Chapter 2
Naiinis kong kinalmot ang gilid ng ulo ko. 'Di pa rin ako makatulog kahit uminom na ako ng gamot. I sighed and pushed the heavy duvet off of my body. Hinipo ko ang leeg at noo ko. Basang-basa ko na.
Magdadalawang buwan na akong ganito. Kahit anong inom ko ng sleeping pills, I can't seem to fall asleep. Pakiramdam ko binabangungot ako kapag natutulog ako.
I covered my face with my palms. Ramdam ko ang panunuyo ng lalamunan ko kaya dahan-dahan akong bumaba ng katre para 'di magising si Parker.
I walked towards the small moveable cart not too far from the bed. May isang pitsel ng tubig at dalawang basong nakalagay roon. I flipped over the unused glass. Nagamit na siguro ni Parker ang isang piraso dahil may laman na itong tubig.
Dahan-dahan akong nagsalin ng tubig sa baso. Pagkatapos ay uminom na ako. Hinayaan kong dumaloy ang malamig na tubig sa aking lalamunan. I shivered. Ngayon ko lang napansin ang full-blast na aircon.
I looked over to my husband's sleeping figure. I clicked my tongue on my upper teeth a few times.
He did it again. Natulog nanaman siyang hubad.
"Alam mo, magkakasakit ka na talaga nito." I muttered.
I grabbed my silken night robe and wrapped it loosely around my now cold body bago dahan-dahang umupo sa tabi niya. I looked at the time and it was 5:35 am. Wala na naman akong tulog ngayong gabi.
Usually when this happens I just fall asleep on the way to work, or if hindi ko na talaga kaya natutulog ako sa office habang hinihintay ang cliente ko. Takot akong matulog kapag gabi. Bukod sa wala akong nakikita na liwanag, kung ano-ano na lang ang naririnig ko.
I grabbed a fistful of the duvet and tucked Parker's body beneath it's warm weight. Nakadapa itong natutulog kaya kitang-kita ko ang linyada ng muscles na isang taon na niyang pinaghihirapan. Gymaholic kaya ang asawa ko.
Pinagmasdan ko ang maamong mukha ng asawa ko. Napangiti ako.
I ran my nimble fingers through his hair, combing his soft ebony locks and draped it away from his face. I used the back of my hand to caress his cheek. He stirred in his sleep. I think I might've woken him up.
When Parker fluttered his eyes, I greeted him with a soft, "Morning, love. Did I wake you up?"
Imbis na isang "Good morning, love" ang bumungad sa'kin, isang nag-aalalang Parker ang nakaharap ko. He rubbed his eyes as he used his free arm to lift himself up. He softly grabs my shoulders. Through bleary eyes and slurred speech, I could see the worry in his eyes.
"Love, ang aga-aga pa. Are you okay? May masakit ba? Hindi ka na naman ba makatulog? Did you have a nightmare?" Sunod-sunod niyang tanong. Umiling naman ako.
"It's the usual. 'Di na naman ako makatulog." sabi ko. Nandilim ang paningin niya na parang hindi nito nagugustuhan ang naririnig.
"Is it him again? Did you see Xiao in your nightmare again?" He asks.
Hindi ako makapagsalita. Kung sasabihin ko sa kanyang nananaginip na naman tungkol kay Xiao, baka mag-away na naman ulit kami.
Parker is a superstitious guy. Naniniwala siya na may grudge pa rin ang kaluluwa niya sa'kin. Sabi-sabi raw ng matatandang Cojuangco's, gusto akong isama ni Xiao sa kabilang buhay. As a Chinese-Filipino, he believes in all sorts of superstitions as if it's the law.
"Should we get another bagua? Or should we have another house blessing? Siguro it'll be better if we have a cleansing ritual? Ask a feng-shui expert, siguro?" Sunod-sunod niyang suhestiyon. Bahagya akong natawa.
I cupped his cheek with my right hand and gently placed a peck on his lips. "You're overreacting, Parker. I'm sure the problem lies with me. You know how it ended between him and I... I told you the day we got married." I looked away.
Parker looks down, a melancholy expression founds its way to his usual non-expressive face.
"I know. I'm just worried the guilt you might be feeling over his death is consuming you," he pauses as if hesitating. "Don't you know I know about those scars you keep on hiding?"
My face fell. I could feel my heart racing.
Paano niya nalaman 'yon?
"Anong pinagsasabi mo..." I tugged my long sleeve robes around my wrist to hide the evidence, which only made him scoff a little.
"I've known and studied every inch of your body Sophia, so how could I not notice it when you began wearing long sleeves? How I'd find dried blood stains on the sleeves of your blouse? How you've been taking multiple sleeping pills every night for two months. How... you secretly book appoints to the doctor without telling me, Tan or Kryz." sabi niya.
Ahh... 'yon na. Sinabi na niya na ang lahat ng hinala niya.
Alam kong malalaman at mahahalata na ni Parker ang kinikilos ko. Hindi bobo ang asawa ko. Pero ang hindi ko lang inakala ay ganon pala siya ka attentive.
I should've known. After all, my husband isn't a provincial governor for nothing.
"You don't have to worry... I won't do it again. I swear." I said.
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, his jaw clenching at my blatant lie. "I love you, Sophia, but I can't trust you. You're constantly worrying me."
Pakiramdam ko may namumuong bato sa lalamunan ko. Nahihirapan akong lumunok at huminga. Ang katawan ko na nilalamig ay mas nanlalamig sa sobrang kaba.
Alam kong 'di niya ako titigilan hangga't malaman niya na ayos lang ako. Batid ko namang hindi lang siya ang nakakahalata ng gawi ko. Lahat ng mga nakakatrabaho niya sa opisina. Bodyguard namin. Si Chef Juno. My in-laws. Pamilya ko. Kaibigan ko. At lalo na ang mga anak ko.
"Let's go to the doctor together, okay? I need to know what you're feeling so that I'll know how to help you. So please," he took my hand and brought it to his lips. "Don't hurt yourself anymore okay?"
I looked at his eyes and I could see the genuine worry and sadness in it. There was something laced on his eyes, too. However, I couldn't pin-point the feeling behind it. In the end, I agreed to his request. It'll be for the best.
He smiled weakly and brought me closer to his chest. With his chest bare, I could feel his warmth enveloping me. And together with the warmth that slowly crept up my own cold one, his pounding heartbeat slows down with mine.
"GOOD AFTERNOON, Mrs. Cojuangco," narinig kong pagbati ni Loisa, ang personal assistant ko. "Ma'am, bakit hindi mo po ako tinawagan? Sana pinasundo kita kay Manong Hector."
I greeted her with a smile as I closed the door of my office. "It's okay, Loisa. Si Parker naman naghatid sa'kin. We had a prior appointment today kaya he decided to drop me off on his way to the office."
At the corner of my eye, I caught Loisa covering her mouth as she giggles. Lihim din akong napangiti.
"Nako, Ma'am. Mahal na mahal ka po talaga ni Sir Parker, 'no? Siguro sobrang mahal ka niya kasi ang bait-bait mo, talentado pa, maganda at sexy-sexy rin! Aba, jackpot na si Sir!" She said enthusiastically.
Bahagya namang uminit ang pisngi ko. I cooled my cheeks using the back of my hand.
"Binobola mo na naman ako, Loisa. O siya, tama na 'yan! Let me see today's agenda," I ordered. She quickly hands me the set of clipboards and folders she's been carrying since I arrived.
"Kumusta na ang team natin para sa client in Siargao? I heard they're departing today?"
"Yes po, Ma'am. The client said they wanted the team to arrive as soon as possible. He wants the interior of the hotel to be 'pristine' by the end of the week. He's sent the calendar of the hotel's future events and it seems like minamadali tayo kasi golden anniversary ng clients sa susunod na linggo." She explained.
I rubbed my chin while lost in thought. Naiinis na talaga ako sa cliente na 'yan! He's been making demands left and right, and our company's struggling to deploy our resources.
As the CEO of Querencia, it's only right that I find a solution whenever a client's being unreasonable in order to optimize our material and human resources. However, I guess my father has already done something considering the fact that the client has given us an almost reasonable work schedule of a week at most.
"Okay. Oh, do we have any new clients today?"
"Actually po Ma'am, meron. She called a little while ago that she's coming to the office." sabi niya.
"Okay, I'll wait for her here. Send her as soon as she arrives."
"That won't be necessary, Ma'am," bungad ng isang lalaki. "Ma'am Sophia, may naghihintay po sa'yo sa labas. Papasukin ko na po ba?" sabi ni Alex, ang receptionist namin.
"Ganon ba? Papasukin mo na siya." sabi ko at agad na binigay kay Loisa ang bag ko. Kinuha niya na ito at umalis. I sat down on the chair at my desk and waited for the client.
When I heard the familiar clacking sound of heels on the marbled floor, I turned around to look at my client.
"Good morning po, Ma'am-" I stopped.
Gulat kong tiningnan ang pamilyar na tao sa harap ko. From the way she dressed, the signature Louis Vuitton, the sharp and elegant outfit were all indication of the person I wished I didn't have to meet.
"I see that you're doing well, Sophia. I'm glad." The woman with a thick French accent said. I quickly stood up to greet her.
"Tita Yoli--Ah! I meant Mrs. Sinclair. What can I help you with?" I asked confused.
She smiled gently and neatly placed her hands just above her abdomen. Her whole aura screamed I am rich.
"I didn't come here to have my house decorated, Sophia. I just... wanted to speak with you." She said.
Kausapin ako? Para saan?
"Of course, Mrs. Sinclair. Please, make yourself comfortable-"
"I was hoping I could bother you for some time. I wish to speak to you... alone." She said.
I eyed her warily, a sudden hostile tone laced my words. "Where?"
Alam kong masamang manghusga ng tao base sa kaniyang apelyido. I know she's a good person. After all, her son was one hell of a man. Kind and compassionate runs through their blood like it's what they were born to do. However, hindi ko rin mapigilan ang sarili ko na mag-alinlangan.
Asawa pa rin naman ako ni Parker, ang current governor ng Cavite. At si Tita Yoli? Anak ni dating Governor Claude, and rival ng pamilya ng asawa ko. I'd be a fool if I trusted people easily when we're dealing with people who have heavy connections in politics lalo na't malapit na ang eleksyon. I heard her father wants to run for candidacy.
I could see how she sensed the shift in my behavior dahil tumawa siya ng mahina. Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit sa'kin.
"'Wag kang mag-aalala, Mrs. Cojuangco. I don't plan on discussing politics with you. My father and your husband's hostility is not ours to bear. I simply wish to speak about you... about Xiao."
Her tone softens up at the mention of her son. I could feel the tears prickling the side of my eyes.
I bit my lip. "What about him?"
"I think it's best if I take you there myself."
"Where?"
"Petite Sainte Villa."
What?
Petite Sainte Villa is the famous villa of the Sinclair's. It directly translates to "Little Saint". It was built by Claude Sinclair's great great grandfather, and people say multiple treasures are buried in the premises hence it's built in the middle of nowhere and nobody can enter without special permission.
But me getting an invitation? Someone who's married to a Cojuangco?
"I know you're probably thinking why I gave you permission to enter the villa when you're supposed to be my rival," she says as she circles the room while studying the decorations I've intricately placed. "Sabihin na lang natin na... I'm doing my son a favor."
Should I go or should I not? Is Tita Yoli supposed to be a threat or not? If she's using Xiao to squeeze in talks of politics, I should probably refuse her offer.
But what if? What if... she just really just want to talk about Xiao?
I sighed. Tutal malapit na rin gumabi, I should just go with her. Wala naman akong magawa ngayon sa office.
"Fine," I agreed. "Loisa, clear my schedule for today. Make sure nobody knows of this meeting, understood?" I eyed her.
Mukhang naintindihan naman niya ang ibig sabihin ko kaya yumuko siya. "Understood, Ma'am. I won't inform Sir Parker and Sir Alejandrino."
It's better to be safe than sorry.
"WELCOME back po, Madame Eolalia." bungad na bati ng isang butler na may monocle na suot. Mukha siyang galing sa isang period drama kasi bihis na bihis siya. Sa likod niya ay may nakahilera na maids at chauffers; girls on the left, boys on the right.
Masasabi kong mayaman ang pamilya ng asawa ko, pero 'di ko masasabi sa ganitong level. Lahat ng exterior architecture and reminiscent ng designs nung sa palasyo ni Marie Antoinette. It goes to show na totoo talaga ang sinasabi ng lahat.
The Sinclair's are filthy rich.
"Thank you, Donovan. Please assist my guest. This is Sophia Cojuangco."
"Magandang hapon po, Sir." sabi ko naman habang nakangiti.
Ngumiti siya pabalik sa'kin. May bakas na ng nagdaan na dekada ang hitsura niya at halatang matagal na siyang naninilbihan dito sa villa dahil magaan ang pakikitungo ni Tita Yoli sa kanya. Tita Yoli smiled widely.
Sa kanya pala namana ni Xiao ang mala-anghel na ngiti niya. Parehong-pareho eh.
Hindi nagtagal ay pumasok na kami papunta sa drawing room ng bahay nila. May tatlong maid na pumasok, bitbit ang iba't-ibang tray na naglalaman ng pagkain at inumin.
Una, may inilagay na teacup sa tapat ko ang isang babae. Sunod naman may nilagay rin siya sa harap ni Tita Yoli. Sunod naman ang tea set na mainit pa. Then tea trays of sandwiches and pastries were set in the middle of a golden table.
I can tell it's freshly brewed tea with how aromatic the scent is. Bigla akong naglaway. Grabe, walang-wala talaga ako kompara sa kanila. Parang royalty sila.
"Let me pour your some tea." sabi ni Tita Yoli.
I was about to refuse her offer, however she got to the pot first and was halfway pouring its contents on my cup. Then she poured herself some and an awkward silence filled the room.
"Dinala kita rito Sophia because I needed to know something." She said.
I took a sip of my tea, careful not to burn myself. "What is it... that you wanted to know?"
She mindlessly stared at the contents of her half-filled cup. Her eyes down low and tired, almost. I sense she's struggling speak what's on her mind.
"Xiao... did he ever seem weird to you when he was alive?" She finally asked.
"Not... that I'm aware of." I looked away.
Akala ko madali nang pag-usapan si Xiao, pero kahit anong pilit ko na okay lang iyon, hindi pa rin pala.
She snaps her fingers and in two seconds flat, Donovan the butler appeared behind her and held out a tray containing some kind of sealed transparent bags. On it were a pair of mismatched cufflinks, an old dirty yellowing paper with its edges fraying, and a phone in surprisingly good condition.
"What's these?"
"Evidences," she pauses. "Found on the scene of the crime."
Have you ever felt as if a large pillow was slapped on your head and suddenly you're struggling to breathe as all air in your body was punched out of it? That's what I'm feeling right now.
She sets down the evidences in front of me and it took all of me to prevent myself from reaching out and taking them all home.
They're pieces left by Xiao. If I take it home... would it feel like he's coming home with me?
"In front of you are cufflinks, Xiao's phone, and his... apparent suicide note." Tita Yoli let out a shaky breath, however his expression remained cold and empty.
My head snapped to her. "Suicide note?" I repeated.
Gising ba ako o binabangungot na naman ba ako? Nakatuloy kaya ako sa office? Pero bakit parang totoo ito? Ang bigat bigat ng puso ko.
"Are you saying the police said he killed-"
"I never said I believe what the police said, Sophia." She interrupts. I gulped.
Kung hindi siya naniniwala sa police, does she think there might be foul play?
I audibly gasped at the realization that this may not be a simple missing person's death. Not a simple suicide. It might be...
"...murder." She finishes my thought for me.
Bigla akong kinilabutan.
IT WAS sundown when Tita Yoli and I finished our talk. Lumabas akong lumulutang. Babagsak na ata ako. Nahihilo ako.
"Are you sure you'll be safe? At least have one of my attendants accompany you besides my driver." sabi ni Tita Yoli. Umiling ako at ngumiti.
"Ayos lang po, Tita. I'll be fine." I said.
Kahit kitang-kita ko ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya, I tried to ease her worries by affirming her a few times that I'll be just fine going home alone. Na kaya ko pa naman at hindi na ako masyadong nahihilo.
"Sige po, mauuna na ako." sabi ko sabay pasok sa sasakyan. Pero bago pa man ako tuluyang makapasok, she grabs me by my wrist. I looked back at her.
"Yes?"
"Be vigilant, Sophia. There's too many eyes and ears to be careful about."
Bigla akong kinilabutan dahil sa sinabi niya. Vigilant about what?
I scrunched my nose in deep thought before I nodded. I don't think she has to worry too much. We have a lot of bodyguards if she's worried about my safety.
"Sige po. Aalis na ako." I climbed into the car just as the breeze picks up and at the corner of my eye, I saw a silhouette of a man in black from afar. A man in black hoodie and mask stared at me from a far. Mukhang nagtatrabaho yata siya dito?
He keeps staring at me... it's giving me the heebee jeebees. Hayop. Weirdo.
I shivered. Agad ko namang isinara ang pinto at inutusan ang driver na idrop ako sa bahay namin. Biningay ko sa kanya ang address ng Cojuangco Mansion at saka umalis na.
It took me an hour to arrive home. Nasa loob na kami ng property nang sinabihan ko ang driver na sa labas ng gate na lang ako bababa. Mahirap na baka may makakita ng sasakyan ng mga Sinclair's.
Nang makababa ay pinasasalamatan ko muna ang driver bago pumasok sa gate. Naglakad ako hanggang sa maabot ang main entrance.
Finally. Just home by dinner time.
I reached for the door handle when I noticed a familiar car parked on the garage. A strange sense of foreboding filled me. Ayoko ng ganito.
I winced and closed my eyes.
There goes my quiet dinner time.
Pagkapasok ko, agad na bumungad sa'kin ang mukha ng taong kinaiinitan ko. Pilit-ngiti kong nginitian siya.
"Good evening... Papa."
Kahit puti na ang buhok at balbas niya at halatang paika-ika na itong lumakad gamit ang baston, hindi maitatanggi na iba pa rin ang awra ni Alejandrino Cojuangco. Isang malupit at istriktong pulitiko.
I walked towards him with a shifty smile. My mother in law meekly greets me which I greeted back with an amiable 'Good evening, Ma'.
Alejandrino Cojuangco grins sinisterly, as if he knows something that I don't. I gulped down my fear and sat on the table.
"It's nice for you to join us for dinner, anak," I cringed at the obvious hostility in his words. "Akala ko hindi ka na uuwi. Kanina ka pa hinahanap ng mga bata."
"Busy lang po sa opisina. Over time po kasi maraming cliente." I blankly said.
He tugs the corner of his lips downward and raised his brow as if finding my excuse hard to believe. He picks up the glass of wine and took a long sip of the red liquid.
"Oh? Do tell me about this... client of yours."
I picked up the glass of wine pre-poured out for me. I took a sip and resigned in defeat.
This is gonna be a long night.