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

Chapter 11

Play with me

To Arik:
I won't be able to make it, Mr. Rioflorida. I have an emergency at home.

"Thought you had plans tonight?" Salubong na tanong sakin ni Oliver nang bumaba ako upang kumuha ng tubig.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at dumiretso sa fridge.

"Pinatulog ko si Ariah. Hindi naman yon importante," sagot ko sa kanya.

Hindi na ako naghintay pa ng reply ni Arik dahil wala naman talaga akong intensyon na makipagkita sa kanya ngayong gabi. It was late, and I didn't want to waste my time on him when I should be focusing on Ariah.

Isa pa, bakit gusto niyang makipagkita nang gabi?

"Are you sure? Malay mo importante," patuloy na pang-aalaska niya sa akin kaya tiningnan ko siya.

Bakas ang ngisi sa kanyang labi kaya inirapan ko ito.

"He could've set an appointment if it's really important," I answered, taking a seat on the high chair at the kitchen island and glancing at him. His meaningful smirk was still there.

"What's with that smirk? You're so annoying."

Doon na bumunghalit ng tawa si Oliver habang nakaupo't nakasandal sa island.

"Tell me, do you have plans on introducing Ariah to him?"

"Of course not. Why would I do that?" I denied it, but my heart immediately opposed that statement.

"Pero paano kung hilingin sayo ni Ariah na makilala ang ama niya?" he asked persistently.

Natigilan ako roon at natulala sa baso kong may laman na tubig.

I wasn't prepared for that question. Ang buong akala ko ay papayag na ako sa oras na mabuksan muli ang usaping ito dahil para naman kay Ariah. That if she asked me to meet her father, I would immediately give it to her because she deserved it.

Pero bakit natatakot na naman ako?

"Depends... If she asks. But she hasn't yet..." I stammered.

Naupon si Oliver sa tabi ko at nagsalin ng wine sa basong hawak niya kanina pa. Tiningnan ko lang siya habang dahn-dahang iniinom iyon na tila nilalasahan niya.

"Aren't you curious about how Arik will react when he finds out? Wala naman kayong naging relasyon noon hindi ba?" Tanong niya.

I shook my head and stood up. "Ang dami mong tanong. I'm going to sleep. Sasamahan mo ba ako bukas?"

"Ayaw mo lang sagutin," he whispered and grinned again.
"I should go with you. My client will be there. Florida INC. might be there too, so be ready."

I furrowed my brow. "Huh? Why? Sa pagkakaalam ko ay wala namang kinalaman ang kompanya nila roon di ba?"

Biglang naging seryoso ang kanyang ekspresyon matapos niyang ubusin ang red wine sa baso niya.

"Arik made many changes in Florida INC., Celeste. The moment he stepped onto that stage, marami na kaagad nagbago. That includes the Yuchengco company."

It stuck in my mind. Sa loob ng mga araw na lumipas, mula nang bumalik si Arik, maraming tanong na naman ang namalagi sa isip ko. Lalo na ang tungkol sa mga Yuchengco at ang nangyayari sa founder nila.

How he ended up with that illness? I have no idea.

"Ma'am Celeste, you have a meeting with Sy Corporation after lunch and then your conference. Will Sir Oliver be attending?" Salubong sa akin ni Pau nang ilagay niya ang kape ko sa table.