PROLOGUE

DISCLAIMER!

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Warning: This book contains mature scenes, foul language, drugs, violence, and any of the like that are not suitable for young readers. Read at your own risk.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without a written permission from the author.

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I am currently at my dressing room here beside Makati Shangri-La's ballroom while having my makeup done. There was a monitor displaying the main runway for the fashion show. MY FASHION SHOW.

Napalingon ako nang may kumatok sa pintuan. "Ms. Chanel, we're ready for you," tawag sa akin ng director. “We’ll be on roll in 3 minutes,” sabay pindot sa kaniyang intercom earpiece. Tinanguan ko siya. Kumuha ako ng tissue sa lamesa at pinunasan ang nagkalat na lipstick sa aking bunganga at ang bakas ng mga crumbs ng kinain kong chichirya. 

I stood up from my seat and checked myself in front of the mirror one more time before I walk the runway. I was wearing a simple off-shoulder black full-length romper. My make-up artist gave me a sophisticated look with smokey eyes and a nude lip while my hair was tied into a sleek low bun. I wore a pair of diamond earrings and a matching necklace. I sprayed my signature Chanel perfume all over my body to top everything off. 

I made my way towards the stage while my Swarovski-embellished Jimmy Choo stiletto heels click-clacked on the floor as I walked. I could feel the piercing stares of everyone I walked past.  Alongside me is the assistant director cueing the rest of the staff of my entrance while my makeup artist is busy making finishing touches on my hair.  

My personal assistant, Faye, handed me a bottle of sparkling water with a straw on it. I got it from her and immediately sipped from it when I heard the host introducing me to the audience.

"To give a brief overview of her newest collection Clair de Lune, let us all welcome the lady of the night, Chanel Danica Suarez!" 

I shook my body to get off the jitters I’ve been feeling since this morning before I stepped on stage. The host handed me the microphone as soon as she saw me. I heard the cheers and applause of the crowd as I entered. 

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today, it is my pleasure to present the newest addition to my wedding collection "Clair de Lune." This is inspired by my favorite piano piece by Claude Debussy. Like a moon that shines bright, the gowns I designed are made to make brides feel beautiful, to make them stand out." I paused for a while and took a deep breath. 

"This is also to commemorate my mother, one of the most respected fashion designers of her generation, Caroline Danna Suarez." I smiled at the thought of my mom. I have always been dedicating everything I’ve worked on for my mother however, this is different because this collection is especially inspired by her.

"I hope you enjoy this show as much as I enjoyed creating these elegant pieces. Thank you." I took a bow and left the stage. The models began walking the runway wearing the wedding dresses I designed. It is satisfying to witness your hard work all come together like this. 

After all the models were done, I stepped in on stage with them. The host handed me a bouquet of flowers and I accepted it with a warm smile. The show ended with ease and everything went on exactly as planned. 

I talked to some business partners and potential clients during the after party. Celebrities and renowned models showed up in outfits made by me which is beyond overwhelming. Dati-rati, pinapangarap ko lang maging tulad ng ina ko na matagumpay sa larangan ng fashion. Hindi ko naman inaasahang labis-labis pa ang biyayang ipinagkaloob sa akin ng Diyos kaya’t higit pa sa sobra ang aking pasasalamat sa Kaniya.

The next day was my day off and so, I promised my best friend Anais (pronounced as anna-ees; "Annalise" with a silent l) I'd pick her up at the airport. She went to France two weeks ago for a family matter. 

I just wore a simple white crop top and denim skirt. I paired it with my Gucci belt bag and white Yeezys. 

I was waiting at the arrivals section in NAIA Terminal 2. Medyo siksikan nga lang ngayon dahil peak season. Maraming umuuwi for Christmas. 

I suddenly felt a woman bump into me and stepped on my white Yeezys. Oh my fucking gosh?? I would usually just let it pass pero di man lang nag sorry yung babae. Ni hindi nga niya ata ako nakita eh. The fuck is wrong with that woman? Damn, people are starting to lose their manners.

Naramdaman kong tumunog ang phone ko. I stepped away from the crowd a bit para sagutin ang tawag.

["Dani girl, I'm here na wait lang. I'm just putting my luggage sa cart. Ang tagal lumabas ng bagahe ko kasi ang aga ko nag check-in eh."]

"Gaga, stop calling me Dani girl. Hindi ako character sa Kadenang Ginto. Bilisan mo. Ang daming tao dito,” inis kong sabi. Sinuklay ko ang aking buhok na ngayo’y magulo na at amoy usok pa. 

["Ay, Dani. I have chika nga pala sayo later. You wouldn't believe kung sinong nakasabay ko sa-"]

Naputol ang tawag nang aksidente kong napindot ang end call button. Oh well, we have a lot of time to talk about what she has to say later when I see her.

Umusog ako palapit sa bukana ng arrivals para mas madali akong makita ni Anais.

I suddenly froze when I saw a familiar face heading towards my direction. After 3 years, I saw him again. The person who rebuilt me when I was broken and made me fall in love only to crush me into pieces again.

Scratch that. It’s my fault why we ended up like this. 

He looked more mature and his body built changed as well. He became more buff and his hairstyle changed too. 

I stared at him for a while not knowing what to do. Nagulat ako when our eyes suddenly met. His stare was cold and expressionless which sent shivers down my spine. 

Nabawi ang tingin niya sa akin when a woman ran and leaped into his arms. It was the same woman who stepped on my shoes a while ago. Hmm, iniwan niya ako at pinagpalit sa babaeng walang modo. Parang hindi naman ata worth it yun?

"Lakas maka-PDA," I uttered loud enough for them to hear me. Ang dami ko na atang nakain na ampalaya sa sobrang pagka-bitter ko ngayon.

He gave me a glance and I saw how sharp his eyes were from my peripheral vision. 

"Welcome back! I missed you," ani ng babae. 

Ibinaling ko nalang ang tingin ko sa iba. The thought of seeing my ex after 3 years makes me want to collapse. Naramdaman ko ang nagbabadyang luha sa aking mata. Pasimple ko itong pinunasan. Shit. Di pa pala ako nakamove-on and I didn't want him to see how weak I can get when it comes to him. I went to the side to give them some space. 

“Dani!” Anais shouted from afar.

She ran towards me with the luggage cart she's pushing. Nakita niyang hindi maganda ang timpla ng mukha ko. I gestured for her to look at her left. She easily understood why I was looking all gloomy. She formed an 'o' with her mouth and pulled me towards the side far enough from them. 

I hugged her tight not minding the situation I was in earlier. 

"So ano nga ulit chika mo sa akin?" I asked her trying to divert her attention to something else. 

She awkwardly smiled at me before answering. 

"Siya." She looked and pointed at the man from a while ago. "Siya yung chika ko."

Oh, gosh. Why did you show up again, Dior Louis Saavedra?