The Cold Billionaire's Wife

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Callista's Point of View

Tulala pa rin ako hanggang ngayon habang inaalala ko ang mga salitang binitiwan ni Ice kagabi. At hanggang ngayon masakit pa rin para sa akin ang mga sinabi niyang iyon.

"Talaga bang sinabi niya iyon?" Alliah's disbelief mirrors my own. Wala sa sariling tumango naman ako. Andito ako ngayon sa bahay ni Alliah dala-dala ang Kare-Kare at mini-cake na ginawa ko kagabi.

Kapag tinititigan ko itong Kare-Kare at cake ay hindi ko maiwasang manghinayang at malungkot. Bukod sa nasayang ang mga rekadong ginamit ko ay nasayang din ang effort at pagod ko sa pagluluto. Hindi man lang sila na-appreciate ng asawa kong singlamig ng yelo.

"Napakawalang puso naman niyang asawa mo. Ni hindi man lang na-appreciate itong mga niluto mo," Alliah states with a mix of frustration and sympathy as she helps herself to a slice of cake. It's just the two of us now, salvaging the remains rather than allowing them to be lost to neglect in my own home.

"Maybe he was just full," I suggest, hoping against hope that there is some valid reason behind his coldness. "Or perhaps he was tired from work."

Alliah's annoyance is evident as she chews on the cake "Busog? Eh bakit niya kailangan magsalita pa ng ganoon kung busog lang siya? Pwede naman niya sabihing bukas na lang niya kakainin ang mga niluto mo." she retorts, her words seeping with frustration.

Ngumuso naman ako at napaubob sa lamesa. I've been trying to shield Ice's true nature, unwilling to accept the reality of his icy disposition. Yet, it becomes increasingly apparent that he embodies the very essence of ice itself—a chilling aura that surrounds him, freezing not just his outward appearance but also his heart.

"Baka busog lang talaga siya, Alli." Saad ko. Alliah rolls her eyes at me. Halatang naiinis na siya sa pilit kong pagtatakip kay Ice.

"Huwag mo na pagtakpan pa ang asawa mo, Callista. Talagang cold-blooded 'yang napiling mong mapangasawa!" At inismiran ako nito.

I pouted my lips. Tama naman si Alliah. Pilit kong pinagtatakpan ang totoong nature ni Ice. Para talaga siyang yelo na nagkatawang tao lamang. Malamig ang awra ng kaniyang mukha na para bang nababalutan ng yelo ang buong katawan niya. Pakiramdam ko nga pati ang puso niya ay nakabalot sa isang makapal na yelo.

Pero hindi ako susuko. Kahit anong mangyari ay determinado akong tunawin ang yelong nakabalot kay Ice. I will make him love me, no buts, no what ifs.

...

Pagkatapos kong magpalipas ng oras kela Alliah ay umalis na rin ako dahil aattend pa ako sa isang klase na in-enroll'an ko para maging isang ideal wife para kay Ice.

Dalawang klase lang naman ang pinasukan ko. Isang cooking and baking class at 'yong isa naman ay household chores courses. Oo, nag-enroll ako sa klase na 'yan para lang kay Ice at siyempre para na rin sa sarili ko. Gusto ko rin naman talaga matuto ng mga gawaing bahay. Self-improvement din kumbaga.

Kaya itong ginagawa ko is like hitting two birds with one stone. Para sa sarili ko at para kay Ice.

Saktong magsisimula na ang klase nang dumating ako sa school na pinapasukan ko para sa household chores courses ko.

Taimtim akong nakikinig sa tinuturo ng lecturer ng biglang tumunog ang aking cellphone, dahilan upang matigilan ang lahat at mapatingin sa akin.

Hiyang-hiya naman akong napatingin sa mga kasama ko, maging sa lecturer at humingi ng paumanhin. Pagkatapos ay nagpaalam ako na sasagutin ko lang ang tawag at agad na akong lumabas.

Inilabas ko mula sa bulsa ang aking pantalon ang cellphone ko at napakunot na lamang ako ng noo nang makita kong si Ice ang tumatawag.

Agad ko namang iyon sinagot.

"He—" I begin, only to be cut off by Ice's cold voice on the other end.

"Where are you?" His tone sends a shiver down my spine, and I steal a glance at the classroom door, uncertain of how to respond.

"Ah..." My voice wavers, struggling to find the right words. Nahihiya naman ako kung sasabihin kong nasa klase ako on how to be a perfect wife for him.

"Calli, I'm asking you. Where are you?" Tanong muli ni Ice gamit ang baritonong boses nito.

I gulped. I'm sorry if I need to lie!

"I'm with Alli." Pikit-matang sagot ko. Sorry Alliah! Nadamay ka pa sa pagsisinungaling ko.

"Okay. Be prepared tonight. I'm gonna fetch you after work," Ice's voice came through the phone with an air of mystery and anticipation. Napamaang naman ako.

"Huh? Bakit? Saan tayo pupunta?" Takang tanong ko. Anong mayroon mamayang gabi at kailangan kong maghanda?

Wait! Hindi kaya babawi si Ice sa akin dahil ilang gabi na niya akong dinededma?

Iniisip ko pa lang na ganoon nga ang dahilan kung bakit niya ako pinaghahanda mamaya ay kinikilig na ako.

"You always have so many questions," Ice responded, his tone edged with exasperation. A pout formed on my lips. "Mom invited us for dinner, that's why," he added.

Nabasag naman ang imagination ko sa sinabi ni Ice. Akala ko naman ay babawi na siya sa akin mamaya at magdi-dinner kami outside, iyon pala ay iniimbitahan lang kami ng mommy niya.

But what?! His mom invited us for dinner? Kailangan kong mag-prepare talaga! I mean this is the very first time na magdi-dinner ako sa bahay nila as their son's wife and I had to make an impression!

"Oh, I see," I replied, trying to maintain a calm façade, even as my mind raced with frantic thoughts. For God's sake! Andito pa ako sa class ko at mamayang 4pm pa ang tapos nito. 6pm ang labas ni Ice sa trabaho. Wala na akong oras para mag-ayos! Hindi pwede iyon!

"Tss. I gotta go. See you later then," Ice abruptly ended the call before I could utter another word. I leaned against the wall, staring at my phone in disbelief. It seemed impossible to make it on time. The odds were stacked against me.

Eto pa naman 'yong unang pagkakataon na makakasalo ko ang pamilya ni Ice. Kung hindi niyo naitatanong ay eto ang unang family dinner namin ni Ice bilang mag-asawa sa family niya. I met his parents sa engagement party namin, maging sa kasal namin. But really, I never had a formal and longer conversation with them.

This will be the first time kaya naman hindi niyo ako masisisi kung ganito ako kung mag-react. Because I wanted to have an impression on them. Good impression, okay? I want them to see me as their son's beautiful and loving wife.

Napabuntong-hininga ako and I decided not to finish the class I am in today. Babawi na lang siguro ako next week.

"Excuse me, ma'am but I have to go. I just got an emergency, I'm sorry." Mabilis na paalam ko sa lecturer at walang anu-ano'y agad kong kinuha ang mga gamit ko at nagmamadaling umalis.

Hailing a taxi, I prayed fervently for minimal traffic, desperately hoping that fate would be on my side. As luck would have it, the roads were clear, and I arrived home with time to spare. Time was of the essence, and I wasted no time deliberating my attire.

Scanning through my wardrobe, my eyes fell upon the enticing lingerie set that Alliah had gifted me. Each piece seemed to emit a seductive allure that sent shivers down my spine.

Choosing a striking outfit that exuded confidence, I quickly stepped into the shower, allowing the water to rejuvenate my senses. With every drop, I could feel my excitement building, mixing with nervous anticipation. This was the night that could change everything.

As I emerged from the shower, I opted for a simple, elegant makeup look, accentuating my features without overpowering them. I stood before the life-size mirror in my room, critically assessing my appearance. Yes, I was satisfied with my reflection, but I knew it was not just about the exterior.

Adorning a voluminous midi silhouette coordinating set that accentuated my figure, I completed the ensemble with a pair of sky-high stilettos featuring a sleek square-toe design. Each step I took was infused with determination as if I were walking towards a pivotal moment in my life.

Tonight, I had to impress not only Ice's mother but also his entire family. Their stature in the fashion and business industries loomed over me, casting a shadow of pressure. But I refused to let it consume me. I would embrace the challenge and showcase the best version of myself.

---

Ilang minuto lang ang inintay ko at narinig ko na ang pagbusina ni Ice. Sinilip ko sa bintana upang kumpirmahin kung siya nga iyon, and there he was, his presence commanding and magnetic, leaning against the door of his sleek car.

Kinuha ko lang ang purse ko at ang cellphone ko at pagkatapos ay lumabas na ako ng aking kwarto. Bumaba ako ng hagdan at dumiretso ng labas.

Saktong paglabas ko ng bahay ay andoon si Ice at nakasandal sa pintuan ng kaniyang sasakyan. He's crossing his arms on his chest while staring intently at me.

Ice's gaze was locked on me, intense and penetrating. It was as if he could see into the depths of my soul, his eyes filled with a captivating mixture of curiosity and desire. This wasn't the casual look I was accustomed to; it was something altogether different, charged with an unfamiliar intensity.

"Ice? Is there something wrong?" I managed to ask, my voice laced with both curiosity and vulnerability.

He turned his back to me, his actions shrouded in mystery. "Nothing," he replied, his words hanging in the air like a tantalizing secret. "Let's go. Mom is already waiting for us." Ice's enigmatic demeanor only deepened the intrigue, leaving me yearning for answers.

Nagtataka man ay sumunod na lamang ako. Sumakay ako sa passenger seat at nagsimula na kaming byumahe papunta sa bahay ng mga magulang niya.

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa amin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero naiilang ako and at the same time nakakaramdam ako ng inis.

Inis dahil hindi man lang niya napansin ang ganda ko ngayon. Todo effort pa naman ako sa pag-aayos pero hindi man lang niya napansin. Bulag ba 'tong si Ice? Tsk!

"Why are you frowning?" His question caught me off guard, and I furrowed my brow in surprise.

"Huh? Am I?" I responded, my voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and frustration. I glanced at Ice, only to find his eyes fixed resolutely on the road ahead, confirming my suspicion.

"Yeah, you are," he stated matter-of-factly.

Bakit kasi hindi man lang niya napansin na nag-effort akong magpaganda para sa kaniya at sa pamilya niya ngayong gabi? Hays.

But just as I was about to succumb to my disillusionment, Ice's voice cut through the air, catching me off guard. "Stop frowning, Calli. You're ruining your beauty," he declared, his words carrying a sincerity that shook me to my core. His gaze flickered briefly to meet mine, and I detected a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

Agad naman akong natigilan sa sinabi niya kasabay ng malakas na pagkabog ng aking dibdib.

"W-what did you say?" Tanong ko sa kaniya. Sakto namang red light kaya naman huminto kami. Tumingin siya sa akin at kita ko ang pagbabago ng emosyon na nakapaloob sa kaniyang mga mata. He's somewhat amused? I don't know.

"I said you look stunningly beautiful tonight, so stop frowning," he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. The world around me seemed to pause, time frozen in a suspended moment. Did I hear him correctly? Ice had just complimented me, acknowledging the effort I had poured into my appearance. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, and a swarm of butterflies took flight in my stomach. I was at a loss for words, utterly captivated by the unexpected warmth he had shown me.

Nag-green light na kaya naman inalis na ni Ice ang tingin niya sa akin at muling bumalik sa pagmamaneho. Ako naman ay naiwan pa ring tulala. Hindi makapaniwala na pinuri ako ni Ice ngayong gabi dahil sa ganda ko. I feel like I am the most beautiful woman on Earth right now.

Pero sana gaya ng pagkagusto ni Ice sa itsura ko ngayon ay sana magustuhan rin ito ng mom niya. Ayokong mapahiya sa tinaguriang Queen of Fashion ng Pilipinas.

"We're here," Ice whispered softly, his voice filled with an air of mystery as we pulled up in front of a magnificent mansion. Akmang bababa na sana ako ng sasakyan nang pigilan ako ni Ice.

"Wait," he said, his eyes glimmering with anticipation. He hurriedly got out of the car and circled around to my side. With a graceful gesture, he opened the door. I couldn't help but be captivated by his sudden act of chivalry. Ice, my typically aloof and distant husband, was now showing me a side I had never seen before.

"What? Titigan mo na lang ba ako buong magdamag?" Basag ni Ice at kita kong nakasimangot na ito habang hawak pa rin ang pintuan.

I frowned. Hindi pa rin talaga mawawala ang pagsusungit niya tss. Bumaba na lang ako ng sasakyan at sabay na kaming pumasok sa loob ng bahay.

Hindi ko naman maiwasang hindi mamangha sa ganda ng bahay nila Ice. Magkasing-laki lang ang mga bahay nila at bahay namin pero ang ganda-ganda ng bahay nila Ice. The Buenavista Family house was a masterpiece, an architectural marvel that seemed to defy reality. From the moment I stepped through the entrance, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of opulence and elegance. The foyer greeted me with a dazzling chandelier that bathed the room in a warm, golden glow. A sweeping staircase beckoned me further, inviting me to explore the wonders that lay beyond.

As we made our way into the heart of the house, I couldn't help but notice the exquisite art adorning the walls. Each painting told a story, capturing moments of joy, love, and adventure. Among them, a striking family portrait caught my eye. It depicted Ice's family, radiating beauty and happiness. Ice's resemblance to his parents was undeniable, with his mother's stunning features and his father's rugged charm. It was a portrait that spoke of a love that transcended time, and I couldn't help but imagine the love that Ice and I could share.

Suddenly, a melodic voice rang out, drawing my attention away from the artwork. Ice's mom, a vision of grace and warmth, floated towards us with a smile that could melt the coldest heart. "Ice, baby!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. Ice's face flushed, a rare display of vulnerability as he attempted to mask his embarrassment.

"Drop the baby mom." Ice retorted, a playful scowl on his face. It was evident that his mother's endearing nickname for him caused a mixture of discomfort and affection. Gusto ko naman ngumiti dahil pakiramdam ko'y nahihiya siya kapag tinatawag siyang baby ng mommy niya.

"Why? Nahihiya ka ba sa asawa mo?" His mom teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Ice's cheeks reddened even more, and I couldn't help but stifle a giggle.

"Mom!" He shriek. Pigil na pigil ko naman ang pagtawa ko. Nahihiya si Ice at hindi niya iyon maitatanggi. Tumingin ang mom ni Ice sa akin at mapaglaro itong kumindat.

"Okay fine. I'll drop the baby but just for tonight because your wife is here and you'll get embarrassed easily!" Panunukso muli ng mommy niya sa kaniya dahilan upang mapaismid na lang si Ice.

Ngumiti naman ako. Ang cute lang ng mommy niya at si Ice. They have a good relationship as a mother and son.

Ice's mom turned her attention to me, her smile radiating warmth. "Welcome to our humble abode, Callista. I hope you enjoy your evening with us," she said, her words laced with genuine affection. I returned her smile, feeling an instant connection with this incredible woman who had become my mother-in-law.

"I'm hundred percent sure about that, Tita." Saad ko.

Tumawa naman ang mommy ni Ice sa sinabi ko. Hindi ko mapigilan mapatitig sa kaniya. She's so beautiful. Kamukhang-kamukha siya ni Ice.

"Oh that's why I love you, dear! But hey! Call me mom!" Anito sa akin. I shyly nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude. Ang sarap naman sa pakiramdam na nanay ko na rin ang nanay ni Ice. Pangarap ko lang iyon dati eh, ngayon nagkatotoo na.

I think I give Ice's mom a good impression. Pero siyempre hindi dapat ako magpakampante. Mahaba pa ang gabi at marami pang pwedeng mangyari.

At isa na nga sa pwedeng mangyari ay ang bagay na hindi ko lubusang akalain na mangyayari ngayong gabi.

"Dito na rin kayo matulog, okay? Tiyak na gagabihin kayo sa daan kaya naman pinahanda at pinalinis ko 'yong dati mong room Ice. Dito na kayo magpalipas ng gabi ni Calli." she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. The announcement sent shockwaves through my being.

"Mom are you serious?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Ice sa mommy niya. There was a mixture of anticipation and unease in the air, both of us feeling the weight of the situation. Tumingin naman ito sa amin.

"Of course, I am. Why? Are you embarrassed? Don't be!" Ice's mom replied, her smile unwavering. "You and Calli will be staying here tonight, and it's final. I rarely ask for favors, Ice," she added, her tone gentle yet firm. Ice's resistance crumbled, his defeat palpable. It seemed that his mother held an irrefutable power over him, a vulnerability he couldn't escape.

"Fine." Ice surrendered, his surrender surprising me. Seriously? Pumayag talaga siyang matulog kami sa iisang kwarto?

"It's settled then! Come on, let's eat. Kanina pa kayo hinihintay ng daddy niyo." Ice's mom exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation. With a skip in her step, she gracefully made her way to the kitchen, leaving Ice and me alone in the hallway.

Naiwan naman kami ni Ice at nagkatitigan na lamang. As our eyes met, a subtle tension lingered between us. The air seemed charged with unspoken thoughts as if we were both grappling with the uncharted territory that lay ahead.

Like we never shared the same room before. Even sa bahay namin ay masarili kaming kwarto. Ngayon lang mangyayari na magtatabi kami sa iisang kama. The idea of lying side by side, our bodies mere inches apart, sent a jolt of both excitement and trepidation through my veins. It was as if the walls that had kept us at a safe distance were crumbling, giving way to a new closeness that had the power to change everything.

"Just act normal. We'll get through this. It's just one night," Ice reassured me, his voice filled with a mixture of resolve and uncertainty. His words hung in the air, an unspoken agreement between us to face this challenge head-on. But deep down, I couldn't help but wonder if this night held the potential to ignite a flame that would forever alter the course of our relationship.

As Ice followed his mom to the kitchen, leaving me alone in the hallway, I felt a surge of emotions engulf me. Excitement, anxiety, and a tinge of anticipation mingled within me, creating a whirlwind of thoughts and desires. What would happen once we entered Ice's room? Would this night be as extraordinary as the rest of the evening, or would it mark a turning point in our lives?

I never could have imagined that a simple family dinner would evolve into a night that tested our boundaries, pushing us to confront our desires and fears.

As I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, I realized that the adventure tonight had just begun.