"Thank you for coming here, Mr. Andrada." Zenith motioned Vernon to take a seat on his sectional sofa in his office. Vernon nodded at him at naupo.
"What am I here for, Mr. Sujuico?"
He poured whiskey from his bar and put it on the table across Vernon. Naupo siya sa tapat nito.
"Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa, Vernon."
He saw Vernon's reaction at nagkibit-balikat siya. Hindi nga naman nito inaasahang tawagin niya ito sa pangalan. The last time they talked, they were too formal with each other.
If he wanted to work things out with Vernon, Era, and their baby, kailangan na niyang sanayin ang sarili to call Vernon on a first name basis. They would be co-parenting their upcoming child.
Mahaba-haba ang magiging samahan nila.
"I agree with your proposition, for the child's sake, at kay Era."
"Why the sudden change of heart, Alistair?"
"I thought things through, that is the best for all of us."
He heard Vernon scoff. "Or this is the best and easiest way out for you?"
"The easiest way out for me? Alam na alam mo kung ano ang gusto kong mangyari, Vernon."
Zenith drank his remaining scotch, at sinalubong ang nang-aarok na tingin ni Vernon.
"Why do I have this feeling that you're taking advantage of the situation?"
"I lost a child, Mr. Sujuico. Ayaw mang pumasok sa isipan ko, ngunit mukhang ito ang nagbayad ng mga nagawa kong kasalanan sa asawa ko, kay Era, at s-sa 'yo." His voice cracked.
"Araw-araw, naiisip ko si Angela. All of those what-ifs flooded me. The guilt of not being by her side in her last moments is eating me up. The regret of not doing my best is something I have to bear.''
"Alistair, I am sorry."
"No, don't be. Kung kaya ngayon pa lang ay isinasaayos ko na para sa magiging anak ko. Masakit na hindi man siya lumaki sa poder ko, ang mahalaga ay nasa maayos siya—buhay. Pero—" he heaved a deep sigh, "—mas mapapabuti siyang makakita ng normal na pamilya sa inyo ni Ms. Anderson."
He could feel Vernon gauging his sincerity.
"The baby will be named after you, but please let me provide for him. Kahit 'yun na lang ay huwag n'yo nang ipagkait sa akin, Vernon."
"Have you spoken with Era, regarding your decision?"
Zenith suddenly went still before he shook his head.
"I am meaning to meet her a day or two, if you will allow me. Or better yet, we will discuss this between the three of us?"
"We can discuss at our home" saad ni Vernon.
"Agreed". Zenith nodded.
***
Nagulat si Era nang makitang naghahanda si Vernon ng dinner for three. Sa tinagal-tagal nilang magkasama, she already knew for how many persons the amount of ingredients Vernon is prepping.
"Are we having a visitor for our dinner?" masuyong tanong ni Era kay Vernon while he is scoring the salmon.
Naramdaman niya ang tila pag-iwas nito at pagka-asiwa. She saw how he inhaled deeply before he stared at her, directly.
"Yes. Its Attorney Sujuico"
Natigilan si Era. She is literally lost for words. A lot of questions popped on her mind but she was only able to utter –"W-Why?"
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...
