Illicit Love

Kabanata 25

My phone buzzed on the vanity just as I was finishing off my look with some dark matte lipstick. Saturday had finally arrived. I'd touched down in Makati around lunchtime, which made sense for the party since Max and Elyze are based here. The venue was a famous exclusive club—the kind of place that's impossible to get into—but Elyze had actually rented out half the club just for us.

"Where are you now, Ate? Kanina pa nagsimula yung party wala ka pa rin. Don't tell me, nakalimutan mo na?" sabi ni Max sa kabila ng malakas na background.

"Can't you wait a bit? I'm not even the celebrant," kalmadong sabi ko habang tinatapos ang make up.

The matcha green fabric of my backless ruched dress hugged my slender body like a second skin. Its deep, daring neckline highlighted my cleavage, while the lack of straps showcased the sharp lines of my collarbones and the delicate curve of my shoulder blades. Though the outfit was revealing, I felt no hesitation. Living in the liberated atmosphere of Washington has a way of making "too much skin" feel like just the right amount.

"Everyone is here except for you! Main character ka ba, girl?"

Hindi ko na napigilang matawa sa sinabi niya. "Come on, give me ten minutes. I'll be there."

I cut the call immediately after that. Content with my look, I picked up my chunky heels and stepped into them. I fumbled with the straps for a bit—the breathable, rhinestone-studded design was beautiful but surprisingly tricky to put on.

"Finally..." bulong ko nang matapos na.

Grabbing only my phone and wallet, I hurried out of the room. I locked the door and headed for the elevator. When I reached the lobby, I became the immediate center of attention. I'm used to it by now. Unlike my old self, who lacked any sense of confidence, I can now carry myself with pride, completely unafraid and sure of who I am.

"Good evening, Ma'am," bati sakin ng nakangiting guard.

Nginitian ko siya ng maliit dahil magaan ang mga ngiting iginagawad niya sakin. Hindi ngiting kikilabutan ka, katulad ng mga lalaking nadaanan ko kanina sa lobby. Hungry boys are different from respectful man.

"Ma'am, here's your car key..." abot sakin ng isang valet man sa hawak niyang susi.

Nakangiting inabot ko 'yon. "Thank you."

"Welcome, po."

Nang makasakay ako sa sasakyan, wala na akong sinayang na oras at umalis na papunta kung saan ang club na sinasabi ni Max. Ten minutes rin ang naging byahe. Mabuti wala ng masyadong traffic ng ganitong oras.

This isn't my first time hitting the clubs. I used to go out quite a bit back in the America, especially when Wanda or Helena would invite me along with the friends I made during my college years.

Ilang sandali pa bago ako nakarating sa harap ng club. Mabilis akong naghanap ng parking bago bumaba. Nagmadali na akong naglakad papasok sa entrance ng club. Sinalubong ako ng guard na nagbabantay doon.

"Hello po, Ma'am. Good evening, any reservation po?" tanong niya.

Mula dito sa labas, rinig na ang malakas na musikang tumutunog sa loob. Alas dose na ng gabi kaya hindi na ako nagtataka kung may mga tama na ang mga tao sa loob ng club pagdating ko.

Marahan akong tumango. "Good evening. Yes, I'm with Elyze Hernandez. Birthday celebration?"

"This way po, Ma'am," sabi niya at ngumiti sakin.