Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel

Kabanata 3

KABANATA 3

Atasha's POV

I caught myself deep in thought while sitting on the swivel chair in my office. The inventory I was focusing on seemed to disappear from my mind because I couldn't help but think about the article I read on social media. I hesitated to believe it, given the amount of fake news circulating nowadays.

However, I couldn't simply dismiss it without thoroughly investigating. I quickly navigated to the website and looked up the name Jocelle Sadejas. I was surprised that I hadn't heard of her before, especially since I have many friends in the modeling industry.

As I browsed through various photos of Jocelle, I couldn't help but notice her beauty and tan skin. Her face was gentle, with a straight nose and lively eyes accentuated by long eyelashes. Her posture hinted at her being tall and having an average physique, and a picture of her in a two-piece swimsuit showed off her smooth and appealing figure. I reluctantly admitted to myself that she was stunning and exuded class.

But if I were to compare myself to her, I was undoubtedly five steps behind her. Of course, she's a model so she should take care of her body and appearance because that's her capital. I don't need to compare myself to her because I know Elias will still choose me.

To me, I don't see her as a threat, so I have no reason to worry. I still have full trust in Elias, especially since we've been together for fourteen years. Elias would be a fool to waste our long-standing relationship for this woman. She doesn't hold enough value to pique my interest.

Bumuntong-hininga ako nang malalim bago bumalik sa trabaho. Itinulak ko sa gilid ang mga kaisipang iyon, kahit na ang imahe kung paano naghalikan sina Elias at Jocelle ay nanatili sa isipan ko. Making out?! Damn it!

Hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa sign pen, pumikit ako nang may inis. Dali-dali kong kinuha ang aking mobile phone at tinawagan si Shuen. Kailangan ko ng kausap ngayon. Buti na lang at agad sinagot ni Shuen ang tawag ko.

"Hello, Atasha? Why did you call?" Shuen asked on the other line.

"Do you have any plans for today?"

She hesitated for a moment as if thinking. "Ah, none. Yoghurt and I have a vacation in Spain next week. Why? Is there a problem?"

"That's good. Can we meet up today?"

"Of course! Where?"

"Let's just meet at the café near the white house."

After my conversation with Shuen on the phone, I quickly headed to the café I mentioned. It was close to the White House, a popular spot for photo enthusiasts. It was a favorite of couples and those in long-standing relationships. Some say that when a couple visits this house, their relationship will last and eventually lead to marriage.

But I don't believe in people's stories because sometimes they're just made up. And there's no evidence to prove the truth about the White House story.

I also ordered while waiting for Shuen to arrive. After a few minutes, she finally showed up. It had been weeks since I last saw my friend, and she seemed to have gotten even more beautiful. She looked visibly happy with Diovanni.

"Atasha, sorry medyo natagalan ako. Hindi ako pinayagan ni Yoghurt na mag-isa. Gusto pa nga sana niyang sumama eh, sinabi ko lang na usapang babae lang ito at hindi kasama si Elias," agad niyang kwento bago siya umupo sa harap ko.

Bahagya naman akong natawa. "Naku, sobra naman ang pagka-obsess sa'yo ng asawa mo. Akala mo, kukunin kita," biro ko sa kanya.

Napangiti na lang si Shuen sa sinabi ko. Halata ang kilig niya dahil halos mamula ang kanyang pisngi. Talagang in love na in love ang kaibigan ko, sana lang ay magpatuloy ang kanilang tatag at walang magbago.