Chapter 27

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, the heiress who needs to hide in order to be alive, and fulfill her duty as an Empress. In an empire where only three people knows her face. 

Hearing the same surname as hers made a spark of belongingness. Na hindi naman dapat nya maramdaman sa isang taong tanging pangalan at mukha lamang ang tanging alam nya.

Maigi nyang tiningnan ang lalaki. His clean, white pair of tuxedo and pants made him looked younger. But seeing the lines on his face made her sure that he’s on his early fifties. The way he carefully moves and deliver his gestures every time he speaks, makes Eleanor remember the Collins’ father. Mukhang magkasing edad ang mga ito. 

“Another Scarletti, huh?” matabang na pahayag ng babaeng katabi nya. 

The boss whom she still doesn’t know the name. Ang taong nagsimula ng misteryo sa gabing ito.

“Who is he?” hindi nya napigilang maitanong, “Do you know him?” dagdag nya.

Her head turned to her in a slow motion. Ibinaba nito ang hawak na inumin at seryosong tumitig sa mga  mata nya. Her smile faded and her tone changed.

“Is that what you’ve seek for so long, Princess?” 

Kumunot ang noo ni Eleanor. Anong koneksyon niyon sa mga itinanong nya? Will she be able to end this night with a useful information taken from this woman? At hindi na rin nya nagugustuhan ang palayaw nito sa kanya.

“No.” she answered honestly.

Ibinalik nya ang tingin kay Roland Scarletti. And she didn’t expect that their eyes will meet. She couldn’t identify what it was, but she saw something in his expression, in his eyes, before they shrieked as he smiled at her.

“Kung ganoon, ay hindi ko masasagot ang mga katanungan mong iyon.” The woman replied. 

“Why?” Eleanor asked once more, taking a glimpse at Fourth Ycarius before turning her full attention to her inviter. “You’ve seen my face. And you know that I won’t let you leave this party without receiving your end of the deal.” 

The woman chuckled with her remark. She met her glare and looked at her with proud eyes. Eleanor didn’t mind the sudden music coming from the large speakers. At ang mga matang nararamdaman nyang nakatingin sa kanya. Nakatuon ang buong atensyon nya sa susunod na sasabihin ng babae.

“The information I am allowed to tell you are limited,” seryosong sagot nito, “Isang tanong lamang ang kaya kong sagutin. You have to choose which question, wisely, Princess.” Madiin ngunit mahina nitong itinuran.

Eleanor got confused. Sa binitawang mga salita nito ay marami ng mga katanungan ang namuo sa isipan nya. But the woman is serious with her ‘one question only’ statement. At gaya ng sabi nito, she needs to choose wisely.

Bago sya makarating sa party ay klarong-klaro sa isipan nya ang layunin nya sa gabing ito. To obtain an information that can lead her to the mastermind of her parents’ murder. 

‘Ano nga ba ang hinahanap ko?’ the question echoed in her mind. Maliban sa taong iyon, na itinuring na nyang responsibilidad ang paghahanap. Ano pa nga ba hinahanap nya?

 Hindi inaasahan ni Eleanor na maisip nya iyon. Her goal was set a long time ago. She brushed the unusual thought away. Hindi nya na kailangang pag-isipan pa kung ano ang nais nyang malaman sa babaeng kaharap. 

Isang katanungan. At matagal na nyang alam kung ano iyon. 

‘‘What do you-’’

“Eleanor…” 

A deep whisper interrupted. Eleanor flinched as she felt his warm touch on her arm. She faced Fourth Ycarius and met his surprisingly, pleading eyes. His gentle gaze completely shifted her thoughts in a blink.

He’s close, at hindi dapat sila magkalapit sa party na ito. Luminga-linga sya para tingnan kung may mga matang nakatingin sa kanila. But to her relief, kahit ang babaeng kasama nya ay inilayo ang tingin nito sakanila. She didn’t notice anyone looking at them. Pero hindi parin iyon nagbigay ng kampante sakanya. 

Hindi man ganoon karami ang taong naroroon sa party, hindi parin nya masisiguradong wala ngang nakatingin, o makakapansin sakanila. 

Especially with Fourth Ycarius who’s always being observed by many. A successful and handsome bachelor will always catch someone’s attention. Lalong-lalo na ang media. At lumapit pa sya sa isang babaeng hindi pamilyar sakanila. 

Kaunti man ang mediang naririto, hindi parin iyon sapat para makaseguradong hindi sya mafe-feature sa susunod na araw.

“What are you doing here?” it sounded rude but, hindi sya dapat lumapit sakanya. 

His opened arms are tempting her. At hindi ito maari, not here, and especially not now.

“I want to ask you for a dance.” Malumanay nitong pag-aya, “Will you dance with me?” 

Muling napatingin si Eleanor sa palagid. Nagsimula nang pumunta ang mga bisita sa dance floor kasama ng mga pares nila. They were too busy to notice Fourth Ycarius De Salvo reaching out his hand to a woman. But still, it didn’t erase her worry. Hindi iyon pwede, dahil baka may makakita sakanila. Baka may makapansin sa uri ng pagtingin ni Fourth Ycarius sakanya.

Dahil sa tuwing titingnan niya ang mga mata nito ay bakas na bakas doon ang nararamdaman ng lalaki. His eyes were so expressive, and obvious. 

Nasaan na ang Fourth Ycarius De Salvo na sinasabi nilang walang ibang interes kundi ang negosyo?

Napatunganga si Eleanor sa nakalahad na palad ni Fourth. Every vein on her hand was itching to reach it. Can she take the risk? Kahit ngayon lang?

A risk, not in her war with the other mafias. But the one in between her chest.

Na kasalukuyang kumakalabog ng tudo.

Patuloy syang yumuko. Avoiding the man’s persuasive and gentle gaze, which seemed like it’s caressing her face. That thought made her feel shivers. 

Mabilis syang umiwas bago ito sagutin, “I can’t. I’m sorry.” Sagot niya.

Kita nya sa gilid ng kaniyang mga mata ang panlulumo ni Fourth Ycarius dahil sa sagot niya. His expression almost made her give in and pull him to the dance floor herself. 

Pero desidido na siya. She won’t take that risk.

“It’s just a simple dance, Princess.” Hindi niya inaasahang saad ng babaeng katabi niya. “Pagbigyan mo na ang asawa mo, kawawa naman.” Natatawa pa nitong dagdag.

She ignored her and faced Ycarius, “It’s too risky, Ycarius. Baka may makapansin sa’ting media.” Pagdadahilan niya.

“I will handle it.” He replied with a reliable tone, “Please, Healia...” pagmamaka-awa nito habang inaabot ang kamay ni El.

“O-ok.” Ang naisagot niya.

She can’t stand his charms! 

Mabilis na lumapad ang ngiti sa labi ni Fourth Ycarius. “Don’t mind them and just look at me, Healia.” Aniya habang marahan siyang inaalalayan papunta sa gitna ng dance floor. “I can’t stand spending this night without dancing with you.”

Hindi nakapagsalita si Eleanor. Specifically, she doesn’t know what to say. She’s lost with words to reply to him, again. 

His hand slowly snaked to her waist. Normal reaction na ata ng katawan niya na makaramdam ng kuryente sa tuwing hinahawakan siya ni Fourth Ycarius. And she can’t explain why it feels different everytime. Tila lumalala ang reaksyong iyon habang tumatagal.

Ang kabila nilang kamay ay masuyong pinag-ugnay ni Fourth, habang mahina siya nitong dinuduyan kasabay ng mahinahong ritmo ng kanta. 

She’s not supposed to be here just to party. She’s here for a mission, not to dance with this handsome man! Is that how ‘that’ feeling works? Palagi bang matatalo ni Fourth Ycarius ang mga rason niya? Is that safe?

Iniwas niya ang mga mata at ibinaba ang mga ito sa sahig. 

“I didn’t know you’re invited.” Tanong nito nang lumapit sa kaniyang taenga.

Sandaling nanigas ang katawan niya sa ginawa ni Fourth. Mabilis niya iyong iwinaksi at sumagot habang nakaiwas parin ang tingin.

“Actually, I’m not invited.” Pabulong na aniya. 

Hindi siya imbitado, so she gatecrashed on this party.

“May nagawa na naman ba’kong mali?” biglang bitaw nito.

Kunot-noong bumaling sa kaniya si Eleanor. “W-what?”

“You’re not looking at me again.” Sagot nito, “I mean… you’re avoiding my gaze.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni El. She got caught red handed. 

“Hindi kita iniiwasan.” Iling niya, “See...” dagdag pa niya habang pilit na tinitingnan si Fourth sa mga mata nito. 

Nakatigil silang dalawa sa gitna ng dance floor habang madiing nakatitig sa isa’t-isa. She was too determined to prove herself that she didn’t blink! Ng maramdamang humapdi ang kaniyang mga mata ay napakurap-kurap siya.

Umiwas ng tingin si Fourth Ycarius at pasekretong tumawa. 

Nakanguso ang mga labi ni Eleanor nang mahina niya itong hinampas sa braso, “Hey! Don’t laugh at me.” 

Pero tuloy parin itong humagikhik, “I tried my best, ok? Kaso bigla ng pumait ang mata ko.”

“Hahaha!” tawa pa nito.

“I’m going back-“

“Hindi na, hindi na…” bawi niya, “See, I’m not laughing anymore. Let’s just dance again, hm?”

Muling inangat ni Fourth Ycarius ang mga kamay nila. This time, he pulled her closer. Kaya napasandal siya sa dibdib nito habang sumasayaw sila. His fast heartbeat made her smile. Mas bumibilis iyon habang tumatagal sila sa pagsasayaw. It was fast, yet it makes her feel at ease. 

“I’m sorry,” sinserong anito, “If I startled you last night.” Dagdag niya.

Is it about that…?

Kung iyon ang pag-uusapan nila, itatago muna niya ang mukha sa dibdib ni Fourth Ycarius. Alaala pa nga lang nung kagabi ay namumula na siya, ang pag-usapan pa kaya ito? 

But she can’t just avoid it and feel shy every time it happens… right?

‘Why am I thinking like it will happen again?!’

“Just… don’t bite my lips next time.”

Tumaas ang kilay ni Fourth Ycarius. Ng marealize ang nasabi ay sinubsob niyang muli ang mukha sa dibdib nito sa hiya.

“Was that my permission, my Majesty?” he chuckled.

Matapang niyang inangat ang tingin at sinalubong ang mga mata ng lalaki, “Just dance, De Salvo.” Banta niya, “Say another word about it and you’ll lose your chance.” 

He bowed and gave her a swirl. Nakangiti siyang sinalo nito at sinubson ang ulo nya sa balikat ni Eleanor. Fourth Ycarius brushed the tip of his nose on her shoulder, she can feel his lips formed a smile as they continued to sway.

“Next time…” he whispered, “Can we dance like this on my kitchen?”

“W-what?” gulong aniya, “In your kitchen?” natatawang dagdag pa ni El.

“Yeah, you know, like in the movies?” 

Eleanor laughed after she recalled. “Like in the movies, really?” she teased.

“Please don’t laugh at me, I have three sisters!” Pagdadahilan nito na siyang dumagdag sa pagtawa ni El, “Stop it, you won’t want me to kiss you here, Healia Eleanor.” Banta niya. 

He’s right, it’s not the perfect time for that. ‘I should stop teasing him.’ Because she bet, he’s not joking. 

Napalinga siya sa paligid ng maalala ang dahilan niya sa pag-attend sa party. Bumalik ang tingin ni Eleanor sa babaeng kasama niya kanina, na ngayon ay naglalakad papalapit sa kanila. 

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Princess…” bungad nito na siyang ikiatigil nang pagsasayaw nila, “but you need to go.” Madiing dagdag ng babae.

Eleanor’s brows furrowed, confused with the lady’s statement. Palinga-linga ito na para bang may minamatyagan sa paligid. 

“What’s wrong? May problem ba?” Nag-aalalang wika ni Fourth.

Lumungo si Eleanor. She doesn’t know exactly what’s this woman’s problem is. Pero kung ano man iyon ay mukhang seryoso ito base sa nakikita nyang pagkaa-ligaga ng babae. 

“Cloud, is there any problem outside?” aniya sa communication device.

“None, Empress. Why?” Simpleng balik nito.

“Just trust me and go, ok?” Dagdag pa nito at hinahawakan ang braso niya.

How can she trust her? Ano bang meron at gustong-gusto na syang paalisin ng babaeng ‘to?

“You can’t just tell me to go without telling me what’s happening.” Bawi niya sa kaniyang braso.

“I can’t tell you.” bulong nito, “But it’s dangerous for you to stay here any longer.”

“I think you should really go, Eleanor.” Maging si Fourth Ycarius ay nadala na rin sa mga sinasabi ng babae. 

Eleanor’s eyes roamed around. Pinagtitinginan na sila ng mga tao. They’re on the center of the dance floor for pete’s sake!

She walked away and they followed. Bago pa man sumunod sakanya si Fourth Ycarius ay pinigilan na niya ito. He got it fast. One small smile and he walked to the opposite direction. 

“What’s happening?” balik niya sa babae nang makaalayo si Fourth. “And don’t you dare say, you can’t tell me.” 

Napatikom ang labi ng babae. “Enemy’s, they’re here.” She replied.

“Enemy’s?” 

‘Hers or mine?” aniya sa isipan. 

“Those enemy’s I am talking about are far different than those you have encountered, Empress.” Salaysay niya, “They are far more cruel and dangerous.”

Ngunit anong kinalaman ng mga kalabang iyon sakanya? 

“Dapat ay hindi na kita pinapunta dito.” Nakalungong dagdag ng babae na siyang ikinagulo ng isipan ni Eleanor. “For your safety, and for everyone here, you should go.”

“I can’t explain everything to you in every detail but, trust me, I’m not an enemy.” Diretsong tingin nito sakanyang mga mata.

It sounded sincere. Pero hindi niyon basta-bastang maukuha ang tiwala niya. Her eyes drifted to the floor, confused on what to do next. She clicked her communicating device and spoke in a low voice. 

“Cloud, how’s everything outside?” pangkokompirma niya.

“Unusually peaceful, Empress.” Mabilis nitong sagot, “Everything’s under surveillance.” He assured.

Umangat ang tingin niya sa babae at nagsalubong ang kanilang mga mata.

“Inform Sky Kristos that we’re leaving. Ang make sure that my way’s clear.” Utos niya.

“Don’t worry, Princess.” Sabad ng babae, “No one will harm you on your way home. Sinisegurado ko sa’yo” may kumpyansang dagdag pa nito.

“Hindi mo parin sasabihin kung sino ka?” May diin niyang tanong.

The woman sighed heavily, “Ysabella, that’s my name. And we will meet again soon. When you’re ready.” 

Muling nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni El, “Ready? For what?”

“For a much heavier responsibility.” Sagot nito at tuluyan ng nagpaalam na umalis.

It didn’t answer any of Eleanor’s questions. Mas lalo lang itong nagpagulo sa kanyang isipan, at dumagdag sa kaniyang mga katanungan.