Chapter 31

We went to the booth of architect Jim Alonzo.

The two went with me as we walked through architect Jim's booth.

As we came closer, we caught him busy talking to the two businessmen.

He caught us, so he stopped to whatever he discussed to the two businessmen.

I smiled, while Daisy and Grace started their steps to approached him.

I followed at them, and gave a smile for the two businessmen right in front of us as we reached them.

If i was not mistaken, The two businessmen he talked with, was in a middle aged.

"Cath, long time no see! Finally you're home!"

Architect happily greeted me.

"Yes architect! Thank you for this!"

I said, and gave a smile for the two businessmen.

We didn't have time to exchanged some pleasantries because they looked serious to whatever they discussed.

"By the way, this is Mr. Servantes. Mr. Thomson, she's the one who designed from one of your favorites."

I smiled and politely extended my hand for a shake to the both businessmen.

There's a big company who will build a tower of condominium in makati, and they want me to be part of it.

Good thing, because it's near at my condo.

" I like your works. Can i discuss with you about the terms?"

What? This rush?

My eyes widened.

I can't believed that they suddenly got interested about my work.

Shit. Dammit.

This is my first time, so i was expecting for some difficulties before i can have this kind of opportunity.

I glanced to architect Jim, but he only gave me an assuring smile.

Shit. Is this even fine?

They took a couple of minutes for negotiating me about terms and especially about deadlines.

I can't even believed what i took in this exhibit, is just only one of the biggest project.

Shit.

"We're rushing through this. Because It's been three years since we planned about this."

They stated, and made me understand what they need for this project.

"I can handle it."

Sure i can.

And i'm sure for that.

I have a lot of ideas in my mind, so i can surely handle it.

Minutes have passed, and the two girls got busy on their own booths.

We ended the negotiation with contract signing.

" Thank you so much architect Jim. I owe this from you."

I shamely said to architect.

"I told you, cut the formality. And it's not a problem. You can always count on me. Though this is your first time, i can see the talent that you have on it. So, keep it up.By the way,how's your painting? Have you check on them?"

"Oh, my!"

I glanced at my friends who's now busy with their different businesses.

"I will... Uhm... Just check."

I said.

I unconsciously walked towards the painting exhibit.

The venue was big, so i shook my head.

I should stop myself for bothering about something.

When i was already on the line of painting, which mine was also there, i walked directly through in it.

There were some who checked my painting, but i think they were just checking on it.

"Cathy! You're back!"

Another colleagues in showbiz industry.

"Zebby."

AS We greeted for a cheek to cheek kiss,i noticed how her eyes drifted on my works.

"You painted this? I never thought you could have this kind of talent?"

She looked amazed for what she found out from me.

I smiled.

"Yup.This became my past time in U.S and eventually became my passion too. But maybe i was really into it, but i just didn't give attention, you know."

I smile, genuinely.

"Really? And an interior designer too, right?"

I nodded.

"Yup. Actually i recently got a project from one of the biggest company here. And i just signed the contract hours ago."

"Really!God! Congrats!"

She said,still couldn't believed.

Maybe i was meant for this, but not for something beyond this.

She turned, so i looked where her eyes drifted.

I saw the ten businessmen approaching us, and most of them are bachelors. Maybe.

Maybe their ages was just like as the same as Reige.

And... Reige was at their center!

My eyes widened.

Damn.

My knees was shaking.

I glanced at Zebby again and found out how her eyes widened too.

"Reige!"

She happily called Reige.

Shit.

She called the name i avoided to hear.

I wanted to walk away, but i didn't.

"Zebby."

Reige coldly answered.

I controlled myself.

I rehearsed this many time in my head, but... Damn.

I felt the indeference now that he's in front of me.

After three year, and after what happened in palawan, i think i don't want to hear anything about him. Again.

Or maybe, i just forbid myself because of embarrassment.

"You're here for?"

I sensed Zebby's confused question.

"I'm here for Rockson's project Zebby, and for the paintings of my house house too."

Reige answered Zebby politely, but his eyes was focused on me.

I remained dumbfounded.

House?

New house?

He built a new house? For whom?

I closed my eyes intently.

Probably he built a house for him and Shane.

Shit.

I can't even move a bit.

I felt my foot like already burried on the floor.

And i don't know what i'm going to feel either.

He looked so intense and serious.

I noticed how my presence didn't affects him at all.

But, that's what i expected actually.

After how he embarrassed me.

I'm pretty sure, he wouldn't do that if i'm still into him.

"Have you finally chose a painting for your new house?"

Reige nodded.

And started a stepped away to leave.

"I'm getting Shane Sandoval's painting."

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped.

I felt the squezzed of my heart.

My chest really hurt.

Reige left, and together with the businessmen he was with.

Yeah. That's all.

Like nothing happened.

" I need to go Cath. I like your works so i will drop by later right after my business here. I built a new house, so i'll buy some paintings for it too."

I nodded and smiled back.

Even if, i felt like i can't almost breath because of what i felt all of a sudden.

I felt like i lost all my energy and i don't want to participate this event.

" Thank you Zebb, see you. "

I can feel how my voice shaken.

I glanced to the paintings i made.

I felt the tears beside my eyes were started to fall, but i forced myself to stop for falling.

I don't want to feel this way from him.

I want to remove all my paintings and pack them right now.

"Cathy Gomez?"

I heard a familiar voice.

I turned to the voice who called me and found who it was.

Shane Sandoval shamelessly call me.

I frowned.

How she confidently approached me after what happened three years ago?

Damn.

Are we even close?

I don't remembered if we had a good interaction even before that night in the bar.

She became hesitant when he noticed my reaction, but she continued.

I won't show her that i'm fine of her presence,when in fact i'm not.

Damn her.

"You painted too? You finally home. It's been a while."

Yeah.It's been a while since that night.

Thank you.

I didn't express it because i'm sure that the sarcasm on my voice would be surely notice.

She crossed her arms under her chest.

Well, she looked more beautiful and sophisticated.

What would i expect afterall?

Her usual red colored lips stick suited her.

"How's the exhibit?"

She looked matured.

That's what i first noticed about her.

"Fine. Yours?"

Shit.

How fool of me to asked her about that?

Damn.

"Very good."

She smiled at me, widely.

"Some of my pieces were bought. What about you?"

Yeah. Seemed like i'm interested about it?

Damn this girl.

I shook my head.

"Nothing yet."

It felt awkward having this kind of conversation towards her.

"If you'll excuse me?"

I said and gave her a signed to leave.

But before i could leave, Daisy came.

"There you are, Cath!"

Daisy said in a happy tone.

I saw how Shane rolled her eyes and payed her attention to one celebrity who asked something on her.

But the celebrity glanced at me and approached.

"Cathy Gomez?"

I smiled.

"Hi."

I know them.

They are one of the most popular celebrities in philippine showbiz industry too.

When i was still a model, way back then.

"Long time no see. It's been a while. How's life? Finally you're home!And..you painted?"

Paolo Marcel asked me together with Ara Gonzales.

He looked confused.

I was thinking if they're romantically related?

"Uhm.. Yup. I started to do paintings when i was in U.S."

I answered casually, like i usually to whoever asked me about this question.

"And you're an interior designer too, right?"

Ara Gonzales said and smirked.

"Ahm. Yeah."

"God! How talented of you?"

"Thank you."

"Can we check your paintings?"

Now i'm sure that they're really romantically related, even if i won't ask.

The way how they exchanged suggestions about my paintings, no doubt.

"Sure. Let's go."

I said.

They followed. I glanced at Paolo's hand possesively wrapped at Ara's waist.

Damn.

"These are my pieces.This one is Los Angeles. I used oil. This tranquil, i used acrylic and pastels.i airbrushed the acrylics."

Daisy and Grace was with me.

"I like the tranquil."

Paolo said and smirked at me.

I felt relieved.

I won't do this again.

Damn.

I talked to them for a couple of minutes like how i got inspired by doing some paintings.

They asked me about so many random things about my life in U.S.

And in the end, they bought my paintings.

Many got interested in it but i don't want to stay any longer.

All i wanted was to leave the place.

"I'm done for today."

I said to Daisy, after i left the two.

"Why? You are?"

I went through our line.

The two followed me.

I don't want to explain about my sudden decision.

Because i didn't know where to start.

I stopped my steps when i saw Reige at the side hall.

He was sorrounded by bunches of businessmen.

He was talking to some businessmen at the same like his age.

He stopped and his lips pursed into a smile.

I followed where his gaze goes and saw Shane was approaching him.

I immediately looked down at the floor.

Of course, the love of his life.

It's been years since i saw that smile.

I bit my lips and closed my eyes intently.

This is fine.

I should focused on my priorities.

I turned at Daisy and noticed the nervous in her eyes.

Grace's chatting with some celebrities.

"Yup.Can i take down my paintings?I want to go and tell the organizer."

"I guess you can. But why?"

Daisy asked with curiousity.

I don't want it there.

Really. I regretted why i joined this exhibit.

"Let's talk to the organizer, then. But you can still tell the clients that it's already sold.If there's anybody who get interested in it."

"I want it down."

I simply said.

Daisy snorted and nodded.

"Okay. Let's ask the organizer to take it down."

I nodded.

I asked them both to go with me through the booth and talked the organizer.

I never glanced to Reige and Shane again.

That's fine.

It doesn't matter anyway.

Daisy talked to the organizer.

And they agreed to take down my paintings.

It's a shamed, because it's one of the biggest opportunity,is that to be part of this exhibit.

I think i don't appreciated it well.

"Cath."

"That's fine Dais. I'm contented to what i have now. And besides, i had an offer to the five tower and my tranguil painting bought too."

I continued my steps.

I don' t care if i walked through where Reige stayed earlier.

I'm comfortable now.

I will go.

I'm going home to my condo. Rest. And stay with my son.

We're near to where Reige and Shane, together with some businessmen they're with too.

I felt nervous.

But not as nervous as our first meeting in palawan after years.

Shane caught me by her stares.

Everyone stopped to whatever they were talking about when Shane called me.

Damn it.

"Cathy!"

All of them glanced at me.

But i only focused on Shane.

"Cath. "

Grace warned me.

Shane turned to Reige.

"Have you seen Cathy's work babe?"

Shane asked Reige sweetly.

Babe.

"Tss."

I heard how Daisy tsked her in annoyance.

I landed my hands on Daisy's forearm for a warned.

And seemed like Shane didn't care at all.

I almost made a fake cough when i heard what she called to Reige.

I controlled myself.

Damn.

I'm not the old Cathy anymore. Or even the Cassie Ambrocio.

I swallowed.

"We passed by, earlier."

Reige seriously answered.

Why do this woman feeling close to me?

Damn.

I was thinking if what would be her reaction if she would find out that i have a son from the love of her life?

I raised a brow.

Did she knew the reason why i left years ago?

Reige already moved on.

And i am just who don't.

"You didn't like it?"

She glanced at Reige.

I smirked.

"It's already sold out. So, it doesn't matter."

"Oh! I thought nobody wants it. Since, it's your first time?"

I nodded.

"It's sold. Thank you."

"Good for you, then."

I fake a smile and glanced at them.

"I need to go."

She shifted from her seat and gave her attention on me fully.

"What? Why? The exhibit just started."

I frowned. And a bit annoyed.

Reige looked at me, but i can't read his expression.

It's a pitch black like usual. Just like how he used to stare at me before whenever he's angry.

I don't want to be rude. But i don't want to have any conversations to any of them.

We're not friends.

Dammit.

"Do i need to answer that? I want to go home because i want to."

I saw how Shane's eyes widened because of my answer.

I don't care if what they think about me.

I'm not civil with them, and i will never.

Thinking about what happened from that bar years ago, made me pissed.

Damn her.

It doesn't matter for me if they find me unprofessional about my gestures.

"I have more important things to do than staying here."

"Oh!"

I nodded and started my steps.

I didn't glanced at their direction again.

I don't know what happened for the past years after i left.

But one thing i am sure about was, Shane and Reige became closer to each other.

Well, it's normal. Because they're been friends before i came.

What i've seen from Shane's facial expression, was, she became matured. More. But i noticed something about her.

Isn't she that happy?

She's with the love of her life, right?

Why do i feel like she's not that happy. Knowing that she'd been in love with Reige.

I continued my steps and walks.

We caught some reporters outside as we went out.

Waited someone to interviewed.

And i wasn't surprised for another battle of questions from them.

They asked about my relationship with Reige years ago.

And all my anwers were just the same like usual when someone asked me.

Three years ago, i remembered how the media bombed about my sudden announcement with my relationship with Reige.

It was talked of the town.

And now after years, we met again.

Maybe it would become talk of the town too.

The media can't get over about this issues.

Damn.

After i answered it formally and unsure, i went directly to the parking lot where i placed my car.

I fought with Daisy and Grace when they saw i accepted my car from the valet.

"You two should stay. Architect Jim still there. Not because i'm going home, then you'll going home too."

I said because i didn't invite them to go home too.

And knowing Grace, i know she didn't want to go home yet.

Especially now that she recieved a big offer.

While Daisy,she asked her boyfriend to fetch her.

She mentioned her boyfriend's name Jhony.

"It's still early! My god! It's not even dark yet!"

I said.

The event started at almost two o clock in the afternoon.

And i came too late almost around at five o'clock.

"Yes Dais. You're just too excited to be with Jhony. Even if you spent most of your time with him, everyday."

Grace clapped her hands.

I smiled and felt happy, knowing that my both friends were enjoyed this event.

I'm also happy too, for what i recieved.

It can help me big time.

Especially for Geu.

I got in, my car and pulled down the sliding window glass to listened in whatever they were talking about.

"I can't believed, I'll be part of that event Dais."

Grace happily said.

"Well,good for you. Then, you must give us some treats. You got the highest offer among the three of us."

Grace, together with architect Jim are having an international project.

Grace is also in a freelance.

I was really thinking how Reige made to the point that the station we were working before closed.

That international project was not a project of Dela Vegas and architectural designs.

I missed a lot of happenings for three years about their lives.

Damn.

But, i need to let go for whatever happened three years ago.

What more important about me now is that, Geu.

I saw the excitement on Grace's expression.

Maybe because she will experience the things that she didn't usually do.

"Sure! Tomorrow, drinks on me!"

Grace said happily.

I shook my head and laughed.

" I can't go out and party. Geu."

I said like mentioning my son' s name would be a valid reason.

"Oh! Come on Cath! It's just a few drinks! Let Geu sleep first and after we'll go."

Grace suggested.

I tried to protest but she cutted me off.

"You stayed for how many years in america, Cath. And i'm pretty sure that you weren't that happy. Not Until Geu came. We knew how you got pain too much. And besides, this is just one night. Just one night to make up all of those years."

Grace's convincing idea, and nodded like she's been thinking about this idea for how many times.

" I am not going to do that. "

I said.

" Grace, the last time i checked. It was happened in a bar the reason why i left And stopped drinking. And it was in BGC."

"That was before Cath. It's been three years. Ages ago, right? Promise, we don't do anything. Not even into dancing. Just pure catch up and eat.That's all."

I realized what Grace said.

She's right.

That was before.

Why would i think that Reige would bother himself to talk to me there, if i will go?

Like what happened before?

That's stupid.

He didn't even talk to me in this event.

Like we didn't meet in palawan.

Like we're just both strangers.

For sure, he won't waste his time to give a seconds just to talk with me.

But i'm not sure if i can handle myself to drink hard.

"Dinner and drinks on me. Let Geu sleep first, after you'll go."

Grace added.

"I'm not into drinking anymore. And i'm not sure if i can handle hard drinks."

My excused.

"Then, well drink wine. Perhaps senorita. Just.... Cheer up! You're in manila! You're not in U.S anymore! You have your friends here! You're at the top of everything. Live it!"

I rolled my eyes and showed my surrender about her invitation.

"Fine. Tomorrow ,then. But now, i need to go."

"Thank you!"

Grace said and smiled at me from ear to ear.

I left the two there and went directly to my condo.

I erased all the negative thoughts which kept on bagging me.

I only need to focuse on Geu now.

"Clary, did Geu ate already?"

I asked to my housemaid.

I caught her reading some magazines inside the sala as i went in.

"Yes mam, Cathy. He's done eating with his dinner."

"Mommy!"

Geu smiled that made his red lips defined even more.

"Baby!"

I happily called him and extended my arms for a hug.

I sat on the sofa.

"I thought you will come home late, mam."

I sighed heavily.

"I already got an offer from a big company. I also changed my mind. I don't want to stay there longer. And i don't want to sell my paintings too."

I felt like my whole body was totally drained.

Even though i didn't spend too much time from the exhibit event.

Clarry went to the kitchen and checked the food she cooked.

I kissed my son on his cheeks and hugged him tightly like i'm afraid if he would be gone from my sight.

"I love you baby."

My eyes rolled with tears as i thought about Reige.

Sorry baby, but i can't give you a father.

I can't give you a complete family.

He loosen from my grip and took the leggo.

I caressed his hair while playing.

I was a bit surprised when he stepped down from the sofa and stood up and after walked directly to the kitchen.

I just let him.

I found the remote above the center table and took it.

Since still early, i need to make myself relax. Eventually, i opened the tv.

I want to watch tv commercial, or movies. Anything.

But the news appeared immediately as i opened the tv.

The lost heiress of Sandoval daughter was already found. But the CEO and president of the said company Mr. Sandoval didn't give any informations yet about their lost daughter.

The news was about the lost daughter og Sandoval again.

I frowned.

I realized how lucky to have a complete family and wealth.

But some people like them was not that lucky much. Especially thid kind of matter.

Like the Sandovals, they are wealthy but they've lost their daughter.

I was thinking how it was hard for them to handle that situation before they found out their daughter.

Like Reige, he's damn wealthy but he had no parents at all.

Is he happy about his achievements, afterall?

He has No one to be called like his own family.

Well, soon after he got married to Shane then he can have a family of his own.

And that's too much for me to handle.

Thinking of him having family made me want to kill my self.

Damn.

It's badly hurt.

I leaned from the sofa and lifted my body.

I shrugged my shoulder.

Damn.

It's non of my business though.

Let them handle their own life.

I have mine too, dammit.

I stood up to find Geu.

I heard Clarry shouted at the kitchen and caught her fixing the things while Geu pulled the hem of her shirt.

"Sorry Clarry."

I said and went back at the sala to played with Geu.

"You know about Sandoval's lost heiress mam Cathy?"

I turned to Clarry who's now standing behind me.

I didn't notice her presence while approaching my way.

I nodded.

" I heard earlier in the news."

"Yes mam. They're talked of the town. Everyone got curious about their lost heiress."

Honestly,i'm not interested.

It's their story to tell not mine.

I need to stay away from those people who were connected with Reige.

But not Trexie.

Even if she got married to Vince who's Reige's cousin, i can't do that.

I looked at my son who seated at the carpeted floor.

He looked at the magazines for cars.

After a while, i let him played with his toys.

"Clarry, i'll be out tomorrow night. I'll leave Geu. Please watch over him."

I said after a while.

"Yes, mam. Don't worry about Geu. Ahm... Where are you going anyway? If you don't mind me asking? Hm..date?"

She smirked.

I shook my head.

"No. Not for a date. Some of my friends asked me for a night out. And i accepted their invitations because on monday, i would be very busy from the project i've got."

I said, as a matter of fact.

"Okay mam."

I know, i can call jeoffry, but i don't want to disturb him.

He has his own personal issues to handle.

And for sure, he's also busy handling with their family business too.

When Geu got tired from playing around the condo, he finally looked sleepy.

It's almost twelve when i noticed his sleepy eyes.

I gently carried him and put directly in his room.

I decided to let him sleep separately from me, so it won't hard for him to see me not around.

I caught Clarry sat at the sofa in the sala, comfortably.

Maybe she'll watch some movies.

Movie marathon.

He let me took care of Geu tonight because she knew that i won't be around tomorrow.

I put Geu in his bed, and covered his body with his blanket.

I held his soft and small tiny hands.

I can't believed that only my son can changed all the principles i had for myself.

He's the only one who gave bright to my dark life.

He melt all the sadness ,hatred,and sorrows i felt since when i was still a kid.

I lied down beside him.

My eyes heated because of the tears that were about to fall down my cheeks.

We can do it together baby.

Mommy can do everything for you.

You don't need your father.

I'll be more okay if you will stay with mommy.

Everything will be fine, as long as you're here with mommy.

We can face it together.

The door slowly opened and i saw Clarry.

The worried in her face greeted me when i glanced at her.

"Mam."

She politely, called me. I noticed that the concerns in her looks was very evident.

I smiled to give her an assurance that i'm fine.

"I know that i have no right to ask you about something which is not part of my work mam. But i'm just concern.If you feel like you need someone to talk. Just tell me....I just want to ask if what happened in that event?"

She asked with concerns in her looked.

I love the way how thoughtful she is.

I can feel the sincerity in her voice too.

" Why? "

I asked back, even if i know what she meant.

I lifted my body from the bed, and fixed my hair using my fingers.

"You looked drained when you came."

I sighed.

"I saw Geu's father, Clarry."

Clarry's eyes widened.

I didn't tell her about my son's father because i avoided the topic about it.

But i have no one to express how i felt, especially now.

It's true.

I lost all the confidence i had earlier, when i saw Reige with Shane together.

And i can't contained the feelings of being hurt watching them together happy.

Clarry didn't ask anything after what i said.

She apologized and went out from the room without saying anything.

And that's fine for me.

Maybe she wants me to keep it for my privacy.

I sat down on the edge of the bed and opened my social media accounts.

A post from an unknow site appeared, as i scrolled down my facebook account:

Sandoval's heiress Shane Sandoval, together with the bachelor owner of areal estates companies worlwide, Mr. Reige Del Rio, caught together from an event earlier. They looked happily in love. "

That what the caption said.

I closed my eyes intently and closed my phone.

Can i really handle this?

Damn.