ISINUKBIT ni Shun ang backpack sa balikat niya saka naglakad papunta sa waiting area ng airport. Tumigil pa siya sa Florence para doon sumakay sa plane papunta sa Tuscany. He could have taken the train, but plane was much faster.
This must be a very important mission.
Agad na nahagip ng mga mata niya ang lalaking kasintangkad at kasinlaki ng katawan niya na may hawak na placard na may nakasulat na “Hellion.”
Is he my partner?
Huminga muna siya nang malalim bago lumapit sa lalaki
“That’s me,” sabi niya na itinuro ang placard nang hindi ngumingiti.
The guy chuckled. “I would never question it.” He had a thick accent. “You do have chinky eyes, Lord Vandreck said.”
Shun nodded and started walking. “Let’s get this mission over with. I have a lot of things to do.”
Umiling-iling ito at naglakad sa tabi niya, papunta sa parking lot.
“Look, Agent Hellion, I’m not your partner,” the guy informed him making him halt.
Mabilis siyang lumingin dito. “What?”
“I’m just here to give you these.” May iniabot itong maliit na papel, isang dalawang susi at isang envelop na may lamang puting maliit na flash drive. “I have my own mission. I was just in the area. By the way, you’ll be staying in the address written on the small paper. One of the keys is for your room and the other one is for your car. And inside the flash drive is the information that you and your partner will need.”
Tinanggap ni Shun ang mga iyon saka nagtanong. “Where’s my car?”
“That one.” Itinuro nito ang isang itim na Mustang na nakaparada hindi kalayuan sa kanya.
Napasipol siya. He liked m ustang. “Thanks.”
The man just nodded his head.
Nagmamadali siyang sumakay sa Mustang at binasa ang address kung saan siya pansamantalang titira.
“Greco Condominium, Tuscany, 40th floor, room 409.”
Umaasa si Shun sa GPS habang nagmamaneho. He couldn’t stop looking at scenery around him. Damn! Tuscany was a very amazing town. Very beautiful. Full of lush green forest and trees. Looking at the whole place, it seemed that the town was not affected by pollution. It had fresh air that he even opened his car’s window to feel it on his face.
The GPS led him to a wide but carless street. Napatigil siya sa pagmamaneho nang may madaanang napakalaking gate at sa loob niyon ay isang napakagandang palasyo.
Wow!
Bago pa mapigilan ni Shun ang sarili, lumabas siya sa sasakyan at lumapit sa gate. Pero pinigilan siya ng dalawang bantay sa labas.
“Tourist is not allowed inside,” the guard stated.
Bumuntong-hininga siya. Hindi na bago sa kanya ang pagkamalang turista. With his chinky eyes, it’s clear as the blue sky that he was Asian and a tourist.
Tumingin ulit siya sa malaking palasyo. “Who lives there?” tanong niya.
“The Duke of Tuscany,” the guard answered.
Tumango-tango si Shun saka umatras papunta sa sasakyan niya. He slid inside and drove again. This time, he stopped in front of Greco Condominium. After informing the receptionist his name, they immediately let him in.
Madaling nahanap ni Shun ang room 409. Nang makapasok sa loob ng pansamantalang condo niya, napasipol siya. Damn! The condo was over the top. So lavish and it screamed luxury at every corner.
Ibinaba niya ang backpack na dala sa sahig saka umupo sa mahabang sofa. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang makakita ng isang envelop na kulay-berde. Out of curiosity, he picked it up and opened it.
A scented forest green invitation card was inside the envelope. He pulled out the invitation card and read it. It had color gold calligraphy writing.
You are invited to a royal halloween ball in Monte Carlo, hosted by Lord Henry Witterwood.
Naguguluhang inilapag ni Shun ang imbitasyon sa round table.
“Am I in the wrong room?” tanong niya sa hangin habang lumilinga-linga. “Baka mali ang napasukan ko.”
Napatigil siya sa pag-iisip nang tumunog ang cell phone niya. It was a message from his boss.
Hellion, you will attend the ball in Monte Carlo in my stead. A good friend of mine hired me to look after Duke Vitale of Tuscany’s daughter in the ball. I cannot attend so I gave the invitation to you. Please, protect Lady Vitale. Keep her safe.
-Lord Vandreck.
Napamura siya. Fuck! Gagawin pa siyang bodyguard.
Kinuha ulit niya ang imbitasyon at binasa kung kailan ang ball.
Witterwood Mansion, Monte Carlo. October 31 at exactly eight PM.
Shit! It was now October thirty-one.
Mabilis na isinukbit ni Shun ang backpack at lumabas ng condo. He had to go to Monte Carlo. Fast. Fuck his boss.
BUMUGA ng hangin si Themarie nang makita ang sarili sa salamin. She didn’t like wearing dress and corset because she felt like she couldn’t breathe properly. But she had to endure for his father.
Huminga siya nang malalim saka lumabas ng kuwarto niya. Corset paired with high-heels equalled hell.
“Ready?” tanong ni Terron na pumukaw sa kanya.
Nagtaas siya ng tingin at ngumiti nang makita ang lalaki. Terron looked dashing with his prince-like attire. Hallowed Ball ang pupuntahan nila, pero nasisiguro niyang hinding pang-Halloween ang suot ng mga pupunta kundi katulad ng suot niya ngayon.
“Not really.” Sumimangot si Themarie. “I don’t like those kind of lavish parties.”
Tinawanan lang siya nito saka pinagsalikop ang mga palad nila. “Come on, we’re late.”
Terron gently tugged her towards her father who had been waiting for them in the living room of the mansion his father owned in Monte Carlo.
It’s been a long time since his father smiled at her. “You look lovely, Themarie.”
She smiled back. “Thank you, Papa.”
Her father offered her his arms. “Let’s go.”
May tipid na ngiting iniangkla niya ang braso sa braso ng ama saka naglakad palabas ng mansiyon nila. Nang makalabas, sumakay sila sa limousine na maghahatid sa kanila sa bahay ni Lord Henry Witterwood.
“Everything will be fine,” bulong ni Terron na hawak ang kamay niya. “Just smile and be a glamorous lady.”
Themarie squeezed his hand as her answer.
Wala silang imik habang nasa biyahe. It’d been a long time since she attended a ball. And she didn’t know how to act anymore.
Nang tumigil ang sasakyan sa harap ng bahay ni Lord Henry, bumuga siya nang marahas saka bumulong ng panalangin. Themarie prayed to God to help her survive through the night.
NANG makapasok si Shun sa loob ng paggaganapan ng Halloween ball, nakahinga siya nang maluwang. He had been contemplating on what to wear. He settled on black tuxedo and thank God he did. Mukha naman iyong hindi Halloween ball. Women were wearing dresses and men were wearing tuxedo and some royal clothes.
That was the weirdest Halloween party. Ever.
Agad siyang nagpunta sa bar na nandoon at um-order ng whiskey. The bartender gave him his order. He drank it, bottoms up.
Inilibot ni Shun ang paningin sa kabuunan ng lugar. Isang tingin lang at masasabing lahat ng tao roon ay galing sa mayayamang pamilya at matatawag na mga dugong-bughaw.
Fuck this! He felt out of place. Fuck his boss!
Paano niya malalaman kung sino si Lady Vitale? He didn’t even know who Duke Vitale was. He didn’t research because he was in a fucking hurry to get here.
Inilabas ni Shun ang cell phone saka nagtanong kay Mr. Google kung kilala ba nito si Duke Vitale. And fortunately, the two knew each other. Pero wala siyang makitang larawan ng anak nitong babae na kailangan niyang bantayan. Fuck!
The loud voice of the herald dragged his attention from his phone.
“Announcing the arrival of Lord Terron Dashwood of Florence and his Lady Themarie Alfonso—”
Shun was beyond shocked that he never heard the rest.
Para siyang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig nang makita si Themarie na pumasok sa loob kasama ang isang matikas na lalaki. He could feel himself getting paler. His chinky eyes were wide with shock and disbelief and jealousy.
Terron was a freaking Lord of Florence! Fuck! And Themarie was going to marry him? Was this why he could not find Themarie? Because she was being protected by the Lord of Florence? Mayaman siya, pero hindi kasingyaman ni Terron. Fuck! Why did it hurt so much?
Kumuyom ang kamao ni Shun. Parang may sariling isip ang mga paa niya na naglakad palapit kay Themarie. Pero bago pa siya makalapit dito, maraming tao na ang lumapit sa dalawa.
And fuck! They were congratulating them for their engagement and for their fucking upcoming wedding. And to top it off, Themarie was smiling at every congratulation. She seemed very happy while he felt like shit for a fucking week.
Shun could not take it anymore, seeing the woman he loved smiling happily in the arms of another man. His fist clenched. His teeth gritted. He felt like his heart had been ripped apart multiple times. He walked back, headed towards the mansion balcony.
He needed fresh air before he beat up someone and that someone had a name—Lord Terron Dashwood.
THEMARIE wanted to run from those fake congratulations. Alam naman niyang puro peke ang ngiti sa mga labi ng mga ito. Puro mga plastik at mapagpanggap. They were just nice to her because she would be the future Duchess of Florence.
“Are you okay?” pabulong na tanong ni Terron.
Humarap siya rito at niyakap. “I need space. Lots of air. Can’t breath.”
Terron secured her with his arms snaking around her waist and, then he pulled her towards the mansion’s balcony while saying “excuse us” as they passed the plastic people surrounding them. Minutes later, fresh air kissed her face.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything to save you from those fake congratulations.” Terron smiled tenderly at her as he caressed his cheek. Halatang nag-aalala ito sa kanya. “How are you feeling? Should I get you a drink, cara ? Food? Anything?”
“Thank you for saving me there.” Themarie smiled and kissed Terron on the cheeks because people were looking. “Water will do, caro .”
They were in public. They needed to act as a couple even if they didn’t want to.
“Okay. Stay here, I’ll be right back.” He kissed her forehead before leaving her alone in the balcony.
Themarie sighed and then faced the scenery below the balcony. Mula sa kinatatayuan, kitang-kita ang dagat ng maraming barko na nakadaong sa pantalan. Napakagandang tingnan ng mga iyon dahil may iba’t ibang kulay na nagkikislapan. They twinkled and danced as the water lapped at the boats and ships.
Beautiful.
Someone cleared their throat making her jump. Pero hindi siya humarap sa isiping si Terron ang nasa likuran niya.
“I’m not an Italian, but I do know what caro means.”
Nagulat siya at mabilis na lumingon nang marinig ang baritonong boses na iyon. Umawang ang mga labi niya nang makita ang pinakahuling lalaki na nasa isip niya na makikita rito sa Monte Carlo.
“Shun…” She was breathless.
His face was impassive. “What a pleasant surprise seeing you here, Lady Themarie Alfonso.”
Natigilan siya. She assumed he didn’t hear the rest of her name and title. Hindi nito narinig ang apelyido ng ama niya at kung sino talaga siya. Hindi niya alam kung dapat ba niyang ipagpasalamat iyon.
“Hell boy—”
“Don’t you fucking call me that!” he sneered at her and pinned her on the balcony. Their body touching, her body feeling that familiar tingling sensation. “Don’t call me that.” Malumanay ang boses nito saka matiim siyang tinitigan. “Did you enjoy his company? Mas magaling ba sa kama si Terron kaysa sa akin? Oh, yeah, he’s richer, too. A lord.”
Para siyang sinampal sa sinabi nito. “Fuck you!” she cussed at him.
“You have, Themarie. Nakakalimutan mo na ba? You already fucked Shun Kim. And as far as I can remember, you beg me to fuck you faster and harder.”
Sobrang nag-init ang mga pisngi niya sa narinig. Yes, she remembered that, too. And this man was rubbing it on her face.
“Walang nangyari sa amin ni Terron kung `yan ang iniisip mo,” sabi niya sa walang buhay na boses. “I’m not a slut, Mr. Kim. Ikaw lang ang nag-iisang lalaki na hinayaan kong…” Pumiyok ang boses niya. “Angkinin ako.”
“I hate you,” Shun said in a cold voice, it shattered her heart.
“I love you.” It was her reply to his I hate you. Ayaw na niyang magsinungaling. “I love you and if you hate me, I understand. I’m sorry for lying to you, for making you believe in my lies and for pretending. I’m sorry.”
Kahit paano, nakaramdam si Themarie ng pag-asa nang makitang lumambot ang mukha ni Shun sa mga sinabi niya. Pero bago pa ito makasagot, bumalik na si Terron.
“Here,” sabi ni Terron sabay abot sa kanya ng isang basong tubig. “You okay, cara ?”
She couldn’t speak. Terron was in front of her while Shun was beside her, his back on Terron.
“Cara?”
Nakita niyang nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Shun at nagdilim ang mukha.
“We should get back inside, cara, ” sabi ni Terron saka siya hinawakan sa pulsuhan. “Your father is waiting for us—”
Napatigil sa pagsasalita si Terron nang bigla na lang inalis ni Shun ang kamay nito na nakahawak sa pulsuhan niya at matalim ang mga matang tumingin kay Terron.
“She’s mine, so don’t touch her.” Nagtatagis ang mga bagang nito saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. “I don’t care if you’re a lord. You touch her again and I’ll kill you.”
Terron was shocked by Shun’s words, she could tell. But he remained calm and collected. “I have to touch her. I’m her fiancé.”
“Do you think I give a fuck?” Matalim ang boses ni Shun.
“You should.” Terron faced Shun. “If people see you two together while I’m still her fiancé, Themarie and her family will be the center of scandal that will tarnish their reputation. So go ahead and be Themarie’s downfall.”
Shun looked at her like he was being tortured not to touch her and claim her as his. His hand squeezed hers before he let go of her and his hand dropped on his side.
“You’re mine,” Shun whispered at her.
She nodded.
Shun glared at Terron. “Don’t touch her. I own a sniper rifle.”
Terron didn’t say anything, he just guided her back inside the hall. Nang lingunin niya si Shun sa balkonahe, wala na roon ang lalaki. Hindi na niya ito nakita.
“Ayos ka lang?” tanong ni Terron sa nag-aalalang boses.
Tumango siya at walang imik na naglakad sa tabi nito papunta sa kung nasaan ang ama niya.
She was not fine. Her heart was beating so fast. So darn fast. It was yearning for Shun. Ito ang gusto niyang kasama ngayon. And it broke her heart to see him like he was in pain as he let her go.
Umiwas ako para hindi ko na siya masaktan pa lalo, pero lalo ko yata siyang nasaktan ngayon.