Pink Is the Darkest Color

Chapter 1 (2/2)

"Oh, bakit ang tagal mo?"

Her mother's scolding tone echoed in her ears, snapping her back to reality. It was only then that she realized she had already arrived home.

"H-Ha?"

"Ano'ng ha?" Her mother furrowed her brows. "Bakit 'ka ko ang tagal mo? Dalawa lang ang ipina-deliver ko sa 'yo, ah?"

"Ah..." she mumbled before settling onto one of the tables. "N-Nagasgasan kasi 'yung scooter ko, pero hindi naman matindi."

Her mother closed the gap between them. "Paanong nagasgasan?" Her mother's concern was evident as she reached for her arm to inspect it. "Nasugatan ka ba?"

Heather remained silent, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular, as she continued to process the substantial amount of money she had just received.

"Nagasgasan ka, oh!" Her mother's scolding tone persisted as she lifted Heather's arm to show her. "Hindi ka kasi nag-iingat. Scooter na nga lang ang minamaneho mo, nadidisgrasya ka pa."

But despite her mother's ongoing scolding, Heather remained quiet, a stance she upheld even as her mother began tending to her minor wound. The silence continued as she went upstairs and lay on her bed. It was her first time holding such a substantial amount. Gano'n ba talaga kasikat ang mga iyon at sobrang yaman? She reached into her pocket and pulled out the check, examining it closely. Her gaze settled on the name written at the top, prompting her to ponder whether the name was familiar to her.

Eros Julian de Luca

"De Luca..." she whispered to herself.

She swiftly got up from her bed and retrieved her phone. Stepping outside, she set out to find a spot with a stronger signal, seeking out those familiar areas where reception was usually better.

"Nice!" she exclaimed as she successfully acquired a signal. Swiftly, she initiated a search for the name and was instantly greeted with numerous results.

Eros Julian de Luca - Visionary Philanthropist and Young Business Magnate

Eros Julian de Luca shines as a remarkable young individual, celebrated for his extraordinary achievements in the realms of business and philanthropy. At the youthful age of 23, his name has become synonymous with unparalleled success, propelling him to the forefront of the global economic landscape.

Profile:

Eros Julian de Luca stands as a testament to the potential of youthful innovation and determination. At an age when most are still finding their footing, he has carved an indelible mark as an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist, earning respect not only in the Philippines but also across Asia and beyond.

Youthful Success and Business Empire:

The narrative of Eros Julian de Luca exemplifies the boundless possibilities of youth. His early achievements have vaulted him into the ranks of the most prosperous individuals of our time. With a diverse portfolio spanning technology, finance, energy, healthcare, and beyond, his business empire is a testament to his visionary thinking and strategic prowess.

Philanthropic Passion:

Eros Julian de Luca's compassion and commitment to change are especially remarkable considering his young age. He has channeled his success into transformative philanthropic efforts, catalyzing advancements in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability across the globe.

A Rising Star in Education and Innovation:

Eros Julian de Luca's journey began with a quest for knowledge. Studying in the bustling heart of Manila, this 23-year-old medical school student embodies the spirit of youthful innovation. His dedication to excelling both in the medical field and the business world is a testament to his commitment to holistic growth.

Celebrating Youthful Excellence:

Eros Julian de Luca's trajectory signifies the transformative potential of young visionaries. His accolades include the prestigious Global Youth Excellence Award, acknowledging his pioneering leadership and remarkable contributions to the global business landscape.

A Beacon for Youthful Aspirations:

Eros Julian de Luca's story resonates as a beacon of inspiration for the young and ambitious. His narrative reminds us that age is no barrier to achievement and making a profound difference in the world.

As the new day dawned, she emerged from her bed, her eyes bearing evidence of a sleepless night. The multitude of details and revelations she had absorbed the night before were refusing to relinquish their grip on her consciousness, each piece of newfound knowledge playing a cacophonous symphony that echoed incessantly in her thoughts. Descending the stairs, she encountered her parents—initially greeted with smiles that faded as their eyes fell upon her fatigued appearance.

"Ano'ng nangyari sa 'yo?" Her mother's brows furrowed with a matching tone of concern.

"Ayos ka lang, 'nak?" her father's voice was laced with concern, the lines of worry etched on his face.

"Bakit ho kayo nakangiti?" she inquired nonchalantly, her curiosity clear in her tone, as she walked past them and proceeded to wash her face at the sink.

Sharing a knowing glance, her parents exchanged a smile, and her father reached for a wrapped gift. Just as she completed washing up and turned her attention toward them, her brows knitted together in puzzlement.

"Tingnan mo," her father said, extending the gift to her. As she took it into her hands and felt its weight, she could already tell that it contained a helmet.

She chuckled softly. "Hindi naman nagasgasan 'yung helmet ko, ah?"

"Hindi mo sinabi sa akin na kaibigan mo naman pala 'yung dahilan kung bakit ka nadisgrasya kahapon," her mother's statement caught her off guard, causing her to lift her head and gaze at her in confusion.

"Ho?"

Her mother's smile accompanied a nod. "Dumaan dito 'yung kaibigan mo kanina. Magkasama raw kayo kahapon at siya raw 'yung dahilan kung bakit ka natumba, kaya ayan, niregaluhan ka ng helmet."

Kasama ko kahapon?

"Wala naman ho akong..." she began to explain, but her words trailed off as realization dawned on her. Her eyes widened as she attempted to locate Eros de Luca's name on the gift wrapping, only to discover a different name.

To: Heather

From: Giovanni

"Giovanni?" she mused aloud, her brows furrowing as she delved into her memory.

"Siya na rin pala ang ipinalit ko kay Justin sa 18 roses mo."

Her eyes widened further as she turned to her mother. "Ma naman?! Ni hindi ko nga alam kung sino..." her voice trailed off again.

Giovanni...

Gio...

"Ma, hindi ko kilala 'yun!" she exclaimed immediately.

Both of her parents just burst into laughter, as if she had said something utterly outrageous.

"Pa?" she said in disbelief. "Seryoso nga! Hindi ko kilala 'yun!"

"Nai-deliver na 'yung dress na sinukat mo no'ng nakaraan, isukat mo ulit," her mother said, seemingly ignoring her, and proceeded to approach the wrapped dress. Heather's jaw dropped. Bakit ba hindi sila naniniwala?!

"Ma?!" she shouted, but they continued to ignore her.

Feeling frustrated, she put on the dress with a heavy heart. In her mind, she pondered a replacement for one of her 18 roses, thinking of someone she knew.

Pero kung hindi dahil sa mokong na 'yon, wala kang kalahating-milyon ngayon...

"Bakit? Kasalanan niya naman talaga, ah?" she muttered to herself as she stood in front of a mirror, scrutinizing the dress she now had on. "At saka 'yung De Luca na 'yun, nanghingi ba 'ko sa kaniya? Hindi naman, e. Binigay niya nang kusa."

However, despite these thoughts, she still hesitated to use the check, even refraining from mentioning it to her parents.

"Happy legality, bespren!"

And just like that, the much-anticipated day of her debut had finally arrived.

The venue was set at her high school campus, specifically in the covered court, where a gathering of friends, relatives, and acquaintances had assembled. Despite the excitement, nervousness gripped her as she sat in the dressing room, her makeup in progress, being meticulously applied.

"Oh, paano ka nakapasok dito?" she asked her best friend, Yara.

"Happy birthday, bes!" Yara exclaimed, wrapping her in a warm hug as she remained seated.

"Tsk! 'Yung makeup ko, masisira!"

"Dalaga ka na, p'wede ka nang magpabuntis,"

"Bruha!" Heather pushed her friend, both of them laughing.

Yara then pulled a chair and sat next to her. "Si Justin, wala pa. Isasama ko sana rito, e."

In an instant, Heather's smile vanished. "Hindi naman talaga pupunta 'yun."

Yara's eyes widened slowly, and her jaw dropped as she leaned in closer to her. "Ano?!"

Heather instinctively pulled her head away. "Aray naman!" she exclaimed, wincing and covering her.

Yara swiftly shut her mouth, her gaze darting around before fixing on Heather. She then whispered, "Seryoso?"

Heather gulped with her furrowed brows. "Mhm."

Yara then leaned back in her chair, shaking her head with an air of disappointment. "Gago talaga. Puro mixed signals din ang mokong, e."

As a result, she wrapped up her preparations with a weighted heart.

She tried to shove Justin from her mind's spotlight as she stood at the brink of the red carpet, ready to kick off her celebration. She was resolute in not letting a guy ruin her significant day.

"Lalaki lang 'yun," she convinced herself, mustering an inner resolve, and then adorned her face with a smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, family, and friends, tonight is a celebration of elegance and joy as we gather to mark a significant milestone in the life of a remarkable young woman. With grace that enchants and a spirit that inspires, it is my honor to introduce to you someone who embodies the beauty of both heart and soul. A warm applause, please, for the center of our evening's delight—the debutante of the hour, Heather Sullivan."

As the gentle strains of music filled the air, Heather began her graceful journey down the heart of the red carpet. With each step, she extended genuine smiles to her guests, an exchange of warmth and happiness. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, their own smiles mirroring the joy of the occasion, as they extended their greetings to her. Heather continued on, guided by the rhythm of the music, until she reached the front of the grand stage.

Amidst the unfolding celebration, marked by the eagerly anticipated exchange of the 18 symbolic gifts and a cascade of other cherished traditions, Heather found herself swept up in the heartfelt messages and well-wishes shared by her friends and relatives on-stage. Yet, even as the festivities enveloped her, she couldn't shake the subtle urge to search for Justin. A glimmer of hope persisted within her, perhaps whispering that he might find a way to be part of her grand day. With each passing moment, she found herself secretly longing for a surprise from him, for a moment of magic that could potentially make the celebration even more unforgettable.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for a truly heartfelt and enchanting moment as we begin the segment that encapsulates the cherished bonds in Heather's life—the 18 Roses. And leading this array of dances, it's an honor to present a man whose love, guidance, and strength have shaped the wonderful person Heather has become. Please put your hands together as we welcome Guillermo Sullivan, Heather's loving father, for the first dance."

As her father walked towards her in the center, a single rose in his hand and a tear glistening in his eye, Heather couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. It was a rare sight to see her father cry, a moment that had been years in the making.

"Nasaan na ang pulis kong ama?" she joked playfully as she and her father began to dance to the gentle rhythm of the music.

Her father simply smiled. "Huwag kang magbabago, anak, ha?"

She arched an eyebrow. "At bakit naman ako magbabago?"

"Maraming p'wedeng magbago. Baka bukas nga, hindi na kita kilala."

She playfully tapped her father's chest. "Pa naman? Ano'ng akala mo sa 'kin? May super powers na kayang magpalit ng anyo?"

Guillermo just chuckled. "Sinasabi ko lang."

At that moment, she badly wanted to tell him. She badly wanted to tell him that she held half a million in her hand... but something held her back. It felt somehow inappropriate to have that much money on a whim. Even though it was physically in her possession, she couldn't shake off the feeling that the money didn't truly belong to her. The suddenness of it all, the unexpected windfall, made her uncomfortable.

"Happy birthday, anak."

"Ladies and gentlemen, for the second rose, let's give a warm round of applause to Mr. Harry Lopez," the host then announced. With a final smile, her father placed a tender kiss on her forehead and then gently handed her hand to one of her colleagues.

"Sorry ulit," Harry, Justin's best friend, immediately whispered as soon as he stood in front of her.

Heather just chuckled. "May kasalanan ka ba?"

"May emergency lang talaga," he reasoned on behalf of his friend.

She gave him an assuring smile and nodded. "Alam ko."

"Hindi ka galit, ha?"

She simply snickered and shook her head.

"Sure?"

A soft chuckle escaped her. "Hindi nga."

As the dances with different gentlemen continued, her mind kept returning to the question of whether to give the check to Giovanni and have him return it to his friend. The prospect of encountering them again, particularly Eros' fiancée, dissuaded her from wanting to return the check in person. Eventually, by the time they reached the 18th and last rose, she had made up her mind. It was a choice she believed to be the right course of action.

"For the final dance, let's all give a round of applause to Mr. Giovanni Vallegas!" the host's voice resonated, announcing the last name of the evening.

She let out a deep sigh and rolled her eyes, her attention shifting to the man who had risen from his seat. A collective gasp of surprise swept through the venue as all eyes, including her own, fixed on the figure making his way toward her.

It was not Giovanni.

"You didn't use what I gave you."

The unexpectedness of the situation left her momentarily stunned, making it challenging for her to fully grasp the significance of his words.

Eros Julian de Luca, the young philanthropist, stood before her, holding a rose in his hand.

"H-Huh?" she stammered in confusion.

"Walang bawas 'yung bank account ko," he added, his words sinking in.

Her eyes instinctively closed as the flashes of cameras from the majority of her guests illuminated the scene. The guests were capturing the moment, utterly starstruck by the man standing before her.

"A-Ah..." Her understanding finally clicked, yet she remained overwhelmed by his presence and the impact he had on everyone around.

Eros then took her hand, catching her off guard, and gently placed it on his shoulder. He held her other hand, and with a tender gesture, he began to sway to the music.

"Gio's..." he began, his voice trailing off as a worried expression crossed his face. "Wait, are you okay?"

With his hand touching hers, a spark seemed to jump between them, traveling through her hand and into her head. Then, in the blink of an eye, a screeching sound erupted within her mind, a jarring sensation that caused her to instinctively clutch her head, losing her balance and stumbling to the ground.

And amid the chaos, she could see his lips moving, forming words of concern, yet they were drowned out by the overwhelming noise in her head. The scene felt eerily familiar, as if she had lived through it before.

As if they had already met, in the same exact situation.

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