Ci Vediamo

09

C H A P T E R 9

AFTER A MONTH had passed, Cavi's sorrow over his mom's death began to ease. During this time, Matt remained a constant source of support, making sure Cavi never felt alone. Matt expressed his deep love and care for Cavi, providing comfort and understanding.

While Cavi's younger brother and sister returned to their father's care in their hometown. However, whenever Cavi found himself with spare time, he would reach out and call his siblings to check on them. 

Gradually, life started to regain its normal rhythm. Cavi went back to his job, and Matt also resumed his work. As usual, Matt became busy, but he made sure to communicate with Cavi about it. 

CAVI WOKE UP, still feeling a bit groggy, and rubbed his eyes. 

"Good morning, love," Matt was already getting ready as he greeted him.

Still half-asleep, Cavi asked, "When'd you get back?"

"I got back earlier this morning. You were fast asleep, so I didn't wake you," 

Letting out a yawn, Cavi inquired, "You had breakfast yet?"

"Nope, haven't eaten since last night. Just had some coffee. Got a ton of work to tackle today," Matt explained.

"That's a lot. Do you ever get any free time?"

"We do have some free time, but I need to finish up my work first so that I can take a month off and finally have some rest and quality time together," Matt reassured him with a smile.

Feeling a little frustrated, Cavi spoke up, "I understand, but don't push yourself to the point where you can't even find time to eat."

Matt playfully approached Cavi and said, "Opo, pa, I promise I'll eat." Cavi rolled his eyes in response.

Matt chuckled, "I really need to get going now." 

"Wait, I'll whip up something for you. Just stick around and have a meal," Cavi insisted, wanting Matt to have a proper breakfast. But as Matt reached for his bag, his phone buzzed, signaling a message from Denice. It turned out there was an important meeting lined up for the day.

"Cav, I'll grab a bite at the office later. We've got a crucial meeting, and I'm already running late," Matt explained, planting a quick kiss on Cavi's cheek before dashing out.

Cavi let out a heavy sigh, worrying.

MATT ARRIVED at the office and briskly walked towards his boss's office when he noticed Denice sitting on the stairs, tears streaming down her face. Concerned, he approached her.

"Denice, what's wrong?"

Denice, suppressing a triumphant smile, quickly embraced him, feigning distress.

"It's... it's my boyfriend," she stammered, forcing out tears. "I found out he cheated on me. I can't believe it, Matt."

Matt listened intently, providing a supportive presence for Denice, unaware of her ulterior motives.

"That's really tough. Feel free to let it out. I'm here for you."

Denice nodded, hugging onto Matt tightly while secretly feeling triumphant about her plan to win him over. She had planned every detail meticulously-the way they met, the made-up relationship problems. After a while, she let go of Matt and wiped away her false tears.

"Thank you, Matt," she pretended to weakly smile. "I didn't know who else to turn to. I just needed someone to be here with me, you know? To remind me that I'm not alone."

Matt nodded sympathetically. "We're friends, and friends support each other through thick and thin. I've got your back."

Denice fell silent, realizing that Matt only saw her as a friend.

"By the way, weren't we supposed to have a meeting?" Matt asked, suddenly remembering their postponed appointment.

"Oh, right. The boss canceled it because he had an urgent matter to attend to," Denice quickly lied, covering up her manipulative intentions.

"Alright, then. Let's focus on work now. We've got deadlines to meet. But if you need some time, take a rest. I'll talk to the boss for you," Matt assured her.

Denice replied, "Thanks, Matt. I appreciate it."

LATER IN THE afternoon, Denice looked up at Matt and mustered up the courage to invite him.

As she approached Matt, she overheard him talking to someone on the phone. It was evident that he was speaking to his partner, Cavi. Denice couldn't help but hear Cavi's words, mentioning that he would be staying at Stacy's apartment for the night due to Stacy being sick. 

Denice discreetly stepped back, a sly smile forming on her face. The new information she had stumbled upon sparked a devious plan in her mind. With Cavi away, she imagined the opportunity of spending the night with Matt, having him all to herself.

Maintaining her composure, she went back to her work, eager to set her plan in motion.

AFTER WORK, Matt was about to leave when Denice appeared.

"Oh, hindi ka pa uuwi?" Matt inquired.

Denice adopted a casual tone, "Nah, I just don't feel like going back home. I'd rather not be alone right now."

"Uh, alright. I guess I'll head out first then. Take care."

"Wait, Matt!" Denice interjected. "Would you mind coming along with me?"

"Huh? Saan naman?"

"Just somewhere, you know? Tara na, it'll be fun."

"But..."

"Not up for it? No worries, I can go by myself. It's no big deal," Denice feigned disappointment.

Matt sighed, finding it difficult to turn down Denice's request. He felt a sense of sympathy and guilt for leaving her alone. Plus, knowing that Cavi wouldn't be home tonight added to his mixed emotions.

"Alright, where do you want to go?" he asked, giving in to Denice's proposal.