Chapter 9: Long Time No See

"When two people are meant for each other, no time is too long, no distance is too far and no one can tear them a part"

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I was currently putting my lipstick ng biglang pumasok sa kuwarto ko si Mama kasama ni Livi. I turned around and smiled at them "Good morning Mom" bati ko and kissed her cheeks pagkatapos ay bintibit ko si Livi.

"Good morning my Liviatus"

"Maman! Tu es tres belle!" (You are so beautiful) Livi complimented me with his eyes full of adoration.

"Vraiment?" (Really?)

"Oui Maman! Livi is saying the truth. Maganda ang maman ko!"

Napangiti ako at hinalikan siya. Napakasweet na bata talaga ni Livi.

Nakangiting hinawakan ni mama ang pisngi ko "May lakad ata ang anak ko" puna niya at tiningnan ako mula ulo pababa.

Ibinaba ko si Livi "Do I look pretty like what Livi have said?" malokong tanong ko at umikot, showing her my outfit.

"Yes, any dress will look good on you. Though I don't particularly like your choice of clothes today. It's not like you" sagot niya.

I just smiled and faced the mirror again "Nonsense mom. This is still me, just a better version" pagtatangol ko and wore my favorite rayban shades

"Where are you really going?"

I took my bag and faced my mom with a smile "To settle everything"

Halata ang pagkabigla sa mukha ng Mama ko "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes" I answered at malungkot na ngumiti ang Mama.

"I'll see you tonight Mom" paalam ko at lumabas na ng kuwarto kasama ni Livi.

Paglabas namin sa mansion ay napadaan ako sa may garden.

Napatigil ako at tila natulala...

Memories flashed inside my head.

The sweet smelling hanging wisterias and lavenders. The white chairs that was surrounded by red petals. The enchanting music made by the violin that serenades the whole place...

And all of a sudden, I saw my eleven-year-old self walking with my father towards the man who is waiting for me.

I looked so innocent while wearing the simple white dress he chose for me.

I remembered everything, how happy and excited I was to be with him.

How much I loved him ..

And it all seemed like it was just yesterday.

I smiled bitterly.

How ironic, that day was so perfect just like in fairy tales where the heroine lived happily ever after with her hero. But look at now, who would thought that everything would end up like this?

It's all in the past and I refuse to go back in that past.

"Maman? qu'est-ce qu'il y a?" (what's wrong) tanong ni Livi habang nakatingala sa akin.

I squatted in front of him. "pas grand-chose (nothing much) Maman have to go now Liviatus, will you wait for her to come back later?"

He smiled and nodded with his chubby cheeks I love to pinch.

"Je vais attendre un peu plus longtemps pour maman" (I will wait a while longer for Maman)

"Don't worry, after this, you'll live with your Maman in Britain"

"Really? With Père Silva too?" excited na tanong niya.

"Yes, with Père Silva too" I promised and kissed my son's head.

After this ay wala nang rason pa para bumalik muli ako sa bansang ito.

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"I want that dress, those shoes and that hat. Hurry get those for me" utos ng isang kilalang model-celebrity sa mga sales lady ng isang boutique sa Green Hills Shopping Mall.

"M-Ma'am Elizabeth, baka maexceed niyo nanaman po ang credit card limits niyo. Mapapagalitan nanaman po kayo ng Daddy niyo" paalala ng kanyang PA na hindi na halos hindi na makalakad sa daming bitbit na paper bags na pinamili niya.

Nakataas ang kilay na tinitigan ito ni Elizabeth.

"Larra, binabayaran kita para pagsilbihan ako at hindi pagsabihan sa mga gusto kong gawin. Intiende?"

"O-Opo" takot na sagot ng PA niya.

Ngumiti siya "Very good. Now bayaran mo na ang mga iyon! I still have to visit my favorite Spa!"

Agad na sinunod naman siya. Lumabas na siya ng boutique at nagpatuloy sa pagtitingin sa iba pang shops.

She went inside a shoes Shop and was about to take the red shoe being displayed. But another hand held the same shoe.

Elizabeth raised her head to check out who was the insolent girl trying to snatch her shoes, only to find out that it was no other than the half Filipina and half Italian model. Roweina Dreyfus.

Sabay silang nagkatitigan ng babae. Pareho nilang binitawan ang sapatos, dahan dahan nag-ikutan at nagtitigan mula taas paibaba.

Elizabeth flipped her hair showing her glittering Ruby earnings. Rowiena held her designer's bag enough to show its brand sign. Tinaas naman ni Elizabeth ang laylayan ng damit niya at pinakita ang suot na sapatos.

Irritation was registered on Roweina's face, she remembers that shoes very well. Yan lang naman ang limited edition s na d' orsay shoes her favorite brand released which she was dying to get!

Ang mas nagpagalit pa sa kanya ay hindi siya nakabili noon dahil sampong pares lang ang nirelease at ang huling nakabili nuon ay isang British politician na pinanregalo umano nito sa isang female noble sa kanilang bansa.

Roweina was so mad that she didn't went out of her room for almost a month. Kung hindi pa siya binilhan ng kanyang ama ng isang brand new car ay baka patuloy parin siya sa pagta tantrums ngayon.

Putting that topic aside, hinawakan ni Roweina ang kanyang leeg para ipakita ang suot na kwintas at singsing.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Elizabeth. Those were the 24 carat diamond set of the famous De Seville Jewelry! Sa pagkakataong ito ay wala na siyang maipapakita pa. Ginawa niya ang kanyang last resort.

She held her chin up and posed on side view.

Napakunot noo si Roweina, what is this woman trying to boast this time?

Napatigil na lamang siya ng mapansin niyang may nagbago sa pagmumukha ng babaeng kaharap niya.

"Oh! That nose is perfectly done!" Bulalas ni Roweina, napangiti naman si Elizabeth sa natangap na puri.

"Yeah! I know right? My doctor is so great, you should try visiting her"

Ani ni Elizabeth at lumapit kay Roweina.

"I missed you so much Roweina! " puno ng arteng bati niya at niyakap ang kaibigan.

"I missed you too Elizabeth, it's been so long!" Balik ni Roweina at nakipagbeso beso pa.

The two of them met in Paris where they both studied modelling and somehow became what you call "friends"

"Indeed, I like your necklace. Bagay sa iyo" ismid ni Elizabeth. She was dying to get those set for her party!

"This is just so cheap. My daddy got this for me. What I like is your shoes" sabi ni Roweina at puno ng inis na tinignan ang sapatos ng "kaibigan" niya.

"Yes, I like them very much too so I got myself a pair. My daddy didn't mind naman" pero and totoo ay dahil sa sapatos na ito ay nasagad niya ang balance ng credit card niya at tatlong araw pa siyang ginround ng daddy niya. She knew that her "best friend" Roweina loved the brand and she wanted to have it before she does. Luckily, she did! Those three days of being grounded was worth it seeing how envious her best friend is.

"Ma'am Elizabeth! Naku salamat at nahanap ko din po kayo! " hingal na hingal na sumunod ang PA ni Elizabeth dala dala ang mga pinamili niya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Larra by makita ang kasama ni Elizabeth. Panigurado ay maiipit nanaman siya sa gyera ng dalawang "magkaibigan"

"Larra! It's nice seeing you again" ani ni Roweina at nagawa pang yakapin ang PA ni Elizabeth.

"H-Hi po Ma'am Roweina" pinagpapawisang bati pabalik niya.

"I really love this PA of yours my best friend Elizabeth. Tagal na kitang kinukulit na ibigay din siya sa akin diba? I bet Larra would love Italy right? " and she glanced at the poor PA who doesn't know what to answer.

"Y-Yes po" napipilitang sagot niya. Pero mas kinabahan siya ng makita niya ang ngiti ng amo sa kanya.

"Of course she would. But Larra is so loyal to me so I'm afraid she can't come with you my dear" Elizabeth poisonously remarked.

Roweina nodded. "Yes, I am well aware. That's why I told my daddy to come here with me so that I can visit you Elizabeth and of course to attend your party"

Elizabeth smiled brightly. "Buti naman! I will be so sad if my BFF is not with me on my most special night"

"Special night? Oh I'm so excited. What's the occasion? "

"Wala naman. Just my family's anniversary. But I'm not sure about my boyfriend. I think he's planning to surprise me. As you know, we've been together for so long. I think he's getting impatient. Hahaha"

"Really?! Goodness that's great! You've been waiting for almost 9 years if I am not mistaken. I am dying to meet your man" Bulalas ni Roweina.

Elizabeth chuckled but grimaced for a second before replying "You know me naman, work before love so our relationship lasted for years. He understands and supports my decisions because that's how deep his love for me and his work is too demanding sometimes. Nonetheless, you'll meet him soon"

Napapaigtad nalang si Larra sa salitan ng mga magbestfriend. Baka mamaya ay sumiklab ang isang away.

"How about you? You should bring a date OK? "

Maasim na napangisi naman si Roweina.

Ipagyayabang pa talaga ang love life nito! Samantalang pagnasa photo shoots ang dalawa, ang dami nitong kalandian! Sa loob ng isip ni Roweina ay naawa siya sa boyfriend ng impokritang babaeng ito.

"Sure! This is perfect, I'll bring along the businessman my daddy introduced to me. He's so perfect for me and I believe I have fallen for him"

"Really? This is so great isn't it? My boyfriend is also a businessman. A CEO of a famous company but don't ask me about it because we wanted to be low profile. OMG! Pareho na tayong may mga lalaking minamahal! We truly are best friends! "

Sabay na nagtawanan naman ang mga ito pero kanya kanyang ismid naman kapag napapabaling ang mukha sa ibang direksyon.

Hindi malaman ni Larra kung ano naman ang gagawin niya sa tuning nagsasama ang dalawang ito ay palaging nagpapataasan ang mga ito. Walang gustong magpatalo!

Clyde's PoV

"Yes Mr Rozenbelth, the contract is already fixed. We just need the exact marketing survey and reports for the next commercial. Perfect. I'll see you then in the contract signing" pagtatapos ko sa pakikipagusap sa head ng Advertising Company na napili namin.

Pagod na napaupo ako sa swivel chair at hinilot ang sintido ko.

It's not easy handling this company, feeling ko patanda ako ng patanda e. Buti nalang at kinuha na ni Damien at Kathlene ang pamamahala sa branch sa Japan. Nalalapit narin ang kasal ng mga iyon.

Inikot ko ang upuan ko paharap sa glass wall, kitang kita ko ang dahan dahang pagpatak ng ulan and I sadly smiled.

Every time that rain pours, there's a tingling feeling inside my heart 'cause every time that I see the rain, I always remember the girl I loved and still loving.

Her innocent smiles, her breathtaking blue eyes that I always adored, and everything about her.

I want to see her once again. To embrace and tell her how much she means to me.

Naputol ang pagiisip ko ng biglang tumunog ang intercom, agad ko itong pinindot at nagsalita ang temporary secretary ko.

"E-Excuse me Boss"

"What is it Briana?"

"S-Sir, there's a woman insisting to meet you" halata ang discomfort sa boses niya. I rolled my eyes, it must be Elizabeth again. Since bago lang si Briana ay hindi pa niya kilala si Elizabeth.

"She doesn't have any appointment Boss" dagdag niya.

I took a deep breath. It is indeed Elizabeth. Siya lang naman ang malakas ang loob na pumunta dito sa opisina ko ng walang appointments at magdemand na makita ako. "let her in" no choice na sagot ko. Baka saktan pa ni Elizabeth ang sekretarya ko.

If Ana was just with me, she can come up with so many lies but sadly, she's having the time of her life with my best friend now.

"As you wish Boss"

Kinuha ko ang folder sa desk ko still facing the glass wall. I have tons of things to do than to talk with that crazy woman.

Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan but I didn't mind facing her.

"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't have the time for you Elizabeth. And no matter you do, I'll never let you replace my beloved wife" I said like I always do.

I waited for her outburst and bitter remarks, but I heard nothing but a small echoing laugh that enchanted the whole place...

Those laughs that I loved hearing.

Those laughs that I prayed to hear once again...

Agad bumilis ang tibok ng puso. Am I hallucinating again?

"Such a cheesy line you got there" saad ng pamilyar na boses.

Ito ang boses na laging laman ng puso at isipan ko sa loob ng halos siyam na taon...

Slowly I turned my chair and faced the woman standing in front of me.

I wanted to pinch myself to make sure that this is not just a dream.

"Kamuntik mo na akong napaniwala sa sinabi mo"

A sophisticated woman is standing in front of me.

She was wearing a black dress that perfectly hugs her figure topped with a gray coat. Her hair is tied up in a neat French bun at nakasuot din siya ng black brimmed hat. She was wearing five inches stilettoes that emphasizes her long well shaped legs.

She removed her shades revealing those enchanting blue eyes that I always adored.

Her bloody red lips rose up a bit forming a smile.

"Long time no see hubby"

It was like my heart stopped the moment she called me with her endearment.

Shit! God! Please tell me this is real! I beg you!

There was an urge inside me wanting to embrace but...

The woman in front of me was not the little girl in my memories.

There is no more taint of innocence in her blue eyes. Her sweet and angelic aura was replaced by an intimidating one. No more is the fragile and naïve girl for she turned into a woman full of confidence.

Parang ngayon ko lang narealize. Ganoon ba katagal ang siyam na taon?

Those nine years turned her into like this?

"Hindi mo man lang ba ako papaupuin?" she asked and that brought me back into reality. I coughed and stood up.

"Please, have a sit" I said and pressed the intercom "Briana, kindly bring us some lavender tea" utos ko. I inhaled and faced her.

I tried my best to smile "Hello my wife" bati ko sa kanya.

"To whom do I owe a visit from the famous Countess of Campbelle?"

She chuckled elegantly but there was no life in it.

"I see, nine years had passed and you turned into a very boring man" she retorted.

Shit! I have to be composed! I have to stop myself from hugging and claiming those luscious lips!

"I'll take that as a compliment coming from you" saad ko at umupo sa sofa katapat niya. She took a deep breath and looked into my eyes.

"Hindi na ako magpapaligoy ligoy pa"

Napangiti ako.

"Perfect, I also don't have the time to play around"

She took a brown envelope from her bag and placed it on the table. She leaned closer to me and looked at me intently.

I felt my heart throbbing faster than before. Am I the only one who felt that? Don't she have this ominous feeling too?

I was about to get drown with those beautiful blue eyes I loved so much when she continued.

.

.

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"DIVORCE ME KUYA!"

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