Found Again

“What do you mean?”

Anne smirk at me and seated on the chair across mine. “For the past two years, Andrew and I created a special bond. So no matter how hard you try to tarnish my name and reputation, Andrew will always believe my story while you become the bad person.”

I remained poker face though deep inside I was hurting because all the things she just said hit me. I was indeed the bad person since Andrew chose to protect Anne.

“And soon he will realize who he really loves.” She said and then she stood up.

Anne was about to leave when I finally found my voice. “Special is different from pity,” I said calmly but I made sure that all the words I uttered are clear.

She stops and turns to me again. “What did you say?” She said. Irritation is visible in her voice.

“I said being special is different from pity. I hope you know how to differentiate the two.” I said maintaining the calmness in my voice.

She glared at me. “How dare you?!”

“What? Do you want me to explain to you the difference between the two?” I asked. It’s my turn now to smirk.

She did not answer but her gaze is like fire ready to attack me.

I hold my champagne and took a sip. I smiled at her. “Andrew shared to me your heartbreaking story. I was touched by your story and I also feel sorry towards you. The same thing with Andrew. That’s why he wanted to protect you. So you see, it’s more of pity than being special.”

Anne’s face was reddened by anger. I think I hit the spot. She was about to leave again when I answered her last statement a while ago.

“Two years have past but Andrew is still very much in love with me,” I said while holding my champagne.

She gritted her teeth and storm out of the cafe.

I may have won my face-to-face battle with Anne but I was defeated deep inside myself. I keep thinking about what she just said. Anne was so sure of herself that Andrew will always take her side even if she will be against me. It was as if she knew something that I don’t that’s why she is that confident.

I want to stop overthinking and just trust Andrew but I can’t make myself do it. I’m sure there’s something I don’t know about Anne and Andrew.

I have a scheduled guesting on Vince’s TV Network. It was a lifestyle-morning talk show hosted by veteran actress and host. I was the main guest of the show today, Vince will also be there as a support for me since they all know that I am close to him.

“Today we are fortunate to have her finally in the show! She made our country proud when she made her name in the fashion industry in the US, she was also an ambassador of many luxury brands that we all dreamed of. Please welcome, one of the most influential fashion gurus in the world, Ms. Allison Alonzo!”

I was fluttered by how they introduced me in their show but also a bit ashamed because I didn’t see myself as big as that.

“Thank you for having me, Ms. Karla, and Ms. Toni,” I said to the two hosts.

I was a big fan of Toni Reyes. She was an award-winning actress and host. In fact, I was always watching her shows and interviews because I learn a lot from her as a host myself.

I know Ms. Karla personally because her son, Daniel Ford worked with Vince when I was still Vince’s assistant.

“For those of you who don’t know I met Allison before when she was working with Vince two years ago.” Ms. Karla said.

“Yes, I heard that Allison is working as Vince’s stylist or assistant stylist is that true?” Ms. Toni asked to confirm.

I nodded at her. “Yes, it was a favor I asked from Vince since I always wanted to work in media.”

We began to discuss more of my dreams to work in media. They also asked me about my favorite actors and actresses.

“You surprise all your followers about your life story in your last vlog upload.” Ms. Toni started to bring up life stories that they got from my vlog.

A week after we release the interview with the band, we uploaded Vince as a guest host and me as the guest of my show. As expected we are bombarded with likes, comments, and views from supporters, and invitations from TV networks to share more of my story.

“Yes, I never planned to keep my life story a secret. I loved all my adopted parents and brother. I was happy living with them.” I said.

“Speaking of adopted parents, there are some comments who are questioning the way you accepted your biological parents.” Ms. Karla said.

I nodded. I understand where this statement is heading two. You can’t please everybody. Bashers are everywhere. They are always looking for an opportunity to question you and to bash you. It was something I already expected when I decided to share my story with the public.

“Yes, I read all those comments. I was not surprised by it. And I don’t need their approval. I am thankful to people who understood my decision and supported me all the way.” I started my speech.

“I guess people especially here in the Philippines are used to hearing dramas in every story like mine. So some of them were disappointed because they are expecting me to act like in the drama that they are watching on television. But my life is not a fictional thing. It was real. My parents who were looking for me for how many years were in front of me, wanting me to come home with them. They did not throw me or give me away. They are not used to hardship but they endure it for me, for our family. They didn’t want me to be sick. They didn’t want to lose me it just happened. And no one is to blame.”

“You said in the interview that you already know that you were adopted even before you got to meet your real parents. How did you know it?” Ms. Toni asked.

I smiled at them. “My neighbors and even my relatives often tease me that I was not really a child of my parents, that I was just an adopted child. It was a joke of course, but as we all know jokes are half meant true. And the fact that I don’t resemble my parents and my brother is also one thing. Though I received their genuine love, deep inside I know that I don’t belong in the family. But I love them so much and I’m thankful for all the genuine love and care that they have given me.” I said while looking at the camera.

After sharing more of my life story, they started to call my friends in showbiz. I already expected Vince, but I was surprised when Iya and Andrew were also in the show.

Andrew did not inform me that he will also join the show.

“How does it feel to be close with two of the hottest celebrity in showbiz?” Ms. Karla asked.

“When I first met them, Vince was the only celebrity in the group. I was beyond shocked when I saw him in our house.” I said.

“Did you have a crush on him? Because people are rooting for the both of you.” Ms. Karla asked which made the audience make a crazy noise.

“Vince was so kind to me. My heart flutters from the kind and sweet gestures that he was showing me.” I admitted.

Vince grins at me. “I didn’t know that. So you like me then?”

The audience is getting wilder because of Vince’s question.

“You were a celebrity in my eyes. Of course, I will like you.” I said like it was a dumb question.

I could feel the irritation on Andrew’s face. Iya was whispering something but I can’t hear her voice clearly because of the noise from the audience.

“What about you DJ Iya? How do you feel to be close with these two hottest men and one of them is your cousin? Though, we know that you are a celebrity yourself.” Ms. Toni started to ask Iya.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“I was shocked when my cousin decided to join showbiz because the last time I check he hates showbiz,” Iya said like it was trivia to them.

“Really? What made you Andrew join the showbiz then?” Ms. Toni asked.

My heart starts to beat fast because of that question. I know that Andrew already agreed to keep our relationship a secret but I can’t help but feel nervous whenever he was asked about things like this.

“I don’t hate showbiz, I need to clear that out because hate is a very strong word. It’s more like, I have no interest in showbiz. But I decided to join this industry because of someone.” Andrew said his usual answer.

“Can we name that someone?”