The Day Before Yesterday

PROLOGUE

"Congratulations, Architect Ford, on your successful and exceptional auction. Your artwork is truly one of a kind. Incredible and marvelous art that I've seen this evening. I like it. No, I mean, I love it. Just like you—you're built different, darling." Mrs. Garcia said as she patted and squeezed my shoulder. I simply responded with a big and sweet smile.

I can only cringe at what this lady is doing. Bakit may paganon di ako informed?

"Thank you for attending my auction and purchasing some of my paintings, Mrs. Garcia. And also, thank you to your husband, Mr. Garcia, for helping my Tita organize this event. If it wasn't for your help, along with all my investors, this grand event wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did. By the way, where is Mr. Garcia?" I asked her, but she didn't seem to hear me. She simply smiled—a smile that seemed almost... off, like a crazy grin.

I'm not judging this lady, but she's really getting on my nerves. Doesn't she have any sense that her actions are making me uncomfortable?

While she was staring blankly at me, I said goodbye, even though I hadn't received an answer yet. I immediately walked away from her.

I never imagined there would be people who approach with their flirty moves, even though they're already married. I entertain them because they're close to me, and some of them are my investors—I owe them that much. However, I know my boundaries because I respect them solely as my investors.

But there are others I can no longer figure out because they're so persistent. They cling to me more than leeches, as if they don't have spouses. Thankfully, I can extend my patience—otherwise, I don't know what might happen.

It's a good thing that I'm a kind and patient person. I don't want any issues tarnishing the name I've cherished and worked so hard to build. I've spent my entire life, time, and effort—even my blood—just to achieve the dream I've longed for, and I won't let it be ruined by people trying to drag me down. Besides, they're not even my type.

While walking away, some guests greeted me and praised the event and the artworks featured in the auction. After exchanging a few pleasantries, I politely excused myself and bid them goodbye. I immediately turned left and headed toward the fountain area of the venue. I needed to escape the crowd for a moment, craving the fresh air and the peaceful sound of water. The presence of so many people had started to feel suffocating, and after the whirlwind of stress and effort over the past few weeks, I desperately needed a moment of calm to recharge.

I barely ate or slept over the past few weeks due to the stress, excitement, and constant overthinking leading up to this event. On top of that, I had to juggle piles of work documents and deal with family problems, which only added to the pressure.

Habang nakatingala sa kawalan napamaang ako ng may magsalita sa aking likuran. Kaya naman napatingin ako rito halos gusto ko na lang magpalamon sa lupa sa aking nakikita. 

Is this real?

O baka kamukha lamang niya iyan?

Pero bakit naman siya naririto? 

Ano yan ng pumasok siya ng walang kahit na anong invitation letter?

O di kaya tumagos siya sa pader?

Pero mas mukha pa nga akong pader sa aming dalawa eh.

"You look occupied, idiot." she said while smoking a cigarette.

"You still haven't changed, Natalie." I said, raising an eyebrow at her remark. Nothing about her ever does. She's still the same woman I know—sharp-tongued and unapologetically bold.

She smirked, flicking the ash from her cigarette as if to emphasize her untouchable demeanor. "And you still wear that perpetual frown on your face, Hades." she shot back, her tone dripping with mockery. "Tell me, when are you going to learn to relax?"