Chapter 127 - I don't Understand

A round of applause erupted from the guests who didn't know much about their private stories but those who did, stiffened from their seats and held their breath. Dr. Jane, who was always a paragon of perfect and graceful poise despite pressure, gave out her pursed but charming smile as she nodded and acknowledged her fiance's public confession.

Allie smiled as well, though in her heart it was a painful reminder of her absence. It was something she was supposed to do as a wife but in those times, she was instead caring for another man. As she stared at him while her mind was somewhere else, Ajie fixed his gaze towards her, hoping for a tiny hint that this statement would evoke a guilt from her and make her realize her own shortcoming as a wife.

"Are there any other else, Sir Adrian, that you would like to dedicate this great success of yours? " the voice of the interviewer broke into his moment of reverie.

Ajie turned his head towards him before he scanned the faces of Mary and Sam.

"My parents-in-law who treat me as their own son despite the absence of my wife for many years and of course, my dearest one, the most precious gift God has given me, my daughter Chloe."

The camera was then focused on her daughter, who may be sitting beside Jane, yet her eyes were on Allie.

"Sir Adrian, can you please give us a clue why you choose to name your creation and masterpiece as Allyza? Is there a meaning behind the beautiful name?"

Ajie gave out a smile but his eyes glinted with sadness as he raised his head and glanced at Allie.

"As I said a while ago, she first shared the wild details of the dream with me when everything still looked bleak and we had nothing except our determination to finish our studies."

"Eheem...It seems that she holds a special place in your heart. Each of the people you mentioned a while ago, holds an important part in the realization of your dream. Now, who among those you mentioned is Miss Allyza?"

"If you remember clearly what I said a while ago, then it is clear that I'm talking about my wife, Allyza Reyes."

The interviewer paused and swallowed his saliva upon his mention of the word, "wife", without any hint of apprehension. This gave him a clue that the love triangle was still trapped and entangled as of the moment. Looking at both the women, he suddenly felt uneasy and for a moment, got lost for the right words to say.

"Sir Adrian, I think only few know about your personal life. All of us here are witnesses that you mention Allyza as your wife but we also know very well, that today's celebration is not only about the ceremonial launching but also about the promise of uniting two hearts together, am I right? "

"When my success as builder and designer of the ship is being talked about, she plays the greatest part. Unfortunately, there are some things in life beyond our control and that lead us into separate ways. And I think, you can guess what happened next..."

The interviewer nodded, there's no need to give out the details. Failure of marriages and remarriages are common among the public figures as if changing spouses for them are like changing worn-out socks.

Allie could no longer bear the rising awkwardness . She knew that one of the next questions would be to ask if she was around or the possibility of her listening. The curiousity of their break up would then be excited and rumors would then run through. She was also aware that she was not fully recognized yet, and if ever someone remembered her as Zheena Kiamko during the ceremonial launching of her own creation, they would not be able to associate her as Allyza, the ex-wife of Adrian. She was better known as the fiancee of Louise Dioko to his family's circle of friends during his thanksgiving party.

She also knew that except for the people in their society and in the marine industry, Ajie did not allow himself yet to be publicized. Before her name would be mentioned again, she took her silent exit at the side door. Hayri, who was also bearing silently his own awkwardness and jealousy, motioned to follow but she waved a hand to stop him.

"Sir Adrian, can you please tell us more about yourself, your childhood and your family background? You have surprised the world with your achievement but you know that only little is known about you."

Ajie took a deep breath as he pondered on what to say. He was distracted in seeing Allie leave, it seemed that this interview is sealing the rift between them. How he wished he could leave and run after her, now that watching her with Hayri threatened the faintest chance he was holding on.

After pausing for few seconds, he looked up and scanned the audience from right to left before he opened his mouth to speak.

"I grow up as an only child of my parents, lavished in love and care, in the beautiful mountain district of Molave. My friends were the horses, chickens, goats, cows and other livestocks that my family raised in our farm. My neighbors were the giant trees, the beautiful hills and the flowers that color our serene world."

A burst of laughter broke from the audience and Ajie paused to chuckle as he recalled it himself in his memory.

"My parents then sent me to school in our town and our transportation is my favorite handsome horse which served me until I graduated in high school," he continued and another surge of laughter rang into the halls again.

"After school hours, my father also sent me to my music class and that's the reason why I became the male lead soloist of our university's music band."

The audience gasped in appreciation as they imagined him as a singer. His looks and his physical attributes would surely qualify him to become a famous celebrity.

"I just don't know why but ever since I started college, I always imagined myself sailing on the blue waters. My parent's hearts are always on land properties, farms and livestocks that I don't understand where my love for marine vessels come from."