Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel

Kabanata 33

KABANATA 33

Atasha's POV

A week had passed and everything goes smoothly. Elias hasn't visited me at my restaurant after our conversation that day. I'm just thankful that I won't have a hard time avoiding him.

I admit, even if I don't realize it myself, there's still some love left for him. Even though we've been apart for almost a month and a half, I still can't easily forget the long time we spent together.

It really isn't easy because he's the only man I've ever loved. But I know I really need to forget everything
because I know I've already lost. Ever since I found out that Jocelle is pregnant, I knew that I no longer have a fighting chance.

As usual, my daily routine involves going to work and immersing myself in tasks to distract from the emotional turmoil within. Each passing day, the weight of reality grows heavier on my shoulders, reminding me of the irreversible changes in my life. Despite sticking to my routine, it no longer brings comfort, as thoughts of what could have been continue to linger in my mind.

Pagkapasok ko sa opisina, dumako agad ang tingin ko sa sobreng nakalapag doon. Isang blue envelope at mukhang invitation ito. Nang basahin ko ang nasa likod ay halos mapasinghal ako at hindi makapaniwala sa nakaim-printa roon.

Mabilis kong nilabas mula sa sobre ang invitation card para alamin kung hindi nga ako nagkakamali.

You are invited to the wonderful engagement party of Jocelle Sadejas and Elias de Marcel.

Venue: Lima Park Hotel
Time: 7 P.M

"Engagement party my foot," sambit ko bago tinapon yun sa trashbin.

Sinikap kong ibaling sa iba ang atensyon ko, pinilit kong mag-focus sa mga papel na nakahain sa harapan ko. Ngunit hindi na nawala sa utak ko ang invitation na binigay nila. Hindi ko alam kung nanadya ba sila o sadyang gusto lang talaga ni Elias na ipamukha sa akin na ikakasal na siya sa babaeng yun.

Wow! Ikakasal? Real quick! Ramdam ko ang inis sa bawat parte ng ugat ko. Ilang buwan pa lang silang nagkasama at halos malabo pa ang lahat ng nangyayari, ngunit nag-desisyon agad si Elias na magpakasal. Samantalang ako inabot ng halos labing apat na taon sa paghihintay sa lintek na kasal na yan.

Tapos si Jocelle ilang buwan lang papakasalanan na agad? Okay, fine! So she's pregnant, and so what? Is it really necessary to marry a woman just because she got pregnant from a one night stand?

I feel like my blood pressure is rising, and I'm really annoyed. What's up, Elias? Is this the kind of woman you're replacing me with? What a cheap shot! You couldn't even choose a woman who could measure up to me.

I just took a sip of water because of the tension I'm feeling. They even had the nerve to invite me to their engagement! I let out a sigh before sitting back in the swivel chair. If that's what they want? Then be it. I will give them what they want.

Mabilis na dinampot ko ang phone at dinial agad ang number ni Kaeon. Hindi pa umabot ng tatlong ring ay sinagot na niya kaya napangiti ako.

"Sup, Atasha?" Masiglang bati niya sa akin sa kabilang linya.

"Are you free tonight?" Walang paligoy-ligoy na tanong ko sa kanya.

Ilang segundo siyang tahimik bago muling nagsalita. "Well, I'm always free. Why? Are you inviting me for a dinner date?" He jokingly said.

I just chuckled. "Not a dinner date, but I still want you to be my date tonight," I said with a smile.

"What's the occasion?"