"Breaking news! Mirus Estelle Caelum, Chairwoman of Solis Airlines, who's suffering from amnesia because of the hit-and-run accident. The suspect handed herself in."
I'm watching the news right now in my office because I saw Aileen Rentuza being apprehended by two police officers.
She did it, huh?
"Aileen Rentuza, a former Director at Solis Airlines, was the hit-and-run driver."
Aileen lowers her head and is dressed in a cap and a surgical black mask.
"She gave testimony that she did act out of rage against Mirus Estelle Caelum after being dismissed from the company."
Someone is knocking on the door, so I told them to come in as Rio rushes inside to deliver the news, but I am currently watching it, as is she.
"I can't believe this..."
"Aileen felt completely responsible for the crime she committed."
"Aileen, how are you feeling at the moment?" One of the reporters asked her.
"Please say something about Miss Caelum."
She remains silent, and Aileen recalls something that happened when Mirus admitted that she does not have amnesia.
— Flashback —
"I will spare your life if you tell me why did you do it."
"What?"
"I don't like it when I keep repeating myself. Why did you do it?"
"You appear to have an accomplice who wishes to kill me." she said this while inspecting the gun she was holding.
"You should start talking pretty quickly. Right now, I'm a hundred times more irritated than you may think." Mirus is nearing the end of her patience.
"There is n-no acquaintance or anything like t-that!"
"I did it all by myself. Because of my rage, I want to kill you, and I'm telling you the truth!" she raised her voice and begs.
"Do you think I'll believe that?" she asks by looking down at her.
"Yes, Miss Caelum! It was entirely my fault! I swear!" Aileen was desperately blaming herself.
Mirus opens her phone and checks the time, she needs to hurry because someone may enter the waiting room.
"Just in case, based on the expressions on your face, where do you need to go? I can provide you with a complimentary plane ticket, instead of traveling by sea."
Mirus leans forward and scratch her head using the gun.
"Would you rather to keep your mouth shut and turn yourself in to continue to stay a hit-and-run driver?"
Mirus takes Aileen's hand in and forcibly points the gun at her own chest.
"Or would you rather become a killer who returned to kill me? What a perfect crime."
Aileen was too stunned to speak because this was the first time she had seen Mirus act like this.
"I advise you to make a wise decision. You only have one choice. When you make a decision, you also choose the consequence."
Aileen is still holding the gun, and Mirus is still holding the gun's barrel straight to her chest.
"Fair warning: which the hell ever decision you make is acceptable to me. I'm going to die anyway."
— End of flashback —
"I sincerely apologize. That's all I have to say." Aileen replies in serious manner as they went inside to the station.
I switch off the television. Rio faces me with a dramatic expression as I lean back in my swivel chair.
"B-bakit niya ginawa 'yon? All this time, siya pala ang may gawa sa inyo niyan." Rio is frowning.
The true identity of the suspect surprised everyone, including Leon, who was watching the news with Cross.
"What in the world is going on... Kahit na mismong empleyado niya ay nagawa niya 'yon harap-harapan." Biglang nainis si Cross habang nanonood ng balita.
"I didn't see that coming..." Leon never takes his gaze away from the television.
Just watching the news makes me so angry for some reason.
"So am I."
Later, Rio and I are eating at the cafeteria while the entire area is discussing Aileen.
As I stare at my food, neither of us can eat in peace.
Leon has most likely already seen the news.
"Miss Caelum... Are you alright?"
"Rio... Kung may oras ka, sasamahan mo ba ako?"
"Saan?"
"Hindi ba Aileen Rentuza ang pangalan niya? 'yung nag hit-and-run sa 'kin?"
"Yes, Miss Caelum... Bakit niyo natanong?"
"Gusto ko kasi siya bisitahin."
"Bibisitahin niyo? Pero hindi niyo siya maalala, para saan ang bisita niyo sa kanya?"
"May gusto sana akong itanong..." May nakalimutan akong itanong sa kanya, I just need confirmations.
She and I met in the parking lot after we finished our lunch.
Rio was very concerned about allowing me to drive and insisted on it.
Wala na din akong nagawa at binigay ko na lang kay Rio ang susi sa sasakyan ko.
I'm quiet while Rio is driving, and something bothers me.
We arrived at the prison center after a fifteen-minute drive.
Kinuha ko muna ang mga gamit ko at lumabas na ako sa sasakyan.
"Hintayin mo na lang ako dito."
"Absolutely not. It's a big no-no. Sasamahan ko kayo at wala kang magagawa."
I didn't say anything much about it...
In the end, sumama pa din si Rio sa 'kin.
May kausap si Rio sa phone niya at ako ang nauuna mag lakad.
Napatingin ako sa kaliwang side sa may parking at may nakita akong pamilyar na puting lamborghini.
Oh. Em. Gee.
Tinignan ko din ang plate number at napaisip ako bigla.
Anong ginagawa ni Leon dito?!
Hala, magkalapit lang 'yung sasakyan ko sa kanya!
What to do? What to do?!
"R-rio! May gusto pala akong puntahan, samahan mo muna ako!"
Hinila ko siya pabalik sa sasakyan at ako na ang nagmaneho paalis sa prison center.
"Miss Caelum, saan tayo pupunta?"
To be honest, hindi ko din alam!
Eventually, the two of us went to the spa, and I frowned while hugging my knees beneath the springs.
Ramdam kong nakatingin si Rio sa 'kin, halata sa kanya na naguguluhan siya.
"Miss Caelum." Tawag niya pero hindi ko siya pinansin.
"Akala ko ba bibisitahin mo si Aileen! Bakit napunta tayo dito!"
"Ahhh... Masakit kasi katawan ko. Kaya naisip ko na pumunta dito." Gosh, nawawalan na ko ng dahilan!
"May trabaho pa tayo!" Sigaw niya.
"Isipin mo na lang na outing 'to." I whispered.
Wala na din siyang nagawa, mukhang nagustuhan niya din ang pinunta namin.
Actually, kung ano lang ang nakita ko, ayun ang pupuntahan namin. I had no idea where to go because I was unfamiliar with the area.
I decided to get up at gano'n din ang ginawa ni Rio.
Kinuha niya ang twalya ko at itinapis ko ito sa katawan ko. I'm comfortable showing my bare body around dahil puro babae lang kami dito.
Naligo muna kami, at ako ang unang matapos at sinuot ko ang damit galing dito sa spa.
Habang hinihintay ko si Rio, biglang nag vibrate ang phone ko.
"Where are you?" Seryosong tanong niya, kinilabutan ako.
"Sa office."
"Nandito ako sa office mo ngayon. Nasaan ka?"
"Leon? Leon? Hindi kita— errkk— m-marinig— I-I can't h-hear you—" I imitate a choppy sound at binaba ko agad ang tawag.
Yari talaga ako 'pag uwi ko.
Inalis ko muna sa isip ko si Leon at lumabas na ako sa ladies room at pumunta ako sa cafeteria.
Ako na nagbayad lahat, libre na din ang pagkain dito.
I'm still wondering kung ano ang pinunta ni Leon kanina.
Ako na ang sunod sa pila, kinuha ko ang tray saka ako kumuha ng pagkain, ayon sa choice ko.
Hindi ko alam kung maiinis ako o hindi dahil pancit at fries lang ang nandito.
"Miss Caelum? Nandito pala kayo."
"Oo. Nagugutom na ko. Kumain ka na din."
Kumuha kami ng pwesto at inunahan ko agad 'yung vacant sa may window area.
Pag tikim ko sa pancit, parang gusto ko iluwa agad pero kinain ko pa din.
"Bakit ganito pancit nila? Walang lasa tapos nagmamantika pa." Reklamo ko.
"Oo nga. Pati 'yung fries ang alat." Biglang napainom ng tubig si Rio.
Binilisan na namin kumain kahit hindi namin gusto, habang kumakain kami ng fries, ginawa naming chaser ang tubig.
Hapon na kami natapos at tumakbo kami papunta sa parking lot.
Si Rio na ulit nag drive pabalik sa prison center at madaming missed calls at messages si Leon.
Mabilis lang din ang biyahe dahil malapit lang ang spa doon sa prison center.
Sinigurado ko muna na wala na talaga si Leon sa area at lumabas na din kami, diretso na agad sa likod.
Sinamahan kami sa meeting room at nag paalam sila na kukunin nila si Aileen.
Lumabas na si Aileen pero nakayuko ito.
Naupo siya sa harapan namin at nakita kong nakatingin si Rio sa 'kin.
"How are you, Aileen?"
"I'm perfectly fine, Rio." Tipid na ngiti niya.
"As long as you're doing fine—"
"Rio... Pwede bang iwan mo muna kami?" Tanong ko.
"Bakit?" Nangunot ang noo niya.
"Gusto ko kasi siya makausap. Kaming dalawa lang."
Wala siyang nagawa at tuluyan na ito lumabas sa meeting room pati ang mga guard ay pinalabas ko din.
"I heard something about you." Panimula ko.
"What is your relationship with Han Sung Min?"
"Saan mo nalaman 'yan—"
"It doesn't matter. What exactly is he to you?"
"Someone earlier asked me the same question..." Napayuko siya.
"That has to be Leon, right?"
Dahan-dahan siya tumango at nagtataka ako kung paano niya nalaman ang relasyon nilang dalawa.
"Leon and I both felt exactly the same way, but our goals are very different."
When Leon achieves a goal in a good way, I achieve a goal in a bad way.
It is preferable to fight than to live for nothing.
"Tell me about the events of that night. Is Han Sung Min your ally? Is he the one who orchestrated this?"
Aileen quickly shakes her head in disapproval.
"If you don't tell me, I'll figure it out for myself."
"I will tell you." she stated timidly.
"Han Sung Min was an ex-boyfriend with whom I had unfinished business, and I had left without his permission."
"What kind of business ties did you have with him? Did he threatened you? Did he hurt you? You do know that Han Sung Min is using you?" I keep on asking.
"Do you even know Veronica?"
"Veronica?" she ponders, dismayed.
"Yes, Veronica. His wife."
"W-wala akong alam na may asawa siya..." Aileen begins to cry.
"He once had a wife. And now she's no longer alive. Han Sung Min is still mourning her death. Together with his sons."
"No way..."
"Ginawa kang rebound." Hindi ko maiwasan mag taray sa harap niya.
"But he told me I am his greatest love!" Sigaw niya pero tinignan ko lang siya.
"Do you even understand what that means? I believe Han Sung Min is trying to tell you that you are his favorite mistake." I lean forward and cross my arms.
"He explores his complex feelings for you, whom he believes he must eventually let go of."
"Veronica is her only true love. His true love is sacrifice for Veronica, whom he only loves."
I've seen Veronica before. She's the sweetest woman I've ever met. after that assassination, and he now holds a grudge against everything.
He turned his back on everything, leaving everyone behind, joining the bad guys, and intends to destabilize the world.
Love is scary, but it is also beautiful.
I didn't press Aileen any further she was already distraught over Han Sung Min and Veronica. I returned home after accompanying Rio.
I sigh loudly as I rest my head on the sofa.
Naalala ko bigla si Leon at mas lalo akong nainis dahil hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko sa problema namin.
"Should I tell him about our marriage?"
I keep talking to myself because I don't know what to do. Neither my heart nor my brain
"Hindi... Malalaman niya na wala akong amnesia."
I brush my fingers through my hair, which aggravates me even more.
What is the point of doing this?
"Si AJ lang nakakaalam na wala akong amnesia. Along with Dr. Manalo."
Yes, AJ and Dr. Manalo are aware that I do not suffer from amnesia. Because I requested their assistance.
— Flashback —
"Thank you, Dr. Manalo. I'll take it from here. I also apologize for being late too."
"You're finally here, please explain to Atty. Lozano the details, Dr. Celeste." Dr. Manalo smiles and left the room.
After they left, hinarap naman ni AJ si Leon.
"Mirus is none other than herself... She cannot be anesthetized completely."
"Like 'yung huling hospitalization niya. When Han Sung Min abducted her, correct?" And he slowly nodded.
"At matagal siya magising dahil sa anesthetics too. Be patient and she will wake up."
"Besides, magigising naman din siya. Normal ang heart rate niya, body temperature as well as her blood pressure. Sa nakikita mo ngayon, humihinga pa ang kaibigan ko. Go home first, at ako na ang bahala sa kanya."
"Right. Thank you, AJ." May halong kalungkutan sa boses ni Leon.
Mirus slowly opens her eyes after Leon has left. She heard everything.
She gently grabs AJ's white coat and looks over to see Mirus woken up.
"Mirus!"
"AJ... Help me." she speaks while wearing the oxygen mask.
"Y-yes, I will help you. How are you feeling? Ayos ka lang ba?" Aligagang tanong niya at umiling si Mirus.
"I need to talk to you w-with Dr. Manalo."
AJ is taken aback but continues to call out for Dr. Manalo.
When the doctor arrives, he is surprised to see Mirus awake.
He examines her vital signs, blood pressure, and even her eyes.
"How's your head?"
"I'm not sure if this is a migraine or the result of the earlier operation." Mirus gently touches her shoulder.
"We used the MRI to examine your head before making the operation to remove the remaining small glasses that had become embedded in your shoulder." Dr. Manalo said.
"According to the MRI, there is no bleeding inside your brain as a result of the accident." AJ continues.
"I remember everything, but my head is still hurting." Mirus bit her lower lip.
"Is everyone aware of my current condition?" I hope they didn't.
"No. Balak namin sabihin kapag nagising ka na." AJ answers her question.
"Good. Tulungan niyo ako. Tell everyone that I'm currently suffering from amnesia."
"Just what the fuck are you thinking about?!" Inis na tanong ni AJ pero pinigilan siya ni Dr. Manalo.
"I have to!" biglang tumaas ang boses ni Mirus.
Mirus was dead serious right now, thinking she was going to die for real.
She clenched her fist against her blanket, her mind was about to explode and it was killing her.
"This will be handled by the police. Not you." Mariing saad ni AJ.
"I need to find the culprit, AJ. I want to use my own hands to catch that person."
AJ was opposed to Mirus' plan to capture the suspect, and she is still not feeling well but forcing herself to move again.
Dr. Manalo agrees to assist Mirus because, in his opinion, doing such a thing to Mirus is unforgivable.
"Guys, I need you to inform everyone that I have amnesia. Please." Mirus begs.
They fell silent, and only the sound of the air conditioner filled the room.
Their decision is dependent on AJ, and they are waiting for her decision.
"What am I going to do with you?" AJ gave up, and she's no match for Mirus.
"If you do anything ridiculous, I will take you to a mental hospital. You got that?!" Mirus makes a peace sign while AJ gives jer a death glare.
"Hai! I promise to put forth my best effort in this acting role."
I had no idea I'd be using my brother's acting skills. Hope to deliver the lines perfectly.
I remain awake, staring out the window, wondering who the hell did this to me.
Later, Dr. Manalo and Leon arrive, and the doctor keeps asking me if I remember anything.
And I haven't been with Leon like this in a long time; I've been ignoring him, distancing myself from him for various reasons.
"Pero hindi ko maalala pangalan ko..." Sagot ko.
'wag kang tatawa, Mirus! Don't laugh!
I tried to maintain a depressed expression as if I really did have amnesia.
"Ah! Baka maalala mo siya, Miss Caelum." Hinila niya si Leon papunta sa harap ko.
Talagang gustong-gusto ni Dr. Manalo ang ginagawa namin dahil interesado siya makita ang reaction ni Leon.
Napunta ang atensyon ko kay Leon at tinitignan ko siya. Umiling na lang ako at hindi ko masabi kung ano ang nararamdaman ni Leon ngayon.
"I'm Leon Lozano... I'm the one who brought you here... Miss Caelum." Halos pabulong niyang saad.
Siya ang nag dala sa akin dito? H-how?
Gusto ko siyang tanungin- pero pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. Ayaw ko masira ang plano ko.
"Take a look closer, it will help you to remember." Pagpupumilit ni Dr. Manalo.
Tinignan ko ulit siya, and I keep pretending to try my best to remember Leon.
"Hindi ko siya kilala— lalo na at hindi ko pa siya nakikita." Napayuko ako pinipigilan ko ang sarili kong umiyak dahil wala talaga wala akong maalala.
"Please, remember me." he clenched his fist tightly.
"He's someone the closest to you, Miss Caelum. Isipin niyo ng maigi."
Pabalik-balik ang tingin ni Dr. Manalo sa aming dalawa na para bang nasa shooting talaga kami. I do actually enjoy it right now.
Kapag nalaman ni Leon na wala talaga, malilintikan talaga ako. Lalo na kila mommy!
"Malapit sa akin? Isa sa mga pamilya ko? Sino ka ba?" Nag panggap akong naiinis at nauubusan ng pasensya.
"I guess it is easier for me to introduce myself in this way, and it pains me so much that you have forgotten everything about me."
Pinagpag ni Leon ang damit niya, inayos niya ito at inayos ang pagtayo niya.
Is he really that affected that I'm currently in critical condition?
"Sino ka ba talaga?" My brows met, and I stared at him as if Dr. Manalo wasn't there.
What are you going to do?
I'm so slightly confused right now. He appeared to be about to cry out in frustration earlier, but now he's smugly smirking.
I want to look at Dr. Manalo, but my gaze is fixed on Leon.
"Me? I'm your husband... Mrs. Lozano."
What? Is this a bluff?
"My... Husband? Mrs. Lozano?" Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya.
I'm genuinely surprised when Leon let go of those unexpected words.
"Yeah, it's me. Your husband. And you are my wife."
"Eh? May asawa pala ako?" I pretend to be incredibly dumb.
You... What is your plan?
I felt something in my chest, my body is weak, and I'm sweating cold.
It is no longer under my control.
I can't seem to find the right words to express how I feel.
How much I think about it scares me.
I want to laugh right now, but I might end up in a mental hospital.
I'm excited to see what comes next.