EVELYN DeMARCUS

Mommy was busy trying to brush Eva's hair when I entered the family room. Pansin ko ang munting inis sa mukha ni mommy nang hindi mapakali ang bunso namin, lalo na dahil ine-enganyo naman siya ng mga kuya niyang nag-aasaran sa isang gilid. Frustrated na si mommy dahil 'di matapos-tapos ang nais niyang pagsuklay kay Eva pero dahil malikot ito, nawawala din ang ayos.

Natawa nalang ako at lumapit sa kinaroroonan ni dad. Nasa isang couch siya, kaharap ang isang malaking screen kung saan naglalaro sina Russell at Ruel ng barilan. Base sa kunot ng noo ni dad, sinubukan niyang aralin ang laro para makasali sa kalokohan ng dalawa.

"It's easier to learn if you practice, dad," ani ko at umupo sa tabi niya.

Malumanay niya akong nginitian bago tinuon ang atensyon muli sa laro. "In this case, watching is better..."

"Bakit, ate? Kaya mo?" hamon ni Russell sa'kin ng nakangisi. Binalingan niya ako saglit bago bumalik ang tingin sa laro. "You've played this, right? So you can play!"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Doesn't mean I'm good, Rus. Nakakahilo ang larong 'yan."

"Matanda ka na kasi," pang-aasar niyang muli.

Napairap ako sa likod ng ulo niya. "I'm honestly just a year older than you. Hindi ganon katanda 'yon."

Lumingon sa'kin si Ruel. "Technically, a year and ten months. Halos dalawang taon na din 'yon, ate."

"Okay, know-it-all, back to your game," kunwaring inis kong sabi na lamang pero napangiti din.

Minsan talaga ay hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit masyadong seryoso 'tong si Ruel. You would think that Russell would be more mature dahil mas matanda siya, pero mukhang nauna pa atang mahinog itong si Ruel kesa sa kuya niya.

"Ate! Ate! 'Yung books ko, meron na po?!" excited naman na sabi ni Eva sabay sulpot sa harap ko.

Tumingin ako kay mommy na nakalabi na habang nakatingin sa magulo nang buhok ni Eva. I just chuckled and carried her to my lap, cuddling my little sister who is actually taller than me. Malapit na siyang mag-debut and the pride and joy of the family wanted nothing more than LSAT prep books. She was two years in advance with studying, pero hindi pa ata 'yon sapat sakanya.

I hugged her tight briefly. "Of course. Dumating na sila kahapon pa."

She squealed like a little girl and continued to hug me. Nang maglaon ay si dad naman ang nilambing niya, panay pang bola na ang pogi pogi ni dad. Hindi naman sa umaangal ako, dahil dapat lang na may pagmanahan ng kaguwapuhan ang mga kapatid kong lalaki.

"Evie," tawag ni mommy sa'kin nang maupo siya sa kabilang gilid ni dad, nilalaro ang buhok ni Russell na nasa paanan niya. Si Russell naman ay agad umatras para mas malapit kay mommy. Kahit kailan talaga, ang clingy...

"Yes, mommy?"

She gave me a stern glare. "I heard Third is still with her."

Napabuntong-hininga ako at tumango. I knew she would bring it up. It's the only thing left that's stopping Third and I from getting married: his girlfriend. Kung hindi lang specific si lolo sa gusto niyang mangyari, baka matagal ko nang hinayaan si Third. Tutal, wala naman talaga siyang pakinabang sa'kin. His only use to me would be his name. I don't need him, but I need his surname attached to mine.

"Mom, ayan na naman kayo kay ate," angal ni Russell nang nakasimangot. Nasa screen parin ang tingin niya pero pansin na ang pagkainis niya sa pinaguusapan. Mas bayolente na kasi ang pagpindot niya sa mga controls.

"Si lolo kasi, ang daming alam," iling naman ni Ruel. "I don't get why you have to be married. Kayang-kaya mo naman ang DMC Groups kahit wala kang asawa, ate."

Dad chuckled beside me. "We all know that, son; your grandfather, however, did not. Alam niyo naman 'yon, kung ano ang kinagisnan na paniniwala, dadalhin niya hanggang kamatayan."

"Talk about sexism." I rolled my eyes, but still relented.

Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa namin? It was lolo Adan's words. Hindi na 'yon mababago kahit ano man ang sabihin namin. We had no other choice but to follow. In his defense, hindi naman niya inalagay lang sa'kin ang responsibilidad, e. It was either Russell or I, to be honest. Kung sino man ang uupo sa presidency position, siya ang kailangang magpakasal. The only thing is, lolo set who our supposed spouses are. For Russell, it would have to be no one but Perrie Chua, the daughter of an investment mogul. She would've been DMC's access to China's amazing economy. Pero walang interes si Russell sa posisyon, while I had every intention of getting it.

The thing is... minamalas na ata ako.

If Russell challenged me—and I'm sure he won't!—he would do so easily. Perrie Chua is very agreeable at wala din siyang tutol na magpakasal sa kapatid ko. Why not? It would both be beneficial to them, corporate and social lives alike. Perrie is pretty and the favorite daughter of the Chuas. Paniguradong hindi mahihirapan si Russell sa China.

While me, my only option was none other than the rebellious heir of the Lounge family: Alexander III Lounge.

He was stubborn and very confident with himself. Hindi ko rin naman kasi p'wedeng ipagkaila na magaling talaga siya sa negosyo. Their company rivals us in so many ways, but our only difference is the fact that we have malls. Marami silang branches sa malls namin and branches of their store in other places, but a branch is nothing compared to a mall. Obviously, it would be so nice if we merged the companies, or even form a formal agreement between the companies. Interesado din naman kaming mag-invest na sa culinary world and, seeing that they are the leading wine suppliers of the country, it would be an honor to feature their wine sa mga restaurants na ipapatayo namin.

But nooo, Third just had to be the most infuriating man ever. What makes him such a horrible candidate? He is damned "in love" with his girlfriend. At least that's what he claims when I'm not touching him.

"May kapatid naman 'yon, ate, siya nalang. Mukhang mas mabait pa si Luis," komento naman ni Russell, naglalaro parin. "Plus, he's unattached. Mas madali."

"I considered it, Rus, but Luis is not even interested in their business. Besides, Third is better for the company."

Mommy sighed heavily, problemado na naman. "Seriously, Evie, you are too young for this. Ni hindi ka pa nakakapag-boyfriend! Now you want to skip to the wedding."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Mommy, ikaw nga 'tong gusto na akong magpakasal, e."

Dada smirked beside me kaya napairap sakanya si mommy. Dada just raised his hands in mock surrender. "She has a point, sweets. Kakasabi mo lang din kani-kanina."

"Just wanted to make sure Evie is doing this for herself, not just for the company. Mahirap na, baka maging miserable ka pa," baling sa akin ni mommy. "Fixed marriages aren't all fairytale-like, anak."

"I am doing this for myself, mommy. It just so happens that anything for the company equates to anything for me."

Ruel snickered at me. "Tinodo mo na ang pagiging workaholic, ate. Leave some work for us, too."

"Well, young man, you better step up your game, then," singit ni dada at mariin na tinignan ang bunsong lalaki. "Your sister is graduating the same year as you are—and she's two years younger!"

Ngumiwi si Ruel at pabirong inirapan si Eva na humahagikhik. "That's unfair, dad. Eva is a genius!"

"Sakto lang, kuya," giit naman ni Eva at umalis sa gitna nina mommy at dada para pumagitna sa dalawang kuya niya. I instantly smiled when the two eagerly closed up on her. Kaya spoiled na spoiled 'yang si Eva, e. Spoiled sa pagmamahal at atensyon naming lahat.

"Point is..." Sumimangot si mommy. "I want all of you to be successful. But more than that, I want to be a grandmother!"

Tumawa ng malakas si Russell at sinimulan na naman ang laro. "Right, mom. Like that's gonna happen soon."

"It will." Umirap pa si mommy. "Baka mauna mo pa akong bigyan, Russell, hmm? Baka mamaya, may anak ka na pala diyan, hindi lang natin alam."

The rest of Sunday was spent just resting and chilling in the family room. It was a fixed tradition to leave Sunday off para nasa bahay kaming lahat. We all still live with mommy and dada, pero halos lahat kami ay hindi nakakauwi within the week. I was busy in the office along with Russell, habang si Ruel at Eva ay madalas nasa university nila, masyadong malayo para umuwi gabi-gabi. So Sundays, as per mommy's request, were strictly family time. Unless may emergency.

Kyla, Ruel's girlfriend, arrived at around four in the afternoon to join us for Sunday's best. They've been together since they were in high school at alam na ng buong pamilya ang balak ni Ruel na magpropose as soon as they both graduate at the end of the year.

By Monday, I was back at the office, my desk already filled with so much paperwork. I sighed and delegated some to my executive secretaries. Kaya naman na nila 'yan. They get paid a lot to know the ropes of the business.

It was past ten in the morning when the double doors of my office burst open. Gulat na tumingala ako at napangisi nang makita si Third, galit na galit at parang palabas na ang usok sa tenga niya. I would be scared if I was any other girl, but since I'm Evelyn DeMarcus, I stood up and greeted him calmly.

"I told you to stop messing with my girlfriend!"

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, kunwari'y inosente sa mga bintang niya. "I've been here the whole day, Third. Ano na naman ba ang sinumbong ng girlfriend mo?"

Mabilis at galit siyang lumapit sa kinaroroonan ko, sinusubukan akong takutin gamit ang nanlilisik niyang mga mata. But I've endured the wrath of lolo Adan, his is nothing more than a pup's bark.

"It is utterly low of you to use your company for personal benefits, miss DeMarcus," giit niya, nagpipigil ng galit at inis ang bawat salita niya. Tiim na tiim din ang panga niya at pakiramdam ko ay masisira na ang ngipin sa pagkakadiin niya sa mga ito.

Despite his annoyance, I smiled sweetly at him. Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya at mas lalong nanliit ang mata niya. I grinned, a silent victory yet again. Kung dati, agad niyang winawasik ang kamay ko; nowadays, he's been really tolerant of my touch. There were even times when he'd lean into my touch before catching himself. The brute was falling, and he doesn't even know yet.

"Oh, love, calm down..." malambing kong sabi sakanya na alam kong mas makakapag-inis sakanya. It worked. His eyes became dangerous. Made him hotter, to be completely honest.

Kahit ano'ng sabi ko na para ito sa kumpanya, having him as my husband would be the icing to the cake. He was an attractive man, kahit na hindi siya ang type ko. Mas mahilig ako sa malalaki ang katawan, pero ang kanya kasi ay sakto lamang. Ever since I faked attraction towards him, my type of men has also changed. Ngayon mas prefer ko na ang... tulad niya. Siya mismo.

"Let. Go," galit na galit niyang utos pero hindi naman lumayo. I instantly knew what he was looking forward to.

Because every time he gets annoyed and so angry, I make it worse by giving him a quick kiss. Pero dahil inistorbo niya ang trabaho ko, my lips only landed on his cheek. I saw his surprised look when I stepped away from him. Gusto ko man siyang akitin ay wala akong panahon. I need to settle this so he'd leave and let me be. No man is more important than my job.

"Now.. what did I do this time?" I blinked in fake innocence and with an even faker sweet smile.

Napakurap siya ng ilang beses, hindi makapaniwala sa inaasal ko. Then the annoyed Third came back. He rudely pointed an accusing towards me.

"Their investors, Evelyn! Halos lahat sila, nag-pull out! After that damned conference—where you spoke with all of them!"

I rolled my eyes and went back to my desk. 'Yun lang pala! Akala ko naman kung napabagsak ko na ang kumpanya nila. "Quit yapping, Third. Wala akong pinilit na mag-pull out. They did so willingly without a gun to their heads."

Namumula na siya sa sobrang inis. Malamang, tulad ng mga nakaraang pagbabangayan namin, kung hindi ako babae ay kanina pa niya hinampas sa dingding. But the sad fact is, the man might get all types of lawsuits and opposition if he lays a hand on me.

While he was fuming, breathing heavily and annoyingly, pinanood ko siya. Ah yes, the iconic Lounges of Manila are obviously such eye-candies. Ano'ng mae-expect mo kung isang gwapo rin ang ama nila, habang ang ina naman ay isang foreigner na dating model sa Paris. Their mom frequented Vogue so it is no wonder why her sons grew up like picture-perfect magazine models. Masyado ata silang pinagpala, lalo na sa makakapal nilang mga kilay, mapupulang labi, at matatangos na ilong. While Third opted to cut his hair short, one of his brothers have it long and wavy, habang ang isa naman ay kalbo—pero 'yung tipong kalbo na ang angas parin kung tignan.

The Lounge brothers were known for their charisma and, above all, their insane wealth. Their company started in the U.S., where their dad used to live. Nang lumago ang negosyo ay nag-expand sila sa Asia, heading straight to Singapore, then here in the Philippines. They were old money rich, but new money richer. Kung dati mayaman lang sila, ngayon na lumaki na ang negosyo nila ay mas malaki na ata ang net worth nila kesa dalawang beses ng kumpanya namin. We were wealthy, but still middle-class compared to the Lounges.

"Take it back, Evie. Take it back before they all leave."

Inirapan ko siya sa puntong ito. No one tells me what to do. Especially not when it comes to my company. I faced and leaned towards him, bending so my hands were flat on the table between us. Nakita ko ang saglit niyang pagtingin sa labi ko bago salubungin ang tingin ko. He forced to make an angry face again.

"It was a business decision. The whole board agreed to it, Third. Hindi ko lang 'yun desisyon." My eyes narrowed before he could speak. "And no, wala akong ginawa to stop it; in fact, I voted yes. But it doesn't mean it was for a personal reason!"

"Really, huh?" nangunguya niyang tanong. "It's not part of your ploy to get me? To force their hand, para hiwalayan ni Jane. That's not your plan at all, Evelyn?"

It's E-Vie-Lyn, you dumbo! Not Ev-Lyn!

I casually glanced at him. I even tapped my chin fo effect. "That's a good idea, Third!" Mas umasim ang mukha niya. "But thing is, wala akong panahon para laging mag-draft ng corporate decisions. And frankly, you're not worth the risk of harming my company."

He gave me a sarcastic laugh with an eye roll. Ang diva! "Of course! Everything you do is for your company!"

"Yes, and that will include kicking you out," mariin kong banta at nawawalan na ng pasensya. "Look, I pity your girlfriend's family because they are losing investors, pero I won't be held responsible for that! Wala silang sense of professionalism—not me! I will never use my company for personal gains! Only the vice versa, you stupid!"

Third was absolutely red now. He was royally pissed. "You won't succeed, Evelyn. This is exactly why I won't marry you. Hinding-hindi magagawa ni Jane ang bagay na 'to."

Rolling my eyes, I dropped back to my seat. "The difference, love, is that I can—she can never do it, even in her wildest dreams."

"You're horrible. Buhay nila ang pinaglalaruan mo," mariin niyang giit sa'kin.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "At kumpanya ko ang pinapahamak nila. I won't take back my words. My board won't take back their decision. It's no use, Third; wala ka nang magagawa para mabago pa 'yon. DMC Group will no longer affiliate with any company that works with their company."

Third seemed like he wanted to say more, pero nang yumuko ako para ipagpatuloy ang ginagawa kong trabaho ay wala na kong narinig mula sakanya. His deep breathing was slowing down and a corner of my lips tugged upward when I realized he was no longer angry.

Tumingala ako para tignan siya. He was pouting like a child now, his eyes narrowed towards me. "You okay, love?"

"Don't call me that," agad niyang angal sa'kin.

I chuckled with mirth. "Sure, love. But do you mind leaving me for now? I appreciate your company very much, pero masyadong marami ang dapat kong gawin ngayon."

He eyed me warily for a few moments bago tumalikod. Hindi man lang siya nagsalita nang buksan niya ang pinto. He only paused when I called his name again.

This time, my grin was wider. "Don't worry about dinner! Maaga akong uuwi. See you, love."

He slammed the doors shut.

Napailing nalang ako at binalik na ang atensyon sa trabaho. Third is definitely something else. For someone who claims na hindi niya ako gusto, he was really agreeable to what I want. Kung dati, halos ipa-bleach niya lahat ng hinahawakan ko, ngayon naman ay may access na ako sa lahat ng ari-arian niya, even his prized phone.

Most of all, for some weird reason, he lets me stay with him sa isang condominium niya. It shocked me that he doesn't live with his girlfriend; but then I realized Jane was the most prude woman out there. I bet she never touched her clit on her own. But, whatever! It benefits me a lot that she's like that. She doesn't even visit his condominium, for goodness' sake! Ano? Sa bahay ng parents niya sila gumagawa ng milagro? The demure Jane probably has a curfew, too.

Whatever the reason is, I didn't care. I had all access to Third's home in the city. Ever since I stayed over for the weekend, wala na siyang pakialam na sakanya ako tumira. The nut job even included my fingerprints sa security code. I don't know what kind of drugs he's in, pero wala sa mga hinahayaan niya akong gawin ang normal. The man was basically falling for me, but blinded by his long-term devotion with his girlfriend. What an idiot.

The work day ended early for me. I was clocked out before five in the afternoon. Hindi naman kasi talaga busy ang araw na 'to. I only really had three brief meetings with some departments, including Russell for the hospitals. Agad akong nagpahatid sa driver ko sa condo ni Third. I don't drive. It scares me to even go behind the wheel.

When I got there, wala pang tao. Third probably won't be here until around seven this evening. I went to his room, which I've been trespassing into, to grab a shirt of his. Hindi niya ako masyadong inaaway kapag suot ko ang mga damit niya. I went to the guest room to get changed. Kahit naman nakikitulog ako sa kwarto niya ay iba parin ang pwesto ng mga gamit ko. All my clothes were in the guest room and my toiletries, too. He refuses to share his huge closet with me.

His huge Lakers jersey was my favorite. Mostly because it was like a dress dahil sa haba nito na halos lagpas ang kalahati ng hita ko, but also because of the sleeveless effect. Sobrang luwag na, dahil hindi ako nagb-bra dito, kitang-kita ang gilid ng pangharap ko. Good thing my boobs weren't too big. Otherwise, they would not be so perky.

At six, I started to prepare the stuff I would need. It feels like a chicken curry kind of night, so 'yun nalang. Paborito ko pa naman ang manok, kahit na anong uri at kahit na anong luto neto.

When dinner was ready and the table was set, I grabbed my phone. It's usually the time that Ruel calls to check-in. When my phone rang, I immediately answered.

"—killing me, ate! These damn professors are stupid!"

Napatawa naman ako. "You're graduating, Ruel. Pagtiisan mo na lang, pwede ba?"

"Should've went to law instead. Business is stupid," inis na inis niyang sabi.

Mas lalo akong natawa at nagkwentuhan na muna kami saglit. He would always call me during his drive back to his shared condominium with Eva. Si Russell at ako lang ang nahiwalay dahil malapit sa HQ ang mga condo namin. However, since I'm trying to earn a fool's affection, I have to have my driver pick me up earlier and travel an extra twenty minutes every day dahil mas malayo ng konti ang condo niya. My poor baby Mustang, the extra miles! As soon as I marry Third, he's buying me a new engine!

During Ruel's rant, I heard a short ding. Ah, my future husband is finally here!