THEY went back to Sorsogon after a week. They spent little time exploring the City of Baguio before going home. Einille suggested trying ghost hunting, but they couldn't do it due to her tight schedule. Besides, she was sure that Vale would be around anytime she needed him. Vale sent her home because he left his car there. And they could not miss the teasing stare of Shari. Her cousin was off-duty and waiting for them. Shari immediately asked her about their activities for the past week when Vale left. “It seemed the mountaineering adventure refreshes you. And surprisingly, you and Vale looked closer now. Is this a rebound relationship?” Shari tickled Einille’s waist. “We’re friends now. Don’t get me wrong, I never planned on getting into a new relationship. When the time is right, I will. I’m thankful to Valentino. I like his company. He is witty and funny, plus drop-dead gorgeous.” Einille did not conceal her smile while Shari rolled her eye

EINILLE’S eyes traveled around when she reached the firing range. And somehow, she felt a disappointment because Vale was nowhere in sight. She held herself not to frown since she had expected him to be here earlier than her. “Hey, your neck might crack. Are you looking for someone?” Rab teased. He just came, wearing the black and red uniform of a Range Officer. “Excuse me? I’m just checking around the number of participants.” She rolled her eyes to conceal her embarrassment. “You say so. Vale won’t be around now because he had to run some errands. He sent a representative, though. Didn’t he tell you?” Einille shook her head, “He dropped by at home last night. He said he’ll be here.” “There must be an emergency. Although I’m surprised, Vale used to be your worst nemesis. Why a sudden change of heart?” Rab giggled. Einille got the notion that even she didn’t tell anything to Rab, this man knew what was going on between her and Vale.

“IF I hadn’t heard about what happened to you and Vale, I would’ve scolded you for forgetting Uncle Ricky’s birthday. Are you sure you’re all right now?” Shari said while they were having their dinner. At this moment, Einille was feeling better. Thanks to Vale, who stayed at her side when she almost broke down in shock. Although her marksmanship skill was impeccable, it was her first real encounter. Since the day she entered the service, she was usually in her office in the Crime Laboratory. What happened earlier gave her body a chill. She knew this would happen and thank the heavens she survived unscathed. “Don’t worry. I’ll get used to this. This is a part of our job.” She reassured her cousin. “So, it won’t bother you attending the birthday party tomorrow?” “We can’t say no to our uncle. The only problem I had in mind is the dress for the party.” “Consider it solved. I bought a few formal dresses.” Shari proudly said. “I’ll

 DAYS had passed, and Einille expected Vale to show himself after what happened at the party. Although he tried to reach her via call, she didn’t answer. She was even more disappointed when he didn’t put in an effort to see her. But what to expect? They ended it up so badly the last time they talked. Perhaps this was the perfect time to realize that Vale was just the same man who couldn’t stay loyal.This morning, she went to work with a heavy heart. She missed Vale’s presence, but she couldn’t reach out to him. She was still perplexed about her feelings. She had to remind herself that Vale was just a nobody. She regretted the day he let him be closer to her. And now she was not used for him to be missing in action.I hate him. She gritted her teeth. They were not officially dating, yet he had shown his true color. A cheater!The thing she witnessed between Vale and Meja wouldn’t leave her mind. She didn&

 “WITH that smile of yours, I knew something happened,” Shari said the following day while on their breakfast. She held a cigarette while drinking a black coffee, “Did you sleep with Vale last night?” she flashed a teasing smile.“No! Don’t give me that look.” She giggled.“I don’t believe you. Tell me, is Vale yummy? On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, where would you put him? How about the girth size?”Einille laughed, “You’re crazy. Nothing happened. And even if we did, I don’t kiss and tell.”“So, you’re keeping secrets from me.” Shari blew a cloud of smoke to her side.“I am just happy, and I deserve this, right?” she drank her tea, “How about you and Mazareno?”“We’re doing good!”“Good to hear that.”Einille told her cousin about Vale’s