Back To You [Completed]

Chapter 5

Nasa may patio sila at nananghalian. Hubad pa rin si Anton sa harapan niya habang kumakain at may kausap sa telepono. Tungkol yata sa negosyo nito sa Maynila. 

She focused her attention on the food laid out in front of her. Nothing has changed in her life so far. She still has everything she needs and wants. Kung hindi siya magpapakasal sa binatang nasa harap niya ngayon, maaaring mawala ang lahat ng iyon sa isang iglap. No more home. No more pretty clothes. No more endless shopping sprees for her. No more traveling.

Sinadya siguro ng mga magulang niyang i-corner siya para mapilitan siyang magpakasal dito. Wala siyang makukuha ni isang kusing kung hindi siya papayag sa kagustuhan ng mga magulang niya.

Nagsimula siyang kumain at kumuha ng serving mula sa lahat ng putahe sa harap niya.

"Dahan-dahan. Hindi ka naman mauubusan," tatawa-tawang kumento ni Anton. Tapos na pala ito sa business call nito.

"Once na tanggihan ko na ang kasal natin, hindi ko na matitikman ang lahat ng 'to ulit. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts," biro niya.

Nagdilim ang mukha ni Anton sa narinig.

"Oh, bakit ka galit diyan?" tatawa-tawang pansin niya sa binata. "Let me ask you something, Anton."

"What?" He got himself some fruits and poured himself orange juice.

"Gugustuhin mo ba talagang matali sakin habangbuhay?"

He stopped from eating his sliced apple mid-air. "What's your point?"

"What I mean is... Gusto mo ba talagang pakasalan ako?"

"Why not? Hacienda Olivares will be mine. It will greatly benefit my businesses. I can lower my costs and improve my value chain overall. Plus, I gain a sexy wife. What is there to lose?"

She huffed at him. "Kahit talaga anong sabihin mo, may kasamang kalokohan."

He smiled at her. "Alyssa, think of it this way. Marriage really is just a formality. It's like a business deal. You partner yourself with someone to gain something. For some people , it is to gain love. For us it's different. The hacienda will be mine as much as it is yours. I'll always be in Manila most of the time so ikaw ang itatalaga kong tagapangasiwa dito. It's a win-win situation, baby."

Nag-ilaw ang mga mata niya sa huling sinabi nito. "T-talaga?"

Tumango ito at sumubo ng kanin. "I heard you graduated from the US. I'm hoping you're good."

Napangiti siya sa tanong nito. "Of course I am. Marami na talaga akong plano para sa hacienda mula pa ng grumaduate ako. But Papa insisted that I enjoy life first."

"I'll listen to your proposals soon. For now, say 'Yes' to the marriage proposal." Naglabas ito ng isang pulang kahon mula sa bulsa nito. 

"W-what is this?" She held the red box in her hands. 

"I was looking for you kanina dahil ibibigay ko sana 'yan. Tapos nakita kitang nakikipagharutan sa Thomas na 'yon." He got the box from her and opened it. Inside was a princess-cut diamond ring. Hindi na ito naghintay pang sumagot siya. He already put the ring on her finger.

"Hindi pa ako umo-oo!" Paghila niya sa kamay niya pero he was quick to slide the ring in place.

"I'm not taking 'no' for an answer, babe." He looked at the ring on her finger. "Now, it looks so damn perfect on you. That's my grandmother's. It's an Olivares heirloom since the 1850s. I hope you like it." He continued eating. 

While she stared at the ring on her finger and felt the weight of it. This symbolizes his marriage with this man. This hunk of a man, her mind whispered. And this ring symbolizes her legitimacy as an Olivares. This is the key of her getting back her home, and her identity.

"I'll be going back to Manila after lunch. Be good while I'm gone. Sabi ni Mang Topasyo, matatapos na ang pag-aani ng prutas at palay sa makalawa. In time for the feast. I'm temporarily overseeing the entire hacienda. Just so I get acquainted with how things work here. I hope you can do the same while I'm gone para may mapagkaabalahan ka."

Tumango siya. Aalis pala ito. Hindi niya alam bakit parang may kirot na kaunti sa puso niya ng malaman iyon. "K-kailan ka babalik?"

He looked at her, amusement dancing in his eyes. He got her hand with the ring and kissed it. "My girlfriend already misses me."

"'Wag kang feeling. Maraming namamatay sa pagiging feeler."

"I'm not assuming things. I can read you like the back of my hand, babe. Don't worry too much. Don't miss me too much. I'll be back in time for the feast here." Iyon lang at tumayo na ito. He kissed her on her forehead and left the patio. 

****

Haynako. Ayan tayo eh. Konting landi lang, kilig na. HAHAHHA

Ang bitter ni Author. LOL #LandianOverLunch 

VOTE and COMMENT noooow =)