Ruthless Maecenas

CHAPTER 1 – 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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As I was walking through the suburbs of Manila, children were scattered all around the street. Like the virus didn't exist. I wanted to blame their parents for not educating them about the current situation.

"Mga pabayang magulang," I muttered. If my plan turns out successful, I'll never be like these parents. Mag aanak nang marami, hindi naman mga responsable. Kung sabagay, may mga magulang nga na kakaunti ang anak, o isa lang, hindi pa magawang maging responsable.

I stopped walking as I reached the end of the street and the highway welcomed me. I was waiting for a cab when my phone rang.

"Hello, Attorney. Nasa'n ka na? May ibabalita ako sa'yo!" That was Addie; my secretary s***h best friend kapag wala kami sa firm. She was so excited and squealed so loud that I took my phone away from my ears.

"Papunta na 'ko. Nag aabang nalang ng taxi. Siguraduhin mong may sense 'yan ha. Baka puro chismis na naman 'yan," I told her as I was extending my neck looking for a god d*mn taxi. Late na ako, 't*ngina.

"S'yempre, ako pa. Teka, sasakay ka pa lang? Maabutan ka na ng rush hour! Nako, ang hirap nang sumakay niyan. Bakit kasi hindi ka pa bumili ng kotse, kayang kaya mo naman na," she sighed on the other end.

"D, remember? Medyo mahal ang procedure, that can wait. Kaya ko pang bumili ng kotse at my 40s or even 50s. Ito na, sige na, kita nalang tayo sa office," I said. She's still about to say something when I hang up. Sorry, Addie. I waved my hand then a taxi stopped in front of me.

"10th Ave. BGC." I told Kuyang Driver.

While on the road, I checked my bank account online. 3.5 million. Ang mahal mo naman, anak. Kaya na ba 'to? Tama ba 'tong gagawin ko?

Thoughts came running on my head through the whole ride. Last year, I decided to undergo some kind of artificial insemination. I've worked hard for this. Hindi na ako p'wedeng umatras. Madami akong kaso na pilit na pinanalo para dito.

Hindi pinapayagan ang sperm donors dito sa Pilipinas kaya naghahanap ako ng lalaking p'wedeng magpanggap na kasintahan ko at mag-donate ng lahi niya. This sounds weird, pero I'm really desperate to be a parent. Some will say, why don't I just date someone and have s*x. I want my child to be born out of love, out of hard work. And random men won't give me that. Men don't love. They just lust over some flesh.

Ever since my mom died, I promised her and myself that I won't allow myself to be in a situation like hers. I won't die crying and begging for someone to love her. The only thing that she did that I would mimic was her ways of being a mother. She taught and gave me love even she doesn't have a clue about it herself.

I arrived at the firm late. Grabe na talaga ang traffic sa Pilipinas. I rushed into my office as Addie greet me at my door.

She has this weird smile on her face, which made me question her. Something's definitely up. "Anong mukha, 'yan?" I nagged. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Hoy, wala man lang good morning, or should I say, good noon, muna?" she demanded. Her voice never goes down. Always on the highest of her energy.

"Good noon, Ms. Adrianne Belen," I greeted her with full sarcasm. "Happy na? So what's up?"

She smiled at me suspiciously. "Bali, ano kasi may appointment ka mamaya. Pero no hassle, siya naman pupunta dito," she said sheepishly.

"Mga anong oras? 'Di ba may meeting ako with a client, anong oras ulit 'yun? And what's the concern about?" I questioned her as I scan through the files at my desk.

Addie glance at her wristwatch and said, "'Yung meeting mo sa mga Dimaculangan, that's in 2 hours pa naman. May bagong evidence daw ata silang ididisclose about sa kaso."

She's still standing in the doorway. "Eh, 'yung balita na sinasabi mo? Tungkol saan 'yun? Spill," I blustered. I looked at her, avoiding my gaze. Something is really up with this b*tch.

"Ano bang problema? Ano bang tinatayo-tayo mo d'yan? Sagutin mo kaya 'yung tanong ko. Adrianne, ang dami ko pang gagawin. I don't have time to play," I snorted. She was about to talk when suddenly we heard a knock on the door. Addie smiled mischievously before opening the door.

I shook my head, wear my glasses and put my attention in the pile of papers in front of me.

"Hello, Mr. Aviano. Come in," I heard Addie said. I glanced at the door and saw a man standing in the doorway.

He's wearing a short-sleeved button-down shirt tucked in his navy blue jeans with his brown leather belt. He also wears a black facemask; I could only see his eyes. He's a well-built man; broad shoulders, fine muscles. He looks decent. Ano kayang pinunta nito rito?

"No need to talk to me in such a formal way, Addie," he hinted. His voice was deep, but not enough to scare or shock someone. He winked at Addie and the b*tch smiled giddily.

"Ah," she giggle once more and turned to me.

"Ms. Bezera, here's Mr. Arthur Aviano. He's here to talk about something personal so maybe it's best to leave you two to talk. I'll be at the lounge. Call me if you need anything," she said suspiciously. Something personal? Did I mess up a case? O baka galing sa isa sa mga kabilang kampo ng mga kasong naipanalo 'ko?

"Mr. Aviano, remember that you only have 2 hours to talk until Ms. Bezera's next appointment," she informed. Addie turned to him then at me and gave me some kind of a dirty wink. That skunk. Sigh.

"Have a seat. This was unexpected so I hope we can talk things straight and fast as I have so much to do for the day. Atty. Hera Bezera, by the way," I offered my hand for a handshake when he suddenly took my hand, put down his facemask, and kissed it. I look at my hand then at his face. He has a fair complexion and deep eyes. Thick but clean brows, full lips; I wonder how soft they are.

Wait, why do I get this urge to touch his lips?

I brushed the thought and took my hand away from him immediately. I took all the papers I could take from my desk and wrap them around my hands as I pretend to organize my desk.

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

I halted.

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