I have to pretend again. The event planners must have planned to torture me. Of all the corners of this arena, why have they decided to designate Zed and Ella to the table next to us? They are so damned sweet, killing me in discomfort inside. Zed's tender eyes barely leave her, if not his loving arms. He looks at her like she's the most alluring treasure in the world, an honor I have lost the day he gave me to Kim.
As Kim had said a while ago, Zed gains his wealth, not by inheritance, but through his diligence and brilliance. And I know that sweeter is the victory that way, and more admirable is he. But why do I see him this way now? Why do I count on his good side now? I'm never miserable in the arms of Kim, but damn, Zed always still has ways to crawl into my heart.
"Five years ago, The Quartet was only working with aspiring individuals and small-scale companies. But who would ever think we could grow this big in just a few years? And we are not stopping until we reach the global market," says Aliyah Torres in her speech.
She successfully draws the crowd's attention through the power of her voice and her dazzling beauty. I know everyone around who listens to her has the same question as mine, which is about the kind of man that will win her heart.
"But you know what, we can't thank enough the man who keeps our faith and spirit high. That one day soon, our goals and dreams will come true. He keeps reminding us that we just have to believe and work on it. And through him, everything becomes a whirlwind."
"Our honored guests, friends, and acquaintances, I'm now going to give the floor to him. Please give him your undivided attention. And he's no other than…" she pauses, and a piece of thrilling music hits the background, "Mr. Zed Ramos!"
My eyes fall on Ella as Zed comes up the stage. She watches him without blinking; a surprise look registering on her face. Perhaps, Zed doesn't tell her about this achievement also.
A boisterous round of applause shakes the arena. Zed looks so gorgeous in his three-piece suit, matching the color Ella wears. I watch him as he kisses Aliyah Torres on the cheek before she gives him the microphone. Then something catches my attention!
I see with my two eyes how Miss Torres' face blushes and how her eyes flickers. That look says something – and I can't be wrong again – the man she's in love with is no other than my ex-husband! Now, I realize why Miss Torres never walks into a function with an escort.
"Miss Torres, thank you so much for your kind words. I will be lying if I say I'm not flattered."
Zed pauses as the crowd erupts into another round of boisterous laughter. Some even squeal. I'm sure most of the people here know who Miss Torres is. She is the daughter of one of the most controversial senators. Not because of his notorious actions, but because of how he defends and represents the afflicted.
"I read somewhere a story about the two men who look beyond the prison doors. One saw the stars, and the other saw the darkness. Why do I bring this up? It's because the choice to be happy and optimistic lies within us. All of us can either choose to see the stars just like those two prisoners and believe that someday we can reach them. Or, believe that someday, we can pull out of our miserable situations."
Zed delivers his simple motivational message with such power that even a drop of a needle can be heard. All eyes are on him, and none among us even blinks.
"We can also choose to dwell on the dark side. But what can we get?"
My phone suddenly vibrates, and I quickly pull it out from my bag. I don't want to distract the crowd's attention from Zed. Then, I see Dr. Mitch's name on the screen. I press the red icon and send her a message.
"Sorry, Dr. Mitch. I'm in a meeting," I tell her through a text message.
Her reply comes quickly. "Can we meet later?"
I also reply. "I'll drop by after the meeting."
Dr. Mitch has become a close friend ever since Ara left the country. I always ask for her opinion or advice every time something bothers me. Sometimes, I go to her office. At other times, we meet at any coffee shop.
We chat a little more, but when I put down the phone, Zed is about to end his speech already. His message is short, but I'm sure it has reached the innermost chamber of the listeners' hearts. I watch him go down the stairs as a round of applause erupts once more. And at that moment, I wish I could run to him and hug him tight. I had never congratulated him before nor let him know I admired him.
Ella then gracefully rises from her seat and kisses him on the cheek. But Zed throws his arm around her waist and encloses her in his arms. A pang of pain pierces my heart. I also had not shown how I admired him before. If I ever did, it's not as sweet as how Ella does it now.
"You really amaze me. So much. Congratulations!" Ella says, her voice loud enough for us to hear. Zed glances in our direction, but when our eyes meet, he looks away and smacks a kiss on Ella's lips. I see how Ella's gesture makes Zed happy.
And since Kim is closer to their table, he stands up and extends a hand on Zed. "I have always admired you, Zed. Congratulations." Then, Kim turns to me and says, "Sweetheart, don't you want to congratulate Zed as well?"
My heart almost burst at Kim's suggestion. Because I know that the moment I get near him, I won't be contented with just a handshake. And I'll do anything just to hug and kiss him.