After Karina Hernandez ' four years of marriage ended, she decided to leave her home country and travel to Japan–her mother's home country. Starting a new life in a foreign country was never easy to begin with, yet Karina managed to with the help of her brother's ex-fiance. Karina thought that everything would be perfect and peaceful as it should be. However, it all faded when his path crossed with hers for the second time. Will Karina be able to mend what has been torn in her past or will she again run away and hide from his grasps?
Lihat lebih banyakEmiliana
I could barely remember and understand the words my math teacher was saying as my attention was not on her, but at the wall clock right above her head.
Why is the time moving so slow? This is not how this usually works?
“Emilia? Why are you so fidgety?” I looked up at my seatmate. Clara’s left brow was in a perfect arch as she stared at me with puzzled expression.
I quickly tore a small piece of paper from my notebook and wrote my reply to her. “I want to go home. My sister caught the flu and she’s alone.”
I slowly slide the paper to her before paying my full attention to Miss Alvizo, even though I don’t understand a word she’s saying. Clara did not strike a conversation with me after reading my reply to her. It’s nothing new.
I calmed myself down in order to not bother Clara anymore. She doesn’t usually strike up a conversation with me… but I guess she was really pissed by my behavior just now.
Five minutes left. I must endure this anxiousness and worry for five more minutes.
“And that’s our lesson for today. Next meeting, we will have a quiz so be sure to study the materials,” says Miss Alvizo as I hurriedly pack my things. “Class dismissed!”
When I heard my que, I rushed out of the classroom even knowing that the last bell had not rung yet.
“Hey Emilia, are you not coming with us?” I heard Stephanie, one of my few friends, yelled at me. Right! I promise them that we will go to our favorite café.
I halted my pace and turned to face her. She was leaning on the frame of the exit door. “I’m sorry, Stephy! I need to go home early. Trisha’s having a flu and no one’s with her. I’ll make it up to you next time. Tell the girls I’m sorry!” I yelled back and did not wait for her reply as I continued making my way to the stairs. Using the elevator would only delay me any further.
I finally got to the lobby of our school. As I made my way to the exit, I pulled my phone out from my pocket and dialed my driver’s number.
“Emilia! Have you seen your boyfriend?”
“Argh!” I let out a soft groan as soon as I spotted the person who called for me. For the second time, I stopped my pace and watched my boyfriend’s basketball teammate stop right in front of me. I fix my slipping glasses back on my nose bridge as it is where it should be before canceling the call.
I watch Scott’s serious and clueless expression. Frowning at him, I ask, “did he not tell you that he is absent today? He also caught the flu.”
“Also?” An unfamiliar voice butt in. I tilted my head to have a glimpse of the owner of the voice. A guy dressed in a varsity uniform stopped beside Scott. He was dripping wet from his own sweat. I could see his hair glistening.
He held the hem of his shirt and wiped his sweaty forehead and neck. I turned to face the other side of the lobby to avoid the sight of his body. I believe that it’s inappropriate to see someone else’s body without their consent. Well, except for models.
“My sister also caught the flu.” Remembering his question, I answered. I finally was able to face them after I saw from my line of sight that he pulled down his shirt back.
“Oh, right! Emilia, this is Nico. He’s a friend of ours. You probably don’t know him ‘cause every time you visit the gym after practice, this guy disappears like a mushroom,” said Scott while pointing at the guy beside him.
Oh! Is he not part of the basketball team? Maybe he’s not. I never saw him in any of the games our basketball team has participated in.
“And Nico, this is Emilia Vergara. You’ve probably heard of her since Clarence had been blabbering about her non-stop.” Scott added. What Scott said perked my interest but I didn’t delve much into it.
“Hi! Nice to meet you,” I muttered and was about to bow when I saw him extending his hand for a handshake.
“A pleasure to meet you, Emilia!” he said in a slow manner. Flexing his deep voice which I didn’t realize he had when he said a word earlier. I was preoccupied with my sister.
I held his sweaty hand for a shake and was about to take it back when he tightened his grip. I furrowed at his sudden gesture. And because of what he did, I noticed how calloused and toned his hand is… despite being a high school student.
“Uhm, excuse me Mister Nico but can I have my hand back?” politely, I mumbled.
He quickly loosens his grip and I took the chance to turn my attention to Scott—whose attention is on the man beside him, brows furrowed.
“Just visit him at home after your practice. You know how stubborn he is whenever he’s sick.” I suggested, grabbing Scott’s attention.
I received a nod from him as an answer. Not taking too much time with them anymore, I bid them goodbye. I shook my head when I heard Scott scolding Nico for what he did—the prolonged handshake with me.
Again, I dialed my driver’s number and in just a ring… he answered.
“Exit!” Before I could even speak another word, the call ended. As usual.
“You’re rude!” I fired at my driver the moment I got inside the car. I glared at him when I heard him chuckle.
Sebastian started the engine and maneuvered the car out of the campus. “When will you change your rude attitude, hmm Sebastian?” I sarcastically muttered, breaking the silence that’s slowly building between us.
“When you learn to not take my rude attitude seriously,” he mumbles, gaze focused on the road.
His answer made me theatrically roll my eyes. Sebastian’s mine and Trisha’s childhood friend—well, I do consider him as a childhood friend since he’s been with me since my diaper days—the reason why he’s fearless when it comes to being rude.
Though he only acts like that towards me. The man would change in an instant the moment he is with Trisha, my younger sister.
I rested my elbow on the window and palm on my cheeks. “You’re only rude towards me. Why not with Trisha?” I blurted out, gaze outside the road.
There was a long pause on his end. Maybe he was thinking of an answer that would not offend me. I know everyone in the house love’s my younger sister, I also love her, but their love towards me is different…I just know it’s different.
“Because I’m more comfortable with you.” Was his answer that I did not acknowledge any further. I welcome the lingering silence between us.
When the car’s engine died down, I quickly got out of the car and did not wait for Sebastian anymore, since he still needs to clean the car—as per father’s instruction.
The instant I got inside the house; the deafening silence welcomed me. Right! It’s been three days since it’s just me and Trisha living inside this huge mansion. It’s never bad to have this kind of peacefulness sometimes. No maids gossiping or parents yelling at each other.
After tossing my backpack at the sofa, I headed towards the second floor but halted midway when moans and groans graced my ears.
I furrowed at the indecent noises coming from my sister’s room. Is she doing that thing? But isn’t it too loud for a soft-spoken girl like her?
However, my thought immediately failed me the moment I heard a familiar name that my own sister’s been screaming in pleasure.
I could feel my legs losing their strength as indecent thoughts of the possible scene that I’ll be witnessing when I open that door rush through my mind.
“Hah!” I heave a sigh to relieve myself from this numbing that’s slowly building on me.
“You’re crazy, Emilia! Why would she be with Clarence? Maybe you’re just mistaken. He probably has the same name as your boyfriend. He would never cheat on you.” I mumble like a crazy person.
I slowly continued my step, but the other part of me says I should not open the door, while the other says, I should and confirm it before jumping to conclusion. And because I am a fake-strong lady, I continued to confirm.
There was a slight gap on Trisha’s door. The screams of pleasure between two people are getting clearer and louder. Enduring the pain that’s building on me and fighting my intuition, I push the door open.
I felt my guts twitching as I stood motionless while witnessing my own boyfriend, pounding my younger sister as she screamed deliriously in pleasure.
I felt my body numb on its own, however it did not become a reason for me to falter. I don’t know how I manage to stand on my two feet knowing that they don’t have any strength left.
I manage to let myself witness the revolting indecent deed they are doing. Imprinting in my mind every move he’s doing to her and how my sister is clinging tightly on his neck as she screams in pleasure.
When? When did they start doing this behind my back? Was she the reason why he was always on the phone? Was she the reason why he’s been cold to me? Was she the reason for his lies?
Questions surge on my mind as I stood there unmoving until they both noticed me, and I could see the horror in their faces when they finally did.
I saw how my sister, Trisha, pushed Clarence off her and pulled the sheets to cover herself up. Clarence, who probably recovered from shock, seeing his girlfriend witnessing his cheating, immediately stood up and grabbed something he could to cover himself down there before he strides towards me.
I wanted to smack his face even though I could not feel my arms.
He stretched his hand out, his eyes pleading as he looked at me. “B-baby, I-I’m sorry. Hear me out ple-please,” his voice broke.
But before he could even touch me, someone grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the scene. I could hear Clarence yelling for my name but could not follow us…or maybe he did not want to follow us… follow me.
Without the strength of my own legs, I fell on the stairs, but I was too numb to even feel any pain. Too numb to even feel my own body sinking to darkness.
~~~
“Do you know how much I wanted to punch and make a mess of that bastard’s face?”
A scream? I heard a scream but I was too tired to command my eyes to open. I just let myself listen to the two people’s conversation. I know eavesdropping is not nice, but I couldn’t help myself as I am unable to lift a finger even though I wanted to. Something’s hindering me to move my body, like a gravitational force of some sort.
“I know you are mad. And I am too, but it’s not our business to meddle in their affairs. Plus, you just met Emilia. Why are you so worked up?”
Is that Scott’s voice I’m hearing? Why is he here? And who is the other person? Is it Nico?
Based on what Scott said, he is the only person I’ve met today.
“We should not be talking about this here. Let’s go find somewhere private.”
It’s Scott’s voice again. I heard their steps getting further and a door closing.
“Where am I?” in a hoarse voice, I finally let out a question after ten minutes of watching back and forth the three men who are with me inside this room.
After Scott and Nico left earlier, I think I have fallen asleep again. And when I woke up, I was surprised with the sight of a white room and three men sitting closely like sardines on a three-seater sofa. But because of their toned body, they could not fit at the end.
No one really wants to stand that they even endure sitting closely to each other. Men and their pride.
“You fainted,” it was Sebastian who gave me a reply. He finally stood up to pour me a glass of water.
“Do you remember what happened?” This time Scott asks me, worry can be heard in his voice.
I grab the glass that Sebastian handed me before lowering my head and nod a reply to Scott.
Everything…I remember it crystal clear.
How my sister and boyfriend lied behind my back. Was their treatment towards me all lies after all?
I wanted to cry but I couldn’t. There’s this heavy feeling in my chest that wanted to burst out of me but couldn’t find a way to get out.
“I’m done here!”
I raised my head and saw Nico walking towards the door. I was expecting him to leave but then he just halted and glanced at me with eyes void of emotion.
Puzzled by what is happening, I also stare at him. Contemplating on whether to keep my mouth shut or say thank you.
I know he was the one who pulled me out of that scene. His calloused hand is the proof and I could still feel the roughness in my arm.
I saw him click his tongue like he was annoyed or something. Now I’m really confused about what’s happening to this boy.
“I’ve paid your hospital bills so you’re ready to be discharged. Scott will provide you a place to stay and Sebastian, your friend, has contacted your parents about the incident. Before you react, I am the one who told him to do it. So, if you’re angry then vent it on me, but not now, because you need to rest and don’t think of anything else.” And with that he left.
I could barely process what he said, and he just left like that? I watch the two boys with a confused expression. Asking for an explanation of what just happened.
But all I get from Scott is a shrug and a silent treatment from Sebastian.
EmilianaI looked at Sebastian, puzzled and unamused at his words. "W-what are you talking about?" I stammered. My eyes were looking at his face attentively, searching for something, like a sudden smile would find its place in his lips.But no… what I anticipated did not come. He was staring at me, eyes full of seriousness and lips pursed thinly.I scoffed and showed a half smile. Not taking what he said seriously. "Tell me you're joking, Sebastian." I muttered again without stammering. And I want to pat myself on the back for showing how calm I am even though inside my head feels so chaotic with questions I am not sure if I am able to say to him.The man in front of me shook his head. "I wish I am… but I'm not, Emiliana. All these years I have been with you, I know you are my sister. The father I have been with during my stay in the Vergara mansion is not my real father. He was my mother's younger brother. I—"I raise my hand to shush him. I needed time to let his information sink i
EmilianaFollowing Sebastian exit from the conference room, I am now seated on the chair he had occupied earlier. Facing Nicholas who watches my every move with a knitted brow and thinned-line lips.The room was well lit enough that I could not miss a single detail on his mouth gape, his tongue moving as he licked and wetted his lower lip. Feeling the shame of checking him out, I briefly lowered my gaze on my hands then moved them back to his face.“I won’t go around the bush since you have an idea why I wanted to meet with you. I heard from Valentino that you wanted to appoint me as your architect for the house that you’re planning to build in the Philippines.” I started. I stare at him as he nods his head, agreeing to what I’m saying.“That’s correct! And I presume that you have already made your decision.” Swirling the pen on his hand, he spoke with anticipation and confidence.I shake my head. “I have not yet made my decision. I wanted to ask you first on why you wanted it to be m
EmilianaI felt my world got slower than it currently is when I turned to face the person who called me by the nickname that I haven't heard since I left the Philippines."You!" was the word that left my mouth as I gape while looking at a fine young man, dressed neatly in a well-ironed three piece black suit.He has aged quite a bit since the last time I saw him. He is more mature looking with a defined facial feature. His body had the traces of someone who visits the gym daily."Liana!" He called again and before I could even show another reaction, he was already striding towards me, fast paced.In a swift, I was locked in his arms, tightly. "Liana. Oh God! I thought… I thought I would never see you again." He mumbled with a muffled tone as he buried his face on my neck."S-sebastian!" I choked, finally able to say his name out loud. I didn’t know what to do. If I am going to hug him back or if I will cry. This unexpected reunion is taking my strength away from me, making my senses go
EmilianaOr maybe I have feelings for him?I quickly shake my head at the thought that randomly evades my mind. Impossible. It's not that long since we met each other again. How could I possibly develop such feelings in a short period of time?In order not to think of any useless and crazy thoughts again, I went back to focusing my attention on the cartoon I am watching. My ice cream had slowly melted. I stayed for another ten minutes before I decided to end the night.The following morning, I woke up at exactly 7 sharp. Like my daily routine, I started my day tidying my bed and did a little stretching to awaken my muscles and joints.I'm still 23 yet I feel like an old lady. With a back pain that sometimes annoys the hell out of me.I snatched my phone from the bedside table and dialed Maximillian’s number. It did not take a minute before the call was answered.“Good Morning, Miss Vergara.” She started the moment our call connected. Her voice sounds a bit hoarse. A proof that she is s
Emiliana “What did you and Nicholas talk about? I heard from your secretary that you were yelling inside your office,” I started, breaking the noises coming from our utensils. Valentino and I are having our dinner right now. A silent dinner, if I may say. He had not said a word since we saw each other after lunch break. And when I asked where Nico is, he simply answered me with a shrug. I lowered down my utensils. Leaned my back on the chair’s back rest and crossed both arms as I watch my cousin with curious gaze. “Van? What’s wrong with you? You usually don’t keep your mouth shut when we are having dinner?” I uttered again, trying to fish out some information from him. But my dear cousin only stared at me. His eyes were expressing mixed emotions that I cannot pinpoint. His stare was only brief as he lowered his head down. Playing with the roasted shrimp on his barely touched food. Using his fork, I followed how he stabs the poor viand. Now that’s rare to see. This mannerism of hi
Nicholas “Are you still going to chase after her even after knowing that you don’t stand a chance? Emiliana is still stuck on that day. She may have been doing well but she obviously had built a wall for herself.” I heard my cousin, Scott, said. "I am even surprised that you were able to take her on a date. And have your way on her. I've heard that Ems don't usually entertain men and if she does, they couldn't even take her to a date." he added, quite amuse. I had my head lowered as I played with the bottle of beer, swirling it around. I know well what Scott said. She’s just putting up with me. With my advance and when she had enough and overwhelmed by it, she wanted out. “I am thankful for her that she gave me a chance to be able to freely touch her hand, take her on a small date. And if you asks me if I will chase her, then my reply to you is yes I will. I will still chase her. I will wait for her to completely heal. I will be the man who will be able to free her from the wall she
Nicholas“Let’s end this, Nico!”I raise my head and stare at Emiliana. My heart instantly sank the moment I saw how serious she is with the words she has spoken. I am not dense to not know what she meant about ending this. But I don’t want to acknowledge her words.I let go of my cutlery and shifted my full attention to her. I won’t let this night end with me and her parting ways. Like we were back to being strangers. I don’t like and want that idea.And 5 years of not seeing her is already enough for me. If I would experience that again—after seeing her all well and doing fine—I don’t think my heart and mind could take it.“Are you already full? If you are, we can go out. I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”Emiliana shakes her head. Her eyes were apologetically gazing at me.‘Please don’t.’ I wanted to tell her those words. She should not be feeling sorry for me. I completely understand where she’s coming from.“I want to end this. I want you to end whatever this is that you’re
I was about to shove the mouthful of ice cream when a knock coming from the outside interrupted me. Before I could even say a word, the door was pushed open and outside is the owner of the office.‘Why is he knocking in his own office?’ Baffled, I watched Nicholas staring at me as he moves inside. “Did I make you wait? Where is Scott?”I shake my head. My arm that’s holding my spoon is suspended on air. “I didn’t get bored. I am actually enjoying the ice cream your secretary had prepared for me. And Scott left thirty minutes ago. He said he had somethings to attend to.” His eyes then landed at the tub of cold dessert resting on top of the table.Nicholas strides closer to me. Before I could even react or move, his lips were already sitting perfectly on my forehead. “I’m back!” He uttered the moment he inched a way from me.I didn’t know what to response or do. My eyes seem captivated by him that I couldn’t do anything but stare at the man in front of me.‘My man is completely drawn to
Scott’s been complaining about how painful his wound is. I didn’t listen to him and continue dabbing the cotton ball that is soaked with alcohol, to the point that it’s dripping down my wrist.“You should have squeezed the excess liquid,” mumbled Scott as I held his chin firmly so he won’t move around while I am tending his cut.“Guide him to the conference room and prepare some refreshments. Bring it to my office afterwards.”I look up to Nicholas’ direction when I heard him speak. He was on a phone call. I saw him gaze at our direction. “I’ll be there in five.”“Are you going to meet Mr. Giordano now?” I heard Scott inquire. Nicholas nod a reply as he picked up his coat and swiftly inserted his left arm on the sleeve, next the other. He buttoned down the second button before fixing his tie.I watched him attentively as he fixed his already neatly brushed hair. He looks more refined and mature in his appearance now.“Ems, he’ll melt you know,” I quickly turned to face Scott when he w
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