Chapter 4

"You look great," Ryan said while looking at her sister with a warm smile. "I'm proud of you."

Gumuhit naman ang isang ngiti sa labi ni Isabella dahil sa sinabi ng kaniyang kapatid. "Thank you."

Her brother was always there for her, and his encouragement meant the world to her. She knew that she had a lot riding on tonight's event, but with Ryan by her side, she felt like she could take on anything.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas bago niya natanaw ang mataas na building kung saan magaganap ang okasyon. Ilang beses itong napabuntong hininga para ihanda ang sarili.

Kinakabahan si Isabella, hindi dahil sa magaganap na event kung hindi ang isipin na naroon ang kanyang ama. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pressure.

Isabella took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. She knew that she had to stay focused and not let her father's presence affect her. She had been to many events before, but this one was different because of her father's presence. She didn't want to disappoint him, but she also didn't want to feel like she was being watched all night.

Ryan parked the car and they both stepped out into the hotel's sleek pavement.

The night air was cool on her skin. She glanced up at the sky, searching for stars against the dark night sky. The hotel was illuminated, the windows are shining with warm light and the buzz of conversation could be heard within.

"Let's go in," Ryan said, putting a hand on Isabella's back and leading her towards the entrance. "You're ready for this."

Isabella looked up at her brother, grateful for his confidence in her. Malakas siyang napabuntong hininga at pinilit ang sariling ngumiti para kumalma.

Sabay silang naglakad ni Ryan papasok sa magarang hotel. As they walked inside, she saw her father looking at her from across the room. She tried to keep her cool, but the thought of his eyes on her every move made her feel exposed.

"Huwag mo nalang siyang pansinin," Ryan said, noticing Isabella's discomfort. "You're not here for him. You're here for the event. Focus on that."

Isabella nodded, trying to calm herself down. She knew that Ryan was right. She was here for the event, not for her father. She needed to remember that and stay focused.

"Ayos lang bang iwan muna kita rito? Hahanapin ko lang si Iñigo." Tinanguan niya ang kapatid bilang tugon.

Iginala niya ang buong paningin sa loob ng hotel lobby. The hotel's lobby was a sight to behold. Tall columns of polished marble held up the high ceiling, and the walls were lined with intricate murals. The carpet beneath her feet was thick and plush, and the sound of hushed conversation filled the air. Isabella looked around, taking in the grandeur of the hotel, and felt a sense of pride swell within her.

Napadako ang kanyang tingin sa isang babaeng naglalakad patungo sa kaniyang direksyon. A young woman, wearing a black evening dress and carrying a clutch.

Isabella's face lit up when she saw her friend Camille. They had known each other for years, and had bonded over their shared interests in fashion. Isabella had even helped Camille with her business venture a few years ago, and she had always admired her friend's entrepreneurial spirit.

"Isabella!" Camille exclaimed, hugging her tightly. "I had no idea you were going to be here tonight! What a surprise!"

Isabella smiled back at her, feeling a sense of warmth washing over her. It was always great to see friends from her past, especially in such a grand and unexpected way.

"I'm surprised to see you here too, Camille," Isabella said, smiling back. "What brings you to this event? Ang akala ko nasa ibang bansa ka ngayon."

Camille shrugged. "I just happen to be in town for a business trip," she said. "And I couldn't resist the chance to attend such a glamorous event. Besides, I heard that you were going to be here, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see you."

Mahinang natawa ang dalaga. "Well, I'm glad you did," wika nito. "It's always great to see you, Cams. How's your fashion business been? I heard that you've been doing well."

Camille beamed. "I've been busy as usual, but the business is going strong," she winked at her. "It's been a lot of work, but the end result is worth it."

Isabella nodded in agreement. "I can imagine," she said. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and take care of some things before the event starts. I'm looking forward to catching up with you more, Camille."

Camille smiled back at her. "Of course, see you around."

Pagkatapos ng kanilang usapan ay muling naglibot si Isabella para hanapin ang kanyang Uncle at batiin. Binabati rin niya ang mga nakakasalubong na kakilala.

Huminto siya sa paglalakad nang makita niya ang kanyang uncle habang nakikipag usap sa isang lalaki. Pamilyar ang likod nito sa kanya pero hindi na niya ito maalala.

"Mr. Javeson! I'm glad you came!"

Davis smiled and extended a hand. "It's my pleasure sir. Happy birthday." He said with a grin. Nagpasalamat sa kanya ang lalaki bago nagsimulang magsalita.

It seemed as if the night was endless as Davis spent his time talking with Mr. Enriquez about business. The conversation flowed seamlessly, with both men sharing insights, ideas and experiences.

Napatigil ang dalawa sa pag uusap nang lumapit ang isang babae sa kanilang pwesto. "Happy Birthday Tito!" The woman exclaimed happily.

Napukol ang tingin ng binata nang humarap sa kanya ang dalaga. It's her. Isabella Mercado. What a coincidence.

Nakita rin niyang bahagyang natigilan ang dalaga nang makita siya nito pero agad niya rin itong binawi saka niya ginawaran ng isang matamis na ngiti si Davis. As they stood face to face, Davis could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't know what to say, how to break the silence that hung between them.

But Isabella did. With a soft, sweet smile, she extended her hand to him.

"Hello Dave! Nice to see you again," she said, her voice musical and warm.

Hindi man lang nagbalak ngumiti ang binata, bagkus ay pinanatili niyang malamig at seryoso ang tingin sa dalaga.

"Iwan ko muna kayo. Aasikasuhin ko lang ang mga bisita ko. Enjoy your night!" Tinanguan niya ang kanyang Uncle bago muling humarap sa binata.

Hindi inaasahan ni Isabella na makikita niya rito si Davis. The man she met at the café. Nakakapanibago nga lang para sa kanya dahil mas seryoso siya ngayon kumpara sa huli nilang pagkikita.

Tinanggap ni Davis ang pakikipagkamay sa dalaga. "Nice to see you here too. You look... incredible." Isabella couldn't help but to notice the coldness in his voice. She felt a pang of doubt by his actions.

"Thank you Dave" she smiled. "You don't look so bad yourself," Ngumisi ang dalaga habang tinitingnan si Davis mula ulo hanggang paa. "You really know how to dress to impress huh?"

Davis laughed slightly. "Thanks. But it's really you who stole the show tonight." Muling naging seryoso ang mukha ng binata. "Everyone is looking at you with so much envy, Bella."

"I know, I know. Same to you, just look at the girls around you. It was as if they were drawn to you like a moth to a flame." Pareho silang natawa sa turan ng dalaga.

Nag aya si Isabella na maupo muna na agad namang pinaunlakan ng binata. Napagdesisyunan nilang maupo sa pinakagilid kung saan walang masyadong tao.

Isabella saw her uncle Daryl make his way up to the stage. She watched her uncle made his way to the podium. Tumikhim ito para kunin ang atensyon ng lahat.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Natahimik ang buong lugar nang magsimulang magsalita ang kanyanh uncle.

"On this special occasion, I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have come to celebrate with me today. As some of you may know, I've had a long and fulfilling life, full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. And throughout my journey, I've been surrounded by the love and support of my family and friends, who have always been there for me when I needed them. Today, I want to take the opportunity to express my thanks to all of you who have made my life what it is today." He was wearing his sincere and bright smile while facing the people who came for his birthday.

"Now, before we get started, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us all here today. As we look back on the years that have led us to this moment, let us remember the joy and laughter that we have shared, and the lessons that we have learned along the way. Let us remember all the good times and all the good people that have made our lives worth living." Napangiti si Isabella sa sinabi ng kanyang Uncle. Suddenly, she remembered her mom. Naalala niya ang mga panahon kung saan masaya pa siya at buo ang kanyang pamilya. Mga panahong ramdam niya ang pagmamahal ng kanyang ama sa kanya, panahong buhay pa ang kaniyang ina. Namasa ang kanyang mata at mapait na napangiti.

"In that spirit, let us raise our glasses and toast to the many years of love and happiness that lie ahead. May we always have each other's backs, may we always be there for each other, and may we always love and support each other through whatever comes our way." Napatingin siya sa direksyon ng kanyang ama. Hindi niya namalayang may tumakas na isang butil ng luha sa kanyang mata.

"Are you alright Bella?" Hindi niya pinansin ang sinabi ni Davis. Agad siyang tumayo at lumayo sa lugar na 'yon.

"Thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart. Let us enjoy the rest of this celebration, and let us make it a night to remember. Cheers!" Ito ang nga huling salita na narinig niya bago siya tuluyang makalabas.