Chapter 47
Pinagmasdan ko ang sarili sa isang malaking salamin. I am wearing a creamy sleek off-the-shoulder silhoutte dress with side slit and knee-length hem.
I paired it with Jackson's gift. Pasalubong niya daw sakin. It's a Swarovski crystal, a pair of earrings and a floral lace heels.
The medical expo is today and I am there to be his date and his personal assistant. That's why pinayagan akong mag-leave ngayon.
Jackson is going to be an intern here in the Philippines, specifically in their partner in the business, the Montañez Group Hospital for a couple of months at paniguradong pauulanan ako ng mga tanong nila Eden.
While looking at the mirror naalala ko ang sinabi ni Castielle kagabi. Bakit pakiramdam ko akasalanan ko pa lahat kung bakit siya lumayo? Bakit parang sinisisi niya pa ako?
Bakit ba nagpapanggap parin siya? Alam kong galit siya sakin sa kadahilanang hindi niya nako magagamit sa plano nila ng ama niya dahil buking ko na sila at hindi ko alam kung ahahayaang magamit nila ako.aaaz
Sinong matinong anak ang hahayaang ang sarili niyang gamitin para saktan ang sariling Ama na walang ginawa kundi ang mahalin ako ng totoo? Sinong matinong babae ang susugal para sa lalakeng walang kasiguraduhan kong niloloko ka ba o hindi? At minsan kanang ginamit...
Kaya mahirap sakin ang makinig. Mahirap saking ang maniwala. Hindi naman kasi sila 'yung sinaktan at niloko. Ako 'yun, eh. Ako 'yung ginamit at ngayon mas lalong kumplikado.
But, my decision is final. Pagsisihan ko man ito, mananatili akong nakangiti at susuporta sa Papa ko. Even it breaks me, I will try to be happy.
Jackson and his driver picked me up in our house. Kasalukuyan siyang naninirahan sa isa sa hotel ng Montanez Group at doon narin maninirahan for a couple of months. And maybe I could go with him after those couple of months back to Korea.
"Neoneun aleumdawo boyeossda..." Jackson said while smiling. (You looked beautiful...)
Ngumiti ako. This is the first time he compliments me. "Why, thank you, handsome..." biro ko.
He looked very dashing with his black tuxedo. In the next day, I will be seeing him again like this, as my date to my father's engagement party.
It's around seven in the evening and when we reached the SMX convention, marami ng sasakyang nagdadagsaan.
I should remind myself that this is a medical expo and as my first time attending such event, hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin. But, of course, I already brief myself in tonight's event.
They will showcase a medical product to find some investors to invest in their product and also some medical personalities, or CEO's of different hospitals. Malamang sa malamang ay naririto ang CEO ng MGH and also the Montesor Hospital at iba pa.
I'm quite agitated. This event is full of high-rank people, or elites and this is the first time. My family isn't that rich, though I could say average rich. My father isn't a CEO or something.
"Hey, are you okay?" Jackson asked when we got out the car.
Tipid akong ngumiti, "Mmm. Just nervous." Sagot ko. "I feel like I don't belong." Dugtong ko.
He smirked and gracefully led me his right arm, "Don't be nervous. You have me with you." He said it coolly like he was a prince in such Disney movie.
I chuckled and held his arm as we walked towards the press who's now on standby at the side of the blue carpet.
The head news was, Jackson Kang the future CEO of The Seoul Hospital is with Narian Esquilon—the girl who went abroad and finished her nursing degree with flying colors and currently an intern in MGH from Seoul Hospital.
Funny thing in media, they would immediately ask what your relationship with that certain someone, kesyo nagkatabi lang. I could only imagine some celebrities getting pissed off with the media's attention.
The medical expo tonight showcase are for those big people who are invited, but in the morning, some people are free to look around. Tonight, I think there would be some biddings and such.
The products of each personality were very amazing and also some of their new medical devices that could enhance the facilities of each hospital. I think MGH should invest in this such amazing innovation.
"I think I should invest in this one... what do you think?" Jackson asked looking at the device I was thinking.
I smiled widely, "I was about to tell you that... Korea doesn't have this kind of innovation, though MGH could have this too..."
Tumango siya habang nakatingin parin sa device na naroon. I was carefully watching it when I heard a familiar voice.
"I think this invention is too pricey, don't you think, babe?" I heard Loraine say with her date standing in front of us between the device that we are watching.
Seryosong ang mata ni Castielle, kung titignan ay para itong seryosong nanonood sa device na pinapanood namin but I could feel that his eyes were darted in me, giving me his cold dark eyes.
Napalunok at napatingin kay Jackson na ngayo'y nakikipag-usap na sa team na may gawa ng device habang ako naman ay patuloy na nararamdaman ang mga mapanuri niyang mata.
Kinakausap siya ni Loraine but I think he's not even participating.
"This device would make a great standard for a hospital." Anito sa malamig na paraan at hindi parin inaalis ang tingin sakin lalo na sa nakalingkis kong kamay sa braso ni Jackson.
Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin. Lumuwag ang kapit k okay Jackson ngunit kaagad ibinaba ni Jackson ang braso niya at nagulat ako ng hinawakan niya ang kamay ko kaya dumapo roon ang mata ko.
"We'll come back here later. Let's go somewhere else?" he said while seriously wiggling his brows so I kind the fail to see if he's joking or something ngunit nagpadala nalamang ako sa kaniya ng hilahin niya ako sa kung saan.
And with that, pakiramdam ko ay nakahinga ako ng maluwag. I didn't even know that I was breathless with only his intense eyes, contemplating me. Jackson is really a friend, huh?
"Your ex is here, huh?" he said while we walked along with the sophisticated people.
Napakagat labi ako at tumango habang iginagala ang paningin sa iba pang mga produkto na naroon.
"With his new girl?"
I sighed and nodded again. As much as possible I don't want to talk about it. But, he saved my ass.
"He looks mad, Nari. Especially with me, do you think there's another reason why his mad at you?"
Tinignan ko si Jackson. Trying to read his eyes and I only see that cold aura he has even if he's smiling. Wala akong nababasa sa kaniya but I could sense that his making me realize something.
"The reason why his mad because if ever they fail to convince his mother to back out, he doesn't have any other choice because he couldn't fool me again." Malamig kong sagot.
Ramdam ko ang mariing paghawak ni Jackson saking kamay. "As much as I want to support you and cheer you with your twisted opinion, I couldn't, because, inside your heart, there's toxic in it. You need to clean that up soon..." he said deeply.
Napakurap ako, trying to understand what he meant by that, but I couldn't.
"Or else you wouldn't be happy..." dugtong niya.
"I will be happy." matapang kong sagot.
"Even if he marry the woman she's with?" he asked, contemplating.
Napakagat labi ako at bumuntong hininga. "I will... be happy..." susubukan ko...
"Uh...huh? Let us see then." sagot niya at tinaasan ako ng kilay.
Kumunot ang noo ko. "What are you thinking?"
He smirked as he leaned down and just like that, I felt his lips gave me a peck.
I was too shocked I couldn't move. My eyes widen and I was slightly captivated by his sly smile that my heart started to pump so loud.
"Wha-What did you just..."
He patted my head. "I have waited for this to happen. I don't want to take advantage of your vulnerability, so don't worry. As much as possible, if I could, I would push you to your happiness." he said giving me an assuring smile yet I could see sadness on it.
Hinila niya ako papunta sa kung saan. Rinig ko parin ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko ngunit iba ito. Hindi familiar sakin.
I felt like something has given to me but I'm not sure if I could accept it or not.
After watching the products and devices of the others we proceeded to the a function hall where I think the bidding would happen.
I tried not to find Castielle pero kahit saang sulok ako tumingin, siya talaga ang hinahanap ko. And there I saw him with some familiar people.
The guy with him, was Jeiko Valerio with Shian Aldeguer—his cousin. Magkausap si Loraine at si Shian habang si Castielle naman ay kinakausap ni Jeiko while his eyes are now directed to me.
Jackson and I were ushered to our table where were facing the table which the usher led Castielle and the others.
"Jackson Kang, and you are?" pagpapakilala ni Jackson sa isang lalake na minsan ko nang nakitang kasama ni Castielle noon.
"Kalem Montesor..." nakangiti nitong sagot at nakipakamayan kay Jackson.
Kasama namin si Kalem Montesor sa lamesa kasama niya ang isang morena ngunit magandang babae. She looked at me curiously while looking at the back.
"Oh, are you the CEO of Montesor Pharmaceutics?" Jackson asked.
He shook his head. "No, just the COO, the CEO which my uncle couldn't come."
"Oh. By the way, this is Narian Esquilon. My lovely date." pagpapakilala ni Jackson sakin.
Ngumiti ako at nakipagkamayan sa kaniya. Kalem looked at me like he knew me and I know he did. He's a photography instructor in Thaguro and friends with Castielle.
"Nice to meet you. This is my fianceè, Ponsithia Dedomingo." Anito at inakbayan ang dalaga.
Ngumiti naman ito ng pilit at nakipagkamayan samin.
"I think you're familiar..." ani Kalem at sinuri akong mabuti.
"She's Castielle's ex-girlfriend. Right, miss?" tanong nitong Ponsithia.
Natigilan ako sa tanong niya at napakurap. Hindi nako magugulat kung alam niya. Kumalat naman talagang girlfriend ako.
"Do you know his ex?" tanong ni Jackson sa kanila.
Tumango si Kalem, "He's my friend and he's over there. But no worries, my friend is about to get engage soon." aniya at kaagad tumingin na parang naghahanap ng reaksyon.
Ngumiti ako ng malapad ngunit sa kaloob-looban ko, naninikip na ang dibdib ko.
Engage, huh? Kay Loraine? I don't know what to say...
The event has started. Formal introduction, a lot of welcoming message from the CEO who's created this expo.
The waiter served the foods in our table. I couldn't catched what's going on because my mind is flying like a bird.
Hindi parin mawala-wala sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Kalem na malapit na siyang ma-enggaged. Is that really true?
Seryoso ba siya, ang tanong?
"Powder room lang ako." paalam ko.
"I'll go with you. I'll use the comfort room too." sabi ni Jackson at tumayo narin.
I was walking ahead of Jackson dahil parang binabagalan niya. Hindi ko na siya pinansin at tuloyang pumasok sa banyo.
I was about to wash my hands when I heard the door shut to see Jackson inside. Nanlaki ang mata ko.
"What are you doing here?" takang tanong ko.
He put his index finger between his lips, signaling me to be quiet. Lumapit siya sakin at hinawakan ako sa bewang.
My heart beated crazily as fuck when his face leaned closer to mine like he was about to kiss me. I was about to push him when a loud bang of the door.
"Don't you fucking dare!" singhal nito.
And just like that, Jackson got punched by Castielle. Sa gulat ko ay mahina akong napatili dahil sa nangyari.
"Puta! Kilalanin mo muna 'yang hinahawakan mo!" asik ni Castielle kay Jackson at umamba pang susuntukin ito ng pumagitna na ako.
"Stop it! Ano bang ginagawa mo dito, Castielle!" mariin kong sigaw.
"Who are you? What's your fucking problem!?" singhal pabalik ni Jackson.
Nang mapatingin na siya sakin ay binigyan niya ako ng madilim na tingin. Like he couldn't believe that I would asked him that.
Tinuro niya si Jackson, "At siya? Why is he here? Gusto niyo bang mag-solo?! Bakit hindi nalang sa motel diba!? Tangina!" galit na galit niyang sinabi.
Nanlaki ang mata ko. "Ano bang pinagsasabi mo!?"
Napapikit siya ng mariin. Napatingin siya kay Jackson ng masama. "There's no way I'll leave you with this fucker." aniya at hinila ako.
"T-Teka! Teka nga!" pagpipigil ko sa kaniya ngunit hindi siya mapigilan.
Hinila niya ako palabas ng SMX convention kung saan nakapark ang mga sasakyan.
"What the hell?" bulalas ko ng bitiwan niya nako.
"Siya si Jackson diba? Siya ba ang boyfriend mo? Is he the fucking reason why you don't want me anymore, huh?" mariin niyang tanong, pinipigilang ang matinding galit.
Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. Yan ba ang iniisip niya?
"Eh ano kung siya!? Hindi mo pa ba naiintindihan na tapos na? Na wala kang mapapala sakin dahil ayaw ko na sayo!" singhal ko sa kaniya.
Nagulat siya sa sinabi ko kaya bahagya siyang natigilan sa sinabi ko. It was like a loud bang on him.
"Why, huh? Alam ba nang boyfriend mo na ako ang nakauna sayo? That I already fuck you many times!? What did he say when you fuck, huh?" galit niyang singhal.
Pakiramdam ko ay kumulo ang dugo ko sa sinabi niya. I slapped him really hard by that.
"So what if you already fucked me!? Jackson and I can fuck even if you already fucked me! Wala kang pakialam do'n, Castielle!" galit na galit kong sinabi.
Pakiramdam ko ay pigtas na ang litid ng pasensya ko.
Namumula na siya sa galit. His dark eyes are very scary that I was trembling with fear and madness.
"Did you let him fuck you, then?" mariin niyang tanong.
Hapong-hapo nako. Hindi ko alam kung paano makatakas sa kaniya. He's too much! I couldn't take him.
"Wala kang pakialam. At kung wala tayong matinong pag-uusapan, aalis nako." sabi ko at tinalikuran na siya but he held my hand to stopped me.
Napapikit ako ng mariin bago siya harapin.
"I couldn't let you fuck someone else. Nor Kiss someone else... I can't take it, Nari!" mariin niyang sinabi, holding my wrist tightly.
Ramdam ko ang panginginig niya sa galit. And there I saw how scary he was with his dark eyes, making me want to raise the flag of defeat.
But how about him? He kissed so many girls and it's okay? Tangina mo, Master Casanova.
"At bakit ikaw, hah!? You could kiss whoever you want! You could fuck whoever you fucking like! Fuck you for being territorial!" singhal ko.
Hinawakan niya ang kamay kong humahampas sa kaniya at itinaas ang isa ko namang kamay na hawak niya.
Kumabog ng mabilis ang puso ko at kasabay nun ang pagkirot nito sa nakikitang sakit sa mukha niya ngayon.
"Yes, I kissed girls! But fuck, I want to do that because I want to see what will you react! I want to fucking assure myself that you love me too... and baby I don't fuck someone else..." he frustratedly said.
Marahas kong inalis ang kamay niya at mariin siyang tinignan.
"Are you that desperate? Bakit hindi kana lang maghanap ng mauuto mo ulit, Castielle? Oh, wait!" I stopped while smiling sarcastically.
"Andyan naman pala si Loraine, pero nandito ka parin nagpupumilit sakin. Maybe because you will get something to me, isn't? Dahil makakatulong ako sa pagbuo ulit ng pamilya niyo!" singhal ko sa kaniya at tinulak siya ng malakas.
Napaatras lang siya sa ginawa ko. His lips parted a bit while looking at me frightened of what I know.
"Oh, ano? Diba tama ako? Narinig kita! May plano kayo ng Dad mo, diba? Well, guess what? You and your Dad can't use me again to fucking have a happy family!" naiiyak ko nang sinabi at napakagat labi.
Lahat-lahat ng nararamdaman ko ay pakiramdma ko'y unti-unti kong pinapalaya.
I looked at him so very tired of this life.
"Kaya parang awa mo na, Castielle... Tigilan mo nako. Hangga't kaya pa kitang tanggaping bilang magiging kapatid ko." mariin kong sinabi at tuloyan na siyang iniwan ro'n. Tulala sa lahat ng sinabi ko.
Hindi ko na napigilan. Humagulhol ako ng iyak. Dinukot ko ang phone ko at tinawagan si Jackson, but someone wrapped his arms around me and placed my head on his chest.
"I'll take you home, Narian. I'm sorry for triggering him." Jackson said while caressing my head.
Tumango-tango ako at mas lalong bumuhos ang luha ko.
Castielle is too much. Too much to enter my life. Too much for me to love, that its making me tired of living this damn fucked up life.
I got back to work. Ngunit hindi na ako nakapagtrabaho ng maayos. Kahit na paulanan ako ng mga tanong ng mga nurse, lalo na sila Eden. Hindi ko na sila nasagot ng maayos.
Madalas na kaming magkasama ni Jackson sa ospital at siya na ang sumasagot sa mga katanungan nila Eden na kasama rin namin.
Hanggang sa dumating ang araw ng engagement party ni Papa. Ang araw kung saan dapat ay masaya ako para sa Papa ko pero ito ako, parang lalagnatin pa.
"Are you going to be okay?" tanong ni Papa sa kabilang linya habang nakahiga ako sa kama. He was very worried.
I groaned. "I will be fine tonight. Just get ready for your big night. Don't worry about me, Pa." I said with assurance.
"Okay... Just make sure."
I smiled. "Yes, Pa..."
He sighed. "Nari, anak. What ever happened, you're in my side, right?" he asked, getting assurance once more.
Saglit akong natigilan. "Of course I will be, Pa. You're my family..." mahina kong sagot.
I heard his small laughed. "I love you, anak. Thank you for understanding." sabi niya bago ibaba ang linya.
Napabuntong hininga ako bago bumangon upang maghanda na. Masakit lamang ang ulo ko kaya pakiramdam ko ay tinatrangkaso ako.
Bago ako maligo ay nagpadala muna ako ng gamot kay Tuning para sa trangkaso. I was in the shower when my eyes suddenly spinned and I just felt like vomiting.
Nagsuka ako sa harap ng lababo. My head hurts so much kaya ang tanging nagawa ko ay ang humawak sa lababo upang suportahan ang sarili.
Ininom ko ang gamot na bigay ni Tuning bago ko ipagpatuloy ang pagligo. Baka may nakain lang ako kaya ako nagkaganito.
When I was done in the shower, pakiramdam ko ay nasusuka parin ako pero kaya ko namang pigilan kaya nag-blower nako ng buhok.
7:00 in the evening, I was done fixing myself. Wearing a midnight blue dress and a messy bun hairstyle matching my smokey eye make up. I am good to go.
"Wow! Ma'am Nari, super ganda niyo po!" puri ni Tuning ng makababa ako.
Kasama si Tuning sa engagement party kaya nakabihis rin siya. Binigyan ko siya ng damit na masusuot niya kaya disenteng-disente siya ngayon.
"Nambola ka pa. Nandyan na ba si Jackson?" tanong ko sa kaniya.
"Nasa labas na po, Ma'am. Pero, kanina may dumaan dito. Kilala ko pa nga ang mukha, Ma'am. Nagbago lang ng kulay ng buhok..." aniya at tinuro ang labas.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Nang mapagtanto sa isip na si Castielle 'yun ay kumabog ng mabilis ang puso ko.
"B-Bakit daw?"
May inabot siyang puting sobre kaya kaagad ko itong kinuha at binuksan. Nang mabuksan ko ang laman ng sobre ay isang sulat ang naroon.
At halos manghina ako sa nabasa. Biglang nanginig ang labi ko at halos lumuwa na ang puso sa dibdib ko.
At hindi ko namalayan, tumutulo na ang luha sa mga mata ko. No...
I couldn't... This is only one of his tricks.
I couldn't take this anymore, baby. I couldn't stand seeing you with him. God knows how much I fucking love you, baby. Let's run away. Be with me...
-Caspian
Agad kong nilukot ang papel at pinunit-punit while my heart is slowly killing by my agony. Itinapon ko sa basurahan ang papel.
"Tara na..." sabi ko kay Tuning na alam kong nagulat sa ginawa ko.
When we got to the Silvestre Hotel, dumiretsyo kaagad kami sa function hall. Marami ng guest at hindi ko ineexpect na sobrang dami ang pupunta.
Some of them where family and friends and most of them where business personalities, and well known Engineers and Architect.
Namataan ko kagaad ang pamilya ni Castielle. Ang buong angkan ng mga Estrebal at ng mga Aldeguer at kasama nila roon ang kambal at si Loraine Ponce.
But someone is missing. Wala si Castielle... and also his devil of a cousin Arixton...
My relatives in my father side was also there to support my father kaya doon kami tumungo ni Jackson at Tuning.
I introduced Jackson to them and they were glad about his background if ever we have something. Relatives... Tsk.
Mag-uumpisa na ang party ngunit hindi ko parin nakikita si Castielle. Hindi ako mapakali. Lalo na't marami ng pumapasok sa isip ko.
Is he waiting for me? Ano bang plano niya? Ano bang gagawin niya? Hindi ko na alam ang iisipin. My mind is occupied by him.
The party started when Papa walked in front with a microphone in his hand.
"Good evening to all our guest tonight. Thank you for coming. All of you know, what's special tonight would be and that is to announced that I am happily engaged with a stunning woman that I have always dreamed of even though both of us didn't find each other soon enough." he said smiling while looking at the guests.
"But the time has come and destiny led us together, becasue we are destined to be together. I'll introduced to you all. My love, Mariah Sarahpiel Estrebal, soon to be Esquilon."
Napuno ng palakpakan ang buong function hall ng lumapit kay Papa ang isang magandang babae, kahit na sabihin na nating may edad na, still Tita Sarah was so stunning with her beautiful creamy long dress showing all her curves despite being old.
Gumagala parin ang paningin ko sa mga tao. Still, there is no sign of Castielle in the party. Bakit pa ba ako magtataka? He's against this marriage so why would he be here? Stupid me.
Tita Sarah was smiling and Papa and her kissed infront of us but I could see how Tita Sarah was being unfocused. Her eyes were moving like she was finding someone.
Hinahanap niya ba si Castielle? O may iba pa?
Hindi ko alam kung bakit kinakabahan ako. Pakiramdam ko'y may masamang mangyayari kaya ganito nalamang ang pintig ng puso ko.
Mahal ba talaga ni Tita ang Papa ko? Kung oo, bakit siya nakikipag-usap pa kay Lazaro? Hindi ko ito sinabi kay Papa dahil ayokong mangialam.
But tonight, I feel that I wronged my father again. Pakiramdam ko kasalanan ko kung may mangyari man.
But, I will try to believe Tita Sarah. I could see that she loves my father too but how she loves her ex husband? I don't know.
Dahil ayon kay Papa. Sarahpiel loves Lazaro so much that she haven't seen Papa that who was always there. She was blinded by Lazaro and who knows if she's still the same Sarahpiel?
Tita Sarah made a little message hanggang sa ipinasa niya na ang microphone kay Papa. The sweet music filled the function hall at doon ko kaagad nakita si Castielle na kakarating lang na agad tumungo sa kamag-anak niya.
"Did you know that when I saw you again, I immediately fell in love with you? Even if you were that grumpy but to me your still the same Sarahpiel who I used to like back when were in high school." ani Papa habang nakatingin kay Tita.
Tita was smiling sweetly but her eyes can't look straight at Papa who's now very handsome on his tuxedo with his eyes looking so in love with the woman in front of him.
"Sarah, I don't want to let you go now that you're in my grasped. I love you and tonight I want you to be my wife. My official wife..." Papa said.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Nagkatinginan kami ni Jackson and then I looked at Castielle's direction that is now looking at me fiercely.
What is happening?
Nagkaroon ng bulong-bulongan nang mayroong lumapit na lalakeng may dalang suitcase kasama ang iba pang kasama. With his looked, I could say the man is a Judge and the other one is an Attorney.
Nanlaki ang mata ko sa nangyayari. Magpapakasal na sila ngayon through the Judge? Oh my god... this is...
Napasinghap si Tita Sarah, very shocked from what's happening. Why does it feel that Papa is making it hard for her?
Napatayo si Castielle at muling nagtama ang mata naming dalawa. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang reaksyon ko ngayon, all I know is that I'm fucking tensed.
Do I really want this? Fuck. Tangina. Bakit naisip ni Papa to?
"Surprise, my love." ani Papa kay Tita at hinagkan ito at inalalayan palapit sa Judge na hinahanda ang mga papeles na pipirmahan.
Naramdaman ko ang paghawak ni Jackson sa kamay ko. He looked at me giving me strength to fucking hold to.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
"I think I want to throw up..." sagot ko at pinakiramdaman ang tiyan ko.
"I'll go with you in the comfort room." nag-aalala niyang sinabi.
Umiling ako. "No, it's fine." ayoko ng maulit ang nangyari sa expo.
Inalalayan lamang ako ni Jackson while everybody were excited and very surprised ngunit hindi ko magawang magsaya. Fuck it!
"Before the two people here with me sign the papers to make them officially husband and wife, is there any objection?" tanong ng Judge na para bang nararamdaman niyang mayroong tututol.
Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Nagkatinginan muli kami ni Castielle ngunit ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay ang pumikit ng mariin.
"I object your honor."
Bigla akong napadilat ng marinig 'yun. Hinanap ko kung sino ang nagsabi nun at nang makita kung sino ay napaawang ang labi ko.
A man standing tall in between the guest. A tall grown man, with familiar features from Castielle.
Lazaro Ongcuanco is standing still saying those words making the people gasped.
"I object your honor, I will not let this pre-wedding happen." muli nitong sinabi sa matigas na paraan.