Behind Every Pages

Chapter Thirty-eight:

Lestari

I didn't know what to say. We stared at each other for a long time. His brows furrowed as he gazed at me. What should I do? Anong irarason ko? Kinabahan ako lalo nang tumayo siya. Dear God. His gaze fell upon the two suitcases I hold tightly.

"Why are you here?" ayan na! Nagtanong na siya! Anong irarason ko? Bayad naman ako sa upa kila Ross. Wala na ang bahay ko, naibenta ko na sa kanila. Akala ko kasi hindi na siya babalik.

"Ahh k-kasi ano, ahm.. ano,"

"Ano?" He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at me. I know I couldn't handle it if he looked at me like that. It was truly terrifying.

"I-I was just checking, I'll leave now." I was about to turn around when he spoke again.

"You're living here, right?" I closed my eyes, trembling as I faced him. Nakakunot ang noo niya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Y-yes, p-pero nagbabayad naman ako kila Ross,” my tears welled up from nervousness and embarrassment. Why didn't they tell me he was coming back!

"I wasn't aware. Someone's living in my house?" napayuko na lang ako sa sobrang kaba. He was so serious, and it was truly intimidating.

"I-I'm sorry, I'll leave. I'll come back tomorrow to collect all my things." I couldn't hold back the tears, a mix of anxiety, fear, embarrassment, and the pain of speaking to him again but in this situation. Hindi ko man lang magawang magpaliwanag kung bakit tumitira ako dito.

I heard him sigh. "You can stay here. I won't be long." I looked at him in shock.

"N-no, hindi na. Aalis din ako kaagad. I shouldn't be living here anyway." I forced a smile and turned away.

"I said you're staying here." his baritone voice startled me with his command. I faced him again. "It's late, where else would you go if not to my house?" nakataas ang kilay niya.

"I-I'm going home." I was on the verge of tears from embarrassment and nervousness. Akala ba nila Ross at Euradice nakakatuwa sila?

"And where is that?" I looked at him. I remembered what happened five years ago. We left the mansion without him knowing anything. "Never mind. Come inside."

"I'm really leaving. I'll just book a ride to take me to—"

"Come inside," he said sternly. It felt like a lump formed in my throat as I tried to hold back a sob. "Why are you crying? Is there something you need to cry about?" his question was serious. It seemed like he was irritated that I was crying in front of him.

And it hurts.

He never used to speak to me like this. His words were always so gentle, as if he carefully considered everything he said. He never looked at me this way, as if I held no value to him now, as if he was furious with me. His eyes were lifeless. And when I cried, he never questioned why I was crying, kung may dapat ba akong iyakan, dahil ang una niyang ginagawa ay patahanin at pagaanin ang loob ko.

And I knew he was like this because of what I did, so I had no right to complain. I shouldn't be hurt. Why would he be like that if I left him before, if I hurt him before. He had every right to treat me this way.

"Nothing," my tears fell again. He turned away and went into his office. Agad akong kinabahan dahil may mga gamit ko na rin iyon. He quickly came out while rubbing his temples.

"Pati ba kuwarto ko inuukupa mo?" iritang tanong niya.

"N-no. I sleep in the guest room." I wiped my tears and pulled the two suitcases inside. I was surprised when he took one of my suitcases from my hand. It felt like an electric shock ran through my arm as I felt the roughness of his hand. I froze when I caught a whiff of his perfume, exuding wealth.