Embers From Within (Casa Fuego Series #6)

Chapter 34

Business 

If the reports said that Art and I were just back together, my family would have reacted much less surprised. But Art mentioned to me last night after the call that our family must have reacted this alarmed because Cristella paid a big news corporation about rumours of Art and I secretly engaged.

I am aware of Cristella's plan. Nakaplano iyon na lalabas ang balitang iyon kasabay ng public appearance namin ni Art sa event. Nawala lang sa isip ko na ganito nga ang magiging reaksyon ng mga pamilya namin. My family trusts that news corporation so they must have really thought the rumour was true.

"How the hell did your sister manage to pay such a big and trusted news company?" tanong ko kay Art pagkapasok namin sa chopper.

"I don't know how to explain it and she didn't tell me exactly how she did it but... let's just say she's a Guazano," he shrugged. "She's sly."

I smirked. "Runs in the blood, huh?"

He just gave me a small smile and handed me the headphone. I fell silent when we were already in the air, trying to prepare myself for what's awaiting us in Casa Fuego.

I have been home to Casa Fuego several times throughout the last four years, especially when I know that my grandfather was not around. Pero iba ang uwi kong ito ngayon. No matter how prepared I am for this, I still feel uneasy. It's because I know that it will be a long day, my whole family is present, and I have to lie to them that Art and I are back together for real.

Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin sa kanila na pagpapanggap lang ito dahil alam kong hindi sila sasang-ayon. They will do everything in their power to hinder this, and I understand that. I understand why they will never agree to this. But if I tell them I'm in love with Art again, they can't do anything about it. Kay Mama ko lang planong sabihin na hindi ito totoo.

I braced myself when the chopper landed on our private helipad in Casa Fuego. Kanina pa ako nakatingin sa labas ng bintana, at nararamdaman ko ang madalas na paglingon sa akin ni Art. Alam kong nakikiramdam siya sa akin.

I removed my headphones and took my purse. Nasa baba na agad si Art at naglahad siya ng kamay sa akin. Saglit kong tinignan ang kanyang kamay bago ko tinanggap iyon. Pagkababa ko ay agad siyang humilig sa akin para bumulong.

"Are you alright?" he whispered as we walked towards the Limousine Mama sent for us.

"Yes." Tipid kong sagot.

He sighed. "I'm sorry. Papa texted me just a few minutes ago and he said... my family will be going to your manor, too, to see and talk to us."

Doon pa lang ako napabaling kay Art. Pabalik-balik ang kanyang tingin sa aking magkabilang mata, pinapakiramdaman ako.

"If you're not ready, I'll tell them we'll meet them some other time-"

"It's alright. Para isahan na rin lang."

He nodded and stared intently at me again. I looked away and scooted in the Limousine. Umikot siya sa kabila at pumasok na rin. Nakatitig ulit ako sa labas ng bintana, tahimik at nirereserba ang enerhiya sa paniguradong maraming katanungan at eksplanasyon.

I relished at the sight of the untouched wanders of this remote place. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na pag-aari namin ang lupaing ito. Pag-aari rin ng aking pamilya ang mga lupain ng mga Villacorta at Manriquez noon hanggang sa nakuha nila iyon. Ganoon pa man, napakalawak pa rin ng pag-aari naming hanggang ngayon.

Not long after, the Limo turned and entered the gigantic brass gate of our manor. Mahabang byahe pa mula sa tarangkahan bago ang mismong manor kaya inayos ko ang aking sarili. And when the Limousine stopped in front of the grand front porch, I inhaled sharply.