Prologue

Auxerre Kailani Vixen

"You've got to be kidding me! I need that report by 9 pm sharp! It's either you give it to me on time or I'll take you off that project," I strictly said while looking at her. She hurriedly went out of my office because she knows I'll probably scold her more.

They've got to stop wasting my time. This isn't the only project that our company is handling, and they need to set their priorities straight! Malalagot kami pare-pareho dito!

I wrote her name on a piece of paper that I keep in my drawer. One more mistake and I'll move her to a lower rank. I don't have time to fix their mess for God's sake!

I sighed in frustration when I saw an unregistered number calling me. "Who's this?" I asked in annoyance.

"Ma'am ano na po gagawin namin sa lalaki na 'to?" A familiar voice asked me. I gritted my teeth before sighing.

"Kill the bastard. Make sure you leave no traces, or else malalagot tayo lahat dito." I quickly agreed and I was about to hang up but I remembered something.

"Oh, and take a video then forward it to my Dad. I'll give you extra for that."

I always wondered how my Dad managed to do these kinds of stuff but he taught me how to be a person with no remorse. As long as those people deserve to be treated like that, never feel guilty.

That mindset is the reason while I'm still alive right now. And I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

"Come in!" I yelled when someone knocked on the door. I fixed my things on my table before looking at my phone to check the time.

"Auxi?" Maya called me while she's peeking at the door. I sighed and gave her a small smile before gesturing for her to come in. She nodded before coming inside. "Free ka ba mamaya? Dinner sana tayo...”

"Upo ka muna. What do you want to drink?" I looked at her before looking at the i-pad beside me to check my appointments for today. I called my assistant downstairs to call ask her about the meetings that she booked. "Juice na lang."

"Hey, Yven, can you cancel some meetings that are set for tonight? I have to attend to some important things, i-set mo na lang tomorrow. And can you also bring me a glass of juice? Thank you.”

"Why did you suddenly invite me to dinner? What's up?" I asked her before removing my blazer. Yven, my assistant, gave Maya the drink that I asked for earlier and left us.

She looked at me worriedly, and since she's been my best friend since high school, I already know what's bothering her. I sighed and tilted my head while staring at her. She pouted naman and held my hand.

"Alam mo namang mahal ko eh..." I rolled my eyes because of what she said. "I know." I stood up and fixed my things. "Tara na," I said while pulling her with me. She wanted to eat Filipino food and it's fine with me.

She's always so nice to people that they tend to abuse it. Some people wonder why we're even best friends in the first place. Me, who's intimidating, cold, rude, and heartless, friends with someone like her...Like an Angel.

"Bagalan mo lang Auxi!" she exclaimed while I'm driving. I shook my head before slowing down. It wasn't even that fast! She doesn't really trust my driving skills.

"It's been years Maya! Mag-tiwala ka lang sa driving skills ko!" I tried to calm her down kasi sobrang higpit ng hawak niya sa gilid ng kotse ko!

Even if I want to try and slow down, I can't. Because I don't know if someone is going to shoot me, not now...Not with her. I know the dangers and I know what this will cost me. But honestly, at this point, I have no one to lose except my friends.

I removed my blazer and threw it to the backseat, leaving me with my backless rose gold dress. Maya's just staring at me while I'm brushing my hair. I chuckled and handed her my lip-gloss since I know that she doesn't like wearing lipstick.

She ordered crispy breaded shrimp, grilled squid, and pork ribs binagoongan. These foods are making my mouth water! It's a good thing I already finished my diet last week.

"So...what happened?" I asked her while smelling the shrimp before tasting it. She looked at me and sighed before putting some of the food on my plate.

"Kasi naman...best friend ni Amadeo 'yung manager nung company na dapat papasukan ko.” I nodded while listening to her carefully. "Eh nag-kita kami dahil don...syempre nag-panic ako! Kaya ayon, natapon ko 'yung kape sa manager...Ayon...Hindi na ako tinanggap..." she ran her hand through her hair.

I shook my head and held her hand. "Why won't you just work for my company na lang kasi? I won't give you special treatments since that's what you want. And dito you won't see him, I guarantee you.” I stared at her when she became quiet. "Unless...gusto mo ding nakikita s'ya?"

She pursed her lips because of my question, making me shake my head in disbelief. Funny how love can turn people like this...it's stupid. "It's been years Maya…" I saw her teary-eyed. I'm just so tired of seeing people around me getting into their worst state because of some guy.

I've already seen her go through the worst because of Amadeo. I don't want to see her again in that state.

I looked at my phone when I saw it lit up. My face darkened when I saw who the caller is. Maya looked at me worriedly before holding my hand. I sighed and braced myself before answering the call.

"Yes, Dad?" I answered immediately.

"Be home in 15. May i-papakilala kami sa'yo ng Mommy mo. Don't be late Auxerre," he strictly said before hanging up. Here we go again.

She nodded at me, she already knows what happened. I gave her an apologetic look before looking for the waiter so I could pay our bill already.

"I'm really sorry Maya. Kilala mo naman si Dad, I have no energy to argue with him tonight. I'll make it up to you next time." I quickly paid for our meal.

"Okay lang. Masaya naman na akong nakasama kita mag-dinner ulit. Puntahan mo na Daddy mo, kaya ko na dito mag-isa," she said before giving me a hug. I offered to book her a cab or ipasundo s'ya sa driver ko but she refused.

"Ingat ka.” She waved at me goodbye, and I drove as quickly as I can.

Someone called me while driving so I connected my AirPods.

"What? This better be important,” I said while parking in our garage.

"Tapos na po ma'am. Nasa email n'yo na din po 'yung mga kailangan n'yo malaman.” I smirked because of what he said. Payback time, assholes.

"Okay. I'll send you the payment first thing tomorrow," I said before hanging up.

I also checked the email that one of my workers sent me. Buti naman at tama na 'yung gawa n'ya ngayon. Hindi ko nga rin alam bakit ngayon ko chinecheck. Probably stalling since God knows how much I hate to see my parents right now.

I stared at our front door before brushing my hair using my fingers. This is going to be a long night.

"Muntik ka na ma-late anak," yaya Ynah told me before getting my coat. I gave her a small hug before walking towards the kitchen. I can already hear their laughs. It's disgusting.

"Auxi! Sit down here iha.” My Mom kissed my cheeks. I secretly rolled my eyes when I saw my father talking to a guy. Mom insisted na ma-upo ako sa tabi nung lalaki. I don't even know him!

"I want you to meet Zhacke," Dad said. The guy named Zhacke offered me a handshake. Even though I hate meeting new people I accepted his hand. Just because I don't want to cause another argument with my family.

"Anak s'ya ng isa sa business partners namin ng Mommy mo, he's actually very nice!" he happily said while looking at the guy. I scoffed before drinking water, making Zhacke look at me.

A business partner like in legal terms? Or he also has dirty secrets like my parents? But of course, I didn't ask him that.

"Hindi katulad nung huli mong naging boyfriend." Mom added making me close my fist. "Stop," I whispered under my breath making her shrug. God, they've got to stop bringing him up!

As usual, he prepared healthy foods for this dinner. Since kumain na kami ni Chem earlier I only took the salad and a piece of roast chicken. Well, kahit naman hindi kami kumain ni Chem I still wouldn't be able to eat properly.

They were busy talking about business and I couldn't give a damn. Gusto ko nalang umuwi. I'd rather be alone than spend time with them.

"I like this guy!" Dad exclaimed while patting Zhacke's back. "I like you for my daughter! Just imagining the fact that you'll be my son-in-law makes me happy!"

"Oo nga iho. Why won't you try courting Auxi? You two make a great match! I'm sure Auxi would like to get close with you as well, right anak?" To other people, it may sound like she's being sweet and all, but deep inside I know that she's threatening me.

I sighed deeply before faking a smile and nodding. "Yeah, sure," I said before drinking the wine in front of me. Can this night just finish already? It feels like forever.

"I would love to be friends with Auxi sir." Zhacke answered while smiling. Well, I don't.

An hour went by and we're now at the front door. I kissed yaya Ynah's cheeks before leaving. "I'm gonna miss you ya. I'll treat you dinner next time," I said before winking at her.

"Ikaw talaga! Ingat ka pa-uwi anak ha, gabi na." she reminded me before waving. I smiled and waved back.

"We would love to have dinner with you again Zhacke. Pero sana sa oras na 'yon ay kayo na ng anak ko!" Dad joked. He thinks he's funny huh? I shook my head in annoyance. Pinilit n’ya pa na unang paalisin si Zhacke bago ako. I held my arm while watching Zhacke's car move away.

"By tomorrow, I want you to be friends with Zhacke. Para mas ma-padali kung sakaling i-pakakasal ko kayo sa isa't isa. Do you understand Auxerre?" Dad asked me while staring right into my eyes. I sighed before answering.

"No." I coldly answered, making him grit his teeth. "I've already told you both, countless times. After what happened the last time, I won't get into a relationship ulit. If you don't like that...then you don't. But my decision is final dad, nothing...no one. Can change that."

"Auxerre Kailani." Mom said with her cold voice. I chuckled; they really think I'd still be afraid after everything they did? I’ve already experienced the worst…what else could go wrong?

"Let her, mapipilit ko din 'yan." Dad said while holding my Mom's arm. Yeah, good luck with that.

"What about the thing I ordered you to finish? Maayos na ba?" he asked me. I nodded before looking away. "Siguraduhin mo na maayos ang pag-kakagawa n'yo." he threatened me.

"Just check your email then you'll see," I said and looked at my wristwatch.

"I have to go. I still have to attend a meeting tomorrow." I quickly went inside my car, not waiting for their response. I drove as fast as I could ever have. I just want to get away from this place.

I felt my chest tightened because of that stupid dinner. Ganoon ba kalala 'yung pinaranas nila sa'kin dati na kinailangan ko humantong sa ganito?

Hanggang kailan ba nila kokontrolin ang buhay ko?! I never wanted any of this! I'd rather not marry anyone than marry someone I don't even love! When will they stop making my life a living hell?!

Ever since I was young, I couldn't remember any memories that I was genuinely happy! If it wasn't for my friends and him, I wouldn't be able to feel anything except anger. But now, I feel anger...and pain. Those are the only things I can feel right now.

I was driving so fast with blurry eyesight. Fuck these tears. They kept flowing and flowing through my face. I was so preoccupied with my anger I didn't notice the car in front of me. Making me crash.

I held my head with sudden force. I fixed myself before stepping out of the car. "I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed when I saw the dent in that car, that I made. God, Auxerre!

The guy stepped out of the car and looked at the back. Probably checking the damage. "Damn."

I gulped before speaking again. "I'm really sorry. I was just so preoccupied that it reached the point where I didn't notice your car! I could pay for it if it's alright with you," I nicely said since I'm the one at fault here. Gosh, panalangin ko nalang na hindi 'to dumating sa parents ko. I had enough for today.

"No. It's fine. Just drive carefully next time.” he looked at me.

My eyes widened. It felt like my heart stopped beating. My mind straight went into chaos. It's him.

"Are you alright? Hindi ka ba nasugatan? Or anything?" he curiously asked me while scanning me from head to toe.

I came back into my senses when he coughed. I gave him a small smile before talking. "I'm fine. Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. But as I've said earlier, I could pay for it. I mean I would if I have to."

He laughed like I was joking and took a step towards me. I pretended that I wasn't affected by his presence but I am. I deeply am. I still am. And fuck that.

"You're still the same old Auxerre Kailani I know. The type of person who likes pretending that she's actually doing fine when she's actually hurting inside." he stated as if I was his old friend. I gulped before looking away. If I would've known na siya 'yung may-a*i nung kotse hindi na sana ako bumaba.

Come to your senses, Auxi! Don't make it obvious that you're affected by his presence!

I held onto the driver's door before facing him. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm actually doing good," I said, trying to convince him, or maybe...trying to convince myself. Palagi namang ganoon.

He tilted his head to the side before chuckling. "Yeah, eyes never lie... Anyways, it was nice seeing you again. I hope this isn't the last time."

I didn't answer him back. I just went inside my car and held the steering wheel as hard as I can. Why now? After all those years...why now? Bakit kailangan sa ganitong paraan pa?

I know I'm a bad person but they're the reason why I chose to be like that. I don't deserve any of this.

I stared at him through the windshield, talking to someone on the phone while smiling. I gritted my teeth with that view. Fuck that smile. I risked everything for that smile.

"Fuck you Hubert Atticus Zaveri." I muttered under my breath. You once meant everything to me, but you turned my life into a living hell. Wala kayong pinagkaiba ng pamilya ko. You're all heartless people who did nothing but ruin me.

You're all the reason why I'm a heartless bitch right now. Why I'm so fucking numb. Why I'm so sick and tired of everything. Why I lost myself more.

People may say that karma will find its way back to the people who did you wrong. But personally, I don't believe that. I want revenge. I've always wanted revenge.

And I'll make sure I'll be your karma.

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