Without Doubt

Kabanata 22

Fire vs. Ice

"Nandiyan na pala siya. Come here, sweetheart." Mula sa blangkong ekspresiyon ay lumambing ang mukha ni Samuel pati na ang paraan ng pagsasalita.

Saniela's still in a blow as she walks near them. Matiim na nakatitig sa kanya si Keegan hanggang sa maka-upo siya sa tapat nito. Goodness, he's freaking hot on that three piece suit! He looks like a sultry, a fiery, and a snob magnate.

"This is my daughter, Saniela Clemente. They are our clients, sweetheart. Jacobo Arciago and his son Keegan." Pagpapakilala ng kanyang ama.

"She got your eyes, Samuel. But she totally looks like her mother." Ani ng ama ni Keegan habang nakatingin sa kanya.

He knew my mother? Tanong sa isip ni Saniela.

Bumaling siya ng tingin kay Keegan ngunit gayon na lamang ang pagtataka niya ng makitang naka-iwas ito ng tingin at tila hindi siya kilala. His eyes were stoic yet bleak.

"Shall we eat first before we proceed to our discussion?" Ani ni Samuel.

Tahimik habang inihahanda ang mga pagkain. Pilit hinuhuli ni Saniela ang mga tingin ni Keegan ngunit mailap ang lalaki. What's his problem?

Nilingon niya si Jacobo Arciago pagkatapos ay ang kanyang ama. What is this meeting about? Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata. Arrange marriage? Uso iyon sa mga mayayaman, eh! Ngunit nais niyang pukpukin ang sarili ng maalalang tungkol ito sa anibersaryo ng kumpanya ng mga Arciago. Feeling any regrets, Saniela? Damn.

"We have our various triages of wine, just name it. White wine, red wine, sparkling, dessert, fortified, botrytized, and even ice wines. They're on different style, sweetness, and variety so you have a lot to choose." Panimula ni Samuel.

"I am assured of your products that's why I chose your company, Samuel. I know you won't disappoint me."

"Of course. Our branch in Bordeaux is currently working and in near finish on developing our wines into something new and we're calling it premix. You'll be our first client to try out our premix if our deal will be sealed, Jacobo."

Tahimik na nakikinig lang si Saniela sa dalawang magka-usap na pawang mga propesyonal. They sound like they've been friends since then. They even call each other on first name basis.

Lumipat ang tingin niya kay Keegan na tulad niya ay tahimik din at nakikinig. His eyes were distant. He won't let his eyes meet hers. Why is he acting like she's some kind of stranger?

"What an honor it would be then, Samuel." Ngumiti si Mr. Arciago. "Your business had been really broadened in these prior years. Your products furnished into a higher level that yields to your doubtless success...like you solely dreamt to be."

So they really knew each other way back then? Saniela can't believe that her Dad was friends with Keegan's Dad!

Humalakhak ang Daddy niya. Magkasiklop ang mga kamay nito sa ibabaw ng lamesa.

"You knew me Jacobo...I comply on what I say." Sagot ng ama niya. He won't leave his client's eyes.

Napalinga si Saniela sa paligid. The room was not small nor big, but why does she feel suffocated? She has a lot to say always but she feels that talking and mingling to their conversation right now will do no good. She feels something is...off. Nararamdaman din ba iyon ni Keegan kaya tahimik lang din siya? But why won't he glanced at me even for a second?!

"Regardless though of your success, the manuscript of life and business hinge on the elements of obstacles, struggles, fringe, transformation,...and loss. You must be really good for surpassing those things." A hint of mock was visible on Jacobo's tone.