Steffanie woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Hindi rin siya gaanong nakatulog. The scene between her and Gareth kept replaying in her mind.
Hindi ka pa rin nagbabago. You are still a whore. This time, you are just wrapped on expensive clothing. But you're still the same slut I knew.
His words hurt like a dagger.
Inakala niyang makakayanan na niyang pakiharapan ito. She thought she had already toughen up, but she guessed she was wrong.
Nais niyang sampalin ang sarili sa sobrang inis. She reminded herself of the things that he did to her, things that he also did to their daughter. But one simple touch and all the walls immediately came down.
She could remember the brief kiss they shared. Naiinis man siyang aminin, but she longed for it. She wanted it. She craved for it. She wanted more from it.
Hindi na niya malaman kung paani pakikitunguhan pa ang damdamin para dito.
Isa lamang ang napagtanto niya, Gareth's presence was not good for her. Not then in the past, not now the present and definitely not in their future.
She ordered a light breakfast from the room service. She needed to clear her mind. She was here to work and nothing else. Iyon lang iyon.
She grabbed her phone. There were five unread messages. Inisa-isa niya ito.
Three messages came from Tristan. Kinukumusta siya nito at tinatanong kung nakauwi ba siya ng maayos.
She immediately typed a response.
Sorry for the late reply. Was able to go home in one piece. Thanks by the way, I had a great time with you.
Medyo nakonsensya naman siya. Basta na lamang kasi siyang umalis kagabi. She didn't want to see any one after her encounter with Gareth. Ang tanging gusto na lamang niyang gawin ay umalis sa lugar na iyon. She wanted to be far away to that man.
She checked the other two. One came from her staff and one came from Dr. Flyheight.
She immediately browsed the messages but Dr. Flyheight's text message caught her attention.
Hey, there Steff. Michael Angelo told me that you are in Asphodel. One of my colleagues who specialize in your illness actually lived there. Do you want to pay him a visit?
Matagal nang inererekomenda ng kanyang doktor na bisitahin niya ang isang magaling na kaibigan nito sa Asphodel, but she just didn't had the luxury of time.
At ngayong nasa Asphodel na siya, she guessed it wouldn't hurt her to visit the doctor.
Agad niyang itinanaong kay Dr. Flyheight kung saan maaaring matagpuan ang kaibigan nito. She'll squeeze that in her schedule. Total naman, ilang araw pa naman bago tuluyang magsimula ang Winter Fashion Week.
Napakaraming bagay ang tumatakbo sa isipan niya ngayon. Her encounter with her ex did more harm than any good. She thought she would expect closure and healing; instead, everything just came in a one strong force. A lot of wounds from the past were reopened.
Tumayo siya. She needed to cut her trip to Asphodel short.
She called her agent.
"Cheenee. Book me a flight straight to Camelot after my last gig here in Asphodel," she said.
"But, I thought you said you want to spend a time off," her agent replied.
"I changed my mind. Me, staying here, will not be good to me,"she firmly said.
"I get it. Consider it done."
She needed to do this to protect herself. Gareth had caused her enough pain that'll last a life time. She cannot afford to lose her heart anymore, especially to that man.
Gareth was drowned in his thoughts. He kept passing out on their conversation with his team. Damn it! It seemed that he cannot get his mind to focus. Palaging si Steffanie lamang ang laman ng isipan nito.
It had been two days since that night, but the sensation of their kiss still lingered in his body. He cannot simply get rid of it. It was still engraved in his body, consuming him like a scorching fire.
Every passing minute he always remembered her face. Her smiles, her frowns and her tears. All of it came back in a tumultuous impact. And along with it were the painful memories of the past.
"Your highness, is there something the matter?" Dr. Malvin inquired. Iyon ang nakapagpabalik sa kanya sa reyalidad.
They were all inside a meeting to discuss the future of Asphodel as Pendragon's Medical capital. Kasalukuyan silang nagtatalaga ng mga gawain para nang sa ganoon ay maiayos at masimulan na ang kanilang mga plano.
His team was the best of the best. They were young broods who were tagged as a prodigy in the field of medicine. Mayroon silang kani-kaniyang field of specialization and they were all there for the sake of the advancement of medicinal science. They dream was to create a formidable team of medical experts. At ngayon nga'y nagsisimula na sila.
Ito na ang pagkakataong pinakahihintay nila. This was the perfect time for them, Finally, they had the chance to completely innovate and shape the world of medicine. Ngunit anong ginagawa niya? He was out of it. Wala nagre-register sa utak niya. He was mentally absent all throughout the meeting. He was so distracted that he was dragging his team down. And for what? Because of a single woman who broke his heart five years ago?
Napailing siya. Damn you Steff! Damn you on what you've done to me!
He clenched his fist and slammed it on the table. Nagulat naman ang mga kasama niya sa kanyang ginawa. Maging siya ay nagulat din.
Itinigil ng mga kasama niya ang ginagawa. They were looking at him intently.
Nagpupuyos na ang kanyang damdamin. Damn it! He definitely blew it.
Nasapo niya ang kanyang ulo. He was frustrated and angry at the same time.
"I am sorry, gentlemen. I am really out of it today, let's continue this some other time." he admitted.
May pag-aalala sa tingin ng mga ito, but no one spoke. Nadirediretso na lamang ang mga ito palabas ng pintuan.
He was now alone inside the conference room. And that was his biggest mistake. Lalo lamang napuno ang utak niya ng mga ala-ala ni Steff.
He remembered how they made love, the taste of her lips, the feel of her ample bosom in his hands, the hotness and glorious feeling when he's inside her.
Lalo lamang lumiyab ang katawan niya sa mga naiisip.
He was now sporting a massive hard-on.
Fuck! He was really losing his marbles. After all she did to her, he still wanted her. Shit!
Inumpisahan na niyang iligpit ang mga papeles sa mesa. He needed to get a cold shower right now to extinguish this brewing fire inside him.
May nakita siyang isang envelop. Naalala pa niya nang ibigay ito sa kanya ng sektretarya kaninang umaga. She said it was an invitation for an event.
He ignored it at first. Hindi naman siya interasadong magdadalo sa mga party na kagaya nito. His jet setting days were over. Now, he just preferred to be inside the hospital with his scalpel.
But somehow, he still kept it. Na-curious sa kung anong lamang nito. So, like a magnet attracting him, agad naman niyang binuksan ito.
He saw an invitation for the Winter Fashion Week. He was actually a guest of honor as Asphodel's Viceroy. But he was not interested.
Itatapon na sana niya ito nang mahagip nang mata ang pangalan ni Steffanie. Apparently, she'll be the center of attraction during the event as one of the main models.
Muling nabuhay ang kinikimkim na galit sa kanyang puso. Now, fires of anger and desire were engulfing him, provoking him to explode in a complete surrender.
Doon na siya unti-unting natauhan. What he felt for her was pure lust and nothing else. This was just his body's reaction to that good for nothing temptress.
He suddenly thought of something, he needed to release of this pent-up sexual frustrations in him. And he just know where, how and who.
Steffanie was quietly seating inside a coffee shop. She was there to unwind and kill some time. Pitong oras pa kasi ang kanyang hihintayin bago magsimula ang fashion show. Isa pa, tapos na ang final rehearsals nila at ang hair and make-up na lang kulang sa kanya. She could definitely have that two hours prior the show.
So here she was, minding her own business, shaking off the nerves before the grand show. Siya kasi ang opening and she will wear nothing but a very sexy lingerie.
But her peace and prosperity was suddenly put to a halt when she was disturbed by someone she didn't expect.
"Hey, Steff! Looking good today."
It was Tristan.
Binigyan niya ito ng isang matamis ng ngiti.
"Whoa there, angel," he said, waring gulat na gulat ito.
"Why?" she asked.
"You should warn me before you smile, it's deadly, you know?"
Somehow, hindi niya mapigilang ngumiti sa sinabi nito.
"There it was again. I said warn me first para mapaghandaan ko naman," muling hirit nito sa kanya.
"For the second time, can I sit here with you?" pamamaalam nito.
"And for the second time, I'll say yes."
Umupo ito sa tapat niya. A naughty grin was still pasted on his face.
"So, what brought you here?" tanong niya.
"I am here in this place because I was invited to attend a fashion show tonight. And I am here at the same coffee shop, in the same table, with the same beautiful angel, because of serendipity."
Tristan was really a Casanova.
"I didn't know that you believe in serendipity."
He took a sip on his coffee.
"The funny thing is. I do not believe in serendipity up until now when I met you here."
Alam niyang binobola siya nito, but she actually liked conversing with him. Kahit papaano, natatanggal ang nerbiyos niya.
"You know, your highness. Serendipity is such a big word. What do you say if we'll just attribute this to coincidence?"
"Serendipity, coincidence, destiny, fate... It's practically the same thing. All I know was that right now, the universe had conspired for us to meet again. I didn't texted you nor called you, we just met."
She had to give it him. He definitely had the knack for words. He's a sweet talker.
"Well then, bakit hindi na natin lubos-lubusin. Let's share a few more cups of coffee and a nice afternoon chat?" she said to him.
"Very nicely put, angel. I'd love that."
So all afternoon, they just talked, from their professional life to their not-so professional life. Apparently Tristan was more than just a charm speaker, he could also be as intelligent. And in all fairness to him, Tristan never uttered a single word about Gareth, not even his name. Ni hindi nga nito ipinapasok sa usapan nila ang pananampal na kanyang ginawa sa kapatid nito.
They were just happily chatting like friends who were united after so many years.
Steffanie was having her final retouch. Nagsisimula na ang fashion show at siya ang huling lalabas sa opening program.
She will be modelling a silver skimpy lingerie courtesy of the world renowned designer, Baroness Lili Medici.
"Final queue for Miss Steff!" sigaw ng floor director.
Doon na siya tumayo. She quickly wore the mechanism at her back.
She shook her hands and slowly took in a deep breath.
This is it.
She was now backstage on her position. Hinihintay na lamang niya ang hudyat ng floor director.
"Three... Two... One... off you go miss Steff."
There was a split second when she summoned all of her courage. Then, when the curtains started to move sideways, she transformed as Steffanie the super model.
She started moving forward, feeling fierce and confident as she walked in the runway with her killer stilettos.
Unti-unti na niyang naririnig ang musika.
Jingle bell, Jingle bell, Jingle bell rock. Jingle bells chime and jingle bells ring.
Winter wonderland was the theme for the opening. Lahat ng mga modelo ay may suot na custome. One was a beautiful rain deer, the other was a sexy bell, one was a shining star. At siya, she was a beautiful snow flake.
Dancing and prancing in jingle bell square in the frosty air.
She continued to move her hips seductively as she strut her stuff at the catwalk. She definitely imbibed the spirit of a sexy snow vixen.
She was now wearing her most beautiful and sweet smile. Kitang kita niya ang mga nagpapalakpakang tao as she moved towards the end of the runway.
What a bright time, it's the right time, to rock the night away. Jingle bell time is a swell time, to go riding in a one-horse sleigh.
Finally, she reached the end of the runway. She paused right then and there. She seductively looked to the left and right side. She then put her ring finger on her lips and started to whisper.
"Sshhhh..." she said. It's the queue of the orchestra to stop the music.
The whole place had gone quiet.
Her smile was now replaced with a more seductive one. She just looked straight ahead. And to her shock, she was someone that she didn't like in the front seat.
Gareth was just feet away from her, his stare were boring inside her soul. Panandalian siyang nawala sa sarili. For a split second, she was affected by his presence. But thankfully, she was able to snap out of that hypnotic moment.
So Gareth was here.
It was high time for her to show him how she changed throughout the year. She was no longer the woman he used to fill his lustful urges. It was high time for her to inform him that.
She suddenly shifted her game. Instead of being a sweet cover girl. She became the the supermodel desired by men.
May kinapa siya sa kanyang likuran. She pulled the string. And like a magic, bumuka ang mekanismo sa kanyang likuran. Dahan-dahang bumaba ang mga ito. It spread like wings and glittered like diamonds. It formed like a snow flake.
Agad niyang tinitigan ang lalaki. After all those years, his amber eyes met with her icy blue eyes. She could read fascination in there. And also, his stare was burning with passion.
Without breaking her stare. She clapped her hand. Doon na nagsimulang sumabog ang mga confetti.
Nagpatuloy na rina ng tugtog.
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet. Jingle around the clock. Mix and a-mingle in the jingling beat. That's the jingle bell rock!
Dahan-dahan siyang tumalikod, and with a deep breath, she gave the runway a show for the money. She gave a full turn as she walked out of the catwalk, making a whimsical effect to her costume.
Gareth was balling his fist the whole time Steff was on the runway.
He was fucking angry and he didn't know why.
He simply hated seeing her that way. She was already naked except for a flimsy underwear.
He loved seeing her naked but he didn't others to see it too. Gusto niya na siya lamang. Sa kataunayan, he had an urge to jump on the stage just to cover her body with his jacket.
Kitang-kita niya kung paano lumuwa ang mata ng mga kalalakihan doon. They were desiring her. Nope, desire was an understatement. They were already fucking her in their minds. He suddenly wanted to punch the hell out of them.
Damn! What was happening to him? Was he bewitched? Was he jealous? Fuck! Hell no.
He kept saying that on his mind, but his heart refused to believe him.
Kanina nga, when their eyes met. His world stopped. Her icy blue eyes reflected everything; her shocked in seeing him, her desire to get back at him, and her pride as a super model. Fuck it! Fuck her! But he was so damned hard that he was actually tempted to issue a royal decree stop the show so that he could fuck her hard.
His desire was definitely overflowing for that bitch. But soon tonight, he will sate his hunger for her; one way or the other.
Steffanie was preparing for her final appearance tonight. She will be modelling Valerie's sexy dress. It was a black halter-top with a large slit that leads to her upper right hip.
Kasalukuyan siyang nasa dressing room lamang. Halos kalahating minuto pa kasi ang kanyang hihintayin bago siya muling isasalang sa catwalk. She then decided to look around the place. Lumabas siya sa malaking function hall at tinahak ang magandang lobby ng hotel. Sa pinakamalaking hotel kasi sa Asphodel ginanap ang event nilang iyon.
The place was majestic. Nakakita na siya ng iba't ibang mga hotels but this one gave luxury a whole new meaning. Halos lahat kasi ng display na naroroon, mapa sa lobby at mapa sa hallway ay pawang mga orihinal na gawang sining. Paintings, scultors and other whatnot; name it, it's definitely there.
Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit niya naisipang libutin ang lugar, she wanted to indulge her eyes with some amazing artworks.
She roamed around the place. So many well known paintings ware there. If you'll total everything that she saw, malamang sa malamang, aabot ang halaga ng mga ito ng higit sa limang bilyon.
Doon niya nakita si Valerie. Nakatingin lamang ito sa isang painting.
Agad naman siyang lumapit sa kaibigan.
Valerie already felt her presence. "I know that dress will look good on you," wika nito habang hindi inaalis ang paningin sa painting na narooon.
"The Sunset Pavilion," siya na ang tinutukoy ay painting na naroon.
"Yep, one of Count Einsbern's classic."
No wonder naroroon ito. She knew that Valerie was also an art enthusiast. Sa katunayan, gumagawa ito ng sariling repro copies based on those classic artwork. At isa sa paborito nito ay ang mga gawa ni Count Vladimir Einsbern.
"I love how this painting depicts the calmness of the sun as it exits the world. It signifies passion and hope," Valerie said.
"You're gonna make a repro of this?"
Tumango-tango ito, "Definitely. But I'd rather have the original one," ramdam niya ang pangungulila sa tinig nito.
"Kaso ang mahal, 'di ko afford," biglang nagbago ang mood nito. She sounded very cheerful na.
Tiningnan niya ang oras.
"Val, let's go? Malapit na ang collection mo."
Tumango-tango na lamang ito.
"Sige susunod na ako."
"Once again Steff, the catwalk is yours." Bulong niya sa sarili habang hinihintay ang pagabablik nang naunang modelo.
It was her time for the limelight. Agad siyang rumampa patungo sa runway. She needed to be at her best. Not only for herself, but for Valerie also.
She was carryingValerie's creation. She needed to give justice on her beautiful dress.
She straightened her posture. A dress should be modelled delicately and with finesse.
She looked straight ahead and walked like she was the queen of the catwalk.
Muli na namang nagsalubong ang tingin nila ni Gareth nang makarating siya sa dulo. He gave her a dangerous stare, waring hindi nito gusto ang kanyang ginagawa.
This just made her more defiant. She wanted to strut her stuff more. She wanted him to see the new her.
She was about to turn around when she heard an explosion from behind.
Napasigaw ang mga tao dahil sa gulat. Nagpalinga-linga siya. People were already evacuating. It was a very chaotic scene, sabay-sabay at nag-uunahan ang mga tao na makalabas.
Nag-aalala na rin siya. Anong nangyari? Nakita niyang papalit na sa kanya ang kanyang manager, marahil para sunduin siya. But before she came closer, another explosion occurred. This time, it's from the outside.
Mariin pa rin siyang nakatingin sa paparating na manager. But that's the last thing she saw. Binalot ng kadiliman ang paligid. All the lights went out.
Nagsigawan at lalong nagpanic ang mga tao. She was distressed.
Anong gagawin niya? She cannot see anything. Hindi naman siya basta-bastang makakababa sa runway. She was wearing a six-inch stiletto. Kaunting pagkakamali lang niya might cause more damage to her. Ayaw naman niyang maaaksident.
Mas minarapat na lamang niyang tumayo sa kinatatayuan. That way, she could just wait for help.
She saw small flicker of lights. Marahil ay mga flashlights iyon. But because of her sickness, napakalabo ng paningin niya. She can barely see anything. Tama ang choice niyang manatili na muna doon. She didn't want to be caught in the stampede while other people were evacuating the venue.
The screams grew louder and louder. Hindi na niya matantiya ang nangyayari sa paligid. NAgsimulang bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso. What happened!? Ano na ang nagyayari!?
She was afraid; really, really afraid. Hindi na niya alam ang maaaring mangyari sa kanya. She was there all alone.
"Help!" she immediately shouted; but her voice were drowned with more screams.
"Help me! I am blind!"
"Help!" pagpapatuloy niya.
Then all of a sudden, she felt a warm body next to her. Nabuhayan siya ng kalooban. She felt him next to her.
Kahit papaano ay nakaramdam siya ng relief. May tutulong at tutulong din pala sa kanya. For some mysterious reason, she felt comfortable with this person. Somehow, this man evoked a sense of security for him.
Then the man put her on a tight embrace. A sense of familiarity flew inside her already fear-stricken insides. Somehow, she felt home. She felt comfortable.
Then everything came to her all at once. The scent. The warmth. The security. It can only be evoked by one man.
"Gareth," she whispered.
Wala pa rin siyang makita.
"Yes, it's me sweetheart," She suddenly missed the times when he called her with that endearment.
The way he said those words soothed all of her worries.
Lalong hinigpitan nito ang yakap sa kanya. Gumanti naman siya ng yakap dito. Tuluyan nang nawala ang takot sa puso niya. She felt safe inside his arms.
"Don't worry, I'll have you out in one piece, trust me." pagpapatuloy nito.
Kumalas ito sa pagkakayakap. She felt him held her hand. And in a one swift, Gareth dragged her out of the place.
She can't believe that she was now holding hands with Gareth. It felt surreal and amazing. She felt complete.
Her mind was ringing all the warning bells, but her heart knew who it was beating for. And that man was Gareth.
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