Perfect Fake Lovers

Chapter 11

#NewClassicPFL

Chapter 11
Pandora's Box

After a lot of reconsiderations, Sic and I finally signed a long-term deal but it felt like I had only a month left to live. The talk with my father emotionally put me in a bad state. I kept thinking about his words―his lowkey threats.

"Thank you so much! We're looking forward to working with you."

Pinaglalaruan ko ang ballpen habang blankong nakatitig sa lamesa. Iniisip ko kung ano ang mga puwedeng mangyari pagbalik ni daddy. If I would go against him, I would just surely lose. He would use all his power just to make me obey him. He could easily strip me off the career I worked hard for.

However, I didn't want to just give up on my dream. I would fight for what I want no matter if I'd be at a disadvantage. Gusto kong makita niya na mayroon pa ring patutunguhan ang buhay ko sa mga desisyong pinili ko para sa aking sarili.

"Lavi." Sic's hand held my shoulder. I was wearing a sleeveless dress so I felt his warmth on my skin, making me turn to him. "Are you okay?"

Napaawang ang aking mga labi. Nilingon ko ang paligid at nakita kong nakatayo na silang lahat. Even the president of the company was standing up with an awkward smile while looking at me.

I quickly stood and gave them an apologetic smile. "I'm fine, uhm..." I was feeling slightly embarrassed with myself. "I'm sorry about that. I just have something in mind."

"No worries." The president extended his hand to me. "We're really glad to have the two of you in our team."

Shaking his hand, I smiled and nodded. "Thanks for the opportunity."

Mabait na umiling lamang siya sa akin bago nilingon si Sic. Nakipagkamay rin siya sa kanya bago tuluyang umalis kasama ang sekretarya.

The moment he got outside the conference room, my smile gradually faded. While sitting down on the chair again, I bit my lower lip and exhaled deeply. It was just a short meeting and contract signing but all these thoughts running inside my head made me feel so drained.

"What time's my next schedule?" I heard Sic ask Mr. Joel.

Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kanila. Mukhang seryosong-seryoso si Sic.

"At 8PM tonight," Mr. Joel answered right away like he memorized Sic's schedule by heart. "You have an online meeting with the partnered luxury brand about your second collection."

Tumango-tango naman si Sic at nilingon na rin si Ritchelle. "Lavi's clear for the rest of the day, right?"

"Uh..." Medyo nag-alangan pa si Ritchelle, napatingin sa akin. "Yes, she is..."

"Bakit, Sic?" Si Mr. Joel ang nagtanong no'n.

"May pupuntahan kami ni Lavi," he casually replied. "We have a date."

My eyes widened because of the sudden date I wasn't aware about.

"May pupuntahan tayo?"

"May pupuntahan kayo?" Sabay pa kaming dalawa ni Mr. Joel napatanong sa gulat. Napakunot ang noo niya sa aking sinabi bago muling nilingon ang alaga. "Why does it seem like Lavi's not aware of this date you are talking about?"

"Ngayon ko pa lang siya aayain," pagdadahilan ni Sic at saka muli akong nilingon. "Let's go on a date today. I have time before my next schedule."

I sighed and asked, "Am I allowed to say no?"

He pursed his lips a bit like he was in a deep thought. "Well, if you are willing to carry the guilt of turning me down for trying to make you the happiest woman today, then feel free to do so. I won't take it against you."