"Sir im sorry pero hindi pa rin po namin siya mahanap."
Naisuntok ko ang mesa sa sobrang galit.
I cursed.
"Find her... no matter what happens... how much it costs.. find her."
Napatango na lang ang Investigator at saka umalis.
Nanghihina akong napaupo sa swivel chair ko.
I saw our picture in my office table. How we looked so happy.
I felt a tear fall from my face.
"Why do you have to leave me Bridget??"
Yan ang araw- araw na tanong ni Daryl sa sarili.
Simula nang tinakasan siyang pinakamamahal niyang babae a araw ng kasal nila. Yung pinahiya siya sa mismong araw na ang inakala niya ay umpisa na ng kanilang bagong buhay biglang mag asawa.
Pero nagbago ang lahat. Walang dumating sa bride nung araw na iyon. Gumuho ang mundo ni Daryl. Ang kaisa isang babae na minahal niya ay bigla na lamang siyang iwan sa hindi malamang dahilan.
Halos isang taon na ang nakalipas ng masaklap na araw na iyon pero sariwa parin ang lahat kay Daryl.
Sobrang mahal niya ito na hindi niya kayang mawala ito.
He needs to find his bride. For love and for his company.
Hanggat hindi siya nagpapakasal ay hindi magiging kanya ang mamanahing kompanya sa ama.
Nasa kawalan siya nang makapasok ang ama sa kanyang opisina.
"I saw that investigator you hired. Looks like he doesnt have any good news aih???"
Napatingin lang siya sa ama. Mukhang iniinis lamang siya nito.
Napabuntong hininga siya.
"I'll do everything to find her dad." He said.
Napailing ang ama.
"If she really loves you she wont run away like that. Leaving you in shame."
"No. Hanggat hindi ko napapakinggan ang mga dahilan niya i wont stop chasing her." Pursigidong sabi ni Daryl.
Napabuntong hininga ang kanyang ama.
"Daryl Johann Marx. Stop chasing the person who is not worth everything."
"He is my everything Dad."
"Youre only 23 Daryl. You will find someone else. If you just look around you. There is someone you deserve and who deserves you."
Napatayo ang ama niya at paalis na sa kamyang opisina.
"And may i remind you. You really need to be married before you turn 24 son. Or else this company will be given to your sister."
At sa huling pagkakataon ay napamura siya.
If he cant look for his love then he needs someone to fake everything.
"Woah men!! You looked sh!t.."
Masama kong tinignan si Coby. He is my bestfriend since college. We both graduated with flying colors but the difference is he is a playboy. I admit i was one in the past but when i found that someone i am loyal and keeping my promise to that one woman.
"Hindi pa ba nakikita so Bri??" He asked.
Umiling lang ako at uminom ang alak.
"That's bad man. You really need to look for bride as soon as possible if you dont want to loose your company."
"I cant.. si Bridget lang ang mahal ko." Matigas kong sabi.
"Kay fine... then prepare yourself because youll really loose everything."
"You dont get it Coby. I want to marry the woman i love. The woman i want to spend my whole lifetime with. Marriage is too sacred for me."
"Yeahh.. yeahh. I know that but even just a fake wedding and a fake bride. Just to get that will and testament of your dad. And then after you get your company dump the girl and look for Reece. That simple men!"
Napailing na lang ako sa suggestion ni Coby.
"Its easy for you to say men but knowing my father he is very clever. He will notice."
"Then give him the act. Cmon dude! Youre always good at flirting girls when we were in college."
Napangisi na lang ako.
Maybe that could work. But how can i find that girl. I cant just marry someone. I need that perfect girl.
We drank the whole night until were sober. Mabuti na lang at mabilis akong nahimasmasan kaya makakaya kong magdrive.
While on my way to my car i heard a shout few meters away from me.
Then i saw a group of men trying to harass a girl. I cant see how she looks like but it doesnt matter. She was force by this 3 men to enter the car.
"Hey!!"
Napatingin sila sakin.
"Wag kang makealam dito!" He shouted at me.
"But i think ayaw niyang sumama sa inyo."
"Eh ano naman ngayon?! Mas gugustuhin namin isama siya kaysa sa malintikan kami."
Hindi ko naintindihan ang sinabi niya but i think this girl needs superman right now.
"I dont care. Leave her alone." I said.
"Talagang ginagalit mo kami ha..."
At isa isa silang lumapit sakin.
Umiilag lang ako sa mga suntok nila. Mukha kasing mga lasing.
In the end napatumba ko silang tatlo.
Napatingin ako sa babae na yakap ang sarili niya. I can see the sihlouette of her perfect body in the light coming from the post but still i cant barely see her face that was covered by her hair.
Mataman lang siyang nakatingin sakin hanggang sa magsalita siya.
"Thanks.."
Her voice had this soft tone. Similar to an angel.
Lalapitan ko pa sana siya nang bigla siyang tumakbo at sumakay ng taxi.
Napailing na lang ako.
I just wish i can see her again.
BINABASA MO ANG
EPITHYMÍA: cup of desires
RomanceHot... Steamy... Seductive... Let's take a sip... ...Credits for the cover