CHAPTER 3: THE INAUGURATION

I looked at myself in the mirror. The long gown fits my body well. I am not voluptuous but not petite, too, at the same time. Let's say I have an average body. The kind of physique that is fine for my age.

"I like your shape, Jael," Hana commented.

I looked at her and smiled.

I looked once again at the mirror. Wearing a rose-colored, two-piece, off-shoulder ruffle, I think I'm ready for Rueben's inauguration.

Hana and I went outside my room so we could see what the others are doing. She's one of the early birds when preparing for events because she likes everything to be simple. Her jet black hair was straightened, and it emphasized her morena color even more. She's wearing a white fitted long gown, too, but hers was backless. Now, you can guess why she let her hair down.

"You should put your hair in front," I said as we walked down the stairs.

"No," she answered.

"You should. The design will go to waste," I insisted.

"It's fine."

I pouted at her remark.

There's Sara and Abi in the living room, who's busy choosing the perfect shoes to pair with their gowns. Sara's wearing a bordeaux off-shoulder, too, but with a side slit; that's why she needs her shoes to be perfect. Abi's long gown has a side slit, too, but it isn't as high as Sara's. Abi's wearing a navy spaghetti strap with an open back.

"Still not done?" Hana sat between them.

"What color to pair? What color?" Abi asked herself multiple times.

"Silver's fine," I said.

"You think so?"

"Yes, why not?"

I watched her opened three shoe boxes. All of them are silver but with different designs.

Ugh, those shoes. I still can't forget about that day and that guy. How could I? All of the shoes that we are wearing for the inauguration are the ones he bought. They were all surprised when Abi and I went home with all of these boxes.

I remembered lying to my siblings that I bought all of it with the money that I earned from Youtube because how can I explain and how will they believe me if I tell that a random guy paid for all of these just because he snatched the only pair of shoes that I love?

Immaturity got the best out of me that day.

Anyway, Auntie Elaine was happy when she saw these shoes. She loves the designs and colors. Since there's no way I could turn back time, I just force myself to consider these as a gift from a stranger whenever I look at these shoes.

But I have to find that stranger.

"How about me, Jael? What color suits this bordeaux gown?"

I looked at Sara, who is standing in front of me now. She has a fair skin tone, and she stood out even more because of her gown.

"Look for a beige or cream one," Hana butt in.

I imagined her wearing one, and it looked fine inside my mind.

"Yes, those two would do," I second the notion.

Just in time after we completed our outfit, the boys came. Wearing an all-black ensemble, Rueben stood out among Aaron and David. We all stood up to give them an impression that we are all ready, except for Hana.

"Already feeling lazy?" Aaron sat beside her and put his arm on her shoulder.

"It's not that," she said and rolled her eyes at him.

David sat down, too, while Rueben stood between Sara and me.

"After the inauguration, you can go home. You don't have to greet everyone there," Rueben said and offered both of his arms to Sara and me.

"Where's the fun there?" David complained.

For the previous company events, the three of them were the only ones that are required to stay after the most crucial part. We, the girls, were always exempted because Hana and Sara are both busy studying. I have to cover some songs for my channel while Abi... she just doesn't want to be there. After all, they were expected to inherit the companies. Hence, their presence is vital for the sake of the Valmonte Group.

"I don't want to go home. I need to be at the party so I could take a break from all of my exams," Sara pouted.

"Woah! This is a first!" Abi teased her.

"Come on, y'all have to stay this time," David continued to convince us, especially Hana.

Should I stay, too? But what will I do there? Wander around as I stare at those businessmen and women? Join in their conversation where I have no idea what they were talking about?

Sounds boring to me.

"It depends on the shoes," Hana said and lifted her leg.

"Hey," Aaron called her. "Put it down."

"Why?" David asked.

These boys know nothing about our struggles when it comes to wearing high heels for a long time.

"We should go," Rueben said.

Aaron, David, and Hana stood up. Sara and I clung to Rueben's arms. David offered his arm to Abi, and Hana had no choice but to bear with Aaron for the meantime.

They opened the door for us, and the cars were already parked in front of us.

"Gorgeous," Auntie Elaine said when she saw us. She's in the other car, but her door was open because she was waiting for us.

The three of us rode the same car. Hana and Abi rode their family car while Aaron and David are together. We have to arrive there according to family order, that's why.

"I checked on Mom and Dad before coming here," Rueben suddenly said.

"Are their vitals normal? Did the doctor said anything?" Sara asked.

Rueben shook his head, and I heard Sara pronounced a sigh.

"It would be better if they're here," she whispered and looked outside the window.

I looked outside, too, to prevent myself from being sad. After all, this is my first appearance to everyone. And it didn't even cross my mind that I would appear without them.

"It's fine. Jael will do good at the stage anyway," he said before he started the car's engine.

What? What stage?

***

Everyone clapped when Uncle Lucas was called to the stage. I looked at Rueben, who's sitting beside me, and I didn't notice any signs of nervousness like he was prepared for this for a long time.

"Are you not nervous?" I asked him.

"No."

"Why?" I asked again.

"What do you mean "why"? This is my company," he boasted.

My face went blank. This man!

"Good evening," Uncle Lucas started.

All eyes went to him.

"Thank you to each and every one of you for being here with us tonight. We are able to welcome those of you who have been with us for a long time and those who are new to the family. Before we get started, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who generously helped us make this event come together to become a success regardless of what happened to my beloved brother, Arthur, and his wife, Harriett."

My eyes went down to my hands as I played with it. Some of the guests looked at us when our parents' names were mentioned. I don't know why but I wouldn't say I like this feeling.

"Arthur, my brother, is a great person. Of course, he couldn't have done everything so far without Harriet. They're life partners. It pains our family to see them in a situation where we least wanted them to be, but I guess... life isn't all about happy moments. We are trying our very best to consider this part of our life as something that would help us grow and be strong more than ever as a family."

A picture of my parents from last year's annual celebration flashed behind Uncle Lucas. Mommy was holding the bouquet Daddy had given her with a broad smile plastered on her face. Daddy was all hands on her.

Were they still okay that time? Does the affair hasn't occurred yet?

I wish I could think only about the happy moments that I saw them shared, but it wasn't applicable to me anymore. I knew something others don't. And it hurts so much like crazy because I wanted to get mad. I wanted to fight back. But what can I do if my father is also fighting for his life?

"In today's gathering, I would like you to divert your attention to the new leader who will take VDD farther from what Arthur had reached. He had taken almost every quality Arthur had, so we decided that he is the best fit for the CEO position in Valmonte Development and Designs. The board of members carefully and thoroughly discussed this matter and finally came up with the decision. Let us welcome the oldest of Valmonte's next generation of leaders and will now be appointed as the temporary CEO of VDD... Rueben Thiago Valmonte."

Rueben stood up and walked proudly to the stage. He faced everyone with great pride, and might that is shown on his face.

I even heard some of the women from the other table gushed over my brother.

Rueben kept his acceptance speech short and direct. He just said that he's sad for how things turned out and grateful for the opportunity to learn while our parents are still unconscious. He promised to give his best for the company, the employees, and everyone depending on it. He bowed a little to everyone, and the room was filled with applause.

Rueben stayed on the stage even though he already gave the microphone to Uncle Lucas.

"My brother and I, together with our wives, were very lonely to come up with this decision to make this event happen. Without Arthur and Harriett, things are not the same. To everyone who is here, you just met my nephew, Rueben. But tonight, I want to take this opportunity to let the whole world know the faces that complete and make our lives happier more than what the company has given us. Ladies and gentlemen... please, welcome... our family."

Rueben left the stage to give Sara and us a hand. My other hand was holding the gown, so it will keep me from tripping because of it, not to mention that I'm wearing such high heels. David and Abi went to the stage together, and so are Aaron and Hana. Uncle Lucas went to get Auntie Irene, and Uncle William welcomed Auntie Elaine. She just got the twins, Isaac and Israel and Naomi, from the nannies.

Naomi immediately clung to Aaron, so he placed her between him and Hana. The twins went separately. Isaac made Rueben lift him while Israel stayed with her father.

We fixed our attires and posed for a two-line of cameramen in front of us. Flashes were coming from every side, and all of them were screaming for us to give them random poses. Isaac hid his face and buried it on Rueben's neck because the flashes were too much for him. Naomi's just enjoying the attention she's getting from everyone.

***

"So this is what the three of you do when the company has events like these?" Abi commented as she wandered her eyes around while feasting on the main course.

"I told you it's boring," Hana added.

"It's not boring when you go out there and meet a lot of people. Dad has been introducing us to everyone, so we don't have the time to get bored," David butted in.

Rueben offered me a small bowl of dessert, but I refused because I'm already cold.

"I like being in crowded places. I just don't like the idea that I have to repeatedly introduce myself and memorize their names," Sara said and accepted the salad from Rueben.

"Those people will help your business. You memorize every bone in the human body, so these people's names are a piece of cake for you," Aaron teased with a smirk.

I hope I could just go to the room where Naomi and the twins are. They were not allowed by Uncle Lucas to be here because they're too young, and of course, they'll just run everywhere.

"Where are the pictures? I want to see it," I caught their attention.

"You can just search it. It went online already," Rueben answered my question.

I nodded and pulled out my phone from my purse. I went online like they said, and there are articles already published about what happened earlier.

"I love the shots..." I said to myself.

Hana immediately switched seats with Rueben so she could take a look also. Sara peeped in my phone, and Abi went behind me.

"You look stunning here!" I pointed to a picture of Hana where her hair is in front, so the design of the gown is seen, and the lighting looks so good with her morena skin.

Hana ignored my compliment and just scrolled down to look for some more.

"Why are my pictures few?" Abi asked.

"Because you're all over the place, Abigail," David emphasized it. "The photographers couldn't get a hold of you."

We all laughed because of it.

A photographer went to our table and asked us if we're done eating because he wanted to take a picture of us.

"Sure. No problem," Rueben agreed, and the boys immediately went behind us.

We gave them random poses especially, formal ones. According to the photographer, anyone who looks at the picture should be intimidated by us, so none of us smiled and gave our best serious looks.

I think we looked fine because I saw people from other tables turn their heads and gossiped about us.

"Perfect!"

He expressed his gratitude and was about to turn his back, but Abi stopped him and asked for another shot.

"Let's do a wacky shot! Please, please!"

Rueben and Aaron looked hesitant, but David is down, and so am I.

I saw Hana and Sara already stretching their faces and fixing their hairs. David has to push the two, so they would get in the frame. I was all smiles until the photographer counted to three.

I was the one who stood up first so I could look at the picture. I smiled from ear to ear when I realized that we looked crazy wearing formal attires.

Rueben showed a cross-eyed face. David did the extreme tongue-out. Aaron slipped his tongue to the side and did a cross-eyed, too. I did a stink eye while Hana displayed a duck face. Sara did a fish face, and lastly, Abi had her mouth wide opened and gave a wink.

"I will post it on my Instagram!" I raised my hand immediately.

"Whatever you like, Jael," Aaron said while smiling looking at the picture, too.

I went back to my seat, happy. I can't wait to share this picture on my social media accounts. We look so cute there!

After the intermission, all the guests went back to their seats because Rueben suddenly wants the attention of everyone.

"Thank you for sparing your time and attention to me until now. My family and I are more than grateful for supporting the whole company, or the whole Valmonte Group, rather, for showing sincere support in times like these. And in return, I wanted to give you a gift."

The crowd applauded. My cousins and I were all confused. Even Uncle Lucas glanced at our table to see if we know something about this.

"Did he prepare gifts for everyone?" Sara asked.

"There's no way he could pull that off. He's too busy to even eat his meals," Aaron said.

"What is it, then?"

A staff handed him a guitar case. He opened it and took the guitar.

"No way!" David can't believe it, too.

My eyes widened while my cousins almost fell out of their chairs because of excitement.

"You're going to sing?!"

I couldn't even face Sara because my eyes were so fixed with my guitar that's on the stage.

Who's going to sing? Me?!

Rueben glanced at me. I gave him a confused look. Both of my hands flew to cover my wide opened mouth and probably to prevent my jaw from dropping, too.

"Our whole family is blessed to have someone who has a beautiful voice and personality at the same time. I wanted to share this gift with you and to the world."

He looked at me, so the spotlight turned to me, too.

He didn't have to say anything. Actually, he didn't even ask me if I would do it because I would. I was just shocked, that's all.

Aaron stood up to offer a hand to me. I nervously accepted it and held on it tight. Taking advantage of his warmth to decrease my sudden palpitation.

"Go, Jael," Sara whispered and smiled at me.

I received encouraging expressions, too, from my cousins, and I saw that they let Nami and the twins enter the room for them to watch me sing.

When Aaron let go of my hand, I looked at him with pitiful eyes. I don't think I can perform in front of these rich and sophisticated persons. I walked towards Rueben to get my guitar from him.

"You have to explain this when we got home," I warned him.

"There are people here who knew someone in the music industry. I don't have to tell you to give your best. Just sing like you always do, Jael. Make it worth their stare," and then he smirked and left me alone on the stage.

The lights went dim. I sat down on the stool at the center and placed my guitar on my lap.

The sigh that came out from my mouth served as my mic check.

"Whenever you're ready," I heard someone behind me.

Now, what song to sing?

I don't think I have the time to be picky on what song to sing, so I just strum my guitar and sing the first lyrics that came to my mind.

"There I was again tonight forcing laughter, faking smiles"

"Same old tired, lonely place"

The lights focused on me. I continued, even though I'm so nervous, I think I'll faint.

"Walls of insincerity"

"Shifting eyes and vacancy vanished when I saw your face"

I was suddenly motivated when I saw some of the guests start to smile and lift their phones in the air to take a video of me.

"All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you"

It felt so happy to sing and perform like this in front of a big crowd. I haven't touched my guitar for a while since the accident because I kept thinking that I don't have time for the things that would make me happy. I was so busy gathering information on the de Silvas.

"Your eyes whispered, "have we met?"


"Across the room, your silhouette starts to make its way to me"

I roamed my eyes around the room and saw this familiar man sitting at the middle part. He is holding his champagne glass, and his dark eyes were focused on me.

"The playful conversation starts"

"Counter all your quick remarks, like passing notes in secrecy"

I can't see his face properly because the lights are dim, but his body and eyes were so familiar, I think I met him before.

"And it was enchanting to meet you"

"All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you"

He suddenly stood up, and my eyes unconsciously followed him. He went somewhere where can see him like he knew what I was thinking. Like he wants me to see him and remember him.

"This night is sparkling, don't you let it go"

"I'm wonder struck, blushing all the way home"

"I'll spend forever wondering if you knew"

"I was enchanted to meet you"

After the first chorus, I finally saw his face.

This is the guy back at the shoe store and the private property!

"The lingering question kept me up"

"Two a.m., who do you love?"

"I wonder till I'm wide awake"

"Now I'm pacing back and forth, wishing you were at my door"

"I'd open up and you would say, hey"

What's he doing here? Is he also a business partner? Don't tell me he's that old?

"It was enchanting to meet you"

"All I know is I was, enchanted to meet you"

His eyes never left mine. I looked away and focused on singing. But I was scared that he'll disappear again, so I glance at him every chance I get.

"This night is sparkling, don't you let it go"

"I'm wonder struck, blushing all the way home"

"I'll spend forever wondering if you knew"

"This night is flawless, don't you let it go"

"I'm wonder struck, dancing around all alone"

"I'll spend forever wondering if you knew"

"I was enchanted to meet you"

I just need to finish this song, and I'll talk to him so I can get an answer from him.

"This is me praying that this was the very first page"

"Not where the story line ends"

"My thoughts will echo your name, until I see you again"

"These are the words I held back, as I was leaving too soon"

"I was enchanted to meet you"

I closed my eyes to feel the following lines.

"Please don't be in love with someone else"

"Please don't have somebody waiting on you"

"Please don't be in love with someone else"

"Please don't have somebody waiting on you"

"This night is sparkling, don't you let it go"

"I'm wonder struck, blushing all the way home"

"I'll spend forever wondering if you knew"

"This night is flawless, don't you let it go"

"I'm wonder struck, dancing around all alone"

"I'll spend forever wondering if you knew"

"I was enchanted to meet you"

"Please don't be in love with someone else"

"Please don't have somebody waiting on you"

As soon as I opened my eyes, I could not find him where I last saw him. The crowd stood up and gave me a round of applause. Rueben suddenly is on my side and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"You did great," he said.

"Thanks," I said even though I was half thankful and worried.

When the crowd settled, I left the stage. David was about to welcome me, but I ignored him and run towards the exit.

"Jael!" I heard Sara's voice before I close the door.

Some of the guards went to me, but I assured them that I just have to look for someone.

"Do you need our help, Ma'am?"

"Yes," I said, catching my breath. "Have you seen someone just left the room? He's also wearing a suit, and he's taller than me."

They looked at each other and gave me a confused look.

"A lot of guests are coming in and out-"

"Okay, thanks," and I left them.

I won't be able to describe what he looks like, so I don't think they can help me.

I stormed all the paths from the venue to the lobby until I found myself outside the building.

I shouldn't have closed my eyes. I knew he'll disappear!

I sat, putting weight on my legs. My gown didn't touch the floor because my heels are high enough. I suddenly got tired of all the running.

"So, you sing, huh?"

A pair of black shoes appeared right before my eyes. I lift my eyes and saw him. Because of shock, I automatically changed my position.

He smirked at me.

I was still in awe, so I couldn't speak.

"You were running so fast to find me, and now that I'm here..."

He licked his lower lip, and his eyebrows met.

"You're out of words?"

I'm out of words because I'm catching my breath, and... he looked so different tonight wearing his suit.

"W-why are you here?" I finally asked him.

"Is that really the answer you wanted to know?" He asked me back.

He tilted his head to the side and observed my moves. His hands were inside his pockets, displaying a manly stance.

I breathed for air and courage.

"Okay, then... what's your name?"

His lips formed into a thin line, and he looked away.

"I came here to give these back," he pulled out my earbuds from his pocket. He opened his hand and waited for me to get it.

"Only to give this back? You could've just thrown these away," I whispered to myself.

"Tss. Sounds like a kid," he commented again.

I got irritated, so I extended my arm to get it from him, but he suddenly closed it, so technically, his hand was holding mine.

"Hey-"

"You didn't tell me they were your parents," his tone was serious.

I think I'll burn soon from the intense gaze he's giving me right now.

I cleared my throat and tried not to be emotional about it.

"I-I don't think there's a need to tell you that. You were a stranger, after all."

"Were? So, now I'm not?" He raised an eyebrow.

I pulled my hand from him. I finally get back my earbuds and immediately put them inside my purse.

"What's your name? Tell me now," I demanded.

"I don't want."

"What?"

"I already gave those back, so I'm done here," he said and turned his back at me.

His strides are long, so I ran just to get a hold of him.

"Wait!"

He looked at my hand holding mine, and something on the ground caught his attention.

"You're wearing the shoes I bought you," he told me.

I let go of his hand and stepped backward. "That's why I'm asking for your name! So I can send the payment for those shoes!"

I just found a way out. I wasn't aware I'm good at this.

"Don't kids like you love free things?"

Here he goes again.

"You are intentionally insulting me this time!"

He faced me completely.

"Why are you so insulted because of your age? And how will a kid like you pay for those?"

I closed my fists and gritted my teeth because he just keeps on pushing me.

"I have my own money! I'm just seventeen, but I'm already earning!"

I got my phone from my purse and went to my channel. I showed it in his face, and I saw his eyes looked at it. When he's done, I switched apps and handed my phone to him.

"Type your number and name there so I could text you and ask for your bank account. Attached the bill, too so I could-"

He didn't let me finish and grabbed my phone from me. He typed something there and gave it back to me.

"Happy now?"

I ignored him and checked if he really typed something there.

Lazarus
+63**********

His name is Lazarus?

"Your name is as cunning as your face," I whispered.

This time, he really turned his back at me and walked away. I watch him as he slowly lengthens the distance between us. When he's finally far enough for me to just see him, I called the number he saved on my phone.

I saw him stopped walking and looked back at me. I did not end the call, so his phone kept ringing. I saw from afar that he answered my call because he had no choice.

"What now?" His first words on the other line.

I stopped for a moment before telling him what I really want.

"After sending you the payment for the shoes, I'll be texting or calling you often. I just need answers to my questions. If you see me as a kid, then please... help this kid out. So don't cut me off or disappear like you did before. I just..."

I turned my back at him so he would not see me cry.

"I just need to know what really happened-"

"They reported it as a car accident-"

"It is more than that," I cut him off. "I know... I'm sure it is more than just an accident. So please, help me out. I really need to know the person who made you buy that area."

I heard him sigh on the other line.

"Let's meet when I'm free," and then he ended the call.

I saw him walked away and completely disappeared.

I went back inside with the hope that he might clear my head soon. I almost dropped my phone when I saw Rueben leaning on the wall, obviously waiting for me.

He smiled and went to me.

"Is he the guy from the other day?"

I looked down, feeling guilty.

"Yes..."

"Why is he here?" He asked.

"I don't know. I just saw him when I was on the stage earlier. He said... he's here to give me back my earbuds," I answered honestly.

He looked away. "I'm expecting something more..."

I held his arm and leaned my forehead to his shoulder.

"I can do this, Rueben. Just trust me on this one. You have a lot on your mind, so focus on the company in the meantime and let me handle this. I can get to the roots of this mystery. I want to give Mommy the justice she deserves."

He faced me and gave me a hug.

"How about Dad, Jael? You will hate him more if you continue this..."

"I'll decide on what to feel for him after I found the truth."

We went back inside. Rueben promised me that he'll support me as long as things will not put me in danger. He'll provide everything that I will need while managing the company.

I looked at my recent dialed numbers.

I have to make sure Lazarus and I will meet again.