VriXian AU Compilation [ Part 1 ]

ASCR 5

***

Christian had never felt this empty before.

Days blurred into nights, yet the pain never faded. It clung to him like a shadow, whispering reminders of what he had lost.

His child. His love. His dignity.

Everything was gone.

Christian sat by the window of his childhood home, staring blankly outside. The soft patter of rain against the glass filled the quiet room. His mother, Shang, was downstairs, but he barely heard her movements.

It had been weeks since he left Damian. Weeks since his world shattered.

Yet, the pain refused to fade.

Christian sat by the window of his childhood home, staring blankly outside. The soft patter of rain against the glass filled the quiet room. His mother, Shang, was downstairs, but he barely heard her movements.

It had been weeks since he left Damian. Weeks since his world shattered.

Yet, the pain refused to fade.

Nakahiga si Christian sa kama, nakatitig lang sa kisame. His body felt heavy, as if he were drowning in the weight of his own thoughts.

"You were a mistake."

"I never loved you."

"You were never enough."

Napakapit siya sa kumot niya, his chest tightening. He had lost everything—his child, his marriage, his dignity.

But what hurt the most?

Damian didn't care.

Damian was happy.

One evening, habang nagluluto si Shang sa kusina, Christian turned on the TV, hoping to distract himself.

But fate was cruel.

"Business tycoon Damian Lorenz and socialite Bianca Herrera spotted on a romantic getaway in Paris!"

Christian's hands trembled as he saw the images on the screen—Damian and Bianca, holding hands, smiling, kissing.

Damian looked happier than ever.

Then, the reporter spoke again.

"When asked about his past relationships, Mr. Lorenz stated, 'I was never married. My past relationships were insignificant.'"

Insignificant.

Parang may humampas sa dibdib ni Christian.

The years he spent loving Damian, the suffering he endured, the child he lost—it was nothing to him.

His vision blurred. His breathing grew shallow.

Ganun lang?

Was he really that worthless?

Bigla siyang tumayo, knocking the remote off the table. He covered his mouth, struggling to hold back a sob.

"Christian?"

A soft voice broke through his panic.

He turned to see Shang standing at the doorway, a spoon still in her hand.

Her eyes widened in concern as she saw his trembling form.

Tahimik siyang lumapit at niyakap siya nang mahigpit.

And just like that, Christian broke down.

At first, it was a quiet sob. Then, it became deep, heart-wrenching cries that shook his entire body.

Shang rubbed his back, whispering, "Anak, andito lang ako... Ilabas mo lang lahat."

And he did.

He let her see all the pain he had been hiding.

The sorrow.

The anger.

The regret.

Everything.

The days passed, but Christian remained lifeless. He refused to leave the house. He ignored Fruiittie and Nics' calls.

He didn't want to hear them say, "You deserve better."

Because what if it wasn't true?

What if Damian was right?

What if Christian really was worthless?

One morning, habang naghahain si Shang ng almusal, Christian quietly sat at the table.

She looked at him for a moment before speaking.

"Christian, anak..."

He didn't look up, but he listened.

"I won't force you to forget or move on right away. Pero anak... ayokong makita kang ganyan."

Slowly, he raised his eyes to meet hers. He saw the pain in them—the pain of a mother watching her child suffer.

"Damian never deserved you," she continued. "And I know you don't believe me now, but one day, you will."

He swallowed hard.

"But anak... habang hindi mo pa nakikita 'yon, please... lumaban ka. Para sa sarili mo. Para sa anak mo na nawala. Kasi kung andito siya ngayon, hindi niya gugustuhing nakikita kang ganito."

Christian's chest tightened.

"Just take it one day at a time," Shang whispered, squeezing his hand.

And for the first time in weeks, a small sliver of light pierced through the darkness.