Chapter 2

I couldn't rid of the uneasy feeling gnawing at the pits of my stomach as I was escorted inside the limousine. Nigel was kind enough to wait for me. I told him I'd shower and get dressed. Ilang beses ko na siyang pinapasok pero ayaw naman niya. Nagtalo na kami't lahat-lahat, ayaw niya pa rin akong pakinggan. In the end, he was left standing under the heat of the sun while I showered quickly inside.

I did my best to speed up my moves. Throwing in a mid-calf skirt and a black turtle neck, I went out with a shawl wrapped around my covered throat. Nigel is still standing and staring straight ahead, ignoring the scorching heat and the discomfort that it must have brought him.

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapabuntong-hininga. He opened the door for me quietly and I slipped inside. When I was settled, I saw him pull out an expensive-looking white hanky from his breast pockets and started dabbing it on his neck and forehead.

"We've prepared some drinks and magazines for you, in case you get bored in the middle of the road."

My gaze dropped to the bottle of white wine resting at a small table carefully tucked inside, accompanied with a flute and some Vogue magazines as well. The white wine is very tempting. It sparkled and swayed gently in the fingers of sunlight that had managed to streamed through the vehicle's window.

"Uhm... it's really not necessary." I chuckled awkwardly. For years of being part of the foundation, I've learned to live humbly. Now I don't know how or where to place myself. All these luxurious items are overwhelming me.

"My boss wants to make sure that you receive optimal comfort when I came to fetch you. And I must see to all your needs. I'll give you privacy while we're driving. Please press the intercom if you need something."

I was about to protest but he'd already slammed the door gently to my face. Napakurap ako. I saw his silhouette moved swiftly towards the driver's seat until he disappeared from my line of sight. I can't see him through the smoked privacy screen that separated the two of us.

Mayamaya pa ay naramdaman ko nang umandar ang sasakyan. I tried to relax but every time I do, pumapasok ang imahe ni Zeus sa isipan ko. My stomach would again, turn into knots and my breathing will hitch. Napapikit ako ng mata. I am very tempted to take the wine that was offered but I stopped myself. Instead, I reached for the magazines and flipped it open.

I stared at the long-legged models. They look so beautiful and powerful and elegant. I bet they are rich enough to buy whatever they want. But not rich enough to turn heads to the indigenous children who clearly need some help for their education.

Isang bumuntong-hininga ulit ang tumakas sa bibig ko. I closed the magazine and gazed at the window. I've seen several pictures of Zeus with girls that look like these models from the magazines. Even prettier, perhaps. Siguro ay ganito talaga ang tipo ng mga babae ni Zeus? The ones he can be comfortable to face the camera with.

Biglang kumirot ang puso ko. Siguro nga ay ganun talaga...

Ipinikit ko nang mariin ang mga mata ko, pinipilit na kumbinsihin ang sarili na mag-uusap lang kaming dalawa ni Zeus ngayon. Wala ng iba pa. I don't think he'll want something from me. My gaze dropped to the oversized shoulder bag I brought where I placed Mufasa inside. Nibbling my lower lips, I reached for it and stroked the soft material of the toy. Maybe he wants this back, too?

Groaning out loud, I stuffed it back inside. Kung anu-ano na ang iniisip ko at masyado na din akong kinakabahan. Nigel said that the ride will not take more than an hour. My hands started trembling. Hindi pa nga kami nagkikita pero para na akong mahihimatay.

During the entire ride, I didn't dare press the intercom to disturb Nigel. Namalayan ko nalang na pumapasok na kami sa isang bagong tayong subdivision. There are barely houses anywhere. Walang masyadong tao at kung meron man, mukha namang mayayaman. The mansions erected everywhere contributes to my uneasy feeling. I feel like I don't belong here, either.

Chewing my lower lips, my pulse leap when the limo slowed down in a large townhouse in grey and black. The thick iron-fence gate is heavily guarded. Nigel said something to the guards before the gates were opened. Hindi nakaligtas sa paningin ko ang pagkandado nila sa gate nang makapasok na ang sasakyan.

The limo stopped in front of the cobbled stairs that leads to the front door. He got out of the car while I ready myself. Nigel opened the door for me.

"I hope your trip did not exhaust you, Madame." He said politely, offering a hand to take my bag.

"Uhm, ayos lang. Ako na din ang magdadala nito..." alanganin kong wika.

He nodded again and closed the door behind me. Then he led me to the long stairs leading to the two large front doors.

"From here on, Monica will assist you to my boss. Have a nice day, Miss Bukhari."

Hindi pa man ako nakakasagot ay bumukas na ang pintuan. A young, tall woman greeted me. Her eyes are blank as so as the rest of her facial expression. She wore a sleek-looking trousers and women's suit. Her hair is elegantly braided. Compared to what I'm wearing right now, I look like her housemaid.

"Good morning, Miss Bukhari. I'm hoping your trip was pleasant and hassle-free." She gave me what could've been a smile out of politeness. She gave me a quick once-over before she nodded her head. "Mr. Ferrer is in the music room."

Kumabog nang malakas ang dibdib ko. Mas hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa shoulder bag at tumango.

"I'll notify him that you're already here. While waiting, please have some of our croissants and refreshments. We don't know what you prefer, so we prepared everything."

I nearly gawked at the three rolling trays filled with croissants, buttered bread, omelette, white truffels, bagel, and even ice cream. The crystal glasses are filled with different liquors and refreshments. The cook, I supposed, is a middle-aged woman wearing a many-pocketed black apron beamed at me.

"Please have some..."

Para akong malulula sa dami ng in-offer niya sa akin. They led me to a cream-colored high stool chair at the far corner of the grand parlor. I noticed that everything inside this dignified townhouse is ridiculously expensive and luxurious. Zeus is indeed living like a king right now.

Hindi ako makakain sa sobrang kaba. Nginingitian ko lang ang ginang na magalang akong inaalok ng mga pagkain. I wanted to eat something, but I couldn't. Not when I feel like I'm throwing up right now.

"Miss Bukhari..."

Monica emerged from one of the many rooms, a thin smile on her lips. "If you could please follow me..."

I gave the cook an apologetic look and followed Monica. Her heels are stabbing the linoleum floor of the house. Compared to my flats and long skirt, I really am nothing next to her. I bit back a sigh. She's still just an assistant, but she's way beyond my reach. Paano nalang kaya ang mga dating naging nobya o ka-relasyon ni Zeus?

We entered a small lift, to which I am not surprised anymore. Monica remained silent on the short trip until we arrived at the third floor. She stepped out and I followed her into the blue-carpeted floor. Monica pressed something on the control panel before the door got opened.

Iminuwestra niya ang nakabukas na pintuan sa akin.

"This way, Miss Bukhari..."

Tumango na lamang ako at pumasok. Once I stepped inside the room, the romantic classical music filled my ears. The door behind me got shut gently. Hindi na ako nag-abalang lingunin pa iyon. I walked towards the spacious room. It has high ceilings and large windows, making it very light and sunny. Each step I took echoed inside, but the music is overwhelming the place. I spotted some hanging plants dangling by the windows, and a huge Japanese painting hung on a cream-colored wall.

In the middle of the spacious room is a large, grand piano. It gleamed so beautifully and gave birth to music so elegantly. Every corner of the instrument is gleaming and shining and I am sure is blisteringly expensive as well. Behind the lid is him. Zeus.

Some strands of his hair are falling to his sweaty forehead, begging to be stroked. Wala siyang suot na pang-itaas. Tumigil ako sa paglalakad. His brows are furrowed as he pressed on the keys and continued playing the piano. The flute containing red wine rested and ignored at the lid of the piano made him look more elegant. I never know I'll be using the word topless and elegant in the same sentence if not for him.

I stared at Zeus, taking all of him. In this few precious seconds, wala akong kaagaw sa kaniya. Walang press na kuha nang kuha ng mga litrato niya. Walang mga nagwawalang fans na gustong mahawakan siya o mabasbasan man lang ng tingin niya. Funny how I daydreamed of the two of us being alone together yesterday and now it is really happening. And my heart can't take it all. Sumisikip ang dibdib ko habang pinapanuod siya.

He'd gotten taller, I guess. And his well-built body is that of someone who spends time in the gym seriously. The ripped muscles and the longer-than-usual hair added to the tough masculinity he'd long mastered since he was still a teenager. And the unmistakable expensive smell of a male. A luxurious male we are talking about. I know that he came from a wealthy family, but right now, he looks like he was born to be a king.

He ignored me and continued playing the piano. For a moment, I thought I never existed. I feel like a floating ghost watching a random individual play the piano for she was in love with the music it produced, and more in love with the man playing with the music.

But it's not.

"So, you came..."

Biglang nahinto ang pagtugtog ng piano at dumagundong ang baritonong boses ni Zeus. Even his voice had gotten so rich and raspy. Hindi katulad sa boses niya noong halata mong nagbibinata pa lang.

I gave him a quick smile, even though he's not looking at me. Zeus rose and snatched the flute, sipping from his wine and finally watching me over the rim of that expensive glass.

"Hello, Zeus..." I whimpered.

No matter how I tried to stop and control myself, my eyes went down his chest and way past the sweaty skin until I caught something below his torso. A small scribble of ink. A tattoo on his hip bone. And not just an ordinary tattoo. It was written in Arabic abjad. The short, delicate stroke of it is unmistakable. My heart clenched in pain when I read what was inked. I swallowed a gasp and dragged my gaze back to his ruthless face.

"How was your trip, Naia?" kaswal niyang tanong sa akin.

I don't understand how he can act so comfortable and even smug while I am trembling here. He reached for a small black towel and began wiping the sweat on his forehead and his chest. His jeans hung low on his hips, enough for me to see the tattoo and create fantasies any normal woman would feel with the glorious sight of him.

I groaned inwardly. Since when have I been this... this... I can't even say it! Namula lang ang buong mukha ko. I averted my gaze.

"Can you please put on something first before we talk?" I murmured.

"Hmm. Am I distracting you?" he asked in a sensual voice. Ang layo-layo namin sa isa't-isa pero pakiramdam ko ibinubulong niya iyon sa tainga ko at mapupugto na ata ang hininga ko anumang oras!

"Yes." I answered, searching for what was left int the dregs of my shattered dignity. "Yes, you're distracting me. So please put on something first."

"Alright." A cruel smirk appeared on his lips before he pressed the intercom and muttered something. Hindi ko siya nilingon. I could hear him move. After a few seconds, a knock sounded on the door. Zeus went and opened it, revealing another housemaid with a clean grey cotton shirt in hand.

"Thanks." He said, snatching the shirt and pulling it over his head. The young woman remained expressionless and nodded, before turning away.

Nakahinga lang ako nang maluwag nang makapagdamit na siya. Tamad niyang kinawag ang kilay sa akin. Napanguso ako.

"You really don't have to fetch me using a limo..." I muttered.

"Why not?" nagsalin muli si Zeus sa kaniyang flute. He only glanced briefly at me and gestured towards the large sofa pushed against the corner of the room. "You can sit, you know."

Kung hindi pa yun sinabi ni Zeus ay madudurog na ata ang paa ko kakatayo. Thankful at myself for not wearing heels, not that I own a decent pair, I went to the sofa and sat. I placed the oversized shoulder bag next to me and stared at him as he drew the shades, letting more light inside the room.

Iginala ko ang paningin. If my students were to be here, they'd probably die of happiness. They would gawk and admire everything. But I hope the admiration will turn into inspiration that with hard work, they could live in a place as extravagant like this too, someday...

"I heard you're already a teacher," he said, glancing at me from his shoulders.

"Yes. I teach bajau children in Zamboanga."

"That's more likely of you." He mused, taking a deep breath and setting his flute down. "I'm surprised you even accepted my invitation, though I had special instructions to Nigel to throw you inside the damn limo should you resist."

My cheeks heated again, shutting my knees close and lifting up my chin, I shot back at him. "I don't think you can just throw anyone inside a limo, Ferrer, even if you're very rich and powerful right now. I could still sue you."

"You're going to sue your habibi for bringing you home?"

My mouth went dry. Nawala din ang pang-aasar sa mga mata niya at seryoso lang siyang nakatitig sa akin. My heart pounded wildly inside of my chest. Nahirapan ulit akong makahinga nang maayos dahil na rin sa mga sinabi niya at sa intensidad ng mga titig niya.

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad. Zeus set down his flute and walked towards me. Mas dumoble pa ata ang kaba ko. Isiniksik ko ang sarili sa gilid ng sofa. He rested his hand on the armrest, leaning towards me and assaulting my nose with his expensive perfume. Now I am pinned and trapped.

"You're going to sue me?" he repeated.

"Z-Zeus..."

"How about I sue you too, for leaving and disappearing for ten fucking years?" he whispered on my ears.

Napapikit ako nang mariin. We were this close before, but right now, my heart feels like it's about to explode. Now that I could see his face clearly, even touch him since he's only a few inches from me. I watched his eyes darkened in temper, in anger, or even in betrayal. The veins on his hands protruded, na para bang nanggigigil siya. He clenched his jaw and continued staring at me. Matutunaw na ata ako.

"I came here to talk." I praised myself that my voice still appeared calm despite the roaring of my heart and my head. "I want to talk to you."

"Yes, let's talk. How about we get started with your hijab?" may bakas ng galit niyang tanong sa akin. "Where the fuck is your hijab, Naia?"

Iniwas ko ang tingin sa kaniya. "I told you, Zeus. I am no longer a Muslim."

"That's bullshit." He said between gritted teeth and finally leaned away. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until he was a foot away from me. Zeus glowered at me with clenched jaw and controlled anger.

"I have reasons, Zeus." I told him.

"Am I one of that reasons, Naia?" he asked bitterly.

I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out. Nagtitigan lang kaming dalawa, naninimbang ang mga tingin. In the end, I clamped my mouth shut. It seems like I haven't found the courage to say it to him after all. The real reason why I did this...

"Ikaw pa ba ang Naia na kilala ko?" tanong niya sa napapaos na boses. "Where's my veiled Naia? If you came here because you wanted to talk, I want to hear what you have to say. But I also want you to listen to me. I am so fucking mad right now. With you leaving me in the dark for ten damn years, asking me not to look for you, and then suddenly showing up without your hijab."

"I know it's hard to understand, Zeus..."

"Damn right it is." He clenched his jaw in anger again as his eyes blazed with even darker temper. "I don't understand how someone as religious as you would dare take your hijab off." Ipinikit niya nang mariin ang mga mata. "Goddamit, Naia. What happened to you?"

A sob rose to my throat. I hated how he talks to me right now, as if the decisions I've made are the biggest mistakes of my life. Ginawa ko lang naman ito lahat kasi ito nalang ang naisip kong natitirang paraan...

Mas lalo pang sumikip ang dibdib ko. A flash of panic crossed his eyes as I continued to sob silently. He cursed himself and pulled at his hair.

"Naia..."

I sniffed and wiped my tears away. With trembling mouth, I looked up at him.

"Are you going to invite me again here in your house?"

Kumunot ang noo niya, tila nagulat sa tanong ko.

"What are you talking about?"

"After this conversation, Zeus... am I still welcome in your house?"

Matagal niya akong tinitigan, bago siya alanganing tumango.

"Good." I gathered my bag and rose. "Because my daughter, Tamara, is a huge fan of yours. I hope you'll do me a favor and sign her album. I'm going to bring her here next time. But right now, I just want to leave."

Zeus stared at me, dumbfounded. His raw-boned face turned dark in fury before hurt crossed his eyes and took over. Nanginig nang bahagya ang kaniyang katawan sa sobrang galit.

"Your daughter...?"

"Yes."

Suminghap nang marahas si Zeus.

"Tangina." He let out what could have been a broken laugh. He raked a hand through his hair.