Chapter 8

"You need to be more careful, Parvana. Alam mo namang...." He trailed off and came a sigh from the other line. I bit my lower lips and nodded, even though he cannot see me. Pulling myself up from the bed, I opened the window and stared at the lazy moon, cruising alone in the dark sky.

"I know. I'm taking care of myself."

"Tatlong linggo na tayong hindi nagkikita. You should book an appointment with me as soon as possible. See if there's any progress."

"Yes. I understand." I quickly spun around when I heard a soft knock, followed by the twisting of the doorknob. "I'll call you again."

Hindi pa man siya nakakasagot ay pinatay ko na ang tawag at inayos ang sarili. I slipped my phone inside my pockets and pasted a soft smile as Zeus entered the room.

I tried to remain the smile on my face, though I am very disturbed by the sight of him right now. He's only wearing a black silk robe and his skin is damp and glistening from the shower. His hair looks longer now that it's dripping wet. When the moonlight slanted on his face, I could see how serious he looks right now.

"Busy?"

Mabilis akong umiling. I decided to wipe the smile off my face. Seeing him, standing in my doorway with nothing but the thin fabric of silk makes me feel so silly for wearing a fluffy pair of pajamas and nighshirt.

"Do you want something, Zeus?" malumanay kong tanong sa kaniya.

"You."

I was stunned at the brisk tone of his voice. Blinking back, I tilted my head to study him.

"Me?"

"I mean... I'd like to have a drink with you."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he beat me to it.

"Don't worry. You'll have some juice..." he finally stepped inside and closed the door behind him. The air is suddenly thick and heavy with only the two of us inside the spacious room he's given me in his house. "Unless you want to taste some gin again..." the corners of his lips lifted up in a cruel smirk.

My cheeks reddened. Mabilis kong isinuot ang tsinelas at itinulak siya palabas. "Stop teasing me."

He chuckled darkly. "I'm not teasing you."

Inirapan ko si Zeus. Nang tuluyan na kaming makalabas sa kwarto ay tumigil na din ako sa kakatulak sa kaniya. Hindi ako umimik nang inakbayan ako ni Zeus habang pababa kami ng grand staircase. I refused to glanced at him, too, because I know his robe is hiking up, revealing more skin than necessary.

Ipinikit ko nang mariin ang mga mata. Nagiging makakasala ako dahil kay Zeus. He can easily strip the holiness of any woman just by his smoldering gaze. If I were a Catholic girl, I would probably drop my rosary. But in my case being a Muslim, I took off my hijab for him. Ganito ba talaga ang epekto niya sa akin?

I bit my lower lips. No, Naia. It was more than the desire. It was more than the desire to be near him and be loved by him. It was a call of desperation. It was your last resort. It was a heart and back breaking move for him, but for him, I know that everything is worth it.

Nang makarating na kami sa baba at iginiya niya ako patungo sa kaniyang bar ay kinapkap ko ang dibdib ko. I have a heart that is just as big as my fist but how can I love him this much? Is it really possible for someone to love another person this hard? This intense? The power of love, as much as it is amazing, is also terrifying.

"Did I bore you? Monica said you stayed in the house the entire day. Hindi ka lumabas?"

Umiling ako at inokupa ang high stool chair. He slid behind the bar and took his time picking what liquor to drink. Zeus frowned to himself, his brows furrowing as he stared at the rows of rows of bottles that you would've think he's hosting a club. After a few moments of deliberation, he decided to settle on a pirate's drink – brandy and set the decanter on the table.

"I didn't. I could get lost in your house, Zeus, and it's more than enough of a tour..." I said, chuckling a bit.

His eyes softened as he pulled out a crystal glass. He signaled for one of the housemaids for juice and then turned to me.

"Don't you want to go outside? All you need to do is tell Nigel and he'll take you wherever you want."

Umiling ako. "I'm fine here. The room you gave me is very spacious. Thank you."

"Drop the manners, Naia." He said in a sigh, topping off his glass. His eyes darkened, an intensity shader, as the amber liquid filled the glass. "You're in my house. Not as a visitor, but as a lover." He licked his lower lips as his fingers skimmed the neck of the decanter, before he turned to me with a weighted gaze. "I build this house with you in my mind."

Tipid na ngiti ang isinagot ko sa kaniya. "You should've known that I'm never a fan of luxury, Zeus."

"I know," he sighed and leaned closer to me. "But when I told you that I'm going to treat you like a princess that you are, I am very serious about it."

I reached for his face, touching his shadowed jaw and then tracing my fingertips to his prominent cheekbones. Shadows fell on his face and moved as he continued staring at me.

"I could live in a small hut and would still be contented and grateful, Vincenticus. I see no need to please me with luxury."

He pulled away, capturing my hands and setting it on the table. Amusement danced in his eyes as his lips twitched.

"What should I do to please you, then? Because if you're talking about other 'pleasures', I'm gonna have to take you to my bed, then. Or we can also do it here. In the bar."

Umusbong ang init sa magkabila kong pisngi. I immediately pulled my hand out, the romantic atmosphere evaporating into thin air as I slapped his chest.

"Bastos!"

He threw his head back and roared a laughter. I watched with a frown as his chest vibrated in laughter. Kinuha niya ang crystal glass at sinimsiman ang inumin, natatawa pa rin.

"Inosente ka masyado."

I lifted my chin arrogantly. "I intend to preserve my innocence."

The amusement in his eyes faded as he captured my chin with his fingers. I gasped when he leaned closer, letting me inhale a dose of his brandy breath.

"You're gonna have to think twice about it, habibti, because I've no intentions of keeping my hands off you." Zeus said in a raspy tone that is enough to make a woman weak and ended his sensual statement by teasing me, brushing his lips against mine and his expert tongue trailing the frame of my full lips.

Kung hindi lang namin narinig dalawa ang yapak ng kasambahay na inutusan ni Zeus para sa akin juice ay hindi pa ata kami maghihiwalay. Grateful for the long oak counter that separates the two of us, I pulled back and panted lightly. My lips and the surrounding parts are burning with just the simple contact. Mabilis kong kinuha ang baso at sinimsiman ang juice, desperada na makawala sa init na nararamdaman.

Zeus watched me in amusement and arrogance. He sipped on his own brandy too and dismissed the housemaid. When he left earlier this morning, I woke up the feel of his warm lips pressing against my forehead. He had slipped out of the door when I fluttered my eyes open and left a note saying that I can do whatever I want for the day. May pupuntahan lang daw siyang meeting at babalik kaagad.

Waiting for him in the big, lonely house, reminds me of the women of Aceh. How they're not supposed to go out unescorted and how they shall wait for their husbands to arrive while doing chores that limits them inside the four walls of their house. Even princesses do not bask in the best of privilege, as they spend most of their days in the harem, talking to cousins and other minor princesses.

Zeus slipped out of the bar, still carrying his brandy, and reached for my hand. Inabot ko ang kamay niya at inabandona ang iniinom na juice. He was silent as he led me to the studio, the first time I saw him when I went to this house.

"What are we doing here?"

"Sit." He gestured towards the sofa near the piano and placed his glass on the lid. He gestured something to Monica, who bowed her head curtly and left the room after drawing the curtains out.

I did as I was told. I sat in front of him while he focused his gaze on the keys. His eyes are calm and steady, but I still failed to read what he's thinking about. I jumped a bit when he pressed the first key. Napatingin ako sa kaniyang seryoso ang mga mata na nakatingin sa harapan niya. A few moments later, he was engulfed in his own music as I was engulfed to the glory of him playing the regal piano.

"I am on my fourth drink and my mates are laughing, alcohol is never my friend but since you've been gone, I could do nothing without..."

I straightened my spine, listening carefully. I don't think I'm familiar with this song, after listening to their albums for a long time. I couldn't say it's a song from another band. I know it's his, the way he sang it, the style, the tune... I am so familiar with it that I could familiarize and separate his songs from others. A new song, maybe?

She was gone, gone, gone

A beautiful tragedy, that is her

A beauty designed to destroy, break some hearts

And now she's gone, gone, gone

The longer I listen to him, the more the lyrics are penetrating deep to my bones. Is he talking to me right now using the lyrics of his song?

In every inhale of nicotine, I see her face in the smoke

In every girl I kissed, I could taste her in my tongue

God save me, I am forever hers

I could bruise my knees and beg, beg, beg

I'll pray for the first time

Just to hear your voice for the last time

I pursed my lips. It is really me he's talking about. He was in great pain during that ten years, huh? Hindi lang pala ako ang namatay nang paulit-ulit dahil sa nangyari. I pulled myself up and went to him. Zeus ignored me and continued playing, his voice sounding so raspy in this half-drunk performance of his.

I could fight for you a million times

But will you be there on the other side?

I could die a thousand times

But will you be waiting for me next life?

I comfort myself when I'm cold,

Cuz no one can warm me like you do

As of now, I'll live my life dying

Until I see my veiled baby again

I moved to reach for him. The song faded into thin air and his fingers slowed down on the keys until he finally ended the song. As soon as he pulled his fingers back, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me.

"I'm not really good with letting you know how I feel, Naia." He said and closed his eyes as he gathered me closer to him. "I hope the song reached you."

I nodded and pulled back, brushing my lips against his cheeks. I could smell him, his perfume, and his natural scent. Mapait kong ipinikit ang mga mata at hinalikan ang pisngi niya. I could feel his shoulders tensing. I traced it with my fingers in an attempt to calm him down before I placed my hands on his chest.

"That song is not included in the album. Bakit hindi mo ni-release ang kanta?"

Like a child seeking comfort, he rested his head on my shoulder and kissed my skin. In a murmured voice, I heard him say, "I wrote that song when I was so fucked up. I'm not sure people can understand the pain I was going through that time and swore to myself that I'm only going to sing with you listening to the lyrics. Kasi nga ikaw ang laman ng liriko. At ikaw lang ang makakaintindi."

"But I'm not veiled anymore, Zeus. I'm not your veiled baby..."

"We'll have to talk about that some other time. But right now, I just badly wanna kiss you..."

I cupped both of his cheeks as he leaned closer and covered my mouth with his. I closed my eyes as I felt my heart exploding, my blood pumping, and my mind roaring. Why it always felt like the first time he kissed me, that, I do not know. The same fire that engulfed the two of us when it happened is burning again, just a degree higher.

In every flick of his tongue, I could hear the words he wanted to say to me. In every grunt that escaped from his mouth carried the dregs of pain from the last time he felt alive. And in every shaky grasp of his fists to my shoulders are cries of pleading for me not to go. It wasn't the reconciliation that I was looking for, but it was the reconnection that I needed.

My heart may be a decade older, but when it beats, it only beats for him. And so he is to me. He made it clear before, and in his actions right now, even in the smallest gesture, I know he wants me back in his life as much as I want him to be part of mine.

When we parted and mixed breaths with each other, I lay limp on his shoulders, feeling the warmth of him and mooning how fast his heartbeat is right now. I planted my palm on his chest, in which he covered with mine.

"There are so many things that I want to do with you, so many opportunities that we missed when we were separated from each other."

"What are those things?" I asked softly.

"Let's start with me waking up in the morning next to you."

I vibrated a chuckle. Sumadsad ang matigas na kamay ni Zeus sa likuran ko at ang isa nama'y sa likod ng mga tuhod ko. Before I could react, he pulled up and carried me to his bedroom. My laughter rang in the studio as we left, holding tight to each other.

It was still dark when I woke, but I could feel his steady breath next to me. His arms are wrapped tightly around my stomach. When I turned, I was greeted by his naked chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm as he slept.

I wanted to move, but decided not to. He's sleeping lightly that I'm sure a brush of my finger to his hair or a whisper of his name would've jolted him to life. Even in sleeping, he's still so tense. As if he's on guard. Guarding who? Guarding me if I run away again? The thought that I made him this miserable brought ache to my chest.

In the end, I dozed back to sleep in that cold, dark room with him by my side. I've never been this close to an intimacy in my entire life and it felt as if we've been doing it for years. It feels so natural and comfortable. There were no awkward walls to break as we held each other to sleep.

Sa ikalawang paggising ko ay nasa tabi ko pa rin siya. Hawak niya pa rin ako at ganun din ako sa kaniya. I looked up and smiled at him.

"Morning..." I yawned.

"Mornin'..." he moved to kiss my temples and then pulled me closer. "I want to be lazy and stay like this the entire day."

A giggle escaped from my mouth. "Why can't we?"

He smirked at me. "We're attending a gala tonight, Naia."

My eyes rounded in surprise. "We?"

"It's for a charity. I figured you would love to come, it's a meaningful event and..." he reached for the neckline of my nightshirt and tugged. "I get to see you in a nice dress."

Tumawa ako. I was about to pull myself up when he pinned my legs with him. Napanguso ako at nilingon siya.

"I'm starving. Let's eat."

"Come back here." He said, pulling my shoulders and successfully bringing me back to him. Zeus pressed his nose against my hair and inhaled. "Five more minutes." He said with a sigh.

Natawa ulit ako at niyakap siya. Nilabanan ko ang matinding pang-aakit ng tulog sa limang minutong magkayakap kaming dalawa at dinama lamang ang mumunting halik niya sa pisngi ko hanggang sa maubos namin ang oras.

Several hours later, I was alone in my room, staring at the black silk dress that was brought for me. I stared at it, frowning. I have never seen myself in a backless dress and I'm not sure if I have enough confidence to wear something like this.

Biting my lower lips, I paced around my room. The gala he spoke of earlier sounded so dreamy when we were tangled in the bed in our pajamas. But not that I've checked the list of attendees, I became very nervous. Movie moguls, actors, actresses, and the country's biggest producers are attending. What am I supposed to do there?

Bigla akong kinabahan. Makailang ulit ko nang inisip kung dapat bang magback-out nalang ako at manatili sa bahay gaya ng palaging ginagawa ko. In the end, I told myself that if I were to stay with him, I have to get used to the world he's living. The luxury house, the VIP treatment, galas, parties, and concerts... this is his world. How can I love him fully I can't even find a place in his world?

Convinced that I can do it, I slipped on the dress and sat in front of the mirror, doing my makeup cautiously. I am not a woman who is confident with her own skin and borrows self-assurance from makeup every now and then. For years that I've been working in the foundation, you can step into the small classroom and visit villages with a bare face and children will still adore you. But in this world where there will be tons of paparazzi and well-bred people, might as well present them of the best version of myself.

I painted my lips red that night, for a mysterious and elegant look. My smoked eyes complimented the long, soft waves of my dark hair that I decided to wear loose. A little contour and my cheekbones appeared higher and more prominent than it really is. I wear no jewelry on my throat, fingers, and ears. I am in the middle of contemplation if I were to wear something when a knock sounded on the door.

Nakita kong pumasok si Zeus sa kwarto mula sa repleksyon ng salamin. He's already dressed in a black tux and red tie. His hair is neatly combed tonight and he wore gold cuff links. Even with the three-piece suit, a woman would only have to look once just to determine that a well-built body lay beneath.

He strode towards me, an air of arrogance and confidence lingering around him. Huminto siya sa likuran at ipinatong ang kaniyang kamay sa aking balikat. He gave me a squeeze before crouching a bit and placing a soft kiss on my throat.

"Ready?"

I nodded. Nang tumayo ako ay hinawakan niya ang dalawang kamay ko at siniil ulit ng halik. I laughed despite the kiss and the hammering of my heart. Kinakabahan pa rin talaga ako. He pulled out something from his pockets and showed me a vermillion velvet box.

"This is for you. For tonight."

"What's this?"

I eyed him warily before dropping my gaze to the box. Dahan-dahan ko itong binuksan. The crystal drops winked as it caught the light from my room. I stared at it in awe. Zeus unfastened the crystals from its cushion. Siya na mismo ang nagkabit ng mga ito sa tainga ko.

"I realized I never saw you in earrings before..." may lambing ulit sa tono niya habang abala siya sa paglalagay ng mga hikaw. Satisfied, he leaned back and studied me. A small crooked smile tugged on his lips. "I was right when I thought you'd look very beautiful in it."

Nginitian ko din siya pabalik. He reached for my ears and let the drops dangle a bit, playing it with his fingers, before he led me out of my room.

Naghihintay na ang limo sa amin paglabas naming dalawa sa bahay. Monica followed us politely, eyeing the two of us with a blank look on her face. The same expression that Nigel wore when he opened the door for us. I slipped inside and Zeus followed.

The whole ride was spent with him making calls with some important people while holding my hand. Maya't-maya ay tinitingnan niya ako at pinipisil ang kamay ko. I'd smile at him and would gaze out the window.

Half an hour later, we arrived at the event. Itinigil na din ni Zeus ang kakatawag at iniwan ang phone niya sa loob ng sasakyan. I swallowed hard when I glanced outside and saw a cluster of reporters with their cameras blinking in the dark. A young starlet is posing for photos at the middle of the stairs, dressed in a silvery dress that dips low at her breasts and shows her toned legs before she walked inside.

Nilingon ulit ako ni Zeus. He was informed earlier that other members of the band have arrived. Napahinga ako nang maluwag nang malamang nandito rin si Zoey sa event. That means I'll have some company during the program.

"Ready?" tanong niya ulit sa akin.

I nodded and wished for something cool to dry my throat. Hinalikan ulit ako ni Zeus sa noo bago niya hinayaan si Nigel na buksan ang pinto para sa aming dalawa.

As soon as he stepped out, flashes of camera almost blinded me and the shutters of their devices sounded. Some of his fans are cheering for him. I could hear them everywhere, begging for Zeus to look at their direction or to pose for a picture. Zeus merely smiled at them, wrapped his arms around my waist and then led the two of us inside.

A tall woman in royal blue evening dress greeted the two of us. She kissed both my cheeks and let Zeus brush his lips against her knuckles as she gave us a warm welcome. Iginiya niya din kami sa magiging upuan naming dalawa. From a distance, I could see Zoey trying to divert the attention of her daughter from the crystal vases all the while entertaining the people circling the table.

Nang tuluyan na kaming makalapit sa kanilang table ay gulat na napatingin sa akin si Zoey. Her eyes lit up as she placed her daughter on the table and gave me a quick hug, before snatching Wanda back again.

"I'm so glad you came!" her eyes glinted mischievously as she stared at Zeus' arms on my waist. "I guess it went well, huh?"

Namula ang mga pisngi ko dahil alam ko na ang ibig niyang sabihin. Zeus pulled a chair for me. Wenceslao and Troy muttered their greetings. I smiled back at the guys and was glad to see familiar faces, toning down my anxiety for tonight's events.

More and more elegant people poured in the area. Even actresses that I thought I would only see in televisions and producers whose name I heard in almost every interview. Mangha akong nakatingin sa kanila. They talked in hushed voices and exchanged million-dollar smiles with each other.

Zeus is laidback and carefree. He talked to some of his friends and kissed women chastely on the cheeks. Ipinakilala niya din ako sa iilan niyang mga kaibigan.

"Zeus?"

I sipped on the water when a familiar face strode towards our table. She may have tanned her skin but I could still remember her face very well. She put on a huge smile on her face as she elegantly walked towards our table and before Zeus could react, kissed him on the lips.

Muntik kong maibuga ang iniinom ko sa nakita. Orianna smiled and touched his cheeks affectionately.

"I'm glad to see you again, honey..." she purred, batting her eyelashes. She wore a dark green mermaid gown with elegant cuts to showcase her trimmed waist. Nagtataka ko siyang tiningnan but I remained my expression neutral.

"Orianna," Zeus nodded in acknowledgement and slowly pulled his hand away. "It's good to see you. Where's your father?"

"Oh, Papa is talking to some good old friends. Alam mo naman siya..." she laughed softly and for the first time this evening, turned to me. There was a shock of recognition, before she managed a small smile for me. "Ikaw pala... what's your name again?"

Tinitigan ko siya pabalik. Zeus answered for me. With his unsmiling mouth and furrowed brows, I could sense his mood going darker.

"Yeah! Parvana." She almost clapped when it hit her. "I met you before. In Zeus' house. Anyway, what are you doing here? Papa is a big-time producer and he has no date so I came with him. It's a pleasant surprise to see you again."

"Me too..." I said dryly.

Mabilis niyang binalingan si Zeus nang maramdamam ang kawalang interes ko sa kaniya. She smiled sweetly at him.

"Zeus, darling, I think we gave you enough time to think about it. Papa and I will reach out to you the following week. I'll call you." She said softly and leaned to kiss him again but Zeus had firmly placed his hand on her skinny arms and pulled away before her lips could touch his.

"That's good, Orianna. We'll talk about it soon. If you'll excuse me..."

I could see the sheer disappointment in her face but she quickly masked it with a bright smile as she elegantly excused herself out. Zoey is already rolling her eyes and muttering something under her breath. Wanda stared at her. Tapos ay ginaya niya ang ina at pinaikot din ang mga mata at ngumuso.

No one talked about it as we were served with the food. Pinilit ko din iyong ignorahin. Now I can see Orianna, a few tables away, mingling with the young actresses and rising actors. Ibinalik ko ang tuon sa pagkain at napatingin kay Zeus nang maramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa aking hita.

I rose a brow but said nothing. His eyes lit up in amusement but he said nothing as well. Alam na alam ko na ang gusto niyang sabihin. I swatted his hands away and discreetly glared at him. He bit his lower lips to prevent a smile from spreading and sat straighter.

A few moments later, I excused myself to the ladies' room. Zeus nodded and watched me like a hawk as I waded through tables. Some of the guests are staring at me, while an actor introduced himself to me on my way to the ladies' room. Tipid na ngiti lang ang isinagot ko sa kaniya at sinabihan siyang nagmamadali ako as of the moment.

Walang tao pagpasok ko sa loob. I choose the last cubicle and locked myself in. As soon as I clicked the lock shut, I heard the sharp stabs of heels against the white marbled floor and was followed by angry female voices.

"—akala ko ba you're dating Zeus? He's seen with a different woman tonight. The same woman who was with him in Davao International Airport!"

"Oo nga, Orianna. What happened to the two of you? Did you guys break up? Alam ba ng Papa mo?"

I sucked in a deep breath and stopped moving, afraid to make some noise. Mahinahon akong nakikinig sa loob. There were muffled noises, I could hear a purse's zip being ripped open and the sound of compacts clicking open. I supposed they're here to fix their makeup.

"We're still on a relationship, girls. No need to fret about it. Alam niyo naman si Zeus, ganun talaga siya. He has a bad boy reputation and he's living to it. While I play the loyal girlfriend role."

I heard a chuckle. "He's never confirmed your relationship with him, Orianna, aside from being college friends. Do you know that what the tabloids are writing about you? You'll look like a desperate woman..."

"Watch your mouth, Cassa." Orianna replied in a low, dangerous voice. "Papa is still your producer. Baka gusto mong ipa-terminate ko ang kontrata mo?"

She cleared her throat and in a smaller voice, answered, "I-I'm sorry. I'm just saying, Orianna."

"Zeus is like that. He tastes women after women. No one knows him better than I do. We spent a lot of time together. That Muslim woman he brought here is nothing but just an addition to his collection. The nerve of that girl to attend this gala! She thinks that just by wearing cheap, revealing dress and fake stoned glasses, she's entitled to step on the same floor with us."

Hindi na umimik ang dalawa niyang kasama. Maging ako ay wala din masabi. I blinked and leaned my head against the closed door. Matagal akong nanatili sa loob ng ladies' room hanggang sa tuluyan na silang makalabas. Doon pa din ako lumabas.

Mabigat na ang pakiramdam ko nang makabalik ako sa table namin. Zeus immediately noticed my gloomy expression and reached for my hands.

"Is something wrong?"

Nanghihina akong umiling. He searched for my eyes but I quickly averted my gaze. Nilibang ko nalang ang sarili sa pakikipaglaro kay Wanda. Even Zoey squinted her eyes in suspicion but said nothing.

"Naia..." tawag sa akin ni Zeus.

I turned to him. Nakipagsukatan ako ng titig sa kaniya. A muscle in his jaw twitched. He heaved a sigh and turned to other people in our table.

"I'm sorry. I think we're going home early tonight."

Gulat na napatingin sa kaniya si Zoey. "Are you sure? Hindi pa nga nagsisimula ang sayawan, eh."

"Iuuwi ko lang si Naia." Ani Zeus at tumayo na. I remained mute and pulled myself up as well. "You guys enjoy the party..."

Nanlulumong napatango si Zoey. We headed outside. Mahigpit ang hawak ni Zeus sa kamay ko habang ako nama'y nalulunod na sa mga pinag-iisip. Some of the guests were shocked to see the two of us leaving so early. Zeus muttered a sincere apology to the host of the event and excused ourselves out.

Nang tuluyan na kaming makalabas ay naghihintay na si Nigel sa may limo. He opened the door and I slipped inside. Zeus turned to Nigel.

"Diretso sa bahay." Malamig niyang tugon bago ako sinamahan sa likod at isinarado ang pinto.

I glanced at him, then heaved a sigh. "I can go home alone. Bumalik ka nalang sa party, Zeus. Masama lang ang pakiramdam ko."

"No." matigas niyang wika habang niluluwangan ang kaniyang tie. He stared at me darkly. "You're upset about Orianna and there's no way in hell that this night would end without us talking about it."

Hindi ako nakasagot. I folded my hands on my lap and stared at my pale fingers, knowing that it's going to be a long night ahead.