CHAPTER 4

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As I walked into the venue, I couldn't help but be awestruck by the extravagance around me. The entire place was lit up with dazzling lights, set to the highest level, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Music filled the air, a lively mix that added to the energetic vibe of the gathering. The decorations were stunning, from elaborate floral arrangements to tasteful centerpieces on each table. The walls were adorned with elegant artwork, and the overall ambiance was one of sophistication and luxury.

Gumastos talaga ang don para sa anak niya. Mabuti nalang at hindi gaanong mahilig makipag- socialize si Zoey, exclusive for friends lang ang gabing ito. 

Pero hindi pa rin ako dapat makampante.

Kasi as a Capistrano__ parating nasa panganib ang buhay ko. It's too dangerous for me to go anywhere unarmed.

I caught glimpses of someone observing me from the periphery of my vision. When I turned to look directly at him, our eyes met briefly—a moment filled with curiosity.

 he wasn't part of Zoey's circle of friends known as Xieczo. 

The dim lighting made it hard to see clearly. Nasa parteng madilim din kasi.

Who is he? 

Nilapitan siya ni Zoey. Pagkatapos ay nag- asaran na ang dalawa. Base sa ikinikilos nila ay close na close sila.


I looked around the venue again, seeing everyone enjoying themselves—some dancing, others drinking. It was only then that I realized how talkative almost all the members of Xieczo were.

They were just so noisy and playful. I distracted myself with the food and drinks. There was an overwhelming variety laid out before us. I wasn't familiar with some of the dishes, but I spotted Chinese and Italian cuisines.

I relaxed as I picked out what to eat when I sensed someone approaching. Judging by the footsteps, it seemed like two people were coming toward me now.


"Light, I'd like you to officially meet my brother."

It was Zoey, accompanied by the guy she'd been teasing earlier—the same one who had been observing me.

"Ah, it's you," 

"Ikaw?"

we both managed to say upon recognizing each other.

Si Zavier lang ang naman ang kaharap ko ngayon. He was also accompanied by his two friends, Kaicer and Naruto.

SIYA ANG KAKAMBAL NI ZOEY?

"Do you two know each other?" Zoey asked, clearly puzzled.


I was about to say I'd met these three at the airport, pero naunahan ako ni Zavier.

"I met her in LA, I just forgot her name."

"In LA? Why don't I know anything about that?" Zoey snapped.

"It's a long story," Zavier replied calmly


"Lighteanna," I introduced myself, realizing that Zavier might recall our encounter at the club four years ago in LA. 

Oo nga pala hindi ako naka- disguise ngayon kaya hindi nila nakilala na ako rin ang babeng tinulungan nila sa airport kahapon.


"Zavier Vonn Xieczo, Zoey's twin brother," Zavier added smoothly, with a hint of cool confidence.

 He hadn't used that surname when he introduced himself in LA four years ago.

"These are my friends, Naruto Cristobal and Kaicer Jace Brilliant," Zavier continued, gesturing to his companions who stood beside him.


After the introductions, a subtle tension lingered in the air, hinting at the past encounters between us. Zoey, clearly curious about the exchange, tried to piece together the puzzle.

"So, you've met before?" Zoey asked, her gaze moving between us with intrigue.

Zavier nodded casually. "Yeah, in LA a few years back."

I nodded in agreement, choosing not to divulge the details of our recent airport encounter.

Zoey's expression softened as she connected the dots. "Ah, I see. Small world, huh?"

Zoey's curiosity lingered for a moment before she turned her attention back to the lively atmosphere of the party. Nagkaayaan na rin kasi sa dancefloor at hindi nakaligtas si Zoey ng hilahin na siya ng iba pa niyang mga kaibigan. 


Samantalang si Naruto at kaicer ay parang may sariling mundo, Silang dalawa lang kasi ang kanina pa magkausap from art and music to travel and philosophy.

I noticed Zavier standing gracefully with a glass of wine in hand, his gaze fixed on me from across the room. He seemed composed and distant, 

I found myself glancing back at him, intrigued by the way he observed the room with such calmness. Nagpa- flashback ang hindi dapat. Ipinilig ko na lang ang ulo ko para mawala sa isip ko ang eksenang iyon.

"Enjoying the party?" he asked casually, his voice smooth and low.

Hindi ko namalayan ang paglapit niya.

Caught off guard, I nodded quickly. "Yeah, it's been great."


He offers me  a glass of wine  "Care to join me for a toa...."

Kaicer appeared out of nowhere with his charming smile and outstretched hand. "Lighteanna, darling, may I steal you away for a dance?"

Darling amp. Hindi ko napigilang matawa. Halata naman kasing nang- aasar si Kaicer. Kinindatan niya pa si Zavier bago ako tuluyang dinala sa dancefloor.

I glanced over at Zavier, catching a glimpse of something in his expression—perhaps a hint of disappointment?

Was it  a trace of jealousy flickering in his eyes amidst the lively party?

Dala na rin siguro ng epekto ng alak pero feeling ko nagseselos siya and gusto ko pang mas dagdagan ang ikakaselos niya.  

With a smile and a nod, I placed my hand in Kaicer shoulder, silently agreeing to join him on the dance floor.

I stole a glance at Zavier once more. Hindi na siya nakatingin sa direksyon namin, Abala na siya sa pakikipag-usap iba.

The sight made me wonder if my decision to dance with Kaicer had indeed sparked a hint of jealousy in him.

O baka ilusyon ko lang. 

The lively music filled the air. Despite the fun atmosphere, I couldn't shake off the disappointment that Zavier's attention seemed elsewhere.

As the song came to an end I excused myself.

" I need to freshen up in the restroom." I said with a polite smile. 

Kaicer nodded understandingly,  he waved goodbye and seamlessly transitioned to entertain another group of guests.

Inside the restroom, I leaned against the sink and stared at my reflection in the mirror, thoughts racing as I splashed cool water on my face, I took a deep breath.

 Zavier's presence continued to occupy my thoughts in a way I hadn't anticipated.


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