UNHINGED OBSESSION

Chapter 04

May naglalarong malapad na ngiti sa labi ni Nikolo habang tinatanaw ang humaharurot na sasakyan papalayo sa kaniyang kinatatayuan.

Kita niya ang gulat at takot sa mukha ng babaeng ilang araw niya nang sinusundan. Those scared eyes make him want more of her. Hindi na sapat para sa kaniya ang panonood sa malayo... he wanted up close. He wanted more!

“Beautiful...” bulong niya habang natutuwa na natatakot ang dalaga.

Maya-maya bigla na lang may nagsalita sa kaniyang gilid. Hindi niya ito nilingon. Abala ang kaniyang mata na pagmasdam ang papalayong kotse ng dalaga na nagbigay sa kaniya ng labis na interes.

“Don...” Cesare bowed down before proceeding, “Mr. Beunavista arrived in the meeting place with his wife.” anunsyo nito.

Nikolo stifled a laugh, clearly amused.

“I'm a bit disappointed... I can't meet her today.”

“Should I kidnap her for you?” Cesare offered like he isn't suggesting a crime.

Humalakhak si Nikolo.

“That is so sweet, Cesare...” he murmured before smirking, “but no. I will handle my woman.” Aniya saka ngumiti at tinanaw ang kotse na halos hindi niya na makita, “well, I guess I have to plan how to meet you then.”

Maybe Nikolo was not in his right mind. He simply enjoyed the thrill this woman was giving him. Mas lalo siyang nagiging interesado ngayon sa babaeng 'yon. It's the first time in history, he chased a woman. Kadalasan ay babae na naghahabol sa kaniya... ngayon, siya na ang naghahabol sa babae.

“Let's go back home first... I need to make myself presentable.” Aniya. “I am meeting my future in-laws after all.”

May ka meeting siya ngayon at kailangan niyang sumipot. That meeting was important, though, it's only for his personal gain.

Unang hakbang niya para makilala ang babaeng mapangahas na nag-alok sa kaniya ng kasal. At ngayon na nasa Pilipinas siya, oras na para singilin ang dalaga.

After getting ready, Nikolo, went downstairs. He thought Cesare was waiting for him in the car. Pero nagtaka siya nang makita ang kaniyang consigliere sa living room. They have a house. Bagong bili lang dahil mukhang mapapatagal ang stay nila sa Pilipinas.

“I told you, you're coming with me, Cesare.”

“There's a stupid man inside your car, boss. He insisted he'll drive you there.” walang kabuhay-buhay na sagot ni Cesare na abala sa laptop nito.

Kaagad na naiintindihan niya ang ibig sabihin ni Cesare kaya napailing na lamang siya.

“How come he knows where we are?”

“Tracker...” anas ni Cesare. “He puts some bug on my phone.”

Napahalakhak si Nikolo. “And you just let him?”

Cesare shrugs, “He's crazy and fúcking noisy.”

Nikolo let out a heartfelt laugh before turning his back on his consigliere. At doon, nakita niya ang ‘someone stupîd' na tinutukoy ni Cesare.

Rocco was whistling while scrolling on his phone. Naka-upo ito sa driver seat. Agad siyang pumasok sa passenger seat.

“How's the warehouse?” tanong niya. “Bad?”

“Wala man lang, 'good evening', 'hello', 'kumusta ka?' Tanong agad?” Reklamo ni Rocco at binaba ang cellphone saka minaneho ang kotse.

Hindi na nagtaka si Nikolo na alam ni Rocco ang daan kahit pa hindi niya ito sinabihan kung saan sila pupunta. This Capo of his is one of the craziest people he knows.

“The warehouse got raided,” ani Rocco saka sumipol at halata sa mukha ang galak. “Good thing we arrived earlier there than the cops. Mabuti na lang at mababagal ang pulis sa Pilipinas.”

“No casualties?”

“Na-uh...” tapos ay napailing si Rocco. “Binayaran lang namin sila ng sampung milyon bawat opisyales and they oath to keep their mouths sealed. Just like that. No casualties.”

Marami silang warehouse sa Pilipinas. Ginagawa nila na hideout ang iba, ang iba naman ay factory. They sell drúgs all over the country and other countries. Smuggle high caliber gúns, cars and many more. And human traffickíng, their organizations have those. Pero ang mga babaeng binibenta lang nila ay mga willing prey. Ibig sabihin, nagustuhan talaga ng mga babae na ibenta ang kanilang katawan. And they have so many clients in the Philippines. They even have VVIP's. At halos lahat ng customers nila ay mga miyembro ng gobyerno. Senators, cabinet officials, at mga negosyante.

Rocco parked the car in front of the meeting place. Si Mr. Beunavista mismo ang pumili nitong lugar.

“Susunod ako.” Anas ni Rocco pero ang mata nito ang nakatuon sa paligid. “I will just check the perimeters.”

Umalis si Rocco habang siya naman ay sinundan ng tingin ang Capo hanggang sa maglaho ito sa dilim. His men... they never cease to amuse him.

Pagkapasok siya sa restaurant at agad na lumipad ang mga tingin sa kaniya ng tao sa loob.

Nikolo was walking gracefully, oozing with a dangerous aura. Matuwid ang tindig at walang emosyon ang mukha. He looks ruthless.

The restaurant was quiet but deliberate—soft lighting, polished wood, the kind of place where conversations mattered.

“Any reservation, sir?” tanong ng babae sa front desk. Nakita pa niya kung papaano lumunok ito. Nikolo also noticed the flirty look that the woman was giving him.

Sorry woman... I'm a loyal freak to my future wife.

“Adriano Beunavista...” he answered shortly.

Yes... Nikolo was having a late night dinner with Adriano Beunavista, the father of the woman that interests him. Siya ang sinasabi nitong possible investor.

“This way, sir...”

Sinundan niya ang lalaki. And from his peripheral vision, he saw Rocco entering the restaurant and giving him a sign telling that the place was all safe.

They enter an exclusive room. When he walked in, Adriano and his wife stood immediately.

“Good evening, Mr. Moretti. Thank you for making time.”

Mabilis na tumayo ang mag-asawa at nginitian siya ng malapad. They extended their hands for a shake.

“Of course, Mr. Beunavista,” he replied, shaking his hand. “If I’m considering a company, I want to hear the story directly from the person running it. And your company seems fine.” and besides... I have my personal reason why I chose your company.

They sat after the greetings. May mga pagkain nang naka-order at halos mapuno ang mesa.

“Looks delicious...” tukoy niya sa mga pagkain na nakahanda sa mesa.

“They really are,” ang ginang ang sumagot. “These are my daughter's favorite foods. I'm glad you find it appetizing.”

Kaagad naagaw ang atensyon ni Nikolo at napatingin siya sa mga pagkain.

So, these are my future wife's favorites... hmm.

“Your daughter has a good taste.” My future wife.

“We can never go wrong with her choices when it comes to food... My Adina loves food.” Excited na saad ni Menerva. “She also works in the company as Finance Head. We wanted her to have the position of COO but she declined. Sabi niya na gusto niyang magsimula sa ibaba. My daughter is also a dedicated person—”

Adriano joined in their conversation.

“Wife, I think that's not necessary.” Ani Adriano bago humarap sa kaniya. “I'm sorry, Mr. Moretti, my wife just adores our daughter. I hope you won't mind.”

“Not at all.” Agap niya. Mas interesado pa nga siya ngayon na pag-usapan si Adina kaysa sa business pero dapat lang kalmahan.

Gusto pa sana niya makinig sa kwento ng ginang pero pinutol ni Adriano ang kanilang usapan. Pero aminin, medyo naiinis siya ng kaunti sa ama ng dalaga dahil umeksina sa usapan nila. Chance niya na 'yon para makilala pa lalo ang dalaga, ih!

They proceeded to talk about the business. Purely business. Habang nagpapaliwanag si Mr. Adriano ay hindi maiwasan mapabilib si Nikolo. Though, he wasn't showing it on his face. Menerva also takes part during the conversation.

The Beunavista owns a manufacturing company. That shows remarkable performance in the market.

“You choose to slow growth?” Nikolo asked between their conversation.

Adriano mentioned that they matter the price of their products to the pocket of their consumers. Kaya na hindi sila nagtataas ng presyo sa mga produkto kaya matagal ang kitaan. Pero dahil sa ganoong sistema ni Adriano, unti-unting lumulubog ang kompanya nito. Malapit nang ma-bankrupt ang kompanya na tinatag nito. Tanging ang mag-asawa lang ang may alam.

But Nikolo knows... He knows the top secret of Adriano.

“Yes,” Adriano replied. “Burning reputation costs more than burning cash.”

“Not many founders say that.”

They proceeded again. The food on the table was barely touched. Silang tatlo lang ang tao sa loob ng VIP room.

“You know, Mr. Beunavista,” Nikolo was amused, “most founders try to sell me certainty. You’re selling me clarity. I'm glad we consider your company.”

“That’s all business really is,” Adriano replied. “Clear risks. Clear plans.”

“You amuse me, Mr. Beunavista.” Ipinatong niya ang siko sa mesa at tiningnan si Adriano sa mata. “So... I'm offering you a good deal. I'll invest two billion in your company. In exchange for a favor.”

Halatang nagulat ang mag-asawa. At nagkatinginan ang mag-asawa. It's the offer they can't resist. Malaking halaga na iyon para maisalba ang kompanya.

“May I know the favor you want, Mr. Moretti?” maingat na tanong ni Menerva. That's a very unusual offer.

“That for now... is a secret.” Nikolo then, extended his hand. “Deal?”

Nagkatinginan ang mag-asawa na tila nag-uusap sila gamit ang amat. Later one. Adriano reached his hand and shook it.

“Deal, Mr. Moretti.”

Lumapad ang ngisi ni Nikolo. Ito na. Nararamdaman niya na na malapit na silang magkita ni Adina. He can finally see her up close!

Nag-i-imagine na siya ng mga scenario kung papaano magtatagpo ang landas nila ng dalaga.

Panandalian nakalimutan ni Nikolo ang responsibilidad bilang tagapagmana ng legasiya ng ama. Tonight, he's not some Mafia boss, he's just Nikolo. Just Nikolo.

Nagkapermahan sila ng papeles. Hindi mawala sa mukha ni Nikolo ang saya. After signing the contract they engage in some casual conversation.

Tapos ay nagpaalamanan na sila. Unang umuwi ang mag-asawa.

Si Nikolo naman ay dumaretso sa nakaparadang sasakyan. Pero imbes na sa passenger seat ay puwesto siya sa driver seat.

“Out.” Katok niya sa bintana ng kotse sa driver seat dahil naroon si Rocco na kumakain ng instant noodles. “I'll be driving tonight.”

Binaba ni Rocco ang salamin ng binata.

“Hwindwe pwedwe..."

Kumunot ang noo ni Nikolo. Hindi niya naiintindihan ang sinabi ni Rocco. Puno ba naman ang bibig ng noodles.

“Don't fúcking talk when your mouth is full, Rocco.”

Nilunok lahat ni Rocco ang kinain.

“Sabi ko hindi pwede.” Nginuso ni Rocco ang passenger seat. “Opo roon, boss. Ako na magmamaneho. Alam ko naman kung saan mo gustong pumunta. You'll pay a visit to your woman.”

Nang makasakay siya sa loob, agad na pinaharurot ni Rocco ang sasakyan.

“How come you know everything?”

“Pinanganak kasi ako na gwapo.” Agarang sagot ni Rocco, malayo naman ang sagot sa tanong.

Now, Nikolo, understand why Cesare was always in a bad mood whenever Rocco is around. Sobrang hangin ba naman. Sobrang GGSS.

Pinarada ni Rocco ang sasakyan sa madilim na parte.

“Go to your woman... enjoy, boss.”

Mabilis na bumaba si Nikolo at umakyat ng puno para masilayan ang magandang mukha ng dalaga. He's a total stalker at this point. Nag-uusap si Adina at kaibigan nito sa kwarto. Kita niya dahil nakabukas ang bintana. Nakasuot ng panjama si Adina at ang ganda-ganda.

“Amoretto...” bulong ni Nikolo habang tinatanaw ang dalaga. He leans his back at the branches of the tree.

Nasa bahay ito ng kaibigan. Inaasahan na 'yon ni Nikolo na makikitulog si Adina.

Maya-maya pa ay sumulyap bigla ang dalaga sa may bintana. Maybe she felt his gaze. Lumapit si Adina sa binta at luminga-linga. Kampante siya na hindi siya makikita ng dalaga. Di nagtagal ay malakas ba sinara ni Adina ang bintana at kurtina nito.

He felt some disappointment because he couldn't watch his woman sleep.

“Amoretto... you're making me crazy.”