Echoes of the Forbidden Oath (Tagalog)

Chapter 2

Three months later . . .

"WELCOME back, Mr. Bracho." the secretary greeted formally as the tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out of the elevator, fresh from his trip to Germany.

"Where's Mr. Efrain?" Marcelo asked without preamble, his voice firm, wasting no time on pleasantries.

"In his office, Sir. He’s been expecting you and made sure to delay his next meeting with the institutional investors until you arrived.” Iginiya siya ng secretary tungo sa loob ng furnished office ng boss nito.

"Good to see you, Marcelo. It’s been a while." Masiglang bati sa kanya ng Ninong na si Efrain. Itinigil nito ang ginagawa sa harap ng monitor at tumayo sa swivel chair, a wide smile breaking through his usually serious expression.

Marcelo responded with equal warmth, embracing the man who had been a close friend of his father and a mentor in the business world. “Likewise, Ninong. I wanted to personally check in on you, especially with your wedding just days away.”

Efrain gestured for him to take a seat on the comfortable settee. “Germany treating you well? Are you back for good?”

“Just a visit,” Marcelo replied as he settled into the chair. “I’ll be conducting some business until the end of March, but I’ll head back to Germany afterward. My mom wants me to stay there but I have some loose ends to tie up here.” His tone grew graver, underscored by the unresolved pain from his father’s passing. “It’s been three weeks, and my detectives still have no leads.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Efrain. Limang buwan na ang nakalipas ng mamatay si Fredo, ngunit hindi batid na patuloy pa rin ito sa pagpa-imbestiga. "Why is it taking so long? They should be more accountable. Do you need my help? May mga koneksyon ako at kakilalang commissioner na maayos ang pagtutok sa imbestigasyon."

Umiling si Marcelo. "It's better to focus on your wedding, Ninong. I’ve hired two detectives to handle the investigation.”

Efrain sighed but relented. “You’re right. I should keep my mind on wedding. Tatlong araw na lang."

Napansin ni Marcelo ang kakaibang sigla sa mga mata ni Efrain. “And yet, it seems you’re still busy with meetings and appointments. Shouldn’t you be relaxing by now?” he quirk.

Efrain laughed heartily. “Oh, I’m saving all my downtime for the honeymoon. You know me, I don’t like any interruptions when I finally get some time off.”

Marcelo grinned, appreciating the older man’s vitality. It was heartwarming to see his Ninong so excited about the next chapter in his life.

Sa pagpapatuloy ng kanilang pag-uusap. Bumalik ang sekretarya na may dalang kape para sa kanilang dalawa. Tinanggap niya ang inabot nitong tasa sa kanya sa isang magalang na ngiti. At hindi naiwasang pamulahan ng pisngi ang babae nang minsang nagsagi ang kanilang mga palad.

“Anyway, may mga sukat ka na bang ibinigay sa tailor?" tanong ni Efrain na tila naaalala ang detalye sa kasal.

“I did,” Marcelo confirmed, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. “I received my suit a couple of days ago. Everything’s set.”

“Good. I want everything to be perfect,” Efrain said with quiet satisfaction. Kasunod ang katok mula sa labas ng opisina na umagaw sa atensiyon nila.

Pumasok ang isang naka-unipormadong babae. Lumapit sa kinatutunguhan nila at may kung anong importanteng ibinulong sa lalaking si Efrain. Sandaling nag-usap ng tahimik ang mga ito sa harap niya bago binaling ng huli ang attention sa kanya.

"Marcelo, I’d like you to meet Delphina, my new personal assistant. Aside from my secretary, Delphina manages my schedule and coordinates my meetings. If you need anything, just go through her.”

Marcelo acknowledged Delphina with a nod. Nang magtama ang paningin nila ay pormal itong bumati sa kanya bago umalis sa kanilang harapan.

"Siya nga pala, Ninong. Where's your bride? Bilang best man mo, dapat makita ko na ang mapapangasawa mo bago ang kasal. I haven't seen her for a while." Marcelo’s curiosity was piqued, and he was eager to finally meet the woman who had captured his Ninong’s heart.

Efrain chuckled. “You’ll meet her soon enough, hijo. She’s still in the province, bukas pa ang dating niya with her family from mountain province." sagot ni Efrain, pagkatapos ay iniba at binuksan ang paksa tungkol sa binata. "Speaking of which, isa ka sa mga best man ko sa kasal, pero wala ka pang ipinakikilalang babae sa akin magmula ng maghiwalay kayo ng huli mong girlfriend. Sa bridesmaid ka na lang ba aasa?"

Sa bandang likuran ni Efrain ay mahinang tumikhim ang babaeng secretary katabi ang personal assistant. It seemed she had something to contribute to the conversation, but she remained silent, pahintulot na ituloy ng dalawang lalaki ang pag-uusap.

A smirk appeared on Marcelo’s lips, leaning back in his chair. Batid niyang matagal nang mayroong lihim na pagtingin sa kanya ang secretary ng kanyang Ninong. Ngunit palagi niyang pinananatili ang isang propesyonal na distansya. For Marcelo, work ethics and maintaining his reputation were paramount. “Well, since my last relationship ended. Maybe I’ll leave it up to the bridesmaids.”

Efrain laughed heartily, shaking his head. “You never change. Just make sure you have some fun before you head back to Germany.”

Of course,” he answered, adjusting his coat buttons as he stood up from the settee, his tall figure commanding the room. "Anyway, I’ll be back in a couple of days for the wedding. I’ve got some things to handle before then," he quipped lightly, extending his hand again. “Hindi tayo magkakaroon ng bonding, Ninong," patuloy niya na ang tinutukoy ay ang madalas nilang pag-golf at tennis na dati'y kasama pa ang ama

Efrain stood as well, returning the handshake. "We’ll catch up properly then. And don’t worry, you’ll meet Jane soon enough.”

"Jane . . ." Marcelo echoed the name thoughtfully, letting it linger on his tongue.

"Yes, she has been preparing for this big day just like I am, and I’m sure you’ll find her a lovely addition to our circle."

"Can't wait to see her then. I’m sure she’s just as wonderful as you say. Alam ko naman na magaling kang pumili ng babae," nakangiti niyang tugon bago nagpaalam, at umalis.

Ang naiwang si Efrain sa loob ng opisina ay hindi napigilang mapangiti sa sinabi ng binata. Sa galak ay nabaling ang tingin sa bintana, pinagmasdan ang cityscape ng BGC, iniisip ang nalalapit na kasal.