Prologue
Dylan Jax Santiago
It has been said, 'time heals all wounds' but I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.
But maybe they're right. But what if the wounds don't heal correctly, like when cuts leave behind nasty scars, or when broken bones mend together, but aren't as smooth anymore?
Does it mean they're really healed? Or is it that the body did what it could to fix what broke.
I was busy fixing my life these past few years. I want to bury all my problems, regrets, and pain that I have received.
Break ups are painful, but have you ever experienced such pain that you had to force yourself to stop loving that person?
I don't know the pain until I have to force my heart to stop loving the one I thought I'd be with forever.
"Hey, Dylan! Congratulations!" my co-workers greeted me.
I smiled back at them and sighed. "God! Finally!"
Agad na lumapit sa akin si Achiro at tinapik ang balikat ko. "Wow! You've only been back for a few days and have already been promoted!"
Ysabelle smirked. "Well. He's the former CEO's son kaya!" She kissed my left cheek as she approached me.
"With your speed, next year or month, you'll be the most successful CEO of all time." Achiro said while smirking at Ysa, he's actually proud of me.
I sighed heavily and stared at the windows. It has been a years since we broke up. I can't say that I was taking it so well even though I looked okay on the outside.
I could say that breaking up with Solenn was the worst decision I have done in my life. I regretted it.
I have or had... been living my life with nothing but pain because of my decision. Pero kahit anong pagsisi pa ang maramdaman ko, alam kong hindi na maibabalik n'on si Solenn.
They took some photos of me and we took some photos too. Before we sat down to strike a conversation.
"Kamusta ang bakasyon sa Canada? Ang sabi nila, maganda d'un ah." agad na tanong ni Achiro.
"Yeah, Canada was nice and the Canadians too. I've met some people and I must say that they were good."
Achiro laughed. "Hahaha! Kailan ka pa nakipagkaibigan? At sa ibang bansa pa talaga ah?"
I shrugged and let out a small laugh. "Doon lang. Well, kailangan ko iyon para makapag-enjoy ako."
"Well. You has a point." Ysa agreed.
I sighed heavily. "May balita ba kayo kay Solenn?" bumaling ako kay Achiro.
Agad na nangunot ang noo ni Ysa bago huminga nang malalim. "After you two broke up, I didn't see her na."
Achiro shrugged. "Why do you ask? Do you miss her?"
I shrugged and denied. "No.. I think I saw her in Canada."
Lumiit ang mga mata nila at sabay na nagkatinginan. Tila hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi kong iyon.
Yes. Nakita ko siya sa Canada, our eyes even met pero tila hindi niya ako namumukhaan or what kasi nilagpasan niya lang ako n'on.
I must say that something was strange in her aura that time. Parang hindi siya ang nakasalubong at nakita ko nang araw na iyon.
The celebration ended. I thanked everyone for attending my celebration before it officially ended.
The next day, I was invited by Mr. Belamour to have a dinner with him. I don't know him but my Dad told me that he is one of the most respected in the Philippines.
"Do you know who is Mr. Belamour, Dad?" I curiously asked him.
"Yes, why?"
"He invited me for a dinner with him, tomorrow night."
He looked at me. "That would be great! He's one of the respected man in this country." My dad replied, holding a champagne glass.
I accepted his invite and prepare myself for the dinner, tonight. I was wearing an ash-grey suit. I looked so formal and tall. Nagmukha na akong matino.
Nakabukas ang tatlong butones noon, revealing my chest a little and the gold necklace I had. Hindi na ako nag-abala pang maglagay ng necktie.
I looked at myself through the mirror. Perfect nose and jaw, skin a little whiter than my sister's, welcoming eyes and my dimples that attracts many women.
"CEO Dylan Jax Santiago of Santiago Group of Companies." Mr. Belamour smiled at me that makes his eyes close a bit.
Some women in the restaurant were staring at me. Napailing nalang ako. Hindi na ako magtataka kung umabot na sa kung saang sulok ng Pilipinas ang balita tungkol sa promotion ko.
"Good evening, Mr. Belamour. I've heard a lot of good things about you." I shook his hand, smiling.
"Wow. I really hope so." He let out a small laugh. "By the way, it's nice meeting you in person. Aside from me, I've never met a very good looking man in the Philippines."
I let out a small laugh. "I didn't expect that you're quite funny, Mr. Belamour."
He laughed again. "Oh, bago ang lahat. I want to congratulate you for being promoted as a new CEO."
"Thank you, Mr. Belamour."
He smiled and shook my hand. "No problem." I smiled. "And, bago ang lahat, I want you to meet my daughter."
Agad na nangunot ang noo ko, ang inakala ko ay kami lang ang magdidinner nang magkasama. Ipakikilala pala ako sa anak niya.
He looked at the entrance of the restaurant before lifted a hand. "Shan! Get over here!"
My head turned, parting my lips in surprise when I saw Solenn Valencia walking inside the restaurant.
My eyes were immediately filled with amusement. Tumaas agad ang dalawa kong kilay at napakagat sa ibaba kong labi.
I was just sitting there on the chair, like I saw a ghost. A ghost from the past. I slowly stood up, holding a glass of champagne.
My dark eyes pierced into hers, closely watching her every move. I licked my lower lip. Our eyes met but she immediately looked at her Dad and acted like she didn't know me.
She had undergone significant transformations. Her wavy hair had been cut short. Even in a posh restaurant, she stands out from the crowd. She's way above my pay grade.
"I am Ashanti Farrah Belamour.." she offered her hand.
Ashanti Farrah Belamour? What the hell is happening?
"And you are?"
She had no recollection of me. She has no idea what my name is.