Strings Attached (Good Kiss Series #2)

Chapter Nine

The history of my family and Groian's is not entirely hidden to the eyes and ears of the public. But the dispute is not as prolonged as the Roces' and Fuebego's rivalry. Our families ended it silently.

But according to my aunt, Tita Alla; the problems remained unsettled and she refused to tell me the reason why she hates the Astallos so much even though it is not specifically the Astallos but the Visoza she should be angry at.

"Stefania," Malamig na boses ni Polo ang bumungad sa akin pagpasok ko ng opisina ko sa café. I was waiting for Groian's call to update me what happened to her mom but there was none. So I decided to just work today and here I am, facing Polo.

"What brought you here?"

"I was told by one of the board members that you're appointed as the CEO of Dairy Pleasures."

Spoiler much?

"Hindi ko pa alam. Bukas pa sana nila ire-release ang desisyon pero pinangunahan mo na." Malamig kong bati at umupo sa aking swivel chair.

Polo smirked. "And I guess it's true... You're flirting with Groian Astallo."

Nagtaas ako ng kilay. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ba sa bansang ito ay palaging handa ang tainga at mata ng mga chismosa. Hindi ko rin lubos maisip kung gaano kabilis ang bibig nila para ipakalat iyon sa kung saan-saang parte ng bansa. Hindi na ako magugulat kung bukas ay nasa TV at mga diyaryo na naman ako o ang pamilya ko.

Are people not tired of gossiping? Wala ba silang magawang maganda sa buhay nila kaya buhay ng iba ang pinakikialamanan nila? What good will they benefit from gossiping? Will it satisfy their dull, boring lives? It's just a waste of time. 

"I heard you went to Greece with him too."

"Let me guess, you hire a private investigator?" I asked and smirked. Tapping my exquisitely manicured nails in the color or beige, making my skin blossom and glow.

"You could have asked me, Polo. After all we're friends." I smiled, emphasizing the word 'friends'

"I told you I'll try again."

"Kung bibigyan kita ng pagkakataon." Sagot ko at sumandal sa aking swivel chair.

Bigo siyang umalis sa opisina ko. Bigo ko ring tinignan ang cellphone ko. Umaasang may text or reply man lang kay Groian kaya lang wala.

Sumapit ang lunch at hindi na talaga ako mapakali. Pinapunta ko na si Judo sa St. Lukes para i-check ang lagay doon.

"Meg, bukas wala ako dito sa café. Sa Dairy Pleasures muna ako dahil i-rerelease ng board ang desisyon. Itong si Polo, ini-spoil naman ako sa desisyon."

"Talaga, Miss Ania? Edi ikaw na ang CEO?"

"Yes,"Tumango ako.

There was a knock on my door, I signalled Meg to open it. I was immediately relieved to see Groian standing in my doorway with a bouquet of red roses. He's still wearing the white turtleneck, and his black pants.

"We'll give you privacy." Meg giggled and pulled Judo out of the room.

Paglabas ay mabilis akong dumalo kay Groian at ngumiti. He looks exhausted and sleepy. His eyes are full of sadness and worry.

"I'm sorry..." He whispered.

Mabilis akong umiling at sinapo ang dalawa niyang pisngi. Ngumiti ako para ipaalam na ayos lang talaga ang lahat ng ito. Namiss ko lang siya at nag-alala.

"It's okay... I was just worried..." I bit my lower lip. "How's your mother?"

"She's unconscious." He started.