Ch. 2: Blind date

Ingrid Alessia's Point of View

The next day came too fast.

Halos hindi ako nakatulog. Ang bigat sa dibdib at ang gulo sa isip. Pagod na ang katawan ko, pero mas pagod ang utak ko sa kaiisip kung paano ko haharapin ang lalaking pilit na itinutulak sa’kin ng pamilya ko. Tsk. Blind date raw sabi nila, pero para sa akin, para lang akong papunta sa sariling bitayan.

I wore my best perfect look, a white silk blouse na perfect ang fitting sa katawan ko, tailored black trousers, and a lipstick shade called Power Play. Matagal ko nang binili ang lipstick na ’to pero ngayon ko lang ginamit. I needed to look like I had it all together, kahit ang totoo niyan, durog na durog na ako sa loob.

My driver opened the car door and I stepped out in four-inch heels, na parang kutsilyo na sa bawat bigat ng hakbang ko. The hotel lounge had this cozy, luxurious vibe going on. Picture mahogany panels, gold accents, some smooth jazz playing in the background, and those stunning crystal chandeliers hanging above na parang lumulutang lang sa ere. Every detail screamed wealth, status, and power. It was the kind of place where deals were made and lives were sold.

Tumigil ako sandali sa entrance. Bawat pintig ng puso ko parang bomba na na gustong sumabog. So, I walked in, my heels clicking on the polished marble floor, making sure each step was just right and every breath was measured.

And then I spotted him. Nasa dulo ng lounge, nakaupo like he owned the whole goddamn building. With one leg crossed over the other, wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. His dark hair looked tidy, but it had a relaxed vibe to it. His eyes were icy, like frost hanging onto the glass. The pictures didn’t do him justice. He had a beauty that was both stunning and a little unsettling. That sounds risky.

Leonhardt Dietrich Moretti.

Grabe namang pagpupuri 'yan. He looked up the moment I entered as if he felt me arrive. Our eyes met. For just a moment, I caught it, there was a flicker in his gaze. It felt like someone just hit him right in the chest out of nowhere. Pero nawala rin naman kaagad. The mask came back, clean and totally unbothered.

He stood up and spoke in a voice that was smooth like crushed velvet, yet carried a hint of quiet danger. “Ingrid Alessia Romano. Looks like this is what desperation feels like."

Napakagandang pagbati, ‘di ba? My smile was both beautiful and poisonous. So? Magpapatalo pa ba tayo? “Leonhardt Dietrich Moretti. So this is what arrogance dressed in designer looks like.”

Pagkasabi ko nun, umupo na ako sa tapat niya. Legs crossed and chin high. We were two players entering a battlefield, both pretending we weren’t already bleeding. The silence between us was thick. Parang dalawang bagyong nag-aabang kung sino ang unang aatake.

“So,” I began, keeping my tone light like we were two people on a casual date. “Are we supposed to pretend this is normal? Order coffee? Talk about favorite colors?”

His lips curled, almost a smile, pero walang kahit katiting na hospitality. “You can pick the flavor of your poison. I don’t mind.”

“Perfect. I’ll have betrayal with a side of humiliation then.” I leaned back. “Or is that already your specialty?”

His jaw clenched, but he didn’t rise to the bait. “If we’re both so disgusted by this, why are we even here?”

“Because our parents sold us off like stocks. Traded us for power and Influence. Simple info, hindi mo pa ba alam 'yun?” Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. The air between us thickened, a slow-burning fuse ready to explode. 

He nodded slowly. “Because our lives were never ours to begin with.” His words hit harder than I expected. For a few seconds, wala kaming imik, like two broken souls forced to sit across each other, pretending we had a choice in this doomed arrangement.

“I don’t need a wife,” he snapped, his tone flat, so clinical. “I only need an ally. One who knows how to stay in line.”

Napaangat ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” His voice cut through the air like ice. “This marriage will happen, Ingrid. But don’t expect love. Don’t expect tenderness. I have nothing left for anyone.”

My blood boiled. “You think I’m here for your love and whatsoever? Please lang, ha. Kung ako lang masusunod, I’d rather rot alone in a one-bedroom condo with three dogs and zero regrets kaysa pakasalan ang isang ice sculpture na kagaya mo.”

Napataas rin siya ng kilay niya. “Then why are you still here? Just go.”

Because my family is drowning in debt. Because my father is dying this marriage is our last bargaining chip. Because I don’t have a fucking choice. Pero hindi ko sinabi ’yon. Hindi ko siya bibigyan ng satisfaction na ‘yon.

I leaned forward, meeting his eyes without flinching. “I’ll marry you, Mr. Moretti. I’ll wear the ring, smile for the cameras, and play the part. But make no mistake. I am not your puppet.”

He smirked, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Then I suppose this will be fun.”

No. This will be war. The waiter arrived with our drinks, coffee for me, scotch for him. Neither of us touched it.

“So,” he started casually, “have you ever lied on camera before?”

I smiled bitterly. “I’ve lied in court. Cameras are easier.”

Leonhardt actually laughed. It was dry and hollow. The sound of someone who had long forgotten what real joy felt like.

Tinitigan ko siya ng mariin. Behind the pristine suit, the sharp features, the razor-sharp tongue, there was something else. A fracture and a quiet ache. Parang sugat na hindi na gumagaling. He was cold, yes, but I wondered if he was once warm before the world bled him dry.

Pero hindi na iyon mahalaga sa ngayon. Hindi ko pwedeng kalimutan kung anong klaseng laro ang pinasok ko.

He checked his watch, silver and sleek. “We have a press shoot in two days. It's our engagement announcement. Your team will receive the full schedule later.”

“I haven’t said yes,” I reminded him. Ni hindi manlang ako sinama sa pagplano ng engagement. What if hindi pala ako available sa time na 'yun?

“You don’t have to. Your presence here is enough.”

Tumayo ako habang ang puso ko ay kumakabog, parang sasabog na sa dibdib ko. “You may have power, Moretti. But you don’t own me.” Take note, ha. Hindi pa totally okay ang lahat at may say na siya.

I turned to leave, my heels clicking, the weight of everything catching up to me, pero huminto ako nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko.

“Ingrid.” His voice was laced with the promise of ruin, so dangerous.

“If you walk away now,” he said slowly, “you’ll lose everything. You won’t get another offer. Not from me. Not from anyone powerful enough to save your family.”

I turned, slowly. Our eyes locked again. Mine burning, his ice. “And if I stay, what do I lose then?”

He didn’t answer. Because we both knew the answer. I would lose me. Lose the last thread of freedom I had left. And yet, I sat back down. Because what’s one more scar when you’re already bleeding?