Chapter 8: The Cristobal

San Lorenzo province is one of the richest places not only in the country but in the world. Agriculture, mining, real estate, fashion, and energy dominate the provincial economy. The abundant province may look clean and green on the outside but in reality, the businessmen were being run by the dirty politicians who's been handled by the powerful syndicates.

Fernando Cristobal owns the biggest law firm and a private and corporate investigation agency in the province. His family is one of the wealthiest families in the country. Fernando is not just an advocate for justice, but also a philanthropist. He gives his service pro bono to those poor people who can't afford to have an attorney. Little did he know that his good deeds will only lead to his downfall.

He took a case of the poor farmers who are complaining about their land being taken away from them by a wealthy real-estate owner. The owner of the estate is Enrique Santibanez. He is also the incumbent Governor of the province. Due to his powerful connections, he was able to get away with the case and at the same time, ruined Fernando's name and reputation.

In a short period, all of his hard hard-earned has been seized and his businesses closed. His family went broke and he has no choice but to declare bankruptcy. Fernando got depressed from all of his misfortunes and his anxiety got the best of him. His body breaks down and becomes severely ill. He passed away after a few years. 

Ella is the youngest daughter of Fernando. She was only seven when her family loses all their wealth. Ever since her family becomes poor, she has been bullied and outcast by everybody. Her pain and sufferings are the only things that motivate her to work harder than anyone else. Her goal was not to become rich like they used to but to restore her family name and reputation. 

Back at the university campus...

"Edward, please., Ella has been through a lot," Joaquin worriedly said to his friend.

"I know, and that is why the bullying has to stop. I am not going to let anything bad happens to her," Edward replied with determination in his voice.

"Why do you care so much about her? She is nobody," Joaquin curiously asked.

"She reminds me so much of someone from my past."

Edward left the classroom hoping to catch up with them, but Ella and the other students were no longer in the hallway. He heard the students screaming and cheering someone outside of the building, so he hurriedly runs towards the commotion. The students were surrounding a group of female students ganging in on Ella. They are taking pictures and videos while they are bullying her. Some are doing a live stream, and others were placing bets on who will throw the most punches.

When Edward arrives at the scene, there are a group of female students who are pushing Ella and tossing her around like a ball being passed over from one person to another. Some of the girls are pulling her hair, and others are throwing punches at her. Ella uses her backpack as a shield to cover herself from their punches. She never fights back and focused only on defense mode. 

"Stop this at once!"

Edward's anger vibrated through his voice and echoed all over the school ground. Everyone stops what they are doing and turns their head toward his direction.

One by one he glared at the girls who are attacking Ella. They were immobilized by his fury and lowered their heads as he passed by. Edward went straight to Ella who is sitting on the floor, and her face was covered with a backpack. He reaches out his arm to her and offered a lending hand.

"Ella, let's go!" He grabs her arm and when he attempts to pull her up, she forcibly removes his hand away from her.

"Go away," she said in a shaky voice.

Ella's body is trembling in fear, and her hands were cold and clammy. She is weak in the knees and couldn't get up even if she wants. Edward's jaw tightens and clenches his fist in so much anger. His blood boils when he saw Ella's pitiful condition.

"Whoever tries to hurt her again will answer to me!" he warns them. 

Edward's face was completely red. His veins expanded and bulged on his temples and neck. He was smoking with anger. He gently carries Ella in his arms and when he was about to walk away from them he turns around one more time and threatens them.

"Delete all of those videos and pictures and if I saw one of them leak on the internet or in the school you are all going to be punished. You don't want me to become your enemy."

After saying those strong words, they walk away from the crowd and went straight to the parking lot. Edward places Ella in the front seat and fastens her seatbelt. Ella remains in a stoic state. They drove away from the school buildings and went to the University clock tower.

The Clock Tower is a historical place that is located in the middle of the university. Only a few people are allowed to enter since it has a very old structure. Edward and Ella went inside the tower and climb to the top of the tower.

"This is my sanctuary. I always go here whenever I'm stressed and wanted to be alone. This is the best place to relax and calm your nerves. My way to escape from reality," he carefully explains to Ella and gave her his sweet smile. 

Ella's body is no longer trembling, but she remains passive and silent. She was staring blankly into the open space. Edward is not used to seeing Ella's quiet behavior and knew that she hasn't moved on with what happened to her in the schoolyard, so he decided to take her to the west side of the tower.

"This is the best view of this tower. Here you can see when the sun goes down, he proudly said to her.

They both sat on the stone bench near the balcony of the clock tower. They both watch the beautiful landscape of San Lorenzo province while waiting for the sun to go down. Edward didn't say a word and let the silence calm Ella's nerves. The cool breeze of the air is so peaceful with a melancholy tone. He wants her to feel relaxed and enjoy the scenery. After a few minutes, the sky starts to dim blended with red and yellow gradients into the calm of the night.

Edward places his hand over Ella's shoulder and said...

"It's okay to cry," he said to her.

"I'm fine," she said in a low tone, and her voice is slightly brittle.

"You don't have to pretend to be tough in front of me, Ella. It's okay not to be okay," he sincerely said and gently pats her shoulder. 

Ella glances up at the sky trying to hold back her tears. "I can't be weak or else I cannot survive all of these. I need to be strong...," after saying those words she burst into tears.

"Ella..."

Edward wants to comfort her, but she immediately interrupts him.

"I can't be weak, or I will break..." she said while crying her heart out.

Edward pulls her close to him and wraps his arms around her. He hugs her tightly while gently cradling her to calm her down.

"You can cry as much as you want. Let it all out," he said to her.

"I have to endure all the pain. I have to be numb to all the bullying because my family is defending me," she wailed.

"You don't have to endure all of it. Why don't you just fight back?"

"They are powerful and very influential. If I fight back, they can have me expelled from this university. They can even file a case against me, and I don't have money to afford a lawyer," she said in her defense. 

Realization hits him. Edward knew that Ella was right. The rich people can easily dominate the poor people with their money and power. The university is like a jungle. There is no place for the weaklings for they can be easily eaten by the strong ones.

"You're not powerless anymore. I am here now. We are friends and friends got each other's back," he said giving her a reassuring smile.

Ella pressed her face on his chest and continues to cry. Edward allows her to let all of her frustrations out until she finally feels better. After a few minutes, Ella finally calms down and stops crying.

"Thank you for standing up for me back there," Ella sheepishly said to him.

She parted herself from his embrace and fixed herself.

"Damnit, Ella. Your snot is all over my brand-new GUCCI shirt," he said in disgust while trying to remove the slime in his shirt.

"You could have offered me a handkerchief to cry on instead of your shirt," she said and rolled her eyes.

Edward's jaw went slack in disbelief.

"Seriously? You're truly unbelievable!"