Societas Custodes Series 1: Nieves Arquillano Vista-Avenged

7

Claire felt an uncomfortable prick on her skin from across the table. It was the type of discomfort that she grew to mask over the years. It was burning like acid and obviously maniac. But it was the least of her concern. What matters for her as of the moment is that she successfully caught the attention of her mission of interest.

This is how she plans to gain Specialist Vista's trust.

She had met the Governor and his wife, who celebrates her birthday tonight, and the Vice Governor and his wife. The wives seemed to be overly fond of her that it icks her very being. They are too obvious actually.

Her ears are already itching from the overflowing compliments Missus Hilario had been showering her since they decided to settle down.

They aren't supposed to be here in the principal table. However, Kill decided it was better to join them as they asked for it, and well, it was easier that way for the two of them. It is the most convenient.

"You wore diamonds tonight," Missus Valdez pointed out as she leaned closer to her side. Unfortunately for Claire, the woman caught her arm first to put her on the seat beside her despite Missus Hilario inviting her first to her side. Siya ang may birthday kaya sa kaniya dapat siya tatabi pero sa kalagitnaan ng mga pangyayari, napagtanto niya rin na mas pabor sa kanya kung tatabi siya kay Missus Valdez.

On Claire's right side was Kill, of course. Beside Kill was the Governor. And then his wife. Then between his wife and Missus Valdez is the Vice Governor.

Matinding pagpipigil ang ginawa ni Claire para hindi mapangiwi sa ayos nila. She could not fathom how the Governor could put his number one competitor-contrary to what they show the public, they don't seem to be cool with each other so she refuses to call the two friends-on the same table as him-the principal table!

Claire flashed a gentle smile with a faint of shyness in her eyes.

"I felt like it would fit for the event since it's the birthday of our province's first lady who shines like a diamond," sabay sulyap kay Missus Hilario. Claire bobbed her chin a little. "Happy birthday, Missus Hilario."

Hindi maitago ng ginang ang labis na tuwa at aliw. Her eyes gleamed like stars twinkling at her. Ang laki pa ng ngiti sa labi na halos mapunit na nga iyon.

"Oh, dear. You may just call me Danica..." her sweet smile was over-done that Claire's lips twitched a little. Ginawa na talaga nila na personality ang pagiging plastik.

I mean, how different am I? She rather thought.

The devil in her head chimed, it's her personality, but it's your profession. Faking, that is.

"Lovely name you have, Danica. It just suits you very well."

Danica giggled and waved her hand a bit in the air, dismissing her compliment lightly.

"You are to say, Miss Hosain."

Claire feigned a gasp of surprise.

"Oh, Samantha will do."

Danica stilled, a paint of pink flushing on her cheeks despite the layers of make-up. Her smile faltered as confusion flashed in her eyes.

"Am I allowed to..." the hesitation in her tone was thick that Claire had the urge to reach for her hand across the huge round table. However, she was too far, kaya mas minabuti niya na pagdaupin ang mga kamay sa ibabaw ng lamesa. "Don't fret, Danica." 'Saka siya nagtaas ng mga kilay. "It's not as if I'm the direct heir. I'm just a Miss Hosain, so it doesn't really matter."

Claire introduced herself as a Hosain when she noticed earlier how the two women were having a run-through of one another. From head-to-toe. Pinanood niya kung paano kinilatis ng dalawa ang isa't isa. First, she noticed how they looked at each other's dresses, and the rest followed.