Sugarbabe, Don't Tease Me

Chap 3: Let’s see if I can resist you professionally

Ang akala ni Sophia na isang pangkaraniwang café ay nasa loob pala ng isang five-star hotel. Tiningala niya ang matayog na building mula sa bintana ng sinasakyang taxi. She was thankful that she decided to book a ride instead of commuting for transportation. Kung nagbus siya ay malamang na pawisan siya ngayon dahil sa paglalakad mula sa gate ng hotel papunta sa entrance nito.

Sophia gracefully get down from the car. In-adjust niya ang laylayan ng kanyang black silk dress na hanggang mid-thigh ang taas. Ayaw sana niyang suotin ang naturang damit dahil hapit na hapit iyon sa kanyang katawan pero iyon ang pinilit ni Margie na ipasuot sa kanya. She is a skinny woman so the dress showed her hidden curves. It was a cowl neck dress with thin sleeveless straps. Sabi pa ni Margie ay na-ii-enhance daw ang mapang-akit niyang mga dibdib kapag suot niya ang damit na iyon. Ikanga nito, Simple but yet sexy.

Pero hindi nito alam na dinala niya ang kanyang mustard leather jacket para takpan ang kanyang mga balikat. Giniginaw kasi siya dahil sa nipis ng silk dress na iyon at feeling niya ay nakadamit pantulog siya. She meant no offense to the beautiful dress. Sadyang hindi lang talaga siya sanay sa mga ganitong damit. Paniguradong mapapagalitan siya ni Margie kung nakikita man siya nito ngayon dahil sinira niya ang OOTD na inayos nito para sa kanya. She apologized to Margie on her mind, I'm sorry Margie but I choose comfort first.

Sophia looked at her shoes. Kung may nagustuhan man siya sa lahat ng suggestions ni Margie, ito ay ang deep black strap heels na suot niya. Her nails may only have colorless design on them but the shoes are perfect on her feet. Nababagay rin sa kanyang outfit ang purse na hawak niya. It was a small black prada purse. Kumikinang pa iyon dahil sa black jewels na pumapalibot sa kabuuan ng maliit na bag. Confident rin si Sophia sa kanyang minimal make-up na gawa parin ni Margie. Iyon nga lang, hindi siya naka-angal nang pahiran nito ng mapulang lipstick ang kanyang mga labi. Pero aminado si Sophia na nakadagdag sa kanyang alindog ang mapulang lipstick na iyon. Thanks to the courtesy of her helpful roommate, she was able to achieve the perfect look for tonight. Lumakas ang loob ni Sophia, Tingnan lang natin kung hindi ko mabingwit ang sugar daddy na iyan!

She moved her way inside the hotel. Nang makita ang kinaroroonan ng Café Dela Rosa ay nilakad niya iyon. Isang bellboy ang bumati kay Sophia pagpasok niya sa mamahaling café, “Good evening, maa'm! How may I help you?”

“Yes, I have a reservation for …Darkshadow17. Is he here?” tanong ni Sophia. Nag-alangan pa siya nang sabihin iyon sa kausap. She had no way of knowing whom she was meeting so she said his username on the app instead. What if there was no Darkshadow17?

“This way please,” nakahinga si Sophia nang akayin siya ng bellboy pagkatapos nitong tingnan ang hawak na file. Darkshadow17 exists after all.

The place was elegant and cozy at the same time. Hindi masyadong kalakihan ang naturang café at katamtaman lang ang bilang ng mga taong kumakain sa gabing iyon. But Sophia was impressed by the classy ambience the café gives. Hindi niya inakala na makakatuntong siya sa ganito ka-eleganteng lugar dahil sa mga kdrama lamang niya nakikita ang mga ganitong klase ng restaurant.

Hindi ipinahalata ni Sophia ang kanyang pagkamangha. Sa halip ay sumunod siya sa waiter na iginaya naman siya sa isang table kung saan may ginoong naka-upo. The man was doing something on his phone with his head down. Basta na lang iniwan si Sophia ng waiter kaya hindi niya alam ang gagawin.

“Ehem,” tumikhim si Sophia upang makuha ang atensyon ng lalaki.

The man immediately stopped what he was doing when he noticed her feet on the floor. His eyes traveled from her legs up to her

thighs and unto her body-hugging dress. She saw his eyes widen when he spotted her jacket. Pero iniwalang saglit iyon ng lalaki at tumitig sa kanyang mukha. Tinanong siya nito, “ShoogaFlum22?”

“Darkshadow17?” balik tanong niya rito. Medyo nailang si Sophia dahil sa tingin na pinuna ng lalaki ukol sa kanyang jacket. Sabi na nga ba’t panira ng look ang mustard na jacket na iyon.

“It's nice to finally meet you,” tumayo ang lalaki at inilahad ang kamay nito bilang pagbati.

“Nice to meet you too,” ngiti naman ni Sophia rito at inabot ang nakalahad na kamay nito. The man slowly brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. Pero hindi pinutol ng lalaki ang titigan ng kanilang mga mata. She was pleased by his gesture.

Sophia was surprised to see that Darshadow17 is what he said he was. Kinabahan siya noong una dahil baka mabiktima siya ng 'expectation vs reality'. But the guy was real as he was in his profile photo. Ang bata pa nito kung ikokompara sa ibang bilyonaryong gumagamit ng app. He looked young and much more handsome. Napa-isip si Sophia, Is he even considered a sugar daddy?

“Let's take our seats. Wait,” saad nito. Hinila nito ang upuan sa lamesa. Pagkatapos ay lumipat ito sa kanyang likuran. He whispered behind her, “Should I take your jacket from you? You'll look even more beautiful without it.”

“Sure,” walang angal na saad ni Sophia. Hinayaan niya itong hubarin ang kasuotan mula sa kanya. She moved her arms so he can freely take off the leather jacket from her. Himala at hindi naging alintana sa kanya ang lamig sa loob ng café.

Umupo si Sophia. Hinintay niya ang lalaki na umupo rin sa tapat niya pero nagtaka siya nang hindi iyon nangyari. Nilingon niya ito. Nakita niya ang lalaki na nakatitig sa kanyang jacket at hawak parin nito iyon. Inusisa niya ito, “Is something wrong?”

“What? Oh, nothing.” tumalima agad ito. His serious facade turned to a smile when Sophia confronted him. He then placed the jacket around the chair behind her. Nagkomento ito tungkol sa pag-aari niya, “This clothing is such a fine piece of leather.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we order?” sambi nito nang sa wakas ay naka-upo na rin sa tapat ni Sophia.

Tumango siya at hinayaan itong umorder para sa kanilang dalawa. The man was quite a charmer. He also poured some wine on each of their glasses. Tinikman niya ang alak. Surprisingly, it tastes good. Tumikim siya ulit dahil nakakahumaling ang amoy ng alak na iyon.

“Take it easy on the wine. It’s a delectable drink pero madali itong nakalalasing,” nakangiting paalala ng lalaki sa kanya. He watched her while she was drinking her wine.

“Sorry, masarap lang kasi,” she slyly smiled.

He smirked. The man moved his hand towards her face. He used his thumb to wipe off a moist of wine at the corner of her mouth. Nanigas si Sophia sa kina-uupuan. Tumigil saglit ang kanyang paghinga dahil sa ginawa nitong iyon. Pero mukhang wala lang iyon sa ka-date niya dahil kalma lang nitong binawi ang kamay. He fondly drank his wine even after he disturbed her personal space.

Kumurap si Sophia at agad na ibinaba ang kopita ng alak. He was right. She should be more careful on the wine. Mahirap na, baka ano pa ang maging epekto ng wine sa kanya mga ikinikilos.

“I don’t know your name yet. Or are we not allowed to know names?” pag-iiba ng usapan ni Sophia upang pilit na ibalewala ang nangyari.

“Depends on you. Listen, I'm here for serious business so I might as well introduce myself. My real name's Ethan,” he explained.

“I guess we're telling names then. I’m Sophia,” pakilala naman niya.

“Ever heard of the Andrade Conglomerates?” he asked.

“Nope,” she answered innocently. Sakto namang dumating ang waiter dala ang kanilang pagkain kaya itinuon ni Sophia ang

atensyon sa katakam-takam na appetizer na nasa harap niya.

“Really?” tanong nito sabay sipsip sa hawak na wine glass. Ethan looked at her in between his lashes.

“Is that your thing? Conglomerates?” tanong niya habang isinusubo ang pagkain na hindi niya maintindihan ang itsura pero napakasarap pagdating sa kanyang bibig. Sinulyapan niya ang katapat.

“Hmmm,” tango lamang ang ibinigay na tugon ni Ethan. He also started eating the food on his plate. Mayamaya ay sumeryoso ito, “Now that we have the introductions out of the way, hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa. What are your terms, Sophia?”

“Terms? - Oh!” naalala niya ang maikling coaching session nila ni Margie bago siya umalis ng apartment. Before starting any agreement with a sugardaddy, she must lay first what she can and can't do. Sabi ni Sophia, “My terms are just simple.”

“Number One, you can call me whenever you need a companion. May it be a date at parties or wherever you need me to be. Just make sure all my outfits are taken care of,” panimula ni Sophia.

“Of course, that's a given. You can't wear anything cheap when you're with me,” Ethan replied.

“Then for number two, in exchange for my services, kailangan mo lang mag-provide ng monetary allowances ko or some kind of monetary payment. But of course, it would be up to you on how much you'll be willing to pay me,” paliwanag ni Sophia. Ngumiti siya sa lalaking kausap.

“That's just right,” sang ayon ni Ethan. He finished his food and wiped his mouth with the table napkin. Pagkatapos ay seryoso itong tumitig kay Sophia, “May kailangan lang akong idagdag.”

“Ano iyon?”

“Una, you need to come whenever I call for you. I have a lot of business trips outside the country. You need to be ready for that because you're coming along with me whenever needed. You also must prepare if it's necessary for you to stay at my house occasionally,” Ethan began listing his terms.

“Pangalawa, don't call me. Yes, you’ll have my personal number but you can’t call me. Ako dapat ang unang tatawag sa'yo. Don't

bombard my phone with unnecessary messages and calls. Kung may kailangan ka, you need to wait for me to call you. Understood?” seryosong paliwanag ng lalaki na tinanguan naman ni Sophia.

“Pangatlo, you're not allowed to entertain other men. You're mine exclusively. Hiwalayan mo na kung may boyfriend ka man ngayon. And don't even think of hiding a boy from me. Malalaman at malalaman ko iyon,” Ethan said intently. It was more of a threat than a part of his terms.

“Wala akong boyfriend,” she immediately replied. Sophia wanted to snarl at him. Nakadalawang terms lang siya pero kung makalatag ng terms ang lalaking ito, ang kulang na lang ay magtake notes si Sophia dahil baka makalimutan niya ang mga iyon sa sobrang dami.

“Good,” he looked pleased by her answer. Pero hindi pa roon natapos ang mga kondisyon ni Ethan, “Pang-apat, it's necessary to do a background check on you. So, huwag kang magtaka kung alam ko ang lahat ng tungkol sa buhay mo.”

“Panglima, no personal questions asked. I'm neither a delicate person that you need to understand nor are you my psychologist. So, let's keep things light, shall we?” paalala ni Ethan.

Umuo na lang si Sophia bilang tugon rito dahil hindi rin naman niya mapipigil ang lalaki sa mga kondisyon nito. It looked like this set-up was more of a business to him than a pleasure. Kung ganon ang gusto ni Ethan ay walang problema iyon kay Sophia dahil mapapadali ang trabaho iyon para sa kanya.

“Sa pang-anim, this will be the last of my terms…” sabi ni Ethan habang mariing nakatitig kay Sophia.

“What is it?” she asked. Sophia couldn't wait for his suspense.

“You can never fall in love with me,” Ethan finally said. Muntik nang mabilaokan si Sophia sa iniinom na wine nang marinig ang sinabing iyon ng lalaki.

“Why would I even fall in love with you?!” she laughed. Ibinaba niya ang kopita at pinahiran ng table napkin ang kanyang bibig. Sophia was amazed by how narcissistic rich men are. Ganito ba kalaki ang kompiyansa ni Ethan sa kagwapuhan nito para mag-expect na miinlab siya rito? Sophia denied him, “I'm sorry but I don't mix work with pleasure. And as you've said with your terms, this is purely work for me.”

“It's just a precaution. Magiging magulo lang ang sitwasyon natin kapag nagkataong ma-inlab ka sa'kin. But let's see if you can resist my charm professionally,” paghamon ng binata kay Sophia.

“Don't worry, there's nothing to resist,” she insisted. Kampante pa siyang ngumitii kay Ethan.

“I also have the right to end this agreement whenever deemed necessary. Of course, I'll make sure you'll be compensated generously when it ends,” paliwanag ni Ethan.

“May idadagdag rin ako sa mga rules ko,” saad ni Sophia.

“And that is?” Ethan raised an eyebrow at her.

“No s*x. Me being your sugar baby does not mean I'm your w***e,” Sophia said firmly. Ninenerbyos siya habang sinasabi iyon pero hindi niya ipinahalata sa lalaki.

Ethan smirked. Tahimik lang ito pero hindi alam ni Sophia kung ano ang iniisip ng lalaki. What if s*x talaga ang hanap nito sa isang sugar baby, tapos ay hindi iyon mabigay-bigay ni Sophia? She'll be useless to him.

“If you're not okay with that, then I'm sorry. There's no point in discussing this further with you, Mister Ethan … Andrade,” Sophia declared professionally. Wala na siyang magagawa kung hindi nito matatanggap ang bukod-tanging kondisyon na iyon. No money can change her dignity.

“It's Ethan Daniel Andrade the Second,” he corrected her.

“What?” kumurap si Sophia.

“That's my name. You should know some basic information about me if we're going to continue with this agreement,” kalmang saad ni Ethan. He gave his attention back to scooping a teaspoonful of his dessert. Pagkatapos ay sabi nito, “And by the way, hindi issue sa'kin ang 'no s*x' thing mo. A lot of women run after me to fill that role in my life.”

Muntik nang mapanganga ang bibig ni Sophia dahil sa sinabi nito. Medyo napahiya siya ng kaunti. Saad ng isip niya, Baka nakalimutan mong bilyonaryo ang kausap mo, Sophia? Of course, he can easily get s*x in any way he wants.

“I thought so, too,” sabi na lang ni Sophia para sumang-ayon kay Ethan.

“But I'm pretty sure you'll soon regret making that rule,” he smugged. Sinulyapan ni Ethan si Sophia bago ito sumipsip ng wine.

“Let's see if I can resist you professionally,” she said, mocking him. Kinopya lang naman niya ang mga sinabing iyon ni Ethan kanina. Nang maalala ito ng lalaki ay naging dahilan iyon para tumawa ito ng malakas. He was definitely amused.

“Cheers, my sugarbabe?” Ethan said, still enthused by her. The young billionaire delightfully raised his wine and invited her to clink their glasses.

Sugarbabe... ulit ni Sophia sa kanyang isipan. Can she get used to that word? Iwinaksi ni Sophia ang mga agam-agam sa kanyang utak. Ngumiti siya kay Ethan at pinaunlakan ang imbitasyon nito. She raised her own glass to him, “Cheers!”

Sophia enjoyed the rest of the evening with her date. They talked mostly about Ethan's family business. Nalaman niya kung gaano pala kalawak ang nasasakop ng Andrade Conglomorate, from Super Malls to Hotels and Resorts. He even owned the five-star hotel they are dining in. Meron rin itong mga casino at food manufacturing plants na saklaw parin ng pangalang Andrade. When Sophia saw the logo on the personal calling card that Ethan gave her, she knew she had seen that logo somewhere before. Ipinagmalaki rin ng lalaki ang mga establishment ng kompanya nito sa iba't ibang lugar sa Pilipinas.

Pagkatapos ng kanilang dinner ay nag-alok si Ethan na ihatid siya pauwi. Magtataxi na lang sana si Sophia but he insisted on driving her home. Pagdating sa mismong harapan ng kanyang apartment building ay nagpaalam siya sa lalaki.

“Thanks for the ride,” bumaling si Sophia kay Ethan na nasa driver seat. Tinanggal niya ang seatbelt at akmang bababa ng kotse nito.

“Wait, aren't you going to invite me for some coffee?” sabi nito habang tinitingnan ang kabuuan ng building.

“Uhmmm...” hindi makasagot si Sophia. Ayaw kasi niyang dalhin ang kanyang trabaho sa bahay. And she considers Ethan as her work.

“Just kidding,” bumaling ito sa kanya at ngumiti. Sabi pa nito, “We're not dating so there's no need to have coffee afterwards.”

“Right,” She laughed awkwardly. Mabuti na lang at nagbibiro lang pala ito.

“By the way, here's my gift to you for showing up,” may kinuha itong maliit na paperbag mula sa backseat. Ibinigay nito iyon kay Sophia.

“Ano 'to?” she asked and peeked inside the bag. Naglalaman iyon ng isang maliit na box. It was wrapped in a ribbon.

“Just open it when you get home,” nakangiting saad ni Ethan sa kanya.

“Thanks,” sabi ni Sophia bago bumaba ng kotse at magpaalam sa binata. She watched his car go before she went inside the building.

Pagdating sa apartment ay nagulat si Sophia dahil nakaabang pala sa kanya si Margie. Nakaupo ito sa sofa habang hinihintay ang kanyang pagpasok sa pinto. Alam niyang nakita nitong inihatid siya ng kotse ni Ethan dahil nakabukas ang kurtina ng kanilang bintana.

“How was it? How is he? Gwapo ba? Legit mayaman?” sunod-sunod na tanong ni Margie sa kanya. Sinalubong siya nito sa sala.

“He was fine,” pagod na ibinagsak ni Sophia ang katawan sa sofa. Hinubad niya ang jacket at tinanggal ang sapatos. Her feet are aching from the black high heels.

“So, what's your status with him? Come on, tell me more! I'm dying to know what happened,” pangungulit ni Margie sa ka-roommate.

“Ayon, we agreed on each other's terms,” baling niya kay Margie.

“Really?! Ha! Ang galing ko talagang mentor!” pinuri ni Margie sa sarili. Proud na proud ito sa pagiging sugar baby mentor ni Sophia.

“Although, he wasn't that old to be called a sugar daddy. Sa itsura niyang iyon, mas makakakuha pa siya ng desenteng girlfriend,” kontra ni Sophia. Totoo naman, kagaya nga ng sabi ni Ethan, maraming naghahabol na mga babae rito para punan ang pangagailangan ng katawan nito. So, why did he choose to get a sugar baby instead?

“Well, it depends. Some billionaires don't want the hassle of dating,” paliwanag ni Margie basi sa experience nito. Sinaway rin nito ang ka-roommate, “Ano ka ba! Young or old, bilyonaryo parin ang nakuha mo! Oh, my goodness! You have a sugar daddy, Sophia!”

At doon nag-sink in sa kanyang utak ang mga sinabi ni Margie. She did it. Hindi niya alam kung paano niya nagawa iyon pero nakuha niyang mang-akit at makabingwit ng isang mayamang lalaki. Sigaw ng isip ni Sophia, I have a sugar daddy!!!

“What's this?” Margie interrupted her thoughts. Pinulot nito ang paperbag na nakalagay sa ibabaw ng coffee table. Tiningnan ni Margie ang laman ng paperbag at kinuha ang box nang makita nito iyon.

“It's a gift from him,” saad ni Sophia. Inabot ni Margie ang maliit na kahon sa mga kamay niya. She untied the knot around it and opened the box. May nakita siyang itim na card sa loob niyon. Tanong ni Sophia, “Ano 'to?”

“Oh my god, Sophia! Did he just give you a black card?” gulat na tanong ni Margie. Halos lumuwa ang mga mata nito nang makita ang kulay itim na card. Tinakpan rin nito ang nakaawang na bibig.

“Black card?” nalilito paring tanong ni Sophia.

“That's a credit card, you silly! That’s your key to happiness!” excited na saad ni Margie.

“Credit card pala 'to?” pinulot niya ang card at inusisa iyon. It was a bit creepy when she saw that her full name was already on it. Pero binalewala na lang iyon ni Sophia dahil sabi nga ni Ethan, a background check is necessary when it comes to people working for him. Nakapagtataka lang dahil alam nito ang kanyang mga impormasyon bago pa man siya na-meet nito.

“Alam mo kung anong mas bongga diyan? A black card has unlimited credit! Ibig sabihin, makakabili ka ng kahit ano gamit ang card na iyan,” nagniningning ang mga matang saad ni Margie sa kanya.

“Unlimited?” manghang saad ni Sophia habang nakatitig sa card. Hindi siya makapaniwala na hawak na niya ang solusyon sa kanyang mga problema. Saad ng isip niya, Ibig sabihin ba nito, mababayaran ko na ng buo ang pagpapa-ospital ni Junjun?

Napahinto si Sophia nang tumunog ang notification ng kanyang smartphone. She received a message from an unknown number.

Did you like my gift? Iyon ang message na natanggap ni Sophia mula sa number na iyon.

Kinuha niya ang calling card na bigay ni Ethan at ikinompara iyon sa unknown number na nagmessage sa kanya. Tugma ang mga numero kaya sigurado siyang kay Ethan galing iyon. Nagtype si Sophia sa kanyang smartphone.

Thank you for the black card, simpleng reply niya.

It's my pleasure. You can use it however you want, reply naman ni Ethan sa kanyang message. Before she could put down her phone, may pahabol pa na mensahe si Ethan para sa kanya.

Free your time on Friday. You need to come with me to the party, utos nito. Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Sophia sa message na iyon at sa black card na hawak niya. She must admit she's a bit nervous but excited. Sa biyernes magsisimula ang kanyang trabaho bilang sugar baby ni Ethan. Sa oras na gamitin niya ang black card na nasa kanyang mga kamay, ang ibig sabihin lang niyon ay hindi na niya ito puwedeng atrasan. Makakaya kaya niyang gampanan ang pagiging sugar baby nito?