S7VEN (La Familia Kingpin Series #1)

30. Santy's Epiphany

SANTY

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

Seven's voice was icy-cold. Though I want to look at him, my gaze was fixed on the stunning woman who's wearing a shiny black body-con dress that showed her curves.

Perfectly kohled sultry eyes landed in my direction before it was drifted to Seven. The tension from my husband's body was so strong and potent, I could taste it at the back of my tongue.

"Aren't you gonna introduce me to your wife, Seven?"

Hindi ko alam kung guni-guni ko lang ba ang nahimigan kong pang uuyam sa tono nito. With bated breath, I waited as she walked in our direction, flicking her long glossy hair over her shoulder. Hips swaying.

"Hi. I'm Giulianna. A pleasure to meet you."

Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan. I stared at her face then down to the well-manicured hand that held at me. I mentally cleared my throat and steel my back.

"Hi. Santy Torrevillas," calmly, I said. Accepting her hand and mustering the courage not to cower.

The glint of disbelief in her eyes was hard to miss. Is she expecting me to shrink or is it the way I introduce myself?

"This is a private suite and shoot. Mali ka yata ng napasok," malamig na turan ni Seven. Noon ko lang napansin na mahigpit ang pagkakakayakap nito sa bewang ko.

Tiningala ko siya't nakitang nagtatagis ang bagang nito habang matalim ang tingin na ipinupukol sa dalaga.

"Forgive me. I was actually staying one floor down. Heard that Celine's here."

"Bob, escort Giulianna to where Ms. Joya is."

"Great. Guess, I'll see you around, Santy."

Napasinghap ako nang bumeso ito sa 'kin. Pero mas lalo akong nagulat nang na kay Seven na ang atensiyon nito. She quickly planted a kiss on my husband's cheek and patted him on the shoulder. I turned into stone but I felt a gnawing pain in my chest.

"Don't be a stranger," smiling sweetly at Seven's serious face she turned around and gracefully took her leave. Naiwan akong natitigilan sampu ng ilang mga staff na naroon.

"Se–"

"I'll be back."

I pursed my lips. My heart sank inexplicably. Mabilis akong tumalikod para maitago sa mga mata nila Eris ang sakit na bumalatay sa mukha ko. He's following her. Why?

"Santy," concern na tawag ni Eris. Itinaas ko lang ang kamay para pigilan ang tangka n'yang pagtatanong.

"Washroom lang ako."

Hindi ko na hinintay na sumagot si Eris. Malalaki ang hakbang na nagtungo sa banyo.

Nanghihinang isinandal ko ang likod sa pinto matapos kong maisarado 'yon sa loob ng suite pero kapag minamalas ka nga naman parehong okupado ang dalawang banyo kaya napilitan akong lubamas at gamitin ang isa sa mga restroom malapit sa lift.

Naisandal ko ang likod sa pintuan pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko.Tulalang nakipagtitigan ako sa babaeng nasa salamin. The pain was painted on her face. The reflection I saw against the mirror made all the insecurities I thought were gone, came crushing with vengeance.

She's perfect. A ten. Or maybe twenty while I'm a six despite all the makeup and luxurious dresses and shoes. The confidence that Seven's words brought earlier, vanished.

But if I'm being honest here, which I'll be, the pain that I'm feeling now has nothing to do with how perfect she looked. The culprit was the notion that Seven went after her.