Reckless Abandon

Chapter Thirteen

Eureka's POV

Ashton and I were talking to my guests when my personal assistant said its time for me to answer questions and do interviews for the press. After all, no matter how established our empire is, we still need the unnecessary, yet very important publicity. I excused myself from the group and followed my assistant in the gathering area near the fountain where they are waiting for me. I feel very anxious with the idea of being seen on newspapers...  I don't wanna be seen.

I took a few breaths and smiled as I approached the spotlight once again. I can hear the clicks, camera shutters and the quirky buzz of the people. It was a good thing that I'm near the presence of the water fountain. Its soothing ripples give me a sense of peace and calm.

"Good evening, everyone." I muttered, and much to my disdain, my voice is creaking with fatigue and anxiety. I smiled at nobody and tried to look confident.

"Good evening Miss Magsaysay, how was the experience so far being the one taking over the family business?"

"Well," I cleared my throat, pilit na hinahanap kung kanino ako titingin, kasi hindi ko mahagilap sa nakakasilaw na mga ilaw kung sino ang nagtanong. "It's been expected of me to one day take over. Right now, I'm just getting the hang of it all."

"Maari ho ba naming malaman kung kamusta na ang kondisyon ng inyong ama?"

"My dad is in a stable condition now. He is in therapy and is improving greatly. Biro pa nga niya na parang gusto niya na raw mag-retire. Kaso sabi ko, huwag na muna this year Dad, kasi gusto ko pang dumalo sa Coachella." before my mind can even think it, the moment I heard my mouth said those words, I knew it was such a bad joke. Shit, shit, shit. "But you know, it's about time for me to learn and take over the empire my family has built for so many generations. Ever since I was a child, I played in the long hallways and corridors of some of the The Frontier branches, and I dreamed to be a part of of its magic and splendor. Also, I learned from the best. So, I'll try not to disappoint my family, especially my Dad."

I smiled through the bullshit, fervently praying that they will look past that dumb joke. I know these guys. I know what they'll do. They will twist my words out of context to illicit reactions from people, and then it will blow things out of proportion.

"Hindi niyo ba mami-miss ang life of the party katulad nung nasa States kayo?"

See?! Argh! Eureka, you should really learn to stop running your mouth like that.

"No, I mean... it grows old on you eventually, you know? I don't miss it. At all."

Can this thing be over please? My feet hurt!

"So, may posibilidad na bang tuluyan ka ng mags-settle sa lalong madaling panahon?"

What?! "I beg your pardon?"

"Hindi po ba, tatlong taon na ang nakalipas simula nung hindi kayo sumipot sa sarili niyong kasal? Now that you are done with partying, is there a possibility that you're going to tie the knot soon?"

"Excuse me, what are—" I was interrupted by a blinding flash that made me shut my eyes so hard. Oh god, oh god.

It finally dawned on me. The realization feels like a hit of a truck with a blow straight to my chest. The impact of it all made my lungs hurt.

"Do you need me to rephrase the question, Miss Magsaysay?" a female voice spoke from a distance.

"N-no... I don't—" from behind the lights and sea of shoulders with no faces, I saw a familiar figure in the far back of the fountain. Even meters away, I recognize that figure. It's Enrico Hale. Kissing the girl he's with tonight. He's laughing. I heard the girl laughing like a hyena too. He glanced at me and grabbed the girl before they disappeared into the gardens.