Breaking His Callous Heart (Part 1 of 3)

4: His Kindness

Aisha was surprised to see Ayder when she opened the door of her suite.

"Hey Jeandy! Are you okay in here?" he asked. Hindi pa siya agad nakasagot. She had to swallow a bit before she was able to speak a word.

"Okay lang sir," tugon niya rito. Ngumiti siya ng tipid.

"If you need anything, just call the front desk officers," saad nito. She almost wanted to assume he was advancing if not for his civil aura.

"Okay po," tumango siya ng marahan. Napatango rin ito.

"All right then." Ayder smiled. She almost gasped at how handsome he looked when he smiled. She had to press her lips together so it won't fell open.

"Dinner will be served at seven, baba ka na lang sa restaurant," wika nito. Tumango naman siya. Nakita niya ang restaurant kanina sa right wing ng lobby.

"Thank you, sir," she said politely when he signaled to go. Hindi naman ito nagsalita at naglakad na paalis. She watched as he walked away. He didn't have to come personally to tell her that. Nag-abala pa ito. Puwede naman nitong itawag o iutos na lang sa mga hotel attendant. Now, it left her wondering where the kindness is coming from. Naiiling siyang pumasok sa kuwarto.

It was past seven when she went to the restaurant. Magalang siyang sinalubong ng isang usherette nang papasok sa restaurant. Nagtaka pa siya kung bakit kilala siya nito pero naisip niyang baka nabilin na ang mga ito.

"Kanina pa po naghihintay si Mr. Filan," saad nito matapos niyang batiin ito pabalik.

Her eyes automatically wandered. They settled on a man in gray shirt, white knee-length shorts, and sneakers seated on a table at the corner. Nakayuko ito at nakatutok sa hawak na smartphone.

Why was he waiting for her? Akala niya ay bababa lang siya at kakain mag-isa. Hindi siya na-inform na kasabay pala niya ito. Sinundan niya ang usherette nang maglakad ito papunta kay Ayder.

"Sir, nandito na po si Ms. Jeandy," anunsiyo ng usherette nang makalapit sila. Agad namang nag-angat ng tingin ang binata. His stare was gentle.

"Pakisabi i-serve na 'yong pagkain," malumanay nitong utos. Agad namang tumango ang babae saka nagmadaling umalis.

"Upo ka na," turo nito sa katapat na silya nang nanatili siyang nakatayo. She didn't want to admit but she was overwhelmed by the kind of treatment she's receiving. She didn't quite expect it. Tahimik siyang umupo. It took her a while to collect her thoughts.

"Sorry, sir. Hindi ko po kasi alam na sasabay pala ako sa inyo," sambit niya nang maiserve ang mga pagkain.

Pinigilan niya ang paglunok nang tumunghay ito sa mukha niya.

"It's okay. Gusto rin kitang i-briefing sa mangyayari sa mga susunod na araw." Tugon nito. He held his spoon and fork. Tumango naman siya at ngumiti ng tipid bilang sagot. She was thinking if it was a different boss, she would've been scolded. Pinuntahan pa siya nito kanina para i-remind na 7PM ang dinner. She looked at her watch. It was already 7:38.

"Don't mind the time. Okay lang 'yan. Wala naman tayong hinahabol," sambit nito. Nahiya pa siya dahil nakita nito ang pagtunghay niya sa relo. She smiled. She felt awkward under his stare. Ibinaling na lamang niya ang pansin sa mga pagkain.

"I hope you like the food. Tinanong ka ba ni Nay Marlene kung anong meals ang gusto mong ipaserve?" tanong nito.

"Hindi po pero tinanong niya kung may allergies ako sa mga pagkain at kung ano ang ayaw kong kainin," tugon niya.