THE ARRANGE MARRIAGE (COMPLETED)

(Chapter 52)

"We're have you been Chandria?" Malamig na tanong ni Andrew nang makapasok si Chandria sa Villa Kontessa.

It's almost 1 in the morning ng makauwi si Chandria. Hindi niya inaasahan may gising pa sa bahay. Dahil gusto niya sana mapag-isa na lang sa kwarto niya pero naroon si Andrew. Hinihintay pala siya. Hindi niya ito agad nasagot dahil pakiramdam niya ay pagod na siya lalo na ang puso niya.

"Answer me Chandria, Where have you been at this time of the night?" Tanong ni Andrew medyo napalakas na yung boses.

"I've beenwith Vladimir... The whole day..." Sambit ni Chandria na hindi niya alam kung saan hinanap ng lakas ng loob para sabihin yon.

"Do you know what time is it Chandria? Do you think it's still the right time to go home?" Tanong ni Andrew.

"Shouldn't I have come home...?" Makahulugang tanong ni Chandria.

"What?" Tanong ni Andrew.

"Nothing... Let's just talk tomorrow... I'm tired Andrew..." Sambit ni Chandria at tumalikod na.

"I'm still talking to you Chandria...." Sambit ni Andrew nahawakan na yung braso ni Chandria.

"Ouch... Let go Andrew your hurting me..." Sambit ni Chandria at natauhan naman si Andrew.

"So-Sorry my lady... I just gor worried about you..." Sambit ni Andrew binitawan na ang braso ni Chandria.

"He already let me go Andrew... He signed it... Here... I just wanna go up my room and rest..." Sambit ni Chandria at binigay dito ang envelope na naglalaman ng anullment papers nila ni Vladimir.

Hindi na nakapag salita pa si Andrew dahil umakyat na si Chandria pero Naiwan siyang hawak ang envelope na binigay ni Chandria.

Dumirecho si Andrew sa Tabing swimming pool at doon uminom. Tinitigan niya ang anullment papers.

"So you signed it finally Vladimir..."Sambit ni Andrew sa kanyang sarili bago uminom sa kanyang baso.

"Mabigat ang pakiramdam ni Andrew lalo na sa reaksyon ni Chandria kanina. He can see pain in her eyes kahit medyo madilim ang paligid kaya hindi niya napigilang makapagtaas ng boses dito.

"We're getting married Chandria. I won't let you drift away too far... Ever seen we step foot here in the Philippines something in you changed... You're moving a bit too far... We'll soon be back in France... We'll be back home... It's where we belong... And you will be the Duchess of Normandy... I love you so much my lady...We'll be back the way we used to."Sambit ni Andrew sa sarili at saka inubos ang natitirang alak sa kanyang baso.

"Samantalang si Chandria naman ay walang tigil ang pag-iyak. Pain is unbeatable right now. Hanggang sa nakatulugan niya ang pag-iyak.

Kinabukasan ng tanghali na ng Nagising si Chandria. Pagbaba niya ay naghahanda na ang mga kasambahay para sa tanghalian. Nasa may garden si Count Marcos at si Andrew.

"Good afternoon my princess..."Sambit ni Marcos sa anak.

"Good afternoon my lady... "Sambit ni Andrew. Chandria look at him and forced to smile.

"Sorry about last night Andrew... I was just tired..." Sambit ni Chandria.

"It's alright my lady... Sorry if I acted that way. I was just so worried about you... Can you forgive me...?" Sambit Andrew.

Tumango naman si Chandria at saka binalingan ang ama.

"I've done my part... It's your turn to fulfill the other side of the bargain..."Malamig na Sambit ni Chandria sa kanyang ama.

Bakas sa mukha nito ang lungkot ng marinig kung paano mag salita ang anak. She didn't even acknowledge him.

"I will... Don't worry... Shall we have our lunch? I think the tables ready..." Sambit ni Marcos.