When It's Gone (Isla Series #1)

Simula

Pag-ibig daw sabi nila ang susi sa kaligayahan, nakakabaliw na halos oras-oras kang nakangiti. But as for me, that so called "love" destroyed every part of me. That love happened and I never felt happy after it's gone. Heck I never even smiled genuinely after it destroyed me.

Okay na sana, I was fine all alone yet that love happened. That bullshit love had to interfere with my plans. It's been years but it still hurts. Deep to the bottom of my fucking hurt.

My Louboutins touched the ground of Mactan International Airport. Nanindig ang balahibo ko sa lamig ng hangin na sumalubong sa akin.

This place gives me goosebumps, nagdadalawang isip tuloy ako kung mabuti ba ang pag-uwi ko sa lugar na ito. This place only reminded me pain, sorrow, and agony.

Dumiretso ako sa red na Mercedes Benz GT roadster na naka park sa tabi ng private jet na aking binabaan. I sighed as enter the driver's seat. Gusto kung mapag-isa sa sasakyan ngunit may mga bodyguards naman akong naka convoy. Mahirap na.

While driving I noticed a lot of changes in the City. "Ang dami na talagang nagbago, just like me!" I said while laughing a bit.

I decided to turn the radio on since walang kabuhay-buhay ang loob ng sasakyan.

"Model, President and CEO of MCF Resorts International, Genevieve Kai Almanzar balik Pinas nadaw? How true kaya?" I giggled.

"And President Ian Matthew Fuerte may love life na daw? Iyan ang pag-uusapan natin ngayon!" ani ng baklang radio broadcaster.

I immediately turned off the radio. After 5 years I finally heard his full name again, ang sakit sa tenga at puso. I let out a deep breath. I hate how he still affects me. I hate it so much.

"Fuck you!" I shouted with full disappointment.

Oh, How I loathe that man with all my life.

After a long drive ay nakarating narin ako sa isa sa mga branches ko ng MCF Resorts International. It is located here in Mactan. I've always wanted to put up a branch here dahil maraming dumadayo na foreigners sa lugar na ito, and indeed napaka successful ng branch na ito. Halos nakiki-pag level sa isa kung branch na nasa Los Angeles.

"Good evening Ma'am!" ani ng valet.

"Good evening!" I smiled ang gave him the keys. 

Papasok ng entrance ng resort ay tumunog ang aking cellphone. It's Zara, my secretary and bestfriend in one.

"Gen, I believe papunta kana ng room mo but there are  VVIP's in your resort right now and since you are planning to build a Casino in Cebu might as well makipag-halubilo ka sa kanila, they will support you in that business for sure and they might even invest! They are big times!" ani niya.

"Alright Gen, going there now, Thanks" Heck I am tired sa byahe pero a quick meet and greet with these big time people, Why not.

"Okay! I'm sure kilala ka na nila but you know, work your charms Gen they might become your investors. Anyway I'll end this now, See you soon!" I laughed at her remark.

Alright Gen, you can do this! The more asset you will have the powerful you are.

"Good evening ma'am! They are expecting you inside" ani ng babaeng nagbabantay sa conference room kung saan ginaganap ang meeting ng mga VVIP's.

I smiled at her at binuksan niya ang malalaking pinto ng conference room. I immediately went inside smiling, and confident as usual. I faced them one by one. 

I saw familiar faces, some were huge businessmans, some are senators. At ng nahagilap ng mata ko kung sino ang naka upo sa gitna ng malaking mesa ng conference room napawi ang ngiti ko, nanglamig ako at tila ba hindi makagalaw sa kinatatayuan.

Sitting in the middle is the man whom I loved before. The man resposible for all my sufferings. 

I regained my poise and confidence when I heard Senator Angelo. Agad kong inilipat ang aking mga mata.

"Hello Ms. Almanzar! Finally! I met the talked of the town model and businesswoman. I heard so many nice things about you Ms. Almanzar, sobrang nakakahanga ka! I am Senator Angelo Ayson by the way" Senator Angelo said while reaching for my hand.

I smiled and shaked hands with Senator Angelo. "It's a pleasure meeting you as well Senator, Thank you very much for the kind words".

"I heard you are planning to build a Casino in Cebu City Ms. Almanzar?" Senator asked.

I giggled a bit. "Yes Senator. Cebu is the perfect place to put up my Casino Business" I said while smiling. 

"Ang galing mo talaga sa larangan ng negosyo hija, You are a perfect package Ms. Almanzar! Maganda, self made at sobrang bait! Naku bakit wala ka paring asawa hija?" natatawang tanong ni Senator Ayson.

The businessmans and senators inside laughed as well.

I laughed. "Naku Senator no plans pa po, I want to enjoy life na single pa pero kung may matapang na mag try, why not" I chuckled.

Tumatawa na sila sa loob ng conference room. "For sure hija mayroon, successful men would flock around you".

I chuckled.

Nahagip ng mga mata ko si Ian. His face was serious while looking at me, tila ba hindi niya nagugustuhan ang mga sinasabi ko. 

Bakit Mr. President? What seems to be the problem huh?

"Please sit down Ms. Almanzar, I Would like to invest for the Casino business you said" a certain businessman said.

I smiled and sat down to the only available seat, sa gitna kaharap si Ian. Sinusubukan ko na huwag tumingin sa kanya sapagkat nahuhuli ng mga mata niya ang mga mata ko.

We talked business for about an hour and once again I gained 7 Investors for my Casino business. 

"Thank you very much gentlemen! My secretary will contact you soon, Thank you once again!" Kinamayan ko silang lahat at paunti-unti na silang nakalabas.

Hindi ko namalayan na dalawa nalang pala kami sa conference room. Si Ian at ako. 

Papalabas na sana ako nang may humawak sa kamay ko. 

Hindi ako mapakali at tila ba naglalabanan ang mga paru-paru sa aking tiyan.

"Gen, can we talk?" ani ni Ian sa napapaos na boses.

I faced him. The man responsible for destroying me years ago.

Namumula ang kanyang mga mata na tila ba siya ang nasasaktan.

I smiled at tinanggal ang kamay niya na nakahawak sa akin. 

"You can contact my secretary if you want Mr.Fuerte" I said with all the strength left in me.

Don't make this hard Ian. You left me before and I'll act as if I don't know you now.

I left the conference room and went directly to my room.

I cried and cried. 

I cried for all the love I wasted for him. 

Umiiyak ako sa mga masasakit na salita na binigay niya habang tinataboy ako noon. 

Umiiyak ako para sa anak namin na hindi nasilayan ang mundo.