Beyond the Billionaire's image

Chapter 6/1

Matapos ang mahabang araw, agad akong nagtungo sa opisina ni Mr. Gil. Kumatok ako ng ilang beses bago pumasok. Nakaupo siya sa likod ng kanyang desk at may kausap sa telepono.

Nang mapansin niya ako, agad niyang pinagpaalam ang kausap sa kabilang linya bago ibinaba ang telepono. Pinaupo ko lang ang sarili ko sa couch at inihiga ang aking likod.

"Let me guess, that's the script writer," hula ko.

Napatingin siya sa akin, tila nagulat. "Uh-hm, pati 'yon napansin mo?"

Tumingala ako sa kisame, nag-iisip. "Yeah, I noticed some dialogue in the script. Hindi siya bagay sa cast," sabi ko, umupo ako ng maayos pero nasa hita ko naman pinatong ang elbow ko. "Why don't you just make the cast adlib it? Lalo sa dalawang supporting, I'm sure they can do it well."

Nakangiti si Mr. Gil habang tinitignan ako. "Talaga? Sa tingin mo ba, magiging effective 'yun?"

Tumango ako at nagpatuloy, "Oo, sa tingin ko. They're talented enough to pull it off. Magiging mas natural ang dating ng linya nila kung sila mismo ang magbibigay ng sarili nilang twist."

Napaisip siya. "Hmm, hindi ko pa naisip 'yun. Pero mukhang maganda nga ang suggestion mo. Sige, I'll talk to them about it." Lumapit siya sa drawer niya at kinuha ang isang card. Ngumiti ako nang makita ko ito. "I guess, it's time for you to enjoy it for a while now," dagdag niya.

Tumayo ako at sinalo ang card nang pasimple niya lang itong itinapon sa direksiyon ko. Isinilid ko ito sa aking bulsa at iniunat ang aking mga braso.

"Oh, right. I heard that you're living outside the country for more than fifteen years? And your father lived here in the Philippines." Saad niya, umupo siya ulit sa kaniyang swivel chair.

I put my hands on my pocket and glanced at his family painting hanging on the wall right side of the door. "Yeah? I thought it was just 10 years ago. Ang tagal ko palang tumira sa ibang bansa. I lived my life to the fullest when I'm with my grandpa. He taught me many things. Although, I don't give a f**k with my life right now." I said with a shrug.

"Hmm, so.. you don't like being here? Ayaw mo bang magstay rito ng ilang taon?"

"No, I have something to do. Hindi ako pwedeng magtagal rito."

Biglang may kumatok at sumilip ang mukha ni Oliver sa pintuan. Pagkakita niya sa akin ay inirapan niya ako. Tsk, bakla.

"Oliver, what brings you here?" Tanong ni Mr. Gil nang pumasok na siya sa loob. Hindi pa magaling ang likod niya at bakit nandito ang gunggong na'to?

"I wil go to Baguio later at noon. Can you just proceed to the next scene? I will try to catch up at 5pm."

"Why? Is there something wrong?" Tanong ulit ni Mr. Gil.

Kumamot ng ulo si Oliver. Bakit ba siya nagkakamot? May kuto ba siya? Eww.

"Well, my friend Alexander did something. Ayst! Bakit ba kasi masyadong mga gwapo ang mga kaibigan ko? Dapat kasi katulad sila sa akin."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Katulad sayo? Na ano, babaero?" sabat ko.

Sinamaan niya lang ako ng tingin. "Manahimik ka nga diyan! Hindi ikaw ang kausap ko!" Inis niyang singhal.

Ngumisi lang ako. "Masarap ba?"

Nangunot ang noo niya."Ano?"

"Masarap bang nabugbog?"

"Aba't-" Turo niya sa akin. "Tingnan mo nga Mr. Gil oh! Kanina pa 'yan! Ang yabang ng tàngina! Hindi naman kagandahan!"

Natatawa nalang si Mr. Gil sa sinasabi ni Oliver. Sinandal ko lang likod ko malapit sa painting habang nakasilid ang dalawang kamay ko sa aking bulsa.

"Hindi maganda pero habol ka nga ng habol sa akin. Bakit, hindi mo ba nakalimutan ang halik ko?" I teased, my voice low and sultry.

Namula siya sa pagkapahiya at akmang lalapitan ako pero sumakit ang likod niya. Si Mr. Gill naman ay tawang-tawa sa pagkaka asaran namin.

Ngumingiwi siyang iniinda ang sakit ng mga bugbog niya. "Kasalanan mo 'to eh! Hindi na ako gwapo dahil sayo! Ang ganda ng kutis ko tapos mabubogbog lang?!"

Tumawa ako at nagpatuloy, "Oh, so ang pagiging gwapo mo ay nakadepende sa kutis mo lang? That's shallow, Oliver."

Napatingin siya sa akin, "Hindi mo maiintindihan kasi hindi ka maganda!"

Tumawa ulit ako, "Well, at least hindi ako nagrereklamo na nabugbog dahil sa maganda ako. You're such a drama queen, Oliver."

Tumingin si Mr. Gil sa amin pareho, natatawa pa rin. "Okay, okay. Tama na ang asaran. Oliver, go ahead to Baguio. We'll manage here. And Andromeda, try not to provoke him too much."

I responded with a smile and a nod, "Of course, Mr. Gil."

Oliver, finally getting up from his chair, grumbled, "Fine, I'm leaving. But when I get back, you'll get yours!"

Rolling my eyes playfully, I replied, "Can't wait, Oliver. Safe travels!"

Once Oliver left, Mr. Gil turned to me, a bemused expression on his face. "The two of you certainly have a unique dynamic. It's quite entertaining."

I smiled, shrugging slightly. "Well, he's the one who instigates it. I just play along."

Mr. Gil laughed heartily at that. "That's quite amusing, Andromeda. But be careful not to upset him. He may be a bit of a loose cannon, but his uncle is a representative of Dasmond. Even though Oliver chose not to pursue acting, he still has a public image to uphold."

I pondered on this, my finger tapping against my chin. "So, are these elites really that important? I've heard a lot about them, but I always assumed they were just wealthy."

Tumango siya at unti-unti naging seryoso ang kaniyang mukha. "Indeed, they are. But it's more than just wealth. They have connections, influence. They can make or break someone's career. Regardless of any missteps they make, they rarely face repercussions unless they cross another member."

I raised an eyebrow. "So, they're that powerful? Sounds almost like a mafia."

He chuckled at my comparison. "Well, not quite like that. They're just well-connected and influential. But most of them do use their power for good."

I nodded, taking in his words. "I see. So, should I tread carefully then?"

He gave me a reassuring smile, "Just be yourself. But yes, be mindful of your actions. Especially in this industry, there are many eyes watching."

Returning his smile, I said, "Alright, I'll keep that in mind."

Tumango siya at tumayo na rin galing sa pagkakaupo at lumakad papunta sa pintuan. "Good. Now, let's get back to work. We still have a shoot to finish."

I followed him out the door and we walked towards the location of the set. Hindi nakarating si Oliver hanggang 6pm pero tumawag naman siya dahil bumabyahe pa raw sila kaya nag proceed nalang sa ibang next scene ang director. Hindi rin nila magawang diktahan si Oliver dahil mukhang siya pa yata ang sinusunod.

When I got home, I got a call from Unnie. Naghubad pa ako ng medyas at doon na siya tumawag. I put my phone between my ears and neck and answer it while moving.

"Meddy! Saan ka? Are you available tomorrow night?"

Nilagay ko ang bag ko sa couch. "Why?"

"There's a yacht par-"

"Pass. May pupuntahan ako bukas ng gabi." Putol ko agad.

She persisted, "Come on, Meddy! It's a yacht party, and you can't miss it. It's going to be so much fun!"

I sighed, "I appreciate the invitation, Unnie, but I have work commitments. I can't just drop everything for a party."

She whined, "Work again? You've been all serious lately. Live a little! Besides, it's a chance to meet influential people. You never know who might be there."

I chuckled, "Unnie, I've had my fair share of social events. I'm not really in the mood for parties right now. Maybe next time."

She pouted, "You're no fun, Meddy. But fine, I won't force you. Just promise me you'll at least consider it next time."

I reassured her, "I promise. For now, I really need to focus on my job. But let's catch up soon, okay?"

She just sighed, "Alright, workaholic. Take care of yourself, and don't forget to have a little fun once in a while."

I smiled, "I will. Thanks for understanding, Unnie. Talk to you later." Sabay baba ko sa tawag. Work huh? Well, is being a gambler part of work? Work to kill someone?

I dialed other contact for my other motive. "Hey, is he there?" Tinapon ko ang katawan ko sa couch at kinuha ang remote sa ibabaw ng mesa. I opened it only to watch Oliver's advertisement. He's advertising a clothing brand. Napa astig niya tingnan sa tattoo niya at mala badboy ang datingan lalo na kapag mahapit ang suot niya kaso nga lang sa totoong buhay ay duwag.

"It seems that the one who is always there is his right hand man, poker ace. A half Asian."

"Okay, I will send the payment tomorrow morning. Thank you." I hung up the phone and opened my refrigerator. Nakita kong may mga baunan roon at isang note.

"Hello Ma'am Laci. I cooked Filipino foods! Enjoy eating!"

I picked up one container and opened it. The smell of sinigang, a Filipino soup, filled the air. "I miss the sinigang," I said to myself. I decided to heat it up for dinner.

While waiting for the soup to heat, I changed out of my work clothes into a loose shirt and shorts. I felt relaxed as I changed into comfortable clothes.

I looked around my condo. It was big and modern with a simple design. The living room had a comfy couch, a small table, and shelves with books and other items.

Next to the living room was the kitchen. It had modern appliances and a small dining table for two. Hindi ko rin talaga magagamit ang kitchen kung ako lang, hindi naman ako marunong magluto. Except for rice, I guess.

After changing, I went back to the kitchen to check on the sinigang. The smell of the soup made me hungry. I served myself a bowl of soup and some rice, and sat on the couch to eat.

Oliver's ad was playing again. He was advertising a car this time. Tsk, hindi talaga nauubusan ng trabaho si Oliver pero parang wala lang sa kaniya.

I cleaned the kitchen and got ready for bed. The next morning is my day. No work kaya pinili ko ring punasan ang baril ko. I'm always carrying it when I'm inside the casino, mahirap na baka may unang pumutok ng bala sa ulo ko.

When it reaches 6 pm, I put on my disguise and carry my big bike. Hassle kapag pinadala ko ang mga motor ko rito sa Pilipinas kaya bumili nalang rin ako rito.

The ride took two hours bago ako nakarating. Ang dami pang kailangang gawin para makapasok dahil nga exclusive kaya wala na rin akong magawa. Hindi rin pwedeng through cars para nakapunta roon, there's a yacht for it. All you have to do is to show the exclusive card.

Inayos ko muna ang disguise ko bago ako pumasok sa yacht. Sumalubong sa akin ang dalawang guard na nakaitim at chineck ang card ko.