Chapter One

There he was…

Wyatt Lazaro

The biggest chauvinistic pig that ever lived. The CEO of the number one men’s magazine in Asia. Yes, you heard it right. His company had been objectifying women not only in the Philippines but in the whole Asia.

He was walking in his 100 grand tailored suit that doesn’t look any different from those suits you see in department stores with a human blow up doll clinging on his arm. Iba na naman ang kasama niyang babae. Wyatt Lazaro would never be caught dead taking the same woman twice in any event. He takes and disposes women faster than he does with his underwears. Most eligible bachelor, my ass. He was a perverted decadent who lived extravagantly.

He stopped in front of the camera with his date and showed them his pearly whites. He had the whitest, shinniest teeth I’d ever seen in a man. I swear, every inch of this guy screams vanity. This was the Miss Universe after party where he was the executive producer. 

I pushed through the crowd and tried to get as near to him as possible.

“Wyatt Lazaro!” I screamed his name. He turned his head to look at me. Itinaas ko ang boteng hawak ko at ibinuhos ko sa kanya iyon. His navy black 100 grand suit was now covered with horse semen.

“What the hell?” He looked down, mortified. And then his narrowed eyes gazed back at me.

“You deserve that, you jerk!”

All cameras pointed at me and then his bodyguards stepped in. I turned and started running, pushing everyone who gets in my way. Tumakbo ako ng tumakbo. They wouldn’t leave me alone, they were hell bent on catching me! I ran faster even though my legs were starting to hurt. I didn’t to go to jail… again .

I took a sharp left turn and then suddenly I was in this dark narrow alley. Mabaho at tambak ang basura. I think I’d lost them. Nanghihina ang mga tuhod na napahawak ako sa pader. Ew! I pulled my hand away when I touched something gooey on the wall. Flies were starting to swarm around me. And I shrieked when a huge rat as big as a cat passed by. Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. Konting tiis lang. I just needed to stay here for a few minutes. I just wanted to make sure na hindi nila ako makikita.

“Hi.” I heard a man’s  deep, velvety voice from behind me. I quickly stiffened.

I slowly turned my head and my heart leaped when I saw him. Wyatt stood there in his horse semen covered suit. My first instinct was to run but I had to get pass through him as the alley was so narrow it would only fit one person.

“Hello.” I tried to keep my voice steady. “Ano’ng ginagawa mo dito?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” His brow arched. “What’s a beautiful lady doing here in this dark, dirty alley. How much?”

“What?” My eyes narrowed.

“Do you have a menu? How much for a handjob? A blowjob? What if I want to go all the way?” He stepped closer with each word. Napalakad ako ng paatras sa kanya.

“S-sigaw ako.”

“Can we do it with no condom cause I don’t have any with me right now.” Sabay niya habang palapit siya sa akin.

I stepped back until my back hit the wall. This was a dead end alley. He put his hands on both my sides, caging in between. Nilapit niya ang katawan niya sa akin. Our bodies almost touched and I could literally feel his heat against me.

“I think the reason why you feminists are so angry is because you’re not getting enough cocks.” He snided.

“B-bastos.” My voice came out in a squeak.

“When was the last time you’ve had a cock in that sweet pussy?” Nilapat niya ang katawan niya sa akin. I could feel something poking against my stomach.

“Isusumbong kita sa Daddy ko…” Mahinang sabi ko. “This is harrasment.”

“Ano sa tingin mo ang ginawa mo sa akin?”

“I gave you what you deserve.”

He nodded, a mocking smile on his lips. “Then I’ll give you what you deserve.”

He crashed his lips against mine. His lips tasted of champagne and some kind of sweet and tangy fruit he’d probably consumed. He bit my bottom lip, making me gasp and then he took that opportunity and slid his tongue in. Gusto kong mawala sa ulirat sa sarap ng halik niya. Ito pala ang kinababaliwan nila.

I snapped out of it when I felt his hand carressing my side. His hand moved under my breast and I gathered all my strength to push him away. I wiped his sloppy saliva from my lips with my arm. My hand lifted up and I gave him a slap across his face. “Idedemanda kita! Bastos!”

“DADDY! MAMA!” Sabi ko habang nakakapit sa mga rehas. “Please, please, please… get me out of here.”

Dapat ang Wyatt na iyon ang nakakulong dito, hindi ako! He kissed and touched me! Nilapastangan niya ako. Niyurakan niya ang pagkababae ko. Hindi makatarungan ito! He should be the one behind bars, not me.

Dad closed his eyes and massaged his temples. “Ronnie, hindi pwedeng ganito na lang palagi. Kailan ka ba magtatanda?”

“If we let you go, you’re going to do this again.” Ma said, pity in her eyes.

Ma was the easiest to break. Hinding-hindi ako matitiis ng Mama ko. I chanelled my inner actress and made the best paawa face I could muster. “Ma, I’m tired and I’m hungry and I just want to go home. Baka naman pwedeng palabasin niyo na ako dito?”

Mama lowered her eyes, avoiding my gaze. “You need to learn your lesson, Ronnie.”

“You can’t do this to me!” I shook the bars. “Let me out of here! Promise magpapakabait na ako.”

“You need to do your time.” Dad firmly said.

“Dad naman! Kung tratuhin niyo ako para naman nakapatay ako ng tao! Bakit may nakalagay ba sa batas na ilegal ang pagbuhos ng semilya ng kabayo sa isang tao? Is there any specific law for that?”

“We love you.” Dad slipped his hand in and pulled my head to kiss me on the forehead. “This is for your own good, sweetheart.”

“We’ll visit again tomorrow, I promise.” Ma softly said, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“It was just horse semen! Natatagal naman yun! Gusto niyo ako pa maglaba ng suit niya. This, what you’re doing to me will cause me permanent psychological damage!” I said, shaking the bars even more. “Maaaaa! Daaaaad! You can’t do this to me!”

“Please, Veronica, do not start a revolution in there.” Pakiusap ni Dad.

I could see the sadness in Mama’s eyes and Dad didn’t even want to look at me. Ipinulupot ni Dad ang bisig niya sa waist ni Mama. I pouted like a little angel while Mama stared at me, hoping that would be enough para maawa sila sa akin at palabasin ako. They forced themselves to turn their backs to me and then they walked away.

I screamed and started sliding down like in the movies. Kung meron walling sa TV then I call this bar-ing.

“Kung wala ka nang maintindindihan. Kung wala ka nang makapitan. Kapit ka sa akin. Kapit ka sa akin. Hindi kita bibitawan.” Parang nang-aasar na kanta ng mga babae na nasa likod ko.

I turned my head to them and gave them a sharp glare.

Chapter Two

“Ate, it’s horrible in there.” Umiiyak na sabi ko. Good thing I had one of those minty vapor rubs in my pocket. I dabbed a little  under my eyes para hindi na ako mahirapan mag-iyak-iyakan. “There were lots of roaches tapos may mga naglalaro pang daga sa tabi ko kanina. Paano kung kagatin ako ng mga yun habang natutulog ako? Paano kapag nagka-leptospirosis ako?”

“You have to face the consequence of what you did. Mama and Dad have already had enough of your antics. Kaya hindi ka nagtatanda dahil alam mong hindi ka namin matitiis but not this time.” Ate sighed heavily. “You’re already twenty-four, Ronnie, and you still act like a kid.”

“Ugh! Ate, stop. Na sermonan na ako ni Mama, Dad, Kuya Coco, at Kuya Miggy. Pati ba naman ikaw?” I rolled my eyes. “Akala ko tayo ang magkakampi?”

“You need to stop all these.” She shook her head. “You were locked up in jail for leading a protest at Sybarite’s cover party. And then you covered Mr. Lazaro’s mansion with pig’s blood. Ngayon naman ay tinapunan mo siya ng sperm ng kabayo. Sperm ng kabayo, Veronica! Who in the right mind would do that?”

“Dapat naiintindihan mo ako at ang mga pinaglalaban ko, Ate. If we’re not going to stand up for ourselves then who will? Wyatt Lazaro and his company are devaluing us women, they are objectifying and sexualizing us. The Sybarite mansion is literally just a glorified whore house. Ginaya pa nila yung Playboy mansion.” I snorted in disgust.

“You have to understand that some things are not going to go your way no matter how bad you fight for it. Wyatt Lazaro is laying a serious charge on you. Noong mga una, napapaki-usapan pa siya ni Dad but now he doesn’t even want to talk to Dad. This is going to go on your permanent record, do you know that?”

“If fighting for women’s right is a crime then I am guilty.” 

“Here’s your things. Mama and I packed this for you. Nandyan na yung mga damit mo at toiletries mo.” Ate Drey handed me a small travelling bag. “Pinabibigay ni Mama yan kasi sabi niya hindi niya kayang makita ka sa ganitong sitwasyon. This is for your own good, Ronnie.”

“Are you serious?” I looked at her, unbelievingly. I felt like my whole world had collapsed on me. “Huwag ka ngang magbiro ng ganyan. May bail naman ito! Hindi naman ako nakapatay ng tao!”

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Ate Drey kissed me on the forehead.

“Ate, huwag mo kong iwan dito. Promise, if you bail me out of here forever na akong magiging Yaya sa mga anak mo. And I’ll walk Ringo every morning.” I wrapped my arms around Ate’s waist. Ringo was the boys’ chocolate labrador. 

“Ronnie…” Ate Drey pried my arms from her waist. “You’re not going to learn kung palagi ka naman pagbibigyan. You’ll just do this over and over again.”

“Ate! Ayokong makulong!” I faked crying. “Please, don’t leave. Wala na ba talaga kayong pakialam sa akin? Hindi niyo ba talaga ako mahal? Alam mo iniisip ko minsan, totoo yung tukso niyo sa akin noon ni Kuya Coco, na ampon lang ako. Bakit ba ganito kayo sa akin?”

“Ronnie, kilala kita. Hindi mo ako madadaan sa mga ganyan mo.” Ate sighed, rolling her eyes. “The boys’ are waiting for me. I need to go.” 

Wala na akong nagawa habang pinapanood ko si Ate na umalis. The police ushered me back to my cell and I sat on the corner, hugging my bag.

Wyatt Lazaro sat on the seat across from mine, a smug smile playing across his lips as he looked at me. I wanted to lunge at him and claw his face off. My fingertips twitched at the effort to stop myself from doing so.

“How’s life in here so far?” He asked.

“Why are you even here? Ano’ng kailangan mo sa akin?” I cocked a brow, crossing my arms over to my chest.

He shrugged  and leaned comfortably against his seat. 

“I want to see you.” He grinned.

“I don’t.” 

“Why do you hate me so much, Ms. Cordova?” He asked.

“Because you’re a chauvinistic pig.” My eyes narrowed into slits. “You are objectifying women and turning them into virtual prostitutes!”

“Do you think all those women who posed for my magazine were forced at gunpoint to do the photoshoot?” He cackled loudly.

“I- well, no… But those women are much more than what they are depicted in your disgusting magazines! At yung Sybarite Mansion mo, pinasosyal na cabaret lang yun! The bullshit you and your magazines get away with is just mindblowing!” 

His eyes widened and so did the amused grin on his face. “Oh! A woman using her body as a sex object and somehow that’s my fault? Those models knew what they were getting themselves into and they are all grown ass women.”

“You don’t get my point!” I banged my fists on the table. 

“I don’t think you get yours either. You don’t want those women to be sexualized but where is the argument when that’s clearly what they want? Whatever happened to ‘my body, my rule’? If you’re going to preach about how women can do whatever they want with their bodies, then don’t be the same hypocrite who complains about women who willingly posed for my magazine.” He let out a deep, bored exhale. “I probably don’t have to tell you this but sex sells, Ms. Cordova. It is not men’s job to apologize to you for finding sexual nature interesting and entertaining.”

“The thing is we’re not talking about sex, we’re talking about oversexualized image of women to sell your magazine. You’re turning women into symbols, into commerce. You’re creating an image that turns us into some kind of commodities can be bought and sold. It’s unbelievable how you don’t think what you’re doing is wrong. Just to remind you, Mr. Lazaro, you came from a woman! It’s so sad for your mother to carry you for nine months just for you to grow up like this and disrespect women. I bet you have a tiny, noodle penis.” 

“Now if I were to talk about your vagina…” He rubbed his chin and his eyes grazed down my body. “So is your pussy still tight or is it already loose?” 

I could feel blood boiling to the top of my head. I was so close to exploding. This man was just impossible. 

“Bastos!” I knew I was as red as a lobster right now. I felt like a kettle pot, ready blow at any time now. “Napaka-walang modo mo! You are a hopeless case, Wyatt Lazaro!”

“I rest my case.” He smiled, triumphly. “You talked about my cock and I said nothing. I talked about your pussy and you started going off at me like I’m Hitler. Where’s the equality in that? You know, you don’t really want equality. You want entitlement.”

“Get out of here! Out!” I said, standing up from my seat and pointing my finger to the exit. 

“I came here to bail you out of jail, Mr. Cordova.” Sabi niya habang prente pa rin nakaupo sa silya sa harap ko. “I’m going to give you an offer you can’t refuse.”

“I don’t want to hear it. I’d rather rot in jail than make a deal with a devil.”

“Every party in my business voluntarily participated. I don’t understand why you keep demonizing me.” He shook his head. “I want you to pose for my magazine, Ms. Cordova. Iuurong ko ang kaso laban sa’yo at palalayain kita ngayon din.”

My eyes formed a harsh squint. “You’re crazy if you think I’d accept your offer.”

“Wait, hear me out on this one.” His smile grew wider. “I want you to pose nude for the cover of Sybarite.”

“Not going to happen. Nag-aksaya ka lang ng panahon. Get out. Out! Now!” I told him.

“I’ll let you write your own article. I don’t care how many page it takes. I don’t even care if you take up the whole magazine. Pwede mong ilabas lahat ng ipinaglalaban mo doon. My target audience are men. Make us understand what you’re fighting for.” He said.

I suddenly paused. I swallowed, looking at him. He wore his signature smug smile that made me want to slap the hell out of him. He wiggled his brows at me as if to taunt me. 

Right there and then, I was made to sign an agreement that I’d be posing for his magazine. It was so hypocritical of me to do this but this was just a small sacrifice for the benefit of womankind. When I signed the agreement, I knew there was no turning back. 

“I’m excited to work with you- Can I call you Veronica?” Nakangising sabi ng gago.

“No.” I apathetically answered.

“Okay.” He shrugged. “I’m very excited to work with you, Ms. Cordova.”

“I’m not.” Diretsang sabi ko. “You are a pig!”

“Don’t make it seem like I forced you into this. You are in control of your own objectifion, if that’s what you think it is.” He shrugged. 

“I’m only doing this because I want men to know what we’re fighting for.” 

“Well, good luck with that.” He patted my shoulder.

“Keep your hands off me.” I hissed.

“Okay, my hands are off.” He raised both his hands up as if surrendering. “Need a ride home?”

“I’d rather walk.” I spat. 

“Your call.” He said, still with a wide smile as he held the contract in his hands. “I’ll let you know when the photoshoot will be.”

Umalis na siya at naiwan kong nakatayo doon. What I had done had finally sunk into my head. I knew I’d always been impulsive. Questions and doubts started swarming in my mind. Was that just an impulse decision? Would I be regretting what I did? I’d be posing nude for a magazine I hate with burning passion. What have I done?

Chapter Three

“I bet you thought you’ve seen the last of me.” I said in low, intense voice as I entered the theatre room. They were comfortably watching a movie like they didn’t leave me in prison. Nakaupo si Dad sa lazyboy at nakakandong si Sid sa kanya. Monty and Brad were cuddled up against Mama on the big theatre lounge and Ate Drey sat next to them with Arthur’s head resting on her lap. Pati si Ringo, ang labrador ng mga bata ay kumportableng nakaupo sa paanan ni Arthur. Look at them! They were a happy family without me. 

Dad, Mama, and Ate Drey looked at me like they’d seen a ghost. 

“TIta!” My Ate’s son all jumped out of the couch and ran up to hug me. Even the dog came up to greet me. 

“Did you miss me?” I hugged them back.

“Yeah!” They all answered.

“Wait, what are you doing here? Paano ka nakalabas?” Dad asked, rising from his seat.

“Oh, it’s easy. I gave them all a handjob.” I said, matter-of-factly. I knew it would piss Dad off which was what I was aiming to do. 

“VERONICA!” Dad’s eyes nearly popped out of his sockets. 

“You will be the death of Dad.” Ate shook her head as she masssaged her temples.

“May mga bata, Ronnie.” I heard the sharpness in Mama’s tone. 

“What’s a handjob?” Monty asked, looking up at me with a pair of dark, innocent eyes. 

“It’s a candy.” Dahilan ko.  I totally forgot that there were children here. Nagpadala ako sa bugso ng damdamin ko. Gusto ko lang naman makaganti sa kanya dahil inabandona niya ako sa kulungan na iyon ng isang buong araw. I slept in a smelly, roach infested cell. 

“I want a handjob, too.” Sabi ni Sid. 

“No you don’t, Sidney!” Dad barked in controlled anger. 

“Oh my God, you’re ruining my kids.” Ate groaned with a pained expression.

“I’m just kidding.” I shrugged, apathetically. I pulled away from our group hug and slumped down the couch next to Ate. “Ah! I need a bubble bath and a massage.”

“How did you get out of prison?” Dad asked, his stone sliced the air like blade. “What did you do again, Ronnie?”

“Hindi ba, Daddy, only bad people go to prison? Bakit nakulong sa prison si Tita Ronnie?” Brad asked Dad.

“Dahil matigas ang ulo ng Tita Ronnie mo.” Ate Drey answered.

“I fought for what I believe is right.” I confidently said. “I feel like I’m being oppressed here. Ako lang ba ang naniniwala sa karapatan ng kababaihan? Wyatt Lazaro is a horrible man. He is normalizing the sexual objectification of women. Do you want your sons to see those magazines and that it’s normal? That it’s okay? Because that’s not the world I want the boys’ to grow up in.”

“Ronnie, do not try to turn this conversation into a heated debate. How did you get out of prison?” Dad pressed in a low but demanding tone. 

“Wyatt Lazaro came over to visit me.” I sighed.

“And?” Mama cocked a brow, sensing something was off.

“And I agreed to pose nude for his magazine.” Saying those words felt like acid burning in my throat. “We’re cool now. Hindi na siya galit sa akin.”

“Oh no…” Dad shook his head. “Tell me you’re kidding. Please, tell me you’re kidding.”

“He gave me a copy of the agreement. I’ll give it to you later.” 

“Why?” Dad brushed his fingers through his hair. “Why are you doing this to me, Veronica Cordova?”

“I don’t get it. You’re against women posing nude on his magazine pero iyon ang gagawin mo? Don’t you think it contradicts what you’re trying to stand for?” Ate Drey’s brows furrowed deeply. 

“Because I want to make a point about oversexualization of women’s body. Sabi ni Lazaro pwede akong magsulat ng article sa magazine. He said I can even take up the whole magazine if I want. I can use my body in an explicitly non-sexual way to make a statement. This is my chance to be heard, Dad. Men need to realize that women’s bodies are not the sites of active desires.”

“Your daughter’s going to kill me. I swear, one day, she’s going to kill me.” Dad said looking at Mama. He was so devastated that he looked like he’d aged a couple of years in a matter of seconds.

“Take it easy.” Mama massaged his shoulders. “I’m sure kung kakausapin natin si Wyatt ay pagbibigyan niya mana tayong i-cancel ang agreement.”

“No, Ma, gagawin ko ’to. At first, I was kind of having doubts about posing nude for Sybarite but now I realize kung gaano kalaking impact ang gagawin kong ito.” I said, my voice full of hope. 

“Veronica, I did not raise you para pagpyestahan lang sa magazine ng kung sinong mga lalaki.” Dad said in a low growl. 

“But you raised a daughter that is self-assured enough to stand for what she believes in. Nothing and no one will ever stop me, Dad.” A wry smile broke across my face.

“Ma’am…” Tarzan came up to Ate and tried to take guide down the car. Ate didn’t let him. She shrugged, not hiding her annoyance towards him. They’d gotten on the wrong foot the first time she and Tarzan met. He said something offensive about her late husband in front of Arthur and since then, mainit na ang dugo ni Ate sa kanya.

“Kaya ko na.” She rolled her eyes at him when he tried for the second time to help her out.

He raked his manly fingers over his soft, shoulder-length hair. His eyes sparks everytime he looks at Ate. I knew Tarzan had been secretly crushing on her. Tarzan wasn’t bad looking. He doesn’t have the indulgent good looks of a prince charming but he was hot in a rugged kind of way. Talagang lalaking-lalaki ang datingan. Yung tipo ng lalaking kaya kang ipagsibak ng kahoy. His real name was Soren but I kind of just got used to calling him Tarzan because of his long hair and his sheer musculinity. The name I gave him quickly caught on and the kids now calls him Kuya Tarzan too.

“Maghintay ka dito. Hanggang eleven lang kami.” Ate commanded Tarzan in an irritated tone.

“Sige po, ma’am. Enjoy.” Sagot niya.

She rolled her eyes at him and we walked to the entrance of the venue.

“Ikaw, Ate, ang sungit mo kay Tarzan. Di ba sabi ni Mama treat our helps like family?” I told her.

“I just don’t like him, Ronnie. Masyado siyang… I don’t know… I just don’t like him.” She shook her head as she probably couldn’t think of a concrete excuse.

“I think Soren has a crush on you.” I nudged her side.

Her face crumpled in disgust. “Tumigil ka nga, Ronnie. Kinikilabutan ako sa mga sinasabi mo.”

“Tarzan’s hot naman, Ate. Hindi naman siya pangit at okay siya sa mga bata ha, infairness. He gets along well with your sons. Well, except for Arthur. Loyal yun sa Dr. Daddy niya.” I shrugged. Arthur was the only one who knew Callum but he never knew what his father did to my Ate. And I hope and pray he never finds out. I didn’t want him to know what the other half of him was really made of.

Ate shook her head, frowning. “Sa lahat ba naman ng pwede mong banggitin yung Soren pa talagang iyon. I have standards. Hindi ako papatol sa driver natin.”

“Ayaw mong gumaya de Lima?” I snorted.

“Gaga ka talaga.” She started laughing too. “Ikaw ang dapat magboyfriend na. Twenty-four ka na but I’ve never seen or heard you go out on dates.”

“Wala pa sa isip ko yan.”

“Ronnie, I hope what happened to me has nothing to do with it. Hindi lahat ng lalaki ay masama. There’s still great men out there.” She gently said as if every word was made of glass.

“I know that, Ate. My decision has nothing to do with what happened to you. I just haven’t found the right guy.” 

“Maybe you’ll finally find the right guy here at the party.” Ate joked, chuckling.

We walked inside the event. Mama and Dad were given an invitation to this party but they decided that they’d rather not go and had us take their place. Sila ngayon ang nagbabantay sa mga anak ni Ate habang nandito kami sa party. This was Dad’s friend’s charity event and they were going to have auctions later on.

Everyone were dressed in evening dresses and tuxedos. We were greeted by the party host and taken to our seats by the receptionist.

“Ate, sabi mo we’re just here to show up. Sandali lang tayo ah.” I whispered.

“Oo nga. We’ll just stay here for an hour and then we’ll leave.” She said.

“Mrs. Francois!” A middle-aged lady came up to us and handshaked my Ate. “Hi, glad to see you here. Would you like to see the items we’re going to auction later?”

“I would love to.” Said my Ate and then she turned to me. “Gusto mong sumama?”

“No, I’ll just stay here.” I said. I was left there by myself. Pakiramdam ko pag nasa event at business meetings ako para lang akong saling pusa. Nobody takes me seriously. To them, I was just the youngest Cordova. The activist daughter. 

WYATT

Veronica Cordova, the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Asia, would be posing for Sybarite soon. The issue will sell like hotcakes, I was sure of that. The young Cordova had been making a name for herself as an activist. She had sabotaged one of my events, showered my property with pig’s blood, and threw what they say was semen on me at a party. She was, in short, one hell of a crazy bitch. I knew everyone would be shock when they find out that she’d be posing for the same magazine she was lambasting.

I saw her walking towards the balcony with a champagne in one hand. I couldn’t believe my luck tonight. I never thought I’d see her here. I was having second thoughts if I should come up to her and after a few seconds, I stood up from my seat and went for it. 

Veronica was leaning against the balcony railing, too focused on the view in front of her to notice me. She wore a burgundy backless dress, the wind whipping her long dark hair. I could already imagine that sweet body on the cover of Sybarite. 

“Hey.” I smoothly said.

She looked startled as she turned her head to face me. Her face immediately turned sour when she saw me. 

“What are you doing here?” She said in a cold tone.

“I’m here for the auction and to support the charity.”

“The charity.” Her brows lifted in amusement as she sneered.

“What? I do charities too. Many people makes this stupid assumption that I’m a one-dimensional person who cares about nothing but naked women.” I shrugged. 

“Isn’t that what you are?” She cocked a brow.

“Come on, Veronica, I’m not that bad. You know the problem with women like you is that you’re too close-minded. You have this black and white mentality. You want things to either be good or evil and it kind of becomes a sport to you to point out who’s on what category. People are more complex than that.” I let out a deep exhale.

“Rich coming from a man who sees women as sex objects. Hindi magbabago ang tingin ko sa’yo. You are still a chauvinistic pig to me.” Singhal niya.

“It’s just a parasitic dynamic. Those women I’ve been with wants me for my money and I want them for their body.  It’s sick how I’m viewed as a ‘chauvinistic pig’ and their viewed as ‘golddiggers’ or ‘money hungry’ by people who can’t even be honest with themselves. At least we’re honest with what we want. Ikaw ba, Ms. Cordova, ano ba ang gusto mo?” I leaned my head down to her, closer to her face.

Intimidated, she pulled her head away. Realizing what she had done, she quickly collected herself and looked at me firmly in the eye. 

“You have beautiful lips. Beautiful.” My eyes lowered to her lips. I still couldn’t forget how warm and soft they were against mine. How I’d love to taste them again. “You should smile often. It’s the second best thing to do with those lovely lips.”

“You are invading my personal space, Mr. Lazaro.” She said looking away.

I’d never seen this side of Veronica Cordova before and I was quite enjoying it. The feisty Veronica looking like a cornered coyote ready to bolt. 

“I am?” I chuckled. 

“Yes, you are.” She was trying so hard to show me that she wasn’t intimidated by my presence. 

“You enjoyed the kiss we shared, didn’t you? Admit it.” I teased as the memory 

Her lips twitched in a deep frown. “I did not! You know what? You are so full of yourself.” 

“Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll be full of me too.” I smirked.

“Bastos.” She lifted her hand up and I quickly caught her wrist before her palm could even land on my face.

“Oh no, Ms. Cordova. If you slap me, I’d have to slap you back. Equality.” I said with an amused grin.

“Let go of me.” She pried her hand away from my hold. “Why do you think it’s okay to say things like that to women? Alam mo bang verbal sexual harrassment na yang ginagawa mo?”

“Had you slapped me across the face, pwede nang matawag yun na battery.” 

“You are an asshole.” 

“Tell me something I haven’t heard yet.” My grin grew bigger. “Ms. Cordova, I think I’m going to enjoy working with you.”

Chapter Four

“Lift your tailbone to downward dog and exhale through your nose.” Said our yoga instructor. 

“Napanood ko yung interview ni Wyatt Lazaro kahapon. Why didn’t you tell me you were posing for his magazine? Akala ko ba you’re totally against him and his magazines?” Asked Bryce as she laid her yoga mat next to me. 

My brows crumpled right after I exhaled. My head snapped to Bryce’s direction. “What interview?”

I was de-stressing from the horrible experience of being abandoned in jail by my parents and signing a contract to pose nude for Wyatt Lazaro’s magazine. The last thing I wanted to hear was that idiot’s name.

“Inhale and drop your body down to plank position.” Said the instructor. 

I went down to plank position and Bryce did the same. “Ano ka ba? It’s all over social media. I even tagged you on facebook. Hindi ka kasi nagbubukas ng account mo. There were some negative reactions saying you’re a hyprocite. I tried defending you kaya!”

“What did Lazaro said in the interview?” I asked.

“A lot.” Bryce answered and rolled her eyes. “Really? Were you living under a rock?”

“I didn’t have time to check. Besides I’m not into social media.”

“He made it seem like you were already siding with him kaya maraming nagalit sa’yo.” Sabi niya.

“Girls, stop talking. Turn off all distractions and focus your mind on your movements.” The instructor scolded us.

“Halika nga dito.” I grabbed him 

“Hoy, teka! Kakarating ko lang sa class!” She said as I dragged her out of the yoga room. 

“Patingin nga.” I said when we got into the locker room. 

She took out her phone as we sat on the bench in the middle of the room. She went to her account and played the video. There he was, the devil incarnate, Wyatt Lazaro. He was at the presscon of an international beauty pageant that would be held here really soon. 

“Yes, Ms. Veronica Cordova and I have already settled our conflicts in a civilized way. She finally, after years of harrassing me, understood that women have more rights to express their sexuality now that they ever did. In the early 1900s there’s no way women would have been allowed to pose like how they did in my magazine. Ms. Cordova took a big, brave step to advocate the sexual liberation of modern women. She had already signed a contract with us and will be posing for our magazine soon so watch out for it.” Wyatt smiled his usual smug smile directly into the camera as if he was mocking me. 

“Asshole.” I angrily huffed as I squeezed the phone in my hand.

“Huwag mo naman pag-initan yang phone ko. Hindi yan si Wyatt!” Bryce grabbed her phone from my hold.

“That jerk! Ano’ng sexual liberation ang pinagsasabi niya? Baka sexual degration! It’s not sexual liberation when you treat women like sexual objects.” I shook my head as my eyes burned with fury. “I only agreed to pose for his magazine so that I could emphasize that naked bodies are not inherently sexual which is the complete opposite of what him and his magazines are doing.” 

“So it was true…” Bryce’s mouth gaped open in shock.

“Of course, it’s true!” I exclaimed, frustrated.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this. Alam na ba ’to ni Tito Phoenix? What did he say?” 

“He already knows. Syempre nagalit si Phoenix Cordova but he’ll get over it.” I shrugged, apathetically.

“Oh my God, if I did that to my Dad he’d lock me in a tower in the middle of a secluded island no one had been before and he will never let me out of there for the rest of my life.” 

“My Dad knows what I’m capable of. If he does that to me, he knew I’d find away to get out of that tower and swim my way out of the island. It’s do or die.” I told her.

“You know sometimes I don’t even know why we’re bestfriends.” Bryce shook her head.

“Because I’m awesome and gorgeous. Oh, and we have the same clothing and shoe size.” I beamed a smile on her.

“Well, you’re right. Except for the gorgeous part. I’m going to give you the awesome and even badass. But we both know I’m the beautiful one.” She flipped her ponytailed hair that was resting on her shoulder.

“Ewan ko sa’yo! Ikaw may kasalanan ka pa sa akin!” Inirapan ko siya and I folded my arms over my chest.

“What did I do?” She asked, her brows furrowed.

“Hindi mo man lang ako binisita sa kulungan noong nakulong ako! What kind of friend are you?” My face crumpled in annoyance. 

“I checked up on you naman right after you got out, di ba? Last time you went to prison, when I got there you were already bailed out. Tsaka Tito Phoenix already told me before I even knew you were in jail to never, as in never in under any circumstances, bail you out or visit you. Huwag kang mag-alala sa susunod hindi na ako makikinig sa Dad mo, I’ll be the first to visit you in prison.” 

“Gusto mo ba talaga akong makulong ulit?” Sumimangot ako.

“Pag nakulong ka lang naman ulit. Which I think will probably happen in the next month or so…” She raised her brows and smiled a sweet, mocking smile.

Tinipon ko ang mga miyembro ng samahan namin sa labas ng Sybarite Mansion. I explained to them why I agreed to pose for Sybarite and what my intentions were. Sinabi ko sa kanila na kasinungalingan ang pinalalabas ng Lazaro na yun sa publiko. Mabilis naman silang naniwala sa akin at ngayon ay nagtipon kami dito para magprotesta laban kay Lazaro.

“Wyatt Lazaro, kahit kailan ay hindi ako sumang-ayon sa paniniwala mo.” Nagsalita ako sa megaphone na hawak ko habang nakatungtong sa kotse ko na nakaparada sa harap ng gate ng mansyon niya. “Naniniwala pa rin ako na mali ang ginagawa mo. We are fighting for women’s right to a life free from violence.”

There were medias around our group, huge cameras were focused on us. The media were like hungry sharks that could smell fresh meat from miles away. Especially on a slow news day. Someone had told them that there was going to be a protest outside of Lazaro’s mansion and here they were with their cameras rolling.

“You have significant influence, Wyatt Lazaro. You have power. But look at what you’re doing!   Images in your magazine that shows women in highly sexual ways is not sexual liberation. Your magazine is suggesting that women are nothing but pieces of meat to oggle at. That they are without feelings or use other than to please men.  I agreed to pose for your magazine to desexual the female form. A naked woman shouldn’t equalize sex. A naked woman is just a naked woman! People need to unlearn the idea that a naked woman’s body only exists under sexual means! We are not commodities of pleasure! We are tired of being portrayed as a sexual object!” 

It generated a roaring cheer from my sisters and we all raised our boards with our protest signs on it. 

“Are we inviting sex just by being bodies?” I asked.

“NO, we are not!” They answered back in a powerful tone.

“Are we inviting abuse just by being bodies?” 

“NO, we are not!” They roared.

“Are we inviting violence just by being bodies?”

“No, we are not!” 

“Our bodies are not invitations to make lewd remarks. Our bodies are not your object!” 

I took in a deep breath, readying myself for the grand finale. When I had gathered enough courage, I gripped the hem of my shirt and pulled it over my head. There was a short pause when I dropped my shirt to my feet. It was as if time stood still in that very moment and everything around me had frozen. I felt like I was floating on a clowd of disbelief. The reporters nearly dropped their huge cameras as their gasps broke that perfect silence. 

I stood in front of the crowd with my breasts out. ‘I am a human being’ was written on my naked torso in dark, bold letters. I didn’t feel a single ounce of shame. I felt a sense of confidence in myself and our efforts. As Wyatt had said before, you choose your own objectification. If women were always going to be objectified then I choose to be objectified in the way that I wanted, fighting for my right as a human being. Not just as a woman. 

WYATT

“Open the gate! Tell them to go open the fucking gate, Donny!” I told my assistant as I hurriedly exited my mansion. I had been watching Veronica Cordova’s protest from the window of my house while having a glass of wine, smiling and shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it. What she just did a moment ago made me drop the glass to the ground and bolt straight to the front door. 

Veronica stood there with her pink, perky tits out in front of the crowd. I instantly thought of my magazine. The issue with Veronica Cordova nude on the cover of my magazine would’ve been one of the most iconic covers in history. She made a huge impact to the women’s right movement here in the Philippines and she was the most controversial activist. The cover with her on it would’ve saved a spot in history. But no, she had to ruin my plan. She just had to.

I walked down the driveway to the gate and I cursed to myself for making my driveway so fucking long. It was at least a minute run from my house to the gate but it almost felt like a whole eternity. The gate that was controlled from the guard’s room beside it slowly opened when I stood in front of it. 

Our gaze met and my eyes narrowed at her. I wanted to wring her pretty little neck so bad right now. My eyes lowered down to her neck and further down to her tits. Those perfect tits were only meant for my magazine. Mawawala na ang value ng cover niya sa ginawa niya. Men wouldn’t have to subscribe my magazine anymore to see her tits as they could already access it on the internet or wherever they could find a picture of her with her tits out. 

I’d rather it was us doing tasteful shots of her nudity than have her topless photo lost among the sea of horrible, obscene, girls gone wild photos posted on porn sites. 

“Wyatt Lazaro.” She lifted her chin up. Her confidence was burning it was almost intimidating. “This is what I call liberation! I choose my own objectification!”

“You crazy little-” I clenched my jaw so hard I felt like my teeth would give in if I bite down a little harder. 

I jumped up the hood of her car and acted by instinct. I tried to cover her tits up with my hand. I fucking mindlessly cupped her breasts in both my hands. She looked at me, her eyes widening in shock and her lips parting open. I could hear the sharp inhale of shock from the crowd. I was as shock as they were, I swear to God. 

“Bastos!” She raised her hand and then I felt the stinging pain on my cheek when her palm landed on it. 

Doon lang ako natauhan. My hands jerked away from her breasts as if I had touched something burning hot. I then took off my shirt and wrapped it around her naked upper body. 

“Ano ba, Lazaro? Bitiwan mo nga ako!” She tried to wiggle away from my hold but I held her even more firmly. 

“That should’ve been a straitjacket!” I whispered in her ear as I tried to keep her in my arms.

“This is harrassment! Let me go!” She wailed.

“I am covering you up, woman! This is called decency!” 

“Until you men live in a world in which your very objectification leads to excessive victim blaming, unwelcome catcalling, mortifying high rates of sexual harrassment and rape and having your value in society based on what you look like, I will continue to exercise my god-given right as a woman! Wala kang karapatan na gawin ito sa akin! I choose what I do with my body, you pig!” She angrily exclaimed.

I had no choice but to lift her up in my arm and hoist her over my shoulder like a sack of potato. She was like a rabid dog, this woman. I hopped down from the hood of her car. The other activists she was with hurled insults and foul words at me while my bodyguards stood like walls around me. If it weren’t for them, those women would’ve clawed me open, rip my balls off and feed them to me. 

“Bitiwan mo ako! Bitawan mo sabi ako!” Veronica repeatedly hit my back with her fists.

I paid no attention to her and continued to walk in.

Chapter Five

“LET ME GO! This is already abduction, Lazaro.” I tried to squirm my way out of his hold as he carried me up the stairs. By now, I was starting to freak out. He was carrying me up the stairs to take me to God knows where. I was basically a lamb in the lion’s den. “Damn it, Lazaro! What are you going to do to me?”

I squirmed even harder as he walked down the long, seemingly endless hallway. I had taken self-defense classes, I’d practice ju-jutsu and muay thai. If he’d only freaking let me go, I would be able to knock him unconscious. 

I panicked even more when we reached the end of the hall and I lifted my head up to see him opening the door in front of him. It was an intimating black double door with gold colored strip edges. I felt like we were going through a portal to hell. Kumapit ako sa frame ng pinto nang subukan niya akong ipasok sa kwarto. Wyatt tried to pull me inside but held onto the frame even tighter. He pulled a little more harder and then he kicked the door close.

I could feel my heart rapidly. I went into immediate, full-on,  fight-or-flight mode with adrenaline flooding my whole system. I attacked him the moment he put me down. Using my Muay Thai skills, my legs drew up to kick him on the face. Makikipagpatayan muna ako bago ko bago ako mapagsamantalahan ng kahit sino. I would never let myself be a statistic. 

“FUCK!” He cried out in pain as his face flew to the side from the blow. Sinalo niya ang mukha niya and his eyes narrowed at me. “Jesus, woman!” 

I lifted my legs up to kick him again but this time he was quick to take action. He was able to hold me by my ankle and I tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let me. I used my arms to try to hit me and I let out a shrilling scream when he tackled me to the ground. Nahulog ako sa sahig at pumaibabaw siya sa akin.

I tried to hit him but he pinned my wrists above my head and looked at me with a piercing glare. Blood oozed from the cut on the side of his face where I’d kicked him.

“LET ME GO!” I barked.

“Do you see now why gender equality is unrealistic?” He said in a harsh tone. “We aren’t even physically equal. Madali kitang nabitbit dito and now you’re under me, you see that? What you want is never going to happen. It’s ridiculous.”

“How dare you say that?” I said through gritted teeth. 

“Newsflash, Veronica Cordova! You don’t live in a bubble, you live in a world with men!”

“You think I don’t know that? Ang mga katulad mong lalaki ang problema dito sa mundo. You are objectifying-”

“Yan na naman tayo, Veronica. Objectification is a dumb and pointless word made up by man-haters like you that’s used to try and shame men who show their attraction to women in any way that they don’t approve of. It’s complete bullshit and you know it!”

“Just because you don’t see the problem, it doesn’t mean it’s not there, Lazaro! You don’t see what women have to put up with everyday.”

“And you think we men live in lala land?” His eyes widened in amusement. “We get just as much bullshit. This society fails to see that men can be sexually assaulted. In fact, they’re not respected at all. They aren’t even taken seriously and worse they get laughed at. Men who are domestically abused by women are seen as sissies, not a real man. To put it simply, nothing women do to men is ever a fucking crime. Shit like this brings the idea that women get a free pass, a pussy pass if you will, to do to men what would never be allowed to do to women. Women and men are same and different in a lot of ways. The thing is people like you don’t want to compromise.” 

“You get off me!” I said, pushing him away. Agad naman siyang umalis sa ibabaw ko. Realizing I was topless, I hugged myself. His shirt had slipped off somewhere while he was carrying me. He was just as topless as I was. “You are the one living in a bubble. You use your ‘I’m a man’ excuse to justify what you are doing. Hindi mo alam kung gaano kalaking impact ang ginagawa ng magazine mo. I’m sure there are a lot of teenage boys out there that reads your magazines, thinking it’s normal to view women in such demeaning way. You are teaching them not to respect women. We’re not even interested in being equal to men. As if you men are the standard of all humanity. We want a life where we are valued for our humanity rather than our body. Hindi magbabago ang paniniwala kong iyon. That is a non-negotiable part of who I am.”

“I know. There is no negotiating with a radical.” He shrugged.

“Asshole.” I muttered.

“There is no point in arguing with you and your one dimensional thinking.” 

“Rich coming from you.” I let out a sarcastic laugh.

“I’m going to get you something proper to wear.” He said, his eyes took a quick swipe down before he averted them elsewhere. 

I cocked a brow when I saw his reaction. I saw how uncomfortable it made him, seeing me topless with only my arms to cover my breasts. A sly smile stretched across my lips as I watch him get up.

“Bakit, Lazaro?” I slowly put my arms down my side and proudly held out my chest. My breasts don’t look bad and they were of decent size. Bakit ko kailangan ikahiya ito? “Are you getting aroused?”

Lazaro looked back at me, his jaw clenching. “What the hell are you talking about?”

I got up and boldly walked towards him, stopping in front of him. He tensed and tried hard not to let his gaze drop to my breast. He looked at my face, trying to keep a stoic expression. 

“I want you to look at me, Lazaro. Look at me.” I said with a smirk playing on my lips. “Why is a topless man so much different from a topless woman? Because you and this society made it different. Do you see now how women are being oversexualized? You are turned on by the mere sight of breasts.”

His eyes traveled down my body and the way he stared at me, at my breasts. The way he looked at me made me want squirm under his gaze but I didn’t. I kept confidently kept my chin up even though I didn’t feel as confident in the inside.

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself, Veronica. I’ve seen bigger, better tits than yours.” Singhal niya.

He step forward,  closer to where I stood, with a playful smile on my face. “What about you? Look at me and tell me you’re not aroused.” 

I looked down at his body with my brow arching. It looked like it had been carefully thought out and then chiseled from stone by the finest artist. He took my hand in his and guided it to his chest. I gasp when I felt the warmth of it and pulled my hand away as if I’d touched something hot.

“What’s the matter, Veronica? Can’t handle the heat?” He asked with a mocking smile.

My face fell into a frown. “Feeling mo!”

“There’s nothing wrong with it. Men are turned on by women’s body and women are turned on by men’s body. It’s not bad or wrong in any way and it’s ridiculous for anyone to think it is.”

“I am not turned on!” I exclaimed. 

“Right, I’m just going to get you something to wear.” He chuckled and winked at me before turning his back to me and heading to a door leading to his walk-in closet. Lumabas siya mula doon at inabot sa akin ang itim na shirt. 

I harshly took it from him and put it on.

“That was a dumb move, Veronica. I want your tits printed on my magazine, not displayed all over the internet. “ He shook his head as he stood in front of me with arms crossed. “I should’ve added that on the contract, no parading your tits around before the photoshoot.”

I glared at him when I remembered what he did out there. He cupped my breasts with two hands. He groped me in front of people and the cameras. 

“Hinipuan mo ko! You pervert!” I said in an accusing tone, my eyes narrowing into angry slits.

“It was an accident. I didn’t mean to do that. I was trying to cover you up.”

“That was already a sexual assault.”

“Then let’s make it even, you can touch me too. Let’s practice that equality right here.” He opened up his arm, as if offering his body.

“Wala ka talagang modo!”

“See why we can’t be equal? Do you get my point?” He said with an arrogant smirk.

“Asshole ka talaga!”

“Okay what do you want? An apology? I am sorry for covering you up and trying to save what little dignity you have left. I mean what woman does topless shots for free?” He snorted.

“And I’m sorry your birth certificate is an apology letter from the condom factory.” I retaliated, marching to the door.

“Tita, Daddy’s really mad.” Sabi sa akin ni Arthur pagkapasok ko pa lang sa bahay.  Alam ko na agad kung ano ang kinagagalit niya. It had only been hours ago when that had happened. Ganon kabilis nakarating sa kanya iyon?

“Oooh, Tita, You’re in big trouble again!” Brad said.

“Daddy said he won’t allow you to go out ever again. You’re grounded.” Monty added in.

“I heard from Mama that there were pictures of you they don’t like on the computer.” Sabi naman ni Sid.

“Boys, leave your Tita alone. Magplay na lang ulit kayo ng music d’yan.” Utos ni Ate sa mga anak niya. The kids started playing their instruments again. When they weren’t wreaking havoc all over the house, the boys were playing their musical instruments. Of course, my Ate was their number one fan. 

Ate took me by the arm and dragged me away from the kids. “What did you do? Ano na naman ba itong ginawa mo, Ronnie! You can’t keep making a mess and expecting us to clean it up for you.”

“I don’t expect anything from anyone of you.” I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t give me that attitude. Dad is trying to fix the mess you made. Pinatatanggal niya sa lahat ng blogsites ang topless photos mo. Pati nga si Mark Zuckerberg gustong kausapin ni Dad para lang matanggal yung mga photos mo. It’s everywhere.”

“I did that because I want to. I’m old enough to decide for myself.”

“You’re never old enough to decide to be have your breasts fondled by a man in front of other people. What stunt were you pulling?” Ate Drey asked in controlled anger.

“I didn’t decide to have my breasts fondled. Wyatt Lazaro groped me.” I told her with a scowl.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Veronica?” Dad’s voice boomed throughout the whole house as he hastened to where Ate and I were standing. He was livid, it kind of scared me for a moment. “Bakit mo ginawa iyon? I’ve been doing nothing but call every station, every site and blog with your pictures and videos.”

“Nick, will you please calm down?” Saway ni Mama kay Dad habang sinusundan ito. “Your anger is not going to get you anywhere.”

“OMG! You saw my boobs?” My eyes widened. The mere thought of my Dad looking at my boobs was vomit inducing. 

Dad’s face mirrored mine, his expression shifting between disgust and mortification. “I didn’t. It was your sister who told me about it. I can’t even look at it! But I’m sure hundreds of men have already seen it by now! It’s all over the goddamn interney! What are you doing to yourself, Ronnie? Bakit ginawa mo yun?” 

“Wyatt Lazaro made me do it. Hinipuan niya ako, Dad.” Sumbong ko.

“He what?” Dad growled.

WYATT

![](https://img.wattpad.com/fd38c17d4a2cc83eebae29782f2bc128daa366de/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f3264707953744e763366393854673d3d2d3439313231353538352e313466356466376166346531303434663838373934333432393738302e6a7067)

Veronica Cordova’s topless pictures and videos had quickly spread over social media. I didn’t know if it was supposed to be good or bad that everyone was talking about her. And me. The photos of me with my hands over her breasts were receiving just as much attention, if not more.

“This is great, Wyatt, trust me.” Dina, Sybarite’s publicist, said as she walked back and forth in front of my table. “The pictures are going viral. You and her are receiving so much attention. Good, bad, it doesn’t matter. Ang mahalaga napukaw ang atensyon ng mga tao. I’m sure maraming mag-aabang sa issue ni Veronica.”

“Veronica’s something, isn’t she?” One corner of my lips lifted into a smirk. I had never encountered a woman like Veronica before. She had such strong passion in her belief and so much drive in her conviction. “She’s insane but she sure knows how to draw a crowd.”

“Yes, she does. Hindi ka nagkamali sa pagpili sa kanya na magpose para sa Sybarite. I didn’t even think you could convince- Wait, you know what I’m thinking?” Dina’s eyes widened as if she had an idea that would cure every illness here on earth.

“What?” I asked, my brows furrowing.

“You and Ronnie posing together. This will create even more controversy. Veronica the women’s right activist and you, Wyatt Lazaro, Asia’s Hugh Hefner. Two people of opposite beliefs posing together in one magazine.” She said.

“Are you kidding me?” My face twisted into a scowl. 

“No, think about it, Wyatt. Pictures of you and Veronica are making rounds on the internet. People shared it, people liked it, people had different opinions toward it. She could voice out her belief and you could voice out yours. Everybody knew Veronica had been attacking you and Sybarite since anyone could remember. This is something they wouldn’t expect. They’d be even more intrigued.”

I leaned back on my swivel chair, swaying from side to side. Dina knew what she was talking about. She was a tip-top publicity genius and I had never doubted her.

Chapter Six

WYATT

“Mr. Cordova, magagalit sa akin si sir Wyatt. He’s a busy person and-” I paused from the  when I heard my secretary’s agitated voice from outside my office.

“I don’t care! I can have your company shut down with just a snap of a finger, you’ll see!” A man’s strong voice furiously said and then my door swung open in a loud thud as it hit the wall behind it. In came the Phoenix Cordova, his face was red and blazing with anger. As a businessman myself, I had always looked up to him. He was the pinnacle of a success businessman. I had so much respect for him that each and  every time he’d beg me to let his daughter off the hook, I oblige. But the last antic that Veronica did was the last straw the broke the camel’s back. I denied his request when he asked me again to not file any case against her. 

I bolted up from my seat like a jack-in-the-box when I saw him. I walked over to where he stood. “Mr. Cordova, what brought you- son of a bitch!”

I held my throbbing jaw. He stormed towards me and held me by the collar.

“Dad, stop it!” Ronnie barged in and tried to pull her father away from me. “Dad!”

“What the fuck did I do?”

“Bakit hinipuan mo ang anak ko?” He growled like a ferocious tiger.

“The fuck?” I looked back at the devil and his little spawn, completely bewildered. “Hindi ko hinipuan ang anak mo.”

“Don’t you fucking lie to me! There were pictures of you with your hands on her chest!” His voice was strangled with so much fury.

“It’s not what it looks like.” I told him.

“Fuck you! Nobody touches my little girl!” Suddenly, he was taking out a gun from his inner suit pocket.

“Oh, hell no!” I raised both my hands. “Sir, Mr. Cordova, please put the gun down. Have you seen the videos? I tried to save your daughter from embarrassment! Naghubad siya sa harap ng bahay ko at sinubukan ko siyang takpan. Hindi ko siya hinipuan! Veronica, tell him what really happened.”

“Dad…” She shielded her body right in front of me. “Dad, calm down. Don’t shoot him!”

“He groped you, didn’t he?” He asked his daughter.

“I… no, Dad…” Veronica let out a deep exhale. “Joke lang yun.”

“VERONICA!” His powerful voice boomed throughout the room. 

“Okay, natakot akong magalit ka sa akin. Hindi naman niya ako hinipuan… intentionally. But he did touch my boobs.” 

“Veronica, he’s going to kill me! DO SOMETHING!” I exclaimed when I saw how Phoenix Cordova’s jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed into slits as he pointed the gun right in the middle of my eyes. 

“It was my fault, Dad! He was trying to cover me up! Lazaro saved me from further embarrassment. He covered me up and took me to his home. He even gave me a shirt to use!” Natatarantang sabi niya.

Phoenix Cordova’s face softened a bit and he lowered his gun down. 

“Calm down, Dad. Give me the gun.” Veronica softly said as she slowly walked towards her father. She reached down to take the gun from his hand but Phoenix swift movement took us aback. He raised his hand up again and pointed the gun to me as he walked towards me. Humalik sa noo ko ang nguso ng baril.

“Fuck!” I cussed. “Danica!”

“S-sir, I already called the securities. Paakyat na sila.” My secretary said from outside my room, her voice trembling with fear.

“Securities? Call the fucking army! He’s going to kill me!” I shouted.

“Hihipuan mo pa ang anak ko?” He asked, shoving the gun harder against my forehead.

“No, sir… Hindi ko hinipuan si Veronica at hindi ko siya hihipuan. 

“Dad, please!” Veronica tried to push her father away from me. “Ugh! I can’t believe I’m about to say this but don’t kill him. Not that his life ever mattered. Masisira lang ang buhay mo pag ginawa mo yun. Mawawalan ng saysay ang lahat ng pinaghirapan mo. Think of Mama. Think of your grandkids. Gusto mo bang makulong dahil pumatay ka ng ipis?”

“What the hell?” My head snapped at Veronica, completely forgetting about the gun that was against my forehead. 

“Daaad!” Veronica screeched and then the gun clicked. He pulled the trigger again and the gun clicked for the second time.

Phoenix bursted out laughing like a mad man. I just stood there, shock and confusion took over me. Just a second ago this man just punched the living hell out of me and wanted to shoot me. Now I get where Veronica got the crazy from.

“The gun’s not loaded.” Phoenix Cordova said as he put his gun back inside his inner coat pocket. “You should’ve seen your faces.”

“Dad, that’s not a good joke.” Veronica muttered.

“I think I’m about to have a heart attack.” I massaged my aching chest.

Just then, the securities entered my room. 

“Finally! They’re here. Alam niyo mga Kuya, pwede kayong mga pulis sa teleserye.” Veronica told the securities. “Bumaba na ang credits, doon pa lang kayo nagsisidatingan.”

“Boss, may nanutok daw sa inyo ng baril.” Sabi ng head security.

“It’s fine. We already have it settled.” Phoenix nonchalantly said, not breaking his gaze from me. He fixed his suit coat, straightening his back like a fucking professional when not a minute ago, he was pointing gun at me. “I just came here to tell you that my daughter will no longer be posing for you magazine.”

“Wala naman akong sinabing ganyan, Dad! I am an adult now and I can do whatever I want!” Veronica shrieked, her eyes widened at her father.

I had an ice pack held against my jaw as I sat on the meeting table with the spawn of a psychopath with a little psycopathic residue in her and the psycopath himself. I really thought it was the end of me when Phoenix Cordova pointed the gun at me. Frank Sinatra’s My Way was already singing in my head and my life was already flashing before me a few minutes ago and here I was now, sitting with them on a table.

“I want the contract rescided.” Phoenix Cordova firmly said. “I don’t want my daughter’s body posted on some men’s magazine.”

“No, I will pose for Sybarite. I get to decide what I want to do. Hindi naman na ako minor and we definitely don’t need your consent.” 

“Marami na akong pinalampas sa mga kalokohang pinaggagawa mo pero ito ang hinding-hindi ko hahayaan na mangyari. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang gusto mong mangyari sa buhay mo? Gusto mo bang pagpiyestahan ka ng mga lalaki?” Phoenix shook his head. 

“Ito ang gusto kong mawala sa isip ng mga tao! A woman’s body should never be a podium on which society proclaims its righteousness. Kaya nagagamit ang mga katawan ng mga kababaihan dahil sa ganyan pag-iisip. If you’d only treat us as equal to you men, we wouldn’t be objectified like this. Pag nagpose ba ako sa magazine will it dictate my value as a person?”

“Yes, it will, Veronica.” Her father said in a very casual manner. “Do you really think those men would give a damn about what you have to say or your advocasies? They’d only care about your nude photos. I don’t think they even read the articles in those shitty magazines.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Cordova. I’ll have you know that my magazine is not shitty. We ensure that every article written in there are of substance and-”

“I don’t care. You damn well know that your magazine is used to wipe off your pre-pubescent subscribers’ semen after they finish jacking off. Nobody cares about the articles. You’re not going to let my daughter pose for your magazine, do you understand? “

Who the fuck does he think he is? I wasn’t used to taking orders from anyone. Not even the Phoenix Cordova. This arrogant son of a bitch can’t just barge into my office talking shit about my magazine and telling me what to do. This was my magazine and I’d do whatever the hell I want to do with it. 

“She’s of right age and she has already signed a contract with us.” I straightened my back and lifted my chin up, establishing my power. 

“Dad, there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m posing for Sybarite.” Veronica firmly said.

“I’m warning you, Mr. Lazaro, if even one picture of my daughter gets printed on your magazine you will suffer the consequence.”

“Is he carrying another gun with him?” I asked Veronica.

“Not that I know of.” She shrugged.

“Well then, Mr. Cordova, I will consequence you have for me.” I gave him a mocking smile.

RONNIE

“Babe, kaya hindi natututo yang anak mo kasi palagi mong kinukunsinti. Hindi mo dapat sinasalo ang lahat ng maling desisyon niya. Mr. Lazaro has nothing to do with her decision to pose for the magazine. Bakit mo naman gustong sirain ang pinagkakabuhayan niya?” Mama said as we sat on the dining table. 

“Dad, don’t exaggerate it. I’m just going to pose for a magazine.” I let out an annoyed huff.

“Tito Coco said you’re going to pose with your boobies out that’s why Daddy Nick’s mad.” Monty said.

“Monty, kumain ka na lang.” Sabi ni Ate Drey sa anak niya at napailing na lang. “Si Coco talaga…”

“Kita mo! Pati ang mga pamangkin mo alam ang kalokohang ginagawa mo. Hindi ka ba nahihiya?” Dad asked in a quiet growl.

“Bakit naman ako mahihiya? Someday, they’d understand and they’ll know that what I did was worth it.” 

“Don’t worry, I’ll also pose with you with my boobies out, Tita.” Brad lifted his shirt up.

“No, Brad, don’t take off your shirt. We’re eating, okay?” Ate pulled down her son’s shirt. 

“Buti pa ang mga bata, hindi nilalagyan ng malisya ang ginagawa ko. Why can’t you be like them?” I exclaimed in frustration.

“But you’re not a kid anymore, Veronica. I try to give you everyting you’d ever want and need pero hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon masusunod ang gusto mong mangyari. Pwedeng sa akin, oo. I’d give you the universe if I can. But in the real world, it’s not how it works.  You know damn well how cruel the world can be. It’s not as safe as I want it to be for you and your siblings.“There was darkness in his tone. 

“Hindi mo ako mapipigilan, Dad. I am very much aware of how brutal the world can be. Lalo na sa amin mga babae. Kuya Coco and Kuya Miggy both have daughters. Ginagawa ko ito para sa mga pamangkin ko. I want a world for them in which a woman can walk out alone without having to look over their shoulders in fear. I don’t want any woman to go through the same thing Ate did.”

“VERONICA!” Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Dad.

“Ronnie, please…” Mama calmly said, by I could see the chaos under the her calm facade.

Nobody liked talking about what had happened before. They had buried those memories with that devil. I was there to see how my sister transformed from a normal carefree woman who puts smiles on everyone’s faces to a quiet, reclusive, and heavily-guarded woman. I was there to see the pain in her eyes. I heard her cries. I heard her say how dirty she felt and how at night, the memories kept coming back like a movie put on a repeat. I was just little at that time but I understood how bad she’d suffered. 

“Basta hindi ko babawiin ang pinirmahan kong kontrata. I will pose for Sybarite and that’s final.” I stubbornly declared.

“Bakit ba ang tigas ng ulo mo?” I could hear the quiet fury in Dad’s voice. 

“Bakit ba hindi niyo na lang ako suportahan-”

“Sino’ng matinong magulang ang susuporta sa gusto mo? Do you think hahayaan kitang ibilad ang katawan mo para pagpyestahan ng kung sino’ng lalaki? Which they I’m sure they’re already doing now as there are topless pictures of you circulating online.” He spitefully said.

“Ang hirap kasi sa inyo yan lang ang nakikita niyo. Sa tingin niyo naghubad ako kasi trip ko lang? Why can’t you see what I’m fighting for? Paano maniniwala sa akin ang ibang mga tao kung pati kayo hindi naniniwala sa mga ginagawa ko?” 

“That’s not true. We believe in you and everything you do. Gusto kong suportahan ang ginagawa mo pero hindi sa ganitong paraan.” Mama said.

“Don’t you think maybe you’re just taking it too far, Ronnie? Makinig ka naman kay Dad kahit ngayon lang.” Ate Drey said.

“Nothing and no one will make me change my mind and that’s final.”

“Well, you know what, Missy? For as long as you live under my roof, you will do as I tell you to do. Hindi ka magpopose sa magazine na iyon and that’s final.” Dad growled.

“Okay, then. Aalis ako.” I said.

“Do not try me, Veronica Cordova. Kilala mo akong magalit.” Dad’s jaw clenched.

“Please, Ronnie, huwag mo nang bigyan ng sama ng loob si Dad. Sumunod ka na lang. Para sa’yo rin naman ito.” Pakiusap ni Ate Drey.

“No! I’ve already made my decision. Kung hindi niyo kayang tanggapin ang desisyon ko then so be it. Aalis na lang ako dito sa pamamahay na ito.” I said.

“You are a stubborn brat, aren’t you? What do you know about the real world? I sheltered you from it.” Dad said before getting to his feet and throwing the table napkin in front of him. “Have your clothes packed! I’m going to have your credit and debit cards cut out. Wala kang dadalhin na kahit ano bukod sa mga damit mo dahil lahat ng iyon ay ako ang bumili sa’yo.”

He, then, walked out on us. Everything went quiet and still for a moment.

“You shouldn’t have made Daddy Nick angry.” Sabi ni Sid.

“I’m just going to check if Daddy’s okay.” Tumayo naman si Arthur mula sa kinauupuan niya.

“You do that, honey.” Ate smiled at his son. Then he looked at the triplets. “Tapos na ba kayong kumain? Do you want to go check on Dad?”

“Okay, I’m going to go to Daddy’s room!” Sid hopped out of his seat.

“Me, too! I’m already full!” Monty followed after.

“But we haven’t had desert yet!” Brad’s brows crumpled.

“Sabihin mo sa Daddy Nick mo, we’ll watch movie in the movie room. Mag-aakyat na lang sina Yaya ng desert doon, okay?” Mama gently told Brad as she stroked his hair.

“OKAY!” Brad got out of his seat and went out of the dining room. 

“Hindi ka na dapat nakipagtalo sa Daddy mo.” Mama said.

“Alam mo, ikaw ang papatay kay Dad.” Ate shook his head. “Pinasugod mo siya kay Mr. Lazaro tapos ngayon naman ito. Why can’t you stop being a brat? Grow up, Ronnie!”

“I am not being a brat. I am fighting for what I believe in. Alam kong magiging maganda din ang kahihinatnan nitong mga ginagawa ko. Bakit ba hindi niyo maintindihan iyon?” I was even more frustrated now.

“You don’t know how hard your Dad works to protect you from everything that could possibly hurt you. Kung ako lang, hindi kita pipigilan sa gusto mong gawin, Ronnie. You’re an adult now and I want you to make your own mistakes and learn from it. I want you to grow as a woman and a person. But know that Daddy only wants the best for you, honey.” Mama said.

“He doesn’t get me…” My lips tugged downward. “Do something, Ma. Sa’yo lang naman nakikinig yan.”

“When it comes to you, his kids, hindi makikinig ang Daddy. I know nothing’s going to stop you from doing what you want to do at hindi ko din kayang baguhin ang pag-iisip ni Nick sa desisyon mo. Nobody’s going to give way. Sa lahat ng magkakapatid, ikaw talaga ang nag-mana sa katigasan ng ulo ng ama mo. That’s why you always clash with him.” Mama let out a huff. 

Tinotoo ni Dad ang sinabi niya. He had my clothes packed. The next thing I knew, the maids were already bringing down my luggages from my room. I had really pissed off the Phoenix. We argue a lot but not to the point of him throwing me out of their home. 

“Is he seriously throwing me out of the house?” I asked my Ate.

“Sabi ni Dad hindi ka daw makakapasok ulit sa pamamahay hangga’t hindi mo binabawi ang kontrata sa Sybarite.” Ate said.

“Well, tell him na hindi mangyayari iyon. I’d rather live in the street!” I crossed my arms over my chest.

This was just a bluff. I knew this was just a bluff! Surely, my father wouldn’t let me fend for myself. He loved me too much to do that. Gusto niya lang akong tumiklop sa gusto niyang mangyari. But no, not me. Not Veronica Cordova. Let’s see about  that.

“Pakidala na lang sa kotse ko ang mga luggages ko.” I asked the helps.

“You can’t bring the car with you, Ronnie.” Sabi ni Ate.

“What do you mean I can’t bring the car with me? It’s mine!” I exclaimed, my eyes popping out of their sockets.

“Dad bought it for you, remember?” Ate cocked a brow. 

“I worked for that car. Nagtrabaho din naman ako sa kumpanya.”

“You only went to the office once a week for a year before you decided you want to be a social worker for the women and children protection desk program. Let’s admit it, you’re not making that much to afford a Mini Cooper.”

“Fine.” I held my chin up with pride. 

Padabog na lumabas ako sa bahay at sinundan naman ako ni Ate.

“Bawiin mo na lang kasi ang kontrata. You know how Dad’s mind works. Kung ano ang sinabi niya, iyon ang gagawin niya.” Ate said.

“Nope.” I shook my head and then I saw Tarzan walking outside. He looked like he was fixing something as his white wife-beater tank top had oil stains and his pants were folded to his knees. His shoulder-length hair was tied in a low ponytail. “Hoy, Tarzan! Ano’ng ginagawa mo?”

“Nagchachange oil, Ma’am.” Sagot naman niya. 

“Mamaya mo na ituloy yan. Ipagdrive mo muna ako.” I told him.

“Sige po, Ma’am.” He quickly obliged.

“Baka naman pati ito bawal? Ibabalik ko din ang kotse pati ang driver niya sabihin mo.” I frowned.

Lumapit sa amin si Soren para kunin ang luggages ko.

“Oh, Ronnie. Why are you such a headache?” Ate groaned before giving me a hug. “Take care of yourself and don’t do anything stupid, okay? And please, stay out of trouble.”

“I’ll try.” I said, hugging her back. 

“Urong mo na lang kasi ang kontrata para hindi na mag-alburoto si Dad.” She tried to convince me.

“For the last time, Ate, no.” But I was firm with my decision.

“O, ano pang hinihintay mo? Dalhin mo na yan sa SUV.” Ate scowled when she caught Soren just standing there and staring at her.

Agad naman tumalima si Soren at kinuha ang mga luggages ko. “Ay, pasensya na, Ma’am. Natutuwa lang ako sa closeness niyo.”

“Kunwari ka pa. Natulaley ka lang sa ganda ng Ate ko.” Asar ko sa kanya.

“Stop it, Ronnie.” Pinandilatan ako ni Ate. 

“Si Ma’am Ronnie talaga, kung anu-ano ang iniisip.” Soren blushed and looked away.

I said goodbye to my Ate. Ate said Mama couldn’t say goodbye without having to beg to just break the contract and stay so she decided to not to see me. I got in the car with Soren with my luggages already on the trunk. 

“Umamin ka na, crush mo ang Ate ko, ano?” I teased him. I was sitting on the passenger’s side while Soren was driving. 

“Si Ma’am talaga, kaya mainit ang dugo sa akin ni Ma’am Drey kasi inaasar mo sa akin.” He said.

“Alam mo gusto ko na nga din magka-love life ang Ate ko. Ang daming nanliligaw diyan pero puro anak niya at trabaho lang ang nasa isip.” 

“Yun nga po ang maganda kay Ma’am Drey, ang mga anak niya ang una niyang iniisip. Mahal na mahal talaga niya sina Arthur. Gaano katagal na nga po pala patay ang asawa niya?” 

“Matagal-tagal na din. Pinagbubuntis pa lang niya ang triplets, namatay na sa car accident ang asawa niya.”

“Palagi nga pong nababanggit ng mga bata si Dr. Daddy. Lalo na si Arthur. Sayang po at hindi nakita ng asawa ni Ma’am Drey ang triplets, ano? Sana man lang na-enjoy niya kahit sandali ang mga bata. Ang kukulit po ng mga pamangkin niyong yan. Pumupunta pa sa garahe para lang kulitin ako. Lalo na si Brad, madalas pinagtitripan ako.” Tumawa si Soren.

“Okay lang ba sa’yo maging step-father nila?” I grinned at kumunot ang noo ko. 

“Wala naman problema, Ma’am. Mababait naman po ang mga bata. Makukulit lang at may pagkapilyo.” Wala sa sariling sabi niya at sabay bawi nang marealize niya ang sinabi niya. Namula ang magkabilang pisngi niya. “Pero hindi naman ako magugustahan ni Ma’am Drey, driver lang ako at amo ko kayo. Ang daming nanliligaw sa kanyang gwapo at mayaman. Saka hindi ko naman siya gusto. Ikaw lang nag-iisipin niyan, Ma’am Ronnie.”

“Teka, wala ka bang naiwan na pamilya o girlfriend sa probinsya niyo?”

“Wala, ma’am. Fling-fling lang.” Sagot niya. 

“Wow, fling-fling lang.” My laughter echoed in the car.

The first stop was at Kuya Coco and Ate Anais’ house as it was the closest house from ours.

“Sorry, Ronnie, we can’t let you stay with us.” I said as I stood in front of the door to their house. Kuya Coco didn’t even invite me in.

“Why?” My eyes widened and sheer horror. “What do you mean you can’t let me stay with you? Hahayaan mo lang ako dito?”

“Coco, baka pwede naman natin patuluyin si Ronnie kahit ngayon gabi lang. It’s already late.” Ate Anais walked up to us.

“Sorry, nagbilin na si Dad na huwag siyang patuluyin. This is what you call tough love, Anais.” He said and turned his head to me. “Ang tigas kasi ng ulo mo. Kahit ako hindi ako papayag na magpose ka sa magazine na iyon.” 

“Fine. I don’t need your help!” I said, marching back to the SUV. 

The next stop was Kuya Miggy’s house. And like Kuya Coco, he turned me away telling me to go back home and apologize to Dad. Bryce was at their hacienda. Nakakahiya naman kumatok kina Tito Axel at makiusap na mag-stay. I decided to go to a hotel nearby and just check in there. Pinauwi ko na si Soren at nagpaiwan doon, only to find out that all my cards had been cut off. 

Mangiyak-ngiyak na ako nang mga panahon na iyon. I felt as though I was a pariah. Everyone was turning me away and I didn’t have money with me. Out of desperation, naisipan ko ngang maglatag na lang sa labas at ibenta ang mga gamit na nandito sa luggage ko. I only had a thousand peso bill in my pocket and luggages with clothes. 

I didn’t want to give in to what my Dad wants. At this moment, it was out of stubborness and pride. Hindi ko lulunukin ang lahat ng sinabi ko. No way, Jose! It had only been a few hours since the heated conversation we had and Dad would probably laugh his ass off when he sees me crawling back to him. Nope. Not going to happen.

Then an idea popped into my mind. It was as if a lightbulb had been switched on inside my head. I grabbed all my luggages and hailed a cab. I asked the driver to take me to the Sybarite Mansion. Yes, to Wyatt Lazaro’s whorehouse.

He needed me for his magazine. Surely, he couldn’t afford to turn me away. I was just going to be there for a night. 

Just one night. 

The car pulled up in front of his gated house. There were at least five security guards, guarding his gate. I talked to one of the securities and told them I would like to see Wyatt Lazaro. They made a call from the intercom to the house and after just a few seconds, I was being let in.

I swallowed, feeling my throat dry as I walked to the towering main door of his house. The mansion screams extravagance. It was as extravagant as his lifestyle, the ones he shows on social media. Private jet, yacht, luxury trips, barely clothed women hooked around him like they were accessories. That’s Wyatt Lazaro. 

The double door automatically opened as if controlled by a machine. And right in front of me stood Wyatt Lazaro, himself. He was in his black versace robe.

“Look who we have here. Veronica Cordova.” He said with a smug smile across his face. 

I forced a smile but I was sure it still came out fake. “Wyatt, lovely seeing you again.”

“What do you need?” He asked, stepping forward to where I stood. “And what’s with the luggages?”

“I’m going to get straight to the point.” My back stiffened. “I need a place to stay.”

Chapter Seven

WYATT

“Who would have thought Veronica Cordova would ever need my help?” One corner of my lips tugged into an arrogant smirk.

She quietly sat in front of me– in my $20,000 couch I had imported from Portugal that was custom-made to my likings by one of the finest furniture designers in the world– probably chewing on her inner cheek and stopping herself from saying something feisty. Damn! It felt so good to have this much power to your long-time enemy. I was enjoying every minute of this.

“So, are you going to let me stay or what?” There was that usual bite to her tone.

“Hmm…” I rubbed my chin as if thinking. But at that moment, I had already made up my mind.

“It’s just for the mean time. My bestfriend’s out of town and my Ninong Rome’s out of the country, ayaw naman akong tanggapin ng mga kapatid ko…” Her voice squeaked a little.

“And you have no other friends to go to?” I cocked a brow and chuckled. “Well, that doesn’t surprise me at all.”

“I have. It’s just that… hindi naman makapal ang mukha ko para magmakaawang patuluyin nila ako. I don’t want to suddenly knock on their doors and ask if I could stay in with them. Para naman akong pulubi nun. Nakakahiya.”

“Bakit sa akin hindi ka nahiyang lumapit?”

“You owe me, Wyatt. My Dad’s throwing me out of the house because I stood firm in posing for Sybarite.” She crossed her arms over her chest like the brat she truly was. Boy, this woman was really something. You could see the fire in her eyes that burns brighter than ever when it comes to protecting her belief. She stood true to how the media had portrayed her. Fierce, bold, and fucking wild with light.

“That’s what I like about you, Veronica.” I let out a satisfied exhale as I leaned comfortably back to my seat, I was so relaxed I wanted to melt like a butter. Everything was going according to what I had planned. Veronica Cordova would be on the cover of Sybarite and there’s no stopping her. “You are a woman of your word.”

“And I expect the same from you, too, Wyatt Lazaro.” She said in a rather professional way. Even taking the time to clasp her fingers together on her lap so as to look professional.

I eyed her from head to toe and I couldn’t help but think of the conversation I had with my lovely publicist. Veronica and I posing for Sybarite. I’d dismissed the idea and concept thinking it couldn’t possibly work. It was too… new, I thought. Too outlandish. My eyes grazed her face, she had that innocent look upon her face as her features were soft and feminine. She had dark brown eyes with long dark lashes surrounding them that lend the features of babydoll innocence. Her impeccable cheekbones, her pointed nose, and her luscious lips… dear Lord, they were deadly combinations. Her long hair was as dark as night as it fell upon her shoulder, making her look like a siren who could lure helplessly seduced men to destruction with the promise of pleasure.

Her beauty was a hybrid of soft, angelic features and the chiseled model features. I didn’t know if that even made sense. She was a welter of contradictions compromising strength and vulnerabilty, innocence and experience. She was part angel, part wanton wrapped in a dangerously enticing package. I had come across a lot of beautiful women in my life as women were the subject of my magazine and her beauty was the kind you would not often see. If I were to put her in a room full of beautiful models, she would easily stand out like a diamond in a rug. My eyes lowered. The pink tee and white capri she had on made her look like a teenager. But one with a perfect body shape. Her curves were defined by that simple clothing she had on, her top was slightly tight around her bosoms. The same pair of bosoms she’d shown the world and the same pair I had held in my hands. In this industry I was in, real breasts were rare finds. They were soft, and warm, and just natural. Shifting to my seat, the thought of it had set my mind on fire.

“What are you looking at?” Her face twisted into a scowl while I stare at her, lost in my own thoughts.

“I’m looking at you.” I cooly said, brushing the obscene thought from my mind. I wondered if Diane’s idea could possibly work. Maybe it’d be best to leave the explaining to my publicist. “I can already picture you on Sybarite’s cover. Are you ready to bare it all, Veronica?”

“I’m very ready, Lazaro. The real question is, is Sybarite ready for me?” She cocked her head to one side as if telling me ‘Bring it on’. She was one spirited bitch, that woman.

“Ah, Veronica. You made the right decision. I’m sure my subscribers would be interested in what you’d have to say. They’d anticipate every word of it.” I said with a hint of lazy sarcasm.

Veronica was a smart woman, she quickly caught up to my sarcasm. I forgot she wasn’t one of those human blow up sex dolls I was used to keeping me company. The poisonous look on her face showed it all.

“If that is the best way to get my message across then you can be damn sure that that’s what I’m going to use.” She said with firm conviction.

“I’m just curious, why are you so passionate about women’s rights? Women have so many rights today, what more could you possibly want?” I wanted to take back the words that left my lips and swallow it when I looked at how distorted her face became with my comment. She was like a feral cat ready to attack with claws and fangs.

“You don’t know what women have to go through on a daily basis for you to say that, you son of a bitch.”

“Hey, careful with your words. You’re in my house.” I reminded her. There was no turning back. I needed to get these words out of my system.“Pantay na ang karapatan ng mga kababaihan at kalalakihan ngayon. It’s not like we’re still stuck in the old age. No offense, Veronica, but you feminists ignore sexism when it works in your favor. You want equality and you still want us, men, to open the door for you. True equality means I’ll open the door if you open you legs for me.”

“Why- you!” She rose from my $20,000 couch, lunging at me. She took the glass of scotch sitting on the end table next to me and was ready to throw its content to me.

“Hey, calm down. You have your opinion and I have mine. I’m just not buying the whole feminism crap.” I said with my arms extended right in front of me, ready to shield myself if she were to attack me. “Drop the glass, Veronica.”

And she did, eventually, after she threw its content right into my face. I let out a loud cuss as some of the liquid burned the inside of my nose. I took out a soft cotton handkerchief made by Brunello Cucinelli, I suspect. Ah, the pinnacle of Italian luxury. This small squre cloth probably cost around $200 or more. I don’t know, Donny, my personal assistant, most of the time does the shopping for me.  “Son of a bitch! You are as crazy as your father!” 

“You know what? I should just leave. If the owner of the magazine I’m posing for doesn’t believe in women’s right, why did I even think working with a chauvinistic pig was a good idea?” There was resignation in her voice. She headed out the study and just like that, the kaching in my head stopped. My golden goose was walking out on me.

Damn me and my mouth! Why couldn’t I just keep that to myself, even just for the sake of Sybarite? Fuck! I quickly followed behind her.

“Veronica!” I called her out, I was a step behind her. 

“Don’t you come any closer Wyatt! I swear to God, I’m going to break your nose. Hindi ako nakiusap na tumira dito para insultuhin mo at apak-apakan ang paniniwala ko. Kung sa Daddy ko nga hindi ako nagpatinag, sa’yo pa kaya? Ano bang iniisip ko nang lumapit ako sa’yo? You are the pinnacle peak of all douchebag fuckboys!” 

“You’re not going to back out from posing for Sybarite, are you?” I asked, worried and ready to pull out my hairs from my head. Her issue would’ve already gotten a place in history. It would’ve been something people would remember by in the future. I was sure it would be one of the most iconic issue. 

“Veronica…” I tried to keep up with her pace and when I finally did I caught her by the wrist and made her turn to me. 

“Why does nobody understand me? I am fighting for a better future for my nieces and the people I love.” Her voice shook with the unshed tears that coated her eyes.

I felt myself softening when I saw her. She looked so vulnerable and weary, very different from the strong and confident Veronica I usually see. But she was nonetheless still beautiful as ever.

“I’m not trying to insult what you believe in. Think of this as a debate, an exchange of ideas, and mutual learning. Most people doesn’t understand what you are fighting for. I know how misunderstood you feel at the moment, Veronica. And I’m not going to lie and tell you that I do understand because I don’t. But isn’t this the opportunity you’ve been waiting for? We need you, Veronica. We need you to help us understand what you are fighting for.” I said in a hush tone as if there was a secret between us. “Listen, I know you’re going to do great. I know your issue is going to go down in history. I have great faith in this.”

RONNIE

Wyatt Lazaro was a smooth talker just as what I’d heard about him. He sure knows how to draw you in and make you hang on to every word he says. Otherwise, I wouldn’t still be here. He’d convinced me to stay and left with no other choice and nowhere to go to, I decided to stay. I didn’t want to sleep in the street tonight. I thought maybe I could just spend the night here and move elsewhere tomorrow. I just needed to sleep this off and maybe I’d figure things out when I wake up tomorrow.

“Veronica, Dina will have a talk with you soon.” Sabi niya habang kumakain siya ng dinner sa mesa. “You sure you don’t want to eat?”

“I already ate before I got here.” I shrugged. “Sino si Dina? Why do I need to talk to her? What? Is she your girlfriend? May magiging problema ba kung tumira ako pansamantala dito?”

The long table we were sitting on seemed endless. It had maybe at least sixteen seats and only his and mine were occupied. Standing in the corner of the room were his butler, dressed in a stereotypical butler uniform and a maid ready to tend to him when he rings that tiny bell sitting on the corner of the table next to him. 

His house spoke of extravagant luxury and flashy wealth, almost crossing the line of being gaudy. But even with all the expensive painting and decors in sight, the house felt… empty. Malaki din ang bahay namin, but it wasn’t as extravagant as this, we didn’t have our maids standing on the corner of the room staring at us while we eat. No fancy food or Versace plates or rococo silverwares . It was just Mama’s homecooked meal and a bunch of my siblings’ kids making a mess out of their food.

I thought of my family and how much I’d missed them.  Yung magulo at maiinga kong pamangkin. Brad, Sid, Monty, and Kuya Arthur. I’d been Ate’s sidekick when it comes to raising her kids since the triplets were born. I miss the noise, the energy of the boys, the mess. 

“I don’t do girlfriends.” Wyatt answered after swallowing his food. “Dina is Sybarite’s publicist. A real genius, that woman. Siya ang magpapaliwanag sa iyo ng concept at idea para sa issue mo.”

“What do you mean? So, hindi idea ko ang masusunod?” My brows furrowed.

“No, of course we’ll prioritize your ideas. We just need someone to help us execute it.” He raised a glass of wine to his lips and took a small sip. “Tell Dina everything you want on the magazine and she’d be like the fairy god mother transforming a pumpkin to a Cinderella carriage. So, what are you planning to do? What do you have in mind, anyway? Are you willing to go full on nude?”

“Yes.” I answered, choking a little in my own saliva as I thought of my father. I was almost sure he’d disown me after the issue is released.

“Lovely.” Wyatt beamed happily. “I’m just curious, are you one of those au naturale kind of girl or is it shaved?”

My eyes narrowed into a slit. “I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer, Lazaro.” 

“Okay, forget I even ask that.  I like surprises, anyway.” Sabi niya at nagkibit-balikat. “As you already know, we are not a porn magazine. We don’t do tasteless nude photographies so you don’t need to worry. We do it artistically.”

“Who says I’m worried? Wala akong kailangan itago, Lazaro. I am not ashamed of my own anatomy. I’m going to use my body as a statement that a woman’s anatomy doesn’t equalize sex.” I passionately said.

“I’m sure it would be an interesting issue. I am excited for it.” Sabi ni Lazaro.

“Boss.” Suddenly, a man started walking into the dining room, straight to Lazaro. “Tinawagan ko na si Dina, twelve o’clock sharp down ang meeting niyo bukas. Sabi din ni Dina, huwag na huwag kang malalate at huwag mo siyang indianin dahil pag ginawa mo daw ulit iyon mabuti pang humanap ka na ng ibang publicist.”

“She’s the sweetest, isn’t she?” Lazaro sarcastically said, chuckling. “At nagtataka pa siya niyan na walang lalaking manligaw sa kanya. Kasalanan ko bang traffic palagi dito sa Metro Manila?”

“Boss naman kasi, yung huling beses pinaghintay mo siya ng twenty minutes. Alam mo naman ayaw naghihintay ni Dina. Bubuga na naman ang dragon at sa akin na naman ibubunton nun ang inis sa pagkalate mo.” 

“She waited fifteen minutes. It’s not my fault I had a hangover.” He reasoned before he looked at me as if he’d just remember I was here. “Donny, this is Veronica. Veronica, my PA, Donny.”

Pumihit ang ulo sa akin ng lalaki. Donny had a boyish features. He was cute in a boy next door kind of way. He had dark wide eyes, slender nose, and soft jawline. He looked at me and his eyes quickly widened.

“Ikaw yung…” Itinaas niya ang parehong kamay niya at itinapat sa dibdib. He cupped his hands in front of his chest. 

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko. “May pangalan ako. It’s Ronnie.”

“Ronnie.” Ulit niya at tumawa ng bahagya. “Ang astig ng ginawa mo saka ang cute ng ‘ano’ mo, pink na pink. Totoo ba yang dibdib mo o salamat dok din?”

Before I could even react, Lazaro rose from his seat and gave him a hard pat on the back making him groan.

“Aray, boss! Ang bigat ng kamay mo.” He scowled.

“That’s not how we treat our guests, Donny. Nakakahiya ka, baka akalain ng bisita natin mga bastos tayo dito.” He said, unsmiling. Says the guy who asked if I was Au naturale or shaved a couple of moments ago. “It’s not proper to ask our guests about her breasts. But to  answer your question. Yes, Donny, as a matter of fact, they’re real. Very real.”

“BASTOS!” My head snapped at Wyatt.

“Sinagot ko lang naman ang tanong niya.” Wyatt said and turned his head to his PA and gave him a smack on the back of his head. “Gago ka kasi. Veronica’s not a typical Sybarite woman, you understand? She’s a special guest so treat her nicely.”

“Eh, boss, di ba yan yung babaeng basag trip? Yung nanggugulo sa’yo?” He said in a hush tone as if I wouldn’t be able to hear it. “Di ba nga sabi mo kulang lang sa sex yan kaya ganyan at ipatitikim mo sa kanya ang pinakamalupit-”

His whole palm cover Donny’s face. “Donny boy, kung anu-anong lumalabas sa bibig mo. Here, why don’t you sit down and eat.”

“Boss, mapapatay mo na ko niyan, eh. Hindi na ko makahinga.” Sabi ni Donny nang malayo niya ang mga palad ni Wyatt.

“Papatayin talaga kita kapag nagsalita ka ulit.” He warned before turning his attention to me. “Why don’t I take you to your bedroom? I know it’s been a long day and you’re tired and you want to rest.”

“You really said that?” I asked as if in disbelief when i shouldn’t even doubt that that came from Wyatt Lazaro’s mouth. We were walking down the hallway to my room. 

“Come on, we’ve already made peace. We’re now alliances. We’re like North and South Korea. Magkaibigan na tayo, hindi ba?” He said, trying to sound upbeat. 

“We will never be friends, Lazaro. Civil, maybe. But friends, never. Alam mo yung mga katulad mong lalaki, you act like you’re all that, talking with your friends about how you’d screw a woman but the truth is you’re just all talk. Men like you disgust me.” My face twisted into a look of disdain. “Don’t make it too obvious that  you’re compensating for your small penis.”

“Oh, Veronica.” His let out a chuckle. “That’s the oldest game in the book. Next thing I know, you’d be asking for proof.”

“Hoy, kapal ng mukha mo!” I stopped and shifted to face him. “I won’t want to see your penis if that was the last penis on earth.”

“I’d like to see you swallow what you just said in the future.” He winked at me and then his hand reached over to the bronze handle of the door we were in front of, even the handle was exquisitely detailed to perfection. He pushed the door open, not leaving his gaze from me. “I think you’re just sexually frustrated, Veronica. You’re running around causing mayhem all because you need a good dick. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Being a feminist doesn’t mean not needing a dick right? You’re only human.” 

“You’re so cute, Lazaro. I bet your little buddy down there is as cute as you.” I  retorted, trying to keep myself from punching him straight in the face.  

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, Veronica, it’ll be good to release some tension. Kaya siguro mainit palagi ang ulo mo. When was the last time you had an orgasm?”

When was the last time? Well, it had been far too long ago…

“Good night, asshole.” A fake smile stretched across my face, probably making me look like the joker.

“You’re very much welcome. It was so kind of me to let you into my home.” He sarcastically said before I slammed the door right into his face. 

I exhaustedly collapsed on the soft bed with soft chinese silk bed sheet that made me feel like my body was submerged in the clouds. Even the bedroom didn’t escape the extravagance of the house. Hanging over the four-poster bed was a beige sheer cloth. It was as if the whole house was made of hallucinatory showiness.

Chapter Eight

RONNIE

Wyatt Lazaro’s Sybarite mansion was made to look at, not to live in. I had easily gotten lost in this luxurious maze and it took me five minutes of walking around to find the grand staircase. The longer I stay here, the longer I start to feel like this was some kind of Renaissance museum with bedrooms. All the marbled pillars and priced paintings on the wall of the hallways, all these wealth was screaming for attention.

I made my way down the marble staircase, my hands gliding along the gold gilt railing. If walls could only talk I knew it would have a lot of stories to tell. Nakikita ko lang ang loob ng mansyon na ito sa mga pictures na kumakalat tuwing naghohost si Wyatt Lazaro ng Sybarite party. I’d seen pictures of women inside this house in clothings that almost leave nothing to do imagination, some without clothes on. Heck! I wasn’t a prude. I had no problem with nudity. Hindi naman ako magtatanggal ng pang-itaas sa harap ng gate ng mansyon na ito kung ganon lang din. I wouldn’t have any problem at all if those women weren’t used as props or some kind of object. There had been pictures and videos of women in obscene situations. Like the body buffet they had at last year’s party. They had a naked woman laid on a table and food were placed on top of the naked body. And also that picture where a topless woman who had two grown men latching on each breasts. I shook my head mindlessly, revolted at the images that flashed through my mind.

“Veronica!” Lumapit si Donny sa akin pagtapak ko sa pinakahuling baitang ng hagdan. “Ang aga mo naman magising.”

Isang simpleng ngiti lang ang isinagot ko sa kanya. He answered back with a wide smile.

“Gusto mo bang mag-almusal?”

Ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng gutom. I hadn’t eaten dinner last night. I just watched Wyatt eat his food. So many had happened yesterday and all I wanted was to get through the day.

“Teka, nasaan ba si Wyatt?” I asked. I was having second thoughts whether I should have breakfast here or just grab a bite somewhere else. Nakikitira na nga lang ako, makikikain pa ako. Baka naman kasi sabihin niya nakikitira na nga ako, makikikain pa ako.

“Nagjogging si boss sa labas. Katatapos lang kasi mag-lift sa gym niya. Ibinilin ka niya sa akin.”

“Ganon ba?” I bit my bottom lip and my stomach growled again. “Ano’ng breakfast ngayon?”

“Hindi ko alam kay chef pero nagluluto na siya ngayon. May gusto ka bang pagkain?”

Kumunot ang noo ko. “As in personal chef?”

“Oo, si Chef Roy. Magaling yun. Dati kasi siyang chef ng Prime Minister ng Italy.”

This shouldn’t even surprise me. Wyatt’s lifestyle was as extravagant as his house. We were a huge family in our house with my sister and her 4 sons with us lalo na kapag dumadating si Kuya Coco and Kuya Miggy with their family. But Mama does all the cooking for us with the help of our helps. Wala kaming personal chef. Wyatt had this home all to himself with a personal chef who was once the chef of a Prime Minister, a personal assistant, a butler, and about a million helps.

We walked into the kitchen. As I expected, his state of the art kitchen was as luxuriously gaudy as the rest of his home. It was renaissance styled too with carved cherry woods and dark marbled countertops and cabinets. A stout man in white chef uniform was there when we went in.

“Good morning.” Magiliw na bati ng lalaki.

“Chef, ano’ng breakfast natin?” Tanong ni Donny.

“We’re having smoked salmon souffle with blue cheese and spinach for breakfast and tropical parfait for dessert.” He beamed.

It was the kind of food we only eat when we’re at a fancy hotel. We eat real food at home. And blue cheese? I never liked it. I wouldn’t touch it if it was the last thing on earth.

“Is it okay if I cook my own food?” I asked, biting my lower lip.

“May gusto ka bang ipaggawa sa akin? I can cook whatever food you want.” Tanong sa akin ni Chef Roy.

“No, it’s okay. Wala rin naman akong gagawin ngayon. Just don’t mind me.” Binigyan ko siya ng matamis na ngiti.

“Baka magalit si boss niyan, Veronica.” Sabi ni Donny.

“Bakit naman siya magagalit?” Kunot noong tanong ko.

“Syempre, bisita ka tapos ikaw ang paglulutuin.” He said.

“Ako na ang bahala kay Wyatt. Magluluto ako ng pancake at bacon. Meron ba kayo nun?” Sabi ko at inabot ang apron na nakasabit sa isang banda ng kitchen.

I was used to cooking breakfast. I cook for Ate’s kids all the time. Ako ang iniistorbo nila sa tuwing magigising sila ng maaga dahil alam nilang puyat ang Mommy nila sa trabaho. They’d bug me until I get out of my room and cook for them. Sid was a sweet tooth, he likes pancakes and waffles. Brad’s in love with bacon and Monty likes just about every cereal but he was especially fond of Lucky Charms. One day away from home and I already miss my nephews.


Donny and Chef Roy assisted me in cooking. I made pancakes and Chef Roy made his signature bacon, the way Wyatt liked it. Crispy and baked. They say Wyatt was a health freak kaya minsan lang ito mag bacon but he loved them bacon crispy.

“Baka mainlove sa’yo niyan si Wyatt at hindi ka na pauwiin. Sabi nga nila, di ba, a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. “ Chef Roy teased after we were done. “At saka ikaw pa lang ang nakapag-overnight na babae dito.”

“Chef, hindi naman kasi yan babae ni boss. Magkaibigan lang sila.” Depensa ni Donny.

“Hindi kami magkaibigan ni Wyatt.” I rolled my eyes and picked up a plate full of pancake. Donny tried to get it from me but I insisted. Dinala ko iyon sa dining room. One of the help, Susan, brought out the plate of bacon. The help were very accomodating to me. Nakipag-tsikahan din kasi ako sa mga kasambahay ni Wyatt habang naghahanda ng breakfast.

Then, Susan stood in the corner of the room and silently watched as I sat down. I felt weirded out. I’d seen this happen last night.

“Kumain ka na ba, Susan?” I politely asked. “You can join me if you want.”

“Nag-almusal na po, Ma’am.” Her hands clasped right in front of her.

“So, you’re just going to stand there?” Kumunot ang noo ko.

“Kung may kailangan po kayo, mas mabilis ko kayong matutulungan.” Magalang na sabi ko.

Tumingin naman ako kay Donny. “Huwag mo sabihin titigan mo lang din ako? Samahan mo ako kumain.”

“Hihintayin ko na lang si boss, Veronica. Ako ang kasabay palagi kumakain nun.” He told me.

“Ronnie na lang.” I said. I wanted him to warm up to me. He seemed like a genuine guy. “Please, hindi kasi ako sanay na kumain mag-isa. Sanay akong palaging may kasamang kumain. Hindi ba sabi mo gustong-gusto mo yung bacon ni chef Roy?”

“Sige na nga, titikim lang ako ng konti.” Aniya bago umupo sa tabi ko at kumain na din.

“Bakit ang laki ng galit mo kay boss?” Tanong niya habang ngumunguya.


“Wala siyang pakialam sa kapakanan ng ibang tao bukod sa sarili niya. He’s making millions by exploiting women. He had reduced the value of women to being sexual objects. And the way he treats you and the helps speaks for itself.” Naiiling na sabi ko. “Hindi dapat ganito ang trato niya sa inyo.”

“Ano’ng ibig mong sabihin? Mabait sa amin si boss, ah.” Donny defended him. “Parang Kuya na ang trato ko sa kanya.”

“Tignan mo nga si Susan. He makes his help stand in the corner and watch him while he eats. Ano’ng klaseng tao siya?”

“Ma’am, mawalang galang na po pero mabait talaga sa amin si sir Wyatt. Ginagawa lang namin ang trabaho namin. Sa lahat ng naging amo ko siya ang pinamapagbigay. Wala pa kaming hinihinging tulong, nakarating na sa amin. Noong lumapit kami kay Sir Wyatt, walang-wala po kami noon. Pinag-aral niya po ang tatlo kong anak, siya din ang tumulong sa amin na magpundar ng sakahan sa probinsya namin at tumulong din siya sa pagpapagawa ng kubo namin noon. Kahit kumikita na ang sakahan namin hindi ko pa rin magawang iwan ang trabaho ko dito.” Susan said with quivering appreciation in her voice.

“Kahit ako, mahal ko ang trabaho ko dito. Hindi na ko makakahanap ng among katulad ni boss.” Sabi ni Donny. “Dahil sa kanya napa-opera ang tatay kong may sakit sa puso, kung saan-saan bansa ako nakakarating, at marami akong mga chicks na nakilala. Tignan mo si Chef Roy, hindi mo aakalain na tinaningan na yan noon, di ba? Naghirap yan dahil sa pagdadialysis, bumigay na ang atay. Iniwan ng pamilya. Lumapit siya kay boss at naghahanap ng trabaho para man lang makaipon daw sa gagastusin sa pagpapalibing sa kanya. Tinulungan ni boss at siya din ang gumastos sa liver transplant. Mapagbigay si boss sa mga nagtatrabaho dito, sky is the limit pagdating sa pagtulong niya.”

They talked about Wyatt like he was some saint. Okay, he may have done a few good deeds but it still doesn’t change the fact that he was exploiting women in his magazine. Kahit ano ang sabihin nila, hindi pa rin magbabago ang tingin ko kay Wyatt Lazaro. He would remain the chauvinistic pig that he really was.

“Good morning. Already eating without me?” Wyatt Lazaro walked in. Wala siyang suot kung hindi ang itim na running shorts, tumatagaktak ang pawis mula sa noo niya pababa sa mukha pati sa dibdib niya. I straightened and held my chin up, trying to keep my eyes from going further down his tight abs. This man was pure muscle.

Agad na tumayo si Donny mula sa silya at lumapit kay Wyatt. Inabot ni Wyatt ang isang walang laman na water bottle at bimpo.

“Hindi na kita nahintay. Napakain ako. Nagluto kasi si Ronnie ng almusal—”

“Ronnie?” He cocked a brow.

“Si Veronica, boss.” Parehong nabaling ang tingin nila sa akin.

“It’s Ronnie now, huh?” His brows suddenly furrowed. “Did the warrioress sleep good?”

“I slept just fine.” I let out a sarcastic smile and I made sure he knew it wasn’t genuine.

“You’re a ball of sunshine in the morning, aren’t you?” He chuckled, wiping his sweat off his face with the fresh towel Donny had handed him. “So, Ronnie-”

“Please don’t call me Ronnie. Hindi tayo close.” I told him.

“Si Donny pwedeng tumawag sa’yo ng Ronnie tapos ako hindi pwede?” He looked at me, bewildered. “I gave you a roof over your head, woman.”

“Kung makapagsalita ka akala mo ikaw na ang nagpalamon sa akin buong buhay ko! Hoy, Lazaro, you want me on your stupid magazine then deal with me living here!” I said and stood from my seat and was ready to march out of the room.

Hinarang niya ang kamay niya sa arch kaya hindi ako makadaan. I looked at him with eyes narrowed. I caught a whiff of his scent. He smelled as manly as he looked, I wouldn’t deny it. Even though I hated him, my senses were still unbias towards him. Of course, it doesn’t smell like daffodils and lavender. That would just be plain ridiculous. I know he was good-looking and whatnot but it would be bullshit to say that. It was musky and strong but not in a disgusting way, it was definitely not offensive to the nose. He smelled like a real man would minus the expensive cologne or anything. It must be all the testosterones his sweating out. 

“Where are you going? Are you not going to join me for breakfast?” He asked.

“No.” I said in a hard tone, barely looking at him. “May trabaho pa ako!”

“Wow, you’ve another job other than trying to bring my business down.” He chuckled, amusement in his face. “So, what do you do, Veronica?”

“I’m a social worker. I work with women and children.” I answered rather coldly. I hide to bite my inner cheek to stop myself from telling him to fuck off. I didn’t want to be thrown out of this house. I’d probably be sleeping in the street tonight if I did that.

“That’s nice.” He nodded his head. “I’ve always thought you were just a bored rich brat who had too much time in her hands. How long have you been-”

“Don’t.” I shook my head.

“What?” He looked confused.

“Please, don’t make small talks. I’ve had a long day yesterday and I just want to go to work.” I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. “Pwede bang tumabi ka sa dadaanan ko? You smell like a homeless man.”

Tumawa siya ng malakas. His laughter filled the whole room and then he lowered his arm to his side. “You are so entertaining, Ronnie.”

“Veronica!” I said before stepping out of the dining room. 

Umakyat ako papunta sa kwarto at nagshower na. My luggage was already in the room, it was brought up to me by his butler last night. I wore my uniform, a pink polo shirt with the logo of the organization I was working for and simple pants. I wore my hair in a ponytail and swung my body bag around my body. 

“So, how are you going to get to work?” Tanong ni Wyatt sa akin ng makababa ako. He was sitting in the living room, all freshed and made up now. He looked expensive in a black shirt with a burberry print across it and black pants. “You didn’t have a car with you when you came here, did you? You can use mine if you want.”

“No, thanks. I’ll just use grab.”

“I have a chauffeur, I can have him-”

“I’ll use grab.” I firmly said.

“Bakit ba ang tigas ng ulo mo, Ronnie?”

“Veronica.” I rolled my eyes.

“If something bad happens to you baka dalhin ako ng ama mo sa Luneta at ipabaril sa firing squad.” He shook his head. “You don’t know whose car you’ll be riding.”

“That’s a too noble way to die for someone like you. And I actually do know who my driver is. His name is…” I looked down at my phone. “Phidel Reyes and he’s 3 minutes away so lalabas na ako, okay?”

“Kaya ka sinusuka ni Phoenix Cordova.” Naiiling na sabi nito.

“Excuse you?” I put a hand over my hip. 

He quietly stood up from his seat and walked up to me. “What time are you going to be home? You’re going to be home before sun down, yeah?”

“Hanggang 4 o’clock lang ako.”

“Hatid na kaya kita.” He said.

“Don’t treat me like a kid. You’re not responsible for me, Lazaro.”

“I’m sure that’s not what your father would think if something happens to you.” 

“Nothing’s gonna happen. I can take care of myself just fine.”

“Look, if you need me for anything call my number.” He handed me a calling card.

Even when I didn’t want to take it, I took it because I didn’t want to argue with him. My phone buzzed telling me that the driver was already here and I quickly went out of the Sybarite mansion.

“Ronnie!” Nang papasok na ako ay humabol sa akin si Donny.  “Sandali lang.”

Bigla akong natigilan.

“Bakit?” I asked him.

“Sabi ni boss kuhanan ko daw ng picture yung driver.” Sabi ni Donny bago inilabas ang phone niya at itinutok sa mukha ng driver. “Kuya, say cheese.”

Pagkatapos ay hiningi nito ang lisensya ng driver at kinuhanan din ng picture. Pati ang plate number at rehistro ng kotse. I just had to roll my eyes as I got in.

“Sige na, Kuya. Okay na.” Donny gave the driver a thumbs up. “Ingatan mo yan, ah. Dalawang malaking tao ang manghuhunting sa’yo pag nagalusan yan.”

 I apologized to the driver and swore with my life that I’d give him a 10 star if possible. 

My shift had ended. It was an okay day today. I handled a few reports and complaints about domestic abuse. I see all these everyday but somehow I still wasn’t desensitized. I feel for every women and children I’d ever come across with. I had developed a different sense of empathy towards them lalo na at napagdaanan namin ng pamilya namin ito with Ate Drey. Our family and I had felt everything these women had felt.

I let out an exhale. I wouldn’t lie and say this jobs was easy. It could be emotionally tolling at times hearing stories about abuse towards women and children. But I needed to do what I had to do. 

I thought of going to the groceries before I go back to Sybarite mansion. I needed to buy my own toiletries, toothbrush and other things a woman should have. I had to resort to just using a mouth was this morning because I didn’t have my toothbrush with me. I was also not used to using the shampoos and conditioners Wyatt had in his bathroom. I knew it was an expensive brand of shampoo and conditioner but it wasn’t the one I wanted.

“Ma’am, ayaw po talagang mag-work ng credit card niyo.” Said the cashier after swiping it a dozen of times.

“What do you mean? Malaki pa ang limit niyan.” My brows crumpled.

“Eh, ma’am, ayaw talaga.” She shook her head. “Baka may iba pa po kayong card?”

I gave her another credit card. The black card, the one without a credit limit. Umiling lang ang babae at ibinalik sa akin. 

“Try this. Debit card na yan.” I shoved it in her hand as I tried hard not to lose my cool. That’s where I put all the salary I get from my work. She swiped it again but still nothing.

Napakurap ako. I looked behind me and I was holding back a long line of people now. Even though it was embarrassing, I had everything I had in my cart cancelled. Nang nasa labas na ako ng grocery, I furiously dialed the bank’s number.

Someone from the customer service gave me a warm greeting.

“Bakit hindi na gumagana ang mga credit card at debit cards ko?” I growled in mixture of embarrassment and anger. “I held up a line inside there! It was so embarrassing! Bakit walang gumana kahit isa? I pay my dues! I am a good client!”

“Ma’am, we know that. We have your credit history.” Sabi ng babae sa kabilang linya.

“Eh bakit nga hindi gumana ang card ko?”

“All your cards had been cut off.” 

“Ano’ng cut off? Pati yung debit ko? You’ve got to be kidding me. I would understand if it was just my credit cards, I worked hard for that money! I earned that!” I knew I was as red as a tomato now. 

“I’m sorry, ma’am.” She said in genuine apology.

“You can’t do this to me.”

“We know we can’t but Mr. Phoenix Cordova certainly can.” She said.

I groaned frustratedly. I wanted to throw my phone to the ground. I only had one thousand pesos in my wallet and I won’t have any until the 15th of this month, my pay day, and the month had only began. Ano’ng gagawin ko? Yung grab nga lang kanina, naka 400 pesos na ako. Paano ko titipirin iyon?

I won’t ask for Wyatt Lazaro’s help. It was enough that I’d begged him to let me stay in his mansion. I couldn’t afford a grab ride right now as the price had skyrocketed to 550 pesos from here back to Sybarite. Naisip kong magbus na lang. I asked around and they told me I had to ride a jeepney first before I get to the bus stop.

Sinakyan ko ang jeep na sinabi ng mamang nakausap ko. I felt so independent right now. I didn’t need my Dad to support me anymore and I was slowly learning how to commute just as most people are doing. Nakatayo ako sa tabi ng kalsada at tumitingin ng bus na dadating nang bigla akong nakaramdam ng kamay na umakbay sa akin.

I turned my head and saw a teenage looking boy with scuffled hair. My brows furrowed and I was about to jump away from him when he held me by my shoulders tightly.

“Miss, kung ayaw mong masaktan ibigay mo na sa akin yung bag mo. Huwag ka ng lumaban.” And then I felt a sharp object poking my against my ribs. I looked down and saw a knife pointed at my gut.

I swallowed back a sharp inhale, afraid to move. 

“Don’t hurt me.” I said with shaky voice. “Hindi ako manlalaban. You can have my bag.”

I peacefully handed it to him and then he tucked it inside his jacket and walked off like nothing had happened. It took me awhile before I was able to move from where I stood. Mag-iisang minuto ang lumipas bago ko naramdaman ang panginginig ng tuhod ko at kasunod nun ay ang buong katawan ko. I wanted to cry at that moment. I had never experienced anything like this. I grew up surrounded with bodyguards. I had never felt this unsafe.

Hindi ko alam kung paano ako makakauwi ngayon. He had my bag which where all my money and phone were in. I had nothing. Absolutely nothing with me. I didn’t know where to go or what to do or who to ask for help. The first time I was thrust into the real world and this was what happened. 

I walked looking for a police officer nearby but there was none. Nahinto ako sa isang tindahan nang makita ang telephone sa harap nun at may nakasulat na Payphone na karatula. I asked if I could use it and I promised I’d pay them later. Naalala ko ang calling card na ibinigay sa akin ni Wyatt. I took it out from my pocket and dialed his number.

After a few rings, he picked up. “Hello?”

“Wyatt?” Doon na ako napaiyak. “Wyatt, please come here.”

“What the hell? Are you crying? Ano’ng nangyari?”

“May tumutok sa akin ng kutsilyo at kinuha ang bag ko.” Humihikbing sabi ko. 

I heard him cuss on the other end. “Nasaan ka ngayon?”

Tinanong ko ang tindera kung nasaan ako at iyon ang lugar na sinabi ko kay Wyatt. 

“Calm down. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Please, don’t go anywhere. Not unless you feel unsafe.” He instructed. 

Mabuti na lang at mabait ang tinderang nalapitan ko. Sinabi niyang marami talagang snatcher at holdaper sa lugar na ito. She offered me a soda to drink because I was crying so hard. I felt like a scared little girl.

Maya-maya pa ay may tumigil na pulang sports car sa harap ko. Wyatt hurried out from his car. I stood up from my seat and in sheer desperation, threw my arms at him. He felt like the safest thing right now. Muli akong napaiyak when he protectively wrapped his arms around.

“It’s okay…” He gently stroked my hair. “It’s going to be okay, Veronica. Nandito na ako.”

Chapter Nine

WYATT

Veronica clung onto me like she was clinging for dear life. I held her as her whole body shook while she cried. This vulnerable side of her was new to me. I had only seen the fierce and fearless Veronica Cordova. It took me quite awhile to digest that this woman in my arms was the same daredevil who’d pull off fearless stunts before. 

“Come on, I’ll take you home. It’ll be okay. Walang pwedeng manakit sa’yo hangga’t nandito ako.” I promised her.

Lalong humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin. A sense of protectiveness toward her washed over me. I never thought she could be this fragile. I felt like I had a porcelain doll in my arms and I was afraid to break her.

Binigyan ko ng isang libong piso ang tinderang tumulong sa kanya. The vendor send it was too much and wanted to give it back to her but I insisted. She deserved that because she made sure this warrioress was safe. I took the shaking Veronica to my car, opening the door for her and gently guiding her in. Then I went to the driver’s side and drove off.

It was a quiet drive back to Sybarite. I pulled up in front of the door to the house and my chauffeur stood there, waiting on us. I got out of my car and raced to the passenger’s seat before anyone could open the door for Veronica. I opened the door for her and offered my hand out to her to which she took.

The ferocious glimmer in her eyes were gone and her face looked softer that usual. A woman of warmth and emotion rather than the warrioress I was used to seeing. She walked in with her arms around mine.

“Boss, saan ka gali-” Nakangiting sumalubong sa amin si Donny. Then his eyes lowered to my arm, the one where she was holding onto. He pressed his lips together as if it would ruin the moment. 

“Do you want to rest? Ihahatid na kita sa kwarto mo.” I asked her as we walked in.

“No…” She shook her head, lalong humigpit ang hawak niya sa braso ko. “Don’t leave me.”

I stopped and shifted to face her. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe here.”

“I… I was so scared, Wyatt. Akala ko sasaksakin niya talaga ako. I felt the tip of the knife poking against me.” Her eyes began to water again. 

I cupped her small face, her wide doll-like eyes looking back at me. I wouldn’t lie, they were enchanting. I couldn’t help imagining that pretty innocent face on my magazine. It would be something new. Her beauty was refreshing and very distinct, something you don’t see in covers, billboards, and TV a lot. Not even movie stars could be this alluring and mystifying at the same time. Her beauty was in a league of its own. 

“It’ll be okay. Ipinapangako ko sa’yo walang makakapanakit sa’yo hangga’t nandito ako.” I carefully said. 

The anxiousness in her face disappeared. It softened back up again. It felt quite good to have Veronica find comfort and trust in my words. Never in my wildest dream did I think this would happen. 

“Now, tell me, what will it take for me to make you feel better?” I asked.

“Well, when I don’t feel okay Mama and I would sit on a movie.” She quietly said, biting her bottom lip. I suddenly remembered kissing those lips at a dark, smelly alley. Despite the place we were at at that time, I could distinctly recall how soft those lips were. It was the softest I’d ever kissed and I’d kissed a couple of dozen women in the past.

I smiled. “Okay, we’ll watch a movie.”

She cracked a sweet smile, too. Wow! This was the first time Veronica had ever smiled to me. A real, genuine one. Does this make us friends now? 

We went to the theater room. The TV took up the whole wall on the front and there were 5 rows of red lazy boy recliner chairs, each row had 8 seats. From the door a stair led down, cutting in the middle of the row of seats and acting as an aisle. I had it done to make it look like a real cinema would, a luxurious one. I had her pick a movie for us and she slowly loosened up. She happened to pick a romance movie. I had never sat down to a cheesy romantic movie with a woman before, I could never stand it. But here I was bending backwards to this warrioress’ every whim.

“Um, Wyatt…” We sat on the 5th row, next to each other. Her face were illuminated only by the light coming from the big screen. 

“Yeah?” 

“Can you get Stretch for me?”

“Who?” My brows crumpled with confusion.

“My stuffed ostrich, his names is Stretch. It’s in my bed.” She said, I could hear the embarassment in her tone. “She makes me feel better.”

“Fine.” I sighed. “Do you need anything else?”

She shook her head, her dark eyes shining through the long thick lashes. “Nothing. Just Stretch.” 

I stood up from my seat and exited the theater room. I went to her room and Stretch was indeed sitting on top of her neatly done bed. She had only inhabited this place for one day and it already smelled like her. Like honey and vanilla. Damn! How I wanted to stay here and just breathe in her scent. Her luggage and her back were beside her bed. I grabbed and Stretch and looked down to see the stuffed ostrich staring back at me. She looked worn out. She must’ve had this for years now. 

“Hello, Stretch.” I couldn’t help a chuckle. It was as if I was looking at Veronica’s innocence and soft spot through her stuffed animal. The feisty warrioress was slowly warming up to me, huh? “You’re going to get your Mommy to be nicer to me, won’t you? You’re going to help me get the perfect photoshoot.”

I moved the ostrich’s head up and down. 

“Good. We’re going to get along just fine, Stretch.” I grinned like the crazy bastard I was. 

And I exited her room and got us some chips and popcorn before heading back to the theater. Veronica was still huddled in her seat, the chair now reclined. I sat back to mine and gave her Stretch.

“Thank you.” She hugged the stuffed animal like a little girl would and just clutched on her.

“How long have you had? Mukhang lumang-luma na.” I asked.

“I was around eight years old when I had Stretch. We were at six flags in California and my brothers and sister and Dad were all getting on this cool rides I couldn’t get in because I didn’t meet the height limit. Mama and I were only riding the rides for little kids and I felt so left out. I was so upset that I cried.” She let out a cackle, her eyes shone with nostalgia even though they were still fixed to the screen. “So they took me to this toy store to make it up and they bought Stretch for me. Mama said I shouldn’t cry because stretch couldn’t get on any rides too at kapag daw sumama akong sumakay sa mga rides kina Dad iiyak naman si Stretch. So I stayed with Stretch and we were contented with riding the kiddie rides. Since then, she became my comfort stuffed ostrich. I could never outgrow her.”

“Seems like you have a tight family.” I popped a popcorn in my mouth.

“Super.” And then her smile faded. “Am I doing the right thing?”

I stiffened. No. Don’t fucking have second thoughts about posing for Sybarite. God forbid.

“Of course, you are.” I immediately answered and start blabbering. “I mean, you have to prove them wrong. Nandito ka na rin naman, hindi ba? You didn’t make it this far to back out. This is your chance to make them understand what you’re fighting for. Remember, this isn’t about you or your family, this is about what you stand for.”

She let out a sigh. “But would it really make that much of a difference?”

“Where’s that Veronica Cordova I know? Would it really matter to you? You have to take small and big wins as victories. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re putting it together and making a monster out of it. It’s like a lego piece, every little piece looks insignificant but everybody just gets wowed when you put the final piece of a lego statue. Small and big wins you stack on top of each other and before you know, you have a piece of art.” I said, giving her a little pep talk.

She shifted to her seat, to face me with Stretch still in her arms. “Well, would it matter to you? Would you care for the article or just the pictures?”

I paused for awhile, looking for the right words to say. I didn’t want to lie to Veronica. I may be a lot of things but I would never lie to a woman or deceit them. Every woman who had modeled for me knew what they were getting themselves into and were thoroughly explained the job they were about to do. “We’ve had wonderful journalists and writers working for our magazine. It just depends on the men who reads it, I guess. But men are naturally visual creatures. They see what looks good and they look at it. There’s the real world and the fantasy world and I’m giving them the fantasy. I think the problem is you know the right dirt to dig but you don’t know what tools to use.”

“You really don’t care about the women you use in your magazine, do you? You’re profiting from selling pictures of nude women and sex.” She frowned, the warrioress coming out.

“Those women knew what they were getting themselves into. You can’t impose your morality on someone else, Veronica. You’re either a slave to your own version morality or you’re a master to it. And these women are mastering it. They know how you use it and there’s nothing wrong with that. They are not being mistreated in any way. They’re able to express their sexuality and make money out of it. It’s a win-win. I do sell sex and it’s selling like hotcakes, I tell you. You want to know why? Because it’s primal. It’s basic, like food. Every human wants it in any shape or form. The only people who don’t like sexual positivity are the ones who fear it. Are you afraid of it, Veronica?”

“I-I’m not.” Her voice squeaked a little. “I’m not against sexual liberation but I’m against your magazine portraying women as sexual objects. There’s a huge difference between sexual liberation and sexual objectifation. Sure, sex sells but it sells mainly to men. You don’t know the abuse women go through. I have to work 8 hours a day and 5 days a week with women and children who’d been abused. Hindi mo maiintindihan yun kasi lalaki ka, kasi hindi mo napagdaaanan at hinding-hindi mo mapapagdaanan iyon.” Her voice shook with so much passion in them.

“I’ve experienced it first-hand.” My gaze lowered, the memories sending shivers to my spine. It was one of the things I’d buried at the back of my mind. “You think, us, men don’t go through abuse? I lost my virginity before I even know what sex was. I was really young. I was 10.”

Then suddenly everything went quiet. I could feel her stares as if waiting for me to say something more and when I didn’t she spoke. 

“I’m… I’m so sorry.” She quietly said. “I didn’t know…”

I shrugged my shoulders and took a sip from the water bottle next to me. I had never told a soul about this but now it was bugging me, it weighing me down. It felt like a bad tooth you know you shouldn’t touch and once you do, it bothers you. “It was my step-mom. She was genuinely nice to me, the only person that was ever nice to me while I was growing up. I’ve had a rough childhood and she earned my trust.”

“Wyatt…” There was apology in her tone. 

“I think I’ve had enough of this movie. Dina’s going to be here any minute now.” I said, changing the topic. I stood up from my seat and went for the exit. I shouldn’t have told her about that. It was stupid. She didn’t need to know. What for? I didn’t want anyone’s pity or sympathy. 

I was about to go to my study but my gut instict told me there was something off. There was just something off in the house I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was. The house seemed void of any noise. The house was naturally quiet without Sybarite parties but now it was eerily quiet. Where was Donny? Where’s my butler? Where were the helps? 

I looked around and couldn’t find a single soul. Then I went to the living room. Phoenix Cordova was sitting on my designer leathered couch chair that had cost me $12,000.

“Hello, Wyatt.” He said, with legs crossed mafia-style. I knew shit was about to go down from there. “How are you?”

“Paano ka nakapasok dito?” 

“I have my ways.”

My brows furrowed. “Ano’ng ginagawa mo dito?”

“I know what happened earlier. Some punk had threatened my daughter with a knife. He’s already in jail now. I’m having her followed by my securities. I actually came here to swallow my pride and beg you to cancel the contract my daughter has signed and give her back to me.” He said and then got up from his seat. I stiffened when he reached inside his coat thinking it was a gun again. I was ready to raise my hand to surrender when he took out a paper. A rectangular paper. A check? “But then I decided to take a moral shortcut and just write you a check. This is for all the trouble. I hope this would suffice the penalty for the cancelled contract.”

I looked at the paper and it clearly said 50 million pesos. We make 300,000 dollars a month for every issue and this was more than enough for an issue. But tough luck for this guy, I wasn’t after the money, I was after the publicity this would make. 

“I can’t accept that.” I shook my head. “Go take your money with you and leave. Where are my helps?”

“I’ll double the amount.” He said.

“I’m sorry. Only Veronica can decide if she wants the contract cancelled.” I said and looked around for my securities. “Where’s Ben and Paulo when you need them? Donny?! Where the hell are you?”

“Hindi ko ibabalik sa’yo ang mga kasama mo hangga’t hindi mo binibigay ang anak ko.”

“Now you’re holding them hostage?” My eyes widened. 

“Give me back my daughter and I will give back your helps.”

“Dad, what are you doing?” Veronica’s voice screeched into the entire room.

“Ronnie, honey…” His face softened as he looked at her. “I know what happened earlier. Please, go back home.”

“No!” She shook her head. “I’m staying here!”

“Ronnie, listen to me! Just this once!” He said in a firm, authorative tone.

“I want to stay here.”

“Why do you want to stay in this whore house, you’re not a whore.” Her father shook his head.

“Oh my God, Dad! Please, just make me make my own decision. I know what I’m doing.” She said. “Does Mama know about this? I’m going to call Mama!”

“No! Don’t do that, young lady!” His voice boomed.

“I will call Mama if you don’t let go of Wyatt’s helps. Where are they?” 

“They’re outside, in the backyard. I had my men take them out.” He said and sighed. “Please, Ronnie, umuwi ka na. Your nephews miss you already.”

“I’m sorry, Dad.” She shook her head.

“You’re going to be the hard headed brat that you are, huh?” He said in a sad tone.

“Dad, please respetuhin mo naman ang desisyon ko. I’m no longer a baby. You can’t do this. Matanda na ako kaya hayaan mo na akong magdesisyon sa sarili ko! You want me to leave the house, didn’t you? Ikaw din nagpa-cut ng credit at debit card ko. I’m not depending on you anymore.” Veronica said with a tone of frustration.

“Sige, panindigan mo ang katigasan ng ulo mo pero huwag na huwag kang gagapang pabalik sa akin, Veronica.” Phoenix’s jaw clenched, he let out a tired sigh and then he took out his phone from his pocket. He spoke to the phone.  “We’re leaving.”

Bago siya lumabas ay lumapit siya sa akin at binulungan ako. “If you touch my daughter, ipapakidnap kita at gigilingin kita ng buhay. I won’t leave a trace and they won’t recognize you at all. And also, you have weak securities. Get competent ones because if anything bad happens to her, you’re dead.”

This man meant every word he said. I knew he would be capable of doing such things if it involves his daughters. We stood quietly as a group of well-built men, huge me, started walking inside. 

Ronnie finally shed a tear the moment her father left. I took her in my arms and she hugged me back as if it was the most natural thing to do.

Chapter Ten

RONNIE

I didn’t have work today and Donny told me that Wyatt had gone to a meeting so I decided to take advantage of the swimming pool he had in his unbelievably huge backyard. He had this Roman style swimming pool with gold and cream colored Italian faience tilework, brass rails and around it were exquisitely carved columns and marble sculptures. It was impressive. Just standing there made me feel like a Roman goddess. It was purposely impressive I guessed because this was where the Sybarite parties take place.

In my white two piece swimsuit, I laid on the neoclassical style chaise chair. It looked like the kind of chair Cleopatra would sit on while her slaves feed her grapes. I surrounded with the finest things growing up but this kind of luxury was overwhelmingly excessive. This was a pool made for five star hotels. I had the chance to roam around the backyard earlier. If you walked to the far right, you’d see a sunken space the size of a professional court. It had two basketball rings in it and in the middle was a tennis net, I assumed he uses it for both depending on his mood.

“Ronnie.” I heard a voice call my name as I was about to drift to sleep while I was sunbathing. Bumukas ang mga mata ko and I could see through my sunglasses Donny staring down at me.

“Hey, Donny.” I sat right up and took off my sunglasses. Donny had toured me around Sybarite earlier and boy, was it huge. Mabilis naman napalagay ang loob ko sa kanya. He was a very likeable man and I knew we’d get along just fine.

“Hindi ka naman naiinip dito?” He asked, sitting on the chaise chair beside me.

“Hindi naman. Ngayon na nga lang ulit ako makakapag-relax pagkatapos ng mga nangyari.” Napabuntong-hininga ako.

“Grabe ang tatay mo, ano? Akala ko imamassacre na kami kagabi.” Natatawang sabi niya.

“Pasensya na kayo sa ginawa ni Dad, ah. Ganon lang talaga yun palibhasa nasa male menopausal stage na.” Naiiling na sabi ko.

“Okay lang. Ganon naman siguro talaga pag tatay pero grabe ang takot ko, halos maihi ako sa salaw.”

“Natatakot ka dun, eh isang Phoenix Cordova lang ni Mama natataranta na yun.” I chuckled.

He laughed along with me and after our laughter died down he asked me, “Kumusta kayo ni boss? Mukhang okay na kayo.”

I shrugged. “Syempre, pag umattitude pa ako baka palayasin ako nun.”

“May payakap-yakap pa kayo kagabi, akala mo yung sa teleserye na tinakwil ka ng tatay mo kasi sumama ka sa lalaking hindi niya gusto para sa’yo.”

Sumimangot ako. “Tigilan mo nga ako, Donny. Tumatayo balahibo ko sa mga sinasabi mo.”

Wanting to dip into the pool, I grabbed the sunscreen sitting on the end table next to my chair and began coating my body with it while we talked. There was just something about Donny that made me feel at ease. We were already best friends in just a matter of days.

“Don, palagay naman ng sunscreen sa likod ko.” I asked him as I couldn’t reach my back.

He did as I asked him to do. I untied the string of my bikini top so as to even out the lotion on my back while I hold on to the cups in the front.

“Ang kinis naman ng kutis mo, Ronnie.” He commented. “Ano’ng ginagamit mo?”

“Wala. Mama and I just go to spas a lot and I exfoliate every once in a while.” I answered and then thought for awhile. “Nasaan na ang pamilya ni Wyatt? I haven’t heard or seen him with his family. I don’t even see pictures of his family anywhere.”

“Hindi ko din alam. Hindi naman nagkukuwento si boss tungkol sa pamilya niya.”

“Kahit yung tungkol sa impakta niyang madrasta?”

“Wala naman din siyang nababanggit.”

“I see.” Tumango-tango ako. “Paano ba kayo nagkakilala ni Lazaro?”

“Bellboy kasi ako sa hotel nun. Madalas ako naghahatid sa mga chicks niya pag nagchecheck in siya. Ang gaganda ng mga bebot, di mo aakalaing mga escort. May mga lumalabas pa nga sa TV at nagbebeauty queen.”

“He hires prostitutes?” I asked, my eyes widening.

“I wouldn’t call them prostitutes. I have high standards. I give them what they want in exchange of what I want.” Said a smooth velvety voice.

We both turned our heads to see Lazaro standing there with hands in the pockets of his trousers, one corner of his lips twisted into a smirk. “What’s wrong with prostitutes anyway? I see women with power. Women who owns their bodies and aren’t afraid to use it.”

“It’s one of the most evident features of the lack of equality between men and women.” I said as I was tying my bikini top together.

“I have more respect towards women who doesn’t give a way for free what she could make good money out of. It only means they know what they are worth and they don’t come cheap, I tell you.” He grinned like the devil.

My jaw dropped at what I was hearing. It repulsed me to the core. “Are you serious?”

“It’s an example of women’s empowerment. Imagine having so much control over a man with your pussy alone.”

“Women aren’t just giant pussies, you do know that, do you?” I could feel the heat from my chest travelling to my face. “We are living, breathing human beings. Sex industry exists not because women choose to do it but because of men’s choice and women’s lack of choice. This is not empowerment. Just because you have mommy issues, it doesn’t give you the right to treat women like sex objects.”

“Mommy issues?” He cocked a brow.

“I’m a social worker. I’ve come across enough men like you to know an asshole with mommy issues when I see one. You are a sexist scum of the lowest order.” I threw a robe over to my body and began walking away. 

WYATT

I had walked in on Donny rubbing lotion on Veronica’s back while she barely had her bikini top on. I could see that they were growing closer to each other. It probably had to do with them being together the whole day. I honestly felt left out. I took her into my home, i fetched her after she was robbed, I even stayed to comfort her and what do I get? Hostility. 

I wasn’t trying to be an asshole. I guess it just comes out naturally or whenever she was around. We were already getting along yesterday but now it was as if we were back to being nemesis. There were just a lot of things we couldn’t agree with. Our view were the polar opposite of each other which made her even more interesting to me.  Of course, I wanted to get along with her but I could not, for the life of me, hold my tongue to appease her self-serving beliefs.

“So, what have you and Veronica been up to? Ano’ng ginagawa niyo?” I pried while we played pool in the entertainment room.

“Pinasyal ko lang siya sa buong bahay, boss, katulad ng bilin mo tapos nag-usap kami ng konti.” Donny answered.

“Mukhang close na close na kayo.” I grinned. “May gusto ka sa kanya, ’no?”

“Ito talaga si boss.” He shook his head, smiling. “Friends lang kami ni Ronnie. Mabait lang talaga siya saka masarap kasama.”

“Ano naman ang pinag-usapan niyo?” I curiously asked. 

“Marami. Madalas niyang banggitin yung mga pamangkin niya.”

“I see. Buti naman at nagkakasundo kayo at nakakausap mo ng matino ang babaeng iyon. Sa tuwing ako ang kaharap niya parang palaging bubugahan ako ng apoy. I can’t believe that woman. I was her knight in shining armor yesterday.” I shook my head.

“Baka naman, boss, may crush sa’yo kaya ganon. Nagpapakipot lang.”

I tilted my head and crossed my arms over to my chest. “Si Veronica Cordova? Impossible…” I said and paused for awhile before I spoke again. “What made you think that? May nabanggit ba siya sa’yo? Has she mentioned anything about me?”

“Nagtanong siya tungkol sa’yo.”

“Ano’ng tinanong niya?” I curiously asked. Some ego feeding wouldn’t hurt, would it? I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if I find out Veronica has a little crush on me. I couldn’t blame her. If I were somebody else, I would have a crush on me too.

A smile broke from his lips. “Bakit, boss? Type mo rin si Ronnie, ano?”

“Type? Are you kidding me?”

“Bakit? Chicks naman si Ronnie, boss.”

“Hindi ko magugustuhan yun. May topak ang babaeng iyon pareho sila ng tatay niya.” I sneered.

“Excuse you! Lalo naman hindi kita magugustuhan!” The woman barged into the entertainment room. Veronica was already dressed in a blue cotton top and white shorts. I knew she was fresh from the shower as the smell of lavender and honey had gotten stronger as she walked towards me. 

“At huwag mong mainsu-insulto ang Daddy ko!” She jabbed her finger against my chest.“ All you ever do is make fun of me and what matters to me the most. You know men like you disgust me to the core. You look at women as vending machines who dispense sex once you put enough money.“

I let out a laughter which baffled her.

“W-what’s funny? Sa tingin mo nakakatawa iyon? I work everyday with women and children who has gone through unspeakable abuse and you’re laughing like it’s funny? You’re unbelievable, Lazaro.”

“The problem with you, Veronica, is that you take anything that doesn’t agree with the way you think as a personal affront. I admire what you do. I really do. No sarcasm. I’ve followed you since your first movement. They say the best kind of art are the dangerous kind. The one that says something to society that society isn’t ready to hear. You do a lot of those shit.” I chuckled, bending over the pool table to position the tip of the cue to the ball. 

“Pero wala ka naman pakialam dun, hindi ba? You don’t listen because it won’t benefit you.” She put her hand over her hip.

“I listen. I love hearing your thoughts. I don’t agree with most of them but I love hearing them. But you can’t stir society towards your own morals, Veronica. You don’t think of the world outside of yourself.”

My mouth gaped. “You really think this is about me? Everything I’m doing is about me? Have you thought that maybe the world is just becoming more considerate and aware of inequalities and disadvantaged women?”

“I think you’re wasting your time trying to convince everyone that you’re right. There’s nothing wrong with being sensitive to what’s going on but the problem is what you do about it. Why can’t you and I have a conversation about something and not convince each other that one person is more right than the other?”

“Because you don’t see the reality of what’s going on, of what’s outside your modern day Sodom and Gomorah! Bakit hindi ka kaya sumama sa trabaho ko so you know what I’m dealing with on a daily basis, maybe then you’ll understand.” She said and then paused for awhile. “You know what? That would be a good idea.”

“What?” I furrowed my brows.

“Donny, can you get me a cue stick?” She asked with an amused glimmer in her eyes.

Kinuha naman siya ni Donny ng cue stick. 

“You want to play with me?” 

“I’m going to make a deal with you. If I win, sasama ka sa akin sa trabaho ko. You’re going to work at the women and children’s center para kahit katiting man lang you’ll get a slap of reality.” She said.

“Interesting.” I said, genuinely intrigued. “And if I win, what do I get, Veronica?”

“What do you have in mind?” She asked.

I rubbed my chin, thinking for awhile. 

“You will be one of the Sybarite show girls at the annual party and you have to wear the sexy burlesque costume my girls wear. I would love to see you in it, I think it will suit you perfectly.” I said, staring at her from head to toe. Everything she wears would suit her with that hourglass figure. Damn! She’d be the center of attention. I could already picture those ample breasts filling her corset top. She had one of the best, if not, the best breasts I had ever seen and touched. They were as naturally and real as it could get, which was really rare in this field I was in. I still hated the fact that those beauties were already making rounds in the internet when it should have only graced the glossy pages of my magazine. “Do we have ourselves a deal?”

“Of course.” She answered. “And also, I want you to be my bitch.”

“Ano?” My eyes darted towards her. What the hell does that mean?

“You’re going to be my bitch boy, Lazaro.” She laughed in a villain-y way. “You’re going let people know that you’re Ronnie’s bitch after this. It’s going to be on your magazine. Wyatt Lazaro, CEO of Sybarite House and Ronnie’s bitch.”

“The hell?” I looked at her like she was crazy. I mean I’d always known she was crazy but she took this to a whole new level. That was just plain ridiculous.

“What? You don’t like the taste of your medicine? Are you going to chicken out?” She asked and then made a mocking chicken sound. 

“Okay, deal.” I finally said, my ego letting me get the best of me. But more than that, I trusted myself. I’d win this. I have always loved pool and even though I wasn’t a professional, I knew I was good at this. “After this game’s over, I’d have you in your little burlesque costume to savour my win.”

“We’ll see.” She smiled.

The game started and I let her go first, believing this was a sure win. But boy, was I wrong. Donny kept our scores while we were playing and there were only three words I could think of over and over althroughout the game, ‘what the fuck’. This woman’s pool skills were impeccable, superior than mine. I could feel my nuts shrinking with each strike she makes. 

Inevitably, she won the game.

“So, bitch boy.” She grinned, still holding her cue. “Say it.”

“Say what?” I frowned.

“I am Ronnie’s bitch.” 

“This is ridiculous.” I shook my head.

“We had a deal.” Ngiting asong sabi niya. She crossed her arms over to her chest, waiting. “Say it, Lazaro. Come on, you agreed to this, didn’t you? How would you feel kung magback out ako sa photoshoot ng Sybarite? You’d be disappointed too, right? But I wouldn’t do it because I keep my promises.”

“Fine.” I took in a deep breath. “I am Ronnie’s bitch.”

Napuno ng tawa ni Veronica at ni Donny ang buong kwarto. My jaw clenched and my shame and annoyance was redirected to my PA. 

“I will remember this on your 13th month pay.” I told Donny.

He paused, swallowing his laughter in. “Boss, wala naman ganyanan.”

“I just want you to know that we have work on Monday, Lazaro. Nice game.” Ronnie patted my shoulder.

I massaged my temples, wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Chapter Eleven

WYATT

Wyatt Rafael J. Lazaro

Chief Executive Officer & Ronnie’s bitch

The new desk plate was the first thing I noticed the moment I sat behind my desk. My face quickly turned sour as soon as the words started sinking in. Veronica Cordova was one vile woman, she was truly revelling in her win and she had no problem rubbing it in my face.

This woman had been calling me ‘her bitch boy’ all throughout the weekend. I was being treated as a joke in my own household. Bitch boy. I scowled as I thought of the word again. Isang beses ko pa marinig iyon, I swear I would go ape shit.

The intercom beeped. I pressed the answer button.

“Bitch boy.” I almost jumped when I heard her voice through the machine. “Let me in.”

I pressed the button to be able to talk through the intercom. “What are you doing here, Veronica?”

“Hello, nakalimutan mo na ba yung bet natin noong isang araw? Sasama ka sa akin sa trabaho ko.” She said.

“I have work to do myself.” I told her.

It went quiet for awhile, I thought she’d left me alone but then the door to my office opened. In came the warrioress with her new side kick, my PA. Yes. They’d been spending most of their time together. Yesterday, she and Donny insisted on doing the groceries for the house. They left in the afternoon and came home at 8pm because they saw a movie together. She and Donny had their first little movie date and they were even talking about going to the spa together this coming weekend. How cute.

“Hey, bitch boy!” She said with a huge smile on her face. “Did you like your new desk plate?”

Nahilamos ko ang mga palad ko sa mukha. “You’re driving me crazy. Ibabalik na kita sa tatay mo.”

“Ang OA mo naman. Ang ganda-ganda nga ng bagong desk plate.” She stopped in front of my desk and lifted the plate. “Bagay na bagay sa’yo. You should be proud that this has my name on it.”

“You.” My attention averted to Donny. “May kinalaman ka dito, ano? Siya na lang kaya magpasweldo sa’yo.”

“Boss, wala ah. Binabantayan ko lang si Ronnie katulad ng sabi mo.” He said.

“Don’t pick on him. He has nothing to do with this, pinakiusapan ko yung publicist mo. Halika na, Lazaro. Late na ko sa trabaho. Ano’ng oras na, o!” She impatiently looked down at her wrist watch.

“I have meetings today. I can’t just leave work.”

“We had a deal. Cancel the meetings.” She demanded.

“I can’t drop everything-”

“I’m dropping my clothes off for your stupid magazine!” She exclaimed and cocked her head to one side. “You agreed to this, Lazaro.”

“Fine.” Napahilot na lang ako sa sentido ko. “But I can only stay until-”

“No, you don’t make the rules here, Wyatt Lazaro. I do.” She crossed her arms over her ample chest, making her breasts pop out more in those seemingly innocent polo shirt. “Kapag hindi ka tumupad sa usapan natin, I will not pose for your magazine.”

“Okay, you win.” I raised my hands as if surrendering. “But will you please stop calling me bitch boy?”

“No,  bitch boy.” She said with a cunning smirk.

Now, I was beginning to understand Phoenix Cordova. I understood why her father went mad. This woman, whose height was only around my shoulders and had a frame of a delicate goddess, was enought to make a man lose his sanity. If I weren’t desperate enough to have her on my magazine, I would lock her in a box, drive to the Cordova’s and leave the box in front of their gate.

I pressed the intercom button to talk to my secretary. “Have all my meetings cancelled today.”

She bent down and pressed the intercom button. “Have all his meetings cancelled for the rest of the week.”

“Why are you controlling my schedules?!”

She lowered her face to mine and said in a low, threatening voice. “If I have to shove my fist up your ass and control like a puppet, trust me, I will do just that.”

I gulped, my adam’s apple bounced up and down my throat. Veronica knew exactly what to do to get her way and there was no escaping it. . Ngayon ko na talaga naiintindihan kung bakit pati ang pamilya niya ay sumuko sa kanya. She had never been said ‘no’ to anything in her life and ‘no’ was a foreign language to her.

“Donny, stay here in the office. Ikaw na ang bahalang magpaliwanag kay Dina.” I instructed him. Dina was my ever trusted publicist and one of the pioneers of Sybarite House, she was also a little bit of a hellcat herself. She gives me hell when I don’t get my shit done on time. Sometimes I wonder who’s the boss between her and I.

“Boss, bakit ako? Sa akin na naman magagalit yun.” Napakamot siya ng ulo.

“Do what I say.” I said.

“Can’t Donny come with us?” The warrioress asked.

“No.” I answered.

I thought this would be a good opportunity for the warrioeress and I to bond. Maybe she’d see that I wasn’t really the turd she thought I was. I wanted to get to her.

RONNIE

Lazaro drove to the center in his Koenigsegg Agera. I felt horrible having to bring a car as flashy and expensive as this to a place where women and children sought for help. I never even bring my Mini Cooper to work.

“Si Wyatt Lazaro.” I heard a woman whisper as we walked into the center. There were already women lined up, sitting on white plastic chairs. Si Gelay, isa sa mga katrabaho ko, ay nakaupo sa likod ng mesa at isa-isang iniinterview at pinagfifill up ng form ang mga nakapila.

“Wyatt, pa-picture.” Isa sa mga babae ang naglakas ng loob na lumapit, she already had her phone ready in hand to take a picture.

Of course, Wyatt Lazaro loved the attention and being the center of everything as women began to line up to take pictures with him. Gelay told them to calm down and asked them to go back to their seats.

“Hindi kita dinala dito para makipag-meet and greet.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“Kasalanan ko ba na hanggang dito may mga fans ako?” He said, grinning sheepishly. Lazaro was a well-known personality and I couldn’t blame him for having women come up to him, wanting to take pictures.

“Huwag ka ngang magsyadong in love sa sarili mo.” I scowled. “Ibi-brief lang kita kaya makinig kang mabuti. This shelter houses a total of 107 women and children. Karamihan mga biktima ng human trafficking at sexual o domestic abuse. Nakita mo yung mga nakapila, we deal with hundreds of women seeking our help everyday. Everyday, Lazaro.”

“I see.” He nodded his head. “But what is my job here?”

“Sa ngayon, I want you to clean the toilets.” I said.

“You want me to what?” Nanlaki ang mga mata niya.

“Ang OA naman ng reaksyon. Maglilinis ka lang ng toilet.”

“I won’t do that.”

“Yes, you will, bitch boy. Now, go on and do your job.”

“Will you stop calling me bitch boy?” His face crumpled again. “These hands are made only for caressing.”

“The only thing you’ll be caressing today is this mop’s handle and scrub brushes” I said as I handed him the mop.

“You’ve got to be kidding me, Veronica!” He shook his head. “I haven’t even held a broom in ages. I’m going to call my staff to have someone do this for me.”

“Hep! Hindi pwede. That’s cheating! You do the job you’re assigned to.” I said, trying to sound as authorative as possible.

He snatched the mop from my hand, mumbling in annoyance. It felt so good having Wyatt Lazaro in the palm of my hands. Sinamahan ko siya sa banyong lilinisan niya. That’s what I wanted to see. Wyatt Lazaro getting down and dirty… in a different way than he usually does.

“Ikaw na ang bahalang maglinis dito. Babalikan kita kaya ayusin mo yang trabaho mo.” I said.

He was still mumbling to himself when I left him there. I was smiling from ear to ear as I walked out. Could life get any better than this? Now I had Lazaro put in his place. I never thought I’d have this much control over Wyatt Lazaro.

He had underestimated me. Tito Mark, my fairy godmother Rome’s husband, was an expert pool player and I had learned from him. Ako ang favorite na inaanak ni fairy godmother Rome kaya palagi ko siyang kasama. Siya lang naman kasi ang kumukunsinti sa mga kagagahan ko mula bata pa lang ako. When Dad was against me and my movements, Ninong Rome and Tito Mark were there to support me. They themselves were LGBT rights activists. The first ever social movement I had ever experience were with them. I remembered, as a child, sitting on Ninong Rome’s shoulder as we marched along the street with the LGBT group holding up a pink banner that says ‘I love my gay ninang’. Of course, Dad wasn’t all too happy about when he found out that I’d been a part of the march. Ang paalam kasi ni Ninong Rome ilalabas niya lang ako para kumain at manood ng sine and him being the paranoid dad he was, thought of all the worst case scenarios that could’ve happened. Little did he know that years after that, his innocent little daughter would be the one organizing movements and parades for women’s rights. Kay Ninong Rome ko nakuha ang fighting spirit ko and what had happened to Ate only fueled my fire.

After finishing the paper works at the front desk, I went back to Lazaro. By that time, it was already lunch. Kahit naman gaano kagago si Lazaro, of course I won’t starve him.

I went back to find him mopping the floor with his top off and his expensive trousers rolled to his knees, women were flocking around him like seagulls scavenging around the last morsel on the beach. He was charming the ladies, sweet talking them.

“Hey bitch boy, it’s lunch time.” I said, cocking my brows at him. Ano’ng iniisip niya? Talagang kailangan nakahubad habang nagmomop? Ano feeling niya? Siya si Magic Mike? Although, I had to admit that he had nice toned muscles.

“Well, girls, it was nice talking to you all.” He gave them a courteous bow. Ano siya? Japanese?

“Wyatt, thank you sa pagtulong magbitbit ng mga gamit ko.” Sabi ni Nita, one of the staff here.

Everyone said bye as I tried to drag him away from the women.

“Magbihis ka nga. Bakit ba nakahubad ka? Talagang pinagyayabang mo yang muscles mo, ano?” Asiwang sabi ko.

“My body, my rules.” He said with a mocking grin.

I rolled my eyes at him, took his shirt that was hanging on his shoulder and threw it to his face. “Please. This is no place to display your abs. A lot of women here had gone through enough already.”

“Ano bang problema? They don’t seem to mind. Isa pa, ang init init dito.” He complained.

“Bakit naman yung janitor nakadamit pag naglilinis dito?” I shook my head. “You just love attention, don’t you?”

“I do. I mean, they were objectifying my body and I’m not the least bit offended. I’m actually flattered. I worked hard for this.” He said as he was buttoning his shirt.

“Hindi lahat ng tao katulad mo. Not everyone enjoys people ogling at their bodies. You have to remember that this is a shelter for abused women and children. Dapat maingat ka sa interaction mo sa kanila and be careful what you say.”

“What if the women who pose for my magazine enjoy people ogling at their bodies? What if they are as proud of it as I am? Ever thought about that, huh? Your views are deeply flawed, Veronica.” He said with a mocking grin.

“But you and the men who patronizes your magazine have to understand that women are real beings with thoughts and feelings. Not just sexual objects to be looked at.” I stressed as we walked to the canteen.

“I do understand that but if you are consuming something as pure fantasy, I don’t see any harm in it.”

“You don’t see any harm? Ikaw ang nagtuturo sa mga nagbibinatang lalaki kung paano tratuhin ang mga babae. You and your magazine influence how women are being viewed.”

“Never in  my magazine have I ever stated that women should be treated less of a human being and I never look at them like that. Why do you want to put the blame on me on how some men view women? Have you ever thought that maybe it had something to do with how they were brought up? I didn’t raise those men. I’m not with them 24 hours of the 7 days of the week. My magazine releases an issue a month.”

“You have no idea how powerful media is and how it creates reality.”

“But you’re going to pose for my magazine. Do what I say, not what I do, I suppose?” He arched a brow.

“It’s different. I’m making a statement here.”

“That’s what I don’t get about you feminists. One moment, you’re having slutwalks walking around naked in the street and the next you’re condemning women who are making a living with their bodies.” He shrugged. “I just don’t agree with how people use feminism to empower people who don’t even know what they are fighting for. We all have equal rights now.”

“It isn’t even about equal rights. It’s about being equally safe and equally respected. How can you even tell me that while you’re in here? Women are suffering everyday for their right to just live. Look at all these women around you and tell me that inequality doesn’t exist. Tell me that rape doesn’t exist, that violence doesn’t exist, that abuse doesn’t exist.”

“Saying that this exist doesn’t mean that that doesn’t.”

“Exactly. We can’t repress the darkest parts of humanity. We can’t just put it away and pretend it doesn’t exist.”

“Maybe you’re right about somethings and wrong about the others, just as I am. Maybe we can agree that like any two-sided arguments, the solution lies somewhere in the middle.” He said. “Now can we get some food before this turns into a debate? I am starving.”

I decided to drop it as I myself didn’t want to get into another debate with hin, this could go on and on forever but he did give me something to think about. Nagpunta kami sa canteen at kumain. After that, I had him help out in serving food for the kids in our custody. Mga batang pansamantalang kinukupkop namin for rehabilitation and therapy. Most kids were victims of  abuse. It was sad that things like this happen. I had been working here for years and it still breaks my heart everytime we had to take another child in.

“Okay naman pala siya.” Bulong sa akin ni April habang naglalagay ako ng soup sa mga bowls.

I looked at Lazaro who was tending to the kids. He was feeding a small little boy on his lap while he was talking animatedly to the little girl beside him. Hindi lang pala ang mga babae dito ang nadadala sa charm niya, even the kids seemed to be gravitating towards him. His interaction with the kids didn’t seem forced, it looked so natural. I found myself smiling as I watched them.

“Tapos na ba kayong kumain?” Tanong ko sa mga bata nang lumapit ako. Ubos na ang pagkain sa mga plato nila pero hindi pa rin tumatayo ang mga ito. Usually, they’d be running to the playground as soon as they finish their meal.

“Opoooo!” They answered.

“Halika na. Mag wash na kayo ng hands para naman makapaglaro na kayo sa playground.” I gently told them and guided them to the sink. I helped the little ones wash their hands.

“Kuya Wyatt, laro tayo.” Si Honey, isang anim na taong gulang na bata na na rescue namin mula sa mga sindikato. They were forced to beg on the streets and if they don’t meet the quota for the day hindi sila makakain o bubugbugin sila.

“Mamaya na, Honey. Kailangan pang tumulong ni Kuya Wyatt maglinis dito.” I said, raking my fingers through her hair.

“Ate Ronnie, bagay kayo ni Kuya Wyatt. Maganda saka gwapo.” Humagikgik si Elvis.

“Kayo talaga, ang babata niyo pa kung anu-ano na ang iniisip niyo.” Ginulo ko ang buhok ng paslit. “Doon na kayo para makapaglinis na dito.”

The kids ran out of the canteen and went straight to the door to the backyard playground. The kids waved at us and he waved back at them.

“Those poor kids. I can’t believe anyone can have a kid but you need a license to drive.” Naiiling na sabi niya.

“They like you.” I quietly said.

“What’s not to like?” One corner of his lips curled upward. “Ikaw lang naman ang may ayaw sa akin. Everybody loves me.”

I rolled my eyes at him. And then I remembered why I hated him in the first place. “Dalhin mo na yang mga pinagkainan sa kusina at hugasan mo na.”

By the end of the day, he had already befriended anyone. As much as I hated to admit it, he had a certain charisma and attitude that drew people to him. Everyone couldn’t help but like him. He had a million watts of charm. I understood now why all his helps were so… so devoted to him. He had a way of making everybody he comes in contact with feel special.

“Lazaro, ano ito?” I exclaimed when I saw him guiding men who were carrying stereos and people turning the meeting hall into a club. Umalis lang ako para magpalit ng damit sa staff room dahil pauwi na kami pero ito na ang nadatnan ko pagbalik ko. The whole meeting hall was set up to look like a party with strobe lights lighting up the dark room.

“Hindi mo ba alam?” He asked.

“Ang ano?” I put my hand to my hip, giving him the death stare.

“It’s Maricriss’ birthday today.” He said. Si Maricriss ang isa sa mga babaeng kinupkop namin sa center. “She said she has never had a birthday party in her life. Can you believe that?”

“Pero hindi ka dapat basta-basta nagpapapasok ng kung sinu-sino dito. The women and children in here are in a very vulnerable position. Have you even consulted Ms. Grace?” I asked him with fury in my tone. Ms. Grace was the head of this organization, every plan and decision we could make has to go through her first.

“Ms. Grace!” Lazaro waved at her, the middle-aged plump woman was already by the buffet table.

“Wyatt, ang saya naman nito.” Ms. Grace walked up to us with a plate in hand. “Ronnie, subukan mo yung mandarin chicken dun sa buffet. Ang sarap.”

Lazaro gave me a sideway glance with an arrogant smile on his face. “It’s the best catering service. Makita ko lang kayong nag-eenjoy, masaya na ako.”

“Paano yung mga bata, Ms. Grace?” I asked. “Baka maistorbo sila sa ingay dito.”

“Their room is at the far left wing. They won’t hear a single sound. I checked.” Sabi ni Lazaro.

“Huwag ka nang mag-alala, Ronnie. Okay naman ang mga bata at may nagbabantay naman dun.” Ms. Grace assured me.

“Don’t be a party pooper.” He chuckled.

I folded my arms over to my chest and breathed in. There he was again, using his charm to get his way.

“Sir Wyatt, thank you. First time ko talagang magkaron ng birthday party at ang bongga pa.” Maricriss came up to us, hugging him.

“Anything for you.” He patted her back. “Now, go enjoy yourself.”

I felt so singled out. In just a matter of hours, he had already got under everyone’s skin. Everyone loved him. The way people treated him, it felt as though he had worked longer here than I did. Everybody was already so familiar and comfortable with him.

Next thing I know he was surrounded by all the ladies as they danced with him playfully. It wasn’t wild or flirty in anyway, everyone was just having fun. Wyatt Lazaro was indeed a life of the party. This was his natural habitat. He thrives in parties, in being around people, and especially in attention. He loved the spotlight and the admiration of the crowd.

Then Lazaro had the music stopped and went in front with a microphone in hand.

“I just want to take this time to greet Maricriss a happy birthday. Let’s sing happy birthday for her.” He said as he lighted up the candle on the cake.

We all went around to sing happy birthday to her and she even cried a little. It was such a touching moment. Isang kasambahay si Maricriss, she came from a rural province and was brought to the city to become a help. She wasn’t lucky and ended up with an abusive employers who’d beat her so bad that she ended up in the hospital. Kami ngayon ang kumupkop sa kanya habang on going ang kaso niya.

“Maraming salamat, sir Wyatt. Ang saya-saya ko ngayon.” She said, teary-eyed and then she bent down to blow the candle on her cake.

“Hey…” Lazaro came up to me after the cake was cut and handed me a can of soda. “You enjoying yourself?”

I shrugged. “You can’t just come here and treat this as a joke.”

“I’m not treating this as a joke. It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing here.” He said without a hint of anything but pure sincerity.

I pressed my lips together before I spoke again. “I think you’re doing a wonderful thing for Maricriss, too. For the kids and all the women here.”

“I’m glad you think that way. I’m not as bad as you think I am, Veronica. In fact, I got something for you.”

“Something for me?” I cocked my head to one side, my brow rising.

“Yeah.” He answered with a grin. Then he went back to the center of the room and grabbed the microphone from the stand. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for a moment?”

And everyone did give their attention to him. Lazaro looked straight into my eyes, smiled at me and winked. I lowered my head, feeling embarrassed. Why was I easily embarrassed? I had never felt embarrassed in my whole life. Sa pamilya ako ang pinaka may makapal na mukha.

“I’d like to dedicate this song to Veronica Cordova.” He said and I swore my cheecks heat up when everyone started teasing. I was glad it was kind of dark in here. “I know this song fits you perfectly.”

The background music started to play. Was he really going to sing a song for me?

“Nang isilang ka sa mundong ito Laking tuwa ng magulang mo At ang kamay nila ang iyong ilaw At ang nanay at tatay mo’y Di malaman ang gagawin Minamasdan pati pagtulog mo…”

That asshole. My face contorted into a disappointed frown. I really thought he was going to sing a song for me.

“Boo! Ang pangit ng boses mo.” I heckled.

---

I’m baaaack! Totoo na to hahaha .