I slaped my face to confirm that it's just a nightmare.
Mom, Dad, i miss you. So, so much.
I can't help but cry. Tears are rolling down my cheecks non-stop. I'm sweating so bad. It hurts. It still hurts even if so many years have already passed. I'm just 8 years old back then. I'm 20 now. Already 13 years have passed. But who can get over that kind of thing? You parents being killed in front of you? Frick! I can still remember their position. My mom was hugging my dad until her last breath. Then she looked at me. Eyes saying goodbye.
I cried so hard.
The door opened then it swallowed Elocin. Maybe she heard my cries.
"Hey, did you have a nightmare again?" she said as she sit beside me, rubbing my back. I see concern in her face. She's trying to stop me from crying. But the comfort is still not enough. But it did make me feel better a little. I cried on her shoulders. She hugged me tight, letting me. I cried so hard, i also hugged her tighter, thingking that she is my mom. If mom and dad is still living, I know they don't want me sad. But I can't help it.
"Do you wan't to talk about it? I'm here to listen?"
"I. I d-dreamed of how my parents d-died." Then I cried so hard again. Elocin is shocked. She looks so concerend about me. I'm sorry I made you feel sad because of me, Elocin.
After a few moments, i already feel tired of crying. I want to sleep. I want to sleep the pain. I felt Elocin, still sitting beside me, brushing my hair with her fingers, waiting for me to sleep. I also felt her kiss me on my forehead before she turned off the lights and leave the room.
The morning sun woke me up as it shines trough the window, hitting my face. I stll remember last night. That dream. I still have a hangover.
As soon as I got up, Elocin entered the room with breakfast in bed. She really is the only luck I have in the world full of bad things.
"Hey, goodmorning. I brought you breakfast in bed. I hope you're feeling better."
"Yes I am. Thank you." then i smiled on her. She hugged me then she left the room.
I sighed. Don't worry mom and dad, if that nightmare is a sign that you want justice, I'll give it to you. Just a little bit more time. I promise. And I also know that you don't want me sad if you're still here. I know that you'd want me to carry on. And I will, for you.
I ate the breakfast then sat on the chair on the table. I'll start doing my presentation now. I can't risk another year. And also, later, after lunch, I'll visit Villamorannas Building.I'll just have a quick look to see what's inside.
I called Elocin to the room to help me.
"Elocin! Can you help me with my presentation? I'm out of ideas!"
"Okay wait! Coming!"
Elocin entered the room and stand beside me.
"Wait. Before we begin, you haven't tell me yet what happened last night? You just have nightmares when something bad happened. So what happened?"
She asked. Oh yeah. I'm almost kidnapped.
"Well, to get here to your apartment, i rode a taxi. Then the driver is kinda creepy. Few moments I realized that the route is changing-"
"WHAAAT?! The driver changed the route?!"
She said dramaticaly then hugged me.
"Are you okay?? Do something hurt?? Did he do somethig to you?? Oh my god!!"
"Will you let me finish first? I'm okay, I'm okay. I'm alright."
"Okay I'm sorry. Then how did you got out?"
"Well i thought that if i'd scream, nobody would hear me. If i call the police, they'll think that I'm bluffing because I won't be able to give them the location 'cause I don't know that route. I can't also jump out the car 'cause it's locked. So I grabbed the steering wheel then shook it. Then we almost crashed into a black car but we didn't. So i quickly unlocked the door and scaped. "
"Ohh...."
"Then i pleaded to the car's driver that we alomost bumped in to get me out there. He did but he is rude. He didn't even put me down here. He left me in the road!"
"Oh. That's still better than being kidnapped,"
Then she hugged me again.
"Alright. Let's work on my presentation now. I still need to practice this."
I included all the good things my school has.
"Maybe you should include all the future plan they are planning if the partnership is signed?"
"Alright."
Good idea. So I also included the projects we are planning to do once the partnership was signed.
"Should I also include the students who brought honor to the school? You know? So that they can see that the partnership is worth it?"
"Oh yeah that's a great idea! Include it!"
I just hope the CEO would sign it. If not, I'll have to repeat a year and that means the justice for my parents would take one extra year.
My presentation is done. It's already 10 in the morning. It is just 32 slides. But I guess that's enough. I'm aleady tired.
I got out the room. Elocin is dressed. Where is she going?
"Where are you going?" I asked her. She is busy doing her makeup.
"Uh just a date."
"Oh. i'll also have something to go to. I'll leave here this afternoon. I'll go back home. I still got to get ready and I don't have clothes here."
"Then where are you going?"
"To the Villamoranns Building. Just like a quick look. Backround check."
"Well then okay. I'll give you my spare key so that if you wanna stay here for tonight again, you can open the door. And if you wanna do that, please bring clothes."
"Thank you, Elocin. Ofcorse I wanna stay here."
"That's what I'm always telling you. Just stay here for the rest of you life. Don't mind the rent. I'll pay it"
"And that's what I'm always telling you. If I would live here, we should split the rent."
She stopped for a second to look at me. She sighed. I know she wants me here. She's all alone. I know she'd always bored here.
"Oh yeah, yeah. You win. Just pack your damn clothes and move in here. I"ll already be late. See you later and take care. Book a grab, not a taxi. That's safer."
She kissed me on the cheeks then she left.
So I did what she said. Grab is way safer. I booked a grab then returned home. As expected, they're having a war.
I put my earpods in and played load music. 'Stiil Into You' by Paramore.
I entered my room and packed all my clothes on a luggage. Maybe they wont see me leaving because their favorite war spot is the kitchen. Because the plates and glasses are there. So that they can throw it at each other. Damn life.
I didn't left a single clothes there. I also did change. I just wore a simple shirt and a high waisted jeans. That will do.
I got out the house and booked an uber again.
I never ran out of money because my parents have savings. And I also work as an editor in a publishing company. I edit the book that are to publish. I remove the errors, I correct the grammars and any other mistakes there. But it's just a sideline. What's important is I earn.
When i arrived at the apartment I just put down my luggages and went out. The grab driver waited for me 'cause as I requested. Then he drove me to the Villamorannas building. The main building is big. It's so big. I got out the car and surveyed the building. No wonder my school wants a partnership with them.
"Good morning ma'am," the security guards greeted me. "do you have a pass?"
A pass?
"A pass? Do you need a pass to get in?"
"Yes ma'am. We can't let you in if you don't have one."
Uh oh. I don't have a pass!
"It's alright she's with me." I turned my head as a man spoke. It's the driver of the black car last night! He works here! And he's letting me in!
"Okay sir," the guards said and opened the door for him, and for me too!
I walked behind this man that I still don't know the name. I looked around surveying the building. Its sooo big. Its so wide inside. Its spacious. I walked slowly as I looked around.
I whispered to myself "Its so big-" then i bumped onto someone. The driver.
"Will you walk a little bit faster? Follow me," He said then turned his back on me.
I followed him as I don't know people here. We took the elevator then we stopped at the 52nd floor.
"Good morning Sir,"
"Good morning Sir,"
"Good morning Sir,"
"Good morning Sir,"
All the employees greeted him. Maybe his position here is high.
He stopped walking and faced a male employee. He looked at his watch and talked to him.
"Have you already done the documents?"
"Uh-uhm just one more paragraph Sir-"
"You're fired."
What? The employee just said that it'll be done. That needs to have one more paraghraph. So why is he firing him?
"You're already a minute late, but you haven't done it yet."
All the employees are silent. Nobody wants to complain. Is he always like this? He fire people who are just even a minute late?
"Somebody finish it in five minutes and give me. Back to work." he said then walked away. All the employees got back to work. He's rude.
Then we arrived at a double door office. Two employees opened it for him then we got in. He sat on the swivel chair. I looked at the name on the telble and it saya
'Elixier Villamorannas CEO'
Wait what? OMGGG!
HE'S THE CEO! He's Mr. Villamorannas!
"So," he leaned on the table "what did you say again? I'm a mafia? Where did you get that information?" He asked seriously.
"Uhm"
"Nobody should know that. I'll give you what you want just don't spit that to anyone. Name your price."
What?
Wait hold on. Don't spit that to anyone? Don't spit what? That he is a mafia? Didn't I just made that up?
"U-uh, so a-are you saying t-that you're actually a m-mafia?"
He stared at me seriously.
O M G
What the frick?
"Name your price, Miss."
He's a mafia???
"U-uhh,"
I'm now scared. What if he kill me? Or point a gun at me? Omg!!
But, if he really is a mafia, and he said he'll give me what I want, maybe I can ask him if he can sign the proposal of my school? Great Idea! So that iwon't have to repeat a school year! Brilliant!
*Knock Knock*
Somebody knocked. The the double doors opened. A young lady came in.
"Uh Sir. Here is the document."
"Put it in here."
Then the lady put down the document in front of this rude CEO. She is obviosly scared and nervous.
If my boss is like this, I would probably get out the company immediately. But maybe the salary is big? But they can sue him anytime. But is there a strong evidence? He's the CEO. He can fire anyone. And also, he's not hurting them physically. Poor employees.
"Leave."
"Y-yes Sir," then she walked out the room, quickly.
"So where are we again?"
"Uhm,"
"Name what you want."
"Uh actually, I have something I want. I told you t-that I'll have a presentation about a partnership being offered by m-my school," why am I stuttering ugh! "I-I want you t-to accept the partnership and sign it."
Now he leaned on his chair, still staring at me.
"That's all? i'll do it."
My face brightened up and I can't help but smile. Yes!
"And also, I want you to get the employee you fired this morning back to work."
He looked at me. He titled his head a bit, confused at what I just said.
"Why?'
"Because it's just a simple mistake. Give him another chance.And he's just a minute late."
"I don't give another chance."
"I'll spit your secret then,"
Then he turned to me seriously, then he sighed.
"Jenny come here."
Then a lady got in. I think it's his secretary.
"The person I fired, give hi his work back."
The secretary seemed shocked.
"O-okay sir." Then she left the room. I smiled.
"But I also want you to do me favor,"
Then he opened his drawer on the table and get something out there. Then he walked towards me. I stand because he's coming to me. I'm shaking. I'm nervous. and I'm scared.
Then he handed out a black tiny box infront of me. I looked at it confused. I thought he want me, to do him a favor? But why is he giving me something?
"I wan't you to wear that all the time."
I took the box out from his hand and opened it. It's a ring! A freaking ring! It has a diamond in the middle! It's like a weddimg ring! It's so prettyyyy!
Wait. Why does he want me to wear it?
"Why do you want me to wear it?"
"'Cause you see, I need a partner. I can't find the right woman for me. I've been trying to find one but they're all stupid. They don't fit me. So I just want you to pretend."
WHAT?
"Me? You want me to pretend that I'm your wife? Have I heard it right?"
He just looked at me. He don't want to repeat what he said.
"A-and you think, I'd fit to pretend? Can't you just get onother woman? No, no, Nuh uh." then I took his hand and placed the box there, while shaking my head.
He's crazy. Why would he want a woman to pretend as his wife? Don't he have a girlfriend? Oh, Obviously he don't have one. but still. Why would he do that?
"Then I won't sign the proposal."
"But you said you'd do what I want so that I won't spit your secret?!"
"I'd do what you wan't if you'd do what I want."
What the?
"Then i'll spit your secret,"
"then I'll kill you."
My eyes widened at that. OMG! NO NO NO
"You wished 2 things, then do me 2 favors."
"A-alright," I said out of nervousness. "Give me that" then i snached the bow from his hand and wore the ring.
"Good." he said.
Then a i heard a phone ring. It's his phone. "Excuse me, i have to take this call, I’ll be back in a minute,"then he left his office. Right after he left, I let my eyes wander around his office. My neck almost cracked while I try to look at the back. This office is big! This is twice or more than twice the size of my house! His table is placed facing back the view of all the building and roads of Manila. If he turned back on his swivel chair, he’s gonna see the beautiful view of the lights of Manila at the night time because it’s glass!He also have a balcony where he can enjoy the cool breeze. He must be so rich! On the walls, he have so many expensive paintings. They’re so pretty. He also have a side where there are bookshelves full of so many books. This is heaven for a bookworm like me gosh! He’s living a luxury life! If I we’re him, I would donate some to charities or help people in need. But with that personality, I bet his not gonna do that.
He smiled evilly at me. Then he stood up. Looks like he’s enjoying the view that I’m panicking. I’M SO NERVOUS! GET ME OUT OF HERE AHHHHHH! “As I was saying,” he looked away trying to hide a smile, obviously, “we don’t have to do the wedding ceremony. We don’t have to perform the veil. We just have to sign the documents, the certificate of marriage, and we have to change your surname to mine. You’ll be Mrs. Villamorannas in an instant. Just like that. Also, send me your bank account so that I can transfer money to you. We also have to shop for your clothes. You’ll also move in with me. You’ll be with me in all events, you’re gonna introduce yourself as my woman, as my wife. We need to act as if we are inlove or what soever that couples do.” My jaw dropped at his straight statement. He didn’t even stutter! I just stayed like that for a few seconds before I closed my mouth. I still need some time to process and let these things sink in my mind! “Does that mean
Amira's POV I reached out for the tray of mouth-watering foods that are on the table. This looks so yummy! I tried first the fries, and I don’t know if this is from mcdonalds or what. But this is fire! I also ate the whole burger, and all of the foods here. Wow that’s yummy! I wiped my mouth after I ate. Only 15 minutes have passed since I have been left alone in this office. I looked around again. What should I do? This is boring. Well, not until my eyes landed on the books. SO MANY BOOKS! I want to read! I stood up the sofa and half run to the books. Damn all my fav’s are here! This is heaven! I got a book entitled ‘The stars of us’. Just as I was about to read the first page of the book, my phone vibrated from my pocket. Ohhh, it’s Elocin. I know what she wants, probably can wait to hear what I was gonna say so she would like to talk about it on the phone. Gosh! “Hello” I answered. “Hi! I just got home! I don’t have anything important to do
Elexier’s POV: “I want you to fix this Elexier. I don’t want any trouble here. Make sure it’s all alright in a week. If not, I bet you already know what will happen to you.” his voice is serious although it's not loud, you can hear the power and emphasis. *Phone beeps* He ended the call as soon as he spit those words. I furiously put my phone back to my pocket and took a deep breath. I placed my hand on my forehead trying to calm down and think properly. I am driving to my company and just stopped to answer the call. Living in this world coming from this kind of family is exhausting. But I can't do anything. This is the life I have. I have to life the rest of my life with them. Or do I? I took a deep breath again and the engine of my car roared to life when I finally started it again. There is a problem in the plane where our drugs are kept. Not ours, actually. His, my Dad. I don’t want to do this. I didn’t want to. I have never want to. I didn’t imag
Amira’s POV I reached the Villamorannas company by this day's afternoon. I looked at the whole of the building from outside, This building is extremely huge. But that is not shocking. They zae one of the biggest in the country. Or maybe even in the whole Asia. I walked towards the door. As I was about to eneter, the jtwo tall guards stopped me. "Excuse me Ma'am, do you have a pass?" One of them said that made me stop. I didn't know that they need a pass here to get in? I scartched my neck nervously. As I couldn't show them anything, I just pretended that I am finding something in my bag. "Good morning Sir," the two guards said at the same time to someone who I think is behind me. I looked back because maybe I'm blocking his way. When I looked back, I saw the familiar face of that one guy who saved me from the taxi driver. My eyes widened in shock. They called him sir so that means he really works here! "What's happening here?" he then sp
Elexier’s POV I may not show it, but damn I’m so embarrassed that she have read those files! Frick! Next time I won’t leave such things on my desk! Frick! At the elevator, good thing she remained silent and did not tease me about what she saw. In her personality, if I’m a close friend of her, I know she’ll tease me. And I can say, she has a good attitude. I have a camera on my office. I can clearly see her and hear her. I heard what she and her friend talk about in the phone. I know that I’m violating her privacy, but I can’t help but to admit that she’s lively and funny. She also get’s shy easily. Earlier, I locked her in between my arms while I’m leaning on the bookshelves. Funny and I guess, cute? I don’t know. All I know is she blushed. I can see how hot her cheeks are that time. It’s a new thing to me. I never made Athena’s cheeks blush before. I didn’t even know if I’ve already made her hearth flutter. It’s just that they are so different. Athena is intimidatin
Elexier is a bad person. He is mafia. And I was very scared of him at first. Who wouldn’t be? He can kill me anytime he wants, beat me up or anything he wanted. But, he is also soft I guess, he fires employee whenever he wants, but he gives them last salary worth 3 months of their work. I know because I have read in his table. He isn’t all bad after all. I was just staring at the window when I suddenly felt hunger. Ugh! I just ate! But I’m hungry again huhu. No Amira, hold that! I continued watching the view avoiding to think about food, but, I thing a cold Ice crream will be so tasty as the sun shines so bright and it’s so hot. Then the taste of McDonalds buger and fries will also be good uhmmm. Huhu I’m so hungry. I looked at Elexier who is also facing the window. And ohhh! A little trivia. I made him smile earlier! I thought he’s the kind of guy who always intimidate people, a kind of person who isn’t built to smile. Just poker face all the time. But heck no
Elexier’s POV It makes me think, should I still let my family do this stuff? I know I’m not a good person all in all, but I am also not that bad to let all this continue to run and grow. I don’t want to let my family down. I don’t want them to be imprisoned. But I also don’t want what they are doing. I don’t know what to do damn. I’m educated. I know the harmful effects of drugs to a person. And it also ruins their life. Many people are being sent to jail, or worse, being killed just because of that. Dad loves to see people dying. He kills people. I still remember how he killed a family in the park. In front of me. A Husband and his wife, and their 5 year-old daughter. “Uhm Elexier, well, uhh sorry. I shouldn’t have made us go in there. I didn’tknow it was gonna happen.” Amira suddenly spoke in the middle the debate on my head. I was shocked for a bit beacuse why is she saying sorry, and I am also not used to a girl apologizing to me. “