Tempting The Heiress (Published Under LIB)
Kabanata 2
Note: The court scene is inspired by I Hear Your Voice!
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Kabanata 2
"DO you think he can win this case?" tanong sa akin ni Mary Jane habang nakaupo sa tabi ko. Today's trial is starting already at nakaupo kami para manuod.
The Judge was on his seat at matamang nakatitig sa mga tao sa kanyang harapan. The other lawyer was already throwing questions to the defendant na kaagad naman nitong sinasagot.
"Of course, he will," proud kong sabi habang pinagmamasdan si Attorney na bumebwelo para magsalita para sa kanyang kliyente.
"Alam na alam!" She grinned at me.
"Hello? Attorney's the best lawyer in town! Ang swerte ng mga nagiging kliyente niya, wala pa siyang kasong natatalo simula't sapul," paliwanag ko.
Pangalawa at huling trial na ito sa kasong ito.
The case for today was about a student na nahulog sa ikalawang palapag ng isang paaralan. The suspect was also a student. A classmate, perhaps of the victim, who happens to be a bully.
Almost a week ago nang mahulog ang isang babae sa bintana ng paaralan habang nakaupo ito roon sa hindi malamang kadahilanan. The suspect was also on the second floor at kapapasok niya pa lang sa room ay narinig na nito ang tunog ng malakas na tili at ang isang bagsak.
She was shocked so she ran at sumilip sa bintana, only to find out na nalaglag ang kaklase niya. Her other classmates thought she pushed the victim kaya siya ang itinuro ng mga ito na suspect. It was supposedly a murder case but the patient was in coma kaya attempted murder ang inihaing kaso ng Prosecutor.
"Sure ba kayo na walang kasalanan 'yong babae? E 'di ba bully 'yan? She bullied the victim kaya may posibilidad na siya nga talaga ang tumulak?" Mary Jane asked me.
"We investigated. Of course, Attorney Sandejas can win this case but we're still seeking for the truth. He assigned me to talk to the defendant's classmates so I did. Though, puro negative comments lang ang natatanggap ko pero go lang," sagot ko naman at saglit na tumingin sa harapan at nakita ang pagkakakunot ng noo ni Iñigo habang nakikinig sa sinasabi ng witness tungkol sa krimen.
"Oh? Kung nega ang mga comments, why'd you pushed it?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. Napangiwi naman ako at siniko si Mary Jane.
"Luckily, may CCTV footage ang isang parte roon ng paaralan no'ng panahong papasok pa lang sa room 'yong defendant at ang oras ay tumutugma sa oras ng pagkakahulog ng biktima." I grinned.
"Wow! Ang galing, nahanapan n'yo ng butas." She praised. I smiled and shrugged.
Of course, malaki na ang tulong ngayon ng teknolohiya.
"Medyo sarado ang utak ng parents ng biktima kasi ayaw nilang makinig na baka maaaring sadya ng anak nila ang pagtalon doon," sagot ko naman.
"Huh? Bakit? May motibo ba na mag-suicide ang biktima?" bulong niya at bilang sagot ay ininguso ko sa kanya si Attorney na tumayo na sa tabi ng babaeng defendant na halos maiyak na.
"Watch," I told her. That's when we focused on the trial.
"This is Jan. He confessed he saw the crime," ani ng abogado ng kabilang panig sa witness na nasa stand.
"Last September 28, Wednesday, nahulog mula sa ikalawang palapag ng inyong unibersidad ang biktima na si Faith at nakita mo iyon, tama ba?" tanong nito.
"Opo," sagot ng binata.
"Nakita mo rin ba na tinulak ng suspect ang biktima sa bintana?" tanong nito.
"Nakita ko ang pagkakalaglag niya sa bintana at mayamaya pa ay nakita kong nakadungaw si Jessie sa bintana," sagot naman nito.
Sumulyap ang abogado ng biktima sabay baling sa Judge at tango.
"Defense counsel," tawag ni Judge kay Iñigo na tumayo at lumapit sa witness na halata ang biglaang kaba nang masalubong ang tingin ng abogado para sa cross-examination.
He introduced himself and started questioning him.
"Did you see the defendant, herself, push the victim?" he asked casually, his tone cold, formal, and dangerous.
He seriously walked in front of the witness to ask him, his build almost towering over him.
The witness visibly panicked.
"Pero siya ang dumungaw! Sigurado akong siya ang tumulak!" ani ng witness.
"Did you see her pushed the victim?" ulit nito sa malamig na tono.
"She bullied her! Nakita ko ang ginagawa niya sa kaklase ko at siya ang nakita sa classroom."
"Did you see her or not?" matiim nitong putol at seryosong tumitig sa witness. "Yes or no?"
"Uhm," tikhim ng witness. "No..."
Umangat ang labi ko sa isang ngiti.
"Ayon!" Mary Jane giggled beside me. "Ang hot pala ni Attorney kapagtrial. Diyos ko! Baka magtaksil ako nito sa boyfriend ko," hagikhik niya.
"I know right," tawa ko naman. Nawala lang ang ngiti ko nang bigyan niya ako ng isang nanunuksong tingin.
"So, inamin mo na rin? Crush mo si Attorney? Ano? Goodbye mission na ba?" Nangunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya at napaayos ng upo. Hinawi ko ang buhok ko ang ngumiwi.
"Stop with the bulls, Tancio. Wala tayong papatunguhan dito," irita kong sabi pero sa halip na manahimik ay bumungisngis pa siya.
"Your plans, Thallia. Focus on the goals; focus on the target. Tito didn't send us here for nothing," bulong niya.
"I know, hindi ako nakakalimot. I'm just proud," sagot ko naman at nag-iwas ng tingin.
I stared again at Attorney na nagsisimula nang mag-cite ng mga provisions na nagpamangha sa akin.
Attorneys are really amazing. Did they seriously memorized the book for the law and articles? Every word? every provisions? Hanggang ngayon ay nakakatuwa pa ring pakinggan ang mga sinasabi niya.
"Proud? Wow, Thallia. I wanna give you a round of applause," tawa ni Mary Jane at napaismid na lang ako. I'm suddenly having second thoughts, bakit ko ba isinama ang babaeng ito sa korte ngayon?
"All the evidence and statements are pointing to the defendant, Attorney Sandejas," anang ng abogado na ipinadala ng pamilya ng biktima.
"Let me elaborate the evidence pointing to your client, Attorney Sandejas," aniya kaya tumango si Iñigo at nagpamulsa.
"The defendant was bullying the victim, she was seen mocking the victim, and her classmates were positive that she pushed her to the window," anang nito.
"All of you, together with your witnesses, are sharing your perspectives but not one has actual and strong evidence proving the drive my client could do that. What about my client? She confessed that she's been bullying the victim, which we do not and should never tolerate. It is wrong and she should face it head on–however, in this case, there is not enough proof to accuse her of attempted murder."
Natahimik sila.
"No, right? We still need the victim's statements. We still need to know her side."
His eyes roamed around at nang magtama ang mata namin ay ngumiti ako pero walang ganti akong natanggap mula sa kanya.
Ang sungit talaga!
Never ko pang nakitang ngumiti 'yan habang nasa korte, may hearing o trial man lang.
He always has this cold and deep stare in everyone around him. Balak ata kaming lunurin sa asul niyang mata.
"Seenzoned," bulong ng kaibigan ko pero hindi ko na siya binalingan.
"The statements are enough to send the defendant to jail," anang ng abogado ng kabila pero bakas na ang inis sa mata nito.
I stared at the defendant, who was silently crying at the side. I can't believe this child's a bully. I could never understand what drives people like her to hurt others but well, I still believe it wasn't her who pushed the victim.
Is she really a bully? She doesn't look like one right now.
Iñigo shook his head. The side of his lips lifted in a taunting smirk.
"We all know that it's not," he retorted. "The witnesses didn't really see the crime; they only told you what they thought happened. Another thing, you don't have concrete evidence pointing the crime directly at my client." Lumapit siya sa kliyente niya.
"This girl that you're accusing is just an 18-year-old college student. She did bully the victim, which should never be justified. But, let's give her the benefit of the doubt; that doesn't mean she will do such a thing. You accused her without looking at the victim's possible reasons to be there." Hinatak niya ang necktie niya para lumuwang.
Lumapit siya sa lamesa at ipinatong ang kamay niya roon.
"Why is the victim sitting at the window in the first place?" Natigilan sila sa sinabi nito.
Doubt. He only needed doubt to get the upper hand in this case.
He stood straight and played with the pen he was holding.
"She may have a reason, right?" Pinindot niya ang remote at doon na lumabas ang presentation.
"Based on her grades, she seems to be failing in school. She was seen crying by one of her classmates in the restroom that day and not in her usual self," he said. "And this."
A video played in the screen. 'Yon 'yong CCTV footage na nakuha namin; mula sa pag-akyat ng defendant sa hagdan at pagpasok niya sa room. Sumabay ito sa oras nang pagkalaglag ng biktima na naging patunay na inosente ang kliyente.
After that video ay natahimik na at nag-recess saglit para sa deliveration ng kaso. Maybe this will reopen again if the victim's awake or if there is any other evidence against our client, but for now, the court has to settle what we have.
Iñigo stayed with his client at kausap ko naman si Mary Jane kaya hindi na kami lumabas.
Nanatili lang kaming nakaupo roon at nagbubulungan.
"Ang wild ni Attorney sa korte! Grabe, siguro wild din 'yan sa kama." Nalaglag ang panga ko sa sinabi ni Mary Jane at nahampas ko siya.
"Your mouth!" I hissed at her.
"Come on, Thallia! We both know na hindi na inosente 'yang utak mo! H'wag ka nang pabebe! I know you're still thinking how hot he is in bed!" Napasapo ako sa noo ko at sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
"Hindi, a!" I frowned.
"Don't me, girl. Baka mawarak 'yong kama kapag—"
"Hindi nga!" Mabilis kong tinakpan ang bibig niya at dahil sa tahimik nga ay naglikha ito ng ingay kaya napatingin sa amin si Attorney.
"What's the matter?" he asked. Napakurap naman ako at umiling.
"Wala, Sir," tikhim ko at tinanggal ang hawak ko sa bibig ni Mary Jane.
He stood from his seat and walked towards us. Nagulat pa ako nang tumayo siya sa harapan ko kaya umangat ang tingin ko. He then lowered his head at lumapit sa tainga ko para bumulong.
"Fix my tie." Napangiti ako bago tumango. Tumayo ako at kaagad naman niyang inalalayan ang kamay ko para makaayos.
I gulped before doing what he asked me to do. I fixed his collar before untying his tie para maayos. His minty, spicy scent mixed with the air kaya halos ayaw ko nang humiwalay sa kanya.
I can hear my friend giggling behind me. I would very much love to strangle her pretty neck. With the last stroke of his tie ay naayos na ito. I stared at him, he was perfectly fine again.
"Thanks," he rasped and wore his coat again bago tumango sa kaibigan ko at bumalik sa kliyente niya. When he left, kaagad naman akong inasar ng kaibigan ko pero hindi ko na siya pinatulan.
We waited for the verdict, and my smile widened when I heard it.
Not Guilty!
I grinned while fixing my things.
What's new, Attorney Sandejas? Palagi naman siyang nananalo!
"I told you, he'll win the case," nakangiti kong sabi sa kanya.
"Oo na, by the looks of it, mukhang mahihirapan ka," sagot niya. "He seems pretty good at his job, and that only means one thing."
"Ano?" tanong ko.
"Mahihirapan ang kaso ng Dad mo." Kaagad na nawala ang ngiti ko at napaayos ako ng tayo. I suddenly want to curse myself for being happy he's the best in his job!
Wrong move, Thallia. You should pray for his failure! Don't be moved by his achievements!
"I'll get the evidence," panatag kong sabi. "I-I was just happy sa mga kaso. That's it. You know how tough my heart is, Jane. I won't get attached easily," dagdag ko pa.
"But from what I'm seeing, you're getting attached now, Thallia." She smiled at me. Napabuntonghininga naman ako at umiling.
"Hindi ako makakapayag na hindi makuha ang gusto ko. My Dad is the only family I have. Walang iba. I can't let him stay in the cold cell again. I will get into Iñigo's life; he will trust me fully. I will get into his system para sa pakay ko," I answered her. That's when satisfaction and relief became visible in her eyes.
"Mabuti na lang." She smiled. "But honestly speaking, kapag walang ganito, gusto ko para sa 'yo si Attorney pero wala tayong magagawa. Family first, right?" I grinned and nodded.
"Of course," I answered.
"But as far as I remember, may kapatid ka pa 'di ba? How about her?" Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya at naramdaman ko ang pait sa dila ko dahil doon.
I remember my sister, the last time I saw her was at her wedding day. She didn't get to see me because I didn't want to show myself.
"She's living peacefully, Jane,"
I don't want to cause any commotion again.
Nauna kaming umalis ni Mary Jane kay Attorney. Gabi na rin kasi at may pupuntahan pa kami kaya hindi na namin siya nahintay. I readied myself and wore a long sleeve, black backless dress and curled my hair. I even wore a three inches stilleto to match my outfit.
We're going to a party at the Velocity, isang sikat na bar dito sa amin. We got invited for a bridal shower ng isang batchmate namin noong college. Hindi naman talaga dapat ako pupunta dahil hindi ko naman ka-close ang mga 'yon pero dahil mapilit si Mary Jane ay wala na akong nagawa.
Remix music, colorful lighting, a hot DJ, and the wild crowd welcomed us when we got inside. Sumasayaw ang mga tao sa saliw ng tugtog ni Hailee Steinfeld. The crowd's on fire, dalawa-dalawa na ang mga kapareha ng mga nagsasayaw at nagsisigawan na sila habang nakataas ang baso ng alak.
I smiled at their sight pero nawala ang tingin ko roon nang haltakin ni Mary Jane ang kamay ko.
"Let's go! Nasa VIP lounge na sila!" She cheered at wala na akong nagawa nang hilahin na niya ako paakyat.
She looked pretty excited and giggling like crazy. Halos matapilok naman ako sa mga pinangagawa niya kaya sinita ko siya pero parang bingi lang ito sa sinasabi ko.
"We're here!" She cheered when we got there at ang iilan ay natigilan nang makita kami.
"Mary Jane! Thallia!" The future bride, the host of the event, greeted us.
"Hi! Congratulations!" bati ni Mary Jane. I smiled while looking at them.
Hinawi ko ang buhok ko nang humarap ito sa akin. I smiled and congratulated her too at doon ko lang napansin ang pagkakaiba ng VIP lounge sa regular place. The place was kinda peaceful, though, may sayawan pa rin pero hindi kasing wild ng dance floor.
May billiard tables sa gilid at buffet din. Also, there's a fountain for drinks, vodka, whiskey, and the like, which is pretty cool.
Tango lang ang isinasagot ko sa mga bumabati sa akin dahil hindi ko naman sila kilala. They told me na seatmate ko sila noon but I don't remember any of them.
Well, my fault. Hindi lang talaga ako matandain sa mga ganito. Nakakalimutan ko nga minsang i-reschedule ang meetings ni Attorney, mga kasama ko pa kaya sa school ages ago?
Dumeretso ako sa buffet at kumuha ng kaunting pagkain. Nang matapos ay kaagad akong lumipat sa drinks. Kumuha ako ng isang shot ng whiskey at diretsang ininom 'yon.
This is what I love about parties!
I closed my eyes when the strong power of the drink hit my throat.
"Mojito, please," sabi ko sa bartender na naghahalo ng inumin. He smiled when he saw me at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makilala siya. "Sir Zeijan?"
His blue eyes twinkled.
"Uh-huh, You're here, Miss Thallia." He smiled at me habang naghahalo ng inumin.
"Oh my..." Napahawak ako sa bibig. "What are you doing here?" Tinuro ko ang ginagawa niya.
"Just for fun. I own the place, by the way." He smiled at hindi na ako nagulat doon. "One mojito, coming up for the beautiful lady," he said before turning his back to prepare my drink.
Zeijan Sandejas is Iñigo's brother! Sa lahat ba naman ng tao na p'wedeng makita ko ay siya pa! Madalas kasi itong napapasyal sa opisina kaya nakilala ko na si Zeijan!
If he's here, then, is Attorney here, too?
Ipinalibot ko ang paningin ko sa VIP lounge para hanapin ito at napahinga ako nang maluwag nang wala akong nahagilap. Gusto ko mang makita siya rito at batiin sa bagong panalong kaso ay parang ayaw ko naman. Naalala ko ang sinabi ni Mary Jane kanina, I'm getting attached to Iñigo kahit ilang buwan pa lang kaming magkakilala.
Nakakainis! Gano'n ba talaga? I mean, I was just happy for him and all tapos attached na kaagad? Maaapektuhan ba no'ng pagiging attached ko sa trabaho ko ang kailangan kong gawin sa plano ko?
'Parang hindi naman ata,' I told myself.
Siguro ay wala lang ito. I admit, Attorney is hella hot pero hindi ako papadala sa katangiang iyon. Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam kay Zeijan, kay Mary Jane at sa bride nang halos sumabog na ang utak ko sa kakaisip.
I am just the person that's fixing his tie! Secretary lang ako at may plano ako, okay? That would never happen. I just need to get into his life and gain his trust, be steps ahead, then voila! I can have and be aware of all the evidence he has against my father!
Maibibigay ko iyon kina Attorney at paniguradong magagawan ng paraan para hindi madiin ang dad ko.
Ang maingay na dance floor ang sumalubong sa akin pagkabalik ko sa regular na parte ng bar. The party animals are dancing with their hearts out, some were making out.
I suddenly miss the New Yorker's life. Noon ay party, drinks, flirt ang ginagawa ko but now, masyado na akong busy sa trabaho kuno ko.
So why not enjoy? Kaagad akong nadala sa mga tao nang may naglakad sa gilid ko kaya wala na akong nagawa kung hindi ang pumikit at sumabay sa saliw ng musika ng Chainsmokers.
I danced my heart out. Sa bawat kibot ng baywang ko ay nakakarinig ako ng sipol. I grinned when someone danced in front of me. Napangiti ako lalo nang makitang may itsura ito.
"Okay lang?" I smiled and nodded at him. Kumapit pa ako sa leeg niya at nagsimulang gumiling. He held my waist and danced with me, idinikit niya ang katawan niya sa akin at sanay na ako roon. Sa dami na nang nakakasayaw ko, hindi pa ba ako masasanay?
"My turn," I heard a strong and manly voice behind me. Kaagad kong naramdaman ang kamay nito na humahapit sa baywang ko mula sa likuran kaya nabitiwan ko ang lalaki sa aking harapan.
Humarap ako sa lalaking iyon habang nakapikit pa rin. The scent made me stop when I got a whiff and thought it was familiar. Pero hindi ko iyon pinansin dahil nahihilo na ata ako. Ipinaikot ko ang braso sa leeg ng lalaking iyon na hindi ko pa rin alam ang itsura at gumiling.
With every shake my waist was doing, mas lalo lang humihigpit ang hawak nito sa baywang ko paakyat sa likod kong kita dahil sa suot ko. I felt chills when his finger played with the skin of my bare back.
Mas lalo akong nalasing sa bango niya at sa haplos nito, plus, the music. It's getting sexier and dirtier each time. I licked my lips when I felt his hand on my nape and massaged it. Naramdaman ko rin ang mukha nitong papalapit sa akin at sa pag-aakalang hahalikan nito ang leeg ko ay itinagilid ko ang ulo but no, instead I felt his lips in my ear.
Whispering the things I never expected to hear.
"Never knew my secretary can dance dirty." And that's the moment when I opened my eyes, halos mabuwal ako nang masalubong ko ang asul at magandang mata ng abogadong pinoproblema ko.
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