Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 23
Kabanata 23
I'VE BEEN TO world-class executive meetings, but never in my entire life have I felt this nervous.
Nag-uusap silang tatlo pero ako'y parang kahoy, tuwid lang ang pagkakaupo at 'di na magugulat kung biglang ugatin.
I've moved on, pero hindi ko maikakaila ang kaba na nararamdaman ko. I know I've forgotten about him; ilang taon na rin ang lumipas!
I've never stalked him, kaya masasabi kong naka-move on na ako. But why the hell do I feel giddy when I smell his perfume? Hindi pa rin siya nagpalit ng pabango!
He's wearing a plain white shirt underneath his black coat and pants. I noticed a gold chain necklace around his neck, the pendant partly hidden inside his shirt.
He's matured a bit. Well, he still looks the same, but now he seems more rigid than before. Manlier. Hotter... fuck?
"Yes, si Engineer Flores ang sinasabi ko sa 'yo noon, Vioxx!" Lars said. "I met her in Europe last year during a convention with Cas. Eh, no'ng meeting niya, naiwan akong paikot-ikot sa hotel kaya nakilala ko siya. I was shocked when I found out she's an engineer at Flores pa! Bukod sa mga Miranda at Sandejas, kilala ang mga Flores internationally more than here, am I right?"
Nanatili akong nakatingin kay Vioxx, pero nagulat ako nang bigla siyang bumaling sa akin at nagkatitigan kami. That's when I realized I am shamelessly gawking at him!
"Sera?" Lars called.
"Oh!" Mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin at bumaling kay Lars.
"H-Huh?"
"'Di ba?" aniya, sabay ngiti.
"O-Oo." I cleared my throat, mabilis na inabot ang juice sa harapan at uminom.
Napasulyap ako kay Winter na nakangiti. I saw her leaning back on her chair with a menacing smile. She glanced at me, then at the man sitting beside me, a knowing look playing in her eyes.
"Magkakilala kayo?" she suddenly asked.
My heart raced. Lars paused, then glanced at Winter before looking back at us.
"Magkakilala kayo?" she repeated, confused.
Nang mapasulyap muli ako kay Vioxx ay umigting ang panga niya bago binasa ang pang-ibabang labi. Just alone made me feel things... it looked so sensual.
Shit.
Winter's lips twitched as she looked back and forth between us like some tea's boiling and she couldn't wait to have a taste!
"So..."
"No," I said, looking away.
Lars nodded. Nanliit ang mata ni Win, at nang bahagya akong sumulyap kay Vioxx, seryoso siya—pirmi ang labi, matalim ang mga mata.
"Weh?" Win asked.
"Let's proceed to our business," malamig na putol ni Vioxx, sabay ayos ng upo.
"Y-Yeah," I murmured, returning to my laptop, trying to calm my hyperventilating heart.
I cleared my throat, noticing the silent exchange between Lars and Winter, habang ako'y nanatiling seryoso.
The project centered on the renovation of several cabanas and establishments in The Lost Island. According to the management, a number of these establishments had been flagged for violations of the island's strict environmental and structural regulations.
Pinag-aralan na namin 'to at napag-meeting-an na. They wanted every store, cottage, and restaurant to embody eco-friendly principles. At first, I thought my assignment would focus solely on Casa Amara Resorts, kaya namangha ako't isa ako sa mga lead engineers na kasama sa renovation sa mismong isla!
Kilala kasi ang isla na isang sikat na tourist destination. However, getting a clearance to visit the island was quite challenging. Ngayon, plano nilang maghikayat ng mga turista at mas nakikilala na ang isla kaya nagplano sila na isara muna ito sa masa para sa renovation.
The Flores firm has long been recognized for projects that balance modern design with sustainability. Siguro kaya kami kinuha ay dahil kilala na ang mga Flores sa ganitong estilo—projects that respect nature while elevating functionality—especially when it comes to establishments and resorts.
Our tasks were extensive. We have to renovate the cabanas and cottages, redesign the restaurants to allow better airflow and natural lighting, and ensure that every structure blends seamlessly with the island's natural beauty.
As much as possible, the main goal was to preserve the island's untouched charm. Ang p'wede lang galawin ay 'yong parteng daungan ng mga barko at bangka, ensuring that the core of the island remained pristine. Even the smallest details—like the choice of materials, waste management systems, and energy sources—had to align with the eco-friendly vision.
This wasn't just a renovation; it was probably a project of a lifetime for me. The project demanded not only technical expertise but also sensitivity to the island's identity, its culture, and the delicate ecosystem that made The Lost Island a destination worth protecting.
I've known about this place ever since I was a child, growing up in the small province of Casa Amara. Back then, I only saw it in pictures and heard stories about its beauty. I never had the chance to visit. That's why the thought of being chosen to take part in a project on such a renowned island feels overwhelming, almost surreal.
Not just in the portfolio but personally. There is something magical and intriguing in that place I couldn't wait to discover.
I got so preoccupied with work that I kept talking to him about the plans, not realizing it right away.
"Here, what do you think about this design? Ventilation-wise." I turned my laptop toward him, showing the sketch of a cabana with wide, open windows and elevated roofing. I chose it because it allowed natural ventilation.
He studied it briefly, his eyes scanning the details, then nodded. Without a word, he shifted his own laptop closer to me, revealing his design.
"Yes, that would do," he said in his usual calm tone. "What do you think about this? This is the layout for some of the restaurants on the island. Would it be alright?"
I leaned in, examining the plan. The design emphasized open spaces, bamboo accents, and shaded dining areas that blended with the island's vision.
"Hmm." I nodded thoughtfully and shared my thoughts regarding the docks. "Para hindi magulo. That way, we can control the docking points and keep the flow of guests organized."
"Yes." His gaze moved toward Lars, his voice firm but composed. "Lars, can you notify Caspian regarding the rooms for the engineers, architects, and staff? We'll need proper accommodations before the renovation begins."
"Yes, of course," she replied with a smile, inaabot ang phone para tumawag.
I leaned my back on the chair, taking everything in and realizing how naturally our ideas meshed together. His designs carried the same principle as mine: eco-friendly, functional, yet aesthetically pleasing. And though our conversation was purely professional, I couldn't ignore the way his presence made me return to the past.
Somehow, years ago, I dreamt of this. Of working hand-in-hand with him. As professionals.
My stomach fluttered and I did my best not to break into tears.
"Yes, of course." Lars smiled.
"How about the guests? May bisita ba sa isla?" I asked to distract myself from feeling to much at the same time.
"No one," Winter answered. "Dalawang linggo nang hindi nagpapapasok ng mga bisita sa isla dahil sa renovation. Kayo-kayo lang ang naro'n, kaya walang magiging problema."
"Great, thank you." I smiled.
"Here, what do you think? It'll be great if we have different designs for the cabanas," Vioxx said. Nilingon ko siya't tiningnan iyong ipinakikita niya.
"Yes, I'd like that." My smile brightened. "Doon sa malapit sa dalampasigan, maganda 'yong designs na pinakita ko sa 'yo kanina. But if the guests prefer the quiet area, then we can use yours. Sakto kasi iba-iba naman ang package for accommodation," I said, then glanced at him, only to catch him staring at me.
My heart hammered violently. I blinked rapidly, unable to look away.
He still had those dark brown eyes, those thin, firm lips I was once addicted to.
"Hmm..." I heard Win's hum. Napaayos ako ng upo at mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin.
Vioxx tilted his head, cleared his throat, and started typing on his laptop.
"You two are getting along just fine," Lars commented, smiling.
"G-Gano'n talaga siguro kapag magkasama sa project?" I faked a laugh. "Saka, I'm sure Engr. Miranda is great in this field. Matagal na siya sa industriya. I think I'll have a great experience and learn from him."
"I see." Lars smiled cheekily, then glanced at him. "What do you think of Engr. Flores, Vioxx? She's great, isn't she?"
My heart pounded so hard in anticipation. Para kunwari 'di affected, nagtipa ako sa laptop kaso parang bigla akong naging dyslexic at naliligaw ang kamay sa letters!
"She's young and beautiful! Isa pa, single naman ata itong si Engr. Flores, kaya... ano?" Win murmured, glancing at him. "Di ba, tuyot ka?" she whispered.
Pasimple akong sumulyap kay Vioxx. He closed his laptop, grabbed his water, and took a sip.
I watched him quietly as he drank, waiting for his response.
"I'm looking forward to the experience," he said, glancing at me with that handsome, serious face. My cheeks burned hot. Gumapang pa iyon hanggang batok ko.
It was awkward. Nang magtawag si Lars ng waiter para sa pagkain, biglang nanahimik ang buong lamesa. Tanging si Win at Lars lang ang nag-uusap, habang ako'y tahimik na nakikiramdam.
What is it, heart? Bakit malakas ang pagkabog mo?
Pasimple akong humawak sa dibdib ko at ramdam ko ang malakas na tibok ng puso ko.
Maybe because it's hot here? O baka kulang na ako sa exercise?
"Are you fine?" Mabilis kong naibaba ang kamay ko at napasulyap sa tabi ko.
"H-Huh?"
"Ayos ka lang?" he asked again, his voice calm but obviously worried.
I nodded, forcing a small smile.
"Yeah," I murmured, babalik na sana sa pagkain nang marinig ko siyang muling magsalita.
"Wait." His voice stopped me. I turned to him, puzzled.
"Hmm?"
He lifted his hand, as if to touch my face. Panic surged through me and I immediately pulled back, avoiding his hand.
He froze, his eyes darting away from mine as he licked his lower lip.
"May kalat sa gilid ng labi mo," he said quietly.
"Ah!" I gasped, quickly grabbing a tissue to wipe my mouth. His brows furrowed, his jaw clenching a little.
He nodded, straightened his posture, then glanced at the women in front of him.
"I'll go first, may kailangan pa akong asikasuhin," paalam niya.
"Oh, sure!" Lars smiled. "We'll be alright here, Vioxx."
He nodded, not sparing me a glance, and stood to leave.
I watched silently as the people dining inside the restaurant turned their heads toward him. He walked with effortless grace, his cold, intimidating eyes staring blankly ahead.
His long legs moved with athletic precision, his broad shoulders commanding presence, and his hair swayed lightly when he combed it back with his fingers.
Shit, Serafine Veronica! Get a grip!
I called Kikay to apologize at mukhang 'di matutuloy kaagad at kailangang mai-reschedule iyong gala namin. Medyo nalutang pa at sinabi ni Lars na ngayon pala ang punta namin sa isla.
Pagbalik ko sa hotel room, para na akong mababaliw. Hindi ako magkandaugaga, at hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang mura ang ipinaulan ko sa sarili.
Lost in thought, I found myself typing his name into my laptop's search bar and updating myself on everything I had missed.
Three years ago, he built his own company—without his family's help. As expected, he had been stripped of his riches and inheritance.
I even remembered the headlines about his family's public announcement, disowning him. It was tragic, but the articles I read painted a picture of resilience. He managed to stand on his own. It made me proud of him.
The company wasn't massive, but it held its ground. Kilala ang CEO, kaya miski ang ibang clients mula sa Miranda Firm ay lumipat sa kanya nang malaman nilang may sarili na siyang kompanya.
They had projects abroad, but their reputation was stronger locally.
Status: Single
"Shit!" I cursed under my breath.
Wala pa rin siyang asawa?!
"Impossible," I muttered. "Sa gwapo niyang 'yon?!"
I closed my eyes, nearly tugging at my hair in frustration. Bakit ba ako nagbabasa nito? Paki ko ba?! Right?!
I stood from my bed when I received a message from my co-engineers about their arrival. Nauna na si Engr. Silvano kaya kailangang kitain siya.
Nga lang, saktong paglabas ko'y natigilan ako sa nasalubong ng tingin. The man stepping out of the room across mine was none other than Vioxx.
Wearing only a shirt and pants, he locked his door and glanced at me. My heart quickened again.
"Uhm, s-saan ka?" I asked nervously.
"D'yan lang," he replied, standing in front of me with his hands tucked into his pockets.
"G-Gano'n ba?" I cleared my throat awkwardly.
Tangina, Sera? Bakit nauutal?!
"Sera!"
I turned and saw Engr. Silvano walking closer with a wide smile.
"Engineer," I greeted.
"I knew I'd see you here," he said warmly, pulling me into a brief hug. I stiffened, hyperaware of the burning gaze on my back. I stepped back immediately.
"B-Bakit pala? Uh, akala ko sa resto na tayo mag-uusap?"
"I got bored and thought your room would be around here. Buti lumabas ka. I brought the architect's plan. We can check on it," he explained.
"Sa resto na lang?" I suggested, but he laughed.
"Silly." He pinched my nose playfully. "Matao sa resto. It'll be better if we check this inside the room."
It was harmless, but my chest tightened when I noticed Vioxx watching us, his brow furrowed, one eyebrow raised, his gaze sharp.
"Sa rest—"
"Dito na lang," Silvano insisted with a smile.
"Engr. Silvano..." Nanlamig ako sa boses na 'yon.
Engr. Silvano turned, his eyes widening.
"Engr. Miranda!" he exclaimed, smiling. "It's nice seeing you here."
Vioxx nodded, his eyes moving briefly to me.
"You can both check the plans later. Get ready first. We'll leave for the island in an hour."
"Handa naman na kami, kukunin na lang ang bagahe—"
"It's better if you take your bags to the lobby right now. The yacht won't wait for you," malamig niyang putol.
Engr. Silvano looked confused but nodded.
"Sure," he said, then glanced at me. "Doon muna ako, Sera."
"Alright." I smiled awkwardly and nodded.
He left. When he disappeared, I glanced at Vioxx, who remained serious, his arms crossed.
"Punta muna ako sa baba," paalam ko kahit medyo kabado.
He glanced at me coldly, the corner of his lips tugging.
"Get in," aniya.
My eyes widened.
"Huh?"
"Pumasok ka ulit sa kwarto mo," he commanded, glancing at my door.
"At bakit?" I raised a brow to hide the fact that I was being weird about this. "Bababa ako kung gusto ko. Bakit ako papasok?"
"Pumasok na, Serafine," he repeated, his brows furrowed.
"Ayos na ang gamit ko! I could easily take it with me later when we leave for the island. Pupunta lang akong resto—"
"Gutom ka?" he cut me off.
"Hindi—"
"Ano, may kikitain ka na namang lalaki?" he scoffed.
"Ano'ng..." My eyes widened. "Wala! A-Ano'ng sinasabi mo d'yan?!"
"Ano'ng gagawin mo sa baba? I could call if you're hungry—"
"Hindi nga ako gutom, gusto ko lang bumaba—"
"Pumasok ka, Serafine." He pointed at my door.
"Ayoko!" I exclaimed, but froze when he stepped forward.
My back hit the door, my chest pounding as our eyes locked. He towered over me. Kahit may heels ako'y mas matangkad pa rin siya sa 'kin.
"Get in," he said firmly.
"No..." I hissed.
He tilted his head, moving closer. My heart raced, my breathing quickened.
His brown eyes bore into mine, my stomach clenched, and I caught him glancing at my parted lips. I was trembling, my hand shaking as I tried to press the keycard against the door handle hastily, panicking.
"I'm fucking mad at you," he whispered.
"I-Inaano ba kita?" I murmured. "W-Wala naman akong ginagawa."
He scoffed, staring at me deeply again.
"Kaya nga ako galit..." He sighed.
Shit...
"G-Gulo mo..." I groaned.
He leaned in, my hand trembling as the lock beeped and the door opened. I stumbled back. Umawang ang labi niya nang dali-dali akong tumakbo papasok. I peeked at him from the doorway.
"B-Bye, Engineer," I murmured. His mouth parted but before he could even speak ay sinarado ko na ang pintuan sa mukha niya at nagtatatakbo papasok ng kwarto.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
HOURS LATER, WE were ready for the transfer. I dragged my two suitcases out of the room, my phone pressed against my shoulder as I spoke with the team.
Jade notified me of their arrival; they were already loading baggage onto the yacht.
Nagmura ako nang madulas sa balikat ko ang phone kaya nabitawan ko ang suitcase para kunin ang phone. As I was bending, someone snatched the bag from my hand.
I stiffened when I saw Vioxx pulling my luggage. Hinablot ko ang isang baggage at hinabol siya.
"Engineer!" I called, but he didn't look back, deretso lang ang lakad tangay ang luggage. Sa isang kamay niya ang isang travel back.
"Engineer!" I called again, running to catch up. I slipped into the elevator beside him, trying to take my suitcase, but he refused to let go. Ni hindi nga ako pinapansin.
"Akin na..." I said, but he ignored me, walking out as if I wasn't there. He dragged my luggage all the way to the ground floor. Humabol ako at naiirita na't ayaw ibalik ang gamit ko.
"Engineer!" I stopped when my secretary appeared with the rest of the team.
I smiled at them, though my eyes followed Vioxx as he strode to the counter to have the bags scanned na akala mo'y bag niya!
"Ang ganda dito, Engineer!" Clarisse greeted cheerfully.
"Hmm, yes. Magagandahan din kayo lalo sa isla," sagot ko, nakadungaw pa rin sa pinanggagawa ng lalaki.
"Nakapunta na po kayo?" Jade asked. I shook my head.
"Not yet, but I've seen photos. 'Yon talaga ang gustong puntahan ng mga tao, kaso iilan lang ang binibigyan ng pass. Swerte tayo at doon ang project."
"Sobra, Ma'am! I've seen the place in photos, too! May shipwreck doon, 'di ba? Saka hindi lang view ang maganda. I've seen a couple of good-looking guys here in Casa Amara!"
I chuckled and nodded.
"I guess..."
"Nakita ko kanina, Ma'am, may dalawang lalaking green ang mata!" Joanna squealed. "Ang pogi!"
Oh... must be Caspian and Warrion.
"May asawa na ata, Joanna," Jade commented. "May kasamang babae, eh."
"Eh 'di 'yong nak-shirt na white na lang!" Joanna pointed at someone nearby. My brows furrowed as I glanced at the man she meant. Of course, I wasn't mistaken!
Kahit wala namang gawin ang lalaking 'to papansin ang presensya niya!
"Kanina ko pa tinititigan, Engineer!" Clarisse giggled. My lips pursed.
Calm down, Sera...
"Gaga, si Engineer Miranda 'yan!" Joanna corrected. Natigilan ang mga kasama bago naghagikhikan na naman,
"Hala, ibig sabihin... makakasama natin?!" Jade exclaimed.
My lips were not firmed close. Tightly.
Calm down–
"Engineer Flores, pakilala mo naman kami!" Clarisse shrieked.
"Hindi na 'yan available," I declared coldly, making them stop.
"W-Weh?" they chorused, staring at me.
"Oo." I smirked, humigpit ang hawak sa maletang hawak ko. "May asawa na 'yan. Secret marriage."
"Uh-huh..." I stiffened when I felt warm breath near my ear.
Napatalon ako at nanlaki ang mata nang makita si Vioxx sa likod ko na.
"H-Hi, Engineer!" the girls greeted in unison.
My jaw ticked.
"Hello." He gave a lopsided smile, and I nearly rolled my eyes when the girls blushed and tried to hide their giggles.
Then I felt his hand on my suitcase, his fingers brushing against mine. My forehead creased as he slowly took my grip off the handle, taking the bag before I could protest.
"The yacht is ready. You can go inside," he said with a smile. Ang mga kasama ko'y pulang-pula nang nagtutulakan paalis.
I raised a brow, watching him lick his lips and run his fingers through his hair, looking so amused. It pissed me off.
I eyed him seriously, and he glanced back at me.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Akin na ang bag ko." I scoffed, reaching for it, but he pulled it away.
"Akin na sabi—"
My breath hitched when he leaned closer, his eyes locking with mine. He tilted my chin with his finger, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
"Secret marriage? Hmm... then who's the wife, my engineer? You?" He smirked.
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