Fate

Chapter 31

GABRIEL holds the microphone while keeps on glancing at Amanda. And he started with his speech.

"Good evening to everyone, thank you for having all your presence here.... I would like also to thank all my staffs and crew for the success of this business." The crowd applaused.

"Anyway, we are here not just for the launching of this bar but also to celebrate with us for a very special announcement."

Nagtaka naman ang ibang naroroon. Samantalang kinakabahan tuloy si Amanda sa kung anong i-aanunsiyo nito.

"But first let me introduce to you, something so special who is part of my life."

"Five years ago, I met this woman. But in a complicated situation.. And I think it was the fate that brought us when we met again." He chuckled and glances at Amanda.

Habang hindi na mapakali si Amanda sa kanyang kinatatayuan dahil sa mga sinasabi ni Gabriel. Hindi niya inaasahan itong gagawin nito.

Muling ipinagpatuloy ni Gabriel ang kanyang anunsyo. "At kailan lang ay nalaman kong nagkaanak kami." Gulat na gulat naman halos lahat ng naroroon, lalo na't kilala si Gabriel na wala pa itong sariling pamilya o kahit asawa.

"I want to introduce to you, my only son, Arthur." Bumaling si Gabriel sa gilid ng stage saka doon isa sa mga empleyado niya ang umalalay kay Art na umakyat patungo sa kanya.

Bukod sa gulat na mga ekspresyon ng iilang naroon ay ganoon din si Amanda. Hindi niya alam kung anong gagawin, kung hahablutin ba niya ang anak niya. She was totally shocked and nervous.

But seeing Arthur whose now beside his father with the same white American suit they wore, makes her heart melt. Para bang ngayon lang siya nakaramdam ng sobrang kaligayahan para sa anak niya ng makita niya ang masasayang ngiti nitong hinaharap ang mga tao na nagpapalakpakan para sa kanya.

"Anong masasabi niyo sa anak ko?" Gabriel giggled, kaya nagtawanan din ito.

"Anyway, so much for that... I have another announcement..." He glances again to Amanda. While she looked away and hide her tears. Hindi na napigilang maiyak ni Amanda.

"Before I got to know that he is my son, I already proposed a marriage for his mother. She is Amanda Fuentes, my fiancee." Sabay baling ni Gabriel kay Amanda kaya napunta tuloy sa kanya ang atensyon ng mga tao.

"Will you please come here and join us, boss?" He asked with sincerity. Ilang segundong hinintay ito ni Gabriel.

Amanda wipes her tears. Tila sa isang iglap ay napawi lahat ng galit niya kay Gabriel kahapon. Parang may sariling buhay ang mga paa niyang dahan-dahang tinungo ang stage.

Gabriel smiles widely. He automatically assited her as she goes to them. "Thank you boss." Sabay bulong pa niya.

Amanda shyly faced the crowd while automatically holds her son's hand.

"Mama umiiyak ka po ba?" Arthur asked.

Napailing-iling si Amanda at ginawaran ng ngiti ang kanyang anak. While Gabriel wrapped his hand around her waist.

"We are getting married next week." Anunsyo ni Gabriel na ikinagulat at ikinatuwa ng mga tao. "Thank you, and enjoy the party everyone!"

     

NAGING abala sina Gabriel at Amanda dahil sa mga bumabati sa kanila habang patuloy ang party. Karga-karga naman ni Gabriel buong magdamag si Arthur at kung sinu-sino lang ang kumakausap dito lalo na ang mga kilala at malalapit na kaibigan ni Gabriel.