Ruthless Maecenas

CHAPTER 3 — HERA

This is a work of fiction. Any semblance between original characters and real persons, living or dead, is coincidental. The author in no way represents the companies, corporations, or brands mentioned in this book. The likeness of historical/famous figures has been used fictitiously; the author does not speak for or represent these people. All opinions expressed in this book are the author's, or fictional.

This chapter contains explicit content including s*x, strong language, violence, etc. Readers' discretion is advised.

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"Arthur Aviano. Pleasure to make babies with you, Attorney."

My eyes widened. "Pleasure to make what?!"

"Isn't this the reason why you summoned me here at your office?" he talked casually like making babies was just a hobby.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Aviano. I think there's a misunderstanding here. I don't know who you are, I don't even remember making an appointment with you," I said in confusion.

I can feel my face tightened as I wait for him to explain what the f*ck is he talking about.

"Oh, I think you're the one who's misunderstanding things here, Attorney. Your secretary called me last week. She's also a really good friend of mine. A really good one," he emphasized. His voice deepened when he said his last sentence.

"She told me you're looking for a baby daddy."

Oh. Maybe he's the donor Addie was talking about earlier.

"Ah, yes. You mean you're the sperm donor? I apologize, I--"

"Wait, donor? You mean we're not having s*x?" His eyes widened.

"No! What, s*x? No. What did Addie tell you? I just need someone to--"

"Nah, kidding. I'm aware. So how are we supposed to do all this? Why don't just date? Women nowadays, you always want to rush things, don't you?" he scoffed.

This man has a thing for cutting me off. And he just said that with all his muscles relax and just playing with his expensive-looking watch as he make himself comfortable on the seat in front of me.

I stared at him as I bring myself to sit on my chair, too.

"I-- I don't date. And I'm not planning to. It's a very personal reason. I just want you to do things for me. Babayaran kita," I said as I get my hands intertwined together.

Looking at him, he's like thinking something deep. Few minutes of silence. I was just looking at his face. Fair complexion with a bit of tan, deep eyes. His nose isn't that pointy but it's tall; with that combination of features, he would really make a really good-looking child.

"Tell me all the things I need to know about this and let's set up a different meeting after this so I can decide," he said calmly, still not looking into my face.

Ano pa kayang pagdedesisyunan niya, semilya lang naman kelangan ko. Hindi naman niya kelangan mag-sustento. Pero let's just get this over with. Baka mahirapan na akong makahanap ng potential donors.

"I don't have enough savings to have this done abroad. And I don't know if you're aware of this, but sperm donation aren't allowed here in the Philippines. So, kelangan nating--"

"Magpanggap na mag-karelasyon?" And he cut me off. Again.

"Yes. But since hindi tayo kasal, we need to provide proofs na mag-on tayo and we are going to be very responsible parents. This will only take a month or two," I explained in a very calm manner.

"I promise to pay you 1 million pesos just to borrow your time for a month. If you don't mind asking, what do you do for a living again? I'm sorry. Hindi kasi nasabi sakin ni Addie," I added.

"I have an Art Exhibit somewhere in Makati. Also in Laguna and Cavite. I have so much passion for art that I made it my business," he answered. Impressive.

"Hmm. That's great. I've been a lawyer for 2 years. I like arts, too. So, you've been in this business for how many years?"

"I've been doing this since my teenage years. My grandfather was a painter and his wife was a born businesswoman. One day they come up with something that would interest the both of them and now it passes through generations," He calmly said, playing with the papers in front of him.

He crossed his legs and it caught my attention how long his legs were. If he's the one, sana makuha ng anak namin ang genes niya.

We talked some more, the conversation went like it was an interview on both ends. Topics such as how we get into where we are now, etc.

"So, how well the exhibit making?" I asked. Just to keep the conversation going.

"It's making a lot, actually. Since this generation have been born with more art enthusiasts. We've been receiving guests who actually want to buy the displayed arts," He said as he was scrolling through his phone as if he's looking for something. He put his phone towards me engaging me to look at it.

"Look, here's the most interesting art we have in the exhibit," he showed me a painting of a woman holding a baby soaked in blood. The painting was almost covered in full red color except for the parts of the woman's skin that somehow painted in a faint tan color. The woman's face wasn't painted clear but you can see she has this faint smile on her face. At her back, there were vague drawings of people that seems to be hunting her since they have weapons on their hands.

"Did she ate her baby? Is that why the people are running after her?" I asked as I went to lean on my chair. He takes his phone back and glides it inside the pocket of his shirt.

"They are actually cheering for her. The child was said to bring misfortune to the world. And people want him dead," he explained.

"So, his own mother killed him? Maiintindihan ko sana, kaso his mother's face was showing no signs of remorse. She was even smiling. Nakakakilabot," I questioned.

He gave me a dubious laugh. "That's actually her own blood. She fake the baby's death. She started the rumor that the baby will bring misfortune. She also told the people that she holds the prophecy. That she's the only one who can stop it. So, she pretends to kill her own son."

"Well, totoo naman ba? Isn't she just making up stories?" Kasi, if that's true. What's the point of faking it? I mean, I don't want the baby to die. I just thought that doesn't make sense to me.

"It doesn't make sense kasi," the story confused me, really.

"It was said that it's all true. She just can't kill the only thing that gives her power over the people. She wants to pass the prophecy to her son. They say that she told the people that she brought her son back from the dead. She's a crazy b*tch," he said in a slightly aggressive tone. I can see the anger in his eyes. Is the painting something personal?

"The things that people do for power... Sometimes it's just unacceptable," I remarked.

"So, paano? I know you have meetings after this. Ayoko naman maoverlap 'yung schedule mo. Here's my business card, you can contact me there directly if you plan to meet," he slid a piece of card on the table. It was black and gold with embossed white fonts.

Samael Valencia? Doesn't he say that his name was Arthur Aviano?

"Samael Valencia? I thought your name was Arthur Aviano?" I asked with obvious confusion on my face and tone.

"You're going to be the mother of my child. I suppose it isn't right to keep secrets from you," he smiled. So, payag na siya?

Hindi ko alam kung ano 'tong nararamdaman ko. But I feel my blood came rushing toward my face. His words are supposed to be just casual as they should be. But it makes me feel some kind of way.

His words struck me as it leaves me speechless.

He stood up and walks towards the door.

"See you, Hera," he said as he closed the door behind him.