Burnt Traces (Esquivel Series #1)

Epilogue (Part 1)

          JUST as what I expected, the news indeed reached everyone. Nakasakay ako ngayon sa kotse ni Heiron habang binabasa ang isang artikulo na ilinabas ng isang tanyag na journalist.

Last night, the well-known business tycoon— Heiron Cinco Esquivel, was seen together with his family's greatest rival, Cyanara Eloise Atalia. It seemed like they are having this private affair for a very long time.

I scrolled and found a picture of me hugging Heiron. Hindi naisali sina Mommy sa litrato, tanging kaming dalawa ang naroon.

I know that this would abosulotely come. Walang sekretong hindi nabubunyag. Hindi ko alam kung anong dapat kong maramdaman sa nakita.

"Stop reading that." Hinimas ni Heiron ang aking kandungan. Kasalukuyan siyang nagda-drive patungo sa kompanya.

I sighed and decided to put the phone away. "Okay fine."

"It's better to just let the fiery issue to be its peak. Makakalimutan din ng mga tao ito," he said while staring intetly at me with his intense eyes.

Tama si Heiron. The people will surely forget about this. But I wonder how long will it take for it to calm? Ilang buwan o taon pa ba ang hihintayin para matanggap kami ng mga tao?

I glanced at him. Nakatitig pa rin ito  na mukhang tinatantya ang magiging reaksyon ko. Pansamantala niyang ipinarada ang kotse.

"Can you please tell me your thoughts? You always let me worry." Natawa ako dahil sa kaniyang pag-aalala. He seemed very disturbed and confused.

"C'mon. Let's go. Malalate na ako sa trabaho."

"We can just take a break. I'm the CEO. Kaya naman kitang ipaabsent nang may sahod pa rin. You can even take all my money." Umirap ako sa ere at umiling.

"I already told you. No favoritism. At saka ano ka ba, I can earn on my own." This time, siya naman ang umirap.

I stared at his cherry pouted lips and his eyes that probably will always look exquisite for me. Hindi ko rin pinalampas ang kaniyang panga na kanina pa nakaigting. His jaw will forever be his trademark.

"I'm working for us, baby. Once we're married, I will give you everything you need. Pati sarili ko." Kaagad nanubig ang aking mga mata. He touched my hair down to my nape.

"Sayong-sayo lang ako, Cyanara. Walang makakapigil sa akin, even you," he whispered.

Mismong mga traydor na luha ang walang tigil na nag-uunahang pumapatak. My heart is fully occupied by his words. I'm not even sure if I can contain this strange yet the best feeling within.

"Hush, baby." Pilit niyang pag-aalo. Mas lalo akong napahagulhol. Nakita ko ang kaniyang pagkakataranta.

"It hurts to see you cry." He wiped my tears away through the back of his palm.

"Are you crying because you're not yet ready to spend your lifetime with me?" Bigla sumeryoso ang kaniyang mukha. Hindi ako umimik at umiyak lang doon habang pinapatahan ako.

I repeatedly shooked my head and gave him a tight hug— an assurance that he really deserves.

"Kaya kong maghintay nang libo-libong taon hanggang sa handa ka na. I know how you love freedom so much."

And I was taken a back because of what he said. Oo nga pala. The old Cyanara was a free-spirited young adult who chose a rocky path. I loved freedom. Who doesn't right? Though, I guess I overlooked the true essence of freedom. I did a horrible and humiliating crime that I will bear for the rest of my life. That's when I met Heiron.