Falling Into an Empty Space

CHAPTER 1: SECRETS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

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Arzhaelyque Chamber was not just any bar. It was an exclusive, high-end lounge frequented by the rich and influential. Dim golden lights bathed the room in a seductive glow, while a live band played smooth jazz that blended seamlessly with the low murmur of conversations and laughter.

I wasn't in the mood for dancing, so while Esmeray and Orvyn disappeared onto the dance floor, I made my way to the counter and ordered a whiskey.

"Isang Glenfiddich, neat," sabi ko sa bartender na naka-all black, may sleek na buhok at sharp na features. Mukhang hindi lang basta bartender—mukha rin siyang model.

Tumango siya at ngumiti. "Solid choice, ma'am," sagot niya habang inihahanda ang order ko. "First time niyo rito sa Arzhaelyque Chamber?"

"Technically, no. Pumupunta kami dito minsan ng nga kaibigan ko," sagot ko habang nakatayo malapit sa barstool. "Ganda din kasi ng ambiance."

Tumango siya, halatang sang-ayon. “Nako, tama ka d’yan, Ma’am!” wika niya pa. “Dito talaga, hindi lang alak ang binabayaran mo—pati ang privacy, ang music, at ang crowd. Pang–high-profile talaga.”

"Hmm...yeah that's why we liked it here," bulong ko, just as he placed the glass in front of me.

"Enjoy, ma'am." Sabi niya sabay ngiti.

Just as I was about to take a sip, I collided with something....or rather, someone.

Handa na akong damhin ang malamig na sahig but then strong hands gripped my waist before I could stumble. A wave of warmth seeped through my dress at the contact. My breath hitched as I looked up...

Holy. Fuck.

I was met with a breathtaking sight. He was gorgeous, his chiseled face looked like it was sculpted by the gods. His strong jawline, aristocratic nose, and intense blue-gray eyes framed by thick, dark lashes made him look almost regal. His tailored black suit fit him like a second skin, exuding power and danger and ohw! those red kissable lips... gosh, ano kaya ang lasa ng mga 'yon?

Napakatanga ko naman kung hindi ko mapapansin kung gaano siya kagwapo.

Napabalik ako sa realidad nang magsalita siya, his deep baritone voice sending shivers down my spine.

"Done staring?" He said.

Putek.

Napahiya ako.

Agad akong umatras at inayos ang sarili.

"S-salamat,p-pasensya na." I stammered apologizing, my cheeks burning.

He simply tsk-ed and walked past me, his presence leaving a lingering heat in the air.

Sungit naman. Pero bakit parang ang lakas ng dating niya? Nakakainis. Nakakagulo ng sistema.

Halos sabay-sabay, biglang lumitaw si Esmeray sa tabi ko, sabik na sabik habang mahigpit na kumapit sa braso ko. "OMG! Ang pogi niya! Sino 'yon?!"

"Mas pogi naman ako do'n!" singit ni Orvyn na parang multong sumulpot sa tabi namin, may pa-smirk pa talaga.

"Luh, asa ka naman," sagot agad ni Esmeray, irap na irap.

"Totoo naman ah!" depensa ni Orvyn habang inaayos pa ang collar ng hoodie niya kunwari.

"Kahit maligo ka pa ng thousand times gamit ang holy water, hindi mo malalamangan 'yon," sabay tawa ko, pero panakaw pa rin ang tingin ko sa lalaking kakadaan lang.

Siya 'yung tipo ng lalaki na kahit tahimik lang, punong-puno ng presensya. Hindi lang sa porma-may aura siya. Yung tipong hindi mo basta-basta lalapitan, pero hindi mo rin maiwasang tingnan.