Chapter 20- close, but not enough
Zarya's pov
"Good evening, dad." Ryan greeted his dad nang makasalubong namin.
"Happy birthday, tito." I greeted him with a smile.
"Thank you, Zar. You're a bit late, hmm?"
"ah, I finished some papers pa po kasi sa hospital kanina." I quickly explain.
"Oh, I see. Suit yourself okay? Ryan, take care of her." He didn't pro long our conversation and he just gave us a smile and umalis na din to greet his other friends.
Today is his birthday celebration, I was late but not too late naman. Marami ng tao ngayon, they are all wearing suits and elegant dresses.
I'm used to these kinds of event already, grand and elegant night. Their house is full of people, some I know and some I don't even recognize.
But I kept on wandering around....hoping to see someone.
"zar, let's take a seat." Ryan pulled a chair for me.
I just smiled and hindi parin matigil ang mga mata ko.
"Zar, ahmm.." Ryan speaks. Seems like he has a request.
"Yes?"
"I invited Chiara, and she's on her way." He stated, it made me flinched inside but I know I couldn't react.
"Okay?" Was the only response I could say.
"You wouldn't mind if she joins us in this table, would you?" Ryan said with a pleading eyes.
"Oh, I wouldn't mind." I quickly said.
He finally went back to his drink after I said those words, but he still seems uncomfortable and hesitant. Is he trying to say something or what?
"Ry, what is it?" he immediately looks at me.
"Hmm?" He replied, confused. but I know there has to be something.
"are you trying to tell me something? Or is there a problem?" I asked.
"Ah no, it's just that...." I waited for him to continue "I also invited a friend, and asked him a favor to act as Chiara's boyfriend."
I couldn't process it in my mind right away, what does he mean? What is he trying to do?? Why would he do that?
but I quickly understand, he did that to cover everything up. But does that mean I get to see her with another man tonight?
I don't know if I can make it but...we'll see.
"good evening, everyone." Tito Bernard started his welcoming speech.
"So first and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight.
A very warm welcome to all of you. It really means the world to me that you took the time to be here and share this special day with me.
So tonight, I don't want this event to be just for me.
I would also like to make it about my wonderful son, Ryan. "
He stopped there and stared at our direction, and I knew it was coming.
"It's not just me who reached this milestone, but also my son who will soon be tied to de luca. what a privilege, isn't it? may I call my son with his stunning woman to please come here?" Fuck.
Ryan who has no choice, stood up. He reached for my hands, and we walked together in this red carpet.
We stood on the stage without know him what to say or what to do.
I tapped Ryan's arm, signaling him to speak.
and thank God, he did. "Good evening once again everyone, thank you for celebrating my super dad's special day with us.
My girlfriend and I would be honored if you guys would enjoy the rest of the night, thank you. "
Applause echoed in their house, smiles are everywhere. Thankfully, he didn't say anything about us.
"So, when are we tying the knot?" Someone from the crowd asked.
That made both of us freeze for a moment, and silence continues.
The awkward silence made me wanna run away from this event. but someone came in.
I saw her entering from that room, with her beautiful wavy hair. Elegant white dress that suits her perfectly, as if it was specifically made for her. Her silhouette captured everyone in the room, she's.... She's a goddess.
Beside her is a tall fine man, I guess that's the friend Ryan mentioned.
When I saw them walking to our table, I immediately went back to my senses.
"uhm, we're not rush–" Ryan was about to answer the question but I cut him off.
"Actually, Ryan and I already planned everything.
" I wrapped my hands around Ryan's waist and glanced at his awkward face.
"But for now, there are much more important things to do.
We will get there, soon maybe..." I took a glance at Iris before continuing my speech, and our eyes met in the middle.
"right hon?" I stared at Ryan, and he just nodded
Everyone smiled for us, they all seemed to be very invested with Ryan and I.
"Can we get a kiss here?" My dad requested in the middle of applause, teasing us more.
Without hesitation, I kissed Ryan.
It was just a quick smack, but almost made me gag.
but for the sake of our reputation and my plan, I did it.
"Ahm.. again. Thank you for being here. Cheers everyone, enjoy the rest of the night." Ryan ended everything and we went back to our table.
As we were walking towards our table, my eyes are locked on her's. Surprisingly, she didn't break the eye contact. She just keeps on staring at me fiercely, that almost made me feel something inside.
I saw Ryan smiling at Iris before pulling the chair for me, Iris didn't even smiled back,
The waiters soon served our food. Ryan was hesitant at first, but he served my food for me. The man beside Iris also served her food.
As the man was about to get some vegetables, I immediately took all of the carrots. I don't want him to take any, Iris doesn't want to eat carrots. She hates it.
The man just stared at me, but he didn't do anything. We just continue with our foods, and enjoyed the music.
I caught Iris taking a glance of me many times tonight, but that's not enough. I need her full attention.
Il cielo in una stanza starts to play, that made men stood up and took their woman in the middle of the dance floor. It's a famous Italian song that describes how being in a room with a loved one makes the walls disappear into the sky.
My dad requested my mom's hand, and they danced romantically. Ryan saw it, he stood up. He held my hands, and took me on the dancefloor.
I saw Iris's reaction, sumunod ang mga mata nya saamin, It made me feel satisfaction.
Ryan held my waist, I wrapped my arms around his neck. We danced through the rhythms, but my eyes kept on checking her.
When people started to join in, the man beside her offered his hand to Iris. I just watched as she accepts his hand.
As we were dancing, I can feel Ryan's grip. He's pulling me closer, and closer. I don't know what he's doing, but he whispered. "Just go with the flow, Zarya. Everyone's eyes are looking at us."
Lighting became dim, bright lights are all turned off.
That's when Ryan was about to kiss me, I hesitated at first. But aside from the tension is getting high, the part of me who wants Iris to want me more was deeper.
I know this isn't the right thing to do, but I don't even know what the right thing is.
We kissed, it was a soft quick kiss. enough for them to notice us.
I couldn't do it any longer, so I pulled myself away. Just enough space for the two of us, but we're still holding each other.
"Zar, we have to." Ryan speaks, initiating another kiss.
I slowly shook my head and lean on his shoulder. "This should be enough." I said.
minsan, hindi ko narin ma gets si Ryan. Sometimes he feels guilty for Iris, but most of the time he just doesn't care.
Or he's just good at this.
From the corner, I saw Iris with that man. I don't know how long she's been looking at us, but there's no emotion in her eyes.
After a while, umupo na rin kami. There's still people dancing, some are enjoying their drinks.
"Are you enjoying the night, Zar?" Tito Bernard asks when he checked on us.
"Yes po tito, thank you for inviting us." I smiled.
He just nodded and looked around, his eyes met Iris. His smile immediately faded, but he didn't say a word. Good thing tinawag sya ng isang kaibigan nya.
Or else, baka mapahiya nya si Iris. and I can't bear the thought of iris being humiliated.
After tito Bernard left, Iris stood up. I guess she's going to the pool area, wala kasing tao doon and that's the kind of place she wants.
I was about to follow after her when someone called my number. It was Kiro.
"Doc, available ka dapat tomorrow ha"
"No, why? Is it important?" lagi kasi walang kwenta mga pinagsasabi nito e.
"Hala doc! May concert ang Goo Goo Dolls may ticket kami for day 1 hangang day 3, surprise pa naman sana namin sayo to!"
What? Am I that busy na hindi ko alam may concert sila?
"tomorrow?! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"doc, surprise nga e." kiro's sarcastic tone annoyed the hell out of me.
"I'll try, i'll call you tomorrow." I dropped the call without waiting for his response.
I guess all plans are cancel for tomorrow then?
YES!
oh, I forgot about tonight.
"Bro, did I do a great job?." Ryan's friend started a conversation with Ryan.
"Excuse me, you guys can catch up. I'll be back." I didn't wait for their response, tumayo na din ako at sumunod kay Iris sa pool area.
I slowly approached her, nakatalikod syang nakatayo sa pool hawak ang champagne glass. She seems to be in a deep thoughts.
"So, are you enjoying the night. Attorney?" I asked playfully, tumabi din ako sa kanya.
She took a glance of me before she answers. "yes, doctor. But I believe you enjoyed it the most, didn't you?" she said sarcastically.
I just smiled to play along with this conversation.
"Well, if the spotlight is given to you. You must appreciate it.
Iris turned to face me " that's a temporary spotlight, Doc."
I took a sharp breath and steps closer. "But who knows whats gonna happen, right attorney?"
Iris smirks, though her voice trembles. "Yeah, agree. Who knows what's gonna happen. Cause there was once someone I thought was gone for the rest of my life, but for some reason that 'someone' came out of nowhere."
" so it's not about Ryan then? It's about me?–still Iris?" My voice dropping to a low, intense whisper to tease her.
Iris took a steps into my space, eyes locked onto mine. " why would it about you? Whenever I look at Ryan, I see a future. When I look at you, I see a ghost."
" but how is that gonna happen?" I gave her a shrug to annoy her even more. "Both of our families are expecting us to get married?"
"I know every bit of Ryan's plan, Zarya. I know everything, and I know you very well." She said, confidently.
"It's been a while, I don't think you know me that well anymore... Attorney Valenti."
"We'll see, Doctor De Luca." As she turned around and left me.
I just smiled as I looked at her leaving, she's indeed a lawyer.
I stayed at the pool area for a moment to clear my thoughts. I can't believe this shit is happening, this was the most proper conversation I've had with her–but also the most sarcastic one.
The more she's being hard to get, the more I get eager to have her back. it's like testing my own capabilities.
I just smiled as I muttered the word "I'm gonna have her back"
I noticed people started leaving the party, so I decided na pumasok na ulit para mag paalam. As much as I still wanna continue this night, I also have other more important things to prioritize.
I still have lots of time for this, I can make time for this plan. but for now, this might be enough.
Pag pasok ko sa loob, the first thing I did is to look for her. But she's not here...
"Where's attorney?" I asked Ryan,
He seems confused too. "ahm, I think she went to the comfort room."
I just nodded and didn't ask further.
"Ryan, I'll go ahead na. it's getting pretty late." I informed him, and he quickly stood up.
"Oh, sure. I'll drive you home" he insisted, but I already saw that one coming so I called kuya Jun earlier.
"Oh no, it's okay. I already called kuya Jun to pick me up."
"Are you sure? Wear this coat cause the weather is kinda getting bad." he asked, yes parang uulan yata. The night is getting cloudy.
"Yes, thank you. where's tito? Magpapaalam lang ako."
"Oh, he went outside. Hatid na kita"
"Ry, it's okay. mauna na ako." Hindi ko na sya inantay makasagot and umalis na rin ako.
As I was walking, I saw a familiar figure standing near the bushes, and has a cigarette on her hand.
I was curious but I didn't bother to check who it was.
Not until I saw tito Bernard slowly approached her.
I can't be mistaken, si tito Bernard talaga yun.
The woman quickly threw her cigar away when tito Bernard stands next to her.
I still couldn't see the woman's face, the darkness of the night covers her silhouettes. So I immediately hide behind the trees to eavesdrop, I don't even know why I'm doing this.
" i'm surprised you're here." Tito Bernard's tone sounds sarcastic.
"I'm surprised, your son still sent me an invitation." I was stood frozen and didn't dare to make a move when I finally heard her voice. That was so familiar.
Tito Bernard stepped on the cigarette. " I was right about you, hmm? No good for Ryan."
"You don't have to worry, sir. Ryan and I are just friends." Iris explained.
"So you're still really trying to have ties with him? How pathetic, I wonder why. Oh, yes my Son is a successful man, who would not want him....right attorney?" Tito Bernard keeps on provoking Iris.
I really want to interfere, but I know I shouldn't.
"What kind of father thinks that his son is not deserving of love just by thinking the way you do?" I heard those little teasing laughs from Iris. "Anyway sir, if you excuse me I'll–"
"The kind of father who didn't abandoned his child"
What?! Why would tito Bernard say that?
I waited for Iris to say something, but she went silent.
Tito Bernard was about to turn to leave, but Iris stopped him.
"What do you know about me?" Iris asked with her signature serious tone, and deadly stare.
"A lot, actually. Enough to destroy your tough heart tonight."
"What do you know?!" madiin na tanong ni Iris that even I had goosebumps the moment she said it.
"Do you really want me to say it? Okay then. I know everything about you, Attorney Valenti. Let's talk first about how your lovely small family falls apart because of your dad's mistress who got pregnant? Then let's proceed on how–"
"Shut up." Iris cut his words off.
"What? I'm not done yet. Not even halfway through." Tito Bernard's words are getting sharp.
"Is this the only way you could do to get rid of me?
use my family background? Well, let me tell you this.
" Iris took a few steps closer to Tito Bernard "I only carry my dad's surname which I'm not proud of, other than that I don't give any fuck about him.
"
Her hands tighten into fists behind her back, but she keeps her voice even.
"It has everything to do with who you are, Attorney."
"And you are acting this way because my father also has everything to do with who your son's mother is, hmm?" This time, it was Tito Bernard who became silent.
"What are you talking about?" his voice seemed scared.
"I know my mother was the greatest love of your life.
I know she was the only woman you ever truly wanted.
I know you thought she was yours—promised to you, destined for you—until she chose my father.
And that is the real reason you are mad.
Not because of friendship. Not because of honor.
" Iris didn't even cracked a word, she said those words like what a true lawyer would.
While I am still here, still confused about everything I'm hearing. but slowly, I am starting to understand the roots of everything.
Tito Bernard's Voice trembles slightly with suppressed rage "you...you know nothing about that."
(Voice trembles slightly with suppressed rage)
You... you know nothing about that.
"Oh, but I do. You hate my father not because he betrayed you.
.. but because he won. He got the woman you loved more than anything in this world.
He married her. He had a family with her.
And you? You were left behind. Alone. Watching the two people you cared about build a life without you.
Or rather....the person you trusted the most built the life you imagined for yourself. "
Tito Bernard took a steps forward, his face darkening "Watch your mouth, girl. You don't know what you're saying."
While Iris laughed gently "And now you look at me, and you see her face.
You see the woman you've lost, and the man who took her.
That's why you can't stand me. That's why you want me away from Ryan.
It's not about him marrying Zarya or our backgrounds.
It's because you are still stuck in the past, still hurting, still bitter that she chose him over you.
"Yes, exactly. it's not about Ryan marrying Zarya, it's about you...and Zarya. isn't it?" His voice cold and dangerous.
It made me feel something inside, something painful. So lahat sila alam ito? Alam ang sa amin ni Iris?
"I don't know what you're talking ab–"
Then the rain poured, mas lalong lumakas ang ulan at mas lalo rin lumakas ang tension sa kanilang dalawa.
"Papa? Pa?" I heard Ryan's voice, so I immediately did my best to hide myself.
"I am going to ruin your life, Attorney–as much as your father ruined mine." Tito Bernard said before he turns to leave, It was not that audible due the heavy rain, but I heard it.
Iris, who was all composed through out the conversation finally gave in, she cried. Her composure was ruined, it was like seeing her removing her mascot.
I want to run and hug her tight, but.... No buts.
I was about to run towards her when my phone rings.
"kuya Jun? Saan na po kayo?" kanina pa ako nag pasundo sa kanya, perfect timing.
"Ah...sobrang lakas ng ulan ma'am. Nasiraan pa ako sa daan, dyaan nalang ho muna kayo."
FUCK! damn weather!
"Chiara? Chiara where are you?" It's Ryan...
I quickly run towards Iris and removed my coat, I used it to cover her shivering body.
"Zarya?" She took a glance at me, but I didn't respond.
We ran off, hangang sa makalabas na kami ng gate. I don't know what to do now, but I know I had to get her out of there before they see her like that.
She was just standing there, in the pouring rain while I am here waiting for some taxi or anything.
As I was losing hope na makahanap ng taxi, a car suddenly appeared and lowered its window.
"Saan kayo ma'am? drop off ko nalang ho kayo." Kuya driver offered a ride, hindi sya taxi or whatever so I hesitated at first.
"Ma'am lumalakas ang ulan." I stared at Iris who's now soaking wet while crying. I am also freezing from cold, so I have no choice.
I helped Iris, and sumakay nalang din kami sa sasakyan ng hindi namin kilala.
"Ma'am 'wag po kayong matakot, I'm Carl. Isa po akong med tech sa Del-rusco. Namukhaan ko po kayo eh, saan po kayo?" his words assured me, nag pa kalma din saakin.
Tinignan ko si Iris na ngayon ay medyo kalmado na din kumpara kanina.
"Just drop me off at any hotel, I can't go home like this." She said, still trembling from cold.
"May malapit pong hotel dyan ma'am–"
"No, drop us off at de luca hotel" I ordered him, and he just nodded.
Iris stared at me, nakaka intimidate talaga ang titig nya.
"I am not trying to kidnap you, I was the who pulled you out of that event therefore I am responsible sa situation mo." I explained sarcastically.
Good thing the driver didn't asked what happened, tahimik lang kaming tatlo sa byahe.
The rain didn't stop, mas lalo lang itong lumakas ng makarating kami ng hotel.
"Take this, please" I offered Carl a 5 thousand pesos bago ako bumaba ng sasakyan nya.
" 'wag na ho, inom nalang po kayo ng gamot agad doc, goodnight po."
"Thank you, Carl. I'll see you around the hospital, I'll try not to forget your face." I jokingly said before kami bumaba.
"ma'am Zarya? basang basa kayo ma'am anong nangyari?" The guard asked, he looks very concerned.
"Sana po nagsabi kayo at napag payong ho namin kayo." The other guard added.
" thank you for your concerns, but we're already soaking wet, that won't do anything." I said, and headed to the front desk.
I am acting like I don't care about this woman but I fucking want to give her the warmest cozy bath and a hot chocolate right now.
"Good evening po, Ma'am Zarya. Bakit basang basa po kayo ng ulan?" Kris asked, he's one of our employees here and he's assigned here sa front desk.
"Give me 2 deluxe suite" Hindi ko na pinansin ang tanong nya, I am more concerned for Iris right now.
"Ma'am, ang private room n'yo na lang po ang available rooms natin tonight. Fully booked po talaga today e."
Huh?! Fully booked? I am aware that my hotel is one of the premium hotels in the Philippines, we are the largest next to Grand west side.
"Kris, we have 1,400 rooms in this hotel. You are telling me we are fully booked?" I asked again dahil hindi kapani paniwala, on a random day?!
"Yes po." but this only happens whenever there's some huge events here in the Philippines such as...concerts!
May concert pala ang ang Goo Goo Dolls
"Okay, give me the keys to my room." Agad naman nyang binigay.
I walked Iris to my room, sumusunod lang din naman sya saakin.
"This is where you're staying tonight" I said as we entered the room.
I have this room always prepared for me, ito ang pinaka malaking room dito sa Hotel. Exclusive for me only.
"Here, take a shower and drink these meds." I handed her some clothes and towel, tinuro ko narin ang mga meds and vitamins for her. Kanina pa sya basang basa sa ulan, baka magkasakit na sya nito.
"Are you gonna spend the night here too?" She asked,
"Do you want me to?" I jokingly replied.
"I don't want you to, but it's still raining."
"Papasundo ako kay kuya Jun, sa bahay na ako magpapahinga" Gusto ko man makasama sya ngayong gabi, but I need to give her some space after what happened earlier.
"You should take some shower and meds too." She coldly said and went to the cr.
I just ordered some food and hot drink for us because to be honest, I am kinda hungry and want something warm to eat.
While waiting for food and Iris, I decided to call kuya Jun.
"Hello ma'am? nakauwi ka na ba or nandyan ka pa?" he asked pero ang ingay sa background ay ulan parin, I guess nasa labas parin sya.
"Im at the hotel, can you pick me up later?"
"Uy sakto, pinapasabi kasi ni boss na dyan ka nalang daw mag stay dahil dito daw na daw sila mag papalipas ng gabi kila mr. Rusco"
"Kuya Jun, hindi pwede. kailangan ko pong umuwi." I argued.
"Ma'am?.. ma'am Zarya?! Hindi kita ma–"
Fuck! Bakit na end?
"Damn it!"
"go take a shower" nagulat ako when Iris went out of the cr.
"Later, I'm trying to call my driver"
"Zar, it is raining heavily outside. There's even no signal, there's probably no cab at this situation, your driver needs to rest and it is risky right now. I can take the sofa." Iris insisted, the way she said it like I have no choice. "You'll stay here, or I'll leave. that's it."
"Okay, I'll stay. But I will take the couch, you take the bedroom" I bargained.
"No–"
"No, I'll take couch." My tone offers authority that made her quiet at hindi na sumagot pa.
I have no plans of sleeping in the same room with her, but now that we're here, alone in this room, I can't stop thinking.
I keep wondering... is that really all it is?
Is she just being polite? Or feel bad na pauwiin pa ako?
Or could be just doing what anyone would do, because it's unsafe? Or is there something more to it?
The rain keeps falling, loud and unstopping, drowning out everything else. Whatever her reason is, I know I can't go out there anyway. But as I walk closer to where she is, my heart is beating a little faster.
I just took a deep breath, and I looked at her, and this time, I don't just see a woman. I see someone who holds more power over my thoughts than I ever expected.