Hello, Ms. Stalker

Chapter 42

- Masquerade Ball -

Katatapos ko lang sumalang sa isang surgery again. I walked out of the OR and went in the waiting room to tell the patient's family about the surgery and the patient's condition. In my surprise, iba ang nadatnan ko. It was Kuya Ely, Dad's secretary. 

"Pinapasundo ka ng Dad mo." Seryoso niyang sabi sa akin. 

"I'm at work right now, Kuya." 

Pagkasabi ko no'n ay agad ko na siyang tinalikuran but he keeps on insisting that I should come with him. 

"Have you forgotten what day today is?" 

Napatigil ako. Hinarap ko si Kuya. We're in the hospital's corridor malapit sa ward 4. 

"Today's your engagement party--"

"Fuck that party Kuya. Ayokong pumunta." Bakas ang galit at inis sa boses ko. 

Sinubukan kong pakalmahin ang sarili sa paghinga ko nang malalim, trying to keep my voice low. 

"Please Kuya, kindly respect my work and leave me alone." 

By the end of my duty, wala din akong nagawa kung hindi sumama kay Kuya Ely because he's a persistent one. He brought me to the mansion where Mommy is waiting for me. 

I didn't greet her this time nang makita ko siya. I looked at her with so much pain and anger with my watery eyes. I walked past her and entered the mansion, acting I didn't saw her. 

Dumiretso ako sa kwarto ko and in my horror, I saw a ball gown displayed in a mannequin in my Room. Nakalagay ito malapit sa whole body mirror ko. 

The gown was in pink and black color. Its a corset one that has this extreme detailed flower embroidery design. 

I noticed a pair of heels beside the gown. Nasa vanity table ko naman ang maskara na kulay pink din matching my dress. 

Its too late for me now to backout. Nandito naman na din ako, wala na akong ibang nagawa kung hindi mag-ayos. 

After taking a long warm bath, nagpatuyo ako ng hair ko so I can curl it. I did my makeup after. 

I removed the whole gown from the mannequin. Bitbit ito, nagtungo ako sa walk-in closet ko para magbihis. I kind of had a hard time putting the corset on by my self but I managed to do it naman. 

I walked out of my walk-in closet looking gloomy. I wore my heels after that. Mabagal akong kumilos so I believe that it took me hours to finish getting ready for the ball. I don't care either if malate man ako. Its not like ginusto kong pumunta. 

Kinuha ko ang invitation and I've decided to read the details on it.

The ball will be held in one of Lolo's mansion where it is inspired by victorian era, 9:30 pm. 

"You look beautiful, Ali." 

Napasigaw ako sa gulat at napabitaw pa sa hawak ko nang marinig ko ang boses ni Mommy somewhere in my room. I averted my eyes on her, she was standing by the doorway. 

"You should've knocked, Mommy." I sighed saka pinulot ang invitation na nahulog ko sa sahig. 

She is dressed elegantly. Mommy let herself in my room. Nilapitan niya ako and reached for my left hand. She made me wear a ring... my engagement ring. Hinayaan ko lang siyang gawin niya iyon. 

She gave me a forehead kiss after. "I'm sure you'll like you're husband." 

Never. 

As soon as we arrived in the venue, sinuot ko na agad iyong maskara. I don't like the thought of letting guest see the face of the woman who is forced to this engagement. Nakakahiya.