Humugot ako ng malalim na paghinga bago ako bumaba ng kotse. Elias will be meeting with Joaquin, and I keep reminding myself to keep track of my sanity. I need to relax and trust him one-hundred percent.
“Your security can’t go inside the club, Mrs. Vladislav. The party is strictly invitation-only.”
I throw a meaningful look at Gregory. He’s my plus one tonight since Wolf, Warren, and Julius are covering for Elias.
“He’s not my bodyguard; he’s my plus one.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Vladislav. It’s strictly invitation-only,” he insisted.
Gregory gave up a sigh. Kinalas ko ang kapit sa braso niya. “Alright, then.”
Binigay ko na ang invitation sa kanya. Gumilid si Gregory para bigyan ako ng daan papasok sa venue. I am attending a charity gala. I’ve been in and out of parties the past few days since Elias was gone. He specifically instructed me to go on with my life like there’s no threat. Ito ang maitutulong ko sa kanya.
Ginala ko kaagad ang tingin ko nang marating ang hall. I recognized faces. I did my best to socialize, pretending like everything was fine. After giving the donation on behalf of my husband and my parents, I settled myself at the far end table. Kinapa ko ang singsing sa daliri ko, napahinga ako ng malalim nang maramdaman iyon.
Calm down, Atasha. Clear your thoughts.
“Alone?”
Napamura ako nang makilala ko ang lumapit sa mesa. “Ah, yeah.” Ngumiti ako kahit na sa totoo lang ay gusto ko na siya kaagad itaboy.
I am done with socializing.
“I heard you got married, hindi ako naimbitahan.” Tumawa ang lalaki matapos sabihin iyon. Naupo siya sa tabi ko kahit hindi ko inimbitahan.
I am in a crucial situation. I don’t need an old suitor to bother me.
Tinaas ko ang kamay para ipakita sa kanya ang singsing. “My husband is a jealous man.”
He laughed cockily. Tinaas niya ang kamay para humingi ng alak sa server.
God damned! Can’t he fuck away?
Inikot ko ang tingin ko, lalo akong napapamura nang mapansin na ang kaninang mga asawa ng politiko, matataas na opisyal at business personalities ay nawala na.
“I saw footages from your wedding, mukhang—
“You should go,” I shooed him.
“Your husband isn’t here. Kahit nandito naman, I wouldn’t mind. You know I’ll be running for Congress next election. You might be talking to the next speaker of the house.”
“You should really go.” I pushed him, now more determined not to fuck up Elias’s plans.
“Come on, Isabela—
“Fucking go!” I gritted my teeth. He’s flabbergasted.
Tinaas niya ang dalawang kamay. “Alright. You don’t have to shout.” He laughed awkwardly.
Tumayo na siya at lumayo. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang sa nakita kong may nagturo sa kanya ng daan palabas. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko.
“Calm down, Miss.” I heard Wolf’s voice on my ear-piece. “We see Joaquin’s men. You have to act normal for him to come out.”
“Elias,” I called out to my husband instead. “Baby, are you there?”
“Yes, I’m here. I’m watching you, baby. Hingang malalim,” he calmed me down with his deep voice.
BINABASA MO ANG
Deception (CHURCH SIBLINGS 1)
RomanceLies. Vengeance. DECEPTION. After her traumatic experience Atasha Isabela couldn't stand to be around men. She only trust one man with her life- Elias Vladislav. But would she still trust him after she finds out the truth about his identity?
