MARRIED TO YOU #Wattys2016

Chapter 9.3.3

Published: August 8, 2013

CHAPTER 9.3.3

XIAL ANDREW's POV

Getting back to work after a long vacation is really a tough one. I don't feel working actually, but I don't have any choice. Someday, I'll be the sole owner of the company. My family was into different businesses. And so far, my grandpa's business is the most successful one. The shipping lines.

"Sir Xial, may visitor po kayo." Nakangiting sumilip pa si Jeanne sa may pinto. My personal secretary.

"Who?" Kumunot ako. I am not expecting anyone especially not on my first day of work again.

"Hi..."

Pero agad din akong napatanga sa pumasok. Si Marj.

"Marj?" Taranta akong tumayo sa upuan at dinaanan ng kamay ang aking coat. "This is a surprise. Come in, please." Sinenyasan ko si Jeanne at tatangu-tango naman siyang umalis.

Naglakad palapit sa akin si Marj at sinalubong ko rin siya halfway. What is she doing here?

"What can I do for you?" Pinasadahan ko siya nang tingin at wala pa rin akong masabi sa angkin niyang ganda. Her beauty is simply breathless.

"Wala naman," sabi pa niya sabay tipid na ngumiti. "Galing lang ako sa office at nabalitaan ko kay Gerald na bumalik ka na from your honeymoon. So, I decided to drop by." Nahihiya pa niyang sabi. She seemed awkward and so am I.

"Y-yeah..." Inalis ko ang pagbabara sa aking lalamunan. Hindi ko maiwasang matensyon. I can't deny that a part of me missed her. I remember the old days. Those days I am at my happiest. Pero siguro nga, wala talagang permanente sa mundo.

"So, how was it?"

"F-fine..." Alanganin pang sagot ko. This is so awkward. "So, how are you?" Balik tanong ko pa sabay suksok ng aking kamay sa bulsa. Fvck, Xial.

"I'm o-okay... I guess." Mapakla pa siyang ngumiti habang inililibot ang tingin sa buong opisina.

"Kayo n'ong wife mo? Kumusta naman kayo?" Mapakla pa siyang ngumiti.

"We're okay." What more can I say? "By the way, can I offer you anything? Tea, coffee or juice maybe?"

"Can we have dinner instead? To catch up? May meeting pa kasi ako. Okay lang ba?"

"Oh..." Napamaang ako. I wasn't expecting that. "Of course. That would be nice."

"Okay..." Nakangiti pa siyang tumango at parang na-excite? Inlove pa rin ba siya sa akin? Para kasing walang nabago sa paraan nang pagtingin niya sa akin. Or maybe I am over thinking? Jeez... "I need to get going." Paalam pa niya at sumulyap sa may pinto. "Ayoko na makaabala pa."

"Okay. I'll see you later then?"

"Later." Tipid pa niyang sagot at sinundan ko na lang siya nang tingin nang makalabas na siya ng aking opisina. Everyone is watching us. They all knew Marj.

"Bye..." Kumaway pa siya panandali.

Tumango ako at sinundan pa siya nang tingin. I must admit, ang ganda pa rin niya. Sobrang ganda pa rin.

********

TIMMY GIANNE's POV

Padilim na noon nang maisipan kong tawagan si Xial. Halos kakarating lang din namin galing sa pamamasyal sa mall. Pero sa kasamaang palad, hindi ko siya makontak.