Heart of the Sea

XXXVI

"Really? You'll meet her?" Gulat na tanong ni Valentina.

We're back in Manila and nandito kami sa isang restaurant para makipagkita kay Valentina. Nakapatong ang magkahawak naming kamay sa lamesa at kitang kita yun ni Valentina.

"Yes," Mariin na sagot ni Sebastian. "as soon as possible. Kailangan pa naming asikasuhin ang kasal namin ni Mya."

I nodded before looking at Valentina with fierce eyes. I am not a scary person but I am trying to intimidate her. I want her to know that this guy is off limits. Akin na ang lalaking ito.

"That's perfect! Oh, she'll be happy. They are actually on their way here to the Philippines. My Mom messaged me when they were boarding the plane..." She smiled.

I admit it, she really is beautiful. Mukha rin siyang mabait. Actually, mabait naman talaga siya. Wala naman siyang ginawa o sinabing masama sakin. At mahinhin din si Valentina. No wonder Sebastian fell for her years ago.

"What's her..." Tumikhim si Sebastian. "what's her name?"

She smiled widely. "Vienna Blaire Lacson." She proudly said.

I raised an eyebrow. "Lacson?" Hindi ko napigilang itanong.

Hinigpitan ni Sebastian ang kanyang pagkakahawak sa kamay ko. Nakita kong sumulyap siya sakin at nakangisi ng konte. I wanted to roll my eyes. He likes it when I'm jealous.

"I-I mean Martin...Vienna Blaire Martin. Sorry, Mya." Yumuko siya.

My heart sank. How can you hate this girl? She is kind! Maybe she's just here because she wants her child to meet her Dad. Hindi naman siguro siya nandito para agawin si Sebastian.

"Her initials are like yours." Sabi naman ni Sebastian.

She nodded. "Yes. Valentina Belle Martin ako eh." She told me and I just nodded.

"Okay, I think that's it. Just call us if they arrived already. We need to meet our wedding planner." Malamig na sabi ni Sebastian sabay sulyap sakin.

She nodded. "O-Okay...thank you for this, Ian. Nakakatuwa itong desisyon mong makilala si Vienna." She smiled.

Tumango lang si Sebastian. Gusto ko sana siyang batukan dahil napakasuplado niya.

Tumayo na kaming dalawa at nagpaalam kay Valentina. While walking towards the exit, I glanced at the miserable Valentina. She gave me a small smile, I smiled back. It wasn't a sarcastic smile at all.

Kawawa naman. I sighed.

*****

"The wedding will happen here in Manila. Limited guests only but I want the media to know about our wedding." Sabi ni Sebastian.

Tumango ang aming wedding planner. "Okay, Mr. Lacson. Would that be all?"

Nandito kami sa isang mamahaling fashion house. Dito ako magpapagawa ng wedding gown. Lola Meredith and Lola Jill said that they want my wedding gown to be made. Para naman para sakin talaga yung gown.

Kasama namin si Mama ngayon. Siya ang tutulong sakin sa pagkausap sa gagawa ng wedding gown ko. Sebastian will leave after talking to our wedding planner. Sabi kasi nina Mama ay dapat hindi raw makita ng groom ang wedding dress o makinig sa usapan tungkol sa dress. Bad luck daw.

"Yes, that would be all. Tatawag lang kami kung may ipapadagdag kami." Sabi naman ni Sebastian sabay tingin sakin.

"Okay, Mr. Lacson. Mauna na po ako," Sabi nung wedding planner sabay tayo. Tumayo din si Sebastian at nakipagkamayan sa kanya. She walked towards me before shaking my hand. "thank you po, Ms. Clark. Congratulations."