Kabanata 13 Rejection

Arwena felt her eyes briefly close in response to Mr. Tan's last words.

His condition was tempting—precisely what she wanted—yet an undercurrent of apprehension persisted.

Everything would become complicated if she accepted his marriage proposal; he would know her secret. Moreover, she wasn't foolish or desperate enough to agree to marry a man, na hindi niya pa kilala ng lubusan. What happened between them long ago, ay hindi magandang basihan to accept his proposal.

"Mr. Tan..."

Mr. Tan cut her off by pressing his thumb against her lips. "No, I don’t want to hear your answer now. Hindi ako nagmamadali. What I want, kapag sumagot ka, it truly comes from your heart, and you are sure of your decision; hindi lang dahil na-pressure ka o dahil sa gusto mo ang binigay kong kondisyon.” Mr. Tan whispered his last words to Arwena, maintaining a calm tone.

Matapos ang bulong niya kay Arwena, hinawakan niya ang kamay nito, at hinarap ang mga tao na dumalo sa ball.

"Everyone, have a gre