Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 2

The business magnate

The sun cast a warm glow over the elegant brunch table, where I sat surrounded by my family. Dad, my stepmother Mama Victoria, and my stepsister Isabella exchanged polite conversation, their voices laced with the remnants of last night's social party.

Sandaling nabaling ang tingin sa akin ni dad. Nakakunot ang noo nito at tila ba sinusuri ako.

"Celeste, last night, you suddenly disappeared. Is everything alright? You said you weren't feeling well."

Ang kanyang atensyon ay nasa akin na matapos kay Isabella. I'm really the second choice here. I hate it.

"We were looking for you to introduce you to the Riofloridas, but you weren't around anymore. Are you feeling okay now?"

I couldn't help but silently roll my eyes at his remark.

Nauna na nilang ipinakilala si Isabella sa pamilyang iyon bago pa man ako kaya bakit pa nila gagawin iyon sa akin? Was it to further emphasize that I was the least favorite?

"Yes, Dad. I'm feeling better now. Kinailangan ko lang magpahinga kaagad. I'm sorry." Pagsisinungaling ko at tahimik na pinagpatuloy ang pag kain ko. I could feel his intense gaze on me.

"Oh, really? You didn't have any potential investors, then?" Tanong niya at sandaling bumaling kay Isabella.

Kitang-kita ko ang paglambot ng kanyang ekspresyon nang tumutok ito sa paborito niyang anak, bagay na hindi niya ginawa sa akin kahit kailan. Palaging galit at nagbabanta ang tingin na ipinupukol niya sa akin.

"Isabella had conversations and secured deals with several major investors last night. Including the son of Rioflorida Holdings. Isn't that right, dear?"

"Of course, Dad. Their son and I are close so it's easy for me to close a deal with them," mayabang niyang sagot kay dad.

"That's why I'm very proud of you, dear," Dad commented happily.

I snorted. Sa ganitong pagkakataon talaga, hindi ko mapigilang mag selos at mairita sa kanilang tatlo. Kasasabi ko lang na hindi maganda ang pakiramdam ko at alam naman niya iyon at pagkatapos ito? Pagkukumparahin na naman niya kami sa isa't isa? How can he be so insensitive?

"How about your meeting with Mr. Lim? How did it go?" He changes the topic.

"Huh? Ah..."

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko nang maalala ko na naman ang manyak na matandang iyon at ang pagkabigo kong maka-close ng deal sa kanya. Ramdam ko ang takot at kaba sa puso ko. Sigurado akong hindi magiging maganda ang reaksyon niya pero wala na akong magagawa roon.

I tried clearing my throat. I took a sip of water and started composing the right response to his question.

Should I just lie or not? I was sure he would find out soon enough, especially when he spoke to Mr. Lim. Nah. Never mind. Screw it. Fuck.

"About Mr. Lim... Dad, something happened during our meeting. He backed out for some reason. I'm so sorry." I confessed to him.

"Mr. Lim? The old man who has been interested in our business for months?" My stepmother interjected with a hint of skepticism.

"Yes, him. But things didn't go as planned. He... he made advances towards me, asking for inappropriate private time. Nang tumanggi ako sa nais niya ay agad niyang binawi ang interest niya sa kompanya."

"What?" Dad halts and turns to me. This time, his expression is cold and angry. "Are you serious? This is Mr. Lim we are talking about, Celeste."

"Yes, Dad, I'm serious. He was..."