Owned by a Billionaire (Monteverde Series 1)

39

"All this time, you've been hiding in France," sambit ni Denver. Yes, he was Aaron's friend. We decided to take a stroll in the streets of Paris. Ayokong marinig ng mga anak ko ang pag-uusapan namin.

"Paris is a beauty."

He sighed as if he doesn't know what to say. "Limang taon kang hinahanap ni Aaron. Limang taon siyang nangulila sa inyo."

Marahas akong napabuga ng hangin. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi mainis sa sinabi niya. "He was a jerk."

"If only you saw how miserable he was when you left. Kung nakita mo lang 'yong itsura niya. He was always drunk."

Hindi ko mapigilang mapapikit nang mariin sa sinabi niya. It was as if I could almost feel the bitterness and resentment simmering in my very core. "He deserved that."

"I know, Cassidy. Nagalit kami ni Nax sa kanya kasi ayaw niyang ayusin ang buhay niya. Tinulungan namin siya at unti-unti nakabangon siya. Pero hindi parin maalis sa kanya 'yong kalungkutan."

Did Aaron really feel miserable when I left? He said he was only marrying me for the baby. Sabi niya gusto niya si Melissa. I had to put up with those shit because I loved him.

"I don't believe you, Denver."

Humalukipkip siya sa sinabi ko. He then heaved a sigh. "Whether you believe me or not, it's your call. I told you everything I had to say."

A long silence passed between us. I stared at tourists milling in the distance. Sa lahat naman ng makikita rito, si Denver pa.

"Are you even planning to let Aaron meet his kids? May karapatan siya, Cassidy. 'Wag mo naman sanang ipagkait sa kanya 'yon."

"I'm not planning to hide them forever. Hindi ko ipagkakait sa mga anak ko na makilala ang ama nila, Denver. Gusto ko ring makilala nila si Aaron."

Napapalatak siya. "Kailan pa, Cassidy?"

"We're going back to the Philippines next month."

"I will say nothing about this to Aaron. But I hope you guys can still fix things," marahang sabi niya habang nakatingin .

I shook my head. "I'm sorry, Denver. Imposible nang mangyari 'yon."

"Nothing is impossible, Cassidy."

I was about to open my mouth to say something when I heard Drei's voice behind me.

"Cassi," he called. Nilingon ko siya at tila nawala 'yong uneasiness ko kay Denver. I smiled at him and he jogged towards us.

"Hey, akala ko mamaya mo pa ako susunduin?"

"Napaaga ang tapos ng meeting."

He possessively draped his arm on my shoulder. He was looking at Denver, and Denver was eyeing him with confusion too.

I cleared my throat. "Drei, meet Denver. He's a friend. Denver, meet Drei, my boyfriend."

Drei's features relaxed and he was the first to extend his hand. Denver shook it, but his expression was hard to read.

"Nice to meet you," Drei amiably said, and Denver forced a smile and said the same.

"Nice bumping into you," sabi ko. I was anxious to get the hell out of here. Tumango siya. "See you whenever."

I gave him one last smile before I held on to Drei's hand and walked away.

He kissed my forehead and cupped my face. "Hey, sweetheart, you look shaken."

Napapikit ako at dinama ang kamay niya sa mukha ko bago tumango. "It's just that I wasn't expecting to see him here." At hindi ko inaasahan ang mga sinabi niya. I shouldn't be affected, but I was. I felt angry and annoyed. I couldn't stop my mind from thinking about those things he told me.

Nagkunot-noo si Drei. "Who was he?"

I took a deep breath before answering. "He's Aaron's friend."

Tiningnan niya ako nang mataman bago tumango nang marahan. Tapos niyakap niya ako. "Did he say mean things to you?"

I abruptly shook my head. "No. Nagulat lang talaga ko na nagkita kami. But he's actually a nice person. I think."

He tightened his hug. "I know you're preoccupied. It's okay if we cancel the date."

"Pero—"

"No buts. I know something's bothering you. It's okay, I'm not mad or anything."

This is one reasons why I love him. "Thank you for always understanding, Drei." I reached for his face and gave him a kiss.

---

Days passed by in a blur. Bukas na ang flight namin pauwi sa Pilipinas. Right now, Drei and I are cuddling on the couch while watching a movie. The kids are already asleep. Xiana's really excited, samantalang si Xander ay ayaw umalis ng France.

"I'm scared of losing you," Drei admitted before burying his face on my neck.

"Won't happen," I answered before playing with his hair.

"What if Aaron tells you that he wants you back?" sabi pa niya. I knitted my brows. "Well, the answer is no. Hindi ko ipagpapalit ang isang mabait at guwapong gaya mo sa isang good-for-nothing na tulad niya."

He cocked his head. "Tingin mo guwapo ako?" A grin slowly materialized on his face.

Natatawang tumango ako bago siya hinalikan. "Sobrang guwapo."

Aaron's part of my past now. And he's buried there for good.