Chapter 3: Burn
REESE wore clothing that covers her entire skin, from her turtleneck sweater with her black pants and she also wore her cap to fully protect her from sunlight.
She has to go to her fitting appointment for her wedding gown.
Reese doesn't want to bother with doing this fitting kind of stuff, this is not the marriage she was looking forward to, so any kind of wedding dress would do.
What's worse? They don't do night appointments.
This is not the first time Reese did something like this, she does do errands during the day but it depends on its importance.
Hindi niya naman puwedeng basta-basta sabihin na sila na lang ang kumuha ng wedding gown niya dahil wala naman talaga siyang pakialam sa isusuot niya sa araw na iyon.
It would definitely offend Mrs. Lim who's actually looking forward to this appointment.
This is the best example of their so-called shotgun wedding.
The two families just can't wait to wed them off like money is not the problem.
Masyado silang tuwang-tuwa para sa kasal na 'to, ngunit hindi nila alam ang balak niya pagkatapos ang isang taon ng kasal.
She'll have an annulment with Severus.
"Look at you, Reese. What's with that face?" Wika ni Faith. "Hindi ka ba excited?" Dagdag na tanong nito.
"Who told you I'm excited?" Masungit na saad ni Reese. "Just drive Faith." Dagdag niya at napatingin sa labas ng kotse.
"I'm not your driver, Reese." Natatawang paalala nito at natahimik na lang si Reese.
Pagmamay-ari ng lolo niya ang kotse na ito.
The sun won't reflect inside the car and this was made for her and it was quite useful for her whole life.
Having a sun allergy sure is tough, pakiramdam na tuloy ni Reese na trial na ito sa pagiging preso.
"Okay, we are here. We finally arrived!" Masayang anunsiyo ni Faith. "Use this umbrella, Reese."
Bumuntong hininga si Reese at kinuha ang payong na inabot sa kanya ni Faith.
"Let's get this over with. Inaantok pa ako." Iritadong wika ni Reese at kaagad na binuksan ang pintuan ng kotse at sabay binuklat ang payong.
Nakita ni Reese na natatakpan lahat ng salamin ng boutique ng sun protection. Halatang pinaghandaan talaga ni Mrs. Lim ang araw na ito.
Reese opened the heavy glassdoor with the help of Faith and as soon as she got the chance to enter the boutique,
She immediately saw her sister, Reema with her mother and Mrs. Lim.
Reese immediately started to act.
"Good morning, sorry if we let you wait." Nakangiting wika ni Reese at kaagad na hinila si Faith.
"This is my best friend, Faith." Pagpapakilala ni Reese kay Faith. "She'll be my maid of honor." Dagdag ni Reese.
"Good morning!" Masayang bati ni Faith sa mga ito.
"You have a beautiful friend, my daughter." Nakangiting wika ni Mrs. Lim at kaagad na lumapit ito sa kanya at hinila paupo.
"I'm sorry, Reese. I think your husband can't make it today. He always prioritize his work, para namang madadala niya sa langit ang kumpanyang 'yon." Wika ni Mrs. Lim at napa buntong hininga. "That unfilial son…"
Hinawakan ni Reese ang kamay ni Mrs. Lim at ngumiti na mayroong lambing.
"Mom, it's fine. You see, we should also prioritize work. Tsaka hindi pa naman ito ang wedding ceremony."
"Such an understanding wife." Mrs. Lim praised her, "I guess I'm lucky to have a daughter-in-law like you, Reese."
Napatingin si Reese kay Reema at mayroon itong tingin na tila ba handa na itong makipag-away at punong-puno ito ng irita.
Reese knew what the real score was with her sister's irritation.
Of course, she almost got the chance to get married with the person she thought was an old geezer. When he's actually her type.
"Since the bride's here, shall we go and check the wedding gown?"
Biglaang bungad ng designer sa kanila at nagtatakang tinignan ni Reese ang designer.
So, they already designed a wedding gown for the bride, huh? They're this excited for this marriage -- no, political marriage.
Pilit na ngumiti si Reese at tumayo.
"Sure, I hope it fits me well." Nakangiting wika ni Reese pero sa kaloob-looban niya ay hindi siya excited na makita ang wedding gown.
"Of course it will fit you well, Reese. You have the perfect body!" Her mother complimented her.
Binigyan nalang ni Reese ng pekeng ngiti ang ina.
"Of course, I got it from you, mama." Wika ni Reese at hindi niya pinahalata ang pagiging malamig niya sa mga ito.
"Shall we go, Mrs. Lim?" Pagtawag sa kanya ng designer.
"Wait, I'll go with my sister! I want to help her with her wedding gown." Biglaang saad ni Reema at lumapit sa kanya.
"Me too." Saad naman ni Faith at tinignan ng masama si Reema.
Reema also gave her this bitchy look and from the looks of it, this won't work.
"Oh," Tila bakas ang pagtataka ng designer kay Reema at Faith. "Well, the… This way."
Sinundan nila ang designer at kaagad na dinala sila sa isang wedding gown showroom.
They saw a mannequin in the middle with the wedding gown.
To be honest, Reese was impressed by the wedding gown that was prepared ahead.
"Looks really expensive, Reese! This would definitely fit you!" Masayang wika ni Faith at hindi nito mapigilan na mamangha sa damit na nasa harapan nilang tatlo ngayon.
"This is your wedding gown, Mrs. Lim." Saad ng designer. "The cloth that was used for this was from Italy. I designed this based on what your mother-in-law asked me to do. If you want anything to be fixed, just tell me, Mrs. Lim. I will fix it for you." Dagdag ng designer sa kanya.
Umiling si Reese at lumapit sa wedding gown.
Reese inspected the wedding gown, from its tulle to the gown itself. Reese loved it as soon as she laid eyes from it.
"Wala nang dapat baguhin. I already like the design." Nakangiting wika ni Reese sa designer.
Reema came to her with a bitter look on her face.
"When did the Lim family ask you to do this gown?" Reema asked the designer.
"They asked me to design the future Mrs. Lim's gown last month. So, we did it beforehand." Sagot ng designer kay Reema.
Nakita ni Reese ang ngisi na namumuo sa labi ni Reema.
"So it means that this wedding gown was prepared for me." Wika nito. "I was the first choice after all."
Reese can't help but to get annoyed with her sister's attitude.
She talks as if she never hated the idea of this marriage. As far as Reese remembers, she declined it before grandpa asked her to do the marriage.
What a shitty attitude does her sister have?
"Reema, you don't understand the situation very well, huh?" Masungit na wika ni Faith at napatingin si Reese sa kaibigan.
"You talk." Wika ni Reema. "As if you do, too. You're just an outsider, Faith." DAgdag ni Reema at inirapan ang kaibigan.
"Gusto mo ba ipaliwanag ko sa'yo 'tong sitwasyon mo?" Nakangiting wika ni Faith at nilapitan si Reema at tinignan mula ulo hanggang paa. "You see, when a beauty product launches its product, they have to advertise their product, right?"
"What does a beauty product have to do with me, are you stupid?" Iritadong wika ni Reema kay Faith.
Reese rolled her eyes and she looked at her sister.
"You don't get it at all, Reema." Wika ni Reese at mahinang natawa. "Let's just say na nakuha tayong dalawa na maging model sa isang beauty product… Ikaw yung gaganap sa before you used the product, then I'll be the after. So, which is better?"
Nanlisik ang mga mata ni Reema dahil sa sinabi niya dito. She raised her hands and was about to slap her.
"You bitch ---"
Kaagad na nahawakan ni Reese ang kamay nito at tinulak siya. Nginisihan ni Reese ang kapatid at binigyan ng malamig na tingin.
"Don't call me bitch, I'm much more evil than that." Wika niya na ikinabigla ng kapatid. Wala nang nagawa si Reema kung 'di umalis dahil hindi na nito kinakaya ang galit na nararamdaman.
Lumapit si Faith sa kanya at napabuntong hininga.
"Sukatin mo na ang wedding gown mo." Wika ni Faith at tumingin sa designer. "She'll fit the gown now."
"This way, Mrs. Lim." Nakangiting saad ng designer at sinundan ni Reese ito.
Pumasok si Reese sa fitting room at tinulungan siya ng designer at ng assistant nito sa pagsuot ng gown.
She really loved the way the gown was designed, it's as if it's really made just for her to wear.
They also fixed her hair and make-up that matches the wedding gown itself.
Humarap si Reese sa malaking salamin sa likod niya at tinignan ang sarili habang hawak-hawak ang bulaklak.
She never imagined that she'd get married. It felt really empty, but she never thought of getting married because of her sun allergy.
"The gown fits you well, Mrs. Lim. You look beautiful." The designer complimented her.
Reese just gave the designer a smile and she looked at herself once again.
Why does she feel sad? What's this feeling?
"Let's go, Mrs. Lim. I bet they are waiting for you to show up now."
Sinundan ni Reese ang designer at huminto sila sa harap ng isang parang kurtina at kaagad na binuksan ng designer ang kurtina at doon nagtaas ng tingin si Reese.
Nabigla si Reese nang magtama ang mga mata nila ni Severus. Reese thought that he wouldn't come. Why is he here?
Nakuha naman ng atensyon ni Reese ang pagpalakpak ni Faith at masayang tinignan siya nito.
"It fits you perfectly, Reese. You should dress up a bit from now on, okay?" Nakangiting wika nito. "You always wear those leather jackets and just a shirt with those out of style leather pants, hindi ka naman tomboy diba?" Dagdag nito.
"Whatever, Faith." Masungit na wika ni Reese na ikinatawa ng kaibigan niya.
Napatayo si Mrs. Lim at lumapit sa kanya.
"The gown fits you perfectly, my daughter!" Masayang wika nito. Nilingon ni Mrs. Lim ang anak na nakaupo lang, "Look! Your wife's very beautiful!"
Hindi ito nagsalita at nanatiling nakatingin sa kanya at tinanguan nalang ang sinabi ng ina.
Tila para lang itong multo sa loob ng boutique.
Napa buntong hininga si Mrs. Lim at marahang hinawakan ang pisngi ni Reese.
"Don't mind your useless husband." Natatawang wika nito. "Wait for me here, I'll ask the designer if she can change your bouquet into another one. Hindi bagay ang bouquet na hawak mo sa gown."
"Sure, mom." Nakangiting wika ni Reese at kaagad na nagpunta si Mrs. Lim sa designer at kinausap ito.
Lumapit kay Reese ang ina niya na mayroong malaking ngiti sa labi.
She really can't bear to see her mother's fake care. It makes her want to throw up. Nabigla si Reese nang bigla itong bumulong.
"Remember your role, Reese. Don't ever think that you're better than your sister." Bulong nito sa kanya at kaagad na binigyan siya ng ngiti na napakatamis.
"Auntie Chen!" Biglaang lumapit si Faith sa kanya at pa-simpleng inayos ng kaibigan ang tulle ng gown niya.
"Puwede po ba na umusog ka ng konti? Naapakan mo na kasi yung gown." Bakas ang sarkasmo sa boses ni Faith at napansin rin ni Reese ang iritasyon ng ina sa sinabi ng kaibigan.
Umusog ang ina ni Reese ng konti at pinag-krus nito ang braso nito sa dibdib.
"I think that gown would definitely look good on your sister too." She insensitively said and gave her a smile.
Nagpanggap na nahihiya si Reema na nasa tabi ngayon ni Severus at tumayo.
"Mama, don't say that. Big sister actually looks good on it." Plastik na wika nito at napatingin kay Severus na tahimik na nakaupo.
Natigilan si Reese at Faith nang bigla itong kumapit sa braso ni Severus na para bang silang dalawa lang ang nasa lugar.
"Don't you think that the gown would fit me too, brother-in-law?" Reema asked Severus in her usual seductive tone.
Reese is really disgusted with her own sister who's purposely seducing her sister's husband.
What a shame.
"What the hell is Reema doing?" Pabulong na tanong ni Faith sa kanya. "She's really crazy, Reese. I still remember that she declined the marriage because of rumors about the young master of the Lim family. Now look at her sticking at him like a gecko."
"C'mon, Faith." Reese said, "That's Reema's nature, don't be surprised, okay?" Dagdag ni Reese at tinignan ang mga ito na para bang wala lang ang nangyayari.
"I hope the second young miss knows how to respect herself." Malamig na wika ni Severus at tinanggal ang kamay ni Reema sa braso niya.
"Auntie Chen, is that how you teach, Reema?" Pagtatanong ni Faith, "How can she casually seduce Reese's husband like it's her husband?" Dagdag na tanong ni Faith.
Bitterness was all over her mother's face when Faith asked such a strong question.
"Why you —"
"Faith, let it be." Wika ni Reese. "Sadyang pala kaibigan 'yang kapatid ko. Just let her be, that's her nature." Reese sounded as if she's mocking Reema.
Napatango-tango si Faith at ngumiti na para bang may balak gawin.
"Oh, I heard that you're in need of a part-time job, Reema." Panimula ni Faith. "My bar's lack of hostess, since you're friendly... How about I hire you?"
"Why would I go to such a place? I'm not going to your filthy workplace." Masungit na wika ni Reema. "I can find a better workplace than that."
"I think you should consider my wife's friend is offering you. You fit the qualification, Ms. Chen." Saad ni Severus na ikinabigla nilang dalawa ni Faith.
Reese saw how her sister's face turned red and it was because of anger.
Mukhang wala na ata itong masabi at isa siguro sa rason kung bakit ito ganito ay dahil hindi nagpapakita ng interes si Severus sa kanya.
Reese was satisfied to see her sister like that. She wanted to laugh her guts out.
This is what makes her happy, seeing her sister payback the things she has done to her.
Lumapit si Severus kay Reese at hinawakan nito ang kamay niya.
"Change your clothes, we should go back now."
"To where?" Reese asked out of confusion. Go back to where? Reese actually planned to go back as soon as she finished fitting her clothes, since she did not have that much sleep.
"Just change your clothes, I'll wait for you." Anito sa kanya.
Hindi na nagtanong pa si Reese at kaagad na nagpunta sa fitting room kasama si Faith para tulungan siya nito na magpalit.
Pagkapasok na pagkapasok nila ng fitting room ay biglaang humalagpak sa taea si Faith at napaupo.
"Reese, I never knew that your uusband's that cool." Wika nito habang tumatawa. "I mean, nagmukhang ewan yung kapatid mo nung sinubukan niyang landiin ang asawa mo." Dagdag pa nito at humalagpak muli sa kakatawa.
"Bentang-benta sa'yo yung pagkapahiya ni Reema, huh?" Ani ni Reese at ibinaba ang bulaklak na hawak niya. "I never knew you could laugh that hard." Dagdag pa niya.
Faith calmed herself and stood up to help her unzip the gown.
"But, in fairness..." Panimula ni Faith. "Your husband's handsome. He's far from anything said in the rumors."
"I was shocked too to see him like that way. I thought he really looked like how the rumors described him." Mahinang wika ni Reese at sinuot ang damit na suot-suot niya kanina.
"So, do you like him?"
Nabigla si Reese sa tanong ni Faith sa kanya, she already knows what the answer is.
Wala siyang kahit anong nararamdaman para kay Severus.
"Of course, I don't." She honestly answered at Faith. "This is just a loveless marriage, Faith. I only did it to get back on my parents and my sister." Reese explained her point to Faith as she wore her jacket back.
Lumapit si Faith sa kanya at hinawakan siya nito sa magkabilang braso.
"Why? Si Sebastian pa rin ba ang nasa puso mo, Reese?"
"Why would I stick to that person?" Malamig na tanong ni Reese. "Wala akong mapapala sa katulad niya, Faith. You know what I suffered when I was still with him. I hate fake people." Dagdag ni Reese.
"How about your husband then? Do you romance him?" Pagtatanong ni Faith sa kanya at anagpakita ng mapang-asar na ngiti. "Your husband's rich, powerful and handsome. What more could you wish for when God already gave you such a big blessing. Ano ba ang ginawa mo sa past lie mo? Did you perhaps save the universe then to receive such blessing?"
"If you want him, I can give you to him after I separate with him." Seryosong wika ni Reese.
"Damn, Reese. You're such a cold person." Buntong hininga wika nito. "It's not possible to love your husband, Reese. C'mon, open your heart for a new romance. Not all men are like Sebastian, okay?" Dagdag na wika ng kaibigan.
"That's one of the things that would be impossible for me." Mahinang wika ni Reese. "I also have to keep my grandpa's favor. I agreed on not falling in love with Severus. I don't know the exact reason, but I want to follow what my grandpa says because I'm in favor with it."
"Since when did my best friend become this bitter?" Malungkot na saad ni Faith. "I hate Sebastian, he made you like this. Even if he was one of my friends, I can't accept it, Reese."
"Sebastian has nothing to do with this, Faith." Mahinang wika ni Reese. "Ganito na ako simula't sapol. The way I see the world changed during my childhood, Faith."
"But still…" Mahinang wika ni Faith. "Reese, I hope that you can still change the way you see the world. Open your heart for a change, Reese. It will be for your own good."
Reese looked at Faith with her sarcastic look.
"I am a woman of my word, Faith." Reese said coldly. "I'm not stupid to put all my heart in romance. I don't need romance in my life." Dagdag ni Reese at sinuot ang cap niya.
"Okay, okay. I get it. Don't be too bitter, Reese. I was just asking, besides..." Suko ni Faith sa kanya. "Parte na ng buhay ng tao ang romance, Reese. Remember that."
"Romance is just a vital aspect and I don't need or want one. I'm fine like this." Wika ni Reese at lumabas ng fitting room.
Hinabol siya ni Faith at inakbayan.
"I really have a bitter friend. You already sound like a divorced woman." Natatawang wika nito sa kanya.
This is not how she usually views life and love, but Reese can't help but to think of it that way.
It was never her intention to think of it in a bad way, but she can't help but to do so.
It was a tough childhood for Reese and since Sebastian was there for her then, she thought she still had the chance to change.
And she did, but everything she thought that changed her went back to the way she viewed it.
She doesn't need romance, she doesn't need anything. She already had enough from it, ever since then.
But she can't all blame it on Sebastian, because before Sebastian even came to her life, she already thought of it that way.
It was her decision, she can't blame the people around her because she gets to decide what she wants and what's best for herself.
Napansin ni Reese na si Severus at ang ina nalang nito ang nasa lugar.
Where did her mom and sister go? It's not like she care, but she's glad that they left.
"Na'san na si Reema at Auntie Chen?" Nagtatakang wika ni Faith. "Why did they left without even saying goodbye?" Dagdag pa nito.
"Your grandpa called them. That's why they went out in a hurry." Paliwanag ni Mrs. Lim. "You guys go first, I still have to stay and talk about some matters for the bridesmaid's gowns."
"Do you need my help, mom?" Pagtatanong ni Reese kay Mrs. Lim.
Umiling ito at nginitian siya.
"No need, Reese. You should go, it's dangerous for you to stay in broad daylight." Pagtanggi ni Mrs. Lim.
"Well then, shall we go?" Faith asked.
Tumango si Reese at akmang kukunin ni Reese ang payong na nasa upuan ay naunahan na siya ni Severus.
"I'm sorry, but can I take her home instead. I have something to discuss with her." Severus asked Faith.
Panandalian siyang tinignan ni Faith at patagong ngumisi. Reese can't help but to sigh secretly.
Reese knows how Faith thinks and she's clearly going to agree because she thought it would be the best for her when in fact, in Reese's opinion, it is not.
"Of course, young master Lim." Wika ni Faith, "Do you guys need to use grandpa's car? Just in case na walang sun protector ang kotse na gagamitin niyo." Pagtatanong ni Faith kay Severus.
"No need, my car has one." Pagtanggi ni Severus.
"Okay, then. I shall take my leave." Panimula ni Faith. "I'll return the car myself. Take care!" Paalam ni Faith at kaagad na lumabas ng boutique.
"Shall we go too?" Pagtatanong ni Reese at tinignan si Severus. "I still have to rest, it's still my nap time." Dagdag na saad niya sa binata.
"Before we leave, can I ask you something?"
Reese felt weird about Severus' tone. It was serious and Reese was a bit nervous about what he'll ask when in fact there's nothing to get nervous about.
"Sure, fire away." She said with a smile.
Nakapamulsang humarap ito at bakas ang pagkaseryoso sa mga mata nito.
"I want to hear your true reason behind your acceptance with this marriage. Did they force you into this?"
Napa buntong hininga si Reese at ang pekeng ngiti na ipinapakita niya ay nawala na at napalitan ng malamig na tingin ang mga mata niya.
"Since you want to know the truth then I'll tell you…" Mahinang wika ni Reese at ngumisi, "They did not force me to do this, I was willing to get married. I wanted to get back to my parents and sister for my suffering all these years, and this is just a marriage, nothing big."
Severus was taken back with her answer.
"I see." He responded.
"Katulad nga nu'ng sinabi ko sa engagement party," Reese said, "This is just a loveless marriage. I can do my duties as Mrs. Lim, but it doesn't cover romance at all."
Sabay silang lumabas ng boutique at kaagad na binuksan ni Severus ang payong na hawak nito.
Dahil covered sa labas ng boutique, hindi siya gaanong nagtago sa lilim.
Bumalik sa dati ang ngiti ni Reese at bumuntong hininga.
"Before we leave, I need to go to the restroom first." Paalam ni Reese.
"Do you need me to assist you there?"
Umiling si Reese, "No need. Malapit lang ang restroo dito, plus the place is covered. I'll be back in an instant." Wika niya at kaagad na nagtungo sa daanan papuntang banyo.
Covered ang nilalakaran ni Reese pero ang gitna ng daan ay hindi, it was wide open and the sunlight can be clearly seen.
Pumasok si Reese sa banyo at tinanggal ang sumbrero at naghilamos. She really feels tired, she lacks sleep plus she has a lot to do when she gets back home.
Malapit na ang deadline ng manuscript sa bago niyang libro. Ni-hindi niya matapos-tapos dahil sa dami ng nangyayari sa mga nakaraang araw niya.
And in a few days, it'll be her wedding ceremony.
There's actually nothing to get excited about, after that ceremony, everything will be back to normal. Her life's quite normal for a person who has a rare disease like hers.
Sinuot ni Reese muli ang sumbrero niya at akmang dederetso na muli sa puwesto na kinatatayuan ni Severus nang biglaang may tumulak sa kanya na ikinagulat niya.
She fell in a bad way, she was sprained and her cap was removed.
Reese lately realized that she's already exposed from the sun. The person who pushed her immediately ran away.
Reese felt the intense pain and itching on her skin and she's slowly losing her consciousness.
It felt like she's slowly burned in a fire pit and it hurts very much.
"Help… me…" Reese tried to shout but she's getting weak from just minutes of exposure in the sun.
She tried to stand up but she couldn't, her feet hurt and she knew that she sprained her ankle.
"Reese!" Someone shouted her name but Reese can't hear it properly because she's losing her energy.
She suddenly saw Severus running towards her and he covered her with the umbrella, but Reese can't stand the pain anymore to the point she already lost her consciousness.
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