Sunken Promises

Simula

"Lyzel, I told you, you have to marry him for the sake of our company!" my mother massaged her temples. "Ever since your Dad's death, humina na ang negosyo natin. You have to do this!"

Sinubukan kong pigilan ang mga nagbabadyang luha nang maalala ang itsura ng walang buhag na katawan ni Dad. How can she mention that thing without getting affected?

I envy her so much. It has been four years since my father's death and I still can't move on.

"I don't want to! I don't even know him, Mom-"

"E 'di kilalanin mo, Lyzel. I'm sure you'll like him once you get to know him," she smirked. "He graduated as a summa cum laude in UP Baguio, and he's now the president of EIB."

That sounds oddly familiar.

Graduated from UP Baguio? President of Estevez International Bank? Him...?

No, it can't be! Masyadong imposible iyon. Is there another EIB? Or did my 'fiancee' study another degree in UPB and graduated as summa cum laude? Marami ring Estevez sa mundo. It can't be him!

"Why? Is there someone else you want to marry? Someone who already proposed to you, perhaps?" tanong ni Mom ng mapansin ang takot sa ekspresyon ko.

Gusto 'kong tumawa sa harapan niya. The man who promised me forever already cheated on me. Wala na kami. Pakiramdam ko pa ay siya rin naman ang ang gustong ipakasal sa'kin ni Mom. I hope not though.

"Can I just not like the idea of marrying a random guy?" I said.

"That opinion doesn't matter. You will marry Mr. Estevez, Lyzel."

I stiffened. I shouldn't worry. Maraming Estevez sa mundo. Baka naman iba iyon. But then paano kung siya nga?

"Who?!" I asked for confirmation.

It can't be him! If it's him that I'm marrying, then guess I have enough reason to run away and abandon the company. A wedding is a sacred ceremony and I don't want to get married to a liar. Over my dead body!

"Aurelius Zale Estevez. Ring any bells? Nababalita palagi ang kumpanya nila," Mom said as if it would do me any better.

It's him! It's the guy who cheated on me that I'm marrying! Gosh, damn it!

I turned my back on her. Rinig ko pa na tinawag niya ako ngunit hindi ko siya nilingon.

Arius, the first guy to ever break my heart is the one I'm going to marry. I gave everything but I guess it wasn't enough. I was devastated back then, but I managed to leave him for my own good.

I'm sorry Dad, but I can't do this.