Planned Coincidence

Chapter 19

Alex was dragged out by her secretary and own bodyguards.

“Sorry for that. Let us settle our family issue. Anyway, let’s have a toast for our new president, Lourd Patriarda.”

I raised my toast and flashed a smile to everyone.

That smooth ceremony was the start of my hard life taking over Dad’s unfinished business. Dad’s not too old to retire, but he wants me to start early, so he can guide me.

Pagkapasok ko sa bagong opisina’y may babaeng nakaupo sa visitor’s lounge. Agad siyang tumayo nang makita ako.

“Good morning, Sir. I had your schedule ready for the day and I place one on your table for your copy, but I’ll still remind you from time to time, and be ready, Sir, because you’re packed for today,” she said continuously.

Napahinto ako sa gitna at napamulsa. “And who are you?” I replied and raising my eyebrow. She doesn’t look familiar, bago ko pa lang siya nakita rito.

“Ow, I forgot. Sorry. I’m Rafa Fernandez, Sir, your secretary.”

Tumango lang ako at dumiretso na sa upuan ko.

“Sir, if you need anything, my office is just right there outside and if its urgent you can just beep me through that...” She pointed the telephone beside me. “Okay, sir?” she asked smiling.

I nodded again.

“If everything’s fine. I’ll just be on my office, Sir, and...” she glanced into her wristwatch. “It’s 7:15, you have a meeting with the board at 8, Sir.”

“Okay, thank you.”

Nakangiti siyang lumabas ng opisina. I scanned my schedule and she’s right, I’m packed for today na parang paghinga ko nalang ang pahinga.

“This is it, Drac. Tell me, may kasama ka na bang babantay-sarado sa akin?” I asked without looking at him. I expected it already, ngayon pang nakaupo na ako sa posisyon. Dumoble pa ang banta sa buhay ko.

I frowned when I didn’t hear his response.

“Drac?” He was just staring at the door.

“Sir.” It’s as if he just came back to his senses.

I frowned even more when I noticed him smiling.

“My secretary?” tanong ko nang naintindihan ko na ang aksyon niya.

“What was her name again, Sir?”

Hindi ko mapigilang hindi mapangiti. “Oh Drac, Rafa Fernandez.”

“Got it,” natatawa niyang wika.

Napapailing na lamang ako. “Baka iba na ang babantayan mo instead of me.”

“Hindi naman, Sir. I can separate work from... you know.”

The endless conferences and meetings began. This is what I’m saying once I take over the company.

Ngayo’y nasa iisang sasakyan kami ni Dad papunta sa isang studio para sa isang photoshoot for the magazine cover and billboard.

“Dad, did you talk to Alex?” tanong ko. While I’m busy, Alex is nowhere to be found inside the company.

“Hindi pa, but she’s just in the house, locking herself. Don’t mind her, ako na ang bahala sa kanya. Focus on the managing.”

I just nodded. We arrived at the studio. Drac and Rafa are also here. The artist applies some make-up on me and we started the shoot.

The photoshoot was done earlier than expected.

“You got nice shots, Sir Lourd. You were surely loved by the camera.”

Ngumiti lang ako and thanked her.

As days passed by, shouldn't it be that I have adjusted already? But it seems it's getting harder everyday. I mean I can handle all the work, but I'm not used in waking up early and from time to time is like flying from this place to another.

I usually sit in the passenger’s seat beside Drac who’s driving but for today, I was almost lying at the backseat sa pagod.

“Dito na tayo, Sir.”

I didn’t even notice the time. Pagbangon ko nasa parking lot na kami ng condo ko.

I grabbed my bag and was just to open the door when Drac shouted.

“Sir, dapa!”

Mabilis akong yumuko at bumaba sa upuan. Then I heard gunshot. The bullet was not able to penetrate the car window because it’s a bulletproof. I heard Drac opened his door followed by two gunshots and screeching of car tires.

When I’m about to open the door, Drac did it.

“Sir...” He looked so serious with a gun in his right hand. Bumaba na ako ng sasakyan.

“You fired back?” kalmado kong tanong.

“Yes Sir. Driver ang tinamaan, but they still manage to escape. White Ford Everest”

“Did you see the plate number?”

Umiling-iling siya. Tinapik ko siya sa balikat. “Are you okay?”

“Opo, okay lang.”

Tumango ako at nilibot ang tingin sa loob ng parking lot kung saan ang mga CCTV.

“Get a copy of the footage immediately before they can delete it or hide it.”

“Yes Sir. Hatid ko muna kayo.”

“It’s okay, I can handle.”

Tumango lang siya. Tiningnan ko ang markang iniwan ng bala sa bintana ng kotse ko. I took a picture of it and the empty ammo on the floor.

I put back my phone inside my coat pocket while walking towards the elevator.

They’re already starting, huh.

Pagkapasok ko ng elevator ay siya ring pagsunod ng babaeng nakasalamin. I looked at her intently. She’s wearing an ID which I can’t see because of her jacket, and also clinging onto her neck is a DSLR camera.

Did she saw –

“Sir, I saw what happened,” she said looking at me and fixing her eyeglass.

The elevator closed.

“That shooting incident?”

She nodded and showed me her ID. She’s a media. How come she’s here?

“Did you get a record of it?”

“Noong pagbaba lang ng lalaking kasama mo ang nakuhanan ko,” sabi niya at medyo nakatingala pa sa akin because she’s kinda short.

“Can I see the video?” I asked seriously but she smiled.

Baka nakuhanan pa ang plate number ng sasakyan.

“Pwede bang ilabas ko ‘to?”

“No. I want to deal with it privately.”

“Okay. I’m just lucky that I’m happened to be here and got a video of the incident. The video is mine so I can do anything about it,” she’s still smiling while saying.

I stepped forward towards her. “I’m the subject of that video, shouldn’t you ask for my permission first?” I said emphasizing my words.

She shrugged her shoulders like she’s not threatened by me.

She fixed the lanyard that is hanging into her neck. Inforange Network.

“It’s an incident, and media can openly cover it.”

“How come you’re here when that happened? Coincidence or you’re following me?”

She smiled so sweetly again, and the elevator opened.

She stepped out and faced me. “Told you, I’m just lucky. I’m here to interview Sierra Falcon.” She even waved goodbye before the elevator closed.

Tsk. Actress Sierra Falcon is really in one of the units here.

I sighed. It’s okay. I’m not even sure if it is recorded in her video the car’s plate number. I know Drac can obtain a copy of the CCTV.

Pagkarating sa condo ay agad akong nakatanggap ng tawag kay Dad.

Lourd, what happened? Are you okay? I heard from Drac.

“I’m fine, Dad. Pinatingnan ko na kay Drac agad ang CCTV footage bago pa ma-delete.”

Good... The other line was quiet for a second.

“Dad?”

Lourd, this is what I’m telling you. You should be attentive at all times. Do not let your guard down.

“Yes Dad, I will.”

The incident is under investigation and they’re so fast. The footage was deleted even before Drac can ask for it. Only mean that they have people inside the building’s security.

The video recorded by that reporter really went out on public. The footage is clear. If they didn’t blur the plate number of the car, we could have track it now.

Kaya right now, we’re still after that reporter.

“May natatanggap ka bang death threats?” tanong ni Dad na nakaupo sa couch sa loob ng opisina ko.

Umiling ako. “Wala Dad.”

“Then, that’s more dangerous. We don’t know when they will attack. Ayaw mo bang bumalik sa bahay?”

“Dad, hindi nauubos ang kaaway natin sa negosyo. Until when should I live in the house?”

“May bahay naman tayo, why are you living in the condo?”

“I’m comfortable living alone,” agad kong sagot.

Dad’s so dead worried about me.

“What about Alex? How is she?” tanong ko.

“Ayun, lumabas na. But she’s ignoring me. I think she’s pursuing Adam.”

Sabay pa kaming napabuntong-hininga. Alex has been and still the Chief Operating Officer of the company. We can do this together, but she wanted it alone for herself, which Dad is against with.

Maya-maya lang ay umalis na si Dad at si Rafa na naman ang pumasok.

“Sir, here are the summary of the reports that you asked. Also, here’s the agreements you need to sign, and... the presentations you need to review,” aniya at isa-isang nilalapag ang makakapal na pile ng mga papeles.

Just by looking at them, sumasakit na ang ulo ko.

She’s sure an efficient secretary. She does what I asked even before the time I need it. She never failed to remind me my schedule, and also meeting the not so important clients in my behalf.

She does her job just like how Drac never failed me, well he has minimal mistakes. I look at Drac and as usual, he’s smiling like an idiot.

“Thank you,” sabi ko.

She was about to leave when she turned to face me again.

“Sir.”

“Anything else?”

“Do you have a girlfriend?” Hindi agad ako nakapag-react sa tanong niya. I didn’t expect it. And the way she asked it bluntly and with blank expression.

Napatingin ako kay Drac na nasa gilid at dahan-dahang nawawala ang ngiti.

I cleared my throat. “Wala, but I’m sorry, I’m not in—”

“Everyone’s talking about your girlfriend, Sir.”

“My girlfriend?” I asked as I frowned, and I remembered Hara. Binalingan ko si Drac. “Did you find her?”

“I have her address now.”

“Good.” At si Rafa naman ang tiningnan ko. “I’m free this afternoon, right?”

“Yes, Sir. And the name you mentioned, that’s the one they’re talking about.”

“What did you hear this time?”

“That they can’t reach your standard, because it’s so down there...your low standard.”

I gritted my teeth. I can’t just burst out my annoyance with Rafa because she’s saying it blatantly.

“That’s all, Sir,” she said and walked out of the office.

I ran my fingers through my hair out of frustration and stand up.

“Are you sure, you like her?” I asked Drac as I threw myself in the couch. “She’s like a robot. She doesn’t have any facial expression. She’s so frank. The first time and the last time I saw her smile is when she introduced herself. She even cut me out a while ago.”

“Nah. She’s good...one of a kind,” sabi pa niya nang nakangiti.

I shook my head slowly. They’re not normal.

After lunch, we’re heading to Sta. Luisita, surprisingly.

“Are you sure it’s Hara’s address? You didn't mix it up with Zamora's? Cause I’m sure, its Zamora’s address.”

I can’t clearly remember Hara’s address from before, but I don’t think it’s in Sta. Luisita.

“Sigurado ako, Sir. Nasa iisang lugar lang pala ang mga babae mo.”

“Tss. They’re not mine.”

I need to talk to Hara. Why does she keep on spreading that rumor? Or does she even know about this?

Drac leads the way when we arrived. Natuto na ako kaya pinaalalahanan ko rin siya to keep his belonging safe.

Before coming here, I changed my clothes, so does Drac. I don’t wanna walk here catching everyone’s attention.

I fixed my cap when we stopped in front of a*****e selling trays of eggs.

“Magandang hapon –”

“Hara.” Hindi ko na pinatapos si Drac nang agad kong makilala si Hara na siyang nagbabantay ng tindahan.

Shock is written all over her face. “L-Lourd, anong...anong ginagawa mo rito?”

Hinubad niya ang belt bag na suot at may tinawag na lalaki para tumingin sa tindahan at saka niya kami nilabasan ni Drac.

Drac went out of the way at hindi ko na alam kung saan na siya pumunta.

Hara looked at me from head-to-toe. Hinawakan niya pa ako sa braso at nagpapalinga-linga na parang may tinataguan.

“Lourd, paano mo nalamang dito ako? Anong ginagawa mo rito?”

“I came for you,” with that respond, her face brightens but I don’t have plans to go along with her. “To warn you to stop spreading rumor about us,” I stated directly.

Her smile faded. “Anong...sinasabi mo?” she asked. But I can see through her.

If I hadn’t known the truth before Zamora lied to me, I might’ve believed her, because she’s so believable. While Hara’s too obvious when it comes to lying.

I shook my head slightly to brush off my thoughts. Why am I thinking of Zamora at this time?

“I personally came here to let you know that I’m serious about this matter. I’m not playing, Hara and I’m not interested in you. Stop this crap.”

I was about to turn back when he grabbed my arms. “Lourd!” Nilingon ko siya and she’s smiling widely.

“Okay, hindi na. But should I start talking that something happened to us?”

My hands balled into a fist.

“What do you want?”

She crossed her arms in front of me and gave me a b***h look. “Tss. Nag-iba ka na talaga, talaga bang kinalimutan mo na ako dahil lang nandiyan ka na sa posisyong iyan?”

“I didn’t forget about you, Hara. Hindi ko alam kung paano nakaabot sa empleyado ng kompanya ang storya mo, but they’ve been talking behind my back. Kakasimula ko pa lang, Hara. We’ve been good friends...” I stressed the good friends. “And you’re still my friend, don’t give me reason to break it.” I leaned closer to her. “Of all the people around me except my Dad and Drac, you’re the one who knows what I am capable of doing, please bear that in your mind.” Tuluyan na akong tumalikod para umalis na pero napahinto ako sa sinabi niya.

“Fine! Kailangan ko ng pera, at kung maibibigay mo ‘yon...” she acted zipping her mouth but cannot hide her crazy smile. “I’ll shut my mouth.”

I frowned as I faced her again. Ang layo niya na talaga sa Hara na nakilala ko noon.

Kinuha ko ang wallet sa front pocket ng pantalon ko. I fished a thick sum of bills and pressed it against her palm. Instead of being insulted, she smiled even more.

“Sorry, hindi na kita na-text. Nanakaw ang cellphone ko. But thanks to this, I can buy a new one,” she said while counting the 1-thousand-peso bills.

“Ite-text lang kita kung kailangan ko ulit ng pantakip sa bibig ko.” She pressed her lips together and covered it with money.

Madiin ko siyang hinawakan sa magkabilang-balikat. “Don’t you dare –”

“Hands off, kung gusto mong makalabas ng buhay rito.” She looked side by side and I can see bunch of men watching us as if waiting for her signal.

Marahas ko siyang binitiwan and she winced on it.

Damn, Hara!

Magkasalubong ang kilay kong humakbang paalis habang sinusuksok ang wallet ko sa bulsa ng pantalon. I don’t know where Drac is, but I’m sure susunod lang din iyon mamaya.

I was trapped when people crowded in the middle of the way. I think there’s a situation.

“Carlo! Naku, tulong! Hinimatay ang kapatid ko!” a girl shouted catching everyone’s attention.

The people tried to help, but I don’t have time for this so I’m trying to cross this sea of people.

I’m looking for a way when I felt a hand behind me. Ah, I put my wallet again in the back pocket.

I didn’t turn back but I caught his hand first.

Nilingon ko ito at hindi man lang siya pumalag.

“L-Lourd?” Tiningnan ko siya and when I recognized...

“Za?”

Hindi ako makapaniwala sa sitwasyong ito. What lies it will be this time when I caught her red-handed. Mas hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa kanya at nang harapin ko siya ay may malakas na pwersang nagtanggal sa kamay ko at tinakpan ang mukha ni Zamora ng hood ng jacket nito.

And they ran away. Everything happened so fast that I was a minute late before I ran after them. I keep on calling her, but she keeps on running. s**t, they’re so fast! I lost them!

I ran my fingers through my hair and kick the empty can at the sidewalk. I felt my phone vibrated.

It’s Drac calling.

Sir, nasaan ka?

“Mauna ka na sa sasakyan, pabalik na ako.”

And I ended the call.

Pagkarating sa sasakyan, kinuha ko ang bottled water sa dashboard at mabilisan itong ininom.

“May nangyari ba?”

I crumpled the water bottle while gritting my teeth. “Zamora was there, and...I caught her red handed picking my wallet.”

F*ck! I’m aware of this! I had the idea matagal na, but I didn’t expect na malalaman ko sa ganoong paraan. It was like hugging me but stroking a knife on me.

I don’t know but I feel so betrayed. I grew fond of her. Alam ko na, pero mas masakit palang maranasan ko talaga sa mga kamay niya.

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