The Gentle Truth

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17 | Couple

I looked around the restaurant. I'm here to meet the man that Teresa arranged. Hindi naman talaga ako pupunta rito para makipag-date. Sumipot lang ako para hindi na ako talakan ng bruhang yun. At tsaka nakakahiya rin sa tao.

I was tugging on my sling bag, feeling nervous. I scanned the whole place, looking for him. Teresa said that he's wearing a cream colored long sleeve polo and pants. I shrugged my shoulders thinking about the man I had conversations with earlier.

Nakakainis! Siya na nga ang may kailangan tapos magdadabog pa? Sana nga ay hindi na lang sya nagpakita.

I shook my head off upon hearing the restaurant's current tune. It was echoing around every corner. Everyone was feeling the melody of the song. Yeah, me too. But perhaps, i was recalling different scenarios inside my head.

Iris...

That perhaps i was recalling the day when we promised our vows. Perhaps, it was that day, when we danced through the melody of our hearts and through the harmony of our soul.

And no one will ever understand that feeling.

Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko nang makita ko na ang lalaking sinasabi ni Teressa. May itsura nga ang lalaking 'to. Nakangiti akong naglakad sa direksyon nya.

"Hi, are you Engr. Buenavidez?" He lifted up his gaze. I smiled politely. He acknowledged my presence by standing up and offering his hands.

"Yes. And perhaps, you are Ms. Mendez?" I nodded in respond.

I was about to take his hand on mine when a familiar voice interrupted our interaction. That person's presence sent shivers down my spine. It's as if he holds my breath and he could take it away instantly.

"It's Mrs. Alcazar."

I clutched my handbag tightly. My breathing heaved. I didn't bother looking back. Of course I knew who it was. And I'm not going to make myself a fool for denying such fact. I looked at Engr. Buenavidez and chuckled fakely. He looked confused. So I smiled again.

"U-uhm... It's Ms. Mendez." I took his hand and we shaked. He smiled softly. Yet then again someone cleared his throat. I was about to confront him when Engr. Buenavidez noticed his presence.

"Engr. Alcazar, right?" He smiled at Joaquin. I didn't know what to do! They knew each other? Well, obviously. They're on the same field.

"Yes. And you're Engr. Buenavidez, from Buenavidez Corporation. Am i right?" Joaquin cooly smiled at him before his gaze flew at me. My forehead creased.

What the hell is he doing here?

"Yeah. Nice to meet you, Engr. Alcazar." They shaked hands. I remain standing, staring at the both successful men infront of me.

"Nice to meet you too." His gaze lingered upon me once again. I felt my knees wobbled. "Oh, you're here too, Mrs. Alcazar? Meeting someone? Perhaps a date?" Joaquin flashed a mocking grin. I almost rolled my eyes on him. If it weren't because of Engr. Buenavidez who's in between us, i would've just smack his shamelessness.

"Mrs. Alcazar?..... So you two...?" Engr. Buenavidez looked at us like he's forming an idea.

"Uhh we're—" i was about to talk when he interrupted me.

"Yes! We're married! We're happily married! Almost three years already." Joaquin grinned wickedly. I mouthed a curse.

"Oh... I'm sorry." Engr. Buenavidez apologized. I shook my head.

"It's okay!" I panicked before feigning a polite smile. "No harm done! We're... W-we're getting annulled soon, though..." I chuckled fakely.

Mr. Buenavidez looked even more shocked, before he laughed softly. I looked over at Joaquin and his face was dark. He eyed me like a hawk. He's not grinning anymore. Did i say something wrong?