Tamed [GL-Sapphics]

Chapter 53 - Once Upon A Time

TAMED LIII - ONCE UPON A TIME

RHIO RITCHEL'S POV

MY self-deception was rife, as I thought I had moved on from the past, but seeing her once more brought back all the emotions I had buried deep. I often questioned if my reason for existing was to move on aimlessly in an infinite cycle. The arduous task of letting go without a clear path left me drained, and I wondered if there was more to existence than this wearisome, monotonous cycle.

It hurt me to see her with someone new, doing the things that once special for the two of us. Although I knew I should have been happy for her, I couldn't deny the pain I felt inside. Pretending to be happy for her kasi may bago na siya was an exhausting task that I wasn't ready to take on yet.

"Professor Veneracion?"

"I. . . yes?" I flinched as I felt Lauriana nudge my hand. My vision was blurry as I rubbed my eyes to get a better look at her. My head was throbbing, and I felt like it was about to explode.

"Pasensiya na, ma'am, pumasok na ako. I was trying to call you over the telephone kaso hindi po kayo sumasagot, pabalik-balik kasi 'yung mga inutusang studyante ni Sir CJ, eh."

"What do you mean? Why. . ." I asked, rubbing my temple in confusion. I looked down and noticed that a couple of papers I was signing had gotten all messed up. It didn't take me long to realize that I had indulged a little too much in that strong wine last night. I groaned inwardly, knowing that the extreme hangover was going to ruin my day.

"Kumpleto na raw ang lahat sa theater, kayo na lang po ang kulang, ma'am."

"I'll be there in five minutes." I quickly left the office after finishing my tea and took the elevator. I need to make things right today and make up for the time I was absent from my assigned tasks over the past few days.

All the people involved in the production, including the stagehands, beginners, theater celebrities, and choreographers led by Carmille, were present. CJ was appointed as the stage manager with Allen as his assistant, and the esteemed director from the United Kingdom, Zamantha K. Abvelino, was also in attendance. Each person had been given their specific roles and were already actively working. CJ even allowed a few individuals to go to other school premises to concentrate better.

Today marks my first day of supervising everyone involved in the production. We have hired numerous professionals to assist us, including Richelle and her team who will be wiring up to broadcast news-on-stage to the live audience. This year's Grand Variety Show promises to produce amazing results, including coverage on living newspapers, magazines, articles, televisions, soft feature outlets, and musical chronicles. If this show succeeds at the box office, the profits will not only benefit the student scholars but also help those in need outside the school. This project will continue to be streamed digitally and performed live via different school theaters throughout the country.

"Thank you for having me back." After Camerron pitched in, he walked by me and I gave him a thankful smile for agreeing to join us again. He's Zamantha's former dance instructor who made her wear high heels, resulting in her sprained foot, and I had fired him for it.

Carmille, being nosy as usual, chimed in, "I heard about what Camerron did to Zamantha before."

Interrupting Carmille's prying, I spoke up, "Let's give Camerron the benefit of the doubt. It was an accident, and he deserves a second chance."

"Wow naman! Coming from Miss Veneracion, iba talaga nagagawang character development ng love!"

"Carmille!"