Paper Hearts

(MAD LOVE) XIII: FAIRY EFFECT

A/N: You can check my Facebook Group, Marple Dame Stories, to read MAD LOVE free (even with no data)

⚈ ̫ ⚈ OY! Magbasa at Mag-vote. ⭐

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CASA DE SILVA | BRAZIL

Charlotte stared at a shiny red apple up above the tree.

Nameywang siya at nag-isip kung paano niya iyong makuha. She tapped a finger on her lips then looked down at her outfit. She's wearing a lacey, white dress. 'Unfit for climbing, huh?' Muli niyang tiningala ang kahoy na noo'y namumutiktik ng pulang prutas.

Naghinayang tuloy siya bakit ang damit na ito ang pinili niyang isuot. It's one of her favorite dresses and she's scared she might damage it if she decided to climb the tree.

"The famous enchantress of the Smith."

Binalingan ni Charlotte ang nagsalita sa likuran niya. She took a step back when a man, larger than life, is standing behind her. "Oh."

"Did I scare you?" The cold and sharp color of his eyes softened, likened to a melting chocolate.

"Not at all." She smiled. "But your presence is surely intimidating, Uno."

With a brown coat draped on the expanse of his wide shoulders and shoulder-length hair tied into a man-bun, Nikolaj Zuñiga gently reaches for her hand and took off her white glove to place a kiss on her knuckle. "Carlota..." Tumindig ito na hindi pa rin binibitawan ang kamay niya. "Are you looking for some apples, Snow White?"

She looked up. "Actually, yes. But I have no idea how to grab one."

"Well, you can ride on my shoulders," he teases.

But just like his numerous attempts to woe her, Charlotte waves her hand as a dismissal. This woman seems to be immune to Uno's charm. "I'd love to but I can't. I am not wearing anything underneath except for my underwear."

Nikolaj was stunned for few seconds how blunt and straightforward Charlotte is. That played an amusing smile on his lips. "The more reason you need to sit on my shoulders."

Hindi ito pinansin ng dalaga. Bagkus nakatingala lang ito sa mansanas.

His eyes lingered on Charlotte's profile. Like the fruit, the apples of her cheeks are naturally blushing, her lips tinted the same. Pale, bluish veins are visible on her lower jaw. Her thick lashes fluttered celestially.

Lumingon sa kaniya ang maamong mukha ni Charlotte. "Can you get one for me?"

He blinked. "What?"

"Apple."

Napatingala na rin si Nikolaj. "What's in it for me?"

"A date?"

He scoffed. Parang napilitan lang ang babae na sabihin iyon. "I like you, Carlota." He gave his coat to her. "But virgins and bad boys don't really mix well." Lumapit na ito sa puno.

Charlotte shrugged. "You just said I am Smith's famous enchantress."

Nikolaj threw her a look. "And you think that can woe a Zuñiga?"

"Hmm..." She looked upward as if thinking - her finger tapping her lips.

Natawa si Nikolaj. This Smith can really charm. "Exactly why Zuñigas don't take virgins as wives." With one powerful jump, he hangs onto one of the branches using one arm. "They make us weak."

"An anti-feminist, huh?" She crossed her arms infront of her chest.

Umalog ang buong puno nang tuluyan nang naakyat iyon ng binata. He sat on the branch. "It's the opposite actually. Don't take it the wrong way, Carlota, but you know how Varia works."

Natahimik siya.

"...and virgins can easily get attached and attachments – unnecessary attachments are what Zuñigas are not fond of. Our lives are always hanging on by a thread and no woman deserves to be paranoid all the time by thinking that anytime she'll receive a call that her husband is already dead and she has no choice but to surrender her son to succeed the empty throne and will suffer the same fate." He plucked an apple.

"You mean..."

Nikolaj grunted as he jumps down easily – ignoring the height of the tree. "Yes, we prefer whore... over virgins."

Charlotte winces by his choice of words.

"Because they just disappear after giving us a son in exchange for a hefty sum of money." He lends the apple to her. "No feelings tangled there. Neat, right?"

Tinanggap niya ang mansanas sabay umiling. "Now, that's just sad... Uno."

Nag-iwas ng tingin ang binata.

"You never felt love before?"

"I don't even know what that word means." His brown eyes are void with any emotions.

"And do you like it?"

"What do you mean?"

"This set-up. Depriving yourself of love... o-of happiness."

Nikolaj stared at the woman. "We don't have that luxury in Varia, unfortunately."

"B-But Juancho and Mayen..." patungkol niya sa kaka-engage lang na pares.

"There's no love lost between them, Carlota. Whatever fairytale is going on in your mind right now, it doesn't work that way here."

Niyuko ng dalaga ang hawak mansanas. Namayani ang ilang minuto ng katahimikan sa pagitan nila. "T-Thank you for this apple, Uno."

Tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi nito. "Can I pass as one of your dwarves now, Snow White?"

She laughed. "Obviously you can't! But you can be Beast though."

"That's from different story!"

"And here you are... well-versed with fairytales."

"Touché, touché."

"But really, Uno... I think you are capable of love." She wiped the apple against her skirt, then smiled sweetly at him.

No wonder Jasper is head-over-heels smitten over this woman, he thought. She can naturally charm her way to any man's heart. Is Nikolaj charmed? Yes. But does he feel like Jasper feels towards Charlotte? He doesn't know.

Brought up in a harsh household, he can't really differentiate love from happiness, from pain, and from anger.

"... capable of being loved and of loving back."

"You think so?"

"Yes. Maybe not romantically but... filially."

"Filial*" (*Filial – family)

"You... learning to love your future child and finally breaking that cycle within your family."

'Child, huh?'

"I hated you, you know," Charlotte said out of the blue.

"Hated. You love me now?"

Gusto uli matawa ng lalake kasi hindi talaga tumatalab kay Charlotte ang panunukso niya. "Because Jasper badly wanted to be like you."

Napakurap ang binata. "Jasper?"

Tumango siya. "I don't want him to be like you – sad, alone and always in danger."

Nikolaj and Jasper's relationship is far from being friends. They weren't enemies either, nor hated each other but they are civil and has respect for one another.

Namulsa si Nikolaj sabay umiling. "Nah... I don't think he doesn't want to be like me, Carlota." Mapait itong ngumiti. He can't fathom why everyone wants to be like him when here he is, wanted to break free. "He wants what I have... he wanted power, authority and control."

"Why?"

'Para ter você.' He decided not to speak his mind. This is what his father told him, that love always brings out the worst in people. Jasper is now being irrational over the fact that if he can replace his older brother, Juancho, as De Silva famiglia's boss, he can have everything he wants – that includes this enchantress infront of him. Hindi inisip ni Jasper ang kaukulang responsibilidad kapag naging isang pangulo ka ng pamilya, lalo na sa Varia.

You have to tell people to steal.

You have to tell people to murder.

You must be heartless.

You must ready yourself to be bathe literally and figuratively with blood.

Doing those stuffs, Nikolaj can't differentiate from what's good from bad anymore.

Jasper... Antonio... and those people who is after the Supremacy is out of their minds.

"So, how's the preparation of your engagement going on?" He saw her cheeks blushed hard. 'She must be so inlove with her future fiancée.' Nikolaj thought. "Unlucky man he is then."

Umalingawngaw ang malalim nitong tawa nang hampasin ni Charlotte ito sa braso pero natigilan rin nang inabot ni Nikolaj ang kamay niya at muling hinalikan ang likod niyon.

"Bênçãos eternas para você, amor..."

Charlotte smiled. She still can't grasp Portuguese but... she knows amor means love. Nakaramdam siya nang kalungkutan. Probably, after her marriage with Elijah Miller, she might not see this huge, gentle man anymore.

Biglang may tumikhim sa likuran nila.

When they turned around, they saw Jasper standing behind them with a grim expression. "You can let go of Charlotte's hand now, Uno."

Agad tinaas ni Nikolaj ang mga kamay. "Sinto muito, Jasper. I didn't know I was holding her hand all this time."

Pumagitna si Jasper sa dalawa, paharap sa kasalukuyang Supremo ng Varia. "Zuñiga."

"De Silva," pagkilala ni Nikolaj.

Binalingan ng bagong dating si Charlotte. "Your father is waiting for you back in the Casa."

Charlotte wrapped her hand on Jaspers' arm as he pulls her away. Nakailang hakbang na sila nang balingan niya si Nikolaj.

He was just standing on the same spot – looking at her. Nikolaj wasn't aware that he's sad but Charlotte felt it. Bumitaw siya kay Jasper at dali-daling tumakbo papunta rito.

"Charlotte!" tawag sa kaniya ni Jasper.

Hindi agad nakahuma si Nikolaj nang yakapin siya nang mahigpit ng dalaga. "C-Carlota?" Straining her legs to reach for him, he pulled her up. Charlotte tightly wrapped her arms around his shoulder.

Napakurap nalang ang lalake sa ginawa nito pero sa huli'y niyakap na rin niya nang kasing higpit ito.

He never knew he badly needed this kind of hug – warm and affectionate and innocent.

"I want you to be happy, Uno."

He nestled his face on her shoulder – inhaling the sweet apple scent that matches her personality. "Obrigado... minha fada*." [*A/N: You might want to translate that.]

After Jasper and Charlotte went away, Nikolaj just remained standing there. On his palm is the apple Charlotte left for him.

Her voice lingered on his ears.

> "I want you to be happy, Uno."

Who would have thought, that years from now... someone will teach him how to feel all those feelings, in one full brightness of joy, anger, betrayal and death.

A little niño.

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PRESENT

"Wow..." From the terrace, Jace looked back at Elaine's family gathered at the living room of Miller's Mansion. "Isa ka palang Miller, Ellie."

After bumping into each other at the mall, Elaine invited Jace over for lunch at the mansion. Buong akala ni Jace ay pangalan ng isang restaurant ang sinabi ng kababata na 'mansion', kaya laking gulat nalang niya na may driver na ito at kotseng siyang nagdala sa kanila sa isang napakalaking mansion sa gitna nang napakalawak na lupain.

Jace knew from his mother that Elaine did reunite with her biological family but he never expected them to be this... powerful and rich.

Millers, huh?

Sumandal sa railings si Elaine hawak ang isang baso ng lemon juice. "Is that hard to believe?"

Adjusting the eyeglasses he's wearing, Jace looked at Elaine's female cousins. There's the international and highest paid supermodel, Julianne Vera. The Olympian and known equestrian, Juniper Vera. The female wine connoisseur, Sofia Ximena. A philanthropist and the wife of Korea's future and youngest Prime Minister, Claudia Yngrid. Not to mention, her sister-in-law, supermodel, Avery Lora, and Scotland's queen, Margaret Victoria Carolina.

Jace is not really into classifying women based on their physical attributes but they are stunning, gorgeous and a sure head-turner.

But...

Binalingan niya si Elaine. Nakangiti itong nakatunghay sa pamilya nito.

...she has this versatile, almost ethereal beauty.

Ellie – Elaine changed physically over the years. Gone are the features of her face that speaks ignorance and innocence. Ang noo'y bilugang asul na mga mata nito na parang bata'y napalitan ng kinang na hinulma ng panahon at karanasan.

She now composes herself with grit and grace.

Bumaling ito sa kaniya kaya dali-dali siyang nag-iwas ng tingin.

"Hindi mo pa ako sinasagot," anito.

"Huh?"

"Mahirap bang paniwalaan na pamilya ko sila."

He looked at the Miller again then shook his head. "You perfectly belong to them. The women in your family are beautiful."

"They are."

"Like you."

Natigilan si Elaine at nilingon ang katabi.

Muling nag-iwas ng tingin si Jace na agad uminom sa hawak na basong juice.

Pumagitna ang katahimikan sa dalawa. Elaine decided to break the awkwardness between them by punching his shoulder. "Kumusta ka na?"

"Hmm... h-heto... nag-aaral pa rin."

They both shared a hefty laugh that lift the tension.

"Oo nga... kung kelan ka na matanda, tsaka ka ginanahang mag-aral. At doctorate pa, a." Kinurot niya ang pisngi nito.

Jace, embarrassed by her subtle praise, blushed. "Hinahanapan na nga ako ni Inang ng apo. Kelan ko ba daw siya bibigyan ng apo. E, anong tawag niya kay Miguel?"

Muli silang natawa.

Elaine misses this light, childish mood with Jace. She stared at her childhood friend as he shared his experience as a teacher and student at the same time.

Nakakatuwang isipin lang na ang tamad na gumawa ng takdang-aralin dati'y ginanahang mag-aral ngayon. Mathematics has been his forte ever since.

Also, who would have thought that wearing glasses suits him. He's like Clark Kent when he's not Superman.

Ellie and Jace are labelled Twin Towers back then because of their height compared to their peers of the same age. Now, Jace is taller than Elaine. Underneath the white long-sleeve shirt he's wearing is a muscular physique – a big difference from the lanky boy she once knew back in Romblon.

At kung noon, kenkoy ito at palaging pinagtatawanan dahil sa pangarap nitong maging scientist, ngayon propesyunal na propesyunal na ang datingan nito. He now demands respect and acknowledgement.

"Jace..."

"Hmm?" Napahinto ito sa pagkukwento.

"Are you avoiding me?"

.

.

With Maximus on his lap, Santi squinted his eyes to check the two people at the terrace. "They're too close for comfort."

"Huwag kang ano diyan, Santino." Avery knelt as she feed her son with milk porridge. "He's Jace. Elaine's... foster brother."

Claudia turned to Marga. "Inang Titang and Itang Kiko's son then?"

Marga nodded. "Yup."

Dylan looked at Elaine and Jace – particularly on the guy. The way he smiles and looks at Elaine is different from brotherly love. "That guy definitely likes Elle."

July rolled her eyes. "This is what I hate about you, guys. Hindi naman kasi lahat ng mga lalake na lumalapit sa amin ay may gusto sa amin. Stop being terrorizing men around us or else we'll end up single forever!"

"Dylan's right," Noah seconded. "He likes Elaine."

June looked at Fire. "Can you stop them?"

Finnian Reed shrugged as he played his Nintendo Switch.

"How can you tell?" Sofia, sitting beside Santino on the sofa, cradled Thea on her lap.

Dylan and Noah looked at Santino. The doctor spoke. "We know someone who looks at his sister differently. So, yeah, we can tell the difference."

Santino remained mum.

"He's hot," June said out-of-the blue. All of them turned to her. "W-What? He is! You're either blind or has a bad eyesight to not see that body and that face!"

Sobrang pihikan kasi pagdating sa lalake si June kung ihahambing sa kakambal nitong si July na hindi nauubusan ng ka-date.

Tiningnan ni Fire si Miguel na noo'y tinatapos ang malaking ship puzzle nito sa sahig. "Miggy?"

The brown-eyed kid looked up to him. "Yes, Uncle Fire?"

"That man is not your father, right?"

The women gasped how direct Fire to the kid.

"Fire!"

"Finnian Reed."

"That's inappropriate thing to ask, Fire!"

Pero nanatili pa rin ang atensiyon ni Fire sa bata. Miguel is different from the other boys of his age. He can process things maturely.

Umiling si Miguel. "Nope. That's Uncle Jace." Pinagtuunan uli nito ang puzzle. "My favorite uncle."

"Accccckkkk!" Dinaklot ni Santino ang dibdib. "Akala ko ako!"

.

.

"Are you avoiding me?" Elaine asks.

Umiling si Jace. She gave him a look. Muli itong uminom ng juice sa pagtangkang iwasan sagutin ang tanong.

"I thought we parted as friends."

"We did, Ellie." Nakatingin na ito sa malayo. 'Pero kailangan kong gawin iyon para sa sarili ko.' Gusto sana nitong idagdag. 'Baka kasi kung magkita tayo, babalik ako sa dating Jace na uunahin ang kaligayahan ng iba. Ang Jace na handang i-alay lahat sa'yo. Ang Jace na mahal ka.' "M-Medyo naging abala lang sa trabaho a-at pag-aaral."

Elaine didn't push further. He knew he was lying.

"Ikaw, kamusta ka?"

She looked at her family inside. "M-Medyo nag-aadjust pa."

"Dahil sa sobrang yaman mo na ngayon?" panunukso nito. "Paulan naman diyan kahit five hundred lang."

"Loko." Siniko niya ito. "W-Well, that too. I am just not used with it. Parang kailan lang nagbibisikleta lang tayo na minana pa natin sa mga ninuno natin."

"And now you're in a posh..." Jace looked at the black Audi parked beside the huge fountain outside the mansion. "...car."

"Tsaka ito..." Nilahad niya ang kamay sa direksyon ng mga tao sa loob. "...a-ang pamilya ko."

"Oo nga. You have a prince for a cousin, and a future monarch as sister-in-law."

Natawa siya. "I know right. And the men... good Lord..." Napailing siya. "The ego. The stubbornness. The impatience."

"Millers... they are famous, right? Why didn't I see your name and photos on the internet and magazines? I mean, you're practically a lost-and-found member of the Miller. You are Isaac and Isaiah's sister – names that all media outlets are hunger to write stories about."

"I don't like the frenzy and the attention, Jace. Ayokong pasukin nila ang pribado kong buhay at pagpipiyestahan sa publiko." There's too much skeleton in her closet. "They might invade Itang and Inang back in Romblon..." Their parents are the humblest person she knew. "Same goes with Maya and Boboy. But most importantly, I don't want them to ruin Miguel's life."

Tumango si Jace bilang pag-sang-ayon.

"I want my son to grow up, normally and privately as possible."

"Do they know?"

"About what?" Hindi nagsalita si Jace. Agad niyang naghuma ang gusto nitong sabihin. "No... i-it's best to keep it that..."

> "We failed to discuss the details of the bet, Little Miller..." Nico's minty and warm breath fanned the side of her neck, sending dangerous but pleasurable sensation down to her core.

Unconsciously, Elaine reached the side of her neck as if she can still feel it. "...w-way." Tumikhim siya para baguhin ang paksa. "Ikaw, may girlfriend ka na ba?"

"Hulaan mo." Humarap ito sa kaniya.

"A-Ano?" Natatawa siyang hinarap rin ito.

"Hulaan mo nga sabi." Pati ito'y nakangiti na rin.

.

.

"He can make Elaine smile effortlessly," puna ni Sofia.

July then whispered to her twin. June gasped and looked at her sister. "B-But they're siblings. I mean, somehow they treat each other as siblings."

"What are you whispering, girls?" Yumukod si Marga mula sa likuran ng sofa.

June turned to the red-haired then speaks in a low voice, "Julianne here is planning to write down Jace in our list for Elaine's blind date."

Margaret looked at the pair outside.

"What do you think, Marga?" tanong ni July.

Inayos niya ang pagkarga ni Sunny sa may dibdib niya. "W-Well, halos na kay Jace naman ang hinahanap ni Elaine sa lalake."

"See?" July looked at her twin.

"But I don't think Elaine sees Jace more than a brother, though." Napatingala ang mag-kambal kay Marga. "When I stayed with them back in Rombon, Elaine spoke of highly of him... but as a brother. Kaya hindi ko rin masasabing pwede natin siyang idagdag sa listahan para sa blind date."

And since the Millers have their own lives to attend to back in their home countries, some of them will be leaving Philippines the following days. Therefore, leaving Avery and Marga to commence the blind date for Elaine. No Miller men have an inkling what them girls are planning.

"It won't hurt to try, right?" July shrugged. "Who knows, Elle already changed her mind seeing that super..." She looked at Jace. "...hawt bachelooor."

.

.

"Meron na?" hula ni Elaine.

"Why with the question mark?" Namulsa si Jace.

Tumikhim siya at pili s-in-eseryoso ang mukha. "Meron na." Dumaan ang ilang segundo nang hindi sumagot ito. "A-Ano? Meron ba o wala?"

Umiling ito. "None. As of the moment."

"Wahhhhh~ nagka-girlfriend ka na, Jace?!" Natatawa siyang tinutop ang bibig.

"Ikakatuwa ko ba o ikaka-offend iyang reaction mo?"

"Naks naman..." She playfully flattened the collar of his shirt. "Proud na proud niyan sa'yo si Itang!"

"Loka-loka."

"But, why 'as of the moment'? Naghiwalay kayo?"

"W-We called it quits."

"May I know why?"

He looked deep into Elaine's blue eyes. 'Because I kept looking for that color in their eyes, Ellie.' "I'm always busy. I can't find time to... date them or make t-them happy. Kaysa patagalin ko pa, mas minabuti kong ihinto na lang. They deserve better."

She can't help but smile. Jace is now indeed a man.

"They deserve someone who can take them out on a date and tell them they look beautiful and will love them... whole heartedly. Unfortunately, I can't give them that —"

"I miss you, Jace." Natigilan ito nang makitang maluha-luhang sinambit ni Elaine ang mga katagang iyon. Yes, he might be brokenhearted about what happened in the past, but Jace can't deny that he, too, misses her so.

He pulled her for an embrace of which she answered back with a tight hug too. "I miss you, Ellie."

.

.

Natahimik ang lahat na nasa loob.

"Wow... t-they do look good together," komento ni Claudia.

July looked at her twin and winked. "Jace is on top of my list, dear sister. I can see him being part of our family."

Binalingan ni Sofia si Santino na kanina pa tahimik.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRIMA NOVA

Naka-de-kwatrong nakaupo si Nico sa single sette sa loob ng studio kung saan gagawin sa kaniya ang isang interview. Nakatukod ang isang siko niya sa armrest at bagot na bagot na pinasadahan ng tingin ang script niya sa araw na iyon.

Everyone around him is in hustle to prepare the set yet he remained quiet and still.

He then pressed his cheek against his knuckle.

> A corner of her red lips curved upwards. "Paano pa kaya kapag sinabi ko sa iyo na magkasing kulay ang labi at underwear ko?"

His jaw clenched remembering her seducing tease. Damn that was effective. He can feel himself reacting.

What the hell is he doing anyway?

Pumikit siya habang tinatapik-tapik ang lapis sa noo'y nakakunot nang noo. 'Stick to the plan, Nico. Stick to the plan.' He's supposed to be angry at her. He wanted to hurt her – physically and emotionally. Extract his revenge. Let her feel pain.

Pero bakit sa tuwing nakikita niya ito'y nahahanap nalang niya ang sariling naging asong ulol na sunod-sunuran rito.

Like the other day at the copier machine. He thought he got the upper hand after seeing her reaction when he was close, yet in the end... he ended up near ripping her clothes.

Whenever she's near, it always reminded him of their bittersweet times back in Romblon. Where happiness is simple as waiting for her peeking out her window. Where love is simple like sharing a buko pandan ice-candy while riding the scooter.

Whenever she's near, he always feel this determination to have her back again.

She is his in the first place.

Nagtutulukan ang mga babaeng staff na lumapit rito.

"I-Ikaw na. Sabihin mong kailangan niyang pumasok sa dressing room."

"A-Ayoko... p-parang may malalim siyang iniisip, e."

"Mapapagalitan tayo ni Sir nito. Sige na, hindi naman daw suplado iyang si Nico."

"Nakita mo ba ang mukha niya? Parang kakain nan ang tao, o."

Nico was just staring... deeply... blankly ahead.

Tumikhim ang isa sa mga staff at dahan-dahan lumapit sa kaniya. "N-Nico... e-excuse me." She got no response. "Ni...co?" Natatakot itong binalingan ang kasama na inuudyakan pa itong lumapit at tapikin ang tahimik na binata.

Lumapit ito at akmang kalibitin ito sa balikat nang...

"What?" He turned to her with sharp look on his brown eyes. Then he saw the woman jumped scared. Nico realized his irrational reaction. "S-Sorry..." He sighed. "Yes?"

"P-Pinatawag p-po kayo ni Sir V-Vladmir sa d-dressing room."

"Vlad?" Tumayo na siya.

Literal na umatras ang babae sa tangkad nang binata.

"Thanks, and again... my apologies." He gave a small smile before turning away.

Namula ang babae at nakangangang binalingan ang kasamahan na na-starstruck rin sa ngiti ng idol. "B-Besssshyyy!!! Nginitian niya akooo!! Oh my Goooood!"

.

.

Wearing a black long-sleeve with buttons open by his chest, Nico messed his hair annoyingly as he stood in front of the elevator.

His mind won't stop thinking about Elaine.

Her red smirk.

Her blue gaze.

'Asong ulol ka ba, tang*na?' tanong niya sa sarili.

Tinungo niya ang fire exit para gamitin ang hagdan pababa. He needs to clear his mind off of her and to stick to his plan to never fall for her charms again.

Nakapamulsa siyang bumaba.

Nasa kalagitnaan na siya nang ikalawang hagdan pababa nang may narinig siyang yapak mula sa itaas na mga hagdan.

He stopped.

The footsteps stopped.

The stillness of the fire exit gave Nico a good sense of his surroundings.

He took a step thrice; he heard the footstep walking down as well from the top.

Rolling one sleeve up his elbow to reveal his wristwatch, Nico used the shiny surface to act as a mirror. Humawak siya sa handrail para makita sa salamin ang hagdan sa taas.

Nicolo saw a pair of white sneakers on the third stair above him. Calculating the size of it, he assumed it belong to a man. Hindi niya kita ang mukha nito pero nakasuot ito ng itim. Dahan-dahan siyang bumaba. When he heard him walking again, he positively knew the stranger is following him.

Binilisan niya ang pagbaba na siya rin ginawa nito.

Nico ran down the stairs and then stopped to hide beside a plant with a large vase.

Sasalubungin niya ito.

Narinig niyang parang natataranta itong bumaba nang hindi na siya makita.

Huminga siya nang malalim at hinanda ang sarili.

He cracked his knuckles when he heard the steps approaching him.

Nico then stepped side and raised his fist to land a punch only to stopped midway – inches away from the face of an old janitor man pushing his cleaning cart.

Nanlaki ang mata nito at namutla sa takot at gulat sa biglang pagsulpot ni Nico.

Nico looked up and heard the footsteps running away and exiting to a nearby floor.

Tinaas ng janitor ang mga kamay nito. "S-Sir...?"

Natauhan siya at binalik ang atensiyon sa matanda. "S-Sinto muito..." Dinampot niya ang nabitawan nitong mo pagkatapos ay lumapit siya sa railing sabay tumingala.

The presence is now gone.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

CARLOTA RESORT | ROMBLON

Matamis na ngumiti si Carmen sa isang banyagang lalake na nag-check-in sa hotel nang hapong iyon. "Enjoy your stay, Sir."

"With you always welcoming the guests in the entrance, I surely will enjoy." The man accepted the room key card she lends. "Thank you..." He looked at her I.D. "...Carmen."

Pasimple siyang sinipa nang kasama niyang receptionist sa paa. Tumikhim siya at sinenyasan ang isang bellboy na tulungan ang bisita sa mga bagahe nito sabay inayos ang suot na uniporme. Tahimik niyang sinundan ng tingin ang banyaga.

Siniko siya ng kasamang si Maribel. "Gwapo, 'no?"

Natawa siya. "Lahat naman kasi ng foreigner gwapo sa mga mata mo." Inayos niya ang mga key cards sa loob ng drawer.

"O sadyang iba lang ang type mo kaya 'di ka relate."

Nagtaas ng tingin si Carmen at nakita sa labas ng hotel si Jasper na may kausap ring mga foreigners. Agad siya nagbaba ng tingin ng bumaling ito sa direksyon niya.

> "Layuan mo ang Señor. Sa ikakabuti mo, hija," babala ni Geronimo sa kaniya.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang ang dalaga. She has this harmless crush with Jasper. That's all. Kung iniisip ng katiwala na pinapaibig niya ang Señor dahil sa habol lang niya ang yaman nito ay nagkakamali si Geronimo.

Sino ba siya para mahalin ng isang Jasper De Silva?

Napatalon siya sa gulat nang tumunog ang intercom na siyang sinagot ni Maribel.

"Opo... si Carmen po?" Bumaling ito sa kaniya sabay tumango. "Andito po."

She mouthed. "S-Sino iyan?"

"Opo, S-Señor Jasper."

Sumikdo ang puso niya sa narinig na pangalan. She looked at the guests outside the hotel and saw Geronimo now talking to them.

Binaba ni Maribel ang telepono. "Pinapatawag ka ni Señor sa opisina niya, Carmen."

"A-Ako?"

Makahulugang ngumiti ito. "Hindi kita masisi, Carmen, kung bibigay ka sa kaniya."

Namula siya na inayos ang suot. "Tumigil ka nga..." Sinipat niya ang sarili sa glass door ng kalapit na cabinet.

"Girl, huwag mo na ayusin ang buhok mo... tiyak masisira rin iyan— aray!"

Hinampas niya ang braso nito. "Shhh! May makarinig pa sa'yo!"

"Ano?" Nanunukso itong tumawa at sinundan siya ng tingin na lumabas sa counter. "Malay ba natin na malakas ang aircon sa opisina ni Señor! Assuming!"

"Shh! Shh!" Tinatapunan niya ito ng tingin habang lakad-takbo papunta sa elevator.

Sa labas ay nakatingin sa namumulang dalaga si Geronimo.

.

.

"Come in."

Tinulak ni Carmen ang pinto ng opisina ni Jasper sa Carlota Hotel matapos kumatok. "Señor? Pinapatawag niyo po raw ako?"

"Yeah." Nakasandal ito sa lamesa nito.

Nang makapasok ay nilibot ni Carmen ang paningin sa opisina ng amo.

"It's three p.m. already."

Napakurap siya. "P-Po?"

"I am due to drink one of my supplements?"

"Ah!" Nagkukumahog siyang kinuha ang papel sa bulsa niya. "Hanggang nakaraang linggo nalang po i-iyon, Señor." Dahil sa pagmamadali'y nahulog sa carpet ang mga sinuksok niyang mga resibo at papel sa bulsa. Lumuhod siya para hanapin ang resitang binigay sa kaniya ng doctor. "B-Bale po..." She kept searching for the paper. 'N-Nasan ba iyon?' Nanginginig ang mga kamay niya. 'Kumalma ka nga, Carmen!'

Jasper voiced her thoughts. "Calma, amor." Lumuhod na rin ito sa harapan niya at tinulungan siya.

Natigilan siya at tiningnan nito.

Sakto ring nag-angat ng tingin ito.

Halos isang dangkal nalang ang layo sa mga mukha nila.

"I expect you'll smile at me like you smiled at the man, Carmen..." His voice deep and husky.

Halos mabingi siya sa lakas ng tibok ng puso niya sa oras na iyon. "S-Señor."

Jasper gathered the papers on the floor and helped her stands up. "Have you been avoiding me, Carmen?"

Nakatitig siya sa mga labi nito. Bakit ba nakakaliryo ang bawat sambit nito sa pangalan niya. "H-Hindi naman po."

Jasper held her hand to stop her from trembling but it just ignites something within her. Bigla niyang binawi ang kamay na ikinagulat nito, at pati na rin siya. Nakita niya ang pagdaan ng kalungkutan sa mga mata nito. "N-Nagkakamali po kayo, Señor. H-Hindi ko po kayo iniiwasan at mas lalong hindi ako galit sa inyo." 'Gusto ko lang gawin ang anong tama – ang huwag ihalo sa trabaho ang personal na damdamin ko po sa inyo.'

"Then stop walking away when you see me in hallways."

Pumikit siya.

"Or averting your gaze when I look at you."

Umiling siya. Hindi na tama ito. Nararamdaman niya ang sariling bumibigay sa karisma nito.

"Carmen—"

Dali-dali siyang lumabas sa opisina.

Jasper was left stunned.

.

.

Nang masara ang pinto ng opisina'y napasandal roon ang hinihingal na si Carmen. Dinama niya ang dibdib at pumikit.

> "Sa ikakabuti mo."

Nagmulat siya ng mata at nakitang nakatanaw sa kaniya si Geronino sa may di-kalayuan. Nagbaba siya ng tingin at dali-daling naglakad palayo.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

That night, all the women have a small pajama-party at Elaine's room. They're making the best of the remaining time. Uuwi kasi bukas si Claudia kasama ang asawa nito, at susunod naman ang kambal na sina June at July.

Natigilan si Elaine na noo'y sinusuklay ni Sofia ang buhok niya. "B-Blind date?"

Wearing a see-through yellow night gown, July nodded. "Yup."

She looked at Sofia by the mirror. "Don't you think I am too old for that?"

"Marunong ka namang rumespeto sa nakakatanda, Elaine," biro ni Claudia na siyang matanda sa mga babaeng magpipinsan. Umani iyon ng tawanan sa grupo.

"There's no such thing as age when it comes to feeling butterflies in the stomach, Elle," kikay na sabi ni July. "You don't have to take it seriously, you know. Just enjoy meeting new men. Who knows, one of them..." She winked at her twin who shook her head. "...can be Miguel's potential daddy."

Pabulong na nagsalita si Avery kay June. "Let me guess, biktima ka ano?"

"Sinabi mo pa, Ava." In her usual overlarge shirt and short, June shrugged. "Ilang beses na ako biglang tintext niyan na may nakilala siyang lalake na bagay raw sa akin." She rolled her eyes. "Nako, wala kang kawala diyan kay Julianne kapag may pinaplano 'yan para sa'yo. By hook or by crook, she can make the most stubborn man in the world bow down to her."

Napangiti si Avery. Kahit magkaiba ang gusto ng mga kambal sa isang lalake'y parehong single ang mga ito. Kung si Juniper Vera pihikan, si Julianne Vera nama'y mabilis mabagot.

"I regret saying this, but... I'm not really actively looking for one, girls."

"It's okay." Si July pa rin. She's obviously the brain of this plan. "Like I said, just meet them. Talk to them. They might turn out to be your future friend... or your future connection in business! See, it's not really just about love... duh..."

Ngumiti si Marga na noo'y nakahiga sa kandungan ni Claudia. "Kaya pala ang dami mong kaibigan na lalake, July."

"Exactly. Yet some insecure women see me as a playgirl just because I have many boy-friends! Ha! Poor them for being unattractive." July smirked. "I once dated this businessman, who is now married. We have this instant connection – not romantically though. He's well-versed with fashion! And now, ninang ako ng anak niya plus I have VIP Access to different fashion gala. See?"

Sofia looked at Elaine at the mirror and nodded as if telling her to just agree whatever July's planning.

"Do the boys know?"

"No."

"Goodness, no."

"Over our dead body."

Natawa siya nang sabay-sabay na sumagot ito.

Sumingit si Marga. "All is well, Elaine. Avery and I got it covered." She winked.

She looked at her reflection. Tama si July. Ano nga ba ang mawawala kung susubukan niya. At least, she'll get to experience it at least one time. "Okay."

"Yeyyyyyyy~!!" Nagtatalon si Julianne sa kama. "Gosh!" Pinapayan nito ang sarili. "I am so thrilled! Too bad I can't witness it!" May naka-schedule na kasi itong daluhan na catwalk premiere sa France. "But..." Inakbayan niya si Marga. "This queen will see to it that this date will be a bomb!"

"But in one condition," putol niya rito.

Everyone went silent.

"I get to pick what I will wear."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni July. "Noooooooo!!"

Umiling siya. "I don't want diamonds on my neck. I don't want gold in my fingers. I'll have my way with my outfit."

Sumimangot ang dalaga at pabagsak na umupo sa kama. Piningot ni June ang ilong ng kambal.

"At dapat walang susunod sa akin."

Nagkatinginan sina Avery at Marga.

"Privacy, hmm?" Elaine looked at the women behind her. "Walang mag-a-ala-waitress. Walang kunwari'y tutulak sa akin para mahawakan ko ang kamay ng ka-date ko."

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Sofia.

"If I ever... sense that you're doing it..." Sumeryoso ang asul niyang mga mata. "I'll end it in second."

July whistled.

.

.

While the women are having their pajama party, the men had theirs at the living room over wine and cheese. Dylan, Isaiah and Isaac are listening to Noah's plan to have pediatric hospital of his own while Santi's sleeping half-naked on the nearby sofa, obviously bored with their topic.

Meanwhile, Fire took the responsibility to babysit the four children with Miguel leading the pack of his younger cousins. Naglalaro siya sa cellphone niya habang nakasunod sa apat na umakyat ng hagdan.

Yumuko siya para itulak ang naka-diaper na pwetan ni Thea para tulungan itong umakyat pataas. Maxx and Basti are holding hands. Atop the stairs is Miguel pointing his and his mother's room. "Come on... I am going to show you a paper boat Mama gave to me. Ginawa ko siyang bookmark sa assignment notebook ko."

Nang marating ang ikalawang palapag ay dali-daling nagsitakbuhan ang tatlong batang lalake papunta sa kwarto.

Thea pulled Fire's pants. "Uncle... tired."

Niyuko niya ang pamangkin. Sinilid niya sa bulsa ang cellphone at binuhat na ang batang babae sa braso niya. They walked towards Elaine's room.

Pagkapasok nila sa kwarto ay binaba niya sa Thea na agad nilapitan ang grupo na noo'y naghahalukay sa school bag na dinala ni Miguel mula Romblon.

Fire leaned at the doorway. He pulled out his phone to play again.

Thea, curious as she is, went to Elaine's luggage and pulled a small pouch among the clothes. She shakes it and fumbled her tiny fingers on its zippers.

"Tsada!" Miguel raised a blue paper boat.

"Wow!" Amazed, Maximus raised his hand. "Can I see it, Kuya Miguel."

"Sure, sure... make sure you don't rip it, okay?"

Parang naninibago si Maxx at Basti nang mahawakan ang barkong gawa sa papel.

Miguel then pulled out a ream of bond paper. "Come. Let me teach you how to make a paper boat." Tumakbo palabas ito na siyang sinundan uli ng mga batang pinsan. Fire then picked Thea up again then followed the boys outside.

Habang pababa sila ng hagdan ay naramdaman ni Fire na parang may tumatama na bagay sa likod niya. He looked at the little girl sucking her thumb. "What are you holding Thea?" He gently tugs her arm wrapped around his neck and saw her holding a small pouch with a zipper. "Where did you get this?" Sleepy, Thea placed her head on his shoulder and pointed at the direction of Elaine's room.

At the living room, the boys sprawled papers on the carpet as Miguel started teaching them to fold.

Tinanggal ni Fire ang throw pillow na tinakip ni Santino sa mukha nito. "Wake up."

He groaned and covered his eyes with his hands. "Damn, Fire... can't you see I'm sleeping?"

"Move. Let Thea sleep on the couch first before we'll bring her to her room." Kabisado na nila ang batang ito. Kapag malaman nitong matutulog na'y biglang nawawala ang antok nito at magtatakbo na naman sa buong bahay.

Santino sat on the couch and gently placed Thea on his lap. Sumandal sa dibdib ng uncle nito si Thea. Both her and Santi yawned.

Fire then looked at the pouch he's holding. He opened it and poured its' contents on his palm.

A bracelet with small ballet shoes came out first. Then a gold ring.

Tiningnan niya ang mga pinsan na abala pa rin sa pag-uusap. He turned around then check the engraved words inside the ring's surface. A date. Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. Rings with dates engrave on it commemorates a special event.

Pag-alog niya sa pitaka'y may laman pa iyon.

He pulled out two pads of high-grade pain reliever tablets.

Natigilan siya.

He may not be a doctor but he sees these kinds of medicines when he's still in the army. Due to lack of medical access in the middle of the battleground, wounded soldiers take this stuff to give them temporary relief of their pain until aid arrives.

Opioid analgesics tablets can be likened to anesthesia. What could Elaine be using this for? Definitely not for migraines or menstrual cramps that could be addressed by over-the-counter tablets.

"Fire."

Dali-dali niyang binulsa ang mga iyon nang tinawag siya ni Isaac. "Yeah?"

"You okay there?"

He nodded.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

VILLA ZUÑIGA | BRAZIL

The rusty iron-wrought gate creaked as Juancho pushed it forward against the wild, tall grasses. Dead leaves crunch underneath his footsteps as he walked on the pathway towards the ruins of Villa Zuñiga. As the sun is setting at the horizon that afternoon, the orange rays cast shadows of the trees on the surroundings like ghosts haunting the abandoned ground of the once abundant place.

Wearing a brown trench coat and muddy boots, Juancho looked around.

The marble statue of a mermaid on the garden's fountain is now covered with moss. Wildflowers are growing on the cracks between blocks. He can see deers and wild boars roaming the place.

The stagnant water on the huge rectangular pool housed frogs and water lilies. He stopped and looked at his reflection on its surface. The water witnessed how glory is removed from this household – the birth, the happiness and the bloodshed.

Parang kailan lang, mga binata pa silang naglalangoy rito. Silang apat nila Ephraim, Manuelo, Antonio at...

Pinuno niya ng hangin ang dibdib sabay hinarap ang natitirang labi ng Villa Zuñiga. Made by limestone, the towering columns still stood strong despite all these years. Headless statues of the past Supremos guarding the entrance.

Tiningnan niya ang kabuuan ng mansion. Only the front façade remained intact. Inakyat niya ang ilang hakbang ng hagdan papasok sa walang pintong lagusan.

He exhaled as he entered the mansion and looked up to find the remaining ceiling collapsed. Kitang-kita na niya ang papadilim na kalangitan mula sa loob. The walls are vandalized by some thugs – painting it with skulls and naked women. Niyuko niya ang sahig kung saan may nagkalat na mga lata, upos ng sigarilyo at ginamit na condom.

This is once a sacred place to Varia and along with Zuñigas dethronement is its grandeur. It downgraded to almost nothing.

Iniwas niya ang tingin sa isang pader kung saan may bakas ng usok ng apoy.

Pumikit siya nang maalala ang sigaw ng mga bata at mga babae habang unti-unting nilalamon ng apoy ang mansion noon. It was horrifying and traumatizing. He has been hearing those sounds both in his waking hours and in his sleep.

The large staircase infront of him leads to nothing. Its handrails are covered with rust, slime and vines.

Then he saw himself and Nikolaj walking down the stairs.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

"Uno!" Hinabol ni Juancho ang kaibigan. "You don't have to do this!" Today, the incumbent Supremo just announce his retirement from duty. Nikolaj, as the only son and heir, will assume the Supremacy thereafter.

"We've talked about this, Juan." Nikolaj left the collar of his black long-sleeve shirt opened as he struts down the stairs.

"You'll be signing your death sentence!!" Umalingawgaw ang sigaw niya sa kabuuan ng mansion.

Huminto ito sa kalagitnaan ng hagdan at nilingon siya. "It has been my destiny since I was born, Juancho. You think I have a choice?"

"It doesn't mean you have to fulfill that goddamn destiny!" Mangiyak-ngiyak niyang nilapitan ito at hinawakan ang damit. "You have a choice, Uno! Don't accept it!"

Napabuntong-hininga si Nikolaj. "And what do you suggest then, huh?" Namulsa ito. "Give it to Antonio? I might not be great like my padre but Anton's not a fit candidate either."

"Then dissolve Varia!!"

He gave him a funny look. "What?"

"I-I know you, U-Uno... I know you don't want this either!"

Natahimik ito.

"P-Please... p-por favor... change your mind before it's too late!"

"Dissolution of a century old crime organization? You think other famiglias will let that happen? If I were to do that, they can easily elect another head. I am just a ripple in a water, Juancho. I can't change anything." Hinawakan nito ang pisngi niya. "I need to assume the Supremacy. I was trained all my life to lead Varia and I'm here to put that into action."

"You won't be h-happy..." Umiyak na siya.

Malungkot itong ngumiti. "Does that word even exist in our lives, Juan?"

Tumango si Juancho. "Y-Yes. Seeing you makes me happy." At bago ba makahuma si Nikolaj ay hinalikan na ni Juancho ito sa labi. When the man did not react, he closed his eyes.

Brown eyes widened with surprise, Nikolaj pushed him away. Halos matumba ang umiiyak na si Juancho na agad napahawak sa barandilya ng hagdan.

Nikolaj covered his mouth with the back of his palm as he looked down at him. Hindi ito makapagsalita dala nang pagkagulat.

"U-Uno... Uno..." Juancho reached for his shoes and cried hard – pleading him to reconsider his decision. "U-Uno... p-please..."

Huminga nang malalim ang binata sabay tumingala. "Stand up, Juan."

"P-Por favor..."

"I said stand up!!!" Nikolaj shouted atop of his lungs. His voice trembled the whole place. Patuloy pa rin humahagulhol si Juancho sa paanan nito kaya lumuhod na ito at hinablot siya sa may kwelyo. Nikolaj shook him. "You are your famiglia's next boss, Juancho! Do not let anyone see you kneel! Have some dignity and get a grip of yourself!!"

Umiling siya at dinama ang pisngi nito. "I love you, N-Nikolaj–"

Nikolaj stood up, pushing Juancho away in the process. Painted on the next Supremo's face is disgust and surprise with his revelation. He wanted to say something but right now, his emotions are in shamble. He doesn't trust himself when he's angry. "Mierda..." Umiling ito at tuluyan nang nilisan ang lugar.

Dinaklot ni Juancho ang dibdib at patuloy na umiiyak.

His heart is in pain right now – of Uno's rejection and of Uno's signing his death sentence.

Who would ever want to see the person they love deciding to kill themselves in the process?

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRESENT

Juancho laid a flower in the middle of the floor.

Namulsa siya at tiningala ang kalangitan na noo'y unti-unti nang namumutiktik na ng mga bituin.

He sighed before walking away – away from the ghosts of the past.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

Everyone is having their breakfast in the garden. Elaine can't help but feel sad seeing June and July, Claudia, Santino and Sofia all dressed up – prepared for their flight later back to their home countries. Her only consolation is that they'll be welcoming the New Year together.

"Hi, baby..." Mula sa kinauupuan ay sinalubong niya ng yakap ang anak na kakagising lang.

Miguel was rubbing his eyes as he kissed her mother's cheek. "Good morning, Mama." He then roamed around the table to kiss his uncles and aunties. Pagkatapos ay umakyat ito sa katabing upuan niya.

What do you want to eat?" Dinama niya ang pisngi nitong may bakas pa ng unan. She placed a glass of milk infront of him.

He looked at the food on the table and pointed on the sunny-side up eggs and hotdogs. "Please..." Inabot na nito ang baso ng gatas.

"Hey, buddy," Santi, sitting across the kid, called Miguel. "Uncle Santino will be gone for a while. Promise me you'll guard your mom, hmm?"

Natatawang umiling si Elaine.

"If someone will court her, tell us. We need to thoroughly examine him like what we did to the frog the other day."

Napairap ang katabing si Sofia. "...which you ended up killing. Shut up. Muntikan nang ma-trauma si Maxx sa pinagagawa ninyo."

"Poor froggy..." Maximus nestled on his mother's bosom.

"But you don't mind your mom dating someone, Miggy?" July asked.

Miguel... still drinking his milk, turned to look at his mom.

Sumingit si Isaiah. "Dadaan muna sa amin–"

Marga immediately stuffed a strawberry into her husband's mouth. "Hindi ikaw si Miguel."

Nagkibit-balikat si Avery nang sumubo ng pagkain. "Elaine's still young. She still can date, right? Isaac?" She turned to her husband.

Elaine looked at his brother.

Hindi ito sumagot, bagkus naglagay lang ito ng butter sa toasted— Napaigting ito sa kinauupuan ng sipain ito ni Avery sa ilalim ng lamesa. "Y-Yeah. I-I don't mind."

She smiled. 'Halatang napilitan.'

"How about you, Noah?" June asked her cousin.

The doctor shrugged. "It's up to Elaine anyway. Ang sa akin lang, maging masaya kayo. Huwag lang nila kayong paiyakin. Marami pa naman bakante sa morgue."

All the women gushed over Noah's sweet but dark protectiveness.

"You, Dylan?" Claudia looked at the prince.

"No," he bluntly answered. "No man is worth touching Elaine with their filthy hands."

"You are so weird, dude," komento ni Santi.

"Fire?" Marga turned to Fire.

Hindi ito sumagot. Nag-angat ng tingin si Elaine at nakitang nakatingin ito sa kaniya. Agad siya nagbaba ng tingin nang maramdaman na parang may alam ito sa maraming sikretong tinatago niya.

"You had someone in mind, Miggy?" tanong ni Avery sa anak ni Elaine.

"Uncle Jace," diretsong sagot nito.

Elaine rolled her eyes. "Always the first one that comes into your mind, huh?"

May bahid ng gatas sa labi ng bata nang nilapag nito ang walang lamang baso sa lamesa. "And that huge man I met in Romblon."

Natahimik ang lahat na nasa lamesa.

"W-Who?" Elaine doesn't want to entertain the assumption she has in mind.

Umiling ang bata. "Never got his name though. I wish I did."

"Why him?" usisa ni Marga.

He looked at his mother and smiled. "I just feel like he looks good with Mama. He is huge! He can easily protect her."

"Your mama needs protection?" tanong ni Sofia.

Tumango ito. "Yes. Because I am still small."

Everyone laugh how innocent and cute he is – except for Elaine.

'He did not meet Nicolo by accident in Romblon, did he?' Uminom siya ng tubig at naramdaman ang sariling nangingig sa kaba.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

ROMBLON

"Oh, ang lalim no'n, a," puna ni Golda sa asawa nitong si Geronimo nang napabuga ito nang malalim na hininga. Noo'y nakaharap ito sa salamin at inaayos ang damit nito. Nilapag ng ginang ang bitbit na basket sa kalapit na upuan at nilapitan ang asawa para ayusin ang kwelyo nito.

"Alis na po ako, Ma, Pa..." Mabilis na hinalikan ni Boboy ang pisngi ng mga magulang bago dali-daling lumabas. "Baka late akong umuwi mamaya." Nag-sintas ito ng sapatos. "May date kami ni Maya mamaya."

Nang makasakay ang anak sa scooter nito at umalis ay nameywang si Golda. "May problema ba, Geronimo?"

Umupo siya. "Problemang nauulit na naman, Golda."

"Ano iyon?" Lumuhod ito sa harapan niya.

Muli siyang napa-buntong-hininga. "Portia." Patungkol niya sa asawa ng kasalukuyang gobernador ng Romblon.

"Anong meron kay Doña Portia–"

"Cecilia."

Natigilan ito. Kilala ni Golda ang mga pangalang binanggit ng asawa. Mga babae iyon sa buhay ni Señor Jasper. "Bakit, Geronimo? M-Meron ba uli?"

"Dasal ko sanang wala nang susunod, Golda, pero..."

No'ng mga panahong bago palang si Geronimo sa La Casa Carlota'y wala siyang alam sa katauhan ni Jasper at dahil mabuti naman ang pakikitungo nito sa mga trabahante nito'y wala siya naging problema. Binata, mayaman at kagandahan lalake si Jasper kaya't hindi nakakapagtataka na palaging itong naiuugnay sa mga magagandang dilag sa bayan ng Romblon.

Sa kaniyang paninilbihan, dalawang pangalan lang ang tumatatak sa kaniya na naging nobya talaga ng amo niya. Ang mestisang si Portia at ang mala-anghel na dilag na si Cecilia.

Pero noon pa man ay ramdam na ni Geronimo na may kakaiba kay Jasper pagdating sa mga naka-relasyon nito. Kung buong pagmamahal itong tingnan ng mga nobya nito'y kabaliktaran naman si Jasper. Malamig ang pakikitungo ng señor.

Dahil tagapamahal siya ng casa'y madalas niyang naririnig niya ang pagsisiping ni Jasper at Portia subalit hindi iyon sapat na basehan ng tunay na pagmamahal. Kaya hindi na siya nagulat nang isang araw ay lumabas na luhaan si Portia sa study room ni Jasper. Ang pinagtataka lang niya ay ang nakitang takot at pamumutla nito na para bang may nalaman itong sikreto.

Sikretong natitiyak ni Geronimo na siyang naging dahilan nang hiwalayan ng dalawa.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

Papasok na sana si Geronimo sa study room ni Jasper nang may narinig siyang nabasag na gamit sa loob. Akmang hahawak siya sa doorknob nang bumukas ang pinto at lumabas si Portia. Diretso itong bumangga sa dibdib niya. Hinawakan niya ito sa balikat at natigilan nang tumingala itong umiiyak. Tinulak siya nito upang makaalis na.

Sinundan niya ito ng tingin pagkatapos ay nilingon si Jasper na nakatayo lang sa loob. Sa sahig ay ang isang basa ng flower vase.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

At sa tagal nang paninilbihan niya'y naintindihan niya kung bakit gano'n nalang ito kalamig kay Portia.

> Nilingon ni Geronimo ang amo nang biglang itong tumayo sa likod ng lamesa nito sa study room. May kausap ito sa telepono. Bakas sa mukha nito ang kasiyahan. "You're in Manila? Can I come and see you, Charlotte?"

Doon palang niya nakita na gano'n ito kasaya – gano'n kasigla. Napagtanto niyang may iba itong mahal.

Si Charlotte.

At kahit kasal ito sa iba'y patuloy pa ring minahal ito ni Jasper kaya laking gulat niya nang may dinalang dalaga ito isang araw sa La Casa Carlota.

Si Cecilia.

Ang iba'y masaya kasi may inibig na uli ang señor, awa lang ang naramdaman ni Geronimo sa napakainosenteng si Cecilia. Kung makatingin kasi ito kay Jasper ay parang mundo na nito ang binata.

Natitiyak niyang uuwi itong luhaan... at sawi sa pag-ibig kasi hawak pa rin ng iba ang puso ni Jasper.

At hindi nga siya nagkakamali.

Malinaw pa sa alaala niya kung paano nagsumamo si Cecilia na huwag itong iwan nang nagdesisyon si Jasper na uuwi muna sa Brazil na walang kongkretong plano kung kelan babalik ng Pilipinas.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

"Jasper! Huwag mo namang gawin ito sa'kin, o!"

Mula sa bulwagan ng casa'y nag-iwas ng tingin si Geronimo nang makitang nakaluhod si Cecilia at hawak-hawak ang isang binti ni Jasper.

"Cecilia, stand up."

"Huwag mo akong iwan! Maawa ka!" Hilam na hilam ang mukha nito ng luha. "Mahal kita!"

Pinaglilipat-lipat ni Geronimo ang tingin sa dalawa. Nakita naman niyang nasasaktan rin at naguguluhan si Jasper ngunit mas pinili nitong hilahin ang binting hawak ng babae. "Cecilia..." Lumuhod ito. "...you deserve better. You deserve someone who will reciprocate the love that you're giving."

Umiling ito at nagkukumahog na hawakan ito sa mukha... sa braso... sa kamay. "J-Jasper, h-huwag..."

Tumayo si Jasper at tinanguan si Geronimo na isakay na sa kotse ang mga bagahe nito.

Nasa kalagitnaan na ng hagdan palabas ng La Casa Carlota silang dalawa nang sumigaw ang babae sa loob. "H-Handa akong makihati, Jasper!!! Handa akong makihati sa pag-ibig mo kay Charlotte!"

Nagulat si Geronimo at binalingan ang katabi.

Jasper's averted his gaze away from him – obviously ashamed of himself.

Nilingon niya ang babae sa loob. Humagulhol at nakasalampak pa rin ito sa sahig. Magpapatuloy na sana sila nang muling sumigaw ito. "Magpapakamatay ako, Jasper!

"S-Señor?" untag niya sa na-estatwang lalake.

"Mas m-mabuting mamatay ako kesa mawala k-ka sa a-akin..." hagulhol na pagpatuloy nito.

Biglang kinabahan si Geronimo pero sa halip na balikan ang babae... tuluyang nilisan ni Jasper ang La Casa Carlota na hindi man lang nito nilingon si Cecilia.

Pumikit ang katiwala nang marinig ang pag-alingawngaw nang paghihinagpis ng dalaga.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRESENT

Inabot ni Golda ang kamay ng asawa. "Baka siguro totoo na 'to, Geronimo."

Nahahapong tiningnan niya ang kabiyak. "Sa tingin mo, Golda, natuturuan ba ang isang pusong ayaw makalimot at bumitaw?"

"Hindi naman siguro intensyon ni Señor ang saktan sila."

"Gustuhin man niya o hindi, masasaktan at masasaktan niya ang mga babaeng gusto siyang mahalin kung mas pipiliin pa rin niyang manatili sa nakaraan."

Alaala ng putlang mukha ni Portia at hagulhol ni Cecilia ang umuusig sa konsensiya ni Geronimo ngayong may babae na namang susubok na mahalin si Jasper.

Sa pagkakataong ito'y gagawin niya ang hindi niya nagawa sa unang dalawang babae – ang sagipin ito.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRIMA NOVA

Sweaty from his morning jog, Nico pulled off his headset when he entered the building wearing a black shirt and grey jogging pants. He nodded at the guards before throwing his bag on conveyor for scanning. While the guards are running through a scanner on his body, he remembered the incident the other day. "Gerard..."

"Po?" Dinampot ng guard ang bag at binigay sa kaniya.

"Is it possible to ask for a copy of the CCTV feeds?" The encounter he had at the fire exit kinda put him on edge. Gusto niyang malaman kung siya ba ang sadya nito o nagkataon lang?

"Hindi po ako sure, Sir, pero kailangan 'atang magsulat ng request letter ang head ninyo sa Security and Safety Department."

'That'll be Zoey, huh?' "I see..." Tinapik niya ang balikat nito. "Thank you." Walking towards the elevator, he threw his car key in the air and pondered whether to relay his concern to his cousin or not. Medyo praning pa naman iyon sa mga ganitong problema. She might hire a horde of bodyguards to follow him.

Nang makita niya na papasara na ang elevator ay dali-dali siyang tumakbo sabay sinilid ang kamay sa siwang ng pinto ng bagon para bumukas uli iyon. "O...kay." He smiled at his small achievement when it opens again. Pero agad ring nawala ang ngiti niya nang makita si Elaine sa loob niyon.

She then held her head high as she moved aside.

Nanatiling nakatitig siya rito.

Tumaas ang isang kilay nito. "Sasakay ka ba o hindi? Nagmamadali ako. Kung ikaw hindi, you can ride the next box."

He entered the elevator and stood beside her. Elaine then pressed the closed button. No one moved to press their floor destination so they remained at the ground floor.

Elaine sighed and was about to reach for the panel when Nico did the same thing as well. Kaya bago magkabungguan sila'y mabilis niyang dinikit ang katawan sa may sulok ng malamig na pader at nag-iwas ng tingin.

Nico looked down at the trapped woman.

Elaine was nibbling her lower lip, obviously uncomfortable by their position. He even saw her swallowed a lump on her throat,

His hand brushed her side to press the 8th floor button. "What floor?"

"Hmm?" Her blue-eyes looked up.

Nico rein himself to not get enticed by them. "I said where you going?"

Her thick lashes fluttered as she looked down to avoid his melting, chocolate gaze. "5th floor."

Nico then pressed the #5 button before pushing himself away – away from their closeness that seems dangerous enough to their sanity. Draping his gym bag on his shoulder, he looked away.

Si Elaine nama'y tumikhim at inayos ang sarili bago tumabi rito. They remain quiet. They won't even dare staring at the shiny surface of the elevator door infront of them to avoid looking at each other's eyes because they might read emotions they don't want to revisit anymore. From her position, she can feel heat emanating from his body and oddly enough, his scent... turns her on.

He is dangerous. Always has been. Because even though he hasn't done anything to her yet, she can feel herself putting down her defenses.

Then she remembered what her son said earlier at breakfast. "C-Can I ask you something?" Yet her stare remained straight ahead.

Niyuko ni Nico ang katabi. "Yeah?"

Biglang lumakas ang kabog ng kaniyang dibdib. She was torn between feeling scared that Nico saw her son and feeling happy that atleast Miguel get to cross paths with his father. "U-Umuwi ka ba sa Romblon?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Nico sa tanong na iyon. "Why? Am I declared persona non grata there?"

Binalingan na niya ito. "Just answer m-me, Nico..."

Nagtaka ito sa tono ng kaniyang boses na parang bang natatakot na kinakabahan. "I did."

Parang biglang kinapusan ng hininga si Elaine. "H-How long?"

"Almost two months, I guess." He shrugged. "Why?"

"Did you happen to..." Kinagat niya ang dila. Paano ba niya ito tatanungin na hindi nagmumukhang kahina-hinala? "Did you happen to meet s-someone there?"

"I didn't take a hiatus to secretly date someone in Romblon if that's what you wanted to ask, Little Miller."

"N-No... no." Umiling siya. "That's not what I meant."

Nico started to get annoyed. "Stop beating around the bush. What is it?" Mas lalo itong nagtaka nang makita ang mabibigat na paghinga ni Elaine. "Elaine—"

"Did you happen to m-meet a kid there?"

Dumaan muna ang ilang segundo bago ito nakahuma sa tanong niya. "What? Who?"

"J-Just a neighbor o-of mine. He was...ummm... a child of one o-of the resort's employee."

Hindi makuha ni Nico ang koneksiyon sa mga tinatanong ng dalaga. In the end, he decided to answer her odd curiosity. "I stayed at Carlota Hotel. If you are asking if I bumped into someone's kid, yeah... a lot. I mean it's a resort where family spent their vacation. Obviously, there will be kids every time I get out of my room."

Doon na nakahinga nang maluwag si Elaine na dinama pa ang dibdib. "I-I see."

"So, what's so special about him... or her?"

"W-What?" She asked as if she was in daze.

"Did you seriously eat your breakfast?" Parang wala kasi ito sa sarili. "I said, what's so special about her... or him... for you to ask that?" Namulsa siya at tumingin sa harapan.

"It's a he a-and he's a bright k-kid."

He nodded. "I see."

"...and he loves the sea, s-so..." He turned to look at her only to find Elaine looking straight into his lazy, brown eyes. "...so t-that's why I wonder if you happened to meet him."

"You think we'll get along well?"

> "Miggy!" Elaine ran after her four-year-old son who went straight into the sea the second he stepped out of the house. Naabutan nalang niya itong nakaupo sa mababaw na parte ng dagat at hinahampas ang mga along sumasalubong rito.

She smiled. "Yes."

Both her answer and her smile caught him off-guard. It's her first time smiling at him – though not to him but at least he gets to see the smile that tamed his wild heart.

Naalala ni Nico na may gusto sanang ipakilala ang Uncle Jasper niya sa kaniya na isang bata. His forehead furrowed as he tried remembering the name his tio mentioned. "What's his name?"

Elaine did not respond.

"What's the kid's name?" If it's the same kid, he'll surely be familiar with the name.

Pero bago pa makasagot si Elaine ay bumukas na ang elevator at pumasok ang iilang empleyado. Both of them moved to each side, to give space for the new passengers at the middle. Because of his height, he still got a good view of Elaine on the opposite side.

Nico saw her quickly wiping a stray tear on her cheek.

.

.

Standing beside a photocopying machine, Elaine's mind is wandering off while copying some documents. Mariin siyang pumikit at lihim na pinagalitan ang sarili sa nangyari kanina. Muntikan na niyang ibunyag kay Nico tungkol sa anak niya... tungkol sa anak nila.

She heaved a deep breath as she composes herself. Nico decided... in the first place to dissociate himself from her.

> Umiiyak si Ellie habang paatras na umiiling si Nico sa loob ng presinto. "Go home, Fairy. Back to where you are safe and sound."

The beep sound of the machine woke her from stupor. Dali-dali niyang kinuha ang papel sa bin.

.

.

The same thing happened to Nicolo.

While being prepped up by the glam team for his photoshoot, his mind is elsewhere.

> Elaine quickly wiped the tears on her cheek.

What made her cry when they were just talking about some... kid?

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

📱Avery: "Hi, Elle! Just called to tell you that we've already booked you in a resto tonight."

Napangiti si Elaine na inaayos alphabetically ang mga papeles sa loob ng isang folder. Dahil mag-isa siya sa pantry ng opisina nang umagang iyon ay naka-loudspeak ang cellphone niya. "Pwede bang mag-back out?" She searched for the stapler among the papers.

📱Avery: "Kami ang malilintikan ni July for sure."

Narinig niyang sumigaw si Marga sa kabilang linya.

📱Marga: "May ka-date kang may malaking paa, Elaine!!"

📱Avery: "Huh? Malaking paa? Anong meron sa malaking paa?"

📱Marga: "Malaki raw ang titi!"

Para lumuwa ang kaluluwa ni Elaine sa gulat na hinablot ang cellphone sabay ini-off ang loudspeak mode. "G-Girls, a little censorship, p-please..." Mamatay 'ata siya sa dalawang ito.

Her sisters-in-law laughed on the other line.

📱Avery: "Kaya pala tanong nang tanong ka sa'kin kanina anong shoe size nila."

📱Marga: "Size do matter, Ava."

📱Avery: "Hind, a. Hindi malaki daliri ni Isaac pero napapasaya ako."

Nilayo nalang ni Elaine ang tainga sa cellphone nang patuloy na nag-usap ang dalawa. Nalimutan 'ata nilang kapatid niya ang mga asawa nito.

📱Avery: "Elaine?"

"Oh, tapos na kayo? Safe nang i-loudspeak?" Natawa siya nang marinig uli ang hagikhikan ng dalawa. She pressed the loudspeak button again and resumes her task. "Can I ask how many guys I'll be dating tonight?"

📱Avery: "Ten guys, ten minutes each. Maximum, fifteen minutes."

Natigilan siya. "Come again? Ten guys?"

📱Avery: "Well, kung hindi mo type ang isa... pwede namang three minutes. At least, give the guy the chance to tell his name."

'Ten guys, huh?' There's only one man she dated her entire life, therefore she has no idea what to act or say in a date – much less how to keep up a conversation. The ending might be one minute for each guy.

"Elaine?" tawag ng supervisor niya.

"Girls, I need to go." She cut the call and walked towards her boss' office. "Yes po?"

Ms. Editha pointed three boxes stack atop each other at the corner. "Can you leave these at the storage room? They're for disposal."

"S-Sige po."

.

.

"Oh, Z. You're here." Pagsalubong ni Nico sa pinsan pagkapasok niya sa studio kung saan gagawin ang photoshoot niya. Arriving with a polo shirt paired with khaki trousers from his recent pre-recorded interview for a men's magazine, he started unbuttoning.

"I got something for you." Pinag-krus ni Zoey ang braso nito sa harap ng dibdib.

Half-naked, he entered a dressing room and threw the shirt on the couch. "Another trainee shirt again?"

May tinaas itong sobre.

"What's that?" He drinks water from a steel tumbler.

"Ticket for the CSR in Africa — ewww!!" Napaatras ito nang biglang inatake ng ubo si Nico.

Tinakpan niya ang bibig. Lumabas pati sa ilong niya ang tubig.

"Para ticket lang, inubo ka na. Hindi ka naman medyo excited, ano?" She lends the envelope. "Andiyan rin ang itinerary ninyo." Zoey grabbed a tissue roll and gave it to him. "Umayos ka do'n." Inambanan siya nito ng kamao.

"It's Africa, Z. Walang club doon, at kung meron man... then surely I'll be dancing with giraffes and monkeys."

"That's not what I meant. You're with Elaine?"

"And?"

Naningkit ang mga mata nito.

"You mean, I should be a good boy because Little Miss Miller is with me?" He dropped himself on the sofa. "What if it's the opposite?"

"What do you mean?"

"What if she'll be the bad girl?" Natawa siya nang tinapon nito sa kaniya ang isang botelya ng perfume na dinampot nito sa lamesa. "Why do people kept painting me as the bad guy? What if she's the bad guy — girl!"

"Mas kapani-paniwalang ikaw ang nagloloko."

"Now, that's double standard, Z."

Napatanaw sila sa labas ng dressing room nang makarinig sila na parang may nagkakagulo. The cousins went out to check the commotion outside the studio.

"Miss Elaine, kami na!"

"Sino bang nagpabuhat sa'yo ng mga kahon at ipatawag natin sa HR!"

"Kami na niyan, Ms. Elle. Sit back and relax ka lang!"

A horde of male employees crowded Elaine when she happened to passby the studio carrying boxes. She held the boxes tightly and smiled at them. "No, it's okay. I can manage. Hindi naman mabigat."

Pati si Zoey ay napangiti na rin. Elaine's smile is really contagious – because it doesn't just stop on her rosy lips but it reaches on her blue eyes as well, curving them upward. "You know, I tried talking to Isaac about offering Elaine a modelling career here in Prima but he bluntly declined. Can you believe it?" Nilingon siya nito. "Just imagine how many brands would love to have her on their magazines and billboard."

"Hate to admit it but I agree with Isaac on that."

"Kung makapagsalita ka parang girlfriend mo siya." Tiningnan uli nito ang nagkakagulo sa labas.

Niyuko ni Nico ang pinsan. 'My brother's wife, actually." Binalik niya ang tingin sa babae na noo'y nahihirapan nang tanggihan ang umaaligid na mga lalake. "See, she's the dangerous one, Z."

"Huh—" Natigilan si Zoey nang paglingon sa pinsan ay matiim na itong nakatingin kay Elaine.

"Because look at how a simple smile of hers entranced men. It is enough to bring any wild man down to their knees."

Nameywang ang dalaga at hinarap si Nico. "Nicolo, anong meron sa inyo ni Elaine at—" Nilagpasan siya nito. "I'm talking to you! Where are you going?"

"To kneel again."

"To— what?"

.

.

Nakapaskil ang pilit na ngiti sa labi ni Elaine. Medyo nainis na siya sa pamimilit ng mga ito na buhatin ang mga kahon. But she doesn't want to be disrespectful. "I-If you'll excuse me—" Nagulat siya nang biglang nagsiatrasan ang mga lalake sa harapan niya.

Then a huge shadow hovered behind her. Paglingon niya'y kinuha ni Nico ang mga buhat niyang mga kahon. In one arm, he lifts them up in the air. "Seriously, no one stepped forward to carry the boxes at once? Hahatiin niyo pa?"

Tumikhim si Elaine at iniwas ang tingin sa hubad nitong pang-itaas. "They're just being nice, Sir Nico."

Amused, he looked at her. "Sir?" A corner of his lips churned upward. The feisty woman already darting him a blue, sharp look. "You should know how to differentiate 'being nice' and 'flirting', Elaine." Tinapunan nito ng tingin ang mga lalake at naglakad na papuntang storage room. Hinabol niya ito at nang akmang hahablutin niya pabalik ang mga kahon ay tinaas nito iyon. "What the—"

"Give me back those, Nico."

"I'm just trying to help—"

"Or you're flirting with me?"

Natahimik ito. Napasipol pa ang isa sa mga lalakeng sa may di-kalayuan.

He scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself too much, Little Miller."

"Ayokong magkautang ng loob sa'yo, Nico."

"Okay. Okay, okay, okay..." Pagtitimpi ni Nicolo. Umigting ang panga nito sabay malakas na binagsak ang mga kahon sa sahig. "There. At least, you're few feet away from the storage room."

Elaine crossed her arms infront of her chest.

His warm chocolate gaze clashes with her cool blue eyes.

No one is backing down until...

Elaine turned to group of men and smiled sweetly at them. "Please?" Parang mga langgam na nagkukumahog ang mga ito na dumapot ng kahon. Some of them even pulled out some documents inside just to help her in any way.

Napaatras pa si Nico nang halos banggain siya ng mga ito. "Shit!" She looked at him at slowly, a winning smile curved her luscious pink lips. Ikinangingit iyon ni Nicolo. "You—"

"I'd rather have their help than yours, Nicolo."

"Ha!" He smiled, gritting his teeth with annoyance.

Nagpatiuna na itong naglakad. Kasunod naman nito ang mga lalakeng parang ulol na aso.

But wasn't he the same, too? Niyuko niya ang katawan. Nakalimutan nga niyang magsuot ng damit.

"Witch."

Yet he knew, it's the Fairy effect.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER'S MANSION

"Bye, my love." Avery showered kisses on her twins' cheek who are being carried on their father's arms.

Pushing his glasses up his nose, Isaac looked at his wife's get-up. Black shirt, black pants and black shoes. Not to mention, black glasses when it's almost evening. "Where are you going, Avery?"

"May date nga kami ni Margaret!"

Margaret, already driving a black car, beeped once. Also wearing an all-black ensemble, the future monarch waved at them. "Bye, boys!"

Nabanas si Isaiah na noo'y karga rin sa mga bisig ang anak na si Sunny. "Boys?! Just where are you going, Marga?! Come back here!"

Nilingon ni Isaac ang katabi. He and his brother are seeing their wives off to somewhere they don't know. "Ava..."

Naudlot ang paglakad na sana nito palayo. "Hmm?"

"I understand that you needed some time off taking care of our kids—"

Naputol ang sasabihin nito nang halikan ni Avery ito sa labi. "Taking care of our family is the next best thing I've ever done, Isaac... after loving you."

"Yieeee~" Pasikong tukso ni Isaiah kay Isaac.

Tinapunan niya ito ng masamang tingin pero agad rin binalik sa kaharap.

Avery touched his cheek. "Huwag ka ngang mag-overthink! Hindi kami mag-iinom ni Marga! Hindi kami papasok sa club! We'll just going undercover, okay? May mutual friend lang kaming susundan sa first date niya."

In the end, Isaac nodded.

Sinundan ng dalawa ng tingin ang papaalis na itim na kotse. Nilingon niya si Fire na noo'y nakahawak sa renda ng kabayo kung saan nakasakay si Miguel. "Fire, follow them—"

"Pass," diretso nitong sagot at naglakad palayo sabay hila ng kabayo.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

📱Avery: "Where are you?"

Pinaglipat-lipat ni Elaine ang tingin sa papel at sa monitor ng laptop na kaharap. "I'm making a graph for tomorrow's meeting. I'll be done, I think... five... ten minutes from now." Nakaipit sa pisngi at balikat niya ang cellphone. Aalis na sana siya kaninang alas-singko nang may pinahabol si Ms. Edith. Hindi niya ito mapaghindian kasi bukod sa kailangan ito bukas, siya nalang ang natira opisina na pwedeng makatulogn rito.

📱Avery: "Okidoki~"

Nangunot ang noo niya nang makarinig ng busina ng sasakyan. "Avery? What did I tell you about following me?"

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

Nataranta si Avery na tinakpan ang mouthpiece ng cellphone at pabulong na nagsalita. "Marga! Quiet! Shhhh! Mabubuking tayo nito, e!"

Marga, the driver, opened the window on her side and shouted at the motorcycle who kept overtaking them at the highway. "Huy! Bobo ka ba!" Halos suntukin nito ang busina ng sasakyan. "Doon ka sa motor lane! P*king*na ka!"

Nagulat siya sa bakulaw na persona ng katabi. "Baka nakalimutan mong maging reyna ka, Marga—"

"Ahhhh! Walang-reyna-reyna sa kalsada! Hari ng kalsada meron! At kung hindi aalis itong motor sa harapan natin, ipapakita ko sa kaniya sinong hari!"

Sana siya nalang nagmaneho. Delikado sa road rage ang isang ito.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

📱Avery: "H-Huh? Ano? Wala, a. Andito kami sa mansion ni Marga. Naglalaro kasi ng kotse-kotsehan a-ang mga bata."

"Really, can I speak to Miguel then—"

📱Avery: "Tcch! Tchh! A-Ano, Elaine? Tchhhhh! Choppy ka. Tchh! Hindi kita- tchhh! Hindi kita marinig... tchhh! Sige, bye. U-Usap nalang tayo later...tchh tchhh!"

Then the line went off.

Elaine looked at the cellphone. "Anong..."

.

.

Nilingon ng floor director si Nicolo na lumabas sa dressing room nito. "Nico, kain!" Tinaas pa nito ang plato may pagkain.

The photoshoot was successful and Prima Nova treat the team to a buffet dinner on set before going home that night.

Sinuot niya ang itim na jacket at tinanguan ito. "Go ahead. I am craving for some steaks so I'm gonna grab one." He tilted his head outside. "Enjoy the meal." Bago lumabas ay hinarap niya ang mga ito. "By the way, guys..." He clapped. "Great job!"

Naghiyawan ang buong grupo.

"Gwapo lang kasi ang modelo kaya hindi kami nahirapan!"

He smiled and waved. "I'll be back in a minute!" Nakapamulsa siyang lumabas.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

BASEMENT PARKING LOT | PRIMA NOVA

Marga parked their black car, few lots away from the white car where Elaine driver is sleeping inside. "Ano, nakaalis na ba sila?"

Binaba ni Avery ang bintana pati ang suot niyang shades. "Nope. Her car is still here."

"Tawagan mo uli."

Inirapan niya ito. "Mabubuking na niya tayo malamang. Ang ingay mo kasi kanina."

"Sure ka bang wala pa si Elaine sa loob ng kotse?"

Nilabas niya ang binoculars at itinuon iyon sa putting kotse. "Negative. Wala pa talaga."

"Baka nag-commute papuntang resto?"

.

.

Lumabas sa elevator si Nico na siyang nagdala sa kaniya sa basement parking lot ng gusali. Inayos niya ang suot na jacket at sombrero pati ang eyeglasses na walang salamin bilang disguise.

He whistled his way towards his silver Wrangler Jeep while throwing his car key up in the air when something caught his eyes. Huminto siya at nakitang may babaeng nakadungaw sa bintana ng kotse nito na may binoculars.

.

.

"Imposibleng nag-commute," saad ni Avery. "Tiyak matataranta ang driver. And knowing Elaine, ayaw no'ng may mapagalitang iba dahil sa ginawa niya."

"Then she's still upstairs then?"

"You know, Marga..." In-adjust niya ang zoom ng binoculars. "Instead of asking me questions, why don't you think of a reason that well tell Elaine if we ever call her again and not to make it sound suspicious."

"Sabihin nating gusto lang natin ng update? 'Nasa resto ka na ba? Ah, nasa resto na. Okay, good.' Tapos!"

"Then why don't you call her—" Nagulat si Avery nang dumilim ang tingin niya sa binoculars. Pag-angat niya ng tingin ay nakaharang si Nico.

"What the hell are you two doing?" Nagtaka si Nico sa nakitang suot ng dalawa.

"Uy! Fuckboy!" pagkilala sa kaniya niya Marga.

Napailing nalang siya. "Are you seriously going to rule Scotland and Ireland?"

"Oh! That's cute!" Avery smiled at him. "You're in disguise as well!"

"Yup. I'm going to buy myself dinner. You?"

"We're undercover agents." She winked.

Natawa siya. "Rule #1 when you're going undercover... never wear black. You'll stood out among the crowds. You must blend in."

Nagkatinginan ang dalawang babae.

"You're tailing someone?" He crouched down their window.

"Oo," sagot ni Marga. "Actually, you can join us since you're wearing a disguise as well."

Tumango si Avery. "Oo nga! Elaine is having a blind date with five guys tonight..."

Wide-eyes, he blinked. "W-What?"

"Blind date." Inosenteng sagot ng asawa ni Isaac.

"With who?" Parang nagka-highblood siya bigla sa narinig.

"Five guys," sagot naman ng asawa ni Isaiah. "Unahan na kita, Nico, huwag kang mag-assume. Hindi ka kasali."

"I see." Kinagat niya ang mga labi at tumango-tango. "Hindi ako kasali." That what pissed him more than Elaine having a blind date – than Elaine going to a blind date with five guys. He then remembered her smug earlier where she figuratively enslaved those men enchanted by her. "Care to tell me why, Marga?" Nagtitimpi tanong niya.

The princess shrugged. "Fuckboy ka at malamang paiiyakin mo si Elaine—" Napatalon ang dalawang babae sa loob ng kotse nang dambahin ni Nico ang bintana na nakangiti. "Huy! Papatayin mo ba kami sa nerbiyos?!"

He sighed and smiled at them. "Good night, ladies."

Napakurap nalang si Avery at Marga sabay nagkatinginan.

Pagkatalikod na pagkatalikod ay may tinawagan siya. "Hi, Z." Nabura ang ngiti niya sa labi. "Can you help me out on something?"

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Dinampot ni Elaine ang iniluwang papel ng printer. Nilingon niya ang pintuan ng opisina nang pumasok ang supervisor niya na si Ms. Edith. "Miss..." tinaas niya ang papel. "...ito na po ang—"

Kinakabahan na lumapit sa kaniya ang may-edad na babae. "Naku, Elaine... may tinawag sa akin si Ms. Zoey."

"B-Bakit po?"

"Kailangan niya ang update Consumers' Sheet bukas." Sinapo nito ang noo. Halatang hindi alam kung anong gagawin.

"Miss..." Hinawakan niya ito sa balikat. "I can help you with that?"

Mangiyak-ngiyak na tumingin sa kaniya ang ginang. "Elaine, s-salamat..."

She smiled. S-So, where's the files?"

"Ah! Andoon sa opisina ko. Tara..." Nagpatiuna ito.

Elaine threw a glance on the wall-clock. It's past seven already.

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"Wala pa?" tanong ni Avery.

This time, it's Margaret's turn to be on lookout. Umiling ito. "Negative. No sign of Elaine."

Sumandal siya sa kinauupuan. "Baka nag-back out siya, ano, kasi nahalata niyang sinusundan natin siya."

Marga's attention is still on the binoculars she's holding. "Let's say she did. But it doesn't make sense that her driver is still here. Tiwala, Ava. Andito pa siya sa building."

"Tatawagan ko ang restaurant... baka andoon na ang unang ka-date ni Elaine."

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After printing a sample, Elaine gave the paper to her supervisor. Umiling ito at may sinulat na notes roon.

She secretly peeked on her wristwatch. 7:45p.m.

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"Her second date just left." Sumimangot si Avery matapos tawagan uli ang restaurant kung saan sila nagpa-reserve ng rooftop romantic dinner.

"Ava, kung hindi pa rin lalabas si Elaine sampung minuto mula ngayon, tawagan mo siya."

"Sige."

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Standing beside the chair of her boss, Elaine listened as Ms. Edith discussed her some graphs in her laptop that she needed to transcribe into words.

Tumatango-tango siya habang sinusulat ang mga keywords sa hawak na notebook.

Her phone on her bag vibrated.

Three missed calls from Avery Lora.

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"The fourth date just left and Elaine's not answering her phone!" Frustrated, Ava messed her hair. "Ah! Saan na ba siya?"

"Have faith... there's still one guy left."

"Anong silbi kung may natira pa kung wala naman ang ka-date?"

"Maghintay uli tayo ng sampung minuto."

"Grabe..." Napangiti si Avery. "... ang haba ng pasensiya mo."

The red-haired winked. "It's called being optimistic!"

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ORIENTAL JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Jace draped the coat on his arm as he walked inside the restaurant. Sumalubong sa kaniya ng isang waitress na naka-kimono. "Konbanwa, Okyakusama. Do you have a reservation here?"

He nodded and adjusted his glasses. "Yes. With Mrs. Margaret Miller?"

Tumingin ito sa computer para kumpirmahin ang detalye. Nilahad nito ang kamay papasok. "Please come in."

He smiled and looked around. 'Why is she inviting me over for a dinner?' Pumasok na siya.

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Nag-inat ng mga braso si Elaine nang matapos ang pag-transcribe ng mga graphs. Inayos niya ang mga papel sa folder at tumayo. Ito nalang ang kulang sa Consumers' Sheets. Gusto niyang manlumo nang makitang malapit nang mag-alas nuwebe.

Dali-dali siyang pumunta sa opisina ng supervisor niya.

Baka makahabol pa siya.

She is not really keen about this dating game, but she doesn't want to put her cousins and sisters-in-law's effort in vain. Tama nga naman si July. It's not just about love. It's also about building connections.

And Elaine, wanting to prove herself to her brothers that she is worth a position in the company, must build connections to future business partners.

Pagpasok niya'y nakayukyok na si Ms. Edith sa lamesa nito. Maingat siyang lumapit para hindi magising ang babae na noo'y humihilik pa. She placed the folder on the table and was about to leave when Ms. Edith's phone chimed.

Napalingon siya roon.

A message notification popped-out.

💬Zoey: "I don't know what's going on but Nico wanted to relay his thanks, Ms. E."

Another message arrived.

💬Zoey: "You can go home now."

Elaine finds herself trembling with anger.

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"Sake, sir?" alok ng waitress kay Jace.

Tinaas niya ng tingin mula sa binabasang libro at umiling. "No, thank you." Nang makalayo ito ay sinilip niya ang oras sa cellphone niya. It's five minutes past nine already.

Kung matatapos nang kumain ang katabi niyang mesa, tiyak siya nalang ang maiiwan dito.

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"Okay... pupuntahan ko na si Elaine sa opisina niya."

"W-What?" Sinundan ng tingin ni Marga si Avery na lumabas ng kotse. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to check where Elaine is. Obviously, she is not in the resto and..." Tinaas nito ang mga kamay. "...she did not leave the building apparently!" Agad na siyang nag-martsa papuntang elevator.

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Napatalon sa gulat ang iilang naiwan sa studio nang biglang bumalandra pabukas ang pinto.

"Where's Nicolo?" Mahinahon at pagtitimping tanong ni Elaine.

Tinuro ng tatlong lalake ang dressing room.

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"Hi." Matamis na ngiti ni Avery sa receptionist. "May I know what floor is the Marketing Department is?"

"Hala! Hi, Ms. Ava!" Kinikilig na pagkilala ng babae sa kaniya. "Oh my Gooooddd! Ikaw nga!"

"Yeah, yeah..." She pointed the computer. "Marketing Department, please?"

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Pagkapasok ni Elaine sa dressing room ay saktong lumabas si Nico sa banyo na twalya lang sa ibabang bahagi ang suot. "What did you do?" she directly asked.

Surprised, he stopped rubbing a towel on his head and turned to her. "E-Elaine?"

Mabibigat ang yapak nitong lumapit sa kaniya. "What... did... you do?"

"Nothing—"

"Answer me!!!"

Dumagundong ang boses niya sa loob ng kwarto na kinagulat ni Nico. "Woah! Calm down, Little Miller." Parang anumang oras ay parang bomba nang sasabog ang babae. He clears his throat and raised his chin. "I sabotaged your dinner date."

Napameywang si Elaine at napatingala sa kisame. She then looked at him, "And you're happy now?"

Natigilan siya.

"T-Tell me... masaya ka na?" Malalalim ang ginawa nitong paghinga. Halatang kinokontrol ang sariling huwag magawala. "Masaya ka na na hindi natuloy?"

A part of him celebrates but he's not proud of that childish act either. Yet he's too prideful to admit that to her. "You're going out on a date when you are obviously married to my—"

"OH, STOP USING THAT FUCKING EXCUSE TO RUIN MY LIFE, NICOLO!"

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Avery stepped out the elevator on the fifth floor. She looked around and saw only the janitor cleaning the carpet using a vacuum cleaner. "Excuse me." Hindi siya narinig nito dahil sa ingay. Nilapitan niya ito. "Excuse me, sir!!!" Nilakasan niya ang boses.

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"GINAGAWA MO BA ITO PARA KAY MATEO O DAHIL NAGSESELOS KA?!"

He scoffed. "I admire the guts you have, Elaine. You entered my territory just to spout nonsense."

"REALLY?! NONSENSE?!" Pulang-pula ang mukha ng babae dahil sa galit. "IF I AM MARRIED TO ANOTHER GUY NOT YOUR BROTHER, WILL THERE BE ANY DIFFERENCE?!"

Hindi agad siya nakapagsalita.

"WALA 'DI BA?!" Mahigpit na nakakuyom ang mga kamay ni Elaine. "KAYA TIGIL-TIGILAN MO AKO DIYAN SA PAGSESELOS MO KASI WALA KANG KARAPATAN!!!"

Nico bit his lower lip as he felt a sharp pang on his chest.

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Avery arrived at the 8th floor where the janitor said Elaine went. Nakita niyang may iilang tao sa labas ng isang studio.

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"Hey—" Akmang lalapit si Nicolo nang tinaas nito ang kamay.

Umiling si Elaine sabay umatras. "N-No... don't come close... N-No, Nico..." She breathes deep and calmed herself. "Now, tell me..." Muli siya nitong tinitigan sa mata. "...tell me what did you kissed my sister-in-law?"

"What?"

"Avery. Why did you kiss Avery back in the talent camp?"

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Lumapit si Avery sa grupo. "Hello!" Nakangiti niyang lapit sa grupo. "Is Elaine here?"

Nagkatinginan ang mga ito na sabay ring tumango.

"Where is she then?"

They pointed the studio room.

Lumingon siya roon.

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Nico was left speechless for a second. "I-I... umm... I..." He inwardly cursed when he found himself fumbling with his words.

"Why?" Nakataas na ang isang kilay. "Why did you kiss Avery?"

"B-Because she somehow r-reminds me of you." 'Fuck!' Bakit niya sinagot iyon! It seems he has no control of his body as he kept staring into her blue eyes.

Tumawa ito. "Reminds you of me..." Tumatango-tango itong naglakakad sa kwarto. "You kissed Avery because she reminds you of me? Does she have blue eyes?"

Umiling siya. 'Stop answering her, Nicolo!' He's fucking digging his own grave.

"Does she have black hair like mine?"

Muli'y nakita niya ang sariling umiling.

"Do you love her?"

He shook his head.

"So, what part of Avery fucking reminds you of me?" Elaine held Nico's jaw and buried her nails on his skin. "Guess what, Nico, I don't go kissing other guys just because they remind me of you."

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Pagkapasok ni Avery ay agad niyang narinig ang boses ni Elaine sa may dressing room. Pupuntahan na sana niya ang kwarto nang may narinig siyang pamilyar na baritonong boses.

"B-Because she somehow r-reminds me of you."

'Wait a minute...'

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Nilayo niya ang mukha sa dalaga. Lumalim ang kulay kape niyang mga mata. "Don't you dare kiss another man, Ellie..."

She smiled and laughed sarcastically. "Now, that's..." sabay duro nito sa dibdib niya. "...what you call toxic masculinity! Kung lalake, okay lang. Pero kung babae, hindi pwede?" Her eyes have blue flames as she met his gaze. "I am going to date whoever I want! Kiss and hug whoever I want!" Then grinned. "...and fuck whoever I want—" Nahigit nito ang hininga nang hablutin siya nito palapit sa may batok. He grabbed her hair, tilting her head up – staring straight into his raging eyes.

"You're mine, Fairy." His lips pressed firmly as his jaw clenched with anger. "Try defying me—"

Elaine pushed him hard away, freeing herself from his alluring presence. "No one owns me, Nicolo!" Her teeth seething. "Not Mateo! Most especially... not to you—" Laking gulat nalang ni Elaine nang tinulak siya ni Nicolo sa pader at bago pa siya makapagsalita'y inangkin na ng lalake ang labi niya.

Crushing his lips against her, Nico pulled her two arms up her head to with one hand. His tongue assaulted her lips to open up to him. She moaned and accepted him.

But before she'll give in to his poison, she mustered the remaining sanity in her body. Malakas niyang tinulak ito sabay dampi nang malakas na sampal sa pisngi ni Nico.

Pareho silang naghahabol ng hininga.

Nico touched his numbing cheek then naughtily grinned at her. "Oh, Fairy. Stop denying it..."

Namumulang dinama ni Elaine ang mga labi.

"...you answered to my kiss for a brief moment there."

"S-Shut up..."

"You see, Elaine, no one knows your body like I do." Desire thickened the air in the room. "No one can do you right, except me."

"You—" Before she can finish her sentence, she caught something from the corner of her eyes.

Pagbaling niya ay nakatayo sa pintuan ang gulat na gulat na si Avery. With her mouth agape, she looked at the two of them inside.

Unbothered, Nico threw Avery a look. "Hey, Ava."

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Next Chapter Preview pt 1:

Elaine gasped seeing the jade necklace Avery pulled out from her jewelry box. "W-Who gave you that?"

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Next Chapter Preview pt 2:

Elaine jumped when the large, African woman slapped her butt.

Tumawa ito. "You need to eat a lot. You're too skinny! Men like their women big!" Inakbayan nito si Nico. "Right, Mr. De Silva?"

Sumubo nalang ng pagkain si Nico.

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-END-

A/N: I'd love to read your thoughts of this chapter! 😉