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

Chapter 17

Martini, Kisses, and Chocolates

"What are you doing here?" Arik's voice was deep and stern as he greeted Isabella even before she stepped foot in the villa.

Bahagyang napaatras si Isabella na tila nagulat sa sinalubong sa kanya ni Arik.

"Kanina pa kita hinahanap. Auntie Lara asked me to find you."

"And why would they do that? They know how much I hate you," Arik casually replied, glancing at me. "Leave, Isabella. No one wants you here."

"Whoa, chill. You're always so harsh, Arik. I was just kidding. Hindi ikaw ang ipinunta ko rito," Isabella said, looking straight at me. Her black gown swayed as she moved.

"Can we talk?" Her request was genuine and serious.

Bakas sa kanyang ekspresyon na may importante siyang nais pag-usapan. Mukhang may ideya na ako kung ano yon.

Sa huli ay pumayag na akong makipag-usap sa kanya para na rin umalis na siya. I left Arik inside the villa, where he was preparing the jacuzzi, while Isabella and I stayed outside.

Kitang-kita ang malawak na karagatan mula sa kinatatayuan namin. Nagsisilbing ilaw nito ang ilaw na nanggagaling sa villa.

"Still your favorite drink? Martini?" She waved the glass of wine in front of me.

Kinuha niya iyon bago kami lumabas. Ang kapal talaga ng mukha.

"And after this, chocolates?" She chuckled. "You still haven't changed, Celeste. Despite the different last name and the way you speak, many things about you haven't changed, especially how you feel about Dad."

Nangunot ang noo ko sa mga salitang binitiwan niya. Anger suddenly surged in my heart because of what she said.

"What do you want to talk about? Nandito ka lang ba para sabihin sakin yan? I'm sure you're not," I replied, trying to ignore her remarks.

Matagal ang lumipas na minuto bago siya sumagot, tila ba pinag-isipan niya pa nang mabuti ang sasabihin. When I looked at her, I saw the pain that passed through her eyes, but it quickly vanished.

"I'm here to ask you something, Celeste. About Dad."

"I knew it..." I trailed off and shook my head. "Just like your Mom, you're here to ask me to get tested to see if we're a match."

"Yes... and I'm pleading with you not to return this resort to the Riofloridas. You don't know anything about this place, and if it falls back into their hands, it's going to be a disaster." Her voice was full of determination, leaving me even more confused.

What the fuck is she saying?

I let out a frustrated sigh.

"Sinagot ko na ang lahat ng yan at hindi na magbabago pa ang isip ko. Umalis ka na."

I hurriedly stood up and tried to walk away, but I froze in my tracks when she said the next words.

"Are you that heartless, Celeste? Pagkatapos mong malaman na may sakit si dad at maaari nang mamatay ay nagbibingi-bingihan ka pa rin sa pagmamakaawa namin sayo? Is your pride more important to you than your own father?"

Her words were filled with accusations and insults. She didn't think about it before throwing them at me. It's as if she doesn't care, right?

She's my stepsister. Siya at ng mom niya—kinuha nilang lahat sa akin pati na si dad. Dad left me with nothing but myself. He disowned me for them.
Why should she even care?

I sharply turned back to her, almost lurching towards her due to the things she said. My hands were trembling!

In an instant, I was completely consumed by anger and resentment in my heart.