Ayan ang pambawi ko, another UD with 5200 words... and 'MORE'. LOLZ!

'YOKO NA! Hahaha!

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Natatawang naiiling na lang ako pagkatapos ng tawag na yun ni Montecillo.

Mukhang magkakasabay pa sila ni Kho.

Natawa uli ako nang walang tunog.

I'm done with Emma's paternal acknowledgement papers. All it needs is the father's signature.

And the marriage license that douche bag asked me to prepare to cage the mother is just waiting for use. Only thing was, Madel was already out of the Schulz's villa. Meaning away from Aris.

Gago kasi ang kaibigang yun ni Andromeda. So there he is now, chasing his daughter's mother so he could keep both under his own roof.

Now here comes Mike asking my office to do the same for that smart boy from Bataan. And by the looks of it, I won't be surprised anymore if I get another request for marriage license in the near future.

Mike's so protective of Roqueña and Gelo.

Parang ikaw lang kay...?

Tinigilan ko agad ang pag-iisip tungkol sa mga kaibigan ni Andromeda dahil sa biglang sundot na yun ng utak ko.

But it was a futile attempt because the door opened. It's my secretary.

"Yes?"

"Attorney, meeting with your team for the Royal Corporation case will be in thirty minutes."

"Where are the files?"

"Ready na, Attorney. Nasa desk ko. Then lunch meeting with MonKhAr partners para sa final draft ng corporate contract nila. Yung articles, profile and compliance papers, kukunin ko sa corporate department in an hour. Patapos pa lang i-review ni Atty. Marquez."

She's referring to my father. I just want Dad to read, and get his opinion on how I drafted the MonKhAr partnership. I gave that to him four days ago. So far, wala naman siyang sinabi sa mga revisions ko sa gustong mangyari nina Aris, Mike at Jeff.

I don't take offense when they say that they want to personally review my corporate case files. I know that it's their way of gauging my capacity. Corporate legal matters are the biggest chunk of our income. Second is criminal cases.

And both my olds are my mentors about managing the law firm. It's expected since I'll be the next in line to handle our law firm. We make sure that we are the biggest shareholders and member of the board.

"Alright," I said. "Remind me again after fifteen minutes."

"Okay. Uhm, don't forget your hearing today for Centeno vs Barcelon at three in the afternoon. Doon na raw didiretso ang team n'yo."

I nodded then she went out.

I picked up my phone to call our department specializing in family law para sa request ni Mike. I asked for the same team who worked on Aris' papers for Emma and Madel. After that call, sumagi sa isip ko si Laila.

Napahawak ako sa sentido.

It's automatic that Laila wanted to be there every hearing to support her father. I wanted it too, because father and daughter need each other for moral support. But like Mang Ben, a big part of me doesn't want her there because of Atty. Navarro and Rebecca.

Because I know she's still hurting silently.

I'm doing my best to shield her from that but she has been avoiding me for almost a week now. I don't know how to appease her.

I can't blame her. In fact, I felt guilty myself... and insulted.

"B-bakit ba kayo naging magkapareho? Sana ... hindi na lang..." she said in a broken voice.

Then she kept her warm palm on my cheek, as a drop of tear rolled from the side of her eyes.

Yun ang tumapos sa pagpapanggap ko na tulog. Hinawakan ko ang palad niya sa pisngi ko at pinigilan siyang alisin yun doon.

"We're not the same, Lai... never we will be. Like I said last night, he is just a wannabe. And I am me."

Napangiwi siya sa pagpipigil umiyak pang lalo pero nabigo siya. May ilang panibagong luha ang gumulong mula sa mata niya.

I wiped it off with my thumb.

I'm happy she didn't say anything. She only closed her eyes.

I like what is happening. I know she's been battling to trust me who she finds the same as that asshole ex of hers. And I guess I'm winning.

And it warmed my heart when she put her palm on top of mine on her cheek. Then she cried more in my hands.

My eyes got hot. My chest grew heavy, and angry.

She doesn't deserve to be in this situation.

"H-huwag mo kami p-pababayaan ni T-tatay..." she whispered as if begging in between sobs.

What she just said is actually a big win for me. Because finally, she is giving me the trust I needed to defend her father... and her. But what she said next broke me...

"H-hindi ko na yata k-kaya."

Yes, it broke my heart. The Laila I know who was proud and strong despite the predicaments they are going through has finally admitted emotional defeat. Because of Navarro appearing in her house.

But I should take that to my advantage.

She let down her guard and asked me for help herself. Not Rob. Not Mang Ben.

I don't know pero malaking bagay sa akin yun.

"M-minsan... g-gusto ko na lang mamatay. K-kahit noon pang bago pa lang... noong –"

"Hey, don't say that," I said mildly trying to suppress a tone of anger in what she's saying. "What you're saying is unacceptable, okay? Never think of that."

"Kaya lang, p-paano si T-tatay? Maiiwan siya mag-isa. Lalo na ngayong... ayan nga..."

"I know... I know. Ikaw na ang may sabi. Maiiwan mag-isa si Mang Ben."

She has somewhat calmed down. Tears stopped but her eyes remained closed. I didn't even felt any retaliation when I enclosed her in my arms. She only remained motionless in my chest.

"I won't. Lai... I'll be with you throughout," I said softly in her ears.

"A-ayoko na. Nakakapagod," she said weakly.

It was so ironic what she's uttering now. Ang tunog ng pagtilaok ng manok mula sa kapitbahay nila ay dapat na nagbibigay ng pakiramdam ng bagong umaga. Bagong pag-asa.

Then she heaved a sigh.

It doesn't feel good to me. I don't know why. It was like a sigh of giving up. Like she doesn't want to fight anymore.

Yung parang sinasabi niyang, "Ikaw na ang bahala."

It should be on my advantage. Yung hindi na siya kokontra sa gusto ko. Pero parang ayoko rin nang ganun.

Para kasing nawawala ang identity ni Laila na palaban.'That a certain part of me is still wanting to have arguments with her. Because that is one way for me of knowing her. What her genuine self is.

Bahagya kong inihiwalay si Laila sa akin tapos ay iniangat ko ang baba niya patingala sa akin.

"I know you can still see a little light, Lai. I want you to open your eyes and look at me," bulong ko.

She did. I was right.

In the little light peeking in from the room's curtains from the outside lamp post, I saw her eyes are duller done before. That little spark of defiance is no longer there.

I hate it! Fucking hate it!

"Please, don't. Don't give up," I firmly said yet low. "If you can't stand, I'll be your brace so you won't stumble."

There was no reaction.

"Lai, listen to me, please!"

She barely nodded.

"I'll be your strength, Lai. I'll be there if you are to topple down. You don't have to ask. Do you hear me?"

Again, she nodded. This time, more evident.

Then she wiped her own tears, and nose. And when she bit her dry lip, I dunno what came to me. Maybe I wanted to see more reaction from her.

I enclosed her face in my palms, and gave her a kiss. A gentle one.

She only held her breath for a second or two. She didn't even push me back... but no response.

I felt like kissing a log. So I deepened it as I slowly massage her jaw and neck.

She kissed back, but just a bit.

I take it as a good sign. At least I know she can still feel.

I let go of her lips and looked at her.

Nakapikit pa rin si Laila at bahagyang nakabuka ang mga labi.

When she inhaled for some air then bit her lip again, that big nerve between my legs fluttered.

Oh shit! But what the hell!

I kissed her again. More passionate this time. To get surprised because she answered it with the same intensity. And when she put an arm around my neck, it was an encouragement for me.

I slowly snaked my hand into her front shirt, feeling the skin of her flat tummy... then the sides.

Careful, Ralph! You might scare her away.

Bulong ng utak ko.

But I didn't listen.

I just continued kissing her lips... chin... jaw...down to her neck as I enjoy caressing her back skin. And when I snapped the hook of her brassiere, I silently waited for any reaction from her.

Nothing.

Just her hand grasping lightly in my hair, and the other clasping the front of my office shirt.

That was my queue.

I rolled us and settled myself on top, but not giving all weight on her.

Then she stopped kissing back. I can see her eyes still closed.

I hesitated.

"L-lai...?" I whispered.

Lumipat ang isang kamay niya sa braso ko at bahagyang pinisil yun.

No. She doesn't want me to stop. I can say that because her other hand didn't let go the front of my shirt. Instead, she was unbuttoning it slowly.

I'm not sure if because she was only doing it with one hand, or because she was shy, or because she's also anticipating any reaction from me.

I chose to believe the first kaya nang halikan ko siyang muli sa labi, kinuha ko ang kamay niya sa balikat ko at inilagay sa tapat ng suot ko.

She needs two hands to unbutton my shirt quick!

And I took off her shirt as soon as she was done with mine.

"Lai...?" I called her again as I hover over her.

Her eyes are still closed.

I want to know if she's really fine with this because I am. Very fine, in fact.

She reached out one hand to my chest, the other on my shoulder. Running her soft palms there going to my neck. That's green light.

And as both her hands reached my cheeks, enclosing my face, I held one and smelled it. Then I sucked her thumb. Played it in my mouth with my tongue.

"O-oh...!" she gasped, suppressing a short moan.

I know the sounds if a woman likes what I'm doing. At sa isang katulad ni Laila na tila mahirap ma-impress nang kagaya ko, achievement na para sa akin ang narinig ko.

Shit! The more my libido is kicking in.

I kissed her lips again, this time going down to her chin and neck. Tasting every inch of her skin there. And when I reached her chest, she covered her mouth with her hand as I play with her two crowns in my mouth.

I like to hear her sounds but I understood. Nahihiya marahil na marinig kami ni Elsa na maaaring sa sala lang natutulog. At siguradong mababaw lang matulog ang mga agents ni Rob.

I worked my way down to her flat stomach and navel while massaging her sides and her butt cheek.

I feel just one of her hands on my shoulder, pressing there. I was right, she was still covering her mouth.

Let see, said my naughty mind.

I moved further below, holding her legs apart, but making sure not hurting her wounded toe.

"Aahh... oohh..."

I smiled to myself as I started licking her in the middle.

Dalawang kamay na niya ang napasabunot sa akin.

That's more like it.

I don't mind kahit marinig kami si Elsa. I care more what's happening now in this room... on her bed.

I lost one of her hands on my head. She covered her mouth again.

I wanted to hear her enjoy but when the neighbor's rooster started crowing again, Laila's body got tensed.

Fuck!

Kinabahan ako na baka tila natauhan ito sa pagpayag sa ginagawa namin.

"T-teka—oohhh..."

Not now! I can't stop anymore! But I can't force her.

I licked and nipped her hard there. Naiyakap niya ang mga hita sa balikat ko. Nang pakiramdam ko ang itinutulak niya ako palayo, kinuha ko ang kamay niya sa ulo ko at isinalikod yun sa palad ko. Saka ko inangat ang isa ko pang kamay para masahehin siya sa isang dibdib.

She couldn't fight anymore because she still has her other hand on her mouth.

Saglit lang ay napaliyad na siya at nanginig.

I would love to sipped all her juice but I want to take her while she's still in ecstacy of this act.

I immediately straightened up, knelt between her legs, then I thrust inside of her.

Finally, she opened her eyes. Kasabay nang paghawak ng mga kamay niya sa braso kong nakakapit sa bewang niya.

"Oohh..." was she uttered in a combination of groan and moan.

I know that she already had experience. Although, she's still tight compared to others I had spent night with.

However, my subconscious is in rebellion that it was Navarro who got to be her first, I assumed.

I remember him telling us during our lawyers' night out when we were teasing him to date one of this random girl who was hitting on him at the bar. That was the time he was so proud to tell everyone he's already engaged, and that he is the first boyfriend of his fiancée.

I hope I won't be compared to that asshole in bed because she said it herself earlier. That she sees Navarro in me.

No, I'm better. Way better than that jerk in all aspects!

I boasted to myself.

I plunged myself in and out of her as she held on to me arms tight. Because her waist is elevated since I'm still kneeling.

I almost completely forgot about Laila because of me being proud. But when I looked at her, her eyes were shut tight again. She was having challenges not to make any sound.

Wrong move, Ralph!

Shouted my mind.

I might be traumatizing her!

But damn! I can't stop. I really can't!

So I changed our position. I wrapped her legs around my waist and hovered again over her.

"Lai... open your eyes..." I asked in whisper.

She only shook her  head once.

"Lai... please!"

She didn't but she whispered back, "S-sige lang..."

Oh Lord!

So I did.

I kissed her hard in every part my lips would reach while I continue pumping in and out.

And my dear heavens!

She can definitely compliment her movement with mine. Reason I lost it. I forgot everything outside as I festive the moment with Laila.

I heard myself groaning in pleasure but she stopped me making more noise with a kiss while she was raking her finger on my shoulder and back.

And when I was about to make my release, she said, "I-ilabas mo."

"No!" I answered hoarsely.

"Hindi pwed—"

"I... I can't... shit!" I groaned again.

Actually, I can. It's just that, I know in my heart that I'd feel incomplete if I withdraw.

A sense of great magnificence enveloped me when I trembled in that last thrust inside of her then Laila's teeth sunk on my shoulder, whimpering... quivering herself.

Both of us were panting. Catching our breaths, in that position. Me on top of her, her legs wrapped around my body.

"Lai...?" I called softly after a few minutes.

Bahagya niya kasi akong itinulak sa dibdib. She's nodging me off her. So I did.

Kinapa niya ang kumot kaya tinulungan ko siyang itakip yun sa aming dalawa.

"Lai..." tawag ko uli.

"G-gusto ko pa matulog," ang mahina niyang sagot.

Not so me, but suddenly, I like the idea us cuddling after that fascinating moment. But I got somewhat disappointed dahil patalikod siyang nahiga.

I didn't know what to do.

Should I embrace her from the back so that spooning cuddle in my mind would materialize?

I'm imagining myself now. Para na akong tanga.

But hell!

So I hugged her putting my arm under her neck, and the other across her waist to the chest.

I smiled when I felt her sigh then pinch my hand that was starting to get naughty with one of her breasts.

"T-tigilan mo nga, Attorney. Gusto ko pang matulog kahit dalawang oras," mahina niyang saway. "ikaw rin. Sabi mo kanina, pagod ka at masakit ang ulo."

"Tss. Attorney? Still so formal, huh?"

Di na siya uli nagsalita. Basta kinipit ang kumot sa dibdib niya.

Niyakap ko na lang siya nang mahigpit sa akin sabay ibinaon ang mukha ko sa batok niya.

"I like your natural scent, Lai," I said.

Walang reaksyon, kaya di na uli ako nagsalita pa.

Kahit alam kong hindi naman talaga siya matutulog. Sigurado akong nag-iisip ito tungkol sa nangyari.

I let her be.

Pumikit ako at nahulog na rin sa pag-iisip.

Ano bang kahangalan ang ginawa ko?

O kahangalan nga ba?

Nagising ako sa tunog nang pagmamatilyo at paglalagari. Maliwanag na.

Agad kong kinapa ang katabi.

Wala na si Laila.

Inilibot ko ang mata sa loob ng kuwarto.

Nakasampay sa monobloc chair ang mga damit kong hinubad kagabi. At wala na sa sahig ang sa babae.

I saw a fresh set of my office suit na naka-hanger sa isang coat stand sa likod ng pinto.

Galing na rito ang driver namin. Hindi na ako ginising ni Laila. Maybe she was still thinking that my headache.

I put on my shirt on that I used last night. I even took the initiative to get a towel from her closet drawer and wrapped it around my waist. May nakita akong pambabaeng house slippers. Napakamot ako sa ulo nang isuot yun. Parang puputok sa laki ng paa ko. The fluffy teddy bear design was deformed.

Hayaan na. Papalitan ko na lang nang bago.

Makikiligo na ako dito kahit mamayang gabi pa ako officially maglilipat nang iba gamit dito. After what happened earlier, Laila definitely won't mind me using her shampoo and soap.

I can't stop a smile as I get out and headed to the bathroom.

A smile that suddenly vanished when I passed by the dining and saw Laila seated there. There's an open braille book on the table but it's evident that her focus is off to reading. Because her hands which should do the reading of the braille book are on the picture beside it. She was just staring blankly at it.

"Justin... bakit...?"

That was how I read the movement of her lips.

I am so insulted!

I intentionally kicked a toolbox on the floor.

Gulat siyang napaigtad sabay lingon sa direksyon ko.

How I want her to see how pissed off I am!

Fate is on my side dahil sa pagkagulat na yun ni Laila, nasagi niya ang picture frame na yun ng larawan nila ni Navarro.

The shattering glass was music to my ears!

"Don't move!" awat ko nung akma siyang yuyuko para damputin ang kalat.

"For Pete's sake, Laila! Are you not thinking? Kagabi lang ang sugat mo sa paa at bukol sa noo!" sermon ko.

And it felt so wrong when I didn't hear the expected retaliation from her.

"Ano'ng nangyari?" si Elsa.

Nasa may pinto ito galing sa tindahan.

I motioned my hand towards Laila. Napailing ang agent ni Rob.

"Eh itong toolbox? Bakit nakakalat ang laman?"

"Nasipa ko," pigil asar kong sagot.

Naalala ko na naman kasi ang inabutan ko kanina.

"Uhm, sorry, sir," may lalaking nagsalita sa pinto ng kuwarto ni Mang Ben. Ang isa sa tao nina Aris na nag-aayos ditto sa bahay. "Iniwan ko kasi sandali dyan dahil patapos na naman ako dito sa loob."

Siya na ang dumampot ng gamit niya.

"Elsa, pakilinis na lang nung mga bubog," I ordered because walking towards Laila, but on the other side away from the broken pieces of glass.

Nahuli ko ang bahagyang pagtaas ng kilay ng agent ni Rob na nakatingin sa nakapalibot ng tuwalya sa bewang ko.

I gave her a stern look.

Umiling lang ito nang patago bago kinuha ang walis at dustpan.

"Lai," I called as I stopped beside her. "Come."

Di siya tuminag. Nanatiling nakayuko sa direksyon nang nabasag na picture frame.

Nanggigigil na naman tuloy ako. Kaya,

"A-ay...!"

Binuhat ko na siya na walang imik sa mga bisig ko. Basta kumapit lang ang braso paikot sa balikat ko.

I bit my tongue to stop myself from asking what was she doing with the fucking picture when she can't even see it.

I don't want to hear anything that will add more insult to my bruised ego.

Ipinasok ko siyang muli sa kuwarto niya.

"You study here," I said firmly. "Alam mong may ginagawa pa sa labas. Huwag ka nang humarang doon. Tatapusin nila yang ngayong araw dahil – Laila, nakikinig ka ba?"

Tumango lang ito pero sa ibang direksyon nakatingin.

Help me, Lord! I'm getting irritated. I like it better when she's contradicting what I say!

"Alright," I said after letting out a sigh,"Kapag hindi natapos ang gawa bago dumating ang kama ko mamayang hapos, dito uli ako matutulog sa kuwarto mo."

Tumango lang siya ang isang beses.

Jesus!

"Lail—"

"Baka ma-late ka na sa office," ang mahinang sabi lang.

"Kahit hindi ako pumasok nang isang buwan, pwede kong gawin!" inis na inis kong balik sa kanya. "Ang sinasabi ko ang—"

Natigil ako sa pagsasalita dahil nag-angat siya ng palad sa direksyon ko.

Fuck! Nobody can shut me up just like that as if I'm talking nonsense here!

She just did, moron!

Sundot ng utak ko.

"Narinig kita. Kunin mo na lang yung mga braille books ko sa dining," ang walang buhay na sabi.

In the end, ako ang sumunod sa kanya. Asar na asar ako.

After taking a bath, doon ako nagbihis sa kuwarto niya. Nagbabasa nga ito ng braille. Naroon din ang slate at stylus sa desk niya dahil sinisumulan na niyang mag-aral sumulat.

Natigil sandali si Lai at lumingon sa direksyon ko.

"Ginamit mo ang sabon at shampoo ko?"

I dunno. Maybe I'm just pissed and paranoid kaya parang negatibo ang dating sa akin ng tanong niya.

"You have a problem with that, Laila?" naiinis pa rin ako lalo at di na naman siya sumagot. "Don't worry, I'll bring mine later."

I couldn't get my necktie done properly because of the bad mood. I left the house without it, and with empty stomach.

And when evening came, dinala ko na ang iba kong gamit sa bahay ng mga Centeno. Nakumpirma ko na kasi na dumating na ang kama ko.

Matutuwa na sana ako dahil sabi ni Elsa, tinulungan siya ni Laila na mag-ayos sa kuwarto ko. Yun pala ay para siguraduhin lang na walang naiwang gamit doon ang ama. Na lahat ay maayos ang pagkakalagay sa storage room na pina-repair ko sa likod-bahay.

Then she did not join us for dinner. I even made sure that my secretary fixed my schedule today para maaga akong aalis sa law firm at makapaglipat ng gamit dito.

"Palagi bang ganyan si Laila?"

I just want to know kung masama lang ang loob nito dahil wala na si Jon, o baka hindi pa siya kumportable kay Elsa. Mas matigas kasi makitungo ang bagong bodyguard ni Laila, kumpara kay Jon na parang nabe-baby ang babae.

"Di ako sigurado," sagot ni Elsa. "Mula nang palitan ko si Jon, dun lang siya sa loob kumakain dahil ako mismo ang nagsasabi na huwag na munang lumabas. Kasi nga maraming kalat dito sa labas dahil sa repair."

Kaya lang, mas malakas ang pakiramdam ko na ako ang dahilan kaya hindi lumabas ng silid si Laila. Nang katukin ko siya kanina para yayaing kumain ay di ito nagsalita. Akala ko ay tulog. I tried to get in but her door was locked.

Nagtaka si Elsa dahil gising daw ang babae kaya siya na ang sumundo. Lamang nakisuyo si Laila na dalhan siya ng pagkain sa kuwarto.

That became routine the following days.

 And this morning, she was still in her room when I left. Elsa said Laila already went out of her room early on and prepared breakfast for us, but brought her food in her room.

Like last night, hindi siya nagsalita nang katukin ko para magpaalam na aalis na ako. And her door is locked.

I don't understand.

What was that for?

I mean, she consented that intimacy between us then she's treating me like I'm a leper after?

Damn!

Naihilamos ko ang palad sa mukha.

Hindi bale. Siguradong makikita ko siya mamaya. Di niya kayang tiisin ang ama.

But I was dead wrong.

As I was getting into my car, I called Elsa.

"Susunduin ko kayo para sa hearing ni Mang Ben. Mag-ready na kayo," bilin ko.

Katatapos lang ng lunch meeting ko kina Aris, Mike at Jeff.

"Tatawagan na nga sana kita."

"Why?"

"Di na raw pupunta si Laila. Galing na kasi kami kanina kay Mang Ben pagkatapos sa PNSB. Nagkausap na yung mag-ama. Yung matanda na ang nagbilin na kahit di na makarating si Laila sa hearing."

"What?!"

Napatikhim ang babae, "Nag-aalala yung matanda na ma-stress o ma-pressure yung anak niya. Alam mo na, yung Atty. Navarro at asawa nun."

Tsk. Mang Ben and I are on the same thoughts on that. But not today!

I want to see his daughter!

I don't want to be obvious but I really do!

My original plan that I'd only sleep there just once or twice a week became every day, kahit pagud na pagod ako sa law firm. Yet I never got to see her nor hear her voice. Ang liit lang naman ng bahay nila, for fuck's sake!

Kahit hindi na ako kausapin, basta makita ko lang!

I don't have a definite answer why I'm going nuts now.

Ilang beses akong huminga nang malalim dahil baka maibato ko ang hawak na cellphone.

"Ralph? Hello?"

I cleared my throat, "Okay. Didiretso na ako sa hearing."

My temper's almost at its peak. I can't focus with my driving. The only time I remembered I was at this state was when I learned about Navarro selling us out to Santiago.

And he's the same person I'm blaming now again.

God forbid but I want to crush his head in my palms.

Maybe the heavens are looking after my welfare that the Barcelon party did not show up. The hearing was reset in the next twelve weeks.

It's something expected. To prolong the case and make sure the defendant stays in jail.

This is one of the reasons I strongly believe that Mang Ben is really telling the truth. At alam yun ng mga Barcelon.

At alam nilang tagilid sila sa kasong murder na isinampa nila sa matanda kapag nahanap ko ang babaeng sinasabi ni Mang Ben na pinupuwersa sa kotse nang namatay na Barcelon. At kung mapapatunayan naming may baril talaga silang dala.

Rob said the Barcelon father has a gun registered under his name, but we got a confirmation that on the said night of the crime, he was at a firing range practicing with some colleagues.

The other friends of Barcelon who are charging Mang Ben with frustrated robbery and murder, plus physical injury have no guns in the family.

Agoncillo Agency is still investigating, and searching.

"Ralph, hijo," si Atty. De Mesa, ang kasama kong senior associate sa kasong ito ni Mang Ben.

He calls me first name kapag wala na kami sa court room o sa harap ng mga subordinates ng law firm. Matagal na rin siya sa amin. Siya ang inirekomenda ni Dad mula manpower ng criminal law department ng Marquez.

"... babalik ka pa ba sa Marquez?"

I looked at my watch. Halos uwian na kung babalik ako doon. But I have some paperwork to review.

"Yeah, why?"

"I have a favor to ask."

"Sure."

May kinuha itong brown envelop sa brief case at iniabot sa akin, "I forgot to tell my secretary to mail this early tomorrow. If you can just leave it at the reception. Dadaanan na lang niya bukas."

"Alright."

Although I am technically his boss, he is still my senior. And I have high respect for this old man. He is my father's friend. I knew him since I was in grade school.

Isa pa, he and wife need to catch a flight tonight for an out of town trip to celebrate their wedding anniversary. On leave ang abogado for two days at idinikit sa weekend.

I congratulated him and said, "Take care and enjoy. See you next week. Regards to Tita Rose."

I was pertaining to his wife.

Just after I left that brown envelop at our receptionist, my phone rang.

It was Gina.

I thought, it could be a problem with her mother's hospitalization.

"Yes, Gina?" I immediately said when I picked it up.

"Uhm, A-attorney...?"

Something's off, I could easily tell.

"What's wrong?"

"N-nasa office ka ba?"

"Bakit nga?"

"Si ano kasi..."

"Who?"

"Kunin mo muna kaya si Lai?"

"Huh? Bakit?"

"Eh kasi... tumawag si Justin kaninang umaga sa akin."

Just hearing his name made my blood boil. Hindi na ako tumuloy sumakay sa elevator.

"What did he say?" I said slowly in heavy tone.

"Hindi ko alam na siya. Binura ko na yung number niya noon. Tsaka nagpalit nga siya ng number."

"Sinagot mo yung tawag?"

"Oo, nung una. Ano, pinutol ko yung tawag nung magpakilala. Kaso kasi, ano...?"

"What? What?!" I'm getting agitated.

"Alam niya kasi kung saan ako nagtatrabaho. Kaaalis niya lang. Akala ko kung bakit ako pinatawag sa opisina ng boss ko, yun pala siya ang nag-request. Nagpakilala siyang family lawyer namin. Medyo naging issue sa office. Iniisip nila na baka may itinatago akong kaso."

Damn that asshole!

Sinasabi ko na nga ba!

"So what does he want from you?"

"Yung contact number ni Lai. Tsaka ano, tinatanong niya kung may ano ba... kung may relasyon ba kayo ng kaibigan ko."

So the asshole was bluffing when he said he didn't believe what I was trying to imply.

He's somewhat doubting the truthfulness of my claim on Laila.

Fuck him!

And wait...

"Binigay mo ba ang number ni Laila?"

"Eh... oo. Kasi sinabi niya na gagawaan niya ako ng issue sa office. Kaya nga tumawag agad ako sa iyo para malaman mo."

"Shit!" I muttered.

"S-sorry, Attorney," she stuttered.

"No, no! I'm sorry. I wasn't directing that to you. My bad."

"Pasensiya na talaga."

"It's alright. And I really appreciate you letting me know immediately. I have to go."

I dropped the call without waiting for her to reply.

I turned to my heels going out of the building.

Makakapaghintay ang mga ire-review kong dokumento. Pero hinding-hindi ako maghihintay na masalisihan ako ni Navarro.

Not this time.

I cannot take another insult!

It's no longer just about our profession nor our companies, because like Rebecca, Navarro is crossing his boundaries. Only at another level.

Personalan na ito!

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