On the big screen, I saw a vast auditorium. I wasn't sure where it was; all I knew was that the people there were attending a big event. It must be from a famous company since it was screened online where people from all walks of life could see it. And when I looked closer, I found out that it was from an event launched by Simple & Sturdy, an international company that supplied wellness and therapeutic gadgets and equipment.
The man of the ceremony then marched toward the center of the stage and picked up a microphone. He ran his eyes before the crowd, took a deep breath when he refocused at the center, then broke into a smile.
"You have already seen how gorgeous our company's silver to diamond rankers are. How they made it to the top is truly inspiring. They are our living testimony that success is indeed doable. It is within our grasp if we set our eyes on the price."
"But ladies and gentlemen, we're not over yet. The best is yet to come. He's one gorgeous, talented and handsome creation on the face of the earth. But our greatest regret is that this great man is already taken!"
He smiled again, took another deep breath, and continued, "Ladies and gentlemen, our platinum award goes to our nations' pride, the best motivational speaker of the country, Mr. Zed Ramos!"
I clutched my chest when I heard Zed's name. And my eyes popped out when I saw him coming up the stage Io in his intelligent and breathtaking aura. He stood elegantly before the crowd and slightly bowed down before the silver-haired man who held his trophy. The man then handed the award to Zed and shook hands with him.
Holding his trophy in one hand, he then stepped forward and aimed his mouth on the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, without your support and faith in me, I wouldn't be here tonight. Thank you so much for believing in me. Let's work harder from now on and aim for another higher step. Let's do this together."
I froze as I listened to him. I never remembered Zed mentioning that he joined a company. Or maybe, I was just too busy with my issues that he didn't get the chance to tell me. But what if he told me about it, but I wasn't listening?
Ara nudged me at my side and asked, "Why are you here with me? You should have been there with your husband."
Ara was right. Little did she know that I was already breaking in guilt as I watched Zed coming up the stage alone. Why could Zed be silent about it? Before I could answer, Zed continued speaking,
"I dedicate this success to my lovely wife. She's supposedly here tonight, but something came up."
I hung my mouth open as the realization took me aback. My husband was about to surprise me with his achievement but chose to give way instead to my best friend. And it's because he knew I didn't want to break my promise to her.
Guilt consumed me once again, and I got angry already. Why was Zed too kindhearted and too thoughtful of me? I no longer deserved his kindness. I had stained our marriage already, even if Kim was my first husband.
"Duh! It's his fault. Why didn't he insist? I could have brought you along with us."
"You're right. But maybe he couldn't dare to refuse a pregnant lady."
I knew it's nonsense, but I didn't have the energy to argue. So, I just shrugged and said, "Maybe."
"By the way," Ara suddenly snapped a finger, "when are you going to start telling me about your secret?"
I gave one last look at Zed on the screen before pulling Ara away. He was still speaking before the crowd, sharing his success story and encouraging those who were still struggling for success and those who had just started their journey. Although I always admired him for that talent, it no longer gave me a sense of thrill. Perhaps because I had listened to him countless times...
"Before I answer your question, tell me how we became friends first?" I replied, pulling her harder towards the parking area.
"What a question!" Ara said, admitting her disbelief at how I had forgotten our friendship.
"Then forget about asking," I smirked.
"Fine," she conceded. "We've been best friends since high school and college. And whatever I had was yours, and whatever was yours was also mine. We were inseparable until you left for Japan."
I opened the door, and both Ara and I slid in together.
"Zed's income must be so huge, right? This car is so fabulous!" Ara exclaimed.
My lips twisted into a smile, amused at how easily she diverted her thoughts from her eagerness to know my secrets to her amazement over the car.
Aside from that, my mind always held a big question mark at why Ara didn't pester me in this matter. This was such a huge issue that I couldn't believe she could wait until I was ready. But, perhaps, she already knew about my case.
"This is a car loan offered by the company," I said while reaching out for the ignition switch.
"What's the term? One or two nights with him?" Ara rolled her eyes, suggesting that she didn't believe that the company would offer such signature car models to its employees.
"Of course. They offered it to the wife of the company's major shareholder."
Ara's eyes glued on me like leeches. It grew larger as she slowly grasped the confirmation she had in mind. She then grabbed my upper arm and said,
"Can you make it clearer?"
"When I went to Japan six years ago, I met Kim and married him. But, of course, I didn't remember that part…."
I began telling Ara everything I knew from my past, including my questions about how I got persuaded to apply for a job in Japan. If I remember correctly, I never liked to go to a country where English is not the medium.
"Yen, at that time, a recruiter approached us both."
I beamed in excitement. Perhaps, the key to my past was through the person who convinced me to work in Japan.