Protecting What's Hers

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Katherine Evans

"When you two decided to publicly announce your engagement last week, the internet community was shocked. You two are really adept at keeping your relationship a secret as I can tell. But may we know if this is for work-related reasons?"

I composed myself, ready to answer the questions that the host has been throwing at us but a voice immediately cut me off.

My eyes narrowed as the man reached for my hand on the table and my ears didn't miss how the audience started squealing.

"Actually, Katherine and I have been pursuing each other for the past two years, and we have chosen to move our relationship forward. Being a business partner is just a plus for the two of us."

He squeezed my hand as the camera flashes, almost blinding me as I try to fix my eyesight.

"Indeed, you folks heard it correctly. There was courting and sincere sentiments in the relationship. Their relationship bloomed with genuine love."

Oh please.

I almost rolled my eyes in irritation but I immediately masked it off.

"Well, Mr. Suarez and Ms. Evans, we appreciate you accepting our invitation."

The interviewer stood up to shake our hands that I gladly accepted before I excused myself.

This is suffocating.

My father's grip on the cords he forcibly knotted around me has held me captive for my whole life. Treating me like a puppet that he may manipulate whenever he pleases

"Amelia, have my car ready. I'm leaving in five."

My assistant nodded her head as she gracefully tapped the screen of her phone.

Napabuntong hininga nalang ako as my body dipped on the chair in the dressing room. Sapo sapo ko ang noo as I draw a circular motion on my skin with my index and thumb finger, trying to ease the ache.

"Babe." The door burst open and I immediately squeezed my eyes shut. That freaking endearment, nakakaumay. "We're having dinner together with the staff."

Itinaas ko ang palad ko as the guy attempted to go near me. Agad naman itong napatigil as his eyes start taking in my situation.

"I'm not going, Brendan. I told you masama ang pakiramdam ko but still you insist."

He rolled his eyes and let out a huff, trying to control his frustrations dahil hindi ko ito pinagbigyan.

"Fine, ihahatid nalang kita sa sasakyan."

Hindi na ako nagprotesta pa as the guy took my belongings and offered his hand for me to hold onto while we were walking.

Agad ko naman iminuwestra sa assistant ko na kunin ang gamit na siyang hawak hawak ng lalaki ng makaabot ako sa puting sasakyan.

"Hit me up if you've arrived home."

Hindi ko na ito sinagot pa at agad na pumasok ng passenger seat.

━━━༻❁༺━━━

"Come back and get your girl."

Halos ilang minuto na akong nakatulala sa hawak hawak kong cellphone.

The grip that I have on the phone is enough to make my veins protrude, mirroring how I clench my jaw so hard in frustration.

I've been having a hard time dealing with my emotions lately and seeing the damn facebook live really does add up a lot of stress in my mind.