(***Awiyao was with Madulimay laughing together with the other workers***)

Worker1: Congratulation to both of you! (Shakes hands with Madulimay then to Awiyao) Especially to you sir. Youre not just a chief executive officer but you even have such a lovely lady to be your wife.Awiyao: (waves a hand dismissively) Its nothing to be so enthusiastic of.Worker2: (At Madulimay) So how many children are you planning to have, maam? Madulimay: (laughs) We are still planning about that. But for now, we will prioritize the new accountant recruits and the company. Father: One thing is for sure is that your child will soon inherit all of this, like what your husband has gone through between us. I remember when this company was just small, but now it is one of the most successful companies in the accounting business.

(***While Madulimay was talking to their co-workers, Awiyao notices Lumnay in the far left corner, sitting alone.***)

Awiyao: Please do excuse me for a while everyone. (Curtly gestures and approaches Lumnay from behind, tapping her shoulder). You should the others; this is after all a party.Lumnay: (smiles bitterly) I remember when everyone used to celebrate something to this party Except, I was there beside you. Not some other girl from the company. Awiyao: (sits across her) If you really dont hate me from this separation, you should join us. Talk to the other men in the company. Everyone here already knows that you are a chief financial officer, a high position here in the company! If he gets to know you more, he will marry you Lumnay: (abruptly stands up) But I dont want to marry any other man!!! If I did, they will just leave me for being barren!Awiyao: You already know that I dont want any other woman either Lumnay: (puts a hand on her forehead in frustration, pausing) I knowAwiyao: You have been a good wife to me, and youll always be. You have done so much for the company my father had built. Everyone can see that.Lumnay: I--- I can say the same to youAwiyao: I did not come here to force you to join us or any other group conversation. I may be marrying Madulimay, but Im telling you; she can never be as good as you.Lumnay: (sighs and takes her seat again) your word has not done any good to meAwiyao: (puts a hand on her shoulder) remember the home we used to live together? Its yours now, everything that is within those closed space.Lumnay: (gently takes his hands away from her shoulder)You do know I have no use to thatAwiyao: (sighs) You already know why Im doing this; My father can be persistent of having someone within the family to inherit this company of his. And that is why I am in need of a child, but you are barrenLumnay: I know that, I have prayed to God so much for us to have a child. But My prayers remain unheard Maybe I should just leave the company; I am of no use to anyone even if I cant even bare a childAwiyao: (grabs both her shoulders in panic, shaking her a bit) NO! Just for being barren? Youre leaving the company for that reason?! If you left, then it only means you hate me!Lumnay: Then what should I do then!? Im useless! Awiyao: If I fail to have a child with her, then Ill come back to you. And we could leave this place together (Pleads to her)

(*** Both were interrupted by one of their co-workers, tapping Awiyao on his shoulder***)

Worker2: Awiyao! Your father is looking for you. He will be enraged if you dont go back to the party.Lumnay: You should go backAwiyao: If that is alright with youLumnay: (looks at him, smiling faintly while nodding) Yes, It is alright with meAwiyao: (stares at her before sighing, scratching the back of his head before leaving) Fine then.Lumnay: (contemplates before standing up, calling for him) Awiyao!!!Awiyao: (looks back but was pulled by his co-worker.Lumnay: No This isnt right. If I talk to his father then he will understand! Right? He was mine back then, but because of a dynasty tradition we are now separated. I must explain it to him that Awiyao is mine! (stands up, approaching the chattering group but stops from fear) But what if he does not understand? I will be forced to resign and leave the company I wont be able to see him anymore

(*** Lumnay looks back at the group, sighing to herself before leaving. Sitting by alone again with her face on her palms***)