(Hi. You reached the final chapter of the book. The last to be updated is the end. Thank you for reading and waiting for me. I have missed a lot since I was in hiatus due to academic stuffs. Hope you liked this so far. See/ hear you in the 3rd installment!)
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Vacation

“Miss Variejo...”

“Yes?” Magkasabay kaming lumingon ni Zia Georgina Elejorde sa secretary na tumawag. Nagkatinginan kami ni Zia at napatawa na lang.

“Everyone is already at the conference meeting.” ang secretary.

Abala ang araw na ito sa kumpanya ng mga Variejo. Ngayong araw ay dadalo kami sa biglaang pagpupulong sapagkat may delegates mula sa ibang corporation ang nais makipag ugnayan sa isa sa mga subsidiaries ng VRB.

Last week, I was promulgated by the Chairman of the board of VRB as one of the owners ng El Superior Development Corporation which is under the enterprise of Lux & Land Realty Group Incorporation. Zi Georgina Elejorde, on the other hand, was affirmed legally as one of the members of the board of VRB and the Managing Director of A&V Power Corporation.

Truth to be told, I was amazed by the way she handled business matters like this. She is exemplary! It must feel so right for Eurus that Zia is his wife. Their power and love is immensely riveting.

“See you,” Zia bid to me before departing.

Muntik na ako mabangga ng isa pang nagmamadaling secretary sa hallway. Marami siyang folder na dala habang hinahabol ang babaeng naglalakad palapit sa gawi ko. Gumilid ako at baka matapunan ko sila ng coffee.

“Is the format going well?” rinig kong tanong ng babae sa kasunod niyang secretary pag lampas sa akin.

“Everything is fine, Ma'am.”

“Make sure na papabor sa atin ang board,”

“Mukha po...”

Who is she? She looked intimidating and scary, huh. I am not sure, but I think she is not from this company. Walang aura na ganoon dito, ‘no.

Hindi pa ako makaalis kakahintay sa lalaking secretary ni Geon. Si Aaron! Paano ako makakapunta sa conference room na walang bitbit na  documents? Si Geon ay nasa isa pang immediate meeting at hindi ako puwede basta na lang umentrada roon.

Mabuti na lang pala at nakapag-enjoy kami kahit papaano pagkatapos ng kasal. Ganito na pala ang trabahong naghihintay sa amin pagbalik.

I pouted as I sipped on my coffee. I miss Geon.

“Babe!” Literal na lumaki ang mata ko pagkakita kay Geon na naglalakad palapit sa gawi ko. Pinahawak ko ang coffee sa isang employee na napadaan upang salubungin ang asawa ko!

“Hey...” he chuckled after I jumped to hug him. He kissed my hair then faced me.

“Tapos na meeting mo?” I asked without removing my arms in his shoulders.

“Not yet... I just escaped. I’m missing you.” aniya.

Tiningnan ko ang dalawang lalaking kasunod niya. Nag-iwas sila ng tingin habang nagpipigil ng ngiti. Para silang high school barkada na nag-cutting class, ah!

“Go back, dude,” taboy ko sa kaniya.

His brows furrowed, leaning on against my ear. “I want to be with my baby...”

“Mamaya na!” bulong ko pabalik. “Get done with your business meetings, babe. I’ll see you in the conference room later, hmm?”

“Tss.”

I chuckled. Tumingkayad ako upang mabilis siyang halikan! Walang PDA dito, boss naman nila ito, e.

Geon touched his lips while smirking. His grey eyes have exceptional vibrance today. Wearing his white polo sleeves, two buttons left open and rolled up to his elbow, black pants, and black shoes, mesmerized the hell out of me. The power which his name holds is evident in his visuals.

“I love you.” He whispered before going back to where he came from.

I smirked.

When I entered the conference room, everyone was already in their seats. I don’t know if it is just the coldness of the ventilation or the aura of everyone with the highest position in the company? It’s getting cold in here, damn.

Kaonting minuto para overview bago nagsimula ang meeting. Nakatuon ang mata ko sa Software as a Service Management Dashboard na nakaproject sa harap namin. So far, wala naman problem sa management. Sinundan ng projection ng financial business report. Wala akong makitang negatibong reaksyon mula sa mga ka-meeting namin. Hanggang sa ipinakita ang visual of investor’s business report. Humanga ang mga ito sa pagiging transparent at reliable ng company dahil mataas talaga ang return on assets at equity.

Sa kalagitnaan ng meeting, sumingit ang babaeng nakasalubong ko kanina sa hallway. Napunta sa kaniya ang atensyon namin.

“Impressive...” aniya at sinuyod ang mga tao sa conference room. Huminto ang paningin niya sa kay Zia bago ilipat sa akin. “So, how about the report of El Superior Development Corporation? Can we see its activity since it is under the new management?”

Wala kaming maipapakita dahil hindi pa naman kasama sa rundown ang El Superior Development Corporation ngayong buwan. Ang mga narito lamang ay sa financial, administrative management, investor’s report, at sa mga employees, e. Pinagsasabi nito?

“We are planning to cooperate in El Superior Development Corporation. So, we need the basis.” aniya pa, halatang iniinis na ako.

Naglaban ang aming mata. Akala niya siguro ay madali akong mapikon. Tama naman siya. Pero hindi ko siya bibigyan ng satisfaction!

Tumayo ako. Taas noo ko siyang tiningnan pabalik. “As far as I’m concerned, El Superior Development Corporation is not entitled to any more enterprise since it is limited and solely owned by VRB Company, Miss. If you want to cooperate with the El Superior, I humbly asked you to conform with the giant holders... and do not attack vicely.”

“Pardon?” she chuckled awkwardly.

Sino ka ba?!

“Miss Delgado, you are here because you need us more than we need you. This woman is one of the owners of the said corporation that is currently under control by VRB. She cannot let you and your ambition enter into a contract with her without the permission of the giant holders. You are here to team up with us, Miss Delgado. Watch yourself accordingly.” Zia glided in.

Miss Delgado smirked at us. Looking at her is like looking at the dark lagoon. Deep... cold... threatening. I have no idea who she is. My instinct tells me that... hindi siya magandang kalaro. Something is... off. Or I was just being paranoid?

“I see...” she said, then got back on her chair.

Sa kalagitnaan ng meeting, doon pumasok ang magkapatid na sina Eurus Arden at Geon. Kasunod nila sina Israel, Zion, at Axis Drei. Naupo sila sa kaniya kaniyang upuan. Si Geon at Eurus lang ang humiwalay ng upo sa mga dumating dahil inokupa nila ang upuan sa tabi namin ni Zia.

“There you are, Mr. Variejo...” si Miss Delgado. Sinipat niya sina ang mga dumating bago pinalipat lipat ang tingin kina Eurus at Geon. “Tell me everything in order to—”

“May I have your company’s rundown, Miss Delgado?” utos ni Eurus na siyang nakapagpa tahimik kay Miss Delgado. “Your organization must be stupid for bringing a delegate like you here.”

Everyone gasped in his harsh gloss! We waited for him to apologize but to our disappointment, he did not! Is it not bad for their reputation?

“Say what, Mr. Variejo?” Miss Delgado seemed intimidated by mere looking at the CEO.

“Who sent you?” he asked personally.

Everyone is silent. I feel anxious about the way this conference will go. I noticed that every time I went there, there’s kind of uproar. I have no scars in my skin, but why is it like this, huh?

Umayos ng tayo si Miss Delgado. Subalit nabigo siyang itago ang kaba. Hindi na makaharap ng ayos ang katawan niya, parang gusto na agad umalis.

I crossed my arms over my chest. Geon whispered something near my ear that made me face him a little. My brows furrowed.

“An enemy’s pawn...” Geon said.

Weh? How come she was here, then?!

Ibinalik ko ang atensyon kay Miss Delgado. Naningkit ang mata ko. Tama ang kutob ko na may hindi tama sa babaeng ito.

“I came here with my own accord. I have a business proposal—”

“Screw it.” The Chairman of the board suddenly cut in. “We will not approve your business proposal. If you may... leave the building.”

“You haven’t heard about it!” Miss Delgado spat. “I will not leave this building empty-handed, Mr. Chairman. You know what we are capable of!”

Sir Throne smirked. Ang folder ng hawak niya ay ihinagis sa tapat niya. Nagkalat ang mga papel sa sahig. Ang mga nakakapanood sa nangyayari ay naguguluhan na, miski ako! Ano bang mayroon?!

“No one from this organization will sign it, Miss Delgado. For it is fraud and... inexistent. Try harder...” aniya bago nilisan ang conference.

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Miss Delgado. Puputok na ang litid nito sa pagpipigil. Nagtama ang mata namin. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Dadamay pa ako sa galit niya, wala naman akong alam sa nangyayari!

“This meeting is adjourned. Consider this as a dry run...you may all leave.” Israel ended.

That... was... exhilarating.

Sa madaling salita, nasayang ang pagpunta ni Miss Delgado sa kumpanya para sa business proposal ng kumpanya nila. Pakiramdam ko ay may mas matindi pang dahilan kaya hindi siya pinakinggan. Hindi naman ganito ang mga Variejo sa mga business partners nila, e. Ang mga nagbabalak din ng business proposal para mag-invest sa kanila ang VRB ay kalimitan nagiging successful naman.

“Does your family know her personally?” tanong ko habang nagla-lunch kami ni Geon.

“I guess so...” simpleng sagot ni Geon.

“Huh? Bakit hindi mo alam, babe?”

Nakagat ko agad ang labi ko. Namamangha pa rin si Geon kapag tinatawag ko siya sa ganoong pangalan. I see nothing wrong. Tinatawag niya rin naman ako sa ganoon, e.

He wiped his lips using the table napkin. He slumped his back on his seat while crossing his firm arms. His clothes defined how intense his biceps are.

“I haven’t seen her. I only know her surname...”

Nagbago ang timpla ko. Nagtaas ako ng kilay sa kaniya. Humalukipkip ako. “Ah... so you know her surname? Bakit iyon alam mo pero hindi mo alam na kilala ng pamilya mo ang babaeng iyon?”

“Calm down, woman. I have no—”

“Yeah right. I only know her surname—tss!” panggagaya ko sa tono niya kanina.

He chuckled. “My baby princess has a disorder... there’s a bathroom—”

“Shut up.” I hissed.

He chuckled even more! Layasan ko ‘to.

“What have I done? I’m just saying that I only know her surname because she was introduced earlier.”

Inulit pa!

“Ayos lang...” malamig kong sinabi at nag-iwas ng tingin. “She was with someone earlier, too. Guess, what? It was Calvin Santos.”

Pagbalik ng tingin ko kay Geon, madilim na ang mata niyang nakatitig sa akin. Salubong ang kilay.

“Sino?” he probed.

“Calvin Santos!” Ulit ko pero hindi naman totoo iyon. Gusto ko lang mang-asar.

He nodded slowly, getting his phone from his pocket. My forehead creased when he typed something in there.

“Anong ginagawa mo?”

He shrugged then showed me his phone. “Just adding Calvin Santos to my death row.”

“W-What?! Babe, you cannot do that—”

“You like him, Solaire?” agap niya.

Madali akong umiling! Kung anu-ano ang sinasabi nito siya nga itong nauna! Bakit niya tinandaan ang surname ng babaeng iyon?!

“Fine... kill him. He does not even exist.” I smirked.

Geon smirked back.

Pinandilatan ko siya!

“Ipinanganak ka ba para inisin ako?”

“I was born to love a princess with a disorder... that’s fine.” Aba, parang lugi pa siya sa akin, ah!

Ang pinakamahirap na sport ay magtimpi. Kung wala lang kami sa restaurant na ito at walang panay kuha ng litrato, baka kinagat ko si Geon!

Pagkatapos namin kumain kanina ay nanood muna kami ng sine. Hindi totoo na nanood kami ng sine. Kasi natulog si Geon sa sinehan! Ako lang ang nakaintindi ng palabas. Baka sobrang pagod na rin kaya hinayaan ko na. Nakabalik  kami sa company ay bandang hapon na.

On the way to the office of executive, I crossed paths with Miss Delgado. My eyes squinted. Why is she still here? No—what did she do in my husband’s office?!

“Oh, you are—”

“I am Solaire Anja Gomez—Variejo. His wife.” I cut her in now that she is in front of me.

She smiles. “I just passed something to him. Calm down.”

“Whatever,” irap ko.

“Be careful, sweetie.”

I raised my brow. “What?”

Miss Delgado shrugged. “Among all oranges... you are an apple... exciting, aren't it?”

As if. Hindi ko na pinatagal ang pag-uusap namin. Hindi naman siya bungol pero bakit hindi ko siya maintindihan? Dumiretso ako sa office ni Geon.

Pagbukas ko ng pinto, naabutan ko si Geon na nakahilig ang batok sa swivel chair habang nakapikit ang mata. Nakabukas ang polo at medyo nagusot na. Sa desk ay medyo magulo na dulot ng mga papeles at folder.

Inayos ko ang desk niya. Sinubukan ko na hindi makagawa ng ingay upang makapag pahinga siya. Iniwan ko siya saglit upang magtimpla naman ng coffee. Pagbalik ko ay hindi pa rin siya nagigising.

Marahan ko siyang nilapitan. Umupo ako sa desk. Inayos ko ang buhok niyang medyo makapal at mahaba na. Maging ang polo niyang suot ay itinupi ko ng ayos. Habang tinititigan ko siya, naalala ko ang mga panahon na siya ang nag-aalaga sa akin habang wala akong maalala. Ang pagod na nararamdaman niya dahil sa trabaho marahil ay nakakaya niyang tiisin. Pero... paano niya dinadala ang sakit ng damdamin na idinulot ko sa kaniya dahil hindi ko siya maalala?

I cradled his face. Nothing seemed to be soft in him aside from his lips...and heart.

I want the world to know how much I love you, babe. Kulang ang salitang mahal kita para patunayan sa’yo iyon. Mahal kita hindi dahil may pakinabang ka sa akin. Mahal kita dahil pinili mo ako. Mahal kita dahil hindi mo ako sinukuan kahit iyon ang dapat mong gawin. Patuloy kitang minamahal dahil sigurado ka sa akin... gano’n din ako sa’yo. Mananatili akong tapat sa’yo... sana’y ganoon ka rin sa akin.

“Did my baby miss me?” Hinuli ni Geon ang kamay kong humahaplos sa mukha niya.

I smiled and leaned to embrace him. Hindi ko napigilan ang sariling luha. Masaya lang ako na magkasama na ulit kami. Walang paglagyan ang galak sa puso ko kapag malapit siya sa akin.

“I will have been missing you...” he said emotionally.

Maybe, I am missing the day that we were both young. Ang tanging pinag-aawayan namin ay ang quiz at pag-aaral ko. We could've the best memories if I did not experience a bad life. We could've been living in good memories if he was not attacked by Arman.

But then, I realized that it is not life that is wicked. It is the people. It is the human act that is wicked.

Nagkatitigan kami.

“Sandali lang ako nawala...” sagot ko, natatawa na. “Mukha ngang hindi mo na ako kailangan, e. Nanggaling dito si Miss Delgado, ah!”

“Tss... that witch...” Geon groaned. “I need my baby princess...”

I laughed when he suddenly grabbed me by the waist and sat me on his lap! He placed his face on my neck.

“Let’s date.” aniya.

Funny but I discovered that he likes to date me, sends flowers, gives expensive gifts even though there is no special occasion, and sends a lot of messages when we are not together!

He wasn’t like that before. But because of that, I think I like him more. Who would say no to these cheesy things our boyfriend did nowadays? Not me.

Naisipan magbakasyon namin magbakasyon ng sumunod na buwan. Dahil sawa na raw sa beaches ng Ilocos region, dumayo kami sa Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas.

“Solaire!”

Dressed up in a timeless triangle bikini, a cover-up, and a black shades, I turned to the woman who called. My jaw dropped in Imara’s triangle halter criss cross plain swimwear. She owned the spotlight when she walked towards my direction!

Hinanap ng mata ko ang grupo nina Geon. Nasa may cottage sila at abala pa sa pag-iihaw. Samantalang nahagip ng mata ko ang pagsulyap ni Abra sa gawi namin!

Woah! Woah! Woah! Ladies and gentlemen... the most awaited comeback is coming!

“Let’s swim. The water is cool...” si Imara.

Ngumisi ako nang may naisip. Pakipot pa itong si Abra, e. Gusto lang yata ay sinusuyo rin siya.

“Wow, Imara! You met a handsome tourist?!” Arte ko. Bakit?

Imara’s forehead creased. She unconsciously glanced in Abra’s direction.

“What are you doing, Solaire? It is not—”

“Oh, my gosh! Really?! He asked your number?! I am so happy for you!” Ginalingan ko na pag-arte, nilakasan ko pa ang boses para lang patamaan si Abra.

Imara pouted while scratching her nape. Namumula na siya hindi ko alam kung sa araw o sa mga sinasabi ko.

Mula sa cottage, nakarinig kami ng pagkabasag. Lumingon kami ni Imara. Nakita namin si Abra na nagdadampot na ng nabasag na baso.

Geon glared at me. I smirked!

“Oy, p’re, saan ka pupunta? Hoy, Abrahim!” natatawang tawag ni France.

“Mambabae.” si Abra sabay alis sa cottage.

Tumawa ako ng bahagya. Paglingon ko kay Imara, mahaba na ang mukha habang pinapanood na umalis si Abra.

Uh-oh...

Lumubog sa tubig ang iba pati ang mga kapatid ni Geon. Naiwan kami sa cottage ni Geon pati ang maid ni Eros. Nagustuhan ko kasi ang pag-iihaw ng marshmallow kaysa maligo. Isa pa, kakaahon ko lang at pulang pula na ang balat ko. Mukha na akong mestisang bangus nito.

“Here,” sinubuan ako ni Geon ng marshmallow na inihaw ko.

“Babe, iba naman ipasubo—”

“Woman, calm down.” he chuckled.

I glared at him. Hindi pa naman ako tapos sa sinasabi ko! Ang dumi ng isip.

“What are you talking about, babe? What I mean to say is toasted hotdog ang ipasubo mo. Tsk.”

“Don’t fool me... I already knew you.”

Umirap ako. Muntikan na ako mabilaukan nang makita sina Abra at Imara hindi kalayuan sa cottage namin. Mukhang nag-aaway na naman!

Dagli akong tumayo. Hinila ko si Geon at nagtago sa maliit na puno.

“Laire, what the—”

“Shh, babe!” I hissed.

He chuckled.

“Walang pakialamanan, ‘di ba? Anong eksena mo roon? Nag-uusap lang kami ni Marie!” si Abra.

Imara clenched her fist. I don’t know if this is a bad or good turn since Imara used to be a good girl, but now... she looked like a villain.

“Really, Abra? You’re using that to me?” Imara scoffed. “Ginagantihan mo ako, tama?”

“What? The heck, Imara? Masama bang magkagusto ako sa iba, e, tapos na tayong dalawa? Baka nakakalimutan mo—”

“Bullshit.” mura ni Imara, pekeng tumawa. “Ang bilis mo naman makalimot... fine!”

Hindi nakapagsalita si Abra.

“This is the last time you will see me again. I fucking waited for you to talk to me...to talk about us. Four months! I waited four months, Abrahim... Tama ka. Nakakapagod nga.”

Ang hilig ko talaga pakinggan ang away nila. Ako naman ang hindi makakatulog ng maayos nito. Akala ko may pag-asa pa sila.

“I gave up...” Imara said in a low voice. “I should have listened to you when you said… ayaw mo na. A-Ayaw mo na pala talaga.”

“Hindi ako umasa sa’yo. Pinaasa mo ako.” Abra answered coldly. “Pinipili mo lang ako kapag wala ng pumipili sa’yo...”

Imara cried silently in front of him.

“I-Is this the end of us?” she sobbed.

Abra looked away. “Gano’n na nga... kung saan ka man magpunta, mag-ingat ka.”

Pinakamasakit ang talikuran ng taong mahal mo kahit gusto mo pa ilaban ang relasyon. I want to believe that it is really the end when a man gave up. I feel sorry for Imara. She deserves better. This is not her end...

Sinamahan ko si Imara sa tabing dagat habang umiinom. Ang iba ay nasa hotel na at nagpapahinga. Sina Geon ay umiinom nasa cottage kasama ng mga guard at kapatid niya maliban kay Abra.

“We b-broke up...” Imara opened. “He thinks I used him to get over with Guian. T-That my friends and family like Guian over him... he thinks I did not love him at all...”

I stayed silent. I, too, am breaking for her.

“We’ve been together for two years...I love him. I-I really do, Laire. I don’t know how I will start a life without him...” she chuckled bitterly, sipping on her beer.

The crescent moon shines above us. The wind blows harshly on our skin, so cold that it hurts. The waves are wild whenever it is in the middle, but calms down when it hits the shore.

“I should l-leave... leave him alone.” her voice faded. “I cannot stand the man I love to ignore and hurt me over and over again.”

I tapped her shoulder to soothe her. She then faced me with tears in her beautiful eyes. She smiled.

“I’m sorry I cannot stay any longer...I hope you understand. Thank you for... everything.”

I leaned to embrace her shaking body. I have no words to say. I don’t know what to do. This is the only way I know.

I sighed after I put Imara in her bed. Kinabukasan, namataan namin si Abra na ginalugad ang mga kwarto. Balisa ito nang bumalik sa cottage na hindi nakita ang hinahanap.

“She left early in the morning... around two in the morning.” singit ni Eurus.

Abra nodded slowly.

“She might be in the airport by now. Kung aalis ka ngayon, hindi mo rin maabutan.” dagdag pa ni Eurus.

“Umalis siya...kaya na niya sarili niya. Hindi na babalik ‘yon.” Walang kasing lamig ang boses ni Abra. Malalim na ang sugat sa dibdib sa tono ng kaniyang pananalita. “Don’t she ever come back...”

Despite the irregularities, Geon and I dated near the seashore after the sun went down. Inangkin namin ang gabi. Ang masayang kwentuhan, tawanan, at asaran ang siyang bumuo sa araw namin.

“Cheers for us, babe!” I raised my wine glass.

He grinned then tossed his glass on mine. “Cheers, baby...”

I grinned at the man who is my husband for life, Dungeon Elixor Variejo. You deserve everything, babe. No one compares to you. Je t‘aime.