The Maid Secret

By.Alerayve

SORRY FOR TYPO ERROR.

[Filipino/Englishl Rieda Fernandez, who is mostly known as Agent Ishtar, is one of

the best agents serving under the Phoenix Organization. A secret agency led by an
unknown billionaire who aims to give assistance to the government, to keep social
security and peace, and to offer protection to anyone who needs to protect their
lives. She is the woman who played numerous roles during her missions and after a
long time of waiting for another role, Rieda is stunned to know that being a maid
will be the next. More specifically, the client asked her to be a clumsy maid while
shielding the sole heir of the De Guzman Enterprises — Derek.
Will she be able to survive? What kind of client will she be encountering? Will
this be just another mission of hers? Or will this be the time for her to reveal
the identity behind the golden Venetian mask?

Prologue

Sa araw-araw na pamumuhay natin sa mundong ito, ni hindi natin namamalayan na sa

bawat sitwasyon o kaganapan ay may mga tao pa lang nasa likod nito. Mga taong hindi
natin napapansin na nagmamatyag nang palihim sa paligid. Mga taong nagkukubli sa
dilim at may suot-suot na iba l t ibang klase ng kasuotan. Mga taong handang
mamatay kahit na ba hindi maparangalan at makilala ng lahat para lamang sa
ikaaaayos ng magulong sanlibutan.
She doesn't want to be called a hero. She is not Superwoman. But she is a woman of
integrity and dignity. She is Rieda Fernandez. A businesswoman during the day and a
silent watcher of the night.
Buong buhay niya ay inialay niya lang sa pagsisilbi sa isang organisasyon na
kumupkop sa kanya simula bata pa lamang. Ngunit hanggang saan nga ba ang katapatan
niya para sa ahensya? Paano kung imbes na mga bagong misyon na mapaglilibangan ang
kanyang mahanap ay iba ang matuklasan niya? Magbabago ba ang lahat ng prinsipyo
niya bilang agent? Aling katauhan ang mas mananaig sa kanya?
Ang pagiging agent? Ang pagiging taong may pinanghahawakang paniniwala? O ang
pagiging isang babae?
This is the story of the deadliest woman in the world. The story about the
maid'ssecret.

Chapter 1: The Secret Agent

"Crap! Get that f*****g woman here!" sigaw ng sa tingin ko ay isa na naman sa
naging biktima ng pagiging tuso ko. Siya si Gray Luxwell.
He is known for being one of the notorious serial killers in town. That is why, my
mission is to get something that we could use against him, more specifically,
something to be used to blackmail a criminal like him.
Ang utos naman kasi sa akin ay humanap lang ng pwedeng gamitin laban sa kanya at
hindi ang patayin siya. Kung pagpatay lang din naman, madali ko lang matatrabaho
iyon. Baka kanina pa ako natapos at wala na ni katiting na bakas ang lalaking ito
ngayon.
Last night, I tricked him with me disguising as a street bellydancer. Hindi ko
naman inaakala na madali lang pala mabulag si Luxwell ng kung sinu-sinong babae sa
tabi-tabi. Ayan tuloy. Wala siyang kaalam-alam na madali ko lang naisagawa ang
misyon ko sa kanya. Everything he stored in his flash drive, laptop, and cellular
phones have been completely transferred to the organization's intelligence network.
It just so happened that running away from him and his men are not as easy as I
thought it would be.
" Bring her to me! Dead or alive!" he exclaimed on the top of his lungs.
I can't help but smirk. Just imagining how angry he is now and how he is shouting
to the point his lungs and throat will pop out, I am very sure I will leave quite a
huge mark on his memory.
As if you will be able to catch me. Me? The famous Ishtar? Let's see if they have
the capability.
Pinaharurot ko pa lalo ang MV Augusta F4 1<0. Palayo na nang palayo ang distansya
ko sa mga tauhan ni Luxwell nang malapit ko nang madaanan ang isang intersection
dito sa Saudi Arabia. Napatingin tuloy ako sa idinikit kong device sa motorsiklo
ko.
This is the device which serves as an auto-guide by showing me the ways where I can
go. It also functions as my radar in order to be aware of the enemies in every
direction.
Intersection, Jam packed by different vehicles. Kung makikisingit pa ako, malabo na
ang tiyansa kong makatakas. Mas lalo lang lumiliit ang pagitan namin.
"Bastard," nautal ko na lang nang may anim na pulangtuldok ang gurnagalaw papunta
sa lokasyon kung nasaan ako. Tsk. They are trying to corner me up from every
direction. Sa mismong gitna pa ng kalsada. They're trying to
settle this once and for all.
I can't allow myself to be cornered here.
Once I lose this one, it's either I will be brought to be killed by that maniac or
I will be brought to be punished by Master Phoenix. And it seems the latter is way
scarier and inescapable so I have to do any means to eliminate these pests.
Nang muli kong tingnan ang paligid ko ay sakto namang nakakita ako ng isang kotseng
nakapagbigay sa akin ng ideya sa kung ano ang magiging plano ko.
Hinanda ko naman na ang sarili ko sa binabalak ko. It's now or never.
Mas binilisan ko pa papunta sa kotseng napukulan na ng mga mata 1<0. Ito ang
gagamitin kong tila tuntungan para lumipad sa ere kasama ang motorsiklo ko. Who
said only birds can fly? That is why I started increasing the engine for the
execution of the move.
Ang mga nakasakay naman sa likod ng bawat nagmamaneho ng mga motorsiklong humahabol
sa akin ay kapwa nagsikargahan ng kani-kanilang b* * *l nang papalapit na ako nang
papalapit sa kanila.
Idiots. Do you really think / would give up that easily?
Even before they find an opportunity to shoot me on the scene, I did a front flip
together with my vehicle and leave every bullet to my
Augusta. Sorry, my baby. Sa pag-ikot na naganap ay nasulyapan ko na pabor sa akin
ang kakaunting bilang ng mga taong naglalakad-lakad sa mga gilid.
Dahil dito ay agad ko na ring binitawan ang Augusta. I tumbled only to land on one
of the cars here in the intersection. Dulot na rin ng malakas na pagbagsak ko sa
bubungan nito ay nakarinig pa ako ng malakas na sigaw mula sa drayber nito. Oops.
"TSS. Time whispered as I roll my eyes to the continuous beeps from the other
riders.
Nagpahakbang-hakbang pa ako sa mga bubungan ng iba pang sasakyan hanggang sa
makahanap na ako ng mabababaan. Sunod naman sa pagbagsak ko sa lupa ay ang mga
matitinis na na tilian at sigawan ng mga tao sa paligid.
I glanced back. The collision of the motorcycles caused an explosion right at the
center of the intersection. Nagsiliparan ang iba't ibang piraso ng mga parte ng mga
ito at nanaig ang usok sa kapaligiran. Unti-unti na ring nagkukumpulan ang mga
nakikimalitang mga tao dito sa pinangyarihan ng insidente.
Hindi ko na makitaan pa ng bakas ang Augusta ko at lasog-lasog na rin ang sasakyang
ginamit kong tulay kanina. Ohgod That was too scandalous.
Oh well. Nevermind. I would just send that man some token of gratefulness for the
help his car contributed for me to successfully escape.
Napailing na lang ako sa kung anuman ang nangyari kina Luxwell matapos ng salpukan.
Told you. You can 't get Ishtar.
Hindi ko man nakumpirma kung ano talaga ang kinahantungan ni Luxwell, tingin ko ay
mas makakabuti kung hindi ko muna siya intindihin. Lalo na rt nakuha ko naman na
ang kailangan ko sa kanya.
As I watch the smoke to take over the place, I notice that my smartwatch gear keeps
on beeping and then, it hit me. "s**t. 'Yung flight ko nga pala," I muttered
irritatingly as I realize that I only have thirty minutes left to catch the
airplane that will carry me off back to Japan.
Instead of blaming the traffic and those fools, I decided to find a corner nearby
where I can take my mask off. Luckily, I was able to found one.
Dali-dali kong kinalas ang pagkakakabit sa damit ko ng black leather bag kung saan
nakapaloob ang mga bagay na kailangan ko nang maiuwi sa Japan. Nilapag ko muna ito
nangsa ganoon ay mabuksan ko ito at mapaglagyan ng maskara at tabing ko sa mukha.
Turningin-tingin pa ako sa kung saan-saan
para makasiguradong walang nakakita sa akin bago ko ito tuluyang tanggalin at nang
matapos ko ng itago ang mga ito ay agad na rin akong tumayo para burnalik sa
condominium na pansamantala kong tinuluyan clito para sa misyon.
What a good morning for me.
" Do you want to eat or drink something, ma'am?" a flight attendant assigned in the
private cabin asked.
"Orange juice. No ice. That's all," I answered bluntly.
Her smile fades as fast as the lightning strikes. However, she can't blame me at
all. I'm too exhausted and I felt like I wouldn't dare to have another shot of any
alcoholic drink once I arrive at the headquarters.
Sobra-sobra na ang nainom ko kagabi habang inuuto ko ang lalaking iyon. I wasn't
even able to have the time to sleep last night since I'm being careful of not
waking him and his men up while I am doing the transfer of files. Idagdag pa na
kailangan kong mag-ayos ng maaga para makatakas.
Pabagsak na lang akong napaupo nang umalis na ang attendant. Unang dumapo ang kamay
ko sa sentido ko na nagsisimula ng
sumakit. Naumayako kakainom, ugh. I don't even have any medicine with me right now.
Papikit na sana ako kung hindi lang biglang tumunog ang telepono ko.
Who the hell dares to disturb me so early in the morning?
Nakasandal ang ulo ko sa parteng malapit sa bintana kaya kinailangan ko pang kapa-
kapain ang bag ko sa katabing upuan para makuha ang telepono. Balak ko na rin na
hayaan na lang ito kaso mas lalo lang akong hindi makakatulog kung patuloy ang
pagtunog nito.
When I was able to get a hold of the f g phone, I am prepared to throw more curses
when the person from the other line forestall me from doing so.
["Oops! Bago mo ako murahin, gusto ko lang sabihin sa iyo na inutusan lang ako ni
Master Phoenix na kamustahin ka sa misyon mo. So?"]
Some may think it's strange for me to do a phone call here but this guy who is,
unfortunately, my friend is an agent as well and the one who makes it all possible.
What do you expect? Our agency has the most advanced gadgets and technology in the
whole world.
"Eros, I don't need to answer that. You know how I do my assignments," walang
ganang sagot ko sa kanya habang ang mga mata ko ay abala sa panonood sa mga
mapuputing ulap sa labas.
Hindi na kasi dapat pang itanong 'yan. never failed a mission. Not even once.
Malinis ang record 1<0. At hindi kakayanin ng dignidad ko na may makakalampas sa
serbisyong naibigay ko na sa ahensya. I didn't train to start from when I was six
years old to fail my savior's expectations.
["Exactly. What do I expect from Agent Ishtar? Of course, you are always a
victor."] n atatawang an iya.
Mark or the one who has the name of Eros is a part of the Intelligence Department
and the laboratory of Phoenix Organization. He is a genius when it comes to
computer programming, coding, and such. Half of my stuff were his masterpieces.
["Right, Mr. Phoenix wants to talk to you once you came back so head straight here,
okay? Sige na, mamaya na lang. May inaasikaso pa akong laro eh."] pagkatapos nun ay
basta-basta na lang niya akong binabaan. Aba't!
You're really such an asshole, Mark. Siya pa ang may ganang babaan ako samantalang
siya ang unang turnawag. He said he is busy playing a game but actually, he's only
giving his concentration on sorting the newly-arrived software from Russia. What
could I possibly do with that? Mark is a computer freak after all.
Eventually, the flight attendant came in
carrying the glass of orange juice that I asked for. Tinuro ko na lang na ilapag
niya ito sa mesang nasa harapan ko. Matapos nun ay sumenyas na ako na pwede na
siyang makaalis nang makapagpahinga na rin ako.
I heaved a loud sigh. Tutal hawak ko na rin ang telepono ko ay sinamantala ko na
rin ang pagkakataon para makahugot ng lakas sa natatanging inspirasyon ko. Ang
pangunahing dahilan kung bakit wala ng iba pang trabaho maliban sa pagiging agent
ang pinili ko.
I tapped the gallery icon and the first picture in it. "Mom, Dad," I mumbled as I
look to the virtual thing that serves as my last memory to my family. A photo that
was taken at our last Christmas celebration back when I was six.
How are you, Mom and Dad? Are you doing fine up there? As for me, I'm doing good
too. But not as good as when you were still alive. It was all thanks to Master
Phoenix that I was able to finish my studies and become an excellent agent that
helps people in various ways.
I'm sorry I didn't become a chef like you wanted me to be, Dad. Isa pa, hindi ko na
rin naman na mamamana ang negosyo natin dahil matagal nang sinamsam ng mga ganid
nating kamag-anak ang lahat ng pinaghirapan niyo. Mabuti na nga lang at naisipan pa
nila kayong bigyan ng maayos na libing.
Mula sa pagpupulot ng mga bote at mga mapapakinabangan sa basurahan, pagbebenta ng
mga Sampaguita, paglalako ng mga sigarilyo, at hanggang sa panlilimos. Lahat ng
iyon napagtagumpayan ko na. Everything is worth it. If it weren't for these things,
I might not be here on where I am today. Thank you for guiding me throughout these
years. I hope you're proud of me, Mom and Dad.
Balang araw, mabibigyan ko din ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ninyo. Balang araw, ang
mga taong pumatay naman sa inyo ang tutugisin ko at ihaharap ko sa korte. Balang
araw, ang kaso niyo naman ang mahahawakan kong imbestigahan. Balang araw, maitatayo
at maibabalik ko ulit sa dati ang lahat ng mga bagay na ninakaw sa pamilya natin.
Matatahimik din ang kaluluwa ng kapatid kong hindi man lang nabigyan ng pagkakataon
na maisilang sa mundong ito. Pagbabayarin ko sila, Pangako,
I felt the tears falling from my eyes and that's when I throw my phone off back to
my bag.
Abang pinunasan ko kaagad ang mga luhang ito. Tears won't do me any good.
Silly me. What I should be thinking is the topic I'll be tackling with Master
later. I hope it's a new assignment. A quite challenging and thrilling mission, I
hope. Hindi 'yung pagtugis lang ng
kung anong magagamit na panlaban sa isang kriminal.
I am a member of the Special Duties Department. A department which receives all the
most difficult and life-risking missions. Kami ang mga nasa unang linya ng
mamamatay sa ahensya pero kami rin ang pinakatago-tago nilang alas sa oras na may
dumating na bigating kalaban.
Hindi naman sa naghahanap ako ng g* *o. Sadyang ang pagiging agent na lang ang
ginagawa ko sa buhay ko kaya kapag walang utos mula kay Master Phoenix, nabuburyo
lang ako sa bahay ko kung saan ako lang mag-isa ang nakatira.
What I love about thisjob is portraying various roles such as being a doctor,
businesswoman, lawyer, clerk, police, and many more. I wonder what role am I going
to play next.
"This is the last and final boarding announcement..."
My annoyingly favorite public announcement here in the airport. Sabayan pa ng dami
ng tao ngayon dito sa paliparan. Pasalamat na lang ako na bahagyang nawala ang
sakit ng ulo ko matapos ang ilang oras ding tulog. But I hope I can have more.
"Rieda!"
Agad naman akong napatingin sa
direksyon kung saan nanggaling ang boses na turnawag sa pangalan ko. "Wait.
Joshua?" nasambit ko na lang nang maaninagan ko ang lalaking may hawak na isang
malaking signboard sa pagitan ng mga taong kapwa naghihintay ng mga susunduing
kakilala at mga kamag-anak.
What is he doing here? Wala namang nasabi si Mark na ipapasundo ako ah.
Labag man sa 100b ay nakangiti ko siyang nilapitan. Mamaya mapagkamalan pa siyang
nasisiraan at mahatak pa ng mga guwadiya eh.
Katrabaho ko pa rin naman Ito kahit papaano.
"Okaerinasai! (Trans: "Welcome home!")" bati nito sa akin nang makalapit na ako sa
kanya sabay hatak na rin sa mga bagahe ko.
" Koko de nani wo shiteiru no?" (Trans: "What're you doing here?") tanong ko rito
nang hindi ko inaalis ang tingin sa kanya.
Nangdada pa rin nangdada ito nang hindi man lang ako tinitingnan sa mata ay sinadya
kong tapakan ang paa niya para maparamdam ko sa kanya na kailangan niyang sagutin
ang tinatanong ko bago pa ako maubusan ng
pasensya.
"Aw! Ah-eh... "
Nakipagtagisan pa siya sa akin ngtingin pero alam naman niyang hindi siya uubra sa
akin kaya naman napasuko na lang siya at napabuntong hininga. Joshua came from the
same department as Mark and one of the Master's executive assistants. There is a
reason for sending him here to escort me.
Joshua looks out to every direction and then pulled me off and my baggage to the
nearest washroom here. Tsk. Why bother? Ano ba talagang mayroon?
"Ganito kasi..." he started off and then he closes our distance to whisper the
answer I am demanding.
It took me a while to make everything he said to sink into my inner self but the
moment I realize it's not a dream, I just don 't want to accept the fact that that
will be my next role. No way! This is worse than being a stripper!

Chapter 2: The Deal

"You're gonna be a household maid. "
Maid, my a*s. The exact moment I heard the information, my feet automatically moved
on its own to ride something as soon as possible to say all my sentiments to Master
Phoenix personally. Bahala na si Joshua mag-asikaso ng mga bagahe ko. Basta ako,
mauuna na ako.
Buryo akong nakapara kaagad ng masasakyan. Huli ko na lang narinig ang boses ni
Joshua kung kailan nakapasok na ako ng sasakyan. Sorry, pal. This is emergency,
"Minato Chiku ni watashi ojisan shite kudasai." (Trans: "Please bring me to Minato
District.") turan ko sa drayber at maagap naman siyang tumugon clito sa pamamagitan
ng pagpapaandar kaagad sa sasakyan.
The hidden headquarters of the Phoenix Organization here in Japan will be located
somewhere near the New Museum at the Minato District, Tokyo. Yes, our headquarters
can not only be found here in Japan but also on New York, St. Petersburg on Russia,
Qingdao, and many more. We want to put our flag on every country that we could
reach to make the communications handy in case something unexpected happens during
one of our agents' mission.
Luckily, it only took us about fifteen minutes to arrive at our destination. I gave
my payment to the driver and asked him to keep the change since I no longer have
the time to talk about the fare price.
Dali-dali na akong naglakad papunta sa liblib na lagusan para makapasok sa ahensya.
Aha! Found it! It's an old bench here in this particular isolated garden. The
flowers waving anyone's attention away from the secret this bench have kept for
years.
Abang nilapat ko naman ang hintuturo ko sa ilalim ng pinakadulong kahoy kung saan
nilagyan ng identification censor ito. I felt the heat coming from the device as it
scans my thumbprint.
Sa isang iglap lang aytumaob ang upuan at kusa namang nagbukas ang lupa upang
lamunin ako papasok. Napasigaw na lang ako sa mabilis na pagdulas ko pababa.
Kalaunan naman ay napakalma na ako nang masilayan ko ang paisa-isang pagbukas ng
mga ilaw na nagpakita sa akin ng higanteng padulasan na ito na siyang susi papasok
ng himpilan.
As I have reached the end, the agents who were working a while ago have hurriedly
made a line to greet me. Hindi naman sa mas mataas ang posisyon ko sa kanila.
Walang mas nakatatas sa amin dito maliban sa tinuturing na ama ng lahat.
Sadyang naging kilala na ako ng lahat dulot na rin ng mga misyong napagtagumpayan
ko.
"Hisashiburi." (Trans: "It's been a while.") ganting bati ko sa kanila at
sinenyasan ko na sila na magsibalik na sa kani-kanilang mga gawain dahil hindi ko
naman intensyon na abalahin sila sa pagd ating ko.
Mabilis akongdinala ng mga binti ko sa Head Office. Ni hindi ko na nga nagawa pang
silipin ang mga naging pagbabago man sa lugar na ito nang urnalis ako dahil sa
kating-kati na ako na masagot ang mga katanungan 1<0.
Head Office. Ang kwarto kung saan tanging maaaring makausap si Master Phoenix. A
room filled with speakers, cameras, and such. Aside from that, we don't have any
more means to talk to this mysterious billionaire.
"What?!" I exclaimed when I was able to confirm what Joshua told me back on the
airport. I can't believe this! Of all the professions they can make me play, they
chose the maid thing!
"Lower down your voice, Rieda. We are still on the process of negotiating with the
client," saway sa akin ni Master Phoenix na siyang personal pa lang pinakiusapan ng
kasama naming kliyente.
We were currently on the third half of the
Head Office where the deals are being settled. But
as of now? I think I'm not yet settled for what this client is requesting.
Napabuntong hininga na lang ako dahil paniguradong masisita ang aksyon ko sa oras
na masampal ko ang noo ko nang dahil sa daloy ng pangyayari. "I'm sorry but may I
ask how will a position of being a maid a beneficial one to us? I mean, I can
protect him more closely as a bodyguard," I suggested, calming my nerves down fora
bit.
Yes, I demanded a new assignment but being a maid is out of the topic. Must I
protect his son of his using a mop?
"My son doesn 't want any bodyguard following him around. It annoys him... a lot.
I've hired numerous guards already but they ended up quittingthejob. The only way
to monitor him most of the time is to play the role of a maid," the old man said as
if it's a very alarming situation.
Mr. De Guzman of the famous clothing enterprises is about on his late 40s. He is
very neat and formal while wearing an expensive kind of suit that is probably
brought from America. The face and the charisma of being a leader is evidently
around him but whoever he is, he won't be able to convince me that easily to accept
his offer.
Both of us are looking intently with one another. Matira matibay kumbaga habang
nagtatagisan ngtingin nang siya na ang unang burnawi na tila ba may naisip siyang
kung anong bagay. Napalapit naman sa tabi niya ang isa sa mga dala niyang tauahan
at may ibinulong siya rito.
Whatever he whispered to him, it made one of his staff to reach for the suitcase
they brought along here and put it on top of the table. Abang nagsubukan kami sa
tingin. Pawang pinapakita kong hindi ako masisindak sa kung anumang mayroon sa 100b
nito at mas lalong hindi magbabago ang isip 1<0.
Mr. Romuel De Guzman then slides a folder towards me in a very business-like
manner. Tiningnan ko naman ito na tila walang ideya sa kung ano ang nakapaloob
dito.
"Inside that folder are the things you will need. Information about my son, records
of threats, list of our family's relatives and people who may have a motive of
attacking us, a plane ticket, and your profile once you accepted the role," he
prudently explained as he still looks intently on me.
But do you think that is enough to convince me?
"Hindi po porket inihanda niyo na ang mga iyan ay mapipilitan na akong tanggapin
ang trabaho. I am a well-known agent with a one hundred and one percent of success
rate on her missions. I can reject it if I want. Or if you really insist, please do
pick another agent to do the job," panabla ko rito.
Akala ba niya ay basta-basta lang ang pinapagawa niya? Kahit sa isangtulad ko na
sampung taon na na bihasa sa ganitong hanapbuhay, hindi ko pa rin masasabi na
walang mangyayaring masama sa akin at sa taong kinakailangan kong protektahan kung
nasa ilalim ako ng ganitong pagpapapanggap.
Hindi naman agad nagpatinag ang lalaki at sinunod naman niya ang bagahe na nasa
pagitan naming dalawa. Iniharap pa niya sa akin ito at bara-barang binuksan para
lang maisambulat sa pagmumukha ko ang sandamakmak ng mga kumpol ng pera.
Do you really think money can sway me? I'm not that low, old man. Money can't
compensate the thousands of things that I can do for your son.
I was about to stand up in disgust to how he is thinking of persuading me when I
saw him stand up as well. I thought he'd try to block my way but the next thing I
knew is that Mr. Romuel De Guzman is on his feet and with his head on the floor.
"Nagmamakaawa na ako sa'yo. Pakiusap!
Kahit anong oras pwede akong mamatay! Galit sa akin ang anak ko dahil ako ang
sinisisi niya sa pagkamatay ng nanay niya. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ang
protektahan siya mula sa malayo! Hindi ko maatim isipin na maaaring sa isang iglap
ay mawala sa akin ang nag-iisa kong anak!" pagmamakaawa nito sa akin. Dinig ko na
rin ang magkahalong hikbi at pagkadesperado nito.
" Please!" he cried.
Woah. 1 1 m seeing a crying father. And not just any crying father. A father who
only wants to protect his one and only son. A father who, despite the distance
between him and his son, desires to shield his child from any harm while he is
still breathing. His determination somehow didn't falter even though I have pushed
him away.
"What if I failed to hide my identity? Will you consider the mission a failure?"
ito na lang ang nasabi ko. Dalawang katanungang hindi direktang binubulgar ang
tunay nitong kahulugan.
What can I do against the power of the love of a father? Alam ko ang pakiramdam na
mawalan ng ama. Nakakabaliw.
Nakakapampumiglas sa realidad. Should I make someone suffer the same tragedy?
Worse, even let them face the tragedy together?
Unti-unti namang napaangat ng ulo ang matanda kasabay ng unti-unti ring pagsibol ng
isang ngiti sa kanyang mukha dulot ng isang kislap ng pag-asa. Bigla ring
nagsitigil ang paghikbi nito at napalitan ng pagkautal.
"A-Are you g-going to a-accept the offer? W-Will you p-protect my son? Ah! A-About
your question, n-no! Just save him from anyone who will dare hurt him and I will be
more than grateful to you," sagot nito habang dahan-dahan siyang inaalalayan
pabalik ng guwardiya niya sa muling pagkakatayo.
Sa pagkakataon na ito, may mga napag-isip-isip naman ako. Wala naman sigurong
masama sa pagsisilbi sa isang anak mayaman 'di ba? Isa pa, pang isangtaon ang
kontrata. Mababawas-bawasan ang pagiging tam bay ko dito sa himpilan kapag
nagkataon. Hindi ko na rin muna iisipin ang pag-uwi ko sa bahay ko kung saan ako
lang naman ang nakatira.
Napabuntong hininga naman ako at burnalik ako sa kaninang kinauupuan 1<0. "l can't
say no to a determined and loving father. Kaya naman, sige. Tinatanggap ko na.
Let's see what I can do for your son."
Wala namang mapagsidlan ng tuwa at saya ang amang kaharap 1<0. Halos mapatalon pa
nga ito. Napatingin pa nga siya sa tauhan niya na para bang binabahagi niya ang
kasiyahang dulot ng pagkakumbinsi niya sa akin. Binalikan din naman siya nito ng
isang masiglang ngiti.
Hindi ko na rin tuloy maiwasan na mapangiti sa pagkakatitig lang sa matanda. Tunay
ngang mahal niya ang kanyang anak. I can't help but to miss my dad.
"Rieda, Daddy will do anything foryou, okay? I will be your knight in shining
armor, So you don 't have to be scared, alright? No one will be bold enough to hurt
my little girl. "
"l loveyou, Dad!"
"I love you too, baby."
Parehong nakakabigat at nakakagaan sa pakiramdam ang kasiyahan na mayroon ang
kliyenteng kaharap ko. Nakakabigat kasi naaalala ko ang amang kinuha kaagad sa
akin. Nakakagaan ng 100b dahil nakikita ko ang pagmamahal ng isang ama sa kanyang
anak.
Kahit na ba hindi ako. Kahit ang iba na lang.
Dumaan ang ilang sandali at kinailangan na ring lumisan ng kliyente upang magtungo
sa kanyangtrabaho. Iniwan niya ang pera at ang mga papeles na kakailanganin kong
basahin at isaisip bago ako lumipad papuntang Pilipinas. Lumabas ng silid na puros
pagpapasalamat ang lumalabas sa bibig nito. Lalo na at bitbit na niya ang kopya
niya ng kontratang kapwa na naming napagkasunduan at napirmahan.
"As I expected, you won't decline someone who has the sincerity of protecting their
loved ones. You keep on remembering your family, Rieda."
Sinigurado ko naman na na maayos kong naisara ang pinto at saka iniharap ang taong
higit kaninuman ay mas nakakakilala sa akin ng buong-buo.
Napasalampak na lang ako sa sopa kasabay ng isang malakas na pagbuntong hininga.
"Hindi naman sa ganoon. Sincerity may be not as practical of an answer but it
guides an individual to do the right thing. The father's sincerity made me agree,"
paglilinaw ko.
Dumapo naman ang tingin ko sa mga papeles na nakapatong sa mesa. Since Mr. De
Guzman mentioned that he have prepared everything I need for the assignment, I
chose to pick that folder he brought.
Derek De Guzman, age 20. He's on his last year ofcollege, taking up the course
ofbusiness administration. A leader ofa fraternity called Cerberus. A prodigy
ofsports especially track-and-field.
"You seem to be interested in the profile," punang boses ng lalaking nagkukubli sa
likod ng mga speaker.
Napangisi naman ako. "Paanong hindi? He's interesting. Strangely, he started on
having a set of records on his school's office ever since his mom died from breast
cancer."
"What do you mean?" pang-uusisa nito sa
marahil ay nakita niyang pag-angat ng sulok ng labi ko.
"Master Phoenix, this Derek is on the stage of being a rebel, that's all. A bird
who has lingering disappointment and loneliness inside him wants to get out of the
nest even though he is not aware of the danger waiting for him outside. Tsk tsk,"
turan ko habang paisa-isa pang inililipat pa angmga pahina.
You are quite lucky, Derek De Guzman. You still have a father who cares for you and
for your future. You grew up with a shining silver spoon in your mouth. You never
worry about the money, the food, and the shelter. You are living a very comfortable
life compared to the kids on the streets.
Maswerte ka at hindi pa rin sumusuko ang ama mo sa'yo.
"Ishtar, what happened to Luxwell by the way?
Ako naman ang napaangat ngtingin mula sa mga papeles. "As of now, I don't have any
solid proof if he is still alive or not after the explosion. However, I somehow
agree with the idea that he was able to survive and went into hiding. Tulad nga ng
sabi nila, hindi basta-basta namamatay ang mga masasamang d**o," I quoted as I
close the folder.
Abang napatahimik naman ang silid na
para bang pinapahiwatig nito na kasalukuyang nag-iisip pa ang pinuno ng
organisasyon. Habang hinihintay ko ang mga susunod na sasabihin niya ay naabot ko
na lang ang unang nasa sahig at tinangay ito upang maunanan ng Lilo ko.
"Tired?" muting pagpaparamdam niya. Napapikit na lang ako sa nagbabalik na pagkirot
ng ulo ko. "Sort of. But to tell you honestly, Master Phoenix. Medyo nangangamba
ako sa pinapagawa ng kliyente kanina. May kutob ako na hindi magiging madali ito.
Na magiging iba ito kaysa sa dati,l' at tinakpan ko pa ang mga mata ko garnit ang
braso 1<0.
"Pfft. The oh-so-famous Agent Ishtar is nervous?" natatawang asar nito.
Tignan mo 'tong si boss. Nagawa pa akong biruin. I'm neither optimistic nor
pessimistic, that's why. I'm more of a realistic type. Pinag-iisipan ko muna nang
maigi ang bawat detalye ng mga galaw ko nang sa ganoon ay urnayon lahat ng bagay sa
gusto ko.
Hindi ako naniniwala na dapat lagi kang mag-iisip ng mga masasayang bagay para
kumapit sa'yo ang swerte. Law of attraction? Nah Good luck? Nah.
Hindi rin naman ako naniniwala na porket nagdrama ka langsandali ay makakapitan ka
ng kamalasan. For me, everything happens for a reason. Kung wala kang kumpiyansa o
pananampalataya, mas mabuti pang huwag mo na lang gawin ang kung anuman na
binabalak mo.
"As if. Hey, Master, can you say a few words to comfort me? I'm not really feeling
well," paglalambing ko rito. Sanay naman na siya sa akin sa tuwing tila inaantok na
ang boses ko. Nagsasama-sama na ang pagod, antok, at sakit ng ulo ko.
Every time I need some comfort, every time I need to go back to square one, he has
always been there for me. The father who groomed me to be the best agent. The best
friend who has always look out for me and the employer who never failed to teach me
what I need to know to be a better person and to be a better citizen of this cruel
yet beautiful world.
"No matter what happens, you will always be my angel. So, have faith on yourself
and to your skills. I know you will do great."
Umabot naman hanggang tainga ang ngiti ko. "Thank you," I said. Kahit papaano,
gumaan na ang pakiramdam 1<0. He ls really good on giving encouragements.
Nang makaipon na ako ng lakas para puntahan ang kwarto ko ay napagdesisyunan ko ng
tumayo at lisanin ang opisina. Akma ko ng bubuksan ang pintuan nangtumikhim
angtaong hinding-hindi mawawala ang presensya sa silid na ito. "l heard your
motorcycle was crushed into pieces. Do you want me to get a new one for you?" mas
lumapad pa ang ngiti ko kaysa kanina nang dahil sa alok niya.
Sometimes, he really loves to spoil me.
And I love being spoiled by him sometimes.
"Ha! Surprise me," iyon na lang ang naitugon ko at lumabas na ako.
I headed for where the elevator is located. As I push for the 'up' button, the
doors have opened automatically, welcoming me with no one on the inside. Pagpasok
ko ay hindi ko na napansin pa ang pagsarado nito dahil napako na ang atensyon ko sa
nakikita ko sa labas ng salamin.
Everyone is busy on their jobs. Ni hindi rin napipirmi ang iba sa pagkakaupo sa
kani-kanilang mga upuan upang magtungo sa iba l t ibang pwesto o hindi kaya ly mga
opisina. Kung ano ang kinarami ng problemang nasasalo ng Regular Category
Department ay siya namang ikinadalang ng mga bagong trabaho para sa Special Duties
Department.
When I heard the signal tone from the elevator's system, tinanggal ko na rin ang
tingin ko sa labas. Limitado lang ang bilang ng mga ahente na napagbibigyan na
magkaroon ng sariling silid clito at isa na ako roon. Gawa na rin
na sadyang nagpapakahanda ang ahensya sa kahit anong mangyari kung kaya't
sinisigurado lamang nila na nandirito ang mga nasa unang linya ng tanggulan.
I swiped my DNA card to the machine that looks like a magnetic strip card reader
that you can see on the restaurants and markets. In here, we don't use keys or
common cards that the hotel room occupants use to access their respected rooms.
Instead, we use a program-based card where a sample of our DNA, saliva, and
thumbprints are attached. This is for us to be easily recognized and to ensure that
no one will just sneakily enter our rooms without our notice.
Nang makapasok na ako ay una kong pinuntahan ang aparador ko kung saan nakalagay
ang mga darnit at iba ko pang kagamitan. Naisipan kong i-empake na ang ilan sa mga
garnit ko nangsa gayon ay kapag dumating na si Joshua ay madalian ko ng
maisasaproseso ang pagpunta ko sa Pilipinas. Kakabalik ko lang, aalis na naman ako.
Hays. Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko?
Habang nag-eempake, natagpuan ko ang isang lumang photobook sa ilalim ng mga
patong-patong kong lumang gamit. Hinila ko ito ng marahan at saka kumuha na rin ako
ng tuyong basahan upang mapunasan ito gawa ng hindi na makita pa ang mga
nakaimprinta rito nang dahil
sa makapal na alikabok.
Habang paunti-unti kong nakikita ang tunay na kulay nito ay naaakit ang mga mata
ko. The cover looks so colorful and gorgeous yet somehow mysterious. There's a huge
looking bird flying among the unpredictable clouds on the sky.
When I'm done wiping the cover, I read the photobook's title aloud.
"The Man Who Have Searched Far and
Wide"

Chapter 3: His Attitude

Dahil sa interesado akong tingnan ang picture book, binaon ko ito sa pagpunta sa
Pilipinas. I want to get this mission started as soon as possible and if I were to
have quite some time to read then, I guess this book would do me the favor.
Currently, I'm waiting for Mr. De Guzman's representative to escort me to their
household. May importanteng meeting pa raw kasing inaasikaso si Mr. De Guzman sa
Japan at baka sa susunod na linggo pa ito makauwi kung kaya't ang isa sa mga tauhan
na lang niya ang tinawagan niya para alalayan ako sa pagdating
1<0.
It's not that I will get lost. Actually, I'm quite familiar with this country. This
is the place where I grew up after all. As far as I can remember, my mother gave
birth to me here too. I was an only child. Well, I would not be if only the baby
inside my mom's womb was born. I was just a six-year-old kiddo when my parents died
from a fire.
Tinalikuran ko na rin ang mga natitira kong kapamilya dahil ni kaunting kibot ay
hindi nila
nagawa noong mga panahong iyon.
Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng malamig na trato nila sa amin, nagawa naman nila kahit
papaano ang bigyan ng maayos na libing ang mga magulang ko. Somehow, I was already
grateful there.
Sa sinabi kong walang naiwan sa akin ang mga magulang ko, half of it was a lie.
Meron naman kasi talaga subalit pinagpiyestahan na pala ito ng mga mukhang pera
naming kamag-anak. Instead of getting mad at them, I just decided to live on my
own. 'Makakaya ko ito kahit wala angtulong nila.' 'yan lang ang mga salitang
isinaisip ko noon habang patuloy na naghahanap-buhay sa tabi-tabi.
And look at me now, I have my own house, cars, motorcycles, condominium unit, lots
of money, and a company to lead. Honestly, I declined the offer of handling this
company for the sake of saving my whole time on guarding that son of Mr. De Guzman.
It's not like it would be easy to do two things at a time. Especially when you have
a company to manage and a fraternity leader to protect. Two different things and
widely far from one another.
Ayoko talagang tanggapin kaso, kung hindi langtalaga ako pinakiusapan ni Master,
hindi ko talaga kukunin angtrabaho na iyon. Sir Phoenix wanted me to have one of
his companies to give me more valuable matters to spend my time with. I guess he is
concerned about me getting bored in case I come up to dislike the role. He also
mentioned that the board of directors had a unanimous decision of offering me the
position as their leader due to my previous works with them.
Of course, being a sweet and smooth talker I am, I tried to get the company matter
in our conversation and save myself from piles of paperwork and meetings. In
addition that I have to monitor Derek's actions and whereabouts for the whole time
around. But... he ended the discussion with a challenge.
"Kung magaling ka talaga, makakaya mongpagsabayin 'yen."
Oh please! It's not as easy as the time management commonly suggested in schools.
This is about managing a company consisting of countless employees and on the other
hand, saving one's life from continuous death threats and dangers. It's not like I
can cut myself into halves.
Hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang pag-iisip ng matanda na iyon. Nasabi ko na ring
matanda ito base sa boses niya sa tuwing nakikipag-usap siya sa akin.
Kapagtinatanong mo naman siya ng mga bagay na tungkol sa kanya, papaikutin niya
lang ang usapan at tatawanan ka kapag napagtanto mong napaglaruan ka na niya at
natakasan pa niya ang mga katanungan mo. TSS.
"Excuse me. Are you Ms. Rieda Fernandez of Phoenix Organization?" asked by a man
with an above average height and a black suit. The clothing style makes him look
smart and decent but by the way he acts, I think he is not born for a prince
charming character. Rather he's for a prince's close aide material. That's not bad,
at least.
Now, now, I can't appraise someone's value just by their clothes now, can l? "Yes,
I am. What business do you have with me if I may ask?" balik kongtanong naman sa
kanya kahit na ba may hinala na ako kung sino siya.
He then took his glasses off and reaches his hand to me. "I'm Martin Woods, Mr. De
Guzman's trusted advisor and representative. I was ordered to pick you up and
assist you to anyway I can," pagpapakilala niya sa kanyang sarili.
Somehow, my judgment is not that bad or wrong at all. There's still something
within a loyal and obedient servant. I know it.
Mukhang napansin naman niya ang pagpukol ko sa mga mata niya na tila sinisiyasat
ang mga ito kung kaya lt rumehistro kaagad sa kanyang mukha ang hindi pagiging
komportable sa mga tingin ko. Hmm. Seems innocent though. Even so, it doesn't mean
he couldn't be harmless.
"I'm looking forward to working with you then," and I walk off to the black car
where he came out a while ago. If he's already uncomfortable then, there should be
no time to interact a lot for now. There is still a one whole year so going slowly
would be considerable.
He was able to catch up with me, frustration evident on his expression. On a whim,
I tried to look at him again the way I did a while ago to tease him. "You don't
look so good," I told him and then he opened the door to the backseat reluctantly.
He's so easy to read yet a gentleman.
I checked out on him from head to toe and as expected, it makes him more agitated.
This Martin Woods is quite interesting. Just the same as my future young master. My
hope is that Derek is somehow as gentle as this guy. Setting all those expectations
aside, I patted my baggage's holder and I went in.
Panindigan niya ang pagiging 'gentleman' niya.
I locked the door on my side immediately. Habang hinihintay kong matapos si Woods
sa paglalagay ng mga bagahe ko sa likod ng kotse, napagdesisyunan ko namang
tanggalin na ang pares ng hikaw at relo ko.
According to the profile Mr. Romuel prepared for me, I'll introduce myself as Jenny
Rosario. A twenty-year-old clumsy girl who only has her grandparents left. She
originally came from Iloilo. She is poor and their family's only way of living is
through a herbal store. Rosario was recommended by Mr. De Guzman's old friend way
back in college. Her grandmother worked as a maid before to that old friend and to
make up for the grandmother's hard work, he came up to that idea.
Matapos ang pag-uulit ko ng bago kong karakter sa sarili ko ay saktong dating ni
Martin Woods na mukhang hingal na hingal sa pagbubuhat ng mga garnit ko.
Pasalampak siyang umupo sa hindi kalayuan sa akin at sinenyasan ang drayber na
maaari na kaming umalis. Heh. I bet he's thinking I'm a freaking bitch right now.
I noticed the driver as the one who was with Mr. De Guzman back in Japan. He is
quite a silent one and for the whole drive, the only thing that I could interact
with is my laptop. Since we still have some time left before arriving at the
household, I'm arranging the arrivals of my vehicles and weapons since I prefer
those I have rather than purchasing another here in the Philippines.
Obviously, I can't have those delivered at the De Guzman mansion for it will be
suspicious. Fortunately, it just so happened that there's a lawyer who decided to
stay abroad for good and he wanted his house to be sold as soon as possible. And it
just so happened that I need one as a storage and a hiding place so I bought it.
That place is located two houses away from my working place so it will be very
handy to get my stuff there from there. Since I will not be home most of the time,
I asked some of my fellow workers to set up a bunch of security cameras and
identification censors within the whole area in advanced. So yeah, you can say that
I actually prepared everything I need before flying here.
I was also having a hard time communicating with Mark lately. Looks like he's
really busy with his work. Despite that, Master Phoenix let me have Mark as my
representative in the company who would handle other tasks in case I was not
around. Hindi naman iyon tinanggihan ni Mark bilang matalik at matagal ko na ring
kaibigan. Isa pa, nandirito sa Pilipinas ang nakababata niyang kapatid na
kasalukuyang nakatira sa puder ng tiyahin nila. Mas mapapadali ang pagbisita niya
rito kaysa noon na madalang lamang siyang makabisita dulot na rin ng trabaho sa
ahensya.
" Rieda Fernandez also known as Agent
Ishtar. 20 years old."
Napaangat naman ang kilay ko nang marinig ko ang pagbanggit ng katabi ko sa
pangalan ko at agent name na ginagamit ko.
Mukhang kahit na ba walang nakakapagtaka sa record ko ay pinili pa rin ng puder ng
kliyente na paimbestigahan ako. Tch, a bold move.
Dahil dito, napapailing ko na lang siyang hinayaan na banggitin ang lahat ng napag-
alaman nila tungkol sa akin. Tutal mas makabubuti na rin ito. Para maging maalam
naman sila sa taong hindi nila gugustuhing bungguin. It would save some trouble at
least.
"You took the courses, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in
Business Economics, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology,
Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, and
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. An—I'
I cut him off before he could say everything he has on his notes. It's irritating
when he's mentioning it one by one as if I'm under interrogation. "So you still had
me investigated after all. I won't deny any information you have attained about me
but I won't confirm it either. Pero kung ako sa iyo, ititikom ko na lang ang bibig
ko bago pa ito matahi nang marahas gamit ang mga kamay ng katabi ko." Itinigil ko
panandalian ang pagtipa sa laptop ko at saka siya tiningnan nang may ngitl.
I saw how dumbfounded he was after I dropped my warning for him. He was obviously
intimidated by how I act and speak. Sa una lang naman iyan. It's a defense
mechanism to see those who have got the guts to come near me.
Hindi naman na siya nagtangka na magsalita pang muli. For the remaining time of the
drive, I just spent it on working on the paperwork needed for the upcoming days. It
would somehow lighten up my load of work. Nang matapos ako sa mga ito ay napansin
kong papasok na ang sasakyan sa isang subdivision.
"One piece of advice." Martin Woods started once again.
"You have to store quite a long patience. The young master is not just a delinquent
but he's also very popular with the female species. You might saw immature and
embarrassing young women observing the house to catch a glimpse on him. He has the
intellect yet he barely passes his exams. He rarely attends his classes. Hindi rin
siya nagpapasa ng mga kailangan ipasa sa eskwelahan niya. I hope you can change him
a little. After all, you were a well-known agent,
Hearing it from him, I'm kind of projecting an image already inside my head.
Mukhang magiging sakit ng ulo ang bago kong poprotektahan. Gayunpaman, sana lang ay
hindi siya mahirap matyagan. Dahil kung 00, pasensyahan na lang. I have to do what
it takes in order to keep up with this damn mission.
Instead of giving him a concrete answer
that will only disappoint him, I heaved a loud sigh. "l was paid to be his life-
protector not as a life-counselor. By the way, will you be there at the house kung
may kakailanganin ako?" pag-iiba ko ng paksa. We should not discuss things that
will only hinder the mission 's success.
With my question, of course, I can't possibly go out anytime I want if I need
something like personal things or hygiene-related products. Given that I have to
guard Derek all the time, the household has other employees that I should also
handle by living with them. And by being able to live with them with me keeping my
secret not to be blown, I must have at least someone who can support my back on any
future unanticipated situations.
"Fine, but ifyou are to teach him a lesson, you are very free to do so in any
method you can think of. However, I suggest you not to put the brutality segment
unless you're really pissed off. As for your question, yes. I was assigned to tend
everything in the house and to report everything to my employer," aniya.
Nakahinga naman ako kahit papaano nang maluwag. It's good then.
May mga dinaanan pa kaming ilang liko bago niya itinuro sa akin ang pagkalaki-
laking mansyon na simula sa araw na ito ay titirahan ko.
May kalakihan ito kumpara sa pagmamay-ari
kong bahay dito sa Pilipinas. Sa bagay, hindi rin naman kasi ako tumitingin sa laki
o presyo ng bahay. Ang kailangan ay ang straktura nito at ang pundasyon nito. 'Yung
may mga sikretong daanan ba. Nalampasan na namin 'yung bahay na binili 1<0.
Ipinaalam ko sa katabi ko ang tungkol dito para kahit papaano ay magagawan niya rin
ng paraan para mabantayan ang lugar na iyon.
"From today onwards, you are to put your life on the front line to defend Mr.
Derek's life. Sana masanay ka sa tunog ng mga telepono, tunog ng fax machines, at
doorbell. Good luck," pakikipag-usap niya sa akin habang nakatingin lamang sa
repleksyon ko sa rear view mirror.
Napairap na lang ako sa kung pang-ilang beses na niyang pinapaalala sa akin ang mga
bagay na iyon. "You don't have to tell me that. I know what I'm doing," at lumabas
na ako ng kotse sa puntong tumigil na ito sa harap ng mansyon ng mg De Guzman.
Inunahan ko na rin siya na buksan ang trunk para kunin ang mga bagahe ko. Ako na
ang nagbaba nito kaya naabutan ko na lang siya na naghihintay sa may pintuan. Nang
papalapit na ako ay siya na ang kumatok at pinagbuksan naman siya ng isang
matandang nakasuot ng pangkatulong na uniporme.
" Maligayang pagbabalik, Martin," nangiting salubong nito sa kasama ko. "Salamat
PO, Manang Delia."
Sinundan ko langsi Martin habang inililibot niya ako sa bawat sulok at ng pamamahay
na ito. Habang hinahayaan niya akong kabisaduhin ang lugar ay mahinahon din niyang
ipinaliwanag sa akin ang iba pang mga patakaran sa 100b ng mansyong ito. And as
someone who is bound to the contract, I must compromise.
As I was looking around, I felt that there are pairs of eyes watching on my every
move. Nang subukan kong alamin kung sino ang nagmamay-ari ng mga ito ay napansin ko
ang mga nanlilisik na mga tingin ng ibang babaeng empleyado rito sa akin. I guess
this is what Martin is trying to say a while ago. Female species, huh?
Sa pagkakaalam ko naman, nagsuot ako ng darnit na naaayon sa gagampanan ko para
hindi mapaghinalaan. I even dyed my hair black from it's original brown color.
Mahirap na at baka may makakilala sa akin na kung sino. Mas maganda na ang nag-
iingat.
"Are we clear?" pagtatapos ni Woods na 'tila ba isang diskusyon sa klase ang
naganap.
Pumasok naman lahat ng sinabi niya sa tainga ko. Hindi ko nga lang alam kung may
nakalabas sa kabilangtainga ko.
Pinagmamasdan ko pa ang paligid nang may marinig akong mga yabag mula sa itaas.
"Oh!
Good timing! Sir Derek, I want you to meet your new maid," rinig kong bati ng
katabi ko sa taong mapagkakamalan mong tarantadong tam bay sa may kanto sa
pananamit nito. He's Derek?
Woah. Even the way he tries so hard to look cool and rebellious is already a pain
in the a*s. Ganito na ba talaga sa Pilipinas? I know I've spent most of my years
overseas but hey, I wasn 't informed that millennials are so engrossed by the
thought of looking cool and everything.
Or was I really that busy on being a secret agent?
I looked to the direction where he is looking at, only to find another trying hard
to look like a gangster guy. My goodness. This will be quite a work.
"l don't care about her. Emma, call my driver," para bang walang narinig niyang
sabi at bara-barang utos. Napabagsak naman ang mga balikat ng katabi ko na abang
naitsipwera ng sarili niyang amo.
I think he will cry anytime soon. "Young master, you're not wearing your proper
uniform again. How many times do—" Martin looks so hopeless. Mukhang wala rin
siyang magawa sa ugali ng lalaking pinagsisilbihan niya. So he's Derek. The son of
that poor father who even kneeled down in front of his men to convince me
to do this job.
Unfortunately, it's a job of protecting his good-for-nothing looking son.
" Kailan ba hindi?" sagot niyang pabalik. Napasingkit naman ang mga mata ko sa
inasal niya. Ngayon, mas naliwanagan ako sa mga sinabi ni Woods kanina ukol sa
pagkakaroon ng mahabang pasensya.
Hahabulin pa nga sana siya nito kaso natigilan siya nang makasakay na ito sa kotse.
Papunta yata ng school. If he's that determined to appear like that in an
institution, I bet he's using his family name to get through. "Is he always like
that?" my words slipped.
Mahabang buntong hininga naman ang pinauna ni Woods. "00. Nagsimula 'yan nang
mamatay si Miss Sarah pitong taon na ang nakalilipas. O siya, pumunta ka na sa
kwarto mo at maghanda. Susundan mo pa ang sakit sa ulo na iyon," at tinulak tulak
na niya ako papunta sa engrandeng hagdan ng pamamahay.
Hindi naman mawala sa isip ko kung paano umasta ang bente anyos na laking-yaman na
iyon.
Derek De Guzman, hindi uubra sa akin ang ganyang pag-uugali. Hintayin mo lang at
ako ang magdidisiplina sa'yo. Mapapatino rin kita.

Chapter 4: The Real Beginning

4 Months later...
"Jenny! Ano ba?! Male-late na ako! Hindi pa ba luto 'yan?! For Pete's sake!" sigaw
ng pagkabait-bait at pagkabuti-buti kong alaga.
Pwe. Mabait at mabuti... maala-demonyo kamo.
Sino ba namang matinong tao ang magpapaluto ng steak kung kailan ilang minuto na
lang bago ang roll call sa eskwelahan nila?
Nakakapang-init ng ulo ang lalaking Ito.
Umagang-umaga, pakiramdam ko makakasuntok ako nang wala sa oras.
Halimbawa na lang ay nitong kanina lang nang magising ako sa kakatalak niya. Kesyo
ihanda raw iyan, asikasuhin ang ganito. It's as if all of the people here were
hired to become his slaves! He can't even do the tiniest bit of work! Even picking
up a candy wrapper! If he'll only be like that until he dies then I better cut his
arms and legs off while it's still early. After all, it's been so long since I've
used my dear blades.
Or shall just use the kitchen knives to cut them off?
I've already prepared his favorite pancakes and yet he will ask for a steak?
Goodness,
gracious. Please give me more patience or else will really put every method of
killing him from my mind into reality.
Inihain ko na kaagad ang bagong lutuin sa harapan niya matapos kong ilagay ito sa
plato mula sa lutuan. Medyo hinahabol ko pa ang hininga ko dahil dadalawang oras
lang ang tulog ko at sunud-sunod pa ang mga utos niya. Pinilit kong magporma ng
ngiti habang pinagsisilbihan siya para kahit papaano ay mapigilan ko ang paglabas
ng mga sungay ko.
"Get my bag. In the library," he ordered again the moment he was able to taste of
my dish.
I almost roll my eyes in front of him if only I weren 't able to look at the other
direction. What happened to my self-declaration about teaching him a lesson? To
discipline him?!
Mabigat na mga paa akong nagtungo sa ikalawang palapag kung saan matatagpuan ang
silid-aklatan. Nagmamadali akong umakyat ng hagdan dahil paniguradong
pagsasaraduhan na naman siya ng gate nito. Even so, knowing Derek for four months,
he will have his way on that. I'm sure of it.
Flashback.
On my first day of work as his personal mai
mean, bodyguard, I went to observe him in his school. It's Angelica Vitreux
International School. It is quite popular for its outstanding facilities that were
inspired by international schools in other countries. The professors are very well-
mannered and considerate based on our agency's research network. However, what
matters is that if the students are also the same as these professors.
Wearing my golden Venetian mask and black veil, I watched over him from a tree.
Maayos naman angnaging pagpasok niya. Tulad nga ng hinala 1<0, pinapasok pa rin
siya kahit na ba taliwas sa regulasyon na pinapatupad ng eskwelahan ang suot at
akto nito. I can 't blame those guards, The A VIS is very concerned about their
biggest donors. One example of that is Derek's father.
Sa pagdating niya ay kapwa nagsisitinginan ang kahit na sinong estudyante na tila
ba isa siyang sikat na artista. Hang sandal/' pa lang siyang nakakatapak sa 100b ng
eskwelahan ay dumagundong na ang malakas na tilian ng mga babaeng estudyante. |
wonder if they could still shrill more than that once I throw a few buckets
ofcockroaches at them.
Malamig ang n aging pakikitungo niya sa mga taong sa tingin ko ay tagahanga ng
walang kasaysay-saysay na pag-aaktong astigin niya. Ni hind/' man lang niya
binibigyan ni sandaling
sulyap ang kahit na Sino. Dire-diretso lang silang pumasok ng iba pang lalaki na
may kaparehas na porma niya hanggangsa tumunog na ang bell.
Ooh, cliche. He looks like any male lead on those teen films. Cold-hearted,
arrogant, and boastful. Usually caused by a traumatic experience or whatso ever.
Then, as the story goes, the female lead will save him from all of that and change
him. The next part would be history, I'm so fed up with those kinds ofplots.
Martin sent me a message about his room number, locker number, club activities, his
usual spots, and his class schedule so it came out easy forme to trail his
footsteps. somehow felt relieved when I saw him enter the room for his first class.
Believing Martin Woods' testaments, I thought that I should wait a little longer
for those hidden fiery horns ofDerek to arise.
Sa paghihintay ko ay isinandal ko muna ang likod ko sa puno habang nakaupo.
Pinagkrus ko rin ang mga braso ko habang naghihintay ng mga susunod na mangyayari.
Mga pangyayaring mas makakapagpakilala pa sa akin sa taong poprotektahan ko,
The professor then started the lecture. I adjusted the eyepiece | attached to my
mask to get a better view of what he is teaching. Oh, it's accounting. A subject
that will literally make you eat worksheets and your very own sanity.
At first, you would believe that he is studying earnestly since he is looking at
the book they are using closely. Kaso nang bumagsak ang libro, ayun pala, natutulog
na nang mahimbing. Humahagikgik lang ang mga babaeng kaklase niya samantalang
nagsimula naman ang mga kalalakihan ng kung anu-anong kalokohan. Naughty kids, aren
It they? Too much for kids who were born from reputed families,
Bigla namang nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin nang pumaharap na ang propesor. Hindi na
nga napjgilan ng mga kaibigan ni Derek ang humagalpak sa kakatawa at pinagbabato pa
nila ito ng mga papel para lang magising. Napatingin naman ang lahatsa kanya pero
tila ba wala lang ang nangyari base sa itsura niya nang mapagtanto niya 'yum Malaya
pa nga siyang humikab at nag-inat Gayunpaman, nananatiling matatag ang pasensya ng
guro.
/ salute you, sir. If/ were you, I'm going to get those kids' asses kicked out of
the school,
Ibang klase talaga ang lalaking ito. Bulok na nga ang ugali, wala pang respeto sa
nakakatanda. Nakita ko naman na napabuntong hininga na lang angguro bago niya
napagdesisyunang patayuin sa likod ang estudyante. Walanggana naman na sumunod si
Derek. Nagsimula ulit angguro na magsulat sa pisara kaya lang Yung magaling niyang
estudyante, ayun pinapatamaan ng mga holen at goma ang mga kaklase niya. Kesyo ang
mga nananahimik na ay pawang iniistorbo pa niya.
Wala ba talaga siyang balak na magtino?
Hindi naman ito naririnig ng tagapagturo dahil may katandaan na ito at may
pagkahina na siguro ang pandinig.
"l won 't letyou disrespect him any further," I whispered as / pull one ofmy darts
from my pocket. Humanap muna ako ng tamang anggulo at tiyempo bago ko diretsang
inasinta ang whiteboard na pinagsusulatan ng matanda, Madali ko itong naipatama sa
pamamagitan ng isang nahayaang nakabukas na bin tana
Knowing those kinds ofspoiled brats, they won 't bother leaving it open as long as
they can still feel the cold air coming from the air conditioner.
Bumalik ako sa pagkakasandal ko kanina at may ngiting inabangan ang susunod na
magaganap. Dahil nakabaon ang dart sa board, tinanggal muna ito ngguro bago
tiningnan ang buong klaseng hawak niya sa unang oras.
"Hmph, huli kang 101<0 ka," nasambit ko na lang nang tuluyan nang napuno ang
professorat pinagbuhat na siya nito ng limang makakapal na libro sa magkabilang
kamay niya. Napatahimik naman ang lahat sa paglalabas ng inis ngguro at pawang
tinanggal nila ang kani-kanilang atensyon sa ngayon ay nasasadlak na nilang idolo.
This is news to tell Martin once I got home.
End of Flashback.
"Found it!" ani ko nang makita ko na ang bag niya. Wala na akong sinayang na oras
pa at dali-dali na akong burnaba.
Hindi ko naman siya sinusundan araw-araw. Siyempre nirerespeto ko pa rin ang
privacy niya. That is why on my third day, I came up with idea of attaching tiny
cameras, tracking devices, and multi-sensory gadgets to him and to his belongings.
Kinabit ko ang iilan sa kwarto, mga kotse niya, motorsiklo rin na pagmamay-ari
niya, sa silid-aklatan, sa likod ng mansyon, at sa iba pang sulok ng bahay.
I only check it once the devices forward a message to my gear watch from detecting
suspicious traces of actions around the area. It would definitely be a disgrace if
I've seen something I should not see. Unlike the other maids, Martin managed to get
me my own room. It's in the attic. It is small but it is more than enough for me to
store all my valuable babies. The beauty of owning that room is that no one dares
to come up in there for there are ghosts inhabiting that area they said.
The f* *k with that. I don't believe in those paranormal beings.
Since my gear watch is the one that gathers all the data I need, I always wear it
under my uniform's long sleeves. It will also vibrate to give me a signal if anyone
is coming close to the room. But as of now, there's nothing unusual from the
reports my gadgets are giving.
"Sir Derek, ito na PO."
This demonic young master of mine. You really love to torment me. Mahingal-hingal
ako sa pagmamadali tapos wala ka na pala sa may hapagkainan at nandiyan ka na pala
sa 100b ng kotse.
Even so, I was able to smile as I give it to him. Sa isip-isip ko, hindi rin
makakaligtas sa akin ang bag niya. May tracking device din Iyan. Hindi niya lang
talaga mahahalata dahil mas maliit pa iyon sa pambura ng lapis. Nasa pinakakaila-
ilaliman ng bag niya kung kaya't talagang hindi niya ito mapapansin liban na lang
kung hahalughugin niya ito.
Knowing him, he would never try to sort his things inside the bag. I could bet a
million with that.
"TSS. Slowpoke," aniya at pinangharang na niya ang papataas na car windows.
Napaatras naman ako nang biglaang binuhay ni Manong Edgar ang makina.

9/1 5
Tch. Walang respeto, spoiled brat, batugan, bastos, barumbado, tarantado, ano pang
bagong pang-uri ang madadagdag sa listahan ko kada araw para lang ilarawan siya?
Anyway, it has been this household's habit to escort them up to both their arrival
and leave so the maids and butlers gathered at the step door to wave their hands at
their masters. It's as if bidding them words such as take care and good luck.
As the young master's car has driven out of the area, I can 't help but to evaluate
everything that happened for the past four months.
On my first month, the job really bored me to death. It was entirely a child's play
receiving all those death threats and warnings which never came to us in real form.
Hanggang pananakot lang sila.
Wala namang sumasalakay o kung anuman dito sa mansyon. Ni wala ring kakaiba sa
paligid o rito mismo sa subdivision. However, I was always reminded by my gear
watch the time I have left to spend here and there are still freaking eight months
remaining!
During the past few months, I tried to eliminate the boredom through paperwork,
meetings, and physical exercises but it was of no use. I guess, my body and mind
have expected a lot from thisjob. And it is continuously waiting for the right
moment to arrive when they can be pushed to their own limits.
I also tried to teach Martin some basic skills of self-defense in case there is an
emergency. He's my back-up after all. See? I have been so productive on other
things but for my main job as of now? Nah.
"Jenny, iha. Pwede bang pakisampay 'yung mga kumot doon sa labas? Aasikasuhin ko
muna 'yung mga hugasin sa lababo. Nandoon na sa likod 'yung lalagyanan kaya pupunta
ka na lang doon," mahinhing pakiusap sa akin ni Manang Delia na naging malapit na
rin sa akin sa araw-araw na pag-alalay niya sa lumpong karakter ni Jenny Rosario.
Mabilis ako pumayag dahil naiintindihan ko naman na masyadong maraming gawain clito
araw araw. Lalo na para sa kanya na may edad na.
Three butlers, six maids, four guards and two drivers. Marami-rami rin ang mga
nakakasama ko rito at ang ibig sabihin nito ay marami rin akong dapat pagtaguan ng
lihim ko.
Si Manang Delia ang pinakanakakatanda sa pamamahay na ito. Nagsisilbi na siya dito
mula pa sa 1010 ni Derek. Samantalang 'yung iba ay mag-aapat o maglilimang taon na
rito. Everyone is very happy and energetic with their chores everyday. Madali lang
naman sila pakisamahan. Sadyang ako lang ang sumasalo ng mga hampas ng mga
nagseselos na mga katulong sa tuwing nakikipag-usap ako kay Martin. Hays.
Fresh air... It's as if this is the only moment was able to breathe it. This is
the only advantage I can see for not doing anything extreme yet. That reminds me, I
never really get myself into a vacation.
Because once I did, the agony of my family's death will start to crawl out again
and reach me from the deepest corner.
"Doing good?" Martin Woods.
Inalis ko na ang tingin ko sa mga nagsasayawang mga puno at halaman. I thought it
would look so vulnerable to me. "Just fine. I'll handle that bastard's attitude
somehow until the contract's end," I replied. Matapos na nga lang ang pagsasampay.
Isa sa mga iniiwasan ko na gawin sa harap ng mga tao rito sa mansyon ay ang
pagsasalita ng Ingles. Ang alam kasi nila, elementarya lang ang natapos 1<0. It
will be a little bit suspicious if they will hear me speaking fluently in a foreign
language. Though I'm still working on it since I've been in overseas a lot.
"Told 'ya. Pero hindi mo ba napapansin, bakit puro mga pagbabanta lang ang mayroon
sa ngayon?" So he did notice. If someone else really did notice then, it is worthy
of being cautious from now on. There might be a storm brewing as we speak. I can't
let Derek suffer any kind of negligence.
Bakit nga kaya? Dahil ba iyon sa pagharang ko sa mga posibleng kapahamakan o
naghihintay lang ng tamang pagkakataon ang mga taong iyon para patayin siya?
Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapatingin sa parte ng bahay kung saan mad alas nakatambay
si Derek. Projecting the possibility of him being shot right there, right before my
eyes is absolutely unacceptable. I can't afford to let him be lured on those guys'
traps.
On the contrary, Derek seems not to be that bothered as much as I am. I guess he
thinks being a gang leader and a gangster himself would be enough to save him from
Death's grasp. I don't know if he isjust used on experiencing this kind of
harassment or what not.
"l think, someone's planning something. To take some precautions, I'll visit the
local headquarters later. Cover me up, 'kay?" I told him. I have to make sure that
everything will be fine as time goes by.
He held out his hand forming an 'okay' sign. "No problem. Then, how about your
relationship with the young master?" he asked. Hindi na ako nabigla sa tanong niya.
Sa apat na buwan na pananatili ko rito, hindi ko na mabilang kung pang-ilang beses
niya ng tinatanong 'yan. "Ayos lang," mabilis at maiksi kong tugon. Napansin ko ang
pag-ismid niya sa nagingtugon ko na animo'y hindi ito naniniwala. Napatigil tuloy
ako sa pagsasampay at binigyang oras ko ang balaan siya ng isang masamang tingin.
"Sorry, I can't help it. Alam mo bang kahit ikaw ang pinakanapag-iinitan niya
pagdating sa mga utos, ikaw lang nakakapagpatigil sa kanya kapag nagsaway ka na.
Sumusunod pa siya sa sinasabi mo kapag nahahalata na niya na naiinis ka na talaga
sa kanya. Tumatahimik kapag sinamaan mo ng tingin. At higit sa lahat, ikaw lang ang
nakapagpasuot sa kanya ng tamang uniporme niya matapos ang ilang taon. Bilib na
talaga ako sa'yo."
I tried not to pull one of my throwing knives resting inside my leg's knife sheath.
Instead, I just ignored him and continued putting these clothes onto the racks.
Even if he said those, it doesn't change the fact that I'm here to be his
bodyguard, not as some kind of a teacher. I might be some sort of unique material
for Derek for now, but it won't last long once he found out the real me. He may
even summon his mischievousness again if that happened.
Bakit walang sumasalakay? Bakit walang kumikilos? Bakit hanggang pananakot la—
"Someone's here," I gasped. Martin got alarmed immediately and took the form of a
defensive stance that I've taught him before.
Mas pinakiramdaman ko pa ang paligid. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. May nagmamasid
sa amin na kung Sino. Hindi basta-basta ang presensya na naramdaman ko kanina.
Tanging sa isang tao mo lang ito mahahanap.
I brushed my uniform's skirt aside, revealing my right leg tied by a leather knife
sheath holding four throwing knives in total. Kinuha ko ang isa nang marahan at
nang muli kong maramdaman ang presensya ay maagap ko itong itinapon sa direksyon na
pinagmumulan ng presensya.
Nagkatinginan naman kami ni Woods sa biglaang kaganapan. Agad kaming nagtungo sa
direksyon kung saan ko itinapon ang patalim ko at halos mapamura kami nang isang
pusa ang nakita naming nakabulagta sa likod ng mga halamanan. Bukas ang mga mata
nito at nababalutan na ng kanyang sariling dugo.
They had escaped. That's quite fast. I can't help myself to form a fist.
"They're trying to scare us. I think they have decided to start now," walang bahid
ng birong sambit ni Martin habang pinagmamasdan ang kaawa-awa at walang kamalay-
malay na pusa na ginamit upang balaan kami.
To execute this bold taunting move within the De Guzman house area, it means they
are just close. They're waiting for the right time to knock the sole heir down.
"Edi mabuti. Kaysa naman nagduduwag-duwagan sila. Next time, I caught their aura, I
will make sure to slit their throats," nasabi ko na lang bago ko tinanggal sa pusa
ang kutsilyo ko.
I need to talk to Master Phoenix.
At sa susunod, sisiguraduhin kong dugo niyo naman ang babalot sa lugar na ito.
Hinding-hindi ko hahayaan na makalapit kayo kay Derek.
The Billionaire's Secon...
Swaram
The 1 0 re' Ella is a medical student who has
SecoudWífe lived her whole life being hated

Chapter 5: Lack of Luck

"Master, as I have reported, someone... or even a number of people had been able to
track down the client's whereabouts although we have blocked both online sources
and information network roots."
"Hmm. That's quite a catch, huh. They were able to pass through to our first stage
of defense. Looks like Derek has capable kidnappers, hasn't he?" he responded as I
have concluded my report to him.
I was certain that that cat is a part of a warning. I've been in this line of work
for a decade, I know better. That is why I decided to consult Master Phoenix's
opinion about it. There are not so many people who can get through to the first
stage of our system's defense. Being aware of these two concerns, I could no longer
stand by and clean the house as I usually do for the past four months.
It's a lifesaver that the Phoenix
Organization had built a branch here in the Philippines. Aside from the properties,
I purchased here, this place is a great hiding place if ever there would be more
alarming occurrences in the future. Anyway, I haven't seen Mark yet. Is he busy
again with new software or something?
I sighed as I wait for him to give his mandate on this case. "On my point of view,
Derek's kidnappers are not just capable. There's a reason more than his family's
money as to why they keep on doing this. This is not just a mere k g plot, master,"
I stated as I continue to show him the pieces of evidence that I've got.
Sa totoo lang, matagal ko na itong napansin. Gayunpaman, kumalap muna ako ng iba l
t ibang patunay para masuportahan ang hinala ko. Just like everything else, k g
also has rules and limitations. k g is mostly done for a purpose. A purpose to gain
something from the one who stole from his or her rightful place.
But... is money enough to fulfill that purpose? Or they have an even bigger purpose
and another goal? If it's money they want, those kidnappers could have shifted to
other rich families and well-known personalities. De Guzmans are not the only
wealthy people in this country after all. And to think that Derek has been harassed
by death threats for almost a year, it seems too off.
Why would the kidnappers waste their time for one whole year to chase after him?
There's nothing more I could even think of other than those kidnappers having a
bigger motive.
"l understand. I got your point, Rieda. There's probably one good reason why they
keep on hunting Derek down. In addition, they could use snipers to shot Mr. De
Guzman's head anytime, anywhere, even before you came. However, they didn't use
that method but rather wait for a particular timing. With this, the client's case
seems to be more intriguing than I thought it would be."
Master Phoenix's right. Mayroong sandamakmak na pagkakataon para mapatay ang nag-
iisang tagapagmana ng De Guzman Enterprises. Pero hindi nila ginamit ang mga iyon.
Ano ang rason nila kung bakit patuloy nilang binabantaan ang buhay ni Derek? Bakit
parang may hinihintay sila na kung ano?
"Nevertheless, you have to guard him closely, Ishtar. Derek is oblivious to all the
danger that he is about to face. He's pretty much confident that those childish
plays with his gang would save his life forever. The youth's too ignorant. They are
into liberating themselves too much that they weren't able to notice the knife
placed on their necks."
"Understood, sir," I answered.
Wherever I look, Derek doesn't have any
single idea of what is going on. Hindi niya alam kung gaano karami ang naghahangad
sa yaman ng pamilya niya. At mas lalong hindi niya alam kung gaano kadeterminado
ang mga ito makuha lang siya.
Sa katunayan, binabalak na nga ipasa ni
Mr. Romuel De Guzman ang posisyon niya kay Derek sa kumpanya dahil nga sa tumatanda
na ito at may nililihim na sakit sa puso. Kaso, nananatiling problema niya ang
pagiging rebelde ng kanyang anak. Paano niya mapapakawalan angtungkulin na
hinawakan ng ilang dekada nang maluwag sa 100b kung nagkakaganito ang tagapagmana
niya?
Sa kahit saang anggulo tingnan ng kanyang ama, hindi pa handa si Derek.
Nang hindi na muli pang nagsalita si Master Phoenix ay napagdesisyunan ko na na
magpaalam upang puntahan naman ang isang mahalagang pagpupulong sa kumpanya. Siguro
ay nauna na si Mark sa akin doon. I can't afford to let him wait for me or else
he'll ask nonsense questions again.
I was about to step out when the master called out for me suddenly.
"l have a request, Rieda."
Napatigil ako sa paglalakad at muling binigyang tingin ang kaisa-isang paraan upang
makausap siya. "What is it, master?"
It was a short while before he dropped the request that he wanted to ask from me.
Even so, I just realized that it is rare of him to ask something in addition so I
held my head high and I confidently look at the camera which transmits my image to
Master Phoenix's monitor. I want to show him that I would always devote myself to
serving him. That I would live up to his expectations.
For he is the reason why I am still alive...
"Change him
Agad na napakunot ang noo ko sa dalawang salitang binitiwan niya. "Change him, you
say?" pagkukumpirma ko muli sa mga narinig 1<0. Bakit sa lahat ng hihilingin niya
mula sa akin ay iyon pa? Sa lahat ng kaya kong ialok para sa kanya na siyang umayos
sa buhay ko, ito ang pipiliin niya?
" My contract with his father is only about protecting him, not changing him, sir,"
apila ko nang may impit na sama ng 100b. Hangga't maaari, ayokong mas lalo pang
mapalapit sa lalaking iyon. Hindi dapat. Hindi pwede.
Isang matalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan niya bago niya balikan ang naging
tugon ko. "You are very much aware of the reason why he needs you, aren't you?"
Napatikom ang bibig ko nang banggatin na naman niya ang bagay na iyon. I very much
know what he is pertaining to. A male who is cold-hearted, arrogant, and boastful.
He is like that because of something regarding his past.
What happened to my declaration of teaching him a lesson, I asked? I guess the
reason why I allowed him to be whatever he wants to be is that I want to know the
real him. To know the real one, you have to see what's different from the usual and
the unusual from the common.
Mrs. Sarah De Guzman, Derek's mother didn't die from breast cancer. She was killed
on the exact day of her son's birthday a long time ago. What's more devastating in
it was that Derek saw how the criminal pulled the trigger without hesitation,
killing his mom in instant in front of his own eyes. The thud that was heard due to
his mother's fall, the sight of flowing blood, and the laughter that killer made...
They formed the facade he is sticking with now.
Those outrageous acts and stubborn attitude, I know he's not doing itjust because
he likes it but because he's so lost. Lost in sadness and fear. He can't find his
true self again thus struggling to find it with all he has.
Nakakalungkot isipin na ang isang taong may malaking potensyal ay nagkakaganito.
And when I say potential, I mean the Derek De Guzman is a child prodigy. A constant
honor student and a well-known athlete of track-and-field. That's what I found on
his records. He could alter the world if he'll use this potential to contribute to
society. But until he has found what he is searching for, people would only treat
him as a good-for-nothing son of a rich businessman, a brute, and a worthless
citizen of this country.
" Ngayon pa lang nagsisimula ang tunay mong tungkulin, Agent Ishtar. Don't you ever
disappoint me. I am expecting a lot from you." Hindi lang yata ang mga balikat ko
ang burnagsak kung hindi pati na rin ang kumpyansa ko sa sarili ko. What should I
do to make that bastard return to his real self? What should I do to make him be a
person his father would be proud of to present as his heir?
Or do I really have to do something if Derek... as what Martin stated, has changed
because of Jenny?
My conversation with Master about the extension of my horizons was cut short when a
new report came from the other agents who just returned from the respected
missions. I can't help but envy them. I used to be bored with the cycle of
finishing the mission and then send a report of it to the office. Now, I just want
to have the usual missions that I used to have. This case of the De Guzmans is
different but... It's asking too much from Rieda Fernandez, the identity being
covered
by Agent Ishtar.
It would be better if the mission is just asking for Ishtar's skills. But to
request Rieda ls help? No way. As much as possible, I want to distinguish these
identities that I have on the palm of my hands. If I messed up, everything will be
in trouble as well.
Despite it, it's still a request from him so I won't be able to decline. I can't
decline.
As I was walking towards the elevator, my gear watch beeped. Awtomatikong naiangat
ko ang kaliwang kamay ko para makita kung anong balita ang ihahandog nito sa akin.
I used my index finger to swipe the lock and my watch immediately projected a
vision of Derek on his way home.
"The person you are tracking is now on his way home. It will took him exactlyseven
minutes and 43 seconds before he reaches the area. "
Halos mapamaang naman ako sa kung ano ang bumungad sa akin. Ba't ang aga naman niya
yata ngayon? 00 at may dalawang klase lang siya para sa araw na ito kaya dapat bago
magtanghalian ay nasa mansyon na siya. But who am I kidding? Si Derek De Guzman?
Didiretso ng uwi?
Anong himala ang naganap para maisipan niya na urnuwi ng bahay nang maaga ngayong
araw? s* *t. I still have an executive board meeting

9/1 5
today and I'm quite sure that it won't end shortly. But if I ask Mark to proceed on
my behalf again, the directors might think that I'm slacking off as a president.
You are ruining my plans for today, Mr. De Guzman.
Argh! Bahala na nga. I guess this could be the best opportunity for Martin to prove
that he's a capable back-up. Now, that I mentioned it. hope he could stand on his
ground against Derek's questions until I arrive. Good luck to you then.
"Thank God! Dumating ka na rin sa wakas! Hurry, you still have a lot of oldies to
impress," bungad ni Mark sa akin pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa opisina ko.
Naabutan ko siyang may kung anu-ano na namang kinakalikot sa laptop niya gaya ng
dati. Hindi ba talaga siya nauubusan ng gawain pagdating sa mga computer niya?
Anyway, let's get to work.
"Where are the—I'
"Here you go, president. I've arranged everything you'll need later. So, all you
have to do is to speak smart and brilliant as you always do," Mark told me, tapping
the set of folders he put on my desk.
Did he really do this much for me? Hindi
ako makapaniwala. This bastard best friend of mine.
"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that? You look like an idiot, you
know."
"Aww!" he exclaimed when I jumped on him. Sorry, I'm just so happy that I have a
friend to depend on right now. Now that Derek is messing my schedule up.
"Bakit ba tingin ka nang tingin diyan sa relo mo? Kanina ka pa. I-deactivate ko
kaya ang guardian mo," iritadong komento ni Mark habang pabalik na kami sa opisina
ko.
Kinurot ko naman ang braso niya sa pagbabantang i-deactivate si Vanna. Vanna is my
gear watch's guardian. Guardians are the virtual assistants of agents programmed
within the watch's system. The voice guiding me from my missions with excellent
accuracy and suggestions was her's. She is also the one that manages all the
devices I activated through her connection.
And of course, I won't let anyone pull Vanna out. It's almost like losing my eyes.
"Paano ako mapapakali 'e mag-aalasingko na ng hapon? Lagot ako nito pag-uwi. I will
get scolded again by that young master of mine," at ipinasok ko na ang susi sa
seradura upang tuluyang buksan ang pinto.
"Eh? You sound like a wife who has a
curfew."
"Shut up."
Pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko ay ipinatong ko na ang mga ginamit kong materyales at
mga papeles kanina sa lamesa ko. Sa awa ng Diyos ay natapos na rin angtrabaho ko sa
kumpanya para sa araw na ito. Pasalampak akong napaupo sa swivel chair ko. Mariin
kong pinikit ang mga mata ko nang tinamaan na naman ako ngsakit ng ulo. f* *k.
"Kaya mo pa ba?" nag-aalalang tanong niya. I quickly raised my right hand to shut
him up. I just want a little moment of silence to cool my head down from all of the
stress I'm being subdued to.
"You're really dumb, Rieda. Just admit that you're tired and I'll do the rest for
you. Master
Phoenix won't know anyway," suhestiyon pa nito.
"Just shut up, Mark."
Napabalikwas na lang ako ng upo nang malakas na tumunog ang telepono sa tabi ko.
Iritableng kinuha ko ito at handa na sanang murahin ang kung sinumang nagtangka na
manggambala ng sandaling katahimikan ko nang umabot sa pandinig ko ang pagtawag sa
akin ng 'Jenny'.
"What the hell is happening there,
Woods?" iyan ang una ko na lang na naitanong sa natatanging tao ngayon sa bahay na
nakakaalam ng numero ng telepono ng opisina 1<0. Kung hindi ko lang siguro narinig
ang sigawa at pagbabasag ay binabaan ko na ang isang 'to.
"Nasaan ka na ba? Nabubugnot na 'yung prinsepe dito! My awful excuses have failed!
He's interrogating the damn household about your whereabouts." Oh my God.
Obviously, if I don't want to witness the worst, I have to go back as soon as I
can. "O sige, uuwi na ako. Ako na ang bahala. Basta sabihin mo na lang sa kanya,
parating na ako diyan." 'Yun lang at binaba ko na angtelepono upang makapag-ayos
na sa pag-alis ko.
"Looks like it's worth of an emergency,
Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang sinabi ni Mark at sinimulan ko ng ayusin ang mga garnit
ko. Napakabugnutin talaga ng lalaking iyon kahit kailan! Even so, I am also at
fault.
Pero hindi ko rin naman pwedeng sabihin sa kanya na..
'Young master, I am sorry for not letting you know but /just did myjob as a secret
agent and a CEO ofa big company. I hope you don t deduct my salary as your maid. '
It keeps getting harder and harder for me to manage everything at the same time. If
only I can cut myself into three halves then it would be convenient. Heh, I wish.
"Goodbye, Ishtar. See you later!" dinig kong pamamaalam ni Mark bago ko nilisan ang
opisina.
Mabilis na akong sumakay ng elevator papunta sa parking lot. The matter is, I'm
from the 25th floor of the building. Sabayan pa ng mga empleyado kong papauwi na
rin sa ganitong oras. Ayos, nagkakasabay-sabay pa kaming lahat.
Rieda, patience is a virtue. Refrain from stompingyour foot or else the employees
might think something negative about you.
Nang sa wakas ay nagbigay senyales na ang elevator na naririto na ako sa palapag ng
paradahan ng mga sasakyan ay dali-dali na akong lumabas upang hanapin ang sasakyan
ko. Alright, this is so frustrating. I'm wearing a five-inch heels and I have to
find that freaking car. Great.
Nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng pagmamaneho nang maalala ko na Biyernes ngayon. Right,
rush hour. My phone rang in the midst of my patience getting shorter and shorter.
Thanks to the traffic I was able to get my phone from my bag on the passenger seat
with no difficulty. Yeah, thanks.
["'Yung totoo, Rieda? Kaninong santo pa ba ako magdadasal para dumating ka na?"]
"Can't you calm down first? I got caught in a traffic jam, you see. Anong gagawin
ko?
Lumipad?"
["How could I calm down if anytime soon, the young master will surely pick these
million-worth vases to ease his anger?! Sabihin mo nga sa akin!"]
"Martin Woods, listen to me. I am already so damn tired from all the shitty works
for today. I've got only f*****g two hours to sleep last night and the pair of dark
circles are bitchying my eyes right now. So could you please stop your irritating
remarks and get that bastard to zip his freaking mouth."
Nauutal at tila pabulong na nagdadasal siyang nagpaalam sa akin matapos niyang
marinig ang mga maririin kong salita na sinamahan pa ng mura. Napabuntong hininga
na lang ako ulit. Hinilot-hilot ko muna ang ulo ko dahil medyo dinadalaw na ako ng
antok.
For the second time around, my gear watch beeped to give me another notice.
Walang kaene-enerhiya kong binuksan ang lock upang tingnan kung ano pa ang susunod
na balitang darating sa akin ngayon araw. I mean, come on, if you have something to
inform me then give me the worst!
Kaso nang binasa ko na ang impormasyon ay halos inulit-ulit ko pa ang pagbasa rito
dahil parang ayaw tanggapin ng utak ko ang nakalagay sa mensahe ni Vanna.
"Five male intruders are on their way to the De Guzman Mansion. Theyare armed and
their appearances are likely the same to the assassins. I repeat, five male—"
Holy mother of pearl. How many times do I have to cussjust to let all of my
frustration out?
Vanna has really given me the worst news.
She's quite a very obedient guardian, huh. Ugh

Chapter 6: Eliminating and Solving

As soon as I entered the subdivision, hurried on parking my damn car at my house's
garage to proceed on preparing my disguise. I tried to communicate with Martin
Woods for the nth time but he was of no avail. That is when I start to feel a
little trouble inside me. Why is he not answering my calls? Did something happen
already in the household? What about the others?
I've put my veil on first before wearing the golden Venetian mask. The mask which
will be the one they will recognize as their savior tonight.
After checking my clothes if they will not give me any problem later, I fetch my
babies from the cabinet which had been waiting to be used for a long time. Sorry. I
won't accept it if your sharpness and deadliness have gotten rusty.
I have to save someone ofgreat importance.
After picking everything I'll need, I positioned myself on my room's window wherein
you can use to peek inside the attic. Since the De Guzman Mansion's attic was
located at their third floor and my current location is at the fourth floor of this
house, I have to do a stunt to enter the attic from here.
Kinakalkula ko nang mabuti ang distansya ng bintanang kinalalagyan ko sa ngayon at
ang bintanang naroroon sa may attic. "Vanna, try to open the door," and in a matter
of seconds, the sole window from the attic opened as if I used some magic word.
Nang masiguro ko na kung papaano ko tatantyahin ang pagpunta roon ay hinablot ko na
ang bow and arrow ko na nakapatongsa kalapit na lamesa. I tried to adjust my
eyepiece which is resting on my left eye one more time to ensure that my
calculations won't fail me.
The arrow's tail is tied with a wire rope so once I launched the arrow and it
landed at the wood above the window, I can have my entrance and save the prince
charming. Right, that's the first step.
I pulled the bowstring backward while I'm making my arms steady. The strength and
force should be just right. "Targetpoint detected Arrow's aim locked. Release the
arrow within five seconds,"Vanna reported as the crosshairs steadied on my scope.
And on my guardian's mark, I released the arrow, landing the right aim perfectly.
"Gotcha," I uttered. Seems like they haven 't gotten rusty, have they?
I made sure that the connector and the carabiner are on good condition before I
settled
on jumping anytime soon. Okay... the rope coiler machiner is on the position as
well. "Guards?" huling tanong ko kay Vanna bago ko ipagpatuloy ang plano ko. Hindi
pwedeng may makakita sa akin o ni makahagip man lang sa akin.
I've disconnected every network attached to every CCTVcameras around the area,
Ishtar. No sign ofanypasser-by. The guard house 's monitor will be blocked for only
thirty seconds The timer starts... now."
Kahit papaano naman ay talagang kumpirmadong tama lang ang layo at lokasyon ng
bahay na nabili ko na ito. Liban pa rito'y walang puno o poste na haharang sa
pagpunta ko sa kabilang mansyon. Here we go. "One..."
On my guardian's first count, I jumped from the window to proceed to my rescue
operation. The flight has been smooth and fast. Sa mismong pagtanggal ko sa pana sa
pagkakabaon nito ay awtomatiko na itong hinatak ng machine. Sumunod naman ang
pagsarado ng bintanang pinanggalingan ko at ang mga ilaw na naiwang kong bukas.
"Twenty-nine...Thirty. Right on time. The guard house 's monitors will be getting
their signals back CCTVcameras restarting..."
Inilapag ko naman na ang mga gamit na galing sa isang bahay sa sahig at nagmadali
na
akong ipagsusuksok ito sa mga lagayang nakatali sa ibang parte ng katawan ko upang
magamit ko sa kahit anong oras para mamaya. Just the enough weight to move...
As I was inserting one last throwing knife to my leather sheath, my gear watch
beeped for another notice again, making me stop on the edge of ending my
preparations.
"The intruders were surrounding the house as ofnow. One ofthem is walking near to
the attic. Two, in front ofthe house. Anotherone from the back door and the other
is inside the library," It's great to have this kind of gadgets.
Really thank you, Mark. They're really reliable.
Why? Dahil nakakarinig na ako ng langitngit na gawa ng mga yapak ng isang tao mula
sa labas. Wrong room, you fool. You have come to reach the lion's den.
Dahan-dahan kong siniksik ang huling patalim na hawak ko at kaagad na lumapit sa
gilid ng pintuan. Hindi ko na inabalang buksanpa ang ilaw sapagkat sa oras na
matapos akong kalabanin ang isang Ito, kadiliman lang din naman ang magiging una at
huling masisilayan niya.
I reached to open the lock of the door for him to be free on opening it. Dulot na
gawa lang sa kahoy ang attic ay maririnig at maririnig mo
ang ingay na magmumula sa 100b at sa hindi kalayuan dito. The moment he finally let
himself welcomed into my room, I took a step to gave him a light punch to his
stomach. It made him chuckle of course. Just as I expected, he let his guard down.
Aside from that, he appears to be a sadist.
"Aw, mukhang may iba akong kasama rito ah. Nasaan ka? Sa tingin mo ba nasaktan mo
ako sa ginawa mo? Ni katiting, hindi," panghahamon pa nito.
With him saying that, it has come for my time to smirk. Talaga lang ha? Hindi pa
kasi talaga iyan ang tunay na masakit. Hinablot ko ang isa sa mga patalim ko at
itinarak ko sa may bandang balikat niya. Mabilis naman itong nagdugo at ang pag-
inda ng lalaki ang pumarinig sa kwarto ko. Agad ko rin namang binawa ang
pagkakatarak nito. Hindi ako maaaring mag-iwan ng kahit anong bakas.
Mukhang paglilinisin pa ako nang I di oras ng taong ito ah.
"A-Aray! Putangina! Nasaan ka? Magpakita kang tarantado ka!" at iwinasiwas pa nito
ang nilabas niyang kutsilyo sa buong kwarto.
Sa boses pa lamang niya ay batid kong nangangamba na siya sa sarili niyang
kaligtasan. Hindi nga ba't mas nakakatakot kung hindi mo nakikita ang kalaban mong
nais tapusin ang
buhay mo?
He has the guts on crashing to someone else's house but he can't even endure one
attack. Oh, I know. The knife I used has been dipped on a substance that will
render someone unconscious.
No doubt he is crawling to the floor right now. Unfortun ately, no one is coming to
save you from my grasp. It will soon paralyze your jaw motions too. You will not be
able to speak anytime soon.
Iyan ang napapala ng mga katulad mo.
Pasalamat ka at pinaralisa at sinugatan lang kita.
Now. Shall we proceed on punishing the other ones too?
Hinakbangan ko ang nakalupasay na katawan ng isa sa mga nanloob sa mansyon at tin
ungo ko ang pangalawang palapag kung saan matatagpuan angsilid-aklatan. Habang
dahan-dahan akong bumababa ay naririnig ko na ang ingay ng mga pahinang tila
sinisira ng humahawak nito. May naghahalughog ng kung ano sa 100b.
Hindi lang mga manloloob. Mga magnanakaw pa.
Gumawi ako sa kaliwa dahil isang kwarto lang ang layo nito sa hagdan paakyat sa
attic. Napangiwi naman ako nang makitang masyadong hindi mapag-ingat ang taong
pumasok dito dahil naiwan niya pang nakabukas ang pinto.
Tsk tsk. Mukhang mga pasikat na magnanakaw lang yata ang mga ito. Wala pa akong
nakitang ganitong katanga na manloloob sa ilang taon kong pagtatrabaho. Ngayon
lang.
Nag-obserba muna ako kung may nakakapansin na ba sa bahay na may nakapasok na mga
lalaki pero wala pa namangsigaw ng paghingi ng tulong akong nadidinig. What an
idiot, Martin. Ang hina pa rin talaga ng pakiramdam ng lalaking iyon. What's the
sense of teaching him before ifhe can 't even apply it? Duh, " Number of people
inside the particular area confirmed. One person, armed with an army knife and a
single g*n. Based on his body condition analyzed by the sensor, you can take him up
without using any weapon. The person 's muscles are quite not familiar with any
history of hand-to-hand combat and close combat."
Since Vanna told me through the earpiece I wore that he's alone inside the library,
I dared to step in with fewer precautions. However, compared to the first one, this
one was able to sense my presence earlier than I expected. Alam na alam niya ang
presensya ng p P.
That's one good point.
He threw the book he is holding to toss the army knife Vanna said he has on his
keeps. Just like what I was informed, this guy doesn't know anything with combat.
I was able to catch the knife easily which makes him panic. Nilaro-laro ko pa ang
patalim sa pagitan ng mga daliri ko at napansin ko na ang paglunok ng kaharap ko.
"Sino ka?! Bakit ka nandito?! Bakit ka ba nakikialam?!"
Siraulo pala ito e. Kliyente ko ang nakatira sa bahay na ito na paniguradong
aatakihin mo makuha lang ang mga kailangan niyo sa pamamahay niya. Paanong hindi
ako makikialam? Ang tigas naman ng bungo mo magtanong.
Given that I didn't bring any voice modifier with me, I shut my mouth up. Instead,
I signaled him with my hand gestures to come closer and closer until he reaches a
good spot to be punched and kicked.
Pagkaapak niya sa pwestong iyon ay kamao ko na ang pinangsalubong ko sa kanya.
Nawalan naman siya ng balanse at napahawak sa mukha niya. Nang makabawi siya ay
agad niyang inilabas at inihanda ang b* * *l na dala niya mula sa pagkakasukbit
nito sa kanyang tagiliran.
I could've stopped him from pulling that g*n out. But let's see what this guy can
do. Let's have a short playtime.
Walang sinayang na oras ang lalaki at bara-barang sumugod sa direksyon ko na
animo'y wala na siyang ibang mapagpilian pa. Sa bagay,
9/1 5
kung sakaling hindi siya makatakas dito ay makukulong at makukulong siya.
As he come towards me, I caught his arm and twisted it to his back. I know that
there's a simple trick to escape the lock so I got his remaining arm as well,
trapping him with my grasp. Habang napupunta na ang konsentrasyon niya sa
nananakit niyang mga kamay ay saka ko kinalas ang isa kong kamay nang sa gayon ay
magamit ko ang Siko ko upang patulugin ang lalaki sa pamamagitan ng pagtama sa
kanyang band ang batok.
Once I was able to confirm that he has dozed off, I picked the g*n up to unload it.
I was about to set off to find the other remaining naughty boys when I thought of
injecting the guy with a small dose of a d* *g that would put him to sleep for a
few hours certainly.
Malay natin kung magising pa ito at makialam mamaya. O hindi kaya'y magsumbong sa
mga pulis sa oras ng interogasyon. I better make sure to put him behind the bars
before he could arise a matter about my involvement.
"Ahhh! Tulong! Tulungan niyo ko! Maawa kayo
"Si Manang Delia ba iyon?" pagkaalerto ko. Pati ba naman ang matanda ay hindi pa
nila palalampasin?!
By hearing another following screams for
help from the first floor, it was my time now to pull my own weapons. Tumayo na ako
at lumabas mula sa silid-aklatan upang mas mapakinggan ang mga pagtawag. "Vanna,
call out to the guard house and to the police station nearby as soon as I gave you
a signal."
"Copy that, Ishtar."
Napasulyap ako sa engrandeng hagdanan ng mansyon na ito. Sorry, I will take the
shortcut. I jumped from the second floor's railing and landed well on the ground.
Pinagmasdan ko ang bawat sulok ng unang palapag. Unang nakakuha ng atensyon ko ay
ang bukas na na pinto ng dining room na siyang may nakakonektang daan direkta sa
kusina, Ibig sabihin, nakapasok na 'yung dalawa at gayon na rin siguro ang taong
pumasok mula sa likod.
"Yellow alert The two guards from the front were identified dead by the CamV2G
scan.
Client DDG has been found in the theater room which is a soundproofed room. "
Sa paglalakad ko papuntang dining room ay naalala kong nandirito lang din sa unang
palapag ang theater room. Sa kabutihang palad, mukhang wala pa namang
nakakadiskubre na naroroon siya sa pagitan ng mga manloloob. Lalo na at walang
senyales silang makukuha gawa na rin ng estado ng kwartong kinaroroonan nito. So
for now, let's get my fellow maids to
safety.
Unfortunately, found my girls on an awful picture, waving and swinging all antiques
and silverware to the two boys who have katana with them. As I was checking out the
number of people in here... Wait. Where's Woods? Aish, Let's find him later.
Kinuha ko ang isa sa mga nahulog na mga kubyertos sa sahig at binato isa-isa sa ulo
ng dalawang lalaking nakaitim. Abang napatingin naman silang kaagad sa akin at
nginisian ako na pawang nakahanap sila ng bagong mapaglalaruan.
Sinalubong ako ng mga ito ng pagsugod. I postured myself on my usual defense stance
and kicked the first man on his chest to settle some matters with this psychotic-
looking second man. I used the twisting and locking tactic again on him for him to
lose his grip on the katana. Binitawan ko naman na rin siya nang mahulog sa sahig
ang patalim at nang muntikan pa niya itong damputin ay malakas ko siyang itinulak
papunta sa lamesa.
"Ay Diyos ko PO! Sus maryosep!"
"Tuktukan niyo ng mangkok ang ugok na
Bigla namang umentra ang kaninang sinipa ko at muntikan na niya akong saksakin
nangsubukan kong muli na garnitin sa kanya ang taktikang nagawa ko na sa iba niyang
kasamahan. Inilag-ilagan ko panandalian ang mga atake niya hanggang sa makakita ako
ng pagkakataon hablutin ang mga kamay niya.
Pilit ko pwinersa ang mga kamay niya upang makuha ang kontrol sa mga ito. Sa una ay
inilayo ko muna ang espada mula sa akin hanggang sa nagawa ko nang maitutok sa
kanya ang sarili niyang sandata. Bahagyang itinulak ko ito sa may tagiliran niya na
siyang nakapaglikha ng hiwa sa kanya. Nang tuluyang nawala ang kontrol niya sa
hawakan ng espada ay doon ko ito kinuha at ginamit upang bigyan pa siya ng
karagdagang hiwa sa kanyang braso.
The maids were on a rage and were continuously cheering me on as if they're
watching some action scene from a movie. To give myself some time to breath more, I
stepped back for a little bit as I was seeing the two crawling to attain their
swords back.
They won 't stop unless / make a move that they won 't be expecting.
Huminga muna ako nang malalim bago ko tuluyang ihagis ang katana na hawak ko
papunta sa panig ng mga katulong na may bakas ng mga takot sa kani-kanilang mga
mukha. Napasigaw sila sa pagdampi nito sa kanilang paanan habang angdalawa kong
kalaban ay matagumpay na nakatayo na mula sa pagkakagapang at handa na
muli akong sugurin.
Marahas na inagaw ng isa ang katana na inihagis ko. Tiningnan ko silang dalawa sa
kanilang mga mata. Over-focusing won't lead you to a better result. It's better to
successfully do it instead of failing everything.
Nang muling papasugod na sila ay tumalon ako papataas para maiwasan ang parehong
atake nila. I landed above their swords with the confidence that both swords would
be capable of supporting my weight since I haven't checked my body mass index yet.
Pagkababa ko, bumagsak na silang dalawa sa may sahig at may masaganang dugo na ang
lumalabas mula sa mga bibig nila dahil napuruhan nila ang lalamunan ng bawat isa
nang magkasalubong ang mga atake nila. They are too focused that they weren 't able
to see it coming. Killing each other, that is.
Sari-saring tilian ang dinulot nito sa buong sambahayan. Even so, this is merely
one of the thousands scenarios I've been to. Scenarios that would probably make
them lose their consciousness. Anyway, let's go and find the evil master next.
Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ko sa may dining room ay natagpuan ko ang nagpupumiglas na
Martin mula sa natitirang manloloob na kasalukuyang tinututukan siya ng isang b* *
*l.
Before he could even pull the trigger, I drew three throwing knives from my leg
sheath and threw it to the man's back and arm.
He was about to get up to get back at me when the drugs take effect. "Seriously,
Woods. Have you ever learned from me?" pang-aasar ko sa nagkukumarag na burnangon
na si Martin.
"At least I was able to stop him from beating the s**t out of our young master,"
depensa nito na may nakakalokong ngiti habang pinapagpagan ang uniporme niya.
Napailing na lang ako sa naging tugon niya. " Fine. Since he's the last one, I
think I don't have to check on Derek anymore. The policemen will be coming soon so
I better change now. You take care of the idiot," habilin ko bago ako tuluyang
umakyat muli sa may attic upang magpalit.
In return, he nodded with his hand gesturing me to get lost already. Bastard.
"Gehen, Vanna," I signaled her as soon as I reach my room 's doorstep. Mamaya maya,
may mga pupuntang mga pulis dito upang imbestigahan ang nangyari kaya dapat nandito
ako bilang Jenny at magbigay ng testamento na hindi nila mapagsususpetsahan.
"Searching for contact Detected Forming a contact and sending an anonymous tip,
success. "
Pagkapasok ko ay awtomatikong nagsara ang pinto. Hinakbangan kong muli 'yung
lalaking una kong naingkwentro upang makalapit sa may kama 1<0. I changed into my
maid uniform after I washed my make up off. Tinago ko na rin nang mabuti angdamit
na ginamit ko pati na ang maskara at belong pinantabing ko sa aking mukha.
Nang isasara ko na ang lalagyanan kung saan ko itinatago ang mga ito, may sumaging
ideya sa aking isipan. Napaisip ako. "Ten years of service. Ten years as Agent
Ishtar who wears the golden Venetian mask. Will there be a time when I have to stop
all the facade and to reveal my real identity?"
Master Phoenix keeps on telling each one of us...
When you are living as an agent, you are living with a great responsibility on you.
When you are responsible for a life, you treat that person's life as your own.
In short, when you have to protect someone's life, you don't have a life. Their
lives became yours.

Chapter 7: Infinity of Lies

"Nang mangyari po ang pagpasok ng mga magnanakaw dito sa mansyon, nasaan po kayo ng
mga oras na iyon?"
"Nasa may kusina PO. Naghahanda po kami ng makakain ng amo namin."
Finally, the policemen have arrived to fetch the trespassers and thieves. Sa ngayon
ay may dalawang pulis ang nagtatanong-tanong sa aming mga kasambahay ukol sa kung
nasaan kami nang mangyari ang krimen. At may isa pa silang kasama upang itala ang
mga impormasyon at testamento na makukuha nila mula sa amin.
Before the interrogation takes place, I managed to talk with Martin about what will
be our excuses regarding my whereabouts. Of course, as my back-up, he has to know
so he could support my arguments if ever my answers were questioned.
Habang nakahilera kami ay pawang nasa may tabi lang namin si Derek upang marinig
mismo ng personal ang mga masasabi namin tungkol sa naganap na panloloob. Ni hindi
niya nga lubos maisip na habang nasa 100b siya ng kwarto ay may nangyayari na
palang krimen. So, it was quite understandable that it
made him irritated. Prenteng nakatayo nang tahimik at nakakrus ang mga braso niya
na animo ly naiinip sa ginagawang imbestigasyon. More like, he is waiting for a
good damn specific answer that will enlighten him about what happened. Especially,
the one who got rid of those thieves.
Though I was able to stop the intruders from saying anything about me by using a
d**g on them, I still can't get the hold of my fellow maids and butlers' mouths.
They can't stop talking about a masked person who had come to save them all. It's
as if they are telling a story about a knight in shining armor rescuing the
kingdom.
Hindi ko nga alam kung maririndi ba ako o matatawa na lang sa mga reaskyon nila.
That's no big deal at all. It was myjob,
" Kayo PO, miss?" patungkol naman sa akin ng pulis at sa isang iglap ay napunta na
sa akin ang mga mata ng lahat.
Sa maniwala man kayo o sa hindi, hindi na tumatalab sa akin ang konsensya sa
ganitong mga sitwasyon. "Natutulog po ako sa may kwarto
Pinanliitan naman ako ng mga ng pulis na nagbato ngtanongsa akin na tila ba hindi
niya ako pinaniniwalaan. "According to your fellow maid, she is the only one who is
present in the
maids' quarters during that time. But if you're talking about the room at the
attic, that's a different matter as well. We have found one of the five intruders
in there. Sinasabi mo bang hindi mo napansin ang pagpasok nito at hindi mo rin
nakita kung paano ito napatumba ng sinasabl niyong tagapagligtas? ll pang-uusisa
nito.
Kahit papaano naman pala may mga natitira pa ring mga pulis na may utak. I give him
that. However, an agent like me who had lied for ten years using different
identities would be a difficult opponent, sir.
Sabi nila, mahuhuli mo raw ang isangtao sa pamamagitan ng pagtitig sa mga mata
nila. Sorry but that logic is not possible for me. "Ah, pumunta po muna kasi ako sa
palikuran noong mga oras na nakapasok po ang mga magnanakaw. Pagkabalik ko PO,
nagulat na lang po ako na may nakahilata roon."
In order to keep a significant secret, one must lie and create an excuse to make
herself safe from suspicions. That's one of the basics Phoenix Organization mentors
teach for the beginners and trainees. Someone who is as honest like a saint is not
fitted for a job that requires deceit and deception.
Ngayon pa ba ako papalya kung gayong sa
100b ng apat na buwan na pananatili ko rito ay
hindi na mabilang ang mga kasinungalingang napakawalan ko at napapanindigan ko
hanggang ngayon?
" Pero hinanap ka namin sa buong bahay pero wala ka. Sabi pa nga ni Martin, baka
may dinalaw ka raw na kamag-anak pero sabi naman ng mga guwardiya, hindi ka raw
nila nakitang lumabas," mabilis na pag-arangkada ng sabat ni Andrea.
Here she goes again. Hindi na ako nagtataka na siya ang unang magsususpetya sa
akin. Kahit naman wala akong ginagawa 'e pinag-iisipan niya ako ng masama.
Andrea is the youngest household staff member of this mansion. She's close to my
age but I never heard her calling me 'ate' or something like that. Every one of us
knows about her feelings for Martin Woods and she proudly declared that she would
never lose to someone as clumsy as I am. Heh, as if I'm chasing that Woods.
Patay-malisya at maang-maangang reaksyon naman ang ipinantapat ko sa suspetya niya.
"Hindi ba it nasabi ko na sa inyo na dadalawang oras lang ang tinulog ko kagabi
kaya naman nang matapos ko ang pinapasampay ni Manang Delia 'e natulog na ako sa
kwarto. Saka tiningnan niyo ba ang kwarto ko? Ni hindi nga kayo makalapit doon,
hindi ba? At saka sabi mo na rin, 'baka' 'yung sinabi sa inyo ni Martin.
Alangan namang matulog ako sa guard house para makita ako palagi nina Kuya Rey."
Despite the desire to sound sarcastic around her, I tried to control my mouth on
spouting more counterattacks. Baka sa sobrang pagdepensa ko ay mapaghinalaan pa ako
nang malala ng mga pulis.
Still, my excuses were plausible enough to be guaranteed as someone who doesn't
have anything to do with the incident. Because after all, they could no longer
execute an interview with the guards since they were already killed.
Having said that Rey and the other guards were the fifth batch of guards who died
for the cause of protecting the heir of this household. It's a shame that I wasn't
able to help them as well. However, since I am binded to a legal contract, I have
to set my priorities straight. With their killers arrested, they could rest in
peace now.
I had found thejustice they deserved.
"Hay, ikaw kasi Jenny! Sa susunod nga magsabi ka para naman hindi kami nahihirapan
sa kakahanap sa iyo. Even the young master was worried about you." That's it,
Woods. Just go on with the acting.
Andrea looks embarrassed when Woods stood up to support and to believe my
arguments. I don't know if I should pity her since she is quite a pain on the a*s
most of the time but
I can't do anything about Woods being my back-up as well.
Humarap ako kay Derek at yumuko bilang akto ng paghingi ng paumanhin. This should
do the ending of my story for tod ay. "Sorry PO. Hindi na po mauulit. Magsasabi na
po ako sa susunod." Mukhang nakumbinsi ko naman ang mga pulis sa pag-akto ko at
napatikhim na lamang sila upang magbigay na lang ng ilang mga salita bago tuluyang
tapusin ang pagtatanong sa amin na mga kasambahay. "Sige PO, 'yun na lang po muna.
Tatawag na lang po kami kung sakaling may nalaman pa po kaming iba. Bale, mauuna na
po kami, Mr. De Guzman," pagpapaalam ng mga 'to.
Isa-isa na nilang kinuha ang mga kagamitan na ginamit nila kanina sa pagsusuri at
lumabas na rin ng bahay ang ilan pa nilang mga kasamahang pulis. Hinatid ng
sambahayan at gayon na rin ni Derek ang mga 'to sa kanilang pag-alis. Matapos na
tuluyang mawala sa aming paningin ang mga sasakyan nila ay nagkanya-kanyang toka na
kaming mga katulong sa paglilinis ng mga dumi at dugo naiwan ng masamang insidente.
Pagkapasok ng lahat sa 100b ay abang tinawag naman ako ng demonyo. "Jenny, once
you're done with your chores, come to my room," bilin nito at nagdire-diretso na
ito sa kanyang
kwarto nang hindi man lamang ako binibigyan ng isangtingin.
Ano na namang problema niya? Bakit ako na lang lagi? Argh.
Bigla namang may kamay na bumagsak sa may kanang balikat ko. "Magaling ka pa rin
talagang magsinungaling," he whispered. Dinampot ko naman ang kamay niya at
pasimpleng pinatunong nang sabay ang mga daliri niya. Napalayo naman siya sa akin
dulot ng gin awa ko. "Chill. Aww, ang sakit. Pinupuri ka lang eh," bawi niya.
Halos mapasinghal naman ako dahil dumadagdag lang siya sa init ng ulo ko.
"Tigil-tigilan mo 'ko, kahoy. I'm not in the mood tojoke around with you," mahinang
banta ko rito at agad naman siyang napatikom ng kanyang bibig. Bago pa niya ako
lalong mainis ay iniwan ko na siya roon upangtapusin na ang mga gawain
1<0.
On the middle of our work, the other employees can't help but to ask me questions
too about my whereabouts during the time of the incident. As usual, my real work
here is to lie. Provided by the identity I'm using, they believed everything I
said. Even the tiniest bit of lie was deemed the truth.
Nakokonsensya ba ako? Hindi ko rin alam. I guess at least, you'll suffer from that
soft pinch on your conscience when you realized that these people who don't have
anything to do but to keep on believing every lie you tell them, were still smiling
and worrying about you. Me, a liar.
It's just that 1 1 m lying to them but they keep on doing good things to me. It's
just that it sounds so unfair. But inevitable...
"'O hija, Sige na at kami na ang bahala rito. Pumunta ka na sa kwarto ni Sir Derek
at baka mapagalitan ka pa lab," turan sa akin ni Manong Albert, isa sa mga
kasabayan din ni Manang Delia sa tagal na sa pagsisilbi rito sa mansyon.
Nag-alangan naman akong sundin ang payo nila sapagkat hindi ayos sa akin na hayaan
ko silang linisin ang lahat ng ito samantalang may responsibilidad din naman ako sa
nangyaring insidente. "P-Pero po—"
"Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo, Jenny. Sige na. Pumunta ka na kay Sir Derek. Huwag mo
na kami alalahanin dito. Malalakas pa kami, hija," at natatawangsumang-ayon pa ang
ilan pang nakatatandang kasambahay sa tinuran ni Manang Delia.
Well then, I can't decline a bunch of reassuring smiles like those. "Sige PO.
Salamat PO," at nagmamadali na akong nag-ayos upang puntahan si Derek.
Tingin ko, nag-aalala lang din para sa akin ang mga tao rito. Este, kay Jenny nga
pala. Dito
kasi sa mansyon na ito, madalas kong sinasadya ang magpakatanga at magmukhang
tanga. Minsa'y sinasadya ko rin ang magkamali. Hindi naman maiiwasan na tumatak na
sa mga isipan nila na kinakailangan ko talaga ng kaunting alalay sa pagkilos dito
sa 100b ng bahay.
I guess they won't believe me if I ever take a try on telling them that I am
actually a professional secret agent, hired and sent for international military,
political, and security purposes. That I don't really have the need to work here
because my minimum pay from a client is thirty million pesos and I have my own
house, car, properties, etc. That I had an expensive education and is an
experienced fighter. That I'm not that idiotic and careless woman they think I am.
Bagsak na mga balikat tuloy akong nakarating sa tapat ng kwarto ni Derek. Aish. /
shouldn [t stress myselflike this.
Master Phoenix trained me to become a strong person. Stronger than that hopeless
little kid. A person who could build the highest walls around her. He told me that
someone like me who has the hardest assignments should not lose over to my feelings
or be swayed by other people around me. That I can't trust anyone that easily.
Including those people... and Derek.
As soon as I was able to get myself all
together again, I knocked on the door three times. It took him a while before he
replied about letting me in. When I came in, I found him sitting in front of his
computer doing some reports for tomorrow morning.
Of course, I knew since I am monitoring his schedule and records through my
computer.
Sobrang seryoso ng itsura niya habang mabilis na tumitipa ang mga daliri niya sa
keyboard kaya bahagyang nagdadalawang-isip ako kung tatawagin ko ang pansin niya.
But he's the one who told me to come here, isn't he?
'I S-Sir Derek?" pakunwaring kinakabahang tawag 1<0. Kahit na ba sa totoo lang ay
handa naman na ako sa mga pwede niyang ibatong mga katanungan at pangongompronta sa
akin.
Hindi ko naman inaasahan na agad siyang titigil sa ginagawa niya para lang lingunin
ako.
"Is it really true that you've been in your room the whole time we were looking for
you?" may pagtatakang kwestiyon nito sa akin. Mukhang hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa
rin siya kumbinsido.
Pumostura ako na tila nagugulumihanan sa tinanong niya. Lalo na at ang alam niya ay
hindi naman tapos ng pag-aaral si Jenny. "P-Po?" "Sinabi mo sa mga pulis na
natutulog ka lang sa kwarto mo, tama? Pero paanong hindi mo narinig ang mga sigaw
at pagbabasag 1<0?
Ginagamit mo ba talaga 'yang mga tainga mo? O kung gusto mo, ipapaputol ko na lang
ang mga iyan dahil parang wala rin silang silbi?"
Medyo nabigla ako sa pagtataas niya ng boses sa akin. Noong mga unang buwan ko
rito, 00, madalas niya akong sigaw-sigawan na para bang alila niya ako. Kung
ganoon, bakit ako biglang naninibago? He was like this from the start. Why do I
feel like it's been long when I first heard him sounding so stressed?
"Sorry po talaga, sir," tanging sagot ko.
"Sorry? Sana 'wag mong kalimutan na ako ang amo mo at ikaw, dapat sinusunod mo lang
lahat ng mga iuutos ko. You are just a maid. Do you understand? We are paying you a
great sum for your service so do your work accordingly," at muli na niyang hinarap
ang computer na para bang walang nangyari. Sobrang lamig ng mga salitang iyon
ngunit dama ko rin ang galit na nakapaloob dito.
Well, in all honesty, if I were to encounter a person with Jenny's complete
character and personality, I might really get frustrated. Even so, wherever you
look at, whatever angle you wish to see, I cannot become Jenny Rosario.
After all, I'm not Jenny and Jenny would never be Rieda,
Kahit papaano, nakaramdam ako ng awa para kay Jenny. Dahil sa 100b ngmalaking
mansyon na ito, sa maliit na sulok ng attic ay ako ang gurnaganap na Jenny Rosario.
Isang probinsyana na may Iola lt 1010 na naiwan sa probinsya para magtrabaho sa
Maynila. Babaeng hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral at walang kamuwang-muwang sa
paligid niya.
She is the root of the frustration and concern of this household. It's because she
can't help her good-for-nothing self. Kahit na ba isa lang si Jenny sa maraming
katauhan na ginampanan ko, nadama ko ang sakit na buhat ng mga salitang iyon.
Nadama iyon ni Rieda.
"0po. Naiintindihan ko PO."
Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ko at pagkasaradong pagkasarado ko ng pinto ng kwarto ni
Derek ay napasandal na lang ako sa may kalapit na pader. Parang habang tumatagal 'e
nasisimot ang lakas 1<0. Dahil ba sa darni ng ginawa ko sa araw na ito? O may iba
pang dahilan?
Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko nang matagal-tagal. Ramdam na ramdam ko na ang bigat ng
mga talukap ko. Contrary to my testament, I haven't slept a single minute since
that two-hour sleep. I think I should go and rest because I can't afford to get
sick or to slack off on my work for tomorrow.
Teka, kumain na ba si Derek?Ang sabi kasi
ng mga kasamahan ko, hinintay lang ako ng lokong iyan mula kanina at tinatanggi ang
kahit anong pagkain. I thought he isjust kidding before when he told me that he
would only eat the dishes I made for him and now, I'm sort of feeling a little
guilty.
The real reason why he loves to make everything hard for me is that I'm the closest
to him. Because I know him better than anyone. He's confident and carefree with the
thought of having someone who knows him truly.
Noong kararating ko pa lang dito, naaalala ko pa kung gaano siya gaano siya
kasungit at kasuplado sa lahat. Ni ayaw niya ring ipahawak ang kahit ano sa mga
gamit niya. At bilang bagong salta, sa akin pinasa ang trabaho na laging maglalagay
sa akin sa posisyon kung saan lagi akong masisigawan ni Derek.
That time, I never imagined cleaning would bring everything this far.
Flashback.
"What the hell?! Look whatyou've done!
Nabasag mo tang! Are you really that stupid?! Lumayas ka na nga dito!" bulyaw niya
nang malaman niyang nabasag ko 'yung figurine na nakalagaysa side table niya.
Mabilis naman akongyumuko at paulit Illit na humingi ng tawad sa kanya.
Sa totoo lang, sinadya ko 'yun para tumatak na sa utak niya na lampa ako. Na walang
silbi na katulong. I should emphasize Jenny's characters as early as possible to
evade any possible questions in the future,
I've achieved what I wantyet there are inclusions such as curses and insults from
this Derek De Guzman. I've been trying to figure out everything about him but I
always end up depending on my observations on him.
"Sorrypo talaga! Hindi ko po sinasadya!
Hindi na po mauulit, sir!"
Halos kaladkarin na niya ako palabas pero hindi naman ako pwedeng umalis nang hindi
tinatapos 'yung nililinis ko. Hindi ako napapakali sa mga maruruming lugar. Lalo na
ang kwarto ni Derek na halos talunin na ang tambakan sa sobrangg**o.
/ was already considering over-powering him when a light bulb appeared. Dali-dali
kong inilabas ang bagay na nakita ko sa kwarto niya kanina nung nagwawalis aka
"Sa'yo 'to di ba? Hinahanap mo 'to kagabi pa eh."
Napatigil ko naman na siya sa paghila sa akin papalabas. Phew, what an asshole.
Naagaw naman ng atensyon ko ang pag-iba ng ekspresyon ng mukha niya nang

1 5/22
makuha niya ang locket sa akin. Ingat na ingat siya sa paghawak nito na para bang
mababasag ito kahit anong sandali. Para bang ito ang pinakamahalagang bagay para sa
kanya sa buong mundo. He suddenly looks so vulnerable and fragile.
Whatjust happened to that grumpyyoung master a while ago?
There has to be something very important on that locket. A memory or something that
is immeasurable of value to him. A gift or an heirloom?
Ah! Now that / think about it, I first saw that locket on a picture displayed in
Sir Romuel's room, The mistress of this household. Derek's mother, Miss Sarah.
According to the files | was given beforehand, cancer took Sarah De
Guzman 's life away even though an assassination is the real cause. He blamed his
father for not doing everything he could to save his mother. "Sir?" but he didn 't
pay any attention. Looks like that locket holds a lot ofstrings connected to the
heir's heart.
Somehow, his expression bothers me. A few minutes ago, he's as close as an oyster
and now, he appears to be a gentle son who misses his mother. Oh, damn.
I guess, trying to sympathize with him is not that much ofbig deal. "Maynakita
akong
nakaukit diyan. Nakita mo na ba Iyun?" pauna ko nang lapitan ko siya sa kinauupuan
niyang couch.
Napatingin naman siya sa akin na tila ba nasisiraan na ako. So, he never noticed,
huh?
I reached out on him for him to hand me the locket for a second so that I can show
him what / am referring to. Though looking reluctant as ever probably because of
the first impression symptom, he still handed it to me,
Urnupo ako sa tabi niya at saka binuksan ang locket. Marahan kong tinanggal ang
litrato sa 100b nito at iniabot ito sa kanya upang mas makita niya nang malinaw ang
nakaukit na mga salita.
"I'm not familiar with the language, How could I understand what it means?"
Ugh. He doesn 't know how to read Latin! Anyway, the question is how will I explain
it's meaning to him? No! More like the real question here is what kind ofstory
should / make to get him to believe that I can recognize these words?
Rieda! Mas mabuti pang hindi ka na nakialam 'e! Should I still continue or should I
pretend that I've only seen it but didn 't understand it? Geez! Either way, / must
think of something! Bahala na!
"Ah! 'Yung 10101<0, n-nakapagtrabaho siya datisa Italy bilang.. w-waiter. Tinuruan
niya ako ng kakaunti. " Napakawalang kwen tang palusot.
This may be the lamest excuse I ever said but somehow, it is still rational enough.
"So what does it 'y isa siyang bata na nakatagpo ng isang bagay na nais niyang
matutunan kaya napangiti na lang ako. Just by seeing that curiosity in his eyes, /
can perfectly say that he loves his mother so much.
"Sei il mio diamante. Ibigsabihin, you are mydiamond."As much as possible, I tried
not to emphasize my accent. Even though it is quite a work since I've been in
overseas for a decade.
Mas lumapad ang ngiti niya nang marinig ang mga salitang nabanggit ko. Para bang
kay tagal na nang muli niyang marinig ang mga iyon.
"She 's really the best mom in the world," he said.
Dahil nasa locket naman ang atensyon niya ay hind/' na ako nag-abala pa na
tanggalin ang tingin ko sa kanya, Mas magandang makinig ng mga salitang nakikita mo
rin ang ipinapahiwatig sa mga mata ng nagsasabi nito.
"Dad has been always been buried with his work. But mom? Lagi siyang nandiyan para
sa akin. Pinagluluto niya ako kahit na ba may katulong naman kami. Inaalagaan niya
ako nang sobra-sobra para lang hindi ako magtampo kay dad," pagtutuloy niya. Bakas
ang pait ng hinanakit sa ngiti niya. Para bang nakikita niyang muli ang mga
nangyari noong mga panahon na iyon.
At least, you were able to be with them longer than I had with my parents.
"Everyone has their own diamonds. Mom would always tell me I'm hers and that
someday, I'm going to meet mine too. Someone who can show me innocence and
constancy that can match a diamond's."
So that's why. Being a mama's boy is quite a case, But it looks adorable, Watching
him reminiscing those sweet memories and reminders / wonder what kind oflittle boy
Derek was before. Is he mischievous? Naughty? Gentle and kind? Obedient?
"Pero bakit ka nagrerebelde? Dahil pa rin ba sa tatay mo?" maingat kong tanong
It will be a shame ofme ifI'll let this chance go. / could even tell this to his
father so that they can mend their relationship with one another once and for all.
I might reduce my term ofservice here if/ succeeded. Hmm, not bad
Napabuntong hininga naman ang katabi ko. Tila ba isang mabigatna tanongang
nabitawan ko nang hind/' ko namamalayan. "Nope. Nagrerebelde ako kasi.., kasi.,.
kasi para bang nawalan na ako nggana sa buhay. Isa pa, hindi ko maiwasan na
magtanim ngsama ng 100b kaymama" His face is telling me that he's somewhat
embarrassed ofit. Embarrassed to admit it himself.
Eh? Hindi ba 't ang sabj niya—
"Si papa, laging wala sa tabi 1<0. Si mama, binati niya ang pangako niya sa akin. "
Promise?
"l hate and love her at the same time. I love her forshe loves me more than her
life, I hate her because she promised me that she 'Il never leave me. But what am I
now? I'm all alone. I don 't have anyone, Promises are really meant to be broken,
don 'tyou think? I don 't want to trust anyone anymore. I don 't want to expect
anything from the others Because all ofthem will end up leaving me in the corner. "
Woah. That's deep. | don 't know what to say. Komplikado ang isang 'to. He's
building a defensive wall around him to ensure that the previous thing won 't
happen to him again. He 's now allergic to getting hurt.
Was it a hasty generalization ? Nang dahil lang sa isang pangakong hindi natupad,
ayaw niya na Illit magtiwala sa mga tao. 00, alam kong maraming tarantado atgago sa
mundong 'to pero hind/' naman sapat iyon para maniwalang wala ng mabuting natitira.
He made a quick and solid decision for not trusting anyone ever since his mom
died. It's quite foolish, you know.
"Alam mo, ang tanga mo 'no?" nabulalas ko na lang.
Napatawa na lang ako nang kaunti sa harap niya para mainis pa siya lalo. He has to
fix that attitude ofhis on his own. Why? Because the root ofall of this is his own
problem. A problem that he created himself. Makaalis na nga. This guy has to
reflect for real, He has to wake himselfup while it's still early. A lot ofpeople
only realized what matters when it's too late.
"Hey! Kinakausap pa kita! " pangungulit niya.
You're really hopeless, aren 't you?
Liningon ko muna siya bago ako tuluyang lumabas ng kwarto niya. "Angsabi ko ang
tanga mo kasi nagkakaganyan ka nang dahil lang sa isang pangako. Sa mundong ito,
punong-puno ng pagtatraydor. Nasa sa iyo 'yan kung gusto mong magtiwala o
hindi."Alright. Let's put a little Rieda ingredientjust for this time. I have to
knock him back on his senses.
Malay natin mas mapadali ang trabaho ko kapag nagbago naman ng pananaw ang isang
'to,
"Pero ang katumbas ng pagpili na iyon ay kung gusto mong umusad o hindi. Paano
naman kasi ang mga taong totoong nag-aalala sa 'yo? Hindi mo ba kayang magtiwala
kahit kakaunti sa mga taong handang samahan ka hanggang sa huli? Hindi sa lahat ng
pagkakataon ay aayon sa iyo ang lahat, Sir Derek. "
End of Flashback.
I don't know if what I said that time really did work or what. Pero simula nun,
umayos-ayos na siya. Nagsusuot na siya ng tamang uniporme, gurnagawa ng assignments
at projects, at nabawasan na rin ang pagbubulakbol. Hindi nga lang niya matanggal
ang paggimik kasama nung dalawa pa niyang kabarkada.
Wala naman na siyang nabanggit tungkol sa araw na iyon. Basta simula nun, araw-araw
akong may nakikitang bago sa kanya. Mga bagong bagay na hindi ko nakita nang
husgahan ko siya na isang anak-mayaman lang.
Kung aalalahanin ko nga lang ang mga sinabi ko noong araw na iyon, hindi ko
maiwasan na makonsensya kahit papaano 'e. Naturingang ako mismo ang nagsabi sa
kanya na magtiwalang muli sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya pero heto ako, araw-
araw na nagsisinungaling sa kanya.
Sa bandang huli, malalaman niya na sa simula pa lang, ako na ang nantraydor. Ako
mismo. And I know he'll definitely hate me once he found out.
Sorry, Derek.
I'm really, really sorry.

Chapter 8: Depend on Me
"Sir Derek?" may katamtamang lakas ng boses na tanong ko matapos kong kumatok ng
tatlong beses sa pinto ng kwarto niya. I am still a bit hesitant to look at him on
the eye again but I have no choice. I can't let him end this day without filling
his stomach with something.
When he dismissed me a moment ago, came back to help the other maids with the
house chores but they still insisted that I must earn the young master's
forgiveness tonight. Nakumpira ko rin galing kay Manang Delia na hindi pa nga ito
kumakain simula nang dumating siya mula sa ekswelahan. Sa 100b ng napakaraming
oras, tiniis na lam ang daw nito ang kanyang gutom sapagkat nag-aalala ito kung
nasaan ako at nagmamatigas ito na wala siyang ibang kakainin kung hindi ang hapunan
na ako mismo ang maghahain.
He sure is hard-headed. He won't listen to anyone unless his demands were granted.
Just like his father, I thought,
That is why I cooked his favorite dish which is sinigang. Unbeknownst to him, I am
using the recipes his mother, Miss Sarah compiled in the hopes that her dishes
would immortalize the love she has for her son.
Well, thanks to Woods, I was able to found
it.
I tried to ask for permission to enter again for a few times but it seems like I'm
just asking for the wind to give me a reply. Geez. Did he fall asleep already?
Hinayaan kong ang isa kong kamay ang sumuporta sa bigat ng tray na dala ko nang sa
gayon ay maabot ko ang seradura ng pinto. Fortunately, it's not locked. As I slip
my head into his room, I heard a cocky bear snoring. That's when I realized that he
really did fall asleep already.
Derek tends to forget to lock his door whenever he's too exhausted to do so.
That reminds me, was that exhaustion somewhat relevant to the reason why he came
back home earlier than usual?
I can't help but heave a loud sigh as I enter the room with the meal I prepared for
him. Looks like I just have to reheat it tomorrow. Bago pa man ako magdesisyong
magpahinga na sa kwarto ko ay ninais ko munang tingnan ang bagay na
pinagkakaabalahan ng alaga ko para makatulog siya nang ganito kabilis.
So I put the tray down first to the coffee table and check the door is locked or
not. Mahirap na na mahuli rito ng ibang empleyado. I don't want to be the center of
hatred by the maids who admire Derek so much. Hindi biro ang magpanggap na wala
lang ang paghampas-hampas nila sa akin.
Agad na naabutan ng mga mata ko ang isang Derek na nakatulog na sa harap ng
computer niya. Mas nilapitan ko pa siya sa kinatutulugan niya at napansin ko pa ang
sandamakmak na mga papeles at mga print-outs sa ilalim ng ulo't mga braso niya.
Nilibot ko pa ang paningin ko sa iba't ibang kagamitang nakapalibot at nakakalat sa
paligid niya hanggang sa dumako ang mga mata ko sa isang sticky note na nakadikit
sa kalapit na pader.
Presentation for the company tomorrow afternoon, draft for thesis, evaluations,
project, business plan... Ifyou have so much to do today, why did you even waste
your time worrying about
Though you are not aware of who I really am, I can protect myself just fine. You
don't know how much I wanted to tell you that being concerned to someone who has
always been asked to risk her life for someone else's sake is unnecessary. Getting
close to the cliff that leads to death was not a danger but a zone of judgment
where I can prove that even though I wasn't able to protect my family, I still have
the capability to save other people's lives.
That's one reason why I can't get my a*s
out of this job. I was trying to prove something to myself. I am trying to justify
every little thing of tragedy in the past. I want to stop blaming myself from
everything that happened.
"What an idiot to concern oneself for an agent who has dirtied her hands to defend
herself every single time," I whispered as I sit in a squatting posture. This way,
I will be able to look at him closely as long as no one interferes and he doesn't
wake up.
It's a crime to own a very handsome face like that. Isip-isip ko. Malayo sa pala-
sigaw at pala-utos na amo kada umaga. Para bang ibang tao ang kaharap ko ngayon.
May mga mahahabang pilikmata, may para bang perpektong iskulptura ng Nong, at
napakaamong mukha. He looks so fragile ike shining glass. While he sleeps so
peacefully, he seems like someone who must be protected no matter what. Like me
being here to guard him is just damn right. That this is where I belong. That this
is where I should be.
I can't help but caress his hair with my hand. It is surprisingly soft considering
that he sometimes style his hair as if it's a bunch of spikes. "Someday, you have
to move forward without my presence, Derek. And l... I have to proceed to the path
I have chosen for myself a long longtime ago," nasabi ko na lang. Hindi pwedeng
magpatuloy si Derek sa ganito.
Hindi ko maaaring hayaan na nakadepende siya sa akin kahit sa mumunting bagay pa.
I was about to pull my hand back when my eyes caught a glimpse of the book that is
resting on his lap. Seriously? He's reading a good damn book? Derek De Guzman?
Kahit na ba tila nakakabigla na naglalaan pa siya ng oras upang makapagbasa o kahit
turningin lamangsa isang libro ay pinagkainteresan ko pa ring tingnan kung anong
klase libro at anong libro ang pinagkakaabalahan ng lalaking ito.
Sun Tzu: The Art of War
What a classic. Despite having a record of being a consistent honor student before,
I can 't believe he would take a liking on this book. For a millennial such as
Derek, I expected he would rather browse the web than getting himself a hard copy.
After all, it would lessen the cost and time consummation.
"You keep surprising me everyday, Derek," at binigyan ko siyang muli ng isang
sulyap.
Although we are in modern times now, there are ways indeed to avoid getting
forgotten by people. Making every reader perceive what he really intends to
distribute in his society. The wisdom not only useful in a war but in all sense of
life.
Sun Tzu became widely popular to the business industry with his quote, "If you know
the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If
you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer
a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every
battle."
To imagine the young master giving an effort on reading this, somehow, I can
visualize what he will become someday. The day when his father was able to pass him
the rights and responsibilities of leading their company. The day when he
successfully graduated from college. The day when he would gratefully accept to
carry the load of burden his people have.
Rieda, kahit gaano kalalim mo pa isipin ang araw na iyon, wala kang tyansa na
masilayan ang mga iyon nang malaya, nang malapitan, at nangharapan.
That's because... You only have eight months left. And the days are passing by so
fast like a storm that you can't seem to notice in any way.
He wants to win a hundred battles in the business industry but he learned that he
won't be able to achieve that if he, himself was lost. Kaya ba hindi ka na gaanong
nagsasasama sa mga
lakad ng grupo mo? Kaya ba sumusunod ka na sa mga gurong lagi mong pinapasakit ang
ulo? Kaya ba inaakala ng lahat na nagbago ka na?
Martin, I didn't change him. I just made him realize what he really wants.
Napatingin na lang akong muli sa sankaterbang mga gawain na hindi pa niya n
asisimulan. Paniguradong malalagot siya kinabukasan kapag nalaman ng tatay niya na
hindi niya ito nagawang matapos nang dahil lang sa hinahanap niya ako at sa
insidenteng nangyari. Business knows no excuses once terms and conditions were
settled.
For an heir like him who is currently under the supervision of his own father, he
can't afford to disappoint him or anyone in the board. Not being able to gain those
elders' approval and trust is like being a king with no people. A king who only has
a title and a throne.
And since I can say that I am almost entirely responsible for this, guess I have to
be nice a little bit more by helping him to get through with this crap. Yeah, I can
absolutely feel the same way as this guy who is struggling to meet deadlines for
paperwork and such. Mark is quite a monster, you see. Sometimes, he just really
knows how to bully me in one corner when we are talking about some company matters.
So, even if I might get questioned if I let
you be attached to me any further, I guess allowing you to do so until you reach
that day won 't hurt, right? They asked me to help you, don't they? If you could be
the person I am

way.
Sa sitwasyon ko at sa karakter na kinakailangan kong pangatawanan, hindi kita
mapoprotektahan nang garnit lang ang kaalaman at mga kalkulasyon ko, alam mo ba
'yun? Kaya kahit man lang sa ganitong paraan, sana matulungan kita. Sana mapagaan
ko kahit papaano ang mga dala mong suliranin. Nagbabakasakaling mabawasan naman ang
kasungitan mo sa aming lahat.
So, just go on with your dream, Derek and

will try to harm you and I will block any danger coming for you.
"Done!"mahinang sambit ko nang matapos ko na lahat ang mga nakalista sa sticky
note. It sure took me a few hours to finish it and to proofread but all is well.
Derek's notes in his journal made everything way faster and easier.
Honestly, I am expecting awful handwriting since seventy percent of the male
species that I know have really bad penmanship. Pero itong alaga ko? He took
everything he

9/1 5
learned from his father and mentor down nicely and well-detailed. It is so
commendable that had to write a new page of reminders for him about the
presentation and school works to ensure that he'll be able to catch on to
everything that I have put in there.
Anyway, what time is it?
"It's already two in the morning. Andrea and Maricel tend to wake up at this hour
to go to the washroom. I advise you not to go out without anyprior notice from me."
"Ooh. Thanks, Vanna," and she went into rest again. She'll probably review the
footage of every device that I connected in her.
Looks like I have to stay a little longer. For now, I have to organize his things.
I'm sure he'll wake up a little late so preparing everything he'll need would be
good so that he can still arrive at the company a few minutes before the meeting.
He will have some time to check out the notes I've written for him.
Abala ako sa pag-aayos ng bag niya nang marinig ko ang pag-hatsing ni Derek habang
patuloy pa rin yatang naglalakbay sa kung saan ang isip niya. "Well, well, you
can'tget a cold right beforeyourbigday, canyou?"at kumuha muna ako ng kumot mula sa
aparador niya nang may mapananggalang siya sa lamig.
Maingat ko itong ibinalot sa kanya at
hininaan ko nang kaunti ang lakas ng air conditioner. I was about to put the air
conditioner's remote back to its place when my phone vibrated from my pocket. Who
the hell would call at this time of the night?
Nevertheless, I still pull my phone out to answer the call without looking at the
name of the caller. "Hey,"bungad ko rito at inipit ko muna ito sa pagitan ng tenga
at balikat ko nang maituloy ko ang pagliligpit.
["Rieda, it'me, Mark."]
Mark? Ugh, please don't tell me I still have a tons of papers remaining to read and
to approve. My eyes won't agree even if he tells me that it is the reason why he
called. Anyway, I have to finish this up. I can't talk to Mark openly like this
regardless of the placid atmosphere.
" NÏgo dímgáai a?" (Trans: "What is the meaning of this?")
Alright, I'm done here.
"You can go back to your room now. "
As I read my guardian's notification from the gear watch's screen, I took one last
glance on Derek to check out on him. Nang mukha namang maayos naman na ang pagtulog
niya ay kinuha ko na angtray na dala-dala ko kanina upang makalabas na.
["A report just came in right now. There are people who are currently investigating
the
person behind your disguise, the golden Venetian masked person. As of now, the
other agents are carefully following those men around to know their motives."]
"Eh?" Napatigil na lang ako pagkasaradong-pagkasarado ko sa kwarto ni Derek nang
maintindihan ko ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Sa hinaba-haba ng panahon na maraming
pumalya pag-alam ng totoong pagkatao ng nagmamay-ari ng maskarang iyon ay ngayon na
lang muli ako nakatanggap ng balita na may naglalakas-loob na mahanap ako.
It's been years since the last report about an individual looking for me. And now,
just months after the incident about Luxwell, there are people who are trying to
track me down? Is it possible that Luxwell is the one behind this?
I tried to regain my composure back and proceeded on taking the tray back to the
kitchen with my one hand and the other finally holding the phone close to my ear.
"What did Master say about it?"
He released a long and deep breath as I wait for his answer patiently. It seems
that the Master is not pleased with the sudden report. ["To secure your identity
and to ensure your ongoing assignment won't be jeopardized, Master Phoenix wanted
you to lie low a little bit. Any actions that would catch their attention are
prohibited. Ifyou failed to comply, not only your mission will be affected but as
well as your service license. You wouldn't want it to be revoked, would you?"] Tila
nabato naman ako sa harap ng refrigerator sa mga huling salitang binitiwan ni Mark
sa akin. Talaga bang pati ang lisensya ko bilang agent ay madadamay sa oras na
pumalya akong surnunod sa nais niya? Pero paano kung may pangyayaring hindi
inaasahan? I can't make my moves limited and my ways of doing my work restricted.
Even so, he has a point. What if Derek got involved with this matter and got hurt?
I should not act carelessly. The name of Ishtar with a mission success rate of one
hundred and one percent is at stake. Since the Master told me to do it then, I'll
just have to follow it.
["Rieda? You still there?"]
"Ah, yeah. Tell him I won't disappoint him," I replied. Now it is my turn to emit a
long breath of tiredness. I can't believe the master is trying to put my service
license at the center. Sabihin na nating para rin naman ito sa akin at sa trabaho
pero, wala ba siyang tiwala sa akin na hindi ko siya bibiguin?
Over a decade has passed but I never heard him say it to me. I'm proud of you.
Narinig ko na ito nang ilang beses sa sarili niyang bibig sa tuwing nakakausap niya
iba pang empleyado
pero sa akin? Kahit kailan ay hindi pa niya iyon nasasabi.
To think that I've been pushing myself to work harder than anyone to please him.
Iwinaksi ko na ang masyadong pag-iisip at tinungo ko na ang hagdan paakyat sa
kwarto ko. "May kinalaman ba si Luxwell dito?" pagbubukas ko ng paksa ukol sa
hinala ko. Binantaan na ako ng lalaking iyon na hahanapin niya ako para makaganti
kung kaya lt hindi malabo na may parte siya sa pagkakaraon ng mga taong nag-
sisiyasat sa pagkatao ko.
["l guess I have to tell you, huh. Yes, he is somewhat involved. Pero ang
nakakapagtaka lang ay kung saan siya nakahanap ng mga tauhan at mga resources para
sa paghahanap sa iyo. After you surrendered all the files and data you got from
him, we did everything we can to make him lose his arms and legs."]
Sabi ko na nga ba. Kung ganoon, may iba pang naghahangad ng impormasyon tungkol sa
akin. Hindi lang ang m s na iyon. May iba pa. Perhaps someone who is more capable
and more well-connected to the people in this society. Perhaps someone who really
has a plan in mind on how to make use of me.
Kung alam ko lang, dapat pinatay ko na siya noong nasa Saudi Arabia pa kami. Nang
sa ganoon ay hindi siya namimirwisyo ngayon sa
akin at sa trabaho ko.
As soon as I have arrived inside my room, I let Vanna handle all the security
measures for me since I've got no strength left to do anything. I'm so exhausted
and I badly need a good sleep. Ni hindi ko na nga naisipan pang magpalit ngdamit at
sumalampak na ako sa kama habang patuloy pa rin ang pagbibigay ng mga paalala sa
akin ng kaibigan ko sa kabilang linya.
"00 na. 00 na. I got it, okay? Ako na ang bahala," paulit-ulit kong sabi sa
telepono dahil halos parang praning na inulit-ulit lang ni Mark sa akin ang mga
paalalang nasabi na niya kanina pa. Is he the one on a mission or me?
["I'm just worried, you know. Anyway, Mr. Romuel De Guzman have requested an
appointment with you. I'm not certain if it's about his son or if it's about
something related to business so make sure that you're not going to make me your
substitute again! I'm not the president of this company!"]
" Roger," I answered and before he can talk more, I ended the call swiftly and put
my phone on to the side table. I can't take any more nagging from him.
Mark sure is merciless. There's work one after another. On top of that, I myself
settled on a choice of letting Derek to depend on me.
And I'm not sure if I can manage to do that
along with my other commitments... "Aish. Damn it. Good night, Vanna."

The Billionaire's Secon...

Swaram
The do re' Ella is a medical student who has
Second Wife lived her whole life being hated

Chapter 9: Essence of Her Presence

DEREK'S POV
"Good job, son. You have made all our efforts on mentoringyou worth it. Keep it up,
alright?" Dad told me as he pats my shoulder. He can't keep his praises in and has
been like this for a while in front of the board members and clients. I don't know
what should I feel first. Shame for what Dad is doing or happiness because for the
first time again, I feel like I've done something that returned me back on track.
The challenges and obstacles were overwhelming but the successful outcome is more
than relieving. It's as if I was finally able to step on to my first milestone. I
admit, the feeling of accomplishment is more than enough to make me happy. "Thanks,
Dad. I would never be able to be here in this place without your help and
guidance."
Napangiti naman siya nang tila hanggang tainga sa pagpapasalamat ko sa kanya.
Hanggang sa nabigla na lamang ako nang yakapin niya ako. At first, I thought I was
bitten by a mosquito or something due to unfamiliarity. But as the seconds passed,
a question popped in to my mind.
When was the last time I've hugged my own father?
When I wasn't able to attain an answer to that, I just let my hands crawl to hug
him back. Dad caresses my back as if he was treasuring every moment with us having
our time together right here, right now. I guess Jenny was right. I have to move
forward. I should not hinder myself from advancing just because of a
disappointment. I have to see what's really important... what really matters the
most. I have to consider the people who truly care about me.
And that would be my Dad. I've turned myself blind all along not noticing the
efforts he is exerting just to win my trust back. I dwell on hatred too much that
I've lost track oftime.
Fortunately, it's not yet too late for me to have my come back.
To the world / really belong.
" No, son. Even though without our help, I know you can still reach this spot you
are standing now. That is because you are brilliant. And most of all, because you
are my son !" at natatawang humiwalay ito sa akin. Hindi pa rin nito mapigilan ang
walang mapagsidlang tuwa niya sa naging resulta ng presentasyon ko kanina.
Gusto ko ngang sabihin sa kanya na baka mawarak na ang mga labi niya kakangiti
ngunit mukhang hindi ko siya mapipigilan. Isa pa,
ginusto ko naman ito, hindi ba? Deep inside me is the desire to make my remaining
parent happy and proud of me. So why should I stop him?
"Mr. De Guzman, Miss Fernandez has arrived. She's waiting for you in your office."
"Dad, looks like you have an appointment with a client," informed father and he
immediately glances to the assistant to give a signal to wait for him for a little
bit. Heh, my father sure is busy.
Ngayon pa lang, nangangamba na ako na maging ganito rin ako balang araw sa oras na
ipasa niya sa akin ang posisyon niya. Iniisip ko pa lang na halos iikot ang buhay
ko sa mga papeles at meetings 'e nabuburyo na ako. Paniguradong mami-miss ko ang
magliwaliw at mamasyal kasama ang tropa.
"O s'ya, mauna muna ako. I have to meet someone of great importance to our company.
See you at the house later!"
"See you!" at agad na siyang lumabas ng conference room para kitain ang kararating
lang na kliyente.
Isa-isa na ring nagsisi-alisan ang mga n aging kapakinig ng presentasyon ko kaya
naman napagdesisyunan ko na ring ayunsi ang mga gamit ko upang makabalik na rin sa
opisina. Mas maganda kung matatapos ko na rin ang natitira pang trabaho para mas
mapapaaga ang
uwi ko sa mga susunod na araw.
/ want to eat Jenny's dishes so bad I'm way too stressed with everything that
sometimes, I skip meals. Poor delicious meals.
As I gather my things, I almost lose my balance when dizziness starts to attack my
head again. Since I woke up this morning, my head hurts so much that I thought I
drank and it's actually a hangover. I can't seem to process anything at all but
when I got to the shower room? Damn, I have cursed so much when I remembered I fell
asleep last night and forgot to do a pile of work!
Halos hubo't h* * *d pa akong lumabas nun sa banyo para lang tingnan ang listahan
ng mga dapat na gagawin ko kagabi at ang powerpoint presentation na nakatulugan
1<0. Pero ano ang nakita 1<0? Well, I just found everything arranged, organized,
and most of all, done! That is why instead of scolding me, my professors, the
school's faculty, and the board members were praising me!
It's quite a mystery, you know. I don't know what happened last night for this kind
of miracle to happen to me. I mean, who the hell would be enthusiastic to finish
those bullshits just in one night?! What bothers me even more is how that person
was able to enter to my room without me sensing it.
I tried to analyze it while I was in the car but I failed on guessing who it is. I
thought one of our employees probably did it out of kindness and pity but the last
time I check, no one would dare enter my room without my permission, not even my
own father! The door is also locked when I look into it so who could it be and how
did he or she do it? It was nerve-wracking but at the same time, grateful.
Examining everything he or she did become my task after my classes this morning.
The visuals were commendably great. You can get the impression that someone who
made it was very familiar with infographics and excel. The notes and additional
reminders were concise and helpful. The reports are incredibly accurate and
plausible based on the latest studies and surveys this year. I was able to get
perfect scores with both assignments and recitation because of my savior!
Yeah, I'm going to call him or her my savior. Though it's still a mystery how and
why did he or she come inside my room, I am sincerely thankful for the work he or
she saved me from. Without the help, I'll probably get punished severely for being
irresponsible. I should not let myself fell asleep like last night again. I am a
graduating student and soon, I'll be inheriting my father's position. Therefore,
there's no time to slack off, Derek De Guzman!
"Kung makangiti ka diyan akala mo ikaw na talaga ang magmamana ng posisyon ni
Mister De Guzman, 'no?"
Napakunot kaagad ang noo ko sa mga salitang narinig ko. Pustahan tayo, si Nigel na
naman iyan. Hindi pa ba siya napapagod sa pakikipagkumpetensya sa akin? Lagi na
lang ba kaming magtatalo sa lahat ng bagay dito sa kumpanya? Samantalang parehas
lang naman naming ipagmalaki kami ng pinuno nito at makatulong sa pagpapalago ng
aming negosyo.
Binitawan ko muna ang mga garnit ko at napabuntong hininga na lang bago siya
harapin. "l don't have the time to argue with you, Nigel." I no longer want to give
my father something worrisome now that I have regained the reputation and
impression I had to most of the people back. I worked my a*s so much just to have
this moment.
"Oh, cousin. You do have. Plenty of time, actually. Just like how you've spent your
days as a delinquent. With those scumbags of friends you have," he mocked.
Knowing myself too much with this kind of situation, I can easily get mad and lose
control. But I promised to Jenny! I won't lose my temper anymore. Especially, here!
I can't let him control me so that he can get the outcome that he wants.
I won't give him the upper hand here. "l would rather have them than your friends
who only join you so that they can attain higher positions in the company," I
replied.
Buhat na rin na kami na lang ang natitira rito sa kwarto 'e rinig na rinig ko ang
mabigat na paghinga niya dala ng binalik kong mensahe sa kanya. He doesn't have any
single right to insult the people who gave me shelter when I don't have anything
and anybody. Just because you're a delinquent, it doesn't mean you're the worst
person on Earth! Why is this world filled with close-minded people?!
"Don't be so full of yourself, Derek. Kayang kaya ko pa rin sulutin ang posisyon na
nakalaan sa'yo balang araw," banta niya habang paunti-unti siya humahakbang papunta
sa kinatatayuan ko.
I tried to stop my hand on forming a fist. I must control myself no matter what! I
have to be professional. That is why I decided to pick my things up to avoid
further issues with Nigel. Nigel Angeles is my cousin on my mother's side. His
father works as the chief finance officer in this company and he boldly shows his
motives and determination on taking the throne that was supposed to be mine.
I was about to pass by him when he caught my arm. I tried to jerk if off but this
guy is really serious on getting on my nerve! "What do you really want, Nigel?
Don't you think this is too inappropriate for you who is only the nephew of the
president?" told him as I met his eyes, burning with insecurities on me.
Naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng kapit niya sa braso ko pero hindi ko iyon ininda.
Matagal na akong nagtitimpi sa lalaking I to.
"At sumasagot-sagot ka na rin ngayon, ha? Remember, I have been here in this
industry longer that you have ever imagined! I have witnessed the company's ups and
downs while you are enjoying a pampered life supported by every employee's hard
work everyday!"
"That is why I came back. I wanted to return the favor. I admit I am ashamed of
myself from abandoning my responsibility but what better would it make you too? If
you are really proud of yourself, you should've saved the company from the ups and
downs you are talking about. You should've been the one assigned to do this
project." I pulled one of the folders I have and raise it on his face.
A big project with a huge financial back-up and resources for the clothing
enterprise's introduction of a new vision and mission. This was just settled a
while ago in the meeting. If he is really insisting that he's the better between
us, he should have been the one the board members asked to work on this and not me.
Napansin ko naman ang panlalambot niya sa mga binitawan kong salita. Masakit, 00.
Alam kong malaking insulto at sampal sa mukha niya iyon bilang isang matagal nang
empleyado rito simula pa nang nasa kolehiyo siya. Pero hindi ko naman
hahayaangyurakan niya ang kapabilidad ko nang dahil lang sa nakaraang mayroon ako.
Lahat ng iyon ay parte ng pagkatao ko.
Kung ano ako ngayon, ipinagpapasalamat ko iyon sa mga pagkakamaling nagturo sa akin
na muting tumayo.
While he was still in a daze, I took the opportunity to get my arm back and step
towards the door. However, before I could open the door, Nigel uttered the words
that I will never forget. Words that I should always remember in order to stretch
myself out and to push my myself harder to be the best.
"Someday, I will be the chief executive officer of this company and not you. I will
surely get everything you have from you, Derek De Guzman."
Iniwasan kong lingunin pa siya dahil paniguradong hindl' niya magugustuhan kung
aasarin ko pa siya. Umangat ang isang sulok ng labi ko. Is that a challenge, dear
cousin? Do you really think that is something that must come from you? Cerberus'
leader is not the type of person that you can joke around, you see. I hate losing.
"If you are really that eager to steal it from me then... come and get it ifyou
can," and I no longer waited for his response for I already chose to leave him in
that room. To reflect. To assess if he's doing the right thing.
Because challenging Derek De Guzman would be a handful. I don't just bow to anyone.
I don't just accept defeat without doing every method of winning that I know. Most
of all, I won't agree with this fast if I know that I don't have the advantage.
"So, how's the life of being a part of the business industry?" my friend, Glen
asked as he drives Niel ls newly bought sports car. They offered on driving me home
from the company and of course, we hung out a little to catch up on each other's
lives.
Panay ang kantyaw sa akin ng dalawang 'to kesyo ang darni ko na raw utang na shot
at libre. Samantalang mayayaman naman na rin sila. Hays. "Ayos lang naman. Not as
intoxicating as I thought it would be," I answered as I focus on the latest game
Glen invented.
Greg Lenster Andriego is one of my two childhood friends. He's equipped when it
comes to game developing and device inventing. Their family runs a gadget-making
business that also introduce the applications he created. Therefore, he is already
earning his own money. Every moment an individual downloads his creation, money
comes in. So he's quite relaxed with what the future holds for him.
" Boring. Kaya ayokong sumunod sa yapak ni tanda 'e. Nakakabagot lang ang
pagpapatakbo ng negosyo. Mas gusto ko pang matulong buong araw," entra naman ni
Niel na nasa passenger's seat at kasalukuyang may tine-text na namang isang kumpol
ng mga babaeng kikitain niya mamaya at sa mga susunod pang mga araw.
Ayaw raw surnunod. Pero sa pambababae ng tatay niya, tinotodo niya ang pagsunod.
Daniel Louis Suarez has always been like this. Cool, easy-going, go-with-the-flow,
and adventurous. Not afraid of facing new people and experiences. Probably the most
welcoming of the unknown and a faithful follower of curiosity. Perhaps that is also
the reason why he is no longer a virgin. His condominium filled with various women
perfume and undergarments.
Minsan napapaisip ako kung bakit ganito ang mga kaibigan 1<0.
"00 nga pala. Ang sabi ni Jiro, may laban daw sa Sabado. Pinapatanong ng mga ka-
miyembro natin kung sasama ka."

"Oops. Hindi ko alam na hindi mo na kilala ang salitang iyan, Uno?" Niel teased,
shifting his look at me shortly from his beloved device that connects him to all
the girls in town. Walang layo-layo kay Niel. Basta babae ang kikitain, kahit
Bataan tatahakin.
Ugh. That name again. I sighed as I try to find proper words to decline their
offer. "Let's see.
I am—"
"I am not in good shape right now. I've been busy with a lot ofthingsso I don 't
find myselftotally necessary to the fight. I believe they can do it even without me
for they are my legacy. Don 't forget to tell them my best wishes on their
fight,"sabay nilang pagdugtong sa sasabihin ko pa lang.
Are they mocking me? These bastards. It's not like I am turning my back from my
fellow members. It's just that I think I can't keep on doing the things I used to
do before when I was on my rebellious phase. I fully accepted the role of being
part of the business industry. That goes with me having to bid my farewell to any
gang movement or actions.
Lalo pa ngayon na binabantayang maigi ni Nigel ang bawat kilos ko para lang
mapabagsak ako sa posisyong mayroon ako sa kumpanya. Mas maganda na ang nag-iingat.
"Mga pare, ngayon na hinahanda na ako ni Papa sa pagpapatakbo ng De Guzman
Enterprises, hindi na ako pwedeng basta-basta lumabas para sa mga ganyang gawain.
Isa pa, malapit na rin tayo makapagtapos. Kakailanganin na rin nating magtino sa
ayaw natin at sa hindi," paliwanag ko.
Nabigla naman ako nang bigla inihinto ni Glen ang sasakyan sa tabi ng kalsada.
Muntik-muntikanan ko nang maitama ang ulo ko. Handa na sana akong murahin sila nang
mapansin ko ang mga mukha nilangtila nasurpresa. What's the problem on these two?
"Magtino raw... Magtino raw sabi ni Derek.
Glen, narinig mo ba 'yun?"
"l heard it loud and clear. Our dear Uno will leave our beloved gang soon ."
"What the f**k?" I muttered as I watch them exaggerate things. They act as if I
would never think of fixing myself up before graduation. Ano ba angtingin sa akin
ng mga kupal na 'to? Na wala na akong pangarap sa buhay? Aba't mga siraulo.
Lumapit naman ako sa kanila at malakas na pinagbabatukan sila. Nagmumukha lang
silang tanga sa mga pinaggagagawa nila. "Idiots. 'Yaan niyo sasama ako sa motor
racing competition sa Sabado para naman makabawi ako sa inyo. Kaya tigilan niyo na
ako pwede ba?" hirit ko at doon na lang sila nanahimik.
Gayunpaman, hindi ko nagustuhan ang ngising mayroon sa kanilang mga mukha sa buong
pag-biyahe namin. Curse these two, ugh.
Sa awa ng Diyos, nakauwi naman ako nang matiwasay at hindi na ako ginulo pa ng
dalawa. That excludes tomorrow and the following days, unfortun ately. We said our
goodbyes to one another and the two of them drifted off to go home as well.
Carrying my bag and jacket, I have been welcomed by the maids and other household
staff as I set foot inside the mansion.
My eyes autom atically searches everywhere where I could possibly find Jenny but
they failed. I can't see Jenny around the house. Hindi naman siguro siya ang
isinama ni manang sa pagbili ng mga materyales at mga sangkap dito sa bahay. Hindi
pa naman nag-iingat ang babaeng iyon. Kung anu-ano ang nababasag at nasisira sa
100b at labas ng bahay.
Nang hindi na talaga ako mapakali 'e tinawag ko na si Martin upang tanungin.
"Sir Derek! Nandirito na po pala kayo.
Pasensya na po at hindi ko kayo nasalubong." Nagmamadaling lumapit ito sa akin nang
marinig niya ang pagtawag ko mula sa isang kwarto. He looks a little busy since I
noticed him taking down notes about something.
Anyway, let's get down to the real business.
"Where's my personal maid?"

1 5/20
It took him a few seconds of hesitating whether he'll open his mouth or not. It's
as if he doesn't know what to say. Hmm? Did Jenny go out without my permission
again? Didn't I tell her that she would only cause problems outside? It's better to
keep her here in the mansion like a secret human destructive weapon instead of
letting her out and became the root of all troubles of everyone.
"Ah.. S-S-She's inside the k-kitchen.
Preparing your meals, perhaps."
"Perhaps?" I questioned. Why is he not sure about his answer?
Just on cue, Manang Delia came out from the kitchen looking for Woods. She was
surprised when she found me as well. "Derek!
Tamang-tama! Nagluto si Jenny ng mga paborito mong pagkain. Halika na habang mainit
pa ang mga iyon," at inalo na ako nito kaagad papunta ngdining room.
Nasa labas pa lang ako 'e amoy na amoy ko na ang mga pagkaing inihain ni Jenny.
Naghulaan pa nga kami ni Manangsa kung ano ang mga iyon. Nagtatawanang pumasok
naman kami ni Manangnang maabutan namin ang hinahanap ko na naghahain na. Saktong
nagkatama naman ang mga mata naming dalawa.
I no longer hear what Manang is saying
anymore. What my system can only focus on is Jenny and her only. Damn those
sparkling eyes. Even if you keep messing everything up, that expressive pair of
orbs you have is more than enough to cover them. If it weren 't for those eyes, I
could still be loitering piece of trash in this society.
Ang problema nga lang, nasira ang pagtitinginan naming dalawa nang may masagi
siyang mangkok ng sabaw na siyang tumapon at kumalat sa sahig. What do I expect?
She will still be Jenny. The foolish and clumsy personal maid that I have. "Hindi
ka na talaga nagbago, ano? Let the others do their job. Keep on preparing the
plates. Martin will be joining me."
" Bingi ka ba? O hindi ka makaintindi ng
Ingles? Ang sabi ko, sasaluhan mo ko sa pagkain." " perO—"
Tumikhim naman ako upang putulin ang kahit ano pang pagtutol niya. Nakasabay ko na
Sina Jenny at iba pang tauhan namin sa pagkain pero si Martin, hindi pa. Gusto ko
lang naman na makausap siya at makasalo rin siya tulad ng ginawa ko sa iba. Ang
sabi kasi sa akin ni Jenny, para makabawi ako sa pagiging sakit sa ulo, dapat
pakisamahan ko ng maayos ang mga taong nagpapakahirap na pagsilbihan ako at si Papa
araw-araw.
He had no choice and so he eventually gave in to his butler principles and ended up
on the chair next to me. Jenny carefully put the plates and portions of the dishes
along with other necessities. Amoy pa lang mukhang masarap na. Mukhang mapapakain
ako nito 'ah.
I was about to start immediately when Manang Delia and Manong Edgar, our driver
reminded me to pray before eating. When I was a kid, my mom would always do that as
well. Reminding me that every meal is a blessing since there a lot of people out
there who can't eat. Therefore, I should be grateful. I set that habit aside when
she passed away but now, I'm learning to adapt it again. In front of the elders at
least.
Nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng pagkain nang magpaalam si Jenny na sasaglit muna sa
kwarto niya dahil may hinihintay siyang tawag mula sa lolo lt Iola niya sa
probinsya. Pinayagan ko naman siya dahil mukhang sobrang importante yata ng tawag
na iyon para sa kanya. Sabagay, mahirap ang mahiwalay sa mga natitira mong kamag-
anak. Lalo na para kay Jenny na nanggaling pa sa Iloilo para lang magtrabaho dito
sa Maynila nang masustentohan niya ang pangangailangan ng mga nagpalaki sa kanya.
Magpapatuloy na sana ako sa pag-ubos ng
nasa plato ko nang may sumagi sa isip ko na katanungan. "Martin, did someone enter
my room last night?"
Kasunod naman ng tanong ko ay ang pagkasamid ni Martin. Mabilis ko naman siyang
inalalayan at tinulungang makabawi. Tsk.
Kalaki-laking tao 'e hindi marunong mag-ingat sa pagkain. "Ayos ka na ba? Hinay-
hinay lang kasi sa pagsubo."
"A-Ayos na po ako. Tungkol po s-sa tanong niyo, w-wala PO. Wala po akong napansing
pumasok ng kwarto niyo maliban kay Jenny," sagot niya nang paubo-ubo pa rin dulot
ng pagkasamid.
My brows furrowed in instant on his reply.
"Ah, dinalhan niya po kayo ng hapunan, Sir Derek," paglilinaw ni Andrea na isa sa
mga kasambahay namin na lantarang pinapakita ang pagkakagusto niya kay Martin.
Pasimple itong lumapit sa amin at pinunasan ang ilang butil ng kanin sa bibig ng
taong gusto niya.
I almost cringe at the sight of it. Did my father forget to emphasize the
restriction of display of affection on our employees? Naging komportable naman na
kami pareho nang mapansin ni Andrea ang tingin ko sa pinaggagagawa niya at bumalik
sa trabaho niya. "Anyway, have you ever been in the attic? They say it's haunted
but Jenny chose to stay there," pagbabago ko na lang ng usapan.
Napabuntong hininga naman ang katabi ko bago kumuha ng tiyempo upang sumagot. "I've
never been there, young master. Jenny mentioned to me that she chose to stay there
despite the rumors solely because it reminds her of her old room on their house at
the province," he answered, seemingly drained and exhausted while staring at his
plate.
So that's why... I guess I still have a load of things to know about her. It's been
what? Almost five months and a half or something since she got here. She already
knows a lot of stuff about me such as my family, my past, and my childhood.
Samantalang ako, iilan lang ang alam ko tungkol sa kanya. Hindi rin naman kasi kami
madalas nakakapag-usap. Hindi gaya nung hindi ako pumapasok sa eskwelahan at noong
pumupuslit ako ng maaga para makauwl.
I had a long time with her before. But after I've been buried alive by school works
and company paper works? Nah. I only got to see her whenever I came home, whenever
I am eating, and before I go to sleep. When would I be able to spend some time with
her again like before?
May mahabang buhok na medyo kulot, may malaking salamin, at nakasuot ng sobrang
luwag at mahabang maid uniform. Pero kung oobserbahan mo naman, maganda rin naman
siya kung aayusan.
"Alam mo 'tol? Parang nagbago ka na talaga. Sino ba nakapagpatino sa'yo, ha?"
Did I really change? Naalala ko na naman ang sinabi sa akin ng mga kaibigan ko.
Siguro nga nagbago na ako. At siguro nga dahil iyon sa kanya. Siya ang gumising sa
akin sa katotohanan na hindi dapat ako maglugmok nang dahil lang sa isang pangako.
Na kailangan kong umusad kahit anong mangyari. She told me that the world is still
moving so I should keep moving too.
She is the reason why 1 1 m doing my best on everything I do. I want to show her
that I'm no longer the rebel I am months ago. That I can already stand on my own
and rule my dad's company with the utmost of my abilities. I want to see her
smiling proudly as she watches me to climb the stage on my Graduation Day.
Why? It's because Jenny is the person I trust the most. | know she won 't
disappoint me. I know she would never leave me no matter what.

Chapter 10: Follow the Master

RIEDA'S POV
"You asked for me, Mr. De Guzman?" I asked as I sit on the couch opposite of his.
Mark never failed to do what he mentioned to do whenever he threatens me and since
he said this meeting involves my company, I had no choice to but to get my a*s
here.
Marahan naman muna siyang humigop mula sa tasa ng tsaa niya at ibinalik ito sa
pagkakapatong sa may coffee table bago ito tumikhim. Halata sa postura nito na
mahalagang-mahalaga ang pag-uusapan namin sa mga susunod na oras kaya hangga lt
maaari ay hahayaan ko muna siyang ilabas ang saloobin niya.
" I'm planning to give my position to Derek once he graduated from AVIS. That is
about seven months from now. Before the big day, I want you to move out of the
household as soon as possible."
A new condition on the contract? But he should've said so on our meeting back then
at least. He can't just add another rule or set-up or something out of the blue.
The contract is absolute. It cannot be altered unless approved by both parties.
Another thing, 1 1 m not the one to talk to about that. He should've asked Master
Phoenix about it. Aren 't they friends?
I saw how intent Mr. De Guzman's gaze is. cross my legs, hinting him that 1 1 m
giving the current subject a huge weight of focus and analysis. What made him
decide this? Why all of a sudden? But I can't question him. He's my client. And
after all, he's Derek's father. What right do I have to tell him what to do?
At this point, I should be speaking the safest answer. "Pardon me, Mr. De Guzman.
I'm afraid I don't have such authority to add or to even remove a condition to our
prior contract. If you really insist, please do contact my employer. If your
request has been approved, I will be more than willing to compromise with it," and
I rested my arms on the arm tops. I find this conversation arguable.
He let out a loud sigh as he rests his back on the couch. It seems he is telling me
that he's unsatisfied with my answer. Seriously? "Is that so? I guess I can 't
help it. I'll contact Phoenix with it later. Ah, I heard that you are now handling
Phoenix's former company, huh? How is it?" tanong nito.
Pinigilan kong panliitan siya ng mga mata. Napakabilis ng pagbabago niya ng usapan.
Para bang nagkamali siya sa pagtatanong nun. Even
so, here we go, the business part of this conversation. "It's alright. The business
is doing good," I answered shortly.
Why do I have the feeling that this exchange is strange? I'm betting there's
something wrong. The atmosphere. The subject. The terms. They're unusual... Either
way, I have to go along the talk.
Sumibol ang ngiti sa mukha niya at gurnaan kahit papaano ang tensyon kanina dulot
ng biglaan niyang pagdeklara ng panibagong kondisyon sa kontrata. Alam ko ang
ngiting iyan. Sa tinagal-tagal ko ng pagtatrabaho sa mga kumpanya na hinahawakan ni
Master Phoenix, kabisadong-kabisado ko na ang mga galawang ito.
"Do you mind investing on De Guzman Enterprises, my dear?" Oops. He blew it. Just
as I thought of.
Again, I have to give the safest answer that I could think of. "Well, let's see if
we can make that possible. How about we go out and get some snacks as we talk?" I
suggested and the old man agreed to me as fast as lightning.
This is the safest answer that I could give. The best answer which would allow me
to observe Mr. De Guzman's recent actions and decisions. An answer that would give
me more time to think about my next plans.
As we stood up to leave the room, I didn't forget to act out and leave something
that would later serve as a useful variable for me to come up with an accurate
conclusion about what is going on and what does Derek's father is thinking. Of
course, I didn 't let myself get caught by the oldie's sight. It would be a trouble
if he did and an end for me if Master Phoenix found out.
Well, this is just for research purposes, you know. This will do no harm.
"Hep-hep, saan ang punta, Miss Jenny Rosario?" harang ni Martin sa akin saktong
mamataan niya akong papunta sa kwarto ni Derek. For the four months that I've been
monitoring that guy, I am certain that every time before Saturday comes, Derek
would always hang out with his friends to discuss their next adventure.
And me, being his hired personal agent, have to know what would be the next
adventure is. "Get out of my way, Woods. You are hindering me from doing my job."
"I'm still a butler of this household. So, you must inform me of what you are
trying to do," pangangaral pa nito sa akin habang nakaharang pa rin sa pintuan ni
Derek. TSS. Pinapatagal niya lang lalo ang trabaho ko. Imbes na walang makakita sa
akin dito, mas pinapataas niya pa
ang posibilidad na pagsuspetyahan kaming dalawa. What an idiot.
Dahil puro dada lang naman ang ginagawa niya ay hindi ko na inatubili pang
pakinggan ang kahit ano sa mga ito at pwinersa siyang umalis sa daraanan ko.
Muntikan naman siyang mawalan ng balanse sa lakas ng pagtulak ko. "Sorry, Woods.
But you see, even the young master of this household doesn't know anything about me
and the things that I'm doing. Better keep your mouth shut first," I told him and
he just zipped his mouth at the same moment.
I know he understands it very well.
I pulled the duplicate key out from my sleeves and opened Derek's door as smooth as
a professional bowler striking all the pins at the end of a lane. Woods followed my
steps as I inspect every corner of the room.
Hmm. Nothing's different. Seems like the usual. But that makes it more suspicious.
For someone like Derek who has been worked out so much these past few days, I know
he'll be finding exits to unleash all boredom and stress that he has in his body.
Even though it is not the case, his best of friends, Glen and Niel would.
"Where's the young master anyway?" I asked as I try to check out Derek's clothes
and drawers. I have overslept due to exhaustion from work and I was f d to do a
typical maid's first thing in the morning which is to do multiple house chores.
Thus, I haven't raised this concern to Vanna yet and since I have the proud butler
here, might as well ask him about it.
Bumuntong hininga naman ito at saka pasalampak na umupo sa gilid ng kama ni Derek.
"Maagang umalis. Ang sabi, pupunta raw sa mga kaibigan niya," he answered as if
it's the most frequent phrases he have said in his entire life.
Just as I expected.
Ipinagpatuloy ko ang paghahanap mapa-sa mga darnitan niya at study table hanggang
sa tinapik naman ni Martin ang balikat ko upang ibigay ang isang pamilyar na poster
sa akin. "l think this will be their next appointment." Inabot ko naman ito at saka
masinsinang tiningnan ang mga nakasulat sa poster. "Annual motor racing contest?"
pagbasa ko sa mga malalaking letrang nakaimprinta rito. Kaya naman pala pamilyar.
I've joined this contest thrice before. Even so, I also remembered that this event
is not actually permitted by any authority. In short, it's an underground motor
racing contest. The advantage it gives to its hosts is that they won 't shoulder
any responsibility nor obligation if anyone got hurt or died. It's a secret event.
Therefore, death and injuries will be kept in the dark too.
" Derek will be joining this kind of contest? Anong klaseng kokote ba ang mayroon
siya? He'll die in here," wika ko sa sarili ko. If there's something constant in
this household then, I guess it would be Derek's hardheadedness and
mischievousness.
I want to rip his two friends' eyes off from their sockets so bad for encouraging
on joining something like this. And to mention, Master Phoenix is actually asking
me to lie low and here goes my client, settling his place of death in front of a
huge number of people. For Pete's sake, why do I have to be assigned on this
person?
"Can you please stop mocking the young master?" magkasalubong na mga kilay na
komento ni Martin sa akin.
Hindi niya alam kung gaano kalala ang pinagsisilbihan niyang binata. Tingin ko, mas
mahirap pa bantayan si Derek kaysa sa sales at market demand ng negosyo. Tinungo ko
muna ang single couch at clito umupo. Pinapasakit niya lalo ang Lilo ko. "Vanna."
"Yes, milady?"she immediately answered.
"Can you look into the upcoming underground motor racing contests that will happen
this Saturday? I need the road plan, the event details, and the information about
it's hosts."
"Please give me a maximum offive
minutes to carefully scrutinize all the data you needed. If you have other concerns
to submit, don't hesitate to give a follow-up order." After that, my watch beeped
as a signal that Vanna 's time offive minutes to get everything I asked her to
research on has started
d.
Naipatong ko na lang ang poster sa kalapit na lamesa at pawang hinilot ko ang
sentido ko. My license will be suspended once I failed to compromise with the
Master's orders. But if I fail to protect Derek on that place where there's a huge
crowd in which numerous potential offenders conceal, everything in this mission
will be put into vain.
It's not like I cannot protect him outside the race track. The track will be the
most accurate, closest, easiest, and best place to keep him under my protection. To
add a cherry on top, I cannot promise that I won't be catching the attention of the
audience. I have to use the exclusive Phoen ix Organ ization 's gadgets and Mark's
devices if the situation asked me to.
If only I can choose between the two of them then, I would.
Bahala na nga
"What's your plan?" His voice sounding so serious. Looks like he noticed the
frustration painted on my face right now. Yeah, who would not get frustrated if
your license is at stake?! This job has been my whole life and I might be
confirming my first ever record of violation to protect that brat!
Then, it was my time to heave a long and loud sigh. "I'll follow him. It's an
underground contest after all. No one can assure their safety on the lair of
various villains." I guess my pride is still more important at the end of the day.
I can have the first record of violation but I won't let Derek be my first ever
failure as an agent.
The violation 's conseq uences won't be that long but once life was gone, it will
be gone forever. And I hate having regrets. Thinking of what could have happened if
I did that and that. It would be intoxicating. Terrifyingly intoxicating.
"Are you alright? You look pale, you know."
"Don't mind me," I said and I get my a*s out from the couch. "Vanna, just send the
data on my computer. I'll be reviewing them as soon as you get them." At matapos ng
utos na iyon ay tinahak ko na ang papalabas sa kwarto ni Derek.
Gayunpaman, bago ko pa ihakbang ang mga paa ko papalabas ay humabol pa ng isang
katanungan si Martin. Katanungang hindi ko alam kung ikaiinis ko o ikatutuwa ko.
Hindi ako sanay na tinatanong nito. Or to be specific, I don't allow others to ask
me that.
"Are you sure? Maybe, you have to get a
little rest?"
"Thank you for your concern, Martin
Woods. However, I don't need anyone's concern. I'm used to this so ifyou please,
don't let me bother you that much. Just go on with your own personal business
rather than trying invading someone's," and I stepped out and closed the door from
behind.
Yeah, I think no matter how kind, humble, and bubbly Jenny Rosario is, Rieda can't
adapt anything from her. Rieda Fernandez is just too stubborn and a cunning person
compared to her. Jenny's just too pure for Rieda who have dirtied her hands
countless times.
["What you are telling me is that Mister Romuel's son, Derek is joining an
underground motor racing competition? But that would be a nerve-wracking difficulty
for you to monitor him!"] Mark, just as I have expected, almost throw his lungs out
to express the same frustration that I am having right now.
"It's not like I have a choice, you know. I just wish Master Phoenix would
understand and consider this one. I don't want my license to be revoked but I don't
want to let Derek go with a possibility of him dying. My conscience just can 't
accept that." Minsan sa mga ganitong panahon, nagpapasalamat ako na kayang maging
nakakapagpagaan sa 100b ni Mark. Wala na kasi siyang ibang ginawa kadalasan kung
hindi ang sermonan ako at paalalahanan sa mga trabaho
Mark can't help but shake his head in sympathy for me. 1 1 m glad he installed a
three-dimensional hologram projector in Vanna's settings. The conversation seems
more intim ate and closer. I really can't believe I'm one step away from disobeying
the person I considered as my father, brother, and friend! Ugh, this sucks!
["l hope he would. You are his favorite, after all. Master Phoenix is not a close-
minded type of person, you know. In case he did suspend you, I'm sure he has a set
of valid reasons under his sleeves for doing that. So don 't worry too much,
Rieda."]
"Thank you, Mark." Hindi ko siguro alam ang gagawin ko kung wala akong mapagsabihan
ng saloobin ko at masaya na ako na mayroon akong kaibigangtulad ni Mark na mabilis
na sasagutin ang tawag ko mapa-umaga o gabi. Honestly, I don't know when does he
sleep. Are computers really that interesting?
"Jenny! Iha, kakain na! Kararating lang din ni Sir Derek!"
Mabilis namang bumagsak ang mga balikat ko nang marinig ko ang pagtawag sa akin
nina Manang. Nandito na siya. I have to go back to
my work again. Why do I even wish for a mission when I was living comfortably with
minor assignments before? Argh!
["Looks like someone has to go down now and serve the young master who will give
you your first violation on rules and regulations, Agent Ishtar."]
I almost scoff as I keep on hearing the other maids calling for me. I know they
won't dare come near here but it's still annoying. I hate it when I don't have the
upper hand on my own games. I hate it when I was on the disadvantageous part of it.
I hate it when I don't have any last resort. When this hateful part comes in,
boredom starts to take over me. And I swear, my being boredom would signal a death
flag on Derek's head.
Dahil hindi sila tumitigil sa pagtawag sa akin, nagdesisyon na akong magpaalam kay
Mark at pinatay ang projector. Inayos ko muna ang disguise ko bilang Jenny at saka
bum aba papunta sa may kusina kung saan naroroon ang lahat ng miyembro ng
sambahayan.
When I arrived, I was informed that Derek took a shower first before eating so I
should better get the table set before he comes. Agad naman akong sumunod sa mga
iniuutos ni Manang Delia habang mainit pa rin angtingin sa akin ng mga kapwa ko
katulong clito na Sina Andrea, Bianca, at iba pa. Iniisip na naman siguro nila na
paimportante ako. Hay.
Bago ako magsimula sa pag-aayos ay pinihit ko muna ang gripo at bumugso ang daloy
ng tubig sa mga kamay ko. Pagkatapos kong maghugas ng kamay ay dumiretso na ako sa
paglalagay ng mga kubyertos sa hapag-kainan.
I was almost finished when I detected Derek's presence in the room. As I was about
to put the glass filled with mineral water down, I intentionally drop it as a part
of my act. Being Jenny Rosario, the clumsy and stupid maid requires me to break at
least one thing in this household and to make any of the members of the staff to be
vexed by me. No worries. I'm planning to pay those off once this mission is done.
I immediately bit my nails as if I did something hideous. I made my body tremble as
if I am afraid ofwhat will happen to me after I've made a mistake. I gulped as if I
want to die out of shame. Lumuhod ako para kunin ang mga piraso ng bubog. Slnadya
ko ring masugatan ng mga ito at nagkunwaring dumadaing sa sakit. Mabilis namang
tumugon sa akin si Derek at pinalayo ako sa mga bubog.
"Are you really that dumb? Sinong tao ang pupulot pa ng bubog, ha? You should've
just let the others clean it up for you, considering how
clumsy you are!" may inis na sermon nito sa akin habang hindi mapaghiwalay ang mga
kilay niya.
Napapikit naman siya nang sandali at bumaling naman sa mga kasamahan kong
katulong. "Please clean this mess. And you..." he pertained to me. "Come with me,"
and without my response, he pulled me out of the room and led the way.
Habang paalis kami ay binigyan ko ng huling sulyap ang mga kasambahay. Sa pagitan
ng paglilinis nila Bianca at Andrea sa mga bubog garnit ang walis at dust pan,
naririnig ko ang samu't saring reklamo nila ukol sa kung paanong kakaiba angtrato
sa akin ni Derek kaysa sa kanila.
"Grabe talaga! Nakita mo ba 'yun? Daigpa niya ang prinsesa! Lagi na lang siyang may
special treatmentgaling kaysir! Maid kasisiya dito 'e hindi ba? Maid! NJ' hindi na
nga kagandahan, ang lakas pa ng 100b na lumandi kaySir Derek!" "Sinabi mo pa! Pero
hindi rin siya makatigil-tigil sa paglingkis kay Martin! Makating
"Ano ba ang nakita ni Sir Derek sa probinsyanang iyan? E ang baduy-baduy ngang
manamit. Mutsatsa na nga, mukha pang basahan!"
Tsk. Bitches.
"Umupo ka diyan."

1 5/20
"Huh?" Wait. This is the theater room if my memory's right. Hindi ko na namalayan
na dito niya ako dinala. Lumulutang na naman kasi ang utak ko sa ibang mga bagay.
Tulad na lang ng mga pinadalang files ni Mark sa akin ukol sa mga kahina-hinalang
mga tao na kumikilos upang tuntunin ang nagmamay-ari ng golden Venetian mask.
Bago pa man ako makaapila 'e nakaupo na si Derek sa may tabi ko at may inilapag
nang first aid kit sa kalapit na lamesa. Marahan niyang inabot ang kamay kong
nasugatan mula sa mga bubog at tiningnan muna ito kung malalim ba o mababaw lang
ang n aging sugat. "Tsk. Ang tanga mo talagang babae ka," sabi pa niya habang
sinusuri pa rin ang kamay ko.
Was I offended? Nah. This guy loves calling me stupid, idiot, fool, and other words
with the same thought of it. It's as ifthose words were all my names every day.
When he's done looking on to it, he put my hand down to his lap and started roaming
the things inside the first aid kit as if he's someone expert on giving people
medication or something. Seriously. You always surprise me.
" Is it really possible that there's a person as stupid as you? Aish. If you have
other clones, I bet the whole society would go insane big time!" wika nito habang
nagsisimula nang gamutin ang sugat ko. Wala sa akin ang tingin niya pero ang bibig
niya, patuloy sa paglalabas ng mga insulto para kay Jenny.
Kung hawakan niya ang kamay ko ay tila ba isa itong babasaging garnit na maaaring
mahulog kahit anong oras. Kung makasuri siya sa sugat ko ay tila ba kukunin nito
ang buhay ko. Kung makatuon siya rito ay para bang alam niya ang hapdi na dulot
nito. Nakakatuwa ring pagmasdan ang bawat kunot na mayroon siya sa kanyang noo.
Kita ang konsentrasyon at pagiging seryoso niya sa ginagawa niya.
You do have that part inside you to care for her. You just keep on showing your
concern through those awful terms because you don't want to reveal how dependent
you really are to Jenny's presence.
"Salamat." At least, this word, this came from Rieda. Thank you. Thank you for
cherishing Jenny. I don't know why but I'm overwhelmed by how worried he is. Heh,
I'm not even Jenny and 1 1 m being grateful.
Contrary to what I expected, he smiled and gave me a short laugh. "Don't thank me.
You have to cook a great breakfast for me tomorrow, okay?" and just like any other
kids, he offered his little finger to mine and make me do the pinky promise with
him. We sang a little and waved our hands for it as if we are really young
children.
Promise... What big and heavy word to say...
"Jenny! Bakit bigla-bigla ka na lang umaalis?! Ang daming trabaho ngayon dito sa
bahay! You—" at pinatayan ko na ng tawag ang pagkakulit-kulit na si Martin. Sa
tuwing [alabas na lang ako para gawin ang trabaho ko, lagi na lang akong may
maririnig na reklamo mula sa bibig niya. Kalalaking-tao, mapanermon.
And it's not like he doesn't know that today is the d-day. It's the day of the
motor racing competition here in the underground. There is still about an hour
before a host could take over the stage and microphone but all the seats and spaces
were almost occupied. Kung titingnan mo nga naman, gustung-gusto ng mga tao na
makakita ng kamatayan sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong klase ng laro.
Though reluctant, Mark did all the work for me to join this contest. I made sure
that I have covered my face very well by make-up and black veil since the mask
won't fit inside a helmet. I've been loitering around to observe and to check if
there's someone suspicious but as of now, the danger is yet to arise. And that
makes it feels more threatening.
Pinainit ko muna ang motor ko sa pamamagitan ng pagpihit sa may hawakan na
nakakonekta sa accelerator cable habang naghihintay. Dalawang beses ko itong ginawa
at malakas na usok at tunog ang iniresulta nito. Prenteng nakasandal lang ako nang
bahagya rito at nagmamasid nangtahimik.
"Hi, miss. You look blazing hot! I just want to ask if we can... you know, go out?
After this contest? My treat?" a guy with a fair hair offered as he tries to snake
his arm around me.
I smirked in secret and pulled one thin needle from my pocket and intentionally
stab it on his arm while acting like 1 1 m just massaging the back of my neck. Oh
dear, one prick and you'll be a paralyzed within a minute.
He cried when it touched him. Men looked on our direction and stared due to the
loud cry that he produced. The guy was being conscious of the attention at first
but he eventually returned to his first topic. "Come on, give me a chance and—I'
Knowing that he will soon be paralyzed, I lifted my hand in front of his face,
telling him to stop because I don't have any single interest in dating and such. If
you have a life to protect, there's no time for living your own life so shut up.
The fair-haired seems surprised to the way I rejected him but even if he wanted to
unleash his anger brought by stomped ego and pride, he couldn't. That's because
it's already affecting him. Before I could catch greater attention, I left the
scene as fast as I could and went to the starting line.
At hindi nga ako nabigo. Sa pagdating ko roon ay natagpuan ko ang tatlong
magkakaibigan habang nakasandal sa mga kapwa motorsiklo nila.
"Derek De Guzman, black helmet with a silver archer logo at the back, black outfit,
number twenty-six, "Vanna confirmed.
Nanliit naman ang mga mata ko nang makadetekta ako ng kislap. Kislap mula sa isang
patalim. Naging mabilis ang pagkakita ko rito kung kaya't hindi ko na alam kung
saang direksyon ko ulit ito nakita. s**t.
"Good day, racers! Are you now ready to join the most ruthless motor racing
competition of the decade?! Then, we don't have to wait more! Let's do this!"
Yeah, I am already itching to eliminate pests surrounding the flower I've watched
to grew. I won't let them destroy it. Luckily, I prepared a lot of insecticides
with me.
Chapter 11: The Other Two
"l can't wait to win, pals!" I heard Derek's friend, Niel said as he waves to his
pool of fans from the crowd. I guess one of those fans will be given a chance to
spend the night with him later, as usual.
Sometimes, I wonder when would the time comes for this guy to get castrated.
"Niel, there's still quite a number of obstacles to face before you could get that
shining trophy to your pants," kontra ni Glen habang pinanliliitan ng mata ang
kalsadang mamaya-maya'y mapapaligiran ng alikabok at maaari ring mabahiran ng dugo.
And it depends on me whether that blood would be mine, Derek's, his friends', or
the enemies'.
"So what are we waiting for?! Let's do this!
Racers, on my mark! Ready... Get... Set... Go!" At sa hudyat ng host, natigil ang
mga usapan ng bawat kalahok at hinayaang ang kani-kanilang bilis sa pagpapatakbo ng
mga motorisklo ang magsabi kung sino sila at kung ano ang kaya nila. Hindi rin
naman ako nagpahuli at binuhay ko na rin ang makina ng motorsiklong pinalit ni
Master Phoenix sa MV Augusta F4 na nasira noong nasa Saudi Arabia ako.
I've won this damn s* *t for three times using different identities. Having Derek
as my priority this time doesn't mean I should let myself be this race's last. It's
just won 't get approved by my pride. Winning and being the top have always been my
goal.
Because that makes Master Phoenix happy and proud ofme.
Despite our close distance on the start line, I maintained a certain gap between me
and my client. This is, of course, to prevent him from giving me such attention.
When he is getting conscious with the riders from his side mirrors, I keep on
hiding through the other riders' course. So far, no signs of harm can be found.
Even so, 1 1 m sort of a little uneasy due to the raging screams of the crowd, the
conquering dust, and the loud roars of motorcycles' engines. It's somewhat getting
hard to keep both Derek on contact and my participation in this race. s* *t.
"4 meters away from you, Ishtar. Red Lion. Scanning for concealed weapons... The
number of weapons found, forty-seven. Stay away from his right foot. "
Naalerto kaagad ako sa impormasyong pinasok ni Vanna. I've checked my side mirrors
closely and I found the guy she is talking about. It doesn 't take me too long to
notice the retractable blade on those shoes. Those steel-made blades could be very
lethal, especially if it hit a major blood vessel. A swift kick of death, huh.
"Based from the event committee's database, the Red Lion is the defending champion
two years ago. Cunning, dirty-player, and most ofall, known for a strong body
built. "
Tsk. I won 't let him come near my master. I'll use burnout.
Binagalan ko nang bahagya ang bilis ng pagpapatakbo ko at sinadya ko na makadikit
ko siya bago ko isinagawa ang plano ko. I lay my bike on the side and climb onto it
then, I leaned back on the bike while holding the throttle, causing the bike to
spin around while doing a
'merry-go-around' type of burnout. When I'm about to finish the spin around him, I
used my right foot to reach his motorcycle to kick it out. Hence, making him lose
the balance and his vehicle to the dust.
I smiled as some of the other competitors got tangled to that guy's bad luck tod
ay. Eventually, I was able to go back on track and compete. Una pa lang 'yan.
Paniguradong may iba pang susulpot habang tumatagal ang karera.
"The Red Lion is out! The mysterious lady in black is suiting herself with the 'no
rules' tradition of the competition! She kicked the eager lion out, folks!"
If they can play dirty, then I can too.
Habangtumatagal, paunti kami nang paunti sa karera para sa tropeyo at titulo. Hindi
dahil sa akin kung hindi dahil din sa maliban pa kay Red Lion 'e may iba pang
kalahok na madungis maglaro. Mayroon ding iilan na nananadyang atakihin o
salubungin ang mga kalaban nila para lang makaungos sa laban.
The hosts of this event did a great job of picking the venue. With metals, blocks,
steels spread, and woods, cement, and rocks scattered, I can somehow conclude that
this is a previously a construction site. Therefore, the whole place is surrounded
by numerous hazards that could get you off this game or worse, even send you to the
underworld. Being careful is too absurd. Playing on the same league and same
intensity with the contenders is the thought you have to exert in your mind.
The crowd 's screams and cheer never faltered on any second of the race. But the
next pest closing to me sure has one loud mouth and brave soul to speak to me. "Hi,
lady in black!" he greeted. I tried to ignore him. Nagbabakasakali na mawala ang
konsentrasyon niya habang naghihintay ng sagot mula sa akin. Pero iyon ang inaakala
1<0.
He maintained the distance between us as if it's the easiest thing that he could
ever do in this race. And it f g irritates me. The way he stares at me while acting
as if there's nothing to worry about this game is infuriating! "What do you want?"
I responded, finally.
He almost did a flip to showcase how happy he was when I replied to him. In my
mind, I just want to get rid of you, you pest. But I have to calm my nerves or else
I'll lose both Derek and this competition. Let's just see what we can do to this
flirt so he can no longer be seen by my sight.
"Let's have a date later!" sigaw nito n ang panandaliang mas lumakas ang mga
hiyawan ng mga manonood sa kani-kanilang mga upuan. Marahil ay may mga umaariba
nang mga kalahok sa ngayon at hindi na matago pa ng mga tagahanga nito ang saya
nila.
While 1 1 m here, struggling to remove this guy on the track. But then, I've
thought of something. Something that will make him regret that he even come near
me. In this game where I am trying to protect someone, I shall be the nightm are of
everyone who'll try to mess with me. "l would love to. However, I think you've
arranged an appointment with a doctor today. Or rather, with the angel of death," I
told him and I pointed my g*n ringto him.
It took him off-guard and in just a matter of seconds, an announcement was made
declaring the flirt has been severely injured and was burnt resulting for him to
leave the venue and be brought to the nearest hospital. I don't know if 1 1 m a
sadist or I'm just really satisfied with my opponents getting cut down into pieces.
Never mind. Nothing matters more than Derek's safety now. The g*n ring that I wore
around my middle finger has a nozzle concealed in my palm, and I only need to flip
this thing when I'm ready to shoot.
"What's the condition, Vanna?!" I yelled. It's been a minute when I noticed my
guardian is experiencing difficulty in recognizing my voice and assessing my
message to her. Based on my alternative navigation device, we're about to reach the
finish line. So, it's no wonder the audience has become wilder and more excited
about the upcoming results of the competition. Therefore, I have to make my voice
louder to Vanna in order for us to hear one another.
"There are seven remaining contestants includingyou and the client. The three
ofthem were deemed to be with motives ofharm. The gap was too far to give an
accurate scanning. I suggestyou come closer to them,"
Damn. The race track is too complicated this year. Even Vanna is facing some
problems. Even so, I hurriedly executed her advice. I know this will get me in
trouble but I prepared myself for anything that could happen once I get myself
closer to them.
And as I expected, the moment they noticed me, they immediately assembled as if
they are a team. Hmm, it looks like they share the same motive and purpose, huh.
"They are distractingyou, I advice you to use the gravity leveler."
I activated the gravity leveler device attached to my motorcycle by pushing the red
button. This is one of the modern inventions published by Phoenix Organization that
redirect gravity, enabling a person to stand and maneuver on walls, or even
ceilings. Once the activation has been finished in a snap, I drove to the nearest
concrete wall possible. Napaalis naman Iyung mga nakapalibot sa akin dahil siguro'y
akala nila ay nawalan na ako ng balanse at papatama na sa poste.
Watch me.
" My goodness! The lady at black is driving on walls!"
Ang kaninang hindi mapigilang hiyawan ng mga taong nanonoood ay napalitan ng
kakaibang ingay. Ingay na nagpapahiwatig ng hindi pagpaniwala at pagkabilib sa
nasaksihan nila. Unti-unti rin itong napawi at kalaunan ay burnalik ang sigawan na
pangalan ko na ang laman. As much as I want to be proud and to boast with all the
cheers, I can't help but to process the consequences of my action.
Siguradong sa ginawa kong ito ay kakalat ang samu't saring mga balita at haka-haka
tungkol sa akin. Ako na nagmaneho at tinahak ang mga pader. At sa ginawa ko ring
ito, mas binigyan ko lang ng patnubay ang mga naghahanap sa akin na nandirito ako
sa Pilipinas at nagsasasali sa kung anu-anong mga kompetisyon. Walang dudang sermon
din ang aabutan ko kapag burnisita ako sa headquarters. But what can I do? Derek's
safety is my top most priority at the moment.
As I keep on seeing myself getting suspended from all of my duties, I tried to push
all of them back and pushed another red button for the activation of the auto
drive. At the same time, I was able to decide that I won't win this year's race.
It's better to win a game against Death rather than going beyond that finish line
with a dead man from the back. "Vanna, take care of the vehicle for me first."
"No problem, milady. "
I pulled some of my shurikens out of my jacket and threw it swiftly to my
opponents' wheels when we passed an area of greater smoke and dirt. In case they
insist on going back on the track, I added some more on their wheels. Oops,
Before I turn the auto drive off, I pulled the deton ator out to check out the time
for the next

9/1 5
explosion. I was able to arrange an agreement with the place's legal owner and was
able to attain permission to visit and to roam around. That's when I took the
opportunity to set a few booby traps for those who wish to send my m aster off to
death. Of course, the booby traps were all controlled and manipulated by a deton
ator which is under my care.
After hearing a huge commotion behind, was able to breathe freely at last. The
pests were successfully eliminated. I don't have to worry about Derek's safety
anymore on this race unless he'll do something clumsy just like what my disguise
always does.
" People, have you seen that?! In just a matter of time! With the help of the
covering fumes! The Lady at Black had the other three contestants out of the line!
Finally, we are nearing the finish line! Sino na kaya ang mananalo? Ngayong apat na
lamang ang natitirang mga kalahok, sino na kaya sa kanila ang makapag-uuwi ng
tropeyo at iba pang papremyo?!" pagkasabi na pagkasabi nito ng host ay dumoble pa
ang hiyawan ng mga tao.
It was like they don't give a f* *k to anything except the person who will win the
title and trophy. It's as if the casualties are mere add-ons to the entertainment
package they have purchased. Crazy people. They are obviously happy watching this
kind of contest. I can't really believe how f* ** *d up this world is.
I was about to follow Derek and his friends' trail and accomplish the race when two
racers came in out of the blue and blocked my way. I wanted to kick them off my
path but they were so persistent so I let them lead me to a particular space where
the audience can't see even one strand of our hair.
"And our new champion, the Silver Archer!"
The time the host made his announcement about the winners, it was also the time for
me to confront the two who hindered me to finish the race. Now that Derek and his
friends are safe, I don't have anything to concern myself about. And while I'm
still on it, making these two meet Rieda Fernandez would be a good compensation of
not even finishing the game.
Sabay-sabay kaming bumaba sa kanya-kanya naming mga motorsiklo. Mangha ako na ang
dalawa pang ito ang naglakas-loob na lumapit sa akin matapos nilang biglaang
harangin ang daan ko kani-kanina lang. One wrong move and I assure the two of
you... You will be buried without your lovely heads.
"You are also an agent, am I right?" a woman's voice.
"More specifically, a Phoenix
Organization's agent," an anotheradded.
d.
The latter took off her black helmet and as well as her shades, showing her wavy
golden hair off and shining blue eyes, giving me the hint that she's a foreigner.
"My name is Monique Alcantara. I was given the name, Isis. I am currently employed
as Daniel Louis Suarez's bodyguard. Phoenix Organization, Regular Category
Department," then, she raised her hand towards me as if she's asking for a
handshake.
Pinanliitan ko naman siya ng tingin. I'm not convinced. How could I know whether
she is telling me the truth or not? Anyone from huge companies' underdogs most
probably know about me and the Phoenix Organization so how could I trust this woman
as one of my family?
She was able to easily sense that I am not going to believe her anytime soon so she
bubbly took something from her pocket, only for me to recognize it as a valid
license of a Phoenix
Organization agent. When I was carefully looking at it, I can't help but be
bothered by her expressions. She looks so strong and well-built from the inside.
It's as if she's unbreakable and invincible with that huge smile.
Even so, since she was able to prove her identity, I have to treat her the same way
I treat my other colleagues. I took my helmet off and my eye cover. "Rieda
Fernandez is the name. Master Phoenix named me Ishtar. Derek De Guzman's bodyguard.
Phoenix Organization, Special Duties Department," at ako na mismo ang kumuha sa
kamay niya upang makipagkamay.
Monique seems so excited even just by the presence and the more I look at her, the
more I am having a difficulty of not seeing her as a fangirl who just me her idol.
Anyway, I still have one more girlfriend here that I have to meet.
Napatingin naman ako sa isa pa na prenteng nakasandal lang sa motorsiklo niya
habang natatangay ng malakas na bugso ng hangin ang maikling buhok niya na kulay
berde. "Oh!" napatayo siya nang mapansin niyang nakatigtig na kami sa kanya.
Nag-ayos naman ito at tumuwid ng tayo at saka magalang na nag-alok ng
pakikipagkamay sa akin. "Nice to meet you, Agent Ishtar. I'm Estrelle Bermart also
known as Agent Fiery, Greg
Lenster Andriego's bodyguard. Phoenix Organization, Regular Category Department,"
pagpapakilala niya at inabot ko na ang kamay nito.
As I look on to Estrelle's chocolate-colored eyes, I can see how she differs from
Monique. Glen's bodyguard is more formal, strict, and most of all, she seems to be
straightforward in a somewhat graceful demeanor. Regardless, they
are both agents. That means they are both deadly and cunning just like as I am.
So... Looks like Derek's friends' families hired personal agents too from the
Phoenix Organization, huh. Though praising my employer is out of the question, this
kind of circumstance appears to be strange for me. I should take that noted
"l hope we can have worked good and nicely together. It will be an honor to
cooperate with the famous Ishtar, the agent who has the utmost favor of Master
Phoenix," Estrelle said and both of them flashed a smile at me which I took long
to respond
How could it be...
Paanong ang lahat ng ahenteng kinuha ng tatlong pamilya ay puros galing sa iisang
kumpanya? May koneksyon ba ang tatlong pamilya maliban sa pagkakaibigan nina Derek,
Glen, at Niel o may iba pa? Kung walang ibang ugnayan, maaari nga kayang nagkataon
lang o may rason kung bakit pinagtagpo kaming tatlong empleyado ng Phoenix
Organization?
Recently, it was Mister Romuel who is acting really weird and now, I was able to
meet the other two in the story of me helping Derek De Guzman reach the seat of the
Chief Executive Officer without even a single wound or scratch in the process.
"Shall we have a little chat? My treat," I offered. The two exchanged looks from
one another but they both agreed anyway. Well then, shall we dig deeper?
DEREK'S POV
"Hey, Derek! Hindi ka ba sasama? Halika na! The girls are waiting for us!" tawag sa
akin ni Niel na may kinaaakbayan na na mga babae sa magkabilang braso niya. On the
other hand, Glen is simply entertaining all the girls and other fans that we've
earned today.
Hearing my name as the hailed winner of the race is something that I still cannot
believe until now. All I can feel is the cold touch of the golden trophy and the
continuous rampage of my heart. Rather than thinking about what kind of party we
will have later, I keep on thinking about the female racer they called Lady in
Black.
I knew she was a great racer. I knew it! The way she handled her vehicle, it seems
like she's been driving this whole track all her life! Though that lady kicked a
lot of other contestants, I can't understand why she disappeared all of a sudden
without even completing the obstacles. I mean, why join and compete with so much
persistence and determination if you're not going for the trophy and title?
Saan siya nagpunta? Bakit bigla na lang
siyang nawala? I know I have been on the verge of death numerous times back there
but is it just a coincidence that every time that happens, the Lady in Black would
arrive and block them all away from me?
Nevertheless, you're a savior, Lady in Black. How I wish I could meet you and thank
you personally. Being on the race track with you was ecstatic. Too bad this might
be my last race.

Chapter 12: Picture Book

RIEDA'S POV
"Well then, nice to meet the two ofyou," I said as the three of us part on our own
ways.
Monique is about to tell me more than just a farewell when Estrelle interfered and
dragged her away from me. As I watch them off, I can't seem to take the smile on
my face. The two of them were amusingly nice and lovely ladies despite their real
jobs. Looks could really be deceiving, you know. You'll neverknow what those two
could kick anyone 's a *s offin a second, Nang hindi ko na maaninagan pa ang
kanilang mga presensya ay ibinaba ko na ang kamay ko at kinuha ko na ang helmet
kong nakasabit sa may side mirror ng motorsiklo. Our little chat is done and now, I
have to face my reality again. The conversation was surprisingly great while it
lasts. While | interact as Rieda Fernandez and not as somebody else.
"Vanna, let's go," I told my guardian and the motorcycle's engine started
automatically. Binigyan ko pa ng huling sulyap ang direksyon kungsaan nawala
angdalawa sa paningin ko at nang makuntento ako ay sumakay na ako at pinatakbo ang
motorsiklo.
Estrelle Bermart and Monique Alcantara. Just like me, they were hired to protect
the other two young masters for the same set of reasons. It was understandable.
Derek is not the only heir to some big-time company. Derek is not possibly the only
one who could be receiving such awful death threats. Derek is not the sole person
who could be the key to someone selfish in his ambitions. Fame, wealth, and luxury,
they were the roots of the evil of any human being in this world. They would kill
just for these reasons. Lame and inhumane reasons.
The three of us have their own share of stories about how difficult protecting
those three. It's actually interesting. Talking with your fellow agents about how
hardheaded and stubborn our masters could be. Estrelle complained about how hard it
is to hide her identity to a genius in hacking and gadgets like Glen, while Monique
talked about how disgusting and how perverted Niel is. She keeps on telling us her
experiences taking care of a certified playboy and the so-called thorn to every
lady's heart.
"Vanna, how's the client doing right now?" I asked as I watched my location nears
the subdivision where De Guzman household stands. For sure, as soon as I got home,
Martin Woods would scold me with the top of his lungs. Manang Delia would give me
multiple house chores and I could see myself spending a night with my body almost
covered with pain relief patches once again.
Knowing Vanna, my guardian for years, she would always deliver me the answers to
my questions, the solutions to my problems, and the suggestions to my uncertainty.
That's why I find it unusual for her to not answer my recent inquiry. I immediately
stopped driving and get myself and my vehicle on the roadside.
Wind flashed to my face as soon as I halted. I've watched how other vehicles passed
as I stay still. Could it be... Though lam aware enough that this will come, I am
still afraid of the actual thing. Who am I kidding? Being an agent is not just my
life. It's my whole existence. I have sworn on my first day that I would never
disappoint nor would I disobey any of Master Phoenix's orders.
And look what I've done...
Napansin ko na lang na panay ang pagtunog ng cellphone ko sa bulsa ngjacket ko.
Kahit na ba may ideya na ako kung sino ito, mas minabuti ko pa rin itong itanong.
"Who is it,
"Tell me, please. Somehow, I can't bring myself to check it out with my own pair of
eyes," I begged. I know my guardian can still hear me and my questions. Sadyang
siya lang talaga ang mas nauunang nakatatanggap ng mensahe kaysa sa
akin. At kahit na ba isa lang siyang 'di hamak na device, alam kong alam niya kung
gaano kahalaga sa akin sa tingin ni Master Phoenix sa akin at angtrabahong ito.
"It's a call from the line ofPhoenix Organization, Headquarters Number 0441,
Philippines,"she answered.
Napapikit na lang ako sa kasagutan niya. Huminga muna ako nang malalim bago ko
tanggalin ang helmet ko. Here we go... "Accept."
["Agent Ishtar, this is Agent Eros speaking.
On behalf of the Phoenix Organization's Disciplinary Office and Management, I am
requiring you to arrive at the soonest time possible here in the headquarters.
Though I know you won't need any hint for what this is all about, might as well say
it. The call is regarding the actions you've done on an underground motorcycle
racing competition."]
"1 see this coming. Don't worry, I won't escape. Give me fifteen minutes," at m
abilis ding namatay ang tawag sa tugon na ibinigay ko. Napabuntong-hininga na lang
ako at napatingin-tingin sa paligid.
Nagninilay-nilay pa ako bago ko mapagdesisyunang um alis nang dumako ang tingin ko
sa relo 1<0. "Are they going to confiscate you as well, Vanna?" tanong ko. Vanna
has never been far away from me ever since she was given to me. She was precious
and at the same time, my company. My company ever since my first year as an agent.
"The answer would depend on how heavy your actions weigh on the master's
perspective, milady. As for me, ofcourse, I would never want to be away from the
sole mistress that I have." Awtomatikong napangiti naman ako sa isinagot ni Vanna.
"Thank you."
Pagkarating ko sa himpilan ay agad kong ipinagkatiwala sa isa sa mga empleyado ang
motorsiklo ko upang maigarahe ito. Ni hindi ko na rin masyadong natugunan pa ang
mga pagbati sa akin dahil dire-diretso nang nagmartsa ang mga paa ko papunta sa
opisina kung saan makakausap mo ang pinuno ng organisasyon.
/ was nervous... No, I am indeed nervous. Bawat hakbang papalapit sa pintuan ng
opisinang iyon ay parang lalabas na ang puso ko mula sa katawan ko sa sobrang kaba.
Rieda, remember, you have your reasons why you did it.
You just have to defend yourself!
At bago ko pa man hawakan ang seradura ay mataman na itong binuksan ng isa sa mga
sekretarya para sa akin. Inalo naman ako nito papasok at papunta sa lupon ng mga
upuan kung saan naroroon na rin ang matalik kong kaibigan na si Mark. Mabilis na
nagtagpo ang mga mata
namin at alam kong may pag-aalalang laman ito.
"Master, Rieda Fernandez ofSpecial Duties Department, XLM-173 Agent Ishtar has
arrived, " Mark announced.
Bahagyang umugong muna ang speaker na siyang nagdurugtong sa koneksyon namin ngayon
ng tinuring ko ng tatay-tatayan. Nang maayos ito ay huminga akong muli nang malalim
upang ihanda angsarili ko.
["Rieda, you are absolutely aware of what I had ordered you to do, aren't you?"]
pag-papasimula niya sa usapan.
"Yes, master."
["Then why did you still choose to compromise? Why didn't you follow my order?"]
There's this unbelieving sigh from him that made me realize the disappointment that
I gave him. How I shattered my image on him as a strict compliant of his rules and
orders.
At that moment, I was still able to pull myself altogether. I need to explain
myself or else he will really suspend my license and confiscate my gadgets and
weapons. "l did that because Derek's life is on the line. I know I'm risking my own
safety at that time but the client's life is more important. He's my
responsibility. He's my priority. I can protect myself, he can't. He doesn't even
know that the majority of his opponents were all plotting about his death," mahin
ahong pagpapaliwanag ko sa panig ko. I am just implying how my principles function
and I hope he understands mejust like what he always does.
["00 nga at nasa panganib din ang buhay niya. Pero kapag napahamak ka, mapapahamak
din siya. Your problem is also his problem, Rieda. Those people are hunting you
down. Are you going to wait for Derek to be killed because of you?"] panenermon
nito.
Naiintindihan ko naman ang pinupunto niya. Alam ko kung gaano kabigat ang naging
aksyon ko. Pero magagawa ko pa bang alalahanin ang kaligtasan ko kung naroroon na
rin ako sa mismong lugar kung saan kahit anong segundo e maaaring mamatay si Derek?
You can't just think of your own life if you are responsible for another person's
life.
"Then what do you suggest me to do? Ang hayaan na lang siyang mapahamak sa mga oras
na iyon? I was already encountering difficulties that time considering the track
venue! Kung hindi ko ginamit ang gravity leveler, baka hindi lang si Derek ang
pinaglalamayan ngayon."
"Rieda..."pagtawag pansin sa akin ni Mark. Sinesenyasan na niya ako na itikom na
ang bibig ko. I know I have gone beyond the line when I muttered that last
sentence. But he knows me more than anyone. I could be more than frank if you want
me to talk about life and death.
["Don't you ever say that to me again. How could you weigh people's lives that
easily? How could you treat your life as something trivial?!"] pagtataas na ng
boses nito. Kahit kailan, hind ako pinagtaasan ng boses ni Master Phoenix. Kung
kaya l t kapwa kaming nasurpresa ni Mark sa tugon nito.
I can already imagine it. The way he massages his head and the way he is shaking it
in disapproval to my actions. But... / am not the daughter he raised if/ won It
stand on my ground. "But isn't this my job? When I decided to be a secret agent,
I've accepted the fact the I have to sacrifice for other people. That I have to
protect others before myself. That I have to think of the majority before my
personal intentions!" Hindi ko na rin naiwasan ang magtaas ng boses.
Naghahalo-halo na ang mga nararamdaman ko. Ang kagustuhan kong ipagtanggol ang
sarili ko. Ang takot ko na masuspinde at makumpiska ang mga gamit ko. Ang pag-
aalala ko kung sino ang hahawak sa misyon ko. Ang kaba ko sa kung ano ang pwede
mangyari kay Derek habang wala ako kung sakaling isuspinde nila ako. Ang mga
katanungan kung ano ang gagawin ko sa oras na masuspinde ako. Hindi ko na alam.
Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko.
["All of us in this world were all humans. No
one is more or less important. We are all equal. In this organization, I didn't
raise you to be heroes but I trained you to learn how to protect others while
protecting yours. Mukhang nagkulang ako sa pagpapaunawa.ll ] Huminahon na angtono
ng pananalita niya. Marahan na lang ito ngunit may mga pasaglit na pagbuntong
hininga sa ilang pagitan nito.
Napatahimik ako sa mga sinabi niya. May punto siya roon. At 00, nasaktan ako nang
mabanggit niya na nagkulang siya sa paalala. Para sa akin, hindi siya ang may
kasalanan kung nagkulang ako sa pag-unawa. Ako ang nagkulang sa parte na iyon. All
this time, my only goal was to avenge my family's death and to get everything done
clean and neat. I guess, when you are too concentrated on one thing, you tend to
overlook the whole picture.
However, what can I do? After my family died from that damn fire, I've never felt
to be someone important again. Someone that could affect others by simply existing.
Unconsciously, being a secret agent is actually a mere excuse for that lonely side
of me. To think that I matter somehow. But you see... Being a secret agent doesn 't
guarantee the value thatyou wanted to have.
It's because you are worrying about other people's sake without them knowing. In
the end, it's just like a typical one-sided love story.
["For the meantime, you are suspended."
Napaangat ako ng ulo nang marikinig ko iyon. Suspended? I will still get a
suspension even though I told him my reasons?! / thought he would understand...
"Master?" Mark. It looks like he doesn't see it coming too. He is even the one who
told me that Master Phoenix would probably consider my situation but he's wrong.
["Read it to her."]
Mark looked at me with concern. Mukhang hindi rin talaga siya sang-ayon sa desisyon
na isuspinde ako. Gayunpaman, kailangan niyang surnunod sa utos. He's still an
employee of this organization. He has to follow the protocol. And as for me who
defied that, I have to be given a necessary disciplin ary action.
Labag man sa 100b ay binuksan niya ang tablet niya at hinanap ang kopya ng naturang
desisyon ni Master Phoenix. Bago niya ito basahin aytumingin muna ito sa akin nang
may magkasalubong na mga kilay at bagsak na mga balikat.
"Miss Fernandez, a member ofthe Special Duties Department is officiallysuspended
for one week due to her failure to comply and to carry out the tasks given to herby
the head ofthe organization. The suspension will be effective as soon as she leaves
this room. The suspension covers her being banned from any involvement in any
case. It is also highly f n to allow her to enter on any headquarters under the
Phoenix Organization. Her license will also be temporarily terminated. Firearms and
technology advancements made and from the agency aided to her will also be
confiscated on this day itself. Lastly, she is prohibited to make any contact with
any person who is related to her current mission until the end of the suspension."
Habang binabanggit ang bawat sakop ng suspensyon ay napapikit na lamang ako. Kung
ganoon, kukunin nga rin nila si Vanna sa akin. Gusto ko sanang umangal at hilingin
sana na iiwan na langsa akin si Vanna pero... ang utos ay utos. Lumabag na ako ng
isa. Hindi ko na dapat dagdagan pa. Kaya kahit na ba mabigat sa 100b ko ay hinubad
ko ang relo ko at ipinatong ito sa lamesa.
We 'Il see each other again, myguardian.
"Don't worry, Rieda. Kami na ang bahala tungkol kay Mr. De Guzman," pagpapagaan ni
Mark sa 100b ko. Tanging tango na lang ang naisagot ko rito. Sapat na na alam kong
hindi nila pababayaan ang alaga ko habang wala ako.
Matapos kong isuko si Vanna ay hindi na ako nag-abala pang magtanong o magsabi ng
kung ano. Tumayo na ako kaagad at nagbigay ng huling pagyuko bilang paggalang kay
Master Phoenix bago ko tuluyang tinungo ang pintuan papalabas.
Pinagkibit-balikat ko na lang ang paglapit sa akin ng ibang empleyado at nagtuluy-
tuloy lang ako papaunta sa exit. Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ko sa ahensya, napabuga
na lang ako ng hininga. Hinugot ko mula sa pitaka ko ang lisensya ko at nakita ko
ang pagbabago ng kulay nito at nabalutan ito ng purong itim. I can't help but tsk-
ed. Its as ifhe is abandoning his child,
Nahagip din ng tingin ko ang pagkumpiska ng mga tauhan ni Master sa motorsiklo ko.
Maliban kasi sa siya ang nagbigay nito ay may mga kasamang mga devices na naroroon
kaya hindi na nakakagulat na kasama ito.
Now, where do / go? Hindi ko naman gugustuhin na umuwi sa isa pang bahay na
mayroon ako rito sa Pilipinas. Maliban sa may kalayuan dito e baka mabaliw lang ako
dahil iilan ang mga taong nakatira roon. Hindi rin naman ako pwedeng manatili sa
mansyong binili ko na kalapit lang sa bahay ng mga De Guzman dahil paniguradong
babantayan iyon ng ahensya.
Bahala na nga. Pumara na lang ako ng taxi para makauwi sa bahay na binili ko
malapit sa pamamahay ng mga De Guzman. Bago pa man ito matahin ng ahensya,
kailangan kong kunin na ang mga mahahalagang garnit ko. Mahirap na.
Naging mabilis lang ang biyahe at binayaran ko na ang tsuper. I told him to keep
the change of my one thousand peso bill and he went off happily. Pumasok ako kaagad
para kunin ang susi ng kotse ko at ang ilang gamit ko. Doon na rin ako nagpalit ng
darnit at nagtanggal ng make-up. Napapatingin man sa mansyon kung saan dapat ako
naroroon ay pinilit ko na lang ilihis ang tingin ko at nilisan ko na ang bahay at
ang subdivision.
Pinatakbo ko ang sasakyan ko papunta sa unit na nabili ko nito lang. Despite
knowing that don't really have anything to do with the one week suspension, I
still tried to cheer myself up. Inisip ko na langna nasa isang bakasyon ako mula sa
lahat ng katarantaduhan at kalokohan ng isang Derek De Guzman.
I turned the light's switch on. Hinagis ko ang bag ko sa couch at pumasok sa
kusina. Nagugutom na ako. Makapaghanda nga muna ng makakain. Dinampot ko ang
panali at apron na nakalagay sa may counter at ginamit ang mga ito. I checked my
refrigerator too if I have enough ingredients for the dish that I am planning to
cook. To lessen the peace this f g unit has, I opened the television to hear
anything. I don't like it when it's too quiet.
Bumukas ang telebisyon sa pagbabalita ng isang hindi pa katandaan na newscaster na
ibinabalita ang tungkol sa mga misteryosong pagkamatay ng mga kabataan. "Another
conflict,
"Hanggangsa ngayon ay patuloypa ring iniimbestigahan ng kapulisan ang mga nagaganap
na misteryosong pagkamatay ng mga kabataang ita Gayunpaman aynakahanap na ang mga
ito ng posibleng magdirekta sa kanila sa mga suspek. Napag-alaman ng kapulisan na
ang lahat ng mga nabiktima aypawang mga anak ng mga empleyado ng mga bangko sa iba
't ibang sulok ng bansa. Sa kabilang banda ay hindi pa rin matukoy ang motibo ng
mga suspek ukol sa pagpatay..."
" Mga anak ng mga empleyado ng mga bangko..." pag-uulit ko sa sin abi ng
newscaster. Ngayon na lang ako ulit nakapanood ng balita at ito pa talaga ang
madadatnan ko. Kadalasan kasi ay sa ahensya unang pumapasok ang mga impormasyon
ukol sa mga ganito kaya kung minsan ay hindi na kami nag-aatubili pang manood ng
balita.
Dahil puros ganoon ang laman ng bawat channel, bumalik na lang muna ako sa kusina
upang magpakulo muna ng karne. Habang hinihintay itong kumulo ay naisipan kong
kumuha ng mababasa o matitingnan sa may magazine rack na nandito sa kusina. Binunot
ko lang ang kahit anong madampot ko mula sa napakaraming pagpipilian at hindi naman
ako nabigo ako sa nakuha ko.
The Man Who Have Searched Far and Wide
It was the picture book that I discovered from my drawer back then in Japan. I told
myself to read it once I got into the Philippines but hey, appointments always ruin
my plans so I haven't read it yet. Dinala ko naman ito sa may sala upang mabasa.
Ipinatong ko ang dalawang Siko ko sa mga hita ko at saka nagsimulang magbasa.
"Once upon a time, there's a happy family living in a very far away land. The place
was filled with green grasses, smooth tunes of the birds' songs, the cold breeze of
the air from the west, and the trees which provide the people with food. The
father is a hardworking farmer and the mother is a generous woman. They were gifted
with a beautiful daughter. They have nothing to wish for because they are living
happily and peacefully. Until one day, a witch from a forest nearby came."
Oh, here comes the antagonist. I turned the next page to read the next paragraph.
"The witch accused the father of the family as the thief who stole her greatest
treasure in which the father denied. Thus, he was cursed to be ill until he gives
the treasure back. The mother and the daughter tried to beg for the creature's
forgiveness but in vain. No alchemist nor physician was able to cure the man but
instead, a soft-hearted fairy came to their aid .11
A fairy? "She offered to help them but cannot destroy the witch's curse unless he
can prove to everybody that he didn 't steal anything. The family asked how would
she help them. The fairy then said that she can turn the man into a mythical bird
and by doing so, he'll be free from the witch's grasp. The mother and child in
panic refused but the..."
Hindi ko na naituloy pa ang pagbasa sa mga susunod na kataga. Maliban sa mga sira-
sira nang mga gilid nito ay may mga ilang pahina rin na nawawala o hindi kaya'y
napilas.
Nakakapagtaka talaga. Kung ang librong ito ay nasa ahensya, bakit hindi ito
naalagaan nang maayos? At sino ba ang may-ari nito? Bakit nga kaya nakita ko ito sa
mga gamit ko?
Gawa nang hindi ko na rin ito mababasa pa nang maayos ay agad ko nang inilipat ang
pahina sa pinakahuli nito. Akrnang isasarado ko na ang libro nang mapansin kong may
mga salitang nakasulat sa isangsulok nito. Halata na sulat-kamay ito. "Hachlama
mehira, shemesh."
Hachlama mehira, shemesh? Aren't these Hebrew words?
I was about to contemplate with the words when a photograph fell from the picture
book. Out of curiosity, I picked it up and I took a look at
it. Unang pagkakita ko pa lamang dito ay tila hinigop ng kung ano ang hininga ko.
Oh mygod.

The ' o re'

Second Wife

The Billionaire's Secon...

Swaram
Ella is a medical student who has lived her who e life being hated

Chapter 13: Discovered

"Papa?" Paanong may litrato ni papa rito sa pagitan ng librong ito? Kay papa ba ang
librong ito? Pero bakit nasa 100b ito ng ahensya?
Tila nabato ako sa kinatatayuan ko. Sari-saring mga tanong ang nagkukumpulan sa
utak ko. Pinupuno rin ng kakaibang pangamba angdibdib ko sa hindi malamang dahilan.
Mas nakapagpadagdag pa rito ay ang mantsa ng dugo na mayroon sa litrato. Bakit?
Bakit may dugo rito?
I was about to get my phone to contact Master Phoenix or at least anyone who I can
talk to about this matter when I remembered that I just got suspended. Considering
my license was temporarily terminated, it means I wouldn't be able to reach the
agency for a while. Napapikit na lang ako sa sitwasyon ko. Bakit kung kailan
kailangan ko ng tulong ay saka naman ako nasuspinde? Ugh. This is so frustrating.
Nauntag naman ako nang marinig ko ang tunog ng doorbell. Hmm? A visitor? That's
weird. Kahit si Mark hindi pa nakakapunta rito. I pushed my personal matters away
from my head first and I got the picture book to return it back to the rack. I
washed my hands and got myself a clean towel to dry them before untying my apron.
There's no need to rush, isn't it?
Tinungo ko ang pintuan at sinuri ang door scope monitor. It fits over my peephole
and offers a 120-degree angle of vision, which you can view on a 3.5" monitor. The
monitor turns on when a motion was detected or the doorbell was rung. But when I
saw the person behind the door, I immediately went to a nearby drawer and pulled a
pistol hidden in it.
Looks like even though I am out of the battlefield, danger won 'tjust stop chasing
after me.
It's good to have a Smith & Wesson Model 629.44 Magnum which is capable of dropping
any game in North America. It can successfully drop targets such as elephants,
deers, etc. This will be just right for my little visitors. And in case, I've got
an EN Five-Seven handgun on my left leg, which I received as a gift from a suitor
who is a member of the U.S Secret Services when I was assigned there. Of course,
some LHR combat knives from my friends from the U.S Military. Let's see if they can
handle this.
"Hello? Is this the unit ofthe agent named Ishtar?"a suave-voiced man asked from
the other side of the door.
Just as I thought. They were after Ishtar's life. Paano nila nalaman na nandirito
ako? Kasama ba sila sa mga taong naghahanap sa taong nagtatago sa likod ng
ginintuangVenetian mask? If they are, they're quite fast. It seems that the threat
Master Phoenix was talking about a while ago has arrived already. They must be
following me around ever since I left the headquarters.
Tinignan ko ulit ang monitor habang mahigpit na akong nakahawak sa b* * *l ko. They
are nicely armed, huh. Unfortunately, I'm more perilous without Vanna around. No
one would control and suppress my itching hands to harm. "No. This is your killer's
unit," I whispered and in the count of three, I prepared myself for the possible
attacks.
Mabilis akong tumuntong sa cabinet at kumapit sa metal bar na ikinabit ko noong
nakaraan para sa pag-eensayo at ipinangsangkalan ko naman ang sapatos ko sa mga
embossed designs ng pader para maiangat ang buong katawan ko sa kisame.
Just on cue, countless bullets started to wreck my whole unit down. Pinahiling ko
ang ulo ko upang maiwasan ang mga nagtatalsikang bubog at mga kahoy. Sa kakaunting
aninag ay napansin kong basag na ang lahat ng vases at mga salamin dito sa unit ko.
Kahit ang kaninang pinapagpanooran kong telebisyon at ibang appliances ay hindi rin
nakaligtas. Mapa-mga picture frame o kahit ano pa mang nasa 100b ng
kwarto ay sinira nila o hindi kaya'y binahiran ng mga bala nila.
Sa kalibre pa lang ng b* * *l, mapapansin mong imposible na sila-sila lang ang
kumikilos para hanapin ako. Sigurado akong may malaking tao sa likod ng mga misyon
na ito para patayin ako. Sa pagtagos pa lang ng bawat bala ay mapapansin ko na na
gusto na nila akong tapusin sa lalong madaling panahon.
Heh. Sadya bang ganito ako kalaking tinik sa mga lalamunan nila?
Gayunpaman, may isang pangalan ng nakaengkwentro ko na dating grupo ang sumag• na
isip ko. Grupong pinakapinaghihinalaan ko.
Nagpatuloy ang panghihimasok ng mga bala sa 100b ng halos sampung minuto. Hindi ko
na yata nabilang kung ilang beses ko na silang pinagplanuhang balian ng mga buto
isa-isa. Nang marinig ko ang pagbagsak ng pinto ay mariin kong isinara ang mga labi
ko at hinintay ko ang pagpasok ng mga taong sumira sa kabibili ko lang na unit.
"Hahaha! Siguradong patay na ang babaeng 'yum"
"Baka nga kapag nakita natin iyon e butas-butas na ang katawan nun e. "
"Tiba-tiba tayo nito panigurado kay bossing "
Narinig ko nang buo ang mga pag-uusap at
pagtatawanan nila habang pinagpaplanuhan na nila ang gagawin nila sa perang
mahuhukot nila sa oras na madala nila ang bangkay ko sa tinatawag nilang bossing.
Pwes ako, hindi na ako makapaghintay na isuplong kayo sa mga pulis.
No. Hindi pala kakayanin ng mga pulis ang mga gantong tao. More importantly, they
must be interrogated by the agency for further questions about the people behind
their backs. I guess I have to call for Estrelle and Monique for this.
Pumasok pa sa mas looban ang apat na naglalakihang lalaki samantalang natiyempuhan
ko naman ang nahuhuling miyembro nila. Nagpalambitin ako sa bar na pinagkakapitan
ko at saka ko inabot ang ulo ng lalaki gamit ang mga binti 1<0. Ambang hahawakan
niya ito nang makaramdam ng pagkasakal nang pinihit ko kaagad ang ulo niya. Bago pa
siya matumba sa sahig ay burnaba na ako mula sa kisame at inalalayan ang katawan
niya papahiga sa sahig.
We should not spoil the fun for the remaining visitors.
At para makasigurado na hindi na babangon ang isang 'to... I pulled one of the
drawers of my cabinet and got an ampule of Succinylcholine, a paralytic agent.
Sinamantala ko ang pagliliwaliw ng mga kasamahan niya sa iba't ibang sulok ng
kwarto ko upang iturok ito sa ugat niya.
Well then, why don 't we entertain others
I stood up and went to the switch to turn all the lights off, though some were
already cracked and broken due to these burglars' attack. Yes, I am undeniably
outnumbered. But, they forgot something. This is my place. This is my territory.
I heard how they were alarmed by the sudden absence of light. I sneered with the
thought of playing them like toys. This kind of setting is just right up to my
alley. As an agent, I've been trained to fight in the dark comfortably. Not to
mention I've developed my night vision in the States with the military soldiers.
"Nasaan na sip?"
"Bakit namatay ang mga ilaw?Ayos pa 'to kanina ah. " s t, Mukhang totoonga
angsinabini/a na sa-pusa ang Ishtar na von!"
"Tangina naman, mga bro. Dapat kasi nagplano muna tayo ng maayos!"
Talagang may sa-pusa ako. Iniangat ko ang kamay ko na may hawak sa b* * *l at
pinaputukan ko ang mga paa nila na siyang nagpadaing sa kanila sa sakit. Hinayaan
ko lang silang kapain ang mga dumurugo nilang mga paa habang dinampot ko naman ang
bag ko mula sa couch. Mabuti na lang at nadaplisan lang ang bag ko. If they really
damaged this big time, I swear I will be
making them realize it's worth. Believe me, this item 's worth is probably more
expensive than the handsome price their boss offered to them.
Sinukbit ko ito sa kaliwang balikat ko at saka mabilis na itinapon ang isa sa mga
throwing knife ko sa paparating na presensya sa likod ko. I heard the man groan as
a result. That knife was soaked with the paralytic agent that I used to my first
victim so he'll lose consciousness too in a matter of seconds.
Matahimik akongtumalon sa likod ng couch ko para magkaroon ako ng sapat na oras at
layo upang pakiramdaman ang mga kilos nila. Dinukot ko ang isa pang b* * *l na
nakasukbit sa binti ko at kinargahan ng bagong mga bala mula sa bag. Matapos nito
ay pinaputukan ko ang papalabit na bulto ng isang lalaki sa may kusina.
The darkness might have taken over the whole place but the color of the blood from
that living flesh is something that could overpower it. The man fell on his death
through the three bullets that I shot on his head. This time, there's a loud thud
and it caused panic to the remaining two visitors.
"Puta Saan nanggaling von?!"
"Sa baba! Bumaba tayo! Baka kung napano na Sina Edwin!"
"Gago ka ba? Edi nabiktima rin tayo!" "Ano pa bang mapagpipilian natin?!
Pinasok natin 'to!"
Actually, this building maintains a high-security and a strict filtration with
anyone who enters and of course, to those who go out of this building. Therefore, I
can only deem three reasons as the most reliable for this case. First, they might
have threatened the safety of the whole building. But it's still quite unlikely.
should be hearing the arrival of the policemen. Second, they have killed the
employees. Lastly, they might have used their connection with the owner of this
condominium building.
Whether it was the first, the second, or the last, I have to finish them off here
and leave. Based on these people's actions, they weren 't able to organize a fixed
plan for killing me. And if it's that group we are talking about, they might be
thinking of something after this. By any chance, are they trying to set me up?
Kung talagang may koneksyon sila sa gusali na ito ay sinigurado nilang hindi agad
makararating ang mga pulis, hahayaan nilang ang mga pipitsuging mga lalaking ito na
gawin ang trabaho nila kahit na ba pumalya pa ang mga ito. lyon ay dahil kumukuha
sila ng oras. Ako ang pinaghahanda nila ng mismong ikakapahamak 1<0. They are not
aiming for my death! They are aiming to uncover my identity! And worse, they wanted
me to blow it on my own. With me getting

9/1 5
arrested for killing their men! Sa akin nila balak ipaako ang pagkamatay.
And aren 't they a genius? Sum akto pa talaga sila kung kailan walang makakatunton
sa koneksyon ko sa ahensya. Wala akong makukuhang tulong galing kanino. Kahit na ba
malaman ng awtoridad angtungkol sa ahensya, mandadamay lang ako. Hindi nakapailalim
sa kahit anong pamahalaan ang Phoenix Organization.
What a brilliant plan.
Too bad I won't let myself be caught, bastards.
By turning the lights off, they were f d to wait for a signal when to execute their
next move. It would be my chance to escape. But before anything else... Itinutok ko
ang b* * *l na nasa kanang kamay ko at pinaputukan ang mga CCTV cameras sa bawat
sulok ng silid. Lumakas naman ang balitaktakan ng dalawang natitira sa taas. Pinili
kong lumipat sa gilid ng hagdan upang hintayin ang pagbaba ng mga ito.
"Ano?! Boss, sandali lang. Wala kaming alam na sinira niya!"
"Ano nanggagawin natin? Mukhang aabandonahin na tayo nina boss!"
"Bwisit! Halika na! Umalis na tayo hangga't wala pang ibangginagawang kilos 'yung
Ishtar na
Nangdahil na rin sa ginawang pamamaril nila sa unit ko, nagawa kong marinig ang
paglangitngit ng sahig sa itaas sa bawat hakbang ng dalawa. Sa pag-aninag ko sa mga
anino nila ay abang sinakto kong gamitin ang silencer ko para patalsikin ang
patalim na hawak ng isa papunta sa kalapit na kwarto.
"s**t! Nandiyan siya!"
"Iwan na natin Wan!"
"Sin ka ba?! Edi wala na tayong nagamit laban sa kanya! "
Good point. Hinintay ko ang unti-unti nilang pagpasok sa kwarto na iyon at saka rin
ako lumapit nang malumanay. When they entered the room successfully, I pulled the
door closed and locked them inside. Kumuha na rin ako ng kadena at itinulak ang
single couch sa may pintuan nito kaya kahit sirain pa nila ang seradura ng pinto,
hinding-hindi agad sila makakawala.
Nagmamadaling um akyat ako sa ikalawang palapag. Dahil kakailanganin ko ang
kuryente sandali para sa plano ko, pinaputukan kong muli ang nag-iisa na lang na
CCTV camera nang sa gayon ay mabuksan ko ang nakahiwalay na switch dito sa itaas.
Pagkabukas na pagkabukas ko ng switch ng ilaw dito sa silid ay nagbukas rin ang
lahat ng gadgets na nilagay ko rito.
Tinago ko muna ang mga armas ko sa 100b ng bag para mas maayos akong makakilos.
Bumukas ang monitor ko kung kaya l t nilapitan ko naman ito kaagad para mag-
imprinta ng isang paper device. Yes, it's a printed phone. A printed functional
circuit board that could produce holographic images.
On the other hand, a noise from the room below is starting to get louder. I have to
hurry.
I picked the paper device as soon as it was printed and I folded it into two.
Tumipa ako ng ilang sandali sa mga nakalarawan na bilog na tila ba ito ay mga
buton. llang sandali naman ay naisagawa ko na ang plano ko. "Hologram activated"
The hologram of a person's figure will be enough to serve as a decoy if ever those
two were able to come out from the room. I set the hologram to maintain it's shape
and visibility for thirty minutes and attached it to my bed's headboard to attach
another paper device that will put every single thing in this unit into ruin.
Hindi ko matatangay lahat ng gamit ko rito. Mas mabuti nang sirain ang mga bagay na
nandirito kaysa mapakinabangan pa ito ng mga kalaban. I made it possible for the
device to wait for almost fifteen minutes before it completely activates the self-
destruction program.
When all is set, | got every valuable thing
that I could bring with me. If only I have Vanna right now, she can use her ability
as a dimensional compression technology to store all of these.
Damn the suspension.
Pagkatapos ko ay nilisan ko na rin agad ang unit nang hindi man lang inaalala ang
dalawang nakulong ko roon. They're lucky if they will be able to get out from there
before the activation of self-destruction program but if not, then may their souls
be guided to wherever they should be.
Kung kasama silang matutusta roon, edi matusta. After all, I have to get rid of
anything that could lead those people to me. Kaya kung ako ang tatanungin, mas
mabuting nang mawala lahat ng nasa 100b ng silid na iyon kaysa ako pa ang
maperwisyo sa huli.
Makaalis na nga.
I was on my way to the mansion that I bought from a long time ago when news about
an explosion from a condominium building suddenly came up from the radio. I heard
there were five casualties from the room where the explosion and fire origin ated.
"So those two died,
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako habang pinapakinggan pa ang ilang detalye ng
balita. I pulled one last piece of paper device that I printed back there and
connected it to the wheel of my car to autopilot it. Sa wakas, makakahinga na nang
maluwag. Sa ngayon...
Masyadong maraming nangyari ngayong araw. Kailangan ko munang ipahinga ang utak at
katawan ko. Isa pa, wala pang laman angtiyan ko. 'Yung dapat na kakainin ko,
nasunog kasama ang lahat ng garnit ko na naiwan sa unit. Then, thought of someone
who could help me.
Hinagilap ko kaagad angtelepono ko sa 100b ng bag at tinipa ang numero ng taong
iyon. It took her almost half a minute before she answered. "Hello? Corvette?"
["Hello? Wait... Rieda? What the hell? Is this reallyyou? Bakit ka napatawag?
Himala at naalala mo ko ah. It's been a longtime!"]
I almost roll my eyes to her reply. "I've been busy, okay? So, try to forgive me.
Where are you, by the way?" I asked. Unbeknownst to her, I've already set the paper
device to track her location down and just as I expected, she in her restaurant.
Without a second thought, I used Corvette's restaurant's address as my paper
device's target location.
["Stop joking around, Rieda. Knowing you, you must be on your way here already."]
I can't help but chuckle to her response. She just really know me very well. "That
is why you have to prepare a good meal for your dear friend in about... eight
minutes?" Corvette is a culinary art major and just like me, she's an agent under
Phoenix Organization. She's not that much of an active agent though. She doesn't
poke her nose too much on the agency's issues.
Magkasabayan lang kami ng pagsasanay sa ahensya ngunit mas matanda siya sa akin ng
apat na taon. Nang makapagtapos siya ng pag-aaral, doon na nagsimula ang hindi niya
masyadong pakikisali sa mga trabaho ng ahensya. Aprubado naman ito ni Master kung
kaya't walang problema.
["Yeah, yeah. What's new? You have always been the devil of my life aside from
Master Phoenix. Sige na. Marami pang customers. Sa may back door ka dumaan. See you
later, you little bitch."] and she ended the call.
Napailing na lang ako sa huling tugon niya. Hindi na talaga siya nagbago. Ibinalik
ko na lang ang telepono ko sa bag at nagpalamon muli sa kawalan habang nakatututok
sa labas ang pares ng mga mata 1<0.
Talking about food, it's late afternoon already. Nakauwi na kaya ang alaga ko? O
kasama pa rin niya ang mga barkada niya? Kumain na kaya si Derek? Ang lalaking iyon
pa naman, hindl kumakain ng luto ng ibang kasambahay. Minsan naiisip ko, mamamatay
na lang talaga siya sa katigasan ng ulo niya.
Even so, I hope he's doing well right now, I hope he 's not taking his health
forgranted. | hope he Ill set aside his being stubborn and eat well. Most ofall, I
hope he 's safe from any harm.
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Chapter 14: Dread Upon Agreement

GLEN'S POV
"Good morning, Sir Glen," bati sa akin ng katulong namin pagkababang-pagkababa ko
mula sa kwarto ko.
Last night was really great. I don't like how Niel handles women but he sure throws
the best parties that you could ever experience in your whole life. It was so
terrific that both him and Derek ended up spending the night here in our house.
Obviously, the two are not yet awake.
Tulad ng nakasanayan, tango na lang ang naitugon ko. Gawa ng kumakalam na rin ang
sikmura ko dahil sa tanghali na ay minabuti kong dumiretso muna sa kusina
upangtingnan kung ano ang naihandang almusal sa akin nina manang. Papasok na sana
ako sa kusina nang marinig ko ang isa pang nakasanayan.
Nakasanayang balitaktakan ng mga magulang ko.
No, scratch that. I mean, my foster parents.
"You know we can 't do that! It's too much ofa risk for the company!Aside from
that, it will cost us a huge amount ofmoney! What do you think ofa hundred million?
A single peso coin?"
"Business people must be risk takers,
Jamir. We won 't be reaching thisyear's expected
sales if we don't agree with that proposal."
Seriously? Tirik na tirik ang araw at puro negosyo na naman nila ang inaatupag
nila. Why did they even come home? Why don't they just stay at the company building
and live there to their hearts' content? Ugh. I don't like meeting them first thing
as soon as I wake up. Better hide before they notice their beloved son.
"Yaya, nasaan nga pala— Greg? Is that
"Son, what are you doing there? Lumapit ka sa amin dito, anak."
"Come on, mama missedyou!"
Speaking of the devil.
Since I don't have a choice, I was f* ** *d to approach them with a fake smile and
of course, a fake hug. What did they do in return? A fake smile and a fake hug too.
Is it weird? Am I being harsh on the parents who raised me? No. We are actually I g
each other's wounds by suffering from this kind of relationship. A relationship
filled with pretenses. It had been like this ever since Steve died from a car
accident.
"Steve, wala pa tayong lisensya. Lagot tayo kina mama at papa kapag nalaman nilang
itinakas natin 'tong sasakyan," naalala kong paalala ko sa kanya habang siya naman
ay abala sa pagkalikot ng kung anu-ano sa 100b ng sasakyan.
I can still remember how he laughed at me when he's done making the engine work.
"Alam mo, Glen, minsan kailangan din natin magsaya 'no? Loosen up! Isa pa, tatlong
araw na lang, may diploma na ako. Mom and dad will surely give me my first ever
baby! Let's just consider this ride as my preparation to drive that one."
But he was never able to drive that or even receive it on the day of his
graduation. He wasn't able to receive it alive. Ang tatlong araw na paghihintay
niya ay naigugol lang sa lamay niya. Minadali nina mama at papa ang pagpapalibing
sa kanya para lang hindi na mapahaba pa ang sakit na dinaramdam nila.
And l... The one who survived from that car accident instead of the biological son
became their replacement. I was pushed to take the same path John Steve Andriego
took. I was obligated to do everything he did and to pursue everything that he was
supposed to achieve. I was unconsciously living his life. It was my punishment.
It was my punishment for being alive instead of him.
"How are you, mom and dad?" I asked after the oh-so-dramatic embrace of a parent
and a child. Deep inside my head, I am already preparing myself for the end line of
this conversation.
Inakbayan ni papa si mama at nakangitl pang nagkatinginan bago magsalita. "We're
good. How about you? How's school?"
"I'm fine. School's good. Tops the recent examination. Won the regional science
quiz bee. Will be competing on the nationals next month," pag-iisa-isa ko sa mga
bagay na gustong-gusto nilang naririnig. Ito naman kasi ang lagi nilang inaasahan.
Kapag walang masasabing magandang balitang gaya nito, puros pangungutya lang ang
aabutin ko.
"Great! May maipagmamalaki na naman ako sa mga kumpare 1<0. Before doing that, make
sure to bring home the bacon. Anyway, we will be flying to Venice tonight for a
business trip. We will be gone for two weeks. That is why we are expecting for you
to behave nicely here in the Philippines and excel on every single thing that you
do. Are we clear?"
Yeah right. I never failed them on anything they wanted me to do. Things that they
are supposed to fall on to Steve's shoulders. Every time we are together, Steve
would always complain about our parents being annoying, nosy, and pushy. He'd whine
about his own dreams getting disregarded by his own parents. You'd always see how
much he was burdened with meeting everyone's expectations and walking a journey he
never liked once.
"Yes, dad. 00 nga po pala, may pupuntahan po akong exhibit ngayong lingo,"
pagpapaalam ko sa kanila sa plano ko. Mahirap na at baka mag-iskandalo pa si mama
roon para lang hatakin ako pabalik ng bahay.
Yes, she's a professional. But she's not much of a mother. There's a fine line
between the two. Believe me. Once you've seen her do it once, you'll always fear
for the next time.
Gaya ng inaasahan, unti-unting nawala ang mga ngiti nila. Kahit na ba ang malambing
na pag-akbay ni papa kay mama ay naialis niya nang 'di oras. This is it.
Even so, knowing my mom being patient as much as she can, tried to calm her
impulsive body and mind by forcing a smile on her face. "Glen, anak. May I know
what kind of exhibit is it?
Don't tell me it's another..."
"Yes, mom. It's an exhibit of a famous Filipino painter who just came back from
Paris. I would like to check it out and ask him some tips to develop my skills," I
answered. Sometimes, I can't believe my own mouth. Alam ko naman na hindi ako
papayagan pero binabanggit ko pa rin sa kanila. Do | really love to make them
angry?
Or do I simply just want their attention? Not the attention because I'm the sole
heir of the company but I desire for the attention given by a parent caused by
concern and love.
"Then there's no reason for you to go! We own a company aiming to produce the best
technological advancements not making those crappy canvasses!" she exclaimed and
dad immediately held her shoulder to make her calm down. Even the maids who were
passing by are rushing not to get involved with this picture.
What do I even expect? Of course, that's impossible. That kind of attention would
never be available for an adopted child like me. The only reason why they are
keeping me is that 1 1 m legally their child and they don't want to pass the
company to someone who doesn't carry the family name. If only Steve had a child
before he died, I'm sure that child would suffer the same fate.
Dad then looked at me with his brows meeting at the center. His stare filled with
consternation. "l can't believe you, Glen! Binigay na namin sa'yo ang lahat ng
naibigay namin kay Steve! Why do you keep on upsetting us like this? Why can't you
be Steve who'd always do everything as we say?" he told me, still horrified with
what I said.
That's the problem, dad. You keep on pasting Steve's image on me. I'm not him! Il l
just wanted to check it out. What's wrong with it? Sumang-ayon na ako na maging
tagapagmana niyo. Ano pa ba ang kulang? Masama bang
alalahanin ko man lang 'yung pangarap kong pilit niyongtinatapon?" and the moment I
uttered the last word, I've felt the stinging pain on the left side of my face.
Pang-ilan na nga ba ito? Hindi ko na mabilang...
"Wala ka talagang utang na 100b!
Alalahanin mo, kung hindi lang namatay si Steve 'e wala ka sa posisyon mo ngayon!
Kung hindi dahil sa amin, baka nakikita ka ngayon sa kalsada at nagnanakaw para
lang makakain! Kung alam lang namin na ganyan ang isusukli mo sa amin, dapat
hinayaan ka na lang namin sa disgrasyada mong nanay!"
Pawang napatingin kaming tatlo sa itaas at doon ay nakita ko ang mga kaibigan ko na
kagigising lang. Oops. Mukhang nabulabog namin sila. May pagtataka sa mga mukha
nila sa kung ano ba ang nangyayari paggising na paggising nila. Nagpakiramdaman
naman kami ng mga itinuturing kong magulang. Siyempre, hindi nila pwedeng malaman.
"G-Glen! H-Hindi mo naman sinabi sa amin anak na nandito ang mga kaibigan mo," at
tumawa si mama na para bang walang nangyari. Na para bang walang palad ang dumapo
sa pisngi ko. Helena Andriego was quick to change her behavior and expression like
that every time
there's an another person.
"Why hello Derek and Niel! How are the two of you? Kamusta na nga rin pala ang mga
tatay niyo? Are they doing great?"
Along with my foster father, Jamir Nelson Andriego, they would suddenly act all
professional and behave as if they are the best parents in this world. It was
understandable. They are business tycoons and Derek and Niel were my friends who
happen to be the heirs of huge companies. However, they don 't see the two as their
son's friend but rather they see them as possible connections and opportunities to
expand their influence and fame. That's how it is.
Did they just say the canvasses that I used to paint were crappy but for me? My
life as a prisoner living a life of someone else is way crappier. Everyone calls me
genius while the parents who raised me to call me thick-faced and ungrateful.
That's Greg Lenster And riego for you.
RIEDA'S POV
"l can't believe you'll contact me at this time," Corvette told me as soon as she
was done putting all the dishes on the table. She prepared a VIP room just for the
two of us here in her restaurant. She doesn't sound like it but it is clear that
she missed me a lot. No one would annoy her as much as l do.
Dinampot ko ang kutsarita at abang tinikman ang Leche Flan na siya mismo ang
gurnawa para sa akin. "Hmm. Masarap ka pa ring magluto," pagpuri ko sa kanya.
Natatawa naman itong napailing at napasandal sa upuan samantalang ako naman ay
nagpatuloy lang sa pagkain.
"TSS. Kung hindi na ako masarap magluto edi sana matagal nang nagsarado ang
restaurant na ito."
Hindi ko na masyadong pinansin ang sinabi niya at kumain na lang ako nang kumain.
It's been a while since I've tasted her cooking. Back when we were in Japan, she'd
always take me to every food store in every district. She's also the one who taught
me to cook. Aside from being a friend and a fellow agent, she's also like a big
sister to me.
"Hey. Alam kong hindi ka pupunta rito nang walang rason. I heard you have an
assignment, right? What happened? Hindi ba't dapat nandoon ka sa pamamahay ng mga
De Guzman?"
Napatigil naman ako sa paglantak sa mga luto niya nang mabanggit niya ang epilyido
ng alaga 1<0. Aish. If she doesn't like me being here, she could just say so. "For
an inactive agent yourself, you are quite nicely informed about me."
Umalis naman siya sa pagkakasandal niya
at inilapit ang sarili sa lamesa. "Look, Rieda. I'm not joking around here. Tell
me. What happened?" at nakita ko naman ang pagseryoso ng mukha niya sa akin.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako dahil sadyang wala akong maitatago sa babaeng ito.
Sakto namang kung kailan ko na balak magsalita ay dumating ang isa sa mga empleyado
niya at sinabing kinakailangan siya sandali sa may kusina. Corvette tried to escape
from the grasp of responsibilities but she failed. She then warned me not to leave
nor to do anything crazy until she comes back. Nangingiti na lang akong turnango-
tango sa paglabas niya.
Once she closed the door, my attention then shifted to the glass window beside me.
I can see how raindrops fall like crazy from the dark sky. No mighty sun can be
seen at the moment as well as it's striking sunlight. The people outside are with
their umbrellas while those unlucky ones hurry to take cover to the nearest sheds.
It was no different from those who were inside their vehicles. They are burdened by
the sudden rainfall and to the endless traffic on the road.
What am I really doing?
Hindi ko maiwasan na maitanong 'yan sa sarili ko. This is what I hate whenever I
don't have anything to do with my time. It feels like 1 1 m lost, worthless and
useless. Worse, I got suspended for the first time. Just what am I gonna do with my
life now? Argh, Rieda, think!
Paub-ob na sana ako para ikalma ang utak ko nang tumunog ang telepono na nasa bulsa
ko. Bumalik ako sa maayos na pagkakaupo at kinuha ito. Tiningnan ko muna kung sino
angtumatawag pero unknown number lang ang nakalagay. Hindi ko naman maiwasan na
magtaka. Hindi naman ako 'yungtipo ng tao na palabigay ng numero nila sa iba't
ibang tao at sinisigurado ko rin na mayroon akong numero ng mga taong pinagbibigyan
ko nito.
So... Who the hell is this?
Since it's an unknown number, I decided to turn on the program Mark installed on my
phone. With this, no device will be able to track me down and I will be able to
record the conversation and determine the location of the person on the other line.
When I'm done, I tapped the button indicating that I will accept the call. I am
intending to let him or her speak first so I could somehow guess who it is by his
or her voice.
["Rieda Fernandez?"]
I heard a husky voice that was obviously from a man. Base sa timbre at tono nito,
tila may edad na rin ang lalaking ito. Gayunpaman, hind maiaalis sa akin na hindi
siya pagdudahan. Bilang lang ang mga taong nakakakilala sa akin sa tunay na
pangalan ko sa labas ng ahensya. Though we can say that I am the head of a company,
there's only a limited group of people who have my contact number.
"Who are you?"
["How have you been? It was surprising to know that you were able to survive after
all the obstacles that I've thrown on your way. Especially, the death of your
family from that blazing fire."]
What? What does he mean? How did he know about what happened to my family? It's
been fourteen years already... By any chance, is it possible that the person I am
talking is someone who is involved in what happened to them? Why can't he tell me
who he is?!
["Huwag kang mag-alala. Hindi pa kita papatayin. May kailangan pa ako sa'yo. At
habang hindi ko pa nakukuha 'yun, hahanapin at hahanapin kita kahit saan ka man
mapadpad. Tandaan mo 'yan. Kaya maghintay-hintay ka muna bago mo makasama ang
pinakamamahal mong pamilya sa langit."]
There was this laugh echoing with madness but what I'm certain is that I don't have
a good feeling with it. When I was about to speak, I was too late. He ended the
call with me only asking who he is while he left me a warning... a threat... and a
hint. A hint that perhaps one of the people hunting me down might be the villain
who caused my family's death.
Nanghihinang nailapag ko na lang ang telepono sa lamesa. Panay ang kabog ng puso ko
habang kinakausap ko kani-kanina lang ang lalaking iyon. At hanggang ngayon, may
kung anong kirot na dala sa akin ang pagtawag niya. Kirot na kasabay ng mga
katungan na hindi ko masasagot hangga't hindi ko nakakaharap ang taong iyon.
Bakit? Bakit ngayon lang? Bakit ngayon lang siya nagparamdam? Lagpas isang dekada
na ang nakalipas nang mamatay sila kaya bakit ngayon lang? Buong buhay ko,
hinahanap ko ang hustisya sa pagkamatay nila. At sa pagkakataon na ito, dapat hindi
na ako pumalya pa.
Napahawak na lang ako sa dibdib ko at minasahe ang parteng nananakit. Patuloy pa
rin ang pagkirot at paninikip nito. At matapos din ng ilang taon, ngayon ko na lang
ulit naramdaman ang sakit na ito. I've been an agent ever since I can remember but
no fatal wound was able to bring this kind of pain back to my chest. Pinilit kong
ikalma ang sarili ko nangsa gayon ay hindi na ako urnabot pa sa puntong maghahabol
ako ng hanging maihihinga.
"Hey, Rie— Oh my god ! Are you alright,
Mabilis na dinaluhan ako ni Corvette at
tinulungan akong ayusin ang paghinga ko. "Holy s**t. Hindi ko alam na hanggang
ngayon inaatake ka pa rin!" at puros mura ang binabanggit niya sa mga sumunod na
segundo. Kita ko ang pag-aalala niya at pagkaalarma niya at parang nabunutan siya
ng malakingtinik sa dibdib nang gumaan na ang pakiramdam ko.
Nang makaupo na siya sa wakas sa katapat kong upuan ay binigyan niya ako ng tingin
na tila hindi makapaniwala. Sa kabila nito, binigyan niya muna ako ng pagkakataon
na mabawi ang lakas ko para magsalita. Nang mahugot ko na muli ang kakayanan para
ibuka ang bibig ko ay mataman ko na siyang tiningnan. "Thanks for that, Vet. I'm
afraid I cannot tell you what triggered this motherfucking illness again after a
long, long time."
"The thing that I can't believe more is that I actually have a psychopath as a
friend. Damn," she said. Corvette then pulled one stick of a cigarette from her
pocket and lighted it with the lighter that she laid beforehand.
Hagikgik ang unang lumabas sa bibig ko nang marinig ko ang sinabi niya. That's why
you really have to pick your friend wisely, you know.
" It will stink."
"No dumb a*s would reserve a room with this current weather," ani niya at ibinuga
niya na ang usok na siyang halos malanghap ko na kung hindi ko pa hinawi ito.
I reached a glass filled with water as I muster my courage to tell her what's the
real situation that caused me to come here. "I'm suspended."
It took long before she looks at me intently with her brows furrowed. And after a
while, the only thing she replied to me is a huge round of applause and sarcastic
laughter that made me realize how nice of a friend this woman is to stomp my pride
without even uttering a single word.
Hindi ko na alam kung ilang beses ko na siyang sinaksak sa isipan ko.
Nang mapansin niyang prente lang akong naghihintay hanggang sa matapos siya sa
pagtawa niya ay doon lang yata rumehistro sa isipan niya na hindi talaga ako
nagbibiro. Ang sumunod na lang na nangyari ay gulat siyang napatayo at biglang
burnalik sa tabi ko upang yakapin ako.
s t. Really? Wait, are you really f*****g sure? You?" she gasped. "As in you?
Ishtar? Oh my god. No way," nabulalas niya na lang.
"l know it's kind of unbelievable but yes,
Master Phoenix himself condemned me."
Since I don't want to tackle that topic any further, I continued to eat the
heavenly meals made by Chef Corvette Mandesha. On my peripheral view, I can see her
still observing me though she is joining me to finish all the plates.
Napadako naman ang tingin kong muli sa labas. Mas lumalakas ang ulan.
" Ifyou are suspended, paano 'yung kliyente mo na binabantayan mo?"
"l don't know. Ang sabi lang sa akin, sila na raw ang bahala. Edi sige," kibit-
balikat kong tugon kahit na ba medyo nag-aalala ako sa malakas na ulan na
walangtigil sa pagbagsak sa labas.
I tried to rest my back and my head. I have a pile of research to do. I should stop
worrying about him. He can handle himself. After all, the agency has taken over the
duty to guard him for the time being.
"Hindi ka man lang ba nag-aalala? Malay mo may mangyaring masama habang wala ka.
Hindi ka man lang ba naaawa sa kanya? He's fully unsecured without you on his side.
Aren't you curious about what's going on with him as we speak? Don't you pity him?"
This time, Corvette mimicked my posture and kept on going about her questions
regarding Derek. What does she want this time?
I can no longer hold myself to roll my eyes on her. "Corvette Mandesha, Derek
Asuncion-De Guzman is the one and only heir of De Guzman
Enterprises. His father could even go make a deal
with another agent to assure his son 's safety while 1 1 m gone. Well, that's if he
doesn't trust the agency that much..." paglilinaw ko.
"Oh really?" This is the last thing she said before she finally stood up, patted me
on my head, and left the room without no other additional remarks. It's quite
mystifying and at the same time, touched.
Internally, I was taken a back. 00, naaawa aka Nag-aalala ako.
But what can I do? Aside from I was prohibited on checking him out, with me being
Rieda, I can't say that I have a specific role in his life. I'm just a mere secret
agent who was hired and paid by his father to guard him and to protect him no
matter what happens. I was paid to lie to him every single minute! I was paid to
pretend and to form a disguise named Jenny. Jenny, the clumsy maid!
I was his staff. I was the staff that helped him get through from the misery of
getting betrayed by someone he loves dearly. I was the staff who pushed him to go
out from his comfort zone and face reality. And yet... When you think about it,
I'm not really that staff. It was Jenny.
Jenny is the one who did the job. Not Rieda.
Alam kong magagalit siya, magwawala, o
'di kaya'y habang buhay niya na akong kamuhian.
Wala kasi akong magagawa kung hindi ang ipagpatuloy ang ganitong papel sa buhay
niya hanggang sa matapos ang kontrata.
I was torn between protecting his future and looking over his feelings. And I know
that even before I started to care for him as an individual and not as a client's
son, I have already chosen one. That is to protect his future. Despite the possible
horrifying turn of events once he found out, there was no existing option for me
anymore.
I have to do it. Even ifit will break his heart forever.

Chapter 15: Codes for the Night

DEREK'S POV
"What? Bakit biglaan naman yata, Dad?" agad kong buwelta nang ipaalam sa akin ni
Dad sa telepono na panandaliang umuwi si Jenny sa Iloilo. Kaya naman pala hindi ko
siya nakita kaagad nang makauwi ako kanina galing kina Glen.
According to Dad, Jenny left yesterd ay afternoon to catch a ride on the terminal.
Of course, she prepared everything that I might happen to search for before
leaving. But... Why didn 't she tell me about it beforehand? Bakit sa iba ko pa
kailangan malaman? She's my personal maid. She serves me directly. Sa akin dapat
muna niya pinaparating ang ganitong mga klaseng impormasyon.
Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan ang mainis.
["Son, her grandmother is sick while her grandfather is too old to take care of the
two of them. As their only relative left, she has the responsibility to tend to
their needs. Do understand the maiden's heart, Derek."] pagpapaliwanag sa akin ni
Dad.
May magagawa pa ba ako? E nakaalis na nga siya. Alangan namang hatakin ko pa siya
mula Iloilo.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako kasabay nang pagsalampak ko sa couch dito sa may
sala. "Fine, fine. Anyway, can I take Jenny's number? I wanted to know how is she
doing right now." Believe it or not, I haven't seen Jenny with any gadget so I'm
not sure whether she has one or not. Worse, I never really asked her about it. What
an idiot you are, Derek!
["Her number? About that... I'm afraid
Jenny doesn't have any means to be contacted. She's not fond of the technology,
unfortunately. That child is very pure and innocent."] at may mga magkakasunod na
tawang nanggaling kay Papa matapos niyang sabihin ang mga ito. I know that very
well.
Nagbabakasakali lang naman.
But for Pete's sake! It's already the twenty-first century! What kind of a human is
someone who can't even buy herself a mobile phone?! Paano na lang kung may
mangyaring masama sa kanya? Anong gagamitin niya para tawagan ako o kaya kahit
anong awtoridad para matulungan siya? Wouldn't be a problem if only she's not that
clumsy and insensitive to her surroundings.
Napailing-iling na lang ako. Kahit kailan talaga 'e hindi na pumalya ang babaeng
iyan sa pagpapasakit sa ulo ko. "00 nga po pala. Before I

pagpapaalam 1<0. Kahit na ba sa tingin ko ay hindi ako papayagan dahil anong oras
na nga naman, nagpaalam pa rin ako.
Actually, I'm still trying to be used to itjust like before.
Sa tuwing hindi kasi ako nagpapaalam, bigla-bigla na lang dadampot ng kung ano ang
babaeng iyon at hahampasin ako. What a crazy girl. Siya langdin naman gagamot sa
akin kapag nasugatan o nagkapasa ako sa mga pinaggagagawa niya.
["Glen and Niel? Sure. Do anything you like, son. After all, you'll be living quite
a tough life once I finally turn the company over to you. Just be careful, okay? I
love you."]
That's weird. Dad allowed me to go out at this time? Anyway, he has a point. Maiiba
ang maraming bagay sa buhay ko sa oras na ako na ang tatayong presidente ng
kumpanya. Might as well enjoy my remaining free time. "Thanks, Dad. Take care
ofyourself there. I love you too," and we both ended the call. Dad is currently on
a business trip in California and I accidentally called him while he is preparing
his presentation for the upcoming days.
Even so, somehow, I can see Jenny's point better now. My father is actually working
really
hard just to give me a bright future and our employees' good welfare. I'm a little
bit... You know... Glad? Glad that I am seeing my father on a differen t picture.
Kahit na ba hindi pa rin ako sanay sa pagbalik sa dating gawi ko na lagi akong
magpapaalam, magsasabi ng 'l love you' sa tuwing ibababa na ang telepono, o hindi
kaya ly ang gumamit ng I PO' at T opo l sa tuwing kausap si Papa. Masyado ko na
yatang naisasistema ko ang pagiging rebelde na nakalimutan ko na ang mga ganitong
klase ng gawi.
Naibalik ko na lang ang telepono sa bulsa ng pantalon ko. Alright... No Jenny huh.
And even Dad doesn't know when she'll come back. She should have waited for me.
More like, I should have come back home earlier. If I didn't join in to Niel ls
party, I have probably met her before she departs.
Hindi man lang niya nakita angtropeyo na nakuha ko sa racing competition. I bet
she'll be proud of me. Though I'm guessing that she'll most likely beat the hell
out of me on going to that death-risking kind of competition.
Speaking of which...
That Lady in Black. She has been the talk ever since all the audiences have arrived
on their respected homes. The organizers of the event received numerous demands to
set up another meet and have that lady invited for another round. Everyone have
been speaking about her during the party. How breathtaking her exhibitions were...
How neat she moves with that vehicle of hers... Everything. Everything was so
perfect.
Despite me winning, it seems like she has been the darling of the crowd. Just what
I said, the organizers were overwhelmed by nonstop requests and petitions to catch
a glimpse of that mysterious lady again. They searched for her. They even hired the
best dirty hackers of the underground to dig her profile down.
But... It turned out that the Lady in Black was nowhere to be found. No one knows
her. No one knows where we can find her. No one knows when she'll show herself
again. No one knows who that person really is. And it is bugging the s* *t out of
me. Well, Glen and Niel too. Even our genius boy cannot find anyone in similar to
the wom an Is characteristics.
"Young master, kanina pa kayo mukhang may iniisip na pagkalalim-lalim. May
bumabagabag po ba sa inyo?"
"Oh! Martin, ikaw pala iyan. Sorry, I didn't notice you. Don't mind me," I said.
Ganito ba talaga akong nahihiwagaan sa babaeng iyon?
I just took everything about that lady aside and picked my drink that wasjust
served by
Martin. But when I was about to have a sip from it, a force came in from my back,
stopping me and soaking my shirt and pants at the same time. "Anziza!" I yelled.
Hinihintay ko na lang Sina Glen para makaalis na ako at dahil sa ginawa niya,
kailangan ko na namang magpalit. Great.
Anziza, what are you? Jenny, the second?
"Oh my god! I'm sorry, Derek! I didn't mean to—"
"Ugh! What's done is done! Woods, tell the maids to clean this up. I'll change
before my friends arrive," I told him. I don't know if I can express it more how
awful to be soaked with juice. Ang lagkit! I think I have to get myself a quick
shower in order to get rid of the sticky feeling and the smell, tch.
Pero mukhang wala talagang makakapigil sa pilya at sa katigasan ng ulo ng kababata
kong ito. Imbes yata na mas lumawak ang pag-iisip niya sa paglaki sa ibang bansa ay
mas lumala pa siya. And I'm not liking it. "Don't go. Kararating ko lang. You keep
pushing me away!" pagm am aktol nito.
Halos magtatadyak pa ito habang pilit pa rin akong niyayakap mula sa likod. Pilit
kong kinokontrol ang sarili ko na huwag nang makapagbitaw ng kung anong mga salita
na maaaring makapanakit kay Anziza. Kahit papaano, may pinagsamahan kami. She's my
first

...
friend. That will never change.
However, the fact that I'm still drenched with mango juice doesn 't change. I have
to get a shower and a new piece of clothes!
"Anziza..." Be patient. "Nakapangako na ako kina Glen at Niel na sasama ako sa
kanila ngayon. I should keep a promise, right?" mahinahon kong pagkaklaro sa kanya.
Ever since we were young, she tends to be unreasonable and keeps on doing
everything that pleases her. She doesn 't care about anyone but herself and her
relationship with me.
Yumuko naman si Woods sa babaeng nasa likod ko bilang paggalang na bisita siya.
Huminga muna ako ng malalim para makontrol ang kumukulo kong dugo. "Anziza, bitawan
mo '1<0, please? Pretty please?" pakunwaring pagmamakaawa ko rito. Ayokong umabot
sa punto na itataboy ko siya. Maliban sa magkababata kami ay malaking parte ng
kumpanya namin ang suporta ang ama niya.
As much as possible, I don 't want this little spoiled brat here to be the glint of
any misunderstanding between the companies. I know how childish Anziza Carolelle
could be. Once she hated you, you'll be fired the next day. Once she dislikes you,
she'll humiliate you until you give in. Once she loathes you, she'll use any power
her father has to kick you out of this world.
" Eh! Ayoko nga! Dito lang ako. Kapag tinanggal ko ang mga kamay ko sa iyo,
paniguradong aalis ka. You haven't spend any time with me ever since I came here!"
bulyaw niya na halos ikarindi ng mga tainga 1<0. Oh god. Please help me. Please
send some help.
Sa totoo lang, tutol ako sa desisyon ni Papa na patirahin muna nang panandalian
clito sa mansyon si Anziza. I know we are good friends but it's all way back from
the past. Noong maliliit pa kami nun! I wasn't even able to recognize her when
shejust entered my room and ran to me while I was doing some paperwork. She looks
matured and free and yet she's still a child in heart and mind.
Unfortunately, Anziza is no longer a kid to be understood. That is why it is
annoying to me.
Her father, Don Rafael insisted to make her stay here with him telling us that we
are the only ones who he could entrust his one and only daughter. Deep inside my
mind, I have puked a hundred of times. I know what he is trying to do. I might
still be young in the business industry but that doesn't restrict me from learning
about how business tycoons partner their child ren to one another in order to
suggest a merging.
It's basic knowledge. A gesture to bind two families in order to get the utmost
benefits from one another.
I can't help but to roll my eyes. Grabe siya makakapit, makadikit, makapaglambing,
at makaasta na animo'y mo girlfriend ko 'e. I keep getting the chills whenever she
calls me, clings to me, and whenever she uses that flirty voice of hers! I keep
hearing the sluts' seducing voices every time she do that.
"Pare! Nasaan ka na? Halika na, gimjk
"Uno, we are ready to go! Come out now!"
"Derek, we're here! Don 't wait for us to wake the neighbors up, please!"
Tila ba gusto ko na mapahiyaw dito ng 'Thank you, Lord' nang marinig ko ang boses
ng mga katropa ko. Great timing. But you should have come earlier! Unti-unti ko
namang naramdaman ang pagkalas sa akin ni Anziza. Halos makahinga-hinga rin ako
nang maluwag nangtuluyan niya na akong iwanan clito sa sala at pumasok na lamang sa
kwarto niya. Buti naman at wala na rin siyang sinabi.
"Young master, what will I do with Miss Anziza?" Woods asked as I send a message to
Niel to wait a little while so I could take a shower and get changed.
Binalingan ko naman siya at sinserong sin agot ito. "Take care of her while I'm
gone. Make sure that she won't follow me, okay? She might be a hardheaded girl but
she's still precious to me," pagpapaintindi ko rito.
Seryosong pagtango naman ang iniresponda sa akin ni Martin at inalo niya na akong
pumunta sa kwarto ko nang sa gayon ay makaalis na ako habang hindi pa muling
inaatake ng topak ang kababata kong kaibigan.
As the water gushes from the shower head to every part of my body, I can't seem to
forget what happened earlier this day. Things are getting weirder and weirder in
the school. Or was I the only one who is thinking like that?
I might look like I don't pay much attention to those who keep on sending me grave
threats but with all honesty, I mind them too. When I was young, I have been
kidnapped for like... five times? My parents would always replace my bodyguards and
refuse to allow me to go out and have fun with my friends. No sum of money could
satisfy those people's hunger for wealth and fame. While some considered my head as
a shining shimmering trophy to fill in their empty pockets.
That is when Romuel De Guzman, my father became a huge and significant benefactor
of Angelica Vitreux International School or AVIS. He formulated a special plan in
order for it to attain the highest security and most modernized technological
advancements. Starting from the entrance, the identification card scanner,
thumbprint testing, strict processing of papers for visitors and guests, and many
more.
The threats have calmed down these past few months. I thought everything was
carefully falling into their rightful places. Pero kanina lang... Sa pagmamaneho ko
papauwi, ilang beses kong napansin ang ilang mga sasakyang pilit na sinusundan ang
kotse 1<0. Maliban pa doon ay muntikan pa akong mabunggo ng isang truck.
What's intriguing is that the driver was murdered while driving. Just a minute
before I encountered the truck.
Isa pa, napag-alaman ding walang kahit anong karamdaman ang drayber at mas [along
hindi rin daw ito nakainom.
Sa pagitan ng imbestigasyon kanina, napansin kong nawala na ring parang bula ang
mga sasakyang kanina lang ay sumusunod sa akin.
Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ko ay naabutan ko ang mga barkada ko na kumakaway na sa
akin mula sa mga iba lt ibang mga sasakyan nila. Kinawayan ko rin naman sila at
baka mamaya 'e mapagkamalan pang mga baliw ang mga ito.
It's true that I have my rebellious side abandoned way, way before but it doesn't
mean I should also abandon the friendships that I have made during my worst. Being
on your worst never disqualified anyone who accompanied you as worst too. Actually,
they were the greatest friends that I have ever met.
Unlike those people who left me on that time of my being worst. People who I found
out were only after the connections he or she could make with me and my family.
Losers who were not really taking you seriously and were talking bullcrap about you
behind your back. Fakes who had shown their real motives when you are already on
the pits of hell.
/ wish they could meet Karma some other time.
And I wish Karma would let me see that epic encounter.
"My lifesavers," ani ko at nagpalitan kami ng ngiti sa isa't isa. Ngiting
nagkakasundo na gawin ang isang bagay na matagal na naming hindi nagagawa.
I opened Glen's door from the back and I welcomed myself in it. "Are we all
complete?"
" Ikaw na lang naman ang hinihintay 'e," and Niel chuckled as he raised a can of
rootbeer to me from the rear view mirror.
As always.
As their cars almost occupy the whole road, I keep on thinking how great their
previous nights were. Was it like this? Did they have fun?
Anu-anong mga kalokohan kaya ang pinaggagagawa nila? Stories from Glen and Niel
were never enough for me. The word 'enjoyment' is as shallow as the water to
describe how those nights turned out.
Napasandal ko na lang ang ulo ko. Simula kasi nang magsimula ang pagsasanay ko sa
pagpapatakbo ng kumpanya 'e panay sila na lang ang nagsisilayas at nagsisisgimik.
Nakakainggit,
00. Kaso... Kailangan.
I will never be young forever. I can't continue on doing things that might consume
my supposed time on achieving my dreams. I seem to be advanced compared to my pals,
but it doesn 't mean that things are already too late for them.
"How's our superior?" pangangamusta ni Glen mula sa passenger seat.
"Heto, gutom. Wala kasi 'yung maid na [aging pinagluluto ko ng kakainin ko eh,"
sagot ko habang nananatili pa ring nasa labas ang tingin ko.
"Grabe pare, may tagapagluto ka pa talaga ah! Sexy ba?"
Napakunot naman ang noo ko sa tinanong ng balasubas na babaerong 'to. Lumapit naman
ako sa kinauupuan niya at kinutusan siya. "She's off-limits, remember that," banta
ko at burnalik na sa pagkakaupo dito sa likuran. Huwag na
huwag niyang madadamay si Jenny sa mga babae niya kung hindi malilintikan talaga
siya sa akin.
Madramang nag-alatinginan ang dalawa. "Woah, possessive, aren't we? Bakit
pinopormahan mo na ba? Come on, superior. Tell us. How far did the two of you go?"
pataas-taas na mga kilay na gatong ni Glen sa mga pinagsasasabi ni Niel.
Mga siraulo talaga. Pagkaisahan ba naman ako.
"Tigilan niyo ko, mga gago. Jenny's my personal maid. Asa ka namang papatusin ko
'yun," pagtatapos ko sa usapan at tumingin na lang akong muli sa labas ng sasakyan
para maiwasan pa ang mga tanong nila at pang-aasar.
"Personal maid, huh?"
"So the luckygirl's name is Jenny,
Hohoho!"
Sinamaan ko naman sila ngtingin at abang napatikom na lang sila ng mga bibig nila.
Even so, I know that deep inside their dirty brains, they are already trying to
visualize how my relationship with Jenny goes every day.
Sa katagalan ng pagmamaneho ng kaibigan ko ay unti-unti na akong nakakaramdam ng
inip kung kaya't nagtanong-tanong na lang ako kung paano magiging aksyon namin
ngayong gabi. "So, what's the plan for tonight?"
"There's this group who is really persistent on booking a match with us. Basically,
they're rookies but they're popular with other schools... Well, surprisingly," Niel
answered as he handed me a pile of photos of the group and it's members. At the
back of every picture, there's the background information of each one of them. Glen
made it nicely done.
Habang paisa-isang sinusuri ang bawat litrato 'e napatigil ako sa isa sa mga ito.
"Cesar Ramirez," pagbasa ko sa pangalan ng lalaking nasa larawan. This guy... This
red colored-hair guy who wears a choker with a cross pendant. Those cat-like eyes.
They're intimidating. Fuming with anger and vengeance. Somehow, he's familiar.
"You okay, superior?"
"Uh... yeah, I'm good. Glen, can you look up for this Cesar Ramirez more later on?
He seems familiar. I think I've seen him somewhere before." Pilit kong pinipiga ang
memorya ko pero hindi ko talaga matandaan kung saan ko siya unang nakita. According
to the information Glen noted, it is our first time to encounter this group of
delinquents.
So... Why is he that familiar?
"I'll look right into it later. But for now, we have a battle to win," and
eventually, the car we are riding stopped. Agad na nahanap ng mga mata ko ang grupo
ng mga lalaki nakaitim na prenteng naghihintay sa amin dito sa napagkasunduang
lugar. Pawang may kung anu-anong mga abubot at mga garnit ang dala nila. Piercings,
tattoos, baseball bats, cable ties, ropes, etc.
Mukhang maaangas ah.
A grin formed on Niel's face as I look on to him. He closed the p* *n magazine he
is memorizing for a while now and analyzed every man our little kiddos will knock
out. This night is a chosen night. The night when our youngest or more like
Cerberus' newbies have to prove their worth. "Kakaiba ang mga batang ito ah.
Readyto fight! Hahaha!"
" Now, now, don't belittle them, Niel. They wouldn't dare ask us out here, the top
delinquent group if they don't have the confidence, you know," ani naman ni Glen na
siyang nagpawala sa mapang-asar na ngiting mayroon si Niel.
"TSS. You'll see. Mapapatumba iyan ng mga manok natin," bulong pa ng huli sa isang
sulok.
Glen and I shook our heads with our dear brother's childishness before we went out
of the car along with our group members. It was quite reassuring that you can't see
even a faint of nervousness on their expressions. Show one weakness and you'll
receive numerous offenses. Guard yourself and you'll win it yourself.
As the rules would always function, the leader of the group that was challenged
must be in the bench to stand by and wait for his desired prey. Joining the brawl
is optional. Well, which in my case, not an option. I have faith in my boys. They
could bring me victory without me interfering.
Both parties were ready and itching to get their hands on one another. Eyes filled
eagerness to win and beat. I saw Niel and Glen mouthed 'Everything will be okay'
and I know that it will be. I bid my boys a good luck for one last time. Hinintay
ko muna ang hudyat ng pagsisimula ng laban bago ako tuluyang turnalikod at magtungo
sa bench.
Hindi pa man ako nakakalapit sa bench ay magkakasunod na tawag na sa akin ang
pumarinig sa buong lugar. Agad na napalingon akong muli sa dapat ay paggaganapan ng
laban at hindi ko inaasahan ang nakita ko.
Everyone in the opposing group was killed. They are slaughtered! All of them has
different kinds of knives on their heads, necks, and chests. Holy f* *k.
How could they be dead in just a matter of seconds?
Halos manginig ang katawan ko nang masilayan ang pag-agos ng dugo rito. I was
easily reminded by the day mom died. Mariing napapikit kaagad ako sa dala nitong
bugso ng damdamin. This is not the right time to be distracted, Derek. You are
Cerberus' leader. You have to act!
"Wala pang isang minuto matapos ibigay ang hudyat 'e may nagsisiliparang iba't
ibang klase ng patalim sa ere at nakapagtatakang tanging mga kalaban lang natin ang
natamaan ng mga ito," pagsasalaysay sa akin ni Dome, isa sa mga matagal nang
miyembro ng grupo at isa rin sa mga naging unang kaibigan 1<0.
"Superior, I'll go and talk to the others. I'm sure some of them are horrified by
the sudden occurrences," I heard Glen volunteered and gestured him to do as he
says. Our group may be notorious for fighting but we never intended to harm anyone
to the point of sending them to a com atose or even to the deepest pits of hell!
This is insane!
" Pero may iniwan sila."
Natuon naman ako ng tingin kay Niel na matamangtinuturo ang isa sa mga napatay na
miyembro ng kabilang grupo. Labis naman akong napapatanong sa kung anong mayroon
dito kung kaya't mabilis akong lumapit upang tingnan ang kung anong tinuturo niya.
01000111 01101001 01110110 01100101
00100000 01001001 01110011 01101000
01110100 01100001 01110010 00100000

01110011 00101110
"They are binary codes," I muttered as soon as I recognize them. The codes were in
a piece of paper that was attached along with the knife thrown to this guy. Poor
man. Hinablot ko ang piraso ng papel na ito at maagap kong ibinulsa na bago pa man
makita ng iba ko pang kagrupo.
Matapos nito ay walang pagdadalawang-isip ko ng binigyan ng pagkakataon ang lahat
na umalis na at urnuwi sa kani-kanilang mga bahay. Though there are some who looks
disturbed, I'm sure Glen's words are a big help for them. Wala naman nang ibang
nagtanong tungkol sa naganap. As for the three of us, we agreed to stay on Glen's
house for the time being until we find a lead about this incident.
At sana sa pag-uwi ko, nandoon na si Jenny. I miss her clumsiness a lot right now.
It is one of my greatest source of laughter. I hope she's doing fine in Iloilo and
she is not getting involved on anything troublesome. Hindi pa naman marunong umilag
'yun kapag binato mo ng bag o ng libro.

Chapter 16: Ishtar

RIEDA'S POV
"Are you sure you are really going out?" Corvette asked me for the nth time.
Halos burnagsak naman ang mga balikat ko sa kanina pa niyang paulit-ulit na
pagtatanong sa akin niyan. "Vet, binantaan pa lang naman ako. Hindi pa ako
mamamatay." At hindi na rin siguro nakakapagtaka na napilit niya rin akong sabihin
kung ano ang naging laman ng pag-uusap namin ng lalakingtumawagsa akin kanina. Wala
nga siguro talaga akong maitatago sa babaeng ito.
"l know I used to call you a cat since you seem to have a collection of nine lives
but hey, I'm still worried! Though I call you a bitch, you're still my cute little
sister," she said, finally showing that vulnerable face expression of hers. I
haven't seen it for years. I admit I missed it. But I hate it when she is worried
all the time for my safety.
When she begins to become inactive as an agent a long, long time ago, Corvette
attempted to convince me to come with her. I can remember how persistent she was
just to get me out of the field. Aside from being a sister, she formed a motherly
figure to me as well. I am quite aware of how hysterical she gets whenever I have
to be released for a dangerous mission. I know how many times she cried for me
whenever there is no news about me. I know how many times she tried to give me a
normal life.
But In opposition, will always tell her that I will never have that.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. "Don't worry. I'll come back before sunset,"
paninigurado ko sa kanya at abang niyakap ko siya upang mas mapanatag ang 100b
niya. Wala rapat siyang ipag-alala. Mabubuhay ako.
Ipinapangako ko iyan.
"Don't wait until I tug you back here," she warned and I almost broke into
laughter.
Napakalas na ako sa pagyayakapan namin at tumango na ako bilang responda sa sinabi
niya. Bago pa man ako umalis ay sinabihan ko siyang siya na ang maunang tumalikod
at burnalik sa 100b nangsa gayon ay hindi ko na makita ang simangot sa mukha niya.
Sa una ay tumutol siya pero kalaunan ay napapayag ko naman ito.
As the bells on the doorstep clang, I decided to start to move since I only have a
few hours left before sunset. I fixed my jacket as the cold breeze tries to get a
hold of me. On cue, my phone started to ring again. But this time, it was from my
comrades. "Isis," I uttered as soon as I
answered the call.
["Ishtar, I heard the complete details.
Where are you right now?"]
"Oh, don't mind me. I am currently walking around but I'd be staying with an agent
friend of mine. How're the boys by the way?" asked. I guess I really can't help
but to ask. This is Vet's fault. If she doesn't keep on bothering my silent
conscience with her exaggerated theories, I don't have to check that guy's
condition out right now.
There was a short pause and afterward, a clicking sound of the tongue before she
finally gave me a response. ["The boys went for an after party in a restaurant.
Quite fancy and formal for Niel, I must say. He usually brings women to his
condominium or in motels. Actually, I'm with Fiery. We're a few tables away from
them.
Happiness? They sure have it."]
"That's good enough then," nasabi ko na lang. Mabuti naman at mukhang marami-rami
naman ang mga kasama niya. Isa pa, nasa isang mataong lugar sila. Higit sa lahat,
naroroon Sina Estrelle at Monique para bantayan sila. Para bantayan siya. Siguro,
hindi ko na rapat masyadong pinakakaba ang sarili ko.
I stopped referring to my internal thoughts when I heard Monique chuckling from the
other line. My brows autom atically twitched. "What's so
funny, Alcantara?" I questioned, returning my solid strict tone.
["N-Nothing. It's just that I'm wondering what's the real score with you and Mr.
Derek De Guzman. I heard from Niel that there's this particular Jenny who seems to
have Derek's favor and I thought that that Jenny can't be anyone but you."]
Pagdating talaga sa mga ganitong usapan, napakabilis ni Monique.
Somehow, I have this feeling that Niel will be seriously furious once he gets to
know who his lovely chef, Monica really is. Well, it's not because she hid a secret
but it's because they've got some similarities that I can mention one by one very
well.
"TSS. Mind your own business, Monique. Sige na, ibababa ko na 'tong tawag. Keep
your eyes on them, okay? Sa inyo lang ako pwedeng humingi ng pabor ukol clito dahil
hindi talaga ako pwedeng lumapit kay Derek sa kasalukuyan kong sitwasyon." Bakit ba
kasi nasuspinde pa ako? Ako tuloy ang nahihirapan din sa sarili kong kalagayan...
["Fine. Rest assured. Take care ofyourself,
Rieda. Dasvidanya."]
"Dasvidanya," and the call ended. Meeting those two is fortunate. I have two people
to entrust my mission to look out and to protect Derek for the meantime.
Isa sa mga naisipan kongtawagan kanina bago ko naisin na lumabas at maglakad-lakad
ay Sina Monique at Estrelle. Agad kong binalita sa kanila ang nangyaring pag-atake
sa condominium ko gayong hindl' ako makakapagbalita nang direkta sa ahensya gawa ng
pagkakasuspinde ko. Ayon sa kanila ay umabot na ito sa Intelligence Department at
kasalukuyang ginagawan ng aksyon. Babalitaan na langdaw nila ako sa oras na
magkaroon na ng opisyal na resolusyon ang departamento nina Mark.
"Kasunod ng mga naturang pagpatay sa mga anak ng mga empleyadong nagtatrabaho sa
mga bangko sa iba't ibang sulok ng bansa, isang balita na naman ang gumulantang sa
ating lahat. Ang anak ng pinakamamahal na alkalde ng ating siyudad ay natagpuang
patay sa kwarto nito kani-kanina lang lamang"
Mabilis akong napatigil sa paglalakad nang mapadaan ako sa isang bilihan ng mga
home appliances. Napunta kaagad ang atensyon ko sa hindi mabilang na mga
telebisyong nakabalandra at nagpapalabas ng iisang istasyon. Ito rin ang istasyon
na nadatnan ko kanina. Maypanibago na namang nangyaring pagpatay?
"Ayon sa mga pagsusuri ay lason ang
diumano naging sanhi ng pagkamatay nito. Gayunpaman ay isang hugis tala na patalim
ang misteryosong namataan sa tabi ng bangkay. Kasalukuyang pinag-aaralan ng mga
imbestigador ang mga letrang nakaukit dito."
Hindi ko maiwasang hindi tingnan ang mga letrang nakaukit sa patalim. Sa unang
tingin ay akala ko ay nakasulat ito sa isang lenggwaheng hindi ko pa napag-
aaralan.Subalit, nang mapagtanto ko na nakapabaliktad ang ayos ng mga letra at
tuluyan ko nang nalaman ang kahulugan nito ay halos turnaas ang mga balahibo 1<0.
Isang pamilya na pangamba ang agad na dumapo sa akin. Hindi... Hindi pwede.
Paanong.,.
"Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheron ta movebo, (Trans: "If/ can not bend the will
of Heaven, I shall move Hell. )
Paanong buhay pa rin sila hanggang ngayon?!
DEREK'S POV
"Uno, mukhang malalim ang iniisip mo," pansin ni Glen sa akin habang naglalakad
karm papunta sa bukana ng bahay nila.
Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin maialis sa isip ko ang kagimbal-gimbal na naganap
kanina. Para makapatay nang ganoon kabilis at kaasintado, tingin ko ay bago pa man
magsimula ang laban ay kanina pa nila kami hinihintay at pawang minamatyagan. Tila
mga daga kami sa mga patibong na kanilang inihanda.
At mas [along hindi ko matanggap ang pagkamatay ng mga kalaban namin.
Napapikit na lang ako sa namumuong sakit ng ulo ko. "Hindi ko na alam. Parang hindi
ko pa rin matanggal sa isip ko ang naging eksena kanina." Ano nga ba talaga ang
nangyayari? Bakit puros mga misteryo ang lumilitaw? Wala na akong maintindihan.
Hindi ko na rin alam kung ano papaniwalaan 1<0.
I felt Glen's arm around me, his hand patting my shoulder as if to console me. "No
matter what it really is, I'm sure these codes will do the trick for us," he said,
pulling the paper I gave to him earlier to confirm whether the written codes were
binary or not.
"Si Niel nga pala. Nasaan siya?" tanong ko. Hindi ko kasi napansin ang pagbaba niya
sa sasakyan kanina. Masyadong lumilipad ang isip ko tungkol sa pagpatay. Hays.
"Ah, may kailangan lang daw siyang sagutin na tawag. Susunod na lang raw siya sa
atin."
" Maligayang pagbabalik, Sir Glen."
Napadilat at napaangat naman ang tingin ko nang makarinig ng boses ng isang babae.
Doon ko lang napansin na nakapasok na pala kami sa 100b ng mansyon at may kaharap
kaming isang napakagandang babae pero parang hindi yata siya marunong ngumiti man
lang.
"Ah! I forgot to introduce herto you. This is Lyra Abuello, my personal driver,"
pagpapakilala ni Glen sa naturang babae.
/ must say... Yeah, she's pretty. But she looks untamable. That fierce look and
vibes she is giving somewhat transcend multiple bad-ass phrases telling me to pull
my s* *t all together. The appeal, height, curves, style, I admit she has all of
them nailed.
Natigil naman ang panunuri ko sa kay Lyra sa biglaang pagdating ni Niel na halos
itulak na kami sa pader para lang makalapit sa babae. Maagap namang naalarma ang
babae at dali-daling nasalo ang braso ni Niel at pinilipit ito papunta sa kanyang
likod.
"Aray! Damn you, woman! Let go of me!" inda ni Niel. Sinenyasan naman kaagad ni
Glen si Lyra na pakawalan siya kung kaya't mahina-hinang pumunta sa amin ito na
para bang naubos ang lahat ng lakas at enerhiya niya. Told 'ya Whatyou reap is
whatyou sow. Minasa-masahe ni Niel ang braso niya nang paulit-ulit kaya nagtaka
naman ako kung bakit tila marunongyata ng malakas na depensa ang babaeng ito
samantalang tagapagm aneho lang naman ang pakilala ng amo niya sa amin. "Do you

9/1 5
know how to fight?"
"Lyra used to study self-defense with his late policeman father. My dad hired her
because of that. So Niel, learn to avoid this woman ifyou can," Glen explained.
"Whatever! I don't like her! Ugh, my arm hurts!"
Pumailing-iling na lang kami sa kaartehan ng lalaking ito. Hinding-hindi niya
talaga natatanggap kapag tinatanggihan siya ng mga babae o hindi kaya ly kapag
hindi niya nagagawang paamuhin ang mga ito. Humingi na lang kami ng paumanhin kay
Lyra sa ugaling pinakita ng kaibigan namin at mabuti na lang at maunawain ito.
"Huwag niyo na po akong alalahanin. Isa pa, mga kaibigan po kayo ng amo ko.
Maligayang pagdating po sa inyo. Kung may kailangan po kayo, huwag po kayong
magdalawang-isip na tawagin ako," at magalang siyang yumuko sa harapan namin. Abang
naalerto naman kami ni Niel sa kapormalan nito.
"Ganito ba talaga kapag miyembro ng pamamahay nina Glen? Araw-araw na nga akong
dinudugo sa kaibigan natin iyan kapag nagpapaliwanag sa Biology tapos may drayber
pa siyang dadaigin pa ang mga historical drama sa pormal," bulong ni Niel sa akin.
Binatukan ko naman siya kaagad at baka umabot pa sa pandinig ni Lyra ang mga
sinasabi niya. Aba'y baka mas lalo pa siyang malintikan nang 'di oras.
Glen shook his head in disapproval with Niel ls attitude simmering from within.
Even so, he knows he can't do anything about it. "Pardon my friend, Lyra. You can
go now," he ordered.
Lyra then bowed to us for another time before she excuses herself. Nakahinga naman
na kami nang maluwag nang hindi na namin siya mamataan. Mabilis naman na dumako
angtingin naming dalawa ni Glen sa babaero naming kaibigan. "Kahit kailan talaga,
wala kang pinapalagpas, ano?" manghang wika ko sa kanya.
"Pati personal driver ko, hindi talaga makakaligtas sa kalokohan mo," dagdag pa ng
amo ng babaeng basta-basta na lang nilapitan at muntikangyakapin ni Niel.
"Guys! I'm the victim here! That girl twisted my arm! Didn't you— Ugh, nevermind!
Let's just proceed with our business here!" at pamartsa nang nauna ito paakyat sa
kwarto ni Glen.
Kapwa nagkatinginan na lang kami ni Glen at sabay na sumunod sa mabibilis na yabag
ng kaibigan namin. Pagkarating namin sa 100b ay sinigurado naming nakasarado nang
maayos ang pinto nang sa gayon ay walang impormasyon ang makakalabas.
As soon as he entered, our womanizer
friend leads his way to the shelf filled with textbooks and journals. Educational
tools Andriego couple provided for their sole heir's upbringing. On the other hand,
I went to the bed to review all the pictures Glen took for background checking
before the duel. Something could be found here if I try my hardest.
"Start searching for the corresponding letters of those codes, genius," I told him
as I start to scan every single thing in the collection of pictures that I have in
my hands.
Just right after I tell him that, I heard his familiar chuckle. "Who do you think
you are talking to? No need to search, superior. The codes say something like 'give
Ishtar to us'," he answered as if it's a matter of fact. Well, what can you expect
with a genius like him? A response as quick as lightning.
Gayunpaman, may isa pa kaming problema. Ano ang ibig sabihin nito?
"Give Ishtar to us," pagbibigkas niyang muli sa mga salitang ibig sabihin ng mga
numerong iniwan ng mga walang kaluluwang pumatay sa mga taong dapat ay haharapin ng
grupo.
Glen pulled a neat piece of paper and a black ballpen from his drawer and simply
wrote the words on it. After he wrote it, he handed it for me to check it one more
time. Give Ishtar to us.
Pinagmasdan ko ang mga letra at numero.
Anong ibig sabihin ng mga pumatay na iyon sa mga katagang ito? Sino ang tinutukoy
nilang 'Ishtarl ? Bakit nila pawang pinagpapapatay ang mga kalaban namin? Bakit
nila iniwan ang mensaheng ito? Sino ba talaga sila? Napakarami kong tanong ngayon
at alam kong wala pa ni isa akong masasagot sa mga ito hangga't magkaroon ako ng
konkretong impormasyon tungkol sa naturang Ishtar na ito. Nanginginig kong
pinabilog ang papel gamit ang kaliwang kamay ko.
Derek..."
"Who is Ishtar?" nabulalas ko na lang. Bakit siya hinahanap ng mga taong pumatay sa
isang grupo? Bakit? Anong mayroon sa kanya?
f* *k this frustration.
"As far as I know, Ishtar is the name of an East Semitic Akkadian, Assyrian, and
Babylonian goddess. This goddess is a representation of fertility, love, war, and
sex. She is described to be an appealing, charismatic, but cruel woman who has the
powers to give victory to anyone she favors," maalam na pag-iimporma sa akin ni
Glen.
"lyon din ang nahanap ko rito sa mga libro," Niel said so too, showing me a history
book's set of pictures of the goddess whom they are talking about.
The female goddess has make-up on her face and her body wearing glimmering jewelry
and noble cloth. But what do I even care with East Semitic Akkadian, Assyrian, and
Babylonian histories?! "Cerberus people, you can't possibly be telling me that the
person they are looking for is a goddess?!"
Naitapon ko na lang sa isang sulok ang papel na pinabilog ko at naikalat ko na lang
ang mga litratong kaninang tinitingnan ko. Bullshit. This looks as difficult as
when we try to search for that Lady in Black.
"Teka. Derek, it may be a codename."
Hope sparks as soon as Niel suggested the idea. Codename? Yes, it might be. But
whose?
" Ishtar is a name that is very rare to be heard of. If I'm not mistaken, agents
are hired for numerous reasons. It might be either to kill or to protect.
Governments, officials, and influential people keep on asking for their help to do
dirty works or unofficial tasks. What's missing here is the reason why those
murderers left this note to us. What connection do we have to know where that
Ishtar is? Why are they asking us to give her to them? Do we even know her?"
Tama si Niel. Bakit nila hahanapin sa amin ang 'Ishtar' na iyon? Imposibleng walang
motibo ang mga pumatay sa pag-iiwan ng mga salitang ito sa amin. Posible kayang isa
sa mga taong nakapaligid sa amin ay nagpapanggap lamang? Posible kayang isa sa mga
kakilala namin ay ang taong nagdadala ng codename na ito? Pero sino? Wala akong
maisip na kahit sino na maaaring tao sa likod ng pangalan na ito!
We need to find that Ishtar. If we don't, things might get worse. If they can kill
a group in just a minute, of course, they can do that to us as well. This note is
also a warning. Killing our opponents is not a blessing from them. It's their way
to demonstrate their stren gths to make the warning critical.
And l, as the leader of our group, Cerberus, can't take to see my fellow men be
their next target. If I have to surrender that Ishtar just to make sure that my
people's safety, then so be it. "Inspect the household of every member of Cerberus.
Devise a plan to subtly execute the inspection. Check everything that is suspicious
especially their household staffs. No one is exempted from this. Make sure that
every one of us will cooperate or else, we'll face the same fate as the group that
has been slaughtered tonight," I declared.
Niel then put the book back on its place. He immediately went out with his fingers
tapping numbers on his phone while Glen returned to his seat in front of the
monitor to start on formulating the plan.
Let the search for [shtar begin.

Chapter 17: Hidden Words

MEL'S POV
"Hey, Genius," I called, attempting to shift Genius Boy's gaze from the pair of
computers he is looking to. I mean, god... How can he look at those numerous eye-
aching letters and words? I know he has the most number of related literature in
our thesis but it doesn't mean he has to research that much for that so-called
'goddess'.
Napatigil naman ako sa paghahalungkat ng lahat ng mga naitala nitong si Glen
tungkol sa mga nakalaban naming mga grupo noon. Hmm? Sa ilang oras kong
paghahalungkat dito at paliligo sa alikabok, iyan lang ang sagot na ibibigay niya
sa akin? "Hoy, baka gusto mo namang tumingin sa akin 'no. Kanina pa tayo
nagtatrabaho nang walang pahinga," at halos magpapadyak pa ako sa inis.
Maaga ang uwian namin sa araw na ito dahil may proyekto lang naman na gagawin.
Siyempre alam kong ang mga dakilang estudyante na ng klase namin ang gagawa nun
kaya sabik na sabik pa akong makalabas dahil alam niyo na... llang araw na rin nang
huli akong nakapagliwaliw. Pero heto ako, imbes na
nagpapakasaya ako, halos magkanda-ubo-ubo na ako.
"What is it? You're like wasting almost a minute already. Ifyou just told me what
you want then we won 't waste that much time. You're also hindering me from my
giving my utmost concentration on my work," Genius Boy replied as he continues to
tap keyboard keys without taking his eyes from the monitors.
What is he? A human computer? I was about to return to my damn work before Derek
comes back from the De Guzman Enterprises when Glen started to mumble things again.
"Am I a human computer? Nah, humans and computers are way different, my dear
friend. Computers are electronic devices that can be instructed to carry out
arbitrary sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically and
processing data. Therefore, you can't call me that."
Is he a mind reader? He only has to tell me that he's not like that and yet he gave
me an almost forty-word explanation. Downsides of having a genius as your best
friend, I must say.
But this is not the real deal, isn't it?
Pinulot ko ang isang litratong nakakalat sa sahig at tiningnan nang mabuti.
Napabutong-hininga na lang ako sa diyosang nakalarawan dito. Ishtar, huh. "Is
Ishtarthat
important?" naitanong ko na lang nang 'di oras.
Cerberus is in disarray the moment the news about the inspection disseminated.
There's a gleam of doubt, worry, and terror among each one of them. Terror brought
still by the recent incident. Worry about the turmoil it makes within the
fraternity and most of all, doubt. Doubt against each other who could possibly be
keeping Ishtar.
That is why somehow, I wanted to oppose the execution of the inspection. But with
Uno ls unwavering persistence and determination to find that person, I just can't
bring myself to speak up. It almost as if he is dedicating his life into it.
Sa pagkakataong ito, narinig ko naman ang nag-iisang taong kasama ko sa kwarto na
ito na bumuntong-hininga. "Niel, the person behind that name is the one who is
important. We have to show our support. Derek's life has been miserable eversince
Sarah De Guzman died. At isang paraan para mawakasan iyon ay ang mahanap si
Ishtar."
Napamaang naman ako sa sinabi ni Glen. Sarah? Derek's mother. Ano naman ang
kinalaman nito kay Ishtar? Ano ang kinalaman ng nanay ni Derek sa babaeng
pinaghahahanap namin? Isa pa, hindi ba't matagal nangyumao ang nanay niya? Higit pa
roon, namatay ito buhay
ng breast cancer.
"Sarah De Guzman didn't die from cancer, Daniel Louis Suarez." Glen, as if he
guessed the multiple questions roaming around my mind answered again.
Agad na napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nito at abang nabitawan ko na lang ang
litratong hawak ko. Hindi ko alam kung mauuna ang pagtataka o pagkasurpresa. Bakit
ngayon ko lang yata nalaman iyan? Nagbibiro ba 'tong si Glen? Pero hindi ba rt iyon
ang kwento ni Derek at ng tatay niya? "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"
Isang mabigat na paghinga muli ang dumaan kay Glen samantalang hindi na ako
makapaghintay pa sa kasagutan ng katanungang ibinato ko. Ano pa ba ang dapat kong
malaman? Ano ba talaga ang ibig sabihin niya sa hindi namatay ang ina ni Derek sa
cancer? llang sandaling pagmumuni-muni pa ay nakapagdesisyon na rin itong
magsalita.
Alright, I'm ready. No matter what it is, I'm ready. My mind is prepared at all
costs.
"Sarah De Guzman was brutally assassinated. She was killed by unknown men throwing
blades. Perhaps, the same people who attacked that night."
Holy cow. I'm getting my words back. I'm not prepared for this. It feels like my
mind has just been blown.
RIEDA'S POV
"Where did you go, by the way, young lady? You've been going out a lot for a
suspended secret agent, you know," Corvette asked as she opens the door of their
house's guest room. She's been asking me nonstop again to make me blurt everything.
Seriously, this woman's power is her mouth.
l, who wanted to evade more interrogations, switched the lights on and welcome
myself at home. Dali-dali pa rin naman siyang pumasok kasunod ko na tila ba ayaw
niya talaga akong tigilan hangga't nakukuha niya ang mga sagot na kailangan niya.
Nakakahalata na talaga ako. "Did Master
Phoenix ask you to watch over me?"
Wala pa sa isang segundong napatigil ako sa paglalakad at ganoon din siya. Hindi
naman kaagad ito kumibo kung kaya't naglakas 100b na akong harapin siya. Alam kong
matanong sa maraming bagay si Corvette pero sa pagkakakilala ko sa kanya ay
hinding-hindi siya manghihimasok sa buhay ng may buhay.
Pabagsak namang mga balikat at mukha niya akong tiningnan. "Sige na, suko na ako.
Mark asked to look out for you. Master Phoenix, on the other hand, seems
uncomfortable condemning you like that. After all, he knows you best. He
knows how hardworking and how passionate you are with your work."
"Tsk. If he thinks that way, he should've considered my own reasons," and I shifted
my attention to my bed-to-be tonight. Better start fixing the wrinkles and stuff so
that I can rest early. I should just think of this suspension as a vacation.
A week without doing any report. A week without Mark's scolding. A week without
house chores. Oh, come on, Rieda. You're lying if you say you don 't miss these
things...
"Are you really sure that I'm safe here?" I asked as soon as I get my a*s to touch
the comfortable and fluffy bed. Looks like I will be having a nice and pampering
vacation, huh. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
Corvette is living with her mother and younger brother. Their father is a seaman so
obviously, his absence is not that much for a question while his brother studies
architecture and is usually residing inside his room. But what I like about their
family is that every one of them knows Corvette's background as a secret agent
working under the Phoenix Organization. I don't know how she did it but the fact
that she was able to open that up to her relatives is great and something that I
couldn't probably do in the future.
Jeez. Why am I counting all the stumbling blocks of being an agent now that I am
suspended?
"You've stayed here before so of course, you are. At dahil mukhang wala ka talagang
balak na sabihin sa akin, mauuna na akong magpahinga sa'yo. Kapag may kailangan ka,
tawagin mo lang ako ah?" she surrendered and I just waved my hand as a response to
her before she set her feet to leave the room.
Sa isang iglap lang, ang tunog na ng pagkakasarado ng pinto ang pumarinig sa buong
kwarto. Heto na naman. Tahimik, hindi makabasag pinggan, at tanging paghinga ko
lang ang pawang naririnig 1<0. Walang bintana ang silid na ito at wala ring librong
maaari kong mabasa. Hindi ko naman gusto manood ng telebisyon sa oras na ito.
It's already ten in the evening for Pete's sake. What crap would I watch at this
time?
That news about them again? Nah. Seeing them finally getting into their feet slowly
and slowly only woke my wicked past that I never wanted to remember again.
When I was about to lose my sanity doing nothing and hearing nothing but my breath,
a miracle happened and someone made my phone rang. Napatayo naman ako kaagad upang
kunin ito mula sa bag ko na ipinatong ko sa couch
kaninang pagkapasok ko rito.
When I checked who the caller is, my brows furrowed in instant. Seems urgent.
"Hello, Fiery. What's the matter? It's almost midnight," I mentioned. Calling me
around this time of the night feels like it requires much attention.
["Good evening, Ishtar. I heard from Isis.
How are you?"]
I almost roll my eyes over her question. "Fiery, there's nothing you should concern
about when it comes to me. Now, spill the beans. Why did you call?" Wala naman
sigurong nangyaring masama, hindi ba? Pinilit ko munang isantabi ang kakaibang
pangamba na nagsisimula na namang mamuo sa 100b ko.
Ngayong may posibilidad na sila nga marahil ang naghahanap sa akin nitong mga
nakaraang linggo, sigurado akong hindl malayong madamay si Derek sa mga plano nila
sa akin. Mas [along hindi ko maituturing na bakasyon ang isang linggong suspensyon
na ito lalo na r t alam kong kahit anong oras ay pwede silang kumilos laban sa
organisasyon, laban sa mga kaibigan ko, laban sa akin, at higit sa lahat, laban kay
Derek.
["Impatient as ever. Anyway, let's get in to the real subject here. The reason I
called you is about the inspection performed earlier."] Estrelle reported, almost
hesitatingly.
"Inspection? What inspection?" Ano ba ang sinasabi nitong si Estrelle? Anong
inspeksyon ang tinutukoy niya? Parang wala naman yatang nabanggit si Monique
tungkol dito kahapon ah.
They didn't call me for a whole day and now, this?
Mabigat na paghinga ang unang naging tugon sa akin ni Estrelle. Na siyang mas
ikinakunot ng noo ko. Don 't tell me it's that kind ofinspection...
["We weren't able to call you for a day due to an inspection. And I guess, we have
to tell you this. Cerberus encountered an unusual incident last time and their
opponents were killed by a mysterious group armed with killer blades. They left a
note which urged Derek to perform an inspection to every member's household.
"What the fu—" I almost curse on the line. s* *t. The fear that I tried hard to
stop on creeping the hell out of me is slowly eating me whole.
Derek... Derek, how is he?
I was about to ask when the person on the other line provided me the answer. An
answer which somehow calmed me for a moment.
["Derek's fine. No one's hurt among Cerberus. But you? I guess not."]
"What do you mean, Fiery? What is written on that damn note by the way?"
["You told Isis to submit a report for you, didn't you? It's related to that. I
think they're really hunting you down. The note says 'give Ishtar to us'. Do you
know what's more alarming?
Derek is coming to get you."]
With that, I lost my grip on my phone. No... They're really hunting me down. I
thought... | thought they were all gone! I thought I have eradicated all of them!
It's been so long. How could this happen now that I have no such ways to execute a
full-length operation. I don't have my weapons and gears with me. I might have my
own stuff but they'll not be enough.
If they survived and were gathering new forces all these years, that means they
might have collected more than enough resources.
Ammunitions, manpower, firearms, connections.
Oh god.
["Ishtar? Ishtar? Are you still there?"]
Napansin ko naman agad ang nananatili pa ring boses ni Estrelle sa kabilang linya
kung kaya lt agad-agad ko itong dinampot upang muling makausap. "Y-Yes, speaking.
H-How did the inspection go?" halos garalgal kong sagot. Pull yourself altogether,
Rieda. You'll get through with this. You'll eventually get through with this!
["We had cooperated with Martin like what you told us to do. Good thing, we have
someone we can trust in this. The report has been sent to the executives so sooner
or later, Master Phoenix will give his orders."]
Sa pananalita pa lamang niya, ramdam ko ang kakaibang pag-aalala. Hindi lang ako
ang damay sa pagsulpot muli ng mga taong iyon. Damay ang buong ahensya. Ang bawat
miyembro nito. At natatakot ako na may mga buhay na pwedeng makitil kung hindi ako
o ang ahensya agad makakakilos.
Sana lang makapagbaba na agad ng utos si Master. Ang pinakamalalang sinaryo na
maaaring mangyari sa oras na hindi sila mapigilan ay pagpatay pa nila sa maraming
inosente at pagsisimula ng kung anu-anong kaguluhan sa lipun an. Ang mga
napapamalita ngayon... Alam kong sila ang nasa likod ng mga iyon.
"Alright. Thankyou for informing me. I'll be hearing from the two ofyou tomorrow."
["We'll take care of him so, take care of yourself too. Good night, Rieda."] and
she hung up.
Halos manginig ang mga kamay ko nang matapos na ang tawag. Kasabay ng bugso ng
pangamba, naroroon ang pag-ingay muli ng mga boses na matagal ko nang hindi
napakikinggan. Mga boses na halos ikabaliw ko noong araw-araw ko silang naririnig.
Mga boses na ayaw akong tigilan. Naririto na naman sila. Para ipaalala sa akin...
"H-Huwag m-mo kong iwan! P-Pakiusap!"
"Tulungan mo ko! "
"Huwag niyo kaming iwan!A-Ayaw pa naming mamatay!"
"A-Ang b-baby 1<0! R-Rieda.,. Pakiusap!"
"H-Huwag kang umalis! H-Huwag m-mo kaming talikuran! M-Mga kasamahan mo kami, h-
hindi ba?! R-Rieda! H-Huwag mo kaming iwanan!"
Mabilis na pinantakip ko ang mga kamay ko sa magkabilang tainga ko. Hindi! Hindi!
Tama na! My legs curled as fear continues to reach every inch of my skin. | don 't
want to hear them! I don 't want to hear them anymore! Please! Don t! Don 't call
me! Don 't call my name! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! / didn 't mean to! I have to!
"Tama na! Ahhhhhhhh! Ayoko na! Please! Stop! Ahhhhhh! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"Rieda! Rieda! Rieda, oh my god! Are you alri
At doon ay nauntag na lang ako. "Vet?"
Abang niyakap ako ni Corvette nang pagkahigpit-higpit. Parang noong mga araw din na
iyon. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ipaikot ang mga braso ko sa kanya ay darnhin ang
proteksyon at init na dala ngyakap niya.
Hinayaan kong urnagos ang mga luhang kanina pa nagbabadya. Hinayaan kongsa
pangalawang pagkakataon ay makita ng iba ang kahinaan ko.
In the end, am | still really thatyounggirl?
"Hindi ako makatulog simula nang iwanan kita. Nagulat na lang ako nang magsisisigaw
ka. Diyos ko PO. Ano bang nangyari sa iyo, Rieda? Ha? Bakit ka lubhang namumutla?"
tanong niya ngunit wala ni isang salita akong maisagot. Walang lumabas sa bibig ko
maliban sa hikbi at ngawa ko.
Alam kong wala ring magawa si Corvette. Tanging ang kamay niyang paulit-ulit na
hinaplos ang buhok ko ang siyang naging tugon niya sa mga hindi ko pagsagot.
Hanggang ngayon, bakit hindi ko pa rin makalimutan? Bakit? Pilit kong binaon ang
mukha ko sa mga balikat ni Vet na tila ba wala ng bukas. Gusto kong magsumbong at
mas lalo pang ngumawa ngunit hindi maatim ng sarili kong boses ang sinisigaw ng mga
tinig na iyon.
Hindi ko pa rin magawang maiwanan ang sakit, dalamhati, at pagsisisi ko sa mismong
araw na iyon. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ang manahimik tulad ng utos sa akin.
Wala akong mapagsabihan. Sa sarili ko sinasamo pero nabibingi ko lang ang sarili
kong mga tainga. Sa bawat pagtingin ko sa mga kamay ko, nakikita ko na naman ang
dugong burnalot sa mga ito noon. Sa bawat kulay puting nasisilayan ko, naaalala ko
ang hindi mabilang na mga kumot na tumaklob sa napakaraming bangkay ng mga ahente.
At naroroon ako. Nakatayo. Tahimik na
urniiyak sa isangtabi. Nanonood kung paano iyakan ng maraming pamilya ang bawat
mahal nila sa buhay na namatay. At ako, wala akong nagawa. Wala akong nagawa para
matulungan ang kahit na isa sa kanila. Hindi ko na alam...
Hindi ko na alam..
Tulong...
Pakiusap...

Chapter 18: Objectives

DEREK'S POV
"How's the project doing, son?"
Nag-angat kaagad ako ng Lilo mula sa mga binabasa kong papeles nang marinig ko ang
boses ni Papa. Napapadalang na rin kasi ang bisita niya rito sa kumpanya dahil
panay sa labas ng bansa angtungo niya para asikasuhin ang ilan pang parte ng
negosyo. I admit, I miss his presence in the house. "Dad! You came! Sorry, I wasn't
able to notice you earlier."
"Hahaha! Looks like you're enjoying your job here," he commented as he eventually
prompts for an embrace. Just like before, it was warm and full of longing. Every
second is a bliss, holding one of your loved ones.
Napatingin naman ako sa gabundok na mga gawain nakapatong sa mesa 1<0. I can't
blame him though. "l guess it's a milestone that I have to pass through if I want
to be the next president, isn't it?" I don't want to show him that I am struggling
to cope with the years I've been gone and searching for myself. I wanted him to
see that there is a competent Romuel De Guzman living inside me and so, I would
never disappoint him again.
My father chuckled as if what I said is the funniest joke on Earth. "My son is a
grown-up now. I'm sure your mother will be so proud of you if she were here. You
don't know glad I am to see you develop more and more every day," he said and he
reaches for my head to pat on it.
I can't keep my smiles. My dad giving me compliments is a great reward for my hard
work that no one can replace. And mom... Yes, I know she is smiling wide at us
right now, Dad. But know she will be even more delighted once I caught the culprit
who killed her. And that will happen sooner or later once I found Ishtar.
Sei il mio diamante, mother.
"Oh, by the way, son. Are you doing fine?
Without Jenny, I mean?"
"l was able to manage somehow. Jenny's unreplaceable," I told him, setting my
previous thoughts aside.
Mag-iisang linggo na nga palang walang balita tungkol kay Jenny. Ni pangangamusta
wala rin akong natanggap mula sa kanya. Ano na kayang nangyari sa babaeng iyon? She
came back to their province to take care of her grandparents despite the fact that
she can't take care of her own self on every single thing in the mansion. Will she
be alright? Jeez, heaven knows.
"Aw, looks like you've come to like her after all. Noong unang pasok niya sa atin,
lagi mo
siyang iniiwasan,ll pag-aalala ni Papa sa mga pakikitungo ko kay Jenny noong mga
unang araw niya.
Umiiling naman akong nakangiti sa paggunita niya rito. "Jenny's quite annoying but
you know... She has her own charms, I must say," turan ko. At first, I don't have
even a single intention to get involved with her after realizing how clumsy she is
but when I was able to know her better? She is not that bad.
As Dad continues to reminisce the time we had with Jenny's humorous performance on
entertaining us, I sense someone's pair of eyes aiming at us. And I don't have to
deny, it was owned by my own enemy in this sector. Isn't it nice? What's nicer is
that he's my cousin, Nigel.
As much as I could, I tried to ignore those stares. I never really wanted to enter
a competition with him. I mean, he's still a blood relative. But if he still
insists on going that far, of course, I'll be giving him a good game. "Dad, your
secretary mentioned a while ago that you have something work in Japan? Aren't you
late yet or something?" and I referred to my watchmaking him do what I did.
He almost gasps when he realized the time. "Crap. Thanks, son. I really need to go
right now. I'll see you soon! Bye!" and just like he always does, he kissed me on
my forehead. After that, he left the general working room hurriedly.
Kahit kailan talaga si Papa. Nagiging makalimutin na siya, tsk.
Napabuntong-hininga naman ako at sadyang napagawi ang tingin ko sa kinalulugaran ni
Nigel kani-kanina lang. Gayunpaman, wala na siya roon. Ang tanging naabutan ng
tingin ko ay ang isang tasa ng kape na urnuusok pa. Halatang bagongtimpla ngunit
iniwanan lamang. Where did Nigel go?
Natanggal naman ang atensyon ko sa paghahanap sa pinsan ko nangtumunog ang telepono
ko. Tunog na siyang senyales ng isang mensahe. And I hope it is from Glen. I am
waiting for his report about his research regarding the existing agencies
unaffiliated with the government since the day he started. If Ishtar is indeed a
codename, and most likely that person is an agent, one of those agencies is
probably Ishtar's employer.
Nanginginig na mga daliring binuksan ko ang mensahe mula sa telepono ngunit nawala
ang lahat ng pananabik ko nang pagkabigo lamang ang ipinamalita nito. According to
him, filtering information about agencies is a way too big of a work. Karamihan daw
sa mga natingnan niya na ay mukhang malabong magkaroon ng koneksyon sa iba pang
grupo samantalang hindi pa niya nasusugid ang ilan pang natitira.
Aish. I'm getting impatient! Sa bawat oras na lumilipas, hindi ko maiwasan isipin
na kaya nila kitilin ang buhay ng kahit na Sino. Mapa-ako! At hindi pa ako pwede
mamatay hangga't hindi ko pa napaghihinganti si Mama. Hindi ako papayag na maunahan
pa nila akong muli. And in order to attain that, I have to get that Ishtar on to my
hands.
Kahit na gumamit pa ako ng pwersa, gagawin ko. Ang mahalaga ay mapasaakin ang taong
iyon at siya ang maging kapalit ng mas pagkakaugnay ko pa sa mga taong may malaking
atraso sa pagkamatay ni Mama.
RIEDA'S POV
Filled and surrounded by nostalgia, I dared to visit this place again. The very
place where my family was tragically taken away from me by a massive fire. I am
standing in the exact point where I am standing on that very day, watching our
house and every one of them being swallowed by unstoppable flames. The memories are
as fresh as yesterday's.
Kung gaano halos kakalma ang mga kamag-anak namin habang pinapanood na unti-unting
kunin mula sa akin ang pamilya ko. Kung gaano sinasaksak ang puso ko nang hindi pa
rin ang mga katawan ng mga magulang ko ang
inilalabas mula sa bahay. Kung gaano ako halos walang kamuwang-muwang sa mga
nagaganap sa paligid 1<0.
At higit sa lahat, kung gaano ako kawalang silbi dahil wala akong magawa kung hindi
ang umiyak at magmakaawa sa mga tao na iligtas nila ang mga magulang 1<0.
Ang maitim na usok na inilagan ng lahat. Ang init na nantataboy sa sinumang nais
magtangka. Lahat ng iyon, sariwa pa sa isipan 1<0.
Napapikit na lang ako habang tila nag-oorkestra na namang muli ang mga eksenang
iyon sa harapan ko. "Ma, Pa, nakikita niyo ba ako ngayon? Nandito na ako. Nakauwi
na ako. Nakabalik na ako. Sorry po kung natagalan bago nagawang bumisita ulit dito.
Magkahalong masasakit at masasayang alaala po kasi ang nakabaon dito 'e," ani
habang pinipigilan ang mga luhang nagbabadya.
Humugot ako ng hininga at muli kong sinulyapan ang kapaligiran ko. Tahimik, walang
dumadaang sasakyan, malakas at malamig na hangin, at medyo mas malalaki na ang
pagitan ng bawat kasunod na mga bahay. Nagkalat din ang mga puno at damong
napabayaan sa paglipas ng panahon. Mukhang ang bakas ng nangyari halos labing apat
na taon na ang nakakalipas na lang ang hindi nagbabago rito.
It definitely looks like an abandoned site.
No, more like ruins.
"Hija"
Natawag naman ang pansin ko ng isang matandang babae na may dala-dalang basket ng
balot at ilang plastik ng chicharon. May nagbebenta pa pala sa banda rito? Sa
kabila ng pagkasurpresa ay nginitian ko ito at magalang na tinanong kasabay ng
pagsabit ko sa ilang hibla ng buhok ko sa may tainga 1<0. "Bakit PO?"
"Ah 'e, nakakapanibago kasi na makakita ng isang magandang binibini dito sa harap
ng nasunog na pamamahay ng mga Fernandez," sagot nito kasama ng pagsilay ng ngiti
nito sa akin.
Mukhang alam niya ang nangyari rito ah. Wala akong naiimik maliban sa isang
malungkot na ngiti. Hindi ko na nais pa na halungkatin ang mga nangyari sa
nakaraan. Nagpunta lang naman talaga ako dito para maisariwa sa isip at puso ko ang
rason kung bakit pa ako nabubuhay. Kung bakit pa ako lumalaban at kung bakit ko
sinimulan ang pagiging agent.
Naging mabilis ang mga araw ng suspensyon ko. At bukas, opisyal na akong
makakabalik sa bahay ng mga De Guzman. Napansin ko ang nagbabadya nang paglubog ng
araw. Hudyat na kailangan ko ng kumilos upang magtungo sa ahensya at nang sa gayon
ay mapa-activate ko ang lisensya ko sa tamang oras.
"Naalala ko tuloy, may dalawang lalaki na madalas na pumunta rito."
Agad na napabalik angtingin ko sa matanda. Dalawang lalaki? Sino pa ba ang ibang
pupunta dito maliban sa akin na naulila ng mga yumao? Kamag-anak? Imposible, walang
pakialam ang mga kamag-anakan namin sa amin. Ngunit kung ganoon nga, sino nga kaya
ang dalawang iyon?
" Dalawang lalaki ho?" tanong ko rito.
"Lagi ko silang nadadatnan na tinatanaw din ang lugar na ito na para bang
napakaraming alaala ang nakabaon dito. Nagtatagal pa nga sila ng mga ilang oras.
Ang nakakapagtaka ay ang babata pa ng kanila itsura. Ngunit sa pagkakaalam ko ay
wala namang anak na lalaki ang mag-asawang Fernandez," at tinuro pa nito ang lugar
na madalas na kinatatayuan ng dalawang lalaki sa bawat pagpunta ng mga ito.
Well, that's strange. I guess it's either a friend of our family or one of my
parents' colleagues. Whoever they are, I am thankful that they have a spare of
their time to remember my parents' memories.
"Ganun po ba. Sayang naman hindi ko sila naabutan. Ah! Manang, magkano po ba 'yang
balot niyo? Maggagabi na po ah, hindi pa po ba 'yan UbOS?" pag-iiba ko na lang ng
paksa.
Napatingin naman ang matanda sa basket

9/1 5
na dala niya. Itinaas niya ng kaunti ang puting tela at mga dyaryong nakapatong sa
ibabaw nito upang bilangin ang mga natitirang bilihin.
Matapos nun ay ibinalik niya na ito sa dating ayos at binalikan akong muli ng
nanghihinayang na ngiti. "00 nga eh. Marami rami pa ito. Mukhang kakailanganin ko
na naman maglako buong gabi para naman may maibigay akong baon sa apo 1<0."
Napayuko naman siya, halata ang pagkalungkot at hirap sa pagkayod sa araw-araw.
Ganyan na ganyan din ang hirap na naranasan ko noong mga panahong kalsada lang ang
tirahan ko. Walang katiyakan ang benta at ganoon na rin ang itatagal mo sa mundo
habang unti-unting kang pin apatay ng gutom, lamig, init, at sakit. Dinukot ko
naman ang perang mula sa bulsa ng pantalon ko. "Ito po 'o. Ipagpabukas niyo na lang
po ang pagtitinda. Delikado na po sa daan kapag gabi. Ipambili niyo po ito ng
masarap na pagkain para sa inyo ng apo niyo. Sige ho, mauna na po ako."
"Nako hija! Diyos 1<0! Maraming salamat! Hulog ka ng langit, anak!" at abang kinuha
pa nito ang kamay ko at hinalik-halikan ito habang nagpapasalamat nang walang tigil
Dinaluhan ko naman ito. "Wala pong anuman iyon. Sige na ho, mas mabuting umuwi na
po kayo hangga't may liwanag pa. Mahirap na at marami pong masasamang 100b sa daan.
Mag-ingat po kayo ha?" at puros pagtango ang ibinigay sa akin ng matanda.
Hindi ko alam pero kakaiba ang ligayang nadadala sa akin sa tuwing may natutulungan
ako. Siguro nga, nakasanayan ko na rin ang bagay na ito simula nang maging agent
ako. Kahit na ba ang pinakamotibo ko ay supilin ang mga taong nagdadala ng
kaguluhan, alam kong sa 100b ko ay masaya ako sa tuwing nakikita kong
ikinapapamuhay ng mga taong naililigtas ko ang buhay na naipagkait sa akin.
Walang humpay ang pagpapasalamat ng matanda kahit na ba sa pag-alis nito. Hinintay
kong mawala siya sa abot ng paningin ko bago ako tuluyang nilulan ng sasakyan ko.
Time check, 5:53pm. Not bad.
Binigyan ko pa muli ng hulingtingin ang lupang dating kinatatayuan ng bahay namin.
Pangako, Ma at Pa. Huhulihin ko angtaong may dahilan ng pagkamatay ninyo. Gabayan
niyo po ako. Pakiusap.
At pagkatapos ng hull* kong hiling na lyon ay pinaandar ko na ang sasakyan. Malayo-
layo pa naman ang lugar na ito sa ahensya at isa pa, trapik na ng ganitong oras.
Habang nagmamaneho ay naisipan kong tawagan si Estrelle kung may bago na bang
balita ukol sa pinapaasikaso ko nitong mga araw. Hindi naman
nagtagal at sinagot niya ito kaagad.
["Rieda, you called. What is it?"]
"SCCase1340" I stated. This is the case name and number given due to my recent
report about the news of killers who are in a consistent chase of influential
citizens' sons and daughters. Last time, the victims were children of bank
employees. The second target was the mayor's offspring. And the latest aim
yesterday were the relatives of Journ alists.
In addition, it is what they did during Cerberus' fight. So basically, I'm also one
of their targets. Aside from their unforgettable grudge towards me brought by my
past actions, I happen to be the sharpest thorn in their throats. That's why I have
to be careful.
["I've compiled everything on your desk, Agent Ishtar. Once your license has been
activated again, all that you asked for will be in there for you to analyze. Ifyou
have more questions on it, feel free to send me a mail. Right now, I guess I have
to say goodbye first. I have to follow Mr. Genius. Bye!"]
Seriously. She didn't even let me show my gratitude for helping me out. Hearing me
saying seems unimportant. Anyway, it's good to know that everything is ready. What
remains now is the plan formation for the operation of once again, eradicating
those pests. I will make sure that this time, they will no longer be able to
survive. They will be erased from this world once and for all.
I will make sure that I will no longer have to hear those voices again. Because I
will surely attain justice for their deaths. I will make sure that no more
civilian will be involved in this. They harmed hundreds before. I can't let them
cause tragedy to a greater number of people.
Nang makarating na ako sa highway ay doon ko lang napansin na tila may kumpol ng
mga sasakyan ang nakasunod sa akin. Nasa mga lima o anim ang itim na mga kotse. Mas
idinikit ko ang atensyon ko sa mga side mirror ng sasakyan ko. Hindi muna ako
gurnawa ng ibang aksyon upang maiwasan ko na mawala sila sa paningin ko. Heh,
pinadala ba nila kayo?
Fortunately, the traffic's condition is not as bad as I thought that is why I was
able to slip as I pushed the button attached on my steering wheel, enabling my
vehicle to change its license plate.
" Mukhang sinasamantala na nila ang mga natitirang oras ng suspensyon ko ah,"
komento ko nang makita kong ang isa sa mga kotse ay nagbaba ng bintana nila.
Masugid itong napatingin sa kaliwa't kanan at harapan at likod, naghahanap ng
sakaling bakas ko.
I tried to worn them out by going along the worsening traffic but they were so
persistent. No one is giving up on their position. If they are already trailing me
down starting a while ago, it means they have been observing me since I was on our
ruined house's location. Holys**t.
Pero kung papatagalin ko pa rito at sabihin na nating naubos ang pasensya nila,
maaaring mas marami pang tao ang madamay. Hinila ko ang bag ko na nasa passenger
seat at kinuha roon ang printed phone na ginamit ko noong araw na nasuspinde ako.
They might trace the call or the three-dimensional audience feature.
In the end, I chose to tap the feature of the printed phone which will send a
signal to the nearest Phoenix Organization secret agent and to the country branch
about my whereabouts. This is my last resort. I hope Mark will be able to receive
this despite my license still unactivated. After all, I registered the printing of
this phone before I could even find a use for it. Time check,
7:34pm.
Mga ilang minuto pa ang lumipas at napagdesisyunan kong kung sakaling may mahanap
akong ibang malulusutan na kalsada ay doon na ako tutungo. Hindi na baleng masundan
nila ako, ang mahalaga ay mailayo ko sila sa mga sibilyan.
Hindi naman nagtagal at nakahanap nga ako. At gaya ng inaasahan ay mabilis akong
napansin ng mga kanina pa sumusunod sa akin
nang ibalik ko sa dati ang plaka ngsasakyan na gamit ko. Niligaw ko lang sila nang
niligaw hanggang sa makaabot na kami sa dead end ng lugar.
Eventually, all five cars coped up with me and parked their cars surrounding mine.
guess, as time passes, they are actually thinking that they outwitted Ishtar. Bad
luck, they're wrong
Isa-isang nagsibabaan ang mga taong lulan ng mga sasakyan. Pawang may kanya-kanyang
dala ng gamit at mga b* * *l. "Come out, you bitch!" sigaw ng isang lalaki na
papalapit nang papalapit sa kotse ko base sa nakikita ko sa side mirror.
On the contrary to what I expected, the number of men they sent to hunt me down
tonight is only about ten. A little bit disappointing. Considering what I had done
to their clan before, do they really think ten men could actually stop and knock me
down?
Napangisi na lang ako sa ideyang iyon. Dinampot ko naman ang shades na itinabi ko
sa glove compartment at isinuot ito. It will be a pain in the a*s if I still wear
my signature disguise. After all, they already know me very well. Habang suot-suot
ito ay walang takot akong bum aba ng sasakyan ko at hinarap ang mga lalaking wala
pang alam kung paano makakaharap si kamatayan.
"Why don't we get this over with? Being followed around is not my cup of tea," I
said and that became their cue to tighten their grasp to their weapons and to
attack me. I'm sorry but getting my time wasted is also not my cup of tea.
And with that, I pulled the mini gas bomb from my jacket. "Sayonara. (Trans:
"Goodbye ) and the moment I threw it, I didn't bother to look at how they will
suffer from the smoke. Instead, have myself returned inside my car to revive it
and to maneuver it to leave the place as soon as possible.
There were loud gunshots as I leave the area but Death's summon for those men's
souls was louder.

Chapter 19: As Jenny

RIEDA'S POV
"Welcome back, Agent Ishtar!" as soon as the door automatically opened, every agent
has come to approach and to greet me as if I've been gone for a long time. I don't
have anything else to reply but a f* ** *d smile.
I just can't afford to give a genuine one right after I killed those men before I
have my way here. How could I face them with joy if ever since I encountered those
men, vengeance and loath have conquered my heart?
I went straight to the head office where one of Master Phoenix's secretary
recognized me and announced me to the microphone connected to the mysterious
billionaire's communicator. It didn't take a while before Mark opened the door for
me. "Killing ten men with a gas bomb before coming here. Crazy, isn't it?" But
that's not a gleeful statement, his face telling me how unbelievable my actions
were.
"It won't be as crazy as you think if those men actually slaughtered people like
us."
Mark knew it, My reports were given to him directly as an executive of the
intelligence department. He knows that that is not an understatement but an
alarming fact that can be repeated anytime now. He turned silent and that's my cue
to enter the room with him still standing on the doorstep.
Pagkapasok ko ay nakita ko ang mga nakasanayan ng mga speaker at microphone na
nakadikit sa buong kwarto. Isang linggo. Isang linggo ang tiniis ko para makausap
kang muli. " Rieda Fernandez, XLM-173 Agent Ishtar from the Special Duties
Department reporting, master." " It's nice to meet you here again, Rieda. You may
take your seat," the fam iliar voice from the speaker box said.
I did what he told me to do so. I went to the single couch to have a seat, facing
Mark who just arrived from the doorstep. Nagkatinginan kam nang matamnan ng
kaibigan ko. Walangsalitang sinasabi at wala ring mensaheng nais ipahiwatig.
Gayunpaman, siya ang naunang mag-iwas ng tin gin.
"Investigations had it that before you did the mission back then in Saudi Arabia,
Gray Luxwell has been associated with Blue Lance for quite some time. This might be
the reason why he was able to disseminate his men to search for you, Rieda."
Sabi na nga ba. "I've predicted that much, sir. What I am concerned right now is
Derek's safety. Alam niyo kung gaano ako kinamumuhian ng Blue Lance. Kayang-kaya
nila idamay ang kliyente ko," pagbanggit ko sa pangambang dulot ng pagsulpot ng
grupong ito. Grupong sa tingin ko ay kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ay paniguradong
papatayin ako nang ilang beses para lang makapaghiganti.
"That is why I asked Eros to call you. We have to lift your suspension as soon as
possible. We can't allow you to go out unarmed. You are their greatest target. You
are, Ishtar. I can I can 't afford to lose the last agent ofHenosis," Master said,
his voice slowly trailing off.
I know how difficult it has been. Master Phoenix is not just the mysterious
billionaire leading the Phoenix Organization. He also stands as the father of every
employee here. He taught us to be as strong as steel not to be successful but to
come back safely. He taught us everything he could teach not for us to be
formidable but to serve the agency's purpose. And therefore, he aches the most
whenever one of his children has been delivered as a cold corpse.
Henosis consisted of Phoenix
Organization's greatest thirty. And as of now, I'm the only one remaining who is
still alive. I might not be the only one who survived but 1 1 m the only one left
now to complete the unfinished mission years ago. To exterminate the Blue Lance
Syndicate.
Alang-alang sa lahat ng mga namatay kong kasamahan, tatapusin ko ang misyong dapat
noon pa natapos. Sisiguraduhin kong ihahatid ko ang mga ulo nila sa bawat libingan
ng mga taong kinitilan nila ng buhay.
" Read it to her now, Mark."
Tila lutang naman na nauntagsi Mark at nagkukumarag na kunin ang opisyal na
dokumentong makakapagpabalik na sa akin sa trabaho ko. Anong problema ni Mark?
Bakit parang kanina pa siya wala sa sarili niya? Bakit parang napakalayo ng
iniisip niya?
"1 apologize, master," paghingi ng paumanhin nito at saka turnikhim upang simulan
ng basahin ang dokumento. Mark, are you even alright?
"R-Rieda Fernandez, named as XLM-173 Agent Ishtar of Special Duties Department is
now officially spared from the one-week long suspension. Her license will be
activated as soon as she accepts the order. Objects that had been confiscated from
her possession will be returned as well. From this day forward, the agency is
expecting for thy absolute compliance and superior performance from you, Miss
Fernandez." Matapos niya itong basahin ay hindi ko na muling napansin pang
turningin si Mark sa akin. Para bang naiilang ito sa hindi ko malamang
dahilan. Upang maiwasan na pati ako ay mailang, sinilip ko muna ang lisensya ko
kung nagbalik na ito sa dating kulay nito. Nang makita kong activated na nga muli
ito ay balak ko kausapin si Mark nang mabilis itong tumayo at walang paa-paalam na
lumabas ng opisina.
"Mark looks so bothered by something, master," I commented. I'm not used to seeing
my best friend is like this. I didn [t say anything offensive back there, did l?
I can't take my eyes off from the door where Mark had gone out. Not until Master
Phoenix cleared his throat to call my attention back."Now that you have returned to
your duties officially, I hope you'll not commit the same mistake again," he
reminded.
And l, who no longer want to argue with the previous matter simply answered, "Yes,
sir."
I was about to swipe my DNA card to put my stuff back to my quarters when my phone
rings. Seriously. I was f d to work for hoursjust right after I came back and now,
it's not even dawn yet and someone has come to prevent me from taking a break.
Oh god, my bones are stiff. May I take another week of suspension?
At dahil mukhang walang balak na tumigil ng nasa kabilang linya sa pagtawag sa akin
ay napilitan na rin akongtingnan man lang kung sino ang determinado na Ito. "l
swear I'm gon— WOOd S?
I almost palmed my face due to my realization. How could forget that my connection
has been back to normal? Damn, of course, I'll be receiving Woods' messages and
calls now. However, why is he calling nonstop around this time of the day? They
should be sleeping by now... Wait. Could it be...
A familiar strike of uneasiness hit me. I immediately tap the 'accept' button and
lift my phone to my ear. "Hello?"
I was expecting a mass-long preach from him or a bunch of questions about what have
done for a whole week of not answering even his messages but when I first heard of
someone gasping for air like crazy, I started to panic. "Woods, are you alright?!"
I asked, dropping my thingsjust to use my hand to calm the fast heaving of my
chest.
["Thank God you answered Rieda! Oh my God! R-Rieda, Derek... Derek was rushed to
the hospital. H-He collapsed! I-I don't know what happened to him. Please come here
right now! He needs you!"]
Derek, I know you are unaware of it but you see... letting you become more attached
to my disguise means getting you into trouble as well.
Blue Lance keeps their progress every day and I fret that they might use you as an
instrument for their nonsensical retribution. Just when / decided to not grow
closer to you, youjust keep on giving me reasons to run to you.
"Send me the hospital's name. I'm coming. I'll text you the place where we could
meet," and ended the call the moment he responded that he
will.
Jeez. Hindi mo nga ako papatayin sa kunsumisyon pero papatayin mo ba ako sa pag-
aalala, Derek De Guzman?
Ibanalik ko na sa bulsa ngjacket ko ang telepono ko at dinampot ang mga nahulog
kong garnit nang tumunog muli ito. "Ano na naman—" Pero ako ang natigilan sa nakita
ko sa screen ng cellphone. July 25, Sarah De Guzman's death anniversary.
How could / forget?!
Hindi na ako nag-abala pa na pulutin lahat ng mga gamit 1<0. Tanging dinampot ko na
lang ay ang face mask at dali-dali na akong nagmadali papunta sa emergency exit ng
palapag. Nang makita ko na ang nagkikinangang mga railing ay maagap na akong
naghanda upang urnupo at magpadulas pababa sa mga ito. May nakakita sa aking isa sa
mga nag-iikot na empleyado ngunit hindi ko na siya pinansin pa dahil sa mga oras na
ito ngayon, mas kailangan ako ni Derek.

8/13
No, he doesn't need a Rieda Fernandez, the businesswoman and agent. He needs Jenny,
the clumsy and stupid maid.
Pagkarating ko sa may paradahan ng mga sasakyan ay agad kong nahanap ang motorsiklo
ko kung kaya't nagkukumarag akong lumapit dito at binuhay ang makina. Paalis na
sana ako nang may isang babaeng boses ang pumigil sa akin.
"You forgot to bringyour helmet, milady. Shall I produce one foryou? You don 't
want to visit the police station first before you reach Mr.
De Guzman, doyou?"
My guardian's wits made me shook my head in amusement. 1 1 m really glad that she
was given back to me now. "Let's see what you have, Vanna. Lever, ignition, form
gloves, and helmet," and as soon as the words were spoken, they were all tended
nicely and neatly. I can't help but grin knowing my guardian's presence with me.
Ipinagpapasalamat ko na wala pang trapik at iilan pa lang ang mga sasakyan nasa
kalsada. Malaya tuloy akong nakapagpatakbo ng lagpas sa speed limit. May iilan na
binusinahan ako pero madali ko namang napapalitan ang kulay ng darnit, garnit, at
motor ko sa dilim o hindi kaya'y ang palitan ang plaka ko sa tuwing nawawala ako sa
paningin nila. Nakaantabay naman ako kung sakaling may pulis trapiko akong
mamataan.
Once I arrived at the hospital lobby,
pulled a chip from my pocket. I turned its switch on and it formed into a
sunglasses which I wore immediately. According to Woods' text message, Derek's
confined to a room on the second floor and he'll be waiting for me at the fire
exit. As for me, I have to be conscious of all the personnel and cameras scattered
around the building.
"Subject identified He 'sjust behind the door, IshtaN'
Pagkabukas na pagkabukas ko ng pinto ay sinalubong kaagad ako ng malaking yakap ni
Martin na siyang hindi ko inaasahan. "Sa wakas! Nandito ka na rin!" Magsasalita pa
sana ako nang walang pasabing hinila niya ako at kinaladkad papasok sa isang hindi
kalayuan na kwarto na sa tingin ko ay kinaroroonan ng mahal na prinsepe.
Sinarang mabuti ni Martin kaagad ang pinto at saka ako halos ingudngod sa taong
nakaratay ngayon sa higaan. Mapayapa siyang natutulong ngunit may kapansin-pansing
kunot sa kanyang noo. Hindi rin nakaligtas sa obserbasyon ko ang pagkaputla,
pagpayat, at iilang pasa sa kanya. Holy cow. What did he do to himself?
" He's not eating very well since you've left. What nutrients could he get from
processed foods and fast food meals? The prince refused to eat other maids'
cooking. Even Young Masters, Glen and Niel had a hard time convincing him to eat.
He would rather work than eat a slice of an apple.
Stubbornness reached its limit. There he goes."
Napabuntong-hininga naman ako sa mga narinig ko. "Fatigue and stubbornness, I see."
" Not just that. He worked himself until he could barely reach his bed. He even
finished paperwork which was yet to be submitted! No one was able to stop him from
overworking. Derek has gone out a lot with his friends. I have no idea what they
are getting themselves busy with though," Martin added, sounding so concerned and
at the same time, burdened. Now that mention it, he's been serving this idiot even
before I came. Quite worthy ofpraise.
"Anong tinatawa-tawa mo?"
"Wala. Naisip ko lang kung ganito rin si Derek bago ako dumating." Hindi naman ito
ang unang beses na sumagi iyan sa isipan ko. llang taon siyang nangulila sa ina at
ito ang naging dahilan upang magrebelde siya at pumaibang land as. Hindi nalalayo
marahil ang sitwasyon niya noon sa ngayon.
"Much worse than what it is right now. So much worse," he corrected.
Yeah, and soon, I have to leave him. Paano ako aalis kung nakikita ko na ang
resulta ng isang linggong pagkawala 1<0? Paano pa kung pagkatapos ng kontrata l e
hindi mo na ako muling makikita pa? Paano kung hindi na muling magkrus ang landas
nating dalawa, Derek? Paano ka? Paano mo ipagpapatuloy ang buhay mo?
Hindi naman pwedeng (aging ganito.
Paano ka magiging pundasyon ng napakaraming tao kung hindi mo magawang patatagin
ang sarili mo mag-isa?
Kung alam ko lang na ganito ang gusto niya, hindi na ako nagpakahirap na
protektahan siya sa mga nagnanais na pumatay sa kanya. Luto ko lang daw ang
kakainin niya? Talagang pinaninindigan niya ah. Paano kung hainan namin siya ng mga
katulong ng pagkain at nilagyan ko ng lason ang putahe na iyon? Edi napahamak siya.
He is too attached to Jenny more than I expected. You really are surprising me
every time, Derek. But those surprises are giving me a hard time. Harder than the
previous ones. More heartbreaking than the first ones.
"Salamat, Rieda," biglang turan ni Martin.
Napalingon naman ako sa kanya nang marinig ko ito. "Para saan?"
Sumilay ang ngiti sa mukha nito at pawang nagtungo sa kabilang gilid ng kama ng
prinsepe. Sinuklay nito nangdahan-dahan ang buhok ng nahuli. Hinawakan niya ito na
para bang mga mamahaling sedang galing pa sa ibang bansa.
"Sa pananatili mo sa tabi niya. Alam ko na may kontrata. Na may hantungan din ang
lahat
ng ito at sa bandang huli ay maiiwan na namang mag-isa ang batang ito. Posibleng
maligaw siya. Posibleng mangulila na naman siya. Posibleng magkandapira-piraso na
naman siya. Pero nagpapasalamat ako na kahit papaano, hinahayaan mo siyang makabuo
ng memorya kasama ka," malumanay na pagpapaliwanag nito habang ang tingin ay
nananatili pa ring nakatuon sa lalaking napakalalim ng pagkakahimbing.
Awtomatikong napatungo sa mga binanggit niya. Karapat-dapat nga ba ako sa
pagpapasalamat niya? "l can't say you're welcome. I can't accept your gratitude if
I'm being paid for all of this. It just won't make sense," I replied.
Hindi na muling nagsalita pa si Martin. Samantalang hinayaan ko ang sarili ko na
lamunin ng konsensya ko. Hindi ko na pwede pang gawin ito kaya sasamantalahin ko na
ang pagkakataon. Kailangan kong patahimikin ang konsensya ko habang tumatagal. Nang
sa gayon, hindi rin ako mahirapan sa oras na dumating na ang araw na kailangan ng
matapos ang lahat ng ito.
So for now, I won't dare leave your side again. That is why you have to recover
soon. Ifyou really want to be with Jenny, then I'll give you the freedom to do so.
Bakit? Kasi hindi mo alam kung hanggang kailan na lang siya magtatagal sa tabi mo.
Baka maiwan ka na namang mag-isa. At alam ng Diyos na iyon ang huling bagay na
nanaisin kong mangyari. Pinipilit kong lumayo upang mabawasan ang pinsala na
maaaring kong idulot sa iyo pero heto ka at ginagawa ang lahat ng paraan para
pabalikin ako sa tabi mo.
Seriously. Stubbornness at its finest.
Derek De Guzman, you are making a Rieda Fernandez suffer.
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Chapter 20: Just Like Him
"Jenny, nakita mo ba si Sir Derek?" tanong sa akin ni Emma na isa sa mga katulong
din sa pamamahay ng mga De Guzman. Hapong-hapo ito at wala na sa ayos ang uniporme
niya. Kita ang pagnerbyos sa kanya samantalang tila ilang kilometro na ang naitakbo
nito.
Nailapag ko naman ang basahang ginagamit ko para punasan ang mga picture frames.
Mukhang mayginawa na namang kapilyuhan ang alaga ko ah. Ano naman ngayon ang
napakatalino niyang ideya para maisahan ang mga tao dito sa bahay? Magdadalawang
buwan pa lang ako rito pero pakiramdam ko ay lagpas isang taon na akong
naninilbihan dito, "Hindi, Emma. Bakit?" tanong ko.
Lumipad ang palad nito sa kanyang noo. "'E kasi naman. Angsabi niya ay mag-eensayo
langsiya maggitara sa kwarto niya at nagpaluto pa siya ng miryenda. Pagkabalik ko,
wala na siya. Bukas ang bintana Mukhang doon siya dumaan para makatakas," kwento
nito habang patuloy na lumilibot ang kanyang mga mata sa bawat sulok ng bahay,
Napansin ko na rin na nagsilabasan ang iba pang mga katulong at tauhan ng bahay.
Lahatsila
ay aligaga at hindi mapakali sa kanilang kinatatayuan. "Ngunit lagi naman niyang
ginagawa iyon. Mamaya-maya ay paniguradong babalik din iyon. Nasa probinsya ang mga
kaibigan niya ngayon, hindi ba?"
'Wako, Jenny. Kungganoon lang ay hindi na kami magpapagod na maghanap. Kaso sa
tingin ko ay magdadalawang oras na siyang nawawala May balita pa namang may malakas
na bagyo ngayon. Malapit na rin magdilim. "
Agad na napunta ang tingin ko sa longcase clock. 00 nga at ilang minuto na lang ay
mag-aalasais na. Kapansin-pansin na rin ang dilim sa labas Saan na naman ba
nagpunta si Derek? "Sinubukan niyo na bang tawagan siya?" tuon kong muli kay Emma
ngunit marahas lang ito na umiling
"Iniwan ni Sir Derek ang cellphone niya sa kwarto. " s* *t. What are you thinking,
young master? Don 't you know villains loiter more often at night than during the
day? What ifyou get yourselfinto trouble? An incident? I have to check his
coordinates to Vanna first, "Sige, maghahanap din aka Babalik lang muna ako sa
kwarto ko," paalam ko at abang tumango na lang ito.
The moment I opened my room 's door, powergushes towards all devices that / put in
here. My eyes caught on to the brewing weather
outside. This is bad. "Vanna, give me Client DDG's coordinates immediately."
"Downloading Client DDG's coordinates starting..."
I took my nerdy glasses offfirst before I finally sit in front of the large
monitor. Injust a matter ofseconds, Vanna's downloaded data was transferred to the
computer, enlarging the map, and zooming to the specific location of the young
master. "Foundyou."
Agad akong tumayo sa upuan at nag-ayos upang sunduin si Derek. Bahagyang kinapalan
ko ang kolorete sa mukha ko nangsa gayon ay hindi ito mapawi kung sakaling mabasa
ito ng papalakas na na Ulan. Hindi naman kalayuan ang kinaroroonan niya kaya
sasakay na lang ako sa isa sa mga pumapasadang mga tricycle diyan sa (abas ng
subdivision.
"Ishtar, it looks like Client DDG has been staying in that exact location for about
thirty minutes already, Before he settles there, he went to a cemetery. The
cemetery where his mother was buried," Vanna reported
Napatigil naman ako sa pag-aayos ko nang marinig ko iyon.
After all this time, he is still longing for his mother. But it has been years,
young master, You are not the only one who suffers everyday. There are way too many
people who are experiencing worse. You can't endure that pain by yourself forever.
You have to learn how to use it to stand again.
Dali-dali na akong kumilos at ni hindi na nga ako nakapagpaalam sa mga kasambahay o
hindi kaya kay Martin sa pagmamadali 1<0. Ibinaon ko ang isangpayong at wala na
akong sinayang pa na oras. Agad akong nakapara ng tricycle pagkalabas ko ng
subdivision. Hindi rin nagtagal ay nakarating na ako sa lumang parke kungsaan
natagpuan ni Vanna si Derek. Subalit, kasabay ng m abilis kong pagdating ay ang
mabibilis na pagbagsak ng mga malalaking patak ng Ulan.
This rain won 't stop any soon,
Bago pa man ako makapag-abot ng bayad ay napansin ko na ang likuran ng taong
hinahanap 1<0. "Itopo, manong,"atnang matanggap niya ang bayad ay mabilis na ring
umalis ang tsuper.
Hindi ko na ininda pa ang nagtatalsikang putik sa uniporme ko. Ang alam ko lang ay
agad na akong nakalapit sa kinauupuan ni Derek. Ano bang naisip mo at dito ka pa
nagmukmok sa isang lumang gusali malapit sa isang hindi na rin ginagamit na parke?
"Sir Derek?"
"Bakit ka nandito? Umalis ka na Uuwi rin ako kapag nagutom ako," utos niya nang
mapansin niya ang presensya /<0.
Nasa bukana siya nggusali at unti-unting nababasa ang damit niya Alam ba niya kung
gaano kahirap maglaba, magsampay, at mamalantsa? Palibhasa at laki sa luho.
Iniwasan ko na pairalin ang kamalditahan ko kaya huminga muna ako ng malalim,
Kahit papaano ay pinilit kong ngumiti. "Hindi pa po kayo kumakain ng tanghalian. Ni
hindi niyo rin hinintay ang miryendang hinanda ni Emma. Huwag niyongsabihin na
hindi rin kayo kakain ng hapunan," malumanay kong wika sa kanya pero hindi man lang
niya ako kinibo, Kaunting pasensya, Rieda. Pasensya.
Nangungulila iyan. Malungkot at mapag-isa.
Kumalma ka
"Sir Derek— "
"Pwede ba iwanan mo na lang ako?! Hindi kita kailangan! Hindi ko rin kailangan ng
awa mo. Umalis ka na! Uuwi ako kung kailan ko gusto!" pagalit at malakas na boses
nitong pagtataboy sa akin nang hindi man lang tumitingin sa akin mata sa mata.
Deep inside, my nerves are already pounding. My hands are itching to punch his face
and wake him up to reality. What a bastard. The more he pushes the people who care
for him away, the more he makes himselflook pitiful.
Pigilan mo, Rieda. Si Jenny ka sa mga oras na ita Si Jenny ka Huwag mong ipapakita
ang sunga—
"Sa tingin mo ba mapapawi iyang nararamdaman mo kapag pinatay mo angsarili mo
sagutom?" Hindi ko na talaga napigilan. Kinakainisan ko ang ganitong mga taong
masyadong nagpapalugmok sa sitwasyon nila, Napaangat naman siya ng Lilo at
napatingin sa akin nang may matapag na mukha.
Are you going to dare to fight against me?
"Sino ka ba ha? You are only one ofour maids! Don 't speak to me as ifyou know me
or as ifyou have the right to! Ifyou want to stay longer, better do what I toldyou
to do so. And my order is foryou to leave me alone!" sigaw nito na siya pumarinig
pa sa paligid. Mabuti na lang at walang katao-tao gawa na rin ngmalakas na Ulan.
Sinasagad nitong lalaking 'to ang pasensya 1<0. Kung pwede ko lang isampal sa mukha
mo kung sino ako at lahat ng napagdaanan ko, edi sana ay kanina ko pa 'yon ginawa.
You better be thankful that myjob weighs greater than my pride. However, my
patience is shorter than you think.
Pumasok muna ako sa gusali at bahagyang kinokompostura ang sarili ko. Pagkatapos
nun ay itinupi ko na ang payong ko at saka itinaas ito upang makakuha ng
magandalang buwelo. Itataas pa sana ni Derek ang Lilo niya mula sa pagkakadantay na
nakayupi rin niyang mga binti
nang saktong inihampas ko ang payong sa kanya.
"What the actual f**k are you— "
"Napakabugnutin at napakapa-espesyal mo, alam mo ba 'yon?! [kaw langba malungkotsa
mundo? Ikaw lang ba nagdudusa ha?! Bago ka mag-inarte diyan, ikaw kaya muna ang
mamulot ng basura sa kalsada, magbenta ngsampaguita, o kaya ikaw muna ang tumira sa
ilalim ng tulay nang mag-isa at walang makain araw-araw?l"
Mula sa mahimbing na pagkakatulog kanina ay naalimpungatan ako nang maramdaman kong
may sumagi sa kamay 1<0. Panaginip... Kahit na napansin ko na ay nagpanggap ako na
hindi pa gising. Nananatili pa rin akong nakaub-ob sa gilid ng hospital bed na
kinahihigaan niya. Medyo umuga pa nga ng kaunti marahil ay bumangon siya upang
makaupo ng maayos.
Isang buong araw ko rin siyang binantayan dito. Siyempre't nakapagpalit na rin ako
ng damit at heto ako, nagbabalik sa pagiging 'Jenny'.
laangat ko na sana ang ulo ko nang maramdaman ko ang init na nagmumula sa palad ng
kung Sino. Pero wala naman ng ibang tao rito maliban sa isa. Kay Derek. Ramdam ko
ang paghawi niya sa ilang hibla ng buhok ko na burnagsak na at humarang na sa mukha
ko. Hinimas himas niya rin ang mahaba kong buhok na nakaratay sa gilid ng kama
niya.
"You're finally here. Hindi mo talaga ako matiis, 'no? It's impossible for you to
leave me right? You won't leave me as my mother did, will you? You're not lying
when you told me I can believe in you, right? I can still see you every day,
right?" his voice weakening as he puts more emphasis on every question.
No. Anotherstrike again. Those questions are like sharp needles carefully piercing
my chest.
Questions that I cannot answer with words. Questions that I decline to respond to.
I cannot stay with you. I just can't. Me staying beside you will only kill you,
Derek De Guzman. And that might give the most recent heartache ever since my family
died. I don't want to feel that again. I would rather choose pain for leaving you
behind than grief of losing you forever.
Nang marinig ko ang ingay mula sa kakabukas na telebisyon ay doon lang ako
nagdesisyong umaktong naalimpungatan. Pineke ko ang paghikab at pagkusot ng mata.
Nagpanggap din ako na namumungay ang mata habang inaayos ang buhok ko na sa totoo
lang ay naiayos na niya. Nag-inat-inat din ako upang mas magmukhang makatotohanan
ang pag-arte ko sa harapan niya.
Binigyan niya naman ako ng nandidiring tingin. "Good thing you're awake already! I
wasn't
able to sleep well because I keep on hearing you snore! Tignan mo nga at baka
natuluan mo pa ng laway mo 'tong kama ko. Looks like I need to call someone to
change the sheets. Jeez," at umarte pa siya na akala mo ba ay naiinis siya dahil sa
pananatili at pagtulog ko rito sa tabi niya. Halos ingudngod pa nga niya sa
pagmumukha ko 'yung bed sheets para lang maipakita sa akin ang pagkadismaya niya.
Too bad, Derek. I'm a better actress. "Isa na nga siguro sa maituturing na
pinakamasasaklap na sunog na nangyari noon ay ang trahedyang nangyari sa isang
subdivision labing-apat na taon na ang nakalilipas. Makatatandaan natin na namatay
ang mag-asawang Fernandez at ang kanilang mga kasambahay sa sunog na ito."
Tila ba naging isa akong estatwa nang marinig ko ang kasalukuyang binabalita ng
newscaster. Nanginginig na mga kamay akong humanap ng mahahawakan para mailabas
kahit papaano ang namumuo na namang takot, lungkot, at galit na mayroon ako sa 100b
ko. Hindi pa rin nawawala sa mga tainga at memorya ko ang isiniwalat sa aking ng
kung sinumang tumawag sa akin noong nakaraang araw.
At hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapagtimpi habang naiisip ko na malaya pa
rin itong nakakapaglakad-lakad sa kung saan-saan.
"Ang pamilyang Fernandez ay naging kilala dahil sa kanilang mga matatagumpay na
negosyo na naipakalat nila sa buong Luzon. Ang ama rin ng tahanan na si Mikko
Fernandez ay naging tanyag dahil sa pagiging isa sa mga mahuhusay na imbentorsa
isang software company. Hanggang ngayon aysinasabing wala nang nakakaalam ngayon
kung nasaan na ang nag-iisa nilang anak na babae na naulila ng mag-asawa. Ayon sa
mga kamag-anak nito ay anim na taong gulang pa lamang ito nang mawala ang bata."
Hindi ko nagugustuhan ang binabalita na ito ngayon sa telebisyon. Hindi ko
nagugustuhan ang pag-agos na naman ng mga memorya. Bakit kailangan na naman nilang
halungkatin ang mga bagay na matagal nang tapos? Halos lagpas isang dekada na ang
sunog na iyon, ano pa ba ang kailangan nila? Bakit ngayon nila ikinikwento ang mga
Ito? Wala na ba silang ibang maibalita? Kung gusto nila ng maibabalita, kayang-kaya
ko naman silang bigyan nun.
"Six years old? Just what kind of relative would let the poor girl roam around the
streets? Didn't they search for her? Fourteen years. She should twenty by now. I
wonder how is she doing right now," nagtataka at naaawang sambit ni Derek habang
nakatutok pa rin sa balitang n aka-flash sa screen.
That poor girl you are asking of is beside you right now, Derek. I survived from
roaming around the streets. She's here, I am here.
"Ayon sa mga awtoridad ay may bagong progreso sa kaso na ito. Pinaghihinalaan na
hindi aksidente ang nangyari kung hindi may taong nanadyang sunugin ang buong bahay
ng nasabing mag-anak. Kasalukuyang iniisa-isa muli ng mga pulis ang bawat nangyari
upang bigyan ng maayos na kasaraduhan na ang kasong ito."
Seryoso ba ang mga taong ito? Paanong pagkatapos ng labing-apat na taon ay biglaang
nabuksan ang kasong matagal na nilang nakalimutan? Paanong nailantad na naman ito
sa ilaw?
'Yung lalaking turnawag sa akin.
Pinaglalaruan ba niya ako? Ito na ba ang sinasabi niyang ako hindi niya ako
tatantanan kahit saan man ako mapadpad?
Sa sobrang pag-agos ng darndamin at alaala ay hindi ko na kinaya at turnayo na ako
mula sa kinauupuan 1<0. Sa pagtungo ko ay bumagsak ang kanina ly inayos kong mga
mahahabang hibla ng buhok ko sa mukha 1<0. Mas mabuti na ito kaysa makita niya ako
na ganito.
Pagdating sa nakaraan ko, lagi akong mahina. Totoo nga siguro 'yung sinasabi nila
na kahit gaano ka pa kagaling at kalakas ay mayroon at mayroon ka pa ring magiging
kahinaan.
Ayokong makisali ang kahinaan na ito sa trabaho. Pero mas [along ayokong ipakita
ang kahinaan ko sa taong pinapalakas ko ang 100b. Kaya naman dapat kong iiwas ang
mukhang ito na ngayon ay malapit nang daanan ng ilang patak ng luha.
"Sir Derek, ikukuha ko po muna kayo ng pagkain. Tatawagin ko rin po muna si Martin
para siya na po muna ang mag-asikaso sa inyo." Pinilit ko na huwag pumiyok. Pinilit
ko na huwag maggaralgal ang boses ko.
"Ah, 'e sige. Ipagluto mo na lang ako. Hihintayin kita," tugon niya sa akin. Tugon
na hindi ko na nasundan pa ng isang huling tugon.
I was grateful that I was able to go out as soon as possible. I didn't forget to
bow to him first before I literally stormed out. I tried to close the door with my
shaking hand as calm as I could. I attempted to walk with my trembling legs as
fairly as I could. The pain. It's here again. / can 't breathe well again.
Sinubukan kong humingi ng tulong sa kalapit na pader para mapanatili ko ang balanse
ko. Pero kalaunan ay hindi na rin kinaya ng natitira kong lakas at tuluyan na akong
napaupo sa malamig na sahig ng ospital na ito.
Marahas kong tinanggal ang salamin na suot ko na siyang para sa disguise ko at
abang naitapon ko na lang ito sa tabi. Wala na. Ito na naman. Tumutulo na naman
sila. Kinuha ko nang bara-bara ang panyong nasa bulsa ko at ipinampunas sa buong
mukha ko. Ano bang klaseng mukha 'to?
I'm such a mess! I'm a f* *** *g incompetent and emotional little girl! In the end,
I'm just like Derek who is being as stubborn as he could to shove away everything
that might possibly hurt himself
B FAKING
GEMEÑT

Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
C)
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of illusions. After the death of her fam

Chapter 21: Problems and Checks

"Anong himala naman kaya ang nakapagpapunta sa presidente na bisitahin ang kumpanya
niya?" bungad sa akin ni Mark pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa opisina 1<0.
Looks like he's back to his usual mood. Guess last time's a wrong one. "Just like
what you said, I'm the president. I can come to the company whenever I want to," I
told him as I put my stuff on the couch. When I finally claim my swivel chair and
my desk, I noticed how concentrated my friend is to his tapping session.
Jeez. Wala na ba talaga siyang magawang iba sa buhay niya? Kung hindi abala sa
laboratoryo ng ahensya, makikita mo naman siyang hindi maistorbo sa pagtipa sa
laptop niya. Hindi na ba talaga matatapos iyang mga sinusuri niyang softwares?
Bahala nga siya.
Makapagtrabaho na nga lang.
"Derek's been rushed to the hospital. Why are you here, Ms. Jenny Rosario?" he
asked, just right after I picked a white folder containing this month's sales
reports. Ooh, nicely done. They were able to submit before the deadline.
I pulled the drawer closest to me and found my fountain pen. Time to sign nonstop
again. " Martin's there. He'll take care of him while I'm gone. Anyway, why are you
in a bad mood last time? I even thought I offended you or something," I mentioned
and I simply glance at him only to find him looking at me as well. What great
timing, I thought as both of us form a smile to each other.
I'm his best friend so there's no way he's gonna hide something from me. Whether if
it's about him or not, he must tell me about it. We promised not to hide anything.
He boyishly returned his attention to his computer and I was left again smiling at
a back which is bigger than mine. "Are you hiding something, Eros?"
"Pfft. You've only been gone by one week and now, you sound like a suspicious
girlfriend, Rieda," he said, still looking at the f g laptop of his. Why can't he
just look at me for a minute? Does looking at me a pain in the a*s or is it really
hard like a good damn board exam?
You're testing my patience even though you know it can be easily accumulated. "Hey,
you know something about PSS silent pistol?" I asked, silently pulling another
drawer which contains the real PSS silent pistol that I am talking about. If he
can't look at me, then I'll make him.
"The PSS was developed to give Soviet special forces and secret police from the
1980s an
almost completely silent option for covert operations such as reconnaissance and
assassinations. Why do you ask?" he answered smartly. Oh, don 't talk to me as
ifyou are lecturing to a college class, Mark
I came here not solely because I wanted to function as the head of this company but
because I also wanted to consult him something. And here he is, having an
unbreakable connection with the computer that he has been holding for almost
twenty-four, seven. When he is still ignoring the silence I allowed to slip in,
that has been my sign al to fi re.
"What the hell—! Rieda, what do you think you are doing?!" he exclaimed standing,
unbelievably looking at his laptop which is now scattered as numerous pieces on the
floor. The pieces were as good as junk.
Nangtumuon naman siya sa akin ay mapang-asar akong urnakma na tila hinipan ang
nguso ng b* * *l sa kamay ko. Abang napahilamos naman siya nang bigyangtingin muli
ang sira-sira niya nang gamit. "Ngayon, nasa akin na ba ang atensyon mo?"
Nagtagisan kami ng tingin pero sa hull' ay siya naman ang sumuko at pawang lumapit
upang urnupo sa upuang nasa harapan ngdesk 1<0. "Yes, Madame President. I'm here
now. I' ll
listen to whatever you're gonna tell me," he said, almost gritting his teeth. Oh,
you know that you can't stand against me.
Sa wakas ay komportable ko nang naisandal ang likod ko at ibinalik ko na rin ang
pistol sa drawer. Dinampot kong muli ang boligrapo at tinuloy ang pagpirma sa mga
mahahalagang dokumento habang prenteng nakatulala langsa kawalan angtaong nasa
harapan ko.
I betterget into the real business here.
Tumigil ako sa pagbabasa ng mga papeles at ibinaba ko ang boligrapong hawak ko.
Turnayo muna ako sandali at kinuha sa shoulder bag ko ang mga kakailanganin kong
ibigay kay Mark para sa mga ipapasuyo kong gawain. Una kong inilapag ay ang
kumpletong detalye ng mansyong binili ko noon pa man.
"What will I do with this? This is your house, right?" Mark questioned, raising his
brows as he picks up the papers. Though curious, he still makes himself review the
things written on it.
Sumandal naman ako sa mesa ko at ipinangsangkalan ang isang kamay ko sa ibabaw
nito. "Gusto kong tumira ka muna diyan hangga't hindi ko sinasabing umalis ka,"
panimula ko. Mabilis na napaangat ang ulo niya sa akin at mas lalong nagbubunga ng
mga katanungan ang mukha niya para sa akin.
"Since we have confirmed Blue Lance Syndicate's survival from the extermination
years ago, we don't have any clue right now as to when they will act and to when
they will attack. Mark, I'm worried about Derek's safety. If there will one good
hideout that I can think of, it will be my house in that town."
" But what if the syndicated had investigated about all the properties under your
name? What if they had been waiting for you to come to those places just so they
can shot you
"That house is different. It was not in used for years. Nang medyo nagkakaroon na
ako ng ideya tungkol sa grupo, naghanap ako ng mga taong titira muna roon nang
panandalian," I explained.
Halos marahas namang napatayo si Mark sa upuan niya. "What? You made other people
live there? What do you think of those people? Bait?" hindi makapaniwalang wika
niya sa akin.
"Do you really think I'll let those people die? Of course, I put a set of
precautionary measures before they moved. I'm thinking of bringing you and the
other agents there next week," paglalahad ko ng plano ko sa kanya. "Other agents?"
Napabuntong-hininga naman ako at
napaalis sa pwesto ko. Bumalik ako sa upuan ko at urnupo upang ilapag ang isa pang
bagay na kukumpleto sa planong inihanda ko para sa kung sakali mang urnatake ang
mga kalaban, masisigurado ko na ligtas ang alaga 1<0. "Nakausap ko na ang mga
agents na nakalista riyan. I made them sign non-disclosure agreements and so will
you to keep the secrecy of the plan's contents. They will be moving with you along
with my vehicles from Japan. Those agents will serve as reinforcements."
Itinaas ni Mark ang tsekeng kasama ng makapal na sobreng naglalaman ng mga
kontratang pinirmahan ng mga agent na kinuha ko mula rin sa ahensya. "Sa tingin ko
sobra-sobra ang ten million pesos para sa mga iyon. At saan mo ba nahukot ang
ganitong kalaki ng pera? Ninakaw mo ba ito o binenta mo na ang kidney mo?"
sasagutin ko na sana siya nang matino nang umabot pa sa pandinig ko ang nahuling
tanong niya.
Kung siya naman kaya ang patamaan ko at pagpira-pirasuhin ko gamit ang pistol ko?
Abang bubuksan ko na sanang muli ang drawer na nagtatago sa b* * *l ko nang
aligagang pinigilan ako ni Mark at nagmatang-aso pa ang loko. "Ito naman, hindi
mabiro. Siyempre alam kong malalaki ang binibigay sa'yong pera ng mga kliyente mo.
Lalo na at lagpas isang dekada ka
nang nagtatrabaho sa organisasyon. Isama pa ang kumpanya ito,ll at unti-unti niyang
ninakaw ang kamay ko upang ipatong muli sa ibabaw ng mesa, malayo sa b***l.
"Mark, listen to me. I want you to shut media's mouths by a portion of that money.
If I have to pay for those policemen's silence, then I will. I don't want anyone
barging into my own personal business. Buy all the supplies needed for the house.
Decorate it if you want, I don't care. One more thing, process the final payment to
Mr. Spade William Vantress for all the firearms that I have ordered. He's my
friend's husband so you'll be fine." guess he's satisfied now, now that have
broken down all the expenses which will be covered by ten million pesos.
Napasandal na langsi Mark sa kinauupuan niya nang matapos kong ipaliwanag ang lahat
ng paggagamitan ng sankaterbang milyon. Hindi pa rin ito makapaniwala na sa kanya
ko ipinagkatiwala ang ganoong kalaking pera para sa mga layunin ko.
Yes, it is a large sum of money but if it's for the sake of my assignment's success
then I don't have a choice but to do it. Money can be replaced all over again. But
in life? I can assure you that there is no existing value in this world that could
compensate for the life of an individual. And it's not like I'm just doing this for
Derek alone. I have to do this in order to give myself the most awaited peace of
mind. And I can only achieve that once the syndicate has been annihilated
completely and my family's death case solved.
Isa pa, kinakailangan ko na ring kumilos ng maaga dahil habang lumilipas ang mga
araw, nababawasan ang oras na maaari kong gamiting upang maglabas-masok sa bahay ng
mga De Guzman lalo na at papalapit na nang papalapit ang kaarawan ng ama ni Derek.
Wala na dapat akong oras na sinasayang.
Sa paglipat ng mga agents at ng matalik kong kaibigan sa magiging hideout sa
susunod na linggo ay siya namang pag-anyaya sa ikalimang buwan ko ng paninilbihan
sa mga De Guzman. Pitong buwan na lang at matatapos na rin ang kontrata. Pitong
buwan na lang at baka nalalapit na rin lalo ang totoong panganib para kay Derek.
Panganib na panigurado akong hindi rin magiging madali para sa akin.
Tama lang na nakaantabay ang planong ito. Kung sakaling magkaipitan at magkaroon ng
hindi inaasahang pangyayari, mabuti na na may isa pangdaan papalabas para sa aming
dalawa ni Derek.
"l understand. Ako na ang bahala sa lahat, Rieda. For now, you have to go back as
soon as possible. You won't like it when he throws
tantrums agairÞ" Mark assures me, putting his hand upon mine. I'm really thankful
that I have Mark as my best friend. If it were not for him, I'm sure I can't
possibly go this far alive.
Bilang nandito na rin naman na ako ay inasikaso ko na rin ang mga trabahong
natambak ko dito sa opisina. Mamaya sabihin pa ni Mark na ang galing kong humingi
ng pabor pero ako, wala man lang ginagawa para gurnaan-gaan ang gawain niya. Halos
maghapon din akong nag-oobserba sa bawat departamento. Hindi ko na rin kasi sila
nasisilip. Ayoko naman na mawalan ako ng koneksyon sa mga empleyadong araw-araw
nagpapakahirap para sa kumpanya.
I received a message from Martin Woods asking my whereabouts but I just told him to
tell Derek that I accidentally slept in the attic when I came back home. He replied
no more so I assume that the excuse was accepted well. We decided to leave the
office when Mark offered to treat me to a newly-opened Italian restaurant nearby.
According to him, the treat is to make up for ignoring me last time at the head
office.
Pinapaalalahanan ko na lang ang mga nasa front desk tungkol sa preperasyon para sa
mga paparating na foreign investors sa susunod na buwan nang magpaalam sa akin si
Mark na turnawag si Joshua at kailangan niya muna itong
sagutin. Hinayaan ko naman siya tutal kailangan ko ring tawagan ang external
secretary ko.
When I was done with the call, I saw Mark is not finished yet so I took the chance
to go to the washroom first. Habang naglalakad ako papunta sa washroom ay hindi
naman inaasahang tumunog ang telepono ko at kung sa ikakarita mo nga naman ay
mukhang napunta pa sa ilalim ng bag ko. s* *t, I don't like rummaging in my bag but
Mark can be done anytime. Argh.
"Ah! Oh, I'm sorry, miss."
Nako naman. Nabunggo pa ako. "It's alright."
At hindi ko na pinagtuunan gaano ng pansin na tingnan ang nakabunggo sa akin dahil
na rin sa pagmamadali 1<0. Hindi rin naman ako nasaktan sa pagkakabunggo naming
dalawa kaya mabilis na nagkasalisi na rin ang landas namin. Didiretso na sana ako
sa washroom nang tawagin na ako ni Mark para umalis. Sabi ko na nga ba 'e.
"Yes, sir. I'm coming."
Sa puntong iyon ay napahinto na lang ako at sa wakas ay nahagip na ng kamay ko ang
teleponong kanina ko pa hinahagilap. Isang text message lang pala galing kay
Martin. Pinapaalala niya na naghihintay sa akin ang mahal na prinsepe at dapat
siguraduhin kong dala ko ang ipinangako kong luto ko.
Looks like I won't be able to enjoy Mark's
treat very much. After all, I have to hurry and go back to cook something for the
prince or else, my rings will numb from his scolding again.
"Until when are you going to keep me waiting, woman?" Mark yelled, causing me to
panic and to run to him as fast as I could. Seriously, why is he so impatient? Ah
remembered. I don't have to right to call him impatient since I'm impatient myself
too.
Nang makapunta na ako sa kinaroroonan niya ay ako na ang naghatak sa kanya
papalabas nangsa gayon ay makauwi na rin ako. Papasakay na ako sa kotse ni Mark
nang hilahin niya ako papunta sa kanya. "What are you doing?"
"Where's the phoenix pin that I gave you?" he asked, his eyes look surprisingly
alarmed.
Napatingin naman ako kaagad sa suot kong coat. Sandali lang, nasaan na iyon?
"Hinubad mo ba?" Halos masapo na ni
Mark ang mukha niya habang tinatanong ako. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hindi
siya mapakali samantalang isang pin lang naman iyon. Alam kong dapat inalagaan ko
iyon dahil regalo niya sa akin iyon pero wala rin talaga akong ideya kung nasaan
napunta ang pin.
Umiling-iling ako bilang sagot at pinaulit-ulit ko siyang tinanong kung bakit tila
bilasa siya sa pagkawala nito subalit ni hindi man lang niya ako inimik. "Hayaan mo
na. Sige na,
sumakay ka na,ll at umikot na siya para sumakay sa may driver's seat.
What happened to him? And I thought this treat is for him to make up with me. I can
't understand Mark lately.
What is your problem, Eros?

Chapter 22: Tracked

RIEDA'S POV
"May kailangan pa po ba kayo Sir Sungit?
Este, Sir Derek po pala." Hold your tongue, Ried a! I yelled to my inner self as I
serve this young m aster's forty-sixth order. Ever since he recovered and released
from the hospital bars, he is suiting himself with even the littlest time he could
have to boss me around.
Get me that, cook this, fix this, get that from there, hold this, hold that, hand
that to me...
Ugh! He is starting to get on my nerves again for Pete's sake! If only I know that
he will burden me with his demands again, I should've broken a bone or two to make
his stay longer. Either way, I tried to keep up a stupid smile as I pick up the
papers he had thrown on the floor. But what's infuriating is that he keeps on
intention ally throwing another set of crumpled papers.
Sinasagad niya ba talaga ang pasensya 1<0?
" Hmm, why don't you compile all those papers from the coffee table. I have to
review them." So he still has one more? I just got his ballpen and pencil from the
f g coffee table. Why didn't he ask me to get those f g papers
as well?
Pasensya, Rieda. Pasensya Remember, patience is a virtue,
Pinilit kong huwag ibalibag ang supot ng pinaglalagyan ko ng mga papel na
pinagtatatapon ni Derek at saka ko ikinalma ang sarili ko kasabay ng pag-aayos kong
ng gulu-gulong mga papeles niya sa mesa.
Karamihan ba talaga ng mga lalaki 'e burara at hindi man lang marunong mag-ayos ng
sarili nilang gar-nit? Alam kong ito isa sa mga tungkulin ng katulong pero seryoso?
Kailangan mo pa ba ipautos ang ganitong kasimpleng bagay?
Young master, my a *s.
Sales report, project suggestion approval, inspection schedules, financial
statements... Hmm? Ano Ito? Napalingon naman ako sa likuran ko kung nakatingin sa
akin si Derek. Mukhang abala pa naman siya sa ginagawa niya. Mas tinapat ko na lang
ikod ko nangsa ganoon, kung sakali mangtumingin siya ay hindi niya mapapansin ang
pagsilip ko sa dokumentong nakakuha ng atensyon ko.
Mabilis kong hinatak sa pagkakaipit ang nito mula sa kumpol ng mga papeles.
Binigyan ko pang muli ng isang tingin si Derek at saka doon ko lamang tiningnan ito
nang maayos.
Give Ishtar to us. These are the words written on the paper as clear as the sun's
beams.
Along with its corresponding binary codes, I noticed a stain of blood on it. So
this is the paper Estrelle and Monique were talking about. The words left by the
men that are most likely underdogs of Blue Lance.
"Hindi ka pa ba tapos diyan?"
Agad ko namang naisuksok pabalik ang papel sa pinagkuhanan ko nito. "Ah, 00. Tapos
na," at tinaktak ko pa ang kumpol bago ko ito tuluyang inihatid sa study table ng
mahal na prinsepe. "Ayan na po lahat, Sir Derek."
"Thanks," he said, his eyes focused on the numeric figures printed upon the thick
rim of reports. He looks so busy and it seems like he will not give another order
that I chose to silently walk away. It's not that bad to escape from his orders
once in a while, right?
"Saan ka pupunta?" tanong niya nang mahablot ang kamay ko bago pa man ako makagawa
ng hakbang. Nayanig naman ako sa biglaan niyang aksyon. Halos magtaasan ang mga
balahibo sa ginawa niya.
I can't help but to gulp. "W-Wala PO. Dito lang po ako." s* *t. Bakit gumagaralgal
ang boses mo, Rieda?
Napatango-tango naman ito at abang binitawan na ang kamay ko na sa tingin ko ay
nagsisimula na ring lumamig. Lumuwag lang ang pagkakahinga ko nang tuluyan niya
nang ibaling muli angtingin niya sa mga kailangan niyang basahin at suriin.
Get your damn act altogether,
I really have to or else something might happen again just like the last time when
I meet with Mark. I lost the phoenix pin that he gave me. Halos hindi ko na naman
siya makausap noong kumain kami sa labas. Parang hindi talaga siya mapakali sa
pagkakawalan ng mumunting bagay na iyon. Kaya naman hindi ko siya tinigilan
hangga't hindi niya sinasabi sa akin ang dahilan kung bakit balisa siya tungkol
doon.
Mark then revealed to me that that phoenix pin is actually a tracking device. Of
course, I asked why do I need such a thing but he told me that every agent was
given a subtle object that will serve as their tracker. The agency uses it to keep
a record of our location, to examine our physical statistics like heart pulses, and
last but not the least, to monopolize us if the situation calls for it. We
attempted to check the camera footages but the thing is so small to be actually
recogn ized.
In order to put him at ease, I decided to ask him to give me a replacement. But
this time, it should be something that is most likely impossible to lose. My eyes
then gaze to my upper chest. Since it has been a long time when I experience a
sudden attack of heart pain, I didn't let the opportun ity pass to request a
tracker that can handle my problem.
Mark explained to me that inserting a tracker internally close to the heart and its
muscles is risky but it's better than suffering during risky events. So days after
I lost my previous tracker, I was injected by a new one and I made sure that only
my best friend should manage its jurisdiction.
"l want you to come with me later, Jenny."
"Po?" Bakit ba bigla-bigla na lang siyang nagsasalita?
Inilapag nito ang boligrapong hawak at abang binigyan ako ngtingin. "Hindi ko pa
nabibisita ang puntod ni Mama. Isa pa, bukas na ang birthday celebration ni Papa.
Wala pa akong nabibiling regalo 'e. Ayos lang ba sa iyo kung sasamahan mo 'ko
pumili?" at halos umabot na sa mga tainga niya ang ngiting mayroon siya.
That's right. It's Mr. Romuel De Guzman's birthday party tomorrow. We have been
preparing the menu and decorations since last week. It will be a big party but
quite modest because the master wanted to share the announcement about his new
charity project to his business partners.
"Sige PO. Wala pong problema, sir."
"Ah, right! Muntik ko nang makalimutan. Glen and Niel will be here anytime soon.
Pakiabangan naman na sila sa labas. Be sure to assist them and please! Please avoid
any accident," pakiusap nito na para bang sawang-sawa na siya sa mga nadadalang
pasanin at sakit ng ulo ni Jenny sa sambahayan.
Napatango na lang ako bilang tugon at sa wakas, nagawa ko na ring makalabas sa
kwarto niya at makatakas sa sandamukal na mga utos niya. Nag-unat-unat muna ako
paglabas na pagkalabas ko dahil medyo nararamdaman ko na rin ang sakit sa likod at
balikat ko. "l will surely get myself a good massage service once I find a chance,"
bulong ko sa sarili ko.
Papunta pa langsana ako sa kusina upang kamustahin ang menu na gagamitin bukas sa
party nang saktong umabot sa pandinig ko ang tunog ng mga paparating na sasakyan.
Oh, the devil's friends are here. Halos mapairap na lang ako at idinala ang mga paa
kosa may pintuan upangsalubungin ang mga ito.
" Magandang hapon PO, Sir Niel, Sir Glen," bati ko sa mga rito nang makita ko na
sila pagkabukas na pagkabukas ko ng pinto.
Naabutan ko pa nga na sinarado ni Estrelle ang pinto ng kotseng gin amit nila.
Nagkasalubungan kami ng tingin ngunit naging maikli lamang ito dahil kailangan na
niyang umalis at bumalik sa mansyon ng kliyente niya.
Alam naman niyang ligtas si Glen habang nandito siya sa 100b ng pamamahay na ito at
habang nandito ako upang magbantay tulad ng ginawa niya kay Derek noong wala ako.
Nginitian naman ako ngdalawa. "Kilala mo ba si Jenny?" unang bungad sa akin ng
alaga ni Monique Alcantara. May kakaibang pagkasabik sa ngiti nito na siyang
nakapagpakilabot na kaagad sa laman ko. Ganito ba talaga kapag nakakalapit sa iyo
ang isang dakilang babaero? At bakit niya ako hinahanap? At bakit kailangan
nakahawak pa sa kamay habang nagtatanong?
" Niel, it's inappropriate to hold the hand of someone you are not yet acquainted
with," Glen stated and he pulled his friend's grasp on my hand. Do I have to put
some alcohol or not? I felt like I've been touched by a serious virus.
May ilang man ay nagawa ko pa ring sagutin angtanong nito. "Ako PO. Ako po si
Jenny."
"Ha? Ikaw?!" gulat na gulat na paninigurado ni Niel. Sinuway naman ito kaagad ni
Glen na napansin kongtiningnan pa ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Ano bang problema sa
mga
Nagkabulungan angdalawa ngunit wala na silang ibang sinabi pa sa akin. Pawang inalo
ko na lang sila papasok ng mansyon at sinabihan na maghintay muna sandali sa may
sala at tatawagin ko muna si Derek upang ipaalam na nagsidatingan na sila. Bago pa
man ako umalis ay nagsisimula na akong hindi maging komportable sa titig ng isang
Greg Lenster Andriego. Kanina pa niya ako pinagmamasdan na para bang inoobserbahan
niya ang bawat kilos ko. Hindi ka ba tinuruan na masama ang tumitig nang matagal sa
isang tao?
Para makaiwas sa kakaibang tingin niya ay iginayak ko na ang sarili ko upang
tawagin ang tunay na pakay nila rito. Sakto naman na kakalabas lang ni Derek mula
sa kwarto niya kung kaya lt tinawag ko na ito. "Sir Derek, nandito na po 'yung mga
kaibigan niyo." Mabilis naman siyang napatingin at kumilos papunta rito sa sala.
Pinanood ko naman kung paano nila binati ang isa't isa at kung paano sila nag-usap
hanggang sa makaupo na sila sa mga malalambot na upuan. Hindi ko na inabala ang
pinag-uusapan nila dahil puros pangalan ng mga babae ang naririnig 1<0. Kung hindi
pangalan ng mga babae ay puro tungkol naman sa fraternity nila.
At dahil hindi ko gawain ang turnayo na lang sa isang tabi, "May gusto po ba kayong
kainin at inurnin, young masters?" magalang kong tanong sa kanila.
"Iced tea and egg sandwich sa akin,
Jenny," Derek answered as he reaches for the
newspaper delivered this morning.
"Aww! So you are really Jenny? Can I have you as my order then?"
Hangga lt maaari, iniwasan ko ang masuka sa kalandian ni Niel. Kilala ko naman na
sila dahil nga binabantayan ko si Derek madalas pero heto yata ang unang beses na
nakilala nila ako nang personal. Habangtumatagal na kasama ko ang lalaking 'to,
lumalaki rin ang respeto at paghanga ko kay Monique dahil natatagalan niya ang
nilalang na 'to.
If/ were in Isis' position, / would shot this guy's manhood once and for all.
Bago pa ako magbigay reaksyon ay nakita kong inirolyo ni Derek ang dyaryong hawak
at saka ito inihampas sa ulo ni Niel. "Umayos ka, 'tol. Tinatanong ni Jenny 'yung
order mo," at pinanlakihan pa niya ito ng mga mata na para bang may sinasabing kung
ano. Anuman ang nais ipahiwatig ng tingin na iyon, sapat na ito para mapaayos ng
upo ang nahuli.
" Hot chocolate and pancakes with maple syrup."
Kunwari kong tinanong ng paulit-ulit ang order nilang dalawa kahit na nakabisado ko
naman na. Malamang at kailangan kong gampanan ang karakter ko sa bahay na ito. The
stupid and clumsy maid, Jenny.
Muntik-muntikanan pa nga akong masigawan ni
Derek subalit sa huli ay napakuha na lang ito ng papel at ballpen para raw hindi ko
na makalimutan.
"Ano ba iyan, Derek? Hindi na nga kagandahan, bobita pa "
"Manahimik ka nga, pwede ba?"
"Your mouth reallyjust produce words that could offend anybody. "
Go on and call me stupid or anything that you want. As long as I'm playing my role
here, I'm getting paid.
Matapos nilang magdiskusyon ay sinunod ko namang tinanong si Glen. "Sir Glen, kayo
PO?"
"Orange juice and un delicioso bizcocho de fresas."
Akrnang handa na akong ihakbang ang mga paa ko at magtungo sa kusina nang
mapagtanto ko ang mga salitang binanggit niya.
Un delicioso bizcocho de fresas? That's Spanish. He asked a delicious strawberry
cake in Spanish language. Why would he ask me in that kind of language?
"P-Po?" pakanwaring nagtataka kong panghihingi ng kumpirma sa kanya. Mula sa
kalmadong pagtitingin sa telepono ay iniangat niya ang mukha niya sa akin nang may
ngiti na alam ko nang kakaiba dahil ayon na rin kina Derek at Estrelle, hindi
basta-basta ngumingiti ang lalaking ito sa kahit na Sino. Lalo na kung hindi niya
kilala nang lubusan.
"Ah, sorry. I mean, I want a delicious strawberry cake," he said and he continued
to look at me intently. It's as if he's waiting what will I do next or how will I
react.
I somewhat sensed something weird on his smile. Still bewildered, I bowed to them
to excuse myself and to get their respected orders. As I was walking towards the
kitchen, I can 't help but to think of what happened a while ago. Why would Glen
use the Spanish language to a mere maid? Why does he keep on looking at me? Why do
I feel like I should be conscious whenever he's around somewhere?
Kahit na ba naiayos ko na ang lahat ng gusto nilang kainin ay lumilipad pa rin ang
isip ko sa kakaibang kilos ng alaga ni Bermart. Inilagay ko ang mga ito sa isang
silver tray at dinala nang dahan-dahan sa may sala. Pagkarating ko ay lumuhod ako
upang maipatong ko na ang tray sa lamesa at maisa-isang ibigay ang platito at baso
sa kanila. Sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na muna ako nagpakalampa at ginawa kong
malinis ang paglalagay ng pagkain.
When everything was set, I was prepared to be dismissed when Martin Woods came out
from the maids' quarters. He approached Derek and whispered something I cannot
comprehend. Whatever it was, it made Derek pull his friend,
Niel upstairs. "Martin, please bring our food upstairs. We changed our mind. We'll
just eat in my room
"Yes, sir," Martin responded and he took a short glance at me.
I watched Woods picking up every plate and glass and putting it on the silver tray
that passed onto him. However, instincts kicked in when I caught Glen still
sitting on the couch and carefully observing me even though the butler was on his
way to his young master's room.
When I heard Derek's room's door closes, I've felt the urge to leave but it will be
way too suspicious, won't it? That is why I just go with asking him if there is
still something I could help him with.
" May iuutos pa po ba kayo, Sir Glen?"
Glen didn't reply. Instead, he finally stood up and slowly, he stepped towards
where I am standing. I maintained my composure despite that I am taking everything
on check and processed inside me. What do you thinkyou are doing, Genius?
It didn 't take long before he successfully reached me, glowing with confidence and
an intimidating feeling. Our eyes met, carefully analyzing one another. Oh, are you
trying to have a fight with me? I gave it my all in order not to let him see
through me in case he's only suspicious of me. But my set of hypothesis has been
put in the confrontation of testing when he took my eyeglasses off.
"Sir, 'yung salamin ko PO," angal ko kahit na ba sinusuri na ng lalaking kaharap ko
ang salamin na nakuha niya mula sa akin. Halos manliit ang mga mata ko nang marinig
ko ang impit na pagtawa galing sa kanya bago nito napagdesisyunan na ilagay sa
bulsa niya ang salamin ko.
Sinurpresa naman niya ako nang marahas niyang kinuha ang mga kamay ko at diniin ito
papataas sa pinakamalapit na pader. Tumumba naman ang picture frame na nasagi ko
dulot ng pwersa niya. Sunod niyang inilapit ang katawan niya sa akin at ginamit ang
isa pa niyang kamay upang unti-unting kilatisin ang mukha ko. Mula sa noo ay
pinadulas niya ang hintuturong daliri papunta sa leeg ko.
What do you have there, Mr. Andriego?
"I'm impressed. It took me weeks to come up with a conclusion with that particular
pin, Ms. Rieda Fernandez. But I never thought that I will be meetingyou like this.
What do you think, Agent Ishtar of Phoenix Organization?"

Chapter 23: Reach Him

So it was you, huh? It was you, after all, Greg Len ster Andriego. You are the one
who I bumped into that evening. You are the who got my phoenix pin. That pin which
happens to be my tracker. But how? How were you able to extract the information
about me, my agent name, and the agency I am working for?
"1 think you belittled my skills too much. Our company is the leading company when
it comes to technology and modernity. Of course, I am not just a mere amateur on
handling devices," he said, still trailing the shape of my face using his finger.
I didn't let his image escape from my gaze even for a single second. Are you trying
to belittle me then? Are you trying to threaten me using this tactic? Do you really
think a male specie who doesn't even know he's being guarded by an agent ike myself
would be able to manipulate me? Then, you're wrong.
I was about to give my counterattack when we heard Derek's loud voice asking where
his friend is. I saw how Glen's eyes were alarmed by it and as for me, it is my
chance.
laapak ko na sana kaliwang paa ko paalis sa harapan niya upang makatakas sa
pangkokompronta niya sa akin nang mapansin niya ang galaw ko. Diniin pa niya lalo
ang pagkakahawak sa pulso ko at saka niya ako kinaladkad papunta sa dulong kwarto
sa pasilyong hindi nalalayo sa kinaroroonan namin.
Hindi ko na plinano pang turnakaso magpumiglas. Kung talaga ngang may nahukot
siyang impormasyon mula sa tracker, wala naman na akong magagawa, hindi ba? Kahit
na ba itanggi ko, tulad nga ng nabanggit ko, hindi niya ako gaanong kilala para
paniwalaan. Mas papaniwalaan ng isang henyo ang bagay na nakikita niya at
napagtanto niya mula sa obserbasyon at mga pagsusuri niya.
Surnunod na nakita ko na lang ang sarili ko sa masikip at madilim na silid na
pinaliligiran ng mga istante na pinaglalagyan ng mga lumang gamit. Bodega.
Rumehistro ang sakit nang marahas akong itinulak ng lalaking ito sa isa sa mga ito.
Nagsihulugan ang ilang mga gamit kasabay ng makakapal na alikabok na burnabalot
clito sa pagkakatulak niya sa akin dito. Nagtagpo ang mga mata namin nang marinig
ko ang pagkakandado niya sa pinto.
Kagaya ng ginawa niya kanina ay mabilis na ipinako niyang muli ang mga kamay ko
papataas garnit ang malaki niyang kamay.
Ipinangharang niyang mabuti ang malaking katawan sa akin nang hindi ako makagalaw.
Ano ba ang binabalak monggawin, Glen?
Then, I suddenly felt something cold on my hand. Agad na sinundan ko ng tingin ito
at doon ay nakita ko kung paano niya ako pinosasan at paano niya rin ito ni-lock sa
istante. Kung normal na posas lang naman ito na ginagamit ng mga pulis ay kaya kong
tanggalin ito ngunit nang sinubukan kong kumawala ay pumasok na sa isip ko na hindi
ito isang ordinaryong posas. He researched me. Quite prepared for meeting me, huh.
"l learned that a top agent like you can easily break ordinary cuffs so I bought
something more functional in case I'll meet you by chance," and Glen smiled as if
he really succeeds on taking the upper hand in this situation.
Siguro nga ako ang nakakulong ngayon sa posas na ito. Pero hindi mo man lang ba
naisip na ako pa rin ang may hawak ng sitwasyon? "Ano ba ang balak mo, Greg?
Isusumbong mo ba ako kay Derek? Isisiwalat mo ba sa publiko kung sino ako?
Isusuplong mo ang ahensyang pinagtatrabahuhan ko? Sa tingin mo ba talaga, mananalo
ka na sa ganoong paraan?"
He was almost taken aback when I finally used my real voice. I gave up the look
asking pity but rather I showed him Rieda Fernandez's dark and shady ways of
denigrating somebody. My loin rejoices as I watch his eyes wavered just like the
confidence he is boasting for a while now. "Oh, are you scared? Don't you think you
should've prepared yourself more in case you'll meet me? Or did you forget that I'm
a person who is capable of killing even without my hands?"
If he is really what he is talking about, then I guess it is possible. It is
possible that a genius raised with new electronics and technologica advancements
can do things that I thought only people like Mark can do. I might have overlooked
this one thing but it doesn't change anything for me. You knowing who is the real
me will only burden you and your friendship with Derek. You might even end up on
putting the first damage on the strong bond you had built with the other two.
That is the punishment meant for the first person who 'Il dare step beyond the
grace ofnot being aware of this deception.
"Now you're showing your true colors," he commented, still in disbelief with what
he is hearing and seeing now. Little by little, he stepped away from me. Abandoning
his post on cornering me completely.
It seems to me that he didn't make the necessary arrangement for the actual thing.
I might be bound by the contract but I am not bound to answer to anyone's demand
especially if it's from someone not involved with it.
"Congratulations on finding it out so soon.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Andriego. My name is Rieda Fernandez, also known as..."
"lshtar," we both uttered.
I sighed as I I notice how difficult he is being with himself. He didn't have to go
this far. He should've said so. After all, him knowing will not change one bit of
the bitter consequences my work will give to Derek at the end of the contract. He
will still learn about my treachery. Treachery from the person he trusted the most.
A betrayal brought by the one who brought him out of the darkness and seclusion.
The man then gave a short devastating laugh while he tries to find something to
hold on to. "Y-You... You don't know anything," he claimed, pointing at me with the
same finger he used to trace the shape of my im age.
"You don't know how Derek suffered! How he lost his trust to the world... How he
gave up on believing to anyone... How miserable he was when he's trying to find his
way out of that maze... How hopeless he was as he keeps struggling from all those
bullshits! You don't know any single about those!"
The calmed young master a few minutes ago turned hysterical. Accompanied by
emotions I never thought he has in him. I never expected him to burst those words
out from that usually zipped lips the instant I showed him the real me, the person
which happened to be the reason why their opponent group was killed. "Perhaps I
don't really know anything about him at all. But between the two of us, you are the
one needs orientation about the situation we are all in," and at last, I was able
to break free from the handcuffs after discovering a way to destroy its hold to me.
Lumikha ng tunog ang pagkakalaglag ng nasirang posas. Halos maipahilamos ni Glen
ang mukha sa kamay niya. "Bakit? Bakit ka nandito? Anong kailangan mo sa kaibigan
ko ha? Alam mo bang pinaghahahanap ka ngayon?" tanong nito habang pilit na
hinihinaan ang boses niya sa kabila ng matinding nadarama. Matinding nadarama na
saktan ako.
"Guarding him is my sole job here. His father asked me to way back from Japan. Mr.
De Guzman fears for his son's life. That he might lose his life before he can even
assume power. That is why I'm here. Don't worry, you won't see me again when the
contract ends," paninigurado ko sa kanya na sa tingin ko ay hindi rin nakatulong
upang kalmahin ang namumugtong inis o hindi kaya ly galit sa akin.
"Nandoon na ako. I got your point. But doing your job? Paano kung bumalik siya sa
dati na barumbado at galit sa mundo? Will you take the responsibility?" He asked. I
maintained the conversation to be as smooth as possible so I can finish this
quickly but I didn't imagine him to caught me off-guard.
Will I take the responsibility?
The pressure and difficulty of the question caused me not to respond as fast as I
have always been. Not because I wasn't prepared for this but maybe, just maybe... I
am yet to face my own reality. The actuality. "Mr. Romuel De Guzman and my employer
settled that once the deal has been voided, I would no longer hold any
responsibility with the subject's well-being and such."
That's right. Cling to that. Stick on to the script called contract. Hold on to
every section of it. Once you make the trivial things sink into you, you will not
be swayed. Not even your body and mouth would betray you.
"So you're really planning to leave him after the extermination of the contract,
huh? Don't you have a heart? I will not be worked up like this if you only stood on
your grounds as a behaved maid. You didn't! You influenced him! You changed him! He
depends on you!" nagtitimping mga kamay ngunit matapang pa rin nitong pakikipagtalo
sa akin.
Inilihis ko ang tingin ko sa ibang direksyon.
Those piercing eyes... They're trying to get passed through. Stop it. Alam ko naman
na eh. Hindi mo na kailangan ipamukha sa akin. "Nevertheless, his safety is my
priority. His feelings are definitely excluded on my mission. Helping him is the
only way for me to lessen the burden of protecting him. I didn't mean to own a
particular part of his life. Everything is for the sake of the carrying out the
agreement." Yeah, I want to ask myself too. How can you utter such words fluently
as ifyou don 't have a little bit ofconcern ?
"Oh... Is that how you want to finish everything? My friend is really a fool, isn't
he? He trusted the wrong person
"Tulad nga ngsabi ng mga dati mong kliyente, hindi ka nga basta-basta matitibag.
Mukhang hindi nga sila nagsisinungaling Sige, ipagpatuloymo 'yam Mananahimik lang
akosa isangsulok. Susubaybayan ko kung paano mo isasagawa 'yangmga pinagsasasabi
mo. Sana lang huwag mo ng mas palalimin pa ang bangin na kababagsakan ni Derek.
Dahil baka humantong 'yun sa punto na hindi na talaga siya makabalik sa sarili niya
"
Hanggang ngayon, hindi mawala sa isip ko ang mga huling sinabi ni Glen bago niya
ako iniwan sa silid na iyon. Noong nawala lang siya, doon lang ako natulala sa
lahat ng mga
pinagsasasabi 1<0. Kahit kailan talaga, ang galing mong magsinungaling, Rieda.
Handang-handa ka na talagang ipadala sa impyerno at masunog.
Argh.
"Jenny? What do you think of this?" "Ha?" s* *t, I spaced out.
Kumunot naman ang noo nito at pawang iniangat na lang ang hawak niyang necktie
upang makita ko. 00 nga pala. Sinamahan ko nga pala si Derek para mamili ng
ireregalo niya sa Papa niya. Bakit ba kanina pa ako parang lutang? Kahit kaninang
nasa sementeryo kami, para bang walang pumapasok na matino sa utak ko.
Lumapit naman ako sa kanya at dinampian din ng tingin ang necktie na napili niya.
Is it still applicable to give a businessman who almost has everything a tie? Baka
mapagsasama-sama niya lang ito sa marami pa niyang necktie sa bahay. "Hindi ba l t
marami ng necktie si Sir Romuel?" malumanay kong sabi.
Napakagat si Derek sa labi niya na para bang napagtanto niya rin ang pinupunto ko.
"00 nga pala. My dad can afford to buy anything. What should I give to him then?"
Nagsimula ng lumipad ang isip niya sa pag-iisip ng kung ano ang bibilhin. Kita kong
hirap siya dahil sa tingin ko ay matagal na din nang tumigil siyang magbigay ng
regalo sa ama sa tuwing kaarawan nito.
I'm envious of you, Derek. I never got the opportunity to give my father a gift
coming from my own money. I tried to look at the other items displayed here in the
department store and my gaze exactly locked on to a fountain pen. It's more
practical than giving him a tie. Fountain pens have nibs that can be used as a
weapon too. His father could easily remember him whenever he'll look at it.
"Bakit hindi na lang po iyon, Sir Derek?" Turo ko sa lugar kung saan maraming klase
ng fountain pen ay nakabalandra. Nagtatakang sinundan naman ng tingin ng kasama ko
kung saan ako nakaturo at abang pinuntahan ito. Bilang ako ang nagbigay ng
suhestiyon, sumunod lang ako kung saan siya papunta.
Isang saleslady ang umalalay sa kanya sa pagtingin sa iba't ibang mga fountain pen.
Pinanood ko lang kung paano siya bigyan ng mga tips ng babae sa pagpili ng
magandang klase. Abalang-abala akong panoorin siya hanggang sa mawala ang aliw na
ekspresyon sa mukha ko. Mabilis na nagkasalubong ang mga kilay ko at maagap na
napalingon ako sa likuran ko. Dumako ang mga mata ko sa bawat direksyon ngunit wala
akong nahuling kahina-hinala. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. Alam ko angganoong klase
ng pakiramdam.
There 's someone watching us intently.
Blue Lance... Did they order their men to
follow us around? Looks like I have to watch
Derek more closely especially in public places like this.
"Jenny!" tawag sa akin at awtomatikong napatingin ako ngunit daliri ni Derek ang
lumapat sa pisngi ko. Akala ko pa naman kung ano...
"Gotcha! Hahaha!" at natatawang pinakita niya sa akin ang napili niya. "Thanks for
helping me out. Here! Nailagay na ng saleslady 'yung regalo sa gift box at
nabayaran ko na. So, do you want to eat first before we go home?" alok nito at saka
itinago na sa bulsa nito ang regalong kabibili lang niya.
I would like to have dinner with you and to listen to everything you can tell me
but... I don't think this place will be safe enough for you. "Ah, kahit 'wag na PO.
Ipagluluto na lang kita sa bahay," nakangiting pagtanggi ko nang sa ganoon ay hindi
naman niya masamain ang desisyon ko.
Tumango-tango naman ito. "O sige. Halika na," pag-aya nito at nagsimula na kaming
maglakad papalabas ng department store. Bakas ang sayang mayroon sa kanya.
Malayong-malayo sa bulakbol at lugmok na itsura niya noong una akong dumating.
"Will you take responsibility?"
Those words echoed again in my ears. I don't know why but Glen's question keeps on
repeating as if someone pushed the 'repeat' all over again. Unconsciously, I lifted
my hand up as if I'm reaching for his back. The back of the man who is destined to
be the next head of the De Guzman Enterprises. He is set to do big things for the
world
I keep reaching for him but he continues to go forward. The distance grew larger
and larger. My hand just can't reach that back mounted with problems and memories
that I don't know.
"You don 't know how Derek suffered! How he lost his trust in the world... How he
gave up on believing to anyone... How miserable he was when he's trying to find his
way out of that maze... How hopeless he was as he keeps struggling from all those
bullshits! You don 't know any single about those!"
You're right. I don't really know anything at all. What should I do? I can't cope
with him. He keeps getting further and further...
And time will come when I will not even be allowed to watch your back.

Chapter 24: Birthday Celebration

DEREK'S POV
"Manang Delia, Emma, pakilabas naman na 'yung isa pang putahe kung tapos na,"
paalala ko sa mga kasambahay habang pinagmamasdan ko ang pagluto nila ng mga
kakainin ng mga bisitang dadalo ngayon sa birthday party ni Papa.
Kahit naglalapat na ng isa pang putahe ay nagawa pa rin akong silayan ng
nakakagiliw na ngiti ni Manang Delia. "Nako, Derek. Sige na at kami na ang bahala
rito. Hala at napakagwapo mo, anak. Sigurado akong maraming magkakandarapa sa iyo
sa labas," ani nito nang tingnan ang kabuuang ayos ako.
Hmm? Bahagyang itinaas ko lang naman ang buhok ko sa pagkakataong ito ah? Si Manang
talaga. "'Yun na nga po ang problema 'e. Baka imbes na ang mga pagkain ang lantakan
nila ay ako ang mapagkadiskitahan nila," natatawa kong sabi. Mahirap na. Sapat ng
sakit ng ulo na nandito na naman si Anziza. Dadagdagan ko pa ba?
"Young master, the guests are here," Martin informed me. I immediately fix my suit
and ask him to lead the way. I need an escort in case an unexpected event occurred.
We don't know what might happen next.
This is my father's fiftieth birthday celebration yet it makes me nervous to know
that almost all the business tycoons, potential investors, influential colleagues,
celebrities, and politicians were invited. In addition, Dad planned to make this
night to be my first official introduction as the company's heir. It should've been
done if I didn't become such brat. Now, I'm done running away. I will take
responsibility for the title given to me.
Derek!
"Anziza!" Sa isang iglap ay agad na itong nakalapit sa akin at halos ipulupot niya
ang mga braso niya sa akin. Ito na naman kami. Hindi nga ako dinumog ng mga babaeng
anak ng mga kasosyo ni Papa, nandito naman si Anziza para kumapit sa akin ng ilang
oras na parang linta.
Tell me, which is worse?
I tried taking her arms off of mine but she keeps resisting. In the end, I've gone
to a peaceful way to make her separate from me. "Anziza, you can't cling to me for
the whole night, you know. I have to talk to different people to familiarize myself
more in the industry," I explained, not trying to sound sarcastic and exhausted.
Because if she took these words in a wrong way, then it will be a long way to go to
calm things down with his father, Don Rafael Carolelle. And I don't even want to
think about it.
Unti-unting bumagsak ang mga balikat niya at biglaang sumibangot mula sa kaninang
tila puno ng enerhiyang mukha. '"E sa gusto kong ikaw lagi ang kasama ko 'e. Kaya
mo naman ako isama habang kinakausap mo sila ah. Hindi ba pwede iyon? Wala akong
ibang gusto maliban sa'yo. Pagbigyan mo na ako. Please?" pakiusap niya habang
nagmamagandang mata pa.
What are you? A child? You can't use those childish excuses forever, Anziza. "l
can't allow you this time. Instead of sticking up with me, why don't you find new
friends from the crowd? There are celebrities out there and even the finest
bachelors of your father's friends." I suggested. Don't make this any harder for
me. I don't want to push you away. I just want you to see the world from a wider
perspective. That I'm not the only man in the world that could probably mean for
you.
"'E sa ikaw nga ang gusto ko 'e!"
"Anziza, sandali!" tawag ko pa rito ngunit mabilis na itong turnakbo palayo sa
akin. Pansin ko ang pagtingin ng iilang mga tao dulot ng pagsigaw na ginawa niya.
Humingi na lang ako ng paumanhin sa kanila at inutusan ko si Martin upang sundan
muna ang kababata kong ubod ng tigas ng ulo.
Ano bang gagawin ko sa'yo, Anziza? Paano mo ba maiintindihan na hindi kita nakikita
sa paraang nakikita mo ako?
"That is Mr. Carolelle's one and only daughter, am I right?" asked by a familiar
voice from my behind. I quickly turned my head to confirm it and yes, without such
a mistake, as I have expected, it's him.
Isa pa 'tong buntot nang buntot sa akin na pinsan ko. Bakit ba hindi mo na lang ako
tigilan? "Magtatalo na naman ba tayo, mahal kong pinsan?" kwestyon ko na kaagad sa
kanya. Mapa sa opisina, pati ba naman hanggang dito sa pamamahay namin, ganito pa
rin ang akto niya?
Prenteng nakasandal si Nigel sa kalapit na pader sa bukana ng lugar kung saan
dinaraos ang selebrasyon. May iilang napapatingin sa aming dalawa kung kaya't
sinikap ko na ngumiti lamang upang hindi makaakit ng mas malawig pang atensyon.
Inalog-alog nito alak na laman ng wine glass na hawak niya at nanatiling
pinagmasdan ang bawat galaw nito. "Nagtatanong lang naman ako. Huwag mo naman
masyadong ipahalata ang pagiging basagulero mo." Hindi ko alam kung papaganahin ko
ang init ng ulo ko sa sinabi niya o hahayaan ko na lang. Ayoko rin naman masira ang
gabing ito nang dahil lang sa alitan naming dalawa.
"Bahala ka sa buhay mo." lyon na lang ang mga salitang nabanggit ko bago ko
tuluyang itapak ang mga paa ko papunta sa mismong sentro ng selebrasyon.
Gayunpaman, pinigilan na ako ni Nigel na gawin ito sa pamamagitan na naman ng mga
salitangdapat ay hindi ko na inaalala pa subalit lubhang nakakabahala pa rin para
sa akin.
"Pwes subukan mo ring alalahanin ang magiging posisyon mo sa oras na ipagpatuloy mo
ang ginagawa mong pantataboy sa anak ni Don Rafael."
Babala pa mang maituturing, hindi ko maiwasan ang mangamba. Nilingon kong muli ang
kinasasandalan ni Nigel kanina subalit wala na siya roon nang madatnan ko. Alam ko.
Tama ka naman. Hindi ko maaaring gawin na lang ito palagi. Dapat ko ngtigil-tigilan
ang pagmamaang-maangan ko sa mga posibilidad na may gawin pang mas malala si
Anziza.
Hindi ko nais na isipin iyon sa ngayon alo na't dapat ay nagpapakasaya kaming
lahat. Isa pa, may tiwala ako kay Papa. Sigurado akong ipagtatanggol niya ako kung
sakaling umabot sa puntong iyon.
Pinili ko ang landas na ito. Derek De
Guzman, President of De Guzman Enterprises. I can't help but snicker with that
thought. Such a huge name, such huge title, and therefore, they come along with
huge responsibilities that I have to fulfill no matter what.
To set aside all the concerns being slapped to me right now, I decided to step out
and to interact with the numerous guests. Guests wearing their outstanding outfits
and most sparkling jewelry to show off while as the classical music roams around,
there is strict business going on already from the corners of the ballroom. Act as
a good heir now, Derek.
"Good evening, Mr. Rodriguez. It's a pleasure to see you again," I approached a man
in a suit who happens to be an asset to the company. He's one of Dad's batchmates
back in college. Dad asked me to entertain him first before the others. Probably to
make me feel at ease with someone more familiar.
Napasulyap na lang ako sa kinaroroonan ni Papa. Masaya ngunit sa totoo lang ay
mabusisi na siyang nakikipag-ugnayan sa iba pang mga tao rito para sa mga susunod
pang plano ng negosyo. Saktong nagtagpo ang tingin namin at mabilis na sumilay ang
ngiti sa mukha naming dalawa. I will make you proud, Dad.
Conversing with Mr. Manuel Rodriguez is seriously productive and interesting. He
asked me not to act too formal and I asked him not to act too much of a businessman
in exchange. The subjects of our talk don 't really go out of the circles of
investing, opinions about the current state of the market, expansion, and exploring
new business ventures. We got each other's humor so the talk is not much of a
burden compared to the previous ones that I had encountered before.
"Hijo, may hinihintay ka ba?" Mas m abilis pa sa alas-kwatro kong ibinaba ang kamay
ko at napatingin sa ngayon ay iba ko ng kausap.
Lumilipad na naman ang isip mo.
"Ah, wala PO," sagot ko. Nakakainip kasi ang tumayo lang ng ilang oras dito.
Sabayan pa na nakakangawit ang [aging pag-ngiti at pakikipagkamay sa kung sinu-
sinong hindi mo naman lubos na kakilala.
Pang-ilan na nga ba ang kausap ko ngayon sa lahat ng nakasalamuha ko sa gabing ito?
Hindi ko na mabilang. Unti-unti ko na ring nararamdaman ang antok ngunit pilit kong
nilalabanan lalo na at wala pa ang parte ng selebrasyon kung saan si Papa na ang
magsasalita sa maliit na entabladong inihanda para sa kanyang mga anunsyo.
"Naiinip ka na ano? Ganyan talaga. Dapat ka ng masanay dahil balang araw ay ikaw na
ang papalit kay Romuel. Once you're there, it's not just you. There's hundreds of
employees looking up to you. You have to put their well-being first before yours,"
ngaral nito at binigyan ako ng sinserong ngiti.
Napaayos tuloy ako ng tayo at postura ng dahil sa mga tinuran niya. Siya langyata
ang
nakausap ko na gusto buklatin ang kagaya nito sa akin. Kung ano angdapat isipin...
Kung ano ang dapat unahin... Naninibago man sa atmospera ng bagong paksa ay
naglahong tila bula ang antok na kanina'y nangangalabit na. "Sa tingin niyo po ba,
makakaya ko?" konsulta ko sa may katandaan ng lalaki.
" Being a leader is no doubt, difficult but being a follower is so much more. You
can only learn how to lead once you've learned how to follow. Standing on the top
means either you have the control or you are getting controlled," he added before
he sips the champagne poured in his glass a while ago.
My brows furrowed as questions are being answered. For the answers keep producing
new questions that I wanted to answer. "Control or be controlled?" I repeated.
After he finished the drink in one gulp, he takes the glass away from his mouth
only to put it on the tray the waiter is carrying. "Derek, there are instances that
you have to give up something to gain something. For the sake ofyour people, the
people who were depending on you, are you ready for that kind of sacrifice?" he
asked while not meeting my eyes. Its as if he remembered something as he utters
these precious words.
Probably a precious memory that he himselfhad chosen to give up to gain something.
Napaisip tuloy ako ng 'di oras. Handa nga ba ako? Pero hindi ko ba kakayanin na
maiwasan ang magsakripisyo? Paano kung magawa kong mapanatili ang dalawang bagay na
nasa bingit ng pagpipilian?
Bago pa ako makapagbigay ng sagot sa lalaki ay may turnapik na sa likod at bumulong
sa may tainga ko na siyang ikinabigla ko. "Sir Derek, pinapatawag po kayo ni Sir
Romuel. Nasa may unang lamesa po siya sa harapan." Napatingin ako sa taong
nagsalita nang may malumanay na tinig.
And as usual, wearing her maid uniform, with her big eyeglasses, and a silver tray
on her hand, it's Jenny.
Unconsciously, I emitted a long and heavy sigh. I can't identify whether it was
Jenny or the man's words that made me to. I just feel like I have to.
I look onto her as if I am analyzing a sales report. Jenny is quite as simple as a
lady. She's not fond of jewelry and make-up. Just a pair of clothes and modest
footwear will do for her. She doesn't pay much attention to the people glimmering
with social status and educational backgrounds. Coming from her own mouth before,
they were only nonsensical craps continuing to exist in this world. Jenny's not
sensitive about choosing a meal or what.
Common and average value like gold for her.
But you see, the world I am walking on doesn't revolve that way, Jenny. This world
turns based on the text but not the context itself. It's complicated yet powerful
to dictate someone's grounds.
"Sige, pupunta na ako. Ikaw, magpahinga ka na. Marami ng mga katulong ang nandito.
We have enough help for tonight. Go upstairs and sleep," I told her. I didn't
dismiss her only for her to rest early but I also wanted to get her away from the
awful and judgmental looks the people here are giving to her.
Without questions and hesitation, Jenny bowed first before she finally went off
from the ballroom. I watch as her back slowly getting further and further away from
me. Could this be the only thing / can do foryou?
Short enough, I bid my farewell to the man who stands with the same table with me
but he is no longer around the area when I look for him. He left, eh?
Since I heard Dad is starting with his speech, I didn't bother to look for the man
anymore. I'm sure I can set up an appointment with him once I found out his name
from the guest list. Not wasting a single second, I moved towards the crowd of
ladies and gentlemen surrounding the small stage wherein the president of our
company is standing proudly with a glass wine on his hand.
It didn't take long before he noticed my presence and so, he proceeded with his
plan of introducing me formally to the society. "Ladies and gentlemen, this
birthday celebration is not only a joyful moment for me but also a time to face
reality. I am growing old, people." He began and most of the guests chuckle loudly
to his remarks.
"Soon, the company that our ancestors have worked hard to build will be put under
the care of my unico hijo. Let's welcome him on the stage, my son and my heir,
Derek De Guzman." The ballroom was soon enveloped by cheers and claps from the
crowd and the lights soon blinded me in instant I stepped my foot on the stage.
Is this really what / want? A thought came.
My father always told me how I was born into this world filled with glamour and
connections. But is this really the place where I belong? Why did I become
reluctant now that I have put myself in front of these people? They were smiling
widely and cheering continuously as I completely lose the courage to hold the
microphone and the music fading. So in a completely internal mess, "It's an honor
to stand before you. However, it was an honor to be introduced as the heir of the
business strengthened by sweat and blood of numerous people. I am looking forward
to working with all of you," was all I can say.
Despite that, the people were in awe with what I said. Even so, I don't even know
whether I really mean it wholeheartedly or not.
" Kung ganoon, bakit hindi ka pa pala pumipili ng magiging Mrs. De Guzman, kumpare?
Nako, napakarami naming mairerekomenda sa iyo at tiyak ako na mas lalakas ang
negosyo niyo!" "Ahahahahaha, hay nako kumpare, 'wag kang mag-alala. Dadating din
tayo diyan. Hayaan muna nating lubus-lubusin ni Derek ang panahon ng pagiging
binata. Saka sa kisig ng anak ko, sigurado akong maraming tayong mapagpipilian
diyan kaya hindi ko na kailangan pang problemahin ang bagay na iyan."
Inilapit ko ang mukha ko sa may tap at saka isinahod ang dalawa kong kamay sa
tubig na lumalabas. Malaya ko itong inihilamos sa mukha ko nang paulit-ulit
hanggang sa isara ko nang marahas ang tap at iangat ang mukha ko sa
malakingsalamin.
Those engagement shits and those businessmen's benefits. Am I going to be used as a
tool as well? Am I going to be arranged with someone I don't even like too? Will I
suffer the same fate as those power couples who only tied the knot for the purpose
of honing their influence and grasp to the society?
"Are you ready for that kind ofsacrifice?" Is this the sacrifice that man was
talking about? To sacrifice your own happiness, huh. To give up my own personal
feelings to that someone in order to assume better well-being for the people who
are consistently relying on me? To give up all my chances to live happily for the
rest of my life in exchange of giving my people finer lifestyles? To give my
surname to someone I don't even know in and out to make it glow with greater fame?
What about Jenny?
Maghihilamos pa sana akong muli nang awtomatikong mapunta ang dalawang kamay ko sa
leeg ko buhat ng pagkakasakal ng isang lalaking nakatakip ang mukha sa likod ko.
"Arggh! T-Tulong! Tulong!" Paanong nakapasok ang isang 'to rito?!
"You're making us impatient, Derek De Guzman," the man said as he maintains a
certain grip on the garotte wire placed around my neck. s* *t. It's suffocating the
hell air out of me!
"W-What a-are you saying?! Ahhh!" Why did he tell me that I'm making them
impatient? Impatient about what? What have I done? And
who is 'them'?!
Nagpipiglas ako mula sa kanya hanggang sa maabot ko ang isang plorera rito at may
pwersang inihampas ito sa ulo ng lalaki may katangkaran din kumpara sa akin. Nang
matanggal ang pagkakasakal niya sa akin ay agad ko itong sinikmuraan nang paulit-
ulit hanggang sa mapaupo na ito sa sahig. Ito na angtiyansa ko makaalis!
Hindi na ako nagpatumpik-tumpik pa at akmang papalabas na ako nang madapa ako dulot
ng pagkakahatak ng malaking lalaki sa binti 1<0. f* *k! He's strong! Nagtatadyak
ako pero naihatak niya lang ako hanggang sa makakuha na siya ng lakas upang
makatayo sa kabila ng dugo sa bibig niya.
Mabilis na nagkakakapa ako sa sahig ng kung anong pwedeng gamitin. At nakahanap nga
ako. Madali kong itinarak ang bubog ng plorera sa binti niya hanggang sa madiin ko
ito sa pinakalaman niya. Sinosa tingin mo ang kinakalaban mo?
"Ahhhhhh! Damn you!" he screamed, putting his hand upon the wounded leg.
Nabitawan niya ang binti ko at nagkukumarag akong tum ayo upang maihanda ang sarili
ko kung sakaling susugurin pa ako nitong muli. Sinundan ko kung paano hanapin ng
natitira niyang kamay ang kung anong gamit sa likod niya. Nang mapagtanto ko na b*
* *l ang dudukutin niya ay pawang nablangko ang utak 1<0.
Ang alam ko lang ay kusang kumilos ang katawan ko upangtumalikod na at turnakbo
ngunit may nagpatigil sa akin. May nagpabalik sa isipan ko sa ayos. "S-Sino ka?"
ito na lang ang nasambit ko nangtuluyan ng bumagsak ang malaking mama sa sahig nang
may gilit sa leeg.
The man who was lying on the floor was an assassin sent to kill me yet the
appearance of his death is horrifying. One slash and one life was put to an
immediate end. One slash and the blood begins to spill out from the body. With the
object he used to cover his face gone, I can clearly see the late reaction of
surprise and shock on his eyes. I wasn't able to avoid getting terrified by the
scene.
'I S-Sino ka?!" pag-uulit ko ngunit wala akong nakuhang tugon sa taong sa tingin ko
ay nagligtas sa akin. Mas kakaiba ang ayos niya kumpara sa umatake sa akin. May
suot-suot siyang kulay gintong maskara at itim na belong nagtatakip sa ulo niya.
Paano kung isa rin siya sa rnga gustong pumatay sa akin? Paano kung hind/' pala
talaga niya balak na iligtas ako? Paano kung nagkataon lang na naunahan siya ng
isang 'to?
I was already thinking of how to escape the
damn place when the masked person spoke. "l won't hurt you. Come with me quickly."
I can't catch up whether the voice is owned by a woman or a man. I think this
person is using a modifier to make his or her voice unrecognizable.
Puno man ng alinlangan ay nagtagumpay pa rin itong hatakin ako papalabas habang
halos pilipitin niya na ang braso ko. Takot at gulat naman ang agad na rumehistro
sa akin nang bigla kaming tumigil sa may hardin at naglabas siya ng isang gold
plated na suppressor at mabilis na nagpaputok sa iba't ibang direksyon.
Inaabangan ko angsusunod na magaganap kaso hinatak niya na akong muli. Paalis na
kami sa hardin at sa tingin ko ay papasok kami sa may pinagdarausan ng party nang
makuha ng atensyon ko ang sampung lalaki na nakalagapak sa lupa at kitang-kita na
wala ng buhay.
They were killed in just a matter of seconds. This person did it. Isip-isip ko
habang hindi matanggal ang tingin ko sa taong humahatak sa akin papasok. Halos
lahat ng tauhan namin ay kung hindi nasa 100b ay nasa labas ng mansyon kung kaya't
malaya niya akong naitulak sa bukana ng ballroom.
Pagkalingon ko upang balikan ito ng tingin ay doon ako nagulumihanan. Nabuhay ang
dugo ko upang mapatingin sa iba lt ibang direksyon at

.
hanapin ang kahit anong bakas o anino niya.
Nasaan na siya ? Saan siya nagpunta ?
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of usionsv After the death of her fam  
Chapter 25: Hear Me Out
RIEDA'S POV
"Damn it! Nakatakas na naman ang hayop na Luxwell na 'yan!" bulalas ko habang
pinanlilisikan ngtingin ang monitor kung saan huli naming nakita ang bakas ng
lalaking iyon.
Halos buong gabi naming sinubaybayan ang mga kilos niya at nagpadala kami ng
dalawang grupo ng mga agents para tugisin siya pero hindi sila nagtagumpay. Kung
kailan natiktikan na namin siya at saka naman pumalya pa. Bakit ba hindj ka mahuli-
huling lintik ka?!
Kung ako lang ang masusunod, gusto kong ako na gumawa ng paraan para tapusin ang
buhay ng lalaking iyon pero pilit na hinaharang ni Master ito. Ginigiit niya na
wala na akong dapat asikasuhin pa kung hindi ang hinahawakan kong misyon at wala ng
iba pa. Isa pang pumipigil sa akin ay ang maliwanag na pagsuporta ng Blue Lance kay
Luxwell.
Master Phoenix made it clear to all of us that we must not underestimate the
syndicate now that it resurfaced again. He asked us to be patient and to be careful
about every step that we will take when it comes to handling any concern about
them. But I just can't sit still if anytime,
they can take Derek's life!
Napapikit na lang ako, awtomatikong napayuko, at bumagsak ang mga balikat ko habang
ang mga kamay ko ay mahigpit na nakahawak sa upuan ng isa sa mga watcher namin.
Halos burnaon ang mga kuko ko rito. Pero iyon ay dahil malapit na akong maubusan ng
pasensya kay Luxwell. Pinagsisisihan ko talaga na hinayaan ko pa siyang mabuhay.
The hate gushing from the veins of my body didn't stop despite the pat on the back
Mark gave me. "We will catch him in no time, Rieda. Don't stress yourself too much.
You have to go back first to the mansion and sleep. You didn't have any second of
rest since you came here," he told me, his voice filled with worry and concern.
I can fully understand that he cares for me but this is a different matter. "Mark,
I just can't stop my mind thinking that what if I didn't come at the right time?
Did that man successfully shot Derek to death?" and then, I took his hand off from
my back. Nothing can calm me down right now.
Only God knows how worried I was. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ko sisisihin ang sarili
ko kung sakali mang nahuli ako ng ilang segundo. Paano kung wala ako roon? Paano
kung hindi ako kaagad nakarating sa kinaroroonan niya? Aabutan ko na lang ba siyang
malamig na
bangkay?
"It's not your fault, Rieda. Don't blame yourself. What's important is that you
have killed those who tried to intrude the De Guzman mansion," Mark added, trying
to show me the monitors which depict the death of the group who tried to cause huge
chaos on Mr. Romuel's birthday celebration.
Is it just me or those words aren 't really helping? How could I not blame myself
for it? I was hired to protect him with all means from all sorts of danger. In
other words, once I failed, his life will end.
"l was there! I was there, Mark! They could've killed him," I said, enveloping my
face with my hands. Cold hands. I must've finished those men offin a swing but I
admit, my hand is shaking when I shot those bullets. I tried my hardest not to let
Derek notice my shaking hand when I was pulling him around a while ago.
Halos hind ko maitanggal ang tingin ko sa sandamakmak na mga monitor na nakatuon sa
magkakaibang lugar. Bawat isa ay inaabangan ang kahit anong bakas na maaaring
naiwan ni Gray. Nawala lang ang lubos ko atensyon dito nang rumehistro ang sakit
mula sa pisngi ko. Agad ko namang tinapunan ng masamangtingin ang taong kumurot
dito. "Ano sa tingin mo ang ginagawa mo ha?"
"You are being emotional again, you know. In this complicated field where you grew
up, everything can be a bitter lie, anyone can turn into a traitor, anyone can be
your killer, anyone can stab you at your back anytime, and you can 't assure
anything in here. There is no exception for Derek who grew up in a pampered
lifestyle. The difference between the two ofyou is that you attained awareness."
I know. I know but I still can't help it. It's not about keeping my records clean
and neat anymore. It's not about wanting to make this mission completely flawless.
I just want Derek to reach the peak of what he worked hard for safe and sound. This
is the only thing that I could give him regardless of the monetary value that is at
stake in this mission.
"Your time with him is not getting any longer, Rieda. Keep it in your mind that his
safety worth the greater than anything. You are one of the people who must suppress
her personal feelings so that we can provide them a chance to live a life that we
will never experience. So get your act altogether. You must follow the contract no
matter what," he added, his voice trembling as if it portrays the burdens of being
an agent. Those doubts, frustrations, and wavering.
Pero laging ganito na lang ba? Hanggang clito na lang ba talaga angtungkulin naming
mga agent? Hindi na ba talaga kami makakatakas ganitong kapalaran? Hindi ba pwedeng
kahit isang beses ay subukan namin na pumalag? Hindi para sa ibang tao kung hindi
para naman sa mga sarili namin...
"You'll get through with it soon. Try to endure it for a while. Derek won't suffer
the same fate as Christian as long you stick with the plan."
Ang daling sabihin pero napakahirap pa rin ng pagdadaanan bago matapos ito. Hindi
na lang ang misyon ng mga De Guzman ang kinasasangkutan ko. Christian... Sana nga
hindi matulad sa iyo si Derek. Sana magawa lahat ng ahensya ang makakaya nila
nangsa ganoon ay wala ng iba pang susunod sa mapait na nangyari sa iyo.
"Can you let my cheek go now?" Mark then came into a shock that he's been holding
my cheek for a whole five minutes now. He took his hand off of it immediately and
almost in a panic if ever it swells due to his pinch.
That gesture somewhat lessens the disarray within me. "Thanks, best friend." I
don't really have any single idea on what would I do without Mark. He ls not just a
fellow agent who shares the same portion of encumbrance but a friend that I will
treasure for the rest of my life.
Sinuklian naman ako nito ng ngit .
Kasunod din nito ay napapitik siya nang may tila
maalala ito. "00 nga pala. Nagawan ko na ng paraan para hindi maipalabas ang kwento
tungkol sa pamilya mo sa nationwide broadcast. The communications department is
trying to modify the voice record and the intelligence department on its details so
we can track down the man who called you. So, rest assured," pagpapaalam niya sa
akin at muli, hindi siya pumalya para pangitiin ako.
Mabuti naman ang nagkakaroon ng progreso ang Plano. "How about the firearms?" "I'll
pick them up later." mabilis niyang sagot.
Napailing-iling na lang ako sa bilis at linis ni Mark kung magtrabaho. Maaasahan ko
talaga siya sa kahit anong bagay. Kung ganoon nga, siguro nararapat muna akong
makinig sa kanya at umalis na. Imposible namang biguin ako ng kaibigan kong 'to.
Kapag sinabi niyang gagawin niya, gagawin niya.
"Alright. I'll go now. But I guess I have to drop by to a bar somewhere."
"And why is that?" He asked, placing both of his hands on his waist. What are you?
A nagging mother?
"Sa tingin ko hindi ako aagad antukin nito. I have to drink something to make me
doze off easily," I answered as I pick up all the stuffthat set aside in a corner.
I have to sleep for
tomorrow's chores.
"Just make sure that you won't drink much. I'll send a notice to Vanna to watch
upon you, Ishtar. Don't tryto get drunk. I'll be busy so no one will pick you up
just in case," he reminded and I keep nodding to assure him. Nagpaalam na rin ako
sa iba pang empleyado at saka ko na nilisan ang kwarto.
I went straight to the parking lot to find my car. I hurriedly went in to arrive at
the particular bar where Mark, Joshua, and I used to spend some time before. The
service is great but the pleasure gifted by the drinks is greater. The location is
quite good for me too, considering it was just close before I reach the
subdivision.
When I arrived, I find myself lucky when I saw that there are not many people for
today. However, I find it awful when the rain fell loudly from the sky. Guess I
have to stay a ittle bit longer and wait for the rain to wear out a bit. I'm sure
Vanna will make some adjustments if Mark asked for a report about me anytime.
Nakahanap kaagad ako ng mauupuang stool sa may counter at urnupo roon. Inihubad ko
muna angjacket na suot ko at ipinatong ito sa may bakanteng stool sa kaliwa ko bago
ko sinenyasan ang bartender. Mabilis akong nilapitan ng nito upang kunin ang order
ko. "Cosmopolitan," ani ko at agad na siyang kumilos
upang iayos ang gusto kong inurnin.
"Rieda, it's not always about the numbers and figures. Sometimes, you have to put
your trust on the agent who is looking out for you. When there is no trust, there
is no hope."
Christian... Ito pa rin ba ang (aman ng utak mo kahit sa mga hilling sandali ng
kamatayan niyo ni Agent Urd?Alam mong mamatay na siya pero mas pinili mong mamatay
kasama siya ? Ano pang saysay na prinotektahan ka niya kung mawawala ka lang din
gaya niya?
I can't believe I actually forgot that important date. The day when one of the
Henosis agents who survived from the Blue Lance extermination was assassinated
along with the person she loves. That person who she loved happened to be a
previous client before she retired from all her agent duties.
Mark has probably used his name when we are discussing because Derek resembles
Christian so much. From the looks to actions and personality. Ijust hope that they
won 't share the same tragic ending
Naabala naman ako sa panonood sa gin agawang tricks ng bartender nang maramdaman ko
ang mabigat na bagay sa may balikat ko. Awtomatikong napatingin ako rito at saka
napabuntong hininga nang mapagtanto ko na isang tao lang pala ito na nakatulog. Sa
sobrang pagmumuni-muni 1<0, hindi ko man lang naramdaman na may urnupo sa tabi ko.
"Ang mga tao nga naman ngayon," aburido kong tinanggal ang ulo nito na siyang
bahagyang nakapagpamulat sa lalaki.
Bago pa man niya ako makita ay kinapa ko na ang salamin mula sa jacket ko at
isinuot ito. Sakto namang dumating ang bartender para ihain sa counter ang order
ko. "Ma'am ito na PO," rinig kong pag-ukol nito sa akin at akmang kukunin ko na ang
inumin ko nang sumakto rin ang pagkakalapat ng ulo ng lalaki kanina sa balikat ko.
Again ?
Balak ko na sanang pilipitin ang leeg nitong lalaking ito kung hindi ko lang siya
namukhaan nangtingnan ko nang mabuti. Upang makasiguro ay iniangat ko ang mga
balikat nito at pagewang-gewang ang ulong hinarap niya ako. "A-Ano b-ba!?" Ni hindi
ko maintindihan ang sinabi niya.
Anong ginagawa niya rito? Hindi ba't dapat ay nasa mansyon siya at nagpapahinga na
sa mga oras na ito? Kanina pa tapos ang party pero napansin ko na naka jacket lang
ito ngunit suot-suot pa rin niya ang pampormal na damit niya. "Bakitkaba kong
tanong.
"Ma'am may problema po ba? Gusto niyo po bang tawagin ko ang guard?" the bartender
offered.
" No, it's okay. Kakilala ko siya. Uhm, can you please give me a cup of coffee for
this man?" I declined immediately. It will be one big scandal if the media finds
out that the sole heir of the De Guzman Enterprises is hopelessly drunk in a bar
nearby just right after his father's birthday celebration. Yeah, I can almost
imagine how his father would react when that news appears on televisions
nationwide.
Nakahinga naman ako nang maluwag nangtumawag pa ng isa pa niyang kasamahan ang
bartender para ilipat si Derek sa upuang may sandalan nangsa ganoon ay mas malapat
nito ang katawan niya. Matapos nun ay agad na ring burnalik sa counter ito upang
magtimpla ng kape.
He was almost killed a while ago and yet he has the guts to go out alone and drink?
This guy keeps surprising me both in a good and careless way. As I sip into my
drink, I can't seem to take my eyes off of him. Derek outstands whatever he does
and looks. For example, his white undershirt's first three buttons were undone and
he has this vulnerable expression on his face. There's no reason for Mr. Romuel to
experience difficulty in finding him a wife.
Akmang hahawakan ko sana ang mahahabang pilik-mata niya nang unti unti na siyang
kumurap-kurap at nagsimulang magkusot ng mga mata. Napaayos naman ako kaagad ng upo
at ang itsura 1<0. Mahirap na at baka makilala niya ako. "Ayos ka lang ba?" tanong
ko nang may ibang tono.
"Oh? D-Do I know you, m-miss?" he replied with a sleepy face. The bartender
eventually came back with a cup of coffee. He soon leaves after he put it on the
table.
I tried to stop myself to smirk at this sleepyhead. "Your head fell on my shoulder
for about two times already, young man."
Nang sabihin ko ito ay halos manlaki ang mga mata niya sa gulat at agad siyang
napakamot ng ulo. Dali-dali niyang ininom ang kapeng kakarating lang at impit akong
natawa nang magising siya sa init nito. He then consciously took a glance on me. "l
apologize. Gusto ko lang naman kasi uminom ngayon buong gabi," mapagkumbabang
paghingi ng paumanhin nito.
I didn't dare to talk to interrupt him. I just let him speak everything he wants to
say as he gives a coffee a shot. Prenteng nakapatong lang ang dalawa kong Siko sa
nakadewatro kong mga binti habang nakikinig sa kung anu-anong mga bagay na
pinagsasasabi niya hanggang sa dumating sa punto na nabanggit niya si Jenny. My
disguise.
"You know what? I have a very foolish maid
named J-Jenny. Baduy siyang manamit at [aging nakasuot ng m-malaking salamin. B-But
even i-if she's a fool, she's very kind. V-Very kind hearted! S-Siya ang bumago sa
a-akin," nanginginig ang boses na kwento nito sa akin na siyang mas lalong
nakapagpabagsak sa mga balikat at mukha 1<0.
Dapat na ba akong umalis o dapat bang ipagpatuloy ko ang pakikinig? Makakaya ko
bang pakinggan hanggang sa huli ang mga sasabihin niya tungkol sa ak— Ay hindi
pala Tungkol kay Jenny nga pala. Sa kasambahay na nakilala niya nga pala at hindi
ako na si Rieda.
"Alam mo gago ako dati. Sobrang gago ko pero siya lang ang n-nakapagsabi sa a-akin
na, 'ikaw makinig ka!'. K-Kaya nagawa kong bumalik sa d-dati. Kasi nasa tabi ko
siya. Sa m-maikling panahon na k-kasama ko siya..."
I'm glad I have my shades on. I closed my eyes as if I'm attempting to close my
ears from hearing those words from his own mouth. The words he never revealed when
Jenny is around...
". ..natutunan ko na rin siyang mahalin sa sarili kong paraan."
Ang hilling banda na iyon. lyon lang ang mga salitang hindi siya nagaralgal.
Pinong-pino ito at buong-buo ang pagkakasabi na siyang mas lalong nakakapanakit sa
100b 1<0. Bakit ba kasi hinayaan ko pa siyang magsalita? Siguro, dapat tawagan ko
na si Martin para maiuwi niya na si Derek sa lalong madaling panahon. Kapag nawala
na ang impluwensya ng alak sa kanya, may posibilidad na mamukhaan niya ako sa
anggulo ng mukha ko.
I was about to get my phone from my jacket and end this piercing moment hearing the
words I can't take when the man I am sitting beside with release words that almost
petrified me. "But I can't love her freely. B-Because... I will be married after I
graduate. I was arranged t-to m-marry someone else," that's what he said.
Marry? That's right... When you assume the throne as king, you can't leave the
queen's throne empty. Of course, he has to marry someone who would solidify his
position more. It has been his father's plan for a while now. I'm sure, I will be
called soon to be notified by Mr. Romuel.
"H-Hindi ko gustong maikasal kay Anziza at ito na lang ang huli niyang nasabi bago
siya tuluyang mawalan ng malay at burnagsak sa mga braso kong nakahanda na siyang
saluhin nang mapansin ko ang pagkahilo niya. Mukhang hindi kinaya ng kape ang lakas
ng lahat ng ininom ng lalaki ito.
Mabuti na lang at nakatulog ka na. Nang sa gayon ay hindi mo magagawang marinig ang
mabilis na tibok ng puso ko nang dahil sa mga sinabi mo.
Ate Urd, ganito rin ba ang nadama mo nang magpakasal sa iba si Christian?
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Chapter 26: Shards

RIEDA'S POV
"...natutunan ko na rin siyang mahalin sa sarili kong paraan."
Bakit ganoon? Bakit hindi pa rin matanggal sa isip ko ang pagtatapat na ginawa ni
Derek? Bakit hindi maalis-alis ang kaba at bilis ng tibok ng puso ko nang sabihin
niya ang mga salitang iyon? Pero may dapat nga ba akong ipasaya sa mga narinig ko?
Si Jenny ang mahal niya. Hindi si Rieda.
Magkaibang-m agkaiba sila
Why am I getting shaken by the way? It's not like I really have strong feelings for
him. But it doesn't mean I don't really have. Argh! Why am I this complicated? I
can't determine this feeling inside me!
Napahawak ako sa may kaliwang dibdib 1<0. Bakit ganto ka? Bakit ganto ka magbigay
ng reaksyon sa mga binanggit ng lalaking lasing na ito? Bakit? Bakit nabablangko
ako? May gusto nga ba ako sa kanya? O nahahatak lang ako dahil sa mas matagal ko
siyang nakasama kumpara sa mga naunang kong kliyente?
"Rieda!"
"Martin! I'm glad you're here now. You
have to get him back to the mansion," I told Martin the moment he came to our
table. He immediately tended to Derek and carefully tried to lift him up from my
lap.
"And you? Hindi ka pa ba babalik? Anong oras na. You still have duties as Jenny,"
paalala nito.
Tinulungan ko naman si kahoy sa pagbangon kay Derek. Dahil sa hindi maiayos na
galaw ng katawan nito ay napagdesisyunan na lang namin na isampa siya sa likod ni
Martin at aalalayan ko na lang ang pagpasok nito sa kotse. "Kailangan ko munang
ibalik ang sasakyan ko sa bahay na binili ko. Susunod din ako."
Woods groaned as he finally caught up with his young master's weight on his back. I
wanted to laugh at how funny his expression was but I settled on not doing so or
else he'll add too much load on my maid duties. I wasn't able to get enough sleep
and I can possibly break the whole house if I'm not in my good condition.
"Sige. Basta balitaan mo ko kung ano ang
"Get down, Martin!" I exclaimed when I spotted a man wearing a hoody jacket aiming
us with his g*n. The butler did what I told him the instant I told him so.
"Watch out for the shards, "Vanna wa rned
me and I pulled my jacket from the couch as fast as I could to use it as a defense.
I pushed Martin and Derek to the side with me covering them with it while I let my
boots worked as my shield from the spiky and sharp shards from the bulbs that had
been shot by the three consecutive bullets.
Napatuon kaagad ako sa direksyon kung saan ko kaninang nakitang nakatayo ang
lalaking nagpaputok ng b* * *l na iyon at nahuli ko itong kinukuha na ang mga
garnit niya upang umalis.
"Umalis na kayo rito ngayon din, Martin. Dumiretso na kaagad kayo sa mansyon at
balaan ang guard house," utos ko rito at wala ng patumpik-tumpik pa itong tumayo at
binuhat papalabas ang amo niya.
Pinagpag ko naman angjacket ko kung may bubog man na dumikit dito. The agency gave
each agent a jacket made of a special fabric that could withstand attacks using
blades. That is why it succesfully protected those two from the shards. Hinatak ko
ang magkabilang dulo at saka ko pinaikot ang kabuuan nito upang ipulupot sa kamay
ko. Nang mamataan ko itong muli ay mabilis na akong kumilos upang habulin ang
lalaking nagtangka sa buhay ni Derek.
I didn't take my eyes off from that guy even if the staff and the few customers a
while ago are in a hurry to leave the bar. The little demon went to the area where
the public signage directs to a washroom. When I chase after him, he suddenly came
out almost hitting me the g*n's magazine outlet if I didn 't raise my twisted
jacket before him.
Mabilis kong pinulupot sa kamay niya ang jacket sa kamay at saka tinuhod ang
sikmura nito upangtuluyan siyang mawalan ng pwersa sa b* * *l. Pagkahulog nito sa
sahig ay pinadulas ko na papalayo sa kanya angb l. Sino ang nagpadala sa iyo?"
"Wala kang pakialam!" at akmang sisikuhin pa ako nito gamit ang libreng kamay niya
nang saluhin ko ito at ginamit upang pilipitin ang buong braso niya. Agad siyang
napainda sa sakit ngunit kung hindi ko siya pupuruhan sa ngayon ay patuloy lang
siyang kakawala.
Kaya naman marahas ko siyang pinatalikod sa akin gawa na rin na kontrolado ko ang
dalawa niyang braso. Sa pamamagitan ng natitirang tela mula sa jacket ay itinali ko
na rin ang parehas na kamay niya nang ganoon ay wala na siyang kawala pa. Matapos
nun ay malakas kong tinamaan ang maselan parte ng ugat sa may batok niya upang
mapawalang-malay siya. Kasunod nito ay ang pagbagsak ng lalaki sa malamig ngsahig.
Hindi ka pa pwede mamatay. Kailangan pa kitang dalhin sa ahensya para
maimbestigahan.
DEREK'S POV
"Arrgh." Nagising ako n ang may tila winawarak na ulo. Agad kong nasapo ang ulo ko
at saka ko sinubukang buksan ang mga mata kong para bang nagliliyab ang gilid.
Bunga ng pagpilit ko sa mga rito, una kong nasilayan ang kisameng kakulay ng kisame
sa kwarto ko. Teka, hind/' naman ganito ang kisame roon sa bar na pinuntahan ko ah?
When I was finally capable to contemplate everything, my eyes widened when I
realized that I am no longer in the bar but in my room. But how did I end up here?
Who took me back?
Hindi rin nagtagal ang realisasyon at bumalik ang pamumugto ng sakit sa ulo ko kung
kaya't napabangon na rin ako. Mukhang sumobra talaga ako sa pag-iinom kagabi.
Masaya naman na kasi sana ang lahat kagabi matapos kong muntik-muntikanan na
mapatay kung hindi ko lang naabutang nag-uusap nang mariin si Papa at si Don
Rafael, ang ama ni Anziza tungkol sa balak nga nilang pagpapakasal sa aming dalawa.
Gulat, surpresa, takot, at pagkalito ang nagsama-sama at nagsabay-sabay na
rumehistro sa akin kung kaya lt kahit na ba hindi pa tapos ang selebrasyon ay
nagmamadali ko na lang na kinuha angjacket ko at nilisan ko ang mansyon. Palakad-
lakad lang ako sa daan at sa pagkakatanda ko pa nga ay ni hindi ko binigyan pansin
ang mga guwardiya sa guard house nang tanungin nila kung ayos lang ako.
All I know last night is that I don't want to be put in an arranged marriage with
Anziza. She's my precious childhood best friend, nothing more. No matter how I look
at her, I cannot treat her as someone who could be my potential wife in the future.
It's not like I don't like her. Anziza Carolelle may be childish and stubborn but I
can say that she is gorgeous enough to be aimed at by various men out there. Except
me.
I can 't love her, I can 't love her ifmy heart demands someone else 's name.
I know that Dad is only trying to seek the best for the company but my marriage is
something he should not meddle with. It's not an asset to be used to pay for a
greater exchange. It should be my choice alone. When should I marry... Where should
I make it happen... and most of all, who I wanted to marry is a question that only
I could answer.
Even if he is my father, he doesn't have the right to choose something against my
will.
And generally, I didn't work hard to study, to impress father and the board, and to
compete with Nigel just to end up depending on other's company's power to flourish.
I never wanted that. I spent every night, exceed my limit, and pushed myself so
hard to be the best I can be. So that
can be enough to carry the enterprises' burden on my shoulders soon. But what was
father doing? Is he really going to jeopardize everything?
"You don 't have enough reasons to decline. You're going to marry her whetheryou
like it or not"
Mapakatatandaan ko ang sagot ng ama ko nang humindi ako. Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya
na may iba akong nagugustuhan dahil maaari niyang ilayo si Jenny sa akin kung
sakaling magkaganoon. Lahat ng pwedeng irason sinabl ko na pero ni kaunting kibot
ay hindi ko nakita sa ama ko.
"Young master?" Napaangat ako ng tin gin sa lalaking nakadungaw sa may pinto ng
kwarto ko. May dala-dala itong tray na kinapapatungan ng isang basong tubig at sa
tingin ko ay gamot laban sa hang over.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako nang lumalala ang pag-atake ng sakit pati na rin sa
katawan kong tila ngalay. "Pumasok ka na," alo ko kay Martin.
Dahan-dahan itong pumasok at saka isinarado nang mabuti ang pinto. Marahan niyang
inilapag ang tray sa side table ko hanggang sa paisa-isa niyang iabot sa akin ang
gamot at tubig na kailangan kong inurnin. "lkaw ba ang nag-uwi sa akin?" tanong ko
bago ko tuluyang lunukin ang tableta.
"Opo. Lasing na lasing nga po kayo 'e. Mabuti na lang at tinawagan ako ng bartender
na sunduin na kayo dahil kung hindi ay baka naabutan kayo ni Sir Romuel bago siya
umalis papuntang trabaho."
"Ganoon ba. Salamat, Martin," pagpapasalamat ko nang maubos ko na ang tubig na nasa
baso. Abang inabot naman ng kasama ko ito at ibinalik sa tray na dala-dala niya.
"Wala pong anuman, sir. Sa susunod po ay iwasan niyo ng uminom ng ganoon karami,"
huling paalala nito at nagpaalam na siya upang ibaba muna angtray kina Manang Delia
sa kusina.
Balak ko na sanang humiga upang m"akakuha ng maayos na tulog nang may sumagi sa
isipan ko. Isang imahe ng babae. Mahaba ang buhok niya. May suot-suot na shades at
may kakaibang dating. Nakikipag-usap siya sa akin habang nakaupo siya sa katabi
kong stool.
"Your head fell on myshoulder for about two times already, young man, "

"May babae pa akong nakasama o nakatabi nang maabutan mo ako sa bar?" pang-uusisa
ko. Halos maningkit ang mga mata ko kakapilit na maalala sa imahe ng babaeng iyon.
Hindi ko mawari kung panaginip ba iyon o talagang naroroon siya noong mga oras na

9/1 5
nag-iinom ako. s* *t. Sa susunod huwag ka ng iinom kung hind/' mo kaya, Derek!
Gustong-gusto kong sampalin ang sarili ko buhat nang wala na akong ibang maalala
kung hindi iyon lamang. Napalingon naman sa akin ang butler ng pamilya namin at
tila pinag-isipan ang tinanong ko sa kanya. "Babae? Wala naman PO. Mag-isa lang po
kayo nang maabutan ko kayo," sagot nito.
"Ah sige. Salamat," Ito na lang ang nasambit ko. Gayunpaman, hindi maalis sa isip
ko ang imahe ng babaeng iyon. Dahil sa pagkakaalala ko ay nagawa ko pang makasandal
sa couch at nakahigot pa nga ako ng mainit na kape. Tapos,.. Tapos.,.
Bwisit na 'yan! Wala na akong matandaan! Ano ba talagang nangyari? May kasama ba
ako o wala? Pero sabi ni Martin, wala naman claw. Ano ba ang paniniwalaan ko? Si
Martin na nagsundo sa akin? O 'yung alaala ko noong kasagsagan ng paglalasing ko?
Hindi ko na alam!
Maghahapon na nang magising ako sa mahaba-haba ngunit mahimbing kong pagkakatulog.
Kahit papaano ay umepekto na ang gar-not na ininom ko kanina kaya halos wala na rin
ang sakit ng ulo at katawan ko. Unang hinanap ng kalamnan ko ang pagkain na siyang
naging dahilan para maligo muna ako bago
burnaba sa may hapagkainan.
Even though I was able to enjoy a good sleep, my memories about the woman that I
remembered for a moment are still distorted so I don't really have an idea whether
she existed or not. Either way, I decided to just move on and eat to fill my
stomach. As usual, the maids greeted as soon as I went down from my room.
I could almost recognize all the maids who greeted me this afternoon when I noticed
that one is missing. "Where's Jenny?" I asked Emma who I think is on her way to do
the laundry.
Nagtaka naman ako nang mapansin kong pati ang ilang katulong na saktong napadaan ay
naging katinginan ni Emma. Hindi ito umimik at tanging napapatingin lamang sa
ikalawang palapag. Huh? Anong meron?
Mabilis na dumapo ang mga mata ko sa ikalawang palapag kung saan nakita ko ang
hinahanap ko, si Jenny na kakalabas lang ng kwarto ni Papa. Bakas ang lumbay at
tila pag-aagam-agam sa mukha niya ngunit nang magkatagpo ang mga mata naming dalawa
ay agad niyang pinalitan ito ng isang ngiti. Isang ngiti na para bang nagsasabi na
huwag siyang alalahanin.
Gusto kong magtanong kung saan tungkol marahil ang pagpapatawag ni Papa sa kanya
pero lantad naman na sa mukha niya kanina ang sagot sa ilang katanungan 1<0.
Posible kayang nakakahalata na si Papa sa pagtingin ko kay Jenny noon pa man?
Sinabihan niya kaya ito na lumayo sa akin nangdahil sa balak niyang pagpapakasal sa
akin kay Anziza?
Sana hindi. Sana hindi. Sana hindi. "Anong sinabi sa iyo ni Papa?" kwestiyon ko
pagkababa niya. Nagsibalikan na rin sa kani-kanilang mga trabaho ang mga kasambahay
na kanina'y napatigil sa pagtatanong ko.
"Ah, wala PO, Sir Derek. Medyo napagsabihan lang naman po ako ni Sir Romuel," tugon
niya. Inaasahan mo ba talaga akong maniwala diyan matapos kong makita ang
ekspresyong ganoon sa mukha mo?
Who are you lying to, you stupid? "Come here," I told her. She hesitated at first
but eventually, she obeyed what I ordered her to do. I asked her to come closer and
closer to me until she can no longer look upon my eyes. Did I make you feel
awkward?
Pinagmasdan ko siya habang nakatayo sa harap ko. Magkahawak ang dalawang kamay niya
habang nagtatalo ang bawat daliri nito, iba ang paghinga, at hindi mapalagay ang
mga mata. Inobserbahan ko lang siya hanggang sa makuha ng atensyon ko ang ilang
band aid sa may Siko at tuhod niya. Kailan ka ba mag-iingat ha?
Ang pagpapakasal kay Anziza ay hudyat na
dapat ko ngtigilan ang lumalawig kong nararamdaman. Pero hindi ko gustong maikasal
sa babaeng iyon. Pero gusto ko rin bang lumawig pa ang nararamdaman ko na 'to?
Gusto ko siyang yakapin nang mahigpit. Gusto kong malaman kung ano ba talaga ang
dapat kong gawin ngayon na puno ng pagkalito ang isip ko. Pero ano nga ba ang
kayang gawin ng isang kagaya 1<0? May iba bang paraan para maipaalam ko sa kanya na
gusto ko siya? Kung simpleng utos nga ni Manang Delia hindi niya kaagad makuha, ang
pagtatapat ko kaya maiintindihan niya sa unang sabi?
I was about to pat her head when someone interrupted the atmosphere that has been
rarely formed this moment.
Jen !
I looked at the person who called her and somehow, it surprised me. My brows
furrowed in instant and forehead wrinkled as the person who is coming to us right
now is one of best friends, Glen. I can 't believe it. Greg Lenster Andriego called
Jenny 'Jen'. I never even made a nickname for her and him—?
Tago kong pinanliitan ng tingin ang kaibigan ko. Pagkalapit niya ay walang pasabing
isinukbit niya ang kanyang braso kay Jenny na akala mo ba ay pagmamay-ari niya ito.
Am I missingsomething?As far as I know,
they had only met once so how come they look so familiar with each other? I eyed
Glen's arm on Jenny's shoulders. I never even had the chance to do that myself. Why
is he acting so friendly towards her as if he knows her better than anyone?
"Hi, Derek! Can I borrow your maid for a little bit?" Glen stated, not going around
the bush and directing to his main objective of coming here.
Did I really hear it right? Glen is asking my permission to borrow Jenny? To put a
cherry on top, he is smiling a lot around her, which is a very rare thing to
witness! I can't believe that Glen is acting as if he's Niel. I know he likes to
flirt with women too but he is only interested in women who were highly educated
and wise. It's not like I'm degrading Jenny but he, himself said that she is
someone he will never try to get attached with.
What is he thinking right now?
"Bakit mo naman naisip na hiramin ang mutsatsa 1<0? Wala ka namang mapapala diyan,"
tugon ko. Nagulat naman ako nang mahina niyang suntukin ang braso ko na tila ba
biro ang sinabi ko.
" Maka-mutsatsa ka naman. Bakit ko siya hihiramin? Hindi ko pwede sabihin. May
kailangan lang ako sa kanya. Pagkatapos nun, ihahatid ko na siya rito. Pangako."

14/1 5
He's actually defending her? Seriously?
What happened to the mighty and blunt genius?
At that moment, I was itching to say a huge no. Glen's my best friend but I don't
have the tiniest enthusiasm to entrust Jenny to him. Don't get the wrong idea. I am
absolutely aware of his person ality for we have been together for such a long time
but this day, he's quite different. I can sense it. And 1 1 m afraid that I am
sensing only a guy can easily get aware of.
"Why don't you ask her if she wants to? It's alright for me since it will be an
actual bliss for the household without her around breaking things but I don't want
to force her. Just ask her if she wants to come with you or not," I suggested to
him before I acted to leave the scene. She won 't come, will she? She won't, will
she?
It's a horrible lie. / never wanted her to leave this house. How could I possibly
entrust her to someone else honestly? It'sjust a cover.
Alam ko namang hinding-hindi sasama si Jenny sa kanya. Ako lang naman ang
pinakamalapit sa kanya dito sa Maynila. 'D hamak na mas marami akong alam sa kanya
at sigurado akong walang kamalay malay si Glen tungkol sa mga iyon. Hindi pa nila
nakakasama ang isa't isa nang matagal kaya kahit papaano ay kampante ako na
tatanggi ang babaeng 'yon.
Palapit na ako sa kusina nang marinig ko
15/15
ang sagot niya. Hindi ko lubos maisip na iyon ang sinagot niya. Halos gusto ko nang
tumigil sa paglalakad pero hindi ko magawa dahil maririnig ko lang ang magiliw
nilang pag-uusap bago umalis.
"Sige PO, Sir Glen. Saan po ba tayo pupunta?"
"Secret. Go on and change first. I'm sure you'll be happy."
"Hintayin niyo na lang po ako. Bibilisan ko PO."
Hindi ko na napigilan ang mga kamay ko na pumormang bilog. Gusto kong manuntok.
Nakakainis. Nakakairita. Nakakapang-ngitngit. She Is mine! Jenny Rosario is mine!

Chapter 27: Fear and Tear

MARK'S POV
"Hey, Eros. What isyourgreatest fear?" a woman with beautiful wavy hair asked as
she gracefully practices the routine to be performed on an international stage, a
part of the plan to take an important man down.
/ wasjust standing on the doorstep, watching her as she keeps repeating the
movement that requires consecutive turns. "I fear thatyou mightscrew up tomorrow
night. You don 't want to let Master Phoenix down, do you?"
The room is slowly being conquered by Tchaikovsky's Pas de Deux from classical
ballets including Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Giselle. It's actually a dance
duet yet this perky woman here is still breaking her legs on practicing even
without her partner.
"Bullying me won 't help. Master Phoenix entrusted thisjob to me because he knows
that I can do it. I am the GreatAgent Urd ofSpecial Duties Department and one ofthe
selected agents for the exclusive unit, Henosis. Don 'tyou dare belittle me, god
oflove," she mischievously said. Everyone is aware ofwhatyou are capable of without
you trying to introduce yourself, you
know.
Urd, which means fate in old Norse. A name carried by one of the three Norns in
Norse Mythology. Master once told me he gave you that name becauseyou are
unbelievable. And Henosis, the unit constructed for the extermination of the Blue
Lance Syndicate is something that the Master wants you to bless with your
unbelievableness. You have been well-oriented that this operation doesn 't hold a
hundred and one percent ofsuccess yetyou insisted on going.
The number ofpeople you have to pass through is greater than the number of turns
that you have to execute, The difficulty ofyour role is greater than the steps for
this classical ballet. And the success rate of the operation is more grieving than
you failing the dance. "Then Iguessyou'll cry once you 've gotyour first loss "
"Pfft. I will make sure that my first loss will be my last loss in my entire life,"
she answered and without tracking the time and tempo, the music has stopped and she
is standing right there at the center, posing as passionate as possible.
You are the more wonderful than Aurora, Odette, and Giselle, Mavelle.
"Mark! I have news! You have to see this!" Joshua exclaimed, bamming the glass of
my office cubicle.
Ano na naman? Pang-ilang beses na ba siyang nagbabalik-balik dito mula sa
monitoring room para lang magbalita? "Ano ba ang balitang iyan?" tanong ko
pagkatayong-pagkatayo ko sa upuan ko. Pati paggagawa ko ng bagong gadget ni Rieda
naaantala pa sa lalaking 'to 'e.
He then pulled out a holographic tablet and almost slap the motions being showed on
my face. "What's this?" I stole the table from his hand to give myself a better
look on what he is trying to tell. My brow raised when I recognized the woman who
is chasing after a guy with a g*n. This is Rieda. Shejust left and now...
"That is the scene a while ago. Vanna sent us a signal just right after Ishtar
asked her to do so. The unit commander had some agents from Charlie unit go to pick
up the attacker in case there are more conspirators around."
Habang pinapanood ang naganap na engkwentro ilang minuto pa lang ang nakalilipas,
hindi ko maiwasan na matandaang muli ang pamilyar na pangamba at takot. Napahawak
na lang ako sa may dibdib ko nang wala sa oras.
Gusto mo ba akong atakihin sa puso, Rieda?
"Are you alright, Mark?" Joshua asked me with concern. He even pulled the chair I
am sitting on before he came and offered it to me but I declined him neatly.
You are very much like the agent you once admired, Rieda. However, don't you dare
follow the stupid steps she had taken. The once almighty hero of the agency had her
greatest downfall when she followed them.
The syndicate had stolen Mavelle already from me. I won't let them have you so
don't you ever allow yourself to be caught too. They will kill you for sure. They
will kill you just like her. You are the only survivor left from the Henosis unit.
You have to treat your life as if it is gold.
"Can you prepare my car for me, Josh? I have to leave this instant"
DEREK'S POV
"The proposal, therefore, concludes a campaign against... against... Arggh! I give
up!" I blurted out, finally giving up on holding to the ballpen that I am using for
constructing the proposal that I will be presenting next week. I just can't get my
mind off from thinking about Glen and Jenny together.
That girl is so stupid! Why did she even agree to come with that guy? And Why I
even let Jenny go? I'm such an idiot! I'm the young master here. I'm the one who
will have the final say on everything our maids I should've said no in the first
place.
Nasabunot ko na lang ang sarili kong buhok sa katangahan ko hanggang sa tumama
ang tingin ko sa orasan rito sa kwarto ko. 9:49pm.
Bakit wala pa rin sila?
Isang halos walang kasing tahimik ang gabi ngayon. Tanging ang paulit-ulit na
pagkalampag ng paa ko sa sahig na siyang tanda ng aking pagkainip ang naririnig ko.
Kanina ko pang hapon pinaubaya ang babaeng iyon sa kaibigan ko. Aba l t mag-
aalasdyis na pero hindi pa rin sila dumarating. Saan ba sila nagsususuot? Dapat
talaga tinanong ko na rin 'e. Edi sana sinundan ko na lang at ako na ang mag-uwi
kay Jenny dito.
I've been waiting for a text message or a call from Glen ever since I went to the
office earlier to submit a report and to have a briefing with the finance
department but all I've got was Niel's drunk messages. I wanted to pick him up
because his girls can probably r* *e him but he kept sending me weird emoticons
instead of telling me where he is. That's why I decided to just call Monica, his
personal chef to assist him. After all, the only one I know to contact is that old-
fashioned chef.
I was actually expecting for a nice dinner prepared by Jenny when Andrea informed
that she hasn't arrived yet. And I even thought that can calm my nerves down after
Nigel sabotaged my team's presentation with the marketing department head.
Hindi na nga magkamayaw ang grupo ko
dahil paniguradong mapapahiya kami sa mga executive board members. At mas lalong
lagot ako dahil kakapakilala pa langsa akin bilang tagapagmana ay kapalpakan ang
una kong ipapamalas. Mr. Lee, the company's vice-presidently had put us cousins
together on a competition to make an effective advertisement for our next clothing
line.
Sinabutahe niya ang gawa ng team ko sa pamamagitan ng pagnakaw sa original plan
namin kaya naman nagkagulo kaagad angteam ko dahil may dalawang bagay lang ang
pwedeng mangyari sa amin. Pwedengsabihin namin na wala kaming maipapakita at
mapapahiya sa mga board members o ipapakita namin ang gawa namin at mamamarkahan
kaming kumopya lang. Gustong-gusto ko na talaga patikimin ng malakas na suntok ang
pinsan kong iyon pero pinigilan ko angsarili 1<0. Lagi kong inaalala ang sinabi sa
akin ni Jenny noong unang niya akong nakita na urnuwi galing sa fraternity fight.
"O bakit ganyan po ang mukha mo, Sir Derek?"gulat at nag-aalalang tanong niya sa
akin pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa kwarto ko kung saan ay nagkataong lugar kung
saan siya naglilinis. Agad niyang nabitawan ang dala niyang basahan at dali-dali
siyang tumakbo sa may cabinet kung saan matatagpuan ang first aid kit.
Hindi ko mailarawan ang itsura ko noong araw na iyon. Ang pinakanaaalala 1<0, gulo-
gulo ang buhok ko nun, May kalakasan ang fraternity na nakaaway namin kaya putok
ang labi ko at humakot ako ng sugat at galos sa may braso at tuhod. Halos
magkandasira-sira na rin ang uniform 1<0. Sabayan pa na malakas ang Lilan noon kaya
naman mas mahapdi ang nararamdaman ko sa bawat pagkirot ng mga sugat ko.
Basta-basta ko lang na hinulog ang basang bag ko sa sahig at saka ako humiga sa may
carpet. Samantalang ipinatong ko naman ang kanang kamay ko sa may parteng
matatakpan nito ang mga mata 1<0.
Hindi ko alam pero pakiramdam ko noon ay nawawala aka Kung bakit namin kinalaban
anggrupo na iyon? Kasi napikon ako sa leader nila. Paulit-ulit niya kasing
binanggit ang pagkawala ni mama. [lang beses niya ring pinamukha sa akin na
hanggang pera lang ako at umaasa ako sa yaman na buhat ng tatay ko. Sino bang hind/
magagalit sa sinabi niya? Wala naman sigurong anak ang gustong makarinig ng mga
pang-iinsulto sa magulang niya 'di ba?
"Bakit ka ba nakipag-away? Tumayo ka nga diyan," mahinang saad niya at marahang
inalis pa niya ang nakatakip kong kamay sa mukha
Sa mga oras na iyon, para siyang isang anghel na bumaba galingsa langit. Hindi nga
lang kagandahan at may suot-suot na malaking salamin pero nung nakita ko siya, para
bang may pag-asa na dumating. Basta... Hindi ko talaga mapaliwanag.
Wala naman akong nagawa sa pangungulit niya kaya napabangon na aka Kahit na ba
tulala at tila malayo ang isip, matiyaga niyang sinuri ang 1110 ko, braso ko, at
ang mga parteng may mga sugat at pasa. Agad akong napa-aray nang idiin niya ang
bulak na may gamot sa may parteng pisngi 1<0. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin pero ang
babaeng iyon, pinanlakihan lang ako ng mata na para bang sinasabi niya na sumunod
na lang ako sa gusto niya kung hindi ay mas lalo niyang didiinan. Gusto ko siyang
sumbatan na ako ang amo niya pero nauna ng sumunod ang katawan ko at pinanood ko na
langsiya habangginagamot aka
"Bakit ka ba kasi nakipag-away? May maganda bang naidudulot 'yan? Hindi ba 't wala?
Tingnan mo puro sugat at pasa lang inabot mo," pangangaral niya sa akin. Hindi ko
alam pero pakiramdam ko naaalala ko kung paano rin ako pagsabihan ni mama noon sa
tuwing nauuna ang init ng 1110 ko at nakikipagtalo sa ibang bata, "Ano bang alam
mo? Mindyour own business," pagsusungit ko. Kababago bago pa

9/13
lang niya kasi ay mahilig na siyang sumingit sa mga ginagawa ko sa buhay ko.
Siguro, may dugong pakialamera ang mutsatsang 'to.
"Siguro nga wala akong alam sa kung ano ang pinagdadaanan mo o kung ano ang takbo
ng isipan mo pero ang alam ko, walang magulang ang gustong makita na nasasaktan ang
anak nila Mas gugustuhin ng magulang na sila ang masaktan at sumalo ng mga
masasamangsalita kaysa sa anak nila dahilgusto nilang maprotektahan ang mga supling
nila sa kahit anong paraan na kaya nila. "
Then those words hit me. They struck me like a huge punch on my face Its as ifshe
knows deeply of the reason why / am hurting up until now. Its as ifshe can see
through with my lies and facade. On my very own isolated world, its as if she
barged in without me noticing.
Saktong-sakto bawat salita na binitiwan niya. Gayunpaman, nakinig na lang aka Wala
ako sa kondisyon para makipagtalo sa isang katulong na wala namang pinag-aralan.
Ganyan ang klase ng pagtingin ang mayroon ako sa kanya noon. Hindi ko naman kasi
inaakala na mas may alam pa siya sa akin kung tutuusin kung paano labanan angsakit
na nagpapahirap sa akin.
Jenny then huffed as she continues to tend to my bruises.
"Alam mo, Derek, hindi ko maisip kung
bakit ka nakakipagbasag-mukha. Ke-gwapo niyo po tapos lagi niyo na lang
pinalalagyan ng pasa ang mukha niyo. Ano bang nakukuha niyo kapag nakikipag-away
kayo? May naabot po ba kayo na malaking bagay? May nagbago po ba sa kasalukuyang
sitwasyon na kinasasadlakan niyo pagkatapos niyong makipagpalitan ng suntok?
Wala naman po I di ba? Nasaktan lang po kayo. Sana po huwag na po kayo ulit
makikipag-away. Sigurado akong hindi matutuwa si Ma'am Sarah kung malalaman niyang
sinasaktan-saktan ang anak niya ng kung sinu-sino."
Kaya imbes na magkagulo kami nggrupo ko ay sinamantala namin ang natitirang oras
para gumawa ng bagong Plano. May ilang naidagdag at ilang nabago kumpara sa
orihinal ngunit ang mahalaga ay kami pa rin ang nagtagumpay.
Simula noon ay natuto na akong magpigil nggalit ko. Ni iniwasan ko na rin ang
pakikipag-away hangga 't kaya ko. Sinanay ko rin ang sarili ko na magkaroon ng
mahabang pasensya para makaiwas sa (aging pagbagabag ni konsensya.
Napapabuntong-hininga na lang talaga ako sa tuwing naaalala ko kung gaano ako
katarantado. Hays. Nasaan na ba sila? Bakit ang tagal? Ni wala man lang text o
tawag akong natatanggap galing kay Glen. Bawasan ko kaya ng sweldo si Jenny?
Nakakainis 'e. Kanina pa ako
nakatitig sa orasan.
llang sandali lang ay hindi ko na kinaya ang halos lagpas isang oras na pag-upo at
bumaba muna ako sa may sala upang manood ng telebisyon. Hindi pa ako pwedeng
makatulog. Kailangan kong hintayin na burnalik ang dalawang iyon.
Sakto namang pagkababa ko ng hagdan ay narinig ko ang buhay na makina ng isang
sasakyan. Sina Jenny at Glen na yata 'yun. Mabilis akong napatakbo sa may couch
upang urnupo at kumuha ng magazine upang umaktong abalang nagbabasa. Salamat naman
at nakauwi na sila.
Pagkarinig ko ng paggalaw ng seradura ay napapasulyap na ako. Nang tuluyan ng
bumukas ang pinto ay tanging si Jenny lang ang inuluwa nito. "Magandang gabi PO,
Sir Derek. Pasensya na po kung natagalan. Hindi na po pumasok si Sir Glen kasi
kailangan na rin daw po niya umuwi at hinahanap na siya sa kanila. Salamat din daw
PO," bati niya nang makita niya ako.
Naiibaba ko naman ang magazine na hawak ko. "Ano bang ginawa niyo at ang tagal niyo
burnalik ha?" paggalit kong tugon. Ang paalam sandali langdaw.
"Ah, hindi ko raw po pwedeng sabihin sa inyo 'e."
"At bakit hindi pwede? Amo mo naman ako ah," At talagang sinulsulan pa ng Andriego
na iyon
na magtago itong si Jenny sa akin?
Gusto ko pa sana siyang paulanan ng mga tanong at pagalitan kaso natawag ng pansin
ko ang malakas na tunog ng telebisyo nang may breaking news na dumating. Kahit na
ba si Jenny ay napatigil at napunta angtingin dito.
"Breaking news, mga kababayan. Aming pinag-iingat ngayon ang lahat na siguraduhing
nakasarado ang inyong mga pintuan at bintana, Isanggrupo ng mga kahina-hinalang mga
lalaking nakaitim ang ngayo 'y tinutugis ng mga pulis dahil sa sunod-sunod nitong
pagpatay sa mga anak na babae ng mga opisyal at pati na rin ng mga may matataas na
katungkulan sa ilang kagawaran. Hindi pa natitiyak kung mga kababaihan lamang ang
kanilang binibiktima subalit may hawak ng dahilan ang mga awtoridad kung bakit nila
ito ginagawa. "
Ulit? Bakit napapadalas na yata ang mga pagpatay na iyan?Ano na bang nangyayari sa
mundo ngayon? Bakit hindi pa rin nalulutas iyan hanggang ngayon? Noong nakaraan pa
laman ng balita ang mga pagpatay na iyan. Mukhang kailangan kong tingnan kung may
kaibigan ng pamilya o kasosyo sa negosyo na namatayan. Kailangan namin
makapagpadala ng pakikiramay bilang tanda ng mabuting ugnayan.
"Hinahanap nila ang isang flashdrive kung saan sinasabing nakalagay ang isang
nawawalang importanteng program ng Andriego Technologies Inc.. Sinasabing ang
software na ito ay ang susi upang mabuksan ang kahit anong vault or bank account ng
kahit na sino o ng kahit anong bangko. Mas lumalaki ang kontrobersya na ito dahil
may malaking posibilidad na may kakayahan din ang naturan program na pasukin ang
network at database ng World Bank Group. Muli ay pinag-iingat namin ang lahat.
Magandang gabi, mga kababayan."
What?! There's a program invented for doing that? Holy s* *t. The Andriegos' name
has been involved in this controversy. I'm sure they will be under a rapid-fire
later on social media. What wonders me is that how come the Andriego Technologies
Inc. was not able to secure it and keep it under their care?
I've been acquainted with Glen's parents for a long time and they are the type of
people who has the tendency to be careless. Is someone trying to set them up? Or
they have been really hiding this program a secret for a long time now?
Either way, I remember that I still have to talk to Jenny so I immediately shifted
my eyes from the television to Jenny. Even so, my tongue twisted when I was her
shedding a tear while her eyes are still on the television.
Why is she crying?

Chapter 28: Batangas with Mr. Genius

RIEDA'S POV
"Mr. Andriego, it's not like you to force me to come in an unplanned late afternoon
meeting," I stated as he assists me to sit on the chair opposite to his. After I
sat down, he went to his chair and called the waiter.
Glen opened the two buttons of his polo shirt and then, he leaned forward to me as
if he's going to whisper a secret like a little girl. "l know you'd reject me if I
ask you formally so I intend to do it while you're still in your disguise," he
said, smiling triumphantly.
" Even so, you can't just pull me around especially when the murderers are awake
and observing around Derek," I told him, uttering the last words as silent as
possible due to the waiter approaching us to offer us the menus.
To be honest, I am about to go back to the mansion when he revealed to me that we
are going to Batangas. Considering the traffic this time, we might as well spend
the night in the road until the traffic reduces. What made me go with him is the
message Estrelle sent to Vanna indicating that Glen will probably discuss things
that could contribute to my precautionary plans.
To persuade me completely, she informed me that Monique agreed to take my post for
a while since Niel has a whole day of classes today.
While we're on the road, I keep telling him to book an appointment to my secretary
next time so we could talk more privately but I guess he's just as stubborn as
Derek, pushing whatever he wants.
"We'll have two beef steaks and my usual beverage please," Glen dictated to the
waiter and it gleefully left carrying the menu that I wasn 't even able to open and
to look at.
Mataman kongtiningnan ang kaharap ko.
"Bakit hindi mo ako pinapili?"
"l thought the salad would be inappropriate for a lady like you," and he proceeded
on setting up the cloth napkin on his lap, keeping the wide smile.
I watch him as he does it and until he locks our gazes again. "Please don't forget
that the one sitting in front of you is a skilled agent who can make your head her
main course," I said with a smile and I felt satisfied deep inside when he lost
all the confidence and boasting painted a while ago on his face.
Inayos ko na rin ang sarili kong cloth napkin nang tanggalin ko na sa kanya ang
tingin 1<0. Sino bang akala niya na kasama niya ngayon?
Hindi porket alam niya na ang sikreto ko ay
pwede na siyang umakto sa akin na parang bang malapit kaming magkaibigan.
I heard him click his tongue. "l just can't see you as deadly as your description
ifyou are sitting there prettily wearing a dress," he said. I instantly look to
myself. Of course, in consideration to what I am used to, he bought a dress, a set
of accessories, and a pair of heels for me to wear in this luxurious hotel owned by
his parents.
How could I refuse on wearing something different? It's a choice between wearing an
old-fashioned get-up and dressing up as a typical young lady. It's not like he was
able to match my taste in clothes though. He made me look like a girl who is dating
him out.
"Then you should have bought something more relative to my personality, Mr.
Andriego," at pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata para naman maramdaman niya kung gaano ko
hindi kagusto ang posisyon ko sa pag-uusap na ito.
Bahagyang napatigil naman kami sa matahimik at pasimpleng pagsasaringan nang
dumating ang waiter upang bigyan kami ng maiinom habang hinihintay ang order namin.
Upang hindi masyadong mapaghalataan ay pawang pagngiti lang ang ipinapakita namin
sa empleyado kahit na tila naglalabang mga kidlat na angtitigan namin sa isa't
isa.
I don't really like this guy's guts. If I wanted to shot Niel's manhood on the stop
then I want to slice Glen's head off right here, right now.
" Now, let's get on to the real business on why I borrowed you. But first up, I
want you to answer and to talk as Rieda Fernandez, not as Jenny for today," Glen
asked, now in a serious tone after the waiter left our table.
I simply glance at my surrounding. Despite the luxury embodied by this hotel, there
is surprisingly a small number of people here. I don't know if it's about the time
but to make sure, I pulled Vanna out from my purse and pushed a button on her.
Automatically, Vanna reached all the cellular phones and other gadgets present in
this specific location and disabling them all from recording anything through their
signals. My guardian also blocked any unregistered network to intrude in case there
will be an exchange of information through the means of devices.
It's better to be sure than be sorry in the end.
"What are you doing?"
I lifted my head up to meet his curious look. Eventually, he somehow got an idea
when he noticed the few people around and the crew are chattering. "Just for
security purpose, don't worry. After all, I'm an agent wearing a pink frilly
dress," I assured him.
May alinlangan man ay nakita kong may kinuha siyang isang malaking sobre mula sa
bag niya at marahan itong itinulak papunta sa akin. Hindi man niya sabihin ay
dinampot ko ito at binuksan upangtingnan kung ano ang nasa 100b nito.
Mikko Noel G. Fernandez. A ten-year Senior Computer Programmer and Web Developer
underAndriego Technologies Inc. "What's the meaning of this?" These are my father's
information sheets. His achievements, photos of him working, compact discs of the
software he invented, and even print-outs of his works. Oh my god
"You never told me that your father worked for our company before. More
specifically, he's someone who made great contributions which helped our family's
business to be successful."
Napamaang naman ako sa binanggit ni Glen. Bawat bagay na nasa 100b ng sobre ay
nakakapagsurpresa sa akin. "l... I didn't know. I was too young back then. I never
really asked my dad as to where he works and what his position is. I didn't know he
is connected to the Andriegos." " Didn't you search for his information using your
organization's intelligence network?" "No, I never did. That time I was so busy
honing myself to become an agent and to gather connections as much as possible. In
addition, the organization doesn't let us use the general intelligence network for
personal purposes. The security is too overwhelming. Not even I can meddle with it.
Only the authorized personnel of the Intelligence Department can}' I answered.
Even though I can ask Mark, I doubt if he'll let my request pass. He's quite
professional with his work. Despite being friends, he has this thick line
separating work from personal stuff. It will just be useless to ask.
Goodness, gracious. I never knew about this side of dad. All I knew is that he's a
great cook who'll always prepare the best dishes on our table. Back then, when I
tried to find some information about him, all my efforts were put in to vain. No
one would give me valuable ones. Valuable enough to lead me to the possible
suspects of setting our house on fire, killing my family.
"This morning, when I am borrowing some books from my father's study room, I found
some papers on his table notifying him about a certain flash drive that contains a
particular program that could even cheat World Bank's system. The reason why I
called you is that the one who created it is your father, Mikko Fernandez."
"What?!" I exclaimed. Did father create a program that could ditch that
organization's might security portals? That's almost impossible! Why? Why did he do
a program like that? It will cause huge chaos or worse, an international dispute
once the government and the public found out.
"And to save our company from the predicted damage, my father decided to let the
media know later. I know this is bullshit but my parents are going to abandon Mr.
Fernandez's name to receive all criticisms."
Hindi makapaniwalang tinuunan ko si Glen. Ano? Ano kamo ang balak gawin ng mga
magulang niya? Abandonahin ang pangalan ng tatay ko? Pero bakit? Hindi ba rt siya
na nagsabi na malaki ang naging tulong ng mga gawa niya sa kinatatayuan ngayong
kasikatan ng negosyo nila? Kaya bakit? Bakit itutulak nila kay Papa ang lahat ng
sisi? Dahil ba patay na siya? lyon ba?
Again, for another time, my heart stings.
The familiar strike of pain is getting on me again. All of a sudden, my breathing
becomes shallow as seconds pass. "W-Why... Why are you g-going to put all the b-
blame to the d-deceased?" managed to complain.
"Ayos ka lang ba? Uminom ka mu—" aalokin pa sana ako ni Glen ng maiinom ngunit
kusang kumilos ang kamay ko upang sagiin ang kamay niya.
Wala namang ibangtao na nakapaligid sa
amin kaya halos hindi rin kapansin-pansin ang pagkahulog ng baso at tubig sa
carpet. Hindi ko magagawang urninom ngtubig dahil hindi naman ito makakatulog para
maibsan ang sakit na nararamdaman ko. "P-Paanong n-naaatim ng mga magulang mo na g-
gawin iyon?"
Hindi naman niya naiwasan na mapayuko. Alam ko namang hindi niya tunay na mga
magulang lyon pero wala ba siyang magagawa para pigilan sila? Patay na ang taong
gusto nilang umako sa lahat ng sisi. Hindi ba sila nakokonsensya man lang?
" I'm sorry I cannot do anything with it. Well, it's not like I cannot do something
but I just can 't. After all, they're still the couple who adopted me and raised me
up. I'm very so,rry, Rieda," he apologized. And I felt his sincerity in it so it
somehow helps me to make me feel lighter. Unti-unti kong kinomposturang muli ang
sarili ko. Tinanggal ko ang mga papatak pa lang na mga luha sa mga mata ko. Dapat
akong m aging matatag. "Tungkol sa flashdrive. Ano na ang nangyari rito?" tanong
ko.
Ang pinakamahalagang bagay ngayon ay hindi mapasakamay ng mga masasama lalo ng Blue
Lance Syndicate ang flashdrive na iyon. Kung magkakagulo man, mas mabuting maagapan
na ito hangga't maaga pa.
Umayos naman ng upo si Glen nang
maibalik ko ang usapan ukol dito. "Nawawala pa rin ito hanggang ngayon. Wala akong
alam kung paano ito nawala sa kamay ng kumpanya dahil ngayon ko lang din nalamang
ang mga ito. Ang alam ko ay ito ang rason kung bakit posibleng namatay ang mga
magulang mo at kung bakit biglang lumitaw ang balita tungkol sa pamilya niyo,"
paliwanag nito.
Naipatong ko na sa mesa ang sobre kung saan ko ibinalik na ang mga laman nito na
tiningnan ko kanina. "Naiintindihan ko na malaki marahil ang parte nito kung bakit
namatay ang pamilya ko. Pero sa paglitaw ng balita ay hindi.
Huwag mong sabi—"
" Parehas tayo ng naiisip. Ginawa nila iyon para mahanap ang nag-iisang anak na
nabuhay sa sunog. Ang nag-iisang taong pwedeng may hawak ng bagay na iyon,"
pagtutuloy ni Glen sa n apagtanto kong teorya.
Kung ganoon, ito pa ang isang solidong rason kung bakit hindi nila ako tinitigilan.
Maliban sa pagkakaugnay ko sa Henosis ay ako rin pala ang nakukutuban nilang may
hawak nun. At kung sa g* *o magaling ang sindikatong iyon, paniguradong nangangati
na silang makuha iyon. "Malas na lang nila, wala sa akin. Pero may ideya na ako
kung saan marahil itinago ni Papa iyon."
"Then that's great! I'll help you out!"
Agad na umaliwalas ang mukha ng
kaharap ko. Kahit ako naman ay halos magdiwang ng makaalala ako ng mga lugar na
posibleng pinagtaguan ni Papa. Pero kung titingnan mo, may isang nakapapagtakan sa
inaakto ni Glen. "Sandali lang. Hindi ba't tutol ka sa akin dati? Anong nag-udyok
sa iyo na kausapin ako at makipagtulungan? Dahil pa rin ba sa mga magulang mo?"
puna ko.
Napabuntong-hininga naman siya at saka niya sinulyapan ang waiter na abang
paparating na dala-dala ang mga pagkaing in-order niya. "l thought that maybe...
just maybe, you have concern for Derek deep within you. Sigurado naman akong may
pinagsamahan kayo kahit papaano. Isa pa, kung mapapahamak ka, mapapahamak din ang
kaibigan 1<0. Therefore, I am glad to work with you, Rieda," at inialok niya ang
kamay niya sa akin bilang katibayan ng salaysay niya na tutulungan niya ako.
Maluwag sa 100b ko namang itong iniabot kasabay ng pagsilay ng ngiti namin sa isa
lt isa. Mababa ang posibilidad na traydurin ako ng taong ito. Unang-una, nasa
pangangalaga siya ni Estrelle. Ang makakasama sa akin ay direktang makakasama rin
sa ahensya kaya kampante ako na sasabihan niya ako kaagad kung sakaling may lihis
na binabalik itong si Glen. Pangalawa, tulad nga ng sabi niya, nakasalalay din ang
buhay ni Derek dito. Huling-huli, kung sakali ngang
talikuran niya ako, isang putok lang naman ng bala ng b* * *l ay mawawala siya sa
landas ko.
So overall, it is my advantage. It's not like I can 't trust him. Ijust need to see
it to him more, the loyalty, willingness, and sincerity of the heart that is.
Humiwalay na ang kamay ng bawat isa nang dumating na ang waiter upang ilapag ang
mga platong pagkakainan namin. Matapos nito ay sinenyasan niya na ito na maaari na
siyang makaalis. Akrnang magsisimula na ako upang malagyan ng laman ang tiyan ko
nang mapansin ko ang pag-abot ni Glen sa pagkain ko. Maayos niyang hinimay at
hinati para sa akin ang karne bago siya tuluyang bumalik sa kinauupuan niya.
What a gentleman. I can't help but grin with his sudden action. "Are all men like
this now? Or is it just you when you are bringing a group of women in fancy
restaurants?" I said as I shook my head and picking my fork and knife.
Umabot naman sa pandinig ko ang mahina niyang pagtawa. "Iba na rin talaga ang mga
babae ngayon ano? Masyado na kayong sensitibo sa lahat ng bagay. Hindi naman lahat
ng lalaki ay magaling lang sa una. At sa tanong mo, hindi. Ang tanging
pinagsisilbihan ko lang ng ganito ay ang mga babaeng nakakakuha ng respeto ko,"
pagdepensa niya at bumalik na siya sa pagsubo ng pagkain mula sa plato niya.
Naidekwatro ko ang mga binti ko mula sa ilalim dulot ng sinabi niya. "Bakit? Ano ba
ang ginawa ko para makuha ko ang respeto mo?" Kakaiba pala ang lalaking ito. Iba
ang pamantayan niya sa pagtingin sa mga babae.
Tumigil siya sa paghihimay ng karne at napatinging muli sa akin. "Sabihin na lang
natin na unang beses kong makakilala ng totoong secret agent at simula bata ako 'e
gustong-gusto ko na ang panonood ng mga action movie. Kaya nga naiinggit ako kay
Derek. Sana may secret agent din na nagbabantay sa akin," simpleng wika nito at
nagpakita pa muli ng isang ngiti bago ibalik ang tingin sa pagkain.
Your wish has been long granted, Glen. It was Estrelle Bermart who is protecting
you all this time. You may not be aware of it but just like what I do for Derek,
she does everything she can to keep you from harm.
Unfortunately, I am not in the position to reveal that fact. She is still
undercover. If only have the chance, I would like to say that you don't have to be
envious of Derek for Niel and you will both suffer the same betrayal someday.
" Pagkatapos ba natin kumain dito, isasauli mo na ako sa amo 1<0?" tanong ko nang
malapit ko ng matapos ang kinakain ko.
Napahagikgik naman ito. "Don't be so excited. Let him be mad of jealousy. But
honestly speaking, we can't really go home fast due to the heavy traffic," sagot
niya at itinuro nito ang relo niya. 00 nga pala
Pagkatapos naming kumain ay akmang tatayo na kami mula sa mga upuan namin nang
makatanggap ng isang tawag si Glen. Agad naman niyang dinukot ang kanyang telepono
mula sa kanyang bulsa at sinagot ito.
"Hello? Oh, Lyra. I'm with my classmates. We're somewhere in the city. Yep, we're
having fun, of course. You don't have to worry about me. I'll inform you if I'm
going home already. Bye," then he ended the call as fast as he can, returning the
cellphone back in his pocket.
"Care to tell me about that caller?" pagpaparinig ko.
Iniayos niya ang polo niya bago kami tuluyang magsimulang maglakad papalabas. "Ah.
That's Lyra, my personal driver. Tinanong lang niya kung nasaan ako at kinamusta
niya rin ako," ani niya at saka siya kumaway sa mga empleyado ng hotel na ito.
Medyo napaangat naman ang isang kilay ko roon. Lyra? Personal driver? It must be
Estrelle. "Ba it hindi mo sinabi sa kanya na nasa Batangas ka?" pang-uusisa ko.
Alam ko namang alam ni Fiery kung nasaan talaga kami pero bakit parang ayaw ipaalam
ni Glen ito.
" Hay nako. Pagsasabihan lang ako nun kapag sinabi ko. Baka nga pangaralan pa ako.
Saka hindi naman niya malalaman 'e," tatawa-tawa pa niyang bigkas at nauna na
siyang maglakad papalabas upang hanapin ang sasakyan niya.
Hindi niya malalaman? Kung alam mo lang talaga, Glen. Hindi mo siguro napapansin
pero kanina pa siya nagmamasid sa atin mula sa malayo.
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of
CEMENT illusions. After the death of her fam• .

Chapter 29: Confrontation

RIEDA'S POV
"Pinatawag niyo po ako, Sir Romuel?" Kakabalik ko lang mula sa bar kung saan may
muntikan nang makapanakit kay Derek habang wala itong kamuwang-muwang dulot ng sa
dami ng nainom niya.
Dapat pa nga ly sasabay na ako sa Charlie Unit na ipinadala pabalik ng ahensya
upang dalhin ang lalaking naka-engkwentro ko ngunit inabisuhan nila ako na ang
mismong Unit Commander na ang nagsabi na mas maganda kung babalik na ako sa misyon
ko tutal sa kanila naman na ipinagkatiwala ang pagkuha lalaki.
Pinaubaya ko nga sa kanila ito at pagkabalik na pagkabalik ko ay ipinatawag ako ni
Sir Romuel clito sa study room niya. "Nandiyan ka na pala. Sige isarado mo muna ang
pinto nang makapag-usap na tayo," ani nito. Natunungan ko naman na na
maaaringtungkol ito sa misyon ko o hindi kaya kay Derek kung kaya't sinunod ko na
lang ang sinabi niya.
Matapos nito ay agad ko na siyang sinundan sa may couch kung saan prente siyang
humihigop ng kape. "Ano po ba ang pag-uusapan natin?" tanong ko kasabay ng pag-upo
ko sa kalapit na upuan na kinaroroonan ng ama ni Derek.
"It's about my son, Agent Ishtar."
The moment he answered me with that, I reached out for my huge nerdy glasses and
put it down to the coffee table. This conversation is for Rieda, not for Jenny.
"What about it?" and I automatically look on to him as he plays with his hands.
It's not like him to fidget. I wonder what we are going to talk about.
The old man with his hair turning gray then exhaled sharply. "l am planning to make
him marry Anziza Carolelle right after he graduated," he revealed. My heart almost
skips a beat. Why? Heart, why are you being like this again ?
Even though I knew it before he told me, the effect is almost just the same. And I
can't control it. It's not listening to what I wanted it to do and to feel. I guess
even my heart is as hard-headed as I am. "Is that so? Then, it's good. Why do you
even have to inform me?" I managed to ask.
As far as the contract is concerned, I am not responsible for any life associated
with Derek. Therefore, if he is going to request on protecting that girl, I have
all the rights to decline. I have seen that girl before at the party. She's
beautiful, perky, and most of all, she seems to adore Derek with all she has.
They'll make a very nice couple. "Uh... How do I say this? Rieda, how's your
relationship with Derek?"
"Pardon?" I thought my ears malfunctioned. It's a question I didn't even expect for
him to ask. After all, he's usually out of the country doing his business and
according to his son, all they had talked about is about school, company, friends
and other stuff.
But I should've seen this coming. "I've heard a lot from the staff. And it seems
like you are having a great relationship with him. I'm just worrying as to how will
Anziza see it once she visits here more often." Halos nag-aalangan niyang
paglalapat sa akin ng pinupunto niya.
Hindi naman ako manhid sa kung ano ang balak niya iparating sa akin sa pagsasabi
niya nun. Kung ganoon, mapapadalas na pala si Anziza rito. Alam ko na ang gustong
mangyari ni Mr. De Guzman. Nakikita niyang banta ang magandang relasyon namin ni
Derek sa balak niyang pagpapakasal ng anak at ng heredera ng kaibigan niya.
At ang natural na bagay na dapat kong gawin ay ang lumayo. Ang iwasan ang paglapit
pa lalo kay Derek. Ang bawas-bawasan ang pagkakaroon ng memorya kasama siya.
"I'm a father, Rieda but I'm also the president of a large company. Derek's not my
only son but all of the employees who are
working hard every single day. I hope you're getting my point. Sana huwag mong
masamain," sinserong wika nito at hinablot pa ang kamay ko upang ipatong pa ang isa
pa niyang kamay bilang tanda na buong siyang nakikiusap sa akin.
Months ago, I came back to Japan after retrieving something for the agency. I had
been waiting for a new assignment, suitable enough for an agent from the Special
Duties Department. Despite the condition of pretending to a maid whose personality
is the definite opposite of mine, a father's heart moved me to say yes and to go
here in the Philippines.
Months later, I met this arrogant boy who was really trying hard to look bad-ass.
His hair was spiky and was colored red. He does everything he wants to do. He beats
up people and he answers back to his father. Little did I know that this arrogant
boy is a lost child wandering in the dark. I unconsciously found him and thought
him the things I learned the hard way. Now that I was about to lead him to the
light, my hand is almost on the edge of slipping from his.
"Yes, sir. I understand it very well."
And I am the one now who is slowly being swallowed by the dark. Ultimately, I
don't think a father's heart could move me and give me
enough reason to stop this feeling anytime soon.
DEREK'S POV
"Sir Derek, Sige po mauna na po muna ako. Magpapahinga na po ako sa kwarto 1<0,"
paalam ni Jenny matapos mabilis na pinawi ang isang luhang umagos mula sa mata
niya. Kusang napatango na lang ako at saka siya mabilis na naglakad papaakyat sa
kwarto niya.
That's strange. I've never seen Jenny shed a tear. Not even for a movie ora
television show. She's an optimistic person who smiles a lot no matter what
happens. I just can 't see the reason why she shredded a tear while looking at the
television.
Aish. Bahala na nga. Makabalik na nga lang sa kwarto at may mga tatapusin pa ako.
Pagkapasok ko sa silid ko ay unang bumungad sa akin ang masakit sa tengang pagtunog
ng telepono ko. Sino na naman ito? Baka si Rhea lang ito, ang assistant ko para
ipaalam kung may mauurong na meeting o kung pa man. Hays. Mabigat na mga paa kong
tinungo ang lugar kung saan nakapatong ang telepono at saka ko ito dinampot upang
patahimikin ang maingay na tunog na nagmumula rito.
"Hello?" walang kaamor-amor kong pagsagot nang makaabot sa may tainga ko ang
telepono.
["Derek! Remember this day, you asshole! You ruined my chance! You destroyed my
life! I will steal everything from you! The company, your father, your inheritance,
everything! Hindi kita titigilan hangga't hindi kita napagdudusa sa lahat ng ginawa
mo sa buhay kong hayop ka!"]
I immediately pull my cellphone away from my ear. Who the hell?! What is this
person saying? I look upon the name of the caller but it's an unregistered number
so I can't help but raise my brow on it.
Mga ilang segundo rin ang lumipas nang may isang pangalan ang namayagpag sa akin sa
kung sino marahil ang tumawag. Hindi kaya.. Agad kong ibinalik ang telepono sa may
tainga ko. "Nigel, ikaw ba 'to?" nababahala kong tanong.
Sa pananalita at sa mga binanggit niya ay may malaking posibilidad na si Nigel nga
ito. Pero anong oras na ah? Bakit napatawag ang isang 'to?
Ano na naman ba ang problema niya sa akin?
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko lubos maisip ang totoong dahilan kung bakit ganito na lang
ang pagkamuhi sa akin ng pinsan kong lyon. Wala naman akong ginagawang masama sa
kanya. 00, tarantado ako pero ni pagtulak hindi ko pa nagagawa sa kanya kahit na ba
ilang beses niya na akong sinabutahe sa trabaho.
["Sino pa ba? Ba't ba lagi na lang ikaw?!
Ano bang meron sa'yo?! Bakit ikaw na lang lagi ang bukang bibig ni dad? Gago ka at
isa ka pang malaking puta! 'Di hamak na mas may utak ako sa'yo pero bakit ikaw pa
ang laging pinupuri ng lahat?! Mamatay ka na sana, Derek De Guzman! Sinira mo ang
buhay kol Mamatay ka na!"]
Nabigla ako sa sunud-sunod niyang pagbabato ng kung anu-anong mga bagay sa akin.
Nang makuha ko na ang boses para magsalita ay sunod ko na lang na narinig ang
mahabang tunog na siyang senyales na pinatayan na ako ng taong nasa kabilang linya.
Anong problema niya? Bakit galit na galit na naman siya sa akin?
Bakit pakiramdam ko ay iba ang galit niya ngayon? Tawagan ko kaya siya ulit? Unti-
unti akong binagabag ng mga pinagsasasabi sa akin ni Nigel kani-kanina lang. Halos
hindi ako mapakali kahit na ba nang bumalik ako sa pagbabasa ng mga papeles na
kakailangan ko sa presentation na pinaghahandaan ko. Hindi ko maintindihan pero
naaalarma ako nang hindi ko maipaliwanag.
Sa bandang huli ay sumuko na rin ako sa pagtatrabaho. Masyadong wala sa pokus ang
utak ko para magpatuloy pa. Tulog na kaya si Jenny? Puntahan ko kaya siya? Baka
sakaling may maitulong siya sa akin sa kung ano ang dapat kong gawin clito kay
Nigel.
Habang binabalik muna sa ayos ang mga gamit ko ay hindi ko maiwasang alalahanin ang
mga binanggit na masasakit na salita ng pinsan ko. Hindi naman sa nasaktan ako pero
nang dahil sa mga iyon ay naalala ko na naman ang mga panahon na madalas nagtatalo
ang mga magulang ko.
Madalas kong naririnig ang pang-aakusa ni Papa kay Mama na walang kwentang asawa
kesyo may iba raw itong lalaki na tin atago at pinagkakagastusan. Naaalala ko ang
mga oras na wala akong magawa kung hindi ang manatiling nakasilip sa maliit na
siwang ng pintuan habang pinapanood ang mahal kong ina na umiiyak at nakasubsob ang
mukha sa kama. Sa kaibuturan ng puso ko, gusto ko siya saluhan sa pag-iyak noon
ngunit wala akong lakas ng 100b upang kaharapin din ang galit ni Papa.
Lagi nilang pinag-aawayan ang tungkol sa mga babae, lalaki, ang kumpanya, ang oras
at pati na rin ako. Batang paslit lang ako at wala akong naiintindihan noon ngunit
malinaw sa akin na wala na ang pagmamahalan na dati'y nakikita ko sa samahan
nilangdalawa.
Sei il mio diamante. Sa katunayan ay ito ang madalas nilang sinasabi sa isa't isa
noong mga panahong wala pa ang pagdududa, pagsisinungaling, pagdadahilan, at pag-
aakusa. Saktong nailabas ko naman mula suot kong sweatshirt ang locket na naiwan sa
akin ni Mama. Naibalik ko lang ito nang marinig kong may
kumatok sa pinto.
Pagkalingon ko rito ay iniluwa nito ang ama ko na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa
rin balak imikin dulot ng nalaman ko sa plano niyang pagpapakasal sa akin kay
Anziza. Dapat pala sinigurado ko na nai-lock ko nang maayos ang pinto.
"Hindi pa po pala kayo natutulog," paunang puna ko.
Sa kaloob-looban ko ay nagkakaroon na ako ng ideya sa kung ano ang pwedeng dahilan
kung bakit niya ako dinayo rito sa kwarto 1<0. " Pwede ba kitang makausap, anak?"
paghingi ng permiso nito, dala-dala pa rin ang seryosong mukha na suot niya noong
nahuli ko silang nag-uusap ni Don Rafael.
Ayoko. Please, Papa, 'wag naman ngayon to? Huwag mo naman na dagdagan.
Nigel just called me only to bother my mind and for me to remember those bad times.
Can 't you just stop? Perhaps you're going to finally tell me about your plans.
You're going to give me the initial details on the merging that you are trying to
cooperate si Anziza's father. Please, not now. I might not be able to stop myself
from voicing out what I really feel about this.
Labag man sa 100b ay pinatuloy ko siya hanggang sa makaupo ako sa gilid ng kama ko
at siya naman ay nakatayo. Halata na may
pagdadalawang-isip sa kanya kung ipapaalam na nga ba niya sa akin o hindi.
Gayunpaman ay tinuloy pa rin niya ito.
"Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa, anak. Gusto ni Rafael na ipakasal ang anak
niya sa iyo. Sa [along madaling panahon."
Mabilis na napaangat angtingin ko kay Papa. Bakit nila minamadali? Nito ko lang
nalaman ang plano nila at ngayon lang niya ito ibinalita sa akin tapos gusto na
kaagad nilang may maganap na kasalan sa lalong madaling panahon? Pinaglololoko ba
nila ako? Siguro tama ang hinala ko. Na matagal na talaga nila itong balak noon pa
lang. Bago pa na pinatira ni Don Rafael si Anziza dito sa mansyon, buo na ang plano
nila.
Napabuntong-hininga naman ako at pinilit ko na hindi pataasin ang boses ko hangga't
maaari. "Pa, hindi ko siya gustong pakasalan. Magkababata lang kami at iyon lang
ang tingin ko sa kanya," paglalahad ko ng pagtutol ko.
Agad na napakunot ng noo ang matanda at napalagay niya ang kanyang mga kamay sa
tagiliran niya. Isang patunay lang na inaasahan niya talaga akong pumayag sa kasal.
"Bakit naman, anak? May iba ka bang gusto? Sino ba siya? Kung matatapatan niya o
mahihigitan niya ang kinabukasan na pwede mong makuha kay Anziza, Sige dalhin mo
siya nang makilala ko. Pero
kung hindi, nais kong pag-isipan mo nang mabuti ito," balik nito sa akin sa tonong
tila nagnanais siya na gawing marahan ang pakikiusap niya hangga't maaari.
I was taken aback. Not for his opposition to my choice but to how my own father
based on social status and wealth to decide who I must marry. Are you even thinking
straight, dad? What will I do with money and fame if I'm not happy? How can I marry
someone I don't even like in the first place? It's plain worthless and useless.
" Papa," napatayo na ako. Ayoko nang manahimik at itago ang opinyon ko tungkol sa
isyu na ito. Ako at si Anziza ang pinag-uusapan dito kaya may karapatan ako na
magsalita. Nakasalalay dito kung ano ang magaganap sa kinabukasan ko. "Bakit hindi
niyo na lang po ako papiliin ng babaeng gusto kong pakasalan? Anak niyo pa rin
naman po ako 'di ba? Hayaan niyo kong maging masaya," marahan kong paliwanag,
sinusubukang ang mga mata ko ang mangungusap sa taong nagpalaki sa akin.
Pumailing-iling siya nang marinig niya ang sagot ko. Humakbang siya ng ilang
hakbang at saka sumulyap sa akin. "Manang-mana ka talaga sa nanay mo. Masyado
kayong malambot. Puro puso ang inuuna kaya walang napapala sa buhay kung 'di ang
umasa sa ibang tao. Laging kung ano
ang ikakasaya muna ang dapat unahin. Paano naman ang mga taong dumedepende sa iyo?
Isasantabi mo na lang ba sila nang dahil langsa pansarili mong kasiyahan?" Hindi ko
mapigilan na magporma ng kamao sa aking mga kamay nang insultuhin niya ang nanay
ko.
How dare he?!
"Kaysa naman sa isang tulad niyo na puro negosyo lang ang laging iniisip! Huwag na
huwag niyong iinsultuhin si Mama dahil sa una pa lang, siya lang ang totoong nag-
alaga sa akin habang wala ka at abala sa trabaho!" Hindi ko na napigilang sabihin.
At sa isang iglap ay mabilis na humakbang si Papa papalapit sa akin para panlisikan
ako ng mata. Alam kong lumagpas na ako sa linya nang insultuhin ko siya ikumparang
muli tulad ng dat kong ginagawa noong nagrerebelde pa ako. Subalit ito ang totoo
at ito ang saloobin ko. Gusto kong isumbat sa kanya lahat ngayon na punong-puno na
ako.
"I've done all of those just for your future! Don't you give me that reason. Ginawa
ko lang kung ano ang tama! Mas pinili kong i-sakripisyo ang sarili ko para lang
magkaroon kayo ng magagandang darnit, masasarap na pagkain, at masaganang buhay! At
huwag na huwag mong mabida-bida sa akin ang nanay mong walang ginawa kung hindi ang
sumayaw!" pagtataas nito ng boses sa akin at saka halos itulak muli sa kama.
Lumapat ang pwetan ko sa kama. Sa mga oras na ito, naisip ko ang mga naging
magulang ni Papa. Marahil ay hindi ko nga nakilala ang lolo't Iola ko ngunit sa
tingin ko ay katulad ngayon ay pinilit din nila si Papa na maipakasal sa kay Mama.
At sa tingin ko ginawa nila ito garnit ang pangongonsensya.
But I'm not like him. I will not follow the same path you've taken, dad. "Don't you
say those words to my mom! Before you say those things, why don't you look at your
own self?" and in a blink, a cold palm stang my face in full blow.
Pinigil ko ang galit ko at inis na nararamdaman ko. Nanginginig na rin ang kamao ko
ngunit wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang turningin sa ibang direksyon upang hindi ko
na masilayan pa ang amang mukhang mas uunahin pa ang iba kaysa sa sarili niyang
anak.
"Wala kang utang na 100b! Kung hindi dahil sa akin, hindi ka mabubuhay sa rangya!
Kaya tama lang na sundin mo lahat ng gusto kol At papakasalan mo si Anziza sa gusto
mo o sa hindi!" sigaw nito habang nakikita ko sa gilid ng mga mata ko na
pinangduduruan niya ako at pinanlilisikan ng tingin.
Kapwa mabibigat ang paghinga naming dalawa. lyon lang ang naririnig sa buong kwarto
ko hanggang sa umabot na lang sa pandinig ko ang pagbukas at pagsarado ng pinto.
Ito na ang n aging hudyat ko upang ilabas ang nadarama ko.
Pinagsusuntok ko ang kama hanggang sa mapagod ako. Nagtatadyak hanggang sa masaktan
ang sarili ko. Humiyaw hanggang sa tuluyan na akong mapahiga at gamitin ang
dalawang palad ko upangtakpan ang mukha 1<0.
What should I do, mom? I no longer know what to do with dad, He S becoming more and
more manipulative. He S trying to monopolize me, my decisions, and my future.
Ifonlyyou were here..

Chapter 30: Operation

RIEDA'S POV
"Good evening, Mark," I greeted as soon as I found my computer receiving his video
call under the username and number of the
Intelligence Department. His image soon widens as the monitor recognized my order
to put him in a full screen.
Finally, after that almost unending traffic, I was able to come back home to rest.
The food was great in their hotel though, I must say. I am quite prepared for a
scolding for missing his call on the supposed time when I realized that my best
friend looks bothered by something and he just keeps on staring down. "Are you
sick?"
Despite me asking, he stayed still like that, his mind seems to be flying somewhere
he only knows. "Josh! Josh, wake him up!" I exclaimed when my gaze caught Joshua,
another friend of mine passing behind Mark's office cubicle.
Nataranta naman ito nang mapansin ako at muntikan pang maihulog ang kape niya sa
taong wala yata sa wisyo. "Hi, Rieda! How are you doing right there?" pangangamusta
nito sa akin habang dahan-dahang inilalapag ang sa mukha pa lang ay mainit na
kapeng dala-dala niya sa
mesa ni Mark.
"Kakauwi ko lang galing Batangas. 00 nga pala. May natanggap na ba kayong balita
tungkol doon sa flashdrive na diumano ay naglalaman ng isang program na may
kakayahan na malusutan ang kahit anong bangko?" Alam ko namang nauuna munang
dumaraan sa ahensya ang mga ganitong balita bago lumabas sa pampublikong telebisyon
ngunit ang hinahanap ko ay kung may detalye na silang nakuha ukol dito.
Kumagat-labi ito at matamang nag-isip kung mayroon na ngang nadaan sa kanila na
ganoong balita hanggang sa tila may lumiwanag na bumbilya sa ulunan nito. "Ah!
Naalala ko na! 00, dumating nga sa amin iyon. Kaso hindi na namin napigilan dahil
may kumokontra sa sub-system natin. Nagkakagulo nga rito kanina dahil hindi na rin
namin naihabol ang pagrerestart dito," pagkekwento nito na siyang ikinabahala 1<0.
There's something hindering the sub-system of Trinity? But that's quite hard to
believe. The agency had never suffered from this kind of occurrence. We've
maintained the formid ability of our system by being facilitated 24/7 by numerous
administrators so how?
"l know, Rieda. I know. Kahit kami nabigla nang hindi namin naagapan ang paglabas
ng balitang iyon. Samantalang may kontrol tayo sa
communications satellite. For now, the sub-system has been restarted and we must be
thankful at least that it's only the sub-system. We can't afford it if the Trinity
is destroyed," ani nito na dama ang pangamba ang pagkabahala nito sa nangyari.
Ofcourse, he'll be worried. He's one of the facilitators. If there's someone trying
to take over the upper hand on the communications satellite, who could it be? And
how did they manage to earn control? I've thought of someone but it is too absurd
to think that they are my potential suspect. They impossibly wouldn't have enough
resources to do this, would they?
"Sige, Rieda, mauna na ako. Looks like we have a meeting. Probably to discuss the
same matter. Hoy, Mark! Gumising ka nga! May naghihintay sa'yo 'o!" paalam nito sa
akin at saka malakas na inumpog angtaong kanina pa wala sa sarili sa sariling mesa
nito.
Nagulat naman ako sa ginawa ni Joshua dahil madalas siyang takot kay Mark buhat na
rin na mas nakatataas ito sa kanya kung posisyon ang pag-uusapan. Mabilis na gumana
ang reflexes ni Mark at agad na hinablot ang kamay ng nagkasala sa kanya upang
makaganti.
"Aray! Aray! Mark, sorry na!" pag-inda nito sa sakit samantalang wala yata sa
kondisyon ang kausap upang hayaan siyang makatakas. Hindi ko maiwasan ang mapangiti
sa kalokohan nilang dalawa.
"Just let him go, Mark. He has to go to the meeting." Napatingin kaagad sa akin si
Mark at ito ang ginamit na pagkakataon ni Joshua upang kagatin ang kamay nito at
makatakas. Akmang hahabulin pa nga ito ni Mark kung hindi ko lang pinigilan.
Bakas sa mukha ng kaibigan ko ang hapdi ng pagbaon ng mga ngipin ni Joshua sa kamay
niya kaya bahagyang nakaramdam ako ng pagkakaroon ng kasalanan. "Sorry. Kanina ka
pa kasi parangwala sa wisyo. Hindi ko naman alam na ganoon ang gagawin ni Joshua
para gisingin ka," paghingi ko ng paumanhin dito.
He rolled his eyes on me as he takes his seat again. "So, what's the news?" he
asked, still looking at his hand with disgust. My friend probably thinks that he
got infected by that mischievous guy who he always called a dog.
Going back to the reason why I wanted to talk to him, I decided to state the
information I got from Glen a while ago. "That flash drive was my father's
possession. Mikko Fernandez was the creator of the program. As his only direct
descendant, I have an idea as to where he could have hidden it," and I saw how
Mark's eyes widened when I told him these things.
All of a sudden he pulled a laptop from nowhere and opened it as if he's rushing
over something. "You could've said so earlier! Damn, we have to get that report to
the executives so we can execute an operator to retrieve it," he said, finally
putting his fingers on the keyboard to start typing. Most likely, it's the report
that he will pass as soon as he's done.
I sighed when he mentioned about executing a retrieving operation. "I'll do it,
Mark."
"What?" he suddenly stopped from typing. Mark then took the time to look at me
eagerly as if he's asking me whether he heard it right or not.
I am aware that someone can do it on my behalf but I am Mikko Fernandez's only
daughter. The one who survived from the fire and probably the only lead to finding
that flash drive. I feel responsible for it. Most of all, I wouldn't let any of
those guys from the syndicate to get a hold of it.
I'm still oblivious as to why my father created as destructive as that but there's
one thing I'm certain, I am the one who has to get it back. "Mark, I want you to
suggest my name as the official agent-in-charge of the operation. I want to do it
alone. No one can make me change my mind," I assured him when he's about to attempt
to oppose my decision.
Napaisip naman nang todo angtaong nasa kabilang linya hanggang sa mapasandal na
lang siya sa kinauupuan niya. "Bakit ba may kaibigan akong matigas ang ulo?" tanong
niya na siyang ikinatawa ko na lang. Hindi pa ba siya sanay sa akin? Sa ilangtaon
ba naman naming magkasama sa iisang ahensya.
"Maswerte ako kasi may kaibigan ako na hindi ako matitiis," pasaring ko at
napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. Minsan lang akong humingi ng pabor pero alam ko
ring ayaw niya rin akong hayaan sa gusto kong mangyari dahil maaaring mapahamak ako
sa pagkuha ko nito lalo na at gusto kong sarilinin ang magiging misyon.
Pinagewang-gewang nito ang swivel chair habang malalim pa rin ang iniisip. "Paano
si Derek? Kailangan mo siyang bantayan, hindi ba? Lalo na at mukhang napapadalas
ang insidente sa paligid niya," banggit nito sa isa pang kinapapangambahan ko.
"I'll ask agents, Isis and Fiery to handle my post for a while. Of course, the
order won't be passed immediately so I still have a few days to reconstruct the
security plan of this mansion." I hope this will work though. Derek's examination
will be held next week so 1 1 m sure he'll be in a group study along with Glen and
Niel.
I trust Estrelle and Monique. I'm sure they can manage to stay on guard for Derek
as well for a day. I will finish the operation right away. "What

siya sa kinauupuan niya. "Bakit ba may kaibigan akong matigas ang ulo?" tanong niya
na siyang ikinatawa ko na lang. Hindi pa ba siya sanay sa akin? Sa ilangtaon ba
naman naming magkasama sa iisang ahensya.
"Maswerte ako kasi may kaibigan ako na hindi ako matitiis," pasaring ko at
napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. Minsan lang akong humingi ng pabor pero alam ko
ring ayaw niya rin akong hayaan sa gusto kong mangyari dahil maaaring mapahamak ako
sa pagkuha ko nito lalo na at gusto kong sarilinin ang magiging misyon.
Pinagewang-gewang nito ang swivel chair habang malalim pa rin ang iniisip. "Paano
si Derek? Kailangan mo siyang bantayan, hindi ba? Lalo na at mukhang napapadalas
ang insidente sa paligid niya," banggit nito sa isa pang kinapapangambahan ko.
"I'll ask agents, Isis and Fiery to handle my post for a while. Of course, the
order won't be passed immediately so I still have a few days to reconstruct the
security plan of this mansion." I hope this will work though. Derek's examination
will be held next week so 1 1 m sure he'll be in a group study along with Glen and
Niel.
I trust Estrelle and Monique. I'm sure they can manage to stay on guard for Derek
as well for a day. I will finish the operation right away. "What if the executives
don't allow you to do it? We still have the Alpha unit, Rieda. You can't get all
these assignments all at once," Mark reminded me but it didn't sway my persistence
enough. I have been thinking about this since I was in Batangas.
There's no way I'm backing out from my decision. I'm going no matter what. II NO
one can stop me." That's all I can answer. Eros knows me very well. I'm not the
type of person who will drop down especially if it's something related to my
family... to my past.
Nakipagtagisan ako ng titig sa kanya. Wala ni kakarampot na pagdududa sa desisyon
ko. Buong-buo iyon kaya sana matulungan niya ako sa isang 'to.
"Just this once, Rieda. After this, I won't allow you to go alone anymore. Do you
understand?" He gave in.
I burst out into a triumphant smile. "Yes, I understand."
Dumaan ang mga araw kung saan tila bumalik sa dati ang lahat. Ang walang sawang
pag-iimprinta ng fax machine ng mga death threat at ilang tawag kada tatlong oras
na pan ay pagbabanta lang. Higit sa lahat ay tila bumalik din sa dati ang relasyon
ng mag-ama.
Matapos ng araw na pagkauwi ko mula
Batangas ay nakakapagtakang hindi nagkikibuan ang mag-ama kahit sa hapagkainan. Ni
hindi rin sila nagkakagawi ng land as. Bagkus, parehas sila dumidiretso agad sa mga
kwarto nila. Mag-ama nga sila
"I've connected one of Derek's trackers on your phone, Woods. That will help you
monitor his location and its coordinates. Contact numbers of Estrelle and Monique
were saved in your contacts by Vanna. Call them if you have some worries about the
young master, okay?" I reminded Martin while he's on the screen and I'm picking out
the weapons that I will bring from the sets that I have laid on my bed.
The order from the executives has been released two days after it was submitted by
Mark. Before they approved his suggestion, the intelligence department went into a
great work of confirming the creator of the program, my relationship with the
programmer, and the credibility of my theories as to where my dad hid that wanted
flash drive.
At last, / will be sent for the operation.
"Ayos lang naman sa akin na may kapalit ka na magbabantay dito habang wala ka kaso
paano naman si Sir Derek? Gusto mo bang magwala ulit 'yun? Hindi mo ba naaalala
'yung huling beses na nawala ka? Sino na naman ang mapagbubuntunan ng galit nun?
Kami?"
nag-aalboroto niyang balik sa akin. Hindi ko man tingnan ang monitor ay
paniguradong nakalukot na ang mukha niyangsi kahoy.
Wala naman siyang dapat ipag-alala. Nakumpirma ko na ang mga plano ng
magkakabarkada mamayang gabi pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng klase nila. Pupunta sila
bahay nina Glen para mag-aral sa darating eksaminasyon. Kaya sigurado akong puro
pag-aaral lang ang aatupagin nun. Isa pa, ang ama niya na mismo ang nagsabi na
kailangan kong bawas-bawasan ang ugnayan ko sa kanya. May posibilidad din na baka
roon na rin muna manatili si Derek dahil sa tila hindi pa rin naaayos na hindi
pagkakaunawaan nila ni Sir Romuel.
"Alam mo, Martin, hindi ko rin naman hawak ang buhay ni Derek. Hindi porket ako ang
dahilan ng pagbabago niya ay makakaya ko na siyang kontrolin. May sarili pa rin
siyang pag-iisip. Isa pa, anim na buwan na lang at makakalaya na ako sa kontrata na
'to. Pagkatapos nun, magkakaroon na ng Mrs. De Guzman na titira rito." Sa
pagkakataong ito ay pinagtuunan ko na siya ng pansin. Napatikom naman siya ng bibig
n ang mabanggit ko ang tungkol sa pag-aasawa ng amo namin.
He was already informed about it when Mr. Romuel called out all the household staff
to make an announcement. What's funny is that he keeps insisting that he doesn 't
want to serve Anziza Carolelle, who he calls a spoiled brat. "Six months, huh? Time
flies so fast," Martin said.
I agree with him in silence. I didn't even notice that there's only a half a year
left for me to stay here as Derek's protector. A bitter sm irk formed on my face.
"That's why you have to grab all the chances to develop your defenses and even
offenses," I mentioned, setting all the thoughts of leaving soon aside.
"Why do you even have to leave? The young master loves you."
That automatically petrified me in instant. I almost lose my grasp on the g*n that
I am reaching for. Love? Are wegoing to talk about it again? "It's useless, you
know. After all, our relationship's bound only by a contract." That's right, lying
on everyone keeps you safe. Lying to yourself will make them safe.
"Hindi naman mahalaga iyon 'e. Ikaw ba, Rieda. Mahal mo ba si Derek?" tanong nito
na siyang mas nakapagpahaba pa ng pagkaka-estatwa ko sa isang sulok.
That is the question that I am not allowed to answer. If I don't want Derek to
suffer the same fate as Christian Is, I have to take the steps Agent Urd ignored
before. "I'm going now, Martin. Bye. End call," and his image vanished from the
screen, escaping from the grip of reality.
We, agents, are literally living a life full of lies, aren [t we?
" Pasok ka na. Pwede ka ng magsimula ngayon," tuon sa akin ng manager ng isang
hindi rehistrado na club. Kilala ang lugar na ito bilang lokasyon ng mga ilegal na
transakyon tulad ng sa droga, mga mahahalay na gamit, at iba pa. Isa ito sa mga
napakarami pang lugar na hindi napupuksa.
Napatingin naman ako sa itinuturo ng babaeng manager sa akin. "Table number 4.
Opisyal sa gobyerno. Bagong parokyano namin dito. Binata at mukhang inosente pa.
Masasabi kong malaki-laki siya magbigay ng tip," saad niya at kinindatan ako.
Matapos nito ay urnalis na ito upang kausapin pa ang ibang babaeng nagtatrabaho
rito bilang tagabenta ng aliw.
"Is he the target, Vanna?" I asked my guardian. No one will be able to hear me
talking to her since the rampaging sounds from the huge speakers are enveloping the
whole place. Even every person in this place is tending to their business quite
passionately if you'll ask me.
"Target locked. Scanning image...
Complete. Confirmed. He's Mr. BaltazarCuevas, a mayor from a city nearby, Data
showed that he has huge accessibility on all the banks around Metro Manila,"Vanna
confirmed through the earpiece that I am wearing. This time, I have my guardian
take the form of a bracelet so that she can't catch anyone's attention.
Hinanda ko naman na ang sarili ko sa pamamagitan ng pagtaktak sa heels na suot ko
at sa pagbanat papataas ng fishnet stockings na humahapit sa mga binti ko. "Simulan
na natin," ani ko at umalis na ako sa pagkakasandal sa pader upang puntahan ang
mesang kinaroroonan ng target.
Pansin na pansin ko ang panay pagtingin sa akin ng maraming taong kahit na ba ang
mga nagsasayawan sa dance floor dahil na rin siguro sa backless dress na suot ko.
Hindi ko kinukunsinte ang mga manyak pero kakailanganin kong mang-akit sa araw na
ito gamit ang hapit na darnit na ito na parang kinulangsa tela para maisakatuparan
ko ang misyon ko.
I gave out my best possible smile that could give to everyone who is staring at my
me from my face up to my toes. As I come closer, I noticed that Mr. Baltazar Cuevas
is already looking at me with hunger and l* *t.
Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng alak at gamot.
Bago pa man siya makapunta rito ay may mga kasama pa siyang opisyales. Kaya lang
naman siya naiwan clito ay dahil nabayaran ko na ang ilang babae rito garnit ang
ibang itsura upang
aliwin sila. Sinadya kong iiwan ang pinakabatang kasamahan nila. Dahil na rin sa
siya ang pinakakailangan ko sa susunod na hakbang ng plano ko.
Masaya ko lang na tinatanggap ang mga masasamang tingin ng maraming babae dahil
naaagaw ko ang atensyon ng mga kliyente't mga lalaki nila. Pinatunog kong lalo ang
ingay mula sa heels ko hanggang sa tuluyan kong marating ang target.
Bingo.
Gusto kong mandiri sa kung paano niya ako tingnan mula ulo hanggang paa.
Gayunpaman, mas makabubuti sa akin kung mas maaakit siya sa akin. Kaya naman lalo
ko siyang pinabighani gayon na rin ang ilang nakatingin sa akin nangtanggalin ang
unangtali ngdamit sa may bandang dibdib. Halos lumuwa ang mga mata ng lahat ng
kalalakihan na nasa paligid sa ginawa 1<0. Ni hindi nila maialissa akin ang tingin
nila. Angmga lalaki talaga
Tumikhim naman ako upang maibalik siya sa wisyo at maagap naman siyang pumostura
upang paupuin ako sa may tabi niya. Dahan-dahan din naman akong urnupo at urnusog
papalapit sa kanya. Inilapit ko ang sarili kong katawan sa kanya upang mas mabaliw
pa siya sa presensya 1<0.
Kita ko ang pagkailang niya sa una ngunit
mabilis din naman siyang umakto at urnakbay sa akin nang may papisil-pisil pa sa
lantad na maputing braso ko. Akmang lalapit na siya upang halikan sana ako nang
itaas ko ang hintuturo ko para ipagitna sa aming dalawa at saka marahang idinampi
ito sa mga labi niya.
"Not too fast, baby."

Chapter 31: Retrieval

RIEDA'S POV
"Challenging. Seducing. Tempting. I like that," he commented after I put my finger
upon his lips. There's this look on him that tells me already that I've done enough
for him to arouse.
Unti-unting niyang inilayo mukha niya sa akin at tinanggal na rin ang nakapulupot
niyang braso sa balikat 1<0. Muli niyang ibinalik ang atensyon sa mga bote ng alak
na nakalapag sa babasaging mesa. Kumuha siya ng isa rito upang lagyan ang baso
niyang kanina pa walang laman.
If my memory is right, this guy has been drinking for about two hours already.
Therefore, it's possible that he had finished at least one bottle even before I
came. I tried to look for that bottle until one of the waitresses came and was
about to get it. Oh no, you can 't, darling.
Upang hindi paghinalaan ay ginamit ko ang binti ng opisyal upang tumuwad at abutin
ang bote na tila nang-aakit pa rin. Napansin kong biglang napaayos ng upo ito
samantalang nakuha ko naman ang bote bago pa man makuha ng waitress. "Ako na ang
bahala rito," wika ko sa babae at nakataas na kilay na nitong ipinagpatuloy ang
paglilibot sa mga mesa.
"Be careful not to touch the latent fingerprints,"Vanna reminded through my
earpiece.
Yes, yes. If I run the sample, it will be a harder and longer process to get
something more accurate and more specific. Luckily, the scanner on that bank
doesn't require a full hand.
Bumalik ako sa maayos na pagkakaupo habang pasimpleng inilagay sa tabi ko ang bote.
Dumekwatro naman ako at saka ipina-ekis ang dalawang kamay malapit sa dibdib ko
matapos kong masigurado ang pwesto nito. Tinapunan ko lang siya ngtingin hanggang
sa mapansin niya ang mga titig ko sa kanya. "What are you looking at?" he asked.
I faked a chuckle. You are such an idiot. "Wala lang. Nagtataka lang ako kung bakit
ang isang makisig na pulitiko na katulad mo ay naglulustay ng pera at oras sa lugar
na ito," I answered while reaching for a spare bottle of alcohol on the table. I
made sure that he is watching me closely as I drink from it with some of it
spilling down from mouth to my chest.
Halos sinubukan naman nitong mahimasmasan matapos niyang mapansin na sa kanya na
ako nakatuon. Huling-huli ka na sa akto. "'E ikaw? Bakit nandito ang isang
napakagandang babae na tulad mo? Bakit mo sinasayang ang potensyal mo sa isang
pipitsuging
lugar na ito?" balik na tanong niya sa akin nang mailapag niya na nang tuluyan ang
basong may natira pang laman na alak.
"1 wonder," I said, tilting my head as if I'm curious about something. "Maybe we
have the same reasons? Maybe we were born under the same star?" As much as
possible, I delivered these words with a tantalizing voice. I don't have much time
for this so I have to push more. The more I attempt to allure him, the faster I'll
be done here.
And I think the way I seduced him worked when I saw him grinning. This is it. Just
a few more touches, Vanna. "Then, why don't we play? What can you say about a
blindfold? Don't you think it will make it more exciting and more thrilling?" I
suggested, biting my lower lip. His grin became wider, almost reaching both of his
ears. Of course, what can you expect? He's a descendant of Adam. They share the
same fan tasies too.
Dinukot ko ang piring mula sa pagkakaipit sa likuran ko habang hindi ko tinatanggal
ang pagkakakonekta ng mga mata naming dalawa. Bahagyang ko ring inugoy-ugoy ito sa
harapan niya hanggang sa itupi ko ito sa may binti ko at tuluyan ko ng itali ito sa
kanya. Bakas sa lawak ng pagkakangiti niya na nasasabik siya sa kung ano pa ang
maaari kong isunod na gawin.
Alam ko naman na kung ano ang naiisip niya. Sa kasamaang palad, kabaliktaran ng
naiisip niya ang mangyayari sa kanya. "Humawak sa sa akin. Sumunod ka lang ha?"
malambing ko paalala sa kanya nang ipaikot niya ang braso niya sa may bewang ko.
Inalo ko siya at diniktahan ng direksyon sa paglalakad hanggang sa makarating na
kami sa isa sa mga kwarto rito ng club.
"CCTV Cameras and its monitor were successfully infiltrated and hacked. I can give
you an hour, Ishtar."
Phew. Mabuti na lang at naasikaso na ni Vanna ang mga nakalagay na camera rito.
Laking pasasalamat ko rin sa inilagay ko na makapal na make-up dahil garnit nito,
walang makakakilala sa akin kahit na ba may makausap silang nakakita sa akin. Hindi
si Rieda ang mahahanap nila kung hindi ang isang babaeng tagabenta ng aliw.
"Are you ready?" I whispered to his ear, allowing my lips to touch its back's
sensitive skin.
Marahan kong binuksan ang pintuan na gawa sa makinis na kahoy nangtumango ito nang
may mabigat na paghinga. Tinanggal ko na rin ang pagkakapulupot ng braso niya sa
bewang upang kanwari'y inaalalayan siya papasok.
Napakadali mong utuin, alkalde.
Nang mapansin ko na tuluyan na siyang nakapasok sa silid ay ipinuslit ko na ang
posas na inipit ko sa may shorts ko para posasan ang dalawa niyang kamay gawang
nahablot ko na rin agad ang isang nasa gilid lang niya. Mabilis na naalarma ang
alkalde nang bara-bara kong hawakan ang mga kamay niya at nang maramdaman niya na
ang malamig na bagay na gurnagapos sa kanya.
"Hey! What the hell! Damn! Get this off of me, woman!" he screamed which wasn't
able to reach the outside since I closed the door before it could.
Maagap na akong gurnalaw nang nagsisimula na siyang magpumiglas mula sa 100b kaya
hinugot ko na rin kaagad ang susi at kinandado ang pinto ng kwarto. Sinigurado kong
hindi nakandado ko ito nang maayos bago ko tuluyang lisanin ang harap ng silid.
Dahil isang VIP room ito, soundproof ito kung kaya't walang makakarinig sa kanya
diyan sa 100b maliban na lang kung may magbubukas ng kwarto na ito para sa kanya.
Walang duda, nanggagalaiti na iyon sa sobrang inis sa akin at gusto niya na akong
sakmalin.
Oh well, he can 't strangle me until he was getting himselfout of that room. And
that is ifhe could still find me once he gets out.
Wala na akong sinayang na oras at binalikan ko na ang boteng naitago ko sa gilid ng
inupuan namin kanina. Iningatan kong huwag itong hawak sa katawan dahil nandito ang
fingerprints na kakailanganin ko para magkaroon ng access sa bangko kung saan
nakatago ang lahat ng naiwang garnit at yarnan ni Papa.
I just found it out yesterd ay that my father made numerous accounts in order to
split everything he has and put it into safety if something unexpected happens. And
I guess, he predicted as much.
"Stall the engine of my car, Vanna."
I proceeded to the company which the Intelligence Department confirmed the location
of the legitimate flash drive after I got the keys, spare identification card, and
notes from my father's vault. The automated latent print reader had easily acquired
the biometrics of Mr. Baltazar Cuevas so I was able to pass through the bank with
his disguise smoothly.
"Name, ma'am?" one of the staff on the front desk asked.
"Carolina Marie Reyes." The woman immediately typed my name to look it up on their
list and I took my time on allowing my gaze to wonder around the structure of the
De Guzman Enterprises. [just hope I don It see either Derek or Sir Romuel here.
Nang makumpirma niya ang pangalan ko sa listahan ay hinanap naman ng babae ang
identification card kung kaya't maagap ko na ring ibinigay sa kanya ang inihanda ni
Mark na pagkakakilanlan sa akin para makapasok ako. Sa kabilang banda, natutulog sa
malaking bahay niya ang totoong direktor na nagngangalang Carolina Marie Reyes.
"Alright, ma'am. Your appointment with Mr. Lorenzo will begin within five minutes.
Please proceed to the eighth floor, Ms. Reyes. You have been alotted with thirty
minutes," and she handed me a pass as a verification of my appointment.
Inabot ko naman ito nang may ngiti at saka tuluyang dumiretso papasok. Nang hindi
na ako naaaninag sa CCTV na nasa may lobby ay mabilis akong lumiko papunta sa fire
exit.
"Set them off, Vanna," I ordered a few seconds before I reach for the knob.
"Make your way to the top."
Pagkasabi sa akin ni Vanna nun ay nagsimula na akong umakyat papunta sa totoong
palapag na pakay ko. Mayroong sikretong vault ang kumpanya ng mga De Guzman na
siyang inaalok nila sa mga nagiging kliyente nila. Ang vault na ito ay isang
malaking lalagyanan ng mga tagong yaman at garnit ng bawat investor, stockholder,
at masugid nilang mga kliyente.
Dahil sa may kataasan pa ang palapag na pupuntahan kumpara sa orihinal na sinabi ko
sa staff sa baba, ginamit ko na ang pagkakataon na ang mga oras na umaakyat ako
upang palitan ang suot kong coat at palda. "Salamat sa pagdadala ng pamalit, Mark,"
ani ko habang nilalabas ang damit mula sa itim na bag na nasa gilid ng hagdan ng
papuntang ikasampung palapag. Mas magandang garnitin ang uniporme ng mga staff rito
upang iwasan ang kahit anong pagdududa mula sa mga empleyado rito.
["Don't mention it. It's the only thing I can help you with when you are being
stubborn."] he replied through my earpiece. Aside from my guardian, Mark insisted
to on connecting to supervise and to guide me during the operation. After all, this
is an official mission from the agency.
" Nakakainis talaga ang Derek na 'yan! Bakit hindi siya napahiya kanina?! Pinunto
ko na nga ang mga kakulangan sa presentation niya 'e! Damn it!" bulalas ng
nakasalubong kong lalaki na nakilala kong si Nigel, pinsan ni Derek na may
pagnanais ding makuha ang upuan ng presidente.
Gayunpaman, hindi ito ang oras para intindihin ko siya. Nagdidire-diretso na lang
ako patungo sa pasilyo na madaraanan ko upang makarating sa parte kung nasaan ang
vault. Sa paghahanap ko ay malapit na sinusubaybayan ako nina Vanna at Mark. Kaso
hindi ko naman inaasahan ang mahahagip ng paningin 1<0.
Sa hindi ko malamangdahilan ay napatigil ako at napaatras ako upang kumpirmahin ang
saglit kong napansin. May kakaibang kutom man ay itinuloy ko pa rin ang pagsilip sa
siwang ng bukas na pinto ng isang kwarto.
Nang makita ng dalawang mata ko ang kanina ly nahagip lamang na eksena, sinisi ko
ang sarili ko kung bakit tiningnan ko pa. Ang tanga-tanga mo, Rieda. Dapat pala ay
hindi ko na kinumpirma pa. ["Hindi ito ang oras para ma-distract, Ishtar. ltuloy mo
lang ang mga hakbang mo."] untagsa akin ni Mark.
Tama. Hindi ko na dapat hayaan ang sarili ko maapektuhan nang ganito. Mabilis na
iniwas ko ang tingin ko at sinubukan kong ibalik ang atensyon ko sa kasalukuyang
misyon na ginagampanan ko. Wala kang karapatang makaramdam ng kahit ano.
Tutal Sina Anziza at Derek lang naman ang mga iyon. Ikakasal na sila at sa tingin
ko wala naman talagang problema kung makikita ko silang naghahalikan sa may couch.
Sa bagay, may mas malaking bagay pa silang magaga wa sa oras na ikasal na talaga
sila altar.
At ako... mawawala na lang ako na parang kahit kailan ay hindi naging parte ng
buhay ng isang De Guzman.
"Aish! s**t!" paglalabas ko ng pagkairita ko nang may tumulong pawis mula sa noo ko
kakahanap sa malaking karton ng mga bagay na mapapakinabangan ko.
["Patience, Rieda. Nagawa mo ng makapasok sa vault at nabuksan mo rin ang safe na
nakapangalan sa ama mo. Ang kailangan mo na lang gawin ay hanapin ang flashdrive at
kahit ano pang may kaugnayan dito sa 100b ng karton na iyan."] pagpapakalma sa akin
ng kaibigan ko na nasa kabilang linya.
"Yeah, right. Bakit hindi kaya ikaw maghanap dito?"
I didn't expect for the vault to be this huge despite me seeing the blueprint of
it. Using the augmented eye scope, I've managed to see through all the money,
expensive jewelry, cheques, and other items stored in each safe. You won 't really
believe that all of these are just being hidden in here in one company. If any of
these got missing, it will be a strike toward the De Guzman Enterprises' reputation
and connection.
["Edi sana sinama mo 'ko at hindi mo sinolo ang misyon."]
"Shut up."
At sa kung mamalasin nga naman ay nakikisabay pa sa pagkairita ko ang pag-alala sa
nakita kong eksena kanina. Utak, bakit kailangan mo pa alalahanin?Oo, sige,
magpakatotoo tayo rito. Siguro nga may nararamdaman din akong espesyal para kay
Derek pero kahit bali-baliktarin ko ang mundo, hindi kami pwede.
Sooner or later, he will be the chairman of a famous and successful company and me?
Agent Ishtar will always stay as an agent. Once the contract ends, I have to go
back to the headquarters in Japan and wait for another assignment to be given to
me. Then, I have to go somewhere again. Somewhere far away from him but somewhere
close to danger.
There will be no chances for us to meet again. The agreement emphasized that even
if we encounter each other by chance, it's either I have to evade him or to pretend
that I never knew him. It's the path that I've chosen the moment I signed my name
on that sheet of paper.
"Argh!" mahinang sambit ko nang may nakapa akong matalim. Sinubo ko naman kaagad
ang daliring nag-aambang maglabas ng dugo dulot ng pagkakasabit nito. Hindi ako
pwedeng mag-iwan ng bakas dito. Mahirap na.
I tried to look at my watch only to find that I only have fifteen minutes left to
get the item or else this will be considered a failure. And l... I never failed to
complete.
Huminga ako nang malalim at saka kinapa muli ang bagay na iyon upang hatakin
papalabas. Dito ay nahanap ko ang isang babasahin na may headline tungkol sa
teknolohiya pero ang nakakuha ng atensyon ko ay ang pangalan ng kumpanya nina Glen,
Andriego Technologies Inc..
" Mark, you still there? I want you to verify this magazine. There are an
unfamiliar language and symbols written on every page but I think it's completely
unrelated on to the page's subjects." It would be better to ask and to hear the
expert's thoughts about this. I must've studied a lot but this field is not
something I can own.
["Switch your augmented eye scope on
"Copy,"Vanna automatically processed what Mark asked me to do. Then, I lifted the
magazine up to make him see it in a better view. What I will be seeing will be seen
by Mark as well and my eye will be his eye.
Binuklat ko isa-isa ang bawat pahina at sa bandang huling pahina ay may nahulog na
puting sobre mula rito. ["Buksan mo ang sobre, Rieda."] Isinarado ko muna ang
magazine upang ilagay muna sa tabi upang bigyang pansin na suriin ang laman ng
sobre na ito. Ngunit nang balak ko na itong buksan ay bigla na lamang tumunog ang
smartwatch 1<0. Senyales lang na nauubos na ang oras na mayroon ako para manatili
dito. Hindi na kakayanin ko bubuklatin ko ang sobre.
Sa kabila nito ay napangiti pa rin ako dahil siguro ako na isang flashdrive ang
nakapa ko sa 100b nito. Kailangan kong madala ito kaagad sa
ahensya sa [along madaling panahon.
Considering, I wasn't able to check everything that is inside the envelope, I can't
help but click my tongue in disappointment. Since we only have ten minutes left, I
put everything back on the box except for the envelope and the magazine. Habang
ibinabalik ang mga gamit ay napapatingin ako sa halos hindi mabilang na mga camera
rito sa 100b.
Buhat ng may limitado oras lang upang patigilin ang function ng mga camera na ito,
ginamit ko ang isang paraang naisip ko upang hindi ako nito mahuli. Inutusan ko si
Vanna na putulin ang koneksyon ng mga ito sa control room ng kumpanya nang
panandalin habang ginamit ko ang oras para akyatin ang bawat camera at tapalan ito
ng isang larawan ng itsura ng 100b ng vault na ito kapag walang pumapasok.
Paano ako nakakuha ng larawan? May idinikit muna ako sa na self-destructive
microchip sa istraktura nito upang masagap ang memory nito. May kakayahan din ang
idinikit ko upang ipadala sa dala kong compact printer ang imaheng iiimprinta. Kaya
nang makuha ko na kaagad ito ay dahan dahan ko itong idinikit sa may tapat ng bawat
camera. Sa ganitong paraan, hindi mamamalayan kahit ng mga nagbabantay sa control
room na may pumasok dito.
Bilang hindi magiging mabuti ang epekto
sa oras na makitaan ng bakas ang pagpunta ko rito, espesyal na papel na mula sa
supplier ng ahensya sa Tsina ang ginamit ko sa pag-imprinta kung kaya't malulusaw
din ito kalaunan. Sakto rin sa partikular na oras na iyon ang oras ko rito sa 100b
kaya naman magiging malinis ang pagpasok at paglabas ko.
Dinampot ko na ang magazine at clito ko na inipit ang sobre. Isiniksik ko ang
magazine sa kumpulan ng mga folder na dala ko kanina bilang props. Matapos kong
maobserbahan ang buong paligid kung maayos at malinis na ang lahat ay nilisan ko na
angvault.
Kakapadala ko lang ng signal kay Glen na nakuha ko na ang flashdrive nang hindi ko
namalayang nakabunggo na ako. "Pasensya na PO," ani ko ngunit pawang hinawakan pa
ako ng taong iyon sa braso na siyang dahilan upang hindi ako makadiretso ng alis.
"You're one of the staff, aren't you?" the person asked, his husky voice made me
believe that it's a man. When I finally turn my head to that person, I almost felt
the urge to run. Among all the people that | can encounter, why is ityou?
Para maisalba ang sarili ko ay pinilit kong ngumiti sa harapan niya. "Nako, sir,
kayo po pala," tila gulat kong saad sa ibangtono ng boses.
Samantalang sa gilid ng mga mata ko ay naghahanap na ako ng elevator na masasakyan
upang makaalis na kaagad rito at maiwasan ang kahit ano pang problema.
"Pwede bang pakihanap naman si Sir Nigel niyo? Mag-uumpisa na kasi ang briefing at
hindi ko pa siya nakikita ulit simula kanina," pakikisuyo ni Derek.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero una kong napansin ang tila lipstick sa may kwelyo ng
polo niya. Bakit ba puros iyon ang sumasagi sa isipan 1<0? "S-Sige PO," sagot ko at
nagmamadali na akong umalis sa harapan niya.
Habang naglalakad ako kay saktong nakita ko na ang elevator na hinahanap 1<0. Hindi
naman inaasahangtatawagin pa akong muli ni Derek. Magkaganoon pa man ay dali-dali
na akong pumasok sa elevator at natatarantang pinindot ang close button.
Akrnang maaabutan pa sana ako nito nang tuluy-tuloy ng nagsara ang elevator at
tanging ang mga mata na lang ng isa't isa ang huli naming nasulyapan.

Chapter 32: Beg

Kakapasok ko lang ng kotse ko nang mapansin kong kanila pa umiilaw ang screen ng
telepono 1<0. Nang makita ko kung sino ang turnatawag ay napataas ang kilay ko
dahil sa pagkakatanda ko ay dapat bukas pa kami magkikita para pag-usapan ang
flashdrive na kakadala ko langsa ahensya. Kasalukuyan na akong pabalik sa mansyon
ng mga De Guzman.
"Vanna, answer."
["Good evening, Ms. Fernandez. Where are you? I'm on my way to Derek's house. He
didn't agree on staying for the night at my house after alt."]
Yeah, I know. I've just seen him a while ago in their company. I hope Martin will
handle it well if ever Derek comes home earlier than me. Now that he mentioned it,
why didn't Derek spend the night in his friend's house? Did he and his father
finally reconcile? "I'm on my way of going home too. What do you want? Why did you
call?"
I heard him sharply exhaled on the other line, making me curious about what he
possibly wanted to say to do so. ["l have a small favor to ask from you and I think
you're going to agree... somehow."] he replied. Why does he sound so
uncertain and nervous?
Him? Greg Lenster Andriego is actually asking a favor from me? What did he even
think of for doing so? He usually does things on his own ways so it's quite
surprising for me that he will ask a helping hand, especially from me. Even so, I
keep my cool by letting him elaborate the story more so that I can somehow
understand what he is trying to say. "What favor?"
["Huwag kang mag-alala. Simple lang naman. I want you to be my date on my aunt's
birthday party tomorrow night."] paglalahad niya ng pabor na sinasabi niya.
Napakunot naman ngayon ang noo ko. Pagkatapos niya akong dalhin sa Batangas nang
basta-basta at walang paunang pagpapaalam, ngayon gusto naman niya ako hatakin para
maging kasama niya sa kaarawan ngtiyahin niya? Aba't parang masasabi ko na talaga
na parehas silang magkakaibigan. Tahimik lang ang isang 'to pero marami ring mga
planong nakatago sa kaloob-looban.
"The answer's a big no, Glen. Didn't I tell you last time that I'm someone you
can't just pull around anywhere and anytime you like?" How could he even come up
with this idea? And why is Estrelle not telling me all about this?
Anong akala niya sa akin? Isa sa mga babae nilang magkakatropa na sa isang tawag
lang niya
'e pupunta at susundin ang gusto niya? ["Oh come on, Rieda. You're the only that I
can ask.] pakiusap pa nito.
At sino bang niloloko niya? Sa tingin ba niya maniniwala ako sa kanya? Kung alam ko
lang, paniguradong kasi rami lang ng kay Niel ang darni ng mga babae sa phonebook
niya. "Bakit hindi si Lyra ang isama mo?" suhestiyon ko at agad ko ng pinapatay kay
Vanna ang tawag.
Makauwi na nga lang.
DEREK'S POV
" Bakit mo ba ako pinapunta rito, Anziza? Dalian mo na at sabihin mo na ang
kailangan mo nang makabalik na ako sa trabaho," walang ganang turan ko kay Anziza
na prenteng nakaupo sa couch matapos niyang magpadala ng isang staff sa akin at
papaniwalain ako na pinapatawag ako ng isa sa mga board members.
Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin kami nagkikibuan ni Papa matapos ng pagsasagutan
namin noong nakaraang gabi. Gayunpaman, hindi nito nabago ang desisyon niya para
ituloy ang plano niya na pagpapakasal ko kay sa anak ng magaling niyang kumpare.
Higit pa man, mas lalong hindi ko matanggap na isinasantabi ng sarili kong ama ang
opinyon ko sa bagay na ito.
Kaya kung isasantabi niya rin ako, mas mabuti na ring isantabi ko ang konsiderasyon
ko kay Anziza bilang kababata ko. Tutal kung tutuusin, paniguradong siya na naman
ang humilingsa ama niya nito.
She would always demand everything that caught her attention ever since we were
kids. So it's not unlikely that she probably asked this one to his dear father
who's under the spell of his dear daughter.
Napatayo naman siya sa kaninang pagkukuyakoy sa may upuan. "Galit ka ba sa akin,
Derek? Sorry na ha? Gusto lang naman kitang makita 'e," pagrarason nito. Walang
katapusang mga rason. Akrnang lalapit sana ito sa akin at hahawak ang mukha ko
ngunit agad kong pinahiling ang mukha ko bilang pagtutol.
Kita ko gilid ng mga mata ko na nasurpresa siya biglaang akto ko. Simula ng mga
bata kami, lagi ko siyang pinagbibigyan sa mga gusto niya. Mga gusto niya na lagi
na lang nasusunod. Pero iba na ngayong malaki na kami. Binalik ko ang tingin ko sa
kanya at saka lakas 100b akong nagsalita ng saloobin ko. "Akala mo ba natutuwa ako
sa ginagawa mong pang-iipit sa akin sa kasal na gusto mo, ha? Pwes kung hindi mo
alam, sasabihin ko sa'yo. Ayokong magpakasal sa'yo." Kung hindi ko ididiretsa sa
kanya ito ngayon, kailan pa? Buong buhay niya walang sumisita sa kanya sa mga
pinagsasasabi at pinaggagagawa niya kaya mas mabuting ako na
ang mauna. Baka sakaling kung ako ang mauuna ay maintindihan naman niya na
sumusobra na siya.
"P-Pero Derek, hindi ba't sinabi ko na sa'yo? I want you! I like you! I like you
very, very much and you're the one I wanted to spend my whole life with. Can't you
see that?"
Kinuha ko ang dalawang kamay niya na ipanghahawak niya sa mukha ko at agad ko itong
itinaboy na siyang halos ikawala ng balanse niya. "At kailangan ikaw ang masusunod?
Tinanong mo man lang ba kung gusto ko magpakasal sa'yo, Anziza? Hindi 'di ba? Bakit
ba lahat na lang ng gusto mo kailangan masunod?" ban as na pagtatanong ko sa kanya.
Anziza was left in disbelief that I actually shook her hands away. Its as if she's
rejecting the idea that I'm no longer the Derek she used to know. The Derek who'd
always do everything she likes. The Derek who'd always go with the flow for her.
The Derek who'd always forgive her no matter what she does. The Derek who'd always
say yes on everything she asks for. That's right. Accept it. That Derek has been
longgone.
" D-Derek... Don't you like me?" she asked, gathering all strength she has to keep
her posture after almost losing her balance. "Or is it because you like someone
else?" That last question hit me hard. Yes, that's most likely the problem here,
Anziza.
There's someone else that I like.
Unfortunately, it's not you. I have someone that I like that you'd probably never
expect that I will like. l, myself never expected to fall for someone who is com
pletely the opposite of my ideal type. Instead of someone stylish and fashionable,
she's old-fashioned. Instead of being conscious about her looks, she's quite
simple. Instead of dem anding expensive things, she's absolutely fine with common
things that she used to. Instead of doing bizarre things to make me notice her, she
never tried doing something at all.
All she does is talk optimistically, laugh like a retard, and stay with me during
the whole time that I am suffering miserably.
That's the girl I like, Anziza. She's not you. Her name is Jenny Rosario and she is
my personal maid.
" Bakit hindi ka makasagot? Dahil ba mayroon ka nga ibang nagugustuhan, ganoon ba?
Sino ba siya?" kwestyon niya nang may tumataas ng boses. Marahas niyang pinagpag
ang kulay rosas niyang damit. Sa tingin mo ba talaga ay magagawa kong sabihin
sa'yo?
Sa tingin mo ba hindi ko alam ang mga kaya mong gawin sa kanya? Kilala kita mula
pagkabata, Anziza Carolelle. Hindi kita hahayaan na saktan sa kahit anong paraan si
Jenny habang nandirito ako.
Mabilis siyang lumapit sa akin at niyakap ako nang pagkahigpit-higpit na para bang
pipipiin niya ako. "Anziza, tigilan mo na 'to. Hindi mo ako makukuha sa
pagmamakaawa mo," pagpapaintindi ko sa kanya ng punto 1<0. Kahit papaano naman ay
hindi ko talaga maiaalis sa akin na mag-alala sa kanya. Kahit na ba gusto kita
isantabi, sadyang hindi ko gusto na nakikita kang ganito na nagmamakaawa.
Nagpumiglas na ako nang makita kong lumuhod na siya sa harapan ko sa sobrang
kagustuhan niyang magmakaawa sa akin. "Please! Please, Derek! Love me! Love me! I
will do everything you want me to do! I will be the girl you want me to be! Please!
Just love me! Just marry me, Derek! I love you!" halos sumisigaw na pagmamakaawa na
nito.
Hinawakan ko naman angdalawa niyang braso upang pilitin siyang tumayo mula sa
pagkakaluhod. "Tigilan mo na 'to! Tumayo ka diyan!" sabi ko pero nagpupumilit pa
rin itong ipagpatuloy ang pagmamakaawa niya sa sahig. Unti-unti ko ng nakikita ang
pamumula ng mga tuhod niya sa marahas na pagbagsak niya sa sahig upang makiusap.
It's not like you are not important to me, You are precious to me as well, Anziza.
You are my childhood friend. You were there ever since from
the start. But now, it's time for the two of us to part ways.
"P-Pakasalan mo ko! Pakasalan mo ko, Derek! Nakikiusap ako! Simula bata tayo, ikaw
lang. Ikaw lang ang lalaking nagustuhan ko nang ganito!" humihikbi na niya turan.
Halos hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko sa kanya. Ayokong nakikita siya na
nagkakaganito. Ang nagmamakaawa... ang lumuluhod... ang nagpapaksakit... ang
umiiyak. Sa tingin mo ba wala akong puso, Anziza? Bilang kaibigan mo, hindi ko
gusto ang nakikita 1<0.
Huwag mo na akong pahirapan. Nakikiusap ako.
I chose to kneel just like what she is doing.
What I wanted is to reach her. For her to understand me. For her to understand what
really feel. "Listen to me very well," I told a sobbing Anziza.
Hinawi ko ang mga hibla ng buhok niya na tumabing na sa maganda niyang mukha.
Kinuha ko rin ang panyo ko upang punasan ang mga luhang umaagos sa kanyang mukha.
"Look at me. Anziza, tulad mo, may tao rin akong gusto," pauna 1<0.
Hindi man ito nagsalita ay burnalik lamang ito sa pag-iyak sa mga kamay ko.
"Masakit man na sabihin ito pero... pero hindi ikaw ang gusto ko. Hayaan mo ako na
makasama ko ang taong mahal ko. Kahit alang-alang na rin sa mga
pinagsamahan natin.ll Sa pagkakataon na ito, ako naman ang nakiusap sa kanya.
Kinumpol ko ang dalawang kamay niya sa mga kamay ko at saka ito hinalikan nang
buong sinserong mayroon ako para hiling ko. Tiningnan ko siya mata sa mata. Pinilit
kong ipahiwatig na ang lahat-lahat ngayon dahil pakiramdam ko, wala na akong
magagawa pa kung hindi ko ito maipagtatapat mismo sa kanya.
"Simula pagkabata, lagi kitang sinusunod. Lahat ng gusto mo, binibigay ko. Sana
ngayon, hayaan mo naman ako na ako ang masunod sa sarili kong buhay. Hayaan mo na
maibigay ko naman sa sarili ko ang gusto. Nakikiusap ako sa'yo."
"Pero mahal kita, Derek!" kontra nito.
Pakiusap. Huwag ka ng magmatigas pa. Parehas lang din tayong masasaktan kung
magmamatigas ka pa lalo. "Pasensya na. Hindi ko talaga maibabalik ang pagmamahal na
mayroon kay para sa akin."
Pagkasabing-pagkasabi ko nito ay marahas siyang nagpumiglas sa pagkakahawak ko sa
kamay. Nagawa niya namang makawala at turnayo hanggang sa bumalik siya sa
kinauupuan niyang couch kanina nang matagpuan ko siya sa silid na ito.
" Bakit hindi na lang ako? Bakit hindi na
lang ako ang mahalin mo?" pilit pa rin nito habang sa ibang direksyon nakatingin.
Hindi nawindang ang mga mata niyang patuloy pa rin sa paglalabas ng mga luhang
buong pagkabata ko ay pinigilan kong umagos.
Nawawalan man ng lakas sa mga tuhod ay itinayo ko ang sarili ko. "H-Hindi ko rin
alam." Hindi ko na napigilan pang pumiyok. Ni minsan ay hindi ko naisip na darating
ang araw na ito para sa aming magkababata.
"Kaya ko naman ibigay sa'yo lahat 'e. Kaya kong ilagay sa kamay mo ang kumpanyang
pinaghirapan ng pamilya namin. Ang babaeng iyon? Kaya ba niyang gawin iyon para
sa'yo? Ano ba ang kaya niyang gawin na hindi ko kayang gawin ha? Sabihin mo at pag-
aaralan kong gawin!"
Ano pa bang klase ng pagpapaliwanag ang kailangan kong gawin para maintindihan mo,
Anziza? Tigilan mo na. Tigilan mo na. Humakbang ako papunta sa kinaroroonan niya at
naglakas-loob na umupo sa tabi niya. "Sigurado ako na may makikilala ka pang iba.
'Yung taong mamahalin ka. 'Yung kaya ibalik ang pagmamahal na handa mong ibigay.
'Yung mas magugustuhan po kaysa sa pagkagusto mo sa akin. Higit sa lahat, 'yung
lalaking handa kang pakasalan. Anziza... Anziza, hindi ako 'yung
lalaking iyon. Hindi ako tamang lalaki para sa'yo." Tumingin naman ito ng mataman
sa akin. "M-May makikita pa ba akong ganoon, Derek?" tila bata niyangtanongsa akin.
"00 naman. Sigurado ako," buong sagot ko sa kanya kasama ang ngiting lagi kong
binibigay sa kanya simula bata pa kami. Bahagyang umayos na ang 100b ko nang makita
kong kalmado na siya at tila huminahon na rin siya ukol sa isyu ng pagpapakasal.
llang sandali ang lumipas. Mga sandaling tila ginamit niya upang makapag-isip-isip
nang lubusan. Matapos nito ay humarap ito biglaan sa akin. "Sige. Ipapatigil ko ang
kasal kay Papa. Pero pwede mo bang tuparin ang isang hiling ko?" Ano? May hiling
pa?
Gayunpaman ay lumuwag ang 100b ko nang sabihin niyang siya na ang gagawa mismo ng
paraan upang bawiin ang nais niyang pagpapakasal. Kung nahimasmasan na nga siyang
tunay at malinaw na ang lahat sa kanya, ibig sabihin lang nito ay wala ng problema.
Malaya na akong mahalin ang babaeng mahal ko. Malaya na akong magpakita ng
pagmamahal kay Jenny.
Kung huling hiling na rin naman pala ito.
Sige, pagbibigyan ko siya. "Ano ba iyon?"
" Kiss me for the first and last time."
At sunod ko na langna naramdaman ay
ang pagdikit ng labi naming dalawa.
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery IS a witch and a master of
CEMENT illusions. After the death of her fami

Chapter 33: Confusion

DEREK'S POV
"Good evening, Sir Derek," magalang na sabay-sabay na pagbati sa akin ng mga tauhan
namin dito sa bahay pagkababa ko sa kotse. Bilang gawi ay binati ko rin sila
pabalik at saka ko naman hinayaan ang sasakyan kay Manong Albert na siya nagbukas
sa akin ng pinto.
I wasn't able to perceive what other maids and butlers are saying as I enter the
house. The exhaustion of convincing my dad and Anziza's is quite a pile of work.
Even though my childhood friend and I were able to come up with an agreement of
not proceeding on the wedding, our parents are still insisting to push through it.
Despite her help, the engagement party's date has still been set for this month. I
don't even know if we will succeed on persuading them to cancel the wedding plan
but it's relieving to know that I earned an ally on Anziza ls form. I'm glad she
finally understood what I really feel and now, she is starting to show me her
support on fighting the odds for the one I really love.
Sa hindi malamang dahilan, parang buong-buo na talaga ang desisyon ko na si Jenny
ang gusto kong piliin. Siguro ganito talaga kung mahal mo ang isangtao. Hindi pa
man nila alam kung sino siya sa buhay ko ay handa akong lumaban para sa nadarama ko
para sa kanya.
Kahit isa pa siyang tatanga-tangang kasambahay.
Gayunpaman, binantaan na rin ako ni Papa na tatanggalan niya ako ng mana sa oras na
hindi matuloy ang engagement. Pero bilang hindi pa ako tapos ng kolehiyo at
maaaring sirain nga ng sarili kong ama ang buhay kapag hindi ako surnunod sa gusto
niya, may kaba sa dibdib ko. Hindi naman maiiwasan iyon. Hindi ko nga alam kung
bakit ang nakaabot ako rito kahit na ba hindi ko pa alam kung may nadarama ring
espesyal para sa akin si Jenny.
Samantalang kapag pinili ko si Jenny, mawawalan ako ng mana, mapapatalsik ako sa
mansyon, mawawala lahat ng resources ko, at higit sa lahat, itatakwil ako ng sarili
kong ama na siyang nahuhuling pamilya ko.
I know you should choose the option that your heart desires but what if/ wouldn 't
be able to uphold the commitment? I must be certain with my final decision. I would
never want to hear from dad's mouth, his boasting that he's the right one in the
first place.
Aish! What a burden it is to be a rich man's son and successor.
I never even wished for this.
GLEN'S POV
"Bakit hindi si Lyra ang isama mo?"
Damn that woman! If only she is not as deadly as I expected her to be, I might have
tried making her my puppet as an entertainment. It will be a pleasure to control
someone as interesting as a secret agent like her.
However, Rieda Fernandez is someone I should fear to mess with. Her background as
the president of a company is no joke. All of her credentials are something to be
given by a huge round of applause. Most especially, when I experimented the thing
she called her tracker when I bumped into her, I learned that Ishtar is a person
that is as valuable as a gem to the Phoenix Organization.
I know that if something bad happens to her, hell will rise forth.
"Saan po kayo pupunta, Sir Glen?" bigla akong napatigil sa pagtingin sa buwan nang
mapansin kong may taong pumasok sa kwarto ko.
00 nga pala. Nakabalandra ang mga damit ko dahil pumipili ako ng maisusuot sa
birthday party ngayon ni auntie. Kaso pupunta pa ba ako?
'E tinanggihan nga ako ng dapat na partner ko.
Sinuhestiyon pa niya na si Lyra ang isama 1<0.
" None of your business," I answered coldly and bluntly.
Tsk. Heto na naman siya. Pangangaralan na naman niya aka Bakit ba hindi na lang
niya ako tigilan ? Hindi ba 't mas gusto niyang manahimik at tanggihan ang
presensya 1<0?
Everything is fine between me and Lyra until I came home drunk the day I took Rieda
to Batangas. I lied to that agent when I told her that people in our house are
already looking for me so I have to go home. What I actually did after I drop her
on Derek's house was to get myself wasted on a bar. I've enjoyed the accompany of
different bottles containing different alcoholic drinks.
Why did I do that? Because I'm slowly being swallowed by my insecurities and
sadness. Cliche, isn't it? I remember how many times I have wished that I should
have never been born. After all, my own biological mother treats me as a mistake.
Living proof of her stupidity on love.
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang eksaktong nagawa ko. Napansin ko na lang na iniiwasan
niya ako. Maaaring wala ako sa tamang katinuan at napagsabihan ko siya ng mga kung
anu-anong salita. Nang malaman ko ang buong istorya mula sa ibang katulong, agad
akong humingi ng paumanhin sa kanya. Hindi pa ba iyon sapat sa kanya? Parang nag-
iba na ang lahat simula nang nakekwento ko sa kanya ang pag-aaral ko tungkol sa mga
ahensyang hindi sakop ng gobyerno.
Tutol ba siya rito? Pwede naman niyang
sabihin sa akin ang opinyon niya.
00, mga piling babae lamang ang nakakakuha ng respeto 1<0. At sa totoo lang, isa
siya roon. Dahil sa lahat ng binato sa aking pagyayabang at panunumbat ng
kinikilala kong mga magulang, nanatili lang siya sa tabi ko. Tahimik na nakikinig,
walang sinasabi.
Being an unwanted child of my mother, I experienced physical a* * *e in a very
young age. It's suffering not even my grandparents can stop. That's why I endured
it all this time. When I found out that I will be adopted by a wealthy family to be
a good sibling to their one and only son, Steve, I was honestly overjoyed. Getting
out of the hell was something I will always be grateful for.
But I never expected that I will be thrown in a deeper pit of hell when Steve died.
"Sana si Steve na lang ang nabuhay at hindi ikaw!"
"Wala kang kwentang anak! Hindi ka na dapat namin inampon ko kung wala ka rin lang
din palangsilbi sa pamilyang 'to!"
"Matuto kang tumanaw ng utang na 100b! Kung hindi naman nawala si Steve nang dahil
sa'yo, edisana hindi mo 'topinapasan lahat!"
"You're such a disgrace in this family."
"I'm disappointed that someone like you carries my name."
Pero hindi ko ito ininda. Hinayaan ko lang na maubos ang luhang mayroon ako
hanggang sa maging ganito ako ngayon. Natuto akong itago ang totoong nadarama ko
mula sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin at mamuhay na ayon sa nais ng mga magulangna
urnampon sa akin.
Gayunpaman, hindi kailanman sila tumigil sa pagyanig sa mundo, puso't isipan ko.
Pero sa lahat ng iyon, tila nabawasan ang sakit nito nang makilala ko ang
misteryoso, tahimik, at palaban na babaeng nagngangalang Lyra Abuello.
Wala akong alam na kahit ano sa kanya maliban sa pangalan, edad, at pamilya niya.
Hindi ko inabala ang sarili kong malaman ang kahit na sinong tao p ni hindi ko rin
inatubili na buksan ang sarili ko sa iba dahil alam kong ang bawat isa sa kanila
ay may kakayahan na saktan ako. Kaya nga Sina Derek, Niel at ang ilan pa naming
fraternity members lamang ang nakakasama ko madalas. Sila 'yung mga maituturing ko
talagang tunay na kaibigan.
Istrikto si Lyra at tanging kapag kinakailangan lang kung magsalita. Subalit kahit
ganyan siya, kahit kailan ay hindi siya nabigo na patatagin ako sa mga matatalim at
totoo niyang mga salita. Prangka at diretsa siya kumbaga.
Kaya nga nirerespeto ko siyang lubos kahit na hindi ko pa siya lubusang kilala.
Tinaya ko ang buong pagtitiwala ko sa kanya nang walang
pag-aalinlangan. Dahil mas mabuti nang magtiwala sa taong hindi mo kilala ngunit
totoo sa mga sinasabi niya kaysa sa taong kilala mo ngunit palihim ka na palang
pinapatay.
Naalala ko tuloy ang mga nasabi ko sa kanya na siyang naghudyat ng distansya namin
sa isa't isa.
"Huwag mo nga akong pakialamanan! Iinom ako hangga 'tgusto 1<0! Ito ang gusto ko!
Ito na lang ang tanging bagay na makakapagpalimot sa akin ng mga salita ng mga
umampon sa akin!" halos wala sa sariling pagtataas ng boses ko sa kanya nang
subukan niya akong pagsabihan tungkol sa pag-iinom.
Naitataboy ko siya palayo ngunit masugid siyang nagtiyaga para gisingin ako sa mga
panahong iyon. "Anonggusto mo?Mamatayna lang? Sir, marami pa ang mga taong nalalabi
sa 'yo kung kaya 'tgamitin mo ito sa maayos na paraan, hindisa mga bisyo 1770!"
sigaw na rin niya sa akin, Ni hindi rin ako makapaniwala na nakapagtaas siya ng
boses sa akin sa unang pagkakataom
"Madali mo lang nasasabi 'yan kasi wala akong alam sa'yo! Pwede ba?! Huwag ka ng
mangialam? Wala ka namang naitutu/ongsa buhay 1<0! Mas mabuti pa, sumama ka na
langsa kanila at talikuran niyo na ako!Ano?! liwanan mo rin ako, 'di ba?! Gagawin
mo rin iyon balang araw,
'di ba? Mas magandang hindi na makita kahit kailan kung ganoon din naman pala! ll
Pinagsisisihan ko ang mga nasabi ko. Nadala ko lang talaga sa ulo ko ang epekto ng
alak. Halos sapakin ko na ang sarili ko sa tuwing naririnig ko ang mga kwento ng
mga katulong kung gaano naging kasakit ang mga salitang iyon para kay Lyra.
Kinabukasan ng araw na iyon, hindi niya na ako muling pinansin at pinakialamanan pa
maliban na lang kung tungkol sa trabaho niya. Ginawa kong humingi ng pasensya pero
walang epekto. Kaya nga't parehas na kaming nagtatagisan kung sino ang mas matibay
sa amin sa pag-iwas sa presensya ng isa lt isa hanggang ngayon 'e.
"It is my business, sir. Sa akin po kayo hinabilin nina Mr. and Mrs. Andriego."
Tumayo naman ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa gilid ng kama ko. Ayoko na lang magsalita.
Bahala siya kung ayaw niya akong patawarin.
Basta ang alam ko, ginawa ko na ang parte ko. "Umalis ka na. Hindi na ako tutuloy
sa pupuntahan ko," utos ko sa kanya at nagsimula na akong ibalik ang mga damit ko
sa cabinet.
"Hindi ko gusto 'yung ganito, Glen."
All of a sudden, those words were enough to make me freeze on the spot. "Anong
ganito?" pagmamaang-maangan ko. Ako na ba ngayon
ang may sala, Lyra?
"Tatapatin kita. Hindi ko gusto ang ginagawa mong pag-aaral tungkol sa mga
ahensyang pinagkakaabalahan mo.
Mapapahamak ka lang diyan," sagot niya at saka ito tuluyang humakbang papunta sa
akin. Pinagmasdan niya ako habang dinadampot at ibinabalik ko ang mga damit na
kanina'y pinagpipilian ko.
Lumabas din ang totoo. Hindi tungkol sa pag-iinom ko ang ugat ng lahat ng ito kung
hindi iyon. Ano bang problema niya kung pinag-aaralan ko iyon? Buong akala ko pa
naman ay ang hindi mapigilan kong bibig ang may kasalanan pero hindi pala. Ang mas
malala, itong rason pa ang pinakahindi ko inaasahan na maririnigsa bibig niya. Ano
ba sa kanya angginagawa 1<0?
"Why are you even bothered by that? Iniwasan mo 'ko nang dahil lang doon? Kailan ka
pa naging mababaw?" tanong ko sa kanya habang ang atensyon ko pa rin ay nasa mga
damit ko. Natatakot ako na baka lumambot na naman ang loob kapagtumingin ako sa
kanya.
Umabot sa pandinig ko ang pagbuntong-hininga niya. Para bang nahihirapan siyang
magpaliwanag sa akin. Natural lang naman iyon. Hindi nga naman kasi siya laging
nagsasalita. "Para iyon sa ikabubuti mo. Maniwala ka sa akin, pakiusap, Glen."
Glen. Glen. Glen. Bakit iba ang epekto sa tuwing siya ang tumatawag sa pangalan ko?
Napabitaw na lang ako sa damit na hawak 1<0. Liningon ko siya at bakas ko ang hirap
sa mga mata para lang mapaintindi sa akin ang pinupunto niya. Kaso ang problema
dito Lyra ay hindi ko makuha kung bakit kailangan mong mag-alala? Bakit? Bakit
parang mas alam mo pa kaysa sa akin angdapat kong gawin?
"Then I want to give you a piece of advice as well. Please remember that you are
going beyond the line. You don't have the right to tell me what to do. Hindi porket
hinayaan kitang makalapit sa akin ay papakialamanan mo na 'ko. You're not mom or
dad!" At ito na nga. Mukhang hindi ko na nagawang pigilan ang sarili kong init ng
ulo.
Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang ituro na lang ang pintuan papalabas ng kwarto ko
habang nakatingin pa rin sa kanya. Mata sa mata. Bakas ang gulat sa kanyang mukha
dulot ng inakto ko pero huli na para bawiin pa ito. Tutal, ito rin naman ang
nararamdaman ko. Gulung-gulo na ako.
And in just a matter of seconds, she marched off. She's finally gone. She just
left... without any more words to say.
Argggh! This is not the time for me to worry about her.
Sa sobrang inis ko sa sarili ko ay napasalampak na lang ako sa kama ko at
pinaghahampas ang mga unan habang iniisip ko na sarili ko ito. Nakakainis.
Bakit paulit-ulit na sumusulyap sa isipan ko ang mukha niya na nagpapakita na
nasaktan siya sa ginawa at sinabi ko? Hindi ko na tuloy alam anggagawin koe
Ngunit bago pa ako makaisip ng ideya ay naalarma ako sa biglaan na lang na
pagkalabog mula sa itaas na siyang ikinabalikwas ko. Mabilis akong urnupu mula sa
pagkakahiga at agad na nakiramdam sa paligid ko. Kaya lagi kong hinihiling na sana
may pumoprotekta rin sa akin tulad ni Rieda kay Derek 'e.
Pero sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon ay may naramdaman na lang akong kumirot sa may
bandang batok 1<0. Hindi ko mawari kung anong mayroon o kung ano ang nangyari sa
batok ko pero tila ba nayanig ang buong katawan ko at parang tumigil ang pagdaloy
ng dugo ko. Kasabay nito ay ang pamamanhid ng katawan ko hanggang sa mapahiga na
lang akong muli sa malambot sa kama.
What is happening to me?
Sa bawat segundong lumilipas ay mas nauubusan ako ng hininga sa may lalamunan ko at
mas lumalakas ang kung anong pwersa para hatakin ang talukap ng mga mata ko.
Mamamatay na ba ako?
All my life I've been wanting everything to end. Now that I might have it sooner or
later, I thought of the only regret that I'll possibly bring in the afterlife— and
it's the regret of not knowing that woman better.
I should've done that.

Chapter 34: Taunting

RIEDA'S POV
"So what's Agent Fiery's condition,
Marionette?"
I've been communicating with the agency's biology laboratory in two weeks already.
Luckily, I still have the number of one of its doctors so I can easily ask her
about Estrelle Bermart's current situation. Two weeks. It is the length of Glen 's
absence. Surprisingly, the search operation doesn 't have much of progress even in
their own opinion.
["She gained consciousness a few minutes ago. However, based on her biometrics,
she's not even ready yet to leave the bed."] she informed.
Oh mygod. This is the most recent incident the agency has recorded. Take note, the
incident is no joke. Two weeks ago, with only the household staff and Glen in the
Andriego Mansion, a group who we suspect is Blue Lance Syndicate ambushed the
house, k g the heir and leaving Fiery covered with her own blood.
These past few days, we have encountered only incidents with minimal risks.
However, this one is way different now. They dared put the life
of a Phoenix agent almost on the edge of death. Worse, they got the client which
makes the
Andriego couple to fly back here in the
Philippines from their business trip out of town. The head office is in trouble due
to this unexpected event.
The Overall Man agement, therefore, reminded all agents with ongoing contracts to
tighten their guard. Monique and I are no exception. Actually, we've been
officially put on to close monitoring considering I told them about Glen's
awareness of my real identity and his relationship with Monique's and mine's
clients.
"l see. Thank you, Marionette. Please take care of her. Call me if there's any
progress," I requested and she told me that she was more than glad to inform me and
to help.
Where are you, genius boy?
"Open. Search up for a local television channel," I dictated.
The huge screen of the computer automatically set up and switched its power on.
Eventually, it showed me a local television channel's news. As expected, Glen 's
all over the news. If what I'm thinking is right about Blue Lance having a strong
connection with media and them having resources to acquire experts to meddle with
the communications satellite, then I guess, keeping Glen 's face on the television
is their way on taunting us.
Nakuha na namin ang paunang resulta ng imbestigasyon ng mga pulis at imbestigador
pero wala ni isa sa mga detalyeng inilathala nila ang nakatulong. Mas mahirap dahil
kahit ang mga katulong sa gabing nawala ang tagapagmana ay pawang nakaratay din sa
mga kama ng ospital. Lahat sila ay pawang kung hindi wala pa ring malay ay malubha
naman ang kondisyon upang makuhanan pa ng salaysay.
Hindi na namin mawari lalo kung ano ba itong sunud-sunod na kaganapang natatanggap
ng ahensya. Lalo na at hindi na lang ako ang nakakaranas ng pagtatangka. Ni hindi
nauubos ang mga nagbibigay ng balita sa Human Resource Department at sa Agents'
Relief and Security. Sa bawat araw na lumilipas naaalarma na ang buong ahensya
sapagkat sa susunod, hindi na imposible na buhay naman ng isa sa amin ang
masaalang-alang.
"Client DDG has come out from his room.
He looks dressed forsomething. "
Hinagip naman ni Vanna ang atensyon ko sa balita niya. Nakabihis? [Wag
niyangsabihin sa akin na aalis siya ngayong mas malaki na ang posibilidad na siya
naman ang puntiryahin? Bakit ba ang tigas ng 1110 mo ?
Even though half of my mind is bothered with what happened on Glen and Estrelle, I
tried to pull all my strength and focus to move and meet this ignorant guy down
there. When I was finally on the ground floor, I saw him fixing the gloves which I
remembered he used on the motor race. It didn't take too long before he noticed my
presence.
Martin Woods who I have been hearing convincing him not to go at this time of night
glances to me meaningfully.
"O Jenny, dito ka muna. Aalis lang ako sandali. Huwag na huwag kayong lalabas ng
bahay ha? Delikado na. Babalik din ako agad," patungkol nito sa akin nang sa wakas
ay tapos na siyang mag-ayos at tanging ang helmet na lang ang kailangan niyang
damputin mula sa couch.
Ako pa talaga ang gusto mong manatili sa bahay na ito? Kami pa ba talaga angdapat
mag-ingat? "Saan po kayo pupunta? Kung delikado na nga, bakit ka lalabas?" tanong
ko ng may pag-aalinlangan. Dahil sa mga oras na ito, gusto ko siyang pangaralan na
siya rapat ang nananatili rito na parang isang mabuting bata at hindi ako.
"Huwag ng matigas ang ulo, Jenny. Kaya ko na ang sarili 1<0," tanging sagot nito at
saka tuluyang binitbit papalabas ang helmet niya. Do you really think that I'm the
one who's hard-headed here? Seriously?
Muling napasulyap sa akin si Martin.
Marahil ay sinesenyasan niya ako upang gamitin ang impluwensya ni Jenny upang
pigilan si Derek sa pag-alis. Pero mali siya. Hindi magagawang pigilan ng isang
mahinang Jenny ang katigasan ng ulo ng isang Derek. Si Rieda ang kailangan sa
pagkakataon na ito para malaman kung ano ang sagot sa mga katanungang iniwasan
niyang tugunan.
When Martin realized that I will not budge in accord to his plea, he chases after
the young master outside. Where on Earth will he go at this time of the night? I
heard the engine stalled and with the doors wide open, I saw how Derek rode his
motorcycle as fast as he could and the butler was left only to come back here in
the living room with me.
"Why didn't you stop him, Jenny?! You know it's dangerous!" he exclaimed to me. His
palm then met his forehead, making me aware of how stressful this situation is.
And of course, how intoxicating it is to handle someone as stubborn as Derek.
"That's why I will follow him," I said. I immediately lift the sleeve covering my
smartwatch and push the buttons to give Vanna the necessary sign als to prepare my
motorcycle and other devices.
Tiningnan naman ako nito na tila ba nahihibang na ako. "Seryoso ka ba?" at nabahala
ito sa pagkakalakas ng boses niya kung kaya't
mas lumapit siya sa akin upang mahinaan ang nagagawa niyang ingay. "Napapadalas ang
paglabas-masok mo. Baka sa susunod, may makapansin na sa iyo."
Sinulyapan ko siya ngtingin na para bang hindi ako nababagabag sa inukol niya.
"Hindi naman na mahalaga kung may makapansin sa akin. Sa dalas ng pagpaparamdam ng
mga gustong tumapos sa akin at kay Derek, natitiyak ko na nalalapit na ang araw na
malalaman niya kung sino talaga ako," ani ko.
I've been waiting for the management's orders. The moment when they will tell us to
prioritize the accomplishment of the mission over the conditions written on the
contract. If only it will be implemented soon, I will not be as conscious as I am
now with the possibility of Derek discovering my little secret.
Five months left for the contract and a few more days for the engagement party.
Tama. Hanggang dito na lang talaga. Hanggang sa simpleng kontrata magsisimula at
matatapos ang relasyon natin sa isa't isa, Derek. Habang tumatagal din na
sumusulpot ang sari-saring banta sa iyo, mas lalo ko lang napagtatanto kung gaano
magkaiba ang mundong ginagalawan nating dalawa.
"Rieda..."
"Sige na. Ikaw na muna ang bahala rito.
Kailangan ko ng magmadali at sundan siya," paalam ko at abang napatango-tango na
lang si Martin sa akin bilang responda.
Derek, you are fated to be on top. To be placed like a diamond in display and in
function, While me... | am fated to defend the high throne ofyours and to be kept
in the shadows' protection,
Nang handa na ako urnalis at nakasabit na rin ang itim ko na bag sa may kaliwang
balikat ko ay saglit kong nahagip sa salamin ang repleksyon ko. May kung
anongtumigil sa akin sa paghakbang at nag-udyok na tingnan muna ito sandali.
Is this even the Ishtar that I used to know? Am I still the Ishtar that /
hardworkingly built for over a decade offacing death and all odds? Is wearing the
black veil and golden Venetian mask enough to say I am that Ishtar?
"You must hurry. Client DDG is getting further away."
That's right. There's no time for this. I have to follow that kid before something
happens to him.
"This place..." I uttered when I finally
realized where Derek led me to.
What is he thinking? Why did he suddenly go here? Here, on their greatest
fraternity rival's territory? Is he insane? What does he think he can do against
all of them alone? Did he already forget the time he went home looking like s* *t?
Tiniktikan ko muna ngtingin si Derek hanggang sa makapasok siya sa 100b ng liblib
na warehouse na ito sa 100b ng isang pampublikong paaralan bago ko tuluyang
ipinarada ang motorsiklo ko rito sa may halamanan. Dulot ng tila pagpapabaya ay
sumobra na ang paglago ng mga halaman at tanim dito at sabayan pa ng dilim,
nasisiguro kong hindi nila basta-basta mapapansin ang itim na motorsiklo ko.
"Determining the number ofpeople inside and outside ofthe warehouse, twenty-two.
The number ofpeople who carries weapons may it be small orbig, eighteen. "Vanna,
connected to my earpiece told me as I walk towards a pile of old wooden boxes that
I can use to climb up to the roof.
Una ko munangtiningnan ang paligid ko kung may nag-iikot silang mga miyembro sa
paligid ng hideout nila. Nang wala namang ibang winika si Vanna ay nagtuluy-tuloy
na ako sa pagtuntong sa mga gawa sa kahoy na mga lalagyanang ito upang maakyat.
Naging maingat ako sa kilos ko at higit sa lahat sa bawat tunog o

9/12
ingay na magagawa ko.
My guardian noted me about the weakest point of the roof. The point which I can
easily break so that I can make a way in for myself. She also stressed to me that
the timing must be perfect since the curfew signal will be heard anytime soon.
Therefore, the noise will take over this place and no one will be sharp enough to
hear me breaking a weakened point.
Hangga't maaari ay malinis kong sinira ang parte ng bubong na iyon at maliksing
pumasok papaloob ng warehouse. Wala pa namang binababala si Vanna. Akrnang
maglalakad na ako nang dire-diretso nang makita ko ang isa sa mga miyembrong
nabilang sa may isang istanteng malapit sa akin.
Abang ilalabas ko ang sumpit ko mula sa bulsa nang pigilan ako ng pagtunog ng relo
1<0.
"You are almost near to Client DDG. There's a shelfclose to them where you can hide
behind it"
Naibalik ko na lang ang sumpit na iyon sa 100b ng bulsa ko at isinagawa na ang
sinuhestiyon na lokasyon ni Vanna sa akin upang pagtaguan. May kadalian ang
pagpalipat-lipat ng posisyon dito. Marahil ay halos lahat sila ay kakaharapan ni
Derek sa partikular na lugar na tinutukoy ni Vanna na malapit sa istante.
" Found him," I whispered to the wind when
I finally got a good position behind this shelf to watch Derek and the men of his
fraternity rival.
Nang mapagtanto ko na halos lahat nga ng bilang ni Vanna ay naririto at sama-samang
kaharap si Derek ngayon ay bahagyang binawasan ko ang pagkakasumiksik ko sa sulok.
Base sa mataman nilang pagtitinginan, sa tingin ko ay hindi pa ako gaanong huli.
"Why did your group send me a picture of an unconscious Glen on the floor? Did your
group kidnap my member?" Derek said in a controlled voice while he puts his hands
in his pockets. I almost gasp to what he accused.
What? How? Why didn 't the agency get that inform ation first? It seems like there
is really someone who keeps on hindering our gathering of data. And while we have
that problem, the enemy will most likely get the upper hand here.
"First of all, I want to commend you Derek, the mighty Cerberus' leader on coming
to us like this. However, we cannot tell you exactly how we were able to get a hold
of that picture," the person who I think the other fraternity's leader mocked. He
has this smiling face which I saw made Derek clenched-fist.
"What do you want?" the young m aster asked as he continues to prevent his fist to
land on every other guy's faces here right now. I can 't blame him for that. Seeing
your friend's image every day on the television as missing will probably turn you
mad. It's not the responsibility that makes him do this but rather desperation. You
don 't have to do this.
The whole fratern ity chuckled when they heard him say that. Of course, this is the
part where they'll ask something in return for giving information. Those assholes.
"We want you to find Ishtar," one of them stated. Not only Derek but also I have
been surprised by hearing my agent name.
"Ishtar?" Derek repeated.
Bakit nadamay na naman ang pangalan ko rito? Ano na naman ang kinalaman ko sa
pagkawala ni Glen? Tama nga kaya ang suspetya 1<0? Na Blue Lance ang may pakana ng
lahat ng ito at iniisa-isa nila ang mga taong nasa paligid ko para kutyain ang
kakayanan kong protektahan sila? Katulad ng pagkabigo kong isalba ang maraming
buhay noon?
"In every story, there will always be one character ought to do heroic deeds,
opposing the villains. Ishtar is one of them. An agent from a huge organization,
aiming to eradicate all roots of evil, Derek. And ifyou were to bring her to us
successfully, I assure you that you'll have your friend back as soon as possible."
No... No, Derek. Don 't accept this deal.
Please. Don 't you ever dare agree with them! My hands are clenched-fist and my
sweat seems so cold as I keep on uttering these phrases repetitively in my mind. I
beg you. Don
Somehow, Derek has been obviously put to a deep pit of thinking while I am wishing
his curiosity about the note that still involves me won't add to on the weight of
his decision. But I am praying for him to decline to that deal. For it will mean
that he is ready to find me by hook or by crook.
My heart almost skips a beat when I watch him open his mouth, finally certain of
speaking up.
Dea
One word and its as if an arrow hasjust been shot deep within me.
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TAGS possessive kickass heroine

Chapter 35: Insignia

DEREK'S POV
Tama ba ang naging desisyon ko?
Tama ba na nakipagtulungan ako sa mga hayop na iyon?
Tama rin ba na sa kanila ako lumapit para mahanap si Glen?
My frustration about Glen's k incident is getting worse day by day. Seeing his
image on the television screen makes me more worried about his whereabouts and as
to whether he's on good hands or not. Well, what am I thinking? All of their
household retainers were severely wounded. It's not impossible that my friend has
been held with the same risk.
Isang pinagtataka ko nga lang ay hindi ko nakita si Lyra sa ospital na pinagdalhan
ng mga tauhan ng sambahayan ng mga Andriego. Sa ibang ospital kaya siya naisugod? O
nagpapagaling na siya sa ibang lugar? O hindi ko lang siya napansin?
Kung pwede lang sana kami makasagap ng impormasyon mula sa imbestigasyon...
Kaso hindi pwede. Mahigpit na nilimitahan nina tito at tita ang pagbisita at
pagkausap sa mga tauhan nila. Naging istrikto rin sila pagdating sa mga bagay na
lumalabas sa telebisyon kung kaya lt nakakapangrindi na ang paulit-ulit na sinasabi
ng mga reporter. Sa sobrang rindi ko, hindi ko na rin siguro naiwasan na mapagod na
sa kakahintay nang padalhan ako ng kalaban naming grupo ng litrato ni Glen na
nakabulagta sa sahig.
I'm not a fool. I know that there's a huge possibility that that rival group of
ours seems to be working along with the ones who did the ambush and the k g. They
purposefully sent that picture to bring me to them. Asking for something in return
is given but I never expected that Ishtar's name will be involved in this again.
It has been weeks since we got lost on our search for that goddess. Each of us was
suddenly caught with our own personal issues and we decided to cease it for a
while, however, the name keeps on coming back to haunt us.
Pero kahit gaano pa namin gustuhin ni Niel na ipagpatuloy ang paghahanap, mukhang
hindi na namin magagawa lalo na at nawawala si Glen. Sa ngayon, kailangan kong
ilapit 'to sa pulisya at baka sakaling may maisuhestiyon sila na dapat gawin.
Siguro nga lumapit ako sa kanila pero hindi ibig sabihin nun ay magpapaikot na ako
sa gusto ng mga kupal na 'yon.
Cerberus would never bow and serve beneath their feet. Not today, never. Not under
my watch.
"Hoy! Turningin ka naman sa dinadaanan mo!" Muli akong nagising mula sa malalim na
pag-iisip nang makarinig ako ngsamu 't saring mga pagmumura at mga busina. Mabilis
naman akong napatingin sa sitwasyon ko at saka pinaandar ang kotse ko nang tuloy-
tuloy para makaiwas pa sa mas malalang abala.
s* *t. You have to stay awake for the night, Derek. Even though Glen is missing,
you can still device something with Niel.
Sa isang iglap, dulot ngmga busina at mura na iyon, pumasok na naman sa isipan ko
si Jenny.
Aish! Ba 't ba hindi ka mawala sa isip ko lintik kang babae ka? Nagkakandahirap-
hirap na nga ako, ba 't ikaw pa rin ang laging bumibisita sa utak 1<0? Ni hindi mo
na nga ako masyadong pinapansin tapos lagi mo pang pinakukulo ang dugo ko sa tuwing
tutok na tutok ka kapag tungkol na sa pagkawala ni Glen ang balita sa telebisyon...
"Sus maryosep! Magpapakamatay na po ba kayo, Sir Derek?!" nakahawak sa dibdib
niyang bulalas noon nang unang beses ko siyang sinakay sa kotse 1<0.
Ang sabi niya sa akin, kahit kailan ay hindi pa raw siya nakasasakaysa ganoong
kagarang sasakyan. At siyempre, naisipan kong pag-tripan siya sa pamamagitan ng
pagmamaneho ng medyo mabilis. Tutal malawak naman ang kalsada dito sa may lugar
namin, kakaunti ang mga nakaparadang kotse sa labas, at wala masyadongtao.
"Hindi pa naman, 'Wagkangmag-alala. Kapagginusto ko ng mamatay, hindi kita isasama
Ako ang haharap kay Kamatayan!" malokong biro sa kanya at mas binilisan pa ang
takbo ng sasakyan.
"Eh? Bakit niyo naman po gugustuhin na mamatay? Eh angyaman niyo po! Komportable
ang buhayniyo!"
Ano bang pinagsasasabi ng babaeng 'to? Ito pa ba talaga anggusto niyang pag-usapan
habang ang bilis ng takbo ng sasakyan na kinalalagyan namin? Gayunpaman, hindi
maiwasan na hindi matamaan sa tanong niya. Bakit nga ba ? Dahil kay Papa? Dahil
hirap na hirap na ako? "Tumahimik ka!"
"Kumpara naman po sa mga taong araw-araw nakakaranas nggiyera! Doon sa mga batang
napakamusmos pa lang pero natutulog sa gilid ng kalsada at namamalimos!
Napakaswerte niyo nga po kasi may magulang pa po kayong natitira! Hindi katulad ng
mga batang nasa ampunan na naghihintay na may umampon sa kanila!" sigaw niya habang
mahigpit pa rin ang pagkakakapit sa seatbelt. Halos takpan na ng buhok niya ang
buong mukha niya sa lakas ng hangin at sa kawalan ng lakas ng 100b ng mga kamay
niya na pakawalan ang seatbelt.
Noong mga panahon na iyon, nagawa niyangyanigin ang mundo ko at ang mga paniniwala
1<0, Unti-unti, pinatigil ko na rin ang kotse sa harap ng isang bakanteng lote.
Kasabay ng paghinto ko ay ang paglagpas ng isang malakas na hangin na siyang
dumampi sa mga balat namin nang dahil sa mga nakababangglass window.
I was almost out ofbreathing after driving recklessly like that. Even so, | turned
to the person sitting on the passenger seat and the one who keeps talking something
unrelated. Why is she so serious about everything? "Can you stop being like a
fifty-year-old widow? That'sjust a joke, you know, " Liar. Ofcourse, at some point,
you want it. You want to end everything in a glimpse.
Iniayos naman muna niya ang itsura niya bago siya tuluyang nakahanap ng hininga
para sumagot. "Kahitna ba! Binigyan tayong lahatng buhay ni Lord para maranasan ang
mundong ginawa niya at para alagaan ito! Bakit mo po itatapon ang isang bagay na
lubos na nais ng iba? Tulad na lang ng mga nag-aagaw buhay, Gusto pa nilang mabuhay
kahitgaano pa kahirap ang pagpapagaling Kahit na ba wala na talagang
pag-asa. Pero hindi sila bumitiw! Kaya dapat, maging matatag ka rin! Okay?! Haru
jusko, nahilo ako doon ah. Uwi na tayo? Ipagluluto ko po kayo ng paborito niyong
pagkain?"
Napamaang ako sa sunud-sunod niyang mga pinagsasasabi. Sobrang seryoso lahat.
Sobrang lalim pero sobrang inosente. Ganito ba talaga kapag losyang, probinsyana,
at lumaki sa mga 1010 't Iola ? O sadyang ganito kaganda ang tingin niya sa mundong
'to? Hindi ba niya alam na kada taon may nagdedesisyon na wakasan ang sarili nilang
buhay dahil hindi na nila mapagtiisan ang mundong 'to?
Despite the purity and innocence of everything she said, I can't help but to smile.
It made me feel like she's someone who musn 't see the ugliness of this world.
Sa puntong iyon, naisip ko, posible nga kayang may ganito kainosenteng tao?
Those words... Nevergive up, huh?
Did those words come up just in time when I am losing hope?
If you are a thick-headed and a stone-hearted person, maybe you'll get offended by
what she said since she is showing it to your face how lucky you are compared to
the other less fortunate people. But rather than getting offended, somehow, she
enlightened me with those words.
Tama naman kasi siya 'e. May mas naghihirap pa kaysa sa akin ngayon. Hindi dapat
ako surnuko. Wala akong karapatang surnuko nang hindi sumusubok man lang.
"My mind won't change no matter what you do, Derek."
"Anziza, naiayos na namin lahat ng Papa mo. Nakahanda na nga ang imbitasyon para sa
engagement party. Mas mabuti pa 'e maghanda na lang kayong dalawa para sa araw na
'yon i'
Every time we have the chance, Anziza and I try to change our fathers' decisions.
Whatever method we thought of, we do it as soon as we get the opportunity to do so.
Though Anziza's admiration and infatuation to me is no longer a problem, the
consecutive killings these days are. They are affecting the company.
The percentage of people who go out and spend their in the malls decreased largely.
The citizens were all in a panic about their safety and even maintained a tighter
curfew on their communities. Hence, the malls have come up to the choice of cutting
their work hours. Worst, since the murder cases could be anywhere, some of the
employees are planning to resign until all the cases were solved.
lyon ang pinakapinagtatrabahuhan namin sa ngayon. Bakit ba kasi hindi mahuli-huli
ang mga taong iyan?
" Derek! Here!"
When I was getting closer to Niells house, I noticed a number of well-built
bodyguards standing outside. Each of them is wearing an earpiece, shades, and I
think, a g*n in their back pockets. Why are these people here?
Pagkababang-pagkababa ko mula sa sasakyan ko ay nilapitan at sinalubong ako ni
Niel. "Mabuti naman at nandito ka na. Kamusta ang pagkausap mo sa kanila? Teka,
pinayagan ka ba na umalis nang ganitong oras ha?" usisa nito.
"Siyempre hindi. Wala si Papa at wala ring nagawa si Martin," sagot ko habang
pasimpleng binibigyan ngtingin ang mga lalaking nakabantay.
Tingin ko ay napansin naman niya ang pagkaasiwa ko sa mapang-obserbang tingin din
ng mga ito sa akin kung kaya't pumagitna na siya. "Mga pinadala silang tauhan ni
Papa. Kahit anong gawin ko, hindi sila umaalis kaya hayaan na lang natin sila
diyan. May ilan sa may likuran at dalawa sa 100b pero huwag mo na lang siguro
masyadong alalahanin," payo nito at inalo na niya ako papasok sa bahay.
Mukhang pati ang mga magulang ni Niel ay lubhang nababahala sa mga nababalitang
pagpatay. Pero hindi ko rin sila masisisi. Walang pinipili ang mga taong iyon.
Mapa-bata, matanda, babae, o lalaki. Hangga l t konektado sila sa mga
taongtina-target nila 'e papatay at papatayin pa rin nila.
The moment we entered the house, a fat woman wearing a chef attire approaches us
with huge smiles though her bangs cover her face more... "Good evening, sir," she
greeted with a bow.
"Ah! Derek, meet my personal chef! Monica Agara. She came about seven months ago!
And to tell you, she's also as good as Jenny!" Niel introduced her with his brows
going up and down as a sign to tease me again with Jenny. Thisguy,..
Regardless of me wanting to punch the guy next to me, I managed to form a smile as
a respect to the lady in front of us. "Nice to meet you," I said and I shook hands
with her. Woah, her hand has a different feel compared to the chefs that I've
shaken hands with before. How can I say this? Uhm, way softer?
Seven months ago, huh? Just the same time with Jenny and Lyra. The three of us have
been given retainers which have their own portion of peculiarity.
"Prepare something for our guest. It will be a long night," Niel ordered and Monica
immediately bowed and excused herself to make her way into the kitchen. Eventually,
my friend pulled me upstairs to have our own space to talk.
After all, I told him about my going to our rival group's camp.
Pagbukas ng mga ilaw sa 100b ng kwarto niya ay lumantad sa harapan ko ang isang
silid na parang pinaliligiran ng amoy ng pabango ng mga babae. Tangina. llang babae
na ba ang nadala ng hinayupak na 'to rito sa bahay niya? Hindi man lang ba siya
nahihiya na may babae rin siyang kasama rito sa bahay? O pati si Monica hindi niya
pinalampas?
Nah. 1 know Niel very well. Monica is not his type.
Maliban pa sa pabango 'e ang una pang natapakan ng sapatos ko ay darnit pangbabae.
Doon ko langdin napagtanto na may ilang nakasabit din sa mismong 100b ng kwarto.
Mapa-bestida, pantaas, pambaba, at higit sa lahat mga darnit panloob na iba't iba
pa ang kulay at disenyo. Hindi ko alam kung uunahin ko bang ilayo ang tingin ko,
kung mapapamura ako, o kung babatukan ko 'tong kaibigan ko 'e.
"Oh. Sorry about these," at isa isa niyang pinagpupupulot ang mga nakakalat na
gamit at pinagtatatapon sa isang lalagyanan sa may sulok.
Pinanood ko siya hanggang sa matapos siya at yayain na ako papasok. "So, anong
problema, bro?" tanong kaagad niya nang maisarado ko na ang pinto.
"Well, aside from my hard-headed father, it's Glen. Those assholes are asking
something in exchange of information about him," I answered as soon as I take over
the edge of his bed and him resting his back on the balcony.
Niel heaved a loud sigh as the wind passes by outside. He's expecting this sort of
outcome.
"What did they ask for? Money? Vehicles?
Properties? Women? Our ranks?"
"None of the above. They only want me to find Ishtar."
"What?!"
Pumahiga na lang ako sa kama ng kaibigan ko nang makita ko ang reaksyon niya.
Ganyan din ang una kong naging reaksyon, Niel. Sinong mag-aakala na sa pangalawang
pagkakataon ay maririnig natin muli ang pangalang iyon? Sinong mag-aakala na sa
pangalawang pagkakataon ay may magsasabi sa atin na kailangan siyang hanapin at
ibigay sa kanila sa madaling panahon? Sino ba kasi ang Ishtarna iyan?
"Pero hindi ba't naghanap na tayo noon?
Wala tayong ibang mahanap maliban sa hula ni Glen na isa siyang secret agent! A—"
before he could say more, I cut him off. I know what he will say however, there's
something that I reckon we can use to find that woman.
"Maliban sa isang bagay." Mabilis siyang napatahimik nang sabihin ko ito.
Ito na ang oras para ilabas ko ang nalalaman ko at ang naging resulta ng inspeksyon
namin. Kahit kakaunting posibilidad at pag-asa, sa tingin ko ay dapat na naming
sagarin ang maaaring koneksyon ng bagay na iyon. Ngayon na naalala ko nga ito,
bakit nga ba hindj nagawangsuriin iyon ni Glen at ibigaysa akin ang balita?
"You mean that phoenix badge that we saw?" I nodded in response despite us not
seeing each other.
Narinig ko ang ilang yabag hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang paglundo ng kama. Sa ilang
sandali lang ay naidala ni Niel sa tabi ko ang bagay na nahanap namin na nakabalot
pa sa puting panyo. "Alam mo na ba kung ano talaga ang bagay na iyan?" tanong niya
nang iabot ito sa akin. Kinuha ko naman ito at pawang pinaaninagan sa ilaw.
On the day ofour inspection, we found this phoenix badge on a trash bin near our
residence. It caught my curiosity, especially I don 't recall myself nor my parents
ever owned something like this. The badge looks like a rare accessory made of metal
and distinct flowery design. We hid this inform ation from the rest of the Cerberus
to earn themselves peace of mind while I have Niel and Glen investigate about this
considering Niel's family's business is on the field of assessing and making pieces
of jewelry.
/ have seen Niel ls report but not Glen 's. Knowing Glen, he 'Il surely give it to
me to the soonest time possible and yet, he didn 't give me any.
I tried to do my best to find at least a clue of what the badge is for until I
encountered this particular article from a website. "According to the article that
I've read, this phoenix badge might be an insignia of people working under a non-
government agency. The assholes also mentioned to me that Ishtar is an agent of a
huge organization trying to eradicate all roots of evil," I told him.
Pinanliitan naman niya ako ng tingin sa mga sinabi ko. "Ibig sabihin, mabuti siyang
tao? Tumutulong siya sa ibang tao at sumusugpo ng kasamaan?" lyon din naman ang
naiisip 1<0. Posibleng isa siyang malaking tinik sa mga lalamunan ng masasamang tao
kaya siya pinaghahahanap. Ngunit kung ganoon nga siya kabuti, sa tingin ko hindi ko
siya magagawang isuplong.
"Isa pa ngang pinagtataka ko 'e kung bakit tayo ang [aging napagtutuunan ng
ganitong kapalit. Noong una, gusto ng mga pumatay sa mga kalaban natin na ibigay
natin si Ishtar sa kanila. Ngayon naman, ang mga taong kumuha kay Glen ay gustong
ipahanap siya sa lalong
madaling panahon. Hindi kaya...ll
"Hindi kaya ano?"
Posible, "Hindi kaya nasa malapit lang nating magkakaibigan si Ishtar kaya sa atin
nila binibigay ang ganitong trabaho?" at pawang napatingin na lang ako kay Niel.
Hindi naman imposible. Kung secret agent nga ang naturang tao, hindi malayong
nagtatago siya sa ibang katauhan at pagkakakilanlan upang hindi madiskubre at
mahanap ninuman.
It all makes sense to me now.

Chapter 36: Aimed

RIEDA'S POV
"How do you feel right not, Estrelle?" I asked the woman who is sitting on a single
bed and sipping from the soup given to her by Marionette. The soup actually
contains a tonic that will give her more chances to shorten her stay here.
She has been complaining ever since she woke up about how bored she was waiting and
sitting all day long while Glen was being held somewhere and perhaps, being
mistreated. " Probably better than what Glen is feeling right now," she answered
and put down the bowl on the side table.
I can't blame her for feeling guilty and irresponsible for it. Estrelle insisted
that she was taken over by emotions during that time since they had a
misunderstanding and this caused the Disciplinary Office to talk to her. I cannot
go against them though. After all, it's a strict policy for all of us not to be
overwhelmed by any emotion while we're on guard of something or someone. And she
failed,
On the other hand, I can't turn my back on a fellow agent of mine. I know how it
feels to be
swallowed by those emotions sometimes. Most especially when you have something
special for someone you ought not to touch nor to reach.
"The Alpha unit will do their best to rescue him tonight. I hope we can have him
back as soon as possible." I reached for her hand. It was surprisingly cold and
shaking. It's a surprise for someone like Agent Fiery who have always speak with
strength, confidence, and dignity.
Somehow, I can see myself on her. That is why even though the head office decided
to give the rescue operation to the Alpha unit, I attempted to ask Master Phoenix
to give her a second chance. To let her return to her post as the Andriegosl heir's
protector. Unfortunately, the
Master wanted to consider my request however, Glen's parents are looking on the
other way around.
"Oh don't try to console me, Ishtar. I'm fine. I heard that you asked for the
Master to give me a second chance, thank you for that. Even so, I would understand
it if the Andriegos decided to terminate the contract due to my failure," Estrelle
said with a smile, smile that somehow pulls everything off. A facade she is holding
on to at least survive the shame she is feeling deep within.
For us agents, this job has been our life and our soul. We feel like it's the worth
of ourselves. The word 'failure' is the worst dis we could ever hear and receive.
We have set our lives trying to meet the expectations because that's the only way
we could live properly. "Don't thank me. I did that because I know you're the only
one who has the right to protect him."
She then lifted her face after hearing that. " Because you're the only one who
knows him better than anyone else," I said and slowly, tears started to form on her
eyes. Small diamonds are beginning to spark. Sobs now getting louder and louder. I
just let her have this short spare time.
After all, agents have been too busy guarding other people's lives that they have
forgotten theirs and their right to cry any moment they feel like to.
"So how's the assessment with the flash d rive?
Matapos kong sundan si Derek sa kuta ng kalaban nilang grupo ay napag-isipan ko na
bumisita rito sa headquarters upang kamustahin ang kondisyon ni Estrelle at ang
pagsusuri sa flashdrive na nakuha ko mula sa safe ni Papa. Gawa ng natukoy ko naman
na papunta si Derek sa bahay nina Niel at ang seguridad na mayroon doon ngayon, sa
tingin ko may pagkakataon naman akong magawi rito.
Inilapag ni Mark ang isang lata ng mainit na kape sa harapan ko at saka siya
tuluyang umupo sa kabilang bench na katabi lang ng inuupuan ko. "It's the real
thing. Malaking bagay na nakuha mo 'yon, Rieda. Lalo na at napag-alaman namin na
kaya rin ng program na nasa 100b nito na sirain ang depensa ng sub-system at
marahil pati na rin ang Trinity." Agad na nagpintig ang mga tenga ko.
Tama ba ang narinig ko ? May kakayahan din ang bagay na ito na makapasok sa main
system ng ahensya?Ang mas malubha, sirain ang depensa ng mga Ito? Kung ganoon,
magiging malaki ang epekto nun sa aming mga agents kung sakaling naunahan ako ng
Blue Lance.
Ever since the Phoenix Organization was established in around 1930s, every bit of
the agents' work was under the main system called Trinity, for it has three sacred
domains namely the core, the sub-system, and the force.
It is a supercomputer which organizes and runs every system, which makes it the
core of the Phoenix Organization. The sub-system supports Trinity's capability to
manage the agents' license system and handles contracts with clients from all
around the world. Meanwhile, the force is the area that holds every employee's
information and trackers that are in fact have internal programs to maintain our
data running on the organization.
Which means, once this program has been
used against the Phoenix Organization, leakage of information about the employees,
transactions, and contracts will erupt. Being a non-government affiliated agency,
there's a risk of being put behind the bars despite our purpose to maintain peace
and order in society. But it's not about us being known. Rather, it is critical for
citizens to know everything.
Knowledge is a weapon a human must have but too much knowledge and inability to
sustain its purpose will only give pain and eventually, death.
"As one of the administrators of the system, you've saved us from a pile of work on
retrieving it. What we have to figure out now is what will be their next move and
plan. They will not stop here, Rieda. Well... They won't until turmoil breaks out
everywhere." I looked on to where Mark is. He ls drinking something with alcohol
yet he gave me a coffee. Great.
On the other side, I can feel somehow responsible for this. I've been starting to
the day I learned they are still alive. If only the Henosis Unit was able to
finish them off that one night, we don't have to be this conscious about
everything. No innocent life has to be sacrificed for their taunting. Most of all,
no past wound has to be revived.
Five years ago, back when I was still fifteen
years old, I've earned the privileges as the youn gest mem ber of the agency's
greatest thirty and that gave me a quick ticket to be cast in Henosis, a unit
formed to eliminate the then Blue Lance Syndicate. Back then, they were proudly
famous for doing various sorts of crimes.
Agent Urd, the agent I admired the most was in it too. She was the best agent that
time and known for her obedience and flawless missions. That's why I never feared
anything during the operation. Never did I give mercy to the people who gained
themselves titles as criminals and demons. Never did I try to stop and to rest on
killing each one of them. Never did I give anyone else in our line to get rid of
the target I am aiming. Never did I make my age an excuse when fire and radiation
broke out in the syndicate's hideout.
That's where everything had gone wrong.
One in our unit has given up due to severe torture and resorted on betraying us
through activating the device that will set the place on fire and releasing the
radiation from the syndicate's facilities earlier than planned. The Henosis Unit
along with the Alpha Unit hurried to finish the job as soon as they could to
escape.
"H-Huwag m-mo kong iwan! P-Pakiusap!"
"Tulungan mo ko! "
"Huwag niyo kaming iwan! A-Ayaw pa
naming mamatay! ll
"A-Ang b-baby 1<0! R-Rieda... Pakiusap!"
"H-Huwag kang umalis! H-Huwag m-mo kaming talikuran! M-Mga kasamahan mo kami, h-
hindi ba?! R-Rieda! H-Huwag mo kaming iwananl"
I closed my eyes as I remember that moment when everyone is in a rush to get out.
To live again outside that camp. To return to their loved ones safe and sound. Even
so, there are screams asking for help and mercy. But never did I find myself giving
my hand on them. I failed to rescue everyone. They've been killed along with the
ones who were supposed to be the only victims of the plan.
From the greatest thirty, seventeen survived while the whole Alpha unit was killed
either from torture, burns, or radiation exposure. We have undergone an assessment
of traumatic event exposure and were released five months after. From that
seventeen, twelve decided to retire and to settle down, fearing that they will no
longer have the chance to spend time with their family or even creating one if they
stay longer as agents.
"They managed to get the first stage successful though. By acquiring me. They knew
that a Henosis survivor most likely belongs to the Special Duties Department and so
they chose one person to be a victim of death threats and incidents. Turned out
it's Derek," I bitterly stated as I open the can. If only I killed every one of
them that night, Derek wouldn't have been involved with this.
He wouldn't be involved into these filthy ugly things between the organizations and
the syndicate. He shouldn't have met me after all.
Just as I expected, I only bring harm to him.
Napabuntong-hininga naman ang lalaking nasa kabilang bench. "Huwag mong sisihin ang
sarili mo. Wala ka namang kasalanan 'e. Ginawa mo lang ang trabaho mo. Ang
prumotekta." liling-iling akong humigop muli ng mainit na kape nang marinig 'yon.
It was just the same as playing stupid back then. I've been played by the trauma
just like how the syndicated toyed me until I fall to their trap. They are really
serious about killing the only rem aining survivor of Henosis.
Everyone thought that peace has been returned months after the whole nation
recovered from the damage of the syndicate. The agents who had retired... We've
watched them create bonds with friends and families until a year after, the
survivors were killed one by one along with their families and closest friends. The
only reason why I am alive was that Master Phoenix ordered me to take shelter in
the Pentagon the

llang taon silang hinagilap ng ahensya matapos noon pero tila bula silang nawala.
llang taon din ang lumipas nangwalang balita sa kanila. Kahit pa ang mga diurnanong
pamilya nila 'e hindi na namin nakitaan pa ng ibang kilos na magtutungo sa amin sa
mga walang hiya nilang mga kamag-anak.
They knew that as a Special Duties Department member, I am in thirst of missions
that requires challenges and thrilling obstacles. Therefore, they chose an heir of
an influential company in a country with fewer security measures compared to the
other countries and cornered him with various threats. Perfectly knowing his father
is a millionaire, he would do everything to keep his son safe and ultimately,
asking help from Master Phoenix. The time I set my foot on the De Guzman mansion,
I've put both Derek and mine's lives on monitor.
"Did Master Phoenix say something when he learned about their plan?"
"He wants to get you out of the contract. He wants you to fly back to Japan where
he can easily secure you. Dahil kahit anong gawin natin, habang tumatagal ka roon,
mas nagkakaroon sila ng oportunidad na patayin ka at pati na rin ang mga taong
naroroon. Pero hangga't wala pang
abiso mula sa ama ni Derek ukol sa nais niya, wala kaming magagawa kung hindi ang
manmanan ka," ani niya at sa pangalawang pagkakataon ay narinig kong muli ang
pagbuntong ng hininga niya.
Tama siya. Mas madali kung matatapos na agad ang kontrata ngayon palang. Sa bawat
oras na nilalagi ko sa pamamahay na iyon, mas lalo ko lang nilalapit ang mga taong
iyon sa kapahamakan.
Pero kung papayag ako na tapusin na ang kontrata, hindi ba't parang ipinagpalit
namin ang kaligtasan ni Derek at ng sambahayan niya para sa ikabubuti ko at ng
buong ahensya? Maaaring mabuhay nga ako at mas mabigyan ng kalayaan ang ahensya
magplano ngunit ang kapalit nun ay ang kamatayan nila.
" Even so, Master Phoenix knows you very well..."
Nahigit ko naman ang mukha ko sa pagkakalugmok nang magpauna muli siya ng bagong
sasabihin. Nang tingnan kong muli si Mark ay nakita ko kung paano niyang naitapon
diretso sa basurahan ang lata ng iniinom niya kanina. "Alam niya na hindi ikaw
'yung tipo ng agent na iiwanan ang isang misyon nang basta-basta porket may banta
ng malaking g**o.
Kaya sabi niya, irerespeto niya rin ang desisyon
mo kung gugustuhin mong magpatuloy," at winika niya ito nang may ngiti. Nang may
kasiguraduhin sa ngiti na iyon. Na para bang ayos lang kung ako ang magdedesisyon
para sa sarili ko.
Napangisi na lang tuloy ako. Kilalang-kilala talaga ako ng taong nagpalaki sa akin.
Pati ang mga prinsipyo at takbo ng pag-iisip ko, halos basadong-basado niya na.
My smartwatch suddenly beeped as I finish my drink. 3:06 AM.
Two more hours and the employees of the household will wake up for their duties. I
guess it's alright not to return anytime soon since Derek will be busy for the
preparations for the engagement party the whole day.
That's right. He will soon be officially engaged with someone... and it's not me.
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of usions, After the death of her fam

Chapter 37: Schemes

MARK'S POV
"Didn 't the Master tellyou to stop your obsession with that man, Mavelle? He's
already engaged to someone for heaven 's sake!" a nineteen-year-old me argued, It
was ofgreatest courage to raise an argument with someone who has saved hundreds
ofpeople with hergreat intellect and tactics.
But how could be that same person be stupid when it comes to love?
Itjust doesn t make sense.
I watched her as she pulls every dress, every shirt from her drawers. "Leave me
alone, Mark. Christian promised me that we will leave this country. We'll go
somewhere the agency cannot dictate us! Somewhere the syndicate cannot find us!"
Halos masapo ng noo ko ang palad ko sa mga pinagsasasabi niya. Katulad ng iba, isa
siya sa mga nakaligtas sa Henosis, At tulad din nila, binabalak niya na ring iwanan
ang trabahong dati'y nag-iisa lamang niyang layunin sa buhay. Plano niya na
kalimutan na ang lahat ng memoryang nabuo niya sa ahensya na ito at gayon na rin
ang mga taong nakasalamuha niya
2/13 Lahat ng ito tatalikuran niya para sa lalaking iyon.
Though that guy is a rich heir, he will never have the ability to protectyou. After
all, that kind ofpeople only has their money to protect them. No more, no less.
"The survivors are being killed one by one! Before you, I'm sure he will be killed
first," I told her. That's the truth, however.
To cut the survivors' heartstrings is one way toget them mad. The madder they get,
the more confused they will be. You should not let yourselfbe deceived,
Even so, Mavelle stopped from packing and immediately snatched my collar with her
trembling eyes and hands, "l will protect him no matter what. As long as I bring
him to another place, we will be safe. Those people will never be able to touch
him!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking.
I shook my head in disapproval. The safest place you could get yourselfinto is the
headquarters. Why leave? Why are you losing your faith on Master Phoenix now
thatyou've come so far already? "Both ofyou will only be killed ifyou leave! The
organization can protectyou!" Iyelled at her. I will no longer care about
superiority nor age but this woman is keeping her ears closed from what I am
saying!
She has to live! She has to! It doesn 't
matter to me anymore if she wanted that man, as long as she lives, I'm fine with
it. I didn't make all the efforts to be the top notch on device making and
upgrading examination and give her the best gadgets to be murdered just like anyone
else!
"You can 't change my mind, Mark I appreciate the thought but no. I don 't think
the organization can protect us anymore. The Master and Christian 's parents
terminated the contract! They can 't understand how we love each otherso much!" she
said and she let me off, pointing the door and giving me an order to leave her
room.
How could she even ask me to leave? I'm here because I wanted her to live! She's
the best agent that we have! She is one offive remaining survivors! We can 't
afford to lose her!
"Is that love enough foryou to sustain life?" Mavelle halted from her steps, I know
I've hit the bull's eye. Why are excellent agents getting blinded with that legend-
like love ? I can 't understand at all. What my father has always told me was that
love is when you sacrifice for the other's better well-being and happiness But to
what they are trying to do right now, they'rejust abandoning the life they are
supposed to have.
"Then let me askyou, the god oflove, Eros
Is life enough without love?"
Perhaps. Nevertheless, the organization losing you was one of the greatest
heartaches
4/13
Master Phoenix and the other agents ever had. That is why in order not lose the
agents again, the rules and regulations have been tightened and strict conditions
on contracts were formed.
Nailapag ko ang picture frame na may litrato niya. Mavelle De Villa, Agent Urd of
the Special Duties Department and a Henosis Unit survivor. Hanggang ngayon, paulit-
ulit pa rin akong binabalik-balikan ng mga alaala niya. Mas lalo na ang
panghihinayang na hindi ko nagawang pigilan siya. Sa huli, isa lang ako sa mga
halos hindi makalapit sa puntod niya.
Natatakot ako na balikan lahat ng mga nangyari.
Mavelle, another Henosis Unit survivor who admired you a lot when you are still
living have climbed higher than the place you've reached before. Her name 's Rieda.
Kinakatakot ko na matulad siya sa'yo. Na maging matigas din ang Lilo niya at sundin
ang puso niya. Hindi ko siya gustong mamatay, Mavelle, Ayaw kong mamatay din siya
kagaya mo nang dahil lang sa tinalikuran mong bigla ang tungkuling pinangako mo.
I will do my best to keep you alive, Ishtar. I promise.
RIEDA'S POV
"Rieda,just be Jenny Rosario andyou 'Il be alright. "

"Huh?" At huli na nang mapansin kong dumulas na mula sa mga kamay ko ang
pinupunasan kong baso. Gurnawa ito matinis na ingay na siyang nagpatingin sa iba
pang kasambahay at mga tauhang pinapunta rito nina Don Rafael, ang ama ni Anziza at
Mr. Romuel upang asikasuhin ang magaganap na engagement party sa linggong 'to.
llang araw na rin ang nakalipas nang ipayo sa akin iyon ni Mark. Sa ngayon, maayos
na si Estrelle at nakaalis na sa kamang kinaiinisan niya. Gayunpaman, wala pa ring
desisyon ang mga Andriego kung hahayaan pa rin nila siya na magpatuloy bilang
tagapagbantay ni Glen lalo na at wala pa ring balita ukol sa kanya.
"Ano ba 'yan... Ang iskandalosa naman. "
"Magpupunas na nga lang tatanga-tanga pa."
"Talaga bang kasambahay 'yan dito?
Kanina pa siya nakakadisgrasya sa totoo lang. "
I know I've been getting praises from my acting as a stupid maid but that one was
not intentional. My mind just flew a little bit. I guess that's enough number of
broken objects for today. Others will think that I'm doing it on purpose to get
everyone's attention.
"Are you alright, Jenny?"
Napalingon naman ako sa taong mabilis na

humablot ng kamay ko. Derek... Mabilis kong tinanggal ang mga palaisipan sa utak ko
at umisip ng masasabi. "A-Ayos lang po ako. Sige na PO. Pumasok na po kayo. Baka
ma-late pa po kayo," magalang kong wika sa kanya at sumenyas na ako kay Manang
Delia na pupunta muna ako sa labas para kunin ang mga sinampay.
Ganito ang estado namin ni Derek sa ngayon. Tulad ng napag-usapan namin ng ama niya
ay pilit ko siyang nilalayuan hangga't kaya ko. Kung minsan nga ay tila tinataboy
ko na siya pero wala akong magagawa. Ito lang ang paraan para maisakatuparan ko ang
nais ng nagbabayad sa akin at para masiguro na mailalayo ko siya nang kakaunti man
langsa kapahamakang dala
Habang kinukuha na ang mga darnit at telang sinampay at napansin ko ang presensya
mula sa likuran 1<0. Hindi lamang isa tao base sa tunog na nagagawa ng mga paa.
Imposibleng may aatake ng ganito katanghaling tapat. Isa pa, maraming tao rito
ngayon at kanina pa nakaalis si Derek.
"Mutsatsang Jenny!" tawag sa akin ng pamilya na nakakairitang boses. Andrea, ang
dakilang may gusto kay Martin. Hindi ko na sana papansinin ang sinabi niya nang
hatakin niya ang puting tela at tinapaktapakan sa may semento. Nakisabay din si
Anna na kasa-kasama niya
madalas at binuhasan iyon ngjuice na sa pagkakaalam ko ay para sa mga bisita.
Ano na naman bang problema ng mga I to? " Bakit niyo dinumihan? Bagong laba lang
'Yan." Pero nagsingisian lang ang dalawa sa isa't isa. Sabay silang kumilos at
pinaghahatak ang mga damit na hindi ko pa nakukuha at saka itinapon ang mga ito sa
may bandang damuhan at lupa.
"Tama na iyan! Tigilan niyo na! Magagalit si Manang sa inyo niyan!" pagpapatigil ko
sa kanila pero hindi ko Sila mapigilan sa ginagawa nila. Hindi naman ako nag-aalala
sa labahin. Mas nag-aalala ako para sa kanila dahil kapag sinagad nila ako l e baka
Sila ang mabaon ko sa lupa nang maaga.
Nilapitan ko Sila at sinubukang ilayo sa mga damit. Hindi nga lang kalakasan dahil
masisira ang karakter ko kung lalaban talaga ako nang pwersahan. "Pakiusap! Tigilan
niyo na 'yan! Pinaghirapan kong labhan ang mga iyan!" at hinayaan kong marinig nila
ako na tila kaawa-awa. Ganito naman ang mga mapang-abuso na mga 'to.
"O? Nasaan na ang Sir Derek mo ngayon? Hahaha! Napakapabida mo kasi!" kutya ni Anna
at tinulak niya ako nang malakas na siyang ikinatumba ko rin sa may putikan, gawa
ng kakadilig lang kanina rito sa may halamanan. 'Yung uniporme koe
Hindi niyo kilala ang binabangga niyo. "Tama na!" sigaw ko pa. Malapit na ako
masagad ng mga 'to. Hindi pa ba sapat sa kanila 'yung mga panahon na ilang beses
nila akong pinagtutulungan? Lahat ng pagkakataon na binalak nilang mapatalsik ako
sa mansyon?
"Ayos na iyan, Anna. Siguro naman magtatanda na ang mukhang basahan na si Jenny.
Labhan mo na rin ang sarili mo ha?" patungkol nito sa akin at nagsi-apiran pa ang
dalawa bago tuluyang bumalik sa 100b ng bahay.
I can't help but clench my fists. If I didn't stop myself from bursting out, those
witches will be skinned and buried alive right here, right now. My uniform has been
dirtied a lot! Holys**t, I want to get back at those women. Calm down. Calm your
nerves
"Willyou be satisfied if/ do something to teach them a lesson, milady?"
I finally got to stand up when I heard Vanna's offer. I've taken my time to think
about those two whether they'll survive from Vanna or not but I guess, it's really
the time to make them learn. "Definitely."
"Finally!" I noted as I was able to finally lay my back on my bed. Those girls made
me work double time but I'm sure they will have their punishments later once they
fell asleep. After all,

9/13
Vanna prepared something nice for them.
However, there's always one thing that will cut my resting time off in a very
untimely manner. "What's with the beeps, Vanna?" I asked as soon as I rise from the
bed.
"My connection with Client DDG has been offfor about ten minutes Late advisory,
Client DDG is locked on A VIS' Supplies Room. A fire has broken out. He 's still
conscious but his breathing is unstable. A few more minutes and he will no longer
be able to hold on. Ifyou are to go with your best record ofspeed, it will only
take you 6 minutes to reach his destination."
Agad na nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa binalita niya sa akin. Mas mabilis pa sa kidlat
na nag-asikaso ako upang magbihis at isuot ang disguise ni Agent Ishtar. "Bakit
hindi mo agad sinabi, Vanna?!" pagalit ko ng tanong sa kanya. Bakit hindi niya agad
ipinaalam sa akin na kanina pa hindi maayos ang pagkakakonekta niya sa tracking
device na inilagay ko kay Derek?
"Error. Detecting problem... failed. My connection wasjust cut offbut my other
functions are still running. "
What the f* *k? Is this Blue Lance Crime Syndicate's doing again? Are they really
trying to play with me this time? They took advantage of the time when I have to do
my duties to maintain my disguise and plan something on Derek's school, Angelica
Vitreux International School with that time. And what the hell is even wrong with
my guardian? Is the syndicate now capable of controlling an agent's smartwatch?
"Prepare my motorcycle this instant, my guardian."
"Nasusunog ang Supplies Room!"
'Wako PO! May nai-stuck pa na tao roon sa
"Firemen, please help our dearstudent! please
"Mr. Derek De Guzman!"
Ito ang mga paulit-ulit at maiingay na hinaing ng mga estudyante, mga guro, at iba
pa nang makarating ako sa ekwelahan. Kasalukuyan akong nandirito sa rooftop ng isa
sa mga gusali ng eskwelahan kung saan matatagpuan ang Supplies Room na ayon
kayVanna ay kinaroroonan ni Derek.
I should be thankful that I was able to get here earlier that I wanted to be. Mark
sending one of agency's helicopter to land on the nearest building in the
subdivision as my means of transportation is a great help. Especially, with the
traffic and all the commotion going on down there. Fortunately, everyone on the
grounds thought that we're on an operation to stop the fire.
I need to get going. I thought.
But even before I could make a move, "Stop, milady, I have detected our client's
tracking device. Specifically speaking, he 's here.
With some uninvited guests. Behindyou."
Maagap akong napalingon sa likod ko at doon nakita ko ang ilang kalalakihan na may
mga takip sa mukha, armado, at bihag nila ang magaling kong alaga. Naalala ko ang
kasama kong lisensyadong piloto na agent din.
Sinenyasan ko siya na manatili langsa 100b at ako na ang bahala sa mga taong 'to.
Tutal, sigurado ako na ako ang pakay nila. Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko.
I thought this school has tight security measures? Mr. Romuel De Guzman told me so!
Woods mentioned him donating various types of equipment to maintain the safety of
every student here including his son!
I wasn't able to execute a move when they suddenly raised a katana right on his
neck. It looks like I'm a bit late. Theygot him first. s* *t. "What do you want?"
with the voice modifier, this I asked.
It didn't take them too long to answer. "What do we want? We want you, Ishtar." As
expected. These men are most likely the syndicate's underlings. People who were
under their spell and people who will be killed after accomplishing a work the
syndicate should be doing.
Mahigpit kong minata ang patalim na nasa leeg ni Derek. Isang maling galaw lang ang
maaari itong burnaon o hindi kaya'y kumitil ng buhay niya. "Kung gusto niyo akong
makuha, huwag siya ang kunin niyo. Wala siyang kinalaman dito,"
pagkikipagnegosasyon ko sa kanila. Hangga't maaari kailangan kong laruin ang usapan
na ito upang mahanapan sila ng butas.
"Walang kinalaman? Nakikipaglokohan ka ba? Hindi ba't higit kaninuman dito sa
eskwelahan na ito at kahit sa ama pa niya ay ikaw ang pinakanakakakilala sa kanya?"
Napalunok ako nang banggitin niya ang mga bagay na iyon. Anong gusto niyang
sabihin? Na balak niya nangwakasan ang pagpapanggap ko at malaya ng ipagpatuloy ang
laban naming hindi naudlot? Hindi pwede. Hindi pa ngayon.
Mas lalong hindi na ako nakapag-isip nang makita ko ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Derek
at nang marinig ko ang isang tanong na ayaw kong sagutin ng mga hayop na 'to. "A-
Anong ibig n-niyong sabihin?" mautal-utal niyang ani.
Awtomatikong napapikit ako nang tila nakaramdam ako ng hapdi sa kaloob-looban ko.
Alam ko sa sarili ko na maaari ko pa ring ipagpatuloy ang kontrata kung sakali mang
malaman niya ang totoo kong pagkatao. Pero pinilit kong itago ito dahil alam kong
mas makakakilos ako nang wala siyang nalalaman.
O isang malaking dahilan ko lang 'yon para hind/' siya saktan? Hindi ko alame
Bago pa man ako makasagot at ipagpatuloy ang pakikipag-usap sa mga lalaki ay
bumalot ang isang kakaibang maitim na usok. Hindi ito usok mula sa sunog. Kakaiba
din ang amoy at epekto nito nang malanghap ko. Maubo-ubo kong sinubukang pigilan
ang paghinga ko ngunit animo'y isang lason ito na nagpapahina ng sistema 1<0.
Pinalibot ko ang tingin ko sa paligid ngunit hindi ko na makita pa Sina Derek at
ang mga tauhan ng sindikato. Bagkus, lalo lang akong nawalan ng balanse sa epekto
ng usok hanggang sa tuluyang na nga akong mapahiga sa sahig.
Derek...
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Chapter 38: Clear

DEREK'S POV
"Derek, pinapatawag ka pala ni Sir
Eduardo sa may gymnasium. Kakausapin ka yata tungkol sa upcoming track and field
competition," Ryan informed me as he cast himself in to the circle of Cerberus
before I can take another move on the chess game.
Walang pagdadalawang-isip na turnayo ako dahil hinihintay ko rin naman na ang tawag
ni Sir Eduardo. llang buwan na lang at araw na ng kompetisyon. Mabuti naman at
pinatawag niya na ako. "Sige. Salamat pare. O? Kayo muna rito
"Yes, superior!" my members answered in chorus.
Pagkalabas namin ng kwarto 'e nagpaalam sa akin si Ryan na kailangan pa niyang
burnalik sa faculty dahil may hindi pa siya nate-take na exam, kaya agad kaming
nagkahiwalay ng landas.
These past few days, the school slowly becomes dull and monochrome. It started when
Glen was reported to be missing. The whole studentry went into great concern about
their own safety, especially the news about the killings are relentlessly
increasing every time a television is switched on.
AVIS faculty and administration keeps on telling everyone not to worry about it
considering the technological advancements the school has. However, it only took
the concern way further instead. Due to the alarming reports, rumors are undeniably
arising around the campus such as professor resigning, a debate about cutting the
school hours into half and even talk about putting the school into hiatus until all
criminals are caught.
Kaya nga hangga't maaari ay gumagawa ng paraan ang bawat estudyante na tanggalin
ang pag-aalala sa bawat araw na pumapasok sila. Hinahayaan din ng mga guro na umuwi
ang mga estudyante kung mismong mga sundo galing sa pamilya nila ang dumarating.
Kahit sa pagsundo ay naging mahigpit. Kinakailangan pang magpakita ng sapat na
pruweba na sila nga ang pinadala ng mga magulang bago hayaan ang estudyante na
sumama sa kanila.
Ano na ba kasing nangyayari ngayon?
Nakakailang na rin na laging napapalibutan ng samu lt saring mga pulis ang buong
paligid ng eskwelahan. Para tuloy kaming mga preso para sa sarili naming
kaligtasan.
Pagkarating ko sa gymnasium ay laking pagtataka ko nang wala akong maabutan na
kahit sino rito. "Nasaan na si sir?" Nakapatay ang ventilation system, malinis na
malinis pa ang buong court at mukhang wala pa yatang ibang nakakagamit ng gymnasium
simula kaninang umaga. Ang sabi ni Ryan nandito raw si sir?
Baka burnaba na? Akmang aalis na ako para tingnan si sir sa may faculty nang
makarinig ako ng ilang magkakasunod na hikbi mula sa kung saan. Nung una kong
marinig, kinilabutan agad ako. Ano 'to? Horror movie? Sinubukan kong huwag pansinin
at nagtuluy-tuloy lang ako papalabas pero walang silbi 'e. Mas lumakas lang ang
pagngawa.
"T-Tulungan niyo ko! P-Palabasin n-niyo ko! P-Please!"
"Boses ng babae 'yun ah." Kaso saan nanggagaling ang boses na iyon? Huwag mo nang
pansinin, Derek. Baka may nagloloko lang. Iyan ang gusto kong isipin at ilang beses
ko na ring kinumbinsi ang sarili ko na umalis na lang kaso hindi maatim ng
konsensya ko kung talagang may tao nganga humihingi ng tulong. Bahala na nga.
"Tulong! Tulong! P-Palabasin niyo ko r-rito! May tao ba diyan?"
Palabasin? Kung ganoon nasa isang kwarto siya o kaya isang lugar na pwedeng isarado
o hindi kaya ly ikandado. Nagsimula akong maghanap sa may likuran kung saan
naroroon ang mga sports club rooms at supplies room.
Isa-isa kong kinatok ang bawat pinto pero wala namang sumasagot at pawang ngawa
lang nang ngawa ang babae.
"Nasaan ka?" sigaw ko. Hindi ako pwedeng basta-basta pumasok sa mga kwartong 'to.
May mga password at alarm ang bawat club room. Kapag nagkamali ako ay baka sa akin
pa I to isisi. Kaya naman paulit-ulit akong naghintay ng sagot ng babae.
" D-Dito! Dito sa s-supplies room! P-Please! I-Ilabas mo k-ko rito!"
Natatarantang nagtungo ako sa tapat ng pinto ng Supplies Room. "Miss? Miss,
naririnig mo ba ako?" paninigurado ko kung nasa 100b nga siya ng silid. Kaso
kinabahan ako nang hindi na siya sumagot. Nako, ano na kayang nangyarisa kanya?
Sino bang wala sa katinuan ang magkukulong ng isang babae rito sa Supplies Room?
Hindi ko pa naman alam ang password nito. Teka.,. Tama, may nasabisa akin noon si
Glen. Mabilis akong lumapit sa password keypad at isa-isang pinindot ang mga
numerong naaalala kong itinuro sa akin ng kaibigan 1<0.
Gayunpaman, hindi pa rin burnukas ang pinto kahit na ba tama ang inilagay kong mga
numero. Ni hindi rin naman tumunog ang alarm. "Miss? Nandiyan ka pa ba?" Subalit
wala pa rin akong tugon na natanggap.
Sunod na lang na nahagip ng paningin ko ay ang maso sa isang gilid kasama ang ilan
pang mga gamit. Kinuha ko ito at saka dinala sa tapat ng hawakan ng pinto ng silid.
Siguro naman hindi ako mapapatawag nito dahil may tutulungan lang naman ako.
Bumilang muna ako hanggang tatlo bago ko ito tuluyang ginamit upang buksan ang
pinto.
Makailang bagsak ng maso sa pinto ay nasira na rin ito, rason upang makapasok na
ako. "Miss? Miss?" Nilibot ng tingin ko ang maaaring kahit anong imahe ng isang
babae sa bawat sulok ng silid pero nagulumihanan lang ako sapagkat walang babae o
kahit na sinong tao ang nandirito. Sabi ko na nga ba. Dapat urnalis na lang ako 'e.
I was about to turn myself to the direction where the exit is located when the door
suddenly closes before I could even step a foot towards it.
s t, I uttered. Is there someone who's trying to lock me here? But no one's here
in the gymnasium except me!
Nagmamadaling pumaroon ako sa pinto at sinubukan itong buksan sa abot ng makakaya
ko pero parang walang silbi ang ginagawa ko dahil kahit anong lakas o pwersa ang
ilaan ko ay walang nangyayari. "Anong gagawin ko nito?" tanong ko sa sarili.
Sinubukan kong ipuslit ang telepono ko mula sa bulsa ko pero nang mapasakamay ko na
ito ay hindi ito nagbubukas.
Bakit ngayon pa nagkaproblema ang teleponong 'to kung kailan kailangan na kailangan
1<0? Sa kakapindot ko ay unti-unti na rin itong nagbukas. Akmang luluwag na sana
ang pakiramdam ko nang imbes na wallpaper ko ang bumungad ay isang mensahe.
"Gusto mo na ba siyang makilala, Derek De Guzman?" basa ko sa mensahe. Makilala?
Sino?
Questions are starting to pour out of my mind when I noticed something is not
right. Aside from I was locked in here, I smell something. I tried to look where is
it coming from but guess I should 've not looked on to it in the first place.
"Paanong may apoy dito?!" bulalas ko nang masilayan ko kung paano mabilis na
kumakalat sa 100b ng silid ang apoy na hindi ko man lang alam kungsaan nanggaling.
Halos hindi ko na alam kung ano ang iisipin. Kailangan kong makalabas dito. lyon
lang ang alam 1<0. Hindi ko pa gustong mamatay! Kahit na ba alam kong baka wala man
itong maitulong ay sinugal ko na ang lahat dahil wala na akong magagamit clito sa
kwarto para makalabas. Unti-unting nilalamon ng apoy ang bawat garnit. Nagsisisigaw
ako ng tulong habang paulit-ulit kong kinakalampag ang pinto, umaasang may isa tao
man lang ang makarinig sa akin.
I keep on screaming to the top of my lungs, sticking to the tiniest hope that I
have in order to survive. As time passes, I feel myself slowly weakening... and my
voice slowly fading. No. You can {t give up, Derek. You have to survive! You are
better than this!
Nagising ako na para bang lumulutang ang pakiramdam ko. Mabibigat din ang paghinga
ko na tila ba naghahanap ng iba pang maihihinga. Sa kabilang banda ay nawawala na
ang pamamanhid ng mga binti ko at napagtanto kong nakaupo ako sa isang lugar na
sementado. Sa pagbabalik ng wisyo ko ay napansin ko na rin ang kamatayang dala ng
isang malamig na bagay sa may leeg 1<0.
As my vision starts on getting clearer and clearer, I realized that I'm here in the
rooftop with the guys who are pointing me various weapons on me and ultimately, a
person who is wearing a golden mask and a black veil. Isn't that person
"l won't hurt you. Come with me quickly." Tama. Siya 'yun. Siya 'yung taong
nagligtas sa akin noong gabing may umatake sa akin. Siya 'yung turnapos sa mga
lalaking naroroon sa mansyon para sana yata gumawa ng kaguluhan. Bakit siya
nandito? Ano ang pakay niya? Bakit tila may namamagitang tensyon sa kanila ng mga
kumuha sa akin?
"What do we want? We want you, Ishtar."
I heard one of these guys said. Ishtar? The person in front of me is the Ishtar
that we have been looking for? The person I needed to surrender in order to gain
information about Glen's whereabouts. The person I needed to find to know the
reason why those men killed out the opponent group.
"If you want me, release him. Wala siyang kinalaman dito."
Kagaya ng gabing iyon, hindi ko pa rin matukoy kung ano kasarian niya dahil tila
ibang boses ang gamit niya. Napag-isip-isip ko ang napakaraming bagay na konektado
siya. Pero siya pa rin ang nagligtas ng buhay ko. Hindi lang buhay ko pati ng mga
taong durnalo rin ng selebrasyon noong gabing iyon...
"Walang kinalaman? Nakikipaglokohan ka ba? Hindi ba't higit kaninuman dito sa
eskwelahan na ito at kahit sa ama pa niya ay ikaw ang pinakanakakakilala sa kanya?"
"Argh!" nasabi ko na lang nang mapabalikwas ako.
Huh? A dream? No. That's impossible.
Agad kong kinapa ang parte ng leeg ko kung saan ako tinapatan ng patalim katulad
ngsa napanaginipan ko o sa nangyari kanina. May nakapa akong nakatapal dito. Ibig
sabihin, totoo
ang lahat ng iyon. Totoong nakita kosa harap-harapan ko si Ishtar.
"Oh? You're awake! Sandali lang po at sasabihan ko si Sir Niel!" Napatingin ako sa
may pinto at nakita ang isang babae na sa pagkakaalala ko ay si Monica, ang chef ni
Niel.
Pagkasabi niya nito sa akin ay lumabas na siya.
So, I'm here in Niel's house. Thank God, he didn 't put me in his room, llang
sandali pa ay napaayos na ako ng upo nang marinig ko ang yabag ng mga paa ng isang
paparating na tao. Dahil naiwang bukas kanina ni Monica ang pintuan ng silid na ito
ay agad kong nakilala kung sino ito. "Mabuti naman at gising ka na, Derek. 00 nga
pala! Congratulations! Tito Romuel moved it on next week!" pagbabalita niya sa akin
hanggang sa makaupo na siya sa gilid ng kama.
Hindi ko alam pero parang natanggalan ako ng isang malaking tinik sa dibdib ko. 00
nga't tuloy pa rin ang engagement party pero ang malaman na maurong ito, isang
malaking ginhawa na iyon. Alam kong hindi ko na makukumbinsi si Papa na itigil ang
kahibangang pagpapakasal namin ni Anziza pero umaasa pa rin ako na sana... sana may
mangyari na siyang makakapagpabago sa desisyon niya.
" Kamusta ang pakiram—"
"Niel, nakita ko na siya," nasambit ko na
lang. "Nakita ko na si Ishtar. Harap-harapan.
Dalawang beses."
Bumukas naman ang bibig ni Niel sa tinuran ko at unti-unti itong pumabilog dulot ng
pagkagulat. "T-Teka! Sigurado ka ba? Baka naman bangag ka pa, pare?!"
" No. I'm sure of it. That person is Ishtar.
And I think Ishtar is someone close to me."
RIEDA'S POV
Sa pagkakaroon kong muli ng malay ay nakasisilaw na liwanag mula sa kisame ang una
kong nadatnan. Sa tingin ko wala pa naman ako langit o impyerno o kung saan pa man.
Sa pagbangon ko naman ay wala ng kahit anong sakit ngunit pakiramdam ko ay naging
mahimbing ang pagkakatulog ko. llang oras na ba akong tulog?
Inilibot ko ngtingin ang mga mata ko at doon ko lang napagtanto na nandito ako sa
kwarto ko rito sa headquarters. Paano ako napunta rito? Sino ang nagdala sa akin
rito? At... At ano na ang nangyari sa mga tauhan ng sindikato?Ano na ang nangyari
kay Derek?
Akrnang tatanggalin ko na ang kumot na bumabalot sa kalahati ng katawan ko upang
tumayo at lumabas nang biglaan bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa nito Sina Mark at
Joshua.
"Ishtar? You're awake! How are you
feeling?" Joshua asked in surprise. He quickly tended to me and gave me a glass of
water from the pitcher on the table.
After he poured me some, he then handed the glass to me which I gladly reach out.
"Thank you but can someone tell me how did I end up here? What happened to those
men who got Derek?" I asked, not being able to hide my confusion.
Hindi ko naman inaasahan ang katahimikang itinugon nila sa akin. Ni hindi ko rin
inaasahan na magiging tikom ang bibig pati ng kaibigan kong si Mark sa iisang
gilid. "Bakit hindi kayo sumasagot?" Mas humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa baso. May
nangyari bang masama?
Nakikiusap ako, magsalita kayo. Hindi ko gusto ang kabang nararamdaman ko.
Wala namang nangyaring masama kay Derek, hindi ba?
"May tinatago ba kayo sa akin?" Hindi ko na naiwasang maitanong. Hindi ko gusto na
ganito sila katahimik. Hindi ko gusto na tikom ang mga bibig nila.
Tinuon ko ang mga mata ko kay Mark na siyang prenteng nakasandal sa isang gilid
habang ang mga kamay niya ay nasa magkabilang bulsa niya. Mabilis na nagkatamaan
ang mga mata namin. Subalit parang may mali. May kung anong nagsasabi sa akin na
ang katitigan ko sa ngayon ay hindi si Mark kung hindi si Eros ng ahensyang ito.
Ibang tao. Ibangtitig. Bakitganito?
The person who always makes this clearer to me became the person who made
everything blurred to me.

Chapter 39: Plans

RIEDA'S POV
"I'm sorry we didn't inform you about the plan."
Mabilis na umarko ang mga kilay ko.
"Anong plano?"
Sa mga oras na 'to, pakiramdam ko ay nasa gitna ako ng kawalan. Ano ba ang ibig
nilang sabihin? Bakit hindi ko maintindihan? Anong plano ang pinagsasasabi nila?
Bakit wala akong alam dito?
Habang nagugulumihanan ay sinubukan kong tumuon muli kay Joshua subalit pawang mga
malulungkot na mga mata ang ibinigay sa akin nito. Para bang humihingi ng pasensya
dulot ng pagkatikom ng bibig niya. "Josh?"
Subalit wala pa rin epekto ang paghahanap ko ng kasagutan. Umayos lang siya ng upo
at ipinatong ang mga kamay niya sa ibabaw ng kanyang mga hita. Nang mapansin niyang
hindi natatanggal ang tingin ko sa kanya ay saka na siya yumuko. Para bang hiyang-
hiya siya na ipakita pa ang sarili niya sa harapan ko.
/ don 't like this feeling. This feeling of unfamiliarity and having no knowledge
of what is happening.
I shifted my attention to Mark one more time, hoping that he will give me a solid
and concrete answer to my question. "Mark, stop making a fool out of me. Tell me
what that plan is," an uncomfortable me managed to say with emphasis, trying to set
aside the arising the tension and anxiousness in me. Whydo / feel like I have a
bunch of things to know? Why do / feel like there 's something huge behind all of
this?
This is perplexing.
"We know that the fire will take place. We know that they intended to use him to
make you show yourself. We have known these things even before you give us a visit
here," Mark said, finally taking up the floor to speak.
Alam nila? Kung ganoon bakit hindi nila sinabi sa akin noon pa lang nandito ako?
Bakit wala siyang sinabi sa akin? Bakit nila ako pinagmukhang tanga sa pagpunta sa
eskwelahan na aligagang-aligaga sa takot na makuha na si Derek ng mga tauhan ng
sindikatong 'yon? "Nababaliw na ba kayo? Bakit hindi niyo ipinaalam sa akin? Ako
ang nakasaad sa kontrata na poprotekta sa kanya! May karapatan akong malaman 'di
ba?"
I can't believe they actually hid it from me. Joshua and Mark have been my buddies
ever since I finished my training back when I was ten years old. Coming from
different departments, they assisted me on every mission in any way they can. So
how come they conceal something important from me? What if the plan failed?
Hindi na naiwasan ni Mark ang umalissa pagkakasandal niya. Tingin ko ay nakikini-
kinita niya na na iba ang magiging tingin at opinyon ko sa bagay na Ito kumpara sa
inaasahan niya. "lyon nga ang punto, Rieda. Ikaw ang nakapirma sa kontrata na 'yon
kaya hindi namin sinabi sa'yo. Alam naming tututol ka kung sasabihin naming
gagamitin namin si Derek upang mapalabas ang mga tauhan ng Blue Lance."
At lumabas din ang totoo. lyon pala ang balak nila kaya umurong ang dila nila sa
sabihin sa akin. Pero tama. May punto siya. Hinding-hindl ako sasang-ayon sa
planong ganoon. Paano kung napahamak si Derek sa kalagitnaan ng operasyon? "Alam
niyo naman pala. Bakit niyo pa tinuloy?" tanong ko. Hindi ko lubos maisip na may
iba na silang pinaplano sa likod ko.
Mga itinuring ko pa man din silang mga kapatid.
Sumunod ko namang narinig ang pagbuntong hininga ni Mark at ang marahan niyang
paglakad papunta sa akin. "Sinamantala namin ang pagkakataon na iyon para mapalabas
sila. Para makakuha pa ng mas malawig na impormasyon. Hindi naman nasaktan si
Derek. Wala kang dapat ipag-alala," ani niya sa tonong
malinaw sa akin na hindi ko nagustuhan.
Ano bang gusto niyang iparating? Na si Derek lang ang inaaalala ko sa ginawa nilang
operasyon? Na si Derek na lang ba lagi ang iniisip ko? Ano bang sa tingin niya sa
akin? Isa rin akong agent tulad niya!
" I'm just speaking for Derek for Pete's sake, Mark! I'm asking both ofyou what's
the real deal for you to come up with that plan? To get information? That's the
lamest reason I've ever heard from you," I claimed, my voice trying its best not to
go beyond the line. As much as possible, I want this conversation to not turn into
a debate. I never wished for Mark and me to disagree on something.
Mataman siyangtumingin sa akin mata sa mata. Ngayon ay may nakikita na ako kahit
maliit na pag-aalala sa mga mata niya habang tuluyan niyang nilalapat ang pwetan
niya sa gilid ng kama 1<0. "May natanggap kaming mensahe sa tagapagmasid natin. Iba
ang nagiging kilos sa ngayon ni Mr. Romuel De Guzman," may pagkabahalang wika ni
Mark na siyang umako ng pagkalito ko.
"We've been giving him a close look ever since we heard from Mark that he asked you
to leave earlier than originally planned." My eyes then turned to Joshua who
eventually ordered his guardian to form a notebook or something.
When he gave it to me, I look on to it almost hesitantly. I can't understand how
Derek's father got involved in this. The moment I turned the title page aside, a
record of visitations and a list of locations where Mr. De Guzman went for the last
few months were printed clearly. "What do you mean by this?" I can't help but ask
as I review each of the pages, remembering what he might be doing that time and
where the damn place is this and that.
"He's consistently leaving the house to meet various people. As a close friend of
Master Phoenix, we've been informed of the list of people who he might probably
acquaint with. But a plastic surgeon? A d**g dealer? A corrupt politician? A
lowly-maintenance officer in a commun ications-satellite com pany?"
Com m unications-satellite company?
"That's right, Ishtar. The Romuel De Guzman currently living with all ofyou in that
mansion is not Derek's father. He's an impostor under the Blue Lance's command,"
Mark took the words from my mouth.
Halos mawindang ako sa balitang ito. Hindi siya ang totoong ama ni Derek. Isa
siyang impostor na ipinadala ng mga taong iyon para subaybayan ang mga kilos ko at
para yanigin ang ang buhay ni Derek. Kung ganoon, tama ang mga
suspetya ko na may kakaiba sa kanya noon pa lang nang ipatawag niya ako sa
kumpanya.
Bilang kaibigan ni Master Phoenix, imposible na hindi niya alam ang lamang mga
kondisyon ng kontrata at ng ahensya pero sa akin niya diniretso ang hiling niya na
tapusin ang kontrata nang mas maaga.
Ang voice recorder chip na iniwan ko sa opisina niya, nakakapagtakang wala itong
nasagap ni isangtunog kahit na ba maayos ang pagkakakabit nito.
At higitsa lahat,.. hindi umiinom ng kape ang ama ni Derek.
How could I forget that time when I meet him two days after I moved into the
mansion? We met in a cafe at that time. He arrived there before me. When I sit on
that tiny chair opposite to his, I cannot be mistaken that its milk, not coffee.
Manang Delia told me to take that in mind. "Kahit kailan, hindi umiinom ng kape si
" Holy s**t," I uttered, fin ally realizing the details I overlooked.
I was awakened by Mark who I found sitting beside me and carefully squeezing my
hand. "The man who called you about the death of your family, the person who
brought men to ambush the mansion, and the one who is continuously
disturbingVanna's connection share the same culprit. It's him, Dean Luxwell, Gray's
brother."
"Rieda!"
"Are you alright? Shall we call the doctor?" Joshua asked as soon as he reaches me.
Unti-unting niyayakap ng pagkahilo ang Lilo ko. Unti-unti ring kinakain ng
panlalambot ang buong katawan ko. Para bang gusto ko na lang humiga buong araw.
Para bang gusto ko na lang na magtaklob ng kumot at kalimutan ang hindi
pagkakapansin sa bagay na iyon. "Sorry..." nasambit ko na lang.
Nang maramdaman ko ang pag-init ng paligid ng mga mata ko ay hinatak ko na pabalik
ang kamay ko na pisil-pisil ni Mark at ipinantakip sa mukha ko. Ano bangginagawa
mo, Rieda? Bakit iba pa ang unang nakaalam sa 'yo?
Napansin mo na. Bakit hindi mo pa tinuloy ang pagdududa ? Siguro dapat ikaw na lang
ang namatay at hindi ang ibang mga Henosis agent. Wala kang kwenta! Wala kangsilbi!
MARK'S POV
"Sa tingin mo ba magiging maayos na siya mamaya-maya?" nag-aalalang tanong sa akin
ni Joshua habang naglalakad na kami pabalik sa head office matapos naming tingnan
ang kalagayan ni Rieda.
She looks devastated on overlooking that
one detail. As expected from someone who has been with pride and dignity as the
best agent. She looks completely like Mavelle when she missed even the tiniest
component. I can't help but to bitterly smile after realizing more similarities
between the two of them.
Even so, this is the only possible method to shove her away from the path Mavelle
wrongly took. "She'll be fine. Rieda won't be my greatest agent if she's not
special enough on my eyes, Joshua," I told him, stressing to him that the child I
requested for my father to pick up almost fifteen years ago is not just ordinary
and a mere weakling when it comes to emotions.
"Shh! Keep your voice down!" my executive assistant exclaimed with his pointer
finger on his lips and his eyes wandering all over the place and the employees we
are encountering. "Can't you hold your tongue?" he whispered this time.
Napahagikgik naman ako sa inakto niya.
Mas kabado pa siya mabisto kaysa sa akin.
"Maghinay-hinay ka nga sa pag-inom ng kape. Nagiging nerbyosin ka masyado.
Kailangan pa nating ligpitin 'yung impostor," payo ko sa kanya habang binabati din
pabalik sa pamamagitan ng pagngiti ang mga nakakasalubong kong empleyado.
" Maiba tayo. Talaga bang ikukulong mo
muna rito si Rieda sa headquarters hanggang sa mailigpit mo si Dean Luxwell? Hindi
mo kasi nabanggit sa kanya kanina."
Tumigil ang mga paa ko nang saktong nakarating na kami sa tapat ng pinto ng head
office. Ikulong? Ang ganda pakinggan pero isang kahibangan sa pandinig ng babaeng
'yon.
"Sigurado ako sa desisyon kong iyon. Hindi ko na kailangan ng abiso ng mga
executives para rito. Ako ang masusunod. Isa pa, paniguradong hindi papayag ang
babaeng 'yon na manatili rito kahit isang buong araw man lang kaya hindi na ako
nag-abala pang sabihin," sagot ko sa kanya.
Joshua heaved a loud sigh after hearing me. I guess he sympathizes with Rieda a
little bit considering he's been reading a lot of romantic novels these days. Even
so, a job is a job. It's absolute. As long as Rieda is under the Phoenix
Organization and she's bound on that damn contract, I will be able to control her.
She 's not going any close to being like
Pagkapasok namin ng head office ay magalang akong ibinati ng mga sekretarya ko na
siyang binalikan ko naman ng ngiti. "Zen, kamusta naman ang lagay ng badge?"
paghingi ko ng balita nang makaupo na ako sa couch. Nitong nakaraan pa ako
naghihintay kung ano ang gagawin doon ng magkakaibigan.
"The phoenix badge we've placed during Cerberus' inspection was found by the
Cerberus' leader and his friends as we had expected,
Master," Zen said as he hands me a printed data of the record of attempts Glen,
Niel, and Derek tried to decipher the codes in order to know what that badge
holds.
Gaya ng inaasahan, kinagat nga ng magkakaibigan ang pain. Ito ang isang rason kung
bakit ko nagawang ituloy ang pagsuspinde sa taong tinuring ko ng pamilya. Kung may
ispiya ang Blue Lance sa mansyon pwes ang badge din ang magsisilbing ispiya ko sa
lahat ng plano nilang magkakaibigan. Ito ang paraan ko para matiktikan sila kung
nagkakaroon na sila ng ideya sa kung sino talaga si Rieda.
Ito ang paraan ko para tuluyan pang subaybayan ang paslit na una kong nakita sa
kalsada at pawangginagawa ang lahat para lang mabuhay.
"But Master... I'm just wondering why you ordered to drop that off. It can put
Agent Ishtar's mission in jeopardy if they found out who she really is."
I then left the papers with numerous figures and look up at my secretary. "They
don't know. After all, Glen has been rescued and is on our care now. When that
genius boy got Ishtar's tracker, I intentionally break the codes for him to easily
gather the answers he needed that time. He was raised by the Andriegos, family of
risk-takers and strategists. Therefore, he will use all the advantages he could get
from Rieda. At the same time, he will be greedy of the knowledge and will shut his
mouth from his friends. Thus, making him an accomplice in this mission," I
explained while I can't stop grinning to the smooth progress of my plans.
Napakadaling basahin ng mga batang iyon. Madali silang nahulog sa patibong ko at
katulad ng nasa Plano, ginagawa nga nila ang mga inaasahan kong iaakto nila. Kung
magpapatuloy lang ito, magagawa pang itago ni Rieda ang sikreto niya hanggang sa
dumating ang araw na kailangan niya nang kaharapin ang mga demonyong dati nang
bumabagabag sa kanya.
Sa pamamagitan din ng plano na 'to, kusa siyang nagdesisyon na magpalagay ng
internal tracker na siyang mas magpapadali sa akin sa paggabay sa kanya. Mas
mapoprotektahan ko siya. Mas mailalayo ko siya sa kahit anong kapahamakan. Mas
maililigtas ko siya sa kahit anong posibleng panganib na naghihintay sa kanya.
Makikita mo, Mavelle, Hindi siya magagaya sa 'yo.
"Now... Why don't we goad Blue Lance for
a little bit to prepare our beloved goddess of war's battlefield while she's
resting?" I suggested, still keeping the grin on my face while my secretary
immediately got what I meant.
Zen then bowed to me to excuse himself and to execute my order.
"Asyou wish, Master Phoenix. "

Chapter 40: Drunk Question

DEREK'S POV
"Buti ka pa, Anz. Kaso makakatakas kaya tayo sa mga ama natin?" pagkausap ko sa
kababata ko na nasa kabilang linya.
Kamakailan lang noong pinaliwanag ko sa kanya na hindi lahat ng bagay 'e makukuha
niya. Kamakailan lang din nang matauhan siya sa mga ginagawa niya. Kalaunan, naging
kasabwat ko pa ang isang Anziza Carolelle para makumbinsi ang mga ama namin na
itigil na ang plano nila na pagpapakasal namin. At tingnan mo nga naman, ang lalaki
nabanggit ko sa kanya noon na siguradong mamahalin siya nang buong-buo ay dumating
na pala sa buhay niya.
On the contrary, | thinkyou really are getting everythingyou want.
["You'll get your own happiness too, my dear friend. We should not give up. We
still have time to change their minds and I hope that a miracle will be blessed
upon us."]
Sana nga. Sana nga. Kamusta na kaya si
Jenny? Kahapon ko pa siya hindi nakakamusta. Kahit si Martin hindi ko matawagan.
Ang sabi kasi sa mga report ay may inaayos daw sa transmission ng mga mensahe kaya
nagkakaroon ng problema sa pagkonekta. Ni hindi naman yata ako hahayaan ni Niel na
makaalis ngayon dahil unang-una, gabi na. Pangalawa, may mga sugat pa ako.
Pangatlo, hindi ko gugustuhin na makita si Papa sa bahay.
I lift my hand to reach for the wound due to the sharpness of the sword that had
been placed on my neck. It was so close. I was so close to dying.
["Derek, I have to go now. Bye!"] and without me being able to respond back, she
ended the call.
I guess she's too busy to even talk to me now that she found the person she really
fancies. Didn't I tell you? I'm not the one for you. At least, I am thankful that
she was able to find him so soon. This time, Anziza no longer has to be alone.
Aside from us, she found someone who will support her own decisions until the end.
Inilapag ko na ang telepono sa gilid ko at dumampot na lang ng isang piraso ng ubas
na dinala ni Monica kanina. Ishtar... You were also just close as that sword. You
are already standing before me. However, I failed to reach you. Isa pang
bumabagabag sa akin ay ang naging palitan niyo ng salita ng mga lalaking kumuha sa
akin.
Those men... They said you know me better than anyone else. That is why I have
concluded that maybe, you are probably one of the closest to me under a different
name and character. I should be happy, you know. I should be happy that finally, I
have something that can lead me on knowing the real you.
At the same time, I'm not satisfied at all.
Worse, I don 't even know why,
Perhaps it's because there's this fact that someone close to me is hiding a very
important thing? That there's this reality slapping me with the truth that again, I
have been deceived. I have been betrayed by someone I trusted so much. Just like
what happened to me before. Those times when you can no longer call the people you
used to join with as friends. Those days when I trust my father so much about
everything and yet he failed on saving mother.
Either way, everything about that man said about Ishtar is literally shaking my
world.
My world is slowly crumbling into pieces every time I attain another detail about
that person. Instead of feeling accomplished, I feel rather incomplete. It's as if
every time I have been handed a piece of new information from Ishtar, a piece of me
is being taken away at the same time. Not even I can find the reason why I am being
crap like this.
"Derek, gising ka pa ba?" tanong ng taong susulpot-sulpot sa may pinto.
Napailing-iling naman ako sa kanya nang
makita kong may hawak siyang dalawang bote ng alak at mga baso. Mukha bang
makakatulong ang alak sa kondisyon ng katawan ko ngayon? Siguro sa katawan hindi
nga. Pero sa puso? Tingin ko makakatulong naman. "Anong problema at parang trip
mong makipag-inuman ngayon?"
Tatawa-tawa niya hinigit ang isang upuan kasabay sa paglapit niya sa kamang
kinauupuan 1<0. "Ito naman. Minsan lang mag-aya 'e! Saka ngayon lang tayo
makakapag-usap nang walang nagmamagaling na henyo!" sagot niya. Sa paraan pa lang
kung paano siya tumugon, napagtanto ko na na may tama na siya bago pa pumunta rito
sa kwarto.
Mukhang may matinding problema ang kaibigan ko ah? "Huwag kang ganyan.
Pinaghahahanap pa rin ang kaibigan natin 'no."
Pero hindi na siya muling urnimik ng ukol kay Glen. Bagkus, nagpatuloy siya sa
pagsasalin ng alak sa baso at abang inabot sa akin kaagad ito.
Hays. Mas lalala lang ang isang 'to kapag tinanggihan 1<0. Isa pa, problemado rin
ako. Sigurado ako sa sarili ko. Kaya wala nang pagdadalawang-isip kong kinuha ito
at pinaabot sa labi ko. Unang amoy ko pa langsa alak na isinalin niya 'e alam ko na
na malakas ang isang 'to. Paniguradong makakatulog din si Niel katagalan pagkatapos
ng mga ilang lagok.
"You like Jenny, right?"
At sa tanong pa lang niyang iyon ay halos hindi na umabot pa ang likido sa may
lalamunan ko dahil naibuga ko na ito sa mukha ng nagbato nito. Maubo-ubo kong
pinakalma ang sarili ko gawa ng biglaan niyang pangongompronta. Bakit ba niya
biglaang nabukas ang usapan tungkol doon? Bakit ngayon?
It's as if he expected that kind of reaction so he casually wipes the alcohol from
his face using his handkerchief. "Thanks for giving me your review about this
drink. It helps a lot," he commented.
Inabot ko ang tissue box na ipinatong ni Monica sa side table at mabilisang humatak
ng ilang tissue para ibigay kay Niel na nabasa rin pati ang pang-itaas na damit.
"Bakit ka ba kasi bigla-biglang nagtatanong na tulad ng ganoon ha?" usisa ko habang
tinutulungan ko siyang punasan ang basa sa damit at mukha niya.
"TSS. Ano ba nagustuhan mo sa mutsatsang iyon? She's neither pretty nor cute. Hindi
rin siya matalino. Tatanga-tanga pa! Sabi mo pa nga ang lampa niya 'di ba? Hoy,
ikaw pa rin ba 'yung ladykiller naming superior?" Muntikan nangdumapo sa mukha ni
Niel ang kamao ko nang mabanggit niya ang mga bagay na iyon tungkol kay Jenny. Kung
hindi ka lang lasing, tarantado ka, baka tulog ka na ngayon.
Saka, bakit ko itatanggi? Totoo naman ang
mga sinabi niya tungkol kay Jenny. Si Jenny Rosario na palaging sakit ng ulo ng
sambahayan. Hindi ka makakaalissa bahay nang hindi mo naririnig ang pagsigaw ng mga
tauhan namin sa pangalan niya. "You shouldn't weigh people's values with those
stupid standards, Daniel Louis. Each individual has their own share of good
points," pagtatanggol ko kay Jenny.
This drunk friend of mine then snickered after hearing me say it. Oh, if you don't
stop throwing insults here, I 'll probably send you off with a power punch. "Pfft.
Good for you, you can say that in front of my face. As for me? I'm an in denial
piece of s**t. I can't even brag about the person I like," he told me as he sips
for another drink.
Napaangat naman ang isang kilay ko sa pagitan ng pag-inom ko ng pangalawang tagay.
Ano kamo ang sinabi ng isang Danile Louis Suarez? May babae siyang nagugustuhan?
Teka, tama ba ang pagkakarinig ko o dahil lang 'to sa hindi pa ako nakakapaglinis
ngtainga? "Ano kamo, Niel?" pagpapaulit ko sa kanya.
"I'm in love with my personal chef and it's motherfucking unexpected from me. Me!
Daniel Louis Suarez, the greatest chick-magnet!" Niel declared, almost screaming to
the top of his lungs. I pulled him down with force since he's trying to stand up
and wander around the room like some mechanical train.
Oh god. I think I won't get drunk in this case. This guy here needs attention and a
little support I guess.
Oh boy... I never thought he will end up like this. Monica, huh? For me, I think
she's quite a nice lady. Is he worrying about the girl's looks and weight? Damn,
this man has to be beaten for him to learn that those things don't matter. "So
what's with Monica?"
Bago pa magsalita ang magaling kong kaibigan l e inisang lagok pa ang nasa baso
niya. Siguro nga totoo ang sinasabi nila na ang tama ng alak ang makakapagtulak sa
lyo sa pagsasabi ng mga bagay na hindi mo masabi. Hays. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan na
tingnan kung paano na siya kalasing base sa itsura niya.
"l mean, she's too different from the women I dated before. She's the exact
opposite of them! Mula sa araw araw na pagpunta ng club, madalang na lang ako
pumunta. Araw-araw tatalakan niya ako sa mga kagaguhan ko kaya ni hindi na ako
umaalis ng bahay. I became more interested on her funny stories than to flirt with
worthless women who were only after my looks, money, and my family's reputation."
After that, he took the bottle again to pour some on his empty glass. Looks like he
won't stop any soon.
I can't help but pity him. Been there, done
that, brother. placed my hand on his back and pat as many as I can just to make him
feel that he's not alone suffering from that problem. Why do we have to fall in
love with the type of women? I know the struggle. The struggle of liking the people
who happen to be the exact opposite of us.
Now, I miss Jenny more. I wonder if I can call the house tomorrow morning. I miss
hearing her soft voice. The awesome taste of her cooking. The adorable face that
she makes whenever she made a mistake. Her seriousness in cleaning and other chores
in the house. The way her mouth opens just to give me sermons, despite her knowing
that I'm her master. Aww, everything. I m iss everything.
Shit. I should stop drinking or else I 'll talk more like Niel later on.
Pinupunasan ko na lang ang bibig ko nang magsalita ulit ang kaibigan kong
tinutungga na ang bote at isinantabi na ang baso. Akmang pipigilan ko na nga kaso
ayaw magpapigil. Sa susunod hindi ko na sasamahang ang lokong Ito na urninom.
"Pero alam mo, Derek. Minsan naisip ko lang ah. Hindi ba't malapit sa'yo marahil si
Ishtar tulad ng sabi nung lalaking kumuha sa'yo? Paano kaya kung si Jenny pala
talaga 'yun? Paano kung si Jenny at Ishtar ay iisa?"
Napatigil naman ako ngsinabi niya. Sl Jenny at Ishtar iisa? Imposible. "Idiot. If
it's Jenny then it would take about a hundred years before she can use a dagger on
her own! Absolutely impossible. That clumsy maid of mine doesn't even know how to
speak English fluently. And do you know that she's also scared about fast cars?
You're really good at joking," responda ko nang may pagtawa hanggangsa inabot kong
muli ang boteng hawak niya para mapahinto na siya sa pag-inom.
Lasing na nga si Niel. Kung anu-ano na ang mga sinasabi 'e. Si Jenny? Bakit sa
lahat pa ng taong pipiliin niya ay si Jenny pa? Malabong ang Ishtar na hinahanap
namin ay nasa katauhan ng babaeng iyon. Sobrang laki ng pagkakaiba nila.
Imposibleng magawa ni Jenny ang mga bagay na kayang gawin ng isang agent.
Matawag na nga langsi Monica para mailipat na ang lalaking 'to sa kwarto niya.
Ambang tatayo na ako para tawagin ang kahit na sino sa baba nang hatakin ako ni
Niel. "Oh come on, Derek. I'm j-just a-asking what if —?!" huling banat pa niya at
tuluyan na ngang nahulog sa sahig ang katawan ng lasenggero.
Sabi ko na nga ba at hindi rin tatagal ang isang Ito
Agad ko naman siyang dinulutaan at inaalo na bumangon mula sa sahig. "Hay nako,
Suarez.
Ang laking sakit mo talaga sa ulo," nasabi ko na lang sa kanya habang inaayos ko
siya ng upo man lang.
"Sir Niel? Sir Mel!"
Bahagyang nasurpresa naman ako sa pagpasok ng isang babaeng kalaunan ay nakilala ko
bilang si Monica. Ang babaeng kani-kanina lang 'e pinag-uusapan naming dalawa ng
lasing na hawak ko. Mabuti na lang at nandito na siya. Gabi na rin at kailangan ko
na ring magpahinga. "Dalhin na natin itong amo mo sa kwarto niya," yaya ko pero
abang humindi naman ito.
"Huwag na PO. Magpahinga na po kayo, Sir Derek. Ako na po ang bahala sa kanya,"
giit nito at halos mawindang na lang ako nang mailagay niya mag-isa sa likod niya
si Niel nang wala man lang kahirap-hirap. Ni hindi man langsiya pinagpawisan habang
pasan-pasan ito papalabas.
Naiwan ako sa kwarto na nakabuka ang bibig at hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa kung
gaano kalakas ang babaeng lumabas ngayon-ngayon lang. Mga ilang segundo rin nang
makaalis ako sa pagkagulat. Bago tuluyang magpahinga ay nagdesisyon akong isunod
muna ang mga pinag-inuman namin sa may kusina kaso nakuha ng atensyon ko angtanawin
sa may balkonahe.
Unti-unting hinatak ng malakas na hangin ang mga paa ko papunta roon. Doon nakita
ko
ang maliwanag na buwan na pinaliligiran ng hindi mabilang na mga bituin. They are
incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. How I wish I can get Jenny to see this
wonderful sight before the engagement party. Maybe... Just maybe... I can 't reduce
the regrets that I am having right now.
Naalala kong muli ang mga salita ni Niel bago siya lumisan papunta sa mundo ng mga
panaginip.
"Paano kaya kung si Jenny pala talaga
'yun? Paano kung si Jenny at Ishtar ay iisa?"
Ang tanong na iyon marahil ang huling bagay na gusto kong marinig sa kahit na Sino.
Hindi naman talaga dahil sa hindi kaya ni Jenny ang aksyon na nagagawa ng isang
agent kung bakit pilit kong tinututulan ang ideya na iyon.
Ang sa akin lang, ang isipin na ang taong may malakingtinatago sa likod ko at ang
taong pinakapinagkakatiwalaan ko ay iisa marahil ang isa sa mga pinakamasakit.
" If there's even the slightest possibility that they are, I will still wish that
they would never be. Jenny is no Ishtar, Ishtaris no Jenny."

Chapter 41: Return

MARK'S POV
"Mark, what do you want foryour birthday?A new toy?A trip to Hong Kong?A grand
birthday celebration? Yacht sightseeing?" my dad asked as he drives our way to the
nearest mall in our subdivision.
He was always like this. Doting and very generous. Just like how he raised various
people into greatest agents this plant have met. Actually, just being his son and
having the right to stand beside him are the pleasures that I would be grateful for
for the rest ofmy life. Hundreds of agents don 't even have the single idea what he
looks like.
The only thing they know about him is that he is Master Phoenix, the mysterious
billionaire who runs the Phoenix Organization,
"I will think about it, dad," I told him as well as to stop him from mentioning the
luxurious gifts that I never wanted to have,
My grandfather, the son of the founder of Phoenix Organization have always told me
not to weigh things based on their monetary values, He said it's because they
arejust mere numbers but as long as he is concerned, they were all
meaningless. It's a thought that has been passed down to our family. And as the
great-grandson of the proud agency, I wanted to expose myself in the discipline.
It'sjust that | believe that the only thing deserving enough to be pursued is
something that is more than the sum ofits parts. Otherwise, I won 't pay atten tion
to.
"Bili na po kayo ng sampaguita! Bili na po
Then, there's this little girl trying to call the looks ofeverybody with her loud
voice. But I can 't understand. How could she yell like that with such a wonderful
voice ? My mom always nags at me and my father with such irritating voice though.
Definitely a wrecker ofyour day.
But this little girl... She Is standing there along with those white flowers
despite being soaked by the rain. Giving her best shot, she would continuously ask
the people to buy those flowers with a beautiful smile pasted on her face.
That moment, I think I've found the one that I wanted to pursue. "Dad! / know what/
wanted for my birthday! So, stop right there!" I informed my dad excitingly. I've
never been thrilled all my life like this.
Dad immediately maneuvered the car to take a halt on the side. The exact place
where the little girl is selling Sampaguita. She 's surprised
when we stopped just right in front of her. I guess she thought we'll bump into
her. I can't forget how amusing her expression was. "Hi! Please come with us!" I
greeted the time I lowered the window and slip my head outside.
Drops from the rain have started to land on my face but I don 't care. Without
hesitation, I offered my hand to her. "Willyou be my birthday
And that's when l, the next holder of the name, Phoenix had found the very first
person that I wanted to raise and to train to be the best agent my reign will ever
witness. In that very second, / know what to name her.
/ will name her Ishtar, the fiercest goddess oflove and war ofMesopotamia.
" Master Phoenix, why a change of mind? I thought you're going to hold Ishtar here
until we get Dean Luxwell on our hands," Joshua asked just right after he sat on
the couch opposite from mine.
Sinilayan ko lamang siya ng isang ngiti bago kunin ang tasang naglalaman ng kapeng
iniutos ko kay Zen. "Naalala ko ang sinabi mo na hindi basta-basta magpapakulong sa
establisyementong ito ang kagaya ni Rieda. Isa pa, nakaisip ako ng mas magandang
paraan kung paano huhuliin ang impostor na iyon," sagot ko at humigop na ako ng
mainit na kape upang pigilan
lalo ang antok sa kalagitnaan ng gabing ito.
Hindi ka pa pwedeng magpahinga, Mark. Kailangan mo pangtapusin lahat ng paghahanda
bago ang araw na magkakatapat na ang mga land as ng Blue Lance at ng taong
pinakagusto mong protektahan. Hindi ito ang panahon para magingmahina.
As I have put the cup down, Zen then approached me to submit a report. "Sir, Gray
Luxwell has been successfully captured by the Charlie Unit. He's in the
interrogation room right now, receiving the tortures he earned for almost seven
years." I can feel my grin forming wider with the news. Finally, justice has come.
"Gray Luxwell? You—"
"Yes, Joshua. I ordered his capture without the work of processing. It's an
assignment given in secret. Not only will I be able to use him as bait for Dean, he
will also finally be condemned for the sin of killing our dearest Agent Urd," I
said, clenching my fists as I remember that very night when the woman I love the
most has been killed along with her stupid lover. That night, I had promised to
myself that never will I allow any agent from the Special Duties Department to die
again.
That department was created for the most unfortun ate to seize all death
opportunities instead of the supposed receivers. It's the cruelest
thing my great-grandfather did just to save everyone from the blame, shame, and
failure.
Mabilis na napatayo si Joshua mula sa pagkakaupo niya. "Bakit hindi mo pa rin siya
makalimutan, Mark? Matagal nang patay si Mavelle! Huwag mong idamay ang pangalan
niya rito," aniya at akmang maglalakad na siya papalabas nang sagutin ko ang
isinampal niyang tanongsa akin.
"Dahil hangga't buhay si Rieda, alam kong pwede niyang danasin ang parehas na
parehas na nangyari kay Mavelle."
Alam ko na sa tugon kong iyon, may kung anong pumitik na tali sa kaloob-looban ng
kaibigan ko. Higit kaninuman, alam niya ang dinanas ko nang mamatay si Mavelle.
Kaming tatlo ang [aging magkasama, magkausap, at magkakasalo sa lahat ng bagay.
Katulad na katulad din ng kung ano kami ngayon kay Rieda.
Don 't you get it, Joshua ? Everything here is just the same before, History is
repeating itself, Even so, I wish to fight against it. I will change the fate of
the only Henosis survivor with all my power as Master Phoenix. She won 't die.
Unti-unti ay nilingon ako ngtaong papalabas nang may malambot nang ekspresyon.
"Kung ganoon, may isa akong pabor na gustong hilingin sa iyo, Mark, Eros, Master
Phoenix, o kung ano pa man. In exchange, I will go back to the field just like what
you always asked me to." Tuluyan niyang iniharap sa akin ang sarili niya ngunit
ramdam ko ang kabang namumugto sa 100b niya.
I know Joshua has been keeping everything he wanted to say ever since Mavelle, our
dear best friend died. He built walls that no one can reach and have grown a maze
when his elder half-sister was assassinated by Blue Lance Crime Syndicate. All this
time, he had waited until the number of achievements and height of loyalty were
recognized. Therefore, I will be more than glad to grant the favor he is asking.
Even if it will require me to provide more for that idiot.
"You're going back as the commander of the sharpshooters, Joshua?"
Unbeknownst to Rieda, Joshua is not originally a member of the Intelligence
Department just like how I was actually the commander-in-chief of this whole
organization. Joshua Asuncion used to be the commander of the elite unit of the
agency's sharpshooters, known for his marksmanship skills. He stepped down from his
rank and settled on the position he is now after Sarah Asuncion, his beloved sister
was killed.
"l will ifyou will promise me you'll set your dislike on Derek aside and protect
him with all your might. I know how much you see him as ignorant and arrogant but
please," he pleaded.
That's right. I don't like that idiot. He's the bait we have encouraged and the
now, the reason why we can't terminate the contract and why Rieda is breaking off
from my grip. Even so, we're talking about the best marksman that you could ever
find in the whole world. "Are you doing this for Sarah?"
"Isn 't it obvious? I can 't let my sister's son die. It would painfully make
Sarah's death in vain protecting him."
RIEDA'S POV
["Mission accomplished?"] a voice coming from my earpiece demanded a confirmation.
Napabuntong hininga naman ako at napatalikod upang harapin ang lalaking papalapit
na sa akin. Mabilis na hinablot ko angtubo na hawak niya at saka sunud-sunod na
pinagtatadyakan ang sikmura niya hanggang sa mawala na ang lakas niya sa kamay.
"Oh, how I wish I could punch you like this too, Mark."
["Unfortunately, you can't."] turan niya nang may pang-aasar. Gawa ng hindi ko
naman siya masasaktan ngayon 'e sa surnunod na taong papasugod na lang sa akin ko
ibinuntong ang inis Garnit angtubong nakuha ko sa nauna ay tinamaan ko ang batok,
tagiliran, at tuhod nito, na siyang naghatak sa kanya pababa sa sahig. Looks like
he's the last. Maagap na kumilos ang mga kasama namin para lapitan at imbestigahan
ang mga taong naka-engkwentro namin ngayong umaga. Samantalang kami na tumapos ng
pagpapabagsak sa kanilang lahat ay malaya nang bumalik sa headquarters.
I have to report back first before I return to the De Guzman Mansion.
["The syndicate boys have gone to a deep slumber, computer freak."] I notified
Mark, who in the other line has been transferring the information of the operation
to the head office.
Lucky me, Master Phoenix only held me off for about four days for Vanna's
maintenance check-up, my monthly physical examinations, and reconnecting of my
tracker to the Trin ity. Dad's program has been discovered beneficial to the main
system after the Cryptology Department found out that the codes' arrangement varies
its function and effect. Therefore, there is no longer a threat to the main system.
["Good work. Have you been using the shoes I gave you very well?"]
Napatawa naman ako sa sumunod niyang tanong. Saktong sa pagtingin ko ay tiyempong
nakabukas na rin ang elevator kaya wala na akong sinayang pa na oras at pumasok sa
100b. Hinayaan kong sumampa ang mga matataas at matatalim na stiletto heels na
regalo sa akin ni
Mark para sa kaarawan ko na nakalimutan ko na.
I stomp the heels two times and I saw how its heels release a thin knife. Nice
feature. "Yeah, I love it," and then, I stomp for two times again to make the heels
pull the sharp object back.
["Babalik ka na mamaya 'no? His engagement party was set for today after all."]
Napahugot naman ako ng hininga nang mapaalala niya sa akin kung ano ang magaganap
mamaya pagdating ko sa bahay. Kailangan ko nga palang magpanggap muli bilang Jenny
na masaya dahil ikakasal na ang amo ko at buong araw na tutulong sa paghahanda para
sa selebrasyon.
Sa apat na araw na hindi ko man langsiya sinilip matapos ng naganap sa rooftop, mas
naging konkreto ang desisyon ko na huwag nang hayaan pa ang kung anong pakiramdam
na ito na makialam sa misyon 1<0. Walang lugar ang emosyong ito sa buhay ng isang
agent na tulad ko na kailangang magligtas ng buhay.
"Salamat sa pagpapaalala ha?
Napakalaking tulong, kaibigan," sarkastikong tugon sa kanya.
["Yep, you're welcome. By the way, Estrelle is looking for you. Looks like she got
Master Phoenix's final answer about her request just a while ago. You better hurry
up and see her.ll ]
"Really?" That's good. I just hope that she got a good answer from the Master. Her
contract's lifeline depends on that answer. If he said yes, she'll stay as Lyra. If
he said no, she has to return to her duties as an agent from the Regular Category
Department.
But being the favorite of Master Phoenix and his usual company, I know better. He
won't give that kind of mission, almost with the same degree of risk of mine if
Estrelle Bermart is not capable. I'm sure she's someone who is even better than
what I am thinking.
["00 nga pala. May isa pa pala akong regalo sa iyo. Kaso... malalaman mo lang kapag
nakalabas ka na riyan."]
Nabuhay naman ang dugo ko nang ipaalam niya sa akin na may isa pang regalo. Anong
mayroon sa taong ito at tila nakapagalante ngayong mamahagi ng regalo? Gayunpaman,
napatanong ako kung bakit sa paglabas ko pa. Pwede naman niyang sabihin na kaagad
sa akin kung ano iyon.
"Sabihin mo na. Malalaman ko rin naman 'e," inis na sabi ko.
Paunti-unting nauubos ang pasensya ko sa kausap ko habang paunti-unti ko na ring
nararating ang ground floor. At kasabay ng boses na nag-aanunsyo kung pang-ilang
palapag na ako ay ang pagsagot din ni Mark sa pangungulit ko.
["Surprise."]
Eventually, the elevator's doors opened widely and I found a familiar figure
standing in front of me. I wasn't able to speak immediately the moment I recognized
him. The relief of seeing him whole and safe was overwhelming. At the same time, I
am more than happy to see that my accomplice has returned to aid me again on my
mission.
"Welcome back, genius "

Chapter 42: Steps

MEL'S POV
"Today is the day, pal," turan ko kay Derek na nakatayo sa harapan ng malaking
salamin habang pinagmamasdan ang sarili niya. Pawang tinapik ko rin siya sa kanyang
balikat hindi dahil sa gusto ko siya batiin para sa araw na ito kung I di dahil
gusto kong ipaabot ang simpatya ko sa kanya.
Kung gaano kami kalaya pumili ng kahit sinong babaeng makakasama kada araw ay siya
naman kung gaano kami walang kawala pagdating sa makakasama namin ng
panghabangbuhay.
Mamaya-maya lang ay opisyal nang maituturing ang engagement niya kay Anziza. Kahit
na ba sinabi ni Derek na hindi rin talaga gusto ni Anziza ito, parehas pa rin
silang kaawa-awa dahil pilit silang minamanipula ng mga magulang nila para sa
kabutihan lang ng kumpanya nila. Kailan pa naging ganito si Tito Romuel? Hindi
ganito ang pagkakakilala namin ni Glen sa kanya.
Glen, kung nandito ka lang sana, mas mapapagaan natin ang 100b ni Derek.
Sa ngayon siguro ay hindi ko pa
nararamdaman ang ganyang paghihigpit pero kalaunan, baka matulad langdin ako kay
Derek. Sana lang mabigyan man lang ako ng kakaunting konsiderasyon ni Papa. Kahit
para na lang sa kabayaran ng lahat ng ginawa niya sa pamilya namin. Siya naman
talaga ang rason kung bakit nasira angtingin ko sa pamilya.
"Pwede bang umalis na lang ako ng bansa at hindi na magpakita?"
Kung pwede lang, matagal ko nang ginawa iyan.
"Hindi lugar ng pagtakas ang kahit anong lugar, Derek. You have to face your
problems," I told him as if I'm the one to talk.
Sino nga bang niloko 1<0? Ali ako nga, hindi ko maharap-harap nang matino ang mga
problema 1<0. [lang taon na at layo pa rin ako sa pagresolba sa mga ito,
Dinampot naman niya ang kamay ko sa balikat niya at inialis ito bago ako harapin.
"E ang pambababae at pagkukulong dito, ito ba 'yung sinasabi mong pagharap sa
problema?"
I wasn't able to answer him. I've met with this confrontation numerous times and I
still don't have a single answer to speak of. Even the person I like who is just
living here with me, I can't give any hint for her to appreciate the sprouting
feelings that I have for her. I'm such a coward as always.
Halos wala rin akong pinagkaiba sa tunay kong ina na iniwan ako dahil hindi niya
ako kayang panindigan at suportahan. Mas hinayaan niyang mangibabaw ang hirap kaysa
sa pagmamahal niya sa akin bilang anak. Isinuko niya ang karapatan niya bilang
asawa at iniwan na lang ako nang basta-basta sa taksil kong ama at sa babae niya.
"l don't know. I think I have to check out on Monica first. Take your time
preparing," I told him and I left the room without giving a definite answer to his
question.
That's right. This is what I'm good at. Leaving an unanswered question behind
because it's hard so I ' ll find something that will be more appropriate to my
easy-going nature.
Bago ko pa man abutin ang pintuan ay tinawag akong muli ni Derek. Tumigil naman ako
upang lingunin siya at para na rin alamin kung bakit niya ako tinawag.
"Don't hate your half-brother, okay? Cheer up."
Doon ko napansin na mukhang kanina pa wala sa ayos ang bibig ko. Ni hindi rin ako
makapagbigay ngiti sa taong ikakasal sa babaeng hindi naman niya mahal. Dapat hindi
ko na lang pinahalata ang kasalukuyan kong problema. Dapat hindi ko na pinakita sa
kanya angtamlay ko.
I just gave him an assuring smile to at least lessen his worries about me before
going out. He should be concerning himself, not me,
Dahil sa matagal ko nang pagkawala sa bahay namin dahil nga lumayo ako, ngayon ko
lang nalaman na nagbunga pala ang kagaguhan na ginawa ng ama ko. At talagang
pinaalam lang nila sa akin kung kailan labingtatlong taong gulang na ang batang
iyon.
Sa totoo lang, wala naman talaga akong balak manahin ang negosyo namin pero nang
makaabot sa akin ang mga matutunog na opinyon ng mga kasosyo ng ama ko tungkol sa
pagkukumpara nila sa akin at sa nakababata kong kapatid, hindi ko maiwasan na hindi
mainis at mairita.
I am most likely to renounce my succession by choosing to live quietly away from
them and here's what I got.
Hindi ko alam, Derek. Ni hindi ko nga rin alam kung ano ang mararamdaman ko.
Magagalit ba ako doon sa bata? Kakamuhian ko ba siya? Pero naisip ko, bakit ko siya
kakamuhian? Wala naman siyang kasalanan sa kung ano ang nangyayari sa akin ngayon.
Siguro ang naging mali lang niya ay ang mapanganak siya bilang bunga ng kataksilan
ng tatay ko at ng babae niya.
"1 can't say I hate him but I can't also say that I have already accepted him.
After all, he's my
brother yet he's also the child of that f woman," I whispered bitterly as I walk
towards the stairs.
"Young master?"
Bigla naman akong napatigil sa paglalakad ko at abang napaangat muli ang ulo ko
mula sa pagkakayuko nito dahil sa pagpapaalala sa akin ng balitang iyon kanina.
Hinanap ko kung saan nanggaling ang boses na iyon. At sa dulo ng hagdanan, nakita
ko siyang nakatingala habang suot-suot pa rin ang uniporme niya at hawak hawak ng
magkabilang kamay niya ang isang tray kung saan nakapatong ang isang platito na may
pudding.
" Monica... bakit hindi ka pa bihis? Hindi ka ba sasama amin sa engagement party?
Maiiwan ka lang dito, Sige ka," ani ko bago ako tumapak pababa ng hagdan upang
lapitan siya.
Agad kong inayos ang porma ko at ang ekspresyon 1<0. Siyempre bawat oras dapat
handa ako na makakuha ng pogi points. Hindi pa naman m abilis ma-impress ang
babaeng ito. Malay ko nga kung pinanganak ba ito sa selda ng mga lalaki 'e. Paano
ba naman kasi, katulad ng mga babaeng nakilala ko, sinubukan ko rin siyang akitin
unang araw pa lang niya ng pagkakapasok dito pero ako lang din ang napahiya.
Sa mismong mukha ko, sinabi niya na wala
siyang interes sa kagaya 1<0. Nakakapang-insulto pa nga dahil tiningnan niya mula
Lilo hanggang paa nung mga panahon na iyon. Paulit-ulit kong ginawa ang mga alam
kongtaktika na makakapagpa-inlove sa isang babae pero walang epekto ni katiting sa
kanya.
Siguro masyado akong naging focused sa kanya na nawalan na nga talaga ako ng oras
sa pambababae. Halos nakuha niya na kasi ang interes ko dahil ni ayaw man lang niya
ako tingnan kahit na ba topless ako kung rumarampa rito sa mansyon.
Napapailing na lang ako sa tuwing naaalala ko kung gaano natapakan ang pride ko sa
kanya.
"Ah, wala naman po kasi akong damit na masusuot sa ganoong kapormal na party. Isa
pa baka ma-out of place lang po ako roon. Hindi hamak na mas matataas ang mga taong
naroroon kumpara sa akin. Saka, kaya ko naman po rito mag-isa," pagtanggi niya at
binigyan niya ako ng isang ngiti upang hindi ko na siya alalahanin pa.
Ganito ba talaga siya lagi? Mas iniintindi niya ang iba kaysa ang sarili niya? Pero
bakit ba lagi niyang ibinababa ang sarili niya?
"Down yourself again and I'll seriously give you something you'll regret."
I can see the surprised look on her face.
Even her smile faded after she heard my warning.
I always joke around a lot but once I give a warning, it's something I never back
down. It's not like I really wanted to warn her like this, I just really want to
make her realize she's not as low as she thinks of herself.
Wait... Did she get shaken off it?
Ewan. Bahala na nga. Ang alam ko lang pagkakataon ko na Ito.
Bumaba ako ng ilang baitang para makatayo ako sa parehas na lebel ng hagdan na
kinatatayuan niya. Pansin ko naman ang pagsunod ng mga mata niya sa akin kahit na
hindi na yata niya namalayan ang paglapit ko.
Hindi ko pinutol pagkakatitigan naming dalawa.
"Katulad ng hagdan na ito may iba't ibang lebel na ginawa ang lipunan. Pero kahit
na nasa taas ako kani-kanina lang at ikaw naman ang nasa baba, naglakas-loob ako na
bumaba rito sa parehas na lebel na kinalalagyan mo, malapitan ka lang," turan ko sa
kanya habang nakatitig pa rin sa mga mata niya na tanging nakapako lang sa akin.
Sa wakas, nakuha ko rin ang atensyon mo nang ganito.
" Niel, is the car ready?"
Bwisit. Panira ka talaga, Derek.
"Yeah. So hurry up and come down!" I yelled.
Knowing that the connection we made with each other will be broken, I immediately
thought of something to cover up the awkwardness that is about to take over. "Well
then, you don't have to stay the whole night up.
I'll spend the night at my friend's house."
However, Monica didn't even budge. He's still looking at me as if the connection
was not interrupted. What is this? Was I really able to reach and shake her up with
that?
Halos umabot naman sa magkabilang tenga ko ang ngiti 1<0. "Monica, titingin ka na
lang ba sa akin buong araw?" pakunwaring naaalibadbaran kong tanong na siyang
nakapagpagising na sa kanya.
Ngunit dulot ng pagkataranta sa pagkakauntag ko sa kanya ay nawalan siya ng balanse
at dumulas ang tray na hawak niya. Mabilis naman akong kumilos upang kunin ang
isang kamay niya upang maiwasan ang pagbagsak niya.
Umabot din ang isa ko pang kamay sa may bewang niya kaya nakahinga na rin ako nang
maluwag. May pagka-Jenny din ba itong si Monica?
Tinulungan ko na siyang turnayo muli nang maayos pero ang laking pagtataka ko nang
makita kong nasa kabilang kamay pa rin niya ang tray. Ang mas malaking katanungan
pa sa akin ay
paanong halos hindi man lang naiba ang pagkakalagay ng platito ng pudding at ng
kutsaritang kasama nito. Binigyang sulyap ko rin ang sahig pero wala. Wala nga
talagang nahulog o ni dumulas sa hawak niya.
Namalik-mata ba ako?
"Sir Niel, babalik na po ako sa kusina..." s* *t. Mukhang ako naman ang napatulala.
Inialis ko na ang mga kamay ko sa bewang at kamay niya at hinayaan na siyang
maglakad pabalik ng kusina. Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang likod niya na papalayo nang
papalayo sa akin 'e saktong naalala ko na naman ang nangyari rati na parang
ganitong-ganito rin.
Ah, tama. 'Yung isang beses na sobrang napikon ko siya sa pagkekwento ko ng bawat
babaeng nakasama ko, tinapunan niya ako ng kutsilyo habang nakasandal sa pader.
Talagang nagtanda ako noong araw na iyon dahil isang pulgada lang ang layo ng
pinagbaunan ng kutsilyo sa kanang mata ko. Laking takot ko nga noon dahil baka sa
susunod ay hindi na mata ko angtapunan niya kung 'di ang p i ko.
Hindi lang iyon ang nag-iisang beses.
Paano kaya niya nagawa iyon? Siguro dahil sa matagal na siyang pamilyar sa kutsilyo
kasi nga pagluluto ang trabaho niya mula noon pa? O 'di naman kaya talagang
napabayaan siya sa kusina. Halata naman I di ba? Hahaha!
Aish. May nakalimutan nga pala akong

text her to remind her about closing all the windows and doors later. Mahirap na.
Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nahahanap si Glen. Hindi ko maaatim na pati siya ay
makuha ng mga bastardong iyon.
That reminds me... What could have happened to Derek's negotiation with our rival
fraternity?
RIEDA'S POV
"What?! Mr. De Guzman Derek is living with isjust an impostor?!" Glen exclaimed as
I continue to drive to the place Estrelle and I agreed to.
I knew it. Hels as surprised as I am when I found out from Mark and Joshua. Even
so, I still can't get it out of me. The shame of not knowing it first. I should 've
looked on to it earlier before things became out of that idiot's control. Now he's
going to be engaged with someone that impostor has arran ged.
I've played very well on the Blue Lance's hands.
"The engagement party will be held today at a hotel. Some maids from the household
were designated to join on assisting the guests. It's his way to make sure that I'm
under his watch.
Anyway, I used an anonymous and untrackable call to reach your household so they'll
come for you as soon as I drop you off," I told him, my eyes still on the road. In
this case, he won't find out.
It's actually just an excuse. Before we leave the mission venue a while ago, I
already called Estrelle in advance to check up on her as to what
Master Phoenix's decision. Fortun ately, the Andriegos gave our agency another
chance for they don't have a choice but to trust us since we are the only capable
agency which can provide a feasible defense against the syndicate.
Therefore, Estrelle has been deployed even before Mark gave me a call. I sent her
the address where I'll drop Glen off so I'm sure she'll come right away, making my
excuse believable. I'm sorry, Glen. You might have known the maid's secret but
notyour driver's.
Malakas ang buntong-hiningang napasandal na lang siya sa kinauupuan niya. "Ang ibig
bang sabihin nito 'e ginamit nila si Derek bilang unang hakbang para palabasin ka
sa lungga mo? Pero bakit si Derek pa? Sa lahat ng tagapagmana na mayroon sa buong
Pilipinas, sa Asya, at sa buong mundo, bakit ang isang Derek De Guzman pa?"
Hindi lang ikaw ang nahihiwagaan, Glen. Pati ako.
llang beses ko nang naisip ang bagay na iyan. Bakit si Derek ang pinili nilang
maging pain sa dinami-daming mga heredero na mayroon ang buong mundo? Pero sa
tantya ko, ito ang natitirang bagay na hindi pa sa akin sinasabi ni Mark.
Imposibleng hindi nila inimbestigahan ang parte na iyon.
Gayunpaman, hindi ito ang pinakamahalagang bagay na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin sa
ngayon. Isinaayos ang engagement na iyon para paglaruan ang namumuong koneksyon sa
pagitan namin ni Derek. It's either they have a plan after marrying him off to
Anziza or they'll do something at the party.
Kung hindi, bakit may ilang mga taong hindi kilala sa listahan ng mga bisita? Mga
taong hindi man lang kaanu-ano ng pamilya o ng kumpanya? Sa panahong, lubhang
mapanganib na ang bawat gabi, bakit pinili pang sa labas ito ganapin? Is it because
of the high profiles? No. It's impossible that it's the sole reason.
"l don't know. What I'm certain is that once I finish this mission, I will be able
to get closure to some matters from the past as well."
Bakit ngayon ko lang napansin?
I guess the real reason why Master Phoenix is being careful about my assignment is
that it's almost like I'm repeating the same steps Agent Urd have done before.
Steps which eventually caused her untimely death.

Chapter 43: Return of a Friend

DEREK'S POV
Much to my dismay, the engagement that never desired has come to commenced
tonight. Anziza, sitting beside me who seems anxious and restless keeps on stomping
her heels as if she's waiting for something to happen. Something that can halt
everything and make her free to be with her man. Since she's starting to bother me,
Niel, and the other visitors in our table, I reached for her hand, hoping to calm
her before anyone deems it suspicious.
"Hold your horses. We probably want this thing stopped but we can't just act
impulsively. We still share the same names with our pathetic fathers," I told her
which instantly restrained her from stomping and gritting her teeth. She eventually
earned things back by smiling to all the guests who are looking at her as the
future Mrs. De Guzman.
Hindi naman nagtagal ay halos baliin niya ang kamay ko nang tanggalin niya ito sa
pagkakahawak ng sa kanya. "Bitawan mo muna ako bago kita masapak," nagtitimping
sabi nito sa akin na animo'y hindi nagdaan ang mga panahong halos ikamatay niya ang
hindi makalapit o hindi makasama sa akin sa bawat oras.
Halos hindi makapaniwalang natatawang tiningnan ko na lamang siya. Iba talaga ang
nagagawa ng pagkakaroon ng tunay na pag-ibig. Ang laki na ng pinagbago ni Anziza
kung titingnan siya ngayon mula ulo hanggang paa. Lumipas na ang pagkaisip at
pagkaasal bata niya. Mas madali na rin siyang pagsabihan at punahin at higit sa
lahat, urnaakto na siya sa paniniwalang mayroon ako.
Na kung pagpapakasal din naman ang pag-uusapan, hindi ba 't dapat ang taong mahal
mo ang siyang makasama mo sa dulo ng altar?
"So what's your plan, Derek?" she asked, carefully eye-ing our fathers from afar
who are very busy doing their business talks with their colleagues and partners.
"We tried slowing the company operations down on both companies with the use of
Glen's left overs on his computer and the state's current condition but I think it
won't give us enough time to find a solution," I answered.
"Right. We are reallydoinggreatprogress."
It didn't take long for her to stand up and to leave the table after her comment.
Sa tingin ba niya siya lang ang hindi mapanatag sa sitwasyong 'to ?
I can't help but to reach for another glass of
wine from one of the waiters who were passing by and drink all of it. "Damn."
"You know what, Derek? I'm really having a bad feeling staying here."
Napalingon naman ako sa katabi ko na kanina pa walang magawa kundi ang pagtipa sa
telepono niya. Dalawang bagay lang naman ang pwedeng gawin ng isang 'to sa tuwing
hawak niya 'to. It's either he'll playing mobile games or he's flirting with girls.
But no, he's already head over heels with Monica. What seems to be getting him so
uncomfortable?
Instead of asking him, he quickly showed me what he found out when my head got
closer to his business. "Another set of murders have been reported an hour ago?" I
uttered after sinking the idea of the headline into my head.
"Yep. Just around this area. It's been bothering me for quite some time. Why would
these high-profile people make up and attend this kind of event where they can be
vulnerable to any attack from those killers?" Niel frustratingly stated while
keeping his voice low from the guests walking around the tables.
Hindi lang siya ang nakapapansin nito. Sa panahon na ito na laganap angp n at gayon
na rin ang malaking epekto nito sa aming negosyo, paanong nagagawa pa nina papa na
ipagpatuloy ang mga ganitong engrandeng mga selebrasyon? Walang maitutulong ang
pagsasanib pwersa ng dalawang pamilya sa panganib na dala ng misteryosong grupo.
Wala na akong maintindihan pa sa mga hakbang ni papa. Ano pa ang magiging silbi ng
kasal na ito kung patay na rin kaming lahat bago pa man natin pasukin ang simbahan?
Makailang minuto rin naming pinagtiyagaan ang programang ginawa nila para sa
engagement partyna ito. Ang nakapagtataka lang ay kung bakit tila hindi pa rin
bumabalik si Anziza mula kanina. Sinubukan kong ipahanap siya sa ilan naming mga
tauhan pero wala sinuman ang nakapagbaliksa akin ng magandang balita. Wala rin
naman daw nakakita sa kanyang lumabas ng lugar.
Tinapik ko sa aking tabi si Niel. "Are those volunteers all set?"
"Kanina pa, Uno. They're just waiting for your orders," he replied with an 'okay'
hand gestures while still trying to get a hang of the last device Glen's working on
before he was kidnapped.
I'm not trying to put my beloved members on danger. However, I cannot simply trust
anyone and the only group of people I can entrust my life now is Cerberus. They're
the only people who accepted me with open arms on my worst. As their leader, I
decided to ask who are willing to be
with me in this mission.
In this mission wherein we'll get Ishtarout of the dark, form a deal with him or
her to save Glen, and most ofall, ask for his or her help to aid the citizens who
are being harassed by the danger ofgetting killed.
"Tell them to find Anziza and open their eyes for any suspicious man."
"Got it."
Yes, this is my decision. I chose to side with the one who aims to eradicate all
evils rather than cooperating with the evils just to save one person. If I go with
Ishtar, I can save more than one person. Our fraternity is viewed as childish and
arrogant but that's why we are trying to contribute something in this. It's not
about proving anything. It's about serving our purpose of helping those in need.
Just like what they did to me when I am grieving and full of hatred. We may be not
professional like Ishtar but we know we can do something in our part as civilians.
We can't just sit around and wait for that huge organization to come up and rescue
us. We're not damsels in distress. And Ishtar along with that organization... they
we're civilians first before they became what they are today.
That's why there is no reason for me to hide and to be scared. Those people
confronted their own fear during their own time and so will we.
Nakikipag-usap pa ako sa ilang mga bisita nang lapitan ako ng kaibigan ko at
senyasan akong sumama sa kanya nang sandali. Mabilis ko namang ipinaalam ang sarili
ko mula sa mga kliyente at saka sinundan si Niel. "Anong balita?" Palinga-linga pa
itongtumingin sa paligid nang hatakin pa ako nito papasok sa isa sa mga silid na
kasama sa inokupahang pwesto ni papa. Mariin niyang isinarado ang pinto na siyang
nag-udyok ng aking pagtataka. "Ano bang nangyayari, Daniel Louis Suarez?"
"Be quiet, Derek!" he hushed, not being still despite our isolation from the crowd
outside the room. I was about to ask another question when he stepped away from me
to head towards the bed.
What the actual f* *k. What is he thinking?
llang sandali pa nang bakas na hindi pagkapakali ay maingat niyang iniangat ang
sapin sa kama at iniabot ang kamay niya sa ilalim nito. Halos mapaatras ako nang
makita kong may isang kamay na humablot dito. Anong—
Unti-unti namangtinulungan ni Niel ang taong iyon papalabas at hindi ko na
naitanggi pa ang pagkasurpresa ko nang mapagtanto ko kung sino ang kaninang
nagtatago roon. "Oh God! Genius, where have you been?!" I questioned the moment I
was able to get close to him.
"A group kidnapped me. They keep on
asking me about a particular software and an organization. I endured some turns of
torture but I was rescued before I give up, fortunately," he told us as he fixes
his clothes which I can conclude inappropriate to the formal event going on
outside.
Glen didn't need us to ask anymore. He knew when our brows raised.
"Phoenix Organization. It's Ishtar's employer."
Our jaws almost dropped when he revealed the most awaited answer. Niel and shared
curious looks as to how Glen 's journey have gone. Most importantly, we can't wait
to hear what he has to say about the organization and the agent that we are so
eager to be acquainted about. But before that, I turned to my Casanova friend as to
how did he know that our genius boy would be here out of all place.
Ipinuslit niyang muli ang device na imbento mismo ng kaibigan namin at iniharap sa
akin ito kungsaan mamamataan ang pulang tuldok na pakislap-kislap sa screen.
Kasabay din nito ay ang pagsulpot ng dialog boxna nagsasabing nagpadala ng
signalang taong nagngangalang GLAndriego. Malamang sa malamang, isa itong
pinaiksing bersyon ng Greg Len ster Andriego.
Napangisi namangtunay si Glen sa kung paano hawakan ng kaibigan niyang inakala
niyang halos wala ng alam kundi ang pambabae ang imbensyon niya. "l see you have
some knack on handling my babies," he commented which immediately earned chuckles
from each one of us.
We're about to begin the storytelling when we were interrupted by loud screams
outside. Without mumbling a single word, we hurriedly ran to the door and open it
only to find a circle among the crowd on the venue's center. We tried to get a
better view of the commotion but it only made my heart sank when I was able to get
a sight of that stupid woman's face.
"Jenny. .." Genius almost whispered when he recognized her.
Wala sa sariling sinunod na lang ng mga paa ko ang nais ng utak ko, ang puntahan
siya. Nagmamadali akong naglakad papunta sa pinagmulan ng samu't saring mga
bulungan nang hindi iniinda na maaaringsa gagawin ko ay baka pati ako ay matutukan
ng mga matatalim na salitang laman nito. Pero sino nga ba ang may paki?
'Ang papa mo at ang kumpanya ninyo,' sutsot ng isang sulok ng konsensya 1<0.
Heh. Ngayon pa ba ako maduduwag?
Hindi ko hinayaang ang kahit anong bagay
ang pumigil sa akin sa paglapit sa kanya. Unang nahablot ng aking kamay ang braso
niya at madaling pinagpalit ang pwesto namin na siyang nagresulta upang ako ang
makasalo ng tubig na dapat ay para sa kanya. Kakatwa kasi parang wala akong
naramdaman. Wala akong maiinda na kahit ano kahit na ba alam ko sa sarili ko na
natalsikan ang mukha ko at nabasa ang suot kong amerikana.
Malakas na pagsinghap ng mga tao ang alinsunod ng nangyari.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Mr. De Guzman!" the woman who threw the water exclaimed
in horror when she was able to realize who she did it with.
Nanlalaking mga mata naman akong tiningnan ni Jenny na siya dali-dali ring
napahanap ng magagamit upang punasan ang mukha ko at ang basang damit ko. "Nako!
Sir Derek, ano po bang ginawa ninyo?! Bakit niyo po sinalo 'yon?! Diyos ko! Basang-
basa po ang suot niyo!" aniya at marahan niyang idinampi sa mukha ko ang table
napkin na nakuha niya sa sahig.
Foolish woman. I did that because I like you.
Kalaunan ay may nagsidatingan na ring mga tauhan ng lugar na lumapit sa amin upang
iligpit ang kalat na naririto. Hindi ko man alam
ang naganap bago ako makarating, agad ko nang nakuha na urniral na naman ang
pagkalampa ni Jenny. At tulad ng inaasahan, hindi ito naging katanggap-tanggap sa
mga bigatin at prestihiyosong mga bisita ng pagdiriwang.
Bakit ba kasi isa pa siya sa mga ipinadala
Napasaglit ako ngtingin sa mga taong sa tingin ko ay naging ugat ng gulong ito.
Hindi kaya... nakahahalata na sila? Napansin na ba nila na iba ang turing ko kay
Jenny kaysa sa iba ? Gayunpaman, kung anuman ang suspetya na iyon, naikumpirma ko
na ito nang dahil sa naging aksyon ko. Ngayon, sigurado akong iisip pa sila ng
paraan para mas [along pahirapan ang babaeng ito.
"Why did even Mr. De Guzman 's son bother to protect that stupidgirl?"
"What a shame to her master's party. " "She should'vejust stayed on a place where
she can 't cause foolish damage. Ganyan talaga ang nagagawa ng mga mahihirap na
hindi edukado, laging mga kahihiyan. "
"If/ were Mr. De Guzman, I would fire her this instant. What a mess!"
It pains me to hear all of these people saying those things to her. But it pains me
more to watch her endure everything as if it's nothing. I want to scold everyone in
this nonsensical event.
When does having wealth, prestige, and education became a license to degrade
someone who unintentionally made a mistake? How could they insult someone as if
they never committed a mistake once in their lives?
I snatched Jenny's hand and took it off from my face. "Let's get you out of here,"
I told her despite noticing the disapproving looks continuously increasing
everywhere. This might be the least that I can do for the girl I really want to be
with for the rest ofmy life.
Tumayo na ako at hindi ko pa rin binibitawan ang kamay niya nang mismong siya ang
bumitaw sa pagkakahawak 1<0. "Jenny?" pagbalik-tingin ko sa kanya na nananatili pa
ring nakaupo sa sahig kung saan kalat-kalat ang mga bubug, mga bulaklak, at iba
pang mga abubot sa lamesa.
"Sir Derek, Sige na PO, ayos lang po a-ako. K-Kaya ko na p-po ang sarili ko. H-
Hindi niyo na po a-ako kailangan tulungan," turan niya sa akin at siya na mismo ang
tumulong sa sarili niya upang makatayo. Samantalang ang kamay kong binitawan niya,
nangangating hablutin mull' ang kamay niya.
In the end, I cannot do anything for her. I watch her as she hopelessly fixes her
glasses and picks up the shattered pieces of glass-m ade tablewares. I want to
pull her up from the floor but she insisted on cleaning the mess she have caused.
As she touches every piece of it, numerous gossips were produced. I want to defend
her the way she beated temptation and rebellion inside me. I want to be of any help
even at least once.
I feel so worthless.
"Sir Derek, bumalik na lang po kayo sa lamesa ninyo," suhestiyon ng isa sa mga
turnatao rito sa akin nang nakaalo na ang kamay sa direksyon kung saan ako kaninang
nakaupo.
Subalit parang binging hindi nakinig ang katawan ko. Nagpumilit pa rin itong
manatili kasama si Jenny sa harap ng mga mapanghusgang mga tao. Hindi ko maialis
ang mga mata ko sa kanya na siyang nagpapakahirap sa gitna ng maraming mga pares ng
mga matang pinagmamasdan siya. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, hinayaan kong gawin ng
katawan ko ang nais kong gawin para sa kanya.
Tulad niya ay hindi ko na rin ininda ang mga bubog at dunning nakaratay sa sahig.
Walang lamig ang nakapagpatigil sa akin sa pagtulong sa kanya sa paglinis ng mga
nakakalat. Higit sa lahat, walang pang-iinsulto ang humarang sa akin para dumampot
ng mga bubog na kapwa rin niyang dinadampot nang walang pag-aalinlangan.
"Sir Derek, masusugatan lang po kayo!"
mahinang sita sa akin nito.
Narinig ko rin ang mga naging komento ng karamihan pero wala ni isa sa kanila ang
nais kong pakinggan. Magbibingihan ako kung kinakailangan ngunit hindi ako aalis
clito hangga't hindi rin siya umaalis. "Kyaaaaaaaaaaah!" Hmm? Ano iyon?
Everyone turned their heads to where the scream came from. Based from its tone, it
came from a woman. People started to panic when that woman didn't stop from
screaming. The crews immediately approached her to ask what's wrong but they
eventually gasped in terror when they followed the direction the woman is pointing
to.
"Oh my goodness! Isn't that Sir Nigel?!"
"Yes, that's him! That's the CEO's nephew!"
"Who did this to him?! Jesus Christ!"
Kahit ako ay hindi na rin pinalampas ang mga nagsilakasan pang mga bulungan at mga
kuro-kuro. Maging ako ay napatayo at napapunta na rin sa lugar kung saan
nagsilipatan ang atensyon ng mga tao. Nang makakuha ako ng maayos na pwesto ay doon
ko hinanap ang itinuturo ng dalagang urnagaw sa mga mata ng lahat. Subalit nang
makita ko ang kanyang tinutukoy, maging ako ay kinilabutan at halos mawalan ng
hininga.
The man who swore utmost revenge against me is lying cold and lifeless under the
table of the respectable dishes which are to be served tonight. His eyes are wide
open as if something unexpected came up to him. His blood eventually floods the
floor and this made the other guests leave the hall running and shrieking.
But what engrosses me is the dagger that has been left on his chest. It's almost
like the same one that has been used to murder those reported children of the bank
employees and politicians.
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TAGS sex family friends to lovers

Chapter 44: Saving Both

RIEDA'S POV
"Tama ba ang iniisip ko, Rieda? Ang Blue Lance rin ba ang pumatay kay Nigel?" halos
wala pa rin sa ulirat na tanong ni Glen sa akin habang paulit-ulit na nagmamaneho
paikot-ikot dito sa subdivision.
As soon as all of the staff were asked to go back to the mansion, he notified me
about waiting outside the house I bought nearby. That's where I found him still
dumbfounded about what happened a few hours ago on Derek's engagement party. I
guess it came out overwhelming for him to see a familiar person lying lifeless due
to numerous signs of brutality.
I know how Cerberus fraternity does their thing. They never kill. They don't harm
people without a reason. They stand with morals and values unlike many others and
so they only go to recreational fights rarely. The one they encountered before when
their opponents were swiftly and neatly killed have already shaken them. What more
to see a far worse scenario to happen to just a single individual?
Instead of comforting him, I just continued on creating my report to the agency as
he drives.
It's not like I would still have to confirm that. After getting kidnapped, he
should know better. The syndicate's trying a deductive method to point out their
real target. Other people would have taken it as Derek but in all actuality, it is
me all along,
I should've seen it. If that was the case, we wouldn't have to witness innocent
lives being deprived of their families by those soulless monsters who only have
vengeance as their life's mission.
Sa pang-apat na beses na paglampas namin sa punong mababagtas sa kasuluk-sulukan ng
subdivision, muling humampas sa aking mukha ang malakas na hanging malayang
nakadadampi sa aming balat dulot ng nakababang bintana. "Ganitong-ganito rin noon .
.." komento ko at naibaba ko na lamang ang telepono ko sa aking mga hita.
"Ang ano?" tanong ng aking katabi gamit ang malamlam pa rin niyang boses.
"Ganitong-ganito rin noong mga panahong pinagpapapatay isa-isa ng Blue Lance ang
mga kasamahan ko pati na rin ang mga mahal nila sa buhay," tugon ko sa kanya habang
nakapako ang tingin ko sa mga puno't halaman na patuloy naming nilalagpasan.
Bagamat bukas pa rin ang paksang nabuksan ko, hindi nag-abalang magtanong ang
kasalukuyan kong kasama. Bagkus, ang pananahimik niya ang siyang naging paraan niya
upang hayaan akong punan ang paksa. Bago ako magsimula ay humugot muna ako ng
hininga dahil sa mga susunod na oras na ito ngayon ay aalalahanin ko ang
pinakamasaklap na marahil na memoryang mayroon ako sa ilang taong paninilbihan ko
sa ahensya.
"The pattern was the same. They're using the deaths of civilians to cover their
scheme to kill that agent. They find the target's nemesis, hunt him down, and make
it as if it's a case of homicide," I said, mentioning every pattern as if
everything was just yesterday when I first saw them.
Five years ago, we raided Blue Lance Crime Syndicate's main headquarters due to
their massive number of criminal deeds. We thought we could go home safe and sound
but it became yesterday's dream when someone betrayed us. Only a few of us
survived. We thought everything will be alright and we will simply forget the
betrayal and terror that we experienced that night.
But it never will be. . .
"Balak ba nilang itutok kay Derek ang sisi?"
"Hindi lang 'yon," sagot ko. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako nang rumehistrong muli
sa aking isipan ang mga susunod na hakbang nilang
gagawin matapos nito. Noong oras na masilayan ko ang bangkay ni Nigel, doon ko
napagtanto na tunay nilang balak ang iulit sa akin ang mismong nangyari kay Ate
Mavelle.
Mavelle De Villa, known as Agent bird, the greatest agent of that time, my
predecessor, the executor of the mission impossible, was the twenty-ninth Henosis
survivor that has been murdered along with a former client with an alias of
Christian. They loved each other so much and continued to do so regardless of the
danger it might bring them. They said she gave up on paranoia and turned her back
to the agency thinking that Master Phoenix will never be able to hide us up from
the syndicate. She didn't listen and so... she died.
That's when I became the last survivor. The last remaining one on their list,
"Kapag inisip ng lahat na may motibo si Derek sa pagpatay, mapatunayan man o hindi
na may kinalaman siya, tatalikuran siya ng lahat. Kapag dumating ang pagkakataon na
wala na siyang matatakbuhan, doon nila siya pagpaplanuhangiligpit."
Hindi ko na maiwasang maipikit ang mga mata ko. Alam kong ang nangyari kanina ay
isa ring hudyat ng kamatayan para sa aking alaga. Katulad ni Ate Mavelle, itutulak
din nila ako at gayon na rin ang ahensya sa pagpili sa pagitan ng
kung ililigtas ko pa rin bang pilit ang buhay ni Derek o bibitawan ko ang misyon
upang mapanatiling buhay ang kahuli-hulihang miyembro ng Henosis.
Biglaang napatapak na lang sa preno si Glen at naiwan kami sa kalagitnaan ng halos
walang katao-taong parte ng lugar. Malamig, tahimik, at sensitibo sa kahit anong
maaaring hindi inaasahang kaganapan. Sa mga isiniwalat ko sa kanya, batid kong
nakukuha niya na rin ang magiging kahihinatnatan ng mga ito.
Binalingan ko ngtingin angtaong nakaupo sa aking tabi. Nanginginig ang kanyang mga
kamay habang nananatili pa ring nakahawak sa steering wheel. Samantala, ang mga
mata niya ay nakapikit na animo'y pinipigilan ang kahit anong emosyon na mawaglit
mula sa mga ito.
Unti-unti, nababagabag na mga labing nagbigay siya ng kanyang pahayag. "Pero mahal
mo siya, 'di ba? Hindi mo siya hahayaang mamatay. Hindi mo bibitawan ang misyon,
tama ba ako, Rieda?"
It's quite amusing. Last time, I can recall hearing him entrusting his bestfriend's
life to me so confidently and now, he's questioning my sense of commitment to the
contract which started everything I have with Derek. Perhaps, he propably knew that
this is not just about the mission anymore. That we've come to a point wherein the
Phoenix Organization will be fatally wounded if this wasn't handled properly and
carefully.
And about loving him? / don 't know.
My feelings are slowly getting swayed and blurredjust like how our situation is.
"But do you think my employer would never think of sacrificing him once he becomes
a liability? Once that happens, they might take him out before the Blue Lance
does," I told him frustratingly.
Higit kaninuman, ako ang nakaaalam kung hanggang saan kayang dalhin ito ng
organisasyon. Bilang walang kahit anong kapangyarihan ang gobyerno sa amin o ang
kahit ano pang sektor, malayang nakapagdedesisyon ang organisasyon nang ayon sa
napagkasunduan ng mga nakatataas. At kami na siyang surnumpa at pumirma ng kontrata
ng pagtatrabaho para sa kanila ay walang magagawa kundi ang sumunod lamangsa mga
utos na ibababa.
A loud sigh came out from his mouth.
"Then, are you going to let him die?"
"Of course not," I replied, starting to feel the frustration that is slowly
consuming him now. I know how much he cares for his best friend. know how many
dreams Derek would still want to make come true. I know how determined I am to save
him from the mess I have left unfinished
before.
"Then tell me. What can we do to save him?!" he shouted, finally giving up the
walls he's trying to grow and to expand in order to cover the brewing storm inside
him.
Even so, you don 't know how terrifying everything could turn out once we decided
to go against them unstable and unprepared You don 't know how we have suffered. We
could've ended them a long time ago but they're not so easy to eliminate from this
world.
"With all honesty, I don't—" Then it hit me. A blinding lightbulb. An idea. A
possible method that could probably save my f n love.
Ano nga ang mismong mga salita ko tungkol sa mga bagay na ito? Lahatng ito ay
kaparehas ng mga naganap noon. Kung balak nga ng mga kalaban na iparanassa amin ang
nagingtrahedya ilangtaon na ang nakalilipas, susundin nila ang mismong mga
pagkakasunud-sunod ng mga nangyari noon upang m aging makatotohanan ang
pagpapaalala nito. Ibig sabihin, makakaya pa naming hanapan ito ng butas at kung
magtatagumpay nga kami, maaari rin naming mabasa ang mga magiging kilos nila.
Mailalayo namin si Derek garnit ang mismong mga naging hakbang noon.
Mapapatagal pa namin ang oras para sa
pagpaplano kung paano tuluyang nang mapapabagsak ang Blue Lance Crime Syndicate.
May pag-asa pa.
As if on cue, my phone rang with Mark's name flashing on the screen. Just on time.
"Hello? What's the news?" I asked the moment I answered his call.
"We 've successfully caught the impostor. The bad news is we've been tipped by our
double agent that another attack was scheduled tomorrow night. Assuming the worst,
Iguess tomorrow's full moon will witness the death of the heir,"Mark reported with
an alarming voice. The consecutive distortion is already coping up with the
computer freak.
Hindi ko rin siya masisisi. Sigurado akong abala na ngayon ang buong ahensya lalo
na't patuloy pa rin ang pag-atake ng mga kalaban. Sa kabilang banda, mabuti naman
at nahuli na ang pekeng nagpapanggap na ama ni Derek. Sa tingin ko ay sakto lamang
ang pagkakahuli nila rito sa planong naiisip ko.
/ think the time has come. "Eros, is the house ready?" I inquired, pertaining to
the property of mine which I requested him to store with types of equipment,
firearms, and agents to maintain undercovers in order to keep the area efficient as
a hide-out if ever I have to get the future chief executive officer out of here.
Sandaling natahimik ang kabilang linya. Alam kong nakuha niya na rin ang nais kong
ipahiwatig. Panahon na para itakas ko si Derek hangga't inaayos ko ang magiging
pangontra ko sa mga plano ng mga nais pumatay sa kanya. Mismong bago lumubog ang
araw bukas, dadalhin ko siya roon kasama na rin ng mga kaibigan niya. Sa madaling
sabi, kinakailangan na naming ilantad nina Estrelle at Monique ang tunay naming
pagkatao sa kanila upang mapaintindi ang kinasasadlakan naming sitwasyon.
"Just as I expected Ofcourse, it is ready. I'll make yourguardian connect to
Monique's and Estrelle's to inform them, I will also prepare some rooms for them
once you decided to transfer them here. "
Agad akong napangisi nang tila ba basang-basa ng kaibigan ko ang iniisip ko sa
ngayon. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, imposibleng makapasok nang walang kaantabay ang
kapatid ni Luxwell sa mansyon. Ibig sabihin, isa sa sambahayan ang katuwang niya at
siyang natitira ring espiya roon. Pero sino?
I am trying to recall everyone in the household but it was useless. Anyone can be a
suspect but I can't just let my guard down just because I don't have any idea as to
who it really is.
I've got to take action without anyone's knowledge. Not even Manang Delia. Not even
Martin Woods.
I need to make the spy believe that I'll be making the same choice Agent Urd made
in order to provoke them to do the same move they did before. Most likely, they'll
keep an eye on us until Derek and I are alone somewhere far from any help or
reinforcements. They'll try to take advantage of a stupid decision love makes.
And as their old acquaintance, they're pretty fond ofcornering, ambushing, and
surprise attacks. Let's see how they will handle them themselves this time.
"Death is only the beginning." That's the last sentence I mentioned on the line
until both of us ended the call. When I took the phone off from my ear, I can't
help but to shook my head on how impatient Glen is looking during the whole time
that I'm taking the call.
I reached for his cheek to pinch it but he shoved my hand away right away. "Let me
guess. It's Mark, isn't it? What did he say? What's the plan?" I wasn't able to
stop myself from chuckling when he asked.
I disregarded the report that I am doing from a while ago and lifted my hand to
assure Vanna's connection to the Phoenix headquarters is still stable to acquire a
new set of weapons that I'll be needing for the big day. "I'll take the young
master on a date," I answered with a wink on him, which made his face crumpled with
curiosity.
"Date? Seriously, Rieda? A date?"
"Don't worry. I'll set you up with someone too."
Natatawa naman niyang sinakyan ang mga tila makahulugan kong mga sinasabi sa kanya.
Halos wala man lang siyang kaalam-alam na ang malaking araw para kay Derek ay siya
ring mas malaki pang araw para sa sarili niya na inakala niyang nakaligtas na sa
pagtataksil at pagsisikreto nang makilala niya ako at ang lihim 1<0.
/ hope you don 't get me wrong, Glen. It is ought to happen anyway in the first
place.
"What? An agent?"
Yeah "You'll get to meet the agent ofyour dreams," I responded along with the first
pain of my inner heartache for them. I guess I have to enjoy these times when you
still think I'm a trustworthy friend of yours.
Because tomorrow... you'll find out that I'm just one of the merciless liars who
don't deserve your precious reliance.
"My dear, Ishtar. Igave you that name because you're so beautiful thatyou can bind
anyone, You're so powerfulyet nurturing You are taught in order to save the lives
ofhundreds But
hear me, my dear. You can't save their hearts.
That's the price of it."
"But what if/ want to keep the heart rather than life?"
"Then love would be meaningless What's a love thatyou cannot actualize?"
You're right, Master. I can't save both.
And therefore, I shall pay the price of daring to protect the other one. I may not
be able to actualize that love but I'll try to preserve it with my life so he can
still offer it to someone who will bring him happiness not harm, someday.
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of
CEMENT illusions. After the death of her fami

Chapter 45: Amidst

MARK'S POV
"Looks like your beloved angel will use your first love's stupidity as her
advantage," Joshua commented right after I ended the call with Rieda. I can't help
but to emit a long but a relieved sigh after realizing what she is planning to do.
And it looks like I didn 't fail on raising her up after all.
My once birthday gift when I was a kid became the most precious treasure that I
have ever known in this whole wide world of chaos and distortion. That little girl
who've always been striving hard to become the best and to impress me have found
someone she wanted to hold dearly and to protect aside from me now. She's no longer
thinking about having a great record. Now, she's trying to see things differently
from the person who took the wrong path before.
You haven 't succeeded yet but I'm already more than proud ofyou.
"What shall be our next step, master?"
"Did the Alphas succeed?"
"Ask no more," he said. He then lifted the remote control on his hands, push one of
its
button and the curtains revealed me the face that I have always want to exterminate
ever since he laid his hand upon Urd's neck.
The time for my vengeance has come.
Wala na akong sinayang na oras pa at tumayo na ako sa swivel chairupang tunguhin
ang lalaking kararating lamang mula sa isang magandang piging na inihanda niya sa
taong balak niyang garnitin para saktan ang babaeng pinangangalagaan ko. Kakaibang
bugso ng sabik ang nadama ko nang makita ko na dalhin din sa 100b ng silid ang
kanyang kapatid na nito lamang naming nadakip.
Awtomatikong pinagbuksan kami ng pinto ng mga tauhan ng Alpha Team at pinapasok sa
isang silid na nakalaan talaga para sa kanilang magkapatid na hindi na siguro
natuto pa sa kanilang mga nagdaang pagkakamali.
Do they want another purging to happen? However, this time, I won't let anyone from
my line die from their hands again.
Pagkalapit ko sa harapan nila ay mas lalo lamang turnindi ang mga naiisip kong
ideya kung paano sila parurusahan. Hindi na mabilang ang mga naging kasalanan nila
at ng walang kwentang sindikato nila. Marami ng buhay ang nawala nangdahil sa
kanila. Pero hindi mabilis na kamatayan ang ipapataw ko sa kanila. Sa tuwing
naaalala ko ang lahat ng nangyari, lahat ng isinakripisyo ng bawat isa para makamit
ng katahimikan, hindi ko maiwasan ang pagkuluan ng dugo.
llang sandali kong pinagmasdan ang mga may takip nilang mga mata, ang mga labing
kay tamis ng ngiti at halakhak habang marami ang nauubusan ng hininga. Sa mga
sandaling iyon, paulit-ulit na namangtila nag-oorkestra ang eksena ng kamatayan ni
Mavelle sa akin.
Kasalanan nila iyon. Nila at ng baliw kong ama With a small flick from my fingers,
Zen politely approaches the center and takes off the blindfolds of our most awaited
guests. The two then became a bit less submissive and tried to break free again as
if it's the first second they got caught. Even so, we watch them try and hurt
themselves from the chains. Eventually, refusing their current fate caused them
wounds. Their sweat never stopped from streaming down. Their teeth continuously
fighting against each other as if those are the chains they need to break.
"There's no use on trying to get out of those. The two of you are goingto die down
here," I told them once they're able to adapt to the lights they became shortly
unfamiliar after hours of their eyes being covered.
"Who are you?!" Dean asked, now deprived of the voice modifier he had matched with
the face he stole from Derek's father through the use of plastic surgery.
I can't believe these two even came up with that idea just to infiltrate the
mansion where Rieda is staying. In addition, they even stirred the whole situation
by trying to wed Derek with another girl and thus, messing up with Rieda's already
confusing set of feelings. I can 't just let them off the hook so easily.
"Let the interrogation begin."
RIEDA'S POV
It was already past midnight when Vanna informed me that Derek is almost around the
area via the communication satellite that we've retrieved with my Dad's stuff. I
was told that everyone is asleep and so, I immediately shut the monitors down and
stood from my chair to get to the kitchen and make something for him. Seeing his
cousin brutally murdered will most likely be a shock for him. Though I haven't
heard the policemen 's verdict, I know that they will be able to track down Derek's
not-so-good relationship with the victim sooner or later. It will not take them too
long for them to suggest that he should be one of the primary suspects.
Mabuti na lang at sapat na ang oras na mayroon ako para maitakas siya bago pa man
maiproseso ng mga pulis ang permiso para paunlakan siya sa prisinto.
"ClientDDG will be passing the monitor 003 in about ten minutes. "
Maingat kong isinalin ang ininit kong sabaw ng nilaga sa isang mangkok mula sa
kaserola. Sigurado akong mas makabubuti ang mainit na sabaw sa kanya nang
mahimasmasan siya kahit papaano at mainitan man lamang ang sikmura niyang alam
kongwala pang laman. Lubha na ang nararanasan niya at mas lalala pa ito kung
hahayaan kong
I've been watching him the whole time during the party, He didn 't eat anything.
Nagawa nga naming maibalik ang kaibigan niya sa kanya ngunit namatayan naman siya
ng isang kamag-anak na batid ko na sa kaibuturan ng 100b niya ay hinding-hindi niya
maituturing na kaaway. Isa pa, hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa ring nasa ilalim ng
pagsisiyasat si Dean Luxwell. Wala sinuman sa amin ang nakaaalam kung buhay pa nga
ba o hindi ang natitirang pamilyang mayroon si Derek.
Napag-alaman ko rin ang naging desisyon niya ukol sa paulit-ulit na pagsulpot ng
pangalan ko sa bibig ng kung sinu-sino. Dahil dito, pati ang buong grupo niya ay
pawang nadadamay din sa gulong ito. At sa bawat oras na naiisip ko na ako
angdahilan ng lahat ng ito, hindi ko magawang isipin nga ang posibilidad na siguro
nga. . . nahulog na rin ang 100b ko sa kanya.
I don 't really have such right to be with him any longer. If/ insist, I willjust
keep on bringing him misfortunes when he had already more than enough on his hands.
This is not love but selfishness
I have to put an end on this and disappear like a seafoam on that classic Little
Mermaid story.
"He 's here. "
At tulad nga ng sabi ni Vanna ay narinig ko na ang pagbukas ng pinto. Dali-dali
naman akong naglakad para salubungin siya. Gusto ko pa sanang kamustahin siya nang
kasing bibo ng ginagawa ni Jenny pero nang makita kong halos mawalan na ng kulay at
buhay ang mukha niya?
Para na akong pinanghihinaan ng 100b.
Kaso may kung anong bumulong sa tenga 1<0.
Pero ikaw si Jenny sa pamamahay na ito.
Hangga 't may oras pa, ikaw pa rin siya.
Kaya kahit na ba may alinlangan ay patakbo kong hinarangan ang daraanan niya at
itinaas pa ang dalawa kong braso para hindi siya makaalis nang basta-basta. "Bakit
ganyan ang mukha mo?" bungad ko sa kanya. Ngunit hindi niya man lang ako binigyan
ng kahit anong klase ng kibo.
Nang mapansin niyang hindi pa rin ako
umaalis sa kinatatayuan ko ay sinubukan niya namangtalikuran ako at ambang
papalabas ng bahay. "Aba't ang bastos naman ng lalaking 'to," nasambit ko na lang.
Mabilis na napatigil si Derek sa paglalakad at napalingon sa akin. Doon ko lang
napagtanto na napalakas yata ang pagkakasabl ko at hinayaan ko na namang lumutang
ang kawalan ng pasensya ni Rieda sa katauhan ni Jenny.
Yeah right. Blow your secret right now.
Damn.
"Anong sabi mo?" pagpapa-ulit niya sa akin pero agad ko nang itinakip sa bibig ko
ang pares ng mga kamay ko at umiling.
Akrnang babalik pa siya sa paglalakad niya papalabas nang matuon ang mga mata niya
sa nakabukas na ilaw na kusina. Dumako naman kaagad ang tingin niya sa akin.
"Ipinagluto mo ba
Nakatakip pa rin ang mga kamay sa bibig, tumango lang ako bilang sagot.
Napabuntong-hininga si Derek at kalaunan ay nag-iba ng ruta sa paglalakad. Ngayon,
papunta na siya sa kusina na siyang naging senyales sa akin na ipagpatuloy ko lang
ang ginagawa ko. Kailangan ko na itong sagad-sagarin. Dahil ilang oras na lang...
kamumuhian niya na ako.
"Hm? Bakit sabaw lang 'to?" tanong niya
nang makaupo na.
Hindi na ako nag-atubili pang sumagot. Bagkus, nagmadali na akong kumuha ng plato
upang sandukan ng kanin. Isinalin ko na rin ang natirang nilaga sa isang mangkok at
saka dinala sa hapag-kainan para sa kanya. Nang matapos ako sa paghahanda ng mga
ito ay pinili ko nang umupo sa kaharap niyang upuan at pagmasdan siyang magsimula
sa pagkain.
Sa una, nakita ko na wala talaga siyang ganang kumain at sa tingin ko nga ay
napipilitan lang siya dahil nandito ako. Pero nang matikman niya na, parang
nagliwanag ang mukha niya. Hindi nagtagal 'e halos mangalahati na agad ang sinandok
ko sa kanyang kanin. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan ang mapangiti. Minsan para lang talaga
siyang bata.
"Aish. Hindi ka naman mauubusan. May kanin pa," ani ko sa kanya. May ilang butil na
rin kasi ng kanin siyang naihulog mula sa plato niya.
When I saw him ignore those precious bits, I can't help myself to stand up and to
clean those up for him. Silver spoon. "You don't know how many children are dying
out ofstarvation, " bulong ko na laking pasasalamat ko ay hindi naman nakaabot sa
pandinig niya. Marahil dahil na rin sa sobrang konsentrasyon niya sa pagkain.
Geez How do I ask him how does he feel about what happened ifhe looks so happy
right now? Looking at him, I don't want to ruin the mood my food gave him. It would
be just so unfair to do so.
But isn't obvious?
The way he looks so pale and out of focused a while ago are already the answers I
need. Of course, he's not alright. And I think the only way for meto help as Jenny
and Rieda at this time would be to shut my mouth and let him be. There's no use
reminding him about it. It will be like rubbing salt to a fresh wound.
Hanggang sa matapos siyang kumain, hanggang sa matapos na niya akong panoorin sa
paghuhugas ng mga Plato, at hanggang sa masundan ko na rin siya papunta kwarto niya
ay hindi ko na nagawang buksan pa ang bibig ko. Let's save this day at least.
I keep on following him until I realize he's staring at me in front of his room's
door. "Bakit ka ba sunod nang sunod?" angal niya sa akin. Nakakapanibago nga kasi
parang hindi man lang ako nainis sa pagkakataong ito nang umasta na naman siyang
arogante.
"Masama?" balik ko sa kanya.
"Well, ifyou're trying to follow me even up to my bed then, yes," he said with his
lips forming a mischievous and naughty smile.
That reply immediately took a huge portion of my patience. If only my character can
understand and answer back in English and if only Jenny is not an innocent type of
individual, I swear I'll tie him up with that Niel and get their balls punched by
some rogue girls from the agency who would be glad to do so.
But instead, I can only react, "Ha?"
The bastard chuckles with my face crumpled with curiosity and naiveness. I'm sure
once he found out that my real job's requirement is playing all roles in this
society, he'll be surprised at how many times did I have to play flirtatious around
more handsome, more sensible, braver, taller, and richer men compared to him.
"Nevermind. Sige na. Umakyat ka na.
Matulog ka na rin."
Patalikod na sana ako upang gawin ang sinabi niya nang maalala ko ang tungkol sa
napagdesisyunan kong Plano. Hindi pa nga pala ko makakatulog nang maayos dahil
malaking laban ang kakaharapin sa oras na sumikat na ang araw. Hindi ko magagawang
magpahinga kung walang tigil na pumapatak ang bawat oras na palugid sa buhay ni
Derek.
"Sir Derek?" I called.
Napatigil naman ito sa pagpasok sa kwarto niya at muli akong binalingan ngtingin.
"Ano
I can't remember how many times did I ask
a man to have a date with me during my work in this field but I'm certain that the
crumbling ache from my stomach is nervousness. Of all times, why do I have to
become so unsure at this moment?
"M-May gagawin po ba kayo bukas?" s* *t. What am I nervous about?
Kumunot naman ang noo niya at nagkasalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Bakit?"
I gathered my strength all together and pulled up a smile. Not a scripted one like
Jenny's but a more sincere one than Rieda's usual display. "Pwede niyo po ba ako
samahan bukas mamasyal?" Sa totoo lang kahit anong isagot mo, kakaladkarin pa rin
kita para samahan ako.
This isjust like a mere formality.
Derek is no doubt, startled with my question. It seems like he never actually
expected to be asked by me. Well, I admit that's a pretty bold move for someone
like Jenny. But this is no time to distinguish character details between Rieda and
Jenny.
"M-Mamasyal?" nauutal niyang pag-uulit sa isa sa mga salitang binitawan ko.
My brows met at the center when he suddenly covers half of his face with his hand.
However, I think covering one half is not enough. For the blush of red has
conquered his whole face. Blushing, eh?
You do like me a lot, don 't you?
But it would be great if/ won 't see you kissing anothergirl next time.
It really pissed me off, you know.
Matapos angtila pagkatulala gawa ng biglaan kongtanong ay unti-unti na rin niyang
tinanggal ang pagkakaharang ng kamay niya sa kanyang mukha at itinuon ang tingin sa
ibang direksyon. "Hindi mo ba naisip na baka hindi ito ang tamang pagkakataon na
mamasyal?" mahinahon niyang tugon sa akin na tila ba ito ang mariin niyang
konklusyon matapos ang pag-aagam-agam.
Derek De Guzman, you dare refuse me ?
But I'm quite surprised. You've grown to be more sensible and more aware of your
position now compared to the you that I met before.
Another surprise, huh?
Napabuntong hininga ako bago ako nakapagdesisyong lumakad papalapit sa kanya.
Pansin ko ang tila pagkabigla niya nang hindi ako tumitigil hanggang sa bakas na
namang mull' ang pagkapula sa mukha niya nang wala ng isang metro ang layo namin sa
isa't isa.
Sa paghakbang niya paatras, doon ko muling ibinuka ang bibig ko. "At ano ang balak
mong gawin? Magmukmok?" balik kong tanong sa kanya na ikinalaki ng mga mata niya.
Alam naman niyang madali ko lang siyang mababasa
sa tuwing ganitong apektado siya ng mga nangyayari sa paligid niya pero pilit pa
rin niyang ginugusto ang mapag-isa.
Why are you so hard-headed?
Slowly, his face of guilt turned to stretch a bit and he bursts into a peal of
laughter that even l, didn't expect. What's so funny for this bastard?
That leaves me silent and curious as well.
"Hahaha! You got me there. Fine. Saan ba tayo pupunta?" halos mangiyak-ngiyak
niyang sabl' nang bahagyang makalma niya na ang sarili niya.
Despite the desire to kick his legs and make him kneel for laughing at me, I pushed
it aside first for the sake of making my plan work.
"Hmm. Pwede po bang ikaw ang pumili?"
"Isa lang po akong hamak na probinsyana.
Ni kahit kailan hindi pa po ako nakalibot dito sa Maynila," pagrarason ko. Hays.
Kahit talaga sa mga kahuli-hulihang oras, kailangan ko pa ring magsinungaling.
Kita ko naman sa kanya ang animo'y walang pagpipilian sa sitwasyon na ito kung
hindi ang umayon sa gusto ko kaya naman napatango na lamang siya sa akin at saka
ginulo ang buhok ko bago siya tuluyang pumasok ng kwarto niya.
N ang marinig ko ang pagsarado ng pinto, halos manlambot ang mga tuhod ko at sa
tingin ko'y nanginginig ang kanang kamay ko nang abutin ko ang parte ng ulo ko na
ramdam pa rin ang kamay niya. "Derek. .."
I'm also doing this for you to enjoy your last moments with Jenny Rosario. But
would everything still be worth it once you found out? Would you still be reminded
by the memories we both share?
To be honest. . . this is also a one form of my selfishness.
I just want to treasure every second, every minute, and every hour I could have
with you while I still can. While I still have the privilege to be close to a
carefree you. While I still have the freedom to talk and to kid around you. While I
still have some time to make you smile like just now.
I wanted to capture it for peace of mind because I know how disturbed I 'll be once
I hear you curse me for all the lies I've told, for all the actions I've faked, for
all the information, I've fabricated for the whole nine months.
"I'm sorry. . . I'm really sorry," I uttered before my legs eventually gone numb.

Chapter 46: Danger

DEREK'S POV
"Saan ang lakad natin, Uno at parang handa ka na sa sagala?" bungad sa akin ni Niel
pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa headquarters ng Cerberus. Kung mamalasin nga naman
'e hindi ko maiuurong ang pagpupulong na ito para sa date namin ni Jenny. Pero kung
hindi talaga 'to mahalaga? Mas gugustuhin ko pang mag-research sa bahay sa kung
saan ko siya pwedeng dalhin ngayon araw.
Saan ka ba naman makakahanap ngtaong gustong mamasyal pero hindi alam ang gustong
pasyalan? At talagang naisipan niya lang kung kailan siyam na buwan na siyang
naninilbihan sa bahay at maraming ganap sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas.
Oh well. It's Jenny. What should / expect? She 's always been so naïve like this.
I just ignored Niel's comment on my choice of attire for the big day and went to my
chair at the long table's endpoint to start the meeting as soon as possible. The
men who voluntarily joined me on my quest to find Ishtar and ask his or her
assistance about these mysterious deaths silently followed and settled on their
seats respectively.
Looking at each one of them, I feel a stronger responsibility to protect them from
the danger we are about face.
I know we can just keep our mouth shut.
We all know that a mere fraternity like us can't handle the huge crime syndicates
and organizations or what not.
it has already come to a point that our loved ones are being put in danger. We can
't sit still. We have to do something. Something that is beyond the expectations
for college students like us.
"Today, we are going to discuss the recent case about our superior's cousin's death
last night. It was an unfortunate death. But he shall find justice. To start, this
is the closest look on the dagger left on his chest," Glen presented as soon as he
took the floor. As always, he never wastes a second. The projector then showed the
weapon which we think is very similar to the ones left to those relatives of bank
employees and politicians.
Glen, Niel, and I have been contemplating whether there's some pattern the killers
are trying to abide or they are trying to warn the next victim by leaving a trace
of their identity. What's more frustrating is that we don't have even a single
guess about who are the suspects and their purpose of hunting each one of their
target population. Why kill one by one if they can take them all in in one go? It's
not like they're hiding their existence. The whole nation is already aware of the
threat they pose to everyone's peace and security.
I can somehow think of reasons why they're doing this to political families but not
much for the relatives of bank employees. What are they after?
"Lahat ng patalim na ginamit, hugis tala. At kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ang mga
nakaukit na 'yan ay letrang Latin," a freshman member said. Agad namang naiulan sa
kanya ang bawat atensyon namin.
"You were raised by your Italian history teacher grandfather, right?" his friend
sitting beside him asked for a confirmation. Hearing that one single detail about
one of our members immediately engross our curiosity and so, we decided to let him
about what he knows about the letters carved on the object in the topic.
The freshman looked at the picture thoroughly as Glen passes me the background
information of him, supporting his friend's claim that he really has a grandfather
that could 've possibly taught him how to translate the almost faded letters that
can perhaps uncover the mystery behind the dagger. The dagger which ended the life
of my cousin.
Hindi ako nagpapaka-ignorante. Alam kong isa sa mga araw na ito ay aanyayahan na
ako ng mga pulis sa isang panayam sa oras na malaman nila ang hindi kagandahang
relasyon naming magpinsan. Matapos na ilang ulit akong mapagtangkaang patayin at
paglaruan ng mga taong sa tingin ko ay parehas ding mga tao sa likod ng mga
pagpatay na ito, ngayon nama'y tila nais nila akong mawala sa pamamagitan ng
paggamit sa takot ng mga awtoridad at lakas ng batas.
"Flectere si nequeo superos acheronta movebo."
"What does it mean?" Niel asked, resting down the papers about the guy's
background. l, somewhat interested in the papers I am scanning, refuse to let my
eyes be swayed. No doubt, his grandfather is an Italian history teacher. However,
why is it that except this grandfather, no one in his listed family members carries
an Italian surname? Could he be adopted? Why is he the only one raised with this
particular relative ifhe 's third generation youngest son? What's more interesting
is that after the years he stayed in Italy, the records tell me that his
grandfather died from smothering. His specialty is his strong grip during
fraternity fights. Other than that.. . he is a Ramirez.
Ramirez
"Cesar Ramirez. "
"It means, 'If I can not bend the will of
Heaven, I shall move Hell."
Sa puntong narinig ko ang mga salitang katumbas ng mga nakaukit na letra na iyon,
doon ko napagtanto kung bakit pamilyar sa pandinig ko ang epilyidong iyon. Red
colored-hairguy who wears a choker with a cross pendant. Owner of cat-like eyes
fuming with anger and vengeance.
"Kill Sarah Asuncion-De Guzman. That's our order."
"Leave the boy. He won 't talk anyway,"
"Remember this day, fellas. The Cross led by the Ramirez Family, an ally ofthe Blue
Lance Crime Syndicate has done what we bargained for by killing the Asuncion
traitors."
That's right. That is why the surname sounds familiar.
That day, they uttered those things while watching me bleed on the same floor where
my mother died. I can't move. I can't fight. All I did was looking at her eyes as
she spends the last seconds of her life. I never expected that a name could be the
primary reason for a person to be killed.
Ibinalik ko ang tingin ko sa mga kalalakihang kapwa nagpaplano na kung paano
malulutas ang mga problema namin sa gulong hatid ng mga taong iyon. Mga taong
naghahatid ng mensaheng binigkas ng isa sa mga kasama naming nakaupo ngayon. Tulad
ng mismong naghatid ng kamatayan sa aking ina, suot-suot niya rin ang parehas na
aksesorya na may palawit na krus. Paano ko nga ba nakalimutan ang mismong araw na
iyon kung kailan muntikanan na rin akong mapatay ng mga tauhan nila?
And now, a member of that same group is here to spy on our plans.
Too bad, they never thought the one who shares the same traitor name they spoke of
will also try to hunt them down.
Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili kong mapatayo at magkaroon ng ngisi sa aking bibig.
Agad na napatigil ang lahat sa pag-uusap sa pagbagsak ng kaninang kinauupuan ko.
Inilapag ko na rin ang mga papeles na siyang nakapagpalinaw sa akin sa lahat.
"Cerberus, would you do me the honor to throw away a spy right now?"
Bakit nga ba ngayon ko lang naalala? Bakit ko ito nakalimutan?
Everything is clear now. Those blurry dreams have come to make sense at this
moment.
After all this time, I was the one who I was looking for, The Witness, The one who
can point out the person to be blamed on my mother's assassination.
Ang krus na palawit na iyon ay pagmamay-ari ng pamilyang nagkaroon ng kasunduan sa
isang malaking sindikatong nagngangalang Blue Lance. Paulit-ulit nilang giniit na
ang rason kung bakit nila pinatay ang babaeng nagluwal sa akin sa mundong ito ay
dahil anak siya ng mga traydor.
"A spy?" Glen questioned.
The others went wild just by thinking that a filthy outsider was able to infiltrate
our brotherhood's hide-out. Their mouths chattered non-stop debating how could
someone be able to spy on us in the midst of this time. Everyone longed for an
answer from my lips. An answer that will surely require a brutal consequence.
But no. It is still too early for them to suffer.
It will be too easy for them.
A Ramirez, a member of the Cross and an ally of that syndicate spying me, a son
ofan
Asuncion, is in all directions, a suspicious detail. Why is my maternal family a
so-called traitor of those men? Were we used to be related to them? What did my
maternal family do to be killed one by one? Why did the Cross do this under the
name of that syndicate?
Could / be ofconnectjon notjust to the series ofmurders but also to the root ofall
this chaos?
Tiningnan ko mata sa mata angtaong
surnubok kung nakikilala ko pa siya, ang epilyidong gamit niya, at ang aksesorya.
"Dalhin niyo siya sa isa pa nating taguan. Patahimikin niyo pero huwag niyong
pupuruhan. Kailangan pa natin siya." Pagkaturo ko sa kanya ay mabilis itong
napatayo at nanlaki ang mga mata. Abang bubunot pa ito ng patalim nang makarating
kaagad sa pwesto niya si Glen upang siya'y pigilan.
Ang muntikan niyang pag-amba sa amin ng patalim ang naging sapat na dahilan para
magtayuan din ang iilan para hulihin siya. Wala namang sinayang na oras ang iba
upang siguraduhin na walang ibang tao ang nagmamanman sa labas at kung ligtas ba na
ilipat namin siya sa oras na tuluyan na siyang maigapos. Samantala, hinatak naman
ni Niel sa isang kwarto ang kaibigan na katabi ng espiya upang imbestigahan.
"Pakawalan niyo ko! Pakawalan niyo ko! Wala akong kasalanan!"
"Gago ka ba? Bakit mo kami aambangan ng kutsilyo kung hindi ka takot na mahuli sa
paratang ng lider namin? Akala mo ba mauuto mo kami kaagad?" banat ng isa sa mga
matagal na ring miyembro ng samahan sabay binatukan ang nagpupumiglas sa espiya.
Kahit na ba alam kong batid niyangwala siyang laban sa mahigit dalawang dosenang
katao na bihasa sa pakikipagbasag-ulo, pilit pa rin siyang kumakawala at
turnatanggi sa paratang na mga kilos na rin niya ang naglantad.
"Napag-utusan lang ako! Maniwala kayo sa
"And who the hell would plot for our superior?!"
Napapailing ko na lang na tinanggihan na tingnan ang espiyang iyon mula sa kanya-
kanyang suntok ng Cerberus. "Salamat sa kanya, alam ko na kung sino angtunay na
kalaban. Alam ko na kung sino ang tunay na mga nasa likod ng lahat ng ito. Ang
tanging kulang na lang ay si Ishtar," ani ko habang dinarampot ang coat na
ipinatong ko sa lamesa.
/ also have another theory for Ishtar. Looks like I have to take care ofit now.
"It's—"
Then, a loud thud stopped me from leaving my seat. My men also halted from getting
even with the one who dared taint the secrecy of our brotherhood. Slowly, the crowd
was divided into two until what's left is an unconscious man struck with a bullet
upon his forehead on the ground.
"Derek! The spy! He was shot dead l"
"Everyone! Step away from the body!" Glen ordered and each one of them followed
quickly. The horror on their faces for seeing another assassination is still the
same. The fear of being next. The fear of the unknown. The fear of nothing to cling
on. The fear of having no place to hide.
Heh. Neat freaks.
"Genius, get our replica of the dagger and put it on the body as if he's another
victim of the series of murders. Washing off the fingerprints. . . I think throwing
him to the river nearby will do."
"Uno!"
"Superior!"
"Then ifyou want to be accused of false charges, stay here and stick your c***s on
his mouth to your hearts' content. There's nothing we can do for a traitor and a
spy. But we can still do something for those people living in fear," told them and
their eyes widened with me using bold words.
I've never made my subordinates choose in this kind of manner. I know morals and
values weigh a lot for them but this is no time to take pity to a dead man who
might have been reporting all our actions to the bastards for the past few weeks. A
man that could have gotten us killed in one blow due to our negligence on our
surroundings. I've never maximized my authority among them but if I have to stir a
bit of fear on them just to protect them, then I will.
Hinayaan kong ang mga mata ko ang kumausap sa kanila. Pero hahayaan ko rin silang
magdesisyon para sa sarili nila. Gusto na ba nilang dito na matapos ang yugto ng
pakikipaglaban nila sa mga kalaban nangdahil sa awa nila o isasantabi mula nila ito
para makapagligtas pa ng mas marami. Nasa mga kamay nila ang karapatang mamili.
Iniwan ko na ang upuan ko at saka tinungo ang pinto papalabas nang tawagin ng mga
kaibigan ko ang pangalan ko. Malumanay ko silang nilingon at bakas ko ang kakaibang
pag-aalala sa mga mata nila.
"Meet me later at the mansion. We have to talk about something."
I was about to turn my look away again when they called for another time.
"Derek, where are you going?"
My feet became motionless. I know that the idea which came up to my mind is a pure
suicide but there's nothing better to do in order to test my instinct's guess. I
have to do it or I will never be able to deliver the information to the right
person. I have to deliver it to Ishtar. If that person is feared by men from the
underground due to her skills and intelligence, then I have to take a huge bet on
him or her.
"I'll get Ishtarto help us," and I left that standing point to walk out of the
hide-out and get my experiment started.
If my theory is right, Ishtar is a member of
an organization that exterminates all possible threats in society. It means he or
she may be involving himself or herself to this current issue of the consecutive
assassinations right now. The name being mentioned whenever I'm in danger somewhat
proves that Ishtar is using a fake identity that could get close to me. Thus, makes
sense why those people keep on asking me to get him despite their greater
capability to catch him. It could also mean that I could be a more efficient means
to capture him or her.
But why?
If Ishtar is really someone from my circle, does it mean he or she is also attached
to me? Is this the possible reason why I could be a more efficient means to capture
the him or her?
How did those people know that Ishtar is standing close to me anyway?
If that person is somewhere near me, it means he or she knows the difficulty / am
having now, That person knows and comes whenever/ am on the edge ofDeath's dagger.
Could he or she have been hired to protect me? Is that the reason why an
international underground figure is protecting me ?
That's it.
I can only meet Ishtar if I put myself on danger.
Without it, I have no such way to win
against the odds and see him or her.
The danger is the answer.
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Chapter 47: A Weird Date
DEREK'S POV
"Are you nuts?! How can you come up with a suicidal plan?!"
Nailayo ko na lang ang telepono ko sa mula tenga ko nang halos bingihin ako ni Niel
sa mga sermon niya. Hindi na natigil angdalawa sa kakatawag sa akin simula nang
umalis na lang ako nang biglaan sa hide-outkaya habang hinihintay ko si Jenny,
sinagot ko na ang isa mula sa naging tatlumpu't anim na tawag nila.
Are these guys my girlfriends or what?
Napabuntong hininga naman ako bago ko muling ibinalik sa tenga ko ang telepono.
"Huwag kayong mag-alala. Kung totoo nga ang sinabi ng lalaking dumukot sa akin noon
na si Ishtar ang pinakanakakakilala sa akin higit kaninuman, alam niyang hindi ako
umuurong sa desisyong nabuo ko na. At kung totoo nga ang teorya 1<0. .. hindi niya
ako pababayaan."
I don't know if I'm still sane or not. I also want to ask myself why do I trust my
theory a lot?
What if I really get killed for doing this? What if Ishtar don't come? What if he
or she will just let me get hurt? I don't know. It's strange but I have a strong
feeling that that person won't fail me. My reasons are unknown.
My instincts just tell me so.
She saved me for as long as I can remember. Ishtar won't do that without a cause.
"Derek, we heard how great that person is, yes. But how can you entrustyoursafety
to a complete stranger?! Ishtar might be anyone close to you. Even so, you still
don 't know who he really is deep within."
Am I really talking to Niel? His words are very Glen-like. I find it weird that
Glen is somewhat cool and calm with my plan. I guess he thinks my current
hypothesis is plausible enough to be tested. Maybe he also wants to find out too.
"Sir Derek, okay na po ako."
Napansin ko naman na kakapasok at kauupo lang ni Jenny sa passenger's seatkung
kaya't dali-dali na akong nagpaalam sa mga kaibigan ko at bara-bara nang pinatay
ang tawag.
I might be in a mission. But I'm on a date too.
I put my phone in silent mode in case those two try to sway me away again. Worse, I
don't want them to ruin this rare chance to be with Jenny for the whole day. A day
alone with her. A day without my father's opposition. A day without the household
staff's eyes on us. Just me and her.
Hindi ko maiwasang hindi siya tingnan.
"Bakit ba ang tagal mo?" tanong ko ngunit bago
ko pa man alalahanin ang magiging sagot niya ay nahagip na ng atensyon ko ang hindi
niya pa rin nakakabit na seatbelt. Hindi na ba talaga siya nasanay sa akin?
"Ah, may tinapos lang po ako na ga—" her voice trailed off as I easily close our
distance by reaching the seatbelt and put it on her. I immediately sense how
uncomfortable she is just by having mere glances on how flustered her expression
was the first second I got close.
A grin formed on my face. Such agirl. "Why is your face like that?" I asked, trying
to tease her a little. Well, old habits die hard. Though this is really a bad
timing going out and all, my day won't be completed if I don't piss her off once.
Nagmamadali naman siyang ikomposturang muli ang ekspresyon niya.
Natikom din ang bibig niya kaya nanatili lang ang ngisi sa mukha ko mapa-mula nang
umarangkada ang sasakyan hanggang sa mahagip ng paningin ko ang mataman niyang
pagtingin sa mga gusaling nadadaanan namin.
"Huwag mo masyadong tingnan. Baka malusaw," kantyaw ko pero hindi siya urnimik.
Sakto namang nagpula ang street lights at tinapakan ko ang preno upangtumigil. Sa
sandaling iyon, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na panoorin siya lalo. Hindi
maitanggal ang mga mata niya sa paligid. Para bang manghang-mangha siya sa mga
nakikita niya. Kung gusto niya, araw-araw ko siyang dadalhin sa iba't ibang lugar
dito sa Maynila. Hangga't nakikita ko siyang masaya at giliw na giliw na ganito,
sisikapin kong maglaan ng oras para lang ilibot siya.
Kalaunan, tila yata nakaramdam na rin siya sa pagtitig ko sa kanya. Mabilis kong
ibinalik ang tingin ko sa kalsada at saka pinaandar muli ang kotse nang magberde na
ang ilaw. Mabuti na lang at napalingon siya. Kung hindi, hind/' ko mapapansin na
nagberde na ang street lights.
"Saan tayo unang pupunta?" tanong niya.
"Mall. Kasama mo ang isang Derek De Guzman. Dapat lang na bilhan kita ng mas
magagandang damit at sapatos kaysa sa suot mo, hindi ba? Treat this as my gift."
Gusto kong makita ang itsura ni Jenny sa oras na masuot niya ang mga damit na gawa
ng kumpanya namin at kapag naayusan na siya ng mga nakontrata kong mga make-up
artist at hairdresser.
Bigla naman siyang nataranta sa sagot ko. "Ah, Sir Derek, ayos na po ako sa suot
ko. Isa pa, pamana po sa akin ito ni Iola. Saka may allergypo ako sa make-up 'e,"
aniya na ikinadismaya ko nanglubos.
f* *k. I need a Plan B,
"E-Edi kumain na lang muna tayo. Doon n-natin pag-usapan kung saan tayo pupunta."
Damn, Derek. Get your s* *t altogether. You've prepared for this. You've searched
the internet for three hours, listing down and memorizing every place, its features
and address. You even promised Niel to do his project just so he can help on
recommending appropriate dating places.
Napatango-tango lang siya kaya bahagyang nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Hindi naman
nagtagal ay nakapagparada na ako at nakapasok na kaming dalawa sa mall. Medyo
nanghihinayang pa rin ako kasi hindi ko siya mabibilhan ng kahit ano. Ayaw ko rin
naman kasi siya pilitin. Sa araw-araw na naninilbihan siya sa amin, lagi ko siya
namamandohan at paulit-ulit na pinapahirapan para asarin siya. Sana kahit isang
beses lang 'e may maibigay o may magawa ako para sa kanya.
I pulled her to my favorite restaurant. This was where my mom always brings me
every time I get a medal. "Thank you, Chef Corvette," I said as the chef and owner
of the restaurant finished laying out all our ordered dishes to the table. It was
such an honor for a person like her to insist on serving us exclusively. She even
gave us free dishes as a treat.
"You're welcome, Mr. De Guzman. It's been a shame not attending your father's
birthday party despite his kindness of investing in my business."
"Ah, no. It's our pleasure to do business with you, Ms. Mandesha. I must thank you
for even giving us a VIP room and a lot of treats."
"Oh, this is nothing. Well then, I have to go back to the kitchen, please enjoy
your meal, Mr. De Guzman and MissJenny." She swiftly left the room with a fixed
smile on her face. I also noticed that she seems to like the woman I am with now,
considering how she looked and served her a while ago. Ms. Mandesha was a lot more
careful and more attentive when it comes to her.
I can 't believe Jenny has this sort ofcharm on other people.
Meanwhile, I think it's different for Jenny.
She looked distressed by the attention Ms. Mandesha was giving her. I even caught
them exchanging looks. Oh well, I guess female species have their own way of
understanding body language.
To stir her distress away, I decided to speak up. "Pasensya na kung ako na ang um-
orderng ibang putahe. Sigurado naman akong magugustuhan mo ang mga iyan. Paborito
namin 'yan ni mom. Come on, have a taste."
Tila nawala naman na ang hindi niya pagkakomportable at unti-unti na rin niyang
ginalaw ang pagkain ipinahanda ko para sa kanya. Akrnang isusubo niya na ang
kutsarang may sabaw nang mapatigil siya at ibinaba na
nang tuluyan ang kubyertos.
"Sir Derek. Hindi po ba magagalit si Ma'am Anziza sa alis natin na 'to? Malapit na
po kayong ika—"
"Pwede bang huwag natin pag-usapan ang ibang tao habang magkasama tayong dalawa?"
Ugh. Why did you burst out?!
You and your temper!
"I'm sorry. Ayoko lang talagang pag-usapan," paghingi ko ng dispensa. "Don't worry.
Wala naman sigurong masama sa pamamasyal, hindi ba?"
Jenny silently agreed while I cuss myself from ruining the mood. I just don't like
talking about that arranged marriage set up. For today, I want to be free. Free
from those matters that I have to take care of. Except about the one regarding
Ishtar, though,
Sa sobrang pag-aalala ko, hindi ko namalayan na nasangga ko ang basong may lamang
tubig na nasa dulong kanan ko. Ambang sasaluhin ko sana ito nang may ibang kamay
ang naunang makasalo rito. "Nako naman PO, sir. Mag-ingat nga po kayo sa pagkilos,"
pangaral nito at saka niya ibinalik sa kanina nitong pwesto.
Weird
"So? Saan mo ba naiisip na gustong pumunta?" pag-iiba ko na lamang ng paksa.
Napaisip naman ito habang nilalaro-laro ang pasta na nasa harapan. "Hmm. Tutal
nandito na po tayo sa mall, pwede po ba tayong mag-arcade?" tila nag-aalangan pa
niyang sagot sa akin.
Arcade? Not bad, "Sure."
Matapos naming kumain, dumiretso na kaagad kami sa palapag kung saan matatagpuan
ang samu't saring mga arcade. Bilang tagapamasyal niya, una ko siyang hinatak sa
mga bumungad sa aming mga claw machines. "Pili ka."
"Mamili ka na ng gusto mo sa mga stufftoy at kukunin ko. Sige, hintayin mo muna 'ko
rito ha?
Bibili lang ako ng tokens," paalam ko sa kanya. Hindi ko na hinintay pa angtugon
niya at nagtuluy-tuloy na ako sa booth kung saan makakabili ng mga token.
Pagkabalik ko nang dala-dala ang sandamakmak na tokens, wala na si Jenny sa pinag-
iwanan ko sa kanya. Naalarma naman ako kaagad dahil ngayon lang siya nakapunta
rito. Malamangsa malamang 'e maliligaw 'yon sa oras na hindi niya ako kasama. Pero
saan ba kasi siya nagpunta? Palinga-linga ako sa bawat direksyon nang paulit-ulit
hanggang sa mamataan ko siya motorcycle ridinggame at pinalilibutan ng ilang mga
tao.
May kunot noo akong naglakad papalapit sa kanya. Paunti-unti ay urnaabot sa
pandinig ko ang animo'y pagkamangha ng mga tao sa ginagawa ni Jenny. Ano bang kina—
And there I was. Dumbfounded. I can't believe the huge number one figure on the
screen emphasizing that the rider finished first among her opponents. Just when did
Jenny learn to ride and to maneuver a motorcycle? Isn't this her first time going
on an arcade? As far as I know, she used to live with her grandparents in a remote
area of Iloilo. I'm sure there's not a single mall for miles.
When I caught her attention, I saw how surprised she was. She eventually went down
from the ride immediately and ran to me. "Sir Derek! Pasensya na PO. Na-curious
lang po kasi ako sa nilalaro nila. Mukha pong masaya 'e. Saka nakapulot po ako ng
isang token," salubong niya sa akin habang pinapakita pa sa akin ang ticket na
katumbas ng pagkapanalo niya.
"It looks like it's not your first time being in an arcade."
Aish. What am I saying? She can 't understand English that much. / should've not
asked. If there are funfairs on their area or festivals, I'm sure she might
havejoined on them to become this good.
"Nevermind. Halika na. May nagustuhan ka bang stufftoysa claw machine?" kwestiyon
ko at hinablot ko na ang kamay upang masigurado na hindi na siya ulit lalayo kung
nasaan ako at kung saan ko siya sinabihan na maghintay.
Napahinto ako sa paglalakad nang bigla rin akong hinatak ng kasama ko.
"Hindi ko po gusto ng mga laruan."
Seriously? A promdi girl who doesn 't like cute things? Someone who doesn 't like
to dress up and is allergic to make-up? Oh God. Seems like Mel's expertise won 't
be ofany use today. Now, / think impressing Jenny is harder than impressing the De
Guzman Enterprises' board ofdirectors.
Halos tatlong oras din kaming nagtagal sa arcade. Mula sa tigpipiso, karaoke,
basketball, at hanggang sa mga pinakapang-isip-bata na laro ay pinatos namin.
Siguro nga totoo ang sinasabi nila na mabilis lumipas ang oras kapag nagsasaya ka
at kapag may kasama ka na nakakapagpagaan sa 100b mo. Para bang bumalik ako sa
panahon ng pagkabata na walang ibang inaalala kundi ang pagkapanalo at pagkatalo sa
iba't ibang klase ng laro.
While we are on our way to watch some movie, I can't help but to commend how good
Jenny was on every game. It's as if she's no longer slow-witted. She can easily
grasp the instructions of the game and win it without doing much effort. Awhile
ago, on the shooting arcade machine, I was left watching her as she knocked down
every block, getting us two huge stuff toys. / don 't know but during that time, it
feels like I'm with a different person.
I want to ask but why should I dare? She's still the same Jenny Rosario I know.
Nagulat ako nang makita ko na lang ang sarili ko na nakahiga sa sahig katabi si
Jenny. Una siyang nakabangon at may kung anong kaba ang nag-udyok sa puso ko na
tumibok nang walang humpay. Dahil ba ito sa kakaibang takot na nakapinta sa mukha
niya? O ang itsura niya nang walang salamin sa ngayon?
"W-Why?" nauutal kong pagtatanong kung bakit kami naturnba. Ngunit imbes na
magpaliwanag, hinampas niya ako ng isang beses sa dibdib na siyang ikinagulat ko.
"Bakit ba parang ang lalim ng iniisip mo? Alam mo bang muntik ka nang matamaan nung
drone? !
Napakunot naman ang noo ko at nagkasalubong ang mga kilay ko. Drone?
Rumehistro lang sa akin ang nangyari nang mapalingon ako sa hindi kalayuan kung
saan may nagsisisigaw na ginang. May hawak siyang bata
na labis ang pagdurugo sa ulo sa kanyang kanlungan. Nakapikit, walang malay, at
tila wala ng buhay. Dumami ang mga taong lumapit sa kanila hanggang sa ang huli
kong nasilayan ay ang nakakaawang pagngawa ng ina ng paslit. Bigla akong nakaramdam
ng kilabot at pagtaas ng mga balahibo.
Sa sandaling may iniisip ako, may sumulpot na lang na drone?
Are those people at it again?
But where 's Ishtar? Why didn 't she save me instead ofJenny? Why didn 't she help
the child from that uncontrollable drone?
Napatingin ako sa sarili 1<0. Wala naman akong galos. Kaso. . . binabagabag ako ng
nangyari doon sa bata. "Ako dapat ang tatamaan nun. Hindi siya," nasabi ko na lang
nang nakatunghay sa direksyon kung saan dumarami ang mga taong nakikiisyoso.
"Makinig ka sa akin." Niyugyog niya ang magkabilang balikat ko hanggang sa muli
akong mapatitig sa kanya. "Hindi mo kasalanan iyon at mas lalong hindi ka dapat
masaktan. Naiintindihan mo ba ako?"
Yeah, it feels like the person in front ofme is a different person. I don 't know
why. My instinctsjust tell me so,
I gulped as I stare on those eyes blazing with determination. At the same time, it
is also flaring with a message that I can't decrypt. "Yes," and I nodded to assure
her that I won't speak about blaming myself later on.
"Halika na. Siguro umuwi na lang tayo," suhestiyon niya nangtuluyan siyang makatayo
at inabot ang kanyang kamay sa akin bilang tulong.
Bum agsak ang dalawang balikat ko. Ayokong matapos nang ganito kaaga ang araw na
pinag-isipan ko. "Ayoko pang umuwi," pagtanggi ko sa kamay niyang hinihintay pa rin
ang pag-abot ko rito.
Narinig ko naman siyang napabuntong hininga. Magtatatlong minuto na rin kaming nasa
ganoon lamang na posisyon nang muli pa siya mapabuga ng hangin. "O sige. Pero pwede
bang mag-ingat ka sa paligid mo?"
Umangat kaagad ang ulo ko sa sinabi niya. "l will. I promise."
This time, I finally reached her hand for support to stand up from the floor. The
second I got on my feet, my eyes once shifted to the direction where the drone
ended up. Before I could start blaming myself again, a warm hand squeezes mine,
pulling me out of the misery that is about to take over me. I was pulled back to
light. And that's where I found Jenny's face, with her glasses once again. She's
smiling to me as if telling me that everything is going to be alright. feel safe.
I feel secured. I feel like I can do
anything as long as it's with her.
But at the same time, I'm doubtful.
And I don 't know why.

Chapter 48: Truth

DEREK'S POV
"Isn't that a great movie?" I asked Jenny as we are riding the escalator.
We've watched a romantic-comedy movie of my choosing. Niel told me that women like
watching those under that genre. Though it's not really the type of stuff that I
want to see, I have to be considerate with the one I am with. However, I think I
have to set things right with my friend when Jenny shooked her head.
"Hindi ba't parang paulit-ulit na lang ang mga ganoong kwento? Magkakagusto ang
mahirap sa mayaman, may tututol na pamilya o kaibigan, mag-aaway, magkakalayo. Pero
sa bandang huli, sila pa rin ang nagkakatuluyan."
Pagkarinig ko ng opinyon niya, para bang nakaisip ako bigla ng paraan kung paano
papahirapan si Niel sa oras na makabalik sa headquarters. Malapit nang maubos lahat
ng pinayo niya sa akin at halos lahat ng iyon, hindi gumana kay Jenny. May pasabi-
sabi pa ang bugok ng 100% success rate. E kung ang operasyon niya kaya matapos ko
siyang bugbugin ang bigyan ko ng 500/0-500/0 success rate?
It's not like I really need his casanova tips.
I've been on numerous dates ever since I was in high school but I never really took
them seriously. I just did what the previous women like to do and that's it.
Setting that aside, I still can't forget what happened earlier.
Saan ba nanggaling ang drone na iyon? Sa toystore? Pero wala namang laruan na
ganoon kalala ang epekto sa oras na tumama sa isang tao.
Posible nga kaya ang naisip ko kanina?
Pinagtatangkaan na naman ba ang buhay ko?
Bakit parang hindi tugma ang mga nangyayari?
"Ano palang—s**tl"
May kung anong pwersa mula likod ko ang tumulak sa papaharap at doon nahagip ng mga
mata ko ang isang nagmamalaking lalaki pababa ng escalator. Naramdaman ko na ang
pagbagsak ng bigat ng katawan ko nang isa pang pwersa ang humablot sa braso ko at
hinatak ako pabalik sa pagkakatayo ko. Humahangos-hangos na napahawak na lang ako
sa dibdib ko dulot ng ideyang baka ngayon ay naroroon na ako sa sahig at
nakahilata.
They're at it again.
"Ayos ka lang ba?" tanong ni Jenny nang makababa na kami. Narinig ko rin ang ilang
pangangamusta ng mga taong nakakita raw sa tila sadyang pagtulak sa akin ng
nagmamadaling lalaki. Nagbigay sila ng kanya-kanya nilang opinyon at espekyulasyon.
Tinanong din nila ako kung baka may taong galit sa akin o kung may taong gusto
akong saktan.
Sa totoo lang, gusto ko silang sagutin na meron. Na marami ang naghahangad ng buhay
1<0. Marami ang gustong masira ako at mawala ako sa mundong ito sa hindi ko
malamang dahilan.
Ang alam ko lang, tanging si Ishtar ang may pakialam sa akin at may sapat na
kakayahan para iligtas ako sa mga panganib na wala akong kaalam-alam. Hindi naman
ako urnaasang iligtas pa niya ako sa ganitong klase ng insidente. Sadyang gusto ko
lang siya makita. Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang alok kong pakikipagtulungan.
Tulad nga ng nabanggit ko, pang-ilang beses na ito. Kanina pa ako nakakapansin na
para bang kakaiba ang araw na ito. Na para bang mas madalas at mas malapit ang
kapahamakan kaysa sa ibang mga araw. Isa pang pinagtataka ko kung bakit hindi nais
ni Jenny na magsubmitkami ng reportsa managementng mall. Ayon sa kanya, abala lang
at baka nagkataon lang pero anong masama ba ang maidudulot ng ilang mga salita mula
sa bibig 1<0?
Katulad ng kanina ay hinila na ako ni Jenny mula sa darni ng tao at nagtungo na
kami sa park na siyang madadaanan namin bago makarating sa parking lot. Hanggang
ngayon, napapaisip pa rin sa mga naganap ngayon araw na ito. Ang espesyal ng araw
na ito nang dahil kasama ko ang babaeng tunay kong mahal pero ang hiwaga rin nito
kasi para bang kusang lumalapitsa akin ngayon ang mga panganib at kung anu-ano ang
napapansin ko.
Ang pagkakasalo ni Jenny sa baso nang mas mabilis pa sa akin.
Pagpansin niya kaagad sa isang drone na kung sa toy store nga nanggaling ay nasa
tantya kong ilang metro rin ang layo sa amin habang naglalakad kanina.
Paghatak niya sa akin sa maraming kupol ng tao noong pumila kami sa sinehan,
Nailihjs niya rin ako nang nakaharang ako sa dinaraanan ng mga empleyado ng mall na
may dala-dala ng mga mabibigat na kahon.
Misteryosong nagpula rin ang street lights nang papunta kami sa isa pang kalapit na
mall ngunit nagberde rin ito nang dumating si Jenny para itawid ako nang madalian.
Muntik na rin ako mai-lock sa restroom kanina pero may dumating na maintenance
employee para pagbuksan ako. Nang matanong ko kung paano niya nalamang nandoon ako,
may kung sino raw ang tumawag sa kanya,
"Sir Derek?"
Nabalik naman ako mula sa malalim na
pag-iisip nangtapikin ng kasama ko ang braso ko.
"Sir? Ayos ka lang po ba?"
"Ah, yes. Bakit nga pala?"
"May tatawagan lang po sana ako. Okay lang po ba na hintayin niyo ko sa may bench
na iyon sandali?"
Wala sa sariling napatango na lang ako at pinanood ko na lang siya na lumayo sa
akin at magpunta sa isang payphone booth. Napabuntong hininga ako. Nasa akin ba
angmali o sa mga bagay-bagay sa paligid ko?
Napatingin ako sa relo 1<0. Alas-nuwebe na ng gabi. llang sandali na lang
magsasarado na ang mall. Kailangan ko pa nga palang kitaiin Sina Glen mamaya sa
bahay. Siguro nandoon na ang mga iyon. Sana bilis-bilisan ni Jenny nang makauwi na
kami kaagad. Kailangan kong makaisip ng bagong paraan para mapalabas si Ishtar.
Mukhang hindi sapat ang paglabas sa sarili ko sa kung saan-saan sa kabila ng
pangamba ng ilang beses na pagpatay para mapalabas siya. Tila nagkataon lang yata
ang lahat ng pagkakataon na iniligtas niya ako.
Isinandal ko muna ang likod at ipinikit ang mga mata ko habang nakatingala sa
langit.
Pakiramdam ko hindi ko man lang na-enjoynang sobra ang araw na ito dahil ang dami
kong kailangan isipin at intindihin.
Naguguluhan na ako kung bibigyang pansin ko pa
ba ito lalo o sadyang binabagabag ko lang ang sarili ko.
Sa tuwing naaalala ko kung paano pinatay si Nigel, bigla akong dinadaluyan ng
takot. Hindi ko gustong mamatay nang ganoon.
Ni hindi pa nga kami nagkakaayos ni papa. Ang sabi lang sa akin ni Woods ay
dumiretso na susunod niyang appointmentito nang matapos imbestigahan ng mga pulis
ang nangyari sa engagement party. At ang appointmentdaw na iyon ay sa ibang bansa
at magtatagal pa ng ilang araw.
How I wish I could tell him that I never wanted to disappoint him but marrying a
woman would never be my way to impress him and the people who are to follow me
someday. I can be a leader and make our empire strong through my own strength and
not that of a woman's father, who also plans to make me his puppet.
I felt a presence coming near me. I waited as the tension starts to reach every
vein in my body. I tried to prepare my body for any sudden attack until that
existence touches my hand.
That's when I opened my eyes. It's Jenny.
"Halika na. Malapit na magsara ang mall," nakangiti niyang ani sa akin.
Siguro hindi ko lang napansin kanina pero ngayon, hindi ko maitanggal angtingin ko
sa magkahawak naming mga kamay. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na sa siyam na buwan na
kasama ko siya, ito lang ang natatanging pagkakataon na nahawakan ko nang malaya
ang kamay niya. Ang saya na pagmasdan siya nang walang ibang matang maninita.
Kakaiba ang galak sa puso ko na nakakasama ko siya na parang walang problema.
Habang dinadamdam ko ang ligaya sa 100b 1<0, naibuka ko na lang ang bibig ko.
"Naalala mo ba ang mga salitang nakalagay sa pendant ni mama?" pagbubukas ko ng
bagong paksa na siyang ikinalingon niya sa akin.
"Sei il mio diamante. It means, 'you are my diamond',"
Nagkatinginan kami nang sandali habang binibigkas ko ang bawat salita na iyon. Kung
alam mo lang Jenny. Mas higit pa sa isang dyamante ang halaga mo para sa akin. Ikaw
ang kayamanan hindi ko talaga kayang ipagpalit kahit na ba ang katumbas nito ay ang
pagsuway sa nag-iisang pamilya 1<0.
Mom, you told me I'll find my own diamond someday,
/ think you should know that I have found her for quite a period of time now.
Naiilang ang mga matang ibinalik niya ang kanyang tingin sa daan. "Natatandaan ko
nga PO.
Ano pong mayroon?" walang malisya niyang tugon. Nais kong matawa sa kung paano niya
tinatanggi ang pagkakaintindi sa mga binitawan kong salita pero nang masilayan ko
na hindi pala pagkailang bagkus pag-aalinlangan ang nasa kanyang mukha at mga mata,
para bang natuyot ang aking lalamunan.
"Jenny Rosario, ikaw ang tumulong sa akin para makita ang pagkakamali ko sa lahat
ng ginagawa ko. Ikaw ang nagbalik sa akin sa daan na dapat tinatahak 140. Ikaw rin
nagpaalala sa akin kung gaano kaluwag sa pakiramdam ang magtiwala."
Sa pagtigil ko sa pagsasalita ay siya ring pagtigil niya sa paghakbang.
Tumigil din ako at saka siya hinarap. Muli kong sinulyapan ang mga kamay naming
magkahawak. "lkaw ang nagpagaling sa lahat ng sugat na mayroon ako. Pero wala naman
talaga akong nagawa ni isang magandang bagay para sa'yo. Kaya, sorry. Sorrykasi ito
lang kaya kong gawin."
Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko.
"Hindi mo kailangang mag-sorry."
"Sa lahat ng p p ko sa'yo, hindi pa sapat angsorry. Huwag kang mag-alala. Sa
susunod, dadalhin kita sa mas maganda pa sa Batangas para naman hindi ka basta-
basta mapapa-oo ni Glen sa tuwing yayayain ka niya," biro ko pa pero humigpit lang
nang humigpit ang
hawak niya sa kamay ko hanggang sa mapagtanto ko na nanginginig ang kamay niya.
Binalingan ko ng tingin ang mukha niya. Gayunpaman, wala akong makita. Nakayuko
lang siya at wala akong lakas ng 100b ngayon na hawiin ang buhok niya upang makita
ko ang reaksyon niya. Anong problema?
"Jenny..
"Huwag na huwag kang magsosorrysa akin, Derek. Wala kang ginawa para patawarin
kita. Sapat na sa akin ang nakikita kitang buhay at masaya." Sa pagkakataon na
matapos niya ang mga salitang ito ay iniangat niya na ang kanyang mukha. Doon ko
napansin angtila maluha-luha niyang mga mata. Napakakontra sa bibig niyang para
bang pinipilit niyang kumorte bilang isang ngitl
"May problema ba?"
Umiling-iling siya at saka niya kinusot ang mga mata para tanggalin nang marahas
ang mga luhang nag-aambang burnagsak. Kalaunan ay nanginginig ang mga labing mas
lumawak ang kanyang ngiti. "Wala. Uwi na tayo?"
"Pero may gusto pa akong sabihin sa'yo.
Jenny. . . 1—"
My words were cut off when her two hands cupped my face. I don't understand. Why is
she acting like this? Why is she acting as if everything's going wrong? Is she
hiding something from? Is there something I need to know? But why? Why does try so
hard to keep it from me?
"Huwag mong itutuloy," halos pabulong niyang sabl.
Hindi kita maintindihan. "Bakit? Bakit ayaw mong—"
"'Wag mo sabing ituloy! Hindi mo ba ako n arinig?!"
Halos mapatalon ako nang sumigaw siya. Ito lang ang unang beses na pinagtaasan niya
ako ng boses nang hindi ang pangalan ko ang sinisigaw niya at nang hindi ang
kalokohan ko angdahilan. Ngayon, walang dahilan akong nakikita. Pero may boses
akong narinig.
Boses na para bang hindi kay Jenny nanggaling.
All of a sudden, from cupping my face, her hands went to secure my nape and she
pulled me to her close. I was surprised. I am hugging the woman I love. She's even
the one who wanted it. can't believe it. I wanted to be happy. But I feel like I
shouldn't.
Is this even Jenny?
"l don't want you to say it because once I hear it, I might get swayed."
My eyes widened when it sank to me that the one who holds me so dearly at this
moment is not the Jenny I knew. She is but in a second, she wasn't. What is this?
Who is she?
The horror I'm feeling inside became worse when I felt a cold metal touching my
nape. And I know very well what is it. The other hand on my back crawls to pull me
more on her shoulder and that's when I heard a loud thud not quite far from where
we are standing.
And that's also when I realized that she is indeed not Jenny.
Kumalas siya sa pagkakayakap samantalang parang hindi ko na maramdaman ang lakas sa
mga tuhod ko. Para bang nanlamig ang buong katawan ko nang tingnan ko na mula ulo
hanggang paa ang taong gumamit lang sa katauhan ng kung Sino. Subalit bago pa man
ako makapaggawa ng pangungusap, iniangat niya ang b***l na ginamit niya.
Thatg*n.
A gold plated suppressor.
"l won 't hurtyou, Come with me quickly." No way.
Napaatras ako nang napaatras nang dumaloy ang bawat memorya ng mga detalyeng noon
pa man ay hindi ko na dapat isinantabi. Bakit hindi ko pinagtuunan ng sapat na
pansin? Bakit hindi ako nagduda noon pa lang? Bakit ngayon ko lang napagtatagpi-
tagpi ang lahat? Hindi...
Kungganoon. . . ang lahat ng ito ay... kasinungalingan?
"You're trying to lure me out by putting yourself on danger. But didn't I do that
job today for numerous times?" she said as she finally took her glasses off to the
pond nearby.
The soft and sudden sound of its lens cracking made it even better to describe how
I'm feeling right now. Cracking. . . breaking.
weakening. . . nothing. Everything she fixed upon me all this time was built with
lies I never wanted in the first place.
That's right. How could I miss that?
Jenny has been saving me a lot this day. She's the one who's there not Ishtar,
that's what I think. Not even caring about the possibility that the one beside me,
the one who's already saving me is the person I've been looking for.
Napahugot ako ng hininga. "N-Niloko mo ko. H-Hindi ikaw si Jenny."
"l know. I was never Jenny. But there was never Jenny, Derek De Guzman."
That even made me feel worse. There was never Jenny. They're so easy to speak of.
But did she even know how huge that non-existent person has on my own existence?
She became my hope the first time she scolded me. She became my light when she
found me during the rain. She became my guidance the first time she told me
my flaws and mistakes. Not knowing that making her that would be the worst mistake
I've ever done in my whole life. Even trusting is no less.
"W-Who are you?" tanong ko pa rin habang patuloy na lumalayo mula sa kanya. Wala
akong ibang maisip sa ngayon kung hindi ang ilayo ang sarili ko sa isang taong
walang konsensya na nagpaikot sa akin sa mga kamay niya.
She acted as if she's worried like when she's in her Jenny mode. "Derek, please.
Stop this. I have to take you somewhere. You're not safe here, believe me."
"And why do I have to believe you?!"
Why? You broke my trust. Why do I have to?
She was about to try to persuade me again when she posed and shot five times on
different directions. And just like when she saved me during my father's birthday
celebration, those people she has shot were all good as dead now.
So this is how killer the famous Ishtar is, huh.
That's why she's a very wanted person.
I stopped taking a step back. I pulled the dagger which I hid from my coat. "Get
away from me. I don't like to see you. I might kill you anytime if you dare step
forward." When I'm uttering these words, I wanted to laugh at myself.
I know even the gods would joke about my stupidity. Who am I kidding? A fraternity
boy against the exterminator of all evils, Ishtar. What
could possibly my advantage to someone who's been sleeping with the same weapons
such as the one I am holding now? What could possibly the odds of me winning
against a person who's been in the place of death all her life but ended up living
and tricking me for Pete's sake?!
"Don't you even see that I have a g*n on hand? Stop this, Derek. Even ifyou swing
that to me, you won't be able to kill me. Well, unless you hit the main artery,"
the hateful woman told me as if she's lecturing a grade schooler who threatens
people with a f g pencil.
Malakas ang kabog ng puso ko. Pero hindi na dahil sa tungkol sa gusto kong sabihin
sa kanya. Kumakabog ang puso ko sa galit at pagkamuhi para sa kanya at para sa
sarili ko. Para sa tangang sarili ko na naniwala sa mga matatamis na salita. Halos
magimbal na ang buong katawan ko sa katotohanang tinututukan ko ngayon ng patalim
ang babaeng dineklara kong mahal 1<0. Ngunit nagngangalit din ang isip at dugo ko
sa ideyang ang babaeng mahal ko ay hindi naman talaga nabubuhay sa mundong ito.
Si Jenny Rosario ay isang malaking gawa-gawang katauhan at ng imahinasyon. Hindi
siya totoo. Binuo lamang siya ng samu't saring kasinungalingan at ng katangahan ko.
Nagkaroon siya ng kakayahang manakit simula nang kinagat ko ang pain na makinig at
maniwala sa kanya.
At last, the remaining strength on my legs left me.
"Derek!" She was about to come to me but I lifted my hand to forbid her.
I was still able to look at her in the eye. With anger. With loath. With a betrayed
portrait.
"Don't you ever speak my name again, traitor. You're no different from the ones who
betrayed me like no tomorrow."
I saw how a gasp escaped from her mouth. What? She didn't expect me to call her
that after all she has done? What does she want? Does she want me to thank her for
saving my life every time like a superhero? Does she want me to kiss her hand and
kneel before her as a sign of gratitude? No, I won't give that s**t.
If only I know, I would've rather choose death than to get betrayed like this.
It hurts me like death anyway.
I gave myself a chuckle when I found out that I've been crying for a while now.
Damn, I didn't even see it coming. I'm crying for a liar. I'm crying for all those
times that were obviously just fabricated by her. I'm crying for myself for being a
fool. I'm crying for the thing my mother told me because it was just another lie
from her. I'm crying because the light I caught a glance on is actually just an
artificial one.
"In that case, I have no choice but to do
this."
I heard her steps as loud as the thunders. She's walking towards me. But. I can't
move. I can't even lift my head or any part of my body now. I cannot also control
the tears that keep on coming from my eyes. I don't even have the most single idea
when would my legs like to bring me up again. I wasjust there. .. like a living but
empty
Until. . . "Ack."
"Sleep first. I think you need it."
Unti-unti na akong napahiga sa lupa. Matalab ang ginawa niyang pagpalo sa batok ko
ng pwetan ng b* * *l. Mabilis na kumalat ang sakit pero gayon na rin ang utos ng
paghimbing sa katawan ko.
Sei il mio diamante.
I'm wrong, mom. She's no diamond.
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of usions. After the death of her fam' ...

Chapter 49: Lead

RIEDA'S POV
"Buona notte, il mio diamante," I whispered as I carefully fix all the wrinkles on
Derek's blanket. He is sleeping so soundly yet can see how disturbed he is even on
his dreams. I felt another attack of guilt. I never expected that could be the
cause of his awful nightmares.
llang sandali lang at hindi ko na rin kinaya ang makita ang kunot sa noo niya, ang
magkasalubong niyang mga kilay, at pagsaglit-saglit na pagtulo ng luha niya.
Turnayo na ako at pinatay ang ilaw sa kwarto bago ko tuluyang lisanin ito.
Sa paglabas ko ay nanatili lang ako roon. Nakaharap sa pinto at parang estatwang
nakahawak sa seradura. Hindi ko pa rin maialis sa isip ko ang bawat salitang
binitawan ni Derek kanina nang malaman niyang ako si Ishtar. 'Yung ekspresyon niya
na punong-puno ng galit habang inaalala ang bawat kasinungalingan na sinabi ko sa
pagmumukha niya. 'Yung unang beses na pinagtangkaan niya na sasaktan niya ko garnit
ang patalim na parehas niyang ginamit sa mga taong tinuring niyang kaaway.
"N-Niloko mo 1<0. H-Hindi ikawsi Jenny. "
"And why do I have to believe you?!"
"Get away from me. I don't like to seeyou. I might killyou anytime ifyou dare step
forward. " "Don 'tyou everspeak my name again, traitor. You're no different from
the ones who betrayed me like no tomorrow,"
I can't help but to close my eyes as the pain starts to linger again to every part
of me. I've never been this regretful of lying in my entire life. I think even
stopping him from saying his confession to me is just worthless. It seems like I'm
already swayed no matter how hard I look at myself.
"He won't forgive even you stand there all night, Rieda," a sassy and calm voice
told me while her heels make an echoing click-clack sound as she walks towards me.
I swear she's finally relieved to wear her beloved high heels and make-up again.
Inialis ko na ang mga kamay ko sa seradura. "Alam ko. Hindi naman na ako umaasang
mapapatawad niya pa ako. My sins are greater than both of his parents' combined,"
ani ko at saka ako naglakad papunta sa kusina para kumuha ng maiinom. Nanunuyot pa
rin ang lalamunan ko simula pa kanina na ako mismo ang nagbunyag sa sarili kong
sikreto.
It's done. The maid's secret has been

"Why am I not surprised that you are here?" I asked when I found Estrelle having
her own share of alcohol already from an expensive drink that I stored in my
cabinet. I don't have to guess any longer. I think the three of us feel the same
thing and the only solution we can think of to silence the loud conscience in our
mind is drinking from these bottles.
Ikinuha naman na ni Monique kami ng mga basong mapag-iinuman. Pagkalapag ng mga
baso sa counter, sinalinan na kaagad ito ni Estrelle ng alak. "Kahit anong oras
ngayon, magbababa na ng utos ang head office. Masyado nang lumalala ang sitwasyon
sa pagitan ng Phoenix Organization at ng Blue Lance Crime
Syndicate," seryoso nitong pagpapaalala sa amin.
"The Luxwell brothers are still refusing to speak. We can't blame them. After all,
they are actually the closest relatives of the family that controls the syndicate.
If they want to rule, they should not let the operations get f****d up," Monique
elaborated before she sips from her glass.
That's right. Mark informed that they are yet to tell anything of use for us to end
this unnecessary war. Unbeknownst to Derek and the other two young masters, this
night has been a very horrifying night to every citizen of this country. A night
that will be remembered in history but it was also a night that shall be erased
from the memories of everyone.
My eyes shifted to the news on the television that my acquired agents are watching.
The syndicate is now on full concentration on victimizing those who only live here
in the National Capital Region. The mall we've visited was bombarded and was turned
into ashes. The preliminary estimation of the casualties is thousands including the
affected residential area around the mall. They are still a lot of missing people
and the series of murders on the streets on the other areas is far from ceasing.
Businesses are declaring temporary closure due to the increasing threat and panic.
Even the educational institutions are already deliberating whether they will still
continue to function or not to the following days.
It will not be too long until the president decides for a larger scale resolution.
I was about to sip from mine when my phone rang with Mark's name flashing on the
screen. I look up to my fellow agents. "I'll take this one first. Proceed without
me," I said and they eventually let me excuse myself with their discreet nod s.
Agad akong nagpunta sa kwarto ko. Sa pagbukas ko ng pinto ay awtomatikong gumana
ang mga ilaw at nagsilabasan ang mga
malalaking monitorna nakakubli sa pagiging tila pader ng silid
"Vanna, connect the call."
"Asyou wish, milady. "
Pasalampak akong urnupo sa swivel chair at sakto rin dito ang pagbungad sa akin ng
mukha ni Mark sa screen. "Bakit ka napatawag?" tamad kong salubongsa kanya. Hindi
namin inaasahan ang ganito kaagang pagbaba ng utos mula sa head office kaya ano ang
pakay niya sa pagtawag sa akin sa kalagitnaan ng gabi?
"The Alpha team was successful on ruining Blue Lance's transactions with other
crime families from Vietnam, Guam, and Thailand. However, it looks like they're
notjust their only root ofresources "
"That's quite obvious, isn't it? Of course, they should have—" Then a thought came
into my head all of a sudden. He's not telling me this expected information to give
my opinion or to even praise the team. He's trying to hint me with something.
With the Alphas cutting down any outsider interference, there 's only one way to
stand now equipped. Ofcourse, they must have a wealthy and influential back-up to
provide the resources and other equipment aside from their own.
Ito siguro marahil ang dahilan kung bakit nagawa pa nilang makabangon matapos ng
pagkakalugmok sa naging pag-atake ng Henosis. Hinanap ng ahensya ang bawat alagad
at bawat koneksyon na mayroon ang sindikato na maaaring tumulong sa kanila bago pa
man namin isinagawa ang misyon noon. Nang lumutang silang muli nitong mga araw,
binalikan ng ibang mga empleyado namin ang listahan kung may nananatili pa bang
aktibo at hindi napapatahimik ng organisasyon. Lahat ng naging resulta ay malinis.
Kaya ang unang konklusyon ay mayroon silang kasabwat mula sa ibang bansa pero tulad
nga ng binalita ni Mark, natapalan na namin ang problema na iyon.
Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito kung ganoon.
They found a new ally,
And if they're really concentrated now on condemning the National Capital Region as
they murder location, it could also mean that their benefactor is somewhere in this
region as well. They know getting resources from the outside will be jeopardized
sooner or later so they decided to take a particular area where it is efficient for
them and for the transferal of types of equipment.
"Do we already have a list of possible benefactors?" I asked.
"l will send it toyou now."
In a matter of seconds, a list opened on the third monitor from my right, revealing
twenty possible entities that could back up the operations of the syndicate. I
reviewed every corresponding document that has the entity's background information
until I stumble into a name that I didn't expect to be here.
Napalingon ako kay Mark. "Seryoso ka?"
"Ishtar, when it comes to our field, do you think I can afford not being serious?"
He looked at me the way he looked at me when he scolded me for being an emotional
little girl ten years ago. And I swear I felt a twinge of nostalgia and guilt once
again.
The case involved a girl on my age and was one of the kids I am with during the
times when I had to make a living through selling all sorts of things on the
sideways. The senior agents discovered the child was undoubtedly a member of a
minor branch of a large underground organization and sells illegal drugs and
firearms in secret. I insisted she's not. I even got into a fight to make them drop
the case because I think it's nonsense to sentence an innocent girl with adult
crime.
I let out a chuckle. "What did you tell me before? When I'm believing on someone
subjectively?"
He smiled bitterly. "No one really trusts anyone in this field. You can only have
yourself.
Believe one time and you'll be dead next time."
At tama siya roon. Ang batang babaeng
pinagtanggol 1<0. Ang batang nakasama kong matulog, kumain, at magbenta araw-gabi.
Ang batang inakala kong kilala ko ay ang siyang kauna-unahang kalaban na nakasaksak
sa akin. Simula noon, nangako ako na hindi na ako muling masasaktan ng kahit na
sinong kalaban nang dahil sa nagpauto ako sa kanila.
"You already know who it is, right? Siniksik mo lang ang pangalan nila rito kasama
ang iilan pa para subukan ako. Tingnan kung ako pa rin ang batang iyon na
naniniwala sa isang tao nang dahil sa sariling pagkakakilala ko. Tama ba?"
Tanging ilang pagtango niya ang siyang nakasagot sa akin.
Muli kong binalingan ngtingin ang pangalan ng nasa likod ng tagumpay ng mga
operasyon ng Blue Lance Crime Syndicate nitong mga nagdaan. Alam ko rin na sa pag-
umpisa ko na pag-aralan kung paano sila pababagsakin ay marami ring buhay ang
nakasalalay. Kung kaya't dapat akong mag-ingat. Lalo na at isang mabuting kaibigan
din angsigurado akong maaapektuhan ko ang buhay.
/ wish / can pay my debts, Greg Lenster Andriego.
"Vanna, dig everything about the Andriego Technologies Inc."
"Right away, Agent Ishtar."
MARK'S POV
"Naaawa ako kay Rieda," ani ni Joshua matapos ng pag-uusap namin ni Rieda ukol sa
pagkakasangkot ng kumpanya ng pamilya ni Glen sa mga ilegal na transakyon ng
sindikato.
Gusto kong kontrahin ang sinabi niya. Pero alam ko rin ang nararamdaman niya.
Dinala ko ang isang batang babaeng nagtitinda ng sampaguita rito nang dahil sa
nagustuhan ko ang personalidad niya at kung sino siya. Nakiusap ako na pag-aralin
at turuan siyang maging mahusay na agentmatapos kong marinig ang kwento ng buhay
niya.
Ngunit ngayon? Ano nga ba ang pinagkaiba ko sa mga nagpahirap sa kanya?
This agency is supposed to be her home yet I taught her not to trust anyone. I
always put her on the edge of a crossroad. I always make her choose between two
difficult things. Thus, what have been doing all these years was no different from
giving her regrets and pain like those people who ruined her life.
Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. "Higit kaninuman, si Rieda ang taong may
pinakamalaking pagtutol sa paninira ng buhay ng ibang tao. Kaya lang, hindi naman
niya kasalanan na mga Andriego ang umampon kay Glen. Hindi niya kasalanan na mga
kriminal ang umampon sa ngayo'y mabuting kaibigan niya."
"Alam mo ang sasabihin niya kung narinig niya 'yan, hindi ba?" tanong ng kasamahan
ko nang mailapag niya ang kape sa lamesa 1<0. Kalaunan ay kinuha niya na rin ang
upuang nasa tabi ko.
I nodded as if I am surrendering.
"Hindi rin naman kasalanan ng tao kung saan siya isinilang o lumaki."
Sabay na lang kaming napangisi nang banggitin naming sabay ang malamang na
pangontra ng babaeng iyon sa oras na marinig niya ang mga nauna kong sinabi.
Aaminin ko, sa lahat ng mga agent na nahawakan ko na nakapagsagawa na ng mga
pinakamarurumi at pinakaagaw buhay na mga misyon, si Rieda Fernandez ang
pinakamaprinsipyo. Ang tawag pa nga sa kanya ng naunang Master Phoenix, pusong
babae.
We never knew if it is a compliment or not. But what I'm certain is that it is
Ishtar's very charm. It's an asset not everyone has.
"However, I am wondering. Why didn't you tell her the other bad news?"
Napatigil ako sa pag-abot sa aking kape. Sa halip, napasandal na lang ako sa
kinauupuan ko at hinila ang isa sa mga drawersa ilalim ng lamesa ko upang kunin ang
lalagyanan ng gamot ko. Gamot ko para malabanan ang insomnia. Panigurado kasing
hindi na naman ako makakatulog nang dahil sa pag-aalala.
The opponent is making the whole set up so Ishtarly.
"You're worried, aren't you? You're worried that everything is being like an
overall test for our little angel, right?" Joshua added.
"How can I possibly tell her that when she already looks devastated when she found
out that Andriego Technologies Inc. has been providing for the same people who
killed her colleagues and her family?"
I don't want to give her so much burden for now. As long as I can still handle
things, I'll do my utmost best to help her somehow. I know she's going through so
much already just by blowing her secret herself in front of Derek. I'm not an idiot
to not notice how much that boy means to my little girl.
Kumuha ako ng ilang tableta at saka ininom ito. Inabot ko naman ang bote ng tubig
na mayroon ako kaysa ang kape na itinimpla ng tiyuhin ng mismong lalaking tinutukoy
ko para sa akin.
Sa pagkakataong ito, si Joshua naman ang napabuntong hininga. "Kung ganoon, paano
mo balak ipaliwanag sa kanya na patay na ang ama ni Derek? Bakit? Natatakot ka ba
na baka unahin niya ang pamangkin ko kaysa sa trabaho niya?"
"l don't have any doubts on Rieda," m abilis
kong tugon sa kanya.
I've known her ever since she was six years old. I've seen her grow from a young
girl to a splendid woman. If there would be someone who knows her very well aside
from herself then it would be me. I don't need to question her decisions. She has
never disappointed me. She would never.
Akmang magsisimula na kami ng panibagong paksa nang humahangos na dumating si Zen
dito sa opisina ng Intelligence Department. "Anong meron?" bungad kaagad naming
tanong sa kanya na siyang nakahawak sa parehas niyang mga tuhod.
"M-May n-nakuha ka-kaming balita mula sa B-Bravo team."
Naalarma ako nang marinig ito. Ipinadala ko kahapon ang grupo nila para pumalit sa
naunang grupo para manmanan ang tinitiktikan naming isa sa mga kuta ng Blue Lance.
"Report," atas ko.
Matapos ang ilang pagbawi ng hininga na sa tingin ko ay dulot ng pagtakbo mula pa
sa ibang tanggapan ay maayos na itong tumayo at saka nagsimulang magsalita.
"A group of men was deployed at exactly five minutes ago. They found Ishtar's lair.
They are under the orders of attacking the house, kill the agents, and get the
young masters."
Sabay kaming napatayo ni Joshua sa mga narinig namin. Paanong—
Could it be possible that the Andriegos have puta tracker on Glen too?
I can't help but to close my eyes due to the unstoppable series of events. Those
people won't really stop until they exterminate the last Henosis mission survivor.
I can 't believe they will go this far just for the execution of their vengeance.
"Zen, submit prior notice to Vanna and the other guardians as soon as possible," I
ordered. Then, I opened my eyes to refer to the other man I am with here now. "Mr.
Asuncion, prepare the sharpshooters."
"Yes, master," they answered and then both of them move out of the office
immediately to carry my commands in case something goes wrong again. In case
something unexpected occurs again.
They won 't be able to touch her. Never.

Chapter 50: Rush

RIEDA'S POV
"Looks like Blue Lance men don't have too much time on their hands. They're not
wasting time, eh?" I commented the moment Vanna received a notice from the Phoenix
Organization headquarters. It was sent directly from Zen, a close associate and
exclusive assistant to Master Phoenix. That is why I can feel the weigh of this
message very well.
They didn 't expect it to be so soon.
Mas nagkaroon ng paliwanag ang lahat ng bagay. Kilala ang mga Andriego sa ginawa
nilang pagpapaunlad sa teknolohiya ng bansa. Hindi na kagulat-gulat kung mayroon na
rin silang personal o hindi kaya may impluwensya sa isang entitidad na may
kapangyarihan sa isang communication satellite.
Hindi man nila nakuha ang flash drive ni papa para masira ang Trinity, pilit pa rin
silang nagbubungkal ng paraan para isabotahe ang mga plano namin. At ngayong hawak
na nila ang coordinates, kahit anong oras ay maaabutan na nila kami rito.
Bago ko pa maituloy ang pag-iintindi sa sitwasyon ay malakas na tunog mula sa
pagkabasag ng baso ni Estrelle ang sumingit. "Hinding-hindi nila makukuha si Glen
at hinding-hindi rin natin siya isusuko porket siya ang tracker," mariing sabi nito
habang hindi iniinda ang sugat sa kanyang kamay dulot ng pagdurog niya sa basong
kanyang iniinuman kanina.
Napabuntong hininga naman si Monique habang kalmadong nakaupo sa stoolat
pinagmamasdan ang chess boardna kanina lang niya sinimulang laruin kasama ni
Wendell, isa sa mga unang linya ng mga sharpshooter. "Pero hindi naman natin
pwedeng isaalang-alang ang buong misyon para lang sa isangtao, Fiery. Hindi lang si
Glen ang nandito sa bahay na ito. Pati ang mga kliyente namin, nandito," seryosong
balik nito na siyang halos ikatayo ni Estrelle.
"Nothing will work out if you'll only think of yourselves," Yna interrupted. She's
called the Strike in the agency. A former hired assassin from the underground but
now she's one of our best cleaner of the mess the shattered glasses did on the
floor.
Napatikom naman ang bibig nilang dalawa.
Lahat naman kami rito naaalarma. Lahat kami may gustong protektahan.
Mahirap ang magtiwala lang sa ipapadalang reinforcements ng ahensya. Hindi
rin naman kami maaring gumawa ng malaking hakbang nang basta-basta. Turnatakbo na
ang oras pero hindi rin namin pwedeng isaalang-alang na magkaroon ng pagkakamali
habang nasa puder namin ang tatlong kliyente.
"Mundy."
"Yes, Ishtar? You called?" a teenage boy with a messy brown hair answered while his
gaze is still at his cellphone and his fingers busy from tapping stuff from a game.
Ohgod. Mark is already a handful for a computer and game freak. I don 't need
another one.
I lifted my wrist to set up a command on my guardian. While I'm wrapping the last
of it, the rest of the agents are trying to get Edmund's attention for they are
aware how far I can go when someone is not giving the amount of attention I need.
Well, I guess he didn't hear about his mentor, Mark's laptop blowing up after I
shot it, huh?
Tapping the last confirmation of command, his mobile's screen turned black. Not
only the memory of the game was not saved but also every game installation from his
gadget has been permanently erased by Vanna.
"My game!" he exclaimed, fin ally standing after lying the whole day on the sofa.
Napatingin siya sa akin at halos pagtawanan siya ng ibang katrabaho niya nang
dahil sa pagkaisip-bata niya. Kita ang inis niya ngunit nang kindatan ko siya ay
tila asong nabahag ang buntot na binitawan na niya ang telepono at lumapit sa
pagpupulong na isinasagawa. "Tinawag niyo po ako?" nakasiman got niyang pagsagot
muli.
"Since you served before as an unofficial apprentice to a member of the doctors
without borders, I believe you can remove the injected tracker on Mr. Andriego?"
He nodded lazily. "That's a piece of cake."
"Then you have a job to do now aside from playing a game all day. Ifyou do it well,
I might reward you of something better than that of your gadget," I told him and
his face suddenly lightens up just by hearing the word 'reward'. You can really say
he's still a boy rather than how the employees call him 'the second Mark'.
He still has a long way to go.
Pinagmasdan ko siyang magmadali sa pag-akyat sa kwarto ni Glen. Hindi rin nagtagal
ay surnunod si Estrelle para tingnan ang alaga at kung paano gagawin ni Edmund
angtrabahong pinapagawa ko sa kanya. Samantala, ipinagpatuloy namin ang pagpaplano
ukol sa nalalapit na pag-atake ng sindikato rito.
"So, what do you plan now, Ishtar? We can't stare at one another for any longer.
The enemies are coming closer according to my guardian," Yna asked impatiently,
even stomping her feet as she rests her back on the wall.
Sakto namang burnalik na si Yssa, kambal ni Yna mula sa paggawa ng plano base sa
konstrukyon ng bahay na ito. Inilapag niya ang mga iginuhit niyang larawan ng bawat
anggulo ng bahay at itinuro sa amin ang bawat daan na maari naming magamit kung
pasukin kami o kung mapagdesisyunan naming turnakas bago pa dumating ang mga
kalaban.
"Affirmative, guys. The organization has deployed the sharpshooters and Delta unit
to back us up. I think we'll be able to hold them off for tonight," Wendell
informed while continuously communicating from each of the branches of the Phoenix
Organization through connecting his computer to Joshua's line.
Most of us were able to feel relieved by hearing it. Looks like the only problem
left is how we'll keep the young masters away from danger while we're fighting the
assholes off. "Given by that, keeping the three in the annex could be the best
plan," I suggested, pointing at one particular area on the blueprint.
Monique then extended her index finger to point at some crucial lines. "l agree.
Even so, we still have to take close eyes in these areas. Other than that, we
should also designate a guard on
the annex's entrance. We can't risk them being found defenseless."
She 's right.
Looks like this is going to be a long night.
MARK'S POV
"I want to speak to Master Phoenix this instant!" I pleaded as ifmy life depends on
it.
Mavelle is out ofher mind. She didn 't listen to me. | failed. How could I save her
ifshe 's going to somewhere I can 't reach her? I'm not even that influential. /
can 't even use any of the agency's equipment and other properties for I only have
limited access as an Intelligence Associate. After all, I am yet to be the Master
Phoenix of the Phoenix Organization. I can 't save anyone with the amount ofpower |
have now.
At sa pang-ilang beses ay ipinagtabuyan ako ng mga tauhan ngsarili kong ama.
"I'm sorry, Mark. The master doesn 't want to see anyone right now," they said.
Napakuyom ang kamay ko. Sa bawat oras na lumilipas, mas nalalapit ang pagdating ni
kamatayan sa babaeng pinakamamahal 1<0. Hindi man siya nakinigsa akin at nagmatigas
na sumama pa rin sa Christian na iyon, hinding-hindi ko siya maaatim na katawan
naman niya ang makikita kong walang buhay sa hindi mabilang
na mga monitor dito sa headquarters. Hindi ko gustong siya naman ang papanoorin
kong mamatay habang walang laban na umaalpas sa mga kalaban. Kaya sa pagkakataon na
ito, gusto kong gurnawa kahit ng kakaunting paraan. Paraan para mailigtas siya.
Batid ko na nasaktan niyang lubos si papa nang dahil sa pagtalikod niya sa ahensya
pero hindi pa naman siguro huli para magmakaawa para sa buhay niya. Ang tanging
makakatulong langsa kanilang dalawa ay ang organisasyon na ito.
Kung kaya 't naghin tay ako.
Isa, dalawa, hanggangsa hindi ko na mabilang pa ang oras na naghintay ako sa labas
ng Head Office. Paulit-ulit lang ang mga salitang binibigkas koe Palakas nang
palakas hanggang sa kahit ako ay hindi ko na marinig ang sariling boses ko.
"Save Agent Urd," | begged, still refusing to give up.
I won 't stop until there is still more time. Mavelle De Villa is our best agent.
She won 't be caught too soon. She 'Il do her utmost abilities to keep herselfand
Christian alive. I know she can do that I've been watching her foryears. She's
formidable.
Sinubukan kong likumin ang natitirang lakas ko.
Hinding-hindi ako susuko.
Kung hindi lang din ako makapapasok sa matiwasay na paraan, pwes gagamit na ako ng
paraan na alam kong ako ang mas may adbantahe. Inflabas ko ang dalawang small-
volume injections mula sa bulsa ko na naglalaman ngisangparalytic d* *g. Sa mismong
oras na tumayo ako at muling lumapit ang dalawang bantay upang harangin ako,
ginamit ko ang pagkakataon upang isalubong sa kanila ang karayon ng mga injection.
Unti-unti ay nakita ko ang epektibong pagpapamanhid nggamot sa bawat parte ng
kanilang katawan. Dahil dito, hindi na ako nagsayang pa ng oras at pumasok na ako
sa silid kung saan matatagpuan ang aking ama. Ang ama ko na may kakayahang
palabasin ang mga mahuhusay naming tauhan para iligtas ang ahente na siyang kahit
kailan ay hindi bumigo sa bawat misyon.
Ngunit kung minsan talaga sa isang punto ng ating buhay, may mga hindi inaasahan
kang masasaksihan. Mga bagay na sana hindi na lang nakita ng iyong dalawang mata.
Pinagsisihan ko ang pagtapak pa papasok.
May mabigat na dibdib ay nagawa ko pa ring makakuha ng lakas ng loob upang
magtanong ukol sa eksenang nadatnan 1<0. "Ano pong ginagawa niyo?"

9/17
Makes sense why the Master's Chambers's door was guarded by his own personal guards
Of course, he 's also doing personal things.
The two adults immediately halted from doing disgusting things to one another and
hurried to track their clothes from every corner of the room. I could almost p* *e
by the sight ofan old fat man and a cheap w* * *e having sexin the same place as
where the organization do its noble purposes and meet its honorable clients. How
can a head of this proud entity become a source ofshame all ofa sudden? How dare he
lay his filthiness in here?!
"My son... I can explain," my father said, struggling to bring his stocks' zippers
up,
I can 't help but to scoff "I'm not blind, father. Don 't make a fool out ofme."
Pinanood ko kung paano sila nag-aligagang magsuot ng kanj-kanilang mga damit. Hindi
ko inalisan ng pandidiri ang tingin ko sa kalaguyo ng magaling kong ama Kilala ko
ang bawat taong parte ng ahensya. Hindi ko natatandaan na mayroon kamingsinanayna
babaeng hindi man lang marunong gumalang sa mga batas at regulasyon rito.
"Alam mo ba na habang nagpapakasaya ka rito 'e may mga taong nasa bingit ng
kamatayan? Alam mo ba na nauubos na ang mga miyembro ng Henosis?!" Hindi ko na
naiwasan pang magtaas ng boses. Lubos na ring nanginginig ang mga kamao ko at
dumadaloy na sa akin ang matinding galit at pagkadismaya.
Hindi ba 'tsjya ang nagturo sa akin na maging mahusay na pinuno? Na hindi dapat
pabayaan ng tumatayong ama ang mga anak na naghahanap ng proteksyon niya? Kung
ganoon, ano itongginagawa niya?
Ambang papalabas na ang babae nang matapos siyang magbihis ng harangin ko siya ng
kamay ko. "Hindi pa ako tapos. Walang lalabasng kwartong ito hangga 't hindi pa ako
tapos," may diin ang mga salitang turan ko rito na siyang ikinahina ng mga tuhod ng
babae.
"Oh please, Mark. Wala na tayong magagawa para kay Mavelle. She chose herpath. She
chose to leave all ofthese. We have to do the same in order to prevent further
damage to us." Pakiramdam ko 'y nabingi ako sa mga binitiwang kataga ni Master
Phoenix. Tama ba ang pagkakarinig at pagkakaintindi 1<0? Wala siyang balak tulungan
ang taong kinupkop at pinalaki niya na para na rin niyang tunay na anak? Plano
niyang talikuran ang taong mismong naging isa na sa mga pundasyon ng tagumpay ng
ahensyang ito ?
Anong klase kang ama ng mga ahenteng
Despite how loathful I am feeling right
now, I decided to swallow a bit of my pride and tried to plead once again.
"Nakikiusap ako sa'yo, papa. Iligtas niyo siya. Gagawin ko ang lahat 'wag niyo lang
siyang talikuran. Kahit huwag niyo na siyang ibalik dito. Ang mahalaga para sa akin
ay ang makita siyang buhay."
"Anak, kaya ko nga ginagawa ito para maprotektahan ang isa pa nating natitirang
Henosis agent Kailangan nating isakripisyo ang isa para mailigtas ang iba Nakukuha
mo ba ako?" at napabuntong hininga ito pagsalampak na pagkasalampak nito sa kanyang
upuan,
Hindi ko main tindihan. Bakit kailangan namin isakripisyo ang isa para sa iba kung
may kakayahan naman kaming iligtas silang lahat?
Naglabas ng isang piraso ng tobacco si papa mula sa drawer niya at sinindihan ito.
Nang mapansin niyang tila wala akong kibo ay naibuga niya na lang ang usok nito.
"Nagkaroon kami ng kasunduan ng Blue Lance. Titigilan na nila tayosa oras na isuko
natin si Urd The cost ofthis waris already too much for us to take, Mark The
countries are in financial crisis as well. We only trust our benefactors and
clients, We can 't afford to lose more resources and the other agentsjust so we can
save one person who already decided to leave ourside."
He what?! He negotiated with those people?!
How could he even assure that they will do as what was settled? They have never
kept their words. They even betrayed their own comrades before. How could he trust
them? How could he weigh other people 's lives? Once a traitor, always a traitor.
Then it hit me.
A terrible thought.
But it didn 't stop me from wondering its plausibility.
"It's notjust about Urd, right? You turned ourHenosis agents to them. You didn't
reallygive your best to help them. You bargained with those devils for the sake
ofmaintajningyour damn wealth?" I asked, finally learning that the reason why
those employees died was probably because one person didn 't even give a command to
do so in the first place.
I saw how he became like a stone after hearing my accusation. And it was already
enough for me to presume that I got it right. There, / realized a lot of things.
The man who is sitting in front ofme is no longer the father I used to know. He's
no longer the man I wanted to be.
The one I looked up to until this moment.
Most importantly, he is no longer fitted to become the head of this once proud
organization. 1 wonder if those agents could've been still alive ifonly he 's in
rightful thinking. | never expected him to convert the number of people's lives to
the number of figures he could have.
Nang muli kong balak ilapit ang suhestiyon kong iligtas si Mavelle, hind/' ko
inasahan na mas malala pa sa inaakala ko ang mapagtatanto 1<0, Sapagkat ang
lalaking nasa harapan ko ngayon ay hind/' na ang ama koe Ang kaharap ko ay ang
katauhan ng kahibangan na siyang lumamon sa ama 1<0.
"Put the down," | uttered, teeth gritted,
"The Phoenix Organization is doomed, little Mark. Yourproud Master Phoenix has
already been consumed by madness and paranoia. Your belovedAgent Urd will do and so
the remaining young prodigy ofyours. "
Napatingin ako sa babaeng kanina lamang ay takot sa aking presensya 't pagharang.
Mula sa pagkakaupo sa sahig ay may matagumpay na ngiti ang nakapinta sa kanyang
bibig na animo 'y hawak na niya ang tropeyong inaasam ng kung sinumang demonyo ang
nagpadala sa kanya rito para lasunin ang isip ng pinuno ng ahensya, Women. They are
quite a terrifying species
"So this isyour doing?"
The woman sneered to me as ifI'm just a little bug she can crash anytime now, now
that he

14/17
successfully made my father lost his mind. She's wrong though. Not all little is
incapable of harm. Sometimes, they give the harshest ones.
No one will kill my very own Ishtar.
My trembling hand then gave up squeezing itself. I should no longer hope for the
Phoenix to come back when it had already fled. It the midst of the crisis where
mygrandfathers ' work might fall into pieces, where hundreds ofemployees could go
back to being slaves ofsociety once again, where | could entirely lose the war for
fighting our purpose, and where I could lose my woman I love, there's only one
solution that/ could think of
Be the next Phoenix who'll rule.
With that decision, / laid my palm out, giving my guardian the signal to give me
something to declare the beginning ofmy reign. He gave me an ordinary revolver with
seven shots. Before I could even give the damn tricker a chance to open her mouth,
I already lifted theg*n and pulled the trigger four times.
One for her f* *** *g cant. One for her each tit, And one for her forehead,
Lumagapak sa sahig ang katawan niya nang nakabukas ang mga mata Hindi niya siguro
inaakala na ang minamaliit niya ay kaya siyang patayin sa isang iglap. Pero sa
pagtapos ko sa buhay niya, hindi ko pa rin pala natapos ang
kabaliwan ni papa. Ang nakakatawa pa ay kinailangan ko pang maramdaman ang pagbaon
ng isang bala sa tagiliran ko upang maintindihan ang isang bagay.
Kung gusto kong wakasan ang paghihirap ni papa sa kung anong lumalason sa isip niya
at kung tunay nan gang wala na siyang pag-asa, kailangan ko na siyang palayain mula
rito garnit ang sarili kong kapangyarihan.
"Master, the subject on target was identified as Master Phoenix, the head ofthe
Phoenix Organization. He is also known as Mark Ceasar Fernandez Killing him might
resultin the decommissioning ofyour devices and license, and the properpunishment
from the executives ofthe board. "
Strange.
Hindi na nanginginig ang kamay ko kahit na ba nakatutok ang mismong b ** *l ko sa
taong nagpalaki sa akin. Gayunpaman, bali-baliktarin pa man natin ang mundo, isang
taksil ang aking ama. Tinalikuran niya na ang kanyang tungkulin at siya pang nasa
likod ng maraming pagkamatay ng mga inosenteng nilalang, Binali niya ang desisyon
ng nakararami at ang batas ng mga nauna sa kanya.
Batid ko na sa oras na pinutok ko lito ay mawawalan ako ng ama at si Rieda...
mawawalan siya ng tiyuhin. Gayon na rin ang
lahat ng mga nagtatrabaho rito.
But does it even matter if the world still revolves? No.
All I have to do is to become Master Phoenix. So without further ado, | shot Ceasar
Fernandez three times on his heart. With him collapsing, the seconds forward were
then marked as mine. I then spoke to myguardian, Ephro.
"No such thing will happen. For l, Mark Ceasar Fernandez Il is now the Phoenix."
Napabalikwas ako mula sa pagkakahiga. Nito ko lang naramdaman ang nag-uunahang
malalamig na pawis at malalakas na paghingal. Naririnig ko rin ang mabilis na
pagtibok ng puso ko at ang iba ang sakit dulot ng pamumugto ng ulo ko. Lagi na lang
ganito. Lagi na lang sa tuwing napapanaginipan ko ang araw na iyon.
Nang mahimasmasan ako ay natagpuan ko na lang ang sarili kong nandirito pa rin sa
opisina ko na ako lamang ang nilalaman. Kinutuban na kaagad ako kung bakit ako na
lamang ang naririto at kung bakit hindi man nila ako inabalang gisingin.
Awtomatikong binuksan ng kamay ko ang pinakababang drawerng lamesa ko.
Dito ay natagpuan ko ang isang picture frame na naghahawak ng litrato ng natitira
kong pamilya. Natitira kong purong kadugo na siyang pinakakinaiingatan ko ngayon.
Siya na marahil
siguro ang nag-iisang dahilan ko kung bakit pa rin ako nabubuhay sa mundong ito sa
kabila ng lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. Minahal niya ako sa dalawang katauhang dinadala
ko. Ang isa pa nga ay lubusan niyang tinanggap na tila ba ama, kapatid, at kaibigan
niya kahit hindi niya nakikita angtunay na mukha nito.
Kaya hindi ako makapapayag na kunin ka nila sa akin, Rieda.
"Huwag kang mag-alala. Hindi kita pababayaan, pinsan."

Chapter 51: Gamble

RIEDA'S POV
"Ishtar, the whole parameter is clear. Mundy is already reporting to the
Intelligence while Morris and the twins are taking rounds to make sure," Monique
told me after assuring that all security measures around the place have been put up
again in full maximization.
The guardians won't be as helpful as before in terms of communication since it will
only tip the cup once located by the satellite being used by the Andriegos.
Therefore, we have to reduce any contact outside the area or else we have to face
the same scenario again.
Maswerte kami na walang nasaktan na kahit sino sa amin at nakarating naman nang
maayos ang tulong ng ahensya tulad ng pinangako nila. Gayunpaman, mukhang hindi
naman talaga ang buhay ng kahit na sino sa amin ang pinunta ng mga tauhan ng Blue
Lance. Batid nila na may mahigit sa limang dalubhasang ahente ang naririto ngunit
nagpadala lang sila ng tatlumpu. Isa pa, imposibleng hindi nila naisip na
magpapadala ang ahensya ng mga tutulong.
They didn't come to take our lives today but to give a warning that they will soon.
Bastards. As ifI'll let them.
Matapos kong ayusin ang ilang automatic featuressa settings ni Vanna ay nilingon ko
si Isis na siyang natagpuan kong prenteng nakatingin sa kanyang relo. "May problema
ba?" tanong ko.
"Ah, wala," aniya kasabay nang mabilis na pagbagsak ng kanyang kamay.
Hindi ko maiwasan ang pagbuntong hininga. "It's the young master, Daniel Louis
Suarez's birthday today, isn't it?" and then, I shifted my attention on checking
the inventory of ammunitions and other weapons stored on every corner of the house
through the holographical charts projected by my watch.
"At paano mo naman nalaman?"
"Nakalimutan mo na yata na nasa Special Duties Departmentako. I have the privilege
of having access to any related cases to mine," I answered bluntly, still analyzing
whether our supplies will be sufficient until the order from the Head Office has
been given.
"Hindi yata ako nasabihan na pati ang birth dates ng mga kliyente 'e kinakabisado
mo, Agent Ishtar?" namumuo ang inis na pagtatanong niyang muli sa akin.
Kung anong ikinakalma ni fiery, siya namang madalas na ikainit ng ulo ni Monique
Alcantara. Kaya nga't napapailing ko na lang siyang binalingan ngtingin bago ako
muling bumalik sa ginagawa ko. "Huwag mo nang subukan na lapitan sila. Alam mong
hindi nila maiintindihan ang sitwasyon natin."
She didn't reply afterward, yet I can still sense her presence at the same place
where I can remember her standing. She didn't make any single move even until I'm
done with my reading. For another time, I sighed when I found her gaze lost at the
abyss. Her hands are trembling and her eyes are wavering from trying to ease the
tears on the edges of her eye sockets.
"l thought you're better than me, Isis."
"l care for him, Rieda. It's difficult pretending as if I only care about the worth
of his life in dollars," she said, her voice lowering down.
Sino bang nagsabing magiging madali?
Dulot ng inaasahang pag-atake kagabi, minabuti namin silang gisingin para itago sa
annex. Nakikiopera sila sa lahat ng mga sinasabi namin sa kanila para iligtas ang
mga buhay nila subalit para bang base sa nakikita namin sa mga mata nila ay tila
wala na silang ganang kumilos. Animo'y mga laman na walang buhay. Hindi ko rin
inaakala na mas mahirap pa pala kung wala siyang binabanggit na kahit ano. Ni hindi
ko man lang malaman kung gaano niya ako kinamumuhian at kung ano pa ang reaksyon
niya sa ibang bagay na minanipula ko noon nang wala siyang kaalaman.
Nahahatak na naman akong muli sa pag-iisip ng mga bagay-bagay ukol sa kanya nang
mapansin kong papunta na rito sa sala ang tatlo kasama ni Edmund. "Ayusin mo
angsarili mo. Nandito na sila. Hindi kaaya-ayangtingnan kung maaabutan ka nilang
apektado ng kung ano."
Pati na rin ako ay nag-ayos at umupo na sa lamesa para hintayin ang iba na
makapunta na rin sa kani-kanilang mga upuan. Sa pagpasok, hindi ko inaasahan na
magkakatagpo angtingin namin ni Derek. At sana hindi na rin ako umasa na hindi siya
iiwas,
Somehow, I felt a sting but I didn't leave my expression unguarded.
"Aish. Amoy traydor," parinig ni Niel pagkaupong-pagkaupo sa pwesto niya.
Napangisi naman ako sa ginawa nito. Lalo na nang makita kong sikretong napairap si
Monique bago tuluyang magtungo sa upuang malapit sa akin. "What do you say, Isis?
Amoy traydor daw?"
"It's not like you're any different from her," mabilis na arangkada ni Derek habang
nilalaro-laro ang sariling kinauupuan at pasipol-sipol pa.
You're right. "You're no different from your stupid fraternity brothers as well,
don 't you think?" balik ko sa paniningit niya sa usapang hindi ko naman hinihingi
ang opinyon niya.
Kahit papaano, nakaramdam ako ng ginhawa sa kaloob-looban ko. Hindi dahil sa
naibalik ko ang insulto sa kanya kundi dahil sa nakakaya ko nang gawin ang mga
bagay na hindi ko magawa sa katauhan ni Jenny. Pwede na akong umakto kung paano ko
gusto, hindi ko na kailangang magpaalila sa kahit anong utos, at higit sa lahat,
masasabi ko na rin kung ano ang gusto ko.
Sa isang banda, may kung anong sinisigaw na tanong ang utak ko.
Talaga nga bang masasabi mo na ang lahat nggusto mo?
I tried to push the question aside. Now that we have encountered quite a threat,
there's no place to think of anything else. When everyone was set on their seats,
it is the time for me to speak of our next plan. The one I've been thinking of the
whole time thoroughly. The one that will settle even the national security chaos
and the arrangements of three great families to the Phoenix Organization.
"Sa ngayon, nakakasiguro ako na hindi muna tayo ulit aatakihin ng Blue Lance. So,
you don't have to worry much," pauna ko.
"Then are we just going to wait until they attack again?" Glen asked as soon as my
first statement ends. Seriously. The three of them doesn 't really know when to
keep silent and when to speak.
I was about to give him an answer when Fiery fills in. "The opponent might be
cruel, treacherous, and plain stupid but they won't do anything without a specific
purpose. Last night's an obvious threat. They're trying to rush us."
"When Agent Fiery blows real fire," I heard Wendell Morris whispered beside Edmund
who continuously monitoring the surrounding of the house by using his newly-
invented drones. Despite the work, I still saw him secretly spitting nonsense along
with Wendell who in all angles, amused by this conversation.
Napatigil lang sila nang panlakihan ko sila ng mga mata.
"Rush us for what?"
"To make a decision whether to surrender with a sacrifice or to go on an all-out
war against them. That's what they are trying to rush us for. Did that satisfy
you, young masters?" Isis replied in instant.
N ang masigurado kong nasa pagpupulong na ang atensyon ng dalawa lang naming lalaki
sa operasyon na ito ay ibinalik ko na ang tingin ko sa lahat. Ambang ibubuka ko na
ang bibig ko para sa susunod kong ipapaliwanag nang maunahan na naman nang
pagkamatanong ang alaga 1<0. Gayunpaman, hinayaan ko na lamang ito. Lalo na at alam
kong malaki rin ang kinalaman nila sa mga nangyayari rito. Tinangay namin sila rito
nang wala silang malay. Tama lang na magtanong sila at sagutin namin ang mga ito.
"If the organization you are working for is really that great as they say, why are
they taking too much time to contemplate? They have you, right? The mighty Ishtar?
The one who eliminates all evil?"
Diretsa ang pagkakatitig niya sa akin nang banggitin niya sa mukha ko ang mga
katanungang ito. Hindi naman ako tanga para hindi maintindihan ang mensaheng
nakapaloob dito. Kaso, si Ishtarang tinatanong mo, Derek. Hindi si Jenny.
"It's because they have me, the mighty Ishtar, that they are breaking down every
detail of the consequences of each choice. Even so, this operation is not about me
in general. Three huge corporations are already at risk due to constant threats to
national security. What more if they lose their future leaders?"
"Quite a speech, President Rieda
Fernandez." Glen clapped as if I just finished an important speech in a conference.
Hearing him uttering my name in front of Derek was probably the best moment he's
waiting for. I mean, what would be the feeling to reveal something your best
friends do not know?
I'm aware that he's not that kind of person
to turn his back from his friends. I admit it's not entirely his fault. However,
the only reason why he is in this pit is that he allowed his curiosity to go beyond
the line. Though I'm grateful for what he has done, agents like me would always
have to turn the tables in order not to involve civilians and to prevent them from
taking advantage of the part.
Isa pa, mas mabuti na sigurong ipagkaila ko siya. Walang mabuting maidudulot sa
aming dalawa kung malalaman ng ahensya na nakipagtulungan ako sa anak ng napag-
alamang tumutulongsa kalaban. Sa ganitong paraan, mapoprotektahan ko rin siya.
Ito ang pasasalamat ko sa lahat ng naiambag niya.
I already warned him. Throwing a tantrum now seems to be a little bit late. "Then
I guess you should understand what I'm saying, right? Now, can I continue?"
Everyone has finally kept their mouths shut. There are lasers beaming out from the
eyes of one another though.
"Sa oras na ibaba ang utos, aalis kaagad tayo rito. Tingin ko naman, hindi na
magtatagal bago mangyari iyon kaya gusto kong maghanda na kayo ng mga dadalhin niyo
at para sa magiging depensa natin."
Napataas ng kamay si Niel. "Ang akala ko ba 'e hindi na nila tayo aatakihin?"
Glen pulled his friend's hand down while the latter shook it off.
May matalas na tingin ang alaga ni
Monique nang dumampi ang kamay sa balat niya. Samantala, hindi maipagkakaila ang
pagsisisi sa mga mata ni Glen. Nanatili lang silang ganoon. Pinanlilisikan ang
isa't isa habang kami ay nakaantabay kung kailan nila idadakma ang kamay sa leeg ng
bawat isa. Balak ko na sanang senyasan ang kambal na paghiwalayin silang dalawa
nang ang mismong pinuno na ng samahan nila ang pumagitna.
"Mga bata ba kayo? Pwede niyo bang isantabi muna 'yan hangga't wala pang
kasiguraduhan kung makakabalik pa tayo nang buhay sa mga kanya-kanyang pamilya
natin?" pangaral niya sa mga ito at siya na mismo ang nakipagpalit ng pwesto kay
Niel upang mapigilan na ang kahit ano pang alitan na pwedeng mangyari sa pagitan
ngdalawa.
Umiral naman ang hindi ko pagkapasensyosa nang magpintig ang mga tenga ko nang
banggitin niya ang mga katagang 'walang kasiguraduhan '. "Pasensya na kung itatama
kita. Pero Mr. De Guzman, makakabalik kayo ng buhay ng mga kaibigan mo.
Sinisigurado ko 'yan. Kahit kailan, hindi pa ako pumalya sa kahit na anong misyon
1<0."
Dahil ba nakwekwestiyon ang husay ko sa trabahong ito?
Nah. It's mere honesty and integrity. | swore I'll save his a*s and I will.
May pangungutya naman ako nitong binalingan ng atensyon. "Talaga? Paano ako
maniniwala sa sinasabi mo kung kayo mismo ay hindi katiwa-tiwala, Ms. Fernandez?"
Kay tamis ng ngiti niya. Subalit alam kong hindi saya ang ibig sabihin nito kundi
pagdidiin sa mga kasalanan ko. "Wala akong ideya kung gaano kalaki ang ibabayad sa
iyo ni papa pero siguro imbes na salita, bakit hindi niyo na lang gawin ang trabaho
niyo?" dagdag pa niya na siyang ikinatayo ni Yna.
"Impertinent bastard! Do you even know how big of a deal you owe Rie—"
"Sister!" Ysa exclaimed, holding her elder twin to calm her down.
Tumayo si Derek mula sa kinauupuan niya at muli, tiningnan niya ako mata sa mata.
Ewan ko ba kung bakit ganito ngunit nakaramdam ako ng bigat sa dibdib ko nang
mapagtanto ko na ang mga matang tinititigan ko ngayon aywalang pinagkaiba sa mga
matang nakita ko noong unang araw ko sa mansyon ng mga De Guzman.
It hurts
"Yeah, I know I owe her a lot for saving my life many times. But, I believe
gratitude can only be given to people who did the deed without expecting something
in return. And Agent Ishtar, perhaps, had been offered a great sum of money before
she even became my savior."
He's not wrong about that though. "It's alright. I'm not in need of gratitude so
would all of you stop from interrupting this meeting?" Ako na ang turnapos sa
alitan. Napaupo na ang lahat at nagsitikom na rin ang bibig ng bawat tagapagmanang
nasa pangangalaga namin.
To end this quickly, I pulled Edmund's laptop and turn it in front of everybody,
showing three active red dots surrounding the area but not too close to this house.
"They only appeared seventeen minutes ago. Looks like they're waiting for any
movement from us and then they'll try to execute an ambush," our little guy
explains while pointing each blinking dot.
"Mukhang hindi lang nila tayo inatake para magbanta. Tiningnan din nila ang estima
ng bilang niyo na nagbabantay sa amin at kung hanggang saan ang tulong na kayang
ibigay ng ahensya niyo sa oras na kumilos sila," segunda ni Derek na puro ang
konsentrasyon sa impormasyon na ipinapahiwatig ng nasa laptop
screen.
Nagpalitan naman kami ngtingin ng mga kapwa ko agent. Alam kong kahit papaano,
nakuha na nila ang paalala ko noon na huwag mamaliitin ang anak ni Mr. Romuel De
Guzman.
Maaari ngang isa siyang sibilyan at hindi kasing bihasa namin sa larangan ng
pakikipaglaban at paggawa ng estratehiya pero hindi maipagkakaila na para sa isang
lider ang isip at dedikasyon niya.
I sighed as they've understood that very well. "Most likely, they've already
blocked every way possible for an entrance and exit. The only way to get the hell
out of here is to form groups and disperse," I said looking at every one of them.
I've done my work studying the geographical angle of this hide-out. This is the
only way.
At least, the safest one, For them. For him, "Kung marunong pa rin ako magbilang,
sasampu lang tayong nandito. Tapos gusto mong magkaroon pa ng mga grupo? Paano kung
sumablay tayo sa bawat daan? Pare-parehas lang tayong mahuhuli dahil hindi buo ang
pwersa."
Tumikhim si Wendell para naman ipahayag ang opinyon niya. "Sa tingin ko tama lang
ang suhestiyon ni Ishtar. Isa pa, hindi naman tayo aatake nang sabay-sabay, Mr.
Andriego. Sila ang dapat nating huwag hayaan mabuo ang pwersa kaya kailangan natin
magkanya-kanyang grupong hahawakan."
"If you're going tojoin me in a team with that s**t, then I'm out of this
discussion," Niel swore and then he immediately stood from his seat. He took one
last look to Isis and he stormed out of the room to go upstairs.
Kalaunan, dulot na rin marahil na hindi nila matiis ang sobrang tahimik at
kakatwang sitwasyon ay nagsitayuan na rin Sina Glen at Derek at nilisan ang kwarto.
Nakakasiguro naman kaming hindi sila lalabas ng pamamahay na ito lalo na't mahigpit
naming binabantayan ang mga signalng trackers nila. Walang kaso sa amin ang pag-
alis nila pero sana umalis sila kung kailan naipagtapat na namin sa kanila ang
bigat ng operasyon na ito.
I don't know what actions the organization is doing as we speak but whatever they
are, it is pissing the syndicate off a lot. Those dots only appeared several
minutes ago. It means an order has been executed from the Phoenix's side just a
while ago. Contacting Mark or anyone in the headquarters will be identified by the
enemies so I can't really call right now. All of the agents here promised not to do
so as well if it isn't necessary.
I'm curious but it might only complicate things. Furthermore, managing employees
and commands is not my business. Maybe I should just trust those who are in there
and focus myself on getting those boys out to safety.
"The second you suggested that I know that you're going to ride alone with Derek,
am I right?" Estrelle asked, finally standing up herself too. She has this
sympathetic face on me but I can almost chuckle with the arrogant confidence it
has as well.
Napangiti lang ako at hindi sinagot nang direkta ang tanong niya.
"May iisang daan para sa tatlong ruta para tuluyang makalabas sa lugar na ito.
'Yung tulay. Paniguradong may mga nakahanda na silang plano para pigilan tayong
makalagpas," Ysa said, alarmed while reaching for the pitcher and a glass from the
center of the table.
Naisarado naman ni Edmund ang laptop niya. "Hindi mo naman siguro binabalak na
pasabugin ang tulay, hindi ba, Miss Rieda?"
"What are you saying, Mundy? That's the main exit. Of course, I won't destroy it."
I almost stammer when I responded. But what's important is keeping the lie behind
it. It's not my intention to keep it from him yet I still wanted too. He's still a
child and I know how persistent he could get once he found out the activities that
I'm about to do if things go wrong during the escape.
Monique then approached him and offered him to take another round monitoring the
surrounding of the house. The moment the door was shut, Wendell smashed both his
hands on the table. In spite of it, I remained still. I know where it's coming
from.
"This place has always been the location where you'd lay your trap, hasn't it?
You're going with Derek because you know that they will prioritize catching the
both of you. But once we're on that bridge, you're going to send him to any of us
and stay there to keep those fuckers from following us and kill them including
yourself.
"l commend how you even enact it with your hands."
Ang akala ko mapapagaan ko ang bigat ng inis sa mukha niya sa pamamagitan ng
pagbibiro pero sa tingin ko ay mas nakapagpalala pa ito. Sumalampak siyang muli sa
upuan at tinakpan ang mukha gamit ang dalawang kamay niya. llang taon ko na siyang
kakilala at alam kong kapag namumula ang tenga niya nang sobra tulad ngayon, walang
duda, nagagalit siya sa isang bagay na hindi niya rin kayang kontrahin.
We have to do it our way. The headquarters is dealing with the bigger matters and
we have to do ours too. If we don't, we won't win and we might give everything that
the synd icate wan ts.
Naramdaman ko ang paglapat ng isang kamay sa balikat ko. "It will be really hard to
make everything on time. Sigurado ka ba talagang mag-isa mong gagawin iyon? Paano
kung madami sila?" nag-aalalang pag-aalok sa akin ni tagapagbantay ni Niel.
I almost scoff for why she is concerned.
"This is stupidity. Even for the apple of the eye of Master Phoenix," Ysa com
mented.
Not taking the lift of the other side of my lips, I stated, "I'm not the apple of
the eye, I am Agent Ishtar of the Special Duties Department and I will come back
alive." I maintained a sincere look towards Wendell, who I am aware very opposed to
what I want to happen. He could ruin it by simply going impulsive and send a signal
back to the headquarters.
And he shouldn 't.
The headquarters have already too much burden to mind. I suggested the plan to them
and I must realize it or else I won't be able to show my face proudly again. This
is the price of saving both his life and heart, I should remember that.
"And what if you don't?" Yna questioned, now with a soft whispering voice.
Inialis ko ang kamay ni Monique sa balikat ko at saka nilapitan ang kambal na
mismong tinulungan ko upang makaalis sa hindi marangal na buhay nila noon. "Sa
ilang taon na nakita niyo akong pinadala sa pinakanakamamatay na mga misyon, ngayon
lang kayo nangamba?" pabiro kong kwestiyon sa kanila.
Imbes na matawa at may [along lamang lumamlam ang kanilang mga mukha, kapwa
mahigpit ang kapit sa aking mga kamay. "Ginagawa mo 'to para sa lalaking iyon. Kung
gugustuhin natin, kaya nating ipabali ang napag-usapan mo at ng ama niya. Sa
ganoong
paraan, hindi mo na kailangan na protektahan sila at bagkus, nandoon ka kasama ng
mga iba pa para sugurin ang bawat kutang mayroon sila, mariing turan ng
nakatatandang kambal.
"Madaling sabihin para sa iyo pero mahirap gawin para sa amin na napalapit na sa
kanila. Mabubuti silang tao. Higit sa lahat, mga sibilyan sila. Responsibilidad
natin ang pangalagaan ang lipunan na 'to. At kapag namatay ang mga dapat na
magmamana ng tatlong malalaking korporasyon, ano sa tingin mo ang mangyayari?"
mabilis na pagkontra ng babaeng nagpanggap na tagapagluto at ipinatong din ang
pares ng mga kamay sa lamesa nang nakatitig mata sa mata sa kambal.
Estrelle also voiced her approval to my plan by supporting Monique's point.
"Hundreds of employees will lose their jobs. Our clients will then question the
system and the credibility of the Phoenix Organization. Most of all, do you really
think those bastards will stop if we give them what they want?"
"They're right," I agreed.
"Rieda!" Wendell opposed still.
"If I came back alive, would you do me three wishes?"
"If you don't, I'll tear that boy into pieces and give each of the employees you
spoke of."
Matapos ng hindi niya direktang pagpapaubaya sa akin ng mangyayari ay iniwan niya
na rin kami rito sa silid. Walang imikan. Walang ibang salita. Wala ring
pagtitinginan sa mata ng bawat isa. Isang surpresa na binalikan ako ng isang
Wendell Morris ng ganoong kasagutan. Marahil ay hindi pa siya kahit kailan
nakipagpustahan nang ako ang pinag-uusapan.
Kapag pinangako kong babalik ako, babalik ako.
Ngayon pa ba na may tatlong kahilingan pa ako na kailangang kunin sa kanya?
My comeback would be his greatest horror then. He should've asked what are my three
wishes first when he had the time before wrapping a deal with me. He should've
asked for the whole plan before doubting the chances of me going back in one piece.
I'm very much sure he won't like the three stars that will fall upon his head.

Chapter 52: Her Name

DEREK'S POV
"l can't believe they're still going to group me with that bitch no matter how I
oppose the idea," Niel grunted while packing some of his valuable things with us.
After the attack, the agents insisted on us sharing one room. A room of us that is
surrounded by theirrooms will make us safer, they say.
I still can't get the hold of this current set-up. After losing consciousness the
night at the mall's park, I wasjust brought here along with my two fratern ity
brothers learn ing that everything was not a dream and that one of these brothers
has been enjoying the knowledge about Ishtar all this time.
Quite great.
One snake changing skins and one more snake whispering behind my back.
"Just let them. That bitch is still your bodyguard as long as the deal with your
father is concerned," I told him.
At kahit na ba kung anong ahas pa silang lahat, hindi nun mababago ang katotohanan
na sila pa rin ang may kontrol sa operasyon na ito at trabaho nila na panatilihin
kaming ligtas mula sa
kahit anong panganib. Sinigurado niya mismo iyon kanina sa harap ng mga kasamahan
niya. Sinigurado niya na makakabalik kami ng ligtas sa mga pamilya namin. Hindi ko
na siya marahil mapagkakatiwalaan sa ibang bagay pero tulad ng mga narinig namin,
ito ang larangan kung saan siya pinakamagaling. Sa madaling salita, wala akong
ibang mapagpipilian kundi ang ipagkatiwala ang buhay ko sa kanya.
Tila hindi naman makapaniwalang tiningnan niya ako. "Naniniwala ka talaga sa kanila
na tutuparin nila ang nasa kontrata, Derek? For all we know, they could ditch us up
here soon or hand us to those dangerous men if it will do them any good."
"They could've ditched us where we were but they brought us here and protected us.
As long as the agreement is not completed, they won't also get their part of the
bargain," Glen stated, his attention on his bag.
Natatawang tumigil sa pag-eempake si Niel at saka minata ang likuran ng taong
inakala namin ay hindi magdadalawang-isip na sabihin sa amin ang lahat ng nalalaman
niya. "Ah, sinabi rin ba 'yan ni Ishtar sa iyo noong nagkikita kayo at tinutulungan
mo siya na pagmukhain kaming tanga, ha? Genius?"
I saw how the Genius boy's jaws tightened.
"How unfortunate for you. Hindi niya
nabanggit na mayroon din palang nakabantay sa'yo."
"Suarez, stop it already."
"And why, Superior? Nakalimutan mo na ba kung paano niya kinuha ang oportunidad na
makakilala ng isang agent? O mas matatandaan mo kung ipapaalala ko sa'yo na iyon
marahil ang dahilan kung bakit siya dumidikit sa katulong mo noon pa lang?"
Hindi nagbunga ng maganda ang pambubuyo niya at ang kasunod na lang na eksena sa
harapan ko ay dalawang bata, hawak-hawak ang kwelyo ng bawat isa habang
nagpapatayan sa tingin. Napabuntong hininga ako sa kung paano sila nagpapakaisip-
bata sa sitwasyon namin ngayon. Talaga bang may oras pa sila magganito habang
nagkakagulo na ang bawat sulok ng siyudad?
Naibato ko ang damit na kasalukuyan kong tinutupi para awating muli ang mga bata
nang bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa nito ang isa sa mga kambal na tumawagsa akin na
bastardo kanina. May kung anong nakapanglilisik na mga mata siyang itinapon sa
bawat isa sa amin na para bang kami ang pinakamumuhian niyang mga tao sa mundo.
The hot-headed one, I see.
"What are you little cunts doing?" she asked, resting her back to the wall.
May pagnanais man na magkasakitan na ay napilitan angdalawa na maghiwalay at
bumalik sa kani-kanilang mga ginagawa bago sila magkainitan. Napansin ko namang
napunta sa akin ang tingin ng babae kung kaya't iniwasan ko na lang ito at dinampot
ang naibato kong darnit.
llang sandali ay narinig muli sa silid ang tunog na nalilikha ng mga takong niya at
lumundo ang isang gilid ng kamang inookupa ko. "Anong kailangan mo sa amin?" tanong
ko kasabay nang pagkatapos ko sa pag-aayos ng mga dadalhin ko.
"Checking you guys out before we depart. I guess you might have cold feet."
"We know how to fight. We don't get cold feet," Niel sulked, throwing his finished
bags on to his bed and look at the twin with both of his hands on his waist.
"Please get out of this room if you'll only treat us like kids."
The woman bursts out into laughter. This time, all of us look on to her with our
brows creased and our face crumpled. Oh, I wish the one who've checked on us was
the calmer one of the twins. I know what we were about to face and this one's not
helping even a little.
"Nang inabutan ko kayo nag-aaway kayong dalawa nitong alaga ni Estrelle. Kids? Yes,
I think so. And just as I have expected, the three of you are not worthy of
Ishtar's protection. You'll only pull her down to a grave where she can be of no
use to anybody," she claimed, staring on each of us mockingly.
Wala sinuman sa amin ang nagsalita. Sa kaloob-looban 1<0, gusto kong ibalik ang
insulting binato niya. Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya na hindi ko naman ninais na
protektahan ako ng kahit na sino lalo na ng isang babae na kinailangan pa akong
lokohin para magawa iyon. Gusto kong itanong kung paano niya kami naaakusahang
hihilahin lang si Ishtar sa hukay kung siya ang tinuturing nilang pinakamagaling.
Papaanong hindi kami karapatdapat sa proteksyon nila?
Ang sarap isumbat na pera lang ng mga magulang namin ang nagpapagalaw sa kanila. Na
kaya lang naman nila kami kinukupkop clito dahil alam nilang may mapapala sila.
Nanginginig ang may kamay ko habang sinisigaw ko ang mga salita sa kasuluk-sulukan
ng isipan ko. Ngunit sa bandang huli, walang lumabas mula sa bibig ko.
Kalaunan aytumayo na rin ang kambal na sa hula ko ay si Yna. "Don't get me wrong,
young masters. I don't have any grudge against any of you. I know I vowed to
protect anyone when I joined the agency. Alam niyo kung ano ang pinakakinatatakutan
ko ngayon?" Tumigil siya sandali nang umabot na siya sa may pintuan.
"It is for one of us to die for nothing. Those
three girls vouched for all of you. Be sure to be worthy of it once everything is
over," she said before she finally steps to leave.
Again, we were ruled by silence and we were put into a room of thinking.
I guess I'm too busy condemning Jenny or Ishtar or Rieda Fernandez or whoever she
is that I never expected for anyone to have so much love, admiration, and respect
for her. I didn't expect that while we're here loathing her lies, some would loathe
us for not seeing their worth and purpose.
Gayunpaman, hindi naiaalis nun ang realidad na nagsinungaling siya sa akin. Niloko
niya ako, gum awa siya ng istorya, nagpanggap siya bilang ibang tao, at higit sa
lahat, binali niya ang pangako niya.
Ngayong nasa panganib kaming lahat, buhay ko lang ang maipagkakatiwala ko sa kanya.
Hindi na ang tiwala at lalong-lalo na ang puso 1<0.
Dahil ang mismong rason kung bakit ko siya naglaho kasabay nang pagsulpot ng
katotohanan,
"Two Beretta 92FS. May karga na iyan. Use it well." Inabot niya sa akin ang
dalawang handgun. May pag-aalinlangan ko itong kinuha mula sa mga kamay niya.
Nangdumampi na ang
malamig na metal nito sa mga palad ko ay parang nagsitaasan ang mga balahibo ko.
Is she asking me to kill alongside with her
"If you don't want to use it, then don't. I'm only giving it to you for your own
protection. The world has it that I can't be in different places at the same time,"
she answered my unspoken question and then she left me in one corner going to
somewhere I don't know.
All I am certain is that every person here in this house is preparing for their own
offense and defense. They're loading their guns, checking the number of ammunition
they have, counting the magazines left and observing every bit of the weapon they
hold as if they're calculating every action that will happen later and they're
killing those enemies already.
May mga naidala naman mula sa kwarto ko na mga gamit si Rieda para sa akin na alam
kong sapat na para pangalagaan ko ang sarili 1<0. Kaso, maibabalik ko pa ba 'to?
Paniguradong ipagpupumilit niyang makinig na lamang ako sa kanya at kapag tumutol
ako ay baka may alitan na namang mamuo. Kaya naman itinago ko na lang ito sa bagko
nang walang reklamo. Sakto pa nang maisip ko ito ay nahagip ng paningin ko ang
nanliliit na mga tingin ni Ysa, ang kambal na mas matapag at maamok ang pagkatao
para sa akin.
Habang hindi ko iniiwasan ang mga pagbabanta sa tingin niya ay hindi ko namalayang
nasa tabi ko na pala si Niel na hanggang ngayon ay nagmamaktol pa rin sa
napagdesisyunang sasakay siya sa kotse ni Monique. "Buti ka pa binigyan. Ako?" at
inilantad niya sa akin ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya.
"Nothing?"
"Nothing. Monica and Lyra told Glen and I that we'll be doing something else and
that's why we're taking the van instead of a sports car." And what could that be?
Is it about the plan that we missed to hear com pletely yesterd ay?
Tinapik naman ako ni Niel sa braso. "Hindi ko aakalain na 'yung tinanong ko sa'yo
noon 'e magkakatotoo. Si Jenny nga si Ishtar." His look straightened. Probably
trying to be as sensible as he could be to the matter.
"I'm fine. There's really nothing to worry about. I'm quite glad we were able to
discover it earlier than they wanted it to be," I said, forcing my eyes to divert
its focus on other things except my friend's interrogating look. I'm aware of what
he wanted to know.
And / don 't want him to know.
He bursts into a short chuckle. "No matter how many times I call her a s**t, it is
still her anyway. I would rather suffer from this than to be poisoned by my own
medicine," he scoffed, referring to our Genius boy who happens to be passing by.
Hindi ko rin napigilan ang kamay ko na pumorma ng kamao. Alam ng Diyos kung gaano
ako nagtiwala kay Glen at lalong-lalo na kay Jenny. That agent could've an excuse
but not the man who welcomed me first in the brotherhood. He took care of me and
tended to me until I'm already adapting. Sila ang dalawang taong kahit kailan ay
hindi ko pinagsuspetyahan ang pakikitungo sa akin. Pero sa bandang huli, sila rin
pala ang babali nito.
Glen must've found Ishtar so interesting and amusing. She's not like any other girl
who would bring herself to his feet and money. The agent named after a goddess of
sex, beauty, war and fertility with a quite fierce demeanor and sense of dominance
and leadership earned an Andriego's respect with ease.
He so finds it amusing he decided to take part and embrace the thrill for himself.
So much for brotherhood, eh?
"Ironic. The one you're looking for so eagerly is already beside you and serving
you pancakes on your desk. Should've been conscious enough instead of always
reminding myself how idiotic I am to confess to a non-existent person in
the first place."
Matapos ng mga salitang iyon ay iniwan ko na si Niel doon at piniling magpunta muna
sa kusina upang kumuha ng maiinom. Bahagyang mahirap ang dumaan lalo na't
nagkukumarag sila sa pag-aayos ng mga gagamitin mamaya. Samantalang ako, may
kumpyansa na na mabubuhay pero wala namang kasiguraduhan sa kung ano ang gagawin sa
araw na matapos ang lahat ng ito.
The company will perhaps face a disappointing sales report just like when chaos
reigned too years ago. Chaos brought by killers who hunted people down. I won't be
surprised if they're also the same people who stole the life out of my uncle,
Jerome De Guzman. The way those people do it, I'm guessing they're searching over
for particular personalities on their list. I'm not sure who were written in it but
I'm thinking we are one of them given the circumstances.
Sa pagpasok ko sa kusina, natagpuan ko roon si Rieda na may kung anong inaasikaso
sa isang bandeha. Mabilis niyang napansin ang presensya ko at naitago niya kaagad
ito sa dala niyang bag. "Oh, you're here," bungad niya.
Hindi ko naman inabalangtumugon. Bagkus, lumapit na ako sa refrigerator at binuksan
ito. Pagkakuha ko sa pitsel ay nakita kong may nakalapag na na baso sa lamesa. Nang
balingan ko ng tingin ang nag-iisang taong kasama ko rito ay papalabas na siya. Sa
pagkakataon na iyon, parang biglang nanginig ang mga labi 1<0. Nagpepwersahan kung
magsasalita o aastang walang napansin.
Marami pa akong mga tanong na gustong masagot pero hindi ko man lang maibato ang
mga tanong na urnaaligid sa isip ko kada oras.
Lahat ba ngmga sinabi mo sa akin noon ay pawang kasinungalingan ?
Wala bang totoo sa mga ipinayo mo sa akin ?
Bakit mo binali ang tiwala ko kahit alam mo na ang istorya 1<0?
Hindi mo man lang ba naisip ang mararamdaman ko?
Lahat ba ng pinakita mo sa akin na pagpapahalaga at mga mabubuting bagay ay hindi
rin totoo?
Minahal mo man ba ako kahit isang sandali?
"Was it really that ironic, sir?"
I stopped from almost pouring the water to the glass. Here I am having multiple
questions in my head and there she was, standing and asking me a single question.
Ironic? Is she referring to what I said a while ago?
Nailapag ko sa tabi ang pitsel. "Sa lahat ng
pwede mong itanong, iyan pa talaga?" balik kong tanong sa kanya at napabuntong
hininga na lang ako. Kahit anong gawin kong pagkumbinsi sa sarili ko na huwag ko
nang alalahanin ang lahat, hindi talaga mawala ang bigat sa 100b ko.
Sino bang matino ang gustong mapunta sa posisyon ko ngayon?
"Actually, I would rather say something than to ask something. Will that be okay?"
And the moment I look on to her direction, she's staring at me. Eyes filled
decisiveness and yet there's a storm of heaviness that I can't seem to explain.
Suddenly, the weight became greater and greater. And all I can do is to wait for
her to say the words she wanted to say on my face.
Then, I swear to myself.
That if what she is about to say will tell me who she really is, I will forgive
her. But if not... will bury everything I have for her. I'm not the type of person
who really believes on signs but just for this one time, I will. Even for a sense
of justification, at least. For peace of mind.
"Go on. Let me hear it."
Iniayos niya ang pagkakasukbit ng bag sa balikat niya at saka niya unti-unting
inihakbang ang mga paa niya papalapit sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero sa
sandaling ito, nablangko na lang ang lahat para sa akin habang nakatitig lang ako
sa mga mata niya. Jenny o Ishtar? Ewan 1<0. Ang alam ko lang, nasa harapan ko na
siya at masinsinan naming tinitingnan ang bawat isa.
Iniangat niya ang kaliwang kamay ko at may itinali siya rito. "Ano 'to?"
She smirked. "If my memory is correct, it's a bracelet, Mr. De Guzman."
I rolled my eyes over by hearing the way she replied. Ofcourse, I know it's a
bracelet, But why are you giving me one? Are you thinking that I might forgive
youjust because you gave me a sort ofaccessory? I tried to pull my hand off but to
no avail
After tying it on my wrist, she holds still and her eyes shifted to mine. They were
so piercing I feel like I've been swallowed whole. "Sei il mio diamante. Semper et
in perpetuum." The words almost came out as a whisper. They were produced softly
yet their effect stirred me from inside out.
You are my diamond.
Hindi ko man alam kung ano pa ang kahulugan ng ibang salita, pakiramdam ko'y
naiintindihan na iyon ng puso't isipan ko.
Hinahatak man ako ng galit, sadyang hindi ko siya matiis. Lalo na kung alam kong
ilang beses niyang inilagay ang buhay niya para sa akin. Sabihin man nating pera at
dangal niya ang nakasalalay sa misyon na ito, hindi ako naniniwala na
magtatagal siya sa tabi ko para lamang sa dalawang bagay na iyon.
I can fully remember how her hunters describe her. A proud but a dignified foe.
Inilihis ko angtingin ko at kinuha na ang kamay 1<0. "Ano bang mga pinagsasasabi
mo?" pagtanggi ko sa tunay kong nararamdaman. Sa gilid ng mga mata ko, nananatili
siyang nakatayo sa harap ko. Ang mga mata'y nakapako sa akin habang ang sa aki'y
nahihirapan siya salubungin.
"It's careless of me. But I believe an apology won't make you feel any better for
what I did. And for me, I just did the job I've known for over a decade. Later, I
will do it again and I hope you'll do yours once everything is over."
And still, I refused to look at her.
I'm afraid I'm afraid that once | look at her, I will breach the walls I've built
myself.
"You better get to work then, Agent Ishtar."
Narinig ko ang tila pagngisi niya. llang sandali lang din ay narinig ko na angtunog
ng mga sapatos niya sa sahig. Papahina nang papahina hanggang sa ang boses niya ang
muli naging laman ng aking mga tenga.
"Sana. .. balang araw, matawag mo rin ako sa tunay kong pangalan, Mr. Derek De
Guzman," aniya at tuluyan nang nawala ang mga yabag.
Hanggang sa pagkakarga namin ng mga
gamit sa kotse at sa pagsakay sa mga ito ay hind na muli kaming nagbigay pansin sa
isa't isa ni Rieda. Tahimik namin ginawa ang bawat parte namin hanggang sa oras na
para umalis at kaharapin ang panganib na paparating para sa aming lahat.
Magkasama kami sa sasakyan niya. Habang inaasikaso niya ang lahat sa kakaibang
teknolohiyang mayroon ang transportasyon na ito, hinigit ko ang lahat ng takas na
mayroon pa ako sa kaloob-looban ko. At hindi ko na nga namalayan na binuhay niya na
ang makina.
Naging tahimik at maingat ang pagmamaneho ng bawat grupo noong una. Kapwa
nagpapalitan ng balita kung ano ang kalagayan ng bawat isa. Tulad ng napag-usapan
kanina ay hinayaan kong siya ang gumawa ng bawat desisyon. Hindi ako nangialam
tulad ng pananadya ko sa mga pagpupulong. At sa mga oras na inoobserbahan ko siya,
mas napagtanto ako.
Sobrang layo ni Rieda kay Jenny.
"Stop, Fiery. There's a scout coming right after you," I heard her warned.
Hindi ko napigilan ang makiusyoso sa mga holograpikong pinagbabasihan niya ng bawat
desisyon niya. Habang lumilipas ang mga segundo't minuto, mas lalo lang akong
namamangha. Abala ako sa pakikinig sa kanya nang mabilis akong napalingon nang tila
isang bala ang gumasgas sa sasakyan.
Dali-dali kong kinuha ang b* * *l mula sa bagko. "Mukhang napapaligiran nga nila
tayo," ani ko na siyang ikinabalik niya sa pagbibigay ulat sa iba. Nagbigay siya ng
ilang mga utos ngunit ni isang salita ay hindi ko man lang naintindihan. Sa hula ko
ay ibang lenggwahe ang ginamit niya.
Ang ipinagtataka ko lang nang lubos ay kung bakit sa isang iglap ay pinili niyang
patayin at alisin ang lahat ng holograpikong tinitingnan niya. Tinanggal na rin
niya ang earpiece kung saan kumukonekta sa kanya sa iba pa naming kasamahan. "Anong
ginagawa mo?" naitanong ko na lang nang 'di oras.
Sa halip, sinitsitan niya lang ako upang manahimik. "Humawak kang mabuti. Kailangan
na natin magmadali," at walang pagdadalawang-isip nga niyang isinagawa iyon.
Halos magkauntog-untog ako n ang hindi ako kaagad nakahanap ng makakapitan. "s**t"'
nabulalas ko na lang nang magsimula na ang sabay-sabay at tuloy-tuloy na
pagpapaulan ng bala sa sinasakyan namin. Kung saan-saan niya idinerekta ang
manubela nang sa gayon ay hind matamaan ang kahit isang gulong.
Eventually, she lowered her side window and aimed her pistol at different
directions. It was just like what she did during my father's birthday.
And just like it, her shots were pretty accurate all men went down kissing the mud
and dirt as she turned her window up again.
Malapit na kami sa tulay pero napapreno na lang ang katabi ko nang tatlong pagsabog
ang humarangsa daan. Kasunod ng pagtigil ay ang ilang pagkalampag mula sa bubungan.
Ramdam namin ang pagbigat nang pagbigat ng mga nahuhulog doon dahil nayayanig din
ang mga kinauupuan namin.
"Bullshit," Ishtar muttered.
Pati ako nababahala na. Kapag hindi pa kami nakaalis dito ay mas lalo lang lalala
ang sitwasyon namin at ang pinakamasamang kakahinatnatan nito ay ang mamatay dito.
"Any good ideas?" I asked her.
My question was immediately responded when she pressed the gas pedal and pulled us
off from that hell point we were in. But unlike before, she keeps on looking at the
car clock. She even turned the female voice coming from her watch off. She
continuously drives recklessly until we were able to stop where another car is
waiting.
"Isn't that the car where Glen and Niel are?" I tried to confirm as soon as I
caught my breath after the rollercoaster ride.
"Go down and ride with them."
Mabibigat ang mga hiningang sinubukan kong iproseso lahat. Bakit niya ako isinama
sa
kanya kung ipapasa niya lang ako sa pangangalaga ng iba? Ano ba ang pinaplano
niyang gawin? At sa punto na ito sobrang halaga ng bawat sandali, tin aya ko ang
lahat para magtanong muli. Hindi ko kasi siya maintindihan.
She told me those. "Why should l?" Then is she pushing me away again?
"Get out!"
Hindi ako kumibo. Magmamatigas ako hangga't kaya 1<0. Hangga't hindi niya
pinapaliwanag kung bakit ko kailangan lumabas sa kabila ng siya ang taong binigyan
ng obligasyon na protektahan ako, hindi ako aalis sa kinauupuan ko. Bahala na kung
mahuli kami ng kung sinong demonyo ang gustong kumuha sa aming dalawa.
"Are you crazy?! I told you to get out of here or else you'll die!" she exclaimed,
taking her seatbelt off. After she was done with her, she started to get my own off
as well and tried to push me out of the car.
And I'm well aware that she's right. But then maybe I was not. I didn't even bother
to move even the slightest despite the gunshots getting closer and louder. Even the
two other agents waiting for me outside have come to open the door I am trying to
keep closed. I don't want to get out of this car. Not without her. I still have a
lot of things to ask and to say to her.
Siya na mismo ang nagbunyag sa akin kung ano ang kadudulutan nito. Kapag hindi ako
umalis, mamamatay ako. Sa madaling salita, may gagawin siya na maaaring
makapagpahamak sa buhay niya. At hindi ko tanggap iyon.
Hinablot ko ang kamay niyang pilit na tin atanggal ang seatbeltko. "Patakbuhin mo
na ang kotse. Bakit mo ba sila pinaghihintay dito?!" Hindi ko na naawat ang sarili
ko na mas [along magtaas ng boses. Sa kada segundong pumapatak, mas nakukuha ko na
kung ano ang balak niyang gawin.
Sa paglabas sa iibang ruta, angtulay na nasa harapan namin ang natatanging
natitirang kailangan daanan para makaalis sa lugar na 'to. Pinili niya ang lugar na
ito dahil sakto ito kung babalakin mong ipunin ang mga kalaban sa iisang pwesto.
Lalo na kung gusto mong tapusin ang mga ito.
But why didn 't shejust blow them out with bombs? She had already gone far when
they asked the small community living in here. Why?
What are you thinking?
"Then I have no choice but to kick you out at once."
Kumunot naman ang noo ko nangtumigil siya sa pakikipagpiglas sa akin. Sa isang
iglap ay may kung ano siyang kinalikot sa kontrol ng sasakyan. Bumukas ang pinto na
siyang
ikinaatras nina Lyra't Monique at tila ba itinulak ako mismo ng kinauupuan ko
papalabas ng sasakyan. Ang sumunod ko na lang na nasaksihan ay nasa laban na ako,
nakasalampak sa maruming lupa at hinahatak ng mga kapwa ahente ni Ishtar habang
halos hindi ko maimulat ang mga mata ko dulot ng pinagsamang alikabok at usok mula
sa isang kotseng papalayo sa amin.
Hindi, . .
"I'm sorry, Derek. We have to do this," Monique apologized before a stunning pain
hit somewhere part of my neck. I immediately collapsed to the ground and lost all
my strength, giving them the chance to pull me away freely and smoothly.
I heard the sound of a car door opening and saw my best friends pulling me in. They
were all mouthing words that I cannot seem to hear anymore, let alone interpret. It
worsened. And I hate it.
Rieda.
I wanted to utter the name so badly. But I wanted to hate myself more.
And in the strike of consciousness, all I could think of was the regret of not
calling her name with my own mouth when she was still beside me.

Chapter 53: Mavelle

JOSHUA'S POV
"Ate, kumbinsihin mo si Kuya Romuel na lumipat muna sa ibang bansa Hindi kayo
ligtas dito hangga't hindi pa namin napupuksa angsindikato," pakiusap ko sa
nakatatandang kapatid ko habang kasama ko sa silid-aklatan ng mansyon ngayo'y
tahanan niya kasama ng anak niya.
It was the height of the syndicate 's rebellion and expansion ofchaos among
society. The time when they're formidable and can 't be tamed by any other. Not
until the Phoenix Organization, the group which helped us live another life and
which I work for came into the picture.
They have assembled theirgreatest thirty agents which disabled Blue Lance 's main
headquarters, almost like cutting offofthe enemy's legs and arms. Things had been
peaceful months later after that.
But peace is the primary thing that will be never consistent and contained in this
world.
Humugot ng hininga si Sarah at ipinagpaliban muna ang binuburdang panyo sa kanyang
mga hita. "Dahil ba ito sa sinabi mong
paisa-isang pinapatay ng mga naghihiganting miyembro ng sindikato ang mga ahente ng
Henosis at mga malalapit sa kanila? Dahil ba kay
Jerome? Dahil ba sa relasyon nila ni Mavelle?"
Maging ako ay napabuntong-hininga na rin. Mahirap ipaliwanag ang suspetya kong
nangyayari pero kailangan kong maliwanagan ang isip ni Sarah bago pa sila madamay
sa kung ano pa mang binabalak ng Blue Lance.
"Yes. Jerome has fallen deeply in love with Mavelle. And I am tellingyou, it's not
safe for a client to develop such unnecessary feeling toward an agent like her," I
assured her.
I've known Mavelle De Villa better than anyone. We've trained together, We've
accomplished the fundamental training, challenges, and lectures as trainees
together. I was there when she was named Urd, a Norse goddess offate. / was there
when she did unethical methods to complete an assignment.
I promised I'll keep it unlessjustice calls for it.
"Agent like her? Wala ka bang tiwala sa kanya?" tanong ng kapatid ko na siyang
ikinadagundong ng puso ko. Maging ako ay walang sapat na sagot sa tanong na iyan.
Maaari ngang siya ang pinakamahusay naming empleyado ngunit hindi ko masasabing
siya ang pinakamalinis at pinakamadignidad sa amine She 's not the good prodigy
they think she is.
"Basta, Ate! Kailangan mong makumbinsi ang asawa mo na umalis muna kayo ng bansa at
magtago! Hanga 't may oras pa!" pagbabalik ko sa punto kung bakit ako naririto
ngayon at iniwan ang sandamakmak na trabaho sa opisina.
/ will also be going to the field later and | don 't think I can shoot bastards
well while my last remaining family is on danger. And all of this is because of the
claws of that woman.
Napangiti ako nang mapait. Habang tinititigan ko ang huling litrato naming pamilya.
Kasama ko Sina Ate Sarah, Kuya Romuel, Kuya Jerome, at si Derek. Ito na lang huling
kopya ng litrato na mayroon ako kasama sila. Dahil sa mga isip nila, kahit kailan
ay hindi ako naging parte ng pamilyangtinatawag nila. Sa alaala nila, walang
kapatid ang ilaw ngtahanan na si Sarah Asuncio-De Guzman. Isang hipnotismong ako
mismo ang nag-udyok kay Mark na gawin para sa ikatatahimik ng mga nangulila. Kasama
ang mga pabrikadong dokumento at naiayos na mga litrato ay naging makatotohanan ang
ilusyon.
Sinarado ko na ang locket at ibinalik sa ilalim ng unan ko. Matapos ang ilang beses
na pagtingin sa paligid ng kwarto ko rito sa headquarters ay napahiga na lang din
ako at napatulala sa kisame.
May mali sa mga nangyayari tulad ng dati. Mali na napansin ko na pero hindi ko
inagapan. At ngayon, ang pamangkin ko na lang angmayroon aka Wala na ang ama niya
at hindi pa niya nalalaman iyon. Kalaunan, ang kontratang nagbigay sa kanya ng
isang Ishtar ay siya ring babawi nito mula sa kanya. Kailangan ko siyang
protektahan at pangalagaan para sa kapatid ko.
I shouldn 't ignore every single thing this time,
"They chose Derek to be the bait because he's the nephew of the Jerome De Guzman,
the witness we gave the name, Christian for his protection. This is the only
plausible reason we can find why did they pick Derek to lure Ishtar out," I
murmured as I still gaze to the ceiling. Or maybe because he's my nephew? But that
didn 't make sense.
Sinigurado ng ahensya na walang kahit anong bakas ang koneksyon ko sa mga De
Guzman. Nanatiling ganoon matapos ang limang taon. Ang nakakapagtaka lang sa ngayon
sa isa pang rason ay kung paanong naging konektado ang pagiging pamangkin ni
Christian bilang patÏbong kay Rieda.
It wasjust like in a research. You can simply choose a simple random sampling by
picking your respondents. However, in this case, there are possible reasons.
Reasonable ones. They pointed at a specific sample. But, every information about
Christian has long been covered by the Trinity ever since he swore himself against
Blue Lance after witnessing one of their operations and crimes. He has undergone
our Witness Protection Program and was given Urd to be his bodyguard.
Kung babase tayo sa kung paano napili si Derek, paniguradong tanging ang mga
nakakaalam lamang ng relasyon na ito ay ang mga taong nakakilala nang personal kay
Jerome o hindi kaya sa akin. At sino nga lang ba ang nakakaalam nito?
Ako, si Kuya Romuel, siAte Sarah, si
Derek, si Mark,
Napabalikwas na lang ako mula sa pagkakahiga.
Tama nga kaya ang naiisip 1<0?
"ABT-41M, a summon from the Phoenix Chambers foryou. I repeat, ABT-41M, you are
called to the Phoenix Chambers andyou must answerimmediately,"the speaker installed
here in my room announced.
Bakit na naman? Kakatapos ko lang ng dutyko kanina at ngayon pinapatawag na naman
niya ako. Kaso, wala naman akong magagawa.
Mark is the Phoenix. I shall answer his call just like
how he answered all of mine before. This is merely a fair exchange.
Tinatamad na tinungo ko ang papalabas ng kwarto at sa paglabas 1<0, biglang
naghudyat ang bawat speaker box at Al na ginawa ng ahensya ng Golden Signal,
senyales na may isa sa mga miyembro ng Special Duties Department ang nakitaan ng
pag-aagaw buhay base sa pinaparating ng trackerniya.
Wala na akong sinayang na oras pa at tumakbo na ako papunta sa opisina ni Mark
habang tila mga naglalarong bolang ginto ang paligid upang bigyang kaalaman ang
bawat isa. Lahat ay napapatayo at natataranta. Puros naririnig ko ay pagkabigo na
makakuha ko na koneksyon sa miyembrong nag-aagaw buhay ngayon. Mas lalo akong
kinabahan. Ni hindi ko na inabala pa ang pagbunggo sa ibangtao. Ang mahalaga ay
malaman ko kung sino iyon.
The Golden Signal is very rare. The last time I've seen and heard it was the day
Mavelle died, the previous Master Phoenix died, and a new Phoenix has arisen to
power. What happens these days are sure odd,
Agad akong pinapasok ng mga nakabantay sa Head Office at dire-diretso na pinaraan
ni Zen papunta sa kinaroronan ni Mark. Pagkarating ko ay halos mapamura ako kung
gaano kagulo ang buong silid. Nagkalat ang mga
papeles habang kulay ginto pa rin ang signal lights at paulit-ulit na sinasabi ng
bawat monitor na nandirito na wala ng kahit anong bakas ng buhay sa ahenteng nasa
ilalim ng mga codes na XLM-173. Sa mga sandaling tinititigan ko ang mga letra at
numerong iyon, muli kong naalala kung paano pinatay si Mavelle at Kuya Jerome, kung
paano kinitil ang buhay ng isang ina sa harap ng kanyang anak, at kung paano halos
mabulag ng gintong ilaw at luha ang mga mata ko noong mga araw na iyon.
"No pulse. No response. She's dead.. ." Mark murmured at the corner, hugging his
two folded legs. Tears painted his face, Ishtar's death made his whole body tremble
more than the day his first love died.
The two women he tried to protect that
day, still encountered the same fate —death.
Nanghina ang mga tuhod ko at kalaunan, sa nakasalampak na rin ako sa malamig na
sahig. Unti-unting nag-init ang paligid ng mga mata ko. Pawang tanggap ng pares ang
kalungkutan na nadarama ko pero sa loob-loob ko ay hindi ako makapaniwala sa
naririnig at nakikita ko.
How? How could a formidable and proud woman like Rieda die in a blink?
"What happened? How did she—"
"We don't know. The plan she thought
of was not the plan I thought it was. After leaving Derek to her fellow sisters'
hands, she drove back to the smoke. We weren't able to locate her until. until her
tracker reported her heart stopped beating."
No. That's still so impossible to believe. Mark injected a tracker to the most
possible nearest spot to her heart to monitor her and if needed, to control her. I
wouldn't think of Mark manipulating the device. "And Derek?" I asked in an instant.
Perhaps, he knows something.
The door opened only seeing Zen sweating and chasing his breath. "The agents are
coming right up in about twenty minutes, sir. I believe you have to receive them,"
he informed us, looking so sorry and worried he might've entered in a wrong time.
Sinenyasan ko naman siya kaagad na lumabas muna lalo na't nakita ko kung gaano siya
kabilis yumuko nang mapansin niya kung gaano kalugmok si Mark. Pagkasaradong-
pagkasarado ng pinto, lumapit ako sa kinauupuan ng kaibigan ko at hinablot ang
kwelyo niya.
"Hindi mo ba siya narinig? You have to receive them."
"And what? Welcome the bastard who caused my angel's life with open arms?" he
scoffed at me, his eyes turning swollen and its shout of anger and loneliness
louder and louder. I almost find it hard to look at them.
I tightened my grip on his collar. "Well, that bastard is also the man your angel
loves. He's the f* n fruit Ishtar dared to touch," I told him. I even encourage
myself to think more of what to say to him. Things I haven't told him that day when
we lost Urd. Things I should've told him as an older friend.
"He's the f* n fruit that should've never existed in the first place. He
should've died along with your hardheaded half-sister!"
At sa isang iglap, hindi ko namalayan na lumapat na ang kamao ko sa mukha niya.
Animo'y natanggal na ang barikadang humahadlang sa bugso ng sarili kong inis at
galit sa mga nangyayari ngayon. Biglang parang naging ngayon ang nararapat na
pagkakataon para ilabas ko naman ang mga saloobin ko.
Tumayo ako at nilayuan siya. "Alam kong pinsan mo si Rieda pero wala kang
karapatang magsalita ng ganyan tungkol sa pamangkin ko at lalong-lalo na sa kapatid
1<0!" pagalit kong turan sa kanya habang unti-unti nang nagbubunga ng dugo sa labi
niya ang suntok ko.
"Pwes ano ng gagawin ko, Joshua? Wala na si Rieda. Wala na akong pamilya. Ang
tanging nakikita ko lang na dahilan kung bakit nawala sa akin lahat ay dahil sa mga
pesteng De
Guzman na sana hindi ko na tinulungan!" he exclaimed, now trying to stand up on his
feet. "God knows how much I hate that deal and yet I have to as Master Phoenix."
I know. You never really wanted to give her during the deal. You never really
wanted to let go of her every time there's a classified assignment. And most of
all, you never really wanted to entrust her to any man alive with a De Guzman name
and blood. You've sworn to hate every single one of them until the day you die.
Humakbang papalapit sa akin si Mark. Halos parang walang lakas. Walang buhay ang
mga mata. Gulo-gulo ang buhok at nanginginig ang mga labi. "Jerome De Guzman who we
gave protection with the name Christian took Urd in return five years ago. Then,
his nephew, Derek De Guzman was given the best agent we have and took her from all
of us a few minutes ago. Tell me those fuckers never deserved blame and scorn," he
dared me, his gaze as if a devil.
But I couldn't dare. I could never make mistakes right. However, everything was all
conseq uences of those people's choices and could neither blame nor scorn it.
Nanghihinang napakapit sa mesa niya ang pinuno ng ahensya habang humihikbi. "l
killed my own father in this room. I did it to save him from further madness and
paranoia and myself because he wanted to shot me."
It's been over five years and this is the first time I heard it from you again,
"Of course, I also did it for Urd. But what happened? She still died. Every time I
do my best to keep someone dear to me alive, they always die in the end!"
I gasped at how loud he yelled to this four-cornered closed room. The echo
disturbing each of my ears. Then, he pushed the button to give down an order. With
his last strength, he commanded everyone to pull their connection off from Ishtar's
guardian, tracker, and any other commissioned devices with her.
It is as what the protocol says. Those who died during their service must never be
found of any relations with the organization in case a civilian or an authority
found his or her body before the agents. Since no government has control over us,
we can 't afford for our secrecy to be breached. We've remained like this for
decades. But I know that everyone who admired Rieda would not be able to pull it
off without feeling pain. She's a great agent and yet we have to pretend we never
had her if her body was taken by other people.
With my own thoughts, my speculation has become firmer.
Bago pa man mag-ayos ng kanyang
sarili ang lalaking kasama ko upang maghanda sa nakatakdang paparating ng mga
nakaligtas sa bayan na pinagtaguan nila, tinawag ko na ang pansin niya. Ito na
siguro ang tamang oras para ipahayag ko ang naiisip kong ideya. Ideyang marahil ay
kabaliwan para sa iba ngunit hangga't may posibilidad, hindi rin natin masasabing
hindi maaaring mangyari ang isang bagay.
"Have you ever wondered if Mavelle is actually still alive?"

Chapter 54: Golden Children

MONIQUE'S POV
"Is this the end?" I asked Estrelle who is sitting beside me, drinking a cup of hot
coffee and eyes lost to the abyss. She's been like this for a while now. Ever since
we came back and heard about the golden signal, we have totally lost our strength
to do anything further. It's as if we are eagles who'd just lost their wings. The
only wings in their entire lives that could put them up on the vast blue sky.
Members of the Special Duties Department are sometimes called as Golden Children.
The greatest among the rest. The bringer of victory and the outstanding agents who
have been able to prove themselves worthy at the top. Fiery and I used to envy
them. After all, they've been Master Phoenix's apple of the eye. They're the
subject of everyone's admiration and respect. No one would dare block their path
and no one would even utter a single word of doubt regarding their skills.
For us who have been shoved to the Regular Category Department, we've accepted any
task that was given to us. We don't have the privilege to be choosy anyway. We're
not one of the Golden Children.
But make no mistake. Not all cases are as easy as everyone has always thought. We
are no different from what those Special Duties Department members do. We also put
our lives on the line. We also barely come back safe and sound sometimes. We do our
best to make our assign men ts complete. All of these despite knowing there's no
reward waiting for us at home. We've never received compliments a lot like a Rieda
Fernandez, the favorite, of course.
Yes, we're just like children envious of the favorite child and we strive to become
better than we were yesterday just so we can be on par with her. But now? It became
different.
"l don't know. The agency has lost Ishtar and everyone knows her existence and
expertise are crucial to the operation's success. Mukhang kailangan muna nating
maghintay ng utos mula sa head office," sagot niya at muli, dinala niya ang tasa
sa kanyang bibig at sumipsip dito.
Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako.
Lumalala na ang sitwasyon sa labas. Hindi tumitigil ang sindikato sa pagpapalawak
ng kasiraan at kaguluhan. Lahat kami ay halos hindi na makatingin sa mga balita sa
telebisyon dahil wala kaming magawa. Hindi namin naagapan ang hindi mabilang na mga
kamatayan. Hindi
namin masolusyunan ang unti-unting pagkawasak ng bawat sulok ng siyudad. Laging mas
nauuna ng isang hakbang ang kalaban kahit anong gawin naming pagpaplano. Kahit na
ba nagtagumpay ang isinagawang pagpuksa sa mahigit limang kuta ng mga kalaban, ang
naging atake naman nila ay nagnakaw sa amin ng pinakamalakas naming sandata.
Maghintay ng utos? Heh. Alam naman ng lahat na malaki ang posibilidad na hindi
magiging maganda para kina Derek, Glen, at Niel ang maaaring maging utos ni Master
Phoenix kung saka-sakali. Si Rieda lang naman ang pinakarason kung bakit hindi pa
binabali ang kontrata sa mga De Guzman, Andriego, at Suarez.
Pero kung may pagkakataon lang ang pinuno para maging makasarili at iligtas na lang
ang ahesya? Hinding-hindi siya magbibigay ng kakatiting na pakialam sa kahit na
sino sa kanila.
They are only small men for him.
However, Rieda's sacrifice was so big that I can 't simply ignore sitting here all
day long, waiting fora damn order.
"Hahayaan ba natin na mapunta na lang sa wala ang ikinamatay ni Ishtar? Kung
talagang wala na siya, hindi sasapat ang dalawang ordinaryong ahenteng tulad natin
sa desisyon ng board. Siguradong papabayaan nila ang tatlong iyon
I won't have my idol's purpose buried to dirt. I didn't work hard to be on par with
her just so I can shut myself ike everyone else who are so afraid to ask what
really is happening. won't stand by just because they wanted me to. I could never
do something direct to oppose the organization that picked me up from the s* *t
hole I've been to but I could not also let the man I protected with my life die
without anyone defending him from the battle of strategies and politics of the
syndicate and the organization.
"l can't let him die. I can't let anyone amongthem die," I added.
I heard Fiery put her cup down. "Do I look like I'll let the genius die before
making his way on to the magazines and books?" and she looked at me, eye to eye.
Her eyes flaring with a screaming fire more than ever. It didn't falter. Not even
for a second and now I know why the master gave her that name.
"Pardon for the sudden interruption.
The Phoenix Chambers havejust given the orders The young masters will be
surrendered to the syndicate along with the agents assigned to them at nightfall. I
repeat, they will be surrendered at nightfall with their agents."
"They're also planning to abandon us as well?"
What is Master Phoenix thinking? Why
would he still command us to come with them? Once they've been sacrificed, their
protection doesn't have the tiniest chance even with us, does it? What would be our
role there? To kill ourselves as well? To delay their deaths? To— Delay?
"Why would they fucking—" "We have to go," I told her.
"What?! Are you nuts, Isis?!" she exclaimed but I didn't waver. I know better.
Dinampot ko na ang mga garnit ko at turnayo.
Hindi ito utos para ialay namin ang mga buhay namin kasama ng tatlong iyon. Kahit
kailan, ang nakilala kong Master Phoenix ay hinding-hindi magagawa ang naiisip
namin na pagtalikod sa mga anak niya. Hindi ko alam kung tama ang teorya ko pero
may tiwala ako sa kanya. Hindi niya kami ibubukod at ipapadala nang walang dahilan.
Ang anunsyo na ito ang mismong hudyat ng utos niya. Nasa amin kung paano namin ito
tatanggapin.
At nasa sa amin kung paano naming isasagawa ang nais niya.
We might not be his golden children but we are still his children.
"Kailangan natin sumunod. Ayaw mo bang pahangain si Master kahit isang beses man
lang? Ayaw mo man lang bang magbuwis ng buhay sa isang misyong walang katiyakan
kahit isang beses lang? Pinagkatiwala niya sa atin 'to. Gawin natin 'to nang
mabuti," ani ko nangmay ngiti sa kanya, sa kanya nab akas ang pag-aalinlangan.
Siguro nga nahihibang ako at nagpapakapositibo lang ako. Pero masama ba na maniwala
na hanggang doon lang nagtatapos ang planong isinugal ni Rieda? Nakipagpustahan
siya kay Wendell Morris para sa tatlong kahilin gan. At sa ilang taong pagtingala
ko sa diyosa ng digmaan na si Ishtar, kahit kailan ay hind/' pa siya natalo sa
kahit na anong pustaham She 'd nevergambled ifshe knew she
would lose.
She 'd gamble everythingjust for three f* *** *g wishes,
DEREK'S POV
"You've been looking at that bracelet for quite some time, Derek."
Naihiwalay ko naman angtingin ko mula sa huling bagay na binigay sa akin ng babaeng
iyon. Sa gilid ng paningin ko ay umupo sa tabi ko ang isa pang babae na nanlansi sa
aming magkakaibigan. May hawak na sigarilyo at lighter. Nang hindi ako kumibo ay
inilagay niya na rin ito sa bibig niya at sinindihan. Halos
mapatakip naman ako ng bibig at ilongsa unang pagbugay niya ng usok.
I tried smoking before but it didn't take really long. Damn, I would just rather
sleep than to get scolded by my personal maid. Her mouth's unstoppable. She nags
like there's no tomorrow... tomorrow. I could no longer see her for the next
tomorrows ofmy life.
Ano nga ba ang sinasabi ko?
Kaya nga nandito ako sa 100b ng truck ay dahil napagdesisyunan na ng Master
Phoenix na iyon ang kamatayan ko at ng mga kaibigan ko. Namatay ang babaeng mahal
ko para lang iligtas kami pero heto't pinadadala na kami ng mga kasamahan niya sa
mismong mga taong nais kumitil ng mga buhay namin.
I thought Ishtar was important to them. I thought her purpose was a legacy that
every one of them would keep. But I was wrong. That golden signal was not a mere
signal that an agent died from a mission. It's also the end of her journey and
existence to the agency. No one opposed the order for the sake of Ried a's
sacrifices. No one dared to at least protect her deeds.
Her death's unimaginable. It's difficult. I could swear to anyone I cried the whole
night while hearing that f g signal. What's strange was that I cried harder when no
one seems to remember what she died for.
Once again, I look at the bracelet she gave to me. It was made of black braided
leather cord with a silver plate where the words, always and foreverwere carved.
Despite the lingering anger I have with Glen for keeping the truth from us, he's
the only one I could ask of its meaning.
Semperet in perpetuum. It means always and forever. She meant that I would be her
diamond always and forever. "Stupid woman," I can't help but to utter these words.
Every time I think of our conversation that same day, I always feel the regret of
not calling her name.
"You love her. Even if she hid her real identity, you still love her," she stated.
I almost rolled my eyes. "Yeah, I hope my friend does the same for you."
"Sana nga."
Napatingin ako sa kanya. Mga mata niya'y nakaturo sa hindi ko malamang direksyon.
Patuloy lang siyang nakatulala habang naninigarilyo. Samantalang ako 'e napapalayo
sa kada malalanghap ko ang usok. Pero bago ko pa man ilayo nang tuluyan ang tingin
ko sa kanya ay napansin ko ang papaluha niya nang mga mata.
"You love him. Even if he hates you, you still love him," I told her the same way
she did to me, now turning my back against hers.
00 nga't niloko nila kami ngunit sa tingin ko, kahit kailan ay hindi naging
kasinungalingan ang pag-aalala na ipinakita nila sa amin. Marami kang pwedeng
maisip na dahilan para alalahanin ka ng ibang tao. Sadyang nasa sa iyo kung paano
mo malalaman kung totoo ito o may halong motibo.
At nakita ko iyon sa kanilang tatlo.
Dahil kung tutuusin, kayang-kaya nila kaming abandonahin.
Pagtapak namin sa Phoenix Organization, batid namin kaagad na hindi kami tanggap
doon. Ramdam namin ang paninisi nila dahil nawala ang isa sa mga pinakamahalagang
susi sa alitan ng dalawang organisasyon nangdahil sa amin. Doon namin napagtanto na
ang pagsagip sa mga buhay namin ay pawang desisyon ng mga ahenteng ito na walang
humpay na sumubaybay sa amin ng halos isang taon.
Na hindi utos ni Master Phoenix ang protektahan kami. Bagkus, tinutuligsa ng bawat
isa ang desisyon ni Rieda na ipagpatuloy ang kontrata. Para isakripisyo ang mga
buhay nila para sa amin na wala ng halaga sa ahensyang kumupkop sa kanila at ang
suwayin ang taong para na rin nilang ama, sa tingin ko lubos-lubos na iyon para
mapatunayan na mahal nila ang bawat isa sa amin.
Pinagsisisihan ko na nagalit pa ako. Pinanghihinayangan ko na nagtanim pa ako ng
sama ng 100b samantalang ako dapat ang tumatanaw ng utang na 100b. Nahihiya ako sa
sarili ko. Nahihiya ako dahil siya ang namatay at ako pa ang nabuhay. Subalit mas
nagagalit ako sa sarili ko dahil wala akong magawa para depensahan ang buhay ko na
siyang ikinamatay niya.
Gusto kong mabuhay. Gusto kong mabuhay para sa kanya. Kahit mahirap, gusto kong
mabuhay. Ayokong mapunta sa walang ang lahat ng mga isinuko niya para sa misyong
ito.
"Hold on to that bracelet very well. It will give you more time."
"What do you mean?"
Pansin ko na unti-unti nang nawala ang usok. Dinig ko rin ang bahagyang maingay
niyang pagtapak niya sa kung ano na siyang ikinalingon ni Estrelle na nagpapahinga
sa isang sulok habang pinagmamasdan Sina Glen habang natutulog sa malamig na metal.
Agent Fiery then shook her head. "You'll wake them. Give them a little more time to
sleep and rest. Everything will be chaotic later." She reached the genius' muffled
hair and caress it as if it's a baby's. "And a bit drama, I suppose."
Binalingan na ako sa wakas ni Monique at tinapunan niya rin ng tingin ang suot-suot
kong bracelet. "We're not surrendering to the syndicate. We're waging a war with
them." Parang wala lang niyang binanggit ang mga salitang ito. Para bang walang
panganib ang kaakibat nito.
Tila nabingi ako sandali ngunit kalaunan ay nakuha ko na rin ang tyansa para
makapagsalita. "Nababaliw na ba kayo? We're going to the lions' den! One wrong move
and they'll kill us all. How could we possibly defeat them on their own territory?"
I said frustratingly.
"Then you don't know the Ishtar way."
Monique then stood up and heaved a sigh while I was left dumbfounded. The Ishtar
way? What does she mean by me not knowing the Ishtar way? Talking to them is like
trying to understand how to form a labyrinth. It's as if they're going to do a
stunt without telling any single detail to us.
She was about to approach her own sleeping bag when I stood up as well. "Don't go
doing things we don't know about. Stop keeping everything from us. We're not little
boys that you have to protect every single minute. We could be of help if you let
us. Please." They don't have to do this by themselves.
Both women stared at me. Eventually, they formed a smile that I couldn't interpret.
"Derek, Rieda told us you're smart as a leader and honorable as a man. We've
already seen that. You no longer have to prove anything," Estrelle told me in a
surprisingly comforting way. She's always been a bit cold and distant but now I can
see that she also has warmth inside her.
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang itutugon ko.
"Before, no one could take any ofyou seriously because we thought you're trying
hard to look cool and independent. But after bearing difficulties with us, we can
see now the men inside all ofyou. And I know that Rieda always knew and was very
proud ofyou until her last breath."
Biglang nanlambot ang katawan ko sa mga narinig ko. Kakaibang pagtarak ng sakit sa
100b ko ang pagkakabanggit sa pangalan niya. Hinayaan kong mapasalampak ang bigat
ko sa malamig na sahig. Sa mga oras na ito, naalala ko ang bawat payo, opinyon, at
ideyang ibinahagi niya sa akin. Lahat ng iyon ay para maging handa at responsible
ako sa mga magiging obligasyon ko balang araw.
I saw my fellow fellas move due to the noise my fall made. I was glad they didn't
wake. For I know that these two are telling me these things because they wanted me
to believe on them. That I have to entrust our safety again on their hands.
That once everything is over, I have to take care of Glen, Niel, and everyone else.
Yes, Fiery is right. There's a foreshadowing drama that I swear I don't want to
witness.
But this is the only way forme to keep her purpose alive. I won 't die. She will
live inside me
and I know that she will never die in here.
"We're close to the meeting place, agents, young masters," a voice coming from
their watches informed us. The three of us look at one another, expressing the fear
from the danger we are about to face now that we're about to step on to the den. We
didn't hide anything. Looking at each other's eyes made me aware that I'm not the
only one in this fight. I'm not alone.
Each of us is afraid but each of us wants to live. Therefore, we'll fight.

Chapter 55: Rescue Romeo

JOSHUA'S POV
"You told me you will keep him safe!" I exclaimed when I got back from the
cemetery. It was Christian's birthday today and I have never failed to visit him
during important occasions.
Everyone who knew him was already dead. Except me. Ever since the day I decided to
alter people's memories, I swore I would live until I witness the day justice will
be served for him. Pero... dadating pa nga ba ang araw na iyon ? May pag-asa pa
ba ?
Naitanggal niya naman ang kamay na nakasabunot sa buhok niya at umupo nang maayos
sa kinauupuan niya. May pagkairita niya akongtiningnan na para bang dumadagdag lang
ang tanong ko sa mga kinahaharap niyang problema. Ngunit sa tingin ba niya 'e hindi
ko alam ang pinagdadaanan niya?
"l did. It took a lot of courage to protect someone who is Ishtar's weakness. Kung
ako lang ang masusunod, matagal ko na siyang dinispatya."
Nagpintig ang mga tenga ko sa sinabi niya.
For the first time, I've felt the strongest
2/13
urge to take myself out of my shell. So I walk closer to his desk and put both my
hands on its top. I looked at him the same way he did to me just so he could at
least notice he's not the one mourning and problematic. "Then you aren't any
different from your father. Eliminating those who would block his path. The passion
to kill and to discriminate really runs in the family, eh?"
I saw him grit his teeth and his jaws tightened. "We had a deal, Joshua Asuncion. I
did my part on the bargain. I protected him just so he won't be a hindrance to the
ultimate mission like his uncle. Was it my fault that being a burden also runs in
your family?"
I want to punch him on the face. A hard one. A punch that I've always wanted to do
if only he's not sm art enough to turn the tables around every time when it's about
to land. A punch I've been saving for over a decade.
However, / won 't waste it today. "What ultimate mission?"
His eyes wavered when he realized something slipped from his lips. Mark immediately
shifted his gaze to the other direction as if he doesn't want to answer me. I
immediately sensed something wrong. He didn't answer my question a while ago either
about Mavelle. He never told me anything about this ultimate mission and then he
mentioned about
Jerome being a hindrance as well back then?
What does it mean? Is he hiding something again?
Something he hid from me for so many years?
"What is it?!" I frustratingly asked again.
I can't do anything. This is probably the last hope I've got. A Fernandez always
turned the tables around in the end. Like how Rieda's father avenged his family by
keeping the flash drive from the Blue Lance and how Mark's father, the previous
Master Phoenix, took Rieda into his custody and trained her despite the risk in
order to give this agency a bit of hope. He had seen something in his niece he knew
his son would also see.
If you look more into it, the Fernandezs were the ones who've shaped everything
that is happening today. Each one of them has a part in it. Each of them has blame
to take. But they're still the ones we must thank in the end.
"Sige. Sasabihin ko na sa'yo. Halika, samahan mo 'ko sa magkapatid na Luxwell.
Tingin ko mas maliliwanagan ka sa plano kung sila mismo ang magsasalita." Turnayo
siya mula sa swivel chairniya at inayos ang polo niya upang maiwasan ang kahit
anong mantsa ng duda at pag-aalala mula sa mga empleyado.
Nagugulumihanan man ay sinunod ko na lamang siya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit
4/13
kailangan pa ang mga Luxwell para maipaliwanag sa akin ang sinasabi niya ngunit
kung sila ang makakapagtukoy sa akin ng mga kasagutan sa mga katanungan 140, bakit
hindi? Umaasa pa rin ako na hindi ang kamatayan ni Rieda ang tatapos sa lahat. Na
baka may pag-asa pa para iligtas ang kaisa-isahan kong pamilya sa buong mundo. Na
baka may magawa pa ako kahit ngayon lang bilangtiyuhin niya. Pinagsisisihan ko na
namatay ang kapatid ko. Hindi ko siya naprotektahan. Hindi ako basta-basta SUSUkO
at hahayaan na lang mamatay ang anak niya sa parehong mga taong pumatay sa kanya.
Wala ng mauulit pa sa nakaraan. Wala na.
Pagkapasok namin sa liblib na pinagtataguan ni Master Phoenix ng mga Luxwell ay
awtomatikong lumapit ang isa sa mga tauhan namin sa kanila para tanggalin ang mga
piring at mga takip sa mga bibig nila. Humahangos na dumako ang mga tingin nila sa
amin habang unti-unting kinikilala nila ulit ang liwanag ng ilaw.
"Nandito ka na ba para maniwala sa amin?" tanong ni Dean na ngayon ay operado na
ang mukha at naibalik na sa dati ang itsura matapos ng naging pagpapanggap niya
bilang ama ni Derek nang ilan ding buwan sa mansyon at kumpanya.
Agad na kumunot ang noo ko. Maniwala? Saan?
Hindi naman tumugon ang kasama 1<0. Bagkus, iginayak niya ang kamay niya papunta sa
akin na siyang ikinatungo ng mga pares ng mga mata ng magkapatid sa presensya ko.
"Ah, naaalala ko na. Siya 'yung kapatid ni Sarah De Guzman. 'Yung lalaking nasa
litrato sa cellphone niya," tila nangungutyang pag-alala ni Gray.
I tried to stop myself from doing something impulsive. I have to extract some
information from him before I plan on how to make him pay for everything he did.
"What do you know, bastard?" I put on weight on my words too.
Napangisi ito. "Hindi mo pa pala alam," pauna niya at humugot muna siya ng hininga
bago niya muling hinayaang magsalita ang kanyang bibig. "Ang sinasabi ko sa amo
niyo, buhay pa si Agent Urd. Si Mavelle De Villa ay buhay pa rin hanggang ngayon."
"Ano?" Binalingan ko si Mark subalit wala akong makitang kahit anong reaksyon mula
sa kanya. Ni walang halong pagkumpirma o pagtanggi mula sa kanya. Kung matagal na
rin itong pilit binabanggit ng magkapatid sa kanya, sigurado akong walang siyang
sin ayang na oras at pinaimbestigahan niya agad ito.
Ngunit bakit? Bakit wala siyang

pinaalam sa akin? Bakit kailangan pa niya ako dalhin dito para lang malaman
angtungkol dito? Anong koneksyon nito sa mga katanungan ko para masagip ang buhay
ng pamangkin 1<0?
"Paano kung ipagtapat ko sa iyo na mali lahat ng pagkakaalam natin sa lahat ng
naganap noong gabing inutos ang pag-atake sa kuta ng mga kalaban? Paano kung
malaman mo na peke ang lahat?"
"Anong ibig mong sabihin, Mark? Anong mali sa nangyari noon?"
Even so, he chose to keep his lips sealed. Dean then took the opportunity to speak
with me. "Yes, we followed the syndicate ever since I can remember. But it doesn't
mean we've wanted those things. We only did what we can do to survive. It's
betterto eat knowing you did something rather than dwelling on your conscience and
starve to death," he claimed.
"And what? Gusto mo bang maawa ako sa inyo? Ganun ba? Pasensya na pero hindi
mabibili ng awa ang sakit na naramdaman ko nung pinatay niyo ang kapatid 1<0. Hindi
pa nga kayo nagsawa at pinatay niyo na rin ang ama at isa pang tiyuhin ng pamangkin
1<0!" Hindi na ako nakapagtimpi pa. Walang rason ang makakapagpaalis sa
katotohanang dugo ng mahal ko sa buhay ang dumampi sa mga balat nila.
I know what it means to act to survive. know what it feels to ask people to
believe in something. But I could never take their s* *t. Sarah is my sister and
her death will always remind me how worthless of a brother I am.
Napayuko ang dalawa. Samantalang ako, sinubukan kong iwasan na lumabas ang mga
luhang nag-aamba na namang magpumiglas sa pamamagitan ng pagtingin sa itaas. Nang
maayos-ayos na ang pakiramdam kong muli para ipagpatuloy ang pagtatanong, itinatak
ko na lang sa isipan ko na may oras para parusahan sila. Kailangan ko munang
malaman angdahilan kung bakit pa ako rito dinala ni Master
"Magsalita kayo. Anong kinalaman ni
Mavelle rito kung buhay nga siya?"
"Siya ang dahilan ng lahat ng ito,
Joshua Asuncion."
Iniangat ni Gray Luxwell ang ulo niya at may pait sa mukhang hinarap ang pagdududa
at pangwengwestiyon 1<0. "Mapamula sa pagkabaliw ng dating Master Phoenix, sa
pagkamatay ng mga ahente niyo noong inatake niyo ang main headquarters, sa isa-
isang pagkaubos ng mga miyembro ng Henosis, sa pagkawala ni Christian, pagkitil sa
buhay ng pinakamamahal mong kapatid at pamilya niya, at hanggang sa pagkasawi ng
magaling na si Ishtar, siya ang nasa likod nun."
My eyes blinked as if I heard something unbelievable. My chest became heavy and I
started to lose strength on my legs. I can barely process anything at that moment.
It was impossible and yet. and yet... "How is that possible? She's our agent! She's
a part of Henosis!"
"She was," my friend corrected in instant.
It's quite ironic how the man who loved that woman so much before can actually
agree that that same woman was also the person behind all the tragedy we've
suffered from. I can't believe he's really buying it. I knew Urd's a cunning agent.
I knew she can do anything for the sake of bringing victory to the organization but
I'm certain that she would never do this! Just like Rieda, Master Phoenix took care
of her as she's his own. She was an orphan but we've never made her feel alone.
How could she possibly do everything he stated?
Lumapit sa akin ang kaibigan ko at ipinakita sa akin ang dalawang memory card sa
palad niya. "Ibinigay nila sa akin ito. Nilalaman nito ang na-recordna pag-uusap ni
Mavelle at ng mga tauhan ng sindikato. Ang isa naman ay nakuha sa kompyuter ni
Jerome bago siya pinatay ng babaeng pinakamamahal niya." Hindi
mo mahahanapan ng kahit anong ekspresyon ang mukha niya. Para bang makinerya na
tanging ang alam gawin ay gurnana.
Tiningnan kong mabuti ang mga nasa palad niya. Maraming tanong ang naidagdag ngunit
isang tanong ang pinakalumutang. "Hindi ba't namatay si Jerome sa kamay ng mga
kalaban?"
Dean then scoffed. "The woman's smart. She fabricated his death and her own as
well. The Phoenix Organization may be formidable but their tracker's rules has a
hole. Once the heart stopped, the golden signal will be declared and cut all ties
with the damn agent. But what if the agent revived herself?"
Paunti-unti, nakukuha ko ang gusto niyang ipunto. Ayon sa regulasyon na nilikha ng
mga naunang pinuno ng ahensya, sa oras na idineklara ang golden signal, pinuputol
ang kahit koneksyon sa taong iyon at sa bawat device na mayroon siya upang maiwasan
ang pagkakatuklas ng tungkol sa amin. Pero wala ng nakasaad na kahit ano kung
sakaling buhay pa ang ahente. At kung buhay nga ito, hindi na namin ito malalaman
pa.
"What they're telling us is plausible. I listened to the recordings myself. I
checked it out and no alteration and modification has been made. These are
legitimate pieces of evidence that Urd negotiated with the Blue Lance Syndicate
even before, killed a client, and ran away from her duties as a secret agent. Those
are enough to order extermination, Joshua."
I was surprised when he brought up the order of extermination. No agent has been
put into exile. The whole organization may have been founded as if like a family
but it also has strict rules and regulations that everyone must abide. As a non-
government entity, no one must speak of us publicly. The same goes to the employees
who were able to handle classified data of different countries and the underground
society. Nothing must get out of the headquarters. If one failed to comply, to
swear an oath, and brought harm and chaos, he or she shall be exterminated at all
costs.
Pumorma ng kamao ang mga kamay 1<0. "Paanong nagawa ito sa atin ni Mavelle? At kung
totoo ngang siya rin ang may gawa ng mga bitag para mapalabas si Ishtar garnit si
Derek, ano ang motibo niya? Para saan ang lahat ng ito?" Nababagabag ako. 00 nga't
sumagi na sa isip ko na maaaring buhay siya pero hindi ko lubos maisip ang dahilan
kung bakit hindi siya bumalik at nawala na lamang na parang bula.
Bakit siya nakipagtulungan sa kabilang panig? Kinupkop siya ng naunang Master
Phoenix at ganito ang igaganti niya?
"Ang isa pang pinagtataka ko ay kung paanong siya ang nagbaba ng utos ukol kay
Derek De Guzman at paghahanap kay Ishtar. Kailan ba naging sunud-sunuran ang
sindikato sa kamay ng isang taksil?" kwestiyon ni Mark na bahagya pang lumapit sa
magkapatid.
Nagkatinginan naman ang mga ito. "She seized the power by manipulating the family
who held the Blue Lance. She plotted their deaths and then she ruled. We heard that
she wanted to convince the one who wears the golden Venetian mask to turn against
you as she did in order to crush the whole organization for good," kwento ni Gray
na bakas ang pagngingitngit sa mga nangyari sa 100b ngsamahan nila.
Napapaisip ako. Anong magandang rason ang mayroon siya para traydurin niya kaming
lahat? Para pumatay nang marami nang ganito para lang burnagsak ang mga taong
bumuhay sa kanya ng ilang tao. Matalino siyang babae. Hindi siya gagawa ng bagay
nang walang sapat na dahilan.
"What do you know about this?" I turned to our current leader.
"Remember the men we caught from all operations? They all told the interrogators
the same story but only these brothers revealed the name who commanded them. Why?"
Mark answered and then looked at the two again.
"Kailangan na naming matapos ang pagrereyna-reynahan niya. Wala ng saysay kung
ipagpapatuloy pa natin ang namagitang away noon sa atin. Hindi na ito tungkol pa sa
paghihiganti dahil ngayon, iisa lang ang kalaban at si Mavelle iyon. At ang naisip
lang naming makakatalo sa kanya ay kayo at si Ishtar. Malaki ang respeto niya sa
husay na pinapakita ng ahente ninyo," turan ni Dean nang may nagsusumamong mga
mata.
Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala pero kung kumpirmado na ito ni Mark, iyon ang
paniniwalaan ko. Tiyak akong hindi siya basta-bastang nagpapaniwala sa kahit na
Sino. Maganda ang sinusuhestiyon ng magkapatid. lisa na lang ang kalaban ngayon.
Subalit papaano na kung kakawala lang ng susing ginigiit nila?
Sandali. ..
The golden signal rules' hole. "Does it mean.
"Aye. My angel told me about the plan. She said the only way to trick a trickster
is to use its trick against him. I'm glad you finally realized it. I no longer need
to act as if I don't know anything," the Phoenix rolled his eyes on me.
"But where is she?"
He then heaved a sigh. "Of course she's going to hit two birds with one stone.
Rescue Romeo and kill the evil queen."
Holy shit.
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TAGS a pha possessive fated shifter

Chapter 56: Saved

ESTRELLE'S POV
"Wow. Is this what you mean when you asked me to impress Master Phoenix? Great
idea, Isis. Master would be really glad to see us here dwelling on shits," I told
the brat in front of me. Surprisingly, no trash was spat from her mouth. Instead,
she rolled her eyes over me and continued to break off from the huge cuffs that
bind her to the wall.
That's what she got from talking so proudly.
Lucky for me I wasn't chained like her. It's good to have an obedient mouth after
all. Too bad my nose keeps on taking every smell this horrible cell could offer. It
seems like an old place to keep their prisoners. I wonder if they also take the
young masters to one of these. Glen's a neat freak. I'm sure he won't be able to
sleep or even to nap just by the fact of staying in something like this.
Regardless, I hope he's safe, at least.
Kung nandito lang sana si Ishtar.
Hay. Bakit ko pa ba nga ba naisip iyon? Kung nandito si Ishtar, hindi niya
hahayaang mangyari 'to. Hindi niya hahayaang mapunta sa ganitong mga selda ang
taong inalagaan niya ng
halos isang taon. At higit sa lahat, kung nandito lang siya, baka nagpaplano na
kami ngayon para wakasan nan angtuluyan angsindikato.
Kaso... patay na siya.
I still can't believe someone formidable could die just like that.
Kahit kailan, hindi niya minsan sinanto ang kamatayan. Papaanong nagpahuli siya
rito at lumuhod sa bandang huli? Nakakapanghinayang. Nakakapanlumong isipin na ang
iniidolo mong ahente ay basta-basta na lang napasakamay ng mga usok na iyon. Sana
hindi ko na lang siya sinunod. Sana hindi ko siya iniwan. Sana nailigtas ko siya.
Sana may nagawa man lang ako tulad nang ginawa niya para sa akin noong ako ang
nangangailangan at nasa bingit ng kamatayan.
Sa muling pagkakataon, kumiskis na naman ang mga kamao ko sa mahigpit na
pagkakatali ng makapal na lubid. Siguro nga't hindi ako kinadena tulad ni Monique
pero pinuluputan naman nila ako ng lubid mula dibdib hanggang paa habang nakaupo sa
isang naglalangitngit na upuan.
They know us very well. They wouldn't let the chance pass to make us their toys.
Matapos ang ilang beses na pagpupumiglas, matalas na napabuntong hininga na lang
ang kasama ko sa sobrang pagnanais na makaalis. "Kailangan nating
makahanap ng paraan para makatakas. May misyon pa tayong dapat gampanan. Ayokong
biguin si Master Phoenix!" at muli na naman siyang burnalik sa pagkikilos nang
marahas na animo'y masisira na lang niya nang isang iglapan ang mga kadenang
nakahawak sa kanya.
"You keep on saying that. Ano ba talagang misyon 'yang pinagsasasabi mo?"
I don't know what this girl is thinking. I've been with her for years and yet I
still can't understand things she understands. She's bold, I'm silent. She's
reckless and I'm an observant.
When will I ever see everything the way she does?
Sumusukongyinakap ko ang pagkakatali nang hindi siya nagsalita. Bakit nga ba
sumang-ayon pa ako sa kanya na surnama rito? Kahit na ba dalawa lang kami, batid
kong kaya pa rin namin makagawa ng paraan para makatakas mula sa organisasyon kung
sakaling ituring kaming mga taksil nang dahil sa pagsuway sa utos. Sabagay... hindi
madalinggawin iyon. Baka nga mauna pa kami mamatay sa paraang iyon kaysa rito,
A moment later, I heard Isis sobbing all of a sudden as she slowly loses her
strength on trying to take the cuffs off of her arms and legs. "He could've called
us if he wanted to send us off to this b****y hell place but he didn't. He's always
been a father to me. He's the only father I ever have. I believe that deep inside
him, he still sees us as his children."
I can't help but to shift my eyes to somewhere else. Of all the annoying matters
Monique discussed to me, this is the one I hate the most. When will she ever get
tired of sulking about the special treatment to those golden children? When will
she ever stop trying to win the phoenix's heart? The Phoenix has always been
distant as he roams the sky. That is why he's called Phoenix.
Can 't she accept that?
"Malakas ang kutob ko na buhay pa si Rieda."
"Pagtatalunan na naman ba natin 'to?"
"Maniwala ka!" Napatingin ako sa kanya at roon bakas sa mukha niya ang nag-aapoy na
determinasyon at pananampalataya sa kung ano ang mga binibigkas niya sa harap ko.
00 nga't hindi ko naman siya pinagdududahan na sinungaling ngunit paano niya
maipapaliwanag ang buong gabing ingay na siyang hudyat ng pagkamatay ni Ishtar?
"Do you really think Master Phoenix will easily give up on her?"
Biglang nangarag ang tibok ng puso ko nang marinig iyon. Sa kaibuturan ng 100b ko,
napakalinaw ng sagot sa tanong na iyon. Marahil marami sa ahensya ang naiinggit kay
Rieda dahil siya ang paborito. Kadalasang rason? Dahil siya raw ang pinakamagaling,
pinakamahusay, at pinakamalinis kumilos sa lahat ng oras at bagay. Masasabi mo nga
raw na wala siyang kahinaan.
Ako? Hindi iyon ang rason ko.
I never envied because she's far superior to me. I envy her because of one thing I
cannot see. Almost the same reason why I feel Monique is unreachable like the wind.
The reason why I got stirred out from my very own shell.
Suddenly, I heard heavy footsteps coming along the hall of cells. It's been quite
dark that I can effortlessly notice the bright light from a torch's fire.
Eventually, I saw a group of men heavy-armed and covered by clothes and accessories
that could hide their identities. Indeed, we are inside the den. But not lions.
They're cowards for keeping their faces from us. One of them came forward with big
keys in his hand. I suspiciously look at him as he slips one of those to the rails'
lock. "Why? Are we being called by your master to be executed in front of your
brothers?" I asked as the tingling sounds conquer the darkness.
"Hindi magiging madali ang kamatayan niyo," ani nito nang tuluyan niya nang
mabuksan ang kulungan at nakalapit sa akin.
Halos burnaliktad ang sikmura ko sa ngising kahit hindi nakikita ay alam kong
naroroon sa mukha niya. Kaya naman nang bahagyang lumuhod siya para tingnan ang
tali sa bandang paa ko ay ginamit ko ang pagkakataon para iuntog ang ulo ko sa ulo
niya.
"f**k!" inda nito nang mawalan na rin siya ng balanse sa lakas ng pagkakatama ko sa
ulo niya. Maswerte siya at hindi ang isa pang 1110 niya ang tinamaan ko. Kung
hindi, habang buhay niyang pagsisisihan na lumapit pa siya sa akin.
Kumunot ang noo ko nang magkakasunod na mahihinang paghagikgik ang narinig ko mula
sa mga natirang lalaki sa labas ng kulungan. "She's just as wild as you said, Mr.
Genius," turan ng isa at kalaunan ay tinanggal niya ang nakabalunbon na itim na
tela sa mukha niya.
Mabilis ko namang nakilala ang mukha nito. "Hindi ba't miyembro ka ng Cerberus?"
magkasalubong ang mga kilay na pangungumpirma ko na siyang ikinangiti na lamang
niya. Tila medyo naguluhan ako sa nangyayari. Paanong nakapasok dito ang Cerberus?
Paanong ang grupo pala na ito na inakala kong alipores ng sindikato ay pawang mga
miyembro ng samahan? Sandali..
If they are all members of the fraternity and that guy called the person who
approached
me 'Mr. Genius', then...
"Damn you, woman."
"G-Glen?"
Minata ko ang lalaking nakasalampak sa sahig at pagtanggal niya ng puting maskara
sa kanyang mukha ay napabuka na lang ang bibig ko. "That hurts. At least I know I
have a knack on acting or else you won't hit me that hard," pabirong sabi pa nito
habang hinihipo ang ulo niya.
Para bang isang malakingtinik sa dibdib ko ang natanggal.
Ligtas siya. Mabuti ang lagay niya at mukhang hindi naman siya sinaktan ng kahit na
Sino. Mabuti naman, Kahitpapaano, nawala na ang mabigat na pakiramdam na dala-dala
ko kahapon pa.
I don't know but seeing him stand up and get closer to me almost seem like
impossible. I even want to close my eyes and question myself whether this is only
an illusion or a dream. After an almost a minute or two, I felt the ropes loose and
I can freely move again. I was about to stretch my body when I realized the young
master's lips on my ear and his chin resting on my shoulder as if it is its nest.
"You don 't know how happy I am right now."
Nanlambot ako nang urnabot ang
hininga niya sa sensitibong balat ng tenga 1<0. Hindi lang ang mga salita kundi
pati ang boses niya at hininga niya ay nakakapagpataas ng balahibo ko at mas
nakakapagpabilis sa tibok ng puso ko.
Hindi mo rin alam kunggaano mo ako napapasaya kahit sa paghinga lang sa mundong
ito. Ang makita lang kitang ligtas, kun ten to na ako,
Awtomatikong napaangat na lang ang mga braso ko at lumingkis sa kanya. "Salamat sa
Diyos at ligtas ka. Natakot ako. Natakot ako na hindi na kita ulit makikita," hum
ahangos kong pagpapasalamat at hinigpitan ko pa ang pagkakayakap sa kanya. Hindi ko
alam kung kailan ko pa siya muling mahahawakan nang ganto. Kahit isang beses lang.
Kahit isang beses lang, gusto kong kalimutan na hamak na ahente lang ako. Kahit
isang beses lang gusto kong maging babae sa paningin niya
His hand reached for my hair and he caressed it as if I'm a child sulking from a
small quarrel in a game. "Me too. But it's quite strange. Another thing that makes
me happy is the mere fact that I was able to save you," he said and I closed my
eyes firmly, completely absorbing the fleeting feeling brought by those words.
Saving another doesn't require skills, genius. Only sincerity and courage.
"Glen, we have to hurry. The superior's waiting."
Pansin ko ang hindi namin nais na paghiwalay sa isa't isa. Gayunpaman, may mas
malaki pa rin kaming problemang kinakaharap at hinding-hindi namin matatakasan iyon
kung patuloy lang kamingtatakbo. Kaya naman sa bandang hull' ay kumalas na rin siya
at binalingan ang mga kasamahan na maghanda sa pagtakas.
"Paano kayo nakapasok dito?"
"The Phoenix Organization sent us a tip using the insignia that the genius left
behind on our headquarters. He said, we have to get in touch with the people behind
it and so we got the help from the agency."
The organization did?
Napalingon ako kay Monique. Tila hindi rin siya makapaniwala na nagdilang anghel
siya. Kakaibang pananabik at hindi pagkapaniwala ang nabakas sa akin. Hindi ko
nakinita na pangangalagaan pa rin niya kami. Na hindi niya kami nakalimutan. Kung
ganoon, tama nga rin kaya ang pinagsasasabi ni Isis? Na kaya kami pinadala kasama
ng mga kliyente sa lungga ng mga kalaban ay dahil may gaganapan pa kaming misyon na
sa amin niya lang maipagkakatiwala?
As we walk towards the exit of the prison hall, I learned that Derek prepared the
fraternity in case he and the others disappeared and that Master Phoenix allowed a
day to pass before executing the plans to take advantage of the Blue Lance's
vulnerability. The vulnerability which was formed due to their overflowing
confidence and belief that they had already won the battle.
"What happened about you guys? Did you reconcile with them? Did they finally
forgive you from keeping Rieda's secret?"
"l guess so. We don't have the time to feed our pride so much. Our bodyguards are
in trouble," he answered with a smile on his face. It was surprising to see that
carefree smile. But it was more surprising that he could do that while we're in the
midst of danger.
When we turned right, I finally saw Niel with another group of Cerberus members on
his back. "We weren't able to fetch Derek. He's their best catch. Sooner or later,
they'll realize there's something wrong," he informed us concerningly.
Nakakapagtaka. Ano pa bang kailangan nila kay Derek ngayong patay na si Rieda?
Totoo nga kayang buhay pa siya?
Bago pa man ako makisali sa mga usapan ng mga nagkukumpulang miyembro ng samahan ay
may isang kamay na ang humatak sa akin sa isang sulok. Akrnang iindahin ko pa ang
halos pagbaon ng mga kuko nito sa braso ko nang ikatikom ko angtingin na mayroon sa
mga mata
niya. "May kailangan akong puntahan. Ikaw muna ang magbantay kay Niel para sa
akin, ayos lang ba?"
"Ngunit saan ka pupunta, Monique? Imposible namang gamay mo ang lugar na ito,"
pagtutol ko sa binabalak niya.
"Magtiwala ka na lang sa akin. Babalik din ako. Protektahan mo si Niel. Ipangako mo
sa akin. Nagmamakaawa ako."
It almost seems impossible. Monique Alcantara is pleading. She is asking me to
protect the man who can't even accept who she really is.
That reminds me, did Glen already forgive me? Does saving me means that he is ready
now to listen to my explanations? I wasn't able to ask him directly. How could I
even ask that now that our safety must be of the most paramount?
/ can throw the beans later.
Turnango ako bilang tugon sa kanya at nakangiti na lang niya akong iniwan bago
tuluyang maglaho sa kadiliman ng daang tinahak niya. Upang hindi makwestiyon ng iba
ang pagkawala niya ay kusa na akong nakisali sa diskusyon ng mga kalalakihan. Dito
ay napag-alaman ko na may mga ahenteng galing sa organisasyon na ang naghihintay na
lamang ng hudyat para kumilos sa bawat parte ng kutang ito ng sindikato.
Looks like the Phoenix have planned it
very thoroughly.
"Itatakas ko na ang iba pang bihag ng Blue Lance sa itinakda nating taguan.
Magsasama kami ng ilan pang kapanalig kung sakaling may maka-engkwentro kami sa
daan."
"Alright. Then, Saf, you send the signal to the agents. We must eliminate the
cronies first to give the others more time to escape this facility."
"Masusunod, Niel."
Nakatuon lamang ako sa mga pinag-uusapan nilang mga pagpaplano nang makarinig ako
ng pagsitsit sa may likuran ko. Sa hindi kalayuan ay may naaaninag akong pares ng
mga mata sa kalagitnaan ngdilim roon. Medyo humakbang ako papunta rito upang mas
makita pa ang taong nagmamay-ari ng pares na iyon at doon ko nakuha na tinatawag
niya ako para lumapit sa kanya.
But why would l?
Nilingon ko Sina Glen at Niel na hindi natitinag ang konsentrasyon sa mga detalye
ng isasagawang aksyon. Hindi ba nila naririnig ang pagsitsit?lpapaalam ko ba sa
kanila? Bakit parang ako langang nakakapansin?At dahil hindi talaga ako nito
tinitigilan, pasimple kong dinukot ang mga patalim sa likod ng ilang miyembro ng
Cerberus nang may magamit akong sandata sa pagpunta ko sa kinalalagyan ng taong
iyon.
Hangga't maaari, sinubukan kong hindi makalikha ng kahit anong ingay hanggang sa
tila bulang nawala na lang ang pares ng matang kaninang sinusundan ko pa. "Nasaan
nasiya?" bulong ko subalit sitsit lang din ang natamo ko. Pinaglalaruan ba ako
nito?Ano bang pakay niya?
Hindi kaya 't pakana na naman ito ng Blue Lance? "Ako ba ang hinahanap mo?"
When I was certain to which direction the voice came from, I held the knife
tightly, ready to dart it to anyone's neck until my body froze when my eyes landed
on the light reflecting from a mask. It's not the same as Glen wore when he came to
rescue me. It's also not something like Ishtar's golden Venetian mask but I could
swear it's familiar. It's as if I've seen it before on the Hall of the Fallen
Agents.
The Mask of the Traitor, they called it,
It was once owned by one of the greatest thirty of the Henosis mission. A
possession held by the traitor who betrayed her fellow agents for surrendering in
the midst of torture. If she didn't do what she did, Blue Lance would never stand
again. If she didn't do what she did, the agents and their families could've lived
good lives. If she didn't do what she did, we won't be here fighting the odds
inside the en emy's territory.
Who is this? Why does he or she have
it? !
Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
Bryn Avery IS a witch and a master of
CEMENT illusions. After the death of her fami

Chapter 57: Meeting the Mastermind

ESTRELLE'S POV
"Who a re—?"
Bago pa niya ako patapusin sa paunang tanong ko ay marahas niya akong hinatak sa
isa pa sa mga napakaraming ruta rito sa kuta ng sindikato at tinakpan ang bibig ko.
Kasabay ng paghatak niya ay ang pagkahulog ng patalim mula sa kamay ko.
Nagpumiglas ako sandali nang umabot sa pandinig ko ang pagkakapansin nina Glen at
Niel sa pagkawala ko sa tabi nila.
Gayunpaman, nagkaroon ako ng kutob. Kutob na nagsasabi sa aking hindi kalaban ang
kasama ko kundi isang kakampi na nandirito para tulungan kami.
Pero bakit kailangan niyang magtago at sumitsit?
"s* *t. She 's missing!"
"Hey, genius. She might have stridden down this place herself Dude, as ifshe even
need protection?"l heard Niel trying to calm Glen's nerves. I can feel it. I can
hear it. He's panicking. He then shrugged his friend's words and asked a few of
their brothers to look for me. God, he's so protective.
Napansin ko namang lumuwag na ang pagkakatakip sa bibig ko at iyon ang naging
tiyansa ko para hablutin ang kamay niya at pilipitin ito. Nang nawala siya sa tuwid
na tayo ay tinuhod ko ang likod niya na siyang nagpabagsak sa kanya sa maduming
lupa. Habang nakadagan ako sa kanya ay binalot ko ng isa kong braso ang leeg niya
at bahagyang inangat ito. "Sasabihin mo ba sa akin kung sino ka o tutuluyan na kita
"W-Wait! Kakampi ako! Kakampi ako! Ishtar sent for me." I recognize his voice.
Yeah, his.
A guy. Well, that's kind of convincing considering Rieda traveled a lot and formed
connections from all over the world, especially with men who got smitten by her
wits and charisma.
But still, that's the lingering question. It's not yet affirmative if Rieda is
indeed alive. The question is, did she send for him before she died or was it just
made-up trash so he could escape from me. "Give me proof," I demanded.
"You're Agent Fiery, Glen Andriego's bodyguard from the Phoenix Organization. You
are here because you were sent by Master
Phoenix to accompany the heirs of multi-national corporations," he claimed as he
struggles from my grasp. His voice seeming to be desperate from the pressure I'm
putting on his back and his head. How did he know all that? We've met?
Wait.
Tinanggal ko ang pagkakakulong ng ulo niya at ang bigat ko mula sa likod niya.
Ngunit kung inaakala niya ay pinapakawalan ko na siya, dun siya nagkakamali.
Pagkatayong-pagkatayo 1<0, malakas ko siyang tinadyakan, sapat lang para pumaharap
siya sa akin kahit nasalampak pa rin sa lupa. Pumatong ako sa may bandangtiyan niya
at diniin ang mga tuhod ko sa magkabilang mga braso niya nang hindi siya
makagagalaw.
Nilagyan ko rin ng timbang ang kamay ko na nasa leeg niya nang maramdaman niyang
hindi ako basta-bastang tatanggap ng kung anong kahunghangan.
"How the hell you got the Mask of the
Traitor ifyou're really an ally?"
That mask. It has to be a stolen object from the hall. No one in the organization
was able to look at it for minutes since it only brings out the memories during the
worst era where our once sister had betrayed us. That person played a part with the
death of good people and as well as putting the golden child on distress for quite
some time after the whole thing.
I can hear him panting and cursing to himself. Animo'y hindi ito ang inaasahan
niyang kahihinatnatan ng pagtawagsa akin dito. Mas napapaisip tuloy ako. Bakit
magpapadala ng ganito si Rieda? Bakit siya magpapahamak ng
isang indibidwal na tila walang kaalam-alam?
"To be honest, Rieda didn't send me here. I came here on my own to help."
Nabigla ako sa ipinagtapat niya. Hind basta-bastang ilalantad ng pinakamahusay at
pinakapinaghahanap na ahente ang tunay niyang pangalan sa kung Sino. Maliban na
lang kung ito lubha niyang pinagkakatiwalaan. O maaari ring sa una pa lang ay
kilala na nila ang pagkatao ni Ishtar. Subalit ang giit niya ay kararating lamang
niya at nandito siya para magbigay tulong. Kung tauhan man siya ng pinuno ng
sindikato, hind ba't dapat ay nasa sentrong lugar siya ng teritoryong ito o hindi
kaya'y isa na sa mga nalupil ng Cerberus?
This man could've tossed me off bu judging his physique. He wouldn't waste his time
calling for my attention and explaining himself if doesn't need me. "Can I take off
your mask? I think that would be the best way to persuade me. You see, this is not
a good time for a girl like to pin down a man on the dirt," I casually said as if
I'm on negotiating for a deal on business. Also, it won't do me any good if I tire
myself now. I have to get myself recharged to become of use later on.
I was about to reach for it when I suddenly felt an action from my right leg. Damn.
Madali niyang naitanggal ang tuhod ko mula sa tuhod ko. Ibig sabihin, mas malakas
ang pwersa niya sa kaliwang kamay. Kaliwete. Doon ay kinuha niya ang adbantahe na
wala akongdala ni isang armas sa akin at tinulak ako sa tabi niya. Bumangon din
siya kaagad at saka pumatong sa akin. Sinubukan ko siyang suntukin pero mabilis
lamang niya itong nailagan kung kaya't dinamba niya ito at nilapag sa lupa.
"You see, this is also not a time for a gentleman like me to pin down a girl.
You're her friend so I don't mean harm to you, okay? I'll tell you who I am once
all of this is over. Can we go on with that?"
This fast move counterfeit. I remembered being defeated by it when I was a kid and
I dared to challenge Phoenix's apple of the eye. It's a basic but it becomes quite
a lock when you underestimated your enemy or when you got overconfident. Could he
really be saying the truth?
Fine.
Nilagay ko ang pwersa ko sa ibabang kalahating parte ng katawan ko at tinuhod kong
muli ang likuran niya na siyang nagpawala sa konsentrasyon niya. Too bad that won
't work twice. I immediately dispose of him from me and when I jumped to rise my
weight up, I pushed him on the rocky wall where he quickly slides down and ended up
reaching for his back.
Pinagpagan ko muna angdamit ko
dulot ng duming dumikit rito. Matapos nun ay tiningnan kong mabuti ang lalaki.
Pamilyarsiya at kahit papaano ay sigurado akong pinagkakatiwalaan siya ni
Fernandez.
"So, what's the plan, gentleman?"
DEREK'S POV
"Bakit mo kailangan idamay ang mga batang iyan?" nanginginig ang mga pangang
pangkwekwestiyon ko sa isang iglapang desisyon ng babaeng ito na komportableng
nakaupo sa sahig, sa tapat ng hilera ng mga batang pinasabit niya hanggang sa
malagutan ng kanya-kanyang hininga.
For the nth time, I tried to get off from these chains but still, in vain. I was
such a failure! Of all people, why does it has to be me? Why did she only come for
me? Kung alam ko lang. . . Kung alam ko lang, hindi ko na pinasama ang ilan sa mga
miyembro ng samahan sa akin. Nang dahil sa akin, nahuli at napahamak sila.
Nangdahil sa akin...
Nang dahil sa akin, nakahilata na sila ngayon sa sarili nilang mga dugo.
"Paalisin mo 'ko rito! Walang hiya ka!
Mamatay-tao! Pinatay mo ang mga kaibigan ko!" Pinaulit-ulit ko ang mga katawagan na
iyon sa kanya na siyang pumaulit-ulit nang dahil sa kakuluban ng malaking lugar.
Pero, sa bandang huli, ako lang din ang napagod kakasigaw. Ni hindi ko siya
nakakitaan ng kahit anong imik sa mga pinagsasasabi ko tungkol sa kanya. Mas lalo
akong nagagalit. Mas lalong burnibigat ang dibdib ko. Mas lalong humihigpit ang mga
kamao 1<0. Mas lalong nagngingitngit ang mga ngipin ko.
Mas [along namamasa ang mga mata 1<0.
Ayoko rito. Ayoko na Ayokong makita ang mga mukha ng mga binigo 1<0. Ayokong
makitang buhay at masaya pa rin anggumawa nito. Bakit ba niya inutos iyon? Wala ba
siyang
"Those words don't offend me at any least, Uno. Please don't take this mess so
person ally. They're just simply necessary. .." she answered faintly as she plays
with the hanging child's black shoes.
"Personally?! Necessary?! Para saan ba ang lahat ng 'to?! Buong buhay 1<0, lahat na
lang gusto ako patayin o hindi kaya ay isuko sa kung Sino! Hindi niyo ba ako pwede
lubayan?!" Tama na. Ayoko na. Gusto ko na lang matapos ang lahat ng ito.
Nanghihina na ang mga tuhod ko ngunit hindi man lang ako napapasalampak sa sahig
dulot ng pagkakatali sa akin sa isa sa sa mga haligi ng malaking lugar na ito na
wala akong kaalam-alam. Basang-basa na rin ang pantaas ko ng pawis at ang bawat
butil ng pawis naman ay
nagpapalala ng hapdi sa mga sugat na gawa ng mga kadena. Unti-unting nababawasan
ang lakas at kakayahan kong gumalaw. Namamanhid nang namamanhid ang buo kong
katawan.
But | still have to stay awake. I have to. | have to make sure she didn 't die for
nothing. / have to make sure I'll to be what she hoped me to become.
"It is for one ofus to die for nothing. Those three girls vouched for all ofyou. Be
sure to be worthy ofit once everything is over."
Rieda, Estrelle, and Monique. They took the risk even Nit's almost impossible.
You're right Yna We don 't really deserve their protection. We 'rejust assholes who
can 't accept that they're only a bunch ofgood-for-nothing compared to them.
They're like angels ofours And I lost mine without putting up a real fight on my
own.
"It's careless ofme. But I believe an apology won 't make you feel any better for
what I did. And for me, Ijust did thejob I've known for over a decade. Later, I
will do it again and I hope you'll do yours once everything is over. "
Kailangan kong makaalis dito.
Kailangan kong balaan silang lahat na ang pinuno ng sindikato ay isang baliw na
babae na ang hilig ay pumatay. Na ang kasalukuyan niyang plano ay ang manguha ng
mga bata mula sa ilalim ng tulay, kalsada, at sa iba pang lugar para lamang
bitayin. Na lahat ng sumasalungat sa utos niya, mapa-kakampi o kalaban ay pinapatay
niya nang walang pagdadalawang-isip. Na isa siyang taong animo'y kahantulad ni
Rieda sa kilos at bilis.
"Alam mo, kung hindi ka lang nila nilalayo sa akin, matagal nang tapos 'to. May
kailangan lang naman ako sa'yo at pagkatapos nun, wala na. Kaso ano ang ginawa
nila? Pilit ka nilang tinatago."
Naiangat ko ang tingin ko mula sa sahig papunta sa babaeng ngayon ay sa akin na
nakatayo sa pwestong kaninang kinauupuan niya. "Hindi naman na talaga kailangan na
mamatay pa si Rieda. Don't get me wrong. I treated Rieda like a little sister. I
see myself in her. I'm eagered to make herjoin me until you ruin it again for me,"
aniya at bigla siyang hum arap sa akin nang may ngiti. Nakaramdam ako ng kung anong
kaba sa ngiting umaabot sa magkabilang tenga niya.
How could she smile with a core filled with anger?
"l don't know what you are talking about."
Anong ibig niyang sabihin na ako ang kailangan niya? Paano niya nababanggit sa
mismong pagmumukha ko na. . . Sandali. She. . . She was a former agent, wasn't she?
She knew
Ishtar and assuming what her age was, I think she's been in the organization even
before Ishtar came in. She knew her ever since she was little. And yet. , andyet,
she killed her,
You don't tell me her death's unnecessary, bitch.
Marahan siyang naglalakad papunta sa akin nang hindi iniinda ang mga bangkay na
natatapakan o nadadaanan niya. Habang papalapit siya nang papalapit, mas lalo ko
lang siyang gustong patayin. Kung hindi lang talaga ako nakagapos!
"l should've killed you after your uncle.
You shouldn't have lived this long."
Uncle? As far as I could remember, I don't have an uncle. My mom and dad were both
only child of their families. How could I have an uncle? If there was, I should've
known. What was she thinking? How could she say that I shouldn't have lived this
long?
"Looks like your uncle did a neat job on cleansing your memories of him and your
other uncle. Yep! Congratulations, you have two uncles actually. At alam mo ba?" Sa
wakas ay tumigil na siya isang metro lang ang layo sa akin. Pinahiling niya ang ulo
na tila ba isang bata habang patuloy pa ring nakangiti.
"Pinatay ko na ang isa at papatayin ko pa lang ang isa pa."

Chapter 58: The Witness

DEREK'S POV
"Pinatay ko na ang isa at papatayin ko pa lang ang isa pa."
Sa hindi ko malamangdahilan, bumigat na lang ang kaloob-looban 1<0. Para bang may
kung anong parte sa pagkatao ko ang natunugan niya at naghuhumiyaw. Kaso hindi,
hindi maaari. Wala akong naaalalang may kapatid ang mga magulang ko. Bakit ganito?
Bakit ako nababagabag? Bakit ako mas lalong kinakabahan? Alam ko sa sarili kong
imposible ang mga sinasabi niya pero bakit hindi ako mapanatag? Ano 'tong takot na
nararamdaman ko sa kung ano pa ang mga pwedeng gawin ng babaeng ito?
Unti-unti kong hinatak ulit ang lakas 1<0. "Y-You can't fool me."
"Yes, I'm quite a huge liar myself but when it comes to torturing you down, I won't
be less concerned about honesty," she said, fixing her wavy auburn-colored hair
from her shoulder blades. The grin never faded for minutes, not until one of her
little ferrets came to report to her.
"What's the news, Nephero?"
"May malaki po tayong problema.
Marami po sa mga tauhan natin sa labas ang nawawala. May pruweba rin po kaming may
ibang nakapasok dito sa teritoryo natin at pinakawalan ang mga alispores ng
organisasyon."
They did it. The Cerberus did what we planned. I know it's not much but having
those two agents out of the cage will give us more chances to get out of here
alive. We are yet to discover Master Phoenix's real motive for sending us here and
for providing reinforcements but I'm certain that he's not as insensitive as I
thought he was about Ishtar. It's just a hinch however, I think Rieda had a huge
role in his life. Huge enough to risk anything in order not to put his agent's hard
work in vain.
Bakas ang pagtitimpi sa mukha ng babaeng hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin alam
ang pangalan. Napapikit ito sandali at maging ako ay naghihintay ng gagawin niya
nang sa isang iglap ay nakita ko na lang angtauhan niyang nagngangalang Nephero na
nakabulagta sa sahig, may balang nakabaon sa noo, nakadilat ngunit wala ng buhay.
May pangingilabot kong tingnan ang pumatay dito na patuloy pa ring inaamoy at
hinahalikan ang b***l na ginamit niya. "Nakita mo ba 'yon, Derek Asuncion-De
Guzman? Now, do you still think I'm fooling around? I would put every garbage life
of these men just to knock the organization down for good." Nang magsawa siya sa
hawak niya ay idinikit niya ang katawan niya sa akin at ipinahid sa balat ko ang
nguso ng b***l.
"Tragic, don't you think? This time, no one will save you. No agent will come for
you. Phoenix threw you out the same way he did to everybody. No Ishtar will save
this day from the doom its fated with," she told me almost whispering, our eyes
locked.
When another ferret of hers came, she immediately pulled off and tended to her.
"Kyla, track down those fuckers who are messing with our men. I'm suspecting a bit
of a beast was behind this. and she looked at me as if giving me a sign. Beast.
Cerberus? No!
"What do you want me to do with them, Urd?"
"Oh, find them," the woman who I just knew as Urd quickly answered and turned her
back from her subordinate when she got back as if she remembered something
important. "Get the footage of how I killed these people, how I imprisoned others,
and send it to their families. I would especially love it if the Suarezs will give
me an amusing response. Hahaha!"
Her sinister laughter made everything worse. Suarez? Children? Ibig sabihin ba niya
ay
may iba pang mga batang nakatago sa lugar na ito na balak pa niyang paglaruan? At
kung inaabangan nga niyangtunay angtugon ng pamilya nina Niel. . .
f*****gs**t. Daniel Louis Suarez's thirteen year old little brother!
"Bitch. . . Sadist. . . Murderer!!!" I can't help to scream. Urd deserved each of
it.
Pero walang nagawa ang mga panlalait ko sa kanya sapagkat mas lalo lamang lumakas
ang halakhak niya habangtinatalunan na tila laro ang mga bangkay sa sahig. Nakaalis
na rin ang inutusan niya at nagsara na namang mull' ang natatanging pinto ng
putanginang kinaroroonan 1<0. Inalala kong muli ang mga binanggit niya sa akin. Na
wala ng magliligtas sa akin sa pagkakataon na ito.
It made me more frustrated,
Pinagsama-sama ko ang lakas ko at kahit alam kong walang silbi 'e nagpumiglas pa
rin ako. The thing is, I'm not trying to breakfree to earn my freedom again but
because I want to unleash the anger, confusion, hatred, and many more inside me.
These emotions, they're a pain in the a*s. I don't want it! I can't take it! It
hurts so much! It hurts like hell! I don't even know what to do anymore!
Pinagtatawanan lang ako ng gumapos sa akin clito nang walang katapusan at nang
mapagod ako ay idinipende ko na ang bigat ko sa kadenang pumupulupot sa akin sa
posteng ito. Ayoko na. Gusto ko ngsumuko, May pag-asa pa ba ? Paano kung hindi
magtagumpay ang mga kasamahan 1<0? Paniguradong mawawalan sila ng isang bin ti sa
oras na malaman nilang maaaring madamay ang mga inosen teng bata sa bawat galaw
nila (aban kay Urd Kahit na ba ang ahensya pa ang kumilos, tiyak na haharangin sila
ng mga kliyenteng konektado sa mga batang nasa bingit ng kamatayan.
"Give up, Derek. Everything will be mine to rule after this. It will be just me
semperet in perpetuum."
I lifted my head as soon as I heard the words she muttered.
Semper et in perpetuum. Napatingin ako sa kamay ko at roon ay napansin ko na iyon
din ang mga parehas na katagang nakaukit sa silver plate ng aksesoryang binigay sa
akin ni
Rieda. "Always and forever. .." pabulong kong ani.
Always and forever... Always and forever..
Always and forever.
"Derek, go! You have to hide! Never let yourpath crossed with Mavelle's! Find the
mask, she'll leadyou to the Phoenix, and keep the flash drive safe!"
"But, uncle! I can 't leave you here!
Malulungkot si Papa!"
Hinawakan niya ang pisngi ko sa pamamagitan ng malalamig niyang mga kamay at
pinilit hanapin ang natitirang lakas ng 100b sa katawan niya "Tanging angsarili
niyangmga salita angpapataysa kanya Tandaan mo 'yan, Derek. Sige na, magtago ka na!
Malapit na siyang dumating!"
Labag man sa gusto ko ngunit sinunod ko pa rin si tito. Nagtago ako sa closet kung
saan pinanatili niya na patay ang Naw at binusalan ang bibig 1<0. Kung sakali raw
na may masaksihan ako na nakakatakot at hindi katanggap-tanggap, kagatin ko lang
ito at huwag na huwag lilikha ng kahit anong ingay na maaaring ikahinala ni Tita
Mavelle.
Gulong-gulo na ako. Bakit bad girl din si Tita Mavelle?!
"Hi, honey!"
"Oh, Urd! How's work? Didyou have
Pinanood ko mula sa mga maliliit na singit na butas ng mga pinto ng closet ang mga
nangyayari sa labas, Inaalalayan ni tito si tita sa pagtatanggal ng suot niyang
coat at nag-uusap sila I can 't hear anything though. Even so, I stayed still. I
kept my voice shut until a gasp escaped from my mouth when Tito Jerome collapsed
after he drank from the wine his
girlfriend poured for him.
Naalerto siya nang marinig ang pagsinghap ko at napasulyap sa bawat direksyon.
Mariin kong hinarang ang mga kamay ko sa bibig ko nangsa ganoon ay mapigilan
angsigaw na gustong ilabas habang ang mga luha ko ay tuloy-tuloy sa pagragasa.
Napunan ng takot ang kabuuan koe Takot para kay tita Takot para sa sarili kong
buhay.
Tito Jerome...
"Urd... Y-You will never win.. e" Urd?
That distracted her from the bother of searching the source of the soft noise. "I
can't let you live anymore. You have to die," she spoke and caressed his cheeks
while saying these. The other uttered more but it was no longer distinctive enough
to be realized
, -always and forever."
The next thing | knew, the woman he called Urd stood up. She observed the room one
last time and then she got out of the room, As what my deceased relative
instructed, | waited for the car's engine 's sound before carefully taking the gag
offfrom my mouth. / slowly opened the closet doors with my trembling hands. The
second | set my foot on the room, my eyes can 't afford to look at the dead body.
The tearsjust went on as I force myself to do everything | was told to. The flash
drive was successfully ejected from the computer and hidden on my pocket.
Unti-un ting nauubos ang lakas ng mga binti ko kaya binilisan kong lumabas ng
kwarto, Sinubukan kong hanapin Sina mama at papa pero hind/' ko talaga sila
mahanap. Posibleng sinadya ni tita na gawin ito sa sandaling walang ibang tao rito
sa mansyon! Sa gitna ng kawalan ko ng lakas, nahuli ng mga mata ko ang aninong
pagmamay-ari ng pumatay sa tito ko sa labas ng mansyon at tila nag-aabang ng kahit
na sinong (alabas.
Umiyak lang ako nang umiyak hanggang sa makaisip ako ngparaan. Umakyat ako sa attic
at ginamit ang lumang daanan doon para mailusot ako nito pababa sa likuran ng
bahay, Nang makababa ako ay agaran kong binuksan ang harang na nagkukubli sa ruta
Subalit nang tanggalin ko ito ay isang lalaki ang sumalubong sa akin at nagpatikom
sa bibig ko.
Tito Joshua ?!
"Sshh, kiddo. I'm here to fetch you. I'llgive you a ride to your father's "
Animo'y galing sa lunod akong napahangos nang burnalik na sa akin ang mga alaalang
matagal na nawalay sa akin. Ang mga salitang iyon. . . iyon ang mga huling salitang
narinig kong lumabas sa mga labi ni Uncle Jerome, ang nakababatang kapatid ni dad.
Naaalala ko na. 00, tama. May dalawa nga akong tiyuhin. Ang isa'y pinatay na at ang
isa ay ang naghatid sa akin sa kumpanya dahil doon lamang ako magiging ligtas noong
mga panahong iyon. Sa kumpanya kung saan...
ekung saan ko ipinatago ang flashdrive na ipinagkatiwala sa akin,
Find the mask. It's about making me search for/shtar, the one who wears golden
Venetian mask! She'll lead you to the Phoenix. He's talking about Master Phoenix of
the Phoenix
Organization! All along, I've been meant to meet Rieda to spoil Urd's crimes! I was
taken because Mavelle knew I was there in that room, listening. got something I
shouldn't have in her perspective and delivered that thing to the safest place De
Guzman's youngest son told me about. The De Guzman Enterprises' Executive Safe
Room.
Hindi ko maiwasan ang mapatawa na lang. Hindi ako makapaniwalang ang lahat ng
nangyayaring ito ay magkakakonekta noon pa lang. Ako ang napili niyang bitag sa
maskara hindi dahil ako ang pamangkin ng lalaking pinaniwala niyang mahal niya
bagkus dahil nangangamba siya sa mga posibleng nalalaman ko tungkol sa kanya sa
kabila ng pagkawala ng memorya ko ukol dito. Paano ko nga ba nakalimutan?
"What's so funny, De Guzman?"
Chuckling, I stared at her eyes. "l remember now, Tita Mavelle."
Nang pumarinig sa kulob na kulungan na 'to ang pagtawag ko sa kanya ay siya ring
kinadali-dali niyang punta sa kinasasadlakan ko. Nagngingitngit ang mga ngipin niya
habang nagtatagisan kami ng tingin. Nagkamali ako. Wala akong dapat ikatakot sa
isang kriminal na kagaya niya. Siya ang may sala atsiya ang dapat magdusa sa lahat
ng krimengginawa niya.
"Tanging ang sarili niyang mga salita ang papataysa kanya. "
Hindi ako nagpatalo sa paninindak niya garnit ang paghagod ng b* * *l sa balat ko.
Siya ang dapat na manginigsa takot at hindi ako. Kinuha niya ako rito dahil sa
rason na iyon at wala ng iba pa, "Bakit hindi mo tingnan ang braceletna huling
regalo sa akin ng pinakamamahal ko?" aya ko sa kanya na siyang ikinainis lang niya
lalo at ikinalagay ng kamay niya sa leeg 1<0. Sa una pa lang, laban ko na na
maipaghiganti ang pagkamatay ng kamag-anak kong kinitilan niya ng buhay. Kinitilan
niya ng buhay ito kahit na ba lubos siya nitong minahal.
"What do you—"
At tulad na nga ba ng inaasahan ko, para siyang nakakita ng multo nang tumama ang
tingin niya sa braceletna suot ko. Ngayon, mas nakumpirma ko na ang
ipinapahiwatigsa akin ng huling habilin ni tito. Sariling mga salita ang siyang
papatay sa kanya. Mga salitang binitiwan niya ang siyang babalik para singilin
siya.
" Do not forget. I loveyou, always and forever, That's the last words of your
lover,
Mavelle De Villa. Is it fun? Is it fun tasting your own medicine?" a female voice
mocked.
This time, it was my turned to feel like I've seen a ghost. At the enemy's weakest,
the strongest competitor arrived. On my strongest point, my sole weakness appeared.
/ see now, She really did hold her promise. She came back to me. Nothing could
measure the joy I've felt when I found her standing in a very temptatious outfit
with a pair of badass pistols.
Indeed, she's the formidable foe everyone's talking about.
Charlie got three angels. I say I don 't care. I've got a goddess with me.
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TAGS alpha possessive fated shifter

Chapter 59: Clash Part I

RIEDA'S POV
" Do not forget. I loveyou, always and forever. That's the last words ofyour lover,
Mavelle De Villa. Is it fun? Is it fun tasting your own medicine?"
The once greatest agent of the proud organization was now on her knees weeping for
the man she killed because of her greed, and greed killed the only chance the fate
has given her to be happy and to live the way she should 've been. Urd was never
merciless. In fact, it was the opposite and then she turned her back. Revenge
became her purpose on everything until it consumes her and leads her to this
moment.
I glanced at Derek who's still completely chained but with a relieved look on his
face. If it isn't for him, my entrance could've been more delayed. I expect nothing
less from the nephew of the bravest witness protection program's member. He finally
accomplished the mission to let the mask and the poison meet and to answer
injustice with justice through their own variation of it.
I mouthed 'thank you' and he smiled.
His smile was more than enough
reason to keep myself alive.
"W-Why. . . Why did you even have to bring his words back?" Mavelle grunted as she
grasps for her chest. A chest that hurts so much as it remembers the pain of
stealing the life of the only man who truly loved her despite all circumstances.
"You've monopolized the tragedies I've suffered from. You allowed me to grow
thinking I can be your ally someday but when I can't, you keep triggering the
trauma the Henosis incident gave me. So, why. . . why can't I do the same?" I
answered back, clutching the claws of me who wanted to avenge the life I should 've
if it weren't for her.
Ito lang ang paraan para magising ka sa katotohanan. Ito lang ang magagawa ko nang
sa gayon ay magkaroon pa ng pagkakataon para sa iyo at sa aming lahat na mabuhay.
"Itigil mo na 'to. Iwan mo na ang paghihiganti mo. Sumama ka sa organisasyon at
pagbayaran ang mga kasalanan na nagawa mo. Sigurado akong tatanggapin ka pa rin ni
Master Phoenix." Kung ako ang masusunod ay hindi ko na hahayaan pang magkaroon ng
tiyansa ang kagaya niyang lagi na lamang binabalewala ito.
Ngunit sa isang iglap ay tila nagbago ng ihip ang hangin. Ito'y nanlamig at
tuluyang bumuo ng kaba sa aking dibdib. Sa
kaloob-looban 1<0, nakikiusap ako na sana hindi na ito urnabot pa sa pinakamalalang
resulta. Masyado nang maraming dugo ang dumanak habang isinasagawa ko ang planong
ito. Lubos kong pagsisisihan buong buhay ko kung kikitilin ko pa ang buhay ng
babaeng ito na ang tanging habol lang naman ay mabigyan ng katarungan ang
pagkamatay ng pamilya niya. Kagaya ko, nawalan din siya, naging mag-isa, nawalan ng
makakapitan, at namalimos ng kakaunting tulong para mabuhay. Hindi niya kasalanan
iyon.
"Phoenix? H-Hahaha! I was adopted by the same phoenix who gave you everything,
Rieda. Just like you, he favored me and I was admired by all. Just like you, my
family died unfairly. I didn't become an agent so I can save lives. I became one
because one of them was ordered their my beloved family's death." Unti-unti ay
bumangon sa pagkakaluhod ang babae at pansin ko mula sa kanyang likod ang mabibigat
na hiningang inoorkestra niya. Gayunpaman, hindi ko matanggap ang sinabi niya.
Hinding-hindi magagawa ni Master Phoenix ang pumatay nang walang dahilan. At mas
lalong walang karapatan si Urd para ilagay sa mga kamay niya ang gulong ng
katarungan. Ang pagiging ahente namin ay paraan lamang upang mapadali ang pag-andar
nito at wala ng iba pa. Ang sumobra sa linyang
inilagay ay isang kasalanang dapat iwasan.
I was about to approach her when she raised her hand.
Ad renaline came to my every vein and immediately dodge multiple knives from the
back. Looks like she called her ferrets ready as we dig deeper on the drama, eh?
"You're going to die here ifyou won't help me, Ishtar. Join me or your friends will
die." I can feel the heaviness upon her words. I'm completely aware that every bit
of it is true and absolute. She never had anything she wanted and so she'd dare do
anything to get at least one—revenge.
"Believe me, I should be the one saying that," I told her before I walked towards
men and women under her control. They are all armed and seemed trained for this
encounter. can 'tsay I'm not thrilled by it, Let's see if they can take me on, Ako
ang unang umatake at pinagpapaputukan silang lahat sa mga darnit nila. Ni hindi
nila inaabalang mataranta sa mga atake ko dahil binagalan ko ang galaw ko. Nang
matapos ako ay malamyang ibinaba ko ang pares ng mga b* * *l na dala ko na siyang
nakapagtataka sa mga mata ng mga kalaban 1<0. Kapwa sila nagtinginang walo hanggang
sa magsitawanan sila na tila kinukutya ako sa hindi pagpatay sa kanila.
Overconfidence is indeed the worst
At saktong sa pagngiti ko sa kanila ay sabay-sabay na nagsiputukan ang mga maliliit
na bombang bala na pinakapit ko sa mga katawan nila. Nagkalat ang usok mula rito
subalit lantad ang pagkakalasog-lasog ng laman, buto, at dugo nila sa ginawa ko.
Oo't nandito ako para mag-alok ng mapayapang paraan pero hindi ko sinabing may-awa
akong dadating.
I saw the horror on Derek's face which not even made me flinch. If we were to
survive the deall made with Master Phoenix, he must see what I am capable of and
what I could become if the situation demanded something. Love is not only about
acceptance but also a mind as clear as embracing reasons and purposes.
"You sure you're going to show the monster you are to your lover?"
"l sure am," I answered before I pull every shuriken I have and threw it to every
sneaking snake on every corner and shadows of this place. They all fell onto the
floor, bathing on their own fresh red blood, faces upon the tiles, eyes opened out
shock, and lifeless. "Was that already your worst, bitch?" I asked, my chin lifted.
I just want to end this as soon as I can.
Imbes na manlumo siya halos dalawang dosenang buhay na nawala sa ilang segundo ay
humalakhak lamang ito na animo'y nakalimutan niya na angtunay na ibigsabihin ng
buhay. Master, I don 't think I could convince her. She 's had the worst
ofeverything. Mabilis akong tumagilid upangsaluhin angtubong dapat ay papatama sa
ulo ko at minanipula ang kamay ng may hawak nito upang ipang-atake sa iba niyang
kasamahan. Matapos ay sinipa ko ang tuhod nito at kalamnan nang makuha angtubo mula
sa kanya. Bago pa man siya makabangon sa pagkakasalampak ay agad ko nang bin ato
ito papunta sa bungo niya na siyang nakapagpatulog na sa kanya nang tuluyan.
"Tigilan mo na 'to!"
"Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi ako nakakaganti sa pumatay sa pamilya ko!"
I took my pistols on check again and shot every person who came beyond my three
meter circle. They're neat shots, bullets buried on their foreheads' center. One by
one, bloodlust runs faster than ever. It's as if I'm meant to kill them and I'm
wanting it, that I'm craving for it, have lost track of the number of lives I've
taken away until the last one entered the circle and almost touched me, and I
planted two consecutive bullets on his head.
She's making me do it. | won 't dance to
her schemes. / am not like her. I will never will.
Tiningnan ko ang lalaking iyon na lumagapak sa paanan 1<0. Napapikit ako at
napasigaw na lang sa inis. Urd's beyond saving. I can no longer save her from this
despair. She'll keep allowing me kill everyone here until she found the right time
to call me the same murderer she is playing. "S-Stop it."
"Bakit... Bakit wala man lang pagdadalawang-isip sa mga mata ng mga taong
pinabababaril ko?" Nanginginig ang mga kamay 1<0. Ramdam ko ang talsik ng dugo sa
buong katawan ko na para bang kakambal ko na ito. Kay bigat ng pakiramdam bawat
subok na bilangin ang mga katawang nakalatag ngayon. Lahat ng ito, bunga ng
pagiging makasarili ni Mavelle. . . at ng mga kamay ko.
Being an agent sucks. Being a person who has to prioritize duties over others
sucks.
"It's because I assured them that if they join me, their families won't suffer
anymore. That their children will have bright futures ahead of them without
worries. Humans are weak when it comes to their loved ones and you, Ishtar is also
one of them."
I felt a bit of a slice within me. I then turned to her direction and saw the
Cerberus members behind her, tied and muzzled. My hopes are being challenged. Niel
is one of them. He looked at me apologetically as he hugs a boy in his arms. It
made me realize that he surrendered the plan alongside Glen in order to save a lot
of kidnapped sons and daughters of society.
This bitch is giving me multiple attacks in every direction. Damn.
"Sumuko na sila, Rieda Fernandez. Kung hindi mo gagawin ang tulad ng ginawa nila,
baka pati si Derek mas madamay pa," anya. Dumako ang titig ko sa lalaking higit sa
lahat ay nararapat sa kahit anong kasiyahan. Apat na tao ang lumitaw mula posteng
kinakakadenahan niya. Akmang kikilos na ako para pigilan sila nang pangunahan ako
ni Mavelle.
She waved her index finger on me, telling me not to move even a little step. "If
you do, these people behind me will die. Their ropes were all connected to a bomb.
One wrong move and you shall have their blood on your feet. But. . . if you don't
save the man you love now, he will eventually be the one to end your life as I have
ended Jerome's." I was confused. What was she talking about?
Natawag ng pansin ko ang kung anong itinatarak sa leeg ni Derek. Halos magdugo ang
labi ko sa pagkagat ko rito habang pinapakinggan ko ang hiyaw niya sa sakit. Wala
akong magawa. Hindi ako makapagdesisyon. Ang taong mahal ko o ang buhay ng maraming
tao?
Normally, I know what the answer should be. As a trainee, we've been asked numerous
tricky questions about a moral dilemma. Most of it portrayed choosing out of two
tough choices, almost similar to this one. We were taught to save the greater
number even if we have to sacrifice an individual and let him die alone. That's the
protocol unless we have the capability to save all of them.
But how? How could I save both of them ifMaster Phoenix's plans are no stranger now
to this woman? How could I keep my promise on Derek withoutjeopardizing the mission
I've pledged into?
Just when I was about to gamble, one side of the room got bombarded and smoke came
forth. Napunta ang atensyon ng lahat sa posisyon na iyon hanggangsa magbunga iyon
ng dalawang bulto, naglalakad at pansin kong may dalang mga arm as. "Release them,"
a familiar female voice instructed.
"Estrelle!" I exclaimed as soon as I realized it was her. She came in with another
person at her back. I almost gasped seeing that person wearing the treacherous
mask, the one that has been worn by the woman who we thought betrayed the Henosis
and the Phoenix Organization. As far as I know, it was displayed on the Hall of the
Fallen Agents. How could it fall on someone else's hands?
"How..
"l think you just forgot Plan C, agent," Fiery said in a matter-of-fact tone toward
the bitch we have to eradicate before she could put bigger chaos into the country.
This resulted to her being more focused on Estrelle and her buddy. For the
meantime, I decided to take this opportunity to get on to Derek while they're all
busy. But when I am about to turn my head, a hand attacked my neck.
Mabilis na napahawak ako sa kamay nito sa pilit akong sinasakal. Nang masilayan ko
kung sino ito ay nagkagulo-gulo na ang isip at puso ko. "D-Derek. nahihirapan kong
utal. Kay diretsa ng tingin niya at bakas ang pwersang inilalaan niya sa
pagngitngit pa lang ng mga ngipin at panga niya. Paulit-ulit kong hinahampas ang
kamay niya pero walang pagkatinag ang mababakas sa kanya. Para bang... para bang
nasa iisa siyang ilusyon at may ibang kumokontrol sa kanya.
"Be careful ofher, Rieda. De Villa stole one ofthe agency's prized technology prior
to her disappearance. It is the sim-serum injector. Inject it and one 's mind can
be controlled with a remote like any toy," Corvette reminded me the moment she
succeeded reviving me from the d* *g which stopped my heart from beating for about
five minutes.
This is not the man I love. This is not
Derek.
Kaya hinugot ko ang natitira kong takas at inilagay ito sa magkabilang Siko ko
upang tirahin ang kamay niyang nasa leeg ko. Sa pagkakadiin nito ay nabitawan niya
na siyang nakapagsalampak sa akin sa sahig. Dali-dali akong sumagap ng hangin para
sa sarili ko ngunit hindi pa man ako nakakatayo 'e may dalang patalim na akong
inatake ni Derek.
Dinakot ng mga kamay ko ang palapulsuhan niya bago pa man tuluyang tumarak sa akin
ang patalim. Habang pinipigilan siyang patayin ako ay hindi ko pa lubos maisip na
darating ang pagkakataon na kailangan ko siyang kalabanin. Ang taong prinotektahan
ko ang kailangan kong kalabanin ngayon, buhol-buhol na ang isip ko. Tinadyakan ko
siya sa sikmura upang mapaatras siya at para makabwelo na rin ako ng pagbangon.
Ambang dudulutan ko na ang mga nagsisigawang mga bata nang hilahin ni Derek ang
buhok ko pabalik at halos hiwain ang pisngi ko sa pag-ikot ko papaharap sa kanya.
Rumehistro kaagad sa akin ang hapdi sa mukha ko pero wala na akong oras para
intindihin pa 'yon. Abala na pinaulanan niya ako ng mga suntok, suntok na puros
iniiwasan ko at sinusubukan kong panghawakan para pigilan siya ngunit sa bandang
hull* ay nahuli niya ang mga bukas kong depensa at inatake ako.
I tried to either escape or to keep him from attacking but he just won't stop. In
his eyes, I was his sole prey and he has to get it by hook or by crook no matter
what. It made everything more than difficult. I can't just hurt him without hurting
myself first. I'm losing tricks and I'm on the ground after he threw me away,
carefully crawling backward as he continues to step forward. Then, I remembered the
first ever moment that he opened up with me.
"Pistol, Vanna," I ordered and as soon as I got the weapon on my hand, I laid my
back on the ground and point it on my head. He rushed to hold it and put his finger
on the trigger. His weight on me almost choking me down. I'm praying he won't pull
it but I don't wish to give him pain further.
Mabibigat ang hiningang naming dalawa. Hawak niya ang buhay ko at umaasa naman ako
sa pagmamahal na mayroon siya sa akin. Umaasa ako na gamit 'yon, makikilala niya
ako sa kabila ng pagmamanipula ng babaeng 'yon. Nang tila inililihis niya ang
tingin niya ay pinigilan ko ito sa par-namagitan ng kamay ko. "Tumingin ka lang sa
akin. Pull the trigger as you look at me. Don't look away," bulong ko sa kanya.
The only way to remind someone of what was presen t is fear. And his fear has
always
been losing the people he loves from his side. . . just like her mom.
Eventually, I finally noticed his hands trembling as he holds the pistol and my
hands on it. His eyes finally wavered and were curiously looking around. He
breathes as if he was drowned for the last few minutes that we were fighting
tremendously. Derek was shocked by what was going on and on the fact that he's on
top of me and holding a g*n against me. In disbelief, he shoved it away and pulled
me into a hug.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he said repeatedly, horrified by actions he did
and for the consequence of it if he didn't wake up from it.
I caressed his head and patted it.
"There's nothing to be sorry about. You did great. I'm the one who has to apologize
for making you believe that I'm gone. But, I don't regret it at all because I saw
how much you really love me. That is why let me love you in my own way." Letting go
of him, I knew he knew what am I pertaining to. It was frustrating. I got to be in
the arms of heavenly pleasure and happiness and yet I have to let go in order to
save the others. I guess it's really just that. I'm both an agent and a woman. I
can't be just one alone. And today, it has to be me who has to save the day.
He helped me stand up and eradicate those who would block my path toward Urd who's
killing everyone she sees, may it be innocent or not. It was painful how each one
from our sides falls. Cerberus, as I have called before was a fratern ity of good-
for-nothing guys who have too much time on their hands. But, I was wrong. They came
here because they thought their time could be used for a greater purpose instead of
dilly-dallying. They're also Derek's friends. And some of them died for the same
principle | have.
Hindi ko hahayaang mamatay na lang sila nang walang hustisya at kakahinatnatan.
Nang pumasalampak na sa sahig ang babaeng nakalaban ko ay saktong nagkasalubong ang
tingin naming dalawa ni Mavelle, may alimpuyo, may galit, mayroong bahid ng nais ng
paghihiganti. Maanong pasugod na ako at handa nangtapusin ang kasamaan niya nang
hablutin ni Derek ang kamay ko. Dama ko ang kakaibang bilis ng pintig ng puso 1<0.
Muli, naroroon na naman ang takot. Ayoko siyang mawala. Ayoko ring mamatay. Gusto
kong magkaroon ng kalayaan kamingdalawa.
Hahatakin ko na sana ito nang gumamit siya ng buong pwersa at naipaharap niya ako
sa kanya. Subalit, hindi ko inaakalang hahatakin pa niya ako nang sobrang lapit
para magkadikit ang aming mga labi. Mainit. Akala mo'y apoy ang siyang humalik sa
akin ngunit
hindi naging masakit ang madampian nito bagkus, kay sarap at kaginha-ginhawa.
Naipikit ko na lang ang aking mga mata, kasabay ng dasal na sana'y ito'y masundan
pa at hindi pa ang katapusan. Ngunit nang mapansin ko na ang presensya papalapit
nang papalapit, batid kong dapat muna akong burnitiw.
"Remember that I love you so much," I told him when our lips separated.
He touched my cheeks and smiled as if no bloodshed was happening around us. "Sei il
mio diamante," and then he let his forehead embraces mine. I can't help but to feel
joy. For the first time in my life. I've never felt the determination to live and
to enjoy the happiness this man would give to me.
I stared at our hands, tangled to one another and then I looked up at him.
"Semperet in perpetuum."
Pagkatapos kong banggitin ang mga katagang iyon ay malaya kong pinantapat ang braso
ko sa papatamang atake ni Urd. Nagpalitan kami ng mga suntok at mga sipa na siyang
alam naming halos magkasing lakas at magkasing pwersa. Pero hindi ako maaaring
matalo. Naghamunan kami ng kanya-kanyang patalim, pawang nagagalusan lamang ang
isa't isa ngunit hindi nagkakapuruhan. May mas ibubuga ka pa rito, Rieda. At nang
hindi siya masyadong alerto
aytinamaan ko ng paa ko angtuhod na siyang nakapagpaluhod sa kanya nang marahas. Sa
pagtumba niya ay maagap kongtinuhod ang baba niya nang pagkalakas-lakas na
napatumba siya at napaplakda sa sahig.
I decided not to stop but before I continue, a music has played from the speakers
of the whole facility. If I'm not mistaken it's classical, produced by the sounds
of saxophone. Everyone was utterly confused of what has happened. We halted,
catching the air we've lost while minding our own business. And all of a sudden, as
the music gets louder and clearer, Mavelle screamed like crazy, it's as if she's in
severe torturing. She curled up herself on the cold floor, covering her ears as she
trembles.
"Breaching ofsystems, successful, milady. Agent Isis, Miss Monique Alcantara
infiltrated the control room and inserted the files Erossent a while ago. These
files include every single thing that could trigger the officially excommunicated,
Agent Urd or by her real name, Mavelle De Villa 's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,"
Vanna informed me.
Good thing Isis has nice trailing of what the plan is.
Habang tila hindi pa rin magkamayaw ang kalaban sa pagsisisigaw dulot ng tugtog ay
sinamantala ko na ang tiyansa para tarakan siya
ng pampatulog nang sa gayon ay madala ko na siya sa ahensya sa lalong madaling
panahon. Paporma na ng syringe ang sistema ni Vanna nang dumilat ang babae at
hinatak ako gamit ang dalawang kamay niya na kanina'y nakatakip sa kanyang mga
tenga.
"l won't be fooled twice, Ishtar," she uttered while gasping for air. "Kung 'di ko
rin mapapatumba ang ahensya, papatayin ko na lang ang puso nito," anya at dinala
niya na ang mga kamay niya sa leeg ko upang sakalin ako nang pagkadiin-diin. Agad
akong napaubo 'pagkat halata ang pagnanasa niyang matuldukan ang lahat sa
pamamagitan ko.
In the midst of trying to break free, a similar sound was heard from the speakers.
Monique! Urd laughed as my fellow agent yelled for help. "There's a self-
destruction feature on my computers. I learned from Mark, Rieda. It's time to make
it backfire." When she finished her sentence, everyone just immediately got muted.
Suddenly, my focus was no longer the hands choking me but the look on the faces of
my allies. Sorrow was obviously painted on them as they panic. No. No. No. Deep
inside, I already knew. knew the fate she earned for entertaining the indirect
invitation from Master Phoenix.
Agent Isis is dead.

Chapter 59: Clash Part I l

That wasn't true at all. Wasn't it?
"Rieda, how long do you know father?" 1 remembered Monique asked me on one ofour
rarest conversations together during the time of my suspension. We were on an
auspicious cafe on downtown that night. Fiery's a frequent customer and it's quite
a luck that they were still serving until three in the morning
I can 't tell them how ecstatic I was to find a place | can go to while my sentence
's still present. Staying on Corvette 's for the whole day would seriously make me
lose my mind. Watching television doesn 't help either, as the news of the
consecutive massacres would only trigger the memories that never stopped on hunting
me. Wasn 't it enough that I have carried those fallen ones' regrets, screams, and
wishes on my shoulders for five years? Wasn 't it enough that | always have to
listen and to watch the same horrifying scene on my dreams? Wasn 't it enough forme
to share my piece ofsorrow and the times / tried to want to sacrifice my own life
to compensate my unreliability as a fellow agent? / tried to help. But Ijust can 't
help everyone.
/ may be an agent. However, I'm still a
human. There are things that I can't put my hands on, and that very much includes
the lives of the people.
"Father?" I asked as I reach fora cookie from the plate at the center of the table.
On the other hand, Estrelle 's enjoying her red velvet cheesecake quietly.
/ wish everything's normaljust like this.
"Master Phoenix. He 's very charitable, wasn 't he? He adoptedyou and admityou to
the organization afterseeingyou selling flowers on the sideways That's story was
still quite famous to all agents, ifyou didn 't know. All new ones admire you after
hearing it. "
Hindi naman ganoong kalakihang bagay iyon para maging kwento-kwento pa ng lahat. At
kung tutuusin, ang tagal na n 'on. Bakit hanggang ngayon 'e buhay na buhaypa rin at
parang kwen tong bayan na kailangan ipasalin-salin? Natata wang napapailing na lang
akong kumain nang nakatingin sa kanya. Alam ko na matunog ang pangalan ko (agi pero
minsan, sobra-sobra na ang nakwekwento. May iba pa ngang hindi na makatotohanan.
Napabun tong hininga naman siya at napangalumbaba. "Tsk, Palibhasa hindi mo
naranasan ang buhay Regular Department lang. Mula pagkapasok 1770, kinakitaan ka
na kaagad ng galing. Kaya nga paborito nga ni Master 'e. Nakakainggit. Samantalang
kami. laging automated greetings and messages lang nakukuha na amin sa tuwing
kaarawan namin o hindi kaya kapag napagtagumpayan namin ang mga misyon."
"Hays. Monique Alcantara and her enviousness towards Golden Children," our
cheesecake lover commented, This made the other roll her eyes and snob what she
said.
Estrelle and her cheesecakes.
"Golden Children?"
Nagkatinginan ang dalawa at napataas na langng mga balikat si Fiery. "Tell her. Of
course, she didn 't know about it. It's a name created by our department" Was there
something I missed out in the agency? Was I late for some news?
Nilagpas naman muna ni Monique ang nilalantakan niyang milkshake at umayos ng upo
papaharap sa akin. "lyon ang tawag namin sa inyo na taga-Special Duties. But,
nevermind that. Hindi ka naman na iba sa amin, Rieda I mean, you're far different
from the person we thought you were. Instead ofarrogant, you seemed cool and
hasyour own flaws. You're not prideful but you're not ashamed ofyour own decisions
and mistakes. That makesyou one hell ofa woman," aniya na halos ikabulunan 1<0.
Maubo-ubo at mabuti na lang at inabutan ako ng tubig ni Estrelle. Kinalma ko naman
ang sarili ko hanggang sa makahinga na ako nang maluwag. Itong si Monique kasi 'e,
kung anu-ano pinagsasasabi.
"I'm nota fan ofcomp/iments. Pero alam niyo, wala naman talagang misyon na
pinakamahirap at hindi mahirap. Minsan, napapaisip ako kung bakit may hiwa-hiwalay
pang departamento."
Everyone has their own way to finish a job, Nevertheless, there was never a mission
that was not difficult and life-threatening. Even going to a simple investigation
can bore a lot ofrisks.
Golden Children, my a *s.
I took another sip of water until | decided to tell them a personal thought. "l
wish we could bejust ordinary women, Being extraordinary takes a lot of work. You
save the day without everyone knowingyou're the hero and when you fail, you embrace
the pain alone."
Fiery sighed. "This was the work we chose. Kung hindi ako sumama sa ahensya matapos
akong ma-rescue mula sa isang d* *g factory, nasa kulungan siguro ako o kaya nasa
kalsada, palaboy-laboy, nag-iisa. There was no future for me. "
Napangiti na lang ako. Sana ganito na langlagi. Tahimik, payapa, at walanginaalala.
"Yeah, well except when you met Glen. Like to be honest, woman, stop the feeling
whilst early, Don 't fall for a man raised in wealth. All men succumb to the
weakness they called birthright "
That ruined the mood Though, | admit it's the right choice ofadvice, Falling for
our male clients always ends badly for both sides. And when I said bad, the
strongest contenders for its definition are death and torture,
Pinitik naman ng isa ang noo ng nangaral sa kanya. "Likeyou're the one to talk.
Stop the feeling, little girl or I'll cook a one good poison foryour dearyoung
master," bawi nito. Bakas sa pagtaas ng kilay at pag-irap nito ang pagkainis nang
mabanggit ang ngalan ni Genius. Kung alam lang talaga ni Glen ang lahat. Sigurado
akong matatanggap niya pa rin ang babaeng 'to. Sino ba ang tatanggi sa isang
babaeng inaalay ang buhay niya para sa'yo araw-araw?
"If/'ve been an ordinary woman, I swear I'd still push my life at stake to be on
that house again and cook for him. Alam kong kakamuhian niya ako pero masama ba na
maging makasarili paminsan-minsan
Those words. Those sentimental conversations. Those moments just came back right at
me when I finally caught the sound. The fight's not yet done. Mas lumala lam ang
ito nang iparating ng daing ni Estrelle ang pagkawala ng kapwa niya ahente. Sa
gilid ng mga mata ko, alam kong laman ng bawat luhang umaagos sa mukha niya ang
lahat ng galit at sakit. That memory was simple but full of substance for all of
us. It contained our greatest wishes and desires. I never expected to meet two
girls that I can compliment my own characteristics with. I'm quite a bitch but
sometimes, it takes another bitch to tame one another.
It's unfair.
She doesn 't deserve to die. She only wants to be Monica, stays on that house,
stays on being a chef, and stay on Niel's side. What has she done wrong? Anong
mayroon para pagkaitan siya n 'on?
At sa pagkakataong bum alik ako sa ulirat, ako na ang nakapatong kay Urd at duguan
na ang mukha niya. Ni hindi ko inda ang eksena dahil alam kong mas maigting pa ang
mga nakita ko noon. Mas nakakatakot at mas nakakapanindig balahibo. Kung tutuusin,
hindi pa sapat ang mga suntok na walang pagod kong pinapatama sa bawat pisngi niya.
Babad na sa dugo ang kamao ko pero hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko na magalit.
Siya at ang maling akala niya ang puno't dulo ng lahat ng 'to.
Nang hindi ako makuntento, turnayo ako at pinatikim ko sa kanya kung paano ang
mabalian ng butok sa paa at sa braso. llang beses
ko ringtinadyakan angtagiliran at tiyan niya na siyang ikinasuka niya nang mas
maraming dugo. Pero hindi. Hindi pa ako kuntento. Hindi pa nawawala ang galit ko.
Hindi pa naaalissa aking ang memorya ng usapan na 'yon. Hindi pa naglalaho ang
pangarap ko para kay Monique kung saan masaya siya sa piling ng lalaking mahal
niya, nang nakukuha ang lahat ng ninanais niya. She deserved everything as much as
anyone. Why should be deprived?
"Vanna, gas."
"This was not a part ofthe plan, Agent Ishtar."
"Did I ask you as Agent Ishtar?"
"No, ma'am,"
"Then do it!"
It was my first time to yell at my guardian. But I know it's worth it.
Gayunpaman, hindi pa rin niya binigay 'yon sa akin. Hindi pa rin! Kungayawniya,
pwes sariling mga kamay ko na ang papatay kay Mavelle. lyon ang paulit-ulit na nasa
isip ko. Kaya kin apa ko ang latigong inilagay ko sa sinturera ko at hinatak ito.
Binanat-banat ko 'to para mas maramdaman ang pagngignitngit ko. Kung inalam lang
sana ni Urd ang lahatsa likod ng kamatayan ng pamilya at hindi nagpadalos-dalos,
wala kami sa posisyon na 'to.
She could've been a great sister towards all. She could've broken the barrier
between departments,
Hinataw ko nang hinataw ang latigo sa iba't ibang parte ng katawan niya. Pahina
nang pahina ang mga hiyaw ng babaeng kaninang kung makapagmalaki sa akin ay akala
mo kung sino siya. Tingin ba talaga niya ay mapapaniwala niya akong 'di siya
naaapektuhan ng tugtog na 'yon? Nagkakamali siya. Ang bawat hampas ang bawat
salitang hindi ko mabitawan. Nang hindi ko na marinig pa ang boses niya ay lumapit
ako at binitawan ang latigo.
Halos bumaon ang mga kuko ko sa leeg niya. Wala na siyang malay pero ayoko pa.
Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindisiya namamatay. Hi— "Tama na! Tama na! Tigilan mo
na, Rieda."
Then, warmth enveloped me when two arms pulled me from the villain I wanted to kill
and hugged me so tightly. I can feel his sweat, his trembling, and his breath upon
my neck. I can smell his sweet scent despite the stench of blood All that it
matters that time was him. Everything about him. I never tried to check on mine. Am
I shaking? Did I end my own misery? Did the tears stop? Did my anger fade? I don't
know. It was all Derek. He's the only one I could think of. The man who held me
closely even after I unleashed the
me that I never wanted to show him. The me who was fueled by hatred for people who
stole my life away.
I felt his hand caressing my hair continuously. "It's done. It's already done. You
no longer have to fight now. We won. We survived. You can stop now, please," he
pleaded with his voice trailing off. I cannot see his face but I know there are
tears. I cannot see if he's severely injured but I know he's in pain. Was I reason
for it? Did I do it?
"All this time, all I've done was to throw tantrums and to complain. Even so, you
always listen. You always understand. You always ask for my reasons. You never
judged me. I became so acquainted with that without knowing you're fightingyour own
demons as well. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not being able to save you when you keep
on saving my life every day."
Sa isang iglap, napakiramdaman ko na lang ang pintig ng puso ko. Ang lakas ng tibok
nito. Napapansin ko na ang panginginig ng buong katawan ko at ang mga luhang
walangtigil sa paglabas mula sa mga mata ko. Dito'y may napagtanto ako. Ibinalik ko
rin ang yakap kay Derek. Hinayaan ko munang sarilinin ng sarili ko ang pagkakataong
batid kong matagal ko nang ninanais. Marinig lamang ang mga salitang iyon na mula
sa bibig niya, nawala na ang bigat sa dibdib ko. Sa hindi malamangdahilan, pinunan
niya ang malaking butas sa pagkatao ko na mahigit sampung taon kong pilit na
pinagtatakpan ng pagiging Agent Ishtar ko.
I guess | have been wrong for all these years.
Maybe I'm already being ordinary all along
I've hugged him tighter and called his name as I closed my eyes. "You had saved me.
There's no doubt about it."
B FAKING
GEMEÑT

Breaking Engagement
Marion Artwood
C)
Bryn Avery is a witch and a master of illusions. After the death of her fam

Epilogue
RIEDA'S POV
Pagkahinto ng kotse ko, tinanggal ko na kaagad ang seatbeltat inabot ang bouquetna
binili ko bago ako nagtungo rito. Lumabas din ako at sinalubong ako ng malakas at
maaliwalas na hangin. Nakakapanatagng 100b. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako at
tinuunan ng tingin ang mga pangalang nakaukit sa nitso. llang taon na rin noong
huli kong dalaw.
May mapait na ngÏti kong inilapag ang mga bulaklak at umupo sa damuhan nang sa
gayon ay magawa ko ang nakasanayan ko nang pagkausap sa kanila. Hindi ko man sila
nakasama nitong nakaraang dalawang dekada pakiramdam ko sa ganitong paraan, para
ko na rin silang nakapiling sa bawat sandali.
"Hi, mom and dad. I'm back. After seven years, I'm back. I miss you too so much. Of
course, as well as my baby sibling that I wasn't able to welcome in this world. You
wouldn't believe what kind of adventure I had. I just wish you were all here to be
with me."
Buong buhay 1<0, wala akong ibang inatupag kundi ang mag-aral at sumunod sa
sandamakmak na mga utos. Lahat ng iyon, pinangtapal ko sa malaking butas na naiwan
sa puso ko nang mamatay ang pamilya ko sa sunog. Pinanghinayangan ko na hindi ako
namatay kasama nila nang walang kaalam-alam na balang araw ay ako naman ang
magliligtas ng buhay ng iba. Siguro nakatulong 'yon sa akin sa pagiging mahusay na
ahente. Ang hindi pagkakaroon ng takot kay kamatayan. Pero, 'yon din ang
nagpaintindi sa akin na 'yon din ang kahinaan 1<0. lyon ang kulang ko.
I brushed some bits of leaves that were blown by the wind to their names. "l
struggled to search for myself but instead of me, someone. . . a man who I hated at
first did the job for me," chuckled as I told them. It would be great if they had
seen the journey I've been through. But think it would be even greater if they had
met Derek in person. These days, women who have been dating for two years should've
at least introduced their man to their parents. Even so, I guess I wouldn't be able
to experience that privilege.
He had to be interrogated in the agency by Master Phoenix though.
Hindi matanggal sa isip ko kung gaano siya kaseryoso noong kinakausap siya nang
masinsinan ng tinuring kong am a-amahan. Corvette also tried to discourage him by
flaunting all past cases of agents and clients who mutually decided to form a
relationship. I knew there's fear on his eyes but it didn't stop the fire in him.
The passion of love he showed to me when he accepted everything about me and
everything do. The moment he hugged me to stop me from killing Urd and called my
real name, I realized I was forgiven.
"He's a nice man, very much like you, dad. I just feel bad that his own father was
killed in the middle of the chaos that we weren't able to contain much earlier. I
also regret not being able to attend his graduation and congratulate him on his
first day as CEO. Well, what can I do? We have to abide until the revision of agent
code."
Really, I can't be happier. Despite having an approval to call each other 'mine',
we had to wait until Master Phoenix passed the provisions about cases such as ours.
He also questioned what I really wanted to pursue. Will I continue being an agent
while being a girlfriend of one of the most eligible bachelors in town? Will our
relationship interfere on my duties? Are going to take it to the next level soon?
Are we expecting bells ringing in the future? Just like Corvette, he also checked
how strong my determination is to be with Derek.
"Based on ourstats, no couple united by an agent and client went as far beyond
thirty-five years old," he said.
d.
Alam kong hindi niya ako nais na mawala. Sa bandang huli, naroroon pa rin ang
katotohanan na ako ang nag-iisang natira sa Henosis. At si Mavelle? She was
confined in a mental institution, monitored by agents dressed as nurses and cameras
guarded by the intelligence. When she's about to answer to the executive board and
got her hands untied for a moment, she used those few seconds to ki ll herself, to
end the misery she started. It turned out that all this time, her PTSD was no
longer in control and the records mentioned about severe depression, wild
hallucinations, and d* *g addiction.
Sa kabila ng ginawa niya sa mga bata, sa mga miyembro ng Cerberus, sa mga tila
kapatid niya na sa Henosis, at higit sa lahat, kay Monique, 'di ko mapigilan ang
makaramdam ng pagkalungkot para sa kanya. Kung mas pinili niya sanang maliwanagan
imbes na malason ang utak ng galit at inggit, wala sanang namatay. . .. At mayroon
pa sana siyang tahanang mauuwian. Jerome De Guzman was indeed her one and only love
that she never had.
That's why I answered my so-called father.
"Then I have a least less than a decade to
enjoy love. It's better to spend my last days contented and happy, instead of
living for many years without him
DEREK'S POV
"That would be all, Woods."
"Alright. Thank you, Mr. De Guzman," he replied and then he took his things to
follow the other directors who were taking an exit from my office. I just arrived
an hour ago and they came up with a sudden meeting about the next line up of
products for the upcoming year. We're kind of planning to remodel it to the liking
of our potential investor, Montelier Corporation. I heard its only heir, Caesar
Montelier is a ferocious and cunning man. If we got him to our side, then we will
gain more access to the strings of societies, both underground and the common
grounds.
I rested my back on the swivel chair and loosened my tie. Thanks to Martin, my work
has been a lot easier than my first year as the head of the company. After the
Phoenix
Organization discovered his background as the Henosis traitor's son, he was called
to undergone interrogations and a course of isolation. Due to the help he
contributed using the mask on the fight, the forsaken name was given to her mother
was cleared and he was given a place among the ranks of the Intelligence
Department.
And now, he works here for me as a part-time.
Dinampot ko ang cellphone ko at sinulyapang muli ang litratong dati'y kinakahiya ko
dahil na rin sa naging hindi magandang pagsasama nila ni mommy. Pero ngayon? I
don't think I can be any prouder for a father who used his remaining years to
strengthen the protection he gave to me. Every now and then, I visit him in the
cemetary, where mom and Uncle Jerome were buried as well. I live with Uncle Joshua
now. He's taking care of me like a son and he's really trying hard to cope up for
the years we've been set apart. Thus, I don't feel as lonely as I am before.
Pakiramdam ko, sa wakas, napagtagpi-tagpi ko na rin ang lahat ng mga katanungan ko
sa buhay. May mga nawala man, alam kong mahaharap ko na ang mga araw na may muwang
at hindi na isang anak-mayaman na panay pagrereklamo at pakikipagbugbugan lang ang
alam.
I was about to leave the room as well to get some fresh air when my phone rang. Due
to its consistent noise, I answered it as I pick up an envelope and the package I
asked to be prepared last week. "Hello? Glen? Why did you call?"
"Dude, tumawag lang ako para ipaalala sa'yo 'yunginuman kina Niel, ha. Alam mo
namang ilang buwan na lang at magpapasko at
magbabagong taon siya nang hindi pa rin nagigingsi Monique. Pagbigyan na natin
kahit isang beses."
Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. Ang akala talaga namin noon 'e patay na ang
ahenteng nakatalaga kay Niel. Gayunpaman, talagang may awa ang Diyos dahil
nakaligtas siya kaso. kaso nakakuha siya ng mga sunog sa katawan at kasalukuyan pa
rin siyang hindi nagigising matapos ang ilang halos apat na taon na pagkakaratay
niya sa kama. Walang nakakaalam kung kailan siya muling mumulat pero sinisigurado
ng mga doktor na mas bumubuti na ang kalagayan niya at unti-unti na rin nilang
nababalik ang dating itsura ng balat niya. Magiging masaya sana ang pagtatapos ng
taon kung magigising na siya. Ni hindi rin kasi mawala ang mga mata namin kay Niel.
Halos muntikan nang surnagi sa isip niya ang magpakamatay kung hindi siya agad
nabalitaan na buhay pa ang babaeng noon lang ay pinagtatabuyan niya.
Glen and him inherited their families' wealth and parents' positions just like me.
They're actually doing a good job even if the genius' girl is on a three month-
deployment in South Africa to oversee the building of the
Phoenix's new headquarters. Why I know this?
Let's say, dating an agent makes you similar to an agent. Our companies held each
other's arms to support the agency's causes from the day we took office and up to
our descendants.
"Yeah, right. I'll be there. Alam mo namang importante rin sa akin ang araw na 'to
'e. Hindi naman kayo pinaghiwalay ni Estrelle ng isang taon matapos payagan ang
relasyon niyo. Hell, I can only see my girl five to eight times a year. I'm sort of
surprised we made it up to this day," I groaned. As if/ have a choice. That's one
condition their Mastergave in order for me to take his favorite child. Earning an
apple of the eye is always a pain in the a *s.
The person on the other line giggled "Fine, sorry. But, you really have to come
early, okay? We have to come by to talk to Mark about the ongoing project on
expanding the features of everyguardian,"he reminded that almost have me roll my
own eyes. Why does he have to be so bossy? He sounds like a woman I called a
girlfriend,
Eventually, we ended the call since I ' ll be late if I don't move soon.
Nagmamadali akong pumunta sa elevator at pinindot ang buton ng pinakamataas na
palapag ng gusaling ito. Pumahigpit ang hawak ko sa kahon at sobreng dala ko. Ewan
ko ba. Sobra akong kinakabahan ngayong araw. Ang bilis ng pintig ng puso ko.
Pakiramdam ko kahit anong oras 'e tatalon na 'e. Minsan lang kasi karm magkita.
Kaya heto, sa tuwing nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na masilayan muli ang isa't isa,
hindi talaga maiiwasan na kabahan at manibago. Pero malapit na ring magbago 'yon.
Well, a little bit.
When I reached the top floor, it was empty as I have ordered it to be. I went to
the fire exit and take one more set of stairs and opened the door that will lead me
to the rooftop. The second I got to close the door down, some sneaky fingers
tickled me on my neck. "Holy s**t!" I exclaimed as I lost hold of the things I've
brought.
Narinig ko naman ang malakas na pagtawa ng babaeng nahihilig na lang lagi sa mga
surpresa. "I'm getting better and better reactions from you. You never really
failed to surprise me," she commented as she fixes her hair that has been wooed by
the strong wind of the morning.
And / swear, she's even more beautiful than the white cold morning.
"Let me surprise you more then," dared her and I handed her the envelope.
She curiously took it from my hand when I'm busy slipping the small box into my
pocket. It was amusing to watch her open it as if she's a child that was given a
present on her birthday. When she finally saw its contents, I set a foot backward.
Just a precaution for the initial
reaction of a top class agent.
Naibaba niya ang sobre at ang papel na naroroon. Tiningnan niya ako nang nakabuka
ang bibig at nakapinta sa buong mukha niya ang pagkagulat. "Totoo ba 'to?! Derek De
Guzman, akala ko ba sabay nating ipapasa?!" At hindi ko na nga talaga napanindigan
ang hindi pagtawa. Laging siya ang sumosurpresa sa akin, sa totoo lang. Ito na
angtiyansa ko na maiwang nakabukas ang mga labi ni Agent Ishtar
I pulled the box from my pocket and opened it towards her. "As far as the laws are
concerned, from now on, you are officially Mrs. Rieda Fernandez-De Guzman," I
declared but her expression just got bigger and more amusing that I chose to use
the time to put the ring on her finger.
"Derek, you're so impossible.. ."
"Sorry I didn't tell you. I guess this is me being selfish. This time, I want to
have a contract with you that has no date of extermination and will never be
exterminated as long as we hold dear to one another." Rieda can't even express the
kind of emotion she wanted to convey. Her hand just moved on its own and covered
her mouth that was still left open.
Natatawa ako pero pinilit ko na umayos dahil batid ko na hindi lamang biro itong
desisyon ko na iparehistro na ang marriage of
contract na napirmahan na niya. Anong magagawa ko? Gusto ko na magkaroon ako ng mas
matinding mapanghaha wakan sa kanya, Naiintindihan ko ang klase ng trabahong mahal
niya. Magkaganoon man, hindi naman siguro masama na hangga 't maaga ay mabigyan na
ng tali ang buhay naming dalawa.
I am hers and she is mine. All that's left is to say yes and we will be for
eternity.
I took both of her hands and squeezed them tightly. "With this ring, please promise
that there will be no more secrets between us. There won't be a second part called
'The Wife's Secret', right?" I joked. During the years of dating, we learned to
trust each other and allow each other to have our personal space and privacy
especially if it's about work specific. Except that, we practiced on opening up our
thoughts and opinions to one another so that we can dig more about understanding
and reflecting.
This might be fast. This might be a bit of impulsive but I'm certain that the woman
I chose will never be wrong.
Rieda's lips formed into the sweetest smile I've ever seen in my life. Even before
she said it, deep inside my mind and my heart, I already knew.
"No more secrets. "

END.