Celestine And Helios | A Novelette By Arki Aaron

Chapter 2

Tahimik akong naghihintay sa isang malaking kwarto. Ang lakas ng air conditioner dito kaya hindi ko maiwasan na hawakan ang braso ko dahil sa sobrang lamig. Sobrabg laki rin ng kwarto na ito at halatang hindi karaniwang tao ang nag-ma-may-ari nito.

Nakaupo ako sa sofa habang naghihintay. As I explored the room with my eyes, I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the space. The walls were painted a pristine white, creating a sense of calm and serenity. Above, the ceiling was a soft shade of gray, adorned with a magnificent crystal chandelier that sparkled like a constellation in the night sky.
In the center of the room stood the main table, a sturdy yet elegant piece of furniture. It was of medium size, cluttered with various folders and paperwork, each one meticulously organized. Napakaperpekto ng pagkakaayos nito na tila ba hindi nagagalaw ng may-ari. Lamps and pencil stands dotted its surface, adding a touch of practicality to the otherwise formal setting.
Despite the luxuriousness of the chandelier above, the room felt warm and inviting, with sunlight streaming in through the windows and casting a soft glow over everything it touched. It was a space that shows both professionalism and comfort, a reflection of the man who called it his own.

But something caught my attention. The black nameplate with a name engraved on it using a gold liquid.

Helbert Stanford
Chief Executive Officer

Nabaling ang atensyon ko nang biglang bumukas ang pinto. Mula roon ay pumasok ang isang lalaki, pinagbuksan siya ng mga lalaking naka-suit. Earlier, the man wore a casual jacket, blending into the crowd with ease. But now, in his formal attire, he stood out like royalty amidst commoners. His crisp shirt and tailored trousers spoke of sophistication and refinement, while a sleek tie added a touch of elegance to his ensemble.

Every detail seemed meticulously chosen, from the perfectly polished shoes to the subtle gleam of cufflinks at his wrists. He carried himself with an air of confidence, his posture straight and regal, as if he belonged to a world far above the one we inhabited.

As I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. He seemed to embody nobility, with a grace and poise that set him apart from the rest. In that moment, he was more than just a man – he was a figure of authority, commanding attention and respect without saying a word.

Sandali nga, siya ba ang boss sa building na ito? Kung oo man ang sagit, bakit siya hinahabol kanina ng mga tumawag sa kaniya ng young master?

Argh! Ano ba itong pinasok ko? Gusto ko lang naman maghanap ng work tapos bigla akong napunta sa lugar na ito.

Nakapako lang ang tingin ko sa lalaki at pinagmasdan siya hanggang sa makaupo. He sat on the swivel chair behind the table with a nameplate.

So he is Helbert.

"I'm back, Celestine,” his voice echoed in my ears. The way he says my name feels like I’ve been hearing it always. I remained silent as I look at him, examining his appearance. Siya nga ang lalaki kanina.

"Yes, Celestine, I’m that guy from earlier. I haven't introduced myself yet, right? I am Helios Stanford," he introduced, as if he heard what I was thinking.

Grabe hindi ko siya nakilala dahil sa suot niya. He's wearing a black and gray suit, his hair were brushed up and he is also wearing  a thin framed glasses. Ibang-iba ang aura niya kanina.

Pero sandali. "Helios?" tanong ko saka tumingin sa nameplate na nasa lamesa.

"Oh, that is my father. Helbert. I am Helios, his son, and the heir of this company." Wala akong masagot dahil sa mga narinig ko. Siya? Tagapag-mana ng kumpanya? Naglolokohan ba kami rito? Is this a prank or what?

"And I apologize for what happened earlier. Those people who were chasing us were my bodyguards, I escaped from them because I wanted to go to the mall but they didn't let me," he explained.

I sighed in relief. Buti naman at hindi sindikato ang pinasok ko. Akala ko pa naman mapapahamak ako dahil sa pagiging padalos-dalos ko.

"We are not a syndicate so don't worry," he chuckled. Wait, is he reading my mind?

"About the work I'm talking about, here are the papers you have to sign." Then he handed me a clear folder with papers inside. Kinuha ko iyon at kinuha ang ballpen sa bulsa ko.

I was about to sign the papers when I saw the bold text written above. I gasped upon realizing what kind of papers I am signing.

"Marriage contract?!" I exclaimed.

***

As Helios made his proposal, my heart raced with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. The terms he offered seemed too good to be true – financial support for my mother's hospital bills, a house for us to live in, and even help with his father's debt. Noong una ay ayokong maniwala sa sinasabi niya, pero sa kabila noon ay wala nang ibang tumakbo sa isip ko kundi ang nanay ko.

Yes, I know, I was a push-over, decisive, and moron but it turns out well thanks goodness.

It was overwhelming, to say the least. I had never imagined such a generous offer, especially from someone I had only just met. And yet, as I looked into his sincere eyes, I knew that he meant every word he said.

With a trembling voice, I accepted his proposal, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as if a burden had been lifted. In that moment, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with hope and possibility. Hindi naman mahalaga sa akin ang iba sa mga offer niya, ang nasa isip ko lang talaga ay makapagpa-opera ang nanay ko para maagapan ang sakit niya.

As we sealed our agreement with a handshake, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Helios. He had come into my life like a guardian angel, offering me a lifeline when I needed it most.

In the days that followed, Helios proved to be a man of his word. He wasted no time in arranging for my mother's medical expenses to be taken care of, ensuring that she received the best possible care without any financial burden weighing us down.
True to his promise, he also provided us with a beautiful house to call our own, a sanctuary where we could rebuild our lives together. It was a far cry from the cramped apartment we had once shared, a symbol of the new beginning that Helios had brought into our lives.

Habang nasa hospital si mama ay wala kaming binayaran na kahit piso. Lahat ay sinagot niya, mula sa gamot hanggang sa hospital bills. Naka-schedule na ang operasyon ni mama sa makalawa.

Kahit may kapalit ang pagpapakasal namin ay hindi ko pa rin maiwasang mapaisip. Ano kayang pakiramdam kung ang mapapakasalanan ko ay mahal ko at matagal ko nang kilala. Mabait naman si Helios, but still I want to marry someone whom I have known for years.

I am currently sitting on a couch inside Helios’ mansion, abala ang maid at butler nila dahil may mga pupuntang bisita sa mansion. While I was waiting, I decided to go to the garden, wala kasing masyadong tao rito.

The garden within Helios' mansion was a serene haven, a slice of natural splendor tucked away within the opulence of the estate.

Tall trees stood tall, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, while colorful flowers bloomed in neat rows, painting the landscape with vibrant hues. A winding path led through the garden, flanked by lush greenery and dotted with quaint stone benches, inviting moments of quiet contemplation.

At the heart of the garden, a tranquil fountain sparkled in the sunlight, its gentle babbling adding a soothing soundtrack to the scene. As I wandered through the garden, the scent of flowers filled the air, enveloping me in a sense of peace and tranquility.

In Helios' garden, amidst the beauty of nature, I found a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was a place of quiet beauty, where time seemed to slow down and the worries of the world faded away.