Chapter 31 - The Aftermath

Steffanie was blankly staring at her ceiling inside her hotel room. Nakahiga lamang siya sa kanyang kama. She was motionless, confused, flustered and disoriented.Anong kagagahan na naman ba ang kanyang ginawa?

She could still remember what happened last night. How she melted at his touch. How she was helpless at his kisses. How she blissfully surrendered at his sweet love making. All of her defences were now broken. She was now completely exposed and vulnerable. And she hated herself for being that way.

Hindi niya maintindihan ang sarili. How come that she couldn't resist him? One look and she's already fallen.

She must be crazy. Kay rami nang masasamang salita ang sinabi nito sa kanya. Every time they met, he just showered her with insult after insult. Kulang na lang ay duraan nito ang buo niyang pagkatao. For him, she was nothing but a whore. For him, she was nothing but a gold digger. So how come that she still felt this way for him?

Sabi nila, ang pagmamahal ay nawawala kapag hindi inalagaan at inaruga. He treated her like trash. Nope. He treated her far worse than trash. Mas mabuti nga ang basura, kahit papaano may dapat na kalagyan. Samantalang siya, he dropped her like a hot potato and squished her like a bug. So why? Why did she still feel this way towards him?

Last night, in the throes of passion, she suddenly realized something. She still cared for him. She still wanted him. She still loved him.

Siya na siguro ang pinaka-estupidang babae sa mundong ibabaw.

She reminded herself of the things that had happened to both of them.

Inakala niya noon na maayos ang lahat sa pagitan nila. Heck, she thought that she finally found the love that she did not deserved. He was her friend. He was her lover. He was her knight in shining armour. He was her hero.

She carefully recalled the multiple times that he saved her. She reminisced those times when he fulfilled her wish one by one. She remembered how passionate all of their love making was. And that they, when he knelt in front of her, when he asked her to marry him. She thought it was the best day of her life.

Nagsimulang mamuo ang luha sa kanyang mga mata. Alam naman niya noon na she was nothing but a fatherless bastard. Tanggap na niya iyon. Alam niyang walang kwenta ang pagkatao niya. That she was nothing but a worthless piece of junk. But then he came in her life. He gave her hope. He gave her a taste of a better future. And she looked forward to that. She loved him with all of her. Kung hihingin nito noon ang buha niya ay walang pag-aalinlangan niyang ibibigay.

She felt her chest tighten in pain. For once in her life, nakatikim siya ng isang tunay na kasiyahan. He showed her the beauty of things in this world. After a long time, she finally opened her heart once more. She finally knew how to unconditionally love someone.

But everything came crashing that night. That wretched night that she'll remember forever.

Nagdere-derecho na ang pagdaloy ng luha sa kanyang mga mata. She was sobbing non-stop that she cannot breathe anymore.

Ang sakit-sakit alalahanin na ang taong nagturo sa kanyang magmahal ay ang taong siya ring sisira ng lahat nang iyon. Her world became dark once. Her hope was suddenly drained. She was crestfallen. She was heartbroken.

So why? Bakit hanggang ngayon, umaasa pa rin ang puso niya. Hindi na ba talaga siya nagtanda? Loving Gareth was a stigma in her life.

Niyakap niya ang katabing unan at dito bunuhos ang lahat ng pait at sakit na nadarama.

The aftermath of what had happened last night had left Gareth confounded. Pinagsawa na niya ang sa rili sa katawan nito. But he still wasn't satiated. He still wanted more of her.

Last night was one of the best nights he had with Steff. All of his other sexual experience towards the opposite sex could not par to the satisfaction he felt with her.

There were times when he'll take her hard and fast, there were also times when he'll take her smooth and slow. It seemed so natural to be with her. He was completely out of it as he impaled himself inside of her. Nothing mattered anymore as they engaged themselves in a dance as old as time. Their sex was rough and hard. Sa katanuyan, kung hindi mainit na pagtugon nito'y baka aakalain niyang talagang nasaktan niya ito.

Nasapo niya ng mga palad niyaang mukha. Fuck! What had he done? Making love to her was a false move. Doon kasi niya napagtanto ang ilang mga bagay-bagay. He desired her. He wanted to monopolize her body. He wanted her so much that he couldn't control himself anymore. She was beyond anything that he had imagined.

Nakahiga lamang siya sa kanyang kama. He didn't do anything ever since she left this morning kumain lamang siya nang inihanda nito saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga. Somehow, he didn't want to go away from his bed. It reminded her of the passionate evening together. He could still smell her sweet and sinful scent on his sheets. Somehow, he wanted to feel her presence. He wanted to be close to her and cuddle up with her. He wanted to completely dominate her.

Doon na lamang niya napansin ang nagkalat na batik nang natuyong dugo. His bed sheets were full of it.

Shit! Did he actually hurt her?

Doon bumalik ang mgfa ala-ala sa kanya. Last night, when they were both engrossed into their steamy sexual encounter, he could feel a barrier gave way as he completely possessed her. She was so freaking tight she could pass to a virgin.

Muli niyang tininingnan ang mga namuong dugo.

A guilty feeling suddenly rose inside him. Paanong nangyari iyon? Isang beses lamang ito nangyari sa kanila noon. That was the time when they first made. But how come she bled? He knew he was big but that part of her was flexible as well. It should have completely accommodated him.

Alam niyang sexually active ito. He watched her every move in the tabloid. There were shots of her and that fucking Michael Angelo in a hotel together. Anong ginagawa ng mga ito doon? Playing poker? Damn it! What the hell! He was suddenly dazed in confusion. Nalilito na siya.

But still, one fact remained. He had hurt her. The blood was the glaring proof of his barbaric actions. Bigla tuloy siyang inusig ng kanyang konsensya.Steffanie was spending the day inside her hotel room. She didn't have the energy to go around and she was emotionally drained as well.

Ilang litrong luha na naman ang sinayang niya para kay Gareth. Hanngang ganito na lang ba siya? She thought all those years could stiffen her resolve. But in just one night, everything shattered.

Dinampot niya ang dyaryo sa kanyang harapan. She wanted something to distract herself.

Vermillion Strikes Again, Winter Fashion Week Cancelled

8th of December 2020, 33rd Year of King Rupert Pendragon – Vermillion, Pendragon's most notorious thief had struck again. This time, the thief stole one of Count Vladimir Einsbern's classic paintings, The Sunset Pavilion. It happened at exactly 9:30 pm at the Glacius Hotel.

Several witnessed said that there was a large explosion during that time. Apparently, this was the tactic of the renowned thief to slip inside the venue to steal the said painting.

"This is outrageous! How dare that thief rob me! That imbecile ruined my hotel! I'll make sure he'll rot in Tartarus!" said the enraged Baron Wilhelm Neighworth when asked about his reaction on the recent robbery.

"That painting was painted by a good friend of mine for me. It's a pity that it fell in the wrong hands," he further added.

No deaths or injuries were reported during that time despite the high volume of occupants in the said hotel due to the first night of the Winter Fashion Week.

Both the management of Glacius Hotel and Winter Fashion Week both decided to cancel the event ue to the damage inside the hotel facilities.

"I am sorry for those who looked forward for this event. But we cannot compromise the safety of the audience, crew, designers and models." Mr. Reymuond Clayton, the Chairman of the Winter Fashion Week, commented.

Huminga siya ng malalim. She was so busy with Gareth last night that she completely secluded herself from the outside world. May ganitong nagaganap na pala, wala pa siyang kaalam-alam.

She heard her phone ring. It was Valerie calling her.

"Hey Val..." she greeted.

"I am happy that your safe." She sounded relieved.

"I couldn't contact you last night. I never saw you get out of the building. Akala ko'y may masama nang nangyari sa yo."

Napangiti siya. Val was truly a friend.

"I am alright Val. Nalowbat lang ako kagabi."

"But where were you? I checked your room. Wala ka doon," she inquired.

"I decided to just unwind. Spend the night in the nearest hotel. Katunayan, suot ko pa rin ang gown mo," she lied.

Her gown was not intact. Gareth had completely torn it out.

"Really, Steff pinag-alala mo talaga ako. Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung may nangyari sa yong hindi maganda."

Napakunot ang noo niya, "Bakit naman? You didn't do anything wrong."

"Basta, masaya lang ako't ligtas. As in."

There was a moment of silence between them.

"Have you read the news paper today?" she asked.

"Yup, I am holding it right now. Apparently, last night was a headliner. And I guess we'll have to cut our trip short. Cancelled na raw and Winter Fashion Week."

"I know that, pero hindi iyan ang tinukoy ko. Go to the lifestyle section, you'll see what I am talking about."

Agad naman niyang sinunod ito.

Her jaw nearly dropped as she read through the headline.

Who's Dating Who? – An Overview of a Supermodel's Love affair.

Lalo lamang nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata nang makita niya ang larawan niya, ng Kuya Michael Angelo niya, ni Prince Tristan and of course, Prince Gareth.

"Hey? You there?" Val said.

"Shhh!!! I am reading right now."

Who's dating who? Who's dated who? That was the question for Supermodel Steffanie Smithson. Our catwalk diva had proven that she was indeed a good girl. No late night booze drop on a club, no circulating sex tapes, no drunken pictures, no drug issues, no pantyless paparazzi shot, not even a freakin fling. Yes people, it seemed that the most bankable supermodel had been living under the rock. But lately, it seemed that her Palaeolithic age inspired life will soon evolve.

Apparently, we have seen the gorgeous supermodel with not one man, not two, but three different men lately. Are they dating? Will she finally hook up to give up her self professed monkhood? And mind you people, these were no ordinary men that she's got.

The first one is Duke Michael Angelo Suttherland.

It seemed that His Grace has hots for this blonde chick. For quite some time now, several snapshots were circulating the web on their dinner dates at Camelot's most luxurious hotel. Furthermore, several paparazzi have caught the Duke carrying the Supermodel's little angel as he took them out on an ice cream date.

"They actually look alike. Kaya tingin ko bagay na bagay sila. There is chemistry eh," one of our resident jury said.

The second bachelor to hit the bandwagon for Steff's BF will be Prince Tristan Pendragon.

Yes, folks. From a duke to a prince. The runway seductress had indeed hit the jackpot. It seemed that our Casanova Prince has found its new conquest, and it seems that he is quite serious to her. Our sources said that the two were actually seeing each other in a café in Asphodel just before the Winter Fashion Week. And who wouldn't forget of the envy and jealousy that Steff invoked to the women of Pendragon when she came with him in the Winter Solstice ball. OH-EM-GEE!

"They seemed to be happy together. His highness, is putting a lot of effort just to be with her. Palagi nito itong binibiro para lang tumawa," said an onlooker as he observed their secret dates.

And last but definitely not the least, Prince Gareth Pendragon.

Can you still remember Steff's interview a while ago? When she said that Prince Gareth was just an acquaintance of hers back in college? Well, people. It seems that it's far from the truth. During the Winter's Solstice Ball, several noblemen have actually seen them in a passionate lip lock session. Yes! You read it right! They actually made out on the dance floor with a capital K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Now, who kisses an acquaintance. Prolly some of her peers in the modelling world. But certainly not Steff. So what is the third-in-line Prince to the throne in his life? A lover? An ex?

"Their kiss was so passionate and full of love," a jealous source said to us.

So what will it be, people? Will Steff end up as a duchess? Or will she end up with a crown? Let's wait for more details, people.

Oh my goodness. That was her only reaction when she read the whole article.

How can the press so vicious.

"Still there?" Valerie asked.

"Yep," she answered wryly.

"Do you want coffee. I have a strong one here. Pampatanggal ng stress."

"Yep, Val. Please come here. I need someone to talk to. Kung hindi baka tuluyan na akong mabaliw."

Steffanie gave a fake smile over the paparazzi. It was her last night here in Asphodel. Tuluyan na kasing na-cancell ang Winter Fashion Week. She's just finishing her commitments here in this place.

Kasalukuyan siyang nasa isang charity event para sa isang foundation to raise awareness for people who had Retinitis Pigmentosa.

She was a silent donor to this organization at malapit sa puso niya ang mga ito. So when they invited her to come. She wouldn't and couldn't just say no.

"Miss Steff, look here!" sigaw ng isang paparazzo as she posed for the camera.

After this event, magtutungo na siya sa Camelot para sunduin ang anak. Then, finally they could come back to their humble home.

Halos dalawang linggo siyang mababakante and she wanted to spend those times to her daughter. Miss na miss na niya ito.

And of course, nais muna niyang takasan ang kasalukuyang pangyayari sa kanyang buhay. It had been a hell of a ride for her.

Paparazzi were now hounding at her, they were suddenly curious of her love life.

She was sick and tired of them. Nitong mga nakaraang araw, all they asked were about her Kuya Michael Angelo, Tristan or Gareth.

At ang lalong nagpainit ng issue, Tristan actually admitted they went out several of times already.

Mabuti na lang at piling mga tao lang ang nasa event na ito. She didn't want this event to turn into a carnival. Mahalaga para sa kanya ang cause at purpose ng event na ito.

"Miss Steff, I am glad you came," it was Countess Jean Le Blanc, ang founder ng association na ito.

"Matitiis ko po naman kayo?" she smiled at her.

"C'mon here. I'll introduce you to some people. We are currently developing something new here," yaya nito sa kanya. They walk towards a group of people.

"Steff, I want you to meet Dr. Marie Ann Leynfield."

Niyakap siya ng magandang babae.

"Finally, Steff! I'd been dying to meet you. Dr. Flyheight told me so much about you." Tama nga ang hula niya. It was Dr. Flyheight's friend.

"Nice to meet you rin po," she genuinely smiled at her.

"And this one is Dr. Malvin," Jean introduced the man to her.

Nagpalitan lamang sila ng ngiti.

"Actually, these people are planning something great. Asphodel is actually going to fund a special research to focus on Retinitis Pigmentosa."

Natuwa naman siya sa narinig. Kahit papaano, she's happy that there were a lot of people who were willing to help people like her with this rare disease.

"Naku, that's a good idea. Thank you. If you need my help, please do not hesitate to ask," she genuinely said to them.

"No need to thank us. Ang totoong may pakana nito ay hindi kami. We are simply researchers," Dr. Malvin said.

"Halika ipapakilala kita sa team leader namin," yaya ni Dr. Leynfield.

She led her through another group of men. Unti-unti ay naaaninaw niya kung sino ang mga ito. It seemed that it was a very unlucky day for her. Bigla tuloy niyang pinagsisihan ang pagpunta dito.

She was now face to face with both Gareth and Tristan.

"This is our team leader, Dr. Gareth Pendragon," pagpapakilala nito sa kanya.

Mabuti na lang at hindi palabasa ng tabloid ang doktora. Otherwise, she might embarrass herself to death.

"We already know each other," he coldly said.

Suddenly the tension between the both of them became thick. After that night, sinikap niyang hindi makita si Gareth. Nagkukulong na siya sa kanyang hotel room. Hindi pa rin kasi niya alam kung paano patutunguhan ang nadarama para dito.

Then there was the matter with Tristan. He was not intimidated by him. Naasiwa lang siya. She suddenly felt off, especially since he declared to the media that they were going out. Apparently, his revelation had escalated this issue to a whole new level.

"I think I need to go right now," she said in distress.

Napalunok siya. She needed to get away fast.

So with her seven-inched stiletto, she started to dash away. It was smooth sailing at first, but when she was at the center of the room. She fell down.

Great! Just great. Sa dinami-dami niyang pagsesemplangan, sa gitnang parte pa ng pavilion, where everyone could see her.

She tried to stand up, just to lessen her embarrassment. But she felt a sudden pain in her right ankle. She twisted it.

She tried to look around. People were already eyeing her with concern and pity.

"I am okay, really," she said.

"No you're not," it was Tristan nasa tabi na pala niya ito.

"You twisted your ankle," dumagundong ang puso niya sa kama. It was Gareth. He was on the other side.

Both men were at his side. They were both standing firmly opposite each other, waring nagsusukatan ang dalawa. Sabay pa itong bumaling sa kanya at inabot ang kamay.

"Come on, Steff. I'll help you," Tristan said.

"I'll get you fixed, so come with me," it was Gareth.

Both of their amber eyes were staring intently at her. The tension was killing her. Her heart was drumming on her chest non-stop.

"Angel?" Tristan asked.

"What's the matter, sweetheart?" it was Gareth.

This was not happening to her. What can she do? She tried to stand on her own but her foot really hurts.

Huminga siya ng malalim. She needed to make a choice. Mind over matter Steff.

So with a heavy heart. She reached for Tristan. He immediately held her up.

"Good choice, angel," bulong nito.

Steffanie was having a merienda in the airport café. Kadarating lang niya sa Camelot. Unfortunately, her dad and brother were caught up in their work in the House of Lords kaya ang anak lamang at sangkatutak na body guards nito ang sumundo sa kanya.

"Mom, what's this for?" turan nito sa benda sa paa.

"Mom just got a little slip up that night."

"Are you okay?" tanong nito while adjusting her little designer sunglasses. Her daughter looked more of a super model than her.

"Yep. I am better now that I can see you."

Tumango-tango lamang ito habang ine-enjoy ang fruit shake na iniinom. Nagyaya kasi ang bata na kumain muna marahil ay nagutom ito sa biyahe.

She was glad that she's miles away from Asphodel now, away from Gareth. Her life took a huge turn when she met him again. Isa lang ang nasisiguro niya. She needed to stay away from him.

"Shucks! Look what I have here," isang pamilyar na tinig ang dumating sa kanyang pandinig.

Nagsimula na namang dumagundong sa kaba ang dibdib niya. Nilingon niya ang pinanggalingan ng tinig.

It was Tristan.

"Grabe ang coincidence, bakit palaging sa café na lang tayo nagkikita," he smiled at him but she cannot afford to smile back.

Mariin niyang tiningnan ang anak. Kylie was now looking at him.

Ngumiti naman ang lalaki sa bata.

"Hello there pretty little angel," he said to her.

"Hello Mr. Stranger and friend of my mommy."

Natawa si Tristan dito.

"You have a great sense of humor, little angel. By the way, what's your name."

"My name is Kylie, and she's my mom." Turo nito sa kanya.

"You got a bright and cute angel here, Steff." He said to her.

Napatango lang siya. Nanlalamig na ang kamay niya.

"What about you? What's your name?" inosentent tanong ng bata.

"I am your Uncle Tristan, your mom's very good friend."

Kinindatan ni Tristan ang bata.

Kylie giggled at the Tristan's charm. Looks like to all ages talaga ang appeal ng binata.

"Uncle Tristan, you know what, we have the same eyes," her daughter said. She was definitely frozen. Namumutla na siya.

"Really?" makahulugan siyang tiningnan ni Tristan.

"Yup, see for yourself," tinanggal nito ang suot na sunglasses.

She wanted to shout at her kid but she just couldn't find her voice.

Mariing tinitigan ni Tristan ang bata. Kylie just smiled to him.

"Oh my fucking shit!" gulat na sabi ni Tristan.