Engaged in Disguise

Chapter Seven

HAPON ng biyernes noon tapos na ang contract signing with Apex Industries and it was indeed successful. The deal has been finalized. The documents are signed. At ang mga clients ay satisfied.

Naka-upo si Celeste sa desk niya, nag-o-organize ng documents na kailangan i-file. Ang office floor ay tahimik na dahil umuwi na ang ibang mga empleyedo, last day of work at weekend na bukas.

Pero si Celeste at Jace? Andun pa rin still working. Biglang tumunog ang intercom sa desk ni Celeste."Ms. Cruz. Come in, please." Agad naman itong tumayo nang marinig ang boses ni Jace. Kinuha niya ang notepad saka pumasok sa office ni Jace.

Si Jace ay naka-upo pa rin sa desk niya, pero naka-loosen na ang tie nito. Naka-unbutton ang top button ng shirt. Ang sleeves ay naka-roll up hanggang elbow, pagod pero mababakas ang tuwa sa mukha nito. It was a successful week for both of them. "Sir?" tanong ni Celeste.

"Sit," utos nito sa kanya habang nakaturo siya sa upuan. Agad namang umupo si Celeste. Tumingin si Jace sa kanya. May something sa mata niya na hindi niya ma-identify. Something deeper than usual.

"Two weeks ka na dito," simula ni Jace. "Fourteen days.That's already longer than most of my previous secretaries lasted." Tahimik na tumango lamang si Celeste bilang pag-sang-ayon sa sinabi nito. "At hindi ka lang nag-survive," tuloy ni Jace. "You excelled. Ang presentation deck for the Singapore investors—flawless. Ang coordination sa site visit—perfect. Ang contract preparation today—walang error. Everything you do is... exceptional." Nag-blush si Celeste. Hindi niya mapigilang ngumiti.

"Thank you po, sir. I'm just doing my job."

"You're doing more than your job," sabi ni Jace. Seryoso ang mukha. "You're the best secretary I've had so far. The most competent. The most dedicated. At gusto kong i-acknowledge that properly."

Huminto siya then he leaned back sa upuan niya. "I'm giving you a raise," sabi niya. "Effective next month. Twenty percent increase. You've earned it."

Nagulat si Celeste. Twenty percent? That's significant. "Sir, I—thank you. Thank you so much."

"You deserve it," sabi ni Jace. Then he paused again. "At isa pa. I want to take you to dinner tonight. To celebrate. To thank you properly for your hard work."

Natigilan si Celeste. Dinner?

"Sir, hindi po kailangang—"

"I insist," putol ni Jace. "Besides, kailangan nating pag-usapan ang schedule for next week. Major projects are coming. Might as well discuss it over good food instead na dito sa office. What do you say?"

Logical reason. Professional reason. Business dinner.

Pero may something the way he asked. May something sa tono ng boses niya. Parang hindi lang purely professional.

"Okay po, sir," sagot ni Celeste. "Thank you."

Ngumiti si Jace, isang totoong ngiti na madalang lang niyang makita. "Good. We'll leave at six-thirty. There's a restaurant I know. Quiet, good food, and perfect for discussion."

Saktong alas-sais y medya. Nag-shut down na si Celeste ng computer. Nag-organize ng desk. Nag-retouch ng makeup sa washroom. Nag-brush ng buhok. Nag-spray ng cheap perfume na binili niya sa grocery—fifty pesos lang pero decent naman ang amoy.

Lumabas siya at nandatnan niya si Jace na nag-aantay na sa reception area. Naka-coat na. Naka-fix na ulit ang tie. Back to looking perfectly polished.

"Ready?" tanong niya.

"Yes po, sir."

Bumaba sila ng elevator. Walang pag-uusap pero hindi awkward. Sa ground floor, may nakapark na sasakyan sa harap ng building. Black Mercedes at may driver.

Binuksan ng driver ang door at sumakay si Celeste sa backseat. Sumunod din si Jace sa kanya.

Sa loob ng sasakyan, tahimik lang sila. Ang mahabang traffic sa lungsod ay tanaw niya sa bintana ng sasakyan, the llights starting to glow as evening approaches, people are rushing home, jeepney’s packed with commuters.

Nakatingin lang si Celeste sa labas. Iniisip nito kung ano kaya ang gagawin niyang dinner companion ni Jace. Professional lang ba talaga? O may something more?

‘Stop thinking, Celeste. Professional dinner lang ito. Don't overthink.’ bulong niya sa kanyang sarili.

"You're quiet," sabi ni Jace kaya naputol ang kaniyang pag-iisip. "Okay ka lang?"

Napalingon si Celeste sa kaniya. "Yes po, sir. I’m just... tired. It was a long week."

"It was," sabi ni Jace. "But you handled everything perfectly. Hindi mo pinakita na pagod ka. That takes discipline."

"I learned from the best po, sir," sagot ni Celeste. Totoo naman. Si Jace—he never shows weakness. Never shows tiredness. Always composed.

Tumingin si Jace sa kanya. May appreciation sa eyes. "You learn fast. That's a rare quality."

Fifteen minutes later, dumating sila sa restaurant. Bellini's an Italian restaurant sa Salcedo Village. Elegant. Classy. Expensive-looking.

Bumaba sila ng car saka sila sabay pumasok. Maganda ‘tong restaurant na napili ni Jace. Dim lighting. White tablecloths. Candles on each table. Soft Italian music playing in the background. Romantic atmosphere.

Wait. Romantic?

This is just a business dinner. Pero bakit parang date ang setup?

"Good evening, Mr. Sullivan," bati ng waiter. Kilala si Jace dahil regular customer siya dito. "Your usual table?"

"Yes, please, Marco," sagot ni Jace.

Dinala sila sa corner table, it’s a private area, away from other diners. Tahimik at intimate.

Umupo sila. Across each other. Binigyan sila ng menu. Fancy Italian menu. Walang presyo, yung tipong kailangan mong tanungin kung magkano, kung hindi mo afford.

Nag-scan si Celeste sa menu. Pasta carbonara. Osso buco. Risotto al funghi. Bistecca alla fiorentina. Italian names na hindi niya sigurado kung paano i-pronounce.

"Order anything you want," sabi ni Jace. "I recommend the truffle pasta. Or the grilled salmon. Both are excellent here."

"Sige po, sir," sagot ni Celeste. "I'll try the salmon."

Tumawag si Jace ng waiter. Inorder niya ang salmon for Celeste. Ribeye steak for him. Red wine, an Italian wine, vintage.

Nang umalis ang waiter, naiwan silang dalawa. Alone sa private corner nila.

"So," simula ni Jace. Relax lang ito. "Tell me about yourself. Outside of work. I realize I don't know much about you."

Personal question. Dangerous territory para kay Celeste.

Kailangan niyang mag-stick sa cover story niya. Celeste Cruz. From Batangas. Working to support sick mother. "Not much to tell po, sir," sagot niya. Safe answer. "Simple life. Work. Go home. Rest. Repeat."

"No friends? No social life?" tanong ni Jace.

Curious.

"I left my friends behind sa Batangas po," sagot ni Celeste. Following her background story. "Here in Manila, wala pa akong close friends. Focused lang muna sa work. Kailangan ko ng stable income for my mother's medical expenses."

Tumango si Jace na animo’y naiintindihan niya ito.. "That's admirable. Maraming tao ang hindi willing mag-sacrifice for family. But you... you left your comfort zone. Moved to a new city. Started from scratch. That takes courage."

"Or desperation po," sabi ni Celeste. With a small sad smile. "Sometimes people, are doing brave things not because brave sila, but because wala nang choice."

Tumingin si Jace sa kanya. "Still counts as bravery. Choice or not."

Dumating na ang wine nila. Nag-pour lang ang waiter saka ito ulit umalis. Kinuha ni Jace ang wine glass. "A toast."

Kinuha rin ni Celeste ang kanya. "To hard work," sabi ni Jace. "To dedication. To people who surprise you in the best ways."

Nag-clink ang glasses nila at saka sila sabay uminom.

The wine is smooth. Rich. Masarap. Definitely expensive. Pero si Celeste, sanay na siya sa expensive wine before. As Luna Hart, she drank wines worth thousands of dollars.

Pero ngayon, as Celeste Cruz, she had to pretend na first time niya makatikim ng ganito. "Wow," sabi niya. Acting impressed. "Ang sarap po. I've never had wine this good."

Ngumiti si Jace. Matipid na ngiti lang. "Good Italian wine. One of life's simple pleasures."

Dumating ang food. Salmon for her—perfectly grilled, with roasted vegetables and lemon butter sauce. Steak for him—medium rare, with truffle mashed potatoes.

Habang kumakain ay nag-usap sila, about work initially, then about next week's schedule and about upcoming projects.

Pero unti-unting, nag-shift ang conversation nila. Naging more personal.

"What made you want to work in corporate?" tanong ni Jace.

"Stability po," sagot ni Celeste. "Yung provincial jobs, hindi stable. Mababa ang sweldo. Walang benefits. Here in Manila, sa corporate, may opportunities. May growth. May future."

"Do you plan to stay in this industry?" tanong ni Jace.

Huminto si Celeste at nag-isip. Ano nga ba ang plan niya?

As Celeste Cruz, wala siyang long-term plan kasi fictional character lang siya. One year lang ang role na ito.

Pero as Luna Hart? After this year, babalik siya sa real life niya. Probably mag-work sa Hart Industries and take it over eventually.

But right now, kailangan niyang mag-stay in character.

"I hope so po," sagot niya. "I like the challenge. The fast pace. The feeling na you're contributing to something bigger."

Tumango si Jace. "I understand that feeling. The contribution part. It's why I stay despite everything."

"Despite everything po?" tanong ni Celeste, her way to know more about him.

Huminto si Jace. Nag-isip kung dapat ba niyang sabihin.

Then he sighed. "My father. Don Ricardo. He built Sullivan Corporation. But his methods... let's just say hindi lahat legal. Hindi lahat ethical. When I took over as CEO, I inherited not just a company, but a legacy of questionable decisions."

Nakikinig lang si Celeste. This is an important information.

"I'm trying to clean it up," tuloy ni Jace. "To fix what he broke. To make amends where I can. But it's hard. It's like trying to rebuild a house while still living in it. Every day, may bagong problema. May bagong scandal na kailangan i-manage."

"That sounds exhausting po," nahahabag na sabi ni Celeste. At totoo naman. She can see the toll it's taking on him.

"It is," admit ni Jace. "But it's necessary. Kasi kung hindi ko gagawin, kung hahayaan ko lang ang company na mag-continue sa old ways, then I'm just as guilty as the people who started it."

Tumingin si Celeste sa kanya. At nakita niya—yung burden. Yung guilt. Yung determination to do better. Hindi ito ang image na binigay sa kanya before. Hindi ito ang "cold-hearted ruthless CEO" na sinabi ng files.

This is someone trying to fix his father's mistakes. Someone trying to do the right thing.

"I think that's admirable po," sabi ni Celeste. "Maraming tao, they just inherit wealth and power and use it selfishly. But you... you're using it to make things better. That's rare."

Tumingin si Jace sa kanya. Surprised. Parang hindi siya sanay sa genuine compliments. Then he smiled. "Thank you, Celeste. That means a lot."

Celeste.

He called her by her first name. Not Ms. Cruz.

"At saka," tuloy ni Jace. Mas relaxed na ang posture nito. "I have to admit, having a competent secretary makes everything easier. You have no idea how much smoother my days are now because of you. Ang previous secretaries ko, puro dagdag stress. But you... you make things better."

Uminit ang pisngi ni Celeste sa narinig. "Thank you po, sir. I'm just trying my best."

"Don't call me sir," biglang sabi ni Jace. "Not here. Not outside the office. Call me Jace."

Natigilan si Celeste. "Sir, I don't think—"

"Please," nagsusumamong sabi ni Jace. He’s almost pleading. "Pagod na ako sa formality. Sa distance. Just... Jace. Can you do that?"

Napatingin si Celeste sa kanya. This is crossing a line. Boss-employee boundary and she might break their professional distance.

Pero tumingin siya sa mata ni Jace. At nakita niya ang loneliness sa mga ito. Longing for genuine connection.

"Okay," matipid na sagot niya. "Jace."

Malawak na ngiti ang iginawad ni Jace sa kanya. Transforming his whole face. At nakita ni Celeste—gwapo. Sobrang gwapo. Mas gwapo pa kapag nakangiti siya ng totoo.

Ang puso niya’y biglang tumibok nang mabilis, para na itong kakawala sa loob niya.

Mali. This is wrong, Celeste. You're falling. You're falling for him.

Natapos ang dinner and almost ten PM na. Lumabas sila ng restaurant. Nag-drive pabalik using the same car. Pero this time, si Jace mismo ang nag-drive. Pinauwi na niya ang driver earlier.

"I'll take you home," sabi ni Jace. "Saan ka ba nakatira?"

"Quezon City po," sagot ni Celeste. "Delos Santos Street."

Tumango si Jace at pinaandar na ang makina.

Nag-drive sila nang tahimik. Yung tugtog sa radio sa loob ng sasakyan ay soft jazz. Habang nagmamaneho si Jace, nakatitig lang si Celeste sa kanya. Sa mukha niya. Sa mga kamay niya sa steering wheel. The way he focuses on the road.

At naisip niya—he's different from what people think. From what the files said. From what his reputation is.

He's not cold. He's guarded.

He's not ruthless. He's burdened.

He's not heartless. He's lonely.

Thirty minutes later, dumating sila sa apartment building ni Celeste. Nag-park si Jace sa harap nito.

"Thank you," sabi ni Celeste. "For dinner. For the raise. For everything."

"You earned it," sagot ni Jace.

Namayani ang katahimikan sa kanilang dalawa.

Both of them know na dapat nagpapaalam na sila sa isa’t isa at dapat umalis na si Celeste. Pero walang gumagalaw nanatili lang silang nakatayo habang nakatingin sa isa’t isa.

"Celeste," mahinang wika ni Jace.

"Yes?"

"I know this is... inappropriate," simula niya. "You're my secretary. I'm your boss. It's unprofessional. But I have to ask. Do you... do you feel it too?"

Natigilan si Celeste. "Feel what?"

"This connection," sabi ni Jace. Tumingin siya sa kanya. "Between us. This... something. I can't explain it. But every time I talk to you, every time I'm around you, parang may something different. Something real."

Silence.

Heavy silence.

Ang totoo? Yes. She feels it. Very much. Pero dapat ba niyang aminin? This is wrong. This is all wrong.

She's here to spy. To gather evidence. To expose him and his family.

Not to fall in love.

"Jace, I—" simula niya.

"I'm not asking for anything," putol ni Jace. "I'm not pressuring you. I just... I needed to say it. I needed you to know. Kasi I've been pretending for so long—pretending to be cold, pretending not to care, pretending that I'm fine alone. But with you, I don't want to pretend anymore."

Tumingin si Celeste sa kanya. At nakita niya na totoo ang sinasabi nito. She can see vulnerability is his eyes.

At ang puso niya para itong sasabog dahil sa sobrang bilis nang t***k nito.

Because she feels the same. God help her, she feels the same

.

"I feel it too," mahinang wika nito pero sapat na para marinig ni Jace. "Alam kong mali. Alam kong complicated. But I feel it too, Jace."

Ngumit langi si Jace. He felt relieved and happy.

"Can we just... see where this goes?" tanong niya. "Walang pressure. Walang expectations. Just... us. Getting to know each other. Is that okay?"

Dapat mag-no si Celeste. Dapat umalis siya. Dapat i-stop niya ito before it goes further. Pero hindi niya ginawa.

"Okay," tipid na sagot niya. "Let's see where this goes." Mabagal na lumapit si Jace. Giving her time to pull away. Pero hindi siya umatras.

Hinalikan ni Jace ang noo niya. Soft. Gentle. Tender.

"Good night, Celeste."

"Good night, Jace."

Bumaba si Celeste ng sasakyan. Naglakad papunta sa building. Pero bago siya pumasok, lumingon muna siya.

At nakita niyang nakatiingin pa rin ito sa kanya.

Nakangiti.

Nag-wave si Celeste at nag-wave back si Jace. Saka lang ito umalis.

Pumasok si Celeste sa building. Umakyat ng tatlong palapag at saka pumasok sa apartment.

Nanginginig ang tuhod niya habang paupo sa sofa.

Ano ba ang ginawa niya? Bakit niya sinabi na she feels it too? Bakit niya pinahintulutan na lumayo ito sa professional relationship?

This is wrong. This is all wrong.

Kasi she's Luna Hart. Heiress. Spy. Liar.

At si Jace? He's falling for Celeste Cruz. A person who doesn't exist.

Ano ang mangyayari pag nalaman niya ang totoo?

Ano ang mangyayari pag na-realize niyang lahat ng ito ay kasinungalingan?

Kinuha niya ang phone. Nag-text siya kay Atty. Suarez. Her contact. Her ally.

"We need to talk. May nangyayari na hindi ko na-control."

Reply came five minutes later.

"Bukas. One PM. Usual place. Be careful, Luna. Don't get too involved."

Too late, naisip ni Celeste.

Too late.

She's already involved.

Way too involved. At hindi niya alam kung paano lalabas nang hindi masasaktan.

Kasi alam niya—when the truth comes out, everyone will be hurt.

Si Jace. Si Luna. Lahat.

Pero for now, she's trapped.

Trapped in her own lie.

Trapped in her own feelings.

At hindi niya alam which one is more dangerous.