The Player s Playmate

Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca

"You are not getting any younger, and I want grandchildren, Tangi! What are your plans for your life? I've always told you that having your own family would make your life happier. You never listen. This is what I've been telling you! You are already twenty-nine years old!"

I am Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca, the youngest child of George Romualdo Dela Vezca, a billionaire with numerous businesses both in the Philippines and abroad. Our family is renowned because our last name consistently appears on the list of the wealthiest families in the Philippines. Moreover, my father is quite sociable; he has befriended nearly every prominent figure in this country, giving us valuable connections.

And here he is again, pressuring me once more, talking about marriage. I'm 29, yes, but marriage has never been on my mind because the truth is... I don't want to get married. I don't want a man. I'm incredibly content with my life right now, and I couldn't ask for more.

"Are you listening, Tangi?"

I don't know why marriage is deemed so important. The happiness of your life depends on you. Even if you choose to live your life without a man or children. As for me, I'm already content with my furbabies! I enjoy spending time with my pet dogs and cats in my house. But my dad insists that I get married because he wants to have a grandchild from me!

He thinks his grandchildren from my three brothers are not enough. He wants one more from me. As I've said before, I don't want to get married, and I don't even want to hear the word 'marriage.' I never dreamt of having a family or children—on second thought, I already have children: my dogs and cats.

"Dad, with the number of children I have, I can't bring them all to the US. Plus, what about my three branches of Tinatangi? I can't leave my flower shop, Dad..."

That's the name of my flower shop, Tinatangi. In love, it means, 'Special someone.'

"And actually, my second name is 'Tangi,' a Tagalog word that, in English, means 'Special,' 'Favorite,' or 'One and Only.'"

I continued to try to convince Dad. I leaned on his shoulder, but his arms remained tightly folded. He had been like this since last month.

"Come on, Tangi! I want real grandchildren! Can I talk to the children you're talking about? They'll just pee on my shoes, and their fur will be everywhere!"

"Hey, Dad! They're well-trained not to just pee anywhere! Hmp! And as for their fur? I can clean it!"

"Tangi," he said, his voice carrying a warning tone.

"A-And how about my business, Daddy..."

I winced.

"Please, don't insist. Do not force me to do things I don't want to do. You already have a lot of grandchildren from Grecion, Grand, and Griz. Aren't your eight grandchildren enough for you?" I asked. I almost mentioned my furbabies again.

I wanted our talk about marriage to be over. When would my father stop? This was why I had been avoiding him since last week. I knew he would bring up this dreaded topic.

"Thaliana Tangi."

My lips pressed together when I heard him call my full name. It meant that Daddy's patience was about to run out.

But what could I do? This was me, this was my decision, and I didn't like what he wanted me to do... I was happy with my life now. One more thing, what if the man he wanted for me will just fool me?

"Tangi, you've never introduced me to any man. I want to believe that your standards are very high, but it's taking you quite a while to settle down! Can you be honest with me, are you a tomboy?"

My lips parted. This conversation wasn't going to end. I simply haven't found a boyfriend, and I'm not interested in the idea of marriage. Now, he's thinking that I prefer girls?

Dad looked at me seriously, and I backed away. Alright, Tangi, there's no time for jokes.

"Tell me, be honest with me, are you a tomboy?"

Dad's question left me stunned. I don't know what to do with my life!

"I don't think you like women. You are smart, independent, and an amazing daughter. I want you to have a good life like your brothers. Look at them; can't you see how happy they are because of their own families? I also want you to experience that. What if your mommy and I are gone? Who will take care of you when you are old?"

I swallowed hard and bowed down. He always tells me this. He says he doesn't want to leave me alone, that if I get sick, my so-called children or my pets won't be able to take care of me.

I understand, Dad, but it's not really on my mind.

"Dad, my life is fine now... I am okay," I said in a low tone.

I bit my bottom lip when I heard him let out a heavy sigh. It seemed he had run out of patience with me.

"I know nothing will happen in our conversation, Tangi. I've wasted my time again. Next week, pack your things. Whether you like it or not, you will go to the States and live there."

I looked at him in horror. What?

"D-Dad, you can't do this to me. My businesses are here... what about my dogs and cats? D-Dad, my life is meant to be here," I said to him, but his face showed no pity. He looked at me seriously.

"You've pushed me to make this decision, Tangi. I will call my secretary for your ticket," he said and pulled out his cellphone.

I stood up, unable to believe what my father wanted.

"D-Dad, I can't go. Please..."

"You may not want to, but you will because I said so. This is final, and our conversation is done," he said, and as he was about to turn his back, I called out to him.

"W-Wait, Daddy..."

I took a deep breath. This is my last card.

"I-I will try..." I saw his lips rise. He is happy!

"But, Dad, it's not that easy to find a man in life. Give me some time. Let me find the right man for me. I've never had a boyfriend, Dad. It's normal to be afraid to have a relationship. I don't want to be fooled by some asshole or–"