Destiny's Dance

Chapter 19

Everyday of Chanylle's life became miserable. Nahirapan siyang tanggapin ang lahat ng kinahinatnan ng pagsasama nila ni Roger. Although masyadong maiksi ang naging pagsasama nila, pero ramdam na ramdam niya ang sakit. Roger is the first man in her life. Kay Roger niya naranasan ang ma in love.

As for her, love is a powerful language that binds hearts, making life richer, more meaningful, and profoundly interconnected. Pero sa mga nangyari sa kanya ngayon, her life becomes meaningless and poorer.

She now realizes that there are people who come into life, just to pass by and will never go back, upang pasayahin ng panandalian ang kanyang buhay.

Ginaluntang ang malalim na pag-iisip ni Chanylle dahil sa malakas na tunog ng kanyang cellphone.

Only a number appears on her screen. Nakakunot-noo niyang sinagot ang tawag.

She heard a heavy sigh but it was familiar. But she knew it was Roger on the line. Nabuhayan ng loob si Chanylle. Marahil ay makikipag-ayos na si Roger sa kanya.

“We need to talk, this is an important matter. Regarding our annulment.” Hindi pa man nakakapagsalita si Chanylle ay iyon na kaagad ang bumungad sa kanyang pandinig. Parang may tinik sa lalamunan na napalunok na lamang siya kasabay ng pagtulo ng kanyang masaganang luha. Well, dapat niya naman asahan na annulment ang kasunod na yugto sa buhay nila ni Roger. After a month na wala silang komunikasyon ay iyon kaagad ang bungad sa kanya.

“You need to accept it, Chanylle. Consider him just your quick past. Kung gaano kadali mo siyang nakilala, ganoon din kabilis na nawala siya sa buhay mo,” bulong niya sa sarili habang pinapahid ang mga luha. “You need to be strong and brave. Do not entertain a man in your life again. They are just ruining your life and emotions,” Paalala niya sa kanyang sarili.

At dumating na nga ang araw ng pakikipagkita ni Chanylle kay Roger. Ikinumpos niya ng maigi ang kanyang sarili, sinisuguro niyang hindi niya maipapakita dito ang kanyang totoong nararamdaman, na nasasaktan pa rin siya. Gusto niyang maging matatag sa laban na kakaharapin niya.

“We've been struggling for a while now, and I think it's time we seriously consider going our separate ways,” ang malamig na boses na wika ni Roger. Chanylle made her face serious at taas noong sinasalubong ang mga mata ni Roger.

“Roger, I've been feeling the same. It's not fair to either of us to keep pretending everything is okay,” aniya. She simply swallowed and tried to hold back her tears attempting to fall. “And now I realized that your love is not pure. Kasi dapat makinig ka sa mga paliwanag ko! At tanging ang bata sa sinapupunan ko lang ang mahal mo! At ngayon na wala na sya, wala na rin ang love na minsan mong ipinadama sa akin.”

“Maybe we should look into an annulment. It seems like the most sensible way to end things without unnecessary complications.”

She nods. “You're right. We should talk to a lawyer about this. I've heard about Attorney Martinez; they specialize in these matters.”

“Let's set up a meeting with Attorney Martinez and discuss the steps forward. We owe it to ourselves to handle this with respect and dignity.”

The days followed by their meet up to Attorney Martinez

“Roger, Chanylle, I understand this is a difficult decision. Let's discuss the terms of the annulment. Any specific concerns or assets we need to consider?”

“Fortunately, we don't have kids, so that simplifies things, Gusto kong ipangalan ulit sa akin ang ilang properties na nakapangalan kay Chanylle. I realized na mali palang ipagkatiwala ang isang napakahalagang yaman, sa isang babae na hindi mo pa pala lubusang kilala.”

Pakiramdam ni Chanylle ay sobra siyang nanliit dahil sa sinabi ni Roger. Nasaktan siya ng sobra.

“We just want a clean break and to move on with our lives,” She agreed while biting her lower lips upang pigilan ang namumuong mga luha. Naluluha siya hindi dahil sa mawawalan na siya ng karapatan sa ipinamana nitong property, kundi dahil sa harapan nitong pananakit sa damdamin niya.

“That's understandable. I'll draft the agreement based on our discussion, and once you're both comfortable, we can proceed with the necessary paperwork,” Attorney Martinez said and started to review the agreement.

“The terms look fair to me. Chanylle, what's your take on it?”

“I agree. Let's move forward with this. It's the best decision for both of us.”

“Excellent. I'll finalize the documents, and we can proceed with the annulment filing. If you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out.”

A few months had passed. Both of them willingly signed the annulment papers.

They are both speechless at the moment and no one is attempting to open a conversation.

Chanylle's eyes, a reflection of fading daylight, held a lingering sadness, a sentiment she concealed behind a veil of forced smiles.

"I guess this is it, Roger," Halos pabulong na saad ni Chanylle. Her voice betrays a hint of melancholy. She gazed into the distance, as if searching for solace habang nagdidilim ang paligid.

"Yeah, Chanylle. It's time for both of us to move on," he replied, his words carrying an acceptance.

As they exchanged their final goodbyes, Chanylle's heart still harbored love for her ex-husband, a sentiment she dared not utter in the presence of Roger, who deserved a clean break.

"I wish you all the happiness, Roger," Chanylle said, her smile bittersweet. "You deserve it."

Roger nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "You too, Chanylle. “Move on.”

As Roger walked away, the distance between them mirrored the emotional chasm that had developed over time. Chanylle watched him disappear into the evening shadows, a knot tightening in her chest. She wondered if she had made the right choice.

Along with her thoughts, Chanylle's mind became a canvas painted with memories of her ex-husband. She felt the weight of unresolved emotions, a love that refused to be buried. Yet, she kept it locked away, a secret garden hidden in the recesses of her heart.

Pagkatapos ng kanilang annulment ay nangibang bansa si Chanylle. Nag-ipon siya ng pera para mapag-aral ang sarili. Nagsimula siya sa unti-unti na proseso patungo sa matagumpay na pagnenegosyo.

In her room, Chanylle found herself revisiting the fragments of her past.

She then realized that moving forward meant confronting the echoes of her past, not burying them.

It was time to untangle the threads of her heart and embark on a journey to rediscover herself. The road ahead was uncertain, but within that uncertainty lay the promise of healing and, perhaps, a chance to start a new life without him.

Malayang-malaya na si Chanylle. Dumaan pa ang mga araw, buwan at taon, finally Chanylle got hailed from those heartbreaks. Gumising siya sa umaga ng may mga ngiti sa mga labi. Minsan napapangiti na lamang siya kapag naaalala ang nakaraan. Because of those past, she became a brave and strong woman.

She is now heading towards her office. She can finally say how successful she is now. She owned multiple branches of the wine industry in the Philippines. She's now a successful and influential entrepreneur in the wine industry with a significant presence in both ownership and distribution.

Chanylle reached her success quietly to her parents. Pagkatapos siyang palayasin ng mga ito dahil sa nangyari sa kanila ni Roger, ay nagsumikap siyang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral upang makamit ang kanyang matagal na pangarap. At iyon ay maging isang matagumpay na negosyante.

“Good morning ma'am, I have received an email from the well-known hotel bar somewhere in Quezon city, the company wants to talk with you personally. It is all about partnership with our wine industry.”

Bungad sa kanya ng sekretaryang si Madeline pagpasok pa lang niya sa kanyang opisina.

“That sounds great. What actually is the name of their company?” nakangiting tanong ng dalaga at nag-umpisang umupo sa swivel chair.

“De Luxxe,” Madeline answered.

Natigilan si Chanylle. That was the famous hotel bar all over the Philippines, and it was great to hear that the company wants her to negotiate a business matter. At ang nakakatuwa pang isipin na sa dami ng wine distributors sa Pilipinas ay ang napili ay ang kanilang sektor ng wine. Nangangahulugan lamang iyon na talagang recognized na ang kanyang company.

The day followed by her meet up to the De Luxxe owner. As usual, she needs to be beautiful. She needs to be professional indeed.

Chanylle gets surprised when she finally sees how beautiful and huge the De Luxxe is.

She approaches the front desk of De Luxxe.

“Good evening! How may I assist you?” Ang nakangiting tanong ng babaeng front desk officer.

“Good evening! I have a meeting with the owner of the De Luxxe hotel bar.” Seryoso niyang saad. Pasimple niyang iginala ang paningin.

The hotel stands out with its unique ambiance and social vibe. From the moment she steps through the entrance, she'll notice the inviting atmosphere and stylish decor that sets it apart. The carefully curated space encourages social interaction, making it a favorite among their guests. Whether it's the chic design, friendly staff.

“Welcome! Let me check that for you. May I have your identification, please?”

“Here is my ID.” Mabilis na dinukot ni Chanylle ang kanyang identification card mula sa kanyang hand bag at ibinigay iyon.

“Thank you, Miss Chanylle Mendez, I see you have a scheduled meeting. Could you confirm the details, and do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, I have a reservation under my name for a meeting with the owner of this hotel bar.” She politely answered.

“Okay, Let me just verify that. Could you also provide the appointment confirmation or any reference number you might have?”

Lihim na napabuntong-hininga si Chanylle. Ang dami palang tanong at hinihingi. Pero hindi naman lingid sa kanya iyon, naisip niya lang na masyado siguro siyang excited na makita ang owner kaya gusto niyang madaliin ang staff.

“Here is the appointment confirmation email with the reference number.”

“Thank you, everything seems to be in order. Mr. Gatchero is expecting you. Enjoy your meeting at the hotel office and feel free to reach out if you need any assistance during your stay.”

Napanganga si Chanylle. Tama ba ang narinig niya? Mr. Gatchero? Hindi niya maiwasang ma tense. She immediately remembered her ex husband R. Drebb Gatchero. Knowing na si R. Drebb ay siya ring may-ari ng naglalakihang hotel sa Pilipinas.

Pero naisip niya rin na baka ka apelyido lang nito ang taong makakaharap niya sa ngayon.

Why should she feel tense, anyway? She moved on from the past. She is now different from the past.

Hanggang sa natagpuan na lamang niya ang sariling tinatahak ang hallway patungong opisina ng nagmamay-ari ng De Luxxe.

In the dimly lit ambiance of the upscale office, the air was thick with a mixture of nostalgia and tension as Chanylle walked towards. Kumatok siya ngunit walang sumagot mula sa loob. As she swung the door open, Chanylle entered, with her past hearbeat.

It has dim lights in there with sweet music in the background.

Isang lalaking nakatalikod ang nabungaran ni Chanylle. Nakasout ito ng business suit at tila hindi nito napansin ang pagpasok niya sa loob kaya naisipan niyang kuhanin kaagad ang atensiyon nito.

“Good evening, I am the wine distributor, My secretary recieved an email from your company, stated that you wanted to meet me personally, to disscuss about the agreement,” she said. A subtle nervousness betrays her composure. Bagay na hindi alam ng dalaga kung bakit kailangan niyang makaramdam ng ganoon.

Dahan-dahan lumingon ang lalaki. Tila naging slow motion iyon sa paningin ng dalaga nang mapagtanto kung sino ang lalaking kaharap.

"Roger," she said, a hint of warmth and uncertainty in her voice. Hindi pa rin pala naglalaho ang taglay nitong kagwapuhan. Pansin din ng dalaga na mas naging matured ang look nito kaysa noon. At tila medyo nangayayat ito.

“Chanylle," Roger replied with a polite smile, acknowledging her presence. Ni hindi man lamang ito nagulat na nakita siya doon.

They settled into a corner booth, the subdued lighting casting shadows. The conversation began with small talk, skirting around the edge of the business matters.

Parang pinagpawisan si Chanylle kahit malamig naman ang aircon sa loob. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit siya nagkakaganoon.

"S-so Mr. Gatchero, let's get down to business," mabilis niyang saad. Hinamig niya ang sarili at ikinumpos mula sa pagkakaroon ng tension sa pagitan nila, o baka siya lang ang nakakaramdam ng tense? finally she said, cutting through the veiled conversation. "What's this agreement you want us to discuss?" Pero ang totoo, gusto niyang bawiin ang kanyang sinabi. Sa totoo nga niyan ay gusto niya nang mag walk out. Kung alam niya lang na si Roger ang nagmamay-ari ng De Luxxe ay hinding-hindi siya pupunta doon.

Hindi niya kasi akalain na ganoon na kalawak ang negosyo nito kung kaya at umabot na nga dito sa Manila. Kung matatandaan ay Mindanao Grand Hotels lang ang pangalan ng itinayo nitong hotels dahil nakabase lamang iyon sa Mindanao.

Roger took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Chanylle's. "I want to form a partnership between my hotel bar and your esteemed wine business. It's a lucrative opportunity, and I believe it could benefit both of us."

Chanylle raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Mr. Gatchero, we have a history. Mixing business with personal relationships is risky. Don't you think it's better to keep things separate?" Ni hindi alam ng dalaga kung bakit iyon ang mga katagang nabanggit niya. Pero para sa dalaga ay isang maagap na paalala lamang iyon.

A sarcastic smile played on Roger's lips. "I understand the complexities, Chanylle. I only talk about business nothing is personal. And we can be professionals about this. Our past shouldn't hinder us from exploring a mutually beneficial partnership."

Bahagyang napahiya si Chanylle. Kunsabagay. Bakit niya naman isasali ang nakaraan nila sa isang business agreement? Baka ano na lang ang isipin nito. Baka isipin nitong hindi pa siya nakakapagmove-on.

Roger leaned back, his gaze scrutinizing her. "Ms. Mendez.” Sa wakas ay natutunan din nitong banggitin ng tama ang pangalan niya. “There's a reason why we ended things. Do you really think we can compartmentalize our emotions and work together without it affecting the deal?"

Chanylle hesitated, but then a determined look crossed her face. "I believe in the potential of this partnership, Mr. Gatchero. We can set clear boundaries and focus on the business aspect. Our personal history should not dictate our professional choices." Siya na rin mismo ang bumawi sa itinatakbo ng kanyang isipan.

Roger sighed, a conflicted expression on his face. "Ms. Mendez, it's not about doubting our ability to be professional. It's about avoiding unnecessary complications. What if things go south? I don't want our past to jeopardize our respective businesses."

She remained silent. Chanylle searched for the right response, her mind racing through a myriad of emotions. "Roger, I respect your concerns, but I also believe in growth. We've both evolved since our time together, and I think we can handle this."

Roger leaned forward, locking eyes with her. "Ms. Mendez, it's not a matter of growth. It's about protecting what we've built individually. I've worked hard to establish my business, and I won't risk it for the sake of nostalgia."

Tila matutunaw sa kinatatayuan so Chanylle. Naitanong niya sa sarili, bakit kailangan pa niyang banggitin ang tungkol sa nakaraan nila ni Roger?

Chanylle took a moment, choosing her words carefully.

“I wouldn't suggest this if I didn't think it could benefit both of us. But if you're not willing to take the risk, I understand." Narinig niyang saad ni Roger.

She sighed, a conflicted expression on her face. "I see Mr. Gatchero, and it's not just about the risk. It's about acknowledging that some doors are better left closed. Our past is one of them." Sa wakas ay nasabi niya. Hindi niya maiwasang mainis sa sarili. Siya itong palaging nag i-initiate about their past.

Naitanong ni Chanylle sa kanyang sarili. Sinadya ba ni Roger ang pagkikita nila ngayon? Kasi imposibleng hindi. Kung ganoon, paano siya nito natunton? Paano nito nagkaroon ng ideya na nagkaroon siya ng wine company? At bakit naman nito gagawin ang sadyang pakikipagkita sa kanya? Kung dati ay hindi niya malilimutan kung gaano kabagsik ang mukha nito sa galit dahil sa pagkawala ng kanilang anak?

Na naging dahilan ng hiwalayan nilang dalawa.