CHAPTER 2: Her

A few whiles after Don and Anna entered the hotel room, the event began. Purely because of Annalia, many politicians and celebrities attended the event. Many Filipinos are currently watching on their televisions and the internet for Annalia Davis as they eagerly anticipate this momentous day in her life. It was regarded as the highest-grossing movie of the entire year after her film with the most well-known American actor, Logan Herman. Anna became the most coveted and adored actress in the industry. And now that this event has taken place, her fans and even the majority of Filipinos are looking forward to learning more about the successful young actress' upcoming and recent feats.

Her manager, Mr. Santiago, was also in attendance. The connections of the one and only successful businessman in the nation are one of the benefits Anna has gained from holding her position in her acting career. When she was given a chance to work with Logan Herman, she was still a novice actor, but because of her network, she was able to do something that would have been impossible without it. Connections. She rose to prominence in the country just because of this aspect. People got to know her, fell in love with her, respected her, and empowered her. She wouldn't have wasted her time suffering in anguish alone if she had realized that this was the sole reason she had grown so prominent. I've waited my whole life for this day to come.

A confluence of strong emotions, including rage, disgust, and a sense of dread, made Anna want to vomit as she watched and observed the individuals in the room talking to each other, laughing, and enjoying the party. She sees people—very familiar ones—and she's none too pleased about it. 

Anna is relishing a champagne exhibit of rich bready aromas with subtle undertones of apple and melon while sitting alone in the middle of the throng and music. A ballad tune from Dirk Maassen's song Two Skies begins to play while she savors the dryness, tartness, and borderline sourness of the champagne. Anna shuts her eyes as she listens to the music mixed with the voices of people laughing and toasting glasses. There is, at the absolute least, something that can calm her body and emotions. I'll always be a fan of ballads. A little while later, Annalia hears a murmur from the crowd, which causes her closed eyelids to gently open so she can see everyone smiling broadly. They've arrived.

Annalia drops her glass while grinning at herself and displaying how pleased she is. She adjusts her furry scarf with aplomb while ignoring Donovan's familiar steps that creep over her. Don was prepared to inform Annalia, who had arrived as soon as he had stopped at her side, but after seeing Anna's face, he realized she already knew.

Donovan said with a veiled tone, "You knew."

Annalia said, turning her gaze to Donovan's, "I heard." Don smirked at her extending his left arm and inviting Anna to take his hand. Annalia kindly stood up from the chair and placed her hand on his. They turn to face the newcomer, wearing a kind smile on her face. They finally cross paths...again.

"Annalia Davis," the gentleman greeted. He boldly flaunts his wealth by donning a gray checkered tuxedo and a crimson necktie from a brand renowned for its luxury wares worldwide. When Anna's mouth curled into a charming grin, the man's smile grew wider and showed off his whiter teeth. The man was obviously ecstatic to see the well-known actress and to admire her Venusian beauty, the body of Aphrodite, exquisite dress, and jewels. The woman of his interest. 

"Marcel Delatorre," Annalia greeted kindly, bowing her head. She expected this day would come, and she was braced and prepared for it. However, upon seeing this guy in front of her, remembering every detail of what he had done to her made her body releases a familiar sensation—an emotion that she had long since forgotten and would never dare to feel and remember again. 

Don's hand momentarily tightened around her waist to ensure her comfort. While Don with Mr. Santiago conversing with Marcel, Anna didn't bother to glance at him and continued to gaze at the particular man in front of her. The politicians in the room also drew close to them to welcome the arrival. Fortunately, the press has left because they were not permitted to remain at the ceremony. However, some cameras are flashing over them, capturing images of their interaction. Despite Anna's outward appearance of benevolence to Marcel, her body betrays a lingering fury and displeasure. Nevertheless, a prerequisite of this career is to suppress certain unwanted emotions and display what an actress should be known for: A pretense.

Marcel exclaims in awe, extending his arms in front of him with the open palms facing his face, "Ms. Davis, I am so glad to be invited to your special celebration. And, also, congratulations on your film. It was spectacular! I suppose you gain a lot of supporters and hate because of that. Logan Herman is a big deal." While everyone else in the room is laughing at what he said, Anna can't see anything humorous in his assertion. Instead of reacting negatively, Anna simply grins at him and seems as though she finds his comment hilarious as well.

"Oh, I'd like you to meet my sons," Marcel made room for his son to be seen, "Ms. Davis, my eldest son, Antonio Delatorre, the chairman of DLT Realty. And—where is Adam?" Marcel frowns as soon as he notices his other son is nowhere to be found. Knowing that his second kid is acting rebelliously once more, he felt a wave of rage slowly enveloping his body. Marcel chuckles apologetically and sheepishly before returning his attention to Anna. On the other hand, Anna is secretly glancing across at the person who was just introduced. How could she forget that face? The face of a dastardly monster who unsympathetically ruined her life and soul. Even now, as the years have passed, those eyes of nothingness are still the first ones to notice when looking at him. Annalia knows that behind those void deep-black eyes everyone adores—hides a horrible creature.

Marcel humbly added, "I apologize. My son must have been lost because of the crowd."  Anna stops glancing at Antonio and returns her attention to Marcel while warmly smiling as though she understood the worry. Marcel's grin got wider at that.

"Antonio, you already know, Ms. Davis," Marcel said. Antonio stares closely at her face, solely her face, while maintaining his empty demeanor. However, despite his best efforts, Anna can still see Antonio's eyes surreptitiously scrutinizing her entire existence. You've never changed, Nio. 

"Of course, our treasured young actress who has been loved by the public. How shameful am I if I don't know her?" Antonio remarks, bowing his head slightly out of respect but keeping his gaze fixed on Anna. Anna covertly clenched her jaws out of guarded wrath she had been attempting to contain and suppress inside her body. Of course, you know me. You knew me for a long time, Antonio. She thought to herself. With Antonio's statement, Anna affords him her only grin. On the other side, Don and Mr. Santiago silently plead with the gods to repress Anna. Don worries about what she may say or do that will definitely lead to misunderstandings and troubles. However, although still having a gracious look pasted on his face, Mr. Santiago is concealing his rage. I know Anna wished them to come to this event, although he didn't desire it, Anna insisted. She wants them to meet her.

"All right, lady and gents, let's proceed to our tables, shall we?" Mr. Santiago concludes their discussion with his suggestion. The Delatorre family moves first toward their table, while Anna has remained where she has been standing since the Delatorre arrived. Anna shuts her eyes and takes a long breath to unwind. Even if they just converse for a short while, she felt as though an hour had passed in every second.

"Are you okay?" Donovan asks, worried. Anna didn't say a word, but she merely nodded her head yes.

"I'll just go to the bathroom; you don't need to come with me," Anna preceded Don before he could say anything. Anna walks swiftly to the restroom while holding her red self-tie plunging halterneck fishtail satin gown. When she got to the bathroom, she immediately started looking for anything to throw to let her rage out. Anna hurriedly reached for a bottle of hand soap after spotting it to throw it over the mirror in front of her. Tons of overwhelming emotions filled her heart, mind, and body; she was breaking, literally. However, for an obscure reason, Anna shed no tears at all. She is mourning on the inside. Yet, even a normal human response to a whole range of emotions was impossible for her to have. Even this has taken away from her. 

Anna took a few minutes inside the restroom until she decided to leave. She took the pack of cigarettes inside her purse and got one for herself. Thankfully, there was no one around...or Anna thought. She gasped as soon as she saw a figure resting against the wall in front of the entrances to the men's and women's bathrooms. He is smoking and has his left foot on the wall, his knee bent, and his eyes closed. The man wore an unbuttoned black tuxedo suit, a white polo underneath, and a loosened necktie. 

"Took you long to go out," the guy said, opened his eyes, and stared straight ahead before turning his gaze to Anna. The first thing Anna noticed when the guy opened his eyes was his gray eyes. These were filled with the gleaming darkness of prowling clouds in a thunderstorm and deep and glossy nothingness like a forest pool shaded by ancient oaks. Her eyebrows arched slightly in confusion. What is he talking about? After staring at Anna for a moment, the guy noticed what she was holding. Anna panicked at this and hastily stuffed the box of smokes inside her handbag. Fuck! How unlucky can she be, seriously? On the other side, the person in front of Anna raised an amused eyebrow as she seemed to panic over something.

Anna asked with a little stammer, "A-ahm...what do you mean?" Even if this person saw her with something that would undoubtedly wreck her life and career in a flash, she must retain her composure. The guy glances at her, his amused eyes glistening. She was clearly in a panic earlier, yet she still exudes elegance.

He remarked calmly, throwing his stick of cigarette in the trash bin, "You entered the wrong room." Anna's eyes widened in shock at that. What?! She turns to face the door behind her right away. Oh, dear! On the door is a blue circle with a symbol of a man figure. Dear God! 

Once again, stuttering, Anna exclaims, "Oh my gosh! I-I didn't know," but the embarrassment is now clearly evident on her face. In her head, Anna is subtly berating herself. How could she be so foolish as to not glance in the direction she was going? The man was chortling amusingly while his tongue was pressed against his cheek, and Anna overheard him chuckling softly. In shame, Anna closes her eyes.

Anna no longer tries to disguise her humiliation by stammering, "Did...anyone...ahm...you know?" Her poise has vanished.

He changes positions and is now facing Anna with his right arm leaning on the wall and his forearms crossed on his chest. He pulls a face, pretending to be making fun of her. Anna awaited him, concerned that someone would notice her somewhat-outraged conduct.

"Nope. I was the only one waiting." Lie. He lied. The man pushed the other individuals, especially men, to enter the restroom. He didn't really understand why, but he followed his gut instinct. On the other hand, Anna was relieved to hear that. God! If a few people caught her, this might become another issue for her!

"Okay. Good to hear that. Ahm, so you can—" Anna remarked, shifting herself from blocking the entrance to making room for him. The guy smirked before taking a proper stance. However, she remembers something from a while ago. Anna turns to face the stranger, who is about to open the door.

"Hey! About earlier, what you saw, you wouldn't...would u?" Anna asked, hoping for a positive response. 

"Don't worry, I won't. You don't have to be polite and beg," the stranger remarked without sounding any emotion in his voice. What? Beg? Her? She wouldn't ever beg! Anna was annoyed by what the man said, but she didn't bother to refute him when he thought she was pleading. She still knows what "indebtedness" means, and if she reacts, he could alter his mind. Anna couldn't tell if he was being sincere by the sound of his voice. When the guy eventually went into the men's room, Anna knew it was time to return to the hotel room. 

But the world hates her so much that she's running into the person she hated as she walks back to the hotel room. Anna could smell a fit of nasty jealousy brought by the coldness of the aircon from where she was standing. 

"Look, who's here," the woman greeted Anna.

Anna recognized her and said, "Lorel." The girl grinned villainously. Anna finds it exhausting to hear more insults. But she can't get out of this without putting up with this loser's insults.