29

Miguel stared out into the setting sun at Manila Bay. He was now relieved and content.

"Miguel!" Laarni screamed from behind him. He turned around to see her running towards him. They embraced.

"Salamat." He said. "For listening to me." she just smiled.

"It was the song." she replied. "May kakaibang pakiramdam na dulot yung kanta."

"Sabi ko na eh." Miguel joked. "May lihim kang pagtingin sa akin."

"Che. Ikaw kaya nauna." Laarni replied, pinching his nose. "Pero yung kanta talaga. Second na lang yung good looks mo." The two laughed, as the sun continued its path and the night sky was creeping in.

FIN

28

"Here is my goodbye song
I feel the words are coming now
and they reveal how sad i feel
that you left me behind..."

Miguel banged his hand on the piano. He can't seem to get the words right. He got the bottle of beer on top of the piano, and drank. It's been two days, he thought to himself. In those two days, he had done nothing but drink to bury his feelings.

"Ang aga namang pag-inom niyan." a familar voice said. Miguel was surprised to hear the voice. Could it be, he thought. He turned around and immediately, a smile crept up his face.

"La!" He exclaimed, running towards the woman at the doorway. The two enveloped in a warm embrace. Miguel never wanted to let go. He thought this moment would never happen, but now that it has, it was surreal. "Akala ko..."

"I can't. Not like this." Laarni explained.

"Huh?" Miguel pulled away from the hug.

"I want to set things straight. Number one, gusto kitang pasalamatan sa honesty mo. Bihira sa kaibigan ang makakapagsabi ng ganun. Number two, hindi kita iiwasan, dahil..." Laarni paused for a while, building up the courage. "Number three... mahal din kita."

Miguel wanted to jump. He hugged Laarni again. Slowly, he pulled his face closer to hers until their lips finally touched.

27

Terminal One of Ninoy Aquino International Airport was overcrowded with jetsetters and contract workers. People were rushing to and fro, hoping not to miss their flight.



Laarni sat on one corner of the waiting area. Beside her, Adrian was making some last minute calls to his staff.

Am I doing the right thing? She thought to herself. Last night, she listened to Miguel's CD. It was a recording of his song, followed by a heartfelt message.

"Laarni, alam kong matagal ko nang sinabi sa iyo kung anong nararamdaman ko. Kung hindi mo man ako matanggap pagkatapos nito ay maiintindihan ko. I love you. I wish I could have told you sooner, but I don't know how, or takot ako. I don't want to lose you. Yet in the end, I felt I did.

La, maiintindihan ko kung hindi lalagpas sa pagkakaibigan ang pagtingin mo sa akin. Salamat sa mga pinagsamahan natin."

By the end of the message, Laarni found herself in tears, more confused than ever.

"Are you okay?" Adrian asked. Laarni looked at her and smiled, yet the sadness was evident in her eyes. She knew her attempt failed. Adrian at that point knew he lost the battle. Even if he forcibly married Laarni, he knew she would never be his.

"If you do not want to go, I'll understand." he said, a hint of depression in his voice. Laarni looked at him.

"No, I do want to go." she reassured him.

"Laarni, I know, when I have lost the war. You love Miguel." he said.

"No..." Laarni began, but Adrian cut her off.

"Your eyes tell it all. I have known it since then, that you feel something special for Miguel. I chose to ignore it, but it becomes more evident. don't want to force you into something you're not whole-hearted about."

Laarni nodded, she gave Adrian a hug. "thank you. she whispered." Adrian hugged her tightly, afraid to let go, but he knew he should.

"Go. before I change my mind."

26

Adrian neatly folded a pair of trousers into his luggage. Tomorrow is the day, he thought. He opened his bedside drawer and brought out the box containing the wedding rings.

He got his phone and dialled.

"Hello Sen?" he greeted as soon as Sen picked up the phone.

"What?" Sen asked, the annoyance evident in his voice. "I'm in the middle of having sex here." Adrian laughed.

"Just tell the girl to wait or something... this is important."

"What?"

"I thought about what you said... and yes, I'm marrying Laarni in the Cook Islands."

"Okay." Sen said, a tinge of impatience, and restraint in his voice. Adrian laughed when he heard deep breathing.

"Consider this an invitation. See you at the Cooks in a couple of days." He hung up the phone.

25

The Manila Bay Sunset was famous the world over. It's basking glow seemed to envelop the Manila Skyline. Further beyond, the darkness was creeping in like a lion hunting for its prey.

Miguel Mendoza paid no attention to these as he stood at the breakwater of Harbor Square. In his hand, he had a small box.

"Miguel." Laarni called. Miguel turned around and saw her approaching him. The setting sun radiated her face. Dressed in a simple white blouse and skinny jeans, she seemed like a goddess lifted up into the sun. The two shared an embrace.

"La. Please, huwag kang umalis." Miguel began.

"Babalik pa naman ako, eh."

"Iba pakiramdam ko dito." Miguel explained. "Pagbalik mo, baka mag-iba na ang lahat..."

Laarni was puzzled.

"Mahal kita. Mahal na mahal. Sana naman, magtiwala ka sa akin. Kahit ito lang, ibigay mo sa akin. Huwag kang sumama sa Rarotonga."

"Alam mo naguguluhan ako sa mga nararamdaman ko ngayon." Laarni explained. "aaminin ko may nararamdaman ako sa iyo. meron din kay adrian. hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko."

There was a glimmer of hope in Miguel's eyes.

"Hindi ka na aalis?" He asked.

"Hindi ko talaga alam. May isang part ng katawan ko na ayaw sumama, but at the same time..." her voice trailed off. "Bigyan mo ako ng time mag-isip."

Miguel handed the box he was holding. Laarni opened it, and saw a CD.

"Yan yung composition ko. Para sa iyo." Laarni felt her stomach rising, a knot on her throat becoming larger. The tears were welling in her eyes.

"I have to go." She said as she turned around.

"Maghihintay ako Laarni. It may take forever, but I will wait!" He shouted.

24

"Miguel?" Laarni greeted as the other party answered the call.

"La?"

"Listen, pupunta kami ni Adrian sa Cook Islands." Laarni said, a glint of sadness in her voice. There was silence at the other end of the line, punctuated by sobbing. "Miguel?"

"La, isa lang pakiusap ko. Please, bago ka umalis, magkita tayo."

"Ha?"

"Please Laarni?"

"O sige... dating gawi."

* * *
As Miguel put down the phone. He pondered about his sudden decision. He felt that the trip to the Cook Islands would be his last ditch effort to gain her back. Afterwards, all else would be futile.

This is my last hope, he thought.

23

"You're taking her to Rarotonga?!" Sen exclaimed.

"yeah." Adrian replied nochalantly. Sen took a gulp of scotch. He knew what Rarotonga meant to the girls Adrian dated. Usually, when Adrian took a girl to the island paradise, it meant that he was breaking up with her.

"You're breaking up with her?" Sen asked, confirming his suspicion.

"Ano ka ba. I'm taking her to Raro to marry her." He laughed.

"Wow! Talagang matindi ano?" Sen said. Adrian nodded. He then brought out a small box in his pocket. He opened it. Inside, Sen saw two rings made of white gold.

"ganda." He said.

"There's only one problem." Adrian said as he took a shot of tequila.

"Miguel?" Sen asked. "We always thought that iba yung tingin niya kay Laarni."

"Honestly, hindi ko rin sure kung may nararamdaman si Laarni. Tuwing may tinatanong ako about Miguel, she changes the topic." Adrian commented. There was a glimmer of despair in his eyes.

"Well, she's with you. Unahan mo na lang si Miguel. Kung doon na rin kayo sa Cook Islands magpakasal. That way, pagbalik niyo, wala nang magagawa si Miguel." Sen suggested. Adrian paused to think about his friend's suggestion. It sounded plausible, but he was still not that convinced. "Pero trust me, she likes you. Otherwise hindi ka niya sasagutin. She's yours."

"I wish, Sen. I wish."

22

"So she's the girl?" Katarzyna asked as she stepped into Miguel's car.

"Yeah."

"Maganda siya. Elegant. I like her." She responded. Miguel let out a smile. "Yung boyfriend niya problema mo no?"

"Oo."

"Huwag kang mag-alala, nakikita ko sa mata ni Laarni, ikaw din mahal niya." Katarzyna said reassuringly. Miguel smiled as he started the ignition.

"Kat, salamat he. Sorry kung sumabit ka dito." Miguel said. "I know I promised a quiet, friendly date, pero..."

"Ok lang yun. Basta, you owe me one."

* * *
In another car, a few kilometers away, Laarni sat quietly as Adrian's car drove down the Santa Rosa Highway.

"Miguel's cool." Adrian said, breaking the silence. "and his date's hot." Laarni seemed to be entranced in a world her own. The impact of Miguel's words hit her like a brick now, she was feeling utterly uncomfortable around Adrian.

"Laarni?" Adrian asked. Instantly, she snapped out of her trance, and looked at him. "I'm taking you to Rarotonga next week."

"Rarotonga?" she repeated. She knew that Adrian's son was in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

"Ipakikilala na kita sa anak ko." he said.

21

The cold Tagaytay air relaxed Laarni a bit. She stared as the dusk slowly enveloped the Batangas countryside below her. She had excused herself from the dinner table. To her surprise, everything was peaceful. Adrian and Miguel seemed to hit it off, and so did she and Katarzyna. But the discomfort was killing her.

Now alone, the ill feeling seemed to ebb with the air.

"Nawala ka." Miguel asked as he stepped out. Laarni smiled as he joined her on the patio.

"Maganda siya. Nililigawan mo ba?" Laarni asked as the discomfort returned. Miguel laughed.

"Kaibigan ko lang siya. May iba na kasing minamahal ang puso ko."

"Ows? Sino?" Laarni asked, though she felt she knew the answer.

"Ikaw." Miguel replied non-chalantly. Laarni paused and looked at him. She was expceting the shock to come but it never came. "Alam ko katangahan, pero ganun eh. I fell in love with my friend."

"Yung composition mo..."

"Oo, para sa iyo yon." Laarni nodded.

"Pero... si Adrian..." Miguel bowed his head, the tears were about to come.

"Alam ko. Part of loving is letting go. Alam kong mahal mo siya."

"Laarni!" Adrian called as he opened the door.

"I'm coming." she replied. Looking at miguel, "o sige. enjoy na lang kayo ni Kat."

As she stepped inside, a knot was forming on her throat.

20

Azotea is the newest restaurant of the Tolosa empire. Located on a cascating slope on the Tagaytay Ridge, the restaurant follows the open air concept established by the earlier restaurants. It's drawing power is its picturesque view of Taal Lake and Volcano.

"I hope you enjoy the ambience." Adrian said. As a peace offering to Laarni, Adrian took her there for dinner. Laarni smiled. She wanted to unwind so she accepted the offer anyway. "I would really like to apologize."

"It's ok. I understand." Laarni said in between bites of smoked sea bass. She thought about the situation and saw that her closeness to miguel could be affecting her relationship with adrian, but he could not bear parting with Miguel.

"Well, well, well!" a familiar voice greeted. Laarni turned around to see Miguel walking toward them. She was about to stand up and run to him, but he saw that there was someone with him. The woman was tall, svelte and very modelesque, her dark hair extend to below her shoulders, her eyes were rouns like saucers, and her lips lucious.

Laarni felt a knife stab her chest. She did not know how to react.

"Miguel." she said, devoid of emotion. "What brings you here."

"I'm on a date. By the way this is Katarzyna Villadolid. Kat, this is Laarni Losala and her boyfriend, Adrian Tolosa." Katarzyna nodded in recognition. Laarni recognized the name right away. Katarzyna Villadolid was a piano protege who had monthly concerts at the CCP.

"Small world." Adrian said. "Care to join us?"

"Gladly." Miguel said as he escorted Katarzyna to the empty seat across Laarni.

19

Laarni pushed open the door of Rodolfo's and walked past the restaurant proper. She went straight to the office on the second floor. She opened the door. Adrian stood up to kiss her on the cheeks.

Instantly her hands hit his cheek.

"Bakit mo sinabihan si Miguel na lumayo sa akin?" She asked, the rage evident in her eyes.

"Did he tell you?" Adrian asked.

"No. I just realized." Laarni replied. "He's just a friend. Bakit naman nilagyan mo ng malisya?"

"Because there is Laarni!" Adrian said, his voice stronger now. "Manhid na lang ako kapag hindi ko napansin."

"He's just a friend" Laarni insisted.

"Why don't you ask him how he feels toward you?" Adrian retorted. Laarni paused. "As a guy I know that. Go ahead, ask him."

18

"Miguel!" Laarni screamed as she exited the ABS-CBN building, but it was as if Miguel had heard nothing. She ran, in her heels, until she caught up with him and held him by the arm. "May problema ka ba? Kanina pa kita tinatawag."

"Sorry busy ako, eh." Miguel reasoned out. It was a lie of course, as he had been avoiding Laarni on purpose.

"Bakit hindi mo sinasagot tawag ko?" She asked.

"Nakakalimutan ko lang. Naka-silent kasi madalas phone ko."

"May sinabi ba sa iyo si Adrian?"

"Wala." Miguel lied. Laarni paused for a moment. She looked at Miguel's eye and caught the lie. She let go of his hand.

"Kung ano man ang sinabi sa iyo ni Adrian, ako pa rin ang pakinggan mo dahil ako ang kaibigan mo." Laarni explained. "Miguel, hwag kang umalis sa tabi ko. Ikaw lang pinagkakatiwalaan ko. Please. Don't leave me alone."

Miguel nodded, as his arms enveloped her.

17

The dinner crowd was just starting to build up in Rodolfo's. Slowly, people were starting to trickle in and the tables were beginning to fill up. Miguel entered the restaurant, and was directed to the Chef's table, located adjacent to the kitchen. As he entered the door, he saw Adrian seated inside, a glass of wine in hand.

"Wine?" Adrian offered. Miguel nodded. Adrian signaled the waiter, who then poured Chardonnay into Miguel's glass.

"You wanted to see me?" He asked as he took a sip of the wine.

"I'll go straight to the point." Adrian began. "I want you to stay away from Laarni."

Miguel laughed, albeit mockingly. "Are you jealous of me?"

"Quite frankly, yes."

"Really? I was under the impression you're confident of your relationship with her?" Miguel retorted.

"Well, you should see how she frets over you. How she worries about you." Adrian said. Miguel smiled inside.

"I'm just her friend. You're her boyfriend. It's just paranoia." Adrian took a deep breath, and took a sip of wine.

"Please just grant this request. Stay away from her for a while." He said.

16

Miguel took a swig of beer. It tasted bitter but he did not mind. I've been through much worse tonight, he thought.

His phone rang. HE picked it up, and checked the display: Laarni. He held the cellphone for a while. He placed it on his ear, and was about to press the answer key. But something held him back.

He put the phone down and let the phone ring endlessly.

* * *

Why is he not answering his phone? Laarni thought. It only takes two ring for Miguel to answer her calls, but tonight, there seems to be the endless sound of ringing on the other end.

Ang babaw naman niya kung nagtatampo siya dahil umalis ako sa gitna ng set, she thought. There must be something else that's bothering him. Whatever it is, it's bothering me too.

15

“are you sure you’re okay?” Adrian asked as his Mercedes Benz S Class sped through Quirino Avenue. Laarni nodded. “Miguel’s set was a bit sad.”

“I know.” She replied. “Something’s bothering him. I can feel it.”

“I’m sure you can Laarni, I’m sure Miguel can handle that.” Adrian said.

“Yes, but… I’m still worried. I’ll try to call him later tonight.” Laarni said. Adrian took a deep breath. Laarni looked at him, a bit surprised. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Nagseselos ka?” Adrian shook his head. “Friend ko lang si Miguel. Marami lang kaming pinagsamahan. Siyempre hindi mo maaalis sa aking magworry para sa kanya.” She held his hand reassuringly. Adrian looked at her and smiled. Yet deep inside, something was bothering him. Despite what Laarni told him, he was still had an uneasy feeling towards Miguel.

14

Mahal, mahal na mahal kita
Hindi ako magbabago
Asahan mo ito
Mahal,mahal na mahal kita
Ang puso ko'y iyong iyo
Asahan mong maghihintay sa'yo

Miguel’s repertoire consisted originally of a combination of upbeat songs and ballad. At the last minute, he decided to forego most of the upbeat songs. He certainly was not in the mood tonight.

The audience certainly did not notice his melancholic choice of songs. If ever they did, they did not mind. He finished the song, to a thunderous applause. He nodded his head in recognition. In the corner of his eye, he saw Adrian and Laarni clapping with the crowd.

“Thank you. This next song is very special to me. I actually composed it myself.” Miguel began. “This song, I would like to dedicate to someone special to me. Wherever this person is…” he eyed Laarni’s table. “Sana marinig niya ito.”

““Paano nga ba napasukan ang gusot na ito?Di naman akalaingMagbabago ang pagtingin sa'yo ooooh...”

* * *
There was something in the song that made Laarni feel uncomfortable. She had heard the song before, but there was something different about hearing it this time. There was more angst, more passion, an intensity she had not felt the first time she heard it then. Something was tugging at her heart, but she could not make it out

“Adrian, I’m not feeling so well.” Laarni said.

“You want more water?” Adrian offered as he raised his hand to call the waiter’s attention.

“No. I’m ok. Let’s just finish this set, then let’s go.” Laarni said.

“But, Miguel…”

“I’m sure maiintindihan niya.”

13

Avarua Restaurant and Bar, located beside Harbour Square was jampacked. The al fresco bar boasts of scenic views of Manila Bay and the Manila Skyline. The bar also offers a view and a song, as they placed their open air stage towards the bay, with the Manila Yacht Club as background.

Inside the dressing room, Miguel sat anxiously, taking a shot of tequila every so often to calm his nerves. Actually, he was not nervous for the concert; he already knew his repertoire by heart. He was more nervous of the fact that she was coming over to watch him. He was anxiously, waiting for her, hoping that her surprise would be good news.

There was a soft knock on the door. Miguel turned around just in time as Laarni pushed the door open. Miguel smiled as she entered the room.

“Good luck!” she said as she planted a kiss on his left cheek.

“What’s you surprise?” Miguel asked. Laarni need not answer. A moment later he saw something dangling from Laarni’s neck- a sapphire necklace encrusted with diamonds.

“Kami na ni Adrian.” Laarni said, a tinge of happiness in her voice. Miguel felt like he was falling in an endless abyss. He thought about this moment several times the past twenty four hours, trying to prepare how he would take it. As the moment came, he realized nothing could prepare him for this moment.

“Wow. Congrats.” Miguel said, trying to feign enthusiasm.

“Parang hindi ka yata masaya?”

“Masaya naman, na-shock lang.” he replied. “Masaya ka ba?”

“Okay lang.” she shrugged. He forced a smile. “Actually andyan siya sa labas.” Another dagger. “O siya, good luck!” She said as she gave him a hug.

Laarni exited the room, leaving Miguel in silence thick enough to cut with a knife.

12

“Hello?” Miguel asked picking up his cellphone. He checked the Caller ID. It was Laarni.

“Asan ka?”

“Nasa SLEx”

“Tumabi ka kaya. Baka ma-aresto ka.” Laarni said.

“Sino naman huhuli sa akin sa gitna ng South Expressway?” Miguel asked as his car passed through the Bicutan Exit.

“Baka, maaksidente ka.” Laarni replied.

“Uy… concerned siya!” Miguel teased.

“Che! Tumabi ka nga…”

“Saan naman ako tatabi dito? Nasa gitna nga ako ng Expressway.” Miguel said. “Bakit ka nga ba tumawag?”

“Gusto ko lang sabihin na may surprise rin ako sa gig mo bukas.” Laarni said.

“Ano yon?” Miguel asked.

“Surprise nga eh… bukas mo na malalaman. See you tomorrow!” Laarni retorted.

“Nag reserve ako ng special table for you.”

“Wow! VIP na pala ako.” She jested. Laughter erupted from both sides of the line. “O siya, baka mabangga ka pa.” She hung up the phone.

Miguel drove on, passing the Sucat Exit. His thought process was running in full gear. What could Laarni possibly have in store for me? Perhaps, she bought me that phone I’ve been egging her about. Adrian crossed his mind suddenly. "I hope not." he said to himself as he pushed the thought away.

Whatever Laarni’s gift was, he knew he had something else to look forward to.

11

“She asked for more time.” Adrian said as he ran past Sen, the ball in his hands. Sen tried to catch up, but Adrian was already in the air. The shot missed the ring. Sen grabbed the ball as it bouced off the court. Sen and Adrian often played basketball on Tuesdays, a habit they developed when they were in the States.

“You want me to talk to her?” Sen asked as he dribbled the ball. Adrian stood in front of him, guarding the basket.

“Huwag na. I don’t want to sound that desperate.” Adrian replied as Sen tried to run past him. He almost succeeded, but Adrian was able to move quickly to his left, thereby blocking Sen’s charge.

“If it’s any help, you can talk to Miguel.” Sen sed as he zoomed past Adrian’s right and hit a lay-up.

“Miguel?”

“Yeah, Miguel is the closest to Laarni among the scholars. If there’s anyone who knows her the most, it’s him.” Sen said as he walked towards their gym bags. Adrian stood remained frozen in his spot. Somehow, something in Sen’s words made him think.

If there’s anyone who knows her the most, it’s him.

10

Miguel Mendoza practically flew through the entrance of ABS-CBN. He practically stayed up all night finishing his song. He knew Laarni will be here today since she has a guesting in Wowowee. Wanting to keep good on his promise, he wanted her to hear the song first before anyone else did.

He was now in the corridors of ABS-CBN, looking for the dressing room where Laarni was billeted. Walking through one of the corridors, he saw her emerge from a dressing room.

“La!” Miguel screamed. Laarni turned around.

“O, Miguel. Bakit andito ka? Wala ka naming sched ngayon diba?” Laarni asked.

“Uy, alam niya sked ko.” Miguel joked. Laarni tapped him lightly on the shoulder, flowed by a “what” look. “Wala, natapos ko na yung kanta, at gusto ko sanang iparinig sa iyo.”

“Ok, sige, doon tayo sa dressing room. Papakuha na lang ako ng food.” Laarni said as she motioned Miguel to come inside her dressing room. Laarni sat down on the make-up chair while Miguel sat down on one of the seats behind him.

“Paano nga ba napasukan ang gusot na ito?
Di naman akalaing
Magbabago ang pagtingin sa'yo ooooh...
Mula nang makilala ka umikot ang mundo ko
Di na kayang ilihim at itago
Ang nararamdamang ito ooooh...

Paano na kaya?
Di sinasadya
Di kayang magtapat ang puso ko
Bakit sa dinami-rami ng kaibigan ko
Ikaw pa?

Paano na kaya?
Di sinasadya
Ba't nahihiya ang puso ko
Hirap nang umibig sa isang kaibigan
Di masabi ang nararamdaman
Paano na kaya”

The words struck Laarni, there was something in the lyrics that made her think, yet she could not pinpoint what.

“Ano kamusta?” Laarni just sat there, dazed. “Huy!”

“Ha?” Laarni said.

“Kamusta?”

“Maganda.” She replied. “Makabagdamdamin ang lyrics.”

“Inspired, eh.” Miguel said.

“Sino naman inspiration mo?”

“Basta.” He replied.

“Uyy… naglilihim na siya sa akin.” Laarni joked. Inside, she was confused about what she felt. Curiosity piqued a part of her, yet the other part was jealous.

“Pumunta ka sa gig ko sa Friday at malalaman mo. Ipakikilala ko siya doon.”

9

“I swear Miguel, nagulat ako sa kuwintas!” Miguel sat down on his bed, the cordless phone in his hand. He was working on his composition when the phone rang. It was Laarni, consulting him about Adrian’s proposal.

“O ano nangyari?” Miguel asked. He let out a quiet sigh.

“Tinanong niya ako kung gusto ko siyang maging boyfriend?” A dagger pierced his heart.

“Ano sabi mo?”

“Pag-iisipan ko.” Laarni replied. “Ano sa tingin mo?” there was silence at the other end of the line. “Miguel”

Miguel gathered his thoughts, he was close to tears, yet fought them back. He took a deep breath, “Ikaw, bahala ka? Ikaw naman ang makikisama sa kanya.”

Laarni thought about it for a while. “O sige, mukhang pagod ka na. Pagod na din ako. Kita na lang tayo.”

“Ok. Bye!” Miguel switched off the cordless phone and threw it on the bed. He laid there for a while. A barrage of emotions overwhelmed him: sadness, anger, depair. His eyes scanned across his room, finally fixating on the keyboard propped on his desk. He stood up and walked to the keyboard. He sat down in front of it.

His hands struck the chords and like magic, the song he had been waiting for finally came.

8

Laarni took a bite of the lobster thermidore.

“Is it good?” Adrian asked. Laarni smiled and nodded. The dish actually tasted bland but she decided not to say it anyway. This was after all, Rodolfo’s, the parent restaurant of the Tolosa food empire. Adrian was the president of the empire, and surely she did not want anyone losing their job because of her.

“Laarni.” Adrian said as he put down his goblet of wine. Laarni looked up. Adrian took a deep breath, a tension mounting inside him. “I am a man who does not believe in long courtships. After all, if this is it, then this is it.”

It was now Laarni’s turn to take a deep breath. Her stomach was starting to do summersaults. She knew what was coming next.

“Laarni, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?” Adrian asked as he brought out a purple velvet box.

Laarni felt time stood still. She remained glued to her seat the shock evident in her eyes. She reached for her wine goblet at gulped the entire glass. Slowly, Adrian unlatched the velvet box and opened it to reveal the contents. Laarni gasped. Inside was a sapphire necklace, the pendant encrusted with small diamonds.

“Ang ganda!” Laarni exclaimed. She touched the necklace and looked at Adrian. She took her hand away from the box. Adrian got the necklace and stood up.

“Adrian wait.” Laarni said. “Masyadong mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Give me time to think.”

“How long?”

“I just need time to think it over.”