CHAPTER 2-LIVING TOGETHER

Habang sumasayaw kami ni stacey sa dance floor ay diko narin mapigilan ang beywang ko na igiling at sumabay sa beat na pinapatugtog ng Dj. Sumayaw ng sumayaw kami ng pinsan ko hanggang sa may lumapit na lalaki sakin at akmang hahawakan ang beywang ko kaya agad ko na tinapik ang kamay nito sabay tulak.

"What the fuck!". I angrily shouted at him.

He chuckle. He seems drunk and not on his right mind. "I just want to dance with you miss".

Tiningnan ko siya ng masama at lumingon kay stacey ng bigla nalang itong mawala sa tabi ko. Hahanapin ko na sana ito ng biglang hawakan ng lalaki ang kamay ko at ayaw akung bitawan.

"Hey! Let go of me!". Pagpupumiglas kung sabi sakanya ngunit mas malakas siya sakin.

"Let's have some fun!". He devilishly smirk. "Come on let's dance and have some fun!".

Pilit parin akong nagpupumiglas sa pagkakahawak niya sakin, gusto konang humingi ng tulong ngunit masayang masaya na ang ibang sumasayaw at halatang lasing narin kaya ay wala akong mahingihan ng tulong. Nawala rin ang pinsan ko at ewan ko lang kung saan na napadpad yun.

"Let go of me". Seryuso kong sabi sa lalaki sabay titig ng masama dito.

"Then what if I dont?". He chuckle like a freak.

"Ayaw mokong bitawan? Ayaw talaga?". Nginitian ko siya at di niya namalayan na inangat ko ang aking tuhod sabay patama sa hinaharap niya. Sapol!

"Argh!". Nabitawan niya ako sa sakit ng kanyang ari at napapilipit ito sa sakit. "Y-you b----". Hindi na niya natapos ang kanyang sasabihin ng biglang may sumipa sakanya mula sa likuran niya dahilan na napasalim siya sa sahig.

Dito na ay nagsigawan ang ibang mga sumasayaw at napatigil sa kasiyahan at napatitig sa direksyon namin. Tumingin ako sa lalaking sumipa nitong ungas nato, ngunit nang dahil sa lights ay diko masyadong makita kung sino ito dahil natatakpan ang mukha niya dahil sa lights.

Nagulat nalang ako ng hawakan nito ang kamay ko sabay hila sakin paalis sa dance floor. At nang makalabas na kami sa nagkukumpulang mga sumasayaw ay dito kona naaninag ang mukha niya.

"Damon?". My eyes widen. It was him?

He stare at me, his gaze cold and filled with anger. "Look what almost happened to you if i didn't got there in time!". He angrily said.

My brows furrowed. "What!? Did i ever say I needed your help?". I sarcastically stated, forcing his hand to let go of holding my wrist.

"I don't need your help damon, even if you werent there I would be definitely fine". I added, pointing my nose right into his face.

He stare at me motionless. I look away from him not waiting to have an argument. I just want to look for my cousin not to have a nonsense argument with him.

"Damon! Serapina!". Napalingon ako ng marinig kong may tumawag saming dalawa. Agad ko na nakita ang kaibigan niya na inaalalayan ang pinsan kong si stacey at halatang lasing na ito. Ni hindi na nga makalakad ng maayos kaya ay agad ko silang sinalubong at nilapitan ang pinsan ko.

"Stacey what the hell? Your drank!".

Agad itong yumakap sakin, muntikan pa nga akong ka out of balance buti nalang at nakabalanse ako agad kundi ay hihiga kaming dalawa sa sahig.

"I-im s-s-sleepy". She whisper.

"Okay i'll get you home". Inalalayan ko siya at maglalakad na sana kami palabas ng pigilan na naman ako ni damon.

"Wait!". Hinawakan niya ang braso ko at hinila palayo kay stacey at agad na binuhat ito ng kaibigan niya at naglakad palabas.

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita pa at nanahimik nalang ngunit bago ako magpatuloy sa paglalakad ay hinawi ko ang braso ko na hawak ni damon at mabilis na naglakad palabas.

Nang makalabas na kami ay kinuha ko ang phone ko para sana tumawag ng taxi, diko kasi dinala ang sasakyan ko dahil ang gusto ni stacey ay mag taxi nalang kami kaya ito ngayon ang nangyari.

Mag bo-book na sana ako ng taxi ng biglang magsalita ang si damon. "Theres no need for you to book a taxi, ihahatid natin si stacey sa bahay nila". Seryuso niyang sambit.

"Ano?". Napakunot ako sa aking noo. " I will take care of her, theres no need for you t-----". His friend interupted me.

"I think mas better kung si damon ba maghatid sa inyo ng pinsan mo, gabing gabi narin kasi at baka mapano pa kayo". May katwiran naman siya pero si damon? Maghahatid sa amin? Mas pipiliin kopang mag taxi nalang kami no.

Magsasalita na sana ako ng agad na pinasakay ng kaibigan niya ang pinsan ko sa loob ng kanyang sasakyan dahilan na mataranta ako dahil ayoko nga kasi na sumakay sa kotse niya.

Mabilis na pumasok si damon sa kanyang kotse, at binaba ang window nito sabay tingin dungaw sa akin na nakatayo lang.

"Come in". He commanded me.

I sigh heavily, I was in hesitant to enter inside his car but, my cousin was already inside and I had no other choice.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng kotse niya tsaka ako ay naupo sa likud. Agad kong pinahiga si stacey sa balikat ko habang ito ay nakatulog naman dahil sa kalasingan.

*****†*****

Nagising nalang ako dahil sa tunog ng phone ko, kaya ay dali-dali ko itong tiningnan at nakita ko ang pangalan ni stacey at nakita ko rin na lagpas 20 na ang text messages nito. Agad ko itong sinagot ngunit bago pa ako makapagtapos sa aking sasabihin ay agad na ako nitong tinadtad ng tanong.

"Stacey ka--------".

"Huy gagi nasaan ka ngayon? Bakit ngayon mulang sinagot ang call ko? Okay kalang ba? Sino kasama mo kagabi? Huy sumagot ka!?".

Napailing ako sabay hilamos sa aking mukha. "Im fine".

"Hindi mopa sinagot ang mga tanong ko, nasaan ka ngayon? Tumawag ako sa bahay niyo pero ang sabi ng mayor doma niyo hindi ka daw doon umuwi". Aniya.

Natigilan ako at nanlaki ang aking mga mata habang dahan-dahan akong napatingin sa sulok ng kwarto----what the fuck! This isnt my room!

Napasinghap ako ng napakalalim na hangin ng maalala kong nandito pala ako sa mansion ni damon. Nag insist kasi ito na dito na ako matulog kagabi kaya ay wala na akong nagawa kundi ay pumayag nalang.

"U-uhm... Nandito ako sa bahay ni damon". Mahinang tono ng boses ko.

"WHAT!!!". She freaked out.

I sigh. "Hindi ako matutulog dito kung sana hindi ka naglasing kagabi". Galit kung sabi.

"Ops!". Narinig kopang nagpipigil ng tawa ang babaeng to sa kabilang linya. "So kayo ni damon naghatid sakin kagabi sa bahay namin?".

"Oo".

" What happened?". Huh? I was confused by her sudden question.

"Anong what happened?". Nalilitong tanong ko.

"Ang ibig kong sabihin anong nangyayari after niyo ako ihatid? Did something happened?". What in the world shes thinking? Akala niya siguro may nangyari saming dalawa ni damon kagabi kaya ako nandito sa bahay niya.

"No!". Agad kung tugon. " Nothing happened are you out of your mind?". I sarcastically said.

"Thank god nothing happened". She sigh in relief.

Tumango ako. "Hm... Nga pala end ko muna tong call at mag reready muna ako at para makaalis na ako dito". Sabi ko bago patayin ang tawag.

Nilapag ko ang phone ko sa higaan at tumayo ako. Napatingin muli ako sa paligid at napansin ko na wala si damon, napatingin ako sa bawat sulok at sa dingding ng makita ko ang picture ni damon, at...... Wedding photo namin, nandito pala to sa kwarto niya? Bakit niya nilagay to sa kwarto niya?

Nanatili ang tingin ko sa picture at kitang kita sa mga mata ko ang liwanag at saya while taking our wedding picture at that time, he was also smiling gently like it was such a perfect wedding.

"Gising kana pala". Napaigking ako ng bahagya ng marinig ko ang boses niya, at agad akong napalingon. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng makitang naka tapis siya ng towel sa ibabang bahagi ng katawan niya habang litaw na litaw ang kanyang napakamaskuladong katawan at basang-basa pa ito ng tuwig, at pinupunasan niya rin ang basa niyang buhok sa isa pang towel na hawak niya.

Napakaganda ng kanyang pangangatawan, and the six pack abs was-----Stop it serapina! Dont ever fantacized those abs! Damn.

Agad akong umiwas ng tingin sakanya. "N-nandito kapa pala". Inayos ko ang aking boses upang di niya mapansin na para akong nauutal.

"Hm yes, ki-nancel ko kasi ang meeting namin ng business partner ko". He explain, he could have just said yes theres no need for him to explain.

"Okay, hmm well magbihis kana at aalis narin ako, baka hanapin pa ako ni dad". Maglalakad na sana ako palabas ng bigla niya akong pigilan.

"Where are you going?". He asks seriously.

"Home". I replied and rolled my eyes.

"This is your home now". Mabilis niyang tugon.

Napakunot ako saking noo sabay lingon sakanya. " What are you saying?".

"Ive already called your dad, at pinakuha ko narin sa driver ko ang mga gamit mo doon sa bahay niyo upang ipahatid dito". Did i just heard it right? Pinakuha niya ang mga gamit ko sa driver niya? Without my consent?

"Are you crazy!? Hindi ko sinabi sayo na titira ako kasama ka!". Galit kung sigaw sakanya.

"Ive thought Ive made it clear to you last night na dito kana titira kasama ko". He said.

"What? Anong you made it clear? Pumayag ako kagabi na dito na matulog dahil nag insist ka I didn't said na pumapayag na akong tumira kasama ka". I argued.

He scoff. " Whats with that attitude serapina, your my wife so it's just right na titira ka kasama ko".

"Kasama mo?". Napatawa ako dahil sobrang nakakatawa naman talaga ang mga lumabas sa bibig niya.

"Asawa moko sa papel lang, or do i need to recall what you said 8 years ago damon?". I said to remind him what he said right into my face by that time.

It's still fresh in my mind how he told me that iam just his wife through papers, and that.... He would never ever love me.

"Your staying with me". Malamig na tono ng kanyang boses at parang ni hindi manlang niya narinig ang sinabi ko sakanya habang pinapaalala sakanya ang mga sinabi niya sakin 8 years ago.

Ilang mga oras ang nakalipas at naayos kona ang mga gamit ko sa kwarto namin-----sa kwarto ko. Nag insist ako na doon na lamang sa kabilang kwarto matutulog, katabi lang din sa kwarto niya pero mas better na di kami magkasama sa iisang kwarto dahil babalik at babalik lang sa utak ko lahat ng mga ginawa at pinagsasabi niya sakin noon.

Nag shower nadin ako at pagkatapos ay nagbihis tsaka ako bumaba at nadatnan ko siya sa sala na nakatutok sa phone niya kaya ay umupo ako sa harap niya.

He seems busy.

"Damon". Malamig kong pagkakatawag sakanyang pangalan.

Parang di niya ako narinig kaya ay nilakasan ko ang pagtawag sa pangalan niya para naman marinig niyang bwesit siya.

"DAMON!".

Napatitig siya sakin, habang hawak parin ang phone niya. "Hm?".

"Let's make a deal". I said calmly.

"Deal?". Napangiwi siya at tila nagiisip ngunit agad din na tumango. " Okay name it".

"lets stay out of each others business". Seryuso kung pagkakasabi, at nagkatitigan kaming dalawa sa mata.

Napataas siya sa kanyang kanang kilay. "Okay, thats alright". Di manlang siya nagdalawang isip na pumayag sa aking inilahad, well thats great.

"Thats good".

"Sinabi mo narin naman na huwag nating pakealaman ang isa't-isa then okay lang ba sayo na nakikipaglandian ako sa ibang mga babae?". Medyo nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa aking dibdib ng marinig ang kanyang sinabi, pero nanatili akong kalmado. Hindi ako maaring magpakita ng kahinaan, that week serapina is gone.

"Gaya nga nang sinabi ko lets stay out of each others business, so wala akong pakealam kung makipaglandian ka sa kahit na sinong babae, I don't give a fuck about it damon". I said with my head high. I wass full with confidence saying it right into his face. I just want him to know that Im no longer that girl who follows him everywhere he goes. That girl is dead!

"Thats good to hear". He smiled.

"And... Theres also something I wanted to tell you". Seryuso kung sabi.

"What is it?".

"Lets get a d---------". Natigilan ako ng biglang nag ring ang phone niya at di kona natapos ang nais kung sabihin.

Agad niyang sinagod ang tawag.

"Hello?".

"WHAT!?". gulat siyang napatayo habang kausap ang nasa kabilang linya ng kanyang phone at agad na nabaling ang atensyon niya dito. Wala pang isang segundo at agad itong naglakad palabas na para manlang wala itong kausap.

Damn you!

Napakagat ako sa aking labi at nakayukom sa aking kamao. Hindi ko tuloy nasabi sakanya ang gusto kong mangyari.

*****†*****

It's been three days since tumira ako dito sa bahay ni damon and everything is doing fine naman. Grabi din mag asikaso ang tatlong katulong dito at tinatrato nila ako ng tama just like what damon said. I will be the mistress of this house. But then again, he was always busy he often comes home, pero ayos lang din naman para naman din di ako maalibadbaran sa mukha niya pag nandito siya.

Tumawag din sakin kanina si abby na tutulongan daw muna nila ni zack si Mr. Lincoln sa mga damit na ipapasuot sa mga models na kasamahan ko back abroad dahil two days to go nalang at susuotin na nila ang mga damit na gawa ng company namin.

Medyo na bo-bored narin ako dito sa bahay ni damon. Wala na akong ibang ginawa kundi, matulog, magmunimuni, kumain tapos matulog ulit. Ewan!

Natigilan ako sa aking mga iniisip ng biglang lumapit sakin ang mayor doma ng mansyon at nilahad nito sakin na tumawag daw si damon at pasabihan ako na kailangan ko daw nag mag ready mamayang gabi dahil gusto niya na samahan ko siyang umattend sa isang auction.

Medyo nagdadalawang isip ako pero since bored naman ako dito sa bahay edi go ako na samahan siya. Since it's also an auction baka may gusto pa akong e bid don.

Kaya ay sinabihan ko ang mayor doma na ipasabi kay damon na okay akong samahan siya mamayang gabi.

The cool silk of the "Sirena" dress - a majestic blue, clinging to my curves - felt incredible against my skin. The hem, a daring graze above my ankles, hinted at the length of my legs, accentuated by the seven-inch heels, the same captivating shade of blue. Each delicate step was a measured dance, the fabric whispering against my skin with every movement. The weight of the exquisite jewelry - a cascade of sapphires and diamonds - felt less like an adornment and more like an extension of myself, a shimmering echo of the sea. My hair, painstakingly styled into a princess's crown, framed my face, catching the light with every turn. I felt powerful, regal, utterly captivating. The world seemed to fade, leaving only the intoxicating awareness of my own breathtaking beauty.

I stared at my own reflection in the mirror. Fascinating as always. I paused and smiled gracefully.

Maya-maya ay pumasok ang mayor doma at nilahad nito na nasa labas na ng gate si damon upang sunduin ako at magtutungo na sa venue ng auction.

Nang makalabas na ako ng pintuan ay dahan-dahan akong naglakad papunta sa kotse nito at nakita kong lumabas ito ng kotse upang pagbuksan ako ng pinto ng sasakyan----really?

I paused right infront of him. He stare at me, like he was being possesed.

Hindi ako nagpakita ng reaksyon sakanyang pagtitig sa akin at walang imik na pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan. Napasulyap ako sakanya at nakitang nakatayo parin siya sa labas kaya ay umigham ako ng malakas.

Agad naman siyang natauhan, sa diko malamang dahilan kung bakit bigla nalang siyang natulala. Mabilis siyang pumasok sa kotse at pinaandar ito.

Naabutan din kami ng kalahating oras bago makarating sa venue ng auction. Medyo traffic din kasi sa daan kaya ay napagtanto kung late na kami. Pagkatapos niyang e-park ang kotse ay binuksan ko ang pinto tsaka ako ay lumabas agaran din siyang sumunod.

Napatingin ako sa paligid at marami ding sasakyan ang nakaparking. Hmm Nakaka-curious naman tong auction nato, maraming mga mayayaman ang narito.

"Let's go". Nagulat ako ng hawakan niya ang kamay ko at nilagay ito sakanyang braso ngunit dina ako nag react pa at humawak na lamang sa braso niya.

I know why he is doing this. It's so clear. He needed to do this so that everyone who sees us today inside wont think that we weren't in a good relationships.

Nang makapasok na kami sa loob ay agad kaming pinagtinginan ng mga dumalo sa auction. Habang kami ay naglalakad papunta sa harap dahil naka VIP seat pala kami ay narinig ko ang ibang nag-uusap patungkol saming dalawa.

"Look it's Mr. And Mrs.Romanova".

"Who would've know that they will attend this auction together".

"They looks so good together!".

" Are they? But did you hear that Mr. Romanova is flirting with other's while his wife was away".

"Nagawa lang siguro niya yun dahil nagpunta abroad ang asawa niya ng 8 taon, diba? But look at them now they're doing good!".

"Mrs. Romanova was gorgeously fine!".

"Bagay talaga silang dalawa".

Huminga ako ng malalim at binalewala na lamang ang kanilang mga bulung-bulungan. Sabay kaming naupo sa nakalaan na upuan para sa amin at agad akong kumawala sa pagkakahawak sa braso nito.

Nang makompleto na lahat na dumalo nitong auction ay agad nang nagsimula ang auction, and the first item was a jade bracelet.

This exquisite Chinese jade bracelet, with its unparalleled luster and intricate carvings, is a masterpiece of timeless elegance, Pretty.

The bidding price starts at 80,000, and there it goes an elderly woman made it 83,000 followed by 90,000-------then 100,000 and here it goes. The first bidder was a rich business man. Sold with a price of 120,000 pesos.

The second item was an antique porcelain. A captivating relic of the Spanish Colonial era, this antique porcelain piece whispers tales of a bygone age. Its delicate floral motifs, meticulously hand-painted, showcase the exceptional artistry of the period. Subtle craquelure adds to its charm, a testament to its age and the passage of time. This piece offers a tangible connection to a rich and fascinating chapter in Philippine history.

The second items price starts at 90,000, not bad. The lady in the back offers 95,000 followed by the elderly woman earlier for 100,000 price. Thats already good!

Then followed by--------oh! The young man on the other side. 105,000 but the elderly woman was determine to buy the item she offered 110,000 and the item was sold to her. Thats good.

Now there are three remaining items.

The third item was a a pre-war filipino painting. A significant oil on canvas landscape painting by a renowned pre-war Filipino artist, capturing a serene scene of rural life. The artwork exhibits the artist's signature style and masterful use of light and color. The painting is in excellent condition, housed in its original frame.

​

Pre-war Filipino paintings by established artists are highly sought after by collectors, often commanding substantial prices. The value would depend on the artist's reputation and the painting's condition and subject matter.

The Third items price was---150,000. The elderly man behind us offered 155,000, followed by the woman on the other side 160,000.

It was also followed by another woman, 165,000.

170,000 offered by the couple right at the back upon the last seat. But the young couple on the Third row wanted it ang offered 180,000.

I thought it was already sold but not yet. The man behind damon offered 200,000....sold!

This is thrilling.

I was wondering what would be the second item. Im sure it's gonna be good.

The second item was a diamond necklace. My breath hitched. It's tiny, almost delicate, but the diamonds... Oh, the diamonds. Each one a miniature supernova, exploding with light and fire. They're not huge, not showy, but the clarity, the cut... They're flawless. the light dancing across my skin, catching the eye of everyone in the room. It's not about size; it's about the impossible brilliance, the concentrated power of light trapped within these exquisite stones.

The price was 400,000? Not bad tho. It was a dazzling diamond necklace who wouldn't want it tho, everyone would loved it.

The man behind damon offered 405,000 but the others also wanted the man on the other side upon the second row offered 410,000. Followed by the lady in a black dress price offered......Oh wow, 420,000.

This was exciting!

Few of them are now arguing for the diamond necklace. A young woman offered 421,000 followed by another young woman hmmm... 425,000.

But i didn't expect what would damon do next.

"500,000!". He said loudly. I stare at him with a confused face. His gaze lock upon the necklace, he looks so determine to have the item.

He's a man, he wasnt gonna wear it does he?

"Anyone!?". The host of the auction called out everyone in the room if they still wanted the diamond necklace but, no one seems gonna bid for it. Damon already said 500,000, its gonna be his.

"Sold! To Mr. Romanova". The host said.

He just offered such a good price for it. Im sure it's for a woman, who? I was wondering.

I took a heavy sigh and look at my phone screen, it's already 8:45 pm in the evening, I wanted this auction to end sooner. It's not thrilling anymore.

The last item of the auction that everyone has been waiting for was a.....an Imperial Blue Sapphire Necklace.

This is not merely a necklace; it is a testament to the enduring allure of nature's artistry and the pinnacle of human craftsmanship. Before you lies the Imperial Blue Sapphire Necklace, a breathtaking cascade of light and color that transcends the boundaries of mere adornment. At its heart rests a cushion-cut sapphire of unparalleled magnificence-a stone of such exceptional size and quality that it defies description. Its intense, velvety blue hue, reminiscent of a twilight sky over the Himalayas, is a symphony of color, possessing a depth and richness rarely encountered. The stone's clarity is flawless, each facet a mirror reflecting the brilliance within, a captured fragment of the cosmos itself. This is no ordinary sapphire; its provenance whispers of legendary mines, its origins shrouded in the mists of time, a treasure passed through generations.

Surrounding this breathtaking centerpiece is a halo of smaller, perfectly matched sapphires, each a miniature echo of the central stone's splendor. These exquisite gems are set in a meticulously crafted frame of platinum, a metal as rare and precious as the stones it cradles. The platinum setting is not merely functional; it is a work of art in itself, a testament to the jeweler's unparalleled skill. Delicate, almost invisible, platinum links form the necklace's chain, a seamless extension of the central design, allowing the sapphires to take center stage.

The Imperial Blue Sapphire Necklace is more than an adornment; it is an experience, an heirloom to be cherished for generations to come, a whispered promise of enduring wealth and timeless style. Its value transcends mere monetary worth; it is a symbol of power, refinement, and the enduring allure of the exceptional.

The items price starts at 800,000. It seems like i wanted it, i wanted it for myself. I could feel it... I will have it.

The lady on the other side raised her bidder paddle with the price of 805,000.

"810,000!". I said loudly raising my bidder paddle.

Everyone gasps.

"She bid for it!".

"Thats plenty of money".

"It would look good on her!".

The host look at everyone."Everyone!? May gusto pabang magtaas ng price?".

I calmly sigh. I really wanted it, and iam determine to have it.

"850,000!". I gasp, my eyes widen when damon raised his bidder paddle, increasing the price into 850,000.

I share at him. How dare he! I won't let him have it, ain't no fuckung way.

I looked away at him and raised my bidder paddle. "900,000!".

"Oh wowww! Thats a good price!". The host said.

Of course it is.

"She raised the price!". The man behind damon gasp in shock.

"It's gonna be hers!".

Lets see if you still wanted it damon. Let's fucking see, I won't back down. I said I wanted, then iam taking it.

"1 million!". I gasp in surprise when he raised the price to 1million. I look at him with my brows furrowed and eyes as sharp as knife.

"Mrs.Romanova would you like to increase the price?". The host asks.

"1 million and 100,000!". I said seriously, while glaring at damon.

He kept his gaze lock into mine.

"2 million!". He smile at me politely but iam already pissed off.

I look away from him, with my hands tripping the bidder paddle like I wanted to broke it apart. His a fucking bastard!

Thats supposed to he MINE!

"SOLD! to Mr. Romanova".The hosts said with a mixture of happiness and excitement.

The host announced that the auction has just ended and given the items to those who bought it. Two of the staffs walked towards my---to damon holding the Diamond necklace and the Imperial blue sapphire necklace.

I sigh lowly, but I kept my head high. I would never admit defeat......

I gasp when damon suddenly held my hand and what he did next made me surprised.

"I know you wanted it, and ive bought it just for you". He said with a calm and gentle tone giving me the Imperial blue sapphire necklace.

Everyone gasps.

"Wowww so he bid for it just to give to hid wife!".

"He bought it for 1 million just for his wife, how lucky she is!".

"For me?". Napataas ako sa aking kilay habang nakatingin sakanya.

"Of course! just for my lovely wife". His voice sweet and warm in the ears.

"The Imperial blue sapphire necklace will be given to Mrs. Serapina Romanova!". The hosts loudly announced.

Nagkatitigan muna kami ni damon bago ko tanggapin ang necklace. Binili niya ba talaga ito para sa akin? Napakaraming katanungan sa isip ko na kahit ako ay di ito masagot ng malinaw.

Dahan-dahan niyang hinawi ang hibla ng aking buhok na nilipad ng hangin sa aking pisnge at hinawi ito papunta sa likud ng aking tenga tsaka siya humakbang palapit sa aking at nilapit ang kanyang mukha sa aking tenga.

"People are watching serapina". He whisper. Dito ako ay natauhan it was just for the show. He wanted to show everyone present that he is a good husband to me. Funny.

Dahan-dahan siyang humakbang palayo sa akin at nakangiting nakatitig diretsa sa aking mga mata. Huminga ako ng malalim tsaka ako ngumiti na puno ng saya kahit naman ay pinipilit ko lang ang sarili ko na magsaya at tsaka ko ay tinanggap ang kwentas.

"Thankyou so much, damon". I said with a sweet tone of voice.

Nang makauwi kami sa bahay ay agad akong naglakad papunta sa taas habang bitbit ko ang lalagyan ng kwentas. Napatitig ako dito at huminto.

Napabuga ako ng hangin at magpapatuloy na sana sa paglalakad papunta sa kwarto ko ng biglang sumulpot si damon sa tabi ko.

Napatitig ako sakanya. "What do you want?".

"Do you like it?". Tanong niya at sa aking tansya ay ang kanyang ibig sabihin ay ang kwentas.

"Maganda naman". Malamig kong tugon at inabot ito sakanya ngunit napakunot siya sa kanyang noo.

"At anong ibig sabihin nito?".

"It wasnt actually for me right? It was just for show right? So take it, I don't need it". Seryuso kung sabi.

He shook his head. "What I said earlier was true, I mean it".

"You mean it? So this necklace was meant for you to give me?". I chuckle lowly. "For what? ". I ask with a blank face, staring at him.

"Anong for what serapina? Para sayo talaga yan, just take it as a gift sa pagsama mo sakin sa auction". He said.

"Oh!? So it's like... A payment?". I force a smile. "Then thankyou".

He sigh all of a sudden. " Maiba nga pala tayo, may I ask you a question? At gusto ko na sagutin mo ako ng maayos". Seryuso niyang pagkakasabi.

"Im all ears". I replied.

"What did actually happened to you?". His question made me paused for a second. What does he mean?

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?". Nalilito kung tanong.

"8 years ago you just left without fucking telling me, why?". Now he was questioning me why i've left 8 years ago. Hindi niya ba talaga alam? Hindi niya gets?

"You dont know?". I laugh while shaking my head.

"Whats funny about it serapina?". He coldly stated.

"Well it's just funny that your asking me that kind of question". I said.

" Hindi ba at umattend ka naman ng Banquet nung death anniversary ni lolo? If umattend ka, then I don't have to explain to you why i've left... Nag explain na ako sa mga tao na umattend ng banquet.. So hindi na ako mag eexplain ulit". Thats it, it's clear. And I hope he gets what I mean.

"So what you said back at the banquet was true?". He seems hesitant to believe about what I said at the banquet.

I nodded. "It is at kung wala kanang ibang sasabihin I better go to bed". Pagpapaalam ko sakanya at naglakad papunta sa kwarto ko.

*****†******

While iam inside a fancy restaurant I instantly heard staceys loud voice.

"Cousin!". Agad siyang naupo sa harapan ko at tumingin diretsa sakin na para bang may nais itong sasabihin.

Napakunot ako saking noo. " Whats with that look stacey?".

She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Tell me, ayos naba kayo ni damon? May feelings naba kayo sa isa't-isa?". I was literally confused why she asked me that kind of question.

"Huh?". I shook my head. "Me and damon? Thats fucking crazy!". I chuckle.

" So whats that necklace thing at the auction last night huh?". I paused for a moment. So shes talking about what happened last night at the auction. "It's all over the internet serapina!".

"Nothing is going on between us stacey". I stated seriously. " At yung ginawa niyang pagbili sa necklace? Palabas niya lang yun".

She gasp. "What the heck?".

" Yes stacey, dont be fooled by what you see in the internet". I stated.

"Kung ganun palabas niya lang yun? For what? Para ipakita sa lahat na mabuti siyang asawa sayo?". Aniya sabay ngiwi.

"Bored na bored na nga ako sa bahay niya eh thats why I called you to meet me here". Aniya ko.

"Why dont you divorce him already?". Paghihikayat nito sa akin.

"Alam ko, nasa isip kona din yan pero hindi ako maka timing eh... He's so busy". I said.

"You need to divorce him as soon as possible cousin, para naman may freedom kana at makakapagsaya kana....pero syempre kasamo ako". Nakangisi niyang sambit.

"At makakahanap kana rin ng lalaking tunay na magmamahal sayo". She added, giggling.

"Were not living in a fairytale story stacey, not everyone will get their happy ending". Malamig na tono ng boses ko.

"Your heartless". She pout.

"Call me heartless, call me whatever you want cousin but iam just spitting some facts". I stated.

After namin na kumain sa restaurant ay lumabas kaming dalawa upang magpahangin at para narin makapag bonding. Marami din kaming pinagusapan, mga chikahan patungkol sa mga nangyayari dito sa pinas and etc.

Habang pauwi na ako sa bahay ay narinig kong nag ring ang phone ko sa loob ng aking bag kaya ay pinarking ko muna ang kotse ko ipang sagutin itong tawag.

"Hello?". I answered.

"Serapina Hija". It's tita evangeline. Nacurious tuloy ako bakit napatawag siya.

"Yes tita napatawag po kayo?". I ask politely.

"U-uhm your dad told me to call you at ipaalam sayo na gusto ka niyang makausap, Asap". She said.

"Ganun po ba? Hmmm didiretso nalang ako diyan di na naman ako busy tita, sige po ha baba kona tong phone ko at para makapag maneho na ako". I said before I end the call.

Naabutan ako ng kalahating oras bago makarating sa bahay nina dad, sobrang traffic kasi sa daan.

Nang makababa na ako ng kotse ay agad akong pumasok sa loob upang malaman kung anong gustong sabihin ni dad sakin.

Nang makarating ako sa sala ay naabutan ko si dad na may tinitingnan na papers, at nang mapansin nito ang presensya ko ay agad itong napatingin sa akin at pinaupo ako sa tabi niya.

Nang makaupo na ako sakanyang tabi ay umigham naman si dad at nilapag sa mesa ang mga papel na hawak niya.

"Serapina Hija". He sigh heavily.

"Yes dad?". I replied politely.

"I guess you received your tita evangeline's call?". He ask, I nodded.

"Well hija, kailangan ko na pumunta ng Cebu for a business negotiations at wala akong maiiwanan sa company aside you, and you are the next heir of the company so tama lang na iwan ko muna ito sayo". Kaya pala gusto akong makausap ni dad, dahil pala dito.

Well since bored naman ako...why not? I can handle our family business din naman. I instantly agree. "Well if thats the case dad then yes".

"Kung ganun i'am so happy hija na pumayag ka hindi na ako mababahala na iwanan muna pansamantala ang company natin". Masayang wika pa nito.

"So kailan po ba kayo pupunta ng Cebu dad?". I ask.

"Tommorow morning, kaya bukas kana rin ng umaga magsisimula hija serapina".

"And also you dont have to worry my secretary will show you everything hija siya nang bahala sayo". He added.

****†****

Maaga akong nagising today at nag-ayos para naman maaga akong makapunta sa company na iniwan muna ni dad sakin ng pansamantala.

Nagsuot ako ng eleganteng damit, 7 inch high heels, and some jewelries. Naisipan ko din na gamitin ang channel bag ko na kakabili ko lang din two months ago, abroad.

Nang makalabas na ako sa pintoan ng bahay ay nagulat ako ng marinig ko ang boses ni damon na tinatawag ang pangalan ko.

"Serapina?".

Lumingon ako ngunit wala namang tao sa likuran ko, kaya ay sinawalang bahala kona lamang ito. Ngunit pagtingin ko ulit sa harap ay muntikan na akong atakihin sa galit ng bigla itong lumitaw nalang.

"Ano kaba damon! Multo kaba!?". Galit kong wika.

Tintingnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa bago niya ako tingnan sa mga mata. " Where are you going? 7am palang, may lakad ka?".

"Diba nag-usap na tayo na huwag tayong makialam sa isa't-isa, or did you just forget about it?". I sarcastically said.

"I was just confused, you usually woke up at 8am----". I Interupted him.

"No I don't, I usually woke up 5:30 am in the morning, at prangka lang to ha... Dito lang ako sa bahay mo nagigising ng late, siguro dahil dipa ako sanay". Sabi ko sabay irap sakanya.

He sigh, nodding. He seems very very pissed off. "Okay". He coldly replied.

"Ayaw mo naman akong makialam sayo then, fine! And let me be just clear serapina I only wanted your safety, Nothing else". Pinakita niya nadin ang totoo niyang ugali. He is a manipulative man, he thought he could manipulate everyone else around him but not me.

Hindi na ako tumugon pa sakanyang mga sinabi at naglakad na ako papunta sa garage upang kunin ang kotse ko at para makaalis narin ko. Sira na tuloy ang mood ko.

Nang makarating ako sa company ni dad ay agad akong bumaba sa kotse ko at sinalubong ako ng isang lalaki na medyo nasa mga 30's na. He was my dad's personal secretary Mr. Owen Perez.

Agad niya akong sinamahan papasok sa loob at pagpasok ko palang sa pintuan ay may mga body guards nang sumalubong sa akin at mga staff nitong first floor.

"Good morning Ms. Serapina".

"Good Morning Ms. Serapina".

I nodded as a response and continued to walk towards the elevator followed by Mr. Perez.

Nasa 9th floor pa kasi ang office ni dad kaya ay sasakay muna kami ng elevator.

Ang 9th floor ang pinakamataas na nitong building nato dahil maraming mga trabahante si dad, at well managed din itong company namin simula pa sa kauna-unahang may-ari nito.

Nang makarating na kami sa 9th floor ay agad kaming lumabas ng elevator, at binati kami kaagad ng nga staff sa floor na ito. They were well-behaved and well-mannered well i'll look into it, if thats what they really are.

"Good morning ms.serapina".

"Good morning ms. serapina".

"Good morning Mrs. Ro----". Napahinto ako ng tumapat ako sa babae na nakatayo at nakatingin sa akin.Napatingin ako sakanya dahilan na mapayuko siya sakanyang noo.

She was about to call me by my husbands surname,Romanova. I cleared my throat and gently spoke.

"It's okay you dont have to lower your head.... And just call me ms. serapina". I smiles and continued walling towards my dad's office.

Naabutan pa sa aking pandinig na napabuntong hininga ang babae dahil sa takot na baka ay magalit ako, well theres no need na magalit ako, iam already Mrs. Romanova so they might call me by that.

Nang makapasok kami sa office ng dad ko ay agad akong naupo sakanyang mesa. At may nilapag na mga papeles ang kanyang secretary.

Nilahad na niya rin sakin lahat ng mga kailangan gawin dito sa loob at labas ng company at lahat-lahat na.

Nang matapos na kami sa pag-uusap ay agad itong lumabas upang maiwan muna ako. Napabuntong hininga ako at napatanaw sa glass window. Maganda ang tanawin dito sa pwestong aking kinauupuan, tanaw na tanaw ko ang lahat sa baba nitong building at ang mga kalapit na building.

Nasagi lang din sa isip ko ang mga sinabi ko kay damon kanina. Ewan koba at kung bakit ko nararamdaman na para atang sumobra na ang pagiging mataray ko at sarkastiko sakanya. Well di niya naman ako masisisi, hes the reason why I became like this.

*****†*****

AUTHOR'S POV

"Oh fucking god!". Pagmumurang sabi ni daylan sabay tawa ng malakas na para bang pinagtatawanan niya si damon sa nilahad nito sakanya.

Sinamaan ito ng tingin ni damon na para bang mananaksak na ito.

"Stop laughing at me". Suway niya pa rito.

Umigham itong si daylan at umayos sakanyang pagkakaupo. Nasa opisina kasi silang dalawa ngayon ni damon at aksidente din na nabanggit ni damon sakanya ang pagmamaldita ng asawa niyang si serapina na siyang dahilan kung bakit siya pinagtawanan ng kaibigan niya.

"Okay fine i'll stop, pero baka naman siguro may ginawa ka lang mali kaya ayun nagmamaldita sayo". Aniya pa nito.

"Mukha ba akong masamang tao ha? Daylan? Tsaka im just being protective towards her, gusto ko lang din na masigurong okay siya". He explain.

"Hey!". Tiningnan siya ni daylan ng napakaseryuso. "Tell me damon are you just being protective towards her or you've fallen inlove with her?". His question made damon's brow raised.

"WHAT!?". Tumaas ang kanyang boses. Napakunot siya sakanyang noo at napailing. " Im just doing that because I needed to, ayokong pagusapan kami ng media at ng internet, lalo na at shes been away for the whole 8 fucking years! And its also all over the internet of what ive been doing while shes away".

"I just wanted to clear all of those gossips spreading online about those fucking affairs with other womens". He added.

" Why cant you just be honest damon, well what was spreading online isnt just allegations ". Daylan said.

"Then what? Hmm? My grandpa will fucking kill me once he got back here". He sigh heavily thinking about don Luisse and what don luisse can do if he founds out what hes been doing for the whole 8 years.

"Well your right, since don luisse and your wifes grandfather made the decision to marry serapina then you will likely become a fried chicken once don luisse found out what you've been doing the last few years". Wika naman ni daylan. They were friends so daylan knew what damon has been doing for the whole 8 years, and some of it were bad. Very bad.

"I don't even know what iam going to do with her". Damon gritted his teeth.

"Serapina?". Daylan reacted.

"Yes". He nod.

"Dahil ba yan sa pagtataray niya?".

"No not just that". Damon stare at him.

"So ano pa bang ginawa niya na hindi mo alam kung anong gagawin mo?".

"She had changed a lot". Damon's jaw tightened.

Tiningnan siya ng kaibigan niya ng napakaseryuso. " Anong ibig mong sabihin damon? Isnt she the serapina that usually follows you around before, that little girl who loves you by all her heart?". He ask.

Damon shook his head, motionless. "Thats not her anymore". So he also notice that she has changed.

He rremembers how she usually follow him around, always gives him gifts and everything event though its not to his liking. That little girl whose willing to give anything just for him.

That innocent little girl who always tells him how she likes him that much.

Shes even the very reason why he agreed to married her.

"Well i'll just be honest ah, pero what if shes not inloved with you anymore?". Daylan's words made him speechless.

He paused for a moment thinking about it.

"You think so?". Malamig na tono ng boses niya.

"Yes thats what I think damon and i'll just be honest okay, please dont get mad at me... Well look at her now, shes freaking gorgeous! Shes a highest paid model back abroad, and also a CEO by her own made company... And whats more is that shes the only heir of mondragon group and company... Kahit sino naman sigurong lalaki na galing sa mga mayayamang pamilya ay magkakandarapa sakanya diba? At sinong di mahuhumaling sa ganon kagandang mukha?".

"Eh ako nga na mesmerized sa ganda ng asawa mo eh". Nandilim ang paningin ni damon ng aminin ng kaibigan nitong si daylan na nahumaling ito sa ganda ng asawa niya.

Pero agad din na nag explain si daylan sakanyang side upang di magalit si damon sakanya. " I was just mesmerized by your wifes beauty, I would never do anything stupid and besides were friends".

"Do you think she will agree to divorce me?". Nagulat si daylan ng bigla nalang nitong banggitin ang divorce.

"W-well.. A-about t-that... Uhm". Nauutal na boses nito at napatigil ito dahil hindi niya alam kung ano ang kanyang itutugon.

"Matagal ko nang inisip na makipag divorce sakanya pero......". Napatigil si damon at napabuntong hininga ito.

"Pero ano?".

"My parents and my grandpa they will surely....get mad at me". He stated.

"Pwede ka namang makipag divorce sakanya kung gusto mo eh, diba nga wala ka namang feelings sakanya... Ikaw narin nagsabi sakin niyan nuon paman diba?". Wika pa ni daylan.

"Diba nga sinabi mo pa sakin nuon na after nung wedding niyo ay sinabihan mo siyang kahit kailan dimo siya magugustuhan? ". Dagdag pang sabi nito.

Damon was reminded by that day. He said it right into her face, he told her that he will never ever liked her. And its obvious that he had no feelings for her at all.

Lalo lang siyang naalibadbaran kay serapina noon. She follows him around, even at school, everywhere!

His thoughts were suddenly Interupted when his phone rang. He grab his phone and answered it instantly.

"Hello?".

Napabuntong hininga siya at tumango. "Okay".

Tanging siya lamang ang nakakarinig sa sinasabi ng taong kausap niya sa phone at halatang seryuso siya habang nakikinig.

"You can get out of there right now, i'll send the money to your account". He said before he hangs up the call.

"Who is it?". Daylan ask curiously.

"Thats my private investigator, may pinapa-imbistiga lang ako sakanya". He replied.

"Maiba nga tayo how about we go to the casino tonight? Let's have fun para naman din titigil kana kakaisap sa wife mo". Paghihikayat pa ni daylan sakanya na mag casino silang dalawa.

"Sige".

SERAPINA'S POV

Malapit nang maghating gabi pero ito ako nakabuka parin ang mga mata kaya ay naisipan kung dito muna sa sala, nakahiga habang suot-suot ang aking chemises sleepwear. Well I like wearing this kind of sleepwear, since nung nasa abroad pa ako. Chemises are longer, more form-fitting slips, often made of silk or satin. They offer a more elegant and sophisticated look compared dun sa babydoll sleepwear. Sino bang magsusuot nun, sobrang sexy nun.

Nahiga ako sa sofa habang humuhuni nang biglang............. May kumalampag sa direksyon don sa pintoan kaya ay mabilis akong na alarma at napatayo, at dahan-dahan na humakbang sa pagbabakasakaling may nakapasok sa bahay na magnanakaw.

Dahan-dahan lamang akong humahakbang at iniwasan kong makagawa ng tunog hanggang sa malapit na ako sa may pintuan. Nakita ko ang malaking vase sa gilid nakapatong kaya ay dahan-dahan ko itong kinuha upang gamiting pamalo kung sakaling magnanakaw ang nakapasok. Mabuti nang handa keysa sa wala.

Napatingin ako sa sahig nang may naaninag akong anino kaya ay hinawakan ko ng maigi ang vase. Napansin kong palapit na palit na ang anino kaya ay tinaas ko ang kamay ko na may hawak ng vase dahil ihahampas ko to sa kawatan na ito kung lalagpas na ito sa harapan ko.

Nang makita kong palagpas na sakin ang anino nito ay ihahampas kona sana ang vase ng biglang mapaigking ako.......

"Serapina!?".

"Damon!?".

Sabay kaming napasigaw sa gulat at nakatingin sa isat-isa, habang nakataas parin ang kamay ko na may hawak na vase. Napatingala siya at napatitig sa hawak ko sabay tingin sakin na para bang may kasalanan ako sakanya.

Umirap ako at dahan-dahan na binaba ang kamay ko at binalik ito sa kinalalagyan nito. Akala kona kasi magnanakaw siya lang pala, muntikan konang mahampas ng vase.

Binalik ko ang tingin ko sakanya at napansin kong medyo nakainom ito dahil namumula ang pisnge nito, at medyo nangangamoy alak din.

"Hahampasin moba ako nung vase na hawak mo?". Nakakunot noo niyang tanong.

Ngumiwi ako bago mag explain."Akala ko lang naman may nakapasok nang magnanakaw".

"Magnanakaw? What?.. Never in my life na may magnanakaw na nakapasok sa mansion na ito". Pagmamalaki niya pa, edi wow.

"Tsss". Inirapan ko ito at tinalikuran, ayoko nang makipag talastasan pa sakanya maiinis lang ako lalo.

"And where are you heading to?". He asks.

"Sa sala". Tugon ko at naglakad ako pabalik sa sala.

Ang sa akala ko ay didiretso na siya sa taas at magpapahinga na pero nagulat ako nang sumunod pala ito sa akin sa sala.

Napalingon ako sakanya nang may masamang tingin. "Ginagawa mo?".

"What?". His brows furrowed.

"Bakit sumunod ka dito sa sala?". Tanong ko.

"Hindi ba pwede na umupo?". Pamimilosopo niyang wika.

"Ewan ko sayo!". Sarkastiko kung tono at naupo ako sa sofa.

"Wait, what are you wearing?". Medyo nag init ang ulo ko ng bigla nitong matanong sa akin about sa kasuotan ko.

"Bakit?". I glare. "May problema kaba sa sleepwear ko?".

He instantly look away. "Nothing".

Naupo siya sa kabilang sofa at nagpakawala ng malakas na pagbuntong hininga sabay higa.

Sigurado akong galing na naman to sa isang casino. He must be having so much fun.

Sumulyap ako sakanya at diko mapigilang sumagi sa isip ko na.... Napaka-amo pala ng mukha niya kapag nakapikit ang kanyang mga mata habang nakahiga at walang imik. Yung tipok di siya nagsasalita at walang reaksyon.

Nanlaki nalang ang mga mata ko ng mapagtanto ko na parang kino-complement kona siya. Fuck!

Ain't no way!

Huminga ako ng malalim tsaka ako dahan-dahan na tumayo at maglalakad na sana paalis dito sa sala ng nagsalita siya bigla. Hindi pa pala tulog ang lalaking to.

"Give me your number".

"At ba----". Agad niya akong binara.

"Give it to me right now". Kinuha niya ang phone niya sa kanyang bulsa at at inabot ito sakin.

"Okay". Kinuha ko ang kanyang phone tsaka ko nilagay ang number ko, pagkatapos ay hinagis ko ito sa tiyan niya dahilan na mapapilipit siya sa sakit dahil medyo nalakasan ko ang pagkakahagis.

"Ouch!".

Napangisi ako at nagmadaling naglakad paalis sa sala.