I just can't believe that I'm back. That I'm here again, stepping slowly on the stairs while roaming my eyes around the building's entrance. Nagtagal ang tingin ko ng ilang segundo sa malaking letrang M na nakasulat in cursive style.

It's been two weeks, huh.

But I'm not here just like before. I'm not here anymore as Serena Angeles— ang palabang sekretarya ni Troy na kinalantari ang sariling amo.

"Lady Elle! Totoo ho ba ang balitang kayo na ng isa sa mga hottest bachelor na si Troy Monteverde? Are you here to plan your wedding? When it will happen? Would it be grandeur or just a simple wedding?"

"Kailan ho kayo naging item ni Mr. Monteverde? Is it true that you're just having an affair with him because of the upcoming project of your company to them?"

"May tinatago raw po kayong anak sa kanya?"

"Kayo raw po ang kabit sa ibang naging karelasyon diumano ni Mr. Monteverde. Gaano ito katotoo?"

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from spitting evil words because of what I'm hearing from the media. It's also a good thing na nakamalaking sunnies ako at 'di nila natatanaw kung pang-ilang beses nang umikot ang mga mata ko dahil sa gigil at inis sa mga tanong na kanilang binato sa'kin.

What kind of questions are those? It's so out of the context! Nakaka-degrade in many forms!

I sighed inwardly and tried harder to ignore them. Nagpatuloy lamang ako sa pagpasok sa establisyimento matapos ang ilang poses sa camera. I'm still the fashion icon they have known about.

Pagpasok palang sa mismong entrada ay sinalubong na ako ng ilang bodyguards at ilang staffs na pulos mga naka-corporate attire. May limang lalaki at ilang babaeng may katandaan na ang nasa likod ni Alfonso Monteverde habang ngiting ngiti naman akong sinalubong ng ama ni Troy.

"Hija, it's finally nice to meet you... as in 'the' you." He said emphasizing the last part where we both know the meaning. It's his idea after all.

Walang emosyon kong binalik ang pagbeso nito sa'kin at hindi na rin nagkomento pabalik. My mood suddenly went agile when I remembered why I'm here.

I'm not here anymore to please him or my father. It's time to know the big deal that Troy has been talking about. What they are hiding from us?

I could definitely ask my father straightforwardly about this. Hindi sa wala akong tiwala but I know my father too well. Mas gusto nitong sarilinin ang problema hangga't kaya niya at kontrolado. If that's the case, for sure my father would either lie about it or course the topic to another.

Tila nahati ang kumpol ng mga taong nanunuod sa eksenang ganap ng presensya ko dahil sa binatang dumating. Troy is marvelously walking like a King as if he owns every single thing that my eyes are seeing. He's wearing his casual business suit. He looks so dashing with his brushed-up hair and his muscles are visibly showing on his attire.

Troy smiled at me. Ugh! The show is on then.

"Love, at last, you're here!" He said with jolliness.

Muntik pa akong masamid sa sarili kong laway dahil hindi naman ganito ang lalaking 'to. I mean, he's not that jolly to anyone, well, even to Yvonne, I guess. When I'm still the Angeles, ang malambing lang nitong mukha ang nakatingin sa'kin habang sinusubukang akitin ako sa abot ng makakaya nito. But... this kind of jolly and enthusiasm? Parang gusto kong sumuka ng dugo. Napakaplastik. Can't he act normally?

I awkwardly smiled back at him and shocked when he hugged me. Mas lumakas ang tunog ng mga camera dahil sa ginawang 'yon ni Troy. Mas lalo ring lumakas ang ugong at ingay dahil sa mga halo-halong mga tanong na binibitawan ng media.

"Act normally, stupid." I murmured beside his ears. "Too obvious." Dugtong ko pa.

"Just... smile." Bulong nitong pabalik, napansin siguro nito ang pagbusangot ko ng mukha pag-arte n'ya.

Tawa ni Don Alfonso ang nagpakalas sa binata sa pagkakayakap sa'kin. "I guess my son got my sweetness after all." Komento ng matanda na s'yang kinatawa ng mga nakarinig.

Sinenyasan ko na si Troy na umakyat na kami dahil naiirita na ako sa eskandalong ginagawa namin rito. Mabuti naman at nakuha kaagad nitong shungang 'to ang senyales ng pagkurot ko sa kanya.

"Shall we, Love?" anang nito na s'yang kinatango ko nalang.

I didn't exert any effort to respond like replying. Pakiramdam ko kasi sarkasmo lang ang lalabas sa bunganga ko, knowing myself, for sure baka mabuko na kaagad kami sa katabilan ng dila ko.

We all went straight to the Chairman's office. Pagpasok palang ay ang maaliwalas na ngiti ni Adrianna ang bumungad sa'kin. My eyes rolled in full cycle and it's a good thing na nakasuot pa rin ako ng salamin. Saka ko lang tinanggal nang matapos ko ito pang-ikutan ng mata.

"Serena, my dear! It's nice to meet you once again!" Adrianna said with glee at bumeso pa talaga sa'kin. Wala naman akong nagawa kung'di ang tanggapin ang yakap n'yang 'yon. Maliligo nalang ako sa alcohol to remove her dust on me. Mahirap nang mahawaan ng kasaltikan nito.

I didn't reply, I simply smiled back at her. Not sure though if she's seeing how awkward my smile was.

"It was last minute when Troy informed us that you'll be visiting us. If I had known better, I'll ask a caterer and more grandeur welcome." Adrianna commented when we all sat on the couch.

Nakaupo na ang matandang Monteverde sa presidential table while Troy sat adjacent to our couch.

"That's too much, there's no need for that, silly," I replied and laughed sarcastically.

"C'mon, how come it's too much? Kulang pa nga 'yon, my dear. That's one of my simplest and most common plans that I have. You won't believe what's running on my mind."

"Really? Well, humor me." I responded.

"Press Con, a Banquet, or even a whole company celebration will do." She replied enthusiastically.

Tawa muli ng Don ang bumalahaw sa kwarto. "I think I would agree with this fine lady with us, that's really too much, Adrianna."

Adrianna rolled her eyes and replied to his Dad. "You know that we don't do a simple welcome event, Papa. People on my flock would talk about this so I have to exaggerate it. I don't want them to think na tinitipid natin ang isang rare na opportunity especially Serena is also part of the social pinnacle."

"For sure, Serena, would settle for a simple gesture rather than making it a big deal, Ate." Komento ni Troy.

"Serena is a pride of our country. That explains it." Adrianna coldly replied without even looking to his brother.

And I saw how Troy gritted his teeth. He definitely got insulted by the way his sister responded.

"Troy's right," I responded while still looking at Troy. Lumamlam naman ang mata ng binata sa ginawa kong pagkampi sa kanya. "A grandiose event is tiring. I sometimes missed simple things."

Adrianna looked at me with her horrifying face. As if I said something insulting. "You are a well-known woman in the world, Serena. You don't settle for less."

I don't see the reason why she has to make this a big deal. "It's my life, I get to do what I want." I replied but her horrific look stood still.

"You don't get me, my dear. Everything is a big deal especially if you are well-known—"

I sighed and interfered. I'm so done with her advice. "You're right, I'm indeed well-known." Pagsang-ayon ko na bahagyang nakahinga ng maluwag ang ginang but I'm not yet done. "... that's why I can do whatever I want. I don't please anyone in the first place."

Hindi na nakahuma ang ginang sa huli kong pahayag. Saktong may kumatok at pumasok doon ang taong ayaw ko sanang makita sa pagbabalik ko.

Yvonne gracefully walked inside the room holding a tray that has a kettle for tea on it. She looks plain and simple. With few foundation traces on her face and a lip balm, papasan ang disente itong empleyado. Una kong napansin ang nakabusangot at seryosong ekspresyon nito habang naglalakad palapit sa'min.

"At last! The tea has arrived! Kanina ko pa 'yan iniutos." Histerikal na wika ni Adrianna at inagaw ang tray sa dalaga. "Let me, bumalik ka na do'n at nakakasira ka ng tanawin."

I saw Yvonne flinched with Adrianna's insult. That must be painful. Paalis na sana ito nang bigla ko itong pinigilan.

"Wait," napatingin silang apat sa'kin nang pigilan ko si Yvonne. I smiled at her, though not sure if it's grin or a real smile. Nakita ko naman ang paglaki ng mata sa'kin ni Troy, tila 'di inaasahan ang pagpigil kong paalisin ang dalaga.

Inignora ko 'yon at muling ngitian si Yvonne. "You must be Troy's new secretary?" tanong ko nang tumayo at nilapitan ang dalaga.

Gusto kong ngumisi dahil ramdam ko ang intimidasyong naramdaman nito sa pagtayo ko at paglapit sa kanya. She's trying so hard to hide it but ended up looking on the floor. Where's the feisty Yvonne that I know? Bakit yata biglang bumalugtot ang tapang nito?

"Y-Yes, Lady Elle." My lips quivered when she's aware as to what name she has to address me.

"Love, let her go back to work." Rinig kong anas ni Troy and I couldn't help myself but clenched my fist secretly. Heto na naman s'ya, protecting this woman. Mapa-Serena Angeles man o Serena Fontanilla, he will always find a way to protect this wretched woman.

I held Yvonne's hands and I heard how Adrianna gasped from what I did. I ignored them again and smiled once again to Yvonne, "Join us, it's actually my first time here and I want to know the people who work for my boyfriend. Would that be okay for you?"

Halata masyado ang pagkagulat at pagkagimbal sa mukha ni Yvonne matapos ko s'yang ayaing mag-stay. I saw her eyes looked at Troy and the flickered pain who passed by on her eyes. She, then, looked back at me at nahihiyang umiling. "H-Hindi na ho, Lady Elle—"

"Serena, just let her go, she's not even relevant."

Mabilis akong lumingon kay Adrianna and her disgusted face still linger while looking at Yvonne. Kahit na galit ako sa babaeng 'to, I still don't tolerate her attitude towards her people.

"She is relevant, she's part of your workforce, papaanong hindi? Is this how you treat your people?" diretsahan kong tanong kay Adrianna and I didn't miss her shock face. Tila nagulat sa naging tanong ko.

"It's n-not like that, S-Serena—"

"And that's Lady Elle for you, not Serena. Only your brother is allowed to call me by name and my family of course."

Naumid ang dila ni Adrianna sa muli kong pagputol sa kanyang sinasabi. Akala yata nito close na kami para tawagin akong Serena? Pinagbibigyan ko lang s'ya kanina pero mukhang matibay talaga ang apog niya.

Muli kong nilingon si Yvonne at nagwika. "Stay. Don't let me repeat that. Serve us tea, that's the purpose I'm asking you to stay." Anas ko at lumapit na kay Troy na seryoso ang tingin sa'kin. I let him show my rolling eyes at tumabi sa kanya.

Ano bang akala niya ang reason kung bakit ko s'ya pinapa-stay? Para maka-tsikahan? Gago ba 'to?

"Mabuti naman at nagkamabutihan kayo nitong anak ko, Lady Elle. I never thought that both of you will be an item." Biglang komento ni Don Alfonso na s'yang kinatigil ko sa pag-inom ng hinandang tsaa ni Yvonne.

I looked at him and his grin says a thousand meaning. His statement... alam n'yang hindi ko pa sinasabi sa anak nito ang totoo patungkol kay Serena Angeles. Or was he under the impression of I've told him already kaya iyon ang naging komento n'ya?

I felt Troy's hand gripped my leg. I don't know what's that for, was it because hindi kasi ako nakapag-respond kaagad or dahil tanda ng binata na last week lang kami halos nagkakilala sa isla? Alfonso's question implies that we've known each other already. Sinusubukan ba ako ng matandang 'to? Kung ikaklaro naman ito ni Troy, mahuhuli kaming dalawa na nagpapanggap lang.

I gritted my teeth, now I know kung kanino nakuha ni Troy ang magmanipula ng mga salita. How to inflict words to get the info that they want.

"I couldn't agree more, Don Alfonso. Troy is so uptight, right? Balita ko nga may syota nga itong anak niyo sa isa sa mga empleyado ninyo kaya nag-alangan pa akong sagutin itong anak ninyo." I said with glee and eyed Troy with a smirk on my face.

I felt Yvonne got tensed with my statement too. Adrianna laughed sarcastically and responded. "Ako na ang magsasabi sa'yo, it's not true. At kung totoo man niyan, I'll make sure to ruin them since I know Troy is deserving to be with someone like your caliber, my dear." Nakita ko pa ang pasimpleng pag-irap nito kay Yvonne and smiled back again to me.

"Are you really in capable of doing that, Adrianna? What if mahal talaga ni Troy ang babaeng 'yon? You'll break your brother's heart just because he deserves better?" segunda ko rito at mas lalo ko pang naramdaman ang paghigpit ng hawak ni Troy sa binti.

He even murmured at me, "That's enough, Serena."

"We didn't raise Troy just to be with someone whom I know for a fact that their target was his wealth. They're gold diggers for their own accord. So, yeah, I won't hesitate to break my brother's heart." Adrianna replied while sipping her tea.

"You just don't simply want me to be happy. In all aspects." Komento ni Troy sa tabi ko at narinig iyon ng kapatid.

Adrianna cleared her throat. "What made you say that 'Lil brother?" she asked with glee on her tone.

Troy scoffed. "That's your first time calling me that. Should I be happy, Sis?"

Agad na nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Adrianna sa naging pagpapahiya ni Troy sa kapatid sa'kin.

"That's enough you two. We just need to be happy with them." Don Alfonso interfered then looked at me, "I'd love to see you more here, Lady Elle. I hope we can set up a dinner with us and to your family."

I smirked inwardly. Oh, that's the plan, Alfonso. I smiled at him once again. "Certainly, I'll tell my father about that. I'll inform my Love, when it will happen so he can notify you both."

"That's nice to hear, my dear!" natutuwang reaksyon ni Adrianna na hindi talaga magawang tawagin akong Lady Elle and just settled on calling me by an endearment. "We'll expect that sooner rather than later. For now, would you want to visit or roam around the office?"

"No need, Ate—"

"Sure! I'd love to." Pagputol ko kay Troy sa naging imbitasyon ng kapatid niya. Troy looked at me with his eyebrows locked in the center.

Hindi kasi 'to kasama sa nauna naming plano. Both of us have decided to join forces in knowing what our family is hiding. I could definitely do this on my own since I know a few people who can extract information but knowing Troy's been doing this all these years, I'm pretty sure na nahirapan ang binata. Alam kong he used his connection already but got nothing. Hindi sa wala akong tiwala na 'di ko kayang gawin 'to ng mag-isa but there's nothing wrong on having a collaboration to make this mission finish faster than later.

The first part of our plan is to make our family know that we are an item. That we love each other. Sinabihan ko s'ya na masyadong mabilis ang gusto n'yang plano dahil no one would believe na mahal nga namin ang isa't isa. Kahit pa gumawa kami ng kwento na matagal na kaming magkakilala, I know for a fact that there are people who will find a way to uncover the truth. But Troy insisted since it's the fastest way to invite both families in one dinner.

The second part would be to make sure that we can extract information while we are all in dinner. Hindi ko alam kung paano 'yon ipupull-off ng binata pero nakakaramdam akong susubukan ni Troy to manipulate them on his will. He can bend the words, so I agree. Tingnan natin kung uubra ba 'yan sa Papa ko.

I consulted this to Travis— my brother, even him find this plan ridiculous. At first, against s'ya dahil dinadamay ako ng kaibigan nito sa sariling gulo but I convinced him that this might be a connection to our family too. Travis doesn't know anything about our father's secret meeting with the Monteverde and Ronaldo.

We are almost done roaming the production floor, papunta na kami ngayon sa mismong palapag kung saan nagtatrabaho si Troy. Kasama namin ni Troy si Adrianna at sinamahan pa kami ng ilan pang myembro ng Board of Directors sa paggala sa'kin sa buong building. I felt so special that even other employees are at awe upon seeing us. Some were intimidated but some are giggling because of Troy and the fact that they know na kami nang dalawa.

Paglabas palang namin sa elevator sa palapag kung saan nagtatrabaho si Troy ay bumungad sa'min ang mga empleyado ng binata. I held my ground not to give them a smile because I somehow missed this crew.

They're complete! Cardona, Stella, Lily, Vina and even Jason!

"These are Troy's team." Magiliw na pagpapakilala ni Adrianna pero dahil hindi nito kabisado ang mga pangalan ay minuwestra nito ang sekretarya nito at ito na ang nagpatuloy sa pagpapakilala sa kanila.

"Troy's team is composed of both from the Business Development and Marketing Team who worked side-by-side with the recent project. Here's the Marketing Head, Lily Pascua. Then, her associate, Stella Castro. Also, we have Cardo—"

"—it's Cardona, Cardona Vasquez." Singit ni bakla at umawra pa sa harap ko tapos ay binigyan ng saglit na irap ang sekretarya ni Adrianna.

I grinned because of what he did.

"—C-Cardona, yes. He's working along with Vinalyn Mercado as Business Development Associates of their department head— Jason Batungbakal."

I was shocked when Jason extended his hand in front of me. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Elle."

I noticed a sudden gasped from Cardona and the gang of what Jason did. I didn't find it weird and I held his hand to acknowledge him. "Likewise, Mr. Batungbakal." I saw Jason stiffened when he heard me, and it caused a massive nervousness on my end because he might have recognized my voice. I hissed internally.

"That's enough," anang ni Troy nang ito na ang nagbawi sa kamay ko dahil 'di pa binabawi ni Jason ang pagkakahawak sa'kin. I looked at him because of what he did at ang matinding pagkunot-noo nito ang naabutan ko. He didn't look back at me as he dismissed them.

Tinanguan ko nalang ang mga empleyado ni Troy dahil hindi na ako binigyan pa ng pagkakataon ng lalaking 'to makapagsalita man lang at bigla akong giniya sa kanyang opisina. Sa aming paglalakad papunta sa mismong opisina nito'y natanaw ko ang lugar kung saan ako nagtatrabaho two weeks ago. I've seen a stressful face of Yvonne habang gulong gulo ito sa mga hawak na mga papel sa lamesa nito. Halatang nagkadagaugaga si gaga. When Yvonne noticed us, she quickly hid her stressful look and stood up to face us.

Nang makapasok kami sa loob ng opisina muli pang nagkausap pa kami ng ilang Board of Directors dahil nasisiyahan talaga silang makita ako rito. The look on Adrianna face was also palpable. Kung makapag-assist naman sa lahat ng kailangan ko ay daig pa nito ang pagiging manugang. I feel so VIP. Gusto ko s'yang pahirapan pero wala ako sa mood ngayon.

"I'm tired!" I exclaimed when all of them went outside and left us alone. Gusto ko pa ngang sabunutan si Adrianna nang bigyan n'ya kami ng malisya bago nito sinarado ang pintuan.

Nilingon ko si Troy na nakaupo na sa upuan nito at nakatitig sa cellphone nito. Bakas sa mukha nito ang pagod at... pangungulila?

"Are you... okay?" I asked because I'm bothered. Gano'n din ba 'to napagod sa ginawang pag-tour sa'kin? Well, ako na 'tong babae na sumasakit na ang paa sa suot kong takong ay pagod na, paano pa siguro 'tong lalaking 'to.

"Still no reply from her." Tugon nito sa'kin na s'yang nakuha ko agad. He's talking about Serena Angeles.

Pasimple kong tiningnan ang cellphone ko at nakita ko nga ang pumasok na message from him.

Please, come back to me.

Still mad? Can we talk about it now? It's been two weeks, 'My.

Can I call? I wanna hear your voice. At least your voice, please?

I'm sorry for being a jerk.

Napakuyom ako ng kamao dahil sa mga nababasa. Hindi ko 'to binubuksan dahil nag-airplane mode ako this past two weeks. And reading some of his texts... warmed my inner self. Ramdam ko ang sinseridad ng mensahe nito.

I scoffed. Missed me? Baka ang namimiss lang nito ay ang kahalayan na ginagawa namin. Tsk!

"Malay mo mag-reply na." Anas ko habang tumitipa ng reply sa kanya. "Ang tanong, ready ka na ba sa itatrato n'ya sa'yo? Remember, you did something awful to her."

Nang mapindot ko na ang send button ay saka ko s'ya tiningnan. Ang malalim nitong buntunghininga ang binungad n'ya sa'kin. He was about to say something when his phone beeped. Nagulat pa ako nang makita kung paano nanlaki ang mga mata nito tapos ay nailapag ang cellphone nito sa lamesa. I even heard how shocked he was, based sa lakas tunog ng pagbagsak ng cellphone n'ya.

"S-She r-replied," napalabi ako dahil nakita ko kung paano nabalot ng takot at kaba ang kabuuan ng binata. Muntikan pa akong matawa dahil ngayon ko lang nakita na matakot ang isang Troy Davis Monteverde. At sa isang babae pa talaga.

So, he doesn't really know the truth yet.

"Anong sabi n'ya?" I acted like a curious cat. Tumayo pa ako at bahagyang lumapit sa kanya.

"I d-don't know."

I rolled my eyes. "'Eh kung basahin mo kaya! Paano mo malalaman?"

Ilang saglit pa itong natahimik habang nakatitig sa cellphone nito na animo'y may lalabas na multo sa oras na lapitan o hawakan n'ya 'to. My god! Gusto ko na talagang matawa! Kung nakikita 'to mismo ni Serena Angeles, she would scream in laughter because of his reaction.

Yeah, I know. Mali na tawanan ko s'ya dahil heto na naman ako, nagpapanggap at nagsisinungaling na sa kanya ng malala. Ang konsensya ko at pagpigil ng pagtawa ay nahahati dahil I'm really amused with his reaction. Never I ever thought that someone is scared to even read the message of someone they're expecting to reply to!

Ilang segundo pa at huminga muna ng malalim ang binata and cleared his throat. Nang magawa ay dinampot na nito ang cellphone at dahan dahan na inopen upang mabasa ang mensahe.

"So?" I asked while looking at him.

There's no need. I'll be there later to submit formally send my resignation since I was told that I got replaced easily. I couldn't imagine who was it. Can, I guess?

That's what I replied. I saw him gulped but the way he holds his phone seems he's also mad. Napatingin pa ito sa pintuan nito na tila nakikita mula rito si Yvonne.

"P-paano n'ya nalaman?"

That was supposed to be a whisper pero narinig ko pa rin. I smirked inwardly, 'yan talaga ang mas concern ka at hindi sa galit ko?

"Ano 'yon?" I asked him, pretending that I didn't hear his whisper.

Mabilis na umiling iling ang binata at tiningnan ako. "She'll be here later, to submit her resignation."

I made an 'O' reaction using my mouth and started walking back to his couch. "Wait, so you hired your Ex again? I thought she's someone's secretary?" tanong ko with matching turo-turo pa sa labas at sa binata.

Kunot noo naman itong nagtanong sa'kin. "Paano mo nalaman?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "My brother won't keep any secrets from me about you. And yes, I asked him about you since we started this relationship act. I should know kung sino ang mga makakabangga ko aba."

He sighed at umuklo nalang sa lamesa nito. "She'll never forgive me."

"Talaga lang!" I raised my voice quite a bit. "Hindi ka pa n'ya napapatawad o 'di pa kayo nagkakausap ng masinsinan about sa nangyari dinagdagan mo pa 'tong pagpapanggap natin na magsyota tayo? Ano naman ang irarason mo sa kanya? This is also for her own good?"

Troy groaned exaggeratedly at me. "Don't slap it anymore! I know okay. I know!"

So, anong gagawin mo Troy? If I'll visit you again as Serena Angeles, ano ang ieexplain mo? Would you tell her the truth?

"My lovely Sis, I know may saltik ka kung minsan pero gusto ko lang ipapaalala sa'yo na ikaw 'tong nagsisinungaling ng husto sa kaibigan ko to test him if he will tell you the truth kung bakit mag-on ngayon ang Lioness of global business at s'ya. Kahit saang anggulo mong tingnan, ikaw ang talo. Dahil kapag nalaman n'ya 'to? For sure, he would be mad at you... bigtime! And I know kung paano magalit ang isang tulad n'ya, I just want to share it with you."

Mahabang litanya ni Travis habang nagpapalit ako ng damit sa likurang bahagi ng malaki n'yang Van.

"You're pretending to be his girlfriend while lying again as Serena Angeles. Balak mo pa talagang pagsabayin 'yang mga pagpapanggap mo." Suway n'ya sa'kin.

"And what do you want me to do, then?" Singhal ko pabalik rito dahil nagsisimula na akong mairita sa panenermon n'ya.

"Tell him the truth of course! Sabihin mo hangga't maaga pa!"

"Bakit? May magbabago ba kapag sinabi ko ang totoo ngayon? He would still be mad at me, right? What difference does it make?!"

Napakamot na ng marahas si Travis sa buhok nito habang inis na nakatingin sa'kin nang matapos akong makapagpalit ng damit.

"If you'll tell him the truth now, it would lessen the time for him to forgive you. That's the difference."

I snorted. "Paano mo naman nasabi na mapapaikli nga ang panahon para mapatawad n'ya ako aber? Because you're friends with him for a long time? You know him better than I do? If that's the case, then tell me kung sino ang huli niyang nakagalitan at gaano katagal bago nito napatawad ang taong 'yon?"

Hindi ito nakasagot sa tanong ko and I made a face in front of him saying 'Told'ya'

"I can't believe I'm part of this." Komento ni Travis habang pababa ako ng Van n'ya.

Hinarap ko s'ya at nginisian. "You love your Sister, that's why."

I was about to walk away nang may ipahabol itong sabihin sa'kin. "I know you're strong enough to deal emotional heartaches because of your past pero mas mahirap i-deal with ang heartache kung saan ikaw ang nanakit. You should know that, Sis."

I trembled in fear sa naging babala ng kapatid ko. Alam kong sinasampal na n'ya sa'kin ang mga dapat kong gawin para ituwid ito. Alam kong mali na ituloy uli ang pagpapanggap na si Serena Angeles pero maging ako ay hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ito ngayon ang ginagawa ko— walking towards the MGC Building. It was like I'm adding more woods to the burnt ones and making this more complicated than it already is.

I may act as if I don't care if Troy would be mad at me pero sa totoo lang... takot na takot na takot ako. Takot dahil alam kong kapag nalaman ng binata ang totoo, kakamuhian n'ya ako ng tuluyan at lalayuan. Isang bagay na kinatatakutan ko na magmula nang magsimula ang magandang namamagitan sa'ming dalawa. Alam kong there's nothing to justify my wrongdoings pero totoo pala yung pakiramdam na mas gugustuhin mong gawin ang bawal at magpakasasa sa ligaya kesa ang magpakatotoo.

I guess, I'm still the old Serena Fontanilla. Still weak, at madaling matakot sa mga bagay na maaaring mawala sa kanya. Ngayon ko lang na-realize na kahit na ano palang gawin kong pagmamatapang sa ibang tao as if they need to lick my toes, kapag ayaw mong mawala sa'yo ang taong 'yon ay maduduwag kang ipaalam sa kanya ang ginagawa mong pagsisinungaling.

I'm doing it again. History repeats itself na naman ba 'to?

I pursed my lips while I'm waiting for the elevator to arrive in Troy's floor. Lumalakas ng lumakas ang pagkabog ng puso ko habang papalit ng papalapit ang numero kung saan titigil ang elevator. I took a deep breath nang marating ko ang floor. Hawak ang isang folder na naglalaman ng resignation letter ko, I still gracefully walked out of the elevator cabin.

Singhapan ng team ni Troy ang agad kong narinig. Nanlalaki ang mga mata nila sa'kin at habang dinuduro duro pa.

"Hoy impaktita k-ka!" Singhal ni Cardona sa'kin bago ako sinalubong ng mahigpit na yakap. "Alam mo ba kung gaano katagal nawala kang bruha ka?!"

Lily while covering her mouth because of shock walked near me too. "You've been AWOL, girl. But I'm happy you're here." Anito tapos ay bineso rin ako.

"I know, I missed you guys!" untag na s'yang totoo. Medyo naluha pa ako ng slight dahil totoo ngang na-miss ko ang grupo na 'to. "Kumusta na kayo?" I asked while staring to each of them.

Stella, Vina are smiling at me too but Jason just looked at me impassively.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang nagpakitang bruha ka?!" nagulat ako nang bigla akong sabunutan ni Cardona sa buhok ko na malapit sa patilya. Nanlalaki ang matang tiningnan ko s'ya.

"Ang sakit, huh!" angil ko na s'yang kinataas lang ng kilay at kinaikot ng mata nito sa'kin.

"'Wag kang umano d'yan, deserve mo 'yan." Wika naman ni Lily na nakahalukipkip pa sa'kin. "Iniwan mo kami rito kasama ang delubyo na s'yang nagdala pa at nagpabalik ng isa pang demonyo."

She must be referring Troy as the 'delubyo' then Yvonne as the devil. How nice!

I smiled at them awkwardly and replied. "I'm really sorry but I really have to go back to schooling. May thesis kasi akong ginawa na kailangan sa isang probinsya kailangang gawin."

"Girl, that was so unprofessional! Sana man lang sinabihan mo si Boss." Si Stella na pinaparangalan na ako.

"As I've said, I had to do it. Priority ko pa rin naman ang college ko. I can't sacrifice that." I reasoned out na sana kagatin.

"Hay nako!" angil ni Cardona. "'Eh bakit 'di 'yan ang sinabi mo sa'min nung tinawagan ka namin?"

I pursed my lips and cursed silently. "B-Baka nakakalimutan n'yong wala kayong ibang bukambibig kung'di ang pagbalik ko right?"

"And so? 'Di kayang isingit? Ang sabihin mo nag-r-reason out ka lang!" Cardona rebutted.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Well, kung gusto n'yo ng pruweba then go to my school and check my Thesis there. Ako pa talaga ang nag-r-reason out." Mabuti nalang at totoong may ginagawa akong Thesis sa PUP, I was able to finish that before the meeting so evidence can be served at them without ado.

"Pero okay na ring nakabalik ka." Nabaling ang tingin ko kay Jason. His face was still serious at grabe kung makatitig sa'kin. Nagsalubong pa ang dalawa kong kilay bago ko s'ya nginitian.

"I just need to submit something to Sir Troy—"

"Sana 'di ka nalang bumalik."

Natahimik ang mga kausap ko nang marinig namin ang sarkasmong komento ni Yvonne na ngayo'y nakasandal sa isang dingding habang tinitingnan tingnan nito ang mga daliri. She smirked upon seeing me.

"Here comes the bruha." Rinig kong bulong ni Cardona at hinila na n'ya ang iba para bumalik sa kani-kanilang trabaho.

"Kaya mo naman s'ya 'di ba?" pasimpleng tanong ni Stella sa'kin na siyang binigyan ko lang ng ngisi. Binalik n'ya rin ang ngisi ko at inirapan si Yvonne bago tuluyang bumalik sa opisina nila.

Bagot ko namang tiningnan si Yvonne na ngayo'y nakalapit na at nag-cross arms pa. 'Di na talaga natuto ang babaeng 'to.

"Congratulations pala." Ako na ang unang nag-initiate ng conversation. "... for your reinstatement."

Ngisian lang n'ya ako bago pasimpleng tiningnan ang hawak kong folder. "Still pushing yourself here kahit na... substitute ka lang?"

Seriously? 'Yon na 'yon? She should've learned from our previous banters.

"I'm just submitting my resignation formally. Kung 'yon ang ikakasiya ng puso mo, Yvonne." Kalmado kong tugon sa kanya at binigyan ito ng ngiting walang kahulugan.

"Oh, really? Dapat lang! Actually, you don't need to do that. You've been tagged as AWOL already. Naaawa ako sa'yo kasi unang trabaho mo sa ganitong kompanya ay may bad record ka na? 'Di ka ba nahihiya man lang?"

My smile remained intact while listening to her. "Look at my face and tell me if I'm shameful, girl. Do I look like one?"

She just shrugged at tinaasan ako ng isang kilay. "Maybe? I don't know? As if I do care."

"Yes, you are, girl. Hindi ka mag-aaksayang kausapin pa ako ngayon kung hindi. Are you done? Can I speak with Troy now?"

Yvonne laughed mockingly at me, as if may sinabi akong joke rito kahit wala naman. "Are you serious na haharapin ka pa niya? He's busy right now. He doesn't have anytime with someone like you."

"Mukhang nakakalimutan mo yatang, we had our thing too, girl. We had our moment while you're away."

My, my. It seems I got a point already. Her face turned sullen and serious when I used one of my trump cards. "Anong konek naman n'yang sinabi mo?"

Ako naman ngayon ang bahagyang natawa sa naging tanong at inasta nito. Lumapit ako ng bahagya sa kanya and when we have almost felt her breathing, I whispered, "Just tell your boss that I'm here."

"Just like what I've told you. He's busy. No time for you. Besides, you don't even have any appointment with him."

"Why don't you try it? Again, Yvonne, I said, try to tell him that I'm here. Tingnan natin kung 'di nga niya ako kitain. Kapag hindi, 'eh 'di tama ka. Nakapuntos ka sa'kin. Walang mawawala naman sa'yo 'di ba?" I challenged her. My smirk doesn't want to leave my lips.

Nakita ko ang pagtigas pisngi ng dalaga at tila tinatanya kung igigiit nitong huwag akong papasukin o hindi. In the end, she walked back na mas nagpalawak ng aking ngisi.

Sinundan ko s'ya papunta sa Secretarial table nito. Nakita ko pa ang ilang karton sa may isang side ng secretary's table.

"Oh, I'm sorry, d'yan ko pala napalagay yung mga basura mo. Don't worry, I'll ask our maintenance to have it delivered in your cheap house."

Whatever, girl. 'Di ka challenging. Bitch-wannabe.

"Go for it. I don't mind." I sweetly replied na nagpaikot lang ng mata nito sa'kin habang inaabot ang telepono at kumonekta sa telepono ni Troy sa loob.

Nakangisi pa ito sa'kin habang naghihintay at nang sumagot na sa kabilang linya. "Ah, Sir, you h-have an unexpected visitor here. Do you want me to make her leave? It's your former secretary—"

Natigilan bigla si Yvonne at biglang nawala ang ngisi sa labi. Alam kong wala na itong kausap dahil saktong marahas na bumukas ang pintuan ng opisina ng binata at nilabas niyon ang nagkukumahog na si Troy.

His eyes when he finally saw me made my heart flatter. Dahan dahan pa itong lumapit sa'kin at tila takot na lapitan ako. Naalala pa siguro nito ang atraso niya.

"I c-can e-explain about... her. And I'm sorry—"

"Do I need to arrange an appointment with you? Your secretary said that you are busy."

"N-No! You don't need to. Let's talk inside?" he said then opened his door widely.

Bago magpadala sa anyaya ni Troy ay tiningnan ko pa si Yvonne at nagwika, "Can you include my name on his appointment, please? Baka kasi isipin mo sinisira ko yung schedule ng Boss mo."

Yvonne's glare subsided when Troy looked at her too after I said that. Nagbaba ito ng tingin at utal na tumugon, hindi inaasahan ang sinabi ko. "S-Sure, no problem."

"Also, cancel my next meeting." Utos pa ni Troy. His tone was normal, parang wala lang rito na narito ako at katapat ang Ex n'ya.

"Let's go." Wika ni Troy bago ako hinila papasok at sinarado ang pintuan.