Chapter 8

I never really liked the public. I didn’t like socializing nor being the face of every tabloid and magazines. I didn’t like being the center of their crazy antics, just full of plasticity and fake relationships.

I don’t think I have photos circulating around the internet. Some even think that the Bach heir is a man. Only a few knows about my identity and I think that’s better. But things will change soon.

“We’re all busy arranging for the party. The president wants it to be the party of the century since the heir is finally back here.”

I almost shook my head. My Lolo can be a drama queen sometimes. The party isn’t really needed but he wants it to be highly publicized since it will be my inauguration soon.

Just think of it as my debut in the world of media. And also, I come here in the Philippines for business meetings or conventions. Lolo is just too dramatic.

“Of course everyone will talk about it. We’re talking about the Bachs here!” Doctor Candy said dramatically.

The Bachs are really powerful and influential.  But power can destroy a person too. It can destroy relationships.

While eating, they talked about the gowns they’ll wear and other stuffs for the party. The party will be held this weekend inviting all the top businessmen, important personalities in the country and the whole world, and important staff of the Bachs so maybe they’re also included. They're, afterall, from the Main Branch.

“How about you Doc Zy, you already got something to wear?” Andrea asked as she wiped the side of her lips with the napkin.

“Well…” He shrugged and I almost froze from my seat when his hazel eyes suddenly met with mine. It was dark and yet full of mischievousness making me frown.

"I'm more gorgeous when I'm naked." My lips parted as he said that seriously.

The side of his lips slowly rise up for a smirk as he winked at me. The silenced crowd suddenly burst into laughter but I can’t even lift my lips to even just smile with them.

“Your face.” Andrea pointed out which made them laugh more.

I rolled my eyes before sipping on my juice. “We’re eating here. Please refrain from saying obscene things.”

I glared at the conceited guy but the audacity! He just winked at me. I don’t think the others noticed it because they were just laughing their asses out even if there’s nothing funny.

“Someone once said that I’m more gorgeous when naked.” He shrugged as if telling me that I’m the one who doesn’t have taste. Wow! The hell!

The week went by like a blur and finally it’s Saturday, the D-day. The biggest event in the country is going to happen. It's a masquerade ball with glitters, black and white motif. It'll be held in one of the biggest hotel here in the country owned by the Lacsamanas.

For the past week, the party that will be held tonight became the buzz of the entire nation and also around the globe. 

Aside from that, this will be the first time I'll appear on public. Magazines, newspapers, tabloids and other online platforms are thirsting for a sneak peek of me and this party is a great opportunity for them.

I don’t have photos online, they were all kept private including my photos when I was younger. Aside from that, the people who saw me in person and knew my identity aren’t really the type to spread the gossip in social media.

Andrea did all the preparations for the party. She headed everything from the tiniest details to the most important things.

The party will start at 7 in the evening but I was already at the hotel by 1 in the afternoon to get myself ready. It took almost three hours for me to finish getting ready.

I opened my eyes and saw my reflection on the vanity mirror. Seeing myself in the mirror reminded me again of who I really was and what kind of life I am living and all the responsibilities waiting for me.

For years, I've been avoiding half of my responsibility as an heir. And that is facing the public, attending events, allowing them to publish my face in different magazines and sites in which me and my company are featured in and of course, my marriage.

Lolo said it's time. All I want is privacy and I feel threatened every time I hear the word media. Lolo and Andrea can't face the media for me forever so now's the start. 

I stared at the mirror and smiled at the woman with melancholic eyes in front of me. I tried lifting up my lips but still, the eyes look the same. 

The winged eyeliner I always wear was replaced with an eye make-up that emphasized my almond ocean eyes. The winged eyeliner always helped my eyes look a bit less soft because I was always told how beautiful and intricate my eyes look especially how it is similar with the color of the sea. 

Instead of the black winged eyeliner, they used different shades of brown and I could even see a hint of light pink in my eyes and the gold with a tinge of orange and red glitters they used for a feline eyeliner.

My almond eyes that has the same color with the ocean were put to life, but still with the same fire it exuded with or without different kinds of make-up. If not for my thick, well-made brows, I’d look like a fucking damsel in distress.

Light blush of nude emphasized my high cheekbones. Although everything about my make-up made my features softer but defined, my lipstick differs. It was painted darker than the gown I’m supposedly to wear tonight – a shade of red dahlia. 

My long brown wavy hair was braided in a messy way with some strands hanging on my face. Every detail of my face was emphasized.

It scared me a bit how I didn’t look bare, rather I looked so ready to play the game of fire tonight.

The make-up artist gasped as she looked at me through the mirror as if more than satisfied with her work.

I curtly nodded at her before walking to the bed where my gown is placed. I removed my robe as the stylists and her assistants help me put on the gown.

It was an off-shoulder red ball gown with a plunging neckline. It is made of Venise lace with Swarovski crystals and diamonds used to accent it. It shines as the light reflected on it, making the deep red gown more intricate that how it already seems.

I turned around, opposite to the mirror and turned my neck to look at my back. The dress was in a deep U-shape cut showing my bare back. A gasp made me look away from the mirror.

"I miss seeing you like this." Andrea said with almost teary eyes, as if she’s fighting back her tears so she won’t get her make-up ruined. 

I just curtly nodded. I understand what she meant. I was always groomed but with the corporate look, not this. How many years has it been since I was dressed like the most proper lady?

Andrea strutted towards me in her black backless gown with a slit up to her hips. Her ebony straight hair is in a high pony tail. She has a very strong make-up, smokey eyes and bloody red lipstick.

“This is the Young Miss I know.” She looked at me full of nostalgia as she slightly bowed and held my hand and slightly kissed the back of it.

I can’t help but slightly pat her head as a small smile crept into my lips. Andrea is overreacting but I do miss her too.

I noticed how her eyes became slightly teary but she immediately blinked it away and pulled me for a tight hug. 

“Welcome back Young Miss.”

If there's a person who's seen me grow, it's Andrea. We grew up together and she's been there for me ever since. Right now, she looks like a proud mom. 

"You do know you have a smokey eye make up right?" I just said in response to lighten up her mood which made her groan in annoyance.

“Elle!”

And now she’s embarrassed.