Ruthless Maecenas

CHAPTER 4 — XAEL

This is a work of fiction. Any semblance between original characters and real persons, living or dead, is coincidental. The author in no way represents the companies, corporations, or brands mentioned in this book. The likeness of historical/famous figures has been used fictitiously; the author does not speak for or represent these people. All opinions expressed in this book are the author’s, or fictional.

This chapter contains explicit content including s*x, strong language, violence, etc. Readers' discretion is advised.

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I got outside of her office and saw Addie sitting up

straight behind the receiving desk.

"I'm not used to seeing you this proper, Addie," I teased her. She just gave me a death glare and stood up.

"So, how's the meeting went? What did she tell you? Are you in?" she whispered. Her voice was weak but I can sense her excitement as she spits her questions eagerly.

"See me after work. What time are you going out?" I asked her.

She frowned and said, "We already talked about this, 'di ba? Akala ko ba ayaw mo na?" She was whispering but loud enough for me to hear.

I almost laughed. Did she think this was still about us having s*x? "No, this is not what you think this is. Just see me in the nearest café," I said and I started walking away.

That snitch. She didn't tell me na wala palang s*x na magaganap. Donor? Lang? Where's the fun in that?

"Pero bakit ka pumayag? You even talked about the painting," I thought to myself.

Hindi ko rin alam. There's something in her that made me want something from her. I just don't know what it is. Or maybe it's just my libido talking?

As I walk my way to the parking lot, my phone rang.

"Hello, kuya? Are you coming? Ate Stace was upset already. The ceremony will start in an hour, tapos wala ka pa," it was my youngest sister, Quiana.

I almost forgot, birthday pala ng pamangkin ko.

"Yes, Q. I'm on my way. I just have an urgent meeting kanina. I'll be there in thirty," I answered. I heard her sigh at the other end, and hang up the call.

I arrived at the space where I park my car. I am riding my 110 Ans Bugatti 2019 today. One of my limited edition collections. Because my mom would probably scold me for just bringing my 1967 Chevy. My mom doesn't want the old things. Unlike my dad.

Before I got in my car, I texted Addie.

"Hey, meet me at 7. Same café. We have some serious business to talk to."

Message sent.

That little-- but, it's my choice, though.

But she didn't give the whole details, so she's held accountable for this.

I drove around Makati and arrived at the family house by 2 pm.

Quiana welcomed me with a frown.

"What's with the face, cupcake?" I asked her sweetly.

"What took you so long? Ako tuloy pinagiinitan nila Ate, eh. I told them you'll be here at 12. Tapos anong oras na? It'll be 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Mom and Dad are upstairs with the pastor pa. You can greet them there," Q scolded me while her arms crossed.

This kid. She's the youngest, but she's the most terrifying. Not just because she acts like someone double her age but, if ever something happened to me, she'll be the one who's gonna take my place. Dad's been training her for a while now. Kaya I have to do a better job so I could save my sister from this chaos.

"I'm not planning to greet them, though. Where are Stace and Jacob? And you're Ate Andy? Don't tell me she's with the band again?" I don't like Andalia joining bands and being surrounded by guys. Once she was almost raped by one of her bandmates. But I already took care of that. I just don't want it to happen again.

"No, Andy's on her laptop. I think she's in her Art Class. She should be finished by now. Stace and Jacob are in their room with Carl. Halika na, do you have your results?" She started walking so I followed her.

"Yes. I'm tested negative," I replied.

"Always wear your mask, kuya. And don't forget your vitamins," she reprimanded. It was always like she's the older one.

We passed through our garden as we walk towards the inside of our house. Few people are preparing the altar, the tables, and chairs, and musicians are rehearsing at the corner.

"Yes po, lola," I teased her.

She just snorted and continue to walk as we reached the door of our house.

"My unico hijo!"

There she is.

My mom shouted as she walks down the stairs. She's about to kiss me when I moved away. Although I looked away immediately, I saw her frown in my peripheral.

Just after Quiana and I reached the door she started entertaining the guests. Leaving me and this woman alone.

"Now, what's your problem, Samael? Aren't you getting tired of pushing me and your father away?" She whispered.

"No. I will never. Especially with you," I whispered back and walk away from her.

I went upstairs and visit Andy in her room.

As usual, loud music is coming from her room. I knock on her door.

"Who is it? The door's open!" She shouted.

"It's Xael," I answered. The music stopped.

"I don't know you, please leave me alone. I'm studying," she replied. Still not opening the door.

"Can you at least open the door? I missed you," I whispered through the closed door.

"Really? Then, keep it like that," she blustered, then the music turns up again.

What am I supposed to do with Andy? Sigh.

I stayed a little longer in front of Andy's room then turn to go to Stace's.

Stace opened the door immediately. I greeted the couple.

"Akala ko 'di ka na pupunta. Ipapahunt na sana kita kay Mang Bert, eh," Stace said after she kissed me on the cheek.

She's carrying Jacob. "How could I miss my one and only nephew's day?" I smiled and get Jacob from her.

Jacob was already 7 months old. My family got a thing for 7, so we are all baptized on the 7th month after we were born.

Jacob and I played for a bit before the ceremony starts.

During the ceremony...

"In the presence of Jacob's parents, family, and godparents, of our Lord Almighty, I now officially baptize Jacob Karl Valencia Suarez in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen," the pastor said as he pour some kind of spiritual water into Jacob's head.

The ceremony ends at 5 in the afternoon. Guests are enjoying their own company; the food. On the other side, I saw people gathered in a space as Jacob's opening his gifts. He looked happy.

I was staring at them when Stace suddenly approached me.

"Kuya," she offered me wine and I gratefully accept it from her.

"Congratulations. Be a good one to Jacob," I told her as we clinked our glasses for a toast.

"Yeah, I will. Eh, Ikaw? How are you doing? It's been almost 3 months when you last visited here," she said before taking a sip from her glass.

We are now together staring at Jacob with his father and guests as he continues to open his gifts.

"I really got busy. Ang daming shipments na kelangan asikasuhin," I replied.

She just nodded.

I looked at my watch, it was already 6 in the evening.

"I better keep going. Here's for Jacob. Thank you for inviting me," I hand her a check amounting to 1.5 million pesos.

"Don't you think it's too much for a 7-month-old?" She laughed a little as she take the check from my hand.

"Nothing is too much for a Valencia," I kissed her head and waved goodbye.

I got in my car and was about to drive to the café where Addie and I were about to meet.

I was about to call her when I received a text from an unknown number.

"Hi. Good evening, Mr. Valencia. When would you like to meet?"

Sa panahon ngayon, ang daming tanong na ang hirap hanapan ng sagot. Dumagdag pa 'tong pag ngiti ko...