I'm The Substitute Wife [COMPLETED]

Kabanata 30

IMARI'S plan to talk to Rafael last night didn't happen because his surgery ended late. So today, he said they would meet at eleven in the morning because that's what he was available for. She was on her way to the meeting place and she was nervous because Rafael chose Rouge's mother's restaurant.

Tinatawagan niya si Rouge kanina bago siya umalis para makapagpaalam na kikitain niya si Rafael, pero hindi nito sinasagot iyon kaya nag-iwan na lamang siya ng mensahe. Imari immediately paid the taxi and got off. She didn't bring her car because Rouge picked her up earlier and took her to the shop. Papasok pa lamang siya sa gusali nang tumunog ang kanyang cellphone. Kinuha niya iyon sa kanyang handbag at sinagot.

"Hi, baby. I'm sorry I didn't answer your call earlier. Why did you call?" he said just after she answered the call. He felt the concern in his voice. Maybe because of the number of miscalls he saw.

"Congratulations, Mr. Altavilla!"  dinig ni Imari sa kabilang linya na magkakasunod na pagbati rito at nagpasalamat naman 'to.

"Should I also congratulate you, Mr. Altavilla?" she said teasing him even though she didn't know what the greetings she heard were for.

"Later, baby. I want to hear it in person. Where are you? I can hear the noise of cars outside."

"Didn't you read my message?"

"Oh, sorry. I called you right after I saw your miscalls so I didn't read it."

"Nevermind. Rafael and I will meet right now, Rouge. I'm just going to tell him something important and here at your mom's restaurant he chose to meet me. I'm inside the building now." Ilang sandali natahimik ito.

"Son, did you--"

"Yes, dad. I have talked to her. Baby, I'll hang up now. I'll see you later, hmm? Don't let that bastard touch you. Do we understand each other, Imari? Because if not, I'm warning that bastard." Napapailing na lamang si Imari sa mga sinabi nito.

"I know, Rouge. Bye!" saka niya pinatay ang tawag nito.

Kasama pala nito ang ama. Buhat sa sinabi nito sa kanya'y nasa Italya ang mga magulang nito. Kung gayon, nandito na sa Paris ang mga 'to. Bumukas ang elevator kaya agad siyang pumasok. She saw a middle aged woman already inside the elevator. Based on her luxury brand terno suit, she knew she came from a high society while still wearing sunglasses and carrying her cute little dog. The woman has an elegant and sophisticated look. She is also very beautiful and her white skin is smooth with no visible wrinkles yet. Sana ganoon din siya 'pag tuntong niya sa ganoong edad. 

Imari shook her head and was about to press the floor number when she saw it already light up. They are going to the same floor. Sila lamang dalawa ng ginang ang nakasakay kaya nasa kabilang gilid siya nito pumuwesto. The dog barked at her, while the madame just looked straight at the elevator door, oblivious to her surroundings.

"Hi, little cutie pie!" pansin niya sa aso saka ito tumahol uli.

Napangiti si Imari at akmang hahaplusin sana niya ang makapal na balahibo nito nang iniwas ng ginang mula sa kanya. "Don't touch her," mariin anito.

"I'm sorry, madame," nahihiya niyang paghingi ng tawad.

Napakaingay ng aso dahil sa patuloy nitong pagtahol na tila gustong lumapit sa kanya. Iniwas na lamang ni Imari ang paningin rito at umayos ng tayo sa kabilang gilid. Tumunog ang elevator at bumukas iyon. Taas noo'ng naunang lumabas ang ginang saka siya sumunod.

Imari's phone rang again and she saw her sister's name calling. "Ate Amari," sagot niya sa kapatid na kamuntikan niyang kinabangga sa ginang na tumigil sa unahan niya.