"Let's finish this thing, and after this, we can continue living our lives separately." malamig kong sabi kay Trevor habang inaayos ang collar ng suit nya sa likuran. Nasa backstage na kami at hinihintay na lang ang cue ng staff sa paglabas namin sa stage.
"Anything you want," he said in a low voice.
My hands stiffened as I felt my heart sank. I badly want to be away with him, but I didn't expect his prompt answer. His cold and straight surrender.
"2 minutes," pagsenyas sa'min ng staff.
I fix my dress and hair. I let out a heavy breath to lessen the tension inside my body. Nilingon ko si Trevor sa tabi ko, kaswal lang siyang nakatayo, hindi ko man lang siya nakitaan ng kaba. Pero sabagay, sanay na siya sa ganito.
Nang makaexit ng naunang pair ay kami naman ang sumunod na naglakad, tumigil muna kami sa gitna para magpose. Mabusisi ang pagsusuri na ginagawa ng mga judges, wala silang pinapalampas na anggulo sa pagsusuri sa design. Habang naglalakad kami ay nagsasalita ang host, nagbibigay ng background tungkol sa design, kay Trevor at tungkol sa'kin.
"Ms. Victoria Mendez is the head designer of a famous fashion firm in London. She recently replaced her father in their own company, she is now the new CEO of it. And also we have here, Mr. Trevor Carson, a model and businessman. He was already featured on some luxury brands such as Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabanna, Giorgio Armani, and many more. He's also a CEO in a multi-millionaire company, one of the richest and successful companies in Asia. Wow, I'm astounded! We have 2 CEO's here."
Pagkarating namin sa unahan ng stage ay tumigil kami at muling nagpose. Ang mga judges ay kanya kanyang sulat sa mga papel na nasa harapan nila habang pabalik balik ng tingin sa'min. Halos kasunod lang namin sina Samuel na medyo nagkaaberya pa dahil nagkaroon ng konting sira ang ginawa nyang dress, buti na lang at hindi halata sa camera. Matagal kaming nakatigil sa backstage hanggang sa tawagin na kaming lahat ng host para iannounce ang mananalo. Nagkaroon din ng online voting para sa most popular award, designer and model tandem. And guess what, Samuel and her model won.
"We are down for the main event. We will proceed first on the female category," the drum roll kick in. "The winner on the female category is...... Kyle Cordova and Sabrina Gray!!"
Malakas na palakpakan ang sumalubong sa nanalo habang papunta sila sa gitna para kunin ang award. I saw Samuel's face fell down, I wanted to run and hug him but I can't.
"We're not done yet. Now, we're down on the male category," drum roll again. "This year's winner are..... Victoria Mendez and Trevor Carson!!"
Oh my gosh. Did I hear it right!? Oh my freaking gosh.
"Let's go?" Trevor held my hand and accompany me as we reached the center. I'm still lost in my senses because of shock.
"We fucking won." I whispered in amusement.
He moved closer on my side. "Yes, you are." I smell his mint flavored breath.
