THE HILARIOUS HUSBAND (LEE BROTHERS #2)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

ENCOUNTER PART III (ELISSE)

❥ ELISSE GARCIA ❥

Habang nagmamaneho ako papunta sa M-Power Hotel, halu-halong emosyon ang nararamdaman ko. Masakit na masaya, na may halong kilig habang iniisip kong si Miles ang pagbibigyan ko ng pinakaiingatan ko. I don't know why, but there's something about Miles that makes me feel this way—vulnerable and tender, as if I can let down all my guards around him.

Pero pagdating ko naman sa bahay, I become closed off again, retreating into my shell. Even with my siblings, I put on a stiff, distant demeanor.

It's not a new habit; it's how I've always been. I've grown accustomed to being known for my quiet, standoffish nature. People know me as someone who's reserved, even cold-hearted at times. I've never been one for socializing unless it's directly related to business.

Kapag nasa isang event naman ako, namimili lang ako ng kakausapin, kung sino lang 'yong papansin sa 'kin o sa tingin ko ay makaka-vibes ko. Kakausapin o pakikisamahan ko lamang din ang isang tao kung kailangan. Kung hindi naman ay mas prefer kong mapag-isa dahil doon ako mas komportable. It's not that I dislike people; it's just that being around them requires a level of energy that I find draining.

Being introverted means that social interactions, even with those I care about, often feel like a chore rather than a pleasure. I prefer to keep things minimal, engaging only when it's absolutely necessary. The rest of the time, I find solace in solitude, where I can recharge and find comfort in my own thoughts.

Pero... may mga oras naman na kapag ibinuka ko ang bibig ko, alam kong may bigat ang bawat salitang bibitawan ko. Tulad minsan sa mga kapatid kong mana sa pinagmanahan nila—na isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi kami magkakasundo. Kapag may pagkakataon na sumusobra na sila, I don't hesitate to put them in their place. I've learned that silence can be a weapon, but so can a sharp tongue. When someone deserves to be put down or criticized, I can deliver the blow with precision. It's not about being cruel for the sake of it; it's about maintaining standards and showing that I won't tolerate anything less.

I've seen the way my siblings react when I speak up. There's a mix of shock and fear, because I don't do it often, but when I do, it's usually because they pushed too far. My words can cut deep, and I know how to strike where it hurts. It's not something I take lightly, but I also don't shy away from it when it's necessary.

Ang totoo nga ay bukod kay Daddy, isa ako sa kinatatakutan sa bahay, kahit ng mga maids namin. It's part of who I am—reserved most of the time, but when provoked, I can be as fierce as I am quiet.

⫘⫘⫘

Pagpasok ko sa M-Power Hotel, alam ko na agad kung saan pupuntahan ang boyfriend ko dahil nag-message siya sa 'kin na nasa lobby na siya. Habang palapit ako sa kaniya, gumuhit agad sa labi namin ang ngiti, lalo nang matanaw kong may dala siya bulaklak. Ganunpaman, ramdam ko ang bigat ng dibdib, knowing na ito na ang huli naming pagsasama.

"Kanina ka pa?" tanong ko sa kaniya nang yakapin niya ako oras na magkalapit kami.

"Nope. Kararating-rating lang din." Bumitaw siya nang may ngiti pa rin sa labi, 'tsaka niya inabot sa 'kin ang bouquet na hawak niya. Peach roses. "Happy anniversary again, love."

Hindi ako sumagot, imbes ay nginitian lang siya nang bahagya dahil naninikip ang dibdib ko sa isiping una at huling anniversary na namin ito.

"Gusto mo bang kumain muna tayo sa restaurant nila rito, or should we just order room service instead?"

Napalunok ako at hindi agad nakakibo. "Uh... room service. M-May room na ba tayo?"

Nginitian niya ako at tila nalaglag ang puso ko nang muli kong nasilayan ang dimple niya sa isang gilid ng labi na lalong nagpapalakas sa appeal niya. "Yeah, I've already taken care of that." 'Tsaka niya pinakita sa 'kin 'yong key card. "Let's go?"