I drove to Damon's restaurant and chose to seat on the VIP area. I dialed his number twice already and it took him time to answer the call the third time I did."Are you gonna help me have access to the underground association or not?" I asked as soon as he picked up.[You're still on it, are you?] I heard him sighed."Let me join your mafia, Damon. Let me join or I'll find another way," I responded.[You really won't let me stop you, huh? Okay then,] I felt chills when the tone of his voice suddenly changed. [I'll talk to my dad about that. Expect an email coming from an anonymous sender before the clock stikes at midnight. Once you open that, there's no turning back.]"Okay, thank you, Dame. I won't back out."[You better not try, Quel. Dad might be a good man but for him, rules are rules. Whoever turns their back to the mafia will die.]"As long as she's safe, I'll be fine."[I just hope you're really aware how much of a danger will the mafia bring to your life, Saavedra.] He then
"Fuck! Stop touching my wound, Iris!" I hissed in pain when she touch it again."Why? The sound of your agony is perfect. And I was the one who took the bullet out of your body. You should be grateful and pay me with fun instead of money," I looked at her with my jaw already on the floor. She just said the craziest thing."Dude! Do you mind stopping your sister?" Damon glanced at me for a second then just shrugged. He really has no plans of saving me from his psychotic sister.Iris stopped playing with my wounds after a minute or two which made me sigh in relief.She crossed her arms. "You should have called us when you were in trouble. It's a good thing you happened to turn to our property.""Yeah? And it's pretty unbelievable how that small house turned into something this big."Iris laughed. "That is what you call magic, Exiquel."I wasn't able to go home to my wife that night. Damon and Iris didn't let me and insisted I should sleep here even just for tonight. I can't call Athijha
{Do you know is happening?}There was a photo attached to that message. I don't know if I can trust this or not, especially that it came from Antony Alonso.But I found my hands trembling as jealousy and anger started to cloud my mind.{Guess what? Athijha betrayed you just like how she betrayed me.}She also sent me a photo of River and Athijha. It was dark but it seems like they're exchanging kisses.Is this the reason why she's been acting different around me? No, it can't be.{Believe me, Exiquel. She's just using you. For fame and money.}"Hey, love," She greeted in a soft voice.I pushed her away. It feels like I was just reminded of the betrayal I suffered from because of her. Why? Why does she keeps on betraying me?"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked in a soft voice which made my blood boil.Please, stop sounding like an angel."Nothing. I just thought that I should just stop playing around. And you should stop playing too, Athijha.""What are you saying? Come on, I've brought us
Assia Emeraude Vista's Point of View{Athijha Esmeray Saavedra}I clenched my fist while looking down. I can't believe it. I can't believe they had to go that far just to keep a grip on me. Just to get rid of me."That happened, huh?" I mumbled as I grit my teeth. I laughed sarcastically. "How immature of 'em.""Damon and I are working together to keep them on the ground. You don't have to worry about them anymore, Jha," He said in a soft tone.I raised my head only to see a kind smile that made my head heat in annoyance.I glared at him them let out an empty laugh. "What? Do you think I'm stupid? Of course, I know that."Shock is visible in his eyes. "What do you mean?"I shook my head. "Don't think that I have already forgiven you just because I know what you've been through now," I said."Yeah, sorry.""I'm still mad. I'm still mad at you for not trusting me enough. Some parts of me still believe that you are one of those people to blame for losing my child."He smiled again. I am
"They made it look like we are holding them in place by using the boss itself. Antony Alonso is a cunning man so it puzzled me when Damon told me that they're restraining them. So, I made someone investigate this for me outside the mafia."His forehead creased. "What the hell are you thinking? You're putting everything at risk by doing that, Assia.""Chill, kuya," I chuckled. "She won't try to drag us down. After all, even if we're both using each other, she's looking down on the mafia," I shrugged my shoulder. "Based on her personality, she won't even touch us since she's deeply acquainted with one of us as well."He sighed. "And what's with this plan for? A ball?" I smiled then nodded at him.I know he has an idea about what I am planning to do."Are you sure? The Alonso's might doubt this. You fought back the last time you stepped a foot in their mansion, didn't you?"I smirked. "I never told them that I am a Vista, though.""So that's the reason why made a show, huh?" He chuckled.
{You tell me why you're insisting we're not divorced later, asshole.}Yes, I ended up texting him something that might... that might just make him a little better.I braided a small portion of my hair then tied it at the back. I put on my coat then took my bag."Kuya, can you give me a ride? I am a little lazy. You know what happens when I drive lazily, right? I always end up with a fucking ticket from some police officers who doesn't know their place."He chuckled then pat my head. "Sure. But you should not talk like that about police officers who're just doing their jobs."I flipped my hair. "You used to like this. What? Is this some sort of black magic and suddenly turned you into some good man?" I sarcastically said."Nope, I just fell in love just like you did, little sis," He laughed."Well then, looks like we go really crazy because of love."Dad laughed at us. "Seems like the both of you took after me," He joked."Yeah, seems like that's the case. We are a family who have such
The other executives didn't even had the chance to speak up or defend the CFO who is known for being close to every employee of this company.I clapped twice then smiled. "So much time has been wasted. Shall we start?"I handed them the files I have prepared."I reviewed everything about the whole corporation. Its history, planning of our businesses, our employees as well as the smallest stuffs that have lead me into entertaining a certain idea.""And as all we know, we owned hotels, restaurants, bars, condominiums, subdivisions and resorts. We are also connected to airlines and different types of vehicles because of partnerships.""And how does that concern losing a hundred dollars?" Kuya River asked.Could he not let me finish what I am saying?"We're always involved into luxurious type of businesses. I was thinking of dropping one, especially the minor partnership we have. But I have came of an idea to put another business instead of dropping one.""What? We're just going to create
He was about to hug me when the other pair of my shoes hit his face."Aww""Shut up! I don't miss you! Do not go assuming things just because something so far from it was mentioned, you bastard," I said which made me face redder.Why the hell did I stuttered?"Yeah, that's a hundred percent believable, wife."I crossed my arms. "I have something to ask.""Is this connected to the text you sent me?"I had the urge to hit him with my bag but this is a gift from dad so I just can't."Why are you insisting that I am still your wife? You signed the divorce papers back then, Exiquel."He smirked. "Oh, that? I didn't want to let go of you so I retrieved it when you left. Then I burned it together with the copies you prepared."My jaw dropped upon hearing that. "How dare you put my money and efforts to waste?"He laughed. "Don't worry, wife. I'll give them back to you, twice. Even a million times if you ask. Anything for you," He replied then wiggled his eyebrows."What if I do something unfo
"Clea," Exiquel called right after I jumped out of our car. "Are you hear to play with me again?" He asked.I smiled then waved at him. "Of course, what else could be the reason I am here?" I asked.I witnessed how my father treated Athijha and she witnessed how hard it was for me too. My sister and I was there for each other but we never had the power to save each other.We were exposed to tons and tons of crimes at such a young age. We were exposed to killing and smuggling, all for the mafia. And even if I want to deny it, Athijha and I were also victims of our father's craziness.My hatred towards this family grew that I even did the most stupid mistake. I used Athijha as as shield just so I can enjoy my life.I started feeling envious towards my sister when I found out that we have different fathers. And I always wished I was her because even if she's an illegitimate child, her real dad is not like mine.I'd always cry myself to sleep after dad's done with his business with me.I'
"Why... why didn't you do it?""I don't know what to say to that person," She replied.I felt enraged towards the person she's talking about. He must hide under his mom's skirt once I find out who he is because curse the ground he's standing on to. I will definitely hunt her until he wishes he died before he could meet me.She was mumbling something but it's a little vague and faint."What? Sorry, Assia, I didn't catch it," I said.Her jaw almost fell when I said that. I wonder what's wrong with her.She laughed nervously and then shook her head. "I didn't say anything. Ha ha ha," She averted her gaze and then smiled a little. "I just find the crowd a little uncomfortable."I chuckled. "Still not used to the crowd, huh?"Something hasn't changed. "I guess I could never get used to it," She whispered in the air.I presented my hand. Her eyes traveled from my palm, up to my shoulder, and then to my bluebell eyes. A smile which reached my eyes crept on my lips as she stares at me with t
"Then I'll just go back to my s-," Before she could even finish what she was saying, I grabbed her arm.My brows are furrowed. "Nope, you're not going anywhere. You're staying here with me."She just want to tease me and damn, love, it's working!She closed her eyes. She sighed and smiled as if she's planning some mischievous things again and wants me to be a part of it.She tugged the hem of my shirt. "What?" I asked."Will you go with me?" She asked in a flirtatious manner.I looked around. "Where?"She smiled a little. "To the cliff, of course.""No," I said which made her brows furrow."Why not?" She asked."You just want to escape this party and just don't want to hear their farewells," I replied and crossed my arms. "And what are you gonna do there? Just stare at the moon or something?"She made a face then stepped on my foot."Stop sounding so sarcastic. And it's better to talk with my son than hear their farewells and shed a tear in the crowd. So, if you don't want to come wit
"Do you feel okay, little sis?" River asked.She tried to reach up for her brother's hand as her eyes starts to water. "Kuya," She called, almost voiceless. "Kuya," She repeated in much clearer voice.She calls her Kuya, huh? It is a Filipino word which refers to your older sibling with a male gender, I suppose. Damn, I guess I really did miss a lot of things.River chuckled a bit then drove his wheelchair to his sister's side.I gulped when I witnessed I Ath... Assia pulled her brother in for a hug."Your eye," She mumbled as she hide her face on River's shoulder."You're thinking that I've gone blind, are you?" She nodded in response. "My eyelid was just grazed by a knife. It's just a small cut.""What if you go blind in tge following years because of that?" Assia asked."I'm glad you're still as silly as fuck," River said then let out a burst of a loud laughter. "Good morning, little sis."You're not really hurt, right?""Yeah. I caught a bullet with my leg though.""Well, you're a
"Good evening, my lady. You look gorgeous like always," I said with a smile when she opened the door."And you are annoying as always," She said then rolled her eyes. "Can I leave this bouquet here? I have a feeling that I might destroy this by slapping you with it out of annoyance.""Harsh. But sure," I took her hand and kissed it. "Shall we go, gorgeous?"She nodded. "Sure."I never knew that 4 kilometers ride is too short for us to stay in car together. Damn the time."Quel, do you know me?" She asked out of nowhere.My forehead creased. "What do you mean? Of course, I know you, Athijha.""What if my name is not really Athijha? What if it is Clea?" She joked then chuckled a bit. "Don't get me wrong, okay? What if I am just her copycat and the real one just happened to tell me everything about her life?"I smiled. "Then you copied her perfectly. Your mannerism, the way you frown, your smile, and your laugh. It perfectly matches hers. But I can never forget how her eyes look. That is
It seems like she's havinf the urge to hit me with her bag she held herself back. "Why are you insisting that I am still your wife? You signed the divorce papers back then, Exiquel." She said.I smirked. "Oh, that? I didn't want to let go of you so I retrieved it when you left. Then I burned it together with the copies you prepared."Her jaw dropped upon hearing that. "How dare you put my money and efforts to waste?"I laughed. "Don't worry, wife. I'll give them back to you, twice. Even a million times if you ask. Anything for you," I replied then wiggled my eyebrows."What if I do something unforgivable? Are you still willing to do that?"I chuckled. "I'll always be on your side, little girl," I shuffled her hair."Exiquel," She called my name."Hmm? What is it, wife?" I asked.She took a step forward. "Do you still remember something I do?" She asked then took another step. "To the moon and back?"My eyes widened upon hearing that. My eyes shone with an unreadable emotion that keep
I visited the pavilion I built to commemorate the faded existence of my child.I'll bring Athijha here for some other time.When I got home, I decided to give her a call.[What is your problem, again?] She said as soon as she answered the call."Are you home?" I asked.[And why should you know?] She retorted with sarcasm. "You didn't text me so I got worried. Are you home? I'm heading there," I said, making up reasons just so I can hear her talk.[No, I am not. I just left. And I don't really see any reason why you should know.]"Because I am your husband," I responded in a proud tone, giving her a hint about what I did.She scoffed. [No, you're not.][Yes, I am.] I insisted.[Shut up, Exiquel. We're divorced. Stop insisting we're not separated, you dumbass.]"Or not," I chuckled.[Whatever you say. I gotta go. There is something important I have to do. Something more important than you,] She said then dropped the call.Then she found out about what I did. She kept on ranting about h
I felt how she got frozen on the spot when I planted a soft kiss on her forehead. I smiled at the back of my mind.I missed doing that."You're being considerate of my feelings too much again. I can handle myself, you know. Go on, love. Sleep now. I'll leave you here alone now. Goodnight, my love."I was wakened by terrified screams from the other room.Chill washed through my body when I realized it was my wife."No, son, no! No," She screamed."Athijha," I called in panic. She's still asleep and covered with sweat as she cries in her sleep."Fuck! Athijha, wake up!"She gasped for air then opened her eyes widely.She touched her cheeks and then brushed the tears away as I cup her face."Fuck! Are you okay, love?"She looked at me who's looking at her with my eyes filled with fear and nervousness.She held onto my wrist then tilted her head. "Quel," she called my name."Yes, love? What is it? Did you had a nightmare?" I asked in a worried manner."Love," She uttered our endearment th
She went out if the car and was about to guide me out but she doesn't really have to do that anymore. I jumped out on my own."It's okay, Jha. I am not drunk anymore," I flashed a smile. "You're back in here again."She nodded a little. She may not be aware of this but the way she acts while looking at the place that's used to be her home says how uncomfortable she is."You should take my car on your way home. It's dangerous," I said."No, thanks," She declined."Athijha.""No matter how much you put authority and warning in your voice, you can't order me to use this since I left my friend's car at the parking lot of the restuarant in front of the club where you drowned yourself."I took a remote out of my pants. "Then might as well spend the night here instead of going home at this hour."I walked in and didn't even dare to look back because I know that she'll choose to walk away and go with the first option I had given her.As I shower in the bathroom of her old room, my feet felt c