2031, Raizen's POV
"Atty. Serrano, is it true that you're planning to join politics?"
"What can you say about the rumors that your father was bribed during his term by the President of Villados Premier Health Holdings, Dr. Dominic Villados Sr., for the DOH Secretary position?"
"Are you really running for Senator next year alongside your father, Atty. Serrano?"
"People are asking if you are truly in a relationship with Damian Villados, or if this is just an excuse to continue the partnership between your families?"
Fucking questions hit me like a tidal wave, halos wala na nga ako maintindihan eh. I clenched my jaw and pushed through the swarm of reporters outside the office.
It was only 7 in the morning— couldn't they give me a break? The cameras flashed in my face, blinding me momentarily. I felt my patience wearing thin habang napapalibutan nila ako, muntik na ako 'di makausad.
I wanted to shout back, to tell them to mind their own business, but I knew better than to give them more fodder for their stories.
"Told you, you should hire bodyguards," Helen, my secretary, muttered, shaking her head nang siya bumungad sa 'kin pagpasok.
"For what?" I asked innocently, trying to lighten the mood. "Mr. Dirham's here to protect me." I cracked a smile just as I spotted Percival emerging from his office, may hawak pa na coffee.
He rolled his eyes, "Would never take a bullet for you, sorry."
I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to break the tension, but the humor quickly faded as I stepped into my own office.
The door clicked shut behind me, muting the noise from outside. I loosened my tie, feeling it suddenly choke me, and sank heavily into my swivel chair. Napalingon ako sa window, kung nasa'n mga reporters, mukhang walang plano umalis.
Their relentless questions echoed in my head, each one a reminder of how fucked up my father is. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, and tried to push it all away, even if just for a moment.
I heard the door open but I didn't bother looking who it was. Si Percival lang naman pumapasok sa office ko without knocking.
I still can't believe na sumali siya sa law firm ko instead na mag-stay sa law firm ng family niya, which is bigger than mine obviously. I think he has weird issues or something.
Nag-focus ako sa papers sa desk ko, trying to immerse myself sa bawat details na tatrabahuhin ko just to escape the growing anxiety.
"So," Percival began, settling into the couch with his legs crossed and arms draped over the backrest. "Sa tingin mo, kailan ka tatantanan ng mga reporters?"
I shrugged, trying to ignore yung pagkairita ko deep inside. "They'll give up in a week, most likely."
Percival's gaze, sharp and calculating, bore into me. "Not when your father starts stirring the pot again."
His words hit harder than I expected, and I grimaced. I didn't want to deal with my father anymore, his actions seemed to only add fuel to the fire. Lagi na lang niya pinapahirapan buhay ko, intentionally and not.
I sighed deeply, wishing I could distance myself sa mga consequences ng pinaggagagawa niya at issues na pinakalat niya.
"Does Ian know?" Percival's question pierced through my thoughts, freezing me in place.
