S U A D E L A

BONUS: 1

"Okay na?" tanong ni Luan na naka-akbay na iginaya palabas ng cake shop si Suadela.

Hindi sumagot si Suadela at nagpatianod lang sa binata habang inililibot ang mga mata.

"Do you still need something?"

"Wait," stepping away from Luan, Suadela entered another shop. Luan followed behind with the stuff Suadela already bought.

Today, they were set to have dinner at Kho's residence, and Suadela insisted on bringing something along. She picked up a bottle of wine and a cake.

"Anong kulay ang gusto mo?"

Luan frowned while eyeing the umbrellas in front of Suadela. Is this what she is looking for?

"Pink." Luan answered and Suadela glanced at him surprised.

"For a change." He smiled, thinking it will suit Suadela. Well, any shade suits her but he rarely sees her in pink.

Suadela said nothing and headed to the counter. Luan followed again and when they reached the counter, he handed his wallet to Suadela.

"Bakit?" takang lingon ni Suadela.

"I'm paying for it."

"Ako na," marahang itinulak pabalik ni Suadela ang pitaka ng kaharap, "basta ingatan mo."

Luan frowned and tilted his head.

"Ito," ipinakita ni Suadela ang payong na hawak, "ingatan mo."

"Sa akin yan?" gulat na tanong ni Luan.

Tumango si Suadela. "Tanda mo yung payong mo na nasira ko?" At alanganing ngumiti. "Ngayon ko lang naalala na hindi ko pa napapalitan."

Luan moved his head sideways and pushed his tongue against his cheek, stifling his smile. How could he forget the time he lied just to make Suadela reply to him?

"Bakit nangingiti ka?"

"Am I?" suppressing his smile, Luan asked innocently.

"Oo, bakit?" nakakunot-noo na si Suadela. "Anong nakakatawa?"

Luan smiled widely. He thought taking that little secret to his grave wouldn't hurt. He pinched his girlfriend's cheek, "Ang cute mo kasi. Lalo akong nai-inlove sayo." He quickly planted a kiss on Suadela's temple as Suadela continued to give him a weird look.

"What?" natatawang tanong ni Luan.

Suadela rolled her eyes in an attempt to stop herself from smiling, too. Slowly, Luan's face turned serious, and without warning, he leaned in to give Suadela a gentle peck in the lips.

"I love you," Luan whispered into her ears before straightening up.

Suadela casually turned her back on him, biting her lower lip. Her heart was pounding and her face felt hot.

As soon as they arrived at Kho residence, a woman in her 50's greeted them with a warm smile.

"Hello there, sweetie." The woman gave Suadela a-cheek-to-cheek kiss while Luan gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.

"The rumor is not only a rumor. Maganda ka talaga." Nakangiti nitong puri at bumaling kay Luan. "Kaya naman pala ipinagdadamot samin," naka-arko ang kilay nitong dagdag ngunit tonong nagbibiro.

Luan chuckled and touched his nape.

Suadela smiled, "Thank you, Tita." Luan had told her that his dad had actually remarried two years ago.

"It's Penny. Tita Penny but if you want Mommy Penny is also okay."

"Mom? Nandyan na ba sila?" A slim girl emerged from a corner door.

Suadela slightly opened her mouth.

"Omg! You're already here!" the girl squealed and walked towards them.

"This is my daughter, Yuli." Penny introduced the girl beside her.

"I know her, Ma. Nag-OJT din siya sa TPI." Nakangiting sabi babae na nakilala ni Suadela sa pangalang Naya.

"What?" Luan frowned and turned to Suadela. "Sa TPI ka nag-OJT?" Shock is clearly written on his face.

Suadela awkwardly smiled. Now, she was not the only one caught off guard.

"Oh my, didn't you know, Kuya?" Naya asked, frowning at Luan. "She's popular in the company." Then, she looked at Suadela and smiled. "Nice to see you again!"

"Small world." Suadela smiled back at Luan's stepsister.

"Finally, my prodigal son is here, huh?" A voice boomed from the top of the stairs.

Everyone looked up. Suadela froze.

After a few seconds, a tall, lean man with a fair complexion descended the stairs and approached them, smiling.

"I’m Luan’s dad," the man said, settling his arm on Penny’s shoulders. "Welcome to the family, hija."

Suadela let out a nervous smile.

Luan's father is none other than the TPI owner himself— Tressillian Alfonso Kho! She was too stunned at the realization.

Now, she has just realized that the name resonates. He has the same first and last names as Luan!

Indeed, it's a small world.

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