Rigor Leonardo Miramontes

There are people who hold onto grudges just so they’ll have a reason to get up in the morning. I was one of those people. This anger within me kept me alive while I was struggling to survive. It gave me strength I didn’t even know I was capable of having. Hatred was what fed and fueled me.

Tahimik kong pinanood si Patricio Castellano habang naglalakad palabas sa isang mataas na gusali. Nakakawit sa braso niya ang kanyang dalagang anak na si Lux Castellano. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa sigarilyong nasa kamay ko ng makita kong masayang tumatawa ang mag-ama. It was as if taunting me of the life I was robbed of.

Matagal na akong naghihintay nang tamang panahon, nang tamang pagkakataon para mabawi ang lahat ng dapat ay sa akin. Ilang taon akong nagmasid, ilang taon ko silang pinag-aralan. I had been watching them like a patient lion stalking its prey, waiting for the right time to devour them. When the right time comes, I would crush them, strip them off everything and leave nothing but bones behind.

They were heading towards where I was standing. I brought the cigarette and drew in a breath. Then I dropped it to the ground and stepped on it as I exhaled. They were walking closer and closer. It felt almost as if everything was in slow motion now. Hindi ako tumingin sa kanila. I acted as if I wasn’t aware of their presence while I casually leaned against my car. They had no clue I knew who they were. Every move was being watched. They were locked in their own minds but I knew everything about them.

They passed by in front of me. I inhaled and caught a whiff of Lux’s mild flowery scent. Something inside my head erupted, it felt like fireworks going off. I smiled to myself. The sweet scent of revenge.

I could feel the gun pressed against my hips begging to be let out. Begging to be pointed at Patricio Castellano’s head. I pictured it in my head. Me holding the gun. Patricio begging for his life. Me pulling the trigger. My fingers twitched at my sides as the overwhelming urge took over me.

No, death would be too easy for him. Too good for him. He had to hurt. I would keep him alive and make him suffer. I’d let him live everyday in fear and pain, the same kind he put me through.

A black van stopped in front of them. Before they could have time to make out of what was happening, two masked men jumped out of it. Hinawakan nila sa magkabilang braso si Lux, nanlaban ang babae. Patricio tried to save his daughter but another man came out and punched him square in the face and he dropped to the ground.

“Daddy!” Lux cried. “Help! Somebody help-” One man covered his mouth as they forcefully dragged her into the van.

Her scream tugged at something inside me. I took out the gun from my side and aimed at one of the masked men. I missed. Bumitaw ang dalawang lalaki sa pagkakahawak dahil sa gulat. It gave Lux enough time to run to her father. I fired another shot. Inalalayan ni Lux ang ama niya para tumayo.

One of the men took out a gun and fired back.

“Get in the car!” I yelled. Nagmamadaling tumakbo ang mag-ama papasok sa kotse ko. I ran towards them and shielded them with my body. They got in safely, just in time before the men fired another shot. I fired back at them as I opened the door to my car. They answered back with another shot. This time, I wasn’t so lucky. I slid inside as I felt the burning, searing pain in my left shoulder.

I started the engine. My whole body shook in pain and broke into cold sweat. I could feel the warm, thick blood running down my arm. I turned the stirring wheel and stepped on the gas pedal until it was floored.

I forced myself to keep driving as I tried to catch my breath. I felt like I was running out of oxygen. My body getting weaker by the second as blood gushed out of my shoulder. Nang maramdaman kong hindi ko na kaya ay hininto ko ang kotse sa gilid ng kalsada. I looked through the rear mirror and saw Lux’s pale and frightened face.

I took a bullet for the bastard’s daughter.

I smiled at the irony of it and my vision went black.

Chapter One

I opened my eyes and let it wander around my surroundings. There were white curtains surrounding me. The white curtains and the smell of disinfectant overwhelmed me. I tried to sit up but the sharp pain on my shoulder told me that it wasn’t a good idea. I groaned in pain and I fell back to bed with a loud cuss. I looked down to see my shoulder in a cast and my arm in a sling.

“O, huwag ka munang gumalaw.” I heard the sweetest voice say. My head turned to where the voice came from. Lux Castellano’s head peaked through the white curtain. Doon lang bumalik sa isip ko ang nangyari bago ako nawalan ng malay. I saved her and her bastard of a father from men who tried to abduct them. I could’ve let them be taken away, I could’ve just stand there and watch but no. Gusto ko ako ang magpahirap kay Patricio, gusto kong ako ang magparanas sa kanya nun.

Pumasok siya sa loob at isinara ang kurtina. Tahimik na pinanood ko siya habang naglalakad

papunta sa akin.

I wasn’t surprise that someone tried to kidnap Lux. She was the only daughter of one of the wealthiest man in the country, and the most cruel, cold-blooded, wicked person. I was sure I wasn’t the only one who wanted to get their revenge on him.

“Kamusta ka na?” She asked. Lux had the face of a goddess. I wasn’t going to lie, she was beautiful in every essence of the word.

If only you aren’t the daughter of the man I want to kill…

But she was. She was the only daughter of Patricio, the flesh and blood of the person who killed my parents.

“I’m good.” I said after swallowing.

“Mabuti naman.” She smiled. “I was really worried about you. Salamat sa pagligtas mo sa amin ni daddy. If it weren’t for you, hindi ko alam kung ano na ang nangyari sa amin ni dad.”

“Where’s your father?” Noticing that Patricio wasn’t anywhere in sight, I just had to ask.

“Umalis muna siya. Gusto ka sana niyang kausapin at pasalamatan pero kailangan niyang umalis. He’s filing a police report right at this moment.” She answered and looked at my shoulder. “Masakit pa rin ba?“The concern on her lovely face revealed within myself that was vulnerable.

“Yes.” I didn’t lie but I tried to make it sound as casual as possible.

“Gusto mo bang tumawag ako ng doktor?” She asked.

“It’s alright. Kaya ko naman.”

“Pwede bang umupo ako?” She looked at the space on the edge of my bed.

I nodded my head. She smiled, that smile that gave me tingles. She went and sat on the edge of my bed and took one of my hand, holding it with two of hers. I felt my heart skip from the warmth her hand radiated.

“You’ve risked your life to save me and my father, even though you don’t even know us at all. Thank you so much. Habang buhay kong tatanawin na utang na loob ito.”

“I just did what anyone else would do.” Bullshit.

“Hindi lahat ng tao kayang gawin ang ginawa mo.” Sabi ng babae. She opened the purse that was hanging on her arm and took out a small, rectangular paper. She handed that paper to me. “Kung may kailangan ka financially or anything, huwag kang mahihiyang tumawag sa amin.”

“You just had your shoulder operated. Kumusta ang pakiramdam mo?” A man in white coat with a stethoschope hanging from his neck slid through the curtain. I assumed it was the doctor.

“Okay naman, doc.” I answered. He stopped next to my bed and checked my heartbeat through the stethoscope.

“Masakit pa rin ba ang balikat mo?”

“A bit, yeah.” I answered before looking down at the card that Lux gave me. It had her name on it and her number. A slight smile curved my lips as I was looking at it.

This was worth the pain of getting shot. I saw my opportunity, an opening to slide into the lives of the Castellanos. I’d sworn on my parents’ grave that I was going to get the revenge they both deserved. I would make Patricio Castellano suffer in my own hands.

“Thanks, Lux.” I said, hiding a smirk. Poor little girl, she had no idea what was about to come her way.

She answered with a smile. “Sure.”

“May iba ka pa bang nararamdaman?” Tanong ng doctor. “Masakit ba ulo mo?”

“A little.” i answered.

“Tuturukan muna kita ng painkiller para marelax ka.” The doctor took out a needle. He injected it in the IV fluid that was attached to me.

The pain stopped but I felt a little drowsy. Ilang sandali pa, bumigat na ang talukap ng mga mata ko. I turned my head to see Lux watching over me. She smiled and I closed my eyes.

“Lux…” That was the first thing that came out of my mouth when I opened my eyes. I blinked, letting my vision adjust to the surrounding. Instead of Lux, I saw my younger brother standing next to my bed.

“Kuya Rigor.” Mahinang sabi ni Riel. “Okay ka lang?”

“Mukha ba kong okay?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Mukhang okay ka nga, kuya. Ano ba kasing nangyari sa’yo?”

“May nagtangkang kumidnap kay Lux at Patricio. I saved the.” Madilim ang mukhang sabi ko.

Nag-iba ang reaksyon sa mukha ni Riel. His smile disappeared and his face turned hard. “Nasaan sila?”

I answered him with a shrug. “Kanina nandito si Lux. Hindi mo ba siya naabutan?”

Riel shook his head, crossing his arm over to his chest. “No and I’m glad I didn’t. Sinusundan mo na naman sila… Paano kung napamak ka? Paano kung mas malala pa dito ang inabot mo? Kailan ka ba titigil?

“I won’t stop until I get my revenge.” Mariin na sabi ko.

Riel shook his head in clear disapproval while looking at me. Alam niyang matagal an akong nagmamasid sa mga Castellano. I read every article about the Castellanos in the magazines and newspapers. Ginugupit ko ang mga iyon pati na ang mga litrato nila.

I had to learn about my enemies and their weaknesses. Patricio Castellano, according to the papers, was a self-made billionaire, a philanthropist. It disgusts me everytime I read an article about him saying how good of a person he was. Kung lang nila ang ginawa niya sa pamilya ko. My anger for the him intensifies everytime I look at my brother. He was so young when Mom and Dad died. He shouldn’t have to go through this. Marguerite, the matron of the Castellanos, she used to be a struggling sexy actress who was lucky enough to find herself a rich man. And Lux, the only daughter of Patricio, that sweet doll… she had gained the reputation of a socialite. Madalas kong makita ang mga larawan niya sa social events.

Riel massaged his temple. “Kuya, tama na. Hindi ka pa ba napapagod? Nilalamon ka na ng galit mo kay Patricio. Halos buong oras mo ginugugol mo sa mga Castellano.”

“Hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi ko nakukuha ang hustisya para sa mga magulang natin.” My eyes narrowed at him. “Para sa’yo at sa akin.”

I knew he wanted to say something but he just kept silent. He slumped to the seat next to my bed and brushed his fingers through his hair.

Pinalabas na ako ng doktor pagkatapos nila akong suriin. He just gave me some pain meds and I was good to go.

Dumiretso ako sa kwarto ko nang makauwi kami. I took out the card Lux gave to me and stared at it with a contemptous smile. The beautiful Lux Castellano, I’d have her wrapped around my finger in no time. I couldn’t think of a better way to hurt Patricio than through his only daughter, the princess of the Castellanos. Death would be an easy sentence for him. He should live a long torturous life, hurting with every minute of it.

I dialed Lux’s number and after a few rings, she picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Hi, ako nga pala si Rigor. Yung—”

“Oh Rigor! Yeah, I know you. You’re the guy who saved me and my dad.” There was excitement in her voice. “Bumalik ako sa ospital pero sabi nila nakauwi ka na. Are you okay now?”

“Okay na naman ako.” I said.

“Good.” There was a few moment of silence before she spoke again. “Ang mga bills mo pala sa ospitala at damage sa kotse mo, ipadala mo na lang sa akin. I’ll pay for it all.”

“No, it’s fine.” Sabi ko.

“That’s the least we can do.” Sabi niya.

“Hindi okay lang. It’s all been taken care of. Gusto ko lang siguraduhin na okay ka na.”

“I’m okay. Shouldn’t i be the one checking up on you? Ikaw ang nabaril pero ako ang tinatanong mo kung okay ako.” I could hear a hint of smile in her voice. My smirk grew even bigger. Well, it wasn’t that hard, was it?

“It must have been traumatizing for you.” Sabi ko.

“Lalo naman siguro sa’yo.” She said. “You know what, why don’t you come over to our house and have dinner with us? I’m sure matutuwa si dad na makita at personal kang mapasalamatan sa pagligtas mo sa amin.”

This was easier than what I expected.

“It would be an honor.” Agad na sagot ko.

Ngayon pa lang nararamdaman ko na ang tamis ng paghihiganti. All my works would finally pay off. I’d have my revenge for what the Castellanos did to my family.

I picked up the dart on the bedside table and aimed for the photo of Patricio hanging on the wall. I threw the dart and it landed dead center on his right eye.

I’m going to get my revenge, I swear I will. An eye for an eye, bastard.

Chapter Two

I halted in front of the gate of a huge mansion house. My palms clenched into fists and my jaw clamped together as I stared at the house. That house used to be ours before it was taken from us.

I felt a tight squeeze in my chest, a force clenching my heart in anger. I took in a deep breath to try to calm myself down. The burning fury within me was screaming at me. As much as I wanted to fucking plant a bullet into Patricio’s skull, that won’t do justice. It would be an easy way out for him.

Before I could move, the grand gate automatically opened. A security guard walked out of the gate and gestured for me to come in. Pinaharurot ko ang kotse papasok sa gate.

Nothing much had change with the exterior of our old house. It was still as beautiful as I remembered it. It still had beautiful flowers growing around it. The fountain in front of the entrace door was still there. They hadn’t changed a thing.

Patricio, he was one sick fuck. Naaatim niyang tumira sa dating tahanan ng mga taong winalanghiya niya. I thought he’d have at least a bit of decency. Pero hindi naman disenteng taong ang animal na iyon.

I parked the car in one corner and got out of it. I was walking towards the entrance door when I saw Lux coming out of it. She greeted me with a wide smile on her face.

“Hi, glad to see you again.” Sabi niya sa akin.

Huminto ako sa harap niya. “Good evening.”

“Kumusta naman ang balikat mo?” She asked, worriedly.

“I had it checked a couple of days ago. Baka sa susunod na linggo lang tatanggalin na nila ang simento sa balikat ko.”

I could see the sparkles in her eyes. I smiled to myself. Hindi ako mahihirapan sa kanya. She was an easy bait.

“Kanina ka pa hinihintay ni Dad, halika pumasok na tayo.” She gestured for me to come in before turning around.

I followed behind her. I took one step in and stopped. Nostalgia began to hit me, the painful kind, it felt as if I was hit by a sack of brick. Alot of happy memories were made in this house. Now I could hardly remember the last time I felt that kind of happiness.

“Come in.” Lux smiled, wrapping an arm around mine. “Huwag ka na mahiya. Gustong gusto ka na makita ni Mom at Dad.”

She pulled me to the grand dining room. My spine stiffened when I saw Patricio sitting on the table, next to him was his wife, Marguerite. They both stood up from their seats when we entered the room. Lumapit sa akin si Patricio at sumunod ang asawa niya.

“Good evening. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He held his hand out to me. “I’m Patricio.”

I felt every muscle in my body tensing. Sandali ko siyang tinitigan. I couldn’t believe he was standing in front of me, this was the nearest I got to this bastard. Abot kamay ko na siya. I looked down at his hand and was forced to take it. Soon it would be my hands around his fucking neck.

“Rigor.” I introduced myself as we shook hands.

“This is my wife, Marguerite.” He wrapped arm around the back of his wife’s waist after our hands seperated. “And I believe you’ve already met my lovely daughter, Lux.” He held his hand out to the woman next to me.

“I have.” I smiled at him. Siya ang magiging instrumento ko sa paghihiganti kay Patricio.

“I’ve been dying to meet you, Rigor.” Sabi ni Marguerite. “Thank you for saving my Lux and my love.”

“Come, saluhan mo kaming magdinner. My wife personally cooked these food for you. You’ll love it.” Sabi niya.

Sabay kaming umupo sa dinner table. Patricio sat at the middle end of the table, Marguerite on the right side of him and Lux next to her mother while I sat on the left side.

Never in my wildest dream did I think this would happen. Me sitting on the same table with the man who killed my parents. But I had to do this. Ito lang ang paraan para makapasok ako sa buhay nila.

“Tinatanaw kong malaking utang na loob ang ginawa mong pagligtas sa anak ko at sa akin.” Sabi ni Patricio habang kumakain na kami. “Matanong ko lang, anong ginagawa mo sa parking lot sa labas ng building ng araw na iyon. I looked your name up at hindi ka naman empleyado sa kumpanya ko.”

I swallowed. “I actually was looking for a job that day.”

“I see.” He nodded his head. “You’re good with guns…”

“I took firearm lessons.” I said.

“Ano bang trabaho ang gusto mong pasukin?” He asked.

“Hindi naman ako mapili. I’ll take any job with a good pay.” I shrugged.

He rubbed his chin with his finger. “Ano bang natapos mo, hijo?”

“Computer engineering.” I answered.

“But you took firearm lessons, you say?”

“Yes.”

“Magaan ang loob ko sa’yo. You risked your life to save my daughter. Alam kong mapapagkatiwalaan kita kay may gusto akong i-offer sa’yo.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“Gusto sana kitang kunin na bodyguard.” Sabi niya. “I’ve actually hired professional bodyguards for my family but I’ll feel safer when you’re around.”

“Are you sure?” I looked at him in the eyes. I tried to stop the smile that was slowly creeping across my face.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I’m not as competent as the professionals you’ve hired.”

“I know that but with a little training, you’ll be fine. We’ll have someone train you.” Sabi nito bago tumingin sa anak niya. “It was actually my daughter’s idea. She’s right, we need someone as trustworthy as you.”

I turned my head to Lux. I was used to having women chasing after me. Of course, I was aware that I was a good looking guy. But damn, this was Lux Castellano. I saved her but I didn’t expect her to fall for me this easily. Lux was beautiful. I was sure, she had men throwing themselves at her feet.

“Thank you, sir and Lux.” I said. “Pero kailangan ko munang pag-isipan ang offer niyo.”

“No problem, just don’t take too much time.” The old man jokingly said.

Muling bumalik ang tingin ko kay Lux at nahuli ko siyang nakatingin sa akin. I smiled at her and she shyly looked away. A low chuckle rose from my throat at her reaction. She looked so cute. I never expected that side of Lux. She’d always looked confident in the pictures I see of her in the magazines.

“Bakit, hijo?” Tanong ni Patricio.

“Uh, nothing. May naalala lang ako.” Dahilan ko.

Nagkibit-balikat na lang si Patricio at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. We talked as we ate. He asked me things about myself and of course, I had to answer his questions. I had to gain their trusts and so far, I was doing a good job at it. Especially with Lux.

I could see her secretly looking at me in the corner of my eyes, I could see the twinkle in her eyes everytime I look at her.

“I need to get going now.” Paalam ko sa kanila nang matapos kaming kumain. “Thank you for the wonderful dinner, sir, ma’am Lux.”

“Oh you’re welcome.” Marguerite warmly said.

Patricio patted me on the back. “Basta pag-isipan mo mabuti ang offer ko sa’yo. Money is no problem to me, Rigor.”

Of course, he was rich as fuck. He stole my father’s money from him.

“Pag-iisipan ko pa.” Sagot ko. “Kailangan ko nang umuwi. Goodnight, Mr. Castellano.”

“Dad, hahatid ko lang siya palabas.” Agad na sabi ni Lux.

“Go ahead.” Patricio nodded his head.

We left the couple. Naglakad kami papunta sa front door ng mansyon.

“Salamat nga pala sa pagpunta mo.” She said as we were walking. “I really appreciate you coming here.”

“Salamat din sa pag-imbita mo sa akin.” I said.

Tumigil ako ng nasa harap na kami ng kotse. Humarap ako sa kanya para mapagpaalam na ng magsalita ulit siya.

“Sana mapag-isipan mo mabuti ang offer ni Dad.” She fidgeted with her fingers.

“Bakit gusto mo akong magtrabaho para sa inyo?” I asked.

“Kasi nararamdaman kong mabuti kang tao. We need people like you.”

Oh, you naive girl.

“Paano ka naman nakakasiguro?” I took a closer step to where she was standing. Now we were just a few inches away from each other. Her height reached just below my chin so she was looking up at me with her doe eyes.

She took a sharp intake of breath, it was barely audible but I caught it. I lowered my face to hers, stopping just a few inches away from it. “You don’t know me, Lux. What made you think I’m a good person?”

I thought she’d move away but she just looked at me, poised.

“Because you risked your life for me.” She answered and then swallowed. “Bakit? May rason ba para isipin kong hindi ka mabuting tao?”

“Ano sa tingin mo, meron nga ba?” A playful smile appeared on my lips.

She shook her head and smiled. “I trust you, Rigor. When you took that bullet for me, I began to trust you with my life.”

Para akong napaso at mabilis na humakbang palayo sa kanya. Something about what she said roused something deep in my chest. My gaze dropped to my feet and I took in a deep breath.

“I better go now.” I said, unable to look her in the eyes.

“Bye. Mag-ingat ka sa daan.” She sweetly said.

I opened the door to the driver’s seat and slid in. I started the car and drove off without looking back at her. My jaw clenched, my fingers tightened around the wheel.

I hated losing control, especially my emotions. I couldn’t afford it. What she said caught me off guard. I shouldn’t have any soft feelings for Lux. She was the daughter of the man who killed my parents. Hindi ko dapat kalimutan iyon.

I’ll get my revenge. There’ll be no exception, no one will be spared of my wrath.

Chapter Three

Lux Castellano

I traced out her name that was printed on the magazine and smiled. I couldn’t belive how fast I had her wrapped around my finger. She was a dumb sheep ready to be slitted. The poor girl would have to pay for what her bastard father did to us. It wasn’t fair I know but who said life’s fair? Because it sure as hell wasn’t.

I was seventeen when I lost my parents, Riel was just ten then. We were left with nothing. Bata pa lang ako natuto na akong kumayod para sa amin ng kapatid ko. From having everything, our life had spiraled to nothing at a snap of a finger.

Tumunog ang phone ko. I picked it up to see Lux’s number on the screen. She was making everything easy for me.

“Hello?” I heard her voice when I picked up the phone.

“Hi, Lux.” Sagot ko.

“Um, Rigor, gusto ko lang itanong kung napag-isipan mo na ang offer ni Dad. Ilang araw ka na kasi hindi nagpaparamdam.” Sabi niya sa kabilang linya.

“Sorry, I was busy…”

“Naistorbo ba kita?” I could hear the embarrassment in her voice.

“No, it’s fine. Even if I were busy right now, I’d drop everything for you.” I said. I knew what button to push for women like Lux.

“Rigor, gusto mo bang pumunta dito sa bahay? Let’s have lunch.” Even though I couldn’t see it, I knew she was smiling.

“Lunch? Diyan sa inyo?” A smirk appeared on my lips.

“I would love to invite you out kaso hindi ako pwedeng lumabas. Inaayos pa ni Dad ang kaso sa mga nagtangkang kumidnap sa akin. They said it would be safer if I just stay home.”

“I see.”

“Pwede ka ba?” Tanong niya ulit.

“Of course, I can’t say no to you.”

“Talaga? Sige, I’ll see you later?”

“See you later.” I said.

Ibinaba niya ang telepono at napasandal ako sa kinauupuan ko. A wide smile spread across my lips. I wanted to have fun before I devour my preys. Even lions play with their food before they kill it.

Plotting my revenge for the Castellanos had been my obsession since my parents died. They deserve to suffer the worst pain there is. Worse than the pain my parents, my brother and I had to go through.

I got up and went out of my room to find Riel in his uniform. Graduating na ang kapatid ko. He was taking up criminology and was planning to be a cop once he graduates. Bata pa si Riel ng mamatay ang mga magulang namin but he was old enough to understand what had happened. Alam kong nakaapekto din sa kanya ang hindi makatarungang pagkamatay nila. But it had affected him in a different way. He wanted to fight injustice and protect those who could not protect themselves, I wanted revenge. I wanted to kill those who had wronged us, kill them bit by bit.

“Kuya, aalis ka?” Tanong niya habang nagsusuklay sa harap ng salamin.

“Bakit?” I asked.

“Penge naman baon.” Sabi nito.

“Kabibigay ko lang sa’yo ng baon mo.”

“May project pa kami eh.” Sabi niya.

I sighed, reaching into my pocket to get some cash. I gave him a hundred peso bill.

“Yan na muna mabibigay ko sa’yo. Soon, we’ll be rich again.” I said.

“Bakit? Wag mong sabihin tumama ka sa lotto?” Riel’s eyes widened.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Even better. I’m going to work for the Castellanos. Babawiin ko sa mga Castellano ang ninakaw nila sa pamilya natin.”

Nag-iba ang timpla ng mukha ni Riel. “Kuya, ano na naman ba yang pinaplano mo? Baka mapahamak ka sa ginagawa mo.”

“Just trust me, okay?” I patted him on the back.

Seryosong tinitigan ako ni Riel. “Ikaw lang ang meron ako, kuya. Please lang huwag mong ipapahamak ang sarili mo.”

“I won’t. Trust me on this, little bro. Umaayon sa atin ang kapalaran.” I said with a smug smile.

“Ano bang plano mong gawin sa kanila?” Worry was still in his eyes but so was curiosity.

“The idiot Patricio wants to hire me as their bodyguard. Kapag nakakuha ako ng sapat ng impormasyon tungkol sa nangyari kina mommy at daddy, mailalabas ko na lahat ng baho niya at mababalik sa atin ang lahat ng ninakaw niya.”

Riel’s face contorted into a deeper frown. “Kuya, sigurado ka ba sa mga ginagawa mo? Paano kapag nahuli ka nila?”

“Paano pag hindi?” I grinned. “Ilang taon kong pinag-aralan kung paano makakapasok sa buhay nila. Ngayon ang oportunidad na ang lumalapit sa akin. It’ll take any risk to get my revenge, even if it cost my life.”

“Paano na ako?” The sadness in his voice almost broke my heart. I paused as I felt something squeezing into my heart. I took in a deep breath, trying to recollect myself.

“Riel, malaki ka na. Kaya mo na ang sarili mo.” I looked him straight in the eyes. “You’re old enough. Mas bata pa ako nang mawala sina mommy at daddy pero kinaya ko, hindi ba?”

“Magkaiba tayo. You’re stronger than I am.” He said.

Sunod-sunod akong napailing. “I’m strong because I need to be strong. Magiging malakas ka din kapag dumating ang panahaon na kailangan mo na maging malakas.”

I turned away from him, not wanting to see the sadness in his eyes. I got into my car and drove to our old mansion. The moment I stepped out of my car, Lux was already waiting for me in front of the door with anticipation in her eyes.

Lumapit ako sa kanya.

“Hi.” Mahinang sabi niya.

“Thanks for inviting me for lunch.” I said.

“Halika, pasok tayo. Doon tayo sa may veranda.” Aya niya sa akin.

Sumunod ako papasok sa kanya. She took me to the veranda. This used to be my mother’s favorite place because it had a wonderful view of the garden. Mom, Dad, Riel and I used to have our breakfast here with the fresh morning air brushing against us. Halos wala din nagbago sa lugar na iyon.

I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. It was as if it had brought me back to the time where everything was alright. I could almost hear my mother laughing at a stupid joke I made, Riel wanting his toy back and dad telling him he had to finish his breakfast first… It stuck to me, something as mundane as that.

“Okay ka lang?” I felt Lux’s warm hand on my shoulder.

I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was her face. Ang amo ng mukha niya, she had a face of a saint. She had that softness in her face that makes you want to wrap your arms around her and protect her.

“Nagbake ako ng madeleine cookies. Sana magustuhan mo.”

“You bake?” I asked. My mother used to bake too. I used to come home from school and see madeleines on the table, ready for us to eat.

“I love baking.” She smiled. “Let’s sit.”

I pulled a chair for her, she sat down and thanked me. I sat on the chair across from her. The madeleines looked delicious. There were also club house sandwiches and a pitcher of juice on the table.

“You made all these?” I asked.

She nodded her head and then shrugged. “Well, there’s not much to do in here.”

“Where’s your father?”

“He’s in the office. Mamayang gabi pa ang uwi niya.” Sabi niya. “Try the clubhouse sandwich I made. I hope you like it.”

I took a sandwich and took a bite from it. It tasted amazing. It brought me back to my childhood, sitting in the veranda and my mother’s sandwich.

“Did you make this yourself?” I asked after swallowing.

She nodded her head and smiled gingerly. “Nagustuhan mo?”

Lux, why did she have to remind me of my mother? She was so caring and she made me feel warm, safe, and contained. It was a feeling I’d never felt in a long time. I’d always been guarded and for some reason I felt like I didn’t have to be when I was with her.

“Yeah, it’s taste amazing.” I smiled.

“Buti naman nagustuhan mo. Alam mo noong bata ako, I used to have tea parties with my dolls. I make real sandwiches and juice and pretend they were eating them.” Humagikgik siya. There was something about her laugh that just drew me in and I found myself smiling at her.

“Ibig sabihin, ako ang manika mo ngayon? Kaya ba inimbitahan mo akong maglunch?”

“Hindi naman.” Agad na depensa niya. “I guess, I’m just getting a bit lonely being stuck here in the house all day. Napanood ko na lahat ng episode ng paborito kong tv show. Nagawa ko na lahat ng pwedeng gawin.”

“Don’t you have any friends you can hang out with?” My brow shot up.

“They’re all busy.” She shrugged.

“So you just invited me here to entertain you.” I said with a teasing grin.

Her face shifted into a worried one. “No, no… it’s not that.” She bit her bottom lip. “I just… I guess I just want to be with you. You make me feel safe.”

The smile on my face disappeared. Hindi niya alam na ako ang magpapahamak sa kanya. She hadn’t realize it yet but she will, soon… One day, I’d take control and she’d be helpless and at my mercy.

“What if I’m not the person you think I am?” I said, looking straight into her eyes.

She gave me a warm smile. “Kahit ano pang tingin mo sa sarili mo, alam kong mabuting tao ka. I can see it in your eyes, Rigor, you have a lot of pent up emotions. You don’t think kindly of yourself. When i first met you, I felt a contradiction in you. You’re seeking something but at the same time you’re running from all you’re worth. I can see the internal battle raging in your mind.”

My eyes lowered, avoiding her gaze. Her looking at me like that and saying all those things to me made me feel like she’d read into my soul. It was as if she could see through my spirit everything that I was hiding and surpressing. And it scared me.

“What are you talking about?” I let out a tensed chuckle.

“I know you think the world isn’t a beautiful place. You’ve been badly hurt… is it a girl?” She asked.

I shook my head. It was her father. Patricio had not only hurt me but my whole family. I’d become jaded and broken. I’d live a life of pain and anger, and it was no life at all.

Gumapang ang kamay niya at ipinatong sa kamay ko.

“I know you’ve been hurt. I know you’re still hurting, I can feel it. You can tell me anything.”

I slowly pulled my hand away from her and smiled. My walls were up again. “Salamat pero mali ka ng iniisip. I wasn’t hurt by anyone or anything like. You have a really good imagination, I must say.”

Her expression shifted into something else and then she suddenly laughed. “I’m sorry. What was I saying? Siguro dala lang ito ng boredom sa pagkakakulong ko dito sa loob ng bahay.”

“What was your childhood like, Lux?” I asked.

“My childhood? It was wonderful. We weren’t as we are now. Nakatira lang kami sa isang simpleng bahay. Masaya kami noon. We’re still happy now but I just want to go back to that simple life we used to have.”

“So you weren’t rich before? Your father must’ve worked hard to be where he is now, huh?” I was fishing for informations about Patricio.

“Ikaw naman ang magkwento.” Sumalong-baba siya. It seemed like she didn’t want to talk about it, it was as if she was hiding something. Maybe she knew something… She knew her father was a fucking murderer. “How was your childhood?”

“It was like any other childhood. Innocent, fun, carefree.” I shrugged.

“I wish people could stay like that, don’t you?” She sighed and smiled.

My lips lifted into a sneer. Her father was one of the many reasons why people couldn’t stay like that. “That’s not possible. People are all fucked up. They destroy each other and if they don’t, they’ll destroy themselves.”

“You’re so cynical. I believe there’s good in everyone, even the ones that don’t seem like they have it. I don’t think anyone intentionally wants to hurt other people. Siguro nakakagawa lang sila ng mga maling bagay dahil iyon ang tingin nilang tama para sa sarili nila. You look at things in black and white, Rigor. Good and bad, right and wrong, night and day… you have no in between. Try to look at life as it is, with all its goods and bads.” She gave me a knowing smile.

She was looking at me like she knew who I really was. Na para bang may mga bagay siyang alam tungkol sa akin na kahit ako hindi ko alam tungkol sa sarili ko.

I reached for the glass of lemon juice in front of me and had to take a gulp. My throat felt as dry as the desert.

“Madali para sa isang katulad mo ang magsalita ng ganyan. You’re living in a castle with your guards protecting you from the real world. It’s easy for you to see life through rose tinted glasses.”

“Rigor.” She sighed. Her enchanting eyes softened, glimmering with sorrow as she looked at me. “I just wish you’d learn to let go… lalo ka lang masasaktan habang hinihigpitan mo ang kapit sa mga bagay na dapat binibitawan na.”

I swallowed. Why does it feel like she knows me so well? Bakit pakiramdam ko alam niya ang tumatakbo sa isip ko at ang nararamdaman ko?

Chapter Four

Tinanggap ko ang trabahong inaalok sa akin ni Patricio. As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. To defeat your enemy you must learn their ways, study their movements. Fool the preys into thinking that you’re one of them and when they least expect it, when it’s good and ready, you attack.

I thought Patricio was a smart man but I was wrong. He was stupid for letting me into their lives. Wala siyang kaalam-alam na ako ang magiging dahilan ng pagbagsak niya. I would take back what was rightfully ours.

“I’m glad you’ve accepted my offer, Rigor.” Sabi ni Patricio habang nag-uusap kami sa study room. “You’re exactly what we need right now.”

“Am I?” I said, a slight smile broke across my lips.

“Of course. It’s rare to find people like you.” Patricio lifted his small glass of alcohol and took a sip from it. “Alam kong nasabi ko na ito noon sa iyo at sasabihin ko ulit sa’yo ito. Napakalaki ng utang na loob ko sa’yo sa pagsagip mo sa anak ko. Lux is my only princess. I would’ve probably gone crazy kung nakuha siya ng mga lalaking iyon.”

“It was the right thing to do, sir.” Sabi ko.

I smiled to myself. His daughter was his weak spot and I’d use Lux to crush him.

“Rigor, take really good care of my Lux. That is your main job. Do you understand?” He asked.

I nodded my head. “Yes, I do.”

I’d take really good care of her, alright. Si Lux, ang anak niya ang alas ko laban sa kanya.

“We’ll have to prepare you first. You need an extensive physical and mental training para sa trabahong ibibigay ko sa’yo. Kailangan nandito ka sa tuwing kakailanganin ka. Habang nagtatrabaho ka dito, kailangan nandito ka. You’re required to move in here.”

“Move in?” My brows shot up.

“Yes. I hope that won’t be a problem to you.”

“No, not at all…” I said.

Lalo mo talagang pinadadali ang lahat para sa akin, Patricio. He had no idea who he was letting in. He had no fucking idea.

“Kuya, pag-isipan mo muna yang ginagawa mo.” Nakatayo si Riel sa may pinto ng kwarto ko habang nilalagay ko ang mga damit ko sa isang lumang travelling bag. “Huwag kang padalos-dalos.”

“Matagal kong hinintay ang pagkakataon na ito.” Tiim bagang na sabi ko.

“Paano kapag napahamak ka sa binabalak mo? Isa ka lang, madami sila.” Riel’s voice raised along with his frustration.

“Wala akong pakialam. Ipinangako ko sa puntod ng mga magulang natin na bibigyan ko ng hustisya ang pagkamatay nila.”

“Pucha naman, kuya! Wala tayong laban sa mga yun, mga Castellano yon.” Galit na sabi niya.

My head snapped at him and I threw a glare. “At Miramontes tayo. Lahat ng meron sila ay dapat sa atin. Pinatay nila ang mga magulang natin, ninakaw nila ang buhay na para sa atin.”

He marched into my room and started ripping off the pictures of the Castellanos from my wall. “You need to stop this! Tigilan mo na ang kahibangan na ito, kuya! Alam mo kung anong ginawa nila sa mga magulang natin at alam mo din kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin sa’yo.” His face softened when he turned to face me, his eyes red with the tears swelling in the corners of it. “Nawalan na nga ang mga magulang natin pati ang lahat ng pagmamay-ari natin pero nandito ka naman at nandito pa rin ako.”

I swallowed the lump starting to form in my throat. “Para sa iyo rin itong gagawin ko. Para sa buhay na ninakaw nila sa’yo.”

“Ikaw na lang ang meron ako ngayon kuya. Pati ba naman ikaw magpapanakaw sa kanila.” He said.

I took in a deep breath. Isinampay ko sa balikat ko ang travelling bag at tumayo mula sa kama. Lumapit ako kay Riel at parang batang ginulo ang buhok nito.

“Wala na silang mananakaw sa atin. Babawiin ko lahat ng kinuha nila sa atin.” I promised him.

“Kuya, mag-ingat ka.” His voice was weak.

“Magpakabait ka. Mag-aral kang mabuti. Babalik ako.”

“Paano kapag hindi na?”

I forced a smile. I knew the risk I was taking. Alam ko kung gaano kadelikado ang pinasok kong ito at posibleng hindi na din ako makalabas dito. Napaghandaan ko na ito, hindi lang para sa sarili ko kung hindi para na rin sa kapatid ko. “Lahat ng naipon kong pera inilagay ko sa trust fund mo. Makukuha mo iyon kapag may nangyari sa akin. Malaki-laki ang perang iyon kaya ingatan mong mabuti. Spend it wisely.”

Tears started to flow down his cheeks. My brother was a softy. We were the complete opposite of each other but we balance each other out.

“Huwag ka ngang umiyak, para kang hindi lalaki niyan.” I said, giving him a soft pat on the cheek.

I turned away from him and walked out of the door. I knew what the Castellanos were capable of. Pero itataya ko ang buhay ko para lang makapaghiganti sa kanila. Kung mamatay man ako dahil doon, mamamatay akong lumalaban.

Sa likod ng mansyon ay may isang bahay para sa security team. I was given my own room in there. The house had all the things we needed. There was a control room filled with monitors and with each screen was a view of rooms in the mansion in different angles. There was also a huge gym with high end work out equipments.

I was trained by the professionals that Patricio hired. It was a military style training and it was physically and mentally exhausting. The training begins before the sun rises and by the time it was done, I dropped to my bed and doze off.

After the third day of my training, I was allowed to make rounds in the mansion. I was glad because I knew I’d be able to keep a better eye on the enemies. Makakalapit din ako sa kanila, lalong-lalo na kay Lux.

Nag-iikot ako sa hardin ng mansyon ng makita ko si Lux na nakaupo sa veranda. She had a book in her hands and was so absorbed in what she was reading. I just had to stop and stare at her for a while. Her beauty was regal and breathtaking. It was enough to enslave the soul of any man… but not mine.

The hunger of the beast rumbled in my gut. She was my beautiful prey.

Patience. That was what I needed right now. Ilang taon kong pinaghandaan ito at hindi ko dapat madaliin. Mahirap pigilan ang sariling abutin ang isang bagay na nasa harapan mo na pero iyon ang kailangan kong gawin. Kailangan ko muna silang pag-aralan.

Her head lifted from the book as if feeling the weight of my stare. She smiled when she saw me. Lux had the most vibrant smile I’d ever seen in a woman. I took a sharp involuntary inhale when she did that.

“Rigor.” Nakangiting sabi niya. “Kanina ka pa ba nandyan.”

“Hindi naman.” I answered.

“Come sit with me.” She said.

I walked up to her and sat next to her.

“Kamusta ang training?” She asked, her full attention on me.

“It was hard.”

“Sabi nga nila buong araw ang training. Buti ngayon nakapagpahinga ka.” Sabi niya.

“I’m actually making rounds right now.”

“Ganon ba? Good thing I saw you.” She smiled.

“Yeah…” I smiled.

“I want to go out. Nabobored na ako dito sa bahay. Ayaw naman akong palabasin ni daddy.”

“It’s better for you to stay in here where your safe hangga’t hindi pa nahuhuli kung sino ang nagtangkang kumidnap sa’yo.”

“Pero pakiramdam ko para na akong nakakulong dito.” She sighed and then her eyes glimmered. “Labas tayo.”

“What?” My brows furrowed.

“Ilabas mo ako dito.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Sandali lang naman.” Pilit niya. “Kakain lang tayo sa labas. My treat!”

“Baka magalit ang dad mo.”

“Hindi niya magagawang magalit sa’yo. You saved our lives, remember?” She let out a delicious chuckle. “Sige kung ayaw mo, ako na lang ang aalis mag-isa.”

“You’re crazy. Alam mong hindi ka pa ligtas.”

“Kaya nga samahan mo ako. You’ll keep me safe right?” Tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan niya at kinuha ang kamay ko. She pulled me up. “Come on, let’s sneak out.”

“Lux…” This could fucking ruin all my plan.

“Please, Rigor. Sandali lang naman. Kakain lang tayo tapos uuwi na din tayo. Please?” She pouted like a cute little girl.

I sighed, feeling myself giving in. Damn! Why couldn’t I say no to her? I knew this could potentially ruin everything I’d worked hard on but somehow, I found myself wanting to take her out.

“Okay.” I said, defeated. “But we have to be back in an hour.”

“Yay! Thank you, Rigor!” She threw her arms around my neck and her body pressed against mine. She felt so warm and soft… I liked the feeling of her agaisnt me that I was disappointed when she pulled away from the hug.

“Halika na!” She pulled me by my hand.

Pumunta kami sa garahe kung saan nakaparada ang mga. We went into my car and drove off. She let out a sigh of relief when we successfully got out of the mansion’s gate.

“I’m free, at last!” She said, laughing. “Ang tagal ko nang hindi nakakalabas.”

She rolled her window down and stuck her head out. I took a quick gaze at her before turning my attention back to the road. She looked so happy and so… well… lovable. She was different from all the women I’d been with. She didn’t seem high maintenance even though she was rich. Siya yung tipo ng taong mababa ang kaligayahan. She seemed so care-free and grounded. In the magazines, she’d always look sophisticated and in every interview she answered with poise and elegance. I thought I already knew who Lux was but I was wrong. Ibang-iba siya sa taong nakikita ko sa tabloids at tv.

“Where do you want to go?” I asked, smiling.

“Kahit saan. Do you know a good place where we can eat?” Tanong niya.

I thought of taking her to an upscale restaurant we used to go to. Tumingin ako sa rear view mirror at nakita ang itim na kotse na kanina pang nasa likod namin. The glass were tinted so I couldn’t see the person inside. My brows furrowed. I turned to see if it would follow us and thank God, it didn’t.

Maybe I was just being paranoid dahil kasama ko si Lux. She was almost kidnapped at hanggang ngayon hindi pa din nakikilala ang may kagagawan nun. I knew I needed to be careful with her.

We were greeted by a nice receptionist when we got in and she gave us a nice spot next to the window. After a few moment, a waiter walked up to us.

“Ready to take your order, sir?” A man in white button down shirt asked.

Tumingin ako kay Lux. “Ano’ng gusto mong orderin?”

“Um…” Lux was still looking at the menu.

The waiter gave her a sideway gaze. I didn’t like how he looked at her. There was something about his expression that seemed off… It was as if he was observing her. And then he took his gaze away from her when he noticed me looking at him.

He faked a cough and pretended to focus on the paper and pen in his hands.

“I haven’t been here before. What do you suggest?” Lux asked.

“Try the wagyu steak.” I answered.

“Sige, I’ll have that na lang. Medium well.”

“One middle well wagyu steak for her and a prime rib for me.” Sabi ko habang matalim ang mga matang tinitigan ko siya. He listed our orders and walked away.

“Magkwento ka naman.” Lux attentatively looked at me, resting her chin over her palm.

“Wala naman akong makukuwento sa’yo.” Sabi ko habang sinusundan ng tingin ang waiter.

“Everyone has a story to tell.” She said. “Ganito na lang. Magkwento ka tungkol sa family mo.”

“I don’t have one.” I said, matter of factly. Hindi nila pwedeng malaman ang tungkol kay Riel. If something happened to me, baka idamay nila ang kapatid ko. Ginawa ko ang lahat para mapagtakpan ang totoong pagkatao ko. I changed my last name so Patricio wouldn’t know I was a Miramontes. I didn’t care about what they’d do to me once they find out my plan. All I cared about was my brother and his safety. I didn’t want my brother to go through the same hell I did. I prayed to God every night that he wouldn’t turn out like me.

“Wala kang pamilya?” A look of pity crossed her eyes.

“My parents died when I was seventeen.” Kibit-balikat na sabi ko.

“I’m sorry…” Mahinang sabi niya.

“It’s okay. Matagal na yun.” Sagot ko.

Hindi humiwalay ang tingin ko sa waiter. I noticed the waiter whispering something to another man. The man looked powerful, dressed in a dark coat and tie. He was staring intently at us as the waiter was whispering something to him. My gut feeling told me something wasn’t right. He caught me looking at them, his eyes were sharp and dark. Kaswal na naglakad siya. He seemed to be walking towards us.

He slipped his hand into his pocket and my heart started beating loud. It was as if I went on hyper-focused. Surely, he wouldn’t shoot us here. Not in front of all these people. He’d probably threaten us. Patago niyang tututukan ng baril si Lux at uutusan na sumamasa kanya.

“Lux…” I leaned closer to her. “We need to get out of here.”

“Huh?” Her brows furrowed.

I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her up. Bumilis ang paglakad ng lalaki papunta sa amin. I dragged Lux as we ran out of the restaurant.

“Ano bang nangyayari?” She asked.

I didn’t answered. I shoved her inside the car and slipped into the driver’s side. Nang nasa loob na kami ng kotse, nakita ko ang lalaki na nakatayo sa labas ng pinto ng restaurant. Nagtama ang tingin namin. He just quietly looked at me and a smirk appeared on his lips.

I thought we were already safe. Nang tumingin ako sa rear view mirror, nakita ko ang parehong itim na kotse na nakasunod sa amin kanina. My heart raced, I could feel it thumping against my ribcage.

“Rigor, what is happening? Bakit tayo umalis?” She asked.

“Lux, magseat belt ka.” I said in a firm tone.

“B-bakit?” There was worry in her voice.

“Just put your fucking seatbelt on!” I demanded.

Napakurap siya pero mabilis din na sumunod sa sinabi ko. I floored the accelerator and Lux screamed nang bumilis ang takbo ng kotse. Tumingin ulit ako sa rear view mirror at nakita kong bumilis din ang takbo ng kotseng nasa likod namin. It didn’t take long for the car to catch up to us.

There was a loud thud when the front of that car hit against the back of ours. It was definetely after us. I took a sharp turn and it still followed us.

“Oh my god!” Lux voice shook. Pumihit ang ulo niya para tignan ang kotseng sumusunod sa atin. “Rigor, sino yan? What do they want?”

“I don’t know!” Tiim bagang na sagot ko. I tried to focus on the road. Kailangan ko silang mailigaw. I didn’t even know where exactly we were going, all I knew was that I needed them to stop following us.

I took another sharp turn. Hanggang sa mapunta kami sa isang mapuno at liblib na kalsada. Nakasunod pa din ang kotseng iyon sa amin. For the second time, the front of that car bumped into the back of ours. Lux face was pale as she held unto her seatbelt. I knew what I would do would be dangerous but I wouldn’t let that fucker catch us. I drove off the road and into what looked like the woods. Ipinasok ko ang kotse sa malagubat na lugar.

I drove deeper and deeper into it. Nang hindi ko na marinig ang ugong ng kotseng sumusunod sa amin at ng hindi ko na ito makita, hininto ko ang kotse sa likod ng isang malaking puno. It was already getting dark and we were in the middle of God knows where.

I turned my head to Lux. She looked at me, her face pale and her eyes clouded with tears.

“I… I’m scared.” Humikbi siya kasabay ng pagpatak ng mga luha niya.

She looked so vulnerable. It made my heart beat like crazy. And even faster than when we were being chased earlier. I remember being that vulnerable. I remembered feeling weak. I remembered the helplessness I felt when I lost my parents. Was that how I looked like before?

I felt the need to comfort her. I took my seatbelt off and wrapped my arms around her. She buried her face into my chest and began to sob.

Tumingala siya sa akin at ikinulong ang mukha ko sa mga palad niya. She crashed her lips against mine. I was surprised at first but found myself answering her kiss.

I shouldn’t be doing this. I didn’t want to grow any feelings for her. I didn’t want to get attached. It would ruin everything. But I couldn’t stop kissing her even if I wanted.

Chapter Five

It was pitch dark, we couldn’t see a thing. We decided to stay her until the sun rises. Nakahiga kaming dalawa sa backseat ng kotse. I was spooning her, her head resting on my arm and my other arm was wrapped around her waist.

Having this fragile thing in my arms made me feel tender inside. She’d calm the beast in me. It felt as if the whole world disappeared and for the first time in a long time I was at peace.

“Rigor…” Her soft voice broke the silence.

“Mm?”

“Niligtas mo na naman ako.” She chuckled a bit.

It kind of felt good to hear her delicious chuckle again. She was trembling, scared half to death just a few hours ago.

I began to kiss her hair. I’d always felt something different for Lux the first time I saw her… I wasn’t exactly sure what it was. But that feeling was what made me throw myself in front of her and took the bullet for her.

I could still feel her lips against mine. I couldn’t forget the kiss we had shared earlier and I wish I could taste her again.

“Thank you, Rigor.” She sighed. “You make me feel safe and like you wouldn’t let anyone hurt me.”

I swallowed, feeling the ache in my chest. She was wrong. Sasaktan ko siya. She had no idea…

“Lux, what if I’m not the person you think I am?” I asked.

“You maybe a lot of things Rigor but you… you’re my hero.” She shifted, turning to face me. “I know you’re hiding something. Alam kong marami pa akong hindi alam tungkol sa’yo pero isa lang ang nasisiguro ko… you’re a good person.”

She was looking at me in a way that I, myself, wanted to believe in what she was saying. She was so naive, so trusting. Mali siya ng inaakala niya at darating ang oras na malalaman niya na kabaliktaran ako ng inaakala niya.

Her lips grazed against mine, she stared at me not pulling away but waiting for me to respond. I tilted my head, moving my lips so I could kiss her deeper. All the walls I built for myself crumbled the moment she kissed me. It was as if she had gotten right into my soul.

My hand carressed the side of her body. The softness of it was unbelievable. I’d slept with countless of women but none had ever made me feel like she does right now. All of those were just mindless fucks, it didn’t involve any feelings. But God Lux, It was as if my soul was moving with my body. This woman was making me unglue and I never wanted to put that pieces together.

My tongue delved inside her mouth and she welcomed my tongue with equal passion. Our tongues played with each other as my hands wandered over her body. My hand cupped her breast, she fitted perfectly in my palm. Not too big, not too small, just perfect. Even though she was wearing her shirt, I could feel the heat radiating from her skin.

When I couldn’t take it any longer, I pulled away from the kiss to take her shirt and bra off. I wanted to touch her bare skin. She shuddered at the first of my finger tips on her nipple. She arched into me and pulled my mouth back to hers.

I played with her breasts as we kissed, giving each the same attention. My lips trailed down to her jaw, outlining every inch of it. I sat up, making her sit on top of me, my body locked in between her legs. After my mouth reached her chin, my lips descended down to her neck. She moaned when I sucked the sensitive flesh on it.

Niyakap niya ang ulo ko at lalong idiniin ito sa kanya. I nibbled, sucked and kissed her there before moving my mouth down to her breasts. Her nipples were small, perky and pink. Like a hungry newborn, I covered her breast with my mouth and sucked on it.

She gasped in surprise at the intensity. Nang magsawa ako, lumipat ako sa kabilang dibdib niya. I didn’t stop until both her nipples were as hard as a pebble. Then she began to help me out of my shirt. She pulled my shirt up and threw it. Our naked bodies grazed against each other. I swear, it felt so hot I thought I would explode.

I began to stroke her leg. Tumaas ang kamay ko sa suot niyang palda. She wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her forehead against mine. We looked into each other’s eyes with thirsty passion. I felt the fabric that covered her pussy. I traced the middle of it, feeling her up. Her panties was already drenched. She was wet for me.

My pants felt tighter, my manhood wanted to spring free. With urgency born of pure desire, Ilifted her up a little so I could unbutton my pants and take out my aching dick. She looked down and took a sharp inhale when he saw how big and angry she’d made me.

Lux bit her bottom lip, her hand slowly reaching down to touch my fully erected dick. I let out a groan at the contact of her palm to my dick. Her fingers encircled around my manhood, she began to stroke it.

“Lux, oh God…” I grunted.

I wanted to protest when she stopped. She lifted her body up and slid her panties down. And without any further hesitation, she lowered her body to mine. Slowly, she dropped her body weight to me. I felt the warmth of her soft, velvety pussy. Her tight heat surrounded me. Her perfect core held me inside. She was as snug as a glove.

She whimpered silently.

“It’s okay. You’re doing good, Lux…” I said and she took me in a bit more.

I cried out in pleasure. Lalong humigpit ang yakap ni Lux sa kaya. I buried my face into her neck. I was already inside her completely. We stayed like that for awhile before holding her waist and moving her. I lifted her up and pushed her back down to me until she was moving on her own.

“Rigor…” Mahinag ungol siya. “Rigor, I’m coming.”

“Me too. I’m almost there.” I whispered huskily.

A few more strokes and her weight collapsed on me, I felt her insides throb around my length. I pulled her away from me as I felt my own orgasm. And then I came, my come shooting on her stomach. I stroked my manhood, squeezing the very last drop of it on her.

We stayed silent for a few seconds, letting ourselves catch our breaths. Naramdaman ko ang pagtaas-baba ng dibdib niya sa dibdib ko. Our breathing were almost of the same rythm. I licked the salty skin of her neck and sucked on the point where her pulse was thundering.

“That was amazing, Lux.” I whispered.

“Rigor…” She mumbled lazily. She had already fallen asleep.

Maingat na hiniga ko siya at humiga ako sa tabi niya. I wrapped my arm around her and closed my eyes.

“Rigor…” Nagising ako sa mahinang pagyugyog sa balikat ko. I saw Lux’s lovely face staring down at me. Kumunot ang noo ko ng tumama sa mata ko ang sinag ng araw. It was already morning.

She pressed a kiss on my cheek. “Good morning.”

I sat up and stretched my arms out, yawning. “Morning. How was your sleep?”

“It was alright.” She smiled. “Ikaw ang himbing himbing ng tulog mo. Kanina pa kita hinihintay na gumising.”

“I’m sorry, I was just tired.” Sabi ko at nag-iwas ng tingin.

There was tension in the air. I knew what I did was wrong. I fucked the enemy’s daughter. This was not part of the plan. Why did I do that?

“Magbihis ka na. We need to go home. Baka nag-aalala na si daddy.” She said as if sensing the tension in the air.

I picked my clothes up and started putting them on. Then I jumped to the driver’s seat while Lux sat on the passenger’s next to me.Not a single word was uttered as we drove back to the mansion. Malayo pala ang narating namin mula sa restaurant kung saan kami nanggaling. It was a good two hour drive from the woods to the mansion.

Katulad ng inaasahan ko, Patricio and Marguerite were waiting for us. Alalang-alala ang mag-asawa sa anak nila. They immediately hugged Lux when they saw her.

“Where have you been? Alalang-alala ako sa’yo. We almost called the military to find you.” Sabi ni Marguerite.

Patricio threw a glare at me, his eyes narrowing in a slit. “Where did you bring my daughter? Ano’ng ginawa mo sa anak ko?”

“Dad, it’s my fault. Ako ang nag-aya sa kanyang lumabas.” Lux explained. “May sumunod sa amin na kotse but we luckily lost whoever that was. Someone was after us, dad. Rigor saved me again.”

“We’ll get to the bottom of this. Aalamin ko kung sino ang gustong kumidnap sa’yo.” Tiim-bagang na sabi ni Patricio at tumingin sa akin. “At ikaw, Rigor, mag-uusap tayo. Come to my study.”

Nagkatinginan kami ni Lux. Her eyes were sad as she looked at me. Something ached in my chest. I turned my gaze away from her, not wanting to see the sadness in her eyes. Damn it! I shouldn’t be this affected. I should just be playing her, not giving her power over me or my emotions.

We left Lux with Marguerite and followed Patricio to his office. Pinaupo niya ako sa armchair sa harap ng desk niya.

“Bakit inilabas mo ang anak ko?” He said in controlled anger. “Alam mong nasa panganib ang buhay niya. She was almost kidnapped.”

“Mapilit siya.” Simpleng sagot ko. “She said she would leave alone if I don’t go out with her.”

Napahilot siya sa sentido niya. He walked back and forth in front of me. And then he paused, looking at me straight in the eyes. “Rigor, you have to promise me you’ll take good care of my daughter. Huwag na huwag kang aalis sa tabi niya. I trust you with my daughter’s life.”

I swallowed. Things were working out in my favor. I already had Lux wrapped around my finger and Patricio was putting his full trust on me. I should be glad but after what had happened last night, I didn’t know exactly what to feel. In a short amount of time, I had felt for Lux what I hadn’t felt for anyone. I was scared. Natatakot ako sa nararamdaman ko para sa kanya.

I couldn’t fuck this up. No. I spent almost half of my life planning the Castellanos demise. I couldn’t ruin it just because of a fucking pussy.

I got out Patricio’s office with a throbbing head. Si Lux ang una kong nakasalubong ng makalabas ako doon. We looked into each other’s eyes and then my eyes lowered to the ground.

“Rigor, yung nangyari kagabi. Does it mean anything to you?” She asked.

“Let’s not talk about that. Baka may makarinig sa atin.” I said before turning away.

“Wala lang sa’yo yun? Of course, I’m just one of the many girls you’ve slept with.” She let out a sarcastic chuckle.

“Lux hindi ito ang tamang panahon at lugar para pag-usapan iyon.” Malumanay na sabi ko.

“Rigor!” Mariin na tawag niya sa akin. Napahinto ako pero hindi ako lumingon sa kanya.

“You think you’re all tough but you’re a fucking coward. You hide behind your walls because you’re scared. You run away from everything because you’re scared to be a part of it. You are scared of your emotions. You’re scared of your own reality. “ She said.

Chapter Six

I sighed and placed the cig in between my lips as I stared at the ceiling. Lux, she was all I could think about. Paulit-ulit pumapasok sa isip ko ang nangyari sa amin.

I took a drag, trying not to think about anything. I exhaled feeling the sudden release of my chest.

Why did Lux have to be Patricio’s daughter? At sa lahat ng pwede kong magustuhan bakit siya pa?

I needed to do my plan. And I needed to do it fast. Hindi iyon magbabago nang dahil kay Lux o sa nangyari sa amin. It was just sex. It wouldn’t change anything. Not Lux and not her pussy.

Ibibigay ko sa mga magulang ko ang hustisyang dapat na matagal na nilang nakuha. I would take away everything that was suppose to be ours. I would raise hell and wreak havoc. Itataya ko ang buhay ko makapaghiganti lang ako sa mga Castellano.

I closed my eyes and tried to get some sleep but instead I ended up tossing and turning in my bed.

Tumingala ako sa balkonahe ang kwarto ni Lux habang nasa hardin ako. She was leaning over the rail, her eyes were blank and empty. She was there but I could see that her wandering elsewhere.

Her eyes caught mine, surprise obvious on her face when our gaze met. Mabilis siyang nag-iwas ng tingin at pumasok sa loob ng kwarto niya. I felt an ache in my chest but quickly pushed the feeling away. I shouldn’t feel anything for Lux.

Galit. Iyon ang dapat maramdaman ko sa pamilya niya. I didn’t want to lose my anger and hatred that kept me going and standing. The wrath that molded me into the person I am right now. It wasn’t going to change because of one fucking girl.

That night, Patricio invited me to have dinner with his family. It was his way of thanking me for saving Lux again. I had no choice but to oblige. Lux and I hadn’t uttered a word to each other. She didn’t even want to look at me. The tension between us was thick.

“From now on, ikaw na ang magiging personal bodyguard ni Lux.” Sabi ni Patricio. “You have to be with her at all times.”

Lux coughed as if trying to dislodge something in her throat.

“Is something wrong, hija?” The older man asked.

“Dad, nandito lang ako sa bahay. I don’t need a personal bodyguard.” She said.

“You need someone to keep an eye on you all time. After what you did, I can’t trust you by yourself anymore.” Sabi naman ni Patricio. “At si Rigor, may tiwala ako sa kanya. I know he can defend you and risk his life for you. He has already proven that.”

Oh Patricio, how gullible you are for trusting me.

“Rigor, I would like to thank you again for keeping my daughter safe. Napakalaki na ng utang na loob namin sa’yo.” Marguerite said, gratefully.

At malapit niyo nang mabayaran iyon.

“I’m just doing my job, ma’am.” One corner of my lips lifted.

“Marami ka pa kaming masyadong alam tungkol sa’yo. We’d like to know you a little better. May pamilya ka na ba, Rigor?” Patricio asked

“Wala.” I answered.

“Wala ka bang magulang o kapatid?” His brows furrowed.

“My parents died in an accident when I was little and I don’t have any siblings.” I didn’t want anyone of them to know about Riel, especially Patricio.

“That’s tragic.” Patricio shook his head. “But I’m sure you’re parents would be proud of you if they were still alive. You grew up to be a wonderful man.”

They’d be proud of me when I get the justice they deserve for their death.

Nararamdaman ko na. I’d get my revenge eventually. Nakuha ko na ang loob ng mga Castellano and I banged the daughter. Tumingin ako kay Lux. I felt something I couldn’t explain as I looked at her. I felt a pang of pain knowing that I would hurt her in the future. Alam kong hindi dapat siya madamay dito pero anak siya ni Patricio. Kahit anong gawin ko, madadamay at madadamay siya.

Why does it matter to me? So what if we fucked? So what if she was a good lay? Marami pang babae d’yan. Sabi ng isang banda ng isip ko.

But I knew Lux was different from the other woman. Her presence soothes the chaos inside me. When we got stuck in the woods, that was the only time I felt at peace with myself. The way she could make my heart beat a little fast, the way she coul calm my burning anger, and tame my demons… No one had ever made me feel like that.

And she was Patricio Castellano’s daughter. Ang taong pumatay sa mga magulang ko, sumira sa buhay ko, at bumuhay ng galit sa dibdib ko. Oh, the irony of it.

“Lux.” Tawag ko sa kanya ng maiwan kaming mag-isa. I was following behind her down the hall . Patricio said I had to be with Lux at all times. “Kailangan natin mag-usap. Don’t ignore me like this.”

“You made it clear na wala tayong kailangan pag-usapan.” Lalong bumilis ang hakbang niya na para bang tumatakas sa akin.

“I’m sorry, okay?” I let out an exasperated sigh.

She stopped mid-step and turned to look at me. Her eyes were narrow with anger but it was also clouded with tears. “Sorry?” She chuckled sarcastically. “Fuck you, Rigor.”

“You already did.” I said with a snide.

Naningkit ang mga mata niya at biglang tumaas ang kamay niya. I caught her by the wrist before her palm could land on my cheek.

“Arrogant bastard!” Mariin na sabi niya.

I pushed her against the wall and imprisoned her with my arms. Her chest heaved up and down, her breathing becoming rapid as she looked into my eyes. I lowered my head to hers and stopped before our lips touched.

“Am I?” I asked.

She swallowed. “Yes… I hate you…”

“Do you?” I cocked a brow.

Hindi siya sumagot. I let my lips graze slightly against her lips.

“Do you hate me, Lux?” I asked again.

Dahan-dahan siyang umiling at nagbaba ng tingin.

“I just thought what happened between us was… special.” She quietly said, her voice quivering. “To me it was… I’m in love with you, Rigor.”

I took a sharp inhale. I wasn’t expecting her to say that. What she said made my heart leap. I had plan on making her fall for me but I didn’t expect it to be this fast. Hindi ko pa alam kung ano ang nararamdaman ko para kay Lux pero alam kong di ko pa iyon nararamdaman para sa kahit dinong babae.

“And it hurts because to you I’m just one of the girls you’ve slept with.”

“No… that’s not true.” Sabi ko. “You’re not just one of the girls I’ve slept with. You’re special to me.”

A smile formed across her lips. She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me. I crashed my lips against hers and she answered my kiss back with the same hunger and urgency.

Lux hadn’t been a part of my original plan. Nasama lang siya sa planong iyon ng iligtas ko siya sa mga kamay ng taong gustong kumidnap sa kanya. She wasn’t supposed to be a part of this but now she already was. There was no backing out.

Hindi ko iaatras ang plano kong pabagsakin si Patricio nang dahil sa kanya. Nang dahil sa nararamdaman ko para sa kanya…

As I spend more time with her, I feel myself falling under the spell that she had over me. She sucked me in like quicksand. The more I struggle, the more I sink. I tried to remind myself that she was Patricio’s daughter. Ginagamit ko lang siya para mapalapit ako sa mga Castellano pero minsan gusto kong kalimutan iyon. I wished I could be lost in the feeling I had for her and wrapped up in everything that she was.

Nakapulot ang mga bisig ko sa katawan ni Lux habang nakadapa siya sa dibdib ko. Naglaro ang mga daliri ko sa hubad na likod niya. I mindlessly traced random shaped as my mind wandered off. No one knew we were seeing each other every night. Some nights she would sneak into the security’s house and some nights she’d let me into the mansion. What I was doing was risky, I knew that. But I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to. She was like a drug. The most addicting kind. I wanted her more and more.

“Rigor.” Inangat niya ang ulo niya para titigan ako.

“Yeah?”

“I love you.” She whispered.

Hindi ako kumibo. I pulled her head to me and just pressed a kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t worry. I don’t expect you to say you love me too.” She smiled but her eyes were sad. “You’re scared, that’s the trouble. I’m just your distraction from facing your demons and that’s okay. You’re hurting and I want you to heal, Rigor. You can use me as you will. I want to help you. I want you to learn to let go of everything that’s hurting you…”

“Lux, stop it, okay?” I sighed, shutting my eyes tightly.

“You don’t like hearing that truth so much, do you?” Bumuntong-hininga siya bago muling hinilig ang ulo niya sa dibdib ko. “You’re a lost little boy looking for a safe hiding spot.”

I took in a deep breath. Sometimes it scares me how much she knows me. It was as if she knew every corner of my soul. All my fears, all my emotions… She knew things I never even knew about myself.

Kahit ayaw ko, kailangan kong pakawalan nang pakawalan si Lux. Ilang araw ko na minamanmanan si Patricio. I was observing his every move. He was always in his study room and he keeps it locked when he wasn’t in there. Natanong ko na din ang tungkol doon kay Lux. She said he never lets anyone in there without him around. Posibleng nandoon ang impormasyon na kailangan ko.

Tonight I was going to find that out. I waited for Lux to fall asleep. This was inevitable. Hindi ako pwede manatili dito. A part of me told me that could wait, I had all the time in the world. I could stay here with Lux for a little longer. Pero bakit ko pa patatagalin ang bagay na mangyayari naman din?

I had to remind myself that she wasn’t what I came here for. Nandito ako para ipaghiganti ang pagkamatay ng mga magulang ko at bigyan sila ng hustisya. I was here to destroy Patricio Castellano.

When I was sure she was already asleep, I slowly got up from the bed and picked my clothes up. Nang matapos akong magbihis, maingat na lumabas ako sa kwarto niya. I took quiet and careful steps towards the door to Patricio’s study. I stopped in front of it and reached for the knob. As I was expecting, it was locked.

Fortunately, I had learned a thing or two about picking locks. I had a pick with me and a tension wrench. I placed the wrench into the lower part of the key hole and turned it. I inserted a pin into the upper part of the hole and felt the pins. It made a clicking noise which indicated that the door had already unlocked.

I stepped inside the dark room. Isinara ko ang pinto sa likod ko at binuksan ang ilaw. I went straight into the filing cabinet, opened each one of them and went through the files. I stopped when I saw a file with my father’s name.

Miramontes, Philip

I opened the file and it had pictured and articles about my father. What happened to my father was a huge news story at that time. It was all over the tv and papers.

I scanned through the pages, trying to look for something I could use against Patricio. Nahinto ako sa isang pahina kung saan nakalagay ang testamento ng ama ko. There were two testaments. Nakalagay sa isang testamento na ang lahat ng ari-arian niya ay mapupunta sa aming mga anak niya. At ang isa ay nakapangalan kay Patricio. That testament was dated a week before his death.

“What are you doing here?” My head snapped up when I heard Patricio’s voice. Nakatayo siya sa pinto ng kwarto at madilim ang mukhang nakatingin sa akin.

“I’m here to claim what’s mine.” I said with a snide.

“Ano’ng ibig mong sabihin?” Kumunot ang noo niya.

“You were a nobody before Patricio. Isa ka lang sa mga utusan ng ama ko. Hindi ka pa nakuntento sa ginawa mo sa kanya, ninakaw mo pa ang lahat ng meron kami.” I said through gritted teeth.

“You’re… you’re Philip’s son?” Shock was evident on his face.

“Surprise, surprise!” I chuckled sarcastically. “I am Leonardo Miramontes, the son of the man you killed.”

“Your father was stupid for trusting me. It’s a dog eats dog world out there.” A devious smile formed on his lips. “Hindi ko kasalanan na masyado siyang nagtiwala sa akin.”

My jaw clenched. “And you’re stupid for trusting me too, Patricio. Ngayon nasa kamay ko na ang ebidensya. I’ll make sure you’ll pay for what you did to my father. Babalik ka sa basurang pinanggalingan mo.”

“That won’t happen.” He reached into his pocket and took out a gun. He pointed it at me. “Kayang-kaya kitang burahin sa mundo. I can shoot you and have your body dumped like a garbage. You’re just a puny kid. Kung ang ama mo nga napatumba ko ng walang nakakaalam sa ginawa ko, ikaw pa kaya?”

I quickly reached into my pocket and he shot at me. I luckily dodged it and was able to take my gun out of my pocket. I pointed it at him.

“Tignan na lang natin kung sino ang unang mamatay sa atin.” Tumawa ako.

“Dad!” Biglang pumasok si Lux sa loob ng kwarto. Tumingin siya sa gawi ko at nanlaki ang mata ng makita ang baril na nakatutok sa ama niya. She looked at her father and looked back at me.

“What is happening here? What are you two doing?” She shrieked with a panicked look striking her face.

Itinutok ko ang baril kay Lux.

“Go ahead. Shoot me and I’ll shoot your daughter.” Sabi ko sa kanya. Lumingon sa akin si Lux. Then her gaze averted to the gun that was pointing at her face. She gasped, fear took over her face.

“Leave my daughter out of this!” Mariin na sabi ni Patricio.

“Rigor, why?” Lux’s voice quivered as her eyes began to water. Seeing her like that made me want to put my gun down and wrap my arms around her. I felt a tight clench in my chest as I saw the look of hurt and betrayal in her face. I never thought I would point a gun at her. I was pointing a gun at the woman who loved me even why I didn’t deserve it.

I willed myself to do this even though it was hurting me inside.

I grabbed Lux by the wrist and pulled her to me, her back against my chest. I wrapped an arm around her neck and pointed a gun directly on the side of her head.

“Bitawan mo ang anak ko!” Patricio’s voice boomed throughout the room.

“Put your gun down.” Utos ko sa kanya.

After a few seconds of thinking, he hesitantly dropped his arm to his side. “Now, let go of my daughter.”

“Gago! Hindi ako ganon katanga.” Sabi ko sa kanya. “Get out of the way or I’ll blow your daughter’s brain off!”

Mabilis naman siyang sumunod sa inutos ko. Tumabi siya sa daraanan ko. I dragged Lux out of the room. I walked backwards with my eyes still fixed on Patricio. He looked helpless as he watched us.

I could feel Lux trembling in my arms.

“I’m not going to do anything to hurt you.” I whispered in her ear. “I love you, Lux. Always remember that.”

She started sobbing and all I could do was carress her neck to calm her down. Dinala ko siya sa labas kung saan nakaparada ang kotse ko. Hinarap ko siya sa akin at binigyan ng mariin na halik sa labi.

Itinulak niy ako palayo sa kanya ng marinig namin ang mabibigat na yabag ng mga paa. I was sure Patricio had already called the securities. She opened the car door for me and pushed me in.

“Go! Hurry! Just go!” Humihikbing sabi niya.

“Lux…” I quietly uttered her name. Even after I pointed a gun at her, I couldn’t see any hate in her eyes when she looks at me. I felt even more guilty.

“Umalis ka na! Parating na sila!” Natatarantang sabi niya.

Hindi ko alam kung kailan ko siya makikita ulit o kung magkikita pa kami. The thought broke me, it shattered my heart. I felt the aching, gut wretching pain in my chest. She’d love me for me and for all that I am without asking anything in return. I knew leaving her would be the biggest regret of my life.

Chapter Seven

“Kuya?” Naalimupangatan na dumilat si Riel nang gisingin ko siya. Still dazed from sleep, he sat up and brushed his fingers through his hair.

“We need to get away from here. Kailangan natin makalayo sa lalong madaling panahon.” I said with urgency.

“Bakit?” Worry and fear washed over his face. “Ano bang nangyayari?”

I frantically walked back and forth. My mind was racing with anxiety. Sumilip ako mula sa bintana ng kwarto ni Riel. Luckily, there wasn’t anyone out there. He still hadn’t caught up on us. I feared for my brother’s safety more than my own. Our lives was in danger now that Patricio knew about us.

He could easily do to us what he’d done to both our parents. Riel was young, he had a whole life ahead of him. I didn’t care if he kills me, I wasn’t afraid to die. Ang kapatid ko ang inaalala ko.

“I don’t have time to explain to you. Basta kailangan na natin umalis.” Sabi ko sa kanya.

He jumped out of bed and got dressed. Walang salitang, lumabas kami ng bahay at sumakay sa kotse. I could feel his fear. Alam ko kahit hindi niya sabihin, natatakot siya.

“Kuya, ano ba talagang nangyayari? Bakit kailangan natin umalis?” He frustratedly asked as I was driving.

“Nahuli ako ni Patricio. Alam niya na ang totoong pagkatao ko. He’s going to kill us, Riel!” I said.

“Ano? Kuya, paano na yan? Saan tayo pupunta?” Bakas sa boses niya ang takot.

“I bought a house in Cavite. Doon muna tayo pansamantala magtatago.” Sagot ko.

“Sabi ko naman sa’yo, walang mabuting madudulot yang ginagawa mo. Imbes na tahimik na ang buhay natin, nagkaleche-leche pa ngayon!” There was anger and anxiety in his voice.

“Hindi kita pababayaan, Riel, huwag kang mag-alala. They’d have to kill me first before they could lay a finger on you.” I said with firm conviction.

“Paano nga kung mapatay ka nila? Ano na ang mangyayari sa akin? You’re not going to be there to proetect me anymore.” He sounded as if he was ready to cry. “Kuya, paulit-ulit kong sinabi sa’yo na hindi magandang ideya ang ginagawa mo. See what it did to us! You’ve put our lives in danger!”

“Pansamantala lang ito! Everything will be okay. Hawak ko na ang ebidensya laban kay Patricio.” I explained. “Pagbabayaran niya ang ginawa niya!”

“Paano kung matunton niya tayo?”

“He won’t. Just trust me on this, okay?” I gently said. “Kahit kailan ba hinayaan kong may manakit sa’yo? Hindi, di ba? And I won’t ever let anyone hurt you, Riel. Do you understand? Not Patricio. Not anyone.”

He quietly nodded his head as an answer. After a few hours of driving, narating na din namin ang bahay. It was just a small house in the middle of a meadow. Nag-iisang bahay lang iyon doon at nasa tagong lugar. It was the perfect hiding place. May kalumaan na ang bahay. Some parts of the house was already disintergrating as no one was maintining it. But it was still decently habitable.

I had planned it all out. I had already planned an escape place if anything goes wrong with my plan.

“Kuya, natatakot ako.” Riel admitted.

I gave him a gentle pat on the cheek. “As long as I’m here, you have nothing to be scared of.”

“At paano kapag nawala ka?” He asked, his eyes watering.

“Hindi mangyayari iyon.” I said. “I’ll always be here for you.”

I pulled him into a hug. And it was like he was a little kid again, crying for mom and dad. He was so young when we lost our parents. Nahirapan akong ipaliwanag sa kanya noon na hindi na babalik ang mom at dad, that they were gone forever. Ipinangako ko sa sarili ko noon na hindi ko hahayaan na may manakit sa kapatid ko. He was the only family I had and I would give my life to protect him.

Hindi ako nakatulog ng maayos sa unang gabi namin. Bukod sa may takot sa dibdib ko na baka nasundan kami ni Patricio at binabantayan ko ang kapatid ko. I couldn’t stop thinking about Lux. Hindi ko makalimutan ang itsura niya ng itutok ko sa kanya ang baril. It broke my heart over and over everytime I think of it. It was all I could see everytime I close my eyes.

Her love was genuine. It was as beautiful and pure as she was. Sinayang ko ang pagmamahal na iyon. I knew I would never feel that way for any woman again. She cared so much for me. She saw through me, into my very heart and soul. She saw how damaged I was and she wanted to put my broken pieces back together.

Pinatakas niya ako. Kung gugustuhin niya akong maabutan ni Patricio at ng mga tauhan nito madali niya akong mapipigilan. Pero siya pa ang nagtulak sa akin na umalis. I’d let a good woman go. Sana nakilala ko na lang siya sa ibang sitwasyon. I guess this is what they call the right love at the wrong time.

Two weeks had passed and we were still in our hiding place. We occasionally go out to buy food in the wet market. Habang nasa palengke kami, naagaw ng pansin ko ang isang gossip magazine na nakasabit sa stand.

I took the last hit from my cig before throwing it on the ground and stepping on it.

“Manang, pabili nga nito.” I said, pointing at the magazine with Lux as the front cover. I handed her the money and she handed the magazine to me.

Mabilis kong binuklat ang magazine na iyon.

Lux Castellano, pregnant and engaged

Iyon ang nakalagay na title sa article. I could feel the blood draining from my face. It felt as if my whole world had collapsed under my feet. There was even a picture of her with her supposed fiance. He was the son of Patricio’s business partner. His arms wrapped around the small of her waist and they were smiling for the camera. Lux was smiling but her beautiful eyes didn’t look happy.

It said in the magazine that she was already three weeks pregnant. A realization instantly struck me. Ako ang ama ng dinadala ni Lux. Sigurado ako doon. I was sure I was the only man she’d been with during that time. Ako lang ang nakakasama niyang lalaki. We were always together and she wasn’t even allowed to get out of the mansion. Imposibleng siya ang ama ng dinadala ni Lux. Sigurado akong palabas lang nila iyon. Patricio probably just wanted to save face.

After the initial shock, anger took over me. I won’t let another guy father my child. My fingers tightly closed on the magazine I was holding. Iniisip ko pa lang na may ibang amang kinikilala ang anak ko parang bumigat na ang dibdib ko.

Lux was carrying my child. Akin iyon. Sa amin.

“Kuya, nakabili na ako ng pang-ulam natin.” Sabi ni Riel habang hawak ang mga napamili niya.

I took another cigarette out, putting it in between my lips and lighting it. Walang salitang naglakad ako at sumunod naman sa akin ang kapatid ko. I felt powerless. Lux was engaged to someone else and she was with my child. Pero wala akong magawa. Hindi ako pwedeng lumapit sa kanya. Nagtatago pa rin ako hanggang ngayon. 

Bakit ba kami ang nagtatago when in fact it was Patricio who did us wrong?

“Hoy, kuya, okay ka lang?” Siniko niya ako habang naglalakad kami pabalik sa tinitirhan namin. “Kanina pa ako salita ng salita, di ka naman nakikinig.”

“Buntis si Lux.” I blurted out after exhaling the smoke.

“Si Lux? Anak ni Patricio?” He asked.

I answered him with a nod.

“O, ano naman kung buntis siya?” He asked, apathetically.

“Anak ko ang dinadala niya, Riel.” My jaw clenched.

Sandaling hindi nakakibo ito bago nagsalita. “Are you sure?”

“A hundred percent sure.”

“How did that happen?”

“May nangyari sa amin noong nagtatrabaho ako sa kanila.” I answered, matter of factly.

“Pucha! Magiging pamangkin ko apo ni Patricio?” He said in disbelief.

I turned, looking at him straight in the eyes. “Kukunin ko si Lux”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Riel. “What? You’re crazy! Alam mong papatayin ka ni Patricio kapag nakita ka niya. Nakakalimutan mo ba na nandito tayo ngayon dahil nagtatago tayo?”

“I don’t care! That’s my child she’s carrying. Ayaw kong may ibang lalaking umako sa anak ko.” Mariin na sabi ko. “Mahal ako ni Lux. Sasama siya sa akin.”

“Yan ka na naman sa pabigla-biglang desisyon mo.” Naiiling na sabi ni Riel. “Patricio will kill you. Alam mong mainit ka pa sa kanya. Sigurado akong inaabangan ka nun. Bakit hindi muna tayo maghintay katulad ng napagplanuhan natin? You can have your kid afterwards.”

“I can’t just sit here and let her marry another man!” Tumaas ang boses ko dahil sa frustration. “Hell be damned before I let that happen!”

“Kuya, pag-isipan mo muna yan.”

“I already have. I’m taking Lux and my child.”

Chapter Eight

Last Chapter

I parked my car a few miles away from the church. Ngayon ang araw ng kasal ni Lux. Tumingin ako sa orasan. Any minute now, dadaan na dito ang bridal car niya. Haharangin ko ang kotse nila at kukunin ko si Lux.

Wala akong pakialam kung nandoon si Patricio at kasama pa niya ang militarya. I was going to get Lux and my child and no one could stop me, even the devil himself. I looked on the side mirror when I heard a car coming.

It was a fancy white car with a bouquet of flowers in front of it.

Here comes my bride.

I smiled. I’d finally see Lux again. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. I was happy that I was finally going to see her again but I was also anxious and nervous. Hindi ko alam kung anong magiging reaksyon niya at kung anong mararamdaman niya kapag nakita niya ako pagkatapos nang nangyari noon. Would she be glad to see me? Would she hate me?

I started my car. Nang malapit na ang kotse ay iniharang ko ang kotse ko sa gitna ng kalsada para hindi sila makadaan. When the car stopped, I got out of mine. Binuksan ko ang driver’s side at inilabas ang baril ko.

“Sir, huwag.” Itinaas ng driver ang kamay niya.

“Labas.” I demanded.

Halos masubsob ito sa pagmamadaling lumabas. I slipped into the car and I backed the car on reverse before turning it around. Tumingin ako sa rearview mirror.

I saw Lux beautifully sitting at the back of the car. She looked beautiful. So regal and elegant. She would’ve looked even more beautiful if I were her groom.

“Hey.” I gently said.

“P-pakawalan mo ako.” She said.

“I missed you, Lux. I missed you so much.”

“Please, let me go…” Pakiusap niya. She attempted to open the car door but I quickly pushed the lock button.

“Pakawalan mo ako!” Galit na asik niya.

“I’m sorry… Alam kong galit ka sa akin. I’m so sorry, Lux. You know I wasn’t going to hurt you. I will not do anything to harm you. Your father, that bastard Patricio, he killed my parents. I hate him.” Nagtagis ang mga bagang ko. Lumingon ako sa rearview mirror para tigan si Lux. She just sat there, hatred burning on her face. “But you… I can’t hate you even though you’re his daughter. You’re not like your father. You have a pure heart. You see the good in me that I don’t even see in my self. Mahal kita.”

“What do you want from me?” Tears started to flow down her cheeks.

“Sumama ka sa akin. Magsimula tayo ng panibago. Doon natin buuin ang pamilya natin.” I said and took in a deep breath. “I remember what you said about letting go. I’m willing to let go, Lux. Handa akong pakawalan ang galit ko kay Patricio para sa’yo… para sa magiging anak natin.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please,just let me go!”

“Don’t you love me anymore?” I suddenly felt a lump forming in my throat.

“NO! I don’t love you! Pakawalan mo na ako! Please, please… pakawalan mo ako.” She began to sob.

“You’re lying. That’s not what you said after we made love!”

“Pakawalan mo na ako. Kapag nahuli ka ni daddy, kapag nalaman niya ito, he’ll kill you.” Humihikbing sabi niya.

“Wala akong pakialam. I’m willing to risk my life for you and our child.”

“This is not your child!” She hissed.

“We both damn well know that that child is mine. Huwag mo akong gawin tanga. Ako lang ang lalaking kasama mo nang mga panahon na iyon!” Sabi ko.

“Hindi ko alam ang mga pinagsasabi mo! You son of a bitch, pakawalan mo ako!” She cried out, slamming her fists on the window of the car.

“Hindi mo pa rin ba ako mapapatawad sa ginawa ko? I’m not going to hurt you, I promise. Alam mong hindi kita kayang sasaktan. I’ll take care of you and our baby.”

It broke my heart to see her cry but I couldn’t let her go. Nasaktan ko siya. Pero gagawin ko ang lahat para makuha ulit ang loob niya at mahalin niya ulit ako katulad ng dati. Bubuuin namin ang pamilya namin. We’d get married and raise our child together and we’d even have more in the future.

Hininto ko ang kotse sa tapat ng bahay na pinagtataguan namin ni Riel. It was already dark and Lux had already fallen asleep in the back of the car when we got there. I got out of the car and opened the door on the backseat. Maingat na binuhat ko siya at ipinasok sa loob ng bahay.

“What happened to her?” Tanong ni Riel nang makitang hawak ko si Lux.

“She just fell asleep. Dadalhin ko lang siya sa kwarto, baka maya-maya gumising na siya kaya maghanda ka na ng makakain natin.” Utos ko sa kanya.

“Okay.” Riel answered.

I took Lux inside my room and laid her down the bed. Sandali kong pinagmasdan ang mala-anghel na mukha niya. She was as angelic as she looked. I traced her jaw with my fingertips. She was mine now. Wala nang makakahadlang sa amin. Wala nang dahilan para pigilin ko ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya.

I was willing to forget what his father did to my family. Handa akong bitawan ang galit ko sa ama niya para sa pagmamahal ko sa kanya at para sa magiging anak namin. My face softened when my gaze trailed down to her stomach.

She was carrying my child. I wondered what our baby would look like. Sana mas maging kamukha siya ni Lux. The baby would look as angelic as Lux. I would love him or her with everything I have. Ngayon pa lang naeexcite na akong maging isang ama. I couldn’t wait to hold my child for the first time, I couldn’t wait to hear my kid’s first cry, I couldn’t wait to teach him how to walk and talk.

My hand reached for her stomach. It was still flat but I knew a part of me was already in there. Soon our baby would grow bigger. Hindi magtatagal lalaki na din ang tiyan ni Lux at mailalabas niya na ang bata. I could already see our future together. We’d live a quiet and peaceful life with our child. Sisiguraduhin kong lalaki ang bata ng puno ng pagmamahal. To hell with money. Patricio could go to hell with all the money he stole from us. Basta kasama ko ang mag-ina ko, wala na akong pakialam sa kahit ano. I didn’t want the money or the revenge anymore. Sila lang ang kailangan ko.

I heard a gasp. Umangat ang mga mata ko sa mukha ni Lux at nakita ko siyang nakadilat. She quickly jerked away from me. She crawled into the very corner of the bed, hugging her knees into her chest.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” I gently said.

“W-what do you want from me?” Nanginginig ang boses na tanong niya.

“I want to live a simple life with you and our future child. Magsisimula tayo ulit. Palalakihin natin ang anak natin ng tahimik. Screw your father! I hate him but my love for you and the child overpowers my hate for him.” Sabi ko. “I want to change. I want to be the person you think I am, Lux.”

She shook his head and tears began to well in the corners of her eyes. “Ibalik mo na ako sa amin. Please, nakikiusap ako sa’yo.”

“Lux, I thought you love me…” I felt crushed.

“I just want to go home. Pakawalan mo na ako, please.” Humihikbing sabi niya.

My hand reached up to touch her pero mabilis siyang umiwas. She buried her face into her knees and cried.

“Don’t cry.” Mahinang sabi ko. “Hindi ko man maibibigay sa’yo ang buhay na nakasanayan mo. Ibibigay ko ang lahat ng pwede kong ibigay sa’yo. I’ll give my life for you and the baby. Hilingin mo na ang lahat sa akin huwag lang ang pakawalan ka. I can’t do that.”

Lalong lumakas ang iyak niya. I went to hold her shoulders but she shrugged my hands away.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto. Riel’s poked his head into the door. “Kuya Rigor, luto na ang ulam. Kumain na tayo.”

“Sige, susunod na kami.” I gave him a nod and he closed the door.

Tumingin ulit ako kay Lux na walang tigil sa kaiiyak. I brushed my fingers through her hair.

“Stop crying. Makakasama sa bata ’yan.” I gently said to her. “Kumain na tayo. Alam kong gutom ka na.”

“I’m not hungry.” Paos na ang boses niya sa kaiiyak.

“Please, Lux…” Pakiusap ko sa kanya. “Isipin mo ang batang dinadala mo. You can’t starve yourself.”

“I said I’m not hungry!” Galit na sabi niya.

I exhaled a sigh of frustration. “Dadalhan na lang kita ng pagkain dito. You need to eat.”

Lumabas ako at iniwan ko muna sandali si Lux para kumuha nang makakain niya.

“Ano’ng nangyayari kay Lux? Is she okay?” May pag-aalalang tanong ni Riel nang makalabas ako ng kwarto.

“She’s fine. She just needs a little time.” I shrugged.

“Bakit umiiyak siya?” Riel asked.

“Pwede ba huwag mo muna akong kausapin?” I snapped in frustration. “My head is already hurting enough. Hindi ko na nga alam ang gagawin ko kay Lux puro kapa tanong.”

“I’m sorry.” Mahinang sabi ni Riel. “I’m just worried.”

“Hindi mo dapat problemahin iyon. This is between me and her.”

Nang makakuha ako ng pagkain ay bumalik ako sa silid kung nasaan siya. She was still crunched in the corner of the bed, crying. Maingat na umupo ako sa gilid ng kama.

“Kumain ka na.” Sabi ko sa kanya.

“Hindi sabi ako gutom!” She screamed.

“Kumain ka kahit konti lang.” Pilit ko at inilapit ang plato sa kanya.

Tinabig niya ang plato at tumilapon ang pagkain na nakalagay doon. My jaw clenched. Losing the last of my temper, I threw the plate on the wall. It made a loud sound as it crushed into tiny pieces.

“Eh anong gusto mo?” My voice raised. “What the fucking hell do you want, Lux?”

Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. Her red and swollen eyes looked straight into mine. “Just let me go. Gusto ko nang umuwi.”

“No! You’re going to stay here with me!” Mariin na sabi ko. And then my eyes softened. “Akala ko ba mahal mo ako? Why don’t you want to stay with me?”

“I don’t love you… “

“Don’t say that! Alam kong mahal mo pa rin ako. Hindi mo mahal ang lalaking pakakasalan mo. I know you’re just going to marry him to save face. Nandito na ako, Lux, pananagutan ko ang batang dinadala mo. I’ll never leave you again.”

“Rigor…” She softly whispered my name, her voice softening. “Hindi mo na ako iiwan?”


“No, never again. I promise.” I smiled as I looked at her. Nabuhayan ako ng loob. My Lux was finally back.

She threw her arms around my neck and hugged me. I wrapped my arms around her waist.


“I love you, Lux.” I whispered.

And then felt a sharp and sudden pain on the back of my neck. And then I felt it again and again. Nagdilim ang paningin ko at naramdaman ko ang katawan kong bumagsak.

I groaned when I opened my eyes and felt pain on my neck. Bumangon ako mula sa sahig at napahawak sa batok ko. I could still feel the throbbing pain as I sat up. Nakita ko ang isang malaking bato. The one she’d probably used to knock me out.

Agad na pumasok sa isip ko si Lux. I looked around the room and she was nowhere to be found. Hindi ko na ininda ang sakit at agad ako napatayo. Binuksan ko ang pinto sa kwarto ko at narinig ang boses ni Lux at ni Riel.

“Ano’ng sabi ng daddy mo?” Tanong ni Riel.

“Sabi niya susunduin niya daw ako sa palengke. Thank you so much. Tatanawin kong malaking utang na loob ang ginawa mo.” Humihikbing sabi ni Lux.

“You better go now. Baka maabutan ka pa ni kuya.” Riel said. I couldn’t believe my own brother had betrayed me.

“You’re not going anywhere.” I said as I stepped out of the room.

Namilog ang mga mata ni Lux nang makita ako. Sumiksik siya kay Riel.

“Kuya, pakawalan mo na siya. She doesn’t want to be here.” Sabi ni Riel. “Lalo lang tayong malalagay sa alanganin sa ginagawa mo.”

“Hindi ako magsusumbong sa mga pulis. Hindi ko kayo ituturo. Please, let me go.” Naiiyak na pakiusap ni Lux.

“Why don’t you want to stay with me?” My face fell with sadness. “Wala ka na ba talagang nararamdaman para sa akin? Hindi mo na ba ako mahal?”

“I don’t know you…” Sabi niya.

“Alam kong nasaktan kita pero babawi ako sa nagawa ko sa’yo. Mahal na mahal kita, Lux. Huwag mo naman gawin sa akin ito. Huwag mo akong iwan.”

“Hindi ko alam ang mga pinagsasabi mo.”

Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya. She took a step back away from me.

“Lux…” I said as I walked towards her.

“Kuya, tigilan mo na siya.” Sabi ni Riel at sinubukan niyang pumagitan sa amin.

“Stay out of this!” I exclaimed, pushing him away.

Nadampot ni Lux ang baril na nakapatong sa mesa at nanginginig ang kamay na itinutok sa akin iyon.

“Put that down, Lux.” I firmly told her.

“Huwag kang lalapit sa akin. I’m going to shoot you.”

“You won’t do that.” I took another step closer to her. “Are you really going to shot me, Lux? Go ahead!”

“Huwag kang lalapit!” Natatarantang sabi niya. I could see her hand shaking even more badly now.

“Don’t play with that. Just give the gun to me.” Lumapit ako para kunin ang baril.

I heard a shot after taking another step and it was followed by a burning pain in my stomach. Napahawak ako sa tiyan ko. I looked down to see blood oozing through my hands. And then I brought my eye back to her. She had shot me… 

“Lux…” Sambit ko sa pangalan niya. “Why?”

She dropped the gun and collapsed on the floor, hysterically crying.

“Kuya!” The last thing I heard was Riel’s voice.

Epilogue

“You were so little the last time I saw you.” Patricio smiled, looking at Riel. “You look more like Sita than Philip.”

“Ano ba talagang nangyari sa magulang namin?” Riel asked. He was young when both their parents died. He remembered his brother telling him that their parents died, he remembered crying, he remembered Rigor comforting him but it was never explained to him how they died. Basta ang alam niya, ang palaging sinasabi sa kanya ng kapatid niya, na si Patricio ang pumatay sa mga magulang nila.

“It’s a long and tragic story.” Bakas sa mukha ng ginoo ang labis ng pagkalungkot. “I was a good friend of your father. He was my mentor when I was just starting my business. I really looked up to him. He was a very intelligent man.”

Nagdilim ang mukha ng matandang lalaki. Humugot ito ng malalim na hininga bago muling nagsalita. “Then he got involved in a huge pump and dump stock scam. Nakulong siya at ako ang sinisisisi niya. Bilang kanang kamay ng daddy mo, alam ko lahat ng ginagawa niya. I knew all about his business ventures. Pinagbintangan niya ako na ako ang nagtip sa mga pulis tungkol doon. And then one day, I got a call from Sita, your mother, telling me that Philip hanged himself in his cell. I went and comforted her and that’s when she told me everything. Sinabi niya sa akin na siya ang nag report sa pulis. She did that as a revenge because your father wanted to divorce her. Gusto siyang iwan nito para sa ibang babae.”

Riel’s head throbbed painfully. He got overwhelmed by everything he’d heard. Everything he believed in since he was a kid was all a lie. “And what happened to my mother?”

“She couldn’t take the guilt. Paulit-ulit niyang sinabi na siya ang may kasalanan kung bakit namatay si Philip. She overdosed. I don’t know if the guilt drove her to suicide or if it was an accidental overdose.”

“I didn’t know about that.” With his finger tips, Riel massaged his temple. He let out a tired sigh. It felt as if weight had been dropped onto his shoulders hearling all that. It wasn’t anybody’s fault that their parents died. They both killed themselves and Rigor couldn’t handle that fact so he blamed someone else for the death of their parents.

“I didn’t kill your parents and I never took anything from you. Lahat ng pera ng daddy mo ay naibalik sa mga may-ari nito na naloko niya sa scam. I tried to reach out to you. Sinubukan kong tulungan kayo noon pero matigas si Leonardo. He hated me, he didn’t want any help from me.” Patricio explained. “Now I don’t want you to think that your mom and your dad were bad people. They were good, wonderful people. Nagkamali lang sila.”

He nodded his head, his eyes fixed on the ground.

“Kamusta si Lux?” Riel asked.

“Na trauma siya sa nangyari but she’s slowly recovering from it. Kung may kailangan ka, financially or anything, you can call me.” Patricio slid a card in front of him. “Ikaw na ang bahala sa kapatid mo. He needs you now more than ever.”

“Thank you, sir.” Mahinang sabi ko.

“I have to go now.” Tumayo ito sa kinauupuan niya at umalis.

He was left alone, trying to take in all the things he found out today. He brushed his fingers through his pounding head.He had a lot he didn’t know about his own family. Lahat nang akala niyang alam niya ay kasinungalingan lang pala. He wanted to hate his brother but he couldn’t. Hindi ngayon na kailangan na kailangan siya ni Rigor.

Makaraan ang ilang saglit, tumayo na siya sa kinauupuan niya at lumabas sa restaurant na iyon. He went to the hospital where his brother was at.

Pumunta siya sa silid kung nasaan si Rigor. Sumilip siya sa maliit na bintana sa may pinto na nahaharangan ng salamin. He was lying on the bed in the corner of the white room. Nakastrap siya sa hinihigaan niyang kama. He swallowed, feeling a lump rising from his throat. It hurted him to see his brother like that.

Pagkatapos magamot ang sugat ni Rigor ay umattend siya ng court hearing sa kasong pagkidnap kay Lux Castellano. He was found not guilty due to insanity and was admitted to a mental institution.

“Mr. Miramontes.” Napalingon siya sa nagmamay-ari ng boses na iyon. The guy wearing a white lab coat held his hand out to him. “I am Doctor Lee.”

Tinanggap niya ang kamay nito.

“You’re Leonardo Miramontes’ brother?” He cocked a brow after their hands seperated.

“Yes, doc.” Sagot niya. “Kamusta ang kapatid ko? Bakit siya nakatali sa kama?”

“I’m sorry, we had to strap him in his bed. Sinasaktan niya ang kahit sinong lumapit sa kanya.” The doctor sighed, shaking his head.

“Ano ba talagang sakit niya?” He frustratedly asked.

“He suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.” Sabi ng doktor.

“I’m sorry, doc. Ano’ng ibig sabihin nun?”

“Paranoid schizophrenia is a mental illness in which a person loses touch with reality. In your brother’s case, he thinks we’re here to torture and kill him.” Sabi niya. “He kept mentioning Patricio Castellano. Akala niya mga tauhan kami ng nasabing taong iyon.”

“Gagaling pa ba siya?” Riel asked, his eyes averting back to his brother in the white room.

“We’d proper medication and therapy gagaling siya. We’ll help him distinguish reality from his delusions. Sa ngayon kailangan niyang manatili dito sa ospital.” The doctor said.

“Pwede ko ba siyang makausap?”

The doctor nodded his head. “Why don’t you go to the visitation room while we get him ready?”

Isa sa mga nurse ang lumapit kay Riel at sumunod siya dito papunta sa isang kwarto kung saan may ilang mga mesa at upuan. There was a couch and a flat screen tv in one corner of the room. The placed looked nice and comfy. They had nice facilities here and the best doctors.

He sat on one of the chairs and waited for his brother. A couple of minutes later, the door to the room opened.

“BItiwan niyo ako! Mga putangina kayo!” Two guys in white scrubs were holding him while he was in a straight jacket. “Akala niyo hindi ko alam, mga tauhan kayo ni Patricio! Hindi ako tanga!”

Nahagip ng paningin ni Rigor ang kapatid niyang nakaupo sa isa sa mga mesa. He paused for a second and looked at his brother. And then anxiety took over his face.

“Riel! Riel, ano’ng ginagawa mo dito?” Puno nang pag-aalalang tanong nito. The two men brought him to Riel’s table and sat him on the chair in front of him. “You’re not supposed to be here! May ginawa ba nila sa’yo? Sinaktan ka ba nila? Sabihin mo sa akin… Papatayin ko sila…”

“Kuya…” Riel’s voice quivered as he talked. Parang pinipiga ang puso niyang makita ang kalagayan ng kuya niya. The one man he’d always looked up to was in a straight jacket. Pinigil niya ang luha niya. He didn’t want to cry in front of him. Kailangan niyang magpakatatag, kailangan ng kuya niya nang masasandalan. “Kamusta ka na?”

“They’re slowly killing me, Riel. Kung anu-anong isinasaksak nila sakin. Ayaw akong ipapatay ni Patricio dahil gusto niya muna akong pahirapan.” Tiim-bagang na sabi ni Rigor. “Riel, umalis ka na. I don’t want them to hurt you.”

“They’re not going to hurt me.” Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. Siya pa rin ang inaalala ng kapatid niya. “They’re here to help you, kuya. You’re sick.”

“Naniniwala ka sa mga sinasabi nang mga yan?” Rigor looked at him with disbelief. “Alam mong hindi totoo iyon. They’re going to kill me and if you don’t get out of here, they’ll kill you too.”

“Hindi masamang tao si Patricio, kuya.” Mahinang sabi niya.

“They’ve brainwashed you!” He tried to stand up from his seat but the man behind him held him down.

“It’s all in your mind.” Naramdaman na ni Riel ang mainit na luhang namumuo sa gilid ng mga mata niya. “Yung sinasabi mo sa mga doktor na pagligtas mo kay Lux, it never happened. Ibinangga mo ang kotse mo sa poste kaya ka naospital noon, you weren’t shot. You dislocated your shoulder. You’ve never worked for the Castellanos. You’ve never had a relationship with Lux.”

Namimilog ang mga matang tumingin sa kapatid niya. “Ako ang kapatid mo… Huwag kang maniniwala sa mga sinasabi nila. Tauhan sila ni Patricio. They’re brainwashing you.”

“Pumunta ako sa dating bahay natin kung saan sinasabi mo sa kanilang nakatira ang mga Castellano. Matagal nang abandonado ang bahay na iyon. Walang nakatira doon. It’s already deteriorating, the tiles were crumbling and the roof was leaking.” Riel was ready to burst into tears but tried his hardest not to. No, not in front of his brother.

Sunod sunod na napailing si Rigor.

“At ang file na sinasabi mong nakuha mo mula kay Patricio…” Ibinaba niya ang hawak niya folder sa mesa at binuksan iyon. “Nakita ko ito. It’s all just scribbles.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Rigor sa papel na iyon. Bumaba ang mga balikat nito at napasandal sa kinauupuan. “No…”

“Nasa isip mo lang ang lahat ng iyon, kuya. Noong naaksidente ka sinabi sa akin ng doktor mo na nagsasalita ka mag-isa pero di ko masyadong inisip iyon dahil inisip ko epekto lang nang gamot iyon. May nagreport din sa’yo sa isang restaurant na may kinakausap ka raw kahit wala ka naman kasama.”

Muling nag-angat ng tingin si Rigor sa kapatid niya. This time his eyes were sharp with a fury. “Sinungaling… Traydor ka… You’re working for the Castellanos, aren’t you? Magkano ba ang ibinayad sa’yo ni Patricio para magawa mong traydurin ako? Or maybe you want the money all to yourself that’s why you’re turning against me.”

“Kuya…” Riel buried his face into his palm and began broke down. Awang-awa siya sa kapatid niya. He wished he could do something but only he could help himself.

“Walanghiya ka! Traydor ka!” Tumayo si Rigor. He was ready to charge at Riel when the two men behind him held him back. “Hindi ko akalain na sarili kong kapatid ang tatraydor sa akin! Wala kang pinagkaiba sa mga Castellano!!! Mukha kang pera!”

Riel watched as his brother was being dragged away from him. His own anger drove him insane. He felt helpless, he couldn’t do anything to help him. He needed to stay here. He needed professional help.

In life, people are taught that there are seven deadly sins. You all know the big ones… pride, lust, gluttony. But the sin you don’t hear much about is anger. Maybe it’s because people think anger is not dangerous, that you can control it.

Anger is like a wildfire. It starts with a single ember but with time, it becomes deadly. Spreading and spreading. It will spread and consume everything on its path. It will burn everything around you. Including yourself.

Maybe we don’t give anger enough credit.