The Protector

Chapter 11 - Triangle

I looked at boss Jema, she's holding Gob. Anton's arm now. Then I have a glimpsed of Ma'am Ali near the bar. She's here too.

May kausap siyang lalake pero halatang bagot na ito sa pakikinig dito. Nakasimangot na siya while sipping her drink. When she saw the governor, she smiled instantly. Nawala naman agad ito pagkakita niya kay boss Jema.

That was fascinating and entertaining to watch, huh.

After a while, Ma'am Ali grabbed the man's hand and approached Gob. Anton and boss Jema.

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JESSICA

We arrived just in time. I saw the mansion of the Escudero's, it is huge lalo na sa loob. Women are all dressed up. Same with men, lahat halos ay naka suit and tie.

Hindi naman masyadong out of place ang suot ko. Anton complimented it but not as much. Tinignan niya lang ito tapos wala na. He is more concerned sa isusuot at hitsura niya.

Masyado kasi siyang aligaga sa okasyon, hindi naman siya ang may birthday.

The main event is not starting yet so guests are just going around and chatting. I am consciously aware that people are looking at us. Then I saw Ali, Anton's publicist and a man approaching us.

"Hi, there!" bati ni Ali na nakakunyapit sa braso ng kasama niya.

Ali is wearing a short tight black dress revealing her cleavage. She shows too much skin for my liking.

"Hi Ali, good to see you here." sabi ni Anton na nakahawak sa kamay ko na nasa braso niya.

Ohhhh, chance meeting lang pala ng dalawa.

"Good evening Gob. Hello Madam Gob." she replied while smiling and at the same time, looking at me.

May dumi ba ako sa mukha? I smiled at her.

"This is governor Albert Garcia, my friend." pagpapakilala niya sa kasama.

"I know. Good evening Albert, kumusta ka na? Long time no see ah." sabi ni Anton na naglahad ng kamay pero kay Ali naman ito nakatingin.

"Good evening likewise Gob. Villarama at sa iyong napakagandang kabiyak na puso. I'm fine, as you can see." he replied as they shook hands.

"Napaka bolero mo pa rin panyero, walang kupas." Anton said.

At yun na nga, nag usap na ang dalawa. Tinatanong niya si Anton about sa assassination attempt. Siempre nagbida na agad ang asawa ko.

Ali just shrugged her shoulders when I looked at her. Siya naman kasi ang may ideya ng lahat, na palabasing natamaan ng bala si Anton.

"You look great Ali. How are you? Is he your someone special?" I asked just to break the silence.

"Oh no, gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, he is my friend. Ang ganda ganda din po ninyo Madam Gob. kaso mas maganda sana kung gray din ang suot ninyo para terno kay Gob. Anton." Ali said habang nakahawak pa sa braso ko.

The fuck. Stylist na rin ba siya?

"Ooh this? Anton loves it. Di ba babe?" I asked my husband just to get his attention.

"Yes babe. Ahhmm, Ali, I have something to ask you about the upcoming debate. Can I have a minute?" Anton asked her.

Nasa party kami pero work pa rin ang nasa isip ni Anton.

Talaga naman.

"Of course governor. You can always ask anything basta about work." malambing na sagot ni Ali sa request ni Anton.