Chapter 004

The dinner was filled with laughter.

Wala man si Renz sa hapag ay hindi nila ramdam na kulang dahil sa kakulitan ni Kaizer. He also told his grandfather about the summer program he will soon attend in Harvard.

"Buti at pinayagan mo," nakangiting saad ni Hector sa anak.

"It's just a summer program. Wala naman pong problema kung gusto niyang sumali. He can also take extra classes if he wants."

"Paano pala ang transportation? Will your Mom attend too?" Tanong naman ni Hector sa apo.

"Harvard had all expenses covered na po Daddylo. And one teacher from our school will attend too. Some students from higher grade level is also attending kaya po they decided to go with me po. I know how busy you guys are.."

Aminado si Zahara na sa sobrang abala ay minsan na niyang napagkakaitan ng oras ang anak niya. She wanted to give her son a better future at alam niyang siya lang din ang makakapagbigay nito.

She tried to make up to the important times she can't help but miss out. Naiintindihan naman ito lahat ni Kaizer. Pero syempre, alam niyang nakakaramdam din ito ng tampo.

"Ang sabi rin po ni Tito Renz ay susunod po siya once he settled all his important business matter in Spain."

Napanatag ang loob ng dalawa. Renz and Hector tried their very best to fill the Father role for Kaizer. Minsan itong nagtatanong tungkol sa ama pero ang tanging isinasagot ni Zahara ay dati silang magkasintahan na naghiwalay pagkatapos ng kolehiyo.

Unang umalis sa hapag si Kaizer. Agad ding sanang susunod si Zahara nang pigilan ito ni Hector para saglit na makapag-usap.

Naalala niya ang text nito sa kaniya kaninang umaga. May pabor daw itong hihingin sa kaniya. Her Father was not the type to ask for favors. Kaya nanatili siya para pakinggan ang sasabihin nito.

"What's the matter Dad?"

"I know this is ridiculous but, what do you think of getting married? Like a business marriage. What do you say?"

"Nalulugi na ba ang mga negosyo natin?"

"Hindi sa ganon! I just wanted to ask your perspective."

Kilala niya ang tatay niya. Sa ilang taon nilang magkasama, sapat na iyon para malaman kung may problema ba.

"Just get straight to the point Dad. What's the problem? Anong pabor ba ang hihingin mo?"

"Can you marry my friend's grandson?"

Napatanga siya. Her Dad is a believer of marriage is a sacred thing kaya nga pinapayuhan siya nitong magpakasal lamang sa lalaking lubos na mahal at tanggap siya. 

Pero imbis na magalit sa ama ay pinilit niyang makinig muna bago magsalita at magbigay ng sariling opinyon.

"He's a very good friend of mine. Also one of the people who stayed when I was at my lowest. I treat him as an older brother, ganoon ko siya kung ituring. Dahil na rin siguro hindi siya nawalan ng tiwala sa kakayahan ko," he sound happy while reminiscing the old times. "He passed away last year. And their company is starting to crumble. I know how important it is for him."

"Then why marry his grandson? We can just help them financially. I know you're capable of that."

Huminga ng malalim si Hector bago sagutin ang anak, "Marrying into a Romano is like hitting a winning ticket in the lottery. Hindi sapat ang pinansyal na tulong para makabangon sila. They need connection, a strong one. Once their family gets the honor of being married to a Romano, investors and other business opportunities na mismo ang kusang lalapit sa kanila."

She gets it. Sa ilang taon na pag-aaral sa negosyo and years of handling her own businesses. Alam ni Zahara ang kalakaran rito.

"So this will be a business marriage?"

"Yes. One year is enough for them to stand on their own feet again. Sapat na iyon. Kung bumagsak silang muli ay wala na akong magagawa."

Saglit na nag-isip si Zahara. It all makes sense. 

"What’s the catch? Anong makukuha ko?"

"Any business you want from me."

"Even the winery? The vineyard?"

"Yes."

Nangningning ang mga mata nito. That's where Hector started. Kaya napakahalaga nito sa kaniya at hindi niya magawang ibigay sa kahit sino sa kanyang mga anak. While Zahara was so mesmerized by this business kaya ito talaga ang gusto niyang manahin sa ama.

"Is that a deal?" Hector offered his hand.

"One year right? Then I'll get the vineyard?"

"Yes. One year in the Philippines. Then everything's settled. I will transfer the ownership to your name—"

"Did you just say Philippines?" Ulit ni Zahara.

Tama ba siya ng narinig?

"That's where my friend's business is. Nandoon din ang lalaking ipapakasal ko sa'yo."

"But I don't want to go there—"

"Is this because of your ex? Hindi ko lang inoopen ang topic na ito pero tama nga ang hinala ko. You don't like going back there."

"It's just the memories. It's too much. Iyong mga pinagdaanan kong paghihirap. Parang lang ang hirap lingunin kung saan ako nanggaling."

"You won't be alone the whole time Zee." His Dad held her hand. "I'm here, Renz and also Kaizer. Nandito lang kami. Hindi rin naman kita hahayaang umuwi roon ng mag-isa. I'll order my butler to go with you."

"Your butler? You mean Sevi?"

Her Father Hector is not just a businessman. He also have a royal blood. Their grandmother was a princess who abdicated the throne for the sake of true love. Kaya kahit papaano ay dugong maharlika rin na nananalaytay kay Zahara at sa kanyang anak.

They are indeed royalties.

"So, is our deal closed?"

"Deal."

Napangiti si Hector at marahang ginulo ang buhok ng anak.

"That's my girl. You don't know how proud and happy I am. Mas lalo na si Coreen. Proud na proud 'yon sa'yo."

Zahara's main reason in doing this favor was not just to get the dream business she wanted. Paraan niya na rin ito para magpasalamat sa kanyang ama. She was so lost back then. Hindi niya alam kung paano mag-uumpisa at kung saan pupulutin ang sarili niya.

It was her way of saying thank you. And expressing her love to her Father.

Hector was indeed the best Dad she could ask for.