No More Ignorance (BOOK 2)

Chapter 5

ELISA

It's already past nine, and the fashion show is not yet starting.

"Dad, hindi pa ba magsisimula?" Tanong ko sa ama ko na nasa tabi ko. Marami ng mga bisita ang dumalo at lahat ay excited sa mga bagong style ng damit na irarampa mamaya. Ang ilan pa sa kanila ay lumapit sa'kin at nagpa-picture. They're waiting for my new clothing brand next year.

"Relax darling, it will start." He said.

I propped myself on my seat and get my phone from my bag.

Naglaro muna 'ko ng mobile legends at pumili na ng character ko. I always choose Estes because he's my favorite character. Not only favorite, crush ko din siya. God, pati fictional character pinagnanasaan ko na.

Halos 15 minuto na 'kong naglalaro pero hindi pa din nagsisimula.

I continue playing and pursued one of our opponents.

"Slain!" I hissed when I killed the enemy.

Sarap talaga pumatay, gigil na gigil ako.

"5 more minutes, darling." Dad whispered to me.

I looked at him and end the game. Maya maya pa ay biglang pumatay ang ilaw sa buong hall at tumapat sa'kin ang spotlight.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Introducing, Miss Elisa Mendez Escalante! Most successful businesswoman renowned in the fashion industry, and the owner of Mode dê forêce! Let's give her a round of applause!" They all applaud as I went to the center stage.

I smiled graciously.

The host handed me the microphone.

"Thank you," I said.

"It's an honor miss Elisa." I smiled at him.

I looked at the crowd.

"I'm happy that you are all here! Thank you so much! I know, how excited some of you, and me as well, to watch all the new designs that will ramp for tonight. As you wish to add on your closet next year!" I said cheerfully that made themselves laugh.

"I hope you'll enjoy this night! Good evening everyone!"

👔👗

Nagsimula na ang fashion show at nagsimula na rin ang pag-rampa ng mga modelo. I could not help myself from smiling while I'm watching their models while wearing their masterpiece. And I can say that they're all good. Walang tapon.

"And that is from Elle Company. What can you say, ma'am?" Tanong sa'kin ng organizer.

Siya ang nagsasabi sa'kin kung kaninong company ang nirarampa na damit.

"It's cute." Sabi ko habang pinagmamasdan ang mga soot nila. Lahat ng kulay ng damit ay pastel colors. And I love it.

Hanggang sa natapos ito at sumunod naman ang—

"Presenting, El Lisa Dresses, by Saavedra Company." Sabi nito.

I stopped when I've heard El Lisa.

Napatitig ako sa mga damit na nirarampa ngayon sa harapan ko.

"Nananadya ba siya?"

I said on my mind.

I noticed that their dresses have a resemblance from those I'd always worn before. 3 years ago.

That's it! Alam kong idea ito ng dati kong asawa. Mahilig ako mag-soot ng dress noon.

"It's made of silk." He added.

Obviously.

I just nod while I'm watching the models. Hindi ko maitatanggi na magaganda ang gawa nila.

Masyadong ginalingan, pero wala akong pakialam.

"What do you think ma'am?"

"It's fine with me." I replied.

I continue watching hanggang sa matapos ang pag-rampa ng mga modelo.

"Marlon, paki-bigay na lang sa'kin ng list ng mga names ng company and their designs."

"Yes ma'am. I'll send all of this to you."

"Thank you." Sabi ko habang sumasabay ako sa mga palakpak ng mga tao.

"What can you say, darling?" I looked at my dad and smiled.

"Good."

"That's it?"

"Nice." He cracked up.

"I really love you, darling."

"I love you too dad. Thank you—"

Napatigil ako ng biglang pumatay muli ang ilaw at napalitan ng malanding tugtog.

Hindi pa tapos?

"Marlon, hindi pa ba tapos?"

"Ay, ma'am! May last model pa po na rarampa."

"From what company?"

"Saavedra ma'am." I arched my eyebrow.

Talagang pa-impress.

Biglang bumukas ulit ang ilaw at may lumabas na isang babae at nagsimulang rumampa.

And what is she doing here?!

"She's Leslie Ramos. The last model to ramp the last design." Marlon said.

I rolled my eyes as I've watched Leslie striking a pose confidently.

I crossed my arms and leans on my chair.

Pinagmasdan ko ito habang todo posing sa my gitna ng stage. And a lot of men fantasizing her in front.

What a bitch.

"And I regret that I'd lost you, Elisa."

Bigla kong naalala ang sinabi sa'kin ni Dominic kanina. I want to laugh, really. What did he think? I'll let myself fall in his lies again? Nice try.

"She's pretty." Marlon said.

I fake smiled.

"Really?"

"Yes ma'am! She's a model and Mr. Dominic Saavedra is her boyfriend." Dagdag pa nito.

Tumango-tango naman ako.

Power couple.

I chuckled.

"Are you okay ma'am?" I looked at him.

"I'm fine Marlon. I've heard that they're known as a power couple. Tama ba 'ko?" Tanong ko.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Oh, really? Sikat pala sila, DITO." I said.

Ngumiti naman sa'kin si Marlon at parang nakahalata sa tono ng pananalita ko.

I looked at the stage again. And guess what? Todo posing pa din siya kahit tapos na ang background music. Gusto-gustong niya na i-expose ang sarili niya.

I don't know if she saw me or what. So I stood up and gave her a slow clap.

The crowd looked at me.

"Quel bel spectacle, chienne! (What a nice show, bitch!)"