Don't Let Him Know

Chapter 10

"Bullshit!"

Ibinalibag ko ang newspaper sa aking lamesa. Nagpupuyos ang buo kong katawan dahil sa malaking letra na nasa front page pa mismo nito!

Love Triangle?

Ryleigh Sebastian, ex-fiance of the billionaire Reagan Iverson, is seen arguing with his rumored fiance, Vivian Samonte.

Maraming pang kagaguhan ang laman ng news article. Like I regret turning down Reagan and now I desperately want him back when I heard about his rumored fiance. That is pure bullshit! Lies! Fuck them! Halos mamatay-matay na ako sa kaba na baka makita kami ni Reagan ng anak ko, and then may lalabas na ganitong article?

"Tell that damn company who made that article to turn it down immediately! Kung ayaw nilang pasabugin ko ang building nila!" asik ko sa aking sekretarya na kaagad sumunod at lumabas ng opisina.

I released a harsh breath before slumping myself down the swivel chair. Kinuha ko ang newspaper at itinapon sa basurahan. That news is maddening. Pinagmukha pa akong desperadang naghahabol! But I think it's better na rin siguro. At least they didn't see my son. Kung ang anak ko nakita, I am doomed!

"Miss Sebastian?"

Napamulat ako mula sa pagkakapikit nang mariin. "Yes?"

"Ipinapatawag po kayo ni Sir. It's ASAP daw po," sagot nito.

Muli akong napabuga ng marahas na hangin. It's another scolding from my father again.

"Alright. I'll be there," sagot ko.

Nagpalipas muna ako ng ilang segundong nakaupo upang humugot ng lakas bago tumayo. Hindi ko tinago ang inis at disguto sa aking mukha nang pumasok sa loob ng opisina ni Dad. He threw the paper on the table the moment I closed the door behind.

"What is this?" magkasalubong ang kilay niyang tanong.

I took a deep breath before answering, "Dad, it was just a nonsense rumor—"

"If you still want that kid, you could've called me."

"Ha?" naguguluhan kong tanong.

"I've already talked to Philip regarding this, and he has no problem. He doesn't believe the news which is good for you and despite your refusal of the marriage three years ago, he still wants you to be his grandson's wife," saad ni Dad.

Nagbuhol-buhol na ang mga kilay ko sa pinagsasabi ni Dad. "What exactly are you saying Dad?"

"The woman he's with is just an acquaintance. A very good old friend from his college days. They're not really in an intimate relationship." Kumabog ang dibdib ko nang isang ngiti ang gumuhit sa mga labi ni Dad. "You're both single."

"Dad," seryoso at mabagal kong tawag. "What. Did. You. Do?"

Lalong lumaki ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Dad. "We set up a date for the two of you."

Umawang ang aking mga labi. Ilang beses akong napakurap bago tuluyang nag-sink in sa utak ko ang sinabi ni Dad.

Fuck me!

GUSTO KONG IPAGBABATO ang mga gamit sa aking opisina dahil sa aking gigil! The hell did a goddamn newspaper bring me back to that asshole! How?! How?!

Mas tanggap ko pa na sermon ang ginawa ni Dad kanina. Hindi dinner date sa lalaking ‘yon! Damn it! Kung hindi lang kasama si Lolo Philip sa nag-set up ng date na iyon, hinding-hindi talaga ako pupunta!

Nagmulat ako ng mga mata at ang wall clock kaagad ang bumungad sa akin. It's like reminding me about the date. Napaismid ako.

"Bahala siyang maghintay!" gigil kong bulong.