"Did you see her face? Hahahaha! Gosh she looked like she lost the lottery! She even almost fell when she processed what he said." Shai's laughter continued go surround us as they kept on recalling what happened during lunch break.
By now, I feel like Gianna has already buried herself 6 feet below the ground cause of the embarrassment she received from Kiefer. Aside from what Kiefer said, Bobby backed it up with, "You know Gi, I was rooting for you, but now we all know how trashy your attitude is so I think you better stay away from my brother and his fiance or else, you'll have even less face to show."
And there we go, she completely walked out on us as she turned into a raging red tomato with Shai's booming laugh in the background. Up until now, she's still laughing and I think some of our schoolmates are already judging her for being so rowdy.
Even now, I can still feel the heat on my cheeks and I can't seem to look at Kiefer straight in the eye. Fuck it, I really am clowning myself. My actions are far from my words.
"Anyway, Kiesh, will you be at the business meeting later?" She raised one eyebrow at me and looked rather confused, I took a look at Bobby and wondered if he hadn't told her yet, but it seems like they really weren't invited.
"Uh, I think we're the only ones they want to meet." Kief butted in, "It's weird, very unusual that we'll be the only ones meeting with the client, right?"
"Yeah, maybe it's because they'll publicly announce your engagement." Shai suddenly blurted out. "What? It's just a hunch! I'm sure it won't happen and you said you won't get married until after graduation, right?" She said while holding up a peace sign.
I felt nervous straight away for what's instore for us later. Shai's idea is not totally impossible, I swear she jinxes a lot of things.
Kiefer held my hand firmly as we entered the company building. Nearly all the staff came out of their cubicles and offices just to welcome us, I rarely visit here which is why I was so taken aback that they all know who I am.
The board's room was filled with tension as we step foot in it premises. All the old businessmen that were partners of the company were complete along the table, at the end of it were both of our fathers. Both with bright smiles on their faces that somehow have me chills up my spine.
"Since the heirs of the companies are here..." I suddenly heard my brother cough from somewhere, "let's start discussing the merging of companies with the Kims."
"It will definitely start with the wedding of Keira and Kiefer, don't you think? I mean, they are the key to this unity, right? It should formally start with the tying of the knot." I choked on my own saliva after what I heard from one of the investors. He had a wide smile on his face, making his cheeks show wrinkles caused by age. He was eyeing us and I couldn't think of anything else to do other than smiling back.
"Is it really needed? I mean, I thought we were waiting until me and Kiefer manage to graduate before proceeding with the wedding? I thought us being formally engaged was enough, what's this talk now that the wedding is needed to seal the deal?" I bravely voiced out the concerns in my head, I didn't even notice Kiefer's tightening grip around my hand.
"Keira, you also need to understand that the stock exchange and investors cannot wait until the both of you are ready for marriage. Aside from that, we have consent from the families of both parties with the suggestion from the board to push through with the marriage as soon as possible." An old woman answered.
"But, this is just so unfair." I shifted my gaze at daddy and all I got was him seriously looking at me without any other expression on his face.
He's disappointed again with how I handled the situation, but this really is unfair! Our relationship isn't even stable then we're suddenly charging at marriage without any hesitation because that's what our company needs? That's bullshit!
"I honestly think that no one is being unfair here, child. It's for your own good. This will benefit you and your family."
My counter argument was ready to pour out of my mouth, however I got cut off by daddy standing up from his seat, "Okay then, we'll schedule the wedding as soon as possible." My spirits gave up entirely and I slowly felt dazed. How is this not unfair? "Meeting adjourned." Slowly, the members of the board made their way out until the only people left are me and Kiefefr.
"Nice, you didn't even say a word to whatever they want to happen." I remarked sarcastically, "If you're so willing to be used by those old goons, don't drag me into it. I already agreed to this God forsaken engagement, but I won't let it pass this time. This my life, nobody else owns it but me!" I picked up my bag and stormed out of the room. What the hell was he thinking?
"Keira, wait!" I caught him call out, but at this moment, nothing could stop me from walking out. I don't care anymore. I don't care if my father disowns me because of what I'm about to do, but I have had enough of them dictating every single thing in my life.
"Whatever your idea is, don't do it, Kei. Just think that this is also for our future." I scoffed and turned to him, all with the rage I was feeling inside me.
"You know what, this is proof that you're more like them than I thought. You want nothing but money, but I don't want it Kiefer. I don't want to get tied down for convenience and just because other people said so." He called me back a bunch of times, even so I didn't look back.
No one dared to block my way, maybe they knew that this isn't the perfect timing to bother me with other office matters.
Without even thinking, I immediately grabbed my bag and stuffed all the things I could inside, not minding how messy it looked. I needed to be careful and quick or else I will never be able to escape here because for sure my father will have his men guard me 24/7 if they ever find out.
I was on my phone when I collided with someone panting heavily, "Sef?" He was just as shocked as I was and like me, he also had a bag in hand.
Great, I found someone who can help me with my plan.
"Where's your destination?" I asked as I glanced at my phone that's ringing nonstop, I decided to turn it off when he glanced at it too with curious eyes.
"I'm off to Baguio. Why?" He responded, still curious as to why I have baggage with me.
I grinned from ear to ear and didn't think twice to link my arm with his, "Great! perfect timing. I need your help. You will help me, right?" Obviously, he had no choice and responded with a nod.
He watched as I wore a mask along with a cap whilst we waited at a bus station. He didn't bother asking me questions, maybe he sensed that I wasn't in the mood to talk about anything at the moment.
"Why'd you leave your phone at the front desk of the condo? Your boyfriend and family might worry about you?" He asked after a while of sitting together.
"Don't worry about them, I'm ready to face the consequences of my actions. I'm sorry in advanced if they drag you into this, I'll do everything to protect you I promise."
"Is it okay to ask why you came with me?"
I too wondered why he was always there whenever I needed help, was this his only role in my life?
"Well, I feel like I need a time out from things. How about you? What business do you have in Baguio?" He slipped his hands inside the pockets of his jacket and adjusted to a more comfortable seating position on the bench.
"I'm just going to spend my weekend there. It's my province, I miss it." He answered.
"You're from Baguio?" I asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" He chuckled as he blurted out another explanation. "We moved there when I turned six. My dad preferred the cold weather so they decided on buying a property there, but when college started, I preferred to study more here in Manila."
"I'm envious." I murmured, "I've never been to Baguio.
"His eyes widened and I suddenly felt judged despite him not saying anything offensive, "Don't give me that face! Is it your first time encountering a person who hasn't stepped foot in Baguio?" My statement made him laugh, but it only made me sulk more.
"It amazes me that someone like you who can have whatever she wants in life has not been there before." He smiled at me, enough for me to feel warm right here, right now. "Okay then, Miss Keira, I will be your personal tour guide once we get to Baguio."
I felt nothing but pure excitement especially when the bus conductor called for the passengers to finally board the bus. This is my first time to commute on the way to the north and this is the only time I'll be able to escape the chaotic life I have in Manila.
"Are you ready?" He asked as he held my hand in his, securing it with warmth.
I smiled and nodded, "Ready."