"I am freaking engaged, Ida!" 

I sounded so thrilled about getting engaged. I moved my hands up to stare at my beautiful ring again. Ida gave me a wide smile. Napatigil ako nang lumapit siya para yakapin ako. I made squealing noises when she tightened the hug. 

"Congratulations!" She let me go and held my hand to look at the ring. "You were right! It was an engagement ring. Worth it naman palang mag-assume." 

"You know, with Sevi, everything's sure." I smirked before sitting down again on my swivel chair. "We can't announce the engagement yet. Hindi pa alam ng family niya. Ikaw pa lang ang nakakaalam, actually." 

"Wow, what an honor!" She dramatically held her chest and wiped her fake tears. "Dahil diyan, ipagkakalat ko na." 

"Ida!" I glared at her. 

She laughed to tease me. Both of us looked at the door when Alice knocked before going inside my office. She was holding an iPad. She gave Ida a small bow as a sign of greeting before looking at me and pointing at her clock. 

"Meeting, Madam," she reminded me. 

"Oh, right." I stood up and retouched my make-up quickly. Tumayo na rin si Ida at kinuha ang gamit niya para umalis na. She gave me a kiss on the cheek before leaving. 

I was holding my white coat over my arm while walking. Pagkapasok ko ng board room, tumayo silang lahat at naglakad ako papunta sa harapan, gesturing for them to sit down. Sevi was there, again, but with Engineer Ramos this time. Austin was also there, sitting adjacent to my side.

"You may start," I told the employee from Valeria. 

I got my pen out and started taking some random notes down in my notebook. I was listening, but I couldn't stop looking at Sevi. He was playing with his pen, lightly tapping it against the table. He tilted his head a little to the right when the presenter mentioned his name. 

"Yes, I'm currently handling a lot of projects. I am assigning Engineer Ramos right here to look after the construction when I'm out," Engineer Camero answered.

Hindi ko nga alam kung ano ang tanong! I was busy looking at him. He pushed his hair back using his hand while looking in front. When he noticed me staring, he looked at me and gave me a short playful wink. My eyes widened. I immediately looked away from him, coughing. 

"Are you okay, Madam?" Alice asked. 

"Yes, of course." I cleared my throat before focusing my attention back on the presentation. Gosh, Sevi just made me blush with one gesture. 

Austin was quiet. I knew he was looking at me and glancing back at Sevi like he was watching our actions. Alice put a cup of coffee in front of me, so I took a sip. Austin stared at my hand and sighed heavily. 

I was a little confused when Sevi stood up and went to the front to discuss something. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin. He was talking about the construction and the materials they ordered. I didn't understand anything. I was so busy staring at him while he was talking. 

"As you can see right here, Architect Rosario and I had to make changes for a stronger foundation..." Sevi pointed at the projector screen using the red laser from the pen. 

"Are you allowed to make changes without informing us?" Austin suddenly asked. 

"We are informing you right now," Engineer Camero casually answered.

"Hindi ba dapat sine-send pa 'yan for approval?" I had no idea where Austin was coming from. Tumango naman si Sevi. "How would you know if those changes are really important to the construction?" Austin asked again, obviously getting annoyed now. 

"Because I'm an engineer," Sevi answered. 

I bit my lower lip and took a sip of my coffee to hide my grin. I heard some short laughs from other people and some whispers. Napatakip din si Alice sa bibig niya para pigilan ang tawa. This meeting was becoming a damn circus. 

"This is why we are explaining the reason behind it, the advantages in terms of safety and disadvantages on the budget. I already sent this to Miss Ledezma's office beforehand." Sevi looked at me. 

"That's right, Mr. Guerrero." I nodded. "I'll ask my secretary to send it to your e-mail." 

"Now, if you would let me continue, Sir, I would like to explain to you, in Layman's terms, some technical stuff about the construction, which you might not understand if you don't pay attention." Sevi looked so pissed now. 

May ibang natawa na naman ngunit nakatakip ang bibig para pigilan ang sarili. I bit my lower lip and gestured for Engineer Camero to continue. Austin gave him a short nod before Sevi continued discussing. I scratched my head a little. Why the hell were they fighting in the middle of a meeting? 

"What is your deal, seriously? Kulang ka ba sa tulog?" I whispered to Austin. 

"Kind of," maikling sagot niya, hindi man lang ako tiningnan. 

"Miss Ledezma," Sevi suddenly called me. Napaayos agad ako ng upo at tumingin sa kaniya. 

Tinaasan niya 'ko ng kilay bago nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita. I pursed my lips and directed my attention back to him. What the hell? I can't believe I just got scolded by him for not listening. I was the damn C.E.O. And I just let him do that, huh?! 

The meeting went on for another hour before I adjourned it. Everyone stood up. Some left the room, and some went to Sevi so they could talk about something. Kinuha ko ang gamit ko at maglalakad na sana palabas but Austin blocked my way. 

"Congratulations po sa engagement n'yo, Sir Austin and Miss Ledezma!" An employee smiled at us, looking at my hand. 

"W-what?" My lips parted. Everyone was already looking at us. 

"Ang ganda ho ng singsing n'yo, Miss Ledezma. Congratulations," another employee said. 

Austin laughed. "Thanks." 

I glared at him, but he had already left the room. What the hell was wrong with him? Was he mad at me? Nakakainis naman! Everyone started talking about my damn engagement with him! I really needed to announce it as soon as possible.

"Congratulations, Miss Ledezma," sarkastikong sabi ni Sevi nang hawakan ang door handle. 

"Engineer Camero, to my office, please." I glared at him before walking away. "Alice, break time." 

Alice was behind me, trying to catch up dahil sa bilis ng lakad ko. I could hear the sound of my heels on the floor. Alice immediately went back to her seat and waited for Sevi to enter my office. 

Inis akong umupo sa couch ko, crossing my legs. The door opened in just a few minutes, and Sevi went inside. He raised a brow when he saw me scowling. 

"That was so unprofessional," I scolded him.

He rolled his eyes and sat next to me, leaning on the couch. Hinintay niya 'kong magsalita ulit. Alam niyang marami pa 'kong gustong sabihin. 

"First of all, you should have answered him with respect. His position in this company is no joke," pinagalitan ko ulit siya. 

"Para naman kasi siyang gago. Pati 'yon kailangan pa itanong? Hindi ba siya nag-iisip?" He sounded annoyed. "Common sense? Wala siya no'n?"

"I know, but maybe it was a genuine question, you know." I massaged my head. 

"Genuine question? Kaunti na lang parang gusto niya na 'kong suntukin, eh." He rolled his eyes. "Pucha, lagot siya sa 'kin. Pagtulungan namin 'yan ni Theo. Abangan namin sa labas."

"What the hell, Sevi." Hinampas ko siya. "Stop joking around! I'll remind you one last time. Don't let personal feelings affect your work!" I glared at him. 

"Ikaw naman, nakikipagchikahan ka pa habang nagsasalita ako." Pinagalitan niya naman ako ngayon! "Tama ba 'yon, Miss Ledezma? Ano b'ang chika? Pasagap naman ako niyan." 

"I know, I'm sorry, okay?" I pouted. "I was just asking him if kulang siya sa tulog or maybe he has a hangover. Hindi naman siya ganoon usually." 

"At congratulations? Sa engagement n'yo?" He let out a sarcastic laugh before holding my hand to show me the ring. "Sa ganda ng singsing na bigay ko, sasabihin nilang galing sa kaniya? The taste, oy! Tsk." 

"I know you're pissed, but I will make it clear, okay? Ang bilis lang kumalat ng rumors sa company na 'to, but it will die down," I assured him. 

"Sure, mahal," he casually said, putting his arms on the back of his head. 

I looked at the door before moving closer to him to give him a soft kiss. He parted his lips and looked down at me to welcome my kisses. He did not respond, though. 

"Kailangan ko nang bumalik sa site," he said. 

"Later na." I pouted, putting my legs on the sides of his hips. "It's break time..."

He put his hands over my waist to support my weight. I moved closer to him and gave him a hug, leaning my head on his chest. I could hear his heartbeat. He caressed my hair softly and planted a soft kiss on my head. It was the most comfortable place in the world. 

"Alis na 'ko." Sevi pushed me a little.

I sighed heavily, looking lonely. He laughed and held my face to give me a kiss. I opened my mouth and let his tongue enter me. His other hand went up to my chest to massage my mounds while he was kissing me. 

"Hindi pa naman nila 'ko tinatawag." Sevi suddenly changed his mind. 

After more than thirty minutes of spending more time together, I stood up to retouch my makeup dahil nagulo nang kaunti. I tied my hair in a ponytail so it wouldn't look too messy. Good thing I was wearing a turtle-neck sweater. 

I walked towards Sevi and helped him fix his hair before tiptoeing to give him a soft kiss. He pinched my cheeks before leaving my office. Bumalik na rin ako sa table ko para mag-trabaho. I was blushing and grinning while working. What a nice day! 

The next day was a Saturday. May schedule kami ni Sevi para sa inuman mamaya kasama sila Sam so I basically just waited all day to prepare. Nag-takeout na lang kami para wala kaming liligpitin. 

"So, baka wala si Luna later?" I asked Sevi while I was brushing my teeth inside the bathroom. He was still in the shower. 

"Ewan ko lang! Sungit ni Kalix!" He yelled from the shower. 

"Oh, the hottie." I giggled. 

"Naririnig kita!" 

Tumawa lang ako bago nagmumog. I went outside the bathroom and entered the walk-in closet so I could pick something to wear. I was staring at my closet for so long. Should I wear a dress? 

I ended up wearing a white tube, a pair of ripped jeans with a black Gucci belt, and black high-heeled boots. I tied my hair in a high ponytail and put on a pair of earrings and a necklace. I decided to just bring a small white purse. Besides, I wouldn't need anything but my wallet, alcohol, handkerchief, and lipstick. 

"Wow..." Sevi's mouth formed an 'o' when he entered the room. He was only wearing a towel on his hips. Basa pa ang buhok at tumutulo sa dibdib. 

"Get dressed na. Baka ma-late tayo," I told him while putting on makeup. 

He took his towel off and placed it on the couch while picking something to wear. I shamelessly surveyed his body before biting my lower lip. God, nakabihis na 'ko! Stop it, Elyse! It took me a lot to fight the urge to touch him. 

Sevi just wore a white dress shirt with three buttons open to reveal his chest, a metal necklace, and a pair of grey pants. He buckled his black belt before folding the sleeves of his dress shirt until his elbows. He also put on a silver watch. 

"We're taking your car?" I asked. 

"Syempre. Malamang lasing ka mamaya," he insulted. "'Yong alcohol tolerance mo mas mababa pa sa grades ko noong college." 

"Hey, excuse me! Malakas na 'ko ngayon!" I proudly said like it was true. He mocked me and made a face. 

Sumimangot ako at kinuha na ang bag ko. I blow-dried Sevi's hair before he applied wax to them, styling his hair a bit. I pouted. He looked so attractive. What a head-turner. I was sure girls would flock to him in the club. He applied perfume before we left the unit. 

It was around ten-thirty when we arrived there. We were late. Ten ang usapan pero medyo traffic kasi, though kami ang pinakamalapit sa club. Pagkarating namin, sinalubong kami ng employee ni Sam para dalhin kami sa reserved table. It was at the second floor.

"Oh my gosh, hi guys!" Samantha stood up when they saw us. "Late kayo, ha! Hi Elyse!" 

Samantha gave me a kiss on the cheek and pulled on my hand until we reached the couch. Sevi went out when he heard that Arkin was downstairs. Naiwan tuloy ako sa girls! I had not seen them for a very long time, so I didn't know how to act. 

"Hi!" Via stood up and gave me a friendly hug. She looked so gorgeous. She was wearing a white off-shoulder blouse, revealing her abdomen, and a pair of black jeans partnered with silver heels. Her hair was in a half-ponytail. 

"Oh, I thought you left for Spain?" I asked her. That was what I heard from Sevi. 

"Change of plans. Si Luna kasi, eh." She laughed a bit before sitting down. "Upo ka." 

"Hi," I awkwardly greeted Kierra, who had just taken a shot. 

"Hello!" She gave me a smile before pouring another one so she could give it to me. "Kumusta? Shot ka muna! Welcome shot!" 

"Where are the others?" I asked her. She was wearing a black short dress. Her hair was in a ponytail. 

"Oh, si Luna, susunod daw. Si Yanna, papunta pa lang. Hayaan mo na 'yon. Palagi namang late 'yon, jusko." She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Shot na!" 

I was about to drink the shot when a woman suddenly got it out of my hand. I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes when I saw Yanna. She was wearing a velvet bralette and a black skirt. Binottoms-up niya 'yong shot at nilapag sa lamesa, creating a noise.

"Hey," Hiro greeted, his hand on Yanna's waist. He was wearing a black button-down polo that was tucked inside his dark jeans. He was wearing a designer leather belt and a silver bracelet. 

"Hi, Hiro." I smirked, standing up. 

"Hoy," Yanna warned me. "Ano 'yan? Si Sevi, nasaan?" 

"Oh, ano na namang kailangan mo?" Sevi suddenly came, walking in my direction. He stopped when he saw Hiro beside Yanna. 

"Hey," Hiro greeted him, smiling.

"Uy..." Sevi gave him a light nod before sitting beside me, putting his hands over my waist to pull me closer to him. 

Hiro laughed a bit before whispering something to Yanna, which made her laugh too. Umupo na rin sila sa other side ng couch at kumuha ng bote para inumin. Via stood up and talked to Sam before she left. Hindi ko alam kung saan siya pupunta. Baka sasayaw sa baba or what. 

"I invited Shan," Hiro told Sam. "Is that okay?" 

Nasamid ako bigla sa iniinom ko nang marinig ko ang name ni Kuya. Sevi gave me a shot like it was a damn glass of water to cure my throat! Ininom ko na lang 'yon at kumuha ng lemon. 

"Yeah, sure!" Sam answered. "I guess? I guess it's okay? Right, guys?" 

"No," I answered honestly. "Awkward!" 

"True..." Kierra laughed and shook her head before taking another shot. 

I placed the glass back on the table and looked to the left when I saw a woman walking towards our direction. It was Luna. She was smiling so widely. 

She was wearing a white silk tank top and a brown leather skirt partnered with brown heels. Her hair was in an elegant bun with a few strands left at the side of her face. Nakipagbeso sila kila Sam. She looked so excited. 

"Ay, kike!" She almost fell so napahawak siya sa braso ni Kalix. 

"Careful," Kalix said, holding Luna up. 

He was wearing a charcoal grey dress shirt, a black coat, and a pair of black slacks. He looked professional. He fixed his sleeves, revealing his Rolex. His hair was pushed back. He looked so tall beside Luna. 

"Kalix." Hiro stood up to greet him. Sevi suddenly massaged his head, getting stressed out now. I laughed and asked him what was wrong, but he just shook his head. 

"Sam, baka may gusto kang idagdag dito," sabi bigla ni Sevi kay Sam.

"Oh, don't worry," Sam giggled. 

"Kuya!" Napatayo kaagad ako nang makita siya. Oh my gosh! I suddenly felt nervous! 

"Nanganganib na buhay ko. Kapag nawala na lang ako bigla mamaya, tumawag ka ng pulis," Sevi whispered on me. 

"Hey, I won't stay here for too long," my brother told Hiro. "I'm busy with a case." 

My brother greeted Kalix. After that, he gave me a soft kiss on the cheek before giving Sevi a nod, and then he sat beside Kalix to talk about something. Wala akong naintindihan and they were seated far away from our side. 

"I'll just go to the restroom and maybe try to find Via," paalam ni Kierra bago tumayo. 

"Yeah, sure." I pursed my lips and watched her leave. 

"Drink up, guys! Ang bagal n'yo uminom!" Samantha returned, holding three more bottles and placing them on the table. She sat beside me, and Yanna stood up to sit beside her. Luna whispered something to Kalix before she sat on my other side. 

"I didn't recognize you last time. Sorry. Hindi kita nakita nang malapitan." Luna smiled at me. "Maybe because of your hair. Ang ganda ng buhok mo! Ang healthy pa rin niya tingnan!" 

"Thank you, and congratulations.,," I smiled back at her. "So happy for you!" 

"Aw, thank you!" She gave me a side hug and leaned her head on my shoulder. I smiled and lightly tapped her shoulder. 

"Hoy, shot mo na." Yanna gave Luna a shot glass. 

"Anong ako? Boba!" Luna rolled her eyes. 

"Ah, mali. Lumiko. Ikaw pala, Elyse. Shot mo na 'to." Yanna suddenly gave me the shot glass. 

I didn't want to be a 'killjoy' so ininom ko na lang. I had to hang out with Sevi's friends! Sevi was there with the boys. Oh, Arkin was with him na, kaya pala ang daming tumitingin sa side nila. May kakampi siya. 

"I'm going now." My brother ruffled my hair. 

"Oh, that fast?" I asked. 

"Yeah, I'm busy," he greeted the other girls before leaving. 

Sevi was seated on the armrest of the couch, and Arkin was standing in front of him. Beside Arkin was Hiro. Kalix was seated on the couch, holding a glass. They looked like they were having a stupid meeting. 

"Congratulations, Luna and Elyse! Cheers!" Sam brought her glass up. 

Kailangan kong makipag-sabayan sa kanila but they were so wild, except Luna, of course. Water lang ang iniinom niya. Kierra and Via came back and joined the party so mas na-pressure ako! Another drink after a drink! Sunod-sunod!

Another guy came with the guys, 'yong nag-hatid sa 'min ni Ida last time. He was laughing when he saw Kalix and suddenly, nasama na siya sa meeting. There was another man who came. I wasn't familiar with him. And another one. Bakit ang dami naman nilang kakilala?! 

"What the hell," I whispered when I saw a group of girls walking towards our couch. 

I saw how Hiro showed his hand to the woman. Sevi stood up from the armrest and moved away to exit himself. Kalix looked so unapproachable that no one dared to talk to him. Si Arkin lang ang nag-entertain for pictures. The other guys were busy talking. 

"Nahihilo na 'ko." I pouted, holding my head. 

"Now is the right time to dance! Let's go!" Samantha pulled my hand up. 

"Hoy, Sam, wait. Hilo ako pagtayo ko..." Kierra laughed. "Luna, tara na! Ako ang bahala sa 'yo, promise!" 

"Dalian n'yo, ang tagal!" Nangunguna na si Yanna. 

"Uy, sure ba kayong kaya n'yo? Baka naman magkalat kayo sa baba." Via looked so worried for us. "Tsaka may hagdan, ha!"

Sam clung to my arm to pull me away from the couch. Luna was talking to Kierra while Via was trying to pull Yanna back. 

"Where are you going?" We stopped when Kalix suddenly asked. He raised a brow and looked at Luna. 

"Sa baba lang! We'll be careful with her, promise!" Kierra said, pulling Luna away again. 

We went downstairs to dance. I moved my hips with the sound of music, trying to blend in with the people. I felt drunk, so I was so impulsive with my actions. Samantha brought a bottle of tequila, and she started pouring it into our mouths. I held my head again, feeling dizzy. 

"Okay ka lang ba? Balik na kaya tayo roon?" Via held my arm. 

"I'm fine!" I gave her a nod. "Promise! Promise!" 

A couple of guys were already making their way in our direction. Nabunggo ko pa 'yong isa so I stepped back. I looked at the second floor and saw Sevi leaning against the railings, watching me. Beside him were the other guys. Some were laughing, and some looked so serious. 

I danced again with the girls, ignoring the guys around us. A guy tried to grab Yanna's arm, but Samantha pulled her away. Via was just watching me in case I would suddenly fall on the floor because of too much alcohol. 

When we came back, the other guys were nowhere to be found. Si Sevi, Kalix, and Hiro na lang ang naiwan doon. Sevi was already seated on the couch. I smiled and went towards him to sit on his lap. His eyes widened, and he tried to put me next to him, but I leaned against his chest and closed my eyes. The world was spinning again. 

"Oh, lasing ka na?" Sevi put his arms on my waist. 

"Lasing ka na, Elyse?" Yanna asked, laughing. "Tama! Mag-SPG questions na tayo! Game?" 

"Game," sabi noong iba. Tumango ako at nag-thumbs up. 

"So... Kumusta naman si Sevi?" I knew what she meant.

"Gago ka ba?" Sevi glared at Yanna. "Bakit ako kaagad?"

"Good... So good..." I giggled, drunk. 

I heard some 'oooh's from the girls. I saw how the side of Hiro's lips rose. Luna covered her ears and shook her head, looking disgusted but still laughing. Kalix laughed a little before drinking another glass. Luna was already beside him. 

"Tama na. Iuuwi ko na 'to." Sevi pushed me up and stood up to get my things. 

They started asking each other questions. I was laughing while listening to their answers. Lahat 'yon ay SPG questions. 

"Lights on or lights off?" Kierra asked Luna and Kalix. 

They looked at each other before answering. "Off!" Luna answered, but Kalix said otherwise kaya sinamaan niya ng tingin. "Ikaw, Elyse, lights on or lights off?" Luna asked.

"Dimmed lights!" I answered, almost falling back on the couch. Good thing Sevi was holding my arm. Napailing siya sa akin, inaalalayan ako.

"Pucha, may pa-dim lights." Yanna laughed again. She was holding a glass of blue margarita in her hand. 

"Eh, ikaw ba?" Kierra asked. 

"Ako, lights on. Para kitang-kita, girl." Yanna gave her a wink. Hiro massaged the bridge of his nose, getting embarrassed. 

"Sex or chocolates?" Samantha asked everyone this time. 

"Chocolates," Hiro answered, smirking. Lumingon kaagad si Yanna sa kaniya, nakakunot ang noo. 

"Ano ba 'yan? Uuwi na kami..." Sevi wanted to go home so badly, but he was being cornered by his own friends. 

"Si Sevi ba first kiss mo?" Via asked me. 

"Yes! But I'm not his first kiss!" Sumimangot ako. "I don't know who! He wouldn't tell me!" 

Yanna suddenly choked on her margarita. She sat beside Hiro like a prim and proper woman. Luna and Kierra just kept on laughing like all of them understood the joke. What was the joke? Why was it funny?!

"Yanna, parang nanahimik ka yata." Luna laughed. 

"Huh? Lasing na yata ako." Yanna held her head, leaning against Hiro. 

My brows furrowed, getting confused. Napailing si Sevi at hinawakan ang braso ko para hatakin na 'ko paalis doon. 

"I love you guys!" I sent a flying kiss. "I love you all! I love you, my friends! I had so much fun today!" 

"We love you, too!" Samantha laughed at me. 

"Luna, I'm sorry I was jealous of you. You're an amazing person! Kierra, I feel a little awkward, but I love you! Via, you're so patient and amazing! Sam, I love you, my friend! Yanna, I fucking hate you." I glared at her. "But I still love you! Waa, I love you, all!" 

"She's so fucking wasted..." Hiro shook his head. 

"Salamat, Sam. Alis na kami, Luna, Ke, Via, Yanna." Sevi waved before pulling me away. "Attorney, Cap," paalam ni Sevi bago umalis. 

"And you! I love you!" I pinched Sevi's cheeks. 

"I love you." He nodded. "Tara na." 

When we arrived at the unit, I passed out on the bed. The next morning, my head was hurting so bad! Napaupo ako sa kama at hinimas ang ulo ko. Naka-bra and panty lang ako, but it was fine. I stood up and went inside the bathroom to wash my face. I noticed that I wasn't wearing makeup anymore, but my hair still smelled like liquor and smoke. 

When I went out of the bedroom, Sevi was already seated at the dining table, sipping on his coffee. He was wearing nothing but pajamas, and he was glaring at me! Wala akong maalala! Why was he mad?! 

"Hi..." I gave him a cute smile after getting a yogurt inside the fridge. "What happened last night?" 

"Ah, hindi mo maalala?" He raised a brow. 

"Uh, I remember a little bit." I sat in front of him. "I was dancing... and then I went back to the couch... and we were playing fast talk?" 

"Noong inuwi kita rito, halik ka nang halik sa 'kin hanggang sa makatulog ka na lang bigla. Akala ko nga kung ano na nangyari sa 'yo. Isusugod na sana kita sa hospital kaso naghilik ka bigla-"

"Hey, I don't snore! You liar!" I glared at him. 

"Malakas ka na uminom, huh..." He scoffed. "Nabilang ko shot mo! Seventeen. Dinuduga ka na nga ni Yanna, eh. Hindi mo napapansin. Lasing kasi!"

He just kept on teasing me the whole day. My hangover was so bad that I had to sleep again! I woke up around four o'clock when I felt Sevi beside me. He was taking a nap, too. He put his arms on my waist and pulled me closer to him. I closed my eyes again to sleep. 

The next day was Monday, so we went back to work. I attended a board meeting before going inside my office again for lunch. Austin and his dad wanted to have lunch with me, so we ate inside my office. Tito Anthony was talking about the engagement rumors again. 

"It was still going around. I see you're now wearing a ring. Have you already agreed to Austin's proposal?" Tito Anthony laughed, looking at my ring. 

"No, this is not from him." I looked at Austin again. He was quiet. Hindi niya 'ko masyadong kinakausap during the past few days. "I am already engaged to another guy, Tito." 

"What?" Tito Anthony's lips parted. 

"I'm full now." Austin stopped eating. Niligpit niya ang pinagkainan niya at nilagay ulit sa paper bag. "Dad, can we talk?" 

"Excuse me, Elyse." Tito Anthony stood up and followed Austin outside the office. 

I shook my head and finished my food before going back to work. I decided to go home around four o'clock. Tumayo ako at niligpit ang gamit ko. Sevi and I were supposed to go grocery shopping after work so maaga kaming umuwi pareho. 

When I went inside the unit, he wasn't there yet. Before leaving the room, I placed my heels back on the shelf, including my bag. Saktong paglabas ko, kakarating lang ni Sevi. I was about to talk, but he was talking to someone on the phone. 

"Ano? Hindi kita marinig." Sevi looked so frustrated. "Gumuho?! Paano nangyari 'yon?! Hindi ba 'yan tiningnan ni Engineer Ramos?! Anong materyales ba 'yong ginamit n'yo? Anong bago? Anong... Eh, sino ba kasing nagsabing simulan n'yo 'yan habang wala ako?!" 

"W-what?" My lips parted. 

"Nasa Makati ako, 'di ba? Paanong pumayag si Engineer Ramos, diyan?! Anak ng! Ako 'yong maiipit dito. Lima 'yong sinugod sa hospital?! Ano'ng gagawin natin ngayon?" Sevi pulled on his hair with so much frustration. 

My heart started beating so fast. Napatalon ako nang mag-ring ang phone ko. Austin was calling. I answered it and went inside the bedroom. 

[Emergency meeting, Elyse. Something happened in Batangas. You need to go back here!] he informed me. 

"W-why? What happened?" I was so nervous. 

[We're taking Engineer Camero off the project. I just want to let you know.] 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)