Skipped Heartbeats (Amorous Revival Series #5)

Chapter 5

Truth be told, fate expertly knows how to fuck with us.

Ang daming tanong na tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon na gusto kong ibato sa kanya ngunit wala akong ideya kung saan magsisimula. My world stopped spinning, lost its axis, exploded into tiny bits and drifted to nowhere. Right now, I'm only a speck of dust wandering in a stellar black hole.

"I'm Atty. Florentino Santillan, representing these individuals pro bono. From now on, I'll be the one to deal with the case regarding land disputes," pagpapakilala no'ng lalaking kasama ni Sir Evan na dumating dito.

Teka nga. Why do I keep calling him Sir Evan? He's no longer my teacher. I'm an adult. I'm also professional like him. We're equal.

Evan. Stick on calling him Evan, Xave.

Kung gaano kalakas ang epekto niya sa akin, taliwas iyon sa nakikita ko sa kanya. I could clearly see in my peripheral vision that he's treating me like a stranger. Wala man lang pagbabago ng ekspresyon na mapapansin sa kanyang mukha. This guy effortlessly learned how to waltz with nonchalance.

I cleared my throat and tried to compose myself back in the game.

"I'm Xebastiano Fonacier, Atty. Santillan," I introduced myself then received his open palm.

"I would appreciate it if you'd call me Atty. Ino, Mr. Fonacier. It's shorter that way," aniya. "Well then, let's proceed with today's agenda."

Hindi ako komportable na may pares ng mata na sinusuri ako na parang mailap na biktima. He's like a vicious eagle searching for a helpless prey.

"Is it okay if the people who aren't involved in this important matter should step outside for a moment, Atty. Ino? Labis kong ikatutuwa kung ako, ikaw, at ang mga residente lang ang maiiwan dito," may diin kong pahayag saka dumako ang tingin sa gawi ng kaaway.

Assistant ba siya ng abogadong kausap ko ngayon? Imposible kasing normal na residente lang siya dito dahil posturang-postura siya mula ulo hanggang paa. Like Atty. Ino, Evan is wearing formal clothes too. Everything about him screams expensive brands.

But, in the first place, bakit ba kasi siya nandito?

Pinalabas ko muna si Engr. Mendes kasama ang mga trabahador kaya lumuwag sa loob nitong kubo.

"Well, how about that guy?" I pointed out, referring to Evan who's leaning comfortably on the threshold of this hut.

"Atty. Madrigal is with me. Actually, he's the one who endorsed these families in our office."

What the actual fuck? How the fuck did that happen? He was just my teacher before but now... he suddenly became a lawyer? Nagdududa na tuloy ako kung panaginip lang ba lahat ng 'to. The information is too much to take it all in.

I reached my Aquaflask. Uminom ako ng tubig para masolusyunan ang panunuyo ng aking lalamunan.

I swear I heard Evan scoffed but he was too fast to change his mood when I glared at his direction.

"Straight to the point, Mr. Fonacier. Walang katumbas na halaga ang makapagpapa-alis sa mga pamilyang ito. Even if you grant them a lifetime of medical services without charge or turn them into an instant millionaire, there's no way that they will ever change their mind. They firmly told me yesterday that their decision will be final and irrevocable."

They left me with no other choice but to drop my ace of spades without thinking twice. I laid the documents on the table then crossed my arms, totally assuming victory.

"Read the content, Atty. Make sure that you're able to explain thoroughly the benefits they will get once they sign the papers," I smirked.

I studied Atty. Ino's face while he's busy reading each words printed on the paper. Napangisi ako nang mapansin ko ang pagbabago ng mukha niya. The confidence on his sleeves vanished into thin air. The frown on his face is marred with mere apprehension.