"Psst... Cami!" Pinitik ni Ate Bree ang noo ko at pinanliitan ako ng mga mata. Napasimangot ako dahil sa ginawa niya ngunit mabilis ding umayos ng upo nang makita si Ate Alyvia.

We're preparing for another party and it has something to do with the law firm. I didn't bother myself with the details since I know that all I have to do is to smile and greet whomever I come face-to-face with.

This one is more formal than the party at the Euros' yesterday, which is why my sisters want us to glam up even more.

I chose a simple dark-blue satin gown and a pair of stilettos. I also had my hair straightened, which almost reached my waist. Ngayon ko lang napansin na ganito na pala kahaba ang buhok ko. Mas maiksi kasi tingnan dahil sa pagkakulot.

Ang surprisingly, although what Iouis said kept me awake last night, I still managed to have a peaceful sleep.

Hindi naman siguro siya lasing kagabi para sabihin 'yon, diba? But if he was drunk, it would mean that he actually meant his words! Ito 'yong sinasabi nila na mas honest kung lasing!

I shook my head and shrugged those thoughts off. Hindi lang talaga siguro ako makapaniwala sa sinabi niya... he still likes me! Ako lang daw!

"Bakit parang mas extra 'yong attention sa 'tin... or sa inyo?" Bulong ko kay Ate Bree pagkatapos makipagkamayan sa kung sinong lawyer man 'yon.

Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin at pinisil ang braso ko. "Hindi ka talaga nakikinig! This is because another law firm will partner with the Euros! But since the Euros assets keeps on expanding, we need some extra hands—the Condezas! But don't worry, we go way back. One of the few clean clans!"

Napatango-tango naman ako. She's surely talking about the partnership that happened because I chose to let Iouis go. I am certain that Ate Alyvia was so worried that if Iouis and I continued our relationship back then, the partnership between the Maldevarons and the Euros won't happen, which will cause Iouis to not inherit their law firm.

Nakakatawa lang dahil hindi naman talaga sinalo ni Iouis ang firm nila. He chose to build his own. Kung hindi naman pala pipiliin ni Iouis ang firm nila, edi sana hindi na lang ako nakipaghiwalay!

It's also like a slap in the face—like reality is reminding me of my choices back then and telling me that what I considered as a sacrifice is... nothing.

My mind was somewhere else during the formal event. I would clap every time someone is called to the stage, when Papa went to the stage, and when someone ends his or her speech.

"What are you doing here? Doon ka sa boyfriend mo!" Bulong ni Ate Alyvia at inabutan ako ng champagne.

Sabay namang nanlaki ang mga mata namin ni Ate Bree. Ang pinagkaiba lang ay nabuga ni Ate Bree ang iniinom. Ako, painom pa lang. Pero hindi ko masisisi si Ate Bree dahil kung ako siya, tiyak na mabibilaukan din ako. It was so out-of-character for Ate Alyvia!

"What? I have conscience too!" Ate Alyvia shrugged but still waved a hand to whoever it was that passed by. The man clearly wanted to start a conversation with her but Ate Alyvia already turned her back to face us.

"Look... I'm sure this event reminded you of what you had to do for us to work with the Euros. I'm not sorry for what I did, Cami. But, at least, let me support you in this way."

Tulala naming pinagmasdan ni Ate Bree si Ate Alyvia. She, once again, rolled her eyes while shaking her head. "Now, go get your man or I will!"

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako nataranta—sa sinabi mismo ng kapatid o dahil sa tono ng pananalita niya.

I mindlessly walked away from my sisters while trying to find Iouis. Kung sa Pilipinas ay mabilis lang hanapin si Iouis dahil sa kaniyang tangkad. Ngunit ngayong naririto rin ang mga pinsan at kaibigan niya na kasingtangkad at kapareho niya sa hubog ng katawan, medyo nahihirapan ako.

I eventually found him at the garden with Marceline. May mga lumalapit sa kanila, mukhang gustong makipag-usap, ngunit hanggang kaway lang ang magawa. Katulad ko ay napansin din siguro nila na mukhang seryoso ang pinag-uusapan ng dalawa.

"Do you think it's true? That those two will be engaged to seal the partnership?" Rinig kong tanong ng isang babae sa kaniyang asawa.

I was hiding behind a bush, trying to eavesdrop, but my spot is either too far from them, or they're simply talking too quietly.

Nang binalik ko ang tingin kina Iouis ay wala na siya roon at naiwang mag-isa si Marceline. At kung sinuswerte nga naman ako, nagtama ang mga mata namin kaya bigla akong napaayos ng tayo.

A smirk formed on her lips as she gracefully walked towards me.

Damn this! Minsan na nga lang ako gumaganito, nahuli pa!

"Atty. Maldevaron's daughter, right?" She smiled. She's pretty and all that but, for some reason, I find her smile annoying. It's too sweet and charming that it seems fake... like she's purposely trying to get on my nerves.

"Depende," bulong ko sa sarili, unti-unti nang tinatamaan ng mga nainom. Saka ko na lang din napagtanto na ilang glass din ng champagne ang naubos ko.

She chuckled and playfully hit my arm. "You're funny. I'm sure that your father is the only Atty. Maldevaron that has a child... unless?"

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, hindi maintindihan ang pinapahiwatig, ngunit patuloy lang siyang ngumiti.

"I heard you're Alex's girlfriend in the Philippines..."

What does she mean by 'girlfriend in the Philippines'? Ibig niya bang sabihin na ako ang girlfriend sa Pilipinas ngunit siya kung nasa Italy?

"I'm not sure if you're aware but... you may consider this as an informal engagement for me and Alex."

Hindi ko alam kung paano ko nakayanan na tumayo lang doon at makinig sa mga sinabi niya. Tuwing may binibitawan siyang salita ay parang pinipiga ang puso ko. At the same time, I felt furious.

Nang makawala kay Marceline ay saktong may dumaang waiter. I took four glasses of champagne and placed them on the plant box of the bush I used to hide a while ago.

Naupo ako roon, parang tambay na lasing sa gilid ng kalsada, habang inuubos ang champagne. Wala ring dumadalo rito dahil mukhang nagkakasiyahan talaga sila sa loob.

I was finishing my fourth glass when I saw Iouis going out with another woman. Hindi si Marceline kundi ibang babae naman!

What? Don't tell me na this is the France representative? I know the girl because aside from being a famous supermodel known for being Gisele Bündchen's lookalike, she was also linked to Galaxy's now-husband.

Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa wine glass at padabog na bumalik sa pagkakaupo. Ngunit dahil hindi ako tumingin sa inuupuan, nasagi ko ang isang glass na nagka-domino effect kaya nabasag silang tatlo.

Imbes na linisin ang kalat ay parang magnanakaw akong tumakbo paalis. It was harder to run with bent knees while wearing a stilettos and half-drunk.

Hindi naman malaking kasalanan ang ginawa ko ngunit heto ako, parang akyat-bahay na nahuli.

I took off my stilettos and ran barefoot along the elaborate and maze-like garden. Nagtago ulit ako sa mga halaman at naupo sa panibagong plant box.

"Cara? Are you here?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang marinig ang baritonong boses ni Iouis.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pumasok sa isipan ko pero nahiga ako sa sahig. Buti na lang talaga at hindi 'to damuhan at marble ang sahig dahil lahat ng mga halaman ay may sariling plant box.

I hid behind the plant box because if I won't, Iouis would find me. Hindi kataasan ang plant box kaya kahit umupo ako ay kita pa rin ang upper body ko.

Lying on the cold floor was my best choice until I felt some sharp sensation on my back, like a small needle piercing through my skin. It's the same sensation I describe to my patients that are scared of syringes. I would tell them that...

My eyes widened at the realization. Literal na mga langgam pala ang kumakagat sa balat ko.

I shrieked and panicked while trying to slap my back, hoping I'd hit the ants. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang uunahin ko. Mayroong nasa likuran ko, sa braso, at kaunti sa may paa.

I was slapping my own skin like a madwoman until I heard a running footsteps. Iouis' eyes widened when he saw me, probably questioning whatever it is that he saw in me before.

"What's happening? Cara!"

"Ants! Ants! Tangina, ang kati! Tangina! Langgam!"

It took us a few minutes before I finally rid myself of those pesky little ants. Tinulungan ako ni Iouis kahit siya mismo ay halatang hindi rin alam kung ano ang gagawin.

"Are you okay?" Nag-aalala niyang tanong sabay hubad ng coat. He placed it around my shoulders but I quickly took it and returned it to him.

"Why are you here? Nasaan na ang French representative mo? Don't tell me you also have one from Spain? Portugal? Huh! I can be the Greek representative too!"

Tumaas ang kilay niya, tila nalilito ngunit may pilyong ngiti rin an para bang natutuwa siya sa nangyayari.

"What are we talking about, Cara mia?" Nanunuyo ang kaniyang tono at mukhang hindi natinag sa pagwawala ko. Like it's either he's used to this or he doesn't mind me acting like a child.

"Marceline is your girlfriend in Italy! Tapos ako sa Pilipinas! Mayroon ka pa para sa France, huh? Or maybe sa Latin-America? Colombian 'yon diba!"

I spat each word as the ugly emotion enveloped my chest. I needed to let them out or else they'll eat me from within.

Iouis caught my hand, stopping me from slapping his shoulder. His other hand went to my waist, trying to hold me in place as he lowered his head to level with me.

Hindi ko nagugustuhan ang uri ng ngiti niya. Hindi niya 'ko sineseryoso! Tangina niya!

"Hmm... you're right," aniya sa mababang tono ngunit nahihimigan ko ang pagkatuwa roon.

See? Inaamin niya nga! Baka 'yong iba, totoong girlfriend talaga?! Tapos ako lang 'yong fake? Nakakainsulto 'to, ha!

Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang palad sa aking pisngi. His thumb traced invisible circles on my cheek while looking at me intently. Naputol ang hininga ko dahil uri ng pagtingin niya. Nakakakaba at nakakahipnotismo.

"You're my girlfriend in the Philippines..." he smiled at me before cradling my head with his arms.

"But you're also my girlfriend in Italy, in France, in Greece, and wherever I go."

He showered the top of my head with light kisses, making me forget that I'm annoyed and mad at him. Hindi dapat ako kinikilig sa mga ginagawa niya! Galit ako! Galit ako!

"What should I do to prove to that pretty mind of yours that I only got my eyes on you, huh?" He said lazily yet still with a patient tone. I could feel his breath on my hair and how he's inhaling my scent like he's intoxicated by it.

"Please tell me so we can cut the chase."

"Liar!" I hissed.

I want to maintain my composure and stand but what he's doing is literally making my knees weak! Damn! Since when did I become like this?! Kayang-kaya ko ang sarili kahit nakainom, ah! Hindi rin dapat ako makaramdam ng kung ano-ano dahil sa mga salita niya!

"I already told you! I don't want to be a mistress! Nasaan na ang fiancee mo?" Tinulak ko siya palayo at kinalas ang yakap niya.

If he wanted to, he could've held me in place but his hold was loose. Like he's not even taking this seriously and just waiting for things to unfold because it's amusing him!

"Just because you, Euros, have the looks and brains and money and body—" I paused when I noticed the small smirk forming on his lips.

Nang napansing nakita ko ang ngisi niya ay kinagat niya naman ang labi na para bang maitatago niyon ang pagkatuwa niya!

And why was I complimenting him in the first place?!

Akala ko ba ay nagrereklamo ka, Caramel! Bakit may pa-looks, brains, money, and body pa?!

Napalunok ako at mas tinaliman ang tingin. "Just because you're a Euro doesn't give you the right to play around!"

He sighed but still managed to smile. Inisang-hakbang niya ang espasyo sa pagitan namin at muli akong niyakap. Nagpumiglas ako ngunit hindi niya ako pinakawalan.

"Could my Cara mia please use her words and tell me what exactly this is about? I'd really like to understand her," masuyo niyang sabi sabay higpit sa pagkakayakap sa akin.

"Tss! Karma ko siguro 'to dahil sinaktan kita noon," bulong ko. Para lang naman dapat 'yon sa sarili ngunit dahil dikit na dikit kami ay siguradong narinig niya rin.

"Bakit mo pa sinabing gusto mo pa 'ko kung ikakasal ka naman pala sa iba?"

"The fuck?" At napamura na siya. Nagulat siguro kung paano ko nalaman.

He loosened his hold and pulled away for a few inches to look at me. Nakakunot ang kaniyang noo at magkasalubong ang kilay, hindi maipinta ang hitsura.

"What? You're gonna pretend you don't know?" I spat angrily. Aminin niya na lang kasi!

"Well, it seems that this event is just an informal engagement party! The Condezas and the Euros will merge—"

Natigil ulit ako nang mapansin ang ngiti niya. Nababaliw na siguro si Iouis! Seryosong-seryoso ang usapan ngunit nakangiti! Damn him!

He cupped my cheeks and rested his forehead on mine. "You're so damn beautiful and adorable..."

Mag-aalburuto na sana ulit ako ngunit bago pa makawala ang mga salita sa bibig ko ay naramdaman ko na ang kaniyang labi sa akin. He snaked his tongue inside my mouth, making my lips part more.

Napakapit ako sa kaniyang balikat dahil kung hindi ay baka tuluyan nang bumigay ang mga tuhod ko. Napadaing ako dahil sa paggalaw ng kaniyang mga labi.

He would ferociously move his tongue against mine and when I'm already feeling it, he would nibble my lower lip. Pabago-bago ang galaw niya at parang sinasadyang bitinin at tuksuhin ako.

I was gasping for breath when he pulled away. "If there's gonna be a merging between two firms, that would be the Euros and the Maldevarons."

His hands are still cupping both of my cheeks, still not letting me go. Tutok na tutok ang atensyon niya sa akin na para bang mawawala ako sa isang kisapmata.

"But that's already the case, right? Our family's firms are now partners because you broke up with me... and now, they're just adding another partner."

His eyes were calm and patient and affectionate yet mine was the opposite. Ayaw kong ipakitang naaapektuhan ako ng mga salita niya at nanlalambot ako dahil sa kaniya!

I am tough! I am unaffected!

"If the partnership of two firms entails marrying the son of one owner to the daughter of the other, matagal na dapat tayong kasal," simple niyang sabi.

"The whole arranged-marriage theme is so... primitive, Cara... if we want to get wedded, then we'll do it on our own terms. Hindi ako magpapakasal sa hindi ko gusto, Cara."

"Is everything clear now, Cara mia? Or is my baby still jealous and worried—"

Inalis ko ang pagkakahawak niya sa akin at sinamaan ulit siya ng tingin. "Anong jealous? Who said I'm jealous?"

He took a deep breath and shook his head yet still smiling. "If you're not jealous, then what's with the fit, huh?"

"Wala!"

"Really? Wala?" Now he's amused.

"Ayaw ko lang ma-link sa babaero!"

"Hindi ako babaero dahil ikaw lang naman ang babae ko..."

I glared at him even more. It's his fault why my insides are running wild and why I'm overwhelmed with everything!

"Just admit it, you still like me too..." umakma siyang lumapit sa akin ngunit pinanliitan ko siya ng mga mata. He chuckled and crossed his arms instead while looking at me, waiting for a response.

"You still haven't moved on from me... because I prayed that you wouldn't..."

Tangina! Alam niya bang nahirapan din ako! Kaya pala hindi ako maka-move on dahil may tumataliwas!

I gave him a doubtful look. His explanation makes perfect sense. Ako ngayon ang... walang sense.

"Who told you those things, huh?"

"Ako!" Marceline appeared from nowhere with a triumphant smile. She was wiggling her brows and swaying her hips as if she's dancing to a tune only she can hear.

"You're both in-denial and slow and it's frustrating! Someone has to light the fire, right?"

Bago pa kami makapag-react ni Iouis ay may nilabas na siyang champagne glass at pinaputok iyon. Buti na lang at hindi kami nabasa ni Iouis.

"I've been waiting here for you to confess your little hearts out! Finally, I can enjoy the party!" She winked at us blew a flying kiss. "No need to say thank you. An invite to your wedding is enough. But no pressure, guys!"

I glared at Marceline and wanted to give her an earful but she was already walking away. At isa pa, nang humakbang ako ay agad na hinarangan ni Iouis ang daanan ko. He stood in front of me like a bodyguard.

"Alis na 'ko!" I hissed, hindi makapaniwala na napaamin ako nang wala sa oras... or did I even confess?

Instead of answering, Iouis clasped his fingers around my wrist. Nang hindi ako gumalaw ay napasinghal siya. He gave me a patient look yet I only raised a brow.

Napailing na lang siya bago pinakawalan ang palapulsuhan ko. Akala ko ay iiwanan niya na ako ngunit laking gulat ko nang bigla niya akong binuhat.

"Stop wiggling like a worm," aniya at lalo pang hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak sa akin.

He's carrying me bridal style and it's not only making me conscious but also making me dizzy. Mabuti na lang talaga at walang may nakakita sa amin hanggang sa makarating kami sa parking lot.

He placed me in the shotgun seat and turned on the aircon. Aniya na babalikan niya lang daw ako. May iba pa siyang sinasabi ngunit napangunahan na ako ng antok at hindi na naintindihan ang kaniyang mga salita.

"Yuwi," tawag ko sa kawalan.

I raised a hand, trying to grasp a hazy figure. I could feel the car moving before it paused again. Kasabay ng pagtigil ng sasakyan ay ang pagdampo ng kamay ko sa malambot na mukha ni Iouis.

His outline is getting clearer as my eyes adjusted to the light. Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto akong nakaidlip ngunit ang lalim ng tulog ko at parang pagod na pagod ako.

"Yuwi," I called again, then caressing his jaw. His soft gaze bore into me as a small smile formed on his lips. "Baka saktan lang kita ulit..."

He caught my hand that was on his face, then interloping our fingers together. Ginamit niya ang magkahawak naming kamay para hilain ako palapit sa kaniya at saka ako niyakap.

He's doing it again. The obvious sniffing of my scent as he showered the top of my head with kisses. Napapikit tuloy ako, gustong matulog muli.

"If you hurt me... then ouch, I guess?" His body shook as he laughed. Tinampal ko ang balikat niya at hindi na mapigilang maluha.

"Wala akong kaagaw?" Bulong ko, parang mababaliw na rin dahil sa mga nararamdaman.

Iouis' scent and embrace are comforting. He's warm and cozy. Kung papipiliin ako ng paboritong pahingahan ay ang bisig niya ang pipiliin ko.

"Wala kang kaagaw, Cara," he assured like the top kid in class who answers in full sentence. It's like he's aware that I am needy of assurance. And of how much time I spend overthinking and rethinking things.

"No crazy ex-girlfriends I should be worried about?"

"Hindi ka naman baliw, diba?" Tinampal ko ulit ang kaniyang balikat dahil sa sagot. He chuckled on my ears and it made me damn shiver.

How can he still sound so sexy even when amused? It's the Euro genes, I guess?

"I meant after me, Yuwi!" Paglilinaw ko.

I had to repeat my words because it seems that he didn't hear me. He's now busy kissing my shoulder like it's life's greatest pleasure.

"Wala nga," he said, still in a patient tone. "Ikaw nga lang ang girlfriend ko."

"There was no one after, you Cara," he repeated when I became silent for a few seconds.

"Hmm..." hindi na ako sumagot dahil wala na akong may maisasagot. My mind is too occupied... with things... with his kisses... nadi-distract na rin ako sa ginagawa niya.

I frowned when he stopped. Nagtama ang mga mata namin at seryoso niya akong tinitigan. "How about you? May kaagaw ba 'ko?"

I thought for a while, making him frown. Tinutukso ko lang naman siya dahil ang totoo, ang mga pasyente ko lang naman ang kaagaw niya. Pero kung mapa-manliligaw, wala!

I shook my head and hugged him again. There are a lot of things that I want to tell him right now but I'm too embarrassed to do so.

Kung alam ko lang na may aminang magaganap ay sana mas dinamihan ko ang ininom para mas mataas ang confidence ko ngayon!

"What is it?" He probed as if reading my thoughts.

Iouis' ability to predict my actions and to see through me is both scary and amazing. Scary because it puts me on a more vulnerable position. And amazing because it simply means that he's been continuously paying attention.

"I was unconsciously waiting for you, Yuwi... and it's embarrassing to admit it because I know it's unfair on your part. I hurt you yet you're still the one I'm yearning for. But I also can't get rid of this small part that wants you back..."

Kinalas niya ang yakap at nagkaharap kami. He gave me a dark and annoyed look. Bigla tuloy akong kinabahan.

What is it? Did I say something offensive? Is he mad?

"What?" His jaw tensed. "What do you mean by 'small part that wants you back'?"

I couldn't find my words and only stared blankly at him. Gusto kong magpaliwanag ngunit literal na hindi gumagana ang isipan ko!

"If you want me back, I want you to want me wholeheartedly, Cara."

Nasapo ko ang mukha nang mapagtanto ang gusto niya. Akala ko pa naman ay galit talaga siya o nainsulto.

"And I already forgave you..."

I nodded. "Salamat."

"You're welcome."

Damn awkward!

"Tayo na ulit?" I broke the long stretch of silence.

I turned to him with a hopeful look yet his eyes were now calculating. It's like he's weighing my words and the situation. Like he's planning in his mind.

I was anticipating for his answer yet he only leaned forward to kiss my forehead. Inangat ko ang ulo, gustong magpahalik sa labi ngunit ngisi lang ang nakuha ko mula sa kaniya.

Damn, Cara! Sabik na sabik, ah!

"We'll talk once you're sober."