In the Shadow of Diamond (COMPLETED)

Kabanata 9

Kabanata 9

I stared blankly at the diamond ring on my finger, my face void of any expression. The stone, brilliant and undoubtedly one of the most expensive I have ever seen, caught the light and scattered it like shattered stars. Yet despite its beauty, it felt heavy, not just in carats but in meaning.

He didn't even ask what kind of ring I wanted. He just knew. Or thought he did. I wonder if he saw it in a magazine or if someone told him. Maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe it should.

It fits so well. Like it was made for me. But then again, cages are tailored, too.

"Good morning, Mrs. Morfeo," boses mula sa intercom. "Mr. Morfeo is waiting for you in the solarium for breakfast."

Bahagyang akong natawa. Mrs. Morfeo?

That name still feels strange. Like it belongs to someone I haven't met yet. But I should go. He's waiting. I need to smile. I need to be the woman he thinks I am. I touched the ring lightly with my thumb, then stood up slowly.

Alas siyete na ng umaga nang magising ako at wala si Cronus sa tabi ko. Magkatalikod kaming natulog kagabi. Pinilit ko lang ang sariling matulog para mawala ang bigat sa loob ko, mabuti nalang at hindi ako nahirapan.

The solarium was just down the hall. I could already hear his voice, deep but clear, talking to someone, probably the staff.

The sunlight hit my skin, warm but harsh like it was trying to push me into the day, into the life I was supposed to be living. Cronus was sitting at the breakfast table, his back straight.

He glanced up when I entered, his gaze piercing, as if he was assessing me, making sure I was exactly how he wanted me to be.

"Morning," he said.

I forced a smile. "Good morning."

I moved toward the table, I could feel his eyes on me, watching my every movement. I sat down, my movements stiff, trying to ignore the ring on my finger.

"Next month," he began. "We're leaving for a trip. There's a corporate gala in France. And I need you there with me."

I looked up at him. This isn't just an event. It's business, his business. Pero ano nga bang negosyo niya? Baka ilegal? Drugs? Dapat alam ko 'diba? I mean, wala naman akong pakialam, curious lang ako.

"Anong bang... n-negosyo mo?" hindi ko na napigilang magtanong.

His expression didn't change, still calm. I could see something shift in his eyes.

"You've never asked me that before."

I shifted in my seat.

"I-I just want to know," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

He sat back, his eyes never leaving me, as if deciding how much he wanted to reveal.

"I run Morfeo Gemstone Couture. We deal in the rarest and most luxurious gemstones. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds."

I nodded slowly, trying to digest it all.

"We source them from all over the world. From mines here in Canada. Traders in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Colombia. We also operate our own pearl farms in Philippines."

Napakurap ako. "Pearls? From Philippines?"

Ibig sabihan ay pumupunta rin siya sa Pilipinas?! Well, obviously! Doon nga kami nagkita.

He nodded. "Yes. Palawan, specifically."

Napalunok ako. Naiisip ko pa lang ang tungkol sa negosyo nila, nalulula na ako. Ibig sabihin ay talagang sobrang yaman niya.