Mga Hakbang Palayo Sayo

Chapter 18

Nagpapansinan nga kami ni Alliana pero parang mag-bestfriend lang. Ang saya-saya ko kapag kasama ko siya.

We maintained our status, keeping our relationship hidden from prying eyes. Right now, inaya niya akong magdate. Inaya niya akong pumunta sa isang coffee shop.

Naguguluhan man, nagugustuhan ko padin naman ang mga ginagawa niya.

Parehas kaming balot na balot ang suot isa. Ayaw namin na mayroong nakakakilala sa'min. Our relationship is just a secret. Hindi pwedeng may makakilala sa amin.

Ayaw naming isapubliko ang kung anong meron kami ngayon.

It will just crample.

Because in this dazzling world of showbiz, where fame, glamour, and the spotlight often reign supreme, a once pure and beautiful love story can slowly become tainted.

Marami kaming magiging conflict ni Alliana, alam ko. The relentless pressure of public scrutiny, demanding schedules, and the ever-present allure of adoration can begin to erode the foundations of a love that was once untarnished.

If we are a couple I don't want to find ourselves with the constant glare of the media, we will be often forced to wear masks, concealing our true feelings. We are expected to conform to the expectations of the industry, portraying a picture-perfect image that may be far from our real selves.

"Are you contented with this?" I asked her.

"What?" Alliana asked.

"Na ganito lang? Minsan lang tayo magkikita. Parehas tayong busy at-"

"I said it's fine. As what I kept on saying, risking is worth it if you're the reason."

Umirap ako at wala sa sariling napangiti.

The relentless work hours and distance caused by tours, filming schedules, and promotional events will begin to take our toll. Trust issues can also be arise. Insecurities fester, and we may find ourselves growing apart, unable to maintain the close bond they once cherished.

Rumors, gossip, and scandals that are part and parcel of the showbiz world can strain our relationship further. The pressure to maintain the image becomes all-consuming, and we may end up sacrificing our own happiness to appease the public!

Ultimately, the love story that began as a beautiful and genuine connection can become a casualty of the showbiz world's relentless demands. The authenticity, intimacy, and trust that were once the pillars of their love story may crumble under the weight of expectations, scrutiny, and the unforgiving spotlight, leaving the couple with a bittersweet tale of love lost to the allure of fame.

I glanced around, ensuring no familiar faces were nearby, before leaning in to whisper, "I can't believe we have to sneak around like this. But it's worth it."

Alliana smiled, her eyes sparking. "If you're the reason, everything is worth it."

Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng pisngi ko.

Pabiro ko lang siyang hinampas sa balikat.

As we enjoyed our secret rendezvous, my fingers brushed against Alliana's hand discreetly, creating an electric connection between us. Our laughter mingled with the soft hum of conversation around us, concealing the intimacy of our connection.

Despite the need for secrecy, there was an undeniable joy in our stolen moments, a shared secret that fueled our passion and deepened our connection. The hidden glances and subtle touches became the threads of a clandestine tapestry, weaving a story that only we knew, adding an extra layer of excitement to our unfolding feelings.

"My dad wants to meet you."

Nilunok ko muna ang nginunguya ko. "Ngayon na ba?"

"Yes," she sighed. She looked uneasy too. "Do you wanted to meet him?"

Tumango ako. "Oo naman. May problema ba?"

Daddy naman niya ang imemeet ko pero parang hindi maganda ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya.

"Wala. I'm just worried." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.

"Worried? Eh daddy mo naman 'yon." Sabi ko.

Natawa siya. She began to spoon feed mo desserts. Hindi ko nagustuhan ang mukha niya pero hindi ko na inisip pa yon. Mas ineenjoy ko nalang 'etong oras na 'to na kasama si Alliana!

Right from the start, I can really feel that there's something bothering her... Pero alam ko namang wala siyang sasabihin kahit tatanungin ko siya. Mas mabuti nalang siguro na manahimik ako. Mas gusto kong ienjoy ang moment.

Currently, we're here at Alliana's place. Kanina pa ako palinga-linga. Her mansion here is full of expensive stuffs, from the paintings through the vases.

May lalaking may edad na ang lumapit sa amin. I think he's Alliana's father? Can't hide the resemblance. Mukha din siyang strict!

"Daddy, si Crest." Pakilala ni Alliana sa'kin.

Ngumiti ako at nakipag-shake hands sa daddy niya.

"Ang ganda mo, hija." Unang sinabi ni Tito.

Napatingin ako kay Alliana at natawa. "Salamat po, Tito."

"Ikaw ang bunso ng mga Moraldez?"

I nod. "Yes, I am. I'm also the only daughter."

Panay titig sa akin ni Alliana. Na para bang natatakot siyang ialis ang mga mata sa akin!

"Can I talk to you privately, hija?" Alliana's father asked.

Tumingin muna ako kay Alliana bago tumango.

"Sige po." Sambit ko.

I felt tensed while talking with Alliana's father. Pakiramdam ko, may gusto siyang ipakiusap sa akin pero at the same time, ayaw niya akong diretsuhin. Na para bang gusto ni tito na ako mismo magsabi ng mga tinatago ko!

"I know what you're doing with my daughter."

Napalunok ako at bumuntong hininga.

My heart is pounding with nervous and anticipation. I had something important to tell him, something I knew he wouldn't want to hear.

"Tito," I began tentatively, "I don't really know about what you're talking about."

Damn it.

Mr. Acramonte glanced up at me, his expression stern. "I actually already know. Gusto kong ikaw mismo ang magsabi sa akin ng totoo. Ayaw ding aminin ng anak ko."

Napayuko nalang ako bahagya.

"If this is about me and Alliana," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I... I love her, Tito."

Mr. Acramonte's face changed, his features darkening with anger. "Crest, hija? My daughter will be marrying your brother. Absolutely not, hija. You will not associate with my daughter."

"Tito, Alliana is kind and gentle," I gathered up my courage to protested, my eyes pleading. "She makes me happy."

That's why I fell inlove with her.

Mr. Acramonte shook his head adamantly. "She may seem charming now, but mark my words, hija. Loving my daughter will only bring you trouble. You deserve better."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to make Alliana's father understand. "You don't understand, tito. Alliana loves me, and I love her. Please, give-"

"Hindi pwede. Ano sa tingin mo ang sasabihin ng pamilya mo kapag nalaman nila 'to? Habang maaga pa, tumigil na kayo."

Hindi ako makapagsalita.

My expression softened momentarily but Mr. Acramonte resolve remained unyielding. "I cannot allow it, Crest. Alliana is my daughter and I will not stand by and watch her throw her future away for you."

With a heavy heart, I realized that Alliana's father would never approve of our relationship with his daughter. As I turned to leave, I knew that our love would face many obstacles... Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko.

To be continued...