Chapter 1

EINILLE concealed the amazement in her eyes while gently staring at her boyfriend—Hero. She thought how lucky she was for having him in her life. Hero was the type of man she prayed and dreamed of—a total package of his kind. He was articulate, funny, and a natural charmer, plus his lean muscular body that can protect her anytime. He appeared like an angel sweetly talking with her.

Hero discussed his newly built business in line with gold mining in the province, and he looked so proud of his milestone. They were currently eating their lunch together in their favorite restaurant in Sorsogon.

“Babe, you are extra pretty today,” his eyes dreamy while observing her face.

Einille grinned and playfully rolled her eyes, “I know.”

They were dating for almost one year. She loved him so much even though there were times that he couldn’t give her time. But she didn’t mind, because she knew that Hero was a very busy person. He always made sure that she would feel his love for her in many different ways. Although sometimes Einille would complain about his hectic schedule. But she always tried her best to be more understanding. She didn’t want to look pathetic, begging for his time and attention. She was a busy person, too.

“I missed you. I’m sorry if I can’t give you so much time. You know how busy I am, right?” he muttered thoughtfully and held her hand softly. They had just finished their meal.

She softly curved her lips, “I know, and it’s all right. I understand.”

“Thank you for being so understanding. I really can’t fathom how lucky I am for being your boyfriend.” Hero slowly brought her hands to his lips and kissed it.

Her smile widened to his gesture. Hero was sweet and caring, though he was not perfect. But she looked more at his good qualities. Negativity would ruin their relationship.

Einille met him at a birthday party of her close friend. Hero was very vocal about his attractions towards her. That was why he pursued her. She didn’t hesitate to date him because he was kindhearted and funny. She even witnessed his good moral values, especially his humility, even though he came from a well-known family, and he was a self-made millionaire.

She hoped to meet his family anytime soon, but Einille was shy to tell Hero about it. Because if he wanted to introduce her, he would.

There were times Einille thought that her boyfriend was cheating. But her heart said otherwise. He wouldn’t dare to cheat on her because she was capable of doing some things beyond he could imagine. She had connections with the Philippine National Police. She was a chemist by profession, but she applied via lateral entry, and now she got the position of Police Inspector after her training.

“I’ll make it up to you when I’m not busy, okay?” Hero said with assurance.

“Of course, I know you would,” her lips curved and formed a light smile.

However, deep inside, she didn’t want to expect. She had a hectic schedule, too. But she always made time for him. Anyway, she was aware that Hero’s top priority was his business, and she settled with that.

She chose him, and she could not complain since he had been consistent from the start. Maybe he would change once they got married.

Einille didn’t let herself be distracted. Looking at the bright side, she was thankful that despite his frantic timetable, he found time for her.

They planned to stroll around after their meal. Just in time, because she had to go back to her duty in the Crime Laboratory later in the afternoon.

Hero’s phone suddenly rang. Based on his expression, he hesitated at first. He looked at her as if asking permission, and she nodded to give him privacy.

“Excuse for a while. I’ll take this call,” he scurried, going out of the restaurant.

Einille hardly shook her head. She was not dense to feel something was not right. Hero was acting strangely for these past few days. They couldn’t spend time together that much because he would suddenly run an errand for work, which she found a bit shady but shrugged it off. She didn’t want to appear an overly suspicious girlfriend. She trusted him.

What else new. She silently sighed and waited for her boyfriend to get back.

“Babe, I’m sorry. There’s an emergency. I couldn’t come with you after this. Will it be okay if you return alone to the Crime Lab? I need to go back in Albay.” Hero said with an urgency in his voice.

“What happened?” her forehead creased.

“Business as usual. I’ll tell you some other time. Let’s meet each other tomorrow, ‘Kay?”

Einille tilted her head up, “All right. We can go out anytime. I’ll go back to the office.” She stood up, grabbed her sling bag, and put it on her shoulder.

“Babe, I’m really sorry. I’m feeling guilty.” Hero kissed her cheek.

Einille smiled with unconcealed disappointment. However, she didn’t want to look immature. If this went on like this, probably their relationship would not last.

She walked to the parking lot with a heavy heart.

It’s always like this. She let out a deep sigh while driving. One time, she attempted to break up with Hero because he couldn’t make her a priority. But Hero was persistent, he would win her heart again, and because she was in love, she always forgave him and accepted the fact her boyfriend was like this. But if she could not find the courage to end their relationship for good, she would be stuck on the same cycle.

A FROWN crossed Einille’s face when she went out of her car and saw her friend Rab Madria.  She hoped he would not make fun of her this moment.

Just like her, he was also a high-ranking official in their agency. However, they had a different unit since Rab was assigned to Crime Investigation and Detection Group. Their respective offices were just a few meters away inside the vicinity of the Police Provincial Office. They were close acquaintances, and he was her usual partner in target shooting.

“Hey, Ein! Why a few hours early on your duty?” Rab scrutinized her face, “You look horrible. What happened?”

“Nothing,” She crinkled her nose and walked past him. She had no plan of telling him what happened because he would only tease her.

“You’re only like that when you have a love problem. Am I right?” Rab caught up to her pace.

Her relationship with Hero was a secret to Rab. However, he was aware that she was dating somebody. She valued her privacy a lot. Even in social media, she never flaunted it. And Hero did the same. That way, she found it convenient away from prying eyes.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I don’t want to interfere in your personal life, but take my advice. It’s time to open your eyes to someone.” Rab winked as if pertaining to a certain person.

“Shut up!” She rolled her eyes because she knew what he was trying to convey. She had a suitor, who was Rab’s friend. A suitor who always ruined her day for thinking highly of himself.

Rab giggled, “Why?”

“If you want to be a matchmaker between your friend and me, dream on! Tell your friend to back off as well.”

“Ouch. That’s harsh, Ein. Why are you so mad at Vale? I mean, he’s kind and, not to mention, drop-dead gorgeous.” He gestured his hands as if so proud of his friend.

“I just don’t like him,” she said, barely audible, but it reached Rab’s ear.

They stopped bickering when a familiar car parked at a distance—a blue Audi R8. Einille almost rolled her eyes when she recognized the person they’d been talking to.

Speaking of the devil.

Einille casually smiled when the man came near. He had a bouquet of red roses at hand and exchanged a fist bump with Rab.

“Hello, Ein! Thank the heavens. You’re here.” he winked. And in his usual husky baritone voice, he added, “Flowers for you.”

He handed her the bouquet, which she was hesitant to receive. The man was smiling ear to ear, flaunting his perfect set of teeth and dimples on both cheeks.

“Thanks,” she smiled casually. Even she disliked him. She was not that rude to show him a nasty attitude. For some reason, she could not understand that she hated him so much. Especially when smiling, it appeared he had a lot of naughty thoughts in mind.

The man was Valentino. He was introduced to her by Rab during a gun show a few months ago. He was the owner of a famous gun shop and accessories in the province. He was very persistent in courting her in the past two months. Even though she repeatedly informed him that she was already taken, he wouldn’t believe her.

Vale would reason out that he had not seen her dating someone or somebody that would send or fetch her at work. In the end, she let him be a nuisance in her life. At least he was respecting her boundaries, and he was not over pushy.

“I have a meeting in the Admin Building regarding sponsorship of gun accessories. Can I spend some time with you later?” Vale said, peeking at his black tactical wristwatch.

“I’m on duty later, and I’ll be busy for the next couple of hours,” Einille said firmly.

“Really? That’s great! Maybe after my transactions, you’re free by then. Would you like to have dinner with me?” Vale looked at her straight in her eyes.

“No, I’m sorry. I’m on intermittent fasting. I skipped dinner.” She faked a smile and added, “I have to go.” Einille walked past through them. She knew how insistent Vale was. He was just too cocky to accept her rejection.

The truth actually, she was never into fasting. She didn’t want to give Vale a false hope or something. She had a boyfriend, and it wouldn’t look good if she would go out with a suitor.

Einille went inside the Crime Laboratory and put the flowers into the vase beside her table before changing to her uniform.