#DS7Unbalanced #InoCent #SMCouple #DaggerSeries

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: PAPER

TIARA'S POV

I caught sight of my reflection in the hotel's floor-to-ceiling mirror. I'm wearing a long A-line dress that is a gradient mix of midnight blue and black. Its glitter tulle gives a beautiful accent to the base color of the gown, looking like twinkling stars scattered on a dark night sky. It has short drop-off shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline with a fabric that creates the illusion of bare skin while providing support and coverage.

"Dochka."

A familiar set of arms wrapped around me. I murmured my greeting to my mother, who pushed me a little to look at me up and down. Just like me, she's wearing a formal dress. The only difference was that hers was a tight-fitting gold-colored dress. She looks like she's going to attend an awards party rather than a birthday party.

"Why didn't you wear the dress I sent you?" she asked quietly so only I could hear, her lips barely moving. "And why is your hair down?"

She sent me a red gown that will make me look like I'm going to attend a party that is intended for myself. If I were eighteen. It was big and loud, and not me.

"Tiara!"

I was swept away from my mother's arms, and I was enveloped in a hug by less familiar arms. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay nakita ko na si Belaya ang may yakap sa akin. There's something behind her eyes that tells me that she's up to something. Or maybe "they" is the better word to use. Because if she's already here, there's a possibility that the rest are here too.

"I knew that dress would look good on you. My Tita Storm would be so happy once I told her that you wore it." Matamis ang ngiti na binalingan niya ang ina ko na pabalik-balik ang tingin sa aming dalawa. "Her dress was a creation of Storm Scott. It's the only one in the world. My aunt planned to put it together with the other dresses she made for a fashion show in Paris last year, but she didn't feel like it was right for the theme. I saw the dress when I visited her, and I thought that it was perfect for Tiara. Even the size seems like it was made exactly for her."

I didn't know that. Belaya just showed up with her husband one day at the castle to show me the dress. I fell in love with it at first sight. It was simple with the right amount of flare. It might not feel as ostentatious as the dress my mother wanted for me, but it's not something to be ignored either. It's just that instead of the dress taking away the spotlight like the red dress would, the one I'm wearing has elegance that makes the wearer shine more.

"Oh, sorry." Inilahad ni Belaya ang kamay niya sa ina ko. "I'm Belaya Dawson. Award-winning actress and heiress."

I heard Domino, who was standing behind me, let out a chuckle. Maging ako ay kinailangan pigilan ang sarili kong ngiti sa paraan ng pagpapakilala ni Belaya sa sarili niya. She said it with confidence and without a hint of embarrassment.

"A heiress?" my mother asked, clearly intrigued.

As if they're long-time friends, Belaya hooked an arm on my mother's arm as she guided her inside the hotel's event venue. I could hear Belaya listing the names of businesses her family owns that even I didn't know. Ang alam ko lang kasi ay may ahensya sila na halos katulad sa Dagger. Domino said it's the top investigation company in the Philippines, and it even has an outstanding international reach.

I felt a gentle tug on my hair, and I looked up and met Domino's eyes. He's the reason why, instead of my usual bun, my hair is now loose, except for the few that are clipped at the back of my head so that they wouldn't continuously fall on my face.

Domino pointedly lifted his chin up in a particular direction. His eyes were shining with amusement, and when I followed his gaze, I realized the reason for it. Pasalubong kasi sa amin ang iba pang mga Dawson.

Belaya and my mother stopped walking. When we caught up to them, I realized that the actress was currently introducing her to the Dawsons.

"She's Lia Asterio Dawson. She's been a billionaire since she was eighteen. She's a heiress too, but she disowned her parents."

I bit the inside of my cheeks to stop myself from laughing. I saw shock register on my mother's face at her mention of Lia "disowning her parents".

"This is Circe. She's an Olympic gold medalist and professional surfer. We don't like her parents, and she doesn't like them either."

Nangingiting tumango si Circe na nag-thumbs up pa bilang pagsang-ayon.

"I mean, inheriting a huge fortune is great, but it's not something we worked for. Pera iyon ng mga magulang namin. I love my parents, but it would be fine with me if they didn't give me anything." Tinuro ni Belaya sina Lia at Circe na nakangiting nagkatinginan. "Their parents are terrible. Circe and Lia have their own money, so why do they need to force themselves on them when they could never be themselves around them? When all they can think about is their money and when they put it on top of everything else. Including their own children."

The smile on my face slowly melted. Not because I feel anything negatively about what she's saying, but because for a reason that is not unknown to me, it's like her words are resonating inside me.

I love my mother. Siya na lang ang meron ako at alam ko na ako na lang ang meron siya. But just like Belaya said, she often thinks about herself more than me. I know that, in her own way, she cares. My mother is not like Lia's parents. She might be self-centered most of the time, but she wouldn't do the things Lia's parents did to her. Even though I know that there's no way she would like Domino for me.

Belaya turned my mother gently to face Ember. "This is Ember Calderon Dawson. Her family owns Perenne. She's also a world-renowned Olympic gold medalist archer. We thought we're going to put her father in the "disowned parents" category, but it turns out they just need a little heart to heart. Now we love her father."

Katulad ng dalawa pang babae ay kinamayan ni Ember ang ina ko. For the first time in my life, Yuliya Silvano was lost for words.

"Mireia Dawson," pakilala ng modelo nang iharap ni Belaya ang ina ko sa kaniya. "Best friend of that munchkin. I'm not a heiress. I'm just an entrepreneur who owns a small cafe."

"She's also recognized by the world as one of the greatest supermodels of her generation who has managed to create an impact that changes the industry." Axel wrapped an arm around his wife's waist. "She's so beautiful that the world didn't have the chance to win against her."

A collective "aww" echoed through the women. Even I couldn't help but react to the way he talks about his wife. Axel doesn't normally volunteer to speak first, but it looks like when it comes to Mireia, he's different.

"And her naynay was one of the best parents we've ever known," Belaya added, throwing a quick smile in Mireia's direction. Pagkaraan ay itinuro niya si Luna. "This is Luna Dawson. The youngest Dawson and his brothers' one and only baby sister."

"Not a baby. Pero pwede ng gumawa ng baby," Luna said with a grin before taking my mother's hand for a handshake. "Journalist, editor-in-chief."

Akmang ihaharap ni Belaya and mother ko para ipakilala si Lucienne pero nauna ng kumilos ang babae. Lucienne stood in front of my mother and gave her a tight hug that took us all by surprise. "Hi po! I'm Lucienne Dawson. I love your dress. Very shining and shimmering. Litaw na litaw po ang pagiging made in Ukraine niyo— ay! Can you understand Tagalog po ba?" My mother has the same disoriented look that I had when I first met Lucienne. "I'm not a heiress, but I have a lot of money to pay for my Shopee." Humagikhik siya. "Wow, that rhymed."

Lucienne gestured her hand in front of her as if presenting the men. "As you know, these are the Dawson brothers. They own one of the top investigation agencies in the country. They have many pesoses. They all have great connections. The son of the president is our official babysitter. And these people are the greatest, most loyal, most handsome, the sexiest, the hottest, and the yummiest men in the world, and we love them." Lukot ang ilong na tinapunan niya ng tingin si Trace. "Sinama na kita ha? Christmas gift ko na 'yan sa'yo."

Despite their welcoming vibe and the humor in their tone, I could feel something different in them. The way they emphasize "we" in their words and the way they show that they are a united family, it was like they were gently warning my mother. And for some reason, I have a feeling that it wasn't just because of Domino. It was like they're telling her, that I also have them.

"How's my favorite people?"

Lahat kami ay napalingon sa bagong dating na dalawang lalaki. The one who appears to have spoken was as tall as the Dawson men and as handsome as them as well. There's something in him that feels warm. Like he's someone that you would want to know even at first glance because you just know that he's a good person.

Sa tabi niya ay naroon ang isang lalaki na nakangiting kumaway sa amin. While they both have the same aura, this other man has an almost childlike, playful vibe about him.

The first man offered my mother his hand first before turning to me. His eyes were light with warmth, and the smile on his lips was genuine. "Hello. I'm Damian Salazar. Ang paboritong gawing yayo ng mga Dawson." He elbowed his friend. "And this is Emeric, the birthday boy."

Mabilis na inagaw ni Emeric ang kamay ko. "Birthday boy, na pinakagwapo sa lahat."

Kung gaano niya kabilis nahawakan ang kamay ko ay ganoon din niyang kabilis nabitawan iyon nang hilahin iyon ni Domino para bawiin. He gave the man a look that could have seared his skin off his body. "Birthday boy na hindi na mahal ang buhay niya."

"Huwag gano'n. Shouldn't you wish for me to have more birthdays to come?"

"If you don't keep your hands to yourself, I'm going to fulfill my own wish for you," Domino answered with a smile that even I found scary.

Imbis na matakot ay humalakhak lang si Emeric na tinaas ang mga kamay niya tanda ng pagsuko. He didn't seem to be offended. It was like he already expected it.

"Para kang si Damian. Ganiyan ba ang epekto ng mga hulog na? Mga hindi na kayo mabiro." He glanced at the other men. "Anong regalo niyo sa akin?"

"Discount para kapag meron ka na namang stalker na ayaw kang tigilan dahil bigla mo na lang ghinost," sagot ni Trace.

Nalukot ang ilong niya. "Napakakuripot niyo talaga. Kakabili niyo 'yan ng bahay kaya wala na kayong pera."

"Hoy," singit ni Lucienne sa usapan. "Huwag kang nagpapakalat ng fake news. Kayang bilhin ng Bossing Thorn ko ang kaluluwa mo. Saka rich din ako. Gusto mo ako pa ang magbayad ng Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok shop orders mo eh."

"You must be Lucienne." The man was about to reach for the woman's hand when he noticed Thorn's sharp eyes looking at him, which made him rethink his move. "I heard you love unicorns. I asked someone to make unicorn cupcakes, despite my father's disapproval. And by the way, do you have a ticket for Twice's next concert? My cousin is the organizer. She could help you find the best seat if you want—"

"Best friend!" Umabrisete si Lucienne sa lalaki na ikinabuntong-hininga na lang ni Thorn. "Si Damian ba ang bestfriend mo? Every weekend ako na lang ang bestfriend mo. Like today. Anong pangalan ng pinsan mo? May discount ba sa ticket?"

"She can give it to you for free."

Lucienne's eyes twinkled brighter than the stars. "May kapatid ka ba? Gusto mo ng ate?"

I lost my fight against the hilarity of the situation. Sinundan namin ng tingin si Lucienne na inabot ang kamay ng asawa niya para mahila niya iyon habang magkasabay silang naglakad ni Emeric papasok ng event venue.

"Masundan nga si Kuya," bumubulong na sabi ni Trace na inabot ang kamay ng sariling asawa. "Baka kailanganin no'n ng gamot sa sakit ng ulo mamaya."

"Para namang hindi ka sakit ng ulo," nakangising sabi ni Coal. He leaned down to kiss his wife's cheeks. "Go with them, baby."

Circe waved at me before following the others. Sumunod na rin ang iba pang mga babae sa kaniya at naiwan kasama namin ng ina ko ang mga lalaking Dawson. I know the reason why they're staying back with me instead of going with their wives. They are not here just to have fun. Just like Domino said, they're also here to guard me.

It's a fact that wasn't lost on my mother. She turned to me and whispered, "I told you to just bring one bodyguard with you."

"We can't do that, Ma'am," Gun told her. "There's a lot of people here. We can't let my brother go alone with her. Not just for Tiara but also for his own safety."

"But—"

"We're all invited," Pierce said, cutting my mother off. "As you should have known by now, we're friends with the birthday celebrant."

Namula ang mukha ng ina ko. She pressed her lips together and didn't say anything else. It's not like there's something else to say. She couldn't stop the Dawsons from coming if they were invited.

Her eyes went to me. "We're going to talk later."

"I meant no disrespect, mother, but I'm here just as you asked me to," I whispered so we wouldn't catch the attention of the other guests. "I didn't want to go, but you insisted. I'm here. The decision about my security is a matter that is not up for discussion."

"Tiara!" she hissed.

"Go mingle, mother, and enjoy the night. I will be with my friends."

She scoffed. "Friends? You really believe that those people—"

"People that anyone would be lucky to get to know? Yes, Mother. They are my friends." Lumapit ako sa kaniya at magaang inilapat ko ang mga labi ko sa pisngi niya. "I'll find you later. We can talk then if you want. Let's just enjoy the night for now."

Enjoy. It's a word that I doubt she's heard from me before. It wasn't something that factored into my life. She knows that all I have is ballet. She made sure that I would always remember that it's all I have and that I would be nothing without it.

But even though what Domino and I have is just temporary. That there would be an end. It doesn't change the fact that he's a good person the way his family is too. And no matter what will happen between us, they are all the closest thing I ever had to call friends.

Domino murmured an excuse to my mother before guiding me forward. His brothers positioned themselves around me, creating what felt like a barricade. Before we managed to enter the venue, I felt a light pat on my head. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita ko na kay Gun galing iyon. The corner of his lips turned up before he passed by us so that he could walk in front of us.

"What was that for?" I whispered more to myself.

Bahagyang yumuko si Domino para bumulong sa akin. "You stood up against her, which isn't something that is always easy for you, and he knew that it wasn't just for yourself. You were also doing it for them."

Them. I looked in the direction of his gaze, and I saw his family sitting around a huge table. They're all waving in our direction. Lucienne raises her hand, which is holding a colorful cupcake. "Tiara, look! Kumuha na rin ako ng para sa'yo."

"Bakit ako wala?" reklamo ni Trace. "Si Emeric naman magpapagawa na lang ang konti pa."

"Marami siyang pinagawa." Nakangising humarap si Lucienne sa lalaki. "Pero pinatago ko na. Siyempre uuwian ko pa ang bulilits."

"Ang daya! Bakit hindi mo ako tinirhan?"

"Bulilit ka ba? Ang laki mo na ah."

"Bakit ikaw?" nakahalukipkip na tanong ni Trace.

Pinagsalikop ni Lucienne ang mga kamay niya. She batted her eyelashes with a pitiful expression on her face. "Me? The smol wittle me?"

Nangingiting lumapit ako sa kinaroroonan nila at umupo ako sa bakanteng upuan sa tabi ni Lucienne. Domino took a seat on my other side. The others continued their playful banter and I was of course engrossed by their usual kulitan. Kaya hindi ko pinagtuunan ng pansin nang may lumapit sa amin na waiter at nagbaba iyon ng mga baso ng wine sa harapan namin.

I looked down when a wine glass appeared in my vision. Kinuha ko iyon at inangat, pero napatigil ako nang makita ko ang maliit na papel sa ilalim no'n. Domino's arm on my shoulder stiffened, and he moved as if to take the piece of paper, but I beat him to it and opened it.

The words that greeted me sent chills down my spine. There was a location, time, and date written on it, but aside from that, the short letter was what shook me to the core.

It's been a long time, Milli¢ent..

I miss you, anak.

-Papa