Sebastian

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"Damn, Seb. The legacy of your father. You inherit it. Are you happy?" Luciano looked at me in confusion.

I beam a little bit, looking at the calming view in front of me.

Iba na ang hitsura ng gubat sa lupaing ito. Lumago na ang lahat at nakikita ko na ang pagbabago ng pamumuhay ng bawat tao.

After spending three years in Dubai for my projects, I occasionally visited the Philippines during that period. I have now completed my three-year contract there. Lumipad ako limang taon na ang nakaraan, at bumalik rin ako pagkaraan ng tatlong taon, at pinasok ang mundo ng politika gaya ng ama ko.

My heart is for the people. I can't turn a blind eye to those who need my help. I find peace and happiness in serving them and contributing to our region through meaningful input and projects.

Kung noong una ay puro pangako lang ang nakukuha nila sa mga nakaupo sa politika ay ngayon iba na. I prefer action over words. My goal is to achieve everything within my term. I aim to provide people with a better path toward the future.

My project focuses on the remote places. Iyong mga malalayong bundok at gubat. I want to give them better access to everything if possible. That's my aim for my time as their Governor.

"Makakapag asawa ka pa ba sa estado mo?" Napakamot sa ulo si Luciano.

Natawa na ako.

"What do you think?" I crossed my arms, looking at him.

"The hell, bro. You should find the right woman first before digging into some big projects. Delikado ka pa sa mga kalaban mo sa politika. Ayaw nilang tumangap ng pagkatalo. Mukhang ipapa-assassin ka pa yata. E, wala ka pang anak, bro. Paano na ang lahi ninyo?" He jokingly laughed.

"Vansel is there... if I can't produce an heir, Vansel is there to continue the legacy." I inhaled deeply.

Luciano scoffed at that.

"Vansel is not your son, Sebastian. He isn't even a pure-blood Grayson. He has no interest. The boy you raised and protected so much has chosen a different path."

My jaw ticked.

Luciano was right. Vansel has somehow turned over a new leaf. He is no longer among us. He doesn't share the same interests as my father and me, because Vansel was more like his father than his mother.

Do I regret choosing him at that time?

Yes. I did have my regrets.

I wanted to protect Vansel from so much pain. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I was wrong. In the end, I was the one who was hurting.

"How's Vansel, by the way?" I gritted my teeth.

That boy never once called me while I was away. He only said his sorry once, and that's it. I haven't spoken to him yet about that mistake, but I have forgiven him. He was just young and in love. He was blinded by it and believed it was right when it was already wrong.

Damn it.

I inhaled deeply, still feeling the congestion inside me. I'm over it, but I don't think I will ever be the same again.

"He is good. Ang cute ng apo mo." Pilyong ngumisi si Luciano.

"Don't make me look like I'm an old fart, Luciano." My eyes are piercing and sharp at him.

He laughed.

"Vansel is not my son, okay? So, to sum it up, I'm not a grandfather yet," I said. "Watch your words. You should be the one keeping an eye out soon," I added.

"Malay natin. Baka buntis na naman ang asawa mo." I chuckled mischievously. "Your eyebags are heavy." I pointed.

He combed his hair using his fingers, looking so stressed without sleep.

"Don't you know that sleeping is gold now, Seb? I was damn thankful that Yaya Ising is back. Damn, I was dying for a day off and been looking forward today." He shook his head.

"Kaya ikaw, enjoy your moment. Wala ka pang asawa at anak. Ma-swerte ka na rin!" he continued.

Dumating na ang order namin, at sabay kaming napatingin sa order ni Garet. May kausap pa siya sa cell phone at mukhang hindi pa tapos ito.

"Let's dig in. I'm hungry." Luciano barks and starts eating.

"Yum! I miss this, Seb...and finally, I'm free for so long. Are we golfing after?"

"Yes. I'll be meeting Jovan there."

"Oh? That man? Politics na naman."

"But it would be short. I believe he has something to discuss with me."

"Okay. I will be with you then. Isipin mo na lang na legal adviser mo ako." Pilyong ngiti niya.

Napailing ako. Kabaliwan na naman ang pumasok sa utak nito.

"I heard from Martha that you are going to Manila next week?"

"Yes. I have a political business to attend."

"I see. Sino ang makakasama mo?"

"A few of my bodyguards and Graham." I paused as I looked at the macchiato. My jaw tightened.

"Graham? I don't trust him."

"Me, either. But I have no choice. I'm covering for Congressman Santiago at the Senate."

"Ikaw? Why you? Where the hell is Santiago?"

Luciano ang I seriously stared. I looked around us first, and I few people dining in are looking at us. Kahit na reserve spot ang sa amin, ay hindi pa rin nawawala ang mga mata ng tao sa tuwing nakikita nila ako.

"Damn, that lunatic. That old man will bring you trouble, Seb." Pabulong niya.

"Is he out of the country? I've heard from my best resources that he was last seen three weeks ago with a young hot chick, bro. Mukhang sabog daw ang hitsura."

I drink my macchiato fast and glance at Luciano quickly.

"let's talk about it privately at home. Huwag dito. Maraming mga mata sa paligid ko."

Bahagya sa siyang natawa. Napatingin siya sa grupo ng mga kababaihan na malayong mesa. Malayo na iyon, pero nakikita pa rin niya ito.

"I know. Their eyes were on you, of course." He licked his lips. "Guess I'll become famous too because of you, Seb." He winked mischievously.

"Huwag lang sa mga babae, dahil baka sa labas ng bahay ako matutulog."

"Mukhang ganoon na nga. Baka hindi lang sa labas ng bahay ka matutulog, Luciano. Baka sa kalsada." Kantyaw ko, at sabay kaming tumawa.

Garet joined us, feeling sorry that it took him a while on the phone. He was talking to his business partner.

After a hearty breakfast, we head straight to golf. As expected, Jovan was there with the other councilors.

Mga lalaki sila lahat. Ito na rin ang nahiligan na sports.

"Gov, good morning." They all greeted me.

I shake their hands.

"Go ahead Seb, Garet. I'll just have a quick chat to Jovan." Paalam kong saglit sa dalawa. Nagpatuloy na sila.

Jovan and I distance ourselves from our groups. He gave me the data that I asked a week ago. Isang maliit na usb lang ito. Pinasok ko agad ito sa bulsa ko.

"By the way, you'll have a legal adviser soon. I believe Judge Del Romero will provide you with the most qualified one."

"That's good." I nodded.

"He/She will be in your office soon."

My brows furrowed. "I request for a male attorney."

"I don't know who. Remember Atty Venus?"

"Yes... I like her. She's highly competent. She's happily married now. I heard she migrated to America." My lips draw a smile. 

Jovan nodded.

Venus and I used to date back when we were in college. It was never serious, though.

"May pumalit na sa posisyon niya, at sigurado ako na magaling rin. Don't worry. We have your back just in case this whole scenario will turn ugly."

I chuckled. I don't want to think of the pessimistic scenario. We need to track where Congressman Santiago is. That old man will end our team. Damn him.

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c.m. louden

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