As the Sun Burns the Sky

6

Nagsimula ang aming salo-salo sa appetizer. All of them have their own conversation. On the other hand, Helios and I were both eating quietly.

Hindi ko rin alam paano ko kakausapin si Helios gayong nananahimik siya.

"Helios, I heard you'll be studying your last year of college in HSU." Naagaw ni Ginella ang atensyon ng lahat nang tanungin niya si Helios.

All conversations died down while we wait for his answer. The pressure is too much for me to handle. Baka kung ako ang nasa kalagayan ni Helios, mahihimatay ako sa kahihiyan.

But it's Helios we are talking about.

"Opo. I'll be studying here for the mean time." Ginella's eyes twinkled.

"That's good to hear, hijo! Ano ang program mo?"

"BSBA major in finance po."

Natigilan ako sa sagot niya. We are studying the same program.

Napalingon ako kay Helios para tignan siya. I was left astounded as I looked at him calmly eating his appetizer.

"No wonder. Your father and your brother are ruthless in business." Komento ni Antonius Entella.

Helios meekly smiled at their praises.

"Speaking of your father, where is he anyway?" Tanong ni Ginella.

"He's in a business trip. Lagi po siyang abala." There was a hint of guilt and anger on his tone that I noticed. Though, he was composed when he said that. No one even noticed the slight anger.

"What businesses does your family ventures in?" Si Mayor naman ang nagtanong.

"Oil and gas, energy, and food." Simple niyang sabi.

Wow. All of them are the top in the industry. Gaano ba kayaman ang mga Oliveira?

"No wonder! Oil is always in demand."

Tumango lang si Helios, unbothered by their praises.

"The Oliveiras is the richest family here in the Philippines and all over Southeast Asia for their broad networking and business expansion." Pagmamalaki ni Tito Gaudius.

What?! The richest?!

Lahat ng tao sa dining hall ay namangha para kay Helios. Ni hindi ko na nga masubo ang aking pagkain dahil sa gulat.

"It's all my father and brother's work."

"I see, humble are we?" Ginella sneered at Helios. Napatikhim si Helios sa ginawa ng Ginang.

"It's the truth. My father and brother did all the work to rise to the top."

"They did not showed up during the welcome party. Only your Aunt was there. Ganoon ba sila ka busy?" Ginella again.

Tumango lamang si Helios bilang sagot.

I saw Helios side-eyed me to see whatever reaction I give. I was still shock but I don't want to look like I am shocked. Instead, I pouted while I stared at my food.

The dela Cuenco family is the richest family in Haliya. They were also rumored to be included in the wealthiest families all over Asia. To think that there are other families who are above them scares me.

Helios is that important. He is filthy rich! And it happens to be I am his Personal maid. Great. No wonder why my salary is also high.

Helios was obedient in answering all of their queries. Natatakot nga ako baka nababanas na siya sa mga tanungan tungkol sa pamilya niya.