CHAPTER 3

/LEOX ACHERON SOLACE/

I rubbed my forehead, leaning back in the swivel chair. My head was throbbing from three sleepless nights. The company had encountered a problem, and I had to tackle it alone. I traveled from Quintessa to Lessburg and back to San Dimartino. Although it wasn’t a major issue, I preferred to handle it myself. As the owner, it was my responsibility to resolve it.

"Totoo ba na tinanggal mo si Mister De Guzman sa posisyon niya?"

Due to my exhaustion, I didn't notice Trisha entering my office. Dressed in her usual corporate attire, she looked at me with questioning eyes.

"Not totally. I just transferred him in the Marketing Department."

"Are you out of your mind?"

Her loud voice made my headache worse. I could only massage my temples and close my eyes.

"Not today, Trish." I calmly said.

"He must be fired, Leox! Bakit mo pananatilihin ang taong katulad niya? He used the company's money on his benefits and yet you're treating him nice? You even transferred him in the Marketing Department?"

Mukhang wala talaga siyang balak tumigil. Tinigil ko na ang paghilot sa aking noo at tinignan siya. "I don't want to lose a talented employee at alam ko na hindi na niya gagawin ang ginawa niya ngayon."

"What do you mean?"

Knowing she will never stop asking me about this matter, I stood up from my swivel chair and fixed my suit before I decided to walk out of my office. Nang mapansin nito ang plano ko ay agad itong humarang sa nakasaradong pinto.

"Hep! Where are you going?" Mataray nitong tanong sa akin habang ang dalawang kamay ay nasa magkabilang bewang niya. "We both know na wala kang maayos na tulog at wala rin si Jeric kaya wala kang driver. Hindi rin kita maihahatid dahil marami rin akong trabaho."

Marahan ko lang siyang tinabig at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. "Malapit lang naman ang bahay ko mula rito."

A sarcastic laugh came from Trisha's mouth. I know what it means, pareho naming alam na hindi totoo ang sinabi ko. The truth is tatlong oras ang biyahe mula rito patungo sa bahay ko.

"May kwarto ka naman dito sa office mo and it's already eight in the evening. Delikado na para sa'yo ang mag maneho."

Pero kahit ano pang dahilan na gawin at sabihin niya ay aalis pa rin ako. Iba ang pakiramdam kapag nasa mismong kwarto ko ako natutulog. I also feel safe in my house.

Tinabig ko siya ulit at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad kahit na nakasunod pa rin ito sa akin habang nagsasalita. Hindi ko na siya pinakinggan pa kahit na alam ko sa sarili ko na may point lahat nang sinasabi niya.

Pagdating namin sa parking lot ay doon lamang ito huminto sa pagsasalita. Siguro na realize niya na walang silbi sa akin ang mga salitang iyon.

"Hala go! Pakamatay ka kung gusto mo! Pasalamat ka may kaibigan kang nag-aalala sa'yo! Tragis! Bingi-bingihan ang puta!"

I just laughed at awtomatikong umirap naman ito sa tinuran ko. "Thanks for worrying me, Trish. I'll call you when I got home. Bye!" I calmly said and kissed her on her cheeks.

"Mag-ingat kang bakla ka!" She suddenly said that made, the both of us, look around the parking lot if there's someone aside from us in the area. Sabay kaming kumalma nang makita kaming dalawa lang ang naririto.

"Bibig mo talaga. Sige na, alis na ako!"

Pumasok na ako sa kotse ko at agad binuhay ang makina. Wala akong sinayang na segundo at sinimulan nang patakbuhin ang sasakyan. Three hours is actually too long pero wala akong choice kundi tiisin ang haba ng biyahe. Nagpatugtug na lang ako ng rock song para hindi ako dalawin ng anyone, which is effective naman.

Three hours later, I found myself walking into my house. I was alone for now, but Jeric and the others would be arriving in the morning; they would eat and hang out here since I didn't have any projects at the moment. I went into my room, removing my suit. In the midst of doing so, a certain memory flashed in my mind.

It was so unexpected, but it made me stop what I was doing. Whose eyes am I remembering now? They were the color of a perfect raindrop on a blue aster—magnetic yet dangerous. Dangerous because they stirred in me an intense desire to know the owner of those eyes.

I haven't met a person with these kind of eyes.

Saan ko ito nakita at bakit parang kailangan ko itong maalala? Hindi naman nabagok ang ulo ko.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko na nasa gilid ng kama. Nang mabasa ko kung sino ang caller ay agad ko itong sinagot.

"What do you want at this hour?" Bungad ko sa nasa kabilang linya.

"So cold."

I could see his smirking face right now.

"What made you decide to call me, Niko?"

"I just wanted to check on your situation. Isaac mentioned that you went to a club with that girl, Gerica. He didn't provide all the details, so I called to get more information."

Nakiki-chismis na naman ang lalaking 'to! Hindi ba siya busy ngayon? Konti na lang talaga at masasabi ko na may gusto ito sa'kin. Kaso iniisip ko pa lang ang ideya na ito ay kaagad akong nandidiri.

"Nga pala, you're nominated again, congrats in advance."

Narinig ko ang pagak nitong tawa sa kabilang linya. Wala rin namang bago dahil isa si Nikolai Carnell sa mga sikat na artista sa Crown Entertainment. Kabilang din siya sa mga hinahangaang mukha sa industriya ng media. Kapag talaga Crown Entertainment ang pinag-uusapan isang bagay ang tumatatak sa mga isipan ng masa, ito ay ang  Crown Entertainment's princes.

"Congratulations to you too because you are also nominated. I watched your movie and attended the premier night as well. I intended to approach you but you were busy talking with the reporters."

Ang daldal niya ata ngayon? Lasing ba ang gago na'to? Geez I know he always won but it's too early for a celebration. 

"I watched yours as well and you did great there. For sure you're gonna win again."

"Yeah right! By the way, did you receive an invitation to a charity event? It will be held four months from now in Lessburg."

Dahil sa sinabi niya ay lihim kung tinignan ang envelope na kulay gold na nasa side table ko lang din. Dumating ito last week at alam ko na rin ang nakasulat sa loob.

"I did."

"Good! See you after four months then. Anyway I still have stuff to do so..bye!"

Hindi ko na magawang magsalita pa ulit dahil tinapos na niya ang tawag. Nakalimutan na rin niya ang mag tanong tungkol kay Gerica, which was a relief dahil wala ako sa mood makipag kwento sa kanya. It's been a month since that night, and my memory is still vague on how I got home.

Ibinalik ko na ang cellphone sa side table at marahan na humiga sa malambot na kama. Dahil sa pagod, at walang tulog ay kaagad akong dinalaw ng antok.

°°°°°*•*°°°°°

Isang malakas na sigaw ang gumising sa natutulog kog diwa. Napabalikwas pa ako nang bangon dahil sa gulat. Turns out it was Kim na mukhang kakapasok lang sa bahay ko. Unang nabungaran ko ay ang pinto na nakabukas, I think I forgot to closed it last night.

"LEOX! DAMN! NASAAN BA ANG LALAKING IYON!"

Dahil sa sobrang lakas nang sigaw niya nawala ang antok sa katawan ko.

"I'm here!" Sigaw ko pabalik tapos nakarinig na lamang ako nang nagmamadaling paa patungo sa silid ko. Minutes after, I saw Kim's figure coming in my room. "What?" Bungad ko rito.

"Ano'ng what? Have you checked your social media accounts?"

Nagtataka man sa tanong niya ay marahan akong umiling. Sa isip-isip ko, imposibleng tungkol ito sa nomination dahil sa mismong event pa malalaman kung sino ang mga nanalo. Imposible rin na natanggal ako as a nominee. Hindi ko matukoy kung bakit siya nagkakaganito.

"Oh my ghad, Leox!"

She took her own phone from her pocket, did some typings on the screen and second after, she showed me an article. I read what's in there but I couldn't understand what it is about kaya muli ko siyang tinignan.

"Kim, ano ba 'to?" Kunot-noo kong tanong sa kanya.

"It's about you, dimwit!"

Huh? An article about me? About what?

Muli nitong binawi ang cellphone niya at nang muli nitong hinarap sa akin ay isang litrato ang bumungad sa aking mga mata.

I was taken aback when I realized that I was the one in the picture. As soon as I saw it, a flood of memories came rushing back. Those blue eyes, the masculine scent, the cold stare, and the lustrous lips—all belong to the same person.

"Who is he?" Tanong ko sa aking sarili pero mukhang narinig ito ni Kim.

"What do you mean who is he? Ako dapat ang magtatanong sa'yo! Who is that guy, Leox?"

But I couldn't remember him. Nang wala siyang matanggap na sagot mula sa akin ay marahas itong bumuga ng hangin saka hinilamos ang mukha gamit ang kanyang palad. Binalik ko ang atensyon ko sa cellphone niya at muling binasa ang nakasulat sa article.

 Leox Acheron Sparks Controversy with Unexpected Kiss at Gay Bar

In an unforeseen twist that has captured the attention of both fans and media, Leox Acheron Solace, renowned for his impeccable public image and spotless career record, was recently photographed in an intimate moment at a gay bar. The celebrated actor, known for a career marked by professional achievements and personal discretion, was seen kissing another man at Vien, a popular LGBTQ+ venue.

The incident, which took place last month, has ignited a wave of speculation and discussion. Eyewitnesses reported that Leox appeared relaxed and engaged in lively conversation before the moment was captured on camera. The images, which quickly spread across social media, show the celebrity in a passionate kiss with a guy, a situation that contrasts sharply with his previously unblemished public persona.

Leox has long been celebrated for maintaining a professional and private demeanor throughout his career. .

As of now, Leox has yet to address the incident publicly. The absence of a statement from his representatives has only added to the speculation, with fans and commentators dissecting the potential implications for his career and personal life. While some view the kiss as a simple, private moment that should not overshadow his achievements, others are questioning how this revelation might impact his image.

Hindi ko na tinapos ang pagbabasa at tinuon ang paningin sa litrato na naka post sa ibabang bahagi ng article. Limang litrato sa ibat-ibang anggulo at kahit na blurry ito ay klaro pa rin ang pagmumukha ko. May mga litrato rin na nag-uusap kami at tanging pagmumukha ko lang ang klaro dahil naka hood ang kausap kong lalaki, but even though he's covering his face I still remember his face and his gorgeous blue orbs.

"Kaninang madaling araw pa lang sobrang ingay na ng cellphone ko at dinudumog na rin ng reporters ang building ng C.E dahil sa'yo. Wala pa namang statement sila dahil naghihintay sila sa side mo."

Binalik ko na sa kanya ang cellphone at bumangon na sa kama.

"I'm gonna take a shower first."

"No, you have to leave in this house immediately. On the way na sila Bobby at may dala na sila mga necessities mo."

Aalis? Why would I leave? This is my house and no reporters dared to go here. Napansin yata ni Kim ang  ekspresyon ng mukha ko kaya nag explain pa ito.

"A lot of reporters are coming here dahil nakita nila ang sasakyan mo kanina na papunta rito."

Oh! But...

"No buts, Leox! Hurry up! Posibleng tanggalin ka as nominee at posible rin lumagapak sa lupa ang ratings ng mga movies mo dahil sa eskandalo na ito! And do you even know that some of your upcoming projects are pulling you out of their team?"

I faced Kim with my arms crossed, tapping my toes on the tiled floor while I pondered. For a few seconds, I contemplated how to address the situation. Should I face the reporters when they arrive? Should I tell them the truth, hold a press conference, or simply leave it without giving a clear explanation?

"Do you even hear me?" Sigaw ni Kim sa akin.

"Yeah!" Kalmado kong sagot na ikina-inis niya lalo. Siya na rin mismo ang nagtulak sa akin patungo sa exit ng bahay ko at saktong nandoon na ang kotse ni Bobby.

Si Kim ang nagbukas ng pinto at pilit akong pinapapasok sa loob.

"Wait, wait! Why am I escaping? Pwede naman na sagutin ko sila ah?"

"Wait for the management's word before taking an action. We understand na paborito ka nila, sa ngayon, kaya maghintay muna tayo ng go signal. We're going to the Crown Entertainment's building, nanghihintay na roon ang amo mo."

Wala na akong nagawa pa kung hindi ang sumunod sa gusto nila.

Pagdating namin sa building ay wala ng mga reporters, hindi ko alam kung paano nila napalayas ang mga chismoso. Sa ground floor pa lang ng building ay marami na ang nagsitinginan sa akin at nagbubulongan nang makita ako.

"Tsk! Akala naman nila perfect silang tao! Hoy! Ano'ng tinitingin-tingin mo riyan? Sikat ka? Sikat? Ha!?" Umamba pa nang suntok si Jeric at inawat naman siya kaagad ni Kim.

"Stop it, Je!" Saway ni Bobby. "Just let them do what they want. This issue will be settled soon, so chill!"

I looked at Bobby with doubt; they hadn’t seen this yet. I have a feeling Mr. Cronus is furious right now. Nobody wants a star with a scandalous issue. I’m unsure if the CEO is open-minded about these matters, which makes me quite nervous.

I balled my hands into fists as a certain scene flashed in my mind. Was I too drunk that night to engage in such reckless behavior? Honestly, I am to blame. I was careless. If the boss wants me to lay low, what will happen to my team? Although it’s not a large team, there are still individuals who rely on me.

"Don't worry about us, Leox."

Nang tignan ko sila ay nakangiti na silang lahat.

"Kakarampot lang naman sweldo namin sa'yo."

Tumawa sila sa naging turan ni Jeric na alam ko pinapagaan lang ang loob ko.

I'll just give them a position in my company or maybe I'll start another business with them. Hindi ko sila pababayaan.

Pagdating namin sa office ay sumalubong sa amin ang CEO ng Crown Entertainment which is Mr. Cronus Moran. Sa mukha pa lang ay alam kong disappointed siya sa akin and he's also one of those people na hindi inaasahan ang pangyayaring ito mula sa akin.

Sino ba naman kasi ang nagsabi na banal ako? Na walang issue sa buhay? Na perfect akong tao?

"Godammit! Is this real, Leox?"

Paano naman kaya ako nasundan ng paparazzi sa loob ng club ni Kamari? They even have all the angles of me kissing the guy.

"Yeah!"

Wala naman akong balak ilihim ito lalo na at may pruweba na sila. Kung ako lang ang masusunod at kung wala lang talagang umaasa sa akin ay haharapin ko ang mga reporters or I'll hold a press con to resolve this issue, even if masira pa ang career ko. But I'm not selfish.

May sinabi pa ang CEO pero hindi ko na ito pinakinggan pa. Kung magsasalita ako, maraming apektado at kung tikom ang bibig ko ay marami pa rin ang apektado. What should I do?

"I'm going to Lessburg for a while. Just call me whatever happens afterwards. I'm done dealing with their shits, I'm going to mind my own life now."

Hindi ko na pinakinggan pa ang sigaw ni Mr. Cronus at agad na sinara ang pinto sa opisina niya. Wala namang tao sa labas at kanina ay lihim na ibinigay sa akin ni Bobby ang susi ng kotse, ito ang gagamitin ko papuntang Lessburg. Susunod din naman ang mga 'yun sa'kin.

For now, I’m going to do whatever I want, away from the limelight.

- B M -