Will you choose me? (Montecarlo Heir #2)

Kabanata 18

Tito Raymond was encouraged by tita Athena to join us dahil hindi niya ako masasamahan for my graduation because of a prior scheduled commitment. Babawi nalang daw siya sakin. Kaming tatlo nina daddy din ang sumama kayna tita Elisse sa hotel nila for dinner.

"I want to treat you tonight, but I also want you to enjoy and celebrate with more people." Si dad na nagmamaneho ng Maserati namin. Nakaconvoy samin sina tito Raymond at si Matt kasama ang ibang bodyguards.

"I'm fine with just us, daddy. Pero.. okay din nga.. kung may iba po tayong kasama." That's the truth. I will always enjoy moments with my dad. He's my family. Pero siguro kaya mas ginugusto namin na madami tuwing nagcecelebrate ng importanteng okasyon.. ay para di kami ganung malungkot kasi di namin kasama si mommy.

We arrived at the Manzano Luxe Hotel. Tita Elisse's maiden name was Manzano and it was established by her grandparents if I'm not mistaken. They have branches nationwide. Binigay ni dad ang susi sa valet ang giniya akong pumasok. Ganun din si tito Raymond na kasunod namin. Lobby attendants are already waiting for us and escorted us to the private room in one of the hotel's function hall for our dinner.

Nandun na sina tita Elisse na sinalubong kami pagkapasok ng double doors. Pagkapasok ay kita na ang malaking round table na nakasetup sa gitna ng private room para samin. The food were already served at the table. We also have waiters in the room with us to serve our food and drinks na nasa gilid.

"Come! Thank you for letting us host the dinner tonight. Halika kumain na tayo." Si tita Elisse na giniya kami sa malaking bilog na mesa.

I sit beside daddy and beside him is tito Raymond. Sa kaliwa ko ay si tita Elisse with tito Amer on her left, katapat namin.. ang magkapatid.

"I'm so happy you went home, anak." Si tita Elisse na kasabay kong kumuha ng serving ng pagkain. The men though were waiting for us. Kinda awkward how they are all silent.

"Hah! Must be another homesickness, eh?" Si tito Raymond.

This old man! I watched tita Elisse and tito Amer's reaction towards his offensive remark. They didn't seem to mind. Wala namang masama kung uuwi paminsan minsan ah? This is a special occasion for his brother! I think it's a valid reason to go home.

Why am I defending him, anyway? Ugh!

I looked in front where Anton's eyes are locked at me, as if waiting for me to look back. "May.. gagawin lang tito. I just took a short break." He said ng hindi inaalis ang tingin sakin. I heard tito Raymond chuckled.

"Hmm. I wonder what is it that seems so important. Makes me remember the good old days. Right, kuya?"

Saglit kong nilingon si daddy na ngayon ay sinasali ni tito sa usapan. Dad is just sporting his poker face and staring up front, his forehead creased and he's grunting. I turned to see what he might be looking at pero si Amiel at Anton lang naman ang nasa tapat namin sa bilog na mesa. Amiel, looking bored at the topic and started eating after getting his own share of food. Anton, on the other hand, ay bahagyang nakayuko sa plato pero ang mata ay nakatingin padin sakin.

I swear my hands are sweating due to nervousness. My insides are in chaos at bumibilis ang kabog ng dibdib ko.

Napakurap ako sa nakita at muling binalingan si dad na ngayon ay nakababa na sakin ang tingin. Giving me his most scrutinizing side-eye. What?

"The business is doing fine, son. Surely I won't disturb you from your project." Natatawang sali ni tito Amer sa usapan.

"Must be a girl, then?" Si tito Raymond.. na ayaw tigilan si Anton. I remember kinausap niya ito last year noong umuwi ng new year. How cruel of a leader are you to not be considerate!