AccidentHis eyes looked like a black hole.That was the first thing I noticed when I saw him. His eyes emit no emotions and all it made me speechless. That's what I keep coming back to as I stare inside the hotel room I booked on my way here. Raul went back to Manila as per my instruction. He didn't even want to agree at first but eventually, he agreed too. Lideon bombarded me with calls all day asking if I was okay. He just finished calling so I have the chance to think now.I couldn't help but feel pity for that man now that I'd seen him. I was also very hurt when Francis died, while he lost his fiancee too in that accident. The article said that his fiancee died on the spot while he was rushed to the hospital and survived.I walked through the small balcony of the room. I was greeted by the cold wind which gave me comfort. My eyes were fixed on the sparkling lights of the different establishments. The road is also busy with passing vehicles.I wonder what it felt like living that
Prologue Everything was ordinary and normal in my life until this moment. It occurred to me many times what kind of sin I had committed for this to happen to me when all I wanted was to have a normal and simple life. My dream of having my own family would've become real if that tragedy hadn't happened. "Close your eyes," the make-up artist commanded while putting powder on my face. As I closed my eyes, I silently wished this was all a dream. A nightmare to be exact. And when I open my eyes the light will greet me. I silently hoped that as I opened my eyes, my reality would go back to how it all used to be. "There, it's done." But it was still the same. I couldn't feel my own body and everything around me. I can hear voices but I don't really understand the words. How did I end up in this situation? Why do I have to go through this nightmare? Ah, right. As payment for a debt. I wonder if my decision in doing this for the damn debt is all worth it? "Okay, we're done! Now it's tim
Rainbow What I had was something not perfect but I was content. Although the life I lived was not luxurious, it was happy. It's hard sometimes but it's also manageable. I got so used to the warmth that I wasn't able to brace myself for the cold and dark. That's what became of us when my mother died. She was our warmth and light. Now that she is gone, everything has become dark for me and my father. "Dad, that’s enough. You're drunk," I shook his shoulder. He only answered me with a weak grunt. It's been a few months since Mom died. Since then, this scene is what I always come across every time I come home from school. My drunk dad. The many times he had been like that, I eventually got used to it. I didn't complain every time I came home hungry and there was no food in the kitchen. Sometimes it's morning when he comes home from somewhere, drunk. Everything really turned upside down when my mom left us. "Dad, I'm hungry," I whined one day when I couldn't help it anymore. I really
Dark I already had a bad feeling about this a long time ago. But I ignored all that and focused on myself. I was too preoccupied with surviving alone that I neglected my duty as a daughter for all those times. Right, maybe it's my fault too. It's my fault that my father went down and got addicted to gambling. It's my fault that I didn't know the things he was doing when he wasn't coming home. With the various emotions I'm feeling, I don't know what to think anymore. I knew that the happiness I felt for the past few days wouldn't last. So it's scary to be happy. Because I know it wouldn't last long. "Almene, help me. They're going to put me in jail. That's a lot of money. I can't afford it. Where am I going to get that much money?" He sobbed as he fell to the floor. I couldn't help myself from crying. Oh damn, why does this have to happen now? "Please, help me. They're going to put me in jail-" "Why?!" I screamed senselessly. I heaved a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. "
Payment A loud ring deafened my ears. I don't fully understand what my friends are saying. I can see their mouth moving but I can't hear a word they're saying. I became aware of myself being supported by the three of them and from there, my hearing gradually became clearer. "Oh my god, Almene!" I heard Julienne scream. Julienne the Avery held both of my shoulders. The two's cheeks were full of tears. "W-What did you say?" I asked trembling. I can no longer fully balance myself. They both looked away while Nathan tightened his jaw staring at me. I can see pity in his eyes. I tried to get out of their grip and was about to leave the church to go to Francis' family. Avery held me back that's why I turned her hand away in annoyance. "What?!" "Almene..." they said with difficulty. "T-Tell me. W-What happened to F-Francis?" I glared at the three of them and didn't stop until someone broke the silence. "He had an accident on his way here," it was Nathan who managed to break the new
Punishment I stared at the man who had said that for a long time. My brain has not yet processed what I heard. His brows shot up giving me the 'that's the truth' look. I want to stop and speak but no voice comes out of my mouth. Debt payment? Are you fucking kidding me?! I turned to my father to look for explanations but he still looked the same, head down and unable to meet my anger. "Woah..." I exclaimed angrily. I took a step back when I couldn’t feel my strength. "What the fuck?" I cursed in the air. "Really, dad? You can do that to me?" I whispered full of resentment. "Almene, I-I’m so-" "Ha!" I couldn't stop crying in anger. My body is also shaking. "Almene, h-have mercy. T-They're going to put me in jail," he said, losing strength. "B-Believe it or not, it's also against my heart to do this... But where can I get ten million to pay-" "Why did you have such a big debt?!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. Another tear fell freely down my cheek. Here is the man I looked
Marry I wish I could deny the reality of the things happening right now. That's what I think about as we travel wherever we're going. While moving farther, I see fewer and fewer houses. Honestly, I want to tremble with fear. I don't know what these men are planning. Even though they don't look bad, I'm still not reassured. And who are we meeting by the way? Is it some old and grumpy billionaire? Oh god. "I just want to clarify something here..." I began. The man named Raul turned to me. While the man next to him just looked at me slightly and looked back outside. "Yes, what is it, Miss Villareal?" I breathe hard before giving Raul my full attention. "Just because I came now doesn't mean I'm willing to do whatever your boss wants. Or whatever he and my Dad talked about. I came with you to personally talk to your boss. That's all and nothing else. " After saying that, I looked back at the window. I heard Raul clear his throat and shifted in his seat. "Uhmm... He's well-informed
Perfect I stared at my feet on the tiled floor of the hospital. I was debating whether or not to continue entering. I'm not doing anything wrong but I'm ashamed to face Francis' family. I don't know what to think anymore. And how will I ever face him at times like these? I forced myself to walk towards the ICU, where I knew Francis was. I found Jade there. She looked up when she noticed my presence. "Almene..." I went near her and handed her a paper bag. She slightly smiled but I couldn't even lift the edge of my lips. "How's he?" I asked as I looked at the closed door of the room. The faint sound of the monitor filled my ears. "T-They said his condition is getting better. He will be moved to the private ward later." My eyes stung and my chest tightened with relief. I can't wait for him to wake up. I miss him so much. It wasn't long before the nurses took care of transferring Francis to the private ward. I couldn't take my eyes away from him. Silently hoping in between those mo