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"Ashanti! Stop playing with your pen!" saway sa akin ni Ryn habang nasa loob kami ng coffee shop dahil na rin nag-aya ang mga ito na kumain ng lunch. I actually thought we would go to a restaurant but they opted to just stay at the coffee shop. I brought my laptop, notebook and pen since I need to create a presentation next week for potential partners.
Dad asked me to do this and I gladly said yes. Mas mabuti na maaayos namin ang lahat ng mas mabilis para mabalik na rin ang pera na ininvest ng mga Monteverde. We should buy their shares soon.
The sooner things get better, the sooner he will leave.
Mas mabuti naman din talaga kung aalis na ito.
"You kept on spacing out, what happened ba?" Anj asked me before she took a bite on the cookie she was holding.
"Sa?" I asked her.
Sabay naman silang tumingin sa akin at bakas na bakas sa mga mukha nila ang pang-iintriga kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa akin. Kumunot ang noo ko habang nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa.
I was unsuccessful in finding them when we went to Blue's Haven. I saw Cloud, though. I saw him and I kind of reminisced about what happened to us before.
Ms lalo ko lang naiisip na kaya lang naman lumapit sa akin ay para makapaghiganti sa nangyari noon sa aming dalawa.
I dumped him. I insulted him... I made him see that I really didn't want him... it was all in the past, though. Hindi ko naman din inisip na magkikita kaming dalawa matapos ang mga nangyari noon. Napakaliit ng chance dahil hindi naman nasa iisang circle ang pamilya namin.
I know I am at fault but... I did that for him...
That's something he didn't know.
"Yeah, what happened when you went home alone?" Ryn asked as she sipped on her drink. I looked at her and frowned, I rolled my eyes before looking at my notes. I just scribbled some ideas already so I can pitch these ideas to Dad. Mamaya ko na lang siguro aayusin ang mga ito pagbalik ko sa opisina dahil wala naman akong trabahong matatapos kung kasama ko si Anj at Ryn sa totoo lang.
"Nothing, I just went alone," I said before putting my notebook and pen in my bag. Dinampot ko na lang din muna ang phone ko para mag check ng emails para hindi ako matambakan sa mga kailangan ko na mareplyan.
Hindi ko magawang sabihin sa kanilang dalawa na kasama si Cloud at ito ang naghatid sa akin. I am sure as hell that they will just use that to tease me. Knowing Ryn and Anj, they missed me so much that they will make fun of that information.
"Aren't you all curious why Cloud chose your company?" tanong ni Anj sa akin maya-maya. Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa kanya.
"I actually don't know. I mean, why us, right? And that's what I am trying to find out," I replied before leaning on my chair. I took a quick look at my watch to check the time.
"You know, I read some articles about their company. They are really well-known in terms of acquiring businesses. Based on the articles, they started investing, owning some shares, but in the end, they will have the full power and they will get the business," sabi ni Anj. Tinapik naman ito ni Ryn bago tumingin sa akin.
"You are not even sure if those were true, Anj. Besides, we all know Cloud. Wala naman sa itsura ng lalaki na iyon na gagawin niya iyon. Maybe there were reasons behind why they acquired the company, that's an internal issue, you know?" sabi naman ni Ryn sa babae.
"I just said what I read," depensa naman ni Anj kaya napailing na lang ako. I couldn't imagine their bickering for the last 5 years that I was gone.
Tumatak sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Anj sa ginagawa ng mga Monteverde. I couldn't let that happen. Dapat siguro ay kausapin ko si Cloud, diretsuhin ko siya kung ano ba talaga ang plano nitong gawin para ngayon pa lang, kung anuman ang nasa isip nito ay makapag-isip din ako ng paraan kung paano maayos ang lahat.
Patuloy pa rin sa pagdedebate ang dalawa nang bitbitin ko na ang gamit ko at nagpaalam sa kanila. Kailangan ko na rin naman makabalik sa opisina para matapos ang mga reports na kailangan ko ngayon.
Walking distance lang naman din sa opisina ang coffee shop na pinuntahan namin kaya naman hindi na ako nagdala pa ng sasakyan. Bitbit ang bag ko at ang bag na may laman ng laptop ko ay naglakad na rin ako pabalik sa opisina.
Mabuti na lang din at hindi masyadong mainit at mahapdi sa balat ang init na nangmumula sa araw ngayon.
Natigilan ako sa paglalakad nang may humawak sa may braso ko at hinapit ako papalapit dito. May isang nakabike na dumaan na kung hindi ako nakailag ay matatamaan ako kaya naman agad kong nilingon kung sino ang humila sa akin.
"You should be careful."
I looked at him and pulled my arm. "Why are you here?" I asked him as I composed myself. I cleared my throat before looking at him again.
"I had business nearby and your dad asked me if we can talk about your business, I said yes," he casually said. Tumaas ang isang kilay ko sa kanya.
Napakalayo na nito sa Cloud na naaalala ko noon.
"Why are you walking out here?" he asked me.
"I had lunch with my friends," I replied before walking. Hindi ko naman na inaasahan na sasabay ito ng paglakad sa akin. Kinuha rin nito ang bitbit kong isang bag at ito na ang nagdala.
"You know, they might think something if they keep seeing us together," I said while walking. If I am not mistaken, Cloud and his secretary are in a relationship. Hindi naman nito sinabi iyon pero , that's what I have noticed. He's very caring of her, he's also making sure she's always fine...
But... if they're a couple, that means I kissed someone's boyfriend?
What the hell.
"They can think whatever they want, Ashanti. We're together because we're business partners," he said before allowing me to walk first.
Natigilan ako pansamantala sa sinabi nito. What's weird is that... I felt a bit disappointed in what he said.
But what he said was true... business partners.
May inaasahan pa ba akong sasabihin ni Cloud?
Dapat wala.
I looked at him and reached for my bag. "Thank you," I told him before I walked towards the elevator. Binilisan ko na maglakad papunta roon para na rin makabalik ako sa opisina ko pero sumunod kaagad sa akin si Cloud kaya naman nagkasabay pa rin kaming dalawa sa loob ng elevator.
"Are you avoiding me?" he asked me. I looked at him and shook my head. "No, I just need to go back to my office," I replied before leaning on the elevator wall.
Bakit ba parang napakatagal ng pag-andar ng elevator ngayon? It was as if we're moving so freaking slow right now!
"You're showing the opposite, though," he said before walking out first when the door opened. Napasimangot naman ako habang sinusundan ang likod nito at lumabas na rin ako para maglakad papunta sa office ko.
I settled down and checked the papers that needed my signature when my dad's secretary knocked on my door. Isinilip nito ang ulo sa may pinto ng opisina ko.
"Yes?" I asked her.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Ashanti. Pinapatawag po kayo ni Sir sa office niya," sabi nito na agad ko namang tinanguan. Inayos ko lang muli ang papel na nasa may lamesa ko bago ko kinuha ang notepad ko at fountain pen at lumabas na rin para tunguhin ang opisina ng daddy ko.
I just gave a warning knock before I opened the door. I saw Cloud sitting on the couch. Nasa pang-isahang silya naman si Daddy at sinenyasan ako nito na pumasok kaya naman nagtuloy na ako at naupo kaharap na silya ni Cloud.
"Pinatawag niyo raw po ako," sabi ko kay Daddy na tumango sa akin. Cloud sipped on his coffee and he wasn't looking at me.
"Yes, yes. Mr. Monteverde and I are talking about the project we're going to start," sabi nito sa akin nang nakangiti. Based on what I can see, he's really fond of him. Halata ko sa mukha ni Daddy na masaya itong kausap at katrabaho si Cloud kaya naman hindi ko mapigilan na hindi makaramdam ng inis lalo pa at naaalala ko ang sinabi ni Anj kanina sa akin.
"What project?" I asked him, I tried my best not to look at Cloud.
"We talked about getting the materials here in the Philippines instead of importing it from other countries. We should be the one exporting our products abroad. In that case, we will be able to help others to generate more employment and opportunities for them," si Cloud ang sumagot sa akin.
I looked at him and nodded my head. "When are you planning to launch that, though?" I asked him. He put down his mug and looked at me. "I already talked to Mr. Laurel, we need to see the province first and we can start with the research. We can also send reports and finalize everything while we're there," sagot naman nito sa akin.
"I think this is a good plan, Ashanti. We can help others, that's what we're valuing afterall," he smiled and looked at Cloud. "No doubt why your dad trusted you to manage your businesses," he laughed softly.
Huminga ako ng malalim bago tumingin kay daddy. "Okay, then. I will ask your secretary to fix everything, as well as your schedules so I can fill in and–"
"Hold on, why are you going to do that, hija?" he asked me. Kumunot din ang noo ko.
"I thought you said you and–" I stopped on my track when I realized what they meant earlier. "Are you talking about me and him?" I looked at Cloud. "Ako ang sasama sa kanya?" tumaas ang isang kilay ko kay daddy nang tumango ito sa akin.
"It's good to have someone in our team to be there to see what are the possibilities and opportunities we can penetrate, Ashanti. Ikaw ang maaasahan ko sa bagay na iyon," sabi nito sa akin.
"Of course, it's fine with me if she doesn't want to go. I can always just send my report and analysis and–"
"I'll go," I cut him off. I glared at Cloud and if looks can kill, he'll be pretty much dead right now!
Ito na ba iyong sinasabi ni Anj? Kung paano nila kinukuha ang mga negosyong nagpapanggap silang tinutulungan? Kung ganoon kalaki ang pinagbago ni Cloud mula noon, sisiguraduhin ko naman na hindi mawawala sa daddy ko ang kumpanya na pinaghirapan nito noon pa man.
"Are you sure it's okay for you to go?" he asked me, seryoso ang mukha nito kaya naman hindi ko mawari kung hinahamon ba ako nito o ano.
"Of course, like what you said, this could help us grow the company. Then, I am all in," I said before looking at my father. "Is there anything else, Sir?" I asked him and when he shook his head, I excused myself and got up from my seat and walked out of his office.
Dumiretso ako sa opisina ko at naupo na upang kalmahin ang sarili.
Hindi ko mapigilan na hindi mainis kay Cloud.
Of course, this must be part of his plan.
Kukuhanin niya ang loob ni Daddy, he'll make him feel that he can be trusted... and he will take everything away from him just to get his revenge on me. Kumuyom ang kamay ko habang nakatitig sa monitor na nasa harap ko.
I won't let that happen.
Ilang sandali lang ang lumipas ay may kumatok muli sa may pinto ng opisina ko at bago pa man ako makapagsalita ay pumasok na rin agad si Cloud sa loob nito. Hindi ko napigilan ang pagtaas ng isang kilay ko nang diretso itong pumasok at luminga-linga sa loob ng opisina ko.
"What do you need?" I asked him. Hindi ko na rin naitago ang inis na nararamdaman ko sa lalaki sa ngayon.
"Why are you so pissed at me? You weren't like that the night I drove you home," he commented as he stared at my portrait on the wall. My mom insisted on putting that photo there.
"Can you stop talking about that incident?" I scowled.
"Why not?" he gave me a fleeting look before looking back at my photo.
"Because it's inappropriate to keep talking about that knowing you have a girlfriend," I replied.
Nakatalikod si Cloud sa akin pero narinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa nito. "You keep bringing that to the table, I think you just want to know if I have a girlfriend or none." he turned his physique and looked at me. "You can always ask me directly, Ashanti."
"I don't have any plans to know whatever relationship you have right now, Mr. Monteverde. You're here to get revenge on me for dumping you, I get that. But, I won't give you the satisfaction of seeing us lose everything my dad worked hard to put up."
Kumunot ang noo ni Cloud sa sinabi ko.
"You think this is revenge?" he asked me while he's staring at me.
Ako naman ang nag-iwas ng tingin dahil na rin hindi ko kayang salubungin ang tingin ni Cloud sa akin. Iyon lang naman talaga ang dahilan kung bakit narito ang lalaki. Wala akong maisip na iba pa.
"You're too guilty for what you did, that's why you're assuming things, Ashanti," Cloud said and shrugged his shoulders.
Hindi ako agad nakapagsalita dahil sa sinabi nito. He took advantage of that and talked again. "My secretary will call you for the details about our trip."
Iyon lang at lumabas na ng opisina ko si Cloud, doon ko lang din pinawalan ang mabigat na buntong hininga na kanina ko pa pinipigilan.
This is what I get for coming back, I have to face what I did to him. Kahit naman pa sabihin ko sa kanya ang nangyari noon, walang saysay kaya hindi na lang din.
Ipinagpatuloy ko na lang ang pagtatrabaho hanggang sa makatanggap ako ng mensahe mula sa sekretarya ni Cloud. She was inviting us for dinner, and I was about to reply that I am not available when my dad called me.
"Ashanti, Mr. Monteverde is asking for a dinner meeting tonight to map out the plan for the project, your mom and I had prior commitment, you can go alone there, right?" he asked me and I wanted to groan aloud when he said that.
I heaved a sigh and closed my eyes. "Of course..." I replied. Napailing na lang ako nang magreply ako sa sekretarya ni Cloud na pupunta ako.
Mabigat ang loob na pumunta ako sa restaurant na sinabi nito nang saktong alas-siyete ng gabi. Hindi naman ako nahirapan na hanapin ang lugar at ang mismong mesa dahil nakareserve na iyon sa amin.
I saw Cloud and his secretary talking when I walked towards their direction.
Cloud looked at me and smiled a little when he asked me to sit down. Naupo na lang din ako at nang may lumapit na waiter ay umorder na lang din ako ng makakain.
We really talked about the plan but I think the agenda of this dinner meeting is to make me see their relationship. Cloud's very caring of her.
He even cut the fucking steak for her.
"We will leave on Friday morning. We will be there by Saturday," he said. Kumunot naman ang noo ko sa kanya.
"What? The flight will only last for 3 hours max, I think..."
"We'll travel by land," he replied.
Hindi na lang ako nagreact pa at hinayaan na lang ito sa gusto nitong mangyari. Hanggang sa matapos ang meeting namin ay hindi pa rin mapaghiwalay ang dalawa kaya naman nauna na akong magpaalam sa kanila since alam ko naman na rin ang mangyayari.
I tried shrugging off the picture of Cloud and his secretary in my mind. Naiinis akong naiinis ako dahil sa kanila.
I walked towards my car when Cloud called my name. I looked at him and he was holding my phone. Naiwan ko pala iyon sa may lamesa kanina.
"Thank you," tipid na sabi ko bago ko binuksan ang pinto ng sasakyan ko. Cloud closed it and he looked at me.
"What?" kunot ang noong tanong ko sa kanya. "Are you planning to kiss me again? Your girlfriend is inside, she's the one you should kiss," sabi ko bago tinabig ang kamay nito sa may sasakyan ko at muling binuksan iyon pero sinarang muli itio ni Cloud.
"What the–"
"But I like kissing your lips."
Natigilan ako sa sinabi nito at nilingon ito.
He opened the door and stepped aside, allowing me to get inside. Mabuti na lang at madilim na rin dahil ramdam ko ang pamumula ng pisngi ko dahil sa sinabi nito.
"Good night, Ashanti," he said before closing the door.
I heaved a sigh before starting the engine. Kinuha ko naman din ang phone ko at ganoon na lang ang singhap ko nang makita ang message ni Daddy sa phone ko. I am sure as hell that Cloud saw his message!
"I like Cloud for you, Ashanti. If you'll marry someone, consider Cloud."
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