A Mafia's Obsession

CHAPTER 26

I entered the condo, my eyes widening in surprise as I see my friends and family gathered together. They all smile brightly, their faces illuminated with genuine joy.

I take a step back, overwhelmed by the sight of so many people. I can't help but feel a wave of emotion wash over me.

"Thank you," I say, my voice trembling slightly. I feel a lump forming in my throat.

I approach each person one by one, embracing them tightly. The warmth of their hugs, the scent of their perfume, the feel of their hands on my back – it all feels so real, so comforting.

When I reach Mateo, I hesitate for a moment. His eyes meet mine, I see a flicker of something in them – something that makes my heart skip a beat.

I take a deep breath and wrap my arms around him. He holds me close, his embrace firm and reassuring.

"Welcome back," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

I pull away from him, naramdaman ko ang pag init ng pisngi ko. I can't help but feel a surge of happiness, a sense of belonging, as I stand amidst with my loved ones.

“Thank you,” I whispered back, pulling away from him and walking towards Ella, who was giving me a teasing look.

“Ikaw ha, hindi mo sinabi si Mr. Montevallo pala ama ni baby pogi,” Ella teased, laughing as she hugged me. Then Jake followed suit.

“Kilala niyo si Mateo?” I asked curiously. The two of them nodded.

“Grabe ka na, sis. Kakaiba talaga karisma mo. Gayuma reveal naman jan,” Jake added fuel to the fire, so I pinched him in the waist, making him yelp in pain.

He glared at me. “Aray, ha! Ang brutal mo. Pero true nga, gwapings niya, ang yaman pa. Siya yung dapat ik-kwento ko sa’yo noon,” he said, rubbing the part where I pinched him.

“Anong ik-kwento?” I asked, confused. He rolled his eyes.

“Oo nga pala, matagal na yun, malamang nakalimutan mo na. Ayun nga, yung sinasabi kong ka-business partner ni Mr. Panot, este Panit. Hot ng datingan sis, ewan ko nga ba’t pumayag si papang pogi sa alok ni boss, e,” he said in a dramatic voice. I just shook my head.

Hindi ko alam kung paano namin nagawang mag-tiis sa companya ng panot na ‘yon. Bukod sa mababa magpa-sweldo, manyak pa.

"Gaga, sobrang pogi, katakot nga lang ang aura," Ella chimed in.

"Kain muna kayo rito, Luliana," Mama said, getting our attention.

"Sige, Ma. Hoy kayong dalawa, mamaya muna chismis. Kain muna," I told them.

"Ito na, sungit naman nito," Jake rolled his eyes at me, so I rolled my eyes back at him.

"Saan ba makakakita ng ganoong kapogi? Nang mapuntahan ko, lakas ng dating," I heard Ella whisper to Jake. I was about to stand up when Mateo suddenly appeared in front of me. Bilis ah!

"Y-yes. B-bakit?" I asked him. Shit! Why am I stuttering?

He glanced at my friends. “Can we talk?” he said, as if he was just offering food.

“Tungkol saan?” I managed to ask, even though my chest was tightening with nervousness. It felt like something was stuck in my throat.

“Follow me,” he said, turning away. I had no choice but to follow him. I scanned the room and saw that everyone was busy, except for Francisco, who was looking at me. I smiled at him before following the tall, dark figure.

“Anong pag-uusapan natin?” I asked, wanting to leave because of what I was feeling.

He licked his left ckeeks. “About us,” he said, making me furrow my brow.