Wicked Hearts

Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Five Years

After I graduated from college two years ago, I started venturing into the corporate world. I've engaged myself in a different field with different professionals. I know I have more to improve, but I am happy now with my job as the executive assistant of this famous five-star hotel.

I could say I've come too far now.

I'm proud of what I have become.

"Ma'am, they are making commotion outside," sumbong sa akin ng isa sa mga empleyado. "We've deployed four of our guards just to stop them from getting in."

I lifted my gaze from my laptop. Sumandal ako sa swivel chair habang nag-iisip ng paraan para humupa ang mga nagkakagulo sa labas.

Napapikit ako sa inis. His arrival should be private! Hindi ko alam kung bakit nalaman ng mga fans niya na rito siya tutuloy sa hotel na 'to kaya bago pa man siya makarating ay kinuyog na kami.

"Give me a moment," I told the employee.

Hinintay ko siyang makalabas ng office ko bago tumutok uli sa laptop ko. I searched for his contact number. Saka ko 'yon tinype sa cell phone ko.

I was biting my lower lip while waiting for him to answer my call. Napatingin ako sa salamin. Hinawi ko ang hanggang balikat kong buhok.

"Hello. Who's this?" Finally, he answered it.

"Art..." banggit ko sa pangalan niya.

"Uhmm. Yeah?" he sounded confused. "Sino ba 'to? How did you get my number?"

"Your manager booked you a room in our hotel," pag-uumpisa ko. Tumayo ako saka humarap sa wall na gawa sa salamin. Mula rito ay kitang-kita ang mga matatayog pang building sa siyudad na ito.

"Then, talk to my manager instead?" Halatang iritado na siya. "Why talk to me personally?"

"Your fans are waiting for you outside. Can you post a picture of you somewhere?" I sighed. "Just to delude them. Sigurado naman akong maraming kang saved picture sa ibang lugar."

"Wait. Who's this? Your voice sounds familiar."

I rolled my eyes. "It's Rizzie. Rizaline Chavez."

"Aw. I thought you were someone I know. I don't remember you—"

"Arthur!" I blurted out. "Get your fans out of here."

Narinig kong humalakhak siya sa kabilang linya. Napabuga ako ng hangin. He didn't change after all. He's still annoying as hell.

"Fine." He chortled.

"Good."

"But in one condition..."

My brows arched. "What?"

"Have dinner with me later."

I drew a deep breath. "Okay..."

"Your treat."

"Oo na!"

Kuripot pa rin 'to sa kabila ng mga yaman niya mula sa mga blockbuster movies at soldout concerts. Hindi ko nga ma-imagine kung gaano na siya kayaman.

"Just post a picture of you somewhere. Naaalibadbaran na ako sa mg fans mo."

"Sure. See yah!"

After I ended the call, I looked for his Instagram account. I don't usually stalk people, I mean... people from the past. But I had to do it now just to make sure he will really post it.

Nakailang refresh ako sa profile niya bago nakita ang bago niyang picture. The caption says, "I'm here, not there."

I laughed. Whatever, Arthur Peralez!