"With a shy radiance, the tiny star initiates its glow, casting a soft aura of enchantment across the universe."
Tiffany Suzanne Holland
The car slowed down and came to a halt in front of Lèandre Couture, a high-end fashion boutique. A man dressed in a sleek suit quickly approached the car and opened the door for us. As we stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but feel intimidated by the grandeur of the place.
"Are you ready, Ms. Holland?" Aizenberg asked with a smile. She extended her hand, as if inviting me to walk alongside her inside.
I nodded and smiled as I took her hand and we walked together down the long red carpet. The carpet seemed to stretch on forever, leading us to an event backdrop where photographers were snapping pictures of the guests.
As we reached the end of the red carpet, I was momentarily blinded by the flashes of cameras pointed in our direction. Aizenberg stepped forward in the center of the backdrop, and pose as the photographers snapping pictures of her, looking her stunning like a celebrity with her tall, toned figure and beautiful face that could rival those of the top models of luxury brands.
After a few poses, it was my turn to step up for the photos. Medyo kinakabahan at nahihiya ako dahil first time ko ang maka-attend sa ganitong event, but as I looked towards Aizenberg direction, ngumiti sya saakin na tila sinasabi nya na kaya ko to, kaya kahit papaano nabawasan ang hiya ko.
Dahil hindi talaga marunong mag pose o magproject sa camera. Napagdesiyonan ko nalang na gayahin yung cute pose ng mga Korean-pop group na favorite ko.
"Smile! Yeah.. there you are..One..two..three." Saad ng photographers habang kumukuha ito ng pictures ko gamit ang lense ng camera nya.
I shyly smiled, and I couldn't help but enjoy the moment and soak up the glamour of the event. After kaming kuhaan ng pictures sa event backdrop, nagtungo na kami sa lobby ng Lèandre's Couture lobby. Inside, was a sight to behold.
From the exterior of the building masasabi ko talagang ang ganda, para lang akong nasa ibang bansa. Yung kulay ng walls, cream color with gold accents, giving off an opulent Dubai-inspired vibe was absolutely perfect.
Even entrance was adorned with an expensive grand glass door that opened up to a spacious lobby with white marble floors and high ceilings. Feeling ko talaga nasa mall ako ng mga Royals.
As we walk into the main showroom, I was left in awe of the luxurious interior. The walls were lined with elegant displays showed the latest fashion pieces from Lèandre Couture.
The lights was perfect, highlighting the intricate details of each garment. The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were adorned with pure crystals that sparkled in the light, and they were truly breathtaking.
I couldn't take my eyes off of them, especially sa magagandang dresses na nakasuot sa mannequin nila. mahilig talaga ako sa fashion, kaya sobrang naappreciate ko ang details at ang ganda ng mga new collections nila.
As I looked to the next room, I was starstruck, when I saw some of the most famous influencers, vloggers, and even celebrities in person. They all looked so expensive and beautiful, dressed in the latest fashion trends of Stella Dash and Lèandre Couture collection and carrying designer bags from famous luxury brands.
I couldn't believe that I was in the same room as them. The glamour and luxury that surrounded me were overwhelming, and I felt like I had stepped into another world.
"Patrice!"
Napalingon kami ni Aizenberg sa nagmamay-ari ng boses. Gosh! Its Police Captain Lèandre and the Eros members looked elegant and gorgeous in their suits and dresses. Wow!
"Hi Tiff, ang cute mo sa dress mo" Attorney Montemayor complimented. Kaya napangiti ako.
"Thank you po Attorney Montemayor. You too, you look stunning."
Matipid din syang ngumiti saka na sya bumaling sa mga kaibigan nya at nag usap-usap sila. Maya-maya pa niyaya na kami ni Police Captain Lèandre para puntahan si Ms. Kalea Lee Lèandre.
Nahihiya ako dahil hindi maganda ang una naming encounter. Pero ang sabi naman ni Aizenberg na wag ako mahiya o matakot dahil mabait daw si Kalie. At sa tingin nya wala lang kay Kalie yun una naming encounter. Syempre ako, hindi maiwasan ang kabahan. Baka kasi palayasin nya ako sa event nya at mapahiya pa ako.
Nang makalapit kami sa kanya, tinawag sya ni Police Captain Lèandre at lumingon naman agad saamin si Kalie. Omg! I couldn't help but feel starstruck to her.
She looked absolutely gorgeous in her black long dress. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the intricate lace detailing on the bodice added an extra touch of elegance.
Even, Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back, and her makeup was flawless. She's truly looked like a goddess.
As Kalie made her way towards us, napansin ko ang daughter nila na nakatayo sa tabi ng mommy nya. The little girl looked adorable in her pink dress, which complemented her mother's outfit perfectly.
It was clear that they were a stylish and fashionable family, and I couldn't help kundi ang humanga sa kanila. Pagtinignan mo silang tatlo kasama ni Police Captain Lèandre. Gosh! They were perfect.
Napadako ang tingin saakin ni Kalie, ngumiti naman sya saka lumapit saakin at nakipag-beso. Gosh! Tama nga si Aizenberg, wala lang sa kanya yung unang encountered namin.
Thank goodness, Kinabahan talaga ako akala ko kasi mapapalayas nya ako sa event. Buti nalang hindi. In fact, sinamahan pa nya kami sa pinaka-front seat kung saan nakaupo ang mga sikat na artista para manood sa catwalk. May run-away fashion show kasi ng mga new collection ng Lèandre Couture summer collection dresses ang bags.
Nang magsimula ang event, napansin ko ang mga tao na hawak nila ang mga cellphone nila at vinevideohan ang mga model na naglalakad sa catwalk. Kaya kinuha ko din ang cellphone ko saka ko ginaya ang ginagawa nila. Yeah, I took video of those gorgeous models.
Ang saya, kinikilig ako dahil first time ko na maka-attend ng ganitong luxurious event. Sa TV ko lang ito nakikita. At kahit na nasa modeling industry ang Ate Aira ko, never naman sya nakapag-lakad sa isang catwalk gaya nito.
Iba ang pakiramdam na makapanood ko ng ganitong event sa personal kesa sa TV lang. Mas makikita mo ang bawat detailed ng mga clothes na pinapakita nila. At mas nakaka'inspired.
After the fashion show, umakyat kami sa second floor dahil nandun ang showroom ng mga perfumes. Grabe! My jaw dropped in disbelief how beautiful this room was.
It was fascinating to learn that the style of the perfume bottle was actually inspired by famous places around the world. For example, in their perfume collection called 'Aissance no.5,' the fragrance is inspired by the Tuscan region of Rome, Italy. That's why the shape of the perfume bottle resembles the iconic structure of the Brunelleschi Doumo in Rome.
It's truly a unique and creative way to incorporate the essence of these renowned locations into the design of the perfume bottle. Ang ganda, at bukod dun ang bango at amoy expensive pa.
May staff din sila na nagtuturo kung paano ang proper way how to put perfumes. dapat pala, hindi nirurub ang perfume at may designated area sya na dapat paglagyan sa part ng katawan natin. Omg! Ang dami kong natutunan.
Habang natitingin kami ni Aizenberg ng mga perfumes, Kalie approached us, at niyaya nya kami sa VVIP room, kung saan nagpaparty ang mga Elite people, mga famous influencer, celebrities and so forth.
Aizenberg introduced me sa mga sikat na influencer na kilala nya at tinulungan pa nya ako na magpa-picture sa mga yun. Aizenberg spoke to them, she said that I am also a vlogger, albeit with a small following. Kaya Nag-agreed yung mga friends nyang influencer na ipromote ako.
Nakipag-selfie din sila saakin at binigyan ako ng mga tips para mapadami ang followers ko. Gosh! Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang saya ko dahil nakakausap ko ang ang mga sikat ngayon. Kung nanaginip man ako sana pa'extend. Wag muna ako magising.
"Aizenberg, thank you.. ang happy ko kasi nakita ko yung mga favorite influencer ko dito."
"Okay.." matipid na sagot nya. Pero kita ko sa mata nya yung ngiti nya.
Nagselfie din kami ni Kalie. Nagulat pa ako kasi pinost nya yung selfie namin sa mismong instagram account nya at nakatag pa ako. Kaya ang dami agad na nag follow sa instagram ko.
I'm so overwhelmed. Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala. Feeling ko talaga I'm dreaming.
Pinakilala din ako ni Aizenberg sa wife ni Attorney Montemayor, na si Doc. Violet Belle. Gosh! She pretty and ethereal. Kahit babae ako lalag panty ako sa kanya.
Ang kinis, tall, tapos yung mata nya ang ganda, napaka-expressive pag nakatingin sya sayo. Every movement she makes exudes prominence and elegance. Their daughter, Mallow, Sobrang adorable din nya, just like Jullianna.
Nakijoin kami sa Party nila at uminom ng unti. Nakausap ko sina Doc. Violet Belle at Ms. Jewel, ang bait talaga nila tapos ang gaganda.
Nagulat din ako kasi girlfriend pala ni Doc Kyleen si Ms. Jewel. Kaya doon ko narealized na hindi lang pala si Attorney Montemayor at Police Captain Lèandre ang lesbians sa kanila kundi si Doc Kyleen din.
Gusto ko sana tanungin si Doc Violet kung paano sila nagkaroon ng anak ni Attorney Montemayor. However, I felt a sense of shyness and hesitation.
Asking about personal matters like this can be quite intimate, and I didn't want to come across as nosy or intrusive. So, I decided to restrain myself and let the topic go. I didn't want to risk making Doc Violet feel uncomfortable or think that I was being overly curious. Kaya, I set aside my curiosity and move on nalang.
Naging masaya ang party dahil na rin sa mga bagong nakilala ko. Si Aizenberg, hindi ko din masyadong nakausap at nakasama during the party dahil seryoso silang nag-uusap ng mga kaibigan nya.
Pagkatapos ng party, bumalik na kami sa mansion. Since late na kami na umuwi. Alam ko na sasalubungin kami nang katahimikan ng buong Aizenberg's mansion.
"May kelangan ka pa ba Aizenberg? Kasi kung wala na aakyat na ako sa room ko."
"Hmmn.. wala na siguro."
Tumango ako saka naglakad patungong staircase. Nakakailang hakbang palang ako nang huminto ako at muli syang nilingon.
"Aizenberg.. thank you, nag enjoy ako sa party ng Lèandre Couture."
Aizenberg nodded and gave a faint smile, I proceeded to walk the staircase para pumunta na sa room ko at makapagpahinga na. Just as I was about to enter my room, when something caught my attention-a shadow at the end of the hallway, making its way towards the stairs leading up to the third floor.
Instead na pumasok ako sa room ko, I walked cautiously down the hallway to see who it might be. When I reached the end of the hallway, I peered carefully, and to my surprise, I saw Sage walking up to the third floor.
Sinundan ko sya, para alamin kung anong gagawin nya at laking gulat ko nang kumatok sya sa room three kung saan ang room ng babaeng may peklat sa braso.
Ilang saglit lang bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Sage dun. Pagkasarado ng pinto ay saka ako naglakad palapit sa room three. Speechless and confused.
Lost in thought, I was suddenly jolted back to reality as the door to room two swung open napasigaw ako dahil sa gulat at takot.
"Tiffany? What are you doing here?"
"H-huh?...a-ano nalilito ako."
Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Ms. Jane na isa sa mga guests. Pero agad akong nagpaalam sa kanya na aalis na, kaso hindi ko pa man hinahakbang ang mga paa ko ay bumukas ang room one, kung saan ang room ng guy na guest, halatang inaantok pa sya at kagigising lang din mula sa pagkakatulog
After some time, the door to room three also opened, and I was met with a stern gaze from a woman with a scar on her arm. Feeling a bit uneasy, I averted my gaze at saka napayuko.
Nakatayo tuloy ako dito habang nakatingin silang tatlo saakin. I couldn't help but to shake in fear. Patay ako ngayon, bakit ako sumigaw?
The next day, nakaupo ako sa single couch sa office ni Aizenberg. Katatapos lang nya akong pagalitan dahil sa kagagahan na ginagawa ko kagabi. Hindi ko naman masabi sa kanya na sinundan ko lang si Sage. Dahil baka mapahamak naman si Sage.
"I hope it won't happen again," Aizenberg stated firmly.
"Yes, Hindi na talaga mauulit. I was just really confused lang talaga last night, hindi ko namalayan na nasa third floor na ako. Inaantok na din kasi ako kagabi." I replied na may halong pagsisinungaling.
"You've been in this mansion for a month and two weeks now. And you still getting lost?" Aizenberg asked, slightly exasperated.
"I'm so sorry. It won't happen again,"
Tumango nalang si Aizenberg saka na nya ako inutusan na lumabas ng office nya. Day off nya ngayon kaya nandito sya mansion maghapon. Paglabas ko ng office nakita ko si Sage na nakatayo sa gilid.
Umismid ako saka ako dumerecho ng kitchen. Ano naman kayang ginawa nya sa room three na yun? Bakit naman sya nagpunta dun ng gabi.
Habang nagtitimpla ako ng coffee ko ay bigla akong nagulat nang may magsalita sa likod ko.
"Shit naman!" Pabulong na asik ko dahil sa gulat ko. Pero agad ko din na binawa ang tapang ko dahil hindi pala si Aizenberg yung taong yun kundi yung babaeng may peklat.
"Alam ko na curious ka kung bakit pumunta yung friend mo sa room ko."
"Friend? Were not friends."
"Then why didn't you tell Doc. Patrice the real reason why you were on the third floor last night?"
I was rendered speechless as she took a step closer and causing me to instinctively take a step back. She scrutinized me from head to toe, smirked forming on her lips as she taking another step forward. Our distance narrowed to mere inches.
She leaned in, bringing her face close to my ear, and whispered. My eyes widened in shock at her words. My hair stood on end, sending shivers down my spine. I was taken aback by her actions.
However, just as the tension escalated, I heard Aizenberg's voice, which jolted me back to reality. In a moment of instinctive reaction, naitulak ko yung babae palayo saakin.
"What are you doing?" Seryosong tanong ni Aizenberg sa babaeng may peklat. Before turning her gaze towards me, her eyes reflecting seriousness.
"A-Aizenberg.." halos mautal na sambit ko sa pangalan ni Aizenberg.
"I just having a conversation with your butler, Doc Patrice Aizenberg. She's quite an interesting person." The scarred woman replied with a smirk.
Hindi nagsalita si Aizenberg. Tinignan lang nya ng matalim yung babaeng may peklat saka ito umalis at naglakad papunta sa livingroom. Nabaling muli saakin ang tingin ni Aizenberg. Kaya napayuko ako para iwasan ang mga tingin nya.
"Anong sinabi nya sayo?" Tanong ni Aizenberg.
"H-huh? Hindi ko naintindihan eh.. bumulong lang sya pero iba yung salitang ginamit nya. Parang hindi english o tagalog." Sagot ko.
Nakasimangot na umalis si Aizenberg kaya naiwan nanaman ako dito. Napadako ang tingin ko sa pinto ng kitchen at nakita ko si Sage na nakatayo doon.
Mukang kanina pa sya nakikinig saamin. Napaismid ako saka naglakad papuntang backyard at nagtambay sa ilalim ng puno ng alatiris
Ang gugulo nyo, ang dami ko na ngang iniisip, sumabay pa talaga yang babaeng guest na yan. Gosh epal!
Nagpalipas ako ng oras sa ilalim ng puno. Bahala sila dyan madami namang maid. Yun nalang utusan ni Aizenberg. Basta ako magpapalamig muna dito.
Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at binuksan ang instagram. Gosh! Halos mapatalon ako sa tuwa ng makita kong may four thousand followers na ako. Nakakaloka!
They keep following me dahil sa mga pinost ko na mga pictures ng mga sikat na influencer plus prinomote pa ako ni Kalie at ng ibang mga influencer nakilala ni Aizenberg. Tumayo ako at patakbo akong nagtungo sa loob ng mansion.
Hinanap ko si Aizenberg at nakita ko sya na nakaupo sa dining area habang naglulunch. Patakbo akong lumapit sa kanya at umakbay sa balikat nya saka ko pinakita yung instagram ko. Napatingin naman sya saakin habang seryoso ang muka nya.
"Aizenberg, tignan mo dali! Ang daming nag-follow saakin. May 4k plus followers na ako kahit wala pang 24 hours... grabe thank you talaga Aizenberg. I'm so happy!" Tuwang-tuwa na turan ko at halos mapayakap pa ako sa kanya dahil sa kasiyahan.
Nahintuan ako ng marinig ko ang mahinang paghagikgik. Kaya napalingon ako sa tatlong upuan na okupado ngayon. Shit! The three guests.
"It seems like, you two are really close. Butler and Doc. Aizenberg." Natatawang saad ni Ms. Jane. Habang yung dalawang guests ay seryoso na nakatingin saamin ni Aizenberg. Agad kong binitawan si Aizenberg at lumayo sa kanya.
"I-I'm sorry, please go ahead and continue your meal," I stammered apologetically before quickly leaving the dining area. Nang makalayo ako ay saka ako napasapo sa muka ko. Ang sira ko talaga! Ano bang pinag-gagawa ko? Amo ko si Aizenberg. Dapat hindi ako ganon sa kanya, tapos sa harapan pa ng mga guests.
"Tiff.."
"Oh Coline? Bakit?"
"Gusto ko din mag-tiktok. Pwede mo din ba akong turuan?"
"Sige..Tara dun tayo sa labas."
Nagtungo kami ni Coline sa garden saka ko sinet yung cellphone ko sa tiktok at nilagay sa front camera. Namili din ako ng dance na pwede naming sayawin at napili ko yung perfect night by lessarafim.
Tinuruan ko din si Coline ng mga dance step at saka kami sumayaw. Tawa kami ng tawa kasi palagi kaming nagkakamali sa mga step namin.
"Ayoko na nga.. di naman natin ma-perfect."
"Ano kaba, magagawa din natin yan tapos ipost natin sa instagram at tiktok. Ang cute kaya natin." Saad ko naman
"Sige na nga.."
Sinubukan ulit namin ni Coline for the last time. And finally na perfect na din namin kaya pinost ko agad sa tiktok at sa instagram ko. Nakakatuwa lang dahil ang dami agad nag-comment at react. Nakita ko din na nagcomment si Ms. Jewel at si Kalie.
"Wow, ang dami mong follower." Saad ni Coline.
"Thanks kay Aizenberg, kung hindi nya ako pinakilala sa mga sikat na influencer na kilala nya hindi dadami yan ganyan ang followers ko."
"Buti talaga close kayo ni Doc. Aizenberg. Kasi nasasama ka nya sa mga party. Sana ako din para ma-experience ko din yung ganyan."
"Sa susunod, sabihin natin kay Aizenberg isama nya tayo."
"Ngee, nakakahiya.. wag na Tiff. Isa pa baka mailang din ako."
Habang nagkukwentuhan kami ni Coline, dumating si Sage para tawagin kami kaya sabay na kaming naglakad ni Coline papunta sa loob ng mansion.
Papasok na sana ako sa loob ng hinawakan ni Sage ang braso ko at hinila nya ako papunta sa outdoor living room ng Aizenberg Mansion.
"Seriously, what is it?" I snapped, my frustration reaching its peak.
"Why did you follow me last night?" Sage asked, a serious tone in her voice.
"Well, why did you go to the third floor? Isn't it in the mansion's rules that we should be inside our rooms by 8:30 pm and not allowed to leave?" I retorted.
Sage tightly gripped my arm and pulled me closer to her.
"If my plans get ruined, you won't like what I'll do to you," she threatened.
"Plans? Why? Are you a killer too? Why? would you want to kill me? And do you honestly think I'm scared of you?" I shot back, my frustration turned into anger.
I yanked my hand away from Sage's gripped as frustration boiling inside me. I locked eyes with Sage, I looked at her with defiance piercing through the tension. The anger simmered between us, fueled by her lack of respect for me as her butler.
Minsan gusto ko din na magsumbong kay Aizenberg dahil hindi ko na din matiis yung ugali ni Sage. Pero hindi ko tinutuloy dahil baka mapagalitan sya.
I couldn't bear the thought na may taong mag-susuffer because of me. Despite her snarkiness attitude, iniiwasan ko na talaga na magsumbong. I don't want anyone here be harmed because of my decisions.