Cue of secrets

Chapter 9

"Papupunta na ako?" Haraboji asked.

"No, that's not how you say that, Haraboji. You say papunta na ako. That means that you're on the way."

"Ah! Papunta na ako?"

"Finally you got it. We've been practicing that for half an hour already. Anyway, it's almost your bedtime."

"You're a heiress. You're a Monverde and you're a Yoon. You're the granddaughter of the richest family in Philippines and Korea. We no longer want you to suffer and we want you to get the things you deserve." Halmoni smiled.

"Here," Haraboji handed me papers. "It's our company, and we're giving the authority to you. Only you."

"No- no, I can't accept this."

"Well, you have no choice." Haraboji laughed.

"I'll handle this well." I said and gave them a big bow.

"How does Alistair treat you? We've heard from the people in our office that he's not that nice."

"Actually, Halmoni, he is. He's nice."

"You're speaking with hearts on your eyes. You like him."

"I do. So much than I can express through words. Now that I no longer have to prove myself to the both of you, I wanted to be free. I wanted to know what I really want."

"You should. Get married sooner, so we could also see you beautifully walk down the aisle."

"That's not going to be any sooner, I'm not even sure if it's Alistair that's going to be waiting for me in the aisle."

"Anyone. As long as you're happy."

"I'll get going. See you next time." I smiled.

I sighed as I walk out of the door. I want to cry but there's no tears falling down from my face. I felt so good.

Kinabukasan, I woke up earlier than usual. I wanted to cook breakfast for them. It's been a long time since I last cooked for them.

"Ate, nagluluto ka?" Shaniah asked while walking down the stairs, half asleep.

"Hindi, natutulog."

"Oo nga no?" She laughed sarcastically.

"Tutulong ka o mangugulo?"

"Siyempre," she scratched her head. "Mangugulo."

"Alam ko naman."

"Ate, anyway, titigilan ko na si kuya Alistair. Madami na din naman akong endorsements ngayon. Hindi ko na siya kelangan."

"User ka, Shaniah. Thank the person formally."

"Yes, Ma'am! Daya mo, hindi mo ako sinama kay Halmoni at Haraboji."

"Alam ko bang gusto mo sumama? E parang dati lang galit na galit ka sa kanila?"

"Sabi kasi dapat hindi na daw ako pinanganak? Aba! Baka Shaniah 'to." She laughed.

"Ewan ko sa'yo." Natawa nalang ako sa kalokohan niya. She doesn't sound like a model at all.

"Pero alam mo ate, ako, nag-training ako ng limang taon para maging model. Sa'yo siguro limang oras lang pwede na."

"Ha?"

"Kung gusto mo maging model. Naiingit nga ako sa'yo e. Ang ganda mo, ang puti mo, nakuha mo 'yung korean blood ng Mommy, ang talino mo, ang independent mo, andaming company gustong kumuha sa'yo, ang bait mo pa kaya ang dami mong friends. Sila ate Jia, ate Sinta, kuya Jade. Friend mo ba si kuya Ace? 'Wag na 'yun, pinsan mo na 'yun e."