#OLAPlayPretend
Prologue
Wearing a brown trench coat over my white turtle neck top and beige pencil cut skirt, I held my phone tightly in one hand while the other with my handbag. I kept my chin up and faced front without any hint of intimidation from the huge crowd right in front of us.
There was a sea of reporters waiting at the arrival section, and it was something I had already expected. I wore my wayfarers beforehand to block the flashes of light coming from their cameras. They all looked like wild hyenas trying to surround and pounce on their prey. Lahat ay nag-uunahan na makalapit, nagbabaka sakaling makakakuha na agad ng sagot nang hindi na kailangan pang mag-book ng isang exclusive interview.
But of course, the man they wanted to catch was the king of the Pride Lands. There was a human barricade of bodyguards trying to protect him in the middle. And the only person who had permission to walk right next to him was me—his personal secretary.
"Mr. Dela Vega, ano ang masasabi ninyo sa nakuha ninyong deal with AveMed?"
"Ano po ang plano ninyo?"
"Bakit ninyo naisipang mag-venture sa pharmaceutical?"
"Ano ang pakiramdam na manalo ng International Young Entrepreneur award?"
Kahit na halos dinig ko ang kanilang mga binabatong tanong, ni isa ay walang nagtagumpay na makalapit sa aming dalawa sa sobrang higpit ng seguridad. Hind rin nagdalawang-isip na dumiretso sa sasakyang naghihintay sa driveway ang gusto nilang makausap. Nang malapit na kami sa isang itim na SUV ay nagmadali ako upang maunahan siyang makarating doon.
I quickly opened the passenger's door for him to enter. Once he got inside, I took a deep breath to compose myself before following him. I carefully sat on the seat beside him and maintained a certain posture. Inilapag ko sa aking mga hita ang aking bag habang hawak-hawak pa rin nang mahigpit ang cellphone.
Naghari ang katahimikan sa loob ng sasakyan. Ang tanging nadidinig ko lamang ay ang mahinang pag-ugong ng sasakyan habang tumatakbo paalis sa airport.
The man beside me was so quiet that I didn't dare speak. Natatakot ako na baka madamay ako sa kanyang iritasyon. Being beside him and working as his personal secretary for three years, I already memorized his mood and how he lives his life. I almost know everything about him.
I know his likes and dislikes. I know his weekday and weekend routines. I know when he's irritated or angry. I can tell whenever he's pleased and satisfied with something. Although he looked uptight and aloof most of the time, he was like an open book that I could read easily after doing my best to familiarize myself with him and be the most fitting to be his personal secretary.
With his forehead slightly creased, even when he was wearing shades to cover his eyes, I could tell that he was annoyed from being mobbed by the media. Despite being one of the top businessmen and entrepreneurs in the country, he was surprisingly not used to standing in the light. He would rather work away from the media. But since the company needed exposure to the public, he had no choice but to live with it.
Wanting to do my job well, I turned away from him and unlocked my phone. Mabilis kong binuksan ang message application. I texted the head security of Dela Vega Holdings to make sure that our company would be clear from the media. Sigurado akong dahil wala silang nadinig sa kanya kanina ay roon sila lilipat upang muling magbaka sakali. Kahit na malaki ang posibilidad na daanan lamang ulit sila ay hindi pa rin sila nadadala. They would do anything to do their job done.
"Chantal."
My shoulders suddenly jumped in surprise when he suddenly called my name. Agad kong pinatay ulit ang cellphone upang lingunin siya.
"Yes, Sir?" I said with a formal tone.
"Please make sure that there'll be no media waiting for us at the company," he said. "Pakisabihan ang security. My head's aching from the flashes of lights."
I smiled with pride when I had already thought of doing what he requested. "Already done, Sir."
Bahagyang napataas ang kilay niya. His lips twitched before he faintly cleared his throat. "What's my schedule after the quick round in the company?" he asked.
Saglit kong hinanap sa isipan ko ang sagot. Mabuti na lang at binalikan ko kanina ang kanyang schedule na naka-set sa calendar ng aking office tablet.
"May lunch meeting kayo kasama si Mrs. Dela Vega," sagot ko. "After that, you have no appointment until tomorrow."
He nodded and licked his lower lip. "Okay. You can go home after our lunch meeting."
"Thank you, Sir," I simply said and smiled.
Hindi na siya muling sumagot pa. Nilingon niya ang labas ng bintana sa kanyang gawi. Influenced by his action, I found myself doing the same thing. Saktong madadaanan naman namin ang malaking billboard kung saan siya ang model. It was the front cover of Forbes Philippines as one of the youngest successful businessmen.
Xaiver was wearing a sleek all-black designer suit and tie in the picture. His hair was also styled in a classic taper haircut and neatly brushed up. He didn't want to wear any makeup, if I remember correctly, but his skin still looked flawless in the picture. His lips were red even without lipstick.
Gusto kong sabihin na baka edited lamang 'yon, pero alam ko sa sarili kong hindi niya kailangan ng kahit anong photo enhancement. Halos araw-araw ko siyang nakikita. I didn't have to deny how I find him really good looking because that's the truth.
Noong napunta ang aking buong atensyon sa kanyang mukha, doon lamang ako may napansin. Unlike most of the people who already graced the cover from the same magazine, he wasn't smiling nor looking interested. Seryosong-seryoso ang kanyang mukha habang nakatikom ang mga labi. He was standing straight while his gaze pierced the camera. But even without doing the bare minimum, there was still a very powerful and domineering aura surrounding him that was hard not to notice.
Kagat-kagat ang aking ibabang labi, ibinaba ko ang tingin sa nakasulat sa ilalim.
THE NEXT GAME-CHANGER
Xaiver Vincent Dela Vega
For a 28-year-old to reach the heights he achieved within only five years after he assumed his father's position, it was a very fitting title given to him. He didn't just innovate new ideas and build companies under the subsidiaries of Dela Vega Holdings; he also managed to seal a lot of deals, partnerships, and investments. He had a clear vision for their company and its future. He knew well enough how to execute his plans successfully.
Madami ang sumubok na kumalaban sa kanya. Sinubukan nilang isabotahe ang mga proyektong sinimulan niya. Jealous people who had nothing to do with their lives even tried to discredit his hard work. Sinasabi nila na kung hindi dahil sa kanyang ama ay hindi niya mararating kung nasaan man siya ngayon.
As his personal secretary, I couldn't help but feel aggravated to hear that. Kung alam lang nila kung gaano siya ka-workaholic at kung gaano niya pinag-iisipan at pinaghihirapan ang lahat. If they tried to be in his shoes for a day and live his life, they might give up even before the night falls.
Noong bago pa lamang ako ay hindi ko siya magawang masabayan. I was fortunate that he was very patient with me at that time. He acknowledged that I was still adjusting to my job, and I'd get better eventually. But as soon as I got to follow his rhythm, he stopped being lenient with me. At bukod sa maganda at malaki ang sahod, ayaw ko rin siyang biguin kaya hindi ako sumuko kahit na mahirap.
"Chantal."
Nang makalagpas kami sa kanyang billboard ay muli niyang tinawag ang aking atensyon. Wala akong inaksayang oras at agad siyang nilingon.
"Yes, Sir?" sabi ko na aking nakasanayan nang isagot tuwing tinatawag niya ako.
"Are you sure you're not tired yet?" he asked. "You don't have to join me for lunch. You can go home already after we visit the company. I don't mind."
Mabilis akong tumango at ngumiti. "I'm fine, Sir," sagot ko. "Natulog lang ako buong byahe sa eroplano."
Kahit na mukhang hindi siya kumbinsido ay tumango-tango na lamang siya. Pinanatili ko ang ngiti sa aking mga labi.
Totoo namang natulog lang ako halos buong byahe galing New York. Gumising lamang ako para kumain at mag-freshen up noong nalalapit na kami mag-land. I was already used to our business trips. But honestly, I wanted to go home already and check on my mother.
We were gone for almost a month. Kahit na alam kong kaya niya ang sarili ay hindi ko maiwasang mag-alala, lalo na't hindi maganda ang kanyang kondisyon. However, I just didn't want to leave my job unfinished. And besides, I could still finally go home after lunch. Sandali na lamang 'yon.
Once we arrived at the company, I was relieved that there was no sight of any media at the driveway. May mga nakaabang ding security na sumalubong sa aming pagdating. Diretso lamang ang pagpasok namin sa kompanya.
Every employee we met on our way to the Executive Department gave us a warm greeting. Para nga lang silang hangin kay Xaiver na hindi niya nakikita o nadidinig, kaya ako na ang tumatango at ngumingiti pabalik sa kanila.
"Mr. Dela Vega! Good morning!" Mabilis na tumayo si Joseph mula sa kanyang upuan nang makita ang aming pagdating.
Nang napalingon siya sa aking gawi ay tipid ko siyang nginitian at kumaway. Hindi nga lang siya makakaway pabalik dahil nasa kanya ang buong atensyon ng aming boss.
I'd like to say that we were close to each other. Aside from Xaiver, I also worked with him side by side for three years. Ngunit bago ko pa makuha ang posisyon ay nagtatrabaho na siya bilang office secretary ni Xaiver. Magkatabi lamang ang aming mga lamesa sa labas ng opisina kaya madalas kaming magkausap kapag walang ginagawa.
"Did you compile all the files while we were gone, Joseph?" tanong sa kanya ni Xaiver.
"Yes, Sir," he immediately answered. "Nasa table ninyo po lahat."
"No problems?"
"All good, Sir."
"Great. Thanks," tipid na sabi na lamang ni Xaiver bago ako bahagyang nilingon. "I'll just check on the files then we'll leave for lunch. You can rest on your desk while waiting."
I smiled at him and nodded. "Noted, Sir. Thank you."
Without ado, Xaiver averted his gaze away from me and went straight to his office. I automatically slouched the moment he was out of sight. Hinila ko na rin ang sarili papunta sa aking lamesa at ibinagsak ang katawan sa upuan. Mabuti na lang at komportableng-komportable ako sa office chair na bigay ng kompanya.
"Bakit hindi ka muna matulog sa lounge area?" ani Joseph.
Nilingon ko siya at kitang nagpapatuloy na siya sa trabaho. Napanguso ako saka umayos ng upo.
Ang totoo niyan ay wala ako masyadong ginagawa kapag nasa opisina. Since Joseph was the one in charge of all office-related work, I had nothing else to do. Madalas ay tinutulungan ko na lang siya para magamit ang pinag-aralan ko, instead of just taking minutes during meetings, memorizing schedules, and following Xaiver around to be at his service.
"Hindi ako puwedeng makatulog," sabi ko na lang at napailing si Joseph sa tigas ng ulo ko. Sanay naman na siya sa akin kaya hindi ko na rin 'yon pinansin pa.
Marahan kong sinampal-sampal ang sarili. Hindi naman ako talaga pagod. Kayang-kaya ko pa.
I tried to look for something else to do at my table. Binuksan ko ang desktop, nagbabaka sakaling mayroon akong makitang magawa roon. Kung matutulog ako, paniguradong magtutuloy-tuloy na 'yon. I needed to keep moving in order to keep up with Xaiver and our schedule.
Fortunately, I saw my email bombarded with interview requests and invitations. Alam kong hindi naman sila papaunlakan ni Xaiver kaya nagsimula na akong mag-compose ng response. I spent my time dealing with all the emails and left out two invitations from big time magazines that he might consider. Ang isa ay galing ulit sa Forbes Philippines samantalang ang isa naman ay mula sa Entrepreneur.
"Chantal."
Halos mapatalong ako habang patuloy sa pag-aayos sa mga emails nang madinig ko ang boses ni Xaiver. Pagkalingon ko sa aking gilid ay nakatayo na siya roon kaya agad din akong sumunod patayo sa kanya.
"Yes, Sir?" gulat kong tanong.
"We'll leave in five minutes," he said, then glanced at my computer before heading back inside his office.
Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib at parang yelong natutunaw na bumalik sa pagkakaupo. He could've just informed me through the intercom. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kailangang lumabas pa siya. Ngunit kaysa magreklamo pa ay pinatay ko na ang desktop saka inayos ang gamit. I also retouched a little by putting on some face powder and lip balm. Kahit papaano ay gusto kong maging mukhang presentable sa lunch meeting kasama ng kanyang mga magulang. They were also my bosses. I needed to present myself well in front of them.
"Are you ready?" tanong ni Xaiver sa akin nang lumabas siya sa kanyang opisina pagkatapos ng limang minuto.
"Yes, Sir. Naghihintay na po ang sasakyan sa baba."
"Okay. Let's go now."
Walang inaksayang oras si Xaiver at agad na lumakad papunta sa elevator. Lagi siyang parang mayroong hinahabol na oras. Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam nang maayos kay Joseph at simpleng pagkaway na lamang ang aking nagawa upang mahabol si Xaiver.
Before he even stood in front of the elevator, I quickly walked past him and pressed the down button. Since we used his private elevator, we didn't need to wait anymore. Agad na bumukas ang mga pintuan at mabilis din kaming pumasok sa loob para makababa.
Leaving the company was as smooth as the way we arrived. I had to commend the security for controlling the media and ensuring that no one would be able to invade his privacy or ruin his quick visit.
Kita kong nagbago ang timpla ni Xaiver nang dahil doon. Nawala na ang pagkunot ng kanyang noo. He looked relaxed and at peace. Naisip kong tamang oras na 'yon upang tanungin siya tungkol sa invitation ng Forbes Philippines at Entrepreneur para sa isang exclusive interview.
"Sir..." tawag ko sa kanya gamit ang isang marahan na boses.
Agad naman siyang lumingon sa akin.
"May na-receive po kayong invitation from Forbes Philippines and Entrepreneur. They are hoping to sit down and talk with you about your recent award and achievement," sabi ko. "Entrepreneur wants you to be the front cover model of their issue next month. Sa Forbes Philippines naman po, they will allot six pages only for your feature."
"Reject the one with Forbes," walang pag-aalinlangan niyang sabi. Parang hindi man lang niya pinag-isipan ang kanyang desisyon. "I have already accepted their offer last month. That's it for now."
Thought so... Pero kahit papaano ay inisip kong papayag din siya sa Forbes Philippines dahil pumayag na siya noon.
"And you'll accept Entrepreneur's invitation, am I right?" paninigurado ko.
"Yes," he said, then looked away. "Since we're expanding a lot in the US market, it's only fitting that I take the offer. That way, more locals will be able to know and acquaint themselves with our company."
Tumango-tango naman ako. I smiled with so much pride while constructing a formal and positive response to Entrepreneur.
"Right..."
Nang muli siyang nagsalita ay agad akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. I also forced myself to stop smiling in an instant. Baka kung ano ang isipin niya sa aking pagngiti.
"I told you to rest earlier, but it seems like you still worked on your computer..." he said, and my lips parted like I was caught red-handed. "I admire you for working hard. The next time though, if I tell you to rest, do it."
Pagkatapos niya akong pagsabihan ay muli siyang nag-iwas ng tingin. My eyelids fluttered as I was stunned by his words. Kahit na mukhang concerned siya ay hindi umayon doon ang tono ng kanyang boses. He still sounded so bossy while trying to make me rest.
Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na kami sa Forbes Park. The SUV stopped for a moment in front of a massive gate which was made out of wood and steel. Once the guards recognized the car, they immediately opened the gate, revealing a breathtaking modern mansion inside the property.
I had been there a lot of times whenever Xaiver made time to visit his parents, but I was still in awe every time I'd see the mansion right before my eyes. At kung napakaganda na nito sa labas, mas lalo ang loob ng bahay.
The interior was composed of unique and intricate but highly expensive pieces. Sa mga paintings pa lang na naka-display sa kanilang foyer at living room ay milyon-milyon na. Karamihan doon ay galing sa mga auction. I even bid for one of the paintings there as Xaiver's gift to his parents. Ang isang painting na 'yon ay nakuha sa halagang fifty million. Kahit na alam kong investment din 'yon, hindi ko pa ring maiwasang manghinayang sa pera.
Xaiver quickly headed towards the dining room. I picked up my pace in order to catch up with him. Ngunit bago ko pa siya maabutan ay bumagal din ang kanyang paglalakad. Napabuntonghininga naman ako at hindi maiwasan ang mapangiti nang makasabay na ako sa kanya.
"Mom," Xaiver called for his mother's attention as soon as we entered the dining.
"Son!" Mrs. Dela Vega stood up from her seat and happily marched toward her son. "You're finally here! I'm so glad you can come!"
While they were greeting each other and catching up, I curiously let my gaze wander around the room. I already dined with them for casual meals that I immediately felt like something was odd. Ayos na ayos ang kanilang hapag. Expensive tablewares—usually only for display—were finally being used.
Ano kayang meron?
Nang napatanong ako sa sarili ay mukhang napansin din 'yon ni Xaiver. Matapos niyang halikan ang ina sa pisngi ay napunta ang kanyang atensyon sa lamesa. "What's with the set up, mom?" kuryoso niyang tanong habang nakakunot ang noo. "Is there any occasion I forgot?"
Occasion?
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang tanungin 'yon ni Xaiver. Meron ba akong nakalimutan?
Mabilis kong binalikan sa isipan ang mga importanteng okasyon sa buhay niya. But before I made sure that I didn't forget anything, his mother had already reassured him.
"Don't worry. It's just an ordinary day," she told him, then turned to me. "Nice to see you again, Chantal. I hope my son's not going too hard on you."
Maagap akong umiling habang nakangiti. "Mabait pa rin naman po siya."
Bahagya naman siyang natawa sa aking naging sagot. Xaiver shook his head and motioned me to take a seat beside him. Nang nakaupo na sa mismong harap ng lamesa ay hindi ko maiwasang pasadahan ulit ng tingin ang lahat. Everything just looked so extravagant. Hindi mo maiiwasang paulit-ulit na punahin 'yon.
"Ma, if there's anything happening today, please say it now. You know I hate surprises," pilit ni Xaiver sa ina, tunog nagbabanta na rin.
"Well, that's exactly what I told your mother."
Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang nadinig si Mr. Dela Vega, ang ama ni Xaiver, at nakitang pumasok siya sa dining. Tumayo ako nang mabilis at bahagyang ibinaba ang ulo bilang pagbati.
He smiled when he saw me and motioned his hand, asking me to sit down. Tinikom ko ang aking mga labi saka unti-unting naupo pabalik sa tabi ni Xaiver.
"Sabi ko magpaalam muna siya sa 'yo. Hindi niya ako pinakinggan," pagpapatuloy niyang kuwento habang paupo sa tabi ng asawa na nakasimangot na sa kanya. "She insisted on inviting the Bautistas for lunch today."
"Lucio! Ang ingay mo!" reklamo ni Mrs. Dela Vega sa asawa.
Napakunot ang aking noo at nakitang ganoon din si Xaiver nang binalingan ko siya.
"Bautista?" ulit ni Xaiver sa ama.
"Bautistas of The Alley Hotels," his father filled him in with information. "Your mother met Melanie Bautista and her daughter, Zoe, during her spa session at City of Dreams."
Ngumuso ako saka ibinaba ang tingin sa magarang plato. Mukhang alam ko na kung saan patungo ang usapan at kung bakit pinaghandaan ang lunch ngayon.
"Apparently, Zoe has a huge crush on you," tuloy ni Mr. Dela Vega.
Sabi ko na nga ba! Hindi na rin ako nagulat.
"Lucio! Ang daldal mo! You're ruining my plans!"
"Ma, please..." Xaiver sounded so frustrated. "I just got home. Hindi ba puwedeng saka na lang? I came here to visit you and not for a blind meeting."
"Xaiver, son, kilala kita. Kapag sinabi kong may ipapakilala ako sa 'yo, hindi ka pupunta."
"If you know that, then why did you insist inviting them?" Nahimigan ko na ang iritasyon sa tono ni Xaiver.
Siguro ay dala na rin ng pagod galing biyahe. Hindi ko siya masisisi.
He wasn't up for blind meetings. Nitong taon na 'to ay ilang beses niya nang tinanggihan ang imbitasyon ng ina tuwing sinasabing may ipapakilala. Sometimes, his mother would find a way to get him on a blind date by arranging a fake meeting with an investor. Wala rin namang nangyayari dahil hindi niya gusto ang mga nakikilala o sadyang ayaw niya lang makipagrelasyon.
My mother once told me that men like him don't like settling down at a young age. Men like him want to explore the world and taste more women. Naeeskandalo ako nung sinabi sa akin 'yon ni mama, pero naisip kong baka tama rin siya.
For years that I had been working as his secretary, I never saw him commit himself to a woman. Hindi ko alam kung talaga bang busy lang siya sa trabaho o may tinatago siyang mga flings na ayaw niyang malaman ng media. Kaya naman ang ina niya na ang mismong gumagawa ng paraan para makapag-settle down na siya at makabuo ng pamilya.
"Xaiver, sure akong magugustuhan mo si Zoe," pilit ng kanyang ina. "Napakabait na bata at matalino rin. She is the heiress of their chain of hotels. I really like her personality."
"Ma..."
"You're not getting any younger, Xaiver. Two years and you're already thirty. Hindi ka na bata. You should settle down now."
"I'm busy with DVH—"
"I know you can perfectly balance work and personal life. Stop using that as an excuse. If you don't want to marry, then just date at least," sabi ni Mrs. Dela Vega, sinusubukan pa ring kumbinsihin ang anak. "Mapapanatag na ang loob ko no'n. Hindi na kita guguluhin."
"Ma, please, just stop it," pagod na pagod nang sabi ni Xaiver. "I really want to eat lunch with you, but not like this. I'm sorry but we'll have to go now."
"Xaiver!" tawag ni Mrs. Dela Vega sa kanya.
Parang walang nadinig na tumayo si Xaiver. Agad akong sumunod sa kanya.
"Nakakahiya sa mga Bautista! I already invited them! Paparating na sila," pahabol niya. "Just be casual, anak. I won't mention anything about marriage or dating."
"I'm sorry, Ma. I can't. Let's just have lunch next time," walang pagdadalawang-isip na sabi ni Xaiver.
Kahit na pagod at iritado ay nakuha niya pa ring humalik sa ina bago naglakad palabas ng dining. His mother kept trying to convince him and calling his name, but we just went out straight to the driveway where his SUV was still waiting for us. Mabilis kaming sumakay roon at agad niyang pinaalis ang sasakyan patungo sa aking bahay.
The ride home was uncomfortably silent, knowing that he was in a bad mood. Tuwing ganito siya, hindi ko alam kung paano ako kikilos o aakto. Wala akong ideya kung paano ko mapapagaan ang kanyang loob. I was also scared to say anything that I would just remain silent. Hinihintay ko na siya mismo ang bumasag sa katahimikan at kumausap sa akin. Kaya nga lang, sa halos isang oras na biyahe papunta sa aming bahay ay hindi siya kumibo ni isang beses—not until we were only five blocks away from home.
"Chantal..."
"Yes, Sir?"
Binalingan ko siya ng tingin. His forehead creased while looking very hesitant. It was such a rare sight to see him acting that way, kaya naman hindi ko siya mapigilang titigan hanggang sa lumingon siya sa akin pabalik.
"Do you have plans to get married?" he asked.
My breath hitched at his question. I almost choked on my words. Hindi ako agad nakasagot. It was all too sudden. Hindi ako sigurado noong una kung seryoso ba siya sa kanyang tanong, ngunit nang makitang walang pagbabago sa ekspresyon ay napabuntonghininga ako.
"Of course, Sir," I answered and smiled gently.
His lips parted at that like he wasn't expecting my answer.
Ano ang akala niya? Habang buhay akong maging matandang dalaga?
Kahit na wala akong boyfriend at mukhang imposible pa akong ikasal dahil madami pa akong prioridad sa buhay, laging nasa isip ko na ikakasal ako balang araw at bubuo ng pamilya. I believed it was most women's fantasy to get married and spend their life with the man they love—and I'm one of them. I couldn't wait to cross paths with that special someone who would be that man someday.
Habang nag-iisip nang malalim si Xaiver ay huminto na ang sasakyan sa harap ng aming bahay. Agad kong sinikop ang aking handbag. Ang driver naman ay lumabas ng SUV upang kuhanin sa likod ang aking maleta.
"Uhm, Sir, mauuna na po ako. Ingat po kayo pauwi. Tumawag na lang kayo kapag may kailangan ka," paalam ko sa kanya na parang hindi niya naman nadinig.
Naisip kong baka ayaw niya na lang sumagot sa akin o magsalita kaya binuksan ko na ang pinto upang makababa ng sasakyan. My luggage was already waiting by the door, and the driver was already on his way back to the driver's seat. Isasara ko na sana ang pinto ng sasakyan nang biglang kumibo ulit si Xaiver.
"Chantal," he called my name.
"Yes, Sir?" ulit ko.
Nakatayo ako nang diretso sa labas ng sasakyan habang nakatingin sa kanya. Xaiver also stared back at me with a gaze that I had never seen before until it became dark and serious. And like he wanted to drive me crazy, he suddenly popped a question I never expected he would ask.
"What do you think about marrying me?"