Chapter 12

Promise

My plan was to go hiatus for a month. Noong sinabi ko 'yon sa pamilya, nalito sila. Nangako ako sa kanila na gagawin ko ang lahat para pakasalan ako ni Alec kaya bakit daw ako lalayo kung ganoon nga ang balak ko? I should have went after him. Beg and grovel for his attention if I must.

Pero sa kaonting panahon na pagkakakilala ko kay Alec alam kong hindi ito gagana. I told them he was different. He's so used to girls chasing after him, that it wouldn't work if I tried it.

Ayaw ko rin na maisip niya na gagamitin ko lang siya lalo na at napakalaki ng problema ng pamilya namin. Ang exact naman ng timing ng paghahabol ko kung gano'n. He's too smart, matutunugan niya agad ang plano ko kung nagpadalos-dalos ako.

Sa huli ay pinayagan ako ng pamilya. For the first time they trusted me with my plan. I went to the States and told the media that my purpose there was to emotionally recuperate. Namatayan ako ng ina at napakalaki ng eskandalo ng pamilya ko. I deserved a break from it all.

My excuse to my family was just a ploy for my entire plans. Hindi alam ng pamilya ko ang buong dahilan ng pag-alis ko. I was completely free in the States. I went ahead with my longtime plan ever since. I took a special business classes. It was one step towards my independence. Para kapag kaya ko na, ako na mismo ang magkokontrol sa buhay ko.

During my first two weeks of being in the States I felt dispirited already. Feeling ko hindi nga yata gagana ang plano ko. Ni isang beses ay hindi ako sinubukang kontakin ni Alec. We did not have any sort of communication.

Sa kabila nito ay positibo pa rin ako. Wala akong naririnig na balitang may ibang nirereto sa kanya. The rumors about our cancelled engagement completely died down as well. Na para bang may makapangyarihan na puwersang nagpa-media block nito.

I celebrated my 22nd birthday in the States as well. I was all alone in my hotel room and just cried remembering my mom.

In the span of a month, the only person I talked to from the Philippines was Feng. Siya ang nagbabalita sa akin sa mga nangyayari sa Pilipinas. Bukod sa social media, sa kanya rin ako nakakasagap ng balita.

"Tapos na 'yong pinapagawa nila rito sa tapat ng restaurant namin," balita sa'kin ni Feng in one of our calls. "Opening yata next week. Kumain si Alec dito kahapon at binigyan niya ako ng invitation card pero 'di ko tinanggap kasi nga uuwi ako ng Cebu."

Nakuha niya ang buong atensiyon ko. "Did he... ask about me?"

Feng clicked her tongue. "Hindi eh. Nagtaka nga ako. Pero kahit naman hindi siya nagtanong, pasimple pa rin akong nagkuwento tungkol sa'yo. Ang sabi ko, enjoy ka naman diyan sa States."

Napaayos ako ng pagkakaupo. "Anong sabi niya?"

"That's good lang," tugon niya. "Ang weird nga. Parang ang lamig niya na. Gano'n ba 'yon 'pag naging chairman na?"

"I don't know, Feng." I sighed and glanced at my window. "Pero nagpunta pa rin siya sa restaurant mo..."

"Oo din. Baka kunwari walang pake sa'yo pero nagpunta sa restaurant para makasagap ng chismis kung kumusta ka na?"

"He never called me." I sounded doubtful even to my own ears. "Not even once."

"Baka hinahayaan ka muna niyang mapag-isa? Kailan na nga flight mo pauwi?"

"Next week," sagot ko. "I have to attend an auction my family is organizing."

When my call with Feng ended, I went back online to check on my socials. I never posted any updates about my life in the States.

I saw some of Alec's recent tagged photos on the newsfeed. The first few photos were shot from a formal party. The last ones seemed like from an exclusive bar.

One pic caught my eye. It was a photo of him and Sofia Uy, she had her hand on Alec's arm. Nakangiti naman si Alec habang nakikinig sa lalaki na nasa kabilang dulo.

Alec looked good in his casual black shirt. He seemed taller. His eyes were laughing but his mouth looked mean. His jet black hair seemed unruly but it suited him.

Halos itapon ko ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng kama. Tumayo ako at nag-isip. I paced back and forth. I felt scared that my plan would fail if Alec had already moved on.

He said he liked me. Masyadong mababaw ba ang pagkakagusto niya para kalimutan na lang ako?

Lumipas ang isang linggo at flight ko na pabalik ng Pilipinas. Tinanggihan ko ang offer ni Papa na ipasundo ako ng driver sa airport. Napagtanto ko na nagkamali ako sa desisyon dahil nang makalapag na sa airport ay dinumog agad ako ng media. The camera flashes were all on me. It was good that I opted for a huge black glasses.

"Are you back in the Philippines for good, Miss Jia?" asked one of the reporters.

"Is your family's group of companies going bankrupt?" intriga naman ng isa pa. "We've heard that recently, you just had a major investor pulling out of the deal. Paano kayo makakabawi nito?"

"Are you finally merging with the Cuas through marriage? Is this the reason why you are back?"

"No comment," ang tanging naging sagot ko sa lahat.

Marami man sila ay nakuha ko pa ring makawala sa kanila.

Natanaw ko si Ate Shen na kumakaway sa bandang exit. She was wearing black sunglasses as well. Binilisan ko ang paglalakad. It was a good thing that some security blocked the media from following me any further.

"The car is waiting outside," si Ate Shen nang nakalapit ako.

I nodded at her. Natanaw ko nga ang sasakyan. Lumabas mula rito ang driver namin at siya na ang naglagay sa loob ng luggage ko. Ate Shen and I went in the backseat.

"Akala ko wala ng sasalubong sa'kin na gano'n kaya tinanggihan ko ang driver na ipapasundo sana sa'kin ni Papa," sabi ko sa kalagitnaan ng biyahe.

"Well, aside from what's going on in our family, technically you are still engaged to one of the most powerful men in the country, Jia. They want a scoop."

"Wala pa rin kayong naririnig mula sa kanila?" kuryoso kong tanong. "They haven't cancelled the engagement?"

Ate Shen shook her head. She looked at me curiously. "Alec hasn't tried reaching out to you?"

Naitikom ko ang bibig.

"I don't know what your plans really are," Ate Shen continued in a lowered voice as she glanced at the driver, "but the family is really anxious, Jia."

"I'm working on it. Ayaw kong magduda siya kaagad kaya dumistansiya na muna ako."

"For a month? And he still hasn't contacted you?" my sister-in-law sounded doubtful.

"I have a plan and you just have to put your trust on it," palusot ko. "I'm sure with the media earlier, he's heard that I am back now. Dadalo rin ako sa opening ng restaurant niya bukas."

"He invited you?" litong tanong ni Ate Shen.

"Hindi. It's a self-invitation."

Natawa si Ate Shen. Ngumiti na rin ako.

She smiled at me sweetly. "I am glad you're back."

"Me too," I responded and smiled at her.

Hindi man kami close ni Ate Shen dahil sa kaibahan ng prinsipyo naming dalawa bilang babae, alam kong sa pamilyang Chen ay kaming dalawa lang nagdadamayan. Lalo pa at wala na si Mama.

I prepared for Alec's restaurant opening. And of course, ang excuse ko sa pagpunta sa area ay... si Feng. Just visiting a friend, had no idea at all about the opening. Hindi naman siguro obvious? I'd just pretend that I did not know Feng was in Cebu. At kunwari dadaanan ko ang opening?

I was in my cocktail party dress in pink color. It had a sweetheart neckline. It had enough slit on the side. My jet black hair was in a high ponytail. My make up was very simple. I opted for a clean look. Bitbit ang purse sa isang kamay ay bumaba na ako ng hagdanan.

Papalabas na ako ng mansiyon nang nakasalubong ko ang kasambahay sa foyer.

"Inabot po pala ng security staff kanina, Miss Jia," aniya sabay lahad sa akin ng kulay asul na envelop.

Tinanggap ko ito at binuksan. Lumabas ang ngisi ko nang nakitang invitation card ang nasa loob nito. It was an invitation card from no other than Alec's new restaurant opening.

"Sinong nag-abot nito sa security natin?" I curiously asked the maid.

"Driver daw po eh."

I murmured my thanks and she went her way.

Ipinasok ko ulit ang invitation card. Lumabas na ako at pumasok sa nakaantabay na sasakyan. Umalerto kaagad ang driver at umakmang pagbubuksan ako ng pinto.

Tiningnan ko siya. He was not my usual driver kaya nagtaka ako. He looked younger.

"Si Manong Epe?"

"Uh wala na po siya rito," tugon niya na halatang kabado pa.

"He got fired?"

"H-Hindi po! Na-assign po siya sa ancestral house ninyo."

I nodded but didn't ask him more. Naglahad ako ng palad sa kanya. "Give me the keys. I'll drive."

"Po?"

"I know right?" nakangiting nasambit ko. "Starting today, ako na ang magmamaneho ng sasakyan."

"Pero sabi ni Sir—"

"You'll be free the rest of your duty," sabi ko at sinulyapan ang suot na relo. "It is still 5 o'clock in the afternoon. You can spend it with your wife or something." I cocked a brow at him. "Ayaw mo?"

He looked grateful. "Gusto po!" Inilagay na niya sa palad ko ang susi ng kotse.

"Great!" Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto ng driver's seat at pumasok na ako sa loob. Komportable akong naupo.

Ang driver na ang nagsara ng pinto ng kotse para sa'kin. I placed the key on the ignition and pushed the button. The engine started.

Magandang ideya talaga na nag-aral din akong magmaneho sa States. Alam kong halos late na akong nagsimulang nagkaroon ng interes sa pagmamaneho. Buong buhay ko, we had drivers so I did not feel the need to learn how to drive. If I wanted to be independent in life, I knew I needed to learn.

It was almost six when I arrived. I parked the car in the building's parking area. Marami na ring kotse ang nakaparada rito. Lumabas ako ng sasakyan at nakita ang ribbon na putol na. Mukhang tapos na ang mismong opening ceremony.

I went out of the car and walked towards the entrance with the purse on my hand. In the sea of Alec's guests, mabilis na nahagilap ng mga mata ko si Alec. He was talking to somebody.

I studied him from afar for a bit. It had been a month, pero pakiramdam ko marami ang nagbago sa kanya. He looked more professional this time. Dahil na rin siguro sa suot niyang dark blue na tailored suit.

His unruly hair I'd seen from the bar photo was tamed and slicked back.

Kahit pa siguro tabihan siya ng iba pang mga lalaki, he would stood out. He was charming with his smile but his eyes remained guarded and businesslike.

I was about to approach him when somebody else called my attention.

"Jia! Oh my God. It's really you!"

Binalingan ko ng tingin ang babaeng kumausap sa akin. She looked familiar. Like she's someone from my university.

Umikot ang mga mata niya. Napansin yata na hindi ko alam ang pangalan niya.

"It's me, Apple!" imporma niya. "Classmates tayo no'ng first year, but I moved to Switzerland at ngayon lang ako nakabalik sa Pilipinas ulit! Technically, kahapon pa ako nakarating!"

I finally remembered. "Oh. Hi."

Hinawakan niya ang braso ko at halos hinila niya na ako papunta sa may sulok.

"How are you?" she continued when we were in the corner. "Wala na akong balita tungkol sa Pilipinas for the past years. I was so focused with my studies in Switzerland that I did not keep in touch."

"I'm... fine."

She laughed. "Still so rich, huh? Still the perfect princess with the perfect family."

I gave her an awkward smile. She did not really keep in touch kung hindi niya nabalitaan ang nangyari sa pamilya ko.

I wanted to get away from her so I could finally approached Alec but she kept on blabbering.

"Why are you here? Kilala mo 'yong owner nito?" she asked.

"Yes." Ibinigay ko sa kanya ang buong atensiyon. "Actually, I want to talk to him—"

She clicked her tongue. Nakatanaw na siya ngayon sa malayo. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang tinatanaw niya at nakita si Sofia Uy na naglalakad na papunta sa kung nasaan si Alec.

"My my my, ang isa pang prinsesa," ani Apple na si Sofia ang tinutukoy. "I heard Sofia and Alec Von Cua are a thing. Alec Von Cua is the owner by the way."

I looked at Alec. Kinausap siya ni Sofia at ngumiti ito. Parang may sumundot sa pride ko.

"Saan mo naman narinig 'yan?" tanong ko kay Apple sabay halos matalim na sulyap sa kanya. "You said you just arrived yesterday."

She smirked. "Sa mama ko. The Uy family is bragging daw na this time, makukuha na nila ang marriage deal with the Cuas." Kumunot ang noo niya na parang may naalala sa isipan. "Although they mentioned that Alec was once engaged pero cancelled na raw dahil sa scandal ng fiancee niya. And these days daw, he's always seen with Sofia Uy. And now she's here as well to support him."

"How does your mother know all of these?" I asked.

Malapad siyang ngumisi. "She's the mistress of the Uy patriarch."

Umawang ang labi ko sa rebelasyon niya. She winked at me. May tumawag sa atensiyon niya. She hastily bid her goodbye and left me.

I shook my head. Sa pagiging gulantang sa mga sinabi niya ay halos hindi ko napansin na ang halos lahat ng mga bisita ay nakatingin na sa akin. May iba sa kanilang nagsimula nang magbulong-bulungan habang tinatanaw ako.

Their judgemental eyes wanted to make me feel small. My feet wanted to flee the room but the rest of my body froze.

Taos-noo kong iginala ang tingin hanggang sa dumapo ito kay Alec. Hindi ko mabasa kung ano ang emosyong nasa mga mata niya. But I knew he was looking at me as well.

I glanced at Sofia Uy who was still standing beside him. Her smile froze as she looked at me. I could see a sudden distaste in her eyes. Dumapo ang tingin ko sa kamay niyang biglang humawak sa braso ni Alec. It seemed to me that she was claiming her territory.

May pait na kumalat sa sikmura ko. They really were a thing, I thought.

Matapang kong tiningnan ulit si Alec. I smiled at him. It was my final smile because if indeed the both of them were dating, I would give it up.

Hindi ko kayang maging kabit. It was the reason my mother suffered and died in the first place. I turned my back and walked out of the room with my dignity still intact.

I heard someone called Alec's name but I ignored it.

Gaano man kalaki ang kagustuhan kong makapaghiganti para sa ina ko, hindi ko ibababa ang sarili para doon. I promised myself that I wouldn't become a mistress to anyone. I would never wreck someone's life like that. I would never be the very reason of my mother's death.

"Jia!"

I was already outside when I heard Alec's voice. I stopped and slowly turned to look at him.

"Hi." My voice was not steady. I forced a smile.

Humakbang pa siya para mas makalapit pa sa akin. His manly perfume attacked me. His eyes were pitch black as they were searching mine.

"I thought you weren't coming," saad niya.

Tumango lang ako. "I just wanted to congratulate you."

"When I heard that you're finally back in the Philippines I sent a last minute invite," aniya na parang hindi pinansin ang pag-congratulate ko. "I thought you wouldn't respond to it."

I smiled. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin.

"Sofia was just there because her family has—"

"It's fine, really," pagputol ko sa kanya. He looked confused so I explained further, "If you're dating her I don't really mind. Siguro nalito lang ako ng konti kasi wala akong narinig na official confirmation of our cancelled engagement."

Tumalim ang tingin niya sa'kin. His jaw ticked.

"I'm not dating her," saad niya. "And our engagement is not cancelled."

"Hindi kita masisisi, pero sana naman kinompirma mo munang off na ang engagement," pagpapatuloy ko. "I know I went away—"

"And I am not taking it against you," he cut me off. "You needed it. I didn't have the right to stop you from going." He closed his eyes like he was in pain. "Hell, if I thought my presence could have help ease your pain, do you think I would have let you go like that?"

Mariin kong naitikom ang bibig.

"I know men like you," pagod kong sinabi sa huli. "And I know that you can tell na pagod na ako. I won't tolerate cheating—"

"I'm not fucking cheating!" He sounded so frustrated.

I laughed bitterly. "I saw what I saw earlier. And prior to that, I'd seen photos of you with her as well."

Humakbang ulit siya palapit sa'kin. Kaonting distansiya na lang ang namagitan sa aming dalawa. His body heat almost intoxicated me.

"In those photos did you see me kiss her?" his voice was soft but it was dangerous. "Was I kissing her earlier as well?"

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. His close presence was very intimidating.

"Malay ko ba na ginagawa niyo ng pribado," sabi ko.

"Bakit ko hahalikan ang hindi ko naman girlfriend?" he asked as if he's not the biggest playboy in the country.

Tiningnan ko siya ulit. Napansin ko na abala na ngayon ang mga mata niya katititig sa mga labi ko.

"I haven't even kissed you on the lips and you're my fiancee at that," he softly whispered.

His seductive voice gave me a tingling sensation.

"Fiancee, huh?" paos na sambit ko. "Siyempre hindi puwede. Asawa ko lang ang puwedeng humalik sa mga labi ko."

He smirked. "Sa noo lang ako kung gano'n? Kasi 'di pa tayo kasal?"

"Yes!" matapang kong sinabi.

My response made him smile even wider. After a while his eyes turned serious. Mariin niyang tinitigan ang mukha ko na parang may hinahanap siya rito.

"I know you've been through a lot," aniya sa banayad na boses na parang nanghihile sa lambot, "but will you stop running away now?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Let me finally marry you, Jia," he almost sounded begging. "I will protect you no matter what. I promise."