Chris, the Macho Lawyer (FREE to READ)

SEVENTEEN: HAPPINESS

While looking at the view of the city from the top floor of the hotel, I couldn't help but be proud of the things our parents did to us. Walang Dela Vega Suites kung wala ang aking mga magulang. Wala kami ngayon kung hindi nila pinaghirapang palaguin ang negosyo na 'to. They had sacrificed too much for this, gave up everything, even their own lives. They died protecting this company. Protecting the company means protecting the future of their children. At sa murang edad ay naiintindihan namin ni kuya Lawrence ang bagay na iyon. Kaya naman mula nang mamatay sila mula sa masalimuot na trahedya, si kuya na ang umako sa lahat ng responsibilidad upang maipagpatuloy ang naumpisahang tagumpay ng aming mga magulang.

I smiled. I couldn't feel prouder than I already am for my big brother. He has accomplished everything at a very young age. Kaya naman pinapangako kong tutulungan ko si kuya na palawakin pa ang aming kompanya ng buong lakas ko. We want to continue the legacy our parents established for us, na ipapasa namin sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng pamilyang ito.

I sighed as I looked at the clear sky. It's been a month since I left that place. Mula nang makabalik ako, sinubsob ko na ang sarili ko sa trabaho. Kung ano-anong conferences, meetings, parties, and seminars ang pinupuntahan ko para lang makalimutan ang lalakeng yun. Of course, I will forget him eventually. Ang hindi ko lang alam ay kung kailan mangyayari.

I will surely find the answers soon. I have to or else, baka matagpuan ko na lang sarili kong bumabalik sa teritoryo niya. Pero ayokong umabot pa sa ganoong punto kaya pagsisikapan kong makalimutan siya.

Veronica Dela Vega isn't the type who will bend her knees and ask a guy to love her back.

It will always be the other way around.

Napapitlag ako sa pagkatok ng aking sekretarya sa pinto. “Miss, dumating na po sila. Nasa conference room na rin po si Sir Lawrence.”

I nodded. “Susunod na ako.”

Dumako muna ako sa aking mesa para kunin ang ilang folders na maayos na nakapatong doon bago ako lumabas sa aking opisina. My office is just beside kuya's pero nauna kasi akong bumaba mula sa penthouse namin dahil may mga kailangan pa akong i-review na mga files. Kuya probably went straight to the conference room.

Nagtaas agad ako ng kilay nang sa pagbukas ko ng conference room eh, parang mga bubuyog kung magkamustahan ang mga tao sa loob.

“Sis!” Ian exclaimed. I rolled my eyes upward. Sis huh. This jerk again. “So ano na, when are you going to sign the contract, I offered to you?”

“Shut up, Ian.” I hissed and he just wiggled those damn naughty eyebrows of his.

“Bakit ba lagi mo nalang ako tinatanggihan? Just one show, Veron. Mahirap ba yun? Para namang hindi tayo magkaibigan niyan. Tuwing tumatanggi ka, para mo na ring inapakan ang pagkalalake ko. It hurts, you know.” Tutop nito ang sa kanyang dibdib at nag-iinarte na inaatake sa puso.

Matuluyan ka sana.

“Wag mo nga akong ginugulo. Why don't you go to America and beg your girl to come back para naman magtino ka. Stop being an ass every time we meet.”  Ani ko.

His funny face suddenly turned serious. “Tss.”

“Sit down, Ian.” Salita ni James.

Ngumiti ako at niyakap si Ian. I patted him on his back. “My poor boy. Everything will be alright.”

 Sunod kong niyakap at hinalikan sa pisngi si James. “How's your businesses?”

“Good. How about you? How are you feeling? You look exceptional, by the way.” He grinned as his eyes surveyed on my whole body. I was wearing a white tube top na pinatungan ko lang ng black blazer. Black pencil cut skirt naman ang tinerno ko with black stilettos as my foot ware.

“I feel fabulous James, thank you. And stop giving me that kind of look o baka gusto mong tusukin ko ng ballpen yang eyeballs mo.” Natatawa kong sagot sa kanya. I hope my laughs sounds real. “Where's Jack?”

“Nasa Compostela. May importanteng inaasikaso daw. Anyway, he'll surely agree kung ano man daw ang magiging resulta ng meeting na 'to.” Si kuya na lumapit na sa aming kinatatayuan. He smacked James' s head at napaaray ang huli. Napangisi ako. Kuya kissed me on the cheek. “Good morning, pet.”

“Good morning, brother. I hope you ate the breakfast I prepared for you?”

“Of course.”

“Tayo lang ba? Akala ko dumating na ang team ni Zandro.” Zandro Alcantara is one of the owners of Alcantara's Woods and Lumbers Inc. Not to mention, he's one of the most sought-after bachelors in the country, along with his brothers and cousins. Sila ang nangungunang kompanya pagdating sa larangan ng woodcrafts. Their products are exceptional. The designs of their furniture are unique, and every detail are made intricately.

“Reid can't be here dahil may inaasikaso rin siya sa Visayas. But he gave us his blessings.” Salita ni kuya na bumalik na sa kanyang gitnang pwesto.

Wala ako dito nung nilatag ng team ni Zandro ang mga designs ng furniture na balak na ilagay para sa bagong tayong resort sa Samal. Hati ang opinions ng ibang investors kaya they decided to have another presentation of products today.

Si Reid Dela Silva, and the rest of the guys here ay mga shareholders/investors ng Dela Vega Resorts na tinatayo na ngayon sa Samal. Sa mga shareholders na nandito, siya pa lamang ang hindi ko nakilala sa personal although kuya, provided me some information of him. He owns the biggest ranch in Mindanao and he's currently one of the biggest suppliers of meat products in the whole country. Naalala kong nabanggit ni Monica ang lalake nay un noong nasa pamamahay pa nila ako. Ngayon ko lang napagtagpi-tagpi lahat.

Naging magkakilala ang mga ito mula sa isang business conference sa Manila about two or three years ago, wala ako dito at nasa Paris ng mga panahong iyon. I was still in college that time. At tuwing nagko-conference call kami ni kuya, si James, Jack at Ian ang lagi kong nakikita. Mga distorbo lagi lalo na tong si Ian na pinuntahan pa ako sa Paris noon para lang kumbinsihing sumama sa mga na-scout niya na models. Kahit bihira lang kami magkita-kita ng mga ito, sobrang napalapit na ang loob ko sa kanila. They're like my brothers to the point na pati love life nila ay binabara ko. And god, Jack's ex-girlfriend whose name is Wendy was a pain in the ass. Thank God they have separated ways. Muntik ko na talagang sabunutan one summer when she humiliated Jack in front of us. That gold-digger girl had no idea who the f**k is Jack Rayden Aragon. Such a b***h she is.

“Wala pa si attorney.” Si James na binabasa ang mga files sa kanyang harap. May ngisi sa kanyang labi.

Kumunot ang noo ko. “Attorney? Oh! We need Atty. Salameda to review the contracts bago magkapirmahan after ng meeting na ito. I haven't seen him in a while. Where is he, kuya?”

“We have a new corporate lawyer, baby girl. Atty. Salameda resigned months ago due to his age. We should let the old man rest. He had done enough for this company.”

“I see. So sino ang bago nating lawyer? He should be a brilliant one para iwas aberya.”

Kuya Lawrence avoided my gaze so he ducked his head instead. “You'll meet him soon.”

And just on cue, the door swung open. “Am I late? Sorry, heavy traffic.” His baritone voice vibrated across the corners of the room. All our heads turned to his direction.

I gasped loudly.

He's wearing a pair of Armani business suit. As he was graciously walking toward his chair, his other hand was fixing the cufflinks of his suit.

Napatuwid ang upo ko nang umupo ito sa katapat kong upuan. Hindi ko maalis ang mata ko sa kanya. I wanted to but I felt like something glued my eyes on him. This is the first time I have seen him wearing a business suit and damn him for looking dangerously handsome that even the Armani models paled in comparison to him. His wavy hair was a bit ruffled. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang paggulong ng butil ng pawis mula sa kanyang noo hanggang sa pisngi. Medyo hinihingal din ito dahil na rin sa pagmamadaling makarating dito. He bit his lower lip before he lifted his brown eyes and met mine. He rudely c****d his eyebrow at me.

“Good morning, Veronica Dela Vega.” He said in a raspy voice.

I swallowed. “Mo—morning.” Why do I feel so nervous all of a sudden?

“Veron, si Chris ang bago nating corporate lawyer. Atty. Salameda recommended and trained him.” Si kuya.

“Since when did he start working here?” Kumunot ang noo ko.

Ni sa hinagap ay hindi ko akalaing lawyer ng kompanya namin si Chris. Ni hindi ko man lang naitanong sa kanya noon kung nakapagtapos nga ba ito ng pag-aaral. O baka iniiwasan niya ang ganoong sensitibong paksa dahil baka malaman kong dito siya nagtatrabaho? Come to think of it, there were times that he dodged my questions related to this company and things about kuya Lawrence.

“Two years ago, I think?”

Sa narinig ay binagsak ko ng marahas ang aking mga kamay sa mesa at tumayo. Tinignan ko ng may talim si Chris. Oh my god! Hindi ako makapaniwala!

“Two f*****g years ago?!” Tinutop ko ang aking noo. What the hell? “So, all this time magkakilala na kayo? All this damn time kilala mo na talaga ako unang beses pa lang na nagkita tayo? And you mistook me for your new hired maid?”

Si Ian na umiinom ng kanyang kape ay naibuga nang marinig ang sinabi ko. Humalakhak ito ngunit tumigil din nang tinapunan ko ito ng masamang tingin.

Chris played his lower lip with his fingers. Tila ba naaliw ito sa nakikita niyang reaksyon sa akin. “I really didn't recognize you the first time, Veronica. You were dripping wet and all muds. You were barefaced and you were not wearing any fancy clothes. Malayong malayo ka sa Veronica na nakikita ko sa mga magazines.” Nagkibit-balikat pa ito.

“But still, nagtatrabaho ka sa kompanyang pag-aari ng pamilya ko and you treated me like that!”

“You were in my territory. My law will prevail, not yours.”

“But how about—” Damn it. I need to get hold myself bago pa man mailantad ko sa mga tao dito ang nangyari sa aming dalawa.

“And besides, your brother asked me to look after you and to take care of you.”

“Really? To take care of me? But you sent me away!”

“Dahil hanggang doon lang ang kaya ko! Hindi na dapat pang lumagpas doon!”

“No! Ang sabihin mo dahil magiging sagabal lang ako sa inyo ni Rosalie. Na baka makagulo pa ako sa inyong pagbabalikan kaya mas gusto mong umalis nalang ako sa buhay mo!” I sounded like a whining brat kid but hell I care!

“Sila Rosalie and Echo ay labas dito, Veronica.”

“Oh? Rosalie has been controlling you mula nang dumating sila. She wanted me to stay away from you at ikaw naman, sunod-sunuran sa kagustuhan ng babaeng yun! And she dared of accusing me of killing your son! The nerve of that woman!”

Kuya stood up. “That's enough, Veronica.” May diin sa boses nito.

Tumayo si James at pinapakalma ako. “Alright, children hold your horses. You can talk about your personal issues later after this meeting, okay? Ang tagal naman ng Zandro na yun.”

Pabagsak akong naupo ulit. I wanted to congratulate myself from not shedding a tear. Pero ramdam ko ang nginig sa aking katawan. Hanggang ngayon, nasasaktan pa rin talaga ako. Naiinis ako dahil nahihirapan akong mag move-on mula sa kanya. Kung tutuusin, walang-wala ang isang linggong pagsasama namin kumpara sa ilang taon na pinagsamahan nila ni Rosalie pero ngayon lang kasi ako nakaramdam ng ganito. At baka rin siguro hindi matanggap ng ego ko. I always get used of getting what I want. What Veronica wants, Veronica gets. Pero sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, mukhang hindi mapapasa-akin ang gusto ko.

Si Chris na busangot ang mukha ay sinubsob na lamang ang sarili sa pagtingin-tingin ng mga papeles.

Another moment of silence passed when the door opened. Pumasok ang apat na tao. Zandro Alcantara exuded a compelling amount of authority na hindi mo agad mababaliwala. He's an old friend of mine and met him few times ages ago.

Agad na sumilay ang ngiti ko nang magtama ang mata namin ni Zandro. Lalo akong napangiti nang imbes na makipagkamay sa malapit na si Ian, hindi iyon pinansin ni Zandro at nagtuloy-tuloy ang lakad nito patungo sa akin. I stood up and chuckled as I watched him approaching me.

“Veronica.” He said in a sexy whisper at walang sabi-sabing niyakap ako ng mahigpit.

“Hi handsome.”

“Kailan ka pa dumating?” He asked after he kissed me on the cheek. Ang mga braso ay nakayapos pa rin sa aking baywang.

Inayos ko ang kwelyo ng kanyang long sleeves. “Kailangan ko bang sabihin sa'yo? I was kinda upset of you. The last time I heard from you was you're having an affair with this local actress. I thought I was the only one.” I played with his flirty game like I always do every time we meet.

He chuckled. “I seriously missed you. When was the last time? Last year?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I guess so. That was the last time we met. Hindi na nasundan pa because you're so busy looking for—”

His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. “Let's not talk about that.” I could sense the hurt on his voice. Sa sarili ay napailing na lamang ako.

I sighed. “To answer your question, I arrived last month. I finally finished my studies and here I am doing business with you.” I winked at him and he laughed.

“Oh! It's my pleasure doing business with you, my lady.” He grinned mischievously.

“Why don't we all sit down and let's get down to business.” Ani ni Chris, his eyebrows knitted together.

Pinagtaasan ko ito ng kilay at bumaling kay Zandro. “Please have a seat.” Nakipagkamay muna ito kay kuya at sa ibang investors bago naupo sa tabi ko. James and Ian both shrugged their shoulders.

The presentation of new designs went well. Nagustuhan ko ang Spanish-style furniture ng mga ito, mula sa mga mini sala set, dining tables, dressers and beds. Para sa akin, tamang-tama ang mga ganung design para sa isang beach resort because it'll give the guests the trance of serenity and tranquillity na para bang dinadala ka sa nakaraan. The ambiance of the whole resort will offer not just leisure but also peace.

“I'll go for it.” Sabi ko. Bumaling si Zandro sa akin na kakaupo lang matapos nitong ipaliwanag ang mga detalye ng mga materyales kanina sa harapan habang kami ay nakikinig at nanood sa presentation ng team niya. I am so sure na ang actual products ay mas maganda sa personal kesa sa mga display images sa white screen.

He carefully caressed my chin. “I know you will like it, baby.”

“I think everyone here agrees. We like it.” Ani ni kuya na niluluwagan ang pagkakatali ng kanyang necktie.

“I don't have any problem with it.” Si James. “Although my restaurant's design will contradict since I am planning to put up an American-style design for it.”

“That's not a problem since your resto's location is outside from the main hotel.” Ani naman ni kuya. James nodded.

“The designs aren’t boring, so I have to agree.” Si Ian.

“So, I guess we don't have any problems. Let's seal the deal.”

“I need to review the contract first.” Salita ni Chris na kanina pa tahimik. Kanina habang nakapatay ang ilaw, ramdam ko ang titig nito sa akin pero binalewala ko iyon. Ayoko namang mag-feeling na nakatitig nga ito sa akin kahit ba nagtitindigan ang mga balahibo ko.

Nagulat pa ako na sa akin pala ito nakatingin at hindi kay Zandro. “Mr. Dela Vega has reviewed the contract. Wala namang naging problema sa panig niya.” Ang sagot ng abogado ni Zandro.

“I think he needs to check the contract thoroughly because he's our lawyer after all. Kakadating lang din kasi ni Chris kahapon kaya ngayon lang napasakamay sa kanya ang kontrata.” Si kuya.

“That's fine with me. But I have to go to Palawan tonight and stay there for a week so I might as well sign the contract first. You can just give me a copy of the contract once you've signed it, Lawrence.”

“Alright.”

We stood up. Iniwasan kong tumama sa gawi ni Chris dahil ang talim ng titig niya sa akin. What's his problem now?

“Ihahatid kita hanggang lobby, Zandro.” Ani ko.

Umiling ang lalake at pinisil ang tungki ng aking ilong. “I know the way out, honey. Pero samahan mo ako next week? We have a lot of things to talk about.”

“Of course. Hindi ko pa rin kasi nabibisita ang resort. I'll accompany you.” I winked at him and he hugged me.

Bago ito nagpaalam ay nakipagkamay muna ito kina kuya, Chris, Ian and James. At bago pa ito tuluyang lumabas ng conference door, kinintalan ako nito ng mababaw na halik sa labi, sa gulat ko.

“Someone's jealous.” He murmured and smirked.

I was a bit surprised ngunit pinanatili ko ang pagiging kalmado ko. Pinisil ko lamang ang kanyang balikat at pinandilatan ng mata. He laughed heartily. Hinatid ko ito ng tanaw hanggang makapasok sa lift na magdadala sa kanila sa lobby ng hotel. I waved at them until the lift door closed.

Lumingon ako sa mga tao sa likod ko. They were crossing their arms across their chests, eyeing me with a question look on their pretty faces. Chris on the other hand, was leaning against the wall, both hands shoved inside the front pockets of his black slacks. Nakatingala sa ceiling while eyes closed, his jaw clenching.

“What?” I asked. Is there something wrong?

“Close pala kayo nung Zandro? Interesting.” Ian with a smirk on his lips.

“Someone is going to create havoc.” James smiled at me but there's something suspicious at the way he smiled.

Kuya shrugged his shoulders. He knew I'm close to Zandro. Why is he acting weird as well?

I cleared my throat. “I'll go back to my office. Maiwan ko na kayo.” Nagmamadali akong umalis doon. Bakit ba tila nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin? Para bang nakagawa ako ng malaking kasalanan suddenly?

Habang umaalis ay narinig ko pa ang pag-aya ni James sa kanila na pumunta sa clubmix mamayang gabi.

Diretso ako sa aking opisina at hindi na sinagot ang pagbati ng aking sekretarya.

“Ayoko muna ng istorbo, Thea.” Hindi pa man ako nakakaupo ay bumukas ang pinto ng aking opisina sa pag-aakalang si Thea iyon.

Ngunit napatili ako nang dalawang malalakas na bisig ang humapit sa aking baywang, binuhat ako at pinaupo sa mesa. The hem of my skirt rolled over dahilan para lumitaw ang hita ko ng tuluyan. Chris parted my thighs and settled himself in between. Tiningala ko siya at sinalubong ang nagpupuyos niyang mga mata.

“What the f**k is wrong with you!” I yelled at him, anxious about our position.

He held me on my chin, refraining me to move. “Why the f**k did he kiss you?” He gritted his teeth at rinig ko ang pagtagis nito.

“Who the f**k are you to ask that? Hindi kita boyfriend!”

“Hindi mo rin siya boyfriend!”

“Wala ka nang pakialam doon!”

“So, you just let anyone kiss you? Goddammit, Veronica!”

“Yes! Just like how I let you kiss me!  Hindi kita boyfriend pero hinahalikan mo ako, may kumwestyon ba sayo? Di ba wala? Kaya wag mong kwestyunin si Zandro kung bakit niya ako hinalikan!” Why is he making this a big deal? Friends in other countries kiss as a way of greeting! It's just a simple gesture!    

“Putangina! Kung may hahalik sa’yo wag sa harap ko! I'm on the verge of killing him with my bare hands!”

“Stop acting like a jealous boyfriend because you're not! Naghiwalay na nga tayo kahit hindi naman naging opisyal na tayo. Kung tutuusin para mo lang akong fling, Chris. Parang isang linggong pag-ibig. Kahibangan lang siguro ang tawag sa nangyari sa atin.” Sabi ko kahit ang totoo ay sobrang totoo ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya. Ngayong nakayakap siya sa akin, gustong gusto ko siyang yakapin pabalik and be selfish with him. Ayoko na siyang pakawalan pa pero alam kong siya mismo ang kakawala sa akin.               

Nagulat ako nang marahas nitong tinanggal ang blazer ko. My bare shoulders were now exposed. Inangat nito ang mga braso ko na tila may hinahanap. “They're gone. Thank God.” He felt relieved.

Kunot-noo akong tumingin sa kanya. “It's been a month, Chris. Gumaling na ang mga galos ko kung yun ang tinutukoy mo.” Nag-alala ba siya sa akin dahil sa mga natamo kong gasgas sa bangin? Is that why he's acting this way?

Kumilos ito at isinuot sa akin ulit ang blazer. He then kissed me on my temple and buried his face on the crook of my neck. Napatingala at napapikit ako. “Walang sino man ang pwedeng humalik sa'yo, Veronica.”

Umirap ako. “Shut up, Chris. Umuwi ka nalang at makipaghalikan kay Rosalie para mawala yang nararamdaman mo. Dahil ba wala si Rosalie dito ay ako na naman ang nakita mo? Don't treat me like your other woman na pag wala siya sa paligid, sa akin ka tumatakbo. I am not that low. Get off me and get out!”

“Veronica...Ano bang gagawin ko sa'yo…” Nahihirapang sambit nito.

“You said you can't protect me. You shoved me away, Chris. If you can't protect me, please, at least, stop hurting me. Stop giving me false hope.” I whispered trying to control the sobs. Hindi ko namalayang umiiyak na pala ako.

“If I didn't send you away, I might be selfish of you. Hindi na kita ibabalik sa kuya mo. Alam mo ba kung bakit pinili ng kuya mong manatili ka sa poder ko? Dahil may humahanap sa'yo. Dahil may gustong kumuha sa'yo. Your brother has been receiving threats at dahil sadyang matigas ang ulo mo, pinayagan ka niyang bumiyahe mag-isa. Naglaro ang tadhana at sa akin ka niya dinala. Alam mo ba kung gaano ako katakot nang malaman kong sumuong ka sa gubat na yun? When you said you almost died on that cliff, alam mo bang halos mapugtuan ako ng hininga? Nang makita kong puro galos ang braso mo, kalabit nalang at masusuntok ko na ang sarili ko! Kaya sabi ko hindi kita kayang protektahan! Paano kung may magtakang masama sa'yo? Your brother can't even stop those jerks from sending threats! He can't even protect you with all the riches he has! Ano pa kaya ako na walang-wala pa sa kalahati ng yaman n’yo!” He expelled a sharp breath.

Marahang idinikit nito ang noo sa akin. Napapikit ako. “Tell me sweetheart, ano ang kaya kong ibigay sayo bukod sa buhay ko, hmm?"” Malambing na sambit nito. Ang mga mata ay puno ng pagsuyong nakatitig lamang sa akin.

My heart literally stopped from beating. “Chris.”

I couldn't find words to say against him. Now that I am looking at his sad eyes, it made me feel sad too. Binitiwan ako nito at umayos ng tayo.

But he raised his hand to caress my cheek tenderly. Halos manginig ako. How could a simple touch affect me this much?

“I want to congratulate and say my thanks to you, Veronica.” He said in a lighter tone.

I was dumbfounded. “What?”

His hypnotizing gaze wandered across my face. “I want to congratulate you because you finally broke the walls I tried hard to build.” His hand that was caressing my cheek went down to reach my shaky hand. Inangat nito ang kamay ko at tinapat sa dibdib nito. His heart was rapidly beating against his chest.

“And thank you for making me feel how to live again.” His voice broke.

“I f****d up my life badly, sweetheart. You don't deserve to be in my f**k-up world. You deserve so much more. Unfortunately, more is something I could never give to you. My life isn't even enough.”

“Chris, I..”

“I know, sweetheart, I know. I am sorry for being an ass a while ago. I will try to control my anger and jealousy next time. Because I know I have no right. Ang isang tulad ko ay walang karapatang pangarapin ang isang tulad mo.”

Umiling ako. Sumasakit ang lalamunan ko sa pagpipigil na umiyak. Bakit ang sakit-sakit ng mga sinasabi niya sa akin?

Inilapat nito ang mga labi sa akin. Mas lalo akong napapikit. Napahawak ako sa kanyang dibdib. It was a very sad kiss. Too short and too light.

“I wish nothing but happiness to you, Veronica Dela Vega.” He whispered before he scooted away from me.

Isang malungkot na ngiti ang binigay nito sa akin bago tuluyang tumalikod at lumabas sa aking opisina.

Natutop ko ang aking dibdib at hinayaang pumatak ang kanina pang nagbabadyang mga luha.

“Chris, how will I ever be happy when my definition of happiness now is you? I wish I can really hate you but how Chris, how.” I whispered in the air.