Chapter 15

Primrose

I paced back and forth from where I'm standing.

"Alam mo, nahihilo na ako sa 'yo, Primrose," reklamo ng taong nakaupo sa kama ko.

Umikot ang aking mga mata bago tumigil at humarap sa mga dress na dinala ni ate Alice sa kwarto ko.

"If I were to choose, I'll pick that one," Loey pointed at the off-shoulder creamy silk dress.

"Since I'm really not in the mood to pick for the party, then I'll go with your choice."

"You're welcome," he chuckled. "You prepared the party for a week, but you're just choosing your dress hours before it."

"Well, I don't have time!" I said, checking the dress that he chose. "Besides, it's not really that hard to pick one."

"It's not really that hard, huh?" he scoffed. "Prim, may I remind you that you've been walking to and from there while staring at those five dresses for hours."

Umirap na lang ako at inayos na ang mga damit. Ewan ko ba bakit si Loey ang tinawag ko para tulungan ako sa pagpili. Si ate kasi, bumalik kaagad sa Empire building! Sana tinulungan niya muna ako o kaya naman isa na lang dinala niya para hindi na ako pumili.

"Well, I also need to prepare now."

I nodded at him, that's why he stood and turned away to walk out my room.

"I've been looking for you! Andyan ka lang pala sa kwarto ni Primrose." Narinig ko ang boses ni Leigh bago tuluyang sinira ni Loey ang pinto.

Tahimik kong pinagmasdan ang aking sarili sa salamin habang nilalagyan ako ng makeup at inaayos ang buhok ko. My gaze landed on ate Alice when she entered the dressing room. And yes, we're inside the SBG's dressing room. The boys got changed first so I can use the room by myself.

Ewan ko ba bakit kailangan akin 'yung buong silid na ito. Para namang ang arte ko, pwede naman sa bahay na lang pero ayaw ni ate Alice! Mas convenient daw dito, eh.

"Mr. Larry was briefed earlier that he'll introduce you using Loey's surname," she informed me.

"Whatever."

She giggled, "Oh come on, after he introduced you, you'll announce your relationship with one of your artists." She tilted her head, assessing my look. "You look stunning, Primrose."

"Mas maganda pa rin ako kapag walang makeup."

Ngumuso ako habang napapa-iling na lang siya sa akin. Totoo naman, para sa akin mas maganda pa rin ako kapag natural lang. I'm really not into makeups and such. Skin care's enough for me.

"I'm excited to hear your speech!"

I rolled my eyes, "I submitted it to you yesterday. Alam mo naman na kung anong sasabihin ko sa harap."

"Kahit na. Ngayon lang kita makikitang magsalita sa maraming tao, kahit na maikli lang naman talaga 'yung sasabihin mo."

My lips formed into a smile. She complained yesterday that my speech doesn't look like one. It's too short and simple. Still, I insisted that's why she couldn't help but just sigh in agreement.

The party is exclusive to those under our company. We made sure that no media people will learn about it. After all, everyone still has a contract and needs to face consequences when they talk about the real CEO, including this event since it's for me.

"Dang, girl!" he grinned, circling around me. "You look more matured now, Primrose."

I waved my hands at him, "Oh please, Baron. Stop it. I'm still me with just a bit of color on my face."

He laughed at that.

"The dress looks like it was made for you," Nate commented.

I smiled sweetly, "Thank you."

Loey picked this dress, so I better thank him for that. The two continued praising me as if I won a beauty contest or whatsoever.

Nagulat na nga lang ako nang pumasok silang dalawa rito sa dressing room. Malapit na raw kasing magsimula at baka raw kinakabahan ako kaya andito sila para pagaanin naman ang loob ko, at nakatulong talaga sila dahil mas kalmado na 'ko ngayon kaysa kanina.

The two accompanied me as we entered the venue. People were looking at me and these two handsome guys, but we ignored them as we went straight to the table for us. Sinigurado talaga ni ate Alice na nasa i-isang table lang kami para naman daw may kasama 'ko at makausap, lalo na alam niyang kinakabahan ako ngayon.

My hands were trembling as I sat next to Loey who had a smirk on his face.

"What?"

He chuckled, "Beautiful."

I pursed my lips, trying to stop it from smiling. I feel like a high school girl who was attending a prom! My hair was pulled up in a clean bun, but the hairstylist left some baby hair on each side and a bit of bangs.

"Whatever, Loey," I managed to roll my eyes.

He shook his head. "I complimented you but here you are, giving me an attitude." He licked his lower lip as he smiled, totally amused. "A simple thank you won't hurt, you know."

I just made a face at him. The others also praised me with my looks, which I just responded with a small smile.

"Primrose!"

We all turned to the owner of the voice.

"You look," he eyed me from head to toe. "Normal."

"Go away if you're just here to piss me off, kuya Hendreich," I glared at him.

He laughed, "I told you not to wear makeup! You look more beautiful than me."

He placed his hands on his waist, pouting. This guy really knows how to act like a girl since he was teased as one since he debuted. Kuya Hendreich looks beautiful, especially when he has shoulder-length hair!

"You can just say I look fantastic tonight, instead of acting like that," I scoffed.

He made a face. "Anyways, congratulations!" he leaned forward, giving me a hug. "I'll go now, baka masakal mo na ako kapag nagtagal pa 'ko rito."

Hanggang makaalis siya ay naririnig ko ang pagtawa niya kaya naman umiling na lang ako. Para talagang requirement na tuwing makikita niya ako ay mang-iinis siya.

I was enjoying the ambiance when my body stiffened for a moment as I felt the gaze of most people inside the venue, again. Well, I'm still a stranger to them, plus I'm sitting with the SBG! It wouldn't really be a big deal if this is an awarding or simple party. They could just assume that I'm relative to some higher-ups or anyone in the industry to get invited to such an event, but now? I'm the only unknown person here!

My eyes widened when Loey suddenly leaned forward and pinched my cheeks.

"They'll know your existence soon," he whispered as if he just read my mind.

Mas lalong napatingin ang iba sa amin pero hindi nila magawang pag-usapan kami lalo na't malapit lang sina ate Alice sa table namin. Isa pa, alam din nilang hindi pwedeng basta-bastang gumawa ng mga tsismis sa kompanyang ito. Ang alam ko ay kasama rin iyon sa kontrata nila.

I'm really proud of how my dad implemented discipline here. Though it looks like it was forced since some were in their contracts- like how they should never reveal the identity of all the hidden bosses, not just me but even to all the other companies.

I glared at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Uhm, pinching your cheeks?"

He chuckled when I let out a dramatic sigh and slapped his hands on my cheeks. He let go of my face and turned to the other members.

A mellow music played. I liked the song since it was very calming, which I badly need right now.

The place was designed with pastel colors. We really intended for this venue to look aesthetic as it could be to suit my taste and the formal event. Also, I wanted the place to have a chilling vibe, like those peaceful coffee shops where you could be at ease, away from the chaotic world.

"Come on, stop frowning at my handsome face, Primrose," he smirked.

"Handsome face? Were you referring to Nathan?" I countered.

The guys laughed at Loey. Even the serious Dred joined the laughter. May mga napatingin ulit sa table namin dahil doon. Hindi ko na sila pinansin lalo na matalim akong tiningnan ni Loey.

"Alam mo, next time aamin ka rin na gwapo ako," aniya.

I just shrugged at him with a smile plastered on my face.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen."

I composed myself. The murmuring started to fade as our eyes turned to the emcee on the stage. He started it with a prayer and acknowledgement for the shareholders' present in the gathering.

We let others roam around and let them socialize with others first after the opening. Kuya Yeshua even made a special performance that made everyone cheers with joy when his husky voice filled the place. I was even clapping so hard that made my hands turn red.

"Let us all welcome, the CEO of Empire Entertainment for years," the emcee announced in a cheerful tone. "Mr. Larry Foster!"

My heartbeat started to accelerate as I followed the man walking towards the stage. He was smiling, but I know that behind those smiles he wanted me gone and just go back to the girl who enjoyed life outside the industry.

He cleared his throat, grabbing the microphone. "Good evening, everyone."

I almost jumped on my seat when someone held my hand that was on the table. I didn't even know that I was not breathing anymore. Loey just smiled at me, nodding as if he's assuring me that everything will be okay.

I heaved a deep sigh, letting him hold my hand as we stared at my uncle in front.

"Alam naman halos ng karamihan na ang posisyon na mayroon ako ngayon ay pansamantala lang, ngunit sa ilang taon na nakasama ko kayo ay tinuring ko na kayong pamilya," aniya.

Ngumiwi ako sa sinabi niya. Sa sulok ng aking mata ay nakita ko pang ngumisi ang katabi ko nang makita ang naging reaksyon ko.

"I want to thank all of you for helping me and guiding me," he said, bowing his head a bit. "But today, I wanted to return this position to its rightful owner, the heiress of the founder of the Empire Entertainment, my one, and only niece."

"Primrose Foster-Parker."

Loey let go of my hand when he heard it. Again, he gave me an assuring smile.

I could feel their stares and I even heard a gasp when I stood and started to walk towards where my uncle is.

The SBG and Grand Knights were the first ones who applauded, cheering on me and giving me strength. That's why I walk with my head held high. Later on, the crowd started to clap their hands for me.

I inhaled deeply before greeting everyone in the venue. While roaming my eyes around, the corner of my lips turned upward when I saw ate Alice waving her hands at me with a huge smile.

"My name's Primrose Foster... Parker," I gulped when I almost stuttered saying my family name.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit napatingin ako bigla sa kanya, kung saan kaagad naman na kumunot ang noo niya dahil halos tumagal ako sa pagbanggit ng bago kong apelyido.

I'm still adjusting!

"I'm the only daughter of Anthony Foster, the founder of this company." I glanced at the Grand Knights who gave me thumbs up. I inhaled deeply before continuing, "Starting today, I will be your new CEO, the hidden one, of course."

They laughed a bit as I giggled with the hidden one and winked at them. I need to relax and stop myself from being too formal! Lagot din ako kay Ate Alice kapag sobrang seryoso ko!

"Just like my father, I wanted us to treat each other as a family. Please be good to me!" I bowed my head slightly. "I'll do my best to protect you and help you guys achieve your dreams."

They all stood and clapped their hands. Grand Knights even cheered my name, which I find it a bit embarrassing but I just shook my head with a smile.

"Also," I added, trying to calm my beating heart. "We are all aware about the rules that everything you know about those who work inside this company shall be confidential. So if it was proven that you leaked information to anyone who is not part of the company you will need to compensate, right?"

They all nodded.

I glanced at ate Alice again. She's grinning from ear to ear right now!

Bakit ba kasi kailangan ko pang gawin ito? Hindi pa pwedeng ako na lang ang may special introduction?

My face slowly heated as I said, "As you have heard, my last name is not Foster anymore." I stated, holding the microphone tightly. "So, I would like to introduce to you my husband who wanted to join me on this stage."

They all looked at me with anticipation.

"SBG's visual and excellent main rapper, my husband, Loey Parker!"

The crowd gasped a bit and clapped but then let out a howl of laughter when the person I called acted like he was shocked as he stood, posed, and walked like a model who just won an award. He even bowed dramatically at the audience while the SBG also stood, cheering for him!

They really know how to be an extra on every occasion!

****