Chapter 45

Primrose

Peace was something I’m not used to anymore. 

Besides, you wouldn’t find that in the entertainment industry. It was always endless chaos and noise.

I took a deep breath as I stretched my arms, slouching on my chair.

Mas nakakatamad magtrabaho kapag nasa bahay. I’ve been working from home for three days already. It was to avoid another confrontation with Karlin and to lessen the stress from the situation outside the building. But, I was told that there were only a few people now unlike last time. Thanks to the announcement of E Entertainment regarding the concert.

“Come in!” I said when someone knocked. 

Nate peeked carefully before his lips stretched into a grin. He entered carrying a plastic bag. He placed it on my lap carefully before sitting on my bed.

“Hey,” Nate greeted.

“Wala kang schedule ngayon?” tanong ko habang kinuha ang isang cup ng chocolate ice cream sa plastic na dala niya, “Thank you for this.”

“That’s not from me, but welcome,” he chuckled. 

I frowned.

“Umutang si Kuya Liam sa akin. He told me to bring you that to cheer you up. Kuya Kane, Kuya Tripp, and Kuya Liam are all in another country right now for the special celebration of the survival show. They’ve just heard about what happened. Kaya humingi na lang ng pabor sa akin si Kuya Liam. Sabi niya kasi malamang ay marami na naman tumatakbo sa isip mo,” aniya.

Hindi ako sumagot at napatingin na lang sa ice cream. So he still remembers my comfort food? I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. I know that we haven’t talked to each other yet, but I appreciate how he was giving me time and space. I appreciate the thought that he wanted to cheer me up. As a friend.

I pouted. “Tell him I said thanks.”

“Noted, Miss President!” Nate saluted. “Hindi ko nga pala sinabi iyan kay Loey, ah? Busy din naman siya.”

“I don’t know if he needs to be informed by it, but maybe I’ll tell him,” I replied, shrugging.

As far as I observed, Loey’s not someone who will ask for an update about me that much, especially my interaction with my past. He knows about Liam but he didn’t ask me anything about it.

Then a sudden realization hit me. “So they also know about the blind item?” Nate nodded. I parted my lips. “Did they ask you about it?”

He shook his head slowly and then frowned. “I was actually waiting for them to ask about it but they didn’t  even mention it. Liam only talked about his concern towards you. Even the two only asked if you’re okay. That’s all.”

Saglit akong natahimik. That’s kinda unusual. The three of them would probably confirm the rumor spreading all over the internet. I mean, ganoon sila pagdating sa akin. Tuwing may nababalitaan sila, gusto nila kaagad kumpirmahin iyon. Still, I’m touched that they still care for me. That’s all that matters, I guess?

Hindi rin naman nagtagal si Nate dahil tumawag si Kuya Eros at hinahanap na siya.

I finished all the important things to do before I decided to leave the house. 

"Sa Empire tayo," saad ko sa driver.

I picked my phone from my bag and informed Ate Alice that I'll be going to the building. I also told her that she doesn’t need to pick me up in the parking lot because I'm not going to the office.

Isang ngiti ang sumilay sa akin nang mapansin na talagang mas onti na lang ang tao sa labas ng building. I think the number wouldn't go up to five. I'm not sure. There might be others hiding somewhere. That's why we should still be careful.

The employees greeted me as I entered the building. Everyone was working hard, especially with the upcoming concert that we've been preparing for a long time and was delayed because of the recent issue.

Once I was in front of the door, I heaved a deep sigh before I knocked. Mabilis akong ngumiti nang bumukas ang pinto. Loey was frowning at first but as soon as his eyes landed on mine, a smile flashed on his face.

"Hi! I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

He shook his head immediately. "Of course not! Come in."

I entered his studio freely. My eyes went on the monitor that was on. There were also different folders that were open.

I turned to Loey when I sat on the other swivel chair. "Listening to some tracks?"

He nodded. "I was looking for a good track that would suit Ate Liz's taste."

"Ate Liz?" I frowned.

"Yep," he smirked and sat on his chair, pointing at the monitor. "She asked me to send some tracks. I already picked three, which are all ballads. Actually, she also asked me to be the producer for her next album."

My eyes lit up at that.

Loey's been working on music that could be included on SBG's album. There were still some unreleased songs. Since he started his own recording studio, he also worked on minor producing projects. This would be the first big one if ever. After all, we're talking about producing a song for a comeback of one of our famous artists.

Ate Liz was one of the female soloists with a huge fan base and success. She debuted the same year with Grand Knights. Basically, one of the senior idols. The Empire lets her choose everything whenever she wants to release an album.

Noong nakaraan kasi ay mas gusto niyang pagtuunan ng pansin ang hosting. Bilang pa lang ang comeback niya sa nakalipas na tatlong taon. She's been enjoying herself in different field in this industry. That's why we're happy whenever she decided to make a comeback.

I’m happy that she chose to work with Loey.

I faced Loey with a smile. “Why don’t you work with Sophie, too?”

“Huh?”

“She didn’t like the songs that were sent to her. I don’t want Sophie to record something she didn’t like," I said. "So what do you think?"

Loey pursed his lips, shrugging. "If she's okay with it, why not?"

"Okay, good! I'll discuss it with her."

Loey thanked me and then let me listen to the other unreleased songs and even the tracks he chose for Ate Liz. It has always been heartwarming that he trusts me with the music he made. I also feel honored to listen to it. My heart would always pound whenever I watch how his eyes twinkle and how he smiles brightly every time he works on his music. 

His passion and his dedication to it were something I find amazing. I admire him for that. 

Marami akong pinakinggan na gawa niya. Nagbigay din ako ng opinyon sa iba. I listened to him the entire time, especially when he's telling me about his ideas or concepts that he has in mind.

To be honest, accompanying him in his studio was something I find relaxing. It just feels like I'm really part of his world.

"Did you talk to Karlin?" I asked.

Loey paused the track he was playing. His brows furrowed as he faced me. "Talk about what?"

I shrugged. "I don't know? Maybe you might want to ask her about what I told you. Or maybe even comfort her? After all, she was forced to do things she didn't wantㅡeven when she broke up with you."

It bothered me when he stayed quiet the time I told them about Karlin, especially her relationship with my uncle. I even thought that maybe it would spark a chance for them to get back together. I mean, Loey's heart might long for her knowing that she didn't end their relationship because she wanted to. 

It's possible, right? Or did I read too many books or watched too many dramas?

"That didn't change the fact that she chose her career over me," he muttered quietly but enough for me to hear. Loey looked away. "I've already accepted that fact that I would only be her last option."

My eyes blinked as his eyes found mine again. "Besides, our relationship is already over. She's already in the past. Even my feelings for her changed." A little smile flashed on his face. "What I want now is to focus on the precious person that came into my life. The feelings I have for my present are growing every day."

My lips parted. I avoided his eyes and put my attention on the monitor when I felt my cheeks burning!

I glared at particularly no one when a low and deep chuckle escaped from his lips. 

Tahimik akong sumulyap sa kanya. Nakangiting umiling siya habang ang atensyon niya ay nasa laptop na. I couldn't help but pout while staring at him. Seriously, I don't know what to do with this guy!

I pouted and crossed my arms over my chest. Ate Alice laughed before giving me the banner for SBG.

"What? You said you wanted to watch as an audience. You even bought a ticket that you won't be needing," she said, teasing me more.

"I didn't say that I needed a banner to cheer for them!"

Ate only shrugged before preparing the off-shoulder flowy pink dress that I'll be wearing to the concert. I wanted to go in a plain shirt and jeans, but she wouldn't let me. She said that I won't just attend the concert as a fan but as a CEO of the Empire, so I should doll myself up even just a bit.

When she was done, she brushed my hair as we sat on my bed. “Go enjoy yourself tomorrow, okay?”

I nodded with a giggle. “I will. I just hope that there won’t be any problem, especially with the sound system so I  could enjoy the concert to my heart's content.”

Ate didn’t stay for too long because she also needs to rest for tomorrow. I thanked her before she left.

Akala ko ay makakatulog ako kaagad dahil marami akong ginawa ngayong araw, pero ilang oras na halos gumugulong lang ako sa kama. Sa irita ay padabog akong tumayo sa kama.

I fixed my hair and wore a hoodie before I decided to go downstairs.

I squinted my eyes when the light in the living room was on. Even in the kitchen, the light was on. 

“Hey.”

Halos mapatalon ako nang biglang sumilip si Loey mula sa kusina. He was holding a glass of water as he walked towards me.

“Can’t sleep again?” he asked.

Tumango naman ako. “Ikaw din?”

“Yep. Excited and nervous for tomorrow."

"Seriously? You've been performing for years already."

We walked inside the kitchen. I got myself some fresh milk. Loey chuckled, washing the glass he used.

"That doesn't mean we don't get nervous, Primrose. Besides, we don't know what will happen during our performance. We might forget the lyrics or dance steps. Or maybe there'll be some technical errors or something."

Loey stayed by my side as I finished my milk. However, I think I won't still be able to sleep.

Mabilis akong napaharap kay Loey na nakatingin lang sa akin. I felt my cheeks heated with the way he stared at me with a smile.

I looked away, pouting. "Can we go for a walk?"

"At this hour?"

I glanced back at him and nodded. "Yeah. Ganitong oras ay wala gaano lumalabas. We can just roam around the village. But wear a mask and cap just to make sure. I'll also wear a mask. Para match tayong dalawa." 

Saglit siyang napaisip bago tuluyang pumayag. It's almost midnight now so I'm sure that no one's around the village.

Loey was already outside when I got my black mask.

We walked side by side while feeling the night breeze. It was a bit cold tonight and the sky had stars that gave me a comforting feeling. It's peaceful.

"I've heard that you bought a ticket," he said suddenly. There was a hint of teasing in his voice.

Ate Alice!

I rolled my eyes and didn't answer. Bakit ba pinagtatawanan nila ang pagbili ko ng ticket? Hindi ba nila alam na nagpuyat ako para lang maghintay sa release ng ticket para hindi maubusan!

Napatigil ako nang hawakan ako ni Loey sa aking ulo't marahan itong hinaplos.

He locked his eyes into mine tenderly. "Thank you, Primrose. I really mean it. Even though I had other reasons for marrying you, I will never regret that I volunteered to marry you. It was one of the greatest decisions I made that I'll be willing to do again if I have to."

And I'll always be grateful that he came into my life.

****