Chapter 31: Engagement

"Persian," he called out before grabbing my arm when I was about to leave.

I gave him a death glare. "Get your hands off," I said.

"Please, let me... explain," he pleaded with his begging eyes.

I arched a brow and glanced at the girl beside him who was intently looking at me. I then looked at his hand again and swayed it harshly. "Fine. Go ahead, I'll listen."

He took a deep breath and was about to speak when I raised my hand. "Wait..." I then arched a brow at his friends who were watching us. "What are you guys doing?"

Archie scratched the back of his head. "Tara, Anella, sa garden niyo muna tayo, hanap tayo ng pink na tipaklong." After that, the rest followed him.

Nahagip ng paningin ko si Lorraine sa gilid. I smirked when I noticed her face reddened. "Why are you blushing?" I joked, but my voice was deadly serious.

She almost caught a breath, sinaway ako ni Zian. "Persian, huwag mo naman siyang takutin..." Pero bakas pa rin ang takot sa boses niya dahil sa 'kin.

I glared at him. "Painumin mo muna baka mamatay iyan sa uhaw."

Lalo ko pa siyang sinamaan ng tingin nang napansing nag-iba ang ekspresyon sa mukha niya pagtapos kong sabihin iyon.

"Ako na lang ang kukuha, Zian... mag-usap muna kayo," Lorraine butt in.

"Sure ka? Ako na lang saglit lang naman," si Zian.

"Didn't you hear what she said, Zian? Siya na ang kukuha, bakit parang mas gusto mong pagsilbihan? Are you a fvcking maid?" I hissed.

I saw how Zian swallowed hard, nagmadali namang tumalikod iyong Lorraine.

"Ah, oo nga pala. Saan iyong... kusina?" she asked as she turned her back midway.

"Left," I answered.

She quickly nodded and went away.

"Persian, the truth is... makikiinom lang talaga siya," panimula niya nang nakatitig sa akin.

I examined his face to see if he's telling the truth, when I confirmed he was, I smirked. "Didn't know na sumasadline ka na pala bilang supplier ng tubig?"

He bit his lower lip to stifle a smile when he saw how serious I am. "I am sorry..."

"Why are you sorry?"

"I am just sorry... I don't wanna make you feel bad."

I stared at him for a moment. "But you just made me feel," I answered back.

There's a mixed emotion visible in his hazel-brown eyes now. And I found guilty.

"Nevermind."

"What happened to your face?" he asked instead, and was about to touch my face when I stepped back.

"It's nothing."

Our conversation got distracted when we heard something broke.

He muttered a curse and ran towards their kitchen. I gritted my teeth and followed him.

I stiffened on my ground while watching Zian picking the broken glass caused by Lorraine. Tutulong pa sana siya nang sermunan siya ni Zian.

"Gumilid ka na lang muna baka masugatan ka pa, ako na bahala rito," malamyos na aniya.

I heaved a sigh. Fine, maalalahanin lang siya sa kapwa, no malice.

I tried to convince myself that it wasn't a thing. Pero bakit parang alalang-alala siya na akala mo mamamatay kapag mababahiran ng bubog? Napakalambing pa, pero noong ako iyong nakabasag, pinagalitan at ininsulto pa ako.

I rolled my eyes at their back and went back outside. I have no reasons to stay still, so why the fvck am I still here? Waiting for that jerk to come back where I am.

When they got back, I stood on my ground and crossed my arms. "You know what? I don't know why I am still here, seemed like you already found your type..." I gave Lorraine a side glance when I noticed she's looking at me. "You like her?" I asked him, my eyes were still on Lorraine.

Her eyes widened. "H-Hindi ako gusto ni Zian!" she defended.

"Tumigil ka r'yan, hindi kita kinakausap," singhal ko at tiningnan si Zian na nakakunot ang noo.

"I suggest na ipaputol mo ang linya ng tubig niyo rito para wala nang dahilan para dalhin mo siya rito, unless... marami kang lame reasons na nakahanda, Zian? Like, makikikain siya?"

"Persian, hindi ko na nagugustuhan iyang tabil ng bibig mo," he warned, almost whisper.

I stepped forward and looked at his eyes intently, on his nose, and on his lips... "Well, you deserve a punishment, love," I whispered as I tiptoed to reach for his lips.

He was about to step backward when I snaked my arms around his neck to deepen the kiss.

There's no response from him, so I stop, we're still closed to each other. "Kiss me back or... you'll not gonna see me again?"

He left with no choice, when I lifted my gaze at him I already caught him staring at my lips before crouching to initiate the kiss.

My heart took a leap.

I was just kidding, but it seemed like he took it seriously and... I love it.

He doesn't fail to make me feel butterflies in my stomach whenever he's like this with me.

"I'll kiss you, just... just don't hide 'coz I can't guarantee I can find you," he whispered. "But if you still do, I'll find you whatever it takes," he added.

I breathed and let go of him without saying anything. It shocked me. But when I glanced at Lorraine who's now smiling before us. It was a shocking view. Why would she smile?

I shook my head. "I have to go, and please if you have an intention to follow me, don't. I want to be alone," I said.

"ITO ang susuotin mo mamayang gabi. Don't you ever try to ruin the engagement party, Audrey. I'm warning you."

I nodded.

I guess I have no choice at all. Mommy's already controlling my life. For it is Fiona's wish... ang matali ako.

I know she's now healed. Nag-iinarte lang siya para pagbigyan lagi. Bumalik na nga ulit ang sungay niya, e.

"Muntik na akong mamatay dahil sa 'yo."

"Edi, sana natuluyan ka na," sagot ko. Of course, I didn't mean it. Gusto ko lang naman siyang inisin para kahit papaano makaganti man lang ako.

"Mauna ka. Where's my father?"

"Si Daddy, well, nasa hospital malamang—"

"Iyong totoong papa ko na inagaw mo," she cut me off.

I wasn't even surprise. "Inagaw? Ba't ko naman aagawin, e may sarili naman akong ama? Baka ikaw ang nang-aagaw ng pamilya?"

"Shut up, Audrey! Sumisipsip ka sa ama ko dahil para makaganti rin sa 'kin! 'Di pa ako tapos sa 'yo!"

I rolled my eyes. "Stop acting, Fiona, bisitahin mo na lang kaya ang mama mo sa puntod niya?"

She reddened in anger. "Mommy! Si Audrey!"

I made a face and slightly kicked her wheelchair before storming out the living room.

After she woke up, she started to ask things. Mas nauna niya pa lang nalaman na si Mr. Vallejos ang ama niya dahil nakita niya ang iilang documents tungkol kay Violet Vallejos at sinisi pa ako na nakipagkita raw ako kay Mr. Vallejos nang araw na iyon para agawin ang ama niya. At doon ipinaliwanag din ni Mommy sa kaniya ang lahat. So, nagmukha lang pala akong tanga dahil may alam na pala talaga siya. Kaya siguro ay hayok siya na ipakasal ako kay Kurt, si Daddy ipinangalan sa akin lahat at dahil alam niyang hindi siya totoong anak ay naging praning siya na baka itakwil siya kapag nalaman ko.

Sa totoo lang... wala akong pake.

And now, she threatened Mommy that she'll commit suicide if she won't engaged me off to Kurt. Mommy being an uto-uto, did her best to convince me.

I actually don't take this engagement seriously. Anytime, p'wede naman akong gumawa ng paraan para hindi matuloy. Pero kinakabahan ako kasi party iyon, maraming tao. Including my friends are there.

No, I'll run away after this, I already packed my things up and we, my friends, already planned something. I will start my life again, I will live my life the way I want to, with no shits around me. Especially that Fiona.

I wore a white A-Line V-neck spaghetti straps with a high split long dress. The dress was nice, but my feelings weren't. This is too good to be true.

Weeks had passed since that happening back in Zian's house. He tried to chase me, but I was so determined to be alone. Nagtext and call siya, but I didn't answer one of them. Instead, I blocked his number. Naisip ko rin na masyado akong naging mababaw para umasta ng ganoon lalo na nandoon iyong mga kaibigan niya sa labas. Naisip ko, bakit nga ba ako magagalit dahil lang sa nagdala siya ng babae? But I set it all aside.

"Sweetie, will you be okay?" Daddy asked when I finally went out after the make over. We're now outside our house head to a resort where the party is held.

"Who would be okay in this kind of situation, Daddy? Wala ka man lang ginawa alam mong ayaw ko," I whispered in nowhere and passed by him to hop in the car.

The event started when we arrived. Nasa harapan kami, malamang. Mommy's beside Tita Rowena near the stage. And I felt anxious while looking around looking for my friends.

Swear, after this I won't come back home again. Wala akong pake kung magpakamatay si Fiona at kasuklaman ako ni Mommy. It's now about me, this is my life.

There's a round of applause when the host called Kurt.

Shit. I really wanted to cry, and I hate this. Pakiramdam ko nasasakal ako. I never felt this before, the people around me pressured me more.

"Good evening, I want to thank all of you for coming..."

Parang gusto kong masuka sa kaba na nararamdaman nang nagsimulang magsalita si Kurt. We've never talked about this dahil hindi naman na kami nagkikita, ngayon lang ulit.

When Kurt went down and extended his hand to me, I shook my head and looked at him, begging. "Kurt, I can't do this," I whispered.

"You want to call it off, Audrey?" I heard Fiona say near my seat.

I ignored her.

"Well, I can do that in one condition..."

Napalingon na ako sa kaniya.

"Just leave us alone, Audrey. Lumayas ka na lang, tutal, wala namang may pake sa 'yo sa family. Mommy or should I call Tita? Is on my side."

I gritted my teeth. "I'll still leave whether you or not tell me to. No conditions needed," I hissed.

"Audrey, they're now suspiciously looking at us," si Kurt.

I looked up at him. "Just entertain them for a moment," I obeyed and looked at Fiona again.

"Mukhang gustong-gusto mo yatang icall-off, huh? Sayang, gusto ka pa naman ni Kurt—"

I snapped when Mommy came over to me. "Audrey, what the hell are you thinking? Umakyat ka na o kakaladkarin pa kita?"

I sighed and stood up. My hands were trembling but I still able to reach the stage. I looked at the crowd and looked for my friends. When I saw them, my body rested in relief.

"C'mon, Audrey. Just put this on, can we pretend that we're happy right now?" Kurt whispered while handing me the engagement ring.

What the hell. This is scandalous!

"I hate you all," I whispered through my gritted teeth as I put the ring on his finger. We both looked at our engagement ring before I glared at it.

The party went smoothly for them, but it definitely not for me. Since, Mommy was nowhere to be found after the introduction. Daddy's busy talking to some, Fiona's just around. I went to my friends.

"I can't do this," I anxiously stated.

"Halata nga, parang kanina hihimatayin ka. Napakastiff mo sa stage, 'di ka maganda," panlalait ni Marga.

I glared at her. "Do you think I still have that in mind? I was forced to do this, and I hate it. Where's my luggage? I won't come back anymore once this is finished."

"Taray, ano 'yon runaway fiancè? Forced marriage kasi kailangan sa business? Hays, help ka namin marami na akong nabasang novels na ganiyan ang plot. For sure, ganoon din ang magiging takbo ng iyo. Marga, ipaalam mo ako kay Daddy."

Nauna kami ni Rhiane sa labas dahil nagpaalam pa si Marga. Pahirapan pa ang lumabas dahil sa security kaya kailangan kong takpan ang mukha ko para 'di ako makita ng iilan.

Nasa labas kami ng sasakyan nang patungo si Marga sa amin na may kasama.

"Daddy," usal ni Rhiane.

I looked at the man in his corporate attire, who's now strictly looking at Rhiane.

I bit my lower lip.

"Who told you to go outside, Rhiane?"

Lumingon kami kay Marga na naiiyak. "Suspicious siya," she mouthed.

I nodded.

"Daddy, sasamahan ko lang si Audrey saglit. Diyan lang kami sa tabi-tabi."

Mr. Montessori, Rhiane's father, looked at me suspiciously. "Are you planning to escape, hija?"

I remained silent.

"Daddy, hindi mo naman siguro binasa iyong novels ko, 'di ba?" si Rhiane.

"I did. And I know where this is going," he answered.

I creased my forehead.

"A-ah, Mr. Montessori, iba po kasi ang plot nitong kay Audrey... hindi po gaya sa novel ni Rhiane, ang totoo niyan, e... may diarrhea siya kaya uuwi po siya, hindi dahil... tatakas siya tapos makikipagtanan sa totoong mahal niya gaya sa mga nobelang mga nababasa mo..." si Marga na kinakabahan.

I let out a breathe. What the hell is she saying?

"Daddy, ngayon lang? Sasabihan ko si Kuya Yuan na sunduin ako after, sige na..."

As far as I know, Yuan's her older brother. I just saw him once in their house, it was Rhiane's birthday. Her brother's probably in his mid-20s now.

"Fine, babalik kayong tatlo kaagad, okay? Lalo ka na Rhiane, your mom's too strict."

"Yes, dad."

"C-Can you... not tell my parents about this, Mr. Montessori?" I asked, stuttering.

He looked at me. "I'll try."

I nodded, at least there's a possibility he won't.

After we settled inside the car, they both looked at me.

"What's your plan?" Rhiane asked.

I sighed and rested my head against the car's window. "I won't comeback anymore. This is just so... exhausting. I can't live my life like this, you know that."

"Saan ka titira? P'wedeng sa 'min ka muna, we'll hide you, for sure maiintindihan ni Mommy —"

"No, I can manage. Just... just send me to Rizal for now."

They looked at me in curiosity.

I sighed. "I'll just talk to Zian. Saglit lang, and after that wala na. Don't worry we'll keep in touch. Ia-update ko kayo once I settled somewhere."

"In love ka na nga talaga. Hays, alam mo naman kapag ikaw na wala na kaming magagawa. We'll support you, pero promise, ha, na babalitaan mo kami!" si Rhiane.

I nodded.

"Do you need something ba, Audrey? Nakakainis ka, you're welcome naman sa bahay namin, e."

I shook my head. "I am glad, Marga, but no thanks. I want to live on my own, just explore some new things, I guess? What do you think?"

"Paano iyong school?"

I scoffed. "School's the least I'll think of. Nagbabakasyon na rin naman, for sure Daddy will do something about it, ganoon naman lagi, 'di ba? Isa pa, I can find a job without diploma just..." I trailed off and raised my eyebrow.

"Iyong ganda mo? O, sige. Gamitin mo iyang ganda mo at nang mahampas kita," inis na wika ni Marga.

I chuckled. "No, I know better than that, don't worry. I'll update you soon, don't tell anyone about this, okay? I'll kill you both."

"Oo na, ito naman parang others. Sige na, tara na."

I turned off my phone earlier, so when I opened it again, I got a lot of missed calls from different persons. But, my concern now is Zian. I just feel I need his presence right now. I unblocked him before I contacted his number.

"Hello?" he answered in low voice.

I bit my lower lip. "Zian, can I stay with you tonight?" I said, straightforward.

"Persian... what's wrong?" It's as if I didn't block him for a week, parang wala lang iyon sa kaniya at mas concern niya pa iyong pagod na boses ko.

"I felt like... I have to see you," I almost whisper.

"Okay, where are you? I'll pick you up."

"No, I mean... papunta na ako sa r'yan. Nasa bahay niyo ba ikaw?"

"Hmm, yes. Pero kung gusto mo, pupunta ako sa kabila, let's see each other there if you want."

"Please. I'll be there in a moment. Thank you, bye." I then hung the call up.  "Let's stop by the near store. I just have something to buy," I said.

I bought wine and some food. I guess, we should have our late dinner.

My lips quivered when I saw his silhouette waiting at the entrance of their house. I bid good bye to my friends before walking towards him.

"Zian," I called and when he turned to face me. I quickly threw my arms around him and buried my face on his shoulder. "I missed you," was the first words came out from me.

"I missed you too... so much," he whispered.

I bit my lower lip and hugged him tight. "I am sorry..."

I heard his low chuckle. "No problem, brat. I understand and I won't demand."

I requested him to have our simple dinner at his balcony. It was refreshing while we're eating with a wine. We're just looking at the starry night sky, air made its way to my skin making me shiver, but it's all fine. I love it.

"You look beautiful tonight... but I know something's wrong. A penny for your thoughts?"

I glanced at him and he's already staring.

"I'm engaged," I stated and showed him my hand where the ring is.

His lips parted, tilted his head and looked at my hand. A seconds later, he let out a nervous chuckle and looked at me again... with a fear evident in his eyes.

"Are you happy?" he asked, I was expecting him to ask but I didn't expect that question.

I lowered my gaze. Dahan-dahan, itinanggal ko ang singsing at nilapag iyon sa lamesa. I swallowed hard and looked at him again. "No," I muttered.

"Come here," he obeyed and tapped the space beside him.

I was hesitant at first, but I still did. Lumapit ako at umupo sa tabi niya. He hugged me tight. He let me rest my head on his shoulder. "It's okay. You can do this, I am here, right? You know that. I believe in you, Persian," he whispered while patting my shoulder.

"I am tired, Zian. When will this end? Napapagod na ako, bakit ganito lagi? It was a cycle..." I started sobbing.

"Hush, just cry it out, I am here, I got you."

I tugged on his shirt when I couldn't control my tears anymore. "They're unlucky to have me. Tell me, did you regret meeting me too? Kasi ako... I am beyond thankful for having you beside me."

He breathed. "No, I didn't."

We stayed silent for a minute.

"Just cry it out until it hurts no more."

I smiled and let go of him. He wiped my tears using his hand. "Are you now fine? Nagkalat iyong mascara mo, ang panget mo na tuloy."

I sniffed and punched his arm. "Nakakainis ka."

"Kidding aside, are you now okay?"

"Zian, won't you ask about the engagement?" I asked.

He gave me a small smile. "I won't force you, kung gusto mong sabihin sa 'kin, go, I'll listen."

"Kurt. I am engaged with him, but I escaped during the party."

He was just listening to me. We talked about it until he spoke.

"Mukhang mas gusto mo yatang maging maid sa bahay ng asawa ko in the future. Sayang, nagbago pa naman isip ko, bibigyan na lang sana kita ng Ferrari, pero ayaw mo na yata. Ngayon pa lang talo ka na sa deal natin."

I chuckled when I remembered it. Sabi ko, kapag nagkatuluyan kami bilang mag-asawa bibilhan niya ako ng sasakyan, pero kapag hindi magiging maid ako.

"Magiging maid niyo ako ni Lorraine? You're heartless."

"Hmm, are you sure na si Lorraine magiging asawa ko?"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up! Naiinis ako sa 'yo. Can I stay here, Zian? Just one night."

We argued a bit. Ayaw niya at ihahatid niya na lang daw ako, pero nang sabihin ko sa kaniyang kaya nga ako umalis doon kasi ayaw ko. Kalaunan, pumayag din siya.

"Sa room mo ako, Zian," I said cutely.

"No."

"Sige na, please."

"Fine, doon ako sa guestroom."

"Let's sleep together!"

"No," he said.

I grabbed him and pushed him against the wall. "Fine, ayaw mo? Okay, give me a good night kiss instead."

"Persian," he called problematic.

I raised a brow and pulled down his shirt to reach his face. I kissed him gently, as the thought of not seeing him again flashed on my mind, making me deepen the kiss.

"You need a tutor for kissing. I'll teach you 24 hours if you want."

He rolled his eyes. "No, wala naman akong ibang makukuha sa kiss kun' 'di bacteria—"

"What?" I glared at him.

"Sharing saliva is disgusting. May bacteria —"

Before he could finish. I grabbed his nape and sucked his lower lip. I kissed him aggresively and bit his lower lip before letting go. "Good night." I winked and chuckled when I saw how crumpled his face was after my kiss.

His lower lip bled. "What the hell?" he muttered when he wiped his lips using his thumb and saw a blood on it.

Nahiya tuloy kaagad ako kaya niyakap ko na lang siya at hinalikan sa noo. "Good night, love. You deserved it after offending me." Tumakbo kaagad ako papasok sa kuwarto niya at ni-lock iyon.

Tomorrow morning, I woke up earlier than usual. I planned to leave and go somewhere to refresh and explore some things.

I entered the guest room where Zian's sleeping. When I saw him peacefully sleeping there, hugging a pillow and just topless. I carefully walked towards to take a peek.

I smiled and crouched to kiss his forehead. "You look more handsome while sleeping, matulog ka na lang lagi," I joked and covered him with duvet.

I left a note on the sidetable.

Thank you for everything, Zian. I know this isn't a farewell message yet, but I just wanna thank you for everything. I learned a lot from you, so I just wanna explore and be independent from now on. I won't hide so don't look for me.

Huwag mo akong mamiss baka mabaliw ka, ayaw kong mapunta ka ng mental hospital, love. -PAV