VEX
[Anak... kelan ka ba bibisita rito? Namimiss na kita,] Mom said.
"I'll visit this week, Ma," sagot ko habang nakatingin sa kisame ng kuwarto ko.
I'm here in one of the guest rooms. I chose the largest one. Of course hindi kami tabi matulog ni Ansel! Baka landiin pa ako noon at masapak ko! He slept in the Master's bedroom. Sa katunayan, sinabi niyang doon na lang ako at sa guest room siya pero tinanggihan ko.
This is his mansion. His home. Tapos ako matutulog sa master's bedroom? Hindi naman ata makatarungan 'yon.
[I told your Dad to give your car back pero ayaw niya.. I'm sorry..]
Nailing ako. "It's not your fault, Ma. Hayaan mo na. I have my own savings. I can buy a car myself," matigas kong sabi.
I know Dad took my car because he wants me to learn something. But I don't care. I can live by my own.
[Naayos na ang kompanya. Our company is back on track,] she sounded guilty.
"Good. Para naman may silbi 'yung pagpapamigay ni Dad sa akin dito kay Mr. Monterro bilang pambayad sa utang niya," I didn't want to say it but my mouth was venomous.
[Anak,] Mom spoke softly.
"Sige na, Ma. May pupuntahan pa kasi ako. Don't worry, I'll go there and visit you."
I washed my face and did my morning routine. Naligo na rin ako. I wore my pair of silk clothed sando and shorts. Pagkababa ko ay naabutan ko si Ansel na nagkakape sa kusina. He was reading some documents. Nilampasan ko siya para magtimpla rin ng kape ko.
"Morning," his deep voice met my ears.
A faint gasp left my mouth. Tanginang boses 'yan. Ang lalim. And why did it sound so... sexy?
Nahihibang na ata ako!
"Good morning," pormal kong bati at nilingon siya.
I saw him look at my outfit before looking away. Napasimsim siya sa kape niya. Nawala lamang sa kanya ang atensyon ko nang may pumasok sa kusina.
"Wow.. nagpintas nga dalagita," aniya nang makita ako.
"Huh?"
"Manang Inday," Ansel gave her a small smile before diverting his gaze on me. "She's the mayordoma in this mansion. Darating din ang ibang helpers ngayong araw. Kadarating ni Manang galing bakasyon."
My lips formed an O-shape. "Oh, hello po, Manang Inday. Magandang umaga ho," I respectfully said. Tumungo ako.
Pagkaangat ko ng tingin, titig ni Ansel ang nakasalubong ko. I bit my lip and looked away. The corner of his lips raised.
Nagulat naman ako nung lumapit sa akin si Manang at yumakap. "Jusko! Ang bango bango pa, amoy baby!"
"Hmm, baby ko," I heard someone whisper.
Hinanap kaagad ng mga mata ko si Ansel. May sinasabi ba siya?
"Sobrang kinis pa at matangkad! Nako! Bagay na bagay kayo ni Ansel! Napakaguwapo niya at ikaw naman ay napakaganda! Mukhang mabait pa!" She hugged me tightly. I couldn't help but chuckle at how flustered I am and how cute she is.
"Manang, you're squeezing my wife," saway ni Ansel na marahang natawa.
Pinamulaan ako ng mukha sa narinig. Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Ansel pero ngumisi lang siya. He pretended to read the documents in front of him again.
"Ang sexy mo pa," Manang said, making me laugh. "Model ka ba?"
"Salamat po," I smiled at her after she pulled away. "At oho, model po ako."
"Kaya naman pala," she was looking at me with admiring eyes. Tumingin siya kay Ansel. "Nakabingwit ka na namang bata ka. Huwag mo nang pakawalan itong si Iana. Ikaw lugi!"
Manang ano ba! Maghihiwalay rin kami. This marriage is not real.
Ansel didn't comment but he glanced at me before pursing his lips, reading again. I mentally raised a finger at him.
"Where do you want to ride? On a plane or a jet?" Prenteng tanong ni Ansel sa akin nang pumasok ako sa kuwarto niya.
Hinayaan niya ako sa guest room na matulog pero utos niyang dito sa master's bedroom maiiwan ang mga gamit at damit ko. Desisyon kasi siya.
I frowned at him. Huminga ako ng malalim. Bakit ba ako nagugulat sa ganyang klaseng mga tanong? He is a wealthy man. Their family is known to own the largest chains of hotels, bars and many other business.
"Sa public plane tayo. 'Yung hindi pang VIP," I demanded with no emotion.
Tumaas ang kilay niya. Sa akala ko ay aayaw siya, napakurap ako nang tumango lang siya. "Okay. If that's what you want."
Ramdam ko ang paninitig niya kaya tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. He pursed his lips. "The ride via jet would be shorter than the plane. Still want the plane?" Ansel gave me a questioning look.
Tumikhim ako. "I want the public plane. But if you're in a hurry, we can go for the jet then." I'm not that inconsiderate to be so selfish. As he said, he will attend a business meeting. Kung totoo man ang sinasabi niya, ayoko namang makaabala 'no!
Pinanood ko kung papaano niya kunin ang phone niya at may tinawagan. "John, book two tickets to France."
Napaawang ang labi ko sa narinig. I was about to comment but I stopped myself. Baka hindi ganun kaimportante ang business meeting? Or baka he's giving time for his woman to plan so I wouldn't catch them in any way?
I started packing my clothes. Lumayo siya at naupo sa may sofa. He placed the document he's holding in the mini table. Iniwas ko sa kanya ang atensyon ko. I went inside the closet and took the clothes that I'll need. Nilapag ko ang mga 'yon sa kama.
Kinuha ko ang maleta ko at sinimulang ayusin ang mga dinampot kong damit. Tinaas ko ang isang maroon na swimsuit.
"Iana, you're not wearing that," alma ni Ansel.
Napangisi ako sa narinig. His disagreement just gave me an idea. I ignored him. Tinupi ko ang inayawan niyang swimsuit at nilagay iyon sa maleta.
I heard a small curse from him. "Hindi mo kailangan ang swimsuit. Malamig dun ngayon."
"Sasama lang ako sa'yo para gumala sa France. What if I suddenly think about going for a swim? I might need a swimsuit," you cannot order me around, Mr. Monterro. Hindi dahil ayaw mo ng damit na iyon ay susundin na kita.
Ansel did not answer.
Upon entering the plane, I smiled at the flight attendant na babae and the guy who immediately beamed at me the moment I stepped inside.
"Hi, Sir," bati agad nung babae na staff nang makita si Ansel sa likuran ko. I even saw how her eyes widened a little and how her jaw dropped.
Hala beh! Baka hindi lang panga mo ang nalaglag. Baka pati panty mo.
Liningon ko si Ansel at nakita kong sa akin nakatutok ang tingin niya. He raised a brow at me when our eyes met. Inirapan ko lang siya at naglakad ulit.
"Tss, kakairap mo, mabaliktad pa eyeballs mo," pagbubulong niya.
Hinarap ko siya at humalukipkip. "Nagpaparinig ka ba?"
Masungit siya umiling. He remained silent anyway.
"Sa gitna na lang ako," ani ko sa kanya nang marating namin ang aming seat numbers.
Nagulat ako nang lalaki pala ang katabi naming maupo. Since three-seater ang upuan, dapat talaga ay may kasama kami dito sa row namin.
Okay lang sana kaso napansin ko ang kakaibang tingin niya sa akin bago siya naupo. "Hi, miss."
Tumango lang ako bilang pagsagot. I didn't want to be rude.
"Cabin crew, please prepare for take off," I buckled myself.
"Good morning passengers. This is Captain Guevarra speaking. First I'd like to welcome everyone on Philippines International Airport Flight 86A. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 6, 800 miles at an airspeed of 500 miles per hour. The time is 7:15 am. The weather is cloudy and we expect to have one layover in Hong Kong. With the tailwind on our side we are expecting to land in France approximately twenty minutes ahead of the schedule..." the pilot continued to say more. "I'll talk to you again before we reach our layover. Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the flight."
Nobody of us talked with each other. Pero nanlalaki ang mga mata ko nang may maramdaman akong kamay sa binti ko. I tried to close my legs to get it away from him. Tumikhim ako at tinignan siya.
"Sexy mo," mahinang bulong niya. "Diba model ka?"
I raised him a brow. Buti napigilan kong pakyuhan siya. I leaned and tried to get comfortable again pero napaawang ang labi ko nang maramdaman ang paghaplos niya sa legs ko. I felt harrassed. So I slapped his hand away and glared at him. But he smirked and placed his hand back. Kinindatan niya ako na parang manyak at pumikit. He pretended to sleep.
Gago 'to ah!
Mukhang tambay sa kanto at may edad na! Tapos may ganang mambastos?!
I bit my lip and glanced at Ansel. Umusog ako palapit sa kanya kahit may harang sa inuupuan namin. I saw him look at me because of that. Before I could tell him, I noticed how he scanned me.
"Putangina," he cursed. Nakaramdam ako ng kaba nang makita kung paano dumilim ang mga mata niya.
"Ah aray! Aray!" The man whimpered when Ansel took the hand from my leg and twisted it effortlessly.
"Nambabastos ka?" Ansel dominantly asked the man. He looked so mad. I was scared for the guy's life.
Even I shuddered because of how dangerous he sounded. The man continued to mutter in pain. Hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Ansel. "Hey.. let him go."
Ansel stopped and turned his eyes on me. His jaw clenched before he stood up. "Palit tayo."
Agad akong tumango sa sinabi niya. Duh! Ayokong makatabi 'yung manyak 'no! Tumayo ako. I bit my lip when I felt Ansel's hand on my waist for a moment as I slipped pass through him so we could switch. Naupo ako sa tabi ng bintana at kinalma ang sarili ko.
"I'm sorry, man. I - I didn't know," the man apologized.
I gasped and peaked to look at him. "Gago ka ba?!" I hissed lowly to not get the attention of the passengers. "Sa akin ka magsorry! Hindi sa kanya! Siya ba minanyak mo?! Diba ako?"
The corner of Ansel's lips raised before he dangerously looked at the man again who now looks so scared of him. He was massaging the hand that Ansel seemed to fracture. Hala, binali niya ba?!
Tumungo ang lalaki sa akin. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Hindi na mauulit!"
"Lucky him, we're in public. Or else I would've thrown him out of the damn plane," Ansel muttered lowly.
The venom in his voice caught me off guard. But I just tried to ignore it. Maybe naiinis lang siya dahil sumakay kami rito sa public plane. Baka badtrip na siya at lalong nainis lang dahil rito sa lalaki.
After spending hours for the layover in Hong Kong, we were able to go back to the plane. Pero ang pinagtataka ko, walang ni anino 'yung lalaki na nangmayak sa akin kundi matandang babae ang pumalit sa puwesto niya.
"Where's the guy who sat beside us last time?" I couldn't hold back my curiosity so I had to ask Ansel!
"Malay ko," walang modong sagot niya.
Hinampas ko siya sa braso dahil dun. What kind of answer was that? "Did you do something to him?"
Ansel yawned. Pati paghikab niya bakit lalakeng lalake pa din?! "Not really that much. He should be thankful he's still breathing," he said blankly.
"Ansel!" I gasped. Nailing na lang ako dahil mukhang badtrip pa din ang mukha niya dahil sa manyak na 'yon. He looks calm but dangerous. Panganib ata middle name neto. Nakakatakot siya minsan e. Tindig niya pa lang niya, magtatago ka na.
I forgot how rich he was again. Nalula na lang ako nang makapasok kami sa kanyang condominium. He got the whole floor for himself kaya sobrang lawak. May sariling bar area, billiard and a very comfy movie theater area.
When I turned to look at Ansel behind me, I saw him placing our bags down. Instead of letting the staff do it, he initiated the move. Isa sa katangian niyang napansin ko ay ito. If he can do it, he will. He doesn't rely on others to do stuffs for him although he pays them to do it.
Nagsalubong ang tingin namin. "I'll leave you here. I have a meeting in about 15 minutes."
"Mag-isa ko?" Huy baka may multo rito ha!
He bit his lip as if he was trying to stop himself from saying something. But it didn't work. He sighed. "Unless you want to come with me. But I don't want you to feel bored."
Humalukipkip ako at tinaasan siya ng kilay. My smile was taunting. "Is that true? Or you just don't want me to come bacause you'll be seeing your hoe."
His brows furrowed. "Mapilit ka. Sabi ng hindi ako nambababae. Then fucking come with me if you're concluding things like that."
"We just got here, Ansel. Tapos meeting agad?!" I gasped. Maggagabi na rin. Palubog na ang araw.
"You're married to a busy man, Iana."
"Forced in marriage with you," I corrected and rolled my eyes at him. "Ayokong sumama. Baka ma-bore lang ako."
I saw him check his watch.
"The meeting will be near the pool party. Either you join the party or stay here and take a rest. It's always your choice."
Party? Agad akong napaayos ng tayo nang may pumasok na ideya sa utak ko. Palihim akong ngumiti ng maloko.
"I'll come with you. Pero dun ako sa may party a-attend."
Nanigas ako nang mapansin na tila ako'y kanyang inoobserbahan. His brows furrowed. Yet, he still didn't say anything. What?! Napansin ba niya ang balak kong gawin?
"Right," Ansel just nodded. "Do what you want."
I sipped on the cocktail while I'm sitting at the corner while watching people in their bikinis and half naked bodies enjoying the pool party. I tried to focus my stare at my drink while feeling some eyes on me. It felt a bit uncomfortable knowing that I am aware of guys checking me out now.
Tumingala ako para hanapin si Ansel. Apparently, they changed the location of their meeting. Dapat sa loob sila e. Bakit nasa labas na sila ngayon? They are now at the large balcony at the second floor. There were four other men that he's talking with in their table. Hindi ko sila masyadong kita dahil medyo madilim sa parte nila. But I see Ansel holding a wine in his hand while he's leaned back at the chair he is seated at. There was no emotion in his face. Parang matatanda rin ang ka-business meeting niya.
Gaya ng sinabi niya, walang babae. But who knows if he's hiding his woman somewhere? Napaayos ako ng upo nang mapansing sumulyap si Ansel sa gawi ko. I noticed it. He's glancing at my direction from time to time. Binabalewala ko na lang.
Iniwas ko ang tingin ko at sumimsim sa cocktail ko.
"U-uh," someone cleared his throat. Hindi ko napansin na may lumapit pala sa akin. It's a guy, staring intently at me with his boyish grin. "Hey, just wondering why you're alone."
Partly, yes. Hindi naman tao 'yung kasama ko. Hayop siya. Mukhang ape.
Talaga ba, Iana? My mind snapped at me. Whatever.
Sumulyap ako sa gawi ni Ansel. Napaawang ang labi ko nang makitang diretso sa akin ang mga mata niya. His full attention is on me now. His eyes are intensely looking at me and the guy.
He took a sip from his glass of wine, eyes never leaving mine.
And because I hate his guts, I gave him a challenged smile before turning to the guy. "Care to join me then?"
I knew I made a deal with Ansel. He will keep our marriage private in exchange of me not entertaining other guys. But he isn't still terminating the news about us so I can still do whatever the hell I want.
I saw the guy smirk. Napataas ang kilay ko nang maupo siya sa tabi ko. Hmm, an aggressive one. I see. May hitsura naman. Boyish look type. He gave me a lustful look when I glanced at his abs. It's not very defined but it's still there.
"Like what you see?" Gosh, how badly I want to remove that smug look on his face! Amoy mahambog.
I did not reply. I just gave him a flirty smile and tried to glance at Ansel's direction again. I felt the guy place his hand on my shoulder while I contended the look that my so called husband is now giving me. Even from slightly afar, I still saw how his jaw clenched.
What's making you look pissed, Mr. Monterro?
I don't know if I'm enjoying this but I bet it, Ansel isn't listening to the old man he's meeting with. Kundi nasa akin ang atensyon niya. I gave him a seductive smile before looking at the guy.
"Keep your hands to yourself," kalmadong sabi ko.
"You want to swim with me? Let's join the party!" He's already talking loudly because they turned up the music and it's so loud. People are going wild.
"Go ahead. I'll follow later," the finality was emphasized in my tone.
"I'm Dane by the way. What's your name beautiful?" He was staring at me for so long. "Dang it. I'm sorry but you just look so beautiful. Can't help but stare. I think I've seen you before."
Baka sa magazine covers?
I chuckled with his flirty tactics. Obviously, this guy wants to get in my pants. I can see the way he looks at me.
"Call me Vee." I don't want to tell my real name.
He even hesitated to leave me but he couldn't take me with him. I even saw some of his friends cheering for him as he grinned like a winner of a million dollar contest. Pag-alis niya ay nakatanggap ako ng text message.
From: Mr. Monterro
You're cute when you flirt. Next time, do it on me.
Literal na napaawang ang bibig ko. This guy! I snapped at his direction only to grit my teeth in annoyance when I found him talking to the old man.
What? Did my plan backfire? Ang landi ng Monterro na 'yan! Sarap sapakin ng magtigil!
Padabog akong sumandal pabalik sa inuupuan ko. But I crossed my leg over the other when I saw a woman enter the veranda where the men are having a meeting. Naningkit ang mga mata ko nang makitang lumapit 'yung babae kay Ansel.
The twinkle in her eyes shone brightly the moment she went near Ansel. Kahit nasa ikalawang palapag sila, namamataan ko pa din ang ilang mga kilos nila kasi nasa gilid lang sila at glass ang railing na harang. So I can really see them.
Sumama ang timpla ng mukha ko nang makitang lumapit 'yung babae may Ansel at walang pasabing hinalikan siya. Tatama sana sa labi ni Ansel. But he was quick to dodge it. Tumama iyon sa pisngi niya.
Pansin ko na mabilis napatingin si Ansel sa gawi ko pagkatapos non. But because of what he did, the lady took that opportunity to repeat kissing him. She held his cheek so he would face her. Her actions were quick while Ansel got distracted by looking at me.
I sipped at my drink and watched how she claimed his lips into a torrid kiss. My grip on my glass of cocktail tightened as I imagined it to be the lady's neck that I'm strangling.
Ansel pushed her away, his face looking dangerous as he said something to her. The old man laughed while Ansel looked pissed. The woman licked her lips and stared at him like a slutty lovesick fool. She stepped closer to him and held his chest, seductively whispering to his ear.
I held my phone and typed.
To: Mr. Monterro
Got no woman huh? You cunning liar.
I typed another one.
To: Mr. Monterro
Go fuck her. I won't mind. But don't meddle with my business while I party.
I glanced at his direction only to find him looking at his phone. He must already be reading my texts. Mabilis siyang nag-angat ng tingin.
Sabi niya wala siyang babae. Tapos ngayon maghahalikan sila sa harap ko? If you can do that Mr. Monterro, I can do better.
I made sure he is looking at me before I removed my top, leaving me bare with my bikini that exposed enough of my bum and cleavage.
I heard some whispers behind me and some whistles from a group of guys near me. Pero wala akong pakialam doon. My eyes lingered on Ansel who's eyes darkened on me. His jaw aggressively clenched.
The lady was talking to him but he wasn't listening. His eyes hardened on me.
"Vee-" lumapit si Dane sa akin.
My grin widened. I sent Ansel a rebellious sweet smile before I pulled Dane and kissed him. I felt his hand on my waist as he kissed me back. I abruptly pulled away.
Dane's hand snaked down to touch my ass.
Sinulyapan ko ulit si Ansel. He dialed something on his phone before I heard my phone ring. Inangat ko ang tawag niya.
[Get away from that boy, Iana.] His voice was stern. He sounds like he's controlling himself from doing something.
"Why would I? Go with your hoe and I'll have fun with this 'boy'," I taunted. You will not order me around like a king, asshole!
Play with me, Mr. Monterro. Let's see who will win this game you started.
I watched how he turned his back on me as he disappeared from the veranda. Is he coming down? Shit.
[Then consider him dead. Stay the fuck where you are,] he dangerously said before the call ended. Oh my..
•••••
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