Shadows of Serendipity - Hambebe AU

Chapter 71

After a while of waiting, Sydney's family's personal driver arrived. As soon as nakatanggap na pala ng update ang tatay ni Sydney na narito na sila sa Australia, agad niyang pinadala ang driver upang sunduin sila.

The driver opened the backseat door for both Mich and Sydney, giving them a smile as he talked with his Australian accent.

"It's nice to see you again, Ms. Sevilleja and Ms. Lim."

Sydney gave the smile back before responding, "I told you, kuya, you can just call me Syd when we're out of my dad's sight."

"Nonsense! I may be your kuya, but I'm afraid that it's obligatory for me to address you as such, as per your dad's condition." Sagot sa kaniya ng family driver nila, his accent still heavy when he said 'kuya'. "I do appreciate the gesture, though, ma'am. But I don't want Mr. Sevilleja to find out that I'm disrespecting his daughter. I do wanna keep my job, still."

Sydney rolled her eyes. Siyempre wala rin naman na siyang palag do'n, tatay niya na nagsabi eh. Wala naman na siyang magagawa kundi hayaan na lang si kuya na magalang ang approach sa kaniya.

Umupo na sila Sydney at Mich sa loob ng kotse while the driver loaded their luggages inside the trunk before closing it and entering the car, into the driver's seat.

The driver started the engine and drove off, letting the silence consume them from inside the car.

Mabilis lang naman ang naging biyahe nila. Wala ring gaanong traffic at maluwag ang daan, something that they don't often experience in Philippines, according to Mich.

"Ms. Lim, pardon for the late notice, but Mr. Sevilleja had already invited your parents over his company to be present with him to welcome both of you together with Ms. Sevilleja." The driver informed them after parking the car outside and in front the Sevilleja's company building.

Mich nodded in understanding. "Got it, no worries, kuya."

The driver went outside and opened the backseat door for the two, letting them step outside before closing it and walking towards the trunk to get their luggages.

After Mich and Sydney got off, they immediately saw a tall and serious man standing in front of the building, along with some security personnel. The man's appearance was something that Mich was already familiar of— Sydney's father. Matangos ang ilong, maputi, at halatang disente ang dating, wearing a tailored suit that makes others look like a peasant beside him. Someone that you wouldn't want to mess around with dahil halatang kayang-kaya niyang bayaran ang buong pagkatao mo.

"Hi, 'dy." Walang ganang bati sa kaniya ng kaniyang nag-iisang anak na si Sydney.

Of course, if there's anyone else in this world who dare to disrespect him, it's his own daughter.

Sydney’s father, Mr. Sevilleja, maintained his stoic expression as he looked at her. Hindi na rin bago sa kaniya ang ugali ng kaniyang anak.

"Hello, Sydney," he replied, his voice deep and composed. "I see you and Mich have arrived safely."

"Yes, we did," Sydney replied, her tone flat as if this was just another routine, another formality she had to endure. "Thanks to kuya."

Mr. Sevilleja nodded slightly. "I'm glad to hear that." He then turned his gaze to Mich, his expression softening just a bit. "Mich, it's good to see you back here, again. You were just here... I think 2 weeks ago? Am I right?"

Mich nodded, also keeping her composure and words formal. "Yes, sir."

"Hmm, I wonder why Sydney doesn't accompany you here when you do."