Chapter 6

After a day of shopping and eating, Cinderella and Angie unwind at the spa. The secluded area, the use of essential oils, and the background music are all designed to create a relaxing atmosphere. Si Cinderella ay nakaupo habang iniinom ang kanyang kape. Samantalang si Angie naman ay abala sa pagchecheck ng iba pang treatment nang biglang mahulog ang kanyang tingin sa isang magazine na nakapatong sa gilid ng table. Agad niya itong dinampot at ang cover ay walang iba kundi si Nero Vergara.

Sa makapangyarihang headline na "The Unstoppable," ang matalim at dominante niyang ekspresyon ay tila sumusunog sa pahina.

Napataas ng kilay si Angie na pinag-aralan ang larawan bago marahang iniangat ang tingin kay Cinderella, ang ngiti niya mapang-asar ngunit may halong matinding interes.

"C, grabe. This man... he really is everywhere, isn’t he? The Unstoppable?" aniya na kalahating amused at kalahating impressed. Inikot niya ang magazine sa kamay at saka dahan-dahang ngumiti. “And he's engaged to you? I mean, I can't help but wonder, how is he in real life?”

Sandaling natahimik si Cinderella. Ang mga daliri niya’y marahang dumaplis sa baso ng kanyang inumin habang naglalakbay ang kanyang isip. Muli niyang sinulyapan ang magazine sa kamay ni Angie pero agad ding ibinalik ang tingin sa kaibigan na ngayon ay naghihintay ng sagot.

Hindi lang kapangyarihan at kayamanan ang dahilan kung bakit si Nero ay tila isang puwersang hindi matatakasan. Mayroon itong isang bagay na kapag kaharap mo ay parang sumasakop sa buong pagkatao mo.

Huminga siya nang malalim bago sumagot, ang boses niya ay kalmado ngunit may bahid ng kung anong hindi mabigkas.

"Nero... he's a man of extremes." Sandali siyang tumigil at pinipiling mabuti ang kanyang mga salita na para bang sinusukat ang bigat ng bawat isa. "On the outside, he's ruthless. He doesn’t trust easily and keeps people at a distance. But there’s... something else. A side to him that no one sees. It's not something he reveals to others but when you spend time with him, you can sense it. The strength, the intensity, and the passion within him are almost too much to handle.”

Nero Vergara exuded a dangerous presence. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she'd gotten too near to the fire.

Angie's eyes grew wide, clearly surprised by the strength in Cinderella's voice. "Wow, it seems like you really understands him. He must be great at playing mind games." She gave a playful wink. "So, has he revealed that 'different side' to you yet? The one that's not just about business and power?"

Cinderella took a long sip from her drink, her thoughts wandering back to the previous night. The kiss, the passion, and the intense feelings that surged through her were unlike anything she had ever felt before. She was beginning to understand that there was more to Nero than just his billionaire status. It was something more profound… something that could take over her life if she wasn’t cautious.

She sighed and smiled with understanding. "Put it this way, Angie. Nero Vergara has the ability to make you question everything. But I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.”

Angie raised an eyebrow, with amusement in her eyes. “So, he’s got you hooked, huh? Kita ko sa mata mo, C. You’re smitten.”

Cinderella let out a quiet laugh with a distinct sharpness to it. "He's definitely got my attention." Her eyes shifted to the café window, where she watched the people outside as if they held the solution to the dilemma spinning in her head.

She took a sip of her coffee, hoping that the cold liquid would help to calm the unexpected rush of emotions that were about to arise.

"I have to be careful," she said quietly, almost to herself. “Isang maling hakbang at baka malunod na ako sa mundo niya.”

Angie shook her head, a knowing smirk spreading across her lips. "You are a tough one, C. Pero kahit gaano ka pa katapang ay may mga lalaking hindi lang basta nakakaakit. Alam mo na sila ‘yung tipong kaya kang hilahin papunta sa mundo nila bago mo pa mapansin na bumigay ka na.”

Cinderella glanced at her friend and only to find Angie smiling even wider.

“With that face and so much power? Hindi lang mundo niya ang nasa paanan niya, C. Pati ikaw ay unti-unti na niyang hinahatak papunta sa kanya,” nakangiting wika ni Angie.

Cinderella remained silent, but the way her fingers squeezed over her cup was noticeable.

Cinderella's phone vibrated against the glass table. She hardly glanced at the screen before swiping to unlock it. A message from Nero's secretary.

“Miss Fuentabella, Sir Nero reminds you not to forget about the meeting regarding the contract.”

Cinderella's lips formed a sly, knowing smirk as she clinked her glass down. “Mukhang excited siya na makita ako.”

Angie folded her arms and watched her with a mixture of curiosity and enjoyment. "I suppose he has another plan for you, C. Just don't fall under his spell."

Cinderella let out a quiet chuckle. “Spell?” she said. “Angie, let’s get one thing straight, hindi ako biktima sa larong ‘to. Kung may manghihila ay hindi ako ‘yung hinahatak. Ako ‘yung hahatak.”

She took up her phone again, texting a quick message before locking the screen. Then, she grabbed her purse and stood up. "Don't worry about me," she assured Angie with a confident smile. “I don’t lose games. I play them and I win.”

Akma na sana siyang tatalikod nang biglang hinawakan ni Angie ang kanyang braso. “Wait, C!”

Napatigil siya, bahagyang napakunot ang noo habang nagtatanong ang kanyang mga mata na tumingin dito. Ano na naman kaya ngayon?

Pero sa halip na magsalita ay nanatili lang itong nakatingin sa kanya mula ulo hanggang paa na para bang sinusuri ang bawat detalye ng kanyang itsura. Para may gustong sabihin pero nag-aalangan kung paano sisimulan.

"What?" Cinderella asked, her tone irritated as she turned to face Angie who was staring at her as if she had committed a crime.

Angie threw her hands in the air and pointed from head to toe. "Are you seriously meeting him looking like that?" Her voice was full of frustration.

Cinderella frowned as she looked down at her clothing of black fitted trousers, a plain white t-shirt, and spotless white rubber shoes. Her hair was in a loose ponytail, and she had barely put on makeup. It was simple, comfy, and most importantly, practical.

“What’s wrong with my outfit?” she asked, lifting a brow.

Angie gasped, as if she'd just witnessed a major fashion catastrophe. "What's wrong?!" she asked, her eyes wide with shock. "Cinderella Fuentabella, you are meeting your fiancé—a billionaire, a tycoon, and a walking Greek god—wearing that? She waved furiously at Cinderella's clothing, as if they were offensive to her very existence. “No! Hindi ka pwedeng humarap kay Nero na ganyan ang ayos! Baka isipin niyang wala kang pakialam!”

Cinderella rolled her eyes. Then, she crossed her arms and asked, "Should I wear a gown?"

Angie let out a groan and put a dramatic hand to her forehead. “Hindi ko naman sinabing magpakasal ka agad sa suot mo, C! Pero at least, sana magmukha ka namang engaged sa isang influential na lalaki! A little effort won’t kill you!”

Cinderella crossed her arms and smirked as she looked into Angie's frustrated eyes. “Funny, I don’t recall signing up for a beauty pageant. Last time I checked, I was agreeing to a contract marriage, not a makeover show.”

Angie narrowed her eyes. “And you’re really going to face Nero looking like… a college student on her way to buy street food?

Cinderella’s smirk widened. “Exactly. Let’s see how the almighty Nero handles a fiancée who refuses to dress up for him.”

Angie groaned louder. “C! This is not a game!”

"Oh, but it is." Cinderella spoke after tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. "I never play unless I want to win, Angie, tandaan mo."

She turned on her heel and walked to the door with effortless confidence, leaving Angie whimpering behind her.

Angie could only let out a sigh and shake her head. "That man doesn't know what he's in for."

Cinderella was no longer the girl who was dependent on others. She had learnt to use her own strength to turn every obstacle into an opportunity. Angie had always believed Cinderella was capable of great things but seeing her like this was a whole other level. And now, despite his wealth and influence, Nero Vergara was about to discover how dangerous a woman like her could be.

As Cinderella stepped out of the spa, ang malamig na hangin ay humaplos sa kanyang balat, pero ang mga iniisip niyang tungkol kay Nero ay hindi pa rin nawawala. The warning from Angie echoed in her mind but there was no turning back now.

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Habang si Cinderella ay naglalakad sa lobby ng Vergara Corporation, ramdam na ramdam ang matalim na mga titig ng mga empleyado na nakatingin sa kanya. Ang bawat mata ay puno ng curiosity at pagkamangha. Nag-uusisa kung sino siya at kung anong lihim ang taglay niya. Ang kanyang presensya ay nagdala ng kakaibang tensyon sa buong paligid.

Patuloy pa rin siyang naglalakad habang nagsimula nang bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso. Her mind flashed back to the kiss again. The way Nero had claimed her with a single… unexpected kiss. It had shaken her, and yet, it had ignited something inside her she couldn’t ignore.

Pagdating ni Cinderella sa reception, ang mga mata ng mga receptionist ay agad na napako sa kanya. Pagkamangha ang nakaguhit sa kanilang mga mukha. Hindi nila maipaliwanag ngunit may kakaibang aura si Cinderella na hindi nila kayang gawing pangkaraniwan. Ang receptionist na nasa harap ay mabilis na nagtanong, ang kanyang boses ay mariringgan na may konting kaba,”Can I help you, Ma’am?”

Pero hindi agad sumagot si Cinderella. Tinutok lang niya ang kanyang mga mata sa harap ng desk para bang sinusuri ang buong paligid. Habang tinitingnan siya ng receptionist ay ramdam niyang na hindi siya pwedeng tanggihan na hindi lang siya isang simpleng bisita.

"Si Nero Vergara," ang simpleng tugon ni Cinderella.

Hindi makapaniwala ang receptionist sa narinig. “Maaari ko po bang malaman ang inyong pangalan?”

Tiningnan siya ni Cinderella ng seryoso. “Cinderella Fuentabella. Pwede pakibilisan?”

Hindi na niya gusto ang mga matang nakatingin sa kanya. Para bang gusto siyang kainin ng buhay.

Agad na natatarantang tumango ang receptionist at mabilis na tiningnan ang listahan ng mga appointments. Walang pangalan ni Cinderella na nakita ngunit ang aura ng babae ay nagsasabi na siya ay hindi pwedeng tanggihan. “P-puwede po ba kayong maghintay saglit?” tanong ng receptionist na kitang-kita ang takot sa mata nito na hindi kayang itago.

Ang mga mata ni Cinderella ay hindi gumalaw mula sa desk, hindi binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang receptionist na magdalawang-isip. "I’ll wait," she said coldly and without another word, she moved to a nearby chair, as if she already owned the room.

Habang naghihintay si Cinderella ay nararamdaman niya pa rin ang mga tingin ng mga tao sa paligid. Ang mga mata na hindi matitinag, ang mga tingin na puno ng tanong at kabang hindi kayang itago. Sa kabila ng lahat ng titig na iyon ay hindi kumurap si Cinderella. Nanatili siyang kalmado at kahit sa mga ganitong sandali, ang kanyang presensya ay parang isang pader na hindi matitinag.

Ang receptionist ay nag-aalangan dahil sa aura ni Cinderella na matalim at puno ng kapangyarihan. Nagbigay ng impresyon na hindi siya pwedeng balewalain. “P-please follow me, Ma’am,” sabi ng receptionist habang mabilis na tumayo at itinuro ang direksyon patungo sa opisina ni Nero.

Habang sumusunod si Cinderella, ang bawat hakbang niya ay naglalabas ng isang hindi matitinag na kumpiyansa. Ang mga tao sa paligid ay napapatigil sa kanilang ginagawa dahil ang mga mata nila ay patuloy na nakatutok sa kanya pero wala siyang pakialam. Dahil para kay Cinderella, ito lang ang mga hakbang na dapat niyang gawin upang makarating sa lugar kung saan niya mahahanap ang taong kailangan niya.

Pagdating ni Cinderella sa isang opisina ay nagbukas ang pinto bago pa man siya makapagtanong. Bumungad sa kanya ang isang babae na may propesyonal na aura na tila isa sa mga secretarty ni Nero. “Miss Fuentabella, Mr. Vergara is expecting you. Please, go right in.”

Tumango si Cinderella na pinipilit kalmahin ang kanyang paghinga at nang maging okay siya ay pumasok na siya sa loob. Pagdating niya sa loob, parang nagbago ang hangin sa kwarto. Nakita niya si Nero ay nakatayo sa tabi ng floor-to-ceiling windows, his strong shoulders silhouetted against the city skyline. Nakatalikod siya kay Cinderella ngunit may isang bagay sa kanyang presensya na nagpabilis ng tibok ng puso ni Cinderella.

He didn't turn around when she entered, but she felt his gaze on her. Examining and evaluating her every action.

"I'm glad you could make it," he said in a deep, low, commanding tone.

Cinderella didn’t speak right away. Instead, she closed the distance between them. Standing just a few steps away, she felt the weight of his gaze as a physical force. The space between them seemed electric, heavy with unsaid tension. She was here for business but the way he made her feel was a dangerous game.

After a beat of silence, she finally spoke. “You wanted to see me, Vergara. I’m here.”

Nero turned, his gaze locked on hers, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stop still. His gaze was focused, calculating, and curious. Like he was attempting to figure out what she was composed of.

“I did,” he said, his lips curling into a slow, almost predatory smile. “I think it’s time we discuss the details of our deal.”

Cinderella stood her ground, her chin held high. “I’m listening.”

Nero walked toward the polished glass desk, his long strides deliberate and confident. He gestured for her to take a seat, but Cinderella remained standing and refusing to be placed in a passive position.

With a slight tilt of his head, Nero raised an eyebrow. “You’re a bold one, Cinderella. But that’s why I like you.”

She didn’t flinch. Instead, she met his gaze head-on. “Let’s get to the point. I don’t have all night.”

Nero’s eyes darkened, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with a dangerous energy. “Fair enough.” He sat down at his desk, folding his hands in front of him. “I want to make sure we’re on the same page here. This deal… I mean this marriage, it’s not just a formality for me. You will be mine in every sense. And in return, I will protect you. But remember this,” he leaned forward slightly, his voice low and controlled, “You will also play by my rules. And you won’t ever forget who’s in charge.”

Cinderella’s pulse quickened at his words, but she held her ground. “And what if I don’t agree to your rules, Nero?”

His lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Then, my dear, you’ll find out just how powerful I can be when I want something.”

A shiver ran down her spine, but it wasn’t fear. No, it was something else. Something thrilling… Something dangerous.

“I can handle whatever you throw at me,” she said.

Nero’s smile deepened but this time, it was a genuine smile. “I think we’ll find out about that soon enough.”

For a moment, lalong lumalim ang tensyon sa pagitan nila. Ngunit bago pa man siya makasagot ay biglang nag-vibrate ang cellphone ni Nero sa ibabaw ng mesa, agad nitong binasag ang matinding sandali sa pagitan nila.

Napabuntong-hininga si Nero habang inaabot ang cellphone. “Excuse me, I need to take this. We’ll continue this discussion shortly,” malamig pero magalang niyang sabi.

Tumango lang si Cinderella bilang tugon pero habang papalayo siya sa mesa ay ramdam niya ang mga mata ni Nero na sumusunod sa bawat hakbang niya. Ang titig nito ay tila isang apoy na nagmamarka sa kanyang likod.

Isang bagay lang ang sigurado niya: ang kasal na ito ay malayo sa normal. Isa itong laro. At sa bawat galaw ay mas lalo niyang nauunawaan kung gaano kataas ang nakataya.

Tumigil sa paglalakad si Cinderella sa gitna ng hallway. Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa door handle, pero hindi niya maituloy ang pagbukas. Hindi pa man sila kasal ng buo pero he already has that effect on her like he’s under her skin, embedded deep beneath her composure.

She took a sharp breath, pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili.

“Damn it,” she whispered. “What am I even doing?”

Pero sa loob ng opisina ay rinig niya pa rin ang boses ni Nero—low, commanding, all business. Iba ang tono nito kapag nasa mode na bilang CEO. That voice didn’t ask. It ordered.

And for some reason that sent another chill down her spine.

Muling bumalik sa isipan niya ang lalim ng mga titig nito, ang mainit na hiningang bumangga sa balat niya kanina, at ang mga salitang parang tinanim sa isip niya. This conversation isn’t over.

She knew what that meant. Hindi iyon basta simpleng pagtapos ng pag-uusap. That was a promise like a warning. At sa bawat galaw ni Nero ay kitang-kita ang kontrol. Hindi lang sa business pati sa mga tao. Pero kung inaakala ng lalaki na basta-basta na lang siya bibigay?

“Think again, Mr. Vergara,” bulong niya habang patagong ngumiti. “This queen doesn’t kneel.”

She stepped out of his office para kalmahin ang kanyang sarili.

Sa labas ng opisina ni Nero ay hindi niya inaasahan na may tensiyon na nangyayari sa pagitan ng isang babaeng bisita at sa secretary ni Nero.

Cinderella stood there, calm and composed habang nakatingin sa kanila. Kitang kita sa mukha ng secretary ni Nero na hindi malaman kung paano pipigilan ang bisita.

“Miss, I really need to inform Mr. Vergara first—”

Ngunit bago pa matapos ang sekretarya sa kanyang pangungusap ay isang malakas na sampal ang umalingangaw sa buong paligid.

Napataas ang kilay ni Cinderella sa kanyang nasaksihan. "Oh..." aniya sa sarili. "So this is what desperation looks like."

“How dare you!” nanggagalaiting sambit ng babae. Samantala ang secretary ay namumutla na habang hawak ang kanyang pisngi. “You think just because you’re his secretary, you can block me?! I am Emily Montenegro! I don’t need an appointment!”

Sinuri ni Cinderella ang babae na tingin niya ay hindi basta basta. Ang pulang dress niya ay eksaktong fit sa kanyang katawan at ang kanyang makeup ay parang perpektong inapply ng isang professional artist. Nakilala niya agad ang babaeng nanampal. Si Emily Montenegro. The supermodel, the face on every magazine cover, and the infamous ex.

At bago pa man makaamba ulit ng isa pang sampal si Emily ay nagpasya si Cinderella na pumasok sa eksena. Agad niyang hinawakan ang braso ng babae para pigilan ang balak nito.

"Easy," malamig pero banayad ang boses ni Cinderella. "Unless you want to be sued for assault and trespassing."

Emily turned sharply to her. "Who the hell are you?"

Cinderella didn’t even flinch. Sa halip ay napangisi lang siya habang sinusukat ang babae mula ulo hanggang paa. Binitiwan niya ito agad at ngumiti ng makahulugan.

Napataas ang kilay ni Emily halatang nainsulto na hindi siya agad sumagot. “You don’t know who I am?”

Cinderella gave a polite yet uninterested smile. “Should I?”

Halatang hindi sanay si Emily na hindi siya kilala o kinikilala. Tumikhim siya at inirapan si Cinderella. “I’m Emily Montenegro And you are…?”

“Oh, I’m just someone who’s here for business,” ani Cinderella nawalang intensyon magbigay ng masyadong impormasyon.

Napangisi si Emily pero halata ang bahid ng pangmamaliit sa kanyang titig. “Oh, another one, huh? Listen, sweetie, Nero is a very busy man. Kung naghahanap ka lang ng pansin baka ma-disappoint ka lang.”

Hindi sumagot si Cinderella. Sa halip ay umikot siya at tumingin sa secretary ni Nero. “Are you okay?”

Bago pa makasagot ang sekretarya ay bumukas ang pinto ng opisina ni Nero.

At doon lumitaw ang pinaka-aabangan nilang lahat.

Nero Vergara—tall, dangerously handsome at mukhang hindi natuwa sa eksenang nagaganap sa labas ng kanyang opisina.

Naningkit ang mga mata niya nang makita niya kung sino ang nandoon.

“Emily,” his deep voice was sharp. “Anong ginagawa mo rito?”

Mabilis na lumapit si Emilysa kanya na biglang naging malambing ang boses. “Oh, Nero. I just thought I’d drop by and see you.”

Pero hindi doon nakatuon ang tingin ni Nero.

It was on Cinderella.

And his gaze turned darker.

“What are you doing out here?” tanong niya, his voice filled with something dangerous.

Nagkibit balikat lang si Cinderella. “Just getting some fresh air,” aniya habang nakatingin kay Nero.

Tumingin si Nero kay Emily and for the first time, his expression was cold. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Oh come on, Nero,” aniya, trying to act nonchalant. “She’s just another one of your little flings, right? Why so protective?”

At doon na napatawa si Cinderella.

Emily turned to her with an offended look. “What’s so funny?”

Cinderella smirked then lifted her left hand. Isang diamond ring na kumikinang sa liwanag ang pinakita niya. “Oh, sweetheart,” bulong niya kay Emily “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

Napako ang tingin ni Emily sa singsing. At doon niya napagtanto na hindi lang basta babae ang kaharap niya.

Cinderella wasn’t just another woman. She was Nero Vergara’s fiancée.