Chapter 11

"Savia? Are you okay?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and force myself to dwindle back into reality as an image of my cousin materialized in front of me, standing by the doorway and looking at me with a mother-like worried look.

"I'm fine."

"Tapos na akong mag-impake kaya naisipan kong puntahan ka dito sa kwarto mo." She smiled, looking fresh and gorgeous in her flowy Bohemian skirt and white ribbed crop top with tied knot squeezing her breasts in front.

"Pasensiya na. Tapos na rin ba si Dr. Ciervo? Baka kanina pa siya naghihintay sa baba."

"Just call him Enzo," Tina waved a dismissive hand at me and sat down at the edge of my bed. I pulled out three of the metallic clothing racks earlier from the walk-in closet of my room to choose beach outfits that I'm going to bring with me earlier. "It's so weird addressing him as Dr. Ciervo when we're not in the hospital."

"Fine. Enzo." I smiled and folded a Vera Wang lingerie set into my oversized rattan bag.

Tina eyed my clothes skeptically. I know for a fact that she's not a woman who's very conscious about brands nor will she spend thousands buying couture pieces. She's very simple and even when she's wearing a knockoff Prada, it just looks good on her. I know her salary isn't princely, but even if she could afford those designer pieces, there is no way she's getting her hands into it. She's much too frugal and practical to be wearing a two-hundred thousand Valentino silk dress for a single event. I don't even see the Chanel shoes I gifted her so I assumed she doesn't really care about luxury brands at all. I bet she doesn't even have any idea just how rich her grandparents have become after they built an impressive real estate portfolio using the money my father gave to them.

"Are you still taking Ambien?" she asked cautiously.

I nodded and folded more skirts into my bag. I don't know why I have to pack these much clothes for a day trip on the beach but I wanted to get my mind off the picture I saw earlier from Valerie's room.

"Good. But don't be dependent on it, okay? You can still try other natural methods—breathing exercises and counting lambs always work wonder to put yourself to sleep without pills."

"I will." Shoving a pair of rubberized Chanel sandals into my bag, I decided that would be it and turned to her. This time, it was a genuine smile I gave her. "Tara, alis na tayo."

Salvador drove us to the resort my father owned using one of the family's SUVs. I'm surprised it's still in a good working condition after being stuck in the garage for years. From what I heard, Valerie only drives luxury sports car with her personal driver. She doesn't want to be seen in an old vintage car. Nakakagulat na hindi pa niya ito binibenta.

We drove the coastal roads of La Union. Nothing much has changed in our little beach town. There are few establishments that weren't there when I left but aside from that, everything remained the same. I could still see the amazing sunsets and sunrises from the window of my old room. We passed by a small hut where a young man is busy feeding the chicken and a small pup barking furiously at every passing vehicle. There was a small group of fishermen ready to take off course to the sea with their small, wooden boats. Nakatingin lang ako sa bintana habang sina Tina at Enzo naman ay nasa backseat, nagtatalo na naman. They were throwing medical terms which I do not understand so I ignored the two of them. Salvador peeked a worried glance at me but did not get anything, so he decided to just focus on his driving.

We entered a narrow lane lined with huge, old trees—a beautiful transition of concrete to sand. I rolled down the windows as the road got a bit rocky, smelling salt and sea and feeling the wind in my face.

From a distance, I could already make out the gregarious seaside resort that I had never visited until now. Father has a lot of properties but my mother has a more impressive real estate portfolio than him. Atty. De Guzman already worked on the papers and transferred all the rightful deeds under my name. It shocked me to discover the number of properties my mother had but I wasn't really interested. In fact, I couldn't even remember all of it! I just know that I have a rest house under my name in Tagaytay, a villa here in La Union, a holiday house at Davao City, and a farm lot in Negros Occidental. I benefited from the income of those properties which was wired to me while I was in Russia.

Valerie was only interested in my father's wealth that she didn't realize my mother, Anastasia, is richer than him.

The car slowed down into a huge entrance of the resort. A smartly uniformed resort staff stood dignified by the admission, greeting guests and politely smiling. The parking lot was packed with luxurious cars that the vehicle I brought here looked like a filthy toy. I saw a vintage Rolls-Royce, a mustang, and a metallic gold BMW.

Isa-isa kaming bumaba mula sa kotse. I tried to take it all in sight, not believing my eyes that Valerie could transform an old beach shack into a luxury resort.

"Good afternoon, Miss." The male staff greeted politely.

I smiled at him. The staff is as refreshing as this elegant coastal area. I should credit to my step-mother for turning this place into a world-class resort. Even with all the bad things she's done, she's an expert in luxury and fine taste. It's just her obsession for these things drove her to do things that are beyond my imagination.

"Reservations, please."

"I don't think I need reservations. My name is Savannah Villafuerte De la Ruah."

"Yes, Miss. I recognize the name but we do not accept guests without reservations."

I frowned at him, trying to figure out what is happening.

"What do you mean? I am literally the owner of this resort now that Valerie's gone!"

"There has been a recent change in ownership last year, Miss De la Rua. This villa has been sold to one of the richest families in La Union and since then, we followed a strict rule to only let three guests at a time—all of which have to put up a reservation one month prior to the trip."

Halos mapanganga ako sa sinabi niya. I didn't even have the slightest idea that the resort has been sold without my knowledge! But with Valerie, it's not so surprising at all. Maybe she's starting to run out of money and without another wealthy, dying man to support her whims, selling the resort was her last choice.

"Fine." Namumula ang magkabilang pisngi ko na tumalikod. I don't even want to face my cousin and Dr. Ciervo. It's no use arguing with the staff and would only make me a mannerless guest so I just have to find another resort where we could spend the afternoon.

"Ayos lang yun, Anna. Hindi pa yata sapat ang kita ko sa isang operasyon para sa entrance fee nila!" Tina kidded, trying to lighten the mood.

I smiled tightly at her, walking towards the parking lot when the owner of the metallic BMW opened the door and climbed out. Napatigil ako sa paglalakad at nanlaki ang mga mata.

It's Blake.

He's talking to someone on the phone with his Bluetooth earpiece on, looking deliriously handsome in his faded jeans, plain grey shirt, and black leather boots. I couldn't help but think of him as someone who materialized out of a men's magazine and was brought to life. Even when I spent literally half my lifetime with him until now, I could never get used to his appeals.

"Savannah?" he looked a bit surprise, seeing me here with my little gang.

"Hi... Blake." I said timidly. I don't want to sink in a sandpit of embarrassment by telling him that I wasn't allowed to enter the resort because I didn't have a reservation and was no longer the owner of the said coastal land.

"What are you doing here?"

"Uhm... we were just driving around."

Blake pushed his dark sunglasses atop the delightful mess of his jet-black hair. Nakatitig na siya sa akin ngayon na para bang kaming dalawa lang ang nandito. Alam kong nagsisikuhan na ngayon sina Tina at Enzo sa likuran ko. Pati si Salvador ay nakangisi habang nakatingin kay Blake.

Before he could grill me and ask another question, I beat him to it.

"What are you doing here? Did you made reservations for a date night?" I teased and grinned. He did not grin back at me but only stared blankly.

"Savannah... I own this resort."

"Oh." My grin faded almost immediately as I turned my head back to that elegant piece of coastal land with what could be the country's most stunning resort that has ever been built.

"Valerie sold it to me about a year ago. It was one of your father's properties and I thought... buying it from him would save this land from becoming a complete disaster in her hands."

I chucked bitterly. Of course. Why would I even think that Valerie is capable of transforming this place into a world-class relaxation seaside? If there's anything she's good at, it's destroying things... and families.

"Well, good for you." I said, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"Would you like to come in?"

I gave him an unlady-like snort. "Actually, we tried to enter the premises earlier only to be notified that this resort only caters to guests who have made reservations one month earlier."

A deep chuckle escaped from Blake's throat that made me shudder, but I tried not to show it.

"Pero ngayong alam na naming ikaw ang may-ari, baka naman pwede kaming makalibre ng tour sa resort mo?" walang-hiyang singit ng pinsan ko. Pinandilatan ko siya ng mga mata pero inignora niya lang ako.

"Walang problema... kung gusto ni Anna," ani Blake. Suddenly, all four heads were on me now. I frowned.

"Oo naman! Gusto ka niya—este, gusto ni Savia!" Tina clung to my arm, grinning widely at me as I glared at her.

"Well?"

All of them were looking at me and I am much as curious to what the resort looked like inside. In defeat, I nodded my head.

"Fine. But we are paying for everything."

Blake chuckled. "You just don't let a man spoil you, huh?"

"I never even let a man touch a strand of my hair, let alone spend his money on me." I said with a dignified look, before marching inside.

The male staff bowed curtly to Blake upon entering. The inside is thrice as beautiful as outside. The entire resort is delightfully rustic, with few true vintage pieces here and there. A large marble statue of Aphrodite carrying a jar that pours endless water into the white fountain caught my attention before my eyes lingered to the fresh, white linen covered beach beds for tourists who want to bask in the sun. The lobby is big and spacious and the receptionist is wearing an elegant maroon and white trimmed uniform. Some French ottomans were strategically placed for guests to sit and wait while overlooking the infinity pool just in front of us.

I could hear Blake's car keys dangling from his fingers. I turned to him, trying to show my appreciation with my eyes because I couldn't roll the right words from my mouth. I have been raised to give the rightful appreciation to beautiful things, and this is one of them.

"Wow..." Tina said breathlessly. "Kahit doktor na ako, hindi ko ata afford dito!"

Blake chuckled roughly, signaling towards the hurrying female staff who halted immediately. "Don't be ridiculous. As long as Anna is here, you don't have to pay anything."

Nakikita kong sinisiko ni Dr. Ciervo si Tina, halatang gustong magtanong ulit ngunit ayaw ipakita sa akin. I ignored the three of them and wandered into a section where marbled bath tubs were installed. Another staff in the same elegant uniform stood there, holding some refreshments and smiling at me.

"Would you care for some refreshments, Miss?"

I stared at the light pink sparkling water with a cut of lemon, suddenly thirsty. Nodding, I took the crystal glass from the tray and took a sip, admiring the overall architecture of this resort. He'd really done a good job on revamping this place and picked the world's best and polite staff.

Pinagpahinga ko muna ang sarili ko at pinanuod ang dalawang batang naghahabulan sa dalampasigan. They share the same olive skin and jet-black curly hair, so they must be siblings. And they were intricately dressed in Ralph Lauren kid's collection, so their parents must be loaded. Their parents must be rich, no doubt. Only wealthy people can access to this resort, which pierced my heart terribly. I never knew Blake would be so inclusive to the rich and powerful. I guess the years we were apart did changed him a bit.

"Anna? I'll show you to your room,"

Nagulantang ako sa baritonong boses na nanggaling sa likuran ko. I turned and saw Blake, staring at me with his steady gaze. I tried to search for his eyes the answers to the burning questions in my mind but found nothing. We were locked in that fixed staring contest until the little girl screeched and suddenly screamed, startling me. Napatingin ulit ako sa dalawang batang naghahabulan at nakitang nadapa ang batang babae. The older sibling tried to get her up but she keeps on crying.

"Isusumbong kita kay Mummy!"

The little girl ran away and the boy sat there looking so problematic. Lalapitan ko na sana ang bata nang maramdaman ko ang kamay ni Blake sa balikat ko. I flinched and cursed myself silently for allowing him to see how much effect he still has on me. I put on a frown on my face before turning to him.

"Come on, I'll show you to your room."

I gave the poor boy poking at the sand miserably one last look before nodding and following Blake. We walked down the pathway lined with smooth white pebbles and little palm trees. I could see the villas lining up in a short distance. Huminto kami sa pinakaunang villa at may dinukot si Blake mula sa bulsa niya.

"Here's your keys."

"Thanks." I murmured.

"Dinner's at 6. We will be waiting for you at the dining hall."

I nodded and entered the villa he gave for me. The four-poster bed with white silk sheets seemed so inviting. The lush subtropical vibe lingered around the room and it smelled really nice of vanilla. I put down my Jacquemus rattan bag and started pulling out what I packed earlier, deciding to have a quick dip at their marbled bath tubs before I present myself for dinner.

Kinuha ko ang kinakailangan at nagtungo sa malaking bathroom. I slid into a white bandeau bikini and spritzed some perfume before stepping out. My hair is unusually wavy today due to the lack of hair conditioning, so I just let it flow down past my breasts. I didn't bother to put on some makeup, just some gloss and went out of my villa.

Three pink and white marbled bath tubs were lined next to each other and a pleasant-looking female staff was standing there, smiling politely at the guests and offering refreshments with hot towels. I got myself in the last tub, hoping to have some privacy even though there's barely anyone here. Inilublob ko ang katawan sa maligamgam na tubig at ipinikit ang mga mata. Limang minuto pa ata ang nakakalipas nang marinig kong tinatawag ang pangalan ko.

"Anna? Savannah De la Rua?"

I opened my eyes and came face to face with an eager middle-aged woman staring at me with wide eyes. Even though we were in the beach, she's wearing a white pleated trousers and pink silk sleeved blouse with large jade earrings hanging from her ears. Behind is a young lady who shared the same features with her and looks very shy in her white sheer dress.

I smiled at her, instantly recognizing the family. "Very nice to see you again, Mrs. Ling."

"Oh my God!" Felicity Ling, the wife of Roberto Ling of the Ling Finances Incorporation, fanned herself as if she's going to faint. She had been long acquainted with my family and I had been introduced to them as a young girl. So many years have passed and I stumbled across my family's old friends. "So, you're alive!"

"Mummy!" nahihiyang saway sa kaniya ng anak na hindi ko pa alam ang pangalan. She must be a year younger than me.

"Jusmiyo! Akala ko wala ka na talaga!"

I smiled sweetly at her. "Buhay pa po ako, Mrs. Ling."

"Your family has been forgotten. What a shame! Ever since Anastasia left, the De la Rua lost its standing in the society. No one ever wanted to associate with your silly father, Simone."

I didn't know what to respond so I just smiled tightly at her and hope she'd go away, but she didn't.

"So, who is your husband? And how many children do you have?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa gulat. "Po?"

"I haven't heard anything from you for a while. Let's sit down later after dinner to drink tea and catch up! What is the name of your husband?"

"Uhm... wala pa po akong asawa."

"Mahabagin! You're still unmarried?" she asked incredulously, as if it's the worst thing in the world.

"Wala ho."

"Hindi ka na bumabata, hija! Tingnan mo naman ang katawan mo, ang payat-payat mo! No man will ever take you as his wife because they would think you're not capable of bearing children."

I wished I wasn't in a bathtub right now so I could make an excuse and politely walk away. It would be awkward to stand here, dripping with water, and walking away from this woman whom I never even had a close encounter when I was young. She's just a familiar face in many of the parties that my mother hosted, that's all.

"I'm fine on my own, Mrs. Ling."

"But you are not successful without a husband! No matter what your profession is, you will never be recognized if you are unmarried and single." She tsk-ed, as if it's the most pitiful thing she's ever heard. "But don't worry, hija, I'll introduce you to the sons of some politicians and businessmen my husband is friends with. I'm sure you can find a husband soon."

I wanted to rattle and give her a piece of my mind but I didn't. Mother didn't raise me to be this way. An eloquent woman would exit this senseless conversation gracefully, only I am in an awkward situation. All I could do now is pray that they would go away and stop ambushing me with uncomfortable questions.

"My Sorenne here is going to get married!" she said proudly, beaming at her daughter who really looked embarrassed right now. "And to a wealthy, accomplished man, of course!"

"That's nice to hear." I said out of courtesy but when Mrs. Ling continued smiling expectantly at me, I sighed in defeat. "So, who's the lucky guy?"

"The owner of this resort, of course! Blake Sobreval." She replied, grinning widely.