Whisper in the Ashes of Us

Chapter 14: Jealousy

The grand event hall was bathed in warm golden lights, with sparkling chandeliers hanging above like diamonds in the night. The guests were mingling, the clink of glasses filling the air, and the sound of laughter mixed with soft music. Azrael and Celestine entered together, their presence commanding attention.

As they stepped inside, the murmurs from the crowd intensified whispers of admiration and curiosity followed them. Celestine, with her confident stride, scanned the room, taking in the stunning decor and the sea of well-dressed people. Azrael, ever the stoic figure, walked beside her, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd as he maintained his usual air of control.

But then, the atmosphere shifted.

The doors opened, and a figure stepped into the room Arden Rhys. He had the look of someone who had just walked out of a fashion magazine himself. Tall, with dark, tousled hair, and a playful glint in his eyes, Arden exuded the kind of charm that couldn’t be ignored. As he entered, heads turned, and the entire room seemed to pause.

Arden (grinning widely as he scanned the room): “Now this is what I call an entrance.”

His voice rang through the hall, causing a few amused glances to fall in his direction. But his attention was immediately drawn to one person Celestine. He gave her a cheeky wink, making his way toward her with an easy confidence.

Azrael (noticing Arden's approach, narrowing his eyes slightly): "Who the hell is this?"

Celestine (smiling, noticing Azrael's slight tension and deciding to have some fun): “Azrael, this is Arden Rhys, an old friend. Arden, meet Azrael Ziferano. He’s a businessman I’ve been working with lately.”

Arden (with a devilish smile, extending his hand to Azrael): “Ah, so you're the famous Azrael Ziferano. The man behind the mysterious business empire. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Azrael, ever the composed figure, shook Arden's hand firmly, his gaze remaining cold as he studied the newcomer. He didn’t like the way Arden was looking at Celestine. There was something in his eyes, something… familiar. And the way Arden leaned in just a little too close to Celestine when he spoke Azrael could feel a knot forming in his stomach.

But Celestine didn’t seem to notice or maybe she did and simply didn’t care.

Celestine (playfully): “Arden, you’re always so charming, aren’t you? Alam mo, I’ve told you before, your flirty antics won’t work on me. But maybe you’ll charm someone else tonight.”

She gave him a teasing smile, turning back to Azrael, who was watching the exchange closely. The words hung in the air, but there was a certain playfulness in her voice that Azrael couldn’t ignore. He wasn’t sure if he should feel annoyed or impressed by how effortlessly she was handling the situation.

Arden (laughing smoothly, placing a hand on his chest): “Well, I don’t need to try too hard when I’m around beauty like you, Celestine. But I guess I’ll take my chances.”

As Arden leaned in slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief, Celestine’s smile grew wider. She met his playful energy with ease, which only seemed to intensify Azrael's annoyance.

Celestine (in Tagalog, to Arden, with a wink): “Tingnan mo nga, Arden, baka ikaw ang makuha ni Azrael sa business deal na ‘to. Kung ganito siya mag-intindi ng business, baka magka-interest pa kami sa deal.”

Azrael (his voice low, as if to himself, but loud enough for them to hear): “Just make sure the ‘business’ is professional, Celestine.”

Celestine raised an eyebrow at him, her playful demeanor not fading. She leaned a bit closer to Arden, who smirked back at her.

Celestine (laughing softly, speaking directly to Azrael): “Relax, Azrael. We're all just having a good time here.”

The tension was palpable now, but Celestine was enjoying herself, fully aware of the dynamic she had created between the two men. Azrael’s jaw clenched, though, his jealousy growing with every second.

Arden (taking a step closer to Celestine, locking eyes with Azrael for a moment): “Azrael, don’t worry. I’m not here to steal your spotlight. But you know, a little competition never hurt anyone, right?”

Azrael’s expression hardened, but he said nothing. Instead, he took a step back, his eyes still on Arden as he casually sipped from his glass. He wasn’t about to let this stranger—who seemed far too familiar with Celestine—get under his skin.

But as Celestine continued to laugh and chat with Arden, Azrael couldn’t help the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. This wasn’t just some ‘business meeting.’ No, this was a show of power. And Celestine? She was clearly enjoying every minute of it.

The game of jealousy had begun, and neither side was going to give in easily.

Theo:

“Bakla! Yung mga mata ni Mr. Ziferano parang gusto na talagang mag-WWE match! Mala-John Cena ang peg. HAHAHA! Ang intense!”

Sophie:

“Eh bakit ba? Hindi naman siya pinapansin ni Celestine! Kaya lang naman sumisindak ‘yan kasi nasasaktan ang fragile ego niya. HAHAHA!”

Theo:

“Wait lang! May naisip akong mas iconic na move. Saglit lang, punta muna ako sa music booth!”

Theo marches dramatically to the DJ booth, waving like he’s on a beauty pageant. Sophie follows him, nagtataka pero game na game sa trip ni Theo.

Sophie:

“Hoy, anong gagawin mo?!”

Theo:

“Basta bakla, surprise to! Magtiwala ka lang sa queen na ‘to!”

Pagdating sa DJ booth, nag-flip ng buhok si Sophie at lumapit sa isang hot French DJ na parang eksena sa teleserye.

Sophie (flirty):

“Hé, je veux demander une chanson, peux-tu la jouer pour moi?”

Hot DJ looks at her, clearly charmed.

Hot DJ:

“Qu'est-ce que c'est?”

Sophie leans in, kunwari sobrang sweet at soft ang boses niya.

Sophie:

“Jealous by Nick Jonas. Merci beaucoup.”

And without hesitation, Sophie kisses the DJ on the cheeks. Theo gasps dramatically.

Theo:

“Bakla! Ang landi mo talaga kahit kailan! Para kang si Darna na nawala ang bato pero andyan pa rin ang powers ng kalandian!”

Sophie smirks, flipping her hair.

Sophie:

“Ganyan talaga ako. For the plan, hindi kita bibiguin. Tsaka hindi ko naman type ‘yung mga ganyan. Ang type ko mala-Azrael Ziferano, yung tipong kaya akong sampalin at sure na mabibilaokan ako ng 12 inches niya choke me daddy HAHAHA mga ganung atake”

Theo (interrupting):

“SHUT UP, BAKLA! Grabe ka talaga! Ang wild mo! Sana naman mabasbasan si Celestine ng ganyang attitude mo para magka-love life na siya! Infairness, bagay na bagay ‘yung music sa atmosphere ng tatlo! Halatang nanggigigil na si Mr. Ziferano!”

Music starts playing: “Jealous” by Nick Jonas. Tumataas na ang tension sa paligid. Kitang-kita ang tensyon sa mukha ni Azrael habang nakatitig kay Arden at Celestine.

Azrael POV

Azrael gritted his teeth as the music filled the air. Jealous? Really? Who picked this song? Was this a conspiracy?

His eyes burned as he watched Celestine laughing at something Arden said. Her head tilted back, her smile wide and carefree.

She looks... so happy with him.

And Arden? The man was all too comfortable, leaning just a little too close to Celestine, his hand brushing hers casually. Azrael clenched his fists. Who is this guy? And why does he act like he owns the room?

Then the DJ cranked up the volume. "I still get jealous!"

Very funny, Azrael thought sarcastically. But when Arden leaned in closer and whispered something into Celestine’s ear, making her giggle, Azrael felt his restraint snap. If this guy gets any closer, I swear I’m going to kill this man