Vernon made sure that he parked his mustang near the event's place. Nilingon niya ang suot ni Era habang sinisipat nito ang sarili sa salamin. She always looked elegant and regal kahit ano man ang suotin nito. She was wearing a simple, solid ruffle trim A-line dress na lagpas tuhod; loop earrings, white, suede block heels sandals, and she tied her hair in a high ponytail that made her look younger.
He turned off the engine, opened his car door, and almost ran towards her side para pagbuksan ito ng pinto. He immediately offered his hand, to help her get out of his car.
Her eyes smiled with her. The night seemed brighter kahit na dim ang lighting sa parking area.
"Let's go?" untag niya rito. She timidly nodded at sabay nilang tinungo ang grand ballroom with Foyer ng Shangri-La The Fort.
Pagkapasok sa loob ay mabilis na inilibot ng kaniyang mga mata ang mga tao sa paligid. Mahina siyang tinapik ni Era. Nang lingunin niya ito ay sinundan ng kaniyang tingin ang pasimpleng pagpaling ng ulo nito, telling him there was someone approaching them.
"Son!" masiglang bati ng kaniyang ama. The larger than life Maximo Andrada. A real estate and construction magnate.
"Hi, Dad!" bati niya rito nang tapikin nito ang kaniyang balikat.
"Hello, Era! I love to see the both of you back in each other's arms."
He knew his father genuinely said those. Sa kanilang pamilya, ito lamang ang sumang-ayon sa relasyon nila noon. For he saw his improvement as a man, all because of Era.
"Tito, it's—" nauutal sanang pagtanggi ni Era, ngunit sinansala ito ng kaniyang ama.
"Hija, I know my son is not perfect. But I assure you. He loves you so much. Give yourselves a chance." Seeing his father holding Era's hand, pleading for a chance for him, swelled his heart.
"Dad, please don't pressure her. I am taking my time."
"Come, join me there on our table."
"Dad, we'll just have our dinner."
He looked at Era. As if asking her permission. "Then I think we can join you there?"
"We will join you po, Tito, after having our dinner," Era said.
Tinanguan sila ng kaniyang daddy. "Okay, see you later. And, Era, congratulations! This is a wise decision to co-own, Magnify."
Era just smiled timidly.
***
"Hey, V, Brotzeit?" she asked Vernon.
He smiled then nodded. Nilakad nila ang papunta sa Brotzeit, nasa ground floor lang naman ito ng hotel. Nang makapasok sila sa loob at iginiya ng waiter sa kanilang table, ay ipinaghila siya ni Vernon ng upuan, saka ito naupo sa kaniyang tapat.
"Would you love to have the usual?" he gently asked.
"Yes, please."
Pinagmasdan niya itong mag-order ng kanilang pagkain. She loved how he pronounced their orders in German. Hindi niya namamalayan na matagal na pala niya itong pinagmamasdan. Para silang may mga hanger sa bibig that they couldn't help but smile to each other.
The serving was not that much, but the food was great. Brotzeit nürnberger, zwiebelrostbraten, and kalbsrahmgulasch made her full. Sa kaniyang pagkakatanda, isa si Vernon sa consultant ng Brotzeit kung kaya't may complimentary dessert sila—the delicious schwarzwälder.
The gentleman that he was, inalalayan siya ni Vernon until they were back to the grand ballroom. Hindi naman gaanong kalayuan ang nilakad nila pabalik.
BINABASA MO ANG
A Sinful Forbidden Affair
RomanceEra has been in a relationship with Vernon for more than a decade. They met each other when they were still young, both dreamt of a bright future together. They promised themselves to love each other despite whatever challenges life may brough them...
