Play Pretend

Chapter 22

#OLAPlayPretend

Chapter 22
Liberating

My eyes roamed around the lobby as soon as I got inside The Alley. It was my first time coming to one of their branches. Wala pang kahit anong meeting o events na dinadaluhan si Xaiver na kailangan naming puntahan sa mga hotel nila, and I think I know why.

The architecture and design of the hotel were more on the mediocre side. White walls and ceilings with the exquisite pattern of tiles were classic. Parang katulad lang ng ibang mga hotels. Makikita mo kaagad ang pagkakaiba no'n sa mga 5-star luxury hotels na madalas naming tinutuluyan. Still, it was a refined 4-star hotel. I researched at medyo budget-friendly rin ang rates ng suites nila—suitable for a short staycation.

I pursed my lips and realized that I should stop with the criticisms. Tingin ko ay pinapalubag ko lang ang loob ko sa lowkey na panlalait sa hotel nila. At least they have a family business they can be proud of, while I have only my little savings.

"No..." I whispered softly as I remembered Xaiver's reminder. Ayaw niya akong minamaliit ako ng ibang tao o ng sarili ko. I shouldn't throw a pity party. That's not for me. I'm gonna be his wife now.

Once I renewed my self-confidence, I lifted my chin and walked straight to the hotel's restaurant on the second floor. She reserved a VIP room for us to talk in private. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang maaari naming pag-usapan na kailangan ay pribado pa, pero mas mabuti na rin 'yon.

From the moment I became Xaiver's fiancée, I realized I should always keep in mind the things I do. Whatever I do will surely affect Xaiver's image and his family. I should always think of all the consequences before I act. Ayaw ko siyang mapahiya nang dahil sa akin.

"Good evening. I have a reservation with Zoe Bautista." I smiled at the receptionist at the restaurant's entrance.

Upon hearing Zoe's name, the woman immediately snapped straight and gave me the most positive and hospitable attitude she could ever give.

"You're Miss Chantal Bersales?" she asked.

"Yes."

"This way, Ma'am."

The receptionist personally assisted me. Hindi kami dumaan sa hall. Agad kaming lumiko sa ibang hallway kung nasaan ang mga private VIP rooms. We stopped at the last room, and she opened the door for me.

"Miss Bautista will be here in a while. Refreshments will be served as you wait," she said.

Muli akong ngumiti sa babae. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Ma'am."

The receptionist slightly bowed her head before stepping out. Ilang sandali rin ay may pumasok na lang waiter para i-serve ang inumin. Juice iyon at saka malamig na tubig. I was also given light crackers and biscuits.

Sinulyapan ko ang cellphone ko para tingnan ang oras at malaman kung sakaling nag-text na si Xaiver o tumawag. I didn't want to miss his calls again. Nagsabi na siya sa akin kanina na tatawag siya kaya sigurado akong magagalit 'yon kapag hindi ko nasagot.

It was already three minutes past seven. So much for asking me to come here at the exact time. Hindi naman pala siya susunod sa oras na binigay niya.

Napabuntonghininga ako at uminom na lamang ng tubig. Halos limang minuto ulit ang nakalipas bago siya dumating.

Zoe was dressed to nines with her luxury pieces. Hindi ko na masyado 'yong pinansin dahil mukhang normal naman na sa kanya ang ganoong pananamit.

She quickly took the seat right in front of me. Inilagay niya ang mamahaling bag sa katabing upuan bago humarap sa akin. I saw how her eyes traveled from my face to my neck. Nagtagal doon ang titig niya at medyo naningkit pa ang mga mata. Alam ko na kaagad na ang kwintas ang nakapukaw ng atensyon niya.