Red Strings of Fate (Haunted Series 2)

Strings 38: Punishment

"Thanks." I didn't have the energy to clarify my words as I took the coffee from her hands.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko at tahimik kong tinitigan ang mga taong lumalabas-pasok sa lounge. Napansin kong kinukuha niya ang atensyon ng mga tao, dahil halos lahat ng mga dumadaan ay napapalingon sa kanya.

Hera is the definition of the saying, 'Behind every great man is a great woman.' I've learned that she runs Ces Vallis alongside Kuya Jupiter as ruthless as he is—at least behind the company's closed doors. On the outside, she's the mysterious silver-haired girl.

Hindi siya nagpapakita. Maliban sa public appearance niya sa birthday ng kambal, ang kanyang mukha ay karaniwang binublur o binubura ng talentadong tech team ng mga Del Valle.

It might be because she's also the daughter of one of the Itasaki members—not just a member, the boss.

"Want dinner?"

Mabagal akong lumingon sa kanya at hindi nagsalita para ituloy niya ang kanyang sasabihin.

"I brought dinner to the house."

I can't deny that after she helped me countless times, I have a soft spot for her.

And so I shrugged. Why not? "'Kay."

Bumalik kami sa bahay at nakita kong may nakalatag na takeout sa lamesa.

Hinanap ng mata ko si Ate B at nagsalita si Hera nang makita ang ginagawa ko, "She's at the training center right now."

Tumango ako. Opposite of me, Ate Beauty is thriving while we're staying here. She has been making friends with agents and other staff... and I'm glad.

I'm glad one of us is doing well.

"I've never seen this place this spotless before." Inikot niya ang tingin sa open house concept ng bahay mula kusina hanggang living room.

Wala akong magawa rito kaya andami kong binago.

"I like what you've done with the place. Feels more open and clean."

"Contrary to my new status in the world as a yakuza princess, I was a maid," I said softly smiling before placing the coffee on the table and reaching for utensils in the cabinet.

"You take great pride in that."

Makatapat kami sa dining table nang inabutan niya ako ng ibat-ibang pagkain na inorder niya. "Hindi ba dapat? Honest pay for honest work. Mas maganda kaysa palagi akong sinisigawan ng isang matandang babae..."

At naalala ko nanaman nga ang Ipis dahil nabanggit ko ang dati kong trabaho.

Tumikhim ako ng malakas para mawala ang pagkailang ko para magtanong, "Alam mo ba... Alam mo ba kung nasaan si James?"

"Why'd you ask? I thought you didn't want anything to do with him?" Dinilaan niya ng malinis ang kanyang kutsara at halos mapang-asar na tumingin sa akin.

Kumibit balikat ako. "For a company who only does security for people. Palagi siyang nawawala at apaka secretive ng mga nangyayari."

"Only? Don't underestimate the Del Valle's, Scarlet. They are the people you don't want as enemies." Tinitigan ko siya habang sinusubo ang huli niyang ulam. Sa pagtatrabaho ko sa mga fast food chains, nasanay akong mabilis matapos kumain—nagulat lang akong mas mabilis siya sa'kin.

"Why?" Alam kong makapangyarihang pamilya ang mga Del Valle, ngunit gusto kong marinig ang mga detalye mula sa isang malapit sa kanila.

"They have mounts and mounts of allies. They actively control what information is released to the public."