《The Wicked Mrs. Gastrell (English version)》


 Chapter 1 She鈥檚 Back

    The sound of my five-inch Valentino shoes echoed through the empty halls of the topmost floor of the biggest and one of the most renowned ship buildingpanies in the world.


    My flowing sheen-length ck dress clung to my body like it¡¯s my second skin as I sauntered across the long hallway.


    I brought the bottle of beer to my mouth and drank from it. I also yed with the high end Sony camera in my hand then took out the de from my Gi handbag and began violently stabbing every expensive painting hanging on the wall.


    ¡°Ops, one million pesos gone.¡± I covered my mouth and acted like I was surprised.


    ¡°You¡¯re so bad, Karina. So, so bad!¡±


    Iughed like crazy while looking at the tattered paintings.


    ¡°Nah, they¡¯re just a speck on his bank ount. A mote on a giant¡¯s eye.¡±


    I went to the far end of the hallway where the only door on this floor was situated.


    ¡°Cholo Gastrell,¡± I read the gold-ted name outside of the closed door.


    I smirked at myself and traced the letters of his name.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± I loudly moaned. ¡°Oh, man. I could orgasm at this moment just by reading your name.¡±


    I turned the knob and pushed the door open. His female secretary immediately stood up from her desk and gave me a formal smile.


    ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am. Mr. Gastrell is currently unavable for any appointment. Please leave your name and number so I could arrange you a schedule.¡±


    She looked down at the beer I am holding and difort crossed her thick foundationden face.


    I looked at my precious piece of heaven which has been my savior from all the gunks of life and felt bad because the woman is looking down at it. Well, she must have been underappreciated most of her life because she can¡¯t even respect the rights and dignity of my baby.


    I sat down in the empty chair in front of her desk with my chest heaving. I carefully sipped from my beer and ced it on top of the piled papers on the table. The stic folder got wet but I didn¡¯t move. I put down my camera and handbag. When there was nothing that could possibly distract me, I removed the sunsses from my face.


    It revealed my ck eye contacts, smokey ck eyeshadow and overly ck eyeliner. The woman¡¯s eyes widened in fear and I saw her reaching for the phone on the table.


    ¡°If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t do that. You wouldn¡¯t like it when I¡¯m annoyed¡­¡± I searched for her name on her desk. There was none. I¡¯m too tired to ask for her name so I just shrugged it off. ¡°¡­ nameless boring girl.¡±


    I pulled out a crumpled paper from the bag and raised my middle finger to her.


    Her red face became even redder. I moved my raised finger and beckoned her toe closer.


    ¡°Come closer. You have to read it so that the next time Ie here, you know what to do. Come on.¡±


    ¡°O-okay, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She bent down slightly on the table and read the paper. The woman suddenly looked a little bit whiter as she looked back and forth between me and the crumpled paper.


    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. How thoughtless of me. Wait.¡±


    I took the ID from the bag and put it next to the paper. The woman¡¯s face turned ghost-like when she finally realized it. I happily grabbed the things and put them back in the bag. I can¡¯t help butugh at the sight of the shocked woman.


    ¡°So? Where is he? Is he inside?¡±


    I stood up and walked towards another door. But before I could open the door, the nameless woman blocked me.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am! Please. Mr. Gastrell is really not around. Pleasee back on another day. I¡¯m begging you, ma¡¯am please. I could get fired for this.¡±


    My head started to instantly heat up. I breathed heavily to keep myposure. When I get angry like this, I can¡¯t control what I¡¯m about to do and I can¡¯t make a scandal here because I¡¯ll be witnessing thatter only if this girl stops blocking my way.


    ¡°Out of my way,¡± I said in a cold voice. ¡°If you really love your job then you better be out of my way. Patience is not in my mantra so you better be out of my way after three seconds. One, two.¡±


    The girl with her head down slowly took steps sideward.


    I lift my head in victory.


    ¡°Good. I like people like you who know where they stand. Good job.¡±


    I opened the door and pushed it open. The cool tones of the vast main office greeted me. I looked around. The person I was looking for was not behind the desk. I closed the door and stepped into the elegant office. My feet sank into the thick carpet on the floor. I quickly scanned the area. There were lounge chairs in front of arge mahogany desk where aptop was left open. On the floor are shoes, socks, stockings, and a packet of condoms. My face stiffened at the sight and drained the remaining liquid from the bottle.


    ¡°Where are you my ymates,¡± I whispered to myself, just very softly so as not to disturb the cats while ying.


    I walked over to arge book shelf on the right side of the office to look for any possible noise.


    ¡°Yeah¡­.¡± moaned a voice.


    I was stunned for a second. I looked for the source of the voice but the back of the bookshelf was already a wall. I got down on the floor and reached into the book cab. I celebrated when I found an opening in the middle of the shelf that wasn¡¯t closed very well.


    ¡°You¡¯re a really one sneaky man, Cholo.¡±


    I slowly pulled the small knob and found out that it was a secret door.


    And there, in the broad daylight, are the two people basking in the glory of unfaithfulness.


    A woman is kneeling on the floor as she gives a blowjob to Cholo who is sitting on the couch with his eyes closed while holding the woman by her hair. The two were in theirplete birthday suits.


    I rolled my eyes when the girl yed with Cholo¡¯s balls.


    ¡°This girl knows what she¡¯s doing. Keep it up until I get what I came here for.¡±


    I took the camera and turned on the video recorder. I positioned it at an angle where the faces of the two were clearly visible. I smiled.


    ¡°Perfect. Now give me some show I won¡¯t forget in my entire life because time¡¯s ticking for the both of you. I¡¯ll give you something to look forward to in the near future.¡±


    I knelt on the floor and watched the two.


    ¡°Yeah, girl! That¡¯s right. Nice. You¡¯re doing it right. He likes to be sucked hard as if you¡¯re consuming all his liquid. Oh no, he doesn¡¯t like to be dominated. See? Told ¡®ya.¡±


    I scraped the rest of the beer from the bottle while taking a video of them while they screwed each other. The woman¡¯s mouth is already struggling from taking all of Cholo¡¯s manhood.


    The man¡¯s got a big and long dick even when it¡¯s not in its aroused state so it¡¯s understandable that she is having a very hard time taking it all in.


    When they can¡¯t help anymore, Cholo urged the girl to ride him. He kissed the woman first before helping her to position herself on top of him. Secondster, their loud moans filled my ears.


    ¡°Go on. Enjoy every moment you adulterous mongrels. Moan all you want. Scream each other¡¯s name for all I care. Speed up the volume. I¡¯ll make sure the people who will be privileged enough to witness this will not be disappointed by the show you put up. When I release this in the perfect time, I¡¯ll patiently watch how you handle the shame and the insults of the world against the two of you.¡±


    They stopped moving and were now just petting so I stopped the recording. I didn¡¯t close the opening first. I took my time just staring at them. They look so perfect together that it hurts me to see this scene. The woman mouthed I love you to Cholo and then he kissed her.


    ¡°You¡¯re not capable of love, Cholo. That¡¯s what I thought back then. So why are you changing now? If only you had given me a scrap of that love, I might not be here now. I might have nevere back to get you myself. If only you had been considerate enough.¡±


    No one¡¯s going to be happy while I¡¯m suffering in the dark.


    I closed the door, my nerves still shaking. I also put the messed up books back to their original order. I stood up, gathered my things, and walked out of the office.


    The secretary was waiting outside the door with a pale face. I smiled at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Cholo is really not around. My bad for still persisting. I¡¯m sorry for doubting your honesty, nameless girl.¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s okay, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She bowed her head and hid her hands behind her back. I put on the shades and ran my hands through my waist-length straight hair.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I asked her while inspecting myself through apact mirror.


    ¡°Caitlin, ma¡¯am. My name is Caitlin.¡±


    I put the mirror in the bag and walked over to the woman.


    ¡°Eyes up,¡± Imanded her, who immediately looked up. ¡°Caitlin, I want you to hear me and understand. I¡¯m not here at this moment. You didn¡¯t see me. You can¡¯t see me. I don¡¯t exist. There¡¯s no pretty woman who barged her way here in your boss¡¯ office. You did not try to stop me and I didn¡¯t force my way in. In short, this conversation never happened and I never existed, understand? You didn¡¯t know me and you didn¡¯t see me, okay? Okay?¡±


    For a moment she didn¡¯t know what to answer so I just went ahead of her.


    ¡°No one will be fired if you just keep your mouth shut. As simple as that. My business here doesn¡¯t concern you so why should you concern yourself? You won¡¯t get affiliated if you don¡¯t talk.¡±


    I seemed to have convinced her because she gave me a weak nod. I smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s really good that we are perfectly understanding each other. I better go now. Keep working diligently and honestly. Aja!¡±


    Iughed and waved at the poor employee before walking out the door. I grinned when I saw the destroyed paintings. It is beyond recognizable anymore.


    ¡°I wonder if you can still ignore my presence, my beloved Cholo.¡±


    I¡¯m whistling while I boarded the elevator. I looked at my hand that still held the empty can. I should have thrown it in a trash can inside his office.


    The door opened and a tall man in a suit entered. He smiled at me and I returned the courtesy.


    He leaned against the ss wall and stared at me face to face. My lips formed into a line. What I hated most about people is those who boast to others that they are powerful just like this man in front of me who thinks he can have any girl as long as he gives her a sticky look.


    He took out something from his pocket. It was a calling card. He stepped forward and put it on the space of the strap of my bag.


    I got it and scoffed. Kent Selis. VP for Operations. I smiled sarcastically.


    ¡°Can I have your name?¡± he arrogantly said and held out his hand.


    I stared at his handsome face. He looks and sounds intelligent but why can¡¯t he sense that his demeanor is irritating?


    I reached for his outstretched hand and reciprocated the malicious twinkle in his eyes with a sarcastic smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m Karina Gastrell but I prefer to be called Mrs. Gastrell. Next time you try to hit on someone, make sure she¡¯s not married ormitted. You may never know if she is kind enough to let this thing pass or a reincarnation of evil who is very loved by her husband. And before I forget, here, throw these away for me.¡±


    I took his hand and put his card and the can I was holding earlier.


    ¡°They are both garbage anyway. Nice to meet you, Kent.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I emphasized thest word I said. The elevator door opened and I got out. I left the shocked man still standing while holding the trash I gave him.

 Chapter 2 Whore

    shback


    When I saw Cholo for the first time, I knew we were not for each other. His family¡¯s wealth is very well known in our town.


    His father is a rich American businessman who led the shipbuilding industry in the country while his mother is the daughter of a well-known mall owner in the city.


    Compared to the influence and wealth they hold, I¡¯m just like mud sticking to the side of their shoes.


    My father was a humble farmer who had a stroke andpletely lost the will to live. I have caught him trying to take his life several times so I had to convince my brother to stop his part-time job at the cafeteria so he could watch over our father.


    I didn¡¯t get a chance to see my mother who, ording to my father¡¯s stories, hurriedly walked away after putting me in my father¡¯s arms.


    It is said that an agent has offered her an opportunity to be an entertainer in Japan, so she abandoned me even though I was only six months old.


    Life is very difficult for us but I can manage it for the sake of my family. I would do anything, even grab Missy¡¯s offer to sell myself to the person who was now staring intently at me from the bed he was sitting on.


    I swallowed and forced myself not to look away. I have to be brave even though my knees are shaking already.


    I pushed the bathroom door open as I held tightly to the hem of the bathrobe. My hair was still wet against the towel I put on my head.


    ¡°Good evening sir,¡± I greeted him in a restrained voice.


    I walked towards the bed and sat at the edge. He did not respond with a greeting. He didn¡¯t take his eyes off me so I avoided him. I can¡¯t face his gaze that seems to be digging into my whole being.


    For a while only the sound of him drinking from the ss of wine in his hand could be heard inside the cold suite in this very expensive hotel.


    A one night stay here is already a month of my brother¡¯s allowance. Missy herself drove me here to check me in. He also asked me to wait for my future customer.


    I was ready for the old man I would be with this night so I was very surprised to see the young man I loved sitting on the bed, looking like he had been waiting for me to look his way.


    I looked at Cholo who stood up and went to the mini fridge to get something to drink. I swallowed my pride knowing that the only man I love is witnessing how I shame myself.


    I studied his appearance because this might be thest time I would see him up close.


    Cholo is tall, a bit thinner than his friend Maverick Fuentebe but I like him better in this body. His shoulder-length dark hair is wavy, he has gray eyes that he inherited from his father with his prominent jaws, and pointed nose.


    He¡¯s got a very niceplexion. He¡¯s only wearing simple cotton pants and a ck t-shirt but he still looks so expensive. Maybe because there is something about the way he carries himself. There is authority in how he acts and speaks.


    I witnessed that when I was one of the catering staff at his mom¡¯s birthday party. I saw him first there. He was very handsome in a suit and bow and tie while mingling with the guests on the fancywn of their mansion.


    Since then, I have purposely passed in front of his university to try to catch a glimpse of the young man even if only for a few seconds.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    From then on, I have started admiring him whichter blossomed into something else. Before I could even stop myself, he has already secured a special ce in my heart. That¡¯s why I feel a lot of regret and shame now because he will know me in this way-a desperate woman who has to sell herself to save her brother in prison. The thought made the weight in my chest unbearable while remembering the miserable life I am living.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    His voice startled me when he broke the silence. He barely looked at me when he stood up.


    I didn¡¯t answer for a while. The hair on my body rose when I heard his cold voice.


    ¡°W-Water,¡± I stammered.


    I saw him grab a small bottle of water and close the fridge with his foot. He returned to the bed and handed me the water before pulling out a chair and sitting on it.


    He raised his feet on the bed next to me and gulped down the energy drink he was holding. I practically froze on my seat when he kept his eyes on me for the entire duration.


    I felt like I was not breathing anymore because of the tension so I drank water.


    ¡°So how long have you been doing this?¡±


    My gaze flew back to the man at the question.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I was confused.


    Heughed sarcastically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act coy with me,dy. You seemed to be a pro in this industry. You look so calm and collected. So? Three years? Five years? How many men have you bedded already? Fifty? A hundred?¡±


    I was stunned by what he was saying so I couldn¡¯t speak. I seem to have swallowed my tongue because I really have no idea what to say due to the shock.


    I think he even mistook me for a whore. But aren¡¯t you the same? Said a voice inside me. You¡¯re selling yourself so you¡¯re a whore.


    I was horrified by the thought but I forced myself to swallow it. It¡¯s true.


    ¡°Cat got your tongue, bitch?¡± he said in a voice full of disgust.


    I was petrified by what he said not only because of the hurtful words he called me but also because of the tone of his voice. I could hear the anger, hatred, and judgment there.


    I looked up at Cholo whose eyes were burning with hatred and scorn.


    ¡°I¡¯m clean. If you want to see the health car-¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re physically clean but are you morally clean?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t understand you. What are you talking about? Can you exin it to me?¡±


    He smiled mischievously.


    ¡°Ah, the bitch is dimwitted. What else can I expect from a girl like you?¡±


    I can¡¯t reply again because I didn¡¯t really know what to say. I¡¯m confused and I¡¯m starting to feel afraid of where he¡¯s going.


    ¡°Okay, I understand you. What about thus, do what you came here to do. But before that¡­¡±


    He took the cellphone from his pocket and began recording me.


    ¡°Strip for me, Karina.¡±

 Chapter 3 Ymir

    I didn¡¯t look up from staring at a pair of lovers who were holding hands below the hotel balcony even though I felt someone¡¯s presence move behind me. I just made myselffortable while sitting in one of the two chairs surrounding an expensive table.


    I tipped the ss of wine I¡¯m drinking and gulped it all down.


    ¡°What do you want, Ymir?¡± I said in a calm voice.


    The man sat in the chair opposite me and followed my gaze. The couple I was staring at earlier is gone.


    Cars and passers by in this busy side of the city reced the bitter view. I tasted nostalgia when a gust of wind blew taking the withered leaves of a pine tree with it.


    ¡°Why did youe back? Did the money you get isn¡¯t enough, Karina?¡±


    My attempt to answer the caller on my cell phone was stopped by his question. I let out a deep breath and shot him a nk look. I hung up the call before answering him.


    ¡°And who made you believe that I will just go off like that? Twenty million is too little for the wife of a Gastrell, Ymir. You should have thought about that before dragging me away back then ¡±


    His jaws clenched and he frowned. ¡°Bitch,¡± he muttered.


    I just shrugged. I studied the physical appearance of the man. He didn¡¯t change much. He still has an air of being strict and intimidating. The guy is handsome given his Italian ancestry but he looks too matured and stiff for histe twenties age.


    Iughed at the thought. Of course, times have changed. Few years are enough for a person to change. As for me, my change has been drastic. I never experienced a slow step by step change.


    There was never a gradual change for a woman like me. I was forced to change and be like this or else everything will swallow me alive.


    And I can never forget the people who have made me this way.


    Bitter.


    Sad.


    Revengeful.


    ¡°So? What will you do about it? Whatever you do, you can¡¯t drag me out of the town again like what you did ages ago. I learned my lesson now. I know now how to protect myself from people like you. That includes getting my husband back.¡±


    He tossed the wine bottle away. Its contents spilled on the table. The liquid dripped onto the floor which was immediately absorbed by the white carpet. My eyes followed my wasted beloved wine.


    ¡°Get out of Cerro Roca before I could really get angry with you Karina. You don¡¯t want me to get angry, I¡¯m telling you. You don¡¯t want that to happen.¡±


    He gritted his teeth to emphasize his anger.


    ¡°And what if I don¡¯t? What will you do?¡±


    I crossed my legs and met his hard bitter face.


    ¡°Should I show you now?¡± he asked dangerously.


    He stood up quickly, pulled me up, and pushed me against the wall. I gasped at the pain that shot up my back. I can feel the weight of his hand on my arms that are getting tighter because of my struggle.


    He looked down on me and whispered the same words he told me years ago.


    ¡°Leave this ce or I¡¯ll strangle you to death.¡±


    But instead of shaking and crying like I did before, Iughed this time and looked at the man crazily.


    ¡°Come on, Ymir. Don¡¯t you have anything to do other than this? You might want to upgrade your style. Be creative and resourceful about threatening me. That won¡¯t affect me at all.¡±


    My voice became hard.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been through a lot more than what you have done to me in the past and what you are doing to me now.


    I¡¯ve faced Satan, Ymir.¡±


    His hands moved to my neck and squeezed it hard.


    ¡°You¡¯re faking being strong again, Karina. I¡¯m warning you. Pack your bags and leave this ce if you don¡¯t anything to happen to you,¡± he warned me again.


    I met his burning gaze on me then shook my head weakly.


    ¡°Make me if you can. This time, I won¡¯t flee this ce against my will. You can¡¯t just tell me things like that, Ymir. I¡¯ll stay and live here until I die and I¡¯ll make sure it will never be in your hands.¡±


    Uniformed men entered and called Ymir. His grip on my neck gradually loosened but he still didn¡¯t look down at me.


    ¡°I just hope that you¡¯re ready for the torture I will inflict on you, Karina.¡±


    I shook his hand on my arm and raised my face at him to give him a smirk.


    ¡°I¡¯m prepared for everything, Ymir.¡±


    I pointed at the door.


    ¡°The door is there. Feel free to show yourself out.¡±


    As if nothing had happened, I returned to my seat and scraped the remaining wine. I looked up when Ymir still didn¡¯t move from his position.


    ¡°You know for someone who graduated in Harvard University, you are kinda dumb. Didn¡¯t you know that when the  master of the house said that, it¡¯s a sign that she doesn¡¯t want to see someone¡¯s face because it might make her vomit? And oh, what you did earlier is a form of physical assault and it¡¯s recorded. Get out, Ymir.¡±


    A flicker of danger crossed his eyes. It stayed there for a moment before he walked out of the door. His staff followed, ncing at me with curiosity.


    When I made sure they were gone, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I knew it would be messy and uglying back to my hometown. I¡¯m sure the people who kicked me out of here wille back for me.


    They won¡¯t let me interfere in their ns again.


    ¡°They can dare. How I wish they would so that they can taste how a Karina Gastrell works. Just so you wait, people.¡±


    I finished the wine in the bottle then licked the area around my mouth. I looked back down.


    So much has changed in this ce. It has be too busy and sessful for my own liking.


    I used to see fields and fields of greens from here, but now tall buildings and establishments have taken their ce. Even the smallnd where our house used to stand has now be a hotel.


    This, in this very newly built hotel is where our humble abode was situated before. This is where I built my dreams with my father and brother. This is where I grew up and learned about the bitter truth about life. Even though my life here was difficult, that didn¡¯t stop me from feeling the pure love of a family.


    But one incident took all that away. In an instant, all the meager possessions I had disappeared like a bubble. They left nothing to me. Twenty million? That¡¯s too little given all the things they have taken away from me. That amount is not enough to cover the damage they have done against me.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Cerro Roca. I¡¯m back for good. That means, it¡¯s payback time, bitches.¡±


    I stood up, took off my robe, and entered the bathroom. I started making my tub. I added some oil essentials and liquid soap.


    The weather is very humid and my body is longing for the cold climate it has been used to for the past years. When I was satisfied with the water temperature, I dipped myself in it. I closed my eyes at thefort that enveloped me. My back arched. I leaned my head on the pillow on the edge of the bathtub and took a deep breath. I¡¯ll try to catch up on some sleep before I go to the main hub of the area. Cerro Roca has now be a very progressive ce. It¡¯s a far cry from the quiet and defeated vige I used to live in. My hometown blooms into the full-fledged butterfly that it is now.


    Free. Beautiful. Sessful.


    Just like me. Just like my life now.


    My reverie was interrupted by a loud ringing tone. I moved my right hand to reach for the towel and wiped it. I picked up the cellphone that was on the bathroom floor and answered.


    ¡°Dear, how are you?¡±


    A smile automatically formed on my lips when I heard the man¡¯s voice on the other line.


    I rested my head back into the pillow and lifted my feet to y with the bubbles.


    ¡°The best. I have never been happier since I set my feet on the ground of Cerro Roca. I miss this ce very much.¡±


    The man in the lineughed.


    ¡°How did it go? Did someone harass you there? Tell me everything. I wouldn¡¯t think twice about going there any second of the day. I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you again, Karina.¡±


    My heart was touched by what he said. I was touched by his words. I know he does everything he says and promises. One time he told me he¡¯ll get me out of hell and he did.


    ¡°No need to do that,¡± I said in a soft tone.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t even done anything significant here. You have done so much for me already. You made me stronger to face my demons and for that, I¡¯m more than thankful. Let me be for now. After I¡¯m done here, I¡¯ll go back to your arms.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for your return, Karina. For now, I¡¯m giving you the freedom to do what you want.¡±


    I smiled at thest thing he said. He has always been protective and too giving for my own sake. I am very lucky to have someone like him in my life.


    He saved me, practically clothed me, educated me, and loved me.


    ¡°I miss you,¡± I whispered.


    ¡°I missed you more, Karina.¡±


    I giggled.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    He sighed.


    ¡°I love you more. If only I could make you stay here with me.¡±


    I pouted and adjusted the phone in my ear.


    ¡°We¡¯ve talked about this. I need this. I badly need this.¡±


    ¡°If you wanted revenge, I could have helped you in an instant.¡±


    It¡¯s my turn to sigh.


    ¡°You know this is not just about revenge. Revenge is too low, too shallow for my cause. I want retribution.¡±


    I heard him sigh again.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to get hurt again. I¡¯ve witnessed how you take all the misery in the world after what they did to you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. You taught me well. If you fear that I¡¯ll get hurt again then we can do nothing about it anymore. Being hurt is part of the process. I can take it all with me as long as I do what I came here to do.¡±


    ¡°I know I can¡¯t change your mind at all. Just promise me that you¡¯lle back here safe and sound. If I heard that they have done something again to you, God knows what I¡¯m capable of doing, Karina.¡±


    Iughed softly. I utterly dismissed his idea.


    ¡°You are the only person left in this world for me. I¡¯ll be stronger for you, always. We will see each other again.¡±


    ¡°Thest time you said that, I found you in a deeply sorry state. If you had stopped me back then from doing the first thing on my mind, then I¡¯ll make sure that this time I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll die for you, Karina.¡±


    My chest was filled with emotion because of what he said.


    ¡°I know you will, so I will take care of myself for you.¡±


    The call ended within twenty minutes. He didn¡¯t stop until I agreed to add more security personnel. I already did hire a few men but he still insists on adding some more so I just said yes. He must be the most insistent man I¡¯ve ever met.


    He won¡¯t stop until he gets what he wants. Actually, our goals don¡¯t digress that much from each other. I will also not stop until I get what I wanted and that is to get my husband back in my arms.


    The gray eyes of the man I first gave everything to appeared in my mind. I smiled bitterly as the image slowly formed in my mind.


    My husband has be the person I always know he will eventually be.


    Sessful.


    Rich.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Everything he wanted is within the tip of his fingertips.


    Money.


    Respect.


    And women.


    ¡°Your happy days of fooling around is numbered, Cholo. Your wife is back, my dear. And when I say I¡¯m back, it means that I¡¯m back for good.¡±


    A satisfied look appeared on my face while I closed my eyes and submerged myself into the water.

 Chapter 4 Shamed

    shback


    ¡°Huh??¡± The only thing that came out of my mouth when I heard what he said.


    He leans forward on the chair and folds his arms. His eyes shed with a mixture of anger and lust.


    ¡°You heard what I said. Are you that stupid to not understand? Fine, I¡¯ll trante it for you. Take off your clothes. Now.¡±


    My face felt like it was soaked in vinegar when I heard him. It seemed like all my blood pooled over my face and neck as he repeated the words again and again when I didn¡¯t move. My body was suddenly numb with shame.


    If he is not so cruel, he will know that what he is doing to me now is more than the things I can do.


    It¡¯s easy to take off the clothes but the way he looks at me, it¡¯s like he¡¯s digging into my soul. I¡¯m afraid of what he will do next.


    ¡°Why are you holding a cellphone? Are you going to record me? Are we going to make a video? Please Cholo, this is not what I agreed with,¡± I cried.


    We were both stunned when I mentioned his name.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    He smiled sarcastically at me after throwing the cellphone he was holding onto the bed.


    ¡°So you know me?¡± Heughed insultingly.


    ¡°Right, who in this town doesn¡¯t know the Gastrells. If you know my family then you must have also known about my mother, my poor kind mother. She had no idea that she was being fooled with you and my father.¡±


    He looked at me. ¡°You¡¯re too beautiful to be an old man¡¯s mistress. Leave my dad alone and be my woman instead.¡±


    I felt like I swallowed my tongue with what I discovered. It sted revtions  after revtion that I couldn¡¯t even blink.


    Mr. Gastrell has a mistress? But everyone in the whole town thought that the couple¡¯s marriage was very ideal. In the eyes of the many, they love each other so much that I can¡¯t believe that the man willmit such a thing.


    What¡¯s even worse is that Cholo mistook me for his father¡¯s mistress, which is very unlikely to happen because first, I have never even met his father. Second, I have no intention of destroying the family that I admire and look up to. I¡¯m not that kind of girl.


    Except maybe this time.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong if you think I¡¯m your father¡¯s other woman,¡± I said in a low voice.


    I tried to meet his burning gaze but I couldn¡¯t. I can¡¯t help thinking that the anger on his eyes is for me. My heart is broken by the fact that my image for him is broken.


    I never even dreamed that he would like me because I knew that possibility was very impossible.


    My mind is on the ground so I just  looked at him from afar, from the high gate of his university or on the rare asions when I see him strolling in the mall with his girlfriend for that month.


    I never thought that I would be given this kind of destiny to share the same room with the man. Maybe fate is telling me to stop my obsession with Cholo by putting me in the mostpromising situation I¡¯ve ever been in.


    Cholo stood up abruptly causing the chair to fall over. The folding chair made a loud noise causing me to flinch in surprise.


    ¡°You¡¯re good. You¡¯re a thinking whore. Why would you even ept my offer if you can get more money from my father? So I want to make a deal with you, Karina. I¡¯ll give a million pesos for you to cut off your ties with my father. In exchange, I won¡¯t tell your father and brother what their very demure family member is doing.¡±


    My eyes widened. Blood drained from my face and I felt like an impending doom is going to happen to me. I stood up and faced Cholo who was still staring at me angrily.


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t¡­ Please don¡¯t. Have mercy on me, please¡­ Don¡¯t tell them what I¡¯m doing. They don¡¯t know. Please don¡¯t Cholo. Have mercy. I¡¯m begging you. My father will die if he finds out. Please don¡¯t. ¡±


    I rubbed my palms together and fell to my knees begging for him.


    Just seeing my father¡¯s hurt face felt like I couldn¡¯t breath at all. I don¡¯t think I can ever show my face to them if Cholo spreads the word about what I did today.


    ¡°We won¡¯t have any problems if you will just follow what I wanted you to do. I don¡¯t know how many fathers and husbands you stole away from their families with that face and body of yours but I won¡¯t let you ruin my family, Karina. This has to stop here,¡± he concluded.


    I was initially going to deny his usation against me again but I didn¡¯t. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll just insist that he¡¯s right.


    A person blinded by anger does not ept reason. I¡¯ll just let him believe whatever he thinks. After all, this is our first andst meeting.


    I didn¡¯t move. I just looked down and clenched my hands at my sides to stop them from shaking.


    ¡°Good pussy. I¡¯ll take your silence as a yes. For now, I¡¯ll make the most of what I paid you for this whole night. I¡¯ll make sure I erase every memory you had with my father and all the other men you¡¯ve been in bed with. I¡¯ll make you taste how it¡¯s like to be fucked hard, Karina. Now, strip.¡±


    I just want to pass out on the spot because of a mixture of nervousness, fear, self-loathing, and shame because not only did I be a bad woman in front of him but I also became an essory to his father¡¯s affair that is a  threat to destroy his entire family.


    I just want the earth to open up and swallow me alive now.


    ¡°Your ears are working perfectly. You heard me earlier but why do are you acting like a deaf now. Strip. Now,¡± he repeated again in a hard voice.


    ¡°O-Okay. I-I¡¯m going to get undressed.¡±


    I swallowed my hesitation and slowly raised my hand towards the robe. I closed my eyes for a moment before finally untying it and letting it fall to the floor. My tears fell the same time that it hit the squeaky clean floor.


    I heard a sound from the click of the camera but I didn¡¯t bother to look at Cholo. I feel so ashamed knowing that I exposed my body to a man for the first time.


    I gasped when Cholo suddenly pulled me and pushed me onto the bed then ran over me. My wet eyes glimmered against his grey eyes.


    ¡°Stop using your tears with me, Karina. I will not fall for it. Only a fool will cower before a dirt like you, slut.¡±


    Before I could catch my breath, his face came down and kissed me passionately.


    I closed my eyes and just epted my fate. I just put in my mind that at least, I will surrender myself to the man I secretly adore.

 Chapter 5 I鈥檓 back, husband

    What is love?


    That¡¯s the question I always had in my mind when I was young. Being aware of an iplete family and a member of a broken family, there¡¯s not a day that goes by that I don¡¯t ask my father why my mother left him.


    I had questions like ¡®Is love really like that?¡¯ Every time, he always gave me a  smile and repeated the same answer. ¡°True love is tolerance, Karina. I freed your mother because she would not be happy with me. But she gave more than happiness to me when I held you in my arms and heard your first cry.¡±


    I cannot understand my father back then. I can¡¯t understand how one can surrender love that easily. For me, love is supposed to be fought upon.


    You¡¯re weak? You will grow stronger because of love. You are strong? You will be weak because of it. Are you kind? Wait ¡¯til someone or something threatens your rtionship. You are arrogant? Love will make you humble.


    See, love is only for the strong ones. You have no right to love if tolerance is always on your mind. In my case, I was tolerant at first but look where I am now. I¡¯ming back to get what is mine.


    Letting go didn¡¯t do anything to me. And I heard from a reliable source that it didn¡¯t do any good to Cholo either in the first few years of my absence.


    I stopped looking back in the past because of a knock on the car window. Celeste, my assistant, pressed the remote control and it opened.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you cannot enter the event because you are not on the guest list. You also don¡¯t have any invitation with you.¡±


    I looked up nkly from the couple who are walking down the street hand in hand and shot a sharp look at the uniformed man who blocked my entourage earlier when we tried to enter into the hotel where a party is currently underway.


    I crossed my legs and tapped my thigh with my hands impatiently.


    Celeste immediately understood what I meant so she joined the conversation.


    ¡°Ms. Karina is not used to waiting, Mr. Mateo. If I were you, I¡¯d prepare the red carpet for her already. na siya. Every second for Ms. Karina costs a million so who are you to block us?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± I mumbled while still tapping my thigh.


    The poor man scratched his head.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, how can I prepare what you want if you are not allowed to go inside? This event is exclusive only for the delegates. I will escort you outside.¡±


    My ears perked up when I heard him. It was like bells rang inside my head to wake up my mind.


    What I really don¡¯t like are those people who don¡¯t understand the events. The truth is evening to light but then they still don¡¯t want to believe it and prefer to look away.


    I raised my hand to stop Celeste from discussing it with the man.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll leave,¡± I said in a calm voice.


    The car window went back up and the driver immediately revved the engine and drove the car away. Even if I don¡¯t look, I know that our convoy of fifty vehicles is just behind and in front of us. Celeste poured me a ss of wine and gave it to me. I epted it and gulped in one go.


    ¡°Are there people inside?¡± I asked while looking outside.


    The light of the road is dazzling, spying on the multitude of people and cars in the early of the evening.


    I¡¯m not used to seeing Cerro Roca like this. I still remember the lush mango trees on the side of the dark and barren road that has now been reced bymp posts and a wide paved road.


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Karina. Just one call away and the event organizer can¡¯t do anything about what you want to happen.¡±


    ¡°Celeste,¡± I called her in a gentle way.


    She alertly picked up the phone and waited for what I would say next.


    ¡°You know how much I hate waiting, right? You¡¯re the witness to what I do to people who make me wait.¡±


    She swallowed first and then nodded.


    ¡°I understand, Ms. Karina. What do you want me to do?¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Call Louis. Tell him to prepare the helipad for my arrival.¡±


    ¡°Did you mean?¡±


    I asked for another refill on my ss before I answered.


    ¡°The entrance is not the only opening we can enter. I was originally nning to announce my presence in the most discreet way possible but they leave me with no choice. Make it fast. I badly missed Cholo so much. I wanted to see my husband. I want to hug him again. you don¡¯t want me to be sad, do you Celeste?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°No, Ms. Karina. The Chairman instructed us to do whatever you want and whatever makes you happy.¡±


    I caressed her beautiful face and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Good answer, Celeste. That¡¯s why I personally asked for your assistance. I like people like you. You bring out the best in others by being the best yourself. Keep it up.¡±


    I smiled at her andzily toyed with my fingers.


    ¡°Thank you for the kind words, Ms. Karina.¡±


    In a few minutes, Celeste already made a number of calls. Every time a call ends, I can¡¯t help but just smile. This woman has been trained well by the Chairman.


    When the car stopped at a huge clearing inside a hangar, the helicopter was already on its best appearance while perched meters from us. The driver opened the door and helped me down. The red carpet that I started walking on is alreadyid out. I was greeted by the pilot when we reached the end of the carpet.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to be able to take you into the air, Ms. Karina.¡±


    I just gave him a small smile before my bodyguard reached out to help me up to the helicopter. We were in the air a few momentster. I looked down and tasted bitterness in my mouth. The old Cerro Roca that I was looking for is really gone. Gone are the big trees, the crystal-like ponds, and the silence I loved in this ce. I saw from the air the gigantic hotel where ¡°Fuentebe Hotel¡± is written on the top of the building. I know the owner of this gigantic renowned establishment.


    Maverick Fuentebe is a figure from my past I can¡¯t forget. He is one of the figures who helped me. I smiled at the memory. He was recently married to an Alcantara.


    It was the talk of the whole country which means it cannot be helped when people started uncovering again the past of the Alcantara n.


    Right now, the couple is lying low because he doesn¡¯t want any untoward light towards Feme, his wife, because her pregnancy with twins is very delicate.


    I learned it all from the chairman who loves to tell me all the stories he heard from his friends.


    I¡¯m happy for him. No matter how people perceived the great Maverick Fuentebe as the wolf in the industry, I still respect him for being Cholo¡¯s friend and for showing me his kindness.


    The two helicoptersnded at the hotel¡¯s helipad at the same time. The bodyguards got out of the other car at the same time when the other uniformed personnel entered the exit door.


    I took thepact mirror and looked at myself. The wind messed up my hair in a ponytail earlier so I just let it down, giving it a natural curl in the process.


    ¡°Do I look good, Celeste?¡± I asked pertaining to my ck mermaid cut off shoulder gown that stretches all the way down to the floor.


    I paired it up with my favorite six inch ck tform heels. I have no jewelries in my body except the cheap ring in my finger.


    ¡°You look perfect, Ms. Karina. I¡¯m sure Mr. Gastrell will be so happy to see you again,¡± she praised.


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    She nodded exuberantly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Ms. Karina. You are a goddess.¡±


    I just smiled before raising a hand. Holding the hem of the gown in one hand, I reached for the hand of my head guard, Vishen, when I saw that the staff had finishedying the red carpet for me.


    Celeste handed me my pouch as I walked like a movie star across the red floor into the open exit door. The entire security team was around me, alert to every move and every possible of assassination.


    ¡°This way, Ms. Karina.¡±


    But before I entered the open private elevator, I managed to turn around to see a man standing at the end of the hallway staring at me. I recognized Jex, the longtime ally of Maverick.


    Our eyes locked for a few seconds before I turned around and entered the elevator. I only saw his back before the bodyguards surrounded me. The elevator door opens on the 27th floor where the new acquisition of Gastrell Global Conglomerate is currently being celebrated.


    They ventured into oil trading this time. Aside from cementing its position as the top shipbuildingpany here and overseas, the giant corporation is now heading to the energy industry.


    Not bad for a CEO who is in histe twenties.


    I raised my hand when the bodyguards moved to follow me.


    ¡°Stay here. Vishen and Celeste will apany me inside,¡± I ordered them who immediately responded.


    I started walking. I was not shocked when the security force stopped us. Vishen stepped in but before he could say a word, Jex cut through the scene and dismissed the guards. The two men looked at each other before Jex spoke.


    ¡°Let Mrs. Gastrell through,¡± he said while staring intently at Vishen.


    We heard a gasp before the tworge doors of the hall were opened for me. I started walking in with overflowing confidence.


    I stopped walking for a moment when I passed Jex. He never changed. He¡¯s still the same cold guy I know. Those cold murderous eyes never failed to send shivers to me. From then until now, I have only known one person who was able to melt his thick and cold armor. Sadly, she¡¯s gone and so is his soul too


    I turned my gaze back to the room before I traveled back in time again. I removed any trace of my previous weakness and shed a devious smile.


    These people here don¡¯t deserve an inch of genuine expression. Here in this expensive golden cage lies the lions and wolves on the hunt for frail prey.


    As soon as I stepped on the very soft, expensive carpet, I could smell something. The smell of the rich hiding in their golden cages. The lighting from the giant chandeliers and the jewelry worn by the attendees was dazzling.


    My eyes surveyed the whole area. None. I went further into the middle of the crowd and there in the group of dignified men in the country is my one and only husband, Cholo Gastrell, proudly standing on his feet with a ss of whiskey on his hand while talking confidently to a man I know so well.


    His rock hard solid frame shows even on his admiral men¡¯s suit. Few buttons of his dress shirt were open and a part of his hairy chest was on disy.


    I licked my ck lips when he took a sip of his drink. The urge to cross our distance and taste the liquor in his mouth is so strong I have to take a step back or else I¡¯ll devour him this instant.


    My eyes went down to his luscious red lips.


    The lips that kissed another woman¡¯s lips. The lips that took me countless times to seventh heaven.


    His lips are sinful but they were exactly perfect just the way I want it to be like. The lips that will make me crazy and will make me scream for more and more until we both pass out.


    I didn¡¯t waste any more time. I started walking in his direction. I took a ss of wine from the passing waiter. His gray eyes spotted me the same time I came right in front of him. The lighthearted conversation of those around him stopped and the attention of the crowd turned to us.


    I smiled sweetly at him.


    ¡°Good evening, Cholo. I missed you, hubby.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t able to speak. It was like he was bitten by a snake with his open mouth and shocked expression on his face.

 Chapter 6 Mistaken Identity

    shback


    I kept my mouth shut even though I felt his tongue trying to stick inside me. Without sess, his mouth went down to my neck while his other hand started ying with my chest.


    I closed my eyes and grabbed the bedsheet to stop a cry from escaping my mouth. Tears just keep on flowing from my eyes.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Cholo¡¯s mouth went down to my chest so I got even stiffer lying down there. I waited for him to do the next thing but Cholo stopped moving.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to fuck a stone, Karina. Respond to me.¡±


    I opened my eyes. He was looking at me but I couldn¡¯t read his expression because my eyes were clouded with tears.


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know how,¡± I stammered.


    I gasped in pain as he violently grabbed my chin and forcefully lifted it up.


    ¡°I hate it when people use their tears or fake weakness just to get what they want. If you can convince my father with your tears, then that won¡¯t work


    on me.¡±


    He took off his t-shirt and threw it on the floor. Next came his bottoms and then his briefs. I looked away when he waspletely naked in front of me. My reaction got a sarcasticugh from Cholo.


    He took a packet of condoms from the side table drawer and tore it open, put it on him and went back on top of me.


    He put something viscous in my vagina before he put his top on the opening. My chest rumbled with nervousness.


    I want to stop him for a moment to tell him to take it easy because this is my first time having sex but I know he won¡¯t believe me. He might just get angrier at me.


    How can I exin to him that I am not the woman he hates if he already made up his mind that I am?


    So I just closed my eyes again and prepared for the pain. It¡¯sforting that I¡¯ll give myself to this rather than any man out there that I don¡¯t like.


    I will just ignore his violent actions as well as the thought that he is iming me not as I am but as a dirty woman who managed to hit a married man like his father.


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve any gentleness, Karina. I loathed all women like you,¡± he whispered before releasing the first thrust.


    My face wrinkled in pain. My scalp felt numb from the pain. I let out a cry as he pushed himself into me.


    I can¡¯t. It¡¯s like my body is being torn apart by pain.


    Cholo stopped moving on top of me and stared at me with wide eyes. He must have seen that I was struggling too much so he rolled himself off. It was as if he had seen a ghost because his face was so pale while looking at me.


    ¡°W-who are you?¡± he asked in a slightly shaky voice.


    I didn¡¯t speak. I just took the nket and covered my naked body. I buried my face in the pillow and cried softly there.


    My body hurts especially in its delicate part but my chest hurts more because I havepletely lost my honor in this way, to the person who hates me.


    I was like that for a while. Silently crying while not knowing what will happen next. Shall we continue?


    I was startled and pressed to the corner of the bed when I felt his cold hand on my arm. I screamed.


    Cholo immediately retreated who are already dressed. He was still pale but his  dark face was gone. I can read fear and anxiety in his eyes.


    ¡°R-Rx. I won¡¯t do anything to you.¡±


    He sat on the end of the bed and mmed his hand on his face. ¡°What did I just do? Damn!¡± he said in a voice full of regret.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I thought¡­¡±


    He stopped talking and clenched his fists. He looked at me. I immediately turned my gaze in another direction.


    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t hurt an innocent woman like you. Get dressed. We¡¯re going to the police station.¡±


    That¡¯s when I got confused. I can¡¯t be imprisoned. What about my father and brother?


    I tightened my grip on the nket then kneeled down to beg for his mercy.


    ¡°H-Have mercy, please. Don¡¯t send me to jail, please. I only did this because I was so desperate. I really just need money, Cholo. Please have mercy on me. Don¡¯t pay me anymore. Just don¡¯t send me to jail, please. What will happen to my family? My father is sick and my brother is in jail. What will happen to them if I go to jail too? Have mercy please¡­ Don¡¯t do this, please.¡±


    My cold and tears are mixing on my face but I don¡¯t care. I can¡¯t be imprisoned. It can¡¯t happen.


    Cholo looked at me like he couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. He stood up and let out a few exasperated breaths.


    ¡°What have I done?¡± I heard him say it over and over again.


    He faced me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go to the police station because you will report me.¡±


    Confused, I wiped away the tears.


    ¡°W-why?¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you seriously asking me that question? Because I raped you! I forced myself to you! I deserve to go to prison. Get dressed.¡±


    I was shocked for a while but I calmed downter.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t rape me. It was my decision to sell myself to you. It¡¯s just a coincidence that I¡¯m with you today. If it was another man-¡±


    ¡°Stop it. Get dressed,¡± he ordered me.


    But I¡¯m tougher.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to. It¡¯s my body. I¡¯ll make the decision. I¡¯m already paid half of the money. It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to pay full price for me. I¡¯ll ept that.¡±


    ¡°And then what?! You¡¯re going to sell your body to another man tonight? Tomorrow? The next day after?!¡± he shouted at my face.

 Chapter 7 Go away

    There were loud murmurings in the air. Everybody is asking who I am, that it¡¯s the first time they see me in town. I can¡¯t me them if they don¡¯t know me. After all, I was never in this level before nor did Cholo wanted me to introduce into his world.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I was always the unwanted one, the untouchable chick because whoever touches me will turn into aughingstock in their elite circle.


    I have always been waiting for the time when he will have the courage to introduce me to his family not as a charity case that he needs to cling to in order to warm up to my kind but as a wife who will be his partner for life.


    But I guess now that I am on his level, everything will change. He can proudly parade me into every nook of his ss without feeling embarrassed that only a lowly uneducated employee like me has be his wife.


    ¡°Karina¡­¡± he murmured while blinking countless times.


    It was as if he needed to do that several times so that I wouldn¡¯t disappear from his sight, as if in an instant I would disappear like a bubble in front of him.


    A drop of tear fell as I ran towards him. I hugged him tightly while sobbing.


    ¡°Yes I am, Cholo. I¡¯m alive, Cholo. I¡¯m alive. Your wife is alive.¡±


    But the warmth of wee I was waiting for all my life did not happen. He didn¡¯t even respond to my embrace. He just stood there like a log. I was stunned and removed my arms around him. I looked at him in pain.


    ¡°Why? Why are you like that? Aren¡¯t you happy to see me? A-Aren¡¯t you happy to know that I¡¯m alive? That I came back safe and alive?¡±


    I heard the whispers growing louder around me but I didn¡¯t react. I have far more important stuff to deal with right in front of me and that is to know why my own husband is not happy to see his wifee back to him.


    ¡°Karina, it¡¯s not what you think,¡± he said after recovering from the shock.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I am shocked to see you. I thought you¡¯re dead. It¡¯s what the police reports are saying. I saw your lifeless body so how can you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alive, Cholo. I¡¯m here in front of you. Touch me for you to believe me. I¡¯m real, Cholo. And I¡¯m back for you. I¡¯m back, husband.¡±


    He stared at me then let out a breath. He ced the ss of wine on a table, then with a darkened face, took my hand and pulled me away. Vishen and Celeste were about to follow us but I shook my head so they could do nothing but stay in ce.


    He led me to a garden decorated with fancy lights hanging from various trees and flowers around. Cholo let go of my hand then turned around and violently blew out air. I took the time to study his physical appearance. He¡¯s notnky anymore.


    He has morphed into a tall, big muscled gentleman who looks every inch a dangerously handsome man, the kind that pierces you with daggers while making your heart beat faster like a broken record.


    When he looks back at me, the smile on my face is already prepared for him but it fades when I see how dark his eyes are.


    He looked at me from head to toe before he spoke.


    ¡°Karina, why did youe here?¡±


    His words left me speechless. Really? Is this really what he¡¯s going to say? We didn¡¯t see each other for many years and then he will ask me the same question Ymir threw at me?


    ¡°What kind of question is that? Of course I came to you because I¡¯m alive. I came back for you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. What are you nning this time around? Whatever it is, drop it and go back to the ce where you came from. You shouldn¡¯t havee back here.¡±


    I smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Are you hearing yourself? Are you hearing what you¡¯re saying now? Are you seriously asking me to leave my hometown and leave you? How cruel can you get, Cholo? I just came back and you¡¯ll treat me like this? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit too much?¡±


    ¡°Too much?¡± he relented. ¡°You faked your death just to avoid your scandal here! That¡¯s what you call too much.¡±


    My tongue twitches in distress.


    ¡°What did you say? I fake what?¡± I muttered.


    He gritted his teeth and put his hands inside his pocket.


    ¡°On that night you disappeared, I saw the CCTV. I saw you running away that night. Days after, a police report was sent to me stating that a woman¡¯s body was recovered on a creek. Her face is unrecognizable but her clothes and all the other items in her belongings are all yours. But she wasn¡¯t you when we ran some tests so what can I assume at that time, Karina?¡±


    I wiped the tears from my face as everything slowly sank in on me.


    ¡°Is that what they told you? That I orchestrated my own death?¡±


    I stifled an outburst of emotion because of the overwhelming memory of that night.


    If only he knew.


    ¡°An Asturia¡¯s word is worthier than yours, Karina.¡±


    ¡°And you believe them?¡± I asked in disbelief. ¡°They have a long history of deceiving people and you still believe in them?¡±


    He grabbed the ss of wine I was still holding and drank it straight down. His forehead was furrowed and anger was reflected in his pursed lips. His gray eyes are ming in anger and another emotion I can¡¯t read while he is inspecting me as if I¡¯m a microbe he¡¯s studying under a high-graded microscope.


    Is that longing? Or pure hatred?


    ¡°I saw it with my own two eyes. No one can deceive me, Karina. Not even you.¡±


    I looked down to calm myself. I knew our meeting would lead to this. Even though I dreamed that he would wee me peacefully, I still didn¡¯t lose sight of the likely possibility that he would be hostile to me after I was forced to leave without being able to exin everything to him.


    I expected an unwee arrival but I never expected Cholo to be this rude and cruel.


    ¡°I never fooled you, Cholo. Yes, I admit that I¡¯ve made excuses and alibis but I just did them because of my social status. You know how condescending your family can be!¡±


    ¡°There you go again. You are using that card again against me and my family. My family didn¡¯t do anything to you, Karina. Leave them out of your mess!¡±


    And it was beginning to get blown out of proportion. I need to calm myself down so the fight won¡¯t escte.


    ¡°Stop please¡­ Cholo, I didn¡¯t mean toe here to pick a fight.¡±


    I looked at him with all my heart then held his hand.


    ¡°I came here as your doting wife. I came here for reconciliation with a little bit of hope that we could start off where we left off. Can we go back to that night, Cholo? Can you love me again?¡±


    ¡°Can you hear yourself Karina? I never knew you could look like the most expensive woman in a moment and speak like a true-bloodied delusional being the next second after.¡±


    He gave me a scornful look from head to toe.


    ¡°I see that you havee a long way. You have garbed yourself with designer clothes but you forgot to cleanse your pathetic soul. I won¡¯t fall for your trap again, Karina. Leave this ce or I¡¯ll drag you out of Cerro Roca by myself.¡±


    His face was full of hatred as he uttered those words. His eyes are hurling out knives towards my direction which left me in a state of confusion.


    Did I miss something? How can Cholo be this furious?


    Why do I seem to be at fault here? I am the victim!


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that. I¡¯m your wife and you are my husband!¡± I just said for theck of words.


    ¡°Stop calling me your husband. We were never married. Get your filthy face away from here, Karina. I don¡¯t want to see you ever again.¡±


    He turned to go back to the gathering but I quickly grabbed his hand to stop him.


    ¡°You got a reputation with women for being nice and gentle to them. I¡¯m taking that back.¡±


    He sharply yanked away my hand and gave me a sharp look.


    ¡°No one cares about what Karina Versoza thinks. Go home, woman.¡±


    I stood my ground and raised my hand towards him. His eyes stared at the ring he gave me years ago.


    ¡°Correction. I¡¯m no longer just Karina Versoza. I¡¯m now Karina Versoza Gastrell. I¡¯m Mrs. Gastrell. I¡¯m your wife, Cholo. You have an obligation to me.¡±


    For a moment, he wasn¡¯t able to say a word. He just gazed longingly at the ring he first gave me together with his promise.


    ¡°Our marriage was not registered. It was void to begin with.¡±


    I shook my head and smiled.


    ¡°It is legal and binding. You can check it,¡± I challenged him. ¡°You are legally married to me, Cholo.¡±


    He fell silent. He remained silent for a few minutes and was only looking at the cheap ring on my finger. As if on cue, a loud sound of a broken ss filled the ufortable silence.


    We both turned to see where the sound wasing from.


    There, on a brightly lit corner stood a woman in her majestic silver gown covering her mouth with her dainty hand while crying.


    ¡°Ely¡­¡± Cholo muttered, fear is evident in his voice.


    I turned to my husband who was looking with concern full at the woman who is now biting her lip and looking at both of us. Her eyes went to me and then to the ring in my finger. The woman turned and ran into the hall.


    ¡°Ely!¡± Cholo shouted and was about to chase the woman but I quickly stopped him.


    ¡°Stay, Cholo. Stay here with me,¡± I begged him.


    He shot me a fierce look causing me to let go of his hand and back away in fear.


    ¡°Stop ruining our lives, Karina. I might not spare you this time especially if you n onying a hand on my woman,¡± he warned then took big steps to go after the woman.


    My world was shaken by his words.


    Why? The Cholo I know is not capable of loving. What did that effin¡¯ woman do for him to feel the very thing I wanted to get from him from the very start?


    I held my wet face and looked at the tears in my hands. It was like I was stabbed repeatedly in the chest with what I heard from him earlier. I don¡¯t want to admit it but I was very affected. I expect it will be a bit difficult for me to get back with him. What I didn¡¯t expect is the undoubtedly towering presence of the woman in Cholo¡¯s life.


    A smile of victory gradually appeared on my lips as I wiped my face.


    ¡°You¡¯re just making everything easier for me, Elizabeth,¡± I said softly while looking at the bright hall inside.


    ¡°Ms. Karina! Are you okay?¡±


    I ignored Celeste and Vishen who hurriedly came to assistance. The assistant immediately came to me and wiped my wet face with a tissue.


    ¡°Celeste, do you know why I¡¯m crying?¡±


    She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. ¡°You are hurt, Ms. Karina. You waited for this moment but your husband just mistreated you. He¡¯s acting like you¡¯re not his wife.¡±


    I chuckled to dismiss it but then I think that she¡¯s right. Cholo is everything but happy to see me alive and kicking and very much back in his life.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Celeste. And I hate every jiffy of it.¡±


    That night ended with me writhing in anger while repeatedly swearing to myself that I would get my husband back.


    I¡¯m just getting started, Cholo. You will always be mine. In the end, you will end up ande back to me, too.

 Chapter 8 Claimed

    shback


    ¡°Yes!¡± I yelled. ¡°Why do you even care about what I¡¯m going to do with this body? I have nothing more to be proud of! You¡¯ve got all of me! If you don¡¯t give me money now, I¡¯m leaving. Maybe I can find money somewhere else with another man,¡± I lied.


    In my current state now where my whole being is like crushed ginger, it is unlikely that I will be able to find another man to buy me.


    I stood up from kneeling to get dressed but he stopped me by the arm and pushed me back onto the bed. My eyes widened as I stared at Cholo¡¯s gray eyes while he was on top of me.


    ¡°W-what are you doing?¡± I asked in rm as his face gradually came closer to mine.


    ¡°You are not going anywhere else, Karina. You¡¯re right. I did not force you. You came here in your own mind and offered yourself to me. I paid half of you and I¡¯m willing to pay more than the full payment just because I felt conscience for a moment. I¡¯m altruistic and money is not the problem. Now let¡¯s finish what we started.¡±


    Without warning, he covered my lips with his while pulling the nket away from my body. My naked body was exposed again to his eyes. He immediately grabbed and squeezed my boobs.


    With each deepening of his kiss, I noticed something. He¡¯s not violent to me anymore. I even feel a little tenderness in the way he kissed me.


    Cholo¡¯s lips fell on my neck. I was slightly tickled by the rough texture of the stubbles on his chin. I can also feel his hot breath hitting my chest as he continues kissing them.


    I gave in and put my hand on his shoulder. Missy assured me that I will eventually like it especially if the man is good in bed.


    Maybe Cholo is really good because I found myself moaning. I have zero experience so I don¡¯t have anything topare to because I never had a boyfriend. It was only then that my world opened up romantically when I saw Cholo on the road one day.


    I used to sell snacks in the corner when I saw him inside his car on the side of the road. The window of his expensive car was down and his hand was sticking out holding a cigarette.


    I was curious because in the few times I have been hanging out in that part of Cerro Roca, it¡¯s the first time that I saw such a smooth hand of a man and such a beautiful car.


    And when he slightly turned towards me, it felt like someone had thrown a rock on my chest. My heartbeat overwhelmed me. I didn¡¯t move immediately because I wanted to just stare at him forever with his pretty smile.


    Since then, the man has been in my dream almost every day.  I smile like crazy every time I remember him.


    That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t expect that the man I secretly loved was on top of me now. I never thought that my wildest dreams woulde true. Even though the situation was not ideal and our meeting was not perfect, I know that I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.


    I can¡¯t control myself anymore. No matter how much I bite my lip to keep my voice froming out, I can¡¯t help but cry out loud in pleasure especially when he licks and ys with my nipples.


    I was startled when his hand went to my femininity and touched me there. His fingers seemed to draw a circle around my mound as I felt a warm liquid flow through me.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    I hugged Cholo¡¯s stiff arm like I wanted to squeeze him because I couldn¡¯t exin the tickling and delicious feeling down there. I rubbed my thigh against his pants to relieve the heat that was slowly consuming my consciousness.


    ¡°Cholo¡­¡± I called his name.


    He stopped what he¡¯s doing so I opened my eyes. He was staring at me and there was a different sparkle in his eyes and an emotion that I couldn¡¯t read.


    ¡°W-Why?¡± I asked as he wiped the tears left on my cheeks.


    ¡°I like the sound of it.¡±


    Confused and out of breath, I looked at him. ¡°Huh?¡±


    He smiled then continued what his hand was doing earlier so I closed my eyes and moaned again.


    One of his hands went up to my stomach and gently caressed it and then back to my chest as he continued to work his fingers below me.


    ¡°Cholo¡­¡± I can¡¯t  control my erratic movement anymore. It¡¯s like my body is his ve. I felt like I was going to burst at any moment. It¡¯s like I¡¯m being pulled up by some force I can¡¯t name.


    He kissed my ear then whispered.


    ¡°I liked it when you said my name. It¡¯s sexy,¡± he said then went down again to look at my chest which was now a little red from being sucked earlier.


    I winced when he inserted a finger inside me. It still hurts. He immediately noticed my reaction so he stopped and went back to what he was doing before.


    He kissed me again on the lips before saying ¡°I hope you¡¯re enjoying¡± with a smile. My cheeks were getting hotter so I looked away. I looked up while wearing it. I wonder why he hasn¡¯t undressed yet.


    I was rmed when he slowly went down to the center of my thighs. I was about to get out of bed to stop him from doing what I think he¡¯s nning when he looked at me darkly and shook his head. Like a meek sheep, I abandoned the thought and just waited for what he might do.


    He kissed my legs while gazing at me with a smile. We both look too aroused but I don¡¯t see anything wrong with it. Right now, I just want to watch Cholo do what he does to my body to drive me crazy.


    I¡¯m going to make the most of this moment because I know it will be the first and thest.


    I know that after tonight, I need to fade away from himpletely. I will just keep this good memory in the back of my mind. I¡¯ll just think that once in my life, I had a chance of being with the one and only Cholo Gastrell. That I also reached one of my dreams in the world.

 Chapter 9 We are broken

    ¡°Ms. Karina, your things are all ready. We¡¯ve loaded a hundred of them into the cars. Is there anything you want us to do now?¡±


    I took a sip from the mug of tea and carefully ced it on the tempered ss center table. Then I stood up and gently held onto the railings of the hotel balcony.


    ¡°How about my boxes of shoes, bags, and jewelry?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been taken care of, Ms. Karina. It was loaded in a different vehicle with five cars for security on stand by.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I looked down hoping to see the couple again but I was disappointed. They were not on the same loveseat in front of the souvenir shop where I used to watch them every morning.


    ¡°Prepare the car. We¡¯ll go now,¡± I ordered while staring outside. I felt empty that I didn¡¯t see the two on the day I was leaving.


    I owed them the fun I felt for my entire stay in the hotel. I just wanted to say goodbye to them. I¡¯ll thank them for filling my weary days with excitement.


    ¡°As you wish, Ms. Karina.¡±


    I returned to my chair and adjusted the ck veil on my head and the ankle-length French retro style ck dress I¡¯m wearing.


    My feet werefortably housed by a pair of T-strap ck heels which the Chairman gifted mest year. It became my favorite shoes instantly because I believed it gave me good luck.


    I crossed my legs and sipped on my tea again. I studied the weather outside. It¡¯s a bit windy. It¡¯s not too cold but it¡¯s better than the very hot days I experienced these past few days. I was a little bit annoyed because I don¡¯t hear the bird chirping and insect sounds  anymore that I was used to when I lived here which is one of the reasons why I came back.


    ¡°But I still love you, my Cerro Roca. I still do even when you¡¯ve been too cruel to me.¡±


    I sighed hard and continued drinking my tea. I don¡¯t like the taste of it but I became ustomed to it so I learned to include this in my daily routine. The Chairman loves to drink green tea and I drink this as my way of respecting him.


    I stood up when I finished my cup and carefully wiped my mouth with a cloth napkin embroidered with my signature.


    I traced the outline of my name on the linen with my long painted jet ck nails. The unusual low glow of the afternoon sun casts a glint on the batch of gold hand chain bracelets on my right hand.


    Mrs. Gastrell.


    ¡°Mrs. Gastrell. I¡¯ve always wanted to be called by this name,¡± I whispered.


    I put the piece of cloth on the table and looked at the towering building in front of me. It was like my obsession of Cholo at first. He¡¯s someone out of my grasp, an unreachable star I admire from down below the bowels of the earth.


    Who would have thought that I¡¯ll be where I am now? Who can predict that I¡¯ll be able to stand up on equal footing with him?


    Life is indeed yful. One day you¡¯re in the mud struggling to get up, and then you¡¯re a member of the most expensive country club, the next split second enjoying a ss of champagne with the one percent poption while looking at the wondrous view of the Sierra Madre.


    I snapped out of my deep thoughts and touched my hair. I don¡¯t want to go down the memory bank again.


    I left the room and took my handbag that Celeste handed to me.


    We drove the elevator down and traversed through the hallway. The men in ck suits were in front and  behind me making sure that there¡¯s no threat around the area.


    I can¡¯t me them though. My presence in this town warrants trouble.


    It¡¯s a very shy sight to behold. Me, in my long ck garments and glittery jewelry all over the body while more than a dozen men were surrounding me. Every guest we walked past looked at us with curious eyes.


    My personal driver immediately opened the door of the limousine for me when we got out of the building. Before I climbed inside, I looked again at the hotel where our little house used to stand. I uttered a promise before getting into the car. After a while, Celeste is busy jotting in her Ipad the things I wanted her to do.


    ¡°Where to, Ms. Karina?¡±


    I put on the shades first and leaned on the leather seat before answering. A smile ys on my mouth.


    ¡°To the mansion. To Cholo Gastrell¡¯s  mansion.¡±


    ¡°Copy, Ms. Karina.¡±


    She fished out a cell phone and called someone. I looked outside the car. I hate what I¡¯m seeing. I abhor the signs ofmercialization of this ce I love. They desecrated my sanctuary, my ce of birth.


    Celeste poured me a ss of wine as the car bolted out into the deserted private road that will lead us to the mansion on the hilltop where the wife of any Gastrell should be rightfully staying.


    I still noticed the smooth ten-minute drive even when my mind was flying away to the times when I first set foot in the residence. That was ages ago but I still remember every memory of that event. It¡¯s nostalgic and remarkable.


    I only stopped from going back in time when the limousine rounded the horseshoe driveway and stopped at the huge front door of the mansion. The door opened and I slowly walked out, still carrying the half-full ss. I looked up at the giant stone mansion and smiled to myself. It¡¯s going to be fun living here.


    The security personnel and other staff have also gotten off from the twenty vehicles carrying my things and are now waiting for the next order. I finished the drink first and then gave the ss to Celeste. Vishen approached me after talking to a security guard of the mansion.


    ¡°Ms. Karina, let¡¯s go.¡±


    I adjusted my shades, put my veil in ce and ran a few fingers over my hair before I walked into the giant door.


    Vishen opened the door for me. I raised my hand at him to tell him that I¡¯m going alone. He nodded and bowed his head.


    The first thing that caught my eyes when I entered the house was the huge family portrait on the wall. The whole Gastrell family tree isplete. There¡¯s Mr. Easton Gastrell, Catharine Gastrell, Cholo, and his younger sister,


    Charlotte who is currently in Los Angeles.


    ¡°I told you to get your ass off Cerro Roca, Karina. I made myself clearst time, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    The man who spoke caught my attention so I turned my attention from the painting to my husband who was standing at the entrance of the spiral staircase and was currently removing the bandages from his hands.


    He is topless and trickles of sweat were very visible in his tanned skin. His big buff body with a full pack of abs and very defined arms and legs are on disy. My eyes narrowed down to the bulge on his front because his gym shorts concealed nothing. I whistled in my mind.


    Pure meat.


    ¡°You still box? Wanna spar with me?¡± I said with a wide smile.


    He obviously didn¡¯t like my answer based on the way his browns creased.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you heard me, Karina. Get out of my house.¡±


    He turned back to the kitchen so I followed him.


    ¡°Why would I ran away from home, Cholo? This is where I¡¯m supposed to be days ago but I chose to not show my pretty face after what happened at the  party. I know you hate surprises, dear.¡±


    He opened the fridge and got bottled water. He opened the lid and drank straight away. Spilled water dripped from his lips down his sweaty chest.


    I watched as his Adam¡¯s apple moved in unison to his jaws.


    Sexy.


    I didn¡¯t take my eyes off his wet body even though he was standing in the middle of the kitchen looking at me darkly. He barely nced at me.


    ¡°What do you really want?¡± There¡¯s a danger in his voice.


    I stared at his red lips. How heavenly would it be to feel his lips against mine once again.


    ¡°You. Us. I want you back, husband. I want you back in my life, Cholo.¡±


    Heughed and shook his head in a mocking way.


    ¡°Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Do you really think I will still ept you after you y with me and make a fool out of my back?  You want money again to finance yourvish lifestyle? You can go back to being a prostitute again Karina. Fuck all the men here in town again.¡±


    If I had been the past Karina, I might have pped her in anger. But the new Karina now has no trace of the old me. All I have be is a strong unaffected bitch.


    ¡°I¡¯ll certainly fuck you again Cholo with all the white juices in me.¡±


    I bit my lip while giving him a seductive look.


    ¡°I can see that you have been exercising. Well, let¡¯s continue in bed then. Let me show you the new skill I acquired,¡± dagdag ko pa.


    His jaws clenched in disgust.


    ¡°Get out before I drag you away, Karina,¡± he warned. His voice became lethal.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that. You will never do that to your wife, Cholo,¡± I said with my raised face.


    He crossed the gap between us and held both of my arms very tightly. It would definitely make a markter but I didn¡¯t do anything to get rid of him. I just let him be. His eyes are burning with anger, so I won¡¯t be surprised ifter he spews fire.


    ¡°Listen carefully, Karina. I don¡¯t know what your motives are foring back here but I want you to understand that I don¡¯t want to do something with you anymore. Our past, everything that we¡¯ve shared together, I¡¯ve regretted all of them. I¡¯m regretting why they have to happen. You have be my biggest regret in life. Elizabeth has saved me from the bitter past I had with you. And now that I¡¯m starting to build a life with her, you¡¯lle back from nowhere telling me you want to be with me again? You are disgusting.¡±


    My confidence is slowly eroding. I¡¯m beginning to get dizzy, my hands and feet are turning into ice cold. A part of me was moved into instant defense.


    I sucked for breath while praying that Cholo won¡¯t notice my reaction.


    ¡°Did that make you feel better? Did your hatred for me somehow decrease after saying all those things? It didn¡¯t, right? Will it help if I deny all your allegations? Will you believe me? You won¡¯t so why would I waste my time to convince you?   You already made up your mind. You believed them. So now, all I¡¯m asking is another chance to be with you, Cholo. I¡¯m asking as your wife.¡±


    He let go of me and turned away. His shoulders shook and hisughter echoed across the mansion.


    ¡°See, Karina. You never failed to amuse me. You changed physically but you didn¡¯t even bother to improve in theprehension department. I¡¯ve had enough of you. Get out of my property.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you who refuse to understand. Your academic credentials are impressive. Consistent valedictorian from kindergarten to high school, magna cumude in college, here and there awards but you can¡¯t even understand a simple logic. I have every right to stay in your house as much as you do because this is also my house because I¡¯m your wife.¡±


    ¡°Stop pushing it. You are delusional, woman.¡±


    He was about to walk back to the living room but I blocked his foot. I reached for my handbag and produced a piece of crumpled paper. I took Cholo¡¯s wet hand and ced the yellowed paper in it. He took it and read it. He looked back and forth between me and the paper. Without warning, he tore it up, and threw it in the trash bin.


    ¡°I could get a hundred of thousands of marriage certificate Cholo,¡± ani ko.


    ¡°If that is true then I could get millions of annulments, too. I don¡¯t want my name to be associated with someone like you. No man will ever be proud of having you as a wife, Karina. No man deserves a woman like you.¡±


    He walked away with big strides. I was left with an empty house and an empty heart.

 Chapter 10 Sorry

    shback


    I didn¡¯t know that I could feel this kind of sensation. I am being feverish and I feel something about to burst from the center of my femininity up to my stomach and head until it spreads all over my body.


    I was ashamed to look at below where Cholo is tasting me. I could not speak because of the mixture of shock and excitement because I had not yet processed what he was doing to me.


    I have no knowledge of this kind of thing. All I know is that the man will put his thing inside you until he¡¯s done. That¡¯s all. I have never even watched a porn video.


    I know nothing about such things. Missy told me that I was too innocent for my age  because my life was just home and work. In my twenties, I had never even experienced holding hands with a man.


    I don¡¯t have time for such things because I¡¯m focused on surviving, or living. That¡¯s why I¡¯m scandalized by what Cholo is making me feel now. And I am more shocked at myself because I like the things he¡¯s doing to me.


    I was too busy catching my breath while wanting to reach for something that I didn¡¯t know what. I couldn¡¯t stop my body. I bit my lip and closed my eyes and let myself let go of my consciousness for a time.


    Breathing hard, I stared at the white ceiling after my orgasms. I don¡¯t know but that was probably the best and most exciting five seconds of my life.


    I realized Cholo hasn¡¯t stop kissing me down there so I tried to get up but he gripped my thigh to stop me from moving. I dared to look in his direction which I immediately regretted because Cholo just smiled at me as he wiped my essence on his face.


    Blushing, I looked away and closed my eyes. I was still panting and tired from what he did to me.


    I felt him give one more kiss on me before crawling up to face me. I avoided  his gray eyes as if I just got burned.


    I heard himugh before he leaned over to me and kissed my shoulder.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what a virgin tastes like. Sweet and addictive,¡± he whispered with his  wet lips that softly brushed against my ear.


    The hair on my body rose when he started kissing my shoulders and neck. I hugged him and caressed his hair.


    ¡°So pure and fresh¡­ Hmmm¡­¡±


    He suddenly stopped what he was doing and looked back at me.


    ¡°Is Karina your real name?¡± he asked while carefully wiping the sweat on my face.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m Karina.¡±


    I almost melted when he smiled at me from above me. His long, damp hair was falling towards me, a few strands covering his face.


    Something strange happened to me as I stared into his eyes. I still felt a little bit of shame but the gust of something more different overpowered my embarrassment.


    I raised both hands and parted his hair and held it in ce so it wouldn¡¯t fall. I want to see his whole face so I can make the most of the time we have left together. At least now, I can allow myself to be happy.


    ¡°Karina¡­ Do you like it?¡±


    My eyes widened at the question. My face immediately turned red. Choloughed andbed my hair.


    ¡°No need to be shy. It¡¯s an honest question. Did you like it?¡±


    My cheeks heat up. I bit before nodding, and then closed my eyes and buried my face in my hands in shame.


    I heard Cholo¡¯s crispugh before he left stood up and covered my nakedness with a nket. Even though I was surprised by what he did, I didn¡¯t ask any more questions.


    ¡°You have nothing to be ashamed of. I only want to know if you liked it. You lost your virginity to me. It¡¯s your first time so I owe you to give you your first orgasm. It¡¯s nothing. I can ept a simple thank you.¡±


    ¡°Are we done? But you¡¯re not done yet?¡± I was confused.


    Cholo justughed then nced at me from whatever he was doing on the phone.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯ll bleed if I take you again. I don¡¯t want that to happen again. I want you to remember your first as a good one ¡¯cause you did it with a Cholo Gastrell.¡±


    He put the phone in his pockets and went to the bathroom. He came out a few minutester with a towel over his shoulder while wiping his face.


    I was sitting on the bed and leaning on the headboard. My hair is a mess, I¡¯m still sweaty, and I¡¯m naked under the sheets. I was confused by how things happened so fast. I was confused by the change in his behavior and treatment towards me.


    He shot me a look and raised a corner of his lips.


    ¡°You look like a lost child, Karina. Don¡¯t worry. I already erased the photos and videos. I¡¯m sorry for what I did. I was an asshole an hour ago.¡±


    No words came out of my mouth because of ack of words.


    ¡°Stay here for a moment. I¡¯m just going to take care of something.¡±


    I saw him reach for his wallet that fell on the floor and took a few thousand bills. He put it on the nightstand before looking at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be out for a while. I¡¯ll get back to you too. Order whatever you want.¡±


    I didn¡¯t move. I just continued staring at his face.


    He let out a soft sigh and sat down next to me. He carefully held my chin and caressed it while looking directly into my eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself because I didn¡¯t continue. I¡¯ll still pay you afterwards. I just have to do something before I face you again. It¡¯s all my fault and I¡¯m taking responsibility for it. I made a mistake and was in a hurry. I didn¡¯t check if the information given to me was correct. I was blinded by rage. I¡¯m sorry again, Karina.¡±


    I shook my head and met his eyes.


    ¡°No one¡¯s at fault. I liked it. I wanted it to happen. It needed to. If it weren¡¯t for you, I¡¯d still be doing it with any guy.¡±


    It looks like he didn¡¯t like what I said before because his face darkened slightly.


    ¡°No, I will never take it against you. You are just a victim of consequences.¡±


    He stood up and walked to the door. I followed him so I could clearly see how he hesitated. He took a deep breath then took a big step back to me. He held me on both of my cheeks and gave me a warm kiss on the lips. Although I¡¯m surprised by what he did, I did not protest.


    I still kept my eyes closed even after our lips parted. We shared one more kiss before I heard the door close.


    I didn¡¯t open my eyes until I was sure that Cholo had left.


    I bit my lips to stop the tears from falling. I stood up and picked up the clothes scattered on the floor.

 Chapter 11 Couple Standoff

    ¡°Miss Karina, I suggest we go back to the hotel. It¡¯s gettingte and everybody went home already.¡±


    I just continued staring into the void while Celeste sorted through all my things on the luggage. We have been sitting outside Cholo¡¯s mansion for several hours now, just leaning against the closed giant door of my husband¡¯s house. I was surprised when I couldn¡¯t see the luggage after I came out of the bathroom. It turned out that Cholo ordered it to be taken outside of his home. He was not satisfied and dragged me out with the rest of my belongings.


    I¡¯m not surprised by his actions at all. In fact, even beforeing home, I know that I¡¯ll be having my biggest problem dealing with him. And I also know that once I get my hands wrapped around him, everything will be smooth sailing from then on.


    ¡°Celeste, do you think it will rain?¡±


    She looked above at the skies.


    ¡°I think it will rain, Ms. Karina. The sky is dark.¡±


    I adjusted my back and did some stretching.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. And the bones in my knee ache. That means it will rain. Leave before it pours. Use my car.¡±


    ¡°I will not leave you alone here, Ms. Karina. If I leave, I have to take you with me.¡±


    I chuckled.


    ¡°Silly girl. Do you think I will shrink away just because of this? I¡¯m not that kind of woman, Celeste.¡±


    She took out a handkerchief and ced it on the pavement and helped me sit on it.


    ¡°No, Ms. Karina. I¡¯ve known for a long time that you are a very strong girl. If not, you would have run away from the Chairman.¡±


    I smiled at the memory of the person she mentioned.


    ¡°Oh, that beast of a man. He knows how to crush a man¡¯s spirit.¡±


    I looked at the time on my cellphone. It¡¯s almost five o¡¯clock but Cholo hasn¡¯te home. Before he left today he kicked me out, he made sure to drill into my head that I should be gone when hees back.


    made sure to drill into my head that I should be gone when hees back.


    As if I am that easy to get rid of.


    ¡°Celeste.¡±


    She immediately stood up and took out her cell phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry and bored. I need you to get me a buffet here with all the caterers and all the other stuff. And I also need some lounge chairs and a generator to fuel this all up. Maybe add some bands. Yeah! I like that and wines! Lots of wines. I need some good drinks for today.¡±


    While I was enumerating the things I wanted to happen, Celeste was already calling the people who should be called one by one. The way she works is admirable. The very reason why I wanted her.


    ¡°Anddon¡¯t forget the clowns, darling. The scarier they are, the better!¡±


    ¡°Copy, Ms. Karina.¡±


    After an hour, the band arrived followed by the entire staff of a famous catering service. Next came the generator, my chair, and finally the clowns dressed all in ck.


    In a matter of minutes, the front of Cholo¡¯s mansion transformed into a little weird party. The band started ying while Iy in the lounge chair drinking my favorite wine.


    I stopped the staff and clowns from what they were doing and ordered them to join in on my little fun. Most of them were still reluctant but I scared them so they didn¡¯t have a choice but to drink and watch the band. I requested another song then stood on the table and started dancing. Celeste who was on the side was constantly begging me to go down but I didn¡¯t listen to her.


    Suddenly, a car parked violently on the driveway and out came Cholo who was raging in anger based on the color of his face and the clenching of his jaws.


    The grin on my lips widened when he shot me a sharp look before looking around what has be of his ce.


    ¡°Everyone! Let me introduce to you my husband, Cholo Gastrell. Come on, hubby. Let¡¯s dance.¡±


    Everyone cheered and they even encouraged Cholo to apany me but he gently smiled and shook his head. He walked closer to the table where I was standing and held out his palm to me.


    ¡°I want to talk to you,¡±he saidin a voice that held back his anger.


    ¡°Why? I¡¯m still having fun. Do you like my party? It¡¯s colorful. See that ck clown there? That¡¯s the most colorful clown I¡¯ve ever seen in my entire life.¡±


    Cholo took a deep breath and smiled. I can clearly see the frustration and anger on his face. That¡¯s why every fiber of my body is really celebrating.


    ¡°Karina, are you enjoying this?¡± he asked impatiently.


    I sat at the table and yed with the ss in my hand.


    ¡°Of course. The party was great. How about you? Are you enjoying too? Come on husband. Indulge your wife. Have fun with us! Look at all of them. They¡¯re so happy! Come on!¡±


    Without warning, Cholo carried me down to the table and ushered me into the mansion door which was opened by a uniformed servant. The people shouted at the scene. They must have mistaken it for a romantic one.


    I raised my hand to them and waved. Cholo brought me into the living room of the mansion and dropped me on the sofa. The ss I was holding broke when he flicked it away.


    ¡°You wasted my good ss,¡± I said regretfully while staring at the shards on the floor.


    ¡°To hell with that ss! What were you doing?! I told you to get off my house not to have a party here!¡±


    ¡°¡±Why? Did I agree to leave? I just enjoyed myself in the yard and now you¡¯re going to hold a grudge against me? I¡¯m your wife, remember?¡±


    Cholo took a few steps between us and grabbed me by the shoulders forcing me to stand up.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking, Karina. Get your ass off my house and out of my life. Don¡¯t make me repeat my words. I¡¯m not a patient man, Karina.¡±


    I met his burning eyes. He wasn¡¯t joking because I could clearly see the anger in his eyes.


    ¡°I can see that you¡¯re not joking. I can clearly see that so why can¡¯t you see that I¡¯m also serious with getting back with you, Cholo. Don¡¯t make me repeat my words. I. Want. You. Back. Got it, hubby? Hmm?¡± I smiled at him before I got out of his grip. He let me go without hesitation.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why are you doing this, Karina? Why do you want to mess up with our lives?¡±


    I sat down on the couch and crossed my legs.


    ¡°Mess with your lives? Ohe on, Cholo. Since when is living with your own husband¡¯s house a nuisance? Tell me, Cholo.¡±


    He stared at me from where he was standing before he grimaced and shook his head.


    ¡°You will never get my money, woman.¡±


    I smiled bitterly. ¡°I don¡¯t need your money, Cholo. I only wanted to live in this house with you. Is that bad? I¡¯m your wife so I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re driving me away.¡±


    Choloughed mockingly. I was caught off guard for a moment while staring at him to tell myself that he really looks so good despite the years. In fact, he aged like a fine wine. He looks more mature now, his eyes are no longer that of a rebellious bad boy but a confident stalwart man of power.


    His jet ck long hair reminds me of the time when I would cling to it while hepped me ferociously. And then after I¡¯m done, he¡¯ll look at me hungrily like a lion to his innocent prey. I still remembered how his gray eyes looked like dead stars under that dim light. I watched him then with astonishment and put him on the pedestal of my dreams.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you in my life at all. Expect the papers tomorrow for the annulment. And I want the people outside out in a minute or else¡­¡±


    ¡°Or else what?¡± I challenged him to finish his words. ¡°You¡¯ll drag me away in front of them? Can you really do that, Cholo? You can¡¯t even publicly humiliate me because it¡¯s scattered all over Cerro Roca that I¡¯m back, your wife is back. You can¡¯t afford to taint your reputation especially now that your cousin is running in the election.¡±


    I crossed my arms.


    ¡°And I don¡¯t like what you did with my luggages. They¡¯re precious to me! You do that again and I¡¯ll make a scandal. Earlier? That was just a sample. I¡¯m just giving you a glimpse of what I can do, Cholo. I could do more atrocious things than that. So, you better treat your wife better this time.¡±


    I stood up and smiled at him. ¡°For crying out loud, will you please get rid of that grin on your face?¡±


    Cholo¡¯s face got darker. He crossed his arms and leaned on the sofa.


    ¡°You must have forgotten, woman, the dirt you left behind. And need I say more who you are talking to now? I can always turn that up against you,¡± he warned.


    I was momentarily stunned by the edge of his voice as if he was really hurt by whatever I did before.


    ¡°Cholo, you must be forgetting that you are talking to a new Karina in front of you. Don¡¯t make unintelligible remarks.¡±


    I gave him my biggest smile but he didn¡¯t even flinch.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s time to dig it up again, woman. You¡¯re right. My hands are tied because of the situation but a scandal is a scandal. I don¡¯t have to dig that deep to get something. I¡¯m quite sure you also have skeletons in your closet in thest years.¡±


    ¡°Well, I say keep digging diligently but just as a precautionary measure, guard your heart. You really wanna go there? Maybe when you find out, you¡¯ll just cry.¡±


    I walked in front of him while looking around the huge living room.


    ¡°My, my, my. This house badly needs the touch and warmth of a woman. Good thing I¡¯m here.¡±


    I point at furniture that I don¡¯t think fits the ambiance I envision for our home.


    ¡°Your furniture looks old and draped! Seriously? Your interior designer needs to be fired immediately!¡±


    I just continued insulting at any w I could spot while Cholo¡¯s gaze was busy following me. I heard him take a deep breath before he spoke.


    ¡°What do you really need, Karina? You have a reason why you came back. What do you really want?¡±


    I stopped from looking around and shrugged.


    ¡°Can you really give me what I wanted?¡±


    He didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I want you again. I want to be your wife again,¡± I pouted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. There has always been something different about you. I was just unlucky that I was the first man to fall into your shoes. I will find out soon why, Karina.¡±


    He stood up and went for the stairs.


    ¡®One more thing. You will not touch anything in my house. Elizabeth is the only one I have given the right to change anything in this house.¡±


    I blinked at what he said. I felt a little pain but I didn¡¯t show it. Instead, I red back at Cholo and raised my hands.


    ¡®Correction, Cholo. Our house. And Elizabeth will have nothing to change in this house because she will never be your wife because I¡¯m not letting you go. Never in your wildest dreams. Let her wait in vain because you are thest thing I wanted to lose in this lifetime.¡±


    He grinned and put his hands in his pockets. He gave me a mocking look before he spoke. ¡°Said the woman who broke our marriage first.¡±


    He continued to climb the stairs while I was left stunned and confused by thest words he uttered.


    ¡°No one broke our marriage, Cholo. It was already broken to begin with¡± I whispered while biting my lower lip and falling into a time years ago.

 Chapter 12 Goodbye

    shback


    It¡¯s been more than an hour since Cholo left but I still can¡¯t stop staring at the few wads of money on the side table. He left about twenty thousand.


    I¡¯m still debating whether to take it or not but in the end, my desperation prevailed.


    I stood up and got dressed. I fixed my messy hair and washed up. My body hurts especially in the lower part but I have no right to feel pain now.


    The current condition of my father and brother is far worse. Dad got another heart attack for the second time so I had to rush him to the hospital. My brother Diego is now stuck in prison because the owner of the restaurant he¡¯s working at filed a robbery case against him.


    I don¡¯t believe what they use my brother of. He¡¯s probably the nicest person I know so it¡¯s unlikely that the charges against him are true but the witnesses say otherwise so I have toe up with the bail money for him and to pay for the damage to the restaurant so they can withdraw the case.


    I took the money and carefully put it in the bag before going out. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from ncing around the room before closing the door.


    This is will be myst meeting with Cholo. I have no intention of waiting for him as he told me so. I have no reason. I got what I came here for.


    I walked out of the hotel with my head down and got into a taxi. I¡¯m going home to Cerro Roca which is just across town to get my father and release my brother from jail. I¡¯ve made up my mind. I will venture first to another neighboring area where there is more progresspared to Cerro Roca.


    Yesterday, my father¡¯s oldest brother called me to tell me about the newly opened mall there. I will apply to be a saledy. I have passed the high school graduate qualification. At the age of neen, going to college was a far-fetched dream of mine. I know that will never happen.


    I got home at two o¡¯clock in the morning so I had to wait until the sun came up so I could take care of Diego¡¯s bail. I went to the hospital first to say hello to dad. His condition is already stable and he can be discharged once I have paid the hospital bills.


    ¡°Diego!¡± I eximed when I saw my brother who had juste out of the cell.


    ¡°Karina!¡± He hugged me and cried in my arms. I also cried because of so much pity for him. Both his cheeks are swollen and his lips are chapped. Some blood stained his cor.


    ¡°Who did this to you? Who?¡± I asked tearfully. I turned to the few policemen who had been looking at me obscenely for a while. I was about to rush towards them when my brother pulled me away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Let¡¯s go home,¡± he stopped me in a pleading voice.


    I was so angry that I just looked at my brother. I also thought that there might be trouble again and our attempt to leave would be foiled.


    I gave them a sharp look before following my brother to the taxi.


    When I got home, I immediately packed our bags. We only have a few clothes. Everything fits in two small pieces of luggage. We will leave the old stuff at home. Most of them are useless. Yesterday, I sold our TV and refrigerator to a junk shop.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you sure about your decision? Maybe you can go there. Dad  and I can stay here. I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    I let the suitcase fall to the floor and approached my brother who was sitting on the floor with shaking hands.


    I touched his face and smiled.


    ¡°Why would you be afraid when I¡¯m with you? It¡¯s scarier if I leave you and dad here. Do you want us to be separated? Don¡¯t you want to go back to school? I¡¯ll earn more when we move so you can go to school again. You¡¯re going back to school like I promised you. Don¡¯t you want that?¡±


    He slowly raised his face to me. I almost cried from the joy I could read in his eyes.


    ¡°Really? But aren¡¯t I too old to go to elementary school? I¡¯m eighteen. Maybe the kids there will justugh at me.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No, what are you thinking? That won¡¯t happen to you. Don¡¯t think about it anymore. The more important thing is that you can study again.¡±


    ¡°But didn¡¯t the doctor say I¡¯m sick? What is it? Dyslexia? That¡¯s why I can¡¯t write properly?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯ll leave here for the time being. When I save up enough, I¡¯ll get you treated Diego. We¡¯ll go back to the doctor. I¡¯ll get you your therapy.¡±


    I can see that he is gradually convinced by what I am saying because his face has brightened.


    ¡°How about you? When are you going back to school?¡±


    I was stunned by his question. It has been my dream to go to college for a long time, but in our current situation, it is impossible for me to fulfill that.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that. Maybe after I get this job, I¡¯ll enroll again. We¡¯ll study together like dad¡¯s dream, so we have to leave Cerro Roca. We have to work hard together to save for our dream, okay?¡±


    He nodded even though I could read the doubt in his eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We wille back here. Ournd is still ours because I will never sell it,¡± I promised.


    Before noon, I was able to discharge my father from the hospital.


    While riding the taxi out of Cerro Roca, I couldn¡¯t help but travel back to what happenedst night.


    Even if I stopped myself, a few tears still fell from my eyes. That will serve as my farewell to my life in this ce as well as the little memory that Cholo left me.

 Chapter 13 They can never have you

    The sound of the rm clock brought me back to the present. I turned to the side table where a tune of my favorite ssical piece wasing from. I stood up and turned it off before returning to the chair next to an open window.


    It¡¯s past two in the morning but I¡¯m still awake. Like every night that has passed in my life, sleep is not for me. I can¡¯t sleep because of yesterday¡¯s nightmares that still haunt me. Another reason was that I was waiting for Cholo who never came back in the house after leaving me earlier.


    So here I was beside the window gazing at the bright moon above me while patiently waiting for my erring husband. A gawking doting wife who is dead worried for her other half.


    I drank from the goblet in my hand and enjoyed the cold air. It blew my loose hair and made the precious stones in my earrings dance. I didn¡¯t mind the trembling of the body. Every day that God has made, I have learned to ignore the physical cold.


    There is something colder than a gust of wind. There is something more painful than Cholo¡¯s constant disy of disgust towards me.


    I looked around therge and quiet room. My eyes stopped at the king size bed covered with a blue mattress. The pillows and nkets didn¡¯t have a single wrinkle, a sign that no one had ever slept on them. I can¡¯t lie on this bed because of the thought that the two of them are also sleeping here. I still have respect for myself. In my mind I was already slowly punishing them.


    I went back into observing the surroundings. The master¡¯s bedroom is a picture of a luxurious lifestyle. Marble floors, expensive appliances, andplete with modern technology from giant television sets, noise canceling apparatus and soundproof rooms. The jacuzzi area of this room also has its own sauna room.


    The library that serves as Cholo¡¯s office is also connected to the room through an adjoining door. I checked it earlier out of boredom. The ce is filled with books and paintings from top to bottom.


    Another gust of wind passed before I carefully closed the window. With the ss of wine in my hand, I left the room and walked down the bifurcated staircase made of Brazilian mahogany.


    The five-inch heels of my shoes sink into the carpet. I put a smile on my lips for my imaginary audience below the stairs and moved my waist elegantly while humming a luby. The whole living room was very quiet.


    The aristocratic people in the painting smiled and said hi to me in order to at least fill the deafening silence. When I was halfway down the stairs, I looked up at the cathedral ceiling that was covered with ceilingmp shades which brought a dark ambiance to the house. It¡¯s a bit dark because the light is subdued. I looked around again. Most of the furniture is earth toned furnishing from the floor, walls, to the ceiling.


    ¡°This house is too old for a young couple like us,¡± I said as I fixed my eyes on the antique piano in the middle of the living room that also serves as an attraction because of its antiquity.


    I went straight to the kitchen and washed the ss. Then I went to the bathroom for a while to apply lipstick and fix my face. I made sure I was in good shape so that Cholo would eat with me when he got home.


    I looked at myself in the mirror. My make-up is perfect again. I was wearing a ck silk dress that reached the bottom of the leg. My feet hurt when I wear high-heeled shoes, but I need to fo this to still look elegant and beautiful as a housewife who is eagerly waiting for her husband.


    Smiling, I returned to the kitchen to prepare the dishes I will cook. I will no longer let my husband live on the maids¡¯ cooking and drive through orders from restaurants. From now on, he will only eat the food I will serve him.


    I opened the fridge and took out the vegetables and meat. I¡¯m singing a song while cutting. I already boiled water for my special recipe today.


    I was enjoying my mini concert when I heard the hum of the car and the mansion door swung open. I smiled to myself. It¡¯s good that my husband is back home. Perfect for breakfast.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± said a voice at the kitchen door.


    I looked up at Cholo and stared at how good he really looks. He¡¯s maic, oozing with the charm he used to seduce me back then. My husband is so freaking hot in his disheveled hair and rolled sleeves that showcased his hairy arms while leaning on the side of the frame at the entrance of the kitchen. His coat isfortably lying on his shoulder.


    Oh, now I remembered how hairy his body is and how hot it tingles against my naked body.


    I stifled my own moan due to the rising temperature around me. It has always been like this with Cholo. Whenever he¡¯s near, I can¡¯t feel but get turned on. I mean, that¡¯s justifiable! My husband is a walking testosterone!


    I¡¯m no saint. I¡¯m apletely sinful creature for this man alone.


    ¡°Good morning, hubby. Got a long day and night? Ah, too busy with work? Yes, I deeply understand. Wait, do you have something particr dish you want to request? Just say it. I studied culinary with you in my mind. You know, I wanted to impress you with my cooking. Cliche as it may sound but I believe that a way to a man¡¯s heart is through his stomach. So, any request?¡±


    I smiled at Cholo before going back into cutting the vegetables. I simply wiped the sweat on my neck.


    ¡°You¡¯re cooking breakfast at two in the morning? Really? How many armies will you feed? Karina, my house is not a shelter for you to have a party. Now if you¡¯re thinking of inviting guests over then forget about it. You¡¯re already making too much of a mess with my life.¡±


    He looked at me deeply, his face was red from the alcohol. He doesn¡¯t look tired but I can tell that something is bothering him.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I wanted to serve you and be the best wife you can have, Cholo.¡±


    I took the blender and put the fruits inside.


    ¡°You can be the best person in the world by leaving me and leaving the town for good.¡±


    I purposely turned on the blender so I wouldn¡¯t be able to answer him.


    ¡°What? What was that? Come again?¡±


    I poured the smoothie into a ss. He looked at me for a moment before staggering towards the refrigerator. I met him halfway with the ss and gave it to him. I can smell the alcohol emitting from his body.


    ¡°Here. It¡¯s good for your body. Good for your gut. It also helps to cool your head. Just chill, Cholo. It¡¯s too early in the morning to be that hot, baby.¡±


    He ignored me and took the ss. My heart rejoiced. But the next thing he did left me heartbroken. He threw the contents of the ss in the sink and instead took bottled water from the refrigerator.


    ¡°Trash.¡± I heard him say this before he drank the water.


    I was stunned for a moment but I didn¡¯t react. I just went back in front of the chopping board and resumed cutting the meat like nothing happened.


    ¡°I thought I would find peace at home not until I saw you. Why are you still awake at this hour?¡±


    I put down the knife and faced him.


    ¡°Where have you been? Why didn¡¯t youe homest night? Is there any sane married person who spends the early hours outside without telling his wife ? I thought it¡¯s only work but for heaven¡¯s sake Cholo, you reek of too much alcohol.¡±


    There was a hint of sharpness attached to my voice. Cholo chuckled mockingly.


    ¡°Acting like a real wife, are we? Cut the crap, Karina. It does not suit you. You don¡¯t care what I do with my life and I won¡¯t care about yours either. Just make sure to hide whatever scandals you wanted to engage in. I will endure it until the election. That¡¯s only three months from now. After that, we will be annulled.¡±


    ¡°Would you prefer me to shut up? Because that will be very impossible, Cholo. We are not in the ancient times anymore where women always nod to the liking of their husbands. I won¡¯t stay mum in the corner. That¡¯s just not my style. It¡¯s the 21st century, baby. Keep up with the times, my man. Now go to sleep. I¡¯ll prepare food for you. That¡¯s how kind I am.¡±


    I turned my back on him and went back to what I was doing. He didn¡¯t respond but the hair on my back stood up so I know he¡¯s still looking at me.


    ¡°Meeting you the first time was magical. I was caught off guard but I managed to set it aside because of my anger. Imagine how devastated I was when I went back to the hotel and saw it empty. There was not any sign of you. I felt empty that time. You know how I thought that I must have loved you in all of those times but you prove it all wrong when you chose to leave me. I could have given everything to you, Karina. But you just wasted it all. And now that I¡¯m starting to settle down with the woman I truly love, you¡¯reing back to make trouble. You know why I¡¯m drinking? It¡¯s because I can¡¯t ept Ely being called a mistress when she¡¯s all I ever wanted to be my wife all my life.  How I wish you could have ended just as  what you made all the town believe. Dead. Insignificant. Forever out of my sight.¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mean it, Cholo.¡±


    I faced him again and smiled at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s evil to wish someone dead.¡±


    My lips are smiling but my eyes are zing in fury as a memory sticks in the recesses of my head.


    ¡°Come on. Just sleep it off.¡±


    I caressed his cheek and smiled sweetly. He grabbed my hand and pulled it away from his face.


    ¡°I mean every word I say, Karina,¡± he said in  between his gritted teeth.


    I still caught a whiff of his suave scent mixed with a strong liquor before he dragged himself out of the kitchen.


    I concentrated on what I was doing. From time to time, I steal a nce at my husband who had fallen asleep on the cushion sofa in the living room. When I finished cooking, I sat next to Cholo to attend to his ufortable position. I removed his shoes and wiped his wet back with a towel. When I¡¯m done, I sat on the edge of the sofa and caressed his smooth face.


    ¡°This face canunch a thousand women in tears,¡± I whispered as I ran my finger over his pointed nose.


    I smiled sinisterly and yed with his hair.


    ¡°I pity those women Cholo because I will never let you go, not in the hundred years toe. You are only mine and no one can steal you from me, not even the love of your life. I¡¯ll do everything to keep you for myself. I will take back the love you gave her. You will fall hard for me just as it should be.¡±


    I lowered my face to his slightly open mouth and was about to kiss him but I was stunned by the name he mentioned.


    ¡°Ely¡­¡± he said in a whisper.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I felt like I was pped hard in my face by what I heard so I just turned my face away. I stood up and folded my arms, while staring at my sleeping husband. His forehead was wrinkled like he is having a bad dream.


    ¡°You can call me Ely all you want just as you wanted. If you wanted to call me Ely then Ely will be my name. It still won¡¯t change that you are mine. Only mine, Cholo.¡±

 Chapter 14 Met again

    shback


    ¡°Karina!¡±


    I turned to the shrill voice who called me and was surprised to see Missy walking slowly to my small cart of snacks by the side of the road.


    ¡°Missy.¡± I gave him a small smile when he got close to me.


    ¡°How are you?¡± He asked in a sincere way while looking at me.


    I sighed and smiled bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m still the same Karina. I¡¯m still struggling. I didn¡¯t get the vacancy as salesdy I¡¯m applying in a mall. The position is full so I¡¯m back to my old habits. How¡¯s Cerro Roca doing?¡±


    He gave me a meaningful look before bringing his face slightly closer to me.


    ¡°Cholo is looking for you.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I was stunned for a moment before stirring the drink in the jar.


    ¡°Missy, what else does he need? I did it. We did it.¡±


    ¡°Fool, don¡¯t be nervous about that. He said he just wanted to see you. He was asking me if I knew where to find you. I couldn¡¯t answer because you suddenly disappeared.¡±


    I weighed what he said in my mind and formed a conclusion.


    ¡°Is he not satisfied? Does he want me to repeat the service to him?¡±


    I was no longer ashamed of saying it because no one would hear because no one was buying yet.


    Missy nodded with a little envy on his face. ¡°You hit the spot, Karina. It looks like Cholo missed you. He paid you a lot, but don¡¯t worry there¡¯s another payment for now.¡±


    I thought for a moment before immediately nodding. ¡°Alright. Where?¡±


    Missy was surprised for a moment at my immediate agreement but her face immediately changed to a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call youter so we can go to Cerro Roca together. Give me your number.¡±


    After I gave the number to him, he immediately left. I was left questioning myself if I made the right decision.


    As soon as I entered the exclusive club, I was instantly deafened by the loud musicing from the heavy speakers around the ce. The dance floor was full of young people dancing to the rhythm of the music. The DJ lights from the ceiling and floor of the club near the stage where there is a man with no shirt and full of tattoos on his chest are both an eyesore. Most people are already sweating but none of them seem to have any intention of stopping their bodies from grinding.


    I was a bit dizzy with the smell of expensive cigarettes and alcohol that permeated the whole ce. I¡¯m not used to this. Seems like the air is getting thinner every time I take steps.


    I squeezed through young people who were obviously rich to get to one side of the stage where a bearded bouncer was standing.


    Missy¡¯s instruction is to just ask the man where Cholo is.


    Someone grabbed my waist from the side and whispered. ¡°Hey, sexy. Wanna have some fun tonight?¡±


    I was unable to answer. I just removed his hand from my waist without looking at him and continued walking towards the bouncer.


    The man didn¡¯t chase me so I breathed a sigh of relief.


    I approached the bouncer and simply whispered. ¡°Where is Cholo? It¡¯s from Missy.¡±


    The man looked at me with distrust before he took a key from his pocket.


    ¡°Upstairs. Left side. Room 5.¡±


    I took the key and held it tightly.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I pulled down the short white halter dress I am wearing and climbed the narrow stairs he pointed to.


    My hands are cold and I¡¯m sweating in my groin and armpits. I hope I can do what Missy told me.


    His voice was echoing in my mind when our car stopped in front of the club earlier.


    ¡°You are the one who¡¯s working. Remember, you were paid for your performance.¡±


    How? How to work a Cholo Gastrell?


    ¡°Come what may.¡±


    I took a big step in the direction the bouncer said.


    The second floor of the club isrge and quiet with ten rooms. I stopped in front of a door with ¡°5¡± written on the outside. I looked at the key in my hand, which was also number five.


    This is it. I will see Cholo again after a few months. Behind this door is the man who has been messing with my system ever since.


    Closing my eyes, I inserted the key into the keyhole and then turned the door open. I opened my eyes and stooped to enter the room and closed the door behind me. I slowly looked up and my eyes almost popped out at the sight that unfolded before me.


    On top of the white bed was Cholo lying naked with his eyes blindfolded with a white cloth. He put his hand on the back of his head and moved in my direction. I put my hand over my mouth to stop myself from making a noise.


    My eyes focused on Cholo¡¯s half-aroused manhood. He¡¯s really big. I can¡¯t quite figure out how it fits me. I looked at his hairy chest down to his legs and thighs. I only noticed it now because I was staring at him freely. I was afraid and hesitant when we first met, so I didn¡¯t get a good look at his body.


    ¡°Are you just going to stand there? I paid you to do your work. Come here and pleasure me now,¡± he said gruffly. ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t want you to talk. Nowe up here and join me naked.¡±


    My hair immediately stood up all over my body when he said that.


    ¡°Faster,¡± he ordered in an impatient tone.


    I could do nothing but follow his orders. I took off the short dress, bra, panties, and finally my heels. I immediately shivered at the st of the air conditioner.


    ¡°Done? Thene here already. You¡¯ve got a lot of work for tonight.¡±


    Without flinching, I climbed onto the bed as he said. I swallowed my shame and doubt when I got a close look at his manhood. My eyes widened. Its head is a little pinkish. It¡¯s already big in this state, what more when it¡¯s really aroused.


    Cholo¡¯s body also fleshed out a little. His shoulders, arms and chest expanded.


    ¡°Hold it now,¡± he ordered me in an impatient tone.


    My eyes widened, I just stared at what he wanted to hold me. I can not do it. I was even too nervous  just looking at it. What more if I really hold it?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I paid you for this. Now do it.¡±


    What Missy said to me echoes in my mind again.


    With my eyes closed, I slowly reached for his manhood and held it. It feels soft and hard and warm in my hand.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Cholo shouted, making me jump away. ¡°Why are your hands cold? You¡¯re freezing my balls!¡±


    I smiled and rubbed both my hands together then blew air before returning my hand to his penis.


    ¡°Now move,¡± he ordered.


    ¡°How?¡± I said in a low voice.


    We were both stunned. I forgot what he said earlier that I should not speak. He pushed my hand away and turned back to lie down.


    ¡°Get dressed and get out,¡± he said in a cold voice as if he had lost his appetite.


    Even though I was confused, I obeyed him. In my mind, I wonder if it is included in my payment, to pacify a child who¡¯s wallowing in resentment.


    I got off the bed and picked up the clothes to get dressed. Cholo was still lying motionless in bed.


    Why is he still looking for me if he¡¯s going to treat me like this? I don¡¯t understand him. Why is he like this to me? I know he didn¡¯t treat me this cold when he left me at the hotel. Why did he suddenly change?


    I opened the door with a heavy chest and went out only to be surprised by the sh of the camera that greeted me.

 Chapter 15 Coffee and breakfast

    At exactly seven o¡¯clock in the morning, I had already prepared the table. I finished taking a shower and getting ready so now I¡¯m sitting cross-legged on the single-seater sofa while reading a magazine.


    I¡¯m waiting for my husband to wake up who is now curled up under the ck nket that I brought for him earlier. He looks like a child in his fetal position which is why I¡¯m tempted to take pictures as memorabilia. I got tired of looking at new home furniture in the magazine so I reached for a morning newspaper. The hug between Cholo and I the other night is on the front page. I checked the name of the local news outlet and shrugged. I know its owner.


    ¡°Oh dear, why don¡¯t they even edit the lighting of the picture. My make-up looks uneven here.¡±


    I took thepact mirror and looked at myself to make sure that my eyeshadow and eyeliner were perfectly applied. When I was satisfied, I put the sses back in the pocket of my ankle-length ck dress and went back to reading.


    I felt Cholo move on the sofa so I put down the newspaper and waited for my husband to wake up. I didn¡¯t wait too long because he opened his eyes a few minutester. His gray eyes are filled with confusion not until his gaze caught mine.


    ¡°Good morning, hubby.¡±


    I gave him a very sweet smile when he sat down with his head bowed. He looked at me coldly and stood up as if he hadn¡¯t seen me so I chased after him and followed him up the stairs.


    ¡°I¡¯m done cooking our breakfast. I¡¯m just waiting for you to wake up so we can eat together. Anyway, what would you like your coffee to be? Pure ck? With sugar? With cream or milk? What do you want?¡±


    Cholo stopped in the middle of the stairs and looked at me. I gave him a cozy smile.


    ¡°Stop this, Karina. It¡¯s early in the morning and you just ruined my day right away. Do me a favor and get out of my sight now.¡±


    Hebed his messy hair and sighed in frustration. I ignored what he said and continued babbling.


    ¡°I see that you still have a hangover. Don¡¯t worry, I know a very effective medicine for that. Just wait until I prepare all the things for you.¡±


    I quickly climbed the stairs and made my way to our room. I opened the door for him and pointed to the walk-in closet where the clothes from my luggage were scattered all over the floor.


    ¡°By the way. I forgot to let you know that I took the initiative to put my things here. It¡¯s too small for my things so I decided to extend the ce or can I have my own room for my clothes and things then? Please, Cholo?¡±


    I didn¡¯t hear any reaction so I turned to him. He was staring at the bed with ck bed covers, pillows, and sheets. I changed it earlier while he was sleeping. I¡¯m even nning to rece all the curtains with ck curtains, but it might be outdated so I might look for another color. For now, I¡¯ll do it gradually so he won¡¯t be too surprised. I have so many big ns for this house and now that I am the matriarch, no one can stop me from doing all the major revisions I have in mind.


    ¡°Why did you change it? And of all the colors, why ck? Are you nning to turn this room into a burial site? And who told you to put all your things in my room? Karina, I am already on my edge from you being here. I cannot tolerate this anymore.¡±


    I can feel his outburst so I did not pursue the n of entering the walk-in closet.


    Instead, I walked near to him and faced his red face headstrong. I did not feel any hint of fear. His anger is just a piece of small rock I could easily dodge.


    ¡°Hubby, I am your wife so it¡¯s only natural that I took charge of all the matters in our house. Don¡¯t fret too much about the color, okay? It¡¯s just a color. You don¡¯t like ck, then let me change itter for you, okay?¡±


    I began removing the necktie from his polo shirt.


    ¡°Go now. Take a shower while I prepare for your things, okay?¡± I said softly and gently pushed him towards the bathroom.


    He stopped me using his hands and yanked my hands away from his arms. He managed to give me a cold look before turning around while taking off his top. I still caught the sight of his naked broad back before he closed the shower door.


    My practiced smile disappeared and a nk expression took its ce. I still heard the sound of the shower before I turned towards the door to the closet to choose clothes for him to wear.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    I picked up a ck trousers, a navy blue polo, a silver necktie, and a pair of gold cuffs. I also took his shoes and watch from the hundreds of essories ced in the ss box. I scooped them all up and carefullyid them out on the bed, making sure not to wrinkle any of them.


    I went back to the closet when I forgot to take something. I opened the lowest of the drawers and pulled out a boxer and briefs. I put them beside the clothes on the bed. When I was satisfied, I went out the door and went to the bathroom on the second floor for a while to fix myself. I need to check if I have a smudge of lipstick and mascara or maybe my hair is out of its order. After finishing, I quickly went back to the kitchen.


    ¡°Nena, go back to the kitchen. Leave it to me,¡± I ordered the assistant who was setting the table.


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She immediately ran towards the back door without even looking at me. I don¡¯t know why they act like that towards me. If it¡¯s because of what happened that day when they refused to let me in then they shouldn¡¯t be thinking bad about me. I am not taking it against them. They just follow orders. I¡¯ve been in their shoes so I have firsthand information about doing the things even if you don¡¯t want to do it yourself. I know the feeling so well that I have be so ustomed to it back then. Fortunately, I¡¯m not stuck in that kind of life anymore. But the scars are still here. I am still paying the price for my freedom from it.


    I blinked several times to remind myself that I am no longer the prisoner of the past. I am now in this situation and I should not let it affect me. I have far more important things to put my attention into.


    I was making my third cup of coffee when I saw Choloing down the stairs. His hair is still wet and the droplets from it are dripping down to his ck polo.


    My smile disappeared for a moment when I noticed that he was not wearing any of the clothes and essories I had chosen. I consoled myself. I forgot that he has his own taste in clothes. I just wondered if his briefs are also different from what I¡¯ve got from him. I smiled at the thought.


    ¡°Good morning, hubby,¡± I greeted him warmly and ced a te in front of him as he sat down. I got no answer. I just ignored it and took the three cups of coffee I made for him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of coffee you prefer so I just made three of it. This is pure ck. This is without sugar and this one right here has cream. Just pick whatever you want or you could tell me right now what kind of taste you like. I¡¯d be happy to know.¡±


    He shot me an exasperated look. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this. I can make coffee for myself.¡±


    He looked at the six dishes that were served on the table that I invested with. blood and sweat to be able to finish before he wakes up.


    ¡°This is so unnecessary. Do you know that I don¡¯t eat breakfast here?¡± He caught my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t bother making things for me, Karina. That won¡¯t do. At the end of the day, I still want you out of this house and out of my life forever.¡±


    He stood up and opened the fridge to get a bottle of energy drink, then left the dining area without a word and picked up the attach¨¦ case and car keys that were on the sofa in the living room. I couldn¡¯t do anything but just stare at his back as he went out the door. I sighed and smiled at the food and the coffee cups in front of me.


    ¡°Lucky him. I¡¯m a coffee lover.¡±

 Chapter 16 You will marry me

    shback


    ¡°I thought you were the one who sent me here. Because Missy told me-¡±


    I stopped from trying to speak when Cholo shot me a look telling me to shut up. He stood up from the bed he was sitting on and violentlybed his hair. He let out a frustrated breath before returning to the bed and taking the cellphone from his pocket of his pants. He was already dressed when he dragged me back into the room earlier.


    I immediately bowed my head when he looked at me again. At first I didn¡¯t even know what the problem was until he ushered me back into the room away from a bunch of people who were indiscriminately taking pictures and asking me things I had no idea about. and the possible consequences. I just found out that his mother is running for mayor of the town which is why the eyes of the other party lists are on the entire Gastrell family. And now they have sessfully found a stinker that could ruin his mother¡¯s candidacy.


    ¡°Were you really that stupid to believe your friend who also recruited you into prostitution? Why would I look for you? You didn¡¯t even fulfill what we talked about. I told you to wait for me but when I got back to the hotel, there was not even a shadow of you.¡±


    I was not insulted by what he said. He just told me the truth that I shouldn¡¯t just believe what others say like Missy did to me. We both fell into the trap of his family¡¯s political enemies.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry because I didn¡¯t wait for you before. I don¡¯t see any reason to wait for you anymore. You¡¯ve already paid me. You¡¯ve already helped me so much, so why should I wait for you? What¡¯s the point? To ask for more money? That¡¯s too much. What you gave me is enough. That would be a big help to get my brother out of jail and pay dad¡¯s hospital bills.¡±


    A hint of pity appeared on his face when he looked up at me. The annoyance disappeared from his expression and understanding took over.


    ¡°I have known that you have your own reasons for doing that during that night. I¡­ I am sorry for my mean words to you.¡± He exhaled again. ¡°I just don¡¯t really know how to deal with this consequence now.¡±


    I looked at Cholo who didn¡¯t know what to do from pressing the cellphone in his hand. I understand him. He¡¯s in a position where he doesn¡¯t know how to get out of aplicated situation. I¡¯m always like that every time my father gets hospitalized and I don¡¯t even have a single penny in my pocket. But if there¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned from those times, it¡¯s to think that it¡¯s just a test that I can pass and ovee too.


    ¡°What can they do with those pictures? You¡¯re a young man. You don¡¯t have anything to do, so why are you so worried? It¡¯s natural for you toe here.¡±


    The corner of his mouth raised and a smile spread to his whole face.


    ¡°You know Cerro Roca. It¡¯s a very conservative town and my mother has consistently painted her image of our family as all saints. Those pictures might blow away the political career of my mother which I know that she will take on me. It¡¯s what she has always wanted, being a politician, and now I just buried her dreams in the ground.¡±


    I picked up what I heard. It is indeed a veryplicated situation he¡¯s in.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know it woulde to this. If only I had known, I wouldn¡¯t have agreed toe back here.¡±


    I did not add that one of the reasons why I immediately agreed to Missy¡¯s offer to me was so that I could see him again because whether I admit it to myself or not, the truth is that every day, I dream of seeing again the young man who had left a big gap in my heart.


    ¡°I have a suggestion if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    He didn¡¯t reply but he put the cellphone down on the bed and sped his hands in hisp and looked at me. I met his gray eyes and tried not to melt even though my chest seemed to be pounding tirelessly.


    ¡°You can tell them that I¡¯m your girlfriend. In that way, they won¡¯t make it an issue because they¡¯ll look like fools if they escte the simple meeting of two lovers.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say a word again. He just kept staring at me while weighing my suggestion in his mind.


    ¡°That is actually good but as I¡¯ve said, this electorate is very conservative. This is still a big deal to them. The media can put up a spin about it. They can sensationalize it all they want every single day until the election .¡±


    He stared at me even more.


    ¡°Kari-¡±


    What he was about to say was cut off when the door opened and an elegantdy entered. I already knew very well from her stance and the arch of her eyebrows the identity of the woman.


    Cholo and I stood up.


    ¡°Mom,¡± he called his mother in a hoarse voice.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Mrs. Gastrell continued to enter. Teodora Gastrell entered the room and faced her son. She didn¡¯t even bother to give me a nce.


    ¡°You disappoint me, son. You of all people should know how this election means to me. Look at what kind of mess you just made. This damage will be irreversible.¡±


    I noticed Cholo¡¯s bitter smile before he immediately hid it. I thought I was just imagining it but I¡¯m sure of what I saw.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mom. You don¡¯t have to do anything regarding this matter. I take full responsibility for this mess. I¡¯ll fix this this instant.¡±


    Cholo turned to me and held out his hand. I was shocked so I didn¡¯t move immediately. His mother¡¯s eyes turned to me. She eyed me from head to toe with a condescending look.


    ¡°Karina,e here babe.¡±


    I remained in my position upon hearing the endearment he called me. I keep repeating what I heard in my mind because maybe my hearing is deceiving me. His mother looked at me and raised an eyebrow.


    I still didn¡¯t move and just stared at the two like a fool, so when Cholo pulled me to him and took my hand and led me towards his mother, I just let him out of utter shock. He put his arms around me and held me close to the waist which was not hidden from his mother¡¯s sharp eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll marry Karina today and announce to the whole town that she has been my wife for a year now. This way, your enemy will have nothing more to throw at you.¡±


    His mother was obviously shocked by what she heard. She immediately shook her head. I waspletely dumbfounded and didn¡¯t know what to do because of the bomb he just casually dropped.


    The two of them? Getting married? It¡¯s like it¡¯s only happening in her dream.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious to actually do that! You will marry a prostitute, a whore?! You must be out of your mind and I will not let you do that. Do not drag our family¡¯s name into the mud that this woman is surelying from.¡±


    I bowed my head to hide my blushing face from embarrassment. I felt Cholo¡¯s hand tightening around my waist.


    ¡°I won¡¯t marry her legally. It¡¯s all for the show, mom. I just have to show some fake documents to prove that she is indeed my wife. And aren¡¯t you thinking? Your ratings will go up in the survey once the media picks up the story that I married a simple poor girl like her. Imagine how that would make me a savior of her which would boost your political standing. Let¡¯s face it. Everyone is fascinated with a Cindere-like story and she is the perfect girl for the role. You could tell the media how I chose to hide her identity to protect her, something in the line like that. This is what I think is the best management crisis we cane up with now.¡±


    I waspletely stunned and speechless at the scene. It¡¯s like I¡¯m not there with him in the way he presents the things that he wants to happen. Judging from his tone, he¡¯s not giving me an option. I can¡¯t do anything but wait because it¡¯s definitely in the n. I tried to get out of his grip but he wouldn¡¯t let me so I just bowed my head more because of helplessness.


    ¡°The idea is brilliant but I have to make sure that this girl will not take advantage of the situation. Youngdy, give me your name,¡± ordered Mrs. Gastrell.


    Cholo squeezed my arm as if inviting me to answer. I took a deep breath and swallowed the blockage in my throat before looking up at the domineering face of Cholo¡¯s mother.


    ¡°K-Karina,¡± I replied weakly.


    ¡°I need your whole name. Your surname?¡± thedy asked sternly.


    I wiped my sweaty hand on the hem of my dress before I found my voice to answer.


    ¡°Karina Versoza,¡± I answered briefly.


    His face was still serious as he looked me over from head to toe. Just by raising his eyebrows, I knew he didn¡¯t like what he was seeing. I simply pulled the fabric of the dress down when he looked at it for a long time.


    ¡°Jex,¡± Cholo¡¯s mother called from the door. A tall, emotionless man in uniform entered.


    ¡°Get me all the information you can find about this Karina Versoza. I need it tomorrow.¡±


    The one he called Jex, who I guess is with Mrs. Gastrell¡¯s security aid, just nodded. Gastrell didn¡¯t even look in my direction. He only looks at the boss.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Cholo¡¯s mother looked back at me then raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°Starting from now, you are not Miss Versoza anymore. You are now Mrs. Gastrell so I expect you to act like one.¡± She looked at Cholo. ¡°We¡¯ll talk at home.¡±


    She walked out the door followed by Jex. Cholo and I were left with a sigh at the same time.


    I don¡¯t know how things happened. All I know now is that the situation will get even more chaotic in the next few days.

 Chapter 17 Face to Face

    ¡°Oh hi again nameless girl. We met again!¡±


    I gave a wide smile to Cholo¡¯s secretary, whose face was pale as she looked at me from her chair. I fixed my loose hair first before approaching the woman who was now squirming to stand up.


    ¡°G-good day, Mrs. Gastrell. What can I do for you, ma¡¯am?¡±


    She came around the table and was about to reach for my paper bags when I stopped her.


    ¡°Oh no, no. No need to do that. I can handle this perfectly. Go back to your work and just don¡¯t mind my presence. Remember, we don¡¯t have a dark past together.¡±


    I winked at her then mmed the door.


    ¡°M-ma¡¯am,¡± she stopped my attempt to push the door. I looked at the woman whose face was still pale.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Elizabeth Asturia is inside.¡±


    My brows moved. A vicious smile appeared in the corner of my lips.


    ¡°The mistress is here?¡±


    The secretary¡¯s mouth fell open before bowing her head in surrender.


    ¡°Nameless girl, what do you expect me to call her? Mrs. Gastrell? No. That title will only belong to me forever.¡±


    I pushed open the door and entered the office. Just as I closed it with my foot, Elizabeth Asturia¡¯s angelic face appeared from the bathroom door.


    Our eyes met. Hers so innocent and pure while mine is that of someone who has tasted every bitter pill in the world.


    She is the first one to blink and look down.


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re here,¡± she said in a very soft and kind voice. A mocking smile yed on my lips.


    ¡°Of course. What do you expect from a wife like me who only wants to serve her beloved husband? Surely, you don¡¯t believe the rumors that I am such a bad wife, do you?¡±


    She sat on the sofa chair and carefully lifted one thigh to rest on the other thigh.


    This woman right here screams elegance. Her white dress almost sticks to her skin like a shining stardust. Her hair is in a perfect bun with a pin that matches her pearl earrings and ne.


    The woman is such an air of beauty given that the Asturian n is of Spanish descent. I am nothingpared to her beauty, intellect, and wealth.


    That was then. Everything is different now. The world revolved too fast for the disguised angel in front of me.


    I carefully put the paper bag I brought that contained the lunch I cooked for my husband on the table. After finishing, I sat in the opposite seat of Elizabeth and stared at her. No matter which angle you look at the woman, her beauty is really spotless. She is like a perfect ss. Clear, beautiful¡­ but fragile.


    ¡°So? What are you doing here in my husband¡¯s office while he is not here?¡±


    I deliberately emphasized the word husband so that I could convey to her the message that my husband is only mine.


    ¡°I need to discuss business with him if you don¡¯t mind,¡± she answered in a formal tone.


    I smirked. ¡°It¡¯s good to know that you have changed now.¡±


    She stopped from opening her bag to give me a quizzical look. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    I shrugged and imitated her expression. I crossed my arms and leaned my body toward her direction.


    ¡°Forgetful aren¡¯t we? But if you insist, I¡¯ll help you remember some of the details. You remember the first time you learned that he married me? For the first time in history, you lost yourposure there and acted like you owned him. I get it that you were so hurt back then. After all, you are his first love and you¡¯re supposed to be the woman he¡¯ll wed at the altar. But now, I can see that you already know your ce in his life. I¡¯m the one he married. I am the wife and you will remain a mistress in everyone¡¯s eyes. You will be just a mere pitiful girl who waits for leftovers when I get tired of Cholo. But that won¡¯t happen. I won¡¯t make it happen. The only chance you will get with him is when I¡¯m a cold corpse. You have to kill me first before you can have him, Ely.¡±


    Her face turned ashen. She opened her bag with her trembling hands and picked out a tissue to dab on her perfect face.


    ¡°We did nothing wrong, Karina. We really thought you were dead that¡¯s why I agreed when Cholo asked me for another chance. We were supposed to¡­¡±


    She stopped and looked down at her sped hands.


    ¡°You were supposed to get married. I know about it. You were engaged to be married already. You guys were supposed to marry each other and live happily ever after next month.¡±


    I smiled at her.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I went home right away in the arms of my one and only love before I lost the title. I realized that I am just as selfish when ites to my happiness. My happiness is Cholo so I decided toe back to be happy again. I know myeback ruined the chance for the two of you to be happy together but who cares, right? The only thing that¡¯s significant is my happiness. That¡¯s what matters.¡±


    Her mouth is open while watching me narrate the events in my most cheerful voice. The look on her face is that of someone who is not quite certain about what she had just heard.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m hearing this from you, Karina. We did nothing wrong to you. We were so kind to you back then. I don¡¯t know why you are like this to us. What happened to you? Why are you happy to see us struggling? Why are you like this? We used to show you nothing but goodness. Why are you like this?  Why¡­ Why do I think that you¡¯re just ying around?¡±


    I pouted my lips. ¡°Nothing. Nothing happened to me. I just got tired of being on the inferior side, of waiting for other people¡¯s scraps so I promised myself that I would do everything to make myself happy. Because I believe in the saying that life is fair because it¡¯s unfair to everybody. It was not fair for you to have all the happiness in the world so I¡¯ming in to be your equalizer. That sounds so impressive, right?¡±


    I could see that she was still confused by what I was saying. She bit her lip and let out a deep breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that Cholo loves me. Why are you forcing yourself into his life if you know there is no hope for you? Why did youe back now? Are you tired of the man you reced Cholo with? Why now when our dream is within our reach? Why would youe back just to hurt people, Karina?¡±


    Her voice was shaking with so much emotion but miraculously I couldn¡¯t feel anything. I just sat there, staring at Elizabeth¡¯s beautiful face holding back tears.


    ¡°Is that what he told you? Did he tell you about my secret lover being my reason for leaving Cerro Roca?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what everyone in the town believes, Karina. That you went away with another who¡¯s man richer than Cholo. You know how he loves you so much. Cholo fought for you against his entire n. He begged his mother to ept you but you betrayed him. Now tell me, do you still deserve the kind of happiness you¡¯re talking about if the person you say who can make you happy is the same person you hurt and left behind? How could you ask for something that you deliberately threw in the past?¡±


    I was caught off guard for a second. Her words were like poisoned arrows that pierced right through my bone. The chill seeped into my bone right into my aching flesh.


    ¡°No matter what you say, I am still the wife in the eyes of everyone. I¡¯m the legal wife.¡± Iughed derisively. ¡°Who would have thought that the oh-so elegant and prim and proper princess of one of the most powerful and wealthy ns in the country will only end up as a mistress, a homewrecker, and a good-for-nothing sperm-catcher for my husband? What a demotion, Ms. Asturia. I¡¯m not at all disappointed. After all, your n is famous in that department.¡±


    Her face turned bright pink. For a second, I thought she woulde up to me and p me real hard but she was able to hold her temper thest second I saw it slipping through.


    What a waste.


    I can see how she struggles to control herself. That was amazing. It takes a great amount of restraint to do that. If it happened to me, she could have been in the ground while I made her into a pulp.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re just provoking me but sorry to say this but I am not getting into your trap. I would note down to your level, Karina. I still respect myself and Cholo.¡±


    That¡¯s when myugh got hysterical. ¡°Respect? Really? You¡¯re talking now about respect? Tell me if you are still deserving of that kind when you¡¯re happily riding my husband¡¯s dick? Well, I tasted my husband¡¯s dick but for a woman who preaches about chastity, you sure are enjoying my husband¡¯s dick. Isn¡¯t it delicious? Did your eyes dte? It¡¯s a shame you didn¡¯t ask for permission. I¡¯m willing to share him with you. I¡¯m a kind person. I¡¯m willing to share him with dogs like you.¡±


    Her eyes went sharp. ¡°I¡¯m also a kind person, Karina. As much as possible I hold my temper but you¡¯re drawing me to cross the line.¡±


    I was about to answer when the door opened and Cholo entered followed by the nameless girl. His gaze immediately focused on Ely. His eyes became soft while looking at her. He smiled at Ely but that disappeared like a bubble  when he caught my eye. A guarded and nk expression reced his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call youter when I need you,¡± he said to the nameless girl while not taking his eyes off me. The woman nodded, ncing slightly at the three of us.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Cholo sighed and closed the door behind him. He walked to his desk and sat on the swivel chair. I stood up and fixed the slightly ruffled hem of my Hepburn style ck dress. I put a smile on my lips and took the contents out of the paper bag and proudly lined it up on his table.


    ¡°I brought you lunch. You didn¡¯t have breakfast so I got worried. I know it¡¯s not easy to run a giganticpany, hubby.¡±


    I open the canisters and the appetizing smell fills the room.


    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll just get some utensils.¡±


    ¡°Karina, stop this already,¡± Cholo stopped me. ¡°You¡¯re not really helping the situation now. Leave us. Ely and I have to go somewhere.¡±


    He let out a breath and then washed his palm over his face. I stopped taking the spoon and fork from inside the bag upon hearing his strained voice.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know.¡± I smiled at Cholo before turning to Elizabeth who was just staring at the two of us.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me you have an important appointment with my husband. Go now. Hub, I¡¯m really sorry for not knowing. Go now. I¡¯ll just save this up forter.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    My smile faded. ¡°Or not.¡±


    I threw the contents of the canisters on the desk and floor of the office. The sauce sshed on Cholo¡¯s clothes and face. His papers were stained  and the whole ce smelled of steak. I looked at him with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Is that what you want to hear from me? You¡¯re going somewhere? Where? To somewhere cold so you could fuck your brains out? Can I join? Let¡¯s have a threesome.¡±


    I looked at Elizabeth who was gaping and her eyes were wide. ¡°You like that? What do you think?¡±


    I approached Cholo and wiped the liquid from his face with my hand then put my fingers in my mouth one by one and sucked them.


    ¡°Ooh.. yum,¡± I mumbled.


    I smirked before taking my tote bag from the sofa like a model and waved at Elizabeth who quickly went to Cholo and got a tissue to wipe his face.


    I walked out of the room grinning but the moment I entered the elevator, tears started streaming down my face.

 Chapter 18 That should be me

    shback


    Things happened very fast. I am just like a leaf that has been sent into the violent flow of water. I don¡¯t know how I got back to my own house, hauled things, left it to my brother, and traveled back to Cerro Roca.


    Cholo was carrying my small overnight size bag that contained my few pieces of clothes. He even objected a while ago because he said he would buy me clothes after we got home.


    He didn¡¯t give me a chance to object to his n. I was dazzled by the amount of money he was going to give me after our pretense. I didn¡¯t protest anymore. I can say I¡¯m desperate at this point because my dad¡¯s condition is getting worse. I need money for his maintenance and check-ups.


    We stopped at the high fence of a house. I¡¯m confused why we went straight here. I thought we were going to live in a mansion.


    ¡°It¡¯s better if we stay here until after the election. I can¡¯t take you home to the mansion. I know my mother. I don¡¯t want you to be in more trouble with our situation. I¡¯ve already convinced you to agree to my n so I won¡¯t let you join me any more to deal with mom,¡± he said as if he could read what was going on in my mind.


    He came down first out of the car before he opened the door for me.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled at him.


    He stopped for a moment before smiling at me too. He held out his open palm to me.


    ¡°Hold it,¡± he replied to my questioning eyes.


    I was stunned, wondering whether to ept his hand. I know it¡¯s not just a simple gesture. I knew he was telling me something. I looked into Cholo¡¯s gray eyes. I¡¯m looking for sincerity to remove the doubt from my chest.


    He smiled at me and waved his hand. I smiled before reaching for it. His hand is soft. It¡¯s obvious that he doesn¡¯t use to do menial work, unlike my hands that are already full of calluses from work.


    I tried to take my hand back but he wouldn¡¯t let me. Through his eyes, he conveyed to me his request that I should trust him.


    Which is not hard to do.


    In the short time we spent together, I knew he was a good person. I trusted him because he once gave me hope through his smile when I first saw him.


    He squeezed my hand as he brushed a few stray strands of my hair back behind my ear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Karina. I¡¯ll be by your side. Always.¡±


    And the thin rope of my doubt was finally cut. All that is left is trust. Trust that he will not leave me until our pretense is over. I suddenly felt sad at the thought. Even though our separation hadn¡¯t happened yet, I knew that it would be difficult for me topletely forget Cholo.


    He opened the gate while my bag was slung over his shoulder. After closing the iron gate, he grabbed my hand again. I smiled secretly. I was like floating on a cloud from the first second he held my hand.


    Why not? I¡¯ve been wanting him for a long time now, but I stopped because of the big gap in our lives. But fate seems to be on my side. It gave me this opportunity even though the consequences were not good which brought Cholo and I closer together.


    We entered the big house hand in hand. I was shocked by the coldness of the air conditioner. There is nothing like this for us. Our short and wobbly electric fan is ashamed of the giant white air conditioner here.


    ¡°Wee, se?orito,¡± greeted an elderly woman who couldn¡¯t help but give me an inquisitive look.


    ¡°Please take care of Karina. She¡¯s my very important guest here. Give her everything she wants. I¡¯m just in the library.¡±


    He let go of my hand. For a while, I felt like I was empty when I could no longer feel his warmth. He handed my bag to the old woman who I immediately took.


    ¡°It¡¯s mine. It¡¯s a shame if she is the one to bring this when I could do it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I just shook my head. I hugged the bag and looked at Cholo.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Really fine.¡±


    He stared at me for a moment. I hesitated because of what I could read in his eyes but in the end he nodded.


    ¡°Okay. If you need anything, just tell Deling.¡±


    Cholo turned his back on us and pointed at a door on the left side. I looked around the whole house. I can only say one thing here.


    Stylish and big.


    Everywhere I looked, everything screamed of the fact that it was a symbol of the Gastrells¡¯ luxury.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s leave him alone. It looks like he¡¯ll be inside for a while because Elizabeth is there.¡±


    I followed her up the grand staircase.


    ¡°Who is Elizabeth?¡±


    She turned to me in surprise. ¡°You don¡¯t know the Asturians?¡± She spoke of the name that I always hear whenever I go to the market.


    ¡°I¡¯m quite familiar with that name.¡±


    I embraced myself when we got to the second floor. It¡¯s colder herepared to below.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold here. I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m not used to this cold ce. We don¡¯t have anything like this.¡±


    ¡°Let me turn down the air conditioner after I take you to your room. Don¡¯t you really know Elizabeth?¡±


    I shook my head again. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°She is the youngest daughter of the eldest son of the Asturias. She is an heir and the one Ma¡¯am Teodora is pushing to marry Cholo.¡±


    I blinked a few times to limate myself to the new information that came to light. If so, this is a big mess I¡¯m getting myself into.


    ¡°Are Cholo and Elizabeth lovers?¡± I asked softly as we stopped at a closed door.


    She gave me a hesitant look.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a secret in all of Cerro Roca that the two are getting married but don¡¯t worry, it seems that Cholo wants someone else now.¡± She shot me a meaningful look. ¡°I¡¯m going back to the kitchen. Just call me if you need anything.¡±


    Deling had left a while ago but I still didn¡¯t move from where I was standing. I wonder what she meant when she said it. Without thinking of an answer, I decided to enter the room, but before I could do that, I heard screamsing from the living room, followed by the sound of things breaking.


    I quickly went to the stairs and looked at what was happening below. I saw Cholo hugging the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve ever seen in my entire life.


    I backed away when she managed to reach a vase and threw it on the floor then screamed with all her might then broke free from Cholo¡¯s grip. That¡¯s when I saw that she was crying.


    ¡°How could you have done this?! You¡¯re mine, Cholo! You¡¯re mine so why did you marry that girl?!¡± she shouted between sobs.


    I knelt down and hid behind the railing of the stairs and peered through the opening.


    ¡°Ely, I just needed to do this to save my mother. Our marriage is just for convenience. Please, stop. What you are doing will harm you.¡±


    Cholo held Elizabeth¡¯s face with all her heart as if she was going to break like a crystal. I saw him wipe away the woman¡¯s tears and smile at her in aforting way.


    ¡°Cholo, how about us? How about us? I can¡¯t handle seeing you with another girl. Don¡¯t worry. I¡­ I-ll just talk to mom and dad. I¡¯ll also talk to my brother so that they can help you. That would only be easy. Yes. Come on, Cholo. Come home with me.¡±


    Cholo stopped Ely¡¯s attempt to pull him.


    ¡°No, please. I appreciate your suggestion but I have to decline. It¡¯s all over. Any minute now, I have to face the media. I can¡¯t just call off our marriage.¡±


    Ely¡¯s shoulders slumped and tears began to fall from her eyes again. She bit her lips.


    I feel sorry for her. If I am also the girlfriend and then I find out that my boyfriend suddenly married someone else, I will feel indescribable pain too. But why is Cholo in the club and actually hired a girl? Is the man cheating on her?


    ¡°Karina. Her name is pretty. Is she pretty? Prettier than me?¡±


    ¡°N-no, no. You¡¯re beautiful, Ely. So so much more beautiful.¡±


    It was like a spear pierced my heart when I heard it from Cholo. I admit that I¡¯m not reallyparable to the woman but hearing that personally from Cholo causes a lot of pain in me. I feel like crushed ginger. What little self-confidence I had was crushed.


    ¡°Why did you choose her when I¡¯m always avable for you. Why can¡¯t it be just me? Why did you even decline when our families arranged for us to be married? You shouldn¡¯t be in trouble now.¡±


    I looked in Cholo¡¯s direction. There¡¯s no trace of irritation visible from him. Love is evident in his eyes.


    ¡°Ely, we¡¯re both still young. We¡¯re not ready for the responsibilities thate with marriage. We haven¡¯t even graduated from college.¡±


    ¡°But why did you get married first? Why didn¡¯t you wait for me? I have been devoted to you, Cholo. Why did you have to do this?¡±


    Cholo didn¡¯t answer. He just pulled Ely and then hugged her tightly. The woman broke free with tears still in her eyes. He reached for Cholo¡¯s neck and pressed a kiss on his lips.


    I gasped at the sudden pain I felt because of what I witnessed. I looked down. I felt as if I had been kicked in the stomach by what I heard and saw.


    Looks likeing here is really utterly wrong. The situation I¡¯m in right now is moreplicated than I thought.


    I slowly crawled away from the stairs and stood up when I was on the wall. I returned to the foot of the room and picked up the bag on the floor. Still carrying the weight of my chest, I pushed open the door.

 Chapter 19 Panic at party

    ¡°Can youpete with that? Look at the way he looks at Ely as if she¡¯s the only woman he can see. Can you stand that?¡±


    I didn¡¯t need to look back at the man to recognize him. The uncontroble anger that suddenly roused from deep within me is enough for me to identify the person. I smirked and continued drinking my wine.  I was sitting here a while ago waiting at the table reserved for Cholo and me in the middle of the hall where a birthday party was being held for one of the family friends of the Gastrells.


    I was alone because my wonderful husband just left me to talk to the organizer of the event. And to my utter dismay, Elizabeth is there by his side looking like his wife whileughing with the other wives beside their own husbands. I should be in her position. I should be the oneughing with the legit wives while sipping my ss of champagne.


    I should be the one holding Cholo¡¯s arm and supporting my husband, not the mistress. But instead, I¡¯m just sitting here drowning myself in alcohol while staring at them while talking to the other dignitaries. I dropped the ss on the table and turned my eyes away from the two to give attention to the intruder of my silence.


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t but can shepete with the truth and nothing but the truth? Can she handle it if the man she put on the pedestal will know the truth? That she is a fake?¡±


    I shed the man a mocking smile. ¡°Don¡¯t challenge me, Ymir. In just a snap of my fingers.¡±


    I snapped my fingers on his face.


    ¡°I can make your sister¡¯s life a living hell. I¡¯m about to get really bothered with her interference in my married life. So if I were you, I would tell my sister to stay away from things that already belong to other people. I¡¯m really approaching my limit now, Ymir. Maybe I¡¯ll suddenly explode and who knows where your sister might end up?  Can you take it? Can you bear to see your only sister bound and stra-¡±


    Ymir grabbed me by the hand and twisted my wrist. It hurts. I want to curse because of the pain but every time Ipare the pain to what I experienced in the past, the physical pain I feel miraculously. disappears.


    ¡°What the fuck are you talking about?!¡± he gritted his teeth.


    His face is dark and there is fear and anxiety written on it. I smiled at him innocently.


    ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t say anything. Who am Ipared to people like you who are so influential and powerful?¡±


    I gently patted his hand that was still tightly gripping my wrist.


    ¡°Rx. Don¡¯t be too annoyed. You started it and now you¡¯re not that game to finish it? You threaten me and you still have the urge to get angry even though you were the first to provoke me? That¡¯s hrious!¡±


    I took the bread knife from the table and pointed it in his hand.


    ¡°You¡¯ll let go of me or I¡¯ll make a scandal? I have nothing to lose Ymir so better get that filthy hand of yours away from me.¡±


    It took a while before he let go of my hand. Then he leaned back in the chair andughed.


    ¡°You are definitely not the Karina that I knew back then. You were like a gentle sheep. A far cry from the beautiful tiger I am facing now.¡±


    It¡¯s my turn tough.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    I parted my hair and sensually caressed the exposed neck. I didn¡¯t make a mistake because his gaze followed my hand.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the verdict? Do you like this new version of me?¡±


    His eyes became lustful. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, I like the old version.¡±


    My smirk faded. ¡°I think I know why. It¡¯s easier to make me a fool. It¡¯s easier to manipte me, to hurt me, to kill me.¡±


    He took my ss and emptied its contents. He shook his head at me afterwards.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. The reason why I liked the old Karina is because of your eyes. I like how innocent they were.¡±


    I looked at him nkly.


    ¡°I miss her too, Ymir. But because of what you did to me, I can¡¯t make her go back. W-why¡­ Why do you have to do that to me? Why did you have to ruin me?¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat and stopped my eyes from burning. He must have caught the change in my expression because he looked away to watch his beloved sister.


    ¡°Families protect each other, Karina.¡±


    I chuckled. My wrath is being heated up to the highest degree. I moved the chair to be closer to him. I put my hand on his chest and gently adjusted his messed neck tie. He didn¡¯t do anything and just let me be.


    ¡°Families protect each other. What a noble thing to say. So it¡¯s alright for you to destroy other families in the guise of protecting your own? If that is your belief then allow me to ruin yours as well. Let¡¯s start with your sister, shall we Ymir?¡±


    His body became rigid. He carelessly removed my hand from his chest whichnded on his thigh, his eyes looked at me intently.


    ¡°Do it, Karina. I wouldn¡¯t think twice about ruining yours as well.¡±


    My face hardened. I clenched my fists to stop my emotions from erupting.


    ¡°Karina.¡±


    Ymir and I looked at the source of the voice. Cholo is looking at us darkly particrly at my hand on Ymir¡¯sp. I casually removed my hand from his thigh and nced at Elizabeth who was next to Cholo who are eyeing Ymir curiously.


    ¡°Hi, did it go well?¡± I asked Cholo.


    He looked at Ymir first then to me.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, it did.¡±


    He extended his hand to me. I froze remembering the first time he did this to me. He moved his hand in my face.


    ¡°Hold it,¡± hemanded me. There was no gentleness in the voice.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I reached for Cholo¡¯s hand and stood up. I stuck myself closest to him before looking down at Elizabeth who now turned her gaze to his brother sister who was also looking at us. Cholo just nodded to Ymir before pulling me towards the dancefloor where there were already dancing couples.


    I put my arms on his neck and swayed with him. I looked at him just in time for me to see his eyes burning with anger.


    ¡°I brought you here as my wife, not to flirt with another man especially to my friend,¡± Cholo said disgustingly.


    I smiled bitterly. Why am I not surprised that he will interpret the situation in this way?


    But just like all the other days that I have sessfully hidden my emotions from him, I did it once again through smiling and shrugging the pain away.


    ¡°Hub, rx. Don¡¯t show the people here that your marriage is a miserable one.¡±


    I ced my head on his chest.


    ¡°Smile. Don¡¯t let it affect you. Ymir and I were just talking. He approached me about your secret project with him. I said I don¡¯t know about it but he won¡¯t believe me. That¡¯s what you saw.¡±


    I felt his handnd on my bare back. ¡°You may make others believe your lies, Karina but not me. I saw how you flirted with the man.¡±


    A triumphant smile appeared in my lips. It¡¯s nice to know that I am not the only one who¡¯s affected by us being in other people¡¯s presence.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been watching me all this time?¡±


    I raised my head so that we could both look at each other.


    ¡°You can¡¯t let me out of your sight, can you?¡±


    He smiled back at me but I know it¡¯s not a smile of amusement but an insulting one.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tter yourself too much, wife. I¡¯m just preventing you from making another scandal that will bring shame to our name. Don¡¯t forget that you are a Gastrell. As much as I wanted to strip off the title from you, I couldn¡¯t for the sake of this fucking election. It¡¯s like eight years ago all over again.¡±


    I still kept a calm face and a smiling lips even though I wanted to curse because of his mention of the past that plunged me into my endless pain and suffering.


    ¡°Cholo, do you think it¡¯s easy for me to see that you¡¯re ignoring me as your wife? Did you hear anyints from me? Did I make a scandal during the time that I¡¯m here? Never. What I¡¯m only asking from you is respect. Yes, I know I can never get back what I used to have. You love someone else and it¡¯s not me. Just don¡¯t rub it on my face because I¡¯m still human after all. I¡¯m hurting too. Please, don¡¯t make me look like you never needed me every day. I already know that. I¡¯ve known it for a long time, believe me


    I didn¡¯t realize that we had already stopped dancing and were now just standing staring into each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Then why did youe back here? What was your intention other than to wreck havoc in our lives? Haven¡¯t you done enough damage to me, to us?¡± he asked in between his gritting teeth.


    I chuckled forcefully.


    ¡°You ask why I came back? Because I love you, Cholo. Very very much. What else can be the reason? I¡¯m rich. I don¡¯t need your money anymore but my heart wants to be here with you. Do you think it¡¯s easy for me toe back here even though I know that everyone hates me, especially you? You said you can only tolerate me until after the election which is only a few months away from now. I know that no one can stop you frompletely divorcing me once that timees. I also know that I can¡¯t do anything else so I¡¯m begging you to let me be with you until that day that we will finally part our ways. I¡¯m putting my best foot forward now. Please, I¡¯m begging you. Let me be with you until then. Let me show you how much I love you so much. I¡¯m not expecting anything in return from you. Just let me do it for fun. This is my way of telling you Cholo that¡­ that you are the only one from then until now. Even if the time passes, even if you forget me, even if you hate my whole being¡­ that won¡¯t change the fact that you¡¯re the first man who offered his hand to me. Give me a chance, please.¡±


    Neither of us spoke after my long litany. We were just standing there in the middle of the music and couples who were softly dancing along to the apaniment of ssical music.


    I am looking directly at his eyes to send him my sincerest message. This is what I¡¯ve wanted from the very moment our eyes locked up that one summer afternoon while he was inside his posh carughing at his friend¡¯s jokes. This is what I wanted from the day I opened my eyes and felt the empty bed beside me. This is my biggest dream: to return to his arms no matter what it takes.


    Our gaze was interrupted by an explosion that echoed all around the hall. This was followed by the sound of  breaking tes and sses on the tables. Like disturbed ants that have been blown away by wind, the guests started panicking. Screams and shouts filled the ce along with a few more gunshots. Cholo pulled me down and covered me with his body. His eyes wandered back to our table¡¯s direction. I immediately knew what he was going to do so I stopped him.


    ¡°No. Stay here,¡± I begged him but he didn¡¯t seem to hear anything from me. He stood up and left me.


    ¡°Ely!¡± I heard him scream before he was engulfed in chaos.


    The ce suddenly seemed to tighten on me. The cries, the panic in everyone¡¯s voices, and the sounds of the bullets in the convention area began to. seriously trouble me. I clutched my chest as I began to struggle to breathe. I blinked my eyes while trying to see the surroundings that were gradually turning ck in my sight.


    No, this can¡¯t be happening again. No, no, no!


    From somewhere there was a blessed hand that carefully carried me in his arms.


    ¡°Ms. Karina. You¡¯re safe now,¡± said a baritone voice. In my blurred vision, I still saw Vishen¡¯s worried face before my consciousness left me.

 Chapter 20 Cold night, warm talks

    shback


    I threw myself on the bed after taking off my high heels. My body was so tired. I closed my eyes and buried my face in the soft pillow. We just finished dinner with Cholo¡¯s family. There was Donya Teodora ¡°Catharine¡± Gastrell who was still staring at me and her father, Don Easton Gastrell, who treated me and Cholo coldly. A few female cousins ??were also there who insulted me all night.


    It¡¯s not enough that they skin me alive with the way they ask. Fortunately, Cholo is always there for me. There are the questions that I don¡¯t have answers to.


    I didn¡¯t even touch the food on my te so much. I didn¡¯t know what it was called so when we left the mansion, Cholo took me to a restaurant. I really appreciate it because he¡¯s so thoughtful.


    I got up when the door opened and Cholo came in rubbing his hair with a towel. He has no top and is wearing only a cotton pajama bottom.


    ¡°Hi. Are you not going to wash up?¡±


    I sat up when I saw him open a cab and take out a T-shirt. I looked around the room. I just realized that it was his room where I spent the night. I thought it was a guest room. That¡¯s why the designs are masculine.


    I immediately got off the bed and took the bag under it. It¡¯s good that I haven¡¯t put it in the closet yet.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say it¡¯s your room. I¡¯m sorry. It looks like I grabbed yours without even knowing. I¡¯ll just ask Deling where I can sleep.¡±


    I carried the bag and headed for the door.


    ¡°Silly. You can put your things in the closet now.¡±


    He walked over to me and took the bag. ¡°Karina, we need to share a room now because we are married already.¡±


    He opened the bag and piled my scanty piece of clothing next to his clothes. He picked up a pouch containing my panties and bra. My cheek went hot as I grabbed it when he was about to open it.


    ¡°But we¡¯re not really married.¡±


    He shrugged then crossed the distance between us. He raised his palm to my face and rubbed something on the side of my mouth. I wasn¡¯t able to move. The corner of his mouth raised as he showed me his finger stained with red lipstick.


    ¡°You have a smudge.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to do so I just did the first thing that came to my mind. I quickly turned around and entered the bathroom. His softughter reached my ears. My throat was so dry and I was gasping for breath as I leaned against the door and stared at myself in the mirror.


    It didn¡¯t seem like I was the one staring back at me. This creature in front of me is very beautiful. The make-up is perfect and the dress is lovely. Cholo even sent a designer and make-up artist here earlier to fix me up.


    I took a deep breath and started to shower. I usually only take a half-bath before going to bed, but it¡¯s embarrassing if I don¡¯t do my hair now that I¡¯m in the same room with him.


    When I finished, I wrapped the towel over my head, put on my robe and underwear, then went out. Cholo is gone. I breathed a sigh of relief.


    I got dressed and blow dried my hair thenid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling to think back on what had happened all night. I wonder if I did a good job pretending to be Cholo¡¯s wife. His cousins ??seem convinced. They are really the only ones we have to convince because Cholo¡¯s parents know the truth. They just avoid other family members knowing our real set-up because of politics. ording to Cholo, there is no friend or family member among them when ites to politics.


    I was startled when the door opened and Cholo came in carrying a lot of pillows. I sat on the bed and looked at him as he ced two pillows each on top of the pillows on the bed. He thenid down and patted the adjacent space.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡±


    I didn¡¯t move and just looked away. In my mind, I have asked several times if we can really sleep next to each other now. There is excitement and also fear of what might happen.


    ¡°Come on. I won¡¯t do anything to you. Don¡¯t be scared. We¡¯ll just sleep,¡± he promised with augh.


    Both of my cheeks went hot. I knew where he was going, so to lift myself up, I immediatelyy on my side and buried my face in the pillow.


    I heard his softugh and the sound of the bed moving as he moved towards me. I stiffened when I felt his hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°You wear a bra while sleeping?¡±


    He pulled my bra strap down and caressed my exposed shoulder. I swallowed and closed my eyes tightly before getting up and removing the bra with one hand and hang it on the side table. Fortunately, my newest bra that I boughtst year was the one I wore today. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s too loose so it looks good.


    ¡°I just forgot,¡± I replied briefly and didn¡¯t look at him as I went back to lying on my back but he quickly pulled me towards his body so now my eyes are on each other, our faces are only a few inches away from each other. I moved away a little to put a right distance between us and then I closed my eyes to get rid of the difort I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too ufortable. I was just teasing you. I won¡¯t do anything you won¡¯t like.¡±


    Cholo yawned theny down and put his arm on his forehead.


    ¡°It¡¯s hot here. Is it okay if I turn up the air conditioner?¡±


    I hesitated whether to stop him or not. In the end I shook my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not used to cold ces. I can¡¯t sleep here. It¡¯s okay if I¡¯ll sleep outside.¡±


    I was about to get up when he stopped my hand again.


    ¡°No need. It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t sleep in this temperature. I¡¯ll just take off my shirt.¡±


    I looked away when he took off his t-shirt and just threw it on the floor. He also turned off themp shade so the surroundings are now in pure darkness.


    ¡°Is it okay if the lights are off? I really can¡¯t sleep when the lights are on.¡±


    I nodded even though I knew he couldn¡¯t see me. ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯re the same.¡±


    Silence reigned for a few minutes before my coughing broke it.


    ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s just really cold.¡±


    I pulled the nket up to my neck and closed my eyes. It¡¯s still cold and it¡¯s raining outside. I heard the weather forecast on television earlier that there is a typhooning.


    I felt Cholo¡¯s embrace in the nket and his warm arms around me. He adjusted my head so that I could be closer to his body then rubbed my back.


    ¡°Better?¡± he asked hoarsely.


    ¡°Y-yes. Thank you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself anymore when I¡¯m covered with hisfortable heat. I put aside my doubts and snuggled myself into his chest. I felt so relieved that I couldn¡¯t help but let out a deep breath that was not hidden from both of us.


    Heughed and kissed my hair. I close my eyes. It was good that I thought about taking a shower. I secretly sniffed Cholo with excitement. Smells clean. The vor smells like bubblegum mint.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said.


    ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°For agreeing to my ns. I know that you have doubts and fears but you trusted me for your time. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me. I¡¯m already paid.¡±


    He gently held my ear and yed it with his fingers.


    ¡°No, sweetie. I am more than indebted to you. It is easy to pay money Karina but it is very difficult to find someone who will give you trust. I felt that in you. Thank you.¡±


    I was silent. How can I tell him that I¡¯ve loved him for so long that it¡¯s so easy for me to trust him? Every time I spend with him is like heaven because it was just a dream of mine before and now it has be my reality.


    ¡°You¡¯re not hard to trust, Cholo. Even if you¡¯re a bit clumsy at times and you judge people easily without knowing first what¡¯s true, I know you¡¯re a good person. I can feel it. You make me feel that until the end, I trust you.¡±


    ¡°About that, I¡¯m sorry again.¡±


    ¡°I forgave you a long time ago. It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s move on from that.¡±


    He moved to make our position morefortable.


    ¡°You¡¯re so innocent and too kind, Karina. You should be careful. Not all people are kind. You will meet people who will take advantage of you like Missy and I. I took advantage of your weakness. Whatever you say, I would like to make a proposal to you.¡±


    Full of curiosity, I looked up at Cholo¡¯s face in the middle of the darkness.


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°I will give you a schrship. I will send you to school .¡±


    I was surprised to hear it. I never thought that someone like him would offer me this much. I thought our rtionship would only be pretend and it would end at that.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You don¡¯t need to do that anymore. I¡¯m so grateful for the help you gave me.¡±


    His hand went down to my arm and caressed it.


    ¡°Look, Karina. It¡¯s not like it wille from my own pocket. I will just refer you to an organization that gives schrships to deserving students. You will still go through a series of tests and interviews so you won¡¯t have to worry about any debt to me or my family. Think about it as just a referraling from the person who¡¯s so grateful for your help. By the way, what degree do you want to take?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t too focused on what he was saying because I was more focused on his hand that was already on my waist.


    ¡°Nursing. I want to take Nursing.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm. I think I know why. For your father?¡±


    I nodded. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from smiling. He still remembered my reason.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Yes. They need me, Cholo. I promised them and myself that when I make a decision in life, I will make their welfare my top priority. I will do everything for them because they are the only ones I have.¡±


    He hugged me tighter and dropped a kiss on my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing. You¡¯re a selfless woman who always thinks about others more than herself.¡± He yawned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to sleep,¡± I suggested when he yawned again.


    ¡°Yeah. We should sleep now. Uhm, Karina?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Wake me up when these sinful hands of mine wriggle.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± I am puzzled by him. What is he talking about? What does he mean? I was about to ask him when I heard his soft snoring in my ear.


    I smiled secretly and rxed in his embrace. I¡¯ll think about tomorrow. I will address my concerns tomorrow.


    For now, this moment is mine.


    By twelve midnight, I only understood what Cholo meant. I woke up because of a hand touching my ear. I was a bit tickled so I moved my ear away from it but when it stuck to me again and returned his hand, I just let it him.


    I fell into his chest and went back to sleep, wishing that things would go well today.

 Chapter 21 Put it in my mouth

    To say that I was hurt because of his apparent choice of his lover in the face of danger is not an appropriate word to describe how I feel right now. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve been beaten alive and sprinkled with vinegar and salt. I¡¯m in so much pain that it¡¯s wreaking havoc on my being right now. It was as if I had been pped by a dozen hands by the reality that was repeatedly spread in front of me that I was trying to avoid. Tonight proved to me that the rtionship between the two is more than I expected¡­.


    ¡­ which means I need to take my card out.


    I put the ck robe on my naked body and stared at my wet face in the mirror with traces of blood that had burst out earlier. I¡¯m not so pale anymore. My face has some color thanks to Vishen. If not for him, I don¡¯t know what could have happened to me in the middle of the raining bullets. I could be dead for all I know and Elizabeth will finally have my husband.


    That can¡¯t happen. Even fate did not agree because it actually prevented my death.


    I took a tissue and wiped the ss then threw it in the trash can. One smirking look in the mirror and then I went out of the room and sat on the bed. I reached for the lotion to the side and put a handful. I lifted the hem of the robe and began to apply it to my skin. That¡¯s when the door opened and Cholo entered.


    I heard him switch on the light and the warm light flooded the room. His eyes immediately caught mine. I simply lifted the lower hem of the robe but his gaze on my legs didn¡¯t escape my eyes. I cleared my throat and smiled.


    ¡°How¡¯s Elizabeth? Is she okay now?¡±


    Cholo got stunned for a moment. He scanned me and when he saw that I¡¯m unscathed at least on the outside, he sighed.


    ¡°She¡¯s okay. Thank you for asking.¡±


    I almost asked him if he wouldn¡¯t ask if I¡¯m okay.  Fortunately, I was able to hold my tongue before it could start our fight again. I stood up and approached him to help him take off the coat he was wearing. I felt him hardened for a second before letting mepletely take it off from him.


    ¡°Do you want any drink while you shower?¡±


    I asked when he was at the bathroom door. He stopped at the door, looked at me, and shook its head. He stared at me again as if he was asking himself if I¡¯m real or not.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. You should rest. It must have been traumatizing for you, too.¡±


    I looked deeply at the coat I was holding when he closed the door.


    Cholo, what do you really know about me? Do you really think I¡¯d get scared like that? Hub, you might be in for surprise because I¡¯m just beginning to get you. No amount of bullets or Elizabeth can make me change my mind.


    I was down on the bed and waited for Cholo toe out. A few minutes passed before I felt the bed moved as heid next to me.


    I smiled before I lied on my back and looked at him. He was naked and had his arm raised above his head while  his eyes were closed. His whole toned and hairy chest were exposed for me to feast on. I looked at the fine ck threads of hair and asked a question in my head.


    Is he also that hairy down there? I don¡¯t remember exactly what it looks because I¡¯m so naive back then though I always enjoyed the sex with him.


    Well, there¡¯s only one way to know.


    ¡°Can you sleep even if the lights are on?¡±


    He didn¡¯t budge from my question so I dared to put my hand on his chest. I guessed right from the first time I saw him topless and sweating.


    His body is rock-solid beneath my touch.


    I finally got up and looked at my husband. I raised my index finger and yfullybed his hairy chest. When I still didn¡¯t get a reaction from Cholo, I lowered my face and ced a kiss on his chest.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± he scolded my flirtations but I didn¡¯t stop. I can feel that he likes it too.


    Men. They¡¯re so corruptible in the midst of sexual pleasure.


    I stuck out my tongue and licked his chest. That¡¯s when he got up and pushed me away from his body.


    ¡°Stop this, Karina. You know it¡¯s not right.¡±


    I wanted tough at what he was saying but I kept the hurt face of a rejected person.


    ¡°Not right? How did it be wrong for one¡¯s own wife to desire her husband? Cholo, we are married in the eyes of God and man so it is only right that we do this!¡±


    ¡°You also know I don¡¯t like our situation, Karina. Look for someone to gratify your needs because I can¡¯t do that for you. If you don¡¯t like it, buy sex toys, anything that will make you cum, do it!¡±


    ¡°Do you really want me to do it because if I have your permission then why not? But I¡¯m warning you, I will never hide from the rest of the citizens of this ce. I will do it in broad daylight even in front of our house. I don¡¯t have any problem with that but¡­ we all know that your family will make a great deal of a hell of a problem out of it. That would be the best way to introduce me back to your mother. You pick, Cholo.¡±


    Cholo¡¯s jaws clenched and grabbed my hair close to his face.


    ¡°You want sex?! Then suck my dick, whore!¡±


    I smiled at his anger.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°With all of my heart, hub. You said that I¡¯m a whore. Yes, of course. I¡¯m a whore! I¡¯m a fucking whore for you Cholo so let me be your whore everyday hubby and I swear to the grave of our forgotten memories that you will ask for the name this whore for the rest of your life.¡±


    I pushed him down and undressed him. He tried to grab me by the waist but I didn¡¯t let him stop me.


    ¡°Let me pleasure you, hub. Let me be in charge, please.¡±


    I kissed his chest and stuck out my tongue and began licking every trail of his curly hair on it. I went down and down even further until I reached the front of his boxer shorts where the bulge is sticking out and is seeking out its badly needed freedom in my hands.


    From its crotch, my gaze shifted to Cholo¡¯s face, who was also waiting for what I would do next.


    I winked at him before I bit the garter of his boxers while not pulling off from our locking gaze.


    Inch by inch, I pulled down the garment until his shaft sprang into the view. I just smiled at the visible hardness of it.


    Well, he could always shove on my face how he loathes me but he can never ever deny that his body has always been attuned to me even after all this time.


    Actions speak louder than words. I will live by this mantra in my quest of bringing him back to my arms.


    I turned to his chest and kissed his nipples while my hands were clinging to her hard arms. From sitting on his stomach, I gradually went down until I could sit on his manhood.


    I smiled at Cholo when I heard him groan. Your body is your great betrayer, husband.


    I kissed every part of his body. I tasted everything. I haven¡¯t left a corner that I haven¡¯t kissed and drooled over.


    This is my way of reiming Cholo at least physically. I will erase the memories of him and Elizabeth in this bed. Only me and what I will do to him is what he will think about every day from this second.


    I¡¯ll make sure that from this day on, he will only think of me and only me. I will make you go crazy in pleasure, Cholo.


    When I got back to kiss his nipples, I noticed him panting while grinning at me. I got ted so I made it even better for him to make it more fun.


    His muscles in his jaw and arms are flexing, his chest is wet from my saliva, and his shaft is throbbing under my seat.


    Slowly, I crawled backwards until I came face to face again with his shaft jutting forward. I stared at it in awe. Its veins are on full disy for my trained eyes only. It¡¯s long and hard just by the looks of it.


    I touched its tip with my ring finger before I wrapped my hand around it and began moving my hand in an alternate motion. I heard him sigh. I smirked.


    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying it, hmm?¡± I asked him flirtatiously.


    ¡°I¡¯ll enjoy it more if you stop talking and put my dick in your mouth,¡± he said while grinning.


    I quickly moved my hands without taking my eyes off him.


    ¡°As you wish. As I¡¯ve said, I¡¯m your whore, hub.¡±


    I slid to the end of the bed and put his entire manhood in my mouth.


    My head is bobbing while I try to put all of him into my mouth. I teased its tip with my tongue doing circles on his length.


    I can feel all of him. I can feel all his girth, his length, and the steely warm hardness of his penis in the roof of my mouth. I can taste him and his salty precum. I can see his favorable reaction with every suck I make, every stroke I let go, and every pinch of his balls I generously give.


    I managed to give him a smirk when I saw him groaning and sitting down to grab my hair and pulled me to him.


    He¡¯s liking it just as I thought. I should reward myself after this. Not bad for a first timer like me.


    He tightened his grip on my hair as his moans grew louder. My scalp was hurting from the way he was pulling my hair but I didn¡¯t pay attention to it. I focused more on how not to bite him even when his increasing intensity made it hard for me to breathe. I¡¯m well aware that he knows that I¡¯m deep-throating him already but it seems like he wants me to go even further like put him in my esophagus.


    A grunt came out of his mouth and his thrusting became more ferocious. I fought back by squeezing his balls and biting his shaft. He jerked backward but I stayed him in ce by holding its base and slurping its tip yet again.


    That did it.


    I just felt its gradual ballooning as he exploded inside my mouth. In less than ten seconds, he finished inside my mouth before he withdrew it. My mouth was full of juice that dripped onto my chest. Without batting an eysh, I grinned before swallowing all his cum.


    Cholo stared at me before grinning and shaking his head.


    ¡°Good job, Karina. That was good,¡± he breathlessly praised me.


    I wiped the remaining liquid on the side of my mouth.


    ¡°Good? Not better than Elizabeth¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kiss and tell man so don¡¯t expect me topare you to other woman I¡¯ve been in bed with.¡±


    I stood up and tie my hair.


    ¡°Oh I don¡¯t think I have to ask you twice. I can easily tell with the way you moan. Ahh! Ahh!¡± I copied the way he grunt earlier. I just watched Cholo¡¯s face funny as if he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!¡± I was stillughing as I imitated him while going to the bathroom.


    When I got in, I immediately turned on the shower and faced myself in the mirror. I put two fingers in my mouth and inserted it up to my throat. After a while, I vomited whatever I had swallowed earlier.


    I was crying and brushing my teeth. I can still taste Cholo¡¯s salty and mushroom-like semen. My mind alternated between what I did to Cholo and the scenarios in the video scandal. I felt nauseous and vomited again but I was only spitting out saliva.


    I wiped the tears from my face and clenched my fists. There is no turning back. When I was fine enough, I walked out of the bathroom as if nothing had happened, only to find the bed empty.


    Maybe the husband is drinking again. I shrugged and took out the cellphone that was hidden in a part of the bedroom cab that had been recording. I grinned up and edited the video before sending it to Elizabeth¡¯s email. I was not satisfied and even sent a message.


    ¡°You might have his heart but his body will always be mine.¡±


    Feeling ecstatic, I grabbed a pillow and left the room. It¡¯s time to y my games this time.

 Chapter 22 Coffin or leaving

    shback


    ¡°Just walk casually and let me handle all of them. Smile if you have to but never answer their questions. You get me?¡±


    I nod at Cholo¡¯s whisper. How else could I say no if he didn¡¯t give me a chance to refuse because he pulled me out of the car to the huge gate of a very luxurious mansion where there were already many media people outside and waiting for us.


    The first n was a gathering of the Gastrell family again, but instead of the mansion, it was outside. The paid journalists of Cholo¡¯s mother need to see us to publish the photos the next day to end the spections. We will also host an ambush interview to announce to everyone that we are indeed married.


    But all of that suddenly didn¡¯t work out because Cholo¡¯s mom called while we were in the car to say that the venue had changed. Instead of going to a restaurant, the Asturias and I will eat at home because the family has prepared a press conference for the promation regarding the candidacy of Cholo¡¯s mother. The Asturia family is one of the so-called kingmakers of the town. Any politician it supports wins the election.


    So now I try to smile at every reporter¡¯s question even though the first thing I want to do is wince. I held Cholo¡¯s hand tightly because of the tension.


    They almost shove the cameras in my face. If it wasn¡¯t for the help of the bodyguards and Cholo, I might have been crushed by their aggressiveness to  get an answer from me.


    Cholo stopped for a moment in front of the gate and faced the reporters. He smiled charmingly at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry guys but we have to decline some of your questions that don¡¯t have anything to do with my mother¡¯s campaign. We¡¯re not here to answer your personal questions. We¡¯re here as members of the Gastrell family to support my mother.¡±


    Cholo was already helping me enter the open gate but they still didn¡¯t stop from asking me.


    ¡°Mr. Gastrell, is Karina Versoza really your wife or is this another political gimmick to cover up your scandal?¡±


    ¡°Then, will your engagement with Elizabeth Asturia not continue?¡±


    ¡°Will Asturia withdraw their support for Mrs. Gastrell?¡±


    ¡°Karina, what do you have to say about the spreading news that you are said to be working as prostitute in a club where you met Cholo Gastrell?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    We were both frozen by the question. My hands got cold hearing that. I turned to Cholo only to be shocked by the very dark expression on his face that I saw.


    He loosened his grip on my hand and faced the reporter who asked.


    ¡°Ask that malicious question again and I might reconsider ourpany¡¯s support to your broadcastingpany. I love my wife very much and I will not stand here while hearing these untasteful remarks. You know me. I¡¯m very open to all of you but you have stepped on the line. Do that again and I will take precautions for my wife¡¯s integrity.¡±


    Cholo tightened his hold on my hand before he pulled me into the gate and left the silenced reporters.


    My heart swelled because of how he protected me. I didn¡¯t think he would defend me and rebuke the obvious trigger of the reporters earlier. I thought he would just ignore it.


    When we entered the mansion of the Asturias, I was overwhelmed again by the size of the entire household. Like the Gastrells¡¯ mansion, it felt like I had entered a museum because of the antique furniture disyed in every corner of the ce. The portrait of the Asturias in the living room is a picture of a very rxed and powerful family.


    ¡°Cholo, it¡¯s good that you are here now. We¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while.¡±


    We looked up at his mother who was in the stairwell. I even caught her raised eyebrows and the appearance of disgust on her face when she saw Cholo holding my hand. I tried to take my hand back but he wouldn¡¯t let me go.


    I looked behind Cholo¡¯s mother where Elizabeth was standing staring at the two of us below. She looked down at our joined hands. I didn¡¯t want to hold on to Cholo more, but I had nothing left to hold on to because he let go of my hand.


    I looked at him with disappointment. I wish I hadn¡¯t because I saw how he looked at Elizabeth full of longing.


    A fine point of a needle pierced into my chest. It seems that they don¡¯t have anyone else with them because of the way they look at each other. I suddenly became an extra in the scene from what I thought was the role I am ying as lead.


    ¡°Son,e up here. We¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while,¡± his mother called again before turning to Elizabeth. ¡°Ely, please wait for Cholo. I need to attend to some things now.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she answered modestly while fixing her long and shiny hair.


    I watched how she acted, how she smiled like an actress, and how she dressed like a model. I look down on my favorite clothes that don¡¯t suit me. I¡¯m just a rag beside Elizabeth Asturia.


    ¡°Karina, stay here. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    Cholo didn¡¯t even wait for me to answer because he immediately went up the stairs. I looked at them when I saw Elizabeth holding Cholo¡¯s hand that I was still holding earlier.


    With a heavy chest, I turned around and left the living room and continued to the garden in the backyard. No one came to see me so I sat down in a chair facing the fountain. I stared at the sculpted white lion spewing water. I suddenly felt smaller. The joy I felt earlier when Cholo defended me was reced by sadness.


    I¡¯ve known for a long time that I am in trouble. I¡¯m the only one who gives color to his every move whenever I¡¯m with him. Of course he would do that because we had to act as a couple in front of people. He needs to show people that he loves me. What he said earlier was maybe a part of the acting between the two of us.


    I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I counted to ten to calm myself down. When I opened my eyes, I almost screamed in shock because of a pair of blue eyes staring nkly at me. I stood up suddenly but he immediately pushed me back to my seat. With wide eyes and parted lips, I looked at the stranger who crouched in front of me and studied my face. I looked down when I couldn¡¯t take his searching gaze anymore. After a while, he gulped and sat down on the pavement and raised one knee to hang his arm.


    ¡°So you must be her,¡± he broke the silence.


    I was startled by his the insult in his voice. I looked up to meet our eyes.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    Heughed sarcastically before turning its gaze back to me.


    ¡°Cholo¡¯s wife.¡± He looked at me from head to toe beforeughing again. ¡°Where did he find you? In the club? In the street? I don¡¯t understand why he was able to rece someone like you with my sister. I don¡¯t easily discriminate against people but I can tell you are fake by the way your eyes looked at me with shame. How much did he pay you? A million? Half? I can pay you double. Just leave this town. Now.¡±


    I felt insecure again. If someone like him was able to read me just by looking at me, how about the other people in Cerro Roca¡¯s high society whom Cholo and I intend to deceive? Maybe they are secretlyughing at me. Even though my clothes look expensive, I know they don¡¯t suit me. My speech, which is obviously crooked when speaking English, is a sign of my humble origins, and even the way I hold a small toy knife as I cut the reddened, raw-like meat may have been secretly mocked by them as well.


    But that doesn¡¯t matter anymore because Cholo needs me as much as I need the money I can get from him for my brother¡¯s future and my father¡¯s hospitalization.


    For someone like me who is desperate for money, this opportunity is a blow to the moon so I will die before I admit the truth.


    I looked up at the man¡¯s handsome face. So this is Elizabeth¡¯s brother, but I can¡¯t see any simrities between the faces of the two except maybe the color of their eyes. Even though I felt fear because of the dangerous look of his smile, I tried to put it aside.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯ll leave you. My husband is looking for me.¡±


    I stood up to leave but he stopped me by the hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you get what I wanted to say. When I said you leave this ce, you will leave or you¡¯ll be sorry for what will happen to your father and brother.¡±


    I froze at what the man meant. I bit my tongue and swallowed the blockage in my throat.


    ¡°W-what do you mean?¡± I asked in dread.


    The smile on his face disappeared and a serious line took its ce on his lips.


    He lowered his face slightly to mine and gave me a smile that I will never forget for the rest of my life.


    ¡°Leave this ce or I¡¯ll strangle you to death. With your entire family.¡±


    As he said that, his cold eyes stared at me without blinking. The cold flowed to the tiny veins of my body. Fear immediately entered my heart because of his threats.


    It¡¯s okay for me to threaten me. It¡¯s okay for them to insult andugh at me. I will ept all of that. But if they include my family then that is a different story.


    This man is an Asturia while I am just a lowly Versoza.


    ¡°W-why are you doing this? What have I done to you? I have done nothing to you. Why do you feel sorry for my family?¡±


    I withdrew my trembling hand from his grasp and hid it behind my back. I took a few steps back to somehow get away from him. My heart was beating so fast and even though I couldn¡¯t see myself, I knew I had been pale for a while.


    He came closer to me and fixed my stray hair.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything directly to me but you hurt our beloved family member. Your trembling body cannot pay for the tears she had shed. It¡¯s sickening to see my sister crying because of a rag doll like you. There¡¯s no other way to retrieve herself but to eliminate you out of sight. Now, choose. Will you leave safely with money or will you leave in a coffin with your whole family? Choose Karina before I choose thetter for you. ¡±


    I desperately looked down so that I could calm myself for a moment. But even the expensive high-heeled shoes only worsens the nervousness that enves me.


    I took a breath and looked up at the man again. Even though my answer was against my heart, I nodded. Even though it was difficult for me to decide, I forced myself. Even though I knew that Cholo would hate me because of what I was going to do, I didn¡¯t mind it.


    ¡°How much?¡±


    A smile gradually appeared on the man¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Good girl. I know you will deliver.¡±

 Chapter 23 I鈥檓 pregnant

    ¡°What¡¯s this for?¡±


    I picked up the clothes Cholo threw at me. I looked at it with disgust. Really? Who the fuck still wears a in rainbow dress in this time and ce?


    He went into the walk-in closet and came back dressed. He¡¯s wearing simple khaki shorts and a white polo shirt paired with a white sneakers. His sunsses were raised on his head while taking something from the drawer.


    ¡°Wear that. We¡¯ll go to my mother¡¯s house. I¡¯ve already said yes for lunch today.¡±


    I stood up from sitting on the bed. The strapless ck dress I was wearing fell to the floor that I had been using to seduce my husband. I did all sorts of things. I arched my back, and exposed my thigh but he still ignored me.


    I expected that we¡¯ll just spent the day making love in all the corners of the house because it¡¯s the first time that Cholo took a one-week vacation.


    I got the info from the nameless girl when I went to my husband¡¯s office.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to mom? Why didn¡¯t you tell me beforehand? I could have prepared something for her. What should we bring?¡±


    I wandered around the room while remembering thest encounter between me and his mother. It¡¯s definitely not a good one. He put something in his pocket before ncing at me for a moment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, Karina. We all knew how my mother hated you. As you might realize now, it¡¯s just for another day of ying theatrics. It¡¯s for the media and the people again for our image. I¡¯m sure you know what to do, right? You already have experience.¡±


    He stormed out of the room and left me gritting my teeth in anger.


    How dare he?! How dare him casually tell me how he ruined my life! If it¡¯s not for him and his never-ending pursuit for that good image they so badly wanted to maintain, then I should not be here in the first ce. I should not be here eating every insulting remark and chewing them down as if it didn¡¯t leave me wounded all over again.


    ¡°But if it¡¯s for the better Cholo then I¡¯ll willingly do it.¡±


    I threw the clothes in the trash then went into my separate walk-in closet that I made just for me. A few major revisions have also started in the mansion which Cholo strongly opposed but nothing happened when I ckmailed him that I would burn all the portraits of his family.


    He told me I¡¯m crazy and I justughed it off because it¡¯s true. He knew he couldn¡¯t stop me so he just let me be.


    I went down the stairs wearing a ck strapless scarf top and high waisted shorts with a studded belt. I paired it with ck sneakers and a ck belt bag. I also wore heavily tinted ck shades, and ck make-up. I don¡¯t even wear any jewelry except for my ring on my left hand.


    I wasn¡¯t surprised when he shook his head while staring at me. For the past weeks, he has managed to adjust to my love for anything that¡¯s ck. He evenpared me to the old me who likes light colors. There was some pain in his thinking about the past, but I just let it go.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled at him when he opened the door of the car for me.


    He stopped in his tracks and just stared at me.


    I saw his fists clenched as if he was holding himself back from what he wanted to do. In the end, he just fixed my seatbelt before going around to the other door and driving the car. I still heard his violent breathing.


    The ride was quiet. I was confused by what he showed earlier. Could it be that he¡¯s warming up to me? I looked at Cholo who was concentrating on driving. His biceps are flexing every time he grapples with the steering wheel.


    A bittersweet smile loomed on my lips. I can still affect him in ways that could make his life a living hell. I sighed. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s really a good thing or not.


    It¡¯s reassuring at the same time. I don¡¯t know if I can handle the karma that wille in the end.


    We arrived at the destination without talking. He opened the door for me and took my hand. I caught my breath when the memories of the two of us floated in my mind.


    The holding hands, the kissing, the unspoken love, the betrayal, and the inferno that followed after.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Just stick with me. They have nothing good to say to you so if you don¡¯t want to get hurt, just stick to me.¡±


    I smiled bitterly. He had said that to me before. I clung to him but he let go of me first.


    ¡°Sure but just a thing, hub, I don¡¯t need anyone¡¯s savings. I can perfectly safeguard myself but if you still insist then I can always be that girl. I¡¯ll stick to you no matter what.¡±


    I smiled at him as I tightened my grip on his hand. This time, I will hold this hand for as long as I can. I won¡¯t let him go or have someone take him away from me. I even caught the small smile that appeared at the corner of his mouth before he quickly wiped it away. His hand went up to my ear and caressed it lightly.


    ¡°Come on. They must be waiting for us.¡±


    I smiled and hugged him. I guess he is also excited. He just didn¡¯t want to show it because he knew I would use it against him. I almost tear my hair out with joy. No one can really resist me.


    We enter the Gastrells¡¯ vacation home where his parents have permanently retired. As a tradition, they left the entire mansion to Cholo. The mansion is bequeathed to the eldest son when the first son reaches the age of 25.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me your cousins will be here,¡± I asked Cholo when I spotted cousins Sharlot and Seraphina sitting on chairs on the widewn of the house.


    ¡°I also don¡¯t know about them being here.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can still believe my mother. Come on.¡±


    Shrugging our shoulders, we headed towards the two women who wereughing happily. When they saw us, they deliberately surveyed me from head to toe and raised their brows in the air. It¡¯s like they treat me like they don¡¯t know me. I can still see how Sharlot stares at thevish designer brands on my clothes.


    ¡°Hi, Cholo.¡±


    Seraphina stood up and hugged her cousin but her eyes were only on me.


    ¡°Is it really Karina? My God! Who is her sugar daddy to look like this? She looks like a nanny in her style back then. I can¡¯t forget the girl who doesn¡¯t know about Christian Louboutin and Donate Versace.¡±


    I just smiled knowing that the only thing she wanted now was to belittle and annoy me.


    ¡°And don¡¯t forget how she thought it¡¯s a furniture name. Gosh! The old version of your wife cousin is a walking doughnut,¡± said Sharlot who hugged Cholo next. My husband sighed.


    ¡°Ladies, stop it. Where is mom?¡±


    ¡°Cholo, you don¡¯t have to defend your wife. It¡¯s an open secret in the family. All of us know the secret between the two of you.¡±


    Everyone turned to the source of the voice except me. I gathered air to ease the hatred I felt before smiling and turning to thedy whose beauty was still unfading despite her old age. I slowly looked into her eyes.


    And it¡¯s as if my heart stopped beating. My eyes watered because I was staring at a pair of eyes I would love to see again. I genuinely smiled at Cholo¡¯s mother and walked towards her. I hugged her mother with a smile and closed my eyes.


    In my mind I remember a scene that I will keep going back to every day, every night that passes, every second that passes until myst breath.


    Donya Teodora stiffened but did not push me away. Everyone was silent. A few seconds passed before I calmed down and moved slightly away to kiss the old woman¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Good afternoon, mom. I¡¯m sorry because we are only able to visit you now. Cholo wants to spend all his time with me. He missed me so much,¡± I said giggling.


    Sharlot was surprised and coughed from the champagne she was drinking. Seraphina and Donya Teodora were also looking at us in disbelief. As for Cholo, I didn¡¯t bother to look at him. I know he is frowning.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been fucking her Cholo?! How about Elizabeth?¡± Sharlot eximed.


    I shot them with cold eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with a husband having sex with his wife? It¡¯s natural. What¡¯s not right is to do it with a personal driver to release the heat that you can¡¯t relieve on your own.¡±


    Sharlot¡¯s eyes became sharp as she immediately drank from the ss in her hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Donya Teodora scolded us authoritatively. She looked at me intently.


    ¡°Some things don¡¯t really change, Karina. Even if you wrap yourself in pretend wealth and cover up where you once came from, your true stench will always stink.¡±


    ¡°Mom, enough,¡± Cholo stopped her this but she ignored it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you have brought her here. I don¡¯t want to lose my appetite, son.¡±


    ¡°Karina is still my wife even if it¡¯s just in the name. You should still respect her. Let¡¯s go inside to eat.¡±


    Cholo pulled me in by the hand. I left only a triumphant smile to the three of them, their faces contorted with annoyance. We entered the dining area where the table was full of food.


    ¡°Wow! How many battalions will your mother feed to prepare thisvishly? Maybe she just missed me too much. Oh well, not th-¡±


    I stopped talking when Elizabeth¡¯s face appeared from the dirty kitchen with a tter of seafood.


    I felt Cholo stop and sigh. He slipped his hold on my hand but before I let him let go of me the second time around, I chased his finger and locked his hands on me again.


    ¡°I invited your fiancee here,¡± said Donya Teodora¡¯s voice behind us. ¡°Son, Elizabeth, sit now.¡±


    I looked at Cholo and raised an eyebrow. He just dismissed me and pulled a chair for me. I was very grateful that he stood beside me.


    If he didn¡¯t then they would have to bid goodbye to all these sumptuous food because I will dly throw these on their faces.


    Elizabeth sat across the table with Cholo¡¯s cousins on her sides. Teodora sat at the front of the table. I took good care of Cholo. I put food on him and filled his ss with something to drink. I even volunteered to cut the meat for him but he shook his head to decline. His face was still frowning as he stole a nce at Elizabeth from time to time.


    ¡°So Cholo, when will you annul Karina? Right after my brother wins the election or will you give it another month to let the chatter die down first?¡± Charlotte asked.


    I stopped chewing on the very tender meat and turned to my husband who had clenched jaws.


    ¡°Sharlot, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right to discuss my personal life with you. Remember the problem you and your husband are dealing with before you interfere in the lives of others.¡±


    I stopped myself fromughing so I just giggled.


    ¡°Oops sorry. I mean, where¡¯s the lie?¡± I said to them when they looked at me evilly again.


    ¡°Cholo, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any more important than family matters. She will only damage the name of our n if that woman continues to cling to you. Who would know what she would do while dragging our name in the process? She might even use the influence attached to our family for her own good. She will just taint our family¡¯s name,¡± Seraphina joined the conversation.


    ¡°Precisely my point. And what about Elizabeth¡¯s reputation? The whole of Cerro Roca knows that you promised her marriage. You have to discard this bitch and redeem yourself! It¡¯s embarrassing for the Asturias!¡± Sharlot pushed for the topic.


    ¡°Your cousin has a point, Cholo. I suggest you file for an annulment after the election. I know it¡¯s my fault for registering your marriage years ago. I was only driven by fears that someone might actually look for real evidence. But now, times have changed already. The people now are crucifying anyone who is used of cheating especially inside the marriage. What do you think?¡±


    I was silent while cutting the meat. I¡¯m waiting for my husband to speak to press me further or to defend me.


    ¡°Mom, leave my personal life alone. I can handle it,¡± Cholo said shortly.


    I rolled my eyes. I don¡¯t think he can once I started being the brat wife.


    I took a bite of the asparagus before speaking.


    ¡°Cholo is right, mom. Leave this to us. My husband and I should solve this since we are the ones who caused this problem.¡±


    I nced at the direction of Elizabeth who was very quiet before continuing.


    ¡°But rest assured that we will fix our rtionship. In fact, we are actually preparing for our second wedding. Cholo wants to give me a second marriage in the church.¡±


    I ced my hand on Cholo¡¯s fist that was on the table and smiled sweetly.


    ¡°Right, hub?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Sharlot at Seraphina shouted in unison.


    ¡°Are you crazy, Cholo? You are going to marry that woman who fooled you?!  My god! What are you thinking?!¡± Sharlot eximed.


    I nced again at Elizabeth who had stopped eating. I don¡¯t see any hint of panic in her eyes. She raised her hand and appeased Donya Teodora whose face was red with anger. Then her gaze shifted to me and his face was full of seriousness as she spoke.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen, Karina. I won¡¯t let the father of my child marry another woman.¡±


    My smile faded and my chest tightened. I turned harshly at Cholo who looked as surprised as everyone else in the table. My hand seemed to lose strength as it slowly let go of Cholo¡¯s hand. I gasped for air to stop my eyes from clouding up.


    Elizabeth Asturia, you beat me for the third time again.

 Chapter 24 Last night

    shback


    ¡°Still cold? Should I hug you tighter?¡±


    I shook my head at Cholo then snuggled into his side. We have returned home from dinner at a restaurant in a mall. We no longer went to eat with his mother because Cholo knew how Donya Teodora would treat me. He¡¯s really nice and very thoughtful. It does everything so that his family can¡¯t trap me.


    ¡°Karina¡­¡± he whispered in my ear along with a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡°Why?¡± I also whispered without looking up.


    I know what he means to do. I felt it every night that we were sleeping in the same bed. He would whisper my name and then wait for my answer. On those nights I didn¡¯t answer. Only now because¡­ It might be thest.


    He raised his hand to my ear and yed with it.


    ¡°After all of this, can I still see you?¡±


    I closed my eyes and bit my tongue. I stopped the tears from falling. When I calmed down, I pretended tough.


    ¡°What kind of question is that? Sure. Of course. You can still see me if you want to see me. I just live in the other town.¡±


    He kissed the top of my head before ying with my ear again. I was tickled but I just let him. This may be thest time I will feel him like this.


    ¡°Karina, as cliche as it may sound but¡­ Do you believe in love at first sight? You just met her for the first time and then your life got so messed up. You can¡¯t get her out of your mind no matter what. You keep on wishing that she¡¯lle back to the same spot that you left her to be. You keep on wishing that you¡¯ll see her again in the faces of strangers and in unlikely ces that you¡¯ve been to.¡±


    I closed my eyes. It seems like he is describing exactly how I feel about him. The first time I saw him smiling, it was as if my world stopped spinning. His face, smile, and gray eyes are enough to make my heart beat faster. He has never let me sleep in the nights since our eyes first met.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± I lied. ¡°Have you, have you experienced it?¡±


    He took a long time to answer.


    ¡°Yeah, only once and never have I looked back since.¡±


    I moved a little away from him and raised my face to him. I met his eyes. I looked down at his parting lips. Will he be angry if I kiss him first?


    ¡°Cholo?¡± I asked without looking away from his lips.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Can I kiss you?¡± I almost begged. I closed my eyes so I wouldn¡¯t be tempted to look at his face.


    I heard his softugh and he reached behind me. I gasped as he rested one of his legs on my leg and locked me in it.


    ¡°Only if you open your eyes and kiss me,¡± he whispered.


    I opened my eyes for a moment only to inhale without warning when he captured my lips. Even though I was surprised, I gave in. I let him do everything to me.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, Karina,¡± he whispered in my ear while kissing my neck. His hands are already on my chest and are enjoying themselves. He had already taken off my pajamas.


    I couldn¡¯t do anything but grunt in response. Cholo is good at tickling my body. It¡¯s like he even knows my body better than me based on how he knows what to do with me to satisfy me.


    He moved his kiss to my chest and suckled it. I just pulled out his hair while pressing myself even more into his lips.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I  threw away all fear and inhibitions. Tonight is mine. This moment is mine.


    I helped Cholo take off his pajamas. I was naked in his sight but I no longer feel ashamed like before. All I want is to be locked in his warm arms again and feel him inside me. It¡¯s like¡­ It¡¯s like I¡¯ll do anything just for us to be one tonight.


    ¡°Kiss me, baby,¡± he said in a hoarse voice when he was on top of me and his elbows were on either side of me. We were both naked, panting, and sweating despite the cold st of the air conditioner.


    I pulled him by the neck and gave him what he asked for. He retaliated with such fervor. It consumed my remaining doubts. And when hepletely possessed me. I stopped myself from closing my eyes. Instead I bit my lower lip and hugged her arm and thighs.


    I just kept my eyes open the whole duration, memorizing Cholo¡¯s face in my brain. Every move he made, every grunt, every time he opened his mouth to catch his breath, and every time he called my name-all of that I would remember as I left. I will seal everything in the deepest part of my brain and hide it until I can open the memories again.


    He cupped my cheek and kissed me firmly before speeding up his movements. I clung to his arm until I couldn¡¯t control myself. A few momentster, I exploded. At the same time as I lost consciousness for a moment, my tears started to fall.


    Cholo took my hands and raised them to my head then I felt him explode inside me. Catching for air, he fell on top of me and nted a kiss on my neck.


    ¡°Stay here with me, Karina. Promise me,¡± he managed to say in between kisses and gasps.


    I didn¡¯t move for fear that he might know I was crying. We should be happy now. Ourst chance together cannot be mixed with sadness.


    When our breathing returned to normal and I was able to express my own emotions, that¡¯s when we realized what happened.


    He looked into my eyes with a worried look.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t pull out,¡± he said in a worried tone. ¡°A-are you safe?¡±


    I didn¡¯t move. It was only then that I realized the possible consequences of what happened. I shook my head and averted my eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I said in a low voice.


    Silence passed. If it wasn¡¯t for his warm body still clinging to me, I wouldn¡¯t think I¡¯d be in this room with anyone else. After a while he reached out and hugged me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t be afraid. I got you. Always. I¡¯ll be here for you no matter what happens. I¡¯ll never leave you.¡±


    If only the situation had been different and if I hadn¡¯t decided what to do, I might have been reassured by the assurance he gave me. But no more.


    I¡¯ve made up my mind.


    I will leave him. I am leaving Cerro Roca and will never return no matter what.


    I¡¯m right that Cholo and I can¡¯t be together. A few weeks of living the illusion is enough. It¡¯s time for me to wake up and face reality no matter how painful it will be. For the family. For my father and brother.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I replied before responding to his hug.


    Thank you, Cholo. All in all. Thanks for the memories.


    I hope¡­ I hope you can forgive me.

 Chapter 25 Fucked and Cried

    ¡°Do you think what you imed will have an effect on me, Elizabeth? Well if you think so then I suggest you think again. I will never give up on Cholo no matter what happens. You are having a child with him? No problem. It¡¯s either you give it to me or I have to put the two of you in jail. It¡¯s clearly against thew. I¡¯m sure people nowadays won¡¯t tolerate cheaters, right mom?¡±


    I looked sarcastically at Cholo¡¯s mother who blushed again with anger.


    ¡°Karina,¡± Cholo reprimanded me, seeming to have recovered from his surprise earlier. I turned to him violently.


    ¡°Is that the reason why you have been cold to metely? Are you two really going to have a baby together?


    How could you do this to me, Cholo?¡±


    His face darkened before he held me firmly by the arm.


    ¡°Stop this, Karina. We¡¯re in the middle of eating.¡±


    I waved his hand away from me. I looked at his silent cousins.


    ¡°But that¡¯s exactly the point! We are eating in silence and then Elizabeth just decided to burst out a lie. And oh who are we fooling, Cholo? Let¡¯s face it. Your cousins and mom herself would love to see us break up. She didn¡¯t ept me before and until now, no matter how hard I try to change myself for you.¡±


    Cholo stood up at the table and wiped his mouth with a table napkin.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. We¡¯re going home. Stop embarrassing me already.¡±


    He pulled me by the hand but I didn¡¯t let him.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not yet done.¡±


    I faced Elizabeth again who was looking at me with wide eyes.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you want to happen? For my husband and I to break up so that you can have him! But sorry to break it to you but I have to stop you right there. I know you are not pregnant and you will never be pregnant. You¡¯re infertile, Elizabeth. You can¡¯t bear a child so you will never be a mother forever! You¡¯re a liar! Are you really that desperate that you have to lie just to take Cholo away from me?¡±


    ¡°Karina!¡± Cholo shouted angrily at me but I ignored him.


    I¡¯m too invested in terrorizing his mistress.


    ¡°What?! Why can¡¯t you answer?! Isn¡¯t it true that you can¡¯t get pregnant so you can never be a mother! You¡¯re always a big fat liar, Elizabeth!¡±


    Donya Teodora stood up at that point and pointed her fingers at me.


    ¡°You have no right to tell those nasty things to Elizabeth! Remember you are not part of this family, Karina Versoza!¡±


    I looked at Elizabeth who is sobbing in her seat. I can¡¯t help but gasp at her fakeness. Crocodile tears. Nothing will ever make me stop from drilling it into her mind.


    ¡°Oh really, mom? Am I really not part of this family? Did no one tell you that I am no longer a Versoza? I¡¯m a full-fledged Gastrell now and nothing, not even your uneptance, can change that fact.¡±


    I raised an eyebrow at the crying Elizabeth.


    ¡°Something the likes of you cannot rte, bitch.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡±Cholo said before dragging me out of the house.


    I didn¡¯t fight anymore. I just left a sharp nce at the still crying woman. Cholo let go of me when we got to his car. He took a deep breath, frowned, then looked at me full of hatred.


    ¡°Get in the car.¡±


    I didn¡¯t do anything but follow him when he got into the car first. He immediately started the car even though I hadn¡¯t closed the door quite yet. I feel that Cholo is very angry. I can see and feel how he is maneuvering the car.


    We¡¯re driving past the speed limit but Cholo didn¡¯t seem to mind. He still continues to drive the car as if he intends to make it fly. I froze as it sped up even more. My chest started to tighten because of the scenes ying in my mind. Catching my breath, I clenched my fists and started doing the breathing exercise.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re going too fast! Stop! Do you want us to die?!¡± I screamed nervously.


    He didn¡¯t move. Instead he drove it even faster. That¡¯s when I was rmed. I¡¯m already having chills and my back is wet with sweat. Any minute now, I might breakdown which is something that Cholo must not able to see.


    ¡°What the hell?! If you want to kill yourself, do it alone! Just kill yourself!¡±


    I hit him on the arm even though I was shaking with so much nervousness. After a while, we went back to normal speed. I breathed a sigh of relief. I simply held my tight chest and gasped for air. A few minutes passed before we reached the house. He threw me into the room and angrily confronted me.


    ¡°What was that for?! Karina, you are so rude! You¡¯re the rudest person I¡¯ve known!¡± bulyaw nito sa akin.


    His face and neck were red, his vein was about toe out. I grabbed my hurt arm before gritting my teeth to answer.


    ¡°Wow! Now I¡¯m the rude one? Are you blind and deaf? Did you see how your family treated me?! They see me as a garbage Cholo and you didn¡¯t even bother to defend your own wife!¡±


    ¡°How can I know that it¡¯s the truth?! How can I defend you if everything they say is true? But what you did earlier to Elizabeth and mom, it was so insensitive and disrespectful! Did you see how they were affected by what you were saying? Did you see how she has been reduced just because you have to p her face the truth?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault. She started it. She lied. Maybe she still thinks that I¡¯m still the ignorant girl from the past who knows nothing about digging her own damn past to be my bullets. Well, unlucky for her because she underestimated the wrong person. I¡¯m not the past Karina she can trudge on. I¡¯ve changed. I have no choice but to be this wicked monster because of them!¡±


    My lips were agape and Cholo was just staring at me in disbelief. His resigned look is like that of someone who never believed every word that I said.


    ¡°You me others for the sins youmitted yourself. Why are you always throwing everything to my family when we both know they can¡¯t do that to you? We know they don¡¯t like you very much but your usations against them are too much. I have to defend them now against you!¡±


    I smiled bitterly thenughed afterwards. I smiled and raised my face. If only he knew then he would never say this but it¡¯s not yet the time. I¡¯m not stupid enough to pull out my card right away.


    ¡°Oh really, Cholo? How sure are you? Are you with them every day? Every minute? Second? Do you know about their thoughts, their actions, their words that they chose to hide from you?¡±


    He sighed and shook his head in annoyance.


    ¡°Fuck this life! What do you really want, Karina?! Can¡¯t you just tell me what you really want? I¡¯m getting tired of ying this sick game of yours!¡±


    He turned around. I could see how he was trying hard to control himself.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Karina. Today I¡¯m filing an annulment and I will do everything in my power to keep it a secret. I cannot tolerate you anymore. It¡¯s about time that I fulfill my promise to Elizabeth that I will marry her.¡±


    He started walking towards the door while I was left on the side stunned. Finally, I regained my senses when I saw him opening the knob of the door. What he says cannot happen.


    Never as long as I¡¯m alive.


    I took a few steps to the side table and grabbed themp shade and threw it at the door. Bits and pieces of it spread throughout the room. Cholo¡¯s attempt to open the door was halted because of what I did. He faced me with raised eyebrows. I lifted my face and smirked at him dangerously.


    ¡°Do it. Do it Cholo and I swear, you will curse the day you were born! Come on, dear husband. Do it! Then after you spend the night loving her and cumming all over her, prepare to see your everything crumble into pieces. By then, I swear, you will see the things I can do. Bite the trap babe and I¡¯m willing to let hell loose. I have nothing to lose anymore, but you¡­ your life, your family, your money, and your love is hanging by the thread I y with my own palms. Just call me if you¡¯re ready to lose it all. By then, I¡¯d be happy to be your leech. I will make sure your family will be nothing after I do that. Do you think I don¡¯t know the secret of your whole family and the Asturians? Well, you seemed to be underestimating me just like your family, hub. You¡¯ll leave me? Then prepare to see your mother behind the bars. I heard she made some integral discrepancy with the contract with the Chinese on the 20-billion gship road in Cerro Roca. You want to see your dearest mother behind the bars, Cholo?¡±


    He took a step between us before pushing me against the wall and holding me tightly by both shoulders, his eyes burning with a mixture of bitterness, pain, and anger.


    ¡°What do you really want from me, Ms. Versoza?¡± he asked in a surprisingly calm tone.


    I stared at my husband¡¯s nk eyes. I¡¯m looking for something, something beyond his anger for me, something that will make me surrender everything. But I can¡¯t get anything out of it. Only hatred. Maybe¡­ Maybe we really have no hope so I¡¯m just clinging to thest thing I can think of.


    ¡°I want you, Cholo. I want your heart. I want your body, yo-¡±


    ¡°So you want my body?! So if I shag you all day and all night, will it be enough for you to stop meddling in my life? If I satisfy you sexually, would that be enough for you to stop messing with our lives? Will that be enough, Karina?¡±


    Instead of answering, I just pulled him closer and kissed him while letting my tears fall.


    This is the only thing I can do for now.


    He was slightly stunned for a moment before he immediately responded. He took me by my cheeks and punished me with a kiss. Cholo¡¯s kiss was violent immediately. It was painful and I¡¯m not used to this kind of kiss. His kisses used to be careful with me.


    He tore off my top and threw it on the floor. My bra, shorts, and panties followed. I also undressed him. I ripped open his shirt and fumbled over his zipper.


    He pinned me to the wall and bit my lips a little too roughly. I tasted blood but instead of pushing him away, I clung to him to feel more of him against me.


    The ambiance was never romantic and I obviously know that it was just a hate sex on his part but for some reasons, it turned me on instantly. I wanted him. I wanted him for so long that it didn¡¯t matter if he¡¯s only doing it because he hates me. It¡¯s okay. I can get used to it for now.


    Tongues and teeth on each other, saliva dripping down our throat, our bodies moving in a feral rhythm while we chase after the high, the wild heat in our core.


    He was busy inserting his fingers on me when I reached for his boxers and touched his dick. We both moaned when he started moving his fingers in and out of my slick opening while I continued caressing, palming, and nudging his shaft.


    ¡°Now do you liked it? Do you like how I make you feel like a slut? Is this really what you want to happen? Cause if you say yes then there will be no turning back. I¡¯ll take you like a slut like how the men in your life took you without gentleness,¡± he whispered in my ear.


    I couldn¡¯t answer when he kissed me again and carried me to the bedside table. He sat me down before spreading my legs and sliding his fingers back inside me.


    I closed my eyes when he lowered his mouth and bit my nipple. I should have pushed him away. I should have ended it earlier because I was hurting physically and mentally but I just let Cholo go because I wanted to know how long I could handle it. I needed to know if it¡¯s really time to end it all.


    But my body said it can take another blow. It¡¯s loving his kisses, his touch, his moans even though it¡¯s devoid of any gentleness I used to experience in his hands.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± A moan escaped my parted lips as he added another finger inside me and quickened the pace.


    I clung to his shoulder when I couldn¡¯t take it anymore and I was about to burst. But the devil incarnate stopped and smirked at me.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you cum in my fingers, Karina. I can¡¯t let our first time be this way,¡± he said while bringing his wet finger to his nose to sniff. And then he slowly licked it while staring at me.


    I breathed hard. I don¡¯t know but it¡¯s the sexiest view I¡¯ve ever seen in my life. And it heightened my horny hormones all the more.


    ¡°Oh, so you wanna do it in bed then?¡± I asked in a breathless voice while still staring at his finger that was still in his mouth.


    ¡°Bed? The likes of you don¡¯t deserve to be fucked in a bed. I¡¯ll take you here¡­ now.¡±


    After saying that, hepletely took off his shorts and boxers then made me face the wall. I heard the tearing of a stic foil and then I felt him on the crack of my butt positioning himself. I bent over to help myself amodate and then he rammed himself inside me.


    I squealed a little when I felt a searing pain. It¡¯s been too long since I¡¯ve done this with him. I felt him stop behind me.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he muttered when he realized what he just discovered.


    He didn¡¯t move to let me adjust with his sudden invasion. He hugged me from the back and whispered.


    ¡°How long since you¡¯ve done this?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer because of the lump in my throat. If I did then I would have to tell him everything. He grabbed me to face me but I stopped him.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to shag me this way, Cholo. After all, it¡¯s just your body I wanted.¡±


    He stiffened for a moment before I felt him move. He¡¯s not aggressive this time. He didn¡¯t have the violent movement earlier. His back and forth movement was full of gentleness. My tears fell spontaneously when I remembered that he treated me like this thest night we were together. The pain of remembering those happy memories came like a hurricane to me.


    It¡¯s when I promised to myself that I¡¯ll never be back in this town and it¡¯s the first promise that I have to break now.


    He kissed me on the back towards the neck while his hands were gently holding my waist, the movement was gradually speeding up. He grabbed my breasts and kissed my nape. Our mixed sweat felt sticky. He tried again to turn me up front but I stopped him again. I didn¡¯t want him to see that my face was still wet because of soundless crying. He pressed his chest to my back and angled my neck for him to kiss as we both sped up.


    Sweat dripping, our temperature on high, and our bodies moving in a perfectly imperfect beat. Second by second, we drove into the ascent until everything was still and all I could hear was the throbbing of our hearts and the wet thrusts down below.


    I clung to Cholo¡¯s arm that was wrapped around my waist as Ipletely shook.


    He followed afterwards.


    He kissed me on the nape while he slowly discarded his manhood away from me. I watched how he tied the condom and threw it in the trash can.


    My face was red with a mixture of confusion, embarrassment, and anger.


    I can¡¯t ept the fact that I willingly let him use me like a slut because he thinks I¡¯m one. I can¡¯t just ept that I let myself be abused this way. But¡­ I have to do this if it means getting the justice that we deserve.


    Still feeling weak, I forced myself to go to the bathr. Just one wrong move, just one more trigger, I could release the secrets I¡¯ve been keeping for eight years.


    My whole body was shaking as I wiped my face and opened the bathroom door. I still heard a faint calling from Cholo before I closed the door and opened the shower. With my hair down, I sat under the rushing water and closed my eyes. I covered my mouth when I started to cry which turned into a whimper as the events that happened earlier came back to my mind over and over again.


    Those eyes¡­ I can never forget those pairs of orbs that have looked at me with disgust earlier.


    It¡¯s okay¡­ It¡¯s okay if she looks at me like that. It¡¯s okay because I was given the opportunity to live the memories that I will carry with me forever and will continue to remember forever.


    I buried my face between my knees and cried. I¡¯m crying for the memories that will nevere back. I¡¯m crying for the most important person that I lost forever.


    The water stopped pouring and there was a towel that dried my hair, face, and whole body. Cholo then wrapped me in a towel and put a robe on me. He then picked me up and deposited me on the bed. Iy on my side as I continued crying. I never opened my eyes. After a while, his arms wrapped around my waist and hugged me. I felt a kiss on the head followed by the words I¡¯ve been waiting to hear from him for years.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry, Karina.¡±


    Sorry¡­ I repeated in my mind.


    I hope your sorry could undone everything Cholo but I know it cannot and for that, I¡¯m sorry too.

 Chapter 26 Locked away

    shback


    ¡°At the exit of Cerro Roca, there will be a ck van that will pick you up. Go with them because they will also get your father and brother. They will take you to the ce where you will stay until I order you to leave soon. I just need to make sure you don¡¯t run away.¡±


    I wiped the tears from my eyes while listening intently to Ymir. When I made sure that Cholo was sleeping soundly, I headed towards the Asturias¡¯ mansion. Ymir instructed me that he would meet me at the guardhouse of the mansion. Ymir and I talked about my leaving. I don¡¯t know what will happen after this but I know only one thing will happen for sure. Cholo will be angry with me and will curse me because I did not fulfill our agreement.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I promised to help him. I, who said I would not leave him, walked away first.


    Even if it¡¯s against my will, I can¡¯t do anything else. This is what heaven has ordained for me. This will be my fate.


    ¡°What about the money? When will I get the money?¡± I asked in a raspy tone. I don¡¯t care what he thinks of me anymore. I am doing this ording to our agreement.


    Ymir grinned at me before pulling out a check from his pocket. My eyes widened at the written amount when he handed it to me. Twenty million?!


    ¡°Take it and fly away from this ce, Karina. And never ever show your face here again. You¡¯re dead from now on. Not even your shadow should ever be in this part of the world. Use this money to start a new life somewhere far away from here. Do you understand me, Karina?¡± he said in a cold voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Karina. I¡¯ll be by your side. Always.¡±


    I closed my eyes as Cholo¡¯s words echoed in my mind. I stared again at the check in my hand and then at the ring on my finger that my husband gave me earlier before we fell asleep while hugging each other. I didn¡¯t know that he bought it that same night when we ate at a mall. He put it on me with his face dancing with joy. He also said that he bought it with his own savings.


    I feel guilty that I stepped back. The check fell to the ground.


    Nope. I will not quit. Cholo will help me because he promised to always be with me. I know he will make it happen. I could read in his eyes while he was putting the ring on me that he was starting to care for me.


    I wiped my wet face and bravely raised my head to Ymir who was scowling at the fallen check.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯ve changed my mind. I¡¯m not leaving Cerro Roca. Your money is yours.¡±


    I turned back after saying that but before I got far someone grabbed me and covered my mouth and nose with a handkerchief. I smelled the strong perfume that drained my strength. My eyelids were heavy as my hands slowly waved.


    I fought as hard as I could. I tried to loosen the solid arm around my neck but I couldn¡¯t move. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Ymir with a dark look looking at me while his hands were in his pockets.


    He shook his head then came to me. With my shrinking vision, I even saw when he bent down to the ground and picked something up.


    ¡°Karina Versoza. I warned you already. It¡¯s either you go in peace or you will be buried in peace. I thought we had an understanding of the former but it seems you¡¯ll choose thetter. But don¡¯t think of me as a monster because I¡¯m still willing to give you another chance.¡± He turned to the man behind me. ¡°Put that in the car and go straight to Sta. Barbara. Make sure you don¡¯t leave any trail. Go ahead.¡±


    I was dragged away by some men. I wanted to protest, scream, and beg but I couldn¡¯t even open my mouth. Until they put me in the parked car, I wasn¡¯t able to do anything. I just stared at Ymir¡¯s cruel and cold eyes while mentally repeating Cholo¡¯s name.


    A few momentster the door closed and only the light of the oing car was left in my memory before everything went dark for me.


    When I opened my eyes, the light outside the unfamiliar wooden window greeted me. I got up but immediately went back to lying down because of the pain in my head. I closed my eyes and remembered everything that happened. The fear and rebellion that I felt one by one all came back to me.


    I gathered my strength and got up from the floor. I looked around the room. The ce is decent enough. It even looks more like a housepared to the hut we left behind in Cerro Roca.


    Wait, where am I?


    I quickly left the room only to be shocked by what I saw. It was a forest. I am in a forest! Towering mango and coconut trees surround the small yard. I can¡¯t see a single house. Only the house I was in stood on the vastnd.


    I opened the door and went out. I ran outside in case I could ask someone for help, but before I could get far, a voice called out to me, stopping my feet from moving.


    ¡°Karina! Where are you going!?¡±


    My eyes widened as I turned to the source of the voice. Diego was standing in the doorway with adle in his hand. I immediately burst into tears and rushed to hug him. Sobbing, I touched his face. I wondered why he was still smiling at me when our current situation was nothing to be happy about.


    ¡°Why are you here? Where are we? Dad? Where is dad?¡± I asked my brother one after the other.


    ¡°We are here in Sta. Barbara. Last night, some men picked us up and brought us here. They said they were your friends.  Do you have friends who are helpful? I was surprised at first because you never called us to notify us,¡± he exined.


    I was silent. I know Ymir¡¯s men are responsible for this.


    ¡°How about dad? Where is dad, Diego? Are you with him inside? Is father inside, Diego?¡±


    I pulled his hand so that the two of us could go back inside.


    ¡°Dad? Have you forgotten? Your friends took him to the hospitalst night so they could treat him. Dad is getting worse. At one point, I thought he wouldn¡¯t move anymore. It¡¯s a good thing that you have good friends. They promised that they would help dad. They told me that you did something good for their boss so they said they were just paying off a debt. What did you do that they were going to treat dad and then gave him more house andnd here in Sta. Barbara?¡±


    Diego said a lot more but the only thing that stuck in my mind was the fact that they kidnapped my father to force me to follow him. I felt the same depression I feltst night. Strength escaped me and I sat down on the floor just staring into nothingness.


    Why are the trials in my life one after another? Lord, why does it seem like every day, something bitter happens in my life? Can¡¯t you just give me a break? Since my childhood, my life has always been like this. It¡¯s always hard. Always suffering. I thought that at least for a moment I would be happy with Cholo¡¯s arrival in my life. I¡¯m not saying that I wasn¡¯t happy with my father and brother. It was only with them that I experienced being taken care of and made to feel like you had someone to hold on to when I was with Cholo. For the first time in my neen years of living on earth, I dreamed higher than I thought I could reach.


    But now¡­ I know there¡¯s no point in dreaming anymore.


    ¡°Karina, why are you crying? Is something hurting you? Karina, why?¡±


    I looked up at my brother¡¯s worried face. Diego, how can I tell you everything without hurting you like I am now?


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I shook my head and wiped away the tears. I tried to give my brother a smile. ¡°My sister is happy because I saw you again. We haven¡¯t seen each other for a long time. Go ahead. Continue cooking. I¡¯ll just call my friends to say hello to dad, okay?¡±


    He nodded at me, confusion still in its eyes.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll just finish cooking so we can eat together.¡± He stood up and headed for the door to the backyard, which I guess was where he was cooking.


    When he left, I let my tears fall again. I hope¡­ I hope it will be thest because I might not be able to take it anymore.


    This is my dumb wish that was not granted by fate because in the next few days, the storms will continue toe that willpletely change me.

 Chapter 27 Reminiscing

    After what happened to me, I have never been at peace. The pain, the torture I have to go through kept my days lonely and my nights sleepless. I was writhing for something to satisfy my deep yearning for sweet rebuttal.


    They said revenge is not ours, it¡¯s God¡¯s, but I¡¯m just a human with frailties. I cannot for all that happened to me let this go easily. I wanted to get even and being evil is all I needed to be.


    I needed to be like this.


    I needed to be a wicked Mrs. Gastrell.


    For all the shits I have experienced, for all the gunks I have tasted, there¡¯s only one way to pay this forward. Cholo is the way and the only way.


    But¡­ the enfeeblement in me is growing as I look upon my husband who¡¯s staring at something in his palms. His eyes were dark as he stared at his open palm. The look on his face reminded me of the past Cholo I loved. Those grey tantalizing eyes which soften every time he looks at someone he cherishes, the very same eyes who had looked at me with adoration and resentment simultaneously.


    ¡°Are you hungry? Do you have anything in particr you want to eat for breakfast?¡± I asked while going down the stairs.


    I adjusted the strap of tlmy ck long duster dress. I saw him quickly blushing and hiding whatever he was staring at before following me to the kitchen.


    ¡°Just anything you usually cook,¡± he replied, which made me stop for a moment from opening the refrigerator.


    The wind seems to be blowing differently today. I turned to him who was just behind me watching my actions.


    ¡°Really? You¡¯ll eat anything that I¡¯ll cook for you?¡± I asked him in disbelief.


    He stopped as if he realized something and then shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°Why not? It¡¯s about time I taste my wife¡¯s cooking. You¡¯ve been nagging me to taste.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You really need to know how magnificent I am when ites to cooking after you tasted me. I wanted to be your dessert but I guess I¡¯m your appetizer now.¡±


    I winked at him then went back to searching the fridge for something to cook. I felt hime near my back and volunteered silently to hold the doors for me. I knelt down a bit to open the veggiespartment.


    ¡°Hmmm, but I still prefer your taste, my personal favorite.¡± I grinned.


    ¡°Ew, Cholo Gastrell. You obviouslyck practice when ites to ttering a woman. Is that all you¡¯ve got? Where are your years of training? I still remember how women here all praise you. They could kiss the ground you walk on for you.¡±


    I grabbed some vegetables and fruits from the rack and stood up. Cholo closed the fridge and followed me to the table.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯ve cancelled my membership in the club. It got to the point of being boring. Besides, someone will get angry.¡±


    I stopped for a bit. Yeah, of course. Elizabeth will get angry at him. Bute to think of it. Even when they¡¯re together, Cholo is still seen in the premises of La Vida Club which means he has never been loyal to the woman.


    ¡°I won¡¯t mind knowing it now. You have needs. I just wished you have been so careful. I don¡¯t want to be a stepmom at this point.¡±


    I heard himughing behind me before he sat down on the chair and looked at me cutting the vegetables. I tried so hard not to get conscious but his mere presence is really making it hard for me to ignore him.


    ¡°Stop staring at me as if¡­¡± I froze when I realized that I was about to say it.


    ¡°As if what?¡± he teased me.


    I put the knife down on the edge of the chopping board and met my husband¡¯s mischievous eyes.


    ¡°As if we¡¯re back to those times eight years ago. As if it¡¯s that time again when I thought you really cared for me, Cholo. Just a question, have you felt something for me back then even just a little?¡±


    We were surprised by what I said. I almost tweaked myself because I slipped. I shouldn¡¯t have said it. I shouldn¡¯t have let it through my mouth. It must just stay in my brain. I sneered and looked away from the man.


    ¡°Nevermind. Don¡¯t answer it. What a waste of a question.¡±


    ¡°I did. I did feel something for you back then, Karina,¡± he answered in a sure voice. I caught my breath and smiled sarcastically.


    ¡°Is it aboutst night? You¡¯re saying that now because you are guilty. Well Cholo, I don¡¯t want any of your unsolicited pity. I want you back for real because you love me, not because you feel pity for me.¡±


    ¡°You asked. I just answered. It¡¯s not my problem anymore if you don¡¯t want to believe me but I tell you, it¡¯s the truth. Pity? You¡¯re not someone I should pity, wife. Now it¡¯s my turn to ask.¡±


    I took the knife again and continued cutting.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said.


    ¡°Have you loved me eight years ago, Karina? Have you felt anything for me back then?¡± he repeated my question.


    I unconsciously dropped the knife again. It hit the ss on the side that  had water in it. It fell over and before we could catch it, the liquid was dripping onto the floor but none of us noticed it.


    ¡°Would Ie back here if I had not loved you? Who is the crazy person who will return to this town that reminds her of all the bitterness she experienced if the person she will return to is not important to her? Cholo, even though we only had spent a number of weeks together, I swear I¡¯ve loved you, I love you so much. It might sound farce to you but believe me when I say that I had never forgotten about you in all those years.¡±


    I wanted to add something more to what I was going to say but I didn¡¯t continue. My mistake earlier is already enough. He did not answer. He just stared at me with nk eyes.


    This is the most difficult part of me when ites to him. I can¡¯t read his expression especially when he looks at me this way.


    Even before, I was always guessing what his looks meant, the simple way he held my hand, and expressions that I couldn¡¯t name. From then until now, I¡¯m still groping in the dark on how to read a Cholo Gastrell.


    ¡°Then let me check it out if you¡¯re really telling the truth.¡±


    He pulled me closer and without saying anything, he raised my chin to meet his lips. I was shocked by the speed of his action but I just let it go. I closed my eyes and opened my mouth for him. I didn¡¯t respond at first. I just let him explore my mouth which is trying to get familiar with his tongue.


    I don¡¯t know why he¡¯s doing it or what he meant by what he said but if it is what it takes to have his trust and love again then he could have all of my lips.


    My hands went up to his shoulder while his hand went down to my butt and cupped it. His kiss became deeper but the gentleness is still there. I almost chased his mouth when we pulled away. I¡¯ve longed for this moment to happen-him reminiscing our past together even if it¡¯s just through a kiss.


    ¡°So? How did it go? Did you confirm it?¡± I asked in a breathless voice, our bodies still pressed together and my hands still on his shoulders.


    Our eyes are on each other, delivering messages our tongues are too afraid to utter.


    ¡°It says errors ahead. I¡¯ll have to take another one just to make sure if I was right,¡± he whispered.


    I didn¡¯t hesitate anymore. With a grin on my face, I pulled his neck so that our lips met again. The kiss is still soft and soothing with a little bit of biting and sucking.


    ¡°What now? Did you finally able to get it clearly or do we have to kiss for another round until we ran out of breath? What do you think of it? Because I¡¯m okay to kiss you forever until your lips bleed,¡± I said as my hand traveled to his firm chest.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wife, don¡¯t be impatient. We have all day for that.¡±


    He let go of me and turned to go to the fridge and get some cold water. I grinned. The fool is such a liar. He was obviously turned on earlier. I felt him on my stomach. It¡¯s up to him if he wants to keep it to his groin. I¡¯m not the one who will have blue balls.


    ¡°Hey, hub. I learned you¡¯re on leave. You need to do something for the time being? Can I help with something? Just tell me. I do nothing all day other than to be your confidante.¡±


    He closed the fridge and returned to the chair to watch me cut the fruits again. I intend to make another smoothie.


    ¡°I need to iron out some ns for the oil exploration we will be conducting off the coast of Monte Vega. I need to leave my post in the shipyard for this. It¡¯s my pet project together with the Asturias,¡± he said casually.


    ¡°Monte Vega? With the Asturias again? I hope it would just be strictly about business, Cholo. I¡¯m a jealous type of woman especially when I¡¯m not that secure with our rtionship. Please no Elizabeth again this time ¡¯cause I can¡¯t promise to be nice to her. I¡¯m tired. My patience with her has run out. You might love her but it¡¯s me who¡¯s with you and I¡¯m your wife. Need I say more?¡±


    He just sighed before standing up to caress my ear.


    ¡°What should I do to help you? I might get myself a weapon in case you might think it¡¯s fun to wield your knife at me. Come on.¡±


    I want to roll my eyes at him because of his obvious avoidance of the topic. He could have nodded or said yes but he chose to dodge the question aside which hurt my ego. I get it. He loves the girl very much and I¡¯m just a nuisance in his life now. Sooner orter, I will leave too.


    ¡°Just wipe the table and the floor. Or you can call the helpers if you want to,¡± I pointed at the wet parts because of the spilled water.


    ¡°That¡¯s it? Easy.¡±


    He turned to get a towel to dry the table but I stopped him again.


    ¡°Cholo.¡±


    He turned to me with questioning eyes.


    ¡°Yes? Any more requests, madam?¡± he said jokingly.


    I shook my head. ¡°Nothing. Just answer my question.¡±


    I paused for a while before I answered his questioning eyes.


    ¡°So what did you get from the kiss? A confirmation or a refutation?¡±


    Without breaking his gaze, he returned to my side and raised his hand to caress my mouth.


    ¡°Your lips still taste the same. I never realized I missed them untilst night and now,¡± he said in a looking back tone.


    ¡°But?¡± I whispered sensing that there are still words he purposely left unsaid.


    His finger rose and caressed the corner of my eye.


    ¡°Your eyes and smile. They have be strangers to your familiar face.¡±


    I felt like someone poured freezing water on me when he said it. It¡¯s like he is saying that I¡¯m no longer the old Karina that he liked at first.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pray for the day when your smile will reach your eyes again. I just found out that that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been looking for so long to see in you. Until then, I¡¯ll be by your side, Karina.¡±


    Cholo had left a while ago to get a map, but I¡¯m still in the same spot he left me.  I touched the eyes and mouth that he had previously held.


    I¡¯m right. Cholo is only doing all this because he witnessed my weaknessst night. I mean, who is the sane person who would change their behavior with the person they hate overnight unless something unexpected happened?


    ¡°Your eyes and smile. They have be strangers to your familiar face.¡±


    I smiled bitterly. Any other person who experiences what I experienced will change. Sometimes¡­ I don¡¯t even know myself anymore. I feel like a dead person moving just because of bitterness and anger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pray for the day when your smile will reach your eyes again. I just found out that that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been looking for so long to see in you. Until then, I¡¯ll be by your side, Karina.¡±


    I hope so, Cholo. I hope you will keep the promise you made before.

 Chapter 28 Dead ears

    shback


    For several weeks, we were like animals locked inside a big cage. We couldn¡¯t get out of the vastnd because Ymir¡¯s armed men were standing guard around it. When I once tried to sneak out to find help, a man pointed his gun at me. Pale and trembling, I could do nothing but return home. Luckily, there was food stored inside. We won¡¯t be hungry for the next few days.


    But what worries me the most is my father¡¯s condition. I have no news of what has happened to him, where he is, and if he is eating well.


    I miss my father so much. I haven¡¯t seen him for two months since I returned to Cerro Roca.


    I¡¯m going crazy wondering what happened to him. No matter how I begged the guards, they refused to let me talk to Ymir. No matter how many times I knelt down, cried, and begged them, they still won¡¯t let me. Maybe they have be deaf and dumb to my cries so it seems like they don¡¯t care if I shed blood.


    But this morning was different from the past few days. I woke up from the nightmare. I was digging in the ground for my father¡¯s burial.


    With tears in my eyes, I got up and drink water to soothe my aching chest. It¡¯s like my dream really came true. I can still smell the dark soil.


    ¡°Karina, calm down. It was just a dream. It was just a dream. Dad is alive. Dad is alive,¡± I told myself to calm my pounding chest.


    When I was still not at peace, I left the house and squatted on the stairs. The sun is just rising in the east.


    I remembered the times when I was still with my father. I regret why I even agreed to leave that day. I wish Diego and I would still have our father with us.


    ¡°Dad, I hope you¡¯re okay there. I hope they¡¯re taking good care of you. I hope you¡¯re eating well.¡±


    I was startled when one of the guards approached me. He came to me with the cellphone in his hand.


    ¡°Answer it,¡± he ordered.


    I epted the cellphone. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Is this Karina Versoza?¡± asked the female voice on the other line.


    I looked at the man for a moment then nodded weakly. ¡°Yes, I am. Why? Who is this?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you have to take the body of your father, Carlito Versoza. You don¡¯t have to worry about the bills anymore. Everything has been paid courtesy of the Asturia Foundation.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Body? Whose body?¡± No one seemed to hear my question.


    The woman took a deep breath before answering. ¡°Your father passed awayst night, ma¡¯am. The Asturia Foundation is responsible for the expenses because you are one of their beneficiaries. A plot ofnd has also been purchased for your father¡¯s burial. If you have any questions- ¡±


    I didn¡¯t finish what the woman said next. I let go of the cell phone at the same time when I fell to the ground.


    Dad is dead? My father is dead? But why? He was still very much alive when west saw him. He was even smiling while watching his favorite TV show when I said goodbye to him. He even told me to be careful which he tells me every day before I leave to sell.


    My father is alive so why is the woman on the cell phone saying he is dead? Why would she ask me to get the body? What is thend for if my father is dead? What about the hospital that Ymir brought him to? Didn¡¯t they treat him?


    ¡°Get dressed. Boss ordered me to take you to the hospital. Your father has been embalmed,¡± the man¡¯s cold voice urged me.


    I looked up at him then stood up and shook the dirt out of my butt.


    ¡°What embalming are you talking about? Dad is not dead. He is alive. Ymir is fooling me again. Isn¡¯t it enough for him to lock us up and watch over us here? Didn¡¯t his parents teach him good manners? It¡¯s rude to joke about an old man¡¯s life. Just a moment and I¡¯ll fix it. I¡¯ll go with you to get dad. I¡¯ll bring him home so I can take better care of him.¡±


    I calmly returned home and got dressed. I just left a note to Diego to say that I just went shopping. I was still positive when we were in the car. There are negative things that are trying to enter my mind but I don¡¯t let them. Dad is alive and in a few minutes I will be able to hug him again. Even when we got to the fancy hospital, I tried not to be nervous. But when we entered the hallway where almost all the people we passed were crying and squatting on the floor, that¡¯s when Ipletely crumbled. And when I was inside a room with a coffin inside, I was almost in a trance.


    No matter how many times I deny it, no matter how blindingly I do, the truth is right in front of me.


    The casket was open so I could clearly see my dad¡¯s thin face. Traces of the hardships he suffered lined his face. I can¡¯t say that he is peaceful because his mouth is slightly open as if he is waiting for someone. Maybe he is waiting for us, his children.


    I didn¡¯t get close right away. I turned around first and gradually knelt down. My whole body trembled with sadness, grief, and anger.


    Why is my father there? Why not in bed and smiling to greet me? Why is he not breathing anymore? Why is he a corpse?


    He was still excited when I left him. I still remember his smile at me while waving at me and eating a pack of biscuits I bought him. My father is alive in my memory but why is he no longer alive here behind me?


    My first tear fell, followed by the second, third, fourth until I couldn¡¯t count them anymore. I looked up at the man watching over me who just averted his eyes.


    ¡°Hurry up. We have to bury your father ording to the orders of the Asturians.¡±


    The man walked out and left me breathless.


    Why is fate so cruel to me?This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I calmed myself down. Limping, I stood up and with slow steps approached my father¡¯s corpse. I caressed his cold cheek while moaning in pain. With trembling hands, I hugged him for thest time.  The person I owed everything to, the only person who loved me with all his heart, the one who taught me to be a good person is gone now.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡± I whispered and tightened my grip on his ice-like body, my tears continued to fall. ¡°Why did you leave us right away? Why didn¡¯t you fight? Why did you disappear right away? Who will Diego and I bring home? Who will tell me to be caref now? Didn¡¯t I promise you that I¡¯ll buy you a polo shirt because you want to go to church? You always taught us to be strong, to keep fighting but why did you let go first? Dad¡­¡± I shouted loudly.


    ¡°There¡¯s so much I haven¡¯t given to you, to you and Diego. I haven¡¯t even given you a good life. I haven¡¯t even given you a nice polo shirt. I haven¡¯t made anything for you. We didn¡¯t have a nice  house yet.. Diego and I haven¡¯t graduated yet¡­ I¡¯m not even close to what I promised you I would be.¡±


    Some arms pulled me away from my father. I struggled out but my strength was gone. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw two men approach the coffin. My eyes widened as they began to close it.


    ¡°What are you doing? Put it back! Don¡¯t close it! I¡¯m not done talking to my dad! I said, put it back!¡±


    I shouted hysterically but they didn¡¯t listen. They continued to close dad¡¯s coffin to take it out. I turned to the man holding me.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t. Just another five minutes. My brother. He hasn¡¯t seen dad yet. Don¡¯t, please. That¡¯s my dad. That¡¯s my dad. Why are you taking him?¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m really sorry. I was just following an order. The Asturias want  to bury your father at this time, otherwise they will not give you thend in the cemetery for free.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! I can bury my father! You people have no respect at least for the dead. Please¡­¡± I held his hands and knelt down. ¡°Please have mercy. At least let my brother see our father for thest time. You have a father too. How would you feel if this was done to you and denied you the chance to hug your father for thest time? Please, have mercy. Please,¡±


    I continued to convince him. I will do everything to give Diego a time to see dad.


    I thought he would give it to me because I could see that he also felt sorry for me but he just shook his head.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s really not possible. There is also someone watching over us. Come on.¡±


    It was like heaven forbid me at that time too. It¡¯s true that maybe the one above is not by my side right now.


    That¡¯s when I learned that no matter how you plead, even if you shed blood, if you are treated as a lowly insect, there is nothing you can do to break what they want. That¡¯s the truth of life.


    That is the bitter truth in my life that even my father¡¯s death could not change.

 Chapter 29 Maverick

    ¡°Hey are you okay? Karina?¡±


    Cholo¡¯s voice awakened my already traveling spirit. I turned to him who was intently staring at me from his seat. I thought he was still busy with what he was doing earlier on theptop.


    I slowly nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good.¡±


    I looked out of the car. We were passing through woods now.


    ¡°Is it still far away or are we here already?¡± I asked to change the topic.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes. Do you need anything? Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Do you need to pee?¡±


    I shook my head smiling.


    ¡°No. This moment is so precious to let it go. We barely got to be together like this. I might as well talk to you.¡±


    He finally closed theptop and put it away.


    ¡°You want us to talk? Sure. What do you want to know?¡±


    He moved towards me and took my left hand, ced it on his thigh, and yed with the ring on my finger.


    ¡°Anything. You tell me. How about this project you¡¯re so excited about?¡± I said.


    ¡°This project is not really kicking yet. We are still in the first phase. Research, analysis, and on-site examination first although many resource persons have already confirmed that there is indeed oil in the area. I¡¯m so excited for this project because my mom and dad have long dreamed of entering the energy industry,¡± he said in an eager voice.


    ¡°You really cherish your parents,¡± I forcefully said despite the lump in my throat. ¡°It might have been toote for me to say it but I¡¯m sorry for the loss of your dad, Cholo. He¡¯s too young to perish like that.¡±


    He stopped stroking my finger.


    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s been years and I have epted it. You can say that I have moved on from it. It hurts to lose a father especially if you know he still wants to live. Our money didn¡¯t do anything to save my father¡¯s life. The only thing I¡¯m thankful for is that at least we were able to say goodbye to him properly.¡±


    It hurts more to lose a father especially if you don¡¯t know why he died. I didn¡¯t even get to properly say my goodbye to him. My brother didn¡¯t get to say his goodbye to him. At least you have seen him. At least you have told him everything you wanted to say. Me? I was robbed off that privilege.  They robbed me of my rights as my father¡¯s daughter like an animal


    I smiled at him.


    ¡°Good for you. I¡¯m sure your father is happy now wherever he is.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. How¡¯s your family Karina? Are they good? I hope to meet them someday.¡±


    I was caught off guard.. My smile hung in the air when he mentioned my family.


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re good. They¡¯re in the best ce, but it looks like you will never be able to meet them.¡±


    ¡°And why is that?¡±


    I squinted at him.


    ¡°Did you have amnesia? You said it yourself. You¡¯ll annul me after the election. I¡¯m sure my family won¡¯t like to see my ex-husband by then.¡±


    Nginisihan ko siya na nahulog sa mlim na pag-iisip. His grey hooded eyes gleamed in protest.


    ¡°Are you letting me go? I thought you will never let me go in forever? That you will never give me away to Elizabeth?¡±


    He lifted his hands and caressed my ear.


    I smirked and clinched the distance between us.


    ¡°Why? Would you let yourself be swayed? If you¡¯ll be mine, you¡¯ll go crazy when I let you go.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯d be the one to chase you this time. I¡¯ll stalk you, know all the things about you, and make you fall for me again until you have no choice but to be with me,¡± he teased me.


    ¡°Really? Then how about Elizabeth? How about the woman you love? Can you drop her like that? How about your reputation? You know the Asturias. Their most prized heiress is Elizabeth. Can you afford to make an enemy out of them? Hmm?¡±


    He paused for a moment beforeughing. I was shocked by his reaction.


    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± I frowned at him.


    He didn¡¯t reply. He just took off the ring from my finger and yed it on his palm.


    ¡°Wife, you must have forgotten who you¡¯re married to. I¡¯m a Gastrell. My name speaks for myself and what I can do. Do you really think I will cower at them if I decided to call it quits with Elizabeth?¡±


    With a grin on his lips, he slowly put the ring back on my finger.


    ¡°There you go. Just as where you should be,¡± he whispered and kissed my hand.


    A shudder crawled through my body at what he did. A little more smile from him and I might go down on my knees again right here.


    ¡°But you love her,¡± I whispered while carefully anticipating his reaction.


    ¡°But I¡¯m married to you,¡± he answered, sessfully hiding his emotion from me.


    A little bit of frustration crept in me. What is he talking about? Could it be that¡­


    ¡°So if I ask you to marry me again now in the church, would you do it?¡±


    This is where I will know if he is serious about what he is telling me or if he, like me, is making a way for me to fall into a trap.


    ¡°I want a grand wedding, wife, so now cannot be possible. Give me three months and I¡¯ll give you one,¡± he answered without hesitation.


    I let out a sigh and settled back into the seat. Just what the hell of a game you¡¯re ying this time, Cholo? Have you seen through my n? I can¡¯t believe you have a change of heart overnight. It is not that easy to break one¡¯s own feelings. I smiled at him then put our hands together.


    ¡°I love the idea. Let¡¯s get married again in three month¡¯s time.¡±


    He grabbed me by the waist and kissed the side of my head. I leaned on his shoulder.


    Cholo, I can not trust you. What are you nning now?


    A few more minutes passed and the limousine stopped in a port area of Monte Vega.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Cholo announced. He came down first and opened the door for me. I reached for his hand and put on the sunsses.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I pulled back my hair that was being blown by the naughty wind.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    The weather is nice. Not that humid. Just the right amount of sun and wind.


    Two of Cholo¡¯s men are behind us with umbres on us. He extended his arm to me and I immediately understood what he meant. I waved at him before we walked towards a group of people who were on the runway of the port and were looking at us.


    I wasn¡¯t surprised to find Ymir and Elizabeth standing next to each other looking in our direction. The woman clings her brother¡¯s arm. I couldn¡¯t see their reactions because their faces were almost covered by the sses they were wearing. I smiled at them and waved. I felt my husband get stunned for a moment by my side, which he immediately hid. I secretly thought about something. If I could say the right words and do the right actions then I could uncover what he¡¯s been cooking secretly.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr. Gastrell,¡± greeted a tall elderly man as we approached them. Cholo smiled then shook his hand.


    ¡°Good morning, Sec.¡± He put his arm around me possessively and introduced me to hispanions. ¡°This is my wife, Karina. Hun, this is Alfred Benito, the secretary of the Department of Energy.¡±


    The name and position of him immediately shed in my mind. I smiled at him and at myself. This makes sense now. Ah, Cholo. You are easy to read.


    ¡°Good morning, sec. It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡±


    I epted his handshake with a smile. His face was so warm while looking at me.


    ¡°Ms. Karina, I am more honored. I have heard so many things about you,¡± he greeted back.


    ¡°I hope it¡¯s a good thing,¡± I rode him on while pulling back my hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I only heard many good things about you from the Chairman. He loves you like how a doting father loves his own daughter.¡±


    The smile suddenly disappeared from my lips when I heard that. Does this man know the Chairman? Howe? I looked at my husband who was also waiting for my answer.


    ¡°Cholo,¡± Ymir called, interrupting our conversation. ¡°We are having a problem. Can I talk to you for a minute?¡±


    Cholo nced at me. ¡°Stay here for a while.¡±


    I let go of his arms and watched him go with Ymir. I politely said goodbye to the secretary. I moved a little away from the crowd and called Vishen.


    ¡°Ms. Karina,¡± he answered immediately.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me about Sec. Benito. Does he know the Chairman?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Ms. but it was a direct order from the Chairman himself not to tell you.¡±


    ¡°What? So is it okay for me to get blindsighted? Vishen, I didn¡¯te here to y, you know that. Now tell me who this man is? It seems to me that he knows the Chairman.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Karina, this information is beyond my duty to tell you.¡±


    I gasped in annoyance. Seriously. This man is so loyal. I can¡¯t really get anything from him if he ever decides to be the Chairman¡¯s soldier toy.


    ¡°Okay, I get it. It¡¯s alright. Now, did you get any information about the joint venture of Cholo?¡± I pointed to the work I gave him.


    ¡°I have three fourths of the report, Ms. It is not yetplete because of theck of data. As what I¡¯ve gathered, the newpany founded by Mr. Cholo Gastrell and Ymir Asturia is expected to be favored by the government to be rewarded of the project in oil drilling in the area. It¡¯s more than a decade in the making, so all the money and resources of the two ns are in this project. Mr. Demish Viera, who is running for mayor, yed a role in convincing the government,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Can you tell me how big this project is?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a multi-billion dor contract, Ms. Karina.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, that big huh. No wonder they¡¯re so obsessed with it. So what¡¯s the conflict?¡±


    I heard the tter of fallen pots on the floor. I just shook my head. Vishen must have been in his house again experimenting with his never-improving cooking skills.


    ¡°Apparently they are now having a problem with the owner of thend. They don¡¯t want to sell it to the Asturias because of decades of conflict. If it was only for the Gastrells, it would probably have been sold a long time ago,¡± he answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure if it¡¯s the government we¡¯re talking about here then they could easily get the property. What¡¯s the bigger deal here?¡±


    ¡°Thisnd is not included in the area that can be drilled for oil. As for the real reason why they wanted it, I don¡¯t know yet.¡±


    My earthly body came to life more than ever. What is there on thend that they  want to get? I looked at Cholo who was talking intently with Ymir. Their discussion seems to be heated. Cholo looks frustrated while Ymir removed the shades from his eyes so I could clearly see his reddened face.


    ¡°I know you won¡¯t disappoint me, Vishen. I need the full report as soon as possible. And oh, before I forget, connect me to the owner of the lot. I want to talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Right away, Ms. Karina.¡±


    ¡°And wait I have some-¡±


    I stopped talking when someone caught my attention. A ten-car procession stopped meters from me and out came the man I never thought I would see now. My mouth fell open when I saw the maning out from the car.


    What is this? A joke?


    ¡°Vishen, tell me how the hell Maverick Fuentebe is here?¡±


    I sighed. I heard the banging of pots again followed by a female voice.


    ¡°Ms. Karina, that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been wanting to tell you. The investigation we were doing went awry because we had an encounter with Jex.¡±


    I followed how went into the direction of Cholo and knock off his fist to his friend.


    ¡°Why? Is there something I needed to know? I thought it¡¯s already settled?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Karina, I believe you need to rethink your strategy. Maverick Fuentebe epted your  husband¡¯s offer to be the major stockholder of Gastrell Global Conglomerate.¡±


    My jaw dropped when I found out. To say that I¡¯m disappointed is not enough. I¡¯m annoyed and angry. I thought he wouldn¡¯t interfere. Why would hee into my life when I don¡¯t need him?


    ¡°Thank you for the advice Vishen but I will stick to the original n. I¡¯ll call you when I need you again.¡±


    I walked back to my husband who had been looking in my direction. And when he pulled me by his hand into his side, I had no enough reason not to look at Maverick¡¯s way who¡¯s watching at me with the same expression he wears on that day he first found me-pity.

 Chapter 30 Diego

    shback


    ¡°Hey sister, you¡¯re back home. Where¡¯s dad? I cooked his favorite soup. I put a lot of meat in it. I also gave some to your friends outside. Just a moment and I¡¯ll heat the dish on the stove.¡±


    Diego stood up energetically and took the covered te from the table. My gaze followed him until he went out the door.


    How can I tell him that dad is gone? How can I exin to him that we just finished burying our father? They finished in less than thirty minutes. They covered dad with soil and cement on top. His name is even misspelled.


    It¡¯s that easy. They insulted my father so easily.


    Why? Is it because we are poor or because I showed resistance to their wishes? Why do they take lives so easily? Is a person¡¯s life just a speck of dust for them? But why? Yes, they have a lot of money and influence but they are also human beings like me. We breathe the same air, look up to the same sky.


    They are not gods. They are just human like me, like Diego and like dad, but they only treat us like animals. Now, how do I tell my brother what happened? How can I tell him that he will never see dad again? How can I hurt my brother whose only desire in the world is to find a job so that he can help our family.


    I witnessed how people judged and despised him because he was different. He swallowed it all and tried to smile at me, scratching his head while trying to stop me from fighting those who were bullying him.


    Now, I¡¯ll actually be the one to tell him about it. How can I say it to him? I do not know. I do not know. I¡¯m ignorant. I hope it¡¯s easy. I hope it will be just easy but I know it won¡¯t be. It¡¯s a mess. It¡¯s a mess. It¡¯s crazy. It¡¯s making me crazy. I don¡¯t know how to tell my only brother.


    Because I can¡¯t ept that in the blink of an eye, my father is dead, especially when I can¡¯t get a sensible answer as to why he died. They say it¡¯s a heart attack. Someone else at the hospital said that a vein in the head had burst. They all just mix it up. And what¡¯s worse is that I can¡¯t get my father¡¯s death certificate.


    Maybe that¡¯s how life really is. It disappears in an instant, evaporates like a bubble. You never know when. But I know that the Asturians did something to facilitate my father¡¯s death.


    If only everything would have ended there but no¡­ they gave me another problem to tell the death of my father to Diego.


    I just smiled bitterly when I saw the smiling face of Diego when he came in carrying the steaming bowl full of soup. He looks so innocent and happy. It¡¯s a pain that I have to squeeze out that pleasure from him.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I sat on the floor and cried. I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t tell him that dad won¡¯te back to us forever.


    I immediately felt his arms around me.


    ¡°Karina, why? You¡¯re crying again. You¡¯re always like that. I hear you every night in the bedroom. Why? Did dad get worse? But didn¡¯t your friends heal him?¡± he asked innocently.


    He wiped my tears and hugged me. I just cried more. How can I say this without breaking his heart?


    ¡°Karina, stop crying. I¡¯m sad too when you¡¯re like that. We can do it, sister. Dad raised us to be strong so let¡¯s fight, sister. Dad will get better and he¡¯ll be able toe home here with us. We¡¯ll be able to go back to school,¡± he said with full of hope.


    A thousand needles pierced my heart. Can I tell him everything? I¡¯ll just lie and then when I find the right time, I¡¯ll confess everything to Diego.


    I broke free from him and touched his face. Nope. I can¡¯t hide it. He has a right to know. He should know.


    ¡°Diego, he¡¯s gone¡­ dad¡¯s gone.¡±


    My world stopped spinning for a moment as I waited for his reaction.


    ¡°Huh? W-what¡¯s gone? Dad doesn¡¯t have medicine anymore?¡± he still managed to say it but I knew he got what I wanted to convey. His lower lip trembled and his eyes gradually reddened.


    I shook my head, not removing my cold hand from his face.


    ¡°No. He¡¯s gone¡­ Dad¡¯s really gone. He¡¯s dead, Diego. Dad¡¯s dead.¡±


    He angrily pped my hands away from his face and turned away. He began hurting himself while punching the floor. I¡¯m shocked. It is the first time that I saw him this violent.


    ¡°What the hell, sister?! You¡¯re lying again! Dad isn¡¯t dead yet! I won¡¯t believe you because you¡¯re a liar! You said when we moved that I would be able to go back to school but that didn¡¯te true.  You said you have a good job but you just go back to selling on the side of the road. And now you¡¯re going to say that dad¡¯s gone? I¡¯ve talked to him. I¡¯m still talking to him so I won¡¯t believe you! Dad¡¯s alive! He¡¯s alive !¡±


    I tried to get closer to my brother but he just looked at me so hard that I went back to being thrown on the floor.


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t lie, Diego. You know I won¡¯t tell lies especially about dad¡¯s condition. Diego¡­ Dad is really gone. Believe me.¡±


    Our tears continued to fall as we stared at each other sadly.


    ¡°If what you say is true, where is father? I want to see him. Where is father, sister?¡±


    I avoided looking at him. Why is it getting worse and worse?


    ¡°We buried him earlier in the cemetery.¡±


    I averted my eyes again when he looked at me more intently.


    ¡°You said you¡¯re just going shopping?¡± he said in a scolding voice.


    I swallowed the blockage in my throat and crawled closer to him on my knees. With trembling hands, I mustered up the courage to reach for his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Diego that I couldn¡¯t wait for you. I need to bury my father right away. If you want, I can go with you to the cemetery where we buried him but maybe not now because it¡¯s not allowed. The men outside will be angry. I understand you. Do you understand your sister, Diego?¡±


    I didn¡¯t hear any answer from him so I thought he understood me so I was surprised when he suddenly stood up and clenched his fists and yelled at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re bad, sister! Why don¡¯t you want me to see dad? Why have you changed since you came here? I¡¯m going to see dad now whether he¡¯s alive or dead!¡±


    He ran out the door. I didn¡¯t expect what he did so it took a few seconds before I stood up. I also ran in his direction.


    ¡°Diego! Diego don¡¯t! Listen to your sister. Stop right now! Diego!¡±


    My brother was no longer in the yard so I was even more nervous.


    ¡°Diego! Diego!¡± I called for him. I felt something sharp stab my bare foot but I didn¡¯t care about it. The important thing now is to see my brother because he is in a very dangerous situation now.


    How terrible I felt when I got to the end of thend and saw my brother with a gun in his hand and pointing it at the guards. All my strength was gone when I saw that the guns of Ymir¡¯s men were also pointed at him.


    ¡°Diego, put that down, please. Have mercy on your sister. Don¡¯t hurt yourself, please. Come on. Put that down, please.¡±


    I prayed hard that he would follow me because I knew these men wouldn¡¯t think twice to pull the trigger.


    ¡°Karina¡­ They don¡¯t want me to go to dad. I just want to see dad, sister,¡± he cried.


    ¡°Yes, Diego. I¡¯m going to ask them to allow us to visit dad, so go ahead and put it down. Go ahead, Diego. Have mercy on your sister. Put it down,¡± I continued to plead.


    He bowed his head and lowered the gun. I breathed a sigh of relief. I immediately ran between us but I was just surprised when he suddenly put the gun back up.


    A shot rang out as his body hit the ground.


    Everything stopped for me. I can not move. I could hear nothing but the deafening st. And when I found my voice, it was already toote. My brother is already bathing in his own blood.


    ¡°Diego¡­¡± was all I could say. ¡°Diego,¡± I repeated and stepped closer to his body on the ground. ¡°Diego!¡± I shouted.


    I touched his pale face, his bloody chest. I seem to see our father¡¯s face in him.


    ¡°No¡­ No¡­ Diego, wake up. Don¡¯t leave me. Don¡¯t leave your sister. You¡¯re the only one left with me. You¡¯re the only one left, so please don¡¯t. Don¡¯t, please Don¡¯t leave your sister.¡±


    I turned hysterically to the men who were just looking at us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take him to the hospital. Let¡¯s take my brother to the hospital. Come on¡­ Have mercy. Take action, please. Come on. Diego¡­ Diego!¡±


    I shook my motionless brother, hoping he would listen to my pleas.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t. Don¡¯t. You¡¯re all I have, Diego. Don¡¯t¡­¡±


    But like almost all my pleas, none of them came true. Not even one. At the end of the day, I still have to bury myst and remaining family member.

 Chapter 31 Moon and memories

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? The meeting didn¡¯t go well?¡± I woke the quiet Cholo.


    He was standing at the terrace, shirtless, and sipping his wine. His face is hard and so is his grip on the body of the ss.


    He didn¡¯t move until thest of his drink was dried out.


    ¡°Nothing that cannot be resolved.¡±


    Sighing, I walked over to him and took the empty ss from his hand and dropped it on the nearby table. The day I thought to be a bomb turned out to be an uneventful one.


    After Cholo¡¯s brief introduction to Maverick, everyone talked about business. Cholo didn¡¯t seem to doubt our rtionship. I thought my husband would ignore my presence again but I was wrong.


    He never let go of my hand even when we were inside the conference hall owned by the secretary. I would have been beaming in happiness if it were not for Maverick¡¯s presence. I was on my toes for the rest of the time that he¡¯s with us because he is a living reminder of my painful past.


    I felt naked emotionally and vulnerable in his eyes even when I knew that he didn¡¯t mean any of it.


    The whole afternoon my guard was up. I was cranky and moody so when I asked Cholo if I could leave and stay the afternoon at the hotel in Monte Vega, he just nodded and drove me to the ce.


    He didn¡¯t ask any more questions. He left immediately after personally escorting me to our room and leaving me with hugs and kisses.


    He picked me up again for dinner and then went out again for thest-minute meeting. That¡¯s when he came back wearing this dark look all over him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you didn¡¯t want to tell me.¡±


    I hugged him from behind and pressed my face to his back. I sped my palms at the bottom of his chest and jokingly pulled his chest hair. I smelled him while closing my eyes. This felt so nice. If only I could stay trapped in this time forever.


    ¡°Karina,¡± he said in a delicious whisper that I secretly smiled.


    Oh how I love it when he calls me this way.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I slowly crawled my fingers down until I reached the waistband of his sweatpants.


    I heard him sigh. My smile got wider. Oh how I love torturing him both when we¡¯re fighting over words and over the sexual tensions in the air.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lower,¡± he growled and guided my hand into his pants.


    Chuckling, I drew out my hand away and plucked a strand of his chest hair in the process.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± irit nito.


    I blurted out into augh.


    ¡°You deserve it. Pervert!¡± I let go of him and walked towards the bed.


    ¡°Hey, they¡¯ve done nothing to you. That¡¯s not fair.¡±


    I justughed again andy down on the bed. He followed and lied on top of me. He snuggled his face on my neck while I brushed his hair using my fingers. His right hand is immediately on my ear. I sighed.


    How did we get here? At first he¡¯s like a dragon breathing fire on me but now he¡¯s like a gentlemb in my arms. Thanks to that night, I might have him under my leash but the doubtful Karina in me is not buying it. I can sense that there¡¯s more to it than Cholo is trying to show me.


    But whatever that is, I can save that up forter use. The important thing is now that I have all his attention.


    ¡°Did your friend know about our past?¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about Maverick? Yeah, he knows you,¡± Cholo answered without hesitation.


    ¡°Oh really? As in everything? So that¡¯s why he looks at you like that.¡±


    He raised his face to me and removed the strand of hair that covered his eyes. His grey eyes gleamed under the subtle light.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°The way he looks at you as if he knows that you¡¯ve been crazy about me all this time.¡±


    I grinned at him and yed with his fallen hair.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s the opposite. He must have seen how you¡¯re so crazy about me.¡± He leaned and gave me a kiss on my lips.


    ¡°That I wouldn¡¯t be embarrassed to admit. You¡¯re so worthy to be so crazy about, Cholo.¡±


    He smiled at me and caressed my face. His eyes traveled down to my lips and back into my eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t talk about you to my friends.  You¡¯re my pretty little secret I wanted to keep forever. I am greedy for information when ites to you. But I didn¡¯t know that every time I get drunk, you are always the one I talked about to them. That¡¯s how they knew you.¡±


    He looked down on my lips again and smiled.


    ¡°The memory of your lips kept me awake at night for years, Karina. I kept looking for your presence everywhere I went. Your scent, your sweet smile, and your face haunted me all these years. You¡¯re imprinted all over me. I can¡¯t sleep because I wanted to feel your heat, your scene. I want to touch you. I despised myself for not being enough for you, that you still chose to run away from me. But now that you¡¯re here in my arms again, I will prove to you that I am enough for you. I am your first man and I will be yourst man.¡±


    After saying that, he pressed me with a kiss. It was soft and tender just like how he used to kiss me back then. I surrendered and met his tongue with mine. They danced in a wet sound only they could make.


    His lips went down to my neck and trailed kisses on my shoulder. I bit my lips as I continued to hold onto his hair.


    ¡°This is just unnecessary,¡± he murmured while tearing mycey nightwear.


    He didn¡¯t waste time when my breasts were already in view. He held the other one in between his thumb and point finger while hetched on the other peak.


    I wrapped my legs around his waist and rubbed myself on his bulge. He traced the contour of the side of my body until he reached the string of my panty.


    That¡¯s when my senses woke up. Before he could dipped his finger inside me, I shoved him away forcefully and sat on the bed, my hair in a frenzy and my hands on my boobs to cover them. Cholo was gaping at the edge of the bed who almost fell.


    ¡°Wha- what was that for?¡± he asked after sitting down properly.


    I shook my head and smiled at him sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I have to cut short your trip to heaven but I¡¯m not in the mood for this.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, wife. I¡¯ll do more forey.¡±


    He came towards me and pulled me by the hand, which I immediately pushed away because I might be seduced by him.


    ¡°No, no. What I mean is I can¡¯t do it for now. I have my period.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± he nodded.


    ¡°Yeah so if we continue doing it then that would be messy.¡±


    He smiled reassuringly at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Karina. I understand and I respect you.¡±


    He stood up and disappeared for a moment. He came back with a t-shirt. He put it on me, hugged me andid on the bed. I was on top of him and it¡¯s my turn to bury my face on his neck while his hand went immediately to my ear and yed at it.


    ¡°You¡¯re still hard. I can handjob you,¡± I offered him but he just patted my back.


    He groaned and kissed the top of my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re making it harder for me, wife. Just sleep. Or do you want me to make you cum? I read that it eases your menstruation cramps.¡±


    I stormed out to look at his serious face.


    ¡°You read about what?¡± I asked with a raised brow.


    He giggled and spank my butt softly.


    ¡°I just read it out of boredom. It¡¯s thest piece of unread article in my newspaper and the event I¡¯m invited to is still not starting so I have no choice but to read the entirety of it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of your cell phone? You could y games or watch videos or go read about stock market.¡±


    He shook his head and justughed.


    ¡°Now this is how you are when your hormones are messed up. That¡¯s why you¡¯re so moody earlier and always in for the fight every day. Does it hurt? Wait, I¡¯ll just call for the hotel to send us some hotpress.¡±


    Heid me down gently and got up for the telephone. I just smiled as I stared at him. He looked at me and then asked.


    ¡°Do you want anything? Food? Drinks?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°I just want a cuddle,¡± I said with a lip-bite.


    ¡°Oh man,¡± I heard him say before immediately returning to talking on the phone. When the hotpress arrived, he himself applied and held it for me. He was behind me. I wasying on his one arm while he¡¯s holding thepress in ce for me.


    ¡°Better?¡± he asked after a couple of minutes.


    ¡°Yeah but the temperature here is ufortable. Can you please adjust the aircon?¡± I requested.


    ¡°Sure. Please hold this. You¡¯re used to the cold now. I still remember how you trembled in the cold back then.¡±


    He stood up and followed what I said. I smiled at the memory. Could it be that he really did not forget about me?


    But how could he have done that? How could he ignore me like he has never seen me?


    ¡°Let me.¡±


    He snatched thepress from me again when he returned to the bed after pulling me from behind. His hand snuck on my ear again and began stroking it.


    ¡°You know I could get used to this feeling, Karina. I could get used to everything about you again. It was heartbreaking for me when you left so I could not afford another one. That might not be so masculine to say but it¡¯s the truth there. You might be my habit again and I will not dare break another one again. It¡¯s leaving me useless.¡±


    My eyes were beginning to tear so I didn¡¯t answer. I let the silence fill the void because what else can I say? Yes, he was heartbroken then what about me? Was I shattered? Or was I just simply dead inside?


    I can¡¯t feel for years trying to find the will to forgive. I can¡¯t smile genuinely because there¡¯s nothing real to me. I was drained inside and too thirsty for people who will nevere back to life.


    In short, my heart was more than broken. It was not whole because the people I missed each took a piece of it. They cannote back to return it so I¡¯ll forever live this life iplete.


    So for now, I¡¯ll just choose to close my eyes and drift to sleep.


    When I woke up, we were already in different positions. I was hugging Cholo already while his legs were on top of mine. I slowly removed it and stood up. It¡¯s still two a. m. ording to the digital clock on the bedside table.


    I opened the door to the terrace and went out. The wind immediately blew and my hair flew. I held on to the railings and looked at the view of Monte Vega. Life here is slower whenpared to Cerro Roca. It used to be ahead when it came to property development but now it seems to begging behind.


    Sighing, my hand searched for my ne. I took off the pendant and opened the locket. I smiled when their lovely smiles greeted my gloomy night.


    ¡°I missed you all. I missed you all every day of this fucking existence.¡±


    I kissed the picture and closed my eyes. My tears started to fall. When would I get to see you all? When would I get to see you all?


    It¡¯s still very hard for me to move on until now as if everything happened just yesterday. My nights are still lonely and my days are still sad because you were never by my side anymore.


    I looked at the sky and saw nothing but darkness. There is no moon tonight. There are no stars either. It even seems like it¡¯s going to rain. Ah, the Universe must be sympathizing with me. It¡¯s good because they didn¡¯t listen to my prayers many times.


    Are you angry because I became like this? I¡¯m sorry because I¡¯ve already started. I don¡¯t have time to turn back. It¡¯s toote to turn my back now. I¡¯m already on fire so I¡¯m going to go all out until I¡¯m consumed.


    My eyes feel like crying again so I decided to go back inside the room. When I turned to enter, I saw  movement of a creature to the side.


    I was stunned when Ymir¡¯s eyes met. He was on the terrace on the other side of the room. He¡¯s still wearing his clothes from the meeting and was holding a bottle of liquor.


    Everything came rushing back on me. Everything he did to my family suddenly shed through my mind. All my suffering because of him suddenly came back like a raging storm. Tears welled up in my eyes when I remembered what happened to my entire family at the hands of his family.


    How could a cruel guy like you exist, Ymir? How could your entire family do that to innocent people?


    I saw him get taken aback with my tears. His jaws clenched as he drank from the bottle. I saw for a splice of a second how pity and something else crossed his eyes.


    I don¡¯t want your pity, Ymir. I want your blood and I¡¯m getting closer to draining every drop of it from your body.


    I wiped the tears from my face with my  hand and then gave him a middle finger. I left him with a grin before going inside and closing the door. I¡¯m closer to my goals and I¡¯ll get satisfaction after this. It¡¯sing soon. Just a little flirting, Karina.

 Chapter 32 Ignored

    shback


    I want to follow them because there is no point in living anymore. I did everything, I worked hard for them so now that they are no longer in this world, there is no reason to continue my suffering.


    Because why would I still fight if I have no reason anymore? My father and brother are dead. What¡¯s the point of living if they¡¯re not by my side?


    Maybe others will say that I should live for myself, but what if I want to give up? All my life, family has been the center of my life. They have been life for me.


    I don¡¯t want to continue anymore. I don¡¯t want to wait for morning. I miss them both so much. I want to see them again. I want to hug them again and apologize because if I didn¡¯t let my heart fall on Cholo, they wouldn¡¯t be dead today. I made a fool of myself and daydreamed of something impossible.


    I thought I could hold on to Cholo¡¯s words that he can take care of me, that he will protect me but where is he now? Didn¡¯t he even wonder why I was missing? Didn¡¯t he even look for me? Am I really worthless to him?


    The rain poured down on Diego and dad¡¯s gravestones. My tears fell, but I did not move from sitting on the ground. I just stared nkly at nothing. I can¡¯t feel the cold. I feel nothing inside but emptiness. My whole body is numb. It¡¯s like I be a key doll with a drained battery.


    I looked up at the dark sky and raised my palm to catch the raindrops. Why is this my fate? What did I do in my previous life to experience this situation? I was kind. I didn¡¯t hold any grudge against my mother even though she abandoned me then. I never onceined when I couldn¡¯t go to even one Christmas party because I didn¡¯t have any food to contribute. I was not selfish to my neighbor.


    The only thing I asked for was to serve father and Diego, to give them the life I dreamed for all of us. They are my joy so taking them from me is like killing me.


    I stood up bitterly. I smiled and wiped away the tears.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Diego, dad. I¡¯ll follow you. I won¡¯t leave you two alone there. I-I¡¯m on my way. Wait for me.¡±


    I turned around sluggishly and pulled myself up to walk. I hug my wet body, my stomach has been grumbling for a while but I don¡¯t feel hungry. I¡¯m tired, yes, but I know that neither sleep nor rest can make it go away.


    My tears fell again when I remembered my whole family that suddenly disappeared in just one day. Sobbing, I fell to my knees and buried my face in the grass.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡­ I can¡¯t do it anymore¡­ That¡¯s right, please¡­ I¡¯m weak. I can¡¯t do this¡­ I hope you just give it to someone else because I really can¡¯t do it anymore. I¡¯m weak.. . I¡¯m so weak.¡±


    Suddenly, the violent downpour didn¡¯t wet me anymore. I looked up and the first thing I saw was ck. There was someone at my feet with an umbre. I blinked my tear-filled eyes to see his face, but the second I blinked, the surroundings seemed to dance. I held my chest and shook my head as everything went dark for me.


    I realized that someone was supporting me before I passed out.


    Cholo¡­ Thank you foring for me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    When I opened my eyes, it was morning and I was in an unfamiliar room. I sat on the bed and looked around nkly.


    My tears flowed silently as I remembered everything again. Why did I wake up? I hope I don¡¯t wake up because I don¡¯t want to live anymore. I don¡¯t want to anymore¡­ I¡¯m fed up.


    The door opened and an elderly woman entered.


    ¡°It¡¯s good and you¡¯re awake. Oh, from now on, take better care of yourself. You¡¯re pregnant. Your pulse beating is very fast. Our neighbor¡¯s midwife confirmed it. She was the one who looked at you after you passed out. . Where is your husband or family, any mother? Why do they leave you alone on the road? What is your name?¡±


    I hesitated when I said that there wasn¡¯t a single person left with me, but what I heard earlier caught my full attention. I¡¯m pregnant? Cholo and I will have a child? In that case, I would have killed both of us if I had followed through with myst night¡¯s n.


    I froze at the thought. I held my t stomach. Nope. I still have a reason to live. God gave me a reason to live.


    I was ready to take my own life but the sun came into my life.


    This is it. Cholo and I will be having a child.


    After thanking the woman, I returned home to Sta. Barbara and immediately packed. I will return to Cerro Roca. I will return to Cholo. There was nothing to stop me anymore because Ymir¡¯s men left the house after they took my brother to the funeral home. I don¡¯t know why and I have no intention of finding out.


    Even though I had no appetite, I forced myself to eat so that I would have energy for the long trip.


    On the way, I took a short nap only to wake up crying because I dreamed about my family again. I rubbed my stomach and promised myself that I would do everything to protect the child, something I had failed to do with my family.


    When I got off the terminal, I wasted no time. I immediately went to Cholo¡¯s house where I used to stay. There was no one there, so I went straight to the Gastrells¡¯ mansion. I even had to leave my only ID with the subdivision guard just for him to let me in.


    I waited on the other side of the road to wait for him. Cholo should be the one I should talk to directly. He needed to know my condition immediately before Ymir came between us again.


    I took out my water and sat in the shade of a tree opposite an abandoned house. Its wooden fence is rotting and some windows are broken.


    I waited for a few hours for the possible sign that Cholo was inside. Seconds turned to minutes that turned to hours. It was hard for me because I was getting weak but I walked to the guardhouse again to ask but I didn¡¯t get an answer again so I just went back to my old ce and ate the remaining crackers I brought.


    Nope. I will not give up. I will see Cholo and talk to him. Even if I wait a few hours here, it¡¯s fine for the sake of our child. He is my only hope. I will stick with him no matter what happens.


    A few hours passed and I didn¡¯t realize that I had fallen asleep leaning against the tree. It¡¯s noon but luckily it¡¯s windy so it¡¯s not too hot.


    I heard the hum of an approaching car so I immediately stood up and peeked at it. I was a little nervous because I might not have realized whether Cholo hade home or left while I was sleeping.


    My heart seemed to stop beating when the car stopped in front of the mansion. The door opened and Cholo came out wearing a suit. I cried with so much happiness. Thank you for hearing my prayers.


    I picked up the bag that was on the ground and slung it over my shoulder. I was about to cross the road when I saw Elizabethe down and reach for Cholo¡¯s hand.


    She kissed Cholo in his lips to which he responded by reaching for Elizabeth¡¯s waist. It felt like being punched in the stomach by what I witnessed. I let go of the bag I was holding and just stared at the couple who entered the house hand in hand.


    Am I toote? Is it them again? But did they really break up or was it just me who got in the way of the two of them?


    How about our child, Cholo? Will we continue to beg for love from you? How about us? What about us?


    I shook my head at the thought. Bullshit. We have never been anything. He paid for my body as well as my pretending to be his wife. I am paid for my service. He bought my time, so I¡¯m a fool if I¡¯m still under the illusion that we both have somewhere to go.


    Since then, Elizabeth has owned him. She is his only love and will continue to be his love while I am only a memory in the cold nights.


    I wiped the tears that I didn¡¯t realize were already flowing and then crossed the road. I didn¡¯t go for Cholo¡¯s love. I went for our child. That¡¯s it. My child¡¯s future is more important than my personal happiness.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, who are they looking for?¡± asked the security guard who came out of the gate.


    I swallowed before answering. ¡°Is Cholo in? I would like to talk to him. It¡¯s very important. Please tell him it¡¯s Karina Versoza.¡±


    The man nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll let you know. You stay here first.¡±


    I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that. With hope in my chest, I waited at the side until the guard returned.


    ¡°Miss, I¡¯m sorry but Sir Cholo refused to talk to you. He also ordered us to escort you out.¡±


    ¡°Who? W-why? Please have mercy on me. Please call him again. Please tell him it¡¯s really an emergency. I really need to see him right now,¡± I begged. I was confused why he was pushing me away. What did I do for him to treat me like this? Shouldn¡¯t he be wondering where I¡¯ve been these past few weeks?


    ¡°Miss, I¡¯m really sorry, but I¡¯m just doing my job. Leave now or I¡¯ll be forced to call for back-up.¡±


    Someone honked behind the gate so I had to step aside to open the gate and let the car out. My eyes rolled inside. This is the perfect opportunity for me to get inside. I¡¯m desperate. I will do everything to talk to Cholo.


    I waited for the car toe out and started running inside. But I didn¡¯t do any of my ns because of the man in the car. I froze in ce as Cholo and I locked eyes for a few seconds. He¡¯s wearing headphones and ck sses. I even saw how he leaned his head to the side before he waspletely covered by the rising car window.


    For a few seconds I stared at the ce where the car was earlier. What¡¯s the matter? Why didn¡¯t hee out? Why doesn¡¯t he seem to see me? Why is he acting like he didn¡¯t see me?


    I picked up the bag with my shoulders slumped and walked away in shame. In my mind, the scene reyed where I watched him ignore me earlier.


    I held my stomach and smiled bitterly. We are really the only allies left in this world, my child. Only you and I will be together from now on. I will live for you. I will fulfill the dreams I promised Diego and dad for you.


    I¡¯m sorry my child but it looks like you¡¯re going to be like me again, a child whose family is notplete. I¡¯m really sorry.


    Let it go and one day you will see your father too but not now yet. Mom will heal the wounds first. Mom will be strong for you first. For you.


    That day, I experienced again how to fail and get hurt over and over again. On countless asions, I have experienced losing and being abandoned by people I loved dearly.


    And every time that happens, my heart breaks several times that the only thing I want is for someone to stay by my side to love me.

 Chapter 33 Hatred seeping

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I am sorry but I cannot give you an ess to Mr. Cholo¡¯s penthouse. You don¡¯t have permission. That¡¯s against our protocol, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at the receptionist and crossed my arms in my chest. It¡¯s early in the morning but it looks like I¡¯ll be needing my temper here. Why do people like her always barred my presence?


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the weather nice today? It¡¯s sunny and windy at the same time. Look at the fair blue skies outside. Everybody¡¯s smiling! The birds are chirping!¡±


    Her professional smile turned into a crooked smile that eventually turned into a grimace.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? Come again?¡±


    I took off my sunsses and smiled sweetly at the woman named Shane based on her namete. I rested my elbow on the counter of the receptionist¡¯s area and yed with her hair.


    ¡°You don¡¯t hear about thetest development of the new series here in  Cerro Roca? I heard there¡¯s a wicked scornful wife who¡¯s back in town to get her husband back from his princess mistress. Ah! And I also heard from a very reliable source that this beautiful and wealthy woman is a devil incarnate. She loves to torture poor souls especially when that person is so hard to deal with.¡±


    I shed my bright smile at the woman who was turning pale and then pped my hands in jubilee.


    ¡°What do you think of the plot? Quite dramatic and nice, right?¡±


    She looked outside the residential condominium.


    ¡°The weather is nice but I heard I¡¯ll be nicer if you just give me the key I¡¯m asking for.¡±


    I opened my palms to her.


    ¡°Hurry.¡±


    She bowed to me and apologized several times.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry ma¡¯am but I just can¡¯t give it to you without Mr. Gastrell¡¯s permission.¡±


    ¡°Why not? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard the rumors. I¡¯m Mrs. Gastrell. I¡¯m Cholo¡¯s wife and I¡¯m asking for my husband¡¯s keys. Oh you¡¯re doubting me?¡±


    I raised my hand to Celeste who was behind me. She immediately gave me an envelope. I opened it in front of Shane.


    ¡°Here¡¯s my marriage certificate and my birth certificate. I also have other IDs to prove my identity. What do you need? Passport? Police clearance? Name it and I will produce it for you.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m really sorry but I cannot really give the keys to you. It¡¯s against our rules.¡±


    I gasped and shook my head. I stuck my tongue in my mouth and put the sunsses back on.


    ¡°Okay,dy. You are seriously irritating me. How about I call Chol-¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of doing this, Karina?¡± A voice interrupted me.


    I smirked and faced Elizabeth who looked like an angel in her white executive suit. I almostughed when she got closer to me because I looked like a devil wearing a pure ck zer and trousers in front of her.


    ¡°Oh! The princess and the CEO are here! Hi Elizabeth! Could you please tell your employee here to have a better understanding of proper etiquette when dealing with guests? Or better yet pay for better training for your staff. They can¡¯t understand simple instructions.¡±


    Elizabeth turned to the woman and smiled at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Shane. You can go back to work. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She gave me a scared look for a moment before returning to theputer.


    I grinned. This would be exciting. I felt giddy when I¡¯m in front of Elizabeth. My blood boils in anticipation. My dream was to shatter that innocent and calm persona she evokes. I know she¡¯s only holding it deep inside so I¡¯ll do a perfect job to provoke her.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    With raised eyebrows, I crossed my arms over my chest again and faced Elizabeth.


    ¡°So? Where¡¯s my key?¡±


    ¡°Correction Karina. It¡¯s Cholo¡¯s key. Not yours. It¡¯s a personal property so I can¡¯t give it to you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s his is mine too. I¡¯m his wife,¡± I said, not letting myself be defeated.


    She shook her head.


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t. It¡¯s against our policy. I¡¯m sorry but if you keep on insisting, I have to ask you to leave the vicinity. I don¡¯t want you to disturb our other guests,¡± she said calmly.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think you understand me, Ely. When I say that you give me my husband¡¯s key to his room, you will give it to me unless you¡¯re ready to face Cholo¡¯s wrath.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t moved by what I said because she just shrugged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s me who needs to prepare for his wrath. Between the two of us, he trusts me more. Why can¡¯t you just ask him for permission. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not that hard for you since you are his wife unless you are nning something.¡±


    ¡°Trust? You¡¯re talking about that now? Wait ¡¯till he knows who you really are thene tell me again that he trusts you.¡±


    I walked to her and whispered.


    ¡°Wait ¡¯till he hears about what you have done on that day, August 24, 10:35 am, in your Cadic te number¡­¡±


    I deliberately hung up on what to say and gave her a silly look. She gasped at what she heard and pushed me away. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in shock. Color fled her face and she immediately raised her hand to her chest to control her breathing. I smiled triumphantly. I finally got the emotion I wanted from her.


    ¡°Why? Why are you shocked? Do you really think you can bury everything you did, Ely? Do you really think you can forever hide behind your family?¡± my chest tightened as I remembered a very painful memory that was killing me every night.


    ¡°Karma will catch up on you and the rest of your n and I¡¯ll be the first one to do that starting with no less than your brother.¡±


    I can see the panic in her eyes and her breathingbored.


    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t mean it, Karina. I swear, I didn¡¯t mean to do it!¡± she said while crying.


    ¡°Regardless if you mean it or not, it already happened. I¡¯m here to collect all your dues to me but¡­ that would depend on your decision now. Keys or I¡¯ll go straight to Cholo now to tell him everything as in everything. You choose, Ely.¡±


    She shook his head, her eyes brimming with tears.


    ¡°Karina, please believe me. I didn¡¯t mean to do it. I can¡¯t do it to you.¡±


    Her voice and whole body were shaking. Her security also approached us but she stopped them from interfering.


    ¡°The key, Ma¡¯am Elizabeth,¡± ulit ko.


    She swallowed first before slowly nodding, looking only at the floor.


    ¡°S-Shane, give her what she wants.¡±


    I smiled.


    ¡°Good. Thank you for understanding.¡±


    I looked at Shane and raised my brows at her.


    ¡°You heard your boss. Give me the keys.¡±


    The woman opened a drawer and took out the key, then tremblingly ced it in my palm.


    ¡°Good,¡± I said with a raised head. ¡°Celeste, let¡¯s go.¡±


    I walked slowly past Elizabeth who is still struggling to recover herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m a crazy and a wicked person. And you of all people should know why I became like this, Ely,¡± I said in a soft but firm voice.


    She turned paler and that made me grin.


    ¡°Good. Now you remember it for the rest of your life and I hope that you will never ever forget any scene of it. Live your life forever in guilt. And oh, before I forget, don¡¯t ever tell anyone I came here especially Cholo. If you do then you know what¡¯s at stake.¡±


    ¡®Cause I¡¯ll live my entire life hating you and your family forever.


    We marched out of the lobby and into the elevator. I punched the top floor button and leaned on the cold wall. That¡¯s when I let go of my emotion.


    I sighed continuously and fought back my tears until I felt like functioning again. I let myself be in chaos for a while. I breathed in and out as I have always practiced.


    When the elevator opened, it was as if nothing had happened as I faced what had to be done. I didn¡¯t have to look for the door because it was alone on the whole floor. An Asturia used to own the penthouse that Cholo bought courtesy of Elizabeth.


    ¡°Celeste, stay here and don¡¯t let anyone interfere with me inside, okay?¡±


    She bowed.


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Karina.¡±


    I pushed the door open after turning the key and pressing thebination of numbers engraved on the end of the key. The light flooded in automatically and the high-ceiling fully-furnished unit revealed itself to me. I looked around and saw nothing but opulence.


    ¡°Now what were you hiding from me, Cholo.¡±


    I went to the kitchen first. All equipment is clean, a proof that every day someonees here for maintenance. Next, I opened the single room and headed to the bathroom. There were feminine products on the drawers which brought a bitter taste to my tongue. So this is their hideout.


    I went out and opened all the drawers and cabs to get more information but I found nothing. But I didn¡¯t give up easily. I wasn¡¯t born to give it up easily. I took off my sandals andid down to look under the bed but I still couldn¡¯t find anything.


    ¡°Where the fuck did you put it?¡± I growled.


    Just when I was about to quit, I remembered what Vishen told me about the time of arrival of that man. ording to him, the man met Cholo in his office beforeing herest week.


    ¡°Books. He hid it in the books.¡±


    I went back to the drawers where I found books. I leafed through the pages and the things I¡¯m looking for fell on the floor. I gathered the fallen pictures in my hand and just shook my head when I looked at my own pictures.


    All taken a week ago. I was at the restaurant with Celeste and Vishen. There are stills of me at the cafe, the mall, and the salon. But thest photo of me made me sigh in finality. It was taken up when I was still living in France five years ago. I sat on the floor and stared at myself in the pictures. How deep has your investigation gone? Is it safe to assume that you haven¡¯t found out everything?


    But still, you¡¯re so close in finding out my past, Cholo. In just a few steps you will be able to figure out why I am doing all this but before you can get there, I have to put the n into action.


    I have to do what I came here for even if it means digging up my very painful past which you have been a part of.


    This is where my game ends. I know that the time wille when the past will be dug up because our past is the reason for my return.


    But the more I think about it, the more I have the urge to dy everything because I love you. I love you that ites to the point that it hurts. I never stopped loving you which is why I loathe myself.


    I was a daughter first before I loved you. I was a sister first before I gave my all to you.


    But you made me a mother which is the best thing I experienced in this world.


    But that alone cannotpensate for everything I needed to do. I knew for a long time that I would run people. I know I can hurt people, kill if necessary.


    Over the years I have prepared myself and forgotten my own conscience. I got drunk with revenge because it was the only thing I was holding onto to survive.


    I just didn¡¯t expect that when I came back here, my sleeping love for Cholo would be more alive, even though anger and bitterness separated us. It¡¯s as if I came home into his arms no matter how uninviting he is.


    I put everything back in order before leaving the room. I continued to the door and raised my hand to open it. But before I could pull it open, I felt a lingering presence in my back. A man sitting on the couch with a stoic face made me retract my steps. He stood up, put his hands on his pockets, and stared at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Karina.¡±

 Chapter 34 Errol

    shback


    ¡°Karina! Karina!¡±


    A knock made me stand up from the wet floor of the small bathroom. I just got over from vomiting and my eyes are still spinning. I slowly wiped away the saliva and tears on my face before clinging to the wall to stand up.


    It¡¯s been a few months since I moved house. I stayed in Sta. Barbara and looked for a living. My pregnancy was particrly delicate and the child in my womb was only in the first trimester but I had no choice. I have to work to eat. By the grace of God, I was able to work in a cafeteria as a dishwasher.


    It¡¯s difficult. It is very difficult to live everyday with endless tiredness and sadness but I can handle it. I¡¯ll just rub my stomach and talk to my baby and I¡¯ll have the strength to face the whole day.


    There are mornings when I can barely stand up because of vomiting and dizziness but I persevered. I have to work to pay the rent for the small room, buy food and some things in preparation for my birth.


    In these times, I can¡¯t help but wish that there was at least one person left to sympathize with me. The one who is there to help me when I¡¯m dizzy. The one who will say let¡¯s eat that when I get home. The one who will support me. It¡¯s a small thing but every day I wish that fate would at least send someone to help me.


    If only Father were still alive or Diego. I wish Cholo had at least talked to me then. Even if he doesn¡¯t like me as long as he supports our child. That¡¯s more than enough for me because I¡¯m really struggling. I¡¯m tired of being hungry. I¡¯m tired of having nothing to cling to every day.


    ¡°Karina! Karina!¡± shouted the woman outside again.


    I wiped the tears from my eyes and opened the plywood door. I saw Kristine outside, the daughter of Pita who owns the cafeteria where I work.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked weakly and leaned against the door jamb. My face was dripping with sweat but I didn¡¯t bother to wipe it off. I¡¯m getting cold and I want to go back to bed.


    ¡°It took you a long time to open the door! You¡¯re vomiting again? Mom ordered me to deliver food here. You¡¯ll pass out again without anyone else here. Come on. Let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    Kristine took my hand and led me inside. I sat on the only chair in the room and closed my eyes. I want to throw up again but I need to hold it back. I don¡¯t have the strength anymore.


    I heard Kristine opening the pots that were on top of the patchwork wood I¡¯m using as a table.


    ¡°You¡¯re eating this again? This is what you ate yesterday. It was not healthy. Are you still eating sensibly, Karina? Look at yourself! You¡¯re so thin. Your arms are so small! What nutrients can you get? from eating this? Oh! Your child might be malnourished.¡±


    I opened my eyes with tears. ¡°I only have one kilo of rice left so I have to fit it in. It¡¯s a waste of food if I throw it away. I just need to recook it. I have a banana in there. I can make it into a dish.¡±


    Kristine just shook her head at what I said. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go to us? You know we¡¯re always open for you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer because I don¡¯t know how to tell her that I¡¯m ufortable with the malice looks his father gives me.


    ¡°You guys are helping me too much.¡±


    ¡°How many times do I have to say to you that it¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just food. Have you bought your vitamins that were prescribed to you? Have you bought your milk yet?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer again. I haven¡¯t bought any of the things she said because I don¡¯t have any money right now. Thendlord asked for rent yesterday. I wanted to beg her to let me pay next month but I remembered that I didn¡¯t payst month so now I have to endure eating bananas and salt.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll take care of buying them for you. We¡¯ll just reduce your sry little by little. Here. Dig in. Eat now. I made this beef dish for you. I heard you yesterday that you wanted to eat it so I brought this here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kristine. Thank you for everything. I owe so much to your family,¡± I said through tears.


    She rolled her eyes and waved at me. ¡°Alright. Eat. Don¡¯t be too dramatic. I¡¯ll be upset. I¡¯m also leaving to go shopping for tomorrow. Today is Sunday so the restaurant is closed.¡±


    ¡°Thanks again.¡±


    She smiled at me before walking out the door. I stood up and picked up a bowl full of green beans. Then I sat on the small bed and started eating. I wanted to eat itst night, but I don¡¯t have any money to buy it.


    I felt great relief after finishing the entire bowl. My strength returned and my dizziness disappeared but I¡¯m just too sleepy.


    I looked around the room. A chair, a table, and a bed. That¡¯s the only contents of my little house. My clothes and other things were still in the bag.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    There are no appliances here, not even an electric fan, so it is very hot especially at night. I just fit myself in a cardboard fan and touch a wet bimpo to my body to somehow reduce the heat.


    Every night that passes, I am overwhelmed with sadness and longing. I would go to sleep crying and wake up with tears in my eyes. I always encouraged myself by stroking my growing belly. I will be strong for the child. I will live for him.


    That¡¯s what I strictly promised myself until I gave birth. After how many months, I worked and saved extra for our needs. But even so, I still didn¡¯t have enough money to go to the hospital, so in the end I gave birth at home. I¡¯m nervous because in thest ultrasound, the child¡¯s feet areing first. Fortunately, thest time I went to the hospital, he turned around.


    ¡°Come on. Push, go ahead. I can see the head. Push! Take a deep breath.¡±


    I did what the midwife said. I gave all my strength. After a while, the child¡¯s loud cry echoed throughout the ce.


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I¡¯ve been bathing in my own sweat for a while now and I¡¯m also losing strength. I wanted to rest, take a nap for a while but my desire to see my son prevailed.


    Even though I was weak, I nced at the bloody child being wrapped in a white towel. I bit my lower lip as my eyes clouded with a mixture of pity and joy. I¡¯m happy because I also managed to give birth. Pity because my son is small. Obviously malnourished.


    ¡°Your son is very handsome. Is his father a foreigner? The nose is pointed,¡± said the midwife when she ced the crying son on my chest.


    I still continued crying while staring at my son. I¡¯m hypnotized by him. It¡¯s true that he¡¯s very handsome even though he¡¯s just skin and bones.


    My hands were shaking as I caressed his cheek.


    ¡°I will name you Errol. Errol Versoza. I love you very much, my son. More than my life.¡±


    I kissed his head and smiled. Our son, Cholo, is handsome. I hope you see what I see now. Maybe when you see him you will change your mind.

 Chapter 35 There鈥檚 no going back

    The eyes of the man and I met for a few seconds before I smiled which ended inughter. The man alsoughed and then opened his arms for me. Without warning, I went into his arms and hugged him.


    ¡°What are you doing here, big guy?¡± I asked him with a strange enthusiasm in my eyes after I kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°I had just a business transaction in the building. I heard you went to Monte Vega but you didn¡¯t stop by my office. How rude of you. I waited for nothing.¡±


    He returned to sitting and sped his hands on his knees. I also sat down in the opposite seat while looking for something to answer.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t go to you.


    My husband will wonder. He might get suspicious of me. Unfortunately, he¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s been tailing me so I need to be extra careful.¡±


    His face darkened, leaned back, and stared at me intently.


    ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to do this, Karina. I can always do what you wanted from the very start. Baby,e back to me already. I don¡¯t want you to endanger yourself more.¡±


    I felt like melting with his words. He is such a cruel figure in the n that hearing these words from him no matter how often is still unusual. He is cold as ice and as ruthless as our head that everyone in the family will bow down to him even if it¡¯s against their will.


    ¡°We¡¯ve talked about it. You said yes, remember? You know that I needed this to end my grief.¡±


    ¡°I know I know but still, you can¡¯t prevent me from worrying. We both know very well that it will not just end after you take your revenge on them. This is deeper than you thought it is. I don¡¯t want you to go back to that dark past.¡±


    I was stunned by what he said. He meant the dark days of my past, the endless months I spent in the institution. It was definitely not nice, even sinister on my part but it was needed.


    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t be back in that era. I¡¯m healed now. I can handle myself better now. There are few instances where I couldn¡¯t help but respond to triggers but other than that, I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡°You what?! You didn¡¯t tell me about this! Pack your things now Karina. I will take you home.¡±


    I was rmed by what he wanted to happen so I stood up and moved next to him. I grabbed my brother¡¯s hand and looked at him seriously.


    ¡°Zen, I needed this. You know why. For years, I¡¯ve suffered with the memories. For years I¡¯ve questioned myself and my worth. You have been by my side throughout so you know how I¡¯ve suffered. I needed this so much. Please. Just this once. Let me handle this all by myself.¡±


    He sighed and pulled me into his arms. I closed my eyes and hugged him back. I missed this man so much. Ever since that ident, he¡¯s been there for me all day and all night. He was with me in every nightmare, grief, and he helped me to finally stand up with my own two feet.


    He made me who I am now and I¡¯ll be forever indebted to him. He came at times when I had given up. He lifted me off the rubble that I am in and gave me his love. He despised all the objections of the n for me.


    I cannot be more thankful to any person in this world other than to him, my savior and my brother.


    ¡°Last chance. I¡¯ll give you this. Don¡¯t make the mistake of giving your husband another chance because I don¡¯t know what I can do with him. He is on the side of our enemy, remember that.¡±


    I simply nodded.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll go home after I¡¯m done here. That¡¯s a promise.¡±


    ¡°That I will look forward to.¡±


    He stood with me and caressed my cheek.


    ¡°I better go.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m done here.¡±


    I reached for his arm and we went out the door together. Celeste bowed her head to my brother and positioned on my back. The other five men in their ck suits also followed behind us.


    ¡°You said you had a business here. Can I ask what are you doing inside the liar¡¯s den?¡±


    ¡°The same thing can be asked of you. I was surprised to see Celeste outside. Now what we¡¯re you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m Gastrell and my husband owns a property here. It¡¯s only natural for me to visit our assets.¡±


    He snorted.


    ¡°Your husband is a fucking spineless man who cannot man up to his responsibility. He may be a good businessman but he is no better than the Asturias. Do not ever go back to him I¡¯m telling you. I¡¯ll hide you from the world so he can¡¯t find you.¡±


    I chuckled while we were stepping inside the elevator.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Not a cha-¡±


    Just as the door of the elevator we¡¯re in is about to close, I caught Cholo¡¯s death stare on the other side of the hallway¡¯s elevator which just opened. He¡¯s looking at my hand in my brother¡¯s arm. I could only swallow as the doorspletely shut in between us. I was shocked to see him like that as if he¡¯s ready to murder anyone.


    ¡°You better be. I¡¯ll move heaven and earth just to kill the man if he hurt you again. You¡¯ve been through so much Karina because of him. You came back not for him. Always guard your heart. It will only lead you to destruction.¡±


    I don¡¯t have the voice to answer. My mind was left on my husband¡¯s lethal eyes as he red at where my hand is situated. It¡¯s the first time I saw him like that as if he¡¯s ready to run berserk.


    Even when my brother said goodbye because he was going to continue his meeting, my brain was still left on my husband¡¯s face. I couldn¡¯t even ask who he was talking to. My memory is still recklessly taking a mile run back to his ring eyes. Even when we were in the parking lot, I still couldn¡¯t help but think back to his face earlier.


    Would it be weird if I¡¯m feeling butterflies in my stomach while remembering how he¡¯s sending daggers through his eyes? That would sound like a rotten emotion from cliche novels and movies but that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m feeling now. I¡¯m nervous and happy at the same time.


    ¡°Miss Karina, I think we havepany,¡± Celeste interrupted the smile on my face.


    ¡°Oh? Who?¡± I asked her after leaving the building. My Bugatti is just parked outside.


    ¡°Your husband, Ms. Karina.¡±


    I turned around as fast as lightning. And true to her words, Cholo ising at me in long strides while uncuffing the sleeves of his white dress shirt. His eyes aze, the obvious re of grim on his face.


    I couldn¡¯t help but stare at my husband. It¡¯s like I was neen again, watching in awe as he effortlessly sported those smiles while talking to his friend in a car.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I still remembered faintly saying before he caught my waist and kissed me in the broad daylight.


    It¡¯s not just a smack or a simple kiss. It was a wild wet kiss that devoured my senses. He stuck his tongue right in and what¡¯s even horrible is I just opened my mouth and weed him like we¡¯re the only people in the confines of our room and not here outside an establishment with many people around who must have been shaking their heads in disbelief.


    ¡°Wife,¡± called the hoarse and breathy voice after that abrupt iming of my soul.


    ¡°W-What was that for?¡± I asked, my eyes closed and still in trance with what he did.


    ¡°It¡¯s an open-mouthed kiss. It¡¯s to brand you that you are mine and only mine alone. It¡¯s to warn away other men not to offer their arms to you because mine should only be the one to hold you.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh at his seriousness. I opened my eyes and met his stinging eyes.


    ¡°Your jealousy¡­ I find it unfounded and¡­ cute.¡±


    I looked around to see people watching our way. I was a little embarrassed. It seems that they have witnessed what happened a while ago. That¡¯s when I pushed him a little. What a scene to make in this busyne.


    ¡°¡­ and embarrassing,¡± I finished my sentence.


    I pushed him away again but he just moved closer to me.


    ¡°My wife ising with me,¡± he said while looking at Celeste who was blushing.


    My secretary just nodded while hiding her face in the pile of the folders and envelopes in her arms. Cholo looked at me and pulled me to his car. I just followed because even though I was overconfident like hell, I was also growing a bit shy.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± I asked when we were on the way. He drives the car while his bodyguards follow behind.


    ¡°Do I need to kiss you again to answer your question? Who¡¯s that man?¡± May kkip na talim sa boses nito.


    ¡°He¡¯s someone I¡¯m nning on eloping with after I¡¯m done making you fall for me. He¡¯s the only one I¡¯ll go with after I¡¯m tired of you. He¡¯s handsomer, wealthier, and very willing to give me his everything.¡±


    The car suddenly stopped and I just can¡¯t help but gasped when Cholo imprisoned me in his hands and kissed me savagely. His lips were crushing on mine while his teeth were nibbling at my lower lip. I tried responding but his movement was too fast and rude for me to chase.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t like everything you said,¡± he said in a guttural voice.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Who said I¡¯m allowing you to leave me for the second time? You came back for me so you will spend the rest of your life with me, Karina. I ain¡¯t taking no for an answer. You started it. I¡¯m more than obliged to make sure you¡¯ll end up with me. Got that? Hmm?¡±


    He thumbed my lips and let go of me to get back behind the wheels again.


    I was literally speechless for a minute. Screw this man for being so unpredictable! I thought he¡¯s still ying with me and just finding the time to trap me but hearing this from him with all the sincerity in his eyes is keeping me thinking hard about what his intentions really are.


    ¡°Do you know the guy? Did he get your name, your number? Did you tell him you¡¯re married and showed him your ring?¡±


    ¡°No, of course not! Why would I tell that to my possible prospect?¡±


    He narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head.


    ¡°You only wanted to be kissed over and over again. Well guess what? Your wish is mymand.¡±


    He was about to stop the car again so I pped him andughed. I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I told him to fuck off. Is that enough? And what are you doing there by the way? Did youe there because of Elizabeth?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl. Please do that to every man who wille your way,¡± he said and calmly looked at the road.


    ¡°I¡¯m there for a meeting which I just canceled because I saw my wife holding a man¡¯s arm.¡±


    I slumped in the seat and crossed my legs.


    ¡°You know I didn¡¯t mean that. It was just a joke! I¡­ I was just holding him for support because I¡¯m afraid my shoes would give way. Don¡¯t overreact. Do you really think I could look at another man while I¡¯m crazily running after you? You¡¯re dumb. Thank god you¡¯re handsome and rich.¡±


    He nced at my feet with a smiling eyes then back to my face and then to the road again.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry, wife, but I mean all of what I¡¯ve said. You will stay with me forever.¡± He put his hand on my thigh and squeezed it. ¡°It¡¯s your fault. You worked hard to get my attention back. Now that you¡¯ve earned it then you must enjoy it at all costs.¡±


    My smile disappeared. I wasn¡¯t just aiming for attention. I want his heart, his soul, whatever that Elizabeth has on him.


    ¡°You really won¡¯t let me go even if I say it¡¯s all just a prank? That I was just fooling around cause I¡¯m getting bored? That one day I thought about going back to my hometown to see my first love. What if I messed up his life just a little bit just like how he messed up mine? What if I¡¯m not really in love with you, Cholo?¡±


    ¡°On what ground?  If that were true then you must not be the Karina I love because she will never do that to anyone. She may have changed but I doubt if she will really pull a stint like that. I know her. She¡¯s brave with a pure heart. She¡¯s willing to sacrifice herself for the people that she loves. She¡¯s courageous and selfless. She¡¯s sweet and innocent. You may be different from the past person I know but I still like you then and now. It¡¯s not in your character.¡±


    My face got dimmer. He¡¯s still in denial to ept that not a glimmer of the past Karina remained in me other than the pain. The fact is, the woman he loved has been dead for a long time if it is true that he had a special regard for me then.


    It¡¯s the new me now. I¡¯m not the Karina he used to know anymore. It¡¯s just annoying that he keepsparing me to that weak and ignorant girl. She¡¯s useless and weak, the exact opposite of the person I¡¯m now.


    ¡°We just had sex and you saw me crying. The next morning, you suddenly liked me. Oh please Cholo. Get an acting lesson first. You suck.¡±


    The good feeling I had earlier is gone. It has been reced by anger and annoyance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you. I thought you wanted me to get warm with you. Now that I¡¯ve said I liked you, you¡¯re angry. I don¡¯t understand you anymore, Karina.¡±


    ¡°Cause I know you¡¯re not sincere. Even though I have lowered my pride and begged you for just a bit of attention, I will still not lose hope that you will give me your lovepletely. But I guess it¡¯s too much to ask. On the contrary, I¡¯m thankful. At least you¡¯re giving me a chance. I¡¯ll make the most out of it.¡±


    I looked outside so he wouldn¡¯t see the pain on my face. I calmed myself down and told myself that it was okay. It will all be over soon. It¡¯s okay, Karina. It¡¯s thest time you¡¯re going to do this.


    ¡°I¡¯m not just giving you a chance. I¡¯m giving you my all. Again. Just please promise me that this time, you¡¯ll stay. Don¡¯t left me hanging and questioning myself why we didn¡¯t work out.¡±


    He reached for my hand and wrapped it in his and ced it on top of his thigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to listen and ept your exnation. Tell me everything that happened. We will begin again. We¡¯ll correct the mistakes we¡¯ve made and forgive ourselves. Let¡¯s start anew, Karina.¡±


    It¡¯s easy to say but very hard to do, Cholo. Forgiveness? It¡¯s not in my book until I¡¯ve crushed them.


    Will we start again? I have already started and will make sure to finish it. We can never start anew because we will always detest each other one way or another.


    I need to crush you, your family, the love of your life, and your dreams in order for me to get going. We¡¯re bound to hate each other in the end.


    But instead of saying that, I just acted like I¡¯m thrilled with the idea.


    ¡°Can you really forgive me, Cholo?¡± I asked in a mixture of hope and sadness.


    He looked at me, surprised with my question.


    ¡°Of course I can. In fact, I think I just did.¡±


    I lowered my face to hide my bitter smile.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much. You made me the happiest woman on earth.¡±


    I squeezed his hand and leaned on his arm. I closed my eyes and released a grin. My cell phone rang so I let go of Cholo. I took it out of the bag and read the message from my brother.


    I forgot to tell you earlier. Mass is ready forter.


    I took a deep breath as my eyes moistened. My chest gradually tightened so I rolled down the car window to let the air in. Cholo looked at me, clueless about the storm that¡¯s happening inside me.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Just a delivery notification.¡±


    I tried to smile at him while holding my chest. Hopefully, this will somehow ease the pain caused by the memories.

 Chapter 36 Everyone is gone

    shback


    ¡°Your son is really handsome, Karina. The father is obviously a foreigner. He has beautiful eyes. Does he know that he has a son? Why! Ask for money! The dor exchange rate is big now and for a long time he didn¡¯t contribute, you¡¯re sure to get a lot of money!¡±


    I didn¡¯t know whether to be happy or hurt by what Kristine said so I just chose to smile and not say a word. I turned my gaze to the son who was now happily chasing the neighbor¡¯s pet dog.


    Errol is the love of my life. He¡¯s my light, the one guiding me in this lonely existence of mine. My son is the only joy I have of this world. I wanted to be alive and live for him. I promised myself that I will be sessful for him, for his future. I will do everything for him.


    Time passed quickly. I did not realize that for more than two years I would be able to raise and take care of a child. Despite the financial aspect, I make sure that I fill my child with love. I was able to support him well even though I was only making a living working as a chambermaid in a small hotel in town during the day and a seamstress at night. I got six months of skill training which is the reason why I was able to get a job.


    Fortunately, I was able to leave the child with the neighbor. Sometimes it is Kristine who takes care of him to relieve her sadness. She was recently involved in a car ident. The car she was riding in collided with a truck. Good thing it wasn¡¯t too fatal. But her baby didn¡¯t make it. She was already bleeding due to a panic attack.


    As Errol grows up, he looks more and more like his father except for his eyes which were inherited from Donya Teodora. I have tried several times to contact Cholo to introduce our son but I am discouraged.


    I am afraid that he will take the child from me, which is very likely to happen. I know he can take Errol from me. They are powerful, rich, and influential. They can do whatever they want to an ordinary person like me just like what the Asturians did to my family.


    I will die when that happens. My son is the only thing that makes me happy, the only reason why I¡¯m still alive. If they take away the only reason why I breathe and continue to fight, I will not hesitate to fight even if I die because I would rather die than live every day without my child.


    Yesterday¡¯s wound is still fresh. I still remember the day they took my entire family away from me and I will never let that happen again.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do that. All his money is now his. My son and I are happy now. He is even more pitiful because he won¡¯t be able to see how loving my son is.¡±


    Kristine shook her head then reached for the ss of juice that was sitting on the table in her yard. ¡°For now. Errol will grow up and he will ask who and where his father is. Today is a different time, Karina. There is social media. You can try to find him. I¡¯m also curious about his face.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kristine. I don¡¯t even know his name. I can¡¯t even remember his face, so how can I find him?¡± I lied. ¡°And for what? We don¡¯t need him,¡± I added.


    I stood up and carried my son who was crying because he couldn¡¯t catch the dog that went out of the gate.


    ¡°Kristine, I¡¯ll go first. It¡¯s almost noon and I have to cook. You shoulde byter. It¡¯s Sunday after all. Errol, say goodbye to Aunt Tin.¡± I wiped his wet face and kissed his head.


    ¡°Bye bye Tintin.¡± He waved at his godmother who smiled and waved back.


    ¡°Bye Errol. I¡¯ll have lunch there, Karina. I¡¯ll bring chicken,¡± she shouted when we were at the gate.


    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll wait for youter.¡±


    I put my child down and took his hand. We walked slowly. I¡¯m smiling the whole time looking at him. The weather was not hot and we were in the shade of the trees on the side of the road so I let him walk. The new small house we moved to is also nearby. Errolughs every time he sees a dog passing by. He tries to chase but he can¡¯t run because I¡¯m holding him by his hand.


    ¡°Mama, dog,¡± he pointed to another dog.


    I nodded while pinching his red cheek softly. ¡°Yes dog. It¡¯s a mama dog.¡±


    His face crumpled and shook his head. ¡°No. Baby dog.¡±


    I also shook my head. ¡°Dog. Say mama dog.¡±


    He stopped walking and repeated ¡®dog¡¯ while pointing to the dog ahead. Iughed and took him, kissed him, and buried his face in my neck.


    ¡°Okay. That¡¯s a baby dog. A baby dog.¡±


    ¡°Yes baby dog,¡± he said happily and pointed again at the dog that had already passed.


    I just watched my son smiling. He gives me so much joy every time we are together. He is my hope, the only person who gives joy in my life. He is everything to me.


    I learned to live happily again because of Errol. I realized that it is still good to be alive, that there is still a reason to wake up every morning.


    I looked at the time on the clock. It¡¯s almost eleven o¡¯clock so I have to hurry home. I took the umbre over my shoulder and opened it with one hand. There is no more shade from the tree ahead and it is quite warm around.


    I kissed my son¡¯s cheek then sped up walking. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry, Errol. Mama hasn¡¯t eaten anything at home yet. You must also be hungry too.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    I stopped and looked at bothnes of the road. Even though there are almost no cars here, I still have to be careful. Just now, I heard someoneing. I closed the umbre and waited for the car to pass. It stopped and honked at me so I decided to cross. I even smiled at the driver even though I couldn¡¯t see his face.


    But what happened next was not what I expected. Suddenly the engine of the car sped towards our direction. My eyes widened in fear and shock. I tightened my grip on my son and thought quickly. If I went back I would be hit so I just ran to the otherne as best I could.


    But it was toote. Before I could even step to cross the distancepletely, I was hit by a speeding car. Errol¡¯s cry still registered in my head before I rolled down the road. With my eyes closed, I held my son tightly in my arms to protect him. I heard him crying before I felt something heavy hit my head.


    Even though it was against my heart, my arms lost their strength and I let go of my child who was no longer crying. I tried to open my eyes but I couldn¡¯t so I felt the ground around with my fingers.


    The first thing I felt was wet and sticky. Blood.


    ¡°E-Errol! Errol son¡­¡±


    Even though my head and body hurt, I forced myself to get up and crawl to find my son.


    ¡°Errol, son. Errol¡­¡± I began to wail at that point. Memories of my father¡¯s pale face and Diego¡¯s bloody body shed back. I shook my head and tried to clear the images. Nope. My son cannot share their same fate.


    A few more minutes of eerie silence surrounded the area. I kept groping on the pavement until I grabbed something cold. I resisted the fear that gripped me deep inside and poured out the strength to open my eyes that I wish I had never done.


    My son¡¯s eyes were closed and was lying lifeless on the road. He is bathing in his own blood, his white shorts and shirt that I bought yesterday on the sidewalk are wet with red liquid.


    But now, I can¡¯t even see the true color of his clothes because of the blood. There is a lot of blooding directly from my child¡¯s head.


    ¡°E-Errol¡­ E-Errol¡­¡± I stammered as I carefully took my child from the pavement into my arms.


    ¡°Errol¡­ Errol!¡± I shouted when even I shivered at the cold feeling from the son¡¯s body.


    I looked around for help. I can¡¯t panic. My son is alive. My son will live so I have to find a way. I need to find someone who can ask for help.


    ¡°Help¡­ Help! Help!¡± I screamed as tears flowed.


    Stop it, Karina. ¡®Do not Cry. Why will you cry? Your child will live. Errol is alive, I convinced myself.


    I heard a sound behind me so I cheered up. I looked at the person who got out of the car with a pale face.


    ¡°Please, help me. Help my son. Please have mercy. Let¡¯s take him to the hospital. My son is still alive. He¡¯s still warm. You can touch him. This blood¡­ all this blood came from me, not from my son. Please. Come closer. Help me¡­ Help us, please. Please¡­ Please¡­ Errol son¡­ She¡¯s here. She¡¯s here to help us so just hold on. Just hold on to me, my love.¡±


    When I looked up at the woman, she was crying while shaking her head and covering her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°Please, what else are you doing there? Ma¡¯am¡­ Ma¡¯am Elizabeth, help us. Help me and my son.¡±


    But instead of stepping towards us, she ran back to the car. I was left in despair. If only I could stand up, I can¡¯t even feel like I had a leg.


    All I did was crawl across the other road where people were passing by so they could see me better because there weren¡¯t many trees in that part. There is a path there that residents make a shortcut to.


    Clutching my son in one arm, I rested my elbow on the concrete and pulled myself up. I heard the sound that my bones and the cement made. I also know that I¡¯m full of scratches and my flesh is exposed on my arm but miraculously I don¡¯t feel any pain. I was too focused on how I could save Errol.


    It¡¯s just you. You¡¯re the only one left for me, son. I won¡¯t lose you. Mama will never give up.


    The sun was high in the sky. The tears, cold, and blood had spread all over Errol and my body. I¡¯m getting weak and my son¡¯s body got colder in my hands but this won¡¯t stop me from crawling for his safety.


    I stopped for a moment and took a deep breath. In the distance, I could hear some people rioting. I kissed my son¡¯s head and smiled.


    Thank you. Help is on the way. My son will live. Errol will live. He will see his father again¡­


    ¡­ which will nevere to happen.


    The ambnce came and took us both in. When we arrived at the hospital, Errol was dered dead on arrival.


    In countless times, I have lost the torch in my life.


    Do I really have no right to be happy? Everyone I love left me, Dad first, then Diego, Cholo, andstly my son, Errol.


    Is this fate¡¯s way of telling me that I should stop living? I wish I had stopped living long ago. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe I¡¯m just not meant for this world.


    And for the first time in my entire life, I insulted the person I owed my life to. I insulted my mother on why she gave birth to me. She should have aborted me long ago so that I would not have experienced this. I cursed her in my mind over and over as I sat outside the funeral home while pping myself.


    You¡¯re numb. Be numb please.


    Because maybe¡­ Maybe when that happens, I won¡¯t feel this screaming pain screaming that¡¯s ving me away. Maybe when I can¡¯t feel anything anymore, I can get my son¡¯s body from behind the door.

 Chapter 37 Hungry for blood

    Only now did I realize that I shouldn¡¯t me anyone but the Asturias for all that happened to me. I didn¡¯t have to point a finger at fate because it was that evil family who did this to me just because they don¡¯t want their most prized princess to get hurt.


    They love differently in their own wicked ways. They don¡¯t care if they have to hurt and sacrifice others for their own happiness. They don¡¯t care if they step on someone.


    But just like them, I don¡¯t mind killing just to give justice to my loved ones. A massacre if the need arises. I want them to feel pain and torture and think about me all the time for causing it. I want them to keep on cursing my name for inflicting the unendurable agony.


    Ymir took my father from me. His family killed my brother and Elizabeth¡­ she murdered my son, Errol.


    They took everything from me.


    What would be the best way to take out my revenge other than to take their own kind too, right?


    Eye to eye. Tooth to tooth. Flesh to flesh. Blood on blood. They took my life, so their life will be paid in return. It¡¯s the infamous Hammurabi Code.


    But unlike them, I¡¯ll do it in my own simple but creative way.


    The door opened and Elizabeth entered, looking like an angel again in her white dress and white high heeled shoes. She really is acting the part of being the kindest human being that has walked the earth.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Karina? What is it this time? Aren¡¯t you tired of do-¡±


    Elizabeth stopped talking behind me when she saw the posters and pictures sticking to the wall of her office. She automatically turned white when she saw the shots. She dropped his bag and covered her mouth with her hands.


    ¡°W-Where did you get it?! Take that away from here!¡±


    Without emotion, I stood up from sitting at her table and pouted my lips.


    ¡°Why? Are you embarrassed? But it¡¯s your greatest achievement.¡±


    I turned to the pictures of her car and the CCTV shots of her escape from the crime scene.


    ¡°Besides, what is there to get angry about? I see nothing wrong with that. It¡¯s just your beautiful car, Elizabeth. Nothing else. Unless youmitted a crime using that? Oh my golly cow! Did you perhaps do something illegal like running over a mother and son and then fleeing away like nothing happened? Is that why you¡¯re so furious and fearful right now?¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± she shouted and ran to the wall.


    With trembling hands, she tore apart the photographs and ripped them one by one. I walked to the other end of the office, grabbed the boxes of pictures and started pasting them.


    ¡°Why are you bothering to do that Ma¡¯am Elizabeth when you have all your personnel to do them for you? Do you want me to call them for you? Hmm? Maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re getting tired. You shouldn¡¯t be tired and stressed because you might go back there. Your family doesn¡¯t want that to happen, right?¡± I said while continuing to put the pictures on the wall.


    ¡°No! Karina, stop that!¡±


    She ran to me and started taking the pictures out I had pasted. I sighed and just scattered the ones that were left all over the room. She began gathering them together and shredding them using her dainty hands.


    I folded my arms as I watched her kneel on the floor while hurriedly putting the pictures in her trash bin. She looks so determined to finish the task.


    Shrugging, I grabbed the other boxes and scattered the entire contents around. It rained photos of her crimes and the carpet was barely visible. She was stunned and just stared helplessly at her entire office that was almost covered with papers.


    ¡°Here, Elizabeth. Here,¡± I said while spreading it with my feet.


    ¡°Faster! What else are you waiting for? Collect them all and throw them! Maybe someone will see and know the real you.  Or worse, Cholo might visit you anytime soon and he might see these pictures.¡±


    When she hears that, she goes back to tearing up the papers again. Tears were already falling from her face while biting her lips.


    Her white clothes are also dirty. I searched my heart to see if I felt any pity for her. Nothing. What I felt for her right now is anger. Nothing but anger. I walked around the room with my folded arms.


    ¡°I have something in mind. What if Cholo finds out that we had a baby? What if I tell him that you killed our son? I¡¯m curious about what he would do to you. The election is already next week and we both know that Cholo¡¯s cousin will be dered as the new mayor. By then, he will have no reason to be with me. He will divorce me and marry you. That is if he will not hate you after learning what you did to his son.¡±


    I knelt down and grinned at the pale Elizabeth who was looking at me in tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m dying to know what will happen by then, Elizabeth.¡±


    ¡°No! Please Karina, no.¡±


    With a trembling hand, she reached for my hand and held it tightly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Cholo, please. I¡¯m begging you, Karina. He will hate me. I can¡¯t imagine that Cholo will be angry with me. I love him so much. He¡¯s my life, you know that. Even though it kills me every day to know that he is with you, I agreed because that was what he asked me to. Please, don¡¯t tell him. I didn¡¯t mean that to happen! It was an ident! You know that!¡±


    My eyes widened at what she said. Without a warning, I raised my hand and gave her my hardest p. Which was followed by another one and another one and another one until my hands were numb and I was sweating. Elizabeth¡¯s cheeks were teary, she was dumbfounded, and her face was swollen but I didn¡¯t stop.


    Blood. I wanted to see her blood. I wanted to see what it looked like.


    Is it as red as the blood of my brother or my child?


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just an ident! You did it on purpose! You saw us crossing! You even let us remember?! But why did you run us over? Is it because of Cholo? Don¡¯t you already have him? He¡¯s all yours, Elizabeth! Cholo loves you. Your family isplete! You¡¯re rich, educated, and beautiful so why do you have to take the only reason why I¡¯m living? Why do you have to take what was left of me?! Why?!¡±


    I grabbed her hair and forced her to kneel, then I took my cell phone and took a video of her.


    ¡°Go, Elizabeth. Clean up all the mess. You can do that!¡±


    I sat in front of her and firmly grabbed her chin and forced her face to the camera.


    ¡°But do you know what you have to clean up? It¡¯s your conscience! How can you manage to sleep at night knowing you killed someone? How can you be an angel outside and live off being a monster inside? You¡¯re a murderer! A big-time liar and a two-faced person. Just so you wait, one of these days, everyone will know everything that you have done.¡±


    ¡°N-No, no.¡±


    She shook her head while covering her ears with her hands.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that. Cholo can¡¯t know this. He¡¯ll hate me. He¡¯ll hate me for the rest of his life. No, no. You can¡¯t do that, Karina. Please, don¡¯t. I will do everything you want. You want to p me? Here. Hurt me! p me! Or do you want me to do it myself? Okay, I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±


    She pped herself causing the edge of her lip to crack open as it was hit by the stone of her ring. I just stood there looking at how she self-destructed. Even if I didn¡¯t want to, I saw my old self in her. Well, it¡¯s a good thing. At least I know it will end the way I¡¯ve been dreaming it to.


    I stood up to get a tissue and turned back to the woman who was still hurting herself. I stopped her hand and wiped the blood from her mouth.


    ¡°You said you¡¯ll do anything for me, right?¡± I asked her in a gentle voice while carefully pressing the tissue on her wound.  She quickly nodded.


    ¡°Y-Yes, I¡¯ll do anything you want me to. Anything. I¡¯ll do it, just don¡¯t tell Cholo about it.¡±


    I smiled at Elizabeth then wiped her tears.


    ¡°Well, because I¡¯m nice and kind unlike you, I¡¯ll give you my consideration. This thing I¡¯m asking you is so easy. You can do it in just a snap. I want you to stop the acquisition ofnds by your brother in Monte Vega. I don¡¯t know how you¡¯ll do it. Go threaten some people. Hurt them, force them, kill them if it¡¯s needed. You can do it, Ely. Remember, you¡¯re an Asturia. Being a killer runs naturally in your blood. Can you do that for me, Ely? In exchange, I¡¯ll keep my lips sealed about what happened. What do you think?¡±


    She closed her eyes and bit her lips, the blood gushing out from his lower lip but she didn¡¯t seem to mind the pain. I think she¡¯s not even aware of what mess she has be now.


    I no longer see the Elizabeth Asturia that I¡¯m so insecure about. All I¡¯m seeing now is a helpless woman on the verge of  insanity. Her trembling hands with chipped nail colors are on the floor grasping the strewn photos.


    ¡°Cholo will be devastated. He nned this project for a long time. If I do that, it¡¯s like killing him too.¡±


    I raised my eyebrows at what I heard.


    ¡°So you are refusing? So it¡¯s okay for me to tell him about your crime? That you killed our son? He will be more devastated if he found out the truth.¡±


    ¡°Your son is already peacefully sleeping, Karina. Let him rest in peace. He¡¯s dead. I¡­ I can¡¯t do something that will hurt Cholo.¡±


    ¡°How dare you talk to my son like that!¡±


    I stopped holding myself. I pped her again countless times until my hand hurts. But I can¡¯t feel the physical pain anymore because my heart is bleeding. It¡¯s been bleeding for eight fucking years which felt like forever.


    There¡¯s no rest. There¡¯s not even a single moment in my life where I felt happiness because I stopped feeling joy. I became numb. I forgot how to function anymore. They sucked me dry. They got me crazy until I decided that being crazy is all I needed to be to extract my revenge.


    ¡°My son, my father, and my brother will never be able to rest in peace because I am still not able to give them the justice they deserve! You¡¯re still alive! Your big brother and your whole family are still alive so they haven¡¯t had a good night¡¯s rest! So how dare you say that in front of me!¡±


    My hand was shaking as I raised it in the air again.


    ¡°Karina!¡±


    Ymir¡¯s voice echoed throughout the room. I looked up at him before giving thest p for his beloved sister.


    Ymir came to us in an instant, confused about what to do first. He¡¯s torn between strangling me to death like what he loves to tell me or to help his pale bloodied sister on the floor. He chose thetter while killing me with those eyes.


    ¡°I swear I will kill you with my bare hands, woman!¡±


    He gathered his sister in his arms and stood up still ring at me. If only looks could kill then I would be long dead. But I remained fearless.


    ¡°Now how does it feel to see your beloved sister whom you never hit once get pped countless times by me? Does it hurt, Ymir? Does it make you feel like Satan? Now think about this. Did you even imagine for a second how I would feel when your men killed my brother right in front of me?! Have you ever wondered how I coped with that every second, minute, day, and year that passed? If you didn¡¯t then I guess I have to kill your sister in front of you to give you a demonstration how sick it feels. Maybe you¡¯ll feel a little bit of remorse in yourself. But I bet you won¡¯t, you rotten evil.¡±


    I opened my arms and smiled at him sweetly.


    ¡°So expect some more things in theing days, Ymir.¡±


    The tendons in his neck moved and his face became even redder with anger.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°There will be no more days for you, Karina. I will deal with you now. I will never let it slide.¡±


    He looked at the men at the door.


    ¡°August! Get Elizabeth away from me. Elixir, bring me the gun.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you going to kill me too just like what you did to my father and brother? Then give me the gun now. I will kill myself. Just a heads up, if I don¡¯t get out of this building alive within an hour, everyone in the town will know the deepest secret of your sister.¡±


    ¡°Please, no. Don¡¯t hurt her. You will not do anything to her. She¡­ She knows kuya. She knows everything,¡± Elizabeth sobbed uncontrobly.


    I grinned at Ymir who was also stunned by what he heard.


    ¡°Well? What will you do, Ymir? What Elizabeth wants, Elizabeth gets. So I really need to say bye now.¡±


    I came to him and whispered in his ear.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you for saving me that one rainy night. If not for you, I would not be here enjoying how the two of you wallow in misery. So pitiful.¡±


    And with onest look, I waved my hand and saluted them before I walked out of the door, not letting them see how crumbled my walls have be.

 Chapter 38 Light out

    shback


    I was just feeling nothing as I stared at the imprisoned Elizabeth. I just finished picking up my son from the funeral home and now he is staying in our little house. I left him with Kristine when the police called me to say that I had to go to the precinct to give my statement about the incident. I will also file a case against her.


    My tears started to flow again remembering my bitter and painful situation now. Everything is like a nightmare again. For the third time, fate is not on my side again. I lost the one I love the most but it¡¯s not like before. It¡¯s much more painful and heart-wrenching now that I just cried in the corner and epted everything. But now it is different. I am determined to fight this time.


    I have nothing to lose. They already took everything from me. There¡¯s nothing left in me but anger so instead of just whining on the sidelines and muttering, I¡¯ll make sure I will fight now even if I run out of breath so I will see my son with a high morale and he will be proud of me that I fought for his justice in my own little way.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I didn¡¯t care about my wounds and stood up awkwardly towards the woman who was sitting behind the railing and staring into nothingness. I rattled the iron and reached for Elizabeth¡¯s hair.


    ¡°You¡¯re a murderer! You killed my son, you shameless woman! Why did you do that?! Why?! He¡¯s the only one left with me! He¡¯s the only one! My son is the only reason I¡¯m breathing! What did I do to you for you to do this to me? I didn¡¯t do anything to you and your family! Why are you doing this to me?! Isn¡¯t it enough for you that your brother killed my father and brother?! Why kill my son?! Why?!¡±


    I didn¡¯t stop pulling her hair even though she was screaming in pain and there were policemen pulling me away.


    ¡°You¡¯re a monster, Elizabeth Asturia! You¡¯re a killer! Your entire family are murderers! Bring back my son! Bring back Errol!¡± I continued to shout like a lunatic.


    My vision is blurry because of the tears and my wounds have been aching for a while now but nothing canpare to the kind of pain I am feeling inside. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve been torn over and over. It¡¯s like they insulted me and drove me away. It¡¯s like they also killed my soul.


    No! I won¡¯t stop now until she dies too like how my son died!


    ¡°Policarpio! Honasan! Keep that girl away from Ms. Asturia!¡± ordered a man justing from behind me.


    The policeman next to me twisted my hand so I let go of Elizabeth¡¯s hair then they dragged me away. The person who spoke came to his cell with a bunch of keys and opened it to my dismay.


    ¡°Why are you opening that?! Put that murderous woman back inside! She killed my son! She killed Errol! She killed my son! You¡¯re a beast! You¡¯re a beast Elizabeth!¡± I continued to struggle with the two policemen¡¯s tight grip on me but they didn¡¯t let me go.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Elizabeth, I¡¯m sorry for what we didst time. We just made a mistake with the person we got. I hope it doesn¡¯t reach your father and mother. I¡¯m begging you,¡± I heard the chief who was now supporting Elizabeth out of the cell.


    The woman did not answer. Her eyes were wild as she looked at the exit, avoiding my gaze. When she nodded, the policeman breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Escort Ms. Asturia out. The person who will pick her up is already at the entrance.¡±


    A few policemen followed and carefully took Elizabeth. It¡¯s a pity that I¡¯m just looking at them.


    ¡°Why are you letting her escape?! She¡¯s a murderer! She killed my son! What kind of police are you?! Why are you letting that criminal escape?!¡±


    Nobody listened to me. When Elizabeth finally got out, those who were holding me let go of me and went back to their respective jobs as if nothing had happened. I ran to the chief¡¯s desk. I wiped my tears before speaking.


    ¡°What happened? Why did you let the culprit get away? She¡¯s the one who ran after us! She¡¯s the reason my son died!¡±


    He just sighed before putting on his sses and handling the papers on the table as if he was talking to no one, as if my case was unimportant.


    ¡°The person we got was wrong. It wasn¡¯t Ms. Asturia who ran over you,¡± he responded calmly.


    ¡°What? What are you saying?! I could clearly see her face when she got out of her car after she hit me and my son  who is now dead in our house! He¡¯s the only one I have. I don¡¯t have a mother, father, and brother. My son is the only one I have, a police officer. He¡¯s the only one left of me.¡± I wiped the tears again and moved to his seat and knelt down. ¡°Please, give justice to my son¡¯s death. I-I can¡¯t continue in this life if I know the suspect hasn¡¯t paid yet. Please.¡±


    The chief just shook his head before facing me. ¡°Miss, you don¡¯t know who you¡¯re bumping into here. We¡¯re just nothingpared to her family. One order from the and I¡¯ll be removed from my post right now. It¡¯s a good thing that I asked their family members for mercy and they let me go. I promised never to let this happen anymore. Also, it¡¯s not just one family you¡¯ll bump into just in case. Mayor Gastrell called me herself to get ma¡¯am out. I couldn¡¯t help it. I owe a lot to Madam Teodora .¡±


    I was stunned to hear the name he mentioned.


    ¡°Madam Teodora ordered you to release Elizabeth?¡± I whispered in the void.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Madam Teodora Gastrell.¡±


    I closed my eyes andpletely sat on the floor. I was fighting the surge of an emotion I couldn¡¯t name.


    ¡°Does she know who Elizabeth¡¯s victims are? Did she even ask who we are? Did she find out our names? Did she know about Errol?¡±


    The chief nodded. ¡°Madam knows everything.¡±


    My tears fell again. ¡°All? Does she also know that her own grandson just got killed and died? Does she know that she sided with the killer of her grandson more than her own blood and flesh?¡±


    The man was startled by what he heard but did not answer. I sighed and stood up while looking nkly in his eyes. He still hasn¡¯t said anything.


    ¡°If you have the courage to tell Madam the truth, please tell her that her son looks just like my son Errol.¡± I sniffed and wiped away the tears with the hem of the t-shirt I was wearing. ¡°Please tell her that Errol got his eyes from his own grandmother. My son didn¡¯t get anything from me but that¡¯s okay. He gave me so much pleasure in the short time that we were together. A-And finally¡­ please tell madam to tell her son to visit my son¡¯s grave¡­ because I may not be able to do that anymore. Thank you.¡±


    I turned around and with quick steps, left that ce back to our little house where my son was waiting for me.


    Errol son, mama will never leave you alone.

 Chapter 39 Too late

    I woke up from my nap when I felt a warm hand brushing my cheek. I didn¡¯t move and just kept my eyes closed. His touch is like a luby that is dragging me back to the rainbows in my dreams.


    ¡°Do you wanna go out with me on a date, wife?¡±


    I stifled augh when I heard him spurt the words. Without opening my eyes, I reached for his hand andnded a kiss on his palm.


    ¡°A date Mr. Gastrell? Let me guess. You¡¯ll try to woo me with your riches. Maybe take me to an expensive candle lit dinner. We¡¯ll dance to the tune of the orchestra, drink with a vintage wine, and then make love under the stars in your yacht. Am I right? Did I get that all right?¡±


    I woke up to meet his gray eyes. He¡¯s staring down at me, a look of fondness in his eyes. I looked down at what he was wearing. He was sporting a differently colored shirt when he said goodbye to me this morning.


    He reced the white undershirt I chose with ck polo long sleeves. Even the pastel pants were reced by a pair of ck trousers. What remained from my choices is the customized belt I gave him as a gift. He shook his head as he carefully pulled me to lie on hisp.


    ¡°No, I have something different in my mind.¡±


    I closed my eyes again and hugged his thigh.


    ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still five in the afternoon. Why did you sleep here again on the couch? The bed upstairs is morefortable.¡±


    Hebed my hair.


    ¡°I like it here. You can easily see me and I can see you immediately. How¡¯s work?¡±


    Iy down and took his hand to wrap around mine.


    ¡°Great. We¡¯re finally getting thend in Monte Vega. The owner surprisingly agreed to sell hisnd to us. You, how¡¯s your day, wife?¡±


    It was pretty intense. I pped your lover¡¯s face until it bled.


    ¡°Just the usual stuff. You know I have done nothing since I came back here in Cerro Roca but to just look around and visit ces and of course, be a good wife to you. I went to the grocery to buy something for dinner. I¡¯m thinking of cooking something special but since you wanted me to take you out on a date, I have to scrap the idea.¡±


    He sighed and nted a soft kiss on my temple.


    ¡°And you¡¯re doing it all alone. It should have been the two of us but I was always away from you, always the case of an evasive husband.¡±


    ¡°I understand you. Even beforeing back, I knew that you¡¯re gonna be like this. Who would be in his right mind to wee with open arms the wife who has been gone for years? No one. But do you know what¡¯s more puzzling to me now? It¡¯s why you are still not asking me about it.¡±


    I know that he knows what I¡¯m talking about. We¡¯ve been running in circles for days now. He¡¯s been running from confronting me for quite some time now. He used to be very aggressive about finding out the reason for my return, now he almost avoids the subject whenever I bring it up.


    ¡°About what?¡± he asked, faking his knowledge.


    ¡°About what happened to me¡­ in the past.¡±


    I didn¡¯t see any reaction from him. He kept his face intact and his eyes fixated on me.


    ¡°Are you ready to tell me everything?¡±


    ¡°Did you get me checked already?¡±


    He paused for a moment before nodding.


    ¡°Kind of. I was sold to the idea that I have to know you again. I wondered why you came back to me when it¡¯s obvious that you have achieved your sess. I have to be honest with you. I had a hard time finding any information about you which is why I¡¯m puzzled about your reason foring back.  You¡¯re a total mystery to me and your changes¡­ if not for your knowledge about our past, people will think you¡¯re not my Karina. But then, with the development of our rtionship, I stopped digging for your past because it felt wrong. I wanted you to trust me. I want you to open up to me naturally.¡±


    ¡°I told you already from day one about my reason foring back. I love you. I still do. No matter what happens, no matter how bad things will turn out, know that that¡¯s one of my real reasons. You might end up hating me again but I¡¯m telling you, my love for you is real. Although it is tainted with anger and hatred, I know in myself that my feelings for you are true. Life took out everything from me and I¡¯m d that it left me with that feeling.¡±


    I got up from lying down and stood up.


    ¡°Well, so much for that. I better dress up for tonight. I have a date with my husband.¡±


    I winked at him before walking towards the stairs, his gaze piercing my back.


    Sighing, I stopped in the middle of the staircase and looked back at Cholo who is still watching me from his seat. His eyes held so many questions that I¡¯m not yet ready to answer. He stood up and started walking towards me but I shook my head which made his steps falter.


    No, Cholo. This is not yet the time. I have so many things to do and telling you everything is thest thing I wanted to do. It will distract me from being your lover¡¯s  worst nightmare.


    Understanding what my eyes aremunicating silently, he backed out while smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait. Patiently. But please can I make a request? Please wear a dress.¡±


    I raised my brows at him.


    ¡°I only have a ck dress.¡±


    He shrugged and ced his hands on both hips, a smile ying on his lips.


    ¡°I know you would say that and I also know you only have a closet full of ck clothes, wife. That¡¯s why I decided to match your color preference.¡±


    He turned around jokingly.


    ¡°We¡¯re matchy matchy.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop the smile on my face. Why, this man never failed to put butterflies in my stomach be it in the form of tears or smiles.


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll better hurry. I can¡¯t wait to know what my dear husband is cooking.¡±


    I smiled at him one more time and ran to the master¡¯s bedroom to prepare. Two hourster, we were inside his Mercedes Mayback following a trail that I don¡¯t have any idea where it¡¯s leading. When we crossed the main highway and turned into a dark road, that¡¯s when I asked my husband who was holding my hand.


    ¡°Are we leaving the city?¡±


    ¡°No, just the outskirts.¡±


    He caressed my thigh and kissed me on the cheek.


    ¡°Patience dear.¡±


    I nodded and slowly sank in his arms, his mouth finding mine to give me a kiss. Another hourter and we¡¯re pulling off outside the dark woods.


    Although my heart was full of questions, I chose to trust Cholo. Cholo¡¯s driver blew his horn then I heard what sounded like an iron gate opening. I looked at my husband who had an infectious smile. Soon, the car is running again on a one-way pavement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. Look around, wife.¡±


    I followed what he said and looked outside the car and was stunned by what I saw. Beyond us is an endless stretch of fields filled with the tallest of the trees all lit up to illuminate the ce. In another ce there is a clearing where a ss house stands. Somewhere over there, I could see some colorful flowers. I can also hear the ssh of water from a distance.


    I followed what he said and looked outside the car and was speechless by what I saw. Beyond us is an endless stretch of fields filled with the tallest of the trees all lighted up to illuminate the ce.


    On the other side, there is a clearing where a ss house stands. Somewhere over there, I could see some colorful flowers. I can also hear the ssh of water from a distance.


    ¡°You liked it?¡± Cholo said in a proud voice.


    ¡°Are you kidding? Of course I like it! So much! Wow! This ce is incredible!¡± I answered without looking as I continued to adjust my gaze to the surroundings that looked like a Christmas themed party because of the lights.


    He chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re happy. You hardly even look at me.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I turned to him and rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Silly. Of course it¡¯s because of you.¡±


    I pulled his hand and opened the car door. I can¡¯t wait to explore the ce.


    ¡°Easy. Easy,¡± he said with augh as he held me by the waist because I almost tripped. I held onto his arm for support.


    ¡°Does this ce really exist in Cerro Roca? Wow! I¡¯ve spent my childhood here but I never knew that this ce existed.¡±


    ¡°It used to be just a wilderness before. In times when I¡¯m distraught, I stay here to think. This ce offers me silence and beauty. Sometimes, this is where I conceive some of my  business ventures. When investors starteding in which turned a sleeping town into a buzzing city, I bought this ce to ensure that it will still stay the same. I just added some modifications. I will never let the people forget how beautiful the original Cerro Roca is. I might have not been born and raised here but my heart already belongs to this ce.¡±


    He took me by the hand and helped me get on the golf cart that was there when we just got out of the car. The wind blew my hair when we started driving in a sleek road that went criss-crossed throughout the ce.


    ¡°Wow!¡± I can¡¯t help but exim when I look up at the trees with lights all over their bodies.


    ¡°What¡¯s this tree called?¡±


    He grabbed my hair first so it wouldn¡¯t get in the way of my face before answering.


    ¡°It¡¯s a rosewood tree locally known as toog, one of the tallest trees in the country. They¡¯ll grow more in the next few years.¡±


    Like a child, I just looked up with full awe at the passing trees lit up by the lights that dazzled their bodies. My lips are open in amazement and my face is full of happiness. It¡¯s just so magical to look at. It¡¯s like a ce straight out of a fairytale. Maybe this is how the princesses in the movie feel.


    We stopped in front of the ss house where I could see men in suits. I couldn¡¯t help but gasp when I realized that he actually hired an orchestra for this evening.


    Cholo mounted out of the cart and held out his hand for me.


    ¡°Come, wife. Let¡¯s enjoy the night.¡±


    With my heart about to burst, I gripped his hand and we walked side by side into the house where a man opened the ss door for us. My hunch is incorrect. It¡¯s not just a ss house. It¡¯s more like a mini theater minus the hundreds of seats.


    There¡¯s a stage in front where the fifteen to seventeen musicians who are part of the orchestra are situated, the conductor in ce to start the show. On the left side are the chefs busy cooking and I can¡¯t help but smell the aroma. Right in the middle is a table for two with a candbra on it.


    Cholo pulled me a chair before sitting on his seat. Right then, the lights in the ss house dimmed and the candles in our table were electronically lit. The orchestra started ying slow ssical music and a chef started serving our dinner.


    It¡¯s a six-course meal with pomegranate-avocado salsa and lobster sd with beetroot for appetizer which were followed by curried cauliflower and apple soup and bouibaisse stew.


    There¡¯s also caesar sd and for the main course, another chef served us the saffron risotto, and chicken and seafood pae. The dessert is lemon berry dump cake and horchata semifreddo.


    ¡°Good thing I didn¡¯t bring some of the food I cooked. Why, I love this culinary experience. I didn¡¯t get to learn this much in culinary school. How did they get this soft and tasty meat? Oh, how mediocre I am!¡±


    Cholo smiled through his ss and patted my hand.


    ¡°I still love your cooking. It¡¯s homey. The kind that makes you want to go home at the end of the day after a tired work.¡±


    I pouted at him.


    ¡°Good. I like the answer. It¡¯s good that you didn¡¯t lower my confidence too much.¡±


    After the dinner and the orchestra¡¯s performance, my husband asked me out. He¡¯s holding a bottle of wine in his hand while I have the two sses. Both of our free hands are intertwined.


    ¡°What¡¯s this ce called, Cholo? Are you nning to open this to the public because if you do, I know this would be doing damn good. I can say at this early time that this will for sure be a tourist spot. It will be a lucrative business.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my little paradise in Cerro Roca. This ce is a very sentimental piece of me but I haven¡¯t got a name for it. Besides, I don¡¯t have the right to it. It¡¯s all yours now.¡±


    I stopped walking and looked at my husband in disbelief with shining eyes.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°This¡­ All of this is all yours now. This is my gift to you, Karina. Now feel free to name it.¡±


    For a few seconds, I was not able to say anything after hearing him say that it¡¯s all mine now. My eyes wandered around the vast and bright surroundings.


    ¡°F-For real? You¡¯re really giving it to me? But I thought this ce is very special to you?¡±


    ¡°Which is why I¡¯m giving it to you. You¡¯re my wife, the love of my life. Nothing is more special to me other than you.¡±


    He pulled me to the back of the ss house where I couldn¡¯t stop being impressed at anything my eyes wereid into. Before me were lines and lines of oak trees with icicle LED lights in different colors hanging from the branches of each tree.


    ¡°Wow! They¡¯re beautiful!¡±


    Cholo smiled at me.


    ¡°That is more breathtaking. Look.¡±


    I followed his instructions and inhaled the magnificent sight. A few meters away from the trees is a high cliff where water gushes down.


    ¡°There¡¯s a waterfall? Wow! Did you also own this part?¡±


    Cholo just smiled and nodded at me.


    ¡°I did but now you own it.¡±


    He helped me sit on the grass and filled our sses with wine. Holding hands, we drank quietly while observing the surroundings. The sounds of the water crashing down is so therapeutic.


    ¡°I¡¯m d I made you happy for tonight, Karina. I know I¡¯m a dumbass. I shooed you away. I threw words I can¡¯t get back anymore. I even cursed at you for goodness sake! m ko ring hindi ko na mabubura iyon. Words¡­ You can never get them back once you decide to let them go. That¡¯s why I promise you that I¡¯ll spend every day of our life making you smile, giving you everything in order for you to be happy.¡±


    He moved and put the ss down then took something from his pocket before kneeling in front of me. He opened the box where the ring with a ck diamond as the center stone and white diamonds as the side stones was ced and handed it to me.


    ¡°Karina, I know our love is notmon. I met you in the ugliest part of my life, used you for my ns which didn¡¯t end well but it didn¡¯t deter me from falling for you. We got married but I didn¡¯t get to give you a grand wedding. You didn¡¯t get to walk down the aisle and I didn¡¯t get to experience waiting for you at the altar. No vows, no dance, and definitely no honeymoon but we did it anyway.¡±


    He chuckled nervously.


    ¡°I only gave you a cheap ring. Thinking about that makes me ashamed now.  And then we separated. I hated you for the years that you¡¯re gone but now that you¡¯re back in my life, all of my anger dissipated and all I wanted to do is to have you again. I don¡¯t care about your past, you can keep it all to yourself. You, now, and our future are all I want. I wanted to make it right this time. This time, it¡¯s for real. You will not just be a ploy I will use for my own gain. You will be the center of my life, the soon to be mother of my children. Karina, will you spend the rest of your life with me?¡±


    The strong wind blew as my tears fell. I¡¯m happy because I finally know that I got Cholo¡¯s love. It¡¯s not just a pretense, it¡¯s true this time. Finally, I seeded. He is mine now. I finally got him from Elizabeth. I¡¯m the winner between us.


    I¡¯m tempted to hope becay it¡¯s good to get drunk on this promised love. It¡¯s good to think about the future of Cholo and I. In fact, it is possible. I¡¯ll just nod and our story will be happily ever after. I deserved this. I deserved to feel happy after all I¡¯ve been through.


    I wish everything was that simple. I wish it was that easy to forget everything.


    Why ask me now Cholo when there is no child to bind us together? Why are you offering this to me now when we will surely have to separate eventually? Why not before when I wasn¡¯t that broken and wounded? When I can love you fully.


    Why are you asking me now when I have a mission to fulfill? When I have to hurt you, crush you into a pulp in order to fully extract my revenge.


    Even though my eyes were filled with tears, I nodded at him. ¡°Yes, I will Cholo. I¡¯ll spend the rest of my life with you.¡±


    I could see the tears in his eyes when he slowly put the ring on my finger. I even felt his lips trembling when he caught my waist and kissed me lovingly.


    But my heart is cold. It refused to beat for this moment. It¡¯s telling me to not be happy because happiness is a curse. One day you¡¯re celebrating, the next day you¡¯re mourning.


    Cholo wiped my tears and hugged me. I returned the hug and caressed his head. While looking at the vast ce, I havee up with a name.


    Errol.


    I¡¯m naming this ce after our son, Cholo. If he were still alive, he would definitely like it here. Our son loves to run and y with the stray dogs. He can run free in this ce forever and ever, something that both of us will not witness anymore.

 Chapter 40 Giving up

    Trigger Warning!!!! Suicide. Stay out of this chapter if this topic triggers you. Thank you.


    shback


    ¡°Karina, the rain stopped a while ago. Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s visit Errol again tomorrow, okay?¡±


    I ignored Kristine¡¯s plea to me. I remained seated and staring at my son¡¯s tombstone while the tears continued to flow from my eyes. I will not leave my son here. I won¡¯t let my child alone, especially when it looks like it¡¯s going to rain. He doesn¡¯t even like it when the weather is cold. He can¡¯t sleep without me hugging him. He needed me. He needed his mommy so I won¡¯t leave his side.


    ¡°Karina, please. Let¡¯s go home first. Rest for a while. You haven¡¯t eaten yet. You haven¡¯t slept enough. You¡¯ve been like this for days. Your son won¡¯t be happy if he sees you neglecting yourself.¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone, Kristine. I¡¯m still mourning. I-I still can¡¯t ept that my son is gone.¡± My gaze shifted to the other two adjacent tombstones where my father and brothery. ¡°I have nothing left now. Not even one. They all left me. They were all stealthily taken from me.¡±


    Kristine hugged me and rubbed my back. ¡°Don¡¯t ever say that. I¡¯m here for you, my whole family is here for you.¡±


    I shook my head and hugged my knee. ¡°I-I¡¯ll be alone, Kristine. I am alone. They all left me. They all were gone from me. I¡¯m no longer needed here. I want to go to them.¡±


    I heard her whimpering and tightening her hug on me. ¡°I¡¯m still here for you. I know losing a child is no joke, but you can handle it, Karina. Fight. Remember that you haven¡¯t given justice to your child and your family yet.¡±


    I smiled bitterly. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything I can do against them, Kristine. Even Errol¡¯s own bloodline is on their side. I¡¯ll just let nature run its course. As they say, revenge is not for people. It¡¯s God¡¯s.¡± I closed my eyes in a hope to feel better for a moment but just a secondter the unforgivable pain returned. ¡°I¡¯m so weak¡­ I¡¯m so weak.¡±


    Kristine calmed me down and forced us to go home. When it was eight o¡¯clock in the evening, I agreed to go home for a while to eat, but I knew to myself that I would go far away from food.


    After arriving home, I couldn¡¯t help but cry. Every corner of the house reminds me of my son-the old crib where I first put Errol to sleep, the children¡¯s clothes scattered on the floor because I had to choose what to wear for his funeral, the milk sachets and feeding bottles, and his beloved toys that he sleeps with every night. No matter where I look, I see, smell, and feel my one and only child.


    ¡°Just wait a moment my son. Mama will follow you. I will follow you,¡± I whispered as I tearfully stared at the photo of my son hanging on the wall. This was taken at his baptism. He was frowning as he tried to take off the white shirt he was wearing.


    I smiled at the picture and started cleaning the whole house. I put Errol¡¯s toys and clothes in boxes before putting them in a corner. I washed the dishes that had been in the sink for days, changed the curtains, sheets and pillowcases, and swept the floor. When I finished, I took a shower and changed my clothes, then got paper and a ballpoint pen and wrote two letters for Kristine and one for Cholo. I also had to throw away the papers several times because my tears kept getting them wet.


    When I finished writing, I carefully folded it and put it in the envelope and I put Kristine¡¯s name on the back. I left it on the table so my friend could easily see it.


    I stood up and with a smile, took a bottle of medicine from the top of the dresser and took a jug. With shaking hands I poured all the contents of the bottle and put it in my mouth then took the jug of water and drank it. I wiped my mouth, took the pictures of my whole family, hugged them, andy on the floor. I want to feel so cold. I want to feel the biting cold onest time. I know that I will only feel pure heat from there.


    A few more hours passed before I felt the opening of my eyelids. I¡¯m also short of breath and my head, chest, and stomach are hurting. I closed my eyes and prepared myself to embrace the darkness.


    The surroundings are quiet. Any minute from now I will see my father, brother, and son again.


    Sorry for the weakness but this is the only way I can see. It¡¯s the only solution to my aching soul. I don¡¯t want to suffer anymore. I¡¯m tired of crying. I want the pain to stop. It¡¯s a relief to think that I have a lot to do but I don¡¯t see any light in my life anymore.


    For thest time, my tears fell as the door opened and footsteps followed. I tried to move to find out who they were but I couldn¡¯t move. Why is Kristine so early?


    ¡°Hurry! She¡¯s still conscious. Get the ambnce ready! We need to take her to the hospital. Contact my wife. Tell her we got Karina already,¡± said a voice.


    A pair of eyes full of pity looked at me. Heter spoke to me.


    ¡°You¡¯re safe, Karina. Hang in there. It¡¯s going to be okay,¡± he promised me.


    I still wanted to object, tell him to leave me alone but everything gradually faded from me until I was surrounded by a peaceful feeling.


    When I regained consciousness, I was in a white room and lying on an elegant bed, but instead of being surprised and afraid, I just cried again. Why am I still alive? Why did they bring me back to life? I don¡¯t want to live! I want to die!


    I just wanted to die!


    Dead. Father, Diego, is dead. And¡­ and¡­ my baby¡­ Dead¡­ They killed them. They killed all of them¡­


    I screamed as I heard what sounded like a voice talking inside my head. I covered my ears with my hands and snuggled into the bed.


    ¡°Yes! They¡¯re all gone! They left me! They killed my family! Stop! Don¡¯t do it again!¡± I shouted and threw the things that were on my side. Shards littered the floor and a few sshed on me. Blood dripped from my hand.


    My eyes widened as I stared at the blood. The memories of Diego bleeding came to my mind. Scenes of my son lying bleeding on the road followed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to remember it! Let me rest! Please! Have mercy!¡±


    I pped myself several times to numb myself. ¡°I don¡¯t want to live. I don¡¯t want to live anymore!¡±


    I heard the door open and close but I remained on my knees holding my head. I couldn¡¯t stop the voices and scenes. They all don¡¯t stop! Please stop already!


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Karina. You¡¯ll be okay,¡± said a gentle voice as the bed beside me moved.


    I looked up at the stranger with cold eyes.


    ¡°Who are you? Why am I here? Why did you save me? I don¡¯t want to. I don¡¯t want to live anymore.¡±


    ¡°Hush. Hush.¡± She reached out and hugged me gently. ¡°Dying is thest thing you should be thinking about. You are an Alcantara. Being a member of a strong n runs in your blood. No one oppresses us. No one defeats us. We¡¯re so wealthy they could only stare at us in envy. We¡¯re so powerful we could kill anyone we want so stop making yourself a mess.¡±


    I didn¡¯t understand anything she was saying except for the words that stuck in my mind.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Kill?¡± I said softly again, feeling hypnotized while staring at her beautiful long and thick eyshes.


    The beautiful woman nodded and caressed my cheek. ¡°Yes, baby. Kill. Murder. We could do that to anyone. That¡¯s how powerful we are.¡±


    I remembered the people who did this to me. Ymir and Elizabeth. I want to kill them all! I need justice before I kill myself again. I clenched my fists and shook my head. ¡°I want to kill them. I want to kill them but I have nothing against them. Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Shhhh. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here for you. Just do what I wanted you to do and I¡¯ll help you kill whoever is making all these sufferings to you. Oh, what a poor baby.¡±


    ¡°Casindra!¡±


    We moved together to look back at the one who spoke in an angry voice. The first thing that immediately registered to me was the man¡¯s eyes in the doorway and therge steps leading up to us. Unlike the woman she called Casindra, I could read emotions in his eyes, pity for me and anger for the woman next to me.


    ¡°Get off her!¡± He immediately put me in his arms and threatened Casindra with a warning voice. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare put your poisonous words into her mind unless you want to bepletely cut off from entering the vicinity of Monte Vega, you understand me?¡±


    The woman¡¯s smile turned sarcastic as she stood up and faced the man. ¡°Chill, Zen. I was just giving our newest family member a wee hug. Besides, don¡¯t be too proud of that. You were just lucky for being first. I¡¯m still an Alcantara so I have every right to be in Monte Vega.¡± She turned to me and smiled. ¡°Wee home, cousin. I can¡¯t wait to y with you.¡±


    She gave us another smile before walking out the door.


    ¡°Wait a minute! We¡¯re not done yet. You¡¯re going to help me,¡± I called to Casindra who stopped at the door.


    Zen held my face in his hands and advised me in a calm voice. ¡°Karina, don¡¯t listen to her. She¡¯s just using you. Whatever she had told you, forget all of it.¡±


    I pushed the man away and covered my ears. ¡°Forget?! I would have forgotten if you hadn¡¯t saved me! I don¡¯t want to live anymore. I just want to follow my son! What I want is revenge! I want justice for the deaths of all of them!¡± I hit my head when the voice inside me started to make noise again. ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­ Stop¡­ I just want to rest. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    ¡°You need to rest again, Karina. I¡¯m sorry but I have to put you to sleep again.¡±


    I felt something injected into my arm that made me numb. My body lost strength and the sound of the environment weakened. I looked at the man who immediately supported my body to lie down.


    ¡°Sleep now, Karina. I promise you that everything will be okay. You¡¯re home now.¡±

 Chapter 41 Relentless

    ¡°Don¡¯t continue what you¡¯re nning, Karina. If you continue to do that, what will be the difference between you and the n you hate?¡±


    I wiped off the tears on my face before ncing at the man beside me who barged into the mausoleum silently.


    ¡°Why do you care, Maverick? It¡¯s not like you¡¯ll be affected.¡±


    I reached for my son¡¯s frame in the wall and caressed it with my fingers.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like you experienced the kind of loss that I have experienced for you to say that.¡±


    The man frowned and looked at me darkly.


    ¡°Cholo is my best friend, Karina.¡±


    ¡°And your beloved wife is my cousin.¡± I put the picture back on the wall and faced the man who was one of those who saved me before. ¡°A metal can only be fought with a metal, Maverick. Whatever I¡¯m nning on the Asturians, you¡¯re out of that but I can¡¯t make a promise if the same would happen to your investment in Gastrell Global Conglomerate. I warned you already never to meddle with my ns but you still get yourself acquainted. I won¡¯t back out just because you told me so. My years of keeping myself sane would not be wasted because of your mere opinion. I wasn¡¯t built like that.¡±


    Our eyes shed. I read the pity on his face again just like the time when he found me inside my small house in Sta. Barbara taking my own life.


    ¡°I was also like you. I was also revengeful against my father¡¯s murderers. Who wouldn¡¯t when they killed the very important figure of my life whom I dearly love. Like you, I am willing to do everything to give him justice. But I realized that it¡¯s not my duty to give him one. Let nature take its course, Karina. Submit it to authorities.¡±


    ¡°You can only say that because you still have a mother and a sister. You have Feme and your kids by your side. Me? I don¡¯t even have one left. This is it Maverick. This is nature taking its own course through me.¡±


    He gulped and looked around the ce I had filled with family photos.


    ¡°Your family loves you, Karina. Zen would do everything for you. Feme loves you so much. Every night, she doesn¡¯t fail to mention to me how hard she¡¯s praying for each one of your n to be free from all the bondages of your past. She was able to be happy despite everything and she wants you to feel the same. She wants you to experience authentic happiness.¡±


    A bitter smile escaped my lips. Why is it so easy to hear these hopeful words from others other than myself?


    ¡°Seeing them suffer is my happiness, Mr. Fuentebe. You don¡¯t know how many nights I¡¯ve imagined them kneeling and kissing my feet. Those months I spent in the facility will not go to waste. Even if you tell them about it, my ns will still proceed. Nothing can stop me. Even if the devil blocks my path, I will not be moved.¡± I stepped forward and looked up at the man who¡¯s still wearing that pity in his eyes while looking at me. ¡°I won¡¯t step aside even if it means going against you if you try to interfere with my ns.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t, Karina. I ampromised, you know that. You are rted to Feme. It means that you are now part of the family. I can put aside all my wife¡¯s bad experiences at the hands of her own rtives because that is exactly what she asked me to do. I¡¯ll do everything for her. I¡¯ll do everything my wife wishes. Pero kaibigan ko rin si Cholo. No matter where all of this will end up, I¡¯m sure a number of people around us will still choose to do the right thing.¡±


    I didn¡¯t say anything. I just kept my mouth closed while mincing his words in my head trying to deduce what he meant.


    ¡°Mab? Mab? Where are you?¡± Feme¡¯s voice called from outside the mausoleum.


    After a while, her beautiful face appeared at the door and approached us with a smile. Maverick rushed to meet her and support her.


    My cousin looks exceptionally beautiful with her flushed cheeks and red maternity dress while smiling at her husband. My eyes were focused on her big belly and the corners of my eyes couldn¡¯t help but warm up.


    I was once pregnant. I was once like her. I gave birth to Errol only for Eliza to take him away from me.


    ¡°What are you doing here without Abby? I told her to keep an eye on you. The weather is hot. You don¡¯t even have an umbre with you. Please take care of yourself and the babies,¡± Maverick scolded her softly and wrapped his arms around his wife.


    Femeughed and rolled her eyes. ¡°You are overreacting! I¡¯m with Trisha. I just left her with mom and dad. I need to pee. And Maverick, did you forget that this is our private cemetery and you brought your private guards with us? They¡¯re just scattered outside. I¡¯m just pregnant, not invalid.¡±


    Maverick was silent and just gently stroked his wife¡¯s arm. Feme then looked at me and smiled.


    ¡°Kar, don¡¯t forget toe to our baby gender reveal party this weekend okay? You promised me, remember? You can¡¯t take back your words. You should be there. You¡¯re one of the future godmothers of our little ones. I¡¯ll sulk if you don¡¯t go.¡±


    I nodded and smiled lightly. ¡°I will. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    I looked down at her stomach again and let out a sad smile. Feme stepped towards me and hugged me to my surprise. Yes, I am civil to all my rtives, but none of them have shown such a warm wee except for my brother, Zen. And now, Feme.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be alright, Kar. You¡¯ll be okay. Just keep pushing forward. It¡¯s the only way,¡± she whispered before patting my back. She went back beside Maverick and gave me a big smile.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be expecting you. And before I forget to remind you. Please no ck clothes okay? Wear something light in color.¡±


    I smirked and shrugged my shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±


    She frowned and stroked her stomach. ¡°They will not like to see their godmother in ck.¡±


    That¡¯s when I smiled. ¡°Ah, they haven¡¯t evene out yet but they¡¯re already demanding. It¡¯s a no no.¡±


    ¡°They got it from their mom. I¡¯m sure of that,¡± Maverickmented with a smile.


    The smile on Feme¡¯s face grew even bigger. ¡°I will not try to appeal because that¡¯s the truth. Mab, I¡¯m peeing again. Kar, we will go now. This weekend, okay. I¡¯ll wait at the door front for you,¡± she added when they were at the door.


    I couldn¡¯t do anything but nod at my cousin. I just smiled and followed the  couple with a happy gaze. They were holding hands while still exchanging banters.


    What a lucky woman you are, Feme.


    I admired her for being so forgiving towards her past. She didn¡¯t live through it. She lived past it.


    She didn¡¯t let the past be the defining moment of her entire life. Not like me who used the past as inspiration to live in the present.


    I stayed at the mausoleum for an hour before deciding to go home. When I opened my cellphone, I immediately received a series of missed calls and texts from Cholo.


    Instead of answering, I turned off my phone again and put on my sunsses. Celeste and Vishen were waiting for me in front of the car. Vishen opened the door for me to get in.


    ¡°Where to now, Miss?¡± Celeste asked after sitting next to me.


    I flicked my fingers in the air and stared at the two shining rings upying almost half of my ring finger.


    ¡°To Cerro Roca. I need to visit an old friend.¡±


    ¡°Copy that, Miss Karina.¡±


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    The ce we¡¯ve arrived into is a far cry from the progress of the city of Cerro Roca. Gone are the familiar tall buildings and smartly dressed citizens. What took its ce were the ramshackle houses on top of a polluted part of the sea. A slum area in the face of one of the most progressive cities in the country. What a shame how the gap between the rich and poor demographics continues to widen each year.


    ¡°Ms. Karina, it¡¯ll be best if you stay in the car,¡± Vishen stopped me from going out.


    I raised my hand to him and shook my head. ¡°You must be forgetting that I came from this kind of living, Vishen. This ce is not new to me.¡±


    I got out of the car and started walking toward the line of skeletal houses. Celeste is on my side instructing me about the directions. The necks of the shirtless men hanging on the sidewalks and somedies who stopped talking to each other stretched to our direction as they looked at us. The road was narrow and the surrounding smell was pungent because of the scattered garbage and animal excrement but I just shrugged it off. I¡¯m more than disgusted with the people responsible for the pitiful conditions in the area.


    We reached the end of the alley where a patchwork house made of tin and cardboard stood. The tarpaulin door was open and I saw an malnourished old woman lying on a mat on the floor.


    Vishen took the initiative to call out if there¡¯s anyone in the house. Later, a gay came out from behind and asked what we needed. The excitement on his face was obvious when he nced at Vishen and the bodyguards behind him. That¡¯s the time when I came forward and spoke to him.


    Rolling off my sunsses, I smiled at my all time acquaintance who is unrecognizable anymore. The Missy I know is far from the man in front of me now. He¡¯s skinnier now, almost bald with the lines of hardship on his face.


    ¡°Good day, Missy. Long time no see.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    The man just frowned and watched me intently. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who I am. I¡¯m here to offer you a job. Let¡¯s talk inside.¡±


    Missy¡¯s face hardened and pushed us away with his bony hands.


    ¡°I told you a week ago that I left that job a long time ago! I¡¯ve changed. I don¡¯t want to be part of the syndicate anymore. I gave up selling girls a long time ago!¡±


    I nced at the shack where an old woman was still sleeping inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re not a human trafficker now. I¡¯m d to know you¡¯ve changed gradually. Missy, I¡¯m not looking for girls. I¡¯m here to give you a job you can never refuse. A million. I¡¯ll give you a million including a new house andnd. I will hospitalize your mother as well. I will lift you out of the swamp you are in now. Just serve me and give me the loyalty I demand.¡±


    My old friend stared at me for a long time, unable to believe what he was hearing.


    ¡°W-Who are you? Why do you seem to know me?¡±


    I smirked at this before shrugging. ¡°I will never be able to forget people like you, especially the friends who showed me even a little bit of kindness before. Even if you put me in bad situations before, that will not change what you have done for me. Tomorrow, one of my men will be here to pick you up so you can pack now. ept my offer while I¡¯m still being nice.¡± I nced at the old woman we heard coughing. ¡°For the only family member you have left.¡±


    I turned my back on my old friend, whose face was still full of confusion. Even though he betrayed me thest time we met because he lied that Cholo was looking for me which caused me to be put in situations I never thought I would be able to handle, that is not enough reason for me not to feel indebted to him.


    His actions don¡¯t erase the fact that he¡¯s one of the few people who had given me some assistance in the past.


    When we were halfway out the small way out, we heard someone yelling.


    ¡°Karina! Karina Versoza! I ept it! I ept it, you idiot! That¡¯s a million bucks! I¡¯m epting it!¡±


    I just grinned as I put the sses back on. I couldn¡¯t help but inhale the pungent smell of the surrounding waste. The hidden garbage of the Asturians still stinks more than this.

 Chapter 42 She鈥檚 starting

    ¡°Are you really sure you¡¯re noting with me? I can wait for you.¡±


    I smiled at my husband and continued tying his tie. After making a knot and pulling the hem of the tie down, I looked at his face and tiptoed to give him a kiss.


    ¡°I want to but it¡¯s not possible. I need to talk to the owner of thend I will buy today. Though I really wanted to see how you y in that meeting, the circumstances are not really letting me.¡± I fixed his coat and gave it one more look. ¡°You should go now. You might gette.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Instead of saying goodbye, Cholo grabbed me by the waist and hugged me. He rested his chin on my shoulder and nuzzled his nose against my neck. Ibed his hair and closed my eyes. I need to remember his smell because it might be thest time we will be this close to each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s like I really want to go to the meeting. It¡¯s not that important. Whether I will attend or not, it¡¯s still a closed deal after all. I¡¯ll just apany you on your way and then we¡¯ll go cruising the rest of the day. What do you think, wife?¡±


    He jokingly bit my neck and grabbed my ass. I pinched his side causing him to flinch and move away from me a little. I waved at him and raised my eyebrows.


    ¡°Mr. Gastrell, I never knew you could be this unprofessional. Remember, it¡¯s the future of yourpany, your wife and your children that¡¯s at stake here. Also, it would be better for your cousin if you attended that meeting. I heard that a known political family will be there. You know, maybe the future mayor of our city will not onlye from your family. Maybe we can also have the future president from here.¡±


    The happiness on his face disappeared for a moment before he forced it back. ¡°I see that my wife is really resourceful with her information.¡±


    My smile also faded like him and I immediately tried to put it back too. ¡°Of course. What do you think of your wife, Cholo? I¡¯m the most efficient woman you can meet in your lifetime.¡± I added a littleugh to the end of the word before approaching my husband again and adjusting his necktie again. ¡°In order to win the war, you should be at least one step ahead with the enemy. That¡¯s what I learned from my family.¡±


    I looked up at my husband and stepped back but he pulled me closer and cupped my cheek to press a kiss on me. Instinctively, I gathered my arms around his neck and responded. Our tongues mated with hunger while his hands grabbed my butt.


    ¡°I should really just stay here with you,¡± he said huskily before pulling me back to his kisses.


    When he was about to pull the strap of my nightgown, that¡¯s when I regained the self-control that I slightly lost. I pushed him away and retreated for a while. I turned back for a moment to calm myself down and lower my body temperature which was gradually rising.


    My hormones be really screaming for Cholo¡¯s skillful maneuver in bed which I need to keep in check. My body already knows the warmth of my husband. Just one fire and I¡¯ll be on fire too. I can¡¯t possibly be a ve to his body again. Not when I know this will just be a temporary thing. I don¡¯t want the time toe when I be too dependent on him again.


    ¡°You really need to go now. A good CEO should be a good example to his employees,¡± I told him when I managed to control myself and face him.


    Cholo just threw me a downcast look before gently tugging me forward and enveloping me back to his embrace. I breathed in his scent and let myself be drowned again in his inviting warmth.


    ¡°This will just be a quick one. I will be right back here for you. Please don¡¯t turn off your phone. I almost went crazy looking for you the other day because you weren¡¯t answering your calls.¡±


    I sighed and reminded myself never to get too used to being like this and hearing these words from him.


    ¡°Sorry again. My phone just ran out of battery and I got so busy with my business that day. Will you forgive me? Hmm?¡±


    His arms got tighter around me and I heard him sigh in the air.


    ¡°You know I will always forgive you no matter what you do. Just¡­ Just tell me why, Karina. I will always hear your side and be at your side no matter what happens.¡±


    His words have meaning. That¡¯s what I¡¯m sure of. Has he noticed the way I¡¯ve been avoiding him these past few days whenever he tries to talk to me?


    ¡°Oh yes. I will remember that.¡± I let go of his embrace and gently pushed him out the door of our room. ¡°Go now. I¡¯ll just call youter when I¡¯m done with my business, okay?¡±


    Cholo just nodded while searching for something in my face. Without perhaps seeing what he was looking for, he kissed my forehead and hair before smiling at me.


    ¡°I love you, wife,¡± his eyes were pale as he said those words when he¡¯s down the stairs.


    I waved at him and answered with a smile that immediately disappeared when he disappeared from my sight.


    When I heard the engines ramming and the speeding away of the car, I immediately reverted back to the initial n. I quickly got ready and left the house. I drove to the exit of the subdivision and got into the van waiting where Vishen and Celeste were already inside waiting for me.


    We drove without direction for another couple of minutes just to buy time before changing into another car in the middle of the road.


    ¡°Vishen, did you already do what I instructed you to do?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Karina. All are already in ce.¡±


    Impressed, I leaned back to my seat and crossed my legs in anticipation of what¡¯s about toe, a sly grin ying on my lips.


    ¡°Good. You earned yourself a bonus.¡±


    Cholo¡¯s car and mine arrived side by side outside the hotel owned by Maverick in Cerro Roca. I can still see Elizabeth weing him and hooking her hand on my husband¡¯s arm but Cholo whis it away. I waited for another minute before entering the exit door and upying the room next to the convention area where the meeting will be held.


    Vishen opened the monitoring television in front. The room filled with people appeared where their conversations were already starting. Present are Cholo, Elizabeth, Ymir, Secretary Benito, the youngest governor in the country and the rest of the stakeholders of the project. Celeste poured me a ss of wine and served me fruits. I took out my cell phone and slowly sat on the recliner seat while typing a number to call.


    ¡°Hello, Ely,¡± I said and popped some grapes into my mouth.


    The woman did not speak but I can hear her fear just by hearing her breathing. I looked at the monitor and smiled when I saw that she was restless in the chair.


    ¡°Take it easy, will you? Breathe in, breathe out. Listen, I will not go into much details. I just wanted you to do something for me. Now open yourptop,¡± I ordered her before reaching for the ss and drinking from it.


    ¡°Sorry but I¡¯m so busy talking about other business right now. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Oops! I think you should think twice before hanging up on me. Elizabeth, have you forgotten what I am capable of doing to you? Did you already forget that I know your pretty little nasty secret? What if I call Cholo right now and inform him of your crime?¡±


    I heard her take a breath. ¡°If it is that important then I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°Good girl! Now open yourptop and don¡¯t put down your phone.¡±


    I saw Ymir stand up ande forward to speak. Elizabeth followed me and opened theptop and gasped in shock.


    ¡°Yeah, I know Ely. The pictures are quite shocking but what can I do? You proudly did them so no shame intended.¡± I put the ss down on the next table and crossed my legs. ¡°What I wanted for you to do is this. Tell the people in there that the owner of thend you¡¯re trying to get did not sign the deed of sale. You took care of all that so they will definitely believe you. If how, well, that will be your strategy. Show me how brilliant you are. If you don¡¯t follow me, I will send all these files you¡¯re seeing in yourptop to all the stakeholders of the project. I will send it to the media and make a chaos out of it. It will surely destroy the long damaged reputation of your family. All your secrets will be revealed. And most of all, Cholo and your brother will be hurt because they will not get the project they have dreamed of and worked for for years. The current administration is too allergic to scandals, Ely.¡±


    ¡°I thought he was the reason for all of this. Why are you sacrificing him now?¡±


    I drained the entire cup and ced it face down on the table.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too simple minded, Ely. Now do what I told you to do.¡±


    She nced for a moment at his brother who was still standing and talking to the shareholders. I just grinned when I read the desperation in her eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother asking for your brother¡¯s help or any of your family members. What do you think is the reason why I¡¯m still alive today? It¡¯s because your brother cannot make an enemy out of Cholo especially now that my husband is warming up on me. Power, wealth, and influence, Ely. Being the wife of Cholo made me an equal to an Asturia. Now, no matter how much I want to prolong it because I¡¯m really happy to hear your trembling voice, I¡¯m afraid I have to cut off our friendly conversation. Tell them now the big news, Ely.¡±


    I rxed to the backrest and patiently waited for her decision. Her face was full of different emotions and it was just so funny to watch her helplessness in the situation. It¡¯s just so satisfying to see how an old money like her loses her wits. In the end, she shut up and clenched her fists and started speaking.


    ¡°E-Excuse my interruption but I think we have a problem,¡± she began shakily.


    Everyone looked in her direction. Amused, I waited for what she would say next to solve the situation.


    ¡°Go on, Elizabeth,¡± Ymir acknowledged her.


    Elizabeth stood up and took a deep breath. ¡°I know it¡¯s not really the news you wanted to hear but¡­ I wanted to inform you that the owner of thend changed his mind. He doesn¡¯t want to sell it to us anymore.¡±


    I chuckled at her reason. Oh, this would be so interesting to watch. There was a silence first before a series of disappointed and angry sentiments followed. My eyes focused on Cholo, who was quietly on the side, his hands were folded on the table. He doesn¡¯t even look a bit bothered by the news.


    ¡°We thought the signing was over? Mr. Gastrell, Mr. Asturia, I thought everything was already ironed? What is this new problem now?¡± a man next to Secretary Benito spoke aghast by the downward development.


    ¡°I think you owe us an exnation, especially you, Ms. Asturia,¡± said the governor.


    ¡°Gentlemen, I believe it¡¯s just a matter of mimunication,¡± Ymir stepped in for his sister. ¡°I am positive that we will resolve it as soon as possible. Now, can we all return to the discussion?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Asturia is right,¡± Cholo said dismissing the other statements about the matter. ¡°We will handle it legally. Now may we go back to the presentation?¡±


    Everyone also agreed with what he said and went back to listening. I leaned back and stared at my husband in awe. He sure knows how to handle pressure. Silly me. I almost forgot who Cholo is.


    ¡°Thank you, Ely. Consider it your initiation, dear.¡±


    I turned off the cellphone and stood up.  Celeste¡¯s robbed a nce at me with a surprise look on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s the look for, Celeste? I didn¡¯t impress you today? Well, it¡¯s just their first taste. I need to shake them a little now. Sweet taste. You can call it a foreshock before an earthquake, a forey before sex , a prelude of anything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Karina,¡± she apologized in her bowed head.


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason for you to ask for forgiveness. I¡¯ll just make sure to do better next time.¡± I turned to Vishen. ¡°You take care of everything. No trace in everything. I did note here today, okay?¡±


    He bowed and answered. ¡°Yes, Ms. Karina.¡±


    I nced at the monitor to take a look at Cholo who is now in his restless self. No matter how he hides it, I know that he is equally as problematic as anyone in the room. The possibility of his decade-long dreams disappearing in an instant is not just a possibility. It can be his reality now.


    I looked away with nk eyes and walked out the door. My chest is heavy with emotion that I shouldn¡¯t be feeling anymore.


    There¡¯s no point dwelling on these feelings if I know that I will just need to leave them behind together with the man I havee to love again.

 Chapter 43 Seeing you down

    It waste when I got home. I stayed the whole day with my family in the cemetery. I also slept for a few hours and when I woke up it was already dark. I opened my phone and found a message from Cholo asking me how¡¯s my day to which I replied with ¡®just fine¡¯.


    As soon as my car entered the driveway, I was surprised to see how chaotic the front porch is. The lights outside are switched off and the car of Cholo is not properly parked. It seems like he just stopped the engine and just went out. So not the typical him. He didn¡¯t even close the door and just left it open.


    I approached the car to close it when my attention was caught by a glinting object that had fallen to the floor of the car. I bent down and picked it up before closing the car door. I lifted the ne and my eyes widened at what I saw.


    The pendant of the ne is none other than the missing pair of the cheap ring Cholo bought for the two of us.


    ¡°He still has it. I thought he threw it away.¡±


    I caressed the ring and ced it on my finger. The two immediately bonded. As far as I can remember, my ring is a ma that attracts Cholo¡¯s ring. I still remember how he told me that I¡¯m his ma. ording to him, he can¡¯t help but get attracted to me.


    I smiled at the memory. ¡°Now where¡¯s that man?¡±


    When I opened the main door, silence greeted me. I went to the kitchen to find someone to ask.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, Sir Cholo came a while ago. He¡¯s upstairs drinking,¡± answered Ste, who serves as the mansion¡¯s cook.


    ¡°He¡¯s been drinking? I see. Thank you.¡±


    I went upstairs to go to the bedroom but my husband was not there. I got dressed first before going straight to the bar area of the mansion on the same floor.


    The door is open revealing him sitting on a bar stool with a ss in his hand. On the counter are several empty bottles of liquor, ashtrays, and boxes of cigarettes. His polo was unbuttoned, the sleeves rolled up, and the necktie was on the floor. His face is already red from drinking and his eyes¡­ I can¡¯t exin how hollow and sad they were.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said and cleared my throat.


    He looked at me from nowhere and slowly raised his ss at me.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said and brought the wine to his mouth. ¡°Care for a drink?¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I shook my head and walked closer to him. I picked up the necktie from the floor then approached my husband to kiss him on the cheek then I went around the counter and started cleaning up the mess. Cholo just watched me until I finished.


    When thest of the bottles was thrown away, I opened another one, got myself a ss, and poured it on our sses. I went back next to him and sat down at the counter facing my husband who was resting his elbows on the counter by my side while drinking and staring at me.


    ¡°Care to share it?¡± I broke the momentary silence that enveloped us.


    He reached out for my face and caressed it gently. ¡°It¡¯s a small thing that I can solve. How about you? Have you bought thend yet?¡±


    We clinked sses. ¡°Not yet. Our negotiation took longer than I expected.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Do you want my help?¡±


    I sipped on the ss and shook my head. ¡°Too simple for me to ask for help.¡±


    I can tell that he felt rejected by the way he hurriedly finished his drink.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you at least let me help you, wife? Ask for my assistance sometimes. Call for my name when you can¡¯t take it anymore. Want me. Need me. Make me feel that I can be by your side . Stop doing it all by yourself. I am your partner. Let me be of help,¡± he pleaded.


    For a while, his words prevented me from saying anything. The words he let out were piercing to the bone. I can feel his pain and his sincerity towards me.


    I took his hand and ced it on my thigh then took out of my pocket the ne I picked up from his car earlier. I removed the ring from the ne and put it on my husband¡¯s ring finger.


    ¡°Do you know that I had a crush on you for a long time? The very first time I saw you, I knew that you¡¯d be the subject of my dreams. You just set foot on Cerro Roca that time with your signature shy car and expensive clothes . You were inside your car by the road and I was on the other side, selling snacks. And then, I saw your smile and it felt like the whole ce lit up. My world literally stopped because of you . I also remember imagining that we were getting married and I was putting the ring on you after saying our vows. But I know what I felt for you will just stay in my fantasy. My small pitiful world cannot bepared to yours grand globe. My worn-out hand-me-down clothes cannot fit in your designer ssic walk-in closet. I was the inferior one, Cholo.¡± My eyes twinkled as I looked at the ring on his finger. ¡°Having you in my arms felt like a clich¨¨ ending of a drama. It¡¯s a dreame true so how can you tell me that I don¡¯t need and want you? The thought of you helped me wake up every morning in those past painful years. Even though we both know that you hurt me, don¡¯t lie about it, I still can¡¯t stop myself from returning to the fantasy that I wish you could be mine this time. You were one of  the reasons why I survived, Cholo. No one can change that fact.¡±


    He sped our hands together and brought them to his mouth to kiss.


    ¡°Then tell me about your past, Karina. Bare it to me, wife. I wanted to understand you so bad. There are questions I¡¯m dying to ask but I¡¯m too afraid to cause you any damage again. It¡¯s true that I have hurt you and I promised to myself that I will never do it again. I promised you and myself that I will bring back your old smile, your real one, your unpretentious one. It hurts me to see you try to smile. It hurts me to see you covering up your true feelings. I feel so worthless because I¡¯m clueless why. Who is causing you to have so many sleepless nights? Why are you looking outside the window as if you¡¯re yearning for something or someone? Do you really want to be here with me?¡±


    I knew for a long time that sooner orter, I would have to face Cholo¡¯s questions. As patient as he is trying to be, I already stretched the thread so high to its breaking point. I drank some wine before answering. I kept looking at our joined hands to gather strength.


    ¡°My life¡­ Hmmm let me see. Maybe I really need to tell you my story. It¡¯s long overdue. I know it¡¯s surprising that I suddenly became this well-dressed, educated woman who knows a thing or two from being the ill-educated and ignorant provincial girl you met. My life¡­ I don¡¯t know where to start. It¡¯s sad¡­ tragic and chaotic¡­ and full of surprises. Sometimes happy, always empty. My real family found me. They practically saved me from myself back then. They sent me abroad to study and taught me everything from this harsh life. You can say that they took away my humanity because I wanted them to.¡±


    Wonder and curiosity filled his eyes. He held my hand tighter.


    ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s what I thought I needed back then. It¡¯s my only way of surviving.¡±


    ¡°Surviving from what?¡±


    My tears were welling up at that point.


    ¡°F-from everything.¡± My voice trembling and my hands shaking from keeping myself from crying. ¡°From everything I went through, Cholo,¡± I whispered while letting my tears fall. ¡°That was the only way I see to somehow survive each day. I have to be numb to continue living. I-I have to be emotionless to be able t-to¡­¡±


    He rose up from his seat and embraced me, his hands stroking my back in a tender manner.


    ¡°Stop talking already. I get you. I understand you. Hell, I promised myself never to make you cry but here I am breaking it again. I¡¯m sorry, wife. I¡¯m sorry, Karina.¡±


    He kissed my head and repeatedly soothed me with hisforting words while I closed my eyes and let myself take relief in his arms.


    This is the reason why I don¡¯t want to tell Cholo about my past as much as possible. It will only create conflicting feelings that may affect my judgement in the future. I haven¡¯t even disclosed the reasons why and yet I¡¯m being so weak before him. How much more when I have to break it all to him while also tearing him in the process.


    Everything is uncertain up to this moment but what I know to be inevitable is that neither of us will be the same again after this. For one, I will walk away from here twice as broken as I am before.

 Chapter 44 What are you hiding, Karina?

    I realized that Karina had left the room again but I didn¡¯t move from lying on the bed. She must have thought I was already sleeping.


    It has always been like this for the past weeks that we have been together in the same room. She wouldy with me on the bed and pretend to sleep. When she sees me breathing evenly, she will kiss me on the forehead and then go out to sleep on the sofa in the living room. She woulde back around four in the morning as if nothing had happened and hug me and pretend to be asleep so I wouldn¡¯t get suspicious.


    I thought it¡¯s just because she¡¯s not used to having someone in bed with her. I only began to suspect that there is more to it when I woke up in the middle of the night without her by my side. I searched for her in the whole house only to find her in the garden silently crying and drinking. She kept on kissing her ne while staring at the skies.


    I couldn¡¯t exin what I was feeling. It¡¯s like someone punched me in the gut repeatedly. I can¡¯t forget her red sad eyes that are in stark contrast from her naughty wicked face she loves to disy to intimidate people.


    The Karina I saw that night is beyond unrecognizable. She looks so small and vulnerable with so much baggage from within. A far cry from Karina¡¯s yful, brave,bative, and fearless persona that she always portrays.


    Seeing her in that situation is like taking a glimpse again of that young woman in the hotel who begged me for wrong reasons.


    Guilt kicked in me instantly. I know I¡¯ve been a part of the pain she¡¯s enduring.


    I insulted her on our first meeting, threw curses at her whenever I had the chance, and kept on rubbing on her face how cheap she is whenpared to Elizabeth.


    It was my way of retaining my anger towards her and concealing my love for her which I unsessfully killed for thest eight years.


    What I thought to be just a simple fascination turned out to be a full-blown love I never expected I would feel to the girl I mistakenly took as my father¡¯s mistress so imagine my devastation when I witnessed her betrayal. Watching her go with another man after giving her the ring is like looking at my happiness disappear.


    I can¡¯t ept the fact that she left me for another man to support her family. It was a big blow to my ego and more so to my status as a Gastrell. If money is her only reason for agreeing to my n then she could have just said it right away in my face. I will give her everything. If she was that disappointed with the cheap ring I gave her not knowing that it¡¯s the only thing I could call mine because I earned the money outside of my family¡¯s business then she shouldn¡¯t have let her eyes sparkled with appreciation when I slid it in her finger.


    It gave me false hope that we both felt the same thing.


    For years, I have been in and out of casual rtionships. I cannotmit to a woman because I cannot feel the connection I felt with Karina. My fling once told me how unfeeling I was. They say I¡¯m just hot in bed but I¡¯m as cold as ice when they show the motive to make our rtionship more serious. I tried to get into a rtionship to prove to myself that I was no longer trapped in Karina¡¯s memory but we didn¡¯tst long either. She left me because she said she couldn¡¯t feel that I loved her. I should not use her to forget the woman I still love.


    I felt guilty.  She is a phenomenal woman for me to just use her to move on from my past love. From then on, I didn¡¯t have a girlfriend. I made it clear to every woman I took to bed that it will be just a one-night stand.  The frequent visit to La Vida Club kept me entertained during the nights when Karina¡¯s disappearance haunt me but I never did go out with any woman there.


    They made me remember her when she barged in my room in the club on that night which led our roads back to each other.


    I hated her for leaving me. I hated myself for still dreaming about her. I hated myself for associating everyone with her.


    But that fateful night changed my life yet again when she just came barging into my life back iming that we are married and that I have a responsibility to her.


    I would be lying if I said that I didn¡¯t find her more attractive now. She has gotten more beautiful and refined but the young man inside me is disappointed. The young Cholo wanted to see the young Karina who needed me, the innocent girl who held my hand so tight with her cold and trembling rough hands, the girl in the sidewalk I caught in the windshield of my car gawking at me. The same girl who tore my heart open when I saw her walking out nervously of thefort room wearing that blue bathrobe.


    I needed her to be that helpless girl again so I could offer her my hand again and marry her. I needed to be her hero but looking at how she became the confident wicked woman I never thought she would be, I have to ept the truth that I will always be at her mercy. She doesn¡¯t need me now the way I will always need her in my life.


    She can leave me again. She will leave me again after she¡¯s done with me.


    There is definitely a reason for hering back. I¡¯m not blind to not see that the loss of sparkle in her eyes has meaning. Her real smile is gone. A calcted but dangerous glint reced her eyes. Every time I notice her drifting away from the present, I can¡¯t help but ask myself what happened to her in the past to make her like this.


    When I saw her breaking downst night, something in me was broken too. It¡¯s the first time she let me see her miserable state. Whatever it is, I wanted to trade ces with her and own the pain.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    What could have been the reason behind her tears every night? If it¡¯s true that she loves me then what¡¯s stopping her from telling me everything?


    One word from my wife and I will be scrambling down to her feet offering her my everything. I will do everything for her, even sign that annulment paper if she asks me because I cannot stand the sadness in her eyes anymore. I will not hear any of her cry every night while she thinks I¡¯m peacefully sleeping in the bed we both made.


    Just like now.


    I let another hour pass before getting up and going downstairs. I didn¡¯t have to look for my wife in the whole house. She¡¯s on the sofa again, her favorite spot, sleeping in a fetal position. She is tightly holding on to the nket with half of it on the floor so that only her knee down to her feet is covered.


    Sighing, I picked up the nket slowly and covered her all the way to her shoulders. I made sure I made no sound as I sat on the floor and just stared at her untroubled face.


    I raised my hand to caress her cheek which I immediately put down for fear of waking her up. I know it¡¯s hard for her to fall asleep. Last night, it took her three hours to doze off. I leaned on the other sofa and stared at my wife. I watch for the nket to fall off when she moves.


    ¡°I never knew that a woman could be at her most beautiful when sleeping,¡± I whispered and smiled when Karina sniffed out of nowhere and went back to sleep.


    I stood up for a moment to make coffee then returned to my seat to look at my wife again. My eyes focused on her slightly open lips. Smiling to myself, I turned my gaze to another part of her face because I was getting too hot, just like the cup of coffee in my hand.


    My eyesnded at her cute little nose. Actually, my wife has baby-like features that are even more highlighted when she doesn¡¯t have her make-up on. She has a symmetrical small face with arched brows, big round eyes and fuller lips. She¡¯s got a mole on her left ear just above the earlobe which I love to pinch and y until I fall asleep.


    Karina moved with her back to me and hugged a throw pillow causing the nket to slide up to her legs. I moved closer to her and fixed the nket back to her body.


    I spent a few more hours staring at her before I got up and washed the cup that I used. I checked the time and found that it¡¯s already four in the morning. She¡¯ll surely wake up any minute from now.


    I first lifted the nket up to her neck before heading to our room. Thirty minutes passed and I could hear the door opening and closing. I didn¡¯t move and continued pretending to be asleep.


    The bed moved as sheid beside me and hugged my arms. I couldn¡¯t stop myself. I put her in my arms and kissed her on the head.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± she softly asked.


    I shook my head and buried my face in her hair. My hands immediately went to her ear and fondled it. I automatically feel sleepy.


    ¡°No,¡± I murmured. ¡°Let¡¯s just sleep some more, please.¡±


    She just moved her head and buried her face in my chest.


    I smiled and kissed her head wishing that there will nevere a time that I¡¯ll be sleeping in here alone.

 Chapter 45 This is it

    People were jam-packed inside the Cerro Roca stadium for the grand rally of the presidential candidate of the party of Cholo¡¯s cousin, Demish Viera.


    The 25-thousand seating capacity of the coliseum was filled with the supporters of both the running mayor and president. The stage is set in a simple way so as not to attract any negativement from the citizens. Even the hosting of the venue is said to be sponsored by a loyal wealthy supporter of the party bearer.


    Only a few days left and the campaign period will be over, that¡¯s why the camp is doing double caution so that the opponents cannot throw anything at them.


    This is where they chose to do the mass demonstration because his political party ns to turn Cerro Roca into a stronghold. Of course, with the two local political ns, the Asturias and the Gastrells, backing their candidacy, it sure means that the vote-rich city will lean on their candidates.


    That¡¯s what I won¡¯t let happen. I have already promised my cousin that the other party will not win here. In exchange, I asked him for a favor.


    ¡°My dear peace loving countrymen! Let¡¯s not forget in theing election next month, let¡¯s vote for Enrique Antonino for president to fight corruption which is a termite that is destroying our country. Mypatriots, this is the true servant of our town that we¡¯ve been waiting for a long time!¡± urged by the party list spokesperson who as far as I know is a former member of the party supported by my cousin.


    I just shook my head while staring intently at the dancing women on the top of the stage who took over the speaker earlier. The surroundings are really full of hypocritical leeches. They move quickly. They easily forget about their sworn allegiance the moment they know the battle is lopsided.


    Oh well. What did I expect? There is no such thing as loyalty in politics. Only permanent personal interests.


    In my few years of being an Alcantara, I have seen different types of politicians who are trying to get the support of our family. They don¡¯t care if we give them support financially. All they want is a word of endorsement from us. We be the racetrack of politicians who are running from the other side.


    It only makes me gasp in irritation how they¡¯reing back just because we are in cirction again. News sure travels fast. As soon as they found out that the Alcantaras were slowlying out, they were like bees who had lost their homes and returned to us.


    Of course, my brother is as cunning as the head. We need them in return even more and we haven¡¯t really returned to the way we were before. We are still in the middle of reconnecting to high society.


    ¡°I thought you won¡¯te?¡± asked the voice behind my ear. He kissed my cheek from behind.


    I just smiled and held his hand as he sat on the seat next to me in the front row of the bleachers. I meant to tell him this morning that I couldn¡¯t make it because I had something else to attend to.


    ¡°My mind has changed. I wanted to show up to support you for supporting your cousin. After all, we¡¯re family. And families support each other.¡±


    He returned the smile and kissed my hand.


    ¡°Thank you for saying that. Come. I will introduce you to my cousin. He wanted to meet you for a long time. I told him that my wife is too preupied with me to meet the future mayor of the city but he didn¡¯t believe me. He said maybe I was just threatened by him. I still need to remind him that I am the one who was chased more by women when we were still¡­ well¡­ young. The man needs some putting in his ce.¡± He chuckled when he saw me studying him closely. ¡°But I also made it clear to him that he can have the title to himself. I have long decided to retire in a recluse state with you.¡±


    I grabbed his hand and together we started to walk to the backstage area.


    ¡°I am not quite convinced with the exnation. I find it to becking in assurance.¡±


    Grinning, he broke his hand from mine and encircled his arm around my waist.


    ¡°My rings are in your finger, wife, and myst name is yours too. I cannot think of any more assurance to give to you other than that,¡± he whispered in my ear.


    Satisfied with his answer, I made no more attempt to push the conversation.


    Even before we got close to the man, I immediately recognized Demish Viera in the distance who was talking to some men who belong to the campaignmittee of his party.


    The man is of considerable height but with a towering impression written all over him. He¡¯s 27 years old but he looks younger than his age, has a very impressive educational background abroad, and with a good track record in politics. He¡¯s wearing a simple t-shirt and casual pants.


    It is also noteworthy that he is not wearing any form of campaign paraphernalia other than his party color. No printed shirt with his name and position on it and no ballers in his wrists. Definitely not your typical traditional politician.


    ¡°Dem,¡± Cholo called to the cousin who immediately said goodbye to those he was talking to when he saw us and walked towards us.


    ¡°Wife, this is Demish, the future mayor of Cerro Roca and my cousin. Dem, meet Karina, my wife.¡±


    He offered his hand to me and politely smiled. ¡°My pleasure to meet you, Karina.¡±


    I reached for his hand and returned the serious smile. ¡°The pleasure is mine, Mayor. I have heard about your tforms and I think they¡¯re quite feasible. Kudos to you.¡±


    He smiled broadly at me before ncing at Cholo. ¡°Thank you for the kind words. It means a lot to me when there are citizens in Cerro Roca who like my tforms. It means more to me when they personallye here to support me. I really appreciate it.¡±


    He let go of my hand.


    ¡°No worries. Family supports each other,¡± I answered sparingly.


    ¡°That I couldn¡¯t argue but I could argue how you don¡¯t deserve my cousin, Karina. You¡¯re too headstrong for this man right here. Can he handle a strong woman like you?¡± he said while holding back his joking smile.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s quite good at handling women like me which makes me wonder if I¡¯m really the only one he¡¯s handling right now,¡± I added.


    ¡°Oh! We have a lot to talk about on that matter.¡± His eyes shed with mischief when he turned to Cholo. ¡°I like her.¡±


    Cholo pulled me closer to him and kissed my head. ¡°Not as much as I love her.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop my face from heating up as he openly showed affection to me in front of so many people.


    ¡°Oh please you guys. Stop with the PDA. Don¡¯t spit on my face that I¡¯m really single now. You know I can¡¯t serve two masters at a time. Public service first for now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re jealous Dem because until you achieve your dream of bing a senator, no woman will be able to keep up with you because of your job.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    We all turned to the one who spoke behind our backs. A cute girl in her early twenties and probably just a few years younger than I am is looking at us particrly at Demish. She was wearing a t-shirt with the young man¡¯s promotional campaign printed on it.


    ¡°I agree with you, Yvonne. Dem got too many things going on right now in his life to even think of women especially now that he has more responsibility in the city,¡± Cholo said and briefly introduced me to the girl who gave me a smile and shook my hand.


    Demish put his arm around the woman¡¯s shoulder and jokingly patted her forehead.


    ¡°Thank you for the loyalty, cousin but I¡¯ll still tell your wife about everything she needs to know. And this annoying girl right here and I will say goodbye to the two of you because there are sti many supporters we need to talk to. All for the love of Cerro Roca. ¡±


    He saluted at us before turning back while dragging the girl. We followed the two who seemed to be arguing based on how the woman forcibly removed Demish¡¯s hand from her shoulder.


    ¡°He¡¯s good and sincere. He¡¯ll make a good mayor,¡± Imented.


    ¡°I know. When we were just kids, we already knew he would get involved in politics. He takes after my mom. He is born to be a leader,¡± he said proudly as he led me back to the seat.


    ¡°Speaking of your mother, did she already approve of our rtionship? Did she still not like me until now? I could understand why then but now? Why would she not want me now when I am as sessful as you? I am as educated and as wealthy as Elizabeth and someday, you will also meet my real family. By then, I hope she will ept me. I don¡¯t hate her anymore because she once made me feel that she is more on the side of others than the wife of her own son.¡±


    Instead of leading me back to the seat, he pulled me to a corner and cupped my face, not minding how many can still see us. The music had already stopped to give way for the preparation of speech for every candidate.


    ¡°I know my mother¡¯s treatment of you hasn¡¯t been good. It was displeasing and it¡¯s a shame that I took a part in it but I¡¯ll make sure that she will still ept you in the end. You are my wife and I am choosing you, Karina. I¡¯m choosing this rtionship over anything. We will work this out, trust me. We can do this, okay? Just give me time to sort this out, can you trust me on that?¡±


    I sighed and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. We can do this. I shouldn¡¯t be sulking right here and thinking about negative things when it¡¯s a big day for all of us, especially you. The investors wille now for your project. It¡¯s important that they will see how great my husband is. Imagine being the primary force behind the newest and thergest oil exploration in the country. Not only that, you were also on the lucky side of history. The president you support has a big advantage in winning this year¡¯s presidency.¡± I fixed the cor of his polo shirt. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you, Cholo.¡±


    Suddenly, the sparkle in his eyes disappeared and a sad expression took its ce, which he tried to hide by smiling at me.


    ¡°It never felt this gooding from you. Thank you.¡±


    I looked down to calm myself because of the sudden tightness in my chest. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our seats. The program will start any minute from now.¡±


    I pulled my hand back and gently held his arm. ¡°You go first. I¡¯ll just go to thefort room.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you. I can wait. I can always wait.¡±


    I shook my head and smiled at him. ¡°You go ahead. It looks like the investors are already there. Go to them. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    He nodded and secretly kissed me on the lips. ¡°Alright.¡±


    I turned around and started walking in the direction of the bathroom. I closed my eyes and sighed when Cholo¡¯s face appeared in my mind earlier. It¡¯s like he wanted to ask me something.


    I stopped walking and turned around. I wasn¡¯t surprised to see that my husband was still standing there staring at me nkly. The corners of my eyes warmed when he waved at me and moved his hands to tell me to continue walking. I followed him with my hand on my chest while trying to calm myself down.


    I¡¯m sorry, Cholo, but I have to do this. I know you will understand me eventually too.


    I went into the bathroom and took out the make-up kit and started retouching. When I finished, I looked at myself in the reflection in the mirror. From here, I saw Missy entering wearing a hat.


    ¡°Have you done it? Finished already?¡± I asked without looking at the mirror.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s done. I¡¯ve done what you want me to do but are you really sure you¡¯re still going to do this?¡±


    I smirked before turning around to face my old friend.


    ¡°You just don¡¯t know what else I¡¯m capable of and ready to do, Missy. I¡¯ve waited for this day to happen for years. I¡¯m ready for everything that can happen.¡±


    I folded my arms and leaned against the counter of thevatory.


    ¡°So I¡¯m telling you, follow what I say. Leave Cerro Roca right now and go far away. Go now. Go away.¡±


    He bowed his head and clenched his hands.


    ¡°Karina, I¡¯m sorry for what I did before. I-I didn¡¯t mean it. It was just a coincidence that you were the girl I thought of so I lied that Cholo was looking for you. I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    ¡°Go away. I¡¯m not having any of it at this time. Hurry up. I still have things to do,¡± I shooed him away.


    I turned him away and went back to staring at myself in the mirror. He went out the door after saying a soft ¡®thank you¡¯. I took the cellphone from my bag and called someone.


    ¡°It¡¯s showtime,¡± I said in my most resolute voice when the other line picked up.


    ¡°Copy, Ms. Karina.¡±

 Chapter 46 The Revenge

    The crowd doesn¡¯t have any idea about the impending drama that will unfold here.


    They might witness the biggest conspiracy theory in the Cerro Roca unfold right before their very eyes.


    Some will be amused. Many will be shocked. All will be disgusted. And I can¡¯t wait to see their reactions. I can¡¯t wait to see judgment in the eyes of the electorate because that would mean that I won in this losing fight.


    ¡°Ms. Karina, I will be requesting you to leave the ce now. The team is already around the area ready to pick you up upon your permission. There is sure to be trouble here. I can¡¯t be sure that the shooting at the previous party won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    I just ignored the warning in Vishen¡¯s voice and headed to the door, my one hand holding the phone in my right ear while I threw all the contents of my bag in the trash can.


    ¡°Nonsense. Why wouldn¡¯t I enjoy the meal that I painstakingly prepare? And don¡¯t mind what happened during that night. I did that as a warning to the Asturians. I¡¯m going out to watch the drama. Make sure I won¡¯t get disappointed, Vishen. I paid for a VVIP ticket.¡±


    I put the cellphone back in the empty bag and went out. I went back to the seat in the first row but my husband was gone. I looked around and saw Cholo on the stage talking with Ymir. Next to him was Elizabeth who was smiling while listening to the conversation.


    Finally, the program started with the introduction of all the running candidates from senator to president. Each said his piece which is just another bunch of repetitive motherhood statements. Nothing special, nothing sincere.


    When it was time for the presidential candidate¡¯s speech, that¡¯s when I concentrated to prepare myself for what would happen. I¡¯m so freaking excited for what¡¯s about toe. In fact, I¡¯m shaking all over because of anticipation. I can feel my sweat dripping from all of the pores in my body. This is the moment I¡¯ve been waiting for the most.


    This is the time that I will seal Asturias fate in my hands. I feel so powerful, so magnificent and proud for what I¡¯ve done toe here at this moment.


    It only took me several months to do what my cousins have failed to aplish in the past years.


    The shouting of the citizens brought me back to the present. His speech was over and now he was raising his hands in the air and smilingly inviting their patron who smiled and ssily walked up to the politician and shook his hand.


    Elizabeth took the mic and the crowd roared in delight. They are not only enshrined in Monte Vega but right here also in Cerro Roca. ording to my brother, when our n mysteriously went down, the Asturias didn¡¯t waste any more time and expanded their base in Cerro Roca through Elizabeth and Ymir who are originally from here.


    ¡°Good evening my dear citizens,¡± she said in her kindest and most angelic voice. Tonight is the night that we wee another dawn in our country. For so long we have been besieged with corruption, poverty¡­¡±


    I wiped the sweat from my forehead and looked for someone on stage. My eyes locked with Ymir whose smile faded when he recognized me.


    From this second forward, I will never take my eyes away from you. I want to see how you all react to what happens after. I wanted to see shame, helplessness, and defeat in your eyes, Ymir. I wanted to see how you suffer. I wanted to see how you die slowly.


    He took his eyes back from me and returned them to his sister who was smiling as she spoke. Little did he know that this might be thest second he would see his sister smile with sanity.


    ¡°You know that our family has been truly supportive of every possibility that will propel us to progress. I am not into politics just like how my parents and brothers are but-¡±


    The microphone went off and the faint political jingle from the background stopped ying. My phone buzzed and a message was disyed on the screen.


    ¡°Enjoy the show, cousin.¡±


    I smiled and crossed my legs. I¡¯ll surely am, Cin.


    The presentation on the LED screen died. It first disyed a ck background for a few seconds before returning to normal.


    ¡°Sorry for that. I think there¡¯s a technical problem,¡± Elizabeth said and returned to her speech earlier.


    But the screen went off again for the second time and when it got back, it¡¯s ying the clip that will leave no stones unturned in theing days.


    ¡°Ah,¡± I sighed in relief when everyone in the stadium went speechless as they try to take in the erotic sight.


    Elizabeth was on her knees, naked, and sucking someone¡¯s dick. Her boobs jiggled as she does her best to pleasure her partner who is not caught in the camera. She¡¯s making all these noises that could rival even the best pornstar in the industry. The man moaned and Elizabeth smiled and sucked harder.


    I stared at Ymir and cheered when I saw the emotions I wanted to see on his face. His attention was not on the screen but on his sister who was blushing and biting her lips. Her face is wet with tears. She is holding the mic tightly as if  she¡¯s using it to get some energy to keep her from passing out.


    Ymir¡¯s eyes expressed pity, defeat, and then rage. His eyes wandered back to me and the fire intensified. His jaws tensed and his eyes emitted fire. Silence reigned inside the ce as Elizabeth¡¯s repeated moans continued to be heard around.


    Another second passed and a sh of camera broke the trance in the air. In an instant, the camera shed one after the other from the media and onlookers at the same time as the guards swarm


    around and protected the politicians.


    The video that was being yed disappeared and someone announced that the event was over. The surroundings were filled with whispers. There are those who do not believe. There were those who were afraid because of what it might do to the candidacy of the supported candidates and there were also a few who said that they were not surprised that what they thought was the innocent image of the young woman was probably just a cover up. They said she¡¯s just a whore in a rich man¡¯s daughter¡¯s body.


    I raised my left hand to Ymir and moved my fingers then released the smile I had been suppressing. It felt really good to see his reaction. It¡¯s just nice to see that he can¡¯t do anything in the face of this massive scandal. He can¡¯t use his money and power this time to hide this all up. He knew that¡¯s why he¡¯s this affected.


    Seems like he really ran out of his cards to y. That¡¯s what happens when you let your heart overrule your mind.


    The whisper around became even stronger. A few people also came down and went to the stage to take videos and interviews with those who are involved.


    I looked for Cholo but I couldn¡¯t see him. Ifortably leaned back in the chair and returned my eyes to Ymir, who was supporting Elizabeth, who was now already slumped on the tform and couldn¡¯t hold back her tears.


    I stood up and stretched. I have to leave the scene before it gets boring. I already saw the climax of the plot and I¡¯m not interested in finishing it until the resolution.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Besides, I have a lot more to serve on the table.


    Before leaving, I turned to Ymir¡¯s direction. I was a little surprised to see that he was standing and looking tired at the chaotic surroundings. His guards block reporters who want to talk to him. Elizabeth was no longer by his side and the politicians left the ce in a hurry.


    This is the saddest thing about power and status. They are fickle. The moment the people sense that they¡¯re gradually fading away, they will just turn their backs on you. No goodbyes. No final words.


    There¡¯s no permanent alliance. Only permanent self-serving interests.


    I analyzed my own feelings. I don¡¯t feel any pity for him. Happiness is what I¡¯m only feeling now.


    Our eyes met again. His eyes were red with anger. He started walking towards me. He doesn¡¯t care even if the media is making a fuss about it. His zing eyes were on me while his strides became bigger.


    At that rate, he could be in front of me at any second. I should have moved but I didn¡¯t. I wanted to stay my ground. I¡¯m curious about what he would do to me.


    What could he do to me? Nothing that will make me more miserable than my state now.


    Another step and he will finally reach me but before he could take another one, a gunshot pierced the air. In an instant, people are shouting and began scrambling for their lives.


    I swallowed a lump in my throat and went back to the chair. I was suddenly ovee with emotion. Weakly, I leaned back and closed my eyes to take a deep breath.


    Sweat is forming on my forehead and my back. I could almost hear my heart beating. I was also nauseous so I forced myself to concentrate.


    But it¡¯s hard to do it amid the shouting and panic of people who haven¡¯t been out of the dome yet. Their cries of help are keeping my mind in jumble. I tried standing but my vision is impaired. All I see are light and shadows. Nothing else which made my heart beat faster.


    ¡°Rx, Karina. Rx. Rx,¡± I repeated while holding my own head.


    I decided to just stay here until all the people are out of the ce. I¡¯m also sure Vishen is just around the corner ready to help me.


    I put my hand on my chest and breathed hard. This is just temporary. It¡¯ll be okay, Karina. It¡¯ll be okay.


    ¡°Karina,¡± a voice woke my senses up and a pair of strong arms surrounded me. ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here,¡± he said and cupped my face.


    Still breathing hard, I opened my eyes to Cholo¡¯s worried face. Relief flooded through me. I almost cried with joy but I stopped myself. My tremors had already subsided and my erratic breathing is slowing down.


    ¡°Out,¡± I whispered. ¡°I want out of here.¡±


    Cholo immediately nodded and ordered one of his guards to cordon us off from the mobs.


    ¡°Clear the way.¡± He picked me up and quickly made his way to the exit. I clung to his neck and let out tears. I cried silently as I calmed myself down.


    I thought he would not reallye. I thought he had left the ce. I was so ready to fight off the attack all by myself while waiting for Vishen without any help or assurance from anyone.


    But then he came for me¡­ for the first time since our history.


    After leaving the stadium, he immediately deposited me in the car that was waiting outside. He hugged me and rubbed my back. I felt that the car had started moving so I could breathe easy now.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Karina. You must have been terrified there. I¡¯m sorry for beingte, wife.¡±


    He kissed my head while reaching for the tissue to wipe my sweat.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, too. I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered  and caught his eyes that were filled with a mixture of sadness and concern.


    He did not answer. He just continued to wipe the sweat from my back.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You have nothing to say sorry for. What happened is not your fault,¡± he replied with a strain of concealed disappointment in his voice..


    I looked down and let the tears fall. I hugged Cholo again to hide them. What would you do if you found out that I was responsible for your downfall? Would you be kind enough to say that it¡¯s not my fault, too?


    I ruined people I detest including you. I vowed to topple them down until they are nothing but a rubble of ashes underneath my feet.


    I should never be forgiven because I¡¯m as sinful as them. I do not deserve the love you¡¯re showing me now, Cholo.


    Give me another week to end my revenge before I reveal myself to you. Until then, I¡¯ll savor all my remaining time in your arms. Until then, I¡¯ll always wish we could have met in different ces and circumstances because no matter how we try to patch things up, a rtionship forge out of madness will never prosper.

 Chapter 47 What did you do?

    Even before my body warmed up from lying in bed, I heard from the open window the hum of the approaching cars. I immediately got up and peeked through the opening. I saw Ymir get out of his ck BMW. His face was red with anger and his fists were clenched. His guards also followed out in another vehicle.


    I went out of the room and ran just a few inches from the staircase enough for me to see what¡¯s happening from below.


    Cholo is already in the living room who stood in front of Ymir who is very livid in his red face and aggressive stance. His bodyguards were outside the open door. I looked at my husband who was just as calm as earlier when he put me to sleep. I can¡¯t even see a trace of fear on his face while listening to Ymir¡¯s angry voice.


    ¡°Where is your wife, Cholo?! Bring her to me so I could give her what she wanted!¡± Ymir yelled at his friend.


    I saw Cholo¡¯s eyes darken and he took a deep breath. ¡°Watch down yournguage, man. You¡¯re talking about my wife. I¡¯m your friend, so I know you¡¯re not this kind of person, so I¡¯ll let go of what I heard now. What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°Your wife just killed our lifelong project! And if that is not enough, she even implicated my sister! I can ignore what she did to sabotage our business but she made a mistake when she eie that to my sister. You know that I could do everything for my sister, Cholo. You also said that you know what kind of person I am, man. I wouldn¡¯t think twice about harming anyone that would hurt my family.¡±


    ¡°Careful with the usation, man. Karina is my wife. She can¡¯t do that.¡±


    Ymir chuckled and shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t know your wife¡¯s true character, Cholo. I doubt it if you really know her identity, man. You believe her lies, I don¡¯t. She¡¯s just using you to ruin our family. She came back not because of you but for her vengeance. Don¡¯t let Karina mess with you, bro. She¡¯s not the girl you think she is. She¡¯s nothingpared to Elizabeth, my sister. Do you know why she looks like that now? Like an expensive rag? Hadn¡¯t it crossed your mind how many men she¡¯d been through to look like that? Your wife will only use you, Cholo. She¡¯ll use you too, she¡¯ll make a per-¡±


    He wasn¡¯t able to finish what he had to say when Cholo punched him in the jaw without saying a word. I flinched when Ymirnded on the floor who immediately stood up and hit back. The two exchanged blows while Ymir¡¯s men watched and did not intervene.


    Cholonded another punch on Ymir¡¯ face who is on the floor already and dragged him forward and pushed him to the sofa. Blood marred their faces but they seemed to be not minding it. There¡¯s a minor cut on Cholo¡¯s brow where the blood is oozing out.


    I just looked at them while the light in my eyes slowly faded away.


    Cholo fell to the floor panting and wiped the blood from his face with the sleeve of his polo shirt. His face is still dark, his temper is at its highest with the way his chest heaved in and out.


    He threw his head back into the cushion of the sofa andid his arm on his raised knee. His breaths are heavy to control himself.


    ¡°You¡¯re out of the line, Ymir. I¡¯m your friend but you¡¯re insulting my wife. Disrespecting her would mean you¡¯re rudely asking to sever our ties. Don¡¯t do that. I don¡¯t want to cause another drift between us,¡± Cholo spoke softly.


    Ymir chuckled and stood up to sit on the floor, too. He took out a cigarette and a lighter from his pocket then nodded to the bodyguards outside who immediately left. He lit a stick and smoked.


    ¡°Your Karina took everything from me. What we worked for for several years is gone in the blink of an eye. Damn.¡±


    Cholo didn¡¯t say anything. He just kept on staring at nowhere. Ymir stood up and wiped the blood from his own face.


    ¡°Drop that woman for your own good. She can¡¯t bring you anything good. Take it from someone who had helped you a lot in the past, Cholo.¡±


    Cholo moved slightly and looked coldly at his friend. ¡°Our brotherhood wasn¡¯t only built on giving favors to each other¡¯s advances but if you have to count every single time you have helped me then be fair as well. Also remember what kind of help I gave to your sister, Ymir. I also sacrificed some things to grant your wish for her.¡±


    ¡°The help you gave me before for my sister is in waste now thanks to your beloved wife.¡±


    Ymir looked at Cholo and sighed. Another drop of blood lined the side of his face. ¡°Hide your wife when that happens because I won¡¯t recognize anyone as a friend by then. Not even you.¡±


    He finally turned around and headed for the door.


    ¡°What did you do to her, Ymir? What sin did you do to my wife to make her hate your family that much?¡± Cholo said in his icy cold tone.


    Ymir¡¯s shoulders stiffened slightly but he didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bad enemy, Ymir. I don¡¯t even recognize a friend, especially if I find out he¡¯s wronged my wife.¡±


    I looked down and let the tears fall. I can feel the sincerity and anger in his voice. It shot right through my heart which bled upon the remembrance of my in family.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that I hated Karina for leaving me but I cannot even remember that part now. I don¡¯t care about her past, how many men she has been with. That¡¯s beyond me and our rtionship. The important thing is that she is with me again now and I will not let her go again.¡±


    Ymir faced him and grinned. ¡°Your mother was right when she told me that Karina is your weakness. Everything you need to know is right in front of you already but you still choose to believe your own lies. That¡¯s tough, man.¡±


    Cholo carefully stood up and gave the person in front a cold look.


    ¡°It is never a weakness to love this hard, Ymir. Maybe you should also try to love someone truly. Maybe you can also understand where I¡¯ming from.¡±


    The man justughed sarcastically before approaching Cholo and tapping him on the shoulder.


    ¡°For all the years of our friendship, man. I don¡¯t think that only a woman can end this. Your wife hurt my sister. It¡¯s personal to me and you should feel the same way, too. Elizabeth devoted her entire life to you.¡±


    ¡°Which I¡¯m thankful for but I didn¡¯t ask for it. I love your sister, you know that. Just not the way she wanted me to.¡±


    A long silence reigned between the two before it was interrupted by the ringing of the cell phone in Ymir¡¯s pocket. Without a word, he turned and walked out the door. Cholo was left standing in the living room.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    I wiped off the tears in my face and went back to the room. Iy back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. My chest hurts not only because of what I heard and saw but because of the emotions that are slowly rising that I didn¡¯t realize were just there inside of me.


    The emptiness that I thought I was able to control is making itself felt again. Two hourster I went out again to look for my husband. He is no longer in the living room. The whole ce that was messed up earlier because of their rampage is now squeaky clean.


    I looked for him in the bar area of the mansion but he wasn¡¯t there either so I went to the library where I knew I would see him but he wasn¡¯t there either. Maybe he¡¯s somewhere in the house.


    He didn¡¯t go away because I didn¡¯t hear a car engine earlier. I went outside to the garden to get some air and think about things but I wasn¡¯t able to do that when I saw him on the ground beside the water fountain.


    He¡¯s not wearing anything on top while drinking from the bottle of Glenfiddich 1937 whiskey. The faint light from the gardenmps cast a glow on his mncholic face.


    There¡¯s a part of me that wants to approach him to talk to him or at least apany him but guilt stops me. I caused this to him so I don¡¯t have any right to offer him myfort especially when I know it¡¯s not the first time he¡¯ll be dealing the same blow from me.


    I was startled when his cell phone rang in the trimmed Bermuda grasses. Cholo picked it up and answered.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    I froze because of the name he said. I turned around but I still heard his low voice of defeat.


    ¡°Not now, mom. I¡¯m as down as you.¡±


    That ripped me. His heartbroken voice snatched my heart apart. I ran up the stairs back to the room and buried my face in the pillow. Even if I don¡¯t want to, I can¡¯t stop crying again.


    I can¡¯t take this anymore. I have to end it. Each day I¡¯m feeling like a monster. I thought I¡¯m a callous being with a ruthless heart.


    At least that¡¯s what I stuck in my brain before I came back here but Cholo changed me. He melted me from the inside and now I don¡¯t know how to act like the Karina I patiently built for years.


    I should be happy because everything is going ording to n. I should be opening a bottle of wine and celebrating but instead I¡¯m crying because of the same man who abandoned me.


    Love is both transformational and destructive. It¡¯s just my bad luck and I¡¯ve experienced both of them in one lifeline. Life has given me so much.


    I flipped over and stared at the ceiling again, the ce started wilting while I¡¯m lost in my thoughts. Another hour was eaten away before I felt the bed moved and Cholo¡¯s arms surrounded me. He buried his face into my neck and kissed it.


    ¡°Love you,¡± he whispered and tightened his arms around me.


    I answered through my trickling tears.

 Chapter 48 Aftermath

    At half past three in the morning I got up and took a shower. I hummed while putting my make-up on and dressing up for the day. After cleaning myself up, I went down to the kitchen and started cooking. While waiting for the meat to be boiled, I first read the news online.


    As expected, the scandal spread like wildfire throughout the country. What happened immediately became the number top trending on the sites. The n of Asturias have done nothing to stop the release of the news so now the citizens are now gossiping behind the videos.


    Some are even digging up the unseen man in the video but I made sure that I buried the original video. I paid a couple to the video editor. I might have hated the sight of my husband enjoying Elizabeth¡¯s mouth but I won¡¯t let the nation know that.


    That will be mine to keep.


    The family threatened to sue the people behind it but I say good luck to them. They should now focus more on their massive stench that has evaporated for the whole world to smell.


    I got reports that there have been incessant meetings from left to right and switching alliances are brewing. In the local scenario, my rtives are already benefiting from my hard work. The entire Cerro Roca and Monte Vega are also in trouble.


    The whole ce is in a frenzy of mediashings. The Asturias, who still haven¡¯t issued an official statement, are now the center of attention. There is also a risk that the Asturias and Gastrell project will not be given a green signal. Cholo¡¯s family is now implicated in the scandal.


    The sun rose from outside while I prepared the table. I could already hear Cholo¡¯s footsteps from the living room. The smile I prepared on my lips was sweet when I took the cup to make coffee for him.


    ¡°Good morning. Just wait a sec for your coffee, dear,¡± I said while putting the pod on the coffee maker.


    I felt his presence behind me and his lips on my head right after that.


    ¡°Good morning. Don¡¯t bother. I need to go now. Emergency.¡±


    I faced my husband and was slightly stunned. There are still traces of the bruises which he says were just from a minor ident.


    ¡°At this early?¡± I looked at the huge wall clock in the kitchen. ¡°It¡¯s still five thirty in the morning. Why the rush?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an emergency. Ymir called and I needed to be there for the meeting. Will you be okay here or would you want to go with me?¡±


    ¡°N-No¡­ No. I¡¯m alright here. Go now. I¡¯ll just bring you some breakfast or do you want me to order for you?¡±


    Cholo smiled and pulled me to his arms. He showered my head little kisses and caressed my back.


    ¡°What did I do to be so lucky to have you? Please bring me my foodter. I want to eat with you.¡±


    I giggled and kissed his cheek. ¡°Okay, boss.¡±


    He looked at me and leaned in for a kiss.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡±


    I nodded and watched his back on me.


    ¡°Are you really not going to eat here? At least taste my new dish,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but say.


    He stopped walking and turned to me. He ran his hands through his hair before shrugging and pulling up a chair.


    ¡°To hell with that meeting. If my wife wants me to eat with her then I¡¯m exactly doing the same thing. Let¡¯s see now what¡¯s on the menu.¡±


    Smiling, I took a seat next to him after putting down the steaming coffee that he immediately drank. I carefully put the dishes on his te.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m having breakfast at quarter to six in the morning,¡± he said, shaking his head as he took a good bite.


    I just stared nkly at my husband who was obviously enjoying what he was eating. This is heaven, watching him eat my cooking heartily.


    How I wish we could always be like this. I could be that type of housewife I would be for him. I¡¯ll be his chef, his stylist, the mother of his children.


    I blinked in pain at thest thought. Why is life soplicated? Why can¡¯t we be together without hurting me? Why did everything that happened have to happen? Why does it have to be me? Why can¡¯t I be happy with him?


    So many why¡¯s but there is little to no answer. It¡¯s always been like this. Always asking questions, taking chances on things that I know will nevere true again.


    I¡¯m always holding on to the vacuum for me to jump inside it in the end.


    ¡°Eat,¡± Cholo ordered me and put food on my empty te when he caught me staring at him.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Right. Sorry. You just look so good while eating. But I¡¯ll bet you¡¯ll look better if¡­¡± I winked at him and bit my lower lip while my hands were on my face.


    He painfully groaned and shoved a spoonful of rice on my mouth. ¡°Here, eat. And eat some more. Stop putting demons in my head this early in the morning.¡±


    He cleared his throat twice and adjusted its seat while feeding me food. He¡¯s deliberately avoiding my eyes and focusing only on my mouth which I bit.


    He groaned. ¡°Wife, don¡¯t make it hard for me to leave you this morning. Today will be a tough one for sure.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be harder if you don¡¯t give in,¡± I said and stood up to sit on hisp, my legs on either side. He¡¯s hard already.


    ¡°See what I¡¯m talking about?¡± I grind my bottoms against his hardness while grinning.


    I still heard him mutter something before he crushed my lips with his. I could even taste the curry sauce in his mouth. I made sure I didn¡¯t lose. I kissed him as hard as I could.


    Cholo stood up while his arms were around me and didn¡¯t break the kiss. I didn¡¯t know how we reached the bedroom without stumbling on the stairs. We end up making love on the floor and then on the bed. He asked for another round one more time but I declined because the cellphone and thendline connected to the room had been making noise for a while.


    He kissed me first and promised that he woulde back this afternoon to finish our business. I justughed at his silly remarks. He can¡¯te back anymore because this will be a long day for him.


    I just showered again and spent the hours looking at every corner of the house which has been our love nest for a time now. In such a short time of being here, I¡¯ve learned to love the ce more than I did in countless of homes I¡¯ve lived in. There is just something special here. It¡¯s homey and not judgemental. It weed me and made me feel at peace.


    But now it¡¯s time I leave it. I¡¯m getting too happy about it and based on my experiences, it¡¯s only a matter of time before it¡¯s over. It¡¯s like another borrowed time of being happy and content.


    The clock struck ten in the morning, a sign that it¡¯s time to wake up from this dream and face my adversary.


    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Karina,¡± Celeste greeted me next to the open car door. Beside her was Vishen who¡¯s holding the door handle.


    I managed to give her a smile and nodded.


    ¡°Good morning. Are we all set?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Karina. All are in ce. All that is needed is you.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± I got into the car and lowered the mirror and stared at the assistant. ¡°Thank you, Celeste. This will be yourst task for me. After this, you¡¯re free.¡±


    The windows rolled back again and I ordered Vishen to go.

 Chapter 49 Revealed

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk, Vishen. No matter what you say to me, it will not bear any weight about my decision.¡±


    The man looked away from me and sighed. He continued to pour the wine into my ss and handed it to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you feel ufortable, Ms. Karina.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I reached for the ss and sipped from it.


    The warmth of the wine helped to keep my eyes from burning. I grabbed the whole bottle and drank from it. One, two full gulps until I finished half of it.


    I released a sigh when I calmed down a bit.


    ¡°So we¡¯re finally in thest stage of this circus, huh.¡±


    I let out a breath and smiled at Vishen as I hugged the bottle in myp. ¡°Today is my day to end it all. I can¡¯t do it anymore, eh. I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m tired of just keeping everything inside me. The years of suffering¡­ I need it to end it all here, Vish. I¡¯m tired of being brave on the outside while I¡¯m slowly dissolving inside. I¡¯m tired of the memories. Maybe what I did was right. I can¡¯t even bring back the loved ones I lost but at least I did something against that murderous Asturians.¡±


    I drank from the bottle again.


    ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you should rest. You¡¯ve done so many things, Ms. Karina. I know I will cross the line when I say this but I think your cousins are just using you against the Asturias. That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s just go home.¡±


    Vishen¡¯s voice was low, as if he was reluctant to say it, but I could feel his sincerity.


    ¡°I know, Vishen. I¡¯ve long been aware of it but regardless of their intentions, we both have the same interests so it¡¯s fine with me.¡±


    I smiled sweetly at him. ¡°I want to go home, but I have something to finish. Last stop, I guess.¡±


    The man looked at me and smiled carefully. ¡°Zen will be so happy, Ms. Karina.¡±


    I jokingly hit the man on the arm. ¡°I know Zen won¡¯t be the only one who will be happy. Now that I¡¯m almost done here, you will have the love of your life all to yourself. You won¡¯t hold back anymore because she¡¯s free from the contract.¡±


    I giggled when his cheeks and ears turned red. He cleared his throat and did not speak.


    Iughed. ¡°Yes, what do I expect? Always the cultured and prim Vishen.¡±


    Myughter filled the entire car for the next few seconds until the car stopped in front of the Department of Energy building.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Vishen escorted me out of the car and into the entrance where a group of men in ck suits bowed their heads at me. We boarded the lift to the sixth floor where a meeting with key people is taking ce.


    A woman greeted me as I exited the elevator and escorted me to the secretary¡¯s office. She knocked on the door twice and opened it for me. I thanked her curtly and stepped into the big room. The man I need today is behind his desk with his hands sped on the table. Alfred Benito¡¯s face is serious and it looks like he¡¯s been waiting for me.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Secretary.¡±


    He stood up and greeted me with a rxed face and motioned me to sit in the chair in front of his desk.


    ¡°To whom do I owe this pleasure of meeting an Alcantara, hija?¡± he smiled warmly at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to hang around anymore, secretary. I know that you know why I¡¯m here. I believe the Chairman already informed you.¡±


    He leaned on the backrest of the swivel chair and looked at me intently from his kind eyes, the kindest I¡¯ve ever seen in my entire life.


    ¡°I like you, Ms. Alcantara. You¡¯re just like the Chairman when ites to talking. You don¡¯t waste time.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see enough reason not to. We¡¯re all just always racing for time.¡±


    The man just stared at me and nodded. He pressed the inte and spoke.


    ¡°Maris, please take this guest of ours to the conference room,¡± he ordered.


    I frowned at what I heard and was surprised.


    ¡°Is that it? You won¡¯t ask for anything in return? Money? Connection? A townhouse perhaps?¡±


    The man just smiled and shook his head. ¡°Hija, not all government employees can be bribed by you. The government is not some y area for the Alcantaras and Asturias to shoot their arrows at. I know I know nothing about the roots of your conflicts but don¡¯t you tarnish our image more than it already is. We¡¯ve already received a lot of mud from the people.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re doing exactly the same. You are giving me an advantage over an Asturias, Mr. Secretary.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just an endorsement. It still depends on your proposal if you can get the project or not. I¡¯m also not doing this to favor one of you. My godson only asked me for a favor once so I granted him.¡±


    My brows raised and a smile formed on the edge of my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask which child you¡¯re talking about. I already have an idea.¡± I stood up and shook the man¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Benito. I will consider this act of yours a great debt of gratitude. Call me once you need help. You have my word.¡±


    The door opened and his secretary entered. I nodded to the old man again and followed the woman out the door


    ¡°Hija,¡± he called me, making me stop from walking. ¡°Just advice from someone who is passing away like me. Forgive and forget. Let go of the past. Do not sacrifice your present for the people that will nevere back. Live today. That is all that matters.¡±


    I just looked at the floor and never uttered a single word for a while.


    ¡°Now I understand why you are friends with the Chairman. I¡¯ll better go, sec.¡±


    I went out the door and followed the waiting woman. Alfred Benito¡¯s words are still ringing in my ears. Maybe it¡¯s time to amble into the path of healing and truly move on¡­


    ¡­ after I¡¯m done here.


    We stopped outside a door on thest end of the hallway. The woman smiled at me politely and raised her knuckles to knock on the door.


    ¡°Stop,¡± Imanded her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here. Thank you. You can go.¡±


    She looked at me for a second before nodding and walking away.


    I looked at the door and took a deep breath. I let myself hesitate for a few seconds to collect enough air in my chest. I stiffened my face and forced back the impending tears.


    This is it. This is the end of everything. Beyond this door is the end of this phase.


    Am I ready for what might happen? Yes, it¡¯s been a long time. I¡¯ve prepared for years for this.


    Will I be able to handle everything after this? That¡¯s what I¡¯m not sure about. I only prepared for what I¡¯m going to do and I didn¡¯t care about the aftermath of this.


    I have lost my mind on what I would do after this. I got too invested in the wicked ns of revenge.


    I felt my chest and closed my eyes. I slowly raised my hand and asked myself several times if this is the time, if this is the end of everything.


    ¡°What happens, happens,¡± I mumbled.


    I let out a breath and opened the doorpletely. The people in the rectangr table stopped talking and everyone¡¯s attention was focused on me. I surveyed the people in the room. Ten people were inside and talking seriously. Eight of them were in suits staring at me under their thick sses. My eyes stopped at the woman at the end of the table next to her secretary. I smiled sweetly at her.


    ¡°What a pleasant surprise to see you here, mom.¡±


    Disgust appeared on Donya Teodora¡¯s face and she just raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She asked me a question in a condescending way.


    I walked over to an empty swivel chair, pulled it up, and sat cross-legged. I put the Hermes bag on the table, leaned back, and looked around at mypanions.


    ¡°Well, just like all of you, I¡¯m here for a meeting. So shall we start?¡±


    No one answered. The people at the table just looked at each other and shook their heads. I pped my own forehead and giggled. Their foreheads twisted even more because of the confusion.


    ¡°Oops, my bad. I forgot to introduce myself.¡± I stood up and waved my hands at them. ¡°By the way,dies and gentlemen, I¡¯m Veronika Alcantara, a board of director at Alcantara Trading and Holdings. Some of you here must have known me as Karina Gastrell and yes, I am both of those people. So? Can we start now?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Ms. Alcantara?¡± asked the Spanish-looking man on my side.


    ¡°Si, Se?or Fernando. And ourpanies have been in multiple partnerships before. It¡¯s a pity that we didn¡¯t have a chance to meet and talk. Fortunately, this wonderful opportunity came knocking. We will be going to be partners again.¡±


    I single out the shocked faces of the people in the room, especially Cholo¡¯s mom who was stunned for a moment. I shrugged and went back to sitting down.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get started. I know how precious each second of your time is.¡±


    ¡°Ymir and Cholo aren¡¯t here yet,¡± protested Donya Teodora with a knitted look on her face. ¡°It is improper and disrespectful to start this meeting without the principal sponsors of the project.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see that you have been put in the dark, mama. The Asturians have been excluded from this project for a long time already. You can¡¯t actually expect me, a respectable Alcantara, to be tolerating being in the same ce and breathing the same air with an Asturia. I can¡¯t stand it. In fact, ourpany entered into the agreement on that one condition. I don¡¯t want the murderous Asturians to be in the same project as I am in. After all, they have no use now because of what happened, I believe it would be for the best of the project topletely exclude them, right everybody?¡±


    The door opened and Elizabeth entered followed by Cholo. I met Cholo¡¯s eyes and many questions were drawn to them. Elizabeth immediately turned pale and clung to Cholo¡¯s arm. I just smiled at him and focused my attention back to the men at the table.


    ¡°My husband and the uninvited guest are here. I guess we can start now,¡± I said dismissively.


    I can feel Cholo¡¯s boring eyes on me but I didn¡¯t nce back to look at him. The two sat down in the empty seats, Elizabeth again clinging to Cholo¡¯s arm after sitting next to him. I just ignored what I saw and sneered at the woman. I swear it¡¯ll be thest time she can do that.


    ¡°For the purpose of the neers, I¡¯ll repeat what I¡¯ve stated. The Alcantaras will only be active investors if you remove the Asturias from this projectpletely. If not, then say goodbye to our participation. Expect that you will also lose the project forever. Because of the recent events involving Elizabeth Asturia, their family no longer has the credibility to work with the government. Political allies of the Asturias are scrambling away from the n and I don¡¯t think any of you shouldn¡¯t do the same. It¡¯s what we should do to survive, right? You get me? Am I making sense? Anyone?¡±


    I put my hands under the table and squeezed it to make it tremble at least a little. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m scared. Bitterness and joy just mix in my chest.


    ¡°Hija, you have to understand that the project has been initiated by Mr. Asturia and Mr. Gastrell, your husband. They nned this for years now. What I can suggest is to lie down for a time now before we assume the project, ¡± said Inocencio Abrador, the fifth man with thergest investment on the project.


    I crossed my arms and retreated to the backrest of the seat.


    ¡°Well, by that time Mr. Abrador, the project is no longer with you. I can easily assemble another set of willing investors to get this project because just to let you know, my husband and Ymir are not the only ones nning this for a few years. Ours too took decades to formte the steps. I¡¯m not like a mushroom that just suddenly appeared. Where we are now is a product of calcted steps of concise nning. You should even thank me that I even thought of offering you this.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± Cholo¡¯s voice echoed in the four corners of the room. That¡¯s the time when I look his way. His face is dark with a mix of confusion. He¡¯s still trying to grasp and make sense of what¡¯s happening.


    I ignored him and continued talking as if his intense stare doesn¡¯t affect me at all, as if the dawning look on his face doesn¡¯t make my knees shake in pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, gentlemen. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, gentlemen. I¡¯ll surpass Ymir¡¯s achievements. I¡¯ll double the amount he had invested. Plus, Cholo will still handle this. I¡¯ll just take Ymir¡¯s ce. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Karina, what¡¯s happening here?!¡± he shouted at my face.


    I first looked at Elizabeth¡¯s shocked face before meeting my husband¡¯s dark and burning eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to help you, husband. I don¡¯t want to see you down so I¡¯m stepping in to fill the gap.¡± I opened the bag with one hand and took out the crumpled paper and threw it on the table. ¡°To convince you more, here¡¯s the deed of sale. Yup. They sold thend to me. Another proof that the Asturias are not that good in doing their job. I can do better. I did better.¡±


    Everyone was silent at what I said. Cholo stood up and spoke, his bitter voice full of usation.


    ¡°You sabotaged the project. You did all of this shit so that you could satisfy you and your family¡¯s greed! And here I am too trusting, too happy with you not knowing what you¡¯re doing behind my back. I can¡¯t believe this,¡± he said bitterly when he solved the pieces together.


    I felt my fingernails digging into the flesh of my palm as warm liquid spread over my hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually helping you, Cholo. I don¡¯t want you to do deals with murderers,¡± I said and nced at Elizabeth who looked away. She clutched her chest and breathed hard.


    ¡°That¡¯s a grave usation, Karina. ¡±


    ¡°It will not just be an usation, Cholo. It will be proven final and executory once I¡¯ll escte the cases to the court,¡± I snapped, my voice escting a bit higher.


    ¡°Stop, please,¡± Elizabeth¡¯s trembling voice echoed in the room. Beads of sweat are running down from her face. She¡¯s also turning paler than I have ever seen her. I shook my head andughed.


    ¡°No, you stop! Don¡¯t run again from what you and your family did, Elizabeth. Do you want me to list all the crimes your familymitted in front of everyone? Let¡¯s start with your brother.¡±


    Her tears started to fall as she stood up biting her lip. She looked at Cholo desperately and shook her head.


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t believe her. I-It¡¯s not true. It¡¯s just an ident. Please Cholo, believe me.¡± She clung into his arms like her life depended on him.


    ¡°Elizabeth, stop talking please. You are really too irritating to listen to. Gosh, for someone whose scandal leaked out, you are for sure acting like you have no shame. Stop poisoning his mind with your lies. Even if you cry blood, I can¡¯t just stay silent anymore. I¡¯m done ying. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she shouted out of the blue as she kept her trembling hands in her chest, her face wet from sweat and tears. ¡°What more do you want? I did what you wanted! I did everything you said so please just stop Karina. I¡¯m suffering so much can¡¯t you see?¡± She started crying.


    ¡°If you¡¯re tired, so am I. I¡¯m tired too, Karina. I want to experience being able to sleep at night without nightmares, so please, have mercy on me. Please stop.¡±


    Her stance wavered. She began to get paler as the seconds passed so Cholo immediately supported her and held her close to the waist.


    I felt blood dripping from my hand as I dug my nail deeper into it. I¡¯m starting to feel numb, that¡¯s why I have to hurt myself to feel emotion. I bent over and gasped for air.


    ¡°ying victim are we, Elizabeth? If you can¡¯t sleep at night, what about me? That¡¯s not even a fraction of what I went through because of you,¡± I said in a broken voice. I turned to Cholo who I could see the worry on his face as he looked at Elizabeth. ¡°If only you knew the truth, Cholo. You¡¯ll not even give her that pity look because she doesn¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    ¡°Stop it will you?!¡± he yelled at me and took Elizabeth into his arms and started walking out. I stood up quickly and chased them to the door and stopped Cholo¡¯s hand. He red at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me hurt you more, Karina. Stop this. Please don¡¯t ruin us,¡± he muttered in between his gritting teeth.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t possibly do something that will hurt me more than what you did to me in the past. I just wanted you to know that she deserved every second of pain that she¡¯s feeling now¡­¡± My voice went hard¡­ ¡°every fucking second of it. Remember that when I¡¯m gone here,¡± my voice croaked from keeping the bottling emotions inside me.


    I opened the door for them. I moved my head towards the open door to gesture to them to leave. Confusion could be seen in his angry expression but he didn¡¯t give it any importance. His eyes went down to the handle of the door where my bloodied hand is resting. His face softened and concern passed through his eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. It¡¯s just a scratch,¡± I said and smiled at him.


    With clenched jaws, he passed at me and finally went out. His eyes in a mixture of hatred and worry and his hurrying steps away from me were thest thing on my mind when I turned my back to shift my eyes to the people in the room who just evaporated in my mind earlier.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry gentlemen if you have witnessed that. That was ugly and too personal. Maybe it would be better if we just reschedule the next meeting. My secretary will keep in touch with you,¡± I said in my most professional tone.


    A few looked at me differently before going out one by one. Donya Teodora and I were left, she¡¯s looking at me with her wide eyes. I just smiled at the old woman before walking back to the table to get the paper. I didn¡¯t even bother to wipe the blood off my hand and just grabbed the bag after putting the papers inside.


    ¡°Veronica Alcantara¡­¡± I stopped turning when I heard her voice. I raised my face to her and waited for her to say anything.


    She slowly raised her ashen face to me. ¡°T-That¡¯s the n-name of one of the victims of that car ident.¡±


    A series of images shed in my head. Me and Errol on that dirt road, blood is everywhere while I¡¯m hoping against hope that my son will miraculously breathe again. My tears fell from the pain I felt.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you still remembered,¡± I said in almost a whisper. ¡°Yes, mom. That¡¯s me¡­ and do you also know the boy with me who died there? Of course you know him. He¡­ h-he¡¯s my son¡­ your grandson. Do you also know that¡­ he looks so much like Cholo? And his eyes¡­ His eyes look so much like yours minus the condescension and the mockery I always see every time you look at me. My Errol¡¯s eyes were so innocent, so pure and so happy. He loves me so much. When he smiles at me, it¡¯s like I can see you smiling at me too. That¡¯s why even though I know you don¡¯t like me, I still ask to see you. Because that¡¯s when I can see him at least once¡­ just in your eyes.¡±


    I smiled at myself and remembered my son¡¯s face every time he grinned and showered me with a kiss as his form of love for me.


    ¡°My departed son is so lovable that I can bet he can melt your icy heart. It¡¯s a shame you won¡¯t have the chance to see him.¡±


    She didn¡¯t speak for a few moments. She¡¯s just bent over, hands at the table as her shoulders shake. There are also a few drops of tears on the table.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Save that for a time when you will have the face to visit him. And when you have the strength, at least apologize to him. Apologize for letting his murderer go.¡±


    My chest and legs were heavy when I turned back.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, Karina. I-I¡¯m sorry for everything¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. If I knew then I wouldn¡¯t have done it. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so so sorry,¡± she said in a voice full of regret and anguish but I didn¡¯t listen to her anymore.


    I mmed the door open and ran outside. I don¡¯t know how I made it out of the room and down the hallway without my knees giving up. I don¡¯t even remember how I got to the car and ordered Vishen to leave. I just saw myself inside the moving car, crying andughing like crazy while downing a bottle of wine.


    Pain¡­


    When will I stop feeling this?

 Chapter 50 We had a son

    My hand moves quickly over the piano keyboard. Each release of the note goes hand in hand with the disaster that has been living inside me for years. Heavy, fast music soared through the air. I closed my eyes and raised my face as my fingers continued to chase.


    I¡¯m sorry.


    His mother¡¯s words echoed in my mind earlier. Why do they tend to say sorry as if that word will erase all the bitterness and pain they have put me through.


    Sorry? Her sorry doesn¡¯t even make me feel a bit alright. It just made me feel worse because their apologies only prove how I let them trampled all over me.


    It reminded me of my losses, of how I just yielded onto them without a fight. I just resigned to my fucking fate wholeheartedly and didn¡¯t even put up a fight. I just epted all that withoutint. I didn¡¯t fight at all.


    If only I¡¯m stronger enough then they wouldn¡¯t have done that to me which is why I will never understand how they can easily spurt out the word as if they mean it.


    How can they be sorry if they killed a person? Sorry is supposed to be said if you¡¯ve identally spilled someone¡¯s tea or a coffee, or you had forgotten about an asion. Sorry is such a shallow word to tell it to the face of someone you just killed.


    But I guess I have to live with that sorry now. I¡¯m done here. I can¡¯t continue doing it. I¡¯m very tired. I didn¡¯t know how tired I was until yesterday.


    This is it. I¡¯ve done my part.


    I lifted my hand in the air and sank it back down again to y thest of the notes. Breathing hard, I opened my wet eyes and stared at the entire mansion that I was about to leave.


    I heard heavy breathing behind me followed by the sound of a wine bottle being opened. I didn¡¯t have to turn my back to know it¡¯s Cholo but I still did anyway. I wanted to see him as often as I can today. Our eyes met. His whole face is dark. His eyebrows met, his mouth closed as he brought the ss to his mouth.


    ¡°So it¡¯s Veronika Alcantara now?¡± he said in a cold voice.


    His words cut my heart into pieces.


    I put down the cover of the piano and turned around on the stool I was sitting on to face my husband.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m still Karina Gastrell, Cholo. Your wife.¡±


    ¡°My wife?¡± heughed sarcastically. ¡°My wife¡­ That sounds strange to my ears now.¡±


    ¡°Does it?¡± I said weakly. ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you want me to be your wife anymore? You didn¡¯t love me anymore?¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± he shouted while throwing a ss at the wall. I just stared at the bubbles and liquids on the floor and walls.


    ¡°How could you do this to me, Karina?¡± his eyes were full of pain when he turned to me. ¡°I protected you from everything, from everyone. I risked my name and reputation to protect you and now I will find out that you are the real culprit of all this? What have I done to you to do this all to me?¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I stood up and sat on the sofa. ¡°Rx, Cholo. Calm it down.¡±


    ¡°Calm down?! You¡¯re asking me to calm down?! How can I calm down when my wife whom I love so much and would give her everything in the world had just betrayed me?! And I didn¡¯t see any remorse in your eyes, Karina. How can I calm down if I¡¯ve confirmed that you¡¯re just hitting me on the head?! You made me a fool! You tricked me with your venom so you can get what you want from me and what your entire n wants! Is that why you came back to me? To seduce me and use your body for you to take the project? You put me through your drama and I, a fool, epted you generously. Does it make you happy to make a fool out of me, wife?¡±


    I took a deep breath and looked up at Cholo whose face was red with anger.


    ¡°Are you done? I can give you another time if you¡¯re still not finished,¡± I said while staring at him.


    The tendons in his neck moved before he took a step between us and grabbed me firmly by both shoulders. He pushed me into the sofa while gritting his teeth in anger. I did not put up any resistance. I just let him do what he wanted with me.


    ¡°Do you know what you did? You just pushed Elizabeth to the brink. I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll be confined again to the mental asylum, Karina. Years of therapy are going to waste because of you. Karina, what have you be? Why is it so easy for you to hurt other people? What do you get out of that?¡±


    I grinned at what I heard and cheered. ¡°Oh that was nice! I¡¯m happy I have seeded! The n all along is to make her crazy and now that you told me that she¡¯s losing her sanity, I can say that I¡¯m done with my mission. I didn¡¯t kill anyone, didn¡¯t have to stain my hand with blood but I got my revenge. Think about it, Elizabeth¡¯s current state will always remind the Asturias and Ymir of what they did to me. All day, they will be reminded of my wrath through the suffering of their precious princess! They will never ever forget my name for killing them as slowly and as painfully as I have wanted them to be! Sure, they¡¯ll curse my name, defile it in their ways but they¡¯ll never run from their own wicked fangs. Serve them right, right?¡±


    Cholo looked at me dead in the eyes as if he didn¡¯t know me at all.


    That¡¯s right, Cholo. Stare at me with those judging eyes.


    ¡°Why? Why do you have to do this?¡± he asked in a strained voice, tears welling up in his eyes. ¡°I already confessed to you, you remember? The first time you left me was hell for me, Karina. I was useless that time. It¡¯s the first time I feel so worthless for not making you stay but¡­ but why are you breaking me again as if I don¡¯t mean nothing to you? Why? Do you hate me that much because I had a rtionship with her? That was all in the past before you came back. But why didn¡¯t you include my face in that video scandal? What¡¯s it really that you want to do, Karina?!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not listening,¡± I answered softly.


    ¡°I am listening to you! Always! I listened to you every time you¡¯re crying outside every night when you thought no one could hear you. I always listen to your heartbeat every time you think I¡¯m asleep, to your bitterughs and sad voices that you¡¯re trying to hide from me. Karina, can¡¯t you see that I¡¯m here for you, always willing to listen to you because I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you too,¡± I said and let the tears fall. ¡°But I also love my family who has perished in the hands of your friends, Cholo. You feel so useless then, well, I feel so fucking useless too back then until now. I personally witnessed them shooting my brother in front of me.¡± My voice was shaking at that point. ¡°Do you know that feeling where your heart is torn with anger but you can¡¯t do anything because you¡¯re just poor? That because I¡¯m a small person I don¡¯t have the capacity to give them justice? Do you know how fucking painful it is to see you brother¡¯s blood spilt all over you while you¡¯re wishing against the damn fate to let him live because I can¡¯t fucking imagine burying him together with my dead father in the same day?!¡± I shouted at him.


    ¡°W-What are you saying?¡± he whispered, his hands on my shoulders slowly sliding down back to his sides. Suddenly, the anger disappeared from his face and confusion took over.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re listening? Can¡¯t you figure it all out yet?¡± I whispered as I pushed him away so I could stand up. I picked up his wine bottle from the floor and drank from it. And then I spun back around to see my husband in a state ofplete shock and distress.


    ¡°You left Cerro Roca¡­ You left me to be with another man,¡± he mumbled while looking down at the floor.


    I gasped in disbelief andughed. ¡°That¡¯s what Ymir wanted you to believe, which you dly epted. I didn¡¯t leave you just because I wanted to! I was forced to! God knows how much I wanted to be with you! I love you! You are my first love, my first in everything! He threatened me and my family. Yes, I initially agreed but I backed out at thest second so he kidnapped me and shipped me off to an unknown ce. And as if it¡¯s not enough, he left my father to die in the hospital and killed my brother!¡±


    Shock registered on his face as he opened his mouth to say something but he wasn¡¯t able to say anything. He just stood there, shocked, and couldn¡¯t even say a word.


    ¡°He¡­ he killed your family?¡± he finally said and took a step to me.


    I took a step back and shook my head.


    ¡°Stop. Don¡¯te any closer.. Don¡¯t touch me. I have to let this all out once and for all.¡±


    He stopped walking and took a deep breath. I sat on the stool again and drank from the bottle. I violently wiped my tear-covered face.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± he said in his lowest voice, close to a whisper, just enough for me to hear. He sat on the sofa and stared at me. His aura has returned to its former calmness and only pity and concern are left in his eyes.


    ¡°I could have protected you. I can¡¯t imagine how you¡¯re feeling at that particr moment. Why didn¡¯t youe to me? No matter the consequences, you know I will still have you and ept you.¡±


    ¡°I did. I went back to Cerro Roca but you just ignored me. I saw you kissing Elizabeth outside and man, I felt like I was stabbed at those moments.¡± I breathed long and hard to keep myself from breaking down. ¡°I begged to talk to you but they said you didn¡¯t want to face me. But of course I still waited. I trust you. You said you¡¯ll be there for me so I held on to your promise. But nothing. You still ignored me. You just looked at me as if you didn¡¯t know me at all. Tell me, Cholo. Do you really think so little of me to believe that I left and went with another man? Did it not even ur to you that maybe something has happened to me? Maybe I didn¡¯t really do that?¡±


    He shook his head vigorously. ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡­ I didn¡¯t know, Karina. And I don¡¯t recall ever seeing you in the house. No one told me about you. God, if only I knew sooner then I would have searched the whole world for you. After you disappeared, I personally looked for you but all I got is that footage where you are leaving the Cerro Roca with a man. I was devastated. I was in a self-destructive state at that time so I agreed to Ymir entertaining Elizabeth after she got out of the mental institution. It¡¯s wrong, I know. I was wrong. And I was an idiot for believing it right away, for not seeking the truth and for not uncovering that I have been yed at, that we have been yed at.¡±


    I can feel that he¡¯s really telling me the truth. Maybe he really didn¡¯t see me that afternoon.


    ¡°Okay, Cholo. I believe you. But that particr dent in our fate caused the biggest misfortune in my life. How many times I wished I could have talked to you that day. For several years, I med myself for allowing my shame to overrule my mind. I should have returned to your house the next day. I should have followed you and forced myself to talk to you because¡­ because maybe if I had done that, E-Errol wouldn¡¯t have died. Maybe if I had done that, our son would still be alive, Cholo.¡±


    There, I said it. Finally.

 Chapter 51 Devastated

    We stared at each other for a few seconds before I saw his reaction. The eyes that were once full of sympathy were reced by shock and awe that eventually became the image of a person whose soul was crushed with heaven and earth. His face turned pale, his palms formed into fists, and his eyes burned in tears.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± he whispered while piercing me with his red eyes.


    ¡°We had a child.¡±


    He blinked a few times as if he was still processing what he heard. He bowed and touched his head. When he raised his face to me, I almost fell back because of the strange coldnessing from him. His face was still shaking as he quickly stood up and walked towards me. He gently held my face in his cold hands and asked again in a trembling voice.


    ¡°We have a child, Karina?¡±


    I slowly nodded. ¡°Had¡± is a better term. We had a son, Cholo.¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    I blinked the tears away. ¡°E-Errol. Our little boy¡¯s name is Errol. He¡¯s almost two years old. He¡¯s a very bubbly, very, very bubbly little boy.¡± I smiled absentmindedly and remembered the face of my deceased son. ¡°And he loves dogs¡­ very much.¡± My voice broke so I cleared my throat. The tears are already stinging my vision. ¡°He looks so much like you. And here¡¯s the funniest thing, did you know that when he came out, everyone thought his father was a foreigner. He¡¯s so handsome. He got everything from you. He got nothing from me. It¡¯s unfair, right? I¡¯m the one who bore him but then he¡¯lle out¡­ and then he justes out as your replica. Anyway, h-he¡¯s so¡­ so¡­ so beautiful. He is only small because I was reallycking in nutrition when I was pregnant. He is so small. Our son is small because you know¡­ck of food, vitamins. I really want to give birth in a hospital, but I have no money. I was very short at that time so sorry. There was this time too th-¡± He didn¡¯t let me finish speaking. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me as tight as possible.


    ¡°Oh God¡­ Oh God¡­ What have I done? What I have done¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Karina. I¡¯m so sorry, wife.¡±


    And I heard that word again. Someone is saying sorry to me again.


    I hate it.


    I abhor it.


    I loathe it.


    I struggled away from him and pointed at my husband¡¯s tearful face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say that word again! I hate it! I fucking hate is so much! I¡¯ve heard enough of it today. I heard it from your mom, from Elizabeth. They are all just sorry to me. What is that? Can they bring back Errol¡¯s life? Can Elizabeth¡¯s sorry bring back the life she took?! Yes, my dear husband. That¡¯s one of the reasons why I came back. It¡¯s not because of you, sorry to disappoint you. It¡¯s because I wanted to see the murderer of our son and crush her. That¡¯s why I was so surprised when I found out that the person who killed our son was rted to you. That afternoon¡­ That one fine afternoon, out of nowhere, she¡­ s-she¡­ she ran us over with her expensive car.¡± I held my chest as it began to tighten. I ran for the wine I had left on the floor and drank from it before turning back to my husband who had a look of shock on his face. ¡°You have been the pawn, Cholo. I used you because you have your connection with the Asturias which I can exploit. Ymir is your friend. I can use you against him. Elizabeth loves you. I needed to have you back to hurt her. I did all of that but damn¡­ Why do I feel like I haven¡¯t done enough?! Why isn¡¯t it enough? Why can¡¯t I be satisfied?! It¡¯s not enough. It¡¯s like I can still do more. I¡¯m lusting over killing them!¡±


    I drained the wine and threw the bottle on the floor. I went to a showcase and grabbed whatever I could get my hands on and threw it on the walls. I shouted at the top of my lungs and ran back in front of Cholo.


    ¡°It was only their lives that were ruined! Your son.. My poor baby boy¡¯s life was gone because of them! Do you know what kind of pain I suffer every day from the fact that my son is dead?! That morning, he¡¯s just in my arms, Cholo! He¡¯s drinking my milk while I¡¯m carrying him, smiling at me! But in just a split of a second, he¡¯s gone! That¡¯s when I finally died. I am just a human being without a soul. I became a hollow Cholo all because of the woman you cared so much who happened to kill our child!¡±


    I grabbed my husband¡¯s cor who still didn¡¯t move from standing and was just looking at me dumbfounded, his face wet with tears.


    ¡°Now tell me again if I should have mercy on her. Tell me now if she doesn¡¯t deserve the punishment I awarded her.¡± I know. I can no longer see him because of the tears that are blinding me. ¡°They should thank me because that¡¯s just all I did. No blood was spilled. I didn¡¯t kill any of them. They should be in the heavens because I was able to stop because of you. Because no matter how many times I convinced myself not to feel anything in you, I still fell in love with you. Foolish heart. Stupid brain. How I wished I didn¡¯t ever meet you.¡±


    I pushed him away but he didn¡¯t let me. He pulled me closer and buried his face in my neck. He sniffed and rubbed my back. I felt warm tears on my neck, his arms around my waist. I tried stepping back but he just kept me so close to his body so I just punched him in his chest while crying. I did it twice, thrice, countless times until I had no energy to raise my hand. He did not move. He just hugged me while his tears continued to wet my neck.


    ¡°Come on. Hurt me more. That¡¯s not enough. I deserve all of it. Take it on me, Karina¡­ Please.¡±


    I lowered my hand and let myself be trapped in the warmth of his embrace. ¡°No, I won¡¯t ¡¯cause it wouldn¡¯t change a thing,¡± I whispered. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. Your son is dead and there¡¯s nothing you can do. Nothing more, Cholo. The one you love the most has killed him and your mom let him get away.¡±


    I felt Cholo¡¯s body stiffen. He stopped rubbing my back and he was like a rock there, unmoving. I took advantage of it and pushed him forcefully. Weakly, I forced myself to sit on the floor and rested my head on the sofa. I closed my eyes and stared at the high ceiling as my tears started running again.


    ¡°After I b-bury our son, I visited Elizabeth in the police station only to be told that she will be freed at themand of your own mother.¡± I just tear up while looking back on that bitter day. ¡°I know she didn¡¯t know that Errol is my son, her grandson, but that is no excuse for her to use her power to shelter a criminal. If it¡¯s not me and Errol in that situation, it¡¯ll be another mother who will lose her sanity. I don¡¯t even know why she did that. I would have epted it if it was the Asturias because I¡¯m used to them but for your mother to do that, nah¡­ it¡¯s like fate is ying its dirty tricks again . Why of all the people who could help Elizabeth, why her? Why is she his grandmother?¡±


    I sighed and tiredly got up from sitting and moved to the sofa. That¡¯s when I looked at my husband who was just looking at me, crying, his face still wet with tears and there was no trace of the Cholo I knew who was strong and respected as a businessman. He¡¯s just an image of another man who is in utter despair as if his spirit has been pounded into very tiny pieces. His light has died down, obviously having a hard time epting everything I poured out.


    I watched as he slowly approached me, shoulders slumped and knees weak. He stopped a meter before me and moved his hand towards me but he took it back a second before it reached me like he was embarrassed. He slowly sat on the floor with his head down while his hand traveled to my feet. He only managed to touch my toes with his finger.


    I shivered at the cold contact. Involuntarily, I pulled my legs back, lifted them up on the sofa and hugged my legs. Cholo just stared at the spot where my feet were resting and looked down again in shame. He didn¡¯t even try to touch me and just stared into nothingness.


    ¡°I¡¯m lost for words,¡± he broke the chilling silenceter. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say. I don¡¯t know how to process this information and my emotions right now. I don¡¯t know what to feel first. I have no ce to put my anger but I don¡¯t know how to get it out. I¡­ I¡¯m barely holding on right now.¡± He clenched his trembling hands and blew out air. He nced at me briefly before bowing his head again. ¡°I could kill them for this. I will kill them for this,¡± he said in an unconcealed madness. ¡°As a son, I¡¯ve been so proud of my mother but this¡­ this is the first time that I¡¯ll be able to say how unlucky I am to be her son. I didn¡¯t have the chance to protect you and.. and our son. What¡¯s h-his name again?¡±


    ¡°Errol.¡±


    ¡°Errol,¡± he repeated as he savored the sound of his son¡¯s name. ¡°I bet he¡¯s a very adorable child.¡±


    ¡°Yeah and a very bubbly kid.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s handsome too?¡±


    ¡°So much. He¡¯s also very charming.¡±


    ¡°And he looks like me.¡±


    ¡°Carbon copy.¡±


    Cholo broke into a sob. I looked away because of a sudden pinch in my chest.


    ¡°Karina, can you forgive me? Can he forgive me? Can our son, Errol, ever forgive his jerk father for failing to protect him?¡±


    I stood up and wiped away the tears.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said what I need to say. I¡¯m going.¡±


    He grabbed my wrist and looked up at me, a hint of remorse in his eyes.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t leave¡­¡± He looked down at my bandaged hand and let go of me like he was being burned. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you wherever you want.¡±


    His eyes were pleading, requesting, begging for me to nod and say yes. I pulled my hand away and took two steps back. Rejection filled his eyes.


    ¡°I will leave to you the right to give justice to our son. Continue what I¡¯ve started. Mywyer will coordinate with you.¡±


    I turned around with a feeling I¡¯ve never felt before. That feeling that you know you¡¯ll regret in the end but you do it anyway because it¡¯s the only rational thing left in the world.


    ¡°I love you, Karina. Thank you for bearing our child. I promise that I¡¯ll make it right this time. I will never ever abandon you. I¡¯ll be with you forever. I will never¡­ ever give up on us, wife.¡±


    My hand tightened its grip on the hem of my dress. I shut my eyes and before I could even think, I turned back around and ran to Cholo. Kneeling, I hugged him from behind and kissed his head. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his mouth. I immediately let go and ran out of the mansion to my waiting brother who was leaning against the closed car door. He stood up when he saw me.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± he asked in a worried voice. I nodded weakly and smiled sadly at him. He opened his arms to me.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go home.¡±


    I closed our distance to embrace him and cried hard. I felt him kiss my head while he calmed me down.


    ¡°You did the right thing,¡± he assured me.


    I nodded and continued weeping.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I know, but I felt like another part of me had died over and over again.

 Chapter 52 Just why

    It has been hours since Karina¡¯s scent left me but I¡¯m still on the floor, stuck at the same moment when she told me everything. Apparently, the Asturias killed her family, we had a son, and Elizabeth killed our little Errol and then my mother let her go.


    That was pure evil perpetuated by the people in my circle. They are my friends and my family, the people I¡¯ve cared about. It was uneptable to think that the people who caused this to Karina are the people I dine and I do business with.


    Killing innocent people is just in evil. The killing of my son and my wife¡¯s family by my own friends is just wicked. It¡¯s immoral. It¡¯s horrible. It¡¯s making all my insides churn in disgust and abhorrence.


    And it happened to my wife while she¡¯s all by herself. Alone, scared, and with no one she can rely on. I can¡¯t imagine how that must have felt. While I was spending my years hating her, she endured her life living through the traumatic experience and nurturing our child and then having to go through it again for the third time.


    It¡¯s like I¡¯m going crazy now that I know everything and I don¡¯t know Karina is coping knowing that she was with our son. She bore him in her womb for months, gave her love to him, and dreamed of a bright future for him.


    Now I finally understand the sad look on her eyes, the bitter expression on her face. I now realize why she¡¯s sneaking every night to cry at thewn. The fire that I always read in Karina¡¯s eyes every time she looked at Elizabeth was finally made clear. I can understand now the hatred that lives inside her.


    And I admired her for being so calm outside. If it were me, I might have killed the whole of Asturias. I wouldn¡¯t ask why she didn¡¯t tell me the second she came back. That is because I don¡¯t deserve to know it. She didn¡¯t trust me enough. Why would you trust someone who wasn¡¯t there when you were struggling and just easily believed that you left for someone else.


    If I were her, I would also do the same. I was too stupid to believe the lies of Ymir who I thought was my friend. I never even questioned his motive for giving me that edited video. I just epted it like it¡¯s the holy truth and hated Karina for all the pain I had gone through.


    I stood up from the floor and looked around the big house. The multi-million mansion is full ofvish things but it felt so empty. There was no sign of Karina, my wife, except for the piles of broken things on the floor.


    I stared at the shards of ss and felt a jab on the pit of my stomach. So this is how broken she is but despite that, she still wakes up early in the morning to prepare my breakfast, arrange my clothes, and sends me off to the car with a smile on her lips like everything is well.


    I cooled myself down and nced at the maid who peeked through the kitchen opening. I understood the look of fear in her eyes so I nodded at her.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    She looked down before answering.


    ¡°S-Sir, Ma¡¯am Karina¡¯s assistant told me that he finished taking all of ma¡¯am¡¯s things. He told me this afternoon to tell you.¡±


    I was tongue-tied when I heard it. I couldn¡¯t think of anything to say so I just nodded.


    Of course, she will leave me. It is evident in her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for telling me. Go ahead. Get some rest. Just clean it up tomorrow.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for her answer and mmed the door. I angrily opened the car and drove away. I arrived at La Vida Club and went inside. I ignored the deafening st of music and looked around.


    I spotted the man I¡¯ve been looking for at the bar area drinking by himself. With tight lips I rolled up my sleeves and clenched my fists. When I got close, I pulled Ymir upright and immediately gave him a hard blow on the face. His shocked face fell down but before he could recover, I pulled him upright again and rained abination on his face. I never used my boxing skills outside the ring and my gym but this is different. I want to paralyze him until he can¡¯t speak anymore. I want to twist his neck until he suffocates.


    A few people who were drinking stopped and the bouncers came to stop us off but I didn¡¯t stop. I shoved him at the liquor counter and red at him. His mouth and nose are bloody.


    ¡°Fuck you, Ymir! I¡¯ll kill you for real!¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    I pushed him to the side and punched his face again. Blood gushed from his nose but he justughed. He pulled back and shook his head as he wiped the blood from his face. My anger got even worse.


    ¡°Fight, you coward! You only took advantage of women and the weak, you fool.¡±


    I grabbed his neck and held him tightly by the shoulders. His miserable eyes stared back at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s his father and brother, man. That¡¯s my son. You killed my son and her family! Do you think I¡¯ll just sit around while knowing the truth? How many years did it take you to spin me with your lies? I thought you were my true friend. How about the years we have shared?! The brotherhood we had, Ymir? I treated you like an older brother I never had. Is that why you couldn¡¯t answer when I asked you what you did to Karina? ! Do you still have a soul, man?! You just killed innocent people!¡±


    I let go of him and punched him again. He pulled back and shook his headughing. My anger grew even more. I can see no shame in his eyes, not even a trace that he is a bit sorry for doing it. I asked myself if this was really my friend. I see nothing of the friend I looked up to. Maybe I don¡¯t really know him. I just acquainted myself with the very murderers of my son and my wife¡¯s family.


    I angrily approached the lying Ymir and made him stand up to taste my fist again. I don¡¯t care if my fist is full of blood now. All I can want is to erase his face in this world. I let go of him panting and let his limp body fall to the floor.


    I reached from the back of my pants and pulled out the gun and pointed it at Ymir. The people who were looking at us screamed. The security suddenly became alert and to my surprise they didn¡¯t try to stop me from beating up Ymir earlier.


    ¡°Cholo, it¡¯s enough,¡± Vida said behind me but I still didn¡¯t lower the gun I aimed at him.


    I wonder how many bullets I can nt in the man¡¯s body.


    ¡°Stop it, man. If you don¡¯t stop now, you¡¯re going to kill him,¡± said Maverick, who I didn¡¯t know was here. He grabbed my shoulder.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I intend to do. I¡¯ll kill this fucking bastard!¡± I shouted for all to hear.


    ¡°Come on, Cholo. You¡¯re better than that. Remember your wife. She still needs you. Think about what she would feel if she found out. Put that down, man. Think about Karina. She needed you the most.¡±


    My temper suddenly lowered upon hearing Karina¡¯s name. My wife¡¯s tearful face and what would be her reaction to what I would do made me stop. I took a deep breath and slowly lowered the gun.


    He¡¯s right. Karina still needs me. I crouched down over Ymir and stared at his marred face.


    ¡°A few teeth and some broken bones, that¡¯s just what I did to you. What you took from me and my wife cannot be paid by even your life. Prepare your bestwyer now because I will make sure that you and your sister will rot in hell the next time we meet.¡±


    Ymir¡¯s face went dead. I took it as a good sign before standing up and walking away. I ignored Maverick¡¯s call and walked out of the club straight to my car. I threw the gun on the passenger¡¯s seat and maneuvered out of the parking lot. My bloody hand gripped the steering wheel tightly. It¡¯s like I¡¯m chasing a demon with my speed but I don¡¯t care anymore. All I want is to have answers to my questions that only my mother can give me.


    I turned right at the first intersection and spent the entire hour in a state of nk space. When I reached the resthouse, my mother was already outside on the extended balcony waiting for me. With just one nce at my mother, I knew she knew why I was here.


    I got out of the car and sat on the first step of the stairs while my mother sat in her favorite chair and looked away. Neither of us spoke but we both knew why we were here.


    ¡°Why did you do it?¡± I broke the silence and folded my numb hands. ¡°He¡¯s your grandson, mom. That¡¯s my son. Your grandson. He¡¯s my flesh and blood.¡±


    I pressed between my eyes to suppress the emotion. I heard her sniffing.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know about it. Believe me or not but I really didn¡¯t know that you and Karina had a child. Her name was different on the records. It wasn¡¯t Karina Versoza. It was Veronika Alcantara. I don¡¯t know why it happened. I have no time to check on that. What I knew at that time was I can finally pay some debts I owed with the Asturias. I talked to the police chief of Sta. Barbara who also owes mine to release Elizabeth not knowing that it¡¯s the murderer of my grandson whom I¡¯m setting free. I didn¡¯t know, son. If only I did¡­ then I wouldn¡¯t have done it. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I¡¯m so ashamed of myself. I am so sorry.¡±


    She cried out.


    ¡°You could have avoided it in the first ce if you¡¯re practicing real public service. You¡¯ve sworn in to be a loyal servant to the public, mom¡­ to protect the powerless and the weak but you abused your power. And the justice for my son¡¯s death came in exchange for that abuse of yours. We were so blind. We¡¯re so fucking blind that we still talk to them and treat them like family not knowing that they have fucked us from behind. They killed Karina¡¯s family! They killed my son and my mother let go of the murderer! Iyon ang balik sa atin ng karma!¡±


    I covered my head with both hands and let the tears flow.


    ¡°I would understand if you would hate me, son. I would definitely understand if you will never forgive me at all. It¡¯s okay. I deserve it.¡±


    I wiped my tears and stood up.


    ¡°You¡¯re my mother. I love you very much and I still do even after all I¡¯ve learned. Just let me be for a while now while Ie in terms with it. Because until now, I can¡¯t ept everything. It¡¯s just sad to think that my own mother is one of the reasons why I can no longer feel the love of a child. I will never have a chance of seeing him, loving him, spoiling him, giving him everything he wanted. You took that from me and Karina. You have deprived us of the right to be Errol¡¯s parents.¡± I wiped my tears again and sighed. ¡°I came here to be enlightened but I didn¡¯t know that I would have more questions to ask. I¡¯ll juste back when I¡¯ve sorted all of these out. I¡¯m leaving. Get some rest now.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for my mother¡¯s answer. I went back to the car and started the engine. My chest tightened even more when I heard the confession from my mother¡¯s mouth.


    I stopped for a moment on the side of the road to release my emotions. And then I got my cell phone and called my secretary. He picked up at the first ring.


    ¡°Cancel all of the projects of Gastrell Corporation with the Asturias effective today. Tell Attorney Gualvez toe see me tomorrow at the office and prepare for a press conference. Thank you.¡±


    I turned off the cellphone and poured my attention back to the road. I pped my face and cursed.


    This will be a long night ahead.

 Chapter 53 Leaving

    It was raining hard outside. The droplets of the pouring rain created a nice soundless effect on my closed window.


    I stood up and opened the window and let the cold enter the room. We were supposed to leave earlier but we had to cancel the flight for a few hours because the weather turned bad. I went back to curling up in bed and stared at the storm outside.


    Yesterday I came home to my brother¡¯s mansion in Monte Vega. Yesterday I finally finished the revenge that I had been preparing for several years.


    Yesterday Zen asked me if I was contented with what I achieved. Is it enough that I left without actually doing what I nned all along?


    I didn¡¯t answer him because I don¡¯t know how to express what I have inside my head. I also kept asking myself if abandoning the original n of killing Ymir and Elizabeth is what I really wanted. Only this morning did I finally have my final answer while staring at my older brother who is painfully gazing at the portrait of his once-upon fairytale wedding.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I got my answer. I am not satisfied with what has been done but for my brother and Cholo I will end everything here. I¡¯ll let due process take effect no matter how long it will take. I will not widen the conflict anymore, the gap between the two families.


    By iming another life, I will just start another cycle, another season of revenge. I don¡¯t want it anymore. I am tired. I want to get out of the chain myself.


    After a few hours, the rain stopped, which signaled that I had to leave. My chest was heavy because of my departure but I convinced myself that it was for the good of everyone.


    It¡¯s for Zen¡¯s peace of mind.


    It¡¯s for Cholo¡¯s reputation.


    And it¡¯s for my own sake.


    I need to heal. I need to find myself. I need to be whole again. I need to learn to forgive myself for being weak. I need this to move on.


    I¡¯ve done it. I¡¯ve tried taking it upon them. I thought I would move on but I was just trapped in an endless loop with no way out.


    Leaving is the best option.


    ¡°I told you I can leave by myself. You don¡¯t have to apany me. I can take care of myself. France is not some strange ce to me. I lived there for years, ¡®di ba?¡±


    He just just shook his head and pulled me closer to him while guiding me to the waiting private jet at the airport. It¡¯s still foggy but the sky is clearpared to earlier.


    ¡°Nonsense. I¡¯ll stay with you there for a week to ensure that you¡¯re safe, well taken care of, and healthy. I¡¯ll be your brother again. I feel so useless for the past months that you¡¯re not on my side. I¡¯ll pamper you. We¡¯ll shop there together,¡± he convinced me.


    He helped me board the air stair and smiled at the flight attendant who greeted us. I sat on the customized leather seat and stared outside the cabin window.


    My mind wandered back to my husband. It¡¯s almost three in the afternoon. Where is he now? Did he have lunch already? Or did he spend the nights drinking himself to sleep?


    Will he know that we can¡¯t see each other? Does he know that I¡¯m leaving now?


    I sighed and clutched the pendants of my ne. There were three of them. I put the rings he gave me together with the original pendant of my ne. I wanted to take it off, hide it, or give it back to my husband but I couldn¡¯t. It¡¯s like I¡¯m still holding on to him after all.


    ¡°Zen, aren¡¯t we leaving yet? Are we still waiting for someone?¡± I asked Zen who is sitting on the other side across from me, reading a newspaper.


    ¡°Just a little more minutes. I¡¯m still waiting for a call.¡±


    I went back to staring outside. To this day, I¡¯m still trying to ept that this is where it all ends.


    I left Cerro Roca, Monte Vega, and Cholo.  I¡¯ll leave everything in my hometown for good to start anew in my new country.


    I¡¯ll go back to my therapist to find bnce in my life again. I¡¯ll enjoy Lyon just as I did back then. I¡¯ll tour around its museums and historical sites and spend my nights sipping my favorite champagne.


    But I know that my heart will stay here¡­ to the man whom I will always love forever. To thend where my beloved was buried. To the swift memories I had with my one and only Errol.


    I heard someone calling Zen but I ignored it. My mind is still busy organizing my thoughts.


    ¡°You sure you wanna leave without talking with him for thest time?¡±


    I looked at my brother with his hand outstretched to see where the ringing cellphone was. I looked at the unsaved number on it and felt a familiar ache in my heart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. Let¡¯s go now. I don¡¯t want to talk to him,¡± I said, trying to sound unaffected.


    Instead of following me, Zen just took my hand and put the cellphone down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just check on Brad in the cockpit.¡±


    He quickly turned around and left me not knowing what to do. The phone didn¡¯t stop beeping so I ended the call but it rang again after several seconds. When it became apparent that he wouldn¡¯t stop calling, I sighed and finally answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± is the first thing he said.


    I closed my eyes and bit my lips to stop myself from crying.


    ¡°I¡¯m here outside, wife. I¡¯m just a few meters from where you are,¡± he added.


    My eyes immediately went outside the window. And true to his words, I found him a few meters from where we were parked, holding the phone in his ear not minding that he was soaking wet with the gentle drops of the rain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk. I might force my way into you if I hear your voice. For now, just hear me out.¡±


    He took a long breath and chuckled.


    ¡°I love you, wife. Let¡¯s start with that.¡±


    I let the tears fall to ease the tightness in my chest.


    ¡°I will never be able to love another woman like you. You¡¯re one of a kind. You¡¯re my innocent Karina. Too pure that I don¡¯t deserve having you in my arms. I know I messed up, wife. I didn¡¯t keep my promises to you. I was blinded by my hate. I wasn¡¯t there to protect you. You were traumatized¡­ and scared.¡±


    I closed my mouth and continued weeping. I stared at the man in the rain who I felt was looking at me too through the foggy atmosphere.


    ¡°Just promise me one thing, Karina¡­ Promise me you¡¯ll live your life, wife. Live it to the fullest. Don¡¯t worry about our son and your family. I¡¯ll take care of them. I¡¯ll make sure to give them justice. Don¡¯t stress yourself, please. Love, smile. Be happy. Do all the things you haven¡¯t done even if it¡¯s not with me. Smile genuinely as often as you can. Go to ces, love. Take pictures. Be carefree. Just feel everything. Enjoy it. Learn to love living again. Be free, Karina¡­ and when you feel like you have done everything¡­ when you know it in yourself that you¡¯ve reached the end¡­ When you feel like there¡¯s still a part of you that still wants me, pleasee back to me. I¡¯ll always be here for you. Always waiting. No matter how long. Even if it takes decades. I¡¯ll wait for you in our home until youe home.¡±


    I raised my hand to the window and stroked it. I closed my eyes while imagining that it¡¯s Cholo¡¯s face whom I¡¯m touching, caressing, and feeling. My tears flowed down as I sank into my raised arms to hide my face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Errol. I¡¯ll take care of him. I¡¯ll always visit him. I¡¯ll introduce myself to him and tell him stories about us. And Karina¡­ If ever¡­ If ever you wake up one day to find that yourst name bothers you¡­ when you realized t-that it¡¯s all gone, feel free to tell me. I¡¯ll give you whatever you want.¡±


    His voice cracked.


    ¡°I¡¯m letting you go but it doesn¡¯t mean that I¡¯m giving up on us,¡± he continued after clearing his throat.


    I forcefully covered my mouth to prevent my sobs from escaping.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re crying,¡± heughed. ¡°You¡¯re such a crybaby don¡¯t you know that? You¡¯re so tough outside but you¡¯re broken from the inside. I want you to be tough Karina without the need to mask all your weaknesses. Can I expect you to do that or was I asking for too much?¡±


    Heughed softly.


    ¡°What am I saying¡­ The truth is¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say. I just want to keep talking to you now so you have a reason not to leave. I¡¯m trying to buy time even though I know there¡¯s nothing left.¡±


    He took a deep breath and rubbed something on his face. I just stayed quietly watching him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold on forever, wife.¡±


    I groped for the rings on the ne and held them tightly.


    ¡°Karina, always knows that I¡¯m not giving up on us. Never. You¡¯re still my Mrs. Gastrell through and through and¡­ It¡¯ll be my greatest joy to see you again even from afar.¡±


    He raised his hand and waved in the air.


    ¡°I love you, Karina Gastrell. I love you, wife.¡±


    I hung up and hugged myself, crying. Even when the attendant approached me to fasten the seat belt, I still couldn¡¯t stop crying. Even when my brother came to my side and hugged me, I still didn¡¯t stop


    Until the ne took off, I still continued crying and never looked back to take onest nce of Cholo.


    Because I will nevere back to him.


    It¡¯s final.


    This is goodbye.

 Chapter 54 places and time apart

    I took a lot of air before I entered the mausoleum inside the private cemetery of the Alcantaras. My hand is full of flowers, all sorts of choctes, and toys for my son.


    My son. My dead son.


    The word brings so much pain in my heart.


    When I entered the room, I was immediately greeted by Errol¡¯s smiling faces in giant frames attached to every corner.


    It felt like I¡¯m looking at my childhood photos.


    It¡¯s his picture during his baptismal, his first birthday, and when he was I think a few days old. He¡¯s so small there¡­ so fragile and so tiny.


    I stood there in the middle too overwhelmed by the feeling of love, sadness, and regret. My hands shook and my grips on the shopping bags loosened. It¡¯s like my knees have lost their strength.


    I took a deep breath and picked up the ones on the floor one by one and offered them at the foot of the altar where Errol¡¯s smiling face was waiting. It overflowed so much that I just put the remaining toys and food on the bottom.


    With trembling hands, I reached for his picture and looked closely at the spitting image of myself. My tears fell on the mirror of the picture frame so I quickly wiped it away. I sat on the floor while still holding his picture and just stared at my child¡¯s happy face.


    ¡°Your mom is right. You look so much just like me. You have my whole face except the eyes. You got your eyes from your grandmother.¡±


    I touched his face and smiled.


    ¡°So handsome. My baby is so handsome.¡±


    I breathed hard and looked down to conceal my crying face. I released the emotion first and after a little bit of a minute, I looked back at the photo of my son again.


    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m embarrassed to face you, son. It¡¯s because I  failed the two of you. I¡¯m a failure. I failed to protect you and your mother. I¡¯m sorry.¡± My voice broke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry son¡­ But I¡¯m here now. I¡¯m here, son. Your father is here. I finally meet you Errol. I¡¯mte but¡­ I¡¯m here already.¡±


    I kissed his picture and just sat there for the entire time talking to my child whom I will never see in person forever.


    ¡°You look so much like me, son. How I would love to see you in flesh, healthy and strong while your mother and I will hold you in our arms.¡±


    I stayed inside for a few more hours. It was getting dark when I said goodbye to my son. I also put flowers on the grave of Karina¡¯s father and brother. I offered a prayer and asked for their forgiveness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I wasn¡¯t able to protect your daughter and grandson. I failed. I just hope that Karina is happy now. Wherever she is, I hope that she takes my advice.¡±


    I sighed and looked at the ring on my finger remembering my wife whom I had just let go.


    I really hope you¡¯re starting to live the best time of your life, wife.


    Before leaving, I arranged the things that I brought, including the flowers and toys that my mother had brought earlier.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    After arranging everything, I looked at the ce and smiled.


    I can¡¯t wait toe back here tomorrow to spend the rest of my days with my son here.


    One year after


    Lyon, France


    I breathed the fresh air and opened my eyes to the blinding lightsing from every building in the city of Lyon. It¡¯s December 8 again which is that time of the year when the ce is teeming with tourists to celebrate the Festival of Lights.


    From the Fourvi¨¨re hill, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvi¨¨re is shining and glittering in lights. The other establishments are notgging behind either. Everyone brags about who has the best and brightest lights.


    For a moment, I thought the whole city transformed into a big ball of gigantic light that twinkles from up here.


    ¡°No wonder you loved it here. Lyon is a very beautiful ce.¡±


    Kristine stood next to me with a bottle of champagne and filled my half ss.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said and continued watching the lights from below.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re going tomorrow?¡± she asked after a while.


    ¡°Yup, my flight is already tomorrow. I¡¯ll see you again in a year.¡±


    ¡°In that case, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance to you. I¡¯m going to greet you now because we know I won¡¯t be able to contact you during those days,¡± she joked.


    Iughed and smiled. ¡°Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Kris.¡±


    We looked back at the beauty of the ce.


    ¡°What a way to end this night, right?¡± she said.


    I sipped on my ss and agreed.


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    Months After


    I just got out of the car with Atty. Gualvez when the press immediately shed their cameras on us. Journalists rushed in my direction trying to get a testament from me. My bodyguards blocked them.


    ¡°Mr. Gastrell, what can you say about the case you filed against Elizabeth and Ymir Asturia and that it is finally moving forward?¡± asked one.


    ¡°Sir, are youpletely severing your rtionship with the Asturias?¡±


    ¡°Sir, do you have any news about your wife Karina Gastrell?¡±


    I stopped walking when I heard the name that has never left my mind for the past year and a half.


    I took off my aviator and faced the reporter.


    ¡°I would be the happiest if you stop treating this case as your ground to drag my family¡¯s name back to your night shows and news tidbits. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse us, we still have a court hearing to attend to.¡±


    The bodyguards parted the crowd so that we could enter the Regional Trial Court.


    Christmas Eve


    I happily opened the scattered gifts in the mausoleum and ced them one by one in front of my child¡¯s picture frame.


    ¡°Look, son. I bought you another set of Star Wars and Marvel figures collectibles. It¡¯s different from the other one that I bought you the other month. This is more special since I got this from a collector in Europe. Where can we put it here?¡±


    I looked around inside and just shook my head when the showcases were overflowing with all the toys I gifted to my son. I smiled at myself and looked at the frame.


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t realize it was already full. I need to have another cab here.¡±


    I then proceeded to open the other presents and neatly stacked them to the side.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, son.¡± I kissed his frame and put it back.


    After finishing the arrangement, I leaned against the cold wall and happily looked at the fresh flowers with my wife¡¯s name on them. I raised the cup to it.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, wife. Don¡¯t worry. Your family and our son are not alone here. I¡¯m with them. May you have the merriest Christmas, Karina,¡± I whispered in the air.


    Dubai


    I put down the book on the empty lounge chair beside me and stared at the stars in the night sky. I am just casually cruising in the yacht and enjoying myst night in this ce before I go on my next itinerary tomorrow.


    The cold wind in Dubai Marina is just soothing to my body. The skyscrapers, the waves, and the loneliness¡­ they brought me a new sense of fulfilment.


    Iy down and took off the ne from my neck. I held it up high and shook it slowly. The nking of the two rings and the pendant created a nice sound that resonated with my soul.


    It¡¯s been more than two years since I left the country to go back to my therapist. Everything is going smoothly so I decided that it¡¯s time to embark on another journey. I wanted to travel the world. I wanted to try new things. For once, I wanted to be free like a bird in the sky.


    Maybe I¡¯ll find the forgiveness that I still can¡¯t give to myself and the people who hurt me.


    The rm on my cell phone rang so I put the ne back on. I picked the phone and watched as the countdown started. A minuteter, the date changed, signaling that I had a new day to face. February 18. For two years I let myself worry about someone I left behind.


    For the past years, I only let myself be carried away by my feelings for just a couple of minutes on this day only.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Cholo. I wish you more years toe,¡± I whispered in the darkness.


    One year after


    ¡°Good morning, sir.¡±


    I smiled formally at the secretary before returning the greeting.


    ¡°Good morning, Denise. What¡¯s my schedule for today?¡±


    I opened the office door and sat on the swivel chair and faced myptop. She followed me with the Ipad in her hand and closed the door behind.


    ¡°Sir, you have a meeting with the Farrell Constructions for the Vyajitas project at nine this morning, a luncheon appointment with Mr. Sequirda at 12 noon, and an inspection of the Branch 15 branchpany for the rest of the day.¡±


    ¡°Cut off the lunch meeting for only an hour. I need two hours of free time before I fly to Branch 15.¡±


    ¡°Got it, sir. What¡¯s your mode of transportation?¡±


    ¡°Tell Marius to cancel the preparation of the ne. I¡¯ll go with Luther.¡±


    ¡°Got it, sir. Anything to add?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s none. You can go.¡±


    I scanned the table looking for something.


    ¡°Ah Denise, where¡¯s today¡¯s newspaper?¡±


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s outside. I¡¯ll get it now.¡±


    She went out and came back with what I needed.


    ¡°Thank you and coffee please.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    I immediately went into the business section of the paper but not before skimming through the article about the recent development of the case on the murder of Karina¡¯s brother.


    I was the first to know yesterday that the killers of his brother have been convicted of murder. As for the case of her father, malpractice is the only suit we can file against the hospital staff.


    As for my case, the Asturias are doing everything they can to prolong the decision of the case. I¡¯ve faced intimidating tactics from their side which I only threw back at them.


    I have to admit that I struggled too. I know that they should not be taken lightly but with the help of my mother and the rest of my family, we see possibilities that we can achieve justice.


    A knock on the door interrupted me. Denise¡¯s face turned to the open door with a cup of coffee and an envelope.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir. There¡¯s a package for you.¡±


    She put the coffee and the envelope on my table and left.


    I looked for any name or address in the envelope to have an idea from whom this ising from. When I didn¡¯t see anything, I opened it and took out some papers inside.


    I read what was written and I almost turned pale. My energy was drained and all I could do was just repeat the first few words on the paper in my head. I just stared at the paper for a moment, the life slowly leaving my body. I¡¯m trying to make sense of the dawning fact¡­ of the imminent happening of what I feared the most.


    What I was afraid of hase.


    Because on my own table lies the piece of paper that has given me my death sentence.


    It¡¯s a copy of the petition of annulment of marriage from my one and only soon to be ex-wife, Karina Gastrell.

 Chapter 55 Coming back

    The sound of my six-inch Chanel stiletto echoed through the busting halls of the topmost floor of the biggest and most renowned ship buildingpany in the whole of Asia.


    My ck crossover halter bodycon dress clung to my body like it¡¯s my second skin as I sauntered across the long hallway.


    I ran my fingers through my short hair and stared impressed at the newly renovated ce. I stopped in front of a portrait and could not contain my admiration.


    ¡°Wow. I never thought I could look this good in a painting,¡± I eximed when I took a closer look at it.


    Before me is a magnificently made painting of myself dressed in a ck gown. My hair is loose and I had that wicked mysterious look in my eyes while looking at the aperture. The painter perfectly captured my lost self some years ago.


    I slowly turned to look at another portrait on the other side of the hallway. I blinked a few times and my heart seemed to melt at what I saw. The smile on my lips was sweet as I stared at my son¡¯s painting.


    ¡°Aww, our cutie boy is so handsome here.¡±


    I approached the picture and caressed the smiling face of my child who was very cute in his white polo and was wearing a very big smile on his lips.


    I looked around. I didn¡¯t see any other decorations. There are only two portraits of me and my son in the hallway and nothing else as if whoever put them there really wanted me and my son to be the only ones to get the attention of everyone who passes by.


    ¡°Not that I¡¯mining. We both look so great here.¡±


    I shrugged and opened the door at the end of the hallway.


    ¡°Cholo Gastrell,¡± I read the gold-ted name on the outside of the closed door. I smiled at myself and traced the letters of his name.


    ¡°Cholo Gastrell¡­ Cholo Gastrell¡­ Now that I think about it, your name indeed sounded like a dog¡¯s name,¡± I said with a bit of a giggle remembering how Kristine pointed it out to me.


    I turned the knob and pushed the door open. His female secretary immediately stood up from the desk and gave me a formal but surprised smile.


    ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am. Mr. Gastrell is currently inside his office,¡± she said stammering, the shock did not disappear from her face as if she had seen a ghost.


    ¡°Thank you, what¡¯s your name, miss?¡±


    She did not speak. I had to repeat the question to get an answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m Denise Fyodor ma¡¯am,¡± she said, trying to hide the stammering.


    I gave her a friendly smile. ¡°Long time no see, Denise. Nice name.¡±


    I turned my back on Cholo¡¯s still shocked secretary and didn¡¯t even bother to knock and opened the door. The first thing that greeted me was the dark earth tone design of the whole room. The whole interior is cool to the eye which reminds me of an art exhibit I attended in South Africa. Calm, cool, and very pleasant to the eyes. Very minimalist style.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Denise, I already told you that I don¡¯t want anyone¡¯s appointment for today. I don¡¯t care who called you. Drop it now. Tell them I wouldn¡¯t be disturbed for today. I have a very important event I need to go to today,¡± said the dark rich voice owned by the man I haven¡¯t heard for years.


    My eyes moved to the man behind the desk who was seriously focused on the papers while holding a Parker pen in the other hand. I stared at my ex-husband.


    Five years had past and still he looked as handsome and as drop-dead as I left him to be. Few lines have been added to his face but instead of making him less of an attractive man, it only made him more ravishing.


    It¡¯s still as strong as before as if it will pull you.


    It¡¯s in the power he holds, the striking confidence he exudes. He is Cholo Gastrell for a reason.


    I carefully closed the door and took off my sunsses. I walked towards him and knocked on his wooden table.


    ¡°Are you so busy with your schedule that you can¡¯t afford to at least have a one-minute talk with your ex-wife?¡±


    I saw his muscles be rigid. His hand stopped moving and in a split of a second, his surprised eyes were on me checking if I was really real.


    When our eyes met, it was as if I was transported back in time and memories that I had forced myself to forget for years. Our memories shed before my eyes. Everything from the beginning until our very end.


    After recovering, I gave my ex-husband a casual smile.


    ¡°Hello, Cholo. It¡¯s great seeing you again after all these years. How are you?¡±


    He did not answer. He just stared at me like he was kind of a precious stone. Iughed at his reaction and leaned over to tap his cheek.


    ¡°Hey, you alright? It¡¯s like you saw a ghost there. It¡¯s just me. Karina,¡± I softlyughed and sat on the seat in front of his desk and crossed my legs.


    ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± he muttered after a few seconds of just staring at me without blinking.


    ¡°Yes, I do. And nothing has changed here in the past years. Traffic is still here. Well, the infrastructure is good. That¡¯s a little bit better.¡±


    I looked around his office and couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by the art pieces on disy.


    ¡°Nice collection,¡± I pointed out to the miniature sculptures in one corner.


    I didn¡¯t hear any reply from him so I looked at Cholo who I caught smiling while looking at me.


    ¡°I said it¡¯s a nice collection. I think I¡¯ve seen that phallic sculpture in a gallery in Australia if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡±


    He adjusted his tie and brushed his hair aside while keeping his eyes on me. He moved his eyes repeatedly for fear that I was just a product of his imagination and I might disappear at any second. I bet he is also shocked that we¡¯re having this conversation right now.


    ¡°Yup. I got it from Adide. I took out a fortune just to get that one,¡± he answered as if he had been haunted and couldn¡¯t believe that I was really in front of him after blinking a few times.


    ¡°Phallic figures. Hmmmm¡­ What a nice hobby, eh?¡± I said, trying to elicit humor from him.


    He bit it andughed.


    ¡°Yeah. I got into collecting stuff these years. Ikaw¡­ What did you do during¡­¡± He didn¡¯t finish the sentence and instead asked a question. ¡°Did you enjoy your travels?¡±


    He removed his tie and cleared his throat after gulping the remaining half of his coffee.


    I just smiled at his cute antics.


    ¡°So much. I think I¡¯ve been to more than half of the countries in the world. It was a really good experience but it¡¯s still different for you to return to the town of your birth. I do not know. It¡¯s still different here. Maybe there¡¯s something in the air here.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± he concurred.


    I smiled at him and he smiled back at me with subdued longing in his eyes, the kind that is overpowering it shows on his whole face but can do nothing and can act nothing about it.


    ¡°You still like ck?¡± he said and motioned at my dress.


    ¡°Yeah and you still wear our wedding ring?¡± I pointed to the ring on his finger.


    He looked down at his own hand and smiled. ¡°Yeah, I still do. It¡¯s a big help especially when I¡¯m surrounded by female entities who only want to chase  me because of my good looks. I just have to proudly show it to them and boom, I¡¯m as free as a bird.¡±


    I chuckled and moved away from his gaze.


    ¡°Nice. Now, I have be a scapegoat.¡±


    He just smiled and kept on staring at me as if he still cannot believe that I¡¯m in front of him and we¡¯re talking as if there¡¯s no years between us.


    ¡°Why are you here, Karina?¡±


    ¡°How are you, Cholo?¡±


    We asked each other in unison after a few moments of silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Just good. How about you?¡± he briefly asked, hinting that he eagerly wanted to know my answer to his previous question.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, too. Never felt this better. As for your question, I¡¯m here to ask you about something.¡±


    The joy disappeared from my face and was reced by a hesitant smile. I¡¯ve been practicing what to say for a few days but now I feel nk.


    ¡°You traveled all the way here just to ask me a question? You could have just called me.¡±


    I heaved a sigh.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell on the call and you know I¡¯m not calling you. I need to be here. I need to see you just so I could have an answer.¡±


    I paused and looked right into his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to ask you if your promise still stands. I¡­ I was hoping your promise still stands.¡±


    I stopped to fill my lungs with air as he waited for me to say it.


    ¡°Are you still into me, Cholo?¡± I asked softly.


    It was as if the world stopped spinning while I waited for his answer. Everything around us seems to have disappeared. We were the only two left, silent, and both waiting for the next events.


    ¡°I¡¯m a Gastrell, Karina. I stand by my promises. Thest time I didn¡¯t, the results are unforgivable and the consequences are irreconcble. If I could have it my way, we would not be talking now. I¡¯d let my hands and lips do the talking,¡± he answered, his hands tightly sped on the table while sadness was visible in his eyes.


    I smiled at what he said. A blush appeared on my face. ¡°Then why are we still talking? We¡¯re just wasting our time. Do what you want with me.¡±


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t have strong restraint, I might have jumped on you there a second you walked inside my office,¡± he said in a voice that was still trying to fight what his eyes were saying.


    ¡°Then do it. No one¡¯s stopping you,¡± I said, confused about what he meant. But he shook his head.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t tempt me, Karina. You just don¡¯t know how much self-control I¡¯m doing now to not grab you. Five years¡­ I¡¯ve endured five years of not seeing and bothering you in person . I ain¡¯t gonna break the promise I made to you. I will leave you in peace. I will let you be, Karina. One touch. One touch is all it takes from you and I will be down on my knees again silently begging for you to stay. I can¡¯t do that now¡­ now that I¡¯ve seen how happy and fulfilled you are without me. It¡¯s enough for me to see you now. I¡¯m okay with that.¡±


    Tears welled up in my eyes. I know all of those, how he let me go without question. I know he didn¡¯t let me go because he didn¡¯t love me anymore. He did it out of his own will because until now, he is still living in guilt froml the past.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I am happy now but I am selfish too. I know I will be happier with you, Cholo. I lied to myself when I said that it will be a goodbye. I still love you. Do you still love me? Do you still want me back? Do you already have anyone? Am I toote? It¡¯s okay. You can tell me. I am just taking chances here.¡±


    ¡°No, no. You know I want you. I will always want you. Forever. I did not stop loving you,¡± he passionately promised.


    My eyes burned from what I heard.


    ¡°Then why are you still sitting there? Why aren¡¯t you hugging and kissing me? Come on.¡±


    I held out my hand to him. ¡°Come on.¡±


    He just looked at my hand and didn¡¯t move as if contemting if I was really telling the truth. It¡¯s like his heart and brain are still arguing about what to do. I couldn¡¯t help myself anymore so I stood up, rolled over to his chair and cupped his face so that our lips met. Although shocked by what I did, his hand easily supported my waist and carefully turned me so that I could sit on his thigh.


    The moment our lips met, I knew then thating back was the best decision I have ever made. The few years we¡¯ve been apart is enough to me. I have done what I want. I have found myself and I have forgiven. It¡¯s time for me to bepletely happy with the only man who can make me.


    I am choosing to go back.


    I am choosing my happiness.


    I am choosing Cholo.


    I am choosing us over anything else in this world.


    ¡°The Cholo I know is not a coward. Seems like the years have not been that good to you,¡± I teased him.


    His mouth curved into a smirk before his hand went into my nape and pulled me to him.


    ¡°I am only like this because of you,¡± he whispered andpletely covered my mouth again.


    The pent-up heat exploded. I responded as wild as his tongue in my mouth. I molded into his arms as I melted into his kisses and touch.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who made me feel this way, Karina. It¡¯s crazy. Those years without you by my side made me lose my sanity. But every time I look into your uploaded pictures where I see you smiling and living the best out of your life, all my sadness disappears because I can see you happy. It¡¯s more than enough because it¡¯s heaven for me to finally see theeback of your genuine smile which you are wearing now,¡± he said in a little bit of a throaty timbre.


    He traced my lips with his trembling hand, sadness is still not leaving his eyes. ¡°Why did youe back to me? Karina, I caused you so much pain. I don¡¯t deserve your love at all.¡±


    I bit my lip as my years of umted tears began to form. I raised my face and gently held his face in my palm.


    ¡°Five years ago, you told me to promise you that I¡¯ll live my life to the fullest. That I should love, smile, go to ces, take pictures. Be carefree. You told me to enjoy everything¡­ to be free. I did all of that. I traveled the world to experience things. Iughed with people, went to ces but when it¡¯s time to go home, I always feel like I don¡¯t belong anywhere else in the world but by your side. You told me that you will wait for me¡­ but at the back of my mind, I doubt if there is really someone who can wait for such a long time.¡±


    ¡°Is that why you asked for an annulment?¡±


    ¡°Yes, because I want you to be free from me, Cholo. I don¡¯t want to lock you in an uncertain rtionship because I decided at first not to go back to you. Anyway, what can I do? I still love you. You¡¯re still the one I¡¯m looking for. Last month, I dreamed of Errol. He was smiling at me and then my father and brother appeared saying they missed me. And I took it as a sign that it¡¯s time to go back home and see if the application for being your Mrs. Gastrell is still vacant. I came back because I love you, Cholo. The heart knows what it wants. Mine knows you so much. It¡¯s screaming your name over and over again.¡±


    His face suddenly brightened. His eyes were red as he caged me in his embrace. I closed my eyes and let my own go along with Cholo¡¯s silent tears. His shoulders moved so I hugged him even tighter.


    I caressed his back and sobbed silently.


    ¡°You know I would not be able to love another woman again if it¡¯s not you. You know that. I did not fail to remind you in every gift card I sent you on your birthday,¡± he whispered in a broken voice.


    ¡°I know. I get all that. So that¡¯s what I held onto when I came back. You promised me so now you really have to keep that.¡±


    I held him by the shoulders and stared at his wet face.


    ¡°Prepare a space in your heart and in your life because I¡¯vee back. I¡¯vee back to you, Cholo.¡±


    He wiped my tears and kissed my head.


    ¡°Karina, that space you are asking for has been empty for years waiting for you my love to fill it again.¡±


    He cupped my face and just stared at me.


    ¡°Ah, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re really here now. That I can get to hold you like this again. Kiss you, own you. Are you really real? Are you really here with me? Are you really sure about this? Are you mine again?¡±


    I felt like crying again while looking at his hopeful eyes.


    ¡°I am yours to begin with. And yo-¡°¡±


    He cut right into my words to kiss me again and this time I felt his pain, desperation, and love. I tasted his warm tears while his cold shaking hands are both on my cheeks.


    ¡°God, I miss you so much, Karina. I miss you so much, wife.¡±


    He caressed my cheek and let his tears fall.


    ¡°I love you so much, Karina. I love you with all of me, wife. Thank you so much foring back and for giving me another chance. From now on, let me show you the kind of love and devotion that you deserve. Thank you, Karina. Thank you so much.¡±


    I nodded and hugged him feeling for the first time the peace and contentment that I have always longed for.


    We stayed like that for some time, just hugging, kissing, feeling each other¡¯s presence, telling stories, trying to bridge the gap of distance and time.


    ¡°I¡¯m nning to visit Errol today,¡± he said while brushing my hair with his fingers.


    I looked up at him and smiled. He responded by kissing my lips.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±


    He nodded and smiled at me. ¡°Let¡¯s go home?¡± he asked after he stood up and offered his hand to me.


    I stared at his hand and remembered thest time he did the same to me. I stood up and reached for his hand. He held me tightly and squeezed it.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d love to go home, now.¡±


    Together, we walked out of his office holding hands and wearing the best smiles on our faces while hoping that this time, it will be forever.

 Chapter 56 End

    For Cholo Gastrell,


    I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ll ever get your hands on or read this Cholo but I¡¯m just taking a chance. After all, this is thest thing you¡¯ll ever get from me.


    I¡¯m sorry for not being able to say goodbye to you. Please don¡¯t think that I left you. Yes, I¡¯ll admit that I thought about it at first but I immediately took it back because I couldn¡¯t leave you. I¡¯m just stuck. I can not do anything. I¡¯m just a humble girl. They can torture me, humiliate me, and kill me.


    Maybe you already have an idea that I already have feelings for you. I know that I am not good at hiding my feelings. I love you, Cholo. I hope you believe and ept my love even for a second. I don¡¯t even have anyone else topare my feelings to but I know myself that I love you. I love you so much even though you¡¯vepletely abandoned me, even though you didn¡¯t even bother to give me a nce as if someone like me doesn¡¯t deserve to talk to you.


    I was hurt a lot then. But did that reduce my love for you? Not even a little because you gave me a wonderful gift that changed my life forever.


    Maybe you are now asking why I even wrote this. He is the reason. Our son is the reason why I want to introduce him to you. His name is Errol. Honestly, I can¡¯t talk about him anymore because the wounds are still very fresh, but I will do it for you. He is your son. Don¡¯t deny it, please. You look exactly like our son. Handsome, white, very pointed nose. He got everything he had from you. I have pictures to keep with this letter so you know I¡¯m not lying.


    You know, I really n to introduce him to you personally just like dad and Diego but they all took them from me. I buried him earlier. Cholo, I have nothing left. They are all gone. They left me. They left again. There is nothing left for me.


    Maybe you¡¯ll think I¡¯m a coward because of what I¡¯m going to do. I will give up everything including my life but  Cholo, they are my life. My life revolved around them. When dad and Diego were gone, I felt like I was going to die, but Errol came to me. He colored my life. He gave me hope so now that he¡¯s gone, it¡¯s like I died too. Everything is useless. I can¡¯t go on any longer, so I¡¯m sorry if I can¡¯t give this letter personally to you.


    I¡¯m sorry Cholo because I can¡¯t do it anymore. The pain is too much. I can¡¯t bear the weight anymore. I can¡¯t live like this anymore. The pain is unbearable. This is better. I don¡¯t want to live anymore. I will follow our son.


    I just ask that you visit our graves. If it¡¯s not too much, maybe you can bring us flowers. I hope you will talk to us at least for a few moments. That is if you can read this. I hope they find this letter and give it to you for ourst contact even after I¡¯m gone.


    Thank you for even in the little time we spent together, you made me feel valued. You showed me a world so far from what I was used to. For the first time in my life,  I was free for a moment with you. You were just a dream then. I only looked at you before, so now, I can¡¯t believe that I talked to you. You treated me as no different from you, took care of me, and provided for my needs.


    I hope you don¡¯t forget us, okay? I want to live in your memory at least in a few of our meetings. I hope you remember me when you go home to Cerro Roca. Say hello to my friends. Say hello to everyone even if it¡¯s just in a quiet way.


    I would like to see you more but I know it¡¯s toote so I¡¯ll just say myst goodbye here.


    I hope that the next time we meet, fate will not be so cruel to us. I hope if there is a next life I will be born into aplete and happy family. I hope that if that happens, our status in life will be equal so that I can be free to love you.


    I love you, Cholo.


    Goodbye


    I wiped away my tears before carefully folding the paper that had turned yellow with the passage of time. There are still traces of dry tears on its pages. I put it back in the container and looked up at the bed where my wife was sleeping soundly. This is the second time I¡¯ve read it since Zen gave it to me the night I found out.


    He told me about how he found the letter stashed on a wallet of Karina with my stolen picture and Errol¡¯s pictures after she unsessfullymitted suicide after our son¡¯s death.


    Fortunately, she was saved by Zen and my friend Maverick, who I just found out was rted to Karina. He knows from the very start about the Karina I am talking about during our drunken sessions.


    That fact alone hardened my decision to not go after Karina. That¡¯s also the reason why I gave the annulment she wanted even though I knew in myself that I could never love another again. I know I will be alone forever the moment I sign those papers. I have epted that so I just started living my life like that.


    I thought to myself what a lucky bastard I am for her to still go back to me. And for that, I will make sure to always make her happy until myst breath.


    ¡°As you know, Karina is an Alcantara. We have been looking for her for a long time since we found out we have a sister. Our mothers are different but I loved and considered Karina as my true sister. I could have easily taken her away from you but I didn¡¯t. I let her be. I gave her the freedom. My sister, Cholo, went through hell because of you but I will forget that because she chose and loves you. So I hope you will make her feel the all good things in this world, Gastrell. Make her cry at least once again in this lifetime and you¡¯ll know what will be of you. I will align you and your whole family with the Asturians.¡±


    I didn¡¯t budge from being punched so hard and slumped at the end of the boxing ring and met the cold eyes of my brother-inw.


    ¡°You can count on me, Zen. If ever I¡¯ve done something silly to make her cry again, I¡¯m giving you the right to kill me.¡±


    I stood up from the floor to lie beside my wife who immediately hugged me. I kissed his head and stared at her peaceful sleeping state.


    ¡°I will make myself deserving of you, wife.¡±


    I hugged her very tightly and kissed her forehead for a long time.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Love you,¡± she involuntarily replied.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    I smiled and closed my eyes. We still have many battles to face. The case is still ongoing and the war between the ns of the Alcantaras and the Asturias are rapidly escting. Karina is one of those who can be most affected so I will do everything to protect her and our love.


    END


    ***


    Author¡¯s Note:


    And we havee again to the end of another story my dear readers. I hope that you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.


    See you again and thank you for your heartwarmingments and responses. Please share this story so others may be able to read it too. Thank you so much!


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!