Thanks to my friend Hai for the book cover!

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Chapter 16

Primrose

I closed my eyes a bit to ease the pain brought by staring at the bright screen of my laptop for too long. My gaze then turned to the person who entered my office.

Saglit siyang yumuko bilang pagbati, "Pinapasabi po ni Yeshua na kung hindi ka raw po busy, sana raw ay dalawin mo siya mamaya sa fifth floor."

"Sige. Salamat, Lara," sagot ko sa assistant manager ni Kuya Yeshua.

Binigyan niya naman ako ng isang tipid na ngiti bago tuluyang umalis. Pwede naman akong i-text ni Kuya, pero pinadala pa siya nito.

Sighing, I leaned against the swivel chair and shut my eyes completely. It's been a week already since I was appointed as the CEO of Empire Entertainment, and I'm still adjusting with my role. Kaya naman may mga ibang trabaho ako na kay Ate Alice o Tito Reylan napupunta, para naman daw hindi ako ma-stress kaagad. Ito ngang iba ay halos nauubos na ang lakas ko, eh! Ang dami pang mga isyu na hindi naman totoo pero kailangan ayusin para sa imahe ng kompanya at ng artists namin.

Pakiramdam ko nga ay maloloka na ako. Kahit naman inaayos ko ang ibang dapat ayusin noon patago, iba pa rin kapag buong problema na.

"Ate Alice, may meeting ba ako o kung ano man?" tanong ko sa kanya pagpasok niya sa opisina.

Natawa siya nang ngumuso ako.

"You're free today. Well, not totally. There are some pending paper works and you need to review it thoroughly."

I nodded, "Can I do that later or tomorrow?"

"Why? May lakad ka ba?"

"Dadalawin ko sana si Kuya Yeshua sa photoshoot para sa solo album niya."

She nodded slightly before putting some folders on my desk.

"Go ahead. I told you before, right? You also need to personally see what your artist is doing."

I smiled and thanked her. Tama nga naman, kahit hindi bumibisita noon si Tito Larry ay nariyan naman si tito Reylan para tingnan ang progress ng mga artist namin, lalo na kapag malapit na ang album launch nila.

Kaso ngayon, mas gusto kong maging pamilyar ulit sa takbo ng industriyang ito. Iba pa rin talaga kapag andoon ka sa mga behind-the-scenes ng isang photoshoot, music video shoot o kung ano pa. Gusto kong maranasan talaga iyon kaya naman laking tuwa ko nang sabihin ni Ate Alice na may schedules din ako para sa mga ganoong bagay. Hanggang practice room lang kasi ako noon, tapos patago pa!

Stretching my arms, I lazily got my bag and walked out of my office. The employees nodded at me, which I returned. After the party, the people look at me now with respect, unlike before that they have those confused looks all over their faces, questioning my identity, especially whenever I'm with Loey or some SBG member lurking around the building.

"Hello, Ma'am Primrose," bati ng mga tao pagkapasok ko sa dressing room.

"Hello!"

Sumenyas ako sa dalawang empleyadong nautusan ko para bumili ng kape. Mabuti na lang talaga alam ko na ang mga gusto ng team ni Kuya Yeshua dahil nagpapadala ako noon tuwing may ganap sila, kaya hindi ako nahirapan isipin kung maiinom ba nila iyon.

"How thoughtful," he chuckled as I handed him the iced-coffee. "Thank you, Prim."

I pouted, "You're always welcome, Kuya." I sat right next to him and stared at his reflection in the mirror while he let his makeup artist do her work.

"I've heard that you're tiring yourself."

"Huh? Halos isang linggo pa nga lang ako at wala pa gaanong trabaho dahil inaako naman nina Ate Alice at Tito Reylan," sagot ko, napanguso na.

Tumango lang siya habang seryosong nakatitig sa sarili sa salamin. Umiling ako't hinintay na lang siya sa studio kung saan siya kukunan para sa ibang teaser pictures.

Hindi ko na alam kung gaano katagal bago siya natapos at nag-change outfit and location. Akala ko rito lang ako sa studio sasama, iyon pala'y kahit sa outdoor photoshoot ay gusto ni Kuya Yeshua na kasama 'ko!

"Noong isang linggo ay nagkita naman tayo, pero bakit parang sobrang na-miss mo ako?"

Natawa siya, "Mas na-miss kong pumunta sa isang coffee shop kasama ka, Prim. Wanna go later?"

I shrugged. He continued with the shoot while I observed him and the others with their work until they're done.

"How's your relationship with your husband?"

"What do you mean?"

We're now at his favorite coffee shop where there's a secluded room for the privacy of an artist.

He shrugged, "You two are okay? I mean, you're still husband and wife."

"That's just a label. We don't need to act like one, well... except when there were people from the Empire watching our movements," I pouted, sipping on my drink.

"That's a fucking complicated shit."

"Words!" I glared at him.

I'm no saint, but I'm really not that comfortable hearing or saying cuss words. But hey, I also swear sometimes, which happens rarely and that's either when I'm drunk or pissed.

"Hindi ka ba malungkot dahil bihira na lang daw kayong magkita kahit nasa iisang bahay lang naman kayo? Ayaw niyong totohanin?"

I almost choked with the questions that made him laugh.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo."

Hindi na siya sumagot at kumuha na lang ng litrato ng isang slice ng cake na in-order niya para i-upload sa social media.

Sinubukan kong alisin ang mga tanong niya sa isip ko dahil mahirap umasa. Bago namin pasukin ito ni Loey, alam na namin ang aming limitasyon, kung hanggang saan lang ang relasyon na ito. Sweet siya't maalaga pero nasa personality niya na iyon kaya hindi ko ito pwedeng bigyan ng ibang kahulugan.

Nang makauwi ako ay ramdam ko ang pagod lalo na't nakatayo lang ako buong shoot dahil sinusundan ko talaga si kuya Yeshua at pinapanuod siyang mabuti.

"Primrose, hija, kain ka na," tawag sa akin ni manang. "Kakaalis lang nina Eros at ng iba bago ka dumating, eh. Gusto ka sana nilang hintayin."

"Sige po. Salamat, manang. Magpahinga na po kayo."

Binigyan ko siya ng isang tipid na ngiti nang magpaalam siya't iniwan ako sa may sala. The house looks sad because the boys have a tight schedule after the event. They do have day-offs, pero magkakaiba sila ng araw kaya naman minsan ay ang lungkot pa rin, o sadyang nasanay lang akong kumpleto sila.

I didn't know how long I'd stayed in the living room.I was scrolling through my phone when some tweets caught my attention.

Karlin just posted a photo with Loey! I'm so kilig!

Look, they look sweet together!! I can't wait for their collaboration.

This looks better than the announcement that they're having a collaboration.

Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari, basta nakita ko na lang ang aking sarili na nakatitig sa picture ng dalawa. Stolen ito at magkatabing nakaupo habang nakapikit na may earphones sa tenga. Mukhang silang couple kung tutuusin.

There's something inside of me I couldn't explain. Something that I wish I never felt before. It's like a déjà vu to me but with a different person.

"You're still up?"

Halos mabitawan ko ang phone ko nang biglang may nagsalita. I looked at the time and then back to him. It's already midnight!

I nodded slightly at him. He smiled at me before walking in the kitchen. Huminga ako nang malalim, sinusubukan pakalmahin ang puso ko na parang gustong kumawala na ewan.

"Primrose Parker!"

I jumped on my seat before glancing at him who stepped out of the kitchen. He was frowning at me.

What's wrong with him?

"Hindi ka pa kumakain?"

Umawang ang labi ko't napagtantong natagalan ako sa pagbabasa ng mga tweets tungkol sa kanila ni Karlin at pagtitig sa picture na hindi ko na namalayang hindi pa pala ako nag dinner.

"I forgot, sorry," I smiled shyly.

Wait, why am I apologizing? I bit my lips when I saw a ghost of a smile on his face. I couldn't help but stare at his face and noticed that he looks tired.

"You should eat now, Primrose," he said softly leaning against the counter.

Nodding, I stood, obeying him. Hindi ko siya magawang tarayan lalo na't kakauwi niya lang at ngayon na lang kami nagkatagpo sa bahay na ito. Alam ko rin na marami talaga siya project lalo na at sasabak din siya sa isang drama. Kahit hindi siya ang main role ay isa siya sa mga pupunta ng mga show para mag-promote.

"Why don't you rest now, Loey? I can eat alone, you know," I said. "You look really tired. Bumabagsak na nga ang mga eyelids mo!"

He just shook his head and motioned me to finish my food. I couldn't help but just sigh dramatically. Ang kulit talaga.

Pinilit kong tapusin nang mabilis ang pagkain ko para naman makapagpahinga na siya. Akmang tatayo ako para linisin ang pinagkainan nang mabilis siyang tumayo't pinigilan ako.

"I can do that," I pouted.

He chuckled, "Let me. Minsan ko lang naman gawin ito para sa iyo. Busy na ulit ako sa mga susunod na araw, Primrose."

Hinayaan ko siya dahil alam ko naman na makikipagkulitan lang siya hanggang sumuko ako. I just watched him clean the table and wash my plate. He's really sweet and caring, how fortunate would it be if he was married to the one he loves, right?

I could feel a pang inside of me that's why I shook the thought away. Why am I being emotional? Maybe I'll have my period soon.

"You sleep, okay? Baka mamaya magtrabaho ka pa riyan," aniya.

I rolled my eyes, "Yes, Dad."

"I'm not your father. That's Nate, Primrose."

He grinned when I glared at him. I was drunk that time, and so was Nate! Shocks, why did we even act like a father and daughter at that time?

"Alam mo, matulog ka na lang!"

Padabog akong pumasok sa kwarto pero narinig ko ang malakas niyang pagtawa kaya pati ang pagsara ko sa pinto ay halos padabog din.

"Good morning, wife."

My lips parted when I saw him in the kitchen, eating his breakfast. I ignored what he called me before joining him. Yes, I eat breakfast now. Ilang beses kasi akong sinermonan ni Loey nung nakaraan! Kahit si ate Alice kinulit niya na siguraduhing kumakain ako ng umagahan.

"Why are you still here?" I asked.

He chuckled, "Ayaw mo bang nandito ako?"

I rolled my eyes and didn't answer him. Nasanay na rin yata akong wala na siya ng ganitong oras o kaya naman ay tulog pa siya. Ang madalas ko lang nakakasama sa umaga ay sina Dred, kuya Eros and Matt kapag tanghali pa ang schedule nila.

"Ngayon na lang yata kayo nagsabay kumain ulit, ah?"

Malaki ang ngisi ni Ate Alice habang kumukuha ng tubig, kaya umiwas na lang ako ng tingin at ngumuso. Alam ko naman na hanggang ngayon ay umaasa siyang magkakaroon kami ng feelings ni Loey para sa isa't isa. Hindi ko nga alam bakit parang boto siya sa kanya, samantalang noon ay isa siya sa pumipigil sa akin na magkagusto sa isang celebrity!

Lumapit siya sa amin at tumigil sa gilid ko.

"How's your collaboration with Karlin?" she asked the guy in front of me. "I've heard that you wrote the rap part and revised some lyrics."

I wanted to roll my eyes with the mention of Karlin. Hanggang dito ba naman sa bahay ko?

"Opo. Maganda naman kasi iyong kanta pero nakulangan ako kaya buti na lang pinayagan akong baguhin ang ilang parte," sagot niya na may ngiti.

"I bet magiging successful iyan!" Natatawang sambit ni ate Alice.

"Wala pa nga pero sobrang heated na ng discussion about Loey and the girl. They're looking forward to it and they look good together, which I agree with." Bago ko pa mapigilan ang sarili ko ay lumabas na iyon sa labi ko, kaya naman agad akong kumain at nagkunwanri na walang sinabi.

Ngumiwi ako nang kinurot ako sa tagiliran ni Ate Alice. Tinginan ko siya nang masama pero mas lalo lang lumaki ang ngiti niya bago nagpaalam na maghihintay sa akin para makaalis na para pumasok sa opisina.

Loey stood when he finished his food. I couldn't look at him now! I thought he'd just leave after putting his plate on the sink when he stopped beside me. My body tensed when he leaned forward and I could feel his breath on my ears.

"I don't agree with what you said," he started, caressing my hair. "For me, I only look good with my wife, only with Primrose Parker, remember that."

I wanted to turn and look at him, but then he immediately left after that. Sa sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko ay nakalimutan ko yatang huminga kanina! Hinawakan ko ang aking pisngi nang maramdaman ko ang biglang pag init nito.

Pa-fall!

"Walang kasalanan ang papel sa iyo, hija, pero parang onti na lang ay malulukot na iyan sa higpit ng pagkakahawak mo!" Natatawang bungad ni Tito Reylan sa akin pagkapasok sa opisina ko. Umiiling pa siya habang pinagmamasadan ang papel na hawak ko.

I pouted and loosen my grip. I stood and kissed him on his cheeks before returning to my swivel chair.

"Napadalaw ka yata, Tito?"

"Oh right," he looked at me with a smile. "Since you already visited a shoot yesterday, can you do it again today? Though, you'll visit the recording studio."

I frowned, "Sinong bibisitahin ko? Alam ko tapos na ang recording ni Kuya Yeshua, eh."

He waved his hands, "Not him. Loey will be in the recording studio. They'll record his collaboration with Karlin."

I almost groaned when I heard the girl's name again. Teka, ano ba problema ko?

"Isa pa, it's a good image when the others heard the news that you visited your husband, Prim. Alice will accompany you anyway."

Umikot ang mata ko. Artist ba ako para sa ganoon? Para matahimik siya ay pumayag na ako. Alam ko naman kailangan ko rin minsan dumalaw talaga, pero wala sa plano kong bumisita sa progress ng collaboration nila!

Inasikaso ko muna ang iba habang inaantay si Ate Alice. Hindi naman kasi sinabi sa akin kung anong oras ba ako pupunta sa studio.

"Let's go Primrose."

I nodded at her and took only my phone with me. For security, I always lock the door of my office whenever I'm out, that's why those who wished to see me could wait outside, especially those who don't have any appointments with me.

Halos kumunot ang noo ko nang makita kung gaano kalapit ang babae kay Loey habang nakatingin sa papel na hawak nito.

"Easy there, Primrose," Ate Alice giggled, which made me roll my eyes.

I cleared my throat that made them turn their attention to me when I stepped inside.

"Hello, Mrs. Parker," Karlin smiled, but I could sense there's no friendliness with the tone of her voice.

Giving her a small nod, I turned to him who was already smirking at me that's why I just rolled my eyes at him. The whole time, he would glance at me, still smirking and I couldn't help but just ignore him and bit my lips because of the way he stared as if he's observing my movements.

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