#NewClassicPFL

Chapter 14
Wedding

Wearing a white tank top, tucked in a denim fitted jeans, I partnered it with my white Loubi Queen heels from Louboutin and a Kate Spade knot flop crossbody bag in black. Hinayaan kong nakalugay ang aking buhok at hindi na rin inabala pa ang sariling maglagay ng makeup dahil aayusan naman ako pagdating sa studio.

Pagkababa ko sa kusina ay katatapos lamang iinit ni Ritchelle ang croissant na hawak. Maingat niyang inilapag iyon sa lamesa katabi ng orange juice.

"I just bought you a butter croissant from your favorite bakery," she told me. "Gusto mo ba ng avocado?"

I smiled at her. "Yes, please."

"How about scrambled eggs?"

"No, thank you."

Nginitian lamang ako pabalik ni Ritchelle at kinuha na mula sa refrigerator ang glass tupperware kung saan nakalagay ang mga sliced avocado. Madalas ko 'yong kinakain tuwing umagahan kaya laging mayroong nakahandang stock no'n na nakahiwa na.

Habang hinahanda ni Ritchelle ang avocado ay maingat kong hinati sa gitna ang croissant gamit ang bread knife. Doon ko napansin na wala siyang pagkain para sa sarili niya.

"Aren't you going to eat?" I asked her, worried that she still had not eaten. "Samahan mo na ako."

Umiling naman siya at nilagay sa ibabaw ng hiwang croissant ang sliced avocados. "Kumain na ako sa bahay bago umalis," sabi niya. "Just eat your breakfast quick. Ang sabi sa akin ni Mr. Joel ay dadaanan ka raw ni Sic at doon tayo sasabay sa kanila kaya hindi ko na pinaghanda ang driver mo."

I snapped my head up to Ritchelle. She was casually pouring herself a glass of water.

"He will?" Sic didn't even tell me about it.

Tumango siya sa akin. "It's a good thing for you two to be seen together more frequently," paliwanag niya. "Iyong naging date ninyo kahapon sa Enchanted Kingdom, naging trending sa social media. It increased your brand reputation."

After biting my lower lip, I began beating the croissant with avocado as I remembered how our pictures caused an uproar in all social media platforms. Pinagkatuwaan nilang lahat ang pag-iwas ni Sic sa tubig upang mabasa ako. They all liked his playfulness. A lot of people even said that they wanted the relationship we have―a couple who acts like they're just best friends.

If they only knew how tiring it was to keep up with Sic, they might reconsider that thought. But at the same time, it's also possible for them to like it even more if they get to know him better.

"A few offers from top and famous brands want to collab with you for a solo endorsement," she told me. "I will go through their emails tonight and review everything. Kapag nafilter ko na ang mga brands na sa tingin ko ay maganda ang offer at bagay sa 'yo, saka ko ifo-forward sa 'yo. As usual, you'll make the final decision."

Napangiti ako at saka tumango. It was nice to see Ritchelle growing so much as my manager. She became more knowledgeable about her job. Siguro'y talagang nakatulong sa kanya ang pagsama kay Mr. Joel. She was learning a lot from him for free. Mas lumaki rin ang kanyang koneksyon.

Nagmadali ako sa pagkain lalo na nang magtext si Mr. Joel na parating na sila in fifteen minutes. Sakto namang pagkatapos ko ulit na mag-ayos ulit ay dumating na sila.

Naunang pumasok si Ritchelle sa loob upang maupo sa likuran. Si Mr. Joel ay katabi ng driver sa harapan at si Sic ang aking magiging katabi na mukhang natutulog kaya tahimik lamang kami ni Ritchelle.

"Is he asleep?" mahinang tanong ko kay Mr. Joel nang hindi ko napigilan ang sarili.

Lumingon si Mr. Joel sa likuran upang silipin ang alaga. Kaya nga lang ay bago pa siya makasagot, nagulat ako nang biglang magsalita si Sic upang siya mismo ang sumagot ng aking tanong.

"I'm not."

With my eyes wide open, I turned back to him. He had a smile on his face while removing his airpods. Although he tried to look bright, his slight puffy eyes made him look tired and sleepy.

"He got off work at 2AM," sabi ni Mr. Joel na parang nagsusumbong sa akin. "Late nagsimula ang meeting dahil na-traffic siya papuntang First Class kagabi. It's a good thing the brand was very kind and patient with him."

Sumimangot ako kay Sic bahagya at mabilis niyang pinanlakihan ng mata si Mr. Joel. Nang ibinalik naman niya sa akin ang tingin ay muli siyang ngumiti.

"I told you we should have went home earlier yesterday." I couldn't help but scold him. "Nakuha mo pang magstay kagabi sa amin kaysa dumiretso sa meeting mo."

Sic looked so taken aback. But then, he smiled and reached out for my hand. He gently caressed the back of hand with his fingers. "I'm sorry, love..." he apologized with a very soft and sweet voice, like he was trying to seduce me. "I know I was wrong. Please don't be mad."

Kinagat ko ang aking ibabang labi at saka marahas na binawi sa kanya ang aking kamay. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya bago sumandal sa upuan. "Hindi ako galit," sabi ko na lang.

"Then, don't let go of my hand..." he said, held my hand once again, and then tried to put it on his lap.

"Nahihirapan ako," reklamo ko na lang at sinubukan ulit bawiin ang aking kamay ngunit hinigpitan niya ang kanyang hawak sa akin.

"I'll adjust," he simply said and extended his arm to my side, willing to compromise just to keep holding my hand.

Napanguso ako at hindi na nagreklamo. Nadinig ko naman ang malalim na pagbubuntonghininga ni Mr. Joel. When I looked at him through in front, he was shaking his head while scrolling on his iPad.

Hanggang sa nakarating kami sa studio ay hawak-hawak pa rin ni Sic ang aking kamay. Kahit na mukhang hindi siya kumportable sa posisyon ay hindi siya nagreklamo. Naghiwalay lamang kami nang pumasok na sa kanya-kanyang dressing room.

We were shooting for an endorsement with a Philippine banking company. We would promote the joint savings account they offer to the public. So aside from the normal photoshoot, we would also film another commercial ad next week. We already read the storyline the marketing and creative team came up with.

Since we're a couple, we will act like we're planning early for our future by saving at our joint account which will be beneficial for the both of us in starting to build a home and family of our own.

Of course, Sic was so ecstatic to hear the story. He was very satisfied with it. Ang sabi pa niya ay magandang practice 'yon para sa aming dalawa sa totoong buhay. He even mentioned our future wedding which I wasn't aware of. Good thing I wasn't bewildered about his outrageous thoughts and comments anymore. His imagination was always ten steps ahead of our reality. I already knew that.

"Ang ganda-ganda mo naman kahit walang makeup..." puring-puri ako ng makeup artist nang pinunasan niya ng cleansing toner ang aking mukha bago lagyan ng makeup. "Walang ka-pores-pores. Napakakinis."

I just smiled because I didn't know what to say. I often got those praises a lot so I was already used to it.

"Maganda talaga siya."

Gulat akong napalingon sa kapapasok lamang na Sic sa aking dressing room. He was already dressed up. Napakabilis talagang ayusan ng mga lalaki kaysa sa aming mga babae. Mabuti na lang at hindi ganoon kakumplikado ang gagawin sa ayos sa akin.

"Bagay sa aking guwapo," dagdag niya na nagpatawa sa mga staff.

Rolling my eyes, a smile still escaped from my lips. Feeling guwapo pa rin talaga.

"Guwapong-guwapo ka nga po, Sir Sic," pagpuri din sa kanya ng makeup artist.

Sic looked at me through the mirror. "Hear that, Lav?" He gave me a smug smile. Nagyayabang pa talaga siya sa akin na sinabihan siyang guwapo.

"Sorry. Hindi ko narinig," sabi ko na lang at saka pekeng ngumiti sa kanya.

Magsasalita pa sana siya nang biglang pumasok din si Mr. Joel. He looked so problematic when he saw Sic inside.

"Fransic, go back to your dressing room," Mr. Joel ordered him with a hard tone. "Hinahanap ka ng makeup artist at hairstylist mo. Hindi ka pa tapos ayusan at nangangapitbahay ka na."

My lips parted when I looked at Sic again through his reflection. I didn't notice that he wasn't wearing light makeup yet. Noon ko lamang napansin nang sinabi ni Mr. Joel. Pati ang kanyang buhok ay katulad pa rin ng ayos mula kanina. Hindi pa pala siya tapos ngunit ang lakas ng loob niyang makigulo sa dressing room ko.

"Is it wrong to visit my girlfriend?" Sic pouted like a cute boy while explaining himself. "I just missed my Lavi."

Nadinig ko ang mahina at pigil na tili ng mga staff na kasama ko sa loob ng dressing.

Mr. Joel shut his eyes tightly to control his patience. He let out a deep exhale as he opened them. "Okay..." he said under his breath. "I understand. Pero, please, bumalik ka muna sa dressing room mo? Ngayon din."

Bago sundin ni Sic si Mr. Joel ay nilingon niya ako sa salamin. He was still pouting when he waved at me. Mukha siyang kawawa na hindi ko napigilan ang sarili na matawa sa kanyang itsura. Napailing na lang ako at hinayaan na siyang lumabas ng kuwarto.

Once he was gone with Mr. Joel, the staff all went serious with their work. After thirty minutes, we were all set for the shoot. Pinapuwesto kami kaagad ni Sic sa set upang umpisahan ang pagkuha ng mga litrato.

The set was like a mockup of a nice living room with a bright lighting. Parang iyong mga showroom for condo units. The interior had a white motif, accentuated with the representative color of the bank, which was also the color of our outfits.

"Lavinia, please hold the phone and lie down the sofa. Iyong ulo mo ay dapat nakaunan sa hita ni Sic," utos sa akin ng concept director. "And then, Sic, just sit down while the laptop is right in front of you. Pagkatapos, gusto ko ay tumingin kayo sa isa't isa habang nakangiti. Act like you two are so happy because of your savings and investments. And of course, be comfortable and natural as much as you can."

Because I was a professional model, I didn't mind how intimate the director wanted us to be. I laid down on his lap without hesitation. I felt him slightly froze but then he chuckled and relaxed eventually as his fingers gently fixed my hair which were all over his lap.

"You look so comfortable..." he pointed that out.

"Well, the director asked us to look that way," I reminded him.

He leaned over to get a closer look on my face. His shadow fell over me as he blocked the light. He was smiling when I looked back at him. I knew I'm beautiful but I wasn't confident with that angle so I frowned at him and pushed his face away.

"Umayos ka nga," angal ko sa kanya. "We're in the middle of work."

He laughed. "You don't have to be shy," he said and pinched my cheek lightly. "You're still beautiful."

"Hindi ako nahihiya," pagtanggi ko.

"Okay, okay..." Bahagya pa rin siyang natawa. "Sabi mo, eh."

I just rolled my eyes at him. Dahil hindi pa kami nagseseryoso ay tinawag ng direktor ang aming atensyon upang umayos. Both of us finally cooperated with the director and the photographer. Kahit na mapaglaro si Sic, kapag nagseryoso na siya ay maayos at mabilis naming natatapos ang trabaho.

We did a lot of shots on the first set before we went on a break to eat lunch. Everyone praised us for our good chemistry and because we were easy to work with. Hindi sila nahirapang makuha ang mga hinahanap nilang shots sa aming dalawa ni Sic.

Magkasama kaming dalawa ni Sic sa loob ng lounge kung saan nakahanda ang aming pagkain. Ritchelle and Mr. Joel ate their lunch ahead of us, kaya naman nagce-cellphone lang si Ritchelle sa aming tapat habang si Mr. Joel ay nakikipag-interact sa mga staff sa labas.

"You should eat more," sabi sa akin ni Sic nang makitang tapos ko nang kainin ang hinandang steak at mashed potato para sa akin. Itinulak niya palapit ang isa pang slab ng steak. "Sa 'yo na 'tong isa ko."

He had two portions of the same meal I had so he decided to give me one.

"I'm already full," I told him and pushed his plate back. "Just eat it."

"You need to eat more, Lav," he said. "Our hectic schedule could be very tiring. Kailangan mong kumain nang kumain para mas lumakas ka."

"I normally eat a lot," paliwanag ko sa kanya dahil hindi naman ako katulad ng ibang mga models na mayroong mahigpit na diet plan. "Hindi nga lang ako tumataba kahit gaano ako karaming kumain."

His eyes slightly narrowed while trying to decide if he would take my explanation as the truth or not. But then, while we were in the midst of a petty argument―if that's what you could call it―Ritchelle suddenly gasped.

Agad ko siyang nilingon. Napatakip siya sa kanyang bibig habang mayroong binabasa sa cellphone. Napakunot ang aking noo dahil sa kuryosidad. Hindi rin maganda ang ekspresyon na kanyang ipinakita.

"What's wrong, Ritchelle?" I asked her when I couldn't hold back.

She slowly lifted her gaze up to me and bit her lower lip. Sinulyapan niya rin si Sic at napalunok. It seemed like she was having a hard time to decide if she would tell me or not.

Mas lalo akong naging kuryoso. Hindi ko na siya hinintay na magsalita. I got her phone which left her hand hanging. Pagkakita ko sa article na binabasa niya ay nanlaki rin ang aking mga mata.

"Heir of Alcazar Holdings and Heiress of Cardenas Tradings are expected to tie the knot next year"

My lips and throat went dry as I read the headline. I didn't know what urged me to read the whole article even when I already got slapped hard by the headline, but I still continued.

The private bachelor and current Director of Alcazar Holdings, Neil Alcazar, and the socialite heiress of Cardenas Tradings, Charlemaine Cardenas, stirred up the entire business industry in the Philippines with the news of their wedding set next year.

Along with the establishment of the A&C Group, between the two top performing companies in the country, it is also reported that the heir and heiress are also engaged to strengthen the ties between the two families. The engaged couple was also seen going home together from a corporate event last week, and according to an insider, a huge-scale engagement party is about to happen next month.

Pragmatic marriage or not―you can not deny the chemistry of the good-looking and rich couple. Congratulations!

I slowly put the phone down on the table after I finished reading the entire article. I was in a state of disbelief that I wanted to re-read the article just to see if I read the words right and understood it clearly. However, I knew I couldn't handle reading it again without breaking down. All I could do was to stare blankly at the phone until the screen shut off on its own.

Is this what he wanted to tell me? Is she the person he wanted to introduce to me?

Clenching my fist and biting my lip tightly, I tried to control my emotions. But once I had gotten over the initial shock, it felt like all the blood in my heart was getting squeezed out that it hurt so much. And then, all of a sudden, realization struck me like lightning.

Neil is getting married.