For the majority of the day, Zachary didn't talk to me. He continued to ignore me, but he did manage to make me some food. Nanay Victoria even caught on to that and kept asking both of us. Zachary remained silent, so I simply stated that I was feeling unwell.
It's already noon, and like always, I am here in my room. I feel like I've gained weight in the past few days because I've only been eating and resting. I also call Aireen from time to time to say hello and ask her about my wonderful family. So far, everything is going according to plan.
I looked up at the door when there was a knock. "Atasha? Hija, are you awake?" It was Aunt Victoria's voice.
I immediately got up and sat down. "Yes. Come in."
The door opened softly, and she gave me a smile when our eyes met. "Am I bothering you?" she asked, curious.
"Not really. I'm just putting the kitten to sleep."
She smiled again and then walked inside. "Well, well, that cat is lucky. She is loved," she said in the tone of their words. "How about you? Are you feeling well?" she added.
"Yes," I replied sparingly.
"That's good!" she said happily. "Let's go to Pidong. It will be fun there tonight; there will be dancing and dinner! Sakaryo will be there to help."
I didn't answer right away because I was processing the words she said for a while. "Isn't it embarrassing?" I asked when I understood what she said. "I mean, I'm just new here, and they don't know me," I added.
The old woman laughed. "Oh! Don't worry because I already told Pidong that I might take you with me when I passed by earlier. That one is fine, and he's complaining that his skittle is too latite." (Tagalog word, can't translate because of the province words flow)
"Latite?" out of my own manner as I frowned.
"Too dirty, hija," she explained.
Reluctantly, I smiled and nodded, even though I still not understood that.
"Just get ready later, huh? We'll leave around six o'clock in time for dinner," she instructed, to which I just nodded again.
She turned her back on me and started to walk out, but she looked at me for a moment when she reached the doorway. "Don't always fight, ah? That's bad for the child."
As often happens, I did not immediately answer her until she had completely left the room. "Fight?"
I just shook my head and then looked at my cellphone to check the time. It's already 4:46 PM. I didn't know what kind of event we were going to, but to make sure that I would arrive there looking presentable, I took immediate action to prepare myself.
I sorted through the clothes that Zachary bought me. That's all good, but I can't choose anything. Well, based on Mom Victoria's words, it's like a party, so I don't think it's appropriate if I wear a house dress. I just heaved a sigh and took out my cellphone, hoping that even though this place is a province, delivery can still be reached.
I let out a gasp when I saw that other nearby shops were open for delivery. The fee was a bit expensive compared to the city, but it's okay and understandable. I picked out two party dresses, some makeups, a few pairs of underwear, and a silicon bra since Aireen still hasn't sent them to me.
That bitch.
When it was finally over, I decided to go downstairs to take a shower, so I would just change clothes when the delivery arrived. I admit, I'm a little bit excited. Maybe because deep inside, I really want to explore this province. The culture, language, place, and people here amazed me.
It almost took an hour before my order arrived. I accessorized my red satin backless dress with a pair of basic sandals. Because I didn't want to stand out from the crowd, I went with a usual outfit. I didn't do much preparing either; I just put on lip cream and powder and tied my hair in a messy bun. I let out a small smile when I feel content with my look.
Six o'clock came, and I was already prepared in my room. I also fed Angel with her bottle so that she would just sleep straight away later. Even though I don't want to leave her, I can't take her with me where Aunt Victoria and I are going. Apart from the chance of losing her, she might also be stressed by the number of people—well, I am expecting that event to be crowded.
Aunt Victoria kept looking at me and smiling as we walked towards the place she was referring to. I was suddenly embarrassed and conscious. She doesn't say anything ugly, but there is something strange in her eyes. I tried to ignore it and was just thankful that I didn't order heels because I didn't think we would be walking together.
As time went on, the noise I heard grew louder. At that point, I knew we were already near the venue. I was suddenly revived because I was starting to sweat from exhaustion. The place is not very far, but since I'm not used to walking a few meters, my legs give up easily. When we finally arrived, I just wanted to sink to the ground.
I am freaking overdressed!
I thought I was the simplest person to come to the place, but the opposite happened. The eyes of the guests were focused on me as we walked into the prepared venue. Others are wearing blouses and shorts. There are also some in dresses, but unlike mine, theirs are simpler. I wouldn't even call it a party attire. I mean, in my usual outfits.
Oh, God.
I don't know if I should bow in shame or keep my forehead up and ignore everything. In the end, I couldn't take it anymore and simply slow down walking, hiding behind Aunt Victoria. She talked to some people; they were laughing, and she introduced me to them. I couldn't do anything but try to smile. I even heard their compliments on me, but I couldn't accept them because I felt like I didn't choose the right dress for this evening.
"Is this Sakaryo's wife?" said an old man who greeted Aunt Victoria.
His voice was familiar; I just couldn't remember where I heard it.
"Oh! Yes, Pidong. She is," answered Aunt Victoria, and that's when I finally realized that he was the one Zachary was talking to this morning.
"Well, she's a beautiful lady. There will be a lot of people dancing her later," said the man, laughing, to which Aunt Victoria agreed.
"They should be careful in handling the young girl, and Sakaryo will surely punch them," said Aunt Victoria, and they laughed again.
They talked for a few more minutes before I heard Aunt Victoria looking for Zachary. The man in question immediately pointed in a direction and hurriedly walked towards it. Later, I slowly frowned when I saw Zachary walking naked with a white towel on his left shoulder. He was also sweating, as if he had done something tiring.
Our eyes met. He stopped walking for a moment and tensed his jaw to examine my whole body. After that, he closed his eyes tightly and let out a breath before continuing to approach us without taking his eyes off of me. I couldn't help raising an eyebrow at him.
I heard that the occasion being prepared now is a wedding, but don't tell me he's a macho dancer for the bride's stag party; that's why he's like that.
Zachary's hand gently caressed my open back as soon as he got close to me. "You brought Atasha with you, Aunt," he said.
"Yes, son. She might be bored at home, especially, and she will be the only one left there with your cat," replied Aunt Victoria. "Also, so that we can save money on dinner and let the others get to know her, that's why I included her."
Zachary chuckled darkly. "I'll go home right after."
My lips twisted because I could feel his sweat clinging to me and simply tilted my head to whisper, "You're fvcking sweati—" My words stopped in midair as my eyes widened when Zachary's lips touched mine.
"Oh, Lord!" I heard Aunt Victoria exclaim.
I really thought it was only a peck, but when he pulled me in for a deeper kiss, I was startled and unconsciously grabbed onto his chest. I even tasted liquor on his lips. The intensity of the kiss he gave me was so intense that I'm not sure if he was punishing me or if he was just that needy. I couldn't object or even move in shock; I was short of breath from what he was doing, but my brain was just blank.
I held my breath as his lips crawled over my jaw until they trailed down my neck. I slowly closed my eyes and fainted very close to his arm when I felt his tongue run over my skin. His hand quickly supported my waist as he slowly sucked my skin between my neck and shoulders. In an instant, I felt like I was under a curse. I couldn't hear or see anything else; my senses were only focused on his warm lips on my skin.
"Zach..." I barely whispered.
He planted a gentle kiss on my shoulder before hugging me. "I will not let them fvcking touch my property. I don't even allow them to look at you, Atasha," he said darkly. "And if it really can't be avoided, then I'll make them fvcking see who owns you. You are mine only, Atasha."