Bawal na Pag-ibig (SPG) COMPLETED

32 - Revealed

Chapter Thirty-two

Hindi ko mapigilang mamangha habang naglalakad ako papasok sa engrandeng mansiyon ni Engr. Ysmael Aldeguer. Today is his 60th birthday at dito sa kanyang mansiyon niya napiling idaos ito.

I presented my invitation card at the entrance. "I am the representative from Ferrer Construction. Engr. David Ferrer-Khan attended an important conference abroad, so he sent me in behalf of him," I introduced myself.

My forehead creased when the receptionist seemed shocked to see me. "K-Kayo po ba si Miss Charity Cruz?"

Naguguluhan man sa kanyang reaksyon ay tumango ako. "Ako nga."

"Ay, ma'am!" now she seems excited. She gave me a bouquet of a very familiar arrangement of red roses. "Flowers for you po!"

Kumabog ng malakas ang aking dibdib habang tinatanggap ang bulaklak. I have been receiving flowers like this for five years now. "K-Kanino galing to?"

"Ay, hindi po sinabi eh. Basta ibinigay po yan kanina dito ng isang delivery boy at sinabing ibigay namin sa representative na ipapadala ng Ferrer Construction na nagngangalang Charity Cruz." I looked into her eyes and she seems to be telling the truth.

Naglakad na ako papasok sa social hall na siyang venue ng party habang hawak ang bulaklak. I stared at the flowers. Only one man knew how much I love red roses. Red is my favorite color. Katunayan ay ito ang kulay ng suot kong gown ngayon. Isa itong red off-shoulder long gown na may side slit, revealing my milky legs. I paired it with a red Louboutin pumps and a white Chanel pouch. My accessories were a gold bangle, a pair of pearl earrings and a gold necklace. Nakalugay lamang ang aking buhok na bahagyang kinulot kanina ni Zari, my bestfriend slash personal make-up artist and hairstylist. Ang tanging palamuti nito ay ang french braid na ginawa niya sa ilang buhok ko na inayos niya upang maging headband at ang maliliit na puting flower hairclips. Zariah was very happy and said that I looked like a fairy.

Napansin kong may card na kasama ang roses na ibinigay sakin ngayon. Binuklat ko iyon.. only to be shocked as I read the very familiar handwriting.

To my beautiful Charity,

My love for you was my cure and my medicine. It kept me alive all these years.

Can't wait to see you again, mahal.

Shaun?! Nagpalinga-linga ako. Is it possible that he's here? Siya nga kaya ang nagpapadala sakin ng mga rosas sa loob ng limang taon?

My heart was beating fast. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang aking magiging reaksyon kapag nagkaharap kaming muli. Pero naghudyat na ang pag-uumpisa ng programa ay hindi ko pa siya nakikita.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" the Master of Ceremonies started. "We are gathered today to celebrate a milestone in our beloved Engr. Ysmael Aldeguer's life as he welcomes his senior years."

Nagpalakpakan ang lahat ng umakyat sa entablado at maupo sa presidential chair sa harapan ang birthday celebrant. Aside from his gray hair, hindi mo aakalaing 60 years old na si Engr. Aldeguer dahil sa kanyang tindig at tikas ng pangangatawan. He was standing proudly infront of everyone.

I looked around. Napakarangya ng party ni Engr. Aldeguer. His company is indeed the top in its field. Pumapangalawa lamang ang Ferrer Construction sa Aldeguer Builders magmula pa noon. The design of the venue is very artistic. The motiff is a mix of all shades of blue. Wala akong gaanong kakilala sa mga bisita kaya minabuti kong mapag-isa na lamang sa isang mesa sa sulok.

Nagulat ako ng lapitan ako ng celebrant, ni Mr. Ysmael Aldeguer mismo, sa aking kinaroroonan! He carries a very authoritative aura. He's so intimidating kaya naman ay abot-abot ang kaba sa aking dibdib. "Miss Cruz, I'm glad you came!" I was more shocked when he said that in a friendly manner.