Chapter 21

Many people were taking pictures of what Celine did. They were giddy as if they were watching a movie. I only snapped out of it when my phone suddenly rang. Liam and Celine both turned towards me.

"Francine..." I heard Liam call my name. I smiled bitterly before checking who was calling me. It was from an unknown number again. I didn't answer it.

"Happy birthday, Celine!" I greeted her while trying to keep my mixed emotions in check.

Ayokong magmukhang mahina sa harap ng lahat lalo na't wala akong karapatan kay Liam. Napalingon ang lahat sa akin. Nagsisimula silang magbulongan gamit ang ibang lenguwahe. Hindi ko ito maintindihan. May lumapit na babae kina Celine at Liam. May bitbit siyang tray na naglalaman ng wine. Napalunok ako nang mapansin ko na pareho kami ng sinusuot na gown. Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang paligid. Hindi lang isa ang nakikita ko sa paligid na nagsusuot nang kaparehong gown ko kundi lahat ng mga babaeng nagse-serve ng wine at pagkain sa mga bisita rito sa pool. N