Kabanata 5

KABANATA 5

Shuen's POV

At my husband's behest, I embarked on a quest to find a dress that would ensnare his gaze. My efforts bore fruit when I discovered an exquisite black dress that seemed tailored for my silhouette. The hemline playfully dances just above my knees, ensuring it captures attention with every step I take. Crafted from a fabric that's the embodiment of the night sky, it catches the light with a subtle shimmer, weaving an aura of enigma and charm around me.

The dress is a masterclass in elegance, with a neckline that gracefully frames my collarbone and shoulders, highlighting the softness of my skin with understated sophistication. The back makes a statement with a demure cut-out, offering a glimpse of skin that's sure to intrigue. This garment isn't just a dress; it's a second skin that celebrates my form with every curve it follows.

To elevate this ensemble, I let my hair cascade down in waves, creating a natural frame for my face. My makeup is applied with a light touch, enhancing my features, while my lips are painted in a shade that complements the dress's chic allure. The jewelry, a memento from Yoghurt on our second anniversary, adds a personal touch of sentimentality and sparkle.

My feet are ensconced in sleek black stiletto heels, elongating my legs and adding a confident stride. A petite clutch is in my grasp, holding the evening's essentials. A final mist of perfume envelops me in a cloud of my signature scent, and as I take in my reflection in the full-body mirror, I am not just dressed, but transformed, ready to turn heads and steal hearts.

Nang masilayan ko ang aking repleksyon sa salamin, isang ngiti ang hindi ko napigilan. "Napakaganda mo, Shuen," bulong ko sa aking sarili, puno ng paghanga at kasiyahan. Sabik na sabik na akong ipakita ang aking anyo kay Yoghurt at marinig ang kanyang mga papuri.

Dahan-dahan akong lumabas mula sa walk-in closet, tinahak ang daan patungo sa living room ng aming silid. Doon ko natagpuan si Yoghurt, maginhawang nakaupo sa mahabang sofa, ang kanyang mga mata ay di-maalis sa palabas na umeere sa malaking telebisyon. Sa aking paglapit, bahagya akong gumawa ng kilos upang makuha ang kanyang pansin.

"Yoghurt," I called, my voice echoing slightly in the space between us. He turned, his movements deliberate, and his eyes met mine. A visible swallow traveled down his throat as his gaze swept over me. "Well? Does this look alright?" I asked, a playful smile dancing on my lips.

Yoghurt seemed momentarily lost for words, his usual composure replaced by a hint of awe. His lower lip caught briefly under the pressure of his teeth, a gesture of contemplation, before his hands found the sanctuary of his pockets.

"You were supposed to pick something charming," he managed to say at last, his voice a mix of amusement and approval as he closed the distance between us.

Naramdaman ko ang bahagyang bigat sa aking dibdib dahil sa kanyang komento. Marahan akong napabuntong-hininga at pilit na ngumiti. "Hindi mo ba nagustuhan ito? Sige, maghahanap na lang ako ng iba," sabi ko, habang dama ko ang pagbigat ng aking kalooban at dahan-dahang tumalikod.

Subalit, agad niyang hinapit ang aking braso at sa isang malumanay na kilos ay muling hinarap ako sa kanya. Nakatitig siya sa aking mga mata, puno ng hindi maipaliwanag na damdamin. "No, it wasn't just admiration, Cupcake. I had suggested a charming dress, but you've outdone yourself, captivating me completely," he whispered softly, his voice laced with wonder.

He drew nearer, his touch light as air, tracing the contours of my face with the utmost care. With a tender motion, he swept a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. His gaze paused on my lips, a silent echo of a kiss that still lingered. But then, his focus rose to meet my eyes, and he let out a deep breath.

"Shuen, with each passing day, my love for you grows more profound. Seeing you right now, in this light, in this essence, I am filled with an insatiable longing to take your hand and renew our vows, to marry you once more," he declared, his voice thick with the weight of his emotions.

A sweet and broad smile spread across my lips. "I love you too, Yoghurt," I said tenderly.

He kissed me on the forehead before turning to pick up his suit, which was draped over the back of the sofa. He placed it over his arm, then came back to me and put his arm around my shoulders.

Ginabayan niya ako mula sa aming silid, at habang kami ay bumababa ng hagdan, napansin ko ang kanyang tingin na paulit-ulit na dumadako sa akin. Hindi nawala ang kanyang atensyon kahit nang kami ay dumating sa garahe; patuloy siya sa pagsulyap sa akin.

Maingat niyang binuksan ang pinto ng kotse, at inalalayan ako papasok nang may pag-aalaga. Nang ako ay komportable nang nakaupo, isinara niya ang pinto at naglakad patungo sa kabilang panig upang siya naman ang umupo sa driver seat. Pagkaupo niya, hinarap niya ako, may hindi binibitawang tanong sa kanyang mga mata na nag-udyok sa akin na tumingin pabalik sa kanya.

"Bakit?" tanong ko na kunwari'y walang alam.

Bumuntong-hininga siya nang malalim. "Shuen, hindi lang ang pamilya de Marcel ang dadalo bilang mga bisita. May iba pang makapangyarihang tao, kabilang ang mga investor at mga miyembro ng grupo ng Al Tiera," aniya sa akin.

"At? Ano ang problema?"

Matigas ang kanyang boses. "Manatili ka lang sa tabi ko sa lahat ng oras," utos niya, na nagdulot ng pagtataka sa aking mukha.

"Bakit?"

He clicked his tongue, a clear sign of his irritation, while his fingers idly brushed against his chin. "I don't want anyone, especially those from the Al Tiera group, to approach you or even spare you a glance during the event," he stated, his voice laced with a protective edge.

My eyebrow lifted in confusion at his seemingly contradictory behavior. He had made such an effort to ensure I looked impeccable, clearly wanting me to be appealing, yet now he appeared determined to keep me hidden from all prying eyes. Diovanni's actions were often a puzzle.

"Why all the fuss about dressing me up then?" I asked, my tone laced with challenge.

He let out a weary sigh, softness creeping into his voice. "I dressed you up for myself, not for them. I wanted to see you shine brighter than ever, to be the most breathtaking sight for me, not for anyone else," he admitted.

A smile gently played on my lips, touched by his sweet confession. Diovanni never missed a chance to show his affection. His romantic nature was as innate as it was evident, and he never concealed his feelings from me. When he was upset, he wouldn't hold it in. If jealousy took hold, he was open about his emotions. And whenever we had misunderstandings, he was always ready to discuss and resolve them.

Following our discussion, we embarked on our journey, which spanned roughly ninety minutes before we arrived at our intended location. The residence of Elias is located in Quezon City, accounting for the extended travel time from Batangas.

Upon nearing the imposing residence of Elias, the majestic gates swung open of their own accord, granting us admission. We spent a short while maneuvering to find an available parking space amidst the array of cars that were already stationed in front of the mansion. The sheer volume of parked vehicles led me to expect a considerable gathering of guests inside.

Kami ni Diovanni ay bumaba mula sa sasakyan at nagtungo sa malaking pinto ng mansyon. Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang aking braso, inaalalayan ako habang kami ay papasok. Pagbukas ng pinto, sinalubong kami ng nakapagpapasiglang tugtog ng Latin mula sa isang grand piano.

Sa malawak na ground floor ng mansyon, hindi maikakaila ang presensya ng iba't ibang mamahaling pabango na lumulutang sa hangin. Ang lugar ay puno ng mga taong naggagalaan, ang bawat isa ay nakasuot ng mga damit mula sa kilalang mga designer, at ang kanilang mga alahas ay kumikinang sa ilalim ng mga ilaw. Ang kanilang kasuotan ay sumasalamin sa mataas nilang katayuan sa lipunan.

Habang kami ni Diovanni ay dahan-dahang naglalakad, ilang mga mata ang sumusunod sa aming galaw. Hindi nagtagal, isang elegante at sopistikadong babae na tila hindi nalalayo sa edad ni Mama ang lumapit sa amin. Ang kanyang ngiti ay puno ng init at kaaya-aya, at siya ay nag-alok ng isang yakap kay Diovanni bilang pagbati.

"Gratus te videre," sabi niya bago niya hinalikan sa pisngi si Diovanni.

"Et tu quoque, Lucilla amita." Hindi ko maintindihan ang kanilang usapan dahil hindi ako marunong mag-Latin.

"Sinong babae ito, nepos?" tanong niya sabay turo sa akin.

Tumingin si Yoghurt sa akin at hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa aking baywang para mapalapit kami sa isa't isa. "This is, Shuen and she's my wife," sagot ni Diovanni na nakangiti bago humarap sa akin. "Cupcake, ito si Lucilla Al Tiera, ang aking amita."

"Amita?"

"Ang aking Tita Lucilla." Ibig sabihin ay ang babaeng kausap namin ngayon ay isa sa mga tita niya.

Hindi ko pa nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makilala ang buong pamilya Al Tiera, lalo na noong kasal namin. Ngunit palagi kong alam ang kanilang presensya dahil madalas silang maiugnay sa mga de Marcel. Ngayon lang ako magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makihalubilo sa pamilya Al Tiera.

Pero hindi ko mapigilang mapansin ang kanyang reaksyon. Mukhang nagulat at naguluhan siya sa narinig mula kay Yoghurt, na nagdulot sa kanya na tingnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Pagkatapos ay lumingon siya kay Diovanni, habang pareho pa rin ang ekspresyon sa kanyang mukha.

Bigla akong nalito. "Ang iyong asawa? Akala ko—"

"Lucilla, soror mea minima! Kamusta ka na, mahal kong kapatid?" Biglang lumitaw si Mama sa likuran.

"Feliz! Bene te videre!" Masayang bati niya kay Mama bago sila nagbeso-beso.

"Tara na, Cupcake. Kailangan nating makihalubilo sa iba pang miyembro ng pamilya Al Tiera, pero mananatili ka lang sa tabi ko," sabi ni Yoghurt, ang kanyang mga kamay ay nakapatong na ngayon sa aking balikat.

Ngunit bago kami tuluyang lumayo, nasulyapan ko si Lucilla Amita. Nagtama ang aming mga mata, at tila nagtatanong pa rin ang kanyang mga tingin, na tila naguguluhan pa rin sa nangyari.

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