Behind the Facade

IX. New Home

"I don't think we can start it earlier. I've got things on my plate, damn." Zyan remarked, displaying a disappointed face. "You see, Dad has finally decided to pass down his position on me." Dagdag nito. My eyes sparkled in joy for him.

"Really?! Then, it's not a problem at all!" I assured him. Zyan gazed at me with the same look on his face, so I have to say something more to lift him up. "Seriously, I understand. This time is yours, Zyan. Spend every bit of it!" I added, having him sigh in the end.

"Isa pa, I've already got a prosecutor who could help me uncover it." I remarked, halting him. I looked into his eyes and say the name, "It's Reinleigh." Bakas sa mukha niya ang gulat nang marinig ang kasunod na sinabi ko. I would understand, though.

"That guy is a prosecutor?" he repeated and I nodded. Natahimik siya bigla, and there was a subtle change on his face, too. I couldn't point what it was, though.

"You have nothing to worry about." I spoke and reached for his shoulder to tap on. He briefly casted a glance at me, while I returned his gaze with a smile. Our conversation was briefly interrupted, however, when a ring from the phone suddenly arose. It wasn't mine as I recognize my ringtone, so it leaves with Zyan's phone.

Just seeing the caller, bumigat agad ang mga balikat nito. He heaved another long sigh again before bidding his farewell to me, dahil may gagawin pa raw itong related sa succession niya. Once he got into the taxi, umalis na rin ako sa gilid ng kalsada at napagpasyahang maghahanap na lang ng bagong tirahan. I need to get a comfortable place first before diving into the cases at hand.

Hindi kalayuan sa nilakaran ko, a unique styled structure caught my attention. While most of the buildings here are cube, ito namang gusali ay parang bilog sa aerial view! Nilapitan ko agad ito at nabasang isa pala itong condominium—Zadde Homes, to be exact. Meaning to say, pagmamay-ari ito ni Reinleigh.

"Are there any vacancies here?" I asked to the receptionist the moment I got inside. She rummaged her eyes on something on the table.

The lady then beamed at me after a few seconds as she made her response, "Masuwerte ka po, Ma'am! May nag-iisa na lamang na bakante, which would become yours if you were to get it!" her jovial manner of speaking makes me feel welcomed, kaya napangiti rin ako sa kaniya.

"I'll take it, then." Binigay niya agad sa'kin ang susi matapos kong magbayad through card. I asked if there were any duplicate of it. Nang sinabing mayro'n, ay kinuha ko rin 'to, while reasoning that it's for my friend when it's not. Just some safety precaution. I headed straight to the 5th floor where the unit 405 is placed.

I decided to take a quick sight of my condo. Pagbukas ko ng pinto, bumungad agad sa'kin ang chandelier, elegant furniture, and the renaissance paintings hanged on the wall that caught my attention. It's a cream-themed unit, kaya halos ang makikita ko rito ay ganoon din ang kulay.

"Not bad..." I murmured under my breath. I then sat on the couch while feeling how soft it was! Ngunit sa plano kong umupo lamang ay na-uwi sa pagtulog! Even I didn't see it coming!

Marahil ay hindi pa ganoong kakomportable ang katawan ko sa unit kaya't hindi rin nagtagal ang pagtulog ko. But when I realized what time it was, agad akong napabalikwas galing sa paghiga. I have to watch for Reinleigh pa pala! Agad akong nagtungo sa bathroom para mag-half bath. I was told that there are few free clothes here to wear, so I'm also taking advantage of it. Isang araw ko na rin kasing suot 'tong damit ko.

There was a formal, casual, and night clothes for men and women here, including undergarments. I chose the casual one and then headed out of the condo when I was satisfied of my looks.

Dumaan muna ako sa isang fast food chain, saka sa grocery store para bumili ng mga prutas. After half an hour, I finally found myself walking toward Reinleigh's private room with the foods I bought with me. But I ended up halting on the doorway when I was greeted with a woman beside the... My eyes briefly expanded nang makitang gising na siya.