My Aloof Man

Chapter 44

ENGAGEMENT

I couldn't move. I just froze on my spot as I try to comprehend what is happening. I thought we are having a family dinner? I thought I would be spending the night with my parents while Brennon spends his birthday with his trying to talk out his engagement? But why the hell is he here? Why is his family here in the same room with us?

"Lucy," I heard my mother say.

"Irene, it's been so long."

I could only hear their voices but I was completely oblivious to other things. My eyes were locked with Brennon who has been standing on his spot since the moment he saw me. Ganoon din ako. Hindi naaalis ang tingin sa kanya. My expression probably mirrored his, completely baffled at the situation.

"Chairman Mendez," it was Brennon's father.

"Chairman Montreal," said my father as a reply. Theirs was more formal than the ladies who seem to know each other openly.

Kung hindi pa marahang hinawakan ni Mommy ang braso ko para ilapit sa ina ni Brennon ay hindi pa ako nabalik sa huwisyo. Napansin kong nakatayo narin ang Chairman bilang pagsalubong sa pagdating namin.

"Cindy, hija, this is Madame Luciana Montreal, one of the board of directors in Montreal Holdings, and also the mother of the CEO," pagpapakilala ni Mommy sa akin.

"We've met, Irene," ani ng ginang bago lumapit sa akin kaya nagulat pa ako nang bigla itong nakipagbeso. "You look lovely, as always."

I just timidly smiled at the compliment. For some reasons, I couldn't find my voice, probably because I was still too stunned.

Iminuwestra naman ni Mommy ang Chairman.

"This is Chairman Christopher Montreal. I assume you have already met him."

I absentmindedly nodded. Lumapit ang Chairman sa akin. Dala-dala niya parin ang mabait na aura, malayong-malayo sa matigas at nakakatakot na aura ng anak. Inabot niya ang kamay sa akin na agaran ko namang tinanggap.

"It's good to see you again, Miss Mendez," the Chairman said in a formal tone.

I can feel Brennon's eye following my every move.

"Brennon," tawag ng Madame sa kanya. Lumapit siya sa ina pero nasa akin parin ang mga mata niya. "This is Madame Irene Mendez, the CEO of Mendez Prime Intl. and Mr. Richard Mendez, her husband and the Chairman."

I looked at Brennon. He's now sporting his business aura. My gaze followed him as he extended his arm first to my mother.

"Good evening, Maam," he said in a formal tone. Tinanggap naman iyon ni Mommy at ngumiti.

"Good evening, hijo. It's nice to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, Maam," he said. Lumipat ang atensiyon niya kay Daddy at inalapit ulit ang kamay. "Good evening, Sir," he said.

Tinanggap iyon ni Daddy.

"Good evening, Mr. Montreal," Daddy replied.

I was still silent while I started to make conclusions in my head. It's not impossible given the circumstances right now.

Nagsalita ulit ang Mom ni Brennon.

"Let's settle down first," she said. "We already ordered food. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, not at all."

The two ladies are trying to make the ambiance light. Pero hindi ko magawa iyon. Hindi ko magawang makisabay. I am already having an idea of what's happening. I am just waiting for someone to validate the conclusions that I have made in my head. I am only waiting for someone to finally voice it out.