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 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 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 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
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
"Western Eagle University," I whispered as I felt the triumph approaching me. It’s good to be back! It’s good to be here again! After many years, I am here again, where the game started. Same ambiance. Same place. Nothing has changed; it’s still the same. But I guess there’s one thing that has changed—people. Some are now mature and getting older. And some are now popular in the business industry and have succeeded in their lives. A playful grin stretched across my lips. Finally, I will meet those people again who played an important part in my comeback. "Are you ready, Sean?" Marl asked. My eyes turned into slits because of that question as I turned to the driver’s seat, where he was. Am I really ready? Yes, of course! Spending five years in the States was already enough. I struggled a lot and worked my ass off for this. They have already lived their lives in peace for five years. Now, it’s time for them to pay for what they've done to me. "What do you think?" I shook
That day… was the day that I should have been happy, but everything turned out the other way. I lost everything in one snap. As if I wasn’t allowed to feel happiness because I don’t deserve any. That I have no rights because I have everything. Name. Wealth. Power. And anything.With my blurry eyes, I stared at the flatscreen TV and let my tears continue running down my cheeks. It was one of the cold days in December, but the news that morning was hot and burning. Like it was a scorching fire that burned my young and innocent heart and turned it into ashes.“Two of the most successful business couples in the Philippines were declared dead on arrival this early morning. Engineer Akem Jhyun Lee and his wife, Architect Oseanna Lee, had a plane crash after their business trip in Palawan,” the popular female newscaster said.My teary eyes remained on the screen as my parents’ pictures flashed after she declared the headline. My heart started to beat fast and loud. I couldn’t believe what I
The cold breeze of December blew one fine afternoon. And a deafening silence suddenly ate up the whole place when the people left after the funeral of my parents, and the only noises around were the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the trees.After our family's close friends expressed their condolences and sadness over my parents' sudden death, I chose to remain at the graves and stand on the Bermuda grass like a tree without life. I just continued staring at the three tombstones and hugging the picture that I had drawn.I sobbed again as I felt the sweet wind caress my skin. I felt my mother. It was her embrace.I missed them so much!Why me?To all the children in the world, why am I the one who will lose parents?The bad news is that He took both mommy and daddy in an instant!"Here," a manly voice said behind me.I gasped and immediately looked at the person who spoke. Behind me was a young man in a white button-down polo and denim shorts. Even though my vision was
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