When Hearts Collide

Ako si *y/n* at nag-aaral ako sa PK Academy. Tahimik at payapa ang pamilya namin, hindi palagi nag-aaway sina mama at papa, at ako ay isang unica hija. Ngunit hindi kami gaano kayaman, sakto lamang, hindi mayaman at hindi naman mahirap. Si papa ay isang mekaniko, regular ang kaniyang pagpasok sa kaniyang pinagtratrabahuhan. At si mama ay isang guro sa PK Academy. Para sa akin, ito ang buhay na hinanap ko at wala na akong hahanapin pa.

Ngunit kagaya nga ng sinasabi nila, walang perpektong buhay. Si papa ay namayapa sa edad na 42. Tahimik, at walang paalam ang kaniyang paglisan. Kami ay sobrang nalungkot ni mama dahil saka lang namin nalaman na may sakit pala na malala si papa at inilihim niya ito sa amin. Inilibing na si papa at umiiyak kaming umuwi ng bahay ni mama.

Isang taon ang lumipas at nasa second year college na ako. Si mama ay teacher pa rin ng PK Academy kung saan ako nag-aaral. Ang akala ko ay naging masaya ng muli si mama kase palagi pa rin siyang ngumingiti at masaya araw-araw. Si mama ay kilala bilang masayahin at palaging positibo sa buhay anuman ang pagsubok na dumarating. Ngunit napapansin kong pumapayat ang katawan ni mama at dumarami ang buhok na nakikita kong naiiwan sa suklay ni mama. Napansin ko rin na palagi siyang naka-headband ng panyo at nang gabi ay sumilip ako sa kwarto niya. At nagulat ako sa aking nakita.

"Ma b-bakit wala na po kayong buhok?"

nauutal kong sabi.

Ngunit hindi kaagad nakasagot si mama sa aking katanungan at lumuha lamang siya.

"Anak, may cancer ako, stage 4. Patawad anak." tugon ni mama habang umiiyak.

"Ma, anong sorry ang pinagsasabi mo diyan? Mabubuhay ka pa ng mahaba, magsasama pa tayo ng matagal, kaya hindi po iyan magandang biro, ma."

Pagkatapos ko itong sabihin kay mama, pumunta ako sa tabihan niya at umupo. Yinakap ko siya ng mahigpit habang sinasabing gagaling pa siya.

Ngunit pagkaraan ng ilang minuto, naramdaman kong nanlamig si mama. At pagtingin ko sa kaniyang mukha, siya ay namumutla na. Dali-dali akong tumawag ng 911 para maagapan pa si mama.

Sa kasamaang palad, siya ay namatay na. Sabi ng Doctor, malala na raw ang kaniyang cancer at mas lalong lumala dahil hindi na siya pumupunta sa hospital para magkaroon ng treatment ang kaniyang sakit.

Sa kaloob-looban ko, nararamdaman ko ang init ng apoy ng galit. Pareho sila ni papa na umalis ng tahimik at walang paalam. Pareho nilang inilihim ang sakit nila at hinintay nila na mamatay nalang sila.

Bakit ba ang t4nga ko? Paanong hindi ko napansin ang mga signs na may sakit sila ng mas maaga? Bakit nagpaka-bulag ako?

Ang dami kong tanong pero ano pa ba ang magagawa ko, huli na ang lahat. Patay na sila. At hindi ako pwedeng magmukmok nalang habang buhay, mag-isa nalang akong tatahak sa mga pangarap ko.

Pumunta ako sa bangko at nag-withdraw ng savings ng family ko. Kumuha ako ng pera para makabili ng coffin at mailibing na si mama katabi ng puntod ni papa. Isang araw akong tulala sa klase at namamaga ang mga mata ko dahil sa kakaiyak.

Ngayon ay iniisip ko na kung paano makakaraos sa buhay dahil hindi sapat ang savings namin para sa pag-aaral ko at sa mga pangangailangan ko araw-araw. Unti-unti kasi itong naubos dahil na rin sa pagkamatay nina papa at mama. Ang pinangako ko kina mama at papa ay tutuparin ko, magtatapos ako ng aking pag-aaral kahit anuman ang mangyari sa buhay.

Nag-part time job ako sa isang coffee shop at kaagad naman akong natanggap dahil sa good performance at experience na ilinagay ko sa aking resume. Pati rin ang manager namin na babae ay natuwa sa aking performance sa trabaho.

In-memorize ko lahat ng mga nakalagay sa menu namin at ang mga presyo narin nito.

Mabilis lang ako natuto sa mga bagay-bagay at tama naman ang sahod na ibinibigay ng boss namin. Walang labis, walang kulang. Nadagdagan ko narin ang savings dati naming tatlo.

Pero akala ko, makakaraos na ako sa aking buhay. Akala lang pala iyon.

Dumating ang bago naming ka-workmate. Siya ay maganda, matangkad, at maputi, pero mas matangkad ako sa kaniya ng isang daliri. Ang first impression ko sa kaniya ay isa siyang mabait na tao.

Pero kabaliktaran ang kaniyang ugali mula sa inakala ko.

Nagsimulang magpakita ang kaniyang tunay na kulay sa unang araw palang ng kaniyang trabaho.

"Lenn, pwede bang paki-deliver ito doon sa table number six kasi marami tayong customer ngayon at isa lang ang waiter natin at dalawang waitress, please."

"No way, I applied here to wash dishes and not to deliver food to someone else. Why not 'ya do it?" masungit niyang sagot sa akin.

"But I can't leave this right now, I'm in charge for cashier and there's a lot of people here ordering. So please, can you?"

"Arghh fine, why do I still need to work on this filthy place?!" pagrereklamo nito.

Ang galing niyang magreklamo, at inis na inis ako sa kaniya. Halata naman kasing galing siya sa mayaman na pamilya kasi nagi-english at parang napilitan lang na nagtrabaho siya dito. Hindi ko alam, pero baka may punishment siya o kaya naman na-bankrupt na ang company nila.

Nagpatuloy siyang ganito sa mga sumunod na araw. She kept on complaining over small things and my manager noticed it too. As a result, Mrs. Zon fired her. I thought she's done for ruining my perfect little quite life as a student with a part time job in the coffee shop. But Lenn is not done yet.

Yung ka-workmate ko ang nag-deliver ng coffee na Brazil Fazenda Catanduva. Ngayon ay in-charge naman ako sa paggawa ng coffee. Makalipas ang ilang minuto, may nag-report sa manager na nalason ang isang matandang foreigner nang inumin niya ang coffee at pinapahanap kung sino ang gumawa ng kape. At pinatawag ako ni Mrs. Zon sa office.

"How could you do this to me, *y/n*, you sabotaged my company. I put my trust in you and this is how you repay me?! You're lucky that the old man didn't file a complaint against us; otherwise you'd end up in jail, you bastard!"

I was dumbfounded for what I have heard. I'm not the one who put poison in his coffee. Wait, that waiter! Yung waiter na inutusan kong mag-deliver ng coffee ni Sir.

"Even if you explain, I will not listen to you anymore. Now, leave!" sabay turo sa pintuan.

Wala akong nagawa kundi umalis at umiyak nalang ng umiyak sa upuan sa labas. Balang araw, matitikman niyo rin ang pait ng kasamaan na ginawa niyo sa akin. Siyempre, alam ko kung sino ang gumawa nito sa akin at walang iba kundi ang kasabwat na waiter ni Lenn. May voice record ako ng pinag-usapan nilang dalawa sa cellphone ko. Plinano talaga nilang dalawa ito dahil naiinggit sila sa akin dahil sa akin pabor si Mrs. Zon. Ngunit hindi muna ako magsasalita laban sa kanila, mag-iipon muna ako.

Hanggang ngayon kinakausap ko pa rin ang sarili ko kase parang hindi pa nag-sink in sa utak ko ang mga masasamang nangyari sa buhay ko. Una, namatay si papa. Pangalawa, sunod namang namatay si mama. At panghuli, natanggal ako sa trabaho ko.

Hindi ko na namalayan na malakas na at nababasa na pala ako ng ulan, tapos gabi pa. Nakalimutan ko pa na magdala ng payong o kahit kapote manlang. Napakalutang ko naman kasing babae. Pero tumingin ako sa kalangitan at may lalaking matangkad ang nag-abot ng payong sa akin.

"Are you going to let yourself get sick, miss?"

His black tuxedo matches the darkness of night. The deep, cold voice of his is enough to make me shiver. It feels like it's colder than the rain or the surroundings I'm in now.

"Oh, sorry I forgot my umbrella at home. Thanks for lending me yours."

"By the way, I've heard that you don't have a job now. Here's my contact card; just call me if you're looking for a person to work for."

"Thanks a lot."

I watched him as he walked and faded into the distance.

Kinabukasan, nagising ako ng maaga at pumunta na sa klase. May summative test kami ngayon at mabuti nalang nakapag-review ako after ng kilig moments ko kagabi. Sa kabutihang palad, nakakuha ako ng perfect score sa subject namin sa Science. Hanggang sa dumating na ang oras ng uwian at tumungo ako kaagad sa bahay para magpalit ng damit. Tinawagan ko ang number na binigay sa akin ng lalaki kagabi at ang secretary ang sumagot sa tawag ko. Sinabi niya ang address at sabi pa niya na hinihintay na daw ako sa kompanya nila.

I wore my most formal dress and went inside the building. The staff guided me to my soon-to-be boss's office. When I arrived there, he welcomed me with his fierce gaze. He just simply said that I could start my duties now as his personal secretary. Does Mr. Mysterious just accept and hire people like that? I don't even know his name, so I asked.

"Sir, can I ask what your name is, since you haven't introduce yourself." I asked without thinking twice.

"So, you're just entering a door without even checking the labels? What if you entered the men's bathroom due to your lack of observation, what would you do?"

I was so speeches so I came out to check the sign and it says "Mr. Leo Dawson's Office." I blushed so hard because of the embarrassment I felt just now. But I entered the office immediately to start my job. And then a staff entered the room.

"Kuya, can you move that table near me?"

Nang matapos na ilipat ito ni kuya, tinawag ako ni Boss na umupo daw doon. Nagulat ako kasi malapit lang talaga yung table at chair sa kaniya. Yung former position ng table na iyon ay sobrang layo kay Sir tapos ngayon ililipat sa sobrang lapit naman sa kaniya. Huh? Naglo-loading ang utak ng ate ninyo.

Mr. Leo taught me how to encode that information to my pc. He's a good teacher, and luckily I'm a fast learner 'cuz it seems that he dislikes slow learner.

Pagkatapos ng isang oras, inutusan niya akong gumawa ng kape para sa kaniya. Two scoops of sugar and three scoops of dark coffee ang gusto niya. Kaya pumunta ako sa cafeteria para simulan na. Pinakulo ko na ang tubig sa electric kettle at ibinuhos na sa tasa. Nang matapos ko na ito, bumalik na ako kaagad sa office. Nakita kong tinanggal ni Sir yung coat niya at ilinagay sa likod ng upuan niya.

Nang saktong iaabot kona ang kape sa kaniya, bigla nalang akong natumba kahit wala namang nakakalat sa floor. Nabuhusan ko tuloy ng mainit na kape si Sir sa buong damit niya. At nagkalapit pa ang mukha namin at mabuti nalang nahawakan ni Sir ang braso ko. Pero I can feel the pain, para kang nasusunog niyan. Pero mas nakakatakot kasi ang laking kapalpakan ang nagawa ko ngayong araw na ito. Kumuha ako ng handkerchief at tsaka ibinigay kay Sir Leo. Pagkatapos nito, nag-sorry talaga ako ng paulit-ulit.

"Sir, I'm really really sorry for what I've done; I should have been more extra careful. You can scold me, Sir, but please don't fire me; I have nowhere else to turn in this life." pagmamakaawa kong sinabi sa kaniya.

"You should be, now let's continue our work."

Grabe parang natanggalan ng tinik dito sa leeg ko; kung kanina hindi ako makahinga dahil sa kaba, ngayon maluwag na ang paghinga ko. Mabuti nalang at pinatawad ako ni Sir Dawson, kase baka kung ibang boss siya, tanggal na talaga ako sa trabaho.

"Sir thank you very much."

__________________________________________

I am Leo Dawson; the only son of Mr. Goforde Dawson and Mrs. Selena Dawson. We own the company that manufactures phones you're holding right now. You might ask, "What brand and which one?" Brands are just labels, but we own the company that produces phones and supplies them to branded companies. We don't just sell phones; we deal in all gadgets worldwide, which is what makes us rich. Additionally, we are know as the "Cold-Blooded Riches." We take action those who harm our country; we don't feel obliged to forgive them.

This girl accidentally poured coffee all over my polo shirt, but it's fine; I actually like her. I've already asked my private investigator to gather information about this girl, and he'll be here any minute. This girl has caught my attention, and I'm not sure what's behind this feeling. To learn more about her, I'll just observe her from afar.

__________________________________________

Nang matapos na ang work ko, dumiretso na ako sa bahay. Nag-research ako tungkol sa mga Dawson Family pero walang result ang lumabas sa Google, kaya sa Instagram nalang ako pumunta. Nang makita ko ang result, nagulat ako. Maraming tao ang mga nag-post ng mga hate comments kay Sir Leo at pati na rin sa Familia Dawson.

-"Like parents, like child ang dating. Kung masama na noon mas masama na naman ngayon."

-"Bigyan hustisya ang pagkamatay ng asawa ko!"

-"Mamamatay-tao ang mga Dawson Family!"

Ilan lang ito sa mga nabasa kong hate comments. Paano kung totoo pala ang lahat ng ito at maaring nasa panganib na rin ang buhay ko? Pero kapag nag-resign ako, baka maghinala sa akin si Sir na may alam ako tungkol sa pamilya niya. Kaya mag-stay muna ako ng a little bit longer saka ako mag-resign. Pero kahit na ganoon ay kailangan ko pa rin na maging cautious para sa safety ko.

__________________________________________

My investigator arrived and he gave me the files. I read them and I learned that *y/n* is from an ordinary family and studying at PK Academy, my former school. Both her parents passed away due to illness, and she's alone. I kinda felt pity for her.

__________________________________________

Kinabukasan ay pumunta na ulit ako sa aking trabaho, ngunit may naiiba. Masakit ata ang ulo ni Sir kase hinihilot niya habang nakayuko. Tiningnan ko ang bag ko at tsaka kinuha ang dala kong white flower (ointment). Iniabot ko ito kay Sir and surprisingly, tinanggap niya ito. Most of the time kase, nakikita kong hindi niya ginagalaw o tinatanggap ang mga offer sa kaniya. Kagaya ng gamot, kape or food na galing sa mga girls na ka-workmate ko. But I understand him, he's just being cautious.

Pero ito ha, cold siya pagdating sa pag-ibig at pati na rin sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya. Kami nga na dalawa, hindi nag-uusap kahit na break time eh ang lapit lapit lang naman ng table namin. Yung ibang mga boss, ngumingiti sila kapag may bumabati sa kanila. While him, titingnan ka lang ng parang ikaw pa ang may kasalanan. May rumor pa akong narinig mula sa katrabaho ko tungkol sa kaniya, sinampal daw niya ng malakas yung secretary niya noon tsaka tinanggal sa trabaho kasi natapunan ng tsaa yung important files ni Sir Leo. Kaya natakot talaga ako noon kasi baka gawin niya iyon sa akin.

"Do you always carry this everywhere?"

"Yes, sir. Just in case."

"Oh I see, thanks." he said in a cold tone.

"Sir, may I ask if you have a girlfriend or wife?"

Tinanong ko sa kaniya kase curious lang talaga ako. Swerte ang babaeng iyon, for sure.

"I already have a fiancèe."

"Ah, okay sir."

"But I can ditch her for you."

Guys, nabingi ba ako? O sadyang tama lang talaga yung narinig ko. Tanungin ko nga ulit.

"Sir, can you repeat it po?"

Pero hindi na siya sumagot pa sa aking katanungan kaya bumalik na rin ako sa pagwo-work ko. Pero parang nafi-feel ko na namumula na ang mukha ko. Diba, what if totoo nga? Pero sino naman kaya yung fiancèe niya?

Matagal-tagal na rin akong nandito sa D Company, at marami na rin akong naipon. Siguro 9 months nalang para may pera ako para sa last semester ko sa college. Medyo pahirap na rin ng pahirap kasi pinagsasabay ko lahat ng mga reports ko sa trabaho at reports ko sa klase.

__________________________________________

Leo's flashback:

"Leo, anak, kailan mo ba planong pakasalan si Lenn? Mag dadalawang buwan na simula nang nag-propose ka sa kaniya. Excited na akong makita ang magiging apo ko."

"But dad, how many times do I have tell you that I don't love her. You forced me into this engagement, but I have no intentions of marrying her. I can't be your puppet forever, dad. I thought you were a good person, but it turns out you're driven by greed. You wanted more wealth, you used me to fulfill your desire."

"Napag-usapan na namin ito ng Family Azarcon, our decision is final! You will marry Lenn."

"What don't you marry her instead. You are the one who arranged this for your own greed!"

"Enough!"

My father just slapped me. He's never laid a hand on me before, but now he slapped me accross the face. His greediness consumed him.

__________________________________________

Hingal na hingal akong dumating sa tapat ng building, kase hindi ko na naabutan yung train na pinagsaksakyan ko, kaya no choice at tumakbo nalang ako kasi male-late na talaga ako. Ayaw kong nale-late kasi baka magalit si Sir Leo sa akin tsaka sayang naman yung maikakaltas sa sweldo. Pumunta na ako sa office room at nagsimula na. Mabuti nalang at hindi na mabilis ang heartbeat ko.

Maaga kaming natapos sa trabaho kaya pwede na raw akong umuwi. Pero hindi pa ako dumiretso sa bahay, pumunta muna ako sa bar. Iinom lang ako ng juice tapos, kakain kaunti, magpi-picture, at magtatambay kaunti. Parang ang tagal na kasing hindi ko naipapahinga itong katawan ko. Pagkatapos ng klase, diretso agad sa work.

Pero bandang alas diez, may narinig akong gulo. Parang may binubugbog na lalaki kaya pumunta ako sa kinaroroonan nito. Nang makita ko kung sino ito, si Sir Dawson pala. Wala siyang kalaban-laban kase sobrang lasing niya na at apat itong lalaki na nambubugbog sa kaniya. Nag-isip ako kung paano siya ililigtas lalo't babae lang naman ako. Tiningnan ko ang wallet ko at naalala kong nagsweldo na pala kami. Kinuha ko ang 30,000 peso cash at ibinigay sa apat na lalake.

"Hey, let's make a deal. I'll give you 30,000 peso cash if you let me handle this guy. Is that a deal?"

They look at each other and nodded as a sign of acceptance.

"Madam only gave us 20,000 so let's just accept this offer." he said to his companion.

I breathed a sigh of relief when they accepted my offer and let Sir Leo go. And as I look upon to him, his body is full of bruises and wounds. So I decided to take him to my place for a temporary care.

Inalalayan ko si Sir at pumara ako ng tricycle. Nang nakauwi na kami, pinaupo ko muna siya sa couch. Hinanap ko yung first aid kit sa cabinet at sinimulan ko ng gamutin ang sugat ni Sir. Linagyan ko na ng betadine yung cotton buds at in-apply sa sugat niya, pero panay ouch siya. Pagkatapos nito ay linagyan ko na ng band-aid ang sugat niya.

Binuhat ko nalang siya at pinahiga sa kama kase naawa ako sa kalagayan niya. Kumuha ako ng kapirasong

tela at binasa ito. Pinunasan ko ang mukha

at braso niya kasi parang linalagnat na siya at lasing na lasing na rin. Pero bago ako matulog sa couch, may binubulong siya.

"I don't want to marry her. No,no,no..."

Pinilit ba siya ng parents niya na ipakasal sa iba? Baka hindi niya matanggap iyon kaya siya nagpakalasing para makalimot.

But he suddenly grabbed my arm and kissed my lips. The feeling was overwhelmingly majestic, but I knew it was forbidden. So, I pulled away and tried to sleep.

__________________________________________

I woke up with a heavy head and remembered that I drank too much alcohol. But then I realized this is not my bedroom. I'm in someone else's house. Who helped me last night? So I got out of my bed and checked if someone's inside. And there I saw *y/n* lying on the couch. I can't help but notice how beautiful she is.

I didn't wake her up, and I proceeded to her kitchen. I looked for food in the refrigerator and saw carrots, potatoes, green peas, and 2 brown eggs. First, I cooked the rice. Then, I put the rice in a pan to fry it. Next, I mixed the minced/chopped veggies, and I cracked the egg and put it in the pan. Lastly, I prepared it on a plate.

__________________________________________

Nagising ako dahil sa mabangong aroma na naamoy ko. Nang malaman kong kung saan nanggagaling ito, nakita ko si Sir na nagluluto ng breakfast. Parang okay na siya kaya natakot ako baka maalala niya kung ano ang nangyari kagabi.

"Sir, are you feeling okay now?"

"Yes, thanks for saving me from those men last night." he said with a smile.

"Your welcome Sir." I replied.

"I made a breakfast; come join me."

Nakahinga naman ako ng maluwag kasi wala namang na-mention si Sir tungkol sa nangyari kagabi. Pero ang galing niya magluto, ang sarap ng niluto niya. At first time ko palang na makita siyang ngumiti kasi palaging naka-serious mood siya. Nagpaalam na siya sa akin at may kotseng dumating na naghihintay sa kaniya at sumakay na siya dito. Ako naman ay dumiretso na sa PK Academy.

__________________________________________

I couldn't help but wonder if I might have kissed her last night. And who were those men who attacked me.

__________________________________________

Habang nasa train ako, kinuha ko yung notebook ko para mag-review ng lesson namin kahapon pero laking gulat ko at may pera doon na puro one thousand peso bill tapos may label na '50,000 pesos from Leo.' So alam pala ni Sir na binayaran ko yung apat na lalake na iyon. Ibabalik ko nalang ang 20,000 sa kaniya mamayang gabi.

"Class, our lesson for today in Technology and Livelihood Education is about the different kinds of keys in keyboard. So everyone, lend me your ears."

Ang napag-aralan ko ngayon ay tungkol sa mga iba't ibang klase ng keys sa keyboard. Kagaya ng alphanumeric keys, alt keys, caps lock key, at marami pang iba. Pagkatapos ng discussion namin, nagkaroon kami ng quiz kaagad-agad. Natapos na ang quiz at nag-ring na ang bell.

"Sa wakas reccess na!"

Si Sheila ay lumapit sa akin at mukhang may sasabihin.

"Balita ko nagtatrabaho ka sa D Company, kung saan ang boss niyo ay ang Dawson Family, tama ba?"

"Oo, may problema ba?" tanong ko sa magalang na tono.

"Eh ang usap-usapan na narinig ko tungkol sa mga Dawson Family ay killer daw sila. Naku mag-ingat ka diyan sa boss mo, baka kung ano ang masamang balak na gawin sa iyo, lalo't matangkad, maputi, at maganda ka."

"Salamat, pero wala naman akong napapansin na red flag tungkol sa kaniya at hindi naman niya ako sinasaktan. Pero mag-iingat pa rin naman ako."

What if tama nga yung sinasabi ng classmate ko pati na rin yung mga tao sa Instagram? What if naghihintay nalang ako sa aking pagkamatay?

Nang matapos ang aming klase, tumungo na ako sa aking pinagtratrabahuhan. Isinauli ko na rin ang 20,000 kay Sir.

"Sir, I'll give you back this 20,000."

"Nah, it's yours. Thank you for saving me from those men last night."

"You're welcome, and thanks for the 20,000, sir."

"I'll go ahead first; I have urgent things to do."

Sir Leo left the room, and I was left there alone. I wasn't bored because my work is my center of attention. These files are important and need to be submitted tomorrow. Hours passed, and I'm almost done with it. But then, men in black attacked me. I was helpless; they covered my mouth tightly, and I couldn't scream properly. Seconds passed, and I fell unconscious.

When I woke up, my hands were tied at the back of the chair and my mouth was covered with tape. No one was around to call for help. The place was very dark and there were no holes to escape. Later, a masculine man entered the room. And there I saw Lenn, standing near beside him.

They both smirked while looking at me from head to toe. The guy was licking his lips while looking at me deeply. I felt disgusted as he scanned my body.

"You deserve this *y/n* for what you have done to me. You stole Leo from me. I saw you carrying him inside your house and doing something intimate! You made him dirty *y/n*, and I will never forgive you because of that. But from now on, Leo will be only mine, because you'll vanish in this world tonight!" she said with a fierce gaze and then laughed at me.

"You misunderstood us, Lenn. I swear I promise I'll never do that." I said, begging her to believe me.

After Lenn left the room, it was just the two of us left. I was scared because I knew that guy would do something bad to me. But I had the courage and strength to fight him.

He tried to undress me, but I freed myself and fought him like a ninja. I know karate, having trained hard due to my caution around the Dawson Family after reading those hate comments. The guy fell hard on the floor after I knocked him out.

I stepped out, using the code Lenn had used when she entered the door earlier. However, as I opened the door, I was surrounded by fire and many armed men. I thought, "This will be the end for everything."

But then Sir Leo came to the rescue with his companion. The sound of gunfire echoed through the place. Fortunately, victory was on our side.

"Come on *y/n*, hop in." Leo told me, his voice shaking.

"Sir, thank you for saving me. I don't know how to thank you enough. But, sir, may I ask, how did you know I was trapped in this place?"

__________________________________________

I don't how to respond to her question. She might get mad at me if I tell her that I put a tracker and record device on her cellphone.

Leo's flashback:

The device connected to her phone kept buzzing, so I checked my phone and it said she's in danger. After that, I called my team to accompany me on my mission. I followed the GPS directions and I saw *y/n* standing alone, surrounded by fire and men. Anger flooded my mind at the scene, and I was thankful my adrenaline rush worked well.

__________________________________________

"Uhm, fate led me here?" he said with a chuckle. So I accompanied him.

Leo took me to his mansion and gave me some rest. I still couldn't shake this feeling about the Azarcon Family. What if Leo had disappeared and left me alone? I would've died.

__________________________________________

I must take action now; I'll ask my mom for more connections that can help investigate the Azarcon Family. I'll keep this a secret from Dad; he might do something to stop me.

"Mom, I have something to tell you."

Mom and I had a heart-to-heart talk. I confessed Lenn's dark side and how greediness consumed Dad. I poured out the messages that I had been hiding from her. We went outside so that *y/n* wouldn't hear us.

"I knew it; ever since the Azarcon Family came into our lives, it's been ruined. Thank you for confessing everything to me; I promise, I'll help you uncover the truth behind that family."

__________________________________________

Selena's Flasback:

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Mr. Dawson. I'm overwhelmed that you made it here. I promise we won't fail you."

"You're welcome; let's toast to the friendship between the Dawson Family and Azarcon Family."

"I can help you become a richer and more powerful man, but on one condition..."

I didn't hear the rest of what they talked about because Goforde signaled me to leave the room. But I know the condition will be something difficult to fulfill. Greediness has really consumed my husband. He's letting our son marry a girl he doesn't love just to connect with the Azarcon Family and become richer.

__________________________________________

I am Lenn Azarcon, Leo's soon-to-be wife. You've probably heard a lot about me, and most of it is from *y/n*. I'm from a rich family, richer than you would imagine. You might ask, "Why did you work at a coffee shop?" It was a dare. My peers and I went to a bar and played spin the bottle. Whoever the person the bottle would stop at would have to answer 'truth or dare.' The bottle landed on me; since I'm a competitive person, I took the risk and said, "Dare."

And this is the time I met *y/n*; I admit it, she is more beautiful and taller than me. I don't like the feeling of someone ordering me since I am born with maids to serve me. I'm even more annoyed when Mrs. Zon favored her over me, so I did something to fire *y/n* from her job. So I bribed the waiter to make *y/n* appear as the poisoner. At last, my plan is successfully executed.

However, *y/n* did something horrible in return. She tarnished the name of my future spouse. At first, I was mad at Leo; so I hired four men to hurt him because he didn't do anything to stop *y/n*. However, those four didn't return. So, I targeted *y/n* next . I asked my friend to help me kidnap her, and it was successful. I wanted to kill her. However, that damn Leo came to the rescue, so my plan failed; but I'm not giving up.

__________________________________________

I went to my husband's office and desperately looked for the files I needed to clear the Dawson's name. It's been a month since that incident happened. But Goforde told us to keep our mouths shut. If we confess to the police, he will do everything to clear his name and make it look like it's our fault.

Selena's Flasback:

"Love, c-check natin kung sino yung nabunggo mo."

"Hindi na kailangan, magpapatawag nalang ako ng mga kasamahan natin at magbabayad sa mga pulis."

"Pero hindi ito ang trabaho natin; diba nangako ka? At hindi pwedeng manahimik nalang ako."

"Sige subokan mo! Hindi sapat ang dala-dala mong katotohanan para mapatunayang ako ay may sala, dahil mas malakas ang sandatang hawak kong pera. At sisirain ko rin ang buhay ninyong mag-ina."

End of flashback

And there I found it; glad that he didn't burn it, this is the evidence I made last month. All I need to do now is to expose the Azarcon Family.

__________________________________________

Pagkagising ko sa mansion, una kong hinanap si Sir Leo para sana magpaalam. Ngunit umalis na daw siya ng maaga kasi may importanteng aasikasuhin. Kaya nagpaalam nalang ako sa mga kasambahay nila. Tumungo na ako sa eskwelahan at wala akong pinagsabihan tungkol sa nangyari kagabi. Maghahanap muna ako ng ebidensia para mapatunayang may sala ang Azarcon Family.

Pagkatapos ng aming klase, tumungo ako sa isang mall. Day off ko ngayon sa trabaho kasi may gagawin daw na importante si Sir. Nag-order ako ng milk tea at sabi kong pupunta muna ako sa cr.

Nang nasa loob ako ng banyo, may narinig akong nag-uusap sa labas at parang familiar yong boses na iyon. Kaya hindi muna ako lumabas at pinakinggan ito.

"Hurry up, throw that flash drive in the bin. No one will know that we threw it away here. They shouldn't find this because it contains the cctv footage of us punishing *y/n*."

I waited for the two of them to leave the room before I came out. After they left, I picked up the flash drive from the trash bin and put it on my bag. When I arrived home, I picked up my laptop and opened the flash drive. I saw everything that happened last night, and this is enough evidence to prove that Lenn Azarcon is guilty.

Nakalimutan ko na yung milk tea na in-order ko kase mas inuna ko itong importanteng bagay. Pagkatapos kong ma-review ang laman ng flash drive, pumunta na ako sa bahay nila Sir.

"Sir Leo, when I was in the bathroom earlier, I overheard Lenn and his friend talking about the flash drive. They threw it in the trash bin because they thought no one would dare to open it. I came out of the CR and picked up the flash drive; this is enough evidence to file complaint against Lenn, Sir."

"Thank you very much *y/n*. You've contributed a lot to help us against Azarcon. Do you wanna know why I'm busy this week?"

"Sir, why?" I asked, curiosity evident in my tone.

"Because I'm worried about your safety, *y/n*, and it's been a long time since Azarcon's dark side has bothered me." he said, worry visible in his eyes.

"Thank you for everything, Sir." I said, hoping in my heart that this storm would end soon.

Kinabukasan ay Sabado, tinawagan ako ni Sir na pupunta kami sa NBI (National Bureau of Investigation). Dinala ko na ang flash drive at ang cellphone na ginamit ko upang ma-record si Lenn at ang waiter noon.

Nang magkita na kami, may dala-dala rin na folder na may label 'Evidence Against My Husband.' Siguro galing ito kay Ma'am Selena. At may isa pang folder na may label na 'What's Behind Azarcon Family?' Sure ako na si Sir Leo na ang gumawa nito kasi matagal ng may concern siya sa Azarcon Family.

__________________________________________

I saw her looking deeply at my first folder, labeled 'Evidence Against My Husband.' But I will still not tell her about this, it will be at the right time.

__________________________________________

Kinuha na nila ang mga ebidensia na nakalap namin at sinabing gagawin na nila ang kanilang mission. Huhulihin na nila kaagad-agad ang mga Azarcon Family at ang ama ni Leo. Pero hindi na ako nagtanong kung ano ang kasalanan na nagawa ng kaniyang papa.

Nang matapos ang isang linggo, nakita ko sa TV si Lenn pati na rin ang kaniyang parents. May tumawag sa akin at tinatanong ng NBI kung gusto raw namin bisitahin sila. Kaya sabi ko na i-chat ko muna si Sir. Nang ma-chat ko siya, sabi niya gusto raw niya na samahan ako at sasama rin ang kaniyang mama.

At nang makarating na kami, nanlilisik na mga mata ang bumungad sa amin. Tapos may isang lalaki ang sumisigaw habang nagagalit.

"Hindi ba nangako ka noong nagkaroon tayo ng party na susundin mo ang kondisyon ko para mas yumaman ka? Eh bakit kami ngayon nakakulong, dapat pinakasal mo na ang anak natin kasi iyan ang kondisyon. Alam mo namang lahat ng gusto ng anak ko sinusunod ko. Bwisit ka, sinungaling!"

Ngunit hindi lamang kumibo ang lalaking kausap niya.

"Hey, *y/n*, don't look at us like that. It's your fault that we're in jail; I swear, when I get out here, I'll punish you more severely." she shouted, anger in her eyes.

Pero sabi ng pulis na nagbabantay sa kaniya na habang buhay na raw sila makukulong kahit magbayad pa sila ng malaking halaga ng pera. Dahil sa mabigat na ang kanilang kasalan kaya hindi ito pwedeng idaan sa dami ng pera lamang. Hindi lang pala pananakit ng tao ang ginagawa nila, kundi ginamit pa nila ang logo ng D Company para magmukhang masama ang lahat ng Dawson at magreklamo ang mga tao.

We've finally overcome that obstacle. I went to my usual job and started my day. However, today wasn't my usual routine; Sir Leo ruined it, but in a nice way.

He pulled my waist gently, and we looked into each other's eyes for while. After that, he gave me a passionate kiss.