Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2: Alessandro’s Cold World

Alessandro Riguel Villareal sat at his desk, gazing at the cityscape of Manila through the large windows of his office. It was a beautiful sight and was the result of his persisting efforts and his never-ending desire for success. But even that did not evoke a response within him. And yet, it sparkled as was its wont, but Alessandro saw only the emptiness in it: there was nothing left in his life.

He glanced at the time on his sleek, black watch. In a few hours, he would be attending a business event at the Villareal Tower. Another gathering of Manila’s elite where, after gulps of champagne, the deals were sealed, and superficial pleasantries were exchanged. It was a world he had mastered: cold, calculated, efficient. And yet, beneath the surface, there was this void.

There was a knock, and Clara burst in without awaiting permission. “Sir, your car is ready, it will take you to the event.”

Tumango si Alessandro at napabuntong hininga. Inayos niya muna ang pagkakabutones ng kaniyang tailored jacket. Ayaw ni Alessandro pumunta, he didn’t enjoy the gatherings and such but as a CEO of Villareal Enterprises, his presence was required. Ang kaniyang maayos na buhok at perkektong panga ay nagpadagdag sa kaniyang karisma. Hindi sa pagmamalaki ay habulin si Alessandro ng mga babae. He knew he cut an impressive figure, one that commanded respect wherever he went. Ang mga babae ang naghahabol sa kaniya, hindi siya, ang mga kalalakihan din ang gustong makausap siya para magkaroon ng connection sa business world. But none of them mattered. It was all noise. Full of shít.

As he walked down to the waiting black luxury car, Alessandro thought about his family. His parents were back from their latest vacation abroad and no doubt wanted to see him settled. In fact, during such events, his mother Victoria never failed to draw his attention to some marriageable women-daughters of influential businessmen or heiresses of family fortunes. Alessandro couldn’t care less. He had long since come to the conclusion that attachments were a distraction, and he had no room for anything that might interfere with his control over his life.

“Focus on what you can control,” his father always said, and Alessandro had taken those words to heart.

Marami na kaagad tao nang dumating siya sa venue. Alessandro seems annoyed because he doesn’t like a crowded people yet here he is, no fúcking choice.

The rooftop of Villareal Tower was a breathtaking space: twinkling lights strung above, a pool that reflected the stars, soft hums of chatter. People chatted amongst each other, champagne glass in hand, speaking about business deals to the latest gossip. To be honest, it’s really annoying. He just sighed heavily.

Alessandro walked in, immediately drawing the gaze of several women, all draped in sparkling gowns, their eyes hanging onto him. He was used to it, the flirtatious looks, the way women gushed over him, eager for even the tiniest morsel of his attention. He indulged them when it suited him, but only to while away time. None of them ever lingered in his mind.

I’m not really interested, ladies. Maybe tomorrow? Guess not.

Working his way through the crowd, shaking hands and nodding at known faces, something-or rather someone-caught his eye. There, standing near the bar, was a young woman who did not quite fit in with the rest. Dressed in something plain, her hair drawn back out of sight into a neat ponytail, while others around her seemed to float in a haze of self-importance, she was grounded, as if she was here only by accident.

Ah the college student one. Sa coffee shop kung saan matagal niya ng pinagmamasdan ang dalaga. He just smirked on a mere thought.

And yes, kilala niya ang babae. Matagal niya ng kilala ang dalaga, Heaven Jacinto is a 21-year-old student enrolled in her third year of college. Just poor, nothing more. That is all he is aware of regarding Heaven. The girl who captivated his attention every day.

Umigting ang panga niya nang nakita niya ‘tong nakikipag-usap sa isang waiter, matamis ang ngiti ng labi ng dalaga, mapula iyon. Maliit ang kaniyang katawan, petite, at parang nyebe ang kutis ng balat nito. Mapaghahalataang inosente dahil sa obvious niyang mga mata. But she looked out of place for some reason. What was she fúcking doing here? Bakit siya nakapasok? And for some reason, it irritated him. She’s fúcking smiling again sa pútanginang waiter.

Is he jealous? No. Of course not. He is Alessandro Riguel Villareal. And she’s just a mere college student. Nothing fúcking more.

“Alessandro,” a soft feminine voice interrupted his thoughts.

Hinarap niya ang babaeng tumawag sa pangalan niya ng casual lang. It’s Tiffany Huang was the daughter of a very influential businessman-a woman whose way his mother had been subtly pushing towards him for years. She was beautiful; yes, she was, with that flawless skin and designer dress, but there was this air of entitlement surrounding her that Alessandro found off-putting.

Bitch.

She fúcking irritates him. Hindi siya tinatantanan nito at parang linta kung makadikit. Still, he needs to be civil.

“Miss Huang,” he greeted her with a nod, bumalik ang tingin niya kay Heaven, at ang mata ng dalaga ay naglalakbaay sa kung saan— na parang may hinahanap.

Sinundan ni Tiffany ang tingin ni Alessandro kung saan ito nakatingin ngayon, mabilis siyang nainis. “Just Tiffany, Alessandro. And who’s that? Why are you looking at her?”

Alessandro didn’t answer immediately, his jaw clenched. “No one, Miss Huang.”

“Talaga ba Alessandro? Hindi ako bulag, may mata rin ako. Sino siya? Bagong babae mo? C’mon Alessandro!”

Nainis naman si Alessandro sa inasal nito. Hinarap niya si Tiffany. He forced a smile at parang tanga naman itong ngumiti sa kaniya. Nababanas siya sa babae. “Miss Huang, none of your fúcking busineed. Mind your own fúcking business. Got it? Now fúck off!”

Hindi niya na ito hinayaang sumagot pa sa kaniya at basta-basta na lang siya umalis sa harap nito. What a fúcking bitch.

Tángina. Pakelamera.

Hindi niya talaga mapigilan hindi mapamura.

End of Chapter 2.