TOXIC (Dark Mafia Romance)

Chapter 9 (1 of 2)

THE HOURS rushed by in a blur.

I couldn't remember everything that happened.

The program started, the emcee called in Natasha Almeda to give her opening remarks, then a few more people talked and gave speeches. Then Marilyn Ramos got up on stage to award some of the successful personalities who were once beneficiaries of the foundation.

Like her.

Marilyn Ramos.

She was successful, sophisticated, and mature. Everything about the woman exuded elegance and style.

I was childish and unaccomplished compared to the woman. Even my dress was childish with its champagne color, shimmery fabric, and sweetheart neckline. Marilyn was a successful woman while I was a child playing dress-up.

I kept my gaze on the stage and forced myself to smile and clap at the right moment. I forced myself to chat and laugh with my tablemates. I forced myself to swallow down the hors d'oeuvre, the appetizer, the salad, the main course, and the dessert. I choked down my wine.

I never looked at De Luca's table.

From my tablemates' murmuring, I knew he sat with Marilyn and Tita Natasha.

And when at last, the dancing started, I smiled at my seatmates and was about to excuse myself to the restroom, but Leandro smiled bright at me and grasped my hand.

"Let's dance, Toni."

"Uhm...I'd rather not."

"Oh, okay." Masigla uling ngumiti ang lalaki at pinisil ang kamay ko, pero ramdam ko ang titig sa akin ng iba naming mga kasama sa mesa.

It was an understanding gaze as if they could all sympathize why I wouldn't want to socialize much. And they were correct, I just didn't have it in me to socialize as much as I used to. Their outright sympathy shouldn't have bothered me, I didn't have to prove anything to anyone. But sometimes, kind looks could be just as nauseating as judgmental gazes. And wasn't I here to show my face to everyone and prove that everything's okay with Sola Corporation? I should dance at least once.

Ngumiti din ako kay Leandro. "On second thought, sure, let's have one dance."

My friend grinned and we stood together with our arms interlinked.

Marami nang mga nagsasayaw sa dance floor, at malamyos ang tunog ng orchestra sa hangin.

"I just need to ask you something, Toni." Marahang inilapat ng kaibigan ang palad niya sa likod ko habang ang kabila niyang kamay ay pinagsaklop ang aming mga palad.

"What is it?" I put one hand on Leandro's shoulder blade as the other clasped his in the classic waltz position. We found our beat and slid our feet across the dance floor.

"Tell me, Antonia, dear," Leandro mused as we glided with the other couples. "Have you met Alessio De Luca before?"

Gumewang ang takong ko nang marinig ang sinabi ng lalaki, at napahigpit ang kapit ko sa balikat ng kasayaw. "What?"

Bahagyang tumawa si Leandro, at humigpit din ang hawak niya sa kamay ko para alalayan ako. "Careful, Toni."

"What do you mean?" May bahagyang nginig ang aking tinig.

Nagkibit balikat ang kausap. "I just noticed he's been staring at you a lot since he arrived."

May kumislot sa tiyan ko at tumambol ang puso ko sa dibdib. "What are you talking about?"

"He's been staring at our table since he got here, Toni. He's been staring at you."

"You're imagining things, Lean," mabilis kong tangi, at ramdam ko ang lalong pagbilis ng tibok ng aking puso. "He's probably just looking around."