BS#2: HIS BEAUTIFUL OBSESSION

Kabanata 9

Sinunod ni Arruba ang bilin ng ama. Nag-ayos siya ng sarili para sa dinner na sinasabi nito. She made herself look like a queen—mature than her real age; elegant and classy.

As she entered the grand dining room, her slender figure was draped in a flowing gown, the fabric cascading effortlessly around her like a waterfall of silk. Each movement she made was deliberate yet delicate, as if she were performing a ballet.

Her hair, styled in soft waves, framed her face like a halo, accentuating her classic features. The gentle curve of her jawline and the arch of her eyebrows spoke of refinement and poise. Her eyes, like pools of liquid amber, held a depth of warmth and intelligence that drew you in with a magnetic pull.

Adorned with subtle yet exquisite jewelry, each piece seemed to enhance her natural beauty rather than overshadow it. A single strand of pearls graced her neck, catching the light and shimmering softly with every turn of her head.

Her demeanor was one of quiet confidence, her movements measured and controlled. Yet, there was an underlying warmth and kindness in her smile that made you feel instantly at ease in her presence.

In her elegant look, there was a timeless quality that transcended mere fashion. It was a reflection of her inner grace and sophistication, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of beholding her.

As she felt the gaze of both her servants and her father upon her, their intent stares filled her with a quiet sense of accomplishment. Hindi naman kasi madalas mangyari iyon. Ilag ang mga katulong nila sa kaniya. Naka-focus naman ang ama niya kay Callen bilang tagapagmana nito. Ngayon lang nangyari na kung tingnan siya ng lahat ay para bang siya ang pinakamakinang sa lahat—na siyang dapat, dahil iyon ang gusto niya. With a subtle smile of satisfaction, she realized she had performed admirably, earning their attention and approval.

There you go, honey, she happily cheered to herself.

Wala naman kasing ibang magpapalakas ng loob niya kundi siya lang. Hindi niya mahagilap si Callen. Nadaanan niya ang kwarto nito kanina at naka-lock pa rin iyon. Hindi na rin ito tumawag matapos nilang mag-usap kanina; ilang oras na rin ang nakararaan.

She missed him.

Ito lang kasi ang mayroon siya.

"You have a beautiful daughter, Edward," narinig niyang wika ng kung sino mula sa kaniyang likuran.

Kaagad siyang nagbaling ng tingin dito. Hindi ipinahalata ang nakakunot na noo nang makilala ang taong nasa harapan. It was the man from the business meeting, the one with the blue eyes. Hindi ito nag-iisa; kasama rin nito ang isang binata na sa tantiya niyang kasing-edad niya lang. May bughaw rin na mga mata ang lalaki, na kung makatingin sa kaniya ay tila kakainin siya ng buhay. He was attractive though, possessing a similar aura to Callen.

Callen. . .

Speaking of the devil himself, he was with their visitors. Nasa likuran ito ng dalawang lalaki, nakikiramdam. Ang mga mata nito'y nakatuon sa kaniya; mas may intensidad kaysa pang-karaniwang tingin na ibinibigay nito.

His intense stare sent a chill down her spine, causing a shiver to run through her. Mas lalo siyang gininaw sa suot na sleeveless gown na may mahabang slit sa hita!

"I'm glad you came, Arthus!" masayang wika ng ama niya.

Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang pumagitan ito. Nawala ang atensiyon ng lahat sa kaniya; lalo na ni Callen. Or so she thought. . . bigla na lang kasi itong lumapit sa kaniya.

"You're exposing too much skin, schatzi," mahinang bulong nito, sapat para marinig niya.

Tumikhim muna siya bago ito sinagot, "Don't you think I'm beautiful, Callen? You see, everyone was impressed!" She smiled proudly. Ngunit hindi yata nito nagustuhan ang sinabi niya. Nagtagpo ang kanina'y maayos nitong kilay.