Chapter 30: The Deal
LARA’s POV
I wore my black jeans, my black tube and my white executive blazer. I had to be formal this time. I also fixed my hair into a French twist.
Kevin waited for me at the entrance at magkasama na kaming nagtungo sa office ng papa niya.
“You look gorgeous, bagay ka na maging asawa ko.” Kevin said.
“That’s not funny! You’re making me sick!” I replied and walked ahead of him. Nakakainis!
Pagpasok, nagmano kaming dalawa and seated in front of his father’s desk. Dumating na rin si Ian and seated himself near me.
After some unimportant talks, we got down to the main reason why we are here and that is concerning the wedding.
“Sir, this is an arranged marriage and I can’t argue with that. But this is a once in a lifetime event. All I’m asking is for this wedding to be perfect just as I dreamed it would be. I can’t choose my groom because you deprived me that privilege so now, please let me choose my kind of wedding.” pagdadrama ko with teary eyes.
“I’m sorry Iha, the deal was a simple wedding with just you, my son together with a few invited guests.” he said.
Kahit inis ako sa pagiging heard-headed niya, I still managed to control myself. I stretched my back to relax and started talking again. I’m confident because my half brother is inside the room. Hindi nga lang siya sumali dahil hindi naman siya kasali.
“Papayag ba kayo na pepetchugin ang wedding? Mr. Terez, the media will still know about this especially when Kevin and I are frequently seen together.”
“She’s right Pa, this is for our benefit. It will create an issue that may ruin our name. Hindi ang side nila ang apektado kundi yung sa atin. The groom’s side should provide for the wedding at kung hindi engrande, ano nalang ang sasabihin ng mga tao? Na hindi mo kayang magfinance?” pagsusuporta ni Kevin.
After a lot of discussions, Mr. Terez laughed. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ang tawang yun. Is that because he lost the argument?
“You both are right. Hindi nga muna kayo ikakasal. But…”
Mr. Terez is really a brilliant person. He knows how to plan for the next move. I looked at Kevin. He gave me a stare and mouthed that we’re losing when he heard na hindi wedding ang magaganap ngayong Tuesday but a PROPOSAL!
“I’m sorry to tell you Iha, but you have no right to say ‘No’ this Tuesday.” he said with his hands caressing his chin.
Arranged wedding na nga, arranged proposal pa? What the Eff!
Sabi ni Mr. Terez, mabuti na rin yun at magkaroon ng formality ang marriage namin dahil may public proposal. The problem looked like it got worse pero mabuti nalang at hindi naging kasalan. Right?
“Okay Sir, I know. And if I’ll say YES, will you sign my dad’s business proposal?” I calmly asked. Hindi naman ako natatakot, kinakabahan lang. Are they the same? We’ll maybe I really am afraid… to fail.
“Yes, I will sign Iha, provided, you and my son will already live together even before your wedding.”
“What!? I’m sorry Mr. Terez pero hindi ako papayag! I won’t allow that to my sister. The deal was just an arranged marriage!” galit na sabi ni Ian and this time, tumayo na siya.
Mr. Terez then answered that the deal was an arranged marriage before the year ends. Pero dahil na cancel, kailangan daw niya ng assurance.
“I’m a businessman, Mr. Villalonzo. I don’t accept deals without collateral.”
“It’s okay Kuya, we’ll be married anyway.” sabi ko at tumayo narin. I then smiled like I’m not worried.
Nakita kong puzzled si Kevin sa pagpayag ko. I also saw Ian’s reaction and it’s not a positive one.
“Deal…” I said and shake the hand of Mr. Terez.
Malulusutan ko pa rin ‘to. I have to plan for my next move and this time, I have to be careful and sure. Parang nawala kasi ako sa plano for now. I didn’t expect this would happen. I didn’t anticipate this solution to happen. But it’ll be okay.
When worse comes to worst, I still have my SELFISH PLAN.
Paglabas ko, hinila ako ni Kevin.
“Hindi pwede ‘to! Ayokong mag propose! What the hell! I’m not that eager to marry right now!” naguguluhang sabi niya.
Tumawa naman ako. He is crazy now. He looks like hell.
“Hahaha! Then don’t! I would be happy if you won’t!” sabi ko naman and I raised my eyebrow. Kung ayaw niya, edi mabuti. Hindi pa kami tapos magusap ni Kevin nang biglang sumulpot si Ian.
“I have to talk to my sister… in private.” he said at napaatras naman si Kevin.
Sumunod ako sa kanya. Hindi siya nagsasalita nang naglalakad kami hanggang sa maabot sa beach hotel. Pinapasok niya ako sa suite niya at doon nagsimula siyang mamula sa galit.
“What were you thinking Eunice! Are you out of your mind?”
“Chill! I know what I’m doing kuya. I still have a way out and my mind is still on the game so don’t worry.” I said playing my hair.
“Game? Is this just a game for you?! Bullshit!” at sinipa niya ang mesa.
Hindi na ako nagsalita.
“You worsen the problem! That wasn’t included in your plan! Am I right?” sigaw niya.
“Plan’s changed.” mahina kong sagot.
“Pack up your things! I’ll call Tristan na itanan ka. Go where ever you want, Away from these people.”
“No! I can’t just run! I told you, I can handle myself!”
Hindi ako papayag. What about my studies? What about my dreams in life? Ang pagtatanan ay wala sa vocabulary ko. Tapos ano? Maghihirap kami dahil walang trabaho? Walang allowance from dad? I can’t live that kind of life. It’s better to face these things kesa takbuhan.
Siya naman ang hindi nagsalita. He sat beside his bed at malalim ang iniisip. I just smiled looking at him. He really loves and cares for me. I wanted him to know that he made me stronger. Breaking my heart four years ago made me what I am today.
I know when to be fragile; I know when to be invulnerable.
“You told me na ibibigay mo lang yan sa taong magsusuot ng wedding ring sa’yo. What happened now?”
I sat beside him and leaned on his shoulders.
“Don’t worry kuya. Who told you na ibibigay ko?”
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|2-2-15|
