Chapter Eleven
NAPATINGIN si Eleanor sa kanyang relo para alamin ang oras. It's currently 7:30 am, at malapit ng mag 8 kaya madali nyang inayos ang sapatos na suot. She took one last glace on the mirror, and finally walked out of her room.
She cursed herself for waking up late. Dinig nya kanina ang alas sais nyang alarm, pero hindi nya nagawang kumilos at gumising. And she's ashamed that a simple forehead kiss made her sleep late.
What's wrong with me?! She continued cursing herself.
Lumapit sya sa pinto at pinihit ang doorknob para mabuksan ito. Her eyes widened when she saw Fourth in front of her door. Kanina pa ba ito naghihintay? Tanong nya sa sarili.
"Kanina ka pa ba dito?" She asked immediately.
Umiling si Fourth bago sumagot, "No, I just got out." Muntik na sana syang maniwala rito pero nahalataan nyang nagsisinungaling ang binata.
Hinayaan na lamang iyon ni El at niyaya na si Fourth na umalis. Excited to see Kael, they both walked fast. Hanggang sa nakarating na sila sa parking lot ng condominium. Fourth opened the car's door for Eleanor, then she took her seat on the shotgun.
"Are you fine there?" Biglaang tanong ni Fourth kay El.
She's spacing out. Ok na sana nung mga nakaraang araw eh. They got along, and started talking normally. But the kiss made her awkward. Oo nga't sa noo lang yun, but, she's new to things like those!
Geez, I'm overreacting! Just stop thinking about it! Saway nya sa sarili.
"El?—"
"Yes!" Putol nya. "I mean.. oo ayos lang." Peke syang ngumiti saka ibinalik ang tingin sa labas ng bintana.
"I'm excited to see Kael." Pahayag ni Fourth.
Doon napangiti si Eleanor. She's excited too. Very excited!
"Me too." Aniya.
If only traffic won't get on thier way at makarating agad sila sa amponan. The rest of the ride became silent. Hindi nya namalayang naka-idlip pala sya.
She got back to her consciousness when she felt a warm hand, brushing off the strand of her hair and tucking it on her ear. Unti-unti nyang binuksan ang mga mata nya. Her eyes and Fourth's locked at each other.
His deep brown eyes is so captivating. Bagay na bagay ito sa mukha nya. She admits, he's handsome.
"Ang ganda ng mga mata mo." At hindi nya alam kung saan sya kumuha ng lakas ng loob para sabihin yun.
She's still half awake!
"Your eyes are more beautiful...." His voice was soft, "Even whatever color it wears."
They both continued looking at each other. Mesmerized by each other's eyes. Ngayon pinupuri na nila ang isat-isa? Doon sya tuluyang nabalik sa huswisyo.
She looked away and started to undo her seatbelt. Narinig nya ang pekeng pag-ubo ni Fourth. She sighed in secret. Nagsimula na namang bumilis ang tibok ng puso nya. For her, it's weird.. really weired.
Ng tumingin sya sa labas ng bintana ay natanaw nya ang bahay amponan. Nasa labas na ng pinto si Kael kasama ang isang staff, parehong naghihintay. The child's eyes looked at their direction. Lumantad ang malaking ngiti sa mga labi ng bata ng mamukhaan sya nito. Kael waved his hand.
"Let's go?" Tumango sya sa paanyaya ni Fourth.
Pinagbuksan sya muli nito ng pintuan. She waved back at Kael ng makababa sya.
"Ate El!" Sigaw ni Kael saka mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa direksyon nya.
The child jumped in joy and hugged her.
"Bumalik po kayo! Tinupad nyo yung promise po!" He exclaimed.
Pareho silang napatawa ni Fourth sa reaksyon ng bata. He's so cute!
"Syempre naman! Sabi sayo eh..." Aniya at ginulo ang buhok nito. "Nagpakabait ka ba habang wala si Ate?" Tanong nya rito.
"Opo! Hindi na po ako umiiyak palagi." Pagkukwento nito.
"I'll just talk to the staff." Paalam ni Fourth.
Lumapit muna ito kay Kael at may kung anong binulong dito na nagpangiti sa bata. Saka sya tumaningin ulit kay Eleanor at ngumiti. El's eyes curiously followed Fourth who walked to talk to the staff. Ano naman kaya ang sinabi non?
May lumapit na staff sakanila at binigyan sila ng upuan. She thanked them and made Kael sat on her lap.
"Anong binulong sayo ni Kuya Fourth?" She whispered on the kid.
Lumapit ito sa tenga nya at bumulong din, "Pangitiin pa po daw kita.."
What?
Binalewala na lamang nya iyon. Though, it confuses her. Pinagpatuloy na lamang nya ang paglalaro at pakikipagkwentuhan kay Kael. Hanggang sa natapos na sa pakikipag-usap si Fourth sa staff ng orphanage.
"El.." tawag nito, "I talked to the staff and she said everything's already settled. Pwede na nating isama si Kael." He informed.
Kinuha nito si Kael and carry him on his arms.
"Sasama po ako sainyo Ate? Kuya? Aalis po si Kael dito?" Kyuryos na ani ng bata.
Surprisingly, Fourth fed up Kael's curiosity. Mabilis nitong na-explain sa bata ang sitwasyon. He's good with kids. Maybe because he has a little sister.
"Ibig sabihin po magiging family po kita Ate El?" Pangkukumperama nito.
"Yes! Gusto mo ba yun?" Aniya.
"Opo! Opo!" Masiglang pagsang-ayon ni Kael, "Pati po ikaw Kuya?" Baling nito kay Fourth.
"Oo naman." He smiled.
"Yehey!" He exclaimed in excitement.
After bidding their goodbyes to the staffs, Fourth carried Kael to the car. Pagkatapos mailagay sa pwesto ang bata ay silang dalawa naman ang pumasok sa kotse.
"Where should we go next?" Tanong ni Fourth ng maka-upo sa driver's seat.
"Ipasyal muna natin si Kael sa mall." Sagot ni El saka nakangiting bumaling sa batang mukhang natuwa sa idea nya.
Bago pa man nya makalimutan, binuksan ni Eleanor ang bag nya at kinuha mula rito ang facemask at inilahad kay Fourth.
"Here.." aniya.
Mukhang naintindihan naman ni Fourth ang gusto nyang iparating.
"I totally forgot. Salamat." He replied and accepted the mask.
Kailangan nilang mag-ingat. Mainit pa naman ngayon sa mga reporters ang mga De Salvo- especially Fourth - dahil sa patuloy na paglago ng kompanya nila.
The whole drive was fun. Masaya silang nakikipag-usap kay Kael. And their communication seems to got easier because of the kid. Ng makarating sa mall, ay ganon nalang ang saya ng dalawa ng makita ang manghang mukha ng bata. Nagkatinginan silang dalawa at ngumiti.
"Let's have breakfast first." Fourth stated.
Doon nga ay kumain sila. After having their breakfast, they roamed around the mall, showing Kael around and stoping in some stores to buy for the kid's stuffs. Hindi maiwasan ni El na marinig ang mga bulong-bulungan tungkol sakanila.
"Ay! Ang cute nilang tingnan girl!" Anang isang babae.
"Oo nga! Tsaka, halatang pogi yung Daddy!" Sabi naman ng isa.
"Ok lang din naman yung girl.." nagbago sng tono nito ng sya na ang pag-usapan.
El's mouth parted. Ok? Sya? Ok lang? Slowly, lumingon sya sa mga iyon, na ngayon ay umiwas na ng tingin. She averted her gaze back to Fourth who's been carrying Kael in his arms. Nagulat sya ng makitang nakatingin din sakanya si Fourth. Mukhang narinig din nito ang sinabi ng mga babae.
"Let's take Kael to the cinema." Simpleng sabi nito ng nakangiti.
Tumango sya, "Segi." She answered.
Pumila yung dalawa para makakuha ng ticket habang sya naman ay bumili ang popcorn at juice. While waiting for her order, nahagip ng mga mata nya ang mga pamilyar na mukha. It was Fourth's friends. She felt anxious.
"Here's your order ma'am."
"Thanks." Binigay nya kaagad ang bayad at kinuha ang order nya.
She walked back to Fourth and Kael's direction. She felt relieved when they got the tickets.
"Nakita ko yung mga kaibigan mo." Imporma nya kay Fourth. Napalinga-linga naman ang lalaki dahil sa sinabi.
"Where?" He asked.
Tinuro ni El ang direksyon kung saan nya nakita ang mga kaibigan ni Fourth. Naroroon parin ang mga ito.
"It's fine. Pumasok nalang tayo para hindi nila tayo makita." He said, na sya namang ginawa nila.
After an hour the movie's finally over. Masaya silang lumabas sa sinehan habang hawak sa magkabilang kamay si Kael. Eleanor checked if Fourth's friends are still there, gladly hindi na nya nakita ang mga ito doon.
They ended up watching Kael play on the timezone.
"Thank you for coming with us." Pagpapasalamat ni El kay Fourth.
Fourth turned to her while smiling.
Saka ay bumalik ang tingin sa naglalarong bata. El thought of wanting to start a conversation. Then a question pop up on her mind.
"I just want to ask.." panimula nya. He heard her and looked at her. "Why didn't you say no to the arrange marriage? I mean.. you could've said no and stopped the signing." Aniya.
Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Fourth at napaisip. "I don't know either." Naisagot nito.
"Hindi ba magagalit ang girlfriend mo?"
Where did that came from?! She asked herself.
She heard Fourth chuckled. Bumalik ang tingin nito kay Kael, then he just smile and shrugged off to answer her.
"You don't have a girlfriend?" Pagkukumperma nya pa.
Bakit nga ba hindi nya naisip yun? Mamaya pala ay may lihim itong girlfriend. She doesn't want to be a relationship wrecker.
"I do have a wife..." He answered and looked at her.
Her mouth hanged open when his answer processed on her mind. Napabaling ang tingin nya sa naglalarong mga bata. Unconsciously, she bit her lower lip. Eleanor can still feel him staring at her.
Hindi na sya nakapagsalita pagkatapos non. Mabilis na nag-init ang pisngi nya.
His wife, huh?
She wanted a distraction. Perfect timing naman at biglang tumunog ang phone ni Fourth.
"It's my Mom." Anito, "I'll just answer this." Paalam niya.
"Hmm."
Napahinga si El, saka tumingin ulit kay Kael. Inabala nya ang sarili sa panonood sa bata hanggang sa marininig nya ang pamilyar na boses ni Sky Cristos.
"El!" Tawag nito.
Mukhang kailangan na nilang umuwi.
"Where is he?" Tukoy nito kay Kael.
"Ayon naglalaro pa. Teka tatawagin ko muna." And she did.
Sa Scarletti mananatili si Kael. He'll surely be safe there since nandoon ang dalawang kambal.
"Ate El! Ang saya po dito!"
Kinuha ni El ang tuwalya at pinunasan ang bata. Tuwang tuwa ito.
"Oo naman, pero kaylangan na natin umuwi Kael. Promise ni Ate pupunta ulit tayo dito sa susunod." She assured.
Pagkatapos nila doon ay lumabas na sila sa mall.
"I think I can't go with you from here." Ani Fourth.
"Why?" Nsgtatakang tanong ni El.
"My Mom wants me to have dinner with her, so...." Sagot nito.
Tumango sya, "Ayos lang. Salamat ulit sa pagsama samin ngayon." She smiled.
Fourth bid his goodbye to Kael before running towards his own car. Mukhang hinihintay na talaga ito ng ina nya dahil nagmamadali itong tumakbo. She watched his car disappeared on her sight, then she entered Sky's car.
"Mukhang nagiging close na kayo ha?" Sky teased her.
"We're not close." Pagpapatigil nya rito.
He chuckled, "Kaya nga, nagiging palang." Dagdag pa nya.
Nagiging? It means they'll become close soon? Ng maisip nya yun ay nag-init bigla ang pisngi nya.
"Just drive Cristos."
And he did. He started the engine and they took their way on the road.
Chapter Twelve"I'll extend your deadline to Friday." Napahilot sa sintido nya ang propesor. "Dahil hanggang ngayon ay kalahati pa sainyo ang hindi nakapasa ng project. Please be reminded that this will be the last time na ieextend ko ang deadline nyo."He remained calm before storming out the room. Kasabay ng pagtunog ng bell ang muling pag-ingay ng mga kaklase ni Eleanor. Tila walang epekto sa mga ito ang sinabi ng Prof nila. A sigh escaped from El's lips as she look at her classmates."Naku naman talaga itong mga kaklase natin oh." Usal ni Flare.Inayos nalang ni El ang mga gamit nya at nilagay ang mga ito sa bag."Hayaan mo nalang sila." Saway nya sa kaibigan."Oo nga! Halika nalang sa cafeteria at magpakabusog tayo." She exclaimed.Sabay silang tumayo saka lumabas sa classroom. Mabuti nalang at maaga s
Chapter ThirteenNAWALAN ng ideya si Eleanor kung paano ipapaliwanag ang narinig at nakita ng matalik nyang kaibigan. Imposible namang e-deny nya ang klarong narinig ni Flare. At kung paano nya itatago sa kaibigan ang iba nya pang sekreto ay hindi nya alam."El? Totoo ba ang narinig ko? You guys are married?" Pagtatanong ulit nito. El remained speechless.'Come on Healia Eleanor! Answer you friend!' Utos ng utak nya."Bakit ko pa itatanong ulit eh dinig na dinig ko nga kanina. Kitang-kita ko pa ang singsing sa daliri ni Fourth oh!" Turo nito.Huminga ng malalim si El para pakalmahin ang sarili at makapagsalita para masagot nya si Flare."H-how..." Nasabi nya, "How did you get in?" Gusto nyang sapakin ang sarili dahil sa malayong tanong na yun.Napasinghal si Flare ng marinig ang sinabi ng kaibigan nya. El starts to curse
CHAPTER FOURTEEN"I'm sorry I overacted that day." Panimula ni Flare.Pareho silang naka-upo ni El sa swing at dinuduyan yun ng mahina. Ready to tell their own side of the story. Habang si Fourth naman ay binigyan sila ng private space."You didn't. Ine-expect ko nga na mas malala pa doon ang magiging reaksyon mo eh." Sinubukan nyang hindi pumiyok.Their eyes became teary while looking straight on the ground."Andami lang talagang nangyari nung araw na yun. I discovered something about my mother that made me anxious and scared." Pagkukuwento nya.Eleanor looked at her friend. Umiiyak na ito."K-kaya... pumunta kaagad ako sa condo mo. Then boom!" Natatawa nyang wika. "Nasurpresa lang ako tungkol sa inyo ni Fourth. At yung mga hindi ko naisabi sa nanay ko ay naibunton ko sayo."&nbs
CHAPTER FIFTEENARAW na naman ng linggo at bagot na bagot na si El sa pagbabasa at pagpirma ng mga papeles. She's been fully loaded with paperworks, approvals and meetings that she has to monitor through Cloud's CCTVs. Mahirap talaga tuwing kailangang umalis ni Tanda, lalo na't pumunta ulit ito sa ibang bansa.He's also busy going in and out of the country this days. Kaya hindi na nagrereklamo si El at ginagawa na lamang ang mga kailangan nyang tapusin. It's her duty after all.Without removing her eyes on the papers she's been reading, she reached out for the bottled water. She's thirsty and tired. Umangat ang kanyang tingin sa tambak pang mga papeles sa harapan nya.Basa... PirmaBasa... PirmaBasa... Pirma"Kaya pa, El?"Gulat nyang inangat ang tingin kay Sky Cristos.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN"ANG ibig mong sabihin, nadisturbo ko kayo!?"Pasigaw na tanong ni Flare pagkatapos marinig ang kinuwento ni El. She sighed deeply after seeing Flare's reaction, not getting the point of what she said."No, you didn't! Actually, you saved me from that situation! Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko nung time na yun, it was so awkward, and my mind can't process anything." She explained with frustration in her voice. "I can't even reply to him properly."Guilt clenched her heart. Napatulala na lamang sya ng maalala ang nangyari kanina.Flashback..."Oo, sinadya kong iwasan ka.""I'm sorry if I made you worry.""Pero kailangan kong gawin yun para makalimutan ang mga nararamdaman ko."ANG bilis sumagot ng isip ni El pero hindi ito magawang bitawan ng mga labi nya.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN'It tastes fine, right?'Unang pagkakaton na kinakabahan si Eleanor habang nagluluto. Her mother always tells her to be happy while cooking. Iyon daw ang isa sa magpapasarap ng niluluto nya. But damn, she can't even focus!Even her hands are slightly shaking while chopping. And funny thing is, she doesn't even know the exact reason why she's nervous.El cleaned everything after she was done cooking. Tulala sya pagkatapos ipatong sa mesa ang mga niluto nya. She cooked some Filipino dishes that she usually cooks.'Will he like it?' wala na syang ibang maisip na lutuin kanina. Come tothink of it, she doesn't know even a single food he likes.Alas syiete-trenta na ng gabi. Maybe it's not that late for a dinner.The foods' are ready, plates and utensils are already on their pl
SHE HAD a great night and a nice moment to start her day. Malaki ang expectation ni El na magiging maganda ang buong araw nya pagkatapos nilang magka-ayos ni Fourth. Pero kahit isang araw man lang ay hindi talaga sya lulubayan ng reyalidad nya. Tumalikod lang sya sandali ay bomba na ang tinapon sa likuran nya. And it wasn’t just a simple bombing. How did a bomb passed their security in the first place? Tuloy ang pagtipa ng mga daliri ni Eleanor sa mesa habang nakikinig sa mga paliwanag ni Sky. “The bomb was ours. Kaya naka-pasok ito sa main gate,” anito, “But after we investigated, we found out na hindi natin tauhan ang nagdrive ng mga supply ng bomba.” “He passed the main gate’s identity verification using one of our employee who’s in charge of driving that truck for supplies,” dugtong ni Cloud at may pinindot sa computer nito. A face of their employee then flashed on the screen, Raynan Abansado. After a click, the screen showed another image. Kuha ito ng CCTV sa main entrance
Chapter Nineteen"Our men has been dispatched to their positions, Empress." Ani Sly pagkalabas ni El sa elevator.Abala si Eleanor sa pagbabasa ng mga impormasyon tungkol sa mga miyembro ng grupong nangbomba sa Scarletti. Hindi nya inalis ang tingin sa hawak na tablet at tumango na lamang sa mga itinuran ni Sky.Ng matapos nyang basahin ang mga ito, bumalik sya sa profile ng babaeng pamilyar sakanya. "Madalas ka bang pumupunta sa University namin Sky?" Tanong nta habang patuloy silang naglalakad."I've gone there many times, for some... business." He replied.Napataas ang kilay nya sa sinagot ni Sky, knowing something behind his answer. Binalewala nya iyon at muling nagtanong."During those times, have you ever encountered this girl?" Inabot ni El ang tablet kay Sky, "She's the youngest member of their group, at palagi ko syang nakikita sa li—""Library," he mumbled as he remembered something, "the Principal and some school staffs toured me around your school last month. Nakita ko sy
Chapter 33"There's no record about him in Scarletti, Empress." pagpapaalam ni Cloud pagkatapos nitong mag-imbestiga."How about the family register?" pahabol niya at lumapit dito, saka nagbasa na din aa mga impormasyong nakalagay sa monitor."None as well." iling ng lalaki. Both of them felt the frustration of finding nothing."Call Sky." mabilis niyang utos na siya namang sinunod kaagad ni Cloud.After two rings he answered. Iniabot naman ni Cloud ang cellphone sa kaniya."Twin?" bungad ni Sky."It's me, Sky." pagpapakilala niya, "Is he still there?" tukoy niya kay Roldan Scarletti."Yes, he's still here." sagor ng lalaki, "He's still convincing me to-" he stopped."To what, Sky?" takhang aniya, "What is he up to?" suspetya niya.Eleanor heard him sighed. Tila ayaw ni Sky na sabihin sa kaniya ang pakay ng nagsasabing kapatid ng ama niya."He wants to see you, El. And he's convincing me that we don't need to hide you from him. Dahil matagal ka na daw niyang kilala." he answered.Nat
Chapter 32After changing and fixing herself into some comfortable working clothes. Eleanor found herself sharing a dinner with Fourth Ycarius.Kanina ay nagtalo pa sila dahil gusto na talaga niyang magtrabaho. Scarletti's under attack for God's sake!Pero heto sya't naghahapunan dahil hindi siya makalabas sa penthouse niya.The mighty Cloud Kristos Collins locked her door from the control room!And exercising her authority would surely not work to the young Collin.Everything's in chaos and she is still being spoiled by them."Eat slower, Healia." paalala ni Fourth.She gave him a threatening glare. Nalayo naman nito ang katawan sa kaniya.Nakisama pa talaga ang lalaking ito sa plano ng kambal!"I didn't do anything, baby." paawa nito upang pansinin siya, "Please don't ignore me, I missed you.""Magkasama tayo kanina." mapakla niyang sabad at umiwas."You're so cute," he laughed inwardly, "But don't ignore me, Healia Eleanor." nguso naman niya.Pinaharap siya nito sa kaniya at ambang
Chapter 31"We accept your offer, Empress." Sylvia leaded.Sabay namang tumango ang mga ka-miyembro niya."May tiwala ako kay boss." hayag ni Henri.Lumapit naman si Eleanor sa kanila at isa-isa silang dinapuan ng banayad na tingin."Thank you." sinserong aniya, "But I need you to not only trust your previous boss' words. I need yoyr trust as well."Ang halaga ng salitang tiwala ay isa sa mga pangaral ni Tanda sa kanila. Na ngayon ay nasa panganib ang buhay. At ang tangi niyang magagawa ngayon ay gampanan at protektahan ang posisyong matagal ding prinotektahan ng matandang Collin.Eleanor hoped to see Scarletti's bright furure with her new generals. She will truat and guide these pwoplw like how Tanda guided her and the twins."And you need to trust us as well, Empress." nahihiyang lahad ng bunsong miyembro ng grupo.She nodded with a smile. "Of course," she replied.Eleanor suddenly felt a tug in her heart. She felt less lonely. Ngayon na hindi lang apat na tao ang tanging nakakakila
Chapter Thirty"You're not fully healed yet." paalala ni Syleria kay Henri.Kanina lang ay dumating sa harap nila si Cloud Kristos. Bearing a news that the Empress of Scarletti wants to meet them. Kung ano man ang dahilan ay wala pa silang ideya.Syleria is dying to know. Ano naman ang kailangan niya sa kanila?To be honest, wala pa siyang nabubuong plano kung paano makawala sa kuta ng Scarletti. This place is jammed pack with security!She only got lucky the first time she got out of here because she knocked the Collin out. Pero ngayon na bantay sarado ito sakanila, wala na siyang mabuong plano. They're waiting for their boss to contact them. Pero tila bigo din itong maabot sila dito."Ayos na ko, Syl." pagmamatigas ni Henri, "Hindi naman ganoon ka lala ang sugat ko. And I need to be there." ani pa nito."What are they gonna do with us?" nag-aalalang anang bunso nila."Stop with the talking and line up, now." This Collin was expressionless.Hindi gaya ng kakambal nito na una nilang n
Chapter 29"El! Can you hear me?!" Dumagungdong ang boses ni Sky sa tenga ni Eleanor. She couldn't find her voice to answer him. Napatango lamang siya habang hawak ang sumasakit na ulo. "S-sky, si Tanda." she muttered.Hindi nawala ang paningin niya sa matandang sugatan at walang-malay na nakahiga sa semento. We need to take him to the hospital!"I will take care of him." ani Sky at tinulungan siyang tumayo. "Get in." binuksan nito ang pinto ng kotse.Iwinaksi ni Eleanor ang kamay ng lalaki, "What are you doing, Sky Kristos?! We need to take Tanda to the hospital!" sigaw niya."I will." madiin nitong sagot, "But you need to get out of here first, Empress. We can't risk your safety. Get in the car and drive back to Scarletti." She looked at Tanda again, biting her lips to surpress the tears that are trying to escape from her eyes. Fuck! Bakit kahit sa ganitong sitwasyon kailangan niya paring maging makasarili at magtago? Tumakbo? She was reminded of all the past events that are ju
Maingat ang mga galaw ni Eleanor habang tinatahak ang back exit ng venue. She was making sure na walang makakakita or makakapansin sa kanya. And she was thankful that a performance from the Delgarde’s youngest daughter was happening on the center stage. Kaya naroroon ang atensyon ng lahat.Wala man siyang nakakasalubong na mga tao, o nararamdamang may mga kaaway, hindi na mawala sa sistema ni El ang pagiging alerto. As an unpopular guest, she was able to walk her way out of the busy party without anyone giving her any deep attention.Hindi gaya ni Sky Kristos na seguradong kung ano-anong paraan na ang sinusubukan para makawala sa mga kyuryosong atensyon ng lahat.‘I hope his patience last long.’ Kawawang Kristos, aniya sa isip.Memorizing the venue’s structure for this kind of mission is a must. Kaya hindi na siya nahirapang hanapin ang pwede niyang gamiting exit ng malaking bahay – mansion to be exact.“Elea-“She grabbed the wrist of the hand that landed on her shoulder. Mahigpit ni
Chapter Twenty-Seven “Enjoy the party everyone!” Mr. Delgarde exclaimed in delight. He ended his speech with a proud smile formed in his lips. Sinalubong nito ang ipinakilalang kaibigan at pumunta sa kanIyang pamilya. Eleanor was stunned. Nanatiling nakatitig ang mga mata nya sa lalaking pinalibutan ng mga Delgarde. She never expected to hear another person’s name with the same surname as hers. Especially in this party. She had thought about a lot of possible information she can get from the person who invited her to the party, and from the party itself. Pero hindi nya inaasahang may makikilala syang isang Scarletti sa okasyong dadaluhan nya ngayong gabi. Roland Scarletti. Are they related?The last Scarletti she knew was her father. At wala syang kakilalang ibang kamag-anak nito. She also doesn’t know anyone from her mother’s side. Which made her feel lonely at times. Dahil ang tanging alam nya lamang ay ang mga responsibilidad na kinalakihan nya. She’s Healia Eleanor Scarletti
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX“An invitation arrived at my office this morning.” Bungad ni Sky Kristos ng makapasok ito sa meeting room.Nakalutang ang isipan ni Eleanor simula ng makarating sya sa Scarletti. They’re about to discuss the information Cloud had found about the party that Syleria’s boss invited her to. Pero ayaw tumuon ng atensyon ni Eleanor sa topikong iyon.“What invitation?” walang ekspresyong tanong ni Cloud sa kakambal habang abala sa kanyang laptop. “The same gold invitation that our Empress received.” Sagot nito, “I almost planned to gatecrash at their party you know?” nguso niya pa habang tinatapik-tapik ang invitation sa sariling palad. Tuloy-tuloy ang pag-uusap ng dalawa. Habang nanatiling nakatitig si Eleanor sa mga dokumentong nasa harapan nya. While she’s completely thinking of a different issue.“Let me see that.” Sky followed and handed the invitation to his twin brother.Where could she possibly misplaced her family picture?Ang natitirang souvenir sa pinakamasaya
Chapter Twenty-Five“I heard your cousin got back in the country with her child?”Eleanor asked, breaking the awkward silence surrounding them since the beginning of the movie they are currently watching. Hindi man sya nakatingin kay Fourth Ycarius na nasa kanyang tabi ay ramdam nya ang pagkagulat nito ng bitawan nya ang mga katagang iyon. She got curious with his sudden reaction, kaya napalingon sya sa lalaki. Sandaling nanlaki ang mga mata nito saka ibinuka ang mga labi – nagtatangkang magbigay ng pahayag sa sinimulan nyang konbersasyon. Maybe because it’s Eleanor’s first time asking something related to his personal life. Kaya ito nagulat. Simula ng pinalibutan sila ng katahimikan ay nag-iisip na si Eleanor ng puwede nilang pag-usapan. And the scene with her group mates earlier popped up in her mind. Kaya ito ang kaniyang naitanong. Plus, she’s also curious if it was indeed Fourth Ycarius that her group mates saw. “Y-yeah, we strolled around the city earlier.” Nautal na sagot