THE CONGRESSMAN'S MUSE (Sandro Marcos)

Chapter 14: The Rival's Threat

Sandro sat in his office, the mid-morning sun streaming through the blinds and casting sharp lines of light across his desk. He had been staring at the same document for nearly half an hour, his mind elsewhere. The weight of the last few weeks hung heavy on his shoulders, and the burden of secrecy was beginning to take its toll. Even the simplest tasks seemed insurmountable when his thoughts constantly drifted to Lexi and the precariousness of their situation.

A sharp knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. It was his assistant, Laura, a look of concern etched on her face.

"Congressman, there's someone here to see you," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "It's Councilor Raul Mendoza."

Sandro's expression tightened. Raul Mendoza was a seasoned councilor from the opposing party and a well-known political rival. He had a reputation for being ruthless and cunning, often using any means necessary to gain leverage over his opponents. Sandro had crossed paths with Mendoza many times, but the councilor's sudden visit was unexpected—and unwelcome.

"Send him in," Sandro said, masking his irritation with a polite nod.

Laura stepped aside, and Mendoza entered the office with a self-assured swagger. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man in his fifties, with a perpetual smirk that gave the impression he knew something others did not. As he approached Sandro's desk, he extended his hand with an overly friendly smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Congressman Marcos," Mendoza greeted, his tone dripping with false cordiality. "Always a pleasure."

Sandro stood, shaking the man's hand with a measured firmness. "Councilor Mendoza, to what do I owe the visit?"

Mendoza chuckled, settling into one of the chairs across from Sandro's desk. He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, the picture of casual confidence.

"Oh, just thought I'd drop by," Mendoza said lightly. "It's been a while since we had a proper chat, don't you think?"

Sandro forced a smile, sensing the ulterior motive behind the pleasantries. "Yes, it has. So, what can I do for you?"

Mendoza's expression shifted subtly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I've been hearing some interesting things lately," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "About you, specifically."

Sandro's posture stiffened, but he kept his expression neutral. "Is that so?"

Mendoza nodded, his smirk widening. "Yes. Seems you've been quite busy outside of your usual political duties. Rumor has it you've taken a special interest in a certain model from Ilocos Sur. The Governor's daughter, no less."

Sandro's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't let his composure falter. He met Mendoza's gaze head-on, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Rumors are just that—rumors. I'd be careful about believing everything you hear, Councilor."

Mendoza shrugged, unbothered by Sandro's icy response. "Of course, of course. But you know how it is in our line of work, Congressman. Perception is everything. And right now, the perception isn't exactly in your favor."

Sandro felt a surge of anger, but he kept it in check, refusing to give Mendoza the satisfaction of seeing him rattled. "What exactly are you implying, Mendoza?"

Mendoza leaned forward, his expression growing more serious. "I'm implying that people are starting to talk, Sandro. And if these rumors gain traction, they could do a lot of damage—to you, your career, and your family. Not to mention the Governor's reputation. I'm sure neither of you would want that kind of scandal, especially with the upcoming elections."

Sandro's jaw tightened. It was a thinly veiled threat, and Mendoza knew it. The councilor was trying to rattle him, to exploit the situation for his own gain. Sandro could feel the noose tightening, the walls closing in as Mendoza's words sank in.