Pleasing the Perfectionist

PROLOGUE

Masama ang tingin ko sa kinaroroonan nina Vernon. Hindi ko na lamang iyon pinapahalata sa mga narito dahil ayoko namang masabihan na unprofessional.

I sipped on the red wine in front of me, furiously.

"If looks could kill, you're already guilty of murder, Zariyah." I was snapped back to reality when Vincent came, mukhang tapos na ito sa pakikipag-usap.

"What do you mean, Mr. Avelino?" kunwaring pormal ngunit sarkastikong tanong ko rito.

"Nothing, Ms. Montez," he smirked.

"Lahat ba ng Avelino ay gago?" mahinang tanong ko sa sarili, not realizing that slipped out of my mouth.

"Ouch naman," Vincent acted like he was hurt, sapo pa niya ang dibdib, feel na feel ang kadramahan. "But honestly, gago talaga karamihan sa pamilya namin, ako na nga lang ata ang hindi." I just rolled my eyes on him as an answer.

It's been two years since I last saw Vernon. But still, he doesn't fail to make my blood boil with just a sight of him. At mas lalo pa iyong nag-init nang makita ko siyang papalapit sa kinaroroonan namin ni Vincent.

I don't know if she's doing it on purpose, Morgan's hair is swaying freely while they walk. She's wearing a black spaghetti strap dress na hapit sa kaniyang hour-glass body. Ang kamay pa niya ay nakasabit sa braso ng kasamang lalaki.

May aagaw ba sayo beh?

Napilitan na lang din akong ngumiti nang nginitian ako ng dalawa.

"Long time no see, Zari," Morgan greeted.

I smiled at her. "It's good to see you both here," pekeng saad ko. Well, I don't really want to see them--- if possible, forever. Matagal rin kaming nagkatitigan, not uttering a word, but still communicating.

Bitch.

"Good to see you here, Zariyah."

I shifted my gaze unto Vernon. "I didn't expect you to be here, MR. VERNON Avelino." Diniinan ko pa ang tawag ko sa kaniya para ipahayag na hindi ko gusto ang first-name basis na ginawa niya kanina.

"Oh, right, you like professionalism," I heard him whisper. Kung maaari lang na sampalin ko siya dito mismo ay ginawa ko na. "I didn't know you were this close with my brother," komento niya kahit wala naman akong pakialam.

"Oh, come on, Mr. Avelino, we're just doing some 'business'," sagot ko naman rito.

Hindi ko alam na ganito pa rin ang magiging epekto niya sa akin, hindi pagmamahal o pagnanais na maibalik ang dati, kung hindi galit-- galit at poot sa kung ano mang nangyari sa nakaraan. It's been two years, I still couldn't move on from the pain he brought to me. Oh wait, no. It's just my pride that's hurt, not me.

"So.. is there a problem with our investment proposal?" he asked.

Bahagya akong napaisip. He should not be happy. He should be as miserable as I am, as scared to love again as I do.

"Nothing, it's perfect. I'm just waiting for the formalities to be done," sagot ko at kita ko sa mukha ni Vincent na bahagya rin siyang nagulat sa naisagot ko. "You'll receive the investments in no time."

I should just be happy for them after two years, but no, we never forget and we never forgive not unless they suffer just like how I did.

*

"So what's your plan?" he asked while we are outside the party hall. "Show up in front of him, nicely dressed, doing well?"

"I would be too considerate if I am to do that," I said sarcastically. "What he did to me is worth more than that, Vince. I am broke, he has to be, too. I can't let him be happy," mahabang dagdag ko pa.

"That's why you're signing the investment?"

"No, the foundation should not be affected by my anger issues," I said truthfully. "I just want him and Morgan to break up."

"And you think, I'll take part in that?" natatawang saad nito.

"Then just forget about the investment," pananakot ko. I know how important that investment is for him. He will do everything for that investment.

He faked a laugh. "Sige na nga, bored din naman ako."

I smiled wickedly at the night skies. It's dark in here, with only the moon and stars that could give the light.

Please yourself. Let's now get even, Zariyah.