"Do you want to go out of town for a break?" pag-aya ni Greggy sa asawa, he's watching his wife fix his tie and polo as they prepare to go to work. Irene smiled at him and patted his cheek, "Mmmm... Can't... I got a lot of meetings these coming days, I also have to work on a proposal for Marcos Holdings, due on Tuesday" Irene informed her husband as she tightened his tie.
"Mmm... Let's free our schedule soon, then" Greggy suggested as he tucked some hair strands behind his wife's ear. Irene looked into his eyes, giving him a warm smile;
"I'd love that. But we have to finish our pendings first" she answered;
"So pogi" Irene giggled as she rested both of her palms on his chest, Greggy smirked and held his wife closer to him. "Ikaw ha... Baka gusto mo pa ng--" agad naman itong pinutol ni Irene at kumawala sa asawa;
"Hay nako, Greggy, we're late na nga oh. Awat na. Let's go" pag-iwas niya naman. Alam niyang hindi na naman siya titigilan ng asawa kaya kinuha na niya ang bag niya. Greggy is just laughing and held his wife's hand and intertwined it with his.
"Sige, mamaya nalang uli... Night exercise, madali tayo makakatulog sa--"
"Greggy!!!" Irene chuckled and stomped her feet, along lumakas ang tawa ni Greggy sa reaksyon ng asawa.
"Let's go, para maaga tayo maka-uwi mamaya..." dagdag na asaar pa nito. Irene just shook her head and let out a soft chuckle.
Greggy's driving while his wife is busy with her phone, probably checking some messages.
From: Daddy
Please drop by here first before going to the Araneta's.
Nangunot naman ang noo nito at nilingon ang asawa, "Did you receive a message from Dad earlier this morning?" she asked as she typed her reply to her father. "Dad requested that let's drop by at the MH Office first" she added.
To: Daddy
Sure, Dad. We're on our way there.
Greggy glanced at her, "the last time I checked, no... Hindi ko pa uli nahawakan cellphone ko since... you know..." pag-ngisi naman nito sa asawa. Irene rolled her eyes and slightly hit him on his arm. "Napaka-landi mo talaga! Where's your phone??" she asked and started looking for it.
Tumawa naman si Greggy, "At least sigurado kang sa 'yo lang ako malandi..." banat naman niya at nginuso ang bag niya which is placed in between them "it's on my bag lang, lovey" he added;
"eyes on the road" pagpapa-alala naman ng asawa and started searching inside his bag. When she got it, nagulat naman siya sa lockscreen ng asawa. It's been a while since she checked his phone. And the last time was about five months ago.
His lock screen is a stolen shot of her during David's daughter, Diana's birthday party in Beverly Hills just three months ago. Nagkakalabuan na sila ng panahon na yan but Greggy taking a stolen shot of his wife at that rocky phase of their marriage made Irene's heart melt.
In the photo, she was sitting with a champagne glass in her hand and laughing.
"Passcode please," she asked and showed him the screen. Greggy chuckled and turned the car on the way to the Marcos Holdings Headquarters.
"Still your birthday and our wedding date, lovey" he replied. Irene couldn't help but feel the warmth. After all that had happened, he kept his promise...
916611
There, she found some messages and unopened emails.
"Grabe, 200 unread messages?! Why aren't you reading texts? baka may importante dito" she scolded him. Greggy shrugged his shoulders and turned the steering wheel of the car.
"Texts mo lang naman ang gusto ko basahin eh. Besides, karamihan naman diyan eh naka-direkta kay Grace, alam na niya yun" sagot naman nito habang abala ang asawa magbasa ng mga texts.
Nangunot naman ang noo ni Irene nang mabasa ang texts ni Amy. Panay ang text nito sa asawa niya simula no'ng una silang magkita bago mag-inspect sa Davao.
"There are some messages also from Engineer Dela Cuesta" she said as she kept on scrolling. "I don't reply to her at all. Si Grace ang nakikipag-coordinate sa kaniya. I don't want to talk to her simply because I don't want her, and I don't want you to get worried in any way possible" Greggy assured his wife. Irene looked at her husband and smiled, "plus points ka diyan!" she jested. Bahagya namang natawa ang asawa.
"There's a message from dad pala. Copy-paste lang naman sa text sa akin" She chuckled and put back her husband's phone inside Greggy's bag.
"Do you have any idea why Dad's asking us to report there? I mean, it's so sudden" Greggy asked, Irene shrugged her shoulders "I don't know either. Baka naman may ibibilin lang. If am not mistaken, he's scheduled to fly to Malaysia for some business conference next week eh." she replied, tumango naman ang asawa. They just arrived at the headquarters of Marcos Holdings.
As soon as they stepped in the company, all eyes were laid upon the couple. Maging sa kompanya ng pamilya ni Irene ay kalat na kalat ang balita tungkol sa nangyari sa Davao.
Greggy ignored them all but Irene noticed how her husband's facial expression changed. Para bang tensyonado ito. She held her husband's hand and tangled their hands together. Sinulyapan naman siya ng asawa at ngumiti.
"Ma'am Irene, Sir Greg, kanina pa po kayo hinihintay ni Sir FEM" bati sa kanila ng sekretarya ng ama. Nauna namang pumasok si Irene nang pinagbuksan siya ng pinto ng asawa.
"Dad" she greeted her father, Ferdinand's eyes beamed when he saw his daughter, agad itong tumayo sa pagkakaupo at inilapag ang kape sa mesa. "Anak!" he greeted back and went to his daughter to hug her.
"Dad" bati naman ni Greggy sa kaniya, Ferdinand gave his son-in-law a smile.
"So, why did you want to see us?" Irene asked as they took a seat. Umupo naman si Ferdinand sa harap ng mag-asawa. "I just want to personally tell you that I will be assigning both of you to manage the Singapore account. Eh napag-usapan na rin namin ito ng papa mo, Greg. And they agreed with the idea. You have to be there by next week for five days. Albert also tasked Greggy to meet some clients and potential investors there. It's also a good opportunity for the both of you to make it up to each other, after..."
"Dad..." Irene muttered, cutting her father off.
"Irene... Greggy... You know how much it affected our businesses and reputation in the industry" pag-alma naman ni Ferdinand sa anak.
"Dad... Greg, and I talked about it already... Okay na" Irene told her father. Nilingon naman ni Ferdinand si Greggy, "That will be the last time, Greg" he warned him. Hindi naka-imik si Greggy at tumango nalang. Irene squeezed his hand, "It's okay..."
On their way to the Araneta Headquarters, tahimik lang si Greggy sa na nagmamaneho. Irene noticed the change in her husband's mood and leaned close to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Smile na, please..." she muttered and caressed his hair. Sinulyapan siya ng asawa at ngumiti, "I just hate the feeling..." he answered.
"I understand... But we're okay now, you don't have to worry about anything" she said, assuring her husband. Napangiti nalang ito and held his wife's hand as he continued driving.
When they arrived at the Araneta Headquarters, gusto pa sana inihatid na muna ni Greggy ang asawa sa department niya, but Irene refused and took her handbag from her husband. "It's okay. Late na tayo pareho, we'll see each other later naman eh, okay?" and tiptoed to kiss him on the lips. Nasa parking lot pa sila ngayon kaya walang tao.
"Okay, see you, then." Greggy smiled at her.
In whispered tones and tender touch, they meet,
A truce hung soft between two weary hearts.
Forgotten woes, in fleeting peace, retreat,
As love's warm light in the dimming sky imparts.
Yet in their eyes, a storm's remnant lingers,
A dance of shadows from the days foregone.
Hands clasp, as if to keep the world at fingers,
And hold the fragile calm they rest upon.
Pagkarating ko sa opisina ay agad ako pinaalalahanan ni Jane tungkol sa schedule ko ngayong araw. She also prepared a coffee for me already, which I always appreciate. Dahil sa murang edad palang niya ay kita ko na ang dedikasyon niya sa trabaho.
"Good morning po, ma'am Irene. May meeting po pala kayo ngayon with Director Cabrera. Naghihintay na rin po ibang Auditing Committee sa conference room" bati niya sa akin. I glanced at my wrist watch, "Good morning. Ang aga naman ata nila? I thought it's 10:30 pa?" she asked. It's just 10:00 AM.
"Hindi ko rin po alam bakit napa-aga, pero wala pa naman po si Director Cabrera doon, ang bilin din po sa akin ni Nancy, sasabihan po niya tayo kapag kumpleto na raw po sila" she smiled.
Tumango nalang ako at pumasok na, ang dami na namang papeles ang naka-tambak. Hindi ko na rin alam paano ko pagsasabayin ito lahat. Lalo na't nadagdagan pa ngayon ng Singapore account.
As the Vice President for Administrative Affairs at Marcos Holdings, mahirap ang maraming inaasikaso with both companies.
I was actually overthinking the other night, how can I and Greggy make this work if we're both busy in our companies. How can I manage to be the boss and a wife at the same time?
Sa totoo lang, natatakot ako na baka pumalpak uli ako...
Napamasahe ako ng sentido ko nang makaupo ako sa swivel chair ko. I was just staring at the papers, at tinititigan ko palang ang mga ito ay pagod na ako.
Gusto ko nalang umuwi. Bakit pa ba kami pumasok ni Greggy?
"Hay nako, Irene, instead of complaining, just get your job done" I mumbled to myself and started opening the folders.
I was busy reading the reports when my phone rang, upon checking, it was Frances, Feliz's mom. Agad ko itong sinagot, to my surprise, boses ni Feliz ang bumungad sa akin.
"Teacher I!!!" I heard her giggle from the other line, agad ako napangiti, "Feliz! Hi, darling! How's you?"
"I'm okay po! I just missed you, teacher I!"
"I miss you too... Why did you call? Aren't you supposed to be in school?" malambing ko namang tanong habang pumipirma ng mga dokumento.
"Teacher, half day po kami kasi may exam po"
"Oh, is that so... I'm sure you got a perfect score!" I replied, sounding excited. Napansin ko namang bumukas ang pinto at tumambad ang sekretarya ko;
"Ma'am..." she mouthed; I signaled her to keep quiet and pointed my phone.
"Teacher I, are you busy po?" inosenteng tanong sa akin ni Feliz, agad naman akong umiling na para bang makikita niya, "no,no... Why, baby?" I asked and signalled Jane not to speak. "I'll follow" I mouthed, she just nodded her head at lumabas na ng opisina.
"Great! Gusto ko po sana kayo invite sa birthday ko, teacher I! On Friday po!! Just bring Tito Gee as my gift po please!!" bahagya naman akong natawa sa request ng batang ito. Mas hinahanap pa ang asawa ko kesa sa akin na kausap niya.
I looked at my calendar on the table, Feliz's birthday is marked on that day, but that's Greggy and I's flight to Singapore to meet Director Liao.
I bit my lip, I don't want to disappoint her. Gagawan ko nalang siguro ng paraan. I want to see her also before we leave, lalo na't ilang buwan na rin kami hindi nagkikita. "Sure, darling. Teacher I and Tito Gee will see you. But for now, I have to go na ha... I have meeting pa kasi eh. I need to work" I explained calmly.
"Yehey!!! See you on Friday, teacher I!!" I was about to drop the call when I heard her mom talked;
"Pasensya ka na, Irene, kahapon pa kasi ako kinukulit nitong batang 'to" I heard her chuckled. I stood up and took with me my iPad, "No, it's okay. I'll text you later to ask for further details of her birthday. I want to surprise her too" I replied and started walking near the door.
"Sure, thank you for everything that you do to my daughter."
"Thank you too, Frances!"
When I arrived at the conference room, everyone was there already, agad naman tumayo si Anthony to pull a chair for me. "Thank you" I smiled at me and looked at everybody.
"Sorry for keeping you all waiting. I just had to answer an important call. Shall we start?" I said as I commenced the meeting.
For in this quiet, bittersweet embrace,
They find a moment's solace in the past.
But in the silence, both can sense the trace
Of tempests that will rise again, and fast.
"Grace, where's Irene? The press con is about to start and I need her to be here" nakita ko namang taranta na nagte-text ito sa telepono niya. We're now here in the press room, punong-puno ng media. My brother is at the back, he told me that he will be present and so should my wife.
But where is she?
Nakatitig lang ako sa sekretarya ko habang pinapanood ito na nakikipag-usap sa telepono niya. She bit her lips as I watched her walk towards me, hugging her iPad;
"Sir, nasa meeting daw po si ma'am Irene..."
"What? With whom?" taka ko namang tanong, wala siya nabanggit sa akin na may meeting siya sa parehong oras ng press con.
"With the Audit Department daw po, with Director Cabrera"
I hardened my jaw as I sighed in disappointment. She should've told me...
Bigla naman ako tinapik ni kuya sa balikat, "if she's not coming, just go through with this." he advised and signalled everyone that we're now on air. I composed myself at inayos ko ang pagkakaupo ko at humarap sa media.
Clasping my hands together...
"Good day to all. I face before you today to address the rumors that have been circulating about my wife and I's personal life. It is with a firm stance that I declare the speculation regarding a split between my wife and myself to be completely unfounded. Furthermore, the allegations of an affair with Engineer Dela Cuesta are baseless and without merit. The stories that have emerged concerning events in Davao are equally false. Such rumors are baseless and hurtful.
Irene and I have already talked about this as we try to work to make amends for the damages that this misinformation has caused our relationship as a married couple.
I implore the media and the public to exercise restraint in the dissemination of such unfounded stories, which serve only to cause harm and distress to individuals and families involved. It is a matter of great importance that the privacy of individuals is respected, allowing families the space and peace they deserve.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported us during this time, and I kindly ask everyone to focus on the truth and refrain from engaging in the spread of rumors that have no factual basis. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."
With all the flashing lights from the cameras, the journalists still managed to ask some questions;
"Mr. Araneta, how is your relationship with your wife after the articles got published? Did the two of you get into a fight, a simple quarrel?" one of them asked, I heaved a sigh as I leaned my back on the chair.
"My wife and I are on great terms. I am the most blessed to have her as my wife and to assure you all, I have no intentions to cheat on her. So, in the spirit of transparency and to address the recent whirlwind of speculation, I want to set the record straight. There is no truth to the rumors of infidelity that have been circulating. My wife and I share a bond that is built on mutual respect, trust, and love. We have always been, and continue to be, in a wonderful place in our relationship, stronger and happier than ever. Our commitment to each other is unwavering, and we will continue to support each other in all our endeavors. Thank you for respecting our privacy and understanding that our marriage is, and always will be, a source of joy and unity for both of us." I proudly smiled, napansin ko naman ang ngiti ng mga babaeng journalist, napailing at ngisi nalang ako.
"Are there any upcoming activities that the both of you will handle in the coming weeks? As an opportunity for the public to see both of you engaging together with work duties. Both the heirs of their notable families" tanong ng isa pang journalist.
Pati ba naman mga 'to tatanungin? Napansin naman ni kuya ang pagka-inip ko at tinapik ako nang palihim sa likuran.
"Sagot" he whispered.
I gave everyone a fake smile.
"We are thrilled to announce that, starting next week, my wife and I will embark on a new adventure as the lead managers of the prestigious Singapore account. This opportunity is not just a testament to our hard work and dedication but also a chance to foster stronger ties with our esteemed clients overseas. Our journey begins this Friday when we set off to Singapore, where we will have the honor of meeting with the President and Chairman of the Liao Group of Companies. This meeting marks the start of an exciting chapter in our professional lives, and we look forward to the collaboration and growth that lie ahead." I answered;
" Siguro naman, magsasawa na kayo sa mukha naming mag-asawa niyan?" pagbibiro ko pa, natawa naman ang lahat.
The press con lasted for around 30 minutes and that's the longest 30 minutes of my entire life as the CEO! Agad na rin ako dumeretsyo sa opisina ko para magpahinga. Pakiramdam ko ay naubos ang social battery ko sa mga nangyari kanina.
I was drinking water nang pumasok si kuya, naglapag ng ilang dokumento sa mesa ko. May dala rin itong pizza at inilapag sa receiving area ng silid. Since we were kids, pizza became our glue together as siblings. Tuwing may gusto kaming i-celebrate ni kuya na kami lang, lagi kaming may pizza. And I am honestly glad na hanggang ngayon ay nagagawa pa rin namin ito.
"Those papers, you have to review before closing the deal with the Liaos." panimula niya at umupo sa sofa, he opened a bottle of wine. I sat across him and opened the box of pizza.
"Congrats, brother. Job well done with the press con! You made me proud with your answers." he smiled at me and handed me the glass of wine. "Thanks" I smiled at him and took a slice of pizza from the box.
"Kahit na corny na ibang banat mo. in love masyado sa missus ha" he teased and grabbed a bite on his piece of pizza.
Hindi ako umimik at ngumiti lang. Sa totoo lang eh, dismayado ako. She told me that she will be there. And ikinainis ko pa eh yung Cabrera na 'yon ang kasama niya sa meeting!
"Saan nga pala si Irene kanina? didn't you inform her?" he asked and sipped on his glass of wine.
"I did. May meeting daw with the Auditing Department" walang gana kong sagot at kumuha pa ng isang slice. Tumawa namang si kuya at umiling, "with Cabrera?" he asked. Tumango ako at napa-irap nalang sa pagka-asar.
"Someone's jealous!" he teased and continued laughing.
"Eh asawa ako eh! Dating manliligaw yun!" apela ko naman at uminom sa wine glass ko.
"Oh, kumusta na ba kayong mag-asawa?" pagbabago niya ng usapan, he rested his back on the couch and crossed his leg.
"Totoo naman mga sinabi ko sa press con kanina, kuya. We're getting there, we're okay. Tabi na nga kami natutulog eh" I smirked at him. My brother nodded, "that's good to know, brother. Sana lang talaga magtuloy-tuloy na 'yan... Buntisin mo na!" halos mabilaukan naman ako nang sabihin niya 'yon.
Tumatawa siya pinapanood ako na kumuha ng tubig sa dispenser.
"Dali na. Kailan ba ako magkakaroon ng pamangkin sa inyo, ha? maabutan ko pa ba 'yan??"
"Ang OA mo naman, kuya. Hindi ka pa naman senior para artehan ako niyan. Sila papa at mama dapat nagsasabi niyan" I jested and placed down a glass of water for him too.
Lumakas pa ang tawa nito at umiling, he took another slice and looked at me as he shrugged his shoulders, "who knows, brother? kaya dali na. kung ako sa 'yo, anakan mo na missus mo! mamaya ha! get your wife preggo, maybe tonight or in Singapore para imported ang pamangkin ko!" pang-aasar pa niya.
"Ikaw nga, anakan mo uli si Alex" banat ko naman. Nginitian niya ako, "sige ba. next week, uuwi ako SF" he fired back. My mouth fell agape,
"Hiwalay na kayo ha!?"
"We're just legally separated. Our marriage isn't nullified" he answered and took the glass of water and sipped some, and a tissue paper to wipe his hands. He stood up and patted my shoulder, "seriously, I'm happy for you, bro" he said as he gave me a warm smile and left my office.
4:00 PM came, at hindi ko ito namalayan kung hindi pa ako pinaalalahanan ni Grace sa oras. I bit my lip and turned off my laptop. Susunduin ko pa pala asawa ko sa opisina niya.
Nang makarating ako doon, tahimik ang floor nila, halatang lahat ay abala sa kanya-kanyang trabaho.
Jane smiled at me as I reached my wife's office. "Nasa loob pa po si Director Cabrera" she informed me. Nangunot naman noo ko, "ha? eh kanina pa sila umaga magkasama di ba? bakit hanggang ngayon?"
"May dini-discuss lang daw po na budget proposal si ma'am Irene" Jane grinned at me, I know she could sense that I am annoyed.
Because, yes I am!!
Without having any second thoughts, pumasok ako ng opisina ng asawa ko. Nadatnan ko sila na masinsinang nag-uusap. They're sitting next to each other at pareho nakatingin sa laptop screen. Eh konti nalang mahahalikan na nito asawa ko!
They didn't even notice me kaya tumikhim ako to create a sound. Bakas sa mukha nila ang gulat. I put both of my hands inside my pocket;
"Did I disturb you or something?" I asked. Agad namang tumayo si Irene and went near me, "we're having budget discussions, Greg" she muttered. Nakatingin lang sa amin si Anthony, maybe trying to hear what we're talking about.
I showed her my wrist watch and pointed the time, "time to go home, it's past 4:00 PM already" I answered as loud as Anthony could hear it.
"Greg, this is important. It's for the Singapore acc--" Irene's protest was cut off when Anthony stood up, paglingon namin sa kinaroroonan niya ay nakaligpit na ang mga papeles at laptop.
"Irene, it's okay. I also have another meeting to attend. We can continue the discussion tomorrow. Thank you for your time" he smiled and looked at me, "Greg" he greeted and left the office.
"Uwi na tayo" walang gana kong sambit.
In twilight's tender hour, they stand,Hand clasped in hand, hearts close to mend.Through whispered memories, love's command,They find their spark and begin to blend.In each other's gaze, anew, they ascend.
Night came at hindi ako iniimik ni Greggy simula kanina nang sinundo niya ako sa opisina. Ano na naman ba problema nito? Maging pagkatapos namin maghapunan ay dumeretsyo siya sa study niya at nagkulong doon.
And now, he just got back into our room, I was reading a book when he came. Agad niyang pinatay ang switch ng lampshade sa side table niya at humiga.
Aba, tinalikuran pa ako as he covered himself with blanket!?
I sighed as I placed the book on the nightstand beside me and went to him, I tapped his arm;
"Hey, is there something wrong? kanina ka pa walang imik..." I muttered.
"Nothing, matulog ka na, Irene. Maaga pa tayo bukas" walang emosyon niyang sagot sa akin.
But I know that something's wrong!!
I was about to speak up again when I heard my phone chimed. It's a Viber message from ate Imee.
From: Imee M
Sister! Look at these articles! Ang sweet ng asawa ha!
___________
Gregory Araneta Turned Down All the Rumors About His Split with His Wife, Irene Marcos-Araneta
June 17, 2022
The Philippine Times
In a press conference held earlier at the Araneta HQ, the company's CEO, Gregory Araneta addressed the media and news outlets about the recent issue in Davao circulated.
In a surprising turn of events, prominent businessman Gregory Araneta addressed the media today to categorically deny the swirling rumors of a split with his wife, Irene Marcos-Araneta. The couple, who have been a staple in high society circles, Araneta heir, appeared alone at a press conference held at their family estate. "These rumors are baseless and hurtful," stated Mr. Araneta, without his wife by his side. "Our marriage is as strong as ever, and we will continue to support each other in all our endeavors." The couple's public presence has put to rest the speculation that has been rampant on social media platforms and in gossip columns for weeks. The Aranetas, known for their philanthropy and business acumen, emphasized their commitment to their family and charitable work, hoping to shift the public's focus back to their positive contributions to society.
My eyes widened as I read the article, may video din na ipinadala si ate, so I was able to watch the video earlier and everything that he had said. I feel very sorry for him and disappointed with myself because I totally forgot about it!!!
Eh kaya pala hindi ako iniimik nito!
I know that he's still up kaya inilapag ko uli ang telepono ko and went to hug him from behind.
"I am very sorry... I forgot... Hindi ko rin kasi nasabihan si Jane to take note of it because I was preoccupied the other day... I'm so sorry..." I muttered and tightened my hug to my husband.
"It's okay, I understand that you'd rather choose your meeting with Anthony" he replied. My mouth fell agape at bumitaw sa pagkakakap sa kaniya as I stared at his back.
"You don't have to take that personally, Greggy! You know that it's just pure business!" I reasoned out. Umupo naman siya para harapin ako.
"Pure business? eh buong araw ka wala paramdam sa akin sa opisina kanina. I understand that we have to set aside our personal matters from work pero ano ba young nadatnan ko kanina, Irene? anong klaseng meeting ba yun? eh halos halikan ka na ha!?" he hissed. I saw how disappointed he is...
"I understand if hindi ka nakarating sa press con, kung important ang auditing kanina. I am the CEO, of course I know that I have to understand such circumstances. Pero ano man lang sana yung sinabihan mo ako, di ba? o naalala mo man lang pagkatapos. Pero wala eh, kahit lunch break, magkasama kayo ni Cabrera! Tapos ganun pa madadatnan ko?! Sino hindi madidismaya doon, Irene?" dagdag pa niya at iniwas ang tingin sa akin.
"I'm sorry... That's why I'm saying sorry... Kasi wala akong maidadahilan, kasalanan ko talaga... But please don't take those meetings with Anthony personally. They're entirely business, Greg..." I mumbled and looked down. I heard him sigh at akmang babangon sa kama;
"Where are you going?"
"Sa guest room ako matutulog" he was about to get some of his pillows when I pulled him and kissed him passionately.
"I'm sorry... I am really sorry, love" I mumbled. I saw how he was stunned by what I just called him.
"What did you just call me?"
"love..." I smiled and kissed him again. This time, he responded to my kisses.
The next thing I knew, he's now on top of me as his kisses went from my jaw down to my neck. Naramdaman ko na rin ang kamay niya na paunti-unting tinatanggal ang pagkaka-butones ng sleepwear ko.
"Next time, let me know..." he uttered between our kisses, I feel like I got lost with his spells and pulled out his shirt without breaking the contact of our lips.
While he successfully unbuttoned my blouse, revealing my breasts. I moaned when he kissed the left as he massaged the right one.
"Aahh..." I moaned, I heard him let out a soft chuckle, and went back to my lips. As we were kissing, I helped him pull down his pajamas and boxers. Para bang mababaliw na ako sa bawat lapat ng kamay niya sa katawan ko.
"Parang gusto ko laging magtampo kung ganito ka pala manuyo" pagbibiro niya as he pulled my pajamas along with my underwear, naramdaman ko agad ang kamay niya sa kaselanan ko.
I didn't utter a word as I held his face with both of my hands and gave him a passionate kiss. "I'm going in" he mumbled and kissed my neck. I was hugging him when I felt his entered mine.
And that night was filled with moans, whimpers, thrusts as we both came...
"I'm sorry again..." I said as I came, I was wiping his sweat, watching him still thrusting his into mine.
"I love you..." he smiled as he continued to pound me. I closed my eyes as I bit my lower lip while my hands were on his nape, I could feel his whole length inside me. Moments later, I felt his seeds filling my womb.
So let them linger in this gentle hush,
Before the storm returns in life's grand rush.
Everything has been going smoothly for two days after.
The office air was thick with tension, a silent storm brewing as Amy stepped through the door. Greggy, caught in the eye of the impending squall, shuffled papers on his desk—a meager shield against the confrontation to come.
Irene, perched like a statue of vigilance, eyed Amy with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The unspoken question hung between them, a palpable force: Why was Amy here, unannounced, in Greggy's private sanctuary? Amy's presence was an anomaly in the meticulously ordered world Irene had constructed around her marriage. She had not been informed, not been consulted, and the surprise visit felt like an intrusion, a challenge to the boundaries she held sacred. Greggy, meanwhile, fumbled for words, an explanation, any lifeline that might ease the tension. But words, so often his allies, now deserted him in his hour of need.
The silence stretched, a taut string ready to snap. Amy, aware of the tumult she had unwittingly unleashed, cleared her throat. "Irene, I didn't realize you would be here," she began, her voice a careful blend of respect and regret. "Greggy and I have some business to discuss, purely professional, I assure you." Her eyes, earnest and open, sought to convey the truth of her words.
Irene's gaze, however, did not waver. "Business," she repeated, the word sharp, a shard of glass wrapped in velvet. "And this business couldn't be conducted over a phone call or an email?" The skepticism in her tone was a clear challenge, a demand for transparency in a situation muddied by omission.
Greggy, sensing the precarious edge they all teetered upon, finally found his voice. "Irene, love, it's not what it seems," he implored, his hands reaching out in a gesture of peace. "Amy's here to finalize the Henderson project that we will be handling in the Singapore acconut. It's a big step for the company, and I wanted to handle it personally."
But Irene's trust, once fractured, proved hard to mend. "And you couldn't trust me with this information?" she asked, her voice a mix of hurt and anger. "Am I not a part of your personal affairs, or is there more to this 'Henderson project' than you're letting on?"
The question hung heavy, a specter of doubt that threatened to undo the fragile threads of their relationship. Amy, a silent witness to the unraveling, wished she could disappear, become a mere specter in the room, unseen and uninvolved. Yet she stood her ground, a testament to her integrity.
Greggy, desperate to bridge the chasm of mistrust, took a step forward. "There's nothing to hide," he insisted, his eyes pleading for belief. "I should have told you, I realize that now. But please, let's not let this misunderstanding cast a shadow over what we've built together."Irene's stance softened if only slightly, the rigid lines of her posture yielding to the possibility of forgiveness. "I see, baka naistorbo ko kayo... I should go back later." she declared with no trace of emotions and walked out of the office.