Song: If The World Was Ending- JP Saxe ft. Julia Michaels

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"Can you please put that thing away from my face, Carol? Please?!" iritable kong saad sa makulit kong agent/manager na paulit-ulit na pinapakita sa akin ang isang article na kabilang si Dominic.

Sumimangot siya matapos ko siyang samaan ng tingin. She looked disappointed.

"I just find the fact that he also owns a distilling company amusing, Serena. And look! Even bigger than Samuel's company!"

Ngumuso ako. I already saw that article. Sinasabi doon na naging successful ang pag-eexport ng wines niya sa Australia. His launch for his famous Serenity Wine were attended by big and powerful people. Nakita ko rin doon na may iilang Australian celebrities ang umattend.

His company continues to get bigger and bigger as they keep on targeting the countries that are best in distilling. Nang dahil din doon ay mas lalo siyang nakikilala at mas lalong dumadami ang kalaban. No wonder why a lot of people wants to take him down, including Samuel.

I still find it odd every time he asks me about Dominic. Kung hindi ko lang talaga alam ang tunay na sexualidad ni Samuel, iisipin ko nang may gusto 'to doon, e. He keeps on asking me if we're still close or if we still communicate with each other.

Sometimes I wonder... ano naman sakanya 'yon? Why is he suddenly curious about it? Gusto niya lang ba talaga malaman? O may binabalak siya?

I warned him to stop asking me questions about Dominic. Sinabi ko sakanya na isa pang banggit niya sa lalaking 'yon, tatapusin ko ang kontrata ko sakanya at hindi ko na hihintayin pa ang launch ng ad campaign niya!

The hell I care about his company and reputation if I do that! Ayoko lang masangkot sa pangit na gawain. Hindi ko alam ang pinaplano niya at sana lang talaga... hindi iyon ang tulad ng iniisip ko. He's a grown up man. I'm sure he can also make some grown up decisions for his company!

"And this... look, Serena! Natasha Williams, a famous Australian model, admits to find Dominic Donovan attractive! She was invited at the launch party and according to this article, they had a few interactions. They even have a photo together! Look!"

Wala na akong nagawa dahil iminuwestra na naman muli ni Carol sa mukha ko ang iPad niya upang ipakita sa akin ang litrato na tinutukoy niya. Kunot noo ko iyong tiningnan.

Dominic on his formal suit and tie and Natasha on her sexy red dress are both smiling on the camera. Natasha shamelessly puts her hand around Dominic's arm while he holds a glass of whiskey on his hand. Mas malaki ang ngiti ni Natasha kumpara sakanya. Enjoy na enjoy ata.

"Move that away from me." Sabi ko sabay tulak muli ng kamay niya palayo sa akin.

In just a few minutes a group of stylists, hair and make-up artists, and photographers are going to be here to help me prepare for the upcoming business parties that I'm going to attend. At sa halip na maging abala na 'tong si Carol para doon, mas busy pa siya sa pag-babasa ng articles tungkol kay Dominic!

"If you like him, Carol, just make a move! Stop bothering me!"

Her eyes widened with shock. "Oh no, Serena, it's not like that! I'm way too old for that man! I will look like his mom!"

"Sugar mom." I corrected.

She glared at me.

"But I'm just saying... that man is very, very attractive. I find it weird that you're not even into him when I know that men like him are your type."

"What do you mean type? You don't know what I like in men!"

"I do!" confident niyang sinabi.

"Tell me." Hamon ko.

Since when did I even tell her what I like in men? Hindi naman kami gaanong nag-uusap tungkol sa mga lalaki kaya paano niya malalaman?

"You like men who are successful. Someone whose got big dreams like yours. You don't like men who are muscular, you like men with an athletic body. You don't like men who are shorter than you because you're already tall! It's a shame if you would date guys who's much smaller than you. It would be weird."

I raise a brow at her to ask her to continue.

"You like men who are funny and easy to talk to. You like someone... that would make you feel like home."

I laughed at her last statement. Paano niya naman nasabi 'yon? Nababasa niya ba ang mga kinikilos ko?

"You're being delusional, Carol." Umiling ako at itinuon muli ang tingin sa telepono.

"I know you're his ex."

Nang dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon ay mabilis akong nag-angat ng tingin sakanya. My mouth parted in surprise. She must've seen the questioning look on my face that's why she continued.

"I stalked his Instagram account once and saw a picture of you. It was five years ago, Serena. He captioned it with chérie which is a French word that means sweetheart in English. You two dated and you didn't tell me."

"That's because it's not even important!"

"Is he the reason why you didn't want to come back here? Is he the reason why you keep on rejecting offers here because you're afraid you might see him again? What happened? Why didn't you work out?"

Carol looked concerned. I sighed heavily and leaned against the couch. Carol is my friend, kahit papano nararamdaman ko na mapapagsabihan ko siya ng kahit ano. But I just don't think that this is the right time to tell her about this.

At isa pa, matagal na namang tapos 'yon. It's already a dead relationship and it doesn't matter anymore.

"He fooled me okay? That's what happened. And I know you're going to ask me what I mean by that, but I don't have the time or if I'm even in the mood to tell you a very long story! And you're wrong about what I prefer in men. I like someone who would never fool me. Someone who is true and honest with me. And that's something that Dominic lacked, Carol."

But who am I even fooling? Kahit naman na sabihin ko 'yan, alam ko sa sarili ko ang tunay na nararamdaman ko para sakanya. Maybe I'm just bitter that he turned out to be the kind of person I never thought he would be.

And it's funny because that's the only thing I hate about him. 'Yun lang ang pinaghahawakan ko para masabi kong galit parin ako sakanya. Pero kung hindi nangyari 'yon, baka siguro kasal at may mga anak na kami ngayon.

Gano'n ko siya kamahal noon. I love him so bad to the point that I was already willing to give my future to him. Kahit na bata palang ako noon, alam ko na si Dominic lang ang gusto kong makasama habang buhay.

But the love I have for him now is different. It doesn't have the same intensity as before. It was already tainted with mistrust and uncertainty. Hindi ako sigurado kung tama pa bang mahal ko parin siya matapos ng ginawa niya sa akin noon.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought that up." Malungkot na wika ni Carol.

I pursed my lips. "It's fine. Let's just... let's just talk about something else or focus on our agenda for today. Dominic and I have different lives now. We managed to achieve what we have now without each other. Let's just move on and forget what happened."

Yeah, right. Tell that to yourself, Serena!

Sa sobrang kuryosidad naman tungkol sa sinabi ni Carol kanina, napagpasyahan kong bisitahin nga ang Instagram account niya. Umangat ang kilay ko nang mapansin na dumami rin ang followers niya. Gano'n na ata siya nakilala para sa mga wines niya para dumami ng ganito ang followers niya.

I checked some of his posts. Totoo nga ang sinasabi ni Carol. Dominic never deleted his pictures of me. Medyo malayo na rin ang narating ng paghahalungkat ko bago ko nakita iyong post na tinutukoy ni Carol. Natabunan na iyon ng mga bago niyang post kaya hindi na rin siguro napapansin ng mga nagfafollow sakanya.

My forehead creased when I saw one of his recent posts. This was taken in Palawan during my shoot. Kahit na sa beach naman talaga ang gusto niyang kuhanan, nakita kong hagip parin ako doon.

Querencia that's what he wrote as his caption.

I didn't know what he meant by that so I searched for its meaning. Querencia means a place where one's strength is drawn, where one feels at home; the place where you are your most authentic self.

Halos mabitawan ko ang telepono ko sa gulat nang magsalita si Carol. She looked weirded out by my reaction that's why her forehead creased.

"Uh... they're here." She informed me.

"Okay..." I said and nod my head.

Pinatay ko na ang telepono ko bago pa mahuli ni Carol kung ano ang tinitingnan ko.

My week came like a blur. Naging sobrang abala na ako sa sunod-sunod na events at formal parties na pinupuntahan ko.

Halos magsawa na rin ako sa pagmumukha ni Samuel dahil siya ang palagi kong kasama sa nga events na pinupuntahan ko. I always have to put on a friendly façade when we're talking to some of his future clients. Kahit na naiirita na ako, kailangan ko paring umakto ng maayos.

Ngayon ang magiging launch ng ad campaign ni Samuel sa isang business party. This will be the last event I'm going to be with him kaya mas pagbubutihan ko na talaga.

Kaunting ayos nalang ang ginawa ng stylist at HMUA ko bago nila ako tuluyang pinaubaya kay Carol. She looked at me from head to foot, like she always does every time I finished getting glammed up.

"You look dazzling, Serena! This is your best look yet!" aniya.

I chuckled at her remark. I walked towards the full length mirror to check myself. Wearing one of Ralph and Russo's haute couture collection, my hair stylist styled my hair into a glamorous Hollywood curls. They painted my lips red and made a smokey eye make up look.

My dress highlighted my figure well and since it has a long slit on its side, it also highlighted my long legs. I smirked satisfactorily at myself.

Samuel arrived minutes after while riding his limousine. Nakangisi agad siya sa akin nang buksan ng bodyguard ko ang pinto para sa akin. I rolled my eyes at him before sitting beside him inside his limousine. I kept a safe space between us.

"You look so beautiful, Serena." Samuel complimented.

I snorted. "That's not going to make me compliment you back, Samuel."

His smirk grew bigger. He slides his tongue on the side of his cheek before he started chuckling.

"I already expected this from you."

I scowled and rolled my eyes again at him. Pagbibigyan ko siya sa mga hirit niya ngayon dahil ito ang isa sa pinakaimportante at huling event na dadaluhan ko kasama siya. Mabuti nalang at nagbaon ako ng kaunting pasensya para sakanya.

I didn't pay much attention to him while we were on our way because I already know that it was going to be boring with him. Kaya naman nang dumating na kami sa venue ay nauna na akong bumaba sakanya, hindi na hinintay pang siya ang magbukas ng pinto para sa akin.

Cameras keeps on flashing once they saw me come out of the limousine. Agad na pumalibot sa akin ang mga bodyguards ko upang pigilan ang media sa tangkang paglapit sa akin.

I kept a straight face as we made our way inside the venue. May ibang nagbabato ng tanong sa akin pero binabalewala ko lang. 'Di naman importante.

I was immediately greeted by a well-known fashion designer when I went inside. Masaya siyang ngumiti sa akin. He aimed for a hug which I awkwardly returned.

"Hi! It was nice to finally meet you! I'm Mark! You've worn one of my creations in one of your photoshoots! Sobrang ganda mo pala talaga sa personal! No wonder why everyone's very excited to meet you!"

Bahagya akong tumawa. Pinasadahan ko naman ng tingin ang mga bisitang nag-aabang para sa amin. Mga gusto atang bumati gaya ni Mark. Tuwing magkakatinginan kami, ngingitian nila ako. They all look very excited while I look... tedious.

Nag-sunod sunod na ang pagbati sa akin pagkatapos ni Mark. Kung hindi pa siguro dumating ang isang usherette, wala sigurong titigil sa kakabati. I was very thankful that she saved me from that situation. Nakahinga nalang ulit ako ng maluwag nang naupo na kami sa pwesto namin.

I greeted the people around our table. I looked around after and saw some familiar faces. I wonder if Dominic is going to be here. Sigurado akong naimbitahan rin siya dito dahil kilala naman ang negosyo niya. It would be a shame if he didn't get an invite to this party.

Ayon sa isa kong kasama dito sa lamesa, may iilang modelo ring naimbitahan dito sa party. Ang iba date ng isang businessman, habang ang iba nandito kagaya ko.

Napansin kong natigil ang iba sa pag-uusap nang nagawi ang tingin nila sa entrada. I turn my head towards the entrance, too, out of curiosity. My mouth parted a bit when I realized that it was Dominic's family that just arrived.

Pamilyar ang mukha ng mga pinsan niya sa akin dahil ilang beses ko na rin itong nameet noong mga panahon na magkaayos pa kami ni Dominic. They all looked very matured now. Kahit si Felicity ay naging malaki rin ang pagbabago.

All of them have their husbands and wives beside them. Ang natatangging wala lang kasama na asawa ay si Dominic at Felicity.

"Focus on your task for today, Serena." Nagulat ako nang biglang bumulong si Samuel sa gilid ko.

I glared at him and sat properly on my seat, hindi na binigyang pansin ang mga bagong dating. Sa gilid ng aking mga mata ay nakita kong may iilan nang lumalapit sakanila. I tried to take a peek and was surprised when I saw Hannah walking towards Dominic.

Nagkatinginan pa kami nito bago siya ngumisi at lumapit kay Dominic upang yumakap. He looked surprised but it eventually changed when he gave her a warm smile. Umangat ang gilid ng labi ko sa pagkairita.

Marahas kong inalis ang tingin ko sakanila at iritableng humalukipkip. I heard Samuel chuckling beside me. Isa pa 'to. Parang tanga lang.

"Shut your mouth will you?" I said irritably.

Once everyone settled down, our food was immediately served. Habang kumakain naman ay panay ang paalala ni Samuel sa akin na subukan na makipag-socialize sa ibang business tycoons. That way, we could get more client that will be willing to buy stocks from him.

And that's what I did once we've finished eating. Sumama ako kay Samuel upang makipag-usap sa ibang businessman. I tried to sound as professional as possible while building up Samuel's distillery. Nang dahil sa mabubulaklak kong salita, nahikayat ko silang pumunta sa wine tasting party na ihohost ni Samuel sa susunod na linggo.

Samuel looked very proud of me once we've finished talking to some businessmen. Tinungga ko ang isang baso ng champagne at agad ring kumuha nang panibago nang makita kong may dumaan na waiter sa gilid ko.

"You're becoming good at this huh? Hindi talaga ako nagsisisi na kinuha kita. Your words can take an empire down."

I rolled my eyes at him as I take a sip of my champagne.

"Oh, please. I'm just doing what was stated in my contract. Ang mga sinasabi ko kanina ay hindi para magpabagsak ng ibang kompanya, I'm just trying to build yours up because you can't do it yourself. Kailangan mo pa talagang kumuha ng kagaya ko just so you can win some of your prospects."

Samuel laughed at my blunt statement.

"You really think the worst of me huh?"

"Why shouldn't I? You were the worst person I've ever met."

"Ang tagal nang panahon simula nang mangyari 'yon, Serena. Why can't you move on?"

Ako naman ang natawa sa sinabi niya. Tingnan mo nga naman ang isang 'to. Sinalo na ata ang lahat ng kakapalan ng mukha sa buong mundo!

"Who told you that I haven't moved on? I'm not even whipped like you think I am. Naawa lang ako sa babaeng susunod mong bibiktimahin dahil mukhang hindi ka parin nagbabago. Maybe Olivia wasn't successful in making you change," I gasped exaggeratedly. "Oh, right! Paano ka niya mababago kung pati siya niloko mo?"

He smirked at me. He put his left hand inside his pocket while he used the other to scratch his cheek. Tahimik siyang tumawa. Bago pa siya makapagsalita ay naunahan ko na siya.

"Now I'm done here. Do your job as the owner of your business. I'm not here to babysit you." Padarag kong binagsak ang baso ng champagne sa cocktail table na pinuwestohan namin.

I turned my back on him and just proceeded to do my job. Ito ang rason kung bakit ayaw ko talaga siyang kasama sa mga ganitong klaseng event. He never fails to make me so irritated.

Pagkatalikod ko kay Samuel ay saktong tumama ang tingin ko kay Dominic. Looks like he's been watching us argue. Tipid lang siyang ngumiti sa akin bago ibalik ang tingin sa kausap. I sigh.

I went towards the powder room to freshen up. Nabigla naman ako nang makita ko kung sino ang nandoon. Felicity on her beige long dress looks as surprised as me. Natigil siya sa paghuhugas ng kanyang mga kamay nang dahil sa pagkabigla.

I suddenly didn't know what to do. Should I stay and freshen up or should I leave? I wonder if she knows about what happened between me and his brother.

"Serena!" she was the first one to acknowledge me with a big smile on her face. "It's been a long time! I'm glad to see you again!"

Nangapa pa ako ng salita bago ko siya batiin pabalik.

"Felicity," I said in a formal tone. "How are you?"

She giggled and wiped her hands with a paper towel. She threw it in the bin before turning to me.

"Here... still surviving my second year in med school. How about you? You're very big and famous now. How are you able to cope up with it?"

"Uh... nakasanayan nalang rin siguro. You really did pursue your plans of becoming a doctor huh?" I smiled a little at her.

"Of course. Wala na akong ibang kursong maisip na babagay sa akin bukod doon. Sayang nga at hindi tayo nakapag-usap nung unang beses kitang nakita. I was also at the business party, I heard kababalik mo lang nung oras na 'yun dito sa Pilipinas."

Of course she's going to be there. Nandoon din si Dominic kaya panigurado na nandoon rin siya. Nakita niya rin kaya ang nangyari noon?

"Yeah... it's been a while." Sabi ko.

Sabay naman kaming napabaling ng tingin sa pumasok sa loob ng powder room. It was Hannah with her friends. Her mouth parted a bit when she saw me talking to Felicity. Nakita ko naman sa mga mata ni Felicity na mukhang may alam siya sa nangyari.

"And guess who's here..." si Hannah na may panunutya sa kanyang tono.

I scoffed and smirked at her. Hanggang ngayon, away parin ang gusto?

Bumuka ang bibig niya para sa isa pang salita ngunit naunahan siya ni Felicity.

"Serena, mukhang may gagawin ka ata. Hintayin na kita. Sabay na tayong lumabas."

I smiled at her gesture. Tumama naman muli ang tingin ko kay Hannah na mukhang nabigla sa pagsasalita ni Felicity. Nagkatinginan naman ang dalawa. Naunang nag-iwas ng tingin si Hannah. Lumakad ako upang lagpasan ang grupo niya.

I opened my purse and grabbed my lipstick. Tumingin ako sa salamin at nakitang pinapanood ako ni Hannah. She was scowling at me.

"You have a problem?" I asked.

Bumuka ang bibig niya pero walang salita ang lumabas. She glanced over at Felicity who is also watching her through the mirror. She raised a brow.

"It's good to finally see you back." That was the only thing she managed to say.

"Why do you sound like you didn't want to see me back?" nakangisi kong tanong.

She clenched her jaw. Kung wala siguro si Felicity dito, baka kung ano-ano na ang pagsasabi niyan sa akin. She's going to brag again about the stupid bet. I smirked at her again after I finished applying my lipstick.

Nang matapos ako sa pag-aayos ay sabay na kaming lumabas ni Felicity ng powder room. I turn to her again.

"Thank you for staying. You didn't have to do that." I said.

She chuckled and held my arm. "It's nothing. I just couldn't stand the fact my brother's great love and obsessive admirer are going to be in the same room."

Umangat ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. His what? Kahit siya ay mukhang nabigla rin sa sinabi kaya naman ay dinaan niya nalang iyon sa tawa.

"Forget what I said. I hope to see you around again," She shyly scratched the back of her head. "Sige. Mauna na ako. My sister is probably looking for me now."

I nod my head and smiled at her. She waved at me and I waved at her back. Di ko na inalam kung saan siya nagtungo pagtapos. Basta nalang akong dumiretso sa dessert table.

While I was picking out some macaroons, I felt someone stood behind me. Nilingon ko iyon at agad na napairap nang makita kung sino iyon. I sigh.

"Still got a problem, Hannah?" I asked.

"I'm surprised that you can stand being in the same room as the guy that fooled you." Aniya sabay baling ng tingin sa gawi nila Dominic. He's with Felicity now.

"The last time I saw you, you look very devastated and broken when I broke the news to you. I guess... nakamove on ka na?"

I smirked at Hannah. "Well, it's been years. Anong gusto mo? Magpaapekto parin doon? Gusto mo ba akong umiyak ulit dahil nandito kayong dalawa ni Dominic?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "That's what I was expecting."

"Really? So I guess... a person's vulnerability is so fun for you to watch huh? Gano'n ka na kainsensitive? Wala ka nang pakealam sa nararamdaman ng ibang tao basta masaya ka? Wala kang pakealam dahil hindi naman sa'yo 'yon nangyari? Gano'n ba? I feel sad about your definition of happiness, Hannah." I chuckled to tease her.

She tried so hard to smirk. I saw her throat move. Humakbang siya palapit habang nanatili naman ako sa pwesto ko at hindi umatras.

"You are just a bet. Ulit-ulitin mo 'yan sa utak mo para maalala mo kung paano ka pinaglaruan ng taong mahal mo."

Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. Akala naman ng isang 'to magpapaapekto ako sa kakaganyan niya. Nakakaawa naman 'to. Wala bang pumapansin sakanya sakanila?

"Ako ang unang nagustohan at hindi ikaw."

Mas lalo akong ngumisi.

"Ako ang tunay na gusto at ginamit ka lang," she continued. I crossed my arms over my chest. Tinagilid ko ang ulo ko at hinintay siyang magpatuloy. "He wanted to be with me and not you."

"Talaga?"

"What?" she exclaimed irritably.

"Naging kayo ba pagkatapos kong malaman ang totoo? Did he try to pursue you gaya ng sabi mong matagal na niyang gustong gawin? Or did you... keep on waiting for him to pursue you even if you know that will never happen?"

Her jaw dropped. Agad na dumaan ang galit sa kanyang mga mata. See? She just wanted to brag something that will never happen. I don't even understand her. Bigla nalang niya sinabi ang mga 'to out of nowhere.

There's something wrong with her. She probably felt insecure about herself because she expected Dominic to be with her when I left.

"'Wag mo nang hintayin na mangyari kami, Serena. Baka masaktan ka lang ulit. Naaawa na ako sa'yo."

I started laughing. She's being ridiculous. Nainis ata siya sa naging reaksyon ko kaya mas lalo niyang kinuyom ang kanyang panga.

"Okay. Siguraduhin mong mangyayari 'yan. Baka mamaya... hanggang salita ka lang."

Napakurap siya.

"Dominic loves me! He was still kind to me even after what I did! Hindi niya kayang magalit sa akin dahil mahal niya ako! 'Wag ka nang umasang babalik pa siya sa'yo dahil hindi na 'yon mangyayari! I'll make sure of that!"

She was about to advance to me when I felt someone wrapped their arms around my waist. Sabay kaming napabaling ni Hannah sa taong iyon. I was even more surprised when Dominic pulled me closer to him. Tumama ang likod ko sa dibdib niya.

His grip on me tightened when he turns to me.

"That's not true." Aniya.

"W-What?" Nagugulohang tanong ni Hannah.

"She's not the one expecting for us to be together again... I am."

Bumilis ang pintig ng puso ko nang dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon. Halos mamilog ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. Si Hannah naman mukhang paiyak na.

"Stop putting words inside my mouth, Hannah. I've been clear to you from the beginning. I can only offer you friendship."

Ngumisi ako para mas mainis lalo si Hannah. Mukhang nag-work naman dahil gusto niya na naman akong sugurin. Mabuti nalang at nailayo ako ni Dominic bago pa mangyari 'yon.

"B-But-"

Dominic shakes his head at her. Napalunok siya at sinamaan ako ng tingin. Tinagilid ko ang ulo ko.

Ano ulit sabi mo kanina? Ikaw ang mahal?

"Just stop, Hannah. It's not worth your time."

Hannah was lost for words that she didn't had a chance to redeem herself. Basta nalang siyang tumalikod sa amin at iniwan kami doon. I started chuckling once she left.

"Feeling." I said under my breath.

Kung hindi siguro natawa si Dominic sa sinabi ko, hindi ko mapapansin na nakakapit parin pala siya sa akin.

"You can remove your arms around me now." Sabi ko.

He smirked. "Paano kung ayaw ko?"

"Paano kung putulin ko 'yang kamay mo?"

Mas lalo namang lumaki ang ngisi niya. Muntikan na akong mapangiti dahil naalala kong ganito kami kung magsagutan noon. Mabuti nalang at napigilan ko ang sarili ko bago pa mangyari 'yon.

Dominic sighed heavily before removing his arms around me. Buong akala ko aalis na siya sa tabi ko pero nagulat ako nang bahagya pa siyang yumuko para may ibulong sa akin.

"You look very beautiful tonight, Arielle."

Tonight lang?!

"I mean... you beautiful all the time." He answered like he just read my mind.

"You addressed me as Serena the last time we talked. Now you're back on calling me Arielle."

"Bakit namiss mo?"

Ngumuso ako at inirapan siya. Lumakad ako at sumunod naman siya. Kumuha ako ng isang baso ng champagne sa waiter na dumaan sa gilid. Mukhang nagulat pa ata siya sa pagkuha ko dahil muntikan niya pang mahulog ang tray na hawak niya. Mabuti nalang at natulungan siya ni Dominic.

"Careful." He told me.

Pumwesto ako sa cocktail table. I glared at him as I take a sip of my third glass of champagne. Siya ba nag-supply ng wine ngayon? Sarap nito ah?

"Ikaw ba may gawa ito?" tanong ko sabay turo sa champagne glass.

"Bakit? Nagustohan mo?"

I nod. He smiled.

"I make champagnes more delicious than that."

So, hindi pala siya ang may gawa nito? Sino naman? Si Samuel? In fairness ha? May masarap naman pala sa gawa niya.

"Yabang." I muttered.

Dominic scoffs. "I'm sorry about Hannah."

"It's fine. She seemed so obsessed about you. Anong pinakain mo dun?"

"Just my charms and all."

"Tss." I rolled my eyes. I tried to hide the growing smirk on my lips. Ang feeling parin!

Hinawakan niya naman ang kamay ko. Bibitaw na sana ako nang mas lalo niya namang hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin.

"I miss you." He said.

Hindi ko magawang makapagsalita. Wala akong maisip na sasabihin. Ang tanging alam ko lang ng mga oras na 'to, sobrang bilis ng pintig ng puso ko. Ni hindi ko siya magawang tingnan sa mata dahil sa sinabi niyang 'yon.

"I'm still trying to stay away from you so I can give you the space you need. Maybe you're thinking that I'm too much for you that you still can't handle looking at me. But I can't stop myself from coming back to you. I miss you too much, Arielle. I've waited for this for such a long time."

I opened my mouth to inhale a big amount of air. His thumb started brushing my hand gently. When I glanced at him, I saw that his full attention is on me. He was gently waiting for me to look back at him. Iniwas ko lang muli ang tingin sakanya nang hindi ko makayanan ang titig sakanya.

"Don't worry. Ngayon nalang ulit ako lalapit sa'yo. After this, I'll give you space if that's what you still need. Pagbigyan mo lang ako ngayon."

It was intense holding myself back. Gusto kong bumigay pero pinigilan ako ng utak ko. My mind keeps on telling me not to give in to him so easily.

Dominic sighed heavily. Binitawan niya ang kamay ko upang ilipat naman ang kanyang braso sa baywang ko. He pulled me closer to him. He's almost cradling me now. It's crazy that I'm not doing anything to stop him or push him away.

Panigurado akong iba na ang iniisip ng mga nakakakita sa ayos namin ngayon. I even saw some people glancing at our direction. Minsan nabibigla pa kapag nakikita kung gaano kami kalapit sa isa't isa.

"I hope we can work things out between us. Alam kong hindi gano'n kadali mawawala ang galit mo sa akin. Pero susubukan ko. Ang mahalaga para sakin, maayos ko ang gusot na mayroon sa atin," he almost whispered. He rests his forehead on my shoulder and sighed heavily. "I'm trying so hard not to push myself to you. Ayokong maging rason pa iyon para mas lalo kang magalit sa akin.

"I am still hopelessly in love with you, Arielle. Even if a lot has happened for the last five years, you're still the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. I'll do everything in my power to win you back. Just... don't give up on me yet.

"Just tell me what I need to do. You said that it was painful looking at me," his voice broke a bit. "Handa akong dumistansya sa'yo para lang mawala 'yang sakit na nararamdaman mo."

A tear fell from my eye. Mabilis kong pinalis iyon. Tinulak ko siya palayo sa akin. Nanatili naman siyang nakayuko.

"This is not the right place for us to talk about this, Dominic."

"Just tell me when you're ready. Handa naman akong ipaliwanag ang lahat sa'yo."

I pursed my lips when I saw his eyes glisten. Truth is, I have no idea how to let go of the pain that his presence is giving me. Wala akong ideya kung ano ang dapat kong gawin tuwing malapit siya sa akin at tuwing nandito siya. Hindi ko alam.

Nagpakawala ako ng malalim na hininga. Nang iangat ko naman ang tingin ko ay nakita ko si Samuel na nakatingin sa amin habang may kausap. Nang magkatinginan kami, ngumisi siya na para bang may namuong plano sa kanyang isip.

Binalewala ko nalang iyon dahil bumitaw na si Dominic sa akin.

After an exhausting week, I finally decided to visit my abandoned condominium. Ilang oras din akong nagdesisyon kung tutuloy ba ako o hindi. Pero sa huli ay bumigay nalang rin.

I already informed Carol that I'm going somewhere. She asked me if I still need my bodyguards. Ang sabi ko hindi na kailangan. Hindi ko na rin kailangan ng driver dahil ako na mismo ang maghahatid sa sarili doon sa condo. Samuel's company provided me a car and I guess I can use that.

Nagpaalam ako kay Carol bago ko kunin ang susi ng sasakyan. I felt anxious while I was on my way. Naghahalo halo ang lahat ng nasa isip ko. Matagal nang nakay Dominic ang susi. May oras kayang binisita niya 'to?

Halos hindi na ako mapakali sa pwesto ko habang hinihintay ang elevator na dumating sa tamang palapag. Kung ano ano na ang pumapasok sa isip ko. Paano kung ganoon parin ang ayos no'n? Paano kung maipaalala ulit sa akin noon ang sakit na dinanas ko?

I just wanted to guard my heart because I didn't want to go through that same pain again. It was devastating.

Nang dumating ako sa tamang palapag ay nagpakawala ako ng malalim na hininga. Tandang-tanda ko parin kung saan ang unit ko. Kulang nalang mangatog ang tuhod ko habang naglalakad patungo doon. Kabado ako nang tumigil ako sa tapat ng pinto ng unit ko.

I just hope that my memories with Dominic inside this unit won't flashe inside my mind because I wanted to look back at this without remembering it.

I took a deep breath before I inserted the key inside. Napasinghap ako nang makita ko muli ito. At first I was expecting to still see the mess I've made inside this unit. Pero mas nagulat ako nang makitang malinis ito at maayos rin ang pagkakaayos ng mga gamit.

Dahan-dahan akong pumasok at agad na pinasadahan ng tingin ang buong unit. A lot has changed inside. Nagbago ang itsura at ayos ng ibang gamit. May mga bago rin sa loob. I suddenly wondered if I entered the right unit. Sakto naman iyong susi kaya siguro hindi ako nagkakamali.

Una kong chineck ang kwarto ko noon. The bed is properly fixed. Walang nakatabon na putting tela sa mga gamit. Ibig sabihin noon, may paminsan-minsang nananatili dito.

Binuksan ko ang closet at nakitang may iilang gamit doon gaya ng iilang pambahay at suit and tie. I saw the jersey that I purposely left. It was properly hanged inside. I ran my fingers through it before I went to the next room.

Mas lalo akong nagulat nang makita ko ang sumalubong sa akin dito. Nagmistulang mukhang opisina ang kwarto na ito dahil may office table at may computer rin.

On the corner, I saw some of Dominic's shoes. I checked the table and saw some files from his company. So, he really does stay here huh?

Inikot ko ang tingin ko sa buong kwarto. Maraming inayos dito at biniling bagong gamit. I saw some of his books at the cabinet. Lumapit ako doon dahil may nakita akong picture frame. It was Dominic and I's photo when we went on a trip in Batanes.

Binaba ko agad iyon bago pa ako maiyak sa pag-aalala ng nangyari noon. I gasp when I saw some magazines. Pinulot ko ito at nakita ang pinaka latest issue ng Vogue kung saan ako ang naging cover. Wow! So, he's updated huh?

Lumabas ako ng kwarto na iyon at nagtungo sa sala. I remember breaking everything I see inside. It must took him a while to clean up everything.

Gusto kong umiyak dahil hindi ko inaasahang gagawin niya ito. He should've left this unit as it is and let me deal with it on its own. Hindi na niya kailangan pang ayusin.

I sat on the sofa and sighed heavily. Kahit na nag-iba ang itsura ng unit, parehas parin ang pakiramdam na ibinibigay sa akin nito. Sa bawat sulok ata ng silid naalala ko ang lahat ng pinagsamahan namin ni Dominic.

I bit my lip. My eyes then lingered over the center table. Sa ilalim noon ay iilang magazines ko ulit habang may isang photo album naman sa tabi noon. Sa sobrang kuryosidad ay inabot ko iyon at binuksan.

My tears automatically fell when I realized that it was a photo album of Dominic and I. It consisted all our pictures together. Ang iba na nandoon ay iyong mga litratong kinuha namin sa isa't isa. These pictures didn't fail on making me remember every moment that I've spent with him.

Pinaalala rin sa akin nito ang pakiramdam ng mga panahong sobrang saya ko tuwing kasama ko siya. I broke down in tears as I flip through the pages. It's sad that they were all just a memory now; because I'm still not sure if Dominic and I can work this out this time.

Mas lalo pa akong naiyak nang makita kong may pinicturan siyang singsing doon. I don't know what that means to him but it was just enough to send tears in my eyes.

Agad ko namang sinara ang photo album na iyon nang marinig kong may nagbukas ng pinto. Mabilis kong pinalis ang mga luha ko. At bago ko pa maibalik sa dating pwesto iyong photo album, narinig ko nang nagsalita si Dominic.

"Arielle?"

Tumayo ako at hinarap siya. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkabigla na makita ako dito. Hindi siguro inaasahan na ngayon ako bibisita. Suminghap ako.

"Dominic..."