Dominguez Series 2nd Gen Book 4 | King of my Heart |On-going

Chapter 03: An Invitation

Savannah sorted out all the letter that her mailbox received. Maraming bills, bank loans offer at invitation ang magkakasama doon. Isa sa mga iyon ang higit na umagaw sa atensyon niya. A formal invitation from Vio Montreal to attend his fashion show. Email lang kasi nung nakaraan ang pinadala nito sa kanya. Napaisip siya kung yung nagpadala ba noon ay totoong si Vio Montreal o ang nagpapanggap na ito? Hindi niya pa alam paano haharapin ito matapos yung disaster na na-experience niya isang linggo na ang nakakalipas. Naging maganda ang unang linggo ng boutique niya dahil sa indirect promotion na natanggap sa Montreal Fashion. Ang mga modelo ni Vio ang gumamit ng mga damit na pinakyaw sa kanila noong opening ng boutique nya.

“What's that Sav?” tanong na pumukaw sa kanyang atensyon. Erin walked towards her refrigerator and opened it to get a milk. Inabot niya ang box ng cereal dito at hinayaan itong magsalin sa sariling bowl.

“Vio Montreal sent a formal invitation to his fashion show tonight.” Napatingin siya sa kaibigan niya. Huminto ito sa pagsasalin ng cereal sa bowl at kinuha sa kanya ang invitation.

“Oh my gracious God, Sav!”

“What?”

“This is legit. Mamayang gabi na 'to at mabibilang sa kamay ang invited dito.” Inangat niya ang mug saka sumimsim sa mainit na kapeng tinimpla niya kanina. “You'll attend there, and I won't take no for an answer. Ako mag-a-ayos sa 'yo.”

“But we didn't know which Vio invited me!” Parang wala itong narinig at tinuloy ang pagsasalin ng cereal sa bowl saka gatas. “Come on, Erin what if I got indecent proposal again?”

Umiling ito saka marahang tinapik ang braso niya. “I'll go with you, and yes, I can managed to get an invites.” Isa lang kasi ang pinadalang invitation ngayon pero nabanggit naman sa email na pwede siyang magsama. Alam naman niyang makakagawa ng paraan si Erin. Marahas siyang napabuntong hininga ng dahil sa sinabi nito. Sinundan niya ito ng tingin hanggang sa tuluyang mawala na. Erin went back to their room. Muli niyang dinampot ang mug saka sumunod dito sa kwarto nila.

“Too formal, too revealing...” Pinanood niya lang itong magkalkal ng mga damit sa walk in closet nila. They have too many clothes there and some are from their sponsors back in Binibining Pilipinas days. Binigay na ang mga iyon at wala namang gagamit sa bahay nila kaya dinala na niya doon.

“Oh, it's mom.” Nilapag niya ang mug sa beside table at sinagot ang tawag ng kanyang Mama. “Hi mom!” Bati niya saka tinapat iyon kay Erin at bumati din ito kanyang Mama. “What's up? Where's dad and Ciara?”

“Ciara is at work and your dad's here beside me reading his newspaper.” Napangiti siya sa sinabing iyon ng Mama niya. “We miss you, honey.” Ang totoo miss na din niya ang mga ito pero kailangan niya lumayo para tumayo sa sarili niyang mga paa at makilala hindi bilang isang Dominguez.

“I miss you more, Mom and Dad.” Inagaw ni Erin sa kanya ang cellphone at kinuwento nito ang mala-fairytale meeting nila ni Prince Rion. Maging iyong invitation sa fashion show ngayon gabi ay nabanggit nito. Tuloy, tumulong sa pagpili ng susuotin niya ang kanyang Mama. “Don't believe to what Erin said, Dad. I have no plans on dating someone here especially if he came from a royal family.”

Ayaw niya ng sakit ng ulo kaya nga siya nagtungo sa bansang iyon. She wanted to have a peaceful life in Cretia. No paparazzi, camera flashes and never ending issues that people thrown at her. Gusto niyang makarating sa Hollywood na walang isyung dala-dala o nakakabit sa pangalan niya.

“That Prince Rion has an impressive background, tho.” Her dad commented. The best talaga ang research skills ng Daddy niya. Wala talagang makakalusot dito ni-katiting na detalye. “Better be sure before dating this royal dude, honey.”

“Wala nga daw balak i-date ng anak mo iyang prinsipe na 'yan.”

Gusto niyang matawa sa pagtatalong iyon ng Mommy at Daddy niya. Mula pa pagkabata ay ina-admire na niya ang relasyong mayroon ang mga magulang niya. She wanted to meet a guy just like her Daddy but impossible since he's only one. Kaya nahiling na lang niya na kahit iyong mamahalin siya ng buo at hindi pipigilan sa pangangarap. Gusto niya talagang maging sikat na artista kaya naman hindi siya huminto sa kasasali sa mga auditions noon.

Nang maisipan niyang sumali sa Binibining Pilipinas, nag-iba ang adhikain niya. She wanted to be the voice of all women who's afraid to show the world that they can be more. Women is not just a producer of life, and bound to be a plain housewives. They can be more than what other people may think. Philippines must practice gender equality. Iyong pantay na pagtingin sa mga babae at lalaki at makinggan ang mga boses nila sa ilang.

“You're so gorgeous, babe! I imagine now what will be Prince Rion's reaction when you two meet later,” ani Erin sa kanya.

Tiningnan niya ang sarili sa salamin at napangiti ng magustuhan ang kanyang ayos. She's wearing an above the knee length high collar black and white with lace bodice dress paired with gold two inch high heels sandals. Itinaas ni Erin ang buhok niya at nag-iwan ng kaunting hibla sa gilid ng tainga niya. Light make up lang din ang nilagay niya sa mukha at gumamit ng light red colored lipstick to finish her look. She's now ready to go and conquer that event.

Makailang beses na niyang nilinaw kay Erin na hindi siya pupunta doon para magpa-impress kay Prince Rion. Pakiramdam niya nga ay hindi pa nito alam na alam na niya ang totoo. She couldn't forget that night when a real Prince Charming in a motorcycle saved her. Maging iyong pag-iyak niya at pag-arte sa harap nito. Naka-ayos na din si Erin ngunit hindi sila nito sabay na pupunta doon. Her friend got a date on that event so she'll drive to the event venue alone.

“I'll wait for you there,” Nag-okay sign ito sa kanya bago siya sinamahan na lumabas ng flat nila. “Sure ka talagang hindi scam ito, ha?”

“Cretian people don't know that word, babe. Go now and let the whole Cretia see your beauty.” She smiled at her friend before riding the car. Nag-hire sila ng driver para naman hindi na siya ma-haggard pa dahil sa pagmamaneho.

Habang nasa biyahe, hindi niya maiwasang kabahan dahil sobra na siyang nadala sa mga invitation na gano'n. Naiisip niya na baka lokohin na naman siya o 'di kaya paasahin at alukin ng indecent proposals. She silently uttered a prayer while on the way Creatia Theater Hall. Sa pamosong lugar na iyon gaganapin ang naturang fashion show at doon palang nahahalata ng may mga dugong bughaw siyang makikilala. Is she ready to meet them? Probably not because all her life she intereact with normal people.

Sa sobrang lalim ng pag-iisip niya, halos hindi na niya namalayan na nakarating na pala sila sa Cretia Theater Hall. Ginala niya ang tingin sa kabuuan ng establisyimento at hindi niya maiwasang mamangha. Pinagbukas siya ng driver saka inalalayan na makababa sa sasakyan. Madami na ang nagdadatingan doon na hinahabol ng mga miyembro ng media sa labas. She walked confidently and didn't mind the camera flashes.

“There you are...” sambit sa kanya ng pamilyar na tinig. Paglingon niya ay sumalubong ang nakangiting mukha ni Prince Rion. She have a little panic attack on the inside. What should she do? Should she curtsy? Paano niya ito i-address? Everyone were just passing by them and didn't mind to greet Prince Rion. Does this people around us didn't know him? Tanong niya sa sarili. “you look stunning in that dress, Savannah.” Papuri nito sa kanya matapos na pasadahan ng tingin ang kabuuan niya.

“I-I don't actually know how to addressed you,” pag-amin niya dito na dahilan ng mahinang pagtawa nito. Prince Rion look more handsome in his white three piece suit designed by a famous designer. Alam niya ang mga gano'ng gawa na usually ay nakalaan para sa mga katulad nito na may dugong bughaw. She tried not to meet his gazed. Nakakailang kasi at pakiramdam niya'y hindi siya tatagal pa kapag sinalubong malalambong nitong tingin.

“So, you knew who am I? Jesus, I'm really not a good actor, I guess.” Prince Rion said to her that made them laugh softly. “People around us doesn't recognize me. Please act normal and treat me just like the way we talked the night I saved you,”

“Why am I supposed to do that?” Agad niyang natuptop ang bibig ng maisatinig ang tanong na dapat ay nasa isipan lang niya. “I-I'm sorry about that,”

He chuckled, “no worries, Savannah. So, shall we go inside now?” Inumang nito sa kanya ang braso. Ngumiti ito sa kanya na para bang sinasabi ng mga mata nito na h'wag siyang mag-alala. Marahan niyang pinatong sa braso nito ang kamay. Prince Rion gently held it and made wrapped around his arm after kissing the back of her hand. “A lot of people doesn't know that I'm the King next in line.”

“Does the Palace didn't announced it? What about online researching?”

“Cretian people are not into technical stuff. We're a developing country and I'm gladly wanna hear your comment or suggestion to make their life easy.”

“Will you accept suggestions from a foreigner?”

“Let's see if we can abide your suggestions, my lady.” Pati sa pagsasalita, hindi matatatwang may dugong bughaw ang kausap niya. As they enter the hall, staff guided them towards the VIP lounge which she didn't expect. Paano niya makikita si Erin kung naroroon siya? “Here is my best friend Vio.” Tukoy ni Prince Rion sa lalaking unang nakita nila sa loob ng VIP lounge. May kausap ito na nakasuot ng katulad na uniporme ng mga staff ng event.

“Hey, I have a small problem. One of my model can't come tonight due to a ‘girl's thing’ that she didn't elaborate further.” Tuloy tuloy na sabi sa kanila ni Vio. Napansin niyang parehong mas gwapo tingnan ang dalawa sa personal kaysa sa mga picture. Their British accent made them more hot plus those ocean blue eyes.

“We have Savannah here. She can replace that model of yours.” Prince Rion suggested that made his eyes widened.

“Me?” Gulat niyang tanong.

“Yes you are. Come on, let's get change now.” Tinawag ni Vio ang isa sa mga staff at pinalapit sa kanila. “This is Lola, she will assists you in changing.”

“I'll see you later, my lady.” sambit ni Prince Rion sa kanya saka muling hinalikan ang likod ng kanyang kamay. Hindi na siya nakatanggi pa ng hilahin siya ni Lola palabas ng VIP lounge. What shall she gonna say to Erin?

~•~•~

“Thank you for suggesting to invite that woman of yours, Your Highness.” Vio kinda relieved now because they already solve his problem. “She is beautiful. No wonder you go head over heels with her.” Komento nito na kinatawa niya. Savannah made his life outside the Palace quite meaningful. He did a lot of charity works the past few days with Vio. Nakisali din siya sa planning ng naturang fashion show na iyon na kung saan mostly ng mga damit ay galing sa boutique ni Savannah.

“I told you she is beautiful and good actress too so, take a chance on her.” Pakiusap niya sa kaibigan. Alam niyang kaya ni Vio na pasikatin si Savannah sa Hollywood. That's the American dream that Savannah has in life. A dream that a future Queen of his must don't have. Walang plano si Rion na ikulong ito sa palasyong malapit na niyang maging panghabangbuhay na kulungan. “I have no plan of bringing her in the Palace. That decision can break her wings and stop from dreaming.”

“Is this some kind of relationship that's trending in America?”

“What kind? Please do enlighten me, Vio.”

“Friends with benefits, Your Highness. Try watching American series once and you'll know something, believe me.” Vio grew up there but chose to venture in Cretia. To give their country a chance of showing it's hidden beauty. Kaya naman hindi siya nag-atubiling mag-sponsor sa event na iyon. Lumapit sa kanya ang kanyang bodyguard at sinabing nasa mismong hall na iyon ang Prime Minister ng bansa nila.

He fixed his coat upon standing up and flashed a smile. Prime Minister Carlos Rodriguez, sometimes an ally but most of the times, he's a rival. Napansin niyang iba ang kasama nito ngayon. Iba sa mga madalas niyang nakikita na kasama nito. Maybe a new girl he met during state visits on every country to promote Cretia.

“Sir,” anito sa kanya pagkalapit saka yumukod bilang pagbati. “I didn't know that you're here.”

He chuckled, “of course I have to be here. It's my best man's event and I shouldn't miss it.” Tinapik tapik niya ang balikat ni Vio. They shook hands after greeting each other. Someone served them a flute of champanges which he refused to have. May bisita siyang kailangang asikasuhin ngayon. “What made you come here? I hope it wasn't me or the crazy Palace alert that scare my people most of the time.”

Carlos laughed, “actually no one knows that the Crown Prince is roaming outside his den. We're here for a friend but we can find her.” Nakita niyang binalingan nito ang kasamang babae. “Are you sure she's here already?” Carlos asked the lady beside her.

“Hundred percent and that's her pouch.” The lady in black chiffon dress said.

“Savannah...” he said suddenly after glancing at the pouch. “She's preparing for the runway.”

Nagkatinginan ang dalawa na para bang hindi makapaniwala sa nadinig. Hindi sila naniniwala sa kakayahan ni Savannah? Mas hindi pa nga kapani-paniwalang kaibigan ito ni Carlos Rodriguez. Lahat ng tanong niyang hindi na nasagot dahil nag-umpisa na ang fashion show. Every girls ramped in that runway are beautiful but only Savannah got his eyes. When she ramped that runway, that ends the game. Savannah is literally burned the runway as she walked wearing a dress designed by her. Lahat ng mga tao ay namangha sa kanyang aking ganda at postura.

“She's a beauty queen and a prestigous pagaent first runner up together with Ms. Erinlea Carlos.” Carlos said to him.

That's explains her walk and refined attitude. Akala niya biro lang iyon noong una kaya hindi agad naniwala. Maybe a perfect fit for a queen but again, he has no plan of bringing her in the Palace. Hindi na nawaglit ang tingin niya kay Savannah habang nalakad ito sa runway. Vio excused his self and go down to join Savannah in the runway. Of course the show master must walked together with his models in that runway he produced. Every people inside the Cretia Theater Hall gives them a round of applause upon concluding the event. Hindi na lumubay ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Savannah.

It's the smile he doesn't want to spoil. A smile that gives warm to his heart. Savannah remarkably paved her way to his heart. Nasapo niya ang kanyang dibdib bigla. That's too romantic for a Prince like him. Lihim niyang kiniling ang kanyang ulo upang iwaksi ang mga nasa isipan.

Take it easy, Rion. Don't just jump and fall to someone you just met. Remember that you're ain't playing now... aniya sa kanyang isipan.