Chasing Dreams, Losing Her.

Chapter 1- Shes back

Zarya's pov

"Masaya akong nakabalik ka na, ma'am Zarya." Our family driver greeted me with a big smile. "Kamusta po byahe n'yo?"

"I'm happy to see you as well kuya Jun, kamusta na po?" I greeted him back.

"ito po, ganon parin naman. Wala naman pong pinagbago." He answered.

This is kuya Jun, our driver for almost 2 decades. He's been with us since my sister and I was just a little kid. He serves not just a driver, but also a second father since our dad has always been out of the country.

"Ma'am, gusto mo ba diretso na tayo sa mansion para makapag pahinga ka muna?" kuya Jun asked.

"Yes, kuya. Fetch me at 8pm, we're going to De Luca." I said, as I plugged my airpods and took a nap.

I am Zarya Eir De Luca, daughter of Raymond De Luca. A well known Doctor, Engineer and CEO of De Luca International. One of the largest engineering firm company in the world. And a Co-founder of Del-Rusco Hospital.

Seems to be a fantasy, right?

But no, being a daughter of a man who do not know the word "Defeat" is a torture.

I am a Doctor, graduated from La Sapienza University Of Rome. One of the largest medical school in Italy.

I was force to left the country 8 years ago, to pursue my dreams. Now that I finished everything, I am back.

My father is not in favor of me coming back here, but I insisted.

I was able to convinced him, with a condition.

I have to master his world. I don't have a brother, and my sister has no plans of taking his place.

So I agreed, because aside from the fact that I want to live here-I have something more important to do.

"Zarya, my girl where are you now? The party is about to start. And you know I won't let that happen without you here." my dad said with a sweet and excited tone.

"I'll be there in 15 minutes, Dad. We're on our way." I responded.

"Okay honey, take care. I love you." He seems to really excited.

"I will, I love you too." I hang up the phone, and retouched a bit.

I got out of the car, and was shocked by how many unknown persons is here tonight. Well, what should I expect?

"Here comes the spotlight! The one and only, Doctor Zarya Eir De Luca!" The host introduced me to the crowd as I went inside.

The applause of the audience echoed inside of the hotel. I don't know what to do since I don't know these people. I just gave them a sweet smile, and walk towards my dad.

"You look gorgeous tonight, my love." A sweet words I heard from my dad.

"Thank you, Dad." I smiled, and gave him a hug.

"You're always gorgeous, honey." My mom joined the conversation, I smiled and kiss her on the cheeks.

"Where is ate Yana? I don't see her" I asked dad.

"She will be late for a bit, she's with her friends. Don't worry about her" My dad assured me.

"Mr. Raymond, do you have a message for your daughter?" The host started the event, and my dad did not hesitate to take the mic.

"My daughter just came back after 8 years of studying in italy.

She worked hard, did her best, and finished her degree.

I am proud of you, Zarya. As you move back here, just know that I will always be at your back, and all the people that are here tonight.

As you all know, I have two beautiful and amazing daughters.

I want to introduce to you formally. This is Zarya Eir De Luca, my second daughter.

She will be the next to be sitting on my place.

I am confident of her capabilities, I believe in her skills and intelligence to lead.

Ladies and gentlemen, the future CEO of De Luca International! "

My dad proudly introduced me, I have been expecting this day to happen ever since. I am happy that I gained his trust, this is a big role, and responsibility. But on the other hand, I am scared of what might happen if I fail.

"Wow! That was such a long surprise message, Sir Raymond. Do you have something to say, Miss Zarya?" There you go, it's my turn now.

"First of all, I want to thank my dad for giving me his full trust. I also wanted to thank all of you, for giving me a warm welcome.

I may be young, but promise to continue my dad's legacy, with full of wins, just like how he did.

Thank you everyone, I am looking forward to work with all of you.

" I finished my words with a smile. I am not good with public speaking, but I hope that went well.

"Okay! thank you so much, miss Zarya. Everyone, enjoy the rest of the night. As we have just started the PARTY!!!" The host hyped the crowd by tossing a glass of wine.

I was just enjoying my red wine, when all of the sudden a man is approaching towards me. He looks familiar from afar, and when he was close enough for me to remember his face-

"Zarya, it's been a while." He greeted me with a hug.

"hey Ryan, it's been what? 8 Years?" I replied, and hugged him back.

"Exactly! 8 years, you were missing without a trace. Good to see you back.... Miss, Ceo?" He gave me a teasing smirk.

He is still as annoying as before, nothing's new I guess?

He's Ryan, a child hood friend of mine. Makulit, maligalig, madaldal, walang pinagbago. He is also the son of my dad's friend. The co-founder of Del-Rusco.

"So what now? what's new? I would appreciate an update on your current life." I asked him, as if we were just a teenager again.

"About that, my dear friend. Let's catch up later, I want you to meet someone. Since we both owe each other an update, I'll see you around" He winked at me, and it was sweet annoyance. I missed him.

"Okay, see you around then. Make sure that Someone is worthy of my attention alright?" I mess with him a bit, we raise a glass of wine as he walk away.

"Hey baby, How are you here?" My mom checked on me together with her friends.

"I'm good, mom. Anyway, is ate yana's here?" I asked her, that girl is always late. Even in my own event.

"I am not sure, but I never seen her around yet-." she did not get to finish her sentence, someone cut her off.

"Hiii sister! I'm sorry, the traffic is harsh tonight!" It was my sister, by the way.

"Speaking of, why are you late hmm?" my mom was about to scold her when she kissed her on the lips.

"at least I'm here, mom. Present!" He jokingly mess with mom.

I hugged her, and hand her a glass of wine.

I was expecting her to show up, but not fully expecting.

She's a kind of girl that enjoys her life to the fullest. She doesn't like these kind of events, a room full of people she barely knows is the least place she would stay.

But I am happy that she is here, though I know she won't stay for long.

"little sis, I will not stay for too long okay? You know me naman, I do not belong here." As I expected.

"It's fine, I'm not surprised at all sis. But can we finish a couple glass of wine before you get wild, hmm?" I asked, teasing her. It's totally fine with me, I am used to it. I am happy for her that she gets to do what she wants.

"For sure! but god damn, is this all yours?" She was shocked, pointing on the empty glasses of wine in front of me.

"Well, It's really boring here. I have nothing to do, besides- it's my party anyway." I shrugged and wink at her.

"make sense." We both stared and laughed, knowing we both don't want to be here.

But as if I have a choice.

We spend our time talking nonsense, I know her very well. She doesn't like talking about business, or anything related to our dad. So I'd rather talk to her with random topics, than irritate her with those conversations.

"Sis, I gotta go. But before I forget, I bought you a gift!" She handed me 3 boxes of Gucci. She smiled, and kissed me on the cheeks.

"You are really gonna leave this early?" I asked, trying to make her stay a bit longer.

"I'm sorry, lil sis. I can't, but let me make it up to you next time." her pouting lips, and pleasing eyes is irritating me right now.

"Yeah yeah, fine. Go on, enjoy. I love you" I hugged her, and she just gave me a flying kiss.

The party goes on, am I really the spotlight here or what? Because no one ever approach me aside from Ryan, mom, and ate Yana.

I can't complain tho, I like it this way. No disturbance, no annoying unknown people.

I saw my dad approaching towards me, so I composed myself as if Ihadn't emptied these glasses of wine.

"Zarya, I want you to meet some of my friends. Would you like to join us?" my dad offered me his hands for assistance, why would he ask me if I have no choice anyway??

He brought me in a private room full of people I'm not familiar with. It's draining here, mostly na narito puro kalbo na matatanda.

"So this is Zarya? The future of De Luca?" A bald man initiated a shake hands.

"I am happy to finally meet you in person, miss Zarya." Another man acknowledged my presence.

I just smiled at all of these men, I am out of words. I don't even know their names.

"Honey, this is Mr. Bernard Rusco. The co-founder of Del-Rusco, do you remember him?" My dad asked.

"You're a full grown adult now, you were just a kid when you left!" Mr. Rusco greeted me with a big smile on his cheek.

"Mr. Rusco, it's been a while indeed." Tumanda ka lalo. Of course I keep that though inside of my head.

"Anyway, have you met Ryan? He is here as well." Mr. Rusco asked me as he raised his eyebrow.

"Yes Dad, we had a short conversation earlier." Ryan suddenly joined the conversation, I don't know where this man came from.

"Yes Mr. Rusco, we have met again." I smiled at both of them, and sat down beside Ryan.

They all started their adult conversation, a typical old business men topic, of course.

While Ryan and I have our own world as well. We we're catching up, he mentioned a suspenseful news. He has a girlfriend, which he also stated that I've known this person.

"You will be surprised, and happy if you find out who this girl is." His eyes was full of love, as she mention the girl.

"You are definitely in love, Ryan. Ang cringe mo." I started teasing him again.

He gave me a side-eye, and a look of annoyance.

"So when will I be able to meet this girl, hmm?" I asked him seriously now.

"you will get to met her anytime soon, I will fetch her later." He raised his eyebrow, feeling proud as he talks about that girl.

I am happy for him, he seems so in love. Deeply, In love. As we talks about that certain girl, his eyes lit up as if he is talking about a goddess. His tone changes into a man who has been nerfed by love.

His phone rang... "Yes, love? are you ready?" he answered the phone, that seems to be the girl."

"is that the her?" He looked at me, and raise his brows again. Enough answer for me.

"I have to go now, I'll be back. With that woman I love" His smile made his eyes disappear, it was indeed genuine.

"Ang corny mo, Ry. Go on, I'll be waiting." I said, and he left the room.

The conversation of these men echoed in the room, worsening my boredom. It's been 2 hours since Ryan left the place, yet he hasn't come back. I am tipsy now, only if I didn't promise to wait for him-I would definitely be at home by now.

"Honey, do you want to go home first? I'll call kuya Jun to pick you up." my dad suggested, I think he already noticed how bored I was.

"I'll wait for Ryan, he asked me to meet someone. It'll be so disrespectful if I leave now." I smiled at him, but the truth is I am tired already.

"It's okay, zarya. I'll let Ryan know. You need to rest anyway, you just landed earlier this morning." Mr. Rusco insisted, he also looks concerned about me.

I just nodded and pack my things. I don't think I can wait for another hour anyway, I'm about to get drunk, and I did not get enough rest to be up this late.

I was about to open the door, when someone someone else opened it.

"Hey Zar, I'm sorry took me so long. Heavy traffic.". It was Ryan, but why is he alone?

"Are you going home already?" He added.

"well, I was about to." I shrugged.

"where is she?" I added a question.

"Oh, she went to the bathroom for a second. She'll be here any minute.

C'mon zar, do not leave yet. We will offer you a ride home, don't worry.". He said, blocking the door trying to convince me to stay longer.

"okay, but can you move aside? I need to go to the comfort room." I pushed him aside, since he was too hesitant to move.

I ran to the comfort room, as I am about to throw up. I had too many drinks tonight, and I regret it.

Thankfully, I reached the comfort room before I blow up.

I did gargle and retouched my make up a bit. It'll be embarrassing if I met my bestfriend's lover looking like this.

I was about to get some tissue, when I saw a reflection of a familiar woman in the mirror. I am not sure if I was just drunk, or what. But the scent of that perfume.... Smells like an old love, the abandoned, and nostalgic one.

I let my thoughts slide, and went back to the room. But it keeps on spinning inside of my head, I'm not sure-probably because of alcohol.

I opened the door, and expected to see the girl Ryan has been talking about. But she wasn't here yet, I'm confused.

I looked around, still no signs of that girl.

"She's probably still in the comfort room, she's a snail. Beautiful snail." Ryan noticed me.

I was about to sit down when someone twisted the door knobs.

"Love, you're here, come. I want you to meet someone–someone I bet you remember." Ryan's voice is full of excitement, I turned around to greet that girl.

"This is, Zarya. The friend I have been talking about, Remember her? our friend who went missing!" Ryan showed a teasing smile. "She was 8 years missing, she just got home from italy."

The moment I turned around, our eyes met. Her in that black dress was a canvas, long and fitted, upon which she painted a portrait of ethereal grace. Her unbound hair was the final stroke, a wild, exquisite signature on a masterpiece of simplicity.

The world tilted on its axis the instant I turned. There, amidst the mundane chaos of the crowd, she stood. The woman who had haunted my dreams for eight years, the unspoken reason for my return. It was her.

Time seemed to warp, stretching into an agonizingly beautiful slow motion. Every detail, from the gentle curve of her smile to the way the city lights danced in her Eyes, was magnified, impossibly vivid.

The years melted away, and she was no longer a memory, but a breathtaking reality.

My heart, a frantic drummer, pounded a rhythm of disbelief and longing against my ribs.

It was her, and in that moment, the world narrowed to just us, suspended in the breathless space between What was and what could be.

"How could I not remember this long lost lady? Hi, Doctor Zarya. Nice to meet you AGAIN in person." She extended a hand, a gesture as casual as a breeze, but it struck me like a thunderbolt.

My heart stuttered, then ceased its frantic dance altogether. Speech deserted me, leaving me stranded in a silent sea of confusion.

"Zar? are you okay?" Ryan's words broke the spell, and I returned to myself.

"y-yeah, I uhmm. I'm fine." No I am not.

"This is Iris, my girlfriend. She's still as pretty as before, isn't she??" He wrapped his arm around her perfectly carved waist, and kissed her.

"yeah, uhm... Nice to meet you again...Iris."

A bitter smile twisted my lips, a futile attempt to mask the storm raging within.

"Grabe, who would have thought diba? You said you guys were close friends, but Iris doesn't seem to know you that much" Ryan shrugged, as if he was teasing me to the bone. "But thanks, Zar. You became the bridge in our love story" he gave me a wink like im some kind of construction?

I fought to hold back the tears, to maintain some semblance of composure, but the dam had already cracked. The emotions surged, threatening to drown me in their intensity.

I couldn't stay a moment longer. I had to escape, to find solace in solitude before I shattered completely.

"I think you're drunk now, come let's sit and gossip." Ryan is trying to break the silence.

"No. I think I need to rest, I have to go now." I uhmm- I'm sorry." My voice cracked.

"Are you sure honey?, I'll call the driver for you." My dad suggested.

"Leaving already? After Eight Years, I'd think you'd want to stay a bit. But sure, go 'Home.' I'm sure whatever's there is way more fascinating than hearing about what you missed." Iris barged in, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I ignored her, the sight of them clinging together was unbearable.

"Dad, may I borrow your car? I'll ask kuya Jun to fetch you later." I asked for my dad's help now.

"Honey, you can't drive with that state. Just stay here in the Hotel, tell the clerk to give you a business class unit." The worry in my dad's voice convinced me to spend the night here.

As soon as I left that room, my eyes give in. The warm tears rushed down to my lips, I could not think of anything else. I am still in disbelief, she was the least person I expect to see tonight.

Numbness washed over me. How do I fight for a love that's no longer mine to win?, How do I reclaim a heart already given away? How do I take back something that has already been stolen from me?

Is Stolen even a right word to use?