Storm's P.O.V.
"I can't leave you here. I'll tell Uncle Leo about our situation." I told Cass. Uncle Leo is insisting for me to come home, saying that he needs my opinion regarding his plans to the company. I know it's just a front para umuwi ako. He wants me to take over the company, which, I clearly told him I'm not interested. I want to be a doctor. Ngunit malaki pa rin ang utang na loob ko dito dahil ito na ang tumayong ama at ina sakin ng maulila ako.
"But Krishan, uncle needs you. Kaya ko naman. I'll be fine here." She said, with a reassuring smile.
I look at her, unconvinced. "You can't be alone." Maselan ang pagbubuntis nito kaya hindi niya ito pwedeng basta-basta nalang iwan.
"Krishan.."
I pulled the phone from my pocket then dialled a number. I'm hesitant but I need to decide. "Please tell uncle, we'll be there. Arrange a flight for two." Then turned to her, "Let's take the trip."
* * * *
WE just arrived at the hotel when I saw Uncle Leo, all smile, going towards our direction. Nakita naman agad ito ni Cassandra kaya nakangiting bumati ito dito. May mga kasama itong bodyguards. Six to be exact. He never change.
"Oh, Cassandra. I'm glad both of you made it." He gave us a fatherly hug. "I wanted to give you a warm and grandiose welcome but Jae doesn't like it." I have three names. Storm, Krishan, and Jae Kyun. How funny, right?
"It's okay, uncle," wika naman ni Cassandra. I know she's tired pero hindi nito iyon ipinahalata.
"Uncle, I'll go to your room later. Cassandra needs to rest. And...the baby."
Parang natauhan naman ito ng maalala ang kalagayan ni Cassandra. " Oh, yeah! Yeah. Sure. Go ahead!" he can't hide the worry behind his voice. "My bad. Take a rest, okay?"
Hinatid ko muna si Cassandra sa kwarto at nang masigurong mahimbing na ang tulog nito ay lumabas na ako. I went straight to Uncle Leo's room.
After three knocks, the door opened. Uncle Leo is already on his pajamas. He smiled.
"Come in."
I took a seat on the couch and waited for Uncle to sit down. Kumuha lang ito ng wine at pagbalik nito ay may dala ng wine glass.
"I heard she's two-months pregnant." Inabot nito ang baso sa akin saka umupo.
"Yeah."
"Are you really serious about this relationship, Jae?"
I just let out a smile. "So, how's your company doing?" I asked. Mukhang natuwa naman ito ng banggitin ko iyon.
"Why, have you made up your mind? I'm old and I want to retire early, Jae. Will I be getting a positive response?" he's smiling all ears.
"Uncle... I told you before, I'm - - - what's that?" Ipinatong nito ang isang brown envelope sa harap ko.
"Everything is settled. We just need a timing to tear down their company."
"Are you talking about- - -"
He nod and smile. "I promised to help you, Jae. A promise is a promise, so here it is."
Binuksan ko ang envelope saka tiningnan ang nakapaloob dito. I automatically smiled.
"Thank you, Uncle." I said with a wide grin on my face. "That's quick."
"If you're that grateful, do me a favor. Be the head of our company."
I expected this but it still caught me off guard. "I'll think about it, Uncle. Don't worry."
I pick up the envelope and get up. "I'll see you tomorrow, Uncle." I said then went back to the room.
Cass is still asleep. Inayos ko ang kumot nito saka umupo sa gilid ng kama. Pinagmasdan ko ang maamo nitong mukha at hindi ko mapigilang haplusin iyon. Bumukas ang mga mga nito saka ngumiti ng makita ako. Hinawakan nito ang kamay ko saka pumikit ulit. She's really tired.
Kung pwede ko lang burahin lahat ng masasamang alaalang idinulot ng Benitez na yun, I'll do it, Cass. You're a beautiful person and you deserve a happy life.
I looked at the envelope again. It's time for revenge.
* * * *