Why We Fear The Storm

Chapter 3

Familiar Stranger

Inayos ni Charity ang strap ng duffel bag na nakasabit sa kaniyang balikat nang sa wakas ay makarating siya sa Elysian Island Resorts. Unti-unting bumagal ang lakad niya nang masilayan ang kabuuan ng entrance ng resort.

Nang tuluyan siyang makapasok, hindi niya napigilang humanga sa interior nito. Kumikinang ang marble na sahig dahil sa liwanag na nanggagaling sa malalaking bintana ng resort. Sa bawat sulok, makikita ang mga detalyadong dekorasyon na may halong modern at tropical designs—mga kahoy na muwebles, nagtataasang halaman, at mga art piece na hindi maipagkakailang hango sa tema ng dagat.

Everything around her felt so polished, so perfect, but inside, Charity was anything but calm. Labis ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya habang naglalakad patungo sa front desk. This wasn't just another writing gig—this was the opportunity she'd been waiting for.

The one that could finally prove to herself, and to everyone else, that she was capable of handling something bigger, something real.

Ngunit kahit alam niyang pinagkatiwalaan na siya ng management, hindi pa rin mawala ang kaba sa kaniya.

What if I mess this up? 

Muling bumalik sa kaniya ang maliliit na boses ng kaniyang kapatid, ang masasakit na salita ni Charlotte, at ang dismayadong mga titig ni Charlene.

No. She had to block those voices out. This was her shot.

Inabot niya ang ID sa receptionist upang kumpirmahin ang booking. Habang naghihintay, iginala niya ang mga mata sa paligid.

The polished atmosphere made her feel out of place—like she didn't quite belong in a world this pristine. But she'd come here to work, to bury herself in the project, to forget about all the chaos back home.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Villanueva," the manager greeted her with a wide, practiced smile. "Welcome to Elysian Isle Resorts. You're here for the rebranding campaign, correct?"

Charity nodded, trying to appear calm and composed. "Yes, I'm here to document my experience."

She couldn't help but feel a little excited at the thought. Rebranding a luxury resort? It was the kind of assignment she'd always dreamed of. Pero hindi pa rin niya maiwasan ang kaba. After all, this was a major brand, and she was supposed to help shape its image.

"Here's your room key," the manager continued, sliding the glossy card across the desk. "You'll be in one of our ocean-view suites. Enjoy your stay, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

Charity thanked her. Kinuha niya ang susi at inilagay sa purse. But just as she turned to head toward the elevator, she saw a familiar stranger.

It was Nale Gideon Hidalgo.

Standing in his tailored navy suit. His jet-black hair was slicked back, giving him that air of quiet authority that made people stop and notice.

Pigil hininga niyang sinundan ito ng tingin. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa strap ng duffel bag. He stood at the other end of the lobby, tall and perfectly composed—just like he always had been. Despite the relaxed resort atmosphere, he still had that aura of someone who was always in control.

Her heart raced faster as memories of her long-standing crush on him rushed back. Ilang taon na ang nakalipas simula noong huli niya itong nakita. Pagkatapos ng graduation nila noong college, hindi na muling nagkrus ang landas nila. It had been years, but seeing him now still made her stomach flip the same way it did before.

Muli niyang naalala kung paano niya panuorin ang bawat galaw nito noon sa malayo. Nale was their student regent, the guy who seemed destined for greatness.