Embers of Love (Isla de Vista Series #5)

Prologue

Prologue

The flashes from different cameras welcomed us as soon as we got out of the family seater Range Rover. My father went out first followed by my mother then my two eldest sisters and I was the last one to come out.

I am looking down as we stood on the red carpet. Only my sisters are allowed to raise their heads and smile at the camera. Nakatayo lamang ako sa tabi, nakatingin sa aking sapatos. The picture taking usually lasted for only 30 seconds and then we walked inside the palace. There's more cameras but we don't have to stop.

"Senator, a pleasure to have you this evening," Senator Roa greeted my father and extended a hand. "Glad to have the whole family tonight."

"We are grateful for the invitation, Senator." tawa ni Dad.

"Oh, masaya ako na pinaunlakan mo,"

"These are our daughters," magarbong pakilala ni Dad. "My eldest, Diana, then Riley and Cresia."

Senator Roa chuckled. "Three beautiful ladies. I met Diana last week, she represented your family at the Waterfront."

"Hello, Senator," Ate Diana greeted.

"Yes, yes. I was busy so I asked my lovely daughter to go in our stead." halakhak ni Dad. "I am always proud of Diana when it comes to business decisions, Senator Roa."

"As expected."

Muling nagtatawanan sila at giniya na kami patungo sa lamesa. Dela Cuesta. Our last name was written on top of it. I sat on the left, after Ate Riley, but she stood up again when someone approached our table.

"Riley!"

"Hey, Agnes!"

I briefly roamed my eyes around only to see my family busied themselves with other guests. I just sat straight on my seat.

The room is filled with politicians who came from different parts of the Philippines, some came from old dynasties, some came from old entrepreneurs, and there are a lot of new people whose names may not be well-known but they are big wealthy families.

"Cresia, come, my dear..." Mom called me.

Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kanya. Sa harap niya, naroon ang apat na ginang. They looked at me from toe to head while smiling. I slightly bowed my head at them.

"You can speak, Cresia." mahinang bulong ni Mom. "What did I tell you about this?"

I looked at the four ladies. "Hello, good evening, ladies."

"She's so pretty, Nieve." sambit ng isa. "The prettiest among the three."

"And the way she moves and talks is very elegant, too prim."

Mom proudly chuckled.

"How old are you, Cresia?" one of the ladies asked.

"I'm seventeen, Ma'am."

"Oh my, Nieve. It won't be too long until she marries, huh?"

Mom shook her head. "Cresia is not gonna marry anyone before her sisters. She's my perfect daughter, Grethel. I need to look for someone as perfect as her."

They smiled and nodded at Mom, agreeing to every word she had spoken. They seemed to like the idea. Their eyes when they look at me have high expectations. People looked at me so perfectly, without any imperfections, and controlled and smooth which people term as graceful.

But that's what they think. I am controlled in whatever I do. I had no choice. And I don't think I would ever get a chance to choose. It is what it is.