CHAPTER 34 - The Fading Star
EVERYTHING REPLAYED IN Janus' mind the instant Kara left his sight. Wala siyang pakialam sa mga mic na nakatutok sa kaniya at sa dami reporter na nasa loob ng silid. Para siyang nabingi at tumahimik ang lahat, ang tanging nangibabaw lang ay ang huling salitang binitiwan ni Kara.
Nakatitig lamang siya sa nilabasan nitong pinto habang parang nasa pelikulang tuloy-tuloy na bumabalik sa kaniya ang lahat ng sakit nang malaman niya ang totoo.
He was waiting in the conference room that day because the executive producer of their album requested to talk to him. Kagagaling lamang niya sa bahay nina Oddity dahil hinatid si Kara pagkatapos nilang mag-review for finals at dumiretso na siya sa studio pagkatapos.
"She was with Javaid in his condomium. They're just fooling you. "
Tila nabingi si Janus sa narinig habang tulala sa folder na ibinigay sa kaniya ni Mr. Esguerra, ang executive producer nila. It was a compilation of photos where Kara was seen with Javaid. Kahit pa hindi niya kita ang kabuoan ng mukha ng babae ay sigurado siyang si Kara iyon.
"She spent a night with him," he added, but Janus shrugged the thought. Marahil isa na naman iyon sa pakulo nito para layuan si Kara dahil sa issue sa kanilang dalawa ni Javaid.
With his determination to prove that Kara was innocent, he didn't open the folder. Instead he looked at their executive producer and glared at him.
"Stop saying nonsense things, Mr. Esguerra. You're not gonna stop me from being with her. It wasn't written in the contract that it's not allowed for us to have relationship with others."
"It wasn't written, but I can manipulate it, Mr. Valderama. You know that very well." Ngumisi ito sa kaniya.
Nanliit ang mata niya saka matalim itong tiningnan. "What are you up to?" he asked, mocking.
"Let's just say . . . whatever it takes for you to leave her." He smirked and handed him another pile of paper.
Napako ang mata niya sa music score ng kanta na c-in-ompose ni Kara at kinanta niya. Her song That Cold Christmas Night. Sandali siyang napatitig doon at ibinalik ang tingin sa executive producer. He smirked at him and leaned his back on the swivel chair.
"I can sue you for breach of contract because of that, Mr. Valderama."
Dinampot niya iyon saka muling ibinalik ang mata sa kausap. "But I haven't signed the contract when we recorded that song. Wala akong nilabag."
Mr. Esguerra chuckled. "I can manipulate everything, Janus. Alam mo 'yan. Sa mundong pinasok mo, I can do whatever I want. And you are one of my pawns whether you like it or not."
Umigting ang panga niya. He tried his best to calm himself, restraining to strangle him with his bare hand.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked, greeting his teeth. Frustration enveloped his voice.
"I told you. I can't let your name be ruined because of that girl. You'll get dragged into her mess no matter what if you won't avoid her. Hind iyon magandang publicity sa Empty. Lalo na ngayong magde-debut ang first album n'yo," he said.
Naikuyom niya ang kamao. Wala namang ginawa si Kara kaya bakit kailangan nitong madamay sa gulong pinasok ni Javaid? Pumikit siya saka humugot ng marahas na hingina bago muli itong binato ng matatalas na tingin.
"Labas si Kara sa kung ano man ang gulong pinasok ni Rossier! Bakit siya ang iniipit mo?!" he said, his patience was leaving him.
Mr. Esguerra removed his eyeglasses and massaged his forehead. "Can't you see, Mr. Valderama? That girl is important to him. Javaid wants to terminate his contract because of her."
BINABASA MO ANG
When The Sun Goes Down (✔️)
Novela Juvenil[CARPE DIEM #1] Kara made a pledge to herself after getting a slap from her disgruntled father that she would one day make him proud by pursuing her passion-writing songs. Eager to get his attention, she hires someone to sing her own song in an int...
