My Only Exception (Tantum mea series #1)

Chapter 34

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"... and Adya this is Mr. Zeev Carter, the well-known billionaire and he is the owner of Carter corp."

Natulala ako kaya hindi ko napansin ang nakalahad niyang kamay kung hindi lang ako pasimpleng siniko ni Xander saltik.

I composed myself and restrained my hand from trembling as I held it out to him. We shook hands and I could feel the electricity when I felt his soft hands, so I quickly pulled it back before forcing myself to smile.

Shit! He's my stepbrother!

I suddenly lost my tiredness when I saw him. I simply took a deep breath because I could feel my heart beating faster.

Calm down, heart. Kuya mo 'yan!

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang sumingit si Xander saltik at niyaya kaming ma-upo, dahil magaling umacting si Xander saltik ay pinaghila niya ako ng upuan at inalalayan na umupo.

I gave him a plastic smile and thanked him. Tumungin ako sa harap at nahigit ko ang aking hininga nang makitang nakatingin lang siya sa amin ng malamig.

Wala akong mabasang emosyon sa mukha niya at mukhang wala din siyang paki-alam kung mag landian 'man kami sa harapan niya. Edi wow.

Nang mai-serve ang pagkain ay kaswal lang nag-uusap si  Xander saltik at Adi---

Natigil ako nang maalalang ako lang ang tumatawag sa kaniyang Adiel. Hindi ko alam kung anong magiging reaction niya pag tinawag ko siyang Adiel, I still remember him getting angry and attacking people who called him by that name.

Baka pagtinawag ko siyang Adiel ay bumulagta na lang ako bigla sa sahig. Manang-mana talaga sa kaniya ang anak niya---

Mas lalo akong natigil nang maalala ang anak ko. Wala pala siyang alam na may anak kami! Shit!

I was surprised when someone took my hand. I looked up and saw Xander Saltik resting his hand on my hand while there was concern on his face. He asked me if I was okay.

I refrained from frowning because I could only see that the concern on his face was plastic. I nodded and smiled as they all turned to look at me.

Pakiramdam ko ay sobra akong namumutla. Wala sa sariling inabot ko ang baso ng tubig at uminom nang deredertsyo. Sumulyap ako saglit para sana tignan siya, pero halos mabuga ko ang tubig nang makita 'kong nakatitig siya sa akin.

I reached for the tissue and wiped the edge of my lip. I almost scolded myself when I saw my hand slightly trembling.Titig pa lang 'yon!

"Adya..." Tawag sa akin ni Xander saltik kaya napa-ayos ako nang upo. 

Wow! Close na kami ni Xander saltik ha!

"...She is a model from states. Malaki din ang tulong niya sa business ko, although kahit mahal ang serbisyo niya ay alam ko naman worth it 'yon. She is a highest paid model with such a young age!"

Buong pagmamalaki ni Xander saltik. Pinigilan ko naman ngumiwi at matutuwa na sana kung hindi ko lang nakita yung plastik niyang pagmamalaki.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Agustine." His baritone voice made me shiver. Pakiramdam ko nagsitayuan lahat nang balahibo ko sa batok.

It's been years since I heard his voice and I suddenly wanted to cry. I miss his voice!

"N-nice t-to meet you too, Ad-Mr. Carter." Muntik pa akong madulas! Muntik na 'yon.

Tipid lang siyang tumango at bumalik sa pagkain niya na parang wala lang ang nangyari. Hindi ko mapigilang lihim na masaktan sa inakto niya, gusto ko din pukpukin ang sarili ko sa pagiging marupok. Marupok ka!