Lies from a Consultant

chapter 16

Chapter 16 | "execution"
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"Vivi!" I bend down to hug the little girl in front of me and kiss her forehead while Warner stood behind her with a dashing smile on his lips. "I miss youu!" sabi pa nito habang yakap yakap ang bewang ko.

I put my hand on top of her head, gently running my fingers through her silky hair before opening my mouth to talk. "I miss you too, baby" masayang sabi ko dito habang nakangiti. I then stood straight to meet Warner's gaze. "how's states?" tanong ko sakanya habang may maliit na ngiti sa labi at ginulo gulo ang buhok ng bata.

Jasmine shifted in front of me to look up while still wrapping her hands around my waist. I glance down at her with a small smile before I heard Warner respond, "if was fine.. Gotta handle business there as usual." and put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "how about you?" pagdaragdag naman nito nang yumuko para alukin ang anak. Jasmine turned around to let Warner pick her up from the ground.

I grinned at her when she smiled at me before looking back at Warner. "oh it was fine as well, with the business and stuff.." I trailed off before looking pass by him when I saw Mr. Thomas, walking towards our way.

"Ms. Sébastien, this is a magnificent place!" komento naman nito nang malapitan kami at tumigil sa tabi nila Warner.

I smiled at him. "I'm glad you liked it, Mr. Thomas" sabi ko dito at inabot ang kamay nito nang nilahad nya saakin.

I watched him took my hand before bringing it up to his lips that made me furrow my eyebrows but immediately smiles when he met my eyes. I watched him kissed the back of my hand and I hid my disgust. "you looked gorgeous as well, Ms. Sébastien. But how come you don't have a husband yet?" tanong nito na may naglalarong ngiti sa labi.

I faked a laugh as I cover my hand on my lips before responding to him. "it's easier being alone, Mr. Thomas. No headaches to bear" sabi ko dito habang tumatawa ng mahina at klinaro ang lalamunan. "do you agree, Warner?" tanong ko naman sa kasama nang lingonin ko ito na may pilit na ngiti sa labi.

"absolutely" he then said with a chuckle.

"oh by the way, Mr. Thomas, this is Warner Sébastien, my father's brother and his daughter, Jasmine" pagpapakilala ko sakanila.

"or so I heard. The inspiring star of the Hollywood, Warner Sébastien and the little miss, Jasmine. Pleasure to meet you both!" masayang bati nito sa dalawa at inabot ang nilahad na kamay ni Warner.

I watch them shake each other's hands before I felt a presence behind me that made me turn around to meet the person. I was then faced with Natasha who's now smiling at me. Natigil ako sa paghinga nang sobra itong lumapit saakin kaya naman napaatras ako ng konti bago klinaro ang lalamunan para magsalita.

"oh, Ms. De la Vega, nice to see you come" I greeted with a forced smile on my face.

"gusto lang kitang batiin Ms. Ives. Congratulations sa opening" masayang bati namin nito habang nakangiti ng malawak. My gaze fell down onto her lips and for a moment, I was pulled into a daze before I forced myself to look away when I realized that I'm looking too intently.

"thank you.." I slowly said, suddenly feeling flustered yet conflicted.

She then grins at me in my peripheral vision so I looked back and raised my eyebrow at her. Magsasalita na sana ako nang maunahan ako ni Mr. Thomas nang mapansin nya ang kausap ko.

"what a lovely lady.." komento nito kay Natasha para balingan ko ito ng naiinis na tingin. This filthy old man.. "what is your name if I may ask?" tanong naman nito nang humakbang palapit saamin.