Wakas
I do not love her.
That is one of the many things that I'm sure of. I see Rieselle as someone I should marry to avoid a future competition between my family and the Serranos.
Reason why, I don't really give a damn when she kisses her friend or whoever that man is in front of me. But my ego's bruised at what she did. Though, it'll subside in the next few days.
But anger? Jealousy?
I shook my head.
Nothing.
Mas nabahala pa ako na baka hindi matuloy ang kasal at magkaproblema sa pagitan ng dalawang pamilya dahil nakipaghiwalay siya sa akin. It's because of the picture that one of my ex-employee sent her. The woman even posted a picture of us, half naked in bed, with a malicious caption like we're in some sort of relationship.
Damn it.
I'm not certain if something happened. I'm too drunk to feel anything. Pero kalaunan, nalaman ko ring wala talagang nangyari.
I'm thinking of ways on how to pursue Rieselle again and make her agree to get back with me when she texted, asking if we can talk.
I didn't reply. She sent a message again, this time, apologizing for what she did and asking if we can continue our engagement.
I immediately dialled her number but her phone just kept ringing. She didn't answer.
I sent her a message instead, saying we should talk in person but she declined.
I shrugged and tossed my phone on the table. Whatever she wants. Ang mahalaga, tuloy ang kasal.
I have no problem with Rieselle. Kung siya nga ang pakakasalan ko, I'll treat her as my wife then. I won't cheat even though I don't love her. Dahil tingin ko, hindi ko siya kayang mahalin bilang asawa. We've been dating for long but I don't feel anything for her. Nonetheless, I'll still treat her right.
Wala akong kahit anong maramdaman kay Rieselle.
But I felt like something has changed since our engagement party. I'm not certain if she changed or I changed. Or maybe the both of us.
I stared at her while wearing her champagne colored gown. Plus, there's something different just by looking at her. Then there, I figured it out. She dyed her hair. Everything adds up and it suits her well that I am stunned.
I thought that's the only thing that's different. But there's something more as I got nearer. Her perfectly shaped lips, her face. Especially her eyes that seem too expressive right now.
"Chaos," she whispered. Damn. Even her voice sounded a bit different. O siguro, akala ko lang ay may mag-iba sa boses niya dahil sa ilang araw na hindi namin pagkikita.
"Is t–there a prob—"
I took a step forward, eating the distance between us. "I missed you," it smoothly went out of my mouth. I'm used to saying it to Rieselle even though I didn't mean it. I should say those kinds of things because what she knew is I love her.
"O–oh!" She lifted the corner of her lips for a smile. Damn. Even her smile feels different yet... the same?
"You're… stunning." Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili. This time, I fucking mean it.
I let those thoughts pass, thinking I was just imagining things. But after our engagement, I saw and heard an obvious thing to prove that something's wrong.
I got rooted from where I am standing while descending down the stairs upon seeing my fiancee, Rieselle at the doorway, kissing the same man she kissed at that parking lot.
But Rieselle forcefully pushed the man and the next words coming from her made my brows furrow as I didn't expect those words to come out of her mouth.
"What the hell!" she shrieked.
"R–Rieselle." The man is just as stunned as me.
"Who the hell are you?! You idiot!" she shouted, far from her usual soft voice.
I can't imagine that she can utter those words. She's always prim and proper. There's always a reservation in her words but what the hell did I just hear?
"Rie–"
"Didn't I tell you I don't know you? Hindi ka ba makaintindi? For Pete's sake, leave!" She rudely shut the door closed right in his face.
I watched her as she faced the door, trying to calm herself.
Tumuloy ako sa pagbaba ng hagdan kasabay ng pagbaling ni Rieselle sa aking direksyon.
I coldly met her gaze while still frowning.
"Who was that?" I asked while nearing where she's standing.
"Ah! N-nothing. Just a delivery boy. He got the wrong unit, I guess."
Did she just fucking lie?
I nodded and my jaw tightened. I firmly pressed my lips to avoid uttering unnecessary words.
Nilapitan niya ako upang salubungin sa paglalakad at kung hindi niya pinigilan ang braso ko ay wala na akong balak na harapin pa siya.
"Let's eat. The breakfast is ready," she muttered using her soft voice again.
I held her gaze but she immediately averted her eyes. "I have no time for that. I'll see you later."
Yeah, I clearly have no time for her bullshits.
At sinong niloko ko? My damn self. Hindi siya umuwi noong gabing iyon. And that's the first time I felt genuinely bothered that she's nowhere to be found. I can't even reach her phone.
I pulled my tie to loosen it a bit as I leaned on my swivel chair. I eyed Guerdon in front of me when he cocked his brows on me after I almost fucked up in an important meeting
I clenched my jaw. "I can't contact Rieselle."
"Yeah and it's worth it to lose a client?"
I groaned when I hinted a mockery in his voice.
"He signed," walang amor na sagot ko habang niluluwagan ang aking kurbata. I'm not up for another argument.
"Almost not."
"Almost not but damn still signed! My fiancee's missing, Guerdon. Just shut it for now!" I snapped.
I can't focus on all these without knowing my fiancee's whereabouts.
At umagang-umaga, ang nanghahamong si Guerdon pa ang bubungad sa akin. He should even thank me that I came when I'm planning to ditch that meeting the moment I realized Rieselle's missing.
What else can I do with what he's saying? What's done is done! The client signed. I don't understand what's making Guerdon bark.
My feet were itching for my cousin to leave so I can leave too and find my fiancee.
Ngunit para bang mas nakuha ko ang atensyon ni Guerdon dahil sa sinabi mo. "Since when did Ms. Serrano makes you worry? You love her?" he concluded that I instantly answered with a glare.
"We somewhat fought..." I paused a bit, thinking if I should continue. "I just heard her cursing and saying... things I didn't know she could say, Guerdon," puno ng prustasyong sambit ko.
Why am I even this frustrated? It's just Rieselle!
"She what?" It sounds like a fascination for Guerdon.
"She cursed while shouting, I said. I heard her tell her friend that she didn't know him. Then she damn lied right in my face and damn it! I don't understand her," I groaned, admitting where a part of my frustrations are coming from but the real thing is, something has changed. Isa pa, nakita ko na naman siyang may kahalikang iba.
"Ms. Serrano cursed? Shouted? Are you sure you're not drunk when it happened? Maybe you are—"
"That happened early in the morning, Guerdon," mariing putol ko sa mga salita niya.
"Can you calm down? The hell is happening with you?" Napatuwid na ng tayo si Guerdon. He's now very aware of my foul mood. "You love her," he stated with a chuckle.
I love her? Rieselle? Tsked. That's too impossible. Just because we got engaged, I'm already in love with her? No. We're in a relationship long enough to fall for her but I didn't. I don't give a fuck even if she kisses everyone around even my cousins.
Kaya bakit ngayon, bakit parang may iba? First, I told her about Solace, my missing sister. No one knew about Solace except our whole clan yet I told it to Rieselle like the Zaldivars aren't hiding it. Second, I just saw her a bit problematic and I already had an urge to give a solution to her problem.
But still, loving her just now isn't possible. This is not whatever Guerdon's saying. Not too strong to be called love.
My eyes turned into slits. "No, shut it." Agaran akong tumayo at dinampot ang aking telepono bago lumabas ng aking opisina, iniwan doon si Guerdon na mukhang walang balak na umalis.
I searched for my fiancee while being in a foul mood the whole day yet I'll see her in a fucking club with my cousins.
"Now you'll tell me you were in your friend's condo? You didn't even bother to send a single message informing me about your whereabouts." My jaw tightened after she told me she's with her friend the whole night.
She lowered her head. "I forgot. I'm sorry."
"You forgot what? To inform me you won't go home and you're alright or you forgot that you have a fiance that will worry when you're not home?" I spoke with a sudden note of menace in my voice.
I can't believe I'm damn complaining simply because she forgot.
She slowly shook her head while her shoulders were slacking.
Pinanood ko ang bawat galaw niya habang marahan siyang lumalapit sa aking direksyon.
I tightly shut my eyes, immediately, when she slid her hands on my waist. I remain stiff, pinakikiramdaman ang sarili.
I inwardly cursed upon feeling the urge to answer her embrace. There's definitely something wrong with me.
"F–forgive me, please? I won't do it again. I'm sorry."
And I let it pass. Just one apology with an embrace from her and I'm done. Damn it.
I feel it. Everything. But I chose to ignore every damn sign. Every damn little things that I noticed, I fucking shrugged it off. At huli na nang natanto kong naloko ako. Tangina.
Guerdon confirmed it with a pile of evidence backing up what he just found after he barged in my office.
"I hired a private investigator to tail Rieselle and investigate her when you told me you heard her cursing and acting strange," he started as he tossed an envelope in my table.
"You what?" Agad na kumunot ang aking noo at napatayo sa kinauupuan dahil sa sinabi niya. "Guerdon, my fiancee isn't a criminal for you to hire a private investigator to follow her."
He coldly lifted his shoulders. "I thought she's faking her demure behavior but look at what I found," he muttered as he cocked his head, pointing at the envelope he dropped on my table.
Marahas kong kinuha iyon. I intensely held my cousin's gaze while opening the envelope.
Several photos of my fiancee were there. There's one entering a boutique with the name The Estelle. A photo of her entering a club with bold make-up and a dress I can't imagine she can wear. There's one too, still in the club with a man holding her waist while they're alone at the table.
I wasn't aware that I'm already tightly clenching my jaw as I'm flipping the papers from Guerdon. Nang makita ko ang pangalawa sa huling dokumento ay natanto kong hindi iyon si Rieselle.
It was a copy of a birth certificate of a certain Marcia Estelle Quijano but not my fiancee. There's a copy of identification cards from the woman who has the same face from my fiancee under the name of Marcia Estelle. Then a copy of certificate of business ownership. The owner of The Estelle, a clothing boutique.
That's when everything sunk in my mind. The woman in my condo who's fond of designing, the woman I'm kissing, the woman who I am with these past few days is not my fiancee. She's not Rieselle. She's Marcia. Not a Serrano. A Quijano. What the fuck.
"There's a possibility that when you told me Rieselle broke up with you... it's Marcia who apologized and asked to continue your engagement. The one who attended your engagement party might be Ms. Quijano and not..." He trailed off. Hindi na niya kailangang ituloy pa ang mga salita para lang magkaintindihan.
That night, I found myself in a club, damn wasted that I can't fucking remember how I got home.
I went down the stairs with my jaw clenching. I massaged my temples as I felt if throbbing with pain. Ngunit napahinto ako nang makita ko si Rieselle na papalapit sa akin.
That's when I remember who is she. Mabilis ko siyang nilagpasan habang malamig ang mga titig.
I stopped and turned to her direction, planning of throwing sharp words while ordering her to leave my fucking condo but I didn't. I cursed inwardly and continued walking towards the kitchen instead.
She's not my fiancee. I should have asked her to leave the moment I found out. I should damn sue her. But none of those happened.
For weeks, she's staying in my condo but I treated her like she's not there and I'm alone. For weeks, I tried to stay out of my unit as much as possible. Ngunit natanto kong, hindi ko siya kayang tiisin.
How the fuck can't I?
Maaga akong umaalis at gabi na kung umuwi para lang hindi siya makita. But she's damn visiting in my office every damn noon, giving me a lunch that she prepared for me.
"I have a meeting. I took a early lunch. Just give that to my secretary," malamig na sambit ko nang unang araw na pumunta siya sa aking opisina.
"Really? Sabay sana tayo... pero sige. Just get this incase you want to..." She trailed off as her shoulders slouched upon realizing that I won't take it.
I averted my gaze when he nibbled her lower lip and still smiled.
"Don't buy your lunch tomorrow, I'll make one for you. Inform me if you have a meeting so I can bring this early, say eleven or ten?" Her soft voice echoed in my ear.
"You can now leave, my client is coming," I ordered, not paying attention to what she said.
"Alright. I'll just give this to your secretary."
Since when did I give a fuck to her? I can't remember when.
Limang minuto matapos lumabas ni Marcia sa aking opisina ay agad akong tumayo sa kinauupuan. I walked towards the door of my office and went out of it.
My eyes immediately landed at my secretary's table. Nang makitang naroon ang paperbag na dala ni Marcia ay agad kong nilapitan ang aking sekretarya. She stood as she meet my gaze.
"Let me have my lunch," sambit ko sabay turo sa paperbag na nasa mesa niya.
"Sir? Ma'am Rieselle gave—"
"That's mine."
"But..." She trailed off and hesitantly stretched her arm to get it.
Wala siyang nagawa kung hindi ang ibigay iyon sa akin. This is mine. Marcia did this for me.
For weeks, I didn't give in to everything that she's doing. I didn't give in... when she's looking. But the moment she turned her back on me, that's when I would. Always.
I'll tell her to give whatever she cook to my secretary but I'll still get it anyway after she's gone. Kahit totoo ngang nakakain na ako, itinatabi ko pa rin ang niluto niya at kinakain pa rin iyon.
"Sir, there's a notice from the bank."
My eyes narrowed at my secretary. "The bank?"
"About the payment of hospital bills in Alterio Hospital."
"A what?" With my forehead frowning, I snatched the paper that she's giving and started scanning it.
"Hospital bill worth five million including the payment for the surgery and medications of a certain Nathaniel Quijano, Sir."
"Five million?" Guerdon interfered. I don't even know why he's in my office again.
"Yes, Sir."
"Nathaniel Quija—" I stilled upon realizing how familiar the name is. I nodded my head at my secretary when I remember the name of Marcia's father. "Alright. I'll handle this," I muttered, dismissing her.
"Five million for a certain Nathaniel Quijano?" Guerdon stood in front of me the moment my secretary went out of my office.
"Who the hell is he? Wait, is he—" he trailed off as recognition dawned in his face. "Why did you pay for the hospital bills of that woman's father? Five million? Really, Chaos?" Bakas ang pagkapikon sa tono ni Guerdon ngunit bahagyang natawa na para bang hindi makapaniwala sa narinig niya.
I let her use my card because I thought she's my fiancee. But as I think of it, there must be something wrong because I don't have a problem with whatever Marcia wants to do with my money.
It's just five million. Aside from my company, my investments can give it back in just a few days reason why I don't really have a problem with it. Besides, it's just money.
"Don't you have a meeting?" I asked my cousin who seems to always have time to spare. Doesn't he have a tighter schedule than me?
I tilted my head towards his left where I can see his building that's just beside mine.
"Why are you still letting her stay in your condo? Have you confronted her?"
I shook my head with a lack of interest.
"It's been weeks since you found out that she isn't Rieselle Serrano. Do it and sue her after then find your fiancee."
Sue her? I cannot. I can't do that to her. Pakiramdam ko, ako lang ang masisiraan ng ulo kung iisipin na nasa kulungan si Marcia.
I groaned. "This is my problem, Guerdon."
He doesn't have to stress hisself because of someone else's problem.
"Your problem?" nahihiwagaang sambit ni Guerdon. "You're not like this before, Chaos. Don't tell me you love that woman?" He even pointed his finger somewhere to give more force in his words.
Damn much, Guerdon. Damn much.
I licked my lower lip. "I can't marry Rieselle. I'll call off the wedding."
I shut my eyes as I can't think of anything I can do in my situation with Marcia. But what I'm waiting for is for her to finally admit who she is and everything she did.
Napadilat ako nang maramdaman ang presensya ni Marcia sa aking tabi. I just got home and directly went here in the guest room. This is where I am staying the past three weeks.
Akmang tatayo ako nang hawakan niya ang aking pala-pulsuhan.
I stopped and gave her a glance. "Rieselle," I warned.
But she remained holding my wrist and I felt my whole body stiffened when she let her head slowly lean on my shoulder. "Can we stay like this for a while? Just a few minutes, Chaos."
Damn.
Mariin akong napapikit nang marinig ang pagsusumamo sa tono niya.
I remained mummed but stayed with whatever position she wants for the both of us.
Kinalas niya ang hawak sa aking palapulsuhan at pinagsalikop ang aming mga kamay. I watched our hands as her fingers were slowly sliding on mine.
"Won't you say anything?" I deeply muttered. I am just waiting. Waiting and I'll surely forgive her. Immediately.
I never felt this towards Rieselle. And I damn knew why I'm being like this when it comes to Marcia.
Her eyes landed down on our clasped hands. "I want to tell you something..." She trailed off and sighed. "But just forget it the next day like nothing happened, huh?" she lowly whispered, enough for me to hear it.
Depends on the things that you'll tell me. But words from you? Can't forget it.
"I miss you. I have no right to tell you this but I miss us already."
I inhaled while my lips were tightly pressed. Mariin akong napapikit.
She shifted her head on my shoulder, looking for a more comfortable position. "I'm sorry. I know it won't heal anything, the things I did. This won't even... alleviate everything. But still, I want to say sorry."
"About the m–money, I'll pay you back in everything I..." she paused a bit.
What money? The money she paid for her father's medication?
I chuckled with no humor. "To hell with it. I don't give a damn about the money you're talking about." Kung pera lang pala ang problema niya, hindi niya na 'ko kailangang lokohin. I'll give it right away.
My gaze never lost her the moment I arrived at The Estelle, her boutique. I made my wedding with Rieselle as an excuse to visit and meet her. This time, as Marcia.
I stared at her hair that's now black. Probably a wig. Then let out a deep, calm sigh.
The moment I told her we'll visit The Estelle to meet the owner, she instantly declined and reasoned out that she doesn't have time.
But I damn know she can't make it because I'll meet the owner, which is her, Marcia.
Her friend stood and hastily walked near us while Marcia's getting my measurements.
"Baka ikaw 'to?"
Napahinto si Marcia sa pagkuha ng aking sukat nang lumapit ang kaibigan niya. Clarita handed her phone to Marcia as they look at it.
"W–what are you talking about?" Her voice suddenly shook. "P–probably. I heard Rieselle's not into..." She nibbled her lower lip, hesitant when she found my eyes and I frowned.
"I mean... Ms. Serrano seems not used to those places. Kaya... baka ako nga 'yung nasa picture."
"What was that?" I interfered and glanced at her friend. But a hunch is already forming in my head, considering Marcia's words.
"Sir, t–there's a..." Clarita trailed off.
It seemed that she can't express whatever she meant in words and just decided to let me see what's in her phone.
Tama ang hinala ko nang makita ang mga litrato na naroon. I've seen this earlier, when I was on my way to this boutique.
Tingin pa lang, alam ko na agad na si Marcia nga iyon.
"I'll call my fiancee," I stated and when I said that, I'm trying to figure what really happened and why Marcia suddenly got a chance to fool me.
Her eyes immediately widened at what I said. "You'll call who?"
I ignored her while hastily fishing my phone from my pocket. She instantly panicked at my fast movement.
Nang nailabas ay agad kong tinawagan ang numero ni Rieselle.
"Hey, y–you wha—" She didn't get a chance to finish her words when her phone started ringing.
I placed my phone in my ear, waiting for someone to answer while holding Marcia's gaze.
Nagmamadali niyang kinapa at kinuha ang telepono sa kanyang bulsa. I didn't got a chance to take a glimpse of her phone when she instantly dodged it away from my line of gaze.
She cleared her throat and turned to my direction, calmer this time. "I'll just answer this. I'll be back in a few minutes."
She excused herself and my eyes followed her while she's leaving the office.
Rieselle's phone is with her or at least her sim card, I concluded. Where the hell is Rieselle Serrano?
I just hope that Marcia didn't do anything wrong against Rieselle. Because surely, the Serranos won't back down once they find out.
Damn. How come I'm more concerned for Marcia than for my fiancee's safety?
The second time I tried to call Rieselle's number, no one answered. Marcia's phone didn't ring either. She probably put her phone on silent.
I invited Marcia and Clarita for lunch as a gratitude, at the same time, as an excuse.
My eyes never left Marcia and there were times that she'd caught my stares. Tulad na lang ngayon.
I watched her as she's scanning the menu, sitting across from where I am seated when she lifted her gaze. Agad na nagtama ang aming mga mata.
She raised a brow when she caught me intently staring at her. I didn't avert my eyes, challenging her gaze.
I clenched my jaw when she sultry shifted her eyes to the waiter. "And baked scallops," she added from her previous order. "That's all."
The waiter left our table after repeating our orders. Matapos ay muli siyang bumaling sa akin at ngumisi.
"Why are you staring, Mr. Zaldivar?" she asked in a bit sultry voice.
I raised a brow, not expecting that she'll bluntly confront me.
Clarita who's sitting beside her immediately nudged Marcia's arm. "Marcia," mahina ngunit mariing saway niya sa kaibigan. A scandalous expression is evident in her face.
But her friend seems like she didn't hear anything.
"You've been staring at me since we met. If I didn't know that you're getting married, I'll think that you're... hitting on me," she lewdly smirked while lowly chuckling.
"What the? Uy, Marcia!" naeeskandalong saway ni Clarita.
I licked my lower lip when her eyes stayed on me while a taunting smirk was at the edge of her lips.
Clarita apologetically turned to me but my eyes were fixed on Marcia. "D–don't mind her, Sir. Gutom lang 'yang si Marcia—"
"If I didn't know that your..." I started using the same tone she used. "Name's Marcia, I'll mistook you as my fiancee," I smirked back with no humor.
"Really?" puno ng sarkasmong tanong niya. "I thought we're different?" she added, pointing what I said earlier that the only thing that they have in common is their face and their voice, a bit.
Her sarcasm made me shift from my seat. This is Marcia, huh?
"Hmm. I realized it too late though," I coldly muttered.
She slowly nodded. "So who do you like better then? Is it Rieselle, your fiancee? Or me?"
"My fiancee, of course."
It's you who attended the engagement party. Technically, you are my fiancee.
Marahan siyang tumango habang may nanunuyang ngisi sa mga labi. "Then let's say I'm your fiancee. Will you still like Rieselle?"
I saw Clarita running her palm in her face while whispering something to Marcia. Tila sinasaway ang kaibigan.
My smirk widened when Marcia's eyes never left mine. "I'll answer that when it happens."
I never felt this to Rieselle before, baby, if that's what you want to know.
Our orders came and no one spoke the moment we started our lunch. But a few minutes after, I caught Marcia extending her arm, reaching for the baked scallops.
Rieselle has a mild allergy to that.
Agad kong iniwas iyon mula sa kamay ni Marcia. "What are you doing?" kunot noong tanong ko.
Sa mga titig ko kanina, sigurado akong naghihinala na siya na may alam ako sa kung anong ginagawa niya.
"Why did you even order scallops?"
I'm purposely doing all these, thinking maybe she'll admit what she's doing when she feels like I knew it already but she's damn resisting.
She shifted from her seat and slowly blinked. "W–what's wrong?" nahihiwagaang tanong niya
I parted my lips and stilled, acting like I've realized something. "I'm sorry." I cleared my throat. "My fiancee have a mild allergy to scallops. I was just... confused."
I lowered my head and shook it a bit.
"Really?" she slowly uttered, prolonging the first syllable of her word.
I watched her licked her lower lip. "This is my favorite," she stated in a matter of fact tone while reaching for the baked scallops.
I scrutinizingly stared back at her as she smirked while placing scallops on her plate.
My jaw tightened as she never tore her gaze on me while eating her scallops. She chew it with a suppressed smirk on her lips.
"See?" she taunted.
I went directly home after that lunch and decided to just continue my work at home while waiting for Marcia. Ilang oras pa ang hinintay ko bago siya tuluyang dumating.
I was sitting on the couch while in front of my laptop, reading a document for the next day's meeting when I felt her presence.
I turned towards the direction of the entrance. My eyes landed at her. Marahan ko siyang tinitigan. Her black hair's gone. It's now back with her blonde, near ash gray hair.
"You done for today?" I asked with a bit distant but a voice with husk.
She eyed me for a couple of seconds before heaving a deep sigh. My eyes followed her as she slowly walked towards my direction.
Nananantya siyang umupo sa aking tabi. She carefully shifted near me while I'm intently eyeing her, waiting for whatever she'd do.
My eyes automatically shut closed when she slowly slid her arms around my waist from beside as she leaned on me.
"I'll surely miss you," she whispered.
I stilled for a few seconds. Agad kong nakuha ang ibig niyang sabihin.
She'll leave? She'll damn leave?
I freed my hands from her embrace. Habang nanatili siya sa ganoong posisyon. I lifted my hand to reach the side of her head and carefully pulled it closer as I gave a peck at the side of her forehead.
"No one's leaving," I said in a deep and firm voice.
If I have to fix everything for her just so she'll stay then I will.
Guerdon immediately answered after I dialled his number. "Need something?"
"I need your men. Can they find Rieselle?" diretsong sambit ko sa aking pakay.
I heard him lowly chuckling with no humor. "Finally, you decided to look for your fiancee."
"Hmm."
I heaved a deep sigh and decided to continue after a long silence. "Follow Marcia. I think she's hiding her."
"Alright. I'll order my men." He paused a bit. "How's Ms. Quijano? Still in your condo?"
I hummed.
"Huwag mo ng pakawalan."
"I know."
"It'll be a scandal when it comes out to the public that we're fooled by that woman. Kaya't siguraduhin mong mabubulok sa kulungan," dagdag ni Guerdon.
I stilled for a few minutes and realized that I wrongly interpreted his words.
"I didn't mean it that way." I tilted my head like he can see me to clear what I said.
"What do you mean?" my cousin asked from the other line.
"I mean..." I trailed off and cleared my throat. "Nevermind."
I massaged the bridge of my nose when I heard Guerdon's loud groan.
Hindi ko na kailangang linawin iyon kay Guerdon dahil palagay ko, alam na niya.
"Whatever happens to Rieselle no one will know, at least until I figure how to solve it," may pinalidad na sambit ko bago tuluyang tinapos ang tawag.
I need to find Rieselle. Especially that I have a hunch that Marcia's hiding her. The more days that she's hiding Rieselle, the more she's triggering Serrano's anger. Now, I'm trying to at least alleviate their anger by finding her.
I need to talk to Rieselle first before her family finds out what happened to her. Maybe to compensate— I sighed.
Damn, what did you do, Marcia?
"I honestly do not love you... before," I confessed while Marcia's sitting on my lap.
I carefully watched her blinking but still smiled. She's acting like she's Rieselle but I see her as Marcia.
I do not love you before because it's not you who's with me. It's Rieselle.
"Even I, do not love you before," she stated, bahagyang nananantya.
"When I started courting you. When you accepted me as your boyfriend. And maybe..." I swallowed. Not maybe. I'm sure of this. "Until I asked your hand for marriage... I do not love you."
Because it's not you who's with me. It's Rieselle. And I never felt this towards Rieselle.
I never feel bothered or at the least, affected, at someone else's presence. Ngayon lang. Kay Marcia lang.
And I'm damn selfish because I only care for her. I want to find Rieselle not because I want to save her. I'll look for her to save Marcia.
I was stunned for a moment when a woman who looked exactly like Marcia appeared at my door, claiming that she's Rieselle.
While Marcia's claiming too, that she is... Rieselle.
"C–Chaos, Hon." Rieselle took a step towards us but Marcia took a step back. Nakasuporta ako sa kanya dahil sa ginawang pagtulak ni Rieselle, kaya't pati ako ay napaatras.
"W–what are you doing with her? It's me, R–Rieselle. That w-woman's fooling—"
I felt Marcia slowly shaking her head. "W–what are you talking about?"
Mariin akong napapikit nang marinig ang marahang boses ni Marcia. It sounds almost the same with Rieselle.
Agad akong napadilat nang naramdamang binalingan niya ako.
"H–Hon." Her voice trembled.
She nibbled her lower lip as she stared at me. I clenched my jaw upon realizing that she doesn't have plans to tell the truth.
She lowered her head but before she could even do it, I already caught a glimpse of pain in her eyes as she faintly smiled. Like she knew she fucked up but...
Damn it.
I pulled her closer as I reached her and gave her a quick kiss in her head.
Matapos ay binalingan ko si Rieselle gamit ang malamig na mga mata. "I know who my fiancee is, Miss. You may leave," I said with finality.
I became deaf as Rieselle insisted that she's my fiancee until she left, helpless.
"Just a minute," agarang paalam ko kay Marcia matapos umalis ni Rieselle.
She seems preoccupied too that she couldn't give me an answer.
I ascended on the stairs and went directly on our room. Doon ko tinawagan si Guerdon na agad namang sumagot.
"Rieselle's still at the vicinity of my condo's building. Ask your men to get her," bungad ko na tila hindi niya inaasahan kaya't para bang hindi niya nasundan ang aking mga sinabi.
"What? Where's Rieselle?"
"She went into my condo. Then I asked her to leave. Get her," I impatiently ordered.
"What? Fuck! Why did you ask her to leave? Now you'll ask me to get her?"
I forcefully heaved a deep breath. "Will you get her first? Then I'll explain aft—" Natigilan ako sa pagsasalita nang marinig ang bahagyang halakhak ni Guerdon mula sa kabilang linya.
"Damn. Bro, I'm your cousin and not some slave of yours," he muttered while chuckling a bit.
I massaged the sides of my forehead. Mariin akong napapikit. "Tell them first to get Rieselle then give me your men's number," may pinalidad na sambit ko.
"Yeah, have you seen the news?" tanong ni Guerdon bago ko pa maputol ang tawag.
"I have no time for—"
"It says there that you got someone pregnant. That little fake fiancee of yours even urged the woman to have a press conference," bumakas ang panunuya sa tono niya.
My forehead frowned at what I heard. I what? Marahas akong napahilot sa aking sentido.
In the end, we didn't got her. Wala na si Rieselle nang dumating ang mga tauhan ni Guerdon.
Good thing Harmony owned the building where I'm residing. I asked for a copy of the CCTV footage and reviewed it. I saw some men caught Rieselle in the parking lot.
Damn. Must be Marcia's men.
Nakita ko rin ang pag-alis ni Marcia sa gusali.
Agad kong tinawagan ang tauhan ni Guerdon matapos ang nakita.
"Follow Marcia," I ordered.
She'll probably go to where she's hiding Rieselle.
And I was right. We got Rieselle back after a day and a few hours. The moment I got her, I lost Marcia.
"I can't make it this Christmas, Mama," I informed the time my mother called while I'm in Greece.
For years, I've lost count on how many investigators I hired just to find Marcia but ended up firing them because they can't. They damn can't. How come they're professionals?
We learned from Rieselle about Marcia's plan to hide. She's right when she told us Marcia planned to book several flights. Marcia did it and even used my card, the reason why everything's too easy for us to track her flights.
Though we learned that no one took those flights. But I still pushed it and I started visiting those countries, thinking that something's just wrong with the information that we got and Marcia really took one of those flights, hoping I'll have an accidental encounter with Marcia in those countries.
Plus, with an investigator backing me up by making sure that no one really took those flights.
Then I realized, the woman I love is damn cunning.
Greece is where I found myself after my current investigator found out that Marcia booked a one way flight for two to Greece using her own card.
My investigator informed me that Marcia took that flight with a damn man named Flavio.
"I'll meet a client here the day after Christmas. I'll try on New Year."
Aside from finding Marcia, I'm squeezing work too when needed, especially when I need to meet a client and they're in the same country from where I currently am. Sometimes I insist on coming when they're in the country where Marcia's possibly staying.
"Can't make it? Again? You're not home last Christmas too and I don't even know where you were that time."
I lifted my hand and started massaging my temples while trying to remember where I was last Christmas but failed. Can't remember.
Since Marcia left, I never got a chance to stay in the Philippines for more than a month. Pinakamatagal na ang isang buwang pamamalagi sa Pilipinas. That is because my Mom's already complaining from my absence for the past few years. I'm going home too when there's an important occasion for the family. Say, my cousin's wedding. I can't miss it. Ngunit pagkatapos ay agad rin akong aalis.
"I'll be there in New Year, Mama," may pinalidad na sambit ko.
I'm planning to go home since my investigator informed me that there's a possibility that Greece is a plan to fool me again. Damn it.
If he's right, then I have no idea where to start.
I suddenly remember Clarita, Marcia's friend, wiring The Estelle's money to my account, saying it is a payment for everything Marcia stole. I sent the money back and blocked her from transferring again.
I don't need that money. I need Marcia back. Not that fucking millions.
I ended the call with my mother and immediately dialled the number of my investigator.
"Mr. Zaldivar?" I heard Jakob over the phone.
"Can you check a certain woman named Clarita?" I started.
"She's Marcia's friend and associated with The Estelle. I need the location of her incoming and outgoing calls for the past five years. Narrow it down and send me a copy, Jakob."
Two days are enough for him to gather all the information I needed. He instantly sent me a copy of what I wanted.
"There's a number that she's regularly contacting," Jakob stated at our video conferencing with Guerdon and Rieselle.
Rieselle's helping on finding Marcia because she told me Marcia might be her twin. While I asked for my cousin's help since he has men who can help find Marcia.
I nodded while analyzing the copy of information he sent. Jakob already narrowed it down. At sa ibinigay niya sa akin, isang numero na lang ang naroon.
An unfamiliar number that Clarita's constantly communicating with. The location seems suspicious because it's been changing every month that they're communicating. But this year, all calls were just inside Central Luzon. There were calls that the receiver was in Casiguran and Dingalan, Aurora. Some were from Pampanga, in Sasmuan and in Candaba. But these past few months, the calls were all inside Bulacan. Particularly in San Jose del Monte, San Rafael, and San Ildefonso.
"There's a high possibility that it's Ms. Quijano's contact number. The Estelle is Ms. Quijano's property and according to what I've found. Clarita DeLeon has been handling the boutique for almost five years already, since Ms. Quijano left," Jakob explained.
"Is it possible that she's in Bulacan?" Rieselle asked.
"Possibly but not certainly. This might be one of her schemes to deceive us again."
"What did you say?" I scowled, almost cutting my investigator's words. Because the way he's accusing Marcia doesn't sound right for me.
"Chaos." A warning tone is evidence in my cousin's voice.
We both know that my patience isn't really that long, especially after all these years that we can't find Marcia.
"Mr. Zaldivar, I am just stating facts. That woman is..." He trailed off and gestured something in his hand. Sa huli ay hindi na itinuloy ang sasabihin. "Ilang beses ka niyang naloko at pati na rin ang mga imbestigador mo. This one might be a part of her schemes."
"Jakob," my cousin called, still with his warning tone.
Tingin niya ba, hindi ko alam 'yon? I'm aware that it might be a plan again to fool whoever who'll try to find her. I'm damn aware.
I felt my jaw tightening. "I know and you should know too that I'm not paying you to speak ill on Marcia."
My cousin politely asked my investigator to leave the video conference first.
Napahilot ako sa aking sentido nang tuluyang siyang makaalis.
"There's a chance that Marcia isn't in Bulacan. We still can't find her," I heard Rieselle stated.
But my mind's focused on something else. I called my lawyer cousin's number and stood, leaving Rieselle and Guerdon who were talking.
"Chaos, you called. How are you?" she calmly asked.
"I'm good. You?"
"Hmm, better. Why did you call?"
"Are you busy? I need a lawyer, Aislinn." I massaged my temples while remembering what I'm planning.
Maybe if Marcia see the news she would panicked? Then she'll call her friend without minding her location.
"Yeah, but I can make time for my cousin," she said.
I frowned a bit. I walked more away from my laptop as I can still hear the two talking. "You sure? I can find—"
"No need. I'll be your lawyer, Kuya. What is it?"
I slowly nodded like she could see me. "I need some properties in Bulacan. Can you find me some?"
"Bulacan? Uncle Rouge is the incumbent Governor of Bulacan, do you know?"
"Hmm, Mama mentioned."
"Alright. Anyway, I'll find some properties here and contact you so you can confirm if you'll buy," may pinalidad na sambit niya.
I bought some properties and made sure it would be published on the news but no response from Marcia. She probably hasn't seen it yet or she simply doesn't really care.
Though, two weeks after I saw the location of Clarita's incoming and outgoing calls, I got Marcia's exact location with the help of my investigator. I was stunned for almost half an hour after realizing that she's staying in Bulacan. I don't know if all these times, she's just in that province but I never thought that she's there. I never thought that in all places, she's just in Bulacan and she didn't go out of the country.
Five damn years and she's just there. In Bulacan. The province where our whole clan is the most influential. Damn it.
I watch Marcia sitting on a one seater couch. The center table is in front of her while she's tying her hair in a bun using her extra pencil without tearing her eyes on the gown she's sketching.
I should be reading the dossier that I needed to sign yet I can't take my eyes off her.
She's staying in her biological parents' mansion since she learned that she's a Serrano, though once a week or sometimes more than that, she'll spend the night in my condo. Tulad na lang ngayon.
Nag-angat siya ng tingin at nahuli ang mga mata kong nakatutok sa kanya. Her eyes narrowed, silently accusing me of something.
I shook my head as I slightly pursed my lips, suppressing the smile at the edge of my lips.
Binaba niya ang hawak na lapis at tumayo upang lumapit sa aking direksyon.
She raised a brow after sitting beside me. "Quit staring, will you? You're distracting me."
I smirked and draped my arm around her shoulders to pull her closer. "Take a rest, will you? It's Sunday today," I muttered, copying the tone she used.
Marcia's still helping on handling the Quijano Primes while managing her own boutique. At the same time, she assumed a position in Serrano's company. Reason why she badly needs to take a rest.
She fully shifted on her seat. Her hand landed on my shoulder while my arm lay on the backrest. She eyed me, challenging my gaze before she sighed. "Five minutes," she said as shut her eyes and leaned on my shoulder.
Marahan kong sinusuklay ang buhok niya gamit ang aking mga daliri nang bigla siyang napabalikwas.
Mabilis siyang umalis sa pagkakasandal sa aking balikat at agaran akong hinarap.
"Why did you call off your wedding with Rieselle?" She all of a sudden opened the conversation about her twin.
I heard they're slowly getting along. Though, Marcia confessed one time when we're in my condo that she's a bit hesitant on how to treat her twin because of what she did before to Rieselle.
"How about your friend, Leticia? How is she?" she smirked.
I narrowed her eyes at her, which made her chuckle.
"I guess you're not into submissive ones, huh?" she continued, making me realize she isn't serious at all.
Hinuli ko ang kamay niya at bahagyang iyong hinila palapit sa akin. She immediately figure what I want to do.
She rose a bit and settled herself in my lap. I held her back, helping her balance herself.
Hinanap ko ang mga mata niya. The moment I found her eyes, I held her gaze. "Stop mentioning other women's names because I'm into you, Marcia. Only you."
She lowly chuckled again. "I was just asking." She shrugged her shoulders.
"Have you finished the wedding gown you want?" tanong ko kasabay ng marahang paghagod ng aking kamay sa kanyang likod.
Her eyes turned into slits as she tilted her head. "I haven't. Why are you asking?"
I pulled her through my hand on her back and gave her a peck in her temple. "Finish it because I don't need to think till our anniversary. I'm damn sure that I'll marry you."
No matter how many years you gave just for me to think, my decision won't change even a bit. I'll marry you. Again and again, Marcia.
__________
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