Chapter 25
“There’s a big event coming up tomorrow, and the Gomez family should be present. It’s a prestigious gathering." Lola announced while we were eating.
We were gathered around the long dining table, enjoying dinner together—my cousins, Ate, Mom, and Dad.
The large chandelier above us cast a warm glow over the table, highlighting the various dishes spread before us.
The clinking of utensils against plates and the low murmur of conversations filled the room, creating an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity.
“Sylvia, you must attend that event tomorrow. Everyone has been waiting for your presence—you haven’t attended for almost twenty-three years,” she added, just as I was about to take another bite of my food.
I sighed internally. Here we go again.
The event she was referring to was another business gathering—an annual event where all the big business families gathered to discuss partnerships, expansion plans, and who-knows-what.
Wala namang ibang gagawin doon kundi kumain, makipag-usap sa mga potential business partners, at manood ng kung anong performances.
It’s not like there was anything exciting about it.
Every year, it was the same.
Same people, same agenda, same boring night.
Kaya hindi ako umaattend.
Ang dami pang hassle.
I stabbed my fork into the steak on my plate and sighed. “I’m not feeling well, La. Si Ate na lang,” I reasoned, hoping she would drop it.
Lola let out a small huff, clearly not buying my excuse.
“Cynthia will be there, though,” Ate whispered beside me as she reached for a dish near my plate.
Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko.
“Actually, La, I think I should attend. I changed my mind,” I immediately said, making everyone at the table pause and look at me.
“Why?” my Mom raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident.
“For once, I just want to attend,” I shrugged nonchalantly.
“Himala naman ata ‘yan, ah,” Madelyn, one of my cousins, teased, while Ate smirked beside her.
“That’s great, then. You shouldn’t change your mind, okay?” Lola confirmed, her eyes full of approval.
“They’ve been curious about you for a long time, Sylvia. It’s a big deal for them to finally see you there,” Avery, chimed in.
“Everyone has been expecting you. You are the rightful person to handle one of the Gomez biggest companies in Singapore,” Lola reminded me, her voice firm. “They all want to meet you.”
I felt my appetite disappear at the mention of that company.
Singapore.
A whole new place. A responsibility I never asked for. A life I wasn’t sure I wanted.
Ate and my other cousins were just as capable of handling it, so bakit ako? Every time I asked that question, the answer was always the same—because it has belonged to you since the beginning.
I hated it. I hated expectations. I hated responsibilities. But most of all, I hated that my fate had already been decided for me before I even had a say in it.
The dinner dragged on, with conversations shifting from the upcoming event to other business-related topics.
Ako naman, tahimik lang, poking at my food with my fork, my mind elsewhere.
When we finally finished, I excused myself and stepped outside for a smoke, hoping to ease the stress pressing down on my chest.
The night air was cool, the sky above painted in a dark shade of navy. The faint sounds of crickets chirping mixed with the distant noise of the city. I pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a long drag, the familiar burn in my throat grounding me.
I heard footsteps approaching.
“You really hate the company, don’t you?” Ate’s voice broke through the silence.
I exhaled a cloud of smoke before answering. “The answer is so obvious, Ate.”
She sighed, stepping closer and crossing her arms. “But you have to face reality, Sylvia. One day, whether you like it or not, you’ll be the one responsible for it. You can’t run away from it forever.”
I let out a bitter chuckle. “You say that like I have a choice.”
She stayed quiet for a moment, watching me as I took another drag. I knew what she was thinking—she never understood why I resisted so much. Why I refused to embrace what was already laid out for me.
“Lola trusts you more than anyone,” she finally said. “She knows what you’re capable of, Sylvia. That’s why she chose you.”
“Capable?” I scoffed. “Ate, do you even hear yourself? I’m not capable. I don’t even want it. How can I be responsible for something I don’t want?”
“She believes in you.”
I looked away, my grip tightening on the cigarette. That was the problem. Everyone believed in me, but no one asked if I wanted this.
“And I told you to stop smoking, didn’t I?” Ate suddenly changed the topic.
I chuckled. “I can’t, Ate.”
“Stubborn,” she muttered, shaking her head. Then, her expression shifted. “But do you really like Cynthia?”
The mention of her name made my heart ache in a way I couldn’t explain.
“I told you, I do,” I answered honestly.
“To what point?” she pressed, sitting beside me.
I took another drag, staring at the dim glow of my cigarette before answering. “To the point that I’m ready to give up everything for her. To change for her. To do everything for her. If she lets me, I’ll make sure she never regrets it.”
Ate sighed, crossing her arms.
“Stupid. You know she has a boyfriend, right? And even if she didn’t, she’s not someone you can handle that easily. You don’t know much about Cynthia. She’s been through a lot. She has scars you’ve never seen, wounds that never fully healed. Are you sure you’re ready for that? If your love isn’t deep enough, just stop now. Cynthia’s already having a hard time.”
I looked away, inhaling deeply.
“I know very well that she has a boyfriend, Ate. I know that. But just because I like her, doesn’t mean na aagawin ko siya," I let out a bitter chuckle before continuing. “I like her simply because that’s how I feel. I don’t expect anything in return. I love her for who she is, no matter how broken, no matter how scarred. Her past, her flaws, her pain… none of it will ever change how I feel about her. If all I can be is her student, then I’ll accept that. Through her highs and lows, I will always be there.”
Ate turned to look at me, her gaze unreadable.
After a moment, she smiled. “Okay. That answers my question.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
She stood up, stretching her arms. “I’m glad you’ve changed, Via. But don’t come crying to me when you get hurt, okay?”
She walked away, leaving me sitting there in the darkness, alone with my thoughts.
I’ll be okay with getting hurt… if she’s the reason.
---
"Wear this, ang ganda kaya!" sabi ni Madelyn sa akin habang iniabot ang isang eleganteng gown. It was a black off-the-shoulder gown with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. A high slit on one side added a bold touch, making it look both elegant and daring.
I stared at it for a moment before shaking my head. Not my style. "What's that? I don't want it," I said, crossing my arms. It’s not that I’m not used to wearing dresses, but I just don’t feel comfortable in them—lalo na ‘yung mga ganitong klaseng gown.
"You should try it, Via. Babagay sa’yo ‘yan," Ate said as she adjusted her own dress. She was already dressed in a white silk gown that looked both sexy and expensive. The kind of dress that made her look like she belonged in a magazine cover.
Avery groaned, clearly frustrated. "Huwag ka nang maarte, ang ganda kaya! Trust me, bagay sa’yo ‘yan. Bilis na!" she excitedly shoved the dress toward me, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement.
I shook my head again. “Wala na bang iba d’yan? It’s not my style,” I insisted, but they just only sighed heavily.
"Meron, pero mas bagay sa’yo ‘to ngayon. Please, wear it na kasi," pagmamakaawa pa ni Avery, her hands still extended. At this point, I knew I didn’t have a choice.
"Okay, fine," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"YEHEY!" sigaw nilang dalawa sabay talon-talon na parang mga bata.
"Mga OA," sabi ni Luke, ang pinsan kong laging kasama namin pero never talaga nag-aambag sa usapan.
"Manahimik ang hindi makarelate!" irap ni Madelyn sa kanya bago muling ibinalik sa akin ang atensyon niya.
I sighed and took the dress.
Might as well get this over with.
Pumasok na ako sa banyo at sinimulang isuot ang gown.
It was a little difficult to put on, pero after a few minutes, I finally managed to wear it properly.
I turned to the mirror, and kahit hindi ko man gusto ang style nito, I had to admit—it looked…
nice.
The black fabric hugged my figure perfectly, and the high slit gave it an extra edge.
It’s not bad, I guess.
Pagkalabas ko, halos mabingi ako sa sigaw ni Avery at Madelyn.
"HALAAA, PERFEK!" Avery shrieked, rushing towards me with sparkling eyes.
"Sabi sa’yo bagay sa’yo eh! You look hot with it," dagdag ni Madelyn, her gaze scanning me up and down as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
I turned to Ate, the only person whose opinion I actually cared about. "How does it look, Ate?"
She had been staring at me since I stepped out, her eyes filled with something unreadable. Then, she stood up and walked toward me, gently tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. "You look good with it," she finally said with a small smile.
"Paano ba ‘yan, Ate Athena, mas agaw-pansin na sa’yo ngayon si Sylvia," biro ni Madelyn, making my sister chuckle softly.
After fixing a few last-minute details, we finally headed downstairs. It was already 5 PM, and time really flew by so fast. Since it was a dinner event, we were expecting a long night ahead.
"Ang gaganda ng mga apo ko," bati sa amin ni Lola habang palabas na kami ng bahay. She was smiling warmly, her eyes filled with pride.
I smiled back at her. "Thank you po, La."
"It's nice seeing you attend this event, anak," my father suddenly spoke, looking at me with approval.
I simply nodded.
I wasn’t really that close to my mom and dad since I was a kid.
They were always busy with work, never really around for important moments in my life—hindi man lang sila naka-attend sa kahit isa sa mga graduation ko, mula kinder hanggang ngayon.
But I wasn’t mad.
I’ve learned to understand and accept it.
I was used to it.
At least I had my Ate. She had always been there for me when Mom and Dad couldn’t. And for that, I was grateful.
We're already driving to the venue, and it had been almost two and a half hours before we finally arrived. We were already late, kaya naman pagbaba pa lang namin ng sasakyan, agad nang pumasok sila sa loob. But I couldn’t join them right away—I badly needed to pee. Nagpa-alam ako sakanila to go at the nearest restroom outside, and they nodded in response.
After finishing my business, I didn’t head back right away.
I pulled out a cigarette and decided to smoke for a while, inhaling deeply as I let the nicotine calm my nerves.
I was already feeling exhausted from the long drive, and I needed a moment to breathe.
I didn’t even realize that I had spent almost 20 minutes there until I checked my phone.
Napailing na lang ako at agad na naglakad pabalik sa entrance para makapasok na.
Just as I was about to enter, two security guards blocked my way.
"Your card, Miss?" one of them asked, his tone firm.
My eyes widened. Damn it. I forgot we needed an access card to enter. And worse? Naiwan ko ‘yon kay Ate.
"I don't have it right now. I left it with my family," I explained, trying to keep my voice calm.
The guard gave me a blank stare before shaking his head. "Hindi uubra 'yang rason mo, Miss. Give it or hindi ka makakapasok."
Wow. Seriously?
"I'm a Gomez. Let me in," I said confidently, expecting them to recognize my last name and let me through.
But instead of stepping aside, the guard just scoffed. "Miss, hindi ho kami nakikipaglokohan dito. The Gomez family is already complete inside, at kahit kailan hindi kita nakita na kasama nila."
The other guard beside him chuckled. "Kung manggagaya ka lang, siguraduhin mong kapanipaniwala. Ang ganda pa naman ng dress mo, kaso hindi mo kami maloloko."
I exhaled sharply, patience wearing thin. "Let me in, or you'll regret it," I said, my tone void of emotion.
The first guard smirked. "Miss, umalis ka na lang. Wala kang patutunguhan dito, jusko ka."
I was about to argue when the second guard suddenly stepped closer, his eyes roaming over me in a way that made my skin crawl.
"Sayang ‘yung dress mo. Para masulit, sumama ka na lang sa amin," he muttered, his voice laced with something disgusting. Before I could react, I felt his hand on my shoulder, slowly trailing down to my waist.
I flinched and immediately slapped his hand away, disgust filling me. Pilit siyang lumalapit, but just as I was about to push him back, a loud, sharp sound echoed in the air. Someone slapped him.
The guard’s head snapped to the side.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?!" a furious voice rang out.
I turned, relief washing over me when I saw my sister—Ate—standing there, fire burning in her eyes.
"Ma'am…" the guard stammered, holding his now-reddened cheek. "T-Trespasser po siya—"
"Ate, calm down. I'm okay," I said, reaching out to hold her hand, trying to ease her anger. The moment the guards heard me call her "Ate," their faces turned pale.
"How dare you touch my sister like that?" Ate's voice was dangerously low, her body practically shaking with fury. "I didn't give anyone permission to lay a finger on her."
The guards exchanged horrified looks. "S-sister?…" one of them stuttered.
"Putangina mo talaga," bulong ng isa sa kasama niya.
Ate scoffed. "Both of you are fired."
The guards' eyes widened in pure panic.
I forgot to mention—this venue is one of the many properties my sister owns.
The grand hall, adorned with towering crystal chandeliers and intricately designed marble floors, was a testament to her refined taste and immense wealth.
Every corner of the venue exuded luxury, from the gold-accented pillars to the hand-painted murals that decorated the high ceilings. It wasn’t just an event space—it was a masterpiece, a place that only the most privileged could ever dream of stepping into.
And yet, despite owning this place, despite her name practically being engraved into its foundation, those incompetent guards had the audacity to treat me—her own sister—as an outsider. If only they had known from the start. If only they had realized whose blood ran through my veins.
But then again, I suppose their ignorance cost them everything.
"The audacity to beg me for this job because your wife was pregnant and you couldn't afford the hospital bills—only to repay me like this?" she spat, her voice laced with fury. She then turned to the other guard, eyes burning with disappointment.
"And you—I personally helped your sister in the hospital because you begged me to. And this is how you choose to repay that kindness?"
Her words cut through the air like a blade, leaving them speechless, their guilt and fear evident in their trembling forms.
The two men dropped to their knees.
"M-ma'am, p-parang awa n’yo na po," one of them begged, his voice cracking.
"Ma’am, please, n-nagmamakaawa po ako—"
Ate's expression remained stone-cold. "Try to beg again, and I swear you'll regret it. I'm giving you one chance—run, and never show your faces to me again."
The moment she finished speaking, they scrambled to their feet and bolted, disappearing into the night.
Once they were gone, Ate turned to me, her expression softening with concern. "Are you okay? Why did you let them touch you?!" she asked, her hands gently cupping my face, checking for any sign of harm.
"I'm okay, Ate," I assured her, forcing a small smile. "Ayoko lang ng gulo. That’s why I didn’t fight back."
"But still, Via!" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "You shouldn’t have let them! You're stressing me out."
I sighed before stepping forward and wrapping my arms around her. "I'm okay, Ate. Please calm down."
She held me tight for a moment before pulling away. "Do you want to go home? I can bring you home."
I shook my head. "No need, Ate. Let’s just go inside."
She let out a deep breath before nodding. "Okay, let’s go."
As soon as we stepped inside, the entire venue fell silent. The spotlight turned to us, and all eyes were on me.
I could hear whispers spreading like wildfire across the room. "Who's that beside Athena?" "Could it be…?" "Is she really a Gomez?"
"Let’s all welcome Athena Iris Diaz Gomez!" the announcer's voice echoed, "And beside her, none other than her younger sister—Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez!"
A round of applause erupted as we walked further inside. Ate leaned down slightly to whisper, "Get used to it. Ganyan talaga."
I just gave her a small smile as we continued walking until we reached our table.
"Everyone was shocked because of you, Sylvia," Lola commented, smiling warmly at me.
I simply nodded, unsure of what to say. My mind wasn’t even here—I was looking for someone.
Kanina pa ako patingin-tingin sa paligid, searching for a particular person, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Ate must have noticed because she leaned in. "Can you stay still? She'll arrive, Via. Baka na-late lang."
I sighed, sitting back in my chair, forcing myself to focus on the music being played on the grand piano.
It was utterly boring, yet everyone seemed so immersed in it. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit.
I nearly dozed off when the music suddenly stopped, and the lights dimmed. Then, a single light illuminated the entrance.
Someone was walking inside.
And it was her.
She's wearing a deep red silk gown with thin straps and a draped design. It hugs the body softly, with a high slit that adds a graceful yet striking detail. She wasn’t just wearing the dress—she owned it. And in that moment, she was untouchable.
But she wasn't alone.
"Let us all welcome Cynthia Lim Sevilla Sanchez! And beside her, none other than her love of the life, Theo Hensen Lui Ramero!"
The crowd erupted into applause, cheers filling the entire hall. Everyone looked so happy, their eyes shining with excitement. But me? I just stood there, frozen, unable to join in.
Then I saw her.
For the first time, I saw her really smile—that kind of smile.
The kind that reaches her eyes, the kind that makes her glow.
She looked.
.
.
different.
Happier.
More complete.
And it was because of him.
Cynthia was holding onto Theo’s arm so naturally, like she belonged there, like she had no doubt in the world that she was meant to be by his side.
I should be happy, right? I should be glad that she’s finally here, that I get to see her. But why does it feel like this? Bakit parang may humihigpit na pisi sa dibdib ko?
I knew she was in a relationship. I knew from the very beginning. Pero bakit ganito? Why does my heart feel so damn heavy?
I clenched my fists, trying to push down the ache spreading through my chest. I wanted to look away, pero hindi ko magawa. I kept watching as she laughed at something Theo whispered to her, her eyes shining, her hand tightening around his arm.
Damn. This feeling—it's killing me.