Connected Cords

Chapter Thirteen

As I was expecting, a tear rolled down on my cheek and then another one. But I did not let another batch of tears fall fron my eyes. I hid my face using my face and silently wipe the tears on my cheeks and blinked a couple of times. I looked up and composed myself.

Naramdaman ko ang magaan na haplos ni Creed sa braso ko, and it made relaxed a little. He really has this power in him, and I'm starting to love it.

Ilang sandali lang ay may lumapit sa aming mag-asawa. They were familiar to me. The way they dressed already told me that they were part of Greg's company.

"Oh hija, my deepest sympathy for you and Gregory." The woman said as she scooted towards me and gave an awkward hug, well for me it was awkward. I didn't know her.

Hindi ako nagsalita dahil wala akong makapa na pwede kong sabihin. Si Creed naman ay nakatayo lang din sa aking gilid. He looked calm and relaxed. He was composed and that's when I noticed the intimidating aura of him. He looked sinfully powerful in my eyes when he was so collected and confident.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. and Mrs. So." Suddenly Greg appeared on the other side of me and shook the couple's hands. I took a side step closer to Creed when I felt the heat of Greg's body near me.

"Of course you know my wife, Margaux. Margaux they are one of the investors in our company, Mr. Tonny So and Mrs. Karen So." Greg introduced just after the short silence.

I gave them a slight smile which they returned with a sympathetic smile.

I clenched my teeth. That's what I hate. Their pity. I don't like it.

Nang umalis sa harap namin ang mag-asawang So ay sunud-sunod naman na lumapit muli sa amin ang ibang nga naroon sa chapel. Creed was left out and I can't blame him. Greg was ignoring his presence and it kinda made feel a little nervous because I knew that it wasn't okay with him, but I didn't really care.

Naupo si Creed sa kahoy na bench sa unang row at pumirmi lamang roon. Habang kami naman ni Greg ay kinakausap ng lahat ng nakikiramay. And all of them has the same look and emotions in their eyes. Pity.

As soon as the people stopped approaching us, I immediately made my way towards Creed. He smiled at me, a genuine one, a smile that has no pity in it, a smile that is so warm it made my heart melt. But the walls surrounding my heart were strong and tall. I was telling myself not to feel anything. I was telling myself to refuse to feel anything. I was so tired. I was dead emotionally but I was still encouraging myself to stand and to be strong.

The moment I sat down beside Creed, all I wanted to do was cry on his chest and be cooed by him and to hear his soft voice comforting me. But I stopped myself. I sat there and did nothing but stare at my daughter's coffin.

"You'll be alright," I suddenly felt Creed's warm hand gave a light squeez on my hand. I balled my hand into tight fist and freed it from Creed's hand. I didn't want him there, because I was too blinded by grief to keep him accompanied. Ayokong naroon siya at masaksihan pa ang pinakamalaking dagok na kinaharap ko. But he chose to stay. He chose to be with me.

That day was so gloomy. Many of my employees came. Some of our models were there too. Monica and Kenneth were there. They were all there.

I talked to Kenneth and told him everything. The whole time he was just gaping at me, I don't know if it is because of what happened or because I did not evem shed a tear when I told him every single detail. He was beyond mad. He even wanted to hit Greg then and there but I ask him not to, just for the sake of my daughter. I was thankful that he managed to control his anger.

I didn't know how long I've been staring blankly at the black and gold coffin in front me. My mind was wandering around.

Kenneth gave me my bag back which I left in our office. Everything was still there but my phone and keys were in our house because I purposely left it there.