Chapter 2

"Okay, so this MTV we're going to make is part of your album 'Tempestas', am I right?"

Philodemus nodded his head. Titig na titig siya sa akin habang sinisimsiman ang kaniyang wine. Sa inis ko ay ibinaba ko ang kubyertos na hawak at matamis na nginitian ang aking talent manager.

"Denver, dear manager, I am bedazzled. Can anyone in this table explain to me, why the heck are we talking about the MTV's concept when you still haven't asked if I want to do this project or not?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Denver. Palihim niya akong sinipa mula sa ilalim ng lamesa. Philodemus' mouth twitched. Nagpipigil ito ng ngiti at nang samaan ko siya ng tingin ay kunwari'y umuubo pa.

"Well... do you want it?" Alec, their bassist asked. Formal introductions were made earlier, even though I know these guys before. Umakto naman silang kakakilala lang namin sa unang pagkakataon kaya hindi na rin nagtaka pa si Denver.

"No." I lifted my chin deviantly.

"No!" halos mapatayo si Denver sa gulat. Pinandilatan niya ako ng mata. Naririnig ko ang ang mahaba niyang litanya sa akin mamaya. He chuckled awkwardly. "Darling, you can't be serious..."

"I am serious." I wiped the corner of my lips using my table napkin and then glared at him. Tahimik na ngayon at seryosong nakatitig sa akin si Philodemus. "Sorry, Philo. Your offer is rather tempting, but I find myself very busy these days. I don't think I can squeeze your little project in my hectic days."

"Storm!"

Philodemus rested his elbows on the table. Kinabahan ako nang umusog siya, pilit na inilalapit ang kaniyang mukha sa akin. "Philo...?" he repeated.

I was enthralled by how his lips moved when he uttered. Maging ang iba naming kasama sa table ay natahimik sa bigla niyang ginawa.

"I-I mean... Philodemus..." nauutal kong wika, biglang nakaramdam ng matinding pagkataranta.

He smirked, satisfied by my reaction. "That's more like it, Shortie. Anyway, why aren't you interested with the MTV project? Memento Mori is the Philippine's numero uno boy band. Having you in our project will be good to further enhance your hitherto unknown acting skills..."

"What the hell?"

Having deeply insulted by his remark, I pushed myself from the chair and slammed my hands on the table. "What did you just say?"

Nakipagtitigan si Philodemus sa akin, bago siya bahagyang umiling. "We both know you're a better writer than an actress, Shortie. What are you trying to pull—"

Bago pa siya makatapos sa pagsasalita ay mabilis kong isinaboy sa mukha niya ang natitirang wine sa aking wineglass. He stopped talking and a muscle in his jaw clenched. Umawang ang labi ng mga kabanda niya sa bigla kong ginawa.

At base sa pamumutla ng mukha ni Denver ay mukhang mahihimatay na ito anumang segundo. Ako nama'y pulang-pula na ang mukha sa galit kay Philodemus.

"Watch your words, asshole. Hindi porket sikat ka at sinasamba ng maraming tao ay pwede mo nang maliitin ang kakayahan ko." I gritted my teeth, grabbed my purse, and walked away like the fucking queen that I am.

Nagpupuyos pa rin ang dibdib ko sa sobrang sama ng loob nang tawagan ko ang mga bodyguards upang sunduin ako. Nang lumabas din si Denver sa VIP room ay hindi ko na sila hinintay pa. Dali-dali na akong nagpunta sa basement at nang may makakita sa akin ay pinagkaguluhan tuloy ako.

I cursed under my breath as I tried to get away from some of my fans. Gusto ko man silang i-entertain ay wala ako sa sarili ngayon upang ngumiti sa harap ng camera at bigyan sila ng mga autograph. Buti na lamang at alerto ang mga bodyguards ko na kaagad naman akong nahila sa maliit na grupo ng mga babaeng sinundan pa ako hanggang sa SUV.

"Are you okay, Miss Storm?" nag-aalalang tanong sa akin ni Pia nang makapasok na ako sa kotse.

I smoothened the wrinkles of my blazer and then nodded. "I'm fine." Ipinikit ko ang mga mata at isinandal ang ulo sa backrest ng upuan. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng matinding pagod. "Gusto ko na munang umuwi, Pia..."

Tumango siya at umandar na ang sasakyan. When I got into my condo unit, I quickly changed into a pair of fluffy pajamas and then plopped into the couch. Ipinagpatuloy ko ang panunuod ng Stranger Things series sa Netflix at pinatay ang telepono. I was planning to relax the entire day, drink some herbal tea and meditate a bit when Denver came raging into my unit.

I groaned.

"Nababaliw ka na ba talagang bata ka?" he yelled at me. Pagalit niyang inagaw ang remote control mula sa akin at pinatay ang pinapanuod ko. I pouted. It was one of the most anticipated scenes! "First, you made a scandalous live video of your boyfriend—"

"Ex-boyfriend—" I corrected.

"Whatever the hell he is! Kumalat yun sa social media! Alam mo bang malaki ang ginasto ko, just to make sure that the video is permanently taken down from the internet? Ito pa, matagal ko nang nililigawan ang Memento Mori! And when they finally agreed to a meeting, you blow it up!"

I scratched the back of my neck and then sighed out loud.

"If you're planning to ruin your showbiz career, just make it clear to me. Ako pa mismo ang maghahatid sa iyo sa impyerno."

"Grabe ka naman, Denver..." ngumuso na ako at umusog palayo sa kaniya. Alam kong galit na galit na talaga ito sa lahat ng mga kalokohang ginagawa ko. "Eh narinig mo naman kung paano ako ininsulto ni Philo kanina diba?"

"Insulto?" he smirked and then went to my door. Kumunot ang noo ko. Pagbalik niya ay may iilang piraso na siya ng mga papel na hawak. He opened one and read the note out loud. "Retokadang bitch. Mamatay ka na."

I cocked an eyebrow.

"Ito pa... Callix deserved a better woman than a plastic monster than you."

Napailing na lamang ako.

"Araw-araw kang nakakatanggap ng mga hate notes, Storm..." itinapon na ni Denver ang iba sa sahig at hindi na nag-abala pang basahin ito. "You know how cruel the showbiz world is. Ngayon ka pa talaga tatamaan ng insulto?"

I bit my tongue to stop myself. Baka mamaya ay masabi ko pa kay Denver na ex-boyfriend ko si Philodemus kaya ayaw kong magtrabaho kasama siya. Baka atakihin lang ako sa puso sa set. Natataranta pa rin ako kapag nandiyan siya and I don't think this would be a good project for the two of us.

"Alam mo bang mas dumami pa ang bashers mo simula nang maghiwalay kayong dalawa ni Callix?"

I tapped my manicured nails against my knee as I gaze at my talent manager. "Eh di magsama-sama silang lahat sa impyerno. Patayuan ko pa sila ng hotel, eh..."

"Storm!"

"Fine, fine... Geez, Denver. Can you calm down? Your blood pressure is alarming."

Pinandilatan niya ako ng mga mata. "You think I can calm down while you're out there, causing trouble to everyone?"

"I'm not causing trouble..." depensa ko naman. "But I'm not gonna work with someone who doesn't respect me as an actress."

"Teka nga..." he crossed his arms over his chest and stared ay me suspiciously. "Magkakilala na ba kayo noon?"

"No." I quickly answered.

"Eh ano yung sinabi niya kanina na mas magaling ka pang manunulat—"

"You know what, I'll think about the MTV project, okay?" I cut him off and smiled sweetly. "I'll think about it, Denver. Don't worry..."

"And you need to apologize to Philo for throwing wine at his face. Good God! No sane woman would bathe a famous rockstar like him of wine unless he'd beg you just to suck his dick!"

Uminit nang husto ang pisngi ko sa sinabi ni Denver.

"You know what I'm saying, honey?"

Hindi na ako makatingin sa kaniya sa sobrang pamumula at pagkapahiya. Minsan talaga ay wala ng preno ang bibig ni Denver. Nasanay na din naman ako, but now that he's associating his lewd words with Philodemus, pakiramdam ko ay mahihimatay na ata ako.

"We do it my way." He said sternly. "No more playing games, Storm. Ako ang masusunod. Do every little thing as I say or I would put your career on fire just how you like it."

"Denver—"

"Here..." may ibinigay siyang eleganteng papel sa akin. I frowned at the envelope and opened it. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa nakita. "You're going to attend the exhibit tonight. I'll have Pia deliver the dress you're going to wear. And your escort will be Philo Treveron. This is the last time that I'm going to give you a chance to make it up for him or..." naningkit ang mga mata niya sa pagbabanta.

Inis kong binasa ang content ng sulat. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na kay Rigor Treveron ang art exhibit na ito. Gaganapin ito sa Wright Art House at ang lahat na malilikom na pera ay diretso sa isang organization na nag-aalaga ng mga cancer kids.

"I'll send the money in your bank account. You should buy a painting or two. It's good for your image."

I sighed and then nodded my head. Wala na din naman akong magagawa pa. Tamad akong tumayo at nagtungo sa shower, while Denver is making himself comfortable and preparing a cup of coffee for himself.

Paglabas ko ay nakalatag na sa aking kama ang susuotin ko. It's a simple navy blue evening dress with two long slits and a deep V back. I carefully slipped into the dress. Namili nalang din ako ng susuoting heels dahil hindi ko nagustuhan ang kapareha nitong sapatos.

When I walked out of the room, it didn't surprise me to find unfamiliar faces again inside my condo unit. Kausap nila si Denver. Iminuwestra niya ako na umupo sa naka-set up ng upuan at vanity mirror sa living room ko. I followed him and let the makeup artist do his magic again on my face.

Denver is scowling on his phone, answering numerous calls and text messages while I was getting ready. Tahimik naman na naghihintay si Pia sa aking tabi hanggang sa matapos na ako. Denver called the security team once again as we headed out of the condo. Sa likod na kami dumaan nang malamang may naghihintay na naman na fans sa labas.

A heavily-tinted limo is now waiting for us. I got inside and Denver sat next to me. Nakaramdam ako ng bahagyang guilt dahil alam kong busy si Denver at maraming inaasikaso. Idagdag mo pa ang mga kalokohang ginawa ko eh mas lalo pa siyang naging problemado.

"You know what you need, Den? A short vacation..." malambing kong wika sa kaniya. He frowned at me when I rested my head on his shoulders. "After all your hard work, you need to rest a bit, Denver... what do you say? I've got a nice place in Palawan, or we can visit Tagaytay together."

"Stop offering me your money, young woman." He snapped. "All I want you to do is behave like a good actress that you are and close the deal with the Memento Mori."

Napanguso ako. Hindi talaga siya madadala.

Mahigit isang oras ang naging biyahe namin patungo sa Art House dahil sa sobrang traffic. Denver is reapplying my makeup again while we were inside the limo until we arrived. Umarko ang kilay ko nang makita ang papparazi sa labas. I haven't heard of Rigor's art until now, but if it's this famous, then maybe he is really good?

I gracefully stepped out of the limo. Kaniya-kaniyang kuha naman ng mga litratro ang nag-aabang na press. Just like how I was always trained, I smiled and waved at them, while waiting for my escort. Napawi lang ang ngiti ko nang magkagulo ang media sa paglabas ni Philodemus galing sa loob ng Art House.

He adjusted his tie and then walked languildly towards my direction. Hindi ako makatingin sa kaniya, lalo na ngayong masama ang timpla nito pagkatapos ko siyang sabuyan ng wine kanina. His lips went into a thin line as he approached me and offered his bulky arm.

"Thanks..." I murmured. The press couldn't stop snapping pictures of us together and I'm sure there'd be articles claiming that we're the newest celebrity couple again. Nasanay na din naman ako sa mga ganito. But this time, knowing that I'd be linked with someone whom I have a dark history with, bothers me a lot.

Sinulyapan ko si Philodemus. As usual, he looks dashing in his tux. Gumapang ang kamay niya sa aking beywang nang tuluyan na kaming makapasok. Rigor Treveron greeted me politely. Katulad ni Philodemus ay lumaki din ang katawan nito pagkatapos ang ilang taon naming hindi pagkikita. Tipid na ngiti lang ang ibinigay niya sa akin matapos akong pasadahan ng tingin.

I smiled at him again. It's my first time seeing the Treveron boys wear a tux. Madalas ay nakahubad kasi sila palagi, lalo na sa mga parties noon. I never thought I'd be attending a formal event with them together after so many years.

Marami din palang artista ang narito sa art exhibit, kaya ganun nalang karami ang nag-aabang na papparazi sa labas. I greeted some of them, with Philodemus by my side.

Halsey Wilson, a young musician linked with Philodemus a couple of weeks ago, walked up to me with a smile on her face.

"Storm Roman!" she greeted. We exchange some quick kisses on the cheeks before smiling at each other like we're best friends for years even though I just met her personally for the first time.

"Hi..."

Dumako ang kaniyang tingin kay Philodemus na nasa likuran ko, bago siya ngumisi sa akin.

"You've got a lovely date tonight, Philo." She said in a singsang voice.

Hindi sumagot si Philodemus. Ako nalang ang ngumiti para sa kaniya.

"I hope you enjoy this exhibit. Rigor is a close friend of mine and a cousin of Philo. He's a real talented guy, I must say."

"Of course we will..."

"By the way..." inilapit niya ang kaniyang mukha sa akin at bumulong. "Can you tell me the name of your aesthetic clinic?"

Namilog ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. She pulled back, smiling widely.

"Your face looks... natural. Parang hindi dumaan sa karayom. I was wondering if you could tell me where you got your plastic surgery?"

Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan ko, hindi alam kung anong dapat isagot. No one from the inner circle of actresses and actors have dared ask me if the rumors of my plastic surgery were true. Siya pa lang.

"I—"

"Halsey, if you'll excuse us..." Philodemus said in an angry tone, before gently dragging me away from her.

Halsey smiled sweetly and waved at us. Tulala pa rin ako habang mahinang kinakaladkad ni Philodemus palayo. Nang tuluyan nang mawala sa paningin namin si Halsey ay marahan kong binawi ang kamay ko sa kaniya. Hindi ako makatingin at bahagyang nanliliit sa sarili.

I sighed. "Can I go home already?"

"What?" he cocked an eyebrow at me.

I blinked back the tears in my eyes and swallowed the lump in my throat. "You've heard her, right? I went through a series of plastic surgeries, Philodemus. Just to get to this perfect face." I said bitterly. "If the media sees the two of us together, ano nalang ang sasabihin nila?"

Philodemus stared darkly at me. Napatalon ako sa gulat nang galit niyang ibinagsak ang isang kamay sa pader, pinning me to the wall. May iilang napatingin sa amin. Thank God the press aren't allowed inside and no one is also allowed to take photos.

"You think I give a fuck?" he asked in a dangerous tone.

"I-I'm just saying it because..." my breathing hitched. I swiped my tongue across my lower lips and averted my gaze away. "—it would be bad for your career."

"To the hell I care, Stormie!"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bahagyang tumaas ang boses ni Philodemus. Ang dating tuloy sa ibang tao ay nag-aaway kaming dalawa at sinisigawan niya ako. Rigor noticed the two of us and was about to approach us but I held my hand, signalling him that it's okay.

"Lower your voice, you idiot." I hissed and then grabbed his arms. Napalunok ako sa sobrang tigas nito. I tugged it with all my strength but he wouldn't budge. When he saw the desperation in my eyes, he heaved a sigh and let me drag him away from the prying eyes.

We round the corner until we stumble upon a small room that says Employees Only. Walang pag-aatubili ko itong binuksan at pumasok. The room is dark and it's full of dust. Philodemus followed me and then shut the door behind him.

The cold, eerie room brought back the chills of yesterday. I feel like I'm the naive college girl again inside his room, making out 'till dawn because we couldn't get enough of each other, and falling so deeply under his spell.

I closed my eyes when I realized that I'm widely opening the door to the same mistake again. Even in a pitch-black room like this, I could feel the weight of Philodemus' eyes boring into me.

"You should think thoroughly about the MTV project that you're offering me..." ani ko makalipas ang ilang segundo. The room is so cold. Niyakap ko ang mga braso at umusog paatras upang mabigyang distansiya kaming dalawa mula sa isa't-isa.

"Why?"

"Because..." I sighed. "You'll be damned if you ever got linked to a plastic surgery monster. You know what the people like nowadays, Philodemus... natural beauty, the all-looking Filipina charm and whatnot. You can't risk being with me—"

"And why the hell should I listen to you?" he growled in the darkness.

I swallowed. "I-I'm just... being open-minded! You should be open to the possibilities, Philodemus..."

"That is a lame excuse of avoiding me, Shortie. Try better, love? Hmm?"

Napairap ako. I was about to open my mouth when I heard him moved. His scent fille the entire area and I noted that it was the same scent I used to bathe in when we were still together.

Okay, Storm, stop.

Gusto kong sampalin ang sarili dahil kung anu-ano na naman ang pumapasok sa isipan ko. When he moved closer, I became uncomfortable.

"Stormie..."

Nagulat ako sa tono ng boses niya. He sounded so... melancholic. It's very different from his usual baritone voice that commands attention to anyone he's talking to.

And then I heard him curse under his breath. Hindi ko siya nakikita kaya wala akong ideya kung anong iniisip niya ngayon pero base sa tono ng kaniyang boses ay mukhang may mabigat siyang gustong sabihin.

"Philodemus...?"

I yelped when he grabbed my waist and closed the distance between the two of us. Planting both my palms against his chest, I tried to pull away from him. Pero mas lalo lang atang humigpit ang kaniyang yakap sa akin.

"I'm sorry..." he muttered sincerely. Nanginig ako nang maramdaman ang init ng kaniyang hininga sa aking leeg. "I'm sorry..." he said again, before his lips lightly brushed against my collarbone.

"What—"

I shut my mouth tightly when I felt his lips on my neck... once again. Napapikit ako nang mariin. The warmth of his lips travelled to the line of my jaw, tracing small feathery kisses, until my chin, and then stopped at the corner of my lips.

Napasinghap siya nang marahas. Naninigas na ako sa posisyon naming dalawa at hindi makagalaw. Humigpit bigla ang hawak niya sa aking beywang, na para bang nanggigigil. His right leg stepped in between my legs before he moved closer again, and my aching breasts brushed against his hard chest.

"I'm going to kiss you..." he said breathlessly.

He didn't even bother to wait for my approval. Philodemus crouched and claimed my lips as my body trembled violently at his touch. Napakapit ako sa kaniyang malapad na balikat nang manginig pati ang mga tuhod ko.

I gasped when I felt his pierced tongue once again, announcing domination inside of my mouth. Shutting my eyes close, I sighed and craved for him while he's inside of my mouth. His rough hands traced my back in lazy strokes as he deepened the kiss. Naliliyo na ako sa mga halik niya at hindi mapigilan ang sariling mapaungol. He nipped my bottom lips before he pulled away for only a few seconds of air and then went back to business.

Stupid, stupid, Stormie.

I want to curse myself. I so badly want to curse myself because once again, I have fallen into his trap. I walked into his trap with open arms and now I am really in deep trouble. I shivered when I felt his other hand palming my mound. I grabbed his tie and then equalled the intensity of the kisses he's giving me.

Hinihingal kaming pareho nang kumalas sa isa't-isa. Philodemus rested his forehead against mine. His thumb lightly brushed across my lips before it traced my jaw delicately again.

"Baby, let me make it up to you..." aniya sa napapaos na boses. "You're not a plastic monster, Stormie. You're as beautiful as ever."

I bit my lower lips as tears welled in my eyes. I may be acting tough but the pain of yesterday is acid burning my skin alive. I closed my eyes as I let the tears slipped through my eyes, thanking God for the dark room so he wouldn't be able to see my face.

Make it up to me, huh?