The Temporary Wife (BongLeni)

Chapter 4

"You have a date with Camille," Leni reminded Bongbong as they walked toward the boardroom. Bongbong was set to discuss a new business deal with prominent movie producers. As the owner of one of the Philippines' most popular TV channels, he was in constant demand—but the idea of spending time with Camille didn't sit right with him at all.

He attempted to fix his tie but struggled, fumbling with it until Leni noticed. With a sigh, she put down her iPad and stepped in to help. Bongbong held still, watching her expertly straighten the fabric. Her scent was subtle but intoxicating, and for a brief moment, he had the ridiculous urge to bury his face in the crook of her neck.

As she worked, he continued to stare at her and muttered, "Ayoko nang pumunta."

Leni sighed, not even looking up. "You haven't seen her since the engagement. Kung hindi mo siya makikita, baka magreklamo na naman 'yan kay Lola Annie. Can you just give her at least ten minutes of your time?"

Bongbong's gaze softened as he watched her fix his tie and then move on to straighten his hair. "Ayoko nga," he replied stubbornly, his voice quiet but firm.

Leni frowned but didn't press further. She was used to Bongbong's stubbornness by now, especially when it came to Camille. Still, she couldn't help but shake her head with a faint smile. "Sometimes, Bong, you're worse than a child."

He grinned, feeling a strange comfort in her gentle scolding. "That's why you're here, isn't it? To keep me in line?"

***

Bongbong sat uncomfortably on the couch, enduring yet another scolding from his Lola Annie. "Ilang beses na tayo nag-set ng date with Camille, bakit ba hindi ka man lang sumipot? Nakakahiya sa mom niya," she chided, disappointment evident in her voice.

He glanced sideways at Leni, who sat on the other end of the couch, engrossed in her iPad. He could tell she was reading something for school, likely to escape the tension in the room. He almost envied her focus.

"Apo," Lola Annie softened her tone, trying to reach him. "All your life, I've prepared you for this marriage. Bakit ba hirap na hirap ka mag-comply?"

With a sigh, Bongbong stood up and poured himself a glass of scotch. He knew it was time to speak honestly. Turning to face her, he said, "Lola, alam mo naman ang view ko sa marriage, diba? Alam mo na bibigyan ko ng importansya 'yan. Pipilitin kong mahalin at alagaan yung babaeng papakasalan ko, kahit mahirap. Kasi importante sa akin ang pag-aasawa." His voice softened, almost pleading. "Pero ayoko pong makipagkita kay Camille dahil ayokong umasa siya na magkakaroon ako ng interest sa kanya. Lola, please... I don't like her."

This was the first time he'd openly admitted to his grandmother that he didn't want Camille. He wasn't just being stubborn; he wanted a marriage that meant something to him.

Lola Annie's expression softened slightly, but Bongbong knew better than to think he could sway her. "I chose Camille for you because I believe she's a better match," she said firmly.

"Paano? Ano bang pinagkakaparehas namin?" he asked, genuinely baffled.

"Why don't you date her and find out?" Lola Annie replied with a shrug, unfazed. Bongbong sighed, finishing his scotch. He could see there was no escaping this arrangement, at least for now.

On the other side of the room, Leni tried to tune out their conversation, but it was hard not to overhear. Bongbong had insisted she be there with him, as though her presence would somehow make this uncomfortable moment more bearable.

But Leni was stunned to hear Bongbong speak so seriously about marriage. She'd always pegged him as a womanizer who didn't care about real commitment, a man who viewed women as passing amusements. After all, in her three years as his executive secretary, she'd seen plenty of women come and go from his life. She'd often been the one left to help these women make a discreet exit in the morning, offering them freshly dry-cleaned clothes and neatly packed bags as if it were routine.