Destiny's Dance

Chapter 20

Finally the agreement between De Luxxe and Grape Horizon wine company, tied up. De Luxxe company recognized their company as their new wine distributor.

De Luxxe made an extraordinary formal event party for both companies. All staff are there to witness the newest success.

The atmosphere in the hotel bar was charged with anticipation as guests mingled, their conversations blending with the soft clinking of glasses and the gentle hum of background music. The occasion was no ordinary evening – it was a formal event to welcome Chanylle, an influential entrepreneur, as the new wine distributor for the establishment. Unbeknownst to many attendees, the owner of the hotel bar, Roger, and Chanylle shared a history that went beyond the realms of business – they were ex-lovers.

As the guests settled into their seats, Roger took the stage, his confident demeanor hiding the subtle tension beneath the surface. The room hushed, and all eyes turned towards him.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us tonight for this special occasion," Roger began, his eyes briefly locking with Chanylle's across the room. "We are thrilled to have someone of Ms. Mendez caliber join our family as the new wine distributor. Her expertise and passion for the craft will undoubtedly elevate our offerings."

Chanylle, seated at a reserved table near the stage, acknowledged the applause with a gracious smile. Hindi maipagkakaila ni Chanylle ang kakaibang saya at kaba sa mga sandaling iyon.

Roger continued his welcome speech, choosing his words carefully.

"As many of you know, success in the business world often involves unexpected connections and partnerships. In that spirit, I'd like to express my gratitude to Ms. Mendez for bringing her talents to our establishment.”

Chanylle's gaze remained composed, though a flicker of emotion passed across her eyes. Roger continued, seamlessly blending professional gratitude with personal acknowledgment.

"We may have traversed different paths, but tonight, we find ourselves converging once again. “Miss Mendez and I share more than a business relationship – we share memories, experiences, and a deep appreciation for the art of fine wine."

Umugong ang bulong-bulongan sa loob ng hotel bar.

While Roger spoke, Chanylle couldn't help but reminisce about the moments they had shared – the late nights discussing dreams over a glass of red, the laughter that echoed through the same walls now filled with an audience. The audience, unaware of the subtle undertones in Roger's words, applauded, their attention captured by the eloquent owner.

Chanylle rose gracefully to her feet, accepting the spotlight with an effortless charm. "Thank you, Mr. Gatchero, for your warm welcome.” She said profesionally. “It's an honor to be part of this establishment and contribute to its legacy.”

The guests raised their glasses in a collective toast, celebrating the union of the present. The evening unfolded with laughter, clinking glasses, and the joyous chatter of a successful partnership in the making.

Para kay Chanylle, it's all about business kung bakit siya nakatapak ngayon sa teritoryo ni Roger. Wala na siyang ibang dapat na isipin pa.

Pagkatapos niyon ay nakangiting bumalik sa kinauupuan ang dalaga.

Pasimple niyang hinanap ang kanyang secretary, ngunit hindi niya makita ito. Nag-umpisa na ang masayang night event.

Tumayo siya upang pansamantalang magtungo sa comfort room for some retouch. Pansin niyang kakaiba ang tingin sa kanya ng mga bisitang naroroon.

She dazzled in a sexy glitz evening gown that embraced every curve, its luxurious fabric adorned with intricate sequins that caught the light with every graceful movement. The plunging neckline and daring slit added an alluring touch, while the gown's form-fitting silhouette accentuated her elegance. The play of shimmer and sparkle turned heads, creating an aura of sophistication that mirrored the confidence in her stride. With each step, she radiated glamour, embodying a captivating blend of allure and refinement.

“You look beautiful tonight, Ms. Mendez.”

Napahinto si Chanylle ng hakbang nang marinig ang baritonong boses ni Roger.

Nilingon niya ito ng may mga ngiti sa mga labi.

“Thank, you Mr. Gatchero,” aniya sabay talikod upang magpatuloy sa paghakbang.

Nagulat ang dalaga nang mapansing nakasunod pala sa kanya ang huli.

“Mr. Gatchero, may kailangan ka?” seryoso niyang tanong.

She noticed the serious face of Roger. He is now handling a glass of wine.

“Yes, but I think you need to go first,” mahinang saad nito at itinuro ang comfort room.

“Yeah, I need some retouching.”

“I think you don't have to retouch. You are perfectly beautiful tonight. Can I have you on the dancefloor?” Sa halip ay wika nito.

Napaawang mga labi ng dalaga. Nag-aatubili siya. Hangga't maaari ay iiwasan niya ito kung hindi tungkol sa negosyo ang pag-uusapan.

“I'm sorry, but I-I don't know how to dance,” sambit ng dalaga.

Ngunit inilahad pa rin ni Roger ang kanang kamay nito sa kanya.

Chanylle hesitated briefly, her eyes betraying a mixture of emotions. After a pause, she nodded, placing her hand in Roger's. The dance commenced, and as they swayed in a delicate embrace.

"I never thought we'd find ourselves here," Roger admitted, his voice a gentle undertone to the music.

Chanylle offered a wistful smile. "Indeed, Roger. Life's dance is often unpredictable, leading us back to places we never imagined revisiting."

The dance unfolded like a silent conversation, each step and twirl revealing fragments of their past. The place seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them encapsulated in the melancholy beauty of the moment.

"I must acknowledge my faults, Chanylle," Roger confessed, his gaze sincere. "I was foolish, blinded by my own shortcomings. I regret the pain I caused you."

Chanylle's eyes softened, her vulnerability exposed. "That's makes no sense now, Mr. Gatchero. Past is past, stop mentioning it,” she swallowed hard. There were tiny tears from her eyes, na hindi niya alam kung bakit kailangan niyang makaramdam ulit ng kaunting sakit.

The dance became a metaphorical journey through the highs and lows of their past. The room echoed with the silent reconciliation of hearts that had once been entwined and subsequently unraveled.

As the final notes of the music hung in the background, they stood in a shared silence, a poignant understanding passing between them. The dance floor, witness to their emotional pas de deux, released them back into the sea of swirling couples.

"Thank you for the dance," Roger said, his eyes conveying a depth of gratitude.

Tumango ang dalaga, her gaze lingering for a moment longer. "You're welcome, Mr. Gatchero,” she said.

Pagkatapos ng sayaw na iyon ay napag-isipan ng dalaga na magmuni-muni. She decided to go to the hotel's rooftop terrace. Itinext muna niya si Madeline na mamaya na muna sila uuwi upang mag enjoy rin ito sa event.

The sun sets and the city lights twinkle. Tahimik niyang pinagmamasdan ang kabuuan ng lugar.

It was as peaceful as her life. No worries.

“Malamig dito,” wika ng pamilyar na boses mula sa kanyang likuran. Nagulat ang dalaga pero hindi niya nilingon ito.

“Why are you here?” Malamig na tanong ni Chanylle.

She heard Roger's heavy sigh. Naramdaman niyang may ipinatong si Roger sa balikat niya. And it was her coat, nakalimutan niya iyon sa kanyang upuan kanina.

“I'm just curious kung saan ka pupunta, kaya sinundan kita.”

“Why do you care? It's not your job.”

“Let's have dinner. I noticed you didn't eat yet,” sa halip ay saad ng binata.

Ngayon ay nakahalukipkip na hinarap ng dalaga si Roger. She looked straight to his eyes, ngunit pansin ni Chanylle ang mabilis nitong pag-iwas ng tingin.

“Hindi ako nagugutom,” Aniya sabay talikod muli dito.

Isang katahimikan ang namagitan sa kanila.

“You are successful now. Congratulations, anyway.”

Tumalima ang dalaga at naglakad-lakad. “Thank you, akala ko noon, hindi ko makakamit ang pangarap ko, dahil sa nangyari sa atin. But thanks god, dahil mas lalo akong naging matatag at nagpursige.”

Muli, nakakabinging katahimikan.

“Anyway, it's already eleven O'clock. Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Gatchero,” aniya nang mapansin ang oras mula sa kanyang wrist watch.

Ngunit nagulat ang dalaga dahil biglang pinigilan ni Roger ang akma niyang pag-alis.

“Please be with me, just for tonight. Let's talk about the past,” nagsusumamong saad nito.

Napakunot-noo ang dalaga.

“Talking about our past? Diba sayo na mismo nanggaling? You don't want our past to jeopardize our respective businesses? Trabaho lang ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito. No other than that. At isa pa, matagal ko nang ibinaon sa limot ang alaala ng ating nakaraan.” Matigas na saad ni Chanylle at nilisan ang lugar.

Chanylle can't help from reminiscing from her past while driving her car, past na hindi niya naman sana ibinabalik pa sa kanyang alaala. She's just curious why Roger still wants to talk about their past.

Ang hindi niya talaga makakalimutan ang pagkawala ng anak nila. Idagdag pa ang mga scenario na naabutan niya sa bahay nila mismo ni Roger, na nakikipagtalik ito kay Caroline pagkatapos ng pagkawala ng anak nila sa sinapupunan niya. She know how her heart being wrecked during that time at ginawa niya rin ang lahat upang muling mabuo ang nawasak niyang puso.

Kasabay din niyon ay ang pagbaon niya sa limot ang lahat ng alaala niya kay Roger tapos ngayon nais pa talaga nitong ungkatin ulit? Para ano pa?

Habang nagamamaneho, biglang naflat ang gulong ng sasakyan niya.

“s**t!” Inis na hinampas ng dalaga ang manibela ng sasakyan. Talagang minamalas yata siya ngayong gabi. Nagtaka siya dahil bago siya umalis kanina ay siniguro niyang okay ang kanyang gulong. Nag-aatubili siyang lumabas. Sa isang madilim kasi na highway siya nasiraan. Nangangamba siya na baka may masasamang tao ang biglang magawi sa kinaroroonan niya.

Tinawagan niya si Madeline. Nakalimutan niyang hindi pala siya nakapagpaalam kanina. Malamang nasa party pa ngayon ang huli.

“Yes, ma'am?”

“I need your help, nawalan ng hangin ang gulong ko, nandito ako sa isang madilim na highway, I don't know how to–

Hindi pa man niya natatapos ang sasabihin ay biglang namatay ang tawag.

Mas lalong nainis ang dalaga. Uutusan sana niyang dumaan ito sa kinaroroonan niya upang doon na lamang makisakay.

Palingon-lingon lamang siya. Walang dumaraan na sasakyan.

Sobrang layo pa naman din ng kinaroroonan niya doon sa bahay na uuwian niya.

Marahil ay nasa kalahating oras, bago niya napansin ang papadaan na sasakyan. Ngunit napakunot-noo siya nang mapansin ang pamilyar na sasakyan maging ang lalaking nagmamaneho niyon.

“Roger…” usal ng dalaga. Kahit paano ay nabuhayan ng loob ang dalaga.

Akala niya ay lalagpasan lamang siya nito, ngunit huminto pala ang sasakyan nito sa harapan ng kanyang sasakyan.

Pinagmamasdan mabuti ni Chanylle ang binatang lumabas mula sa ferrari nito.

Kumatok ito sa salamin ng bintana at agad naman niyang binuksan iyon.

“This place is not safe for you, come out. You can ride with me,” seryosong saad nito. Matagal bago nakasagot ang dalaga. Iniisip niya kasi kung susundin niya ito.

“No, thanks. Hinihintay ko si Madeline, my secretary. I asked her for some help.” Tanggi niya.

Nakita ng dalaga ang pagkunot-noo nito.

“Then I am the one who Madeline asked for help.”

Lihim na nagulat si Chanylle. Sa dami ba naman ng hihingan ng tulong talagang si Roger pa.

Napabuntong-hininga na dahan-dahang lumabas ng sasakyan si Chanylle. Iginiya siya ni Roger sa loob ng sasakyan nito.

“If you're tired, you can sleep for a while, gigisingin na lang kita kapag nasa tapat na tayo ng bahay mo.”

Gusto pa sanang magtanong ng dalaga kung paano nito alam ang address niya, pero nakaramdam siya ng pagod at pagkaantok, kaya hinayaan niya na lamang ito.

Malamang ay sinabi na iyon ni Madeline sa binata.

Bahagyang napamulat ng mata si Chanylle nang biglang buksan ni Roger ang stereo at patugtugin ang kantang 'Destined to you' na paborito niyang kanta.

'In the moonlit shadows where our memories lay,

A love so deep, it won't fade away.

Destined to you, my heart's silent plea,

In tears and joy, our souls intertwine, set free.'

'Through the echoes of time, our love will prevail,

Destined to you, an emotion too frail.

In the quiet whispers of a tear-stained night,

Our love story unfolds, a bittersweet delight.'

Chanylle maipagkakaila ng dalaga na tagos na tagos sa puso niya ang bawat liriko.

She found herself silently crying.

Hanggang sa nakatulugan niya na lamang ang kanta.

Napabalikwas ng bangon ang dalaga. Saka niya narealize na nasa loob na siya ng kanyang kwarto.

Ibig sabihin ay kinarga siya ni Roger habang tulog kagabi?

Paanong nangyaring hindi niya man lang namalayan iyon?

Mabilis na tumayo ang dalaga. Napansin niyang ang magarang evening gown pa rin ang sout niya.

Huhubarin niya na sana iyon, ngunit kaagad na bumukas ang pinto at bumungad si Roger, bagay na ipinagtaka naman niya.

“I'm so-sorry, I will be back later!” Mabilis na isinara ni Roger ang pintuan.

Hindi mapigilang mainis ni Chanylle. Wala siyang ideya kung bakit nandoon pa din si Roger sa bahay niya. Ayaw niyang isipin na natulog ito doon.

“Mahimbing ka kagabi, that's why binuhat na lang kita papasok sa bahay mo,” malumanay na wika ni Roger, pagkatapos niyang pukulan ng mapagtanong na mga tingin.

“Imposible, Mr. Gatchero! Magigising ako kung ginising mo ako. At teka

lang ha, paano mo nabuksan ang bahay ko?” Tila imbestigador na umikot-ikot ang dalaga sa kinatatayuan nito.

“I found your key inside your bag,” tugon nito habang nakapahimulsa.

“Thank you for sending me home, but I want you to know that you're not allowed to enter here; In my house,” Seryosong saad ni Chanylle.

Narinig niya lang ang pagbuntong-hininga ni Rober at bahagyang pag-iling.

“I'm sorry. I know na wala akong karapatan, pero it's hard for me na bumiyahe pauwi sa dis oras ng gabi, lalo na at biglang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. Sumama ang panahon kagabi, kaya hindi na ako tumuloy.”

Natigilan si Chanylle. Ganoon ba talaga siya kahimbing kagabi para di malayan ang pagsama ng panahon?

“I see..” Ngayon ay mahinahong saad ni Chanylle. “Now, you may go. I need some rest before I go to my office.”

May naaninag na hesitasyon mula sa mukha ni Roger.

“Bye.” Lumakad palayo si Roger.