NATALIA'S POV
I stood in front of the mirror, making sure everything was in place before I left. It was Mr. Sotto's birthday party tonight. I wasn't planning to go at first—I wanted to lessen any interaction with Alexander—but it felt rude to skip it.
Especially since I was personally given an invitation.
With a small bag in hand, I stepped out of my room and headed downstairs.
I was wearing a gray one-shouldered bodycon dress that reached just above my knees, paired with black strapped sandals.
After about an hour of driving, I arrived at the address written on the invitation.
I parked in the lot and walked toward the marina. There were several yachts docked, but a staff member approached me and assisted me toward the yacht where Mr. Sotto's party was being held.
As I stepped onto the main deck, soft music greeted me. Everyone was busy chatting and mingling.
'Of course, what do I expect. These are people from the business world.'
Kumuha ako ng drinks nang may dumaang waiter sa harap ko.
"Oh, Ms. Martinez, you're here!" bati ng isang pamilyar na boses.
It was Ylona, the CEO of Azure Corporation.
Ngumiti ako habang papalapit siya sa akin.
Nakipag-beso siya. "Kanina ka pa dito?" tanong niya.
Umiling ako. "Ah no, kararating ko lang a few minutes ago." sagot ko.
"You wanna join us at our table?" tanong niya sabay turo sa direksyon ng mesa nila. Pagtingin ko, nakatingin na pala sa amin ang ilan sa mga kasama niya doon.
"Sure." sagot ko.
Pagdating sa table, nakipagbeso at nakipagkamay din sila. Kilala ko naman sila kaya hindi na kailangan ng pormal na pagpapakilala.
Umupo ako sa couch. Nakatalikod ako sa dagat.
Uminom ako mula sa baso ko at inilapag iyon sa mesa pagkatapos. Nakinig ako sa usapan ng mga kasama ko at paminsan-minsan ay nakikisali rin.
Medyo hindi na ako mapakali sa kinauupuan ko nang magbago ang topic—naging tungkol sa love life.
"How about you, Ms. Martinez? How's your lovelife? Would you mind if I ask if you have a boyfriend right now?" tanong ni Mr. Vidanes. Businessman siya na nasa 50s na ang edad.
Lahat sila napatingin sa akin, hinihintay ang sagot ko.
"I-I don't have a boyfriend, sir." sagot ko.
"Really? You should get one already and then marry. You're not getting younger. Sayang naman ang genes." sabi ni Mr. Vidanes.
"Yeah, he's right. Look at you and your siblings. A face card that never declines." komento naman ni Mrs. Razon, ang babaeng katabi ni Mr. Vidanes.
"Weren't you and Mr. Sanford engaged before? Sayang naman hindi natuloy." biglang singit ni Ms. Consunji. Halos kaedad lang namin ni Ylona. Sexy, maputi, plakado ang make-up, at may kaunting attitude.
Nung una ko pa lang siyang nakita noon, hindi ko na talaga gusto ang aura niya. Plus, may pagka-malandi siya.
"Yes." sagot ko.
"Bakit hindi natuloy?" tanong niya ulit, halatang interesado.
Hindi ako agad sumagot. Tinitigan ko siya. Nakangiti siya pero halatang peke. Mukhang sobrang interesado talaga.
BINABASA MO ANG
Stupidly In Love Again
RomansaShe loved him once - quietly, completely, and without question. But timing was never on their side. Years later, fate dances them back into the same orbit, where old emotions stir and unspoken memories rise. She told herself she wouldn't fall again...
