GAME 24: ConfessGood thing that bitch shut her foul mouth as the plane departed. Because if she didn’t, I would’ve really thrown my big suitcase in her face when she finally shut up.It was almost noon when we all arrived at the Aguirre family’s resort. From the white van that picked us up from the Palawan airport, I was the first to get out because I was sitting near the entrance. Even as I was getting out, I could hear El Sandra’s subtle digs at me starting again.“Gosh. So slow. Like she’s the only one getting out of the van.”I shook my head to control myself and avoid engaging her any further. The salty air blew past, stirring the floral maxi dress I was wearing when I finally got out. I gathered my tangled long hair and secured it on my left shoulder. I walked ahead, not even appreciating the beauty of the white, fine sand in the area, because I was trying so hard not to get irritated by El Sandra.“Welcome to La Isla Aguirre Resort!” greeted the staff lined up, all in their f
GAME 25: DeadNo one in this world could stop me from completing my revenge. Not even if Marl told me he loved me. Not even if he said we would live peacefully overseas. No matter how sweet the promises he made, I wouldn't stop pursuing those three.I’m nearing the finish line – my triumph. Would I back down now, when I’ve already brought Ryu down? When I’ve already manipulated Ren? And most importantly, when I’m already going to crush El Sandra?No way! I would never back down.I woke up the next morning, past noon. I hadn’t slept properly because of Marl’s question to me that morning. Even though I’d toured the entire resort yesterday, it still lingered in my mind. Why did he say that? Did he really love me? Is he serious? I don’t think so! I know Marl, and someone like him could never fall for someone like me.Wearing my robe with a white string bikini underneath, I decided to take a dip for at least ten minutes under the scorching sun. The party was in the afternoon, so I h
GAME 26: AccusationI don’t know what to do. A small part of me wanted to scream and ask for help. The larger part felt like my soul had abandoned me.My memories with Miss Aguirre flashed vividly in my mind. From the moment I first stepped foot in Western Eagle, to her helping me leave the country unnoticed, to our frequent meetings lately.I suddenly regretted not thanking her for everything she did for me.“M-Miss Aguirre…” I called her, almost a whisper. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I crawled towards her, lying in her white nightgown.Under the large bed lay Miss Aguirre’s lifeless body—drenched in her own blood, eyes wide open, and a knife plunged into her chest.The emotions of struggle, pain, and horror were evident on her pale, disoriented face. My heart ached when my eyes met hers, filled with suffering.I suddenly remembered how Mommy and Daddy looked when I saw their faces on television. I felt the same intensity of heartbreak, especially since Miss Aguirre had become l
GAME 27: KillerTears streamed down my cheeks as I spotted Marl and Michaela in the distance, both in their corporate attire. The tears I shed on the island for Miss Aguirre's death and El Sandra and Beverly's accusations weren't enough to express the frustration I felt.“Sean!” Marl called out, worried. “What’s wrong?”He immediately greeted me with a hug. I sobbed even harder in his arms, like a child complaining to his father about being bullied by his friends. What the heck! Was I turning back into the old Akemi?As I remembered, the last time I cried so hard was when I woke up in the hospital five years ago.“It’s okay, Sean. It’s really okay,” he said softly as he rubbed my back.Instead of calming down, I sobbed even harder against Marl’s chest. I ignored the other passengers who curiously looked at us as they passed.I shook my head and looked at his calm eyes. “N-no. I feel like it’s all my fault. If it wasn’t for me… for t-that person… it wouldn’t have happened to M-Miss Agu
GAME 28: Escape“She’s the real culprit!” El Sandra exclaimed, pointing a finger at me.Gasps filled the entire room.Shocked, I shook my head and stared at El Sandra in disbelief. “I’m not! How many times do I have to tell you that I can’t do it? I didn’t kill Miss Aguirre!”“What is this, El Sandra? Akemi?” Tita Ingrid was also confused by what she was hearing, scandalised by the presence of prominent figures in the room.El Sandra laughed evilly. “Mom, she killed Miss Aguirre.”“How will you prove that?” Tita Ingrid challenged her. “That’s a big accusation, El Sandra.”“I can’t kill. You know that, Tita Ingrid, right?”“But we have evidence, Engineer Sean.” Beverly emerged from one of the Function Hall’s doors. Her eyes glared at me angrily, and she bit her lip. “Play the video now, please.”El Sandra smirked as everyone looked at the stage. Confused, I also turned my head to where they were looking. And there, my eyes widened as a slideshow of pictures began to play.I gulped as t
GAME 29: Past“Are you alright, Akemi?”I looked at Ryu, breathing heavily, my heart pounding because of that nightmare.We were still in the car, driving. He had only stopped for a moment because of my sudden scream while I was asleep.“I-it’s nothing,” I said, avoiding his gaze and looking out the window. My brow furrowed when I noticed that I was only seeing trees outside. No houses or other cars!“Come on, Akemi. I know you’re not okay.”"Where are we?” I asked, changing the subject.As if I was still alright after that nightmare. But why was that my dream? Did I have a split personality? Was that why I didn’t know I committed a crime? I doubted it! No one in our family was a psycho. Well, maybe El Sandra.Ryu’s brow furrowed, and his eyebrows knitted together. His dark, hooded brown eyes became even darker as he stared at me intently, as if reading my mind. I was about to look away, but he did first.Ryu swallowed hard as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. “We’re still i
GAME 30: LoveI know it’s wrong to feel this way. To feel the magic of his kiss, to feel safe in his embrace, and to feel numb in the face of my opponent. But I can't help but close my eyes, overcome by the strange heat his lips send through my neck and my whole system. I feel like I’m parched for his kisses.Ryu deepens the kiss, making me drunk with ecstasy. After a few bites on my lips, he opens his eyes, his gaze meeting mine, filled with admiration.My breath catches in my throat, my heart racing and pounding. It’s as if I swam across the vast expanse of the North Philippine Sea from the island without stopping. What was that for, Akemi?“I love you, Mademoiselle,” he whispers hoarsely in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.I sigh and blink, taking in his gaze. By now, I should be angry. But no! My heart beats faster as I see sincerity in his dark eyes. Even though they scream of violence, authority, and possessiveness. Traits that initially irritated me. But eventually, I cam
GAME 31: BetrayalFueled by anger, Ryu's kisses were fierce as we were still on the stairs. Even though I pushed him away several times, he wouldn’t stop until he carried me and rushed me into the room.Although I was annoyed, the heat I felt for him, just like last night, slowly reignited. And I found myself craving his kisses… craving for more as my back touched the soft bed and his massiveness throbbed against my thigh.Ryu and I left the room in the afternoon. Good thing Manang Lourdes wasn't around; she had something to attend to.Are we the only three people in this mansion?I haven't seen anyone else besides us. Unless, the mansion is so big that we just haven't crossed paths.My cheeks burned as Ryu and I walked along the beach, hand in hand. My heart fluttered and skipped a beat. I was happy that we were able to do this again.It’s been years since we last held each other’s hands while walking along the beautiful beach, with the tall coconut trees lining the background, the
The Game of Life"Life is full of games."Those were the words that echoed in my mind as Marl and I left the country. Miss Aguirre said them to me as hot tears streamed down my cheeks. I carried the painful experiences in my chest, like heavy luggage. My departure was fueled by resentment, anger, and sorrow.Before leaving the place where I had only endured bitter experiences, I left a promise that I would return. I would return as a strong, resilient, and intelligent woman. I would return to seek revenge on those who had hurt me. I would return to hold those who had wronged me accountable. I would return for the game of revenge.Returning home, that was all that filled my mind. The game where I was the owner. The game where I was the only one who had the right to move and save myself. The game where I was the only one who should win. But I was wrong. Because the game I played wasn't mine, I wasn't the one who ruled it.The game I was in was no exception. Therefore, I also faced the s
GAME 40: RulerHearing her aggressive voice, along with the sounds of the pouring rain and thunder, boiled my blood. I was soaking wet, but the cold sweat on my skin couldn’t stop the flames that started to burn inside my beating heart. “Kill her now. What are you waiting for, Ron Marl? Shoot her!” she yelled imposingly from under her umbrella.Confused by what was happening, my eyes darted back and forth between them. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I saw how eager she was to kill me. Why? Was it because of my inheritance? I can give it to her if that’s what she wants. Willingly.“I’ll give you the chance! Why aren’t you doing it now? I’ve let you indulge in your madness for years,” she said firmly, her jaw clenched. “Prove to me you can do it now!”Unbelievably, I looked at Marl directly in the eye. His jaw clenched as he held the gun towards me. I swallowed, seeing the pain pass through his eyes. I know he can’t hurt me. I still believed and trusted him, even though I knew th
GAME 39: LiesMarch 22nd. I don't know what's special about this day. Yes, it's the day I was born. Special for others. But for me, why does tragedy seem to strike every time this day rolls around?Still groggy from inhaling the chemical, I slowly opened my eyes. But my hope vanished when all I saw was darkness. Even though I was blindfolded, I swayed and my head pounded from being tossed around as the vehicle sped along. I sighed, realizing my life was in danger. I needed to think clearly and not rush into anything. I know what happened to me. I was kidnapped. It might not be the same as that day, but my heart pounded with the same force and speed. I could barely breathe properly. But this isn’t the time to be weak, to be frightened. Right now, I'm the only one who can help myself. Only me. So I stayed silent, listening to everything.“Yes, we succeeded. I know. But after this, I want my money,” said the woman after a few rings on another line. Her voice was so familiar. I couldn’t
GAME 38: AbductMy heart pounded as I walked blindfolded, Ryu holding my hand tightly. The fresh air of the woods relaxed every part of me, despite being bothered by the grass and dry leaves underfoot. I inhaled the fresh grass-scented air, trusting Ryu to lead the way. Until my nose wrinkled when a sweet-scented candle somewhere reached my nostrils. I didn't like the smell.I frowned and grabbed Ryu's arm tighter. “Where are we? You have so many tricks! It’s a good thing I’m not wearing my pumps right now, or I would’ve tripped on the grass.”He chuckled in my ear, squeezing my hand. He seemed nervous about everything. “Just shut your eyes, baby. Okay?”I smiled and wrinkled my nose again, breathing in all the positive vibes. “You said so,” I said monotonously, shrugging my shoulders.He chuckled. And someone’s deep voice chuckled too somewhere. I stopped slightly, making Ryu stop too, when the path became smoother and there was no grass or dry leaves anymore.“Why, baby? Is there
GAME 37: SorryI didn’t know, but my tears streamed down my face like waterfalls. I didn’t know where my anger and annoyance were coming from. The only thing I felt was my face burning with heat. As if they had kissed in front of me. But they hadn’t. They were just staring at each other. But I think that was enough reason for me to be angry, right?“Are you alright, Engineer Lee?” Engineer Vasquez asked, offering me his handkerchief from behind. “How is Miss Devilliana?”I sniffled, accepting the handkerchief and quickly drying my tears that wouldn’t stop. “L-let her,” I said after I sneezed. “Engineer Dela Costa is there. I’m sure he won’t let Channel be alone.”The old engineer chuckled a bit, as if what he was seeing was funny. “Correction. Your fiancée, Engineer Lee. I think you really have a big problem.”I froze and looked away. That hit me. I’m his fiancée. So why am I acting like this? I should at least trust him, right? But I can’t stop the fire blazing in my chest at the
GAME 36: BirthdayIf Tita Ingrid hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have remembered that day was approaching. Actually, there's still a month before that day. But like in the past, I'm not happy about the approaching birthday. For years, I trembled in fear and preferred to be alone on that day. Because all the horrible memories would come flooding back furiously… and vividly. It's as if, on that day, it was all happening again. Like death was still chasing me.“What’s your plan then, Akemi? Are you going to celebrate your birthday? You know your past still haunts you, right?” asked Michaela, glancing at Marl, who was silently reading the newspaper on the other chair.I sighed heavily and problematically massaged my temple. Even though a week has passed since we talked to Tita Ingrid, I still don't know what to do. Well, I didn’t used to worry about it. But maybe it’s time for me to move on from that night. Maybe I should let myself celebrate this important day. Without thinking about my
GAME 35: DecisionI don’t know, but a part of me crumbled when I saw the pain flash in Marl’s eyes. I know, I’m being selfish again. But what can I do? I love Ryu so much. I have always. Now that I have the chance to love him again, I won’t waste it.“Hey. Sorry. Have you been here long?”“Nope.” I smiled and gazed at his Lamborghini parked at the side of the road. “I just got here.”I was standing near the entrance of a coffee shop outside the SunRise building, a LEC condominium property, when Ren popped out in front of me. Unlike Marl’s suspicion earlier, I wanted to bring him here so he could see how wrong he was. But when I left my room, he was gone.To be honest, I feel sorry for him. I know my actions and decisions affect him. But I want him to understand that… he deserves someone else better than me. Someone who can give him equal or even greater love. Because I’m not that person.Ren snapped his fingers near my face, snapping me back to reality. “Hey, Akemi? Are you okay? Yo
GAME 34: PapaI was stunned as they stood before me, but I calmed down. It was like they brought peace to my struggling mind. I suspected them, but now that they were here at the Police Station, I felt at peace. And I was sure I wouldn’t be jailed tonight.“What is the meaning of t-this, Ryu?” My lips trembled as tears streamed down my cheeks. It wasn’t because I was distressed about my situation, but because I was so relieved they were here. Like they were the solution I’d been waiting for, to clear my name, to clean up the mess I made, to cleanse everything I had stained.Ryu hushed me and gently wiped away my tears. “As I said, I’ll help you, baby. They’re here because they want to set everything right,” he said softly. “It’s wrong for you to be imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit.”“But h-how can they help? If the evidence they’re talking about points to me?”“Those videos. I don’t know why I’m the one on them. Especially that video clip El Sandra showed at Leesteel during
GAME 33: FaceBefore ending the game you’ve started, you should always choose the right way, no matter what happened. That’s what I’m doing now. Yes, I admit it. I’m at fault. But I didn’t kill Rose or even Miss Aguirre. Someone planned all of this, to make me take the blame. But the question is… who is this person? Why are they doing this to me?Actually, I have four names in my mind right now: El Sandra, Tita Ingrid, Engineer Riley Dela Costa, and that… Mister Eldeamor Fruego. I don’t know if one of them is the real culprit, but they all have valid reasons to tarnish not only my name… but also our family’s name.Lee is well-known in the business world. In a snap, the companies Daddy built became in demand, gaining prominence in every business field. But alongside their growth and success, there were people who were willing to commit crimes to destroy the name that my mom and dad worked so hard to build.They did it for business, for fame, for wealth, or maybe envy? Who knows, righ