Chapter 1: Prologue
I stood on the balcony of my luxurious penthouse, surveying the bustling city below. The air was thick with anticipation as I prepared for one of the biggest events of the year. This was my moment to shine, to showcase my hard-won success to the world. I'm not going to let anything, or anyone, ruin it.
I dialed my phone to call my driver. Agad naman itong nag ring at sinagot. "Ma'am?"
"Please fetch me na po, kuya." I requested. The driver assured me that he'll be here in a few moments. I sighed a little. Medyo kinakabahan para sa event mamaya. But this is nothing, I'm sure I can do it.
After a little while, I went down to the lobby and was greeted by a few clerks and workers there. Minasdan ko naman ang glass walls at nakita ang reflection ko. In a stunningly elegant black dress. The dress was cut to perfection, with clean lines and a slim silhouette that hugged my curves in all the right places. The fabric was a high-quality silk, and it shimmered in the light as I moved.
The dress had a deep V-neckline, revealing a glimpse of my toned shoulders and delicate collarbone. The dress also had a built-in corset that cinched my waist, emphasizing my hourglass figure. The dress was also accompanied by a pair of black pumps with a small heel, which added to my height and made me look even more classy and alluring.
As I entered the lobby, all eyes were on me. The dress was the perfect combination of power and class.
Agad naman akong lumabas at sinalubong ang sasakyan na saktong tumabi sa harap ng double glass doors. I immediately went inside, feeling impatient and nervous but excited for the event.
Mabuti at hindi masyadong traffic kaya't agad kaming nakarating sa venue, The Peninsula Manila. Many expensive looking cars are already parked outside, ang iba ay mukhang kadarating lamang. My driver went outside at pinag buksan ako, I nodded and thanked him before smiling softly.
My eyes flew around me, nakita ko naman ang nakalatag na red carpet sa entrance, some of the guest entering are already swarming there, ganoon din ang media broadcaster at ibang mga photographer na kinukuhaan ng litrato ang mga influential na taong pumapasok.
I immediately felt an immense pressure when I went outside the car, it was like the spotlight was on me the moment I stepped outside. Bahagya akong natigilan ngunit agad ring nagpatuloy at narinig ang ingay sa paligid. I heard few greetings from afar. Probably people that know me, na hindi ko kilala.
I gracefully smiled and continued walking, Nang napadaan naman sa gitnang banda ng red carpet, near the entrance of the hotel, I was trapped by paparazzi's and a few media. They wanted to ask me a few questions before I can enter. I mentally sighed but granted them a sweet and half-genuine smile.
One reporter stepped forward, speaking loudly to be heard over the crowd. "Narian, how does it feel to be recognized as one of the most powerful and successful women in business?"
I smiled, grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with the world. "It feels amazing," I said. "I started this business from scratch, and it has grown into something far beyond my wildest dreams. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, and excited to see what the future holds."
Another reporter chimed in. "We understand that your business focuses on natural, high-end beauty and wellness products. What inspired you to go in that direction, and how has it influenced your personal style?"
I stayed still for a moment, thinking, considering my answer. "I've always been passionate about holistic wellness and organic living, and I wanted to create a brand that reflects those values. I believe that what we put on our bodies and in our systems has a direct impact on our overall health and well-being. That's why I'm focused on creating high-quality, natural beauty products that are not only effective, but also good for the environment and our bodies."
I stood confidently in front of the reporters, a smile on my face as they continued to bombard me with questions. One reporter stepped forward, taking a deep breath. "Narian, your personal life and love life have been a topic of speculation for years. Can you shed some light on your current relationship status?"
My countenance remained calm, but a slight twinkle appeared in my eye. "I believe that personal matters, especially those of the heart, should remain private," I said, my voice clear and steady. "I'm a firm believer in keeping my personal life separate from my professional life, and I prefer to focus on my work and my dedication to my business."
The reporters continued to lob questions at me, their pens scratching away as they noted down my words. A young reporter at the back of the crowd spoke up, her voice barely audible above the general commotion. "Narian, there have been rumors that you've been approached by several high-profile businessmen, interested in a potential relationship."
My eyes widened for a moment, before I composed myself. I knew that, as a successful and attractive woman in business, there would always be whispers and speculation. But I also know that I had a responsibility to my brand, and to my business, not to engage in any personal matters that could potentially harm my image.
With a smile, I turned to the reporter and said, "I'm flattered by those rumors, but I prefer to focus on my business and my professional goals. I'm committed to building a strong and successful empire, and that's my primary focus."
The reporters nodded, writing frantically as they tried to jot down her every word. The reporters were looking very pleased with my responses but it feels like they need more. Nginitian ko naman ang mga ito at nag patuloy sa pag lalakad.
As I entered the event, I felt eyes on me from every corner. It was no surprise – I'm one of the most admired and influential women in the city. But as I scanned the crowd, I saw a familiar face that made my heart skip a beat – It's Riel.
With his rumored fiance on his arms. Hindi ako nagkakamali kung sino ang babae na iyon.
I saw tita Elena and tito Krilesto behind him, napatigil naman ako nang mapansin ang nakangiting si Bright. Our gazes immediately locked and I smiled at her, gesturing a few signs, saying we should meet later. She nodded at that.
Ngunit lumanit ang kaunting sakit sa aking sistema. A few glances at Riel and i'm starting to feel bitter, again.
I had worked tirelessly since then to build my own empire, to prove to myself and to him that I did not need him to be successful.
Now, there he was, standing in the same room. I felt a rush of anger and frustration, but I knew I could not let it show. Instead, I fixed a smile on my face and made my way over to greet him. The moment our eyes met, I could feel the tension between us. He looked surprised to see me, Ang mga mata ay mariin na pinasadahan ang katawan ko, with his same hazel eyes, cold and stern. But I did not let it affect me.
Yes, Riel. Mag laway ka. How can you look at me like that when you have your fiancé in your arms? I mentally rolled my eyes and continued my fake greeting.
"Tita, Tito, It's nice to see you all again..." Ngiting-ngiti kong bati kila tita. Nakipag-beso naman si tita sa akin at niyakap ako. Bahagya rin akong yumakap kay tito. All the memories of the past flashing back, but I guess they've moved on now, huh? So... ako nalang siguro talaga ang nananatili sa nakaraan.
But in this moment, I was not the vulnerable young woman he had left behind - I am now the powerful and independent businesswoman, and I'm not going to let this bring me down.
"Oh, my! Hija, I've missed you so much! Look at you! vous êtes magnifique!" ginawaran ko naman si tita ng isang matamis na ngiti at binati siya pabalik. I kept myself busy at binati pa ang ibang kasama nila, hindi binigyan ng tyansa ang sariling sulyapan manlang si Riel. Because that's petty.
Ilang sandali pa ay lumapit sa akin ang organizer, it's Luke, an acquaintance of mine that I met in the industry. Pinapatawag na raw ako para sa speech. Tumango naman ako at nag paalam na kila tita. I stole a little glance at Riel at natagpuan ang kanyang mariin na mata sa akin. The fool is shamelessly eyeing me! Mahiya ka naman!
I sighed a little and with a confident stride, I made my way to the center of the lobby, where I was set to give a keynote speech. The crowd fell silent as I began to speak, and I could feel the weight of their attention on me. It was a testament to my success, the fruits of my labor, and I'm not going to let anything distract me from my goal. Not even his presence.
"Hello, everyone. It's an honor to be here tonight, surrounded by so many talented and driven individuals. As I reflect on my journey and the success I've been able to achieve, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunities I've been given. But more than that, I'm grateful for the people who have helped me along the way - the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported me, pushed me, and believed in me when I could barely believe in myself." Pinasadahan ko naman ang mga tao at nakita ang mumunting tango ng iba.
"I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges we all face - whether it's in the business world, or in our personal lives. Life is not always easy, and we don't always get what we want. But what defines us is not the obstacles we encounter, but how we choose to respond. As a woman in business, I've faced my fair share of adversity - and I know that many of you have as well. But we can't let those challenges define us - instead, we must use them as fuel to drive us forward, to push us to be better, to be stronger. To never give up on our dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem." I heard some of the people on the crowd agree and shout some positive remarks. Ngumiti naman ako.
"So tonight, as we celebrate our successes, let's also celebrate our resilience. Let's celebrate the people who have helped us along the way, and those who still support us. Let's celebrate our determination to overcome any obstacle that comes our way, and to never give up on ourselves. Thank you for your time, and for joining me tonight. Let's continue to strive for greatness, to reach for the stars, and to never forget the power of determination, support, and resilience."
After I spoke, with passion and conviction, about the things that mattered most to me - hard work, determination, and the power of women in the business world. It was a speech that inspired and uplifted, but it was also a reminder - a reminder that I had achieved all of this on my own,
In spite of the past, in spite of the people who had tried to hold me back. It was a speech that commanded respect, and it was a moment that belonged to me alone.
As I finished speaking, the crowd erupted into applause, and I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over. It was a moment that I had worked so hard for, and it was a moment that I am not going to let anyone take away from me. Not even him.
As the night wore on, I made way around the room, shaking hands and networking. My eyes met his a few times, but I did not let him distract me. In this moment, I was forced to be reckoned with, I am now a woman who had proven my worth and my worthiness. And he was just a small part of my past, a distant memory that I had long since moved past.
As I neared the comfort room, my steps were halted dahil may biglang humarang! Agad naman nanlaki ang mga mata ko at napatigil. Kumunot ang noo ko ngunit agad na nag taas ng tingin upang tingnan kung sino ang nasagi, And to my surprise, it's him again! Nice luck!
"Sorry." I apologized and tried to be civil as possible before taking another step.
"Wait," I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, agad naman akong napabalikwas at nilingon siya.
"Yes, Mr. Paralejo?" I formally questioned. I forced a smile at matapang na sinalubong ang kanyang mga mata. But damn. That wasn't a good idea.
He was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, the fabric flowing around his tall, lean frame. His dark hair was styled back from his face, revealing the strong lines of his cheekbones and the sharp cut of his jaw. He looked like a figure from a Renaissance painting, a beautiful, cold, and distant prince from a fairy tale.
He turned his head to look at me, his gaze piercing and probing, those same hazel eyes fierced at me, as if searching for answers to unasked questions. His face was a mixture of warmth and distantness, his lips turning up in a thin line.
I felt a jolt of emotion, a mixture of nostalgia, longing, and fear. I knew that he was a complicated and often difficult man, a person who could be both tender and ruthless, kind and cruel, the one who had shown me how to love and how to let go. Hindi ko mapigilan na maubusan ng hininga habang minamasdan siya.
Para naman akong nabalik sa wisyo nang tumikhim ito. "I'm sorry—"Before he can continue, I quickly snapped at him and scoffed.
"Oh, please, let's just move on."
I rolled my eyes again and took a deep breath before saying something again.
"Kung hindi ka pa nakakalimot, nakakaawa naman ang fiance mo, Riel. Mahiya ka naman." Agresibo at iritado kong asik sakanya. Halos mapairap muli ngunit pinigilan ko nalang.
"What?" Litong sagot nito at nag taas ng isang kilay, nuo ay nakakunot at nang-kukwestyon. Suminghap naman ako at sarkastikong ngumiti.
"Yeah, you heard me," Matapang kong sambit.
"You got it wrong. Wala akong—" Before he can finish his words, narinig ko naman ang tumatawag sakanya, ilang pulgada lang ang layo sa amin. Dinapuan naman ako ng kakaibang inis at agad siyang binalingan.
"Riel!"
"Oh! I got it wrong?!" Kalmado ngunit inis kong ulit sa sinabi niya bago tingnan ang rumored fiance niya na papalapit sa amin. It's her. He quickly walked closer and tried to hold me but I immediately yanked his hands.
"Don't touch me." Malamig at iritado kong asik.
I smiled at him sarcastically before raising an eyebrow. Sinulyapan ko naman ang papalapit sakaniya.
"Go to hell." Iritado kong bulong sakaniya bago tuluyang lumakad paalis. Hindi ko na siya nilingon pa at iritadong lumakad papalayo, halos mangiyak sa inis at hindi maintindihan ang nararamdaman.
I'm leaving. I have nothing to do here anyways.
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