Dee's POV

["Bro, are you going to Anais' party later?"] I sipped my coffee and sat on my chair before answering Zeke. 

"I'm not really sure. Alam mo naman, busy sa work. I'm trying really hard to impress papa", I said. 

I graduated as cum laude. I could say that my whole college life was normal. I still go to parties and drink with my friends during weekends. I get to focus on my studies when I need to. I don't know. I think I just got used to it. Ever since my dad told me that he'll give his company to me in due time, I started pushing myself to strive harder. I got motivated because I wanted him to see my efforts. I wanted him to know that I am worthy enough to take over what he has built. 

["Come on, pare. It's Saturday today. Tsaka, half day ka lang sa work ngayon ah. Walang mawawala sayo."]

"Bro, you just want me to go as a wingman for you and Anais", I scoffed. 

["Hey, I'm also doing you a favor. You might meet a potential someone there. Akala mo ba sarili ko lang ang iniisip ko?"] 

"You and your excuses, Zeke." I sighed. "I'll think about it." 

["May utang ka pa sa akin, pare ah. You didn't go to my game last time."] paalala niya sa akin. 

"Oo na nga", asar kong sabi sa kaniya. I looked up and saw my co-worker Ralph mouthing something to me from afar. "Sige na bro, I have to go." 

I ended the call and looked at Ralph who went near me. 

"Wala ka nang ginagawa, Dee?", tanong niya sa akin. I nodded at him. "Di ka ba kakain? Sabay ka na sa amin", pag-aaya niya.

"Di na, Ralph. May pupuntahan pa ako eh but thanks for the invite." 

"O sige. Alis na kami ah. Bye." He got his things from his desk and left with our other co-workers. 

I work as a normal employee here at my dad's company. Walang special treatment kahit alam nang halos lahat ng nagtatrabaho dito na isa akong Saavedra. Even so, I thought that they'd treat me differently. Akala ko iiwasan nila ako because they'd find me intimidating, but no. They were so friendly to me. Ilang months palang ako dito pero nagkaroon na ako ng mga kaibigan tulad ni Ralph. 

I decided to check my phone for a while before leaving the office. I opened my IG and looked at my friends' stories. Ang pinakainaabangan ko talaga ay ang mga stories ni Anais. Probably because that's the only way I could look at my crush's face. 

There's this girl that's always in her stories. I don't know her name because Anais never tags her. She caught my attention because Anais posted a video of her playing the piano. But lately, I haven't seen Anais post a photo with her. I wonder what happened. 

After a few minutes, I decided to go to Greenbelt to buy a gift for Anais. I might as well come to the party. Baka makita ko pa siya dun. I never really bothered Anais about her because I was too shy to ask. 

I bought Anais a rose gold bangle from Tiffany & Co. I also went to Jo Malone to buy my perfume. Paubos na din kasi. 

Pagkapasok ko ay gumanda ang aking pakiramdam nang marinig ang isa sa mga paborito kong classical music which is Nocturne op.9 no. 2 by Chopin. I hummed to it while smelling the perfumes on display. 

Nabaling ang tingin ko sa gilid. It's her. Her face looked so angelic. She was even moving her fingers as if she was playing the piano. I gave a small smile.

"Sir, ito na po yung bagong stock. Anything else I can help you with?" the sales lady asked me. 

"Nothing. Thank you." I said. I continued smelling the other perfumes. 

When I looked back at her, I saw her staring at me. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met. Agad din naman niyang iniwas ang kaniyang tingin sa akin at tumayo sa kaniyang kinauupuan para magbayad ng pinamili niya sa cashier. Dali-dali siyang umalis pagkatapos. 

I looked at the chair she was seated on a while ago and saw a paper bag beside it. She' must've forgotten it. I immediately took it with me and ran outside to give it to her. 

She suddenly turned around and almost bumped into me. It's like everything was in slow motion that time. 

"Hey, miss. You forgot this." I handed her the paper bag. 

"Thank you", she said and left right after. Her voice sounded so sweet. 

Later that night, I saw her again. She looked so down. At that moment, I wanted to comfort her and tell her everything's okay but I don't know how to approach her. Baka sabihin niyang stalker ako. 

I guess destiny couldn't wait for me to make my first move so it did the favor for me kaso natapunan pa ako ng hawak kong baso ng tequila. 

"Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. I didn't see you." She wiped my polo with tissue. I looked at her and saw that the drink also spilled on her legs. 

"It's alright. You should wipe yourself too." She looked at me with gentle eyes as she realized that I was the guy she saw earlier at the store. 

We sat and talked to each other on the upper floor of the club. It turns out we have the same interests. Ang gaan niyang kausap. Right there, I just new that we'd click.

"Oh, right. I am, uh, Dani. Nice to meet you", pagpapakilala niya. 

Looks like Dani is going to be my favorite word from now on. 

The whole time she was talking, I was just staring right through her eyes. Even though it was dark, I could clearly see her face. Halata sa itsura niyang may dinadamdam siya. And I was right. She recently lost her mother. Masyado yata akong pakialamero kaya nasabi niya tuloy. Lalo atang lumungkot. 

Tahimik lang kaming dalawa hanggang sa inaya niya akong lumabas na ng club. Ako sana mag-aaya pero baka kung anong isipin niya. She said clubs aren't her cup of tea. I guess she really just went here for Anais. 

Pagkababa namin ay kinausap muna niya si Anais. Napalingon-lingon ako sa kabuuan ng club at nakita ang mga kaibigan kong nag-iinuman sa isang parte. 

"Yo, looks like someone's gonna get laid tonight!" rinig kong sigaw ng kaibigan kong si Aizel. Nagtawanan naman ang iba nilang mga kasama. 

"I told you, bro!", Zeke shouted. 

I shook my head at them. Those bastards know nothing except to change girls every now and then. I am not looking for either a fling or fubu. Wala namang patutunguhan ang mga yun. I've honestly had several flings in the past and it really didn't turn out well for me. 

When Dani finished talking to her friends, we went out to buy food at Denny's. I've never ditched partying just to eat and I just ate dinner before coming here but I still bought food para naman hindi lang siya ang kakain. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

She talked to me about her mom's death and how it affected her for the past few months. I was just there to listen. From what I am seeing, she needs someone to open up to and I'm glad that she decided to share it with me. Although, I don't really know if I deserve to give her advice or listen to what she has to say because we just met. But it just feels right. It's like she's found a safe place in me. From then on, I had this sudden urge to become closer to her. I want her to feel that she's not alone. 

Days after our first encounter, I became really busy at work. My mind became occupied with a lot of things but there was never a moment wherein she'd not cross my mind. She was probably all I could think about that's why sometimes, I kind of mess up my reports. 

"Dee, what did I tell you? Hindi nanaman organized ang mga reports mo", sermon sa akin ni papa. Binagsak niya ang mga papel na hawak niya. "I know I have high expectations but I'm just doing this for you. Soon, ikaw ang magmamana ng lahat ng ito. So do your job properly!"

"Yes, Mr. Saavedra. I'm really sorry. I'll do better next time", I said bowing my head. 

"You better", he scoffed. "Go back to work."

I guess I became too complacent about my work. So I tried my best to regain my father's trust in me. It's definitely not easy to be born in family that values inheritance. Sure, I had it easy growing up but the endless expectations set on you will drive you crazy. Lalo na't only child lang ako. 

@ezekieluy: tara guys let's eat out 

@aizelevi: not sure about that bro I have to check my schedule first

@ezekieluy: damn iba na talaga pag may work di ko na kayo ma reach

Natawa ako sa mga kaibigan ko. They never fail to make me happy. Para ko na rin silang mga kapatid. 

@diorlouis: sure let's go saan tayo?

Nagkita kaming tatlo sa Zark's malapit sa La Salle. May klase pa kasi si Zeke kaya dun nalang kami kumain. 

"Bro, tell me. Who was that girl you met at Anais' party? She looks hot", sambit ni Aizel na nakangisi. 

"Dude, tigang ka ba? Kay Dee na yun so back off", Zeke said. 

"Mga gago talaga kayo." Napailing-iling ako sa kanila. "She's Anais' best friend. We just talked, okay?"

"Ang hina mo naman", rinig kong bulong ni Aizel. Napa-tss nalang ako sa kaniya. 

"You honestly looked so smitten by her the last time. Why don't you ask Anais about her?", Zeke said while sloppily eating his burger. 

"Yun nga eh. I haven't had the chance to talk to Anais yet since the party." I casually drank my soda and looked at Zeke. "Eh ikaw, how is it with Anais?", I asked curiously. 

"Hmm avoiding the topic, huh", natatawang sabi ni Zeke. Aizel was just quietly eating while looking at us. Halatang di makarelate. Puro hook ups lang kasi ang alam.

Pagkatapos naming kumain ay nauna nang umalis si Aizel. Pumunta naman kaming dalawa ni Zeke sa campus to meet our other friends. After a few minutes, Zeke went to his next class so I decided to go home as well. While I was walking, I suddenly saw familiar face. It's her again. She was walking while on her phone. Napatingin ako sa aking paligid. It's definitely not safe to expose your phone here. Dali-dali ko siyang nilapitan. Baka kasi siya ang mapagtyempuhan ng mga holdapper na nag-aabang lang. 

"Hey, do you know it's dangerous to hold your phone while walking here?", I said. 

She looked up at me and I could see how her eyes lit up with amusement. We met again in a place where I wouldn't expect to meet her. I just knew that I have to take this chance so I asked for her number. Funny, right? Who asks for numbers these days? Dapat tinanong ko nalang name niya sa Messenger or sa Instagram para mas madali. Ayan tuloy, mapipilitan akong magpa-load. 

Later that day, I went home to have dinner with my family and a friend of papa's. Tinawagan ako ni mama kaninang magkausap kami ni Dani for a dinner that they arranged. 

"Dee, kilala mo naman na siguro si Mr. Madrigal, right?", tanong sa akin ni papa. 

"Yes, Pa", sagot ko sa kaniya. I looked at Tito Raul and his daughter, Zara. I nodded my head at them. "Good evening po." They both flashed me smiles. 

As we ate, puro business lang ang pinag-uusapan nila papa habang kami naman nila mama at Zara ang magkakausap. A little while later, papa talked to all of us.

"Listen, Mr. Madrigal and I have been friends for a long time now and we've been talking about having a partnership. With that, I mean, Zara here, will get affiliated with our family." 

My brows furrowed in confusion. I looked at Zara whose eyes are wide in shock. Si mama naman ay halatang wala ring alam sa mga plano ni papa. 

"We decided for you both to get married when you become the next CEO, Dee", papa said casually. Napatayo ako sa aking kinauupuan. 

"Pa, don't you think it's up to me to decide who I'll marry and when I'll get married? Wag niyo po sana akong itulad sa inyo ni mama", sagot ko sa kaniya. He gave a deep breath. Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang sagot ko.

"Well, you still have how many years to think about it. For now, you need to focus more on your work." He continued eating and talking to Mr. Madrigal as if marriage is an easy thing to do. I sighed in frustration. 

"Excuse me." I stood up and went outside to get some fresh air. Sumunod naman sa akin si mama. 

"Dee, I didn't know about this. I'm sorry." I stayed quiet for a while.

"Ma, I just recently found someone I like. Why does it feel like the world is against me?", I said bowing my head. She gently massaged my back. 

"Anak, you know what I always tell you, right? Follow your heart. Ako na ang bahala sa papa mo. You should also introduce me to your girl when you have time. Di ka na nagkekwento sa akin, anak ha. Nagtatampo na ako." I chuckled and hugged her tight. 

"Sorry na, ma. Medyo busy lang kasi sa work. Pero promise, I'll introduce you to her when I start pursuing her."

We suddenly heard a thump near us. Pagkalingon namin ay nakita namin si Zara na nakasandal sa may pintuan.

"I'm sorry to eavesdrop." Bahagya siyang napayuko sa kahihiyan. "I just didn't want to be there with them talking about their plans for us. It suffocates me." 

Nilapitan naman siya ni mama at niyakap. Zara has been through a lot. I knew her since we were little. Her dad never wanted her to be a fashion designer. He wanted her to follow in his steps. I guess this marriage is her punishment for not being able to fulfill her dad's lost dreams. 

"Don't worry, Dee. I'll try to convince my dad to change his mind. Ayoko ring matali sa isang kasal na hindi ko naman gusto." 

Like what my mom said, I need to follow my heart. And so I did. I technically just asked Dani on a date at the theatre. I bought two tickets for my mom and I but she said she couldn't go since may bigla siyang inasikaso. 

That night, when I picked up Dani at her house, my jaw literally dropped in awe. She looked so effortlessly beautiful. I was barely able to speak properly in front of her. I couldn't believe I watched my favorite musical with my crush. Oh, and Anais also messaged me out of nowhere sending Dani's social media account names. Mukhang boto naman siya sa akin para sa kaibigan niya.

After the show, we enjoyed eating cup noodles at 7-11 in our freaking formal attire. Well, it kinda looked cute. I enjoyed spending time with her. She makes me smile whenever she talks about even the littlest of things. 

Days went by smoothly as we get to know more about each other. Because of her, I smile a lot more than I used to. She makes me feel me. She's also the reason why I decided to play the violin again. I wanted us to play together. 

I feel like we're really meant to cross paths. Obviously, our names are matching. Not that it's a big factor or what but because our pasts were connected. I definitely feel something about her. Something strong. Something I haven't felt before. 

"I like you, Dani."

Without a single doubt, I told her my feelings. I've grown really fond of her. Never kong inakalang mararamdaman ko ito sa isang tao. Mas lalong tumindi ang nararamdaman ko para sa kaniya when she confessed that she liked me too. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt. 

"Dee, bakit ang aga mo mag-impake? We're still going to spend the New Year's here." I stood up and faced my mom. 

"Ma, you told me to follow my heart. I'm doing it now." I smiled at her widely. 

That day, I booked the earliest flight back to the Philippines. All I kept thinking about was her. For once, I want to do what I want to do. I don't care about what my dad would say. I lived my whole life following him. Allowing him to groom me. To show me off to his business partners. Just this once, I want to be happy for making my own decision. For choosing someone I want to be with. 

"It's almost 8 am here. I'm still in bed", I said while walking towards her. Nakatalikod siya sa gawi ko kaya hindi niya ako nakita.  

["Ang saya namin dito. I wish you were here, Dee."] I chuckled knowing that I was just right behind her. 

"Turn around then." She immediately faced me with eyes wide in shock. She ran to me and hugged me tight. 

At that moment, I asked her to be my girlfriend. She said yes to me at exactly 12 midnight. That was an unexpected way to celebrate the new year but it was probably the best I've had so far. 

"Dee, I'm sorry if I keep bugging you but can you ask Chanel Suarez if she is hiring right now?", Zara asked. She's with me in our garden while my dad and Mr. Madrigal are eating dinner inside our house. Ever since she knew about my relationship with Dani, she never stopped asking me questions about her. Sabi niya, idol niya daw si Dani. I mean who wouldn't right? That woman is multi-talented. 

I flinched when she knelt down, held my hand and squeezed it. "I promise, Dee. I will do everything to persuade my dad to change his mind about the marriage. Just please do me this favor." She looked at me with puppy eyes. Napabuntong hininga ako.

"Fine, fine. Get up there", sagot ko sa kaniya.

At ayun na nga, I asked Dani to give Zara a chance. Buti napapayag ko. She's been looking for an addition to her design team so I referred Zara. And she never failed. Dani saw potential in her so she was hired. They even became close with each other. Also, it was kinda weird but they looked so alike the more I notice.  

"I'm sure she can get her own food, Mirasol. You don't need to serve her and treat her like a baby."

My hand formed into a fist as soon as I heard the words that came out of my father's mouth. I invited Dani over for dinner because I wanted papa to see how serious I am in this relationship and that the only person I'd want to marry right now is her. But sadly, he doesn't see through it and even looked down on her for her profession which is below the belt. 

"What did I tell you, Dee?", mariin na sabi sa akin ni papa na ngayo'y kinakausap ako dito sa may kusina. 

"Didn't I make myself clear? You will be marrying Zara. What the heck did that stupid little mind of yours think when you asked that woman to be your girlfriend?", nakapameywang niyang sabi.

"Pa, please stop meddling into my personal life. I followed everything you wanted me to do. I chose this career path and got high grades for you. I did all of that to impress you. Isn't that enough?" I paused to catch my breath. "I'll do anything just please not this. I love Dani. I really do." I looked at him intently waiting for his answer.

"You'll regret this later, Dee", he scoffed. He went closer to me and whispered. "Break up with her right this instant." He left me there shaking with anger. How can someone so rich be more greedy than he already is? Money and power changed him so much. 

Nevertheless, I disregarded the things he told me that night. I continued my relationship with Dani. With her, I forget every single problem I have. We were happy in each other's presence. We were always unfazed whenever some things come our way. I thought our relationship was perfect. 

But that was just a thought. 

"Dee, don't forget the deal we talked about." I stopped chewing and bit my lower lip to stop myself from saying something bad against my father. I saw my mom looking at me with concern from my peripheral vision. I knew this day would come. That he'd bring back that talk about my marriage with Zara. 

I never really noticed that it was that fast. I gave up on that thought years ago ever since Dani and I became official. I didn't want her to know because I promised myself I'd take care of it. But then now, I'm not sure if I still could. 

Days before he brought that topic back, I came home straight from work instead of going to my condo. What I saw shocked me. 

"Oh, Dee. Napauwi ka?"

"Oo nga po eh. Namiss ko lang si mama. Asan po siya manang?", tanong ko sa aming kasambahay pagkadating ko. 

"Nasa taas lang, nak." 

Dumiretso ako paakyat ng kwarto niya. I didn't even bother to knock so she was shocked to see me open the door. She immediately covered herself up with her robe. But even before she did, I saw both of her arms full of bruises. 

"Ma, bat ang dami mong pasa?", takang tanong ko sa kaniya.

"W-wala ito anak. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor. L-lately kasi dumadami mga pasa ko. H-hindi naman ako nasasagi", she said while trying to avert her gaze from me. 

Dun palang alam kong may nangyayaring hindi ko alam. I was having doubts about it. I tried so hard to think that it was just a health condition and not papa abusing her.

But it seemed like I was right all along. 

"TAMA NA, DAVE!", rinig kong sigaw ni mama pagkadating ko sa bahay. I hurriedly ran upstairs to her room. Papa was above her while holding a golf stick. Akmang papaluin siya ni papa gamit nito pero natigilan rin nang makita ako sa may pintuan. 

"Ma!", I shouted. Dali-dali kong nilapitan si papa at sinuntok siya. He fell on the floor. I sat beside mama at napaiyak nalang nang makita ko ang kaniyang kalagayan. 

"Ma, let's go to the hospital", I said while trying to reach for her cardigan. Just when I was about to face her, pinaharap ako ni papa sa kaniya at sinuntok ako ng dalawang beses sa mukha. 

"Dee!", sigaw ni mama. 

"You bastard!" He knocked me out and pinned me on the wall. 

"Ikaw! Wala ka na ngang kwenta, pabigat ka pa!", he said furiously. At dahil sa mga sinabi niya, hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. I pushed his hands away from my polo. 

"Pa, may mali ba akong ginawa?! I followed you all my life and yet you still invalidate me! Ano pa bang gusto mo?!", pabalang kong sagot sa kaniya. 

He went a little closer and gripped my clothes again. "Do me a favor and stay away from that woman of yours or else I'll take away everything you have right now", pananakot niya sa akin. 

"I'm not scared about losing everything. I can start from the bottom if that's what it takes", I told him bravely. He scoffed. 

"I know you're not afraid of that but if you won't do as I say, I can make your life a living hell. You don't know what else I can do to Sol and probably even to Chanel."

"Don't fucking touch her!" I gritted my teeth. He smiled and left mama and I stunned. I went near her and hugged her. Simula noon, lalong nanaig ang takot sa aking puso. 

To be continued...