Zaldivar Series #1: Weaving Lies and Chaos

Kabanata 3

"Rieselle?" Bumakas ang gulat sa mga mata nito ngunit agad na nakabawi at inayos ang sarili. 

She raised her brow on me and smirked. "I didn't know you're blinded by your love for Chaos. Really? Even if he cheated, you'll marry him? How pitiful."

I roamed my eyes around, looking if there's anyone who can hear us but when I saw nothing, I mockingly smiled at her. "Sa ating dalawa, ikaw ang mas kaawa-awa," marahang sambit ko, sinisigurong tatatak sa utak niya ang bawat salitang pakakawalan ko. "You're claiming that you two were in a relationship, implying that you two fucked on that day while Chaos denied it, like he's so disgusted of you."

Namilog ang mga mata niya at bahagyang bumuka ang mga labi. Not expecting that I'll talk back, huh? 

She let out a sarcastic laugh to hide her emotion. "Looks like I'm r–right about you." She tried to be firm but her voice trembled, revealing that she's truly shocked. "You're a two faced bitch! Just wait and I'll tell Chaos about this!"

I pursed my lips and lowered my head. "You think Chaos will believe you?" I asked with the usual soft voice I'm using, especially in front of Chaos and his family.

Her face reddened in anger as I thought she'll attack me. 

Kunot noo akong napailing nang muling maalala ang nangyari noong nakaraang linggo. I was slouching on the chair in front of the dining table when I remember it. If ever she attacked me, I won't back down. I'll make sure it's her who'll get more damage than I am. Luckily, she didn't. Someone called her and she left.

I looked down on what I'm sketching before turning my phone on and glanced at the time. It's already nine in the evening yet Chaos's still in his office. 

I rolled my eyes before picking up the pencil and started sketching for a new design again. 

Ngunit ilang sandali lang ay nahagip ng aking mata ang dokumento nasa ibabaw ng lamesa na nangangailangan ng aking pirma.

I sighed and started massaging my temple. Really, this is making my head ache. 

I grabbed my phone and dialled the number of my boutique manager.

It's just nine, she must still be awake. 

Hindi ako nagkamali nang marinig ang boses niya sa kabilang linya.

"Good evening, Ma'am?" She politely greeted me.

"Good evening. How's the boutique doing these days?"

"The sales increased by four percent compared to the last month."

Mariin akong napapikit. Four fucking percent. Seriously?

"Four percent," I repeated. 

"I suggest we should organize an event to showcase your designs. Your designs are all good. Kulang lang tayo sa publicity, Ma'a–"

"You think I don't know that?" I cutted her words midway. "Tingin mo hindi ako nag-iisip? I'm a fashion designer, for Pete's sake! I know that! That's the reason why I hired you, right? For the boutique to have sales without—" I shut my mouth. Remembering that I should be nice so she doesn't have to resign and I don't have to hire another employee that can't handle my words.

"I told you already before, we don't have a budget to organize that event you're saying." I don't have the means to pay for the models, for the venue, and for everything needed in that fucking event! The profit of that boutique is already budgeted in other things. Damn it.

"I'll visit one of these days," I said with finality in my voice before ending the call. 

"Where will you visit, hon?"