The Castle Of Dreams (City Series #1)

Simula

I settled on my own. Living alone was quite arduos. Manila was a good place for my decompressions. A comfort zone to be exact.

People said that I'm so lucky to have a luxurious life in Manila. Sino ba namang hindi? Kahit saan ako tumingin o pumunta, people would know me. They even tried to imitate my style, walks, and of course how wealthy I am now.

But before I affirm my position, I've been into many challenges.

Friends, family, and love.

5 years of making bold the new Ariaela Fleur Cuego was no joke. All of the things that I've sacrificed was now paid in double.

Even my own happiness, sinakripisyo ko para lang makuha ang gusto niya.

Lahat ng mga mali ko noon, napagtanto ko na. Pero may isa akong bagay na ginawa na hindi ko pinagsisishan.

I smiled bitterly sa mga iniisip ko. Bakit ko pa ba iisipin ang nakaraang nagpahamak sa'kin? I should be happy because it's part of my life, my journey.

"Miss Aria, marami pong press sa labas ng airport. Do you want me to clear the entrance first?" My bodyguard asked.

I shook my head. "Just let them."

Halos kalahating oras na kaming nasa eroplano pero hindi pa bumababa sa Davao.

I sipped with my coffee while reading some news in the newspaper.

"Miss," Dolie called. "May appointment ka with Mr. Zweii for your next launch of clothes and cosmetics."

Binaba ko ang newspaper at kinuha ang laptop na hawak niya. Informations and meeting's agenda lang ang binasa ko.

"Good, saan at kailan?" I asked.

"Marco Polo Hotel at 6pm. Dinner meeting."

I just nodded and she excused herself. Inabala ko na lang ang sarili sa pagbabasa ng mga bagong articles na tungkol sa'kin.

"This is Captain Mico Cuego, speaking. We're bound to land at exactly 4:03 in the afternoon. Temperature is stable and there's nothing to worry. Please stay calm and enjoy the flight, thankyou."

Tinanggal ko ang suot na coat at naghintay pa ng ilang minuto bago naglanding ang eroplano.

Stewardess gave way for me to walk. All of them bowed, showing their respect. Bahagya din akong yumuko bago lumabas ng eroplano.

When my long legs stepped out, cold breeze welcomed me. Nakakamiss ang amoy ng sariling bayan. My hometown.

Napapalibutan na ako ng mga bodyguards. They accompany me and showed the way. Hindi na ako nagulat na madaming paparazzi sa labas. Even news reporters are here.

After all, my life was now revolving in showbiz ministry.

Palihim akong napangiti nang makita ang mga taong halos dumugin na ako't gustong mahawakan. May nakikita pa akong may hawak ng mga placards and my posters.

"Miss Aria, pa-interview naman po!"

"How's life in Manila for 5 years?"

"You're now a CEO and an Engineer, wala ka bang planong i-pursue ang pageantry?"

Madami pa akong naririnig na mga tanong pero pinili ko na lang ngumiti at naglakad na parang walang naririnig.

"Dolie," I called my secretary. "Call my lawyer. Kailangan ko siya para sa meeting mamayang 6pm."