Chapter One

Selena’s POV

I forced a sweet smile as I entered the crystal-studded ballroom. I attended a charity gala with Agustin and Mando; it is one of his million ways to secure the upcoming election. The theme of the party is Mystery Gala, and I am wearing a black sequined, body-hugging floor-length dress and a black mask that just covers my eyes.

From a distance, I saw Leonardo, dressed in a black tuxedo and wearing a mask almost identical to mine. He was looking at me, smiling as if nothing was wrong. I would have felt a flutter in my chest, if only I hadn’t discovered the depth of his betrayal. I ignored him and turned my attention elsewhere. I pretended he was nothing to me. I knew he wouldn’t mind, and he’d understand if I told him I was just being careful, in case he decided to confront me. We both knew why we were there. He was there to negotiate with Agustin's opponent, and I was there to accompany Agustin, playing the part of a faithful right-hand person.

I was standing next to Agustin when a man approached him—his good friend, June Saavedra. I excused myself, sensing that they needed a bit of privacy. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko sa lugar na iyon dahil hindi naman ako mahilig sa mga pagtitipon. I had never had a chance to attend one before. Nanatili akong nakatayo habang umiinom ng wine nang lapitan ako ng isang lalaki na naka-maroon na tuxedo. I knew him, I had already met him before at the club; Vania had introduced us. He is Lucas Sandoval, the son of Miguel Sandoval, Agustin's political opponent. Sigurado akong siya si Lucas sa likod ng maskara.

“Hi, it was nice to see you here tonight, you are so stunning!” He complimented me.

“Thanks.” Tipid kong sagot. Hindi ko na kailangan pang makipag-usap sa kaniya dahil si Leonardo na ang bahala sa ama niya. Ayokong makita ni Agustin at Mando na nakikipag-usap ako sa kaniya.

I downed a glass of wine and excused myself. Napagdesisyunan kong magtungo sa rooftop upang mapag-isa. Gusto kong mapag-isa. Nang makarating ako sa rooftop, pinagmasdan ko ang mga ilaw sa siyudad. Maya-maya, hindi ko namalayan na tumutulo na pala ang mga luha ko. Dalawang araw pa lamang ang lumilipas nang malaman ko ang panloloko sa akin ni Leonardo.

Wala akong ibang ginawa kundi mahalin siya, sundin ang mga gusto niyang mangyari. I’ve been such a good girlfriend to him. I let him control my life because I loved him. Maybe that’s my fault. I let him control me.

“Tell me, how are you related to Lucas Sandoval?” Napatigil ako sa pag luha nang maramdaman ko ang isang kamay sa beywang ko. I quickly wiped my tears and turned to face the person who touched me

Andrew. He was wearing a black tuxedo and a mask.

“What are you doing here? Magagalit ang tatay mo pag nalaman niyang nag punta ka dito.” I said trying to scare him. But seriously what have gotten to his mind to come here. It is very obvious that his dad is hiding him, to protect him.

“I have my ways, Selena,” he said, with a grin on his face.

“Seriously, Andrew, you never fail to give your father a headache. Let’s go, I’ll take you home before Sir Agustin sees you here.” I grabbed his arm, ready to take him home when he spoke again.

“You haven’t answered my question. Are you really close with Lucas Sandoval?” He asked, his gaze dark. I started to feel fear.

“I saw you two talking like you're close to each other. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen you two talking.”

“We don’t know each other. I—I was just being polite when he approached me,” I said, trying to convince him.

“Okay.” He said in surrender. “But, why are you avoiding me?” he asked.

“Why would I avoid you?” asked him in return, pretending that I don’t know what he is talking about.

“You, tell me, why are you avoiding me?” He held my chin up so I can look at his eyes.

Because I have my own problems and I don’t have time to save your ass from your troubles. I've been turning down all of Agustin’s requests to accompany Andrew or follow him these past few days because I literally have no energy and am still suffering from Leonardo’s betrayal.

Hindi ako sumagot sa mga tanong niya. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin, ibinalik ko ang aking tingin sa mga ilaw ng siyudad.. Simula nang tumira ako sa mansion, hindi na niya ako tinantanan. Tahasan niyang ipinaparamdam sa akin na gusto niya ako, kahit ilang beses ko na siyang itinaboy. Ni minsan, hindi siya tumigil upang makuha ang atensyon ko.

"Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I was worried about you. I heard you crying so badly, like you were pleading with God to take away whatever pain you were feeling. I found myself standing in front of your door, wanting to give you a hug because I could tell you were really hurting." Nagulat ako sa mga sinabi ni Andrew, napatitig akong muli sa mga mata niya. I don’t know where did he get all the courage to tell me all of these.

"I just realized that no matter how hard we try to run away from our feelings, one day we’ll have to wake up and face the endings." I looked away and returned my gaze to the city lights.

Isang mahabang katahimikan ang nag hari sa pagitan naming dalawa, bago siya muling nag salita.

“Alam mo ba, paborito ko ang sunset.” He said, out of nowhere.

“Bakit?” Tanong habang malayo parin ang tingin at yakap yakap ang aking sarili. Ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin.

“Because it is a reminder for me that sometimes endings can be beautiful too.” Aniya, at naramdaman ko ang pag hawak niya sa kamay ko. Napatitig ako sa kaniya.

“So, you don’t have to worry about facing an ending, Selena. It will just lead you into a new, beautiful beginning.” Suddenly, I felt my tears streaming down my face.

I was so busy staring at his face that I didn’t realize he was already kissing me.

And I kissed him back.