Chapter SixI woke up inside a white room. It's like a small clinic. I'm wearing a hospital gown. "Mom?" I called. She turned her face to look at me."How are you feeling?" She asked. "Where are we? I'm okay. A little bit dizzy." I answered. "In our company's clinic, Albert already called for an ambulance. We will go to the hospital." She said. She pushed aside some strands of hair away from my eyes. "I'm okay Mom. No need to go to the hospital." I said. "You scared us darling. That's why we are so hesitant to tell you what we found out." She caressed my hand. "I'm so sorry Cindy, I wish to take your pain away. I really do." She hugged me tight. Leo looked so different in the pictures. I saw his smile. It can't reach his eyes. I know my Leo. I really need to talk to him. But I don't know how. "Can we just go home? I just like to rest." I said. The clinic door opens. Dad walked in with a girl in a scrub suit. "Cindy you're awake. Thank God." Dad kissed my forehead. "This is nur
Chapter Seven I sat down on the yoga mat, focusing on clearing my mind. Inner peace. I need that now more than ever. I've been doing yoga since my first week here in Cali.I miss my family. I hope they come here soon. I'm living inside this big house for four months now. My body guards are here too. They are five now. Dad hired two american ex army here. They're pretty nice. I closed my eyes and did the lotus position. It helps me calm my brain. I practiced more yoga poses, Eric handed my water when he saw me getting up. "Thanks." I said. "Welcome Ms. Cindy." He responded. I'm used to them now. They're always on my back even if I'm just inside the house. They're like my shadow. I sit on the lounge chair, facing the ocean.His face crossed my mind again. I got up and called Clifford, he's one of my american guards. "Let's practice judo again." I said. I'm always doing things whenever I think of him. For distraction. I don't like thinking of him, even hearing his name. "Sure M
Chapter Eight“Clifford?” I gently pushed his chest. My heart is beating so loud.I saw blood on his arm. “C-clifford, don’t die on me.” I whispered. He’s not moving. I can feel his body weight on me. “I told you to come with me and no one will get hurt. Look what you’ve done.” I heard Leo's cold voice. I turned to him. Eric was laying on the ground too and Leo’s pointing the gun on his head. “Get up now! Or I will kill this one too!” I cried hard. Eric’s not moving too. I checked Clifford’s pulse. He’s still alive.“Cindy get up now!” Leo shouted again.I slowly lay down Clifford. I got up and walked to him. My whole body was trembling in fear. He's still pointing the gun to Eric while extending his hand to me. "Don't hurt h-him." I saw the blood coming out of Eric's leg. "Ms. Cindy, don't go with him." I heard Eric say. He's laying face down. "Oh shut up. My finger is itchy love. Don't make me wait." Leo said and reached for my hand. He pulled me against him. I can smell ci
Chapter NineI looked at them from afar. Calen was busy reading a book. Carlo was playing with his dog and Calvin was running from his yaya. They looked fine. I took a deep breath and started the engine of my motor bike.Seven years have passed since they last saw me. I left them to my Uncle Alfred. He was also the acting CEO of our company since the day that my father died. I can’t thank him enough for all the help and support that he has done for us. For years, I dedicated my existence for the revenge that I had planned. For years, I didn't get to see my brothers for their safety. For years, I trained well for the day that I will see Leo again. I trained so hard that I forgot that I once loved that monster. That was my biggest mistake. And until now, every night I could see my parents' faces in my dreams. I drove back in our hideout. There were five members in our group. We all got masks to hide our identity. I first saw Eagle training in our makeshift gym. I fixed my mask
Chapter TenWind blew on my face as I looked up. I'm using a rope and an ascender to climb the building from the 23rd floor to the rooftop.I heard gunshots. "Swing to your right Phoenix!" I heard Centaur said. I did what he said. "Phoenix you're supposed to go down. What the hell are you doing?" Sphinx said. I climbed faster. I'm on the 25th floor now. You can do it Cindy. 5 more floors. "You have the case Sphinx. You can all go but I will stay here to execute my plan." I firmly said. "It's too dangerous here Phoenix. Don't go." Eagle said. I stopped for a moment because of the strong wind. I think the chopper is already on the top It's now or never. "Proceed with the plan b Eagle. See you in Manila." I said then dropped my speaker and mic. I looked up again and concentrated. I hooked my rope in the railing when I reached the rooftop. I peaked to see what's happening. I slowly slid on the big pipes. No one noticed me because they are all busy looking to Leo's father. You
Chapter Eleven“Amelia Jessica Monteverde!” I heard Aunt Athena scream. I turned to see Jessy running away from her.I went to the comfort room for a minute and they’re already fighting?She grabbed my hand when she saw me. “What happened?” I asked her.“I thought we’re having a simple family lunch.” She said while pulling me outside the restaurant. I looked back and saw his brother Ethan following us. Her eyes were red.“Jessica wait!” Ethan reached Jessica’s arm.“No Ethan! My answer is still no!” She said and yanked her arm.“I will talk to Mom. Promise, it won’t happen again. Let’s go back please.” Ethan begged.Jessy didn’t listen to her brother and pulled me again.I heard Ethan calling us.“Jessy.” I called her.She opened her car.“Sorry you didn’t finish your lunch. Lets just eat somewhere.” She said.I nodded my head and did not talk. She looked so pissed.I wore my seatbelt.“Are you okay? I can drive.” I offered. Her hands are shaking.She shook her head and started the e
Chapter TwelveIt's been a week since I last saw Jacob. Jessy said she gave my number to him but he didn't text or call me. Not that I want him to contact me or anything. I'm just curious, nothing more. "Cindy darling, Jessica's calling you." Fabio, Jessy's manager said. I looked at her on the runway. We're at some beach in Batangas. She's modeling for a lingerie clothing line tomorrow night. I hurriedly ran to her. "Yes Jessy?" I asked her. "Ethan texted me. They'll be here tonight! Oh my God!" She whispered but I can feel her excitement. As if this is the first time that Ethan will watch her modelling. "Who's with him? Your parents?" I asked. She rolled her eyes and grabbed my arms. Shaking me. "Jake! Jake will be here too! Aren't you excited?" She smiled and winked at me. Oh no. "Why did you invite him? Jessica!" I'm suddenly conscious. "Oh I did not invite him, girl. He asked me if you'll be here. How could I lie? You're always with me." Oh this girl. "Don't worry, I hav
Chapter Thirteen