Ngiti

I reached the Fuentes Real State in no time. Mabilis ko munang kinain ang burger at fries sa basement parking ng kompanya nila. Nang maubos, saka pa lang ako nag ayos ng sarili. I sanitized my hand first and did a retouch for myself. Simpleng pasada lang ng lipstick sa labi at paglagay ng blush on sa pisngi.

My face heated from what I was doing. I'm fine with my look earlier, but I don't know.. I felt the need to appears to be presentable in all aspect. That's just fine. Walang masama sa pag-aayos.

"Hi Ma'am! Good afternoon, how may I help you?" the woman on the front desk politely said when I approached her. She was all smile. Hair in a neat bun. Wala ring masiyadong kolorete sa mukha.

"I'm looking for Mr. Fuentes. Can you tell him I'm here?" I smiled.

"May I know your name, Ma'am? Or do you have an appointment with Mr. Fuentes? We'll escort you immediately to his office if you have, but if none, you should set one first." Hindi nawala ang ngiti sa labi niya habang sinasagot ako.

"Uh.. no, I don't have an appointment with him. Just tell him Sofia Grace is here, he'll eventually recognize me."

She seemed to be hesitant. Nag-aalangan pa ito kung susundin ang gusto ko o hindi. The employee here doesn't know that I am the wife of their boss, it is only normal as their initial reaction. Beside, this is my first time going here.

"Sofia Grace Perez. Kahit pangalan ko na lang ang ibigay mo.." I trailed. "I'll just wait there." Itinuro ko ang bakanteng couch sa gitna ng lobby nila.

She then nodded understandingly. Before turning my back, I caught her making some calls. Katulad ng sinabi ko, naupo ako sa kulay maroon na couch habang naghihintay. Hindi pa nag-iinit ang pwet ko sa upuan ng humahangos na lumapit ang babae.

"Mrs. Fuentes pasensya na po! Dito po ang opisina ni, Sir!" tarantang pahayag niya, nasa mukha ang pagsisisi.

I laughed and shook my head. "Ayos lang, Miss. Ginagawa mo lang naman ang trabaho mo."

Nagbaba siya ng tingin, hindi masalubong ang mata ko. "Sorry po talaga, Ma'am! Hindi ko ho kayo na mukhaan kanina, naririnig ko lang po kasi na kasal na si S-Sir. Hindi ko pa naman ho kayo nakitang bumisita rito. Wala akong alam na kayo na pala iyon!"

I nodded my head. I clearly understand her point. It was not her fault, and I won't fuss about it.

"Okay, apology accepted." Tumayo ako.

Napahinga siya nang maluwag. "Sana po hindi niyo isum—"

I didn't let her finish the sentence she's trying to say.

"Just because you didn't attend my concern that promptly, I'll resort to firing you. You can relax now and go back to your work. Hindi kita isusumbong sa amo mo."

I'm not that low. Totoo rin namang hindi ako palapunta rito kaya hindi katakatakang hindi niya ako kilala.

Nawala ang takot at pagkataranta sa mukha niya. Huminga ito nang malalim saka ako bigyan ng ngiti.

"Maraming salamat po, M-Mrs. Fuentes."

I beamed and nodded. I stood in front of a silver elevator with a bold writings on the top indicating EXECUTIVES. I pursed my lips. So I am now one of the executives in this company, huh?

After some time, the lift opened and I stepped in. Nanatili siyang nakatayo roon at pinagmamasdan ako hanggang sa sumara ang pinto at nawala siya sa paningin ko. I crossed my hand over my chest as I waited. Dinaga nang hindi maipaliwanag na kaba ang didib ko habang lumilipas ang segundo. I inhaled and convince myself to calm down.

The lift dinged and I take a long breath before walking out of it. Nakatayo na ang sekretarya ni Chaz na tila nag-aabang sa pagdating ko. She's standing beside her table. Ngumiti siya bago ako sinalubong.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am! Maghintay lang daw po kayo muna sa loob at may tatapusin lang siyang meeting." panimula niya.

My brows knitted together. "Meeting? I thought he's free today—I mean, now?"

Iyon ang sinabi niya kanina. He's even willing to fetch me. Tapos ngayon, may meeting pala?

"Sir doesn't have any appointments after lunch. He's currently on the conference room with Sir Samuel Salazar. I can assure you that it won't take long, Ma'am." she opened the door which I assumed is Chaz office before motioning his hand for me to enter.

I sighed. Yeah, I remember he was with Samuel earlier. Pero ang akala ko'y umalis na. I shrugged. I'll just wait for him then.

"Ah, okay thank you." Pumasok ako sa loob at sumunod naman siya.

Tumayo ako sa gitna ng opisina niya. The interior design was a mixure of gray and white. Behind his table and swivel chair were overlooking city. Glass wall iyon kaya kitang-kita.

"Gusto niyo po ba ng maiinom habang naghihintay, Ma'am? Kukuha po ako."

Nilingon ko siya saka tipid na umiling.

"I'm good."

She nodded with a smile.

"What was your name again?" I asked cuz I don't know.

Mas mabuti nang alam ko para naman sa susunod na pagbisita ko'y may itatawag na ako sa kaniya.

"Jelyn po, Ma'am. Jelyn Aguilar."

Tumango ako. "Salamat, Jelyn. Ayos na ako rito. Hihintayin ko na lang ang Sir mo."

Nakakaintidi siyang tumango. "Nasa labas lang po ako kung may kailangan pa kayo,"

I smile acknowledging her statement. Not long after, she went out of the room leaving me. Tinungo ko ang sofa at pinahinga roon ang bag. Instead of sitting, I decided to surveyed his office.

May book shelf siya na puno ng mga libro. Walang masiyadong gamit sa bukod sa laptop na nasa kaniyang lamesa at ilang mga papeles. My eyes turned to slit when I caught a tiny picture located at the left side of his table where some of his things are placed. Lumapit pa ako para sana mas makita ng maayos ang larawan. Nasa maliit na babasaging frame rin iyon. It's a candid photo, nakatalikod ang tao sa larawan.

Bumuntonghininga ako saka hindi na nag-usisa pa. I looked around once again and noticed the two doors on the corner of the room. Binalingan ko muna ng tingin ang pinto, when minutes passed and no one was entering, kusang humakbang ang mga paa ko para tignan kung ano ang mayroon doon.

Luckily, the first door wasn't locked. Nang buksan ko iyon, sumilip lang ako mula sa labas at hindi na nag-abalang pumasok. I peeped on the door and saw that it was a mini bedroom. May single bed at isang closet. I sighed heavily before closing it.

Sa sumunod na pinto'y comfort room naman. Nakaramdam ako bigla ng kagustuhang gumamit ng banyo kaya naman pinasok ko iyon saka nilock. I used the toilet. After a while, I washed my hands and stepped out of the bathroom just in time when the door of the office flew open. Nanlaki ang mata ko. My heartbeats doubled as our gazed crossed. Napalunok ako bago alanganing ngumiti.

"I hope you don't mind me using your comfort room." I stated and nibble my bottom lip.

Chaz closed the door behind with arched brow. May hawak siyang puting folder sa kamay.

"Kanina ka pa?" he asked casually.

I shook my head. "Kadarating ko lang. Tapos ka na sa meeting niyo ni.. Samuel?" Linapitan ko ang sariling gamit saka iyon sinukbit sa balikat.

"Yeah. I'm sorry you had to wait. Samuel was eager with the contract. Hindi na makapaghintay ng bukas." he uttered, chuckling.

Chaz put the the folder on his table before loosening his tie. He was standing behind it, his back was on me but I can tell it the way his hand moved.

Napanguso ako. "What is the contract all about, Chaz? Mind telling me?"

He turned his body around, now facing me. Tanggal na ang kaniyang tie at pinaglalaruan na lang iyon sa kamay. Chaz licked his lower lip. He looked at me intensely.

Nagkibitbalikat ako para ipakitang hindi ako ganoong ka interesado. Although, I am not hoping that he will really tell a word about it. Sumusubok lang ako.

"They're prospecting to build a hotel branch somewhere in the province. Samuel is trying to make me as one of his partner in the making."

Namilog ang mga mata ko. "Wow that's great! Pumayag ka ba?" nangingiti kong tanong.

He shook his head tiredly. "Pinag-iisipan ko pa,"

My forehead creased. "Kailangan pa bang pag-isipan 'yon? That's a great opportunity for a business."

Bumuntonghininga siya na tila problemado talaga. Naupo ako sa visitor's chair niya saka siya tiningala.
Binuksan ni Chaz ang isang drawer sa lamesa niya at doon linagay ang tie na kanina pa niya pinaglalaruan.

"Do you want me to accept their offer?" he asked, startling me.

Napakurap-kurap ako. "Yes?" patanong kong sagot. "I mean.. kung sa tingin mo okay din why not? Business is money. Not that you don't have plenty of it, mabuti na rin iyong pagkakakitaan."

He pursed his lips and stared at me. I chuckled dryly and looked away.

"Pero nasa iyo pa rin naman ang desisyon kung papayag ka." Pagbawi ko.

I don't have enough knowledge about business. That's not my forte. Ang naisip ko lang naman ay sayang ang kikitain kung hindi siya papayag. But it's still up to him.

"Harry is also one of the investor's. Are you fine with that?" mahinang tanong niya na nagpatigil sa akin.

My lips parted. Nakatitig siya sa akin na tila tinitimbang ang magiging reaksyon ko. Suminghap ako't hindi agad nakasagot. Gumuhit ang pait at sakit sa loob ko habang nakatitig sa kaniya. So it is because of him huh. Siya na naman pala..

"Does my opinion matter here, Chaz?"

My heart quenched. Why am I even asking? It's an obvious fact. Hindi na kailangang itanong.

"That's why I'm asking you cuz it does, wife. Now tell me, should I accept their deal?" humakbang siya.

"Kaya ko sinabing pag-iisipan ko kasi gusto kong marinig ang opinyon mo rito. What should I do?"

My eyes then followed his movements until he was in front of me.

"Sabihin mo Grace at iyon ang gagawin ko."

Kumalabog ang dibdib ko sa naring mula sa kaniya. His eyes were serious and dark like a moonless sky. Pero kahit gano'n, hindi pa rin nawawala ang taglay na ganda ng kalangitan kahit wala man ang buwan. At some point, malungkot kung titigan pero habang tumatagal mapapansin mong kahit ang kadiliman ay may taglay ding kagandahan.

"T-Totoo?" gulat kong tanong.

Hindi kasi kapanipaniwalang isinasaalang-alang niya ang hinaing ko. Para kasing kapag si Harry ang pag-uusapan, my stand will never be heard by him.

The corner of his lips twitched. Tinukod niya ang dalawang kamay sa magkabilang gilid ko na tila ako'y kinukulong. He crouched down and leveled his gaze to mine.

Suminghap ako't nag-iwas ng tingin. Nakakaiilang siyang tumitig. Parang simula nang may nangyari sa amin, parati na lang akong naasiwa sa mga titig niya. I always felt my weakening knees every time he would stare at me with those hawk like irises.

"Yes, Grace.." pabulong na sagot niya.

Uminit ang pisngi ko. He's been addressing me with that name quite often. It's either Grace or wife, and every time he would call me with
either of the two, my heart would always skipped a heartbeat.

"Uh.. a-ayos lang naman sa akin na tanggapin mo ang inaalok nila kung gusto mo rin. If you're not comfortable working with Harry.. then you should decline Samuel's offer."

He pull the chair closer to his body. Nasa bandang dibdib niya lang ang tingin ko dahil sa nag-uumapaw na emosyong nararamdaman ko sa mga oras na ito.

"Hmm.. how 'bout you? Are you comfortable that I'm working with him?"

Napakagat labi ako. Unconsciously, I lifted my gaze only to stilled. He's watching me intently as if afraid that I will disappear if he'll close his eyes for a second.

"If you are then I'm cool with it." I smiled at him.

It's like he's giving me my full rights as his wife. I can forbid him to do such thing and he will gladly oblige. Ganoon ba iyon? Kasi kung iyon nga, ayos lang naman sa akin. As long as it is pure business..

His eyes roamed in my face. Huminga siya nang malalim saka umayos ng tayo.

"Let's go now. I already texted dad that we'll visit." he said, diverting the topic.

Napatango ako. Naikuyom ang dalawang kamao. When I lifted my head, I saw him getting the car keys on one of his drawers. Iyong pinaglagyan niya ng tie kanina.

"Bumili muna tayo ng fruits on the way? Wala kasi tayong dalang pasalubong." mahinang pahayag ko bago tumayo.

Chaz nodded. "We'll do that. Kumain ka na?"

Lumapit siya sa gawi ko saka humawak sa aking siko. My breathing hitched, but I made sure he wouldn't notice the effect he has on me with the simple touch of his hand on my skin.

Tumango ako. "Bumili ako sa drive thru bago magpunta rito."

He arched a brow. "We'll eat a proper meal after visiting Mom. Do you have a place in mind?" tanong niya habang ginigiya ako palabas ng kaniyang opisina.

I pouted. "I'm full, Chaz. Don't worry."

He didn't answer me. Ang kaniyang kamay na nakahawak sa aking siko ay bumaba hanggang sa aking baywang iyon namahinga. I jolted and a gasp escape from my lips.

Tumayo ang sekretarya niya nang makita kami. She bowed her head. Tuloy-tuloy ang lakad ni Chaz at hindi pinansin ang empleyado.

"You're rude. Diba dapat nagpapaalam ka man lang sa kaniya?" ani ko habang hinihintay na magbukas ang elevator.

He cocked his head to my direction, brows furrowed. "Who?"

"To your secretary. You should've at least inform her about your leave."

"What for?" Lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya. "She's not my wife para magpaalam pa ako,"

My cheeks flushed and he smirk playfully. The lift opened and he guided me inside.

"Kahit naman hindi mo siya asawa.."

He groaned, cutting me off. Hinapit niya pa lalo ako palapit.

"I'm the boss here, wife. I can leave anytime I want it." He nuzzled on my hair making my cheeks heated more.

I'm still not used to this side of him. Sobrang clingy lalo na kapag kaming dalawa lang!

"O-Okay.."

Parang isang panaginip lang. Hindi ko inaasahang darating kami sa puntong ito. Na magbabago ang pakikitungo niya sa akin. After what happened the other night, bigla ay naging ganito na siya siya. It was like a key for the change of his attitude towards me.

Kung noon, halos hindi niya ako magawang hawakan kung hindi kinakailangan, ngayon naman ay halos hindi na niya ako magawang bitawan. Which is good in all honesty. I like this Chaz Theo better. This Chaz my heart flutter in happiness. Sana lang ay hindi ito magbago paglipas ng panahon.

My heart wrenched when Harry's name crossed my mind. Siguro naman.. wala na sila. I wanted to ask him about it. Gusto kong maliwanagan ngunit natatakot ako sa maaring isagot niya. I don't want to spoil this happiness. Maybe on the right time, magagawa kong itanong iyon sa kaniya. Just not now. Hindi pa ako handang mawala ang kaonting sayang nararamdaman ko sa ngayon.

Chaz didn't let go of my waist. Ang mga nakakasalubong namin ay tumatagal ang titig sa amin o mas tamang sa akin. Bumabati ang mga ito na simpleng tango ang sinasagot ni Chaz. Ako na lang ang minsan sumasagot pabalik sa mga ito.

Hanggang sa marating namin ang parking lot, hindi niya pa rin ako binitawan. I have a feeling he won't allow me to use my car this time. I was right when we stopped in front of a black Sedan. He opened the door of the passenger seat, surprising me. I pursed my lips to fight the smile. Napansin niya iyon sanhi ng pagtaas ng kilay niya.

"Get in, wife." he commanded with his husky voice.

Kagat labi akong sumunod. Ang akala ko'y aalis na siya subalit yumuko siya at kinabitan ako ng seatbelt. I failed to suppress my laughs that it erupted voluntarily on my mouth. I used my hand to cover it. His eyes glimmered with amusement.

"Ang saya natin, ah?" he put his right hand on the backrest of the seat I'm in while the other hand was placed on the door of his car.

I giggled. "Nakakatawa ka kasi!" I exclaimed. "This is the first time you're opening the car's door for me. You even put my seatbelt's on. Sinong hindi tatawa?"

"Masanay ka na kung gano'n. I will not just be your full driver, I can also be your personal bodyguard, name it." Chaz smiled playfully. "But being your husband is my best field." I felt his thumb caress my cheek.

Nabura ang mapaglarong ngisi sa labi ko. "I don't need a bodyguard." I flatly said. He chuckled before closing the door.

Sinapo ko ang sariling dibdib. Ramdam ko ang paghaharumentado ng puso ko. Pinakalma ko ang sarili sa pamamagitan ng paghinga nang malalim.

When Chaz was situated on the driver seat, there was a ghost of smile on his lips. Our gaze locked and I quickly averted mine. Umayos ako ng pagkakaupo at hinarap ang bintana. Katulad ng sinabi ko, bumili muna kami ng prutas bago tumulak patungo sa hospital.

"Where's the test?" tanong niya sa gitna ng paglalakad naming sa pasilyo ng hospital.

"What test?" I asked confused.

He exhaled. "The pregnancy test, wife."

Napatango ako sa narinig. I stopped walking and searched for the pregnancy test inside my bag.

"Here," I handed him the two PT but instead of accepting it, he shook his head.

"Ikaw na ang magbigay."

"Ikaw dapat, Chaz. Kasama mo naman ako." ani ko saka muling nilahad ang supot.

His thick brows met. The disapproval is very evident.

"Come on, hubby. You can do it!" I cheered wearing my sweetest smile.

He stared at me darkly before sighing. Tumango ito saka umiling.

"Damn that smile," bulong niya bago kunin sa aking hawak ang pregnancy test.

He put it on his left hand where he's also holding the basket of fruits while the right held my hand. Pinagsalikop niya ang kamay naming dalawa.

"Bakit ba? Anong problema sa ngiti ko?"

We resumed on walking while our hands were intertwined. He glanced at me sharply.

"Malaki, Grace kaya dapat sa akin ka lang ngingiti ng ganiyan. Your smile should only be for me. Kasi kung hindi, mas lalaki ang problemang dala niyang ngiti mo."

Napanguso ako. I looked at our hands together. It fits perfectly, huh.

"Should I?" nanunukso kong tanong, nanatili ang tingin sa magkasalikop naming kamay.

"Uh-huh." he hummed.

I licked my lips. "Your hands suits perfectly to my tiny fingers. From now on, this.."

Tinaas ko ang kamay naming pareho. He stopped walking and stared at me.

"Is also meant for me. Hindi ka dapat hahawak ng ibang kamay maliban ng sa akin, is that a deal?"

His expressive green eyes bore onto me as if reading the reason behind my words.

"If you want my smile to be exclusively for you, then.." I trailed.

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya. Gano'n na lang ang panlalaki ng aking mata nang sandaling dalhin ni Chaz ang kamay ko sa kaniyang labi. He kissed the back of my hand, making the butterflies on my stomach gone wild.

"Call." He whispered against my skin before I felt him kissing my hand again.

My breathing faltered. Binaba niya ang kamay ko at parang walang nangyari na muling naglakad. I felt like floating while walking behind him. Samu't saring emosyon ang lumukob sa akin habang tinatahak ang daan patungo sa silid ng mga magulang niya. I felt the extreme joy as I stare at his broad shoulder. Sa sobrang saya'y natatakot akong ang kapalit nito'y lungkot.

I was like this when Drake and I are still in a relationship. Or perhaps, this is way even deeper. I didn't saw the pain coming due to too much contentment and the feeling that Drake have given me. Nakontento ako sa mga masasayang sandali naming magkasama na umabot sa puntong hindi ko makita ang bagyong paparating.

But then again, they're two different person. I should not compare him to Drake right? Kumpyansa akong hindi darating ang araw na muli kong mararanasan ang pait na kapalaran.. sa kamay niya.

"Mom," he called the attention of his mother when he arrived at the right room.

Daddy Rodolfo was not there, tanging isang nurse na agad nagpaalam ng makita kami. Probably because she was already finished checking her.

Bumaling sa banda namin si Mommy Salvacion. She's laying on the bed. She can't even move her body completely. Her face was pale. Ang dating pulang labi ngayon ay halos mawalan na ng kulay. Her eyes shouts deep sorrow. Despite of it, she still managed to give us her warm smile.

My heart wrenched at the sight. It could've been more easy if only she agreed to take her medications even before her sickness have worsen. Kung sana matagal na siyang nagpagamot.. malaya na sana siya sa sakit na ito.

"Hijo.." mula kay Chaz, dumapo ang tingin niya sa akin. "Sofia, hija.. narito ka," parang gulat pa siya na makita akong kasama si Chaz.

Nalukot ang puso ko. Ang hina na ng boses niya na tila wala na talagang lakas. That only proves that she's in tough situation right now. Pinisil ko  ang kamay ni Chaz bago ito binitawan. He let me go and I immediately went to Mommy's side.

"Kumusta na, Mommy?"

"I'm fine hija. As you can see.." she trailed and smiled once again.

The painful one. Ramdam ko ang bigat ng loob ko habang pinagmamasdan siya.

Mapait akong napangiti. "Mom, magpagaling po kayo, ha?" Hindi siya nagsalita sa halip ay tumitig lang sa akin. Malamlam ang mga mata. "Lalaban tayo." pilit kong pinasigla ang boses.

I looked at Chaz from behind. He sighed heavily and walked towards us. His hand automatically encircled on my waist. I smiled at him in encouragement. Sa totoo lang ay kinakabahan ako. We are taking a big risk here. Kung sakaling maligtas si Mommy sa sakit niya at magsimulang maghanap.. pero wala rin pala kaming maihaharap sa kaniya, malaking problema iyon.

But at least she's now out of harm right?

Chaz cleared his throat. "We'll fly to U.S as soon as possible for your chemotherapy. Nakausap ko na ang magiging doctor mo roon. Handa na ang lahat, ikaw na lang ang hinihintay." sensero niyang sambit.

Agad kong napansin ang pagkabigla ni Mommy Salvacion. Her eyes rounded. Sinubukan niyang maupo.

"No please, Mom. Stay on the bed." I was quick to hold her arm gently.

She gasped in a low voice and shook her head. Kahit walang salitang namutawi ay alam ko na ang nais niyang iparating. I heard Chaz gasped and his grip on my waist tightened.

"Don't you want to see your grandchildren?"

That question made her stop from moving. Suminghap ako't pinanlamigan ng sariling kamay. Iniwas ko ang tingin kay Mommy. From the corner of my eyes, I saw him smiled at her.

"Siyam na buwan mula ngayon.. magiging lola ka na. Kaya kailangan magpalakas ka, you still have to see my children running around the house like what you always say whenever you'll asked me for one. So you need to fight, Mom."

Kinuha niya ang dalawang pregnancy test sa supot saka ito pinakita kay Mommy. Mariin akong napapikit. Ramdam ko ang panghihina ng sariling katawan.

Nagmulat ako ng mata at dinungaw si Mommy. Guilt rushed through me when I saw her eyes filled with unshed tears while holding the PT. Gano'n siya kasaya sa kaalamang mag kakaapo na siya kahit pa pregnancy test lamang iyon.

"Yes mom, my wife is pregnant and our child needs their grandmother's care and affection." aniya kasabay ng marahang haplos sa aking tiyan.

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Hi! Tanong ko lang po. Sino nga po 'yong nag papa-dededicate? Nakalimutan ko siya, ngayon ko lang naalala. I tried finding the comment pero hindi ko na mahanap.😭 If you're reading this, feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks a lot!