Dulling Glisters of the Diamond (Casa Fuego Series #5)

Chapter 13

First everything

"So, what are your plans for your birthday?" Mom asked excitedly over the phone.

Saglit akong natigilan sa pabalik-balik na paglakad sa courtyard. I am still in my peignoir and decided to spend the morning here peacefully, but Mom called. Muntik ko nang makalimutan na malapit na ang kaarawan ko. For years, I go home to the Philippines for my birthday. Lola hosts a grand celebration for me. Maraming dumadalo dahil isa akong socialite. Hindi na nga lang masyadong naging aktibo sa mga social functions nang nagkolehiyo sa ibang bansa.

Now, I just want my birthday peace and quiet but I know Mama will not allow that. Dumarating nga talaga siguro sa punto na mas pipiliin na lang ang tahimik at simple kaysa maingay at magara.

"Maybe a simple celebration would do?" pahapyaw ko.

"Simple celebration?! You are a socialite, Grecianna! You are a Villacorta! There's no such thing as simple when it comes to you!"

I sighed heavily. But then it doesn't feel that bad anymore now that my life is far lighter and brighter. Ibang klaseng kaginhawahan at hinaluan ng excitement ang nararamdaman ko sa mga nakalipas na linggo simula nang magkasundo kami ni Julius. Kung pwede lang kasama ko siya buong araw kahit wala kaming ibang ginawa kundi ang mga sagutan. I understand that he has to go home because he is a CEO, and I also have two more bodyguards housed in the mansion.

Pero pagdating talaga sa kanya, para akong palaging nabibitin.

"I'll talk to the organizers so we can start preparing for your birthday. I'll have a stylist from Christian Dior make your gown. May iba ka pa bang gustong gawin o ipadagdag? Any requests in particular?"

"I trust your taste, Mama. Ikaw na po ang bahala."

She sighed. "You should look good. Everything must go well because Eros Hermedilla will be going home from Canada for only a week. Sumakto ang birthday mo. At nagbabalak ako na kumbinsihin si Frederick na..."

Umawang ang aking labi.

"Na sa birthday party mo na kayo ipakilala sa isa't isa."

I knew it. I knew there was an underlying plan for this birthday celebration.

"Mama, isn't Eros Hermedilla too young for me? I know we're only years apart but that man is determined to settle in Canada. Sa tingin ko napipilitan lang si Tito Frederick-"

"Napipilitan? You are Grecianna Villacorta so dare he deny you?" she asked, offended.

Marahan akong bumuntong hininga. Hindi na lang ako nagsalita para hindi na madagdagan ang usapin.

"Minsan lang umuwi 'yon kaya natuwa ako na nangako si Frederick na papupuntahin niya sa birthday party mo. The least you can do is to look good and accommodate him, Grace. There's no better prospect for a husband elsewhere. Eros Hermedilla is the perfect match for you."

I stayed silent even though I was already screaming from the inside. And I realized that sometimes, silence is the loudest answer. However, there are only few people, the right ones, who can hear your internal screams.

"I heard you already passed your papers in the office. That's totally unnecessary but your father told me I should let you be. I just hope that you start working as soon as possible. Your cousin will be graduating two years from now. All the more you need to win the board members as soon as possible. I know they will never acknowledge Conor because of his scandals, so maybe a voting will happen if you impress them."

Mariin akong pumikit. "Can I have my office here? Luluwas na lang ako ng Maynila kapag kailangan. That's the only thing I ask from you."

"How can you win the board members if you'll stay there? Are you thinking, Grace?"