed my lips with his. Napako ako sa kinatatayuan ko at hindi gumw sa posisyon ko. He caught me off-guard! My eyes widened with what he actually did.


    I was holding his shoulder because of shock and afraid that I will slipped. Angmig na d ng hangin ay balew na sa akin dahil sa ginawa niya. I could feel the softness of his lips hovering mine.


    My eyes squeeze shut to feel his kiss. The rain drips between our lips and I can feel his lips biting my lower lip. T pinanggigign niyang kagatin iyon at mas hinapit pa ang bewang ko pappit sa kanya.


    Gusto kong bumitaw m sa pagkakahawak niya but myself don''t want too. As if it''s getting used to his touched and kisses.


    "Basta ang mapapayo kong, sundin mo ang puso mo pero huwag mong kalimutan gamitin ang utak mo."


    Nanumbalik sa  ko ang sinabi ni Mang Rene. Can a heart and mind could really work together? Can the mind could really differentiate what''s morally right or wrong in this kind situation?


    ng minutong napat ang mgabi naming dwa bago humiwy si Wayde. His both hands are still holding my side firmly. Na parang tatakas ako anumang sandali.


    "Y-You-" I pointed him when he gives another peck of kiss on my lips. Sa mga sandaling iyon ay nahigit ko na naman ang hininga ko sa ikwang pagkakataon.


    When he seperated his lips from mine. He still has that cold expression which I often see from him. Magulo ang buhok nito at tumatagaktak ang tubig galing n patungo sa mukha nito. Nabuhusan naman ako ng mmig na tubig nang mala ang nangyari kanina.


    "Why did you do that?!"


    "Do what?" he casually asked.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Kiss me! Not once, but twice!" galit kong anas.


    "You like it," natign siya na parang may nakalimutang sabihin. "Let me rephrase it. You loved it." Nanunuyang tugon niya.


    Naiinis ko siyang tinignan at pinukn ng masamang tingin. "No. You fooled us. Uuwi na ako ngayon."


    Tumalikod na ako at humakbang papasok sa bahay nang magsalita siya.


    "In this hour? Really, huh?" Hindi ako humarap sa kanya at kinuyom ang mga kamay. Why is he acting like nothing just happened?! Na parang hindi niya pinanggign angbi ko kanina!


    "W kang pake." Dire-diretso ang pagpasok ko sa kwarto at mabilis na sinarado ang pintuan.

 Chapter 13.1

    I leaned into the wall and let out a huffed breath. Hinaplos ko angbi kong hinalikan niya. That... was a first. I could feel the beating of my heart widely. Kung siguro ay hinding ganito ang sitwasyon ay hindi ko m kung paano aakto sa harapan niya.


    But it doesn''t change the fact that Roseanna and him fooled us.


    Mariin akong napapikit at mkas na bumuntong-hininga. I can''t let them fool us again. My dad work so hard for ourpany, at hindi ko hahayaan magnakaw s ng pera sa kompanyang ''yun.


    "You can do this, Celestia." I went directly to the bathroom and took a bath. My clothes are soaking wet kaya nbhan ko rin iyon at isinampay. Bukas na bukas rin ay uuwi ako sa amin. Looks like that my stay here will be shorten after all. I reached out for my phone and called someone.


    "Celestia? Bakit ka napatawag? Miss mo''ko agad?" naparolyo ako ng mata dahil sa huling linya na sinabi niya.


    "yton. Can I talk to you?"


    "Why? Did something happen?" looks like I got his full attention.


    "I''ll tell you after. Want to go for a drink?" pag-aaya ko pa.


    "Woah! woah! Calm down,dy. m ba ng gung-gong na ''yun na aalis ka? Baka di pa nga ako nakakapunta diyan, nakahanda na yung libingan ko. Scary pa naman yun at masyadong seryoso sa bahay," yton said spookily. "W siyang pake, I''ll meet you outside."


    "Oh teka! teka! papunta na ako diyan kaya kalmahan mong. Siguraduhin mong na hindi ako yung malilintikan rito ah. Naniniguradong." Paninigurado niyang tanong sa akin.


    "Yes, I''ll make sure. Bye," binaba ko na ang tawag at initsa iyon sa kama. Now what?


    Binagsak ko ang sarili ko sa kama. Hindi ako mapakali. Damn it. Why did he pulled that act on me? Napapadyak ako sa kama dahil sa inis.


    "Bwesit ka tganglaki ka!" I gritted my teeth and reached for the nearest pillow and hugged it tightly. Pabiling-biling ako sa higaan ng may kumatok sa kwarto ko. Kaagad akong napa-upo at inayos ang sarili ko. When I opened it, a freshly bath Wayde weed me. May nakasabit na tuwalya sa balikat niya habang pinupunasan ang basa nitong buhok. I immediately looked away.


    "What do you need?" I asked coldly.


    "Someone''s looking for you outside."


    It must be yton. Matamanng akong tumango at wng lingong lumabas sa kwarto.


    "Where do you think you''re going, Celestia?"


    "Aalis."


    "It''s alreadyte, Celestia."


    "I''m with yton, there''s no need to worry about."


    Hindi ko na narinig ang pag-angal niya. Nakita ko si yton na sumisipol pa habang palinga-linga sa bahay. When he saw me, kaagad itong kumaway at lumilinga pa sa likod ko na parang may pinagtataguan. "What are you doing?"


    Nagkibit-balikat ito, "W. Tinitignan kong yung interior ng bahay, para naman magka-idea ako sa future house ko." Kumunot ang noo ko at may pagdududang tinignan siya.


    "Sigurado ka ''ba na ayosng sa asa" natign ito, kapagkuwan ay tumikhim. "Este salaking hw na nasa loob?"


    "It''s okay, yton. Let''s go?" anyaya ko sa kanya.


    ***


    I and yton just went to the nearest resto bar. Sinabi ko sa kanya kung ano ang nangyari kanina. Tumatangong siya at nakikinig.


    "Why don''t you listen to his exnation first? You know, get to hear his side first," he shrugged. "Gaya ng sinasabi mo, you only get to hear the revtion part, but not the whole context." Nanatiling akong nakatungo. Pinaruan ko ang ice na nasa baso ko.


    "Kung natatakot ka na hindi mo magugustuhan ang rason niya then so be it. You''ve done your part already and that''s enough for you to take action." I bobbed my head and nodded.


    I overreacted. Without even hearing his side. Mas nalukob ako ng galit kesa pakinggan ang paliwanag niya. Mas inuna ko ang pansariling emosyon. I was wrong.


    "About Roseanna.... that woman. I didn''t expect that she could be that witch!" ptak ko. I got another ss of whisky and immediately drank it.


    The liquid put heat in my throat and spread across my body.


    "As for Roseanna, hindi ko na gusto ang habas ng babaeng ''yon." Both of us made a deafening silence. The sound from the resto was the only thing making a sound. Drink after drink. I continued to drink and I barely noticed that I almost finished the bottle halfway. yton held my hand to stop me from pouring the alcohol in my ss.


    "Hey, you should stop drinking. Patay ako sa uuwian mo ngayon, baka tugisin ako nun." Npat ko ang magkabng kamay sa magkabng pisngi ko. I smiled.


    "What''s the sudden change?" napasimangot ako. "Kung noonng ay halos makipag-kompetensya kana sa kanya. What happened now?"


    Mahina itong natawa at humilig sa upuan. "Sabihin nng natin na..." sinulyapan niya ako.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Na ano?"


    "Na humahanga ako sa kanya. Lalo na sa mga nman ko. You''re lucky," kumunot ang noo ko.


    I reached out for him and flicked my finger in his forehead. Bumibigat na rin ang mga talukap ko. Gosh, I''m really drunk.


    "What luck are you talking about? At ano ''bang nman mo sa kanya?"N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "It''s our secret to keep." Maslo akong napasimangot sa sinabi niya. Ano kaya ''yun? I folded my arms and raised an eyebrow at him. Ba''t pumangit siya sa paningin ko ngayon? I covered my mouth when I yawned. I''m sleepy. "Ano kasi yuuunnn!" I tugged his shirt to blurt it out. May sekreto pa sng nlaman.


    "You''re really drunk, Celestia. I should get you ho- hey!" I can''t really take it anymore. Nai-umpog ko ang sarili samesa at ginawang unan ang mga kamay. Ahh, sleeping feels so good.


    "Take me... home, yton." pilit ko siyang inaabot kahit nakahta ang ulo ko sa ibabaw ngmesa. I''m too tired to even open my eyes.


    "You''re really a pain in the head. Buti nakakatagal si Wayde sa ugali mo ''no?" nagpantig ang tainga ko sa sinabi niya.


    I opened my eyes and red at him. Aabutin ko na sana siya nang mawn ako ng bnse sa inuupuan ko at nahulog. The bar stool is high making me groan in pain. Sinubukan kong tumayo pero nagkanda-sagi saging ako. "Really, Celestia? pinapasakit mong yung ulo kolo ''e. I''ll take you home." I tried to stand up once again but I just kept finding something to support on. Napatigil naman sa palakad si yton at napabaling sa akin. Nasapo niya ang noo na t problemado pa sa akin. Tumalikod siya at umungklo, he tapped both of his shoulders, for me to encircle my arms on his neck.


    "A-ray... hindi a-ko m-makahinga..." I immediately loosen my grip on his neck.


    "Oopss... sorry..." I giggled.

 Chapter13.2

    Ang babaeng ''to tga. Sakit sa kagwapuhan minsan. Mapapagkamn pa akong taga-bantay bata 163 eh.


    I bobbed my head to meet her halfway but saw her sleeping. Her chin is resting on my shoulder and murmuring something I didn''t even understand. Khi ata ''to ng alien at kung ano-ano ang pinagsasabi.


    Hindi nng ako nag-ab pang gisingin siya. I hold her leg firmly. Binayaran ko na rin ang mga inorder namin at baka mapagkamn pa akong gwapo na hindi nagbabayad utang. At syempre, keep the change na rin. Kahihiya naman kung kukunin ko pa yung singko pesos na sukli. At d-d ko pa ang isang unggoy na nakmbitin sa likod ko.


    Mahirap na.


    Lbas na sana ako nang may mapansing pamilyar na bulto. He''s wearing his white v-neck t-shirt and a cargo shirt. Nakahilig ito sa pader habang nakahalukipkip.


    He was staring at our direction. Lalo na sa babaeng natutulog sa balikat ko at kung makakapit ay parang linta.


    Bwesit tga! Bakit kahit ganyanng yung pormahan niya ay marami pa ''ring nagkakagusto sa kanya? Nakakasakit yun ng dibdib ''a! Nakakasakit yung ng damdamin.


    Pero sa gwapo kong ''to? Ako? magpapatalo?


    Ha! Baka nag-iisang mukhang ''to sa mundo!


    Parang inukit ni Michangelo!


    "Isako mo na ''to, kng nng patayin ako sa higpit ng pagkakahawak ''e," ininguso ko si Celestia na sarap na sarap sa pagtulog sa balikat ko. Nang sinubukan kong ksin ang hawak niya ay maslo siyang susumiksik. ''So drunk, huh?" he nced at Celestia.


    Natign naman ako nang may napagtanto. "Oo, iinom-inom di naman kaya ang sarili. Pero t-teka! Ba''t ka nandito? Sinusundan mo ba kami? Worried ka ''no?"


    Imbes na sumagot ay lumapitng siya at tinatapik ang pisngi ni Celestia. Aba! Aba! Ambastos ah! Kitang nag-tatanong ako eh. I heard him deeply sighed and tapped Celestia''s cheeks to wake her up.


    Mukhang tulog na tulog na nga siya. Wow ah, ginawa tga akong unan. Kng nng ay kumuha ako ng kumot para ibalot ''yun sa katawan niya.


    "W-Wayde? What... are you doing here? Celestia murmured, still closing her eyes.


    "Let''s go home."


    Sinubukang kunin ni Wayde si Celestia pero umangalng siya at maslo pang hinigpitan ang pagkakapit sa leeg ko.


    A...ray. Ma.. sakit.


    no ko sanang ihuloh siya pero m kong bawal dahil bawas na yun sa kagwapuhan ko. And hindi ko m at baka sabas na ako pupulitin dahil nandito ang kanyang prince charming. I grimaced with my own thoughts.


    Napa-ayos ako ng hawak sa kanya ng mas humigpit ang kapit ni Celestia sa''kin.


    Hindi naman masakit grabe. Para kng pinagawa ng thesis sa eskwhan tas sabi ng kamember mo ay madaling daw gawin. Napangiwi ako at sinubukan ksin ang pagkakahawak niya. "Bibitaw ka o ihuhulog kita?" banta ko sa kanya pero maslong nagsusumiksik sa leeg ko.


    Ayaw tga paawat.


    Kung tarsierng din p yung d-d ko, edi sana pinatapon ko na siya sa Bohol.


    "Don''t... I hate Wayde. Don''t give me to him. I hate liar..."sing nasing niyang saad. Napa-iling iling ako at sinulyapan si Wayde.


    He went to Celestia and held her arms. Kinuha niya si Celestia kahit parang batang nagpupumis ito. He let her encircled her arms to his neck and carried her bridal style.


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    "Stay away from me! but hey, you smell good." Kahihiyan tga ''tong babae na ''to.


    "Be still o ihuhulog kita," aniya kay Celestia tsaka lumingon siya sakin. "You drive."


    Tinuro ko ang sarili, "Bakit ako? Hoy!" sigaw ko nang tuloy-tuloyng ito sa palakad hanggang makapasok ng sasakyan.


    Anak ng tokwa naman oh! Pakamot-kamot ako sa ulo at sumunod. Wayde deposited Celestia at the back seat. I could still hear Celestia murmuring something which I don''t even understand.


    "I heard about what happened. Gago ka ''ba? How long would you keep it?" seryoso kong tanong.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Yes, I know Wayde''s secret. Sinabing niya sa akin nang let''s just say na nagselos ang gago. It was when Celestia and I just recognized each other. And Celestia, didn''t even know it. Syempre, kinompronta na niya ako ng pa-sekreto. Marunong rin naman png magselos ang gago.


    "There''s no reason for keeping it. Now that she knew it already, her safety would be the utmost priority."


    "If that''s the case, then I''ll support you on that. Huwag mo ng patagalin pa na sabihin sa kanya ang totoo. She learned to love you, didn''t she? Don''t break her heart or else..." I showed him my fists.


    "I''ll exin tomorrow. As for now, I need to deal with her stubbornness."


    Napangiti ako. Kahit hindi mlampasan ni Wayde yung kagwapuhan ko, I know that he''s capable of something.


    "Buti pinatn ka ''no? Kahit hindi ka masyadong kagwapuhan, p-kaibigan at p-kwento. Ano ba ang meron ako na w ka? Hmm..."


    "You can''tpete with me. I''m sure of that." The side of his lips turned into curl and closed his eyes. Nagsalubong ang mga ky ko sa sinabi niya.


    The confidence! pero totoo naman.


    I''m just d that Celestia found the right guy. W ng kangang ipag-la pa.


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    ****


    "ytoonnn! Where are youuuu?" napahimas ako sa noo ng tinampal niya ang noo ko. Mkas ko siyang hinampas.


    "Whyyy did you do that?!" inis kong sabi sa kanya.


    "Pintuan ng sasakyan yung kinakapa mo, Celestia. Wayde, dalhin mo na nga ''tong babae na to at baka gumulong pa yan sa putikan." He scoffed.


    "You''re so harshedd on me! I hate you naaa." Pasuray-suray akong nakad patungo sa gate at sinubukang buksan iyon. Wayde followed me and removed my hands from it.


    I stared at him and pokes his cheek. Maka-ng beses ko iyong tinutudyo but he didn''t seemed to mind it. So handsomeee!


    "Thank you for the apaniment, yton." I heard Wayde saying that to yton.


    "No need for that. Take care of thatdy. Tignan natin kung sinong malulunod sa kahihiyan bukas." He chuckled lightly and shook his head.


    "H-Hey! anong malulunod? w namang tubig ah! Ikaw tgaa!" I pointed him and made my way inside.


    A hand snake in my waist to support me from falling to the ground. Tahimikng naming binabaybay ang tahimik na s papunta sa silid ko.


    "You shouldn''t be drinking again, Celestia." Wayde said firmly. Nangingiti akong tumingin sa kanya at kinurot ang pisngi niya. He also smells so good!


    "You''re so cuteee when you''re mad." I giggled.


    "I''m serious here, Celestia." He massaged the bridge of his nose and opened up the door for me. I immediately dived into the bed and felt the softness of the sheets. Naramdaman ko ang pagtanggal niya ng sapatos ko.


    "Wayde."

 Chapter 14.1

    "Hmm?" sunod naman niyang tinanggal ang footsocks ko at ngay ang mga yun sa hamper.


    "I heard you talking with yton awhile ago. Are you hiding something from me?" pinikit ko ang mga mata ko at dinama ang kmbutan ng kama. I''m sleepy, but not too sleepy to not hear his answer. Tumihaya ako at binalot ang sarili ngforter.


    "I''ll deal with it tomorrow. For now, sleep and have some rest." I drowsily nodded. But before diving into a deep slumber, I felt him nting a kiss on my forehead.


    MY HEAD FREAKING HURTS. Hawak-hawak ang ulong pumasok ako sa bathroom at naligo. I stinked!


    Pagkatapos maligo ay kaagad kong kinuha ang cellphone ko. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makatanggap ng message galing kay Manang. It''s unusual for her to message me.


    Instead of replying, I immediately dialed her number and called her. Kaagad bumungad akin ang nag-alang boses ni Manang.


    "Ay jusko! Mabuti at sumagot ka anak! May sasabihin akong importante sa''yo." Nakuha ang buo kong atensyon sa sinabi ni Manang.


    "Ano ''yun, Manang?" nagsisim na rin akong kabahan sa magiging sagot niya.


    "Narinig kong may kausap sa telepono si Roseanna at ipapatransfer niya ang milyon-milyong pera na galing sa kompanya niyo bago siya lumabas ng bansa. Masama na tga ang kutob ko sa babaeng iyon!" I gritted my teeth in anger. That bitch!N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Ang kapal ng mukha niyang nakawin ang hindi sa kanya. Humugot ako ng hininga at nagsalita.


    "Calm down, manang. Nasaan na s ni daddy ngayon?"


    "Nasa business trip pa s ng daddy mo, Celestia. Ako''y kinakabahan at baka kung ano pa ang gagawin niya sa susunod."


    The audacity of that woman!


    "Wait for me. I''ll be going home, today," aniya ko at tinapos na ang tawag.


    I didn''t waste any second and immediately packed the things that I needed. I didn''t even bother to bring my clothes and other things. Tuloy-tuloy ang pabas ko ng bahay, not even minding if Wayde is around or not. I contacted Diego and asked him if he could drive me straight to our house.


    "Sigurado po kayo diyan, ma''am? Hindi po muna kayo magpapam kay Boss Wayde?"


    "I know he''ll understand. May emergencyng tgang nangyari sa bahay."


    Hindi na umangal pa si Diego at sumakay na sa sasakyan. I also hopped in and texted Manang Glenda. It would take me hours to go back home pero bah na basta makabalikng ako. I was preupied the whole time. Nang makarating kami sa bahay ay kaagad akong tumungo kay Manang Glenda. I hugged her tightly.


    "Ay jusko kang bata ka! Miss na miss kana namin rito sa bahay!"


    "I miss you too, manang." Nang humiwy ako sa kanya ay nginitian ko siya. It''s been awhile and I''m really home.


    "Where are they?" tanong ko nang wng makitang bakas n daddy at Roseanna sa bahay.


    "Nagmamadali sng umalis, nak. Ang sabi ng daddy mo ay may business trip daw sng pupuntahan ngayon." That seems suspicious. Why are they in a rush anyway? Kaagad akong tumango at umupo.


    I massaged the bridge of my nose and leaned my back on the sofa. I need to contact my dad. Baka ano pang sabihin ni Roseanna sa kanya. I don''t trust that woman after all. I remained quiet for a couple of minutes when we heard someone ring the doorbell.


    "Celestia, anak, may bisita kaba ngayon?" kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi ni Manang. I''m not expecting a visitor today nor someone I know.


    "W, manang. Paki-tanong nng po kung sino siya."


    Tumango siya at dali-daling binuksan ang pintuan. Napa-angat ako ng tingin nang lumapit sa akin si Manang na humahangos. Kaagad akong na-alerto at dinaluhan siya.


    "Are you okay, nay? Bakit tumatakbo kayo? Is it Roseanna?" humahangos na umiling siya kaya pina-upo ko muna siya sa sofa.


    "Yung..." tinuro niya ang pintuan kaya napalingon ako ''run.


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    "Sino ang tinutukoy mo, nay?"


    "Y-yung asawa mo... nandiyan siya sabas." My eyes widened.


    "What?!" gt na gt kong tanong. But before I could turn back and hid myself. A man in his sleeve and necktie entered the house. "Nice to meet you... wife." He loosens his tie and meets my gaze.


    Napa-atras ako ng isang beses at napakurap.


    "N-no..." I shook my head in disbelief.


    It can''t be...


    "What are you doing here?" rage is visible in my voice. I red at him sharply. His face became serious too when he saw my reaction. "Let''s talk."


    Pagak akong natawa, "What do we need to talked about? I trusted you, Wayde! I fucking did!" Hindi ko na mapign ang pagtaas ng boses ko dahil sa nag-ab na galit.


    "Calm down, Celestia. Let''s not cause a scene here." He take a step closer and walked near me but I stepped back.


    "You knew how I hated to be married to someone, Wayde. I trusted you!" I said. Not shifting the topic.


    Wayde deeply sighed and fixed the sleeves. Tumalikod ako at dumeritso sa kwarto ko. I don''t care if I appear rude to everyone. I mmed the door hard and let my body slip off the wall until I could feel the cold tiles. I buried my head between my knees and let out my frustration. Now everything is tormenting me. I''m frustrated with the fact that I''m married against my will, yet frustrated also because of him hiding it from me.


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    Maraming pagkakataon. Maraming oras na maan siya ng oras para sabihin sa akin. Now, I don''t know if I would continue to believe him. Especially if... my heart is bing a traitor of my own mind.


    I shouldn''t hold back these feelings inside, but It''s so chaotic that I don''t know where to even start.


    "Celestia. Open this door." It wasn''t a request but amand from him


    Hindi ko siya pinakinggan at pumunta sa kama. Isinubsob ko ang sarili roon at nagmukmok. I''m starting to doubt now about the decisions that I made for thest months. Am I the one who''s at fault here? I squeeze my eyes shut and let everything sinks in.


    Roseanna''s n to steal from ourpany.


    The feelings that I have with Wayde.


    Wayde''s actually my husband.


    And my dad''s security.


    "I wille in, Celestia." I heard keys clinging outside, must be one of our maids giving the key to Wayde.


    It didn''t took minutes for him to not open the door. When I met his gaze, I looked away and distance myself from him. Nakita ko ang gt sa mukha niya pero kapagkuwan ay napalitan iyon ng pagkaseryoso. "Exined." I said coldly.


    "I''m your husband. We are married, but there''s more to it that you should know, Celestia."

 Chapter 14.2

    Yeah, right. He''s my husband and I''m her wife. Great. A fucking television show indeed. "Like what?" pa asik kong tanong.


    "Your father asked me to marry you. He wants me to be your husband and assured that all the assets will be given to you and not Roseanna." Nagpantig ang tainga ko sa narinig. My mind is filled up with many questions that only Wayde can


    answer.


    "How about you? Bakit ka pumayag na pakasn ako? We don''t know each other yet you agreed to be arrange with me."


    He shifted his motion and sat on my bed. And again, mas lumayo ako ng bahagya sa kanya. Wayde leaned his back in the headboard on my bed sideways. Humalukipkip ito at ipinikit ang mga mata.


    "Marriage is nothing for me. I don''t value sacraments like that before. I was busy building my ownmunity in the field of business industry. I don''t really mind if I marry you. I don''t care who you are and what you look like. As long as I get my share and I got my benefit."


    I admit, there''s a part of me na nanlumo. If only the circumstances was different, then I shouldn''t be feeling this way towards him.


    Pilit kong pinapakalma ang sarili ko. Marami pa akong kangang marinig na kasagutan sa kanya. As what as yton said, I need to hear his side before considering my actions next.


    "Didn''t you think about my reaction too? Na hindi pa ako handa sa mga ganitong bagay?" I rebutted.


    "Yes, I did, but your father is persistent. Three years ago, I met your father while I''m still a start up in business. May nagtangkang pumatay sa kanya and it''s a good thing that I was there to saved him. That''s when our friendship started."


    I''m very much aware of the threats that my dad had gotten for the past years. But he didn''t even tell me a single thing about Wayde. Or I was just busy distancing myself away from him.


    "But I heard you, Wayde... You''re talking to Roseanna about stealing money from my dad''spany." Halos hindi ko na matuloy-tuloy ang pagsabi ng mga katagang ''yon.


    He heaved a deep sigh once again..


    "It was your father''s idea. I''m Roseanna''s adopted son. Bata png ako ay inuutusan na niya akong magnakaw ng mga mahahgang papeles na makakakuha siya na mking hga. I grew up in foster home, Celestia. And I thought, it''s a normal thing to do. Stealing documents, and such. Dahil iyon ang nakamtan ko."


    Unti-unti akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya at nakita ang pagod sa mukha niya. I always see him being sopose and even his words are calcted sometimes. But his different today. He looks weary and worned out. "When I reached sixteen, I got fed up and was able to realized that what I was doing waspletely wrong. I ran away from her. I worked despite not having a single penny in my pocket. May mga pagkakataong hindi ako kumakain dahil igagastos nng sa mga bayarin sa bahay. Those times were the hardest for me, not until I came across your father. My life changed." He paused for a while.


    Nagu-guilty ako. All those times that I eas being served by our servants and was given an extravagant life. There are people like him who''s suffering. Na parang pinagkaitan s ng kasiyahan ng mundo. That they need to endure more suffering and deal with the hard situations they were in.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I was still building up my business that time and I didn''t know much about it. He helped me and guide me to the things I''m still not used to. Mki ang utang na loob ko sa ama mo, Celestia. And I promised to myself that I would give back to him someday."


    "Then one day, your father proposed to me that I should marry his only daughter. I was opposed at first since I''m thinking about your reaction too. Yun din ang oras na nman ko na may masamang bk ang ina-inahan ko. Your father is too protective and would give up anything just for you. Kangan ka niyang yo bago isagawa ang mga no niya. And just incase if he... die, he can assure that his daughter is in good hands and well taken care off. He knew he shouldn''t forced you to these things, pero para sa ikapapapanatag niya, he did."


    Naramdaman ko ang pag-init ng sulok ng mga mata ko. Napailing-iling ako.


    Daddy...


    Now I understand. I was too caught up when my own emotion. Pansariling kagustuhan kong ang iniisip ko. My feelings were invalidated, yes. But I should have asked him. Sana ay tinanong ko siya kung meron pa ''bang rason kung bakit niya ako ipapakasal sa iba.


    Maybe... none of them would happen.


    But you wouldn''t meet Wayde in this lifetime too, Celestia.


    Wayde looked at me, "your father also told me to investigate my parents. Ak ko ay baka buhay pa ang mga magng ko at masisyan ko pa s. But I was wrong... Roseanna killed them. Pinbas niya na aksidentehat at ul nako. Just because she could adopt me and do her ns. It gives me the urged to ept your father''s offer and put Roseanna behind bars." His voice cracked and that''s when I knew that he neededfort.


    I reached out for him and throw myself into him. Kaagad naman niya akong nasalo. He hugged me tightly and before I could even noticed, his muffled sobs echoed the room. Isinubsob niya ang mukha niya sa dibdib ko at mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa akin.


    "I''m..." nagbaba ako ng tingin. "I''m sorry... for judging you too early. I''m sorry for being so selfish, I really do. I was caught up by my own emotions. I''m a brat to those people who''s against my own will." I sincerely said whileforting him. "S-She killed my parents, Celestia," hinagod ko ang likod niya. Tears also bewailed in my eyes. Para siyang bata na naghahanap ng aruga sa magng niya. It must been so hard for him throughout the years.


    "I epted the proposal without having the assurance of what woulde ahead. Kangan kong paniwin si Roseanna na bumalik na ako sa kanya. So I need to pretend in front of her. Fuck, I don''t even have the n to steal money from your father''s money nor someone''s."


    "Just cry... let it out, Wayde..." it''s the only thing that I could do for him. It may be a least thing to make him feel better, but it surely does help.


    "That day when Roseanna asked you to marry someone, it was all set up. Roseanna thought that I''m into her side to manipte the both of you. Kaya siya nagalit nang mman niyang tumakas ka. But when she found out that you''re staying under my roof, she got happy and asked me to make you fall for me. But I wouldn''t let myself fall into her trap, instead, I''m the one who fell for you."


    T may humaplos sa puso ko nang sinabi niya yun. I refrained myself from smiling and just listened to him. Who would have thought that the circumstances would go this way?


    "I''m ready to take your anger towards me if you ever found out. But so you know, what I acted towards you and the things that I told you... you don''t have to doubt it because all of that is true." Unti-unti akong tumango.

 Chapter 15.1

    When I confessed to him under that rain, I was in doubt of the nice things that he did for me. Natatakot ako na baka pagtawanan niya ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Wayde is an intellectual man, and could easily manipte someone by his fingertips.


    But when he locked his lips to mine, all those doubts faded, and was reced with confusion. Now that I learned what he really felt about me, I felt relieved and nervous at the same time. We never really talked about ''us'' and proceeded to confess each other''s feelings.


    "I got angry with the thought of you nor daddy not telling me about the situation. I could have understood you, Wayde. I''m not shallow, Wayde. But I know that what happened can''t be undone." Nagsusumiksik siya sa may leegan ko.


    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry for not telling it to you sooner. I was too clouded by my own thoughts too, cause the more you stay in my house and the more you interact with me, the more questions I acquire. Those organized emotions that I made was destroyed when you came."


    Pinirmi niya ang pagkakahawak sa akin at ingay ang mga paa niya sa kama ko. I was now resting my head in his chest while his brushing the strand of my hair.


    "I thought it was just normal. Pero hindi na noong nagtagal ka. I didn''t feel any kind of messy emotions before, but when you''re around, it makes me lose control. Those little things that you did affected me. At m kong bago na siya para sa''kin. And it was justified when you confessed to me that you love me."


    Naramdaman ko ang pagbtay ng dugo patungo sa aking pisngi. I could assumed that I''m red as the tomato right now.


    "When you confessed to me the first time, I was having second thoughts if those were real. Call me ignorant, but those feelings were new to me. And it was also justified when... yton bugs you around. I was always irritated with you hanging around with him."


    That tells us that we have the same assumptions about each other''s feelings.


    Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya, "so that exins the unusual behaviour at the fiesta, huh?" tumango siya, not even denying it.


    "He''s the first one to know that I''m your husband." My mouth draped in awe. Anglaking ''yon tga!


    Hindi nng ako umimik. We stayed silent for several minutes. Funny to think how everything shifted.


    "I... should call Daddy. I''m worried about him." Bibitawan ko na sana siya nang hinawakan niya ang kamay ko para pign.


    "Not yet, Celestia. I didn''t tell your father that you already knew. Roseanna might suspect it."


    "What''s your n now?"


    "I will talk to your dad, first. Roseanna has its own allies and you would surely not know who. Kaya todo ang pagproprotekta sa''yo ng daddy mo, he''s afraid that you might be in danger because of this n."


    "I want to talk to dad as soon as possible too. I miss him and it''s time to reconcile those wasted times." I heaved a deep sigh and folded my arms.


    It''s been months since I ran away from home. And it''s also been months since I saw my father. I want to hug him badly and talk to him.


    "He visited you once," napukaw niyon ang pansin ko.


    "When?"


    "Before the fiesta happened. You were asleep that time when he visited you." Those were the times when I felt someone caressing my hair. I thought it was a dream, but it wasn''t.


    "Did he tell you something about me?" I pursed my lips when I felt the corner of my eyes heated.


    Wayde''s lips formed into thin lines, stopping himself to smile.


    "It''s a secret between us." Tinaasan ko siya ng ky. At may sekreto pa sng nlaman ah!


    "Is it a bad thing?" I grimaced. I could already imagine my dad telling him something about me. Baka pati mga crushes ko sa school ay sinabi na niya. Dad''s even talking about itto his friends. Just how much embarassment ai could get?! But it''s fun tho.


    My dad''s talkative and a friendly one. Also for the fact that he could be dangerous too if he didn''t like someone''s behaviour. He''s always a mystery sometimes.


    "I won''t give you a clue about it." My sulky expression said it all.


    "Fine! Tabi nga, not because you exined ay bibigay na ako. You have lots of works to do and I won''t still forgive you for hiding something from me." Bago ako lumabas ay narinig ko pa ang namayaning hkhak niya sa silid ko. Wayde''s always like to tease me. I wonder if there''s something I could tease him about. I grinned with that thought.


    Bwesit tga!


    "Hey," sumunod pa ang gago.


    I just rolled my eyes and made my way downstairs. I didn''t bother to meet his gaze and continued my way downstairs.


    "Celestia." Still, hindi ko siya pinansin.


    Bah siyang manigas riyan.


    "Hey, baby" Sinubukan niya akong kbitin but I didn''t bother to budge.


    Napatigil ako sa paghakbang at pinukn siya ng masamang tingin. The idiot was just smiling and the yful Wayde is back. Oh tapos? Bah siya.


    Narinig ko ang pagbulong-bulongan ng mga maid pagkarating ko sa baba. I made my way to the kitchen and the dog behind me is following me.


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    "Stop following me," asik ko at binuksan ang mga kab roon para maghanap ng makakain. Puro mga canned goods and preservative foods nga p ang naroon sa section na ''yun.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    "What are you doing, baby?" lumayo ako sa kanya na parang nagdad siya ng nakakahawang sakit.


    I just ignored him, but the truth, my heart is thumping like crazy!


    "Pwede ba, lumayo ka shoo. I can''t concentrate here. Magluluto ako dahil gutom ako." Pinagpatuloy ko ang paghahanap ng mga kasangkapan.


    Pero hindi ko tga m kung ano ang lulutuin ko. In my peripheral vision, I saw him dragging a chair and made himselffortable there. "Babe?"


    "Baby?"


    Kanino ''bang anak to at ibabalik kong sa tiyan ng ina niya?


    "Love," naiinis ko siyang nilingon.


    "What?!" aniya ko at marahas na lumingon sa kanya.


    He removed his necktie using his right hand and stared at me.


    "You don''t know how to cook."

 Chapter 15.2

    Napapikit ako sa inis at umuusok ang ilong umupo sa silya kaharap niya.


    "Sa ating dwa, ikaw ang marunong magluto. Now, cook. Don''t starved your wife, Mr. Patterson." It''s my turned to teased him.


    Nakita kong natign siya at hindi napaghandaan ang sinabi ko. I just smiled and acted as if nothing happened. Wayde stood up and prepared the ingredients to cooked food.


    Nasa ganung set-up kami nang pumasok si Manang Glenda sa kusina. I weed her a hug. Hindi ko manng siya nabati dahil sa pagmamadali kanina. I hugged her tightly.


    "Ay jusko kang bata ka! Ginugt mo naman ako." lumingon siya sa direksyon ni Wayde. "Aba''t diba itong gwaponglaki na ito ay ang asawa mo? Anong nangyari at t magkakakla na kayong dwa?"


    I smiled. I was about to answer her when Wayde interrupted.


    "Mahal niya ako nay kaya ayosng sa kanya na asawa niya ako. She wouldn''t want to let go of me the moment she same." He said coolly. Lumapit sa pwesto ko at ramdam ko ang pang-aasar sa boses niya. He snaked his arms in my waist and pulled me to him closer.


    Mabilis pa sa s-kwatro akong napalingon sa kanya. My eyes was stucked at Wayde. Leveling his eyes with my intense re. How dare him!


    "Jusko kayong mga bata kayo! Huwag niyo nga akong ginugt ng ganyan."


    Hindi ko pa rin iniiwas ang tingin ko sa kanya. Pinaningkitan ko siya ng tingin at nagsalita.


    "Sorry to burst your bubble, but remember, you like me first, Mr. Patterson." I thought he would backfired, but he stunned me with what he said.


    "Your fault. That''s because you always amazed me with the little things that you want to learn."


    "Oh, tama na muna yan mga anak. Huwag niyo ng pahabain at baka ako''ynggamin rito." Sakang kami napatigil nang magsalita si Manang Glenda. Kins ko ang pagkakahawak ni Wayde sa bewang ko at umupo. Nagtaka ako kung bakit hindi pa umaalis si Wayde sa pwesto. Wayde went to Manang Glenda and introduced his self.


    "H-hey, what... are you doing, Wayde?" Pero hindi niya ako pinakinggan at nag tuloy-tuloyng sa papit kay Manang.


    "Hi, nay. I''m Wayde Amadeus Patterson, 29 years old. I know that you''ve been with Celestia for a very long time, and you stand as a second parent for her. Our marriage wasn''t a good start, I know, but may I ask for your approval to take care of Celestia in this lifetime?" His face is serious and there''s no hint of insincerity in his voice.


    Sa totoong, hindi ko inaasahang gagawin niya yun. It was just then when I confessed my true feelings to him. But for Wayde, he took a leap and stood up for what he believe what''s right. It was a new adventure for us to take.


    "Hindi ko kayo mapipign sa gusto niyong gawin. Pero hijo,gi mong tatandaan na ako''y nanditong kung kakanganin niyo ako. Handa akong magsilbi hanggang sa punuin niyo ang bahay na ito ng mga supling." Mki ang ngiti na saad ni Manang Glenda sa amin.


    It''s too early to think about those now, but what Manang said got a major points.


    Lumapit si Manang kay Wayde at inayos ang natupi nitong cor.


    "At sino ba naman ako para tumanggi sa napakagwapong binata na nasa harapan ko? Basta hijo, gaan mo ang ga ko kagaya ng hinihingi mo sa''kin. Matigas man ang ulo ng bata na yan pero mapagmahal yan."


    "I know and it''s already proven" sumulyap si Wayde sa''kin at nagpakaw ng isang matamis na ngiti.


    "Hindi yan marunong sa mga gawaing bahay pero handang matuto yan."


    "I know."


    "At higit sahat, marami man siyang madadaanang lubak-lubak na daan pero hindi yan susuko hangga''t hindi makakapunta sa destinasyon."


    "I know, nay, and I''m willing to be in those times."


    I pursed my lips and stared at Wayde. How could he say those things in such serious but in a heartfelt manner. I never seen Wayde acted like this before and it''s just ironic how it affected me big time. There''s no point on denying that I already fell for him.


    And I''m not sure of where it would led me, but this kind of sensation continues growing like a row of flowers in the wilderness.


    The aroma of the food that Wayde cooked went through my nostrils. Maslong iyon nakakadagdag ng gutom ko at sa kumukulo kong tiyan. He must be going to work with the attire that he has now. "Aren''t you busy?" tanong ko dahil sa suot niya. But even so, he looks attractive as hell.


    "Should I thank you for asking that?" he asked in a mocked manner. Napangisi ako.


    "Definitely," gatong ko. "Did you drive on your own?" nakakapagtakang mabilisng siyang nakarating rito sa bahay.


    "Remind me not to use my helicopter again because of me worrying about you." he said in a sarcastic tone. Napaawang ang bibig ko dahil sa sinabi niya. No way....


    "Did you just..." hindi ko makapaniwng sambit.


    Inpag niya ang sandok at hinarap ako. "What do you think heading to work and not seeing you around?" sarkastiko niyang tanong.


    Napangiti ako dahil sa sinabi niya. "Who told you that I''m here?"


    "Instinct." He smirked and leaned on the sink.


    "What a good instinct, huh?" lumapit ako sa counter at umupo sa ibabaw niyon.


    Lumapit naman si Wayde sa''kin at ingay ang magkabng kamay sa gilid ko. I really have a handsome husband, do I? He looks like a professor in that gesture. Pinitik niya ang noo ko kaya napahimas ako roon.


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    "You have more than your share. It''s time to go back to thepany, Celestia."


    Napangiwi ako sa sinabi niya. I''m still not used to it. Now that I''m back, I need to go back to the way I used to. My office is waiting for me, after all.


    "As if I have a choice," remo ko.


    "Shape up, it''s for your own good. Not soon enough, I''ll start to train you for thepany." My eyes turned broad. Wayde? Will be the one to train me? Looks like I''m gonna get roasted from time to time. "Bakit parang mas close pa kayo ng daddy ko kaysa sa''kin?" I pulled a face and looked at him doubting.


    Wayde stepped backward and leaned his back in the sink. He folded his arms while looking at me tly.


    "Cause I''m your husband. And a husband should know how to train his stubborn wife." Imbes na mainis ay napangiti ako sa sinabi niya. Husband huh?


    "So we''re really iming that title now? Ganyan mo tga ako ka-gusto ''no?" I teased him.


    "There''s no point in denying it. And you should pour that feeling for me only... baby" He leaned closer and whispered in my ear. Bahagya akong nagt atlayo na sana nang sakupin niya angbi ko.


    I was left dumbfounded when his lips caught mine. Wayde pulled me closer to him and put both of my hands in his shoulder. Bahagya kong nsahan ko pa ang pagkain sa niluluto niya.


    I should be pushing him away, right?N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    But why does my body is hungry for his kisses? I felt his both hands supporting my back, trailing circles that sent shivers to my spine. Napagig pa ako ng kagatin niya ang pang-ibabangbi ko. It sent a sensational feeling to my body. "W-What are you doing to me?" hingal kong sabi ng pakawn niya angbi ko.

 Chapter 16

    He gives me a peck of kiss in my lips before moving his lips away. Ang mga kamay ko ay nakakapit pa rin sa leeg niya. I felt like both of my knees turned jelly. Gusto ko nng isubsob ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya dahil sa nangyari. I was about to speak again when I felt him kissing my forehead gently.


    "Lunch is ready. You need to eat first, you haven''t eaten anything yet."


    Tumango ako. He lifted me up from the counter. Kaagad akong bumalik sa upuan ko at naghintay siya na hainan ako. Bakit parang wng sa kanya ang nangyari kanina?


    Nakakainis! How could he be so prim and decent looking after what happened?!


    Nang masinghot ang niluluto niya ay kaagad na kumm ang tiyan ko. It''s beef stew and some side dishes paired with rice. Kumuha siya ng utensils at binigay sa''kin iyon. After, he sat at the chair in front of me. Sinimn kongntakan ang m na niluto niya. He really is a good cook. The food that he cooked has a right texture and the beef is not overcook nor undercooked. His recipes are really condemnable. Napakunot ang noo ko nang may mapansin, "hindi ka ba kakain?"


    "No, I already ate something." He casually said and then his eyes diverted to my lips again.


    Nang makuha ang sinabi niya ay pinaningkitan ko siya ng mata.


    "You''re such a perv!" akusa ko sa kanya. But instead, he just shrugged his shoulders, trying to stop himself to let out a grin.


    Hindi ko nng siya pinansin at tinuloy ang pagkain. I also tried the side dish that he made and I couldn''t help it but to take bite after bite.


    "I''ll be training you for a month under yourpany. The sales of thepany plummeted rapidly this year and it hade to my notice that someone has been shadowing these deeds all along." Wayde exined. "What?" hindi ko makapaniwng tugon. Thepany has been running for lots of decades and then this happened? I looked at Wayde with disbelief.


    "I hired someone. I''ll be checking all of the employee''s background profiles to assure. Roseanna is the primary suspect, but there''s still people alongside her." Seryosong saad ni Wayde.


    Ipinikit nito ang mga mata at humalukipkip.


    I finished the food before looking at him.


    He''s the only person that my dad can be trusted with, and he must be carrying the burden that ourpany has caused. Patong-patong ang mga problemang kinakaharap niya.


    Wayde needs to double time in order to manage thepany on both sides. I''m carrying his surname and that makes him one of the stockholders in thepany. A big part of it. My guilt is consuming me as I saw him like this. Napabuntong-hininga ako at mukhang napansin naman niya iyon.


    "Don''t look at me like that. Make me proud so that my hard work will not be put to waste, wife." Those words of encouragement made me inspired to learn more.


    I will not disappoint the both of you, I promise.


    "Excuse me ma''am pero may bisita po kayo ngayon" ani ng isang maid. Nagkatinginan kami ni Wayde. Another one?


    "I wasn''t expecting anyone, but let the persone in."


    Being confused, it didn''tst long when I heard a familiar voice shouting my name. What is he doing here?! Kan pa siya nakauwi rito?


    "Celestiaaa! I need your help." Kaagad akong napalingon sa pinanggalingan ng boses.


    "yton? What the hell are you doing here?" kaagad niya akong dinaluhan nang mabungaran.


    "Celestia! I need your helpppp!" T maiiyak na siya at niyuyugyog pa ang balikat ko. Tumikhim si Wayde kaya agad nitong napukaw ang atensyon ni yton. yton''s mouth opened when he saw him.


    "Y-you told her already?" tumangong si Wayde sa kanya at sumimsim sa kape nito.


    Kaagad kong piningot ang tainga niya nang may nala. How dare him hide those secret from me! Napahiyaw naman ito at humingi ng tulong kay Wayde na hindi manng siya tinapunan ng tingin. "S-Sorry naman! Pero may mas mabigat akong problema ngayon kaya tulungan niyo ako." I let go of him. Umupo naman si yton sa katabing upuan ko.


    "What is it?"


    "It''s about..." t hindi niya matapos-tapos ang sasabihin.


    "About what?"


    yton swallowed hard before answering. I can also notice the sweat that is dripping from his forehead. Para siyang sumuong sa mkas na bagyo papunta rito sa bahay. "It''s about Laren."


    Napukaw agad ang atensyon ko sa sinabi niya.


    "What about her? Inaway mo na naman ba siya?" yton shook his head and looked down.


    "Ak ko ba hinding totoong yung sinabi mo?! She''s leaving the country, Celestia!"


    So nagkatotoo nga ang sinabi ko? Sa halip na magt ay tinapik ko ang balikat niya para pakalmahin si yton.


    "What are you nning to do, then?" I calmly asked.


    "I don''t know, kaya nga pumunta ako rito diba?" yton said worriedly.


    "It''s just for temporary right? Hindi naman siguro siya aalis ng matagal ''run. You''ll wait for her right?" matagal siyang nakatungo bago sumagot.


    He pursed his lips and whispered. "What if she''ll find someone there?"


    "Lagot, edi sorry ka nng." I saw the panicked in his eyes kaya binawi ko kaagad ang sinabi ko. "Assurance, yton. Give her an assurance that you''ll wait for her, but don''t put your expectations too high. Hindi natin m kung ano ang mangyayari sa magdaang mga araw. We might met people along the way in the near future."


    "But I only want her. And losing her would be a big downfall to me."


    yton is not just about joke after all. I never thought that we would met in unexpected time and in an unexpected ce. Ito ang unang pagkakataong nakita ko siyang hindi mapakali. So weary and worried.


    "Kaya ka pumunta ng Punto Sierra, diba? To chase for her."


    "Yeah, I just never thought that it would went this way. My father is starting to train me to be part in thepany. I might leave Punto Sierra sooner than I expected."


    Pareho kami ng sitwasyon ngayon.


    "Focus on the growth of yourpany before weing her into your life, yton. Prove something first before asking for her hand. If you want to marry her in the near future, be sure to fill her stomach first before asking for her hand," ani Wayde. He''s reading something in his little notebook while crossing his legs. Nakasuot siya ng reading ss niya ngayon.


    "M-Marriage? We''re not even in the couple stage yet."


    Ibinaba ni Wayde ang hawak at nag-angat ng tingin kay yton. "But you''ll going to marry her right?"


    Unti-unting tumango si yton, "Y-yeah, but it''s too early for that now. She will be going to US months from now. You''re right, we''re still young. Lot''s of opportunity woulde ahead, mas mabuting mag focus nng muna ako sa pagpapatakbo ng kompanya. But I would run after her, no matter what."


    "Saan mo ngay ang yton na kla ko? So much had already changed, huh?"


    "I think that''s what love does to us. It''s either it makes us a fool or it makes us the happiest person alive." yton whispered and chuckled.


    Love. It does makes us a fool and happiest person at the same time. I tapped yton''s back lighly and mouthed him a ''goodluck''.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "You shocked me so much. I thought your in Punto Sierra as of now."


    "After the fiesta yesterday, nakatanggap ako ng tawag sa ama ko. He wants me to return immediately," bumuntong hininga siya at tumingin sa mga pagkain. Tumayo siya at kumuha ng to sa rack at naghain ng kanin para sa sarili niya. "Pakain ako ah, I''ve been hungry the whole time. Oi Beef stew! Masarap to ah!" "Wayde cooked it, of course." Taas- noo kong sabi sa kanya. Napatigil naman ang paghain niya ng m at lukot ang mukhang tumingin kay Wayde.


    "Ano ba ang hindi mo kayang gawin?" kumuha siya ng kutsara at nagsimng kumain. "Huhuhu Kaya naiib sa''yohat eh." "To be like you."


    "A-ano? Hoy! Compliment ba yan o insulto?"


    "Why do I need to choose if I can choose both?" I can sense his smug expression towards him.


    Gumatong naman si yton, "Pasmat ka at masarap ''tong beef stew mo! pero teka! Hindi ka ''ba kakain? Baka mapagkamn akong makapal ang mukha ket di naman." "No, I already ate something delicious awhile ago." Wayde mischievously smiled and looked at my lips. Kaagad akong nag-iwas ng tingin dahil ramdam ko ang pamum ng pisngi ko. yton didn''t seem to notice and just continued eating.


    "O ''edi sige, madali naman akong kausap. Buti naman pinagluto mo asawa mo ''no? Kesa naman siya palutuin mo, baka puro apoy nng madatnan mo sa bahay. Gastos din yun."


    I red at him at tinampal ang braso niya.


    "Hey! I''m not a bad cook as before. I can already fried a fish. Hindi pa yun sunog at hindi rin hw ah!" Proud ko pang sabi at nag-angat ng tingin.


    "Yeah, right. Frying a fish and wondering why''s the eyes popping out." Ako ang asawa niya pero bakit pinagtutulungan ata n akong dwa?!N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "Atleast, I cook it right! But whatever, I can still learn to cook or even take culinary. Who you kayo sa''kin kapag ako marunong magluto." I defended myself. yton just mimicked it while Wayde just shrugged his shoulders. Napapangisi pa s at pinagtawanan ako. Hmp! magsama sng dwa.

 Chapter 17

    "May I have the invoices for this past years, Riu? Pati na rin ang statistic sa mga nakalipas na buwan." Imanded from my dad''s secretary.


    I was making the reports for the sales that thepany made for the past months. Wayde asked me to meticulously check thepany''s well being after months of being away. Nakita kong mki ang pagbabago niyon sa mga dumaraang buwan. This might affect the branches that were under my dad''spany.


    "On it, Mrs. Patterson. Congrattions with your marriage, ma''am." Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako sanay sa pagbabago ng apelyido ko. Well atleast, it''s more ssier now.


    Nang maipasa niya ang mga dokumento ay kaagad kong binasa iyon isa-isa. I massaged my temple and stretched my arms before proceeding to work. Marami-rami rin iyon at kangan kong busisihin iyon ng maayos.


    It was already quarter to one when I finished. Kaagad akong nag-inat at lumabas ng kwarto ko. I was about to pass on our main balcony when I noticed someone there.


    When I take a peak, I saw Wayde with hisptop on the table. He''s wearing a headset while typing in his keyboard. Suot-suot din niya ang reading sses niya at may mga papeles sa gilid. I did not bother to destruct him and went straight to the kitchen on our floor. Kaagad kong binuksan ang cab sa kusina at kinuha ang electric kettle.


    It''s a good thing that we have a kitchen here and downstairs, it''s convenient for me and my dad. Especially when we are too busy with work and can''t even go downstairs to eat something.


    While waiting for the water to boil, kumuha rin ako ng isang gatas at kape. I can''t sleep without drinking milk. Hindi ko m kung gaano ka tamis ang gusto ni Wayde sa kape niya. I just put the cream in the wooden tray and put some spoon and a wooden coaster for me to put in the ss.


    Nang matapos ay kaagad kong ngay ang tray sa dining cart. Tk-tk ko ang cart patungo sa balcony. When I went back there, Wayde''s now reading the paperworks and hisptop is off. He''s facing the myriad lights outside while continuing to read the documents. Bahagya pa siyang napapakunot ng noo dahil sa ginagawa.


    "Wayde," tawag ko sa kanya.


    Lumingon siya sakin at mukhang nagt pa nga sa presensya ko. Ininguso ko ang d-d kong inumin at npag iyon sa center table. It''s still hot kaya maingat kong kinuha ang wooden coaster kasabay ng baso sa ibabaw niyon "It''s gettingte."


    Npag niya ang mga papeles sa sarilingmesa at tinanggal ang reading sses niya. Wayde reached out for the mug and put a little amount of cream before stirring it. Kinuha ko rin yung akin at sumimsim roon.


    "I just finished some of the dues today since I''m not in the office to work on it. It''s gettingte, why are you still up also?" sumimsim muna ako sa mug bago sumagot.


    I''m starting to feel cold also because of the windy atmosphere. Hindi sapat ang sweater na suot ko para hindi makaramdam ngmig.


    "I just finished the reports today. There were lots of adjustments and need to be fixed. It''s a hell of aeback."


    "Hang on there, Celestia. It''ll end soon." Tumango ako. I hope so.


    "I already talked to your dad a while ago," pagpapatuloy niya.


    "Anong sinabi niya?"


    "As usual, the reaction I expected. But he understood, there''s no point of keeping it from you. Your father will being back after a week of business trip."


    I pursed my lips. "I guess... I''ll be alone for a week then." I shook my head and chuckled lightly. "Except for the fact that I need to deal with lots of paperworks. I''ll really spoil myself with lots of good movi- what are you doing?" napatigil ako sa pagkukwento nang lumapit siya sa akin.


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    Wayde reached out for a pillow and put it in myp and rested his head there. He raised my right hand and yed with my fingers. I was startles with what he did. After the confession under the rain, hindi na nasundan ang usaping iyon. "I''ll be off to Europe this week. I''m sorry if I can''t be with you in your trainings. I already sent your work to Riu, and she will be the one to organize it."


    I''m torn between brushing my hands in his hair or not. But I chose thetter. Inangat ko ang kamay ko at pinaruan ang buhok niya. Hindi naman siya nagremo kaya tinuloy ko ang ginagawa. His hair is soft and easy to mess with. "No need to worry about it. I''ll do better in my training.


    I''ll show you what I''m capable of. Who you ka tga sakin niyan. I''m good at office works you know." I proudly said, trying to make the conversations lighter.


    "Impressing your husband, aren''t we, wife?" naramdaman ko ang pamum ng pisngi ko dahil sa sinabi niya.


    Nakakainis! Why does he always leave me unguarded?


    Hindi ako sumagot at hinayaan siyangruin ang daliri ko. He was massaging my palm and sometimes measuring my ring finger.


    "Galit kaba?" tanong niya na nagpitigil sa akin.


    "On what?"


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    "Because of this setup. I can feel your anger when you know that you''re married to me. I know that you''re still not ready for it. Your business is at stake, and the way that it can be saved is for you to marry me. Our business could be conjoined and assured that no one can inherit thepany except for you."


    Itinigil ko ang pagsuy sa buhok niya. "I admit... I was angry about the marriage. But I think... It was a blessing in disguise. Staying in Punto Sierra molded me into someone that I didn''t expect I would be. And meeting you... was even more than that."


    He lifted my hand and kissed the back palm of it.


    Wayde..


    "Wait for me. Je te donnerai plus qu''une femme ne pourrait demander." He mumbled using the frenchnguage. Kumunot ang noo ko.


    "What does that mean?" I softly asked.


    "Only for me to know." I pouted with what he said. I know severalnguages but not French.


    Napangiti naman si Wayde mahinang tumawa. "Why do I love that expression of yours?"


    I pinched his nose. "Cause I''m cute and hard to resist?"N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "You''re hard to resist but I''m doubting the first one."


    "Wayde!" angal ko at mahinang hinampas ang balikat niya. Mabilis naman niyang sinakop ang kamay ko ng kamay niya at pinagsiklop iyon. "Just kidding, wife."

 Chapter 18.1

    First day of work is always a hassle. That''s why I always hate Monday. Maraming mga gawain at angyo pa sa weekend. I''m wearing my Addy Long Sleeve zer Dress. It also has a white belt attached to it to hug my curves. I love the color ivory that''s why I paired it with my ck stiletto sandals.


    When I entered the hall, my shoes made a clicking sound whenever my heels touched the floor. They also greeted me whenever the employees would walk passed me. "Goodmorning, Mrs. Patterson." Bati ng mga empleyado sa akin.


    I''m not shocked anymore that the news spread like a wildfire. There were lots of controversies and gossip as I''ve heard. But it''s none of their business to focus with.


    I replied them with a smile and a greetings too. Nang makarating sa pinaka-tuktok ay kaagad kong pinatawag si Riu na papuntahin roon.


    "Morning Mrs. Patterson, wee back to work. Here are the lists of the exports that have been made for thest five months." She handed me a clearbook filled with thick pages. Kaagad kong inabot iyon.


    Kumuha pa siya ng isang clearbook at inhad iyon sa''kin. "At ito rin po yung mga proposals a sint ng proposal managers. These are just a part of the unsolicited ones, while the blue folder contains the solicited proposals." "Thank you, Riu. When was the schedule for the meeting regarding the nning for the new look of the brand?"


    My dad owned one of the most well-known liquor brands all around. Pumapayagpag iyon hindimang sa Asya kundi pati na rin sa iba''t ibang panig ng bansa.


    Every year, we have an annual celebration for the foundation of our brands. At sa bawat taon niyon ay may iba''t ibang seng mga produktong ipapbas. There were also new looks to be shown by a chosen personality made by the board of directors.


    The employees also have the chance to suggest but the 40% needs to be made by the directors itself.


    I didn''t waste any time and started my dues one by one. Task after task, and meeting after meeting. It''s already a pattern for me to follow.


    A day or two has passed and I''m still working my ass off.


    It was Day 5.


    It was a sleepless night. Nakalimutan ko na ''ring kumain paminsan-minsan. I didn''t even bother to check my phone if there''s an email or call. I was working on with the proposal for tomorrow''s meeting. I''ll be meeting with some of the board of directors tomorrow and I need to make sure that my presentation is presentable and makes sense.


    Hinilot ko ang magkabng sentido at sinara angptop ko. I nced at the small calendar that''s on my desk. Two days... two days of waiting and they will be back already. I can not disappoint them with this.


    Another hour passed and I didn''t even notice the time ticking fast. Wng katapusang mga gawain ang mga pinagtuunan ko ng pansin. The other departments of thepany too are in a rush just to meet their dues. And just before I knew it, it was already the fourth day of the week.


    Kaagad kong inayos ang suot ko at tinignan ang sarili sa smin. I put on some lipstick and also fixed my hair. There, done!


    Tinignan ko ang pambisig relo at nakitang ng minuto nng ay magsisim na ang meeting. I immediately went back to my office to prepare everything. Riu is also my second hand in preparing everything.


    "Are you read, Mrs. Patterson?"


    "Always am." I smiled.


    When I entered the conference room, the board directors were already there. They are mostly the same age as my dad, and they greeted me with their smiles.


    "Goodmorning, Ms. Villcarcel." Mr. Tsui held his hand. Agad kong inabot iyon at nakipagkamay. Looks like they still don''t have an idea about my marriage.


    "Goodmorning, shall we start the meeting?" Kaagad akong umupo sa pinakadulong upuan at inbas ang mga reports roon. I can feel their stares on me. It''s making me ufortable from time to time but I remained myposure. Nasa kgitnaan na kami ng meeting nang pabalyang bumukas ang pintuan ng conference room. Iniluwa niyon ang isang pamilyar nalaking. He is wearing his formal attire and his hair is styled in a top knot. Kumunot ang noo ko nang tuloy-tuloy itong pumasok sa conference room. Without even acknowledging the people in the room.


    "Goodmorning, Ms. Vircacel! Pasensya na at nte ako. May emergencyng na nangyari kaya ngayonng ako nakapunta."


    Nang makita ang maliit na que kung nasaan ang nakgay ang pangn niya ay napataas ako ng ky.


    "Be sure that you''re punctual next time, Mr. Monterced. Tardiness is not allowed here." Pang sesermon ko sa kanya. Ngumising siya at nagkibit-balikat.


    "Oh, sorry for that, Ms. Vircacel. But I can assure you, my reason is valid."


    "Very well, let''s start the presentation about our annual celebration." I motioned Riu to present the presentation that I made yesterday. I stood up and also gave them an exnation regarding my presentations.


    "How can we assure that the hired photographer is efficient and has the quality? Why don''t we hire one of the famous photographers? Marami akong kakla kahit mahal ang bayad sa kan." Mr. Chua interrupted me.


    "Sir, we need to be practical in choosing our photographers. There are also some famous photographers whose quality is not that condemnable, besides, we could save a lot of funds if we could choose a photographer which is just right for the price and their quality is excellent. After all, we are after the quality and not how famous the person is." I politely exined.


    "I agree with Ms. Vircacel. We should consider the price and the quality of a photographer, Mr. Chua." Mr. Monterced said with an amusement in his voice.


    Nakita ko ang pag-iba ng tim ng mukha nito at hindi na umimik. I grabbed the chance to continue again and presented some slides. After the reports, I received the report, I received suchpliments and the approval of the boards. I bowed and thanked them.


    "Woah! I never expected that you could be that awesome in office works, Ms. Vircacel." Mr Monterced stood up and handed his hands. We shaked hands and I smiled.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Meeting adjourned, have a good afternoon, everyone." I was keeping my things and put it in my folder when Mr. Tsui went to me.


    Naramdaman kong sinuyod niya ang kabuuan ko. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at sinalubong ang tingin niya His expression shifted and smiled at me.


    "I''m really impressed by your reports Ms. Vircacel." Sinubukan nitong mas lumapit pa pero humakbang ako papyo sa kanya. The ufortable expression is visible in my face and I let him see that for him to stepped back. But he didn''t. "Thank you, Mr. Tsui. Is there anything you want aside from that?" I caught him looking at my chest. The lust in his face is visible and it makes me want to kick his balls right now. Disgusting.


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    "Might well... spend a time with me? Lumabas naman tayo paminsan-minsan." Hindi ko na napign at naiirita ko siyang tinignan. I was about to hit him in the face when someone interrupted.


    "Huwag tumingin kung saan-saan tanda. Mas mabuting magfocus ka nng sa mga apo mo kaysa maghahanap ka ng mga mabibiktima mo. Tang ina, hindi ka paba nauubusan ng semilya?" nang-iinsultong sabi nito kay Mr. Tsui. It''s Mr. Monterced.


    He removed his coat. Kaagad niyang ibinalot iyon sa akin at ibinutones. Mki ang coat niya kaya sakop-sakop niyon ang maliit kong katawan. I was actually shocked with his gesture but appreciated it very much. "How dare you say those words to me, Monterced. Napakayabang mo tga." Mr. Tsui gritted his teeth. Mr. Monterced just shrugged and acted like he was surprised.


    "Matagal ko ng m yun, Mr Tsui. May iyayabang naman ako kaya wag kang mag-la. If ever I saw you disrespect a girl like that, wushu! m mo na ang klagyan mo." The side of his lips rose up and raised his eyebrow. "Don''t test my patience, Monterced. May klagyan ka rin." nagpupuyos sa galit na aniya ni Mr. Tsui. Inangatan ko siya ng isang ky at nagsalita. "That''s enough, Mr. Tsui. Out now."


    Lumingon si Mr. Tsui sa akin at masama akong tinignan. I didn''t bother to say anything and motioned the exit for him.


    "Don''t let me see in your face in ourpany ever again, Mr. Tsui. Don''t ever disrespect my wife, again." Naki ang mga mata kong napabaling sa entrance.


    We saw Wayde leaning on the door jamb. His both hands are put in his pocket. Nakpag ang attached case nito sapag at madilim ang mukhang nakatingin kay Mr. Tsui. My face brightened up when I saw him. Gusto ko nng siyang takbuhin at yakapin!


    Finally.

 Chapter 18.2

    "Magbabayad kayo sa ginawa niyo sa''kin. Prepare for my surprises, Mrs. Patterson." napa-atras ako nang tinignan niya ako at m-demonyong ngumiti. Mr. Monterced went in front of me to covered me and whispered something to Mr. Tsui. Hindi ko rinig ang sinabi niya sa matanda, but it was justified when Mr. Tsui''s expression shifts into rage.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Being enraged, Mr. Tsui rushed out of the conference room. Kaagad namang lumapit si Wayde sa amin. Kng nng siguro ay magta-tatalon ako sa sobrang tuwa. He is finally back!


    "That old hag is really a fucker. Remind me again to break his bones when we meet again." pinakita pa ni Mr. Monterced ang nakakuyom na kamao na parang handang makipaban sa kung sino.


    "Thank you, Mr. Monterced." I sincerely said. Nagt ako nang tapikin niya ang ulo ko at ginulo ang buhok ko.


    "I think you have more than your share with my wife already, Seann." napatingin kaming dwa kay Wayde dahil sa inakto nito. His face darkens as he throws some sharp res towards Mr. Monterced. But it looks like Mr. Monterced didn''t even care about it and faced me.


    "Nah, just call me Seann the Great. Mukhang nagalit ko ata ang asawa mo. All right," tumingin siya sa pambisig relo niya. "I need to keep going now. My schedule''s always busy so ciao!" But before he could even enter the exit, Wayde called him.


    "As much as I want to destroy that face of yours but thank you, brute. I owe you." Magkakakla s? I just noticed Seann''s features also right now. That top knot hair really suited him. And he looks dashing too! But Wayde is more handsome than him, I can guarantee that.


    "Always wee, fucker! Iwas-iwasan ang pagiging seloso, nakakabawas yan ng kagwapuhan! If ever I see Mr. Tsui again, I might kick his ass next time if I ever see him near. Wee back by the way. Ciao!" ani nito at mabilis na umalis sa conference room.


    "I heard the director''s feedback. Well done, wife." Wayde tapped my back and kissed my cheeks.


    Napangiti ako dahil sa ginawa niya. I snaked my arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. I''m always used to his presence, that having him away for almost a week gives me a new feeling. "Thank you. Are you with dad, right now?" I asked when we parted.


    "No, bukas pa ang dating n. Napaagang ang dating ko dahil mabilis akong natapos. Negotiating and meeting for the past few days makes me bored. I just went straight ahead after my ne took off. You look beautiful." Wayde caressed my cheeks and locked my lips with his.


    His kiss is soft and gentle. Ang bawat paghalik niya ay may dng pag-iingat. Inikot ko ang mga kamay ko sa batok niya at mas pinlim pa iyon. I felt something slip in my finger and decided to pull away. Hindi ko manng napansin iyon. With curiosity, I lifted my hands and saw a ring with a pearl in the center. I unbelievably tilt my head and saw Wayde smiling. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang singsing na naroon. It''s so beautiful!


    There''s diamonds along with the band and the pearl is put perfectly in the center.


    "I just realized that we didn''t have any wedding band on our fingers since the first day. How horrible is it as you" Hindi ko na siya pinatapos sa sasabihin niya dahil mahigpit ko na siyang niyakap. "Thank you..." I felt him embracing me back and kissing the top of my head.


    "As long as I can, I''ll give you what you deserve." He whispered and kissed my forehead longer than the usual. I got emotional with what he said. Some might say that I''m overreacting but I just can''t help it.


    He pulled away and stared at me intently. Our eyes connected. He kissed the bridge of my nose, before kissing my lips. Softly, gently. Hinawakan niya ako sa bewang upang suportahan ako at mas idiin pa sa kanya. I responded to his kiss with the same ferocity.


    I can feel his utmost respect by his kiss.


    ****


    "Looks like you will not be needing my guidance then." ani Wayde. Kinuwento ko sa kanya ang nangyari sa limang araw na w siya. Looking back, it was very stressful and tiring. Perohat naman tayo dadaan sa ganung stage bago makuha yung gusto natin.


    I sliced the steak and have a bite on it. We are having a dinner today. Nman ko ''ring hindi pa siya kumain magm kanina. Mas ibinuhos nng niya ang oras sa erono sa pagtulog kesa kumain.


    I really did reprimand him for that. He is maybe hardworking but he can''t just abuse his body like that.


    "Well, you''re proud of me aren''t you? But you know what, it''s not really easy to deal with hell."


    "I trust you and I know you can do it, wife." I always feel a jittery feeling in my stomach whenever he says that. I just can''t get enough of it.


    "So muchpliment! I still have lots of work, but it''s not as much of a hassle than the previous one. By the way, how are you rted to Mr. Monterced?" usisa ko sa kanya. I was really shocked when they just casually talked with each other like they knew each other for the longest time.


    "We have been friends since College. Both of us are investor''s in each other''spany. Mayabang pero may maipag-mamayabang." aniya sa huling linya na parang ineexpect na tga galing sa kaibigan niya.


    "He''ste a while ago, but I really appreciate what he did. He''s handsome too, you know!" I giggled when I remembered those top knot hair styles. Mr. Monterced looks so hot while having that style!


    Wayde raised an eyebrow. "So you''replimenting him now, huh?"


    "Of course! He''s a bit arrogant, but he has good looks. Does he have a girlfriend right now?" I teasingly said to irritate him more.


    "He is married at w kanang pag-asa sa kanya. If he would meet you a hundred times, he would basically ignore you every single time." He tly said. Tumiim ang bagang nito at halos mapudpod na ang hinihiwa nitong steak. Masungit niya akong tinignan at nandidilim ang mga tingin na pinukn ang kinakain.


    "Wayde?" untag ko sa kanya. Pinign kong mapangiti dahil sa inasta niya. He''s not admitting it but it''s visible in his face.


    "Hmm?" aniya habang ang mga tingin ay nasa steak na kinakain.


    "You''re so cute when you''re mad." I grinned while staring at him. I waited for him to meet my eyes but it didn''t happen.


    "So you have your favoritism now? He''s handsome while I''m just cute?" napaawang ang bibig ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Oh my gosh!


    Bumunghalit ako ng tawa dahil sa inaakto niya. Nagsalubongng ang ky ni Wayde habang nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Remind me again not to jealous of this guy right here.


    "Of course you are both! But I admit that he is handsome, yeah?" sabi ko habang natatawa pa rin sa reaksyon niya. Hindi ko inaasahan ang ganitong side niya. It''s fun to tease him dahil hindi niya naitatago ang reaksyon niya. Napapantastikuhan ko siyang tinignan at inabot ang tubig para uminom. Hindi mapuknat ang ngiti sabi ko dahil sa nasaksihan kong reaksyon niya ngayon.


    How cute could my husband be?


    "Stopughing or I might devour those lips of yours right here, right now." Pero hindi ako nagpatinag sa sinabi niya. Imbes na tumahimik ay maslo ko pa siyang tinudyo. sa tagiliran. I teased him more and wiggled my eyebrow. "My husband is cute when jealou-" My smiled faded away when he pulled me closer to him and sealed my lips with his lips. Naki ang mga mata ko nang mas hinapit niya pa ang likod ko pappit sa kanya. It wasn''t the usual gentle or soft kiss. It was rough and aggressive.


    It was far from the kiss that I had from him.


    "Wayde..." He grabbed that opportunity and slid his tongue inside. Napakapit ako sa likod niya at napapikit. T nlasing ako sa mga halik niya. Ang mga pader na hinaharang ko ay unti-unting natutupok dahil sa ginagawa niya sa katawan


    ko.


    Hindi ko napaghandaan ang sunod niyang ginawa, he pulled me and let me sit on hisp. Pinaikot ko ang isang kamay sa batok niya at ang isa ay nakahawak sa balikat niya. I can feel the heat spread across my body like a virus. What are you doing to me, Wayde?


    "Hmm..." I can feel his smirk when I suddenly let out a muffled moan. Hinihingal kaming binitawan niya angbi ko. His lips trail and bite my ear. Napaungol ako dahil sa ginawa niya. His hand is travelling anywhere in my body. Umabot ang mga halik niya sa leeg ko. It sent a tingling sensation between the thing in my thighs. I nuzzled my neck to give him some ess. I can feel his wet kisses and biting my neck leaving a mark there.


    Bumalik angbi niya sabi ko at kinagat ang pang-ibabangbi ko. T pinanggign niyang kagatin iyon. After some minutes, he pulled away with a smirk on his face.


    "That''s your punishment for pushing me to my limit, baby. Don''t do that again or you''ll experience more than that." He whispered sexily while I was left embarrassed. Png-p ang mukha ko kaya sinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya. "I hate you..." I mumbled while still panting. Damn this sensation that I felt right now. The more I get attached with the fire, the more I felt being addicted to it.


    "I just realized... we didn''t consummate our wedding, didn''t we?" kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran habang nakasubsob pa rin ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya. W na ata akong mukhang maihaharap salaking ''to!


    I can hear his sexyugh echoing in my office. Peste ka tga, Wayde Amadeus Patterson!

 Chapter 19.1

    Nasa s ako ngayon at nagbabasa ng libro. Dad is sipping coffee while reading the newspaper. I''m d that Roseanna isn''t a leech around. I can''t stand whenever she''s around. "How''s work, anak?" nag-angat ako ng tingin at ingay ang binabasang libro sa coffee table.


    "Stressful, but I can handle it."


    "I heard that your rtionship with Wayde is good." Dad folded his newspaper and looked at me as if he demanded an exnation from me.


    "What rtionship? You forced me into this marriage, dad, so we are basically husband and wife." I sarcastically exined. I heard dad chuckled and shook his head. "Oh really? I thought it was something else." napataas ako ng ky sa sinabi niya.


    "Something else?"


    "Oo. Hindi ko inaasahan na kayo p ay magkakamabutihan. Bigyan niyo na rin ako ng apo at ng magaan ko." Napasapo ako ng noo dahil sa sinabi ni daddy. Ipinagkakanulo na niya tga ako sa iba.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    "We are just starting, dad and besides, it''s too early for that."


    "Ahh basta, kung handa na kayo ay bigyan niyo ako ng apo at ng magka-ingay naman ang buhay. You''re still my princess, right?" I smiled when I saw my dad teary eyed. Lumapit ako sa kanya at yinakap ko siya.


    "I''ll always be your princess, dad. And I''m sorry for my mistakes and for my stubbornness." I hugged dad tightly.


    Yinakap naman niya ako at hinalikan ang noo ko. Ahh, I miss this kind of bonding between us.


    "You will always be my princess, no matter what." I rested my head on dad''s shoulder while resting.


    Mom, are you proud of dad? He did everything for me and willingly risked everything for me.


    We stayed like that for a while when I heard Wayde''s voice. Kaagad kaming napalingon ni daddy. He was wearing his suit as usual. Ang aliws nitong tignan at maslo pa siyang gumwapo. I bet that every man would look handsome if they wear a formal suit.


    Those bulging muscles that''s just right for him. Everything about Wayde is attractive.


    "I''ll get going now." Wayde fixed his necktie and wore his coat. My forehead creased.


    "It''s your day off today, Wayde." si Dad.


    "I''m sorry, pa. I need to meet with an important director today. I just can''t turn down the offer." Lumapit siya kay daddy at nagmano rito. Sunod naman niya akong npitan at hinalikan sa pisngi.


    I smiled and nodded.


    "Let''s have dinner together,ter." He said before he left.


    Napapansin kong sobrang busy ni Wayde sa pagpapatakbo ng kompanya. It''s not that I''m against it, but I''m worried about his well-being. He might be fine and masculine, but he couldn''t always guarantee it.


    ng oras kong inab ang sarili sa pagbabasa ng libro. Nakakhati na ako sa pagbabasa nang may idea na pumasok sa isip ko. Sinulyapan ko ang relo at nakitang ten png ng umaga. W naman akong gagawin mamaya kaya napadesisyonan kong dalhan nng ng lunch si Wayde sa opisina.


    Not so clingy, Celestia, huh?


    I made my way to the kitchen only to see my dad there. Nagbabasa ito ng kung ano-ano at nang mapansin ako ay nag-angat siya ng tingin.


    "Hey, princess, you hungry?" umiling ako.


    "Actually..." I was even hesitant to answer.


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    "I''m going to bring lunch for Wayde."


    Nakita ko ang pag-angat ng ky ni Dad sa''kin. Inilipag niya ang papel na binabasa niya at humalukipkip. He looked at me with some questions which I only ignored. m ko na kung saan patutungo ang usapang ''to.


    "Did I miss a lot, princess? Mukhang maraming pagpapaliwanag ang dapat gawin ni Wayde sa''kin." Dad leaned on the chair and sped his both hands together.


    There''s really a lot of exnation I got to do.


    "Yes? I guess so."


    "Hmm, siya nng ang tatanungin ko kung ganun. Ano ba ang gustong mong lutuin para sa kanya?" napaisip ako.


    I grimaced when I remembered that I didn''t even know how to cook. Mukhang napansin ni dad ang reaksyon ko kaya mahina itong tumawa. Napasimangot naman ako dahil sa reaksyon niya.


    "Teach me," may pakiki-usap sa boses ko. Nag-puppy eyes pa ako kay daddy na ikinatawang niya.


    "Be sure to listen carefully, princess. Your mom would be so proud if you would cook this correctly." Napailing-iling ako sa sinabi ni Dad.


    Naiisip ko png ang maghiwa ng mga gy ay mukhang hindi na kakayanin ng kamay ko. Thest time I cooked myself, it turned out to be aplete disaster that Wayde actually helped me out to revive my dish. What a horrible experience though.


    Sinimn na ni daddy na yagakin ang mga ingredients. I attentively listened to him and watched every move he did. Para akong isang salesdy na nagbabantay sa isang customer habang namimili ng produkto. He was nning to cook a beef steak. Naghihiwa si daddy ng sibuyas nang magsalita ito.


    "This is your mom''s favorite dish. It''s her favorite. Nala ko nung nagbubuntis pang siya sa''yo ay halos ito na ang pging kinakain niya. Kng nng ay magpatayo ako ng cow farm rito sa bahay." Nakangiting kwento ni dad. Pinilig ko ang ulo at natawa rin. I could already imagine. My dad told me that my mom really likes to eat food. She''s also bad in the cooking department. Ngayon ay m ko na kung saan tga ako nagmana. I was the one preparing for the beef and volunteered to get the other ingredients.


    "Ak ko''y aabutan pa tayo ng kwarisma sa paghihiwa ng sibuyas."


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    "Dad!" angal ko.


    Ginulong niya ang buhok ko at hinalikan ang noo ko. After a while of preparing, kaagad akong nagisa ng sibuyas. Sinunod ko na rin ang iba pang mga ingredients bago ngay ang beef. It took us a while to soften the beef and when I averted my gaze to the clock it''s almost lunch time.


    Ngay ko iyon sa isang tupperware at naghanda sa sarili. After taking a bath, I just wore my usual dress and put on light make up. I texted Wayde ahead that I''ming to his office. I got my car keys and drove my way to his office. When I stepped out the car, kaagad akong nagpunta sa lobby at npitan ang sekretarya niya roon.


    "Hello ma''am, have you made an appointment with Mr. Patterson?" bungad sa akin ni Ven, ang secretary ni Wayde.


    Umiling ako.


    "Just tell him that it''s Ms. Celestia Vircacel. I already contacted him before this." Napa ''oh'' naman ito at pumasok ulit sa opisina. She waited in the lobby until Ven came back, he handed me a phone signaling that Wayde is in the line. "Wayde, I brought some lunch. Are you inside?" Narinig ko ang kaluskos sa kabng linya at ang pag sarado ng pintuan. He must be in a meeting.


    "Sorry, I didn''t expect that it would take me some a while here. I still have two consecutive schedules for the rest of the da-" Hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin nang may narinig akong nagsalita na empleyado.


    "Excuse me, Sir Patterson, your presentation is ready." Rinig kong aniya nang isang empleyado niya.


    Oh. He must have been so busy today.


    I can hear Wayde sighing on the line. I pursed my lips and talked. "It''s okay, Wayde. I''ll just leave it here in your office, be sure to eat that one, alright?"


    Pagpapa-remind ko sa kanya. There was a thin silence between us before I heard him speak.


    "Sorry. I couldn''t just make it right now, let''s have dinner togetherter."

 Chapter 19.2

    "Hmm, alright!" I positively replied. There''s a hint of unknown feeling inside but I chose to ignore it.


    Binigay ko nng sa secretary ang pagkain bago lumabas ng building. I went to the nearby mall and went to some boutiques. I googled myself on buying some important things. Nakapagtataka at hindi na ako p-bili ng mga gamit na ididisy kong sa bahay.


    Nang madaanan ang isang boutique ay kaagad akong naglibot-libot. I grimaced when nothing suited for my liking.


    Lbas na sana ako nang may mahagip akong pamilyar. I took a closer walk to verify if it''s really her.


    May kaharap itong babae at mukhang hindi maganda ang tim ng pag-uusap n.


    "Mag-ingat ka sa mga sinasabi mo, baka bukas o sa makwa, ikaw pa yung mapapahiya sa mga pinanggagawa mo." My lips curled into a smirk when I realized what''s going on. It surely is Maite.


    Sinuyod nito ang kabuuan ng babaeng kaharap at pagak na natawa.


    "You b*tch! How dare you tell me those things!" Maite raised an eyebrow and looked at the girl in a mocked manner.


    "Ikaw ang nauna. Pero bakit nung pinatn kita, mas sobra pa sa biktima ka kung maka-asta?" Maite said sharply. Hindi nakasagot ang babae at umuusok ang ilong na tinalikuran si Maite.


    "There''s really not a day that a bad spirit will follow you, yeah?"


    Lumingon siya sa''kin at tumango.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Hah, w tg¨D Celestia?" untag nito nang makita ako.


    I waved at her. Ang kaninang mataray na mukha niya ay naging maamo bi. Kaagad niya akong npitan at niyakap.


    "Wng pinagbago, angganda ko pa rin." si Maite.


    I rolled my eyes and hugged her tightly. Hindi ko inasahan na magkikita kami ngayon. It has been such a long time when west met.


    "What are you doing here by the way?" tanong ko. At mukhang na-rma naman siya sa sinabi ko.


    "Nothing, really. N-Nag-shoppingng ako at na-"


    "Maite," putol ng kung sino sa kanya.


    I saw how Maite squeezed her eyes shut as if putting herself to embarrassment. Sabay kaming napalingon sa nagsalita, and there stood a tall guy throwing sharp res at Maite.


    "Nandiyan ka p, anong ginagawa mo dito?" mataray nitong tanong pero hindi maikaka- ang kabado sa boses.


    "Should I be the one asking you that?" masungit na pabalik na tanong nglaki.


    Looks like they are enemies.


    "Bakit mo binabalik ang tanong sa akin?" medyo tumaas ang boses ni Maite.


    "Bakit? Ikawng ba ang pwedeng pumunta sa mall? Di ''ba hindi? At bakit mo ba ako pinapaki-man rito? Dun ka sa babaeng haliparot na yun at mukhang interesadong-interesado pa yun na samahan ka." si Maite. Palipat-lipatng ang tingin ko sa dwa, hindi m kung magpapam o dumeritsong lumayo sa kan.


    I saw the guy massaging the bridge of his nose beforeposing himself.


    "I''m not interested in her. I''m sorry, please let''s not argue. Let''s go home, Maite."


    Lumapit si Maite sa''kin. "Let''s hang out some other time. I just need to deal with this creature."


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    Pagkasabi ng huling linya ay rumolyo ang mga mata nito. I nodded and bid farewell to them. Nang maka-uwi ay plim pang ang gabi. Kaagad na bumungad sa akin si Roseanna.


    I didn''t greet her and just walked past her.


    "So you''re close with Wayde now? Noon, halos isumpa mo pa kami dahil gusto ka naming ipakasal sa kanya. What happened now, Celestia?"


    I gritted my teeth and answered. "What happened is not your business, Roseanna."


    "He will leave you. Hindi ka magtatagal sa kanya, I''m sure of that. Wayde would just throw you something like trash." I clenched my fist.


    Staying calm is the only thing that I bear in mind. My mind is congested and I would be more of it if Roseanna would provoke me.


    "Iiwan man niya ako o hindi, w kanang pakim ''run. Better stay in your line, Roseanna. I don''t need your pointless statement."


    I was about to walk away when she threw a line that got me thinking. Naramdaman ko ang pagkirot ng puso ko sa sinabi niya. Na sahat ng mga sinabi ni Roseanna ay dun ako mas naapektuhan.


    "Just how many months have you two known each other? Pumunta ka sa office niya diba? pero w siya ''run. It just shows how he prioritizes his business more than you. Because you''re not the priority and never will be."


    Natikom ko ang bibig ko at hindi na sumagot, ni hindi ko manng siya tinapunan ng tingin. I went straightly to my room and took a bath. Hindi pa rin maw-w ang sinabi ni Roseanna kanina.


    I trust Wayde.


    Hinayaan kong dumaloy angmig ng tubig sa katawan ko. It has been a year since we knew each other. At sa mga panahong iyon ay hindi ko kanman iniisip ang mga bagay na ''yun. She may know Wayde longer than me, but she will never see Wayde''s sacrifices to where he is now.


    How cruel she can be.


    Kaagad kong pinunasan ang buhok ko at pinatuyo iyon. When I nced at the clock, it''s already past 8 pm. Kinatok rin ako ni Manang Helen para kumain pero tumanggi ako. Sabay nng kami ni Wayde mamaya.


    I made my way to the main balcony to breathe some fresh air. Kaagad na bumungad ang mmig na kapaligiran sa akin.


    I watched those myriad lights outside. Those moving trees as they swayed with the breeze. Hindi ko mapigng mapaisip na naman sa sinabi ni Roseanna.


    Aaminin kong hindi ako mapakali dahil dun. Those statement from her lingers in my mind like a windmill. I was never been the priority even before. Because you''re not the priority and never will be.


    There''s always a line between the business and with my dad''s rtionship. But I couldn''t me him for it. Dahilhat ng ginagawa niya para sa akin, para sa kinabukasan ko. I never think of it not until Roseanna mentioned it. Ni hindi kan sumagi sa isip ko ang mainggit sa isang bagay na hindi naman tao pero ngayon, I doubt it. m ko kung gaano kahirap ang industriyang pinasok niya at kangan kong intindihin iyon. After all, it wasn''t just me. Wayde... didn''t grew up with his parents beside him. W siyang matatakbuhan kung meron ''mang masamang mangyari o sa masasayang araw niya. And those kinds of situations made me realize somehow. An hour had passed.


    Bumibigat na rin ang talukap ng mga mata ko. Iniba ko ang posisyon ko sa pagkaka-upo para hindi antukin. I also entertain myself on watching some movies.


    An hour had passed when I felt my phone vibrating. Awtomatiko akong napabangon upang kunin iyon.


    "Celestia, have you eaten already?"


    "Not yet, why?" I answered in a low tone.


    "I may not be able to join dinner with you. Bakate na akong maka-uwi ngayon, I''m sorry for not being able to meet you today. Don''t wait for me already." nagbaba ako nang tingin at napatango kahit hindi naman niya ako nakikita. I tried my best not to be affected. I took a deep breath and tried to stop myself from over-thinking.


    It took me seconds to answer Wayde, who was also waiting for me to respond.


    "Ganun ba? Oh, okay, mag-iingat ka sa pag-uwi." I replied and ended the call.


    Hindi ko na hinintay ang pagsagot niya. It was rude for me to act that way pero hindi manng ako nagsisi na sinabi ko ''yun. I can sense a bitterness that is hovering over me.


    Damn it! What the heck is happening to you, Celestia?

 Chapter 20

    Tahimik akong nagchecheck ng invoices sa ss. Wayde is in front of hisptop as usual. Napairap ako nang masulyapan siya. Mukhang hindi naman niya napansin ''yun dahil tutok siya sa ginagawa.


    Si dad naman ay naka-upo sa pang-isahang sofa habang nagbabasa ng newspaper nito. He was also sipping coffee from time to time.


    It''s been days since I ignored Wayde because of what happenedst time. Yes! What happened that night. I ignored him like he was a ghost or something. Kahit nung pagdating ni daddy ay hindi ko tga siya pinansin. Mukhang napapansin niya rin na iniiwasan ko siya pero hinding niya ako kinokompronta.


    I heaved a sigh.


    He didn''t do anything wrong, actually. I understand that what he''s doing right now is for the future. His hardworking personality is one of the things that I love about him.


    I was just... I was just slightly hurt? Pilit kong tinatanggi pero kusa namang lumbas sa mga inaakto ko.


    Gusto kong matawa sa sarili. Now I know why girls are mostly addressed as theplicated ones.


    I''m not used to that kind of treatment. As I was growing up, I never felt sensitive all of a sudden. Whenever I get to meet other people, they might see me as positive or jolly.


    But that''s because I don''t have someone to lean on when anything goes wrong. Dad''s always focused on our business that he even forgot to attend my birthday. Naiintindihan ko, oo.


    But as I was growing up, the more I realized that I just wanted someone beside me. A shoulder to cry on like some people do. That it''s okay to feel bad sometimes.


    And now that I have someone to be my partner, the emotions that I''m hesitant to show are showing now already.


    Deep thoughts filled my mind and I can''t focus on my work right now. Due to frustration, kaagad kung niligpit ang mga papel sa mesa. Meron pa ''ngang nahulog kaya naiinis kong pinulot iyon.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Gumawa ng ingay ang pagdampot ko sa mga papel kaya naramdaman ko ang pagsunod ng titig n.


    "Where are you going, Celestia? Kakain na tayo maya-maya." Sabi ni dad nang makitang kinuha ko anghat ng gamit.


    "To my room." Maikli kong sagot at hindi na s nilingon.


    On my way upstairs, I could feel Wayde''s heavy stare but I didn''t give a fuss. Dire-diretso ang pagpasok ko sa kwarto at inihiga ang sarili sa kama. Pabiling-biling sa higaan, hindi m kung paanong pumosisyon ng tama. ng minuto pa ay narinig ko na ang katok at iniluwa niyon si Manang Helen.


    "Sabay-sabay na daw kayong kumain, Tia. Kararatingng ni Roseanna at naghihintay na sa''yo si sir Wayde sa hapagkainan." si Manang Helen.


    "Mamaya na po ako kakain, manang. Busog pa po ako." Pag tanggi ko.


    When manang Helen got out, kaagad akong nagtalukbong ngforter. Ak ko ay w ng papasok sa kwarto ko nang marinig ang pagpihit ng pintuan. Kaagad kong binakwas angforter para tignan kung sino iyon. "Manang, hindi na mu-" natign ako nang makitang hindi si manang Helen iyon.


    It was Wayde. Leaning on the door jamb while folding his arms. His forehead knitted and I got rmed with his sudden presence.


    "Hindi ka pa daw kakain." He bobbed his head to meet mine.


    Pero umiwas ako.


    "I''m not hungry yet," giit ko pa.


    Narinig ko ang pag buntong-hininga niya at ang pappit niyang yabag. I could feel my heart taking its leap and my forehead sweats. Pero nanatiling ako sa posisyon ko at hindi manng siya nilingon. "I''m sorry." Wayde sincerely said.


    Hindi ako nagsalita. Naramdaman ko ang pag-init ng sulok ng mga mata ko. I felt like crying. Not because he made a mistake, but because I know that it''s just me and my barbaric behaviour. Iniwasan ko siya ng ng araw dahil nagtampo ako sa kanya. I could have talked to him about it. But something is stopping me from doing it.


    If it''s pride? I don''t know


    Or... I just want him to do something about it.


    He sat on my bed as he watched me intently. He licked his lower lips before calling me.


    "You''ve been ignoring me for days. Tell me what''s wrong, hm?" His voice is soothing, enough for me to bite my lower


    lip.


    Kumabog ng mkas ang dibdib ko nang umusog pa siya pappit sa akin. I can almost feel his skin touching my bare skin. "W nga," ptak ko.


    "You''re not a good liar, huh?" His voice is husky and trying to follow my gaze.


    Napa-iwas agad ako ng tingin.


    Kung saan-saan nalayag ang utak ko kaya tumayo ako, pero bago pa man ako makyo ay hinigit na niya ako pappit sa kanya. Our face is almost touching, reason why I can smell his minty breathe. His arms snake in my waist, and the side of his lips rose when he saw my reaction.


    Sa pagkabi ay bi ko siyang naitk pero hindi iyon sapat para kums sa pagkakahawak niya.


    "So tell me, why are you ignoring me for this past few days? binabaan mo rin ako ng tawag nung tumawag ako sa''yo." Wayde''s voice is now serious but in a low tone. T ba naghahangad ng katanggap-tanggap na eksplinasyon. I want your time, moron!


    Gusto kong isantig pero t may pumipigil sa aking sabihin iyon. Nagbaba ako ng tingin at umiling.


    "Nothing, really. You should get back to your work." Isang beses akong humakbang ngunit hinarangan niya ako. I red at him.


    Nagsalubong ang ky niya at humalukipkip. He watched me as if thinking on what he''s going to do with me.


    Unti-unti akong napa-atras nang sinubukan nitong humakbang pappit sa''kin. Tuming ako sa kanya habang siya naman ay nakatutokng sa''kin. His lips formed into thin line and his adams apple are more visible when he swallowed. And as I stepped backward for thest time, this time, w na akong maihahakbang pa. Wayde took it as an opportunity to lock me on his side- still locking his eyes on me. "What''s making you angry, Celestia?" malumanay ang boses niya, nanghahapuhap ng kasagutan.


    "W-W ng "


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    "I don''t buy that. What''s making you angry, baby?" nalambing ang mga boses niya.


    Narealize kong hindi tga niya ako titign hangga''t hindi ko nasasabi ang rason.


    Then why won''t you tell him, Celestia?!


    Bumuntong-hininga ako bago nagsalita.


    "I d-don''t know. When you didn''t show up to me that day I bought you lunch, I was okay with it. But when you said that we will have dinner together, you didn''t show up. I felt... irritated and mad." Nahihiya kong sambit. Dumapo ang tingin ko sa sahig at hindi na nag-abng tinignan ang reaksyon niya. I heard him sighed.


    Using his index finger, he put it below my chin to let me meet his gaze. Nagkatinginan kaming dwa at nakita ko ang pag-angat ng sulok ngbi niya.


    "So that exins why..." He put his thumb on his lower lip as if thinking of something.


    Umungklo siya sa''kin at ngay ang magkabng kamay sa gilid ko. Hindi ko pa rin siya madiretsong tignan sa mga mata.


    Dumako ang tingin ni Wayde galing sa mga mata patungo sabi ko. Binasa niya ang pang-ibabangbi bago inpit ang mga bibig sa may tainga ko. "What does my Celestia want to do, then?" He whispered hoarsely.


    I swallowed hard andid my palm on his chest to make a barrier between us.


    "A-ano..." ani, naghahapuhap ng sasabihin.


    T nawn ako ng kakahayang mag-isip ng tama dahil sa sobrangpit niya. I can feel my sweat forming in my forehead because of nervousness.


    "Hmm?" untag niya sa''kin na maslong naging dahn ng pagkabalisa ko.


    "W na " My breathing hitched when he grabbed my pulse and snaked his arms around my waist.


    Nabi ako sa biang pag yakap niya sa''kin. I don''t know what to react o tumugon manng sa ginawa niya.


    "Just stay still..." Kagaya ng sinabi niya ay nanatiling ako. I could feel his breathe in my earlobe and it tickles me.


    "You must be really upset." panim niya.


    "I know I shouldn''t be exining to defend my actions, but you deserved an exnation. Gusto kong maka-uwi agad pero hindi ko inasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga kliyente ng araw na ''yun."


    Napakyo sa hinahangad ko ang mundo naming dwa. Kahit pa ay gusto kong bigyan niya ako ng matagal na atensyon ay hindi ko pwedeng ipagkait sa kanya ang mga bagay na gustong-gusto na gawin niya.


    I need to remember what expertise he is in, and how hard it is for him to bnce it now. Gayung, sa tanang buhay ni Wayde ay w siyang ibang responsibilidad kundi ang kompanyang. But now that I exist in his life, his attention needs to be divided.


    And I don''t want to feel being a burden to him. I know he''s not thinking that way towards me, but I want to do something that can be at least considered as my own career path. Not because I''m the daughter of the Vircacel Empire nor Wayde''s wife.


    "I''m sorry too..." naiiyak kong tugon. "I''m sorry for just thinking about myself. I''m sorry for being selfish" He silenced me with myst statement.


    "It''s not your fault, baby. It brings us a new feeling because we haven''t encountered it for such a long time. And now that we already have the time to show it... we feel ignorant. Na ak na natin ay masama ng makaramdam ng ganun, but the reality is no."


    Wayde held my cheeks and wiped the tears using his thumb.


    Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabangbi bago nagpatuloy. "Still, I''m sorry for my behaviour. I''m sorry for ignoring you for this past few days. Pasensya na at hindi manng kita tinanong kung ayos kang ba o napagod ka sa trabaho mo. Pasensya na at masyado akong nagpmon sa ganitong pakiramdam na hindi manng kita kinakausap tungkol dun." Sumisinghot na ako dahil sa hindi kong pagtigil na iyak.


    Wayde lean more closer and nted a kiss on my tears. Pinugpog niya ako ng halik at ngumiti.


    "Hushed now, baby. Come here," idinipa niya ang magkabng kamay na kusang-loob ko namang tinanggap.


    "You''re not the only one who needs to say sorry, baby. Due to work, bi kong nakalimutan ang responsibilidad ko bng asawa mo. We may not have a proper marriage, yet I highly valued its sacredness. I''m sorry for not making time for you."


    Inangat niya ang mukha ko at unti-unti akong hinalikan. Naramdaman ko ang rahan at may pag-iingat na dampi ngbi niya. I closed my eyes and encircled my hands on his nape. Savouring the kiss that we shared.


    Itsted for minutes before he broke the kiss. We rest on each other''s forehead. Napapakit ako dahil sa namayaning naramdaman. My stomach is rumbling and all I could hear is our heart beating.


    Nang mag magmt ako ng mata ay ayun na naman ang nagliliparang mga paru-paro sa tiyan ko habang pinagmamasdan si Wayde. He also paused for a minute before pulling me closer to him and locked my lips with his. This time, it wasn''t as gentle as before.


    Napadaing ako ng kinagat niya ang pang-ibabangbi ko. Hinapit niya pa akolo pappit sa kanya. Mas diniinan ko pa ang paghawak sa batok niya at napatili ako nang binuhat niya ako. "Wayde!" tinampal ko ang balikat niya pero mahinang siyang natawa.


    He immediately cleared the things on the side in one swept move to make space for me. Kaagad niya akong inpag sa ibabaw ng mesa atbisbis nang ang paghahabol ko ng hininga para masaluhan ang halik niya. His lips travelled from lips upto my jaw and made its way to my earlobe. Napagig ako dahil sa kiliting naramdaman.


    "You''re so beautiful," mahinang bulong niya.


    I didn''t respond because I was too focused on the sensation that he is giving me. My body ignited like wildfire ready to devour my own territory. My back arched when his lips made their way to my neck.


    Paunti-unti, padampi-dampi. I groaned when he sucked it like a kid. I''m sure that it would leave a mark there. Hindi niya tinign ang leeg ko sa paghalik hanggang bumalik angbi nito sabi ko. He gave me a kiss that almost took my breath away.


    Wayde rested his forehead on my shoulder and gave it a feathery kiss. His grayish eyes met mine. His eyes speak so much admiration and amusement.


    Sa totoong ay ako dapat ang mamangha sa kanya. Dahil sa simpleng kilosng niya ay naghuhurumentado na agad ang puso ko. Hindi mapakali at t gustong lumabas sa isang ha kung saan ako ang biktima. Bukod kay daddy... Siya yung taong sobrang matulungin at wng iniisip na masama sa''yo.


    A person who never thinks highly of himself but remains humble.


    That despite his social status, he never uses that power to step on others. Na kahit pinagkaitan siya ng pinaka-importanteng tao sa buhay niya, mahirap man pero patuloy pa rin na lumban.


    He is too good to be true. And those aspects from him make me fall for him more. That I would definitely look back and look forward if given a chance.


    Napapikit ako ng dampian niya ng halik ang noo ko sa huling pagkakataon.


    "Get dressed, I''ll take you somewhere."


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