ARRANGED MARRIAGE 

Chapter 8

YEONWOO'S POV

We're on our way to the office when Hyebin called.

"Hello, Hyebin?"

"Yeonwoo, we're already halfway in our meeting. Can you make it?"

"How is it going?"

"It's ok, I can provide you with all the details. It's just an updates lang naman. Board meeting is still next month."

"Ok, other important matters?"

"Not yet tackled, that's why I'm asking you if you could make it so we will not adjourn the meeting yet."

"Ok, Hyebin. Malapit na rin kami. 15 mins."

"Ok, then see you."

"By the way, Hyebin. How's your assignment?" tanong ko kay Hyebin

"Ah, yeah. I'm into it Yeonwoo. All male guests in the birthday party last night and the cctv coverage for the last 24 hours. I'll let you know, don't worry." balita niya

"Thank you, Hyebin. See you. Bye." paalam ko na, ayaw kong malaman ni Nancy dahil baka matrauma siya pag narinig niya ulit ang nangyari. I messaged Hyebin last night about what happened. I won't stop until I find out who's the person behind what happened last night. Bumaling ako kay Nancy who's beside me. I held her hands on her lap. "You alright?" tanong ko.

"Yes, thanks." matipid niyang sagot.

"By the way Nancy, tomorrow I will be at Lolo's place..."

"Can I come?" agad niyang tanong na hindi pinatapos ang sasabihin ko.

"Ah...yeah sure..." tanging nasagot ko."You sure?" tanong ko at tumango lang siya saka tumingin sa bintana ng sasakyan. Paano yong balak kong sabihin kay Lolo? Tanong ko sa sarili ko. I will try to find time to talk to Lolo na lang. Ilang minuto pa at narating na namin ang office. As soon as we got out from the car, I held her hand. "Let's go?" yaya ko at ngumiti lang siya.

When we entered the building all eyes are on us but more so to the girl walking hand in hand with me. Matamis ang mga ngiti nila, parang nakakita ng...loveteam? Yeonwoo kailan ka pa nagka interest sa loveteam?tanong ng utak ko.Nagising ako sa paghigpit ng hawak sa akin Nancy

"You alright?" mahina niyang tanong.

"Of course." ngiti kong sagot. "Let's go?" at tumango lang siya.

Everyone greeted us with extra energy, or ngayon ko lang ata napansin yon. I don't know but I greeted them with equal energy that even Nancy look surprised. Nasobrahan ko ata ang sigla, pero hindi ko na lang pinansin.

We got inside the private elevator.

"You seem happy..." ngiting pansin ni Nancy sa akin habang nasa loob na kami ng elevator.

"I had a good sleep."

"You woke up late." duda niya.

"Kaya nga dahil I had a good sleep."

"Why?" tanong niya muli.

"Ahm...because...it's a bit warm." mahina kong sagot.

"Why?" tanong niya muli. hindi ko na alam ang isasagot ko. ngayon ko naisip sana may speed button tong elevator.

"Yeonwoo?"

"Be—cause...of you." nahihiya kong sabi.she looked at me for seconds.

"Honestly, Yeonwoo. You didn't had enough sleep, did you?" tanong niyang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa akin. Anong floor na ba kami?Pwede bang lumabas na ngayon?Sana pala hindi na kami dito sumakay."Yeonwoo." mahinang tawag muli ni Nancy

"Yes, Nancy. I had little sleep..." lingong sagot ko sa kanya. "but so far it was the best sleep I ever had since I can't remember when." I confessed without taking off my eyes on her. "I felt warmth and peace." patoto kong sabi.

"Y-yeonwoo." rinig kong pabulong niyang tawag. I so love to hear you call my name Nancy. Nasasanay na ako

"Yes?" sagot ko.

"N-nothing." sabay iwas niya ng tingin.

"N-nancy." tawag ko sa kanya,it's my turn now to know sabi ko sa isip ko.

"I...I just want you to know how comfortable I am when I'm with you." sagot niya. Sarap pakinggan.

"Why?" kulit ko.I want to know Nancy. Please. Pakiusap ng isip ko.

Ngayon ko hinihiling na bumagal ang elevator. Pero hindi nakisama dahil tumunog na ang signal na nasa destinasyon na kami. Ngayon hinihiling ko naman na sana may extra floor pa para lang marinig ko ang sagot niya.

"We're here." aya ko at ngayon ko lang napansin na hindi pala kami nagbitaw ng mga kamay sa isat isa. As the door opened and as we got out from the elevator the looks of the people around us is indescribable. Gusto kong matawa pero pati ako nagulat sa reaction nila. It was a first time for them and for me. I glanced at the girl beside me and smiled. "Na starstruck ata sila sa'yo?" biro ko, maranahan niya akong hinampas sa braso. My employees greeted us politely with extra sweetness and I greeted them back just the same. I know I'm late but I took time to walk with Nancy

"Miss Nancy?" someone called behind us and Nancy immediately turned around.

"Yes?"

"Sorry po...Pero maari po bang mag papicture sa inyo? Fan niyo po kasi yong anak ko, tiyak matutuwa yon pag nalaman niyang nakita ko kayo..." one employee said in her late forties.

"O sure, ok lang po." magalang na sagot ni Nancy and I felt she released her hand from mine and walked towards the woman now preparing her cellphone, but the woman looked at me as if asking for permission.

"May magagawa pa ba ako, naka handa na ang cellphone mo." sagot ko na kunwang seryoso.

"S-sorry po Miss—-"

"Just kidding, Miss Lalaine." habol ko sa nahihiya kong empleyado. "Basta ok kay kumander." and I heard laughter around us. And maybe that's the cue they're waiting dahil naglapitan na sila sa asawa ko para magpapicture.

"Okay, you have five minutes guys. I'm already late." sabi ko na. Lumapit sa akin si Nancy at bumulong

"You can go ahead, Yeonwoo. Sunod na lang ako." she whispered. But I just shook my head.

"Five minutes and you're mine again." bulong biro ko sa kanya and again I saw her blushed. She went back with my employees and happily posed with them. I'm relieved to see her ok now.

"Time's up." mataas na boses kong sabi dahil nagkakagulo pa sila. "Next time ulit." dugtong ko at matapos ay kanya kanya na silang lakad pabalik sa mga pwesto nila ngunit lingon-kaway pa rin kay Nancy na natutuwa naman. I held her hand again and led her to my office.

"Dito ka muna nan—-" naputol ang sasabihin ko pagpasok namin ng office nang makita ko si Joy.

"Good morning, Yeonwoo." bati niya sa akin tapos ay lumipat ang tingin niya kay Nancy. "Good morning, Ms. Mcdonie." bati niya kay Nancy

Hindi umimik si Nancy pero napansin ko siyang tumango.

"Good morning, Joy. I thought nasa meeting ka?" tanong ko.

"My boss isn't there yet." sagot niyang nakangiti. Naramdaman kong hindi na gumalaw sa kinatatayuan niya si Nancy kaya bumaling na ako sa kanya.

"Just wait for me here, ok? If there's anything you want just message me." sabi ko sa kanya pero hindi siya sumagot. Nakatingin lamang siya kay Joy na nakatingin din sa kanya. "Madali na lang itong meeting, ok?" muli kong sabi.

"Ok." matipid niyang sagot.

"Let's go, Joy." yaya ko na kay Joy na nasa may pintuan na rin.

"We'll go ahead Miss Mcdonie." paalam rinig kong sabi niya bago tuluyang lumabas ng opisina.

Naglalakad na ako papuntang conference room ng tumunog ang phone ko.

"Hello Tito Richard?"

"How's my princess, Yeonwoo. May nangyari ba?" may kasamang pagalala sa boses ni Tito Richard. I tried to call him earlier nong nasa bathroom si Nancy but his line's busy, so I just messaged him with urgent matter about her daughter. I stopped for a few minutes to tell him about what happened last night.

"Is she alright?" he asked after.

"I think she's doing good now Tito, don't worry I'm into it. We'll sure find out who did this to her."

"Hope so, Yeonwoo. Salamat, ikaw ang una niyang hinanap. Malaki talaga ang tampo niya sa akin dahil sa ganyang sitwasyon number ko ang nasa speed dial niya. I guess you're getting along well now." pabirong sabi ni Tito Richard

"Nagkataon lang po siguro Tito dahil may tampo siya sa inyo." sagot ko na lang.

"It's ok Yeonwoo, ako ng bahala magsabi sa mga kapatid niya. Hindi ko muna sasabihin kay Myeongju dahil magaalala yon ng sobra para kay Nancy. Thank you, we'll talk later. Mamyang gabi na pala ang balik ko." paalam na ni Tito Richard, nasa out if town conference siya

"Ok, Tito. By the way po we'll be going to Lolo's house tomorrow. You and Tita can come, it would be a good chance for you to have some moment with Nancy." pag imbita ko.

"That'll be a good idea. Thanks Yeonwoo."

NANCY'S POV

What the...is that Joy? She called me Miss Mcdonie. Doesn't she even know that I'm already married to Yeonwoo? Her Boss. Boss niya lang, pero kung makipag usap akala mo kabit. Who she thinks she's talking with? Hindi ba niya alam na asawa ako? Bigla akong hinto at napaisip. What am I saying? Pansin ko sa sarili ko. Nancy don't you think you're overreacting? Sita ko sa sarili ko. Nagising ako when I heard my phone. Si Dada. I wanted to ignore it again pero I don't know what's with me that I took his call this time.

"Thank you for answering my call, Nancy. I just want to know if you're alright. Yeonwoo told me what happened."

"I'm ok now Dada. It's just a small incident."

"But I won't let that pass." seryosong sagot ni Dada. I didn't say a word anymore. "Just checking on you Princess, take care of yourself, ok. Miss you. Bye"

"Ok, Dada. Thanks. Bye" the only words I said and heard Dada ended the call. "I miss you too, Dada." I whispered to myself. I stayed idle for a few minutes thinking of what will happen if Dada finally decides to end his agreement with Lolo Pablo. What awaits me and Yeonwoo?Paano na?

Nagulat pa ako ng narinig kong bumukas muli ang pinto and appeared Yeonwoo and Hyebin with Joy behind them.

"You forgot something?" wala sa loob kong tanong then waved at Hyebin "Hi, Hyebin." bati ko at kumaway din siya.

"Hi, Nancy." sagot niya, saka bumaling kay Yeonwoo na nakatingin na sa akin.

"The meeting's over. I'll just need to check some papers then we can go home." ngiti niyang sabi nang dumaan sa akin at derederetso sa desk niya. "Ok what are the urgent papers?" she asked as she's now seated. Just then Yeonwoo went near her desk and got something from the piled papers.

"These are urgent, Yeonwoo. But the most important are these two due early next week." sagot niya. Yeonwoo tawag niya, seriously? Boss niya? Palipat lipat na tingin ko sa kanilang dalawa ni Yeonwoo

"This will only take a few minutes, Nancy. Sure you're alright? Wanna take a seat?" pansin ni Yeonwoo sa akin.

"No worries, Yeonwoo. I just had a call so I was standing around." sagot ko at tumango lang siya.

"It's ok now, Joy. Thanks." baleng niya kay Joy at saka lang humakbang palayo sa kanya ang malanding secretary. Malandi talaga Nancy? tanong ng utak ko. Yup, malandi. The way she moves and the way she dress, the way she talks.

"Nancy." bulong na tawag sa akin ni Hyebin, saka lang ako nagising. "Kung bumubuga lang ng apoy ang mata mo, sunog na si Joy." biro niyang bulong. Saka ko napansin na wala na pala si Joy sa pinto, pagbaling ko kay Yeonwoo nakayuko siya pero may ngiti sa mga labi. Nakita kaya niya paano ko sinundan ng tingin si Joy.

"Am I that obvious?" tanong ko kay Hyebin at nakangiti siyang tumango. "May paguusapan ba kayo ni Yeonwoo?" bulong tanong ko ulit.

"Magrereport lang sana ako." matipid niyang sagot. "But that can wait." balik niya sa akin saka naglakad sa desk ni Yeonwoo. "Labas muna ako Boss." paalam niya at saglit lang nag angat ng ulo si Yeonwoo

"Ok, Hyebin. Don't forget your lunch meeting tomorrow." bilin ni Yeonwoo

"Yes Boss." sagot ni Hyebin saka tumalikod at naglakad sabay kindat sa akin bago lumabas.

"Why are you smiling?" tanong ko kay Yeonwoo nang dalawa na lang kami sa office niya.

"Parang gusto mong kainin ng buo si Joy." sabi niyang nakatungo, so I moved in closer to her and leaned over her desk.

"You find that funny?" tanong kong halos magkalapit ng mukha namin ng magtaas siya ng tingin.

"I find it amusing." sagot niya.

"So, you're in first name basis, huh."

"We're just used to that calling, Nancy. I just want them to feel comfortable with me."

"So comfortable that she can dress anything she wants."

"What's wrong with her dress?"

"Don't you have dress code here?" tanong ko na.

"As long as it's appropriate..."

"You call that attire appropriate?" puna ko. Ngumiti siyang umiiling.

"What?" tanong ko muli and crossed my arms. She's about to say something when the door opened.

"Your coffee, Yeonwoo." as Joy walked in.

"Thank you, Joy."

"Coffee, Nancy?" tanong ni Yeonwoo sa akin. I looked at Joy with no expression.

"Are you sure you'll gonna prepare me my coffee, Ms. Joy?"

"I will try Ms. Mcdo—-"

"Don't you know that I'm already married to your BOSS?" I interrupted her. "I am. Now. Mrs. Lee." I said still crossed arms and she looked at me with surprised look and bewildered of what I said next. "Can you please get me kapeng barako freshly made from Batangas with fresh cow's milk?" request ko.

Pati si Yeonwoo natulala sa sinabi ko. Nagkatinginan sila ni Joy as if the latter is waiting for an answer from Yeonwoo

"Ahm, can you please leave us for a sec. Joy." Yeonwoo said and her secretary left without a word. "What was that Nancy?" takang tanong ni Yeonwoo na natatawa.

"What? She asked me if I want coffee..."

"Do you really drink kapeng barako?" she asked.

"Yes I drink brewed coffee."

"From Batangas?" balik tanong niya. "With fresh cow's milk?"

"Fresh milk's healthy..."

"Parang ayaw mo na siyang pabalikin." sabi niya at natulala ako.

"Is that rude?"

"In a subtle way, yes..." sagot niya.

"Isn't much rude to call me miss Mcdonie when she knows I'm already married to you." I reasoned. She leaned back on her chair and flashed that smile again.

"What?" I asked.

"You don't like her, do you?"

"I don't like how she talks to you." I defended "but it seems that's ok with you."

"Nancy, I just told you that..."

"Stop. I know." as I stretch out my hand, palm facing her to stop her from talking. "I don't like how she dressed up, maybe you can give her an oversize button down shirt so she can keep her from bursting out her shirt." I said and she bursted out laughing. "I'm serious Yeonwoo." seryoso kong sabi. "Bakit mas gusto mong size niya, maybe that's why she's wearing clothes like that because you're enjoying the view?" I asked and she can't hold her laughter anymore. "Naiinis na ako Yeonwoo, there's nothing funny here." seryoso ko ng sabi.

"Nagseselos ka?" she suddenly asked and I fell silent. I don't know what to say. "What now, Nancy? Are you?" ulit niya.

"No, I'm not!"

"Then why are you reacting that way?"

"I just don't like the way she talks to her boss." I defensely said "And the way she dressed...luwa ng dibdib niya, can't you see?...kaya siguro luwa na din yang mga mata mo!" I said and that's it she really blew herself into laughter as if I just said the funniest joke in the world. "Yeonwoo, it's not funny!" I said irritated and annoyed. I'm about to turn around and walk out of her office.

"Where are you going?" tanong niyang biglang nag seryoso. Natauhan ka rin sabi ko sa isip ko.

"Somewhere only I know..." seryoso kong sabi sabay lakad palayo sa kanya.

"Hey, Nancy. Wait!" habol niya but I just ignored her. I am now at the door holding the knob when I felt her hand held mine.

"Hey. I'm sorry. Ok? Natutuwa lang ako. I mean, it's the first time I see the other side of you."

"So pinagtitripan mo ako?"

"Of course not, Nancy.Just happy to know you more." I can see her sincerity. I don't know what to say, distracted at how she looks at me.

"Aren't you done yet?" I asked to break whatever I'm feeling at the moment.

"Almost...give me 10 minutes." she said with a peace sign.

"You're clock's ticking." I said and she instantly walked fast back to her desk while I slowly walked to the glass wall overlooking the whole city. This is her world, though we're almost the same, only she's at the other side of a busy business. But I'm willing to give up what I have at the moment. Will she? Will she ever be serious in having a family? Or she'll just spend her life flirting while being serious on her work. I glanced at her, now sitting while her eyes glued to the papers in front of her. Such a workaholic person I sighed.

After more than 10 minutes I heard her talking to someone over the phone. After a few seconds more Joy came in.

"I'm already done with this two but I have corrections. Have it done this day and I will signed it this afternoon. Padala mo na lang kay Mang Julio. I'll take the other files and do it at home. We'll be going now." paalam ni Yeonwoo at tumayo na.

"You stopped working at home. You promised that to your Lolo." narinig kong habol ni Joy. What? Does she know everything about Yeonwoo?

"I know, but not this time, Joy. We'll go now. Thank you." walang emosyong sagot ni Yeonwoo at hinawakan na niya ang kamay ko at lumabas na kami ng opisina.

YEONWOO'S POV

"Now I know why you have an office table in your bedroom." I heard Nancy said, she's already in bed while I'm sitting in my desk checking something in my laptop. "Ganyan ka ba ka workaholic?"

"Akala ko tulog ka na." I said, ignoring her question, we're basically facing each other: she's in bed lying flat on her back while I'm sitting on my desk looking straight towards our bed. "If you can't sleep because of the light, I can turn it off." sabi ko at akma ko ng iooff ang table lamp when she spoke.

"Leave it. So I can see you." sagot niya. Then she pulled herself up a little and leaned back to the headboard. "Alam mo you should put tv instead of working table on that area, kasi hindi ka rin naman makakatulog eh."

"Bakit mo naman nasabi?"

"If you're there and facing your bed, it's inviting you to sleep, right?" tanong niya pero ngiti lang ang isinagot ko. "Then you'll move here in your bed feeling sleepy but when you lie down you'll eventually looking at your working table and think of your unfinished work, so you won't fall asleep naman, right?" dugtong niya, madaldal pala tong babaeng to comment ko sa isip ko.
"Am I right?" kulit niya.

"Make sense." tipid kong sagot. Naglabas ako ng isang mahabang buntong hininga saka ko isinara ang laptop ko at inoff ang table lamp at naglakad na papuntang kama namin. "Let's sleep, baka mawala pa ang antok mo sa kakadaldal mo. We'll leave early tomorrow, remember?" paalala ko sa kanya.

"Yes, I know. You don't have to remind me." may taas kilay niyang sagot. "So are you going to remove that table and replace it with a mini home theater instead?" ulit niya.

"We'll see." sabi ko na kunwang matutulog na. Nasanay na kaming mahigang magkaharap at ilang dipa lang ang pagitan.

"Just yes or no..." sagot niya at nagmulat ako muli ng mata at nagsalubong ang aming mga mata.

"Ok..." pagsuko ko na.

"Ok what? Ok no or ok yes?" habol niya at nangiti ako. Hindi naman siya makulit.

"Ok, yes." sagot ko at pumikit na ako. Naramdaman ko na lang ang mabilis na halik sa labi ko.

"Thank you." kasunod kong narinig. Nagulat ako at biglang napamulat pero pikit na ang mga mata ni Nancy at bakas ang ngiti sa mga labi. Jusme ako naman ngayon ang hindi makakatulog. It was just a smack pero para na akong nakuryente. Paano na ang plano ko? Kailangan ko pa bang kausapin si Lolo o hayaan ko na lang muna kung anong meron kami ni Nancy ngayon?