Winning The Magnate's Heart (#LTNI Book 2)

#WTMH Roll 8: He Who Has Her Heart

SCOTLAND

Bumaba sa airplane si Margaret sukbit-sukbit sa likod ang kaniyang backpack. Sinalubong siya ng pamilyar na malamig na hangin ng Scotland kahit tirik na tirik ang araw.

"Princess..."

Nilingon niya ang isa sa mga miyembro ng Royal Security Unit at pahapyaw na ngumiti. "Good afternoon."

Tumango ito at sinenyasan ang mga kasama na okay nang ipasok ang sasakyan sa runway ng airport para diresto na siyang makakasakay at di na dadaan sa mismong mataong airport.

Maybe knowing that Princess Margaret will be arriving, mediamen and bystanders alike are on the wide windows of the airport with their cameras and cellphone staring at the royalty.

She tucks her hair behind her ear and squints her eyes to view the orange setting sun on the horizon. Few hours ago, she's in America and now...

Marga heaves a sigh as she looks around.

She's back in Scotland.

"PRINCESS!!!" , "EYES HERE, PRINCESS!!", "LONG LIVE THE PRINCESS!!" Sigaw ng mga nakadungaw sa kaniya sa mga bintana.

A mandatory smile lit up her face as she waves at them. It initiated cheers and shouts of adoration.

Mandatory. Yes. For she's not in the mood to smile but she was taught to do so.

2 YEARS AGO | THE DINNER AFTER HER CORONATION

As they are standing in the podium, citizens and other visitors from other countries kneel one knee infront of them to pay respect and to give their greetings for the new Scottish Princess.

Queen Mary shakes their hands and exchange greetings and smile.

Nakatayo lang si Marga sa tabi ng abuela at halatang naninibago sa mga nangyayari. Ito ang pinakauna-unahang salo-salo sa tanang buhay niya na maraming dumalo at siya pa ang rason kung bakit ang mga ito'y andito para magsaya. She's not into festive mood. She's still mending her heart for losing her love and is still adjusting for this whole new life of hers. Di niya alam anong sasabihin o gagawin na di makakasira sa napakatanyag na imahe ng mga Scotts rito sa Scotland. Kaya minabuti nalang niyang umatras para ang reyna nalang ang tumanggap sa mga bati.

"Margaret."

From pressing her fingers on her palm to calm her nerves, the newly crowned Princess looked up to the Queen. "Y-Yes, Y-Your highness?"

Queen Mary slightly turns to her. "What are you doing? Why are you standing behind me?" She softly yet tightly reprimanded.

"I-I don't k-know what to do..." Her scared eyes look at the crowd, laughing, jeering while drinking at eating at their tables.

Nilingon na siya nang tuluyan ng reyna. "What do you mean you don't know?"

"I-I mean..." Di niya mamutawi sa kaniyang mga labi ang sasabihin. She's too nervous and shaken to speak.

"Di'ba tinuro ito ni Governess Amelia kung paano batiin at salubungin ang mga taong bumabati sa'yo?"

Months before her coronation, halos di na makapagpahinga si Marga sa araw-araw na pagtuturo ni Governess Amelia at ibang instructor sa kaniya sa tamang paglakad, tamang pagyuko, tamang pagsagot at kung anong dapat gawin ng isang prinsesa sa oras na siya'y opisyal na koronahan. Madali lang nung tinuro sa kaniya pero di niya akalaing ganito pala.. kabigat sa personal.

Earlier, as the presiding priest placed the heavy gold crown studded with red rubies on her head, her feelings seems to be pressured as the crown starts to weigh it's heaviness on her.

"A-Alam ko-ko po." Sagot niya. "Pero --- "

"Pero??" Queen Mary impatiently waits for her excuse.

She's remained silent.

Queen Mary sighs – annoyance is on her face. "Stand beside me and face the crowd. They are here for you. The least you can do is smile."

Mabigat sa loob niyang naghakbang pabalik sa tabi ng reyna.

The queen composes herself.

Nilingon ni Margaret ang abuela.

"Margaret, dapat sanayin mo na sarili mong ngumiti kahit di mo gusto. Wag mong ipakita sa mga nasasakupan mong wala kang ganang makipaghalubilo sa kanila."

She looks down.

"Chin up and smile, Margaret." It was not a favor but a firm command.

Huminga siya nang malalim at tinaas ang tingin. She held her breath as she looks at the wide banquet infront of her. No one cares if she hides on the shadows or forces herself to be okay. No one can see her suffering.

"Smile." Ulit ng reyna.

Margaret smiles widely enough to fool anyone that she's okay – that's she's not dying inside.

PRESENT

Matamis pa ring nakangiti si Margaret na kumakaway sa mga tao hangga't sa may pumaradang itim na kotse sa harapan niya. The windows on the front passenger's side rolled down. It reveals a smiling Nelson. "Welcome back, Princess."

Niyuko niya ito at malugod na ngumiti. She misses this old man. "Nelson."

Lumabas ito at pinagbuksan siya ng pinto. "You look good as always."

She winks. "And you look young as ever."

Namula ang matanda at nakapamot nalang sa leeg. "In you go..."

.

.

Tahimik na nakatanaw sa labas ng bintana si Marga habang nagbibiyahe sila papuntang Balmoral Castle. Habang lumulubog ang araw, dumidilim rin ang labas kung saan mas nagiging nakakatakot ang nagkakapalang mga puno sa tabi ng daan.

She looks at her hand --- at her finger where the diamond ring was sparkling against the orange ray of the setting sun.

"How was the trip, Princess?"

Naputol ang pagtitig niya roon at napatingin sa matandang katiwala. "Hmm?"

"Your trip? I heard it was a success." Malapad na ngiti ni Nelson.

"Y-Yeah. Yeah." Pilit niyang ngiti at tango. "I-I found a sponsor. Also, he's so generous to give money above my proposed budget."

"He must be so kind-hearted."

Di siya nakasagot at tumingin uli sa kamay niya –- not on the ring but on the place where Isaiah's lips touched her skin. Hinawakan ng isang kamay niya 'yun at tumango.. "He is." Binalik nalang niya uli ang tingin sa labas ng bintana. "He is."

"Why don't you invite that man to come here to Scotland. Para naman masuklian natin siya kahit papaano sa kabutihan niya."

'Wish it was that easy...' She leans on the window's glass. "Maybe... soon..."

"You seem tired from the travel, Princess."

"Yeah..." Pumikit siya. It wasn't her body. It was her mind and her heart.

MILLER HQ | 10:00 AM SAME DAY

Isaiah was standing infront of Nadia's counter as he looks for the contract on a folder while Nadia is answering a phone call.

"Sir, sir, sir!!" Hinihingal na lumabas si Baxter sa elevator. "Sir!"

Nilingon ito ni Isaiah. "Yeah?"

"S-Sir..." Turo nito sa labas habang hinahabol ang hininga. "Aalis n-na si Margaret... B-Bakit andito k-ka pa-pa?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "Where should I be?"

Tumayo ng maayos si Baxter at sinapo ang noo. "Sa airport malamang! Di mo ba siya pipigilan --- " Naputol ang sasabihin nito nang pinalo niya ito ng folder sa noo. "Oy!"

"Her flight was 4:00AM earlier. Sino ang aabutan ko roon?" Tumalikod siya at naglakad papunta sa opisina bitbit ang folder.

"'Eh alam niyo naman pala, bakit di niyo pinuntahan --- "

"Boyet. Enough." Saad ng nakatalikod na pigura ni Isaiah.

Napatingin si Nadia at Baxter sa amo.

Isaiah then resumes walking, enters his office and closes the door after him.

Nameywang nalang si Baxter at inis napailing. "Enough-Enough raw... pero inalam niya anong oras aalis si Tomboy. Tsk." Nilingon niya si Nadia. "Ma-pride rin yun."

Ngumiti si Nadia. "Hayaan mo na... Baka ayaw lang talaga niyang pag-usapan."

Sumandal si Baxter sa counter na nakatingin sa pintuan ng opisina. "Ibig mo bang sabihin... hiwalay na sila?"

Nadia, aware of the situation after Alban told her that Marga and her boss had a connection on the past, shrugs after hearing the question. "Di ko alam. Pero hiwalay naman talaga sila in the sense na hindi na sila."

"Ibig kong sabihin, may closure na sila?"

"Di ko rin alam. I never saw Margaret after the charity event."

"Alam mo ba, kagabi..." Chismis ni Baxter. "...naabutan ko silang nag-uusap sa may dancing fountain ng Bluestone Park."

"Oh?" It had her attention. "Narinig mo ba?"

"Di 'eh... nasa mismong dancing fountain sila at di ko sila masyado makita mula sa parking lot dahil sa paiba-ibag kulay."

"Sa tingin mo anong pinag-uusapan nila?"

"Closure siguro."

Napasinghap si Nadia. "Oh! N-No way?!"

Positive with his theory, he nods. "Ipupusta ko sahod ko ngayong buwan na'to, nag-usap na sila para magkaayos at maghiwalay ng landas na matiwasay."

"If so..." Isip ni Nadia. "Why is he quiet? He should be okay by now. I mean, closure means healing right? He doesn't look healed to me."

Magsasalita pa sana si Baxter nang tumunog ang intercom. "Then no salary for you this month, Boyet."

Napasigaw sa gulat si Baxter at Nadia na napalingon sa telepono. Namutla ang lalake. "P*TA!" Nasapo naman ni Nadia ang dibdib nito. "Nakikinig ka pala, sir?"

"Sa pag-aaksaya niyo ng oras sa kaka-chismis? Yeah. Sad to say, you're wrong. Therefore, no salary for you this month."

"So ibig sabihin... walang closure na nangyari, sir?" Tanong ni Baxter.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Nadia na tiningnan ang kaharap. 'Seryoso? Di siya natatakot na mawalan ng sahod?'

-BEEP-

The intercom's line died down.

"Sir??" Lapit pa ni Baxter sa labi nito sa cradle ng telepono.

Napailing nalang habang tumatawa si Nadia. "Alam mo, Boyet... mas isipin mo ngayon kung seryoso ba si Sir na wag kag bigyan ng sahod."

...

Suminghap si Baxter sa gulat. "HALA!" Parang doon palang nasampal ang katotohanang iyon sa mukha niya. "SIR!!" Pihit nito sa doorknob pero sarado ito. "SIRRRRRRR!!" Damba niya sa pinto. "SIRRRRRRRR!! NAGBIBIRO KA LANG DI'BA?!! SIR! PAGBUKSAN MO NAMAN AKO NG PINTO OH! MADADAAN NATIN 'TO SA MABUTING USAPAN!! SIRRRRRRRR!!! MAAWA KA!! MAY UTANG PA AKO SA CANTEEN NA DI NABABAYARAN! BAKA PAGKAIN NG ASO NA ANG IPAKAIN SA AKIN SA SUSUNOD NA LINGGO! SIR!!!"

.

.

Leaning on his chair while tapping his lips with his finger, his eyes is on the dark screen of his laptop. Baxter's voice still shouting behind the door.

> "Nag-usap na sila para magkaayos at maghiwalay ng landas na matiwasay."

> "So ibig sabihin... walang closure na nangyari, sir?"

'Closure, huh?' Inikot niya ang upuan paharap sa glass wall sa likod niya. Tiningnan niya ang kamay kung saan hinawakan niya si Marga kagabi. Does closure feels sad?

Pinilig niya ang ulo. 'Focus, Isaiah. Natural lang ang makaramdam ng ganiyan dahil may pinagsamahan naman kayo noon.' Hinarap niya ang laptop at nagsimulang magtrabaho.

SCOTLAND

Alas siete na ng gabi nang makarating sina Marga sa palasyo. Upon standing on the doorstep, she looks up at the familiar castle. 'I'm back.' Huminga siya nang malalim nang unting nahahati ang malaking pintuan sa harapan niya. Along with the light from the inside hits her face, her blank face slowly draws a...mandatory smile again.

Nakahilera sa magkabilang panig ang mga trabahante at sabay-sabay yumukod. "Welcome back, Princess Marga."

She smiles. "Hello." At nakita niyang naglakad papalapit sa kaniya si Joaquin. She maintains her smile despite hurting her cheeks. "J-Joaquin."

Joaquin opens his arms to welcome her. "Marga... mio amore (my love)." Humawak ito sa magkabilang braso niya at hahalik sana sa pisngi niya nang...

Iniwas ni Marga ang mukha. "W-We're infront o-of everybody, Joaquin." Tingala niya sa prinsipe.

"But ---"

"Marga!"

Nilingon ni Magaret ang pinagmulan ng boses. It's Queen Greta, Joaquin's mother. "Q-Queen." Yukod niya bilang paggalang.

Lumapit sa kaniya ang reyna at yumakap ng mahigpit. "Owwww~ I miss you so much!" Pinasadahan siya nito ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. "You're light as a kite! Have you been starving yourself in California?" Dinama pa nito ang pisngi niya.

Ngumiti siya. "No, Y-Your Highness." Then her eyes caught Queen Mary standing from afar, looking intently at her.

"Come, come..." Akay ni Queen Greta sa kaniya palapit sa abuela. "You know, when Mary here told me that you're going home today... I immediately flew here from Italy. I want to hear your stories. I also wanted to welcome you personally."

Nang makaharap ang isang reyna ay yumukod si Marga. "Queen Mary." Pagkilala nito.

Queen Mary only nods then turns to Ussie. "Ussie, accompany Margaret to her chambers and help her change clothes. We're all having dinner." Tingin sa kaniya ng reyna.

When she says 'all', it means the two Queen, Margaret and Joaquin.

Walang magawa si Marga kundi ibigay kay Ussie ang backpack at naunang naglakad papunta sa kwarto. She wanted to decline but it's her first dinner back in Scotland. Plus, the Italian royalties are here. It is considered rude to reject an invite from dignitaries.

Hapo ang pakiramdam niyang umakyat sa hagdan. Alam na alam kasi niya na mapapag-usapan mamaya ang kasal nila ni Joaquin.

Sitting beside each other, Queen Mary and Queen Greta are talking about their favorite coffee places that serves the expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak. Kaharap naman ng prinsesa si Joaquin.

Marga is the middle of picking her food with her fork when Queen Great turns to her. "Do tell us about your travel, Princess."

Nilingon ni Margaret ang reyna tsaka tiningnan si Queen Mary at si Joaquin. "Ummm..." Pinahiran niya ng table napkin ang bibig. "It was fulfilling. I get to know the American Culture. How they love burgers and sodas for dinner. I also visited the business district of California. Nakakalula po ang nagtataasang mga buildings roon."

"Made you miss the green scenery here in Scotland, eh?" Ngiti ni Queen Greta sabay inom ng wine.

Tumango siya. "Yes, so much."

"So, who's this sponsor that bid a whooping 15 Billion Dollars? That's some rich businessman. Generous!"

Her body tenses as she looks at her grandma and at Joaquin. "H-His name i-is Hunter Lin. He owns an airline company ang h-happens to be in the charity event i-in the middle of his and his wife's h-honeymoon."

"Newlyweds!" Lapad na ngiti ni Queen Greta. "Best night of the couples!"

Uminom ng tubig si Marga para kalmahin ang sarili at para na rin iwasan ang tingin na pinupukol sa kaniya ni Joaquin.

"I commend you for finding a donor, Marga." Yuko ni Queen Mary habang naghihiwa ng pagkain sa plato nito. "But do you really need to beg infront of those people for help?"

"Ow..." Singit ni Queen Greta at tinapik-tapik ang kamay ni Queen Mary. "Now, now... she didn't beg. She just knocks on their heart." Sabay kindat kay Marga.

Palihim na nagpasalamat si Marga sa pagsalo sa kaniya ng butihing reyna.

"If you're going to do that again..." Matalim na titig sa kaniya ng Queen Mary. "Don't use your title and the country. Baka ano pa masabi ng ibang tao."

Yumuko siya at tuluyang nawalan ng gana sa pagkain.

Sensing the tension, Joaquin nudges the plate of chicken salad towards her. "Eat some more."

"Oo nga." Lumabi si Queen Greta. "Ang payat mo na. I knew living in America is unhealthy! Processed meats, busy lifestyle. They don't know how to slow down. Ah! Wait --- speaking of newlyweds..." Pinagsalikop nito ang mga kamay. "Tamang-tama! Andito tayong apat. My husband isn't interested in wedding preparations anyway so okay lang na wala siya rito."

Naalarma si Margaret sa patutunguhan ng pag-uusap. Nilingon niya si Queen Mary na prente lang na kumakain. 'G-Grandma... p-please... please stick t-to your bargain... please.'

"I had this perfect place in mind for their first night as newlyweds. We have this unused villa in Tuscany. The view of the ocean is so pristine that ---"

"Greta." Lingon ni Mary sa katabi. "I sincerely apologize but I think we need to move the date of the wedding. Margaret's hands will be full because of her project."

Nakahinga ng maluwag si Marga at lihim nagdasala na wag sana itong ikagalit ng reyna ng Italya.

Joaquin saw how Marga's reaction finally lightens up from Queen Mary's interruption.

"Oh!" Napakurap si Queen Mary at nilingon si Margaret. "I-Is that so?" Halatang nanlumo ito.

Agad sumalo si Marga. "I-I am so sorry, Queen Greta. I-I just think that I should prioritize the needs of my people especially when their lives are at stake here. W-We're t-talking about bringing clean and drinkable water for my people --- a necessity for every human being. I hope you could re-consider ---- "

Ngumiti si Queen Greta at umiling. "No, no. I do understand, Princess Marga." Inabot nito ang kamay at pinisil. "I am a Queen, remember? I do also know that you should put your people's welfare above everything else."

Mas lalo pang lumapad ang ngiti ni Margaret. "Q-Queen Greta."

The queen touches her cheek. "Let it be. Ikakasal at ikakasal pa rin naman kayo. Ma-po-postpone lang naman." Lumingon ito sa anak. "Right, my son?"

Di sumagot si Joaquin bagkos ay pinagpatuloy lang nito ang pag kain. Queen Mary didn't respond at all.

.

.

Dinama ni Marga ang ulo ni Chomper mula sa hanggang dibdib niyang taas na kahoy na pintuan ng kwadra nito. "I miss you, baby boy..."

Matapos maghapunan, nag-excuse siyang umalis muna para bisitahin ang alaga sa kwadro. Matagal-tagal na kasi niya itong di nakikita.

He neighs and stomps his back legs. A sign he is excited and happy.

Tumawa siya at kinurot-kurot niya ang kumpol na puting buhok nito sa noo. "Pinapatakbo ka ba nila Nelson habang wala ako? Hindi?? Owww... they're bad, ano?? Di bale.. andito na uli ako, babalik tayo doon sa sunflower fields. Tatakbo ka uli ng matulin. Gusto mo 'yun di'ba? Hmm? Hmm?"

"What was all that about?"

Halos mapatalon sa gulat si Margaret sa gulat at nilingon ang bagong pasok na prinsipe. "J-Joaquin! P-Pwede ba? Wag mo naman ako gulatin."

"Postpone? Really?" Nameywang ito.

"Y-Yes." Iwas niya ng tingin at hinimas-himas ang kamay sa leeg at buhok ni Chomper. "I should focus my time and dedication on making that man-made lake."

"You could do it simultaneously! You don't have to postpone --- "

"Joaquin!" Nanlaki ang mata niya sa sorpresa. "Buhay ng mga tao ang pinag-uusapan natin rito! Napanood mo naman anong nangyari sa Marchomont, di'ba? Sinugod ang mga tao sa hospital dahil sa water poisoning. Uunahin ko pa talaga kasal natin? Ang igagastos sa kasal natin, mas may silbi pa kung itutulong natin sa kanila."

"Bakit ka nga ba pumunta ng America para lang humingi ng tulong? I'm here, Marga."

"I just want to do things on my own without someone dictating me!" Tumaas na boses niya dahil sa inis ng lalake. "You really think I could borrow money from you with all eyes monitoring my every action!"

Nameywang si Joaquin at pataas na nagbuga ng hangin.

"Bakit ka ba nagmamadali?" Tapon niya ng tanong na may halong pagkayamot.

Joaquin drops his dark eyes on her. "O ikaw 'tong may gustong patagalin?"

Di siya nakasagot kasi totoo naman ang sinabi nito. If only she could keep postponing it, she will.

"Tama ako, di'ba?" Sumbat ni Joaquin. "You're using those people to give yourself an excuse ---"

"NARIRINIG MO BA ANG SARILI MO JOAQUIN?!" Galit na tinaas ni Marga ang kamay kung saan nakasuot sa daliri niya ang singsing na binigay nito. "Nakatali na ang kalahating katawan ko sa'yo! Ano pa ba gusto mo?!"

"Your heart, Marga!"

Sinapo ni Marga ang noo. "Not this topic again..." Naglakad siya at nilampasan ito.

"Are we playing games here?!" Sigaw ni Joaquin mula sa likuran niya.

Nilingon niya ito. "I already promised my name and my body to you, Joaquin! Ano pa ba?! Simula't-simula pa lang alam mo na hindi pa handa ang puso kong magmahal uli. You made your own problem!!"

"When will it be ready, then? After project?!" Bato naman sa kaniya ni Joaquin.

Di makapaniwalang napailing si Margaret. "Why are you treating feelings like some tangible object? Na parang pwede lang itong ibigay at pag di gusto'y mababawi? Love doesn't work that way!!"

"It does in our life, Marga!"

Natigilan si Marga at tiningnan ang kaibigan sa mata. "Because we're different that normal people, is that you want to tell me Joaquin?" Nilapitan niya ito. "Because I'm a Princess and you are a Prince and we are both heir to each of our thrones, that makes us different from the rest of the world?" Huminto siya sa harap nito. "That gives us the freedom to make our own rules? Our own set of standards of how marrying, courting and loving should be?"

"Yes." Mariing sagot ng prinsipe na nakatitig rin sa kaniya.

Disgusted, she shakes her head. "Baka nakalimutan mo... una akong naging si Isla kaysa naging si Margaret. Your rules don't apply to me. Wala ka ng magagawa, sumang-ayon na si Queen Greta sa plano ko. The last time I check, in our OWN little world, the Queen has more power and authority than a prince. It's an absolute rule." At tinalikuran na niya ito tsaka lumabas sa kwadro.

Matapos masara ang pinto sa kwarto. Sinapo ni Marga ang noo. 'C-Calm down... calm down...' Kalma niya sa sarili kahit kating-kati siyang makipagsigawan pa sa lalake. Pag alam niyang siya ang tama ay di siya hihinto hangga't di maintindihan ng kasagutan niya ang ibig iyang sabihin.

Binagsak niya ang sarili sa kama at tumitig sa kisame. Tinaas niya ang kamay sabay hablot sa singsing roon at binagsak rin ang kamay sa kama. She looked at the diamond ring at the soft mattress.

Nagtiiim ang bagang niyang tinalikuran ito sabay yakap sa kaniyang unan.

Two weeks after she arrived at Scotland, Queen Mary and Princess Margaret are standing at airport's runaway as the plane landed from afar and slowly, shutting its engine, run towards them. Standing behind them are Marchomont's village chieftain Douglas and his grandchildren, Isla and Logan with flower lei's on their hands. [A/N: Lei – a flowers woven together to make a garland/necklace]

Mediamen are nearby on their designated area as they cover the event.

The plane stops and the exit is immediately supported by a steel stair to accompany the visitors down. When the door opens, the people, looking out in the windows on the airport building, screams with joy and happiness.

Napangiti na rin si Margaret nang unang bumaba si Hunter hawak sa kamay nito ang asawang si Naomi. She immediately waves her hand to them.

As usual, Hunter smiled that makes his eyes disappears and waved back at her. Nang tuluyan na itong bumaba, Naomi and Hunter curtsied infront of them. The Queen smiles and nods as them then shakes their hands. They then exchanged greetings and short speech of gratitude.

Niyuko ni Margaret si Logan at Isla. "Go on, welcome them. Give each of them a lei."

Lumapit naman ang dalawang bata at ngumiti sa mga bisita.

Hunter turns to her. "Margaret!"

She smiles and shakes his hand. Sa mahinang boses, tumawa siya. "Bawal yakap rito basta hindi pamilya. Tsaka mabuti na rin yun, andito kasi asawa mo." At nagsitawanan na sila.

"Oh..." Nilibot ni Hunter ang braso sa beywang ng asawa para ipakilala sa kaniya. "Nao, this is Margaret. Marga, this is my wife... Naomi."

Naomi smiles at her. "Hello." Then shakes her hand. "Nice finally meeting you, Princess Margaret." Siniko nito ang asawa. "Ano ka ba... lagyan mo ng honorifics ang pangalan niya. Baka di ka lalabas ng buhay dito sa bansa nila."

Marga laughs. Naomi was indeed a beauty! Yung Pilipinang-Pilipina ang dating --- approachable and gentle. Her short hair that touches her shoulder blades frames her Morena beauty and small body frame. No wonder the Chinoy fall hard to this woman.

"Welcome to Scotland!" She welcomes.

Napalingon silang apat nang isa-isang bumaba na ang mga tauhan na mag-le-lead ng project na na-meet na niya noon sa America. Along with them are new faces. Isa-isang binaba rin ng mga airport staff ang mga mamahaling equipments nila para sa gagawing man-made lake.

Yet, Marga's eyes was not on them or on their apparatus. She was staring at the plane's exit hoping there's a man with blonde hair and captivating blue-eyes appear among them. She scans the visitors who landed on the port then to the people who are still on the stairs and back to the exit. Slowly, the last passenger exited, and the doors are sealed off. 'Of course, why would he be here?' She looks at the Queen welcoming the guests. 'She would be furious if it happens.'

"Looking for someone?"

Napalingon siya kay Hunter. "H-huh?"

Tumingin rin ito sa nakasarang b****a ng eroplano. "It seems you are expecting someone."

"Pfft!" She rolls her eyes. "And who would that be?"

Hunter grins. "That someone who helped you out from Brgy. Tagpi." Tumalikod ito para akbayan ang asawa.

She smiles. 'Loko... he already knew we had the same person in mind.'