"Concepcion, five minutes." my father's voice echoed from outside my bedroom door. It wasn't a suggestion, it was a command.
"Yes, dad." I responded.
I took a deep breath, fixing the single pearl necklace na bigay pa ng Lola ko. I ran a smooth hand over the skirt of my dress. It was an off-shoulder white silk creation that cascaded down my frame. Mom had picked it for me, of course. Elegant, expensive, and utterly devoid of personality. It was the uniform of the dutiful daughter. Ang puting kulay, na nagsi-symbolize ng purity and innocence na matagal ko nang isinuko sa altar ng paparazzi at champagne bottles.
My whole existence had been choreographed since birth. Bawat ngiti ko, rehearsed na sa harap ng salamin bago mag-photo shoot. Every interview, approved line by line ng PR team. Hindi ko na nga maalala kung kailan ako huling gumawa ng isang bagay na ako lang talaga ang may gusto at walang restrictions.
I looked at myself in the mirror one last time, nang makuntento na ako ay agad akong bumaba. I walked towards the main hall. Habang papalapit sa dining, nadidinig ko na ang tawanan at kwentuhan mula roon. I don't know what Dad has planned today, at kung bakit kami may dinner with the Villaverdes.
The Villaverdes own Helios Defense Systems, the country's largest defense contractor. Helios supplies half of the Armed Forces' specialized equipment, from drone technology to ground vehicle armor. May mga balita pa nga na meron ding "classified" projects, but nobody officially talks about it. You could say Helios builds the muscle, and we, Madrigal Aero Industries keep it flying.
Our families have been acquainted for decades, though that's a polite way of saying our fathers have been shaking hands over defense deals longer than I've been alive. Emilio Villaverde was one of my father's earliest allies, noong nagsisimula pa lang silang mag-build ng legacy sa mga boardroom at Senate hearings.
When I entered the dining room, I plastered on the Madrigal smile. The one that looked genuine but reached only my mouth, never my eyes.
Emilio Villaverde, the head of the family was already seated. His wife Althea, is next to him. And then there's Lucas Villaverde, their only son.
Lucas stood up when I approached the table, a gesture of old-school chivalry na alam kong in-expect ni Dad. Lucas is handsome in a predictable way. Tall, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit with clean-cut hair and eyes the color of dark whiskey. Pero walang fire. Walang edge. He looked like a man designed in a laboratory to be the perfect heir and corporate partner.
"Cion, darling. You look stunning." bati ni Althea Villaverde in her sweet, yet a little strained voice.
"Thank you, Tita Althea. Good evening, Tito Emilio. Lucas." My voice was a practiced melody, polite and cool. I gave Lucas a brief, almost dismissive glance.
"Good evening, Cion." he replied. His tone was level, his handshake brief and firm.
We settled into our seats. Dad is at the head of the table, radiating authority. I was strategically placed across from Lucas. Nagsimulang maghain ang mga kasambahay namin. The first hour of the dinner was a marathon of professional politesse. The food was exquisite, pero halos hindi ko malunok. I focused on tracing the intricate silver pattern on my plate.
"I've seen the latest batch of radar components from the UK facility, it's outstanding." puri ni Tito Emilio, raising his wine glass.
"That's the Madrigal promise, Emilio. Quality, and more importantly, loyalty." bawi ni Dad, his chest swelling visibly. "We ensure that no competitor can ever offer the stability and long-term vision that we share."
"Lucas here..." Tito Emilio gestured to his son. "He's been overseeing the logistics for the Air Force projects. And I know he's doing excellent work, isn't he Ramon?" ani Tito Emilio, bringing Lucas into the conversation.
"Yes, yes. He's outstanding. Lucas knows the value of discipline." sagot ni Dad. His eyes flickered to me, a silent reminder of my own lack thereof.
Lucas offered a reserved smile. "It's all about ensuring the seamless integration of our systems, Sir. It's all about efficiency."
Tumango tango lamang ako sa pinakikinggang usapan. I focused on my food, only looking up when my name was mentioned, or when I needed to deploy one of my rehearsed, agreeable comments.
"Lucas is very hands-on." pagpapatuloy ni Dad, using that tone that made everything sound like a subtle comparison. "I wish more people in his generation shared that kind of focus."
I felt his gaze flicker to me again. It was short, sharp and enough to make my jaw tighten. I stabbed a piece of asparagus with more force than necessary.
The rest of dinner blurred into one long, suffocating performance. Patuloy nilang pinag-uusapan ang mga business forecasts, partnerships, market expansions at mga defense bids. May mga pahaging din tungkol sa mga hearings. A symphony of power plays disguised as polite conversation. I've been hearing this same song since I was a kid. Yun nga lang noon, I thought partnerships meant friendship and contracts meant promises. Now, I know better. It means leverage. It means control. It means who owes who the next favor when the cameras are gone.
"The official announcement should be around the last week of the month. The timing works best before the next budget hearing." ni Dad, his tone calm, confident, every word chosen like it was rehearsed.
"Yes, I know that this has been long overdue since my son just got back from the States. Now we can finally proceed. This will definitely ensure that our contributions to the nation, and our control over the industrial sector remain absolute." ani Tito Emilio.
I wonder what announcement it could be? Meron na naman ba silang bagong contract? Some government deal maybe? O kaya naman ay procurement partnership para sa mga bagong aircraft systems? Hindi na iyon bago. The Villaverdes practically ran the defense manufacturing sector, while Dad owned half the skies through Madrigal Aero. Both empires have been feeding on the same defense budgets for years. It wouldn't be surprising if another multimillion project is on its way.
I sipped my wine slowly, watching them over the rim of my glass.
"Of course!" Dad continued smoothly. "But at the same time, we also have to make sure that we time everything carefully. The optics are important. We can't afford leaks before the formal event."
I raised a brow on that. Hindi naman ako interesado sa business deals nila but I always know if there's an event because Dad always makes sure that I get to be with him. Parang wala naman siyang nabanggit sakin nitong nakaraan.
"What event?" I curiously asked.
"Oh, the official announcement, hija." Tito Emilio said, smiling as if I should've known. "We were just finalizing the schedule with your father."
I looked at Dad. He didn't answer right away, just met my gaze with that cool, unreadable look he wore whenever he was about to say something I wouldn't like.
"I was actually saving the details for later." he said, leaning back in his chair. "But since everyone's already here..."
"Ramon?" Mom said softly, her voice careful, but not enough to stop him
He smiled, looking at her briefly before turning back to our guests. "It's a special time for both our families. We've shared years of partnership in business, in service, and in vision, which in my openion, is one of the strongest partnership in the industry. And tonight, we're pleased to take it one step further. A more personal alliance between our families."
"What do you mean by that?" I probed. Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko kay Dad, Mom, at kay tito Emilio na rin.
"Emilio and I have discussed this for quite some time. We've decided to hold an engagement dinner to make the union official. Two weeks from now, before Congress reconvenes."
I blinked. Engagement dinner? I felt the blood rush from my face, leaving my skin icy cold beneath the silk. I swallowed hard and tasted bile.
"Lucas and Cion will be the perfect representation of what both our families stand for." Tito Emilio said, beaming at my father. "Discipline, innovation, loyalty."
Dad smiled. "Exactly. The announcement event will serve as the beginning of that shared legacy. We can finalize the details with the coordinators tomorrow. Perhaps Tagaytay would be a good venue? The Villaverdes have that private hall—"
"Hold on! What engagement are we talking about?" I asked, confused.
"Cion, we were going to tell you—"
"When?" I snapped, turning to him. "After the press release? Or after I say yes on live TV? What the hell is this?!" singhal ko.
Nanginginig ang boses ko sa pinaghalong gulat, inis at galit. But it was loud enough to cut through the polite clatter of silverware.
"Cion, please..." Lucas said softly, he listed a hand trying to calm me down like I was a child throwing a tantrum. "I know it's sudden, but this isn't something to be upset about. It's what our families have always wanted—"
"What you wanted, maybe!" I cut in sharply. "But definitely not what I want!"
Mom inhaled sharply beside me, halatang nagulat siya sa pagsigaw ko. "Concepcion!" she hissed, her tone sharp was as a knife. "Mind your manners—"
I bit my lip so hard that I tasted iron. Mind my manners? For what? For being blindsided by my own family? For being told I'm getting engaged like it's a dinner agenda item sandwiched between the wine pairing and dessert?
"My manners? Really Mom? Yan ang concern mo?!" I let out a small, incredulous laugh. "You're talking about manners when you literally planned my engagement behind my back?!"
"Cion, you're overreacting." Dad said firmly and his voice steady, as if tone could fix everything.
"Overreacting?! You're sitting here talking about my marriage like it's a procurement deal, and I'm supposed to smile and say congratulations?!" I scoffed, gripping the edge of the table and the sharp corner digging into my palm.
"Cion..." Lucas said again, his voice soft but insistent. "I get that you're upset, but this is good for both of us. For our families. We've known each other for years—"
"Barely!" I shot back. "Lucas, we've seen each other at galas, not Sunday lunches! The only thing I know about you is that you like tailored suits and overpriced watches!"
Napaawang ang bibig niya sa gulat, but he schooled his expression back to the usual. "That's not fair."
Padarag akong tumayo para bulyawan siya. "No, Lucas! What's not fair is being told you're getting engaged in the middle of a dinner na parang parte lang ng evening program!"
Dad's voice dropped an octave, calm but dangerous. "Enough, Clara. Sit down."
"No! I'm not sitting down for this." matalim kong tinitigan ang ama, nanggagalaiti sa galit.
"You will sit down and lower your voice." he commanded.
"And you will stop talking about my life like it's a business contract!"
"Concepcion! For God's sake, there are guests here!" My mother's voice cracked.
Binalingan ko siya. "Then maybe next time, you should tell your guests to stop discussing my future without me!"
Tito Emilio cleared his throat, trying to save the evening. "My dear, I know it's a lot to process, but this arrangement—"
"Arrangement Tito? I'm sorry for my tone, but do you hear yourselves? You sound like you're negotiating a merger and not talking about marriage!"
Dad slammed his glass down. "That's enough!" His voice shook the walls of our Forbes mansion dining hall.
My pulse spiked. Ang aming mga kasambahay ay nakayuko lamang sa gilid. Tila gusto nang umalis sa dining area ngunit walang pahintulot.
"No, Dad. You don't get to silence me anymore. I can't marry someone I don't love, and I refuse to live a life that's already been decided for me."
The room fell completely silent. Dad just sat there, watching me with a fury he couldn't show in front of the Villaverdes. After a long moment, he turned to the them.
"I apologize. It seems my daughter needs some time to process things, Emilio, Althea. We'll continue this discussion privately." His voice was calm, but his jaw was steel.
The Villaverdes smiled awkwardly. "Of course, Senator. We understand."
Naupo ako, nagpupuyos pa rin sa galit. Mom and Dad stood up, ganun din ang mga Villaverde saka nagpaalamanan na. I didn't dare move. Nag-uusap sila, but I couldn't hear it or I couldn't make out of what they were saying because all I could hear was the familiar echo of control my Dad always makes sure he gets to exercise.
As they left, the silence they left behind felt louder than any argument.
The next morning felt wrong. Nagising ako sa liwanag ng araw na diretsong tumatama sa mukha ko. My window felt too bright for the kind of night I just had. Paulit-ulit ko pa ring naririnig ang boses ni Dad sa dining hall kagabi, parang broken record na walang tigil sa pag-ikot.
I sat up groggy but forced myself out of bed, sinapo ang buhok ko into a lazy bun.
"Ma'am Cion?" A soft knock, then a hesitant voice came from the other side of my bedroom door.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Ipinapatawag po kayo ni Senator for breakfast po."
Of course. Because in this house, no matter how explosive the night before had been, breakfast was non-negotiable. Kailangan mong magpakita sa hapag. You sit and oretend as if everything's fine.
I walked in barefoot, still in a silk robe, and my hair tied loosely in a bun. Si Dad ay naroon na, nakaupo sa dulo ng mesa. He's wearing a barong tucked neatly into his slacks. My mom was stirring her coffee quietly beside him, eyes flicking to me as I approached. May mga kasambahay sa paligid, moving in silence na parang mga anino.
"Sit down." sabi ni Dad. Hindi ko nahihimigan ang galit pero hindi rin naman iyon malambing. Just... measured.
For a full minute, walang nagsasalita sa aming tatlo. Ang tanging maririnig mo lang ay tunog ng mga kubyertos.
"You embarrassed us last night." panimula ng aking ama.
I let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Us? You mean you. You were embarrassed." pagtatama ko.
Ibinaba niya ang hawak na tinidor bago ako hinarap. "You humiliated our family in front of one of our strongest allies."
"No, Dad. that's not what I did. I protected myself from being turned into a business deal. Kung iba ang tingin mo sa ginawa ko, then that's your problem." I shot back.
"This isn't about business, this is about your responsibility Concepcion. You have a responsibility for our company. All these years, hinayaan kong hindi ka magtrabaho sa kompanya. But now that you've graduated, you have to bear the responsibility. You have no idea what kind of damage you caused, Cion. Emilio was furious. Years of partnership—"
"Partnership." I interrupted, "That's all it ever is to you, isn't it? Every relationship, every person, every decision. Everything has to benefit something else."
Hindi nagbago ang ekspresyon niya, but I saw the faint muscle twitch in his jaw.
"If you want to be treated like an adult, start acting like one."
"I am." I said.
He sighed. Nagpunas siya ng bibig gamit ang napkin, then stood up and walked towards the window.
"Fine! You want your freedom? You'll have to earn it." saad niya, hindi pa rin ako nililingon. Nakatanaw lang siya sa labas.
Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. I glanced at him, then to Mom who just looked away. Ano na naman kaya ang nasa isip ni Dad?
"What does that mean?" I probed.
"I'll send you to a program. Something that might actually teach you the value of work, structure... reality. Kailangan mong tapusin ang buong duration ng program. You'll stay there, away from the city, away from this house. This is your chance to prove that you can survive without everything being handed to you." he explained.
I stared at him, speechless. "What if I refuse?"
"Then you can continue living under my roof, under my rules. And my rules include that you marry Lucas Villaverde as soon as possible, whether you like it or not." His voice dropped lower.
Hindi ako nakaimik for a few seconds. I don't know what kind of program this is going to be. But whatever it is, I am pretty sure it's so much better than becoming Mrs. Villaverde. I'd rather scrub floors than wear his name.
"And if I finish it?" I asked again.
"Then you're free to do whatever the hell you want. Hindi na kita pakikialaman, Cion. Your life, your rules."