The Empire Series 1: Vander Lewis Rushed

38: Mark Your Territory

Life is playful and unpredictable. You must learn how to dance a little. -jazlykdat

Aubrey

Nang mapatulog ang anak ay napagpasyahan niyang hanapin ang asawa. Pababa siya ng hagdan nang makitang nakaupo ito sa bar counter kausap ang ina. Agad niyang nilapitan ang dalawa.

Alam niyang may problema si Vander at may kinalaman iyon sa nangyari kanina sa supermarket.

Her mother-in-law smiled upon seeing her. Tumango ito at ngumiti bago tumayo at iwanan silang dalawa.

Huminga siya ng malalim bago nilapitan ang asawa. Niyakap niya ito at hinalikan sa batok.

"Akyat na tayo?" malambing niyang bulong sa tainga nito.

Vander turned around and looked at her. Napalunok siya. Ngumiti naman ito bago siya hinapit sa baywang at hinalikan sa noo.

Napayakap siya rito.

"You have nothing to worry about Charlie. We separated a long time ago." She told him.

Napangiti naman ito.

"I know. I am sorry for ignoring you this afternoon. Everything should be part of the past now." He mumbled as he hugged her tighter.

"I love you, Vander." She murmured burying her face on his chest.

"When I started managing the hotel, I also started planning on putting up a branch in Dubai." Kuwento nito.

She felt him inhaling deeply before kissing her head.

"Akala ko kasi dati nandoon ka pa. I was so stupid. Ni hindi man lang ako nag-imbestiga muna kung nandoon ka pa." He added. Napatingala siya sa asawa. Ngumiti naman ito ng tipid bago siya hinagkan sa noo. Her heart pounded so fast.

"Ayokong aminin sa lahat na nagkamali ako kaya pinanindigan ko na lang. Everybody thinks I did nothing."

So, he planned to chase her?

"Paano kasi nag-uumpisa pa lang ako, palpak na agad. I was afraid to fail again kaya hindi na ako nag-attempt ulit." Dagdag nito. She could see a glint of regret on his brown eyes. Mayroon talagang inferiority complex ang asawa noon. Mas lalo niyang isiniksik ang sarili sa asawa.

"Then, I figured if I'd take care of our kids well. You'll be happy when you come back." He said holding her tighter.

"You're the sweetest, Vander and don't ever forget you've been a good father. Kung ano man ang nangyari noon, kalimutan na natin. Let's start all over." She said to appease him.

"Yes we will, I love you, Aubrey." He whispered in her ear. They stayed tucked in each other's arms for a while before they went back to their room.

She smiled as she stares at her husband sleeping soundly. Napagigitnaan nila si Deshima. Nakayakap pa ang asawa sa anak nila. Her heart's full of joy. Parang ang hirap paniwalaan na magiging okay sila ng ganito pagkatapos ng lahat ng sakit na napagdaanan nila. Life could be really so unpredictable and playful. Sana lang huwag na ulit silang paglaruan ng pagkakataon. They've suffered enough.

----

She planned to surprise Vander at his office. Gusto niyang siya naman ang gumawa ngayon ng effort.

Nag-takeout siya ng pagkain, bago nagtungo sa opisina ng asawa para sabay silang mag-lunch. She ordered his favorite beef menu and broccoli salad.

Napangiti ng alanganin si Marlene nang makita siyang papasok ng opisina. Napakunot-noo siya pero binati niya pa rin ito.

"Where's Vander?" she asked.