The Midnight Lies (THE PRESTIGE 3)

15

Marriage (Long chapter ahead)

Wearing a long green marigold evening gown, made with premium tulle and silk, fully lined and padded, I made it to join for El Guerrero's engagement party. It hugs my body perfectly.

Inayusan din ako ng make-up artist na ni-hire ni mommy. Light make up lang iyon at talagang bumagay sa morena kong balat. I look pretty. I look matured tonight.

I'm with my father and my mommy. Nakaangkla ang braso ni mommy kay daddy at ako naman sa kabilang braso ng Daddy. From time to time, they exchanged gazes.

When we arrived at the venue, a refined red carpet welcomed us. Nakaantabay doon ang mga photographers habang rumarampa ang mga bisita sa pagpasok sa loob ng isang mansion.

"Make yourself comfortable, Elene." My mommy told me. I just gave her a sweet smile.

I saw some famous faces in the industry lining up in the red carpet. Maging ang ilang tao sa senate ay nandoon din! I even saw the owner of a famous TV Network in this country. Napaka-big time naman pala ng engagement na 'to.

The mansion's structure astounded me. It uses eye-catching materials like glass, steel, and concrete instead of the more traditional brick and wood. The result is an almost industrial look with minimalist undertones. Outdoor lighting that is well-designed and efficient illuminates walkways and stairs, driveways, green lawns, blooming shrubs, beautiful flowers, and trees that compliments the large pool in front of the mansion's focal door. It creates impressive curb appeal, transforming their home into a desirable and appealing property!

Kahit siguro pagsamahin ang bahay namin dito sa Tagaytay at sa Maynila ay hindi iyon sasapat para makompara sa laki nito.

"Wow," I murmured.

Nagbaba sa akin ng tingin si Mommy, nakangiti. "The properties of EL Guerrero's are terrific, right?"

I just nodded. Very immersed to the mansion and crowd I am seeing right now.

Sorin's family owns one of the largest and most successful shipping companies in the entire country, the El Guerrero Global Logistics, Inc aside from Advenna  Avis Holdings. Their line of business is ownership and operation of ships! In fact, they have other companies when it comes to yachts. Kaya siguro busy si Sorin tuwing weekends. Hindi lang siya basta errand boy at taong palengke! Baka nga sila pa ang nagsusupply ng mga seafoods na tinitinda doon sa palengke!

I can't believe this!

They are fucking rich! Kaya kang buhayin habang buhay! Kahit anong gastos mo ay hindi ka mauubusan! Kahit siguro next generation ay hindi magugutom!

"The Villaroels arrived!" Sigaw ng isang photographer.

Agad kaming kinumpol ng mga reporters at mga medias. I almost gone blind because of the flickerings of the lights from their cameras. I expected this kind of crowd because my Mommy talked to me how to behave on situation like this. Huwag lang daw ako aalis sa tabi nila at palagi dapat nakangiti para makapag-iwan ng magandang impression sa lahat.

"Congressman, give us one smile!"

My daddy and mommy is all smile. It's so wide as if they are programmed to do it. I mimicked them.

"Dito naman po, Mayora! Congressman!"

Bawat madaanan namin ay ipinapakilala nila ako. Syempre, binabati ko sila pabalik just to return the same courtesy and respect kahit hindi ko naman talaga sila kilala at walang balak makilala. Kakapasok pa lang namin pero halos mangalay na ako kakangiti.

"Antonio!" My Dad greeted a man same of his age.

Matangkad ito pero kita ang gandang lalaki. He's on his tux like my dad. The way he moves, it screams something else. Something...dominant and feels like an alpha. I couldn't figure it out but he walk like a king. Ganoon ang aura niya. Na para bang kasalanan pa na hindi ka magyuyuko kung makakasalubong mo siya.