I WILL BE A DESIGNER

                  I’m Alessandra Vivienne Montemayor!

I’m 22, a proud graduate of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), where I earned my degree in Fashion Design. So, I’m half-Korean, half-Filipino—my dad’s Korean, and my mom’s Filipino. Unfortunately, my mom left when I was 7, and to be honest, I still have no idea if she’s alive or not.

I grew up with my dad, who’s pretty successful and owns this company for fashion designers. But here’s the catch: he’s not about me following in my mom’s footsteps. You see, my mom was a famous designer too, but after she left, he didn’t want me to dive into the same world she did. But hey, that’s not stopping me! Fashion's been in my heart for as long as I can remember, and even though my journey’s been tough, I’m still pushing through to make my own mark in the fashion world.

 Nanonood ako ng movie at talaga namang nag-eenjoy ako sa pinapanood kong action movie. 'Sige pa, ayan, suntukin mo yan! Boogsh!' sabay na sabi ko dahil nag-eenjoy siya sa pinapanood ko. Ngunit biglang may tumawag sa telepono ko. "Ayshi... hello?". "Hoy, anong ginagawa mo?" tanong ni Amila, medyo may pagka-bad trip sa boses.

"Nanonood, wae?" sagot ni Sandra, sabay tawa, kasi hindi niya naman in-expect na ganun ang reaction ni Amila.

"Grabe ka, nag-eenjoy ka d'yan, ako nagpapakahirap dito!" sagot ni Amila, halatang naiinis at naiinggit sa chill na ginagawa ni Sandra.

"Bakit ba kasi?" sagot ni Sandra

"Pumunta ka na dito, malaking problema 'to..." sagot ni Amila, na halatang stressed at kinakabahan.

"Sandra, bilisan mo na, nandito yung daddy mo sa shop mo," sabi ni Amila, na parang nagmamadali na.

Nagmadali na akong nag punta sa shop ko baka mapahamak nanaman ako nito..

Pagkadating ko sa shop Nakita ko agad ang mga guard ni daddy na nakabantay sa pintuan ng shop ko agad akong pumasok baka ginugolo ni daddy ang mga product ko.

"Daddy..." tawag ni Sandra.

"How many times do I need to tell you na tigilan mo na 'to!" sagot ng daddy ni Sandra, na seryoso at senisermonan siya.

"Pero..." sagot ni Sandra.

"No buts... umuwi ka na," sagot ng daddy

Naglalakad na sana si daddy papunta sa sasakyan, pero huminto siya at inabot ng secretary niya ang folder. Pinirmahan ito, at iniwan sa sahig ang tseke na may laman na 10,000. Agad na sumakay si daddy sa sasakyan at umalis nang walang paalam.

Pinulot agad ito ni Amila at inabot sa akin, pero tinangihan ko. "Hindi ko kailangan 'yan," sabi ko, habang iniwasan ko ang tingin niya.

Umalis kami ng shop at nagpunta ng bar. Hindi na kami nag-usap pa, pareho kaming tahimik habang naglalakad.

Pagdating naming sa bar agad kaming umupo at nag order kami ng Vodka. Habang umiinom kami biglang may lumapit saakin. “Hi miss” wika niya hindi pa naman ako lasing ng time nayun kaya pumayag na ako for fun lang naman habang

Sumasayaw kami nararamdaman kong pababa ng pababa ang kamay niya sa katawan ko agad kong tinanggal ang kamay niya sa katawan ko ay hinablot niya ako palapit sa katawan niya, sitsit ako ng sitsit kay Amila pero hindi niya ako napansin, ang lakas nga ng tugtog ng musika kaya hindi nila ako marinig ng biglang may lumapit na poging koreanong lalaking.

"Hi miss, do you mind if we talk for a moment?" sabi ng poging koreano, ang deep ng voice niya, naka Two-Block cut siya tapos bagay pa sa kanya as in ang yummy niya at ang tangkad.

“sure..” sagot ko

“Nakikita mong sumasayaw pa kami” sagot ng lalaking ka sayaw ko.

"Siya yung mag-de-decide," sabi ng poging Koreano, na nakatingin saakin ng may seryosong expression.

Biglang lumapit si Amila at hinablot ang kamay ko pati na rin ang mga bag naming.

“Ano ba?” tanong ko

“yung guard ng daddy mo nandito” sagot ni Amila

“what?”

Umalis kami ng bilisan at may kotsing tumigil sa likoran namin at tinakpan kami habang tumatakbo kaya hindi na kami Nakita ng mga guard’s ni daddy.

Huminto kami sa isang maliit na eskinita.

“Hoo.. teka lang… pahinga mona…”

Habang nagpapahinga kami sa maliit na eskinita, humarap ako kay Amila at inisip ang lahat ng nangyari kanina. Ang sakit ng ulo ko sa mga pangyayari, pero sabay tingin ko sa phone ko, may biglang text na pumasok.

“You are invited to the exclusive launch of Casséle! Fashion designer Cassandra Cruz will be there. Don’t miss it!”

Habang binabasa ko ang mensahe, parang bigla akong napatingin kay Amila. Ang designer na ito ay isa sa mga idol ko sa fashion world, isang paborito ko. Tuwang-tuwa ako at halos magtatatalon sa tuwa. Hindi ko in-expect na magiging part ako ng isang event na ganito kalaki, at ang idol ko pa ang maglunsad ng brand na ito!

"Amila, tingnan mo ‘to!" sabay abot ko sa phone kay Amila.

“Wow, Sandra!” sabi ni Amila, halatang naiintriga at tuwang-tuwa para sa akin. "Pumunta ka na, hindi mo ‘to pwedeng palampasin!"

Pagpasok namin sa shop, agad akong pumunta sa dressing room para mag-isip kung anong isusuot ko sa launch event na ‘yon. Tinatry ko i-capture ang excitement ko, pero may halo din na kaba. I mean, it's a big deal! Si Cassandra Cruz pa mismo ang maglulaunch ng brand niya, tapos ako, gusto ko talagang magmukhang on point. Kailangan ko magmukhang professional pero hindi rin magpapatalo sa fashion, ‘di ba?

“Amila, anong susuotin ko?” tanong ko, habang tinitingnan ko ang mga clothes sa shop.

Si Amila, seryosong-seryoso, tumingin sa mga racks. Tapos, bigla niyang sinabi, “Alam mo, I think may perfect na design for you—yung kay mommy mo.”

Napa-‘huh?’ ako, naguguluhan. “Huh? Yung kay Mommy?”

“Oo, yung design niya. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit hindi mo pa sinusubukan. I swear, it’s timeless, classic, tapos bagay na bagay sa’yo,” sabi niya, sabay turo sa isang design na nakasabit.

Medyo nahirapan akong mag-react. Kasi, to be honest, hindi ko pa yata kayang ipakita ang mga design ni Mommy sa iba. Matagal ko nang hindi tinitignan yung mga designs niya, and it’s still painful for me to remember. Pero, tingin ko, may punto si Amila.

“Teka lang, Amila, hindi ko alam kung ready na ako,” sabi ko, nag-aalangan.

"Alam ko na medyo masakit pa for you, Sandra. Pero this is your moment. If I were you, I’d wear it. Baka ito pa ang magbigay sa’yo ng edge sa mga tao sa event," sabi ni Amila, na para talagang gustong tulungan ako. “It’s a chance to show them what you’ve got. And to honor your mom.”

Naramdaman ko yung mga sinabi niya. I mean, parang ang tagal ko na kasing itinago yung mga designs ni Mommy. Baka nga ito na yung tamang pagkakataon na ilabas ko lahat ng yun, pati na yung mga part ng sarili ko na natatakot pa akong ipakita.

Nakita ko si Amila na tinitingnan ako ng seryoso. “Baka this is your time, Sandra.”

Nagtitigan kami saglit, tapos kinuha ko yung design na nirecommend niya. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung ready na ako, pero siguro nga, time na para ipakita ko kung anong kaya ko. “Sige na, Amila. Subukan ko.”

Pag-uwi ko sa bahay ng daddy ko, tahimik na tahimik. Walang tao sa loob, and there was something off about the atmosphere. As I walked inside, I noticed the big frame of mommy’s picture on the wall. Biglang nag-flashback ang lahat ng memories—yung mga araw na magkasama kami, at kung paano niya ako tinuturuan mag-design.

Before I could process everything, daddy came in.

"Sandra," he said, looking at me seriously, "We need to talk."

Tiningnan ko siya. "Anong nangyari, daddy?"

"I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while now," he started, "but I don’t approve of you pursuing a career in fashion design. I don’t want you to follow the same path your mom took."

Napa-tigil ako sa narinig ko. "But daddy, I want to be a designer. It’s my dream."

"No, Sandra," he said, shaking his head. "I can’t let you go down that road. You need to focus on something more stable. You need to work for me, in my company, as CEO—not as a designer."

I couldn’t help the frustration rising inside me. "But bakit? Ano bang masama sa pagiging designer?"

He sighed, looking at me seriously. "I’m not saying being a designer is wrong. It’s just... risky. I want you to have security, stability. As CEO of my company, you’ll have control over your future. It’s not about following in someone’s footsteps—it’s about building your own future."

Nag-isip ako saglit. I knew he meant well, pero iba pa rin yung gusto ko. "Daddy, hindi ko pa kayang mag-decide."

"I know you’re not ready," he said, his tone a bit softer now. "But I hope you understand. I’m doing this for you. I want you to have the best, and if you want to make something of yourself, then do it in my company. Not as a designer, but as CEO."

Pagpasok ni Sandra sa kwarto niya, biglang tumunog ang phone niya. "Hello?" sabi niya habang tinitingnan ang screen. Si Amila, obviously nag-aalala.

"Yo, naka-uwi ka na?" tanong ni Amila.

"Oo, kakauwi ko lang," sagot ni Sandra habang nauupo sa kama. "Kakausap ko lang si daddy."

"Ah, so anong nangyari? Pumayag na ba siya?" tanong ni Amila, curious.

Sandra sighed, tumingin muna sa picture ng mommy niya sa wall. "Hindi. Ang sinabi niya, hindi raw niya gusto na maging designer ako. Gusto niya magtrabaho ako sa company niya bilang CEO, hindi bilang designer."

"Wait, what? Seriously?" Amila sounded shocked. "No offense, pero feeling ko nagpe-preach lang siya. Parang nag-papanggap lang siya na concern siya, pero deep down... he just wants to control you."

Sandra's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Amila continued, "I mean, look at what happened earlier sa shop, diba? Iniwan lang sa sahig yung tseke. He didn’t even care enough to hand it to you properly. Shouldn’t he be supporting you as a daughter, not as a worker?"

Sandra just stared at her phone, thinking about what Amila said. "I don’t know, Amila... maybe he’s right. Maybe I should just work for him and help out with the company."

"Girl, no." Amila was firm. "You deserve more than just being his employee. You have your own dreams, and you shouldn't let anyone, even your dad, make you feel like you’re not capable of doing something you love. Dapat siya ang magsuporta sa’yo, not treat you like you’re just a worker."

Sandra couldn’t help but smile a little. "Thanks, Amila. You’re right, I shouldn’t let him dictate my future. I’ll figure this out."

Habang nag-uusap sila, biglang naisip ni Amila ang isang idea. "Sandra, teka lang, I have an idea," sabi niya, parang may biglaang naisip. "Bakit di na lang tayo mag-rent ng car para makapunta ka sa event ng mga designers? Para hindi mo na kailangan dumaan sa daddy mo."

Sandra looked at her phone, thinking about it. "Wait, parang okay 'yan, Amila. Pero... paano kung malaman ni daddy?"

"Girl, hindi na ‘yun importante," sabi ni Amila, medyo seryoso. "I mean, the event is a big deal for you, diba? And if you're gonna let him stop you every time, hindi mo matutupad yung mga dreams mo. Hindi mo naman kailangan i-explain kay daddy, kasi ang importante, you're doing what makes you happy."

Sandra paused, considering Amila’s suggestion. "Hmm, oo nga, I deserve this moment. Hindi ko dapat hayaan na pigilan ako ni daddy."

"Exactly!" Amila said, parang excited. "Sige, mag-rent tayo ng car, and let’s go to that event. Show everyone na you can stand on your own. Hindi mo na kailangan ng approval from him all the time."

Sandra felt a sense of relief. "Okay, Amila. Sige, rent tayo ng car. I’m going to that event. I’m not gonna let anyone stop me."

Nakahanda na si Sandra, nakaayos na para sa event. Suot ang isang chic, sophisticated outfit na pinili ni Amila, at bitbit ang mga gamit niya. Habang binabaybay niya ang daan papunta sa event, nagsimulang kumidlat at umulan ng malakas.

"Shit, bakit ngayon pa umulan?" Sandra muttered, kinakabahan habang nagmamadali sa kalsada. "Pero hindi na ako pwedeng magpatalo, I need to be there."

Habang nagdadrive, biglang kumidlat nang malakas, at halos mawalan ng visibility sa kalsada dahil sa malakas na ulan. Nasa daan siya, at may biglaang tumawid na lalaki sa harap ng kanyang kotse. Inisip ni Sandra na baka hindi siya makita ng lalaki dahil sa dilim at ulan.

"Shit!" Sandra screamed, agad niyang pinreno ang kotse.

Sa kabutihang palad, tumigil siya nang makalapit na lang ang kotse sa lalaki, at muntik na siya madisgrasya. "Ang lapit na," Sandra thought, nanginginig pa sa takot. "I almost hit him."

Agad na bumangon ang lalaki at tinignan si Sandra. "You okay?" tanong ng lalaki na may pagka-worried din sa mukha niya.

Sandra was still catching her breath. "Yeah, I’m fine. You... you alright?"

The man nodded, smiling a little to ease the tension. "Yeah, just didn’t see the car coming. But you should be careful."

Sandra sighed, relieved that nothing happened. "Sorry about that, I didn’t expect someone to cross the street like that."

The guy just laughed lightly. "It’s alright. Just be more careful next time."

Sandra nodded, still shaken, but continued her drive to the event. "That was way too close."

Habang nag-papahinga si Sandra, napansin ng lalaki na parang nagmamadali siya. "You seem like you're in a rush," he said, a bit concerned.

Sandra was still a little shaken but tried to shake it off. "Yeah, I’m headed to a big event. I don’t want to be late."

The man looked at her for a second, then reached into his pocket. "Here," he said, handing her his phone. "Why don’t you give me your number? I’ll make sure you get to your event safe."

Sandra hesitated for a second but then thought, Why not? He seemed trustworthy enough. "Okay," she said, quickly typing her number into his phone.

Just as she finished, isang black SUV ang huminto sa harapan nila, at lumabas mula dito ang secretary ng lalaki. "Sir, the car’s ready," the secretary said.

"Alright, you go ahead and get in," the man said to Sandra. "My secretary will take care of your car. It’s gonna be repaired and we’ll call you when it’s ready."

Sandra looked at him, still a little unsure. "But... how will I get there?"

"You don’t have to worry," he said, with a reassuring smile. "We’ll take care of everything. Just get in the car, and we’ll make sure you get to the event on time."

Sandra couldn’t believe how lucky she was. "Thank you... I really appreciate this."

"No problem," the man said. "I’ve got your back. Now, let’s get you to that event."

Sandra nodded, got in the car, and the secretary drove her to the event while she felt a little relieved. At least now I can focus on the event... she thought as she settled in for the ride.

Pagdating ni Sandra sa venue ng event, agad siyang sinalubong ng guard na nagtatanong ng invitation. "Ma’am, may I see your invitation, please?"

Sandra’s heart sank as she realized she left her phone in the car. "Oh no..." she muttered, looking around. "Naiwan ko nga pala..."

Habang nag-iisip siya ng solusyon, naglingon-lingon siya at nakita ang Korean guy mula kahapon nasa bar. Sandra hesitated for a moment, then walked up to him, hoping he could help her out.

"Excuse me," Sandra started, a little nervous, "I left my phone in the car and... I don’t have my invitation with me. Could you help me get in? I really need to be inside."

The Korean guy raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her request. "Why would I?" he asked, his tone firm and almost challenging.

Sandra was taken aback by his response, but she quickly explained, "I know it’s a lot to ask, but I promise I’ll make it up to you. I just... don’t know what to do."

He looked at her for a moment, sizing her up, before his expression softened just a little. "Fine." Then he turned to the guard and continue to walk intrance

The guard hesitated, but after seeing the Korean guy’s serious look, he nodded and let Sandra through. "Alright, sir. You can go in."

Sandra couldn’t believe it. "Thank you so much," she said, relieved but still a little unsure about the whole situation but the Korean guy ignored her.

Habang hinahanap ni Sandra ang upuan niya, napansin niyang magkatabi sila ng Korean guy. Naglakad sila patungo sa kanilang mga upuan, at nang tiningnan niya ang harap, nakita niya si Cassandra Cruz—ang idol niyang fashion designer—na naglalakad sa harapan niya. Para siyang napako sa pwesto, dahil ang pinaka-iniidolo niyang designer ay nasa harap niya. Grabe, ito na yata ang pinakamagandang pagkakataon!

Bigla, may batang dumaan at aksidenteng nadumihan ang damit ni Cassandra. Sandra saw Cassandra’s eyes widen in surprise as she tried to wipe the stain off, but it was clear that she was frustrated. The young girl quickly excused herself and hurried off to the restroom.

Sandra, determined to help, followed her silently at a distance. When Cassandra entered the restroom, Sandra took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to speak.

"Excuse me, Ms. Cruz," Sandra started hesitantly, her voice soft but clear. "I saw what happened. I know this might be awkward, but... may I help you fix your dress?"

Cassandra turned around, a little surprised, but then she looked at Sandra and saw the genuine concern in her eyes. "Oh, thank you for offering, that’s very kind of you," Cassandra said with a small smile, clearly relieved.

Sandra immediately got to work, gently adjusting Cassandra’s outfit, making sure the stain would be as subtle as possible. While she worked, she couldn’t believe she was touching the clothes of the designer she admired so much. This is unreal, she thought.

When she was done, Cassandra took a step back and looked at her carefully. "You really fixed it," she said, impressed. "I thought it was a lost cause. You’re good at this."

Sandra blushed a little, flattered by the compliment. "Thank you! I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I look up to you so much. You’ve inspired me to follow my dreams as a designer."

Cassandra smiled warmly and asked, "You look familiar... Do I know you?"

Sandra’s heart skipped a beat. Does she really recognize me? "I... I’m Alessandra Vivienne Montemayor, but you can call me Sandra," she said, nervously but proudly, as she introduced herself.

Nakita ni Cassandra ang pangalan ni Sandra at bigla siyang nag-isip. Montemayor... parang pamilyar ang apelyido na yun. Sandali siyang napaisip, at bigla niyang naalala ang isang bagay na matagal nang nakatago sa kanyang alaala. "Wait a minute," she said, her eyes widening. "Are you... the daughter of Catherine Montemayor?"

Sandra froze for a moment, shocked by the sudden mention of her mother’s name. "Yes," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "She was my mom."

Cassandra's face softened, and a mix of nostalgia and emotion filled her eyes. "She was my best friend," Cassandra said, her voice filled with warmth and a hint of sadness. "I haven’t seen her in years, but I’ll never forget her. We used to work together on designs."

Sandra blinked in surprise, trying to process everything. "Wait... you mean, you and my mom...?" she started, but Cassandra smiled gently and nodded.

"Yes," Cassandra confirmed, her eyes looking at Sandra's outfit, still in awe. "You know, I designed that dress you're wearing with your mom. It was one of our collaborations. She had such an incredible sense of style, and she taught me so much."

Sandra felt a wave of emotions rush over her. Her mom, despite leaving when she was young, had made a huge impact on the fashion world. "I didn’t know that," Sandra said softly, looking down at the dress she was wearing. "I’m... I’m honored to wear something you both worked on."

Cassandra smiled warmly at Sandra, clearly moved. "Your mom was a brilliant designer, Sandra. I’m glad she passed on her talent to you." She paused for a moment, then added, "And I’m sure she would be proud of you, following in her footsteps."

Sandra felt a lump form in her throat. "I really hope so," she said quietly, her heart swelling with pride. "I’ve always wanted to follow her legacy, even though my dad doesn’t want me to be a designer."

Pagbalik ni Sandra sa kanilang upuan kasama si Cassandra, medyo nakahinga na siya nang maluwag. Grabe, hindi ko pa rin ma-process na nakausap ko siya. As she sat back, she felt like she was floating on air from the overwhelming experience. But before she could even fully relax, biglang dumating ang mga guards at nilapitan sila.

"Excuse me, miss," sabi ng isa sa mga guards, ang tono ay seryoso. "May nag-report na wala kayong invitation at may suspetsa kaming ikaw ay tresspassing dito."

Sandra's eyes widened in shock. "What?! I-I have an invitation!" she quickly said, looking for her phone. But then she realized—Naiwan ko nga pala ang phone ko sa car!

Habang nakaupo si Sandra sa isang sulok ng office, abala sa pagpapakalma ng sarili, biglang dumating ang mga guards na nagpasabi sa kanya na kailangan siyang makausap sa office. Bakit ganito? Sandra thought, trying to stay calm as she followed the guards.

Pagdating niya sa office, naupo siya at naghintay nang medyo kabado. Nasa isip lang niya, Sana hindi magka-problema pa. Ngunit bago pa siya makapag-isip ng kahit ano, biglang pumasok ang lalaki—yung Korean guy kanina na tumulong sa kanya makapasok.

Sandra’s eyes widened in surprise. "Ikaw... ikaw ang nag-report, no?" she asked, clearly caught off guard by his sudden appearance.

The Korean guy smirked, and for a moment, there was a flash of something calculating in his eyes. "You’re asking the wrong question," he replied coldly, his voice deeper than before. Sandra felt a chill run down her spine.

Habang nag-uusap sila, biglang tumunog ang phone ng Korean guy. Tinignan niya ito at sumagot ng mabilis, ang mukha niya seryoso. "Yes... Yes, I understand," he said briefly, then hung up. He turned to Sandra with a more intense look. "You’re more connected than you think," he said, his eyes scanning her face. "Cassandra Cruz... your mother’s old friend... you’ve got a chance to be close to her, right?"

Sandra, confused and still processing what was happening, looked at him. "What do you mean? I don’t understand."

The Korean guy leaned in slightly, his tone turning more serious. "Here’s the thing... my company needs to work closely with Cassandra’s. But, we’ve had a hard time getting her to cooperate. I need you to help me get closer to her. If you can make that happen... I’ll make sure you won’t have any problems here." His eyes locked with hers, and Sandra could sense the pressure in his words.

"Wait," Sandra said, her heart racing. "Are you... threatening me?"

The Korean guy’s expression remained unchanged. "Not a threat. An offer," he said. "Help me, and I’ll clear your name. Otherwise, well..." He paused, letting the tension hang in the air. "You’ll be in a tough spot."

Sandra was stunned. Hindi ko maintindihan... bakit ako? She looked at him, her mind spinning. So this is what this is about?

"I don’t know if I can do that," Sandra said quietly, her voice shaking slightly. "I don’t want to use people just for my benefit."

The Korean guy smirked again, sensing her hesitation. "You don’t have a choice. Either you help me, or you’ll be stuck with nothing. I’m sure you don’t want that, right?"

Nang magtagal ang katahimikan, biglang nagsalita ang Korean guy. "By the way, I forgot to introduce myself properly. I’m Julius de los Reyes," he said, extending his hand towards Sandra.

Sandra looked at him, her confusion still evident in her eyes, but she hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. "Sandra Montemayor," she said, still processing everything.

Julius gave her a small, knowing smile. "I know. We’ve met before, haven’t we?" he said, his tone almost playful, though there was a hint of something more serious behind it.

Sandra frowned, trying to recall when they might have met. "Wait, but... aren’t you Korean? I mean, your last name... isn’t that Filipino?"

Julius paused for a moment, a slight shift in his expression, before responding. "Ah, yes, you’re right. My Korean name is Jung Haejin." He leaned back, crossing his arms. I don’t need to explain my self to you

Habang nag-uusap si Sandra at Julius, biglang pumasok ang isang guard, mukha itong seryoso at may hawak na dokumento. "Miss, may reklamo po kami, at may posibilidad na ma-filean kayo ng demanda," sabi ng guard, na may matigas na boses.

Sandra’s heart skipped a beat. Ano? Ano nangyari? Pero bago pa siya makapagsalita, mabilis na hinablot ni Julius ang braso ni Sandra at iniiwas siya mula sa guard.

"She was my girlfriend," Julius said, his voice calm but firm, as he stood in front of Sandra, shielding her from the guard. Sandra’s eyes widened in shock. What is he doing?

The guard paused for a moment, visibly confused. "P-pero..." sabi nito, naguguluhan. "Ang sabi nila—"

"She’s with me," Julius interrupted smoothly, looking at the guard with a level of authority that silenced him. "If you have any issues, we’ll sort it out later. But for now, she’s with me."

Sandra stood frozen, still shocked by Julius' sudden claim. Girlfriend? What the heck?

Wala na siyang magawa kundi sumunod nang maglakad si Julius papalabas ng office, hinawakan siya sa kamay. Habang naglalakad sila, natanaw nila si Cassandra na naglalakad papunta sa kanila. Nang makita siya, nagulat si Cassandra at ngumiti, lumapit agad sa kanila.

"Oh my gosh, you two look cute together!" Cassandra said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Are you a couple?"

Sandra’s mind raced. Oh my gosh, this is not how I expected this to go... She was about to speak, about to tell Cassandra na hindi sila mag-jowa, pero hindi siya binigyan ng pagkakataon ni Julius.

"Yes, we are," Julius answered with a confident smile, interrupting Sandra before she could say anything.

Sandra was speechless. She was torn between wanting to correct the misunderstanding and being completely taken aback by Julius' boldness. What is he doing?

Cassandra looked at Sandra, eyes narrowing slightly but with a curious smile. "Well, it’s nice to meet you, Julius. You seem like you’d be a perfect match for Sandra."

Sandra didn’t know what to say, so she just smiled awkwardly, unsure of what to feel. Ano na ba itong nangyayari?

"Thank you for your patience and understanding. Good things take time, and we appreciate you sticking with us. Stay tuned, and we promise it will be worth the wait!"

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