Chapter 2: Xanthiana Rhosal Ortega

"Just by the Orion Hotel, Sir."

"Just drop me here, here's the payment. Thank you."

When the tricycle stopped, I immediately handed the fare to the man.

"Are you going on vacation, ma’am or do you have family on the island?"

“Ah, I’m just going on vacation."

"Oh is that so, welcome to Catanduanes! Don't forget to wander around, it's definitely worth your time to come here."

"I really intend to make the most of it because I've only just set foot here."

I got out of the car and pulled my suitcase out. Just as I was fixing it, another passenger handed over my traveling bag which was placed on the roof of the tricycle.

It's a bit heavy so I just put it atop the suitcase.

"Selio, please help Ma'am to carry her things because it looks like she's going to have a hard time going up."

"Oh no, don't. I don't want to bother you and besides, it's embarrassing, I can handle my things it’s not heavy at all."

I quickly raised my hands to protest.

"It's okay."

I almost jumped in shock when I heard the man's voice. His voice is very deep.

My eyes turned to him. I gasped involuntarily when our eyes met.

It was a brief eye contact, but enough for me to appreciate his eyes.

What does it feel like to have enchanting eyes? Is their vision clearer? I wonder.

He has a deep set of sky blue eyes and they're very beautiful. It makes me jealous.

"Here’s for my fare."

I was brought back to my senses when the other passenger whom the driver called as Selio, spoke again. Only then did I notice that he did not return to ride the tricycle and instead paid the fare as well.

"Oh right, enjoy!"

After that, he walked next to me and was about to take my bag but I stopped him.

I don't know if he's just being nice or if he has a plan to run with my stuff.  After all, I bring my documents and important things with me on vacation.

Manila taught me trust issues so well.

It looks like he read my mind because his lips parted for a moment.

"Don't worry I just want to help you."

He smiled and motioned with his lips at the hotel guard.

"If I run with to take your stuff, I must be crazy. They know me. Let's go."

Right, who would dare snatch my things with the guards around?

Although a little doubtful, I let him take my bags and suitcase and followed closely behind him. I breathed a sigh of relief when the man didn't run away with my things.

Even though I was a bit ashamed, I followed him quietly.

He effortlessly lifted my suitcase with one hand while holding my large bag.

Feeling guilty, I reached for the bag and told him, "Let me handle it."

But he didn't say a word, instead he quickly took the stairs into the hotel.

We reached the entrance after a few steps. He neatly put down my things and turned away.

"Wait, Selio! Here, thank you for your help. I'm also sorry for my behavior earlier, but I'm really grateful."

Without another word, I took his hand and placed the three hundred pesos in his palm. At first, I only planned to give one hundred pesos but because of the embarrassing act I did earlier I added a bit more as a token of my appreciation and apology.

Who would be happy if someone practically treated you like a thief after offering to help?

"It's my fault too. No need for the money to spend it on the island. Ah right, I’m Zellio, not Selio. Welcome to Catanduanes."

My cheeks warmed from what he say as he promptly returned the money back to my hand. Recognizing his refusal, it seems he won’t take the money no matter what, I can only express my thanks.

"Much thanks."

This time I am sincerely thankful.

He nodded and approached the guard.

I turned back to the front desk to take my keycard. I had pre-booked a hotel for two nights, even before I landed in Virac, so that I could sleep directly in the room upon arrival.

While I was waiting for the card, I couldn't help glancing at Zellio but I immediately turned my gaze away when our eyes met.

"Here's your key card, Ma'am. Enjoy your stay!"

I smiled back at the receptionist and thanked her.

When I reached the elevator, my gaze landed on the man but he was gone.

…

Xanthiana Rhosal Ortega. It was ironic how despite my lengthy name my past relationships didn’t even take after it. There is only one reason why they never last even four months.

Security. I'm looking for security which, unfortunately, my past relationships cannot offer.

Some of my acquaintances that I have a very high standard when it comes to the matter of love, like a perfectionist. They said that it is normal for men to show intention and admiration even if they are already in a relationship. For at the end of the day the man will still come back to me. They said I just need to be more open minded.

I can't understand that sentiment.

What I want is simple and that is the man who will choose me every day.

"Is it really wrong, Margy? Am I the problem? Am I the red flag?"

I couldn't help but vent my anger at my best friend Margo. I have no one to tell my sorrow but her because she was the one who told me about Lejandro's infidelity.

I also don't want anyone else to know about the problem I'm facing.

"Why am I always the loser? I've had five relationships, five men, one of whom I've married, why am I still being cheated on? We even planned our future, four children for two girls and two boys."

"Stop thinking like that. Why don't you talk to Lejandro, maybe he has a good reason."

I wiped my reddened nose before taking another sip of the wine I had smuggled into the hotel.

"Maybe he'll just fool me and then I'll believe right away."

"Why? Will you forgive him if ever?"

I turned silent at her question. I honestly don't know. So even though I witness him flirting with anther woman right in front me, I wasn’t able to bring myself to confront him.

"Right now I don't know. My brain and emotions are still a mess."

After talking with my friend I decided to take a shower. My body is already sticky from the flight.

I opened my phone and clicked on the new message from my husband.

'Darling have you eaten yet? I actually cooked your favorite, sisig. When you come home I will cook for you. Stay safe there. Love you.'

I couldn't help but smile bitterly when I thought of the woman he brought to the hotel just the day before.

"Don't you ever feel disgusted of what you’re doing? How can you send sweet nothings while cheating?"

Since when? My palms turned are cold.

It was as if thousands of needles are piercing my heart every beats it takes. It hurts.

I threw the cellphone on the bed and pulled my hair into a mess hoping to punish my lousy self fro not knowing his true colors earlier.

After washing up, I tried to sleep but couldn't.

Maybe it was because my mood was not peaceful and maybe I was under the influence of alcohol that I was able to send a message to my husband.

'How could you fool and hurt me like this?'

When I put the gadget down it was only then that I noticed my trembling hand and the continuous flow of warm liquid streaming down my cheek.