Dinner

Days passed like whirlwind. Living with Chaz Theo Fuentes, is like living with a kid. There are times that we argue on a simple things. Both competent but most of the time, it was me who will give up cuz Chaz has a lot on sleeves. And by the fear that he won't back down. I was then grateful I have a job, we didn’t see each other that often.

After that incident, nagmistula ko na siyang driver. Tinutuo niya ang binitawang salitang ihahatid sundo ako. Though, he would always make it a point to slap in my face that he’s doing it solely because of my parents. Kung minsan din naman may importante siyang ginagawa, si Mang Bernardo, ang kinuhang driver ng mommy niya ang sumusundo sa akin. My car then become a display in the garage.

After weeks of preparation, together with Jenny, we defended Mr. Ryan in court. I’ve handled the same case like this before, but I never thought Mr. Valencio’s case would be this challenging. Hindi ko inaasahang matatalo kami sa unang hearing ng kaso niya, but still.. hindi kami sumuko.

The man has hopes, I can see it every time we would see each other in the court or when we’ll talk about his case. Ayaw ko siyang biguin. I never once failed my client. It pained me if he will be put behind bars when in fact he didn’t lift a finger with the crime they’re accusing him of.

Someone knocked on my door, isang tao lang naman ang inaasahan kong pupuntahan ako rito sa kwarto. Iniwan ko ang ginagawa at pinagbuksan ng pinto si Manang Remmy. The lady smiled at me.

“Handa na ang hapag, hija. Dumating na rin ang asawa mo, nasa baba na.”

A week after his parents visited us, Chaz bought Manang Remmy and Manong Bernardo here. Hindi tumigil ang mommy niya hangga’t hindi nakikita si Manang Remmy sa bahay. She even added Manong Bernardo to be our driver.

I nodded in acknowledgement. “Salamat po, kaso busog pa po ako Manang.” I declined politely.

“Nag ta-trabaho ka naman ba? Ipagpaliban mo muna ‘yan at kumain na. Hinihintay ka ng asawa mo.” she insisted.

Napanguso ako. “Pakisabi na lang po na ma-una na siyang kumain, bababa na lang po ako mamaya kapag tapos na ang trabaho ko.”

I really have to draw conclusions on the findings. Linggo ngayon pero sa halip na ipahinga, kailangan kong aralin muli ang kaso ni Mr. Ryan. This Wednesday will be the last and final battle. Dito na rin malalaman ang resulta. So I have to work extra.

Manang Remmy sighed. “Oh siya sige, maiging dalhin ko na lang dito ang hapunan mo.”

Somehow, I am pleased that Manang Remmy is around the house. Perhaps it was because of them why Harry is not visiting the manor yet, making my days here unbothered.

Bumalik ako sa ginagawa at pinagpatuloy. Pero hindi pa man nag-iinit ang pwet ko sa pag-upo muling may kumatok. Thinking that it was Manang Remmy, I rushed towards the  door and opened it, only to be welcomed by Chaz stoic expression.

“Nay Remmy is here not to be your personal assistant. She did all the work in the kitchen and yet you have the strength asking her to brought your foods in bed. Your are taking advantage of her, Miss Perez." supladong bungad ni Chaz sa harapan ko.

Nag-isang linya ang kilay ko. "She insisted to do it, Chaz. Hindi ko hiniling na pagdalhan niya 'ko ng pagkain sa kwarto ko."

"That's because you're being stubborn again, woman. Dining room is different from bedroom. Yours is not a place to eat."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not yet hungry. If you want to eat, you go first."

Chaz shot and eye brow. "You know Manang Remmy is reporting everything that we do to my mother. Gusto mo yatang palabasin na pinapabayan kita."

"Manang Remmy won't do that. Now go down and eat on your own. Don't mind me." apila ko.

I was about to close the door but he was fast enough to hinder it using his hand.

"Chaz may ginagawa ako!" I hissed.

He glared at me. "Continue that later, you have to eat first."

"Later. I will eat later."

"Mas lalo ka lang hindi makakapag-trabaho. Stop being hardheaded and listen to me."

Chaz pushed the door. Nabuksan niya ang pinto pero hindi siya pumasok sa loob.

"You're not getting enough nutrients these past few days. Baka 'yan ang dahilan kaya kayo natatalo sa kaso."

It was now my turn to glare at him.

"The case is still on-going. Technically, hindi pa kami talo. Go away!"

"Eventually you will if you kept on having that attitude, Miss Perez. And I will also tell your mom you're giving
me a hard time, how about that?"

"You can't do that," I said, gritting my teeth in annoyance.

Ngumisi siya. "Behave accordingly and follow me downstairs. You won't like it if this reached your family."

That night, Chaz successfully ruined my mood. I don't have other option but to follow him otherwise, Mom will lecture me again. Lumipas muli ang mga araw. May nga panahon na nagkakasundo kami ni Chaz ngunit madalas pa rin ang pag kaasar ko sa kaniya.

We the Jury, in the case of The People Of the Philippines versus Valencio Ryan, find the defendant... not guilty..

The Jury announced more but a certain word embedded on my head. Not guilty.. I release a sigh of relief  upon hearing the verdict. The people in the court room was probably not pleased with it because most of them came from the other opponent, but they can’t change the fact that we won. Another innocent was freed from those selfish monster.

Bumaling ako sa banda nila Miss Navarro, the actress, Miss Lavigne was looking mad. Kasama nito ang ama na Mayor ng Caloocan at dalawang bodyguard. Miss Navarro was discussing something to him while Miss Lavigne was gazing at us with her eyes full of wrath.

She’s beutiful. Not that surprising since she’s a public figure, an artist. Nakakalungkot lang na kinailangan umabot sa puntong manloloko siya para lang makamit ang ni-nanais.

“Sayang ang ganda niya, sakim pala.” Jenny commented. “Kita mo sira ang carrer niya’n ‘pag maibalita ito ng media. Kung sino pa ang nakakataas sila pa ang laging nang-aapi.”

Hindi na lang ako nagsalita at nakangiting nilingon si Mr. Ryan, nagulat ako ng makita ang pamumula ng kaniyang mga mata.

“Mr. Ryan,” I called him.

He lifted his head and he smiled.

“Thank you,” malamyos na boses na aniya. “Sa pagtitiwala, sa lahat-lahat." he emotionally uttered.

My heart melted. Ang makita ang mukha niyang maaliwalas at marinig ang mga katagang iyon. It was like he completely disregard the facade that he kept on mustering the entire process and now.. he looked carefree.
Ang kaniyang mga mata na noon ay walang buhay. May kakaibang kislap na sa mga ito. Unlike before that he always have a grim expression, his lips can now form a smile.

“You deserve it,” I beamed at him. “And I am also doing my duties, no need to give me the credit. It was all because of you, Mr. Ryan. Your perseverance and courage freed you from the charge.”

He shook his head firmly.

“Salamat pa rin, Miss Prosecutor. You who doesn’t even know me, was the first person who believed that I didn’t commit the crime.”

"I told you before, one person is enough reason to continue fighting.. to continue dreaming. Talikuran ka man ng mundo, basta't may isang taong nagtitiwala sa'yo.. sapat na iyon para magpatuloy Mr. Ryan." I chuckled to lighten up his mood.

"To be honest I was losing it.. wala na akong tiwala na makakalaya sa kasong isinampa nila sa akin. My previous prosecutors told me my case is hopeless, they have to make the best choice and that is for me to plead guilty. They’re powerful while I am just a commoner. Anong laban ko doon?” his eyes softened as both of them stared at me. “Wala. Kaya nang dumating ka, at sinabing makakaya ko pa. Na maniwala sa kapangyarihan ng katotohanan, nagkaroon ako nang lakas ng loob na lumaban.”

“It’s over, you did great job” I said, smiling.

Muli siyang ngumiti. “Hayaan mo, someday I’ll return your kindess Miss Prosecutor.”

Miss Prosecutor..

Nakakapanibago marinig ang dating tinatawag sa akin na nakararami.

“Uh..Mr. Valencio it’s Mrs. na po, may asawa na itong magaling nating Prosecutor.” Jenny butted in.

My eyes widened. Mukha ring nabigla si Mr. Ryan sa paraan ng pag-awang ng mga labi nito. I looked at Jenny flatly but she just grinned.

“Tama naman ako, ah?”

“M-May asawa ka na?” Mr. Ryan asked.

Bumuntonghininga ako. “That’s not important. Anyway, shall we go? Our business here is over.”

Jenny nodded. “Yes and this calls for a celebration, right Mr. Valencio?”

Nangingiting umiling si Mr. Ryan. “Kung ano ang gusto niyo,”

Jenny beamed. “How about on The Quest Club tonight?”

Nauna akong tumayo para umalis. Tumigil ako nang makitang patungo sa gawi namin sila Miss Navarro.

“Grabe mukha na namang bulkang sasabog si Miss Navarro, hindi na naman matanggap na talo sila, hmp!” Jenny ranted with teasing tone of voice.

Naramdaman kong pumwesto sila sa likod ko. Jenny was right, kung si Mis Lavign ay may galit na mga mata, masasabi kong para nang bubuga ng apoy si Miss Navarro. Sa kabila nito, nagawa ko pa ring ngumiti sa kanila. I averted my gaze away from Miss Navarro and it landed on the  man standing behind her.

“Mayor,” I called him with respect, kahit pa.. hindi naman niya ito deserve.

“Tama ang naririnig ko sa iba tungkol sa’yo, isa ka ngang halimaw sa korte Miss Perez.” seryosong pahayag niya.

“But I’m afraid to say, that a gifted person like you shouldn’t stick their nose to other person's business. Masama ang nagiging epekto sa mga pakialamerang katulad mo.” hirit ni Miss Lavigne.

I smiled sweetly. "The fact that I am standing before you, only means being his prosecutor is my calling. Hindi ka ba natutuwang napalaya ko ang.. kaibigan mo?”

“He’s not my friend, damn you!”

My lips twitched when she pointed her finger on me. Gone the sophisticated and angel like woman I’ve seen sometimes on the television and billboard's, Miss Lavigne competely lost her class. Parang nakalimutan nitong isa siyang artista na may iniingatang reputasyon.

“Lumabas din ang tunay na kulay mo. I thought you are different from other personalites, hindi pala. Mas malala ka pala sa kanila.” si Mr. Ryan.

I feel bad for Mr. Ryan, hindi biro ang sakit na marinig mula sa taong tinuring mong kaibigan na para sa kanila, hindi ka nabibilang sa grupo nila.

“Ikaw pa talaga ang may ganang magsalita ng gan’yan huh? You tried to harrass me you asshole!”

“I never did. It was only in your imagination perhaps? Sa ating dalawa, ikaw ang umaming may gusto sa akin.” agad na sagot ni Mr. Ryan.

Miss Lavigne cheeks turned crimson red. She’s about to defend herself but she halted when her father whispered something. Mula sa nag-aapoy nitong mga mata, huminahon ito habang nakikinig sa ama. From them, my eyes drifted to Miss Navarro. She’s trying to calm herself, I can tell. Sa paraan ng pagbukas sara ng kaniyang kanang palad.

“It was a nice match, Miss Navarro. Sana lang hindi ito maging dahilan na mas lalo kang magalit sa akin.”

It was like a hell ride on a rocky road. Mula sa unang hearing, marami kaming isinaalang-alang at naging proseso. Lalo na dahil makapangyarihan ang kampo ng kalaban. Ayaw magsalita ng ilan sa mga kasama nila nang gabing iyon, isama pang sa teritoryo nila Miss Lavigne naganap ang sinasabing krimen.

They tried to block the cctv foottage around the villa, however we were able to pull some strings and because an IT expert that we know recover some deleted files. May isang kasambahay rin ang tumistigo na naging dahilan para maipagtagpo tagpo namin ang mga pangyayari.

Contraty to the reports, it wasn’t Mr. Ryan who put a certain chemical on their drink. Hindi rin si Mr. Ryan ang nagdala sa kwarto niya nang gabing iyon. It was her, the young and prominent actress Grace Lavigne.

Pilit man nilang itago ang katotohanan, lalabas at lalabas pa rin ang totoo. You can sugarcoat and manipulate the information or do worse than those however, He has a better idea of concealing the truth behind those lies.

“You think you win? Oh dear, nagsisimula pa lang tayo.” Miss Navarro said.

“Tapos na, anong nagsisimula pa lang ang sinasabi mo riyan Miss? Hindi na kami kasali riyan.” may himig ng panunuksong tanong ni Jenny.

“Anyway, if you don’t mind mauna na po kami, mawalang galang na. May celebration pa po kami mamaya.” dagdag ni Jenny.

I waited for five seconds and when we didn’t received a response from them, that’s when I started moving my feet away from the place. Though I can still feel their rage from my back

“Tumubo ang puting buhok ko sa stress dahil kay Miss Navarro, huh!” My secretary ranted when we’re already out of the court room.

Nagtanggal ako ng coat. I felt suffocated in the court room, mabuti nalang at nasa labas na kami.

“Dapat kasi hindi mo na pinapatulan,” komento ko.

“Habang secretary mo ako, hindi ko siya titigilan ‘no! Of course kung patuloy siyang man bu-buwesit! Hindi siya nakakatuwa!"

“Pero lalo siyang hindi titigil kung.. hindi ka rin titigil.”

“Ah basta, hindi ko siya aatrasan!”

I just smiled and shook my head. Nagpaalam si Mr. Valencio at kami naman ni Jenny ay dumiretso sa opisina. When we reached the office, the firm’s employees were lining up, smiling and greeting us.

"Congratualations!”

“Horaay for another win! Ang galing niyo!”

Bumati sila isa-isa at mayroon pang nag-abot ng bulaklak. I can't suppress my smile 

“Thank you everyone. Kung hindi dahil sa tulong niyo, hindi rin kami magtatagumpay.”

Atty. Villarozo beamed. “Sus, ikaw pa Ma’am! Kahit nga po wala kami, siguradong panalo ka na!”

“Ipipikit lang ni Prosector ang kaniyang mata, solved na agad ang kaso!” Prosecutor Carlo added.

I chuckled softly. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Jenny grinning. Siya na naman ang may pakana nito, walang duda.

“We should resume on working, enough with the fuss.” I suggested.

Pumapalpak si Jenny.

“Sa The Quest daw mamaya pa victory party ni Ma’am, walang a-absent!”

The crowd cheered while I just shook my head. Bitbit ang bulaklak, tumalikod ako at tumungo sa elevator.

“I won’t be there later, I’ll lend you my card instead.” sambit ko nang maramdaman ang presensya ni Jenny sa tabi ko.

The lift open and we both went in.

“Your presence is highly encouraged Prosecutor. Ikaw ang nagpanalo sa kaso pero ‘di ka dadalo?”

From the glass wall of the elevator, I saw Jenny pouted.

"We used to celebrate our victory’s before, and you’re always present. Bakit ngayon, hindi?”

I sighed. It’s not like I don’t want to join them. Iniisip ko lang na baka, hindi pumayag si Chaz. Even if he’s only my husband on legal documents, some people know that we have a romantic bond. At ang makita ako sa bar..

“Now is different Jenny, you know I already have a husband.”

“Isama mo si Chaz Fuentes at nang makilala rin namin. I only knew that he’s the owner ot the Fuentes Real State other than that, none." she looked at me and wiggled her eyebrows. "Sa tuwing nagbibigay siya ng pagkain mo, hindi naman iyon nagtatagal at agad na umaalis. Ito na ang pagkakataong makikilatis ko siya.”

“Look, just use my card and celebrate with the team okay? Hindi na kailangan naroon ako.”

Umiling si Jenny. “We’ll wait for you at the venue, 8 pm sharp!”

I groaned. Jenny will always be Jenny. Minsan, napapaisip na lang ako kung paano ko natatagalan ang ugali ng sekretarya at kaibigan ko.

I stayed inside my office for the next hours, and when it was time to go home the employees were excited to the so called victory party. Habang nasa elevator kasama si Jenny na hindi rin matago ang saya, nakatanggap ako ng tawag kay Zayd, ang bunso kong kapatid.

“Hi, little brother!” I enthusiastically
answered.

“Tss, umuwi ka raw sabi ni Mommy,” masungit na sagot ng kapatid ko.

“For dinner?”

Matagal na rin pala simula nang umuwi ako sa mansyon. I didn’t see them for quite some time now, and I think it’s time to meet my family after a stressful weeks.

“Yes, isama mo raw ang asawa mo.”

“Bakit ko naman siya isasama?” kumunot ang aking noo.

Mukhang napalakas ang boses ko dahil bumaling si Jenny sa akin, bumuka ang bibig ko at binigkas ang pangalan ng bunsong kapatid ng
walang boses. Tumango naman siya.

“Obviously because he’s your husband,”

Napasinghap ako. “Pero ‘di naman ibig sabi—”

“Just bring him with you, bye!”

Umawang ang labi ko ng walang pasabing pinatay ni Zayd ang tawag. That boy!

“What’s with your face?”

“May family dinner kami mamaya, I’m sorry I really can’t attend the party.” I said pleadingly.

Huminga siya ng malalim. “We’re talking about your family now, and I know how much you value them Pia. So fine, bawi ka nalang sa amin sa susunod.”

Napangiti ako nang malawak. “Thank you, Jens!”

Kinuha ko ang black card ko saka ito binigay sa kaniya.

“Here, charge your purchases in my card.”

Jenny shook her head and was about to complain but I was quick to put it on her hand.

“Accept this, pambawi ko na lang din. Huwag nang magreklamo.”

She sighed. “May pera naman kami, Pia,” bulong niya.

I smiled at her. “Yes I know but it’s my treat! Pasasalamat ko na rin sa inyo.”

It was always a habit of us to celebrate whenever our firm would win a case. We want our employees to unwind after a hecktic schedule. Though, I am not sure if Drake will be there too.

Sa ground floor ako dumiretso habang Jenny ay kailangan pang kausapin ang ibang mga kasamahan. Wala pa ang pamilyar na kotse ni Chaz sa dating pinag-parkingan niya sa tuwing sinusundo ako kaya naghintay ako ng ilang sandali. The guard was humble enough to offer me a monoblock chair but I refused. I’m sure hindi na ‘yon magtatagal. Normally, Chaz was the one waiting for me due to my piled works but now is different. Wala pa siya kahit mag aalas-sais na.

Lumiwanag ang mukha ko nang matanaw ang kotseng madalas na naghahatid at sunod sa akin nitong mga nakaraang araw. Tumigil ito ilang metro mula sa akin. I was beaming while walking towards his car. Plano kong tuksuhin siyang ako ang naunang matapos ngayon araw. Panay kasi ang reklamo niyang ang bagal ko raw kumilos.

Nangingiti kong binuksan ang passenger seat ng kaniyang sedan. “You’re fifteen minutes la—” natigilan ako ng makita ang taong umuukupa sa shotgun seat ng kotse ni Chaz.

My smile instantly faded. For some reason, I felt my stomach churned looking at Harry’s face. He was seating on my usual place.

“Sa likod ka,” Harry said arching a brow.

My lips parted. I peered at Chaz, silently hoping that he would correct him. It’s been a long time since I saw Harry, and yet he didn’t even changed a bit. He is still rude.

I did not move a muscle and waited for Chaz words, only then I will gladly follow him. This is not Harry’s car in the first place. For him to decide for the owner.

“Sit on the back Miss Perez.” Chaz mumbled from his seat.

My shoulders fell. However, I managed to give them a smile. What Chaz have said seems to pleased Harry cuz of his smirk. Tila nagyayabang..

“Uh.. yeah sorry,”

I refuse to belived that I’m hurt. Upuan lang ‘yon, ang mahalaga makarating ako sa bahay ng ligtas. Tahimik akong naupo sa likod at pilit kinumbensi ang sariling huwag bumaling sa harap.

My attention was on the side of the road. The couple in front was talking as if they are only the person in the car. The ten minutes drive was a torture. It was a good thing the road was free of traffic. The problem is, I don’t know how to invite Chaz over dinner. Narito si Harry at imposibleng iwanan niya ito ng mag-isa.

“Where is Manang?” I asked.

The mansion was dark, at ako ang unang pumasok sa kanilang dalawa. I looked for the switch but someone behind me got it first.

“She’s on leave,” said by Chaz.

My head snapped at his direction. Harry was removing his shoes and as if on cue, he meet my gaze only to glare at me.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at tinitigan si Chaz. “She was here when we left this morning. How com—”

“I advise her to leave for tonight and for tomorrow’s Miss Perez. She’s been working for us since day one, let’s give them time to rest.”

I gnaw on my lower lip. My eyes narrowing at him and his lover behind him. I have a feeling that because Harry will be here tonight, he told our only housemade to leave the manor with his husband. Tinanguan ko siya. Wala akong sinabi at tinalikuran na lang sila.

“Come back here once you’re done upstairs, we’ll eat.”

My strides towards the stairs halted when I heard Chaz said something.

“Babe,” it was from Harry, as if protesting.

I sighed and shook my head.

“I won’t join you two. I’ll eat outside.”

Nagtuloy-tuloy ang paghakbang ko hanggang sa marating ko ang sariling kwarto. I showered first and changed into blue dress that hugged my curves. I picked that dress among my other clothes in the wardrobe. It looked simple, and yet elegant. I made my make-up minimal as possible. I finished my night with a white sandals.

Kahit hindi kasama si Chaz, pupunta pa rin ako sa bahay ng mga magulang ko. They are expecting to see me, well not only me but the other one is unavailable tonight. Sigurado naman akong hindi niya iiwang mag-isa rito ang bebe niya!

Ayaw ko ring makasama si Harry nang matagal na harap-harapan dahil siguradong.. sakit sa ulo lang ang makukuha ko. This is supposed to be my rest since I’m done with the case I was handling but because of the situation. I shook my head.

Don’t let him, or them affect you. You are the wife, you shoudn’t feel intimated by the other party.

I talked to myself while staring at the mirror. Isang pilit na ngiti ang ginawa ko sa harap ng salamin bago lumabas ng silid. I heard a voice from the kitchen. Madadaanan ko iyon at hindi rin nakasara ang pinto kaya naririnig ko ang usapan nila.

Plus, kailangan ko pa ring magpaalam kay Chaz. I don’t want to sleep on the street later, well not that I don’t have a place to go once they locked the door, ayaw ko lang magsayang ng oras at lakas pumunta ng condo kung sakali mang pagsarahan nila ako mamaya.

“Babe where are my comfort foods? Bakit wala sa lalagyan?” rinig kong tanong ni Harry.

“What foods?” it was Chaz.

Nakikinita ko na siyang nakaharap sa stove, suot ang apron at nagluluto. Iyon naman lagi ang eksena niya sa tuwing naroon sa kusina. Nagbago nga lang iyon ng dumating si Manang Remmy at siya ang nagsilbi sa amin.

“My cup noodles babe! Marami ‘yon, bakit wala kahit isa?”

Sumilip ako sa siwang ng pinto at tama ang hinala kong nakaharap na naman si Chaz sa kalan at si Harry nagkakalikot sa mga kabinet.

“Oh that, I throw all of it last time. Hindi mo sinabing expired na pala lahat ng ‘yon.” sagot ni Chaz, nakatalikod pa rin kay Harry.

“What babe? Are you serious?” Harry stopped on searching when he sense it was futile.

I bite my lips. Hindi ko alam na tinapon pala ni Chaz ang mga iyon, kaya pala wala na akong napansing cup noddles matapos ang umagang iyon. Dumating din si Manang Remmy at napunan ang bakanteng espasyo na iyon.

“Bakit mo naman tinapon babe! Maayos pa ang mga iyon, kinain pa nga natin nang nakaraang buwan diba?” he stompped his foot on the ground.

“Maybe some yes, but most are spoiled. You didn’t looked for it when you bought them. Bumili ka rin kahit pa marami ka pang stock diyan.” sinabi niya iyon habang tutok pa rin sa ginagawa.

“Did you check? I was sure it wasn’t expired yet, babe.” kunot na ang noo ni Harry, pero malambing pa rin ang boses niya.

Impressive.

Hinintay kong matapos ang usapan nila bago ako pumasok. Ayaw ko ring mabunton sa akin ang frustration ni Harry kung mayroon man.

“I did, pero sa dami no'n, agad ko nalang tinapong lahat.” nagkibit balikat si Chaz.

Harry on the other hand sighed. Base sa ekspresyon ng mukha niya, problemadong problemado siya.

“Mag grocerry na lang ulit tayo bukas para makabili ng cup no—”

Tumigil siya ng lumingon sa kaniya si Chaz. “No cup noddles. Beside Nay just did her grocery yesterday. We have plenty of stocks at wala na ring space na malalagyan ang mga iyon.”

Nagtagpo ang kilay ng kausap niya.

“We can buy a rock for it, remember our favorite store? May bagong labas sila, wait,” he roamed his eyes around, until it stopped beside the refrigerator area. “It’s perfect in there, babe!”

I hold the doorknob, planning to approached them since I can see that their talk won’t end anytime soon. I saw Chaz gazed at the direction he pointed.

“That won’t fit,”

Napalunok ako. Handa na sanang pumasok ng magtagpo ang tingin namin. Wala akong ibang pinagpilian bukod sa pumasok. I awkwardly smiled, while Chaz gave me a cold look.

“I need to go, my parents wants to meet me.”

I heard someone snorted, hence I didn’t pay him attention.

“Does your parents invited me over?” he removed his apron while waiting for my reply.

Hindi ako nakasagot dahil sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam ang dapat na sabihin. Mula sa sulok ng aking mata napansin ko ang paggalaw ni Harry.

“I assume yes, since I am your husband.” he said, before turning off the stove.

I pressed my lips together.

“Yes, but it’s fine if you can’t be with me. Dinner lang naman, ako na ang bahalang magpaliwanag.”

Lumapit sa kaniya si Harry pero hindi niya ito pinagtuunan ng pansin. Sa halip ay sinamaan niya ako ng tingin.

“Wait here, I’ll just make myself presentable.”

My eyes rounded with his remark. Maging si Harry ay halatang nabigla sa narinig.

“What do you mean babe? Iiwan mo ako rito?"

Chaz finally gazed at him, and I saw him smiled.

“The adobo is done, Harry. I’m sorry but I have to leave you here. I can't let her meet her parents alone. You know that.”