Red Strings of Fate (Haunted Series 2)

Strings 45: His side (Part II/II)

"Giezel Manalo," Allan reports. "She was caught on camera meeting a man in a hooded figure by her house three days ago. We suspect it was Kuji Shio."

I gave a slow nod, the heat of anger beginning to rise, settling under my skin. I wasn't surprised. Not really. Out of everyone, Ate Gie had always been the most vocal against Scarlet, pushing for her dismissal, questioning her every move. In hindsight, I should've looked deeper. It wasn't just personality—it was motive.

I don't know when she started working for Itasaki, but I wouldn't let ignorance pass by me now. "Bring her in. I want her in front of me."

Allan hesitated. "That's the thing, Sir... we received contact that she was murdered in her home last night."

I stared at him, the words sinking deep, heavier than expected. "Was she blackmailed? Tortured?"

"Yes, Sir."

I closed my eyes for a moment. The realization hit harder than I'd like to admit. I should've anticipated they'd go after our people. "Provide assistance and protection to every staff member who was constantly leaving Casa Del Valle. No exceptions."

Tumango siya. "Will do, Sir... Anong sasabihin niyo kay Scarlet?"

I shook my head. "She doesn't need to know." That's unnecessary pain for her.

Although... what I didn't tell her was only a small matter compared to what my father and her parents wanted to reveal. I almost blocked them out the door. A part of me wanted to shield Scarlet, to give her space, even just a few moments more before they dropped the weight of it all on her.

But in the end, I said nothing. I stood there, silent, watching as she processed the truth piece by piece. There was no other way to explain what had happened—no version of this story that would make sense—except coming from the very people responsible.

"K-kailangan ko umalis."

I followed her as she left in a frantic state, and she faced me, pain emanating from her beautiful face.

"Am I just a pawn in your game? Lahat ba calculated ninyo? Naisip niyo na rin ba na posible mangyari ang nangyari kahapon? Was it a deduction, a speculation which you could have better prepared for?"

She mumbles, talking to herself and laughs, but her eyes don't have that sparkle in them. My hands itch to touch and calm her down, to bring her back to me. "Hope. Don't close off on me. What is it?"

"Who are you?" My heart ached with the words she threw in disgust and confusion.

I take every word she throws, every cry, every scream from grieving her Nana, grieving her life. However painful it is to hear, I know I deserve it, I know she needs it, and I know I'll stay no matter what.

With the way Scarlet coped with the death of her Nana, I didn't want to add to it by banning her from leaving Ces Vallis, but this is a dangerous time—fuck me if I let her roam the streets while Itasaki members are still arrogant at attacking.

"Throw your frustrations at me. Stop bottling it in. Speak."

"Tangina mo TJ!" I found it cute when she scrunches her nose when she's mad... "Was our first meeting even genuine?"

But something about her putting up a front to appear strong lit a different fire in me. Seeing her face fall in despair and her cheeks turn rosy from stopping herself from crying was like being doused in ice-cold water.

"Hit me. You need the release."

She was appalled by the sudden idea, but is still letting me bind her hands. "Baliw ka ba?"