Pagkatapos ng medical mission ay dumiretso kami sa condo ni Iouis. Wala si Riri dahil nag-sleep over daw kasama ang mga kasama nito sa ballet.

Just like his office, his whole unit has the white-cream-beige theme with a touch of wooden brown. Dalawang palapag at loft-type. Ang isang parte ay glass walls mula sa second floor at may kurtina lang na remote-controlled.

I busied myself with the remote until the long curtains opened, revealing the city lights and the towering buildings. The road below was lined with dotted lights. No wonder he took the penthouse unit. It's worth it and breathtaking.

I used the master's bedroom shower while Iouis used the one in the guest room. Nauna akong matapos sa kaniya at ginugol ko ang oras na pagmasdan ang mga picture frames sa living room.

Most of the pictures were of him and Riri. May iilang litrato rin na kasama niya sina Orion, Gia, at Jarvis at sigurado ako na noong college days pa nila 'to. There were also a few frames with him and his family.

Nakuha ang attention ko ng litrato niya kasama ang mga lalaking pinsan. They are all good-looking, like the photo came straight out of a Ralph Lauren catalog.

Isang litrato lang ang naroon na mag-isa siya. It was taken during his law school graduation in Stanford. May dalawang bouquet siya at isang frame ngunit tipid ang ngiti.

"The frame is for the Dean's Award for Excellence." I turned behind me and saw Iouis. Nakabihis na siya ngunit tinutuyo pa rin ang buhok gamit ang maliit na tuwalya.

"Let me guess... you got academic awards too, didn't you? And the one for moot courts and mock trials?"

Instead of answering, he only shrugged and leaned forward to take the frame. "I never wanted to display this but Riri insists. I had to negotiate with her... if not, she'll fill the whole living room with photos..."

I leaned on the cabinet where the frames are. Mariin ko siyang pinagmasdan, sinusubukang hulaan kung bakit ayaw niyang i-display ang graduation photo niya. It's an achievement worth flexing!

He silently placed the frame back while I waited for him to share the reason. It's either he doesn't want to tell me or he's waiting for me to ask.

"Why?" Hindi ko na napigilan ang curiosity.

We were away from each other during that time and... I don't know... the time may have passed but I want to know what he was up to during those times aside from law school. I want to know what he did and what he was like during that time.

My knowledge about him has years worth of gap. I may not be able to know everything, but I want to bridge that gap of unknown.

"Several of my mates were either married, engaged, or in a long-term relationship... their partners were all present during the ceremony... and for some reason, I was waiting for your face to appear in the crowds."

Now I know why he was hesitant to share. His answer involves a touch of the things we don't discuss.

"I don't like dwelling on things I cannot control but... this picture... it just reminds me of the things that could've been. Of the reality that involves you during those years."

Hindi niya na ako hinintay na makasagot at inaya na akong kumain. We bought dinner before going here so we didn't have to cook.

We were silent the whole dinner, both preoccupied with our own thoughts. I don't know what's going on in his mind but he looks serious in his thoughts.

Ako naman, iniisip pa rin ang sinabi niya. I, too, had moments before—even now, truthfully—when I dwelled on the things that could've been. All those what-ifs and imaginary scenarios from another reality.

"Lacey's inviting you to her birthday celebration," I said, looking at him intently.

Magkatabi kami ngayong nakahiga at nakaharap sa isa't isa. Bibisita sina Frankie at Lacey rito para sa kaarawan ni Lacey. We're all still in contact and we would see each other from time-to-time, especially when I was still abroad.

Inaya ko si Iouis na mamasyal para mamili ng regalo para kay Lacey ngunit may importante siyang meeting. Nakakatawa lang dahil kung kailan ako free, siya naman ang may ginagawa.

My Atty. Euro:

Where are you? Our meeting is about to start.

I might not be able to reply to you. Just informing.

Napangisi ako. Parang totoong boyfriend lang, ah!

Ako:

Shopping for Lacey.

And for myself 🙈

Sorry late reply, I was in the fitting room.

My Atty. Euro:

Alright, enjoy.

I was worried because you weren't replying when you also said you're done with work.

Ako:

Don't worry, hindi ako naghahanap ng ibang lalaki!

My Atty. Euro:

Tss

Dapat lang.

Ako:

Pero hindi naman kasi talaga tayo?

I waited for his reply but he only seen-zoned me. It's either his meeting started... or he didn't like my reply.

Pero totoo naman, ah?! I know it will sting but... I'm sure there will come a time when he'll find someone else. A real girlfriend who isn't also his ex.

Ako:

Joke lang, Atty. :(

Even if we're not real, I won't go behind your back.

My Atty. Euro:

Okay.

I trust you.

Just tell me

Tell me if you found someone else so we can break this whole pretend relationship :)

My heart dropped at his response. Wala naman siyang sinabing masama pero bumigat pa rin ang dibdib ko.

I don't think it's gonna be me who'll find someone else. Malabo. Kung may iba man, dapat noon ko pa nahanap 'yong "someone else". Pero wala.

Ako:

Huhu eto naman eh :(

I'm shopping nga :(

For some reason, this whole conversation is making me sad. Kasalanan ko naman kasi ako ang nag-bring up ng topiko. Dapat nanahimik na lang ako.

Although he didn't ask, I still sent him a picture as a proof. I took a photo of the boutique and another when I was in the fitting room.

My Atty. Euro:

I'm in a metting!

Meeting!

Damn beautiful, though.

TTYL. Enjoy shopping.

I checked the photo I sent and realized that I was wearing a lingerie top. Perfume lang naman sana ang bibilhin ko ngunit may mga lingerie rin sa boutique at may natipuhan akong design.

It was a lace corset top and has a deep-v neckline. Kulay puti at hapit na hapit sa katawan kaya mas nadepina ang kurba ng baywang at hinaharap ko.

I didn't mean to send it as a teasing text... or to seduce him or whatever! Sadyang nag-send lang talaga ako ng picture proof na may binibili nga ako!

I ended up wearing the lingerie top to Lacey's birthday celebration but I paired it with a blazer. Kami lang namang tatlo ni Frankie pero kung maka-pressue ang dalawa sa akin ay parang buong barangay ang inimbita.

Kumain kami ng seven-course meal ngunit nag-aya si Frankie na mag-bar. I feel too old for the club but Frankie was insistent. She used the minsan-lang-tayo-nagkikita card and the magtatampo-ako-sa-inyo-card on us.

"Cara, about the Romanos..." Napasinghal ako nang marinig ang pangalang iyon. Nasa bar na kami at si Frankie lang ang nasa dance floor. We reasoned to her that our knees couldn't take all the jumping anymore. "I still can't find the son—"

"Lacey! It's been years!" Tinaasan ko ang boses dahil sobrang ingay ng techno music. I thought she let it go already.

"Alam ko!" She said, almost shouting too. "I know you forgave me but look at you! Iouis forgave you but you also can't let it go! Ganoon din sa akin. And for me, I would only feel worthy if I find the son!"

I sighed and shook my head. I took the shot Frankie tried to coerce me into drinking earlier.

I forgave Lacey years ago. I have no ounce of bitterness of resentment towards her. She also promised me when we had a serious talk that she will find the son of the Romanos.

Yes, she tried a lot of times but failed. Akala ko ay mapapagod din siya ngunit... hindi... hanggang ngayon pala ay nasa listahan niya pa rin iyon.

"Why? You have a reason, I'm sure..."

Her sigh was a clear indication that she's still suspicious. Hindi niya sasayangin ang oras para hanapin ang tagapagmana ng mga Romanos kung wala siyang matinong dahilan. She could make it up to me in other ways but she's still choosing this path.

"I don't think he stopped, Cara," naiiyak niyang sabi at inubos din ang isang shot. "They are not in business anymore but their wealth can last them a lifetime... masama ang kutob ko! Hindi ako makatulog nang maayos tuwing naiisip ko 'yon!"

"You think the Romanos will... seek revenge?" I find the idea odd because if they wanted to avenge for that failed partnership with the Euros, they should've done it years ago.

But then, the idea of me being Iouis' pretend girlfriend also seems odd... but look where I am now.

"Maybe not the whole clan," she shrugged before chugging straight from the bottle. It's her birthday yet she looks problematic. "Pero hindi talaga ako mapakali! So please don't ask me to stop because I'm confident I'll catch him."

I sighed in resignation while taking the bottle of Jack Daniel's from her. I can't believe that Lacey—of all people—is chugging Jack Daniel's. The last time I saw her like this was during our Boracay trip.

"Alright. But please don't get stressed out, okay?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, sinisiguro na hindi na talaga siya magpapa-stress. "You're a doctor, not a private investigator."

Lacey finally nodded and started chugging water instead. Bumalik na rin si Frankie sa booth namin at sinabayan si Lacey sa pag-ubos ng mga tubig na in-order namin.

My eyes were set on the two, making sure they won't leave with some stranger. Hindi na ako gaanong umiinom. Wine at champagne na lang kadalasan. Pero kung kinakailangan at kung kasama ko ang mga kaibigan ay umiinom ako nang kaunti.

Umalis lang ang tingin ko sa dalawa nang mag-vibrate ang phone ko. I smiled when I saw Ious' name popping on the screen.

My Atty. Euro:

Hey, how are you guys?

Do you want me to fetch you? I can drive the two to their place. They can also use the guest rooms in my place. :)

Sorry, don't let me bother you.

Enjoy the party, Cara.

Ako:

Hey, I had a few shots but I'm okay.

We'll stay in a nearby hotel. Matulog ka na, Atty.

My Atty. Euro:

That's good to know.

I can't sleep, though.

I was about to ask why but then he sent me a selfie of him and Riri. Siya ang nakaharap sa camera at nakatalikod naman si Riri dahil nakayakap ito sa kaniya. He had a small smile on his face while his arm was wrapped around Riri, his arm resting on her hair.

Ako:

Cute naman ng unan mo. Hahahah good night!

Your screen's light might disturb her.

My Atty. Euro:

I doubt. She's in deep sleep and even snoring a bit. Lol.

Ako:

Aww, is that hwy you can't slepe?

*why, sleep

Promise hindi ako lasing huhu maniwala ka please

I then sent him a selfie. And then another video of me chanting "I'm not drunk, promise". I thought that it would convince him, only realizing it late that what I did is something a real-drunk person would do.

My Atty. Euro:

Yeah, I know you're not drunk, Cara.

But yeah, maybe it's her snore.

Ako:

What's the other reason?

My Atty. Euro:

Hmm...

Ako:

Ano nga?

My Atty. Euro:

Idk. Not sure.

But maybe because I'm thinking of you??? Idk...

It was his turn to send a video. This time, he's the one chanting "I'm not sure." Natawa na lang ako at ilang beses na pinaulit-ulit ang video.

Ako:

Don't worry, we'll leave in a while.

Inaya ko ang dalawa na umalis at um-oo naman agad sila. Akala ko nga ay mahihirapan pa ako kay Frankie ngunit hindi naman siya umangal. Aniya na medyo boring daw dahil wala siyang kakilala.

Ako:

Aalis na kami.

My Atty. Euro:

What? Why?

Ako:

Para makatulog ka na hahahah

My Atty. Euro:

What?

I told you, it's not that seiours.

You should continue enjoying the party.

Don't let me bother you.

I'll sleepd now

*serious, sleep

Natawa ako dahil sa kaniyang reply. Biro lang naman 'yon ngunit mukhang sineryoso niya.

Ako:

I was teasing you. Uuwi na talaga kami.

My Atty. Euro:

Alright, if you say so.

Can you call me once you're home. Or just text. It's up to you.

I was smiling while typing my reply. After we settled down, that's when I called him. Ilang minuto na rin ang lumipas nang makarating kami ngunit tinulungan ko pa ang dalawa na mag-ayos at saka nag-shower din ako.

"By the way, I'm going to Europe... family matters," pag-imporma niya. 

Just like the pictures he sent me earlier, Riri is still fast asleep and hugging him tightly like a tarsier on a tree's branch. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. It's adorable and heartwarming.

"Plus, we might see each other there," anito na may makabuluhang ngiti.

I didn't realize what he meant until Papa asked me if I wanted to go with him and my sisters to Europe. Aniya na may party raw ang mga Euro at para na rin sa partnership ng dalawang law firms. I told him I'll consider it but I'll check my schedule first. Parang hindi pa siya makapaniwala na hindi kaagad ako pumayag.

Pupunta rin naman ako roon para sa Bachelorette party ni Sugar pero hindi pa ngayon. But it's amusing because it was only when I read an article about Iouis that I gave my immediate yes.

Mamaya pa dapat ang meeting ko kasama sina Dr. Garcia, Dr. James, at Atty. Rossi. We were supposed to discuss my schedule, my cases, and my patients.

But because of one article... napa-oo kaagad ako kahit hindi pa sigurado kung makakapag-leave nga ako.

"Doc! 'Wag kang mag-alala, siguradong kaibigan lang 'yan ni Atty.!" Leal said, trying to console me.

Napatingin ako sa repleksyon ko, gustong malaman kung mukha ba akong malungkot. Yes, I felt a sting in my chest because of what I read but I don't think I'm that affected to feel sad!

In an electrifying turn of events, the legal-medical world's beloved couple, Atty. Iouis Euro and Dr. Cara Maldevaron, have found themselves in a whirlwind of rumors. 

Atty. Iouis Euro, known for his spectacular background, undeniable intelligence and legal prowess has been rumored to be dating the daughter of the legal scion of the Philippines, Dr. Cara Maldevaron.

These two couple have been turning heads and sparking conversations (if you're not updated, check the other articles here). Describing them as the ultimate *couple goals* is an understatement.

But, is their seemingly perfect love story about to face an unexpected twist, involving none other than Marceline Bianca Condeza?

Marceline, an international model of renowned brands (read more here!) is not your stereotypical rich, European heiress. She is a philanthropist, an environmental advocate, and an art-enthusiast.

But here's the real kicker — Marceline and Iouis Euro were caught sharing what seemed to be intimate moments while strolling  through the romantic landscapes of Italy.

Kaaalis lang ni Iouis noong isang araw ngunit ito na kaagad ang nangyari. I even dropped him off the airport! What's worse is that someone caught a picture of us kissing before he went inside the airport and that picture was used in the article.

Now, I not only look like a fool who has a cheater for a boyfriend but also a pitiful woman!

Ilang beses ko nang nabasa ang article simula noong lumabas ito kahapon. Iouis and I are still texting each other but I couldn't bring myself to ask him

We're not a real thing, after all! He can date anyone he wants and have a serious relationship with that Condeza!

"Why did you change your mind? Mukhang hindi ka pa sasama—"

I gave Ate Bree a dark look but she only chuckled. Nakakainis ang ngiti at halakhak niya, halatang natutuwa sa reaksiyon ko.

"I had to consider a lot of things!" I hissed and rolled my eyes. I took my luggage and duffel bag to transfer to a farther seat. Hindi ko alam pero mainit ang ulo ko sa kapatid.

And as if not sensing my sour mood—or maybe she noticed but chose to ignore it—Ate Bree followed me to the other couch. I wanted to get away from her yet here she is. Una pa siyang naupo kaysa sa akin.

"Really, huh? Kaya pala nauna pa ang 'yes' mo kaysa sa meeting niyo nina Dr. Garcia..."

If she didn't succeed in law, I would recommend her to be in the media. And dami kasing alam! She can be annoyingly nosy sometimes!

Hindi na lang ako nagtanong kung paano niya 'yon nalaman. She surely has her ways that she won't divulge.

I spent most of the flight sleeping and doing some work with my iPad. But as much as I wanted to continue with my work and read some articles Dr. James sent me, I was distracted by Leal's constant messages. Tungkol iyon sa mga articles kina Iouis at sa sikat na modelo.

Leal:

Doc, siguraduhin mong makakaganti ka, ha?!!! Hindi pwedeng niloloko-loko lang ang doktora ko!

Ipakita mo sa kaniya na kawalan niya 'yon, Doc! Madami pa riyan, Doc!

'Wag ka nang malungkot, Doc, ha!!! 'Di niya deserve.

Pero sayang lang, Doc, kasi kahit mukhang pilyo at playboy siya, parang ang bait niya naman sa 'tin huhuhu ang sakit, Doc!

Pero, Doc, okay lang 'yan! Kakayanin! Iiyak mo lang pero maghanap ka kaagad, ha!!! Madami pa riyan!

Pass ka lang muna sa mga Italyano, Doc, mukhang mga manloloko, eh!

Pero hindi naman lahat!

Doon ka siguro muna sa mga French, Doc? Gusto mo mag-research ako kung anong lahi ang hindi masyadong nangangaliwa?

Ah, kaso, depende rin sa tao, eh!

Sayang lang, Doc! Ship ko pa naman kayo, eh!

Nakakainis talaga, Doc! Ang daming articles! Wala bang may sinabi si Atty.??? Grabe naman 'to!!!

Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maiinis kay Leal. Hindi ko rin alam kung sino ba sa 'min ang totoong girlfriend. I mean... obviously, none of us. Pero kasi... parang siya 'yong naagrabyado!

Hindi na nga ako gumagamit ng social media dahil ayaw kong makabasa ng kahit ano tungkol kina Iouis. Pero heto si Leal, patuloy akong ina-update. She would tell me to not bother myself with Iouis but she's also the one who sends me those links! I feel like she's more affected than I am!

In the past few days after the first article came out, a lot of continuations of it followed. It's like they're monitoring Iouis' and that model's moves. Palagi ring magkasama ang dalawa—mula sa mga cafe, malls, spa, hanggang sa mga pribadong golf club at restaurants!

Iouis and I would still text each other but we're both too caught up with work to call. Or at least, I am... wait, hindi... I wasn't as busy in the previous days. I only used it as a reason to not speak to him.

I don't want to be bothered but I am! Nababagabag ako at gustong-gusto ko siyang tanungin ngunit wala naman akong karapatan. Kaya kung pumayag ako na makipagtawag sa kaniya ay baka hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili!

Check the label, Caramel!

"Cami! Come here! Anong minumukmok mo?" Si Ate Bree sabay hila sa 'kin papunta sa mga kakilala nilang lawyer.

I'm not anti-social, okay? I consider myself the opposite. Kahit sino pa 'yan, kaya kong makipaghalubilo. I've been socializing with Papa's colleagues and business partners ever since I started talking. This isn't a new scene for me. I grew up doing this... but now, I don't feel like doing this.

I don't feel like being here at all!

Kararating lang namin sa chateau ng mga Euro at katulad ng inaasahan ay napaka-engrande ng mansiyon nila. Diamond chandeliers were hanging casually on the ceiling and gold-plated frames were everywhere. Wherever I look is a proof of the Euros' vast wealth.

But nothing was more mesmerizing than the man who's confidently descending the stairs while a playful grin formed on his lips as he conversed with another man.

His hair was neat and slicked back and his suit well-fitted. Hindi ko mapigilang mapakagat-labi nang gumalaw ang kaniyang mukha sa may direksyon ko. Hindi niya pa rin ako nakikita ngunit kitang-kita ko naman siya.

I can see how his face is illuminated by the soft glow of the chandeliers. How perfect his suit is for him. How he fixed the cufflinks on his right wrist as he took the last step on the stairs. How people's eyes followed him as he passed them by and how their smiles would widen when he greets them. And how natural he is as if this is his usual scene since childhood.

His towering stature blocked everything else from my sight as he traversed through the crowds, ignoring some people on the way who tried to catch his attention. Madilim at seryoso ang kaniyang mga mata, ibang-iba sa nakita ko bago-bago lang nang binati niya ang ibang mga bisita.

Nang nagtama ang mga mata namin ay hindi na siya nag-iwas ng tingin. He was almost near... so near... until a tall yet slender figure appeared on his side.

Iouis stopped on his tracks to greet Marceline. Although she's already tall, she still had to tiptoe a bit to reach Iouis' cheek for a kiss. And while she was doing all that, Iouis' eyes never left me, making Marceline turn to my direction.

She gave me a small smile before pulling Iouis towards me. I broke off our eye contact as I felt a searing pain in my chest.

"Care to introduce us?" Si Marceline sabay ngiti kay Iouis. Her eyes literally looked like they were sparkling when she looked at him. Her admiration towards him is evident!

"Cara, this is Marceline—"

"Hi!" Nag-abot ng kamay si Marceline at tinanggap ko naman iyon habang hindi ko pinapansin ang madilim na tingin ni Iouis.

Why is he like this? Ayaw niya bang nandito ako? My family was invited, ah!

Is this because he doesn't want his "girlfriend" in the Philippines to meet his girlfriend in Italy? A reunion of his girls, kumbaga?

Or maybe... he wants to end this now? Maybe he wants to have a real relationship with Marceline so now he's acting all cold towards me so I'll break our fake relationship?

"I'm Cara... Atty. Cario's daughter," pagpapakilala ko sabay sulyap kay Iouis na seryoso pa rin ang tingin sa 'kin at nakabusangot.

I wanted to introduce myself as his girlfriend but... baka masira ang diskarte niya.

What if he likes Marceline for real and I'll ruin his chance by introducing myself as his girlfriend even though I'm not?

Mas mabuti nang ganoon ang sinabi ko para safe... para kung may namamagitan man sa kanila, hindi ako magiging hadlang.