Heartless Enchantment (Hacienda Alegre Series #4)

Chapter 26 - Dinner Dates

Unedited. May contain typos and grammatical errors. 
_

DIWATA had noted in her mind the strict instruction of Sir Levi that they would be having dinner together tonight. Kaya malawak ang ngiti sa kanyang labi. Pakiramdam niya nalulunod ang kanyang puso sa saya. She actually had contemplated why he had requested her so. Noong nasa mansyon siya ay madalas naman silang nagsasabay kumain.

It just felt special this time because he actually said it with strictness and fierce. With power and authority which she was weak to disobey.

She was humming a song habang nasa elevator, hinihintay na makarating siya pabalik sa ground floor. Galing siya sa foundation para ipasa 'yon dokumento na e-re-reassign siya ni Sir Levi at temporary'ing sa plantation muna ang duty hours niya sa umaga.

Ramdam niya ang pagod mula sa trabaho kanina kahit nagbibilang lamang siya ng mangga. Sobrang init ng plantation sabayan pa ng mainit na ulo ni Sir Levi kanina. Kahit mga maliliit na mali ng mga trabahador ay nakakatikim ng masamang tingin nito. Wala ito sa mood pero pinapagod ang sarili sa trabaho, kahit pwede naman itong magpalamig sa opisina nito.

Nang huminto na ang elevator sa ground floor ay lumabas na siya. She was all smile to greet whoever she saw, employee o guest man 'yon ng Costa Alegre.

Isa na doon si Sir Patrick na nadaanan niya papalabas ng building. Malaki ang ngisi nitong kinawayan siya kahit may kausap itong babaeng foreigner. Lumingon tuloy ang babae sa kanya kaya napa-acknowledge na rin siya.

Sir Patrick said something to the girl that dismissed her through a wave and a smile. Umalis ang babae at nangakong sasamahan si Sir Patrick mamayang gabi. Their glances were sensual and flirtatous. Lihim siya nagkibit balikat na ngayon ay pinagtuunan na siya ng pansin ni Sir Patrick.

Naghintay na lamang siya dahil mukhang may sasabihin ang lalaki sa kanya.

"Good to see you, Diwata."

"Likewise, Sir Patrick."

"I was looking for you the whole afternoon, but the staff in the booth said that you were working in the plantation. By the tiredness of your look, I think you have a heavy afternoon."

Tumango naman siya. "Yes, sir. I was reassigned. I will not be reporting tomorrow here in Costa Alegre. By the way, why are you looking for me?"

"I want to invite you for a dinner. You know, you've been so good to me. I want to acknowledge your accommodation by a simple dinner. I hope you'll say yes. Like you've said, you will not be working as our tour guide tomorrow. For the last time, can we have dinner?"

Iyong kindness nitong si Sir Patrick ay hindi kapani-paniwala. Normal lang namang maging accomodating siya kasi trabaho naman niya 'yon. Normal lang din na may mga guests talaga na mabait na nag-i-invite ng mga empleyado, pero naiilang siya kay Sir Patrick. Hindi niya mapangalanan kung bakit o baka naiilang lang siya sa kabaitan nito. Hindi niya alam kung tatanggapin ba niya o tatanggihan ang invitation.

Pwede naman siyang um-oo kasi mas priority niyang mag-dinner kasama ang asawa niya.

"Actually sir, I have prior appointment," she smiled apologetically.

"I promise, I will be taking only one hour or less of your time. I will be taking dinner right now. You know, I don't have someone to join me."

Paano 'yong babae kanina? Iyon ang itinanong niya. Mukhang hindi naman ito na-offend dahil mahina itong tumawa. "She will be taking her rest because she was on the sea and outside of Alegre the whole day."

His cute face was begging her to say yes. Gwapo nga ang lalaki pero kung papayag man siya ay hindi dahil nanghihina at marupok siya sa kagwapuhan nito, kundi dahil nahihiya siyang tumanggi. Gusto lang nitong magpasalamat kung iyon ang intensyon nito.