Pursuing My Nemesis

Eight

Chapter 8

I LIED TO Channing. I lied about me and Aniel being professionals and that we were not fighting with each other in the office.

Dahil sa oras na nagpaalam ako kay Channing para tumuloy na sa opisina namin ay nakasalubong ko na naman si Aniel. He was charging towards me with his icy yet hot-looking gaze and clenched jaw.

"We need to talk," salubong niya sa akin kahit pa may ilang metro pa siyang dapat tawirin para makalapit sa akin nang tuluyan.

"I have work," I replied, waiting for him to get near me.

"I talked to your senior. She agreed."

My brow raised. "Agreed about what?"

"About my offer to you. She said you should accept it."

Napaawang ang mga labi ko at unti-unting nabubuhay ang pagkainis sa dibdib ko. Did he really went to Miss Jemma para lang sabihin sa kanya ang balak niyang pagkuha sa akin bilang interior designer ng project niya? Come heaven and hell! I will not accept it!

"Will you please stop working your way up to my workmates para lang makuha mo ang gusto mo sa akin?" I said through gritted teeth. "Kahit ano'ng gawin mo, hindi ko pa rin tatanggapin 'yan. Ginusto mong kunin ang project na 'yan nang ikaw lang ang nagdedesisyon, Aniel. Panindigan mo 'yan. Huwag kang maghahanap ng ibang karamay ngayong may kinakaharap kang problema tungkol diyan."

Aniel gave me the same look as what I'm currently throwing him. Bumuntonghininga siya kalaunan at saka pinasadahan ng kamay ang kanyang buhok. He look so stressed. Bukas ang unang dalawang butones ng kanyang suot na longsleeve at magulo rin ang kwelyo no'n. I don't even think he already ate his lunch.

I felt a light punch in my stomach when I saw how his eyes became dull. Tila nawala lahat ng pinapakita niyang emosyon at napalitan iyon ng isang blangkong ekspresyon.

"I just... I really need your help," he said softly. Sumuko na ang kanyang mga mata at nagbaba na siya ng tingin mula sa paninitig sa akin. "I know you're mad at me—"

"I hate you."

His eyes landed on the floor. "I know. You've been showing it to me for years. I didn't care much about it because... I thought I wouldn't be needing your help."

My eyes narrowed at him. Was he... oh, my God. Was he crying?

"Look, Nemesis," his voice was hoarse and I swear I can hear him sniffing. "I know I made a big mistake back there when I questioned your skills and prevented you from winning. I'm sorry."

Parang tumigil ang paghinga ko dahil sa huli niyang sinabi. Was I hearing him right? Si Nathaniel Felan? Humihingi ng tawad sa akin?

"I'm sorry... for everything that I have said."

Natahimik siya, hindi pa rin tumitingin sa akin. My mouth was just open the whole time he's talking. I can't believe what I am hearing. He's really apologizing!

Damn... Gaano ba talaga kalala ang problema sa hawak niyang project ngayon to the point na kaya niyang ibaba ang kanyang pride at humingi ng tawad sa akin para lang lang doon?

I cleared my throat and tried to look away when he lifted his head. Namumula ang kanyang mga mata pero wala akong nakitang bakas ng luha mula roon.  His face was back into being emotionless. I felt my heart twitched just by seeing him looking hopeless. Isinuksok niya ang kanyang mga palad sa bulsa ng kanyang slacks at saka seryosong tumingin sa akin.

"I know it's not easy for you to forgive me. But I hope you will talk to Miss Jemma and consider my favor," he said before walking towards the other way.