Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 19

Faded Memories

I wonder what Liam's connection to Isabella tungkol sa mga Yuchengco. Matagal na ba silang magkakilala? Are they close? Si Isabella ba ang tinutukoy ni Liam na kasama niya nang araw na yon?

"You're quiet. Is something wrong?" Arik asked me as we headed to the event hall where the last bidding for the Aomori Resort would take place.

Hindi ko matanggal sa isip ko ang nakita ko—Liam and Isabella together, huh. What is going on?

"May iniisip lang ako..." I replied, looking at him. "Naalala ko ang sinabi mo tungkol sa mga bagay na nakalimutan ko. Was it all true, or just only said it because you were too caught up in your emotions?" I grinned.

I felt a bit anxious when he became serious.

"I don't say things that aren't true, Celeste. I wanted to tell you myself, but I don't think I was in the right position," he said, guiding me to a table reserved for us.

I felt his lips touch my shoulder as he turned around and sat next to me.

Lalo akong nabagabag ng sinabi niya. I can tell Arik is telling the truth. May kailangan pa ba akong malamang tungkol sa sarili ko after all these years?

Nakita ko ang pagdating nina Oliver at Aurora sa gilid ng mga mata ko. They joined us at the table. Everyone seemed nervous about who would win the bid for Aomori, as I could feel the intense and serious atmosphere.

"But I want to know. Puwede mo namang sabihin sakin. Wala naman sigurong magbabago kung ikaw ang magsasabi sakin, di ba?" I lowered my voice so they wouldn't hear.

Arik sought out my hand and held it tightly. When I looked at him, it seemed like he was scrutinizing the surroundings.

"Arik," I called him again.

"Baby, I'll tell you when we get back to the city, hmm?" He said softly, so I nodded.

"Fine."

"Anong inaarte-arte mo diyan, Celeste?" Untag sa akin ni Aurora kaya tiningnan ko siya. Oliver was also serious by her side.

"None of your business, bitch."

"Celeste, Benj and Mom are on their way here," Oliver said, and I quickly thought of Ariah.

"Huh? Bakit daw? Akala ko ay magpapahinga silang dalawa ni dad."

"It's for tomorrow. Mom wants to congratulate whoever will acquire the resort personally. You know how excited she can get," he replied, giving Arik a meaningful look.
"What would you do if Benj is with..."

"Ols," I cut him off and gave him a stern look.

"Sino ang kasama ng kapatid mo, Oliver?" Arik started questioning.

Gaya ko ay tila problemado rin si Aurora dahil sa gago niyang nobyo.

Fuck! They can't see each other yet. I'm still looking for the right time to talk to Arik about Ariah. Hindi naman puwedeng mangyari iyon dito lalo na't nandito ang mga Yuchengco. I don't want them to see my daughter.

"It's Sarah, his fiancée. Matagal na niyang gustong pumunta rito kaya isinama na niya." Oliver answered and looked at me mischievously.

Gusto ko siyang sapakin!

"I see. They're getting married? When?" Arik asked him again, and I remained silent, just listening.

"Yes, next year."

I took a sip of wine, feeling nervous. Nang iangat ko ang tingin ko ay agad na nagtama ang tingin namin ni Armando Yuchengco. Kararating lamang niya sa table na para sa kanila kasama ang kanyang asawa at anak na si Isabella. They were accompanied by others at the table.