Lies and Deception ✔ (Haciendero #4)

Ikadalawampu't Anim na Kabanata

Kabanata 26

End of scene

"He's fired?!"

"Not fired," Michelle rolled her eyes while she munched the cookies the kids brought.

She couldn't stop eating the meryenda Rye cooked for us.

Nakahanap kami ng tiyempo na kaming dalawa lang habang ang mga bata naglalaro sa garden kasama si Raius. I was waiting for her to spill all the tea from work. My phone was in silent mode, I didn't know she was calling me.

"I wish. But he was reprimanded. There would big changes with the script. Most scenes would be scrape off. Parte pa rin naman siya ng pelikula mo, but Gareth would have a small role. Hindi na yata kinaya ni Direk Roy ang pagiging arogante sa set ng lalaki." Nagsalubong ang kilay ko sa narinig.

Nanghihinayang ako sa pinaghirapan ng halos lahat ng taong involved sa directing, scriptwriting at acting. Mas lalong tumindi ang inis ko kay Gareth. Everyone's effort was disregarded because of him.

Hindi marunong ilugar ang attitude. He isn't even that talented to be arrogant.

"Well, he is an asshole. He should be fired with all the damage he has done." I told her.

She nodded and seconded my thoughts.

Parehong napatigil kami nang marinig ang malakas na pagpalahaw ni Zafa. Agad akong tumayo at dumungaw mula sa balkonahe. He stumbled while running.

Hana went to his aid quickly. Mukhang pinagalitan nito ang pinsang hindi nag-ingat sa pagtakbo. Raius collected the kids after the commotion. He was comforting Zafa as they went back to the house.

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Michelle. A teasing smile was already plastered on her face. Alam ko na ang patutunguhan ng usapan naming dalawa.

"That was the twist of all twists," saad niya.

Umiling ako at bumalik sa kinauupuan ko kanina. "Admit it, you're just slow, Michelle. Hindi ko rin kasalanang nagtiwala ka kaagad kay Raius kaya hindi ka nag-background check bago mo siya tanggapin sa trabaho."

"Oo na, hindi ba p'wedeng kalimutan na natin ang nakaraan?" Napakamot siya sa ulo. "But I'm not that slow. I felt the tension. There was something with how he looked at you, and vice versa. Hindi ko lang talaga in-entertain iyong idea. Paano ko naman kasi itatanong sa'yo kung may namamagitan ba sa inyo ng driver mo? Baka nasabunutan mo ako ng wala sa oras."

She was right.

Malamang nakalbo ko siya kung sakaling naitanong niya iyon lalo na noong mga panahong hindi pa kami tuluyang maayos ni Rye. It would trigger me.

"Napakapihikan mo sa pagkain, pero kapag luto ni Raius, hindi ka umaarte," she added. "But Lilah, I'm loving this version of you. May ganitong pagkatao ka pala na hindi ko alam, it was refreshing, and I love that I can really see you happy." Michelle smiled.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. I love this version of myself as well.

Sometimes, I still have fears and doubts, but Raius is constant to make me feel secure of what we have. Nangangamba dahil alam kong lumalalim, baka hindi ko magawang iahon ang sarili ko.

"I never really thought Raius is rich. Sobrang simple lang niya, pero ang lakas ng dating. Kaya pala hindi man lang siya natitinag sa kaliwa't kanang offers ng modelling. Kung ako 'yon, sunggab lang ako nang sunggab," I was nodding.

It didn't interest him that much. Hindi naman kasi iyon ang pinunta niya sa siyudad. He went to the city to see and pursue me.

Gosh, my boyfriend is such an ego booster.