Chapter 3: The Girl Who Can't Even Dance (But Can Kill with A Fork)

CHAPTER 3: The Girl Who Can’t Even Dance (But Can Kill with a Fork)

The ballroom was glowing with gold, chandeliers, and whispers.

Tonight was a “pre-summit dinner party” para sa lahat ng mga anak ng influential mafia clans — isang formal event na kunwari ay para magkaibigan ang mga future leaders… pero in reality? Para sukatin kung sino ang mahina at sino ang alpha sa room.

And guess who everyone expected to be the weakest?

“Celestina Alfero is coming? Bakit pa?”

“She probably still cries when someone raises their voice.”

“Huwag lang siyang madapa sa gitna ng dance floor.”

Ha. Cute.

If only they knew na si "Celestina" ngayon ay si Zeyna Valez — assassin. Weapon master. Killer of kings.

Wearing heels she wanted to throw.

And a floor-length backless gown she couldn’t even breathe in.

“Beh, kung makagalaw lang ako, sinakal ko na ‘tong stylist.”

“Señorita Celestina, please keep your posture,” bulong ng katulong habang inaayos ang ribbon sa gown niya.

Zeyna forced a smile. “I’m trying, okay? Pero ‘pag sinabing chest out, kailangan ba talagang lumipad ang dibdib ko?!”

“Language, Señorita.”

Napairap si Zeyna. “’Pag ako nakabalik sa original body ko, mauuna kayong lahat sa training ko. Promise yan.”

Pagpasok niya sa ballroom, agad siyang nakilala.

All eyes turned.

But not in awe.

In judgment.

“Ayun na si Celestina.”

“Mukhang nililigaw pa rin ng pangarap.”

“Siguro may dalang stuffed toy sa clutch niya.”

Napangiti si Zeyna. Sweet. Friendly.

Dead inside.

She floated (more like stumbled) toward the refreshments table.

Isang tray ng wine, champagne, and tiny deadly-looking snacks.

Isang maliit na silver fork ang kinuha niya.

She stared at it for a second.

“Kung gusto ko, pwede kitang ipalipad sa leeg ni Don Ernesto,” she whispered sa tinidor.

Then took a sip of water like a lady.

Biglang tumunog ang violin music.

“Time for the heirs’ traditional waltz,” sabi ng announcer.

Zeyna blinked. Sorry, what now?

“Miss Alfero, please take the floor,” tawag ng host.

NANAY KO NA LANG.

She was escorted by some awkward, oily-haired boy from a minor clan who looked like he had never talked to a girl before.

“Shall we… dance?” tanong ng binata, nanginginig.

Zeyna nodded slowly, then whispered,

“Pag tinapakan mo ‘ko, duduguin ka sa kilay.”

“P-po?”

“Nothing. Let’s dance.”

Three seconds into the waltz...

DISASTER.

Una, natapakan siya.

Pangalawa, muntik na siyang madulas.

Pangatlo, nakalabit niya ang curtain ng chandelier.

Resulta?

Bumagsak ang tela sa ulo niya like a cape.

Zeyna stood frozen — draped in curtain, habang hawak pa rin ang kamay ng partner niya na mukhang gusto nang matunaw.

Silence.

Then…

LAUGHTER.

The room exploded in giggles.

“She really can’t dance!”

“Ay sus! Princess Celestina strikes again!”

Zeyna slowly removed the curtain from her head.

Straightened her back.

Then took a deep breath.

“Sorry po,” kunwari mahina ang boses niya. “I just… panicked.”

Pero sa loob?

“Pag napatay ko na ang mga 'to isa-isa sa future chapters, walang sisihan.”

After escaping the dance floor (at buhay pa ang dignity niya ng kaunti), she returned to the snack table.

Doon niya napansin ang isang babae — confident, matangkad, naka-black leather dress.

“Hey, Celestina. Na-miss mo ang drama ng ballroom ha.”

Zeyna blinked. “Uhm… kilala kita?”

“Of course,” ngumiti ang babae. “I'm Nira Falcone. From the South. We met before, pero siguro nasa episode ka na naman ng umiiyak-ka-sa-hallway-dahil-nasira-ang-heels.”

“Ah… sorry,” ngiti ni Zeyna. “Baka hindi ako ‘yun.”

“Oh, you’re acting different.” Lumapit si Nira, bahagyang nagbabantang tono.

“Are you faking confidence now, Celestina? Cute.”

Zeyna sipped her drink.

Then smiled sweetly.

“Nope. Pero if you keep testing me… baka hindi ka na makalakad nang maayos tomorrow. Cute.”

Snap.

Hindi alam ng mga tao, pero nagsisimula nang mag-shift ang reputasyon ni “Celestina.”

Some noticed na may aura siyang iba.

Na kahit awkward siya sumayaw, iba ‘yung paningin niya. ‘Yung lakad.

Yung paraan niyang ngumiti na parang may tinatago.

Some were starting to feel it.

Na baka… Celestina Alfero isn’t so weak anymore.

And somewhere far, far away — a cold, calculating mafia emperor read her name on the list of confirmed heirs attending the summit next week.

He didn’t smile.

He never did.

But something in his gut stirred for the first time.

“Celestina Alfero…?”

END OF CHAPTER 3

✨ Chapter 4: "Training in Secret, Hiding in Silk" — Coming Next!

Author's Note![Here we go — Chapter 4 is coming next! Expect more action, secret training, and Zeyna slowly rebuilding her strength while staying under the radar in her “soft girl” disguise.]

Abangan....

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