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Chapter 39
Ring

I held my chin up with confidence once I entered the hall with my father. Right in the middle, I immediately spotted Callum with his parents. They were all wearing formal attires just for that evening.

While I was focused on the single table inside the hall, I didn't notice right away how Callum had outdone himself. with the preparations. Although it was given that he owned the hotel, I couldn't believe that he chose one of their function halls as the venue of our dinner. I thought he would just use a premier suite. He even had everything decorated, like it was some sort of an engagement party.

"Lavi..." Callum was polite enough to meet us halfway. He turned to my father and offered his hand. "Mr. Ordoveza, it's nice to finally meet you."

Dad wore a stern face as he exchanged handshakes with Callum. "My pleasure."

Callum briefly smiled at that and looked at me. "Shall we take a seat?"

I just smiled back at him. He offered his arm, so I linked mine with his. Habang naglalakad naman pabalik sa table ay inilapit ni Callum ang kanyang ulo sa akin upang bumulong.

"Sic went to my office the other day. He was very furious. Muntik niya na akong masapak," he whispered.

My eyes slightly widened. I snapped my head to the right and looked at him. He was already facing forward with a playful smile on his face. I wanted to ask him what happened, but we had already arrived at the table. I needed to stop myself from blurting out my question.

As a woman with big ties to fashion, my attention was averted to Callum's mother—Anastasia Acosta. I had to admit that she looked very elegant and sophisticated with a dress she probably had customized as it seemed unique and personally suited to her. One glance and you could immediately tell that she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. As far as I know, her parents are multimillionaire moguls, owning Caballero Hotel Corporation alone. And when she married Philip Acosta, that's when the birth of Caballero-Acosta Group of Hotels happened.

Honestly, I wasn't interested in business or even learning about it. Pero dahil may koneksyon 'yon kay Sic, I wanted to exert effort and try to understand everything about him. I just had to do my research regarding his father's company which is now being managed by Callum. And speaking of Philip Acosta...

Nilipat ko ang aking tingin sa lalaking pirming nakatayo sa aking harapan. He was looking at me with his scrutinizing gaze. I wasn't intimidated though because I was aware of how I was staring at him at the same time. Kahit na hindi ko siya talagang kilala, hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng galit para kina Fransic, Tita Chesca at pati na rin sa kanyang asawa.

Although I didn't want to see his resemblance with Sic, I couldn't deny how they looked similar. Sa kanya namana ni Sic ang kanyang mga mata na una kong napansin.

"Mom, Dad..." tawag ni Callum sa atensyon ng kanyang mga magulang. "This is my fiancée, Lavinia Ordoveza, and her father and CEO of Karma, Mr. Virgil Ordoveza."

"Pleasure to meet you, Lavinia." Philip Acosta tried his best to extend his hand over the table.

Not to be rude, I smiled and briefly shook his hand. "The pleasure is also mine, Sir."

"Just call me Tito Phil or Philip. No need for formalities."

Thanks, but I won't.

Of course I wouldn't say that and cause trouble. "Sure."

Isang ngiti ang muling ginawad niya sa akin bago niya nilingon si Daddy. Gaya ng ginawa niya kanina ay naglahad ulit siya ng kamay.

"Philip," he said. "I heard so many things about you and your company."

Dad shook his hand without hesitation. "Virgil. Same here."

"And this is my wife, Anastasia," he didn't forget to also introduce her.

While Philip was very humble and warmly introducing himself to us, his wife was the opposite of him. She kept her arms crossed and didn't even bother at all. Mukha namang sanay na sila dahil hindi nila 'yon pinuna.

"So we're all gathered here to discuss our children's engagement," Philip Acosta led the talk as soon as we were all settled down. "I'm sorry about the sudden announcement, Mr. Ordoveza. I believe you are shocked by the news."

"I won't deny that," my father briefly answered. "I didn't expect that my daughter would accept your son's proposal."

"Why would your daughter reject my son's offer? He's a huge catch!" Anastasia Acosta joined the conversation with an annoying confidence in her face.

"Anastasia, please..." Philip tried to warn his wife.

"What?" She played innocently and took a sip of her wine. "I'm just telling the truth," she added. "I read the proposal and both companies will benefit so much from the partnership. It's a win-win situation. I don't understand how it's possible that she will turn down such a great opportunity."

My eyes narrowed as I looked at her. It had not been even five minutes yet and I was already hating her. I initially kind of pitied her, at the thought that her husband cheated with another woman, but it was immediately replaced with a different dark emotion. Every word coming out of her mouth didn't sit well with me.

If I didn't swear to myself that I'd be in my best behavior, she'd most probably be hearing things from me already. Her attitude irritated me to the depths.

Biting my lower lip to keep myself from saying words that could ruin the evening, I checked on Callum to see how he was reacting. With an apathetic expression, his lips were tightly pursed as he stared at his parents, particularly his mother.

"I'm still reviewing the proposal, though," my father suddenly countered, making me turn to him.

Anastasia's forehead creased. "Excuse me?"

"I just want to say that you shouldn't be too full of yourself. I understand that you have pride when it comes to your business, and I can certainly sympathize with that," Dad continued. "Although I admit that your company is one of top performing companies in the country, Karmaz is not lagging behind. We are an internationally well-known brand. We don't really need the partnership for our business to continuously thrive."

"You—"

"Stop it, Anastasia. Mahiya ka naman," mariing sabi ni Philip sa asawa bago pa siya makasagot kay Daddy.

"But Philip!"

"I said, stop it. Don't make a scene here." Philip was trying his best not to lose his patience, and I understood that feeling. "I'm sorry about that, Virgil," he quickly apologized. "Let's not talk business since it's not our main agenda for tonight. Ang magiging kasal ng mga anak natin ang importante."

At that point, I was relieved that my father took the words out of my mouth. I didn't have to waste time giving her a piece of my mind. Tutal ay mukhang hindi naman siya makikinig. I could see how closed-minded she was.

My father sighed as he nodded. "Very well..."

Napangiti naman si Philip bago nilingon ang anak. "Callum, I'll let you lead the talk," sabi niya. "Tell us your plans."

Naramdaman ko namang umayos ng upo si Callum sa aking tabi. I twisted my neck to look at him. Mas lalong sumeryoso ang kanyang mukha.

"It's exactly as what I've shared with the media, we will marry and seal the partnership between our companies," he said. "Lavi and I will start preparing for the engagement party next month, and if everything goes well, we will push through the wedding by the end of the year."

Wow... I certainly have not heard of that. What a smooth talker and a great liar. He's even better than me. I couldn't help but compare him with Sic. Magkapatid nga silang talaga.

"That fast?" gulat na tanong ni Daddy.

"Virgil's right, Callum," Philip seconded that. "Hindi ba masyadong mabilis? You two can have it next year instead."

"The earlier, the better." Callum remained firm with his first statement.

"Are you sure about that, Cal?" Anastasia joined the conversation once again, using a tone which ticked me off right away.

Kakasimula niya pa lang ulit magsalita ay halos mapataas na agad ang kilay ko. I don't really like her.

"Your fiancée here just came from a huge controversy..." she continued and even glanced at me meaningfully. "Shouldn't we let everything cool down first before you two get married? I don't want people to think that you're only an option to her..."

"Anastasia, I told you—"

"And what are you trying to point out?" I cut Philip off to finally speak my mind. I couldn't keep my mouth shut any longer. She successfully exceeded my patience, and she's going to get what she deserves.

If she thinks I'll curl up like a ball and just let her speak subtle insults about me, my family, and our company, then she's messing up with the wrong person. I will never allow myself to be trampled on like that, especially not from someone like her.

"I'm just telling the truth, Lavinia," she explained with a smirk on her lips. "I don't want my son to be in the bad light. He's got a reputation to live up to as the President of our company. I hope you understand where I'm coming from."

"And you think I don't?" I asked, spitting my words out.

"No, of course not," she said and shook her head. "You've been living up to your reputation really well, actually. You're widely known to be in an arranged relationship. What's new, right?"

I clenched my fist. That was the only time I couldn't deny her words because it was true anyway. Ayon ang alam ng lahat. They didn't know what's happening behind the scenes.

"Now that we're here, why don't we discuss a prenuptial agreement?" she suggested, raising an eyebrow.

"Anastasia, let's not go into that," Philip told his wife.

"Phil—"

Naramdaman ko ang paggalaw ni daddy sa aking tabi, halatang hindi rin nagustuhan ang nadinig. "Are you trying to say that my daughter is interested in your son's wealth and properties?" tanong niya at dinig ko ang iritasyon sa boses.

"I'm doing this for our son, Virgil. I hope you're not offended. Ayokong sa huli ay talo ang anak ko. This concern also applies to your daughter," paliwanag naman ni Anastasia. "This is just an arranged marriage. We don't know what will happen in the future. Kailangan nating makasigurado."

"Nakakabastos ka kina Lavinia at Virgil, Anastasia. Let the bride's family decide on this matter," pangaral ni Philip sa kanya.

He looked really embarrassed with his wife. Para bang kung puwedeng hatakin niya palabas ang asawa at umuwi na lamang silang dalawa ay gagawin niya.

"No, Sir, it's alright." I finally butted in and smiled. "I don't really mind signing a prenuptial agreement. I have no interest in his money. I can earn myself, thank you."

"That's right. She doesn't need your money." My eyes widened and snapped towards the direction where the familiar voice came from. "I can give her every penny I have in all my accounts."

I heard Callum chuckle just as I saw Fransic standing near our table. Mayroong nakahabol sa kanyang hotel employee na agad ding tumalikod at umalis nang malingon sa gawi namin ni Callum.

Making a bigger reaction than I did, Philip immediately stood up from his seat. "Leo."

There was a mixture of happiness and concern written on his face when he saw his son. He was staring at him like he had never seen him for such a long time. On the other hand though, Sic didn't even spare him a glance.

Napansin ko naman ang paglingon sa akin ni daddy. Puno ng pagtataka ang kanyang mukha dahil sa biglang pagdating ni Sic.

"Great..." Anastasia said with sarcasm. "Now her ex bastard is here, too."

"Anastasia! Stop calling him that!" Philip snapped at her for insulting his son.

My forehead creased. I thought he wouldn't show any affection or concern to Sic, but he surprisingly seemed fond of him. It wasn't what I expected, so I was a little baffled.

"And what do you want me to call him, Philip?" Anastasia argued. "I was just telling the truth. He's really a bastard."

"Mom, please." Even Callum tried to stop her from being a bitch.

Anastasia looked offended as she turned to her son. "Not you, Callum..." She was disappointed as well. "I can't believe you two are ganging up on me for that bastard. He's not even invited here!"

"He is family, Anastasia," Philip reminded her.

"Philip—"

"No need to argue among yourselves. I'm not planning to stay," Sic said and cut her off. "I'm just here to get someone."

My heart banged hard against my chest. Ignoring other people's stare, Fransic turned his head in my direction and began walking towards me. In anticipation of having him near me, my throat became parched. I swallowed hard but it wasn't enough, especially when he carefully reached for my hand and held it tightly.

I honestly felt like crying when he allowed himself to hold me again willingly. He was even staring straight into my eyes, revealing all the emotions he tried to conceal for the past few days.

"I'm getting my girlfriend," he added without averting his gaze.

"What the hell? Your girlfriend?" Anastasia reacted but none of us looked her way to give her the attention she wanted.

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata at napaawang ang mga labi. Muli kong nadinig ang mahinang pagtawa ni Callum sa aming likuran. Mukhang nadinig din 'yon ni Sic dahil saglit niyang inilipat ang tingin sa kanyang kapatid.

"Clean the mess you made, Cal," he said, sounding like he was giving him a warning.

"That's easy," Callum replied lazily.

After getting a positive answer from his brother, Sic gently pulled me up from my seat. "We have to talk," he whispered to me.

For a moment, I was so easily drawn to him that I couldn't stop myself from coming with him. I didn't even try to put up a fight. I was like a metal attracted to a magnet.

"Oh, right! Before we leave..." Sic turned his head to look at Anastasia. "You can breathe now, Tita. No need for prenup. Lavi will not marry your son."

With that parting words, Fransic continued walking away while taking me with him. I thought we would just talk right outside the hall, but I was surprised when he suddenly let me inside his sports car that was waiting at the hotel's driveway.

"Where are we going?" I asked him once he started the engine. "We can talk there! Hindi pa tapos ang meeting namin! We still have yet to talk about the wedding!"

"Walang kasal na mangyayari," mariin niyang sabi habang pinapaharurot ang sasakyan sa kalsada.

"Oh, yes, there is! I'm already engaged to Callum!" pilit ko.

He chuckled with sarcasm and smirked. "Engaged my ass," he spat the words out. "Stop pretending with that annoying shit. You're my girlfriend."

Bahagya akong natigil dahil sa sinabi niya. He knows we're only pretending? And what did he say? I'm his girlfriend?

I did my best to look over the moon when he claimed that I was still his girl. Ayaw kong isipin niya na marupok ako. Kailangan ko siyang tiisin!

"Wow! Coming from you!" sabi ko. "You broke up with me! Hindi na tayo!"

"I'm taking you back now," he simply said, his jaw clenching repeatedly like he was holding himself back.

My lips parted at that. I couldn't help but feel pissed off at the moment. Akala niya ba ay talagang mahal na mahal ko siya at agad ko siyang tatanggapin dahil lang bumalik siya sa akin? Do I look that easy?

"Who says I'm coming back to you?" I argued. "Ibaba mo na nga ako dito! I'm going to ask someone to pick me up!"

Instead of answering my question or stopping the car like what I wanted, he continued driving with his lips sealed. Hindi na siya muli pang nagsalita hanggang sa nakarating kami sa basement parking ng kanyang tower. I had not been here for a week so it felt a little nostalgic. However, I did not let it show and continued to free myself from his hold.

"Why did you take me here?" I asked, but he still did not answer.

Pumasok kaming dalawa sa elevator. Ilang beses kong sinubukang magtanong, showing how I was trying my best to resist. Kaya nga lang ay nanatili siyang walang imik.

Tuluyan na kaming nakapasok sa kanyang condo. It felt hollow and empty. Para bang simula nang iniwan ko 'to ay wala nang ibang tumira. Nawalan na ng buhay ang unit kahit na binuksan pa ni Sic ang lahat ng ilaw sa tanggapan.

The memories inside this place, which all died before, came rushing back to me. Muling binalot ng sakit ang aking puso. I started to long again for every moment spent with him. It was the place where I dreamed of being married to him and spending the rest of my life with him beside me. Hindi nga lang 'yon nagtagal dahil agad ding nasira ang lahat.

Although my heart never really moved on, coming back here was like coming back to him.

"I'm not staying here," I said with my voice hoarse. "I'm leaving."

Bago pa ako makaikot at maglakad palayo ay muli akong hinila ni Sic pabalik sa kanya. One tug at my arm and I immediately crashed onto his broad chest. The warmth of his body started to spread inside me when he wrapped his arms around me. But instead of melting at his touch, I just froze and stood there while he held me.

"I'm sorry, Lavi..." he apologized, almost whispering the words with sincerity. "I really didn't know what to do... I was lost... I don't know..."

The pain I felt buried itself deeply into my chest. I had been waiting for this moment to come again. I should be happy but I didn't know why I was hurting so much.

"I wanted to keep you. I wanted so much to keep you... I'm in love with you... so much..." he continued, sounding hoarse as if he was just forcing himself to speak so he could explain everything to me. "I was torn choosing between you and my mother... And I... I can't leave her after what she's been through. She needs me... Ako na lang ang meron siya..."

I pressed my lips tightly into a line. Why does it sound like he's still trying to say goodbye? Bakit parang hindi pa rin pwedeng maging kami?

"But I..." He took a deep breath, holding me closer and tighter. "I need you..." he admitted and my lips parted at his confession. "I really need you, Lavi..."

My body slowly relaxed when his words caressed my heart with those promising words. A smile was trying to form in my lips, but I couldn't allow myself to be fully happy. I still had no idea what was going to happen to the both of us.

But then, just as my mind was starting to be clouded with doubts, Fransic suddenly loosened his hold as he slowly knelt down. Both his knees were pressed against the hard, wooden floor.

"I don't have a ring with me right now... All I can offer you is me and my name..." he said while his sincere gaze was fixed on me.

My pulse skyrocketed to see him looking up to me with his eyes all watery. They were brimming with hope and longing, and I knew I was mirroring them as I anticipated his next words.

"Lavi..." he said my name in the most endearing way I had ever heard. "I know you still have dreams to reach and goals to fulfill, and I want you to know that I'll be just right here beside you," he continued. "But once you have everything that you're yearning for, I don't want another fake relationship with you. I don't want to settle just being your boyfriend. I want to marry you and build a family with you."

Sic reached for my left hand. And without a ring to slide on my ring finger, he pressed a soft kiss on it instead.

"Lavi, I want to be a part of your life... Will you allow me to spend it with you?"

I bit my lower lip as a tear escaped from my eye once he popped the question. I raised my head to stop the tears from falling, but they were already out of my control. Sa sobrang saya ay hindi ko mapigilan ang maiyak. Natawa na lamang ako sa sarili.

"You're really underestimating yourself, Fransic..." I told him and finally lowered my head to look at him again. "I still don't have everything that I'm yearning for without you in my life and the family that we're going to build someday."

His lips parted and I felt his hold on my hand loosen up a bit.

I kept a smile on my face. Dahan-dahan kong ibinaba ang aking sarili. Kinalimutan ko na ang plano kong hindi maging marupok at agad na yumakap sa kanya. I pressed my face on his broad shoulder. Mas lalong bumuhos ang aking luha.

I missed this... I missed us.

"Yes, Mr. Fransic Jaranilla..." I finally answered his question, my voice almost came out as a whisper. "I'll give you the permission to be a part of my life. I'll marry you."