The Elite Men Empire Series: Singing Zeus a Love Song

Chapter 24. Missing.

"I can't do that."

"Then you should hire some private investigators."

"I...can't also do that."

Kumunot ang noo ko.

Bakit hindi niya ipaubaya sa mga awtoridad ang nawawalang anak niya?

Normally, it's something a person should do right away kapag may nawawala silang mahal sa buhay. What's with this old man?

"Look, Mr. Matthews... If this has something to do with the agreement, I'm sorry but I cannot help you. You're talking to the wrong person and I suggest that you should entrust your case to the authorities."

He looked at me and I saw a glint of pain in his eyes. I can almost see something in there. Hindi man siya magsalita ay alam kong may mabigat siyang dinadala. Hindi ko maiwasang maawa sa kanya.

Is this a trick?

"I have my reasons... That is all I wish to tell you. But I do believe that you can help me. You're a powerful man."

"Honestly, I can't see how am I of help to your problem. If you could only hire someone, maybe you'll get the help that you need."

Kumatok si Lucia at pumasok tangan ang isang tray na kinalalagyan ng dalawang tasa ng kape at pagkatapos niyang ilapag sa mesa ay umalis din agad.

"If you have time, please take a look at this envelope. Maybe this would help me to find her."

"I will, Mr. Matthews."

"I'm sorry to bother you at this time, Zeus. I'm really desperate."

"No problem. I wish you the best of luck in finding your daughter."

"Bueno, mauna na ako, hijo." tumayo na siya at marahang tinungo ang pinto.

He just stood there for a few seconds at lumingon.

"By the way... I heard you are engaged."

Great...my parents never shut up.

Tzk.

But I must admit, nang dahil sa tsismis na 'yon ay naging mas madali ang hindi ko pag-ayon sa kasunduan nila. Pero kahit pa man ipagpilitan nila sakin 'yon ay mas pipiliin ko pang mamuhay nang mag-isa sa malayong lugar kaysa sa maikasal sa taong ni hindi ko kilala.

"Yes." pagsisinungaling ko.

I heard him sigh.

"If you could have seen my daughter... She's a lovely girl." sabi niya at tuluy-tuloy nang lumabas.

I sighed.

"Even if I had the chance to see your daughter, I've already set my heart to someone." sambit ko kahit alam kong wala na ang kausap ko.

I feel sorry for him...

He has so much worries in life.

Napadako ang paningin ko sa envelope na iniwan ng matanda. Dinampot ko iyon pero hindi ko binuksan. I took it in my table at inilagay sa loob ng drawer.

"His life would have been easier if he just went to the authorities." naiiling na lang na sambit ko.

Hindi naman sa wala akong pakialam sa problema niya but I really can't see the point as to why of all people, sa akin siya lumapit.

Maybe he thought na kapag sa akin siya lumapit ay baka magbago ang isip ko at papayag na lang sumunod sa kasunduan nila ni Dad...or maybe he wants me to play Lancelot to find the lost princess...or maybe, just maybe...he really needed my help.

But how? I'm not someone who can find lost people instantly.

Ah!

Hinarap ko na lang ang ginagawa ko kanina at nang makadaan pa ako mamaya sa cafe.

I smiled at the thought of her.

Sa lahat ng mga babaeng nakilala ko, sa kanya ko lang naramdaman ang ganito.

This ethereal feeling...this lightness, or something, na nararamdaman ko every moment that I spend with her.

Man, I'd be damned...and I'm so damn happy knowing that she feels the same way for me. I am one lucky guy to be his first kiss, first date, and probably...her first man.

I would marry her in an instant.

God, I'm missing her...