Falling Into an Empty Space

CHAPTER 5: STUCK IN A SCRIPTED LIFE

The night wind slapped against my face habang humaharurot ako sa kalsadang walang ka-traffic-traffic, hoping na kahit papano, malunod sa hangin tong gulo sa dibdib ko. At syempre, pak na pak rin ang eksena ko—nakadress pa talaga ako ng black na sumasayaw sa hangin, parang nasa pelikula lang. Kasi bakit nga naman hindi, di ba? Perfect outfit for a breakdown.

Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, huminto ako sa isang lookout area sa taas ng lungsod. Kita mula roon ang ilaw ng buong Metro—maliwanag, makulay... pero wala sa mga iyon ang makakapuno sa bigat ng dinadala ko.

Tahimik akong nakaupo sa motorsiklo, pinapakinggan ang sarili kong mabilis na paghinga habang sinusubukang pakalmahin ang sarili. The night was cold, pero mas malamig pa rin ang nararamdaman ko sa loob. Then, a voice broke the silence behind me.

"Mas okay sana kung may helmet ka. Reckless driving can get you a ticket... or worse, a head injury."

Inis akong napalingon—at sino pa nga ba?

Xyler.

Pano siya napunta dito?

"Stalker ka ba?" mataray kong tanong, hindi na nag-abala pang itago ang iritasyon sa tono ko.

Pero hindi siya natinag. Instead, he walked closer, his hands casually tucked in the pockets of his slacks, that annoyingly calm and professional aura radiating off him like he was cross—examining a witness sa korte.

"Relax, I'm not stalking you," he said coolly. "I was just about to leave when I saw someone looking like they're about to commit a felony by riding like a bat out of hell on a Ducati... in a dress."

Napairap ako. "Well, congratulations, attorney. You just witnessed a fashion crime."

"Actually," he replied with a smirk, "more like a safety violation."

Nagkibit-balikat ako. "So, what now? Sumbong mo na 'ko sa LTO?"

He chuckled. "Tempting. But no. Just thought I'd check if you're okay."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Why do you care?"

"Because," he said, stepping even closer now, his voice dropping a notch lower, "you're going to be my wife. And whether we like it or not, that makes your recklessness... legally concerning."

Wow. May pa-legal terms pa talaga.

"Nice try, counselor," I snapped, "but don't confuse legality with genuine concern."

He didn't reply right away. Instead, he just stood there—calm, unreadable, like he was studying my every word, every move. Parang abogado sa korte na naghihintay ng tamang pagkakataon para umatake.

"Duly noted," he finally said, voice smooth as ever. Then he tilted his head, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I have an idea."

Napakunot-noo ako. "What now?"

Lumapit siya nang bahagya, close enough para marinig ko ang mabagal at kumpiyansang paghinga niya. "Let's work together."

"Work together?" I repeated, halatang naguguluhan.

Tumango siya, leaning slightly against a nearby post, like he was just pitching a business deal and not some twisted arrangement. "Pareho nating ayaw ang kasal na 'to, 'di ba? You hate it. I don't exactly wake up dreaming about wedding bells either."

Tahimik lang ako. Nakatingin lang sa kanya, analyzing his expression. He was serious. Relaxed, yes—but serious.

"We can't stop this damn wedding," he continued, his tone low but firm. "It's done. Set in stone. Our parents already signed their futures... and apparently ours."

"Then anong plano mo?" I asked, arms crossed. "Panong 'work together'?"

"Simple," he replied. "We go through with it. Play the role. Smile for the cameras. But the minute we've done our part—maybe a year or two in—we file for divorce. Clean break. No strings."

Napatingin ako sa kanya. Calm. Composed. Parang sinasabi niyang normal lang 'to. Like it was just another clause in a contract.

"Convenient," I muttered.

"Practical," he corrected.

"Cold."

He smirked. "Would you prefer messy?"

Napairap ako. "No thanks. I've had enough mess in my life."

"Then we have an agreement," he said, extending his hand like a damn CEO finalizing a merger.

Tinitigan ko lang ang kamay niya. And for a second, I hesitated. Pero sa huli, tinanggap ko rin. A firm shake.

A temporary alliance.

Nothing more.

But something tells me... this deal isn't going to be as simple as he thinks.