Chapter_2

Tanya's POV

After our conversation we decided to go out to grab some lunch at a restaurant just a few blocks away from her cafe. It's an Italian restaurant which is quite my favorite.

We took the sit near the glass window with only two sits on it. As we sit, a waiter quickly appeared in front of us taking our orders. I ordered pasta and a slice of their Hawaiian pizza, and an orange juice to complete my lunch.

"So, what's your plan now? Are you sure you're going to do this Tanya? Aren't there anymore ways to solve this? Anyone who can help you, except from Zac?"

I sighed while turning my gaze to the busy street outside this restaurant.

"If there is I wouldn't have to come seeking his help Frey. I wouldn't be in this situation if there is someone other than Zac that can help me with my problem."

I looked at her trying to get some reaction or maybe an advice because I really can't accept the fact that I really need his help.

She just shrugged her shoulders while having a sip from her strawberry milkshake. As expected. Even I have been struggling to think of any other solutions other than Zac, it would be a surprise when she'd give me an idea when I can't even have my own.

"What's your initial plan then? As much as I wanted to help you, you know I can't. My cafe has just started, and I—"

I shook my head then held her hands that's now holding a fork to use as her utensil to eat her own pasta. I squeezed it and gave her a smile assuring her that's it's alright.

"You don't have to be troubled about it Frey. You, being with me to listen for my whims is enough help. And besides, this is my problem, it is only right that I solve this on my own."

I smiled and she smiled. That is enough for now.

"You can make it through this Tanya. I know you will."

I grinned at her then started to take a fork full of pasta to stuff in my mouth that I later on sprinkled all over our table.

"And besides. Who knows you'd actually end up together. I heard some of like your situation that got engaged, that they barely—more like— hate each other that later on fell in love with each other then they lived happily ever after!"

I nearly choked to death. Quickly I grabbed my orange juice to calm my throat from coughing all around the place before I could be suspected sick.

Unlike me, Freya is a big fan of romance and all about happily ever afters. She always thinks like a damsel in distress waiting for her prince to go grab her and save her from being alone in this world full of wonderouse cruelty.

Freya always assumes that whatever happens in the books she reads can also happen in reality. That a bad guy would meet someone so good and innocent that would turn his world upside down and eventually change because of that girl.

For me, it doesn't work that way. What happens in the book remains in the book. It will never happen in reality. You can't bring fiction into reality, might as well bring reality to fiction. Maybe in that case you can help knock out some senses to the readers.

"What the heck!? Are you really serious about that or you're just trying to annoy me more? Stop it Frey, it's not helping."

I wiped my mouth with the table napkin provided by the restaurant to clean my self up. I haven't even eaten a single bit of my pasta and now it's already looking disgustingly because of the chewed splattered pieces on top of it because of me. Now I really feel so annoyed. This day is getting worst. Maybe I should just head home and let this day pass without doing anything. It seems like luck is not on my side at the moment.

"You know what? Since my pasta isn't edible anymore, I might as well go home already. I'll just eat at home. I'm sorry if I splattered some on yours. I'll just get you a new one. Is it okay if I —"

She waved her hands in front of me gesturing her answer that was soon followed by words.

"Oh no! Don't bother about it. This day has started too tough on you. It's a good idea that you head home early. And besides, Henry just texted me, inviting me for a lunch. He'll be here in a minute."

I nodded then started fixing myself preparing to leave.

"I can ask him to take you home for a bit if you want before we head out for lunch."

I smiled at her while putting my hand bag on my shoulders.

"No it's ok. I'll just grab a cab. I don't wanna feel so lonely while watching you both flirt inside the car again. So yeah, I better get going before he catch me here. I'm still annoyed at him."

I stood up then gave her a kiss on her cheeks before bidding my goodbye.

As soon as I got out from the restaurant I already had a cab to ride home. The ride wasn't that long since there's not much traffic today.

When I got home I headed straight to my room. I didn't wanna look around or feel how empty this mansion has been since the death of my mom and dad. I still wanted to think that they're still here, around this big mansion that we just often don't see each other because of how big this mansion was made. In that way, I feel less alone.

I placed my bag at the settee placed at the end of my queen sized bed. I slowly wear off my office attire to wear something more comfortable. A boyfriend shirt and a short shorts is enough to keep me feel comfortable. After that, I hopped on my bed never minding my growling stomach asking for some food.

I took my phone out and checked my emails and there I saw something that completely ruined my day.

From: ***** Enterprises

blackent@****.com

To: Tanya Lopez• tanyalopez@gmail.com

Date: 16 Apr 2020, 11:30

Hi Ms. Lopez!

This is from ***** Enterprises reminding you that you still have two days and two more weeks to pay the twelve million dollar balance to your father, Mr. Harold Lopez, debt.

If the debt wasn't payed at the agreed time would cause you your company and some assets involved from the signed contract.

Sincerely,

***** Enterprises*

I turned off my phone and threw it near me. I didn't wanna read more. This is really frustrating me. I wanna blame someone for my misery. I wanna blame dad for leaving me with such great problem!

How can he leave me hanging like this? How can he leave me with such a big mess to handle by myself!?

It was his debt! His mistake to begin with! Why am I the one to suffer all his mistake's consequences? It wasn't me who have debts! It was my dad! Why am I left alone to pay for his mistakes?

"I hate you daddy....I hate you so much..."

I curled up my self like a fetus inside his mother's womb, hiding my face while hugging my knees. I haven't cried since my father's death. That day felt so numb, I couldn't feel anything, it feels so surreal, it cannot be real. I think it all poured now, overflowing in my heart and I just couldn't take it anymore.

I'd be insane if I still keep this all to myself for a long time.

I covered my face with a pillow when I heard a slow knock on my door.

I am not literally alone here, I have manang Leticia with me. The head maid of the house. She was my nanny ever since I was a child. And up until now she's still with me even after my father's death. She was like the mother I never had.

" Iha my dear? Are already home? Have you eaten you lunch already? I have cooked your favourite chicken adobo. Do you wanna eat?"

Despite the tears, I can't deny how my stomach growled just by thinking of manang Leticia's chicken adobo.

I stood up from being curled down on the bed then started fixing myself. I cleared my throat hoping it'll make my voice sound better out from crying too hard.

"I'll be out in a bit manang !"

I shouted back to answer manang Leticia.

"Alright. I'll prepare the table for you then."

After that I heard her footsteps slowly fading away. I sighed, while looking at the mirror, looking for a sign of tears from my face. I didn't wanna make manang Leticia worried again. She's already old and I can't afford to give her much burden anymore. I'm enough burden for her to handle.

When I made sure that I already look alright—good but not great— I headed out of my room and made my way to the dining area.

I can't just sulk inside my room. I can't be like this, I don't understand myself. I even blamed my father and I am starting to hate myself because of that. Maybe I just need something to eat.

Right. Maybe I'm just empty stomached.

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