Prologue

"I'm sorry, I need to resign. Hindi na ako pwede sa kumpanyang ito," I said confidently, but slowly breaking my heart into pieces.

I saw how his lively eyes turned into pain and despair. I once wished to make him happy and alive in every minute of his existence. But now, I'm the reason why he's in pain.

"Did I do something wrong?" he whispered.

Marahan kong nilunok ang laway ko dahil nanunuyo na ang lalamunan ko. Tumingala ako upang pigilan ang nagbabadyang luha sa mga mata.

Ilang sandali pa, pilit kong sinalubong ang mga tingin niya. Pero mali ang desisyong iyon dahil kita ko ang lito at pangungulila sa mga mata niya.

I stepped forward and held his left hand. "I'm so sorry, Alton. I'm not as strong as you think. Kung kasing tapang mo lang ako, siguro I won't leave you here. Maybe I would run away with you rather than to choose what is right to do."

I can't hold my tears anymore. I burst out and hugged Alton so tight. Niyakap niya naman ako pabalik at mas lalo lang akong naiyak dahil sa sakit na nararamdaman.

"I can fight with you baby. Just tell me what to do and I'll do the rest to ease the pain you're feeling right now. Beg for my help baby, nandito lang ako," saad niya sa mababang boses. Pero halata pa rin dito ang panginginig at piyok sa mga salita niya.

Kumalas ako mula sa yakap niya at tiningnan siya sa malamig na paraan. I need to do something.

"Fight alone, Alton."

Bago pa ako lumuha ulit, tumalikod na ako at pasimpleng pinunasan ang luha ko. Pero hindi pa ako nakalabas ng opisina nang maramdaman ko ang isang mahigpit na yakap sa aking beywang. Pinilit kong kalasin ang yakap sa akin ngunit napakahigpit ito.

"Let me go," I said coldy.

"Please baby sabihin mo sa akin ang problema. Huwag namang ganito."

Umiling ako. Hindi pwede. Hindi.

"You love me right? Then fight with me. I'm willing to be your shield in order to protect you. If loving you means dying from a war, then it's my pleasure to offer my life for you."

Sandali akong pumikit at huling dinama ang mainit na yakap niya.

"Hindi kita mahal Alton. Kahit kailan ay hindi kita minahal, it was just an act to tamed the monster inside this building and guessed? I succeed."

At doon niya dahan-dahang kinalas ang mga yakap niya. He shook his head and chuckled.

"You messed with a wrong one, Miss Salmonte. Mark this day, I'll make your life miserable."

I can clearly see the pain in his eyes but he still managed to switch it into a cold one. And then he left.

Napasalampak na lang ako sa malamig na sahig at bumuhos ang luhang kanina ko pa pinipigilan. It's done. He already hate me for the wrong reason.

One day, you'll understand me Alton. Mahal na mahal kita.