Onalisa's Fate

Chapter XXVI

TATLONG araw na ang nakalipas simula nang manggaling ako sa hotel ni Sandro. Medyo tulala pa rin ako at hindi makapag-move on. Napapaisip lang ako kasi simula noon, hindi na siya nag-message sa akin. Siguro na-turn off siya? Baka nabahuan sa hininga ko o nakakita ng libag sa leeg?

"What time do you actually start working today? Just curious," tanong ni Tita Susane. Kakauwi lang niya kahapon galing North Korea.

"I took a sick leave po."

"Wow, working from home and still taking a sick leave? Must be nice to have that kind of energy—for excuses."

I rolled my eyes. "At least nagtatrabaho ako. Eh ikaw po, umaasa lang sa properties ni Daddy!"

Napailing si Maximo at binilisan ang pagkain. Si Xia naman, nataob ang hawak na tubig sa kaba.

Napairap lang si Tita Susane, halatang iritable. Matanda na talaga ang isa ito. Siguradong menopause na kaya mainit ang ulo.

Mayamaya, lumapit ang isang katulong, may dalang envelope. Kulay puti ito, may yellow wax seal na may letter 'A'—stands for Alfonso.

Binasa ko ang nakasulat:

Dear Onalisa Gwen,

We extend a gracious invitation to you to partake in an auspicious event within the Gwen family. Kindly mark your calendars for January 7th at 6 p.m., as we reveal a significant announcement regarding the future heir and an imminent union. Your esteemed presence will contribute immensely to the joyous festivities that await.

Warm regards,
Alfonso Gwen
Chairman of Gwen's Fashion Corporation

Binaligtad ko ang papel. Wala namang nakasulat sa likod. Bitin. Walang pangalan kung sino ang future heir. Masyadong pa-mysterious.

"It sounds like they rushed this," sabi ni Tita habang humithit ng yosi. "I have a strong feeling it's going to be Eloisa. There's a new rumor going around the mansion—Alfonso may have already chosen his heir, and it's likely someone from the Gwen family."

"I've never heard about her..." sagot ko, naguguluhan.

"The adopted child of Fresa and Dr. Danielo, huh? Funny you didn't know about her, especially since she's one of the board members." May bitterness sa boses ni Tita.

"So, Gwen siya pero hindi blood-related?"

"Precisely, darling."

Binasa ko ulit ang invitation. Hindi lang announcement about the future heir, may binanggit ding imminent union—ibig sabihin may kasal!

"A wedding also? If Eloisa is the future heiress, who would be the groom?"

"Isn't it obvious, ate?" sabat ni Maximo.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Tita. Tahimik siya kanina kaya nakakabigla ang tanong niya.

"Who is his favourite person right now?"

Medyo loading ako. Sino nga ba?

"My ex-boyfriend?" napabulong ako sabay takip ng bibig.

"Call him a CEO, out of respect," sagot ni Tita. "He's probably already forgotten about you. He's way out of your league now, so maybe stop obsessing over the past. You were just holding him back. Look at him now—flying high, chasing his dreams."

Tama naman. Sino ba ako ngayon na wala na si Daddy? I'm not a businesswoman. I'm just an employee—with lots of debt.

Nagkibit-balikat ako at umalis. Hindi ko rin bet ang usok ng sigarilyo niya—so unhealthy!