Chapter 32

Happily in love.

I can't do something against that.

The photos about Shane and Reige was taken during the exhibit earlier.

Shane was watching Reige while Reige was laughing to some funny scenes or something in there.

I left Geu.

What happened in palawan was one of the biggest mistake i've made.

I shouldn't went there.

dammit.

But, It's too late when i realized it.

My chest tightened and i can't almost breath.

He's an asshole.

I don't know what to say.

He'd been like that after many years had paased.

I closed my eyes and trying hard to process everything.

Geu deserves a better father.

I harshly sat down my body in the sofa of my sala.

I reached the remote control of the tv, and opened the it.

I need to think something. I need divert my thoughts.

As i opened the tv, the news about the lost heiress of Sandovals was appeared again.

Mr. Sandoval will coduct a press conference for the next coming month to introduced their lost daughter.

The caption said.

What does Shane's reaction on something about this issue?

It's about their family issues and as i've seen her on the exhibit, she looked...

I sighed.

Why do i cared about it anyway?

Damn.

Reige surely knew about this, because he will become part of their family soon.

For sure he can do something.

I switched off the tv, and massaged my temple.

I think, i need some refreshments.

It was saturday morning when i was busy playing with my son.

Jeoffry visited me during afternoon, and Geu was so happy seeing him.

He was really happy whenever Jeoffry visited us, especially now that jeoffry did his promise.

He brought a new airplane toy for him.

Damn.

He really spoiled my son for buying little things.

I am so happy whenever i looked at my son.

"Can i bring him to children's party Cath?"

Jeoffry asked.

I smiled and nodded.

I don't know if he can handle Geu.

He's very energetic and attentive.

I didn't ask him if what party they're going to attend.

But he explained.

"It's a dinner gathering from some of my friends. Together with their families. It was supposed to be last week. But it was postponed, so they re-scheduled it tonight. And i know you won't come so i planned to bring Geu with me so he can meet new frineds. You can always trust me, anyway."

I didn't ask, but good thing he explained so i knew.

I nodded.

I was thinking if he can really handle Geu.

I hope he know that i won't mind if he'll commit someone.

He desereves someone better.

He don't have to give all the details to wherever he goes, because i trust him.

"Clarry."

I called Clarry while looking at my son, who peacefully slept already..

I lifted him up slowly and carried.

Clarry stood, and went in me inside Geu's room.

Geu was so tired from playing the whole day to some other children in the party.

Jeoffry said how energetic my son is.

He also attentive too, and i agreed on that.

I felt saddened feelings after i realized that there's nobody he can play with, here.

Aside from me and Clarry.

"Thank you Clarry."

"Of course maam! It's my job, so no problem."

I put Geu on the bed.

His sleep was really peaceful.

Even if it's still early.

It's still nine o'clock in the evening.

I was thinking if he'll wake up as early at dawn.

I'm sure, i'm already home by that time.

" He was got tired playing from the party."

"Yes, mam. I wonder what he'll going to do if he'll gonna meet new friends outside,right?"

"I didn't let him mingle to any other children in U.S,Clarry."

I crossed my arms under my chest and watched my son from his peaceful sleep.

"Why don't you introduce him to his father mam, or maybe cousin? I'm sure Geu has a cousins."

She smiled.

But when she noticed that i didn't say anything, she stopped herself from asking something.

I didn't tell her what to do.

Because i know, that she knew what to do.

And i trust her.

Besides, i won't stay long on that bar.

My phone rang while driving my car on the way to the bar.

It took a couple of minutes before i left the condo.

I made sure that Geu slept well already.

The location of the bar wasn't that far, so i regretted why i chose to bring my car.

I could've grab a taxi.

"Where are you? We started eating."

Grace informed.

"I'm near closer to the location. I'm going to park my car now."

I answered.

We ate at the chinese restaurant of BGC.

From there,we talked about our colleagues in showbiz and about their new business venture ideas.

"Are you belong in Expa?"

Daisy asked me.

"Yup. But i won't be there often. But they asked me to be there whenever i'm free."

Like what Grace promised, She brought us on a bar that was not wild as we usually went for a night out.

The sofa is black, but the lights are red around the bar.

And my color white tube dress looked like red because of the lights.

She chose the one wide sofa and immediately ordered wine for us.

She was serious.

I laughed.

"Here's what you want."

Grace said.

The waiter poured some wine of our glasses.

But then, she can't stop herself. And ordered hard.

One bottle of henessy placed beside the wine.

"Cheers to my new success!"

Graced said and lifted his glass for a toast.

"And for architect Jim Alonzo!"

Daisy laughed.

I smiled and joined them, as they toast their wine glasses together.

"Daisy, you're ruining my toast!"

Grace complained but still drank the wine from there.

I also drank the wine.

I swallowed half of wine from my wine glass, and put it down after.

"Cath,can i move into your condo?"

Grace suddenly asked seriously.

And She smirked a bit.

"Just for a while."

I turned to her and frowned.

"What happened?"

She shrugged her shoulder.

"Nothing. I just want a new ambiance. I got bored sometimes. So i was thinking for a new place to live, and my thoughts was about moving into your condo. Is it fine with you? Good thing because Geu's there. I won't get bored. But don't worry i'll be very good. "

She chuckled.

My looked remained on Grace. Still frowned.

Is there something wrong?

I glanced at Daisy, and she's already busy with her own business.

" No problem. You can move in, there. Whenever you want to, Grace. You are welcome."

I don't want to offend her.

So i didn't ask anything and just agreed.

"Thank you Cath! You're such a good friend!"

I nodded and smiled.

"Does architect Jim has a girlfriend?"

I asked.

Grace turned at me and shrugged her shoulder.

"No more, Grace?"

Daisy asked.

We have talked about the life of our manager before.

I learned that she's working in other station.

And still single.

Grace sat properly while her eyes looked straight through at the door of the bar.

We noticed her. So we followed the line where her eyes drifted

My eyes widened. And almost fainted when i saw.... Reige.

Am i dreaming?

Or maybe hallucinating?

He came alone and roamed his eyes around the bar.

I suddenly roamed my eyes to the possible friends that he's going to be with.

Dammit.

I saw some of his friends.

Colleagues, rather.

Those are his friends whom i met three years ago from that bar,Way back then.

Dammit.

I left Reige because of them.

They're here.

In the other corner, i saw Trexie and Vince.

Trexie's face unreadable, while Vince talking to some of his frineds from their group while his hands possesively wrapped at Trexie's hand.

I smiled.

"Oh! My... Goodness!"

I closed my eyes intently.

I haven't catch up with Texie for a while.

And i think, we have a lot of things to talk about.

She's too busy handling of their own daughter. And i understand about that.

It's actually good for her. She has Vince. So she don't need to do much effort in looking some source of income. She's damn rich too, afterall.

While me, i don't have someone to take good care of Geu personally aside from Clarry.

"They're here?Shit. I didn't know."

Grace said.

Trexie and Daisy also Grace, didn't meet again even if the two are working at Vince company.

Reige walked directly to their sofa. And the waiter immediately approached them.

Reige asked the waiter something. After then, the waiter went out.

Our table was silent.

Maybe Daisy and Grace still processing about what's going on.

Or they maybe thinking about the presence of Reige's circle of friends.

"Shall we?"

Daisy turned to me.

I drank my wine and shook my head.

"No worry about me. I'm fine."

I answered.

After two months since we met from palawan, i hadn't heard anything about Reige again.

Only photos about Shane and him was posted from unknown sight.

"Shit! I don't know that they'll be here! This is not the bar that they usually chose for a hang out. Usually they went to Gramercy, right?"

Grace said.

"Maybe they don't want to go in some hard core bar, Grace. All i know is, most of them from that table got married already. Have you seen Vince with Trexie?"

Daisy drifted her eyes on me.

I averted the topic.

I only wanted to talk about the offer i accepted from that art gallery.

But i can't stop myself on looking at their table.

Their table was just one table apart from ours.

Damn.

And i felt uncomfortable on that.

My eyes always flew directly on their table, and i always seen Reige laughing.

He looked so happy. Of course.

He didn't know that i was just around.

I promised myself to never get involved with him again.

I promised to never let our ways cross again.

But damn.

The fate is really played on us playfully.

We poured some wine on our wine glasses again.

There were some party goer who came and approached our table for a little catched up.

I got lost my attention to answer their questions for a while,and turned to their sofa again.

I saw Trexie was smiling.

She's talking to a woman from their table.

If i'm not mistaken, the woman was the wife of a man beside from the woman she talked with.

I saw Reige smiled at Vince.

Cousins.

"My god! Shit!"

Daisy covered her mouth with her palm.

I sat properly from my seat and found where she's looking at.

"The bitch is here."

Grace's voice was almost whisper.

Shane Sandoval came in.

She fixed her shoulder bag and roamed her eyes around the bar.

She's with her five friends.

She only stopped roaming around her eyes around when she caught Reige's table.

She turned to her friends and said something.

The electronic and trance music inside the bar went wild even more.

There were some who already danced.

This is so unlike from the bar we usually went for a night out.

I remembered Dezso bar.

I wonder if sir Jeff's still in there?

"She came."

Daisy said in a calm voice.

I shrugged my shoulder.

Maybe because Reige is here.

Maybe he called her to come.

Shane came closer and closer to their table.

Trexie didn't know that i'm just around too.

I can't almost breath as i watched Shane approaching to Reige.

I took out the wine glass again and drank the wine inside while uncutting my gaze on Shane who came nearly closer to Reige.

She looked from afar and stopped walking.

Her five friends who tailed her, stopped too.

They were looking for a vacant table.

I glanced at Reige again.

I even saw how Vince pointed Shane, the reason why Shane caught Reige's attention.

I was thinking if Vince gave some ideas to Reige about our son.

They are cousins.

Shane looked at Reige's table.

And i've seen the shocked on her face when she saw Reige from there.

"Tss. That bitch!"

Grace said.

I didn't talk.

I watched Shane like how she's going to approach the table of Reige and his friends.

It looked like they didn't plan to meet here.

I saw how Trexie rolled her eyes.

But Vince grabbed her waist and whispered something.

They called the waiter and Shane's friend ordered too.

We looked at each other.

Me, Daisy, and Grace.

Reige moved a bit to make some distance away from Shane.

I frowned.

Seemed like he didn't want every little move from Shane.

Why is it?

They're childhood Friends right?

As what i've seen both of them on tv, they looked happy and comfortable with each other.

"Huh! I know that style! She knew that Reige is just around. But she pretended like she didn't know. Thanks to Vince. I can't believe that bitch!"

Grace ranted.

I only shrugged my shoulder.

I averted my gaze from their table.

But everytime my eyes flew on their table, i caught them laughed happily.

" Yuck! I will tell Reige that he already has a child from you. "

Grace said seriously.

"Grace!"

I almost shouted.

Dammit.

"Don't you ever do that!"

Daisy's warned voice was very evident.

"If Reige still has a feelings for you, then that bitch will only ruin this."

We only pretended way back then, as far as i remembered.

So it's not seemed like he really has some special feelings towards me.

It was just me who put a serious and emotional feelings for it.

I sighed.

" Damn! I've already experienced some kind of relationship between like you and Reige before. Fictitious! But not like that! We didn't do sex and leave!"

Grace shook her head.

"Please. No one from both of you will tell Reige about Geu-"

"Come on! He has a son, jesus! An adorable son who has a spitting image of him! And now seeing him acting like that?"

"He didn't know. And i don't have any plans to tell him. If there is any chances that i can tell him, maybe eventually then.but for now, i'm doubt about that."

I shook my head.

"My god Grace! It's not your story to tell! All we need to do, is to support Cathy. But we can't decide what to do! Let her handle the situation. We're here for her anyway, no matter what."

I smiled.

"And besides, if Reige will pursue Cathy just because they have a child, then it's unfair. Well, it's good for Geu. But for Cath? I don't think so. Can't he just make up something from it?"

"Exactly! But.... Shit!... I felt so irritated!"

Grace glanced to other table and she almost released out the drinks from her mouth.

Damn it.

"Grace!"

Daisy shouted.

Instead, i glanced at Reige's table and saw how Shane moved closer to Reige.

They're already an inch away.

I can't clearly see everything, but i noticed Shane's hand landed on Reige's thigh and caressed it.

I averted my gaze from them and looked at the wine glass i'm holding.

I let out a heavy sighed.

Crap!

I felt the pain in my chest.

So damn much.

I can't deal the pain, no matter how much i tried to control myself.

"I will just go to the toilet."

I said and took out my purse.

I need to freshen up myself.

I felt stressed in our table.

Damn.

I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it's already twelve midnight.

I put some powder in my nose and lipstick again.

I fixed my hair properly and checked myself in front of the mirror.

Im fine!

I let out a deep breath and went out from the toilet to sit back on our table.

But before i could step away, i saw Reige and Shane went out from the bar.

Shane almost stumbled, the reason why Reige caught her waist.

I remembered how his big arms held firmly at Shane.

Shit.

I can't feel my knees.

I don't know if i'm tipsy or i'm not just feeling well.

I came closer at the table and saw that Vince, and Trexie was still there.

Together with their friends.

Trexie saw me, and her eyes widened. But i just waved at her and continued my steps towards our table.

I didn't look at them any longer and turned back my stares to Daisy and Grace before i sit down.

I took out my wine glass and drank the half contained of wine inside it.

"Reige and Shane has already left."

Grace informed calmly.

I bet she's drunk already.

I remembered before how Reige went with me in a bar.

He didn't let me go without him together.

Now, it's gone.

Well, i have Geu anyway.

I felt a sudden cold.

" We should finish the wine Grace and then we'll go."

Daisy suggested.

I poured the wine in my wine glass.

Grace agreed to whatever Daisy wants.

She's really annoyed to what happened.

"I think we should really go."

Grace answered.

I swallowed once more of my wine glass which full of wine.

I closed my eyes intently as i tasted it.

I could've drink hard.

Damn.

I want to feel numb even for tonight.

I want to forget everything.

I want to forget what happened tonight.

I am not brave, just like before.

"Jhonny will fetch me."

Daisy meant about her boyfriend.

"I will wait someone here. Expect me tomorrow or the day after tomorrow on your condo Cath. I'm moving in."

I nodded.

"So, we should separate our ways then?"

I asked. Even if it's ovious.

"Are you okay if you'll drive alone?"

Grace asked me with full of concern.

"Of course. This is just BGC. And besides, i'm not that tipsy you know."

I answered with assurance.

I took my purse out.

The lounge became loud.

Grace remained seated on our table.

I saw someone sat down.

One of our friends in showbiz too.

I heard they're talking about some random things.

The next thing they talked was out from my ears already.

"Cath, are you sure you can drive alone?"

Daisy asked as we walked out from the bar.

"Of course Dais, i can!"

"Jhonny waited me outside. If you want, we can drive you home. And we can ask someone to take your car here."

I shook my head.

"No need Dais, i'm fine. Really. Thank you."

So as we went out from the bar, i smiled and waved at them.

Daisy went in.

I alerted the valet.

Daisy and Jhonny was already gone. So i stood alone as i waited for my car to come.

Minute have passed, A black limousine has parked in front of me.

I became dumbfounded all of a sudden when i recognized the car.

Is it Reige's limousine?

He left already with shane so, i don't think it's him.

Then who it is?

I felt like my heart skipped on beating.

Shit.

I can't almost breath.

Is it really him?

But before i could convince myself, Reige went out from the driver's seat.

My eyes widened as our eyes met.

Dammit!

He fixed his longsleeve which folded until his elbow.

I averted my gaze and looked directly in his car just so i can avoid the beating fast of my heart.

This is worst than what i felt when i was with him in palawan.

My heart shattered my internal organ because of it's hard and fast beating.

Dammit.

Shit.

Where's Shane anyway?

Why he's all alone now?

And why he came back?

I thought of some... Hotels here. Him with shane.

Even from my thoughts, i can't properly think well.

"You're out early, huh?"

The tone in his voice was formal but the sarcasm from it was really ovious.

"You... Were out earlier."

I unconsciously said.

His lips pursed into smirk.

His expression was unreadable.

But his eyes expression was black like ever which made me trembled.

Damn.

He turned sideways before he turned back his gaze at me.

He raised his brows.

"Are you waiting for someone to fetch you? I can drive you home too, if you want."

He smirked.

I don't know if what i'm exactly going to feel.

His voice was intense.

I looked at him intently.

He drove Shane home, and now he wants to drive me home too?

Was that what he meant?

" No need. Thank you. "

I said in a hard tone.

"I can do it myself."

He glanced at my car before he glanced back at me.

"Oh! I see! You're driving alone? So your husband is not that strict? You can freely...."

He thrilled off and looked at me from head to toe.

"Went out and wearing like that? Tss! I was thinking if he knew that you came in palawan for me."

He said and chuckled.

Husband?

Who?

My eyes widened when i realized who he meant.

And i never thought that he would mention that place again..

My jaw dropped.

He thought that i'm married.

Shit.

He's mocking at me.

And i hated him from that.

I accepted the key car from the valet,and immediately got inside.

I don't want to deal with Reige.

I've had enough for this night.

But when i left from where he stayed, seemed like my heart squeezed upon watching him afar.

I hit the steering wheel.

Damn it.

I can't avoid from my head what Reige had told me.

Last night, when i reached the condo i called Daisy suddenly.

I know she was home already.

I didn't know where's Grace.

We left her at the bar.

"He told me if my husband wasn't that strict! Damn him!"

I closed my eyes intently.

"So he thought that you're married to someone else."

That was not a question.

Daisy let out a deep sighed.

Seemed like she was not surprised about what Reige had told me.

"Everyone would surely think about that on you.You left alone for U.S three years ago, right? So maybe he was thinking that you fooled him. And besides, why are you that affected? If that's what Reige think, then let him."

I closed my eyes.

Damn.

"Yeah, right! I will let him."

"Unless, if you're still hoping Cath. And you want him to think that you're still single.... Mother... To his... Ahm. Son."

I almost tweaked my hair because of annoyance.

Why do i made it a big deal?

Dammit.

I was just surprised that he really jumped into a wrong conclusion.

I remembered what Vince told me when i came from U,S, Reige thought that i'm already committed to Jeoffry but not as committed like something like this.

All his information about me before was almost right.

Just now he got mistake.

Daisy was right.

I should leave the situation like that.

I will let him think about me like that.

I don't mind if he thinks that i'm already married.

That's not anyway my problem.

It doesn't make any sense at all.

I prepared all the sample boards for the rooms of five building condos in makati.

The five building was almost done and only the details are needed.

I also need to meet some sources for my furniture designs that has in my sample boards.

"Clarry."

I called my housemaid when she put down Geu in his matt.

"Yes,mam?"

"I need to do something today. Maybe i'll be home late later in the afternoon. I will leave Geu on you."

I commanded.

"Yes, mam. Don't worry."

I need to go in one office to present my sample boards and i will inform them too, if where i'm going to take all my materials.

And i need to go to the sources of my materials after then.

I need to make sure that all my designs are perfectly made.

I came early at the conference room of the realty estate where i got the contract.

I fixed my dress that i prepared for this meeting.

White is the color of my top, and brown is the color of my skirt.

I tied up my hair, to add more formality.

"Mr. Servantes will come any momemt together with the board members."

The secretary said.

I nodded and smiled.

"Thank you."

I fixed the clearbooks i brought and prepared it.

It consisted about what i'm going to present for today.

What i knew is that, five board members will come for today.

I put the clearbook to the possible chairs of the businessmen.

After ten minutes, the door of the conference room opened.

The secretary who entertained me earlier, opened it.

She smiled while guided the businessmen inside of the conference room.

There were architect and some designers who came too.

I shook my hands from one architect and two more designers.

But my eyes widened.

I was surprised when i recognized the last person who went in.

Reige Del Rio went inside with his intimidating looks. Wearing his black suits.

Shit.

Our eyes met. And i can't extend my hands for a shake towards him.

Dammit.

His jaw clenched when our eyes locked.

"Nice to see you again, Cathy."

Mr. Servantes said.

I smiled at him.

"Nice to see you too, Mr. Servantes."

I greeted back.

The old man smiled at me the whole time.

He looked so kind too.

He was the reason why i wasn't that nervous, not until i glanced at Reige.

The nervous i had inside suddenly raised when i glimpsed at him

" Have a seat. "

Mr. Servantes said.

We sat on our respective seats.

I even got the chance to talk to the architect who will going to do the designs for the rooftop of the towers.

And even for the two designers who will going to do the office of the ground floor.

" Gentlemen."

Mr. Servantes said to the five board members.

Mr.Thomson smiled at me. The businesman who was with Mr. Servantes from art gallery.

How did Reige became part of this board members?

I almost closed my mouth with my palm when i remembered something.

Three years ago, he told me to build a condominium building near at my condo so he could just near away from me.

And i don't need to travel much of time whenever i want to visit my condo.

I didn't expect he'll do it.

But i'm sure that's not his reason right now, right?

But, is this the freaking project he mentioned about before?

The condominium buildings is almost done. Only some details needed.

Is it?

Dammit.

"This is Cathy Gomez our head designer for the exclusive residential homes."

Mr.Servantes's introduction.

Reige opened the clearbook that i prepared at the top of the table.

And he raise his brow.

Shit.

I felt nervous even more.

Dammit!

He looked so intimidating, even if he didn't say anything yet.

" Cathy, this are the gentlemen behind in this project. Mr. James Thomson, one of the Rockson's executive director. Mr. Jude Dela Merced of Dela Merced airlines. Mr. Enchong Fernandez of Enchong's Merchandise. And Mr. Reige Del Rio of Del Rio Group of Companies. The head and owner of this project. I bet you knew him. "

I was surprised.

Owner of this project

He's really the owner of this project.

Dammit!

I almost swallowed.

Why i didn't know that he's the possible owner of this... Shit.

Fuck.

I have no other choices but only to finish this project.

I signed the contract already, so there's no turning back.

I can't escape from this.

But it's not a problem.

I will only show them the designs and furnitures for this.

Nothing more.

And after, i can freely go.

Reige laughed.

"Mr. Servantes, did you get her just because she knew me? You could have checked her ability to do something about this kind of job."

Reige put down the clearbook harshly. The reason why it produced sounds.

"Cathy's ability about this kind of work fits for this project Mr. Del Rio. She's a great designer. Her credentials abroad are outstanding."

"I'm sure Mr. Servantes won't choose me just because i know you. So what, if we know each other? Business is business. If i won't perform, then your business will fail. Mr, Servantes won't waste his billions just because you know me."

I directly said.

Reige looked at me intently and raised his brow.

Seemed like i owed something from the way he stared at me.

Dammit.

Mr. Servantes laughed.

" Cathy's right. I'm sorry for my introduction. It went wrong. Can we check the designs, then?"

The five businessmen nodded and opened the clearbook i prepared for each one of them.

I also showed on the screen in front of them, if what's inside the clearbook.

" Some designs were picked by Mr. Servantes, depending on the sizes of the rooms."

I said and clicked the screen to show them the next photo.

I'm trembled, but i need to deal with this.

Dammit.

I glanced at Reige once again, and saw his jaw was still clenched.

If i just knew earlier that he's part of this, then maybe i refused the offer.

I was thinking about my son while signing the contract. That's why i didn't bother to ask.

Dammit.

I need to finish this, as early as i can.