Chapter 2- Escape
I returned expecting a reunion, but instead, I found a masterpiece. She was still the woman I loved, but now, she belonged to the one person I once trusted most.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine returning to find her not just healed, but rebuilt—piece by piece.
After that night, I forced myself to forget about it for the mean time. Impulsive action was a luxury I couldn't afford. I needed to map out my next move with the precision of a surgeon.
I focused on my duty, as a boss—as a doctor.
I stared working at my papa's hospital, I help with my dad sa company nya, and I also need to run the hotel. That way, I managed to escape that situation, for the mean time.
Hangang ngayon, I still don't know what to do. Ang alam ko lang, I need to process everything that happened before I think of an act.
"Zarya, samahan mo 'ko. Starbucks tayo, libre ko." I stared at her in disbelief, it's been a rough, busy day. Yet she still manage to ask me get a coffee?
"Xy, I still have much to do. May mga kailangan pa akong gawin sa office e— I also have a visitor sa hotel." I rejected her offer. With my position now, my time is gold. Every minute has a value, it sucks.
"masyado ka namang tutok na tutok sa trabaho mo, baka nakakalimutan mo ha. Tao ka rin, might as well give yourself a break.". here comes the sermon.
"I can't, babawi na lang ako sa'yo next time. I need to go back na talaga e." I said, as I declined her.
That's xylla, a friend of mine. I met her 2 months ago when I started working here in the hospital. We became close, since then.
She is also a Doctor, but not a typical Doctor. She has a unique personality, which made her, and I close with each other.
Alright, shift's over. Time to trade in the medical gear for something a little more.... executive.
I answered the call, it was my assistant Amber. "Miss Zarya, Mr. Ryan is waiting in the lobby."
"Is he on my schedule?" I confusedly ask, the last time I checked my schedule, his name wasn't there, just his dad's name.
"according to him, I think there is a minor confusion with regards to the email we received. Mr. Rusco lang po kasi ang na state doon. Do you want me to re-sched na lang po ba?" She said.
"No need for that, I'll be there in 10 minutes." I responded.
I arrived at the office, and as soon as I entered the lobby. I saw him, sitting in the couch, having a coffee.
"Hi, Mr. Rusco. Is there something important we need to discuss for you to come here without prior notice?" I spoke professionally.
He stared at me with a smirk on his face. "Will you please speak to me casually? You're too intimidating now, parang hindi kita kaibigan ah?" He tapped the couch, which I understood as an invitation to sit beside him.
I accepted and sat beside him. "What is it? my time has a great value now."
"you know what? since that night, you seem to be avoiding me. Is there a problem?" He asked, and took a sip of his coffee then looked at me.
I was irritated by his question, is that the only thing he's here? He could have just call me. This is such a waste of time.
I immediately got up and tried to leave him alone.
He held my hand tightly and got up as well. "Wait, Zar. What is it now?" He's face was full of subtitles.
"You came here to ask such a nonsense question?
. Ryan, let me remind you. We are no longer a kid, we have priorities.
I am a Doctor, running a huge company, and a hospital.
I just finished my shift at the hospital, rushed to be here just so I could have a discussion with you.
You are an engineer, also running a hospital, and.
... and a Boyfriend of Atty. Valenti. You must have a busy schedule than I do.
Yet, you're here. Asking that kind of question as if—.
"Zar, calm down." He cut me off.
I was also surprised by my words, I realized It wasn't a big deal at all. I was driven by irritation, and a bad day.....I guess?
"I'm sorry, it's just that—I just had a bad day." I excused myself.
"I came here because I really do have something to discuss with you."
"meet me at my office, 3rd floor. I'll see you in 5 minutes." I walked away, full of shame.
He left with a bitter smile on his face. I left the lobby to get myself some coffee to refresh my mind.
After I got my coffee, I went to my office.
I composed myself before I opened my door.
I saw him, sitting infront of my table.
"Go on, what is it?" I broke the silence by starting the conversation.
"Since you're dad invited us when you had your welcoming party, I also would like to invite you in my own party." A big smile appear in his face.
"What kind of party?" I remained professional, with a poker face.
"My dad will be formally announcing me as his successor, and I would be honored if you will be there."
"and when will that be?" I asked.
" Tomorrow 8pm. At my place. Please Zarya be there." He gave me a convincing look.
"okay, expect me to be there." I said yes immediately, trying not to pro-long this conversation.
"Really!? I'm so excited! All the people I love is going to be there, you are all about to witness how I will proudly introduce Chiara." As he uttered those words, I wasn't able to make ma move.
"ahm— pardon me. Let me think about the invitation, but I'll consider it." I immediately took my words back.
I knew I wasn't ready to face it, I am not stable enough to be broken into pieces again. I can't.... I really can't.
"Why? You have already said yes, c'mon Zar." I saw the disappoinment in his face.
"Xylla and other doctors in the hospital is planning a trip, and I forgot it will be on tomorrow as well." I made an excuse for myself.
"huh? I didn't know that." His eyebrow furrowed.
"Of course you wouldn't know, it's for employees only." I gave him an awkward smile.
"You guys can postpone it, right?" Him trying to make a solution.
"Unfortunately, no. The plan is set, it'll be embarrassing if I won't go—it's a once in a blue moon event." I said, making an excuse for the 2nd time.
"I'll talk to them, I can postpone the trip. I am the owner of the hospital, after all."
His annoying smirk again.
"Mind you, I am also the owner of the hospital. Besides, that's not part of their work. It's a friendly vacation, you are out of the picture." I gave him a pointed words.
He can't just say such thing, doesn't matter if he is the co-owner of the hospital. I am Zarya Eir De Luca. He just had one thing I wanted. Beyond that, he is nothing compared to a woman like me.
"I'm sorry, I just want you to be there. I didn't mean to offend you." His face says it all, he is anxious.
I stood up and shake hands with him.
"You can leave now, Ry." He reached my hand, and left my office.
I slumped in my office chair, my head heavy against the headrest, and took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.
It's been a couple of months since I haven't spoken with Ryan and Iris. I thought I could let it go, trying to gaslight myself that she is in good hands with Ryan. But my damn heart couldn't.
I proceeded with my usual routine as CEO, which involves reviewing occupancy rates, analyzing guest feedback, meeting with department heads to discuss operational efficiency, and strategizing on upcoming marketing campaigns to boost revenue.
It's tiring, but I am slowly getting used to it.
"Dr. De Luca, 3 of our doctors had an urgent leave, we need you here. Are you available?" It was Dr. Cruz who's speaking.
"Sure, is there an emergency?" I asked.
"none, take your time, Dr.". he responded.
I once again wore my scrubs, and went straight back to the hospital.
This is my daily routine, it's tough. Yet, I love it this way. I get to be distracted from everything.
"Uy Zarya! nag dinner ka na?" Xylla greeted me with a smile.
"Not yet" I shook my head
"Sama ka na samin, d'yan lang tayo sa café.". She said.
I agreed, gutom na rin naman kasi ako. We came to the nearest café to have a dinner together with Mica, Aisle, Kiro, Ralph, and Xylla.
They are my closest workmate here in the hospital, they are the one who keeps me from leaving my job.
Aside from Mica, I don't think I'm her cup of tea.
She's masungit most of the time. Pero okay naman siguro kami, cause if not bakit pa sya sasama saakin?
"I'll have a Caesar salad na lang." Xylla ordered.
"Ako carbs, burger and fries." Kiro gave us an annoying smile, knowing damn well we can't eat carbs that much.
"edi wow, pasalamat ka fast metabolism ka. Malapit kana mag skeleton e.". Aisle rolled her eyes at Kiro.
"Mag Pesto na lang tayo, Aisle." Mica suggested. These two are like twins in a pot.
"What would you like to order, Doc. Zar?". Ralph broke my thoughts.
"I'll have Caesar Salad as well." I closed the menu, and smiled.
The moment I closed the menu, they were all staring at me as if I just did something wrong.
"What's wrong?". I confusedly asked.
"Diet ka?!". They synchronized, all at once.
I shake my head slowly, still don't have any idea. "No? I just think I had consumed so much calories today.". I simply said.
"grabeng babae 'to, nagbibilang ng calories?". Kiro said.
"Sa slim mong 'yan? Talaga Zarya?" Aisle added.
Talagang weirdo din minsan 'tong mga 'to eh. Hindi ba p'wede na nasanay lang ako sa ganon? What's their problem? mga baliw.
"I'll have caesar salad na rin, that's all po." Ralph gave his order to the waiter.
"Anyway, are you guys free tomorrow?". I asked.
"nnooo..." Sabay na sagot nila Mica, Aisle, and kiro. While Ralph and Xylla shakes their head. Enough for me to understand that they are not available.
Well, as expected. They are doctors, employee of the hospital. Yes, I am a Doctor as well. But I'm different, I am the owner of the hospital.
I can't just tell them to take a leave, that will be unfair to other employees.
"Oh, okay." I give up, I guess I will be going to Ryan's party then?
"Why'd you ask?". Ralph said.
"I was just thinking, maybe we need a bit of relaxation. To get to know each other as well, as you all know. I was 8 years in italy.
I have already planned everything, it will be on me. Including the expenses, and the place.". I lied, I have no plans yet. But maybe this will work.
"Ay hindi, ano pala p'wede ako mag leave siguro bukas, total zero leave pa ako this month e.". Aisle said, raising her eyebrows.
"Ako rin pala HEHEHE" Kiro added.
"Papahuli ba ako?" Xylla joined in.
"G ako d'yan, madali ako kausap.". Ralph joined in as well.
"Okay then, it's a deal, start to pack up later folks." I smiled.
I can't hide my smile anymore, this is so funny. Ganon lang naman pala sila mapapa-oo e, muntik pa ako maka attend sa party ni Ryan.
"Mica?". I gave her a look, enough for her to comprehend.
"I can't.". She simply said.
"But off mo ata tomorrow ah?". Kiro's convincing words.
"Yes, and I'd rather spend it alone at my place." her face seems to be so sure about her decision.
"Are you sure about that? I really want you to be there, Mics." I tried my best to convince her.
"I'll think about it then.". She shrugged.
"C'mon Mics, don't be such a kill joy. Minsan lang 'to oh." aisle is now helping us.
"Okay, okayyy. You won't let me say no anyway.". She rolled her eyes, but I saw a hesitant smile.
"Yeaahh, that's what I'm talking about!" Hindi halatang G na G si kiro ah. "Wait, Doc. Saan pala tayo mag v-vacay?".
"Would it be nice if we go to Maldives?". I asked.
They were all shocked. What's wrong? Did I say something wrong again? They are staring at each other, face in disbelief.
"Hoy Zarya, anong Maldives? Gusto ko man, pero mag Maldives ka mag isa mo." Xylla said, is she backing off?!
"What? eh saan n'yo gusto? You wanna somewhere else? Ahmm.... we can go anywhere, 'wag lang Italy and Switzerland. I hate those countries." I said as I stared at them again.
Their faces did not change, ganon pa rin. Parang mga tarantado.
"Doc, hindi sa pag aano ah. Pero out of the country talaga? Ayaw ko, ikaw na lang.". Kiro backing off.
"Gusto ko doc, G ako. Wala nga lang passport.". Aisle added.
I looked at them in disbelief, vacation ba talaga ang gusto ng mga 'to? Or just wanna roam the Philippines?
"Zar, dito na lang tayo sa pinas. There are several beaches that are worth a visit.". Ralph suggested.
"Okay...... Wherever you'd like". I let them decided.
"Palawan na lang, I've never been there.". Xylla suggested.
"Okay then, Palawan it is.". I confirmed the place.
A wave of cheers washed over them. I saw the excitement, it worked. I can now escape that event.
After dinner, we went back to our jobs at the hospital. It wasn't very busy tonight, so we had time to talk and make plans for our trip tomorrow. They showed me pictures we can visit and activities we can do during our out of town.
Hindi halatang excited sila ah...
I was happy they didn't ask why I suddenly wanted to go away.
I just said, we need a break to get to know each other.
That was enough for me. I didn't want to think about the bad things.
I just wanted to see the sun and feel the sand.
It would help me forget. The less I thought about it, the better I feel.
"Guys, I'll get going na." I said goodbye as the late hour and the arrival of the next shift signaled it was time for me to leave.
"Uy, wait Doc Zar!". Kiro yelled at me
I look back at him, as he was running towards my direction. Parang bata.
"What time and saan tayo magkikita bukas?". He asked.
I forgot, I didn't give them any details about that. "6am, at my place. Tell them."
He just gave me a smile, and waved goodbye. We parted our ways, he went back to his duty. And I went to the parking area.
I was also tired, and want to lay in my bed so bad, so I quickly departed from the hospital to go back home.
"Hi, Papa. You're still awake hmm?". I greeted my dad, it was him who's calling.
"Yes, I forgot to tell you that Ryan will be throwing a party tomorrow night. And we have to be there."
"about that, Ryan came to my office earlier. We have discussed about it, and I excuse myself for not being able to attend his party.". I nervously said.
"Why is that? Zarya, it's a good start to socialize. You can't miss that.". As I expected, but I'm sorry Dad. I cant.
"Papa. I am going to Palawan tomorrow. My friends and I will be going out of town. I planned it myself, and it's not appropriate if I'm the one who's not gonna show up, isn't it?".
"Zarya, you—"
I cut him off. "Dad, please. To be fair, Ryan's invitation was too late. If his invitation came in first, I would've cancel this vacation." I explained.
"Zarya, do not make me mad. I am doing this for you, not for myself." His voice cracked, I know he is already frustrated. "You have to understand how important these kind of events for you, Zarya!" He yelled on the phone.
"papa–"
"Stop with that dad, nor papa. You will go." His tone seems to be very irritated, but who cares?
Without hesitation, I ended the call.
I was used to be terrified when my dad is enraged. But now, I don't even care.
My life has always been about being told what to do.
So, it's not the party that bothers me. It's her.
I know she'll be there. I've been trying to stay away from her for months.
I've been going to different places and doing different things just to not see her.
But a party is hard. I can't hide there.
It feels like everything I've done to avoid her will be for nothing. Just thinking about seeing her again makes me want to run away.
It's not a matter of never wanting to see her again, because that's a lie I can't even tell myself. The truth is, right now, the thought of facing her sends a jolt of panic through me.
It's not a permanent goodbye, more like a temporary pause, a desperate need for breathing room.
I need to untangle the mess of emotions swirling inside me before I can even begin to consider a conversation, a meeting, anything. I'm walking a tightrope between what my heart desperately craves and what my mind knows is necessary.
If I let my heart dictate my actions, I fear I'll crumble, say things I can't take back, make promises I can't keep.
I need to understand the extent of the damage, assess the wreckage, and rebuild some semblance of stability within myself.
Because right now, I honestly don't know what I'm capable of.
The potential for irrationality, for self-destruction, is too high.
I need to protect myself, and maybe, in some twisted way, protect her too, from the fallout of my own emotional turmoil.
I was awakened by some knocking at my door. mmediately got up from bed.
"Zarya? andito na silang lima." It was kuya Jun.
I checked the time on my phone, and shocked to see that it was 7am already. "How long they have been waiting for me??" I panicked. The call time was 6am, how come I didn't woke up early??
"Kakarating lang po nila, kanina pa ako nagkakape sa labas e biglang may mga maiingay na nagsi datingan." Kuya Jun seems to be irritated, parang batang nag susumbong.
"papasukin n'yo po muna sila, mag aayos lang ako.". I ordered kuya Jun.
"sige po, i reready ko na rin 'yong sasakyan para mahatid ko kayo sa airport.". He immediately went outside para papasukin sila.
I informed kuya Jun before hand, usually kasi he would come here around 8am to fetch me.
Grabe, ang laki pala talaga ng bahay ni Doc. Zarya. Kasing laki na ata ng malaca?ang 'to eh.
Pinapasok na kami ni kuya Jun, pero nandito lang muna kami pinaupo sa garden. Gigisingin pa daw muna n'ya si Doc.
Grabe pa ang kaba namin, akala ko kami ang late. S'ya pala eh naglalaway pa sa tulog.
"Pasok po kayo sa loob sabi ni Zarya." sabi ni kuya Jun saamin, agad naman kaming sumunod sa kanya. Baka mawala pa kami rito e.
"Umupo nalang po muna kayo d'yan sa sofa, gusto n'yo po ba ng kape?". Tanong n'ya saamin na hindi naman namin tinangihan.
Pinagkuha kami ni kuya Jun ng kape, at iniwan dito sa loob ng bahay ni Doc.
Grabe, mas maganda pala sa loob. Ang laki, napaka elegante tignan.
Parang sa mga pelikula, literal na parang italian style pero parang palasyo talaga sa laki. nakakalula siguro kapag nasa 2nd floor ako, ang taas e. Halata din na parang bago pa itong bahay, siguro nasa italy palang si Doc ay pinapagawa na to para sakanya.
"Hoy kiro, kanina ka pa d'yan. Ano bang iniikot ng mata mo.". Sinira na naman ni xylla trip ko oh.
Tinitigan ko s'ya ng masakit. "Wala kang pake."
"Ang laki ng bahay nila gagi" Gandang ganda talaga ako.
"Bahay n'ya lang 'to, hindi family house." Sumali si ralph sa usapan.
"Ha? pano mo nasabi? ayon may family portrait sila oh.". Tinuro ko ang family portrait ng pamilya De Luca na nakasabit sa pader ng sala nila.
"Wala kayo n'yan? hindi ka mahal ng pamilya mo, Kiro?". Pang iinis ni mica. "Of course there would be a family portrait, may pamilya e.". Dagdag pa n'ya.
"Bahay n'ya lang 'to, hindi sa pamilya n'ya.". Inulit lang ni xylla ang sinabi ni Ralph.
"Oh bakit n'yo ko pinagkakaisahan?". Reklamo ko.
"Lack of common sense ka kasi.". it was Aisle, ang babaeng kanina pa tahimik dahil may pagkain sa harap n'ya.
"sabagay, may point naman kayo. Mukhang s'ya lang nga mag isa dito, ang lungkot ba naman ng ambiance. Ang tahi tahimik pa."
"Tahimik pa rin ba 'to, sa ingay n'yong 'yan?"
"Ay anak ng tokwa!!" Grabe ang kaba ko ng makita ko si Doc. Zarya pababa ng hagdan. Narinig n'ya kaya mga sinabi ko??