Chapter 17

You see, having a vieux-riche husband had never crossed my mind when I was still young. I'm a big fan of fairytales and happy endings, but I always dreamed myself being married to a simple man and living a simple life for the rest of our lives.

"The high alumina cement will do," ani Alas sa baritonong boses. Nakatukod ang kaniyang dalawang kamay sa malaking papel sa harap niya at bahagyang nakakunot ang noo. "But then, we will increase the budget for this project."

"Don't worry about the budget, Ferrer." Wika ng kaniyang architect na kausap. "Alam mo namang walang pakialam si Mr. Lao sa ganyang mga bagay..."

"I know..." he murmured. Bumagsak ang tingin niya sa kaniyang kape na nasa tabi lang. Kinuha niya ito at sumimsim. "It's funny, though. The entire cost of this project is enough to feed all the poor families in this region. And yet, we are doing this exclusively for elite's leisure."

Architect Julius throw his head back and laugh. "At least we've got a good pay."

Nanatili akong nakatayo sa amba ng pintuan, nakikinig sa kanilang pag-uusap. Nang hindi sinasadyang dumako ang tingin ni Architect Julius sa akin ay bahagya niyang kinalabit si Alas.

"Oh. Your wife is awake, Engineer."

Marahas na lumingon si Alas sa akin. The dark circles under his eyes told me that he hadn't had enough sleep since yesterday. I tried waiting for him in our bedroom, but he never showed up. Nasa long table sila kagabi nang madatnan ko galing sa trabaho at hanggang ngayon ay nandito pa rin sila. Don't tell me they didn't bother to sleep at all?

"Good morning, Mrs. Ferrer!" nakangising pahayag sa akin ni Architect Julius.

I blushed profusely. Lalo na nang hindi matanggal ang intensidad sa mga titig ni Alas sa akin. "G-Good morning, Architect!"

"Did you sleep well?" hindi pa rin natatanggal ang nakakaloko nitong ngisi sa mukha. "I'm sorry to steal your husband, but we have to redesign the sewage and road system of the resort before our due tomorrow."

"Ayos lang..." tumikhim ako. "Walang problema."

Nanatiling matalim ang tingin ni Alas sa akin. Now, what is his problem?

"Gusto niyo ba ng agahan?" tanong ko sa kanila. Mag-iisang linggo na kaming kasal ni Alas at napag-alaman kong sa tuwing may pang-umagang klase si Krista ay alas-dos pa siya ng hapon nakakapunta sa bahay ni Alas para tumulong.

"That'd be great! Thanks! Nagtitiis lang kami sa kape, dito..." humalakhak si Architect Julius.

I glanced at the wall clock. May dalawang oras pa naman ako para makapagluto at maghanda para sa trabaho. Maybe I could cook a simple breakfast for the two of them?

Naghintay ako sa sagot ni Alas pero nanatiling masama ang titig niya sa akin. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Ano na naman ang kasalanan ko, Ferrer?

Sa huli ay umalis din ako at pumasok sa loob ng bahay. Dumiretso ako sa kusina at inihanda ang iluluto.

Good thing he has a stock of frozen meats and goods inside his fridge. Inilabas ko ang bacon at apat na itlog. I saw some cheese and milk inside as well. Kumuha ako ng kamatis, bawang, at sibuyas-dahon.

I started working silently. Habang naghihiwa ako ng sibuyas ay may gumalaw na anino mula sa amba ng pintuan. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita si Alas na naglalakad patungo rito, dala-dala ang isang wala nang laman na tasa ng kaniyang kape.

He glared at me again. I tilted my head. Ano ba kasing problema nito?

Bumagal ang paghiwa ko sa sibuyas nang maramdaman ang presensiya niya sa likod. Gusto ko siyang lingunin ngunit natatakot ako. I swallowed and focused on what I'm doing instead.

"Anong oras ang trabaho mo?"

I jump a bit, startled by his deep voice. Muntik ko pang mabitawan ang kutsilyong hawak.

"Ah, 8:30 am pa naman..." mahina kong sagot.

"Ihahatid na kita." Anito sa matigas na boses.

"Puwede naman akong mag-bus—"

"Ihahatid na kita, Isabelle." Pag-uulit niya. I sighed. His tone is demanding and doesn't take no for an answer. In the end, I nodded my head.

Hindi na ako mapakali nang bigla nalang siyang tumabi sa akin. In a smooth and graceful manner, he refilled his cup of coffee from the coffee maker. Tumikhim siya. Hindi ko man lingunin ay ramdam na ramdam ko ang mabigat niyang titig sa akin.

"And please change into something when you serve our breakfast."

"Huh?" doon pa ako napalingon sa kaniya.

Marahas na suminghap si Alas at pinasadahan ang aking katawan ng tingin. He scowled again in disapproval.

"You can't go out looking like that, Belle. You're my wife." Galit nitong wika sa akin.

I glanced at what I'm wearing. It's just a satin old rose nightgown and I have robe in it! Hinigpitan ko pa ang tali sa roba ko, biglang hindi naging komportable sa titig ni Alas sa akin.

"Men have fantasies about women, Isabelle. Julius is not an exception." He hissed before grabbing his cup and walking out of the kitchen.

Hindi ko alam na nagpipigil na pala ako ng hininga hanggang sa makalabas siya. I expelled a heavy breath, and then shook my head. Kung magiging ganito ang epekto niya sa akin, baka mamatay pa ako dahil sa sakit sa puso!

I cursed him inside of my mind, even though he really isn't at fault at all. Kasalanan ko na lumabas ako nang ganito ang hitsura at napagsabihan lamang ako.

I continued cooking with Alas' voice ringing inside of my head. Nang matapos ako ay itinabi ko muna ang pagkain at pumasok sa kwarto namin. I took a quick shower and then changed into a pair of gray pencil cut skirt and creamy white blouse. Naglagay din ako ng kaunting make-up saka ako nagtungo sa kabilang kwarto para tingnan kung gising na ba si Zeus.

My little boy is still sleeping. Yakap pa rin niya si Mufasa. He looked really cute in his matching blue pyjamas. Napangiti ako at marahang isinara ulit ang pinto. I went to the kitchen and transferred the breakfast I prepared to the tray. Dinala ko ito sa porch.

"Oy! Salamat!" ani Julius at kinuha pa ang tray mula sa akin. Alas glared at me again. He stepped out of the house to smoke. His eyes are piercing me as he took a slow, long drag of his cigarette. Pinasadahan niya ulit ako ng tingin.

"Halika na, Alas. Pangatlong sigarilyo mo na yan, eh..." ani Julius habang inililipat ang mga plato sa table.

Alas throw his cigarette on the grassy ground and stomped on it. Pinulot niya din ito nang mamatay at itinapon sa malapit na basurahan sa labas ng kaniyang bahay.

The three of us have breakfast in peace. Madaldal si Architect Julius at kung anu-ano ang ikinukuwento sa akin. When we were done, I fed the puppy with its dog food as well. Pumasok ulit ako sa kwarto at hinalikan ang noo ng natutulog na si Zeus bago ako lumabas.

Alas played with his car keys then glanced at me.

"Let's go..." ani ko.

He nodded once then turned to Julius.

"Can you watch over Zeus for a while? Babalik din kaagad ako..."

"Sure!" masiglang sagot ni Julius.

"Pag nasugatan o nagkagasgas man lang ang bata..." Alas glared at him, nagbabanta ang tono.

Tinawanan lamang siya ng kaibigan. "Trust me! I know how to handle kids..." he winked.

Umiling lamang si Alas at nagsimula nang maglakad palabas. I casted an apologetic smile to Architect Julius before following my husband to his parked car outside.

"Engineer! Ito na po!" nagulat ako sa biglang pagsigaw ng driver ng transit mixer. Tatlong malalaking transit mixer ang nakapila sa labas ng bahay.

"Pumasok ka na..." Alas instructed at nilapitan ang driver ng truck.

My gaze lingered at them for a while before I climbed inside his car. Habang nakikipag-usap siya sa driver ay humalumbaba ako. He's really busy, huh? Now that I am living with him and I got a glimpse of his real life, I realized how hectic his schedule is. Naiintindihan ko kung nagalit talaga si Mr. Lao sa kaniya nung pumunta siya ng Davao.

After a short while, Alas jogged to the car. He immediately started the engine. Nakita ko din, mula sa side mirror, na umaatras na ngayon ang tatlong transit mixers at papaalis na.

Nang tumulak ang sasakyan ay gusto kong i-on ang stereo. This is so awkward! Walang nagsasalita sa aming dalawa. I licked my lower lips and glance nervously at him. Seryoso siyang nagda-drive at hindi inaalis ang kaniyang tingin sa kalsada.

"What time will you be coming home tomorrow?" biglang tanong niya nalang sa akin. Nagulat ako at napalingon sa kaniya.

"Five pm..." nag-aalangan kong sagot.

"Can't you go home a little earlier?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "No. Why?"

"I'm hiring a governess for our son. You should be there for the interview."

I gaped at him. "A governess?"

Nag-isang sulyap sa akin si Alas at tumango bago ibinalik ulit ang tingin sa kalsadang tinatahak namin.

"Someone to take care of our son and teach him while at home..." anito.

"But—"

"Unless you're willing to quit your job to take care of him?" puno ng panghahamon ang kaniyang tono.

"Alas!" medyo iritado na din ang boses ko. Why would he say that? Kaka-graduate ko lang at maayos ang trabaho ko sa ngayon. Gusto ko ang ginagawa ko.

"I can finance you—"

"Oh, shut it, Alas." Inirapan ko na siya nang hindi nakapagpigil. "Don't act so high just because you're filthy rich. Kahit kailan ay hindi ako manghihingi ng pera sa iyo! Kaya kung mag-ipon sa sarili kong paraan!"

Okay. He just bruised my woman pride. He really is a full-blast alpha and patriarchy runs in his blood! He thinks that I should just depend on him all my life because he's my husband and he earns better than the two of us.

Alas sighed. "Fine. Be there tomorrow, then."

Umirap ulit ako sa kaniya. He slowed down when our building came into view. Padabog kong binuksan at isinara ang pinto ng sasakyan, naiirita pa rin sa kaniya. I didn't look back and stormed towards our office building. Nakakasira siya ng umaga!

"What's that for, Krista?" kunot-noo kong tanong, kinahapunan pagkabalik ko galing sa trabaho. Hindi na ako nagpasundo kay Alas at sumakay ako ng bus. Alam kong busy siya sa trabaho kaya hindi na ako nag-abala pa.

"Ah, pinabili po sa akin ni Engineer kanina..." sagot ni Krista habang inilalagay ang bote-boteng whiskey sa cupboard.

Kumunot ang noo ko, hindi kaagad naiintindihan ang nangyayari.

"Ganito po talaga siya, Ma'am, kapag stressed sa trabaho. Mahilig po siyang uminom at manigarilyo habang nagde-design..."

My heart sank inside of my chest. It's his habit, alright. But this very habit of him will kill him sooner or later!

Wala na akong sinabi pa at tinungo si Zeus na nasa labas ng bakuran, nilalaro na naman ang tuta niyang pinangalanan niya ding Mufasa.

"Hi mummy!" untag sa akin ng bata. He carried the Great Dane puppy and then let it rest on his tiny lap.

"Hi baby. How's your day?"

"It's boring. I only have Mufasa here with me..." he pouted, then rubbed the puppy's head affectionately. "Why can't I go to your work anymore?"

Natigilan ako sa tanong ng bata. It's Alas' demand to let him stay here in the house. Ayaw na niyang dinadala ko si Zeus sa trabaho dahil napapagod daw ang bata. Frankly, he has a point. Pero ngayong si Zeus na mismo ang umaalma...

"Dada!"

Nagulat ako at nag-angat ng tingin. The puppy, startled by his excited voice, jumped from his lap and run away. Zeus ignored it and run straight to his father. Kakalabas pa lamang ni Alas sa kaniyang Montero. He grinned at my son and lifted him up on his shoulders. I didn't miss the way he winced when Zeus grabbed his hair. Alam kong pagod na din siya ngayon at walang sapat na tulog, hindi pa man lumulubog ang araw.

"Engineer, mag-oorder na po ba ako ng pagkain?" tanong ni Krista na mukhang natapos na ata sa paglalagay ng kaniyang inumin sa cupboard.

Tumango si Alas at sinundan siya sa loob, hindi man lang ako pinansin. Nang makapasok sila ay ibinaba niya si Zeus at nagtungo sa kusina. Zeus remained on the living room while I followed him.

"Alas..." mahina kong sambit.

Nilingon niya ako bago niya binuksan ang cupboard at kumuha ng isang bote. He twisted the cap effortlessly and poured on his glass. Pinanuod ko siyang buksan ang fridge at lagyan ng ice cubes ang kaniyang inumin.

"Don't you think that's too much?" kumulubot ang ilong ko. "Sa stock mo ng alak, para kang magpapa-party!"

Alas licked his lower lips before he took a sip of his amber drink, then set it down on the kitchen counter. "It's okay..."

Kumunot ang noo ko at nameywang.

"Baka nakakalimutan mong may bata tayong kasama dito? Baka maimpluwensiyahan mo pa siya diyan sa habit mo!"

I know all people have their own idiosyncrasies. In exchange of Alas being an expert and skilled engineer, he is a heavy smoker and drinker. And it scares me, the consequences of his deadly habits on his body as he grow older.

"I know what I'm doing, Belle." Maikli nitong sagot sa akin.

"Damn it, Alas! Alam mo bang—"

Natigil ako sa pagsasalita nang marinig kong tumunog ang piano sa sala. Kumunot ang noo ni Alas at natigilan din, matamang nakikinig sa musika.

"That's When The Saint Goes Marching In..." he murmured. Mabilis siyang naglakad palabas ng kusina, dala pa rin ang kaniyang baso. I followed him outside and was shocked to see my little Zeus behind the piano, playing the song!

Natutuwang nakatingin sa kaniya si Krista habang ako nama'y naka-awang ang bibig. Alas smirked and stared at his son, a satisfied look crossed his face. Then he sipped from his glass and continued watching.

"I never knew you taught Zeus how to play piano." Aniya sa akin.

"No..." iniling ko ang ulo ko. "I never know Zeus could play until now!"

It was his turn to furrow his eyebrows at me. Naguguluhan niya akong tiningnan.

"What?"

"We don't have any piano in our apartment, Alas." Paliwanag ko sa kaniya. "Though I listen to classical music while being pregnant with Zeus... I never taught him. The closest connection he had with piano is that application he'd been playing on your phone!"

Manghang tiningnan ni Alas ang kaniyang anak. Zeus paused when he committed a mistake, giggled, and then continued hitting the keyboards again. Na-estatwa ako sa kinatatayuan ko. A surge of pride hit me, watching my son play the piano like a pro! He even closed his eyes, as if being consumed by the music. His fingers expertly press the right keys at the right time, hitting the notes perfectly.

Lumapit si Alas sa kaniya at ipinatong ang kaniyang whiskey sa lid ng piano. Tinabihan niya si Zeus at nagsimula na ding tumugtog. Sinabayan ng bata ang mabilis na pace ni Alas. And together, they created such lovely rhythm that would surely move the heart of their audience. At that time, it was only me and Krista who experienced their brilliance in music.

"And what makes you think you're capable of taking care of my son?" seryosong tanong ni Alas.

Muntik na akong mabilaukan sa iniinom kong pineapple juice. The woman squirmed on her seat, clearly uncomfortable with his question. I glared at him, but he ignored me.

Kinabukasan noon ay maaga akong umuwi mula sa opisina. There are five applicants waiting in his house when I arrived. Isa-isa niya itong pinapasok sa kaniyang study at ginigisa ng mga tanong niya. I didn't have my chance to ask them questions! Nakatayo lang ako sa likod ni Alas at pinapanuod siyang i-intimidate ang mga aplikante namin.

At this case, we will never be able to hire a governess today.

"G-Good afternoon po, Sir!" mautal-utal na wika ng sumunod na aplikante. She's a young woman. When Alas nodded his head, she blushed like crazy! Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi at naupo sa harapan ng desk ni Alas.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Obvious naman na crush ng babaeng ito si Alas, eh. I wonder if she also applied for the job because of her employer's good look? Napailing nalang ako.

"Any experience on taking care of kids?" simula ni Alas habang nakatingin sa biodata ng babae. Sinilip ko ang kaniyang pangalan na nakalagay. Amy Puzon.

Ngumisi ang babae. "Yes, Sir." She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears. "Actually, ako po ang nag-aalaga sa pamangkin ko po nung nanganak ang ate ko. Hindi lang po mga bata ang kaya kong alagaan, Sir..." makahulugan niyang sinabi.

Muntik ko nang batuhin ang babae sa sinabi niya!

"Really?" Alas smirked, clearly amused by where this conversation is going. Hello? Nakalimutan ba nilang dalawa na narito ako? Baka gusto ng babaeng ito na ipakain ko sa kaniya itong wedding ring naming dalawa!

"Opo, Sir..." she giggled.

"Get out. We will not hire you." hindi na ako nakapagpigil. I slammed my palm on his desk, making the girl jump a bit. Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata. "I need an excellent governess for my son. Not a flirt nanny."

The girl, clearly taken aback by my harsh words, nodded her head and quickly gathered her things. Dali-dali siyang lumabas.

I heard Alas chuckled behind me. Nilingon ko siya, nanlilisik ang mga mata.

"Gusto mo naman?" I spat at him.

Alas bit his lower lips, trying to suppress a laugh, but failed. Mas lalong kumulo ang dugo ko sa kaniya! Napailing siya at hinuli ang beywang ko. I jolted at the sudden contact. Napatuwid ako nang tayo at tinitigan siya nang masama.

"You two are amusing the hell out of me..." iniling niya ang kaniyang ulo ulit, nagpipigil ng ngiti.

I rolled my eyes, trying to pretend that I am not affected by his touch when in fact, it's killing me right now.

"Next, please." anunsiyo nito sa baritonong boses, hindi pa rin tinatanggal ang kaniyang hawak sa beywang ko.

Thankfully, the fourth applicant seems like a decent woman. She's intelligent and you can see it in her eyes that she really cares for children. Inamin niya din sa amin na kaya siya nag-apply sa trabaho ay dahil nag-iipon siya ng pera para maka-abroad. Alas and I hired her on the spot.

"Thank you po, Ma'am and Sir..." she bowed a bit. I smiled at her, feeling satisfied and relieved that someone like her would watch over my son during my workdays.

A month went by, living with Flavian Alas Ferrer. Akala ko'y wala nang mas ibi-busy ang kaniyang trabaho! Minsan ay sa site na siya natutulog dahil sa sobrang dami ng kaniyang dapat gawin. Kung umuuwi naman siya ng bahay ay nagkukulong siya sa kaniyang study para tapusin ang trabahong naiwan.

"Ella, wala pa ba ang Sir mo?" tanong ko sa kaniya, isang gabi pagkagaling ko sa trabaho.

Zeus' governess lifted her head and smiled brightly at me. "Wala pa po, Ma'am, eh..."

I nodded my head. Wala pa din si Krista. Malamang ay ginabi din iyon sa site. I don't think Alas will still bring her here to cook us dinner. Gabi na at may klase pa bukas ang bata.

Nagtungo ako sa kusina at nagsimula nang magluto, hindi pa rin nagpapalit sa aking suot mula sa trabaho. Zeus, with his father's permission, played the piano frequently. Albeit he had committed a lot of mistakes, I know my son is a prodigy. In fact, Alas wanted to enroll him in an official piano class. Ito ang pinagtatalunan naming dalawa ngayon dahil gusto kong magkinder muna si Zeus bago niya atupagin ang kaniyang musika.

Ngumiwi ako nang makitang papaubos na ang kaniyang stock ng whiskey. Panigurado akong magpapabili na naman siya kay Krista, di kalaunan. I started cooking dinner for the two of us. Ella is staying in our house. Ibinigay ni Alas sa kaniya ang guestroom. Hassle na kasi kung uuwi pa siya sa kanila sa Monserrat araw-araw. Minsan kasi'y ako ang hindi nakakauwi ng bahay lalo na kapag may production show kami sa ibang lugar.

When I was done cooking, I invited Ella to eat with me and Zeus. Mag-aalas nuebe na ng gabi pero hindi pa rin dumarating si Alas. I talked to Ella over dinner and found more and more about her family. Mas lalo akong naging determinadong matulungan nga siya. Ella and Krista are deserving to be the receiving end of Alas' generosity.

Pagkatapos kumain ay pinatulog ko na si Zeus. Ella retreated silently to her room. Naligo ako at nagbihis ng pantulog. It's a mint green satin longsleeve nightgown, just like the rest of my nightwears. Ipinagtimpla ko ang sarili ng tea at nagtungo sa veranda para sana hintayin si Alas na makauwi.

Inabot nalang ako ng apat na oras sa labas ay hindi ko pa rin maaninag ang kaniyang puting Montero. Naubos na ang green tea ko kanina pa at nagsisimula na din akong lamukin.

I scowled. If he's not going home tonight, might as well informed me! Suminghap ako at kinuha ang walang lamang tasa saka pumasok sa loob.

Hinugasan ko pa ang tasang ginamit bago ako nagtungo sa silid namin. Pagod kong isinampa ang sarili sa kama. My eyes felt very heavy. Matutulog na sana ako nang marinig ko ang pagbukas ng tarangkahan sa labas!

I jumped on the bed and was out the door within a few seconds. Nakita kong lumalabas si Alas dala-dala ang kaniyang mga gamit. He locked the gate and then sauntered towards the front porch.

Nanatili akong nakatayo sa amba ng pintuan at naghihintay sa pagpasok niya. He looked really stress that he had forgot to shave his facial hair. The stubble on his jaw made him more manly and mature more than ever. I've seen him wear his navy blue button-down shirt but I never thought it would look good on him with his rough appearance.

"Alas..." napapaos kong sambit.

Nag-angat siya ng kilay nang makita ako. He removed his shoes before entering the house. "You're still awake?" bakas din sa boses niya ang pagod.

I nodded my head and bit my lower lips. "I was waiting for you..."

Alas sighed, then walked past me towards his study. Sinundan ko siya. Inilagay niya ang mga gamit sa kaniyang desk.

"You shouldn't wait for me anymore, Belle. Mapupuyat ka lang," aniya.

"Do you want some coffee?" I asked instead. Alam kong hindi rin naman siya matutulog at magtatrabaho lang din.

"Whiskey, please." he said in a husky tone.

Labag man sa loob ko ay tumango ako at nagtungo sa kusina. I poured his glass of whiskey and then went back to his study. Nakaupo na siya ngayon sa kaniyang desk at seryosong nakatingin sa desenyo sa kaniyang harapan. He seemed so lost in thought that he didn't notice me enter the room. Nag-angat lamang siya ng tingin nang ilagay ko ang baso sa kaniyang desk.

"Thanks,"

I nodded my head. Bumaba ang tingin ni Alas sa sout kong nightgown. I didn't bother wearing a robe and I admit, I'm not wearing a bra either. Narinig ko ang marahas niyang pagsinghap nang bumaba ang kaniyang tingin sa aking dibdib, sabay iwas ng kaniyang tingin.

"M-Matutulog na ako..." nauutal kong wika, uminit na ang mga pisngi.

He nodded stiffly. I padded out of his room. I didn't expect for him to say goodnight though. Huminga ako nang malalim at hinawakan ang doorknob ng kaniyang pinto.

"Isabelle."

Napatigil ako sa kinatatayuan nang marinig ang kaniyang malamig na boses. I turned to him. Seryoso ang mga mata niyang nakatingin sa akin. Palagay ko'y hindi ko kayang pantayan ang intensidad ng kaniyang titig kaya ibinagsak ko ang tingin sa sahig.

"Bakit?" mahina kong tanong.

He sighed again. "I wanted to ask you something..."

"Mmm-hmm?" I watched him closely.

Alas licked his lower lips, and then sipped from his whiskey as if borrowing courage from the alcohol.

"Your vow in our wedding..." aniya. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya at humigpit ang hawak sa doorknob. Titig na titig na ngayon sa akin si Alas. "Did you mean it?" seryoso niyang tanong.

I stared back at him, my heart pounding inside of my chest. I bit my lower lips and then nodded softly. "I mean all of it, Alas..." mahina kong sambit. "Goodnight."