บท 12: Former Lover
REESE and Severus ended up buying a tea set. They definitely wasted their time finding a gift suitable for her mother-in-law when all this time, Severus knew what her mom really likes. He really did not tell her until the very last hour in order to irritate her. And it definitely did work.
Reese looked at the gift on her lap one last time because she was really happy to buy something like this.
Reese wore a simple royal blue fitted cocktail dress that reached just below her knee. She had her make-up done by a make-up artist that Severus had over at the villa with also a hairstylist.
They are now on their way to the party and Reese knew that her family would also be invited for the party but Reese doesn't want to see them.
They would just ask her about the money they need and Reese doesn't want her parents to borrow such a large amount of money from Severus because they definitely won't give the money they borrowed back and take the money as a gift.
"I forgot to ask you, Severus." Pagtawag ni Reese kay Severus, "Magkano ang bill ng regalo kay mom?" Pagtukoy ni Reese sa regalong hawak niya. Reese wasn't able to pay half of it's price because Severus already handed his black card and Reese wasn't able to stop him because of his irritation with him.
"Can you just call me with the way you would call me when you're acting?"
Reese rolled her eyes and she gave him an icy stare. "Look at the way you're changing the topic." Reese sighed. "The way I call you doesn't matter, what I'm asking how much was ---"
"It doesn't matter to you, but it does to me." Severus looked at her as she stared at him. "It's good to hear you call me with a nickname you came up when you were acting. Can you just continue calling me 'Sev'?" The car stopped in front of Lim's mansion.
Look at this guy getting all excited with just the way she subconsciously calls him. Ganoon ba ka-big deal sa binata ang madalas itawag ni Reese dito?
"Fine, Sev." Reese looked at him with sarcasm. "Happy?"
Severus just sneered at her and he went out of his car, he opened the car's door for her and Reese got her seatbelt unbuckled.
Kinuha ni Severus ang paper bag sa kanya at nag-abot ito ng kamay para sa kanya. Reese looked at him and the hand he just gave.
"Shall we go, Mrs. Lim?"
Reese was about to roll her eyes when she suddenly saw some of Severus' mother's guests, she had to give him a forced smile and she took his hand as she used it to support herself as she went out from the car.
"Thank you, Sev." She thanked him in an acting manner.
Severus gave his keys to the valet and she clung onto his arm as the two of them went inside the mansion.
Reese was not shocked to see such rich guests inside the mansion and she could tell that they did a good preparation for this special day. As Reese looked around the place, she saw her parents talking to some guests they might probably know.
"Oh my! Finally, the couple is here!"
Napalingon si Reese sa harap niya at nakita si Mrs. Lim at malawak na napangiti si Reese nang makita ang ginang. Her mother-in-law gave her a hug and Reese hugged her back too.
"I've missed my daughter-in-law!" Masayang wika ni Mrs. Lim at binaklas nito ang pagkakayakap nila. "How have you been, my dear?"
Binigyan ng ngiti ni Reese si Mrs. Lim at masaya itong sinagot. "Ayos naman po ako, mom." Reese answered. "Happy birthday to you, mom." Bati ni Reese.
Severus handed the gift while frowning. "Look at you, mom. You even forgot that I'm also here." Pabirong wika ni Severus sa ina. "Happy birthday, mom."
Tinanggap ni Mrs. Lim ang regalo at masaya itong tinignan. "Thank you for the gift, but I think I would be happy if your gift would be a grandchild."
Muntikan nang masamid si Reese sa sarili niyang laway dahil sa sinabi ng kanyang biyenan, hindi alam ni Reese kung paano reresponde sa sinabi nito at wala nalang nagawa si Reese kung 'di mapangiti sa sinabi nito.
"You should not rush things, mom." Wika ni Severus at hinapit siya nito sa beywang. "Let time take its course, you'll be able to meet your grandchild soon."
Hindi alam ni Reese kung ano ang sasabihin niya dahil sa biglaang sagot ni Severus. A child? Soon? Is he joking? It's not like they are in a good relationship, Reese can't even tell that they are a married couple, plus they both sleep in separate rooms.
"Look at my son! That's right, I'll be looking forward to what you said." Masayang wika ni Mrs. Lim at napatingin sa kanya. Reese just gave a light chuckle as she can't respond with what just Severus said.
"Severus, is that you?"
Naagaw ng isang matinis na boses ang atensyon ni Reese, miski si Mrs. Lim. She looked at Severus and she saw his shocked expression at the person that was just in front of them.
Reese took a look and she saw a fine lady wearing a black tube dress with her pearls. She doesn't care who the person was but Reese can't help but to wonder who she is.
"I forgot to mention, Lily came back from the US." Mrs. Lim acknowledged Severus.
Lily? The woman's name was Lily and Reese can't help but to wonder who was the girl in front of them with a wide smile in front of Severus and it was as if they never met for a very long time.
Lily went near them while holding a champagne with her right hands and she didn't even look at her, Lily was just focused on Severus.
"It's been a while, Severus. How are you?" Lily greeted him with a smile.
"It's really been a while, Ms. Annesley." Severus greeted Lily with a composed smile.
Reese doesn't even know what she needs to do, she can clearly see that there's something with the way they greeted each other. They are more or less like platonic friends.
"Oh, I forgot to mention." Mrs. Lim went to her with a wide smile. "This is Severus' wife, she's Reese. The one I kept mentioning earlier." Dagdag ni Mrs. Lim.
Lily finally looked at her as soon as her mother-in-law introduced her. It's not like Reese minds with Lily's manners, but for starters, she was a bit rude to treat her like a wind as she kept on looking at Severus with suck lovestruck eyes.
But it's not like it was all Lily's fault, it was Severus' too. He didn't even bother introducing her to his friend. What a rude guy he is, but the hell she cares about it? It's not a big deal for her.
"It's nice to meet you in person, Reese." Maikling bati sa kanya ni Lily at kaagad na binalik ang tingin kay Severus. "What a gorgeous wife you have here…"
"Well, I'll leave you guys here." Paalam ni Mrs. Lim. "I'll just greet the other guests." Dagdag nito at tuluyan na umalis.
When Reese saw a waiter with a tray of champagne drinks, she subconsciously took one and she took a short sip from the drink as she continued to listen with Severus and Lily's conversation.
"I was shocked when Auntie Lim told me that you got married." Panimula ni Lily, "I thought marriage is not for you?" Dagdag pa na wika nito na para ba'ng wala siya.
"Well, it's not like I can predict the future." Sagot ni Severus at nabigla si Reese nang akbayan siya ng binata at hinalikan sa nuo. "Plus, I love my wife so much." Severus smiled at her and Reese replied a smile at him too.
Everything felt very scripted for her, but somehow something felt strange...
Reese felt her heart skip a beat for a few seconds and as soon as Severus removed his hands on her shoulders, Reese calmed herself and this is just one of Severus' acts. Walang rason para sa mga maling akala.
Lily took a short glance at her and Reese totally figured out the smile Lily gave her was totally fake and Reese can't stand one.
"Ah, I see… You love your wife very much…" Tila parang dismayadong wika ni Lily kay Severus at kaagad na napatingin sa kanya. "I envy you, you're really lucky to have Severus as your husband." Dagdag nito at bakas ang pagka-inggit sa boses nito na tila nakukutuban ni Reese ng masama.
Reese wanted to roll her eyes but she can't, so instead of showing her shitty attitude towards girls like Lily — she remained calm and gave Lily her sweetest fake smile.
"Come on, don't say that…" Mahinang wika ni Reese at sinadyang kumapit sa braso ni Severus na ikinakuha ng atensyon ni Lily. "You'll find yourself a suitable husband too. Right, Sev?" Reese totally covered her thick sarcasm with sincerity.
Reese kept on caressing Severus hands to completely show off in front of Lily and Lily seems to try to keep her cool. Nakita ni Reese kung paano umiwas ng tingin si Lily sa kanya nang magtagpo ang mga mata nila.
Reese knew that there was something off with this girl in front of her, so she has to keep her guards up.
"Of course." Tipid na sagot ni Severus sa tanong niya.
"Yea, I hope so." Mahinang wika ni Lily at dire-deretsong ininom ang champagne na hawak nito.
Reese doesn't even know the reason why she's staying here like she's really into what they are talking about.
Kahit na malakas ang pagkagusto ni Reese na pakinggan ang pag-uusapan nila, mas gugustuhin ni Reese na magpahangin sa balkonahe ng mansyon dahil nasasakal na siya sa masyadong pagpapanggap sa lugar.
Reese definitely wants to cool her head off and leaving them would be not good, but as if Lily would make a move on her husband. Reese is for sure that Lily won't do anything shameless inside the mansion of the Lim family. Lily would definitely just disgrace herself.
"Uhm, Sev." Pagkuha ni Reese sa atensyon ng binata. Walang sinayang na segundo si Severus at kaagad na nilingon siya. Reese gave her husband a smile, "I'll just go to the balcony. I want to get fresh air." Marahang wika ni Reese.
"Is that so?" Wika ni Severus. "Would you like me to accompany you?"
Umiling si Reese at tinignan si Lily. "No need, I'm fine by myself. Babalik rin naman ako, plus you have to entertain Lily as our guest too." Tanggi ni Reese sa alok ni Severus.
"Okay, just don't stay out for too long or you'll catch a cold." Severus leaned in to give her a kiss in the forehead before letting her go.
Reese just gave Severus an awkward smile as she left with her champagne. Habang naglalakad papuntang balkonahe si Reese ay hindi niya maiwasang hindi ngitian ang ibang mga bisita na bumabati sa kanya.
As soon as she reached her destination, she heaved a sigh and drank her champagne. She felt relaxed and she can finally remove the smile she was wearing all the time.
Smiling tires her out.
Sumandal si Reese sa harang sa balkonahe at nakaharap siya sa pinagmulan niya. She was facing the crowd and Reese can really tell the status of every guest inside the mansion.
But Reese can't help but to stare at Severus and Lily who seemed to be really close. There was really something off with Lily and Reese just thought that is it really a good idea to leave them alone like that?
You can easily mistake them to be in a relationship, but the guests are fully aware that Severus married to a Chen.
Reese turned her back and she looked at the dark sky above her and the stars. Reese is comfortable staying here, hindi niya kailangan magpanggap.
Reese saw from her peripheral vision that someone's beside her now. She looked at the person and she saw that it was her mother.
Nilapag ng ina niya ang champagne glass nito sa railing ng balkonahe. Reese looked at her mother with her poker face. She doesn't want to talk to her mother and she hates seeing her.
Reese took her glass and she was about to leave her mother alone in the balcony when she suddenly spoke up.
"Looks like you're living a happy life as a young lady of the Lim family, huh?"
"Why? Are you jealous?" Bakas ang sarkasmo sa sinabi ni Reese at hinarap ang ina. "They are treating me very well and I hope it gets you angry." Dagdag ni Reese.
Tinalikuran niya muli ang ina at kinakailangan niya talagang iwan ito. Alam ni Reese na kapag nag-uusap silang dalawa ng ina niya, walang patutunguhan ito palagi. It would always end up to a big quarrel.
"I want to talk about the favor, no — I mean, the order I had assigned you." Pigil sa kanya ng ina niya.
Reese already knows what they would be talking about. Her mother would threaten her again for the money she was asking her to get from Severus.
Hinarap ni Reese ang ina at mahinang natawa. "I am sure you would threaten me again with something so you could get me to do what you want." Malamig na wika ni Reese. "I won't ask that ten million money from my husband —"
Hindi nagsalita ang ina niya at mahina lang natawa. Lumapit ito sa kanya at hinaplos ang pisngi niya. Reese removed her mother's hands on her cheek.
"You should not be staying here, Reese." Wika ng ina niya at napatingin sa puwesto nila Severus at Lily na nag-uusap. "You should stay beside your husband, especially when Ms. Annesley's here."
Reese just gave her mother a hostile look, hindi niya maintindihan kung ano ba ang problema nito sa kanya. "What are you pinpointing here, mama?" Reese asked her mother.
"You see, my dear Reese…" Her mother started in a low voice. "Ms. Lily Annesley, president of the famous clothing line — Starlight, is your husband's former lover."
"What?" Reese said out of surprise.
Tila napatakip ng bibig ang ina niya at mahinang natawa sa naging reaksyon niya. "You've been together with your husband for almost half a month now, yet you know nothing about him?"
Hindi alam ni Reese kung saan papunta itong pag-uusap nila. "I don't need to hear it from you. I'm leaving." Malamig na wika ni Reese at akmang papasok na nang pigilan siya ng kanyang ina.
"I went to your husband's office earlier." Wika ng ina niya at sumimsim sa champagne na hawak nito. "He already gave me the money."
Reese froze from where she was standing with what her mother just blurted out. Severus never mentioned anything about what her mother just told her.
"You're lying." Wika ni Reese. "Why would he give you that money like it's just his penny —"
"Well sorry to break it to you, Reese. But, he did. He gave me the money as if it's nothing at all!" Saad nito at ngumisi, "We're family after all, nothing's wrong with it, right?"
"I feel disgusted hearing the word family from you mama." Reese clenched her hands into fists and she looked at her mother fiercely. "Why the hell would you need that much money?" Reese asked her mother.
"Well, as a reward. I'll give you something really interesting." Mahinang wika ng kanyang ina at inabot sa kanya ang isang flash drive. "It's a disposable one. Once you opened the file inside that flashdrive, it would delete the content itself."
Walang balak na kunin si Reese ang flash drive, pero nabigla na lang siya nang kunin ng kanyang ina ang palad niya at nilagay ang flashdrive do'n.
Reese just stared at the flashdrive and she looked at her mother. "Well, enjoy the party, my dear Reese." Paalam ng ina niya at kaagad na umalis sa harap niya.
Reese doesn't know what to do and which comes first. Severus was being too secretive about this and she still deserves to know the reason why he didn't tell her about the money he gave to her mother.
Napatingin si Reese sa direksyon kung nasaan sj Severus. He was still talking to Lily and Reese felt something strange in her chest. Paulit-ulit na naririnig ni Reese ang sinabi ng ina niya sa kanya.
Lily Annesley was Severus' former lover. But how come they act very casual to each other and they don't even feel any kind of awkwardness between them?
Naguguluhan na si Reese sa nangyayari, hindi niya alam kung ano ang una niyang iisipin. Her head is now filled with her thoughts about Severus — the money he gave to her parents and Lily being his former lover.
ความคิดของผู้สร้าง 
niza_aijj
niza_aijj This is the chapter that I accidentally published under chapter 11, inayos ko lang yung puwesto. Because this part belongs to this chapter, sorry for the inconvenience.
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง