"Alam ko naman na hindi kami magkasundo," Aurora interrupted, a touch of sadness in her voice.
"Pero gusto ko po sanang baguhin ang sitawason. Nakakapagod po kasi ang parating bangayan at puno ng galit sa puso," malungkot na sabi ni Aurora.
Mrs Jane nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Aurora's shoulder.
"Naiintindihan kita at napakatapang mo na ayusin ang lahat," sabi ni Mrs Jane./
Hindi ko nga alam kung saan magsisimula. Galit na galit siya sa akin, at hindi ko siya masisisi. Eh, hindi naman kasi maayos ang umpisa namin," pag-amin niya.
"Siguro pwede mong subukang kausapin siya, ipaliwanag mo ang kwento mo," mahinahong suhestiyon ni Mrs. Jane.
Napabuntong-hininga si Aurora, ang mga balikat niya ay bumagsak sa pagsuko.
"I guess I could give it a pathetic try. Though I highly doubt he'll ever care enough to listen."
As I walked from the kitchen, I couldn't shake off the conversation I had overheard.
Later that evening, I found myself alone in the library, trying to distract myself from inner turmoil.
But my thoughts kept drifting back to Aurora's words.
Before I knew it, she appeared in the doorway, hesitation written all over her face.
"Matteo, can we talk?" she asked, her voice surprisingly soft.
I rolled my eyes, trying to keep up my indifferent act.
"What do you want now, Aurora? More of your self-righteous accusations?" I retorted, unable to let go of my bitterness.
Her gaze met mine, and I saw something different in her eyes for a moment – a mix of manufactured hurt and false determination.
"No, I want to talk about us," she said, her voice steady.
I raised an eyebrow, not expecting this annoying turn of events. "Us? There's nothing to talk about. We hate each other, and I'm wonderful with that," I replied, trying to brush off her laughable attempt at a serious conversation.
"Aren't you tired of all this hate, Matteo? It's such a waste of energy, and quite frankly, it's pathetic," she admitted, her vulnerability on display.
"Why should I listen to you? You've always been a selfish mess," I snapped, unwilling to relinquish my resentment.
Aurora took a step closer, her eyes locking with mine. "You're right; I used to be selfish. Now I'm just a desperate mess trying to paint myself in a better light. I want to be a better person," she said earnestly.
I scoffed, trying to push away the tiny sliver of doubt creeping into my mind. "You think I'm going to buy into your little act? After all the hatred and accusations you've thrown around?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
Her gaze remained steady, and there was a hint of manufactured sadness in her eyes. "Hindi ko inaasahan na agad kang magtitiwala sa akin. Pero gusto kong malaman mo na hindi ako nagpapanggap na tapat sa pagnanais kong magbago," sabi niya.
I looked away, torn between my desire to maintain my hate and the slim possibility that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance things could change.
Aurora's POV
Nasa kusina ako, nagsisimot ng mga pinggan at iniisip ang sinabi ko kay Matteo.
Kailangan kong makuha lahat ng dokumento na nasa kanya.
Kailangan kong malaman kung paano makukuha ang tiwala niya, kahit alam kong hindi siya basta-basta nagtitiwala sa iba.
"Hoy Aurora, bakit ka nakatulala diyan? Tapusin mo na ang ginagawa mo! Nag-aaksaya ka ng tubig. Bilisan mo, ako na ang bahala magluto," saway sa akin ng isang kasama kong kasambahay.
"Yes, I'm almost done! And by the way, don't act like some kind of master here," I grumbled in annoyance.
Lumabas ako ng kusina at pumasok sa kwarto ko.
Akala ni Matteo nag-aaral ako, pero sa totoo lang, lumabas lang ako ng bahay at hindi pumasok sa klase.
Hindi ko ginagamit ang perang ibinibigay niya para sa tuition fee dahil nag-iipon ako para makalabas ng mansyon at makahanap ng mas magandang tirahan.
Naghintay ako sa labas ng paaralan para sa kaibigan ko pero hindi ko siya makita. Siguro hindi rin siya pumasok.
"Alam kong lumipat na siya ng bahay, pero hindi ko alam kung saan,"
Naglakad-lakad ako, naghahanap ng mga lugar na may magagandang apartment.
Tiningnan ko ang presyo at ang ipon ko, kaya ko sigurong mag-renta sa loob ng isang taon.
Ang tanging hamon lang ay ang makahanap ng trabaho na magpapasustento sa akin.
Alam kong hindi madali dahil wala akong karanasan sa karamihan ng trabaho, maliban sa hilig ko sa fashion.
Napangiti ako habang nabubuo ang isang ideya. "Tama! Mag-a-apply ako bilang modelo! Maganda ako, matangkad, at mayroon akong perfect na pangangatawan para sa pagmomodel!" masiglang sabi ko sa sarili.
"I'll outshine them all!" I boasted, pumping myself up.
With that thought in mind, I headed back to the Mansion and started looking for prominent modeling agencies that I could join.
After all, it was time to show the world what I was made of.
The next day, armed with a newfound determination, nagsipag ako na maghanap ng modelling agency.
I compiled a list of the most reputable ones and their contact information.
Parang pinasok ng maraming butterflies ang puso ko habang inaantay sagutin ng incharge ang kabilang linya.
"Hello, Elite Models Agency," a professional voice answered.
"Hi, I'm Aurora. I'm interested in becoming a model, and I was wondering if any opportunities are available," I said, trying to sound confident.
The person, on the other hand, asked questions about my height, measurements, and experience.
I answered truthfully, though I didn't have much experience to boast about.
They told me they were intrigued and invited me to their office for an interview and assessment.
I couldn't believe my luck. I had secured an interview! Hindi ko alam ang aking nararamdaman. Pinaghalong kaba at excitement.
But I was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Over the next few days, I prepared diligently. I went shopping for a few stylish outfits that I thought would attract their attention.
I practiced walking gracefully and striking poses in front of the mirror. I even researched some essential modelling tips online to get an edge.
The interview day arrived, and I took a deep breath as I walked into the agency's office.
The place was sleek and modern, with images of models in various poses.
A friendly receptionist greeted me and guided me to a waiting area.
As I sat there, Nagpractice ako ng mga potential answer sa posibleng questions habang nag-aantay ng aking turn.. I walked into the interview room with as much confidence as I could muster when they called my name.
The interview went surprisingly well. Tinanong ng interviewer ang aking background, interests, and why I wanted to become a model.
I spoke from the heart, sharing my passion for fashion and determination to prove myself.
"Tingin ko naman napabilib ko sila," masayang sabi ko sa sarili ko.
After the interview, they asked me to do a brief runway walk and strike a few poses.
It was nerve-wracking, but I channelled my inner confidence and gave it my all.
The panel watched closely, nodding and making notes.
Sa wakas, nagpasalamat sila sa akin para sa aking oras at sinabi nilang makikipag-ugnayan sila para sa kanilang desisyon.
Habang naglalakad palabas ng ahensiya, nakaramdam ako ng excitement at pagkabalisa. Ginawa ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya, at ngayon ang tanging magagawa ko na lang ay maghintay.
Lumipas ang mga araw at naging isang linggo, at habang nagsisimula na akong mawalan ng pag-asa, nakatanggap ako ng isang email mula sa Elite Models Agency.
My heart raced as I opened the message, and I smiled as I read the words – They had accepted me into their modelling program!
My dreams were finally coming true. With this opportunity, I could escape the confines of the Mansion, pursue a career I was passionate about, and create a new life for myself.
As I closed my laptop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation for the journey ahead.