Chapter 3

Leah nudged me habang nakatitig ako sa laptop ko, wala sa sarili. Napatingin ako agad sa kanya at tinaasan siya ng kilay.

"What?" tanong ko.

"What do you think about our new CEO?" may ngiting pilit siyang tinatago.

"Well..." balik-type ako sa laptop. "I think he’s good at handling companies?" Halos umiling ako sa sagot ko. What a terrible answer!

I can't just tell her that I can feel something strange to our new CEO. It will look and sound weird.

Napawi ang ngiti ni Leah sa narinig. "Seriously? 'Yon lang talaga napansin mo?"

"Eh ano pa ba dapat kong mapansin? May interesting ba sa kanya?" tanong ko. Pero sa totoo lang, para na ring tanong 'yon sa sarili ko.

May interesting ba sa kanya, Seraphina? Bakit parang may kakaiba kang nararamdaman kapag andiyan siya?

"Hindi mo ba napansin na ang gwapo niya? Yung katawan niya—solid!" she giggled.

Umiling ako. Seriously? 'Yun lang talaga napansin nya?

Bigla siyang napa-tili. "Yung tingin niya pa lang, Diyos ko! Feeling ko malalaglag panty ko sa sahig," bulalas niya.

"Leah, we are in the office. Tone down your voice!" saway ko, pero tuloy siya sa kadaldalan.

"He looks like he’s an expert in bed—"

"Stop!" pinutol ko agad. I can feel my cheeks burned 'cause how can she normally talk that thing here?

"You didn’t notice that?" bulong niya.

"I didn’t, okay. Let’s stop this and continue this talk sa break time." sabi ko.

Gusto pa niyang magsalita pero may tumawag sa akin.

"Ms. Seraphina?" tawag ng secretary ni Mr. Rodriguez.

Tumayo ako agad. Hindi man lang ako nakapagtanong, tumalikod na siya kaya sumunod na lang ako. Doon ko lang narealize na hindi kami sa office ni Mr. Cruz papunta, kundi kay Mr. Rodriguez.

Pagdating sa harap ng office, inaya ako ng secretary na pumasok. Bago pa ako makagalaw, bumukas ang pinto. Lumabas ang mga manager at binati ako. Ngumiti ako pabalik.

Pagpasok ko, agad kong nakita ang lalaking nakatitig na para bang ako ang hinihintay.

I don't know but I feel like I can't control my body right now because it's acting up for reasons I can't explain. My heart pounded, weakened, and I immediately became nervous just because of a pair of eyes staring at me. It's like he claims my soul with the way he stares.

The two busy man, Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Cruz finally turned to look at me. Napahinga naman ako ng maluwag dahil sa wakas ay may pagkakataon na akong umiwas sa tingin ng CEO namin.

"Ms. Velarde, you finally here. Come here and I will formally introduce you to Mr. Saveedra" Mr. Cruz, the manager of marketing said.

I immediately walked towards them and Mr. Cruz starts introducing me to our new CEO, who is staring at me with those pair of eyes that make my body act strange.

"Mr. Saveedra, this is Ms. Seraphina Cordelia Velarde, the assistant manager of marketing team. She's in charge in marketing whenever I'm not present, and I can say that she's a very dedicated and talented employee here in the company." Mr. Cruz said.

I got a bit shy on how Mr. Cruz introduced me.

Napatingin ako kay Mr. Saveedra nang inilahad nya ang kanyang kamay.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Seraphina. I hope we will work well in the company." His baritone voice made me almost shiver. The heck? What happened to my fucking body?

I smile and reach his hand and I can feel the warmth of his hand while we do a handshake.

Hindi ko siya matingnan ng diretso dahil sobrang abala ako sa pagpigil sa sarili kong wag kabahan. Nang binitiwan na niya ang kamay ko, saka lang ako nakahinga ng maayos.

Nagpatuloy ang usapan at puro papuri lang ang sinasabi ni Mr. Cruz tungkol sa akin kaya napayuko ako sa hiya.

Ganyan lagi si Mr. Cruz. Kahit saan, ipinagmamalaki niya ako. Isa siyang mabuting manager namin.

Nang muli akong tumingala, muntik na akong mawalan ng hininga. Nakatingin na naman siya sa akin.

Why is he always staring at me?

No, Seraphina, it's always just a coincidence. Don't think that he is purposely staring at you.

I just drank the tea on the table and answered their questions when they asked me.

After a while, our conversation ended and Mr. Cruz and I went out together.

I wonder why I was invited to the office?

I noticed earlier that only managers from different departments were invited. Why am I being called when I am just an assistant manager?

Habang naglalakad pabalik sa opisina, hindi ko napigilang magtanong.

"Sir, bakit po ako pinatawag? Napansin ko kasi na puro managers lang po 'yung pinatawag kanina. Hindi naman kasali ang assistant manager ng iba't ibang department."

Napatingin sa akin si Mr. Cruz bago sumagot.

"Mr. Saveedra asked if the assistant marketing manager could be summoned since he said he would focus more on improving the marketing of our product." sabi nya, kaya tumango na lang ako.

"And I know I will be retiring soon Ms. Seraphina they better recognize you from now on, you have an outstanding skills," sabi nya at ngumiti. Pagkatapos ay umunang naglakad sa akin.

I couldn't keep up with the Mr. Cruz and let him walk first before me to our office.

I wonder why Mr. Saveedra do that? Does he know that I am the assistant manager of marketing department?

I shook my head at my thoughts. No, he surely doesn't know, Seraphina. This is also a pure coincidence, okay? Stop imagining things.

I was thinking about what Mr. Cruz said that he is going to retire, Nakakalungkot. Itinuturing na namin siyang ama ng marketing team. Mabait at understanding. He's always been humble and caring to all of us. I know he needs to rest 'cause he is old, but surely we will miss him.

Pagbalik ko sa office, bumalik ako sa trabaho. "Sumama ka na samin mamaya, Seraphina," wika niya.

Napakunot-noo ako. "Saan?"

"Bar tayo! Walang excuse, okay?" sabay talikod niya, parang ayaw nyang pakinggan ang pagtanggi ko.

"I can't, Leah. May lakad ako," sagot ko.

Bigla siyang humarap ulit at nakasimangot na nakapamewang.

"Palagi ka na lang may lakad, Seraphina. Magtatampo na ako."

I smile cutely at her. "I'll just come next time, okay? Maling-mali talaga timing mo ngayon." sabi ko.

She rolled her eyes at me.

"Kapag hindi ka sumama next time, ikaw magbabayad ng lahat ng bills sa bar!"

Napatawa ako. "Okay, I'm sorry. I promise, I will join next time. I'll also voluntarily paid the half of the bills" I said so she wouldn't give me a bad look.

She sighed and nodded. Already contented at what I said.

She turned to the table and I knew who that person was even though her back was turned to us.

"Daine, party later. Same bar," Leah said.

She faced Leah and smile. She didn't bother to look at me anymore and immediately answered Leah.

"Okay" She simply said and went back to facing her laptop again.

Leah immediately stare at me and I can sense that she knows that we're not in good terms, but she didn't ask about it, so I silently being thankful to her.

We arranged our things at agad na pumunta sa comfort room para mag retouch.

After retouching, I left the comfort room and immediately pressed the elevator button. I don't have anyone with me now because Leah and our other co-workers left earlier.

I checked my phone to see if Felix had a text but I didn't see anything.

"Maybe, he's already outside?" I said softly to myself.

I can't stop being excited because we will be together again today.

I walked out of the company and went to the place where Felix was dropping me off.

Even picking me up should not be in front of the company. We make sure that we will be extra careful.

I thought he's already waiting for me but I can't see his car.

I set aside the emotion that wanted to come out and put a smile on my lips.

"Maybe there's a traffic, Seraphina. What's the rush?" I roll my eyes to myself.

I patiently waited for how many minutes but he's still not here.

"It's okay. I can still wait," I said and smiled.

I can feel my feet hurt because of standing for how many minutes but I ignore it and look in front of me to see if there's a car approaching.

I sigh when I see nothing.

It's almost evening and the sky is slowly turning dark. Another minutes passed and there's still no Felix in front of me.

I look at my phone and no calls and texts from him.

I'm slowly getting pissed but I make my self relax and think positive.

I texted him and waited for his reply for how many minutes and I received none. I dialed his number but his phone was off.

I sigh heavily, slowly getting pissed. I am standing here for almost 3 hours!

I try to calm my self and decided to wait for him for more minutes but when I see a video in my phone, I immediately feel the emotions that I am trying to deny and hide.

"Former Superstar Raegan Martin, Having Sweet Date with Her Husband"

In the video, I can see Felix and his wife in a restaurant dating romantically that everyone can feel their sweetness.

I smile bitterly. Slowly getting negative feelings again.

Right. What Am I again? Side chic? Fuck buddy? Mistress?

I don't know what will be the three of the choices I am. Even that, he didn't give me a label.

Mapait akong ngumiti.

I should understand him again right? That's what I'm always doing.

I can feel the lump in my throat. I look at my feet when I feel it hurt again, to add that I am wearing a stiletto heels.

I looked up at the road and raise my hand to a cab.

"Mirch bar" I just said to the driver and turned off my phone.

In just a few minutes, I arrive at the bar who can comfort me right now.

Even when my feet hurt, I didn't take off my heels and immediately go inside the bar.

As I come inside, I already have in mind where I will go. In the bar counter.

But before I can go to the counter, I meet Leah who is surprised to see me at the bar.

I don't have any reaction in my face. I even have no energy just to greet her.

I took the alcohol in her hand and immediately drank it.

"Hey. Are you alright, Seraphina?" Leah asked worriedly and took the glass from my hand.

Even though I was not in the mood to speak or even react to anything, I tried to smile at her.

"I'm okay, Leah. I'm done with my plan tonight, I think I'm not late in joining you tonight?" I said

She didn't react and seriously look at me. I smile more widely for her to see that I'm okay.

"Let's enjoy tonight!" I said happily and looked at the bar counter.

"Wait... I'm gonna come to your table later, okay? I'll go to the bar counter first," I said to her and I didn't wait for her response and I walked away from her.

"Vodka, please," I said to the bartender.

I'm gonna have some fun tonight. I don't want to cry my ass out just because of him, who is dating his wife romantically right now.

As soon as the vodka landed, I immediately gulped it down and made another request.

I've had a few glasses of vodka and when I'm tired of the taste. I order other alcohol drinks.

"Margarita, please"

The bartender immediately gave it to me and I quickly drank it and requested another one.

I also had a few glasses of margarita when I decided to go to the dance floor with the margarita in one hand.

The song is so bop that it made me want to dance. So, I dance.

I let my body sway, accompanying the music.

May lumapit sa'king lalaki at sinabayan akong sumayaw. Hinayaan ko lang. Gusto kong magsaya.

Akala ba ni Felix siya lang ang may karapatang lumande ngayong gabi? Mag-date? Tsk.

Damn him! I can do that too!

Humarap ako sa lalaking kasayaw ko.

"Hey, honey," sabi niya sa'kin na parang nang-aakit. Nginitian ko siya pabalik habang patuloy kaming nagsasayaw.

Pero bago pa ako makasagot, bigla siyang umatras na parang may nakitang multo sa likod ko.

Napakunot noo ako pero hindi ko na pinansin. Hinawakan ko ang ulo ko kasi bigla akong nahilo pero nawala rin agad.

Someone approached me again. I smiled sweetly and seductively at him

Nakita kong ngumisi ito at kinindatan ako.

"Hey darling, do you mind if I join you?" he said sweetly.

I didn't answer him and just hung my arm around his neck and then continued to dance.

He put his hand on my waist and we danced together.

I feel uncomfortable with his hand on my waist but I want someone who accompanies me tonight, so I clear my thoughts and continue to dance with him. But in the middle of the dance, I felt him withdraw his hand on my waist.

"O-oh, you didn't say you were with someone tonight," he said while looking at my back with fear.

Napakunot ang noo ko sa kanyang sinabi.

What the hell is he talking about? I'm not with anyone!

Umatras na siya at mabilis na nawala sa paningin ko. Napalingon ako sa likod—at may isang lalaking papalapit.

Hindi ko masyadong makita ang mukha niya dahil sa hilo pero sigurado akong lalaki siya.

Napahawak ako sa ulo ko. Masakit ulit at mas lalo akong nahihilo.

Bigla kong naramdaman na may humawak sa pulso ko. Lumingon ako pero malabo pa rin ang paningin ko.

"You drink too much..." His baritone voice sent chills on my spine.

"Let's go. Ihahatid na kita sa condo mo"

"Don't..." bulong ko habang hawak pa rin ang ulo ko.

"Kaya ko ang sarili ko at hindi ako nagtitiwala sa mga lalaking narito sa bar," mahina kong sabi at tumalikod sa kanya.

Ayoko nang mauwi na naman sa kagaya ng nangyari dati. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan 'yon.

Pero nang tumalikod ako, muntik na akong matumba kung hindi niya ako nasalo sa beywang.

"Fuck! I'm dizzy..." I said and he made me lean on his chest. I feel his hand encircled on my waist.

We are too close to each other that I can feel my body slowly burning. Is it because of alcohol?

"Don't walk. Stay still" I almost shivered when I felt his hot breath on my right ear when he said those words.

I didn't speak because of the sudden strange feelings while we were so close. What the freaking fuck? Why am I feeling wet down there?

I can feel the warmth of his hands on my waist, his hot breath in my ear, that makes me feel more dizzy.

Is this the effect of alcohol? It's too dangerous for me.

"Hmm... I can carry you if you're still dizzy..."

I almost shiver when I feel his hot breath again in my ear.

My breath almost hitch when I feel his hand move in my waist, making me feel the tingling sensation again down there.

I think the alcohol took over my whole system as I faced him and did not think of what I was going to say.

"Kiss me..." I said seductively to him.

I think I'm going crazy! I don't know why I said that to him! But that's exactly what I want right now.

Hindi ko pa rin makita ang mukha niya, pero naramdaman ko ang paglapit niya. Hinalikan niya ang gilid ng labi ko.

Fuck! Kiss me on the lips, man!

I tried to reach his lips but he didn't allow me. The next is I can feel his wet kisses on my neck.

I ran my finger on his hair and grabbed it carefully. I felt like I was getting more drunk because of his kiss on my neck and I couldn't stop moaning softly when he gently bit my neck.

His kisses slowly going up until it reaches my ear and bit my earlobe. I bit my lips.

When he walked away from me, I felt like begging him to go back to kissing me.

Who's this guy? Why does it affect me like this?

"I have no problem kissing you but I want it when you are not drunk. I want you to remember how you feel when I kiss you and getting addicted to it," he said.

Napalunok ako dahil sa sinabi nya.

"You might not remember my kisses when you are drunk and I will fucking hate it"

I was about to speak when I felt myself being lifted up.

"I'll take you home" he said and I felt him walking.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko siya pinigilan. Ako pa 'tong nagsabi na wala akong tiwala sa mga lalaki rito sa bar... pero sa kanya, parang iba.

There is something in him that makes me feel secure and at the same time dangerous.