His Revenge

Torres second generation:

Chace Nicholas Torres

His Revenge

Prologue xx

Nakangiting bumaba si Chace mula sa kotse niya matapos niya itong pinark sa
pinagtratrabauang building ng girlfriend niyang si Tess.

Tess Sanchez is his girlfriend for almost 5 years. Naging girlfriend niya ito 'nung
kakagraduate pa lang niya ng college. She was his schoolmate afterall. Then things
happened so fast that they became a couple eventually and look now, they're both in
their late-20's and they're still together. Well, both him and Tess are 27 in age.
And of course, both of them have very good jobs.

Adding that job, Chace now became the new CEO of Torres' Corporation, which he
inherited from his father, Nick Torres who was now retired along with his mother,
Monique. Tatlo kasi sana silang magkakapatid but he ended up being the CEO because
his other brother, Chris, mas pinili nitong pumasok sa pag-aartista while his other
sister, Cheska, became a fashion designer. Triplets kasi silang ipinanganak na
tatlo and the only one who took up a course related to business was him.

He finished an Accountancy course for the preparation of taking the Torres Corp in
behalf of his father. Siya na lang kasi ang inaasahan ng ama niya because everyone
of them in their family knew that his other siblings didn't want to take the corp
into their hands adding too that, Torres Corp is now a very large corporation, from
finance and bank businesses, malls, hotels, real estates, or they could even say na
nasa Torres Corp na lahat ng mga negosyo. Well, his father really did worked hard
para lang mas umunlad ang corportation. Kaya naman ngayon, both of his parents are
now in their early 60's, napag-isipan na nitong magretire and enjoy their remaining
lives.

Chace became a CEO when he was 25 and he would say, kabisado na niya ang mga rules
and transactions na nagaganap sa corp.

Pumasok na si Chace sa building. When everyone at the building saw him, ningitian
siya agad ng mga ito. Kadalasan kasi sa mga empleyado roon, kilala na siya because
he was Tess' boyfriend and knowing that Torres' family is very prominent in the
country.

Chace just gave them a tight smile and immediately clicked the button of the
elevator. Pupuntahan niya kasi ang office ni Tess na nasa 5th floor ng building.
His girlfriend was a secretary of the owner of building, which is mainly a call-
center bulding.

Bumukas na ang pinto ng elevator at kaagad siya pumasok 'dun. Ewan ba niya, he
offered her a high position from his corp pero lagi itong umaayaw and she would
always reason him out na ayaw itong iparesign ng boss nito.

Then he arrived at the 5th floor. The smile on his face still didn't fade when he
got out from the elevator. Well, this day will be really special, sosorpresahin
niya si Tess kasi magpropropose na siya. He thought that this is the right age that
they'll both settle down. Bakit pa ba niya patatagalin ang relasyon nila kung alam
nilang sa kasalan pa rin magtatapos ang lahat?

Dumating na rin siya sa office ng girlfriend niya. Without even knocking, he

quickly opened the door.

But what he saw inside made him stiffened.

"What the fuck?" he cursed under his breath when he saw his girlfriend and her
supposed to be 'boss' were kissing heavily on her office table and what made it
worse was that Tess was even now naked on the top.

Napatigil naman ang dalawa nang magsalita siya. Both of them were surprised to see
him.

"C-Chace?" Tess couldn't even believe to see him on her office.

"Chace? Si Chace Torres? Akala ko ba hiwalay na kayo? And I thought you already
agreed marrying me, Tess-"

"No problem!" Chace quickly interrupted the man before he even finished his
sentence. Itinaas niya sa ere ang dalawang kamay niya, indicating he surrendered,
"Hiwalay na kami. We're over right, Tess?" he then glanced at her kaya naman
napayuko ito.

Then Chace smiled bitterly. Kinuha niya kaagad sa bulsa ang supposed to be
'proposal ring' niya para rito. "By the way, Tess?" Napilitan naman siyang tignan
ni Tess.

"Here!" sinadya niyang ihulog sa sahig ang box kung nasaan ang singsing. "Donation
ko. Para hindi na kayo gumastos sa kasal ninyo. Sayang, krisis pa naman ngayon.
Sige, enjoy your sex." He added sarcastically as he stormed out from the room.

---

"Sir, hinahanap po kayo sa Sales department."

"Sir, kumpleto na po lahat sa conference room, kayo na lang hinihintay."

"Sir, nagpadala po ng document ang EDR Incorporated."

Pinabayaan lang ni Chace ang mga intercom calls sa office niya. He didn't even
have the spirit to attend to all of it. He was just sitting there, on his swivel
chair, drinking his fifth beer. Hindi niya alam pero hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin
siya nalalasing.

Ewan ba niya, he has it all. Well, everyone said that nasa kanya na ang lahat,
looks, intelligence, wealth.. But his fucking girlfriend for almost 5 years,
cheated on him. Ipinagpalit siya nito to some low-class man. Mas mayaman pa nga
siya sa ipinagpalit nitong lalake and he would even admit that he's better on the
bed than this boss of her.

He gulped another glass of beer. At least nakuha mo virginity niya. His other mind
said kaya natawa naman siya. He bitterly laughed.

"Kuya.."

Napatigil naman si Chace nang biglang pumasok sa opisina niya ang kapatid niyang si
Cheska. Even though he had drunk a lot, he was still sober.

He was confused when she saw her crying kaya naman napatayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo
niya at nilapitan ito. He suddenly became worried. Sa kanilang tatlong
magkakapatid, silang dalawa ni Cheska ang pinakaclose and Cheska is one of the most
important woman in his life, adding his mom and Tess. But Tess just fucking cheated
on him.

"Ches, w-why? Why are you crying? What happened?" sunod-sunod ang mga tanong niya
rito as he was trying to wipe off the tears from her eyes. Hindi siya sanay na
umiiyak ito. Cheska was always the cheerful one.

"Kuya.. Niloko ako... Niloko nila ako.. Niloko ako ni Gino.." umiiyak pa rin itong
sumagot sa kanya.

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Chace, "What? Gino? Your boyfriend?" Gino was his
sister's boyfriend for almost a year.

Cheska nodded while still hysterically crying, "Binisita ko siya sa pad niya.. he
was having sex.. with someone else.. And.. ang sobrang sakit kuya.. All of the
woman.. he was having sex with my best friend.. He was cheating me with my
bestfriend.. Lana."

"Ang sobrang sakit ng ginawa nila sa kin kuya.. parehas silang dalawang malapit sa
puso ko pero niloko nila ako." She added and as tears was continuously flowing from
her eyes.

Niyakap na lang ni Chace ang kapatid niya. He just laughed bitterly while he was
still hugging her sister. Parehas pa talaga ng takbo ang buhay nilang dalawa. Both
of them have cheating partners.

And of course, he knew Lana. Lana Stephanie Tan is the daughter of Mr. Gregorio
Tan, a board member of Torres Corp.

He had just got dumped by his fucking cheating girlfriend and her sister, Cheska,
was being cheated too by her boyfriend. Ang masaklap, ang best friend pa nito
mismo.

And now, he just became suddenly bored with his fucking life.

"Don't worry, sis. She'll have her own dose of medicine." He assured her.

And he'll make sure, he'll make Lana's life a living hell.

//

***This is a stand-alone novel.

Torres' first generation story:

�? Nick and Monique:
- The Cold Wife
Torres' second gen stories:
�? Chace Nicholas:
- His Revenge
�? Cheska Monique:
- Husband for Rent
�? Christopher Troy:
- No Strings Attached Guide

Chapter 1 - Slave for 24/7

Chapter 1 - Slave for 24/7

"Mga manloloko kayo!"

Nagising na lang si Lana mula sa pagkakatulog niya nang may sumigaw. Then she saw
her best friend, Cheska, crying frantically at the front.

Kaagad naman napatingin si Lana sa kaliwa't kanan niya at mas lalo pang nagulat sa
nakita niya.

She was naked and she was sleeping beside with Gino! Her best friend's boyfriend.

Bigla naman niyang naalala ang nangyari sa kanila kagabi. She was so drunk that she
had the courage to flirt with her best friend's boyfriend at a club then after
that, wala na siyang maalala sa sumunod pang nangyari.

"C-Cheska, i-it's not what you think-"

"You traitors!" hindi siya natapos sa pagsasalita niya nang sumigaw kaagad ito.
Cheska was giving them a murderous glare. Hindi pa rin ito tumitigil sa pag-iyak

Naiyak na rin si Lana dahil dito. She didn't know what she just did. She was just
in love and drunk.

"Cheska, I-I'm sorry.. H-Hindi ko sinasadya.. Cheska-"

"Hindi mo sinadya?!" she bitterly interrupted as tears was still flowing into her
eyes. "Lana.. you're my best friend! Simula pagkabata, magkaibigan na tayo. Pero
ano 'tong ginawa mo? Of all the guys? You're making out with my boyfriend!" sumbat
nito sa kanya kaya naman mas lalo pa siyang naiyak. Her best friend was right. She
was a traitor.

"Cheska, babe, it's just a drunken night, wala-"

"You!" dinuro nito si Gino na katabi lang ni Lana."We're over!" sigaw nito sa
lalake habang parehas din silang binibigyan ng tinging puno ng hinanakit at
panghihinayang.

Then Cheska looked at Lana again, "I trusted you.. so much with my life.. Pero
heto, ikaw itong kaibigan ko ang nanloko sa kin.." napailing pa ito. "You ruined
our friendship, Lana." Cheska bitterly added.
"From now on, I don't want to see your fucking faces anymore!"

---

"Jerome!"

She was hysterically running when she arrived at hospital's ICU. Bigla kasi siyang
tinawagan ng pinsan niyang si Jerome, her father just had an heart attack. Nasa
isang public hospital kasi siya nang tinawagan siya ng pinsan niya tungkol sa Papa
niya. She was currently a post graduate intern for medicine. Soon, she will be in
her residency years for specialization.

"Lana," napalingon naman kaagad sa kanya ang pinsan niya, "Si Tito.. kritikal
siya." Malungkot na sabi nito as they both glanced at window which divided them
from her father's bed.

Hindi alam ni Lana kung anong mararamdaman niya, she knew, any minute, she will
break down into tears. "B-Bakit? Hindi ba niya nainom yung gamot niya?" she forced
herself not to cry. She knew, everyone knew his father had a heart disease.

"Hindi ko alam pero bigla siyang nagwala pagkatapos inatake sa puso," umiling pa si
Jerome sa kanya, "Ang restaurant ng Papa mo, tuluyan ng nalugi, Lan. Kinuha ito ng
Torres Corp dahil sa utang ng Papa mo sa mga Torres. Then he was enraged, nagwala
ang Papa mo kaya tinanggal siya bilang board member ng Torres Corporation."

Lana knew na palugi na ang restaurant ng family nila. She remembered na ang Mama
niya at ang Papa niya ang nagpalago ng resto but when her mother died because of
colon cancer four years ago, unting-unti na rin itong nalulugi. Her father was so
depressed kaya naging isa rin yung rason para malugi ang resto. Because of what
happened to her mom, that's why she wanted to become a doctor.

At kung may mawawala na namang isa sa mahal niya sa buhay, hindi na niya alam kung
kakayanin pa niyang mabuhay sa mundo.

Her father was in a critical state. Alam niyang magiging mahirap at matagal ang
paggaling nito, malala na ang sakit ng Papa niya.

"Kasalanan ko 'to, Jerome.. Kasalanan ko 'to." Tuluyan na nga siyang naiyak. Yes,
it was her fault. Ito na siguro yung karma niya dahil sa mga kasalanan ginawa niya.
Cheating on her best friend's boyfriend.

Malaki ang naitulong ng Torres Corp sa pamilya niya but she wasted it.

Naramdaman naman niya ang pag-akbay sa kanya ng pinsan niya. Hinaplos-haplos nito
ang likod niya, "Ito na siguro yung karma dahil sa kasalanang ginawa ko, Jerome.
Pero.. bakit si Papa pa?" puno ng hinanakit na sabi niya. Ang sobrang bait ng Papa
niya, kahit alam niyang depress ito dahil sa pagkamatay ng Mama niya, hindi ito
nagkulang sa kanya. Kung pwede lang sana, siya ang dapat nakaratay ngayon sa ICU at
hindi ang Papa niya.

"Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko sa buhay ko, Jerome." She added. She
already lost her mother then her best friend, ngayon ang Papa naman niya?

"H'wag mong sisihin ang sarili mo, sis," her gay cousin comforted her. Sa lahat ng
pinsan niya, ito ang pinakaclose sa kanya, mainly because Jerome started living
with them when he was ten, namatay din kasi ang mga magulang nito dahil sa
aksidente kaya ang pamilya niya ang kumupkop dito. "Your father told me na..
kailangan mong mabawi ang resto. It was your mother's love and effort kaya your
father said you need to get it back.. para sa parents mo, Lan. Don't give up."

"Ikaw na lang ang inaasahan nila."

---

"Ma'am, he's currently busy right now. May kinakausap pa kasi siya sa telepono at
saka po, mamaya, may meeting po siya with the department heads." Sabi sa kanya ng
secretary ng CEO ng Torres Corp nang tinanong niya ito sa availability ng CEO.

Pagkatapos kasi ng sinabi sa kanya ng pinsan niya, she made up her mind. Kailangan
niyang mabawi ang restaurant na pinaghirapan ng mga magulang niya-na sa kahit
maliit na paraan, maipakita niya sa mga ito ang pagpapahalaga niya.

Now, that's why she's here in the Torres Corp building to see the CEO, Mr. Chace
Nicholas Torres, the brother of her best friend, Cheska. Kahit alam niyang malaki
ang naging kasalanan niya sa kapatid nito, for the sake of her parents, kakapalan
na niya ang mukha niya. I'm so sorry for everything, Cheska.

"Miss, please, I really need to talk to him right now." She begged. As soon as
possible, kailangan niyang kausapin ang CEO ng corp because she knew, anytime, baka
mawala na sa kanya ang Papa niya.

"But ma'am, busy po talaga siya. Ako po ang mapapagalitan kapag pinilit ko po ang
gusto niyo." The secretary explained. Alam niyang nagmamakaawa na rin ito sa kanya
na tigilan na niya ito. She knew, everyone knew how strict Chace Torres is. Sabi ng
ilan, strikto ito at suplado sa trabaho. A perfectionist to be exact.

"Please.. just this time Miss," pagmamakaawa niya ulit dito, "Tell him, I'm Lana
Stephanie Tan, daughter of Gregorio Tan, siguro kung malalaman niya kung sino ako,
kakausapin niya ako."

She noticed the secretary just sighed in defeat, "Sige, pero last na po ito."
Pagkatapos ay kaagad nitong tinawagan sa intercom ang boss nito.

Pagkatapos ang ilang minuto ay ibinaba na rin nito ang telepono at nilingon siya,
the secretary smiled at her, "Pwede ka ng pumasok sa opisina niya."
Lana quickly beamed at the secretary, parang naiiyak din tuloy siya. "Thank you
talaga." Then she quickly went out and entered the CEO's office.

"Yes, yes. Tomorrow's the deadline. Yes."

Kitang-kita ni Lana na may kinakausap pa sa telepono ang CEO habang nakatalikod

ito. Even though she was two meters apart from his place, she could still smell the
male scent coming from the guy's corporate suit.

Of course, she knew Torres Corp's CEO, Chace Nicholas Torres, kapatid ito ng best
friend niya. Actually triplets silang ipinanganak-Chace, Cheska and Chris. But her
best friend's other brother, Chris, ito lang ang nakakausap niya mainly because
Chris was the joker one. Then her and Chace, madalang lang silang nagkakausap
because of the guy's aloof attitude. Si Cheska at Chris lang sa magkakapatid ang
palangiti.

"Sige, do it ASAP. Bye." Ibinaba na nito ang telepono at nilingon siya.

The moment he saw her, she noticed a sarcastic grin on his face, "Oh, it's you, Ms.
Tan." Tila nagulat pa itong makita siya. "Why are you here?" she felt her body
shivered when she heard those words, ramdam niya ang pagiging malamig ng boses
nito.

But Lana stayed put. Hindi siya dapat matakot. For the sake of my parents. "Gusto
sana kitang kausapin.. tungkol sa resto ni Papa.. Gusto naming bawiin sa inyo ang
restaurant na pinaghirapan ng pamilya ko." She said straight to the point.
Nagpapakatatag siya para lang sa mga magulang niya.

Then just a matter of second, Chace suddenly laughed. A sarcastic laugh to be

exact. "Wow, makapagsalita ka sa kin ng ganyan, Ms. Tan, as if ganun lang talaga
kadali." He was mocking her. "As I expected from you." Napailing pa ito.

Hindi na muling nagsalita si Lana rito. He knew she made her point.

"Don't you know na may kasalanan ka pa sa kapatid ko, Lana?" he suddenly said.
Nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito kaya napayuko siya. She knew Cheska and Chace
were the closest one. And he was just protecting his sister.

She then bit her lower lip. She knew what he just said. But this is for my
parents..

"And as if mababayaran mo rin ang utang ng ama mo sa corporation." He challenged

her. "Why? Can you pay me 78 million pesos na utang niyo sa min? Just tell me
because I'll give it back to you wholeheartedly."
Hindi naman kaagad nakapagsalita si Lana sa sinabi nito. 78 million? Hindi niya
aakalain na ganun kalaki ang nautang ng Papa niya. Nor she couldn't even pay it.
Aminado siyang dahil sa unti-unting pagkalugi ng restaurant nila, napilitan siyang
pumasok sa iba't-ibang scholarship programs para lang matapos niya ang medicine
course niya.

"Your silence means a no, Ms. Tan, so kung wala ka ng sasabihin pa, you can get out
from my office." Anito as she saw him motioned his hand into the door.

"No," nilakasan niya ang loob niya. Alam niyang itong magiging desisyon niya ay
para sa mga magulang niya. "Nagmamakaawa ako. Please, give it back to us. My
father's condition is not good anymore. Gagawin.. Gagawin ko ang lahat para lang
ibigay niyo ulit sa min ang resto." She begged. Alam niyang in any minute, maiiyak
na siya. "Please.. Mr. Torres."

Alam niyang medyo nagulat ito sa sinabi niya but after a second, a smirk formed on
his face. "Okay, well, siguro pwede mong mabawi ang resto niyo for you'll be a
collateral instead." He said in a business-voice.

"Ikaw na mismo nag-offer. You'll do everything para lang mabawi ang restaurant
ninyo." He added.

Lana just nodded her head kahit alam niyang naiiyak na siya.

"Then.. fine. You can get your resto back if you'll.." tila nag-iisip pa ito sa
kung anong gagawin niya para mabawi ang restaurant nila. "You'll be serving me 24/7
until I die. And whatever na ipapagawa ko, you'll do it wholeheartedly. At bukas na
bukas, magsisimula ka na. You need to go here tomorrow at exactly 7:30 in the
morning, no latecoming, because I hate being late, understand that, Ms. Tan?"

She hesitantly nodded. I need to do this for them.

"Then you may go out." He finally said-flatly.

And before she could even turn her back, she heard him calling her again.

"Ms. Tan."

"Y-Yes?"

He suddenly flashed a devilish grin. "Prepare yourself for hell."

 //

Chapter 2 - Ruthless and Broken

Chapter 2 - Ruthless and Broken

"Ah, maam, saan po kayo pupunta?"

Napatigil si Lana sa mga yapak niya nang bigla siyang tinawag ng guard. Papasok na
kasi sana siya sa Torres Corp building kung hindi lang siya tinawag nito.

She turned around and smiled at him politely, "Ah, kuya, uhmm, pinapunta kasi ako
rito ni Chace-uhm, I mean ni Sir Torres, 7:30 kasi ang oras na sinabi niya na
papuntahin ako rito."

Kumunot naman ang noo 'nung guard sa sinagot niya, "8:30am pa po ang office time
dito. Kaming mga guards at ang mga maintenance staff lang ang hindi. Saka po, kung
hinahanap ninyo si Sir Torres, 8:30 pa po siya available. At kung may appointment
po kayo sa kanya, pwede ko po bang makita kahit isang valid ID lang po ninyo at
titignan ko po sa logbook kung may nakafile nga po ng appointment, for security
measures lang po."

Kinuha naman agad ni Lana ang ID niya sa bag at ibinigay dito. Baka akalain ng
guard, magnanakaw siya.

Matapos tignan ng guard ang logbook, isinauli nito sa kanya ang ID at mas lalo pang
kumunot ang noo nito, "Sorry po ma'am pero wala pong nakalagay na Lana Stephanie
Tan sa mga appointment schedules ni Sir Torres. Kung visitor po kayo, bumalik na
lang po kayo mamaya."

"P-Pero.. sabi niya.. 7:30 ako dapat pumunta rito?" her voice was distressed. Kung
alam lang niya, eh 'di sana pala, nagduty muna siya kahit kaunti lang sa ospital.
Tinawagan pa naman siya kagabi na kailangang-kailangan siya bukas sa ospital dahil
sa dami ng pasyente na nakaconfine doon.

Kahit aaminin niya, yesterday, when she met Chace and talked to him for the first
time, nakaramdam siya ng inis sa inaasta ng lalake. The man acted like he was a
god. That he left her no choice.

Pero kahit ganun, kailangan niyang mabawi ang restaurant na pinaghirapan ng mga
magulang niya. Even though he was her ex-best friend's brother, para lang sa mga
magulang niya, gagawin niya ang lahat. She knew this was her karma afterall.
"Uy, Carlo, kumain ka na ba? May dala akong pagkain dito." Napalingon naman si Lana
sa likod niya nang may nagsalita.

Then he saw a middle-aged man bringing some plastic on his right hand na
nakangiting nakatingin sa kanila. At base sa uniform nito, isa itong maintenance
staff ng Torres Corp.

"Ah, hindi pa nga ho, Mang Jeffrey, mamaya na lang ho." Sagot naman ng guard 'dun
sa matanda.

Napansin naman ni Lana na napunta ang tingin ng matanda sa kanya. Medyo naguluhan
naman ito nang makita siya, "Ah, may kailangan po ba kayo?" the old man asked her
politely.

Napangiti naman si Lana rito. Parang gumaan kasi ang loob niya dahil sa pagngiti
nito sa kanya, the old man was really accomodating, "Ah, eh, pinapapunta kasi ako
rito ni Sir Torres manong, ano, ako si Lana Stephanie Tan." She answered him
politely.

Tila napaisip naman ang matanda sa sinabi niya at ilang segundo rin ay nagsalita
ito, "Ah, ikaw pala si Lana? Oo, ikaw yung bagong maintenance staff na sabi ni Sir
na magtratrabaho ngayon. Lika hija, ibibigay ko na sayo ang uniform at ang listahan
na ipinabibigay sayo ni Sir para sa gagawin mo ngayong araw." Anito at nauna na
ngang pumasok sa building.

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Lana sa narinig nito, "Maintenance staff?" she was
confused even at herself as she entered the building too. Gagawin ako ni Chace
bilang isang maintenance staff?

Sumunod lang si Lana rito hanggang sa makarating na rin sila sa maintenance staff
room.

"Ito ang uniform na susuotin mo," panimula nito at inabot nito sa kanya ang isang
paperbag na naglalaman ng susuotin niyang maintenance staff uniform, "Nasa loob din
d'yan ang listahan na pinagagawa sayo ni Sir Torres ngayong araw. Sabi niya kapag
8:30 na raw, pumunta ka sa office niya." Sunod-sunod nitong bilin sa kanya. Hindi
niya tuloy maiwasan na kabahan, base palang kasi sa boses ng matanda, parang ang
sobrang strikto ni Chace sa kanila.

"Ah.." she was starting to get nervous. "S-Sige manong, magbibihis na po ako."

"Mang Jeffrey na lang, tutal, magiging magkatrabaho naman tayo. Sige hija, kung may
tanong ka pa, lapitan mo lang ako. Sige, aalis na ako, may lilinisin pa kasi ako
doon sa storage room." Pagkatapos ay tuluyan na nga siyang iniwan nito.

Kinuha naman kaagad ni Lana ang sinasabi nitong listahan na iniwan sa kanya ni
Chace sa paperbag.
"50 things to do for Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan today.." she mumbled as her jaw dropped
the moment she read the list. 50 things? Hindi nga niya alam kung matatapos niya
ang lahat sa araw na iyon. Sa dami ba namang gagawin niya every number na nakalagay
sa list. Signed: Torres, CN

Oh god. I hope I don't mess this up.

---

Dali-dali namang pumunta si Lana sa office ni Chace ng biglang siyang ipinatawag

nito. Ni hindi pa nga siya tapos sa paglilinis ng CR sa may sales department ay
bigla na lang siya nitong tinawag.

Oo, isa sa ipinapagawa nito sa kanya ang paglinis sa lahat ng CR sa lahat ng

department ng corp. At nakasaad pa roon na dapat matapos ang lahat ng iyon na
hindi pa mag-aalasdyis ng umaga. That's why she was doing her work fast 'cause God
knows what a man Chace is like. At ginagawa niya lamang ang lahat ng ito para sa
mga magulang niya. She even sacrificed her duty in the hospital just for this.

Bukas, susubukan niya itong kausapin kung pwede magduty siya muna sa ospital.

Nakapasok na rin si Lana sa office ng CEO. Mabuti na lang talaga eh blue pants saka
blue poloshirt ang uniform ng mga maintenance at hindi palda kaya nakatakbo siya ng
mabilis papunta sa opisina nito.

"S-Sir?" she gulped when she saw Chace' face at her. Parang galit na galit itong
makatingin sa kanya.

Napaisip naman siya, wala naman siyang ginawang masama rito. She quickly did what
the list said.

Magkasalubong ang kilay nitong nakatingin sa kanya. As usual, he was in his

corporate attire. He was just standing there, hands on the table while looking
daggers at her. Ano bang ginawa ko?

"Ms. Tan, I made it clear to you. Ayoko ng mga latecomers." He sternly said. Wala
pa ring nagbabago sa itsura na ibinibigay nito sa kanya.

Ke-aga-aga, bad mood. "Uh, sir, maaga po akong dumating dito. 7:30am po, nandito na
ako." She defended. Hindi naman talaga siya late, sa katunayan nga, mas nauna pa
siyang dumating dito.

"I asked Mr. Jeffrey Rios to inform you that you need to come here by 8:30am. Anong
oras na? It's fucking 9:30!" he yelled incredulously and Lana flinched at his
voice.

Oh god. Oo nga pala, sinabihan siya ni Mang Jeffrey na dapat pumunta siya by 8:30am
sa office nito.

Shit! Bakit ba niya nakalimutan iyon? Masyado kasi siya naging busy sa paglilinis
sa mga CR.

"Ah, sir, eh kasi, naglinis pa po ako sa mga CR.. g-ginawa ko yung mga utos niyo sa
listahan na ibinigay mo sa kin.." she explained, stammering. Nakakatakot talaga ang
itsura nito ngayon.

"I don't care what shits you are doing, Ms. Tan. Kung anong sinabi, yun ang gagawin
mo. Can't you understand it?" he was now mocking her. "I thought na gusto mong
mabawi ang restaurant ng mga magulang mo?"

And instead of talking back, yumuko na lang si Lana. Well, he was right.
Nakalimutan niya kasing puntahan kaagad ito sa opisina. Dapat siya ang maging
mapagkumbaba kung gusto niyang mabawi ang restaurant.

She heard him breathed hard. "Fuck this shit." He cursed under his breath. "Buy me
some cigarettes from the convenient store outside. I need it now." Anito kaya naman
napatingin kaagad si Lana rito.

He really looked bad. Nakasapo ang noo nito saka inabot sa kanya ang isang 1000
peso bill. "I need two packs of it, NOW." He emphasized the word 'now'. Tumango
naman kaagad si Lana at tinanggap kaagad ang pera.

She then quickly stormed out from the office.

She just concluded, Chace Torres is scarier when mad.

---

"Sir, uhm, nandito na po ang pinabibili niyo." Humihingal pa si Lana habang inaabot
dito kay Chace ang dalawang pack ng sigarilyo. Buong akala niya kasi, malapit lang
sa corp ang convenience store pero hindi pala. Tapos ang office nito, nasa 7th
floor pa ng building. Napilitan pa siyang magstairs kasi puro puno ang mga
elevators na nasa corp. Hindi niya aakalain na ganun pala karami ang nagtratrabaho
sa Torres Corp. Kahit 'nung board member pa ng corp ang Papa niya, isang beses lang
siya nakapasok sa corp.

Napalingon naman sa kanya si Chace na nakatayo lang habang hinihintay siya.

Tinanggap kaagad nito ang dalawang pack ng sigarilyo sa kanya.
"The change, where is it?" he asked, a frown forming into his face.

"C-Change?" naguluhan naman si Lana sa sinabi nito.

"Ang sukli nung one thousand bill, goddamnit!" he cursed again. Natakot naman
kaagad si Lana sa biglang pagsigaw nito.

Bigla naman niyang naalala ang sukli ng one thousand. Oo nga! May sukli pa yung
1000 bill na ibinigay nito pero dahil sa pagmamadali niya, nalimutan na naman
niyang kunin iyon! Oh my god, shit.

"K-Kukunin ko na lang ulit, sorry talaga." Kinakabahan na siya. Talagang bayolente

ito kung magalit. Kulang na lang ay bigla siya nitong susuntukin o kaya'y bugbugin.

"Are you sure you're an intellectual person, Ms. Tan?" he started and the tone of
his voice was now becoming to be insulting. "If you are, then what shits are you
studying then? Simple lang ang mga inuutos ko sayo pero hindi mo makuha. Are you
really that stupid?"

She knew she got insulted on what he just said. Napakajudgmental nito sa kanya.

"Paano niyo mapapalago ang restaurant ninyo kung hindi niyo pahahalagahan ang bawat
pera na nasa inyo? You always value the money whether it is a profit or not, Ms.
Tan. In business, you can't just gave everything to others!" he sermoned. Kulang na
lang ay tadtarin siya nito ng saksak sa harapan nito.

"S-Sorry, sir." All she could said. Talagang hindi siya makakasagot sa kung anumang
sasabihin nito. He really looked like a monster when he's mad.

"Bullshit," he swore again. "I need you to give these damned documents to each of
the department. Let the department heads sign each one of them and after that, get
back here." He added as he handed her the files she was going to give.

Kinuha kaagad ni Lana ang mga iyon.

"Now, get the fuck out." He rudely said at kaagad lumabas si Lana mula sa opisina
nito.

Nang makalabas na si Lana mula sa opisina nito. She felt relieved.

The nerve of that guy.

Kahit gusto niyang mainis sa pinagsasabi nito sa kanya, she forced herself not to
strangle him. Nakakainsulto kasi ang mga sinabi nito sa kanya. Konting mali e
iinsultuhin ka na kaagad. Kung alam niya lang sana na ganun pala ang ugali ng
lalake ay mabuti pang nagduty na lang siya sa ospital-nakakatulong pa siya sa mga
pasyenteng nandoon na nangangailangan ng kalinga ng isang doktor.

Then she remembered the packs of cigarettes na pinabibili nito. So he was a smoker?
Mas mabuti nga kung ganun para magkasakit ito ng lung cancer.

Lana just shook her head. Ano ba yung pinag-iisip niya? May kasalanan pa siya, sa
kapatid nito, sa best friend niyang si Cheska. Sa totoo nga, kaya lang naman
nangyari ang lahat ng ito dahil sa katangahan niya. It was her karma.

"I'm so sorry, Cheska." She uttered to herself as she went to the first department
where she will give the document.

---

Alas-otso na ng gabi na natapos ang lahat ng ginagawa ni Lana sa Corp. Sa dami ba

namang ipinagawa sa kanya ni Chace, ang paglinis ng mga CR, pagfax ng mga
documents, and so on, talagang matatagalan siya. Isali na ang mga insulto na
sinasabi nito sa kanya sa bawat utos na pinapagawa nito.

"Uhm, Sir, may ipapagawa pa ba kayo?" aniya rito nang makabalik na siya sa opisina.
Inutusan kasi siya nitong ibigay kay Mr. Suason na isang board member ng corp, ang
isang document. Tapos nasa kabilang bayan pa ang bahay nito dahil nagleave pala ito
kaya kinalaingan niyang magcommute papunta roon.

Then Chace turned his head at her. Nakatalikod kasi ito kanina na may hawak-hawak
na wine sa isa nitong kamay. And by what she just saw, parang naglalasing ito.

He flashed an evil grin.

Napalunok naman si Lana. She knew it meant something bad.

Is he gonna insult her again?

"Can I ask you something, Ms. Tan?" he suddenly said and she nodded.

"Why are you women, cheaters?" he suddenly blurted out.

Napahinto naman si Lana sa sinabi nito. Pati rin naman siya ay nagulat sa biglaang
tanong nito.

"A-Anong p-pinagsasasabi mo?" she replied instead.

Napansin naman niya ang pagyapak nito papalapit sa kanya. Now, she could even smell
how drunk he was.

Then her eyes grew wide when he help up her chin, she could now feel the hotness of
his breath. "Don't act as if you're innocent. Bitch." Then his aura just became
dark. Parang hindi siya makagalaw nang nasa harapan niya ito.

"I bet you're not a virgin anymore." He added as he traced his fingers into her
neck. Biglang pinawisan si Lana sa ginagawa nito. Her body stiffened. "I know you
want sex, isn't it?" By that, he ripped off her clothes.

"Noo!!" tuluyan na nga naiyak si Lana sa ginagawa nito sa kanya at tinulak ito.
Sumusobra na ito. She was still okay with him insulting her but what he just did
was below the belt.

"Fuck." Chace cursed. Napatingin naman kaagad ito kay Lana na umiiyak pa rin habang
nakayakap sa hubad na sarili. He could even now see the bra she was wearing.

Napahilamos naman si Chace sa ginawa niya. He was drunk. "Get a spare clothes from
the drawer behind you and get the fuck out here."

Dali-dali namang sinunod ni Lana ang sinabi nito at nilapitan ang malaking drawer
sa likod niya. She then immediately got a white tshirt there and went out from his
office.

---

Tapos na ring magpalit ng damit ni Lana. Although she was still crying because of
what happened, she needed to stand up by herself. Hindi pa rin siya dapat sumuko.

Nasalubong naman ni Lana si Mang Jeffrey nang lumabas na siya sa Torres Corp
building.

"Lana, hija, o, anong nangyari?" anito nang makita siyang umiiyak.

Napailing naman si Lana, "Wala ho manong, ano.. ang hirap pala ng trabaho rito."
Natatawang sabi niya. Mukha kasing nag-aalala talaga ang matanda sa kanya.

"Hmm," the old man smiled, "Ganyan talaga si Sir Chace minsan. Pero mabait yun.
Pasensyahan mo na. May pinagdadaanan kasi iyon," naguluhan naman si Lana nang
ibinigay nito ang hawak ng nespaper. "Sige hija, kailangan ko pang bumalik sa
loob." Iniwan na nga siya nito.

Binasa naman kaagad ni Lana ang newspaper na ibinigay nito sa kanya.

Tess Sanchez, Chace Torres' ex girlfriend, is now married.

//

Chapter 3 - Heartless

Chapter 3 - Heartless

"Lana!"

Napatigil naman si Lana sa pagbabasa ng mga notes niya nang biglang sumulpot si
Cheska sa harapan niya. Nasa isang pulic library kasi silang dalawa. She was
studying for an exam on her medicine course. Pagkatapos kasi niyang grumaduate ng
Nursing, nagproceed siya ng medicine. While her best friend, Cheska, nagtapos ito
bilang fashion designer. She was even now starting to build her own name in the
fashion industry.

"Ches," she then kissed her friend's cheek after Cheska sat opposite at her.

"Remember Gino? Yung classmate mo sa medicine na ipinakilala mo sa kin, niligawan

niya ako!" Cheska then squealed at her. Parang kilig na kilig pa ito nang sabihin
sa kanya iyon.

Nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito. She knew... She knew she was hurt.
"Ah.. K-Kailan ka niya niligawan?" she tried her voice to be lively too. Gino
Marcus Cabrera was her friend and classmate sa medicine class niya. Yes, among all
the male classmates she has, si Gino ang pinakaclose niya.

Nakilala ito ni Cheska nang minsan itong bumisita sa kanila sa public library. She
was with Gino, they were studying together at that time. And starting on that day,
both of the two quickly got along together. Nagkasundo kaagad ang dalawa.

Pero hindi naman niya aakalain na magkakamabutihan din ang dalawang taong may
puwang sa puso niya.

"Kagabi, when he asked me to go out with him." Cheska answered enthusiastically.

"Kaya nga kahit maaga, pinuntahan kita rito para lang sabihin iyon. Lana, kami na!"

--

"You're on your smoking problems again, Chace. I thought you were out of it five
years ago?"

Rinig na rinig ni Lana ang dalawang boses na nag-uusap ngayon sa loob ng opisina ng
CEO ng Torres Corp. Yes, she still came here after all that happened last night.
Kahit alam niyang medyo nabastos siya kagabi, when Mang Jeffrey gave him the
newspaper, napag-isipan niyang intindihin na lang ito.

Besides, dapat din maging mahaba ang pasensya niya kung gusto niyang makuha ang
restaurant ng mga magulang niya.

Ngayon, nasa labas siya ng opisina ni Chace habang may dala-dalang tray kung saan
nakalagay ang tinimpla niyang coffee para rito. Baka kasi medyo lumamig ang ulo
nito sa kanya with that kind of gesture.

"Hoo," huminga siya ng malalim. Aaminin niyang kinakabahan siya. Alam niyang not in
good terms sila kagabi. But she's doing this for her parents, right?
Nabigla naman si Lana nang bumukas ang pinto sa harap niya at bumungad sa paningin
niya ang isang pamilyar na lalake.

Si Chris Torres, the other brother of Cheska and Chace.

"Lana!" Nakangiting bati nito sa kanya as if everything was still okay.

Magkamukhang-magkamukha talaga sina Chace at Chris sa pisikal. Both of the men were
good-looking. The only difference is that Chris' eyes were always smiling while
Chace were mere coldness.

"K-Kuya Chris." Nahihiyang bati ni Lana rito. Aminado siyang kalat na kalat na ang
nangyari sa kanila ng kapatid nitong si Cheska. The issue which she was cheating
with her best friend's boyfriend. At alam niyang alam na rin nito ang tungkol doon.

"Long time no see," Chris flashed a smile at her. Medyo nagtaka naman si Lana sa
inasta nito, parang hindi ito galit sa kanya. "Dito ka pala? Akala ko ba nagduduty
ka sa ospital? PGI ka diba?" naguguluhan nitong tanong sa kanya.

Napangiti naman si Lana rito. Nakakadala kasi ang mga ngiting ibinibigay nito sa
kanya. Well, Chris was a celebrity that's why madali itong makakuha ng audience
impact. If Cheska entered fashion and Chace entered business, si Chris naman ay
pumasok sa pag-aartista.

"Uhmm.. Si Papa kasi kuya.. Ano.." nahihiyang sagot niya. Hindi niya alam kung
dapat ba sabihin dito ang tungkol sa deal nila ni Chace, para lang makuha ang resto
ulit ng mga magulang niya.

"Ah, oo." Chris then looked at her sympathetically. "Narinig ko ang nangyari kay
Mr. Gregorio Tan. Sana gumaling na talaga siya."

Lana just smiled at him again, "T-Thanks kuya. Saka.. si C-Cheska? Kamusta siya? I
mean.. I'm so sorry." Napayuko siya sa sinabi niya. Aminado siyang ang sobrang laki
ng kasalanan niya sa best friend niya na kapatid nito.

Suddenly, she just felt someone patted her head. Naiangat naman niya ang ulo niya
and then she saw Chris, giving her a smile of assurance. Alam niyang mas matangkad
ito sa kanya. She was only at the neck level of the guy's height. "She's still
recovering but I know both of you have different stories to tell, Lana. But I
really hope na magiging maayos ang lahat sa inyong dalawa. Sige, mag-ingat ka ha?
Kailangan ko ng kasi umalis eh." Anito saka tinapik siya sa balikat at nilagpasan
siya.

Hindi namalayan ni Lana na may tumulong luha pala sa kanya. Kaagad niyang pinahid
iyon gamit ang isa niyang kamay. Natawa siya. She didn't really expect that Chris
Torres was still kind to her.

She breathed hard and prepared herself. Kumatok siya ng dalawang beses sa pinto ng
opisina.

"Come in." A commanding male voice said. Then Lana finally entered the CEO's
office.

--

Naitaas naman ni Chace ang isang kilay niya nang biglang pumasok sa Lana sa opisina
niya. He didn't expect na pupunta pa ito ngayon sa corporation remembering what
happened to them last night.

"Why are you here, Ms. Tan?" he asked her suspiciously. Hindi ba dapat masama ang
loob nito sa kanya dahil sa pinaggagagawa niya rito kahapon?

He noticed Lana gulped and breathed hard before she answered him, "N-Nandito ako..
k-kasi.. I'm still determined to get our resto back." She answered him fiercefully.
Nakapangmaintenance uniform na ulit ito na tantiya niya, it was a new uniform
because of what happened to them last night.

Chace was amused at the woman's answer. Matapang na matapang kasi ang dating nito.

"I'm still doing whatever you'll say para lang makuha ko ulit ang restaurant
namin." She added. Napansin naman niya na may dala-dala itong coffee.

Chace grinned sarcastically, he was annoyed with the woman's attitude. Buong akala
niya susuko ito at aalis na ng tuluyan. But no, that will not happen because first,
he will make her life a living hell. "Fine," he put his hands up in the air, "Ikaw
nagsabi n'yan so, if you still gonna do whatever I want then..." kinuha niya ang
gabundok na files sa gilid niya. "Sort these files out, to credit and debit,
whatever terms you will find out there, may form naman diyan kaya malalaman mo rin
and also arrange them in alphabetical order."
He noticed Lana's expression became surprised. He smiled devilishly. He knew wala
itong kaalam-alam sa mga business files and reports. And now, he's starting again
to make her life a hell. "You need to finish that today. Understand?" he
commanded.

Tumango naman ito. "Y-Yes, s-sir." Halata sa mukha nito na mahihirapan ito.

"Good. I want you to prove yourself kung hindi ka nga stupid, Lana." He
mischievously smiled. "Use my secretary's encoder and get the hell out here."

"And don't ask for help, kung malalaman kong humingi ka ng tulong, you and that
fucking person will be damned." He added sternly.

--

Tapos na rin si Lana sa panghuling docment na i-eencode niya. Napabuntong-hininga

na lang siya. Ewan ba niya, kahit aircon ang opisina ng secretary ng CEO,
pinapawisan pa rin siya. Hindi nga rin niya alam kung tama ang pag-encode niya.
Debit, credit, balance, sales, at kung anong pang business terms. Kung pangmedical
terms lang sana iyon, madali lang para sa kanya gawin ang mga utos nito. Pero
hindi. Aminado rin siyang 4pm na tapos hindi pa niya naaarrrange alphabetically ang
mga files. Kasi ba naman, ang hirap talaga. Wala akong alam sa mga business terms.
Ilang oras niya ginawa ang lahat ng iyon, isali na ang sobrang dami ng mga files.
Mas okay na yata yung paglilinis niya sa mg CR kahapon.

"Ms. Tan, pinapapunta ka ni Sir Torres sa opisina niya, ngayon na raw." Sabi naman
sa kanya ni Denise, ang secretary ni Chace. Sa mukha pa lang nito, talagang urgent
na urgent na pumunta siya roon.

"S-Sige, pupunta na ako." Aniya at mabilis na umalis sa kinaroroonan niya. She

immediately went to Chace' office which was just beside his secretary's office.

"S-Sir?" Nakapasok na nga si Lana sa opisina nito at napansin na nakatayo lang si

Chace-specifically nakasandal sa office table nito sa gitna habang ang dalawang
kamay nito ay nasa bulsa.

Nakaramdam na naman ng kaba si Lana. She's hoping what she is thinking right now is
wrong.
"I'll be attending a party today. I don't have an escort, I'll bring you." He
suddenly said, straight to the point.

Medyo nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito. "P-Party? P-Pero.. ganito lang yung
suot ko S-Sir." Sagot niya. Nakamaintenance uniform lang naman siya and it will be
awful to see wearing those things in a party.

"No, hindi mo na kailangang magbihis, ganyan lang ang susuotin mo. Besides, escort
lang naman ang kailangan ko." He coldy replied. Umayos na ito at lumapit sa kanya.
"You'll be riding with me. We'll be going at my cousin's birthday party."

--

"Chace, I'm glad you've come." Sabi 'nung babae na sumalubong sa kanila ni Chace at
Lana. The woman immediately hugged Chace.

"Dadating ako. Para man lang may representative sa 'ming tatlo." Chace replied then
the woman just chuckled. Lana guessed that the woman he was talking to was now in
her late twenties. And the way the woman dressed was very elegant and poised.
Halata rin dito na mayamang-mayaman din ito gaya ni Chace dahil sa mansion nito
kung saan kasalukuyang nagaganap ang party.

Napansin naman siya 'nung babae, "Chace, who is this pretty lady?" anito saka
ngitian siya.

"Lana," Chace quickly answered. "Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan, my date." He replied,
rather poker-faced.

Medyo nagulat naman ang babae nang marinig ang pangalan niya. "L-Lana? You mean..
yung best friend ni Cheska?" it was obvious that the woman was surprised to see
her. Siguro alam nito ang nangyari sa min ni Cheska.

"Yes." Chace answered firmly instead.

"P-Pero.. B-Bakit.. ano.. Si Tess? Nasaan siya? Akala ko ba.." the woman was
stammering but Chace immediately cut in.
"Wala na kami, Ate. We.. split up." Chace answered dryly.

"You mean, totoo yung nabasa ko sa mga tabloids.. na ikinasal na siya sa iba?"
tanong pa nito at tinignan silang dalawa ni Chace. But the man just remained
silent.

Napansin naman 'nung babae ang pagiging tahimik ni Chace at nagsalita, "A-Ah, sige,
pumasok na kayo. I'll wait here for some guests to come." Chace just nodded at the
woman's remark at pumasok na sa mansion. Sumunod na lang si Lana rito.

"Chace!" naagaw ang atensyon nilang dalawa nang may sumigaw. Then they both saw a
group people calling Chace.

Nilapitan naman kaagad ni Chace ang mga ito habang nakasunod pa rin si Lana sa
lalake. The party was really elegant. Parang naoout-of-place siya dahil lahat ng
suot ng mga bisita ay mga naggagandahang dress at suits. While she was only wearing
a plain maintenance uniform.

Nang makalapit na sila, isa-isang hinalikan sa pisngi si Chace ng mga kababaihang

nandun habang ang mga lalake naman ay nakipagkamayan naman dito. All of them looked
in their mid-twenties.

"Long time no see, Chace." Sabi 'nung isang lalake na nakaeye-glasses. Sasabihin
niya kahit nakaeye-glasses ito, the guy still looked ravishing.

"Chace, how are you?" sabi naman 'nung isang babae na naka red silk dress. "Balita
namin, you're busy na raw sa corporation. You're the new CEO of Torres Corp." the
lady added.

"Eww, who's that girl beside you, Chace? And why is that she's wearing that kind of
clothes? Hindi ba niya alam na party 'to?" anito ng isa na nakablue dress na parang
nandidiri pa kay Lana. Napayuko na lang si Lana sa sinabi nito. She felt
humiliated.

"She's Lana. Lana Stephanie Tan. My date for today." Chace said instead.
"What?!" All of the group suddenly yelled in unison. Halatang gulat na gulat ito sa
sinabi ni Chace.

"Y-Yung.. best friend ng kapatid mo? Yung cheater?"

"You mean.. Cheska's slutty best friend."

"The whore?"

"Yes," Chace nodded and suddenly smiled at them, "My sister's.. bitch best friend."

"Oh my god. Chace!" napasigaw naman yung isang babae na kasama nila. "I thought you
had taste! Pagkatapos n'yong maghiwalay ni Tess, ito ang ipapalit mo?" halatang
iniinsulto lang siya 'nung babae sa harapan nilang lahat.

Lana bit her lip instead. Kaya pala siya pinasama ni Chace sa party para ipahiya?
So that he could insult her and humiliate her in front of everybody?

"I have no choice, Layla. Siya lang ang nakita ko na nandun sa corp so I ended up
with her. She's a slut so, it doesn't matter." Chace answered casually and everyone
laughed at what he said.

Hindi maiwasan ni Lana na mapahiya sa sinasabi nito. As if everyone of them really

knew the story.

"Buti na lang wala dito si Cheska." The other guy said. Pagkatapos, napatingin
naman ito sa kanya. "Hey, whore, how much are you? Mura ka lang siguro kaya nagawa
ni Gino na pagtaksilan si Cheska." The guy ruthlessly added.

"Sa best friend pa kamo." Then all of them laughed, included Chace. Ngayon niya
lang ito nakitang tumatawa.. at dahil pa sa mga pagpapahiya sa kanya.

Pinipigilan ni Lana na hindi maiyak. Alam niyang hindi nito alam ang buong storya.
And she won't let them see her cry because she's not weak as what they thought to
be.

"Ay, my wine's empty." Biglang sabi nung babae na nakablue dress, "Hey, Lana slut,
can you get me some wine from that counter? I want Chateau Ste. Michelle by the
way." anito sabay turo dun sa counter kung saan nakalagay ang iba't-ibang mga
wines.

Kinuha na lang ni Lana ang goblet glass at pumunta roon. Huminga siya ng malalim.
Hindi siya dapat sumuko. Para 'to kina Mama't Papa.

Pagkatapos kumuha ni Lana ng wine na sinasabi nito ay kaagad siyang bumalik sa

kinaroroonan ng grupo.

"N-Nandito na ang wine.." she said as she handed the goblet to the lady.

Nang tinanggap na ng babae ang wine, the lady's face turned to sour. "Bakit ganito?
I told you Chateau Ste. Michelle wine! Are you stupid? I said it clearly." The lady
added incredulously.

"Stupid na nga, whore pa." then everybody laughed at the sudden remark of the guy
beside Chace.

Chace laughed too. Nasaktan naman si Lana nang makita rin itong tumatawa. So this
was his plan afterall?

But everybody stopped when the lady holding the wine purposely spill it on her
face. Nagulat na lang si Lana sa ginawa nito. Now, her face was drenched with the
wine.

"Stupid whore." The lady smiled wickedly. "I'm sorry if I ruined your date, Chace."

Pati rin naman si Chace ay nagulat sa ginawa ng kasama niya kay Lana. The way he
saw Lana now.. was very hopeless. "It's... It's okay, she deserved it." He answered
instead.

But everybody in the party became silent when a fast hand landed on Chace' cheeks.

Lana couldn't take the humiliation she was getting from anyone anymore. Sumusobra
na ang mga ito. Lalung-lalo na si Chace. "Wala kayong alam sa pinagdadadaanan ko."
She cried then after that she walked out from the party.
Sumusobra na ang mga ito sa kanya.

Pero bago pa man makaalis si Lana, may biglang humawak sa braso niya. She quickly
turned her head, "Lana," the woman whom she thinks was the organizer of the party,
pati na rin ang sumalubong sa kanila kanina ni Chace ang tumambad sa paningin niya,
"I'm sorry for their rude act but it's early to go home, won't you eat?"

Naiiyak na natatawa si Lana sa sinabi nito, "Thank you na lang po. Pero kailangan
ko ng umalis eh. Salamat na lang po talaga." She replied and just turned her back
instead.

"I know you're a good person, Lana. Despite what happened, I know, you're a good
person." The woman suddenly said kaya naman napalingon si Lana rito.

She smiled, still crying. "T-Thank you." After that, umalis na siya.

--

"Chace, man, are you okay?" sabi ni Kevin na kamag-anak ni Chace sa side ng Mom
niya pagkatapos umalis ni Lana. Everyone at the party was shocked when Lana slapped
him.

"I-I'm fine." He answered out of nowhere. He felt guilty.

"Chace, come'on. She's a whore. Alam kong sinama mo siya rito para ipahiya siya. We
know how much you love your sister." Layla, her second degree cousin said instead.

"I.. I need to go to the restroom, excuse me." Sabi na lang niya sa mga ito at
umalis sa kinaroroonan nila.

But before he could even go, her cousin, Hannah, the birthday celebrant,
interrupted. "Chace."

"Ate." He stopped from his footsteps.

"I knew.. I knew you were hurt when you and Tess split up." Then Hannah smiled at
her sympathetically. "Alam ko ring galit ka kay Lana kasi sinaktan niya ang kapatid
mo.. but doing these things will not do any good, Chace."

Hindi kaagad nakapagsalita si Chace sa sinabi nito but he just kept himself silent,
"I'm sorry for interrupting your party, but I have to go, Ate." He then went out.

--

Nagising na lang si Lana nang may kumatok sa pinto ng apartment niya. Aminado
siyang hindi siya nakatulog ng maayos dahil sa kakaiyak niya kagabi. She felt she
did all the mistakes. She cried the whole night.

Pagkatapos kasi ng party, dumirecho siya sa apartment na tinutuluyan niya at doon

na umiyak. She couldn't bear anymore the insults she was getting from Chace Torres.
Sumusobra na ito sa ginagawa nito sa kanya. As if he knew the entire story. Hindi
rin nga niya alam kung babalik pa siya sa corporation pagkatapos ng lahat ng
nangyari.

Tumayo na si Lana mula sa kama niya at tinungo ang pinto. She quickly opened the
door and was surprised to see a man delivering flowers. Tulips to be exact.

"Ah, ma'am, may nagpadala po sa inyo. Pakipirmahan na lang po rito." Anito ng

lalake sa kanya at pinirmahan naman agad niya iyon.

"Manong, baka hindi sa kin 'to." Sabi niya nang tinanggap niya ang tulips. "Hindi
naman po ako nagpadala." She was really confused now.

"Ito po ang address na ibinilin sa kin saka po, kayo po ba si Ms. Lana Stephanie
Tan?"

Lana nodded.

"Ah, sa inyo nga po ito. Sige po." The delivery boy stepped out.

Naguluhan naman si Lana. Sino namang magbibigay sa kanya ng tulips? Wala naman
siyang maalala kung nagpadeliver siya ng tulips.

She noticed a small white card from the tulips. Kinuha niya iyon at binasa.

I'm sorry for last night.

You can take an off right now.

-Torres, CN

//

Chapter 4 - Unpredictable

Chapter 4 - Unpredictable

"Doktora!"

"Janine," bati ni Lana sa kasamahan niyang nurse na si Janine nang dumating na siya
sa public hospital kung saan siya kasalukuyang nagduduty. Isa kasi siyang Post-
Graduate Intern ng medicine. Next year, she will now start her residency years.

"Kamusta na doc? Ilang araw na kitang di nakikita dito, okay na ba yung restaurant
nung parents mo?" the lady asked. Sila kasi ni Janine ang medyo close sa ospital.
Parang nakakabatang kapatid na niya ito, she was 25 while Janine was 22. Last year
pa lang kasi ito grumaduate sa kursong Nursing.

Lana forced a smile. Kahit nga siya, hindi rin niya alam kung may kasiguraduhang
makukuha pa niya yung resto ng mga magulang niya. Hindi niya alam kung talagang
ibabalik sa kanya ni Chace Torres ang resto sa kanya.

I'm sorry for last night.

You can take an off right now.

--Torres, CN

Bigla naman niyang naalala ang tulips na ipinadala nito sa kanya kaninang umaga.
Actually, she didn't really expect na magpapadala ito ng bulaklak sa kanya, lalo't
pa sa nangyari sa kanila kagabi dun sa party. Akala ba niya, ayaw nito sa kanya? He
even humiliated her in front of everybody. Ipinagmukha siya nitong kawawa.

Oo, aminado siyang galit ito sa kanya dahil sa nangyari sa kanila ni Cheska, but
what he has been doing to her lately was beyond the belt. Naguguluhan siya kung
bakit parang ganun na lang kalaki ang pagkamuhi nito sa kanya.

Tapos kanina, nagulat na lang siya sa bulaklak nito at sa sulat nitong nagsosorry
sa kanya na pwede rin siyang magday-off ngayon.

She would say, Chace Torres' personality is really unpredictable.

"Hindi ko rin alam, Janine. Ewan ko ba. Hahaha." Natatawang sabi niya rito kahit
medyo naiiyak siya. Siguro nga, ito na yung mga kabayaran sa ginawa niyang
pagtratraydor sa sarili niya mismong kaibigan.

Pero nagmahal lang ako.

"Doc, matanong ko, talaga bang magkamukhang-magkamukha sina Chris Torres yung
artista saka si Chace Torres?" excited na tanong ni Janine sa kanya kaya natatawang
napailing na lang siya. Alam kasi nito ang tungkol sa pagtratrabaho niya sa Torres
Corp for her family restaurant. But she didn't tell her everything about the deal
between her and Chace. That's why, alam nitong hindi siya medyo makakaduty sa
ospital ng ilang mga araw dahil sa Torres Corp. Mamaya nga, magpapaalam pa siya sa
Chief of Clinics para sa trabaho niya sa Corp.

Then she suddenly thought Chris and Chace differences. Oo, magkamukhang-magkamukha
ang dalawa. But the way Chace looks at her, it is always mere coldness.

"Janine, ano ka ba." Natatawang sabi na lang niya dito.

"Eh kasi naman doc, ang sobrang swerte niyo! Kilala mo ang dalawa, naku kung hindi
dahil sa inyo, hindi ko makikita ng personal si Chris Torres! Dahil sa inyo,
natupad na rin ang matagal ko ng pinapangarap." Malanding tugon nito sa kanya kaya
mas lalo pang natawa si Lana dito. Nang minsan kang binisita siya noon ni Cheska
dito sa ospital, kasama nito si Chris Torres.

"Janine, haha, sige na, pumunta ka na dun sa nakaassign sayong pasyente. Grabe ka."
Aniya dito.
Janine pouted, "Sige na nga! 'Di mo naman sinagot tanong ko. Sige, byeee!"

Pero bago pa man ito makaalis, Lana quickly interrupted, laughing, "Oo na,
magkamukha sila. They're both handsome." She then winked. Pagkatapos ay tumalikod
na rin siya. May pupupuntan pa kasi siyang pasyente sa public ward para mag-inject
ng gamot dito.

Pero ilang minuto rin ay napahinto na lang siya sa mga yapak niya. Then she saw
him.

She didn't know what to act.. She was surprised to see him again. She was less
expecting to see him right now.

"G-Gino.." The man she less expected to meet this time. Oo, alam niyang parehas
silang intern sa ospital pero magmula nung mangyari ang lahat ng iyon, hindi na
niya ito medyo nasasalubong na.

"Padaan." Malaming na sabi nito sa kanya kaya naman umatras siya at pagkatapos,
dumaan na rin ito at nilagpasan lang siya. Medyo nagulat naman si Lana sa inasal
nito. Sa tinging ibinibigay nito sa kanya kanina, alam niyang galit din ito sa
kanya.

Nasasaktan na naman siya. Bakit ganun na lang ang pakikitungo ng lahat sa kanya?
Hindi lang naman siya ang may kasalanan, tao rin naman siya, nagkakamali rin. Hindi
naman nila alam ang buong kwento sa mga nangyari pero ganun na lang ang iba kung
makahusga sa kanya.

---

"Denise, yung report na ipinatype ko kay Ms. Tan, natapos ba niya?" Chace was
walking fast in going to the conference room as he was also buttoning his suit
properly. Medyo nalate kasi siyang nagising kanina and now, aminado siyang
sumasakit ang ulo niya dahil sa hangover niya. The meds he took this morning was
not still effecting.

Kagabi kasi, pagkatapos ng party, naglasing na naman siya. Well, he was wasting
himself every night. No, let that be everyday. Ewan ba niya, kahit alam niyang nasa
kanya na lahat, he felt his efforts and time were not enough.

"Ah," medyo natakot naman si Denise nang nilingon niya ito. He was used to it,
whenever he would call an employee, lagi itong nanginginig o kaya kinakabahan 'pag
kaharap siya. Of course, he was strict and serious, that's why. Para kasi sa kanya,
dapat laging tama at maayos ang isang trabaho--because for him, every employee's
work is important for the Corporation's state.

"Oo, Sir Torres, natapos naman niya. Nasa usb po lahat." Her secretary was
stammering. Binigay na kasi nito ang usb kung saan nakalagay ang report na
ipapakita niya ngayon sa board meeting.

Bigla naman niyang naalala si Lana, he bet she's enjoying her day-off now. Although
he hates her guts, pero nang mangyari ang lahat ng iyon kagabi, when he looked into
her eyes, he knew there was something in it, he just could not explain it well what
was it.

But he was not yet done. He is not really done with his business to her.

"Good, help me set everything up and encode everything that we will talk about, the
usual thing, you know that." He instructed her at parehas na nga silang nakapasok
sa conference room.

---

"Yes, thank you Mr. Relampagos for the sales department initial report. Now, let's
see the overall report for the corporation." Aniya ni Chace at ipinakita na sa
lahat ang report gamit ang projector. As usual, siya ang nangunguna na sa board
meeting nila. Their monthly board and deparment meeting.

"Wait.." kumunot naman ang noo ni Chace sa nakikita niya sa report.

"What the fuck?" he cursed, not minding with the board members and the department
heads' reactions with his words.

Talagang napapamura siya. Akala ba niya maayos ang pagkakagawa ng report? Puro mali
ang nakalagay sa report na ipinagawa niya kay Lana. The woman all encoded that the
corporation sales are getting low even though in the reality, they were getting
higher than always.

"S-Sir?" bigla namang nagsalita si Denise na nasa gilid lang niya.

"Denise, cancel our boardmeeting." Aniya saka napahilamos na lang sa mukha niya.
Ang sakit na nga ng ulo niya, dumagdag pa itong mali-maling report na ginawa ni
Lana.

That woman is now really getting into his nerves.

---

"Denise, a-ano? Anong nangyayari?" tanong kaagad ni Lana nang dumating na siya sa
Torres Corp. Bigla kasi siyang tinawagan ni Denise na pinapapunta raw siya ng CEO
sa opisina. Kaya nga kahit magrorounds pa sana siya sa ibang mga pasyente sa
ospital, pumunta siya kaagad dito. Naguluhan nga siya biglaang pagtawag ni Denise
sa kanya, ramdam kasi niyang may nangyaring masama.

"Lana, si Sir," parang naiiyak na sabi nito sa kanya. "Yung report na itinype mo,
may mali."

Medyo nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito. Naalala naman niya ang ginawa niyang
report kahapon. Pero akala ba niya okay na ang lahat ng iyon, ginawa naman niya ang
lahat na sinabi nito.

Napansin naman ni Lana na naiiyak na si Denise, "Denise, a-ano, pinagalitan ka ba

niya?" pag-aalala niyang tanong dito. Alam niyang kasalanan niya nang mangyari
iyon.

Tumango naman ito, "Sinabihan niya ako kung bakit daw hindi ko man lang nireview
ang report.. pero kasi.. diba pag tinulungan kita, parehas niya tayong
papagalitan.."

Hindi naman alam ni Lana kung anong sasabihin niya rito, "I'm so sorry, Denise. I'm
so sorry, sige papasok na ako." Then Lana quickly entered the CEO's office. Her
heart is really now beating fast. Alam niyang iinsultuhin na naman siya nito sa
kamaliang ginawa niya.

"Sì. Sì. Signore, io vi assicura la migliore per la vostra azienda. Sì. Sì. Ci sarà
probabilmente signore. Sono al cento per cento sicuro che ci si può fidare nostra
società..."

Nakapasok na nga si Lana sa opisina nito. Napansin naman agad niya si Chace na
nakatayong nakatalikod sa kanya habang may kinakausap ito sa telepono. And the way
he's speaking now, wala siyang maintindihan. He was speaking another language and
by the looks at it, he seemed he was really busy in answering the call.

"Noi non vi deluderemo. Sì, e vi ringrazio molto, signore. Ci incontreremo al

ristorante." After that, he ended the call and turn his head at her.

Napalunok kaagad si Lana nang bigla siya nitong nilingon. Ang sama kasi ng tingin
na ibinibigay nito sa kanya, the way he looked at her, as if he's gonna chop her
body off into pieces.

Ganun na ba talaga kalaki ang nagawa niyang kamalian?

"Your report. Everything was wrong." He said matter-of-factly, raging eyes still
piercing at her.

"Uhm.." kinakabahan na talaga siya. She was now thinking the worst things that
could've happen now because of it. Parang susunugin na siya nito ng buhay.
"You filled up the wrong portions. I instructed you clearly what to do and what to
not." He added. She knew, he was really mad about it.

"Y-Yes, sir." Napayuko na lang siya, "I'm so sorry sir."

"Fuck." He cursed and Lana immediately flinched. Ipinikit na lang ni Lana ang mga
mata niya. Ipapalabas na lang niya sa tenga niya ang mga insulto na naman nito sa
kanya.

"Lana." He called her again as she quickly opened her eyes.

"Y-Yes, sir?"

"Come with me. We will visit your family's restaurant." He suddenly said.

//

Chapter 5 - Restaurant

Chapter 5 - Restaurant

"I'll be meeting some Italian investors. And we're gonna meet at your family's
restaurant." Sabi ni Chace kay Lana habang nagmamadali ito sa paglalakad. Nasa
isang mall kasi silang dalawa, bago raw kasi sila pumunta sa restaurant, dadaan daw
sila ng mall.

Napahinto naman si Lana nang kaagad pumasok si Chace sa isang boutique.

"What are you doing there? Go in." naiiritang sabi sa kanya ni Chace nang nilingon
siya nito. He was on his bad mood again.

"S-Sorry." Pumasok na lang si Lana sa boutique. Wala siyang alam kung bakit
kailangan pa nilang pumunta dito. Nasa loob na silang dalawa ng boutique.

"Welcome po, Mr. Torres, how may we help you?" anito ng isang saleslady na tantiya
niyang kilala na si Chace.

"Dress her, make her look presentable. ASAP." Sagot naman ni Chace dito at muling
nilingon si Lana.
He stared at her from head to toe and turned back again to the saleslady. "35, 26,
34. Shoes size, 8."

"Okay sir. Miss, lika na." nakangiting sabi ng saleslady kay Lana. Kaagad namang
namula si Lana nang marinig ang lahat ng iyon. How did Chace know her sizes?

"Ms. Ortega, just charge it on my account." Chace suddenly said.

"Yes, sir." Kaagad namang sumunod si Lana sa saleslady papunta sa isang dresser
room.

---

"Sir."

Kaagad namang napalingon si Chace sa likod niya nang bigla siyang tinawag. Then he
saw Ms. Ortega with Lana who was now dressed up in elegant black cocktail dress.

"Sir?" It was then he came to his senses. Fuck. Why was he astounded to see Lana
with the dress?

He just shrugged his thoughts off and went back to his serious demeanor. "Good
because she now looked better than before. Charge it with my account Ms. Ortega.
Ms. Tan, let's go." He just said instead.

---

Dumating na rin sina Lana at Chace sa restaurant. Kaagad namang silang dalawang
pumasok sa loob. Lana was keeping up with Chace dahil sa bilis nitong maglakad.
Naguguluhan siya kung bakit parang nagmamadali ito. Eh hindi pa naman siya
makapaglakad ng maayos dahil sa taas ng heels niya.

Pero napahinto naman si Lana sa mga yapak niya nang makita ang kabuuan ng
restaurant.

She was deeply amazed. Ibang-iba na ang itsura ng restaurant ngayon. Before, the
restaurant really looks like ordinary pero ngayon yata, parang pinarenovate ang
restaurant. The restaurant really looks a very elegant resto right now.

Kahit alam niyang masama ang loob niya dahil kinuha ng Torres Corporation ang
restaurant nila, somehow, deep inside, she was a little happy. Hindi nito
pinabayaan ang resto nila.
"Ms. Tan?" Lana quickly came back to her senses when Chace called him. Halata na
naman sa itsura nito ang pagkairita.

"I..I'm sorry." She just bit her lip and just immediately followed him. Napansin
naman niyang papunta na sila ngayon sa isang VIP suite ng restaurant where she
would think all elite personalities would dine in.

"Good evening Sir Torres." Bati nung waiter na nakatuxedo uniform sa kanila.

"Good evening," Chace responded stiffly, "Mr. Renzetti and his fellow-"

"Mr. Chace Torres!" parehas naman silang napatigil lahat nang may biglang
nagsalita. Then both of them saw a couple of old men in a business' suits who were
obviously the Italian investors whom Chace were talking about.

"Mr. Renzetti," Chace immediately went to the old man who was Mr. Renzetti and
shook his hands, "Buona sera, signore." Chace politely greeted. (Good Evening,
Sir.)

The old man just laughed. "Così educato, tra l'altro, questo signor Aurencio, il
mio vice presidente e questi sono anche i miei simili dal mio società. " Then Mr.
Renzett gestured his fellow investors. (So polite, by the way, this is Mr.
Aurencio, my vice chairman and these are also my fellow men from my corporation.)

"Buona sera, signore. Buona sera." Chace just greeted them politely.

Si Lana naman ay tahimik lang nakikinig sa kanila. Even though she wanted to have a
conversation with them, she wouldn't understand what they would say anyway. Wala
siyang alam sa pagsasalita ng Italian. And again even at Chace' cold demeanor,
hindi niya maiwasang mamangha rito. Chace was very fluent in speaking Italian.

"E chi è la bella signora?" Then Mr. Renzetti eyed her and smiled. (And who is the
beautiful lady?)

But before Lana could introduce herself, Chace quickly interrupted. "Lei è la
signorina Lana Stephanie Tan, ora, signore, diamo un posto in prima." (She is Miss
Lana Stephanie Tan, now, sir, let's have a seat first.)

"Va bene. Va bene. Grazie." Natawa na lang si Mr. Renzetti sa inasal ni Chace at
pumunta na nga sa kani-kanilang upuan sa table na nireserved para sa kanila.

---

"Sì. Sì. Questo sarà procedura.."

"Quando ci si aspettano per essere finito?"

"Il più presto possibile, signore. E vi assicuro, al cento per cento, voi non ve ne
pentirete. Questo sarà il ristorante più bella e sofisticata a Italia."

"Vedo. Vedo. Voglio che tutto questo grandioso."

"Faremo assolutamente, signore."

Naubos na yata ni Lana lahat ng pagkain niya, pero maski isang salita, wala siyang
naintindihan sa pinag-uusapan ng mga ito. She was just there acting like some
decoration beside Chace who was currently talking seriously with the Italian
investors, of course, in Italian language.

Hindi niya nga alam kung bakit sinama pa siya ni Chace, eh wala naman pala siyang
gagawin. But even though it was like that, masaya rin siyang makita muli ang
restaurant ng pamilya nila.

She just suddenly clears her throat and everybody's attention was at her now,
especially Chace who was still looking irritated at her, "Uhmm, I'm going to the
restroom, excuse me." She said instead and the gentlemen just nodded and quickly
proceeded back to the what they are talking about.

Tumayo na rin si Lana at kaagad pumunta sa restroom.

---

"Hmm," Lana breathed hard as she was already in the restroom. Hindi yata siya
makakahinga ng maayos dun apart from all of them were speaking Italian, siya lang
din ang nag-iisang babae sa table. Tapos napapansin din niya, ang ibang investors,
malagkit kung makatingin sa kanya.

Napatingin naman sa paligid si Lana sa kabuuan ng restroom. She smiled.

Ang laki talaga ng pinagbago ng restaurant nila. How she remembered the day when
it was only starting on its humble beginnings. Noong bata pa siya, lagi siyang
sumasama sa Mama niya papunta sa restaurant. At dahil dun, hindi maiwasan nagiging
kaclose na niya ang ibang mga crew ng restaurant nila.

Pero ngayon ng pumasok siya, wala na siyang mismong maalalang pamilyar na mga crew,
she thinks all of their old crews were replaced.

At wala rin siyang kasiguraduhan kung makukuha pa ba niya ulit ang restaurant nila.

"Lana, kaya mo 'to. Malapit mo na ngang masurvive ang medicine course mo, ito pa
kaya?" pagbibigay niya ng lakas na loob sa sarili. She was standing there, in front
of the mirror, watching herself with the elegant black cocktail dress. Aaminin
niyang nagandahan siya sa dress na ipinasuot sa kanya.
She suddenly blushed when she remembered Chace correctly guessed her vital
statistics. Hindi niya aakalain na mahuhuluan nito kaagad ang sizes niya sa
katawan. At aminado siyang she really doesn't have those much curves compared to
those good-looking models na nasasalamuha nito.

Lalabas na sana si Lana sa restroom nang bigla na lang siyang napahinto sa mga
yapak niya. Then there is a familiar old man standing at the front, probably in his
50's.

Lana smiled hesistantly, "Uhmm, you're one of the Italian investors right?"
naguguluhan siya kung bakit ito nandun sa female restroom ngayon.

Napansin na lang niyang malagkit kung makatingin ang matanda sa buong katawan niya,
"Such a nice dress."

"Uhh, sir, I need to go." She quickly said. She's sensing there's something bad
that is going to happen.

"Hmm, no." bigla na lang nitong hinawakan ang braso niya, "I can pay you big time.
How much are you-"

"No!" kaagad hinaklit ni Lana ang braso niya mula rito at tinulak kaagad ang lalake
para makalabas sa restroom.

Dali-dali namang lumabas si Lana mula sa restroom pero napahinto na naman siya nang
makalapit na siya sa table nila, kung saan kasalukuyang nagaganap ang business
transactions nina Chace.

"Thank you for signing the contact, Mr. Renzetti. Grazie." She heard Chace
thanking Mr. Renzetti as the old man hands over him the contract.

"You will not regret in getting the restaurant, Mr. Renzetti. Vi assicuro."

"Getting the restaurant?" Kumunot ang noo ni Lana nang marinig ang lahat ng iyon,
"W-What contract? Are you selling our restaurant?" she asked Chace incredulously.

Napalingon naman sa kanya si Chace at kumunot din ang noo nito, "What?"

But before could Chace go near her, she immediately run off from the VIP room and
went outside.

---

"Lana!" Chace called her out.

"Dove è che cagna?" Napalingon naman si Chace sa may restroom at nakita ang isa
pang Italian investor na kasama ni Mr. Renzetti. (Where is that bitch?)

His face became sour. He knew something bad happened when Lana went to the
restroom.

"Lana!" he called her out once again as he also went out from the restaurant.

He then saw her walking away from the restaurant. Malayo-layo na rin ang narating
nito.

"Lana!" muli niya itong tinawag at tumakbo para maabutan ito.

At nang makalapit-lapit na siya, nahawakan niya kaagad ang braso nito.

"Lana," he was panting. "Where are you going?"

Lumingon naman ito sa kanya at napansing niyang umiiyak na naman, "Uuwi at

magpakalayo-layo." She smiled bitterly at him. "Wala naman pala akong aasahan sayo,
wala rin naman itong saysay, Chace Torres. Wala. Alam ko namang hindi mo talaga
ibibigay sa kin ang restaurant namin so," pinahid ni Lana ang mga luha niya gamit
ang kamay niya. "Just let me go."

But just a second, everything turns upside down. Lana suddenly felt Chace' lips
unto her mouth.

He kissed her.

//

Chapter 6 - His Story

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 6 - His Story

Hindi alam ni Lana kung anong i-rereact niya sa biglang paghalik sa kanya ni Chace.
When he suddenly kissed her, she just felt numb. Parang hindi siya makagalaw.

And just after few seconds, bumitaw na rin si Chace while she was in the same
reaction, shocked with eyes widened at what just happened.

Pati rin naman si Chace ay nagulat sa ginawa niya and then he saw Lana who was
still couldn't believe at what just had happened. There were still tears forming on
her eyes while looking surprised at him.

"I... I'm sorry," sabi na lang niya at napayuko. Hindi niya rin alam mismo sa
sarili niya kung bakit niya nagawa iyon.

"Jerk," he heard her mouthed that word kaya naman napatingin siya rito. Naglalakad
na itong papalayo sa kanya. And she was still crying.

Hindi na niya alam. Naguguluhan na siya.

And then rain just suddenly poured down as he was just standing there, watching
Lana walking away.

---

"Pa, hindi ko na po alam. Hindi ko na po kaya Pa." Naiiyak na sabi ni Lana habang
nakatayong pinagmamasdan ang ama niyang nakaconfine pa rin sa ICU. Hanggang ngayon
kasi, hindi pa rin ito nagigising.

"I'm so sorry Pa sa mga nagawa kong kamalian sa buhay ko.. Siguro kung hindi ko
iyon ginawa, hindi siguro ako makakarma." She cried. Kung hindi lang sana niya
ginawa iyon, kung hindi lang niya pinagtaksilan ang kaibigan niya, siguro, hindi
ganito ang mangyayari sa pamilya niya.

But she tried everything. Ginawa niya lahat para lang makuha ulit ang restaurant
nila kahit alam niyang walang kasiguraduhang ibibigay nga yun sa kanya ulit ni
Chace. But at what she had heard on that night, ibinebenta nito sa mga Italian
investors ang resto nila.

She laughed bitterly thinking that thought. Bakit ba siya mag-eexpect na tutuparin
ni Chace ang deal nila?

Of course not. Malaki ang kasalan niya sa kapatid nitong si Cheska. She betrayed
her very own best friend who is Chace Torres' very own sister. Ano bang aasahan
niya? Papakisamahan siya nito ng maayos? Absolutely not and naturally, people will
despise her kasi pakikiapid ang ginawa niya. Inahas niya mismo ang sarili niyang
best friend.

"Pa, sorry ha, kung hindi ko mababawi yung restaurant natin." She continued. Oo,
alam niyang mismo sa sarili niya na malabo na talagang mababawi niya ang restaurant
nila. And thinking that way will break her heart into a million pieces. Mahalaga
ang restaurant para sa pamilya nila. It was her parents' effort and love at ito na
lang ang tanging bagay na makakapag-alaala sa kanya sa mga masasayang panahong
buhay pa ang Mama niya.

"Pa, sinubukan ko.. kaso.." naiiyak na naman siya. It was her fault why people now
are hating and humiliating her.

"Lana sis," napalingon naman siya nang may tumawag sa kanya at nakita ang pinsan
niyang si Jerome na nandoon din sa ICU.

"Jerome," kaagad niyang niyakap ang pinsan. Hindi na niya talaga alam kung anong
gagawin niya, "Hindi ko na kaya, Jerome. Ayoko na, sumusuko na ako." She said while
sobbing.

Naramdaman naman niya ang paghaplos ng pinsan niya sa likod niya habang kayakap
siya, "Lana, alam kong matatag ka. Alam kong makakaya mo rin ang lahat ng ito."
Bumitaw na ito sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at tinignan siya, "Ikaw kayang
pinakamatatag na babaeng nakilala ko! Saka, ngayon ka pa ba susuko? Heller? Ang
dami mo ng problemang nalampasan no! Saka, past is past. At least kahit ganun nga
ang nangyari, natuto ka na diba?" Jerome winked at her cheerfully.

Natawa naman si Lana sa positive vibes na ibinibigay nito sa kanya, "Napaka-

exaggerated mo talaga kahit kailan." Imbis na mas lalo siyang maiyak, natatawa siya
tuloy sa sinasabi nito sa kanya.

"Kasi naman, napakadrama mo! Saka, Gabriela Silang tayo! Ipaglaban kung anong
dapat." Then he smiled at her assuringly, "Sa inyo yung restaurant, pinaghirapan
niyo iyon, dapat lang makuha mo iyon ulit Lana, hindi pa huli ang lahat. Never give
up."

Then Lana just smiled at her cousin's words of wisdom.

---

"Lana!"

"Denise." Lana smiled when she saw Denise at its office, typing something to the
computer. Madadaanan kasi ang office ng secretary papunta sa office ng CEO.

Matapos kasing sabihin ni Jerome ang lahat ng iyon sa kanya, napaisip-isip siya
bigla. But well, for now, isasauli niya kay Chace ang dress na sinuot niya kagabi
dun sa meeting nito with the Italian Investors. That's why she was there, to return
the dress para man lang hindi siya magkakaroon ng utang na loob dito. O kung
matatawag ba talaga yun na utang na loob.

"Bakit ka pumunta pa rito?" halata sa boses ni Denise na parang natatakot itong

nandun siya. "Bad mood si Sir Torres ngayon. Naglalasing siya ngayon sa office
niya." Anito.

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Lana sa sinabi nito. Naglalasing? Hindi ba dapat masaya
ito kasi binenta nito ang restaurant nila?

"Bakit naman?" she asked instead.

"Ang ex kasi niya, si Ms. Tess, buntis na." sagot naman ni Denise sa kanya.

May naalala naman siya, yung newspaper na ibinigay sa kanya ni Mang Jeffrey. Oo,
naalala niya ang pangalang Tess Sanchez na who was supposedly, Chace' ex-
girlfriend.

"Kaninang umaga pa siya naglalasing," bigla na lang naging malungkot ang tono ng
boses ni Denise, "Alam mo, hindi naman yan ganun kahigpit si Sir sa min e. Well,
mahigpit talaga siya at strikto pero alam mo, nakikita mo pa yang ngumingiti. Pero
nang maghiwalay sila ni Miss Tess, nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin. Naging malamig bigla
ang pakikitungo niya sa ming mga empleyado niya although naman, sinusweldohan pa
rin naman kami ng maayos."

"Niloko kasi si Sir ni Ms. Tess. Akalain mo yun, pakakasalan na raw sana ni Sir si
Ms. Tess, pero bigla na lang daw niyang nalaman na may iba pala itong lalake. Ang
gaga talaga. Na kay Sir na nga lahat, nagawa pang magtaksil." Napailing-iling pa
itong habang kinukwento nito sa kanya iyon. "I didn't expect na maghihiwalay talaga
sila kasi five years din naging sila."

Hindi alam ni Lana kung maawa ba siya sa mga nalaman niya tungkol kay Chace but she
just smiled at Denise after that, "Uh, sige, Denise, papasok na ako, may isasauli
pa kasi ako kay Sir Torres." Then she finally entered the CEO's office.

Nang makapasok na siya, tama nga ang sinabi sa kanya ni Denise.

Chace really looks very wasted.

There were empty bottle of beers everywhere. May mga basag-basag ding mga gamit sa
paligid nito. In short, the office was a total-wreck. Magulong-magulo ang itsura ng
opisina nito ngayon.

After that, she then saw Chace. Nakatalikod itong nakatayo, habang tinatanaw ang
nagliliwanagang mga buildings sa labas, sa may malaking bintana nito sa opisina.
Well it was already 7pm and the CEO's office has this very wide window where you
can view many different beautiful buildings surrounding the Torres Corporation
building itself.

Napansin naman ni Lana ang hawak nitong isang beer sa kanang kamay nito.

Napahigpit naman si Lana sa paghawak sa paperbag niya kung saan laman ang dress na
sinuot niya kagabi. Aaminin niyang medyo kinakabahan siyang harapin ito and the
atmosphere right now in his office was very gloomy.

She suddenly cleared her throat. "Uhmm."

Chace then turned his head at her and raised an eyebrow when he saw her. "What the
fuck are you doing here?" he cursed and the way he looked right now, he was totally
wasted. Magulong-magulo ang ayos nito ngayon.

Lana stood bravely. Hindi siya dapat matakot dito, "Isasauli ko lang yung dress."
She firmly said at nilapitan ang table ni Chace para ilagay doon ang paperbag.

Nang malagay na niya ang paperbag, bigla na lang itong tumawa. A sarcastic laugh to
be exact. "You're not gonna continue our deal right? Susuko ka na diba?" he
suddenly said. He was obviously really drunk.

Hindi na lang nagsalita si Lana sa sinabi nito. Tumalikod na lang siya para umalis
but she suddenly stopped when she heard Chace' words.

"Bakit ganun?" She noticed his voice was very broke. "Ginawa ko naman lahat. Hell,
I gave her everything. Ginawa ko lahat para sa kanya. I loved her more than my
fucking pathetic life!"

Napalingon naman si Lana rito. And what she saw made her surprised.

Chace was crying.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong maling ginawa ko para i-ganun niya ako. I devoted myself
to her. Damn, she even became my world!" sumbat nito. "Minahal ko siya, sobrang
mahal na mahal ko siya. Pero siya pa 'tong nagloko at nagpakasal sa iba. Damn it."
Lana flinched when Chace suddenly threw the beer into the wall.

"I was willing to tie knot with her. But.." napahilamos na lang ito sa mukha nito,
"Malalaman ko na lang na may kalampungan siyang iba?"

Lana remained silent, nakikinig lang siya sa pinagsasabi nito.

"Hindi ko alam.. ano bang mali sa kin?" naiiyak na sabi nito sa kanya. "Tapos
ngayon.. malalaman ko na lang na buntis siya? Wow. Four months pa! So noong kami pa
pala, buntis na siya. That bitch." He incredulously said.

Chace was about to get another beer from the one case he ordered kaya lang
nahawakan kaagad ni Lana ang kamay nito, "Tama na, lasing na lasing ka na." she
said to him, matter-of-factly.

Pero tinabig lang nito ang kamay niya, "No, I'm still fucking sober." He argued,
"And.. why are you still here? Diba nga galit ka sa kin? 'Cause you thought I was
selling your restaurant to the damned investors?" he asked her bitterly.

"Sir Torres, you're very drunk." She just said.

"No, I am not. Leave me alone." He coldly said.

"Fine," Lana surrendered but her face remained blank. "Iiwan na kita, Sir." She
emphasized the word 'sir' and after, she turned her back at him pero laking-gulat
niya nang bigla nitong hinawakan ang braso niya.

Napalingon naman agad si Lana rito but Chace just suddenly hugged her, "I don't
know anymore but.. I'm sorry.." by that, she sensed Chace snapped out.

"S-Sir, Sir Torres?" tawag niya rito pero talagang nakatulog na ito sa kalasingan
habang kayakap siya.

She used all her strength para ilagay ito sa isang malaking sofa na nasa opisina
nito. When she was done putting him on it, she saw a folder on Chace' left hand.

Kinuha niya ang folder nito at kumunot ang noo niya nang may nakalagay sa harap
nitong, 'Mr. Victor Renzetti Contract'.

Binuksan niya ang folder at may nakitang dalawang document kung saan may parehong
pirma ni Mr. Renzetti. Kung tama ang pagkaalala niya, ito yung Italian investor
kagabi. The other document was written in Italian while the other one was in
English.

"This contract will be the sign of the validity of the deal between Torres'
Corporation and Renzetti Incorporated in agreeing to franchise Mr. Gregorio Tan's
restaurant in Verona, Italy. Specifically, to have a new branch of the restaurant
on the place. Signed on the day of.."

Kung ganun pala, magkakaroon ng branch ang restaurant nila sa Italy.

For short, Chace was not selling their restaurant to the Italian investors.
//

Chapter 7 - Unexpected Guests

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 7 - Unexpected Guests

"Damn." Napaupo na lang si Chace mula sa pagkakahiga niya at napasapo sa noo niya.
He then immediately scanned the surroundings. Nasa kanyang bachelor's pad na siya.
Bigla naman siyang napaisip kung paano siya napunta 'dun e sa office naman siya
naglasing.

Siguro, nakita ako ni Mang Jeffrey sa opisina at pinahatid na lang ako sa driver.
He thought to himself.

Well, he gonna also admit that kapag naglalasing siya sa opisina niya and he
snapped out from his sanity, ang mga ito ang tumutulong sa kanya sa pag-uwi. Saka,
it started when he went to college, siya na lang mag-isa. He asked his parents that
he will be separated in living, to have his own bachelor's pad. It's because he
already felt he was old enough to live alone at ayaw na niyang magmukhang
dumedepende sa parents niya totally. Then after he graduated college and started to
work, siya na mismo sumusuporta sa sarili niya. And of course, he didn't forget to
visit his parents regularly or during weekends.

Saka hindi naman niya kailangang magtayo ng mansyon. Well, he had plans to have it
but everything changed when she left him for another man. Kaya yung mga perang
ipapangtayo niya sana sa 'mansyon', as what his dad, Nick mostly do, he donated all
of it to their different charity foundations.

Tumayo na si Chace mula sa kama niya. Medyo masakit pa ang ulo niya dahil sa
hangover.

Then he noticed his clothes, wala ring pinagbago. He was still wearing his office
suit.

Chace just immediately unbuttoned his suit and all garments he wore. He really felt
he was already too filthy because of the different alcohols he'd been drinking last
night. He felt he needed to wash himself quickly.

He was now naked. Napahikab naman siya bigla. Parang ramdam talaga niya ang pagod
dahil sa ginawa niya kagabi. Getting himself so wasted.

He was walking naked in going to the table which was beside his bed. Ganun naman
talaga siya sa pad niya. When he's going to take a bath, hindi siya sa mismo sa cr
nagtatanggal ng damit.

When he was near the table, he quickly grabbed the one pack of cigarettes he bought
yesterday. He then got one cig and lit it up immediately with the lighter. Then he
was smoking. He really felt he had to smoke because he was really sleepy.

Kailan nga ba nagsimula ang addiction niya sa cigas? Well, when he started college.
Para sa kanya kasi, 'nung time na yun, cigarettes were like drugs-para matagal
siyang makatulog. Adding that he was doing everything in order to top his class.

But when he met Tess, napatigil siya sa bisyo niya. She was the reason why he
disregarded his vices.

Yet, he didn't expect everything would turn upside down. She left him devastated.

And now, he did his old vices again, becoming an alcoholic and becoming a chain
smoker.

Pinuntahan naman ni Chace ang living room ng pad niya and he went off through his
cabinet divider where he had put his different collection of different indie songs'
albums. Well, he had this weird habit. Nangungolekta siya ng mga old songs' album
or he would say the classical ones; then he will play it on his stereo while he is
taking a shower. Nagpapamusic siya habang naliligo.

He then put the CD on the DVD player and the music played. He's gonna say, for him,
old songs make him feel more relaxed.

Nang medyo ubos na ang sigarilyo niya, nilagay kaagad ni Chace ang cig sa ash tray
na nasa center table ng living room niya.

"Oh my god!"

Napatigil naman siya at napalingon sa kung sinong sumigaw.

He was very surprised to see Lana at his pad. Nakatakip ang dalawang kamay nito sa
dalawang mata nito. At napatingin din naman agad siya sa dala-dala nitong paperbag.

"B-Bakit ganyan ayos mo?!" she incredulously replied habang hindi pa rin ito maka
tingin sa kanya ng direcho.

Napatingin naman si Chace sa kabuuan niya. Kumunot ang noo niyang tinignan ito,
"Well, I know I looked very wasted and stinky kaya nga maliligo na ako." He said
instead.

"Oh my god, I don't mean that!" sigaw na naman ito. Parang hindi ito mapakali. "Why
are you naked?!"

Mas lalo pang kumunot ang noo ni Chace sa sinabi nito, "Ganito ako rito sa pad ko.
And why are you hell-bent about it? As if I'm gonna rape you." Sabi naman niya at
hindi pa rin ito makatingin sa kanya, "And why the hell are you here?"

"Basta! M-Mamaya na ako sasagot!" she was stammering. "Maligo ka na nga lang! Make
yourself descent please." Anito sa kanya.

Chace raised his eyebrow, "Fine," then he smirked, "Well, welcome to my hell
haven." He said sarcastically and went to the bathroom. Medyo naiinis pa naman siya
rito. She was accusing him that he sold their resto to the Italian investors, na
hindi naman. They were just agreeing for another branch of it in Verona, Italy so
it would mean na maganda ang estado ng restaurant nito.

---

Nakahinga na rin ng maluwag si Lana nang makapasok na si Chace sa cr nito. Bumili

lang kasi siya ng gamot para sa hangover nito tapos madadatnan na lang niya na
gising na gising na ito tapos nakahubad pa lahat.

Kagabi kasi, nang mawalan ito ng malay, nagpatulong siya kina Denise at Mang
Jeffrey na iuwi ito sa pad nito. At bago pa yun, nilinis muna nila ang mga kalat
nito sa opisina. The guy really wrecked his office so much.

Ngayon, bumalik naman ulit siya sa pad nito para ibigay dito ang gamot para sa
hangover. Kahit alam niyang medyo masama pa ang loob niya rito, thinking what
Jerome said to her, hindi siya dapat sumuko ng ganun-ganun na lang. Besides, nasa
pinag-usapan din nila na 'he will serve him 24/7'.

And she might be wrong.. Chace is not what she thinks at all.

Pinasadahan ni Lana ng tingin ang bachelor's pad ni Chace. It was just a typical
bachelor's pad. Hindi niya aakalain na magmumukhang ordinaryo lang ang itsura ng
pad nito thinking that Chace is a CEO of a very powerful corporation. His place was
just plain and simple.

Natawa naman si Lana sa naririnig niyang music na ipinatugtog nito. The song that
was currently playing was 'Faithfully' by Journey. Hindi niya aakalain na mahilig
pala ito sa mga old songs.

Napunta naman siya sa collection ng mg albums nito and all of them were albums of
different indie songs. Mga Aerosmith, Beatles, Journey, and other old bands. She
didn't expect, a very serious man like Chace would collect these kinds of things.

---

Natapos na rin si Chace sa shower niya and now he was wearing a gray sweat pants.
And the usual, he was not wearing a top. Ganyan kasi siya 'pag nasa bahay, just
boxers or pants. Well, masyado nga kasing mainit ang Pilipinas.

Nadatnan naman ni Chace si Lana na pinagmamasdan ang album collection niya. But
before he could go near her, kumuha muna siya ng isang pirasong sigarilyo at
sinindi ito. He then smoked.

Nilapitan naman niya ito, "I know you find it weird." He suddenly said bluntly.

Napalingon naman sa kanya at natawa, "The three of you, mahilig kayo sa

collections." Lana then smiled while examining the albums, "Si Kuya Chris, mahilig
sa anime. Ikaw, dito sa albums.. tapos.. si ano.. si Cheska, sa mga novels." He
noticed her voice suddenly changed when she mention his sister's name.

"By the way last night, did I say something embarrassing to you?" He just diverted
the topic. Bukod kasi sa nakita niya itong isinauli kagabi yung dress sa kanya sa
office, wala na siyang iba pang maalala. He was really that drunk at kung anu-ano
na lang ang mga sinasabi niya.

"Well," she paused. "Wala naman." She smiled at him reassuringly.

"Good." He raised an eyebrow at her. "Or I just might sue you if you ever gonna
spread it."

"You're impossible." Napailing na lang si Lana dito at nagpatuloy na lang sa

pagbasa sa kinuha niyang album mula sa collection nito. It was a Beatles' album.
"But you know, your tears are not worth for her. Saka, you deserve someone else
better."

Medyo nagulat naman si Chace sa sinabi nito. Paano nito nalaman ang tungkol doon?
And the way she talks, mukhang ganun lang kadali ang lahat para rito. He felt he
was humiliated by what she said. "As if ganun lang kadali ang lahat," he replied to
her mockingly.

Napansin naman niyang napalingon sa kanya si Lana matapos sabihin iyon.

He continued, "You don't know what I felt and don't talk as if wala ka ring
ginawang mali. Don't talk like you're righteous kasi kahit ikaw, nagawa mong
pagtaksilan ang kaibigan mo, diba? You also cheated." He mocked.
He noticed tears were already forming at her eyes, "A-Anong pinagsasabi mo?"

"Well," nagkibit-balikat lang si Chace, "You cheated your best friend who's also my
sister. So don't talk as if na expert ka in dealing with these things."

Napansin naman niya ang pagtulo ng luha nito, "You.. You don't know the whole
story, Chace Torres." She stayed put even though it was obvious that she was about
to cry.

Natahimik naman si Chace sa sinabi nito. Both of them became silent after that.

He.. He was just mad. "I'm.. I'm sorry." He just suddenly said, "Uhm, wala ka bang
duty ngayon?" he changed the topic instead.

"M-Meron.. pero dumaan ako rito para ibigay 'tong nabili kong gamot para sa
hangover mo." Napatingin naman si Chace sa hawak nitong paperbag.

"Hindi ka na lang sana bumili." Sabi na lang niya at tinanggap mula rito ang
paperbag.

"It was on our deal, that I'll do everything for you 24/7." She answered and
awkward silence filled the air.

"And.. you should.. refrain from smoking, it's bad for your health." Anito sa kanya
at napatingin naman si Chace sa hawak niyang cig sa kanang kamay niya.

"Uhm, sige, Sir Torres, I have to go." Tinalikuran na siya nito at humakbang na.

Lalabas na sana ito sa pinto nang biglang maalala ni Chace ang invitation. "Lana."

Lana then glanced at him.

He frustratingly sighed, "I need your help. Go with me to a party today, she's
there."

---

"Mr. Ibañez, sorry if we're late." Chace greeted Mr. Henry Ibañez as they entered
their mansion. Kasama niya rin si Lana doon. Mr. Ibañez is his client from Torres
Corporation. Marami-rami rin kasi ang naitulong ng mga Ibañez sa Corporation and
the party that they were having now was a Thanksgiving Party kasi successful ang
itinayong bagong branch ng kompanya ng mga Ibañez sa France.

And so he was really obliged to join the party. Tapos medyo natagalan pa sila dahil
sa traffic.

"Okay lang, Chace, hijo. At least nga nakapunta ka. And who's this beautiful lady
besides you?" Napansin naman ni Mr. Ibañez si Lana. Lana was just wearing a red
halter dress and black stilettos. Aaminin niyang medyo natagalan din sila dahil
matagal siyang nakahanap ng dress. Well, impromptu kasi yung biglaang desisyon ni
Chace na isama siya sa party.

"Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan, Sir. We're dating." Napatingin naman si Lana sa sinabi ni
Chace.

She was about to react when Mr. Ibañez quickly interrupted, "I'm glad to hear that
Chace. Finally. Well, I'm really sorry hijo, sa nangyari sa inyo sa pamangkin kong
si Tess. But I guess, you have moved on, right? And I bet you're happy with your
new date." Mr. Ibañez replied. Ningitian lang ito ni Chace. Pamangkin kasi ni Mr.
Henry Ibañez si Tess. And he knew anytime, magkikita-kita sila ngayon dito.

"Tito!"

All of them then noticed a couple and a guy approaching.

But both Lana and Chace widened their eyes nang mamukhaan ang tatlong taong
paparating.

A pregnant Tess with his newly husband...

And Gino.

//

Chapter 8 - Arguments and Others

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 8 - Arguments and Others

"Tito!"

"Tess! Hija!" Hinalikan kaagad ni Mr. Ibañez sa pisngi ang pamangking si Tess at
nakipagkamayan naman sa asawa nitong si Benjamin Flores, "Benjo, hijo. Buti
nakarating kayo." Anito ng matanda sa kanila.

"Tito Henry."

"Gino, hijo! Sa wakas umattend ka na rin." Natatawang sabi ni Mr. Ibañez at

nakipagkamayan din kay Gino. Pamangkin din kasi ni Mr. Ibañez ang lalake. So he and
Tess were cousins.

Chace suddenly cleared his throat and interrupted the merry-making between the
relatives. Napatingin naman silang lahat sa kanya. Napansin naman niyang medyo
nagulat sina Tess na makita sila.

"Tess, wow." Chace greeted loudly. Pansin na pansin niyang mukhang masayang-masaya
pa itong nakikipag-usap kay Mr. Ibañez, like she is still so happy talking with
everyone else. Habang siya, every day, he's getting himself wasted because of her
fucking betrayal.

"Hindi ko alam na buntis ka na pala, wow. Ilang buwan na ba?" Chace was mocking
her. Gustong-gusto niyang ipadama rito kung paano siya pinagmukhang gago at
ginawang tanga.

Napansin naman niya ang paghigpit ng hawak ni Tess sa braso ng asawa nito, she
looked like she was scared of him, "Uhm.. F-Four months." Her voice was shaking.

He then laughed sarcastically at her answer, "Four months, ang bilis ah. So, it's
like noong tayo, buntis ka na?"

Medyo nagulat naman ang lahat sa sinabi ni Chance and Benjamin, Tess' husband
quickly interrupted, "What are you trying to do, Mr. Torres? Humiliate my wife
here?" anito sa kanya na halatang nababastusan na sa mga sinasabi niya sa mga ito.

"Ba't ba tayo nagkakagulo? This is a party, isn't it?" bigla namang sumabat si Gino
at napatingin sila dito lahat.

"Y-Yes, right. Uh, sige na, sige na. Tess hija, Benjo, may nakareserved na seats na
para sa inyo. Gino, sayo rin." Mr. Ibañez immediately said para matigil na ang
commotions na nangyayari.

"Sige po, Tito. Uhmm, marami pong salamat." Sabi na lang ni Tess at dumaan lang sa
gilid ni Chace ang mag-asawa para pumunta na sa kani-kanilang table.

"Sige, Chace, kakausapin ko muna yung ibang kliyente ko ha, may nakareserved na
ring seats sa inyo. Sige, enjoy the party." After that, Mr. Ibañez then vanished
from their place.
"Sige, mauna na ako." Gino just kept cool at nagsimula ng humakbang. Parang wala
itong pakialam sa nangyari kanina.

Pero bago pa man ito lumagpas sa kina Chace at Lana, nagsalita kaagad si Chace,
"Kiddo, don't act as if parang walang nangyari. Don't forget you fucked up my
sister."

Napansin naman nilang medyo nagulat ito sa sinabi niya pero Gino just dismissed it
and continued walking away from them.

Silang dalawa na lang ni Lana ang natitira sa kinaroroonan nila.

Si Lana naman, hindi pa rin alam kung anong irereact niya. She did not expect na
makikita niya si Gino doon. Ni wala ngang sinabi sa kanya si Chace na aattend din
ito ng party.

When she saw Gino, parang bumabalik ang lahat, nung gabing iyon na nasira ang
pagkakaibigan nila ni Cheska. When everyone thinks it's all her fault.

Kanina, habang nag-uusap si Chace at sina Tess, napansin niyang napatingin din sa
kanya si Gino at medyo nagulat din itong makita siya but the guy preferred not to
notice her.

"Nandun yung lalakeng sumira sa pagkakaibigan niyo ng kapatid ko. Pero wala kang
ginawa." Chace suddenly said kaya naman napatingin siya rito. He really looked so
pissed off.

Chace shakes his head, "You're really stupid, aren't you? Bullshit." Pagkatapos
bigla na lang itong naglakad papalayo sa kanya at iniwan siya.

Lana just bit her lip after that. You're really stupid. Bakit nawala na naman siya
sa sarili niya nang makita si Gino? Hindi na naman siya nag-iisip.

---

"Lana Stephanie Tan?"

Napalingon naman si Lana sa gilid niya nang may nagsalita. Then she saw Tess
Sanchez na kumukuha na rin ng pagkain sa catering table. Nakasuot lang ito ng
simple lavender dress at halata ring medyo malaki na ang tiyan nito dahil sa
pagbubuntis.

Lana just nodded politely and smiled at her, kahit may nasabi si Chace dito na
hindi maganda, wala pa rin siyang karapatang manghusga rito for she did not know
the whole story, "Ah, oo, ako si Lana."
Tess smiled at her after that, "Ikaw pala yung sinasabi ni Tito Henry na bagong
kadate ni Chace, I'm happy." Anito sa kanya kaya naman medyo nagulat siya. Mukhang
hindi masama ang loob nito sa kanila kahit ipinahiya ito ni Chace kanina.

Hindi naman kaagad nakapagsalita si Lana sa sinabi nito, "Uhh, eh.. Yes. We're
dating.."

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Tess at ningitian siya ulit, "Talagang ang laki ng

galit niya sa kin, ano?" the woman added as she continued picking the food into her
plate. "Mabait naman si Chace, he's a kind-hearted man, hindi man halata pero isa
siyang mabuting tao. At siguro, because of me, I brought the beast on him."

"Pero alam kong you can tame the beast, Lana." She suddenly tapped her hand, "I'm
really sorry sa commotion na nangyari kanina, sige, balik na ako sa table, enjoy
the food." After that, iniwan na nga siya nito.

Nakatitig lang si Lana rito habang naglalakad na ito papunta sa table nito. She
didn't expect too na magiging mabait pa rin ito sa kabila ng nangyari. And because
of that, she admired Tess for it. She showed her elegancy, modesty, and
professionalism. She really did a good decision na hindi ito husgahan.

---

"Fuck." Chace sipped the wine he was holding as he stared Tess and Benjamin
laughing and cuddling on the other table. Nasa kabilang table kasi siya,
naglalasing na namang mag-isa. And right there, he was just watching the couple
showing PDA's in front of everybody. Mukhang masayang-masaya talaga ito sa isa't-
isa.

Sa mga oras na yun, habang tinatanaw niya ang mga ito, gusto niyang magwala. Why
does both of them so happy while he was so devastated? Ganun na lang kawalang
kwenta ang mga taong pinagsamahan nila ni Tess? Hindi man lang ba nito
pinahalagahan iyon?

At saka, he knew Tess is fully aware na nandun siya and of course, mabubuwisit
talaga siya sa ginagawa nito kay Benjamin. Ni hindi pa nga umabot ng isang taon ang
paghihiwalay nila pero heto siya't buntis na.

He felt worthless. He felt he needed to drown himself to his vices.

Tumayo na lang si Chace mula sa pagkakaupo niya at tumitigil na sa kakatitig sa

mag-asawa. Baka mamaya, magwala pa siya.

Pumunta siya sa may counter kung saan nakahilera ang iba't-ibang wine para kumuha
ng bago. Naubos na kasi yung sa kanya and he admits that ito yung pinakagusto niya
tuwing nagpapaparty si Mr. Ibañez, may maraming wine na pwedeng inumin.
He was pouring some wine into his glass when someone suddenly talked, "Getting
wasted yourself in here is not really a good choice." Napatingin naman si Chace sa
gilid niya at nakita si Gino na kumukuha rin ng wine.

He raised his eyebrow at him, "What the fuck are you talking about?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang ito habang nagpapatuloy pa rin sa paglagay ng wine sa baso

nito, "I noticed you're wasting yourself here with the wine, Mr. Torres. And it's
not good." Cool lang na sabi nito.

Mas lalo pang nairita si Chace sa mga sinasabi nito, "And why the hell do you
care?" The nerve on this guy, kung makapagsalita sa kanya as if wala rin itong
nagawang masama sa kapatid niya.

"Wow," medyo nagulat pa ito sa sinabi niya. "You're so repulsive, now I know kung
bakit mas pinili ni Tess si Benjamin over you." Gino added.

Tuluyan na ngang nagdilim ang paligid ni Chace at biglang sinuntok ang lalake.
Napahiga naman agad si Gino sa sahig at dahil doon, lahat ng tao ay napatigil sa
kani-kanilang ginagawa at napatingin sa kinaroroonan nila.

Marami kaagad nagsipuntahan sa kinaroroonan nilang dalawa para pigilan si Chace.

Nakahawak na ang iba sa braso niya.

"Fuck you! Don't talk shits as if you did not even do any of it to my sister!"
Galit na sabi ni Chace at kaagad kumawala sa mga taong pumipigil sa kanya. He then
went out from the hall and went to the parking lot where he parked his car.

---

Nagulat naman si Lana sa nangyari. At nang biglang umalis si Chace, kaagad niyang
sinundan ito at lumabas din mula sa hall.

Naabutan naman niya itong nakatayo sa may kotse nito.

"S-Sir Torres.." She really didn't know what to say.

"Hindi ko alam.." He started and she noticed his voice was very broke, as if he was
crying again, "Bakit ang sakit pa rin? Ang sakit-sakit habang nakikita ko silang
masaya. Bakit ganun lang ang lahat para sa kanya? Yung mga taon bang pinagsamahan
namin, wala man lang bang halaga?" anito at bigla na lang nitong sinipa ang gulong
ng kotse nito. "Damn it! Damn it!" he swore.

"Ang sobrang sakit.." tuluyan na nga itong naiyak.

Lana just smiled at went near to him, hinawakan niya kaagad ang kamay nito. "Sir,
'lika, may pupuntahan tayong lugar." Aniya rito.

Napatingin naman sa kanya si Chace at napakunot-noo, "S-Saan naman?"

"Basta! Tayo na, magtaxi na lang tayo. I think it's just near here somewhere." She
answered cheerfully.

---

"Beach?"

"Yes." Lana answered when they arrived at the beach and quickly took off her
sandals as she sat on the sand. She really felt the cool breeze coming from the
shore as well as the sounds of the waves from the sea. It was really a cold night.

Naramdaman naman niyang tumabi sa kanya si Chace.

"You see, dito ako lagi nagpapahangin kapag stress sa buhay. Ang ganda at ang
relaxing kasi ng ambiance ng paligid." Nakangiting sabi niya rito at niyakap ang
mga tuhod niya. Ramdam na ramdam talaga niya ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin.

"Well, I have to agree to that. This place.. is relaxing." Chace replied calmly.
Afterwards, they became silent.

Siguro, she judged Chace harshly. Maybe somehow, they're still something good on
him pero natatabunan lang ito ng galit at sakit. Maybe she just needed a little
understanding on her side.

"Kanina.. That was very unprofessional, wasn't it?" Chace broke the silence and
Lana turned her head at him then she saw Chace was already lying on the sand, hands
at back of his head, watching the night sky.

Natawa naman si Lana rito, "Hmm.. Maybe. But you know, I know I didn't know the
whole story but.. maybe, the two of you should clear the things up. Talk might do.
You need to hear both sides." She replied at napatingin din sa langit.

"Talking? Hmm.." It was a long pause, "I don't know kung kaya ko. I think.. for
now, that will not happen." Then there was silence.

"Lana.. I'm sorry kung akala mo, binenta ko yung restaurant ninyo." Chace suddenly
said. "And thank you."

Lana just smiled, "I'm sorry too if I accused you for that." Pero nang napalingon
siya sa gilid, she noticed Chace felt asleep.

"You're really unpredictable, aren't you, Mr. Chace Torres?" pailing-iling na lang
na sabi niya rito.

//

Chapter 9 - Quitting

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 9 - Quitting

"Ches, are you sure na magiging okay ka lang 'dun?" Chace asked her sister, Cheska,
for the third time already when they had arrived at the airport.

Pupunta kasi ito ng France para makalayo-layo at magsosoul-searching sa lahat ng

mga nangyari sa buhay nito. Siya kasi ang humatid dito papunta sa airport, Chris,
their other brother cannot go with them kasi may taping ito sa studio.

"Oo kuya, don't worry. Kakayanin ko 'to." Cheska forced a smile at him. Kahit
ngumingiti nga ito sa harap niya, he knew, deep inside, his sister's heart was
already shattered into pieces.

Niyakap na lang ni Chace ang kapatid. Naramdaman naman niyang napaiyak na ito,
"Kuya, sorry din sa abala ha? Alam kong kakahiwalay niyo lang din ni Tess tapos
dumagdag pa ako sa proproblemahin mo." She told him between sobs.

Humiwalay naman si Chace sa pagkakayakap dito at hinawakan ang magkabilang pisngi

ng kapatid, wiping her tears off, "Hush now." Tumigil na rin ito sa pag-iyak,
"Kahit kailan, hindi ka naging pabigat sa kin, sa 'min ni Chris. And just always
remember, nandito lang kami lagi para sayo, okay? Sige na, baka malate ka pa sa
flight mo." Chace smiled at his sister assuringly.

Natawa naman si Cheska sa sinabi nito and he spoke again, "Sige na, bye. I love
you, bunso."
Cheska smiled at him, "I love you too, kuya." Tumalikod na rin ito at papunta na sa
loob ng airport para magcheck-in.

"Don't worry, sis. She'll get her own dose of medicine." He suddenly said.

Napalingon naman ulit sa kanya si Cheska and just smiled, "Take care, kuya," And
she finally entered the building.

---

"Kamusta ka na?"

"Heto kuya, medyo okay naman. I'm still trying my best to forget everything."
Cheska answered Chace on the other line. Tinawagan niya kasi ito sa opisina niya
para kamustahin. Hindi kasi niya ito nakausap for so many weeks na. At kahit pa
lang sa boses nito, he knew, his sister was not still okay. Tapos, mag-isa lang ito
'dun sa France.

He misses her bubbly attitude.

Sa lahat ng babae sa buhay niya, ang Mom niya at si Cheska Monique ang
pinakaimportante sa buhay niya. Kaya naman nang malaman niya ang tungkol sa
nangyari sa babaeng kapatid, he was devastated too. Alam niya kung gaano kasakit
para rito ang mga nangyari. Hell, because he also experienced it. At ayaw na ayaw
niyang makita ang kapatid na nasasaktan. 'Di bale na siya lang ang masaktan at
magago, h'wag lang ang pinakamamahal niyang kapatid. Cheska, for them, is their
precious gem.

"I'm really sorry.." Ang tanging nasabi niya lang dito. He doesn't know how to
comfort his sister's misery.

He heard her chuckle, "Don't be silly, kuya. Ba't ka nagsosorry? Sa totoo nga, I
owe you everything." Then there was a long pause, "T-Thank you.. Thank you for
protecting me always.." Cheska's voice was like fading slowly.

Parang nasasaktan din si Chace dahil sa boses nito, he really felt the distress on
his sister's voice. "They'll get.. what they deserved on what they had done to you
sis.. I promise." He said.

"Hmm.. Sige kuya, mag-ingat ka. Bye. Love you." Then Cheska just got off from the
line.
Chace just sighed when he put his phone back to its place. He clenched his fist.
Hindi niya maiwasang magalit na naman. His sister was still devastated. Alam niyang
nahihirapan pa rin ito. His sister didn't deserve to be treated like this. His
sister was always kind and nice but there were damned people who took this
advantage-to break her precious heart.

But nobody will mess up with his family, not to her sister. And as he promised, he
will get even with those people who broke his sister's heart.

Bigla namang pumasok si Lana sa opisina niya with the maintenance uniform. The
usual, balik na naman ito sa pagtratrabaho bilang maintenance staff para matubos
ang resto ng pamilya nito.

"Uhh, Sir, pinapatawag niyo po raw ako." Lana quickly said. May hawak pa itong mop
sa kanang kamay.

Chace stood up from sitting his swivel chair. Kinuha niya ang mga files na nasa
table niya, "Encode these files." Aniya rito at inabot dito ang mga files. "Ms.
Denise Reales is on leave right now. So for now, you'll be the one who will encode
these reports to be used later for the board meeting. At mamaya rin, attend the
meeting. Ikaw ang magrerecord ng mga minutes ng meeting. I don't like errors and
technicalities on this time, Ms. Tan. Understand?" He ordered stiffly.

Nahalata naman niyang medyo nagulat ito sa ipinapagawa niya, "Y-Yes, Sir." She
nervously replied.

Chace smiled sarcastically. "I need you to finish it by 1pm because on 2pm, we'll
have the meeting, Use the encoder at Ms. Reales' office. Now, get out." Kaagad
naman itong umalis sa office niya.

You'll have your own doses of medicines later, Lana.

---

"S-Sir.."

Napatayo naman si Chace mula sa swivel chair niya nang pumasok na sa opisina si
Lana. It was already almost 2pm at ngayon pa lang ito bumalik sa opisina niya.

He was already mad for making him wait so long, or for him to expect na magagawa
nga nito iyon within the given time. Minsan, naasar siya, ang taas-taas ng tingin
nito sa sarili, like for her, everything will be alright pero hindi naman pala. Ang
bagal-bagal kumilos tapos ang kupad-kupad pa. Marami pa siyang inaasikasong
transactions sa iba pang kompanyang hinahandle ng Torrep Corp tapos in the end,
wala rin itong nagawang tama.
"Damn it, Ms. Tan!" Napahilamos na lang siya at napamura nang makita ito sa harap
niya, "Do you know what time it is now? It's fucking 1:50pm! I told you to finish
it before 1pm pero heto ka, almost two ng natapos! Kung hindi mo pala kayang
tapusing mag-isa sana at first, tumanggi ka na!" He yelled furiously.

Natakot naman ito sa biglang pagwala niya, "I'm.. I'm so sorry Sir, m-may mga 'di
rin kasi akong-"

"Fuck." He didn't let her finish her sentence, "I don't care for your shitty
reasons, Ms. Tan. Sumunod ka na lang sa kin sa conference room. The board members
are already waiting there." Nauna na siyang lumabas dito sa opisina niya at sumunod
naman agad ito.

He's really pissed off. Naasar talaga siya sa nangyayari. The hell.

Today is their monthly board meeting with the board members of the different
sections coming from like Torres Corp Banks, Pharmaceuticals, Constructions, etc.
For short, it means it will be an another very important meeting.

Nang dumating na sila sa conference room, as what Chace expected, nandun na nga
lahat ng board members.

"Sir and Madame, I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Sabi kaagad ni Chace sa mga ito
sa pagpasok nila. Both he and Lana went immediately to where the projector is
located. Ipapakita kasi ni Chace ang lahat-lahat na nangyayari between the
sections.

Tutulungan na sana siya ni Lana sa pag-aayos ng presentation but he stops her,

"Just fucking sit down, I don't need you here." He rudely said kaya naman napilitan
itong umupo sa unahan, katabi ang iba pang board members. He's really pissed. Imbis
na ito ang pahihirapan niya, siya tuloy ang nabubuwisit sa mga nangyayari.

After Chace was done finalizing everything, sinimulan na niya ang presentation. He
was even kinda relieved nang makita ang ginawang presentations ni Lana, so far,
habang nagdidiscuss siya sa mga transactions between the sections, there were no
loopholes.

"So, ladies and gentlemen, any suggestions? What do you think will the most
appropriate and best approach for this?" Chace asked the crowd. They were talking
about the approach that they will do in order the consumers will be still into
them.

He then heard murmurings and whispers from the board members, most probably,
thinking what approach they will do. Napansin naman niyang si Lana na sinusulat sa
isang bondpaper at lahat ng pinag-usapan nila at katabi nito ang isa pa niyang
board members na si Mrs. Hidalgo.

"By the way," he noticed Mrs. Hidalgo sudden remarks and everyone looks at the old
woman. Pati rin naman si Lana na katabi nito ay napatingin dito.

Mrs. Hidalgo was raising her eyebrow while looking at Lana. Alam ni Chace mismo sa
sarili niya na once Mrs. Hidalgo felt something wrong on the person, magsasalita
ito kaagad at ipapahiya ka. He would say Mrs. Hildago is cruel but is good at work.
"Who the hell is this woman, Mr. Torres? Where's Ms. Reales? Diba siya yung
secretary mo?" The old lady asked him incredulously. Napansin naman ni Chace ang
biglang pagyuko ni Lana sa mga sinasabi nito.

He smiled mockingly. Gusto niya itong pahirapan as what he had already planned.
He'll ruin her life. "Ms. Reales is on leave, Mrs. Hidalgo, and Ms. Lana Stephanie
Tan is working here as a maintenance staff-to pay his father's debt, Mr. Gregorio
Tan's debt to our corporation. Kaya naman medyo gumaan ang utang nito, I made her
my secretary for the mean time." He said to the audience while Lana just pretended
not to hear his insults.

Nagulat naman ang lahat sa sinabi niya. But still, Mrs. Hidalgo managed to reply,
"What? Ito ang anak ni Mr. Tan?" She looked at Lana in grimace. Parang nandidiri
itong tignan si Lana. "Diba, may issues din ito? I heard she cheated your sister,
Cheska, Mr. Torres?" He knew Mrs. Hidalgo was already insulting her.

Chace flashed a devilish grin. "Yeah, Cheska saw her sleeping with her boyfriend,
Gino. Ewan ko ba, I think Ms. Lana forgot na may utang na loob sila sa mga Torres.
Kaya siguro nalugi ang restaurant nila. Mr. Tan could not even pay his 78 million
pesos debt to us." He mocked.

"Look at what she's wearing," Mrs. Hildago interrupted again. Pinupuna na nito ang
suot na maintenance uniform ni Lana, "This is an official business meeting, Ms.
Tan. Ano ba yang suot mo? Can you at least wear some descent clothes? Or are you
flaunting your real self at us? Like some desperate dirty whore?"

"Talagang mag-ama talaga sila ni Gregorio." Mr. Veneracion, Torres' Corp other
board member suddenly replied.

"Yes, they're good for nothing people." Chace remarked ruthlessly.

Pero nagulat na lang silang lahat nang biglang tumayo si Lana, she was now already
crying. Nang makita ito ni Chace na umiiyak, he somehow kinda felt guilty.

"This is it." She then faced Chace and smiled bitterly, "Ayoko na. Sumusobra na
kayong lahat as if you knew everything what happened." She said to them as she
tried to stop her tears from falling. "Mr. Torres, I quit. Suko na ako. I've had
enough of your insults. Siguro nga, tama kayo, karma namin 'to but I tell you, you
don't know everything what we have gone through." Tumalikod kaagad si Lana at
nagsimula ng humakbang papunta sa pinto ng conference room.

But before Lana opened the door, she turned her head at Chace, "Alam ko namang
walang patutunguhan itong pagtratrabaho ko sa corporation ninyo, Mr. Torres. Wala
rin namang kasiguraduhang ibibigay niyo ulit sa 'min ang restaurant. Well, maybe,
I'll just accept the fact na hindi na talaga. Then this will be the end, I will
quit working for you now, Mr. Torres. Ayoko na." She smiled at him bitterly and
stormed out at the room.

After that, Chace doesn't know what to react. He just remained silent as he watched
her walking away.

---

Umiiyak na inaayos ni Lana ang mga gamit niya. She was at the maintenance staff
room, fixing her stuffs. Nagbihis na nga rin siya para isauli ang uniform kay Mang
Jeffrey.

Ewan ba niya, she thought na magiging okay na ang pakikitungo sa kanya ni Chace.
Buong akala niya, magbabago ang tingin nito sa kanya because of what happened
during Mr. Ibañez's party. She always thought that even though the dark aura he
had, there was still good on him. But she was wrong. He was a cold and a heartless
man.

Lalabas na sana si Lana sa maintenance room nang biglang pumasok si Mang Jeffrey,
"Oh, hija, b-ba't ka umiiyak? May nangyari ba?" sunod-sunod na tanong nito sa
kanya. Hindi niya maiwasang matawa habang umiiyak dahil sa sinabi nito. Mang
Jeffrey was really worried for her. Ang sobrang bait nito sa kanya.

"Ayoko na, Mang Jeffrey. Suko na talaga ako. Pasensya na po talaga." By that, she
went out from the room.

Pa, I'm really sorry.

---

Chapter 10 - The Cruel Trap

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 10 - The Cruel Trap

"Last two weeks pa due mo, Lana. Sigurado ka bang mababayaran mo pa ang upa mo,
hija? Kailangang-kailangan din kasi namin pera e. Pambayad din sa tuition 'nung
bunso ko." Sabi ni Manang Teresa sa kabilang linya kay Lana. Nasa kanyang apartment
kasi siya, fixing her breakfast.
Tinawagan na naman kasi siya ni Manang Teresa, ang may-ari ng apartment na
inuupahan niya. At aminado siyang hindi pa siya nakakabayad sa upa niya sa
nakaraang buwan. Nagpapasalamat na nga rin siya na mabait si Manang Teresa kaysa sa
ilang mga landlady ng ibang mga apartments. Kaya minsan, tuwing sumisingil ito,
nahihiya siyang harapin ito.

"Opo, Manang. Ano, this week na talaga, babayaran ko na po talaga kayo. Talagang
walang-wala rin po kasi ako pero, babayaran ko po talaga kayo, this week na po
talaga." She answered. Gipit din kasi siya, malapit ng maubos ang savings niya,
kung may sweldo lang sana ang pagiging PGI niya sa ospital, mababayaran niya agad
ang upa niya. But only when she'll be in her residency years siya magkakasuweldo
na.

Hindi rin kasi niya dapat pakikielaman ang savings ng mga magulang niya, it was all
intended for his father's medication right now. At yung dati nilang bahay ay
naibenta na rin para ipambayad sa utang ng Papa niya sa isang bangko.

"Sige na nga, aasahan ko yan ha? Kailangan din namin kasi, ingat ka hija." Then the
landlady went offline.

Napasapo na lang si Lana matapos ang pag-uusap nila. Kailangan na talaga niyang
maghanap ng part time. She was really not thinking again for her rent. She even
worked hard for the Torres Corp para lang makuha ang resto nila but all her efforts
were put in vain.

Bigla naman niyang naalala ang pinsan niyang si Jerome, she quickly dialed her
cousin's number, hoping for some help, "Jerome, pwede ba tayong magkita ngayon? I
really need your help."

---

"Jerome, I really need your help." Panimula ni Lana sa pinsan niyang si Jerome nang
dumating na ito sa fast-food restaurant kung saan sila magkikita.

"Any help, sis. What help?" Her cousin asked her worriedly. Buti na lang talagang
may pinsan siyang mahihingan niya ng tulong. All her relatives were living in far
places at tanging si Jerome lang din ang kilala niyaang kamag-anak na nandodoon sa
lugar niya.

"Ano kasi," She bit her lip, "Paubos na kasi yung savings ko. Wala na akong
ipapambayad sa upa. Saka, I quitted working for the Torres Corporation." Napayuko
na lang siya matapos ibigkas ang huling mga katagang iyon. Jerome was really
expecting her na kakayanin niya ang lahat kahit anumang mangyari. But Chace Torres
is beyond the belt. Sumusobra na ito. Parang hayop na ang tingin nito sa kanya.

Medyo nagulat naman si Jerome sa sinabi niya, "W-Why?" He was confused. Alam nitong
hindi siya basta-basta sumusuko sa mga bagay-bagay.
Parang naiiyak na naman siya. She then suddenly remembered the insults he got from
Chace and from his colleagues, "Hindi ko na talaga kaya pinaggagawa nila sa kin,
Jerome. Ayoko na talaga." She began to sob, "Sorry, sorry talaga kung hindi ko
makukuha ang resto."

Jerome sympathetically smiled at her and held her hand, "Ano ba, alam kong
maiintindihan ito ni Tito. Saka, at least, you've tried your best, right? Tahan
na." Then she stopped from crying.

"I'm really sorry kung nag-expect kang makukuha ko ulit." Lana replied.

"Ano ba, basta, ang mahalaga, you're okay. It'll be going to be okay. Everything's
gonna be okay." Jerome said to her reassuringly. "Saka, I can lend you money para
sa upa mo. And pwede ka namang makitira sa kin, ikaw pa, ang laki ng utang na loob
ko sa pamilya mo."

"Talaga?" She couldn't believe what her cousin said to her, "Thank you talaga
Jerome, 'di bale, maghahanap ako ng part time job para man lang mabayaran kita."
She assured him. Talagang maghahanap siya ng part time para man lang mabayaran niya
ang utang na loob niya rito.

"Sige, I will also help you na humanap ng mga part time jobs. Marami akong mga
kakilala na makakapagbigay sayo, mga sisterettes ko. Basta, sis, nandito lang ako
lagi sa tabi mo. Handang tulungan ka." He held her hand reassuringly.

"Thank you talaga, Jerome." She tearfully said.

---

Dumating na rin si Lana at papunta na siya ngayon sa apartment niya dala-dala ang
perang pinahiram sa kanya ni Jerome para sa upa. Her cousin said that she can move
out tomorrow at 'dun muna pansamantalang makikitira na rin sa bahay nito. She
really felt after all what happened to her, she's still blessed.

Naguluhan naman si Lana na makita si Manang Teresa sa labas ng apartment niya at

ang mas lalo pang nakapagtataka, ngumingiti ito.

Well, she was expecting na kung pupunta nga ito ngayon, galit na galit na ito sa
kanya but expect the latter.

"Hija!" Nakangiting tawag nito nang makalapit na siya.

"M-Manang, ba't nandito kayo? A-Ano kung sisingil na po kayo ngayon, m-may
ipapambayad na ho ako, heto ho." Sabay abot niya rito sa 5000 dito.

But she got surprised nang bigla nitong tinanggihan ang pera.
"Hija, nagpapatawa ka ba? Ba't ka magbabayad ulit? Eh bayad ka na!" Masayang tugon
nito at mas lalo pa siyang naguluhan.

"A-Ano po? Pero hindi pa po ako bumabayad sa inyo." She answered her confusingly.

"Hija, may dumating na lalake rito kanina. Nakasuot na parang pambusiness na damit?
Yun bang parang pangbusinessman, binayaran niya ako ng one hundred thousand pesos!
Para raw sa upa mo for 20 months." Masiglang sagot nito sa kanya sabay pakita sa
isang puting envelope na halatang laman ang perang sinasabi nito.

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Lana sa sinasabi nito, "H-Ha? S-Sino po yung lalake?"

"Sabi niya, siya daw si Chace Torres, sabi rin niya, boyfriend mo raw siya. Hindi
ka naman nagsabi na may kamukhang artista ang boyfriend mo! Yung artista.. Yung si
Chris Torres. Torres? Magkapatid ba sila?" Anito sa kanya. "Saka parang hindi naman
siya yung tipong nanloloko. Mukhang mayaman eh."

Nagulat naman si Lana sa mga narinig niya mula sa matanda, ano bang gustong
iparating ni Chace sa kanya? "Hindi po kami, saka po, h'wag ho kayong maniwala
agad-agad sa hindi po ninyo kilala, pasensya na talaga ho, pero," biglang kinuha ni
Lana rito ang envelope, "Isasauli ko po 'to sa kanya, hindi ko kailangan ng tulong
niya."

Ibinigay na lang ni Lana ang 5000 niyang hiniram niya kay Jerome sa matanda, "Yan
na lang po. Galing po sa kin yan. Pasensya na po talaga kung matagal akong
nakabayad saka po, h'wag po kayong mag-alala bukas ho, aalis na ako sa apartment,
lilipat na po ako. Pasensya na talaga." Pagkatapos ay umalis kaagad siya.

Kailangan niyang puntuhan si Chace, ayaw na niyang magkaroon pa sila ng ugnayan

dito.

---

"Sōdesu ka. Kyō Mizuguchi o, watashitachi o shinrai shite itadaki

arigatōgozaimasu."

"Kami wa shukufuku shi, o wakare." Chace then ended the call after the transaction
happened between him and Mr. Mizuguchi. Gusto na naman kasi nitong magfranchise ng
isang business from the Torres Corp in Japan.

"Hindi ko kailangan ng pera mo!" Nagulat naman siya nang may biglang nagsalita kaya
naman napalingon siya sa likod niya. Well, he was just there standing, viewing the
beautiful city from his huge window habang kinakausap si Mr. Mizuguchi kanina.

Then he saw Lana raging furiously at him.

Napatingin naman siya sa puting envelope na nilagay nito sa table. Ang envelope na
ibinigay niya kay Manang Teresa kanina.

"Hindi ko kailangan ng tulong mo, Mr. Torres. At ayoko na ring magkaroon pa ng

ugnayan sayo. Kaya please, stop doing this!" Anito sa kanya. And as what Chace
observed, he noticed parang mas lalo yata itong nagiging matapang.

"Hmm." Chace just smiled, "Well, donation na sana ito para upa mo. Tuwang-tuwa pa
naman ang matanda na tinanggap ang pera, saying na may ipapambayad na raw siya sa
dalawang semester ng college niyang anak. Saka, I know you don't have a job para
makabayad ka sa upa mo, I bet being a PGI at the hospital didn't give you any
money. So think of it, it's like hitting two birds in one stone." He said matter-
of-factly.

"Kung sayo man ako makakatanggap ng tulong, 'wag na lang." She bitterly replied.
Ramdam na ramdam talaga niya ang pagkamuhi ng babae sa kanya, "Don't worry, I can
find some part time job para magkapera ako."

"Really? I hope you can find some." He gave her a tight smile.

"I don't need your help, Torres. At ayoko na rin magkaroon pa ng ugnayan sayo." She
stiffly said at tinalikuran na siya nito pero bago pa ito makalabas ng tuluyan sa
office niya, biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Lana.

"Hello, Jerome?" She started.

"Lana, I'm really sorry. Hinanapan kita ng mga part time jobs pero lahat sila,
tuwing binabanggit ko pangalan mo, tumatanggi. Hindi ko talaga alam kung bakit sis.
I'm really sorry."

Alam ni Chace na nakuha ni Lana na maraming siyang contacts sa iba't-ibang tao kaya
naman hindi ito basta-basta makakuha ng mga part time jobs. He blocked her from
every company that she could a apply for a new job.

Pagkatapos ay bigla namang napalingon sa kanya ulit si Lana, she looked like she
was about to cry.

And when he saw her with those expressions, he somehow felt guilty again.

Pero wala itong sinabi sa kanya at kaagad umalis sa opisina niya.

Then it started raining.

Chace just sighed after that. He remained silent for a few minutes after what
happened.

Pagkatapos, tumingin na lang siya ulit sa bintana and below, he saw Lana just got
out from their building, she was hugging herself as she walked into the streets.
Basang-basa na ito dahil sa ulan.

He got his phone from his pocket and dialed her number, "It's raining. Go back
here." He said when she picked up the call on the fifth ring.

Kitang-kita pa rin niya mula sa taas ang paglalakad nito sa baba, "Stop calling
me." She quickly cut the line off.

"Sir? Pinapatawag niyo po raw ako." Bigla namang dumating si Mang Jeffrey sa
opisina niya at napatingin siya agad dito but went back into watching Lana from the
window.

"I need you to do something, Mang Jeffrey." He just said.

---

"Lana, hija!"

Napatingin naman si Lana sa likod niya at nakita si Mang Jeffrey na may dala-dalang
payong papunta sa kanya.

"Mang Jeffrey." She was surprised to see him. Buti na lang umuulan kaya hindi nito
makikita na umiiyak na naman siya.

"Pinabibigay ito sayo ni Sir Torres," Inabot ng matanda ang payong na hawak nito sa
kanya, "Saka sabi niya, kailangan mo raw bumalik sa opisina niya."

"Sabi rin niya, hindi ka na raw magtratrabaho bilang isang maintenance staff.
Gagawin ka raw niyang secretary niya at susweldohan."

//

Chapter 11 - Drunk

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 11 - Drunk
"Sabi rin niya, hindi ka na raw magtratrabaho bilang isang maintenance staff.
Gagawin ka raw niyang secretary niya at susweldohan."

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Lana matapos marinig iyon sa matanda, she immediately got
her phone from her pocket at tinawagan kaagad si Chace, "Hello!"

"I guess, you're accepting my offer?" Anito sa kabilang linya. He really was very
confident that she would accept it quickly.

"No!" She yelled. Ano bang akala nito sa kanya? Na ganun lang kadali ang lahat?
"Look, ayoko ng magtrabaho pa sayo. And if you want to know, thank you so much for
making fun of me." She then put the line off.

Napalingon naman siya kay Mang Jeffrey na medyo naguguluhan sa pinagsasabi niya.
She just forced a smile at the old man. Nag-effort pa naman itong bigyan siya ng
payong, "Ah, manong, thank you na lang po pero hindi na po talaga ako magtratrabaho
sa Torres Corp. Mag-ingat po kayo." After that, she turned her back at him and
continued to walk. 'Di pa rin tumitigil ang pag-ulan.

Nalayo-layo na rin siya mula sa Torres Corp at buti na lang tumigil na rin ang
ulan. Napabuntong hininga na lang siya. Alam niya na mahihirapan siyang makahanap
ng mga part time jobs. Alam din niya dahil ito kay Chace which was probably that
the guy blocked her from all the companies she would apply for.

Naguguluhan na talaga siya sa ginagawa nito sa kanya. Sometimes, he's mad that she
can even imagine he would strangle her in any minute. Then bigla na lang ito
magiging mabait tapos kinabukasan, balik na naman sa dati.

Yes, alam na alam niya na malaki ang kasalanan niyang nagawa sa kapatid nito, kay
Cheska. And she deserves all the karma. But what Chace is doing to her is beyond
the belt. Sumusobra na ito.

Bigla naman nagring ang cellphone niya. When she saw his cousin, Jerome was calling
her, she immediately picked it up.

"Jerome, hello." She greeted weakly. She really doesn't know anymore what to do
with her life.

"Lana, I don't know what is happening, but my manager here, in my work, he's
threatening me na tanggalin ako sa posisyon ko. I don't know what's with him. He
just said that kapag pupuntahan mo raw ang Torres Corp, 'di niya itutuloy yung
pagfire sa kin." She could feel his cousin's voice was trembling. Isa kasi itong
teller sa isang bangko.
She clenched her fist. Alam niyang si Chace na naman ang may kagagawan nito. "Don't
worry, pupunta ako, ako ng bahala." She ended the call. Kailangan niyang bumalik sa
corporation. She needs to stop Chace bugging her life. It's okay if he wanted to
destroy her for his sister, but not to her family.

---

"Can you please stop doing these things?"

Napahinto naman si Chace habang kinakausap ang isang kliyente sa cellphone niya
then he turned around to see Lana-all-drenched and glaring at him furiously. As
what he expected.

"I'll just call you back later." He ended the call and glanced at Lana who was
still obviously mad at him, "Buti na lang bumalik ka rito." He was trying to tease
her.

"Why are you doing these things?" She asked him. Hindi pa rin naaalis sa mukha nito
ang galit nito sa kanya.

"Hmm," He paused for awhile then he noticed Lana frowned. He was really amused with
her attitude, "Let's just put in this way, I'm offering you a good offer, you'll be
my secretary and you'll be paid large amount for that and about your apartment,"
kinuha niya sa table niya ang envelope kung saan laman ang 100k na ibinayad niya
kanina kay Manang Teresa, "Accept it. Have a little mercy to the old woman.
Masayang-masaya pa naman niyang tinanggap ang pera kasi may pambayad na siya sa
dalawang semester sa anak nito sa kolehiyo."

"Besides, hindi ka rin naman makakaapply ng ibang part time jobs. I know you knew I
have contacts." He smirked.

"Ano bang gusto mo mula sa kin? Because if you're mad at me of what I had done to
Cheska, sana.. Sana pinapatay mo na lang ako!" He noticed a teardrop at her, "Bakit
mo sinasali ang pamilya ko? Yes, I know. Malaki ang kasalanan ko sa kapatid mo, kay
Cheska, sa best friend ko. And I deserved all the karma.. but please.. if you want
to make me suffer to hell, h'wag mong isali ang pinsan ko."

He became more amused at what she said. Now, he's really the bad guy in this game.
"It's more than that, actually, Ms. Tan." He smiled at her mischievously. I have
other plans of course. "But for the mean time, I need a secretary now. I will be
meeting with some investors later. I have your uniform on Ms. Reales' office. You
need to change."

Pero bago pa ito umangal sa sinabi niya, he quickly added, "Don't worry, I will pay
you."

---
Dumating na rin silang dalawa sa isang restaurant kung saan magmemeeting sina Chace
at ang mga investors niya. Lana was still silent while tagging along with him. She
was just wearing the usual secretary uniform.

"Did you bring the recorder that I told you?" Sabi ni Chace kay Lana. But the woman
just nodded. Gagamitin kasi nila ang recorder for validity of the meeting purposes.
Ganyan kasi siya. For him, papers are not enough to prove a contract and other
transactions.

Kanina pa ito tahimik at hindi siya kinakausap.

"Mr. Torres!" Napatingin naman si Chace nang may tumawag sa kanya. Then they both
saw a group of men in business suits, who were probably the investors.

Nilapitan naman ito nina Chace and they shook hands with each other politely. "Mr.
Rodriguez, I'm sorry we're late." Chace replied and smiled at the men who were
sitting beside Mr. Rodulfo Rodriguez, the president of R&R Incorporated. Mag-
iinvest kasi ito sa construction company ng Torres Corp. Well, Torres Corporation
is into diversified businesses.

"It's okay, Mr. Torres." Natatawang sabi ng matanda. "Have a seat." Anito at
napatigil nang makita si Lana na kasama rin niya, "At sino naman itong kasama mo,
Mr. Torres?"

Chace then sat as well as Lana who sat beside him, "This is Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan,
my secretary." He introduced her to them but Lana just forced a smile at them,
hindi pa rin ito nagsasalita.

"Tan?" The old man looked like he remembered something, "You're the daughter of Mr.
Gregorio Tan?"

Tumango lang si Lana and the usual, she remained silent after that.

Malapit namang mainis na sa inaasta ni Lana si Chace. He's getting irritated now.
Ano bang ikinakasama ng loob nito sa kanya? Mabuti nga't tinulungan niya ito-that
he gave some money to her, na babayaran niya ito na dapat nga ito ang magbabayad sa
kanya kasi may utang ang pamilya nito sa Torres Corp. But what the woman was
currently acting was putting him into off limits. Kanina pa siya naiinis sa inaakto
nito. Like no matter how hard he tried to stop her from getting out, lumalaban ito.
Her silence was getting unto his nerves.

"She is the daughter of Mr. Tan," Chace answered instead. "And let's start talking
about the investment, Mr. Rodriguez." He diverted the topic. He doesn't want to
explode because of his temper yet.

---
"Thank you for investing on us, Mr. Rodriguez," Chace shook hands with Mr.
Rodriguez again after the transaction was done. Nafinalize na kasi ang gustong pag-
invest nito sa kanila. The R&R Inc. president already signed the documents,
legalizing their transaction.

"My pleasure, Mr. Torres. Alam naman naming we are in good at your corporation and
we're expecting that." The old man cheerfully said. Nagsitayuan na rin ang iba mula
sa table. Of course, the meeting was already done and they were about to go out to
the restaurant.

"I assure you, Mr. Rodriguez." Chace replied.

Napabaling naman ulit si Mr. Rodriguez kay Lana na tahimik na tahimik lang while
the transaction was going on. "Ms. Tan, how's Gregorio? Matagal-tagal din kasi kami
hindi nagkita. Your father and I were used to be good friends when we were in
college." The man asked her politely. Well, Mr. Rodriguez was really different from
all the investors that Chace had talked to. Down-to-earth kasi ang lalake at
civilized.

Lana just smiled weakly at the old man, "Nasa ospital po si Papa, he's in coma.
Palala na kasi ang sakit niya."

Parehas naman silang lahat na nagulat sa sinabi nito. Even Chace got really
surprised at what she said. He didn't know. Wala siyang alam na may sakit pala si
Mr. Tan. Noong board member pa kasi ito ng Torres Corp, the old man looked very
healthy. Tapos nang napilitan siyang tanggalin ito bilang isang board member, Mr.
Tan was furious. Nagwala ito and after that, wala na siyang nasagap pa na ibang
balita. Because after that week, Lana was already at his office, wanting to get
their restaurant back.

"Uhmm, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Torres, I'm sorry pero may lakad pa kasi ako ngayon,
mauna na po ako sa inyo." Lana suddenly said at nauna nga itong lumabas sa
restaurant kesa sa kanila.

Chace really didn't know what happened. He's feeling guilty again.

---

Dumating na rin si Lana sa beach. It was already late in the evening.

Ewan ba niya, hindi na niya alam kung ano ng nangyayari sa buhay niya. Her life is
getting complicated every day. She's getting depressed more and more every day.
Minsan, iniisip na lang niya, tama lang ito dahil sa mga kamaliang nagawa niya sa
buhay.

Lana just breathed hard. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin. She
really thanked that this place was existing. She somehow felt relaxed nang
makarating na siya rito. It was like a relaxing haven to her.

"Ma, help me." She closed her eyes, feeling the cool breeze from the beach into
her.

"Wooo! Yeah! Someday we'll know, why I wasn't meant for youuuuu! Baby, baby, baby!
Someday we'll know.."

Naimulat naman agad ni Lana ang mga mata niya nang marinig ang lahat ng iyon. It
looked like a drunk man was singing the song that was really out of tune. Parang
kasing sumisigaw na ito.

Napatingin naman si Lana sa gilid niya at may nakita lalake sa di-kalayuan na

nakaupo sa buhangin na may hawak-hawak na alak sa isang kamay nito. There were also
empty bottles around the man.

But Lana just shrugged and continued her moment of peace. It was a public place
after all.

"Someday we'll know why Samson loved Delilah! Someday.. Someday you'll know that I
was the one for you! Yeah! Yeah, baby!"

Okay, that was it. The voice of the man was really getting annoying.

Napilitan naman si Lana na lapitan ang lalake, talagang nakakasakit na kasi sa

tenga ang pagkanta nito.

But her eyes got widened when she was near to the guy. He looked familiar.

"Chace Torres?" She said in horror. She was not expecting na nandidito ito ngayon
and as what she observed, naglalasing na naman ito.

And she really didn't expect him to come here. Lalo't ngayong gabi. Kanina kasi,
wala naman siyang napapansing may problema na naman itong dinaramdam, she even felt
Chace was enjoying tormenting her-blackmailing her to forcefully accept his offer.

"Baby, baby, baby ooooh, like baby baby..." Napatigil naman ito sa pagkanta nang
makita siya then he smiled widely at her, "Ms. Tan! Nandito ka rin?" Parang wala na
ito sa sarili.

"B-Ba-"
Chace immediately interrupted before she even finished her sentence, "Bakit ako
nandito ngayon?" He said in a very drunken voice. Bigla naman itong tumayo hawak-
hawak pa rin ang alak na nasa kaliwang kamay nito. "Well, wala kasi akong mahanap
na magandang lugar na pwedeng maglasing but I remembered this beach you told me."
He answered cheerfully.

Hindi alam ni Lana kung matatawa ba siya sa ikinikilos nito. Talagang mukhang
masayang-masaya kasi ito-opposite from Chace' usual cold and stiff behavior. And
the funny part, kumakanta pa ito na wala sa tono.

"I know I'm good-looking but can you stop staring at me?" He told her amusingly.

Bigla na lang siyang natawa sa sinabi nito, "You're really full of yourself, aren't
you?"

"What I told you was correct though. I knew, you also got intimidated by me when we
first met." He winked, "But anyway, I just want to have a cold dip into the beach."
Anito sa kanya at kaagad nga itong lumusong sa dagat. Tapos nakabusiness suit pa
rin ang suot nito.

Napansin naman ni Lana ang cellphone nito sa gilid. She decided to pick it up and
sat on the sand. She was stunned with what she saw on his phone.

ALARM:

CHACE TORRES AND TESS SANCHEZ

WEDDING DAY

"Hey."

"Ah!" Nagulat naman si Lana nang may nagsalita then she saw Chace who was already
soaked with water. Tumabi naman agad ito sa kanya.

"Uhmm," isinauli kaagad dito ni Lana ang phone nito and the guy just laughed after
accepting the phone.

"I know, iniisip mo na talagang baliw na ako but well maybe." Tinanggal naman nito
ang suot nitong black coat. Now, he was wearing his white long sleeve polo beneath,
he was really wet, "Ngayon sana ang araw na ikakasal kami. Well, if she only didn't
cheat on me. And willing naman akong tanggapin siya ulit even she cheated but truth
hurts, nagpakasal na siya sa iba at ayaw na nga niya sa kin." He added. She really
felt the pain on his voice even though he was sarcastic. And she really felt his
vulnerability.

"Ewan ko ba, they say, I have it all. Looks, wealth, brain, but damn." Pailing-
iling na sabi nito, "They're really wrong."
Tahimik lang si Lana na nakikinig dito. She just decided to look at the sea while
listening to him.

"Ang hirap. Mahirap pa rin kalimutan ang lahat. Every time, every minute,
remembering all those things, it really crushed me into pieces. Tuwing nakikita ko
siyang masaya na sa iba, masakit pa rin." He paused for a minute, "Say, am I really
out of my mind?" He asked.

Hindi maiwasang matawa ni Lana sa tanong nito, "You really are out of your mind.
Baliw ka. Parang ewan. Madaling magalit. Judgmental. Masama ang ugali. Magulo.
Lahat." She answered instead and amusement formed on his eyes after that. She knew
he was really drunk.

"Wow," Natawa pa ito, "Ganun na ba talaga ako kasama?"

"Oo, masamang-masama. Pwede na kitang i-nominate sa pinakamasamang tao na nakilala

ko." She jokingly replied.

"Well, that's an honor." He replied instead, natawa na lang si Lana sa sinabi nito.

"By the way," May kinuha ito sa gilid nito, it was a paper bag, "I heard from your
cousin, sira na raw yung laptop mo, so I bought you one." Inabot nito sa kanya ang
paper bag.

Lana was surprised at his sudden gesture, "A-Are you on drugs?"

Kumunot naman ang noo nito sa sinabi niya, "I am not!" He denied, "B-Besides,
you'll need it, you'll be my new secretary anyway. At saka, my Iphone din diyan,
alam kong nabasa yang phone mo kanina dahil sa ulan so your phone might not be
working anymore." He added sheepishly.

"Baliw ka talaga. Hindi ko alam kung lasing ka pa rin o hindi na," Natawa na lang
si Lana. He's really driving her crazy.

"You're welcome." He replied amusingly. "If that's the way of you-saying thank you
to me."

"Hmm." Lana just smiled. Then there was silence. Parehas nilang tinatanaw ngayon
ang dagat.

"I'm sorry about your dad. I didn't know about his condition." Chace broke the
silence.

"It's okay. Well, we both don't know each other stories anyway." She replied.
"Hmm," Bigla na lang ito napahikab, "Let's go home, it's already late." Tumayo na
ito. Nagsimula na rin itong maglakad but as what she observed, talagang lasing na
lasing na ito. He was not walking properly.

"Ah, okay, sige." Tumayo na rin si Lana, "But are you sure you can-"

Then that was it. He fell into the ground and lost his sanity.

//

Chapter 12 - Business Trip

Soundtrack for this Chapter, The Way I Loved You by Taylor Swift, vid on the right.

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 12 - Business Trip

"Lana, oh my gosh, thank you talaga!" Kararating pa lang ni Lana sa secretary's

office ay kaagad siyang sinalubong ni Denise at masaya siyang niyakap.

Napangiti na lang si Lana sa biglang pagyakap nito. Kahit hindi niya alam kung
anong mararamdaman niya ngayong araw, pero dahil sa masayang aura nito ngayon,
parang good mood na rin siya, "Denise, buti nakabalik ka na." She said as they
freed themselves from the hug.

Ngayong araw kasi, siya na ang magiging bagong secretary ng CEO ng Torres' Corp, if
Chace just didn't blackmail her, hindi talaga siya papayag. Then he was using her
cousin, Jerome para lang mapilitan siyang maging secretary nito. Tapos kaninang
umaga, she tried texting him na hindi talaga siya papayag na maging secretary nito
kasi mawawalan ng trabaho si Denise, but the man replied Denise will be promoted
into a Finance executive of Torres' Corp Finance Department.

"Oo," Denise cheerfully replied, "Maraming thank you talaga! Sa wakas, dream come
true na rin!" dagdag pa nito kaya naman naguluhan si Lana sa inaasal ng babae sa
kanya.

Napansin naman ni Denise ang pag-iba ng itsura niya kaya natawa ito, "Noon ko pa
kasi gustong magtrabaho sa Finance Department, tapos heto, dahil sayo, nasa Finance
dept. na ako!" She squealed. "Parang blessing in disguise ka talaga Lana! Buti na
lang talaga kundi naku, wala na sigurong pag-asa pang mapunta ako sa Finance
deparment. Si Sir Torres kasi, masyadog subsob sa trabaho kaya nakalimutan na 'nung
maalala yung application form ko para sa Finance Dept, tapos instant executive pa!"

"Tapos parang hindi na masyadong masungit sa kin si Sir Torres simula 'nung
dumating ka." Dagdag pa nito.

Kasi nga, sa kin na siya nagagalit.

"Pero don't worry, Lana. Mabait naman paminsan-minsan si Sir kaya alam kong
kakayanin mo. Sige ha! Kung kailangan mo ng tulong, tawagan mo agad ako. Sige,
punta na ko sa department ko." The woman happily winked at her at iniwan na nga
siya.

Lana just sighed. She really doesn't know what will happen next. Chace Torres'
attitude is really unpredictable. Hindi niya alam kung mabait ba ito ngayon sa
kanya o galit na naman. Tapos kagabi, nang maglasing ito, Chace was really
different other than his usual self.

But she shrugged her thoughts off. Iisipin na lang niya na ang lahat ng ito ay para
sa pamilya niya.

Nagulat naman siya nang biglang nagring ang telephone ng bagong opisina niya. She
then immediately picked the phone up.

"Uhm, Hello?" She greeted awkwardly. She really didn't know kung paano sumagot ng
tawag dito sa Torres Corp, or if she's gonna say something else other than just the
'hello' and 'good morning' greetings.

"Come to my office, right now." A deep-commanding voice said pagkatapos ay kaagad

nitong ibinaba ang telepono.

Lana was amused. Dumating na pala ito?

Kaagad siyang lumabas mula sa opisina niya at pumunta sa loob ng CEO's office na
katabi lang ng bagong office niya. This is it.

---

"Sir?"

Napaangat naman ang ulo ni Chace nang may nagsalita. There were still water
droplets over his body at nakatapis lang din siya ng tuwalya sa may bewang niya.
Naligo kasi siya 'dun sa office niya-to reduce the headache from his hangover last
night. Nagbabasa rin kasi siya ng mga documents nang biglang dumating si Lana sa
office.

"Uh, S-Sir, ano.. tinawag n'yo po kasi ako?" She sheepishly added and was trying to
avoid looking at his body. Parang naiilang itong tumingin sa kanya. He was amused
at her behavior.

"Don't worry, I don't go naked here, just only in my pad." He replied back, matter-
of-factly. Siyempre, professional pa rin naman siya. He just doesn't go naked in
his office, baka mamaya may mga maintenance staff na maglilinis or some stalkers na
makakita then will take a photo of it and spread it everywhere. Well, he's just
securing his family's name, especially when Torres' family is very prominent in
business and in entertainment industries. Adding that his other brother, Chris, is
a celebrity. Sometimes, people would recognize him as Chris.

"By the way, when somebody is going to call you at the office, greet them using
this line; 'Good morning, Sir/Maam, this is the secretary of Torres Corporation's
CEO, how may we help you?' That should do for a proper greeting and that's showing
respect to the caller." Sabi niya rito. Kanina kasi, nang tinawagan niya ito, she
was awkwardly replying to the call. And of course, the caller would find it
disrespectful.

"Y-Yes, sir."

"Saka, ba't hindi mo tinanggap ang laptop at ang phone? I saw it on my pad last
night, the paper bag." Nang magising kasi siya kanina, nalaman na lang niya na nasa
kanyang pad na pala siya. Wala na talaga siyang maalala bukod sa nawalan siya ng
malay dahil sa paglalasing niya kagabi. Then after that, he just saw the paper bag
on his living room.

"I don't need any help from you." She muttered in a low voice but Chace heard what
she just said. Namangha na naman siya sa sinabi nito.

"Well, that's your decision, but if you need it, just tell me." He amusingly
replied. "And you know, you can't get out from here. You'll be still working for
me." He emphasized the last line. And he knew, she knew what she meant for that.

Lana did not respond anymore, she remained her face blank.

Chace smirked. Lumalaban na ito, "Book a two flight tickets, use this credit card,"
kinuha niya ang credit card niya sa pitaka niya at inabot dito, "Two flight tickets
'cause we're going to Cebu this afternoon." He finally said.

---

"A-Ano, magtatagal ba tayo rito?" tanong ni Lana kay Chace nang dumating na sila sa
hotel kung saan sila magstestay daw sa Cebu.
Wala na kasi itong sinabi bukod sa pagbook ng ticket, he was just like commanding
her to follow everywhere he goes. 'Nung sumakay sila sa eroplano, the ticket that
she booked was an economy class one, wala naman din kasi itong ibang sinabi kaya
economy class na lang pinili niya at yun din ang pinakamura. But Chace later
changed their seats in the airport into business class.

Ewan ba niya, wala bang personal plane ang Torres Corp? Knowing that Torres
Corporation is a very huge empire of businesses.

And adding that, wala rin siyang alam kung anong dahilan nila para pumunta ng Cebu.

"We'll be staying here for three days." Tipid na sagot nito at nagpatuloy lang ito
sa paglalakad papunta sa reception desk ng hotel.

"Good afternoon, Sir Torres."

"Good afternoon, Sir."

Medyo nabigla naman si Lana nang may mga crew na bumabati rito. Kung ganun pala,
they own this hotel too. It was obvious the way the employees greeted Chace when
they arrived at the hotel.

When they had arrived at the reception desk, the lady crew immediately greeted them
and said, "Good afternoon, Sir Torres. Ready na po ang dalawang presidential suites
na request niyo po. Heto na po ang dalawang access cards."

"Sige, thank you." After that, mabilis na naman itong naglakad papunta sa elevator
ng hotel.

"T-Three days? P-Pero may duty pa ako sa ospital." She said at nakasakay na rin
silang dalawa sa ospital.

"You don't have a choice, you're my secretary." He said stiffly and remained silent
after that. Pansin niyang parang nasa bad mood na naman ito.

Dumating na rin sila sa floor kung saan matatagpuan ang mga presidential suites.

"Here's your access card," He began as he handed her the card, "Go to the left
side, nandun ang suite mo, mine is on the right. They're some clothes there too,
which are intended for your three-day stay here. I let them buy you some dresses
and it was labeled in every occasion that will happen during our three-day stay.
Mamaya, 7pm, wear the dress, and we'll meet at the conference hall on the 4th
floor." Bilin nito at pagkatapos ay iniwan na nga siya.

Now, she's really confused what's going on.

---

Dumating na rin si Lana sa conference hall na sinasabi ni Chace kung saan sila
magkikita and as she expected, the hall was filled with obviously elite people,
from ravishing gowns and tuxedos and elegant surroundings. Parang isang dinner
party yata ang kasalukuyang nagaganap sa conference hall.

Marami-rami ring mga tao ang nasa hall. And most of them are sophisticated people.
Halatang lahat ng nandodoon ay mayayaman.

Nasaan na ba siya? Sabi nito sa kanya, magkita sila sa conference hall pero ni
anino man lang ata, wala siyang makita rito.

She decided to find him in the crowd. Pero kahit anong hanap niya, hindi niya ito
nakita sa conference hall.

She frowned. She's starting to feel out-of-place now. Tapos, if she remembered it
correctly, ito pa ang may ayaw sa mga latecomers. But the guy himself was late.

Bigla naman nagvibrate ang phone niya. Then she saw Chace sent her a message. The
truth is, hindi rin niya alam kung paano nakuha nito ang phone number niya e hindi
naman niya ito nasabihan.

Fr: CN Torres

I will be late for an hour.

Just eat some dinner there and don't entertain strangers.

Wait for me.

--Torres, CN

He will be an hour late? Sana pala hindi muna siya pumunta rito. She didn't even
know the people here. Yung iba, kung makatingin sa kanya, parang nandidiri pa. For
short, the environment wasn't really welcoming.

May nakita naman siyang parang isang bar counter 'dun sa hall at napag-isipan doon
na lang muna uupo at maghihintay kay Chace. May mga tao rin namang nandodoon sa bar
counter, mostly men who are drinking some alcohols.

"Miss, anong gusto n'yo?" Tanong sa kanya 'nung bartender nang maupo na siya.
"H'wag ka ng magulat, nagtatagalog ako o English kasi alam kong kadalasan sa mga
tao rito ngayon ay galling sa iba't-ibang sulok ng mundo." Dagdag ng lalake sa
kanya.
Natawa naman si Lana sa sinabi nito, "Okay lang, hindi rin kasi ako taga-Cebu.
Uhmm, tubig na lang." Hindi kasi siya umiinom. She tried it once but for her, they
don't really taste great. "May hinihintay kasi ako."

Natawa naman sa kanya ang lalakeng bartender na tantiya niyang nasa middle-30's na.
"Sige, one glass of water." The man said as he gave her a glass and poured water on
it.

"Hey."

Lana was about to drink the water when somebody interrupted. Napahinto naman siya
at napansin ang lalakeng kakaupo lang sa tabi niya. He was wearing some maroon long
sleeve polo and she would guess, the guy was on his late-20's. And she would admit
too that the guy was kinda good-looking.

"Uhmm, hey?" She replied instead. Parang okay naman ang lalake, he doesn't look
like some sort of creepy.

"I hope you're not from Cebu, hindi kasi ako marunong magCebuano." He jokingly said
as he ordered some drink from the bartender.

Lana just shook her head, "No, I'm not from here." She politely answered.

The guy just smiled at him, "I'm Gerald Herrera, vice chairman of Herrera
Industries. Well, my dad is the chairman, from what company are you?" tanong nito.
Now, she got it. It was a business-dinner party at all.

"Uhmm, I'm Lana, secretary of Torres' Corporation's CEO." She introduced herself.
Mukhang mabait naman ang nagpakilala sa kanyang Gerald.

"The secretary of Chace Nicholas Torres? The super stiff CEO of Torres Corp?"
Namamanghang saad nito sa kanya. Parang hindi ito makapaniwala sa sinabi niya.

"Well, yes. You could say that."

"Whoa." Natatawang napailing pa ito, "It's one hell of a job you have there, being
his secretary. Nandito ba siya ngayon?"

Lana shook her head, "Wala, sabi niya sa kin, malelate siya ng one hour."

The guy then winked, "Then it's my honor to entertain you while waiting for him."

---
Mga kalahating oras din nagkukwentuhan sila Lana at Gerald 'dun sa bar counter. She
really enjoys his company. Palabiro kasi ang lalake. Tawa nga siya ng tawa habang
nagkukuwento ito tungkol sa mga nangyayari raw sa company nito with their
employees. Hindi niya tuloy maiwasang maikumpara ito kay Chace. Chace Torres was
the very opposite of Gerald Herrera.

"Lana, hindi ka ba iinom?" Aniya ni Gerald sa kanya. Kanina pa itong alok ng alok
sa kanya na uminom ng alak but she kept on rejecting.

"Ayoko talaga. Sorry." She rejected it again. Besides, ayaw niyang mapagalitan na
naman ni Chace dahil dito. And if that would happen, she knew, he's gonna insult
her again to the crowd.

"Lana just take one shot. It won't be that bad." He persuades her again at ipinasa
rito ang baso.

"Ayoko talaga, Gerald." She pushed the glass instead.

"Lana, just one shot tapos wala na."

Lana just sighed in defeat, "Fine," kinuha niya ang baso mula rito at kaagad
nilagok ang alak.

"What do you feel?" The voice of the guy suddenly became creepy. At nang tinignan
niya itong muli, her vision was starting to be blurry.

"A-Anong nangyayari.." Bakit bigla na lang umikot-ikot ang paligid niya? Tapos
nanlalabo na rin ang paningin niya. Hindi na niya masyadong nakikita ang mga nasa
paligid.

"You're such one stupid girl." Kahit hindi niya ito masyadong narinig, she
definitely knew Gerald said it.

"I know, she's stupid. And she's also irresponsible. I told her to do not entertain
some strangers, but here she is, talagang hindi niya sinunod ang sinabi ko." Kahit
parang hindi na alam ni Lana kung anong nangyayari na sa kanya matapos inumin ang
ibinigay na alak ni Gerald, she definitely knew who said those words. His voice is
already very familiar to her.

"But unfortunately, Mr. Herrera, she's my stupid secretary and she won't be part
anymore to your idiotic sex toy collection, excuse us." Naramdaman na lang niyang
hawak-hawak na ni Chace ang kamay niya papaalis 'dun sa bar counter.

---
"Hoy."

Napalingon naman si Chace sa likod niya at natawa nang makitang pulang-pula na ang
mukha ni Lana dahil sa kalasingan. Tantiya niya, the woman has low-tolerance on
alcohols.

"Naghohoy ka na sa kin ngayon." He just replied at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad habang

hawak-hawak ang kamay nito. Iuuwi na lang niya ito sa suite nito.

"Saan mo ba ako dadalhin?" Tanong nito muli.

"Ibabalik kita sa suite mo. You're not in good condition." He said as they finally
went out from the hall.

"Good condition. Ikaw nga tong may sakit sa utak!" Anito sa kanya. "May pasabi pang
ayaw daw sa mga latecomers, pero siya naman itong late!" Chace turned his head at
her again and saw she was raising an eyebrow at him.

"You're really drunk but well, if you want some explanation, I was late because Mr.
Renzetti called me about the new branch of your resto in Italy. He said they were
already starting in the building construction." He reasoned out at bigla naman
itong natahimik. Ilang minuto rin ay dumating na rin sila sa suite nito.

"Your access card?" Pero ito na mismo nagbukas sa pinto nito at kaagad itong
pumasok doon. Sumunod naman agad siya.

"What are you doing?" Chace asked when he noticed she was going to unzip her dress
in front of him.

Nakangiting tinignan naman siya nito, she really was very drunk. Parang wala na ito
sa sarili.

"Well, maghuhubad sa harap mo? Diba nga sabi mo, I'm a bitch? A whore? Slut? For
fucking your sister's boyfriend who was also my best friend?" Sagot nito sa kanya.
"So, here I am, have sex with me then." She added like she was really out of her
mind. Parang hindi ito yung Lana na kilala niya. She was smiling at him.

"You're drunk." Kinuha niya ang kamay nito at tinungo nila ang kama, "Matulog ka na
lang." He freed her from his grip at kaagad naman itong humiga sa kama.

"You'll leave me?" She suddenly said.

"I will before you'll wake up in your sanity tomorrow and I'm right beside you in
the bed, naked." He replied amusingly. Inayos niya ang kama nito. "And I told you
not to entertain strangers. Paano na lang kung hindi kita naabutan? Definitely,
you'll end up with that Herrera and he's more dangerous than me, if you want to
know, especially vulnerable women like you."

"Hmm.. Sabi mo naman na hindi na ako virgin.. Pero siguro nga tama ka, pero wala na
akong maalala.. Nagising na lang ako na.. katabi si Gino.. Then Cheska saw us..
Kaya I don't really know what it feels like having sex.." Lana suddenly said out of
the blue. Medyo nagulat naman si Chace sa sinabi nito. Wala itong maalala?

Napansin naman niyang parang nakatulog na ito. Chace just sighed at kinumutan siya.
He then turned his back and started to walk out.

Pero hindi pa siya nakalayu-layo, she suddenly called his name.

"Chace Torres.. Would you even listen to my story?"

By that, he stopped.

//

Chapter 13 - Misjudgments and Sick

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 13 - Misjudgments and Sick

"Chace, anak, buti nakarating kayo."

Kaagad namang hinalikan ni Chace sa pisngi ang Mommy niyang si Monique Torres nang
dumating na silang dalawa ni Tess sa bahay. Just like the old days, his parents
were organizing a family gathering again.

"Mom, you know how much I love you, you and Dad." He smiled at her warmly while
Tess was on his side, holding hands with him. Tess then also greeted her mother.

"Naku, Tess, Chace, nagpaluto ako ng maraming mga putahe. You'll love our brunch
today. Your dad was just here awhile ago but I think nakikipagchikahan yun sa Tito
mong si Kurt." Natatawang sabi ng Mommy niya sa kanila.

Chace just lightly chuckled, "Well, as always. Where's Cheska?" He asked, hindi na
niya kasi masyadong nakikita ang kapatid. He was been so busy with his work these
days. Kakaturn-over lang kasi ng Dad niya sa company sa kanya.

"Nandun lang siya, ayun, nakikipaglambingan sa boyfriend niya, kay Gino." His mom
suddenly sighed. "Talagang malapit na kaming magkakaroon ng apo ni Nick." She
jokingly added.

"Sige Mom, Tess, dito muna kayo, I'll go check on Cheska." Sabi niya sa mga ito at
iniwan muna doon. He decided to look for Cheska. Gusto niya kasing kamustahin ito.
It's been weeks since hindi sila nagkakausap. His other brother, Chris, minsan,
bumibisita naman ito sa kanya sa Torres Corp at paminsan-minsan din, Chris would
invite him for a drink. Subsob din kasi ito sa trabaho dahil sa pag-aartista.

Pero bago pa man siya makalabas para pumunta sa may garden ng bahay nila, he saw
Lana, his sister's best friend. Of course, he knew her, Cheska and Lana were best
friends since high school pero madalang silang magkausap because he would notice
Lana would be shy to approach him. Si Chris lang ang tanging nakakausap nito.

He was confused seeing her right there. Parang may tinatanaw kasi ito sa malayo.

Then when he looked where she was looking at, he noticed his sister, Cheska and his
boyfriend, Gino were happily hugging with each other.

Napansin naman niya ang itsura ni Lana habang pinagmamasdan ang dalawa.

She seemed sad.

--

"Arayy.." Napahawak na lang si Lana sa ulo niya nang magising na siya mula sa
pagkakatulog niya. Nang maimulat na niya ang mga mata niya, she quickly scanned her
surroundings. Nasa kanyang suite na pala siya.

She tried to remember everything that happened. She remembered the Gerald guy whom
she met at the conference hall tapos nang pinilit siya nitong inumin ang alak then
after that she just lost her sanity. Then Chace came along to the picture. Bukod na
'dun, wala na siyang iba pang maalala.

"Oh my god." Napasapo ulit siya sa noo niya. Sana naman wala siyang ginawang masama
o kahihiyan man lang dito.

Napatingin naman agad siya sa suot niyang damit and when she saw it was the same
dress she wore last night, she felt relieved. Akala niya.. Well, she was drunk and
she really didn't know anymore what happened and what she was saying from that
time.

Sana wala siyang ginawang mga kahihiyan kay Chace, baka kasi galit na naman ito sa
kanya dahil sa nangyari kagabi. But she does remember one thing he said, when she
was still at the hall, she really clearly heard it when Chace said she was 'stupid
and irresponsible'.

Nakita naman niya ang phone niya sa may table sa gilid ng kama niya.

1 message received.

Fr: CN Torres

Go to the Business Hall, 8th floor.

8AM, SHARP. Dress decent.

-Torres, CN

Napatingin naman si Lana sa nakasabit na wall clock sa kanan niya, it was already
7:45am!

"Oh my-shit!" Malelate na siya! Ba't ang tagal niyang nagising? At alam niyang
kahit anong pagmamadali niya, late na talaga siya and she knew Chace would be so
mad at her. Ganun na ba talaga siya kalasing kagabi? It was just one glass!
She quickly got up from the bed and fixed herself.

--

"Uhm, Mr. Torres, are we not gonna start yet our meeting? It's been already pass
thirty minutes, 8am ang meeting na naplanuhan natin but we still haven't started
yet." Mr. Dan Alcantara, president of Sky Airlines suddenly said. Marami-rami na
ring mga investors ang nandodoon na naghihintay na rin sa desisyon niya.

He was goddamn waiting for Lana to come up. He needs a secretary for the meeting
right now, to encode everything and the transactions that will happen pero hanggang
ngayon, hindi pa rin ito dumarating. She was starting to get on his nerves already.
Hindi ba nito nakita ang text niya? He goddamn reminded her to go here 8am, sharp.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I think my secretary won't come here anymore so
I'll just proceed to the meeting." He finally said and was about to turn on the
powerpoint presentation when suddenly, Lana came out of the blue-entering the room,
panting.

Napatingin naman sa kanya ang lahat.

"I-I'm so sorry, sir's and maam's." She awkwardly said as she sat on the vacant
chair on the front. She was just wearing a blue blouse and a black blazers then a
black pencil skirt.

"Ms. Tan, you took time." Chace suddenly uttered, matter-of-factly.

"I'm sorry, Sir Torres." Nakayukong sabi nito sa kanya. She was avoiding his gaze
at her.

Chace just exasperatingly sighed, he knew the moment he would respond to what she
said, it would be all insults. "Let's just proceed to the meeting, Ms.Tan encode
everything."

"Y-Yes, sir."
--

Nagsialisan na rin ang mga investors sa business hall. Ang tanging naiwan na lang
ay sina Lana at Chace. Chace was fixing the documents and files that he used for
the meeting while she was just there, sitting and waiting for him to finish. Tapos
na rin kasi niya i-encode sa laptop ang katatapos na meeting lang nila.

And now, she really didn't know what to do next. Talagang nakakatakot kasi ang aura
ng lalake ngayon. And by that instance, she already thought the worst. Baka nga may
ginawa siyang masama rito kagabi habang lasing siya at wala sa sarili.

Napansin naman niyang tapos na si Chace sa pag-aayos sa mga documents at napatingin

sa kanya. A frown was already forming on his face.

"You're late." Kahit hindi masyadong mataas ang boses nito like the usual scolds
she would have from him, alam niyang galit ito sa kanya.

"Matagal kasi akong nagising, I'm really sorry." She said instead.

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo nito, "I told you, I instructed you last night, not to
entertain strangers but look at what you did. Hindi mo sinunod ang mga sinabi ko."

"But you were late.." She tried to reasoned out, "And I kinda feel out-of-place on
that place.. kaya I decided to go on the bar counter." She mumbled.

She noticed the amusement formed on Chace' eyes, "And you really reasoned that
out?" He amusingly replied, "You were drunk and you're with this guy you didn't
know." He told her again, matter-of-factly.

"Gerald was being nice." She defended. Talagang mabait naman sa kanya si Gerald,
masaya rin itong kausap but until she lost her sanity when she took the drink, wala
na siyang alam sa mga nangyayari. "Unlike you.." she whispered. It was true, like
Chace has all these negative attitudes while Gerald has the postive ones.

After she said those things, Chace' expression suddenly became sour. "Wow," he
sarcastically replied, "You're comparing me to him? You didn't even thank me after
what I did." Pailing-iling na sabi nito, "You're really stupid. Now, I know why men
would love to play with you. 'Cause you're a naïve and stupid slut." He insulted.
Hindi naman agad nakapagsalita si Lana sa sinabi nito. He was insulting her again.

Chace noticed Lana's expression after he said those words, she looked hurt.

"Fuck," he cursed instead. "Forget it, magkita na lang tayo ulit sa lobby ng hotel
sa baba, 1pm sharp. We'll be picked up by a car and we'll go to the airport." He
just said at nauna na nga itong lumabas sa hall.

Naramdaman naman ni Lana ang pagtulo ng luha niya, she knew she was hurt but she
must gonna be used to it-his insults. Para lang naman din ito sa pamilya niya kaya
niya ito ginagawa.

--

Medyo naguluhan naman si Lana nang dumating na sila ni Chace sa airport. Kanina, sa
biyahe, parehas lang silang tahimik na dalawa. Until they arrived at the airport,
nauuna itong paglalakad. She was just following him. Ni hindi nga nito sinabi kung
bakit sila nandodoon sa airport ngayon at kung uuwi man sila, akala ba niya three
days pa ang stay nila dito sa Cebu?

When they were now at the airplane field, mas lalo siyang naguluhan when they
entered a private jet instead the other common plane on the other side.

And the moment she entered the jet, she was amazed. The plane really looked like an
extravagant living room of a mansion. May TV ding nakadisplay and other elegant
furnitures.

Then she saw on the plane's wallpaper design on the surroundings, it was all over
written in color gold letters, Torres Corporation.

Napansin naman niyang naupo na si Chace sa unahang couch and a crew approached him.

So, this cool private jet is owned by the Torres Corp?

"Lana!"
Napalingon naman si Lana nang may tumawag sa kanya, then she saw a familiar man,
nakacrew uniform din ito.

"Ikaw yung bartender 'dun sa hotel diba?" Bakit ito nandito ngayon sa private jet
ng mga Torres?

"Oo," The man said smilingly. "Saka, Richie na lang itawag mo sa kin. Crew din kasi
rito sa airlines ng mga Torres as well as 'dun sa hotel nila." He added proudly.

"Airlines?" Airlines? Ngayon niya lang narinig na may airlines pala ang mga Torres.

"Oo, kakabili lang kasi ni Sir Torres last month ng isang Airline company then he
changed the old company's name into TC Airways." He added.

Lana just became more amazed at what the man answered. Talagang nakakamangha
talaga. She would even think na lahat na yata ng mga negosyo ay nakuha na mismo ng
Torres Corp.

"Saan ba tayo pupunta, Richie?" She beamed. She really was awed with the plane's
surroundings.

"Sa Palawan, sa isang beach resort 'dun." He smiled and sheepishly added, "Saka,
sorry din. Kagabi kasi, hindi ko alam na ipapainom pala sayo ni Mr. Herrera ang
alak, masyado kasing mataas ang alcohol content 'nun at akala ko naman na siya ang
iinom at hindi paiinom sayo."

"Buti na lang talaga dumating si Sir Torres at kinuha ka. Hindi ko rin naman kasi
alam na mahilig daw si Mr. Herrera na mangulekta ng mga babae para raw gawing sex
toy collection niya."

Lana was then surprised at what Richie just said. Now.. Now she knew.

"Sige, Lana, magboboarding na yata tayo, maupo ka na. Don't worry, may magseserve
ng pagkain dito." Pagkatapos ay umalis na si Richie sa kinaroroonan nila.
Napaupo na lang si Lana sa couch na nasa likod niya at napatingin sa unahan kung
saan din nakaupo si Chace but she noticed he was already sleeping.

She was wrong about thinking bad to him last night after all. Siya pala itong may
maling akala.

--

Tahimik lang na sinusundan ni Lana si Chace sa isang hotel kung saan sila
magchecheck-in sa Palawan. And as usual, alam niyang Torres Corporation na naman
ang may-ari ng hotel because of how the hotel staffs and crew greeted Chace when
they arrived.

Narating na rin nilang ang seventh floor kung saan nandodoon ang chineck-in nilang
suites na dalawa.

"Here's your access card," Matamlay na sabi ni Chace sa kanya at ibinigay na nito
sa kanya ang card, "Magtetext lang ako if we'll be doing something." Then he went
for the right side.

Lana just stared at him while walking away from her. Hanggang sa mawala na nga ito
sa paningin niya.

She sighed. Alright, she misjudged him.

Lana decided to go to his suite and apologize. Maybe it was really her fault, kung
wala ito, baka ano ng gawin sa kanya ni Gerald whom she really thought the good
one. Pero hindi naman dahil may hidden agenda pala ito.

When Lana arrived at the front of the door of Chace' suit. She knocked the door
twice. "Uhm, Sir?"

Pero ilang segundo rin ay walang nagsalita. Akala ba niya nandito na ito ngayon sa
suite nito? And of course, she really remembered correctly his suite number kasi
magkasama silang nagcheck-in.
She knocked again, and again, there's no response.

"Sir?" She just decided to open the door and was surprised when it was open.

Pagpasok niya, napansin niya agad sa may kama ng suite si Chace, he was just lying
there, while his other hand was massaging his head. He looked like he was sick. He
was still on his business suit.

"Sir?" She immediately went near him. Sinalat niya ang noo nito, he was having a
fever.

"Sir Torres, may lagnat ka. T-Teka! Kukunin ko yung dala kong paracetamol sa bag."
Tumayo agad siya pero bago pa man siya makahakbang ay nagsalita ito.

"Lana," She turned her head at him, he really looked helpless, "Don't leave me."

//

Chapter 14 - The Reception

Typo errors are alot.

Sound track for this chapter, "I Never Told You" by Colbie Caillat, vid on the
right.

Chapter 14 - The Reception

"Chace Torres.. Would you even listen to my story?"

Napatigil naman si Chace sa mga yapak niya. Nilingon naman niya ito at nakitang
nakahiga na sa kama. Nakatitig lang ito sa kanya habang pulang-pula na ang itsura
nito dahil sa kalasingan.

Lana just suddenly laughed. She was really drunk and out of herself. "I bet even if
I'll tell you my story, you wouldn't still believe me. Malandi, slut, whore o
prosti pa rin ako sa paningin niyo." Bigla itong tumayo at nilapitan siya.

"Gusto mo pa rin bang malaman ang side ko, Torres?" She huskily added. But Chace
remained silent. Hindi niya alam pero may nakikita siyang emosyon sa mga mata nito.
Her eyes looked like she really needs help and hope.

"Hmm," tinalikuran siya nito and Lana started walking in circles, she was really
out of her sanity. Kung anu-ano na lang sinasabi nito, "I.. love.. I love him
first.." Her voice was broken, "But.. I know it was not mutual.. then.. Cheska..
came into the picture. Nalaman kong gusto rin niya si Gino.. So, I remained silent
of my feelings for him."

Nilingon naman siya ni Lana matapos sabihin ang mga iyon, she was now crying, "Kasi
ayokong sirain ang pagkakaibigan namin. Kasi.. gusto kong maging masaya siya kahit
ako lang yung nasasaktan."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Chace sa mga narinig niya and when he was about to say
something for it, bigla na lang siya nitong sinukuan.

---

Napaupo na lang si Chace mula sa pagkakahiga niya. Parang sumakit kasi ang buong
katawan niya. Then when he turned his head at the left, kumunot ang noo niya. Anong
ginagawa ni Lana sa suite niya?

She was lying beside him at may hawak itong bimpo sa kanang kamay nito. She was
asleep.

So ito pala ang nag-alaga sa kanya kahapon? He gonna admit that he wasn't really
feeling well these past few days. Subsob kasi siya sa trabaho. These past few
weeks, he was always doing overtime. May mga deadlines kasi silang hinahabol. And
he doesn't want to have errors on his work. Kaya siguro nagkasakit siya.

He stood up from the bed and noticed he still wore the same suit from what he wore
yesterday. Magshoshower na lang muna siya. He really felt filthy already. Saka para
na rin gumaan ang pakiramdam niya and later, he will smoke cigs again just to feel
more relaxed. He was really exhausted from his day-to-day activities.

Napatingin naman ulit si Chace sa kama kung saan mahimbing na natutulog si Lana. It
was already morning, mamayang hapon, may pupuntahan pa silang isang beach resort
dito sa Palawan.

He went near her. Gaya rin niya, suot pa rin nito ang damit nito kahapon. She was
really sleeping peacefully.

He then got the blanket up and covered her. After that, he was just staring at her.
He was about to caress her face but he stopped himself, "T-Thanks." He said then
walked away.

---

Nagising na lang si Lana sa naaamoy niyang parang usok na galing sa isang

sigarilyo, "Ano ba yun?" She complained as she got up from the bed. Napahikab din
siya and when she saw the wall clock on the front, it was already 11am.

"Oh my god." She said surprisingly. Ang tagal na naman niyang nagising! Napatingin
naman siya sa buong paligid niya then she realized what happened yesterday. Pumunta
siya sa suite ni Chace at napansing nilalagnat ito. Then she took care of him until
she just felt asleep.

And when she looked at the suite's balcony, she saw a familiar figure. Transparent
kasi ang glass nito kaya nakikita talaga niya kung sino ang nasa balcony.

She just decided to go to it.

---

"Masama sa kalusugan ang paninigarilyo."

Napatigil naman si Chace sa paninigarilyo niya at napalingon sa likod, he then saw

Lana who was obviously just gotten up. Well, he was just at his suite's balcony,
watching the magnificent place of Palawan. And he was also on his third cig when
Lana came up.

Smoking really made him feel more relaxed and at peace. Para sa kanya, it's like
his unavoidable addiction. It was also five years since he didn't smoke. Pero nang
maghiwalay sila ni Tess, he's back on his smoking problems again. Plus being an
alcoholic too.

Chace laughed at her sudden remarks, "Then good. Mas mabuting manigarilyo na lang
kesa sa magdroga." He answered at he put his gaze back on the beautiful view of the
city.

Naramdaman naman niya ang pagtabi nito sa gilid niya, "Stubborn, heartless and a
cruel individual." Biglang saad nito at nakatingin na rin sa magandang view sa
harap nila.

"Are you.. describing me?" He asked amusingly. Naubos na rin niya ang pangatlong
sigarilyo niya then he put it on the ash tray he was holding.

Lana suddenly nodded, "Yes. Ganyan naman kasi ang ugaling ipinapakita mo sa kin but
when drunk, you're crazy." Walang lingon-lingon na dagdag nito.

"And so are you." Chace replied and after that, both of them became silent. Parehas
lang silang nakatingin sa naggagandahang view sa baba ng hotel.

"I'm.. I'm sorry," Lana suddenly broke the silence. "Hindi ko naman kasi alam.. I'm
sorry for comparing you to him." He felt the sincerity on her voice. Parehas pa rin
silang dalawa na nakatingin sa kawalan.

"Hmm," Chace smiled genuinely. He was really amused with the woman's attitude,
"Well, as you say, we both don't know and we both have different stories to tell."

Natahimik na naman silang dalawa pagkatapos 'nun. Chace sighed at tumalikod na,
"We'll be going to a wedding party this 4pm. Dress up." He just said and entered
the suite first as he left her in the balcony.

---

"Chace, man, buti nakarating ka. Long time no see."

"Long time no see, Kent. I'm sorry, I was really busy." Aniya ni Chace sa lalake na
halatang groom sa kasal dahil sa suot nitong puting tuxedo. Ito lang kasi ang
naiiba sa lahat ng guests sa reception. Both of the men did a friendly handshake
while Lana was just beside Chace. She was just wearing a simple white floral dress
while Chace was wearing a white long sleeve collared polo and light gray pants. And
she would admit, it really suited him.

She was already feeling out-of-place. Of course, wala siyang kakilala sa mga guests
na nakapaligid sa kanila sa beach kung saan nagaganap ang isang wedding reception
na sinasabing college friend ni Chace dati. Yun lang ang sinabi nito sa kanya at
wala ng iba.

"Haha, no worries man!" Natatawang sabi ni Kent, ang groom dito. "I know how hard
it is to manage such a large empire and by the way, how's you and Tess? Akala ko
nga kayo pang mauunang ikakasal sa min ni Pauline." The guy added. Lana then
noticed the sudden change of Chace' expression.
"Wala na kami." He replied stiffly. Parang naging bad mood na ang aura nito dahil
sa tanong.

Nagulat naman ang kaibigan nito sa sinabi ni Chace, "So.. the rumors were true?"

Pero bago pa man may makapagsalita sa kanila, somebody called the groom's name and
got their attentions.

"Kent!" A familiar couple was approaching them at mas lalo pang nanlaki ang mga
mata ni Lana nang mamukhaan kung sino ang mga iyon.

It was Tess Sanchez and her husband, Benjamin Flores.

Kaagad namang nilapitan ni Tess si Kent at hinalikan ito sa pisngi, "Long time!
Kamusta ka na?" Masayang sabi nito sa lalake, hindi alintana ang presensya nilang
dalawa ni Chace na kinaroroonan nito ngayon.

"I'm okay, you? Whew, Tess! You're already pregnant." Masayang saad din ni Kent
dito. The pregnant Tess just laughed at what the groom said. Sa tingin nga niya,
parang matagal na itong magkakilala.

Napatingin naman si Lana kay Chace. He was furiously looking at the three who were
happily chatting with each other.

Chace suddenly coughed to get their attention. He remained his face blank.

Napatingin naman sa kanila sina Tess and the woman was also surprised to see them,
"Chace.. Lana.." The woman obviously didn't know what to say.

"Kent, we'll just go on our table now." Sabi ni Chace dito. Walang kaemo-emosyon
ang mukhang ipinapakita nito sa kanila.

"Oh-yes, s-sige, may nakareserved ng table sa inyo, for the food, the waiter will
just get it for you. Enjoy the party, Chace." Kent awkwardly said at tumango lang
si Chace dito. Pagkatapos nauna na itong naglakad at kaagad namang sumunod si Lana.

She really felt the tension that was going on there.

---

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Lana. Siya na lang kasing mag-isa sa table nila.

Kanina, when they arrived at their table, ilang minuto rin ay umalis si Chace at
sinabihan siyang pupunta lang ito para kumuha ng wine. Pero mahigit isang oras na,
hindi pa rin ito bumabalik sa table nila.

The reception was held at the beach kaya ramdam na ramdam talaga niya ang lamig ng
simoy ng hangin. There were also other people happily talking to each other on the
other tables. Talagang out-of-place na out-of-place siya sa lugar na iyon. Maski
kasi isa, wala talaga siyang kakilala.

She just drank the water she requested from the waiter para naman medyo gumaan-gaan
ang pakiramdam niya. She really felt puny right now.

"Lana?"

A woman suddenly approached her at muntik naman siyang mabilaukan sa iniinom niyang
tubig nang malaman kung sino iyon, "T-Tess!"

Tess smiled at her warmly. "Hey, mag-isa ka lang yata rito?" She asked. Talagang
medyo malaki na ang tiyan nito dahil sa pagbubuntis and Lana would also admit Tess
was looking radiant.

Lana forced a smile, "Uhmm, umalis kasi si Chace kanina pa. Talagang naoout-of-
place na ako dito." She answered sheepishly.

"Ako rin, haha, Benjo was talking to some guys over there," sabay turo nito sa
kinaroroonan ng asawa kung saan nakikipagkwentuhan din sa ibang lalake, "Naoout-of-
place na ako dito saka, I don't really feel talking to other people right now kahit
mostly kilala ko ang mga nandidito ngayon, but they were asking the same questions
kasi all over again kaya nasasakal na ako." Bigla naman nitong hinawakan ang kamay
niya.

"Wouldn't you mind that we shall have a relaxing stroll on the beach right now?
Para naman hindi na tayo ma-oout-of-place." Tess beamed.

"Oo naman," Lana quickly stood up from her seat and went together with Tess to have
a relaxing stroll on the beach.

---

"I'm sorry ha, kasi dahil na naman sa min kanina, muntik na namang magkaroon ng
commotion." Tess apologized as they walked together on the beach. Gabing-gabi na
rin at ramdam na ramdam din nila ang simoy ng hangin.

Lana just smiled. Hindi rin kasi niya naexpect noon pa man na Tess is a very simple
and kind woman. Parang hindi nga niya maiisip sa una pa lang nilang pagkikita na
ito pa ang mangangaliwa kesa kay Chace, "Okay lang. At least walang nangyari." She
said instead.
"He was still really mad at me. Hindi ko aakalain na ganun ang magiging epekto sa
kanya, sa lahat ng nangyari sa min." She softly said, "At.. hindi ko rin alam kung
mapapatawad pa ba niya ako, para mawala na ang galit niya sa kin."

Lana remained silent while they were strolling on the beach. Nakikinig lang siya
rito, "Hindi ko talaga kasi alam, parang boom, bukas, mawawalan na pala ako ng
feelings sa kanya. The moment I met Benjo on my work." She could sense regret in
Tess' voice, "I unintentionally fell in love with Benjo kahit kami pa ni Chace sa
mga panahong iyon, well, the moment I knew I was feeling out of love for him, gusto
ko na talaga siyang hiwalayan."

"Pero," Tess paused for a second then continued, "Ayokong.. masaktan siya. I mean,
alam kong masasaktan siya sa oras na makikipaghiwalay ako sa kanya tapos so sudden
lang then the worst, my reason would be I didn't love him anymore."

She suddenly heard the woman giggled after that, "I was really stupid for not
letting him know it sooner. Ayun tuloy, he really hated me to the core."

"Alam kong nahihirapan pa rin siya but he has to move on. Kasi kahit ako, I really
regretted everything I did to him. Gusto ko nga siyang kausapin para lang magkaroon
na talaga kami ng definite closure sa pagitan naming dalawa." She added.

"Lana," hinawakan naman ni Tess ang kamay niya, "Hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ang
meron man sa inyo, but I could sense it, what both of you have with each other is
positive. And I want him to be happy for real now. Please make him happy."

Lana was about to reply nang may napansing silang kaguluhan ngayon sa unahan kung
saan nagaganap ang reception party.

Kaagad nilang nilapitang dalawa ang lugar at nagulat nang makilala kung sino ang
mga nagkakagulo ngayon.

"Benjo!" Tess immediately went near to her husband who was now lying on the floor
with a blood on his mouth. Marami-rami na ring tao ang nagsisilapitan sa kanila.

Susuntukin sana ulit ni Chace si Benjamin pero napigilan kaagad ito ni Lana, "C-
Chace, tumigil ka na!" Lana yelled as she got on between them. Pumagitna siya sa
dalawa.

"Oh, now the slut is stopping me." Chace suddenly mocked her. His eyes were now
full of anger and hatred, "At ikaw pa talagang may ganang tumigil sa kin? Bakit?
Parehas lang naman kayo ah, you are just like them. You're a whore, a slut and a
bitch. Pati nga sarili mong kaibigan, inahas mo." Nagulat na lang si Lana sa kanya
na naman nito ibinuntong ang galit nito. He was insulting her again.

"Kaya nga siguro nasa ospital ngayon ang ama mo dahil sa karma mo. Parehas lang
naman kayo, puro mga walang kwenta-"
Everybody was shocked at what Lana just did. Sinampal niya si Chace bago pa man ito
matapos.

"Bakit ganyan ka kung makapagsalita sa kin?" She forced herself not to cry at
kaagad tumakbo papalayo sa kinaroroonan nila.

Sumusobra na talaga ito. Pagod na pagod na siyang intindihan ito. Sukong-suko na

siya.

Hindi na niya kaya.

---

"Ma, ba't ganito?" Lana was crying while she was sitting on the beach sand. Hindi
na niya alam kung saang parte na siya ng beach na napadpad. Talagang pagod na pagod
na siya sa mga nangyayari sa buhay niya ngayon.

"Bakit.. lahat sila.. galit sa kin? Tao din naman ako Ma, nasasaktan din ako.." She
cried as she buried her face into her hands.

Sinusubukan naman niya ang lahat na maging matatag. Na hindi siya dapat sumuko pero
dahil sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa buhay niya, parang unting-unti na siyang
nawawalan ng pag-asa.

"I'm sorry Ma, Papa, I'm so sorry that I'm a failure." She said between sobs.

"Lana."

Napatayo naman si Lana mula sa pagkakaupo niya at nakita si Chace. He was just
standing there.

Lana wiped her tears off and smiled at him bitterly, "Sana masaya ka na sa mga
insulto mo sa kin." She sarcastically replied. Napansin naman niya ang pagsisisi sa
itsura nito ngayon.

"I'm sorry." He just said. Yumuko lang ito.

"Let me go."

Napansin naman niya ang pag-angat ng ulo nito at halatang nagulat sa sinabi niya.

"Ayoko na Chace. Ayoko na. Sumusuko na ako sayo. Ayoko ng umasa pa na magbabago ka
pa." She bitterly added, "Kaya please, just let me go kasi pagod na ako."
Hindi naman ito kaagad nakapagsalita. He just remained silent after what she said.

Tatalikuran na sana niya ito pero laking gulat niya nang biglang hinaklit ni Chace
ang braso niya at niyakap siya.

"I don't want you to leave me." He said as he hugged her tightly.

"I need you."

//

Chapter 15 - Dangerous

Typo errors are alot.

The song for this chapter is titled "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce, it's the slow
version. Vid on the right.

Chapter 15 - Dangerous

"I need you."

Lana became stiff the moment Chace said those words.

I need you.

Ilang beses na bang ganito ang mga sinasabi nito sa kanya? At first, Chace would
treat her like a trash then suddenly, he would be so soft at her. And because she's
a fool and too naïve, napapaniwala siya sa mga sinasabi nito. Napapaasa siya na
magbabago rin ang pakikitungo nito sa kanya.

But it was all enough. Ayaw na niya. Sumusuko na siya.

"Let go of me." She sternly replied at binatawan nga siya nito. Then she saw Chace'
expression who was surprised at her sudden attitude. Hindi ito kaagad
nakapagsalita.

She remained her face blank. Hindi na siya magpapaapi rito, "I don't want to work
with you anymore, Torres. I resign." She said straightly.

"Please leave me alone. Sige, sayo na ang restaurant namin. I just don't want to
work with you anymore now." By that, she then turned her back at him and started to
walk away. Bukas na bukas, aalis na siya sa Palawan at iiwan ito. She doesn't want
to involve her life to him anymore.

---

"Maraming salamat talaga, doktora. Hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari sa anak ko
kung wala kayo." Sabi ni Aling Elena kay Lana matapos niyang tinulungan ang anak
nitong batang lalake dahil sa kombulsiyon. Kaagad kasing sinugod ng ginang ang bata
sa ospital nang kinombulsyon ito. Nagkataon namang siya ang nakaduty na PGI sa ER
sa mga oras na yun.

"Wala po yun. Ang mahalaga po, okay na ang bata." Lana smiled as she held the old
woman's hand assuringly. "Sige ho, manang. God bless, may irarounds pa po kasi
ako." Lana said assuringly as she left the room where the family confined.

She smiled again. Parang gumaan kasi ang loob niya matapos matulungan ang mag-ina.
Isa rin kasi yun sa mga reasons niya kung bakit niya gustong maging doctor. Gusto
niyang makatulog sa mga kapuspalad na walang pera para ipang-ospital.

It's been two days since bumalik na siya sa dating buhay niya. Pagduduty sa ospital
bilang PGI, helping the sick, etc. Dalawang araw din ang lumipas magmulang mangyari
ang lahat ng iyon, ang mga nangyari sa kanya doon sa Palawan. After the incident
kasi, umuwi agad siya at nagpatulong sa pinsan niyang si Jerome para sa plane
ticket and after that, wala na siyang narinig pa galing kay Chace. Hindi na rin
siya nagpakita rito. Nagpadala lang siya ng sulat sa opisina nito na magreresign na
siya.

At magmula 'nun, hindi na sila muling nagkita pa.

Lana suddenly sighed. Alam niyang may mga kamaliang nagawa rin siya sa buhay. And
she deserves a karma for that. Pero ipinapasa-Diyos na lang niya ang mangyayari sa
buhay niya.

Kanina rin, nagkasalubong na naman sila ni Gino but as usual, hindi na naman siya
nito pinapansin. Even if she wanted to clarify things to him, ito na ang umiiwas sa
kanya.

Ilang oras na lang matatapos na rin ang shift niya then she will go home soon.
Aaminin niyang napagod talaga siya sa duty niya, nasa isang public ospital kasi
siya nagduduty pero kahit ganun, she really enjoys her work.

"Doktora!"

Napalingon naman si Lana nang may tumawag at nakita niya si Janine na kumakaway
habang may dala-dala itong mga gamot.

"Janine!" Nakangiting tawag dito ni Lana nang makalapit na ito sa kanya.

"Good mood ata tayo ngayon, doktora?" Janine, her friend nurse, teased her. Natawa
na lang siya sa sinabi nito.

"Masaya lang ako sa trabaho ko." She replied laughingly.

"Naku, pwede ka na talagang inominate sa nobel peace prize doktora, ang sobrang
bait mo." Mas lalo naman siyang natawa sa sinabi ni Janine sa kanya.

"Grabe ka naman." She laughed more at her co-worker's remarks. And they both
stopped when Lana's phone suddenly rang.

"T-Teka, Janine, may tumatawag." She then picked it up, "Hello?"

"Hija," It was Manang Teresa, the landlady of the apartment she's living, "Hindi ko
alam kung anong nangyayari, bigla na lang may pumunta rito, sinasabing ipapasara
daw ang apartment kasi may nakabili daw sa lupa namin," umiiyak ito sa kabilang
linya and Lana got shocked at what she heard. Alam niya kasi na inuupahan lang din
ni Manang Teresa ang lupang tinitirikan ng apartment nito. "Tapos, ang asawa ko, si
Lando, bigla na lang tinanggal sa trabaho." Isa kasing driver ng isang corporation
ang asawa nito.

"Hija, paano na 'to? Tulungan mo kami.." Naiiyak na sabi nito.

"Manang, s-sige, pupunta na po ako diyan." She immediately turned off the call. She
was so shocked. Biglaan kasi.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit ito nangyayari ngayon sa mag-asawa.

Pero may naiisip na siyang taong may pakana nito.

---

"Manang!" Kaagad nakita ni Lana si Manang Teresa sa labas ng apartment habang

umiiyak ito at kayakap ang asawa nitong si Lando.
Napaangat naman ang ulo nito at napatingin sa kanya, "Hija." Umiiyak pa rin ito at
hinawakan ang kamay niya, "Wala na kaming kabuhayan.. Paano 'to hija.. Sa apartment
lang kami at sa trabaho ng asawa ko umaasa.. College pa lang ang anak namin, nasa
elementarya pa ang tatlo.. Paano na 'to.." The old woman said between sobs.

Hindi alam ni Lana kung anong mararamdaman niya rito. She doesn't know anymore, "S-
Sino po bang bumili ng lupa? B-Bakit po ba kayo pinapaalis kaagad nila?" She asked.
Wala naman sigurong may karapatan na gibain na lang agad-agad ang apartment kasi
may rights pa rin naman sila. Saka dapat sinabihan muna ang may-ari bago mangyari
ang lahat ng ito.

"S-Sabi nung m-mga lalakeng dumating, sa a-ano raw... b-binili ng Torres

Corporation.. tapos sabi nila, gigibain nila ang apartment bukas." Naiiyak na sagot
nito. "Wala naman kaming ginawang masama eh pero bakit ganito ang nangyayari.."
hinanaing nito.

Hindi kaagad makapagsalita si Lana sa mga narinig niya. As what she expected. It
was Chace who was blackmailing her again, using the people that were involved with
her. He was using his dirty tactics again.

Magsasalita na sana ulit si Lana nang biglang nagring na naman ang phone niya and
when she saw who was calling, it was her cousin, Jerome.

"Jerome." She started. Nakaramdam siya ng kaba sa biglaang pagtawag nito.

"Lana," Parang umiiyak ito, "Tinanggal ako sa trabaho..H-Hindi ko alam kung bakit,
ang tanging sabi lang sa kin na fired na ako.. Eh wala naman akong ginawa.. Lana
hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Pinagtrabahuan ko yun ng maayos para lang
makuha ang posisyon na yun tapos, tatanggalin na lang ako bigla? Lana.. bakit
ganito?" Sabi nito sa kanya. Parang naiiyak na rin si Lana sa mga sinabi sa kanya
ng pinsan niya.

Ano bang gusto sa kanya ni Chace Torres? Bakit nito sinasali ang mga mahal niya sa
buhay? Does he really want to ruin her life because of what happened in the past?

Why is he making things harder for her?

Yes, she knew she betrayed her best friend who's supposed to be his sister but this
is too much. Kung gusto nitong sirain ang buhay niya, hindi dapat nito sinasali ang
mga tao na nasa paligid niya.

"Don't worry, I will solve this problem." She said to them.

---

"Bakit ka ba ganyan?!"
Walang pasintabing pumasok kaagad si Lana sa opisina ng CEO ng Torres Corporation.
She really needs to talk to him. Ayaw na niyang masali pa sa mga kaguluhan nito sa
buhay. She doesn't want to get her family involved with this heartless and ruthless
man.

Chace, who was busy typing for a document on his laptop, stood up and was stunned
to see her. Parang namamangha pa itong makita siya na nandun.

"Hindi ko aakalain na ganito ka kabilis pupunta rito, Ms. Tan." He mischievously

grinned. But Lana's enraged expression still didn't change. She was fuming mad for
what he did to them. For blackmailing her just to work with him again.

"Ano bang gusto mo sa kin? Ba't mo ba sinasali ang pamilya ko?" She asked as she
clenched her fists. Talagang sumusobra na ito sa pinaggagagawa nito sa kanya.

"Because I want to." Chace simply answered. Umalis ito sa kinaroroonan nito at
naglakad papalapit sa kanya.

"Kung gusto mong sirain ang buhay ko, h'wag mong isali ang ibang tao!" Sumbat niya
rito. Kahit alam niyang naiiyak na siya, pinipilit niya pa rin maging matatag at
hindi magmukhang duwag sa harap nito.

"Hmm," He looked amused at what he said. It was like he was enjoying tormenting
her. Parang masaya pa ito sa mga nangyayari sa buhay niya, "I have other plans." He
replied as he continued to walk near her. He was wearing his usual business suit.

Napaatras naman si Lana, "Ayoko ng magtrabaho pa ulit sayo, Chace. Ayoko na.
Sobrang-sobra na ang mga ginagawa mo sa kin. Kaya please.. let me go." She cried.
Tuluyan na nga siyang napaiyak.

"I don't want to get involved with you anymore! Tigilan mo na 'tong mga ginagawa mo
sa kin. Ayoko na! Bitawan mo na ako!" She furiously yelled as tears still continued
to flow at her eyes.

"Stop being so heartless." She added.

Chace' face suddenly changed, parang may nararamdam siyang hindi maganda sa aura
nito.

Naramdaman na lang ni Lana sa likod niya ang pader dahil sa pag-atras niya, now
Chace is really near her. She was cornered.

He suddenly held her chin up, she could even feel the hotness of his breath now,
"Heartless? Then I won't go easy on you, Lana Stephanie Tan. You're messing up with
the wrong man. 'Cause what you think about me is more than that." He coldly said.
"I'm dangerous." By that, he forcefully kissed her.

//

Chapter 16 - Crazy

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 16 - Crazy

Lana was shocked when Chace forcefully kissed her.

"A-Ano b-ba!" Pero kahit pilit na pagpupumiglas niya rito, hindi niya nagawa. She
kept resisting but the man was so strong. Hinawakan nito ang dalawang kamay niya ng
mahigpit para hindi siya makawala.

Chace was forcefully kissing her. Nakasandal pa rin siya sa pader at napaiyak na
lang. She was already feeling the pain between his kisses. Parang pumutok ang labi
niya.

Naramdaman naman ni Chace ang pagtulo ng luha ni Lana. Then he stopped and saw Lana
who was now shaking and crying because of what he just did. Napansin din niyang
dumugo na ang labi nito.

He was being too harsh.

Binitawan na niya ang mga kamay nito. He closed his eyes and sighed, "I'm.. Y-You
can go.. You'll work for me here again tomorrow," Tinalikuran na niya ito at
nagsalita muli, "May susundo sayo bukas para ihatid ka rito. Sige." He just said at
naramdaman naman niya ang mga yapak nito papalabas ng opisina niya.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit ganun na lang. The moment he saw her crying because he
forcefully kissed her, he felt guilty again. Parang nakukonsensya na tuloy siya sa
mga pinaggagagawa niya rito.

Kahit alam niyang nasasaktan ito sa mga ginagawa niya, he couldn't help himself to
feel out of his sanity the moment he would see her fragility in front of him.

And he's gonna admit.

Lana's making him really crazy now.

---

Umiiyak na inaayos ni Lana ang sarili niya sa harap ng salamin ng apartment niya.
Kahit anong hilamos niya sa mukha niya, hindi talaga nawala ang dalawang malaking
eyebags niya dahil sa kakaiyak niya kagabi. Kahit nga ang labi niya na namaga dahil
din sa nangyari kagabi, nilagyan na niya ng lipstick pero obvious pa rin.

Hindi na niya talaga alam. Hindi niya maintindihan kung anong motibo sa kanya ni
Chace. Sometimes, she would feel that in anytime, he would crush her body into
pieces and ruin her life mercilessly.

Sometimes, magugulat na lang siya at maguguluhan dito. Like when she saw the guilt
on his eyes again. Parang kasing naaawa ito sa kanya at nakukonsensya.

And just now, narinig niya mula kay Manang Teresa na hindi na gigibain ang
apartment and hindi matutuloy ang pag-alis nila sa lugar. Gayun din naman sa
pinsang niyang si Jerome na tinext siyang pinababalik ito ulit sa trabaho. And she
knew who was behind on those sudden events.

Hindi niya maintindihan ang ugali nito. The guy is really complicated to
understand.

At ngayon, kahit anong gawin niya, wala na siyang kawala pa rito. He was
blackmailing her and he was using her family so that she won't escape from his
heartless charade.

Nakarinig naman si Lana ng katok mula sa pinto ng apartment niya, "Teka." She said
as she went near the door to open it.

Nang mabuksan na niya ang pinto, she was stunned to see Mang Jeffrey, all-smiling
at her. Good mood yata ito.

"Ako ang maghahatid sayo hija, papunta sa Torres Corp building. Utos ni Sir
Torres."

---

Naglalakad na siya ngayon papunta sa office niya bilang secretary ulit ni Chace si
Lana. Kasama pa rin niya si Mang Jeffrey hanggang doon. Hindi pa masyadong marami
ang mga employees na nasa building. Well, it was only 8am nang dumating sila.
8:30am pa kasi ang office time dito.

She just remained silent the whole time. Kahit nga mismo sa paghatid ng matanda sa
kanya papunta sa opisina, hindi siya nagsasalita. She was just tired with the shits
happening to her life.

"Hija, alam kong masama ang loob mo sa mga nangyayari." Bigla naman nagsalita ang
matanda sa likod niya. Sakto namang nasa harap na siya ng pinto ng office niya.

"Pero mabait si Sir. Mabait yang si Sir Chace. Siguro nga dahil ngayon, sa mga
nangyari sa buhay niya, naging ganyan siya. Mabait yan sa ming mga empleyado rito."
Napalingon naman si Lana sa matanda sa mga sinasabi nito sa kanya.

The old man smiled at her, "Oo, talagang gusto niya tama ang lahat, walang mali sa
mga ginagawa namin pero 'pag yan, hiningan mo ng tulong, tumutulong agad yan. Kapag
kailangan namin ng tulong, kagaya ko na nasa maintenance staff, hindi siya
nagdadalawang-isip na tulungan kami, sa pera man o hindi. Sa katunayan nga, mahigit
kalahati ng sweldo niya rito sa corp, ibinigay niya sa mga charity foundations o
'di kaya sa 'ming mga empleyado, bilang bonuses. Hindi kasi yan maluho si Sir. Saka
kapag nagdodonate yan, palaging anonymous donor ang inilalagay, hindi ang pangalan
niya." Mang Jeffrey said to her proudly but she just remained her face blank.

Hindi talaga niya alam kung anong mararamdaman niya sa mga sinasabi nito sa kanya.

"Magiging maayos din ang lahat hija. Bigyan mo lang siya ng konting panahon,
babalik din siya sa dati. Sige, ingat ka ha?" Pagkatapos ay iniwan na nga siya
nito. She sighed and just entered her office.

Pagkapasok naman niya, bigla namang nagring ang telephone ng office niya. She
immediately grabbed and took a deep breath.

"Hello, good morning. This is the secretary of Torres Corporation's CEO, how may we
help you?" She greeted weakly.

A familiar voice answered her on the other line, "Come to my office now."

---

Pumasok naman kaagad si Lana sa office ng CEO. Malapit lang kasi ang opisina nito
sa kanya.

Then she saw the very familiar figure. Nakatalikod itong nakatayo habang tinatanaw
ang tanawin sa labas ng malaking transparent glass ng office nito.

"Sir." She said as she straightened her face. Hinding-hindi siya magpapaapekto sa
mga masasakit na sinabi nito sa kanya.

Chace then turned his face at her and she noticed his face expression changed the
moment he saw her. She saw pity, guilt and concern on his eyes.

"Wait," Anito at may kinuha sa drawer sa office table nito. Senenyasan siya nitong
umupo sa couch na nasa gilid ng pinto ng opisina nito. Then she sat there as he
went near her.

Tumabi naman ito sa kanya, "Look at me." His voice was commanding kaya naman
sumunod siya sa sinabi nito. She forced herself not to cry while looking at him.
Bumabalik kasi ang masasakit na ginawa nito sa kanya habang kaharap niya ito.

Napansin naman niya ang hawak nitong box. It was an ointment. Binuksan nito iyon at
kumuha ng konting ointment sa daliri nito at ipinahid sa labi niyang namaga. He
really looked serious while putting the ointment on her lips.

Bigla namang may tumulong luha sa kaliwang mata ni Lana. But even though a tear had
escaped from her eye, her face still remained emotionless. She forced herself not
to cry for more or she'll look like a battered soldier in front of him.

Napansin naman 'yon ni Chace and regret was immediately etched on his face.
Napatigil ito sa paglagay ng ointment sa labi niya. "I know this is ridiculous.
Hindi ko alam kung tama itong binili kong ointment 'cause I'm not a doctor myself."
Sabi nito sa kanya at napatingin sa ibang direksiyon.

But Lana didn't say any word.

"I know you hate me." He suddenly said. Definitely.

Bigla naman itong tumayo, "I'll be meeting Ms. Zarossa this 1pm, come with me
later."

---

Dumating na rin sina Chace at Lana sa restaurant kung sila magkikita sa sinasabi
nitong si Ms. Zarossa. Lana was still quiet while following him. Hindi siya
kumikibo kahit man sa biyahe nila papunta sa resto. She didn't really felt the
thing to talk to him. Nawawalan na siya ng gana na umasang iiba rin ang pakikitungo
nito sa kanya. She already had enough from his ruthlessness.

She really wanted to believe what Tess had said to her, that she could change him
but reality struck. Hindi na talaga ito magbabago.

"Chace!" Someone called their attention as they saw a woman, probably on her late
twenties, waving at them.

Lumapit naman ito sa kanila at hinalikan si Chace sa pisngi, "Long time no see!"
The woman beamed.

"Diana." Chace forced a smile at natawa naman ang babae sa inasal nito.

"Still grumpy, huh?" Natatawang sabi nito. Sa tingin nga niya, matagal na itong
magkakilala.

Umupo na silang tatlo sa nakareserved na table para sa kanila.

"Kamusta ka na?" The woman asked Chace enthusiastically. "Narinig kong ang bitter
mo na raw." The woman whom Chace called Diana, teased. But the man frowned. Parang
ayaw nitong makausap ang babae.

Diana then noticed Lana who was just sitting quietly beside Chace, she
mischievously smiled, "And who's this pretty woman beside you?"

Chace answered stiffly, "She's Lana Stephanie Tan. My secretary. And we're just
here for serious business, Ms. Zarossa. So, be serious."

"Oh my, oh my," Mas lalo pa itong natawa. "Tama nga ang sinasabi nila, mas lalo ka
ngang naging bitter," pailing-iling na sabi nito. "Sana naging ganyan din si Chris
nang magkahiwalay kami, pero ang mokong, walang kabitter-bitter, masaya pa atang
magkahiwalay kami." She said jokingly.

"Your relationship with him was just a dare," Chace said matter-of-factly.

Diana laughed again, "Well, yeah. Kaya nga kami nagkahiwalay agad kasi hindi kami
nakatiis sa isa't-isa. When we became a couple, it just shouted trouble."

"Let's just get started." Chace added irritatingly.

But Diana didn't bother with his comment and just turned at her, "Hey Lana." She
smiled cheerfully. "So, you're the daughter of Mr. Gregorio Tan?"

Daughter of Mr. Gregorio Tan. The same lines, the same insults. Iinsultuhin na
naman siya. Saka ano pa bang ineexpect niya? Of course, kaya siya sinasama na naman
ni Chace para ipahiya.

She nodded, "Ako nga." She answered matter-of-factly.

"Hmm," Diana smiled again at her, parang nag-iisip ito, "That guy beside you,"
tinuro nito si Chace as he literally rolled his eyes, he was obviously irritated
when Diana mentioned his name, "Paid your father's bill on my hospital. All of it."
The woman said proudly. Now, she knew why the Zarossa surname was familiar to her,
Diana Zarossa is the owner of Zarossa General Hospital. The hospital where her
father is currently confined.

Nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito. Hindi niya alam kung anong mararamdaman niya
sa sinabi sa kanya ni Diana. But she shrugged her thoughts off. She knew what
Chace' motives were. And definitely, gagamitin na naman nito iyon para iblackmail
siya. That she cannot escape from him. Gagamitin na naman iyon ng lalake para hindi
siya magresign bilang secretary nito.

"But that will be not the business we'll talk about, actually, it's about you being
an intern on a public hospital, Lana." Hinawakan nito nito ang kamay niya. She knew
the woman was not rude to her but she just couldn't accept the fact that Chace was
blackmailing her again.

"You know, our hospital, has advanced facilities. At alam kong you're gonna be a
good doctor, Lana. As what I saw from your credentials. So," Diana paused for a
moment, "I'm offering you na lumipat na lang sa hospital namin. And don't worry,
for the scholarship that you are currently having now, ako ng bahala 'dun. Besides,
sa tingin ko nga, we can give you more opportunities than the scholarship you are
having now."

Natahimik naman silang lahat matapos sabihin iyon ni Diana. She noticed Diana was
really waiting for her answer expectantly.

But instead, Lana stood up, "Thank you, Ms. Zarossa but, I couldn't accept your
offer." She suddenly said at napansin naman niya na nagulat si Diana sa isinagot
niya, "I'm sorry pero may trabaho pa ako sa Torres Corp. Sige, mauna na ako." Lana
smiled at them forcefully as she also noticed Chace stunned expression.

Tinalikuran na niya ang mga ito at naglakad na papalabas ng restaurant. Ano pa bang
ineexpect niya? Chace would do anything para lang hindi siya makawala sa mga kamay
nito. Ginamit pa nito ang pagbayad ng lahat ng bills ng Papa niya ospital. Chace is
using his dirty schemes at her again.

"Lana."

Napahinto naman si Lana sa mga yapak niya at napalingon. Then she saw Chace who was
frowning at her, "What are you doing?" He asked her irritatingly.

"Well," Lana smiled sarcastically, "Kung isa na naman ito sa mga laro mo, ayoko na
Chace. Saka h'wag mo na ngang gamitin ang pamilya ko. 'Cause no matter how I try to
escape from your ruthless charade, I'm already trapped. Babalik na ako sa opisina."
Aniya rito at tinalikuran ulit ito.

---
"Lana, pakisign naman ito kay Sir Torres, ngayon o. Ngayon na kasi ang deadline
niyan." Sabi ni Denise kay Lana saka inabot dito ang isang document. Nasa opisina
pa kasi sila at ilang minuto na lang, uuwi na rin siya. It was already 10pm. Nag-
overtime kasi siya sa dami ng documents na dapat niyang i-encode sa araw na iyon.
Tapos bukas, magpapaalam na naman siya na hindi na naman siya makakaduty sa ospital
bilang intern.

"S-Sige. Ako ng bahala." She smiled at Denise reassuringly.

"Thank you, Lan. Sige, alis na rin ako. Ingat ka." Then Denise went out.
Napabuntong hininga na lang si Lana matapos itong umalis. Haharapin na naman niya
ang CEO ng Torres Corp para ipapirma ang document. Parehas din kasi silang lahat na
nag-overtime ngayong araw. Lahat kasi sila, may hinahabol na deadlines sa mga
ginagawa nila. And as like the others, she doesn't want that the CEO would insult
her again for working so slow.

She called Chace' office using her office telephone. Pero ilang beses na nagring
ang telephone nito, walang sumasagot. She tried to call his office again but still,
no respond.

Naguluhan naman siya. Umalis na ba ito?

Kinuha na lang niya ang cellphone niya sa bulsa at 'dun na lang tatawagan. He might
answer her call now.

And on the fifth ring, he finally answered her call, "H-Hello?" She sensed he was
not in the right state now.

"Sir, may ipapapirma ang Finance Department na document sa inyo." She straightly
said. Hindi na siya dapat matatakot dito.

"Oh. It's you, Lana." He sounded different, "I'm already at my pad now. Can you
give that to me here instead? Thanks." Kaagad nitong ibinaba ang kabilang linya.
She sighed again. The man is really impossible.

---

She knocked three times the moment she arrived at his bachelor's pad. Buti na lang
talagang nandun pa si Mang Jeffrey sa Torres Corp kaya naihatid siya gamit ang
company car papunta sa pad ng CEO. Gabing-gabi pa naman at hindi niya alam kung
makakasakay pa siya ng matinong sasakyan papunta sa lugar nito kung magcocommute
siya.

"That's open." A voice inside the pad suddenly said. Pumasok naman kaagad si Lana.

Then she saw Chace who currently sitting on the couch on his pad's living room
while watching TV. May nakakalat ding mga beer sa center table nito. He was just
focusing at watching the TV on his black sweatpants while he was naked on the
above. For short, he was not wearing any top.

"Ibinigay sa kin 'to ni Ms. Reales, a document from Finance Department na kailangan
niyong pirmihan." She said straight to the point as she handed the document at
Chace.

Tinanggap naman ni Chace ang document at marahang binasa. He was not even looking
at her when he accepted the document, he just focused on reading it instead.

"Hindi mo man lang binasa 'to." He suddenly said irritatingly. Nakakunot na ang noo
nito habang binabasa ang document. There were mistakes obviously on the document he
was currently reading.

"I gave them ample of time to work on this but still, they got it wrong." He was
mad. Magkasalubong na ang kilay habang binabasa ang document. "Tapos magpapirma na
sila? That's bullshit." He swore as he kept reading the document.

"Hindi mo man lang ba ito binasa? Well, what do I expect from you?" He said
mockingly as he faced her. But Lana's face was emotionless. She remained a blank
face.

Lana didn't utter any word at his insults.

Chace was amused at what she was doing, "You're starting to get into my nerves, Ms.
Tan." Tumayo naman ito. Napatingin naman ito ulit sa mukha niya.

He suddenly held her chin and she cringed when he touched her lips. She felt the
pain on it again. Medyo masakit pa kasi ang labi niya.

"Does it still hurt?" He asked, concerned.

Lana just nodded.

"I'm sorry." He said sincerely. Kanina lang, galit na galit ito tapos ngayon, he
quickly changed his mood.

"Teka lang," Iniwan muna siya ni Chace at pumunta sa fridge ng kusina ng pad nito.
Napansin niyang may kinuha ito doon and as he went back, may dala-dala itong cake.
"I bought this for you. I hope it could make you feel better." Nilapag nito sa
center table ang cake.

"Sit." He said and she sat beside him. After that, he handed a fork on her. "Try
it. It's good."
Tinikman naman ni Lana ang cake. And he was right about it. It tasted really good.
Natahimik na naman silang dalawa pagkatapos.

"I don't know what happening to me now." Chace suddenly broke the silence.

"But one thing for sure, you're really driving me crazy." He said as their eyes
met.

//

Chapter 17 - Chace

TYPO ERRORS ARE ALOT.

Chapter 17 - Chace

"But one thing for sure, you're really driving me crazy."

Hindi alam ni Lana kung anong i-rereact niya matapos niyang marinig ang lahat ng
iyon. She was so confused at Chace' personality. Sometimes, he would be ruthless
and sometimes, he would be so soft at her. Naguguluhan na talaga siya rito.

They were just staring at each other intensely after what he said. Napansin naman
niyang napunta ang tingin nito sa labi niya. Then just a second, his lips met hers.

Napaiyak at natawa na lang bigla si Lana. Napahiwalay naman agad si Chace sa kanya
and gave her a confused look.

"What?" He asked her amusingly. Good mood pa rin ito.

Lana chuckled, "Ang gulo mo," She paused for a moment as she looked through him who
was still looking at her with amusement, "Suddenly, you're impulsive, and then the
next day, you're good. What's with you?" She jokingly asked. Ewan ba niya, wala
talaga siya sa mood na kausapin ito pero all of the sudden, she's right there,
talking to him as if nothing bad had happened to them before.

She was even also confused with herself at what she was currently doing.
For the first time, she heard Chace laughed heartily. Ngayon niya lang ito nakitang
tumawa-naturally. Sanay kasi siyang nakasimangot ito palagi at nabubuwisit sa
kanya.

But now, it was suddenly different.

And she gonna admit, Chace looks more handsome when he laughed.

"You must be saying na dapat na akong magpatingin, that I might have a personality
disorder," He replied, "Then Doctor, magpapacheck-up ako sayo ngayon, examine me if
I really have some personality disorder." He joked.

"Hmm," Tinignan naman niya ito mula ulo hanggang paa, nakikisakay sa sinabi nito,
"Mr. Torres, may sakit ka nga. Kailangan mo ng pumunta sa isang mental hospital."
She was just kidding. Natawa na naman ito sa sinabi niya.

"By the way," Biglang sabi nito sa kanya, "Tomorrow, I mean, I know, you always
miss your job, being a doctor," He added sheepishly, "One of the charity
foundations of Torres Corp, uh, specifically, one of my charity foundations for
health, I organized a medical mission on a small rural community. I knew you really
wanted to help especially the unfortunate ones, so, tomorrow.. Uhm, we'll be going
to their place."

Lana doesn't know what to respond at what he just said. But she knew, deep inside,
she was happy. And excited. Oo, simula pa man noon-gusto na niyang makatulong sa
mga kapus-palad kaya naisipan niya talagang maging doctor dahil alam niyang in that
field, makakatulong siya ng maraming tao.

But because she doesn't have that much fortune to start a medical mission, kaya
hindi pa niya talaga nafufulfill ang kagustuhan niyang tumulong sa iba. Napag-
isipan na nga lang niya na kapag nasa residency na siya, 'dun na siya mismo mag-
oorganized ng mga medical missions because she now have the salary to buy medical
stuffs (medicines, etc.).

But at what Chace just said, hindi siya talaga nag-expect.

"Really?" She beamed.

"Yes, we'll go tomorrow. We'll meet at the Torres Corp building tomorrow, 8am then
we'll go together to their place."

---

Kanina pa pabalik-balik sa paglalakad si Chace sa office niya at hindi mapakali. He

was starting to get pissed. It was already 8:30am pero hanggang sa mga oras na
iyon, hindi pa rin dumarating si Lana.
Akala ba niya gustong-gusto nitong magmedical mission? Last night, she was even
very excited to attend the medical mission. He even offered her na 'dun na lang
matulog sa pad niya so that tomorrow, they could set things early. But the woman
insisted that she would go home instead.

At ngayon, kanina pa niya ito tinetext pero kahit isang reply, hindi man lang nito
ginawa. He was getting irritated now.

"Where the fuck is she now?" He was about to call her phone when someone opened his
office door and entered.

He then saw Lana who was obviously panting, "Sir, I'm sorry, medyo traffic kasi."
She reasoned out. Pawis na pawis din ito at halatang tumakbo ito papunta sa opisina
niya.

"You're late." He said matter-of-factly. He knew he sounded rude again.

"I-I'm sorry, Sir." Napayuko na lang si Lana.

"Let's just go." Chace said instead at nauna ng lumabas dito. He was really pissed.

---

Dumating na rin sila Lana sa rural community kung saan sila magkakaroon ng medical
mission. Actually, isang maliit na komunidad. Pagdating nila sa lugar, madami-dami
ring mga taong ang nandodoon na. Mostly kids.

Siya lang din ang magiging doktor na magchecheck-up sa mga tao 'cause Chace said
that the community's population is not that big so she can accommodate all.

Padabog na kinuha ni Chace ang mga gamit na gagamitin nila sa medical mission mula
sa sasakyan. Actually, silang dalawa lang ang nandodoon ngayon sa community at
aminado siyang kanina pa itong hindi kumikibo sa kanya. He was obviously pissed off
because she was late.

May nakahanda ng puwesto para sa kanila. Nang makarating na sila sa puwesto, kaagad
inayos ni Chace ang mga gamit nila. He was not really into talking to her at the
moment. Bad mood pa rin kasi ito.

"Doktora? Ikaw na po ba si Doktora Tan?" Isang matandang lalake ang lumapit sa

kanila. Tantiya nasa 60 pataas na ito.

Lana smiled genuinely at the old man, "Oho, ako nga ho."
"Ako po si Tonyo. Ako po ang barangay chairman ng maliit na komunidad namin,
pasensya na po kung hindi gaano kaganda ang lugar namin. Saka, maraming salamat po
talaga sa pagtulong po ninyo sa amin." Nahihiyang tugon sa kanya ng matanda. May
mga tao na ring nagsimula ng pumila sa kanila.

"Naku, manong, wala ito. Saka, gusto po talaga naming makatulong sa inyo." She
assured the old man. And when she looked at crowd again, she noticed that they were
really hoping and expecting for them.

"Si Sir Chace Torres po? Gusto po rin naming sana magpasalamat sa kanya. Kung hindi
dahil po sa kanya, hindi po 'to mangyayari. Akala ko nga rin po na hindi na kayo
darating kasi alas-dyis na po kayong dumating." Sabi sa kanya ni Tonyo.

Tinuro naman ni Lana si Chace na ngayon, busing-busy na sa paglalagay ng mga gamot

at iba pang mga gamit sa mesa. Ito kasi ang magbibigay ng gamot sa mga tao habang
siya naman ang checheck-up, "Natagalan kasi ako sa paggising manong tapos traffic
pa kaya medyo natagalan kami," She smiled, "Saka, mamaya na lang siguro ninyong
kausapin si Sir Torres, medyo bad mood eh. Late kasi ako." She jokingly added at
parehas sila ngayon napatingin kay Chace na seryosong-seryoso sa pag-aayos ng mga
gamit nila. Nakasimangot na naman ito.

"Sige ho, magsimula na tayo." She cheerfully said.

---

"Sige, basta sundin mo yung mga sinabi ko ha?" Lana smiled at the 7 year-old boy
matapos niya itong chineck-up. May ubo saka sipon kasi ito.

"Opo, doktora, salamat po!" The kid replied enthusiastically as Chace handed to the
kid the medicines and other stuffs in a bag. Nakasimangot itong ibinigay ang bag sa
bata. Then after that, the kid quickly went off.

"Sir Torres, ngiti naman diyan." Biro niya rito but Chace just frowned more.

"Mind your own business, doktora." He replied sternly. Alam din niyang naiinitan na
ito sa lugar, there were sweat all over his body.

"Well," nagkibit-balikat lang si Lana, "Baka kasi matakot ang mga bata sayo."

Sumunod naman ang isa pang batang lalake na parang nasa anim na ang edad.

"Hi," Lana greeted cheerfully. Talagang gumagaan ang loob niya habang tinutulungan
ang mga tao sa lugar, "Anong pangalan mo?"

"Jason po." Sagot naman agad ng bata. Napansin naman niyang napatingin ito kay
Chace and when Chace looked at the kid, he raised an eyebrow at the young boy.

Napatingin naman ulit si Jason kay Lana, "Doktora, nakakatakot naman po ang katabi
niyo. Kumakain po ba siya ng bata?" Inosenteng tanong nito sa kanya. Lana couldn't
help but to laugh at child's remark. Napakainosente kasi nito.

Chace just frowned more at what Jason had said.

"Hindi, medyo bad mood lang siya," medyo nilapitan naman ni Lana ang bata at
bumulong sa tenga nito, "Namatay kasi aso niya."

"Ganun po ba?" The kid innocently replied.

Lana just nodded, "Oo, sige, check-up na tayo." Masiglang sabi niya sa bata.

---

Nakaupo lang si Chace sa upuan sa may puno na malapit sa puwesto nila ni Lana sa
pangcheck-up. Tapos na kasi silang mamigay at chumeck-up sa mga tao 'dun. Now, they
were having a 1 hour break pagkatapos, aalis na rin sila sa community.

Pinagmamasdan lang niya si Lana habang masayang nakikipag-usap sa mga tao sa 'di-
kalayuan. It really looked like she was really enjoying the medical mission they
organized on the small community. If last time, she was despising him to the core
for the shits he has been doing to her, now, he's happy that she is happily helping
the people here.

"Manong," napatingin naman si Chace nang may kumalabit sa gilid niya. Then he saw
the kid, Jason whom thought he was a man-eating kids.

May inabot itong papel sa kanya, "Sulat po, galing po sa kin. Para po pasalamat sa
inyo kasi po tinulungan niyo kami." Anito sa kanya and he was looking at him
expectantly to read it now.

Binuksan naman ni Chace ang sulat. Maraming Salamat po, Mr. Chace Torres! Pagpalain
po sana kayo ng Diyos. Malaki ang tulong po ang ibinigay ninyo po sa amin.

Even though the kid's handwriting was messy, he got the message.

Hindi maiwasan ni Chace na mapangiti na lang sa sinulat ng bata. Jason is really

innocent and positive.

Ginulo niya ang buhok nito, "Walang anuman, basta, mag-aral ng mabuti at
magpakabait, ha?" He smiled at him.
Tumango naman ito. "Opo! Gagawin ko po. Alam niyo po ba na kanina rin, tinuruan
kaming mga bata ni doktora kung paano magbilang. Ang bait po talaga ni Doktora."
The kid enthusiastically answered. "Maraming salamat po talaga, kung hindi po dahil
sa inyo.. Hindi po kami gagaling sa mga sakit namin."

Natawa naman siya sa sinabi ng bata. The kid was really assuming that they cured
them although the only thing that they did was only to give free medicines and
stuffs as well as a free checkup.

"Basta, sa susunod, alagaan n'yo ng mabuti ang kalusugan niyo ha?"

"Opo!"

---

Bumaba na si Lana mula sa kotse ni Chace nang ihatid siya nito sa apartment niya.
At gaya rin kaninang umaga, hindi ito nagsasalita. Ewan ba niya, hindi ba ito
nagugood mood sa pagtulong? Eh good mood na good mood na nga siya ngayon. Gusto nga
niya sanang magcommute na lang papauwi pero hindi niya masabi kasi parang bad mood
pa rin ito.

"Uhh, thank you." She said instead. It was really awkward.

"Hmm, I enjoyed the day. Take care." He suddenly replied at medyo nagulat naman si
Lana sa sinabi nito. Pagkatapos, agad nitong pinaharurot ang kotse.

But Lana was confused when she also saw Chace coughed. Bigla itong napaubo nang
umalis. May sakit ito?

---

Lana knocked the door for the fifth time. Pero kahit anong katok niya, wala pa ring
sumasagot.

She sighed. Isang oras na siyang nandun sa labas ng pad nito. Yes, she was at Chace
Torres' place. May mga documents kasi siyang dala-dala para ipapirma dito but he
was not in the office so napilitan siyang puntahan ito ngayon sa pad nito. Marami-
rami rin kasi ang document na kailangan nitong pirmahan as well as the works Chace
needed to be done.

Ilang araw na kasi itong hindi pumapasok sa opisina. Hindi nga niya alam kung bakit
o kung anong dahilan sa pag-absent nito. He was just communicating her through text
at pawang mga instructions lang ang itinetext nito sa kanya, nothing more and
nothing less.
She knocked again, "Sir Torres?" She said but still nobody respond.

Lana tried to open his door and was surprised to know na bukas pala ang pinto nito.
Pumasok na lang siya sa loob.

"Sir Torres?" She called him one more time as she was approaching the bedroom.

"Sir!" Kaagad namang nilapitan ni Lana si Chace nang makita ito sa kama nitong
nakatalukbong ng kumot. His skin was reddish that he looked like he was having a
high fever. Chace was also shaking.

Sinalat kaagad ni Lana ang ulo nito, "Chace, ang taas ng lagnat mo!" She was
starting to get panicked.

"Lana.." His voice was really weak. He was really helpless. Bigla naman itong
umubo. At mas lalong nagulat si Lana nang may kulay pula ang inubo nito.

"Kailangan na kitang dalhin sa ospital!"

//

Chapter 18 - Lana

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 18 - Lana

"Lana, ano ba, don't be shy! Mababait sila kuya." Cheska, Lana's bestfriend winked
at her. Nasa bahay kasi siya nito at first time lang din niyang makapunta sa
Torres' residence. Magstustudy-out kasi silang dalawa sa bahay nito.

Actually, matanda sa kanya si Cheska ng dalawang taon. Ate nga sana itatawag niya
rito pero Cheska insisted na 'wag na niya itong tawaging ate kasi magmumukha raw
itong matandang-matanda. They go to the same school kasi. Cheska is a 4th year high
school student habang siya naman ay 2nd year. Tapos ang mga kuya naman ng
bestfriend niya, sa ibang school nag-aaral. Triplets kasi silang ipinanganak.
"Ches, nakakahiya naman eh." Sabi niya rito, maganda kasi ang bahay nila Cheska
knowing too that Torres' Family is very prominent in the country because of their
businesses. Pumasok na silang dalawa sa loob ng bahay nito.

"Kuya Chace!" Cheska greeted a guy who was currently sitting on the couch on the
living room who was also currently reading a book, specifically a Trigonometry
book. Parang nag-aaral din ito.

"Cheska," the guy smiled then stood up to hug Cheska. Medyo matangkad din ito and
she gonna admit, the guy was good-looking.

"Kuya, by the way, meet Lana, schoolmate ko sa school saka yung sinasabi ko sayong
best friend ko dun. Lana, meet Kuya Chace, my brother." Cheska introduced her to
him who was definitely her other brother. Magkamukha kasi ang dalawa at parehas na
maganda't gwapo.

"Uhmm, hi." Lana sheepishly replied. Sa itsura pa lang kasi ng lalake, parang
suplado ito.

"Hi." Chace casually said and seemed that he was not interested talking to her.
Bumaling ito ulit kay Cheska, "Saan kayo magstustudy-out? Sa room mo?" tanong nito.

"Oo, sige kuya, iiwan ka na namin dito. Good luck din sa exams mo. Haha, tayo na
Lan." Kaagad kinuha ni Cheska ang kamay niya at hinila siya papaakyat sa 2nd floor
ng bahay nito.

Napalingon naman ulit si Lana sa likod niya and then saw Chace who was now looking
at her as their eyes also met.

---

"He got viral pneumonia." Sabi ng doctor kay Lana saka nito inabot ang envelope
which contained the results from the different tests they did on Chace. "But
everything will be okay."

Lana just nodded. "Thanks, doc." She now understood kung bakit nagkaganun ang
lalake because of the disease. Kaya pala inuubo ito at nilalagnat ng ilang mga
araw.
Dinala niya kasi si Chace sa ospital kaagad. The moment she saw a blood on his
mucus, she panicked. Pagkatapos, the doctor did several tests on him and now, he
gave her the results. It was a viral pneumonia after all.

"Smoker?" The doctor smiled mischievously. Siguro nalaman nito sa mga tests na
ginawa nito sa lalake.

Natawa na lang din si Lana, "Yes, doc." Alam niyang may high risks ang mga chain
smoker na makakuha ng pneumonia. And definitely why Chace got it.

Ewan ba niya, lagi niya itong pinagsasabihan na masamang manigarilyo but Chace
would ignore her comments and then would became mad at her instead.

"Buti na lang dinala mo kaagad dito bago pa maging severe ang pneumonia niya. And
definitely, he'll recover for one to three weeks. Kailangan niya lang maging
responsive sa mga gamot na ibibigay namin sa kanya saka cooperation from him
because sometimes, kapag mga chain smokers ang nagkakaroon ng mga pneumonia o kung
anong lung related diseases, mga pasaway. They would still smoke even they're not
fully recovered yet or after the recovery." The doctor advised and then smiled at
her, "But you're a doctor, right, Ms. Tan?"

Lana just nodded sheepishly, "Intern pa lang po."

"Good, you can manage him." The doctor replied, "He's conscious now. Saka nabigyan
na rin namin siya ng gamot para bumaba ang lagnat niya, you can visit him already."
Then Lana just nodded again at him and went inside the room where Chace was
confined.

Lana saw Chace was now full-conscious and was sitting on the bed and when he saw
her, his grumpy boss frowned.

"Anong results ng mga tests? It's just a flu right? Dapat 'di mo na ako dinala rito
sa ospital. You're just wasting time and effort and plus work. We could have just
let this pass and sana ngayon, nasa opisina na ako at nagtratrabaho." Anito sa
kanya na halatang naiirita. Nakadextrose ito and the man is now already wearing a
hospital gown.

Lana was just amused at what he just cockily said. Namangha siya sa pinagsasabi
nito sa kanya na dapat ngang magpasalamat ito sa kanya kundi lulubha lang ang sakit
nito at pwede nitong ikamatay kapag hindi naagapan.

And the way she saw him bedridden on his bachelor's pad, parang wala itong
capabilities na alaagan ang sarili nito.

She changed her face expression, bibiruin niya ito para magtanda, "Chace.." her
voice was sad. She also became teary-eyed.
Napansin naman niyang naitaas nito ang isang kilay nito sa kanya but obviously, he
was also kinda nervous, "W-What? What are the results?"

"Chace.." She bit her lip. Gusto niyang matawa sa itsura nito. Ramdam niyang
kinakabahan ito.

"Chace.." She cried, "Y-You.. Uhm, the results.. You have lung cancer. S-Stage..
Four. S-Sabi ng doctor.. M-May taning ka na." Aniya rito at bigla namang tumahimik
ang paligid pagkatapos niyang sinabi iyon.

Nakita naman niyang nagulat si Chace sa sinabi niya. Parang hindi ito makapaniwala
sa sinabi niya. He was speechless.

"A-Ano.." Hindi ito makapagsalita matapos niyang sabihin ang mga iyon. Parang hindi
nito matanggap ang balita. Mukhang nadala niya ito sa pag-aacting niya. He was
convinced that he did really have a terminating cancer.

"Pfftt," kaagad tinakpan ni Lana ang bibig niya at natawa, "Hahaha!" She laughed
loudly. Talagang natatawa siya ngayon sa itsura nito. Talagang naniwala kasi ito sa
sinabi niya.

"Why the fuck are you laughing? Are you so fucking happy that I'm going to fucking
die?" He swore. Galit na galit na ito at mukhang hindi pa rin nito nagegets na
niloloko lang niya ito.

"Mr. Torres," natatawa pa rin siya, "God, you really believed at what I said?" She
amusingly replied. Masyado kasing itong pasaway, ilang beses na niya itong
sinabihan na h'wag manigarilyo but Chace was so stubborn hanggang sa nagka-
pneumonia na nga ito.

"What the hell are you saying? You're.. just fucking lying?" He asked
incredulously.

Lana nodded cheerfully and went near the table beside his bed, "Yes and don't be
grumpy. Pasalamat ka ngang dinala kita kaagad dito sa ospital. You're having a
viral pneumonia. Sabi ng doctor, hindi pa masyadong malubha ang pneumonia mo at
kung hindi raw kita nadala kaagad dito, your pneumonia could be fatal 'pag hindi
naagapan kaagad." Sabi niya rito at nilagay sa table ang mga dala niyang prutas.

"But your reaction was really funny." She added and smiled at him. Halata pa rin sa
mukha nito na naiinis pa rin ito sa ginawa niya.

"Quit fooling around, Ms. Tan. What you just did was not funny." Naaasar na sabi
nito sa kanya.

Lana just smiled, "At least natakot ka. Well, siguro you should now quit smoking.
Kaya ka nagkaroon ng pneumonia dahil sa paninigarilyo mo. As what I've always said,
smoking is bad for your health."

"And yes, smoking can lead to lung cancer. Well, definitely." She said matter-of-
factly.

She noticed a sarcastic grin on him, "Hindi ba dapat masaya ka kung magkakaroon nga
ako ng malubhang sakit? You despise me. Magiging masaya ka siguro kapag nagkasakit
ako or you should be somehow happy if I would die."

Then there was silence.

Napansin naman ni Chace na hindi kaagad nakapagsalita si Lana sa sinabi niya. She
was surprised. She seemed hurt and affected with what he just said. Was it that too
much?

Lana just sighed instead, "M-Mamaya, bibisitahin ka ng mga employees mo sa Torres

Corp. Mostly, kakamustahin ka." Ipinagpatuloy na lang nito ang pag-aayos sa dala-
dala nitong mga prutas. "Saka maya-maya rin, aalis ako, sila muna ang magbabantay
sayo." She added at pagkatapos ay natahimik na naman silang dalawa.

Ilang minuto rin ay nakarinig sila ng katok mula sa labas ng room, "Sir Torres?
Lana? Nandiyan ba kayo?" A voice from outside suddenly called them.

"Nandiyan na sila, s-sige, aalis na ako. Just let them call me kung may kailangan
ka sa kin." Sabi ni Lana kay Chace at nagsimula na ngang humakbang.

"Wait, w-where are you going?" Chace suddenly asked.

"Uhm, n-nothing. J-Just some random errands. Sige, get well soon." She smiled
weakly at saka lumabas na sa room kung saan ito nakaconfine. Pumasok naman kaagad
ang mga employees ni Chace sa kompanya sa loob.

Maybe he was too harsh on her.

"Sir!" Masiglang bati sa kanya ni Denise, dating secretary niya na ngayon, ginawa
na niyang finance executive. Kasama rin nito ang ibang employees ng company niya
kasama rin ang ibang maintenance staffs ng Torres Corp. "Buti okay na kayo."

But Chace ignored what she said, "Saan pupunta si Lana?" He asked instead.

"Ah, si Lana? Sabi niya sa kin kanina, bibisitahin niya raw ulit ang Papa niya. May
sinabi rin siya sa kin na baka nagising na raw ang Papa niya mula sa comatose."
Denise answered.
---

"Jerome, ano raw sabi ng doktor?" Tanong ni Lana sa pinsan niyang si Jerome nang
dumating na siya sa ospital kung saan nakaconfine ang Papa niya. Kahapon pa sana
niya ito pupuntahan pero dahil sa nangyari kay Chace, hindi niya kaagad napuntahan
ang Papa niya. Her dad was still in coma though. Pero laking-gulat niya nang
ibalita sa kanya ng pinsan niyang nakita raw nitong gumalaw ang mga daliri ng dad
niya kahapon.

"Sabi nila, magcoconduct ulit sila ng tests Lana. And we'll get the results as soon
as possible." Sagot nito at katabi niya ngayong nakatingin sa labas ng ICU.

"Di kaya malapit na siyang magising Lana?" Jerome suddenly asked. Hindi rin alam ni
Lana kung anong maisasagot niya sa sinabi ng pinsan niya. But she too was hoping-na
sana gumaling na nga ang Papa niya.

"Sana nga Jerome, hindi ko na talaga alam kung anong gagawin ko sa buhay ko kapag
hindi na siya magigising." She replied sadly. She loves her dad very much at kung
pwede lang magpalit sila ng pwesto ngayon, gagawin niya. "Sige, baka naabala pa
kita, ako ng magbabantay kay Papa, magpahinga ka muna pinsan." She smiled at him.
Ngumiti na lang din sa kanya si Jerome.

"Sige, mag-ingat ka ha? Just call me kapag may emergency. Sige, mauna na ako sayo
sis. I will pray for your family." He tapped her shoulder assuringly saka umalis na
rin ito.

Nabuntong-hininga na lang si Lana, "Pa, please, don't give up."

---

"Ikaw ba si Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan?"

Nagising na lang si Lana mula sa waiting area kung saan din nakaupo ang iba pang
pamilya ng mga pasyenteng nakaconfine din sa ICU. Then he saw a guy who was holding
something, specifically-a plastic bag.

"Ah, oo, ako nga. B-Bakit?" She asked. Hindi naman kasi niya kilala ang lalake and
how did she know her name? And the guy too didn't look like a nurse or a doctor
dahil hindi ito nakauniform.

"Ipinabibigay pala sayo ito," ibinigay nito sa kanya ang plastic bag. "Inutusan ako
ni Sir Torres, mga prutas at pagkain yan, ipinabibigay sayo. Kung may kailangan ka
raw, tumawag ka lang daw sa opisina at magparequest sa mga maintenance staff, sige,
aalis na ako." Anito sa kanya at kaagad ngang umalis.
Binuksan naman ni Lana ang plastic bag at tinignan ang laman. There were really
fruits on it and a food. May nakita rin siyang parang maliit na papel sa loob
niyon. Kinuha niya ito at binasa ang nakasulat sa papel.

I'm sorry. I didn't know.

Take care.

--Torres, CN

Napangiti na lang si Lana sa sinulat nito. He's really unpredictable.

---

"Damn." Sabi ni Chace nang mapaubo na naman siya. Ngayon, siya na lang mag-isa sa
room kung saan siya nakaconfine. Kanina pa kasi umalis ang mga empleyado niyang
bumisita sa kanya. At aminado rin siyang gabi na.

Kanina rin, inutusan niya si Anthony, anak ni Mang Jeffrey na bigyan ng prutas at
pagkain si Lana 'dun sa ospital kung saan nakaconfine ang Papa nito. Nalaman niyang
kahapon pa pala dapat itong pumunta doon kung hindi lang siya inuna nitong i-admit
sa ospital.

He really doesn't know what's with her. He kept doing shits to her but here she is,
tinutulungan pa rin siya, like nothing happened.

And he too was confused with himself.

He was about to close his eyes when he noticed someone opened the door.

He was surprised to see it was Lana.

"L-Lana?" He was confused to see her. It was already 9pm. "W-Why are you here?"

"Thanks." She suddenly said. Alam niyang tungkol ito kanina.

"I-It was nothing." He replied sheepishly. Napansin naman niyang papalapit na ito
sa kanya.

And he was surprised when she suddenly hugged him.

Napangiti na lang din si Chace sa ginawa nito at yumakap pabalik dito, "Are you
sure hindi ka mahahawa sa kin sa pagyakap mo?" He asked jokingly.
"Depende." Lana chuckled. Then they were just hugging there silently.

"Anak? Chace? Nandito na kami."

Kaagad namang napabitaw silang dalawa sa isa't-isa nang may nagsalita sa labas.

"S-Sino yun?" Lana asked.

"Shit, it's my mom and dad." He answered.

//

Chapter 19 - The Parents

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 19 - The Parents

"Sina T-Tita Monique at Tito Nick?" Lana asked nervously. Nakaramdam siya ng kaba
ng marinig niya ang sinabi ni Chace. She was not expecting that his parents would
visit him tonight.

Nakaramdam siya ng takot. Alam niyang alam na rin ng mga nito ang tungkol sa
nangyari kina Cheska and that would just sound trouble sa oras na magkikita sila.
She doesn't know what to do now!

"They.. They knew what happened between you and my sister. And mom was furious
about it." Chace suddenly said seriously. Sa itsura rin nito, kinakabahan din ito
sa mangyayari.

"Chace? Are you okay, son?" They recognized that voice, it was Nick Torres, Chace'
father.

"P-Paano.. A-Anong gagawin ko C-Chace?" Lana started to panic.

"Papasok na kami."

"H-Hide! Hide under the bed, bilis!" Anito sa kanya at kaagad namang nagtago si
Lana sa ilalim ng kama ni Chace at sakto namang pumasok na nga ang mga magulang
nito.

"Mom, Dad." Aniya ni Chace nang makapasok na nga ang mga magulang niya. His
parents, Nick and Monique Torres, even in their early 60's, were still very active.

"Anak," kaagad nilapitan si Chace ng Mom niyang si Monique at kaagad niyakap.

Honestly, his mother is the disciplinarian in their house when he and his sibling
were kids while his Dad, Nick, was the chill one. Sa totoo nga, silang tatlong
magkakapatid, mas takot pa rito kesa sa ama nila.

Pero kahit ganun, his mother is still very caring to them.

"Anak, ano bang nangyari? Ba't ka nagka-pneumonia? Diba tumigil ka na sa

paninigarilyo?" His mom asked him worriedly. Katabi naman nito ang Dad niyang hindi
halatang 60 na pala ang edad. Some people would say it was because of his Dad's
optimistic and kind nature. Matulungin kasi sa kapwa ang Dad niya at he would say,
down-to-earth. Hindi kasi ito maluho. That's why everyone in the Torres Corp,
respects his dad so much even his dad was still the CEO of the corp.

"Don't tell me, bumalik ka na naman si bisyo mo?" Monique, his mom, raised an
eyebrow at him. Alam na alam kasi nito ang mga bisyo niya. His mom also knew that
he already stopped from doing it. But that was before Tess betrayed him.

"Mom," Chace frowned, his mom was overreacting again. Alam din kasi ng mga ito na
hiwalay na sila ni Tess, "I can take care of myself."

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo nito sa kanya, "Take care of yourself? Tignan mo yang
nangyayari sayo! Simula 'nung maghiwalay kayo ni Tess, you're becoming worse-"

"Babe," his dad, Nick interrupted and tapped his mom's shoulder, "Calm down."
Tumabi ito sa pagkakaupo sa kama ni Chace and then turned at his son, "Chace, son,
want to puff one cigarette? I brought some." His dad mischievously winked. Alam
niyang nagbibiro lang ito.

"Nick!" hinampas naman kaagad ni Monique sa braso ang asawa niya at pinandilatan
ito.

His dad just laughed, "What? I was just kidding!" His dad defended.

"Kidding? May sakit na nga anak mo, binibiro mo pa," bumaling na naman ang atensyon
nito kay Chace, "Chace naman kasi. Son, you should stop smoking before it would
turn out eventually into cancer. Buti nga Pneunomia pa lang nakuha mo. You should
not abuse yourself." Sermon nito sa kanya.

"Kung hindi ipinaalam sa min ni Mang Jeffrey, hindi namin malalaman na

nagkakaganito ka na pala."

"Mom, I'll be fine," Chace just scowled. "I'll recover in just few weeks." He
answered matter-of-factly. Minsan kasi, exaggerated kung magsalita ang mom niya.

"Hmm, sige, I'll buy us foods at the hospital canteen. Prutas lang kasi nadala
namin anak dahil sa pagmamadali ng Mom mo, I'll go out first." His dad suddenly
said at kaagad naman itong lumabas sa room kung saan siya nakaconfine.

"Sya," hinawakan ng Mom niya ang kamay niya, "I'll head to the bathroom first,
magpahinga ka muna, anak." She smiled reassuringly at him and squeeze his hand,
pagkatapos pumasok na rin ito sa restroom ng room niya. Even though his mom was
like that, he loves her. He loves both of his parents.

When everyone was out, he quickly called Lana who was currently hiding under his
bed.

"Lana, Lana." He called out her name not so loudly. Baka mamaya, marinig siya ng
Mom niya, "Get up, they're out. Fast." He commanded.

Kaagad namang lumabas si Lana at tumayo mula sa pagtatago nito sa ilalim ng kama
niya.

Napatingin naman si Chace dito, her look was really disheveled, "Uhmm," He doesn't
know what to say, he felt awkward, "I mean.. T-Thanks. Uhmm," He really doesn't
know what to say next.

Lana just smiled, "Don't worry, well, I have to go now. Magpahinga ka na."

"S-Sige, take care." He said instead.

"You too. Hmm, you have a wonderful family by the way. Bye." Lana replied as she
turned her back at him.

"Lana," he called her out again kaya naman napalingon ito sa kanya.

"Yes?"

"Uh," He couldn't say the words properly, "I.. N-Nothing. Sige, please be safe." He
said instead at tumango naman ito. He just watched her as she went out from his
room.

---
Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Lana nang makalabas na siya sa room kung saan
nakaconfine si Chace. Marami talagang nangyari sa buhay niya sa araw na iyon.

Aaminin niya, nang nakinig siya sa pag-uusap ng mga magulang ni Chace dito, she
felt a little envious. Talaga kasing maswerte ito dahil sa mga magulang nito. Well,
the Torres' family was really a respectable and kind people. Simula pa man 'nung
makapunta siya sa bahay ng mga Torres at makikilala niya ito through her best
friend, Cheska, they were hospitable.

And she was also confused with Chace sudden actions to her. Naguguluhan siya sa
ipinapakita nito sa kanya, he was acting like he really cares for her. She senses
he was starting to warm-up with her.

And she was also starting to get confused.. with her feelings.

Lana just shrugged her thoughts off and started to walk. She'll just pray for the
better.

---

"Anak, ano bang nangyayari sa inyo? You.. and Cheska.." Pag-aalalang sabi ni
Monique sa anak nitong si Chace. She was really worried with what was currently
happening to her children.

Alam kasi ng mga magulang ni Chace ang nangyari rin kay Cheska. His parents knew
their stories.

"Si Cheska, she was really devastated. I didn't really expect na magagawa yun ni
Lana. Lana.. she was a sweet girl. But.. why did she do that to your sister?" Puno
ng hinanakit na sabi ni Monique sa anak.

But Chace did not respond. He either did not know what is the reason why Lana did
it. But.. he knew.. Deep inside.. He was hoping he was wrong to think bad for her.
He knew.. Lana has reasons. He knew Lana somehow did nothing wrong about it.

"Chace.. I also heard, Lana is currently working as your secretary at the

corporation." His mom suddenly said kaya naman napatingin siya rito.

"Anak, what are you trying to do? You knew your sister and Lana has some issues,
paano na lang kung malaman ito ni Cheska, Chace? What's your motive in making Lana
work for you?"

Chace breathed hard as he heard those things from his mom. Pati rin siya ay
naguguluhan na mismo sa ginagawa niya kay Lana. He was getting out from his
original plan. Parang nagbabackfire na siya. He forgot his original motive. Ruining
Lana's life.
"Chace, what are you really trying to do?"

"Mom, I.. I know what I'm doing," he answered, "What I'm doing is for Cheska."

"And.. as I promised her, Lana will get her own dose of medicine for hurting her."

---

Hindi namalayan ni Lana na may tumulo na palang luha sa mata niya matapos marinig
ang lahat ng iyon. Parang biglang sumikip ang dibdib niya. Why was she expecting
Chace would change her treatment to her?

May nakalimutan kasi siyang sasabihin kay Chace tungkol sa corporation but when she
was about to knock the door, she heard their conversation and decided to eavesdrop.

But what she had heard was unexpected. Bakit ba siya umaasang magbabago rin ang
lahat sa kanilang dalawa ni Chace? Why did she hope that Chace is finally giving
her a chance to prove the rumors about her wrong?

He was always heartless.

Tumalikod na lang si Lana at nagdesisyon h'wag ng ituloy ang sasabihin niya sana
rito.

She inhaled deeply and wiped her tears by her hands. Hindi niya alam kung bakit
nasasaktan siya sa mga sinabi nito sa kanya. She was really hurt.

//

Chapter 20 - When Chace Torres cares

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 20 - When Chace Torres cares

"Lana, lagi ka ng nag-ooverwork. Sigurado ka bang okay ka lang?" Denise asked Lana
worriedly nang makapasok na siya sa opisina niya as Denise also handed a file to
her. Kakagaling lang niya kasi sa ospital kung saan siya kasalukuyang nagduduty
bilang PGI pagkatapos pumunta agad siya sa Torres' Corp para magtrabaho na naman
bilang secretary ng CEO.

Iyon kasi lagi ang routine niya. Mag-wa-one week ng ganun ang ginagawa niya. During
the day, nasa Torres' Corp siya, during the night naman, nasa ospital siyang
nagduduty, para man lang makabawi siya sa mga absences niya doon. And if she will
have some spare time after her duty from the hospital, dadaan siya sa apartment
niya at 'dun na magpahinga saglit. Mostly kasi, she would be done working in the
Torres' Corp at 7:30pm then she would quickly travel in going to the hospital and
most of her shift would be finished at 6am in the morning, tapos ang office time
nila sa corporation, 8:30am.

Lana accepted the file and smiled at Denise reassuringly. "Don't worry, I assure
you, I'll be okay." She said kahit aminado siyang nakakaramdam na rin siya ng
pagod. She would admit that napapabayaan na niya ang sarili niya.

All of the employees of Torres' Corp are working overtime kasi. May hinahabol kasi
silang deadline sa isang project ng Torres Corp. Kailangan din nila ng full force
lalo't pa na ang CEO ng corp ay nasa ospital at hindi pa makakatrabaho. They need
to do multi-tasking.

"Saka, narinig kong ngayon na raw babalik ulit si Sir Torres sa trabaho.
Nadischarge na ata siya kahapon." Denise suddenly said kaya naman napatingin si
Lana rito and just forced a smile at her, "Mabuti kung ganun." Tipid na sagot niya
lang dito at nagsimula ng ayusin ang mga gamit niya sa office. She's gonna encode
some documents again.

1 week and 2 days ding naconfine si Chace sa ospital, kahapon lang ito nadischarge.
At simula ring marinig niya ang lahat ng iyon, 'di na siya muling bumisita pa rito
and just decided to focus her time on working in the corporation, kahit ngang hindi
na siya sigurado kung may patutunguhan pa ba ang pagtratrabaho niya sa corp or she
could get their restaurant back. She doesn't care anymore. Parang nawawalan na siya
ng gana.

"Sige, basta h'wag mong pagurin sarili mo, ingat ka Lan." Denise said as she went
out from her office.

Lana just sighed after that. Napapagod na talaga siya sa mga nangyayari sa buhay
niya.

---

"Good morning, Sir Torres!"

"Welcome back po, Sir."

"Good morning, Sir."

"Morning." Chace smiled tightly as his employees greeted him when he arrived at the
Torres' Corp building. Kakabalik lang niya kasi rito dahil sa pagkakaconfine niya
ospital. It was one week and two days. Matagal-tagal din siyang nawala sa
corporation at sa trabaho. He knew he'd been missing so much work because of it.

Nakapasok na nga si Chace sa office niya and noticed nothing. Wala pa ring
ipinagbago rito. The place was the same as before, no disarrangements. Well, except
for those mountain of files na nakapatong sa office table niya, probably the
documents that the corporation need to finish their projects.

Nilapitan na niya ang table niya at kumuha ng isang file doon at binasa. He read
the documents thoroughly and was impressed that they were only small errors. His
employees did well.

May nabasa naman siyang isang document kung saan may pirma ni Lana bilang secretary
niya. Then he read the document.

"Hmm, she's improving." He smiled genuinely as he closed the document. Matagal-

tagal ding hindi niya ito nakita. Hindi na kasi ito bumibisita sa kanya sa ospital
magmula 'nung dumating ang mga magulang niya and he also learned that Lana was
overworking on the corporation.

He picked the telephone from his office table and decided to call the secretary's
office, "Come here."

---

"Sir?"

Napalingon naman si Chace mula sa pagkakatalikod niya at nakita si Lana. She was
wearing her usual secretary's uniform.

"Hi." He greeted. Medyo naguluhan naman siya nang makita ang itsura nito ngayon.
She looked thinner and skinnier. Parang pumayat ito. He also noticed some dark
spots on her eyes na halatang hindi ito nakakatulog ng maayos. Maputla din ito. In
short, Lana didn't look good. Plus, the face he was currently giving, parang
nawawalan ito ng gana at matamlay.

Mukhang hindi maganda ang pakiramdam nito.

"Lana.. Are.. Are you okay?" He asked worriedly. Parang hindi talaga maayos ang
itsura nito ngayon. She looked really weak. "You looked thinner. You don't look
good. Okay lang ba pakiramdam mo?"

Lana's face remained blank, "I'm okay, Sir Torres. Diba ito naman ang gusto mo?
That I will work for you 24/7. Don't worry, Sir. I will fulfill the deal." She said
straightly.

"Sabihin mo na lang po, Sir, kung may ipapagawa po kayo sa kin." She added.

Chace suddenly felt guilty at what she just said. Parang medyo sumama ang loob
niya. And she was not expecting with her sudden attitude today, she was cold.

"Uhm," He started, "I just.. I just wanted to congratulate you. You've done an
excellent job." He just said pero wala pa ring nag-iba sa ekspresyon nitong
ibinibigay sa kanya.

"Thank you, Sir." She answered shortly.

"You can take a rest. Don't overwork, Ms. Tan. You already did a good job." He
replied formally.

Umiling naman ito, "May tatapusin pa po kasi akong document, Sir. I need to finish
it now kasi bukas na po ang deadline. Ayoko pong magkaroon pa ng problema. Kung..
yun lang po sasabihin mo sa kin, aalis na ako, Sir Torres." Pagkatapos ay kaagad
nga itong umalis sa opisina niya.

Chace breathed hard. Lana was being stubborn. She obviously knew na hindi na
maganda ang pakiramdam nito yet she will continue to overwork.

---

Lana yawned nang malapit na niyang matapos ang isang document na tinatype niya.

It was already four in the afternoon. Matagal-tagal din kasi siyang natapos dahil
sa dami ng files na tinype niya. At aminado siyang hindi pa siya naglulunch. Well,
these past few days, minsan, nagkakaligtaan na niya kumain dahil sa sobrang busy
saka nagtitipid siya para sa mga bayarin niya.

Ramdam na ramdam na talaga niya ang pagod sa katawan. Parang ilang segundo na nga
lang ay bigla siyang mawawalan ng malay. Hindi talaga maganda ang pakiramdam niya
ngayon, parang gusto na niyang matulog at magpahinga pero hindi niya iyon magagawa
kasi magduduty na naman siya sa ospital mamaya.

Ilang minutong pagtatype ay natapos na rin niya ang document. She quickly printed
out all of it para ipasa pagkatapos sa CEO for approval and review. After that,
didirecho na siya sa ospital para magduty.

---

"Hmm, this is okay. But.. you should put this one on the another column. But
overall, it's good. Yun lang gagawin mong revisions so far." Chace said in a
business tone nang ipinasa na ni Lana ang document sa kanya. He, too, was also busy
doing his usual CEO's stuffs for the corporation kaya hindi niya ito nachecheck but
still, he was glad because Lana got only few errors.

"Lana?" Kumunot ang noo ni Chace nang makita itong hinihilot ang noo. She really
was not feeling well.

"Lana!" Kaagad nilapitan ni Chace ang babae at nasalo nang muntik na itong matumba.
It looked anytime, she would collapse.

"A-Are you okay?" He was starting to panic as he supported her from the back.

Pinilit nitong umayos ng tayo mula sa kanya pero hindi nito nagawa.

"Lana, you're not feeling well. You're overworking yourself. I need you to bring
you in the hospital." He said as he finally carried her, bridal style. Talagang
magaan ito dahil sa kondisyon nito.

"No.. Chace.. please.. Sa apartment ko na lang.." She said in a weak voice.

Talagang napapapikit na ito.

"Okay, but please, hang on. We'll go there immediately." Sabi niya rito at kaagad
lumabas sa opisina niya habang karga-karga ang katawan nito.

---

Dumating na rin si Chace sa apartment nito. He quickly got off from his car and
carried Lana carefully.

"Lana, Lana," he called out as he entered the apartment while carrying her. May
ibang mga tenants namang nandun na nakakita sa kanya habang dala-dala si Lana na
halatang naguguluhan sa nangyayari but he didn't mind. He need to put Lana on her
bed already.

"Lana, what's your room number?" He asked as he kept roaming around in the
apartment searching her room.

"F-Fifteen.." Matamlay na sabi nito. Hinanap kaagad ni Chace ang room 15 at isang
minuto lang ay nahanap na niya.

He tried to open the door but it was locked. Tatanungin niya sana ulit si Lana but
he noticed she already went out from her sanity.

"Damn it! Damn it! " As he tried to opened the door again. Napapamura na siya.
Hindi niya mabuksan ang room nito.

But with full force, he kicked the door hard kaya naman nabuksan kaagad ito. Wala
na siyang pakialam kung masira man niya ang pinto ng apartment, he need to get Lana
well.

Nakapasok kaagad siya sa room nito at maingat na nilagay si Lana sa kama nito.

Nakahinga na ng maluwag si Chace nang malagay na niya si Lana sa kama. Pagkatapos,

hinaplos-haplos niya ang buhok nito. Talagang pagod na pagod na ito.

Napansin naman niya medyo nagising ito.

"Why did you overwork yourself?" He asked, concerned. Ayaw niyang inaabuso nito ang
kalusugan nito.

"A.. Ayokong magalit ka sa kin," She answered weakly.

Hindi alam ni Chace kung anong mararamdam niya sa sinabi nito sa kanya. But one
thing for sure, he wants to take care of her.

"You should've not done that, Lana. Ayokong napapabayaan mo na ang sarili mo dahil
lang sa trabaho." He replied instead.

"Hmm.. Ikaw.. Ikaw din naman.."

"Lana," he called her name seriously. "Pagod ka na, you need to rest." Tumayo na
siya, "I'll cook some soup for you. Take a nap first."

She really looked helpless.

---

Tapos na rin si Chace sa pagluluto niya ng soup. Matagal-tagal din siyang natapos
sa pagluluto. Kulang-kulang kasi ang mga gamit ni Lana sa apartment nito kaya nga
kailangan pa niyang magpabili kay Mang Jeffrey ng mga kailangan sa pagluto ng soup.

Lana's apartment was small. Walang masyadong furnitures sa loob nito, maliban sa
study table nito sa may bintana at isang lampshade. Ni wala nga ring electric fan
doon nor a fridge. Her apartment was really not that occupied with things.

Dahil doon, napag-isipan niyang magpabili na lang din kina Mang Jeffrey ng mga
furnitures tulad ng electric fan at mga groceries para kay Lana. It seemed that she
was starving herself to death. He bet na hindi rin ito masyadong kumakain kaya na
lang pumayat ito. She has no stock for foods. Isang galloon lang ata ng tubig ang
nakita niya sa loob.

"Lana," he called out her name as he was bringing the soup he cooked. Marunong kasi
siyang magluto dahil siya lang mag-isa ring nakatira sa pad niya.

Tinulangan niya itong maupo. She really looked fragile.

"Hindi ka ba kumakain? Wala kang stock ng pagkain dito sa apartment mo." Aniya rito
at tumabi sa pagkakaupo nito. "At saka, pumayat ka. What are you trying to do with
yourself, Lana?" He blew the hot soup and got a spoon from it. Pagkatapos ay
isinubo ito kay Lana.

Lana just smiled at him weakly, "I don't know either.. Siguro.. Siguro.. Pagod na
pagod na ako sa buhay ko, Chace." Hinigop na nito ang soup na niluto niya.

Natahimik naman si Chace sa sinabi nito. He doesn't know how to comfort her.

"Saka.. Why are you doing this Chace?" The woman asked as she looked weaker and
weaker, "Diba.. you hate me? You hated me because of my betrayal to your sister?
You... You hated me because of my guts.. Everything about me?"

Chace breathed hard, "Lana.."

"Hmm, you want to ruin my life right? Then.. I'll let you ruin it. Ruin it now,
Chace. So I can have my own dose of medicine." She suddenly said. Kahit matamlay na
matamlay na ito, pinipilit pa rin nitong maging matatag. "Alam ko namang wala na
akong magagawa, hindi mo rin naman ibabalik ulit sa min ang restaurant.. So.. wala
ng saysay para magtagal pa 'ko sayo, Chace. But.. I don't know why hanggang ngayon,
kumakapit pa rin ako sayo." May tumulong konting luha sa kaliwang mata nito.

"Lana," he bore his gaze at her eyes, "I am true to my word. Ibibigay ko sa inyo
ulit ang restaurant as what I promised." He said as he wiped off the tears from her
eyes, "And don't say such things.."

"Because right now, I'm confused Lana. Hindi ko na rin alam kung anong nangyayari
sa kin.. Kung bakit ako nagkakaganito sayo. All I know is that.."

"My plan is about to backfire."

//
Chapter 21 - The Real Agenda?

RECAP FROM THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER:

Nadischarge na rin si Chace mula sa pagkakaconfine niya at nakabalik na sa trabaho.

Lana was overworking herself for the past week hanggang sa 'di na nakaya ng katawan
niya ang pagod. Chace brought her to her apartment and took care of her.

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 21 - The Real Agenda?

"Chace."

"Sigurado ka bang alam mo yang ginagawa mo?" Chris, his brother, said to him
seriously when he visited him at the hospital. Bukas kasi, ididischarge na siya
mula sa pagkakaconfine niya.

"I know very well what I am doing." He answered sternly. Chris was warning him
again.

"You know it would not only affect on one side. Lahat ng taong masasali sa ginagawa
mo, maaapektuhan." His brother replied. Alam kasi nito ang buong plano niya noon pa
man.

"Stop this before you'll regret everything, Chace."

---

"Good afternoon, Lana." Nakangiting bati ng matanda na si Mang Jeffrey nang

dumating na si Lana sa Torres Corp building. Dalawang araw din siyang hindi
nakabalik dahil sa nangyari sa kanya.
Sa dalawang araw kasing iyon, Chace took care of her. He was staying all day and
all night at her apartment. For the first time, the guy was so caring at her.
Talagang maalaga ito sa kanya. He was so patient by taking care of her. Ni wala nga
siyang narinig na reklamo rito. She even didn't know kung kumain din ba ito o kung
natulog ba ito. Because for the whole time, she was bedridden. Talagang mahinang-
mahina ang katawan niya.

And now, she's feeling well. Nagulat na nga lang siya kasi may mga bagong
furnitures na sa apartment niya, an electric fan, stove, and other kitchen
utensils. May fridge pa at groceries sa loob nito.

Kaninang umaga rin, paggising niya, hindi na niya ito nadatnan sa apartment niya.
She just saw a note on her study table saying pumunta raw siya sa restaurant ng
parents niya this 5pm.

"Good afternoon ho, Mang Jeffrey," Lana replied back to the old man. She was only
doing a half-day work today. Nang magising kasi siya kaninang umaga, nagtext ito sa
kanya kaagad na maghahalf-day lang siya ngayon.

"Saka nga pala, wala si Sir Torres ngayon sa opisina niya. Sabi niya sa kin, may
iniwan daw siyang mga documents na dapat daw pagtrabahuan mo." Mang Jeffrey
suddenly said.

Medyo nagulat naman si Lana sa narinig niya. Wala si Chace ngayon sa opisina?

Well, it kinda saddened her. Gusto niya sana kasi itong mapasalamatan sa pag-alaga
nito sa kanya. Hindi pa niya kasi ito napasalamatan. And even though rough things
happened between the two of them, she gonna admit, she always makes her crazy in a
different way.

And she doesn't know why.

"Sige, manong. Ako na pong bahala rito," Lana smiled as she arrived at her place,
"Thank you po."

"Sige hija, mag-ingat ka." By that, iniwan na nga siya nito.

Magsisimula na naman siyang magtrabaho. And she's hoping everything will be
alright.

---

"Where the hell are you?"

"Uhm, S-Sir Torres.." Galit na boses kaagad ang narinig ni Lana nang sinagot na
niya ang tawag. It was already the sixth ring from the telephone when she answered
it. And it was obvious on the other line that Chace was so pissed off.

"It's already 6pm. I left a note telling you to come to the resto at 5pm."

"Sir, I'm s-sorry, may tinatapos pa kasi akong document. Pero katatapos ko lang,
papunta na ako diyan." She was stammering. Talagang nakakatakot kasing pakinggan
ang boses nito.

It was true. Matagal kasi siyang natapos sa mga documents. Hindi pa rin kasi siya
ganun kagaling sa mga business stuffs ng Torres Corporation. May ibang mga papeles
pa rin siyang hindi maintindihan kaya natatagalan siya. Humingi rin nga siya ng
tulong mula kay Denise pero hindi pa rin siya ganun kagaling.

"Hmm," His voice suddenly became calm, "Just come here, take care." After that, he
hung up. Lana was a little surprised from his last words. 'Take care.' Why is he so
suddenly good to her?

Talagang naguguluhan na siya sa ugali nito. Chace would be impulsive to her then
suddenly, he would be calm. He was really unpredictable.

She just shrugged her thoughts off and just arranged her stuffs. Kahit minsan lang
sila magkasundo ng boss niya, she still appreciates the good things that he had
done to her. Especially when he took care of her when she was sick. May utang na
loob pa siya rito and she needed to thank him.

---
Dumating na rin si Lana restaurant. Aminado siyang dalawang oras na siyang late. It
was already 7pm tapos ang sinabi ni Chace sa kanya, 5pm. Alam niyang papagalitan na
naman siya nito dahil sa pagiging late.

"Uh..?" She was confused when she entered the restaurant, walang katao-tao doon.
Walang customers o kahit anong crew. Ang tanging napapansin lang niya ay may mga
bagong dekorasyon sa paligid ng restaurant like as if someone is having a party.

"Pero tama naman itong napuntahan kong restaurant?" Naguguluhan na tuloy siya kung
tama ba ang restaurant na napuntahan niya pero dito naman siya inihatid ng taxing
sinasakyan niya. Saka wala namang ibang branch sa Pilipinas ang restaurant ng
parents niya so iyon lang ang restaurant na nandodoon sa lugar.

Naglakad pa siya at naglakad pero maski isang tao, wala siyang nakita.

She sighed. Is Chace making fun of her? Tapos kung walang tao sa resto ngayon,
dapat man lang sana, nilock nito iyon. Baka may magnanakaw pang makapasok sa
restaurant.

Maybe Chace got tired waiting for her kaya hindi na siya hinintay nito. Well, if
that is, aalis na lang siya. Maybe, bukas, magkikita naman siguro sila ulit sa
opisina.

She was about to go out from the resto when someone tapped her shoulder.

"Where are you going?" A familiar male voice from the back suddenly said.

Napalingon naman si Lana rito at nagulat nang hindi lang ang lalake ang nakita niya
but all her closest colleagues from the public hospital she was currently working,
from Torres Corp and the old crew from her parent's resto whom she knew when she
was still a child.

"Happy Birthday, Lana!!" Everyone said out loud and were also holding balloons and
were also wearing some birthday caps. Ang pinsan naman niyang si Jerome ay nasa
gitna, hawak-hawak ang isang cake.

"B-Birthday.. ko ngayon.." She was really surprised. Hindi niya alam kung anong
sasabihin niya sa mga ito. Kahit siya ay nakalimutang birthday niya pala ngayong
araw. Because of so many things that happened to her life, aaminin niyang nalimutan
niya ang birthday niya. Maybe because on those times, she was already tired with
her life.

But now is different. Everyone's giving her hope.

"Don't tell me, you forgot your birthday?" Napatingin naman si Lana sa gilid niya
at nakita si Chace na hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi niya. He was wearing his
business suit. Kung ganun pala, dumirecho na ito sa restaurant.

So this was the reason why pinamamadali siya nitong pumunta sa restaurant.

Parang naiiyak tuloy siya. She was already getting emotional. Hindi niya kasi
inexpect ito. Ni hindi nga niya naalala na birthday pala niya ngayon. Kung hindi pa
siya pinapunta ni Chace sa restaurant para sorpresahin, she would not remember
anything about her birthday.

"Thank you guys." She said, teary-eyed as she went to the crowd to hug everybody.

"Happy birthday, Lan."

"Happy birthday!"

"Maraming salamat." She said as she continued to hug everyone else. Talagang
masayang-masaya siya ngayon. She never expected anything like this would happen.
She really appreciates everyone for doing this.

"Doktora, balato naman diyan." Biro ni Janine, ang nurse niyang kaibigan na nandun
din sa resto. Natawa naman si Lana sa sinabi nito.

"Thank you so much, I really appreciate this." She just said.

That night was absolutely the best night for her.

---
"Thank you so much."

Napalingon naman kay Lana si Chace nang nakita niya itong nakatayo sa labas ng
restaurant habang nakasandal ito sa kotse nitong nakapark. Nasa loob kasi silang
lahat at nagkakasiyahan. Pero she didn't see him there at napag-isipan lumabas na
lang para hanapin ito and here he is.

"You don't need to thank me. It is your birthday after all. You need to celebrate
it." He answered. Now, he was just staring at her intensely.

"Hmm, ikaw ba ang nagplano ng lahat ng ito?" She asked.

"Well, everyone helped." She saw Chace smiled at her genuinely for the first time,
"As I promised, you have my word, Lana, I'm giving back now your parent's
restaurant." He suddenly said.

Hindi naman alam ni Lana kung anong i-rereact niya sa sinabi nito. She was stunned.

"Chace."

She just tiptoed and kissed him on his lips.

Naramdaman naman niyang nagulat din si Chace sa ginawa niya pero ilang segundo rin
ay tumugon din ito sa halik niya. She felt his hand supporting his back.

And after a minute, they stopped. Chace immediately hugged her.

"Happy birthday." He said as he hugged her tightly.

---

"Yes, yes. Prepare everything, mamayang 5pm, pupunta siya sa resto. I want
everything to be settled already." Chace instructed the manager of Mr. Tan's
restaurant on what will happen on the afternoon. Maaga kasi siyang umalis sa
apartment ni Lana at pumunta kaagad sa opisina para pagplanuhan ang birthday nito.
He planned everything for her birthday. He even left her a note na pumunta ito sa
resto this 5pm. Alam kasi niyang masyado na nitong ginugugol ang sarili nito sa
trabaho at malamang nakalimutan na nitong i-celebrate ang birthday nito. Kaya kahit
sa maliit na paraang naisip niya, he could make Lana feel better. Alam niyang
kakarecover para lang nito sa mga nangyari.

"We'll invite her closest colleagues for the surprise. Sige, I'll just call you
again." Chace ended the call as he goes through to some documents. He was sorting
some files out kasi ibibigay na niya ang sole ownership ng restaurant ni Mr. Tan
kay Lana. As what he promised to her at the first place.

"Sir Torres, may naghahanap po sa inyo." Mang Jeffrey suddenly barged in at

napatingin naman siya rito.

"Let the person just come in." He said as he continued signed a document on the
table.

"Chace Torres."

Napaangat naman ang ulo ni Chace nang marinig ang boses na iyon. He was not
expecting seeing him there nor ever stepping inside Torres Corp building.

"What the hell are you doing here, Gino?" Napatayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo niya.
How did this guy had the nerves to enter Torres Corporation's premises? Kung tama
ang pakakaalala niya, he remembered punching him on Mr. Ibañez's party. And they
were never in good terms when this guy started fucking off his sister's life. As
well as Lana's.

"Well, nothing really, napadaan lang ako rito." Gino cockily said. Nayayabangan
talaga siya rito at kahit noon pa man, ayaw na niya talaga sa lalake para kay
Cheska. Even Chris, his other brother, doesn't Like Gino.

"Napapansin ko lang kasi, I mean.. You and Lana have something."

Naitaas naman ni Chace ang kilay niya sa sinabi nito, "So, what are you trying to
point out?"
"Mr. Chace Nicholas Torres, I knew your schemes." Gino replied at mas lalo pang
kumunot ang noo niya sa mga sinasabi nito sa kanya.

"Alam kong hindi ka pa completely nakakamove-on kay Tess and what you are trying to
do with Lana, it's like you're using her for your own advantage. Parang siya ang
nagiging rebound or panakip-butas sa nangyari sa inyo ni Tess."

"I knew Lana is so naïve," Gino grinned at him as if the guy knew everything about
his plan, "Chace, are you making all these things-trying to get Lana's weakness, to
fall for you-to your trap?"

Then there was silence afterwards.

But Chace suddenly smirked and crossed his arms. He was amused with the guy's
words, "Maybe, you're correct."

"Maybe I'm just using her so I can forget Tess and to get revenge."

//

Chapter 22 - Affected

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 22 - Affected

"Kakatuwa ang party." Lana said as she and Gino both went out from the hotel.
Foundation party kasi ng ospital and it was held at a luxurious hotel.

"Oo nga, I mean, hindi sana ako aattend pero buti na lang umattend ako." Gino
chuckled as he was walking into the parking lot.
Pero bago pa man ito makapunta doon, Lana quickly called him.

She's gonna tell him before it's too late.

"Uhm, Gino.. M-May.. May sasabihin ako sayo.." Kinakabahan na siya.

Gino smiled at her, "Ano?"

Napatigil naman silang dalawa ng biglang nagring ang cellphone ni Gino at kaagad
namang sinagot ng lalake ang tawag.

"Yes, babe, sige, sige, papunta na ako. Bye, take care." Gino then ended up the
call and turned at her, "Ano nga yung sasabihin mo Lana?"

"Ah.." Lana shook her head instead, "W-Wala, wala. Sige na, Gino. Baka hinahanap ka
na ni Cheska."

"Sige, ikaw? Di ka ba sasama sa kin? Ihahatid na kita sa apartment mo."

"H'wag na. Magcocommute na lang ako, sige na, baka mainip yun. Ingat kayo."

"Okay, sige, ingat ka rin." After that, Gino vanished from her sight.

She knew she was already too late.

---

"Well, you're doing good." Chace complimented Lana after she handed him the file.
Laman kasi doon ang mga documents na ipinatype nito sa kanya. And as what Chace
said, mukhang okay naman ang kinalabasan.
Chace was wearing his usual business suit. She's gonna admit that he was even more
good-looking than before. Bagay na bagay dito ang suot nito.

"Uh," They both suddenly felt awkward. Ewan ba niya, these past few days, Chace has
been warming up to her. Hindi na ito masyadong nagagalit sa kanya.

Chace suddenly clears his throat, "Uhm, I'll be having a date."

Date?

"Date?" Lana was confused. Date? As in going out with someone? Parang kumirot ang
puso niya nang marinig iyon. Well, a little bit.

"Yes," Chace raised an eyebrow at her, obviously, he noticed her reaction, "To
close the deal with the VE Industries, Ms. Ellaine Vasquez, the owner, asked me to
go out with her. This 1pm."

"And I want you to go with me." Chace suddenly added kaya naman nagulat si Lana sa
sinabi nito.

"I-Isasama niyo ako, sir? P-Pero.. diba, date niyo itong dalawa? B-Bakit kailangan
ko pang sumama? It will be rude to Ms. Vasquez, sir.." She answered nervously. Oo
naman, it will be rude to Ms. Vasquez na sumama siya. Baka nga mamaya, 'pag sumama
siya, maiinis ang babae sa kanya. And then she's gonna humiliate her in front
everybody and she doesn't want that to happen.

And honestly, she felt relieved when she heard Chace was only going to date her for
business deals.

"Wala naman siyang sinabi na I can't bring some company, so I will bring you."
Chace replied with all authority on his voice.

"And you'll go, Ms. Tan. This is an order from the CEO."

---

"Mr. Torres!" Kaagad hinalikan sa pisngi ng isang babae si Chace nang dumating na
silang dalawa ni Lana sa sinasabi nitong hotel kung saan daw sila magkikita ni Ms.
Ellaine Vasquez. And the hotel was really superb.

The surroundings, ambiance, everything in the hotel was fabulous and elegant. It
was like you're a royal when you entered the place. At she thinks, parang bago pa
lang itinayo ang hotel.
"Ms. Vasquez," Chace said. So, the woman was Ellaine Vasquez who looked like in her
middle-twenties. And she also gonna say the woman was very beautiful too.

Tuloy, parang na-oout-of-place na siya. Nagmumukha siyang thirdwheel sa dalawa.

"By the way, Ms. Vasquez, meet my secretary, Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan." Chace then
gestured her.

"Uhm, good afternoon, Ms. Vasquez." Lana awkwardly said. Obvious kasi sa reaction
ng babae na ayaw nitong nandodoon siya the moment Chace introduced her to VE
Industries' owner.

Ms. Vasquez looked like she was pissed off.

"Hmm," binaling nito ang atensyon nito kay Chace, "I thought we're the only two
who's going out, Mr. Torres," kaagad itong kumapit sa braso ni Chace, "But anyway,
it's okay. I will tour you first to the hotel." Anito at nauna na ngang naglakad
kasama si Chace papunta sa elevator ng hotel.

Nakapasok na nga ang dalawa sa elevator but when Lana was about to enter, kaagad
pinindot ni Ellaine ang close button at naiwan siya.

She frustratingly sighed. The woman was making fun of her. Dapat hindi na talaga
siya sumama kay Chace. Baka mamaya may gagawin pa ito sa kanya and she could not do
anything because it was not her place.

She just decided to go home. Hindi naman siya siguro kailangan ni Chace. Saka ayaw
niyang magkagulo. The way Ms. Ellaine Vasquez acted, talagang ayaw nito ang
presensya niya.

Lana just turned her back and started to walk. I-tetext na lang niya si Chace na
aalis siya at babalik na lang sa Torres Corp building.

Her phone suddenly beeped. Kaagad niyang kinuha iyon mula sa bulsa niya and saw
Chace' message.

From: CN Torres

We're on the 8th floor, Convention Hall.

Come here.

She breathed hard. Mapipilitan pa talaga siyang pumunta doon.

She texted him back.

To: CN Torres

I'll just go home.

She sent the message and after few seconds, her phone beeped again.

From: CN Torres

Come, NOW.

She sighed. 'NOW'. At nakacapslock pa. Ano bang gagawin niya 'dun? Baka mamaya,
aawayin siya ni Ms. Vasquez, magkakagulo pa. Siya na nga itong umiiwas sa gulo,
pinapapunta pa siya.

"Fine," she muttered to herself and immediately pushed the elevator's button.

---

"Finally, tayong dalawa lang ang nandidito ngayon," Ellaine suddenly said nang
dumating na sila sa 8th floor ng hotel. Actually, Torres Corp has a share on the
Vasquez's newly built hotel, kaya rin siya pumunta rito para matignan ang kabuuan
ng hotel.

He raised his eyebrow when she said those things. So she did it on purpose, leaving
Lana behind.

Ellaine suddenly held his hand, she was like flirting with him, "How are you,
Chace? I mean, it's long time." She smiled at him seductively. Halata rin sa dress
na sinusuot nito ang cleavage nito.

Yes, he and Ellaine knew each other. Ex-girlfriend niya ito when he was in 2nd
year college. Well, there was no love involved. Kumbaga parang lovers with benefits
lang ang meron sa kanila. He met her before he met Tess-before he stopped his
vices.

"I'm fine." He answered formally. He was not interested with her anymore.

"Hmm, I heard you and Tess Sanchez broke up, tapos ikinasal siya agad sa iba. She's
really a whore, isn't she?" She mockingly said at dumating na nga sila sa
convention hall ng hotel. She was touring him.

He became pissed at what she just said, she was making rude comments about Tess
even though she doesn't know the whole story, "What are you trying to point out?"

"Chace, you don't need to ruin your life because of Tess. Because, I'm here..
Willing to be with you again." After that, she suddenly kissed him.

Pero napatigil naman silang dalawa nang biglang may umubo.

Both of them turned their heads and saw Lana.

"Uh.." Obviously, she doesn't know what to say.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Ellaine was pissed off. Parang ilang segundo na
lang ay susugurin na nito si Lana.

"I told her to come here," Chace stiffly answered, "She's my secretary after all."

"Hmm," Ellaine just rolled her eyes at them, "So this is the convention hall.." She
started to introduce the hotel's facilities. Halatang-halata rito na naiirita ito
na pinapunta niya rito si Lana.

---

Tahimik lang si Lana habang katabi si Chace sa kotse nito na nagdadrive. She felt
relieved na tapos na rin sila sa pagtotour sa hotel ng mga Vasquez. In any time
kasi, parang kakainin na siya ng buhay sa mga tinging ibinibigay sa kanya ni Ms.
Ellaine Vasquez. Parang buwisit na buwisit ito sa kanya.

Well, ano bang gagawin niya doon? She knew, Ms. Ellaine Vasquez was pissed off when
she interrupted her intimate moments with Chace in the convention hall. And it's
awkward kung tatayo lang siya doon at panuorin ang dalawa habang gumagawa ang mga
ito ng milagro.

She suddenly remembered Chace and Ellaine's kiss. Ewan ba niya, she was really
affected. Kahit anong gawin niya, hindi nawala sa isipan niya ang pangyayari iyon.

Pero ano bang dapat ireklamo niya? She knew Chace. And Chace was definitely
playing. Alam niyang hindi pa ito totally na nakamove-on kay Tess Sanchez. She
could see it on his eyes.

Dumating na rin sila sa ospital kung saan siya magduduty. Malapit na rin kasing
mag-6pm na shift niya. Sinabihan niya kasi si Chace na 'dun na lang siya
magpapadrop-by.

"Ah, s-sige, aalis na ako." She awkwardly said at bumaba na nga sa kotse nito but
before she would even enter the hospital's premises, bigla itong nagsalita.
"I know, I'm messed up. But yung nakita mo kanina sa 'min, it was nothing. I didn't
respond, Ellaine initiated the kiss." He said that made her stiffened.

"Take care." After, he drove off.

What did she just hear?

//

Chapter 23 - Scared

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 23 - Scared

"Uhm, Sir Torres, are you sure a-about this?" Nauutal na sabi ni Lana kay Chace
matapos nitong sabihin kung anong gagawin niya sa araw na iyon.

Chace was just there, sitting at his swivel chair while reading some documents with
all seriousness. Binabasa kasi nito ang mga reports ng mga department heads for the
corporation departments' monthly meeting para mamaya. Sabi nito sa kanya, magiging
whole day ang meeting so he would not be supervising the lower transactions of the
corporation for now.

"Yes, I am. You must accompany Ms. Ellaine Vasquez in touring here in the building.
After that, give her these documents, in behalf of me," Anito sa kanya at inabot
ang isang file, "She's a client and with all due respect, we need to be
professionally civil. It was her request to have a tour at our building but for
now, I'm busy so I'm giving it to you." He ordered. Seryosong-seryoso ang mukha
nitong ibinibigay sa kanya ngayon.

"I hope there won't be any trouble," He finally added as he stood up from his seat,
"I'll be going to the conference room now, she'll be here in an hour."

Hindi naman nakapagsalita agad si Lana, she felt if she'll complain, Chace will be
mad at her.
"Don't worry, if she'll do something bad, call me immediately." After that, he just
went out from his office and left her.

Napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. Bahala na kung anong mangyayari sa kanya mamaya.

She'll just stay professional para walang kaguluhang mangyayari. She knew Ellaine
Vasquez doesn't quite like her.

---

Napaayos na lang ng upo si Lana nang dumating na nga ang hinihintay nilang client.
Nasa ground floor lobby kasi siya ng building naghihintay.

And yes, this is it. She's gonna meet Ms. Ellaine Vasquez again.

The woman was wearing a black halter dress and sunglasses. Nang siya ang unang
nabungaran nito, Ellaine immediately took off her sunglasses.

"At bakit ikaw ang sumalubong sa kin dito?" Mataray na sabi nito sa kanya at halata
sa itsura nito ang disgusto.

But Lana's face remained straight. She's a professional kaya hindi niya papatulan
ang mga sinasabi nito sa kanya, as what she knew, Ellaine only came for strict
business.'

"Ms. Vasquez, I'm here on behalf of Mr. Torres. May inaattend po kasi siyang
meeting and it will be a whole-day meeting. He instructed me to accompany you
instead kasi hindi niya po kayo masasamahan dito. Don't worry po, he instructed me
strictly and well." She said professionally. Halata namang mas lalong nainis si
Ellaine sa sinabi niya.

"What?" She raised her voice like she wanted some public attention, "He told me na
siya yung magtotour sa kin dito sa building niyo. He can't do that to me, call
him!"

"Ma'am, yan po ang instruction sa kin ng CEO." She answered straightly.

"Call him or ikaw ang matatanggalan ng trabaho rito." Ellaine raised an eyebrow at
her and crossed her arms.

Lana desperatingly sighed. Chace might scold her for calling but it was their
client's request.

She got her phone out from her pocket and called the CEO. Chace answered her call
on the fourth ring.
"Lana, why are you calling? I'm in the middle of the meeting." Pambungad na sabi
nito sa kanya at rinig na rinig nga niya ang mga boses ng mga department heads
saying things about their reports. And obviously, Chace was pissed off when she
called him.

"Uhm," She cleared her throat and noticed Ellaine who was looking daggers at her,
"Si Ms. Ellaine Vasquez po kasi, gusto raw niya po ikaw ang magtotour sa kanya sa
building. I told her that you are in a meeting but she won't believe me, Sir
Torres." Sagot niya rito and she gonna admit, medyo kinakabahan siya.

"Hmm," She heard Chace breathed hard, "Turn on the loud speaker."

Lana then clicked the loud speaker on her phone.

"Ms. Ellaine, I'm sorry but I can't accompany you right now. I'm currently having a
very important meeting with my department heads and I don't want to be disturbed. I
instructed my secretary about everything and to accompany you instead." Chace said
on the other line.

Kumunot naman ang noo ni Ellaine sa mga narinig, "B-But-"

"If you're not comfortable because my secretary is the one who is accompanying you,
you can go back tomorrow or I'll ask some other employees to accompany you with the
tour. Will that be okay?" Lana sensed that her boss was trying to be patient.

Halata namang napahiya si Ellaine sa sinabi ni Chace dito, kulang na lang ata ay
umusok ang ilong nito sa galit, "Fine," The woman scornfully replied, "I'll go with
your secretary, Chace." Napilitan din itong pumayag.

"Thank you, and I hope you'll enjoy your visit, bye." Binaba na nito ang kabilang
linya.

"Uhm, Maam?" Lana called her for one more time. Pero inirapan lang siya nito at
nauna pang naglakad sa kanya.

"Make sure I'm gonna enjoy here." Ellaine said to her as if she was threatening
her.

Lana just shook her head and followed their client. Hahabaan na lang niya ang
pasensya niya para makaiwas sa gulo.

---

"Ma'am, this is the HR department." Sabi ni Lana kay Ellaine nang dumating na nga
sila sa Human Resources Department. At gaya rin ng ibang mga departments ng
corporation, the employees on the specific department were busy on their respective
works.

"Hmm," It was still obvious that Ellaine was still pissed, "And why.." Bigla itong
may nilapitan na babae na nakatayo habang may kausap ito sa cellphone nito at
tumatawa sa harapan nila.

Biglang kinuha ni Ellaine ang cellphone ng babae at nagulat naman ang lahat na
nandodoon sa ginawa niya. Even Lana was surprised at the lady's sudden action.

"At talagang nagtetelebabad ka pa? It's office hours. Dapat trabaho ang inaatupag
mo, ninyo." She pointed everyone out angrily, pagkatapos, binaling nito ulit ang
atensyon sa babae, "At ikaw, hindi porke hindi nakatingin sa inyo ang boss ninyo,
pwede na kayong magtamad-tamaran. Ang dapat sa inyo, i-fire kaagad eh, you're not
contributing to the corporation's welfare kung tamad ka, kayong lahat." Ellaine
insulted the poor employee na natahimik lang dahil sa pinagsasabi nito.

"Uhm, Ms. Vasquez, maybe she has some reasons kung bakit nagtetelebabad siya," Lana
defended. Okay naman kung maayos ang pagkakareprimand ni Ellaine dito but she was
insulting the employee and it was showing how unprofessional she was.

Itinaas naman ni Ellaine ang kilay nito sa kanya, "Wow, you're just a secretary
here, Ms. Tan and I am a very important client of Torres Corporation, you don't
have the right to speak those things to me. Parang hindi ka professional." Siya na
naman ang binalingan ng galit nito.

Lana breathed hard. She was prolonging her patience, "Ma'am, with all due respect,
let's hear her side." She strongly replied.

Napilitan din naman itong pumayag sa sinabi niya, "Okay but if she doesn't have any
valid reason about it, parehas ko kayong i-rereport sa CEO tungkol dito." Ellaine
replied rudely.

"A-Ano.." Kaagad namang nagsalita ang babaeng employee na pinagalitan ni Ellaine,

halata sa itsura nito ang kaba at takot, "K-Kakatapos ko lang po kasing i-reprint
ang mga documents sa printing section, babalik n-na po s-sana ako sa office table
nang biglang tumawag ang kapatid ko na nasa Dubai, b-birthday ko po kasi ngayon, n-
natatawa lang po ako sa ipinadala niyang birthday gift daw po sa kin.." Naiiyak na
sabi sa kanila ng employee.

Natahimik naman ang lahat sa sinabi ng employee even Ellaine got silent. She was
obviously embarrassed for falsely accusing the poor employee.

Lana cleared her throat again, "Ma'am, she got a valid reason. I hope you would
consider it." Sabi niya rito.

"Okay," pilit na sabi nito, "Siguro, makakalusot pa kayo ngayon but next time,
hindi na. Secretary, tara na nga. Let's go to the other departments." Inirapan na
naman silang lahat nito at lumabas na sa HR department.
Napapailing na lang si Lana sa ginagawa nito.

---

"Ms. Vasquez, ito pala ang document na ipinabibigay sayo ni Sir Torres." Anito ni
Lana saka inabot dito ang isang file na ibinigay sa kanya ni Chace kanina. Nasa
office na niya silang dalawa. Ellaine was observing her office intently.

Tapos na rin kasi niyang i-tour ito sa buong department ng building and every
department na binisita nila, puro pintas ang sinasabi ni Ellaine sa mga employees
ng Torres Corp. But she just kept silent. Wala pa naman itong hinaharrass maliban
sa employee kanina sa HR. Ellaine was only saying the rude comments about the
employees to her. Puro reklamo ang sinasabi nito sa kanya, as if she was kind of a
business inspector.

Napansin naman nito ang file na inabot niya and Ellaine smiled at her mockingly as
she accepted the file from her, "Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan, hmm, the current secretary
of Chace Nicholas Torres." Parang nasesense na niya na may hindi maganda itong
sasabihin sa kanya.

"Uh, yes, I am, Ms. Vasquez." She answered matter-of-factly.

"Hmm," The lady mischievously grinned, "I background checked you." Anito at alam na
niya ang susunod na mangyayari, she's gonna insult her again.

Lana just remained silent.

"Daughter of Mr. Gregorio Tan, dating isang board member na nagkautang sa Torres
Corp but now, is on a comatose state." Ellaine mocked, "And I also heard you
betrayed Cheska, Chace' sister by cheating with her boyfriend, you really are a bad
friend, aren't you?"

Lana's face was blank, "Is that all you're gonna say to me?" Sawang-sawa na siya sa
paulit-ulit na insulto sa kanya ng mga tao. And she already regretted everything
that she did.

"Wow, ang taas din ng tingin mo sa sarili mo ano?" Bigla na lang itong nainis sa
inasal niya. Bigla naman itong natawa, "May mga naririnig pa akong ikaw daw ang
bagong girlfriend ni Chace. Does Chace do some drugs kung totoo nga yun? Talagang
ang kapal na ng mukha mo." Pailing-iling na sabi nito sa kanya.

Nilapitan naman siya nito, "Because no matter how you try, Ms. Tan, no one can ever
replace Tess in Chace' life, even you cannot replace her. Kaya tumigil ka na sa mga
pangarap mo, hindi ka rin naman niya papatulan."
"Tess will be always the love of his life."

---

"Lana, Lana."

Nagising na lang si Lana nang may biglang tumapik sa balikat niya.

"Uhh, S-Sir Torres!" Nagulat na lang siya nang makita si Chace sa harapan niya.

"Why are you still here?" Nakakunot-noong tanong nito sa kanya.

Kaagad namang napatingin si Lana sa wallclock ng opisina niya. It was already 8 in

the evening.

"A-Ano, m-may tinatype kasi akong document." Sagot niya. Oo, may tinatapos kasi
siyang document, the document that she didn't finish yesterday, ngayon niya kasi
napag-isipan ipagpatuloy pagkatapos umalis ni Ellaine Vasquez sa Torres Corp.

"You should not overwork yourself, Ms. Tan. Baka mangyari na naman yung nangyari
sayo dati." Concern was etched on his voice. Halata lang din sa ayos nito na
katatapos lang ng board meeting at nadaanan siya nito sa office niya.

"Tess will be always the love of his life."

"Uhm, o-okay lang ako. S-Sige, Sir Torres, kailangan ko ng umalis." She said
awkwardly. She doesn't know anymore. Just suddenly, she felt her heart beating fast
every time Chace is near her. And at the same time, she's scared.

Natatakot siyang mapalapit dito. She was scared to risk her heart again. 'Cause I
know Chace would never catch me.

Tumayo na rin siya mula sa pagkakaupo niya at inayos ang mga gamit niya. Chace was
just merely observing her.

Nang matapos na siya, she cleared her throat again, "Aalis na ako, Sir Torres. Mag-
ingat po kayo." She said formally.

"Lana." He suddenly called out her name, staring at her intensely.

"Y-Yes, sir?"
"Do you.. Do you still love Gino?"

//

Chapter 24 - Katarina

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 24 - Katarina

"Do you.. Do you still love Gino?"

Nagulat si Lana sa biglaang tanong sa kanya ni Chace. Chace was just standing, full
at her and was waiting for her answer. He was also staring at her intensely.

Why did he suddenly ask it?

It was already few months ago when those things happened to her. And many things
happened to her after that too. Tapos ngayon, bigla na lang siyang tatanungin ni
Chace ng ganun?

She noticed him breathing hard, like he was frustrated, "It's okay if you won't
answer. Well, y-you can go now, Ms. Tan, t-take care." He just said.

Napilitan namang tumango si Lana sa sinabi nito, "S-Sige po, Sir Torres, k-kayo
rin, mag-ingat din po kayo." Agad naman siyang tumalikod pagkatapos.

Pero bago pa man siya makalabas sa office niya, muli niyang nilingon ito, she
gulped, she knew she was nervous on what she will say, "Hindi ko alam.. Pero.. I
don't think I still have feelings for him, see you, Sir Torres." And that, she went
out.

---

"Chace Nicholas Torres & The New Girl: Katarina dela Torre.."

It has been two weeks since nababasa iyon ni Lana sa mga newspapers at naririnig sa
mga balita. Yes, the rumors were really spreading so fast at kadalasan, iyon din
ang pinag-uusapan nila sa opisina. Chace and Katarina, the new girl.

And on those two weeks, Chace has been distant to her. Well, she just felt he was
being distant. Wala naman itong ginagawa para magalit siya rito or he doesn't do
anymore rude things at her just like before. They were just being civil with each
other. Puro trabaho lang ang inaatupag nilang dalawa. Ni hindi na nga sila nag-
uusap gaya 'nung dati at kung mag-uusap man, it is all business.

At simula 'nung gabi ring iyon, when Chace asked her, the next day, everything
suddenly changed. Doon na nagsimula ang lahat. Nalaman na lang niya na Chace was
now dating Ms. Katarina dela Torre.

Kilala ng lahat si Katarina. Katarina dela Torres is a daughter of Senator Raymund

dela Torre, a family friend ng mga Torres. And even though hindi pa nila ito
nakikita sa personal, masasabi nilang maganda si Katarina. The woman looked very
sophisticated and elegant.

May mga pictures ding kumakalat na magkasama ang dalawa na kumakain sa isang
restaurant, holding hands and a picture of the two, kissing.

Hindi na niya alam kung anong nararamdaman niya sa mga nalalaman niya tungkol dito.
Oo, aaminin niyang she was expecting something betweer her and Chace. Oo, umasa
siya. Umasa siyang sasaluhin siya ni Chace pero sa huli, naiwan na naman siyang
mag-isa.

Napatigil na lang si Lana sa pagtatype niya sa isang file nang biglang nagring
telephone niya sa office, she quickly picked up the phone and greeted,
"Goodmorning, this is Torres Corp CEO's secretary, how may I help you?"

"Ms. Tan, come here to my office." A very commanding voice on the other line said.
Kaagad naman nitong ibinaba ang telepono pagkatapos nitong sinabi iyon.

Lana just sighed and quickly stood up from her seat.

---

"Sir Torres?" Dumating na rin si Lana sa office ng CEO. Then she saw Chace who was
currently talking to someone over a phone while standing and viewing the beautiful
city at the office huge window.

"Yes, my secretary will accompany you, will be that be okay?"

"Yeah, okay. Take care yourself. I'll see you later."

Chace then ended the call and turned at his body-looking at her, poker-faced. "I
called Katarina."
Katarina. Nang marinig ni Lana ang pangalang iyon, parang nakaramdam siya ng
konting kirot sa puso niya. Kung ganun pala, si Katarina ang kausap nito kanina.

"And I told her na hindi ko siya masasamahan sa mall para bumili ng mga gamit na
kakailanganin niya bukas sa event niya bukas. May meeting kasi ako sa mga board
members. And I told her too na ikaw na muna sasama sa kanya." He said-straight
face.

"Ihahatid ka ni Mang Jeffrey papunta sa mall, I gave Katarina your number too.
Tatawagan ka lang niya kung nasaan siya sa mall."

Napatango na lang si Lana, "U-Uhm, s-sige, Sir Torres."

"Don't worry, you'll be paid. Nasa labas na si Mang Jeffrey, you may go now." He
replied matter-of-factly.

"O-Okay, sir." Her voice was trembling. Ewan ba niya, parang nasasaktan siya sa mga
sinasabi nito sa kanya.

Tinalikuran niya agad ito pero bago pa man siya makalabas, muling nagsalita si
Chace.

"Take care." The man suddenly said and Lana just nodded then went out from his
office.

Nang makalabas na siya, nakahinga siya ng maluwag. Bakit ba ganun na lang ang
nararamdaman niya?

When she heard Chace and Katarina were now dating, parang nasaktan siya. Pero ano
bang pakialam niya? Of course, Chace is now dating Katarina kasi unting-unti na rin
itong nakakamove-on kay Tess. And Chace also deserves a second chance on love kaya
ano bang karapatan niya para piliin kung sino mamahalin nito?

Because you expected something between you and him.

She just shrugged her thoughts off at nagsimula na ngang maglakad papunta sa labas
ng building.

---

From: +639*********

Hi! This is Katarina. Chace gave me this number.

This is Lana, right? I'm here by the way sa NBS.

I'm wearing a blue dress. Thanks, see ya!

Iyon ang message na nareceive ni Lana nang dumating na nga siya sa mall kung saan
sila magkikita ni Katrina dela Torre. Nakaoffice uniform pa nga siya nang dumating
doon.

She sighed. Sana hindi gaya ni Ellaine Vasquez ang ugali ni Katarina. Well, she
didn't hear any negative towards Katarina though. Sabi ng ilan, mabait ito. Sa
katunayan nga raw, na kay Katarina na lahat. Kind, rich and beautiful. Pero
mapapatunayan niya lang yun kung magkikita na sila sa National Book Store.

And she's hoping everything will be alright.

---

"Ms. Katarina?"

Napalingon naman agad kay Lana ang babaeng nakasuot ng blue dress nang dumating na
siya sa NBS. And the moment the woman turned her head at her, she was astounded. It
was really true that Katarina dela Torre is very beautiful.

Nakangiting lumingon ito sa kanya although it was obvious that the woman was
confused but then finally realized it na siya yung ipinadala ni Chace para samahan
ito, "Lana?" She said cheerfully.

Tumango naman si Lana, "Ako nga po. Ako ang ipinadala ni Sir Torres na samahan ka."
She said shyly. Parang good mood na good mood kasi ito.

Katarina suddenly giggled, "Ano ba, h'wag kang mahiya sa kin, saka h'wag kang
mag-'po', sa tingin ko, kaedad lang naman tayo, saka, drop the miss, Katarina na
lang tawag mo sa kin. Ano, tara samahan mo kong mamili ng mga freebies para sa
event ko bukas." She winked.

---

"Ano sa tingin mo?"

"Mas maganda yung red." Lana answered Katarina's question nang may ipinakita itong
maliit na keychain ng isang ballpen.

"Well, you're right, mas maganda nga ang red." Namamanghang sabi nito habang
tinititigan ang key chain. After that, the lady just put all the key chains they
had chosen into the basket.

Ngayon lang din niya nalaman na isa palang writer si Katarina. Bukas, maglalaunch
ito ng isinulat nitong novel, an inspirational novel specifically. Maglalaunch din
ito ng booksigning event bukas kaya sila bumibili ng mga freebies na ipapamigay sa
mga readers na pupunta.

At tama rin pala ang naririnig niya, Katarina was nice. Ni hindi nga niya itong
nakita na nagmaldita kahit kanina, may tinawag silang isang saleslady pero hindi
sila nito pinansin. In the end, sila na lang tuloy ang naghanap ng gamit na
kailangan nilang bilhin.

Nakabuntot lang si Lana kay Katarina habang namimili ito ng mga gamit. Hindi niya
alam pero parang naging komportable siyang kasama ito. Hindi naman kasi masama ang
ugali nito gaya 'nung Ellaine Vasquez na client nila sa Torres Corp. Hiyang-hiya
nga siya kasi alam niyang 'she's-out-of-the-league' siya kay Katarina dela Torre.

"Lana, how's Chace as a boss?" Katarina suddenly asked kaya naman medyo nagulat si
Lana sa sinabi nito. Katarina was currently looking some books at the NBS
bookshelves.

"Uhm," Lana started awkwardly, "O-Okay naman po siya, medyo.. mainitin nga lang ng
konti ang ulo." She added. Kung pwede nga lang, sasabihin niya rito ang lahat ng
negative attitude ni Chace but no, she's not gonna say that. Ayaw niyang akalain
nito na dinidiscourage niya ang boss niya rito. And Katarina may thought na may
gusto rin siya kay Chace, which is not.

Natawa naman bigla si Katarina sa sinabi niya, "Gaya nga ng inaasahan kong sagot. I
agree na medyo masungit talaga siya. Pero mabait naman. 'Di nga lang halata."

"Hindi ko nga ineexpect na magiging kami eh. Well, we're just like friends lang
talaga before. Wala ni mismo sa 'ming dalawa ang nagkainteres na magdate kami. Then
bigla na lang kaming nagkitang dalawa, then Chace asked me out then I said yes,
then poof, we started dating." Kwento nito sa kanya habang nakangiti pa.

"I don't know, yes, I've heard Tess Sanchez, na naging girlfriend niya for five
years then bigla na lang silang naghiwalay. But anyway, I am really hoping for the
best for the two of us. Alam ko namang Chace will completely forget his past, isn't
he?"

"Hmm," The woman just smiled widely at Lana, "Tara na, tapos na ako rito. Pupunta
na tayo sa cashier then we'll go back to Torres Corporation." Hinilia pa siya nito
papunta sa cashier.

Hindi alam ni Lana kung anong i-rereact niya sa mga sinasabi nito. She knew, deep
inside, she was hurting. Pero ano bang irereklamo niya? She knew Chace didn't feel
anything to her anyway.
---

Dumating na rin sila Lana at Katarina sa Torres Corp building. Nakisakay lang si
Lana sa kotse ng babae papunta sa Torres Corp. May dala kasi itong kotse kanina pa
kaya hindi na nila kailangan pang magpasundo kay Mang Jeffrey.

Pumasok naman agad silang dalawa si building para puntahan si Chace sa office nito.
Si Katarina nga, halatang excited na makita ang lalake.

"You know, first time ko pang makapasok sa building. Ang ganda. I'm really
fascinated with the surroundings." She was really amazed the moment they entered
the building.

Ilang minuto rin ay dumating na rin sila sa office ng CEO, Lana breathed hard and
forced herself to smile, "Uhm, Katarina, nandito na tayo sa office ni Sir Torres."
Then after, Lana opened the door for her.

"Katarina." Napatayo naman si Chace mula sa pagkakaupo nito sa swivel chair habang
may binabasa rin itong isang document. Nakapasok na silang dalawa ni Katarina sa
office nito.

Katarina immediately went near him and tiptoed him for a kiss. Nakita naman ni Lana
na tumugon din si Chace sa halik nito. Then after few seconds, bumitaw na rin ito
sa isa't-isa.

"Dumaan lang ako rito para macheck ka, how are you? Saka aalis din ako kaagad, you
know, I need to prepare things for my even tomorrow. Don't forget to come!"
Katarina childishly said at him habang nakahawak si Chace sa bewang nito.

"I'm fine and don't worry, I won't. I already rescheduled everything for tomorrow."
Chace smiled genuinely. And the moment Lana saw those on him, her heart.. suddenly
torn apart.

"And invite Lana too," nilingon naman siya ni Katarina na nakangiti pa.

Lana just forced a smile at them, "S-Sige, thank you." Parang naiiyak siya sa mga
nakikita niya sa dalawa.

"Sige na, aalis na ako. Mag-ingat ka, don't overwork." Katarina kissed Chace for
one last time.

"You too, take care. Papahatid ka ba?" Chace asked the woman but Katarina shook her
head instead.
"H'wag na, dala ko rin naman kotse ko, sige, I have to go." Muli ay lumingon ito
kay Lana, "Lana, thank you kanina, don't forget to come to my event tomorrow, okay?
Bye." After that, the lady went out from the office.

"Lana?"

"Lana, are you crying?" It was then Lana came back to her senses. Agad naman siyang
napahawak sa mukha niya.

He was right. She was really crying.

"H-Hindi, wala ito. Uhm, s-sige, Sir Torres, aalis na ako." Lana quickly wiped off
her tears from her eyes at tinalikuran ito. Nasasaktan siya.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, sir. Don't worry." Pagkatapos tuluyan na nga siyang lumabas sa opisina
nito.

She suddenly covered her mouth as she cried again.

//

Chapter 25 - Event

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 25 - Event

Huminga ng malalim si Lana bago pumasok sa opisina ng boss niya. She was just
wearing a simple lavender dress and black heels.

At nang makapasok na siya, kaagad namang napalingon sa kanya si Chace who had just
finished a call from his phone.

He looked amazed the moment he saw her.

Lana cleared her throat, "Uhm, t-tapos na ako, Sir. P-Pwede na po tayong umalis."
Nauutal na sagot niya rito. Kagabi kasi, nakareceive siya ng message mula rito na
magdala siya ng damit para sa event ni Katarina ngayon. Maghahalf-day lang daw kasi
siya at sasabay na kay Chace papunta sa lugar ng event ng bagong nobya nito.

Hindi nga niya sana gustong umattend pero tinext kasi siya ni Katarina na kailangan
niyang umattend sa event nito ngayon. She has no choice. Nahihiya din naman siya
kasi mabait ang babae.

"Ah, hmm," Nawala na ang pagkamangha sa mukha ni Chace at naging seryoso na ang
itsura nito, "Okay, let's go." He said as he started walking out first from his
office. The man was wearing long sleeve white formal shirt and black slacks.
Nakainsert ang shirt nito sa slacks nito.

But before Chace got out from his office, he stopped for a second, "You look
prettier with your dress today, Lana." Then Chace went out first.

---

Dumating na rin sila Lana sa convention hall ng isang mall kung saan kasalukuyang
nagaganap ang event ni Katarina dela Torre. The event has many guests. Maganda rin
ang pagkakadisenyo sa event. Halatang planadong-planado. All were wearing their
beautiful suits and dresses.

Sa tingin nga ni Lana parang puro mayayaman ang nandoon sa event. Well, what does
she expect? Katarina is a daughter of a senator kaya siguro, kadalasan sa mga
guests nito ay mga VIP. At may napapansin din siyang iba na ordinaryo lang ang mga
damit, probably the readers of Katarina's inspirational novel.

Nang mapansin na sila ni Katarina, kaagad naman sila nitong nilapitan.

The woman was smiling while approaching them. Katarina was wearing a blue silk
dress. She immediately kissed Chace on the lips when she arrived at their place,
"I'm glad na nakarating kayo." Anito at napatingin sa kanilang dalawa. Aaminin
niyang magandang-maganda ang itsura ngayon ni Katarina. Parang walang effort ang
kagandahan nito.

"Lana, you look more beautiful with your dress today." Katarina smiled at her
appreciatively. Medyo nahiya naman si Lana sa sinabi nito.

"Ikaw din, Katarina." She replied. She never expected that Katarina would
compliment her.

"Naku, h'wag kang mahiya rito," Natatawang sabi ni Katarina, "There are also foods
at kung ano pang isiniserve dito. Magrequest ka lang sa mga crew na nandito and
tell them you're my special guest so that they'll accommodate you properly. Enjoy
the event, Lana." She added as she squeezed her hands assuringly.
Binaling na nito ang atensyon kay Chace, "Tara, may ipapakilala ako sayong mga
guests," Then she looked at her again, "Lana, aalis muna kami. Just call me kung
may kailangan ka, okay? Enjoy the event!" Kaagad nitong hinila si Chace papalayo sa
kinaroroonan niya.

Huminga na lang ng malalim si Lana, hindi siya dapat magpapaapekto sa mga nakikita
niya. Hindi siya dapat masaktan. Hindi dapat.

---

Tumitingin-tingin lang si Lana sa mga librong nakadisplay sa event ni Katarina. All

the books that she was seeing now were all written by the woman. Sa katunayan nga,
manghang-mangha siya sa mga naisulat nito. Mukhang hindi lang sikat ang mga libro
ni Katarina sa Pinas kundi sa ibang bansa rin.

Napapansin naman niya sina Chace at Katarina habang may kinakausap itong mga
guests. Parang nagkakatuwaan pa nga ang dalawa but she just shrugged it off and
focus her attention on her own. Hindi siya dapat makialam dito. Kasi alam niyang
masasaktan lang siya.

Last night, hindi niya alam kung bakit masakit sa kanya ang mga nakikita niya. She
cried herself for the whole night. Talagang nadurog ang puso niya. She was
expecting something between her and Chace pero napunta lang ang lahat sa wala.

Ewan ba niya. She really did maybe expect something from Chace, from the way the
man treated her. Oo, talagang ang sobrang tanga niya. Alam na nga niyang puro
pasakit lang ang dala ni Chace sa kanya, heto pa rin siya, nagtratrabaho para sa
lalake. Like she's already attached with the guy that no matter how she tried to
get away from him, talagang hindi niya nagagawa.

Did she already fall for Chace?

"May nabasa ka bang mga libro niya?"

Biglang may nagsalita sa likod ni Lana kaya naman napatigil siya sa pag-iisip niya.
Then he saw a tall figure of a man, smiling at him. She would admit that the man
was good-looking too.

"Uhm," She started awkwardly, "Wala pa eh. Ano, masyado kasi akong busy sa trabaho.
Parang nawawalan na ako ng oras para magbasa ng ibang libro pero may naririnig
naman ako na maganda raw ang mga libro na isinisulat ni Ms. Katarina." She
answered. Totoo naman. Talagang wala siyang panahon para man lang makagawa ng mga
kagustuhan niya dahil sa trabaho niya sa Torrres Corp at sa duty niya sa ospital.
Natawa naman bigla ang lalake sa sinabi niya, "Ganun ba? Hmm." May kinuha itong
libro sa shelf at ibinigay sa kanya. The book was titled, 'Seven Days'. "If you
have time, try reading that book, it's really good."

Ningitian na lang ito ni Lana, "A-Ah, sige, I'll try."

The guy suddenly offered her a hand, "By the way, I'm Xavier Rodriguez."
Pagpapakilala nito sa kanya.

Lana shook his hand, "I'm Lana." She answered shortly.

"Wait, you're familiar," He suddenly said as if he was thinking, "Ikaw yung kasama
rito ni Chace Torres kanina, pagkarating niya. Boyfriend of Katarina dela Torre."

Lana nodded her head, "Ah, oo. Ako nga. Secretary kasi ako ni Sir Torres, saka
inimbita kasi ako ni Ms. Katarina sa event niya." She replied.

"The event is really nice. Talagang pinagplanuhan talaga ni Katarina ng maayos."

Xavier suddenly said.

But before Lana could reply with what he said, somebody called her name.

"Lana."

Parehas naman silang napalingon ni Xavier at nakita si Chace na malapit lang sa

kinaroroonan nila. Parang galit itong makatingin sa kanila.

"S-Sir Torres," Lana stammered. Ano na naman bang ginawa niya? Bakit parang galit
yata ito kung makatingin sa kanila?

"I need to talk to you." Chace said in a very commanding voice. Napansin din niyang
hindi na nito kasama si Katarina.

"Uhm," Napatingin na lang si Lana kay Xavier, "A-Ano, mag-usap na lang tayo ulit
mamaya, tinatawag na kasi ako ni Sir Torres, sige." She smiled and quickly went to
Chace who was staring at them furiously.

"Sir Torres." Sabi niya nang makalapit na siya rito. Aaminin niyang medyo
kinakabahan siya. Wala naman siguro siyang ginawang kamalian para magalit na naman
ito sa kanya.

"Why are you talking to that guy?" Nabigla naman si Lana sa tanong nito sa kanya.

"Uhm, he approached me first," she defended, "Nagkwentuhan lang kami sa mga libro
ni Ms. Katarina."

Hindi pa rin mawala sa mukha nito ang pagkainis, "Don't talk to him again, Ms. Tan.
That's my order." He said sternly at tinalikuran na siya nito.

Naasar naman si Lana sa sinabi nito. Why is he suddenly so rude to her? Ano bang
ikinagagalit nito? Ano bang mali kung may kausapin siyang tao 'dun sa event? She
even felt out of place kasi iniwan siya nito at doon sumama kay Katarina. Yes, like
her, wala rin siyang karapatan para pigilan ang dalawa.

Pero lalo na ito, sa kanya.

"No, hindi ako susunod sa mga sinasabi mo." She strongly said kaya naman napalingon
sa kanya si Chace. She noticed he raised an eyebrow at her.

"What?" Kumunot ang noo nito sa sinabi niya.

"Kakausapin ko ang kung sino man ang gusto kong kausapin. I will not follow what
you just said, I have my life too." She said as she turned her back at him. She
doesn't want him to interfere with her life.

She already got hurt too much for involving him to her life.

---

Lana just sighed. She got bored. Naikot na niya yata ang lahat ng sulok ng
convention hall.

She felt out-of-place again. Siya lang kasi mag-isa ngayon. Kanina, hinanap niya si
Xavier pero bigla na lang itong nawala.

Sana tinanggihan na lang niya ang invitation ni Katarina na pumunta doon. Talagang
wala siyang magawa. Wala rin naman siyang kakilalang na nandodoon para makausap
niya. Tapos yung ibang guests, mukha kasing hindi approachable kaya nahihiya siyang
lapitan ang mga ito.

"Oh, the slut is here."

Nagulat naman si Lana nang may nagsabi ng ganun at napalingon sa likod niya. Then
she saw a very familiar woman. Kung tama ang pagkakaalala niya, she was one of
Chace' relatives who mocked her when they attended Chace' cousin's birthday party.
Layla was the name of the woman if she remembered.

At siguro nandito ito ngayon dahil kakilala rin nito si Katarina.

"Dinala ka na naman ba ni Chace dito para ipahiya?" She mocked her. Talagang simula
pa man, mainit na ang dugo nito sa kanya.

"Ms. Katarina dela Torre invited me." She answered. Hindi siya magpapaapi ulit
rito.

Bigla naman itong natawa, "Ano na naman kaya ang pumasok sa ulo ni Katarina at
inimbita ka? Well, siguro, Katarina pitied you. Mabait kasi si Katarina kaya
malamang naawa sayo." She wickedly grinned.

"O, sya, enjoy the luxury habang meron pa," naglakad na nga ito papaalis sa kanya
pero laking gulat niya nang sinadya nitong banggain siya sa gilid kaya nabasag ang
hawak-hawak nitong goblet glass na may lamang wine.

"Oh my god!" Layla screamed kaya naman nakuha nito ang lahat ng atensyon. Everyone
was now looking at them.

"Bakit mo ko tinulak?" Layla's acts really convinced the crowd. It looked like
everyone was believing at the woman's lie.

"W-What? Hindi kita tinulak. Sinadya mo yun." Lana defended herself. Ano na naman
ba ang pakana nito? Why does everyone hates her for her just one stupid mistake?

"Wow, ako pa talaga. It was obviously you. Hindi matatapon ang hawak kong wine kung
hindi mo ko tinulak." Talagang gusto nitong i-eskandalo siya sa event ni Katarina.

"Nagalit ka kasi tinawag kitang slut? Malandi? Eh totoo naman. You cheated your
best friend, Cheska, who's happened to be Chace Torres' sister. Siguro nga, isa ka
lang bayaran na babae, just like the other whores, you fucked every guy na
nasasalamuha mo."

Natahimik naman ang lahat sa huling sinabi ni Layla sa kanya.

Lana clenched her fists. Talagang sumusobra na ito. She was being humiliated again
in front of the whole crowd.

But instead of talking back, she walked out from the convention hall. Ano pa bang
saysay ng paliwanag niya if obviously, everyone was convinced at what just Layla
said.

Pinilit niyang hindi maiyak. Kahit alam niyang sa kaloob-looban niya, sobrang durog
na siya.

"Lana." Napatingin naman si Lana sa likod niya at nakita si Chace.

He looked very concern.

"Uuwi na ako." She said. Ayaw niyang makita na naman siya nitong umiiyak.

"Okay, pero ihahatid kita." Anito sa kanya.

---

Nang dumating na sina Lana sa apartment niya, kaagad siyang bumaba sa kotse ni
Chace na walang sali-salita. Sa mga oras na yun, she's gonna break and cry again.

Naramdaman naman niya ang pagbaba ni Chace sa kotse nito, "Lana."

Pero hindi niya ito nilingon at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad papunta sa apartment niya.
Aminado siyang gabing-gabi na rin.

"Lana."

"Lana!" Hinawakan na nga nito ang braso niya kaya napilitan siyang lumingon dito.
She was now crying.

"Bitawan mo ko," She cried, "Bakit kayo ganyan sa kin? Nang dahil lang sa isang
pagkakamali ko, tinatrato niyo na akong parang hayop!" Pinagsususuntok na niya ang
dibdib nito ngayon, "Bakit? Bakit, Chace?!"

"Lana, I'm sorry."

"Sorry?!" Lana was enraged. "Ganyan ka naman lagi sa kin, puro ka na lang sorry!
Chace, ano ba, nasasaktan din ako." She said as she cried for more, "Nasasaktan din
ako. Nasasaktan ako sa mga ginagawa mo sa kin, sa inyo ni Katarina, harap-harapan
pa."

"Oo, tanga akong umasa ako. Pero Chace, please, tama na. Ayoko na, iwan mo na lang
ako." Tinalikuran na niya ito at kaagad binuksan ang pinto ng apartment niya pero
bago pa man siya makapasok, Chace suddenly kissed her.

And after few seconds, bumitaw na rin ito. She was shocked at what he just did.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyayari sa kin ngayon Lana. I don't want to get
attached with you." Chace started as if he was also hurting, "Ayokong mahulog sayo,
ayokong mapalapit sayo kasi alam ko mismo sa sarili ko na ayokong gawin kitang
panakip-butas lang kay Tess. But every time when you're near me, I always feel
different, Lana. And I also don't want you to fall for me kasi masasaktan ka lang
sa kin. Ayokong masaktan ka dahil sa kin."
"Lana, the moment you told me that you don't have any feelings for Gino, alam kong
sa panahong iyon, my plan has backfired. But I don't want myself to love you kasi
alam kong masasaktan ka lang, ayokong nakikita kitang nasasaktan pa dahil sa kin."
Chace added.

"But.. I was wrong."

"Because every time I restrict myself to you, lalo pa akong nahuhulog sayo."

After that, Chace kissed her again.

//

Chapter 26 - Revelation (M)

Chapter 26 - Revelation

"Lana, nakailang baso ka na ng wine, baka malasing ka na n'yan." Saway ng

kasamahang PGI ni Lana sa ospital sa kanya nang makalimang baso na siya ng wine.
Nasa isang club kasi silang lahat, it was her colleague's birthday kaya lahat
silang mga intern, nilibre nito para magparty sa isang club.

And now, she felt it was the time to get wasted from everything.

Ewan ba niya, naubos na ang luha niya sa kakaiyak sa mga nangyayari sa buhay niya.
Her family, her best friend and her love. Parang siya yata binuhusan ng lahat ng
kamalasan.

Masakit na masakit sa kanya ang mga nangyayari ngayon. Sa best friend niya, si
Cheska. She was not expecting her na magugustuhan din nito si Gino. Oo, close
friend niya si Gino at hindi niya rin inexpect na parehas sila ni Cheska ng taong
mamahalin.

And she was this, being a martyr again. Nagparaya siya. Ayaw niyang masira ang
pagkakaibigan nila ni Cheska dahil lang doon. She would rather save their
friendship than fighting her feelings for Gino.

Pero hindi niya aakalain na magiging ganun pala kasakit ang lahat. She didn't even
make it to confess her feelings to Gino.

Kung pwede nga lang ilunod niya ang sarili niya sa alak.

"Lana, stop it. You're drunk." Biglang may tumapik sa balikat niya kaya naman
napalingon siya sa likod niya.

"What.. the.. Gino?" Kumunot ang noo niya. Oo, imbitado rin ito pero hindi niya
inexpect na lalapitan siya nito because the guy was busy chatting with the other
male interns.

"Lana, you're drunk already."

"No! Well, why?" She grinned. Parang sasabog na siya sa mga emosyong dati pa niyang
tinatago para rito dahil sa mga nainom niya, "Bakit? Magbabago ba ang lahat kahit
malasing ako Gino? No, right?" Tumayo na siya mula sa pagkakaupo niya sa stool sa
may bar counter.

"Siguro, ito na ang tamang panahon para sabihin ko na sayo ang totoo Gino, wala rin
namang mangyayari kahit sabihin ko pa sayo ngayon."

"Gino, yeah, I love you." After that, she didn't know what she did next but all she
knew was that, her lips met his.

---

Lana was still shocked at Chace sudden words. But her thoughts went off when he
kissed her again. Even though she was still crying, she couldn't help but to
respond to the man's fiery kisses.

It seemed like they were longing for each other.

Chace locked the door as they were still kissing hungrily. Chace quickly lifted up
Lana as she also wrapped her legs around his waist. Isinandal niya ito sa pader
habang hindi pa rin sila tumitigil sa mainit nilang paghahalikan.

Lana could now even felt their tongues inside her mouth. She knew, they both knew,
they wanted each other now. She could feel the lust that was burning into their
bodies.

But.

"C-Chace.." She suddenly stopped. Ayaw na niyang magkamali na naman.

Chace' eyes was giving her shivers. It was intense and she could see the lust
forming on his eyes. Pero bigla na lang nalusaw ang mga tinging iyon at napalitan
ng pag-aalala nang tinawag niya ang pangalan nito.

"Chace, I don't want to make the same mistakes again." Naiiyak na sabi niya rito.
She just couldn't make love or kiss Chace because Chace has Katarina. And Katarina
was so kind to her at ayaw niyang masira na naman ang namumuo nilang pagkakaibigan.

Chace suddenly smiled, a smile of assurance to be exact. "You wont. 'Cause

everything between us was all an act, Lana. I helped her to make her ex-boyfriend,
Xavier Rodriguez, jealous." After that, Chace devoured her again. And she just
responded to his kisses.

Chace begins to walk while still carrying her and not breaking the kiss. Dahan-
dahan siya nitong inilagay sa kama ng apartment niya and the guy quickly climbed at
the top of her.

Chace unbuttoned his shirt immediately and he was now half-naked. Lana was just
mere observing him doing all those things. And she gonna admit, she kinda felt
embarrassed. Kahit alam niyang may nangyari nga sa kanila ni Gino, she was
unconscious about it that's why now, it was her first time to feel the foreign
sensation into her body. And she knew, she was not very good at it.

Chace' body was very chiseled. Halatang-halata na alagang-alaga nito ang katawan,
that Lana couldn't help but to stare at it.

In just a second, Chace kissed her again, indulging his tongue into hers. Maya-
maya, naramdaman na niya na pababa na ang mga halik nito papunta sa leeg niya. She
also felt his hands was now inside her dress, caressing her breasts.

"Chace.." She moaned his name when she felt his hands was now massaging her breasts
although she was still dressed. She couldn't help but to bury her nails at his back
because of the sensation he was giving to her.

Chace suddenly stopped and began to unbuckle his belt. He took off all his garments
and was full-naked at her front. Parang nahihiya siya tuloy tignan ito, especially
his manhood who was obviously hard and turned on.

Chace cupped her face lovingly, "Lana, I want you to undress."

"C-Chace.." Hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin niya rito. She was hesitant. Yes,
she also wanted him too but.. she was embarrassed for the fact that, alam niyang si
Chace ang 'di nakauna sa kanya. That.. she was not a virgin anymore. "Uhm.. I
can't.. I mean.."

Chace was now looking at her full of concern.

She buried her face with her hands, parehas pa rin silang dalawa na nasa kama, she,
lying on the bed, while Chace was on the top, "This is embarrassing, I know..
You're kinda.. disappointed kasi I'm not virgin anymore." She honestly said.

She suddenly heard Chace chuckled. It was a light laugh. "Lana, look at me."
Napatingin naman si Lana rito. Alam niyang pulang-pula na ang mukha niya ngayon.

"I don't care if you're virgin or not. As long as you're making love to me, damn
everything. I would be still turned on and would make love to you." He told her as
he kissed her forehead, "Now, be fair. I want you to be naked too." He naughtily
winked.

"Oh my god," natawa na lang din si Lana sa sinabi nito and she began to undress
herself.

Now they were both naked.

She could see the appreciation formed on Chace' eyes the moment he saw her
everything.

"Hmm," Chace was obviously amused at what he was seeing now, "Who wouldn't be
turned on with this body?" After, he quickly kissed her fully on the mouth as his
hands were now freely caressing every part of her body.

Chace was now kissing her neck, down to her chest. Then just a second, he was now
nibbling her right breast while his other hand was caressing the other one. She
could even feel his manhood poking her tummy.

"Chace.. O-hh.." She moaned again. Napapasabunot siya tuloy sa buhok nito.

His kisses were now going down until Chace reached her core. He was not kissing her
there and she could even feel her tongue circling on her moist.

"Oh my god.." She couldn't help but to moan at what he was doing. She gonna admit,
she was enjoying it.

Bigla naman itong tumigil at pinusisyon na ang kahandaan nito sa kanya. It was
huge.

"I want you now, Lana. I want you now." He huskily said and Chace finally entered
her.

"Chace!" She suddenly screamed his name the moment he entered her. Nakaramdam siya
ng sakit. It was like her core was being ripped off so suddenly.

Pati rin naman si Chace ay nagulat. He was so shocked the moment he entered her.

Lana is still a virgin.

Chace immediately kissed Lana on her lips again, "I..I'm sorry.. I'm sorry.." He
told her sincerely. He also saw a teardrop the moment he entered her. He knew she
was hurt by it.

He was so wrong after all.

"I promise, it'll be fine, Lana, trust me." He kissed her again as he started
moving.

"C-Chace!!" Lana screamed his name again as his thrusts were getting deeper and
faster.

"Shit.. Lana," He too was now moaning as he moves deeper and faster.

Both of their moans were heard as his thrusts were getting faster.

Until both of them we're reaching their climax. Lana felt Chace' release inside of
her as well as hers.

They were now both panting as Chace quickly hugged her, "Stay.. Stay with me,
Lana."

---

Nagising na lang si Chace nang maaninagan ang mukha niya ng sinag ng araw galing sa
bintana. He then sat up from the bed. But when he turned back, he saw Lana who was
sleeping silently beside him, still naked behind the sheets. Alam niyang pagod pa
ito dahil sa nangyari sa kanila kagabi.

He smiled as he kissed her forehead. Ang dami niyang kasalanang nagawa rito. He did
shits to her for just one stupid reason. Ni hindi man lang niya inalam ang buong
pangyayari. He quickly judged her.

But before anything else, he needs to know everything. Lana did nothing wrong. Lana
was innocent.

And it would only be cleared up if he'll talk to him.

He needs to talk to Gino.

//

Chapter 27 - Change of Heart

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 27 - Change of Heart

"Lana."

"Uhmm," Nagising na lang si Lana nang may humaplos sa mukha niya. Napaupo naman
siya mula sa kama, "Oh my god," she quickly covered herself with the blanket when
she noticed she was naked. Napatingin naman siya sa gilid niya at nakita si Chace
na nakaupo katabi niya. But the guy was only half-naked kasi suot na nito ang black
slacks nito sa baba while of course, he didn't wear anything on the top.

She then suddenly remembered what happened to them last night, ang confession nito,
then the making of love. Then Chace last words to her before they both fell into a
deep slumber, 'Stay with me, Lana.'

"This is embarrassing," She said to herself as she buried her face into her hands.
Alam niyang namumula siya habang inaalala iyon lahat. Ang buong akala niya,
panaginip lang ang mga iyon pero hindi pala.
Chace was fully there, sitting beside her, looking at her in amusement. Totoong-
totoo nga na may nangyari sa kanila kagabi.

She heard Chace laughed lightly. Napaangat naman niya ang ulo niya at napatingin
dito, "Ba't ka tumatawa? Nakakahiya kaya!" she playfully hit him on his shoulder.
Ewan ba niya, kahapon lang, masakit ang loob niya rito, she was hurt and devastated
but now, it suddenly changed. Parang naging magaan ang pakiramdam niya. She seems
to be in good mood.

And she was also kinda happy that Chace was laughing heartily and real. Hindi kasi
siya nasanay na ngumingiti ito o tumatawa man lang. Like it was the new Chace.

"No worries, if you want, we can do it again right now." Chace naughtily winked.
Ewan ba niya, hindi siya sanay na good mood din ito.

"Hmm," She just smiled, "Hindi ako sanay na nagiging mabait ka na sa kin." She
added jokingly.

"Well," Nagkibit-balikat lang si Chace, "People change." He then looked at her

intently, ilang segundo rin ay napalitan ang mukha nito ng pagsisisi, "Lana, I'm so
sorry. I'm sorry for everything."

"What do you mean?" Naguluhan naman si Lana sa sinasabi nito sa kanya.

"For judging you, and for the shits that I have done."

"For hurting you," the man added. Nabigla naman si Lana sa sinabi nito at napangiti
na lang. She knew he was sincere. And yes, why would she be hard on him if she
already knew herself, she was falling for him too?

She just hugged him instead. Naramdaman din naman niya na niyakap din siya nito
pabalik.

"Tara na, I cooked breakfast for us." Anito ni Chace sa kanya kaya naman tumayo na
ito. He held her hands to get up from the bed pero napatigil siya nang maalala
niyang nakahubad pa rin siya.

"Wait, I'm gonna put clothes on." She abruptly said. Ayaw niyang harapin itong
nakahubad. She was still shy for her body.

"Okay but you can go naked here if you want. Ako lang naman tao rito sa apartment
mo so no worries," Chace amusingly replied. He knew he meant something behind those
words.
Natawa na lang si Lana, "Perv, basta magbibihis muna ako." She said as she quickly
went to her room's bathroom.

---

"Wow," Lana was amazed when he saw she foods Chace cooked. Maayos ang pagkakalagay
nito sa maliit na mesa ng apartment niya. Aminado siyang maliit lang ang lugar niya
at hindi rin masyadong maayos itong tignan. A typical apartment for those people
who can't really afford much high rent.

"Nagpadala ako ng mga groceries dito sa apartment mo kanina and I noticed that you
were not using the appliances and kitchen utensils that I had bought for you last
few weeks, diba sinabi kong gamitin mo ang mga yun?" Chace sermoned as Lana sat on
the seat. She just bit her lip after he said it.

Oo, hindi niya kasi iyon ginagamit kasi dagdag kuryente lang.

"Uhm, I'm saving up. Mahal ang kuryente." She reasoned out as Chace frustratingly
sighed.

"Lana, I already paid your bills long enough together with your rent, remember?
Hindi lang ang renta ang ibiniyad ko kay Manang Teresa. You should take care of
yourself," Dagdag pa nito na kumbaga parang ng ama niya kung makapagsalita.

"Chace," She also sighed when she remembered it, "Ayokong dumipende sayo. I mean,
I'm earning salary for being your secretary and that would be enough." She
answered. Ayaw niyang magmukhang pinapakinabangan niya lang ito. And they have a
contract before.

"You can resign as my secretary," He suddenly said.

Medyo nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito, "Resign?" Pinapaalis na siya nito? Why?
And she thought they are in good terms already and they have the same feelings for
each other?

"I don't want you to overwork anymore," He breathed hard, she could see the guilt
on his eyes, "I don't want you to overwork, do multitasking, working as my
secretary then PGI in the hospital. Ayokong pagurin ang sarili mo. You're doctor
but then ikaw pa ang magkakasakit." He said, concerned.

"And about the money, I already finalized the papers for giving the ownership again
for your family to your restaurant, the earnings from the resto, you can use it for
your personal necessities and wants. Don't deprive yourself with these things,
Lana." He said in a very commanding voice, kung makasalita ito, parang nasa opisina
lang.

Lana laughed. Aaminin niyang halo-halong emosyon ang nararamdaman niya ngayon. But
for her, she's really happy for what is happening to them right now. It is an
improvement.

"Thank you," She replied appreciatively. Actually, she felt giddy for it.

"Hmm," Chace smiled, "Let's eat. Sayang ang mga niluto ko."

Natawa naman si Lana sa saad nito, "Really? You cooked all these? Wow." She was
really amazed. She didn't really expect na talagang magaling ito sa pagluto.

"I've got to live on my own when I started college kaya I learned how to cook."
Chace replied, "Do you want us to visit your family's restaurant?" He then asked.

Napatango naman si Lana sa sinabi nito, "Yeah, sure!" She beamed. Gusto niyang
bumisita ulit doon and she's excited for it.

---

"Manang Remi!" Tawag ni Lana sa matandang babaeng crew ng restaurant nila nang
dumating na sila ni Chace dito. Nang dumating kasi sila sa resto, they immediately
went to the kitchen where the old crews were currently working. Masaya rin siya
kasi wala palang tinanggal si Chace na mga dating crew sa resto, may idinagdag lang
itong bagong mga crew din.

"Lana, hija!" Masigla bati sa kanya ng matanda at kaagad siyang niyakap. Close na
close kasi sila dati nito 'nung bata pa siya. Sa tuwing bumibisita sila ng Mommy
niya sa resto, kay Manang Remi siya lagi pumupunta, parang naging nanay-nanayan na
rin niya ito. Pero ngayon niya lang ito nabisita ulit dahil sa mga nangyari sa
buhay niya.

But now, it's different.

"Kamusta na kayo?" Lana asked the old woman.

Pero bago pa man ito makasagot, Chace quickly interrupted.

"Lana, I'll leave you two alone, I'll be checking on the other crews, just text me
kung may kailangan ka." Sabi nito sa kanya, Lana giggled with his sudden remark.

"Okay, sige, ingat. Don't be hard to the crews." Lana joked. Baka kasi mamaya,
magiging sobrang strikto ito sa mga employees ng resto.

Chace chuckled, "Don't worry, I won't. Enjoy." He smiled for one last time at
iniwan na nga silang dalawa ni Manang Remi.
"Hija, anong nangyari? Palangiti na ata siya." Makahulugang sabi ni Manang Remi sa
kanya kaya natawa na lang din si Lana sa sinabi nito. Halatang nagulat din ito sa
biglaang pagbabago ni Chace.

"Mahabang kwento manang, magkwento naman kayo sa kin sa mga nangyayari rito," She
just said instead.

---

"Kamusta naman po ang pamamalakad dito dati?" Lana asked the woman as they were now
strolling the other parts of the restaurant. Aaminin talaga niyang maraming nagbago
sa itsura ng restaurant nila. Parang nirenovate ito.

"Naku hija, okay na okay. Sa katunayan nga, mas naging napalago ni Sir Torres ang
resto," Manang Remi answered enthusiastically, "Akala nga namin na mas magiging
malala pa ang sitwasyon ng resto nang naging bagong may-ari si Sir Torres, na
gigibain niya ang resto o ibebenta pero hindi pala. Siguro, medyo mahigpit siya sa
ming mga crew pero talagang nag-improve ang restaurant, hija. Akala nga namin,
kaming mga matatandang crew ay tatanggalin pero hindi. Sabi pa nga niya sa min na
tatasaan niya mga sweldo namin at ginawa naman niya."

"Kahit hindi halata, mabait naman si Sir. Masaya talaga kami kasi bumalik na sa
dating sigla ang resto."

Lana just smiled as what she had learned. She too judged Chace. Mali pala ang akala
niya rito.

---

"Did you enjoy your day?" Chace suddenly asked Lana nang papunta na sila sa kotse
nitong pinark sa parking lot ng restaurant. Papauwi na rin kasi silang dalawa.

She beamed, "I did, and.. Marami-rami rin akong nalaman tungkol sa resto." Aniya
rito kaya naman napalingon sa kanya si Chace.

The man was confused, "Like what?"

"That you really helped everyone and improved the restaurant for the better." She
answered. Nakaangat ang ulo niya habang nakatingin dito, Chace was really tall,
maybe 6'2.

She noticed Chace just scratched the tip of his nose, indicating he was shy when
she knew it, "The employees need a stable income kaya kailangang i-improve ang
resto and I always value a thing kahit hindi galing sa kin originally, and I don't
have the right to change or to sell it because it's not mine and it's from your
family's effort why is it built."
Lana just hugged him. "Thank you." She said as she also felt Chace hugged her back.

Ilang minuto rin silang tahimik na nagyayakapan.

But Chace broke the silence when he suddenly said those words to her.

"Lana, I want you to be my girlfriend."

//

Chapter 28 - Closure

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 28 - Closure

"I'm not ready for this." Chace grumpily said to Lana as they were both heading to
his office. Sinamahan kasi ito ni Lana papunta sa building nito. Hindi nga sana ito
pupunta kung hindi siya pinilit na samahan muna ito bago dumating ang taong
hinihintay nila sa office. Chace really currently looked like a scaredy cat because
of it.

Gusto nga niyang matawa sa ikinikilos nito, parang ang layo kasi ng dating Chace na
nakasanayan niya noon dito.

She just squeezed his hand for assurance, as usual, nakacorporate suit ito, "It'll
be fine, trust me. Saka, bakit ka ba kinakabahan? You've already seen each other,
knew each other kaya you won't feel awkward, believe me." She assured him while he
was still grumpily frowning.

"Good morning, Sir Torres." May isang employee naman silang nadaanan at binati nito
si Chace.

"Chace, smile, greet him cheerfully." She whispered.

"No." He replied rudely.

"Chace." She pleaded one more time.

He groaned, implying he surrendered, "Fine," She heard him breathed hard, "Good
morning." Chace greeted to the employee while giving him a tight smile.

Dumating na nga silang dalawa sa office nito at sabay na pumasok.

"Well, this is it." Lana smiled at him and Chace just frowned more.

"Can you just stay with me in here?" Chace demanded. Natawa naman si Lana sa sinabi
nito.

"Ikaw na rin nagsabi na magfocus na ako sa pagiging PGI ako sa ospital at magduty
na ako ngayon," She giggled, dala-dala na nga niya ang lab coat niya na usually
suot niya sa mga duty niya.

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Chace sa sinabi niya at bigla nitong hinawakan ang

kamay niya. "Be careful in the hospital." He suddenly said in a very caring voice.

"I will." She smiled at him reassuringly. "Ikaw din, smile and let go." After that,
they were just staring into each other's eyes.

Nakarinig naman sila ng pagkatok sa pintuan ng opisina nito.

"Uhm, C-Chace, it's me, Tess, ano, can I come in?" Dumating na rin ang taong
pinakahihintay nila.

"Sige na," Inayos ni Lana ang suot nitong necktie, "Be good and listen, okay? Aalis
na ako."

Chace sighed again and just gave Lana a peck on her lips, "Mag-ingat ka. I'll see
you later in your apartment."

Lana just nodded and started walking, leaving him behind.

Nang binuksan na niya ang pinto, tumambad sa paningin niya ang buntis na si Tess
and the moment they saw each other, they both smiled genuinely at themselves.

"Hi." Tess greeted smilingly.

"Hi, thank you." Lana replied and Tess just nodded as the woman finally entered
Chace' office.
Lana smiled. She was hoping everything will be fine. Sana magkaayos na ang dalawa
at mawala na rin ang galit at sama ng loob ni Chace na dala-dala nito noon pa man.

---

Hindi alam ni Chace kung anong sasabihin niya.

Yes, nasa harap na nga niya ang babaeng naging dahilan kung bakit naging kumplikado
ang buhay niya. The woman who was behind his reasons why he did shits and his vices
again. The woman who broke her heart and cheated him for another man.

"Chace." Si Tess na mismo ang unang nagsalita. If he could guess it correctly, Tess
was already 5-6 months pregnant.

Hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin dito. The emotions he have been carrying for
his damned life, parang bumabalik na naman. Gusto niyang sumbatan ito, magalit,
sigawan ito kung bakit nito ginawa sa kanya ang lahat ng iyon. He was giving all
his life to her, he was so devoted to her but she cheated and betrayed him.

All the memories they had.. were coming back to him.

"Why?" The only word that came out from his mouth. He clenched his fists to control
his emotions. Gustong-gusto niyang isumbat ang lahat ng sakit na naranasan niya
dahil dito.

He saw guilt from Tess' eyes. Parang may nakita siyang pagsisisi sa mga mata nito.

"I'm really sorry, alam kong naging unfair ako at naging makasarili." She admitted
and she was beginning to become teary-eyed.

"You made me looked like a fool, Tess!" He yelled and he noticed Tess flinched. "I
was expecting, I was waiting something between us, for that fucking five years,
pero heto ang ginawa mo sa kin. You destroyed me, here." Chace pointed his chest.
"I was ruining my fucking life because of you." Sumbat niya rito. Parang sa mga
oras na iyon, sumabog na siya.

Tess was already crying, "Chace.. I know, I know. Makasarili akong tao, hindi ko
inisip ang nararamdaman mo. And.. I'm really sorry Chace.. I'm so sorry.. Hindi ko
na kasi alam eh.. I just.. suddenly fell in love with Benjamin 'nung tayo pa. It
was fast.. And I was really planning to tell you about it at makipagbreak na sayo
pero I didn't expect na mauunahan mo ko." Humagulhol na ito. Maybe because of her
pregnant state, kaya ganito ito ngayon kaemotional, "Believe me Chace, I did loved
you and I was about to break it off before it would be more complicated."

"I know I'm a terrible person, Chace. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko para lang
mapatawad mo ko, but I'm really sorry, Chace, I'm so sorry.." Dagdag nito at mas
lalo pang napaiyak sa harap niya.
Hindi naman alam ni Chace kung anong isusunod na sasabihin niya rito. Parang
unting-unti na siyang kumakalma. He just sighed.

If it didn't happen, if everything did not happen, he wouldn't see the other side
of his life, he wouldn't learn, he wouldn't change for the better-he wouldn't fall
for Lana.

He just hugged Tess who was currently crying-carefully because of her bulging
stomach, "I don't know Tess.. but maybe, everything that happened between us made
us realize and learn some things."

"I'm so sorry, Chace." Tess said between her sobs. "I'm really so sorry."

"Maybe, this will be the best time for us.. to move on and look forward in our
separate lives, Tess." He said.

---

"Hey."

"Ay!" Nabigla naman si Lana at napahinto sa pagbabasa niya ng isang medical result
ng isang mahirap na pasyente na lumapit sa kanya kanina sa ospital. Pagkatapos kasi
ng shift niya, umuwi agad siya sa apartment niya.

"C-Chace!" She was surprised to see him that early at her apartment. Ni wala pang
7:30pm ay nandodoon na ito ngayon. Usually, umuuwi kasi ito galing sa opisina, mga
7:30pm na.

Napatayo naman si Lana mula sa pagkakaupo niya sa upuan ng study table niya at
sinalubong ang lalake.

"You're early!" She was also confused as she saw Chace was bringing a white plastic
bag. Nakacorporate suit pa rin ito.

"This is food," Chace answered as he noticed her looking at the plastic bag he was
bringing, "We'll eat dinner together, here."

Lana chuckled with his sudden move, she actually felt giddy about it, "Okay.
Kamusta ang pag-uusap ninyo?" She asked as she helped him arranging the food he
bought at her small table.

"It was fine," Chace said dryly as he was helping her preparing the table.
Lana eyed him suspiciously, "Really?"

"Yeah."

"Hindi ka naging bayolente?" She jokingly asked.

"No." Chace amusingly replied. "You're very harsh on me."

"Well, talaga. I don't even know what's with you, suddenly, you're so cold to me
then after, you're so soft and kind." She added, laughingly. She was just kidding
with him. But deep inside, she was really happy. Mukhang okay ang naging
kinalabasan ng pag-uusap ng dalawa.

"And hot." Bigla naman nitong hinapit ang bewang niya at hinalikan siya.

But before everything's getting rougher, Chace' phone suddenly rang.

"Damn it." Anito saka napahinto. Natawa na lang si Lana.

Chace quickly shove his hand to his pocket and got his phone out.

"Katarina, she's video-calling." He suddenly said as he accepted the call.

"Chace!!" Bati nito sa kanya sa video call at mukhang masayang-masaya pa.

"Lana?! Oh my god! Tama nga ang hinala ko!" Tumili pa ito sa kabilang linya na
parang kinikilig pa nang makita silang dalawa na magkasama.

Lana giggled at Katarina's reaction, "Hi Katarina." She greeted.

"Oh my god, I feel parehas tayong may magandang nangyari." Katarina beamed. Parang
good mood na good mood talaga ito.

"But first, I'm really gonna thank you guys. Me and Xavier are now okay! Thank you
talaga sa tulong, Chace!" Katarina squealed. At parehas naman sila ni Chace na
natawa rito. Parang kasing teenager pa ito kung makasigaw sa kilig.

"Iyon lang ang ibabalita ko. Baka, naistorbo ko na kayo sa happy moments niyo, I'm
really happy for the both of us, Chace, Lana. Good luck with our lives!" The woman
quickly ended the call.

"Oh my, so yung Xavier na nameet ko dun sa event niya, was her ex and now boyfriend
again?" Lana finally realized.
Chace nodded, "Yes, and that's why you don't need to be jealous."

"I am not!" Lana defended. Hindi na kaya siya nagselos pa, magmula 'nung confession
nito sa kanya and the intimate moment they shared together.

"You were, before." Chace was obviously amused with her defensiveness.

Lana just laughed, "Bahala ka nga, kumain na nga lang tayo."

Sana, tuloy-tuloy na ang mga magagandang nangyayari sa buhay nilang dalawa ngayon.
She's hoping for the best for the both of them.

//

Chapter 29 - The Talk

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 29 - The Talk

"Cheska will be back here in Phil, tomorrow. Magkakaroon ng family gathering ang
mga Torres," Chace said to Lana as he drove the car to the left. Katabi niya kasi
ito na nakaupo sa front seat. Ihahatid niya kasi si Lana sa ospital para sa duty
nito.

"T-Tomorrow?" Napansin niyang medyo nagulat si Lana sa sinabi niya. She looked
tensed. Alam niyang hindi pa maganda ang relasyon ng dalawa at hindi pa rin ito
nagkakausap.

"Yes, tomorrow. Magkikita-kita kaming mga kamag-anak sa bahay namin." He replied as

he focused his attention to the road. Ramdam niya ang kaba na nadarama ni Lana
matapos marinig ang lahat ng iyon.

"Uhm, Chace, I-I think, it's better na hindi na lang ako sasama. I don't think I'm
needed there." Chace turned his head to look at Lana and noticed the worry from her
face.

Chace gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her hand, "I will settle this. Trust
me."

Oo, pagkatapos niya itong ihatid sa ospital. May kakausapin siyang isang tao.

And this person will definitely help to stop the feud between her sister and Lana.

---

"Where the fuck is he?" Mahigit isang oras ng naghihintay si Chace sa isang
restaurant. He was just sitting there for the whole damn hour para makipagkita sa
lalake pero halos mag-iisang kalahating oras na, wala pa rin ito. Is he fucking
playing with him?

Nagpadala siya ng text message dito kagabi. He got his number from various sources.
At sigurado naman siyang nareceive nito ang message kasi the guy replied the
message with 'K.'

Tatawagan na sana niya ito ulit nang may mapansin siyang isang pamilyar na tao na
kararating lang sa restaurant.

He took time.

"You're an hour and a half late." Chace said matter-of-factly nang maupo na ito sa
harapan niya.

Chace noticed the cocky smile he was giving to him, "Yeah, I did it purposely."
Gino replied confidently. Is he trying to test his temper?

"Are you fucking with me, kiddo?" He said irritatingly. He was older by two years
with him. And by what he just saw, showed the man's immaturity. Kaya nga dati pa,
ayaw niya para rito sa kapatid. Aside from the two year gap difference, the latter
was obviously immature.

And he waited there for hours and the damned guy did it purposely?

"Geez," Natatawa nitong sabi sabay taas ng dalawang kamay sa ere, "Chill man. You
don't want to create a scandal here and scar your family's name." Sabi naman nito
na para sa kanya, ang hambog ng dating.

"Why did you call me anyway? I hope this is not for my cousin, Tess. Torres, move
on. Ang tagal na 'nun. It has been months." He just said.

Chace breathed hard. He was trying to control his temper or else, he would already
punch the guy's face, "I am not here for Tess," he said sternly. "I'm here to know
the shits you have done between Lana and my sister."

The cocky smile from Gino's face faded when Chace said those words. He looked
pissed.

"What do you want to know about?"

"You played them. You fucking lied." Chace answered. If he only could strangle him
right now, he already did. But they were in a public place.

"What do you mean?"

"Walang nangyari sa inyo ni Lana. You were fucking sober at that time and Lana was
the only one who was drunk," Chace said matter-of-factly. He investigated Lana's
peers on that night when everything happened. And as what he had learned, ito ang
nagvolunteer na ihatid si Lana sa apartment nito but the man bring her to his
apartment instead.

And by those statements, it was obvious na wala ngang nangyari sa dalawa but why is
the man making lies that something happened between him and Lana in front of his
sister?

What was his real reason for doing it?

"Oh," Chace saw an evil grin forming in Gino's face. He felt something bad from it,
"Finally, alam niyo na ang katotohanan. How? How did you know Lana was still a
virgin? Did you two have sex? Balita ko, she was working as a part-time secretary
at your corporation. A boss and a secretary relationship, what a typical drama." He
was starting to piss him off. The nerve with this man.

"What the hell is your fucking reason for doing it? Pinag-away mo ang dalawa. You
ruined their friendship. And it's not Lana who's to be blamed why your relationship
with my sister broke off. It's your fucking fault." Hindi maiwasan ni Chace na
magmura habang binabanggit ang mga katagang iyon.

Kung hindi nito ginawa ang lahat ng iyon. Hindi masisira ang pagkakaibigan ng
kapatid niya at kay Lana. Everybody would not condemn Lana at throw hurtful words
at her kung hindi nito pinaglaruan ang dalawa.

And he wouldn't do the hurtful shits that he had done to make Lana's life hell.

"Oh, you really wanted to know all my reasons?" It seemed like Gino was challenging
him.

Nagkibit-balikat ito, "Okay, as you wish." He gave him a mischievous smile, "I
didn't really love your sister. Cheska? Nah, I just played her. No love involved
really."

Kumunot ang noo ni Chace nang marinig iyon, "What the-"

Gino didn't let him finish, "And as for Lana, I knew it all along na may gusto siya
sa kin and I also knew na kaibigan niya si Cheska before pa man kami magkakilala ng
personal." Then he added as he leaned to the chair he was sitting. From the way he
was acting, he seemed relaxed. Parang wala lang dito ang mga nangyari.

"And yes, for short, I just fucking played them." He finally said.

"What the fuck-"

The man interrupted him again, "And I knew how you were devoted with my cousin,
Tess from those times, Torres. Alam kong sa mga panahong iyon na kayo pa, she was
your world. And you know, me and Benjo, his new love and husband are friends. And I
was also the one who suggested and forced Tess na magtrabaho sa call-center na
pinagmamay-ari ni Benjamin."

Yes, he knew Tess was not really working at a call-center first, she was working in
a bank pero nalaman niyang nag-apply ito ng panibagong trabaho sa isang call-center
and because he was so devoted to her, he agreed and everything was okay.

"Tess and Benjo were exes. They were lovers in their first year of college. And
because of that, well, like it triggered to rekindle their romance. Adding that,
Benjo has still a thing on Tess."

"Then Tess fall for it and the result, she cheated on you eventually."

Gino gave him an evil grin again, "And you know what?"

"Everything that happened to all of you was my plan. I fucking planned it all."

---

"Sige po, mag-ingat po kayo ha?" Lana cheerfully said to poor family who asked her
to help them in dealing with the hospital bills. Nagpatulong kasi ito sa kanya kung
pa'no medyo mabawas-bawasan ang mga bayarin nila sa ospital. Marami-rami na rin
kasi siyang mga nakilala na mga personnel 'dun sa ospital na makakutulong na medyo
ibaba ang bayarin ng pamilya. At dahil na rin doon, medyo marami na ring pasyente
ang lumalapit sa kanya para magpatulong.

"Salamat po talaga, doktora. Sige po. Alis na po kami." Sabi ng babae na

nagpakilalang nanay 'nung dalawang batang naospital dahil sa dengue at umalis na.
"Sige-" She stopped when she heard her phone, ringing.

"Hello, Jerome!" She greeted when she saw her cousin calling her.

"Lana, ang Papa mo."

"B-Bakit? M-May nangyari?" She was starting to get worried and her mind was
starting to think worst scenarios that could've happened to her dad. Last week pa
niya kasi itong nabisita because these days were very busy for her, she was having
a lot of shifts in the hospital para matakpan ang mga absences niya.

"No, but Lana.."

"He's awake. Gising na si Tito!"

//

Chapter 30 - Siblings

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 30 - Siblings

"Jerome!"

Kaagad namang napalingon kay Lana ang pinsan niya habang may kinakausap itong
doktor. Kararating lang kasi niya sa ospital kung saan nakaconfine ang Papa niya.

Nang makalapit na siya, agad niyang tinanong ang pinsan, "Anong balita?" Then she
looked at her still unconscious dad who was still lying on the hospital bed with
his corresponding medical equipments.

"Nagising siya kanina, Lana," Sagot naman ng pinsan niya sa kanya, "Bigla siyang
nagising, hinanap ka niya. Pero ilang segundo rin ay bigla na naman nawalan ng
malay."
"I checked his vital signs and did some tests," Biglang sabat 'nung doktor sa
kanila, "So far, his condition is improving and if he really did wake up, it just
means, he's already recovering, Ms. Tan.

"Sooner or later, he'll be fully awake and can move. Magigising na siya ng
tuluyan."

--

"Are you okay?" Tanong ni Lana kay Chace nang tahimik lang ito habang minamaneho
ang sinasakyan nilang kotse. Katabi kasi siya nito sa driver seat. Papunta na kasi
silang dalawa sa bahay nito kung saan magaganap ang family gathering ng mga Torres.

At first, hindi naman talaga siya sasama rito. She was together with Jerome in the
hospital, watching his father's unconscious body on that night when he texted her
na susunduin siya nito sa apartment niya bukas para pumunta sa gathering. She said
no pero pinilit siya nitong ipasama hanggang sa napa-oo na lang din siya.

"A-Ah, y-yes, I am. Sorry." Chace turned his head at her and held her hand as he
focused on the road again. Parang may malalim itong iniisip.

"Hmm," Kahit siya rin ay kinakabahan. She's not really ready facing all the Torres
members especially what happened between her and Chace' sister. Hindi pa niya
kayang harapin si Cheska, "Chace, kinakabahan ako." She suddenly said.

Hinawakan naman ni Chace ang kamay niya ng mahigpit, "Just trust me, Lana. Trust
me." He assured. Talagang ramdam niyang may mali rito. Chace was acting unusual.

Ilang minuto rin ay dumating na nga sila sa Torres' residence. Pinark kaagad ni
Chace ang kotse at sabay silang dalawa na bumaba. Nang mapansin ni Lana medyo
marami-rami ang mga taong nandodoon, she quickly held Chace' left arm. Talagang
kinakabahan talaga siya sa mangyayari kapag nandun siya. And the way the
surroundings looked was really an exclusive family gathering. Talagang
pinaghandaan. And everybody were wearing their beautiful dresses and formal
clothes.

"Chace, I'm scared." She honestly said. Talagang naiilang siya. She was just
wearing a simple floral dress while Chace was wearing a black formal shirt tucked
in on his gray pants.

Chace just kissed her forehead, "It'll be fine, I'm with you." Anito sa kanya at
sabay na pumasok sa bahay nito.

As they entered the house, ganun pa rin ang itsura nito magmula 'nung una itong
nabisita ni Lana. Actually, the Torres' residence was very simple. Hindi talaga
mahahalata na ang pamilya na nagmamay-ari pala ng bahay ay mga bilyonaryo. The only
change that she noticed in it was the decorations for the gathering party.

"Chace, anak!" Napatingin naman silang dalawa ni Chace nang may tumawag dito.
Lana's heat beats faster nang malaman kung sino ang papalapit na iyon sa kanila. It
was Chace' mother, Monique.

"Mom," Chace said as he kissed his mother's cheek the moment she approached them.
Sa mukha pa lang nito, talagang good mood na good mood ito. His mother was smiling.

"Buti dumating ka na. Yung dalawa mong kapatid, hindi pa rin dumarating. Si Chris,
baka mamayang gabi pa raw dadating, si Cheska naman, natraffic," Natatawang sabi
nito sa anak at nang mapatingin kay Lana, Monique, Chace' mom, was surprised.

"Lana?" It was obvious that she was confused to see her on their family gathering.
Lana felt she was really uninvited.

"Mom, Lana, my girlfriend." Chace suddenly introduced her to her mom, Monique as
she became silent. Parang hindi ito makapaniwala sa nangyayari na magkasama silang
dalawa ni Chace doon-especially when Chace introduced her as his girlfriend.

"W-When?" Monique was still shocked as what her son said.

"Last week," Chace answered dryly. Napayuko na lang si Lana sa mga nangyayari. She
really doesn't know what to say. She knew, Monique doesn't like her anymore because
of what happened between her and Cheska.

"Hmm," Natahimik naman ito at bigla silang ningitian, "Chace, your dad wants to
talk to you. May ipapakilala raw siyang investor sayo," Monique suddenly said,
"Go."
Chace sighed and squeezed Lana's hand, "I'll be back." He whispered and Lana just
nodded. Umalis na nga si Chace sa kinaroroonan nila at silang dalawa na lang ni
Monique ang naiwan. Lana was really getting more nervous every second passed.

"Come with me," The old woman suddenly said.

--

"I know, you knew na mahilig akong magtanim so I built a garden at my house
instead," Panimula ni Monique kay Lana nang dumating na nga sila sa sinasabi nitong
garden na nasa likod lang ng bahay. Aaminin niyang Monique Torres' garden really
looked relaxing. Ang gagandang tignan ng mga inaalagaan nitong mga halaman, mostly
are flowers.

'Nung high school pa lang siya and when she and Cheska are still best friends, alam
na niya na mahilig itong magtanim. Minsan nga, tumutulong silang dalawa ni Cheska
na magdilig sa mga halaman at mga pananim na nandoon.

"And like the plants, life's never easy. Kahit anong oras, kapag hindi mo sila
inalagaan, pwede silang mamatay." Anito sa kanya at napahinto na rin silang dalawa
sa paglalakad. They were just both watching the beautiful garden, "And like
friendship, kapag hindi mo inaalagan, eventually, it will die too, like the plants.
The same with trust." The old woman added. Napayuko na lang si Lana sa mga sinasabi
nito. She knew na siya ang pinapatamaan ng mga sinasabi nito.

"Before, my marriage with Nick was at risk," Napaangat naman ang ulo ni Lana nang
bigla itong magkwento, "Talagang Nick is always the best husband. He's kind and
sweet. But you know, I was really stupid and selfish. Nang dahil sa kin, our
marriage broke off. We got annulled. I betrayed him and lost his trust."

"But if you're given a chance to correct your mistake, grab it." Monique suddenly
turned her head at Lana and smiled. Halos magkasing-tangkad lang sila nito, "After
some years, we met each other again, and it was the second chance that was given to
us so we quickly grabbed it. And now, we got married again and were blessed to have
three kids."

"Nung ipinakilala ka ni Chace sa kin biglang bagong nobya niya, I was shocked. But
who am I to judge, hija? I've been in your place." Bigla nitong hinawakan ang kamay
niya, "And I know that you and my daughter are not still in good terms. But there's
always a second chance hija at matagal na nang mangyari ang mga iyon. You must both
grab it."
"Lana, Mom." Parehas naman silang dalawa na napalingon at nakita si Chace sa
likuran nila. Mukhang tapos na nitong kausapin ang ipinapakilalang investor ng dad
nito.

"Ayan na pala siya, tara na hija, balik na tayo sa loob." The woman said as they
both entered the house again.

"What happened?" Chace suddenly asked Lana nang magkasama na sila.

Lana just smiled, she too didn't expect na okay pa rin ang turing sa kanya ng mom
nito, "Nag-usap lang kami," Napansin naman niya ang pagkunot ng noo nito, "Don't
worry, okay lang. It was a fine talk." She assured him.

"Lana?"

Napatigil naman silang dalawa ni Chace nang may biglang tumawag sa kanya.

They both stiffened when they saw a familiar woman.

"C-Cheska." It's been months since hindi sila nagkita. At gulat na gulat itong
makita siya doon sa gathering ng mga Torres.

Napansin naman niyang napatingin ito kay Chace, her face expression while looking
at them looked like she was betrayed, "B-Bakit kayo magkasama?" The pain in
Cheska's voice was obvious. May napansin din silang may kasama itong matangkad na
lalake. If she could remember, the guy's name who's Cheska's with is Jack. Nakilala
niya ito nung high school siya, it was Chris' bestfriend.

"Cheska." Chace was about to go near her sister pero umatras ito.

"Kung ganun pala, tama yung mga naririnig ko." Puno ng hinanakit na sabi ni Cheska
sa kanila. It looked like she was about to cry, "Kuya, you betrayed me. All of you
betrayed me!" Kaagad sila nitong tinalikuran at tumakbo papalabas ng bahay.
Sinundan naman kaagad ito ni Jack.
"Chace," Naiiyak na sabi ni Lana sa lalake, pati rin siya ay naiyak nang makita ang
kaibigan. She was not expecting na magiging ganun ang mangyayari sa oras na magkita
sila.

--

"Hi, Mr. Tan." Gino greeted the poor old man in the ICU. Walang tao doon at silang
dalawa lang. Umuwi kasi ang pamangkin nitong si Jerome kanina lang. And the good
part is, gising na naman ito. His eyes were wide open but couldn't talk because of
the life-support tube na nakakabit sa bibig nito. He was looking at him.

"Long time no see."

//

Chapter 31 - Complications

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 31 - Complications

"Chace." Lana called his name nang dumating na sila sa apartment nito. Matapos kasi
mangyari ang lahat ng iyon, inihatid muna ito ni Chace sa apartment-before settling
things with his sister, Cheska.

He knew she was worried and scared for the outcome.

Chace just kissed Lana's forehead and cupped her faced, "Trust me, I'll settle
this. Everything will be fine." Then Lana just nodded at what she said.

"Take care." By that, iniwan na niya ito sa apartment.

---

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Lana nang makapasok na siya sa apartment niya. Gusto

niyang maiyak dahil sa biglaang nangyari kanina. She was not expecting Cheska to
meet her on that manner. At alam din niyang hindi pa siya handing harapin ito.

Oo, alam niyang siya ang may puno't dulo kung bakit nasira ang pagkakaibigan nilang
dalawa. If she just have controlled her emotions towards Gino, hindi sana iyon
mangyayari. Kahit alam na niya ang totoo sa kanilang dalawa ng lalake-still, she
has her own fault.

And what just happened earlier, it both implies that they were not ready yet to
face each other.

Napansin naman ni Lana ang isang puting envelope na nasa table niya. Kaninang umaga
kasi, may nagpadala sa kanya ng isang sulat but because she was busy because of
Chace' family gathering, hindi na niya nabasa iyon.

"JH University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, has granted Ms. Lana
Stephanie Tan to have a 6 month practice for internship with corresponding
certificate and diploma.."

Natahimik naman si Lana sa nabasa niya. The practice for internship in which she
applied seven months ago for a university in USA was now granted.

---

"Cheska." Umupo si Chace katabi ang kapatid na babae nang makita itong nakatingin
sa kawalan sa terrace ng bahay nila. Gabing-gabi na rin at alam niyang umiiyak ito
dahil sa mugto nitong mga mata.

"Alam mong hindi kami okay ni Lana, kuya." Bigla itong nagsalita nang tinabihan
niya ito. Nakatingin pa rin ito sa kawalan habang may hawak-hawak itong wine sa
kanang kamay nito. She was drinking.

"I'm sorry." Mga katagang lumabas sa bibig ni Chace. He doesn't know what to reply.
He knew he have hurt her sister for it. Pero alam niya ring parehas lang ang dalawa
na naging biktima sa lahat ng mga nangyari-especially him who must be blamed for
causing it to happen. Siya ang may kasalanan ng lahat.

Her sister gave him a sarcastic laugh, "Kung madadaan lang ang lahat sa sorry. If
sorry would just be enough to mend all the broken hearts of the people in the
world. But it isn't." Her sister bitterly replied.

Natahimik lang si Chace sa mga sinasabi nito sa kanya.

"It's easy to forgive but hard to forget.. Especially if that person who did shits
to you were your loved ones." She suddenly added, "If you really love me and still
treating me as your sister, kuya.."
"You will break-up with her."

---

"Dumating na ako, Jerome, papalapit na ako sa room, sige-sige, bye." Mabilis na

naglalakad si Lana papunta sa room kung saan inilipat ang Papa niya. Despite what
happened to her lately, parang nabuhayan siya nang binalitaan siya ni Jerome
tungkol sa ama kagabi.

Dumating na nga siya sa room kung saan ito inilipat at kaagad binuksan ang pinto.

"Papa!" Lana excitedly rushed into her father as she hugged him tightly. She was in
tears of joy. Talagang gising na gising na ito as she also felt him hugging her
back.

Kagabi kasi, tinawagan siya ni Jerome na talagang gising na ang Papa niya at
nakakagalaw na. And because of that, the doctors immediately checked her dad for
further tests and was immediately moved to a normal ward room dahil okay na ang
kondisyon nito. Pwede na raw itong makalabas sa susunod na linggo.

"Pa," Nakangiting naiiyak si Lana nang bumitaw na siya mula sa pagkakayakap dito.
Matagal-tagal din niyang hindi nakasama ang ama-moving and alive. She really missed
him so much.

"Anak, Lana," Her father was also teary-eyed to see her again. Bakas sa mukha nito
ang kasiyahan nang sa wakas ay muli na silang nagkasama.

"Pa, I miss you." Lana said as she held her father's hand. Alam niyang wala pa
itong masyadong lakas para sa katawan nito. But she's really happy because her
father has regained his consciousness, makakabalik na silang dalawa sa dati.

She suddenly noticed her dad's expression became worried, "Pa?" Naguguluhan siya sa
biglang ikinilos nito.

"Anak, hiwalayan mo siya.. Layuan mo si Chace Torres." Her father suddenly

answered.

---

Chace sipped another glass of beer that he bought in his office. Again, he's
getting himself wasted. Talagang ang dami ng nangyayari sa buhay niya ngayon and
it was getting complicated every day.

Ewan ba niya kung bakit hindi siya hinahayaan ng kapalaran na maging tahimik at
masaya na lang sa buhay.

"Kung galit ka sa kin, h'wag mo silang isali rito, Gino." Galit na saad ni Chace sa
lalake matapos nitong sabihin ang lahat sa kanya. He was already damn confused kung
bakit nito nagawa ang lahat ng iyon.

"I can't, it would not be fun kung ikaw lang," The man suddenly smiled at him, "At
kulang pa itong mga ginawa ko sayo."

"What the hell are you saying? Ano bang dahilan mo? Bakit mo ba ginawa ang lahat ng
ito?"

"Hmm, remember Janelle Feliciano? The woman whom you fired for your perfectionist
reasons at your corporation and the woman who took suicide because of it?" Biglang
sabi nito sa kanya kaya naman natahimik siya. Oo, may naalala siyang may tinanggal
siyang employee sa Torres Corporation dahil sa kapabayaan nito sa trabaho at
nabalitaan niyang nagpakamatay dahil doon.

"She was my girlfriend," Gino simply answered as he leaned closer to him, "And why
am I doing all of these to you?"

"Simple, to get even."

//

Chapter 32 - Couldn't Be

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 32 - Couldn't Be

"A-Anong pinagsasabi niyo, Pa?" Naguguluhang tanong ni Lana sa Papa niya nang bigla
na lang nitong sabihin na maghiwalay sila ni Chace. She was even more confused kung
bakit alam na nito ang tungkol sa kanilang dalawa.
"Hindi siya karapat-dapat sayo, anak," Sagot nito sa kanya at bakas pa rin sa mukha
nito ang pag-aalala, "Mapapahamak ka lang at masasaktan kung magiging kayo."

Napatayo naman si Lana mula sa pagkakaupo niya katabi ang ama at mas lalo pang
kumunot ang noo niya, "Pa, hindi ko kayo maintindihan, ano bang pinagsasasabi
ninyo? Iba si Chace pa. Iba siya. Nagbago siya." Pagtatanggol niya sa lalake. She
knew Chace changed for the better. He maybe did something wrong before pero ngayon,
alam niyang tuluyan na itong nagbago.

"Lana, this is for your own good. Please, sundin mo ang mga sinasabi ko," Her
father pleaded, nagmamakaawa na rin ito sa kanya, "I know someone who can help us
in starting in our lives again," Biglang sabi nito sa kanya at natahimik naman
siya, "Your mom has a cousin who is currently living in the US, his family can also
help you in your internship for your medicine degree. Doon anak, makakapagsimula
tayong mamuhay ulit ng normal at mapayapa."

---

"Wait a minute na lang po, katatapos lang po kasi ng board meeting, babalik na rin
po si Sir Torres sa opisina niya," Sabi ni Nessa na bagong secretary ni Chace kay
Lana nang tinanong niya ito kung nasaan ang lalake. Then the woman told him Chace
was currently in a board meeting.

"Sige, thank you." She just gave her a tight smile at bumalik na nga ito sa
secretary's office. Nasa labas lang siya sa opisina ni Chace, naghihintay para
kausapin ito.

It's been a week since hindi na niya ito nakakausap magmula 'nung family gathering.
She's been calling him for days pero lagi itong busy dahil sa trabaho-as what would
his employees say to her kapag tinanong niya ang mga ito. Chace was not even
responding to her messages.

Aaminin din niyang naging busy din siya sa mga araw na iyon. Kakalabas lang kasi ng
Papa niya sa ospital and they were settling things. Ni hindi nga siya nakakapagduty
sa ospital dahil doon.

She felt Chace was being distant to her again. Parang umiiwas ito sa kanya. Parang
may nangyari. She was even surprised na naghire pala ito ng bagong secretary. He
didn't even tell her.
Kaya nga napag-isipan niya na pupuntahan niya ito sa opisina nito para makapag-usap
sila ng personal. She was really confused at what is currently happening to both of
them. Parang halos lahat yata ng tao, ayaw sa kanilang dalawa. She want to sort out
and settle things with Chace.

"Yes, that's good, pass it to the Sales Department."

Napalingon naman si Lana nang marinig ang isang pamilyar na boses, then she saw
Chace who was currently busy reading a file habang naglalakad papunta sa office
nito.

"Chace." She finally called his name. Parang naiiyak siyang kaharap ito ngayon. She
really missed him.

Napansin naman niya na nagulat itong makita siya, "Lana.."

"Uhm," She noticed the man quickly changed his expression-straight face, "Ms. Tan,"
He said, formally. Lumapit ito sa kinaroroonan niya para buksan ang pinto ng
opisina nito at pumasok doon. Sumunod naman kaagad si Lana.

Nilagay nito ang file na hawak-hawak nito sa table and he turned at her, "Sabi ng
secretary ko, may gusto ka raw sabihin sa kin?" He started as he stood, leaning his
back to his office table. Lana felt Chace doesn't want her presence at the moment.

Medyo naguguluhan na naman si Lana sa inaasal nito sa kanya. He was being cold to
her again. Parang bumabalik na naman sila sa dati.

"Why are you suddenly acting like that?" She asked instead. Napansin naman niya ang
pag-iba ng itsura nito. He seemed guilty.

Hindi naman sumagot si Chace sa tanong niya.

"I've been calling you so many times pero 'di mo sinasagot," Hinanaing niya rito,
"Why are you doing this, Chace? Bumabalik na naman tayo sa dati!" She was teary-
eyed. Nanatiling nakayuko lang ito habang nakikinig ito sa kanya.
Chace still didn't respond.

Lana breathed hard, "Nagising na ng tuluyan si dad mula sa pagkacoma niya.

Kakalabas lang niya sa ospital last week. That's why I was busy because we were
settling things between the two of us. And I tried calling you but you were always
busy." She tried to be calm.

"Chace, did something happen?" She asked, concern but the guy wouldn't look at her
in her eyes. Nakayuko pa rin ito.

"Bakit hindi ka nagsasalita? Chace, ano bang problema mo?" She was already
frustrated because of the silent treatment he was currently giving to her.

"Answer me, Chace!" She yelled frustratingly as tears poured down from her eyes but
Chace remained silent.

"You're impossible." Aniya na lang dito at tumalikod na pero bago pa man siya
makaalis ay may napansin siyang mga nagkalat na bote ng beer sa gilid ng pinto ng
opisina nito as well as an ash tray, indicating Chace was smoking again.

"You're doing your vices, again?" She turned her at him and looked at him
accusingly. Naninigarilyo at umiinom na naman ito.

"Why are you doing these things again, Chace?" At gaya rin kanina, hindi pa rin ito
nagsasalita.

"You know, I'm leaving!" Sumuko na rin si Lana at napailing na lang. Pagkatapos ay
mabilis na lumabas sa opisina nito.

She just cried as she left the building.

---

Pinagmasdan lang ni Chace si Lana nang umalis na ito at sinara ang pinto ng opisina
niya ng malakas.
Kahit gustong-gusto niya itong sagutin sa mga tanong nito sa kanya, he restrict
himself from answering it. Mas mabuti pang maging ganun na lang kaysa mapahamak ito
at masasaktan na naman dahil sa kanya.

He really missed her. The moment when he saw her at his office, gustong-gusto niya
itong yakapin. But he didn't do it. He decided to become cold at her again instead.
He doesn't want to involve her with his life anymore. Gusto niyang pakawalan na ito
so she could start living her life into normal again.

Even though he really wanted to wipe off the tears from her eyes, he didn't.
Nasasaktan din siyang makita itong umiiyak sa harap niya. But this is for the
better.

May napansin naman si Chace na isang puting envelope sa sahig. He went near it and
kneeled down to get it.

"Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan." He mumbled as he saw Lana's name at the back of the
envelope and then decided to read it.

"6 month practice for internship?"

---

Umiiyak lang si Lana habang nakatingin sa paghampas ng alon sa dagat. She was at
the beach kung saan siya laging pumupunta kapag nalulungkot siya. It was already
getting dark.

She's really confused of what is happening to her and Chace.

"Lana."

Napalingon naman si Lana nang may tumawag sa kanya at nakita si Chace.

"Chace?" She was not expecting him to come there.

Nang makalapit na ito sa kanya, he suddenly cupped her face as he wiped off the
tears from her eyes at nagulat na lang siya nang bigla siyang niyakap nito.

"Chace." She was puzzled as she felt his hug tightened.

Ilang segundo rin ay bumitaw na ito mula sa pagkakayakap nito sa kanya. He was
giving him an assuring smile as he handed to her a white envelope-her envelope
where she was now accepted to have a practice at the US.

"Alam kong noon pa man, lagi ka ng nasasaktan sa piling ko, Lana." Panimula nito,
"Palagi kang nasasaktan dahil sa mga ginagawa ko sayo. And I don't want it to
happen again."

"What are you trying to say, Chace?" Hindi alam ni Lana kung anong nais nitong
iparating sa kanya.

"Even though I'm a fool and heartless jerk, I always care for you Lana." He held
her hands tightly, "Your dad is right. We couldn't be together. And I'm not worthy
to be your man."

"Lana, I don't want to be a hindrance to your dreams, I want you to be happy,"

After that, tinalikuran na ito ni Chace.

He forced himself not to look back and to stop his tears. This is for her own good.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Torres." Sabi ng matanda nang dumating na si Chace sa
restaurant kung saan nitong napag-isipan na magkikita sila.

Chace took a seat, opposite to old man. He knew something was behind their unusual
meeting. Alam niyang kakalabas lang nito sa ospital kaya nagulat na lang siya na
makikipagkita ito sa kanya.

"This is about Lana," Biglang sabi nito sa kanya.

"W-What about her?" He was surprised when he mentioned her daughter's name.
"Layuan mo siya. Please, Mr. Torres, I know, I am in debt with your corporation."
Mr. Gregorio Tan pleaded, parang nagmamakaawa ito sa kanya, "Ayoko lang siyang
masaktan at mapahamak. And I'm owing Gino's family too at ayokong masali siya sa
inyong dalawa, Mr. Torres."

"Please, let her go."

//

Chapter 33 - Their Words

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 33 - Their Words

"Anak, okay ka lang?"

Huminga ng malalim si Lana at napalingon sa likod niya. Then she saw her father who
was obviously worried at her, "I-I'm fine." Tipid na sagot niya rito. Sasamahan
kasi siya nito para kumuha ng TOR niya. Her father said they were to set to go to
the USA next week. Ang sabi pa nito, mas mabuti raw na mapaaga ang alis nila.

Hindi na niya alam. Matapos mangyari ang lahat ng iyon, sa kanilang dalawa ni
Chace, naging matamlay na siya. She was distancing herself from everyone else.
Masakit sa kanya ang lahat ng nangyari-nang bigla siyang hiniwalayan ni Chace at
sumuko na lang ito. She was too hurt that she decided to isolate herself for days.

Ewan ba niya, sa simula pa lang, alam niyang magiging kumplikado ang relasyon nila
ni Chace. She did not even expect that she would fall for him-hard. Despite of the
guy's heartless charades, she still found herself drawn to him.

And now, the man gave up their relationship, she was too hurt and confused kung
bakit ganito na lang ito kabilis sumuko. He told her he would not stop her in going
to the USA for her internship training-na gusto nitong maging masaya siya.
But how can she be happy if he was her happiness?

---

"I'm sorry for what happened." Chace said to her brother, Chris, when they both
attended his brother's girlfriend, Diana Zarossa's funeral. Nasa sementeryo pa rin
silang dalawa, katatapos lang kasi ng libing ng nobya nito.

Alam niyang magkasama ang dalawang nilabanan ang sakit ni Diana, a brain cancer.
The woman fought hard her disease, Chris and Diana fought hard together but Diana's
disease was already in stage four, she eventually died.

Alam niyang marami nang naisakripisyo ang kapatid niya. His brother risked
everything just for their relationship and to be with Diana's last days. Chris even
quitted his acting career just for Diana.

"She told me she wanted me to be happy with another woman and have kids," Chris
suddenly replied to him. Kahit nakasuot ito ng black sunglasses, it was still
visible that Chris cried hard. Kasama rin ang kapatid niya sa nagdala ng kabaong ni
Diana para sa libing nito sa sementeryo.

Chace didn't respond, he just listened to what was Chris saying.

"She was silly. Kahit alam niyang mamamatay na siya, she was still thinking my own
happiness. Sabi pa niya, 'pag daw nagkaroon ako ng anak, ipangalan ko raw sa
kanya." Chris added. His voice was broken.

"You know man, I can't do that, I don't even know what I'm gonna do when she's gone
now." Tuluyan na ngang naiyak ang kapatid niya, "I just asked God that before I
would be ordained as a priest, He would give me a new set of adventure. I didn't
expect na ganito pala kasakit ang ibibigay niya sa kin, ang sobrang sakit."

Yes, Chace knew that Chris was about to be ordained as a priest pero nagulat na
lang silang lahat na bigla itong umalis muna sa seminary para raw magbakasyon and
then his brother landed on being a celebrity instead.

"But you know, despite all the pain that I am feeling right now, it was totally
worth it. It was worth it. He gave me a chance to love, to love Diana again."

"Before she died, when she was in critical state, akala ko, I would lose her that
early. I couldn't bear it kung ganun kaaga, Chace. So I made a promise, kapag
mabubuhay pa ng matagal si Diana, even just one more month or week, I would gladly
continue my priesthood." Chace suddenly smiled, "He didn't fail me. He gave us more
time together."

"I can't do what Diana wants for me to do, I can't marry other woman beside her. I
just love her too much to do that. So, I know, with this plan of mine, she would be
happy for me. She would be happier,"

Chace heard Chris breathed hard, "I will continue my last year in the seminary,
Chace. As I promised to Him, I will continue my priesthood."

Chace just smiled at his brother's decision. Alam niyang doon ito magiging masaya
ulit. His brother was really for the church.

"You know, risking my career was worth it. All the pain, I didn't regret anything
for it. It was worth loving her." Then Chris turned at him, smiling. "Even though
He didn't give us a very much of time for each other, we were happy. We were still
very happy. Our love didn't really end. Our love never has an ending."

"And Chace, I hope you can find yours." His brother suddenly added.

---

Dumating na rin sa Lana sa restaurant kung saan siya makikipagkita sa isang tao.
Alam niyang hindi niya alam kung paano ito haharapin but she was determined to
settle things for them. Ayaw na niyang may samaan pa sila ng loob. She was even
surprised na ang babae pa ang initiate na makipagkita sila. And she gonna admit
that she was nervous and kinda scared about it.

Dumating na rin siya sa table at nakita itong nakaupo na habang naghihintay sa

kanya. She was giving her a straight face.

"Lana." She suddenly called her name nang maupo na siya sa table nila.

"C-Cheska." Lana was stammering. Nang magkaharap na silang dalawa, gusto niyang
maiyak. She really missed their friendship so much.

"Cheska, I'm really sorry for everything," She started. Naiiyak na naman siya.

Napansin naman niyang naiyak na rin ito, "Why are you crying? Napapaiyak din tuloy
ako." She suddenly said and chuckled. Nagkatawanan na lang din silang dalawa.

Pero ilang segundo rin ay tumigil na si Cheska, "We both have mistakes and because
of these mistakes, we are intend to learn from it." She suddenly said. Natahimik
naman si Lana.

"I'm sorry too, Lana. For accusing you, for despising you. I'm sorry kung hindi ako
nakinig, that I did not know the whole story," Maya-maya'y natawa naman ito, "You
know, I just realized how dumb we are, loving at the same guy who turned to be the
real jerk? If I did not know the whole story, I would still hate you for a nonsense
reason, Lana, and I'm glad I found the truth." Cheska smiled genuinely at her.
"I know it would be hard to bring everything back together. But I'm hoping.. I'm
hoping we could forgive each other. " The woman added.

Napangiti naman si Lana sa sinabi nito, parang nawalan ng tinik ang puso niya. "I..
I would gladly be your best friend again, Cheska."

Cheska stifled a light laugh, "I was really stubborn, if not because of my husband,
hindi ako magkakaroon ng lakas ng loob. If he was not being straightforward, if he
didn't scold me bluntly, I would really not learn anything."

Medyo nagulat naman si Lana sa sinabi nito, "H-Husband?"

Cheska just smiled, "Yes, I'm already married, I'm married to Jack Asenjo."

Napangiti na lang bigla sa Lana sa sinabi nito. Of course, she knew who was Jack
Asenjo. And she knew the relationship of the two when they were still teenagers.

Bigla naman nitong hinawakan ang kamay niya, "I know, you've been a thing to my
brother, and I want the both of you to be happy now, Lana."

---

"Sir, may naghahanap po sa inyo." Chace' new secretary, Nessa, suddenly said. He
was just there, at his office, standing while viewing the magnificent city at the
huge transparent window in his office-contemplating everything that happened. It
was already evening.

"Sige, papasukin mo." He just said at naramdaman naman niyang bumukas ang pinto ng
opisina niya and then somebody entered.

"Chace."

He knew who's the owner of that very familiar voice.

"Why are you here?" He decided to be cold instead. He doesn't want to involve her
with life's shits anymore.

He heard her frustratingly sighed. "Why are you still acting like that Chace? Why
are you doing this to me?" Anito sa kanya. Alam niyang nahihirapan na ito.

"You know what would be my answer." He replied stiffly.

"Cheska and I talked. We settled things." Biglang sabi nito sa kanya at medyo
nagulat naman si Chace sa narinig niya. But still, he decided to remain silent.
Hindi niya pa rin ito sinagot.

He heard her sob, "I see, I guess, I'm done here, Chace." He heard her footsteps,
exiting now his office pero pa man nito buksan ang pinto, she suddenly asked him.

"Chace.. Did you even love me?" After that, lumabas na nga ito sa opisina niya.

Yes, so much.

//

Chapter 34 - Goodbye

Typo errors are alot.

Chapter 34 - Goodbye

"Mamimiss kita, hija. Basta, bumalik ka pa rin sa Pilipinas, ha?" Sabi ni Manang
Remi kay Lana nang binisita niya ang restaurant nila. After settling things kasi,
she decided to visit their family's restaurant for one last time. Mamayang gabi na
kasi ang flight nila ng dad niya to the USA and she'll be fulfilling her dreams
there.

"Ako rin naman Manang, mamimiss ko kayo." Naiiyak niyang niyakap ito. Kahit siya ay
wala siyang kasiguraduhang makakabalik pa nga siya. But she was hoping everything
in her life will be okay.

"Sayang kung kailan naibalik na sa inyo ang resto, saka ka pa aalis." The old woman
replied kaya naman napangiti na lang si Lana rito. Alam niyang nalulungkot ito. The
old woman has been her family since she was a child.

"Si.. si Sir Torres? Alam ba niya ang pag-alis mo? Sasama ba siya sayo?" Sunod-
sunod na tanong nito sa kanya. Lana was surprised at the questions but remained
silent. Ayaw niyang sagutin ang mga katanungan tungkol sa lalake.

Napansin naman ng matanda ang pananahimik niya. Bigla siya nitong niyakap at
hinaplos-haplos ang likod niya.
"Kung ano man ang nangyari sa inyong dalawa, alam kong malalampasan niyo rin iyon.
Basta, hija, nandito lang ako para sayo." The old woman said that made Lana's heart
moved. Gusto niya tuloy maiyak dahil sa sinabi nito. Talagang gulong-gulo na siya.
She doesn't know kung ano ba talagang meron sa kanila ni Chace.

She thought after everything that happened to them, magiging masaya silang dalawa.
She thought after Chace changed everything, it would be finally okay. But it was
the other way around.

Yes, she loves him. She really does love him but maybe after all, it was only one-
sided.

And maybe she has to accept, they were really never meant for each other.

---

"Yes, after finalizing the document, please give it to the HR department." Sabi ni
Chace sa secretary niya matapos ang board meeting nila. Kakalabas lang kasi nila sa
conference room kung saan ginanap ang meeting. Now, he was walking in going to his
office. May mga documents pa kasi siyang kailangang i-review at pirmahan.

Kaagad namang umalis ang sekretarya niya pagkatapos. Pero bago pa man siya
makapasok sa opisina niya, he stopped.

He saw Lana-standing in front of his office, waiting for him.

Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ito, "Lana?"

Napansin naman siya agad nito. She looked serious.

"I need to talk to you." She replied.

---

Nakapasok na nga silang dalawa sa opisina. Both of them were silent the moment they
entered his office.

Napatingin naman si Chace sa mukha ni Lana. She looked sad.

Damn it. Damn, he really missed her, how much he longed to hug her and kiss her. Sa
mga oras na iyon, gustong-gusto niya itong yakapin. Gustong-gusto niyang humingi ng
tawad dito sa lahat ng mga sakit na ibinigay niya rito. Gusto niyang sabihin dito
ang lahat-lahat.
He knew these past few weeks, he kept distancing himself to her to the point that
acting cold and rude to her again. Kahit alam niyang nasasaktan ito sa ginagawa
niya, kailangan niyang gawin ang lahat ng iyon-para sa nakakabuti nito.

She has been always on his mind. Even though shits happened between the two of
them, palagi niya itong iniisip na sana okay lang ito, na sana hindi nito
pinabayaan ang sarili nito. Ayaw niyang maging malungkot ito kasi kahit siya mismo
ay nasasaktan sa mga nangyayari sa kanilang dalawa.

He's always been a fool. He was heartless. He knew that of all the shits and
heartbreaks he did to Lana, he doesn't deserve her. The woman deserves a better man
than him. Kasi noon pa man, puro pasakit lang ang dala niya sa buhay nito.

He wants her to happy. Gusto niyang makapagsimula ulit ito.

"Mamaya na ang alis ko. My flight will be on 11pm." Lana suddenly said kaya naman
medyo nagulat si Chace sa sinabi nito.

"H-Have.. Have a safe flight." He just replied. Nang marinig niyang aalis nap ala
ito ngayon, he felt a sudden sting in his heart. He knew deep inside, it was
inevitable that Lana would go for the USA in anytime because of what he had been
doing to her. Sumuko na rin ito.

And yes, it's for her own good.

He noticed a teardrop from her eyes. Alam niyang nasaktan ito sa sinabi niya. He
knew she was expecting something.

But I don't want to hurt you anymore.

Akala niya, after all the complications that happened between their lives, they're
going to survive it. Pero hindi pala.

"S-Sige," Alam niyang pinipigilan nitong umiyak sa harap niya but Lana already
burst into tears, "Ano, uhm.. H-Hindi ko rin alam kung makakabalik pa ba ako rito
Pinas.. but maybe, don't ko na rin itutuloy sa Amerika ang residency ko. Maybe.. I
will stay there permanently too." She added. She was trying herself to stop her
tears from coming but it was no use.

Kahit gustong-gusto ni Chace na yakapin ito, hindi niya ginawa. He decided to not
to look at her face because he knew, the moment he would took a glimpse at her, he
would be broken.

"Take care of yourself here. Good luck. Hanggang dito na lang siguro." She suddenly
said and he noticed her breathing hard, "Goodbye, Chace." After that, narinig na
lang niya ang pagsara ng pinto niya.

"Damn it!" Hinagis niya ang mga kagamitan niya sa office table niya. Now, his
office looked a total mess.

He was mad. He was so broke. Alam niyang sa kaloob-looban niya ay nasasaktan siya.
He was too hurt.

Gusto niyang maiyak. Ang sobrang gago niya. He didn't even say to her how much he
care for her, how much he needs her. He just let her go that easily.

"Damn it, fuck, Chace, fuck you." He cursed himself. It was too late.

---

"Hey, needs some company-"

"Fucking stay away from me." Chace quickly said when a woman suddenly approached
him. Nasa bar counter kasi siya ng isang club-nagpapakalasing.

After what happened, napag-isipan niyang magpakalasing. He wanted to drown himself

from his usual vices. He knew the moment if Lana would leave him, babalik ulit siya
sa mga bisyo niya.

He gulped another glass of beer. It was so sudden. Hindi niya aakalain na ganun
pala ang magiging epekto nang tuluyan na siyang iniwan ni Lana. Akala niya
kakayanin niya, pero hindi pala. Hindi niya pala kaya.

"Fuck it, Chace." He swore again. He just felt his life shattered again into
pieces.

Akala niya magiging masaya sila. He thought after the fucking damnation that
happened to his life after Tess left him, he would be wasted. But he met Lana-
plotted revenge on her but eventually his plan backfired. He wasn't expecting he
would fall for her instead.

He thought after letting go of everything, magiging okay na ang lahat pero hindi pa
rin pala.

"Getting wasted?"

Napahinto naman si Chace nang may nagsalita. It was a very familiar voice.
"What the fuck are you doing here?!" He was furious the moment he saw him. Gino was
grinning devilishly at him.

"Nothing, just-" Before the guy would even finish his sentence, sinuntok niya ito
ng kalakas-lakas. The man fell off to the floor and by that, it brought commotion
to the club.

"Are you now even satisfied for ruining everything that I love?" Sumbat niya rito.
Nakahiga pa rin ito at kitang-kita sa labi nito ang dugo dahil sa pagsuntok niya.

"You know why the hell am I giving a fuck to your revenge?" He said as he was
becoming more furious. Bakit nga ba siya natatakot na baka saktan ni ang mga mahal
niya sa buhay? He was fucking damn powerful than him. Why was he afraid risking
everything? He knew Gino couldn't easily win, he was a damn powerful man.

"I don't want you to fucking interfere with my life or any lives with the people I
love. I warn you. You're messing up with the wrong person." Pagkatapos ay
tinalikuran na niya ito at lumabas kaagad sa club.

---

"Flight number 3P 6783.."

"Anak, tayo na." Lana and her dad stood up, boarding na ang plane na sasakyan nila
papunta sa Amerika.

"Lana!"

"Lana!"

Napalingon naman si Lana nang may tumawag sa pangalan niya. But she was surprised
to see a very familiar man.

"Chace.." The man was panting as he was approaching her.

She was not expecting him to come to the airport.

"I know I have been doing shits to you," Chace started when he was now near her.
Napatigil din naman ang Papa niya sa likod habang nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa.

Chace breathed hard, "Alam kong noon pa man lagi ka ng nasasaktan sa kin, and.. I
always regretted it, Lana. I always regretted it."

"I didn't expect that my plan would backfire. Noon, I only wanted to get revenge, I
wanted to make your life hell.. but it was the other way around, Lana. You changed
my perspective. You helped me with my life. You accepted me and listened to me.
And.. I am always grateful to you because of that." He added. Lana remained silent
while listening to him. Naiiyak na naman siya.

"Remember when you asked me if I did love you?" He asked her, "Yes. I do love you
Lana. I always love you with all my heart."

"Last call for flight 3P.."

"Anak." Napalingon naman si Lana sa Papa niya na kanina pa naghihintay sa kanila.

"Chace," tuluyan na ngang naiyak si Lana.

"I want you to be happy, I don't want to be a hindrance to your dreams, Lana. I.. I
know this is what you want.. You always wanted to become a doctor."

"Chace, I'm so sorry." Lana cried. Ayaw niyang iwan ito ngayon.

"Go. This is your dream." Chace just replied.

"I'm so sorry.." Tinalikuran na niya ito at sumunod na sa Papa niya. She continued
crying.

"Take care, Lana. I love you." Chace said to himself as he watched the love of his
life getting farther from him. Napayuko na lang siya. He couldn't stop anymore the
tears coming from his eyes.

//

Chapter 35 - Love Me Like You Do

Chapter 35 - Love Me Like You Do

2 months later...
"Lana, pwede bang pakibigay ang mga gamot na ito and check up the patient in room
421? May kukunin lang ako saglit sa pantry," Lana's co-intern, Anthony said. Kagaya
rin niya, isa rin itong Pinoy na nakatanggap ng certicification para sa internship
nila sa US. Silang dalawa lang kasi ang natanggap na Pinoy.

Lana cheerfully nodded, "Sure, go on." She agreed as Anthony handed her the
medicines and stuffs.

"Sige, susunod lang ako." Pagkatapos ay umalis kaagad ito. Nakangiting pinagmasdan
lang ni Lana ang papaalis na kasamahan.

It's been two months since nasa Amerika na siya for her internship. Many things
happened before she got used to her new environment. Pero ngayon, alam naman niyang
unting-unti na rin siyang nasasanay.

And the things she left from the Philippines, it was very hurtful to her. After
what happened to her with Chace, she was always crying. She wasn't expecting all of
those things would happened and she felt, it was already too late.

But because of her father who was always there to support her, medyo gumagaan na
rin ang loob niya. She really thanked God for giving her father a chance to see the
beautiful world again. Akala niya dati, hindi na ito magigising sa pagkakacoma but
it was a miracle that her dad came back.

Her internship is very okay. Approachable naman at mababait ang mga taong
nakakatrabaho niya sa ospital. Yes, there are some white people na medyo racist
kasi Asians sila but overall, they were doing good. She's enjoying her stay in the
ospital. Saka masaya rin kasi siyang nakakatulong sa mga pasyente.

The smiles of her patients really give her strength that life must go on.

Dumating na rin si Lana sa room 421. As what she had known, the patient was a
victim of a vehicular accident. Hindi naman daw masyadong grabe yung aksidente
although the victim got a lot of scratches from the accident, it was all minor
bruises. Maybe a week, pwede na itong i-discharge.

Pumasok na nga siya sa loob ng room. The patient was all alone. Wala tao ngayon sa
room. And as what she was seeing afar, the patient was sleeping. Nakikita niyang
nakabenda ang noo nito and there was a sling too on the patient's left arm.

Nilapitan naman niya ito para lagyan ng gamot ang dextrose nito, but she took a
step back the moment she saw the patient's face.
Her eyes widened, "Oh my god." She gasped.

"Chace!" She was not expecting the patient would be no other than Chace Nicholas
Torres.

Napansin naman niyang nagising ito. Ginilaw nito ang katawan nito but the man ended
up cursing. "Shit, it damn hurts." Anito nang makaramdam ito ng sakit sa may
kaliwang braso nito at mukha. Lana could see few scratches on Chace' face.

It was really him. The voice-she wasn't hallucinating.

Napatingin naman din sa kanya kaagad si Chace, pati rin ito ay nagulat. "L-Lana."

Lana quickly became hysterical, she then sat beside him. "A-anong nangyari sayo? B-
Bakit ka nandito? Saka-"

"I can't answer every question you are uttering because my body feel sore, Lana."
Chace interrupted as Lana became silent. Ewan ba niya, halu-halong emosyon ang
nararamdaman niya nang makita ulit ang lalake. It has been months and today was
unexpected.

"But I would gladly answer all of it if you can give me a hug and a kiss."

Hinampas naman kaagad ni Lana ang dibdib ng lalake. Napaaray naman kaagad si Chace
sa ginawa niya.

"Why the hell did you do that?" Reklamo nito. Alam niyanh medyo nasaktan ito sa
ginawa niya.

"What happened to you, Torres? Why are there bruises all over you body?" She asked
him instead. She was worried and confused kung bakit ito naaksident at kung bakit
ito nandodoon ngayon sa Amerika without even contacting her.

But she knew was very happy, very happy to see him again.

"Because I can't wait." The man simply answered although he was still annoyed at
what she just did.

"Can't wait what?" Lana raised an eyebrow.

"Oh damn it," Chace annoyed face turned into amusement, "I can't stand myself to
wait for the woman who always makes me crazy-every day of my life."

"And just because of it, I got myself in an accident." Chace added, "Because I was
fucking paranoid if she will come back for me or not, after all the confessions
that I made."

Lana was stunned at what he answered and deep inside, she felt giddy for it.

"And I think, you won't come back." The man suddenly said.

"H-How can you be so sure that I won't come back?" Of course, babalikan niya ito.
She already has plans for it. After her 6-month internship, babalikan niya ito sa
Pilipinas.

"Would you?" Chace eyed her suspiciously. Medyo nainis naman siya sa sinabi nito.

"Of course, I would!" She defended herself as she stood up, "I already planned
myself na after six months ng internship ko rito, babalik ako sa Pilipinas, I would
come back for you."

Chace just smiled. Napansin naman ni Lana na tinanggal nito ang dextrose sa kamay
nito.

"W-What do you think you are doing?" Naguguluhan siya sa ginagawa nito. Tuluyan na
nga itong napatayo kahit medyo nahihirapan ito.

"To hug you? Hindi mo man lang ba ako yayakapin?" He amusingly replied.

"But.. M-Masakit pa yang katawan mo-" Hindi nito natuloy pagsasalita ng nilapitan
kaagad ito ni Chace at niyakap. Lana then wrapped her arms around him as she
tightened their hug. She really missed him-everything about him.

She felt Chace' chest moved. He was laughing. "And here I thought na ayaw mo kong
yakapin."

Lana just chuckled.

"I damn missed you." Chace suddenly said kaya naman napabitaw si Lana mula sa
pagkakayakap dito at napatingin sa mukha nito. His stare was giving her chills.

"Bakit ngayon mo lang ako sinundan?" She asked him instead.

"Alam mo, hindi ko alam na makaluma pala si Mr. Tan," Chace answered, "Nahirapan
akong suyuin siya." Then it came to Lana's senses, so this was why. This was why
his father, two days ago, suddenly said that kung sino man daw ang gusto niyang
makasama sa buhay, her dad will still support her.
"Oh god." Lana giggled, "You both are impossible."

"Well, I can assure naman na you're not dating someone else here." Chace replied
confidently.

Gusto niya itong biruin, "I am dating someone else here though." She was just
kidding.

Chace was not convinced, "Don't make me blackmail you again Lana and make you
another deal that you won't probably escape." Anito. Natawa naman si Lana sa
isinagot nito. She remembered where the two of them started-the deal.

"I was just joking," Natatawang sabi niya rito.

"I know right," Chace immediately said, "I knew you were because Anthony always
tells me everything that happened to you here."

Lana then realized something at what he replied, "I can't believe you knew each
other." Kaya pala pinapunta siya nito sa room nito-because Chace was the patient.

"Thanks to him, my worries isn't that high," Chace then mischievously smiled, "You
know, one way of healing my bruises too is to kiss me."

"Chace." Lana chuckled at his naughtiness.

"Just damn kiss me, Lana." Without even replying to what she will say, Chace
quickly kissed Lana on the lips. The woman just responded to his kisses. They both
really missed each other.

After a minute, humiwalay na silang dalawa.

"I love you, Lana." Chace heartily said.

Lana smiled at him lovingly, "I love you too-" Kaagad namang tinakpan ni Lana ang
bibig niya nang nararamdaman na naman niyang nasusuka siya.

She immediately went to the rest room of the room where Chace was confined.
Sinundan naman siya nito.

"Lana, a-are you pregnant?"

//

Epilogue

Epilogue

"This certificate and diploma is given to Ms. Lana Stephanie Tan.."

Kaagad namang tumayo si Lana mula sa table niya nang tinawag na ang pangalan niya.

Pero bago pa man iyon, nahawakan kaagad ni Chace ang kamay niya, "Sit, I'll get it
for you." The man said in a deep commanding voice.

Lana rolled her eyes, heto na naman ang pagiging overprotective nito. Magmula 'nung
malaman nitong buntis siya, naging overprotective na ito sa kanya. He was treating
her like a disabled person. Sinabihan nga siya nito dati na tigilan na niya ang
internship niya dahil sa kondisyon niya but she disagreed-this was still her dream
after all. Saka she was always cautious naman with her condition.

"It's just a few stairs in going up to the stage, Chace, I can do it." She replied
firmly but Chace frowned. Ayaw talaga nitong siya ang kumuha ng certicate at
diploma niya.

"Chace, just this time. After this, wala na." She pleaded.

Chace sighed, surrendering, "Fine, be careful."

"Thank you." She quickly gave him a peck on his lips as she started to walk in
going to the stage. Kukunin na niya kasi ang certificate at diploma niya dahil sa
wakas, tapos na rin siya sa internship niya-pagiging PGI niya.

Pinagmasdan lang ni Chace si Lana nang papunta na ito sa stage para kunin nito ang
diploma. Chace couldn't help to smile at himself while watching the two people he
love the most of all his life-Lana and the little angel on her womb. Lana was
already seven months pregnant.

The moment he knew she was pregnant, he felt mixed emotions but he knew all of it
was pure joy and love-that he is going to be a father. Although he doesn't know
that what it is going to be like a father, he was happy and excited for it. Not
just he got again the woman he loves but he also has another person again to love
for all his life.

After all the shits and complications that they have gone through, finally, they
are together now. Wala ng humahadlang sa pagsasama nilang dalawa-and both of them
are really happy for it.

When Lana came into her life, everything changed. He didn't expect it was her
sister's best friend after all. Hindi niya inaasahan na noon pa pala niya
nasasalamuha ang magiging kasama niya habang buhay.

If not for the revenge, if not for the deal, he wouldn't met her. Yes, he regretted
everything that he did to her-ang lahat ng pagpapakasakit na ginawa niya rito. Pero
he was really glad that it all happened-because of it, he realized all his mistakes
and he learned how to let go and how to love again.

Nang matanggap na ni Lana ang certificate at ang diploma nito, everyone stood up
and applauded. Tumayo rin naman siya at pumalakpak, he's happy for her, he's really
happy. With all his life, he's always going to support her dreams no matter what.

He knew, both of them will really be happy with their lives now.

Napansin naman niyang napatingin sa kanya si Lana. She gave him a very warming
smile as he returned it too with a smile. "I love you." He uttered. Lana too
mouthed him an 'I love you too'.

Sinalubong naman niya ito sa pagbaba nito. He was assisting her from walking down.

"Hey, okay lang ako." Lana giggled when he was overprotective to her again. Ayaw
lang niya talagang mapagod ito. Lana is very precious to him as well as the little
one on her womb.

"Sabi ni Mr. Henderson, may nakasulat daw sa likod ng certificate." She suddenly
said the moment they are at their table now.

"Read it." Chace replied.

Kaagad namang binuksan ni Lana ang certificate at diploma niya na nakalagay sa

isang envelope.

Lana's eyes widened the moment she read the four words Chace itself has written it.
The woman-the love of his life, suddenly hugged him.

Chace chuckled. He knew, it was certainly a yes.

END.

//

Thank you and God bless!

Torres' first generation story:

�? Nick and Monique:
- The Cold Wife

Torres' second gen stories:

�? Chace Nicholas:
- His Revenge
�? Cheska Monique:
- Husband for Rent
�? Christopher Troy:
- No Strings Attached Guide

Copyright © February 19, 2015 by Eurekaa. All Rights Reserved.