Chapter 42
Jealous
Sa mga oras na iyon, parang may napigtal na kable sa kaibuturan ko kaya pansamantala akong natulala.
For the nth time, I was reminded of how playful the world could be.
Just when I decided to put an end to my validation-seeking behavior, that I wasn't alone or crazy for thinking that way about Giovanni, that was the time the universe gave me this woman to prove that my outlandish observations from before... actually made sense.
They randomly gave me someone who would understand me to prove that I wasn't alone when finally, I wasn't asking anymore. When I wasn't even lonely... When I already put the past behind me.
Sa kabila ng kagustuhan kong alamin kung anong ibig sabihin ng HR Director sa mga sinabi niya, at bakit alam niya ang mga bagay na 'yon, nagpaalam na rin ito sa aming tatlo nang hinanap siya ng kanyang kasamahan.
Pagkatapos ng urgent meeting na dinaluhan ng Business Development team, hindi ko na muling nakita pa si Ms. Sanchez.
No'ng una, hindi ko 'yon masyadong pinansin dahil abala rin ako sa dami ng gawain. But when a rumor about her—being fired during the presentation—circulated around the headquarters like wildfire, concern washed over my senses.
Giovanni:
You didn't fail to surprise me.
Nakatanggap ako ng mensahe kay Gio dalawang oras matapos ang meeting.
Hindi ko 'yon naintindihan agad. Kaya lang, naalala ko bigla iyong nasaksihan niya kaninang umaga.
Me:
Because you caught me verifying that I'm your girlfriend?
Giovanni:
Because you stood up for yourself, sweetheart.
Giovanni:
But you're not mistaken either.
Napapikit ako sa kahihiyan. What was that behavior, Riz? Iyon talaga agad ang naisip mo?
I cleared my throat and thought of a way to save my face. I typed in my reply.
Me:
I deserve double rewards. Kinilig ka kanina at tama ang hula ko.
Giovanni:
Anything you want, sweetheart.
Look at this brute. Ngumuso ako.
Hindi man lang dinipensahan ang sarili. He probably knew I was just messing around. And the fact that I was messing around was another reason to entertain him.
Alright! Snap out of it, Riz. Sinulyapan ko ang orasan bago napagdesisyunan ang unang hiling.
Me:
Let's meet after work.
Giovanni:
That's already a plan. Don't be shy, sweetheart. Tell daddy what you want.
Me:
Fine! I'll tell you later. Be ready to be surprised!
Giovanni:
That's the spirit 🫣
I tapped the phone on my forehead and sighed aggressively, trying hard to calm myself and hold my freaking laugh.
Did he just call himself daddy?! And what's... what's with the shy emoji? Oh, my freaking word, you shameless bastard!
I couldn't get mad at him and I hated myself for that. Kahit alam ko, at sigurado ako, na may kinalaman siya sa nangyari sa supervisor, hindi ko magawang magtanim ng sama ng loob.
For some reason, what happened to Ms. Sanchez was...
Napayuko ako at natulala sa sahig.
Why did I feel satisfied?
Nagpatuloy ako sa trabaho pagkatapos ng 15-minute break. Although I was dying to know, I couldn't just straight up ask anybody in the office what exactly happened during that meeting.
And it seemed more serious than I thought.
The atmosphere in the office thickened. May taga-ibang department pang bumisita para lang kamustahin ang team. Bakas ang dismaya, gulat, at takot sa hitsura ng mga um-attend sa meeting kanina.
"I can't believe we have someone like that in the company. Sa department pa natin!" Pabagsak na umupo sa pwesto ang bagong dating na BusDev Director.
"Mabuti na lang, Ma'am, napaimbestigahan agad 'to bago pa matapos ang probation ni Sanchez."
"Also, she looked clueless while presenting earlier. Para bang hindi alam ang ginagawa. Hindi ako 'yung nagpe-present pero ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung hiya!"
"I think that's what triggered the President. She probably thought there was something wrong with her presentation."
Napaangat ako ng ulo sa mga naririnig sa paligid. Something about their chatters and theories tightened up my chest.
Based on what I knew, I contributed a part to Ms. Sanchez's presentation. Nagmadali siyang kunin sa akin iyon kanina. That meant she had no time to prepare or even read my reports.
And that report had six pages with compressed texts and narrowed margins. If I were her, that kind of unprepared presentation would be the death of me. My meticulous nature couldn't handle that!
Muling umalis ang Director dahil isa na namang meeting ang kailangan niyang daluhan, probably to discuss her underling's situation with the higher-ups.
Ilang sandali ang makalipas, tumayo naman ang Assistant Director at naglakad sa aisle. Nagtama ang tingin namin nang hanapin niya ako.
"Hyacinth, Brenda, and Ophelia, come over here please," biglang tawag sa amin ng Assistant Director.
Pumunta kami sa table niya. The air between the three of us was downright awkward, but we did our best to hide it from the Assistant Director.
Inangat nito ang suot na salamin sa ulo at pinisil ang balingusan bago kami tignan at ngitian.
"It might've been a shock to all of you, too. But it's been decided. Since Sanchez was fired, I'll be taking over the supervision from here. Ako na ang magiging direct supervisor niyo sa internship. It'll be effective tomorrow, but it's good that you're informed in advance."
"Got it, Ma'am," ngiti ko rito kasabay ng pagtugon din ng dalawang kasama.
Tumango ito. "May mga on-going tasks pa ba kayo under Sanchez?"
Umiling sina Brenda at Hyacinth. Bumaling sa akin ang Ass. Director kaya bahagya akong napaigtad.
"Ophelia?"
"Ma'am, I'm still working on the teambuilding program and activities for next week. Although it's done, it's still subject to approval from Ms. Sanchez."
"What?" Her forehead puckered. "That's her job. Why are you working on that?"
I pursed my lips and sighed. Napahilamos ng kamay ang Ass. Director at mukhang na-frustrate pa lalo.
Ano kayang magiging reaksiyon nito kapag nalaman niyang ako rin ang gumawa ng report ni Ms. Sanchez sa meeting kanina?
The Assistant Director didn't seem to know about that. Napaisip ako.
If that was the case, then what was the real reason behind Ms. Sanchez's termination? Did it mean, other than exploiting her subordinates, Ms. Sanchez had other fraudulent activities within the company, which caused her immediate dismissal?
Baka hindi ako makatulog sa dami ng iniisip. I needed answers. I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing!
Kaya naman, laking pasasalamat ko nang maaga kaming pina-clock out ng Assistant Director.
Hindi na ako nag-abala pang kitain sina Raquel dahil halos kalahating oras pa ang natitira bago ang out nila.
I messaged Giovanni that we had an early out, so I was surprised when he said I could wait in his office.
"Thank you, Sir Marco," sambit ko sa assistant ni Gio na hinintay pa talaga akong makarating para lang buksan ang opisina para sa akin.
The same man I saw with Giovanni at the tower was apparently his assistant. This assistant. Whereas the middle-aged woman was Gio's secretary.
He smiled friendly. "You're welcome. You can knock on the technical room if you need something. 'Yun ang unang pinto na dinaanan natin sa floor na 'to."
"Is he in that room?" kuryoso kong tanong.
Umiling ito. "He's in a meeting with the directors, together with the President. He'll be done soon. Ako ang nasa technical room dahil..."
Napakiling ako ng ulo dahil sa bigla nitong paghinto.
"Dahil?"
Hindi agad siya nakapagsalita. Humakbang ito paatras at dinaan sa halakhak ang pagkalito naming dalawa.
"I have something to remove from the CCTV footage yesterday," he finally answered.
Hirap akong tumango dahil nahirapan din akong paniwalaan ang sagot na iyon.
That's it? Why would he hesitate to answer if that was only-
Sir Marco grinned meaningfully. "Particularly in the Office of the Business Development Department... around 6:00 to 6:30 pm."
It took no time for my whole face to flush profusely.
"I'm sorry," agaran ang naging reaksiyon ko.
Gusto ko na lang magpalamon sa lupa. Lalo na nang ngitian lang ako ni Sir Marco, halos hindi na makita ang mga singkit na mata.
"I'm just doing my job. Feel free to relax in the office, Ms. Mallari."
Halos matumba ako pagkaalis nito. Sinarado ko na agad ang pinto at umupo sa malapit na couch.
Ang totoo, ngayon na lang ulit nakapasok dito. Natanto kong opisina ni Gio ang silid kung saan niya ako dinala noon sa kalagitnaan ng site visit namin dito.
Noong mga panahon na iyon, wala pa akong ideya. Hindi ko alam na dito siya nagtatrabaho. I thought he was a full-time employee at his mother's family business which was the Von Rezella, na kalauna'y nakipag-merge at naging partner ng Smitten Philippines, dahil nasa iisang industriya lang din.
Hindi na ako magugulat kung isa araw, matuklasan ko na lang na nakapagtrabaho rin ito sa La Estrella Hotel, dahil ganon ang nangyari sa amusement park.
What is he doing trying to experience all of their businesses anyway? Ganoon din ba ang kambal nito?
I haven't heard of that. All I knew was that Gianna Collins was busy establishing her name through her modeling career. Konektado pa rin sa fashion industry. Not until she was caught up in a certain scandal not so long ago. Ano na kayang balita roon?
While immersing myself in the books neatly organized on Giovanni's bookshelves, I received a message from him.
Giovanni:
Meet me on the rooftop.
My mind lagged for a second there. Hindi pa ako nakakapunta ng rooftop kaya dumiretso agad ako sa technical room para magpatulong kay Sir Marco.
"Aside from his office, Clark goes to the rooftop every now and then," bigla itong nagsalita habang naglalakad kami patungo sa elevator.
Napatingin ako rito. I didn't know why he was telling me these things, but I didn't dislike it either.
"Alam iyon ng mga empleyado kaya madalas na nilang iniiwasan ang rooftop. But one time, an employee tried to sneak and stalk him, but Clark noticed her presence."
Napatikhim ako. "What did he do?"
Pagkatapos pindutin ang up sa control panel ng elevator, nilingon ako ni Sir Marco.
"Nothing actually," aniya bago napaisip na tila binabalikan ang nangyari. "But after a few days... strangely, the girl was involved in strife and was forced to resign. Well, it was a different story."
Tumango ako. Tahimik akong pumasok sa elevator nang bumukas ang pinto at napatitig sa sariling repleksiyon.
Why do I have this feeling that it wasn't a different story?
As we reached the highest floor, Sir Marco gestured the way to the stairs leading to the rooftop. Mukhang hanggang dito na lang siya.
"Thank you for escorting me all the way here, Sir." Humarap ako sa kanya.
"I'm just doing my job," he retorted like some kind of a motto before giving me a meaningful look. "Please send my regards to Clark. You can also tell him that I accomplished the mission successfully while you're at it."
"What mission?"
He, again, smiled with his chinky eyes. "I have successfully deleted some unfitting footage in the off-"
"Stop! That's enough! N-Nakuha ko na, Sir. T-Thank you. If you can please..." Halos masamid ako sa sarili kong laway at sinenyas na lang ang elevator.
Kita ko pa rin ang malawak at patay-malisya nitong ngiti. Bago ito yumuko at tuluyang tumalikod sa akin, bumagsak ang tingin ko sa suot nitong ID.
"I'll be best on my way. Have a good evening."
Pinanuod kong maglaho sa paningin ko ang lalaki at napasapo sa dibdib.
Believe me, that cheeky smile started to look scary. But other than that, upon checking his ID, why did his name look familiar?
Marco Pascual.
Tiningala ko ang bakal na pinto. Maliwanag sa palapag na ito pero wala nang ibang silid o pinto maliban sa taas ng maikling hagdan. Agad akong umakyat doon at dahan-dahang tinulak ang pinto.
Sinalubong ako ng malamig na hangin. Isang hakbang palabas sa pinto, ginala ko ang paningin sa paligid ngunit hindi ko pa rin natatanaw si Gio.
It was understandable. I had assumed that this location would be made entirely of plain concrete with nothing but a water tank, helipad, and backend machines on it.
But unlike what I had imagined, it was a wide modern-looking outdoor space. It was far different from the heavy and intricate Victorian vibe of the offices.
Just by the initial look at the contemporary garden, lounge areas, and tables surrounding the main patio area, the outdoor layout gave off a chill, comfortable, and relaxing feel to it.
Kung ganito na ang hitsura nito sa dilim, na binibigyang-liwanag na lang ng magkakahilerang exterior lights, hindi ko na ma-imagine ang pakiramdam sa oras na matunghayan ko ito sa umaga.
As I walked across the elevated patio, I enjoyed the view of the city lights behind the trimmed bushes until I spotted Giovanni.
Payapa itong nakadekwatro sa bench habang pinaglalaruan ang baso ng wine at nakatanaw rin sa kaharap na tanawin. Sinulyapan ko ang katapat nitong lamesa saka ko natagpuan ang bote roon.
I stared at his peaceful side profile. Magaan ang aking paa sa bawat hakbang, kaya naman sa oras na naramdaman niya ang presensiya ko, awtomatikong nagtama ang tingin namin.
"My Elia..." he called, his throaty voice barely above a whisper.
Kumabog nang malakas ang dibdib ko. Despite that, I managed to come closer to him without any accidents.
Giovanni placed the wine glass on the table to sit properly, and reached the tip of my fingers to guide me closer to him.
I could feel that there was something troubling him. Nagpaubaya ako sa paghila niya sa akin hanggang sa makarating ako sa harap niya.
Gio positioned me between his legs before hugging me tightly, burying his face in my stomach and wrapping his arms around me.
Hindi ko na kailangan ng kumpirmasyon niya. Alam kong may nangyari ngayong araw.
Tahimik ko siyang pinagmasdan habang hinahaplos nang marahan ang kanyang buhok. He tightened his embrace as he felt my cold fingers touch his nape.
Kumirot ang puso ko. Hindi ito ang inaasahan kong mangyari. I planned to discuss with him what happened to Ms. Sanchez and his connection to it. But at this rate, I wasn't brutal enough to put more weight on his burden.
"Gio," kalmado kong tawag sa kanya at nag-isip ng topic. "P-Pinapasabi ni Sir Marco na... nabura na niya 'yung footage natin... sa office."
Taliwas sa inaasahan kong reaksiyon niya, nanatili siya sa ganoong pwesto.
Seconds later and I couldn't handle it any longer. I lifted his face to find his gaze at once. But the moment Giovanni opened his eyes, he tasted his lips and chuckled leisurely.
"We have only just begun, sweetheart."
There was something in his words, his movements that I couldn't explain. I couldn't read him. And before I even knew it, Gio grabbed me by the nape to brush his lips against mine.
I was taken aback by his sudden movement, but the feeling of his lips against mine was so soft and tender that I couldn't help but respond.
I believed it was supposed to be a simple peck on my lips, but since I reacted, Giovanni drew me closer to deepen the kiss while dragging his lips passionately. It went longer than expected.
As we pulled back, I couldn't help but feel a little dazed and breathless. The intensity of the moment left me reeling, causing me to let out a small gasp.
I took a step back to regain my composure, but his hold on me stayed and his solemn eyes locked onto mine before tilting his head to study my face. Lalong uminit ang mukha ko.
"I had a feeling that you'd use one of your rewards to kiss me, so I ticked it off your list," he declared and a slow smile spread across his lips
Napamulagat ako. Tuluyan na akong nabalik sa huwisyo kaya mabilis ko siyang tinulak.
"I hate you," I groaned before cupping my face in embarrassment.
What the heck was that? I was nervous for a second there!
"You don't really mean that," Giovanni said teasingly.
"I do!" I said before looking at him, shoving his hands that were trying to hold me again. "You made me worried! I thought there was something wrong."
His expression softened. Gio finally reached out to take my hand.
"I'm sorry," he spoke with genuine regret in his voice. "I never meant to worry you. After a long day at work, I know it may sound like an excuse, but I've been craving to hold and kiss this sweet little baby."
Sweet little baby. Halos mabilaukan ako.
"You're just a smooth-talker."
"Did it work?" he grinned.
My eyes widened in surprise before I finally smacked his shoulder.
He chuckled heartily before pulling and guiding me to his lap. Wala na akong nagawa dahil kinulong niya ako sa braso niya para gawin iyon.
"How's your day?" He clasped our hands together before wrapping them around me.
Hindi ko na iyon pinuna. Mas mapapagod lang ako kapag nagmatigas pa ako.
"Supervisor na namin ang Assistant Director. Inalis na rin sa akin ang mga trabaho na hindi ko dapat ginagawa."
He nodded before resting his chin on my shoulder.
"How does it feel?"
"It feels weird."
"Hmm?" Giovanni, in that position, tilted his head to have a better look.
Bumagsak ang tingin ko sa kanya hanggang sa matagpuan ko ang mataman niyang titig. Ilang sandali bago ako nakapagsalita.
"Did you do something?" sa kalmado kong tinig. "Are you involved with her termination?"
His eyes went up as though he was thinking it over. Nanliit ang mga mata ko.
"That question butters my egg roll, sweetheart. But before I answer, I'm a little curious..." he paused to bury his mouth in my shoulder before giving me a sidelong glance. "How did you come up with that?"
Nanlamig ako bigla. Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba sa biglang pag-ihip ng hangin, o sa tensiyong kaakibat ng tanong na iyon.
"Just because," I evaded his unwavering eyes.
Bumangon siya mula sa aking balikat at humalakhak sa aking tenga. "Hmm."
I flinched and pushed him a bit to save my sanity. Hinanap ng mga daliri ko ang aking singsing sa kabila ng mahigpit niyang yakap.
"Y-You can't blame me! Nasanay ako sayo. Every time someone tried to get in your way, or get under your skin, you always tried to get rid of them or screw them over." Napasinghap ako sa sarili kong paliwanag. "I-I don't mean to offend you, Gio, but I've known how sensitive you are... I know your methods and coping mechanisms when you're angry. I was always... I was always watching you..."
I couldn't believe my own words. Kahit kailan, hindi ko naisip na darating ang araw na isisiwalat ko ang mga bagay na ito sa taong dati lang ay kinatatakutan ko.
After I spoke my mind, he was quiet and serious. He didn't interrupt me, or laughed at me like he'd always do whenever he thought I said something entertaining or funny.
Sa sandaling iyon, nabahiran ako ng hiya. I did say he was sensitive just now, but he was behaving the other way around.
"Interesting."
Napabangon ako para tignan siya. Napakalas siya sa akin.
"Interesting?" Hindi ako makapaniwala.
He commented as if it was just my opinion and it wasn't the real case!
Giovanni held my hand that was fiddling with my ring. His other hand reached up to brush a strand of hair away from my face before our eyes locked.
"This is the first time in a while, that I heard someone talk about my anger."
Napalunok ako. Naalala ko ang sinabi ng HR Director.
"Because people see you like a golden child who's incapable of such negative feelings."
"Me?" He smiled behind the shadow of his face. "That may be true... but I was once a scapegoat, sweetheart. Someone else's a golden child."
Tinimbang ko ang sagot niya. "Are you referring to Tobie?"
Hindi siya sumagot at pinatakan lang ng magaang halik ang pisngi ko. My mouth ran dry when I realized something.
Aside from continuing Tobie's unfinished business by sacrificing his own, did Giovanni also sacrifice his way of life to live as Tobie himself?
To be a... permanent replacement?
"Anger itself is not a sign of weakness, but allowing your anger to dictate your reaction is a surrender of strength," Gio uttered with heavy conviction. "Dictate your anger, sweetheart, and surrender your strength to a better resolution."
I faced him, engrossed in his thought-provoking remark. I thought I already heard him saying something along those lines.
"Define a better resolution, Gio." I chuckled flatly. "Did you mean sabotaging someone, instead of expressing your frustration and anger? Instead of fixing the problem?"
"That's a poor way to interpret it, sweetheart."
Kumalas na ako sa kanya para harapin siya.
"Let's stop sugarcoating and romanticizing your behavior, Gio. You know what I mean! Just like how you plotted a discord around your stalker to make her resign before! And now, you also sabotaged Ms. Sanchez to terminate her from the company?"
Hindi ko inakalang sasabog ako nang ganito. My thoughts just kept on riling me, I couldn't help but explode!
"Don't tell me you also got it from Tobie? He was way more sane than that, Gio."
Tumalim ang titig niya sa akin. May kung ano sa huli kong sinabi na nakapukaw sa atensiyon niya, sa kabila ng mahaba kong hinaing kanina.
"Don't speak to me as if I live for that Fabian."
"Bakit? Mali ba ako?"
Giovanni worked his jaw and reached for the wine bottle to pour a small portion into his empty glass.
"Did Marco tell you?" he asked while swirling the wine around in his glass.
"Hindi na mahalaga kung paano ko nalaman."
Sumimsim siya roon bago sumulyap sa akin, mas kalmado na kaysa kanina.
"That stalker was obsessed with taking photos and videos of me, Elia. She invaded my privacy, to the point of installing a spy cam in my office," he then finished the remains of his wine in one graceful quaff. "Her colleagues discovered her ulterior motive for joining the company, so she resigned out of disgrace."
Lumipat ang tingin niya sa direksiyon ko bago tumayo at humarap sa akin.
"You're right. I exposed her secretly. Just like how we disclosed Sanchez, with her fraudulent activities and connection with our major competitor, Elia."
"What?"
His brooding gaze chilled me, but not more than his words.
"We had her investigated. She's a fucking mole."
My hand flew all the way to my mouth in terror as I processed what I just had heard.
Alam kong ubod ng yaman ang pamilya ni Giovanni at alam ko rin kung gaano kalakas ang mga negosyo nila. Nababasa at napapanuod ko ang mga gantong eksena, pero hindi ko akalaing ganito rin ang mundong ginagalawan ni Gio.
Of course, it was possible. So many times, it happened in reality. But never have I ever thought that I'd hear and witness someone who underwent something that dangerous and controversial.
Konektado pa rin ba ito sa kinakaharap na eskandalo at problema ng pamilya nila? Ng kompanya?
Unti-unti tinawid ni Giovanni ang distansiya naming dalawa, hanggang sa naramdaman ko na lang ang mapang-angkin niyang mga kamay sa bewang ko.
I bit my lower lip and shut my eyes with regret.
I was right... and wrong at the same time. There was something troubling him. I added a weight to his burden. Ang hirap tanggapin na nagpadala ako sa emosyon ko, sa kabila ng payo niya sa akin.
"I was angry at her for exploiting her power over you. But good thing, huh? I dictated my anger, and used my strength to react perfectly sane, Elia."
Napasinghap ako nang natanto ang mga sinabi nito. Saka ko lang naintindihan. For the second time, Gio taught me this lesson the hard way. I already judged him once poorly, I couldn't believe I did it again.
Dinantay ko ang mga kamay sa kanyang braso. Naging hudyat iyon sa kanya, na tila nakakuha ng permisong hawakan ako, para yumuko at ihilig ang noo sa balikat ko.
"I don't act impulsively, sweetheart. I don't react for nothing."
Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga bago ko siya yakapin nang mahigpit.
"Yes, mali ako. I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry for misunderstanding the situation..."
His face adjusted to find a comfortable spot on my neck and caressed the small of my back gently.
"I'm not crazy like you think I am," aniya sa pagod at namamaos na boses.
I nodded painfully as I kept my silence.
"I'm sane," he then pulled me closer. "I'm sane, too."
Sa mga nagdaang araw, naging mainit na usapan lalo sa kompanya ang biglang pagkawala ni Ms. Sanchez sa trabaho.
Some employees thought that it was a simple matter of poor quality of work, kaya nasibak sa posisyon bago pa man matapos ang probation period nito for regularization. Only the higher-ups, including me and the directors, were aware of the espionage that happened.
According to Gio, Ms. Sanchez was still under further investigation. She kept denying her connection to the enemy. And the mastermind was being background checked, too. I noticed how collected Giovanni and his family were.
Ni wala nang lumabas na balita sa publiko, bukod sa eskandalong kinasangkutan ng modelo at kambal ni Gio.
They acted as if it wasn't the first time this happened. Despite my extreme curiosity, I didn't wanna meddle and worm information out of Gio. It was a very private matter. But I always acted carefully around him. I ensured to offer my help whenever he needed someone. I made sure that I was at his disposal.
"Riz..."
Muntik ko nang mabitawan ang hawak kong kape nang sumulpot si Edwards sa gilid ko.
"Hey! Uhm..." I scanned my eyes around the office pantry in panic, trying to find something to talk about.
Lumapit siya sa coffee machine bago muling lumingon sa pwesto ko.
"Riz, are you avoiding me?"
"No! Hindi. B-Busy lang ako..." depensa ko bago iangat ang tasa sa mga labi ko.
I was guilty. Tama siya. Sinubukan ko siyang iwasan sa loob ng ilang araw, pero nitong mga nakaraan, totoong abala na ako sa trabaho. Tuwing break time at uwian naman, nasa tabi ako ni Gio.
Kung hindi pa ako tatanungin ni Edwards tungkol dito, baka nga mawala na sa isip ko ang ginawa kong pag-iwas sa kanya.
Tinitigan ko ang hawak na tasa habang marahan iyong iniihipan. Tumubo ang nguso ko sa pagkadismaya.
I know, I was terrible. It was like I ghosted a friend.
"Hindi ka na nakakasabay sa amin para mag-lunch. We thought you were just busy, given the situation in your department."
Edwards placed his hands on his waist before facing the machine silently, as if deep in thought.
"But I noticed that you were exclusively cold toward me, Riz. You're doing just fine with Raquel and David."
Nagpakawala ako ng buntonghininga. "You're right... I'm sorry."
Pagkakuha niya ng kape, sumandal siya sa counter at humarap sa akin.
He raised his eyebrow. "Why did you do that?"
"Ang totoo, medyo hindi pa ako sanay sayo. I'm still careful around you because you remind me of my... of my late childhood friend."
Napatuwid siya ng tayo sa narinig.
"I'm sorry to hear that. If I ever did something disrespectful, I didn't mean to-"
"H-Hindi sa ganon, Edwards. You did nothing wrong. Trust me. You had no idea, and that was just me being sensitive..."
Dumiin ang hawak ko sa tasa bago napagdesisyunang sabihin sa kanya ang totoo.
"His name was Tobiah. So I can't..." Pansamantala akong pumikit at bumuga ng hangin. "I can't bring myself to call you by that name. And whenever it was mentioned... I snapped."
Edwards cupped half of his face frustratedly. Hindi niya na rin hawak ang kanyang kape nang lumapit sa akin.
"I have no idea that all this time, my very existence troubles you," he tried to lighten up the mood. "You should've told me sooner, so we could compromise. I can compromise, Riz. No need to avoid me."
"I know. That's why I'm sorry..."
Funny how I needed to say those words so often lately.
"I was just worried, no big deal. Thank you for letting me know."
I bit the inside of my cheek and looked up at him shyly.
"I can make it up to you. Babawi ako."
"How?" halukipkip niya.
Napailing ako. "Kahit ano. As long as I can grant it?"
Ngumuso siya at pumunta sa kanyang kape para humigop doon habang nag-iisip. Sinipat ko rin ang sarili kong kape at napabuntong-hininga. Lumamig na 'yon.
"You know, this is embarrassing to ask, but I really think you're the only person who can... kick off whatever this is."
Kumunot ang noo ko. "Anong tinutukoy mo?"
Nagtama ang paningin namin. Pansin ko ang pamumula ng tenga nito nang haplusin niya ang batok at iwasan ang tingin ko.
"I think... Raquel and I... like each other..."
Namilog ang mga mata ko. Hindi ko napigilan ang malawak na ngiti! Oh, my gosh!
Raquel and Edwards? Now that I think about it, they indeed suit each other perfectly! I didn't see this coming! One of the best plot twists of this internship program!
I gasped when I realized something. "Are you thinking of using me to wingman you?"
"What? It's not like-"
"I'm totally in!" I jumped.
Kahit halatang hindi inaasahan ni Edwards ang reaksiyon ko, binahagi niya na sa akin ang naisip niyang plano.
I hadn't known him for years, we just became friends last semester, but I always pegged Edwards as the cool and chill type of man.
He was a natural people person. His friends would tail him behind or gather around him. Athletic, outgoing, and smart.
So that time, I was unfamiliar with the flustered ear-blushing guy in front of me.
"Kailangan ko nang bumalik sa office. I'm over 15 minutes!" I laughed as I poured the remains of my coffee into the sink after our talk.
"Likewise. We need to catch up, okay?" He pinched my shoulder teasingly.
"Alright, alright!"
"Don't forget during our lunchtime, I'd really appreciate it if you can make some time for us to meet. I really need you, Riz. It's now or never." Maging siya ay natawa sa inaakto.
Kumaway ako at ngumisi sa kanya. "Consider it done. I'll message you!"
Habang papunta sa office, abala ako sa pagbuo ng mensahe para kay Raquel.
I only needed to invite her to the nearest Korean restaurant for lunch because according to Edwards, she'd definitely accept it since she had been craving for any Korean cuisine. Imagine my surprise when he even knew the little details!
The plan was to invite Raquel and once she arrived at the place, I would tell her that I'd take a rain check for some emergency at the last minute. That's when Edwards would come into the picture out of pure coincidence.
Natawa ako sa kalagitnaan ng trabaho tuwing naaalala ang plano. I couldn't wait to hear from them!
Just an hour before lunch, I was called by the Assistant Director in the middle of my daydreams.
"Ophelia, hey. I'd like you to go to Clark's office and hand him this. He'll sign it." Nilahad niya sa akin ang isang folder.
I took it but pointed it to me. "Ako po?"
I'm pretty sure she knew that Gio and I have a thing by now.
"Yes. Others are unavailable as of the moment."
That's right. Hyacinth was summoned to aid our Director while Brenda went to the Marketing Department.
Today seemed a pretty busy day. Pansin ko ang pagiging aligaga ng mga tao. Bawat kilos ay tila kalkulado at pinag-isipan. Walang may gustong magkamali.
No one was slacking off. Maybe because of the VIP visitors today.
Mabagal akong tumango at naghanda nang umalis. I grabbed my phone and cup. I might as well get some coffee when I go back to make up for my loss earlier.
Hindi ko naiwasang mapangiti habang nilalakbay ang direksiyon ng opisina ni Gio.
I couldn't believe that I'd get the chance to visit him in his office while at work. In truth, I was under the impression that people might find it weird and questionable if we meet while on duty. Mukhang mas propesyunal ang mga tao rito keysa sa inaakala ko.
Pagkatigil sa harap ng opisina, kumatok ako nang dalawang beses bago ako pagbuksan ni Sir Marco.
"Good morning, Ms. Mallari. Come in," he smiled.
My lips curled at that view but nodded nonetheless.
"Good morning. Excuse me," sabay pasok ko sa silid.
Natagpuan ko si Gio na seryosong nakikipag-usap sa kanyang sekretarya habang abala sa computer.
Sabay silang lumingon sa akin pagkatapak ko sa opisina.
Isang tingin lang ni Gio sa ginang, yumuko na ang huli para magpaalam. Ganoon din si Sir Marco na sumunod sa sekretarya palabas ng silid pagkatapos akong ngitian muli.
"Uh... bakit sila umalis?" I gestured the door as I walked toward Gio.
Tumayo siya mula sa executive desk at lumapit sa akin. I gazed at his watchful eyes. The moment he got a hold of me, he slowly leaned into my ear and whispered.
"They know how to read the room..."
"What?" Halos matawa ako habang tinutulak siya nang marahan sa dibdib. "I'm just here to get this signed. They don't have to-"
Giovanni suddenly tilted my chin and angled his face to claim my lips urgently. I froze there for a few seconds, my eyes dilated and my knees trembled, but he just nibbled my lower lip tenderly and pulled back to see my reaction.
"G-Gio, we shouldn't-"
But when he put his hands around my waist and pressed our bodies closer, I lost it. I finally tugged at his collar to pull him down and charged with the same intensity of his urgent lips.
Mabilis niyang kinuha sa akin ang mga dala kong gamit at hinagis iyon sa couch. He tilted his head on the other side to push his tongue inside my mouth.
I groaned when he did that. Sa sobrang tindi ng nararamdamang tensiyon, hindi ko na namalayang binuhat niya na ako patungo sa lamesa para ipuwesto roon.
Hinubad niya ang suot na coat kaya namilog ang mga mata ko.
"Why are you taking that off?!"
He tasted his lower lip before placing his coat beside me.
"I don't know if it's me, or it's getting hot in my office," he said, his voice low and husky.
"I think it's you."
His eyes sharpened at me. "Guilty as charged. Sue me."
I laughed nervously. "I will, because you're absolutely not innocent."
He craned his neck on the other side and placed his palms on the table, caging me between his arms, as his deep eyes locked on mine.
"What's the verdict then?"
I felt my cheeks flush as he leaned even closer. Ngunit umukit ang pilyang ngiti sa mga labi ko nang suklian ang mapaghamon niyang titig.
"Life sentence with me."
"I'll gladly serve my time then," he said, his gaze lingering on my lips.
I bit my lip, feeling a surge of desire wash over me. Okay, let's calm down.
Nang naramdaman ko ang paglapat ng kamay niya sa hita ko, bumaba ang tingin ko roon bago pairap na binalik sa kanya ang tingin.
"With all due respect, we are working, Sir. I need to go back as soon as possible, so if you can please sign the letter... I'll make it up to you after work." Ngumuso ako at napaiwas ng tingin. "I promise..."
Giovanni paused and found my gaze.
"Oh, where's my manners?" he grinned mischievously before retreating with a domineering look on his face. "But let's make it lunch instead."
"What?" lito akong umayos ng upo.
"Do it while we're eating lunch together. Here."
Napakurap-kurap ako. Dinungaw ko ang phone na nasa couch nang umilaw iyon para sa isang mensahe. It was probably Raquel!
Giovanni traced my line of vision, but he turned back to me with his jaw tight and clench.
"Why? Are you, perhaps, busy at lunch time?" Nagtaas siya ng kilay bago supladong dinampot ang coat sa tabi ko para suotin iyon.
"Nope. Let's eat lunch together." I smiled while watching him prepare.
Pagkatapos niyang pirmahan ang papel na dala ko, inabot niya iyon sa akin bago ako ibaba mula sa desk niya.
"You sure? You don't have any... prior commitment... scheduled at lunch?" aniya na tila may pinapahiwatig sa bawat salitang binibigkas.
Tumitig siya sa akin na tila may hinuhuling sagot sa mukha ko. Sinuklian ko iyon ng nalilitong tingin habang sinusubukang alalahanin kung meron nga ba akong prior commitment. Kasi mukhang naninigurado ito, kahit parang wala naman?
I mean, I did have an involvement in Edwards' plan to grab lunch with Raquel. I needed to set up the stage for them, but I didn't really need to be there in pers-
Wait, hold on. Binalik ko ang nanlalaking mga mata kay Gio nang may natanto.
"Did you happen to hear the discussion between... me and Edwards in the pantry?"
Nanatili lang ang tingin niya sa akin, walang kahit anong gulat o kalituhan. Napasinghap ako.
"You got the wrong idea. It's not like what you-"
Nahuli ko ang munting pagrolyo ng mga mata niya nang tumingala siya bago ibalik sa akin ang tingin.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I must have misunderstood your exciting lunch plans with him, as a discussion about the latest company merger strategy. I failed to do the math, huh?" he then folded his arms with obvious sarcasm on his face.
"To be honest, it's sort of a company merger strategy, but with two people instead of companies..." I murmured hesitantly, fearing that he'd spontaneously combust.
He smiled without humor. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Naglakad ako patungo sa couch at dinampot ang phone ko.
I opened the unread message and I was right. Raquel finally replied to my text!
"Excuse me, young miss? I'm still talking to you," Gio said behind me.
I frowned before turning to him. "Look!"
I shove the phone right on his face and he read the messages with crossed arms and furrowed eyebrows. He was so strict!
"Nakisuyo lang si Edwards kanina. He wanted to have lunch with Raquel, but he might shy her away if she learns they'd be alone. So Edwards only asked me to invite her for lunch. Not to have lunch with me!"
His eyes looked past the phone and our eyes met. He was still dimly mistrustful of it.
"Now that she agrees, I'll tell her I can't make it today at the last minute. That's the time Edwards will play his part and meet her," I continued before putting down my phone. "Nothing to be worried about, Gio. Edwards likes Raquel, okay?"
"Tss."
Nalaglag ang panga ko nang bigla niya akong talikuran. Is he really gonna be like that?
Habang naglalakad patungo sa kanyang desk, dinantay niya ang dalawang kamay sa bewang at tumingala, animo'y stressed na stressed!
Are we seriously arguing over this? This misunderstanding is so random! I pouted.
Preparing to pull my last straw, I inhaled heavily before following him from behind. Ngayon ko lang ito gagawin. Hindi man ako magaling manuyo, mukhang kailangan ko 'to gawin ngayon.
As Giovanni moved towards his chair, I immediately threw my arms around him from behind, feeling the firmness of his abdomen through his dress shirt.
W-What do you call this? Abs...?
I felt him stiffen. Napakurap-kurap ako at bumuntong-hininga.
"Losing your cool because you're jealous is a fresh breath of air, Sir. That's the first time." My lips protruded as I peeked beneath his left arm.
Giovanni's hand gradually moved from his waist to the strands of hair cascading over my face. With gentle fingers, he delicately brushed the strands away to reveal my face to him.
"I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time, dimwit," languidly, he corrected.
"Oh," I rolled my lips with intrigue. "Edi quits lang pala tayo. What a relief!"
A faint smile hung on the corner of his lips as he brought me in front of him. Nagpatianod naman ako nang hindi kinakalas ang yakap sa kanya.
He cradled my face with his hands before crouching down to press a tender kiss on my forehead. Bahagya akong napapikit.
"I object. When it comes to you, I'm always in the lead; you'll never catch up to me, sweetheart, but who's counting? As long as you love me, I'm beyond satisfied..."
Unti-unti akong napadilat at napatitig sa kanya.
"Just because you fell first doesn't mean you can belittle my feelings like that..." may halong tampo kong turan.
A faint smile spread across his lips with a sigh, and his serious eyes studied every part of my face as if committing it to memory.
"You are free to love me, Elia... You can love me at your own pace. Slow or urgent, intimate or distant—I don't care..." he whispered softly. "I will love you at any cost. I will love you all the time. I will love you all the same."
My heart swelled. I wasn't a crybaby. But for some reason, after hearing those words, I felt a lump in my throat as I tried to hold back my tears.
Hirap akong umiling at binaon ang mukha sa dibdib ni Gio.
I don't want that. I don't like that idea. I want him to demand more. I want him to look for what he deserves. To be greedy and fair. But even without him asking for that kind of love, I will.
I will give him all the love my heart and soul have to offer. I will love him with every fiber of my being, too.
I was brimming with love and positivity as I went back to our department. Para akong lumulutang habang naglalakad. Hindi ko maintindihan ang sarili. Para akong nababaliw habang nakangiti sa daan, hindi alintana ang abala at maingay na paligid.
Tulad ng plano, dumaan muna ako sa pantry para kumuha ng kape. Kaso naisip ko, hindi ba ako masosobrahan sa saya nito? Baka hanggang sa pagtulog, nagpa-palpitate ako!
I looked for my cup but it was futile. Isa-isa kong tinignan ang kamay pero tanging folder at phone lang ang dala ko. My forehead creased in confusion.
I remembered bringing my cup, too. Naiwan ko ba sa opisina ni Gio?
With that possibility in mind, I handed the folder back to our Assistant Director. Nagpaalam akong may babalikan lang sa opisina ni Gio bago nagmadaling lakbayin ang kahabaan ng daan patungo roon.
Baka sa oras na makita iyon ng sekretarya niya, baka iitsa niya lang iyon sa basurahan at hindi pwede iyon! That was my favorite cup!
I could feel my breath getting shorter as I reached Giovanni's office door, my hand reaching out to open it.
But just as I was about to push the door wider, I was greeted by the sound of Giovanni's voice, talking to another familiar voice. Napatigil ako habang pinapakiramdaman ang paligid.
With one peek through the door's opening, I found out that Gio was with Lewis, his cousin!
I swallowed hard in shock. They seemed to be discussing something grave, so of course, I hesitated to interrupt them.
However, when I tried to step back and leave, I overheard something that made my blood run cold.
"Really? You're giving me that bullshit? But you look like you're having fun, my dear cousin."
It wasn't Giovanni's voice. It was Lewis'.
"What do you want?" Gio's voice was thick and resonant, commanding attention with every syllable.
His cousin laughed sarcastically.
"It is making me sick, you know. Seeing you all over that girl while I'm serious, taking care of my business here," Lewis responded in a mocking tone. "So I just want to remind you... that you should be behaving yourself... and repenting for your sins forever, Clark. Instead of being lovey-dovey with that girl."
Napasapo ako ng bibig, tulalang nakikinig sa hamba ng pintuan. What are they talking about?
Wala man akong ideya sa pinag-uusapan nila, sapat na ang mga narinig ko para mapatunayang hindi biro ang nangyayari.
"You better keep her out of this if you know what's best for you."
"Then what? You'll kill me, too? Don't make me laugh, bro!" Lewis cackled sinisterly. "Does your girlfriend even know that you're the reason why her ex-boyfriend got into that accident?"
Tuluyan akong nanigas sa kinatatayuan. Ramdam ko ang paninikip ng dibdib ko.
Ex-boyfriend? Accident? What the hell is going on? Are they talking about Yves?
Napakunot ang noo ko. No, it was about someone else. Accident...
Lewis was referring to Tobie, wasn't he?
Sa kabila ng abot-langit na tahip sa dibdib, tahimik akong nanalangin. Naghintay ako ng depensa o eksplenasyon mula kay Gio. There was no way it was true.
Tobie was Gio's best friend. He wouldn't do that to him. That was impossible...
I prayed. I prayed silently that Lewis was lying. Gio was innocent. His cousin was only taunting him.
Ngunit nanlamig at nanginig na lang ang buong katawan ko, wala pa rin akong naririnig kay Gio magmula pa kanina.
He didn't try to deny it! What the hell? Speak the fuck up, Gio!
My mind was racing, trying to process everything, especially when Lewis continued his speech, and a realization hit me.
"If it was an accident, that is."
I stood there, unable to move, unable to think, unable to feel anything but a sense of emptiness and betrayal.
Nakarinig ako, kalaunan, ng mahihinang hakbang ng mga paa. Kahit parang... gusto ko na lang maglaho, at isiping panaginip lang ang lahat ng ito, nilingon ko ang paligid at natagpuan si Sir Marco hindi kalayuan sa akin.
He looked at me blankly. He didn't smile at me like he'd usually do. But I did... forcefully... and left.
May 9, 2023
#GCSeries1
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