Zaldivar Series #1: Weaving Lies and Chaos

Simula

Money has all the power to give anyone the means to live. But sometimes, it is what will lead you to your own grave.

I roamed my eyes around the place. I wonder how much all these things costs.

The dim light from the chandeliers reflected the color beige, complementing the black theme, with a minimal white highlight, of the whole place. From the interiors, drapes, chairs, tables down to the cutleries, were all screaming power and elegance. 

What do I expect? Zaldivar will always be a Zaldivar. Hindi pa ito ang kasal. What more when the wedding comes.

The euphonious and a bit romantic melody coming from the violin made me ecstatic as I stared at the violinists in line from both sides of the venue.

The guests were all in their formal attire. It's them who gave other colors to the venue. Without the guests, all will be black and beige.

"I know a place, Miss." Lumipat ang aking mga mata sa aking harapan nang marinig ang kausap. He introduced hisself as Ranulf. "Don't you want—" 

"Rieselle." A voice from behind called, cutting Ranulf's words. 

I pressed my lips and gave an apologetic smile from the man in front of me. "I'm really sorry. You see, I can't take your offer. I have a boyfriend, Ranulf."

"Rieselle, who are you talking to?"

"I'll go ahead. I'm sorry." I bowed a bit and turned my back on him even before my mother reached me.

Pagharap sa kabilang direksyon ay sinalubong ko si Mommy. Hinabol niya ng tingin ang lalaking nakausap ko ngunit agad ko ng hinaranggan iyon. 

"Mommy." A soft voice escaped from my lips.

Her eyes bore unto me. Marahan siyang nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga. I shifted my weight when her stare lasted longer. "W–what's wrong?" 

Tikom ang bibig niya akong nginitian. "You really grew up already. Parang kailan lang, ako pa ang nagpapaligo sa 'yo. Now look, you're now a fine lady."

I timidly shook my head. "Don't make me cry, Mommy." 

"I still can't believe that my daughter will soon leave us."

My lips parted and I chuckled. "Mom, I won't leave–" 

"Oh, come on," she breathily replied while sighing. "One of these days you'll start living with Chaos."

Natigilan ako at napalabi. 

Mommy gave me a playful stare before chuckling. "Enough of this. Have you seen him?" 

"Not ye–" Natigilan ako nang makita ang bulto ng lalaki sa likuran ni Mommy. 

The man my mother's pertaining to is now behind her, wearing his black coat and champagne dress shirt underneath, complementing the champagne colored mermaid cut gown I'm wearing.

I pressed my lips as I stared at his naturally dark and piercing eyes. His thick brows, imperious nose and protruding jaw made him more intimidating. 

But not for me. 

Umayos ako ng tayo at nananantyang inangat ang gilid ng aking mga labi.

"Oh! Chaos!" Lingon ni Mommy sa kanyang likuran nang mapansing napako roon ang aking mga mata.

"Good evening, Tita," he formally greeted. His rough voice echoed a bit.

"Good evening." Malugod namang bumati pabalik si Mommy. "I'll leave you both so you two can talk," she instantly stated like she knew there's something to talk about between us.