THE TWO LEGACIES III

C E L Y N N E

Still in captive with the Lacbayans, I cannot move or walk well, because many people were already watching us as their child holds my waist tightly, though I could smell its fragrant scent, a touch of how this scent dominates mine.

My suspicion is really correct. They all have this prepared and—scripted again.

The afternoon is clear, typically it's hot outside like me.

Lights pass through the windowpanes of the building, and we had already met the paparazzi, while he is still holding me by the waist and it is now tighter.

My brain is still stuck in my thoughts: Why is it still called 'Building' when it was finally built? Why not a.. a big block? Establishment? Buildion? Or what?

How I wish this tension won't break my brain and make me become the victim of stupidity.

I can breathe a variety of different scents. The smell of workers' coffees, the smell of the perfumes they used, and the smell of cold air-con, and the scent of this man brings upon me near. So strong than I need a facemask.

I can barely breathe and my body seems to stiffen as I walk.

But I feel warm because of his hug, that even air-con cannot withstand the heat of this man's body.

Even though my eyes are just in front of me, I can really see the people whispering and marveling at the edges on my back.

It's just weird, because when the previous women who was still with this man I have now, the building looks like a 'ghost-town'. Yes, when I got here in the last few years, the workers did not seem to care and no Media left with him then with the ladies. Now, I can say I'm a pretty good catch, since it's opposite now.

Our parents go downstairs, gives way to the Media to interview them and to better get other journalists to see our faces.

Even if I want to be away with him, I will not be able to, it will put a bad initiation in the news. I just need to keep it simple… and real for the love of scripts and for goodness sake.

Back to what we did: Forced smile, we were close to each other, and bravely faced people. It's all easy to tell, half of the people will be deceived, half of the people knows how the backstage goes when the curtains are blown away.

And this too — I think it might be controversial in the news now or later.

Because right now, I am wearing a fancy red midnight gown, glamourous to the extent of the fabrics but this man beside me. the audacity he is wearing just a plain casual white polo and black pants. But even if we wear different clothes, I still don't care for what people say to me.

Shortly after we stand in the middle of the entrance show, a male announcer is holding a microphone near two large speakers.

"Let us welcome! The newly engaged couples!"

I swallow when he mentions 'engaged couples' in his sharp voice, but I manage to smile again.

"Here they are above us! Mr. Herald Ferric Lacbayan of the Lacbayan Clan and Ms. Celynne Aliya Mantahon of the Mantahon Legacy! "

People applause with us, I don't know if it was included in her parents' script or just impressed of how expensive my attire looks.

Lots of camera flash sprint in my eyes. Even though the lights are small, it is bright and quick. Flicking in our sight.

I also show the crowd the ring he wore to me, shining like a beacon and I waved my fingers.

I can't believe, I haven't been courted, yet will we be married? This is just too fast for me…

He brings his face close to mine, and he kiss me on my forehead and it lasts long, and places his mouth on my left ear as his grip goes up under my chest.

"At last, you're mine."

And that is where my destiny, even if I do not go through as being his legal girlfriend, I will be married to the man who is smiling at me. Who I think is just faking his happiness in me, a man who speaks of possessing me.

"'Do not worry, you are mine." He speak again, light this time, but blood boils in my heart for I am no longer, a free lady... of heart.