For Keeps

Fourteen

Gabriel

Romualdez Residence

Pink Castle, Tuscany, Italy

Gab felt nervous and intimidated as he stared at the castle where Kitkat resided. The Pink castle stood there as if it was conjured from the storybook of a child. He wondered if Kitkat has done what Anna in the Frozen story did as she sang For the First Time in Forever. He smiled at that thought.

He also realized the luxury life provided by Kitkat's parents to her. This castle was consistent with Kitkat's apartment in the US. Her apartment was posh and elegant. This made him realize that Kitkat has a life of a princess. And, yet, hindi niya nakitaan si Kitkat ng pagiging mayabang, matayog, maarte, o mag-isip na ito ay priviliged. She even almost declined the jewelry set that he gave her. It made him realize that she was not fascinated with jewelries and amazed by how much the price of each piece of jewelry was. This reminded him of her mom when it came to frugality.

Kitkat was simple and humble that made Gab fall for her all the more. Na-realize din niya na mapalad siya na makakita ng ganitong klase ng tao. Naniniwala din siya na kung ganito ka-simple, mabait at mapagkumbaba si Kitkat ay ganoon din ang magulang nito.

He wondered how Kitkat's relationship with her parents was especially when they discovered that she got pregnant, and sadly, lost her baby. He prayed that they've forgiven Kitkat and were treating her well. For the first time sa buhay niya, taimtim siyang nagdasal na sana maayos ang relationship ni Kitkat sa magulang nito, dahil naga-aalala din siya sa mental health ni Kitkat. He remembered the tales of his aunts Rori and Pinkie back in those days when they lost their babies. They got depressed. He did not want Kitkat to endure it, too, especially that he couldn't be with her at that time.

But this time, he was here already. He did everything he could just so he could be here in Italy. Kahit na ibaba niya ang pride niya at makiusap sa kaniyang ama upang tulungan siya na mapagbigyan ng MM Management Agency ay ginawa niya--para kay Kitkat. Para mapuntahan niya dito si Kitkat sa Italy.

Gusto niyang damayan si Kitkat sa pagkawala ng kanilang baby. At gusto din niyang ipaalam sa magulang ni Kitkat sa kabila ng pamba-bash ng mga netizens kay Kitkat na kesyo ito daw ay pokpok, bayarang babae, call girl, pakawala, easy lay, at oportunista, he wanted them to know that he would rectify those assumptions and would clean Kitkat's name. He would even honor Kitkat by marrying her.

Kahit pa nawala ang baby nila at wala ng nag-uugnay sa kanilang dalawa ay papakasalan pa din niya si Kitkat. Kahit alam din niya noon pa man na hinahangaan pa lang siya ni Kitkat bilang idol ay hindi na siya gusto ng pamilya ni Kitkat ay maglalakas loob pa din siya. He will overcome his nerve wracking feeling for Kitkat's sake.

***

"Parang Walt Disney castle ang bahay ni Kitkat." Komento ni Vinci habang naglalakad sila papunta sa malaking gate ng castle na may arko na ang nakalagay ay 'Romualdez'. "Kailangan mo pa mag-trabaho ng higit pa sa kabayo neto Gab."Siniko pa siya nito. "Ubos ang savings mo kapag nagpatayo ng ganitong bahay sa ibang bansa. Pero, siguro sa Pilipinas, puwede." Napahawak si Vinci sa baba nito habang nagi-isip.

Vinci accompanied him here in Italy. They went together after their US concert tour ended so that they could talk man-to-man about Vinci's intention for agreeing to marry Dominique, his cousin.

It was not a man-to-man talk that they had. Rather, it was a rumble-and-fist-fight-closed-door- talk. Gab got angry because he knew Vinci well. Vinci was not the type to settle down, although he loved kids. He would be a good uncle or father, but not a husband. Vinci was too self-absorbed and self-centered to care about women, other than his mother, relatives, and brothers in Infin8. After having the 'talk' at their shared hotel room, they agreed to disagree.

"Let me and Dominique figure it out, as much as you don't want anyone to figure things out for you and Kitkat!" He remembered what Vinci said. "It was she who wanted this marriage, and I was cornered because your father and her dad now have a huge share in MM Talent Management Agency. Your family now has the power to dictate what would happen to my career."

Hindi na siya nakakibo sa sinabi ni Vinci, dahil totoo ang sinabi nito. Humingi siya ng tulong sa kaniyang ama dahil hindi siya pinayagan ng MM Talent Management na mag-bakasyon upang mapuntahan si Kitkat. His father consulted a lawyer, and thought of buying 30% shares of MM Talent Management. When his uncle, Percival, knew about it, his father and uncle joined forces and purchased a total of 60% of the business shares. It was to protect him from the lawsuits that MM Talent Management will file against him if he wouldn't do their wishes and that was to go on concert tours as scheduled for the year, which also meant he would not have the chance to go to Italy anytime soon. MM Talent Management would also have the power to dictate what he should say or do in front of the public, like force him to deny he has a relationship with Kitkat. His uncle, on the other hand, was protecting Dominique's honor because there was a proof of her and Vinci on the same bed naked that fateful night that the paparazzi invaded my room at Ritz Hotel.

"Ang dami mong sinasabi. Hindi ka nakakatulong." Tinitigan niya ng matalim si Vinci, na binalewala lang ng matalik na kaibigan nito.

Napatingin siya sa gilid ng bibig nito at bahagya nang nagiging-violet ang mukha nito. Nagkakapasa na dahil sa suntukan nila kagabi. "Halata pa ba yung bangas ko sa mukha?" tanon niya kay Vinci dahil bago sila umalis ng hotel room ay lumalabas na ang pa-half moon na pasa sa gilid ng kaniyang pisngi malapit sa mata kanina. Nilagyan lamang nila ng BB creme ang kanilang mukha na bigay naman sa kanila ng make-up artist in case daw ng emergency. Nakakatakip naman ng pasa ang make up creme na ito. Buti na lang! Naisip niya.

Lumapit sila sa gate at nakipag-usap sa guard.

"Good morning, Sirs. I am Gab Ponce, and I would like to see Ms. Kitkat Romualdez." Aniya.

"Ms. Kitkat Romualdez left this morning, but Signor Romualdez has been expecting you." The guard said and advised them that they may drive their car at the entrance of the castle and that there would be a valet that would assist them.

"Bro, may valet!" Hirit ni Vinci. "Kailangan mo din magpa-valet nyan sa magiging bahay niyo ni Kitkat kungdi nakakahiya sa pamilya ni Kitkat!" Hindi niya mawari kung nanga-asar ba si Vinci o naga-alala ba ito para sa kaniya.

"Mag-drive ka na nga!" Utos niya.

Ngunit sa isip niya ay napapa-isip na siya sa sinabi ni Vinci. He asked himself if he could give Kitkat a life like this. And his answer was yes, but he knew it wouldn't last long if he would just rely on his current income. Ngayon niya mas lalong napatunayan ang sabi ng kaniyang ama kung gaano ka-importante na hindi lamang pagkanta, sayaw, at pag-artista ang dapat na alam niya. Kailangan niya mag-ipon at kumita pa din kahit sa pagtanda niya.

Maari siya mag-negosyo, ngunit kailangan alam niya patakbuhin ang negosyong iyon. Kailangan niya pa din pagaralan iyon. At kung magne-negosyo nga siya, kailangan yung malapit sa puso niya. He loved the entertainment industry. He could probably be a producer, but being a producer would entail hits and misses, which he must assess if he could afford. The possibility of being a hotelier and being into the construction industry lingered in his mind. It was, after all, the business of their family.

The importance of finishing his degree and being better at it by getting a post-graduate degree, and then applying the theories in actuality was already making sense to him.

"Hindi ba lalabas si Maleficent?" Vinci cut his thoughts as they were still in his rented car in front of the castle entrance.

Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Vinci. "Sana nga lumabas si Maleficent galing sa loob at hihilingin ko na gawin kang cute na kuneho tapos ikukulong kita sa cage." Naiinis niyang sabi.

"Luh! Init ng ulo kaagad. Wag kang negative. Ako kaya ang lucky charm mo. Payagan mo akong sumama sa loob and I will help you talk to Kitkat's parents." Alok nito.

"Says the guy who is also afraid of his father-in-law." Sagot ko.

"Bahala ka, kung ayaw mo ng back up." Sagot niya.

Kumatok na ang valet sa bintana ng sasakyan at inalok na ipa-park nito ang rented nilang sasakyan. Sabay na silang lumabas ni Vinci sa sasakyan at binati naman sila ng isang butler. They were led to a room near the entrance.

"This way, Signorini." Ani ng butler nang papasukin sila nito sa kastilyo ng mga Romualdez. Inilahad ng butler ang kamay para ituro ang sofa

They were led to what the butler said was the 'receiving area'. As he stepped inside the room, he immediately spotted the mint green floral European style sofa with gold wooden sides. Then, he noticed the white and brown accent of the wall and various flower paintings with brass gold frames. As he looked at one of them, he saw noticed the signature of the painter- Kiara Teresa Romualdez.

He was surprised that Kitkat painted.

"I just knew her for a short time..." he sadly whispered. "But, it's not too late."

He heard the click of the door, and the butler entered. He pushed a pastry cart with dessert plates. A maid entered with coffee cups and water glasses, then placed them on a cupboard that has a coffee machine on top.

"Have a seat, Signorini GP and Vinci of Infin8." The butler said, acknowledging them for their association with Infin8.

Inilahad nito ang kamay para ituro ang sofa. "Grazie," aniya at sabay silang naupo ni Vinci sa sofa.

"Sir, I'm closely connected to Kitkat." He tried to introduce himself with the hope that the butler would understand his affinity to Kitkat. "Would you mind if I ask if she's here?" he tried not to sound too desperate to see Kitkat. Batid niyang sinagot na siya kanina ng guard sa may gate kanina ngunit gusto pa din niyang makatiyak.

"I don't mind, Signorino. I understand that Signorina Kitkat and you are... acquaintances..." he carefully chose his description of his relationship with Kitkat. "Signorina Kitkat went to enroll in business school with Signorino Kit to continue her education." The butler accommodated his query. "She was not aware that you would be here as this was not a scheduled appointment. But if she knew, I am sure she would be here to welcome you."

Unang naisip niya ay ang pagpapatuloy ng paga-aral ni Kitkat. He thought it would be good for her to continue her studies. It would take her mind off sad things like the loss of their baby.

As for him, he was not able to fully grieve for their baby because he was occupied with how he could follow Kitkat here in Italy. He was worried about her, more than the lawsuit he might face if he violated his contract and did not meet his deliverables based on his concert tour schedule for the year.

Moreover, even if the butler's words gave him hope, he felt threatened and unsure if that certain Kit could be trusted. If he recalls correctly, Kitkat mentioned the name Kit before, back when they first met. She said he was her best friend. However, at that time, he was not really paying attention because he wasn't comfortable being compared to someone else.

It seemed that the butler could read his mind or perhaps his facial expression because of his brooding.

"Signorino Kit is Signorina Kitkat's bestfriend."

He felt even more jealous to confirm that his recall was right.

"Would you like coffee, tea, or water, signorina?" the butler cut his thoughts.

"No, thanks, Sir." He answered.

"Si, grazie. (Yes, thank you.)" Sagot naman ni Vinci na hindi talaga tumatanggi sa pagkain o kape. “Un caffè mocah per favore. (One coffee mocha please.)”

The maid was excited to serve coffee to Vinci and politely requested for autograph and selfie, which he and Vinci did not mind accommodating. The butler even joined in the selfie with them.

Kahit papaano nagkaroon sila ng bonding kahit ilang minuto lamang sa mga staff ng pamilya Romualdez. He knew this would help him to be able to reach Kitkat.

***

Ilang minuto lamang ay pumunta ulit sa waiting room ang butler at sinabing ihahatid nito si Gab sa opisina ng ama ni Kitkat.

"Lagot! Principal's office ka, bro." Biro ni Vinci.

"Tsk! Tumahimik ka nga! Nakakadagdag ka sa nerbyos ko!" Inis ngunit mahina niyang sagot kay Vinci na komportableng nakaupo sa sofa habang nagka-kape ito.

Siya naman ay tumayo na at sumunod sa hallway kasama ang butler. Habang naglalakad ay ume-eko ang tunog ng kanilang mga sapatos na mas lalong nagpapakaba sa dibdib ni Gab.

Tumigil ang butler sa tapat ng isang kulay brown na pintuan na may disenyong mga bulaklak at pinapasok siya sa loob nito. May isang lamesa at executive chair sa loob at lulan nito ang isang foreign looking na lalake na balbas sarado at naka-man bun. Nakasuot ito ng puting kamiso tsino na ikinagulat nito at maong na pantalon. He was expecting that everyone inside this castle were wearing formal. Ang lalaki ay tila abala sa mga binabasa nitong papeles. Sa gilid nito ang mga picture frames sa isang steel glass silver na lamesa at katapat nito ang walong malalaking glass sculpture na tila parang hugis yelo. Sa gitna ng kuwarto ay isang European na sala set na plain na kulay blue naman ang mga cushion.

"Signor Utt," sabi ng butler at lumingon sa kanila ang lalaki.

Lalong kumabog ang dibdib niya nang tumingin ito sa kaniya. Batid niyang hindi ito masayang makita siya.

Napalunok siya ngunit nilakasan niya ang kaniyang loob at inalala na kailangan niyang kumalma upang maging listo siya at maayos na maipaliwanag ang kaniyang sarili pag kaharap na niya ang magulang ni Kitkat.

He mentally checked if he was wearing the appropriate clothes. He was wearing Smart Casual attire as advised by his older sisters. He wore his Light Blue Gucci coat, White RL polo, beige Gucci trousers, and his Christian Louboutin beige loafers to match.

"Tuloy ka," tumayo si Utt Romualdez at lumapit sa kaniya.

"Sir, pardon me for coming here unannounced." He respectfully said. " I'm Gabriel Ponce po. Ako po at si Kitkat ay---"

"Maupo tayo." Kalamdo nitong pinutol and kaniyang pagpapakilala ng sarili. Inilahad nito ang kamay at tinuro ang sala. "I am just waiting for my wife, Katniss, to be with us. But, have a seat and make yourself feel comfortable." Anito bago bumaling sa butler.

"Please inform Signora Katniss that we have a guest."

"Certainly, Signor Utt." Sagot naman ng butler at lumabas ito ng kuwarto.

Ilang saglit lang ay humahangos na pumasok ang babaeng kahawig ni Kitkat. Sa isip ni Gab, ito marahil ang ina nito. Agad itong lumapit sa kaniya at humawak sa kaniyang braso.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" naga-alalang tanong nito sa kaniya.

"Ayos lang po." Nakangiti niyang sagot dito na may pagtataka din dahil naga-alala ito sa kaniya. "Salamat po."

"Asawa ko," malumanay na sabi ni Utt. He summoned her through a simple wink of his eyes.

Kitkat's mom automatically stood up and walked toward her husband. "Thank you, Asawa ko." She said with relief and a knowing look towards her husband, that Gab couldn't understand. It seemed Kitkat's parents were conversing just using their eyes. It was amazing for him and recalled his parents' eye conversations as well in the past.

He wondered and wanted to have that kind of conversation with Kitkat in the future.

"May I ask what is the purpose of your visit here, Gab?" Utt cut to the chase. He had a welcoming smile but his eyes spoke of the opposite.

It made him recall the many times he felt nervous like when he auditioned for the Infin8 boyband and during his group's first concert.

"If you're looking for Kitkat, she's not here. She wasn't expecting you to come here in Italy where she feels safe." Utt and Katniss sat together on the loveseat. "And you should not even be here. Ikakasal na si Kitkat kay Quitos Ortiz---"

"If---" sumagot naman ang ina ni Kitkat na si Katniss. "If Kitkat will say yes, Asawa ko." Pagklaro nito sa asawa at bumaling ang tingin sa kaniya. Gab instantly knew he may have a potential ally in Kitkat's mother. Nabuhayan siya ng loob.

"Mr. and Mrs. Romualdez, I am truly sorry for coming here unscheduled." Gab started. "I have no excuse for it. I have tied to communicate with Kitkat and asked her if I could come but she was not responding to me. I tried calling her through the phone that I gave her, but I couldn't reach her there as well. I felt desperate and took the chance to come here."

"Perhaps Kitkat opted to keep her distance from you because of the danger that being associated with you has placed her in!" Utt said as he turned red.

"Utt," mahinahong sambit ng asawa nito na si Katniss. Tila pinipigilan nito na magkomento si Utt. "Let the child speak."

"Child? Nakabuntis na nga, child pa din? Pumapabor ka sa kaniya palibhasa kamuka siya ni---" pinigilan ni Katniss ang asawa nito at hinalikan sa labi. It was just a quick kiss.

"Sorry for the PDA of Kitkat's parents," Katniss said to no one in particular. She was still looking at her husband lovingly. "Kamukha din siya ni---" she teased that made Utt just smirked.

"Fine. I won't go there." He promised. Kung anong lambing ng pagkakatitig ni Utt sa asawa nito ay siya namang talim ng titig na ipinukol nito sa kaniya. "I will give you a chance to speak." Nagmuwestra ito sa kaniya.

Saglit na nautal si Gab. Ngunit inalala niya ang kaniyang naging training nung nagsisimula pa lamang sila ng Infin8. He was trained to have confidence in themselves and hide nervousness.

"Sir, I would like to sincerely apologize for what happened." He said. "Nagmadali po akong makarating sa ospital, but I had an accident." He tried to hide his emotion, but just remembering how frustrated he was back then broke his facade. Malungkot niyang paliwanag ang nangyari sa kaniya. " I did not want the whole world to know about Kitkat yet... not because kinakahiya ko siya, but to protect her. I have planned to introduce her gradually to the public as my fiancée and the mother of my child. Unfortunately, the accident happened... the bashing happened... and losing our baby happened..." at the last words, napaos si Gab. Pinigilan niya ang sarili na huwag maiyak sa huling sinabi, ngunit tumulo na ang kaniyang mga luha. Kahit pala iniyak na niya ang pagkawala ng kaniyang anak sa ospital, kapag pinaguusapan pala ang bagay na ito ay naiiyak pa din siya.

He immediately wiped his tears using his hands. "Mr. and Mrs. Romualdez, kahit nawala po ang baby namin ni Kitkat, handa ko pong panagutan ang nangyari po sa amin dahil mahal ko po ang inyong anak. Kaya din po ako pumunta dito ay para magkausap kami at makausap ko din po kayo para ipagtapat ko po ang hangarin ko para kay Kitkat."

Nagkatinginan ang mag-asawang sina Utt and Katniss.

"Iho, the problem here is that Kitkat is in danger because of you." Malumanay na paliwanag ni Katniss. "Naappreciate ko bilang ina na ino-honor mo ang anak namin, pero makailang ulit nang may nagtangka mag-saboy ng muriatic acid sa anak namin at dahil iyon sa mga fans mo."

Nagulat si Gab sa nalaman niya.

"I could find a way to protect Kitkat and prevent that from happening again, Mr. and Mrs. Romualdez. Hindi ko po papabayaan si Kitkat." Pangako niya.

"Madaling sabihin yan, ngunit baka hindi mo mapanindigan lalo na hindi mo mapipigilan ang bugso ng damdamin ng mga fans mo at kakayahan nilang makagawa ng paraan upang makalapit sa aming anak para saktan siya. Hindi kami makakapayag sa gusto mong mangyari." Sabi naman ni Utt.

"Naiintindihan ko po ang pagmamahal na mayroon po kayo para kay Kitkat. At nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating Panginoon na binigyan si Kitkat ng mapagmahal na magulang. Katulad niyo po, mahal na mahal ko din po si Kitkat at gagawin ko po ang lahat upang protektahan siya at hindi po kami magkalayo."

"Gagawin mo ang lahat? Katulad ng ano? Tapos ka na ba ng pag-aaral mo? Ayon sa mga research na ginawa ko tungkol sa pagkatao mo, hindi ka pa tapos ng college. Bubuhayin mo ba ang anak namin sa pagaartista, pagkanta at sayaw mo? All you have now is just temporary, GP of Infin8. Sooner or later, there will be a new boyband that would surpass what you have already achieved, and you will become obsolete." Utt said sharply. "Kapag naubos mo na ang savings mo dahil wala ka naman alam sa pag-manage ng pera mo, aasa ka na lang sa inheritance mo at kay Kitkat na magiging accomplished at magpapatakbo ng aming negosyo along side Quitos Ortiz."

"Utt, please?" pakiusap ni Katniss sa asawang hindi nangingiming pahiyain si Gab.

"We learned that your father and Pyke bought 60% of the business shares of MM Talent Management Agency." Utt continued. "I surmise that aside from such industry being lucrative, they bought it for your sake." He said. "Are they gonna do that too when you're married? Isasalba ka din nila sa mga panahon na magkaka-problema ka?"

Napatingin siya pababa sa floral na carpeted na sahig. Hindi niya sigurado kung dapat siyang sumangayon o ipaglaban ang kaniyang sarili.

"Naiintindihan ko po, Mr. Romualdez. I sought help from my father because I made the mistake of signing a contract without fully understanding the extent of the talent agency's hold on me. Tinapos ko na po ang pag-aaral ko ng college at nakapasa po ako." He said and took an envelope from the inner pocket of his coat. "May I respectfully show you my graduation certificate as proof that I have already graduated?"

Gab respectfully handed the graduation certificate to them. Utt apathetically received it from him. Hindi niya mabasa ang reaksyon ng ama ni Kitkat ngunit umaasa siyang matuwa sana ang ama ni Kitkat sa napagtagumpayan niya.

Utt opened the envelope and checked the graduation certificate indicating that he had a GPA of 4.0 which was equivalent to summa c*m laude in one of South Korea’s prestigious SKY Universities – YONSEI.

"I am planning to enroll for a business management degree in the same school as Kitkat and ---"

"And what? Para guluhin at sirain mo na naman ang plano ng anak ko?" galit na tanong ni Utt. "Minsan mo nang pinag-sakripisyo si Kitkat by making her change her course of plan. She was supposed to study in one the prestigious schools in the US! But then, you asked her to come home to the Philippines and adjust to you?"

Napatimik si Gab, dahil tama ang ama ni Kitkat na si Utt.

"Sir, gagawin ko po ang lahat huwag niyo lang po kami paghiwalayin ni Kitkat. Mahal na mahal ko po ang inyong anak." Lumuhod siya sa harapan ng mag-asawa. "I hope someday you will give me the blessing of marrying your daughter." Pakiusap niya at hindi mapigilan ang pagluha ng kaniyang mga mata.

"Utt! Don't make him beg!" Pakiusap ni Katniss.

"Magtapos kayo ng pag-aaral!" Galit na sabi ni Utt.

Napatingin siya kay Utt at kay Katniss.

"Kung makatapos kayo ng pagaaral ni Kitkat ay maari akong pumayag na magpakasal kayo." Ani ni Utt at tumayo sa kinauupuan nito. "I was already thinking about giving my blessing to Quitos Ortiz because he also asked for my daughter's hand in marriage. But, let's see. After four years, sino ba ang tatagal sa inyo ni Quitos." Anito. "Tumayo ka diyan, son." Ani Utt.

Agad siyang tumayo. "Maraming salamat, Mr. and Mrs. Romualdez sa pagkakataon binigay niyo po sa akin." Nabuhayan siya ng loob na bibigyan siya ng pagkakataon ni Utt Romualdez na patunayan ang kaniyang sarili. He shook their hands several times in so much happiness.

Sa wakas ay magkakaroon na siya ng pagkakataon makalapit kay Kitkat at itama ang mga naging mali niyang desisyon.

Ngunit hindi rin siya mapakali sa sinabi nito na may ibang lalake ang nagpo-propose kay Kitkat.

"Ang nickname po ba ni Quitos Ortiz ay Kit?" tanong niya sa mag-asawa.

"Yes, his nickname is Kit. Why?" Katniss answered with interest obvious in her eyes.

Gab just nodded his head and tried his best to give a charming smile to Kitkat's mom. He thought it was a good thing that his skull and skin were not transparent, otherwise, Kitkat's parents would see the rage, mayhem, and war in his mind which he wanted upon Kit who wanted to steal his woman from him.

Magalang niyang tinanong ang mga magulang ni Kitkat kung saang business school mag-aaral si Kitkat. Utt gave the name of the business school.

"May I ask..." Gab started. "Would you mind... say... if I am already enrolled in business school... if I can quite possibly visit Kitkat again... soon at home too?"

"Don't push it, Gabrielle Ponce." Matalim ang mata na sagot ni Utt sa kaniya.

" Yes, Sir. Thank you for this chance, Sir Utt and Madam Katniss! I promise I will finish my studies and become a better man for your daughter."

Utt seemed uninterested in his declaration, but he sensed that Katniss was pleased and seemed supportive of him. This gave him hope, which he needed so much at this point in time.

"I will show myself out." Paalam pa niya sa mga ito, dahil nanatili si Utt na nakaupo sa executive chair nito at pinagbawalan nito si Katniss na tumayo sa kinauupuan nito.

He knew that Utt was doing it because he was just being protective of Kitkat as a father, and he wanted to intimidate him by expressing his dislike of him. Nevertheless, he was determined to earn their trust and get their blessing to marry Kitkat. But first, he thought, he and Vinci needed to hurry and go to the business school to look for Kitkat.

He gentle closed the door of the office, and run as fast as he could to the receiving room where Vinci was comfortably seated, and listening to classical music. Agad niyang hinila si Vinci palabas ng kuwarto, ngunit nakasalubong nila ang butler. Napatigil sila sa pagtakbo at nagpasalamat sa butler to show respect.

"I love the cookies." Compliment pa ni Vinci habang hila niya ito palabas ng kastilyo. Agad na dinala ng valet ang kanilang rented na sasakyan at sumakay sila dito. He typed the name of the business school for GPS. Agad din niyang pinaandar ang sasakyan at nagmadaling makarating sa business school upang hanapin si Kitkat.

Pag dating nila ni Vinci sa business school ay hindi na nila naabutan sina Kit at Kitkat. Mas lalo siyang nagselos at mas lalong uminit ang kaniyang ulo. Sa isip niya, marahil ay nag-date na ang dalawang iyon kaya mas lalo siyang nagselos. Nadagdagan pa ang init ng kaniyang ulo nang malaman niyang marami pa pala siyang kailangan dokumento upang makapasok sa business school at kailangan din niyang mag-apply ng student visa. It would require him weeks to accomplish everything, and it also meant he had to go back to the Philippines to get all those documents.