CHAPTER 3

/LEOX ACHERON SOLACE/

I rubbed my forehead and leaned back in the swivel chair. My head throbbed from three sleepless nights. The company had run into a problem, and I had to handle it myself. I traveled from Quintessa to Lessburg and back to San Dimartino. It wasn’t a major issue, but I preferred dealing with it personally. As the owner, it was my responsibility.

“Is it true that you removed Mr. De Guzman from his position?”

Hindi ko napansin na pumasok pala si Trisha sa opisina ko. Nakasuot siya ng karaniwan niyang corporate attire. Nakatingin siya sa akin ngayon at naghihintay sa sagot ko. Ramdam ko naman na inaalam niya ang bawat galaw ko.

“Not exactly. I just transferred him to the Marketing Department.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

Her loud voice made my headache worse. I pressed my fingers to my temple and closed my eyes.

“Not today, Trish,” I said calmly.

“He should be fired, Leox! Why are you keeping someone like him? He misused company funds for personal benefits, and yet you’re treating him kindly? You even transferred him to Marketing?”

I stopped rubbing my forehead and looked at her. “I don’t want to lose a talented employee, and I know he won’t make the same mistake again.”

“What do you mean?”

Alam kong hindi siya titigil, kaya tumayo ako at inayos ang suot kong suit. Nagpasya akong lumabas ng opisina. Pero noong napansin niya iyon, agad niyang hinarangan ang nakasarang pinto.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Her tone was sharp, hands on her hips. “We both know you haven’t slept properly, Jeric isn’t here, and you have no driver. I can’t even take you, that's too much work!”

I lightly brushed past her and continued walking. “My house isn’t far from here.”

Napatawa siya nang may halong panunuya. Alam ko na agad kung ano ang ibig sabihin niyon, pareho naming alam na hindi iyon totoo. Ang totoo? Tatlong oras ang biyahe mula rito hanggang bahay ko.

“You have a room here in the office, and it’s already eight in the evening. Driving now could be dangerous.”

Kahit ano pa ang sabihin niya, aalis ako. Iba ang pakiramdam ko kapag sa sarili kong kwarto ako natutulog. Mas ligtas ang pakiramdam ko sa bahay.

I brushed past her again, ignoring her lectures even though I knew she had a point.

By the time we reached the parking lot, she stopped speaking. I guess she realized her words had no effect.

“Sige! Umalis ka kung gusto mo! Magpakamatay ka na lang kung ‘yan ang trip mo! Magpasalamat ka na lang na may nagmamalasakit pa sa’yo! Grabe! Ang tigas talaga ng ulo!"

I laughed automatically, and she scowled. “Thanks for worrying, Trish. I’ll call when I get home. Bye!” I said calmly, planting a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Mag-ingat ka, bakla!” she shouted. When she realized what she said, she checked the empty parking lot and was relieved when she noticed no one's around.

Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin. Minsan talaga walang preno ang bibig ng babaeng ito.

“I promise. I’m leaving now!”

I got into my car and started the engine immediately. Three hours was long, but I had no choice. I turned up the rock music to drown out any intrusive thoughts and it worked.

Three hours later, I walked into my house. I was alone for now, though Jeric and the others would arrive in the morning to eat and hang out. I went to my room, removing my suit, when a memory suddenly flashed.

A memory of someone I don't know, but his eyes were so captivating that I even stopped what I was doing.

Whose eyes am I remembering? The color of perfect raindrops over a dangerous blue sky, magnetic, yet dangerous. Dangerous because they sparked in me a burning desire to know the person behind them.

I’ve never met someone with eyes like that.

Where did I see them, and why did I remember it now? Hindi naman siguro nabagok ang ulo ko?

My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing on the bedside table. Seeing the caller, I answered immediately.

“What do you want at this hour?” I greeted.

“So cold.”

I could practically see his smirk.

“Why are you calling, Niko?”

“I just wanted to check on you. Isaac said you went to a club with Gerica. He didn’t give all the details, so I called for more information.”

This guy is gossiping again! Isn’t he busy? He’s probably interested in me, though the thought alone made me shiver.

“By the way, you’re nominated again. Congrats in advance.”

I heard him laughing through the phone. Of course, nothing new—Nikolai Carnell is one of Crown Entertainment’s famous faces. A lot of people idolize him. The Crown Entertainment princes always leave a mark in the media... including myself.

“Congratulations to you too. I watched your movie and attended the premiere. I intended to approach you, but you were busy with reporters.”

He’s really chatty tonight. Is he drunk? Geez. I know he wins awards, but celebration seems premature.

“I watched yours too. You did great. I’m sure you’ll win again.”

“Yeah, right! By the way, did you receive an invitation to a charity event in Lessburg, four months from now?”

I glanced at a gold envelope on my side table. It arrived last week, and I already knew the details inside.

“I did.”

“Good! See you then. I still have stuff to do, so… bye!”

He hung up before I could speak again. He didn’t even ask about Gerica, which was a relief. It’s been a month since that night, and my memory is still blurry on how I got home.

I returned my phone to the table and lay down on the soft bed. Exhaustion took over, and sleep came quickly.

****•****

Isang malakas na sigaw ang nagpabalikwas sa akin mula sa pagkakatulog. Bigla akong napaupo, mukhang kararating lang ni Kim sa bahay ko. Ang una kong napansin ay ang pintong nakabukas pa. Siguro nakalimutan kong isara kagabi.

“LEOX! DAMN! NASAAN BA ANG LALAKING IYON!”

Her scream erased the last bit of sleep from my body.

“I’m here!” I shouted back, hearing hurried footsteps toward my room. Minutes later, Kim appeared.

“What?” I asked.

“Ano'ng ‘what’? Have you checked your social media?”

I shook my head, confused. Surely it wasn’t about the nomination because the results aren’t out yet. Imposible ring tinanggal ako bilang nominee

“Oh my god, Leox!” she frustratedly said, as if I've done a gravely sin.

She pulled out her phone, typed quickly, and showed me an article. I read it but didn’t understand. I just looked back at her.

“Kim, what is this?” I frowned.

“It’s about you, dimwit!”

Huh? About me?

She handed me the phone again. On the screen was my photo inside a bar kissing with some unknown guy. Suddenly, memories flooded back: those blue eyes, masculine scent, cold stare, and flawless lips—all belonging to the same person.

“Who is he?” I muttered. Kim must’ve heard.

“Who is he? Ako dapat ang magtatanong sa'yo! Who is that guy, Leox?”

Hindi ko naman magawang sagutin si Kim dahil ako mismo hindi ko kilala kung sino ang lalaking iyon. I can't remember his face, but I'm sure that if I ever see those beautiful eyes... I'll know.

Kim who didn't receive any answers from me just sighed in disbelief while I read the article again.

Leox Acheron Sparks Controversy with Unexpected Kiss at Gay Bar

In an unforeseen twist capturing fans and media attention, 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 professional achievements and discretion, was seen kissing another man at Vien, a popular LGBTQ+ venue.

The incident, which occurred last month, ignited speculation and discussion. Eyewitnesses reported that Leox appeared relaxed and engaged in conversation before the moment was captured. Images, quickly spreading online, show the celebrity in a passionate kiss with a man—a stark contrast to his previously unblemished public persona.

Leox has long been celebrated for maintaining professionalism and privacy.

As of now, Leox has yet to publicly address the incident. The absence of a statement has fueled speculation, with some viewing it as a private moment, while others question its impact on his career and personal life.

I didn’t finish reading. Instead, I stared at the photos. Five different angles, blurry but clear enough to show my face. There were also images of us talking and only my face was clear, the other man was wearing a  hoodie.

I can't quite understand the motive of the people escalated the picture. Gusto ba nilang masira image ko?

“Since early morning, my phone hasn’t stopped. Reporters are already swarming the Crown Entertainment building. They’re waiting for you,” Kim said.

I handed the phone back and stood.

“I’m taking a shower first.”

“No. You need to leave now. Bobby is on the way with your essentials," pinigilan niya ako sa kamay at mariing tinignan sa mga mata na para bang kailangan kong sundin siya.

Pero aalis? This is my house. No one would dared to come here and question me. Ni hindi nga rin nila alam na nandito ako ngayon.

“Many reporters saw your car arrive," she said as if she could read my mind.

“Oh, but—”

“No buts, Leox! Hurry! You could lose your nomination. Your movie ratings could drop because of this scandal. Some upcoming projects may drop you from their team!”

I crossed my arms and tapped my toes, thinking. Should I face the reporters? Hold a press conference? Or remain silent? Because why not? I can do that!

“Do you even hear me?” Kim shouted.

“Yeah,” I replied calmly, frustrating her further. She pushed me toward the exit, where Bobby’s car waited.

Kim opened the door, insisting I get inside.

“Wait, why am I escaping? I could answer them!” pigil ko sa kanya.

“Wait for the management’s word. We know you’re popular now, but until when? We’re heading to the Crown Entertainment building. Your boss is waiting there.”

May choice pa ba ako? Ni ayaw nga nila akong palabasin ng kotse.

Pagdating namin sa building, wala na ang mga reporters. Hindi naman sila makakapasok sa building dahil bawal at tanging mga empleyado lamang ang nakakapasok.

The moment we stepped inside the building, people began whispering. They didn't even bother to hide their smirks. But I didn't bother to talk about it. Iniiwasan ko lang ang tingin nila at taas-noong naglakad.

As far as I remember, I didn't do a crime.

“Wow! Ang pe-perfect ng mga 'to! Hoy! Ano'ng tinitingin-tingin ninyo riyan? Trabaho!” hiyaw ni Jeric sa isang empleyado na nagtatawanan pa. Umamba pa siya ng suntok, pero kaagad din namang napigilan ni Kim.

“Let them talk. This issue will be resolved soon, so chill,” Bobby said confidently.

I clenched my fists as a scene flashed in my mind. Was I too drunk that night? I was careless. If the CEO wants me to lay low, what happens to my team? Though small, they rely on me.

“Don’t worry about us, Leox,” they said, smiling.

"Kakarampot lang naman sweldo namin sa'yo,” Jeric joked, lightening my mood.

We entered the office and the CEO of Crown Entertainment—Cronus Moran was waiting for us inside. Disappointment was etched on his face, because who would expect some scandal like this from someone like me?

Oo, may mga speculations noon, and I didn't bother confirming everything. Why? It's because I don't see any reason I should. I may be a public figure, but it doesn't mean I have to be open to everybody.

“Goddammit! Is this real, Leox?”

How did the paparazzi follow me inside Kamari’s club? They captured every angle of the kiss. Tapos halatang ako ang target dahil mukha ko lang ang malinaw.

“Yes,” I said.

I had no intention of hiding, and with proof, I’d face the reporters or hold a press conference—even if it harmed my career.

May sinabi pa si Mr. Moran pero hindi na ako nakinig pa. Speaking would affect many. Silence would still affect many. I still want to hold a prescon, but I guess not right away.

“I’m going to Lessburg for a while. Call me if anything happens. I’m done here,” I left the office with my team. But I gave one last glance at our CEO and left.

I ignored Cronus’s shouts and left his office. Bobby discreetly handed me my car keys. I’d go to Lessburg, away from the limelight, and they would follow.

For now, I'd do whatever I wanted... far from public eyes.

- B M -