"Ahoy, ahoy! Good morning!"
Nabulabog ako sa malakas na boses ni Thyron. I opened my eyes and came face to face with Rigor's chest. Heat crept to my cheeks. kaagad ko siyang itinulak palayo pero huli na nang biglang binuksan ni Thyron ang pinto.
"Nakakadisturbo ba kami, bro?" he smirks. Silver pushes him aside and looks at us with a frown.
"Get up, Kuya. We're here na."
Thyron is chuckling as he pulls out his phone and snaps a picture of the two of us. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at binantaang i-delete ang litrato. We were so tired last night that we ended up sleeping on the floor.
I turn to Rigor. He lazily grabs his shirt and puts it over his head. Mas lalo akong namula. Alam kong iba na ang iniisip ni Thyron at Silver sa lagay namin. Lalo na si Thyron sa ngisi niyang yan.
"Dad, I'm bored already," a young male voice calls out from behind. Tumayo ako at sinilip ang batang lalaki na kamukhang-kamukha ni Freuss. Only he has a light brown hair but the rest is a carbon copy of his sister.
"Oh, hello!" magiliw kong bati sa kaniya. He tilts his head to study me before glancing at Thyron.
"This is Franco, Freuss' twin brother. Franco, say hi to Tita Czarina."
"Hi..." tila nahihiya pa nitong wika.
"Where's Freuss?" si Rigor na katatapos lang magsuot ng pang-itaas.
"She got suspended for scratching her classmate so she's at home," kaswal na sagot ni Thyron.
"Really? Sinong inaway niya?"Rigor asks.
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Thyron. He looks at me with a questioning look in his eyes. Nag-iwas kaagad ako ng tingin.
"Just... someone's kid." Thyron clears his throat and gestures to the studio. "So, someone broke into your studio?"
"Yeah..." Rigor lazily answers.
"Are you even safe here, Kuya? Did you report it to the police? What did they say?" sunod-sunod na tanong ni Silver.
Rigor shrugs nonchalantly. "They're still checking the building's CCTV. There are no CCTVs here in the studio, except for the hallway near the elevator."
"Bakit walang CCTV dito? Baka mahuli kayong dalawa na nag—"
"Kuya Thyron!" galit na asik ni Silver. "Ugh! I don't even know why you're here!" she storms out of the office, dragging the gullible Franco with him. Nakangisi sa aming dalawa si Thyron bago sinundan ang kapatid at anak.
I followed them to the studio. Silver has been practicing painting with Rigor when they were kids, so she was allowed to finish the shadings of some paintings. Si Thyron naman, nanggugulo lang. My phone vibrates with a notification. Tumabi muna ako bago ko kinuha ang phone ko.
thyron_treveron mentioned you in their story.
Kumunot ang noo ko at in-open kung ano iyon. My eyes widened when I saw the picture of me, half-asleep on the floor while Rigor's hands are around my waist, still sleeping. Sobrang gulo pa ng buhok ko and the way you look at it, it really looks like we're doing something dirty!
'cza niyo pagod na'
And the caption! I want to wring Thyron's neck here and there but he disappeared into the office. Bumalik tuloy ang tingin ko sa larawan. He also mentions Rigor. I clicked on his profile and was stunned to see that he as over 412k followers already!
As far as I remembered, he has a small profile back in college. 44 pa lang ang followers niya! Hindi naman siya pala-Instagram. When we broke up, I unfollowed him and deleted my account. Hindi ko alam kung paano nakita ni Thyron ang bagong account ko. Wala rin naman akong pictures ni Castian na pino-post kaya hindi ako nag-alala. There are some IG stories from before but of course, it's expired already.
[Instagram:] rigorvaughn started following you.
My heart jumps to my throat. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. He's holding his phone and smirking at me. Rigor mouthed something but I couldn't catch it because Franco zoomed in front of me, being chased by his Dad.
Magka-edad lang ata to silang dalawa eh.
Napailing ako at itinago ang phone ko sa bulsa. Marami naman siyang fina-follow kaya hindi ako special at mukhang hindi rin mabibisto ng mga fans niya kung sakali.
Naging abala kami sa sumunod na mga araw. Moral support lang talaga ang ibinigay ni Thyron habang nagpapanic na kaming dalawa ni Silver. Rigor is calm as usual. Sometimes, he'll put on some airpods to block the noise from the three of us. When he's hunched over his canvas looking so serious like that, it reminds me of the time he worked for our backdrop way back in college. Napailing ako na nangingiti.
Hapon noon at katatapos lang namin sa pang-apat na painting. Silver did an excellent job with the shading. We didn't do much, though. Kapag ipinapasa sa amin ni Rigor ang painting niya ay halos tapos na. I walk into the office hoping to fix myself a cup of coffee. Natigilan ako nang makita ang isang malaking box na may kulay pulang ribbon. It covers almost half of the desk.
"I ordered a dress for you..."
Napatalon ako sa gulat nang marinig ang baritono ni Rigor. He's already standing behind me. Tumabi ako nanh hindi tinatanggal ang tingin mula sa puting box.
"Para sa akin?" hindi makapaniwala kong tanong.
"Kakasabi ko lang, Czarina." pambabara naman niya.
Hinampas ko ang braso niya at sinamaan siya ng tingin pero lumapit din naman ako sa box. I pulled the red ribbon off and slowly lifted the cover, revealing an alluring red mermaid dress. It's slinky and elegant. The luxurious fabric felt cool under my skin. It's a gown made to proclaim desirability in a woman. I lifted the tag. Morgan de Toi.
"Mahal to, ah?"
Biglang nahiya yung white flowy dress ko sa bahay na balak kong suotin bukas ng gabi. I forgot how wide-scale he is. Of course, all of the rich people here and in nearby cities will flock to the event. Alam kong may mga celebrity ding pupunta. Some of them even reached out for them for an invitation.
"Bawas yan sa sweldo mo."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Rigor is already pressing his lips on mine for a soft kiss. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at napaatras. When he pulled away, he's already grinning.
"Just kidding."
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin pero sa totoo'y nanlalambot ulit ang tuhod ko. Bukas na ang exhibit. After the event, I'm going to confess to him. I wonder how he's going to react, or if he's going to be this sweet once he finds out that I hid his own son from him.
Hindi ko nalang yun inisip at ninamnam ang mga oras na kasama ko siya at ganito ang trato niya sa akin. We've been kissing each other since yesterday but we still haven't talked about it. busy rin siya kaya hindi ko na inabala. It's funny how my body is so familiar with him but it still trembles every time he touches me.
Staff from the SaveSmiles organization arrived in the morning. Lily talked to Rigor for a bit to make sure that everything is settled, despite the sudden roadblock. Hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring progress ang imbestigasyon ng mga pulis kung sino ang pumasok dito sa studio. Their only lead is that it's a man in his late 20's wearing a black hoodie and pants. He has no accomplice.
"Must be one of your haters," Thyron says. "Nakakaranas din nang ganyan si Philo, diba?"
Namilog ang mga mata ko sa narinig. "Really?"
"Dark side ng showbiz," he says, nodding. "Female celebrities have it worse. They either have stalkers or receive death threats from jealous women."
I found myself chewing my bottom lip. We talked about relocating soon after the exhibit and posting less on social media so that no one would get the information about our new place. But as of now, the exhibit is our main focus. My phone vibrates inside my pocket. Kaagad kong sinagot ang tawag nang makitang si Shantel ito.
"May nangyari ba?" nag-aalala kong tanong pagkasagot. "Si Castian?"
"He's crying!" halatang stressed si Shantel sa boses nito. "His cat gave birth last night and just left the kittens here! Jusko, Czarina, yung pusa ni Castian, umuuwi lang pag buntis!"
I bit my lower lip to stifle a laugh. I could imagine her stress in trying to find the cat just to make my son happy.
"Anong gagawin ko dito sa mga kuting? Magpapadede ba ako?"
I laugh again. I could also imagine the horror in her mother's face once she finds out how vulgar actually Shantel is. She's been painted as this prim and proper lady by her family's reputation and until now, I'm still surprised of how she acts.
"Magtimpla ka nalang ng gatas. Gamitin mo yung lumang breastfeed bottle ni Castian, nasa cupboard pa yun sa kusina. Where is he, anyway?"
"Sinusuyo ni Kyros sa labas."
I nodded. I missed my son already. This is the longest we've been apart from each other since he was born. Gusto ko na ulit siyang yakapin.
"Alright. I'll call again later, okay? Make sure to keep the kittens alive or Castian will never stop crying."
"Okay, whatever-"
"Oh!" something popped in my head. "I just remembered. May tumawag sa akin kahapon, manager, Denver ang pangalan niya. He requested for an invitation for Stormie."
Tumahimik si Shantel sa kabilang linya.
"Your sister is going to attend the exhibit!" excited ko pang wika. "Sinabi ba niya sa iyo?"
"Uh..." she trails off, which is so rare of her. "Uhm... I couldn't remember, eh. We talked about a lot of things. I'm sure she mentioned it."
Ako naman ang natahimik. I have mastered the art of lie over the past few years, especially now that I'm interacting with my son's father without him knowing. I know a lie when I hear one.
"Feel free to come, if you want," maingat kong wika. "I'm sure you've missed her."
"Yeah," she mumbles, then mutters an excuse to end the call. Nagtataka kong tiningnan ang screen.
Shantel is always bubbly when it comes to her sister. We saw her on a French movie once and she became an international sensation. Mukhang kakauwi lang din niya sa Pilipinas. Shantel claims that she's been keeping in touch with her and they couldn't get enough of each other when talking over the phone almost every night.
Was that a lie?
"Czarina..."
Napalingon ako kay Rigor. He gestures to the office. "Lily needs you inside. Magbihis ka na rin pagkatapos."
Tumango ako at sumunod kahit na puno pa rin ng mga tanong ang isipan ko. Shantel might post a lot on social media but she's a very private person. If I'm a master liar, she's an expert in putting on a façade. I've never seen someone who can easily switch personalities especially when she's around other people.
It must be exhausting.
Inalis ko na muna iyon sa isipan at tinulungan si Lily na mag-sort sa guest list. Pagkatapos ay nagbihis na ako. nagulat pa ako nang makitang may mga make-up artists pala na hinire si Rigor para sa event na ito. They're already doing Silver's makeup when I step inside the apartment. Si Thyron ay nagce-cellphone habang natutulog naman ang anak niya sa hita niya.
"Wow, sexy!" he whistled when he saw me.
Napatingin tuloy ang lahat sa akin. My cheeks flushed. The silk dress has a cowl neckline but it didn't prevent my cleavage from showing. It hugged all my curves and swells perfectly, as if it was made for me. One of the makeup artists smiled.
"Ang ganda naman ni Ma'am. Asawa po kayo ni Sir Rigor? Hindi ko alam na may asawa pala siya."
"She's an assistant." Silver rolls her eyes.
"And an ex!" Thyron shouts from the sofa.
Napailing ako at dumiretso sa upuan. They have a portable vanity that they bought just for the event. Unahan pa ang dalawang makeup artists sa akin kaya mas lalo akong nahiya.
"Ako dito kay Ma'am! Gagawin kong pang Miss Universe ang makeup niya!"
"Tanga. Exhibit kasi. Gusto mong kay Ma'am sila nakatingin kesa sa paintings ni Sir Rigor? Let's go for au natural since she's already stunning."
Hinayaan ko na silang gawin ang makeup ko. I closed my eyes for a bit. I'm so tired. After this exhibit, Rigor told me to have a day off and sleep. Pambawi na rin sa mga puyat namin.
They did their job deftly in just half an hour. I open my eyes and stare at myself in front of the mirror. I couldn't hide the shock expression on my face.
They must've used cream, gloss, and liquid formula to achieve that wet look skin on my face. My skin glowed like never before, thanks to all the products that were applied. The makeup blends like a dream and highlighted the best features of my face while concealing my blemishes. They also curled my baby hair and let it stick to the sides of my face while the rest of my hair are in a sleek, pinned up braid.
Tumayo si Thyron at mukhang nagre-record ata ng video para sa IG story niya. Una niyang ginulo si Silver na pinakyuhan lang siya at sininghalan na lumayo. He went to me, grinning while holding his phone. I smiled at the camera.
Thyron clears his throat. "Ano pong masasabi mo sa tsismis na may misis daw si Rigor?"
The makeup artist laughed and pointed to my face. Itinuon tuloy ni Thyron ang cellphone niya sa kaniya.
"Kung may magiging asawa si Sir, dapat lang na kasing-ganda ni Ma'am! Manok ko 'to, eh."
"Awit. Parang pustahan lang sa sabong," natatawang komento ni Thyron. He put down his phone to stop recording and replay the video before posting it.
"Hey," Rigor casually walks in, wearing a three-piece suit and looking like an informal hunky. Nagsikuhan kaagad ang mga makeup artists sa likuran ko. He looks dashing. Ang daya kasi hindi man lang siya mukhang haggard pagkatapos ng ilang gabing puyatan. In fact, his ties match the color of his eyes. If someone can combine rough and formal, it could only be him.
"Hi," I squeaked.
"Are we ready?"
Tumango ako. inalok niya sa akin ang braso niya. Silver is also done with her makeup. Thyron just fixed his son's tie and went out with us. May naghihintay na limo sa labas. Rigor opens the door for me and gestures. Nauna akong pumasok at sumunod naman siya. Thyron and Silver occupied the other glass division. Medyo hindi ako mapakali sa kinauupuan ko, dagdag pa ang biglaang pagtawag ni Kyros.
I scooted farther from Rigor.
"Kyros?"
"Czarina, hi! Pasensiya na sa disturbo, pwede ko bang dalhin si Castian sa Maynila? Bigla-bigla nalang umalis si Shantel, mukhang badtrip. May pupuntahan kami ng kaibigan ko, hindi ko na pwedeng i-cancel. Hindi 'to inuman, promise!"
Naningkit ang mga mata ko. "Hindi inuman?"
"Hindi nga. Abogado kasi yun. Huwag kang mag-alala, babysitter pa rin ako ng anak mo. Importante lang talaga 'to."
"Alright. Just text me later when you get home, okay?"
"Naks, English. Okay!"
Nairap ako sa ere nang ibaba ang tawag. When I turn, Rigor is silently seething on his seat with his jaw clenched.
"Okay ka lang?" I want to poke him but I'm afraid my fingers will burn from his rage.
"I'm fine," tipid niyang sagot, umiigting pa rin ang panga.
"Okay," I shrug and then went about my business. I studied the profile of the guests who are attending the exhibit. Naalala ko tuloy si Shantel. She was forced to memorize the names and backgrounds of the important people in her parent's political parties before. Ganito pala ang feeling.
When we arrived at the Wright Art House, there are so many people already. Maging ako ay hindi makapaniwala sa dami ng taong dumalo. Some were not allowed to enter because they have no invitations. A lot of photographers and media people swarmed the entrance.
Rigor went out first. The shutters of the cameras filled the surroundings. Halos mabulag ako sa flash ng mga camera nila. He held out his hand for me. I took in a deep breath and went out with him.
Mas lalong umingay ang mga photographers. I look familiar to them after that stupid gossip. I'm sure there will be several articles again about us now that we are officially seen in public.
"You're so tense," bulong niya sa akin habang ang isang kamay ay nakaalalay sa likod ko.
"Ang daming paparazzi..."bulong ko pabalik.
Rigor chuckled softly. "Don't mind them, babe. This is also your night. Have fun."
My cheeks flushed at his careless choice of words. Sumunod na lumabas sina Thyron at Silver. Thyron made sure that Franco is wearing a mask to cover his face. He said he doesn't want his child's image to circulate online, not until Franco grows old to share on his own consent.
Pumasok na kami sa loob. Ibang-iba ang gallery kumpara sa unang araw na nakatapak ako dito. The house is packed with rich guests and celebrities. I even saw Halsey, purring with a man and giving catty sideglances.
Napailing nalang ako. I unfollowed her on all of her social media but I still listen to her music. She may have a sour attitude but I can't deny her talent for music. My adoration of her voice is another business from my disapproval of her attitude.
Rigor talked to a lot of his prospect clients. Most of them are trying to bid on his paintings, especially if it's reserved to someone already. Medyo nag-aalala ako sa anak ko habang paikot-ikot kami sa loob ng gallery. My eyes wander around and saw a familiar face.
Stormie. Nakatayo siya at nakahawak sa braso ni Elton. She looks so fragile next to him, but her eyes are unwavering. I gave her a small smile before dragging my attention back to an Australian client.
We did some more rounds before one of Lily's staff approaches us. Ibinulong niya kay Rigor na may kukuha ng Perserva. He specially instructed everyone to let him know immediately if the painting is sold. Ngumisi siya at nilapitan ang pinsan.
"I would be lying if I say that I was expecting this painting to get sold," he chuckled.
Stormie politely smiles at him. "Hello, Rigor."
"It's been a long time, huh? Roman..." lumipat ang tingin niya sa pinsan.
"Have this delivered to her condo unit first thing tomorrow," Elton says, gesturing to the painting.
"Sure," Rigor shrugs lazily. "By the way, I think you still haven't met her yet... Stormie, this is Czarina. Czarina Martinell, my assistant..."
"Nice to meet you,"
"Pleasure is mine..." I said genuinely. She looks like a doll up close and she exudes the same elegant aura that Shantel has.
Rigor and Philodemus talked some more before they excused themselves. Kami naman ay nagpatuloy sa pakikipag-usap sa mga kliyente. We expected the event to last for up to 5 hours but in just 2 hours, all of his paintings were sold. There was nothing left to show.
Tuwang-tuwa si Lily at ang team niya sa successful na event. Rigor said his closing remarks before inviting everyone to a buffet at a nearby hotel that we've already booked. Nakahawak ako sa braso niya, pagod na pagod. The heels aren't helping either. Muntik pa akong matapilok habang naglalakad. Napatingin tuloy siya sa akin.
"Are you okay?"
Alanganin akong tumango. "Ayos lang..."
Bumaba ang tingin niya sa suot kong gown. Hindi naman kita ng heels dahil mataas at sumasayad sa sahig. I excused himself for a bit while we were waiting for the driver. When he came back, he's already carrying a pair of fluffy slippers.
"What are you-"
Nagulat ako nang bigla nalang siyang lumuhod sa harapan ko. He held out his hand, asking for permission. Kaagad akong namula nang makitang patingin-tingin sa amin yung mga guests na hindi pa nakakasakay sa sasakyan nila at iilang staff ng organization. I hesitantly nod. Maingat niyang kinuha ang isa kong paa at hinubad ang suot kong heels.
"Saan mo yan nakuha?" bulong ko pa sa kaniya.
"I always have it in my car. Just in case..." he said, gently massaging the soles of my feet before slipping the fluffy slipper.
My knees wobbled at the simple gesture. Nang matapos na siya sa kanan ay sa kaliwa naman. Ganun pa rin ang ginawa niya. Minasahe niya nang kaunti bago isinuot sa akin ang tsinelas.
I walked comfortably with him when the limo arrived. Thyron is carrying a sleeping Franco in his hands while Silver is just using her phone. Iilang minuto lang naman ang biyahe dahil malapit lang ang hotel.
When we arrived, Rigor opens the door for me again. I murmured a thank you and sweep my gaze across the surroundings. Nagpunta kami ni Rigor sa lobby.
"Function hall 2470." Rigor briskly says to the receptionist. Kaagad naman siyang tumango at may ginawa muna sa computer niya bago siya tumayo at nagtawag ng mage-escort sa amin. Naiwan tuloy kaming dalawa ni Rigor.
"Red looks good on you..." he suddenly said. Napatingin ako sa kaniya. He stares at me from head to toe. "You look stunning tonight, cherié."
"Nambola ka pa-"
"Mommy!"
I froze when I heard a familiar voice and immediately turn. The blood in my face drains when I saw my Castian running towards me and Kyros running after him. He looks like he's about to cry when he hits my thighs and wraps his tiny arms around me.
"Mommy..." ulit niya sa naiiyak na boses.
I shut my eyes as my world spins.
-
#HanmariamBFLIIChap9