Husband For Rent (Published, Now in Bookstores)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Melissa Benoist as Cheska.

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Jane!" Kaagad namang nilapitan ng Mom ni Jack si Jane sa biglaang pagdating nito—while Jackson and Cheska were just there, standing—very surprised and confused what was really currently happening.

Niyakap naman kaagad ni Jane ito, "Hi, Tita Meredith! Kamusta na?" Jane even kissed the old lady's cheek. Mukhang close na close talaga ang dalawa. "I didn't expect na nandito kayo."

"Kami rin, this is unexpected." Mukhang masayang-masaya pa talaga ang matanda na makita si Jane. Kanina kung medyo hindi maganda ang mood na ipinapakita nito sa kanilang dalawa ni Jack, pagdating kay Jane, bigla na lang nag-iba. "Kamusta ka na ba, hija? Saka, why are here in Cebu too?" The lady asked her.

Napansin naman ni Cheska na napatingin si Jane kay Jack, "I have a friend kasi na isang client ni Jackson, I told my friend na magaling ang architectural firm ni Jack for designs and construction. And that's why I'm here to give invitations," May kinuha itong dalawang maliit na card sa dala-dala nitong bag, "I was about to invite them kasi opening ng newly-built building ng friend ko, of course, with JA Architectural firm's help."

Inabot naman ni Jane ang dalawang card kay Cheska. The woman was really smiling sweetly at her. Pero para sa kanya, parang nagpapanggap lang ito.

"Jackson, Cheska, I'm looking forward for the two of you at that place," Binaling naman nito sina Meredith, "Tita, you can come too!" She enthusiastically said.

Umiling lang si Meredith dito, "We would love to pero may aattendan kasi kaming seminar ni Leo sa Radisson hotel, kailangan na nga naming pumunta doon, dumaan lang kami kina Mama."

"And Jackson, you have to attend it." Biglang madiin na sabi naman sa kanila ng matanda, "Leo, it's getting late, we have to go." Tumayo na rin si Leo mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa.

"We're not yet done, Jackson." His father said sharply at lumabas na nga sa bahay ang mga magulang nito.

"Well, I have to go now too, Jack. See you later." And Jane smiled sweetly as she also went outside.

Things are really getting complicated.

—-

It was already nine in the evening nang dumating sina Jack at Cheska sa venue kung nasaan kasalukuyang nagaganap ang opening party ng kaibigan ni Jane. Nag-open kasi ang kaibigan nito ng isang hotel where Jack's architectural firm was the one in-charge of the design. Isa na raw ito dati sa mga project ni Jack at ngayon, tapos na nga ito.

The decorations of the party were just simple yet elegant. Kahit kasi simple ito, ramdam na ramdam pa rin ang pagiging class ng dating. Marami-rami rin mga guests na nandoon. It looked like it was a very exclusive party.

She inhaled deeply. Aaminin niyang medyo natetense siya. Okay, nakakapunta rin naman siya ng mga parties—especially their family's corporation party pero ngayon, she felt something not good. Una, it's Jane's friend, second, hindi sila close ni Jane at kung tama ang pagkakaalala niya, hindi rin sila okay.

Naramdaman naman niya ang mahigpit na paghawak ni Jack sa kamay niya. Napatingin naman siya rito.

"It'll be fine, I'm here." He assured. Jack was wearing a white ¾ sleeves polo and beige pants while she was wearing a simple black dress.

"Jack!" Napansin naman sila ni Jane at kaagad silang nilapitan.

"Jane," Jackson gave her a tight smile as Jane also gave him a kiss on his cheek.