28

"Hindi nga," I said, shaking my head as we sat together, enjoying our lunch. I couldn't help but wonder how Luke had managed to convince me to share a meal with him. It wasn't like me to open up to someone so quickly, but there was something about his warm and genuine nature that put me at ease.

"Ayaw mo talagang ibenta?" he asked again, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He had been asking me repeatedly to sell some of my artwork to him, but I had consistently refused.

I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in his company. "Ayaw ko," I replied, my voice firm but gentle. I wasn't sure why I was so hesitant to part with my artwork, but something about it felt too personal, too intimate.

Kulit din ng lalaking 'to.

I asked him, curiosity getting the better of me. "Why are you so eager to buy my artwork?"

He teased me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Finally, you've asked."

I chuckled, and he continued, his expression turning serious. "Simple, I want to display it in my gallery."

I nodded thoughtfully, trying to find a solution to our impasse. I didn't want to part with my original pieces because they held sentimental value, reminding me of my past struggles and how I had grown as a person. On the other hand, Luke wanted to buy them for his art gallery.

Suddenly, an idea struck me. "I know how to solve this," I said, excitement building up inside me.

Luke's full attention was on me, his eyes eager to hear my solution. "What?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

I took a deep breath before explaining my proposal. "I don't want to sell my original work because of the sentimental value it holds," I said. "But I can recreate the piece and sell the second one to you. The original will remain with me."

Luke's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered my offer. "But the price will decrease?" he asked, his voice cautious.

I nodded, knowing that the value of the artwork lay in its originality. Luke smiled, seemingly pleased with the compromise. He extended his hand, and I shook it, sealing the deal.

"Deal," he said, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Luke's eyes sparkled with amusement as he said, "And because of that, I'll give you an offer." He said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the prospect of an offer. "Offer, huh?" I said, smirking at him.

Luke chuckled and continued, "Yes, the 'A Tour in Italy with the Great Contemporary Artist of the Philippines'." He said it with a flourish, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. We both burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all.

As we composed ourselves, I asked, "Okay, Mr. Pascaliano, where's our first place to visit?" Luke gestured grandly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Let's go, Madame," he said, smirking and winking at me. I couldn't help but chuckle at his silliness, feeling a sense of ease and camaraderie with this charismatic artist.

"Welcome to the Eternal city." Luke said when we arrived in Rome. I was amazed by how amazing the structure of this place. It was even more beautiful im personal.

"And as your tour guide, let me tell you some fact about Eternal city." He said. I looked at him and chuckled.

"Okay, Mr. Tour guide, start your story now." I teased. He chuckled before he start explaining the place.

As we strolled through the winding streets, Luke's voice wove a spell of enchantment. "Rome, the captivating 'City of Seven Hills', whispers ancient secrets on the wind, its essence infused with the birth of Western civilization and Christian culture. This timeless 'Eternal City' pulsates with the heart of the Catholic Church, echoing tales of a storied past."

Our footsteps echoed through the historic streets as Luke continued, "Legend says Rome was built thousands of years ago by the Bruteans, who came from Troy. Over time, the city's ancient entrances were hidden, and new buildings were constructed on top."

My curiosity was piqued, and I asked, "Why is it called the Eternal City?" Luke's eyes sparkled with delight.

"In Virgil's epic, the Aeneid, Rome is described as 'Imperium sine fine' – an empire without end. This proud declaration reflects the citizens' unwavering faith that even as empires rise and fall, Rome would endure forever, a beacon of eternity."

I nodded, captivated by Luke's storytelling, which brought the city to life. As we continued our stroll, he suddenly stopped, his finger pointing excitedly. "Look, they're filming a movie!" he whispered.

I followed his gaze to a film crew in action. As I watched, a familiar face caught my eye - a legendary artist from the Philippines, shining bright in the Italian spotlight.

Luke stood beside me, his eyes fixed on the film crew. "I think they're from the Philippines," he said, his voice filled with curiosity.

We both gazed at the bustling set, where a small tent hummed with activity. Technical staff scurried about, and the director sat, shrouded in mystery, as a staff member blocked our view of their face.

Sino kaya 'yung director? Siguro 'yung mga masyadong sikat na director, dahil halos mga veteran na 'yung mga Artist niya.

"Let's go," Luke said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. I turned to him, and he flashed me another charming smile, beckoning me to follow him on our next adventure.

Smiley boy.

"Where's our next destination?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. Luke leaned in, his face inches from mine, and I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden closeness.

"Museums," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He straightened up, and my eyes widened with anticipation - I'd heard Italy's art museums were world-class.

"Let's go!" I exclaimed, and we began to walk. But just as suddenly, Luke stopped in his tracks.

"Why?" I asked, puzzled. He grinned sheepishly.

"I think I had too much juice - excuse me for a sec, I'll be right back." He hurried off, leaving me to stifle a giggle at his abrupt departure.

Silly boy.

I stood there, waiting for Luke's return, and took the opportunity to soak in the surroundings. The scenery was breathtaking, with historic buildings and picturesque streets.

As I gazed around, I started to feel a shiver run down my spine. It was as if two pairs of eyes were watching me, their gaze piercing and intense. I spun around, scanning the area, but there was no one in sight. The feeling lingered, leaving me with an unsettling sense of being observed.

Baka guni-guni ko lang 'yun.

I turned my attention back to the film crew, noticing that they had paused filming, likely for a break. I shrugged off the eerie feeling and continued to explore my surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the historic city. The artist and crew were now milling about, chatting and laughing, and I watched them with interest, feeling a sense of normalcy return.

"Tagal mo!" I exclaimed as Luke walked back towards me, grinning mischievously.

He made a silly face and sprinted the last few steps, chuckling. "Let's go!" he said, and we continued our stroll.

"We're headed to the Borghese Gallery," he added, his eyes sparkling with excitement. As we walked, we passed by the tent where the Filipino artist was filming. I turned to Luke, my eyes wide with excitement.

"Really?!" I squealed. He nodded, and I couldn't contain my enthusiasm, bouncing up and down.

Luke teased, "Too excited?" I pouted, crossing my arms and pretending to be offended.

"I was only planning to visit some places and paint," I said, smiling up at Luke.

He asked, "Did I make your vacation better?" I grinned mischievously, tiptoed, and playfully tapped his head. He was too tall, but I managed to reach.

I took off running, giggling, and passed by the tent without even noticing the people there.

Luke shouted, "Trixie!!!" and I could sense the attention of the people around us. I turned around, stuck out my tongue, and took off running again, with Luke hot on my heels.

"Ang bilis mo!" Luke exclaimed, still catching his breath.

I teased, "Mabagal kalang!"

He rolled his eyes, chuckled, and said, "Let's go."

We walked towards a car, and I asked, "You have a car here?"

He replied, "Yes, because I live here."

My eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "But I thought you lived in the Philippines?" I asked.

Luke helped me into the car, then walked around to the driver's side and settled into his seat.

"I'm a dual citizen," Luke said. "I was born and raised in the Philippines, with a Filipino mom and an Italian dad who moved to the Philippines after they got married and became a Philippine citizen. After I finished school and started working, I moved here and stayed for 10 years, eventually becoming an Italian citizen."

Luke looked at me with curiosity, his eyes sparkling with interest. "How about you?" he asked, his voice gentle and inquiring.

I raised an eyebrow, unsure what he meant. "What do you mean?" I asked, my tone light and playful.

He clarified, "Are you just here on vacation or staying for good?" I smiled, feeling a sense of ease with Luke.

"No, I'm just here on vacation," I said, shaking my head. Luke nodded, seeming to expect that answer. He leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Then back to the Philippines?" he asked, his voice filled with assumption. I shook my head again, a small smile playing on my lips.

"No, I don't live in the Philippines anymore," I said, my tone casual. "I used to, but now I live in Switzerland." Luke's eyes widened, and his face formed a perfect "O" of surprise.

He stared at me, his expression frozen in astonishment. I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, feeling a sense of amusement at his surprise. "Switzerland?" he repeated, his voice filled with incredulity. I nodded, still smiling, and Luke's eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to know more.

"Why?" Luke asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "For some personal reasons." My tone was polite but firm, indicating that I didn't want to elaborate further.

Luke nodded understandingly, respecting my boundaries. "Okay, I won't ask anymore," he said with a gentle smile. I smiled back, appreciating his consideration.

The conversation came to a comfortable close, and Luke refocused on driving. The silence that followed was pleasant, with the soft hum of the engine and the passing scenery outside creating a soothing atmosphere.

"We're here," Luke announced, breaking the comfortable silence. I turned my attention to the window and gasped in amazement at the breathtaking sight before me. The grandeur of the Borghese Gallery took my breath away, its stunning architecture and beautifully manicured gardens a feast for the eyes.

Luke opened the door for me, and I stepped out onto the pavement, my eyes still fixed on the magnificent building. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's even more beautiful on the inside," he promised, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

As we walked through the grand halls of the Borghese Gallery, Luke and I fell into a comfortable rhythm of teasing and laughter. We strolled past stunning works of art, our footsteps echoing off the marble floors.

Luke, being the knowledgeable guide that he was, shared fun facts and anecdotes about the museum and its treasures. "Did you know that this sculpture was created by Bernini?" he asked, gesturing to a breathtaking marble masterpiece. "He was only 23 years old when he made it!"

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Oh, wow, Galing," I teased. "I mean, creating a masterpiece at 23? Please, nung 23 ako, nagrereklamo pa ako dahil sa ugali nung superior sa dati kong trabaho."

Luke chuckled and nudged me with his elbow. "HAHA, reklamador ka kasi" he said with a grin.

As we continued our tour, Luke pointed out intricate details and hidden symbols in the artwork. I listened intently, fascinated by his knowledge and enthusiasm.

At one point, we stopped in front of a beautiful painting by Caravaggio. Luke launched into a story about the artist's tumultuous life, and I found myself captivated by the tale.

As we stood there, admiring the painting, Luke turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know, Trixie, I think you'd make a great art critic," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I mean, who needs actual knowledge of art when you've got opinions and a sharp tongue?"

I playfully hit him on the arm, laughing. "Hoy, watch it, Luke! I'll have you know that I'm a connoisseur of all things artistic... or at least, I'm a connoisseur of all things pretty and shiny."

Luke chuckled and shook his head, smiling at me. "Well, in that case, you're definitely in the right place. The Borghese Gallery is full of pretty and shiny things."

I playfully rolled my eyes at Luke's teasing. "Oh, so now you're an art expert?" I said, nudging him with my elbow.

Luke chuckled and nudged me back. "Hey, someone's got to educate you on the finer things in life," he said, grinning.

I laughed and pretended to be offended. "Hey, I know a thing or two about art," I said, trying to sound indignant.

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Really? Like what?" he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.

I thought for a moment before responding. "Well, I know that this painting is... um... pretty," I said, gesturing to a nearby artwork.

Luke burst out laughing. "Wow, that's impressive," he said, chuckling. "I bet you spent years studying art to come up with that insightful critique."

I playfully hit him on the arm. "Hey, shut up," I said, laughing. "I'm just trying to appreciate the art in my own way."

Luke grinned mischievously and playfully hit me on the head, before quickly turning around and walking away.

I laughed and chased after him, teasingly shouting, "Gago ka talaga!" We continued our playful banter, joking and laughing together as we walked through the gallery.

"Nagutom ako dito, ah," I said, caressing my stomach with a dramatic flourish.

Luke chuckled and replied, "I know a place." He grabbed my hand and led me to his car, starting the engine with a purr. As we drove through the streets, the scenery outside blurred together in a haze of lights and sounds.

I leaned back in my seat, feeling carefree and relaxed in Luke's presence. We chatted and laughed, our conversation flowing easily as we talked about everything and nothing. Before I knew it, we pulled up to a sleek, high-end restaurant, its elegant facade gleaming in the evening light.

"Wow, bigatin," I said, raising an eyebrow as Luke turned off the engine. He grinned and got out of the car, coming around to open my door for me.

"Ganiyan talaga," he said, offering me his arm.

I took it, feeling a little like a princess as we walked into the restaurant together. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with sleek lines, elegant decor, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We were greeted by the maître d', who showed us to our table by the window.

As we sat down, Luke handed me a menu and said, "Order whatever you like." I raised an eyebrow, feeling a little spoiled.

"You don't have to do that," I said, but Luke just smiled and said, "Wala naman akong sinabi na libre ko."

He continued to laugh until we sat down at the table, the sound of his amusement filling the elegant dining room. "Mang-asar ka pa," I said, teasing him about his earlier joke.

"Biro lang, libre ko talaga," he said, winking at me to reassure me that he was serious about treating me.

When the waiter came to take our order, I said, "I'll just have a salad." Luke looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eye, his eyebrows raised in mock surprise.

"Dahon? Kambing ka ba?" he asked, pretending to be shocked that I would order something as healthy as a salad.

I just rolled my eyes at him, chuckling at his silly antics. "Kesa naman sa 'yo na puro karne," I said, poking fun at his meat-loving habits. Luke grinned, unfazed by my teasing.

"Sarap kaya," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

The waiter, who had been patiently waiting for us to finish our banter, smiled politely and asked Luke for his order. Luke thought for a moment before responding, "I'll have the ribeye, medium rare."

I raised an eyebrow at him, laughing. "Of course you would," I said, shaking my head in mock exasperation.

Luke just chuckled and reached out to pat my hand, his touch sending a warm spark through my body. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to eat my veggies too," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Ang healthy living naman nito, siguro pinapagalitan ka ng nanay mo nuon sa tuwing hindi ka kakain ng gulay," Luke said, his voice filled with amusement.

But his words suddenly struck a chord within me, and I paused, my mind drifting away from the present moment. My mom wasn't the reason why I started living a healthier lifestyle, why I always made sure to eat my vegetables and fruits. The real reason was someone else, someone who had left a lasting impact on my life.

I shook my head, trying to erase the memories that had crossed my mind. I didn't want to think about it, didn't want to relive the pain and the heartache. But the memories lingered, refusing to be forgotten.

Luke, oblivious to the sudden change in my mood, continued to chat, asking me about my favorite fruits and vegetables. I forced a smile, trying to play along, but my heart wasn't in it. The conversation felt strained, and I couldn't wait to change the subject.

"Why Switzerland?" Luke asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. "Uhm... because of the view," I said finally, trying to sound casual.

Luke nodded thoughtfully. "Really? Pwede namang Japan or Canada, mas malapit 'yun sa Pilipinas," he said, pointing out that Japan or Canada would be more convenient choices for someone from the Philippines.

I felt a bittersweet expression cross my face, a mix of sadness and longing. Luke's words had unknowingly struck a chord within me, reminding me of a past that I had tried to leave behind. I looked away, trying to compose myself, but Luke's eyes were already on me, his gaze piercing and intuitive.

"Uhm... did I say something wrong?" Luke asked, his brow furrowed in concern. He had clearly noticed the sudden change in my behavior.

I hesitated for a moment before responding. "Nothing, it's just... Japan and Canada remind me of someone from my past," I said, trying to downplay the emotions that were swirling inside me.

Luke's expression turned sympathetic, and he nodded understandingly. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," he said, his voice soft with compassion.

I forced a smile, trying to reassure him that it was okay. "It's okay," I said. "Actually, my past is the reason why I came here," Luke said, his voice tinged with sadness.

I looked at him in surprise, and he continued. "This place reminds me of her," he said, his eyes clouding over with memories.

I felt a pang of curiosity and empathy. "You came here even though it hurts you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Luke nodded, his expression a mixture of sadness and determination.

"Yes, because despite the pain, it also makes me feel like she's still beside me. I'm living the ghost of her," Luke said, his voice cracking with emotion. His face was etched with sadness, and I could see the depth of his pain.

I listened intently, my heart going out to him. "I hope you don't take this offensive," he continued, "but you actually remind me of her, that's why I approached you." He looked at me with a mix of sadness and longing.

I was taken aback by his words, but I smiled at him, trying to reassure him that I understood. "It's okay, I understand," I said, my voice soft with empathy.

Luke's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the gratitude in them. "Why'd you break up?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

A painful smile crossed Luke's face. "She died," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I felt a pang of sorrow and regret. "I'm sorry to hear that," I said, reaching out to touch his arm.

But Luke just smiled at me, a sad smile that spoke volumes about his pain. I decided to share a part of myself with him, hoping to connect with him on a deeper level. "I had a husband," I said, my voice hesitant. "Ex-husband, actually."

"Really?" Luke asked, his eyes wide with surprise. He looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and empathy.

I nodded, taking a deep breath before launching into my story. "Yes, we met when I was 20, he courted me when I was 21, and we became together when I was 22. We got married when I was 27, and we broke up when I was 28," I said, my voice matter-of-fact, but my eyes betraying the emotions that still lingered.

Luke nodded thoughtfully, his expression understanding. "Is that the reason why you left the Philippines and lived in Switzerland?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded again, feeling a pang of sadness. "I became too dependent on him because I thought we would never leave each other, but destiny had different plans," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"That's explained why your first few artwork were all sad, because of him, and now you are slowly healing from it." He said and I nodded. I gave him a warm smile.

Luke's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the compassion and empathy in them. He reached out and took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice filled with kindness. "It takes a lot of courage to start over and move to a new country. You're strong for doing that."

"Let's eat na nga," I said, trying to shake off the familiar pain that was starting to creep back in. I didn't want to dwell on it, didn't want to feel that ache in my heart again. I forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Luke smiled back at me, seeming to sense that I needed a change of subject. We both began to eat, the sound of utensils clinking against plates filling the silence. I focused on the taste of the food, trying to push the memories and emotions back down.

Luke chatted occasionally, asking me about my favorite foods or making light conversation. I appreciated his efforts to distract me, and slowly, I began to feel a sense of calm wash over me.

"Thanks for touring me," I said, smiling up at Luke as he dropped me off at my hotel. He gave me a warm smile in return, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"It's nothing," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'll see you when I see you."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. I smiled at him once more before turning to walk into the hotel.

As I stepped into the lobby, I noticed a group of paparazzi waiting by the entrance. I shrugged it off, used to the attention by now. I made my way towards the elevator, my heels clicking on the marble floor.

I stepped inside the elevator and pressed the button for my floor. As the doors began to close, someone suddenly stopped them and stepped inside. I looked up, expecting it to be another hotel guest.

But my world came to a screeching halt as I saw who it was. My jaw dropped, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. A familiar pain came flooding back, and with it, a tidal wave of memories. The laughter, the tears, the joy, and the heartache – everything came rushing back.