Chapter 14

I am not really close with Gabriel's wife but I thought it would be insensitive to show up without something to give. So in the last minute, I decided to order some unisex baby items from Ralph Lauren and contacted a colleague to make sure it has been shipped fast and pulled some strings to ensure the security of the packages as it arrived three hours before the party.

Habang abala ako sa pag-aayos ng sarili sa harap ng salamin ay biglang lumapit si Barin sa akin. He lazily laid his head on my lap and stared at me adorably.

"Wish I could take you to the party but you'll scare the guests..." I chuckled and pinched his black nose. "Just have fun with Salvador here in the mansion, okay? He's the only person you allow to pet you so be nice to him!"

Kung may makakita man sa akin ngayon ay iisipin na atang nasiraan ako ng bait. But Barin and I shared a bond so strong that talking to him and treating him as a loyal companion than a rare pet is nothing unusual for me. Tinapos ko ang pag-aayos at tumayo na. I am wearing a golden pantsuit and black stiletto. My hair is twisted in a French chignon and did not bother to put any jewels or accessories.

Napalingon ako sa pinto nang may kumatok. Barin, being the overprotective puma that he is, immediately growled and was on his four legs, ready to leap on someone behind the door. I shushed him before going towards to open the door, revealing one of the young maids who insisted to help me fix myself earlier for the party.

"Nandito na po ang in-order niyo, Senyorita." She gestured towards the items placed carefully on a golden rolling cart. "Ako na po ang magbabalot."

"Great! Thanks."

"Uh... Senyorita, may bisita din po kayo."

Babalik na sana ako sa kwarto nang marinig ang sinabi niya. Nagtaas ako ng kilay, hinihintay ang susunod niyang sasabihin.

"Si Sir Blake po."

Napairap ako sa ere nang marinig ang sinabi niya. I gestured for her to just let him in as I have no choice. I know how that man's mind works. Either I let him in or he'll find a way to break into the mansion.

Nakaupo ako sa kama at inaayos ang laman ng purse ko nang may kumatok ulit. I didn't answer. A few moments later, the door opened. Blake stepped inside, looking striking with his fresh, clean cut. Nagtaas ako ng kilay pero walang sinabi. Maybe he decided to have a haircut before the party. Nevertheless, a buzz cut looks good on him but he will never get to tell me that to his face!

"What are you doing here?" masungit kong tanong sa kaniya.

He chuckled. "Magandang hapon din sa iyo, Anna."

I glared and gave him a brief once-over. He's wearing a pair of gray slacks and a darker shade of gray for his button-down. I suspected it is a bespoke British garment or the clothes in the shopping mall just looks good on him.

"What is it?"

"Susunduin kita." he said, crouching down to pet Barin when he went near him.

"No, thanks. I have six cars to choose from and different drivers that could drive me to your house." Pagmamatigas ko.

"I don't care if you have an entire royal procession waiting for you, Anna." nagulat ako nang bumuntong-hininga siya. Kulang nalang ay irapan niya ako! "Nandito ako para sunduin ka."

"Hey! Did you just glare at me right now?" I barked, frowning at him.

Blake gave me a boyish grin, dangerously playing absentmindedly with Barin's paws. "You look good in gold."

Nawala ang inis sa mukha ko pero hindi ko naman alam kung anong isasagot. One minute, he's taunting me and the next he's complimenting me! Hindi ko tuloy alam kung anong ire-react kaya iniwas ko nalang ang tingin ko.

"L-Let's just go," I cleared my throat.

"Sandali." He let go of Barin and stood. Tinitigan ko siya. Blake went to me and held my hand. Wala akong sinabi hangga't mag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. "May ibibigay ako."

I raised a brow. He pulled something out of his pocket and revealed a vintage-looking square-cut diamond ring. Unlike other fancy rings that are flashy and more elaborate, this one is simple and elegant. He slipped it into my finger and I was silently surprised that it fits perfectly, like it was made for me.

"This is an heirloom ring that my grandmother gave to my mom—"

"So it's used?" nagtaas ako ng kilay.

Blake stared at me seriously before amusement filled his eyes. He chuckled deeply.

"You're the only woman that has been given an heirloom ring from our family and the first thing you do is complain that it's used."

"Oh, well, as long as it's pretty!" I admired the ring in my finger. Blake stared at me with a contented smile on his face.

"Do you want a brand new ring?"

"I was just joking, Blake." I rolled my eyes.

"You're right. You probably have an entire collection of expensive and vintage rings." He said mockingly.

I smirked and walked past him but deep inside, my heart is pounding wildly. Hindi ako mapakali kaya bumaba kaagad ako at dumiretso sa kusina para uminom ng tubig. Blake headed outside, probably to prepare the car. Napatingin si Salvador sa akin na kumakain ng saging.

"Ayos lang po kayo, Ma'am?"

I clutched my chest and turned to him, nodding. "I-I'm fine."

"Si Sir Blake po maghahatid sa inyo sa mga Sobreval? Ano pong gagawin ko?"

"Uhm... just watch over Barin."

"Napakain na po ba si Barin? Pansin ko po mainit ang ulo niya kapag hindi pa kumakain—"

"Just... just ask one of the maids to boil some chicken for him, Salvador. I'm going. Bye!"

"Ingat po, Ma'am!" pahabol niya habang papalabas na ako ng mansion.

Blake is already waiting for me outside, leaning against his BMW. The sun is setting behind him, revealing a beautiful mess of orange, purple, and pink streaks. If not for the car, I would've thought he's part of a painting. Gumalaw lang ang ulo niya nang kaunti nang makitang papalapit na ako sa kaniya.

Medyo kalmado na ako ngayong papalapit sa kaniya. I put on my dark sunglasses and stopped in front of him. He gave me an once-over, smirked, and then open the door for me. I slid smoothly in the passenger seat and buckled my seatbelt. Inilagay ko ang mga kamay sa hita, pinagmamasdan ang singsing.

Tahimik kaming dalawa habang nagmamaneho si Blake patungo sa bahay nila. I opened the windows and let the fresh air breeze through, taunting him but he did not protest. Nakamasid lang ako sa papalubog na araw na tuluyang nawala nang makarating na kami sa destinasyon.

Blake opened the door for me. I stepped out and spotted a few familiar faces lounging at the mansion's garden, sipping wine and talking in hushed voices. Tinabihan ako ni Blake at bago pa ako makapagprotesta ay ikinabit niya ang kamay ko sa braso niya bago kami sabay na pumasok.

A tall girl and her group of friends turned to us, completely shocked. I do not know any of them but they must be Blake's cousins or close friends of the family. He just nodded at them in acknowledgement before entering the mansion.

Inside, the maids are already filling the buffet table with food while the guests occupied the ottomans and benches carefully placed to create an intimate space for talking and catching up. I saw some tables that were covered in white silk and the young couple, Gabriel and his wife, Alexis, entertaining some guests. Bilog na bilog na ang tiyan niya. She's still blooming while heavily pregnant, smiling at the guests while keeping her little son entertained with a plush dog toy.

"Gabriel. Alexis," nakangiti kong bati sa mag-asawa nang lapitan silang dalawa.

She looked up and smiled cheerfully. "Oh, my! You made it, Savannah."

"Congratulations on your new baby."

"Thank you—" she said and gasped when she spotted the ring on my finger. Lumipad kaagad ang tingin niya kay Blake, nanlalaki ang mga mata. "You're wearing the heirloom ring!"

"Yeah, Blake gave it to me earlier." I said flatly.

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa ni Blake. She seems flustered. Blake deftly ushered me away from them after I gave my gifts to their coming baby. Magpo-protesta pa sana ako nang makitang papalapit sa amin si Tito Cristophe.

"Anna!"

I broke free from Blake and engulfed Tito Cristophe in a hug. He chuckled and patted my hair. Halos maiyak ako at isubsob ang mukha sa kaniyang dibdib. Tito Cristophe murmured some comforting words before pulling away. He gave me a father-like smile while scanning my face.

"Look at you! Ang laki-laki mo na. Anastasia would've been so proud seeing you like this."

I gave him a shaky smile. Seeing him like this makes me so emotional.

"Tito Cristophe, it's so good to see you again..."

"Nag-alala lang ako para sa wala. Kayang-kaya mo naman pala ang sarili mo," biro niya. Bumagsak ang tingin niya sa suot kong singsing ngunit wala namang naging komento. We chatted for a while and he introduced me to some of his friends in the golf club.

Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ay hindi ko na mahagilap si Blake. The guests started eating so I helped myself with some Caesar salad and beans. Naghahanap ako ng mauupuan nang may dalawang hindi pamilyar na babaeng lumapit sa akin.

"Savannah Brielle De la Rua?!"

I turned to them with my brows furrowed. The two girls looked up to me, their small, cat eyes twinkling in excitement. They suddenly squeal in delight.

"It's you! It is you, right?"

I blinked, not knowing where this is heading.

"You're the daughter of Ms. Anastasia De la Rua," she grinned. Now that I stare at them a little longer, they started looking alike to me. They have the same jet-black hair and straight bangs. Twins?

"We adore you and your mother so much, Savannah! My twin and I also love your style so much! What are you wearing? Is that Valentino?"

Kambal nga.

I smiled politely at them. Mga bata pa. Mukhang 15 years old pa ata.

"What's your name and where are your parents?"

"My name's Miranda, but you can call me Mandy. And this is my twin, Meryl."

"Can we have a photo with you? My classmates would get super jealous if they see us hanging out with—"

"Miranda, Meryl." Isang baritonong boses ang biglang tumunog sa likod, dahilan upang mapalingon ako. A tall man emerged from the crowd, sharing the twin's sharp features and slit eyes. His skin is so fair and soft I'd think he has his personal dermatologist. May hawak siyang crystal glass at papalapit sa amin. "I'm sorry. Hinaharass ka ba ng mga kapatid ko?"

I shook my head and smiled. "No. They're adorable."

"Mint."

"Savannah."

"I know. Actually, I think everyone in this house knows you." he chuckled.

I flushed. "Really?"

"Yeah."

Nagulat ako nang biglang may humampas sa kamay ni Mint na nakahawak sa akin. I turned and saw Blake, frowning at him.

"The hell are you doing here?" he hissed.

"Blake?!" I shrieked, surprised at how rude he is. Buti nalang wala na ang kambal at hindi nila iyon narinig.

Mint chuckled and sipped from his crystal glass. "Relax, cous. Tito Cristophe invited my parents but they're out of the country so I went here to represent the family."

Nagtaas ako ng kilay sa narinig. Pinsan niya ba ito? Bakit kung makaasta siya ay parang mortal na kaaway?

"Well, go away before I twist your neck, you jerk."

"Blake!" sinamaan ko na siya ng tingin pero hindi pa rin siya nagpapatinag.

Mint winked at me and if I didn't manage to grab Blake's broad shoulder, malamang ay sinugod na niya ang pinsan. Umalis na siya at naglaho sa dami ng tao.

"What's wrong with you?" I said through gritted teeth.

Nang lingunin ako ni Blake ay nakita kong hindi pa rin humuhupa ang galit sa mga mata niya. "What's wrong with me? That guy is literally four years younger than you!" he exploded.

"And? I'm not flirting with him. Nagpakilala lang ako."

"Yeah, you're not flirting. But he is." Matabang niyang wika.

I rolled my eyes. "You're so annoying and unimpressively rude to your cousin."

Nag-iwas lang ng tingin si Blake habang umiigting ang panga, halatang galit pa rin.

"Bahala ka nga d'yan." Irap ko at nagpatuloy na sa pagkuha ng pagkain.

Tito Cristophe invited me to the table where he is sitting with his other sons and their wives. I gladly obliged. Si Blake ay nakasimangot pa rin na nakasunod sa akin. Hindi ko siya pinansin hanggang sa makarating ako sa bilog na lamesa at inilapag ang plato ko.

"Savannah, this is my sister, Crisel." Pagpapakilala ni Tito Cristophe sa akin. I glanced at the beautiful middle-aged woman, wondering if she's the mother of the twins and Mint. But most of them shared Chinese-like features with their slit eyes and fair skin. Si Crisel ay morena at matangkad, may kaunting hawig sa kaniya si Gabriel kapag ngumingiti. "Her husband is Mr. Leong, a Chinese mainlander whose family migrated in the country a few years back."

"Ah," I nodded in realization. Siya nga. "Nice to meet you, Tita Crisel."

"Nice meeting you, too." She smiled sweetly and kissed both my cheeks before glancing down at my fingers when she caught the ring. Her smile turned into a huge grin. "So, when's the wedding?"

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad. Nagkatinginan naman si Tito Cristophe at Blake. The senior Sobreval was the one who answered for me.

"Don't be silly, Crisel. Bata pa si Anna. Paniguradong ayaw pa niyang magpakasal at gusto munang mag-travel o magtrabaho. Am I right, hija?"

I just nodded silently and gave them an awkward smile before sitting down. Reuben and his wife greeted me as well.

The kids were rowdy at the table, bickering at each other until their parents were forced to send them away with their nannies so they could play outside and we could talk properly. Seryosong kumakain lang si Blake at ni minsan ay hindi man lang binuksan ang bibig upang magsalita while Tito Cristophe's sister keeps on grilling me.

After eating, the family prepared some fun games for the children who attended the party. Nakangiti lang akong nanunuod sa kanila hanggang sa matapos at itinulak ng mag-asawa ang three-tier cake na magre-reveal kung anong gender ng magiging anak nila. They informed us that if it's blue, it's going to be a boy and if it's pink, then a girl.

Kontento akong nanunuod sa kanila. They look so happy and in love. Gabriel's wife is probably the most blooming and beautiful mother I've ever met. They sliced the cake together and we watched in anticipation. Most of the guests gasped when it revealed a combination of blue and pink.

"They're twins! A baby girl and a baby boy!" Alexis proudly announced with tears in her eyes.

Tito Cristophe embraced the two as the crowd cheered for them. Nang linungin ko si Blake ay wala na siya sa tabi ko kaya napawi ang ngiti ko. I craned my neck to look for him, for he must joined his family in celebration of the new Sobrevals to their clan.

Nang hindi ko siya makita ay tumayo ako at naglakad-lakad. I greeted some familiar faces and ignored scrutinizing looks from unwelcoming guests who weren't expecting me to attend this party. Nasuyod ko na ata ang buong mansion pero hindi ko nakita si Blake. Bigo akong bumalik sa grand parlor kung saan patuloy pa rin ang kasiyahan.

When it was time for me to go home, the brute suddenly showed up. I was hugging Tito Cristophe and promising that I will be back to visit him soon when I caught him walking towards us. Hindi na ako nag-abalang magtanong kung saan siya galing at hindi na rin nakipagtalo nang mag-alok siyang ihahatid ako sa amin.

"Mag-iingat kayong dalawa," si Tito Cristophe. "Anna, tawagan mo ako kung may problema. Atsaka gusto kong makilala ang Salvador na yan lalo pa't mukhang pinagkakatiwalaan mo talagang maging bodyguard mo."

"Opo, Tito Cristophe."

I bid goodbye to the couple and congratulated them again before I followed Blake outside. Tahimik siya at hindi nagsasalita, mukhang malalim ang iniisip. I didn't let him open the door for me as he's too pre-occupied with his thoughts and buckled my own seatbelt as soon as I got inside.

Pinaandar na ni Blake ang sasakyan at lumarga na. The narrow lane from their house to the highway is dark and bleak with no sights I could enjoy. But when we reached the coastal road, I could see the dark sea from a distance and the swaying palm trees.

"You do realize that you're cheating, right?" I couldn't help but blurt it out.

Blake turned to me. Kalahati lang ng mukha niya ang nakikita ko dahil sa dilim pero klarong-klaro ang bahagyang iritasyon sa mga mata niya.

"What are you talking about?"

I crossed my arms over my breasts and huffed. Is he dumb or what? I didn't say a thing about it earlier because I thought it wasn't serious but now that I think about it, I am so annoyed at Blake for doing these things!

"Naipangako na si Sorenne sa iyo, Blake. I don't know if it's an arranged marriage or something but you are bound to marry her!" I said through gritted teeth. "Tapos ibibigay mo sa akin ang heirloom ring? Anong akala mo? Hindi ko alam na ang ibig sabihin nito ay gusto mong pakasalan ako?" may himig ng hinanakit ang tinig ko sa huling sinabi.

Blake sighed. "You never gave me a chance to redeem myself, Anna. I am not engaged with Sorenne."

"But Mrs. Ling said—"

"My father never agreed with that foolish arranged marriage with the Lings, even if it means expanding our company. Mrs. Ling insisted and even if my father gives in, there's no way I am marrying a woman I don't even know."

Napanganga ako, hindi na alam ngayon kung anong sasabihin. Kumunot muli ang noo ko at nagsalubong ang kilay.

"Then why didn't you ask me properly? Everyone at the party assumed that we were engaged!"

Blake glanced at me with darkening eyes and clenched jaw. Napatili ako nang bigla niyang ihinto ang kotse sa gitna ng daan. Wala namang ibang sasakyan bukod sa amin pero kinakabahan pa rin ako at baka may biglang lumitaw na humaharurot na sasakyan at banggain kami!

"Blake! What are you doing?"

"Asking you properly."

"To what?"

"To marry me." seryoso niyang sagot sa akin. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Blake..."

"Marry me, Savannah..." he said. I could hear the demand in his voice but underneath is a silent pleading. It was just three words but so many emotions rippled in my system when I heard those words from him. Parang hindi ako makapaniwala. "Ito lang ang mayroon ako." Blake continued silently. "Even if I work every day of my life, I will never be richer than you, or more accomplished than you. I will always be one step behind your shadow. And I know these things should intimidate me, but I just can't imagine myself marrying someone else, Anna. We both know that."

Tears pooled my eyes as I stared at him. This man who had given me half of his life trying to protect me and has been wounded by my selfish acts is once again, in front of me, asking me to love him back. Maybe I was blinded with revenge back then that I couldn't think of anything else but I know deep inside that it's always been Blake.

Blinking back my tears, I leaned closer to capture his lips. He tensed for a moment, before he gave in and responded to my kiss. I tilted my head to give him more access and felt his hand resting on my waist. From within, I could feel the burst of passion exploding, clouding my head and filling my heart to the brim until I was restless in his arms, desperate for more. Blake groaned against my lips, making me go crazy with each passing second until my lungs burned for air. When I pulled away, his eyes were still closed.

"Is that a yes?" he whispered.

I nodded and wiped my unshed tears.

A small, contented smile appeared on his lips. He kissed my forehead and pulled away bago niya binuhay ang makina at swabeng nag-U turn.

"Where are we going?" I asked, still dazed from the passionate kiss we've shared seconds ago.

"Sa simbahan. Pakakasalan na kita bago mo pa ako layasan ulit. Naniniguro lang." seryoso niyang wika.

My laughter filled the car as tears streamed down my face in sheer joy that I have never felt for a long, long time.