SYNOPSIS

Struggling with commitments, savage and independent Zehannah Sevil is ready to be single for the rest of her life. But as she continuously crosses paths with cheeky Reigo Vasquez, she suddenly finds herself breaking all her rules.

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Repeatedly left behind by her ex-boyfriends, Zehannah Sevil promises to protect her heart at all costs. She doesn’t believe in marriage and is okay with being alone until Reigo Vasquez comes rushing back into her life. Despite being cheated on by his exes multiple times, Reigo is still willing to risk it all for Zehannah. She is different from other girls, and he can’t seem to get her off his mind. As they find solace in each other’s arms, they unknowingly fall deeper than what they have expected. Determined to make their relationship work, can Reigo manage to change Zehannah’s beliefs in love?

CECELIB | C.C. 

Disclaimer: This story is written in Taglish.

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT | R-18 

Cover Design by Regina Dionela

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

IN SOME random high-end café, Reigo was sitting at a table for two with his eight months girlfriend—now soon-to-be ex-girlfriend—and listening to her talk about the things she hated about him and the reason she wanted to end their relationship.

“Hindi ko lang nararamdaman na mahal mo talaga ako. Palagi ka na lang busy sa trabaho. Ni hindi ka makapag-text sa ’kin ng ‘good morning’ o kaya naman ‘good night’. As your girlfriend, I am ashamed to tell my friends that you don’t have time for me. All you do is work and you can’t even take me on vacations like my friends’ boyfriends. I mean, you’re Reigo Vasquez, but you gave me a locally-made bag when you can afford a branded one and I feel ashamed to show it to my friends! They always think that you don’t love me enough because of your lackluster gifts! I just feel like we’re not meant to be, Reigo. Please, understand me.”

Reigo didn’t even blink. Sanay na siyang naririnig ang mga salitang binitiwan ni Shania. ’Yon ang palagi niyang naririnig na rason sa mga naging girlfriend niya.

He was so used to it. It didn’t bother him anymore, and he went straight to the point. “Why don’t you just admit to me that you found someone else and that you’re cheating on me?”

Shania’s went pale, and it took her a couple of seconds before she could pull herself together and try to reply as sophisticatedly as possible. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Gumagawa ka lang ng kung ano-anong kuwento sa ’kin para sa ’kin mo ibunton ang sisi ng paghihiwalay natin. You’re just trying to destroy my name—”

With a bored sigh, Reigo placed his phone on the table in front of Shania to show her his proof. “I’m working so I have little time for you, but that does not give you the right to cheat on me. Gaano ba kahirap sabihin sa ’kin na ‘break na tayo’? It’s not like I will oppose.”

From pale of worry to red of anger, that was the change that happened on Shania’s face. “Roman is good to me! And you’re not there when I needed you the most!”

“And when was this?” Reigo replied indifferently.

Shania glared at Reigo. “When you were busy.”

“You could’ve called me and told me you need me.”

“I did!”

“When?” Reigo’s voice had become interrogative. “I still have my call logs.”

It infuriated Shania. “Fuck you!”

Reigo looked at Shania, uninterested. “Shouldn’t I be saying that to you? You’re the one who cheated.”

“I did that because of you…!” Shania shouted and everyone in the café was eavesdropping while trying not to look at their table. “Kung binigyan mo lang ako ng oras, e ’di sana hindi ko ’yon nagawa!”

Reigo was as calm as ever. “Bakit ako ang sinisisi mo sa ginawa mo? It was your choice.”

“Bastard!”

Reigo’s eyebrows rose and indifferently asked. “Should I call you a bitch, then?”

Nanlilisik ang matang umangat ang kamay ni Shania at malakas na dumapo iyon sa pisngi ni Reigo. Ang ingay na nilikha ng malakas na sampal na ’yon ay halos nagpatigil sa buong café maliban na lang sa mesa na katabi lang din nina Reigo at Shania na may argumento ring nagaganap.

“Why, Zehan?! Explain to me why you don’t want to accept my proposal? Ayaw mo ba akong makasama habambuhay? Ayaw mo bang makasal tayo? Tell me!”

Rommel was in turmoil while holding the engagement ring in his hand. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Zehannah, was as calm as an untouched lake after saying ‘no’ to Rommel’s proposal. “Makasama habambuhay? Gusto. Makasal? Hindi.”

Mas lalong nasaktan si Rommel sa narinig. Para dito, ang hindi pagtanggap ni Zehan sa inaalok nitong kasal ay pruweba na hindi ito mahal ni Zehan. “Am I that worthless to you, Zehan?”

“No. It’s not about your worth to me, Rom.” Kalmadong nagpapaliwanag si Zehan sa isang taon nitong kasintahan. “It’s about marriage. It’s a no for me. I’m sorry.”

“Why? If you really love me, you will say yes.”

That angered Zehan, but she remained calm. “Hindi ako o-oo sa kasal na inaalok mo para lang patunayan na mahal kita. That’s just childish and very manipulative. Naririnig mo ba ang sarili mo? Bakit? Kapag kasal na ba tayo, habambuhay na tayong magsasama? That’s bullshit reasoning and you know that.”

“But we’re already at the marrying age, Zehan!” giit ni Rommel. “Halos lahat ng ka-edad natin, nagpapakasal na at may mga anak na.”

Hindi na napigilan ni Zehan na hindi tumaas ang kilay. “E ’di sabayan mo sila. Huwag mo lang akong isama.”

“Zehan!”

“What?” Zehan was trying to reign in her frustration that Rommel was not listening to her and only thinking about himself. “Wala akong pakialam kung lahat ng ka-edad ko sa buong mundo ay kasal, may-asawa, at may anak na. Ang mahalaga sa akin ay makatulong ako sa mga magulang ko na nagkandakuba-kuba para lang mabigyan ako ng magandang buhay at siyempre, ang kasiyahan ko. At sa pagkakataong ’to, masaya ako sa buhay ko, Rom, kahit wala akong asawa, kahit hindi ako kasal, at kahit wala akong anak. So what if my age is already near the end of the calendar? My priorities differ from theirs. My life, my decision.”

Rommel’s lips parted in astonishment. He knew Zehannah was not enthusiastic when it comes to marriage, but he didn’t know the extent of that. And now that he did, he felt so worthless in front of her. He felt small that Zehan didn’t even think about him and a future with him.

“How about me, Zehan?” tanong ni Rommel. “Am I not part of your priorities?”

Zehannah looked into Rommel’s eyes. Eye to eye. No lies. Zehan gave it to Rommel straight. “You are like a bonus in my life, Rom. I’m happy that you’re with me and staying with me even though I’m far from being perfect and I can’t give you a lot of things. But if you pushed marriage unto me with a bullshit reasoning of ‘being together forever’, it will hurt me, but I will not dislike it if you left.”

Napatanga si Rommel sa mga sinabi ni Zehan at kahit alam ni Zehan na nasaktan niya si Rommel sa sinabi niya, hindi siya nag-iwas ng tingin. She didn’t enjoy hurting Rommel or talking about marriage. For her, married or not, if a couple wanted to stay together forever, then they will make it happen even without ‘marriage’. Her parents were a great example of that.

To Zehannah, marriage was a powerful paper—a paper that could bind someone without a viable exit. And it was scary for her.

Marriage here in the country was like entering a building without a way out. If that building got burned and collapsed, they had nowhere else to go because they were stuck inside without an exit.

Well, there was a way out called an annulment, but aside from consuming a lot of time, it consumed a lot of money, too. And there was no guarantee that the annulment case would go well and be approved. Normal citizens like her who had no money to burn should be wary of marriage. She’s happy for those who decided to get wed and be together, but that didn’t mean she wanted to get wed herself.

She just didn’t see herself getting married. Not even with Rommel, whom she liked the most out of all her boyfriends.

“Kung sasabihin ko ngayon na makikipag-break ako sa ’yo kung hindi mo tatanggapin ang proposal ko, hindi mo pa rin ba tatanggapin?”

Tumango si Zehannah. “I will use the same words you used to me earlier. If you love me, you won’t force me.”

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Rommel. “I really want to build a family with you, Zehan. But if it’s a no, then I will look for someone else who would prioritize me more.”

Zehannah understood, so she nodded. Hindi niya pinakita na may kaunting kirot sa dibdib niya dahil sa desisyon nitong maghanap ng ibang babaeng pakakasalan dahil umayaw siya.

Hindi si Rommel and unang nag-propose sa kaniya na hindi niya tinanggap. Pero lahat sila na ‘ayoko’ ang naging sagot niya, lahat ay umalis at iniwan siya na para bang dahil sa pag-hindi niya ay hindi na niya gusto ang mga ito at wala na siyang maramdamang pagpapahalaga sa mga ito. Ayaw lang naman niyang magpakasal, pero hindi ibig sabihin ay hindi na niya gustong makasama ang mga ito. Pero palaging ’yon ang nangyayari. It was sad that they always thought that way, but marriage was really a no for her.

Or maybe her exes who proposed to her were right. She just didn’t love them enough to change her belief and say ‘yes’. Like at that moment, she felt a tinge of pain in her chest that Rommel was breaking up with her, but that pain was not enough to make her sulk or sob in the corner. She would be just fine without Rommel in her life, and that was a fact. It would not be hard for her to move on and be with someone else again. She was used to it.

“I’m sorry that I’m not the woman you’re looking for.” Zehannah was really sorry that she couldn’t be the woman Rommel wanted her to be, but she would never force herself to be someone she didn’t want to be just to please him. “If you found a woman who would say ‘yes’ to your proposal, please treat her well and don’t give her a reason to think that marriage is just a sham because if that happened, you’re going to prove me right and that would suck for you.”

Rommel said nothing and just left.

And just like that, Zehannah was single again.

Nang tuluyang makalabas si Rommel sa café, napatingin si Zehannah sa lamesa at napabulong, “Ang gago, hindi man lang binayaran ang kinain niya.” Ang mahal pa naman dito. Tangina. Tapos broken hearted pa ako—well, not really broken, but still…

Zehannah was so tempted to get her phone and call her friend, Cassia, but decided not to. Baka imbes na makapaglabas siya ng sama ng loob, ang ulo niya ang sasakit dahil sa isip nitong kakaiba.

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay napaigtad nang biglang nagdadabog na umalis ang babae sa katabi niyang table.

Curious as to why the woman left so dramatically, Zehannah glanced at the table beside her and her eyes landed on the man sitting across from her with an ‘I’m done’ expression on his handsome face.

Zehannah felt like they’re both going through the same thing and she felt a little camaraderie with him, so she spoke to him. “The break-up is that bad?”

The man stilled before he glanced at her with a frown and their eyes met.

Such tantalizing eyes. Zehannah commented inside her head.

“What did you say…?” he asked with a frown.

“I said ‘the break-up is that bad’?” ulit ni Zehannah. “You have an ‘I’m done’ expression on your face.”

“Oh. Not really. I’m just done with all these cheaters who only know how to complain when you catch them and then they’ll blame you for it while playing the victim card.”

Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Zehannah sa narinig. “Seriously? She cheated on… you…?” She didn’t believe him one bit.

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang kilay ng lalaki. “Why? Do I look so handsome that you didn’t believe they cheated on me?”

“… kinda.”

“Well, she cheated on me.” The man paused, and then added, “And so did my previous girlfriends.”

“Damn…” What an unlucky guy . “Must suck to be you.”

He chuckled humorlessly. “Yes, it sucks. All I want is to find a good woman to marry and have a family.”

Inilahad ni Zehannah ang kamay sa lalaki. “I’m a good woman, but not someone to marry. Marriage is a no for me. The name’s Zehannah Sevil,” pagpapakilala niya.

Reluctantly, the man reached out his hand and accepted Zehannah’s hand. “Reigo Vasquez. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Zehannah pulled back her hand back and smiled. “Want to go club hopping? My boyfriend just left me as well. Want to celebrate being single again?”

Reigo frowned at Zehannah as if she said something weird. “Being single is something to be celebrated and happy about?”

“Oo naman.” Zehannah grinned. “More time for yourself and you can love yourself to your heart’s content. Not only that, being single is peaceful.”

Reigo was still looking at Zehannah weirdly. “You said club hopping, but”—tinuro nito ang labas ng café—“it’s just ten in the morning.”

“Then let’s go coffee hopping and drink our bitterness away.” She really felt camaraderie with Reigo and at that moment, she didn’t want to be alone and think about her previous failed relationships which was going to happen if she went back to her condo now.

Pinag-isipan naman ni Reigo ang suhestiyon ni Zehannah ng ilang segundo bago tumayo at inilahad ang kamay kay Zehannah. “I know lots of cafés. My ex-girlfriends always bring me to cafés when they want to break up for some reason.”

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah saka walang pangingiming tinanggap ang kamay ni Reigo at sabay silang lumabas.

And so, the café-slash-coffee hopping began, and Reigo and Zehannah used Zehannah’s old-model car to go around and visit the cafés that Reigo remembered. Reigo had a car but decided to ride with Zehannah to lessen the traffic.

Zehannah seemed like a swell woman. Very witty and a breath of fresh air for Reigo. They enjoyed the coffee and food while talking about their failed relationships—they called it talk, but it’s more like complaining.

Enjoying each other’s company, the two didn’t realize how time was passing by fast and the next thing they knew, it was already dark out when they stepped out from the café they last visited.

“Huh?” Hindi makapaniwala si Zehannah na wala nang araw sa kalangitan. “Where did the day go?”

“That was fast,” Reigo commented.

“Yeah.”

“Want to go club hopping now?”

Zehannah glanced at Reigo. “After all that coffee, you’re still thirsty?”

Reigo shrugged. “May naka-save na ibang space ang alak sa tiyan ko.”

Natawa si Zehannah. “Lasenggo ka, ’no?”

“Not really.”

“Sus…” Natatawang naglakad patungo si Zehannah sa sasakyan niya. “Come on. I know a good nightclub, though no club hopping. I want to drink and we don’t have a designated driver.”

“Only one club it is,” Reigo declared with his always-so-serious face and followed Zehannah to her car.

Inside Zehannah’s car, she narrowed her eyes at Reigo. “Mister, my car is not moving unless you put your seatbelt on.”

“So strict…” Reigo mumbled under his breath, but he still put his seatbelt on.

Seeing that her passenger was now secured, Zehannah started maneuvering her car out of the café’s parking lot and drove towards the bar she sometimes visited and liked.

Out of nowhere, Reigo randomly asked, “Don’t you have a nickname? Zehannah is too long.”

“Most call me Zehan.”

“Still too long.”

Zehannah throws a glare at Reigo. “Hey! My parents gave me that nickname.”

In their café-slash-coffee hopping, Reigo learned how much Zehannah adored her parents, so he said nothing about her nickname. “Can I make one?”

“Make what?”

“A nickname. For you.”

“Bakit?”

“I feel like making one. Used only by me.”

Zehannah clicked her tongue. “Pasalamat ka kanina pa tayo nagka-café-slash-coffee hunting. Kahit papaano, may pinagsamahan na tayo. Fine. Make one.”

For the first time, Reigo smiled, but Zehannah was driving so she didn’t see it. “Hmm… how about just Zee?”

“Wow. So fucking creative,” puno ng sarkasmo na sagot ni Zehannah.

That did not deter Reigo. “From now on, I’ll call you Zee.”

Zehannah sighed. “Sa dami-dami ng nickname na puwede mong ibigay sa ’kin, ’yon talaga? Masama ba ang loob mo sa ’kin?”

“It suits you.”

Zehannah just clicked her tongue and continued driving until they reached their destination. After expertly parking her car, she and Reigo went inside the club and occupied a table, and then they ordered a drink. Tequila since she really wanted to forget what happened with Rommel today and she knew that liquor could help her with that.

It was a harmless ‘drinking’ at first. Zehannah and Reigo were even cursing their exes and celebrating their single life, but after one bottle of tequila, everything started getting messy.

Zehannah and Reigo found themselves on the dance floor, dancing to the rhythm of the loud music while their bodies were rubbing against each other. Reigo’s hands were on Zehannah’s waist and Zehannah’s arms were around Reigo’s neck.

They danced naughtily and sexily while drowning themselves in liquor. They did not care about anything but themselves. They stuck together, not leaving each other’s side and doing all the naughty stuff that Zehannah and Reigo wouldn’t do with each other if sober.

But the tequila was in full effect.

It was fun. It was satisfying. Until it became so hot that Reigo and Zehannah ended up in the club’s private bathroom, making out like they couldn’t get enough of each other—and they couldn’t.

They were kissing, sucking, and licking each other’s lips while carelessly undressing their lower garments to do more than just a kiss. Both wasted and out of their minds, Zehannah just bit her lips and moaned when she felt Reigo enter her from behind while she was holding on to the sink not to fall.

She did not care about anything other than the pleasure that was blowing her mind at that moment. Nothing else. Just the pleasure that was curling her toes and eliciting a cry of pleasure from her throat.

Reigo was not gentle. No. He was rough. He was groaning as he thrust deeper into Zehannah’s wet, tight, and throbbing core.

She was wet and aching. He was rough. She was moaning. He was groaning. Both were drunk, wasted, and out of their minds with pleasure.

“Ahh… ahh! Ah! Ah!” Gripping the bathroom sink, Zehannah’s moan filled the small space. “Reigo…! Ah! Uhh! Fuck. Ah, shit! So good…”

“Fuck,” Reigo cussed as he slammed his cock harder inside Zehannah. “So fucking tight—fuck!”

“Ahh…! Reigo! Ahh…! Uh..! More. More! Sige pa. Isagad mo pa. Sige pa.” Zehannah was begging and she was moving her hips.

Reigo obliged, and he thrust so hard that Zehannah’s whole body was shaking at the impact and she was screaming with ecstasy.

“Oh, shit! Reigo! Fuck! Good—fucking good! Fuck! Ahh! Fuck! Harder! Fuck me harder—yes, yes, like that! Yes! Ahh…!” Zehannah did not care if someone could hear her lustful pleas. She just wanted more. Her body felt so hot and needy that she wanted Reigo to fuck her senselessly until the heat inside her dissipated.

Yes, she wanted to be fucked senselessly, and she didn’t even know where this ‘want’ was coming from. She just wanted that thick, long cock inside her throbbing core.

“Holy… fuck…!” A chain of cusses escaped Zehannah’s lips as she felt a blinding pleasure explode inside her. It shook her whole being.

That was the first time she ever felt that kind of blinding pleasure that took her breath away. Literally. She never knew that sex was that good and mind-blowing and she wanted more even after Reigo had his release.

At mukhang ganoon din ang nararamdaman ni Reigo dahil balik na naman sa mapusok na halikan ang dalawa. Parehong walang pakialam kung may malakas na kumakatok sa labas at sumisigaw na lumabas na sila.

Zehannah and Reigo did not care about anything but themselves. They made out, touched each other, and fucked again.

And when they finally stepped out of the bathroom, cusses and glares were thrown at them, but they only laughed and went back to the dance floor and danced while their hands were on each other.

And it seemed like their lips couldn’t bear to be away from each other. They found their lips locked again and making out heavily in the middle of the dark dance floor, where no one cared if you’re making out or being fucked.

Drinking. Dancing. Making out. And fucking multiple times in the bathroom throughout the night like hungry animals that couldn’t get enough of each other. Zehannah did all that in one night with one guy who was nowhere to be found when she woke up alone in her car the morning after, hungover and sore beyond belief.

Softly placing her hands on her sore and aching vagina, Zehannah wanted to smack herself as she muttered in disbelief under her breath. “Why the fuck… Did I do all that last night?”

Yes. She remembered, but no answer. No. There was one answer—no. Two.

She was drunk and stupid. Yes. That’s it. Drunk and stupid.

Reigo Vasquez … I hope we won’t see each other again.

Yes. A girl could hope. 

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

Zehannah chose to be single after what her break-up with Rommel and her stupidity with Reigo. And it had been nearly a year since then. It was not really a hard choice to make. She’s happy with her life and contented with what she has. And as she always said, being single was peaceful.

Yes. Very peaceful that the only chaos in her life was her newlywed best friend, Cassia. Oo, ang halos walang muwang niyang kaibigan ay ikinasal na. Though it was not a marriage because of love, it was arranged. And her husband happened to be gay—well, according to Cassia, and Zehannah took it with a grain of salt.

Medyo kakaiba mag-isip si Cassia kaya hindi niya masyadong dinibdib ang sinabi nitong lalaki rin ang gusto ng asawa nito kahit pa nga alam niya ang rason kung bakit.

She’s a believer of ‘to see is to believe’ kaya hanggang hindi niya nakikita ang asawa ni Cassia nang personal, hindi siya maniniwala sa kaibigan niyang may hangin yata ang utak.

Pero hindi lang naman si Cassia ang nagpapasakit ng ulo niya. Pati na rin ang mga magulang niya na hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ayaw ng mga ito tanggapin ang allowance na palagi niyang binibigay sa mga ito buwan-buwan.

At ang mas lalong nagpapasakit sa ulo niya, nalaman niyang ang allowance pala na binibigay niya sa mga ito simula ng makapagtrabaho siya ay inilagay lang ng mga ito sa bangko at hindi ginalaw. At ngayon nga, nasa condo niya ang mga magulang niya para ibalik sa kaniya ang pera na palagi niyang ibinibigay sa mga ito.

“’Nak, hindi naman namin kailangan ng Papa mo ang pera na ’to.” Ang tinutukoy nito ay ang passbook na nasa ibabaw ng center table sa sala kung nasaan sila. “May negosyo naman kami. Komportable naman ang buhay namin. Bakit hindi mo na lang ipasok ang pera sa account mo para may mahugot ka kapag kailangan mo ng pera.”

Nagpapadyak si Zehannah. “Papi naman, e! Binigay ko ’yan sa inyo. I am not taking it back.”

“Paano ’yan, hindi rin namin tatanggapin ’yan?” anang Papa niya na natatawa sa pagpapadyak niya. “Ang dami mo nang naitulong sa ’min, Zehan. Napalago na namin ang puhunan na ibinigay mo sa ’min noon. Saka ilang taon pa bago mag-retire ang Papi mo sa university bilang professor. We’re doing well, Zehan.”

Tumango ang Papi niya. “Very well, so stop worrying, okay? Your Papa is good at managing the business, and we’re both living a comfortable life.”

Napasimangot na lang si Zehannah dahil alam niyang wala siyang masasabi na makakapagpabago sa isip ng mga magulang niya.

Her fathers, Daniel and Cameron, were both amazing, after all, and they loved her so much. Hindi itinago ng dalawa sa kaniya na ampon siya. Ipinaliwanag ng mga ito kung bakit dalawa ang papa niya sa murang edad kaya madali niyang natanggap ang sitwasyon niya noon. Pero dahil na rin ’yon sa sobrang pagmamahal sa kaniya ng Papi at Papa niya. Hindi man sila magkadugo pero ang mga ito ang tinuturing niyang pamilya.

Her Papi Dan and Papa Cam loved her so much that they dedicated their lives to raising her, an abandoned child. Iniwan siya ng ina niya sa Papi niya ilang buwan pagkatapos siyang ipanganak. Magkaibigan ang dalawa kaya pumayag ang Papi niya na noon ay kakasimula pa lang ng relasyon nito sa Papa niya. Pumunta ng ibang bansa ang ina niya para magtrabaho at nangakong magpapadala ng pera kay Papi para sa kaniya pero parang naglaho na lang na parang bula ang ina niya. Hanggang ngayon, wala silang balita at hindi rin naman siya interesado.

Kaya mula noon, si Papi na at Papa niya ang nag-alaga sa kaniya. Sabi ng Papa niya, siya raw ang naging dahilan kung bakit mas naging matibay ang pagsamama ng mga ito kahit pa nga ang daming nanghuhusga sa relasyon ng mga ito noon.

Though she was an abandoned child, she didn’t have a bitter view in life. Maybe because she had an amazing upbringing. Her fathers loved her so much that she didn’t need her biological mother’s love. For her, her Papi and Papa were enough. Nag-uumapaw ang pagmamahal ng mga magulang niya sa kaniya kaya gusto niyang suklian ’yon sa abot ng makakaya niya.

“Just take it and keep it,” anang Papi niya. “Baka kailanganin mo in the near future.”

Nakasimangot pa rin si Zehan kaya naman lumipat ng upuan sina Dan at Cameron at pinagitnaan si Zehan sa mahabang sofa.

“Tingnan mo ang anak natin, mahal. Nakasimangot. Papangit ka niyan, sige ka.”

Her Papa chuckled before kissing her temple. “Stop worrying about us. Nakikita mo naman, ’di ba? Maayos ang kalagayan namin ng Papi mo.”

“I know, but…” Zehannah’s shoulder fell. “I just want to help and give back.”

“You already did.”

“Pero kulang pa ’yon sa pagmamahal at pag-aalaga niyo sa ’kin.”

Her Papi flicked the tip of her nose. “Sino’ng may sabing kailangan mong suklian ang pag-aalaga namin sa ’yo? Sapat na sa ’min na lumaki kang mabuting anak.”

Nakasimangot pa rin si Zehan. “Kahit wala akong jowa?”

Natawa ang Papa niya. “Kahit wala kang jowa, ayos lang.”

“Kahit wala akong asawa? Kahit malapit nang lumampas ang edad ko sa kalendaryo? Kahit manang na ako?”

Pinisil ng Papi niya ang pisngi niya. “Ang importante sa ’min ay masaya ka. At anong manang? Look at you.” Inilagay ng Papi niya ang kamay nito sa baba niya na para bang pinagmamalaki ang mukha niya. “Fresh na fresh pa ang Zehannah ko. Kung sino man ang tumawag sa ’yong manang, hambalusin mo. Utos ko.”

Napailing si Cameron sa kapareha. “Dahil sa ’yo kaya naging basagulera itong anak natin.”

“Kaysa namin api-apihin siya? Hindi ako makakapayag!”

Cameron sighed and shook his head. “Sabi ko nga.”

Naiiyak na natatawa na yumakap si Zehannah sa mga magulang niya. She had become a strong, independent woman because of her amazing parents. They raised her that way. They raised her to be confident.

“Pero ’nak, wala ka talagang jowa ngayon? Ayaw mo talagang mag-boyfriend?”

Zehannah sighed and leaned back on the sofa. “I’m just not feeling it, Papi. Ewan kung bakit. Nawalan ako bigla ng gana na makipag-date kasi alam ko naman ang ending n’on. Either they’ll break up with me because I don’t want to marry them or they’ll cheat on me. ’Yon lang ’yon.”

Napabuntonghininga ang Papa niya saka kinurot ang pisngi niya. “I know why you don’t want to marry, but it still baffles me that you feel that way.”

“Hindi naman kasi basehan ang kasal para magtagal ang pagsasama.” Iminuwestra ni Zehannah ang mga kamay sa mga magulang niya. “Look at you two. You’re not married and people always say bad things about your relationship, but you’re still together and proving me right.”

Ang Papi niya ang sunod na napabuntonghininga. “’Nak, kung legal lang ang same-sex marriage rito sa bansa natin, nagpakasal na kami.”

“Precisely. And you’re still together, even after all these years,” may diing sagot ni Zehannah. “And it’s so scary to get married these days. Iba na ang panahon ngayon, Papi. Cheating is so rampant these days that no one gets shocked anymore. Imagine being married to a cheater with no way out? Napakamahal ng annulment at napakahaba ng proseso kung wala kang koneksiyon. Hindi lang ’yon, paano kung nananakit ang mapangasawa ko? Paano kung impyerno pala ang magiging buhay ko sa kaniya?”

Napailing si Cameron sa pinagsasasabi ng anak. “Zehan, wala namang pumapasok sa relasyon na ’yan ang iniisip. They enter a relationship with dreams of being together forever.”

Zehannah snorted. “Yeah. And when that didn’t work out? What happens next? Hindi lahat ng kinasal, masaya.”

“Hindi rin naman lahat ng kinasal ay miserable,” her Papa countered.

“Enough you two.” Kaagad na namagitan si Dan sa mag-ama. “Cameron, love, don’t argue with Zehan. You know how she is.”

Cam sighed at Dan and looked at their daughter. “Zehan, why don’t you open your mind to marriage a little—”

“Nope. No way, Papa.”

Dan silently shook his head at his partner, signaling him to stop. Dan knew how stubborn their daughter was.

Cam sighed and kissed Zehannah’s forehead. “Fine. Hindi na kita pipilitin.”

Kaagad na napangiti si Zehannah at niyakap ang Papi at Papa niya saka umalis sa sofa, kinuha ang passbook sa center table, at nakapamaywang na humarap sa mga magulang. “Okay. Let’s have dinner together. My treat.”

Dan and Cameron smiled.

“Saang restaurant mo kami dadalhin, ’nak?” tanong ni Dan. “I know some high-end restaurant… want my recommendation?”

Cameron chuckled, seeing his partner coercing their daughter into taking them into a high-end restaurant.

“Ang mamahal ng pagkain sa mga ’yon, Papi. Tapos ang liliit pa ng serving. May turo-turo sa kabilang block ng condo ko. Masarap ang pagkain do’n, mura pa.”

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Dan. “Sabi ko nga. Sa turo-turo.”

Mahinang natawa si Cameron saka inakbayan ang kapareha at ang anak. “Come on. Kumain na tayo. Kahit naman saan, basta magkakasama tayo, masarap palagi ang pagkain.”

That made Zehannah smile. Her fathers were really amazing. But still… she didn’t take them to a high-end restaurant. It’s just too expensive. But she took them to a good one with amazing food and service just below her condo.

Tulad ng sabi ng Papa niya, kahit saan, basta magkakasama sila, masarap ang pagkain.

And Zehannah believed that too.

MALAPIT LANG ANG condo ni Zehannah sa kompanya na pinagtatrabahuan kaya naman may karapatan siyang hindi gumising nang maaga. Pero alas-singko pa lang ng umaga, mulat na mulat na ang mga mata niya.

Groaning, she left her bed and readied for work.

Just like yesterday, it was a simple, uneventful day at work. She’s a marketing supervisor in her best friend’s parents’ company, but the funniest thing was, her position was higher than Cassia’s.

Masakit sa ulo ang pamilya ng kaibigan niya kaya naman sinisiguro niya palagi na available siya kapag kailangan ng kausap ni Cassia. She knew what Cassia had been through and the trauma it had left behind. Kahit masakit din sa ulo minsan si Cassia dahil sa pag-iisip nitong hindi niya maintindihan minsan, hinahayaan na niya.

Tulad na lang ngayon na nasa canteen sila. Tahimik ito at nakatulala sa hangin. Hindi ’yon gawain ni Cassia na palaging bukambibig ang asawa nito kaya naman pilit niyang ginigising ang isip nito na wala siyang ideya kung nasaan.

“Hello. Earth to Cassia!” Zehannah kept snapping her fingers in front of Cassia’s face which had been having a conference with the air. “Cassia… Cassia! Cassia…!”

Sa wakas, napakurap-kurap din ito at nagtatanong na tumingin sa kaniya. “What?”

Malakas siyang napabuntonghininga saka kunot ang noong tinanong ito. “Nasaang planeta ka ba? Kanina ka pa nakatulala riyan.”

Bumuntonghininga ang kaibigan saka uminom ng tubig na para bang pinaghahandaan ang susunod nitong sasabihin. “I met my husband’s boyfriend last night.”

Hindi napigilan ni Zehannah ang mapasinghap. Since the two got married, Zehannah knew the real score between them because Cassia made it her mission to tell her everything. Yes. Everything . Cassia didn’t know what too much information meant.

“OMG!” Nasapo pa ni Zehannah ang bibig sa gulat. “Girl, nakaka-shook ba?”

Parang wala sa sariling tumango si Cassia. “He’s so handsome up close that I felt so small.” Sinapo nito ang pisngi na parang hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa nangyari. “I was so nervous last night. I think they were arguing, Zehan. Is it because of me? I don’t want to cause trouble. Thorn has been really nice to me.”

Hindi maiwasan ni Zehannah na makaramdam ng awa sa kaibigan dahil sa sitwasyon nito. “Hay, mabait nga ang napangasawa mo, pero sobrang nakaloloka naman ang set-up niyo. Anyway, pinakilala ka ba niya or tinago ka?”

“Pinakilala,” pabulong na sagot ni Cassia na para bang hindi ito makapaniwala.

“Tapos?” Kung kailan gusto niyang malaman ang pangyayari, saka naman pabitin ang kuwento ni Cassia. “Anyare, girl?” Zehannah was getting impatient. “Ano’ng pangalan ng jowa ng asawa mo?”

Bumuntonghininga si Cassia. “Reigo Vasquez. See? Pangalan pa lang, guwapo na, Zehan. As in, ang guwapo niya.”

Palihim na natigilan si Zehannah sa narinig. Reigo Vasquez? How could she forget that name? But… gay? I doubt it. Must be a different Reigo Vasquez from the one she knew. Marami naman ang magkakapangalan sa mundo. Yeah. Must be. It’s just so impossible for that guy who made me sore all over to be gay.

Napabuntonghininga na lang si Zehannah sa laman ng isip niya saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa kaibigan. “Cass, ganiyan na talaga ang panahon ngayon. Ang guwapo, guwapo rin ang hanap.”

Tumango si Cassia saka unti-unting humaba ang nguso.

“Oh, anyare sa ’yo?” tanong niya nang makita ang nguso ng kaibigan. “Bakit parang hinang-hina ka riyan? Para namang hindi mo alam ang tunay na katauhan ng asawa mo bago mo siya pinakasalan. ’Di ba nga, sabi mo pa, susuportahan mo kung ano’ng gusto niya? Heto na ’yon.”

Nagbaba ng tingin si Cassia. “Hindi ko nga rin alam ba’t ako nagkakaganito. Pagkatapos akong ipakilala ni Thorn kay Reigo, pumunta sila ng kusina. I can hear them arguing. I can’t make out the words, but I knew they were arguing. After that, Reigo stormed out of the kitchen and I was so guilty, so I spoke to Reigo to clear everything up. I apologized for accepting the marriage and I told him that I will support his relationship with Thorn.”

Oh! A development! Parang nanonood si Zehannah ng pelikula. “What did he say?”

“Reigo seemed shocked. His anger disappeared, and then he went back to the kitchen while I went upstairs to rest.”

“That was intense.”

Tumango si Cassia. “Super intense. Pero sa tingin ko, nagkaayos na sila. Kaninang umaga, bago ako pumasok sa opisina, nakasalubong ko sa gate si Reigo at nagpasalamat siya sa ’kin. Nakangiti pa nga siya kaya sa tingin ko, maayos na sila.”

Napatitig si Zehannah sa kaibigan saka huminga nang malalim. “Cass, girl, ang intense ng married life mo.” The reason I didn’t want to marry.

A faint smile appeared on Cassia’s lips. “But I’m actually enjoying my married life. My husband is nice, he treats me well, he cooks really well, and I’m not his type, so I’m happy.”

Zehannah was not buying what Cassia was selling. She didn’t seem happy to Zehannah. “Sure ka na masaya ka? Because your face looked sad from where I’m sitting.”

Tumango si Cassia saka ngumiti. “Yes, I’m happy.”

Hindi na nakipag-argumento pa si Zehannah sa kaibigan pero hindi siya naniniwala na masaya si Cassia. Zehanna had known Cassia since they were in college, so she knew when Cassia was genuinely happy or not. And something was telling her—a gut feeling—that her best friend was not as happy as she claimed to be.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Zehannah nang tumuon ang mga mata niya sa daliri ng kaibigan. “Binili ng asawa mo?”

That was the only explanation. It was, after all, a beautiful engagement and wedding ring.

A genuine smile made its way to Cassia’s lips before nodding. “He even bought me an engagement ring even though he doesn’t really have to.”

“It’s pretty. Bagay sa ’yo. Your husband got taste.”

Cassia nodded while caressing the rings on her finger. While Zehannah just shook her head while looking at her friend and thought if this continued, she’s really gonna fall.

“Cass, don’t forget that your husband is gay, okay?” seryosong paalala ni Zehannah sa kaibigan. Baka makalimutan nito iyon at masaktan ito. Masakit lang sa ulo si Cassia pero hindi niya gustong makita itong nasasaktan.

Kinunotan siya ng noo ni Cassia. “Bakit ko naman makalilimutan ’yon? I saw them, remember?”

“Just a fair warning. Anyway, kailan mo ipakikilala sa ’kin ang asawa mo? Kailangan ko siyang pasalamatan sa pagiging mabait sa ’yo.”

Cassia’s smile was back on her lips. “Soon.”

“Okay. Asahan ko ’yan.”

Iinom sana ng tubig si Zehannah nang bigla na lang inanunsiyo ng kaibigan na late na sila. Siyempre, sabay silang tumakbo palabas ng canteen at patungong elevator para bumalik sa kaniya-kaniyang trabaho.

Ang bagal ng oras kapag nasa trabaho na gusto nang maglupasay ni Zehannah kasi gusto na niyang umuwi.

Gusto niyang mag-Netflix and chill nang mag-isa. Oo. Mag-isa! Wala namang nagsabi na kailangan may kalandian para ma-enjoy niya ang Netflix at makapag-chill siya.

Thankfully, her office hour finally came to an end, and she went home. Nauna na siya kay Cassia dahil may sasakyan ito habang siya naman ay maglalakad lang. Malapit lang naman ang condo niya at hindi na ganoon kainit ang araw. Sayang sa gas kung dadalhin niya ang sasakyan niya sa trabaho.

When she arrived at her condo, she took a quick bath, changed clothes, and went to the supermarket to buy groceries. Her stock of food was running low.

After the supermarket, Zehannah went around looking for something sweet. Mayroon namang mga café at cake shop malapit sa condo niya pero palagi na lang iyon ang kinakain niya. Nananawa na siya.

So she went looking for a new café. Some were too luxurious, and some were not her vibe. An hour later of looking, she finally came across a cozy looking one by the road.

Bitter Sweet Café.

From the outside, it was cozy looking and when she went inside, it surprised her how warm it looked and felt.

Definitely my scene. Sana masarap ang pagkain nila rito. Zehannah was really hoping for that as she walked towards the counter.

Zehannah was looking at the cake near the counter, deciding to herself what to buy, even debating to herself how many she should buy when she felt someone staring at her. So she turned her head to the side, and in front of the cashier stood a man who was looking at her in shell shock.

She should be shell-shocked too, but she’s Zehannah- freaking -Sevil. Poker face was her middle name.

She returned her attention to the cakes, picked four different slices of cake, paid for them, left the café, and drove away with her car.

She did not panic. Did not stutter. Did not falter. Nor did she make a fool of herself in front of Reigo Vasquez.

Yes. That was him. Her drunken, stupid mistake. Reigo Vasquez. After nearly a year… damn. Guwapo pa rin ang gago. 

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

NAPAILING AT NAPABUNTONGHININGA na lang si Zehannah nang makatanggap siya ng text message galing sa Papa niya habang nasa trabaho siya. Hindi na niya kailangan pang buksan ang text nito. Alam niyang nagrereklamo na naman ito dahil ‘inaapi’ na naman ito ni Papi.

And she was right.

From: Papa

’Zehan, inaapi ako ng Papi mo. He didn’t kiss me goodbye when he went to work this morning. Hindi lang ‘yon, inubusan niya ako ng coffee creamer. Tapos nalaman ko mula sa mga hugasan sa lababo na nagluto siya ng pancake. And you know what? Hindi niya man lang ako tinirhan! How dare he! Maghihiganti ako.’

Kaagad na nag-reply si Zehannah sa Papa niya para pigilan ito. ’ I advise against that, Papa. Baka sa sofa ka na naman matulog, sige ka. Tapos magrereklamo ka sa ‘kin dis oras ng gabi.’

’You always take your Papi’s side. Nagtatampo rin ako sa ‘yo, Zehan.’

Nagpakawala ng buntonghininga si Zehannah sa reply ng Papa niya.

‘Papa, taglamig ngayon. Malamig sa sofa.’

’

Oo nga pala. Sige, sa summer na ako maghihiganti. Mainit na no’n.’

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung matatawa o mapapailing siya sa Papa niya. Well, he was always like that. Complaining about her Papi’s attitude and personality, but at the end of the day, he still loves her Papi, and he never left his side.

Bumalik na sa trabaho si Zehannah pagkatapos ilapag ang cellphone sa ibabaw ng lamesa niya.

Zehannah was busy, but it still felt like a very dull day. Napapansin ni Zehannah, nitong mga nakaraang buwan, parang nagiging monotonous ang buhay niya. Parang naghahanap ang katawan niya ng bagong mapaglilibangan at hindi puro trabaho at bahay lang.

Bumaling ang atensiyon ni Zehannah sa pintuan nang may kumatok doon.

“Pasok,” aniya.

The door opened, and Dexter entered with a smile. He’s a head from a different department, but he never missed a day without visiting her office to ask her out.

“Are you free tonight? Have dinner with me.”

Awtomatiko ang naging sagot ni Zehannah. “I can’t. Maglilinis ako ng condo ko mamaya pagkauwi ko.”

“Oh.” That was a no, but that did not deter Dexter. “I can help if you need a hand.”

“No. Thanks.” Zehannah smiled. “I can do it alone.”

Nawala ang emosyon sa mukha ni Dexter. “You can’t do everything alone, Zee.”

Nagpantig ang tainga ni Zehannah. “Of course, I can. Everyone needs to know how to be alone. Dahil hindi sa lahat ng oras ay may kasama at may maaasahan ka.”

Dexter instantly knew he misspoke. “I’m sorry, Zee—”

“No need to apologize. Just please, don’t call me ‘Zee’.” Zehannah went back to work and didn’t bother sending Dexter away. Kusa na itong lumabas ng opisina niya na ikinahinga niya nang maluwang.

As she aged, her preference in men had changed. Siguro kung noong bata-bata pa siya, hinayaan na niyang manligaw si Dexter sa kaniya, pero ngayon? Wala na nga siya sa mood, napakamapili pa niya.

She knew that people always said to lower one’s standard when looking for a partner, but really, for her, that’s just plain bullshit. She would never lower her standard because she was sure that she’ll be the one to pay for it in the end.

People who have standards were the people who knew what they wanted and their worth. If she chose to lower her standard, then it also meant she chose to disappoint herself and she didn’t want that.

Bahala nang tawaging pihikan. Ang mahalaga, masaya siya at kontento sa pinili niya.

Nagpakawala ng buntonghininga si Zehannah nang tumunog ang alarm niya na nagpapaalala sa kaniya na uwian na. She was excited to go home and clean her condo until it became spotless.

When she entered the elevator, Cassia was inside and Cassia immediately rested her head on her shoulder.

“Tired?” tanong ni Zehannah sa kaibigan.

Tumango ito. “Ang dami kong tinapos na bukas na ang deadline at dumagdag pa si Mariz na nagpapakalat na naman ng tsismis tungkol sa ’kin.”

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah nang marinig ang pangalan ni Mariz. “Ano na naman ang pinagkalat ng tsismosa na ’yon?” Si Mariz ang leader ng mga marites sa buong kompanya.

“Hindi ko alam paano niya nalaman na may asawa na ako. E si Sir David lang naman ang pinagsabihan ko kaya nagulat ako sa tsismis na narinig ko. Pinagkakalat na naman ng grupo ni Mariz na totoo raw na may asawa na ako, pero pinagkasundo lang daw kami at tinatago ko kasi raw walang itsura at kinakahiya ko.”

Zehannah snorted. “Buti natama nila ’yong pinagkasundo, mga bobo pa naman ang mga ’yon.” Inis na inis si Zehannah kay Mariz at sa grupo nitong mga marites. “Naku! Ibalandra mo nga ’yang asawa mo rito nang manahimik ang mga gagang ’yon. Nauubos na ang pasensiya ko sa kanila.”

Ngumiti si Cassia. “Hayaan na natin. Mapapagod din ang mga ’yon.”

Umingos si Zehannah. “Kapag napagod sila, siguradong gagawa na naman ’yon ng panibagong issue.” Ganoon naman palagi. “Sa dami ng tsismis nila tungkol sa ’yo, puwede nang gawing isang magazine.”

Tumawa lang si Cassia saka nauna nang lumabas ng elevator nang bumukas ’yon. Kaagad namang sumunod si Zehannah pero parehong natigilan ang dalawa nang makitang umuulan sa labas.

“Great.” Bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Cassia. “Kung kailan sira ang sasakyan ko, saka naman umulan.”

“Sa condo ko kaya ikaw magpalipas muna ng ulan,” suhestiyon ni Zehannah sa kaibigan dahil malapit lang naman ang condo niya. “Saka ka na umuwi kapag tumila na.”

“Sige,” kaagad na sagot ni Cassia.

Napabaling naman dito si Zehannah nang mapansing natigilan ang kaibigan sa paglalakad. Pasimple niyang sinundan kung saan ito nakatingin babang binubuksan ang payong na dala. Lihim na lang siyang napabuntonghininga nang makita kung sino ang tinitingnan nito.

It was Cassia’s persistent boss. Ang boss nitong hindi makaintindi ng ‘ayoko’ kahit pa isampal sa mukha nito.

Handa na si Zehannah na ipagtanggol ang kaibigan laban sa boss nitong may ubo ang utak ng makuha ang atensiyon nila ng grupo ni Mariz. May kinakausap ang mga itong isang guwapong nilalang na kaagad na ngumiti nang makita si Cassia.

Instantly, Zehannah assumed he was Cassia’s husband. That charming smile of his that was only meant for Cassia said it all.

And the two proceeded to talk as if no one was around while Zehannah was just staring at Cassia’s husband. Halos nakatanga na siya rito dahil sa kaguwapuhan nitong taglay at dahil na rin naglo-loading ang utak niya habang inaalala ang mga kinuwento sa kaniya ng kaibigan.

This guy… this drop-dead gorgeous guy is gay?! Instantly, Zehannah didn’t believe it because of the way he acted around Cassia. The way he spoke to her. The man’s body language. His smile. His eyes. As if he only saw Cassia and no one else, he focused all his attention on her. Nope. This guy is not gay.

Biglang natauhan si Zehannah nang maramdamang may kumurot sa kaniya sa tagiliran. It was none other than her airhead friend, Cassia.

“What?” tanong niya kay Cassia habang pasulyap-sulyap pa rin sa asawa nito.

“Uwi na ako,” anito saka kaniya bago tinuro ang lalaki sa harapan nila at ipinakilala sa kaniya. “Ahm, Zehan, this is my husband, Thorn Calderon. Thorn, this is my best friend since college, Zehannah Sevil.”

Cassia’s husband quickly offered his hand and Zehannah accepted it.

“Nice to meet you,” anito. “Come by our house if you have free time. Let’s have dinner.”

Tumango si Zehannah. This guy is so handsome. He’s on par with Reigo in that department. If there was one thing, no, two things she couldn’t forget about Reigo, it was his handsome face and his big ‘D’.

Kinurot na naman siya ni Cassia bago nagpaalam ang kaibigan at naglakad patungo sa magarang sasakyan ng asawa nito. Pero pagkalipas lang ng ilang segundo, bumaba si Cassia at naglakad pabalik sa kaniya.

“May nakalimutan ka?” kaagad niyang tanong sa kaibigan.

Her airhead best friend didn’t answer her and just pulled her to her husband’s car.

“Cassia, what the heck are you doing—”

Bago pa matapos ni Zehannah ang tanong, binuksan na ni Cassia ang backseat saka pinasakay siya at isinara ang pinto.

Naglo-loading pa ang utak ni Zehannah nang marinig niya ang boses ng asawa ni Cassia na nasa driver’s seat.

“Masyadong malakas ang ulan. Mahihirapan kang umuwi. Ihatid ka na namin.”

“Thanks,” Zehannah muttered as she observed Cassia’s husband.

Bigla siyang naging detective Zehannah sa backseat habang nasa biyahe at pinapakinggan ang usapan ng dalawa.

Hindi na kailangan ni Zehannah ng pruweba. Sigurado siyang hindi bakla ang asawa ng kaibigan niya. Nope. Hindi. Siguradong nagpapanggap lang ang isang ’to. Why? She didn’t know. Maybe it had something to do with Cassia’s ‘airheadedness’.

“Saan ka pala namin ihahatid?”

Nabigla si Zehannah sa tanong na ’yon dahil mukhang may sariling mundo ang mag-asawa sa harapan niya. Pero siyempre, binigay niya ang address niya na isang liko na lang ay nandoon na sila.

“We’re here,” anunsiyo ni Thorn.

Ngumiti siya. “Thanks.” Then she tapped Cassia’s shoulder from the backseat. “See you tomorrow, girl.”

“See you.”

Tumango si Zehannah kay Cassia saka lumabas na ng sasakyan.

Habang pinagmamasdan ang papalayong sasakyan, gustong sabihin ni Zehannah sa kaibigan na hindi bakla ang asawa nito pero naalala niya na may hangin ang utak nito kaya hindi na lang niya itinuloy. Siya ang ma-i-stress panigurado.

Kaya nga ako hindi nag-jowa dahil ayokong ma-stress, pero stressed naman ako sa love life ng iba. Tangina.

Nakasimangot na sumakay ng elevator si Zehannah at tinungo ang unit niya.

And just like planned, she cleaned her condo until it was spotless. Well, she tried her best. Then she cooked for herself while talking to her parents over the phone, had a peaceful dinner after, and enjoyed a glass of wine while watching a series on Netflix.

Her day was supposed to end smoothly with her, sleeping peacefully until her body woke her up in the morning, but that night was just full of bad luck.

First, her Papa called to inform her that her Papi fell on the stairs and was now on the way to the hospital. Second, when she arrived at the hospital worried sick and looking like she just won a wrestling contest with a freaking bear—her hair was everywhere since she used her scooter to avoid traffic and her helmet was only half—she saw her drunken, stupid mistake exiting the hospital and yep, as cliché as the movies, their eyes met.

But she’s Zehannah— freaking —Sevil. She pretended like she didn’t see anyone she knew. She looked straight ahead and then she entered the hospital like a queen with hair that looked like something exploded in it.

But she didn’t care because she knew she had slayed her entrance.

Yeah. And then she worriedly ran towards the E.R. to check on her Papi.

Thankfully, her Papi’s condition was not severe, but he had to take a leave from work and stay in the hospital for a couple of days. Hindi naman ’yon problema dahil kasama nito ang Papa niya na halos hindi makahinga sa sobrang pag-aalala.

“Papa, si Papi ang aksidenteng nahulog sa hagdan. Bakit ikaw ang umiyak?” sita niya sa Papa niya na namumula ang mata.

“I thought I’m gonna lose Dan,” her Papa whispered and held her Papi’s hand. “Akala ko tumama ang ulo mo sa semento. I couldn’t think straight.”

Her Papi smile softly at her Papa before his attitude turned one-eighty degrees and glared at her Papa. “Hindi ba sinabi ko sa ’yo na ayos lang ako, pero hindi ka nakinig! At tinawagan mo pa ang anak natin.” Tinuro siya ni Papi. “Tingnan mo naman ang itsura ni Zehan, parang nakipagsabunutan sa aswang!”

Kaagad na sinubukang ayusin ni Zehannah ang sabog na buhok pero wala namang nagbago. Sabog pa rin. “Sorry naman. Nagmamadali kasi ako kaya nag-scooter ako para makaiwas sa traffic.” Kapagkuwan ay ngumiti at niyakap niya ang ama. “But I’m happy that you’re okay, Papi. Pinag-aalala mo kami ni Papa kaya huwag mo nang pagalitan si Papa. He’s just worried because he loves you so much.”

Cameron smiled at his daughter for being a sweet talker and for helping him out. While Dan just sighed and smiled before intertwining his hand with Cameron’s.

“O siya, umuwi ka na at magpahinga,” anang Papi niya sa kaniya. “Ayos lang kami rito ng Papa mo. Don’t worry.”

Seeing their daughter being reluctant to say yes, Cameron helped his partner. “Ako na ang bahala sa Papi mo. Huwag kang mag-alala.”

Tumango si Dan. “You trust your Papa, right? Ayoko ring magtagal dito. Ang daming nagnanakaw ng tingin sa Papa mo akala naman nila kung sinong guwapo.”

Natawa si Zehannah sa Papi niya. But it was indeed true that her Papa was a handsome man even though he was already nearing his fifties. Hindi halata sa mukha ng Papa niya ang edad nito. He was fit and very healthy, after all. Same with her Papi.

“Siyempre. Mana ako kay Papa,” nagmamalaking sabi niya. “Guwapo si Papa, maganda ako.”

Dan looked at her daughter flatly. “Sa Papa mo lang?”

Zehannah grinned at her Papi. “Siyempre, mana rin ako sa ’yo, Papi.” Kaagad na napangiti si Dan pero kaagad ding nabura ’yon nang sabihin ni Zehannah kung anong namana nito rito. “Basagulero.”

Biglang bumangon si Dan. “Ano’ng sabi mong bata ka—”

“Zehan. Run!” her Papa hissed under his breath and Zehannah immediately took off running.

Tumigil lang si Zehannah sa pagtakbo nang makalabas siya ng E.R. Hindi na napigilang matawa ni Zehannah nang maalala ang mukha ng Papi niya. Siguradong patay ako kay Papi kapag nakalabas na siya ng ospital. Kailangan kong kasabuwatin si Papa para mawala ang galit niya. Yeah. That’s what I’m going to do. I have to—

“Zee.”

Zehannah remembered the nickname and the one who gave it to her, but she didn’t give him the reaction he wanted. She pretended like she heard nothing and walked towards the exit.

Zee was not her name, after all.

“Zehannah!”

That was the only time she stopped and turned around to face her drunken, stupid mistake. “Yeah? You need anything?”

Namulsa si Reigo. “Remember me?”

Zehannah could lie and say she didn’t, but she had no reason to. “Yeah. Anything else?”

Reigo’s lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but alas, he pressed his lips together and shook his head.

Zehannah smiled with her business smile. “I’m going then. Nice seeing you.”

Reigo just stared at Zehannah before he nodded and watched Zehannah leave the hospital.

And just like that, Zehannah slayed her second coincidental meeting with her drunken, stupid mistake. And she planned to slay it every time since she felt like fate was playing a game with them.

But what fate didn’t know was that she’s Zehannah— freaking —Sevil. Whatever was thrown at her, she’ll slay it. Because that’s the queen her parents raised her to be.

Oo nga’t guwapo pa rin ang gago, pero maganda pa rin naman ako. Patas lang kami.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

ZEHANNAH WAS thankful that her Papi was doing good in the hospital. Kailangan pa rin nito ng alalay lalo na sa paglalakad, pero maliban doon, maayos na ang kalagay nito. She had nothing to worry about since her Papa was with her Papi, so her days continued without being stressed.

No. She took that back. Stressed pala siya. Stressed siya sa kaibigan niyang may hangin ang utak at malisyosa. Kahit sinabi na niya kay Cassia na hindi bakla ang asawa nito, walang pinatunguhan ’yon tulad ng inaasahan niya. Palaging may sariling interpretasyon si Cassia sa mga bagay-bagay, lalo na pagdating sa asawa nito kaya naman hindi na siya nagtaka, pero hindi ibig sabihin n’on ay hindi siya kinain ng frustration.

But instead of being frustrated as hell and forcing Cassia to believe her, she let her airhead friend be. Pasasaan ba’t mari-realize rin nito ang totoo.

To relieve her stress caused by Cassia and her married life, she went back to that café with good ambiance after work. The Bitter Sweet Café. Hindi siya kumain do’n nung huli at nag-take out lang ng cake kasi gabi na, pero ngayon, gusto niyang kumain do’n at i-enjoy ang magandang ambiance ng café at siyempre pa para tikman kung masarap ang caramel macchiato ng mga ito.

Zehannah thought that meeting Reigo in Bitter Sweet café for the first time was just a coincidence kaya naman malakas ang loob niya na bumalik doon. Ang hindi niya alam, kaharap lang ng café ang village kung saan nakatira si Reigo.

At that moment, Zehannah didn’t know, so she went to Bitter Sweet Café and ordered a caramel macchiato paired with two slices of chocolate cake.

She thoroughly enjoyed her order and ate in peace. It was always nice eating with someone, but there’s also something therapeutic about eating alone, in silence. She got that everybody was scared to be alone somehow, but when one gets a taste of it, it was not so scary, and would sometimes seek it, if not most of the time.

A good coffee and a delicious cake. What a magnificent pair . Zehannah was satisfied as she stepped out of the café. But her satisfaction completely disappeared when she saw her drunken, stupid mistake leaning on a luxury car parked beside hers as if waiting for someone.

Sa halip na makaramdam ng pagkailang, lihim na natawa si Zehannah dahil kung gaano kakinis at kakintab ang sasakyan ni Reigo, ganoon naman kaluma at kakupas ang sasakyan niya na katabi niyon.

‘Araw-araw talaga akong sinusubok ni Lord .’ aniya sa sarili habang naglalakad patungo sa sasakyan niyang nakaparada.

Wala siyang balak pansinin si Reigo pero nagsalita ang gago. “Can we talk?”

She could be rude and just ignore Reigo, but her drunken, stupid mistake had been nothing but a stain in her past, and she wanted to clean that stain once and for all.

Umikot paharap si Zehannah kay Reigo at walang paligoy-ligoy na sinagot ito. “Saan?”

Tinuro nito ang café kung saan pa lang galing si Zehannah. “If you don’t mind.”

Zehannah was still full, but she will not say no to another cup of coffee in the form of caramel macchiato. “Sure.”

Sabay na pumasok sina Zehannah at Reigo sa café at sabay ring um-order. She ordered caramel macchiato, and he ordered black coffee with an extra shot of espresso. And as they settled on their table, the talk began.

Nope. Not really.

Zehannah was the one who started it since the handsome man who asked if they could talk did not speak a word until she did. Gago talaga.

“I hate driving at night. Masakit sa mata ang mga ilaw ng mga sasakyan. So you better talk or else I’m leaving with my macchiato.”

Thankfully, that made the bastard talk.

“I know what happened to us in the club meant nothing to you.” That’s what Reigo concluded after Zehannah ignored him two times. “But I just want to ask… why did you leave me that morning?”

Zehannah blinked at Reigo while looking at him flatly.

One, two, and three blinks, but Reigo seemed so genuine with his question.

“May tama ka ba sa utak?” tanong ni Zehannah sa kaharap.

Si Reigo naman ngayon ang napakurap-kurap kay Zehannah bago seryosong sinagot ang tanong ng dalaga. “Last I checked, my head is perfectly fine.”

“Sure ka?”

“Yes. Very.”

“Hmm…” Tumaas ang kilay ni Zehannah. “You know, Mr. Vasquez, it’s you who left me alone in my car, not the other way around.”

Bumakas ang pagkabigla at kaguluhan sa guwapong mukha ni Reigo. “Wait… I didn’t leave you alone in your car, Zehannah. We were together the whole night. Magkasama tayo sa sasakyan mo nang magising ako. I wanted to freshen up a little because I smelled like a severe hangover, so I went back inside the club to wash my face and my mouth. Ikaw ang nang-iwan dahil nang makabalik ako sa parking lot, wala na ro’n ang sasakyan mo. After that, I was hoping to see you again to ask, so I went back to the club a few times, but well, you know how it went.”

Reigo made sure to explain himself and what happened thoroughly, hoping to get an explanation as to why Zehannah left after what happened to them, but the answer he got from her blew his mind.

“Oops. My bad.”

Reigo waited for an additional answer, but it never came. That’s all? Her bad? Reigo’s face hardened. “I looked for you.”

“Sorry,” nakangiwing wika ni Zehannah. Ngayong alam na niya ang totoo, para ngang kasalanan niya pero siyempre, ‘parang’ lang. Hindi naman niya sinadyang umalis. “Akala ko iniwan mo akong mag-isa sa sasakyan kaya nang magising ako at wala ka, umalis ako kaagad. My head was throbbing at that time because of a severe hangover so I didn’t really think that much and just went home.”

Reigo was speechless and the conversation about what had happened ended.

“Why do I feel so cheated?” Reigo grumbled after a long minute. “I looked for you that morning.”

“I feel like shit that morning. Patas lang tayo,” sagot ni Zehannah kay Reigo saka nginitian ang binata. “It was all just a misunderstanding. My bad. Can we move on now?”

“Just… like that?”

“Bakit? May iba ka bang inaasahan?”

“Aren’t women emotional when it comes to these stuff…?” Lahat ng babaeng naka-date at naging kasintahan ni Reigo ay mga emosyonal lalo na sa usaping ‘sex’. But Zehannah was so nonchalant that Reigo was having doubts if he really took her multiple times in the club’s restroom that night.

“Why should I be? It’s done. Can’t take it back.”

“You… don’t want me to take responsibility?”

“I can take responsibility for myself,” ani Zehannah. “It was my decision to go clubbing with you and drink. And it’s been nearly a year, Mr. Vasquez. As you can see, hindi ako nabuntis kaya wala kang responsabilidad sa ’kin.”

Silence fell on the two until Reigo leaned back and asked Zehannah a question Zehannah did not expect.

“Are you still single?”

“Oo.”

“Want to try and date me? I’m single too.”

It did not faze Zehannah. She only raised her eyebrow. “Is there a merit in dating you?”

Reigo’s answer was instant. “I’m handsome with a big dick and I can bring you to high heavens in bed or anywhere you want.”

“That’s actually tempting…” Zehannah did not hide her interest. “But I’m not really in the mood to date.”

“May I ask why?”

Zehannah did not hide her reason. “You told me before that you’re looking for a good woman to marry and I’m not that woman. I don’t want to marry anyone and since you date to marry, dating me will be a waste of your time. At dalawa lang ang patutunguhan kung susubukan natin ang gusto mo, either you’ll break up with me because I don’t want to marry or you’ll cheat on me.”

“What if I won’t ask you to marry me and I won’t cheat on you?”

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. “Then I’m a very lucky woman.”

“Rejoice then. You’re in luck. I’m here.”

“May nakapagsabi na ba sa ’yo na ang hangin mo?”

“Yeah, and I don’t care.”

Zehannah sighed. “Ayoko sa mahanging lalaki.”

“I can tone it down a bit.”

“Just a bit?”

Reigo spread his arms as if telling Zehannah to check him out from head to toe. “Bakit? Wala ba akong karapatang magmalaki?”

Zehannah stared at Reigo and indeed, he was drop-dead gorgeous. And with a luxury car, she knew he’s loaded. The thing between his legs was also something to be proud of. He’s educated and smart. He carried himself handsomely. That’s why it baffled her that his exes cheated on him.

“Naaalala kong sinabi mo sa ’kin dati na palagi kang niloloko. Dahil ba ’yon sa pagiging mahangin mo?”

“No, it’s because I don’t have time for them, so they cheated.” Reigo sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m a busy man, you see. There are a lot of companies under me. I have no time to go on vacations and it seems like women like those things.”

“And you think I don’t since you want us to date?”

“I think you’re different.” Reigo looked into Zehannah’s eyes. “I feel like my head is going to spin and explode because of your attitude and personality, but that’s what draws me in. Because if I’m not drawn to you, I would’ve forgotten you months ago. And I feel like it would be idiotic of me to not ask you to date me. It’s not every day that I get to meet a woman as confident and as intriguing as you. And—”

“There’s more?” Zehannah was genuinely shocked that Reigo had so many reasons.

“It’s the last one.”

“Oh. Okay. You may continue.”

“And you and I are very physically compatible.”

Natahimik si Zehannah. Reigo’s offer was tempting and interesting. It might change her monotonous life. But there was a part of her that was saying ‘no’ and she couldn’t ignore it.

“Still a ‘no’?” Reigo asked when Zehannah remained silent.

Sumimsim si Zehannah ng caramel macchiato niya saka bumuntonghininga. “I’m skeptical.”

“I can wait.”

Kaagad na umiling si Zehannah. “Don’t. Ayokong may naghihintay sa desisyon ko. It’s uncomfortable and very straining. Just give me two weeks. I’ll think about it.”

“You sure?”

Tumango si Zehannah. “Kung hindi ako makapagdesisyon sa loob ng dalawang linggo, kahit pa bigyan mo ako ng isang taon, walang mangyayari. Maghihintay ka lang sa wala. I will give you my answer after two weeks.”

Reigo was becoming more intrigued as minutes passed that he was with Zehannah. He knew she’s different from all the women he dated and that alone was enough to draw him in and risk it.

Inilahad ni Zehannah ang kamay kay Reigo. “I’ll see you here in two weeks.”

Reigo frowned at Zehannah. “Is that…? Are you…? Wait… handshake? Really?”

Nagkibit-balikat si Zehannah. “To seal our agreement?”

Zehannah stilled when Reigo stood up, put his palms on the table, leaned in, and without hesitation, he placed a quick kiss on her lips.

“Now it’s sealed,” Reigo whispered over her lips and Zehannah swallowed.

Her weaknesses—g ood breath and masculine scent —Reigo has them all and Zehannah felt cornered.

Tangina. Bakit ang bango ng gago na ’to? Kung sana naging mabaho si Reigo, madali para kay Zehannah na magdesisyon pero pati hininga nito ay luluhuran.

Lasing na lasing siya nang may mangyari sa kanila noon pero kung mauulit ’yon, hindi na magtataka si Zehannah kung luhuran niya si Reigo. Lahat ng kahinaan niya, nasa binata.

“Zee?”

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka umaktong kalmado siya. Poker face was her middle name after all. “I will let you off this time, but don’t kiss me again without my consent.”

“Noted. But you can kiss me without my consent,” Reigo said with a straight face as he went back to his seat, and Zehannah didn’t know if he was joking or he was serious. “The more I’m surprised, the more I’m turned on.”

Zehannah didn’t know what to reply, but, “Noted.”

Why the fuck am I noting this?! Gustong kutusan ni Zehannah ang sarili kapagkuwan ay tumuon ang titig niya kay Reigo na sumisimsim ng kape habang matiim ang titig sa kaniya. Fuck this guy. Kung makatitig parang mangangain nang buhay. Siguro kong pinalaki siyang marupok ng mga magulang niya, siguradong namula na ang mukha niya at nailing siya.

But she’s Zehannah— freaking —Sevil. It would take everything Reigo had to make her blush.

Hindi ko sinasabing makapal ang mukha ko, pero parang medyo ganoon nga. Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah saka inubos ang caramel macchiato at nagpaalam na kay Reigo. “Uwi na ako. See yah in two weeks.”

Reigo nodded and Zehannah left. She could feel Reigo’s eyes on her back as she walked out of the café, but she acted like she was not affected. She walked normally and calmly to her car and slayed her exit.

AFTER HER SLIGHTLY intense meeting with Reigo, Zehannah went home to rest. She wanted to have a good night’s sleep and did not want to think about anything, but her airhead best friend called.

Nang marinig niya ang nagpa-panic na boses ni Cassia na humihingi ng tulong, halos lumipad siya palabas ng condo niya. Hindi siya nagda-drive kapag gabi, pero sa sobrang pag-aalala niya kay Cassia, wala siyang pakialam kung gaano kasakit sa mata ang mga headlight ng sasakyan na nakakasalubong niya. She drove fast, but with great care.

When she arrived at Cassia’s new address, it surprised her that the village her airhead friend lived in was just in front of the Bitter Sweet Café. And she had to undergo a series of security protocols before she was allowed entry to the village.

Imagine the worry and panic she was feeling while driving and waiting outside the Bachelor’s Village to be let in, only to find out the idiotic reason her airhead friend called.

Zehannah felt like murdering someone—her name was Cassia.

“Did you see that?!” sigaw ng kaibigan niyang may hangin sa utak. “He kissed me, Zehan! He kissed me!”

Sa totoo lang, gusto niyang sabunutan ang kaibigan niya pero baka mas lumala pa ang tama nito sa ulo. “Did you honestly ask me to be here right now, in this godly hour, just to freaking tell me that?”

Cassia nodded earnestly. “Of course! This is a life and death situation—”

Zehannah couldn’t take this idiocy anymore. She flicked Cassia’s forehead. “Anong life and death? Sakalin kaya kita! Grabe ang pagmamadali ko kasi akala ko napaano ka na, tapos malalaman kong pinapunta mo ako rito dahil hinalikan ka?” Zehannah flicked Cassia’s forehead again. Nilakasan niya para magtanda ang may hangin sa ulo niyang kaibigan. “Malamang hahalikan ka ng asawa mo. Lalaki ’yan, gaga!”

Humaba ang nguso ni Cassia saka nilaro-laro nito ang daliri na parang bata. “Zehan, I think he’s bi.”

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung sasabunutan niya ang sarili o si Cassia mismo sa sobrang frustration na nararamdaman. “Urgh! You’re so dense that I want to pull my hair out in frustration! Hindi ka ba nakikinig sa ’kin?! Kasasabi ko lang na lalaki ang asawa mo! Paano pumasok sa isip mo na ‘bi’ ’yang asawa mo, ha? Matalino ka naman pero bakit hindi mo naiintindihan ang sinasabi ko?! Cass, wala ka namang sira sa utak, ’di ba?”

Sumimangot si Cassia. “Kasi ’yon lang ang kayang i-explain ng utak ko.”

Malapit nang sumigaw si Zehannah sa kabuwisitan niya sa kaibigan. “Ako ang mababaliw sa ’yo!”

“Pero may sense naman ako, a,” pakikipag-argumento pa ni Cassia kay Zehannah. “My husband is gay, and then suddenly, he kissed me. That means he’s bi. He likes both genders—”

“How about you take out the gay part and just focus on her liking women?” suhestiyon ni Zehannah na punong-puno na sa kakaibang pag-iisip ni Cassia. Kaunti na lang, sasapakin na talaga ni Zehannah ang kaibigan para matauhan.

“Pero, Zehan—”

“Walang pero-pero,” pigil ni Zehannah sa iba pang sasabihin ni Cassia. “Believe me. Walang gusto sa lalaki ’yang asawa mo dahil lalaking-lalaki siya. Ikaw lang itong hindi ko alam kung paano tumakbo ang utak at naniniwalang lalaki rin ang gusto ng asawa mo. Cass, wake up! Your husband just kissed you on the lips! A gay man would never do that—”

“That’s because he’s bi.”

Literal na napasabunot si Zehannah sa sariling buhok. “Ayoko na. Ayoko na talaga. Bakit ba kita naging kaibigan? Mamamatay ako nang maaga nang dahil sa ’yo.”

“Zehan”—namaywang pa talaga si Cassia—“how could you say that he’s not ‘bi’ when you don’t have proof?”

Zehannah gritted her teeth while pointing her finger at Cass. “You. You are the proof. For goodness’ sake! Maaga pa para mamatay ako sa kunsomisyon, Cassia Engelyn Calderon!”

Natahimik naman si Cassia. Kapagkuwan ay hinawakan nito sa braso ni Zehannah saka hinila si Zehannah palabas ng bahay na para bang may naalala ito.

“At saan naman tayo pupunta?” Punong-puno na si Zehannah sa kaibigan na nagpaubaya na lang siya.

“Basta. Samahan mo na lang ako,” ani Cassia. “I’m going to give you proof that my husband is gay—I mean, bi.”

Zehannah just rolled her eyes and let Cass drag her outside the house.

Napatitig si Zehannah sa under construction na bahay kung saan siya hinila ng magaling niyang kaibigan.

“That’s Reigo’s house,” imporma ni Cassia kay Zehannah. “Sa kaniya tayo magtatanong ng katotohanan at pruweba na tama ako.”

Zehannah groaned in annoyance because she didn’t want to think about Reigo, but she still let her friend drag her around the under-construction house, but there was no Reigo on site.

“Ano ba ’yan, wala rito si Reigo.”

Napatitig si Zehannah sa kaibigan na para bang ito na ang pinakawalang laman ang utak sa buong mundo. “Alam mo, Cass, sa sobrang talino mo sa trabaho, nagiging bobo ka na sa ibang bagay.”

Cassia tilted her head at Zehannah. “Huh?”

Tinuro ni Zehannag ang tinatayong bahay sa harapan nila. “Paanong nandiyan si Reigo e under construction nga?”

Sa narinig, napasuntok sa sariling palad si Cassia saka hinila na naman papunta kung saan si Zehannah. “I think I know where he is, Zehan. Kailangan nating hanapin ang high-tech na barn na sinasabi ng asawa ko. Sa tingin ko nandoon si Reigo.”

Hindi na nakipag-argumento si Zehannah at walang imik na nagpaubaya sa kaibigan kung saan man siya nito balak dalhin.

After asking people from six residences, they finally found the high-tech barn.

“Wow. Barn nga.”

“Yeah, yeah. What now?”

“Hanapin natin si Reigo,” ani Cassia saka hinila na naman si Zehannah.

Pero sa halip na kumatok, hinila ni Cassia si Zehannah patungo sa pinakamalapit na bintana at sumilip sa loob na parang magnanakaw. At dahil mukhang nag-e-enjoy sa paninilip si Cassia, nakisilip na rin si Zehannah para malaman kung ano’ng tinitingnan sa loob ng kaibigan.

“So high-tech,” bulong ni Zehannah nang maaninag ang loob ng barn. “Nahiya ’yong condo ko sa barn na ’to.”

Tumango si Cassia saka patuloy na nanilip hanggang sa makarinig sila ng tikhim sa likuran nila.

Kaagad na napatayo nang maayos ang dalawa saka mabilis na umikot paharap sa tumikhim. Pero kaagad na nawala ang kaba ni Zehannah dahil sa nahuli siya nang makita kung sino ang nasa harapan.

Reigo Vasquez—wait…!

Zehannah looked at Cassia, who was smiling at Reigo and then at Reigo, and something clicked in her mind.

Reigo— Cassia’s husband’s boyfriend—is the Reigo who made me sore all over? Biglang sumakit ang ulo ni Zehannah.

“Reigo,” ani Cassia nang nakangiti.

Reigo smiled back, surprising Zehannah since Reigo’s smile was as expensive as diamonds. “Hi, Cassia.”

“Sorry.” Zehannah stepped back when Reigo looked at her, looking unimpressed, knowing full well what happens when Reigo was drunk. “I can’t take alcohol scent on someone. It’s nauseating.”

Kaagad namang pasimpleng inamoy ni Reigo ang sarili bago bumaling ulit kay Cassia. “So, what brought you here? Thorn’s not here.”

Inunahan na ni Zehannah ang kaibigan dahil alam kaagad niya ang sasabihin nito. Baka talaga matuyo na ang utak niya kung magpapatuloy pa ’tong kabobohang ’to. “Tell her you’re not gay.” Nakataas ang kilay ni Zehannah kay Reigo. “And don’t lie.”

Reigo frowned at Zehannah—surprised that she was a friend with Thorn’s wife— and then he looked at Cassia, who was looking at him expectantly. Of course, he didn’t like lying, but he had to cover up for his friend. Si Thorn ang palaging takbuhan niya sa magkakaibigan kapag may problema siya at walang itong reklamo—well, panay pala ang reklamo nito pero wala siyang pakialam. Sorry, Cassia. I have to protect that idiot friend of mine.

Reigo forced a smile and said, “I’m gay.” He said that with utmost confidence, and then he looked at Zehannah to check if he believed him—because if she did, he’s finished.

Zehannah didn’t seem convinced, but Cassia was.

“See?”

Nagpakawala ng buntonghininga si Zehannah saka naglakad palapit kay Reigo para patunayang nagsisinungaling si Reigo.

Si Reigo naman ay bahagyang napaatras sa akalang galit si Zehannah sa pagsisinungaling niya at sasampalin siya.

Especially when Zehannah grimaced at him when she stopped in front of him.

Ah, I’m finished. That’s what was on Reigo’s mind when Zehannah suddenly grabbed him by the neck, pulled him down with brute force, and just claimed his lips like nobody’s business and kissed him senselessly.

Lip-locked. With tongue.

And in a split-second, Zehannah exposed his lie.

Sorry, Calderon. I can’t resist her kiss.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

STRESSED NA STRESSED si Zehannah kay Cassia na nang makabalik sila sa bahay nito pagkatapos niyang patunayan dito na hindi bakla si Reigo ay uminom siya ng alak. She wanted something to wash her mouth with after the kiss and tequila was her choice since she had a very wild relationship with it. And tequila always reminded her of Reigo.

Mula nang may mangyari sa kanila ni Reigo sa club, hindi na siya nagtangka pang uminom dahil baka ano na namang kagagahan ang gawin niya. Mabuti nang nag-iingat. Kaya sa condo lang niya siya umiinom palagi at ngayon ay sa bahay nina Cassia.

And she finished the entire bottle while being stressed over Cassia’s way of thinking.

Kahit nakipaglaplapan siya kay Reigo sa harapan ni Cassia, ayaw talagang patinag ng kaibigan niya. At dahil ayaw niyang mamatay nang maaga sa kunsomisyon, uminom na lang siya hanggang sa malasing siya. She did give Cassia some advice, but she doubted if Cassia would understand it the way it was supposed to be understood.

At dahil sa kalasingan, sa guestroom siya ng bahay nina Cassia natulog.

Kinaumagahan, kakagising lang ni Zehannah pero sinubok kaagad siya ni Lord habang kasamang nag-aagahan ang mag-asawang Thorn at Cassia na pakiramdam ni Zehannah ay naging invisible particles siya.

Seeing Thorn took care of Cassia, it was the first time that Zehannah thought kung hindi ganito kaalaga ang magiging asawa ko,

hindi na lang ako mag-aasawa . And for a woman who didn’t want to marry, that thought was something else.

That morning, Zehannah left the Calderon household feeling happy for Cassia. Yes, she didn’t want to marry but seeing her best friend being taken care of like a queen, she was happy for her. Cassia deserved it.

But her happiness quickly withered away when she saw Reigo outside the Calderon household, sitting crossed leg on the hood of his luxury car.

‘Kakapalan ba ng mukha kung iisipin kong hinihintay ako ng gago?’ tanong ni Zehannah sa sarili habang naglalakad patungo sa sasakyan niya na nakaparada sa gilid ng kalsada, sa likuran lang ng sasakyan ni Reigo.

Zehannah wanted to pass and ignore Reigo so badly because she wanted to go home fast, freshen up, and spend her weekend in silence with Netflix, but alas, luck was not on her side.

Reigo spoke as she passed him.

“Morning.”

Zehannah did not stop. She replied as she passed him. “Morning to you too.”

Umalis si Reigo sa pagkakaupo sa hood ng sasakyan nito at sinabayan sa paglalakad si Zehannah. “Had breakfast yet?”

Tinuro niya ang bahay na pinanggalingan. “I just came out from a chef’s house. Of course, I had breakfast.”

“Do you still have space for pancakes and caramel macchiato? I know a good café that makes amazing pancakes and coffee.”

Napatigil sa paglalakad si Zehannah at napatingin kay Reigo na nakatingin din sa kaniya. Isa sa mga kahinayaan niya ang pagkain—masarap na pagkain. That’s why at that moment, she’s in turmoil while showing her poker face to Reigo.

Food or her peace?

Food. Zehannah answered herself and sighed. “Akala ko ba busy ka?” Naalala niya ang rason kung bakit palagi itong niloloko ng mga ex-girlfriend nito. “Sabi mo wala kang oras sa mga naging ex mo dati. Ano’ng tawag mo rito?”

Reigo shrugged. “I only have two weeks to change your mind. I have to make you say yes in fourteen days, so of course, I have to make an effort.”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah. “Puwede bang hindi tayo magkita ng dalawang linggo habang nag-iisip ako? Hindi ba sabi ko sa ’yo sa café kahapon ’see yah in two weeks?”

“Hell no.” Reigo immediately shut down Zehannah’s plan to not see him for two weeks. “You decided to think about my offer for two weeks because there’s a part of you that doesn’t want it. So, to combat that ‘no’, I have to do something to make you say yes. I don’t know what though, so let’s start by getting to know each other. Paano ka o-oo kung hindi mo ako lubusang kilala?”

Zehannah shrugged. “I don’t know… Your handsome face, big dick, and high heavens?”

Reigo stared at Zehannah flatly.

“What?” Zehannah asked so innocently. “Ikaw ang nagsabi n’on, hindi ako. Inulit ko lang.”

Reigo sighed like he gave up. “Mag-agahan na nga lang tayo.”

Lihim na natawa si Zehannah sa reaksiyon ni Reigo. Hindi niya alam kung matatawag bang pikon ang binata o ano.

Thankfully, Reigo did not force her to ride with him like her exes before when they had a better looking car than her. Reigo suggested a convoy which Zehannah appreciated. Her car was old, but she loved it. Ilang taon na niya iyong kasama at maraming lugar na ang pinagdalhan niyon sa kaniya nang walang problema.

Following Reigo’s car, he brought her to one of the richest business centers in the city and Zehannah could only sigh as she parked her car next to Reigo’s.

“You don’t like it here? Kanina ka pa tahimik,” pansin ni Reigo kay Zehannah habang magkatabing naglalakad ang dalawa patungo sa café kung saan daw may masarap na pancake at kape.

Tinakpan ni Zehannah ang bibig saka naghikab bago sinagot si Reigo. “I look like shit compared to the people around us.”

Nalasing kagabi si Zehannah at doon natulog sa bahay nina Cassia. At ngayong umaga, nanghiram siya ng pambahay na damit ni Cassia dahil balak niyang dumeretso sa condo niya. Kaya lang may humarang na dumuho sa kaniya at nag-alok ng masarap na pancake at kape na hindi niya mahindian kaya heto siya ngayon, nakakulay krema na loose linen short, naka-puting sleeveless shirt, at naka-tsinelas habang ang dumuhong kasama niya naka-porma at napakaguwapo.

Sinusubok talaga ako palagi ni Lord.

“Tingnan mo nga ang suot ko,” dagdag pa ni Zehannah.

“You look fine,” Reigo said nonchalantly. “You’re slaying your outfit.”

Zehannah’s attitude turned one-hundred-eighty as she flipped her hair and said, “Of course. Ako pa ba?”

The corner of Reigo’s lips tugged up. “You know, Zee, there’s a thin line between confidence and boastfulness.”

“Bakit?” Ginaya ni Zehannah si Reigo kahapon at namaywang dito habang naglalakad sila. “Wala ba akong karapatang magmayabang?”

Reigo’s lips twitched as if he was holding back his smile. “Sabi ko nga.”

Inirapan ni Zehannah si Reigo. “You have no right to call me boastful. I mean, look at yourself. Sa sobrang hangin mo, hindi na ako magtataka kung may ipo-ipong kapangalan mo.”

“Hindi ako mahangin, nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo,” ani Reigo. Hinawakan nito ang kamay ni Zehannah at masuyong hinila ang dalaga papasok sa isang café na hindi mabigkas-bigkas ni Zehannah ang pangalan.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok pa lang nila, ramdam kaagad ni Zehannah na nasa isang high-end café sila. Maybe it’s just her, but wealthy people—the one they called an old money—had a unique aura around them and Zehannah was quick to pick up on it. Reigo had the same aura, the same with Cassia’s husband. But of course, her observation was not always accurate. May mga tao kasing mga mukhang mayaman pero hindi naman. Minsan talaga nasa pagdadala ’yan ng tao sa sarili nila.

“Zee?”

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang mesa na nasa gilid. “Doon tayo.”

“Okay.”

Zehannah and Reigo took their seat, and they ordered while Zehannah was observing Reigo. Marami na rin siyang naka-date at naging boyfriend kaya marami siyang experience pagdating sa iba’t ibang uri ng lalaki, at gusto niyang malaman kung anong uri ng lalaki ang binata.

Was he the demanding type? The one who liked to be in control? Or was he the passive type and just goes with the flow or was he someone who likes deciding for her date as if he’s the only one that mattered?

’Yon ang nasa isip ni Zehannah nang iabot sa kaniya ni Reigo ang menu.

“I recommend their pancakes, but they have so many variants. It would be best if you chose for yourself,” anito.

Zehannah smiled. She was happy that he gave her the menu and let her choose for herself even when he had a recommendation. “Thanks.”

Tumango si Reigo saka kinausap ang waiter para sa order nito. Kapagkuwan ay si Zehannah naman ang kumausap sa waiter nang makapili siya ng pancake na gusto.

“You’ll like it, I promise,” ani Reigo habang hinihintay nila ang order nila at tahimik lang na nakaupo si Zehannah.

Tumingin si Zehannah sa kaharap. “Dapat lang magustuhan ko. Ang mahal kaya no’n.” Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. “Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng pancake na mahigit isang libo ang dalawang piraso.”

“It’s already cheap, though.”

Zehannah sighed at Reigo. “Mr. Vasquez, ipapaalala ko lang sa ’yo na magkaiba tayo ng estado sa buhay. Ibig sabihin, hindi pareho ang cheap mo sa cheap ko. If this was your standard of cheap, I’m telling you now, this is my standard of expensive.”

“Oh.” It was like a realization hit Reigo. “My exes like to visit places like this. I mean, not this place since you’re the first woman I ever brought here, but other places with higher prices of food. Hindi naman sila namahalan.”

“I’ll bet they didn’t pay for their food.”

“Hmm. I did.”

Sumimsim ng tubig si Zehannah. “That’s why.”

“Is that bad?”

“Who knows?” Zehannah shrugged. “Kung hindi ka naman napilitang magbayad, siguro, hindi naman masama. Ang masama siguro ay ’yong ginamit ka lang ng babae para dalhin siya roon dahil alam niyang mayaman ka at kaya mong bayaran kahit ano’ng order-in niya.”

Reigo became silent.

“Na-bull’s eye ba kita?” tanong ni Zehannah nang nagbaba ng tingin si Reigo.

Reigo breathed out. “Yeah. Lots of my exes are like that.”

“It really sucks to be you.”

Reigo held Zehannah’s gaze. “Not really. I met you, didn’t I?”

Okay. I’ll give it to him. That was smooth. Sa isip ni Zehannah saka mahinang natawa. “You’re a smooth talker, aren’t you, Mr. Vasquez?”

“I try,” Reigo said with a shrug. “Bakit? Naaakit na ba kita?”

Zehannah smiled sweetly at Reigo. “Try harder.”

“That I will.”

Zehannah rolled her eyes, but a smile was still playing on her lips, remembering his ‘confession’ to Cassia last night. “Talaga ba? Akala ko ba bakla ka?”

The corner of Reigo’s lips tugged up. “Want to say that again? They have a restroom here too. I’m sure we’ll fit perfectly inside.”

Zehannah smirked back. “No, thanks. I’m not drunk.”

Mahinang natawa si Zehannah nang bumuka ang bibig ni Reigo pero wala namang lumabas na salita roon. Mukhang wala itong naisip na sagot sa pambabara niya. And Zehannah was enjoying Reigo’s speechlessness. It was a good thing for Reigo that their order arrived.

“Sana talaga masarap ’to,” bulong ni Zehannah bago tinikman ang pancake na in-order.

“Well?” Reigo asked when Zehannah remained silent after tasting the pancake.

With her closed eyes, she hummed and commented. “Hindi ko alam kung paano nila ginawa ’to pero sulit ang bayad sa pancake na ’to. Ang sarap.”

Reigo was pleased. “I’m glad you like it. I know lots of places with good food. Though they might be expensive for your standard, but I swear, they’re worth every penny.”

Tumango-tango si Zehannah habang ine-enjoy ang pancake at caramel macchiato na in-order. “Take me there then. No worries, I’ll pay for my food.”

“That’s a deal then. Should we seal our agreement with a kiss?”

She showed her middle finger at Reigo. “Dream on.”

For the first time, Zehannah heard Reigo chuckle, and when she looked up to see his face, she was taken aback by how handsome he looked while chuckling. Even the movement of his shoulders as he chuckled complimented his handsomeness that Zehannah had to drag down her gaze so Reigo wouldn’t notice.

’Kulang ka lang sa kape, girl. Kape ka muna para magising ‘yang utak mong may hangin na rin yata,’ ani Zehannah sa sarili saka inubos ang macchiato at um-order pa ng isa.

Aside from glancing at Reigo’s handsome face from time to time, Zehannah’s second breakfast went well.

“Do you want to have lunch or dinner with me later?” Reigo asked while they’re walking towards the parking lot.

“Lunch? No. I want to eat by myself in peace since it’s the weekend,” sagot ni Zehannah. “Dinner? Hindi ko ugaling kumain sa labas kapag gabi. I usually eat in my condo, so I guess that’s a no, too.”

“Noted. By the way, can I get your number?”

“Sure.” Zehannah gave Reigo her number and waved her hand at him before she entered her car.

Watching Zehannah leave with her car, Reigo looked at Zehannah’s number on his phone and sent a text of introduction so she’ll save his number. Akala niya mahihirapan siyang kunin ang numero ng dalaga dahil sa ugali nito, pero kabaliktaran ang nangyari.

She’s really a bundle of mystery. Reigo thought before he called his secretary to convene an emergency meeting for the upcoming bidding for the biggest mall project of Colhen Corporation and the biggest infrastructure project of the government.

After the call, he stepped inside his car and drove to his office where he’s going to work even on weekends. But even though he was busy as hell, he knew he would’ve moved or not called for a meeting if Zehannah agreed to have lunch and dinner with him.

Really… What the hell am I doing…?

ARRIVING AT HER condo, Zehannah was still feeling a little hangover—the power of tequila—so she slept like a log. Nagising lang siya dahil sa pag-iingay ng doorbell niya. Still feeling groggy, she went to open the door with an annoyed face.

“What?!”

Delivery boy ang nasa labas at halatang gulat na gulat ito sa pagsigaw niya. “M-ma’am… d-delivery ho.”

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. “Wala akong in-order.”

“Ah. Si Zehannah Sevil ho ba kayo, Ma’am?”

“Oo.”

“Kung ganoon, sa inyo po talaga ’to,” anang delivery boy na pinakita pa kay Zehannah ang resibo kung nasaan ang pangalan at address niya. “Wala naman ho kayong kailangang bayaran, Ma’am.”

Pero wala talaga siyang maalala na um-order siya kung saan. “Kanino ba galing ’yan?”

“Reigo Vasquez po.”

Immediately, Zehannah opened the door wide and accepted the paper bag. “Ano ba’ng laman nito?”

“Pagkain ho, Ma’am. Lunch yata galing sa boyfriend niyo.”

Walang emosyong tiningnan ni Zehannah ang delivery boy. “Kuya, huwag tayong masyadong malisyoso. Hindi ko boyfriend ang mahangin na ’yon.”

Napakamot sa ulo ang deliver boy. “Pasensiya na, Ma’am. Heto po. Papirma po ako rito na natanggap niya na po.”

Zehannah signed on the delivery boy’s phone, thanked him for delivering, and then she went back inside her condo.

Nang mailapag ni Zehannah ang paper bag sa hapag-kainan niya, hinagilap niya ang cellphone para tanungin si Reigo kung anong paandar nito at pinadalhan siya ng pagkain. Pero bago pa niya magawa iyon, nabasa na niya ang text sa kaniya ng binata.

From: Bagyong Reigo

‘The food I sent is from that excellent restaurant I told you about this morning. You said you want to eat in peace, so I didn’t include myself in the package. You’re very much welcome for my thoughtfulness, by the way. If you’re not comfortable eating it because I bought it, attached below is my account number and the amount I paid. You can reimburse me if you want, but I’d rather you reimburse me with a deep kiss and tongue. Have a pleasant lunch and eat wild, my Zee.’

Zehannah took a deep breath and threw her phone on her bed as if she didn’t want to read more and went back to the kitchen.

Yeah, let’s forget that that bastard put a ‘my’ before my nickname. Not a big deal. Nope. Zehannah—freaking—Sevil was not swayed. But damn, that was smooth.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

Good morning. I’m sending pancakes to your office (the cheapest one I found in a fast-food restaurant) and caramel macchiato from Bitter Sweet café. If the pancakes and macchiato are not to your liking, I’m also on the menu. I can be your breakfast, lunch, and dinner—even a midnight snack and very early breakfast. Anyway, have a good day, Zee.

From the one who’s going to make you say yes in twelve days, Reigo.

Receiving a message like that from Reigo for two consecutive days now, Zehannah had become immune to Reigo’s suggestive words.

Pero dumuho pa rin ang lalaking ’yon, napakalandi kahit sa text.

But she couldn’t really deny that just after a few days, she found something that made Reigo likable.

Hindi ito mapilit.

Kapag nag-aya ito ng lunch o dinner at sinabi niyang ayaw niya, wala na ’yong kasunod na tanong kay Reigo. Pero ang kasunod naman n’on ay pagkain na padala nito mula sa restaurant kung saan sila dapat kakain kung um-oo siya.

It was one of those small things that she really appreciated since she valued her peace and alone time.

“Mukhang may nanliligaw sa ’tin, Ma’am Zehan, a,” tudyo ng assistant marketing supervisor niya sa kaniya nang makapasok ito sa opisina dala ang pinadalang agahan ni Reigo. “Para tanggapin niyo itong bigay na pagkain ng manliligaw niyo, mukhang wala nang pag-asa si Sir Dexter.”

Napatingin si Zehannah sa kaharap. “Huh? Paano mo naman nasabi ’yan, Yumi?”

“Kasi, Ma’am Zehan, hindi po ikaw ang tipo ng babae na basta-basta lang tumatanggap ng bigay o regalo lalo na kapag galing sa manliligaw,” anang assistant supervisor niya na ilang taon na rin niyang kasama sa trabaho. “Ilang beses ka nang binilhan ng kape ni Sir Dexter na hindi mo tinatanggap.”

Sa narinig, hindi maiwasan ni Zehannah na mapaisip. Oo nga, ’no? Ayaw na ayaw kong tumatanggap ng bigay. Dahil ba binabayaran ko naman ang pagkain? Pero kahit na, binigay pa rin naman sa ’kin. Ano’ng pinagkaiba ng mga binibigay ni Reigo sa mga binibigay sa kaniya ng ibang lalaki na hindi niya tinatanggap?

Zehannah couldn’t find an answer, and it bothered her.

“Ma’am Zehan?”

Napakurap-kurap si Zehannah saka umaktong walang nangyari. “Ano pala ang kailangan mo, Yumi?”

Naglapag ng portfolio si Yumi sa ibabaw ng mesa niya. “Galing sa website developer na kausap natin. It’s for the theme, color scheme, and design of the website. They said they needed feedback from you by the end of the day.”

“Thanks, Yumi. I’ll talk to them later after I check this,” Zehannah said while tapping the portfolio.

“Sige, sabihan ko sila. By the way, Ma’am Zehan, natanggap mo ba ’yong e-mail na s-in-end ko tungkol sa pagbabago ng schedule ng meeting with the investors?”

Tumango si Zehannah. “Yep. Hindi lang ako nakapag-reply kasi may ginagawa ako. See you there tomorrow. I’m sure they will bombard us again about the social media accounts they wanted to open on every social media platform.”

Napabuntonghininga si Yumi. “Even if we advised against it because it’s already too late and not really as relevant as our website, but what can we do if that was their decision?”

“Precisely.” Zehannah blew a loud breath as she leaned back on her swivel chair. “Gawin na lang natin. I’ll make a budget proposal plan for the social media accounts so the Accounting Department won’t hound us in the meeting.”

“Sige, Ma’am Zehan. Ako na ang bahala sa reports.”

“Thanks, Yumi.”

Ngumiti lang si Yumi saka lumabas na ng opisina niya. Napatitig naman si Zehannah sa pagkaing pinadala ni Reigo kapagkauwan ay kinuha ’yon sa lalagyan at inumpisahang kainin ang pancake. Habang ang caramel macchiato naman ay iniinom niya habang gumagawa ng budget proposal plan.

When she finished the caramel macchiato, it was already cold, but she didn’t mind. She completed the budget proposal plan and sent a copy to the Accounting Department, then she turned her attention to the report she was reading about the market research that her department conducted a few months ago.

It was a busy day for Zehannah that if not for Cassia calling her on the phone to tell her it was lunchtime and she saved her a seat, she wouldn’t even realize that it was time to eat.

Going down to the canteen, Zehannah’s lunchtime had become a therapy session with Cassia. Araw-araw siyang sinusubok ni Lord pagdating kay Cassia. Palagi siyang stressed sa love life nito na pakiramdam niya kotang-kota na siya.

And for some reason, Cassia started calling her Master Zehan, much to her disapproval. But Cassia was Cassia.

After lunch, she went back to work. Dahil hindi pa rin tapos ang trabaho niya, kahit masakit sa loob niya, nag-overtime siya.

As usual, Reigo sent her a text asking if she wanted to have dinner with him and she answered, ‘Can’t. Overtime.’

And Reigo only replied, ‘Okay. Have fun.’

Gusto niyang tawagan si Reigo para singhalan ito at sabihing walang ’ fun ’ sa overtime, pero marami pa pala siyang gagawin kaya hinayaan na niya ang binata at nagtrabaho.

Five hours later, she and Yumi finally finished the work needed by tomorrow.

“Hay. Kapagod…” reklamo ni Yumi habang nasa elevator sila pababa.

Napabuntonghininga rin si Zehannah. “Oo nga. Let’s not do this again.”

Hindi talaga fan si Zehan ng overtime pero may mga pagkakataon na kailangan talaga lalo na kapag bigla-bigla na lang nagbabago ang schedule ng meeting at may kailangan silang ihanda. Minsan lang mangyari, pero nakaka-stress palagi.

Napatigil sa pag-uusap sina Yumi at Zehannah nang tumigil ang elevator sa eight-floor at pumasok doon si Dexter na kaagad na napangiti nang makita siya.

“Overtime rin, Sir Dexter?” magiliw na tanong ni Yumi.

Tumango si Dexter saka tumabi kay Zehannah. “Yep. Anyway, since we just finished overtime, let’s grab dinner together. What do you say, Zee?”

Gustong pagsabihan ni Zehannah si Dexter na huwag siyang tawaging Zee, pero ayaw naman niyang ipahiya ito sa harap ni Yumi.

“May masarap ka bang kainan na alam, Sir Dexter?” tanong ni Yumi nang hindi umimik si Zehannah.

“Oo. Malapit lang dito saka mura pa ang mga pagkain at masarap. No worries, ihahatid ko kayo pagkatapos. What do you say, Zehan?”

Nang marinig na ‘Zehan’ ang tinawag sa kaniya ni Dexter, doon lang siya sumagot. “Sorry. May leftover pa ako sa condo. At gusto ko nang magpahinga.”

“Zehan, naman. Isang oras lang naman,” giit ni Dexter. “At masayang kumain kapag may kasama.”

“Nah. I like my peace when eating.”

Dumating na ang elevator sa ground floor at si Zehannah ang unang lumabas nang bumukas ’yon.

“You’re always like this, Zehan! You’re always pushing people away!” wika ni Dexter na hinabol si Zehannah. “Dapat baguhin mo ’yang ugali mo hangga’t hindi pa nananawa sa ’yo ang mga taong nagmamahal sa ’yo. Baka magsisi ka.”

“Sir Dexter…!” For Yumi, that was out of line, and she wanted to stop Dexter, but Zehannah was not the kind of woman who would wither away by those words. She was a savage woman with no filter when she needed to be.

“Hindi ako magsisisi dahil ang tinutulak ko lang palayo ay ang mga taong hindi ko mahal at walang halaga sa ’kin,” ani Zehannah habang naglalakad patungong exit.

And those words hit Dexter like a truck. Even Yumi covered her mouth in shock at how savage those words were.

As usual, Zehannah slayed her exit, but Dexter was persistent and followed Zehannah.

Gusto nitong ipaintindi kay Zehannah na kawalan ng dalaga kung hindi nito tatanggapin ang panliligaw nito.

“Zee, hear me out…” Dexter’s voice weakened when he stepped outside the building and saw Zehannah staring at the man leaning on a slick-black Mercedes Benz with his hands in his pocket and his eyes were on Zehannah and then on him.

“Did he just call you ’ Zee ’?” The man looked irritated at him.

Zehannah waved her hand nonchalantly. “Don’t make a big deal out of it. Ikaw lang ang tumatawag sa ’kin ng ’ Zee ’ na sinasagot ko.”

“Oh. Okay.” Just like that, the man calmed down and returned his attention to Zehannah. “Want to have dinner?”

“Nah. I still have some leftovers from my dinner last night.”

Zehannah’s answer made Dexter happy knowing that he was not the only man she was pushing away, but the next exchange of words made his heart sink.

“Let me drive you home, then.”

“Sure,” Zehannah easily answered and walked towards the man’s luxury car. “Is it just me, or is this a new car?”

“Kakauwi lang ni Dad galing Germany. It’s a gift. Does it bother you?”

Zehannah sighed. “Sinasampal talaga ako palagi ng kahirapan kapag kasama kita.”

The man just chuckled and went inside his car without opening the car’s door for Zehannah, making Dexter frown in annoyance.

“Mayaman nga, wala namang asal. Hindi man lang pinabuksan ng pintuan si Zehannah—”

“I don’t think that’s the case, Sir Dexter,” putol ni Yumi na iba pang sasabihin ni Dexter. “I think that’s his way of respecting Ma’am Zehan’s independence.”

“Ano…?”

Walang imik na nilampasan ni Yumi si Dexter at hindi na nagpaliwanag saka pinara nito ang taxi na paparating. Samantalang nakaalis naman na ang sasakyan na kinalululanan ni Zehannah at naiwan si Dexter na nawalan na ng ganang kumain.

“Who was that man?” Reigo asked while driving Zehannah to her condo that was just around the corner.

“Katrabaho.”

“Manliligaw?”

“Gusto niya, pero ayoko.”

“Why?”

“Same reason I gave you,” ani Zehannah habang nakatingin sa labas ng sasakyan. “Wala ako sa mode—” Natigilan sa pagsagot si Zehannah nang mapansing lumiko si Reigo. “Saan tayo pupunta?”

“May dadaanan lang ako,” anito. “Don’t worry. I won’t force you to have dinner with me.”

Zehannah was not worried. Alam naman kasi niyang hindi siya pipilitin ni Reigo. He was not like that after all.

“Nag-order ka ng pagkain?” tanong ni Zehannah nang i-park ni Reigo ang sasakyan nito sa harap ng isang restaurant.

“Yeah,” he answered. “I wanted to have dinner with you, but you said you’re working overtime. Then I thought of waiting for you and asked you to dinner again, but I remember you telling me you don’t like eating dinner outside, so I just ordered something for you.”

Tumaas ang kilay ni Zehannah. “Katatanong mo lang kung gusto kong mag-dinner kasama ka.”

Reigo shrugged. “Just pleasantries. I know you’ll say no.”

“Wow. I’m impressed by how attentive you are.”

“Praise me, then.”

Zehannah smiled and went along with Reigo. “Good job, Mr. Vasquez.”

“If it’s you, I want praise plus a kiss.”

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang restaurant. “Kunin mo na lang ang in-order mo, gutom lang ’yan.”

“No need. They’ll deliver it to my car.”

And just like what Reigo said, a waiter—no, it was the manager—came out and gave the takeout food that was put inside an expensive-looking basket to Reigo.

“Thank you for your patronage, Mr. Vasquez.”

Reigo just nodded, thanked the manager, and gave Zehannah the basket with food before he maneuvered his car out of the parking lot and drove her straight to her condo.

“Have a nice dinner,” was all Reigo said after he parked his car.

Humigpit ang hawak ni Zehannah sa basket na nakapatong sa hita niya saka nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga bago bumaling kay Reigo. “Want to have dinner with me?”

Reigo stilled before he asked. “You sure?”

Tumango si Zehannah. “I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.”

A soft smile grazed Reigo’s lips. “Naaakit na ba kita?”

Zehannah smiled back softly. “Binabawi ko na ang imbitasyon ko.”

“Wala nang bawian,” ani Reigo saka pinatay ang makina ng sasakyan at nauna nang lumabas sa kaniya pagkatapos nitong kunin ang basket na nakapatong sa mga hita niya.

Napabuntonghininga na lang si Zehannah saka lumabas na rin ng sasakyan nito at sabay silang pumasok sa loob.

Iyon ang unang beses na may hahayaan siyang pumasok sa condo niya na hindi niya pamilya. Tanging ang Papa at Papi lang niya ang puwede sa condo niya. Si Cassia na rin minsan noong wala pa itong asawa. Pero maliban sa tatlo, wala na. She never invited her exes in her condo, even how much they wanted her to. Hindi siya komportable.

But here she was, inviting Reigo over to have dinner.

’Gutom lang siguro ‘to,’ ani Zehannah sa sarili saka binuksan ang condo at inaya sa loob si Reigo.

The first that came to Reigo’s mind when he entered Zehannah’s condo was aesthetic. It was simple, cozy, clean, and pretty. Even at first glance, anyone could tell that the one living in that condo took good care of it.

“Nice place,” Reigo commented.

“Thanks. The kitchen’s there.” Tinuro ni Zehannah ang kusina. “Magpapalit lang ako ng damit.”

Napatitig si Reigo kay Zehannah. “Don’t say that to my face. It’s giving me ideas.”

Zehannah just waved her hand nonchalantly and went inside her room.

Napailing naman si Reigo saka bumubulong na tinungo ang kusina. “Zee should thank and praise me for being a gentleman when it was so hard to be one. Yeah… I should be praised with a kiss. I deserve it.”

Reigo was still muttering to himself while taking out the food from the basket when Zehannah entered the kitchen.

“Ano’ng binubulong-bulong mo riyan?”

“Just telling myself that I deserve a kiss for being a gentleman.”

Zehannah rolled her eyes at Reigo before she helped him set the table for two. “What’s with you and kisses?”

“I like it.” Tinigil ni Reigo ang paghahain saka tinitigan ang mga labi ni Zehannah. “Your lips and kisses. It’s addictive.”

“Kawawa ka naman,” sarkastikong sabi ni Zehannah.

“Yeah. So why don’t you put me out of my misery and just kiss me? With tongue, please,” he requested as if he was just asking for an additional ice cube for his water.

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang pagkain. “Gutom lang ’yan. Kumain ka na.”

“Heartless,” Reigo mumbled before he sat on the table.

And Zehannah heard that. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

As Zehannah sat at the table to join Reigo for dinner, their conversation shifted.

“Are you free this weekend? Let’s have a date,” aya ni Reigo.

“Akala ko ba ’ you’re a busy man ’?” She quoted in the air.

“I can make time for you.”

“Hmm. Let me think about it,” ani Zehannah saka ini-slice ang karne ng baby back ribs na in-order ni Reigo saka nilagyan ito sa pinggan na ikinatigil nito sa pagkain pero hindi iyon pinansin ni Zehannah. Nasanay na siyang gawain ’yon kapag kumakain siya kasama ang Papi at Papa niya. “If I may ask, where do you plan to ‘date’ me?”

Reigo cleared his throat. “Food hopping.”

That immediately piqued Zehannah’s interest. “Sige. Sa ’yo na ang Sabado ko.”

“Give me your Sunday too, if you don’t mind, please.”

“Give me a reason.”

“More food.”

Napatigil sa pagnguya si Zehannah kapagkuwan ay napatingin kay Reigo. “Fine. I’m all yours this weekend.”

That made Reigo smile, and he was gorgeous.

“No kissing.”

Reigo immediately lost his smile. “How could you be so mean? I want a kiss.”

“Nope. I’m not kissing you.”

“Can I kiss you then?”

“No.”

Nanglumbaba si Reigo sa mesa habang nakatingin sa kaniya. “What am I going to do, then? My lips are itching to kiss you, Zee.”

“Scratch it.”

“I’d rather you scratch your lips against mine.”

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah. “Nakakakita ka na ba ng lalaking nagngangalang Reigo na nahampas ng spatula ang labi?”

Reigo stilled and subtly covered his lips with his fingers, then whispered grudgingly, “Am I not kissable enough…?”

Napailing na lang si Zehannah saka tinapos na ang pagkain. Kapagkuwan, sinubukan ni Reigo na tulungan siyang maghugas pero nang mabasag nito ang isa sa baso niya, nagdesisyon itong tahimik na umupo na lang sa tabi at panoorin siya.

“Sige na, uwi na. Matutulog na ako. May pasok at meeting pa ako bukas,” pagpapaalis ni Zehannah sa binata habang tinutulak ito patungo sa pintuan ng condo.

Nagpaubaya naman si Reigo at nang makalabas ay humarap ito kay Zehannah at pinakatitigan ang dalaga.

“What?” Zehannah asked while holding the door of her condo so she could close it immediately once Reigo left.

“Thank you for inviting me to have dinner in your condo,” Reigo spoke earnestly while looking into Zehannah’s eyes. “I would say thank you for the hospitality too, but you threatened to slap my lips with a spatula, so no… but, really, I appreciate the invitation. It’ll be an honor to dine with you again in your place.”

Humilig sa hamba ng pintuan si Zehannah saka pinagkrus ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib. “Talagang malaking karangalan na makapasok sa condo ko. You’re welcome.”

Reigo stared at her again—the kind of stare that could make a woman uncomfortable or swoon, but not Zehannah. She stared back without backing down and only blinked when Reigo suddenly leaned forward and claimed her lips.

When Reigo pulled away, he was expecting a furious Zehannah, but she only narrowed her eyes at him.

And then Zehannah showed something from her back—a spatula!

“I have a feeling you’ll do this, so I readied my spatula—”

Reigo immediately took off by running as if his life depended on it. “Good night, my Zee! See yah!”

Ibinaba ni Zehannah ang nakataas na spatula kapagkuwan ay ang labi niya ang masuyong tinampal-tampal gamit ’yon.

Her lips were tingling. And it bothered Zehannah.

She sighed. “Seriously, that guy…” She sighed again. But it’s not like I disliked it. It actually felt nice. But the reluctance was still there, so she was not sold yet.

Tatlong araw pa lang sa labing-apat na araw na napagkasunduan nila ni Reigo.

Now, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d have a change of heart and say yes in eleven days.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

“SOMEONE LOOKS grumpy.” Boses iyon ni Ream na kakapasok lang sa barn at nakita si Reigo na nakatambay sa jacuzzi at masama ang tabas ng mukha. “Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

“Day off.”

Ream frowned and glanced at the calendar inside the barn. “Today is Wednesday though.”

“Don’t care. I decided to take a day off, so I’m taking a day off.”

Hindi na nakipag-argumento si Ream. This was Reigo, his friend who scheduled his mood swings. “Why so grumpy? Naka-schedule ba?”

“Nah. Just thinking of something.” Bumaling si Reigo kay Ream. “How about you? Ano’ng ginagawa mo rito? Sa dami ng anak mo, may oras kang mamasyal?”

“Nope.” Umupo sa pang-isahang sofa si Ream. “I’m meeting Dark here for his order. So technically, I’m working.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. So why are you grumpy?”

Naalala na naman ni Reigo kung bakit. “Say you made a nickname for someone and then someone else—a very insignificant bug—used that nickname to call her. Would you be pissed?”

“Does this ‘someone’ have a relationship with that bug?”

“Nah. Katrabaho lang.”

“Then do I have a relationship with this someone?”

“No. Just courting, I mean, trying to court.”

Pigil ni Ream ang mapangiti. Reigo was the most misunderstood of them all. Maybe it’s because of his long list of ex-girlfriends and his bitterness. Just a few months ago, he was cursing all women—even Cupid—and now, it looked like Reigo found a new one.

Hope it ends differently this time , Ream thought, and answered Reigo. “Wala kayong relasyon kaya wala kang karapatan.”

Natahimik si Reigo saka bumulong, “Tama lang pala na hindi ako nagalit kahit gusto kong pasabugin ang bungo ng surot na ’yon.”

Reigo’s vocabulary shocked Ream. “The hell, man…? Alam mo kung ano ang surot?”

“Yeah.”

Ream was still shocked. “I’m amazed.”

Reigo shrugged nonchalantly, and moments later, he groaned as if pissed. “Ah, fuck. I want to crush that bug, but if Zee finds out, she’s going to have my head and not the head that would bring me pleasure.”

Napailing si Ream. “Then don’t do it. If that bug went out of line, let your woman handle him. I’m sure she could crush him by herself after hearing the fear in your voice.”

Reigo leaned back on the jacuzzi’s edge and sighed as he looked at the ceiling. “I’m telling you, Oliveros, Zee is like a firewall. She would never crack under pressure. Her heat resistance is too high that I’m having a hard time melting her. Not only that, I think she is a very scary and dangerous feline. But damn…” Reigo sighed as if contentment just filled him. “I’m still drawn to her like a moth to a flame.”

“Be careful.”

Mabilis na napalingon si Reigo sa kaibigan. “What?”

“I said be careful,” ulit ni Ream. “If you lost her like your exes, I don’t think you’ll ever be the same. All those bitterness that you felt when your exes cheated on you and left you, it is nothing compared to what you’ll feel if you lost this one.”

A frown made its way to Reigo’s forehead. “Why?”

Ream smiled mysteriously. “You’ll realize ‘why’ soon enough.”

Oliveros was being cryptic, and Reigo was confused. He didn’t know what Oliveros meant by his words, but he listened and noted it.

“So… kumusta ang panliligaw mo?”

Ibinalik ni Reigo ang tingin sa kisame. “I’m trying, but I sucked at it.”

“Ano ba’ng ginagawa mo para ligawan siya?”

“Be myself…?” Reigo sighed. “Calderon said to be myself.”

Napangiwi si Ream. “Sa ugali mo? Hindi ako nagtataka na hindi mo pa siya napapa-oo.”

“Yeah…” Reigo sighed. “I’m not really a good guy. I mean, I know myself, so I know what I lack and I know my shortcomings and I actually want to hide them from Zee… but I have a feeling I’ll regret it if I did. All my life, I’ve been operating through gut feeling—the reason I always feel when my exes are cheating on me is through that—and my gut feeling this time is telling me to be honest and not hide anything, so that’s what I’m trying to do.”

“I hope it works well for you.” Ream was really hoping for the best for Reigo. “I’m rooting for you.”

“Thanks!” Reigo got up and as bare as the day he was born, he left the jacuzzi and walked around the barn, naked and unashamed.

Nagpakawala ng buntonghininga si Ream habang nakangiwing nakamasid kay Reigo na hubad pa ring palakad-lakad sa barn. “Don’t you have some decency?”

“Huh? What’s that?” sarkastikong tanong ni Reigo bago kinuha ang itim na roba na nakasabit sa likod ng upuan sa hapag-kainan at isinuot ’yon. Kapagkuwan ay kinuha nito ang cellphone sa briefcase bag at pabagsak na umupo sa pang-isahang sofa habang umiinom ng beer na kinuha nito sa ref.

Reigo looked like a bum with no future, and Ream just shook his head. Dark’s reaction was the same when he arrived at the barn and saw Reigo lounging on the couch like it was not a Wednesday.

Oh well, Reigo came from an old money family. Kahit hindi ito magtrabaho buong buhay nito, hindi mauubos ang pera nito. His family was that wealthy. And the only reason Reigo was working his butt off was because he wanted to spend his own money—the money that he made for himself and not anyone else’s. Ayaw nitong umasa sa mga magulang nito at sa mamanahin nito.

“Ano nangyari diyan?” tanong ni Dark kay Ream patungkol kay Reigo na nakahilata sa sofa. Katatapos lang ng dalawa mag-usap tungkol sa order ni Dark.

“Nagbibinata.”

Tumaas ang mga kilay ni Dark. “For real this time? I mean, you know what I mean.”

“I guess…” Ream shrugged. “A bull’s eye from Cupid.”

Dark chuckled. “He needs lots of luck then. And he also needs an anti-Volkzki curse.”

Mahinang natawa si Ream. “Hayaan mo na para naman malasap niya ang nalasap naming sinumpa ni Volkzki. Damay-damay na ’to.”

“True. Palibre na lang tayo sa kaniya sa tindahan nina Eva kapag brokenhearted na siya.”

Tumango si Ream. “Yep. That’s the plan.”

Dark said nothing and left the barn. Afterward, Ream followed, and left Reigo alone in the high-tech barn, exchanging messages with the scary and dangerous feline.

ZEHANNAH LET OUT a relieved sigh when the meeting with the investors came to an end and they did not chew them out. The overtime was worth it, Zehannah thought as she walked towards the elevator that would bring her to the eleventh floor—her department’s floor.

Riding the elevator, she checked her phone for any important messages, and there were none.

Well, there was one. It was from her Papi just informing her that he’ll be discharged soon, and she didn’t need to come to the hospital and help.

Kahit na sinabi ’yon ng Papi niya, gusto pa rin niyang tulungan ang mga ito pero may trabaho siya bukas. Siguro bisitahin niya lang ang mga ito sa bahay pagkatapos ng trabaho.

Aside from her Papi’s text, there was another one that she hadn’t opened since she received it this morning.

From: Reigo

‘Good morning, my Zee.’

Hindi siya nag-reply kasi busy siya at hindi ‘good’ ang morning niya. Pero ngayong tapos na ang meeting niya, ni-reply-an na niya ang binata. ’ Good morning to you, too. Wdyw?’

The reply from Reigo was instant. ‘You.’

Napabuntonghininga na lang si Zehannah. ’Kulang sa tulog lang ‘yan.’

‘Nah. My sleep is good and I’m having a day off.’

Zehannah frowned. ‘Day off in the middle of the week?’

‘Yeah. Self-proclaimed day off since I woke up pissed.’ Reigo replied. ’ That’s why I’m pretty sure about what I want, which is you, by the way.’

If Reigo was in front of her, she would’ve looked at him flatly. ‘Gaano ka kalandi?’

’Sa ‘yo lang lalandi.’

Napailing si Zehannah sa reply ng binata saka lumabas ng elevator nang bumukas ’yon. Ibinulsa niya ang cellphone saka tinungo ang opisina. Nang makarating doon at nakaupo na, saka lang niya nilabas ang cellphone at tiningnan ang messages.

Reigo sent another text.

‘Am I bothering you at work?’

Napatitig si Zehannah sa text sa ’yon ni Reigo. She had a feeling that if she replied ‘yes’, he will immediately stop texting her because he understood her priorities when she’s at work, which was much appreciated.

So she replied. ‘Just finished my meeting and I’m resting, so I’m giving you 30 minutes of my time before I go back to work. Be grateful and say thank you.’

Reigo, who was in the barn, chuckled when he read Zehannah’s reply. He really liked how sarcastic, witty, and confident she was. Though she could be savage when she wanted to and there were times that he couldn’t rebuke her and have a comeback when they were bantering, he still wanted more of her.

‘If I say thank you, would you kiss me?’

‘Seriously. What’s with you and kisses?’

Reigo licked his lips. ‘You made me like this. You kissed me with tongue and I got hooked, so take responsibility for me, Zee.’

‘You kissed me back, so take responsibility for yourself.’

‘Am I not kissable enough?’

And Zehannah replied savagely. ‘I would be lying if I said yes, but I’m just not interested in kissing you.’

Napahawak si Reigo sa dibdib niya saka napabuntonghininga at pabulong na nagsalita. “Such savagery. Good thing I’m not fragile.”

‘Zee, how could you be so mean to me? insert sulking on the sofa.’

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah sa reply na iyon ng binata saka napaisip kung ano’ng itsura nito habang nagsu-sulk sa sofa.

‘Take a picture of you. I’m curious what you look like while sulking.’ She replied.

And Reigo did. He sent a photo and Zehannah’s lips parted.

Reigo Vasquez was freaking naked! And he purposely showed the V-shape muscular grooves on his abdomen alongside his hips—also known as Adonis belt—down below, just enough to see the little hair that Zehannah was sure would lead her to that monstrous thing between his legs.

And the bastard was doing a very fake sad face. It was too fake that Zehannah forgot Reigo’s body—okay, that was a lie. How could she disregard that body?

Ang katawan ni Reigo ay ’yong uri ng katawan na luluhuran.

Kung wala lang siguro siyang nararamdamang pag-aatubili na tanggapin ang alok nito, baka kagabi pa siya lumuhod. But Reigo’s salivating body aside, she was still wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to enter a relationship with Reigo.

Like she asked him that day, what was the merit of dating him other than his good looks and big ‘D’? Ito ang katanungan na gusto niyang masagot sa loob ng dalawang linggo.

Hindi sa nagpapakipot siya. Hindi lang talaga siya sigurado kung tama ba ang magiging desisyon niya kaya nga humingi siya ng dalawang linggo para makapag-isip.

’Too much? ’ Reigo texted when Zehannah didn’t reply.

’Your 30 minutes is done. Have a wonderful lunch

😀

’

‘Why am I hearing sarcasm in your reply?’

‘Because I’m really being sarcastic.’

‘So mean. Did you not like my body? It’s all yours.’

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah. ‘Why do I feel like you’re selling your body to me?’

‘Because that’s the only good thing I have. My face. My body. And my money. Other than that, I have nothing.’

Zehannah wanted to earn their conversation at her last reply, but after reading Reigo’s message, she couldn’t stop replying.

‘Who told you that?’

‘My exes. And I think they’re right. I mean, why would they cheat and look for someone else if I’m not lacking in a lot of things? Handsome face and good body alone can’t make a woman stay.’

There it is. Zehannah thought after reading Reigo’s reply. The effect of what those women did to him. He’s always boasting about how good he looked, but his self-esteem was really low.

Those women who selfishly cheated on him… did they even wonder what happened to the one they cheated on? The emotional and psychological torture they put their partners through… did they even think of that after the fact?

Just like Reigo—this handsome and flirty guy—his self-esteem had taken a severe blow. Affecting him emotionally and psychologically. Just like everyone else who was cheated on.

And she was angry. Angry for those people who suffered because of their inconsiderate partners and also angry for Reigo for experiencing horrible relationships one after another.

Huminga nang malalim si Zehannah saka tinawagan si Reigo.

“Zee…?” He sounded surprised that she called. “Wow. You’re actually calling me. I should throw a party—”

“Those women cheated on you because they’re all inconsiderate bitches, and not because you’re lacking something. It’s not your fault, it’s theirs. Keep that in mind, Mr. Vasquez.”

Zehannah ended the call without waiting for Reigo’s reply, who was lost for words after he heard what Zehannah said.

After a little while, a smile stretched Reigo’s lips and it turned into a soft chuckle. “Indeed. It would be idiotic of me not to ask you to date me, even though you’re out of my league.”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Reigo sa cellphone na hawak at mabilis na nag-type ng mensahe para kay Zehannah.

‘Have fun working.’

’

😤

What’s so fun about working?’

‘Let me send you a delicious lunch and snack to make it fun. Or you could choose me for lunch and a snack. Naked or clothed is okay. I could be hard, rough, gentle, and soft. In short, I’m an all-around delicacy.’

Zehannah’s reply was only one emoji. ‘🖕’

And Reigo’s reply was, ‘😚’.

And somehow, that kissing emoji made Zehannah chuckle and shake her head because she could actually imagine Reigo doing the same thing as his emoji. He’s a kissing addict after all.

REIGO DID NOT bother Zehannah after his thirty-minute texting time. He only texted twice after that and that was to inform Zehannah of her lunch and then snack. Other than that, he was silent, which Zehannah appreciated because she really was busy working her ass off.

Kaya naman masaya si Zehannah nang oras na para umuwi pero ang kasiyahan niya ay naputol nang makitang inaabangan siya ni Dexter sa labas ng opisina niya.

“Zee, can we talk?”

Zehannah didn’t reply.

“Zehan.”

Doon lang siya tumingin kay Dexter. “Talk about what?”

“About last night—”

“Hindi na kailangan. Nakalimutan ko na ’yon.” Nauna nang sumakay si Zehannah sa elevator at ayaw man niya, sumakay rin si Dexter.

Dexter was about to start a conversation with Zehannah when Zehannah’s phone rang.

It was the first time that Zehannah was over the moon with happiness that Reigo called. Who wouldn’t be? She avoided a conversation with Dexter.

“Yeah?” she answered Reigo’s call.

“Hey, my Zee. I was roaming around and wasting my gas when I realized that I’m near your workplace. Can I pick you up?”

She rolled her eyes. “Dahilan mo, bulok.”

“Ouch.”

Zehannah sighed. “And no, you can’t. Malapit lang naman ang condo ko. I can take care of myself.”

“Hmm. Do you want me to have dinner with you in your condo?”

“Huwag ka nang umasa. One time, big time lang ’yon.”

Reigo grumbled. “Nawalan ako bigla ng ganang kumain.”

“Kawawa ka naman,” sarkastikong sabi ni Zehannah.

“Mean and sarcastic. That’s what you are, Zee,” Reigo continued grumbling while driving.

“Yes. I am. So why do you still want me to date you?”

“I like you. That’s why.”

Zehannah clicked her tongue. “Such a smooth talker. Pero hindi pa rin ako magpapasundo sa ’yo.”

“Sabi ko nga. Uwi na ako sa barn.”

Zehannah smiled and exited the elevator when it reached the ground floor, not minding Dexter, who still wanted to talk to Zehannah. “Sige na. Ba-bye na. Maglalakad ako papunta sa condo. Baka mahablot cellphone ko bigla, wala akong pambili ng bago.”

“Okay. Ingat sa pagtawid.”

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. “Ano ako, bata?”

Reigo chuckled. “Hindi. Pero puwede ka nang gumawa ng bata.”

“Gago ka talaga.”

“Did you blush?”

Zehannah rolled her eyes. “You wish. It would take your all to make me blush.”

Reigo sighed like he gave up. “Sabi ko nga. Sige na, umuwi ka na. Ingat.”

“Yeah, you too.”

The call ended, and Zehannah immediately went home. Nang makita niya ang mamahaling sasakyan ni Cassia sa parking lot na bigay ng asawa nito, t-in-ext niya si Cassia na mauuna na siya. Mukhang may tinatapos pa ito dahil hindi ito umangal na hindi niya ito hinintay.

Nang makarating sa condo niya, nag-text siya kay Reigo na huwag siyang padalhan ng pagkain dahil ang dami na niyang leftovers at ’yon ang balak niyang kainin para sa hapunan.

At ang dumuho, lyrics ng kanta ang reply sa kaniya.

Lyrics from the song ‘All by Myself’.

Napailing lang si Zehannah saka nagpadala ng text kay Cassia para makisuyo. Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, nagpasalamat siya kay Cassia dahil nagawa nito ang pinapasuyo niya.

‘No problem, Master Zehan 😚.’ Was Cassia’s reply making Zehannah smile, but when she read how Cassia addressed her, her smile turned into a sigh.

“Ayaw talagang makinig ni Cassia,” bulong ni Zehannah sa sarili. “Oh, well. She did me a favor just now. I owe her one.”

Pinalipas muna ni Zehannah ang isang oras bago ginawa ang balak.

She opened the app she usually used when she’s feeling lazy to cook and ordered different kinds of food for one person and then she put in the address and paid for the food. After that, she went back to reheating her leftovers for her dinner.

Meanwhile, in the barn, Reigo sulkily dropped himself on the sofa and grumbled at how unlucky he was. Zehannah didn’t let him take her home, didn’t want to have dinner with him, and didn’t want him to buy her food.

Nawalan siya ng ganang kumain dahil sa kamalasan niya ngayong araw kaya naman nahiga na lang siya sa sofa at nagpatugtog ng kanta sa cellphone niya.

But his music was interrupted when the barn’s phone rang.

It was a call from the village’s gate. May delivery daw para sa kaniya. Nagtaka siya dahil nakapangalan talaga sa kaniya pero wala namang maalala si Reigo na in-order niya. Pero kahit ganoon, pinapasok pa rin niya baka padala ng isa sa kaibigan niya o para sa isa sa mga kaibigan niya.

Those lunatics usually addressed it to the barn, especially if it’s a gift for their wives to avoid being found out and ruining the surprise.

But to his surprise, it was a food delivery for him. Yes. Him. Nakapangalan sa kaniya ang delivery.

Reigo was skeptical and didn’t want to accept the food until his phone beeped and he received a message from Zehannah.

‘Enjoy your dinner and eat wild, Mr. Vasquez.’

With a smile he couldn’t hold back, he accepted the food and thanked the delivery guy. Then he went back inside, placed the paper bag with food on the center table in the living room, and replied to Zehannah.

‘I’d rather eat you, but thanks for the food. Unlike you, I’m not paying you back. I’m deciding that it’s your treat.’

‘I’m amazed at how thick-skinned you are.’

He chuckled. ‘Yes. I’m very thick and you know it.’

’Kumain ka na lang. Gutom lang ‘yan.’

‘I’ll tell you how thick I am after I’m full. Anyway, enjoy your leftovers and eat wild, my Zee.’

There was no reply after that, but Reigo was in a good mood. Who wouldn’t be? His Zee just sent him food. If that was not a good development, then what is?

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

IN THE DAYS that followed, Zehannah and Reigo had become constant text mates. Their messages to each other were comprised of savagery and sarcasm on Zehannah’s part while kisses and flirting on Reigo’s.

Sanay na sanay na si Zehannah sa kalandian ni Reigo sa text man o sa personal na nagiging immune na siya.

Though nothing really changed between the two. Reigo still buys food for Zehannah and Zehannah would sometimes do the same for Reigo. And it might not be every day, but Reigo was happy when Zehannah would let him drive her home and have dinner with him in her condo.

Just like that Friday night. Inimbitahan ni Zehannah si Reigo na mag-dinner nang ihatid ito ng binata sa condo nito.

Reigo eagerly accepted the invitation, and now he’s trying his hardest to peel four pieces of carrots for their dinner.

It was so hard, Reigo started cussing at the carrots.

Napailing naman si Zehannah na katatapos lang maghiwa ng bawang at cabbage.

“Don’t judge. I don’t cook, okay?” said Reigo when he felt Zehannah’s gaze on him.

“I’m just looking,” inosenteng sagot ni Zehannah.

“Yeah, right.”

Pigil ni Zehannah na matawa nang sunod-sunod na mura ang lumabas sa bibig ng binata nang dumulas ang ginagamit nitong peeler para balatan ang carrots.

“This is so fucking hard…” Despite that, he continued peeling the carrots until he got the hang of it and slowly finished peeling the four carrots.

“Slice it afterwards,” utos ni Zehannah kay Reigo habang nakapamaywang si Zehannah sa harap ng air fryer at binabantayan ang nilulutong buong manok sa loob.

Reigo let out a loud, exhausted breath. “Zee! Can’t we just order? It’s as easy as breathing.”

“Nope. Kung gusto mong kumain kasama ko, umpisahan mo nang hiwain ’yang carrots.”

Nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga si Reigo saka dahan-dahang hiniwa ang carrots. He had no proper training, so Reigo was scared shit that he’ll cut his fingers.

Meanwhile, Zehannah was inwardly smiling at Reigo’s unparalleled concentration while slicing the carrots.

Hindi alam ni Zehannah kung papalakpakan niya ang binata nang matapos din ito sa wakas.

“Yes! Success!” he hissed and even punched the air in happiness.

Napailing si Zehannah saka pinatay na ang air fryer na katatapos lang lutuin ang roasted chicken. Kapagkuwan ay kinuha niya ang cabbage at bawang na hiniwa na nasa island counter bago kinuha ang carrots na hawak-hawak pa rin ni Reigo ang pinaglagyan na pinggan parang nagmamalaki ito saka mabilis na niluto ’yon.

It was nothing complicated. She just sauteed the carrots and cabbage in garlic and butter. Then she added a little bit of water, let it boil for a couple of minutes, seasoned it with salt and pepper, and done.

Zehannah served it alongside the roast chicken. And she was thankful that Reigo did not ask for a cup of rice because, truthfully, she had none. Nasanay kasi siya sa bahay ng mga magulang niya nang doon pa siya nakatira. Hindi kumakain ng kanin ang Papi at Papa niya. They said it’s for their health and she adopted that way of eating as well.

Nang makaupo si Zehannah, bahagyang pumikit si Reigo saka umusal ng maikling pasasalamat sa pagkain bago nito tinikman ang roasted chicken na ginawa niya.

“It’s…” Patuloy itong ngumuya saka nagkomento, “It’s not bad.”

Sapat na ’yon kay Zehannah. Wala naman kasi talaga siyang talent sa pagluluto. And she preferred the ‘it’s not bad’ comment than a ‘it’s delicious’ just to please her. Alam naman kasi niyang hindi siya kagalingang magluto.

“Magpasalamat ka sa air fryer,” ani Zehannah na nag-umpisang kumain na rin. “It did all the work. Pinaglalagay ko lang lahat ng ingredients sa loob tapos ini-on ko.”

Reigo was impressed. “Damn. That’s magic.”

“Yep,” sang-ayon ni Zehannah saka itinuro ang nilutong cabbage at carrots. “Eat it, just don’t expect anything. I’m not a good cook. I just like cooking for myself.”

Reigo said nothing and ate the cabbage and carrots. After chewing, he looked at her and said, “Walang lasa. Ang tabang.”

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang asin. “Dagdagan mo na lang.”

Without complaints, Reigo added salt to his sauteed cabbage and carrots and continued eating.

“You said you like cooking. Have you tried attending cooking classes?” tanong ni Reigo kay Zehannah habang kumakain.

“Walang oras, walang pera,” deretsong sagot ni Zehannah dahil ’yon naman talaga ang dahilan niya.

“Are you having a hard time?”

Napatigil sa pagkain si Zehannah saka napatingin kay Reigo. “What?”

That was the first time someone asked her that. Ang iba kasi kapag nalalaman na marketing supervisor siya, feeling ng mga ito e ang yaman-yaman na niya.

“I’m born wealthy, but even I’m having a hard time with this ‘adulting’ thing.” He looked at Zehannah. “Are you, too?”

Reigo was always flirtatious, and when he gets serious, it always takes Zehannah aback. Like now.

“Who doesn’t?” Zehannah went back to eating. “May pera naman ako, may ipon, pero hindi pa rin sapat. I have bills to pay, I have dues, and I’m working my ass off every day to not go broke and support myself. But at the end of the day, I’m not really going anywhere with my job and life. I mean, it has always been a dream of mine to build my own business, but it’s not really that easy. Sa pinagtatrabahuan ko ngayon, kahit naman mag-split at tumambling ako sa trabaho, wala pa ring patutunguhan ’yon.”

Reigo nodded after listening to Zehannah. He understood her, and he was happy that she was thinking about her future. “You’re still young, Zee. Marami ka pang magagawa at mababago sa buhay mo. Just keep on slaying like you’re doing now.”

“Young, huh?” Mahinang natawa si Zehannah. “Malapit na akong mamaalam sa kalendaryo.”

“Mamamaalam na ako ngayong taon sa kalendaryo pero wala lang naman sa ’kin ’yon. Aging is inevitable, but it’s no reason to stop growing, dreaming, and setting goals, Zee. As they say, life begins at thirty. There’s still a lot you can do. Maybe, hmm, say, build a business?”

Napangiti si Zehannah. “Hindi ka lang pala malandi, puwede ka na ring maging motivational speaker.”

Reigo smiled back. “I will be your motivational speaker anytime. I may not be able to tell you what you want to hear, but I will be sure to tell you what you need to hear. I won’t sugarcoat my words. I’ll always give it to you straight.” Then he grinned so gorgeously. “How’s that for your future boyfriend?”

Natawa si Zehannah saka inirapan ni Reigo. “Okay na sana. Dinagdagan mo pa sa huli.”

“Siyempre. I have to work hard. I only have a week left.”

Napailing si Zehannah saka hiniwa-hiwa ang roasted chicken at nilagyan ang pinggan ni Reigo.

Nuong unang kumain si Reigo kasama si Zehannah, ikinagulat ’yon ni Reigo, pero ngayon, naiintindihan na ni Reigo na ugali na ’yon ng dalaga. She was doing it unconsciously that Reigo would bet that she was not even aware of it.

“Papauwin mo ba ako kaagad pagkatapos nating kumain?” tanong ni Reigo habang inuubos ang nilagay na roasted chicken ni Zehannah sa pinggan nito.

“Hmm. Why?” She glanced at him. “Want to stay?”

“Can I?” The way Reigo’s face lit up made Zehannah smile inwardly. “Just until your bedtime, but if you want, I can—”

“Huwag mo nang tapusin,” pigil ni Zehannah sa iba pang sasabihin ni Reigo. “Alam ko na ang kasunod niyan, kabastusan. Huwag mo nang dagdagan pa. Baka magbago ang isip ko at pauwiin kita kaagad.”

Reigo immediately straightened his body as if he was in the military and in front of his commander. “Yes, Ma’am.”

Inirapan ni Zehannah ang binata saka nagpatuloy sa pagkain. Napangiti naman si Reigo saka tinuloy na rin ang pagkain.

Zehannah and Reigo finished their dinner while making small talks and when it was time to wash the dishes, Reigo tried again, but failed. Sa pagkakataong ’yon, pinggan naman ang nabasag nito kaya naman pinaubaya na nito kay Zehannah ang paghuhugas.

Napailing si Zehannah sa nabasag ni Reigo. “Go away. Doon ka sa salas. Wait for me there.”

Reigo instantly listened and left the kitchen to go to the living room, afraid that he might break something again.

Sa barn ni Lysander, hindi siya nahihirapang maghugas dahil may dishwasher doon. He just had to put the dishes in, press some buttons, and then viola, done.

Who would have thought that it was hard to manually wash the dishes?

Sighing, Reigo stayed in the living room, appreciating the minimalist design of Zehannah’s condo, when he spotted a guitar in the corner.

‘Does she play?’ tanong ni Reigo sa isip habang naglalakad patungo sa gitara.

It has her name on it. Reigo carefully picked up the guitar and strummed it softly to check the tune. It was in perfect condition. And by the looks of the guitar up close, it was often used.

Reigo wanted to play but was reluctant since it was not his, so he called out to Zehannah from the living room. “Zee…! Can I borrow your guitar?”

“Sure!”

With Zehannah’s consent, Reigo took the guitar and went to sit on the long sofa. Reigo did not have to think about what song to play, he always played the same song when he’s playing the guitar.

’I feel you crumble in arms down to your heart of stone,

You bled me dry just like the tears you never show,

Why don’t you take want you want from me?

Take what you need from me,

Take what you want and go.’

That’s when Zehannah entered the living room and when she saw Reigo playing the guitar and singing, she stopped in her tracks to watch and listen. His deep, baritone voice immediately got her.

’I never needed anything from you,

And all I ever asked was for the truth,

You showed your tongue and it was forked in two,

Your venom was lethal, I almost believe you.

Yeah, you preyed on my every mistake,

Waited on me to break,

Held me under hoping I would drown,

Like a plague, I was wasting away trying to find my way out.

Find my way out…’

Zehannah was listening intently, but Reigo suddenly stopped.

In Zehannah’s eyes, Reigo looked so somber that she unconsciously walked towards the long sofa and sat on the opposite end while facing Reigo. “What’s that song called? Ngayon ko lang narinig ’yon.”

Reigo faced Zehannah and placed the guitar in between them. “ Take What You Want by Post Malone.“

Zehannah took the guitar and placed it on her lap. “I’ll assume that it’s your chosen break-up song?”

Reigo leaned on the back of the sofa on his side while looking at Zehannah. “I don’t know. It’s a song that sums up my dating experiences, so… maybe?”

Zehannah strummed her guitar. “I envy you a little. You’ve dated a lot, been hurt, and cheated on, but you’re still here and risking it all over again. Only brave people could do that.”

“Choosing to be single and staying single is also a brave thing to do, Zee,” ani Reigo. “Hindi lahat kayang gawin ’yon. Some are afraid to be alone and single but not you. It takes courage to be alone same as it takes courage to enter a relationship. I dated a lot and honestly, I’m at my limit.” Reigo let out a strained chuckle. “I don’t want to date anymore because I can already see how it’ll end. I can already see them cheating on me or picking on my mistakes and shortcomings.”

“But here you are…” Zehannah drawled.

Reigo smiled at her, and it was the most gorgeous smile she had ever seen him wear. “But… here I am. I want to risk it one more time with you. One more. Who knows? You might be my lady luck.”

“And if I’m not?”

“That’s why it’s called risk. Because nothing great comes without a risk. And you, my Zee, are one of the greatest human beings I’ve met. You… are worth the risk.”

Wala sa sariling humigpit ang hawak ni Zehannah sa gitara kapagkuwan ay huminga siya nang malalim dahil pakiramdam niya kinakapos siya ng hininga.

And it’s all because of Reigo’s earnest words and the sincerity in his eyes.

He’s exasperating but amusing when he’s flirty, however, when he’s like this… I honestly don’t know how to handle him. Zehannah felt like she was being cornered, but it was not an uncomfortable space like she was used to.

“Did I make you uncomfortable?” he asked as if that was the last thing he wanted.

Umiling si Zehannah. “May naisip lang ako. Pero bakit parang huli na ang tanong mo na ’yan? Pagkatapos ng mga malalanding pinagsasasabi mo?”

Nagkibit-balikat ang binata. “You don’t really get uncomfortable when I’m being flirty and suggestive. Yes, you get exasperated with me, but not uncomfortable.”

Reigo was right on the money that Zehannah couldn’t even deny it. “Well. You’re amusing sometimes.”

“I deserve praise and a kiss then,” Reigo extolled shamelessly.

“Nope.”

“Why?” He was like a child asking why he couldn’t have what he wanted.

“Because I don’t want to kiss you. Is that reason enough?”

“Well…” He sighed heavily and his shoulders fell. “Yeah. It is.”

“Good.” Zehannah smiled and turned her attention to her guitar.

She had been strumming it since earlier and she was itching to play a song.

“Want to play?” Reigo asked, seeing Zehannah staring down at her guitar.

“Kinda. Pero pakiramdam ko, hindi mo magugustuhan ang mga paborito kong kanta.”

That intrigued Reigo. “By all means, let me hear it.”

“Hmm…” Zehannah strummed her guitar and started with the first chord of one of her favorite songs.

’I book myself tables at all the best restaurants then eat alone,

I buy myself fast cars just so I can drive them real fucking slow,

I like my own company, company I don’t need it,

I’m not always cold, I’m just good on my own, so good on my own.’

Zehannah raised her head and looked into Reigo’s eyes as if the next lyrics were meant for him.

’I’ve always been told

One day, I’ll find somebody who changes my mind,

If they come along, I won’t think twice,

’Cause I already got a good thing with me,

Yeah, I already got everything I need,

The best thing in life are already mine,

I’m good by myself, need no one else,

Don’t tell me that you got a good thing for me,

‘Cause I already got a good thing with me.’

Zehannah stopped playing and smiled at Reigo. “That’s one of my anthems. It’s ‘Good Things’ by Zedd and Kehlani. Did you like it?”

Reigo smiled back, unfazed by the lyrics of one of Zehannah’s favorite songs. “My Zee, I’m not that fragile. If that one song could easily break my spirit, then I don’t deserve to be sitting in front of you right now.”

Zehannah chuckled and started playing her guitar again. This time, it was a different song but still one of Zehannah’s favorites.

‘Kings & Queens’ by Ava Max.

’If all of the kings had their queens on the throne,

We would pop champagne and raise a toast,

To all of the queens who are fighting alone,

Baby, you’re not dancing on your own.’

She looked at Reigo and smiled.

’Oh, no damsel in distress, don’t need to save me,

Once I start breathing fire, you can’t tame me,

And you might think I’m weak without a sword,

But if I had one, it’d be bigger than yours.’

Zehannah repeated the chorus while looking into Reigo, who never looked away. He listened to her song, her anthem, without making a face or a snide comment. He even seemed like he was enjoying himself listening to her.

At nang matapos siyang tumugtog at kumanta, pumalakpak pa ang binata habang nakangiti. “Indeed. That song is so you.”

Zehannah was pleased with Reigo’s reaction. “I know, right?”

Reigo’s smile turned flirty and Zehannah exactly knew what he would say next. “Though that song mentioned a king and since you’re the queen, I could be your king. I’m not really interested in anything but you, so you can have the throne. I don’t mind.”

“I’m really amazed at how your brain works, Mr. Vasquez.”

“I know, right?” Parang nagmamalaki pa ang binata. “So, how am I doing so far? Are you leaning to ‘yes’ now?”

Napailing si Zehannah. “I’m leaning toward ‘kicking you out of my condo’.”

Kaagad na umayos si Reigo. “Can’t I stay for the night?”

“Nope.”

His shoulders fell. “At least I tried asking.”

Tinuro ni Zehannah ang pintuan ng condo. “Oras na para umalis. Inaantok na ako.”

“Yes, my Zee. I’m leaving.”

Zehannah was surprised that Reigo stood up without a fuss, but she was not surprised when he leaned in, stole a kiss, then ran.

Napailing naman si Zehannah na nakatingin sa pintuan na nilabasan ni Reigo. Kapagkuwan ay hinagilap ang cellphone para i-text ang binata.

’Kapag ginawa mo pa ’yang modus operandi mo, hahambalusin ko ng maraming spatula ‘yang labi mo hanggang sa magtanda ka.’

At ang reply ng dumuho, ‘Good night, my Zee. Until my next modus operandi.’

Napabuntonghininga na lang si Zehannah saka ni-lock ang pinto at tinungo ang kuwarto para matulog na.

She prayed for a good night’s sleep, but it looked like she wasn’t heard because in the middle of her sleep, she dreamed of Reigo and that dream was far from being wholesome.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

ZEHANNAH’S NOT SO wholesome dream bothered her greatly, especially when she woke up and realized that today was Reigo’s day. She promised him her entire weekend and if she could take it back, she would.

But even how much she didn’t want to see him, she was now face-to-face with the man in her not-so-wholesome dream, Reigo Vasquez.

“Good morning,” kaagad na bati ni Reigo kay Zehannah nang pagbuksan ng pintuan ng dalaga ang binata.

“Ang aga natin, a.” Hindi pinahalata ni Zehannah na hindi siya makatingin nang deretso sa kaharap. Paano siya makakatingin nang deretso kung sariwa pa sa alaala niya kung paano niya ito niluhuran sa ‘panaginip’ niya. “Hindi pa nga ako nagkakape, nandito ka na,” aniya saka pinapasok ang binata.

Zehannah should feel guilty that Reigo had to wait for her, but it’s only five forty-five in the morning! He was too early! May karapatan siyang magpahintay!

“The early bird catches the worm,” Reigo reasoned as he entered her condo, and Zehannah grimaced at that.

“So you’re telling me that … I’m the worm?”

“In this saying, yes, you are. But of course, you’re not a worm,” nakangiting paliwanag ni Reigo. “You’re too great to be one. I’m risking my all for you, after all.”

Hindi na nagulat pa si Zehannah na may sagot at banat na naman si Reigo. He always had an answer to everything, and a segue to his flirtatiousness. Hindi natatapos ang sasabihin nito nang walang kaharutan o banat sa dulo.

“Maliligo lang ako tapos mag-aagahan. Wait for me here,” ani Zehannah na iniwan sa salas si Reigo at naglakad pabalik sa kuwarto nito.

“Can I join you?” with a charming smile, he asked. “It’s for the environment, my Zee. Save water, bath together—ever heard of that saying? It’s for mother earth, not for me.”

Zehannah just sighed and showed Reigo her middle finger.

At least I tried. Reigo mused. “If I can’t join you under the shower, can I use your kitchen instead?”

Doon napatigil sa paglalakad si Zehannah saka umikot paharap kay Reigo. “Why?”

“I’ll make breakfast.”

Zehannah frowned. “I thought you don’t cook?”

“I can cook a little. Like frying eggs and frying other stuff. But nothing complicated. Unfortunately, I’m really no good at slicing and peeling stuff. It’s scary as shit, so I have an automatic peeler and slicer at my place. Pero nag-aral na akong maghiwa kagabi pagkauwi ko. Inisturbo ko si Calderon at nagpaturo ako para marunong na akong maghiwa at maayos akong makatulong kung kailangan mo ng tagahiwa ng mga sahog.”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Zehannah sa kamay ni Reigo na puno ng band-aid ang ilang daliri. He really did practice last night.

“Gusto ko lang matikman ang luto mo kaya sinabi kong hindi ako nagluluto.” Kapagkuwan ay nakagat ni Reigo ang pang-ibabang labi na para bang kinakabahan. “Are you, um, mad?”

“Hmm. Not really.” How could she be mad after seeing those band-aids around his fingers? He learned how to slice and peel just for her. “But of course, I will not let you off the hook.” She smirked at Reigo. “Gusto mong matikman ang luto ko, ’di ba? Sure, I’ll cook for you every night. Be grateful and say thank you.”

Reigo gulped in nervousness. Dapat maging masaya siya na ipagluluto siya gabi-gabi ni Zehannah, pero bakit pakiramdam niya torture sa katabangan ang mangyayari sa kaniya gabi-gabi?

Pero at least, hindi maalat. Pakunsuwelo ni Reigo sa sarili bago nakangiwing ngumiti sa dalaga. “Thank you. Pakidagdagan lang ng asin, please.”

Misteryosong ngumiti lang si Zehannah kay Reigo at pumasok na sa kuwarto para maligo. Si Reigo naman ay napabuntonghininga nang makita ang ngiti ni Zehannah.

It felt like a predator smiling at its prey. And I’m the prey! Ah, fuck . Bagsak ang balikat na tinungo ni Reigo ang kusina para gumawa ng agahan.

He was not an amazing cook like Calderon. His cooking skill was just so-so, nothing special, but he was proud to say that he could make a perfect sunny-side-up egg.

Yep. I’m an egg master. That’s his specialty. Cooking eggs and frying stuff. Pero nasisiguro niyang hindi matabang ang timpla niya.

Hindi naman sa pinapatamaan niya si Zehannah pero parang ganoon na nga. Pero siyempre pa, sasarilinin niya lang ’yon, baka masapak siya ni Zehannah at pakainin siya ng walang lasang pagkain. Mukhang ’yon pa naman ang balak ng dalaga.

Habang nagluluto siya, nakatanggap siya ng tawag mula kay Calderon.

He answered his call while frying bacon and sausages.

“So you’re actually cooking…?” Thorn sounded skeptical when Reigo told him what he was doing at the moment.

“Yep. I can cook, you know.”

“You can’t. Imahinasyon mo lang na marunong ka. All you can do is fry. Nakakahiya naman sa mga marunong magluto.”

Tiningnan ni Reigo nang masama ang cellphone na naka-loudspeaker na parang bang nakikita roon ang kaibigan na kausap. “I can cook, asshole. I just can’t slice or peel stuff, but I can cook a decent meal.”

“You mean you can fry.”

“It’s cooking too!” he exclaimed.

“Imahinasyon mo nga lang ’yon.” Thorn clicked his tongue. “Anyway, how are you and Zehan?”

“Magde-date kami kaya huwag kang isturbo. Bye!” Pinatay niya ang tawag at pinagpatuloy ang pagpiprito.

Nang matapos siyang magluto, tamang-tama naman na pumasok si Zehannah sa kusina. Bagong ligo ito at may dala-dalang first aid kit.

Huh? Reigo was confused as to why she was carrying a first-aid kit until she took his hand and inspected his fingers. “I’m fine, Zee.”

“When did you put these band-aids on?”

“Last night before sleeping…?”

“Alisin mo lahat tapos hugasan mo ang kamay mo,” utos ni Zehannah saka ito na ang naghain ng niluto ni Reigo.

Nakamasid lang si Reigo kay Zehannah habang gumagalaw ito sa kusina at hinuhugasan niya ang kamay. At nang makita ni Zehannah na tapos na siya, lumapit ito sa kaniya habang dala-dala ang first-aid kit.

Reigo just watched as Zehannah dried his hand with a clean, lint-free towel, and inspected his cuts before carefully putting an ointment on them. Only after that did Zehannah put new band-aids around his cuts.

“There. Let’s eat.”

Sumunod ang tingin ni Reigo kay Zehannah na naglalakad na patungong hapag-kainan. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

Reigo looked at his hands and thought, yeah, those cuts are worth it.

Mabilis na sumunod si Reigo sa hapagkainan at pinagsaluhan nito at ni Zehannah ang niluto nitong agahan.

A perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg that was praised by Zehannah, well-cooked bacon and sausage, and also perfectly toasted bread.

“I only accept praise with a kiss.”

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah habang sumisimsim ng ginawang kape. “Reigo, masyado pang maaga para sa kalandian mo. Pakapehin mo muna ako.”

“Kapag nakapag-kape ka na ba, hahalikan mo na ako—” Reigo abruptly stopped and his eyes widened at Zehannah when he realized something. “Fuck. You just called me by my name!”

When Reigo pointed it out, Zehannah was surprised herself that she did. Palagi kasing Mr. Vasquez ang tawag niya rito dahil hindi naman sila matagal nang magkakilala. But now that she had called him by his name, it meant she’s acknowledging his existence in her life little by little.

Hay. Gusto kong sabihin na gutom lang ’to, pero tangina, busog ako .

Gustong kutusan ni Zehannah ang sarili pero umakto siyang hindi big deal ang pagtawag niya kay Reigo sa pangalan nito. “Ayaw mo bang tawagin kita sa pangalan mo? I’ll happily go back to calling your Mr. Vasquez—”

“Nope. I’m happy.” He was smiling happily, alright. “Call me by my name again.”

Zehannah indulged Reigo. “Reigo.”

“Again.”

“Reigo.”

“Again.”

Ibinuka ni Zehannah ang palad kay Reigo. “Give me your phone.”

Curious about what Zehannah needed on his phone, he gave it to her after unlocking it. Nakamasid lang si Reigo habang may pinipindot-pindot ang dalagawa sa cellphone niya saka biglang sinabi nito ang pangalan niya. Kapagkuwan ay ibinalik nito sa kaniya ang cellphone niya.

“Hayan. Ni-record ko na ang pagtawag ko sa pangalan mo. If you want to hear it again, just press play.” Zehannah innocently smiled at Reigo. “Now, be grateful and say thank you.”

“Thanks, Zee!”

Balak inisin ni Zehannah si Reigo sa ginawa niya pero nakangiti ang dumuho habang nay ginagawa sa cellphone nito. Hindi niya alam kung ano ’yon hanggang sa hilingin ng binata na tawagan niya ito sa cellphone.

And that’s when she found out what he did to her recording.

He made it his ringtone! And it was so weird hearing her voice calling Reigo’s name again and again while his phone was ringing!

It sounded like she was moaning his name, goddamn it! “You…!”

“I made it a ringtone and assigned it to your number. Aren’t I a genius?” He proudly grinned at her as if he did something so remarkable. “Come on, my Zee. Praise me and kiss me.”

Zehannah was beyond exasperated, but getting annoyed by Reigo would only stress her out, so she breathed in and out deeply until she calmed down.

The whole breakfast, Zehannah did not heed Reigo any attention. Baka talaga ma-spatula niya ang binata.

“Hindi mo ba nagustuhan ang ringtone na ginawa ko?” tanong ni Reigo nang natapos silang mag-agahan at naghahanda nang umalis. “You recorded it.”

She glared at Reigo. “E kung gawin ko ring ringtone ang pagtawag mo sa pangalan ko, matutuwa ka ba?”

“Yep.” No hesitation whatsoever. “Give me your phone. I’ll happily record myself calling you ‘Zee’ again and again. Nanginginig pa.”

Zehannah internally shuddered. “That’s creepy.”

“Really?” Reigo did not feel the same. “I’m okay with it, though. It’s actually a turn-on. You sounded like you’re moaning my name. At least, kahit man lang sa ringtone, inuungol mo ang pangalan ko.”

Okay! That recording was a mistake! A big mistake! “Burahin mo.”

Mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro ang sagot ni Reigo. “Ayoko.”

“Kahit halikan kita bilang kapalit?”

Again, he didn’t hesitate. “That’s tempting, but no. Gusto ko halikan mo ako kasi gusto mo, hindi dahil may kapalit kang gusto. I may not seem like it, but I’m a very pure minded when it comes to kisses, my Zee.”

Nalukot ang mukha ni Zehannah. “Pure minded, my ass.”

“I am.” He gorgeously and playfully smiled at her. “Kisses are meant to be enjoyed and not to be used as a means to barter, my Zee.”

“Wow. Ang kapal ng mukha. Pagkatapos ng modus operandi mo?”

“Bakit? Hindi ka ba nag-enjoy sa halik ko?”

Zehannah did not deny it because she did not dislike those stolen kisses, but she was a savage woman. “Halik pala ’yon? Those were just pecks, Reigo. I can hardly call it a kiss—”

Suddenly, Zehannah’s face was in between Reigo’s hands, cutting her words off. And in less than a breath, Reigo’s lips claimed hers and unlike those stolen kisses of his, he slid inside his tongue and kissed her senseless that he was almost devouring her lips.

The bastard was too good of a kisser that Zehannah didn’t even think of pushing him away. Plus that fresh breath of his was one of Zehannah’s weaknesses. She didn’t even think of distancing herself from him.

Her body tingled and shuddered at that kiss and she felt like chasing Reigo’s lips when he slightly pulled away. But still, his lips were hovering over hers and his tongue was licking her lower lip as if tempting her for another kiss.

“How’s that for a kiss?” Reigo whispered over her lips, making her subtly gulp. “Did it pass your standard of kisses, my Zee?”

Thanks to Zehannah’s strong willpower, she was able to speak calmly even though her insides were melting after that kiss. “Yeah. It was good.”

Reigo’s lips dropped, and he softly kissed her neck, then her shoulder, and then he rested his forehead on her shoulder as if tired.

“Sorry for kissing you with tongue without your consent,” he apologized softly while wrapping his arms around her waist. “I got a little pissed, and I snapped. I’m sorry, Zee.”

Sa narinig, ibinalik ni Zehannah ang sinabi ni Reigo sa kaniya nang mapansing hindi ito masaya kahit nakahalik sa kaniya. Hindi katulad ng modus operandi nito palagi na nakangiti itong tumatakbo. “I thought kisses are meant to be enjoyed?”

“I did, but you didn’t. That’s why I’m sorry.”

Zehannah sighed and tapped Reigo’s back. “Raise your head.”

Reigo obliged and looked at Zehannah as if he was ready for anything—even a slap.

Iyon ang nasa isip ni Reigo, na sasampalin siya ni Zehannah dahil sa ginawa niya at nakahanda na siya roon, pero kabaligtaran ang ginawa ng dalaga.

Instead of slapping him, her hands softly cupped his face and her lips met his.

It was a simple meeting of the lips for a couple of seconds until Reigo opened his mouth and welcomed Zehannah’s addictive tongue.

With ragged breathing, Reigo pulled Zehannah closer and deepened the kiss that Zehannah started. He was devouring her, and Zehannah was doing the same as she wrapped her arms around his neck, biting, sucking, and licking Reigo’s lips and tongue.

The sound of kissing and soft moans and groans filled Zehannah’s condo. It’s as if the two had forgotten that they were about to go out on a date.

They kissed and kissed some more until their lungs screamed at them to breathe.

That was the only time they pulled away from each other, but their lips were still brushing against one another as they filled their lungs with air.

“Alam ko na ang isasagot mo sa ’kin pero gusto ko pa ring magtanong.” Reigo placed a quick kiss on Zehannah’s lips. “Want to stay at home and kiss ’til we can’t anymore or food hopping?”

Mabilis ang sagot ni Zehannah. “Kahit gaano pa kasarap ang labi mo, pagkain pa rin ang pipiliin ko.”

Mahinang natawa si Reigo. “Sabi ko nga.”

Zehannah rolled her eyes at Reigo as she stepped back from him and glanced at his crotch. “You should calm that down before we leave.”

“Yeah, I should.” Reigo breathed in and out while jogging in place a little, but it was not going down.

“Why don’t you sit?” Zehannah suggested saka ang dalaga na ang humila kay Reigo paupo sa mahabang sofa habang nakatayo naman siya at nakaharap dito. “Kalma lang. Breath in, breath out. You can do it.”

Sinunod ni Reigo ang sinabi ni Zehannah pero hindi siya makapag-focus dahil nasa harapan lang niya ang dahilan kung bakit buhay na buhay ang pagkalalaki niya.

Reigo did not realize that he was giving Zehannah a hot and bothered look like he would devour her any second.

And those seductive and lust-filled eyes were giving Zehannah the feeling like Reigo was fucking her with his eyes, and it made her shiver.

“Hindi tayo makakalabas sa ginagawa mo.” Tumalikod si Zehannah para takasan ang titig ni Reigo. “Nakatalikod na ako. Calm down, will you?”

“Zee…” They were in the living room, but Zehannah was certain that that was Reigo’s bedroom voice. “Your back looks so sexy.”

Zehannah cleared her throat and moved so Reigo will see her side and not her back.

“Such seductive side-profile,” he commented while gulping.

And Zehannah groaned. Front, back and side, Reigo’s horniness knew no bounds! “That’s it! Doon ako sa kuwarto ko. Hindi ka kakalma kasi kung saan-saan ka natingin. Tawagan mo ako kapag kalmado ka na.”

Nang makapasok sa kuwarto niya, naiiling na napaupo si Zehannah sa gilid ng kama. Seriously, that guy.

Kapagkuwan ay wala sa sariling napahawak si Zehannah sa mga labi.

The kiss she shared with Reigo made her mind stop working, which was dangerous. But she did not dislike it. She actually enjoyed it. A lot.

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. Slow down, Zehan. Kalma lang. Halik pa lang ’yon. Hindi ka pa niya hinahawakan, gaga. Huwag maging marupok kahit masarap si Reigo! Isipin mo na lang na diet ka at bawal na pagkain si Reigo. Huwag na huwag mong titikman. Huwag magpapaakit!

Zehannah was talking to herself and conditioning herself while Reigo, who was now alone in the living room, was surprised to see how fast he went soft after Zehannah left. Ngayong walang Zehannah sa harapan niya, parang nawalan ng buhay bigla ang pagkalalaki niya at bumalik sa pagtulog.

“Fuck…” he muttered under his breath. “That was dangerous. Halik pa lang ’yon.”

Reigo was worried about himself, but his addiction to those lips was something he couldn’t and didn’t want to control. Kissing Zehannah made him happy. He enjoyed feeling her lips against his.

I don’t think I can stop. I am interested in those lips and the owner of those lips too much.

Reigo groaned and called for Zehannah. “Zee…! I’m calm now. Let’s go before I become hard again!”

Lumabas naman kaagad si Zehannah sa kuwarto niya at pinakatitigan si Reigo na ngayon ay nakatayo na at wala nang bukol sa harapan ng pantalon.

“Okay ka na?” tanong ni Zehannah.

Tumango si Reigo at parang nagmalalaking sumagot. “Yep. It’s down.”

Zehannah just shook her head, put her sling bag on, and silently walked toward her condo’s door.

Nang makalabas ang dalawa, siniguro muna ni Zehannah na naka-lock ang pintuan ng condo niya bago umalis.

“That’s my car,” ani Reigo ng nasa parking lot na sila. “Gusto mong sumakay sa ’kin—I mean, it would be nice if you would ride me and—”

Tumikhim si Zehannah. “Wala talagang pinipiling lugar ang kahalayan mo.”

Reigo smiled. “Thank you for the compliment. Anyway, which do you prefer? Ride in my car, ride on me, or in your car?”

“Mahal ang gas.” Nauna na siyang maglakad patungo sa sasakyan ni Reigo. “I’ll ride in your car.”

“How about riding on me?”

Her middle finger saluted at Reigo before she opened Reigo’s car door and went inside.

Kaagad na nag-seatbelt si Zehannah nang makasakay si Reigo at tinanong ang binata nang nasa daan na sila. “Ang aga-aga pa at busog pa ako, ma-e-enjoy ba natin ’tong food hopping natin?”

“It’s a food hopping date , Zee,” pagtatama ni Reigo kay Zehannah. “It’s a date. A date.”

Napabuntonghininga si Zehannah. “Oo na. Food hopping date . Masaya ka na?”

Reigo grinned. “Yep. Anyway, I think the time is perfect. I want to take you to fifteen different places with great food and delicacy—just like me since I’m an overall delicacy—and I think we can go to the first seven places today and visit the eight tomorrow.”

Tumango si Zehannah. Reigo invited her and he had an itinerary in mind, so he let him decide their route. At ayaw niyang mag-isip sa mga sandaling ’yon dahil abala siya sa pagtingin sa dashboard ng sasakyan ni Reigo.

Ang laki talaga ng kaibahan ng normal na sasakyan sa luxury cars. There’re tons of buttons and Zehannah admitted that it was a little intimidating, but she was curious.

“Reigo, ano’ng pipindutin dito sa sasakyan mo para magpatugtog ng kanta?” tanong ni Zehannah dahil inaantok siya. Ang aga ba naman niyang magising at lumabas ng condo.

“Here.” Reigo pointed at the center of the dashboard and patiently taught her how to.

The music in his car was connected to Reigo’s phone, so the playlist that Zehannah was now browsing was Reigo’s playlist.

“Bakit lahat ng kanta mo pang-broken hearted at bitter?” tanong ni Zehannah sa binata.

“Because that was me before I met you.”

Napa-tsk si Zehannah. “Bumanat ka na naman.”

Reigo chuckled. “I only have two new songs. It’s on the top list. Check it out.”

Zehannah listened, and it surprised her to see that it was ‘Kings and Queens’ by Ava Max and ‘Good things’ by Zedd and Kehlani.

“Seriously?” hindi makapaniwalang aniya na bumaling pa sa binata.

“What?” He smiled while driving. “They’re wonderful songs and they remind me of you.”

Zehannah chose ‘Kings and Queens’ by Ava Max and the sound inside the car surprised her. It was so good that Zehannah couldn’t help moving her body and singing along.

“… to all of the queens who are fighting alone, baby you’re not dancing on your own…!” Bigay na bigay si Zehannah habang sumasabay sa kanta. “Can’t live without me, you wanna, but you can’t, nah-nah-nah.”

To Zehannah’s surprise, Reigo sang along too and he was slaying the lyrics. “Think it’s funny, but honey, can’t run this show on your own. I can feel my body shake, there’s only so much I can take…”

“…I’ll show you how a real queen behaves. Oh…” Zehannah continued singing and when the song hit the chorus, Reigo sang along with her with a wide radiant smile on his lips while moving his body as if dancing while sitting down.

Nawala ang antok ni Zehannah habang sabay silang kumakanta ni Reigo. Early in the morning and she was having fun listening and singing along to her favorite song.

“Ah, that was good.” Sumandal si Zehannah sa kinauupuan at ngumiti. “Nawala ang antok ko. Parang gusto ko tuloy paulit-ulit na pakinggan ang ‘Kings & Queens’.”

“You can put it on repeat. I don’t mind.”

“Sure ka?”

“Yep. Go ahead.”

Zehannah was happy to put her favorite song on repeat while singing along. And seeing Zehannah having fun in his car, Reigo had a smile on his face while driving.

It was a first for him. He did not want to compare Zehannah to his exes, but Zehannah was just so refreshingly different that he couldn’t help it. It was not only Zehannah, his reactions and emotions too differed from before. He’s genuinely happy, and it showed on his face. Hindi na niya kailangang i-schedule kung kailangan siya dapat masaya. Just thinking of Zehannah and her savageness and witty comebacks was enough to make him smile.

“Huh?” Zehannah frowned when she saw the sign of the building where they were parking. Vasquez Constructions. “Ano’ng gagawin natin dito?”

Nginitian lang ni Reigo si Zehannah saka lumabas na ng sasakyan. Kaagad naman sumunod si Zehannah at natigilan nang lumapit sa kaniya si Reigo at inilahad nito ang kamay sa kaniya.

A flashback entered her mind—it was the time when she first met Reigo at the café. Reigo did the same too—he offered his hand at her and, just like now, she didn’t hesitate to accept it.

“May naiwan ka ba sa opisina mo?” tanong ni Zehannah sa binata habang nagkahawak-kamay silang naglalakad patungo sa elevator.

“Nope. Just trust me.” He smiled at her. “It’ll be fun.”

As if she had another choice, she was already holding his hand and riding in the elevator with him to the… wait, rooftop?

Bago pa makapagtanong si Zehannah kung ano’ng gagawin nila sa rooftop, dumating na ang elevator. It was the fastest elevator she had ridden, and it surprised her. But what awaited her when she stepped outside the elevator was even more surprising that it made her jaw slack.

A helicopter with three letters on its tail—E.E.Z.

Reigo tugged Zehannah’s hand, pulling her out of her reverie. “Come on, Zee. Let’s go to our first food-hopping destination. Cavite and their pansit.”

Zehannah was still having a mini-shock. Nang sabihin ni Reigo na magpu-food hopping sila, sa isip niya ay sa lungsod lang kung nasaan sila at sa malalapit na bayan. Hindi ito!

Food hopping date on a helicopter.

Sinampal na naman siya ng kahirapan. Sinusubok talaga siya araw-araw ni Lord.

Hay. Makapag-pansit na nga lang sa Cavite. 

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 9

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CHAPTER 10

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CHAPTER 11

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CHAPTER 12

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CHAPTER 13

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CHAPTER 14

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CHAPTER 15

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CHAPTER 16

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CHAPTER 17

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CHAPTER 18

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CHAPTER 19

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CHAPTER 20

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CHAPTER 21

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CHAPTER 22

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CHAPTER 23

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CHAPTER 24

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CHAPTER 25

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CHAPTER 26

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CHAPTER 27

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CHAPTER 28

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CHAPTER 29

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CHAPTER 30

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CHAPTER 31

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CHAPTER 32

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CHAPTER 33

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CHAPTER 34

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CHAPTER 35

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CHAPTER 36

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CHAPTER 37

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CHAPTER 38

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CHAPTER 39

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CHAPTER 40

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CHAPTER 41

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CHAPTER 42

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CHAPTER 43

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CHAPTER 44

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CHAPTER 45

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CHAPTER 46

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CHAPTER 47

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CHAPTER 48

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CHAPTER 49

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CHAPTER 50

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CHAPTER 51

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CHAPTER 52

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CHAPTER 53

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CHAPTER 54

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CHAPTER 55

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CHAPTER 56

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CHAPTER 57

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CHAPTER 58

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CHAPTER 59

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EPILOGUE

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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Special Chapters + Kumu Live Alert

I adore Reigo and Zehannah that I ended up writing TEN additional special chapters. That’s how hang up I am with their love story. The special chapter is filled with their life after the marriage proposal. From giving birth to Ren to the wedding. There’s also “The Council of the crown” special chapter where you will finally meet the ten families—including Zehannah—supporting the first Idrytís. There are also two special chapters about Ren and others. 😉

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/59ec5a0e1626fce114e5307d69409765efc2b5db/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c4c4e785963623676446f636c673d3d2d313237383535373833342e3137316632343435333264633233303438353031373734353830312e706e67)

Possessive 25: Reigo Vasquez will go live under paid stories on October 19, 2022 . Including four special chapters.

And on October 20, 2022 at   9PM , I will be on KUMU. PS25 mood reel will be revealed for the first time (including to me), if you’re interested, come join me in my live on KUMU (@cece_lib) and watch the reels together. There’s also a mini game where you can win cash to buy PS25.

See you, CCBells! 🧡

SPECIAL CHAPTER: Life After Proposal

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Little Ren

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Bachelorette Party

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: My Vow

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Dinner Date

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Council of the Crown and a surprise

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: At Sixteen

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: A Decade Later

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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My Official Wattpad AMA

Thank you so much for supporting and reading Reigo and Zehannah’s story. It had been a fun journey with you. I Hope you had fun reading their story as much as I had fun writing it. I appreciate you so much! Hoping to see you in PS26.

I love you!

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/0b054253c110f0fb8ca0b94c09932c8c57e92787/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5f53547162685a583650395f67673d3d2d313238303232303533302e313732306566393964393633373665323435353336373335393438312e706e67)

Make sure to save this date: October 25 , I will be right here, on this chapter from 6 to 7 PM PHT to answer your questions for a quick AMA (Ask Me Anything). I can’t wait to chat with all of you!

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: The Idrytís, the Arkhon and the Acolyte

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Pinning For You

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

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✨ CeCeLib’s 10th Anniversary Event ✨

A decade of storytelling—what a surreal feeling.

Thank you for your unwavering support and love.

Your love for my work has been my inspiration behind every story I’ve shared.

Thank you for being part of this incredible decade journey.

Here’s to many more years of stories and memories.

• C.C -

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Celebrating 10 years of CeCeLib on Wattpad!

Time flies when the reading is good.

Ring in CeCeLib’s 10th birthday with up to 50% OFF most of her popular reads, like the Possessive Series, Mistress of Nature, Amorous Agreement and more.

Check this

reading list

now!

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/4388d1846470e6a1366b1a8445e301e678285216/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c326d4b6e525a48545871574a673d3d2d313434363038353034352e313763663938626162346430313131633736333831393238353233392e6a7067)

FINALE: Reigo Vasquez’s Sexily Ever After

The final part of Reigo Vasquez’s story has been published in THE POSSESSIVE SERIES ANTHOLOGY: Nostalgia, now updating weekly on Saturday & Sundays! The Possessive 26’s sweet and tender married lives will be revealed in this nostalgic conclusion of the Possessive series.

Remember—a story is not complete without a Sexily Ever After.

Click here to read!