The One With The Hate [QUARREL CITY SERIES #2]

Kabanata 33

I texted Zoe I can't go back to Manila yet. I didn't know exactly when, I just know that I couldn't move. I was rotting in bed for almost a day now. I didn't know how to sleep. My eyes are dry from crying. I felt numb.

Was it just a waste?

Knowing myself, I never back down. I never cry infront of someone. Especially someone I just met.

I contacted my investigator. I asked about my parents and whatever Mrs. Cardeñas was talking about with Primo. I wanted an answer to everything bugging in my head. Parang sasabog ang utak ko sa maraming katanungan. I hated it.

I had spent years running from my past, convincing myself that it didn’t matter.

But it did.

I needed to know everything.

The air inside Primo’s office was colder than I remembered. Or maybe it was just me. Nandito ulit ako. Ang frontdesk clerk ni Primo ay bumuntong hininga na lamang nang makita ako. My eyes are numb and I didn't even put any makeup on. Mukha akong kagigising ko lamang.

I pushed Primo's door open. He was talking to someone on the phone with his white unbuttoned longsleeve polo and a black pants. His hair was messy. I saw his secretary hugging a bunch of folder on her arms.

My eyes landed on how messy his polo sleeves are. Lumipat ang tingin ko sa sekretarya niyang namimilog ang mata na lumalabas dahil nakita ako.

Did they just...

He glanced at me, wasn't even surprised. He licked his lips and ended the call on the phone.

"Didn't expect to see you again so soon," sabi niya.

Pumikit ako ng mariin. "You know what? I'll just come back later."

"What now, Quinnzel?" he said and casually buttoned his polo shirt.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "I think you're busy." sarkastiko iyon.

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "I'm not."

"Well, kanina."

Mas lalo siyang naguluhan. "I was just talking to my contractor—"

"It’s fine. I don’t care what you do in your office.”

A beat of silence. He tilted his head. He was fixing the collar of his polo while he walked straight to me. His hair was messy and I could smell his shower gel. Umiwas ako ng tingin.

“Yet you’re still standing there.”

"Do you think it's a little bit unprofessional hooking up with your secretary, Primo?" I looked at him in the eye.

He stopped infront of me, towering me. He combed his hair backwards. His lips curved into a small smile. His eyes looked amused looking at me. Ginuhit ng mata niya ang mukha ko. Every corner of my face.

I realized I had no makeup on. He's looking at my bare face.

"What do you mean? My secretary is right here infront of me."

I gritted my teeth. "I'm not your secretary."

He pouted. "Oh, right? My wife," he chuckled sexily. "Since that has been what the whole office know."

Humalukipkip ako. "And your secretary definitely know that."

Ngumuso siya. "They all know that."

"Anong ginagawa niya, kung ganoon?"

"You mean, Clare? She just handed me some documents. And no, she's not my secretary. I don't have one."

"Then, why were you undressed in your office?"