Tempting The Heiress (Published Under LIB)
Kabanata 26
Kabanata 26
"THALLIA! Am I seeing Thallia?" Napangisi ako nang salubungin kami ni Zeijan na may malaking ngisi.
"Hi, Zeijan!" tawag ko sa pansin niya at bumilog ang bibig niya at napapalakpak.
"Finally!" He ran at nagulat ako nang bigla siyang yumakap. "Hindi na bugnutin si Kuya!" he exclaimed at napatawa ako pero hindi ko pa natatapik si Zeijan ay kaagad na itong nawala sa harapan ko.
"Fuck you, Zeij! How many times do I have to tell you to stop touching her!" giit niya at natawa ako nang itago niya ako sa likod niya.
"I was just glad seeing my Ate!" he quoted pero mura lang ang isinagot sa kanya ni Iñigo at hinawakan ang baywang ko papuntang kusina.
"Ang damot! Bugnutin!" sigaw ni Zeijan na may pang-aasar at kinurot ko ang baywang ni Iñigo nang magmura siya at mag-dirty finger sa kapatid.
"He should really get himself a girlfriend," naiiritang sambit niya habang naglalakad kami.
Napangiti naman ako at sinilip ang mukha niya. "Bakit naman?"
"So, he will stop touching mine," sagot niya.
Natigilan ako sa kanyang sinabi samantalang tumaas ang kilay niya at napangisi.
"What? May angal ka?" mayabang niyang tanong sa akin kaya ngumuso ako at siniko siya.
"Manahimik ka nga!" Tawa ang sinagot niya bago ako akbayan at iniangat ako sa may stool. I watched him as he got the donuts out of the refrigerator. Ngumiti ako nang ilapag niya iyon sa harapan ko.
"May Bavarian dito?" tanong ko habang inaabot ang box at binubuksan.
"Yes, 'yon 'yong gusto mo, 'di ba?"
"How did you know?"
"Your sister told me." Nangunot ang noo ko at nilingon siya.
"She did?" I asked and he nodded. "Siya rin ba ang nagsabi na buntis ako?" Ngumiti siya at umiling. "Then, who?"
"I have ways. Before the office incident, alam ko na may baby tayo sa tiyan mo. Sorry if I have to be harsh and ignore you, tapos pinatakbo pa kita. I just want to take care of you both."
Tumango ako kahit hindi ko makuha ang sinabi niya.
"I just asked your sister what foods you're craving for and she told me that, so, I made sure na makakabili ako niyan para kapag gusto mo ay may makakain ka," dugtong pa niya. Tumalon ang puso ko sa sinabi niya at matamis na napangiti.
"Really?"
"Hmm." Tango niya bago iniangat ang daliri para punasan ang gilid ng labi ko. "Pumayat ka," aniya habang hinahaplos ang pisngi ko.
"I was just stressed," sagot ko naman sa kanya at bumuntonghininga siya at inilagay ang buhok ko sa likod ng tainga ko.
"Ang gago ko talaga," buntonghininga na naman ang pinakawalan niya at tinitigan ako.
"Ikaw rin naman, e, see these bags under your eyes?" Hinaplos ko ng daliri ko ang ilalim ng mata niya. "Did you sleep at all?" Umiling siya nang bahagya.
"Not at all. And just like you, I am stressed. Work, plans, your safety," aniya at sabay kaming napabuntonghininga.
Nang mapagtanto ang nangyari ay natawa kaming parehas. Kinurot niya ang pisngi ko.
"Come on, baby, eat more. Gustong-gusto ni baby natin niyan," nakangiting sabi niya at itinuloy ko ang pagkain ko. I even offered him some pero ayaw naman niya at kulang pa raw sa akin.
Habang kumakain ako ay bumalik ang tingin ko sa balikat niya at napansing mas lumaki ang mantsa ng dugo roon.
"Iñigo," I called his attention.
"Why?" tanong niya at umayos ng upo. Tinuro ko ang balikat niya kaya napatingin siya roon.
"I'll clean that, masakit pa ba?" tanong ko.
"Medyo but I'm fine, h'wag ka na mag-alala," umiling ako sa kanya at ibinaba ang pagkain ko.
"No, I'll clean that, pumunta ka na ba sa hospital?"
"Yup, yesterday," sagot niya.
"Good, pero papalitan natin 'yong bandage, huh? Baka maimpeksyon."
I saw a ghost smile on his lips as he nodded. "Yes, Ma'am!"
Natawa ako nang sumaludo siya sa akin at inilahad ko sa kanya ang donut na kinagatan niya.
"I remember something," untag niya.
Napatigil ako sa pagkagat nang sakupin niya ang pisngi ko at pinaharap ako sa kanya. He removed the hair from my forehead at nang mapagtanto ang gusto niyang gawin ay hindi ako nakagalaw.
"Who made this?" tukoy niya sa sugat na hindi pa masyadong hilom sa may noo ko. It was just a small wound caused by the accident pero tinahi ng doktor.
"Accident," sagot ko. His forehead creased. He froze. I saw the way his expression darkened and his jaw ticked.
"When?" Nang hindi ako nakasagot ay nagsalita siya. "Was this because of me?"
"N-no!" Umiling agad ako sa pagtanggi. "It wasn't because of you! I was just so reckless that night and I lost control."
"Is this from that night?" Nanahimik ako at nakita ko ang sakit sa mata niya. Nabitiwan niya ang pisngi ko at nakita ko ang pagkuyom ng kamay niya.
"I'm fucking worthless," he said.
Huminga ako nang malalim at hinawakan ang pisngi niya.
"Iñigo..." Tumungo siya at umiling.
"It's my fault! Kung hindi sana kita inalis sa paningin ko ay hindi ka sana maaksidente. I could have saved you, Thallia."
"Hey, listen," hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya pero puro iling lang ang ibinibigay niya, nahuhulog ang talukap ng mata.
I gasped when he cupped my cheek and pressed his forehead against mine.
"Sorry. Sorry," paulit-ulit niyang sabi at hinigit ako ng yakap.
I gasped and hugged him back.
"I don't deserve to be forgiven. I—" I cut him off.
"Sshh, tama na," kinalma ko siya at hindi siya umimik at nanatiling nakasubsob sa leeg ko.
We were accompanied by silence until I felt his hard breathing.
Oh, god. Was he crying?!
"S-sorry, Thallia," nanginginig pa ang boses niya. "I swore to protect you, but what had I done?."
"Iñigo..."
"Could you listen to me? Y-you won't leave me, right?" Paniniguradong tanong sa akin ni Iñigo.
Hindi ako kaagad ako nakaimik. Mas nakita ko ang pangamba sa mga mata niya.
"Baby," his voice shook. "I-I'll explain. I know you hate me–"
"I don't–"
"I've hurt you, I said words I didn't mean. It was my fault you got into an accident. What if something happened to you and our child? I could never forgive myself. I..." He sighed. "I'll do better, baby. I'll be better. I won't do anything that will hurt you ever again–"
"I will try to understand you, Iñigo," sagot ko at mabilis siyang humiwalay sa akin at sinakop ang pisngi ko.
"Y-you will? Please... Please, listen to me," he pleaded. I gave him an assuring smile and wiped his tears.
"Umiiyak ang baby ko?" Ngumiti ako nang kuminang ang mata niya at tumulo ang luha sa gilid nito.
"I love you," suminghap siya at hinawakan ang kamay ko. "I love you, Thallia. Mahal na mahal kita... Please, believe me."
My heart broke with those words.
He loves me?
Hindi ako makapagsalita at makasagot sa kanya pabalik at sa halip ay tumango lang ako. I am trusting him with all of me but why does my heart hurt everytime I hear him say that?
Love...
Love, why are you so hard to comprehend?
Love seems like a hard thing to feel right now, after everything that has happened... Pakiramdam ko ay may kung anong tinik sa puso ko ang nabunot.
"You want to hear my story, too?" pabulong kong sabi habang tinitingnan siyang hinahaplos ang palad ko.
"Will you tell me?" Nag-angat siya ng tingin at kaagad naman kong ngumiti at tumango.
"Of course." He smiled and pulled me close again for an embrace.
I closed my eyes when he kissed me near my ear at naramdaman ko ang pagtayo niya sa upuan para mas balutin ako sa bisig niya. Pulos paghinga lang namin ang naririnig ko at kaagad akong nagmulat nang hawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi ko.
I stared at his eyes before my gaze went down to his red lips. Kaagad kong naramdaman ang pagsikip ng sikmura ko na tila'y nagwawala.
"Iñigo..." I called him. Mula sa labi ay umangat ang tingin ko sa mata niya.
"Hmm?" I gulped when he caressed my cheek and moved closer to my face.
"Can I..." I unconsciously licked my lips and cleared my throat. Lumapit ang ilong niya sa ilong ko at sinubukan kong abutin ang labi niya pero lumayo siya.
"You were saying?" tanong niya. Tumikhim ako at umangat ulit para abutin ang labi niya pero hindi ko magawa.
"C-can I kiss you?" nanginig ang labi ko nang patakan niya iyon ng mabilis na halik.
"I should be the one asking you that." A soft chuckle escaped his lips, but he granted my wish instantly.
I got lost when his warm lips covered mine. Napakapit ako sa leeg niya at hinatak siya palapit para mas mahagkan siya. He lowered his head as his hands travelled to my nape, gently caressing it.
His tongue devoured every side of my mouth and as our kisses deepened, we ran out of breath. A soft moan escaped my lips when he bit mine. Hinatak ko ang buhok niya at umawang ang labi ko nang bumaba ang halik niya sa panga ko at dumulas ang kamay niya sa likod ko.
"Sweet," he whispered as he nipped my skin. I felt his hands caressing the side of my waist and when I felt him licking my skin, naipikit ko nang mariin ang mata ko.
"I-Iñigo..."
He kissed the side of my earlobe and bit my ear softly as he whispered. "Love you."
I smiled and let him kiss my neck. Ipinaling ko ang ulo ko para mas bigyan siya ng espasyo at napakapit ako sa counter nang kumagat siya roon.
"Sabi na nga't ito ang madadatnan ko!" Napamulat ako ng mata nang may magsalita at mabilis na tinulak si Iñigo palayo sa akin.
"What—"
"Maghunos-dili ka, Kuya!" Mabilis akong napalingon at napatayo sa stool nang makita si Dash na natigilan sa pagpasok.
"You fucker!" mariing sigaw ni Iñigo at mabilis akong hinawakan sa baywang.
"Ano na naman?!" Dash chuckled and looked at me, mabilis akong nagbaba ng tingin at minura ang sarili.
"Thallia!" tawag niya.
"Get out!" Iñigo hissed.
"Akala ko pa naman kapag nagbati na kayo hindi ka na bugnutin! Pero ito..." Humagalpak si Dash at tinuro ang kapatid niya. "Malandi ka Kuya, abogado ka pa man din!"
"The hell you care?" maangas na sagot ni Iñigo at itinabi ako sa gilid niya. "Get the fuck out of my house! Bakit ba kayo nandito ng kapatid mo? Get out!"
"This is a kitchen and I'm hungry! Pakain ako!" tumatawang naglakad si Dash kahit na minumura na siya ng kapatid at nakaramdam ako ng hiya nang tawagin niya ako.
"Ate!" napatingin ako sa kanya at napaayos ng tayo. Why do they keep on calling me Ate kung mas matanda at kasing edad ko lang sila?
"Hmm?" gulat kong sabi. His eyes glistened at ngumisi sa akin.
"You should really jail Kuya somewhere," he said.
"Huh?"
"I know girls hate it when their lipstick gets ruined," ngumiti siya at tinuro ang labi ko. "Your lipstick is a little bit smudged, and he's the suspect."
Mabilis kong natikom ang bibig ko at napaubo.
"You moron! Wala ka bang magawa sa buhay mo?!" Biglang nawala sa tabi ko si Iñigo at nagulat na lang ako nang maghabulan ang dalawa patungong sala.
"Lumayas kayo!" singhal niya sa dalawang kapatid na nagkampihan at hinagisan siya ng unan sa sofa.
"He's whipped!" Zeijan screamed.
"Yuck! Ang cheesy niya!" Dash added. Natatawang pinagmasdan ko sila habang pinupunasan ang labi ko. I can feel myself at ease and at peace. Nagbatuhan at batukan sila habang tumatakbo paikot sa sala na parang mga bata.
"Tama na! I'm out!" Naiirita at natatawang inayos ni Iñigo ang suot niya at pinasadahan ng kamay ang buhok. He was sweating hard at sinipa pa ang nakahigang si Dash sa lapag habang hinihingal.
"Duh! Mabilis mapagod! Loser!" Zeijan mocked habang nakatago sa sofa at may hawak na isang pirasong unan.
"Anong sabi mo?!" nang akmang lalapit si Iñigo ay napamura si Zeijan at mabilis na tumakbo. Napailing naman si Iñigo at mabilis na kumuha ng unan.
"Tang ina! Wait! Sali ako! Tatayo lang ako!" mabilis na tumayo mula sa lapag ang hinihingal na si Dash na halos hubad na ang damit pang-itaas.
Itinaas niya ang unan at gano'n na lang ang hagalpak ko nang sabay na naghagis si Iñigo at Zeijan ng unan kay Dash na sumapol sa mukha nito, dahilan para mapaupo siyang sa lapag.
"Tang ina n'yo! Lintik lang ang walang ganti!" Dash shouted and threw his shoe na tumama sa mukha ni Iñigo.
Lahat sila ay natahimik. Napawi ang ngisi sa labi ni Dash at Zeij.
The eldest Sandejas' jaw clenched.
Ayan na ang angry Iñigo Rafael! Lagot!
𓍝𓍝𓍝
"AYAN! Ang harot kasi!" pagalit ko kay Iñigo habang nililinis ang sugat niya sa balikat. Katatapos ko lang lagyan ng ice pack ang gilid ng labi niya dahil sa pasa galing sa sapatos ni Dash kanina.
"Those fuckers just won't stop teasing." Natatawang iling niya kaya ngumiti ako at inayos ang bandage sa may bandang balikat niya.
"Pinatulan mo rin, loko ka. Look at your wound, nagdugo tuloy lalo saka 'yang labi mo."
"Why? Gilid lang naman. My bruise won't affect my kissing talent, anyway." He smirked and puckered his lips dramatically.
"Parang bata." Pinitik ko ang labi niya kaya ngumuso siya at ngumiwi.
"They're the kids. Minsan akala ko nga may kasama akong one-year-old 'pag kasama ko 'yang dalawa. Parang mga toddler kung makatawa at makakapit!" maang niyang kwento habang may masayang ngiti sa labi.
"Makapagsalita ka naman parang hindi ka rin isip-bata! Mas bata ka pa nga mag-isip kasi pinatulan mo kalokohan nila!" napahagikgik ako nang bumusangot ang mukha niya at umayos siya ng upo.
"Ako isip bata? Paanong magiging bata ako e nakabuo na nga tayo ng bata!" sabat niya.
Natahimik ako. Nang makita ang reaksyon ko ay umangat ang labi niya sa isang ngisi at sinundot ang pisngi ko.
"Natahimik ka? Ano, halika na ba? Gawa pa tayong isang bata para hindi mo na maisip na isip-bata ako?" dagdag pa niya.
Nag-init ang pisngi ko at napaubo.
"Iñigo!"
"What? I'm ready! Kahit naman may sugat ako malakas pa rin ang resistensya ko! Saka ilang linggo tayong diet kasi 'di tayo bati!" Napapalatak ako at sinipa ang paa niya.
"Isa pa! Nag-iinit ang ulo—" pinutol niya ako.
"Ang katawan mo?" hirit niya. Halos sabunutan ko siya at hagalpak lang ng tawa ang sagot niya. "Ilang rounds ba gusto mo?"
Tinakpan ko ang bibig niya.
"Joke lang! Joke lang!" hinihingal na sa kakatawa si Iñigo at hinawakan ang kamay ko.
"Isa pa talaga at mabibigwasan kita, Sandejas!" Simangot ko at siniko siya nang humalik siya sa pisngi ko.
"Joke lang, ito naman," tawa niya at ipinatong ang baba sa balikat ko.
"Should we talk now, baby?" bulong niya. Saglit akong natahimik bago siya nilingon at tinanggal ko ang dumi sa may noo niya.
"Sige." I smiled. Tumango siya bago hinawakan ang kamay ko.
"You go first," bulong niya. Saglit akong natahimik para kumuha ng lakas ng loob. Nanatili akong tahimik ng 'di ko alam gaano katagal bago nagsalita.
"I have done bad things. My mom was put in jail, and I almost went with her." Lumayo ako bahagya sa kanya na nakamasid at nakikinig lang sa akin.
"I almost killed someone, Iñigo." Kumirot ang dibdib ko at nakita ko ang pagkislap ng mata ni Iñigo. "I am my mother's accomplice in committing a crime. I did what she asked me to do." Napatungo ako at humugot ng hininga.
He remained quiet, listening.
"Are you familiar with the Samaniegos?" Sumulyap ako sa kanya at nang tumango siya ay kinagat ko ang labi ko at pinakalma ang sarili ko bago nagsalitang muli.
"Terrence Samaniego's wife, my OB-Gyne doctor, Natalie Paige, was my sister—at least that was my mom told me. She told me we have the same father pero nalaman ko na lang na hindi pala totoo. My mom was Cynthia Raymundo, I'm using her surname. Nalaman ko na lang kalaunan na iba ang ama ko at ginamit niya lang ako para makamkam ang pera ng mga Paige. Of course, that hurts a lot," napatikhim ako nang maramdaman ko ang pagsikip ng dibdib ko.
"It hurts knowing your mom only used you..." Pumiyok ang boses ko at umagos ang luha sa mga mata ko. "I-I want to be loved, g-gusto kong 'di maiwan so I—"
"Thallia," Iñigo reached and squeezed my hand.
"S-so I did what she told me to," napahikbi ako at pinisil niya ang kamay ko. "I hired someone to kill Nat and T-Terrence. I am selfish, I-I only want to get her wealth so my mother will love and won't leave me... I want her gone kasi g-gusto kong ituring na tatay ang dad niya," napatakip ako sa bibig ko at mabilis akong kinabig ni Iñigo kaya sumubsob ako sa balikat niya.
"T-Thallia, you don't have to—"
"I-I have to," bulong ko sa nanginginig na boses, lumayo ako sa kanya at tinitigan siya. "I want to face everything, Iñigo. Ang tagal kong tinakbuhan 'to kaya n-ngayong may lakas ako ng loob, sasabihin ko." I looked him in the eye. He nodded and let me.
"Like other villains in stories, I failed. I failed and I lost everything I have—my wealth, my freedom, my mother, and the love I never had," kinagat ko ang labi ko at napasinghap para kumuha ng hangin.
"My mom was jailed and luckily, they spared me from going with her. I moved, nagpakalayo-layo ako. I looked for my real father and sister until I found them. Bumalik kaagad ako ng Pilipinas noon para sana ibalita sa Mom ko but..." Pumikit ako at umiling-iling, ang mga ala-ala'y nagdadagsaan. Mas nanakit ang mga mata ko sa paambang luha.
"Never did I know, I-I lost her already, too." I tried stopping it, but my eyes hurt, and my tears escaped. Kinabig ako palapit ni Iñigo. "S-she committed suicide."
He held me, quiet and firm. He was my rock, mending my sanity before I lost it. All the pent-up emotions finally bursting out, exploding, I couldn't stop crying.
All my life, I kept this all inside like a ticking bomb ready to explode. It felt heavy kaya ngayong kumawala ay 'di ko na kayang itago pa.
I wanna tell him everything. Every dirt I had, every fucked up thing I did. Sawang-sawa na ako magpanggap at magtago.
"Baby, breathe..." He muttered. Pinunasan niya ang luha ko at hinaplos ang pisngi ko.
"Nahanap ko ang kapatid ko, si Allison, may pamilya na siya. Tapos ang tunay kong ama, si Ethan Castuares," nag-angat ako ng tingin at kahit nanlalabo ang mata ko ay nakita ko ang pagkakatigil ni Iñigo.
"He was in jail because, allegedly, they're saying he embezzled funds from the company's project. I believe, I know they framed him up, and i-it was very easy for them because dad... my dad won't talk. I don't understand. So I took the risk; he's the only family I have. Ayokong mawala rin siya sa 'kin dahil sa ganito. Gusto ko s-siyang tulungan, Iñigo."
"I heard you're the lawyer they wanted in the case against my dad. I heard good things about you. I know it's wrong but it's the only thing I thought of doing. I have to know your plans. I need to know what you have against us so we can be prepared. If I could, I'd steal the evidence."
It hurt me when I noticed the pain and betrayal in his eyes. I'd understand it if he decided to leave me.
I'll understand...
I was visibly trembling. He held me quietly.
"I told my Dad's lawyer about my plan and he agreed, kaya ako pumasok sa kompanya mo. That was my agenda, my real intention."
"To steal and play with me?" Kumislap ang sakit sa mga mata niya at naluluhang tumango ako at nakita ko ang paglunok at ang pagkuyom ng kamay niya.
"O-oo, that was my plan but it eventually changed," mahinang sabi ko. "I attempted to steal the evidence in any possible way I could. I waited for you to open up about the case but you never did. I'm desperate. I thought about seducing you and making you fall for me, but my plan backfired." Lumunok ako at pinalis ang mga luha, hinahanap ang mga tingin niya.
"Each day being with you, I realized how good and loving you are. Y-you treated me like I am special, y-you made me feel loved for the first time," ngumiti ako ng malungkot at hinanap ang mata niya na malamlam na animo'y papaiyak na.
"Minahal kita," sinsero kong sabi. "Mahal na mahal kita Iñigo, sobra. I'll understand if you don't believe me but the moment I realized how much I'm in love with you, itinigil ko na ang plano ko."
Tumungo siya at mas kumirot ang puso ko pagkakitang hinawi niya ang luhang kumawala sa mata niya.
"Sabi ko, hahanap ako ng ibang paraan para makawala ang Dad ko sa kulungan, kahit mahirap at hindi ko alam kung paano sisimulan ay ginawa ko kasi ayaw kong masaktan ka..." Mas bumagsak ang luha sa mga mata ni Iñigo kaya napansinghap ako at mabilis na pinalis ko ito.
"I know how noble you are and your principles. You're a Sandejas but I understand if your perspective of me changed because of all this," I said shakily. "I'm not a good person, Iñigo. I'm evil. I'm wretched. I k-know I have a special place in hell, so I'll understand if..."
"If?" His forehead creased, his jaw clenching. "If what, Thallia?"
I licked my lip and sighed. "If you don't want to do anything with me after this–"
"Shut it," he cut me off aggressively.
"It's okay, I understand–"
"Do you think I don't do fucked up things?" His jaw was clenched. "I'm not a saint, Thallia. I'm not a good man. I am not fucking noble."
"I'm fucked–"
"Who isn't?" He snapped. "I'm no saint. I do things unimaginable for the people I love, too."
My heart was racing; I think it was now beating against my throat.
"I will understand–"
"I don't, Thallia Josephine," putol niya sa sasabihin ko. "I won't understand if you leave me. I would never understand if we couldn't be together. I won't."
My breath quickened. Mas humapdi ang mga mata ko sa panibagong luha.
"Karma's after me, a-ayaw kong madamay ka–"
"We'll face it together," aniya. "You said you had a special place in hell? Then, I do, too. I'm fucked up, too, baby. You didn't know it yet but I can do a lot worse when anyone tries to harm you."
When I couldn't answer him, he cupped my cheeks and pressed his forehead against mine.
"Don't say that again, hmm?" he asked. "Thallia?"
"S-say what?"
"That you'll understand if I leave you, because I won't. I would never. They have to kill me first before they can take me from you. I will stay. For you, for our child. I love you."
Napahikbi na naman ako.
"I-I don't know if I deserved t-that?" May agam-agam ko siyang tinitigan pero umiling lang siya't humalik sa pisngi ko, sa ilalim ng mga mata ko at sa noo ko. Nagtagal iyon do'n.
"Then I'd show you. I'd make you feel how deserving you are of this. I accept you, every part of you. Every dirt, every scar, everything. I'd kiss it, baby."
Iyak lang ako nang iyak.
I was overwhelmed, confused, and happy. Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit, walang imik at umaalo.
Sinapo niya ang mukha ko pagkaraan para punasan ang luha ko.
"Look at your eyes, namamaga na naman," malumanay niyang sabi at hinaplos ang mukha ko.
"Ang m-mascara ko ba, kalat na?"
His smile widened. Umiling siya.
"Waterproof," aniya sabay hawak sa ilalim ng mata ko. "I trust you'd only use the best make up. Para kapag umiyak, maganda pa rin?"
Ngumuso ako at nangiti na.
Kilalang-kilala ako, oh?
He removed the hair covering my face at kaagad na inipon at inilagay sa gilid ng balikat ko. My eyes shut when he smiled before giving me a warm kiss on the forehead, and then extending a glass of water.
Inalalayan niya 'kong painom no'n.
"Can I tell you my story now?"
I smiled softly before giving him a nod. Ang dibdib ko'y lumuwang dahil nasabi ko sa kanya ang lahat.
Ngayon ay kailangan ko namang paghandaan ang mga malalaman ko. I know it will hurt me, too, pero gagawin ko ang lahat maintindihan lang ang sasabihin niya kagaya ng pag-intindi niya sa 'kin.
"Kahit anong malaman mo ngayon, I want you to know first na mahal na mahal kita, Thallia." Tumango ako at nakita kong sumulyap siya sa tiyan ko at napangiti akong lalo nang hawakan niya ito. "Siyempre, pati ang baby ni Mommy at Daddy mahal na mahal ko rin."
Isang halik sa noo ko at sa tiyan ko ang ibinigay niya bago siya tumikhim at inabot ang kamay ko para magsimula.
"I hired you in my office because of your credentials. I knew nothing about you at that time, so I accepted you freely. Also, you're the best secretary I've ever had."
Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya. "Talaga?"
"Yes, except when you're late."
Napawi ang ngiti ko. Natawa siya. "Of course, dapat maganda akong papasok! Ang weird kasi ng schedule mo, minsan pinapapasok mo 'ko sa oras na trip mo. 'Di pa ako tapos magkulot!"
He smirked.
"Alright, baby. I made peace with that. Better late than ugly, hmm?"
"Correct! At bakit ako ang best sexytary?"
He chuckled at my remark.
"I mean, ikaw lang ang umaaway sa 'kin. Everyone was scared, if not intimated but you... You're feisty. Tapos ikaw rin ang dahilan kung bakit nakakapagsuot na ako ng necktie nang maayos." Mahinang tumawa ako at umusog palapit sa kanya. "I am attracted the first time I ever saw you, ganda mo kasi."
Natawa ako at napailing.
"Seriously, Iñigo, the last time I checked, you're confessing pero bakit parang nakikipag-flirt ka?"
Umangat ang labi niya sa isang ngisi at tinaasan ako ng kilay.
"Anyway, let's get back to the topic before I jump on you." Sinimangutan ko siya.
"The truth was, yes, I was one of their prospects to become their lawyer. Like the rumors. I didn't accept it; I wasn't even planning to but they're shoving it down my throat, so I took a look and realized it was all fabricated evidence. It made me curious. I mean, it wasn't new encountering that but they're persuading me hard, even offering me a large sum of money. As if I need that..."
Umawang ang labi ko. "Ang yabang?!"
He smirked. "However, I was curious. They insisted I could take a look and think of their offer so I thought... why not? Though in the file given, you weren't on his family list."
"Because my father hid me, saka galit sa kanya ang mga kamag-anak niya kaya hindi na rin niya ipinaayos ang documents ko," mahinang sabi ko. "I was contented he acknowledged me personally and let me work for him."
Tumango siya.
"One time, my informant told me about this certain daughter of Ethan Castueras na nagbabalak na mangialam sa trabaho ko," sinulyapan niya ako at hindi naman ako nakaimik.
"I was furious, yes, kahit hindi ko naman kasi tinatanggap pa ang kaso ay pakiramdam ko ay responsable ako roon, so I told my men to find the woman immediately and shut her up."
Dahil alam kong ako ang tinutukoy niya ay naramdaman ko ang hapdi sa puso ko pero nakinig pa rin ako.
"I'm sorry, baby, but I told you. I'm no saint. I don't want anyone messing with me, my family, my work."
"How?" I asked curiously. "How do you plan to shut her up?"
He tensed but sighed afterward, raking his fingers in his hair.
"I asked them to scare her, only scare her, so she'd stop messing around," aniya. "I have no idea who Mr. Castuares' daughter is, his heiress. I didn't even ask for a name and that was my mistake." Tahimik lang ako at nakamasid sa kanya.
"That time when you saw the box, I have no idea who gave you that at first. It pained me seeing you scared, so I comforted you. Sa una nga ay nag-isip agad ako kung paano ka poprotektahan kaya nang pinanuod natin 'yong CCTV tapos nakita ko 'yong tauhan ko roon, I was frustrated," bumuntonghininga siya at hinaplos ang palad ko.
"I immediately called them and when I found out na ikaw ang tinutukoy na anak and that I was the one who asked them to scare you... I-I was a mess," mapait niyang sabi. "It hurts me knowing that I was the one who caused you pain, that I was the one who made you cry and worse, scared you. I was mad at the situation, and what I did. Of you."
"S-sorry..."
"I understand," aniya. "You don't have to apologize."
Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.
"Everything was going just fine. I was always keeping my eye on you, but that night, when I took you home? And you called me, crying. I was scared. I immediately went back to your place tapos sinabi mo na may humabol sa 'yo, I was certain that it was not me,"
Natigilan ako.
"W-what? But you just told me you're the one threatening me?"
"Yes, I was but the box was the first and the last one. I never threatened you again after that," umawang ang labi ko at napaisip.
"T-then who?"
"Perez," he answered. "Noong nangyari sa 'yo 'yon, I knew right away it was because of that family," sagot niya. "That's why I took you home with me and asked you to stay with me."
"Bakit? Bakit mo ako inayang sumama sa 'yo?" may pagtatakang tanong ko. "You were aware of my ill intentions. Why would you keep me close?"
If he's mad at me for fooling him, isn't it an advantage na tinatakot ako tapos may gumagawa ng iba para sa kanya?
"Because I wanted to protect you." Natigilan ako at may kung anong humaplos sa puso ko. Nakita ko ang sinseridad sa mata niya nang tinitigan niya ako. "I even told myself na gusto lang kitang kasama sa bahay para mabantayan kita lalo para 'di mo magawa ang gusto mo. I told myself that I would just tempt you so you would stop stealing the evidence."
Umawang ang labi ko bago nailing.
"You will tempt me, huh?" tanong ko, 'di na naitago ang maliit na ngiti.
"That was my plan," ngiti niya. "But look where my plan brought me? Instead of tempting you, my heiress, you tempted me instead." Ngumuso ako at ngumiti.
"So I succeeded in some ways, then?" Nang tumango siya ay natawa ako at hinawi ang buhok niya sa noo.
"Then, I fell, like you, I fell deeply in love with you. Instead of keeping you to keep you from getting those evidences, I kept you because I want to. To keep you safe. Nalaman ko rin na sila ang may pakana noong muntik na tayong mabangga ng sasakyan."
"Siguro sila rin ang may pakana no'n," sabi ko pagkaraan.
"What?"
"One time, when I was left alone here sa bahay mo, may tumamang ilaw na pula sa may balat ko, sa ulo ko. I know it was from a gun, maybe a sniper." He tensed, his majestic blue eyes turning slits.
"What the hell? And you didn't tell me, Thallia Josephine?"
I have no excuses, so I just pouted and apologized. "Sorry. Ayokong dumagdag sa iisipin mo–"
His forehead creased.
"Now it's bullshit. Do you think if something happened to you, 'di ako mag-iisip? Don't reason out on me, Thallia. You should've told me! Paano kung may nangyari sa 'yo?" He scolded.
"Sorry." Inabot ko ang kamay niya. "The light was gone noong dumating ka, so nothing happened. Isa pa, 'di ako sigurado kung imagination ko lang 'yon o hindi."
"It's them, I'm positive," sabi niya at muling tiningnan ang sugat ko sa noo. "What accident caused this?" tanong niya habang sinusuri ang mukha ko.
"Car accident, may sumalubong sa sasakyan ko kaya lumihis ako. I hit a tree tapos tumama 'yong noo ko sa manibela," mahinang sagot ko.
He sighed and nodded. His eyes were dark and angry.
"Sorry," he apologized again, his tone somber.
Tumango naman ako at hinawakan ang kamay niya sa may mukha ko.
"It wasn't your fault, sinabi ko na, 'di ba?"
"It's my fault," he answered primly. "They will fucking pay for this," mariing sabi niya bago nagpatuloy.
"I didn't know how but Maica Perez found out my supposed-to-be plan. She began talking to me about how I was doing, kung nauto ba kita o ano. She started to annoy me; she wanted to get even. Why is that?" tanong niya.
Saglit akong napaisip at nang maalala ang dahilan ay sumagot ako. "Aside from her father, I know it's mababaw but this probably had a factor. We held a party last time tapos nandoon siya with his boyfriend then bigla na lang akong in-approach noong lalaki tapos gusto raw makipagkilala." Nangunot ang noo ni Iñigo sa sinabi ko.
"She thought I stole her boyfriend, so ayon, ang sama ng tingin sa akin buong event," paliwanag ko. "Maybe 'yon ang dahilan? Pero ang babaw naman? Right?"
"Did you give him your name?" sa halip ay tanong ni Iñigo pero umiling lang ako at natawa.
"No, no, ayoko ro'n fuck boy 'yon!" Ngumuso siya at umirap sa akin kaya dinutdot ko ang pisngi niya at hinalikan ito.
"Remember the time when I went abroad for my clients?" he asked. I nodded. That was the last time we were fine, then pagbalik niya ay nagkagulo na.
"She wanted to play a game and she wanted to get involved. She knew my plan was to shut you up and lure you. Gagawin niyang alas iyon laban sa 'yo. She also believed you're into me. She used that as your weakness; she wanted you to back down and give up; she wanted to break your heart through me," paliwanag niya.
"Of course, I told her na hindi kita mahal that you were just a..." Natigilan siya. "...a mere toy for me, which is not true."
I remembered those words again. Naramdaman ko ang kirot. Bumuntonghininga ako at tumango.
"S-she was watching so I have no choice but to break your heart." Napatungo ako at humugot ng hininga. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those words. It's not true."
I decided to ask him about that thing that's been bothering me. Hinanap ko ang mga mata niya.
"Am I really just a toy for you?" Mabilis na nangunot ang noo niya at mabilis na hinawakan ang pisngi ko bago marahas na umiling.
"No! No, of course not!" turan niya. "Mahal na mahal kita, Thallia."
Nang hindi ako sumagot ay kaagad niyang iniangat ang mukha ko at hinanap ang mata ko.
"Will you still listen to me? Will you still believe me?" marahan pero bakas ang takot sa boses niya.
I watched his every reaction, his eyes genuine, fragile, and true.
"Y-yes, tell me everything."
Napabuga siya ng hangin at inakay ako sa may dibdib niya.
"It's wrong but at the moment, I have no choice but to say that because if I don't, and they find out you're important to me? They'd use you against me to take us both down. They will know you're my weakness, Thallia. They'd hurt you just to make me do whatever they want. I wouldn't let her.
"I have to show her you didn't matter, that I didn't care about you so they'd let me in their plan. I have to be on her good side in order to know the weakness of his father's case. I told you, I'm vile and wicked, too. I'm not just. I manipulated things and because of that, I got in. I found out the roots of her plans and I knew someone you trust is her accomplice." Napalayo ako sa kanya at mabilis na tiningnan siya.
"W-who is it?" My heart spiked.
"Antonio Velgas." Natigilan ako at parang napapasong napatayo.
"W-what?! Si Attorney? W-why? I trust him! How—" pakiramdam ko ay mabubuwal ako sa pagkakatayo. Tumayo si Iñigo at mabilis na hinuli ang braso ko para mapalapit ako sa kanya.
"Listen, Thallia..." Umiling ako dahil sa panghihinayang, galit at gulat.
"I trust him! How—"
Mahigpit akong niyakap ni Iñigo at mariing naipikit ko ang mata habang nakakapit sa damit niya.
"He was part of Maica's game from the very start. He was one of Fernan Perez's friends kaya pumayag siyang maging parte ng kasong ito. It was their plan all along to let you take the evidence, to piss me off so I'll win the case. The forgery and all, the witness, plano nilang lahat 'yon. They planted the thought of rescuing your father in your head, which would make you think it was your decision and you took the bait. They will let you think na may pag-asa kang manalo pero kapag sa trial na ay biglang mawawala ang mga ebidensya at ilalaglag ni Attorney Velgas ang kaso ng Dad mo."
Umawang ang labi ko.
That... fucking asshole?!
"'Yong witness? Si Hubert? Is he—"
"No," sagot niya. "What he said was all true; he knew everything about this case."
Lumayo ako sa kanya at sinilip ang mukha niya, nagtataka at naguguluhan.
He told me everything. How it happened. What was his plan, how he got involved and how was it that he'll be representing my father instead and I listened. Amazed and shocked.
"Do you trust me, baby?" He locked gazes with me.
"I do. They will all pay, pagbabayaran nilang lahat 'to. I will get all the money they stole from my Dad. I will make sure they'll rot in jail and suffer until they lose their last breath. I will not back down without giving them a good fight," mariin at pabulong kong sabi at isang malumanay na tawa ang pinakawalan ni Iñigo bago ako ilayo ako sa kanya at hawakan ang magkabilang pisngi.
"That's my girl," he said lowly with beaming pride, catching my mouth to press a gentle and long kiss.
Our gazes clashed. It ignited with promise and power.
"Looks like the bitchy and feisty heiress is back?" He tilted his head before giving me a lopsided grin. Ngumisi ako.
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