The Merciless Purpled-eyes Princess

CHAPTER 9

MIYUKI P.O.V

We're heading to the hotel venue where our engagement party will be held. I'm wearing simple white cocktail dress accessorized with silver earrings and a necklace. I feel nervous. Will this party be successful? I opted for a simple makeup look. I left my hair down, curling the ends. The car pulled up in front of the hotel. Moma stepped out with her head held high. Trembling, I got out of the car. Once I enter the venue, there's no turning back. But it's okay because I love the man I'm getting engaged to, even though I don't know if he loves me back. Whatever happens, I must go with the flow. I hold on to Moma's arm. She simply smiles while we enter the hotel. We didn't need to ask the receptionist, so we headed straight to the hotel rooftop.

"Miyuki, Apo, this is your night. And please, act like a lady just for tonight, okay? I didn't realize my baby had grown into a fine lady." I chuckled at Moma's melodramatic statement. I didn't object, fearing she might transform into Amazona at any moment. This is my night, and I won't let anyone ruin it.

We entered the venue. There are so many people. Most of them seem wealthy, and some even exude a strong presence dressed in black. I couldn't tell if we were attending an engagement party or a Mafia clan gathering. Their intense gazes are intimidating. They're like predators eyeing potential prey if Moma wasn't by my side. I shake uncontrollably for reasons unknown. Why don't I see any of my classmates? I scan the room, hoping to spot someone familiar, but there's no one. I lower my head, reluctant to meet the deadly gaze of these strangers.

"Don't be afraid of them, Miyuki. They should be afraid of you because you possess an unexplainable strength," Moma says, catching my attention with her words. Unexplainable strength?

"What did you say, unexplainable strength?" I ask, but Moma just smiles sweetly and walks ahead. She exchanges cheek kisses with her business partners from the industry, pulling me along to introduce me to her friends.

"Siya na ba yun?" straight face na tanong ng lalaking may kahawig kay Kuya. Hula ko kasing edad lang siya ni Moma and I have a feeling na familiar siya sa akin at parang nagkita na kami.  Hindi ko lang alam kung kelan at kung saan. 

"Nagkita na po ba tayo?"

Hindi ko maiwasang itanong.  Nabigla siya sa sinabi ko at ang kaninang walang emosyong mga mata ay napalitan ng pangungulila. Hindi ko talaga maexplain ang nararamdaman ko.  Sino kaya ang lalaking yun?  Ang bilis magbago ng emosyon niya. 

"Excuse me, Cassandra. I have to answer my call," he didn't respond to my question. He suddenly leaves without even giving me a chance to ask for his name. But Moma knows him. I turn to Moma, who is still looking in the direction where the man exited earlier.

"Moma, do you know that man?" she snaps back to reality and her demeanor becomes assertive.

"Now is not the right time to answer your questions, Miyuki. This is your engagement party," with that, she pulls me towards a group of wealthy men and women who are around my age and introduces me.

"Nice meeting you, Miyuki. You look stunning tonight," Wayne kisses the back of my hand. He's the son of a multi-millionaire who is a business partner of Mom's.

"Same here. If you'll excuse me, I have something to do," I make an excuse.

"I'll accompany you," he insists. Doesn't he notice that I'm trying to avoid him?

"No, that's alright. I can handle it. Enjoy the party," I force a smile and leave the area.

Matapos ang meeting session.  Pumunta ako sa pinakalikod ng rooftop. Medyo madilim dito at may greenhouse na nakatayo na punung-puno ng iba't-ibang klase ng halaman. Hindi ko alam na may fountain at malaking puno sa rooftop. Umupo ako sa gilid ng fountain at tinanggal ang sapatos ko.  Naiinip na kasi ako sa loob.  Hanggang ngayon kasi hindi parin dumarating si Zack at ang mga kaibigan niya. Wala ba siyang balak siputin ako? Mas mahal niya talaga ata si Mae. Ba't pa ba ako aasa na mamahalin ako ng Zack na yun? Isa lang naman akong slave at kiddo sa paningin niya. Hindi ako iiyak. Alam kong darating siya. Baka natraffic lang o kaya nasiraan ng sasakyan.