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Tonight is the night I've been waiting for. Bakit? Because it's the cute prince's birthday celebration here in the South. But the real reason why I'm eagerly anticipating this is because it marks the beginning of the novel.
Almost all the characters will be present. I know that because aside from it being written in the novel, I also did some investigation for clarification. Mahirap ng mag-assume tapos mali pala. Nakakahiya kapag ganoon.
I'm wearing a simple solid ruffle trim split asymmetrical dress in purple, as that's the color theme of the party. Hapit na hapit ito sa katawan ko kaya hindi sinasadyang lumitaw ang kurba ng katawan ni Naseria.
Aiyoo~ Don't pretend, Valeri! You know deep down that you did it on purpose.
I'm done putting on the dress, and now Lala is doing my hair. I could have done it myself, but I don't want to take away this woman's job. The Earl pays her salary, after all.
We heard a knock on the door before it opened. My brother peeked through the small gap in the door. Once he saw that I was almost done, he entered and stared at me the whole time Lala was doing my hair.
I rolled my eyes. This brother of mine is surely a simp. Ano nga ulit tawag dito? Those siblings who are obsessed with their own siblings?
It doesn't weird me out, though. Even if we stare at each other. Because I know that our love for each other is not as defined as romantic love, and it never will be.
We have this type of love that goes beyond the boundaries of romantic or familial relationship. It is a deep and unwavering love that is not based on conditions, expectations, or limitations.
It's unconditional.
A love that cannot be defined, but we know our bond as siblings is strong.
Magulo ba? But we understand that we will never love each other romantically, even though it's possible since we're not blood-related.
We are connected by a bond, not by blood, yet I just know that neither of us would ever think of becoming romantically involved with each other.
“You’re really gorgeous, little sis,” he complimented as we were left alone.
We're now walking through the hallway towards the first floor. In the past, when they asked me which room I wanted to stay in, I chose the farthest part of the second floor. I wanted to isolate myself back then, but look at me now? May nangyari ba? Waley.
Napangiti ako tsaka kinawit ang braso ko sa kaniyang braso. They always shower me with compliments, so I never feel insecure even though I know I have flaws.
But because of him and his parents—or should I say our parents—I've learned not to compare myself to others. Their love and affection towards me are already enough for my confidence to grow.
“And you are always handsome, Kuya.”
Pagbaba namin ay nakita namin sina Mama at Papa na naghihintay sa sala. My brother and I smiled at them, and they returned the gesture. My brother went to Mama, and I went to Papa.
Bali ang escort ni mama sa gabing ito ay si kuya, while si Papa naman ang escort ko.
This would be my first social gathering. It was the first time I would be seen by the public, and Papa wanted to introduce me to his acquaintances there. I couldn't help but smile. Like father, like son talaga ang tandem nila ni Kuya.
As we boarded the carriage, Mama and I shared one carriage while my brother and Papa took another. We had guards accompanying us, riding on their own horses.
“Baby, are you nervous?” Mama asked affectionately, holding my hands that were resting on my lap.
Ngumiti ako. Mabuti nalang napansin niya. Sayang ang pagpapanggap ko kung wala namang makakapansin.
“I’m sorry, Mama. It’s just my first time, you know,” I replied softly.
She smiled back and gently squeezed my hand.
“Don’t worry, no one can hurt you there. And if anyone tries, I would bet all of the Anderson family’s wealth just to see them punished,” she said in a soothing tone.
I chuckled softly. Though she sounded like she was joking, I knew she meant it. After years of being together, I learned how selfless she is. She always puts others before herself.
Minsan na nga namin iyan pinag-awayan. Iyong mga panahon na hindi pa ako gaanong affectionate sa kanila. I told her that if she wanted to be constantly taken advantage of, she should continue being a kind fool.
I regretted saying those words afterwards. Kagaya nga ng sabi ko, kabaliktaran ang ginagawa ko sa hiling ng OG Naseria sa akin para sa pangalawa kong buhay. Live without regrets daw sabi niya.
Ang tanong ng taong bayan, paano?
Eventually, I realized that the Countess wouldn't change her ways. So, I became the one protecting her.
Whenever I saw someone taking advantage of the Countess, I would secretly give them a threat.
Kagaya na lamang noong unang beses na makita ko si mama na busy na busy sa buhay niya doon sa palengke. Siya lamang mag-isa at alam kong marami pa kaming stocks sa bahay, kaya alam ko na ang binibili nito ay hindi para sa amin.
Kalaunan nalaman ko lang naman na inutusan pala siya ng isa pang Countess dito sa South na bumili ng mga pagkain. Pinagtanggol pa talaga niya iyong babaeng palaka na iyon habang inis na inis na ako.
Hindi ko nga malaman kung sino ba ang dapat kong sampalin sa panahon na iyon. Kung ang Countess ba na inutusan si Mama o si Mama mismo para magising na siya sa kaniyang katangahan.
Sa sobrang inis ko'y isang gabi habang patulog na ito, nilagyan ko ng palaka ang buong kuwarto ng countess na nag-utos sa kaniya.
The horror on her face that day was priceless. It was so entertaining. Nabusog nga ako sa mga mura niya noong araw na iyon, eh.
“Surprise? It’s your meet and greet with your relatives today! Congratulations, Countess Evangeline!” I clapped my hands and said with a wide smile.
She trembled and sat on the floor when she saw me suddenly appear in her room. She probably wanted to scream, but she couldn't because a sharp sword was pointed at her forehead.
Hindi niya ako makilala sa gabi na iyon because I changed my hair color to black. I also wore a half mask na tanging labi at mga mata ko lamang ang makikita niya. Binago ko din ang kulay ng aking mga mata, from ash brown ay naging itim ito.
I threatened her that same night, so she stopped giving orders to Mama the next day. Not just to Mama but to others as well. I even heard that she suddenly donated a large sum of money to an orphanage, which really amused me.
Parang tanga.
Napapailing na lamang ako habang inaalala ang pangyayari na iyon.
“We have arrived, Countess Sara and Lady Naseria,” our coachman informed us.
Mama thanked him before the door was opened. Papa was waiting for us outside.
Inalalayan nila kami sa pagbaba. Nauuna sa paglalakad si Kuya at si Mama, nakasunod naman kami ni Papa.
Kung hindi lamang ako sanay sa mga titig ay baka kanina pa ako nagtago. Their gazes were different, especially towards me. I even overheard them whispering, mentioning something about me being my brother's fiancée.
Papa and I exchanged glances and chuckled softly.
The rumors seemed to have spread quickly. So when our arrival was announced, the spotlight figuratively fell on us. Hindi literal na spotlight, ah. But the attention was definitely on us.
“Relax, my dear. Don’t mind the stares and just enjoy the night, okay?”
I smiled and nodded. Yay! I wasn't really nervous. It was more about being restless due to excitement.
Damn, magsisimula na ang nobela!
YOU ARE READING
Awakening in White Locks
Fantasy"I love you," he whispered, their foreheads gently touching. A tear escaped her eye, for she understood that "I love you" was once a beautiful melody, but now it threatened to transform into a tragic symphony. "I will soon have to leave you," she co...
