Verania's Point of ViewSandra informed me that Alder has a free day from work tomorrow, so I decided to meet with him today.It's quite late, already midnight, but this timing is more suitable for our conversation. It's serene, free from distractions, and almost everyone in the vicinity is already asleep.I picked the park, not too far from Ares' residence. I ensured it wasn't a long distance so I wouldn't need to bring a vehicle. I chose not to inform anyone about my departure.Uncle Stan and Aunt Charlotte weren't at home, Olivia was also out, only Ares was there, but I knew he was safe as Gabriella and others were with him to provide protection.Arriving at the park, I settled into a swing, waiting quietly for Alder.The surroundings were well-illuminated by the park's lampposts."Alder!" I called out as my eyes found him. He walked towards me and gently wrapped his arm around me."Good Midnight," he whispered, eliciting a chuckle from me."Have a seat," I said, pointing to the ot
Verania’s Point of View"Trust me, you have done nothing wrong. But believe me or not, you don't really love me the way you think you do."My eyebrows nearly met in the middle as my brain processed what he just said."I love you, what are you talking about?" I retort."Verania, I know you love me. But from what I see now, you love me only as a friend.""Rubbish!" I counter, shaking my head in disbelief."Verania, listen. You can deny it, but your true love is for Ares! Your eyes are silently telling me that it's him! The way you wanted to catch the culprit, the way you wanted to protect him, the way you say his name, I know... you love him!"No! What is Alder saying? I don't love Ares, what is he talking about?!"You're fooling yourself! I do all that because of my conscience and because he's my friend. Drop the notion that I love him! It's not true, I know what I feel, and you're wrong!" I try to assert.He rises from the swing and locks his gaze with mine."No, Verania, you're decei
Verania's Point of ViewBefore permitting our eyes to once again converge, I attentively directed my attention towards Alder. He acknowledged my signal and seemingly comprehended the cue, prompting him to quietly depart from my vicinity, perhaps to explore elsewhere.My sincere apologies, Alder, for imposing on your time...I opted to await Alder's departure from my line of sight before reorienting my focus towards Ares' position.With deliberate steps, I advanced towards him. Our eyes engaged in a locked gaze, upholding the gravity of my expression. Nonetheless, Ares' gaze seemed to intensify in seriousness.I expressed my gratitude that he remained rooted in his spot. The world around us seemed to decelerate as I approached him gradually. The moment I drew near, surprise was etched across my face as a clear liquid trickled down one of his eyes. It slowly slid down his cheek.He didn't make any move to wipe it away; his eyes remained fixed on me. I reconnected our gazes to read the
Verania's Point of ViewHis cold gaze met mine, a sly grin playing on his lips as he began to speak."You probably already know the reason for your summons..." he said seriously but seemed to take pleasure in delivering the message."You were supposed to guard Mr. Ares Montero, the son of Mayor Stanley Montero. However, due to your negligence and prioritizing your desires, you allowed the enemy to strike freely since you were not at the exact location when the attack happened," he started."Many held you in high regard for your combat skills; that's why they allowed Victorino to put you in that position. But I just can't fathom, Portier, why did you leave?" he questioned.I lowered my head to hide my reactions. It was better to get straight to the point."Do you know that the enemies almost destroyed Montero's residence? Fortunately, one of your colleagues managed to call for backup from headquarters and arrived in time to secure the Monteros' home. Ares was found unharmed, and the cr
Verania's Point of ViewIt was already afternoon when I woke up, and I decided to head back home to get some sleep and rest.Ares' house was currently being arranged due to some damaged belongings, so I didn't plan on staying there for now, as I was sure I would get a lecture.Upon leaving my room, I had already finished bathing, so I went straight to the kitchen to have a meal."Sister Linda, is Papa at work?" I asked a house helper I found in the kitchen."Yes, Vera. They were surprised when they found out you came home.""Ah, is that so? Alright then. After I eat, I'll be leaving. Please inform them that I've left for work again," I politely replied, and Sister Linda smiled at me, so I proceeded to eat.After finishing everything, I headed to the hospital to visit Gabriella.I revved up my motorcycle towards the hospital, and upon arriving there, I visited the room where Gabriella was currently resting.Upon entering her room, I noticed she was wide awake, although she was alone, l
Verania’s Point of ViewI was about to quicken my pace through the hospital's corridor when I abruptly halted, my gaze fixing on Ares. He was strolling casually, a basket in one hand, its contents seemingly a collection of fruits.Here he was again, at the hospital. What could be the reason for his presence now?My heart quickened its rhythm as our eyes met, and a surge of emotions threatened to overwhelm me. Earlier, I had wanted to initiate a conversation, but now, with him standing right in front of me, I found myself wishing to dissolve into the ground. It was puzzling why my demeanor had shifted so drastically from what I had intended.I involuntarily blinked in surprise as I noticed Clara beside him. So, they were together...A thought occurred to me: were they the only ones who had come here? Did they not have any bodyguards or companions accompanying them? What if something befell Ares again?Pushing aside the rising sense of embarrassment within me, I gathered my courage and
Verania's Point of View"What are we going to talk about?" I asked when we reached the side of their pool."Sit down first," she calmly stated, pointing to the chair in front of her. I didn't complain and sat down."Manang!" she called out cheerfully to a housemaid passing by the pool."Yes, dear, what is it?""Could you get us some juice to drink, thank you.""Sure, dear, I'll bring it over."When Manang left, Olivia turned to me again."Earlier this morning, I found out that you left here, which led to an attack on the house, is that correct?" she began.I bowed my head and nodded, which made her sigh."I want to be angry, but I can't. I know that every situation involving my brother and father is dangerous, so I don't have the right to be mad at you. Whatever I feel, it's just annoyance because you still can't do your job properly," she paused, so I looked up."You should be thankful that my brother wasn't harmed. Next time you're given a task like this, focus on your job," she add
Verania’s Point of View"Yes, perhaps being with you makes him happy at the moment, but knowing how you feel, his happiness won't be enough."Why do his words struck like knives in my chest? Why do I feel heaviness in my heart?I keep stating I do not love Ares, but why am I feeling like this?"Can I ask you something?"I seized the opportunity to ask when I sensed the calmness in the atmosphere."Go on," she replied and it felt like a cold breeze passed through my skin, and she spoke like she doesn't care how wet my face was with tears."May I know why you hate me so much?" I summoned all my strength just to ask that question."Wow, you really want to know? Okay, no worries, I'll tell you why," she paused and took a sip from her glass."It's because I saw how my brother falls in love with you," she continued, furrowing my brow in confusion."If that's your reason, how do you explain the things that used to anger you about me? If I'm not mistaken, Ares only started liking me recently