Tamed [Sapphic/GL] (EDITED)

Chapter 53 - Once Upon A Time

TAMED LIII - ONCE UPON A TIME

RHIO RITCHEL'S POV

I've moved on.

I was hurt when I saw her with Franchezka I admit it, but that doesn't mean I haven't moved on all along.

Maybe what I felt that certain moment was just an after shock of her unexpected comeback. If not, then probably of the haunting memories I had with her that didn't completely fade just yet. No memories fade either way, it was lame to say they vanish like bubbles in the air.

It does hurt... seing 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.

"Hey just because you moved on, doesn't mean the remorse or grief over the demolished relationship totally disappears.."

" 'Di ba may phobia ka sa ipis? May mga relationships talaga na parang phobia ang datingan, you can overcome it through various ways of moving on..treatments and therapies, you will survive it but the 'experience' ?" she air quoted. "Painful or not will stay forever."

Those were Ezra's words last night.

And definitely, she's right.

"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 na 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.