Brina hesitates at the entrance, her heart racing. Mula sa labas ng bahay ni Axel, dinig na dinig niya ang malakas na tugtog ng musika at tawanan ng mga tao na nasa loob.
After deciding to go inside, she’s greeted by the cheerful voices of her friends but is immediately struck by the sight of her ex-boyfriend Jerome and his new girlfriend Miya.
"Okay, Brina. You can do this. Just head to the party, enjoy it... don’t think about them." She muttering to herself.
She allows herself a small breath and steps inside. The atmosphere is vibrant, and she spots Maki and Axel.
"Ma fren! You made it! I’m so glad you’re here!" Dinig niyang sigaw ni Maki habang masiglang papalapit ito sa kinaroroonan niya. Agad niya din itong sinalubungan ng matamis na ngiti.
"Seriously, I thought you weren’t coming! This party just got even better!" Axel's grinning widely.
"Thanks! I didn’t want to miss your big day." Brina forcing a smile to Axel.
As she looks around, her gaze lands on Jerome and Miya, who are laughing together.
Suddenly, the moment feels heavier.
"Ugh, why did it have to be them?" Mahinang bulong niya sa kaniyang sarili.
Before she can dwell on her thoughts, Maki nudges her.
"Come on, let’s grab a drink and celebrate! You can’t let them ruin your night." Nakangiting tugon ng kaibigan saka ito inanyayahang umupo sa bakanteng upuan kasama si Axel.
After mingling for a while, Brina subconsciously drifts towards the bathroom.
She leaves feeling a bit lighter, only to freeze upon seeing Miya waiting in the hallway.
Habang papalapit siya sa kinaroroonan ni Miya, nakita niya ang unti unting pag ngiti ng dalaga sa kaniya.
"Brina! Fancy meeting you here." Aniya pa nito.
Brina forcing a smile. "Hi. I’m just heading back to them." Simpleng tugon niya habang tinuturo ang kinaroroonan nina Axel at Maki.
"You know, it’s so nice to see everyone getting along. I hope you’re not upset about... everything." Tugon ni Miya na may nakakalokong ngiti sa labi.
Brina narrows her eyes slightly, recalling the past.
"Right, well, that’s life, I guess. Just moves on."
Miya stepping a bit closer, her voice low. "You know, it’s really great that Jerome found someone like me. I mean, I could never imagine being involved with, let’s say, someone who... " Saglit na tumigil si Miya saka tinignan ng nakakalokong tingin si Brina mula ulo hanggang paa. "boring... Laging sinasabi sa akin ni Jerome, hindi ka daw marunong manamit, mag ayos ng sarili. Ni hindi mo kayang sabayan yong mga hilig niya noong mga panahon na kayo pa."
Brina feels her heart race, the tension in the air now palpable.
Lumunok si Brina bago tinignan sa mga mata ang nakangiting si Miya.
"You know what? I’m happy for Jerome. I genuinely hope you both enjoy each other’s company… or whatever it is you have going on."
Miya eyes glinting. "Oh, don’t worry, Brina. I know how to keep him happy."
Brina takes a breath, gathering her resolve.
"Great! Here’s to making sure everyone is happy, then." **She smiles sweetly, turning to walk past Miya.
As she re-enters the party, she can feel the weight lifting off her shoulders, no longer worried about what Miya thinks.
Axel noticing her and he smile. " There you are! Let’s cut the cake!"
" Yay! Cake it is!"
The party continues as laughter fills the air, and Brina chooses to focus on the people who truly matter.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Maid's secret
Romansa"The Maid's Secret" Brina, a young woman in her early twenties, has been struggling to find her footing in a competitive job market. All she wants is to make her family proud and secure a stable future, so when her aunt's friend, a woman named Hirom...
