Scandalous Affair: Oliver Valez

39

L I B E R T Y   K I N G S

I walked confidently inside my father's company. My legs stride gracefully and I held my chin high. I didn't bother to greet anyone as I walk, para saan pa? Hindi rin naman nila kilala kung sino ako. Maybe after the big event that my father is planning, they will know who I am. I want them to know who I am but not in these circumstances. 

Isinang tabi ko muna ang aking kalungkutan at ang aking bigong puso. I don't want anyone to see me wreck and weak. Kahit ubos na ubos na ako, I will never satisfy them by letting them see me at my worst. I may deny to everyone my real situation but I will never deny it to myself. Ang sarili ko na lamang ang kakampi ko rito. Lolokohin ko pa ba ang sarili ko?

I fixed my Chanel square sunglasses with its signature chain. I dressed elegantly today to mask all of my infirmity. From my high ponytail hair, black and pink David Koma cutout cady mini dress, strappy heels, and a black Chanel clutch. Kahit nasa loob na ako ng building ay hindi ko pa rin tinatanggal ang aking sunglasses, I'm too afraid that they may see the sadness in my eyes.

I know I did great with my make-up because the fluffiness is now covered, but I know the sadness within can't be covered with anything. When my father's secretary saw me, she immediately guided me to the conference room that we are going to use. I'm surprised to see everyone already settled in their sits. Ako na lang ako kulang. 

I saw my father's stern look as he looks at his watch then at me, indicating that I was late. Well, I need to moped around first before convincing myself to come here. Sumisigaw ang aking puso sa kalungkutan and my mind is shutting down for the past few days. But I need to do this. Walang kwenta ang pakipag-break ko kay Oliver kung hindi ako pupunta ngayon. All the pain will be meaningless. 

You had to do this, Liberty.

Pagkapasok ko ay agad na tumayo si Froy sa kaniyang kinauupuan para batiin ako at iginaya sa 'king uupuan. 

"Good morning, Liberty." 

I just nodded at his greeting, the same with anyone who greeted me. Mukha namang hindi nagustuhan ni Dad ang ginawa kong pagbati sa mga taong nandoon. I know he finds it disrespectful but the hell I care! He disrespects me first. I may be doing this but I won't let them see that I'm happy about this engagement. Si Dad at Tita Fai lamang ang nasa side ko nadumalo sa meeting na ito habang ang Mama at Papa naman ni Froy ang kasama niya.

Yes, we are going to talk about engagement. Today is the day the engagement will be official.

It sucks.

I slowly lifted my sunglasses to my head and look at them, I wish my cat eyeliner intimidate them. I saw Froy's mom smile a little to me and I did the same. 

My father—Long kings faked a cough to get our attention, "good day everyone especially to the Valez family."

Just hearing the surname makes my heart hurt. In a second his gorgeous face flashed in my mind. I blinked trying to erase Oliver's face.  Naglahad ng kamay si Dad sa mag-asawang Valez na nasa kaniyang harapan. They shook it formally and they exchange a business-like smile, ganoon rin ang ginawa namin ni tita Fai. Tanging ngiti lamang ni Froy ang tunay sa mga ngiti sa loob ng kwartong ito.

"Nice to finally meet you, Iha. I'm Amelia Valez but you can call me Tita Ams or Mama." she smiled sweetly at me as she shook my hands. 

I turned my head a little and it landed on Froy's father, "Owen Valez," that's all he said then he turned his head to Tita Fai.

Froy genuinely smile at me and kissed my cheeks, "You look good." It hurts seeing Froy happy and satisfied by whatever is happening right now, while his partner—Me can't even feel tiny happiness.