Love Can Change Everything | COMPLETED

Chapter 29

Prince...

I can’t see any emotions or even a glimpsed of longing in his face. It was in his very professional and poker face. I can’t read his face too— not anymore. I’m so scared that he might see me here so I turned my back against them, that must be so rude of me but please forgive me. I just can’t take it seeing him again, for almost eight years now.

And with a trembling hands, I continued stirring the soup. I was too occupied with my own panicking self that I didn’t even see that the soup was about to flow from the stew pot. I just snapped out when Josh turned the stove off, before the soup overflowed.

“Are you okay? You can take a rest first, tapos naman na ang ibang dish.” Josh concerned look darted to me.

I gulped a bit. “No. I’m fine, thank you.” I lowered my gaze as I fidget the... the  ring he gave me 8 years ago. I still have it, I never lost it. Well, I almost lost it sa banyo saa kwarto ko. I almost broke down that time, but with the help of my family I found it just under the sink.  

I nervously sighed, as I hide my hand inside my slacks’ pocket with the finger where the ring placed on.

“You sure?” Josh once asked. I nodded.

Sir Calidad continued introducing the rest one-by-one.

"Josh Ethan Vermosa, Executive chef of Vermosa's. Nice to meet you, Sir." pag-papakilala ni Josh sa kaniyang sarili. Hindi ko nakita kung anong ginagawa nila dahil nakatagilid ako. Pero ramdam ko ang paningin nila na nasa’kin.

I nervously sighed for the nth time when Sir Calidad asked if I can introduce myself. I straighten my face, facing them in front. I managed not to glanced at Prince at the side, I did it.

I felt Josh held my hand and squeezed it a bit to tell me that it’s all fine.

“Christine Kaye Dela Cruz, Head Chef of the Vermosa’s, Sir. It’s... nice to finally meet you po.” I almost clapped my hands when I didn’t shuttered. Nakatulong ang pasimpleng pagpiga ni Josh sa kamay ko para hindi ako gaanong kabahan.

“Again,” Sir Gabriel Tan, laughed. I stiffed in my place. I take a glanced at him. He’s still laughing lightly.

It’s nice to meet you again, po... it supposed to be like that? Funny.

It’s because I took a glanced at Sir Gabriel, my sight went passed by Prince at Sir’s side. I almost lost my balanced when I saw his face clearly. I took the chance to stare at him because he’s not looking at me.

He had been changed a lot... like a lot.

His face toned so well. His jaw lines were sharp and tight. I noticed that his hair style changed a lil bit. I guess, he used wax to made it stay on the side, leaving some stubborn hair strands that didn’t cooperate using a wax. And his skin tone is fair enough to make me admire his skin colour as I was before. His lips were way more plump as it is before, and it’s more red and wet. His lips is in a thin line, he looked pissed though.

And wait— his eyes! Damn, those eyes. Those sharp eyes that used to stare at me with admiration and love. And now it’s empty and blank at all, I can see any feelings through it.

I followed his eyes on where he was staring blankly. And I found that he’s staring at Josh and I’s hands, clasped to each other.

I immediately pulled my hands from Josh. I felt his confused look at me, but I didn’t mind his stares. I didn’t let my eyes moved to Prince’s. 

I keep my eyes on him. As I observe his figure. His body built more too. His chest looks so hard and thick, like his biceps. He’s height increased too.

I can also see some veins even if his hands are inside his slacks pocket. Lumilitaw din ang mamahaling relos niyang mula rito.

Nang maramdaman niya ang titig ko sakaniya, nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. Sabay kaming nagiwas ng tingin, na para bang may enerhiyang nakaka-kuryente sa buong sistema namin nang magtatama ang mga mata namin.

"It's nice to see your team Mr. Calidad and Mr. Vermosa, speacially you Ms. Dela Cruz. Let's have a dinner later." Umawang ang labi ko sa inani ni Sir. Gabriel. Napatingin ako sakanya, ngunit ganoon nalang kalaki ang ngiti niya habang nakatingin sa akin. Lumipat ang paningin ko kay Prince, seryoso pa rin ang mukha niya na para bang walang pakialam sa sinabi ng ama. Ni hindi nga siya naka-tingin sa akin, diretsyo lang ang tingin niya sa kung saan.

Ibinalik ko ang paningin ko kay Sir. Gabriel, atsaka ngumiti. "Thank you, sir. It's nice to see you too, again." I returned the favour of saying the again word, since he corrected me earlier. I saw Sir Gabriel chuckled a bit, and slightly beamed his son’s arm.

I slightly shook my head when Prince didn’t mind his father’s teasing eyes for the both of us.

When 10 PM hit the clock, we, the Vermosa’s team made our way to our respective stations. We supposed to stand at the long tables where the foods we cooked, to guide the guest picking their liked foods.

But Sir Gabriel didn’t allow us to do so, he asked us to wear our formal attires.

“But, Sir I have nothing to wear formally at this moment. Well, the one I wore before changing into my uniforms po.” I said to him. “Uh... I can go home first po, to get myself clothes.” I even suggest.

He then, chuckled. My brows furrowed, “there’s no problem with the attires, hija. Please be comfy in one of our units here that I personally reserved for you. You’re still the Tine my son used to be girlfriend so, please borrow the unit, hija. You also have clothes there.” he explained, seriously.

My lips parted a bit. “Sir—” he cut me off.

“Tito." He corrected me. "Call me Tito if you’re not comfortable calling me Daddy anymore.” I don’t know if he’s serious and real but I nodded my head like a stupid person living in this world.

“I’ll... borrow the unit, Tito. Thank you, very much.” I lightly bowed my head in front of him.

“I got my son’s back at all.” He whispered. I was about to comment when he chuckled again, looking at my expression. “I’m just kidding, hija. Go now and change your dress. I would love to see you wearing that, he picked that for you.” I didn’t hear the last sentence he said, because he whimpered it, don’t want me to hear it.

I just nodded my head. He once bid goodbye at me and tapped my shoulder.

Isinuot ko ang white long fitted off shoulder dress, na inihatid ng secretary ni Tito Gab. May mga puting bulaklak din na burda ang ibabang bahagi ng gown. May ipinadala rin si Tito na white 2 inches heels. Nahihiya man akong tanggapin ang lahat nang 'to, pero wala na akong magawa, ayaw niya naman akong pauwi para kumuha ng damit.

I sat in front of the vanity table when i’m done with my dress, it suits me well. I wondered how Tito got my size, because it hugged and fitted my body. Tinanong kaya niya si Prince? Eh?!

I shook my head and started to bun my hair up, I want to expose my shoulders so I decided to just pull my hair up. I let down some hair strands at the side of my head, it made my face shaped boxed.

I then putted some foundation on my face, dala ko iyon. I also put full lips lipstick. I saw an eye shadow palette at the vanity cabinet, so I reached it. I learned that it’s sealed, nilagay ‘to talaga para sa akin? Weh? Joke. I chuckled at my own.

I putted some light brownish eye shadow, using the make up brush I found there.

I watched myself at the vanity mirror. I smiled in my own reflection. When I got myself satisfied with the outcome of my make up, I stood up and went to the small shelf above the vanity mirror. I picked a perfume among the three kinds of it there. I picked the purple one, and sprayed it on my wrist. I smelled it, smells like... i can’t describe it, basta ang tamis ng amoy.

I sprayed it on my neck, both sides.

I once watched my reflection at the vanity mirror. I got satisfied with my look so I grab my phone placed over the big bed inside this luxury unit, Tito gave to me.

I was about to open the door when someone knocked. I finally opened the door, I’m too excited to went out just to be shocked like i saw a ghost outside the room.

I recovered from the shock, but I guess I just had an after shock? I watched him as he let his eyes roamed around my face to my toe. He then, bit the flesh in his lips and avoid my gazes.

I furrowed my brows. The hell, napaka-sungit.

I returned the same way he does to me. I roamed my eyes from his head to his toe. Just to learned how handsome he is wearing a dark blue tuxedo. Iba sa suot niya noong una ko siyang makita kanina sa kusina.

When he noticed that I’m observing him with my stares, he faced  me and raised his brows at me. Nakipag-titigan ako sakaniya, finding something inside his eyes. But...

There’s nothing.

"Pinapasundo ka ni Dad." Seryosong sabi niya, bago tumalikod at dumiretsyo sa elevator. Natulala pa ako sa isang saglit, bago isarado ang pinto ng hotel room at sumunod kay Prince. Naabutan ko siya sa tapat ng elevator, hinihintay na magbukas ang pintuan.

Nang magbukas ang pintuan ng lift, diri-diretsyo siyang pumasok. Bumuntong-hininga ako bago pumasok sa loob. The lift was with no one, but the two of us. Siya ang pumindot ng button na may G. Nasa ground floor kasi ang event venue ng H&R.

Tahimik lang kami parehas habang nasa elevator. Medyo matagal dahil nasa 21st floor ang hotel room ko. Gusto kong isipin na sinadya ni Tito Gab 'yon, dahil siya ang nagpasundo sa akin kay Prince. E p’wede naman doon sa secretary niyang naghatid ng dress sa unit na ‘yon.

I watched his reflection on the lift’s door. He’s just standing beside me like a freaking robot. Mas maayos pa ‘atang kausap ang robot kaysa sa isang ‘to. Hindi niya ba ako kakamustahin? Hello?! 8 years is too much for you to asked me how am I doing long ago. Whatever.

Hindi ako p’wedeng magpaka-marupok para sa lalaking ‘to. I bear eight fucking years for nothing? No. Of course not. I still want to hear his reasons, 8 years ago.

Naputol ang pagiisip ko nang masalita siya.

"How are you?" That was the freaking question that I want him to ask me, but why’d I feel myself stiffed like a rock when he finally asked the question I wanted?

“Just fine. The usual.” I smack myself mentally, that sounded so rude, isn’t it?!

I met his eyes through the elevator’s reflection. Now, I saw the longing in his eyes. Fucking finally.

Hindi na siya nakapag-salita pa nang bumukas na ang pintuan ng lift, I step outside first. Being with him in that closed lift was a pure torture for me. A total suffocating time of my life.

I inhaled some air when I’m a bit far away from the elevator.

Longing. He’s longing too?

Nang makarating sa event venue ng hotel, nadatnan ko ang naka-patay na ilaw ng venue. Tanging spotlight lang ang naka-ilaw. Nagulat ako nang tumapat sa akin iyon. Napa-pikit pa ako sa silaw na hatid no’n, pero kaagad ding nagmulat para makita kung anong nangyayari.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Please welcome, Christine Kaye Dela Cruz and Prince Kyle Tan. The Tanya and Vermosa's representative. And of course the new CEO of Tanya's Mr. Prince Kyle Tan." The emcee announced. Kasabay 'non ang palakpakan ng ibang guest.

So, CEO na pala siya... wow i thought his Dad just gonna place him as a CEO if he got himself a wife. He has?

I glanced at him beside me, we’re now under this spotlight. I had no idea about me being the Vermosa’s Representative, wala namang nasabi si Sir Vermosa about sa representative or what.

Prince didn’t even smile at the camera clinking in front of him, capturing the both of us.

Kung masungit siya noon, mas nadagdagan ngayon.

Napatingin muli ako sa harapan nang magbukas ang ilaw sa buong venue. Nakita ko ang dami ng tao, at kung gaanong ka-en grande ang buong event na ‘to.

Nakita kong lumapit saamin si Tito Gabriel kasama ang kaniyang asawang si Mrs. Margarette Reign Tan. Kumislap ang mga mata ko nang matanaw sa likod ng mag-asawa si Princess at Ate Abi.

Nang maka-lapit sila sa amin, sinalubong ako ng mahigpit na yakap ni Princess at Ate Abi.

"Omg, Ate Tine!" Tili ni Princess nang kumawala siya sa pagkakayap sa akin. Napaka-laki ng pinagbago niya. Naka-suot siya ng long shining red gown. Naka-lugay din ang mahaba niyang buhok at naka-kulot.

"How are you, Tine. Long time no see." Ani Ate Abi. She was wearing a long violet gown. She look more elegant in her gown

"I'm fine, Ate. It's nice to see you again." Ngumiti ako sakanilang dalawa, bago tumingin kay Mrs. Tan.

"Hija, I missed you." Sabi niya bago ako yakapin. Nang kumalas siya, tiningnan niya ang kabuoan ko. "Alam mo bang halos mabaliw si Princ—" hindi pa niya natatapos ang sasabihin ng magsalita si Prince.

"Mom, the guests is waiting for us. Stop making gossips in the middle of the event." Masungit na sabi niya, at tuluyan ng pumasok sa loob at umupo sa round table.

"Aish! That man, really... don't worry, hija, bitter lang 'yan akala mo hindi ka iniyakan ng nahigit pitong taon sa New York." Mrs. Tan giggle. I don’t know how to entertain her. I can’t just talk to them just like the way I used to do before when we were still together ni Prince. Nginitian ko na lang siya.

"Hon, let's go. Come with us, Tine." Tito Gab saved my life for a second.

Nang maka-upo kami sa round table kung saan naka-upo si Prince habang may hawak na wine glass na may lamang red wine. Pinaupo nila ako sa tabi ni Prince, wala naman akong magawa dahil pinagtutulakan nila ako sa tabi ni Prince. Kunwari nalang 'di ko gusto.

"Tine, can you call your mom? I invited her, Chris and your Kuya Christian, but I haven't seen them yet. I forgot my phone at my room." Tita Margarette asked me.

"Ooh," my mouth automatically formed into 'o' when I heard what's she said. I didn’t expect her to invite my family here. "Yes po, Tita, sure." Kinuha ko ang phone ko na naka-patong sa table at pinindot ang name ni Mama sa contacts ko. Ilang ring lang ay sinagot na kaagad ni mama ang tawag ko.

"Hi, Ma." I greeted.

["Oh, 'nak?"]

"Ma, pupunta po pala kayo sa event nila Mrs. Tan?"

["Uh..."] she's now panicking.

"Yeah, you haven't tell me. But, Tita Margarette already told me, Ma. Pumunta na raw po kayo dito, the event's gonna be started in a few minutes."

["Sorry, anak. On the way na kami nila Kuya at Papa mo, 'nak. Pasabi kay kumareng Margarette kung ma-le-late kami, ma-traffic kasi 'e."]

“Sige po, Ma. Ingat.”

["Salamat, 'nak."] She ended the call. Nang ibaba ko ang phone ko, may kausap na si Tita Marga. May kalayuan din ang kinauupuan nila ni Tito Gabriel at Tita Marga, dahil malaki ang table. Nang umalis ang kausap ni Tita, tumayo ako at lumapit sa likod niya. Nakita ko pang sinundan nila ako ng tingin. Nang nasa likod na ako ni Tita, yumuko ako at inilapit ang bibig ko sa tapat ng  tenga niya. Hinawakan ko rin ang balikat ni Tita, hinawakan din niya ang kamay kong nasa balikat niya.

"Tita, on the way na daw po sila Mama. Medyo ma-le-late lang daw po, dahil traffic." I whispered. Medyo, malakas din kasi ang sounds dito.

"Thank you, hija." She whispered and tapped my hand on her shoulder, slightly.

Bumalik ako sa seat ko, nagtaka naman ako nang makitang humahagikhik si Ate Abi at Princess sa tabi ko. Pati si Tito Gabriel. Ganoon din si Tita Marga, habang naka-tingin sa akin. Nilingon ko si Prince na tabi ko, pero bahagya siyang nakatalikod sa amjn. Ipinagtaka ko rin ang pamumula ng tenga niya pababa sa leeg niya. Gusto ko mang magtanong, dahil baka may allergy siya sa red wine, pero nanatili nalang akong tahimik.

Pero, ang tungkol paghagikhik nila Princess ay hindi ko napigilang magtanong.

"What's wrong, Cess?"

"Uhm," mahina nanaman siyang tumawa. "Kasi, ate—" naputol ang pagpapaliwanag niya nang tumunog ang phone niyang nasa silver purse niya. Kinuha niya ito, at may binasa. Nang ibaba niya ang phone niya nagpipigil na siya sa pagtawa.

"Sorry, ate. It's just, uhm..." sumulyap siya kay Prince. "Nothing." Tumango nalang ako at hindi na siya kinulit tungkol doon. Though, I’ still curious about it.

Mas lalo pa akong na-curious nang tapikin ni Tito Gab ang balikat ni Prince.

“Ikaw ang pumili ng damit niya, anak. So better hold you thing.” He even smirked to tease his son more. What thing? Ang weird talaga nilang mag-ama.

Ilang minuto pa, dumating sila Mama, kasama si Kuya at Papa. Tumayo ako nang makalapit sila sa table namin.

"Hi, Ma." Yumakap ako kay Mama. Nang kumalas si Kuya naman ang niyakap ko, sumunod si Papa.

Nagbatian si Tita Marga at Mama, pati si Tito Gabriel at Papa. Natawa naman ako kung gaano ka-awkward ang itsura ni Kuya nang makita si Ate Abi.

Prince also greeted my family. And even Kuya. They greeted Prince’s back. It made me smile a little for some reason.

"Son, doon muna kayo sa kabilang table may paguusapan lang kami." Anang Tito Gabriel kay Prince. "Join them, Tine." Nakita kong ngumiti si Prince kay Mama't Papa, na ibinalik naman nila. Tumayo si Prince, at sila Ate Abi at Princess. Iginiya ako ni Kuya sa kabilang table, at ipinaghila ako ng upuan.

Nang maupo ako, tumabi sa akin si Prince. Si Kuya naman ay sa tabi ni Ate Abi umupo. Mistulang nagpipigil ng hagikhik si Princess sa gilid.

"So, ginawa lang pala akong third-wheel nila Mommy dito. Can I walk-out? Maghahanap lang ako ng sa akin." Tatayo na sana si Princess nang magsalita si Prince.

"Sit down, Princess and don’t even try.” Prince threatened Princess. Nakangusong bumalik sa upuan si Princess.

"Why?" I furrowed my brows. "How old are you, Princess?"

"She's just 20," si Prince ang sumagot, kaya tumingin ako sakaniya at tinaasan siya ng kilay. Just?! That’s way old enough to have someone she want to be with.

"So?" Mataray na tanong ko sakaniya, tinaasan niya rin ako ng kilay. Hindi ko alam pero mapangiti ako nang makita kong nagiba ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya, minsan lang kasi mangyari ‘yon. But I immediately stop myself from smiling. "She's already 20." Madiing sabi ko.

"She's not allowed yet." Pangdidiin ni Prince.

"Why?"

"Dad is strict," pagdadahilan niya.

"Your dad or you?"

"Our dad,"

"Really?" Sarcastic kong sabi, ibinalik ko ang paningin ko kay Princess, atsaka siya nginitian. "Go get a guy, babe." Kinindatan ko siya. Tumingin siya sa Kuya niyang strikto, naiilang na ngumiti. Tumingin ako kay Prince, nakatingin din siya sa akin na para bang nasa akin ang kasagutan kung papayagan niya ba ang kapatid o hindi. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. Inirapan niya ako bago tumingin kay Princess.

I almost laughed at him. I just made it stopped.

"You know your limitations. Tell that guy, I’ll see him later.” Bumuntong-hininga si Prince. Nakita kong kumislap ang mga mata ni Princess. Mukhang in love si bebe. "Go to you Salvador." Umirap sa hangin si Prince, still disagree with the situation.

Tumayo si Princess, hindi ko inaasahang lalapit siya saamin ni Prince. Pumunta siya sa likod namin ni Prince at isinabit ang braso sa balikat namin ni Prince. Tumaas ang balahibo ko nang mag-dikit ang pisngi namin ni Prince dahil sa yakap ni Princess. Naka-patong ang baba niya gitnang ulo namin ni Prince.

Nang bumitaw si Princess, tumikhim ako. Tsaka inayos ang suot ko. Inayos naman ni Prince ang suot niyang tuxedo na bahagyang nagusot. Para kaming tanga pareho.

"Thank you, Ate, Kuya!" Masayang sabi ni Princess. Tumingin siya kila Kuya Chris at Ate Abi na tahimik lang sa gilid. "Gusto niyo tight hug, Ate? Kuya?" Tanong niya, habang naka-open arms, at nakatingin kila Ate at Kuya Chris. Sabay namang umiling-iling sila Ate't Kuya. Ngumuso si Princess at ibinaba ang braso niya. Inayos niya ang buhok niya at sout na gown, bago tumalikod.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin, nakita kong may kinausap siyang lalaki sa 'di kalayuang table. Naka-grey tuxedo ang lalaking nilapitan ni Princess. Gwapo rin ito, at chinito. Maputi rin, at makinis ang mukha. Linaw ng mata ko.

"That's her crush," Prince chuckled. Nilingon ko siya, at nagtama ang paningin namin.

"Ooh, she have a good standards." Mahina akong tumawa, bago ibalik ang paningin kila Princess. Naka-upo na si Princess sa tabi ni nung lalaki. Naka-akbay naman yung lalaki sa taas ng sandalan na kinauupuan ni Princess.

"But, she's not allowed to have a boyfriend." He firmly said. Lumingon muli ako kay Prince, at kinunutan ko siya ng nuo. "Just not now.” mahinang sabi niya.

"Then when, you dumbass.” I rolled my eyes.

"What? Are you cursing me?"

"No, I don't. I'm cursing this table." Hinaplos-haplos ko pa yung mantel na pula ng table. Kinagat niya ang pangi-babang labi niya, upang pigilan ang pagtawa. Umiling nalang ako, at nagiwas ng tingin.

Bakit kailangan pa niyang pigilan ang tawa niya. Kung malakas lang siyang tumawa jan, e ‘di sana ay natuwa pa ako. Tumaas nga lang ang kilay niya, napa-ngiti na ako. Shet!

I’m still wondering though, on what happened earlier. Kung bakit tumawa sila Ate Abi at Princess. Kung bakit may panunukso kung tumingin si Tito at Tita sa akin nang makabalik ako sa upuan ko.

Then I glanced down to my dress. I tried to bend down my body to see what’s wrong. Just for me to feel embarrass. My face heated up, as I fixed the upper area of my off-shoulder dress.

Did... did Prince just saw my... my what?!

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