I represent Astra Resort and Casino. Mauro had started venturing into freelance agency and construction since the economy of the country was developing. It was my job to gain the trust of businessmen to invite them to invest.
Mauro and I shook hands with Albert Manlapuz, a business tycoon celebrating his seventy-fifth birthday tonight. "Happy birthday, Sir Albert. I hope you like the gift."
He loved collecting art deco paintings by emerging artists. I know the likes of him as well as our other business associates. "Thank you, dear. The painting will be hanging on our villa in Bukidnon."
"The vintage champagne is sweet. I love it," Mrs. Manlapuz said. I did not only send a gift to Mr. Manlapuz. I sent a gift to his wife, too.
That makes me valuable. I was born with class. I'm used to mingling with rich people. I know what they want from expensive arts, jewelry, even sports, and politics. A simple employee could never do my job.
"Why didn't I receive a gift during Evita's birthday?" the old man asked with slight resentment. "That's not fair."
"I will rectify that next time, Sir," I said politely.
"When is your wedding?" Mrs. Manlapuz asked.
I froze as I stood beside Mauro. "We are not engaged yet."
We are not even anything. This is one of those things I hate about Mauro. He was telling the whole world that we're in a relationship. For years, I had to work harder to show everyone that I'm good and an asset to the company; that's why I got the job. That I was not only using my body to get the position. It took time, but I got the respect of most people, anyway. If there were still those who were thinking maliciously about me, they could eat my dust.
I smiled to hide my irritations whenever they talked about my wedding with Mauro. It was part of my job to keep silent to protect my boss's beautiful image. Even if the truth was I wanted to pour champagne on him. One of these days, I would definitely put Mauro in his place.
"Dance with me," Mauro said to avoid the awkward atmosphere.
I let him pull me to the dance floor. A five-piece big band orchestra was playing on the side. I put my arm on Mauro's shoulders to make sure there's still enough distance between us. I knew his strategy. I can feel heated desire emanating from his body, and he will try to rub his body against mine. Not today, Satan. Not today.
He whispered to me. "It feels good to be the envy of all the men here. They can look at you, but they can't touch you because you are mine."
A plan played inside my head as I was listening to jazz music. Inside the hall were the influential businessmen and politicians in the country. Where could I find someone who can help me be free from Mauro?
I know his business. But not everything. He had rivals in the business, but at the end of the day, they were still Mauro's friends. He had a lot of connections. Where could I find a strong competitor that would help me get loose? And what could I possibly offer in exchange?
Seven million. Papa had seven million debts left. What do I have that I could offer in exchange for seven million?
No, I won't trade his business secrets. I'm not that shameless. I wanted to break free from Mauro, but I want to continue working with pride. I don't have plans of ruining my reputation. It's the only thing I have.
My world stopped when my eyes collided with a beautiful dark man. He had a sharp nose. His generous mouth was kissable that made me want to taste the whiskey he was drinking in his mouth. He had chocolate skin, a man that the sun worshipped a lot. His long wavy hair fell on his shoulders. The black dinner jacket and the black trouser outfit fit his body perfectly. He can carry his clothes well. But he had an easy demeanor as if he owned the place.
But it was his eyes that made my world stop. Even from a distance, they were beautiful and mesmerizing. The very moment our eyes met, I felt like he already owned me. And he can make me feel things.
My heart beat like crazy against my chest. He was with a tall, beautiful model, but he did not seem to care about her because his eyes were fixated on me. His lips curved into a smile. As if he knew that he had power over me.
And I want that kind of power over me. I don't know why I welcomed that idea. I don't even know this man. But why do I feel those hands exploring every part of me by just looking at me? Why do I feel his lips kissing me? And I could feel the tightening of my core as if preparing itself when he invaded my body.
My mindless dreaming about the stranger was interrupted when I felt Mauro's wet tongue against my ear. I quickly pushed him away. "What's wrong with you?"
"Don't ever do that again without my consent. You won't like what I might do to you," I snarled and walked out on him. If I had not controlled my temper, I might have slapped him already, and that would surely make a scene. Damn the consequences.
He was about to follow me, but a female celebrity got in his way. Mauro had no choice but to dance with her.