Chapter 31

MADIDISLOCATE NA ATA her jaw moves just to reduce her overflowing annoyance with the man. He was just brought to his house to cook?
Her toughness!
The hardness of the face!
Even if he wants to hit the man. He just chose to cook. He has no choice. He kept on threatening her that she would be imprisoned for trespassing and her prostitution.
"Is that still a long time?"
He glanced at it sitting on the highstool. Facing the laptop and typing. He stared at Alexendris even though he couldn't see him.
"Wait there. What do you think of cooking? Just put everything and boil it and then it's okay?" his sarcastic answer
"Stop nagging. I am just asking." its sharp answer back
"Don't ask so I don't do it!" asik niya
"Goddamn it!" weak droning of the young man to himself
Celestine rolled her eyes. He looked back at the cooking that was about to end. He just wanted to annoy the young man. At least it's a reward for its budgeting.
He turned off the stove when he finished cooking and then turned to Alexendris' assistant who was on the side. Waiting for someone to do something.
"Teh, penge plato." aniya
"All right Ma'am." it complied and handed him the plate. "I'm already there ma'am."
"Don't. I can do it." he refused
"Let her do it. It's her job." male groin
"Shut up there!" asik niya
"The fuck ?!"
The man is still struggling. He just stared at the frying pan while transferring the food to the plate and then placed it on the table, in front of the young man's frowning face.
"Don't you know how to smile? You're in front of food like that?" his sermon
He put the plate as well as the cutlery in front of it. He also took her and then sat down in front of it.
"Smile at the food for what? For respect because I am going to consume it later." He said sarcastically
"If that's how you're going to face the dining room table in our house. Maybe mama missed you." he was shaken
Celestine saved every piece of meat she was chewing when she noticed that Alexendris was slightly taken aback. His hand literally stuck to the right spoonful of food.
"Are you okay-"
"If you want to go home. Go home."
She blinked suddenly. All emotion disappeared from the man's face. It released the cutlery which created noise in the quiet surroundings.
Alexendris stood up and was about to leave when he grabbed her arm.
"T-teka!"
Alexendris piercing eyes bore at her. The man was emotionally blank so he didn"t know if it was anger or disgust. He's always hot-headed. He shall be cursing again or something. Not like this.
"Don't worry. My chaffeur will drive you ho—"
"Not that!" he stopped
"Then what ?!" he growled
He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard her disgusted voice. This is normal because he is used to it.
"It's bad to give up food so you sit there." he stood up and waved. "I worked hard to cook it and then you'll just turn your back on me!"
"I'm not hungry."
"Even though. You eat!" It's hard
He pushed the young man to sit down with all his might. He also put rice and a dish on his plate while Alexendris just watched him.
"Even if you have a bad habit. I'll prepare you. I know you're tired so you should take that back with food so you don't lose weight." saad nya
"Why are you so concerned at me when everyone wants me dead?" its sudden question that he stopped
"Even if it's annoying. Not once but always. I won't ask you to die. One more ..." he took a deep breath. "You don't really have a bad attitude. You just don't have much patience and you're insensitive."
"How sure you are i am what you think i am? Afterall, I am stranger."
He returned to his seat.
"If you're really bad. You should have imprisoned me a long time ago. You shouldn't have lifted me earlier and another, you are a gentleman. Okay?"
The young man was stunned for a moment and then looked down at the food. After a few seconds. It also started to eat.
He just smiled and then we continued eating. She kept on telling him stories even if the young man only spoke once. Sometimes he even interrupts.
But she thinks, that's really how the young man is. She can't change it anymore so she might as well just ride because that won't work. Even if they were together for a while with the young man.
Celestine already figured it out that she wasn"t as bad as others say. It's either they've misunderstood him or they want to take him down by it. That's really it.
At least, he knew in himself that Alexendris is not what people said he is.
HIS FOREHEAD FUCKED as he watched the girl circling in his living room. She kept on touching his figurines like it was some kind of gold.
"Can you sit down?" He said, irritated
Celestine glanced at him. Once again he looked back at his hand.
"Just look." its complaint
"It's just figurines. Put it back. You don't want to run out of debt to me, right?" he said with a sigh
Fortunately, she did put it back then sat on the single sofa.
"Am I not home yet? What time is it? I'll be in tomorrow." Celestine said
He did not answer immediately. His hands automatically stopped tapping in his laptop's keyboard. He didn't like what he just heard
"Why are you in a hurry? Let me finish here first. I'll deliver you." saad nya
"I don't want to! I want to go home. So I can rest for a long time." it yawned and lay down on the single sofa it was sitting on. "I'm sleepy too."
He leaned in his sofa staring at the woman. Clinging and curling up in the chair.
"Then sleep. I'll just wake you up."
The girl who was lying on the padin turned her back on him. It didn't answer so he assumed she's sleeping.
He stared at her for minutes before sighing and closing his eyes.
I am not liking this
He was startled to feel the vibrate of the cellphone inside his pocket. He fished it out his pocket. His jaw clenched when he saw the caller's ID.
"What?"
"I haven't seen you for months now Alexendris. I'm expecting you tomorrow ..."
"Is my abscense not enough to tell that I'm done with your shit ?! Stop calling me." He hissed
"I'm expecting you tomorrow ..."
His jaw clenched in anger. He wants to get lost. He's just controlling his self for the woman sleeping on his sofa. He's so fucked up.
"Fuck you!" her singhal
He turned off the call and then threw the cellphone on the table. He closes his eyes tightly. He can feel the fury running through his veins.
"Are you okay?"
He instantly opened his eyes when he heard that tired voice. Celestine's awake and she's looking at her, curious.
"I'm not." He said without thinking
He was surprised by her reaction but he did not show it. He simply averted his gaze.
"You look like a choker again."
His forehead furrowed. "What ?!"
"Walaaa." it stood up and stretched. "Is that over? I really want to go home!"
His blue eyes bore at her. He quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her to sit down. Celestine stiffened when he use her lap as his pillow.
"I want a massage." he closed his eyes
"A-what?"
"Hair massage. I'm stressed." sagot nya
"I don't want to—"
"Just do it. Don't be artistic."
He heard her murmured incoherent words at him but do it anyway. He released a soft sigh before drifting slowly to sleep.
He doesn't know what magic Celestine has that he always finds peace.
He sat comfortably in his usual seat here at the fast food chain where he regularly eats. He was with Ericka who was very fond of eating chicken with gravy. Van, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes at her.
"It's good you're still alive." Van's sarcastic promise
Ericka looked up at the two of them.
"Huh? What happened?" question it immediately
He scratched his head as Van's eyes deepened on him.
"Your friend. It's causing trouble again!"
Ericka turned to him with a frown.
"What did you do again huh?"
He would have said in front that he was Van who was starting to eat. Ericka's eyes almost widened at what she heard.
"Are you crazy ?! Haven't I warned you not to mess up or even get close to that man. What if your parents found out?" its sermon
"I know it's wrong but it's already there. The important thing is I found a way." her defense
He took the coke and sipped it. The eyes of the two were narrowed at what he said. They're doubting what way she made.
"What way?" Van asked
"I made a deal and he agreed so everything is okay. Don't worry." he assured
But Van and Ericka were still doubting so they didn't ask him a question. Celestine has no choice but to answer the two.
And the jaws of the two almost dropped when he answered. Ericka bit her lip.
"That's crazy Celestine! Out of all the things you can offer. That's it ?!" Ericka exclaimed
"Eh, because ..." he scratched his head. "I couldn't think of anything during those times. Don't fight me anymore!"
"My gosh Celestine! Your curiousity is really taking you everywhere!"
He frowned. She knows that she really has a headache and sometimes, it seems like I don't have the brain to act but when it comes to her curiousity. He could not control himself. Every question must have an answer for her.
"Don't stress that. It already happened. Let's just thank that he didn't hit back on your parent's business. We all knew him. He's ruthless. You're lucky to be in that situation after you teach him." Van shuddered
"I know." his weak promise
Everyone consider Alexendris as short-tempered, ruthless and insensitive but to her. He is not like that. Celestine can see through him and she only notices one. Lack of care.
She's not mocking him or something. He is literally saying that because he has encountered such a person several times. Alexendris must've experienced horrific things when he was young so that's how the young man acted.
"Be careful around him. That man is known for his ugliness." Ericka's reminder
He just laughed at that. Alexendris's always frowning face came back to his mind every time he ran out of patience. She always pisses off Alexendris but he never hits her. That's also one of the reasons why he knows deep inside that ampalayang is good.
"I can handle that asshole, trust me." he said with a laugh
Ericka just frowned at her, as well Van. He was finishing his meal when his cellphone rang. She checked it out.
"I need to go." he was in a hurry to say goodbye
"Where are you going?" Van asked.
He could no longer answer Van's question. He picked up the bag and hurried away. Fortunately, he had a taxi parked so he quickly got on and reached the young man's house.
"Lady Celestine." opening to him by the guard
He was slightly surprised at what it called him.
"I-I am. Is your boss already there?" he asked
"Sir is waiting for you inside."
He went inside. He even asked the maids where the grass was. He saw it in one of its living rooms in the west wing. He's drinking. Napameywang tuloy sya.
"It's noon. Are you drinking alcohol? Do you want to say goodbye early? What a race!" his sermon
He walked in front of it and snatched the wine glass from its hand. He thought Alexendris would complain to him but he didn't. She stared at the young man's face.
His blue eyes were blank staring at the glass center table. It seems that something is right but the thought has overcome the right of alcohol. He's spacing out.
"Hey! Are you okay?" he shook his shoulder
"I'm not."
There is a problem ..
Alexendris leaned on and closed his eyes. Its breathing is violent as if it is trying to calm itself. Her curiousity started again. Unknowingly, his eyes dropped to her hand. Her eyes widened. Its fists are bleeding.
"A-what happened to the hand ?!" he asked in a panic
He got up and immediately looked for an assistant to get a first aid kit and then returned to Alexendris. He's eyes were still closed.
"Did you fight? Why is my hand so sore ?!"
"You have a lot of questions." its complaint but in a calm voice
He narrowed his eyes even though the man was closed. He is already concerned. It's still rugged. Tsk!
"Aw! Fuck!" its moan
He intended to increase the amount of alcohol in his hand. She smiled smugly before saying 'ops'. The young man thought he would be killed but he didn't retreat his hands.
"I know your behavior is bad but we can still change it." aniya. "It's just like being grateful when someone concerns you."
"Did I tell you to care? Not, right? So shut up. Clean my wound."
His jaw moved at the bwiset because of his answer. She smiled plastically at the young man.
"Is that so?"
"Aw! Fuck! Let go of my fucking hand!" He hissed loudly
He held one of his hands tightly as he pressed cotton on his fist despite Alexendris howling in pain.
"Just wait. It's close." She said in a sing-song voice
"Celestine! Stop it! Goddamn it! It hurts."
He felt pity so he stopped. He stood then waved in front of it. It bit the fist that was hurt.
"It hurts, doesn't it? That's how the people around you feel every time you speak. It hurts. Do you want to grow old alone? How can you find a woman. The forever if that's how you tend to beat you ?!" shivered his sermon
"I'd rather live alone than make a goddamn effort to someone who would live me eventually. I'd rather be ruthless than be nice to someone who would take advantage of me." it raised the gaze
She paused for a moment as soon as their eyes met. His eyes were cold but there are something more to it.
She is in pain.
"I don't need any love from any people who would just hurt me." He said through gritted teeth. "I'd rather kill or die than love Celestine."
He let out a violent breath then patted the man's forehead. His eyes widened. Shock of her reaction.
"I thought you were just lacking in caring. You also lacked courage. You know, you're just afraid to try because you haven't felt the joy of someone who loves you."
His jaw clenched. He slapped her hand away and glared.
"Your words won't change anything."
"Incapable." he sat down next to it. "You just have to try. Will you just allow pure pain? Of course there should be fun."
Suddenly the young man became silent so he turned to it to find out what it was thinking. He just looked straight at the wounds on his hand that he had bandaged.
"Try?" he murmured
When he laughed, he stood up. He just followed the look on it.
"I'm used of this life. I don't need whatever you're talking about. Go home. I shouldn't have told you to come." the man went back to being rude
She just followed the man's gaze as he walked away. Celestine sighed. He was shaken.
"She really lacks aruga. Tss."
HIS FIST CLOSED. He stayed for awhile inside his car, trying to calm his self down after seeing the same place after years, before he decided to step out of the car.
Even though he didn't want to follow his father's order to go to his house. He still came. Not because he had no choice but because he had a feeling he had something important to know.
"It's here sir! I'll just tell señor that you're already here." friendly opening by the butler of the mansion
Alexendris roamed his eyes around the room. It's the same as the day his mother died. This is still the place where her mother suffered. He snorted.
Hell in disguise
"Alexendris! I didn't expect you to really come. How's you?"
His eyes turned to the woman who was only five years older than him. She's wearing a floor-length red dress even if there's no ocassion. The smile is bright but her eyes reflect evilness behind that smile.
She's Bernadette. His father's third wife.
"I get even better now that I stopped seeing your face." he said directly
Alexendris saw how her smile almost fade but because she's a great pretender. Her smile remains.
"Is that how great you are your mother? You've been missing for a long time. Your dad missed you." it added
He walked casually in the sofa and slumped himself. His blue eyes bore once again at her. He saw the simple hovering of its gaze on him.
"I only have one mother and it's not you woman and even if I die. My father would never miss me. For what? He has four wives. That's enough to give him an heir." pasaring nya
He heard footsteps. Her father is coming so she meant to tell you. To make it clear that he has no interest in anything about family wealth. He'd rather die in poverty than carry the same curse that killed his mother.
"Alexendris."
Alexendris stood up to face his father. His jaw clenched. This includes the first wife and third behind.
"What is this? Reunion of your wives?" He spat sarcastically
"Don't talk like this to your father—"
"Shut up!" He cut Esmeralda, the first wife, "I am not talking with you."
Esmeralda glared at him but didn't speak netheless. He knew how much she hated him.
"I told you to come here to discuss important things not to insult and disrespect your mother, son." strong promise of the father
"You can discuss it to me without showing your whores, father."
Everyone sighed at the sharpness of his speech. Her father just closed his eyes tightly.
"Leave us alone." father's command
Everyone obeyed and left them in the living room. A long silence passed before her father spoke.
"You kept turning your responsibilities as the first born. I have no choice but to transfer all the property to your brother, Alexendris." its serious promise. "You're the only one I trusted when it comes to this matter that's why I am determined you to take over everything."
The look hardened because he couldn"t get to what it wanted. His father doesn't trust his brother. It will not lightly pass on to others all the property of the Courners.
"I only want a straight answer. What are you trying to say?"
"I would let you slip away from the responsibilities but if I heard you date any woman, poor or wealthy, this deall is off." He tapped his shoulder. "So don't let me know, son."
His fist clenched. His body is shaking in anger when celestine flash in his mind.
HE hit himself a few times. He was very annoyed with himself because of what happened last night. Why didn't he do anything to get out of there? To at least stop that man's flirtation?
Now, he doesn't want to go out. He didn't want to see Alexendris' face anymore because when he saw it. He might kill himself in shame.
She also fear him, not because of what he can do, but because he is a man. If he didn't stop. Maybe something has happened to them.
"I have to leave. Stay away." he talked to himself
He formed a decision in his mind. He will live there with his parents first. Their house is far away. He will first leave work for about two weeks.
Maybe the man will get tired of finding her. It's only been one week and their deal is over. He was on vacation for that one week.
He moved quickly while packing. He told his parents that he would go home first. He calls Van to deliver.
"Van!"
"What? ... I'm driving ..."
"Do you have a walk? Can you accompany me to the bus station. I'll go home first with papa. Please ?!"
"Why do I feel like you're in trouble, again? ..."
"Just! Just help me. Hurry up. He might catch up with me!"
"Fuck! I swear Celestine. I won't help you next time ... I'm coming ..."
He only packed a little because he already had clothes there. He will bring only the important ones. He left the room with the bag.
He almost froze when there was a knock on the door. It was as if his heart would escape with the force of its beating.
Please ... don't do that! Even just this!
She flinched as the knocking got louder followed by a voice.
"Open the damn door celestine if you don't want me to take you!"
She breathed a sigh of relief. He pulled the bag as he fixed the cap and mask he was wearing then came out.
"What the hell? Did you kill?" Van asked immediately
She locked the door and ran in his car. Van just chased after him. When they left his house. That was the only place he could breathe easily.
"Wew! That's intense."
"Who are you hiding from? You look like a criminal!" Van
"Nothing. I just want to go home. I miss them mom." palusot nya
Van's face was damaged by what he said. "You're lying."
"Don't ask that. You won't believe it." She said sarcastically
He leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes. He didn't sleep last night. After he pushed Alexendris and hurried home to his house, he could not rest properly.
It's a new feeling and it's haunting her
A tight hug immediately greeted him as soon as he arrived home. Her mother was the only one left at home because her father was always at work. Busy running their small business.
"Hello ma - aray!"
He was grabbed by the head when his mother hit him. From being meek. Its eyes glazed over.
"Go home! You must have insisted that you inherited your father's job!" sermon immediately of it
"Ma naman! It's good that I'm still home!"
It slapped his arm which damaged his face. The weight of her mother's hand!
"That's annoying? Like that !? Hello! There! Wash up!"
Her eyes widened. "I just arrived!" her complaint
"One!"
Frustrated, he went to the kitchen. It was a wrong decision for him to stay here. It should be on the beach. would have been able to swim.
HE SIT DOWN after he served the rice on the table. Her father was so happy when he found out that he came home so they had a lot of food even though there were only three of them to eat.
"Do you have a plan so you can go home? You rarely get here because you're busy with work?" her dad asked
He simply took a plate and spooned rice to avoid his father's critical gaze. He is well known for his constant involvement in trouble because of his gossipy habit.
When his dad found out the reason why he really came home, he might get hit three times in a row. Alexendris' name is even more well known in the business, especially their last name. Not just because of wealth and influence but because of its so-called traits.
That's why he ended up in this situation because of that. With his extreme curiousity in the rumor. He searched the house and came here just to confirm if it was true.
"I was planning to take a vacation. I'm too soaked at work. Of course, I also need time for myself." sabay tawa
Her dad nodded as he piled on his plate.
"When do you plan to try our business Celestine? Then I can teach you the ins and outs of the business. I'm not getting old. One day you will inherit everything our family has worked for." saad ng papa nya
He was very lip-bitten. My father is of Chinese descent because his grandfather's grandfather is full Chinese, so when it comes to business, he will make sure of it.
He has a reason why he still doesn't want to be involved in his dad's business. One there is the business world is very chaotic. Second, he was afraid of missing out. She doesn't want to disappoint her dad so she avoids him whenever he tells her.
"When will you be ready? We can't take it anymore Celestine. Why do you put up with your job if you can be the president of the company?" her mother asked
He scratched his head so hard. He didn't know how to answer their question without hurting them and wouldn't know that he was just really scared.
"I have a reason why I don't want to first. I hope you understand. When I'm ready. I'll come to you myself." saad nya
"Oh hey, let's eat. I just hope we don't get to the point where we're gone then you'll act."
"Mama!" he frowned at the rebuke
"Your mother is right son. We don't have anything to teach you. There are many savages in the world I live in. You must be prepared before you even dive." papa nya
"Yes. It's only a matter of time." she whispered
They ate quietly. She enjoyed the food because her mom was really good at cooking. Here he inherited the dish that Alexendris liked.
"Where are you going on vacation?" her dad asked again. "I know a place. Your mom and I always go there."
She smiled. "Nothing yet but it still looks good."
And last, be able to enjoy as well
He woke up early the next day to buy things to take. They are just near the sea. The drive is only about an hour. So no hassle.
Also, there is also a driver who will deliver him so it"s okay to bring a lot of food. Fortunately, her dad has an acquaintance, so her room is in an executive suit with a beautiful view.
"Ma!" he called when he got home
Where is that—
"Ma!" nahintatakutang sambit nya
Suddenly her mother came out to the side with an inexplicable expression. He frowned.
"What happened to your face ma?"
"Y-are those the ones you bought? It's mine! Go up to your room. Hurry up!" its hasty promise
His forehead furrowed even more until he smiled broadly.
"Do you have a surprise for that?" she wiggled her eyebrows. "Alright!"
The other person's face turned sour. "What's the surprise? It's your sign! Go up don. Hurry up!"
He shrugged and walked to his room on the second floor of the house. At the end. He turned the lock and opened the door.
What can surprise them—
He stiffened in his stance as his eyes widened. It was five pesos when he saw the young man sitting on his bed.
Its blue eyes met his gaze sharply.
"You can't escape me Celestine."
To be continued...