Happy New Year, Everyone! 🤍
I winced a little, when I felt pain on the side of my head where I was hit by a sink. Its already been stitch and bandage, but I still feel pain from time to time. The doctors said its normal, so I don't have to worry.
"Is it hurting again?"Jace asked, worriedly. He must have heard my wincing. We were on the same room, all because of Jace. Ayaw kasi niyang mahiwalay kami dalawa. Kuya James wanted us to be seperated, but the doctors thinks its a good idea, so it would be easier to check on us.
"A little."
"Tatawag ba ako ng doctor?"Tumawa ako sa tanong niya.
"Its alright, Jace. I'm fine."I assured him.
"Alam niyo.."Napatingin kami kay Kaizer na nakaupo doon malapit sa pinto. He was the one monitoring us, since our other friends were busy buying our snacks."Kanina pa kayo. Mukhang hindi niyo napansin na may nagbabantay sa iyo at naglandian pa kayo diyan. Feel ko na ang pagiging third wheel."
"Shut up, Kaizer."
"Kailan pa babalik sina Amber?"I asked Kaizer.
"Papunta na raw sila. Amber chatted me."Kaizer said and showed me his phone.
Minutes later, the door suddenly opened and we were greeted by our friends."We're here!"Sapphire shouted.
"Bakit ang tagal niyo?"
"Eh, kasi itong si Rigel pumilit na bumili ng junk foods. Ang punta lang naman natin don ay para kaila Jewel at Jace."Sapphire complained and glared at Rigel. Rigel gazed at her, looking innocent like he didn't do anything wrong as he ate his junkfoods.
"Akin naman ang pero na ginamit ko pangbili."said Rigel, while pouting his lips. The boys look tired and sweaty, because they were the one carrying the grocery bag.
"May apple?"I asked Natasha. She then check her grocery bag and find an apple.
"Here."She said and throw me the apple and I caught it, swiftly. We were shocked, because I never thought I could catch like that.
"Woah!Nice reflexes."August complimented and started opening his junk food.
We started chatting about things until kuya Jayden and kuya Jaydan arrived.
"Wala kayong trabaho ngayon?"I asked them.
"Bumisita lang kami sa soon-to-be restaurant ni kuya Jackson."kuya Jem answered
"How are you, sis?"Kuya Jedan asked as he messed up my hair and I glared at him.
"Fine."I answered."Si kuya Jaydee?Sabi niya sasama siya."
"Nandon sa mansion, tulog. Galing sa bar, eh."Kuya Jedan rolled his eyes.
"Si mom?"
"Still busy, but she said she will visit you tonight."Kuya Jem answered.
"Can I have some?"Kuya Jedan asked Rigel, who still kept eating his food.
"Sure."Rigel said and let kuya Jaydan get some chips.
"The f*cker is still sleeping."Alam namin kung sino ang tinutukoy ni kuya Jedan. It was Damon. He was still alive, brought by the hospital, immediately, to remove the bullet on his chest. Mabuti nalang hindi dito na ospital. Because I know it will cause an uproar from my family and Jace.
"Pinuntahan niyo?"I asked, curiously.
"Yup."
"Anyways, her mom is ready to fight in court for his son's innocence." Nanlaki ang mata namin sa sinabi ni kuya Jem.
"Seriously?"Rigel asked, not believing what kuya said. Pati nga kami ay hindi makapaniwala. There are lot of evidence to prove what Damon did to us.
"Alam ba niya ang ginawa ng anak niya sa atin?Mostly, Jace and Jewel?"August sneered.
"She's a mother. Of course, she will defend him."I said and they all gazed at me, like they couldn't believe I was defending them. But that's not what I am pertaining.
"Are you defending him?"Kuya Jedan asked and I rolled my eyes.
"I'm stating facts."
"A fact of value."Kuya Jem said.
"Even so, we got the upperhand. We have enough evidences to win the case. I'm kinda excited to see another Salazar in jail."Jace smirked. Siya pa naman nagpakulong sa ama ni Damon.
"Mag-ama pa naman."Kaizer smirked.
"What does kuya James think about this?"I asked kuya Jedan.
"We'll talk to him, after we go home."
Days have passed and we are still in the hospital. Bumisita palagi si kuya James to make sure of our safety. He was pissed when he found out about the case. Gising na din si Damon from his beauty rest and he agreed to his mom fighting for his innocence.
Sa ngayon, nag-aaral kami ni Jace, since we still have our board exam to passed the courses we took. Its kinda nice na kasama siya sa pag-aaral. He taught me things that I am confuse about and vice versa. Jace only studied if he feels like it, but mostly his feeling of study is all the time. While I have a whole a** routine on my studying.
"Hanggang ngayon, nag-aaral pa din kayong dalawa."Jake said as he entered inside our room. Kasama din niya si tita at tito.
"Hi Jewel."Tita Janice said and kissed me on the cheeks, while Tito Jason go to Jace and talked to him.
"Hi po tito, tita, and Jake."I smiled at them.
"Hindi ba sumasakit ang ulo mo sa pag-aaral, Jewel? You still need to rest."Tita Janice said, worriedly, while carresing my cheeks.
"Okay lang po ako, tita. I'll survive."I assured her.
"She's fine, mother. You don't have to worry about her."Jace said to his mother.
"Says the guy, who constantly ask Jewel if she's okay, whenever she touches her head. Kahit nga sumusuklay, tumatanong."Jake said, while smirking at Jace. Halatang inaasar ng kuya niya ang bunso niyang kapatid. And Jace glared at him.
"Shut up!"
"Boys."Tito warned the two.
"Hayst. Kayong dalawa, palaging nag-aaway."Tita Janice said,getting tired of how her two sons is acting. She glanced at me and gave me an apologetic look because of the chaos unravelling infront of us but I already understood. Kami nga ng mga kuya ko ay palaging nag-aaway. Mom is always stressed of the six of us.
"Wala naman talaga araw, love, na hindi sila nag-aaway."Tito Jason said, while laughing.
After weeks, Jace and I were now out of the hospital. I was at the mansion, since mom wants me there, but I know she was worried for my safety. Lalo na nagsisimula na din ang trial sa korte sa ginawa ni Damon. He was twisting his words everytime a question is asked by him. Pinagmukha niya na wala siyang kasalanan at biktima lang din siya. The only thing that could fail him is that we have evidence of what he did.
Jace also visited me at the mansion, mukhang doon na nga siya tumitira sa amin, dahil palagi siyang pumupunta. However, whenever he sleeps at my house, he is in the guest room. Ayaw ni kuya na magkasama kami matulog. Kahit kailan walang nangyari sa amin that could lose my virginity. We had our make out, but Jace stopped himself when we go further. He said he respects me and wants to do it when we are married. Kinilig pa nga ako noong sinabi niya iyan.
"Okay, tapos ko na basahin ang Percy Jackson. Now, go to sleep."I told Jamie. For the nth, I kept reading this book to him, he never got tired from it. Parang kabisado ko na nga lahat ng sasabihin ni Percy dahil sa paulit ulit ko pagbabasa nito sa kanya.
"Alright, tita."He said and close his eyes. Pambihira ang batang 'to. Jamie wasn't a big fan of Disney Fairytales. It's always Percy Jackson and Harry Potter that he likes. And I gladly read it to him, everytime. Kaya lang nasanay at naging routine niya na ito bago matulog. When I was gone, Kuya James was the one who replaced me in reading the books.
When he fell asleep, I decided to leave his room, since I also need my sleep. It was still 8pm, and I'm sure that my brothers are awake. Matagal silang matutulog, dahil sa kanilang trabaho.
I got out of Jamie's room when suddenly I was greeted by a figure infront of me. His eyes sparkled from the chandeliers and he gave me his beautiful smile that he always flashed to me.
"W-what are you doing here?!" I was holding my chest and breathing heavily.
"I'm sorry, I startled you."he apologized.
"It's alright." I said and gave him a smile, but it came more of a grimace. "Akala ko ba naglalaro ka ng chess with kuya Jem."
I started walking so I could go to my room and Jace followed me. Our footsteps are audible because of the silence that surrounds us.
"Tapos na. I won."he smirked.
"Sana all."
"Can I claim my price?"he asked me, while looking at my lips. I stop walking and chuckled. He only gave me an innocent smile, but it does not fool me. Behind that is a devilish grin of his. Mukhang sabik na naman ang lalaking 'to na hahalikan ako.
"Sure."I said and he came forward to held my waist and pulled me closer to him. He put his index finger under my chin and he was about to kiss me, but someone suddenly put his hand between us, forcing us to seperate.
My eyes widened and glared at the culprit. As always, it was him.
"Kuya!"I glared at him and he glared at him. Kuya James was being overprotective, again.
"No kissing in my house."he told us and then glared at Jace, while Jace was looking at him in amusement.
"Hindi mo naman to bahay, eh.This is mom's."I argued and he glared at me.
"No kissing in my sight."
"You could have close your eyes." Sarcasm laced in my tongue. Jace chuckled by my sarcastic remark.
"Jewel!"
D*mn!Kuya James is pissed!
"He's jealous, because he's single."Jace approach me and put his arms around my shoulder.
"Isa ka pa, Jace."Kuya James warned him."Do you want me to throw you out of this mansion?"Kuya James asked Jace, while smirking. Then, he proceeded to glare at me. "Go to your room, Jewel."
"B-but-"
"Go to your room!"he ordered me, again.
"Fine."I rolled my eyes and started walking to my room.
As I passed Jace, he whispered to me."Open your windows."
I didn't understand why he said those words, but I still did what he told me. When I arrive at my room, I went to the comfort room, took a bathe,and did my skincare routine. When I was done, I approach my windows and opened them. I know Jace can enter inside, but how is he gonna get in my window? Hindi naman siguro tatalon siya.
I shrugged my shoulders and decided to read a book, while I wait for Jace's miracle. Hours later, Jace still didn't enter my room. I was beginning to think, he prank me or something.
But, then...
I heard a tap on my window. I immediately go to my window and Jace entered inside. He smirked at me, while I remain shock. He came closer to me and hugged me.
"H-how did you-"
"Did you forget that the other side is my room?I opened my window and started walking the railings, until I arrive here."he explained.
"You're always full of surprises."I smiled at him. Feeling in awe. Mabuti nga, hindi siya nahulog.
"Now, can I have my price?"he asked me and gazed at my lips. I wet my lips with my tongue before coming closer to initiate the kiss. When I kissed him, he respond too quickly. He held my waist and pulled me closer to him. He tightened around my waist, before carrying me and putting me in my desk.
I push some off my stuff away, and they made a loud crashing sound like breaking glasses as they made contact in the floor. But I still didn't stop kissing Jace. I touch his jaw, feeling its sharpness and it made him look hotter. He pushed me more in my desk and I felt my back came contact with the coldness of the mirror.
He entered his tongue on my mouth and I tasted liquor. Did he drink? I stopped kissing him and he stared at me, questioningly, of why I stopped. His gaze was still dark like he still wants to own me.
"Were you drinking?"I carresed his cheeks and he sighed. He grab my hand and kissed it, gently.
"Before I came here. Niyaya ako ni Jaydee na uminom sa mga wine niya para sa kanyang bar."he explained and I nodded. Kaya pala.
"But you're not drunk?"I asked him and he laughed.
"Baby, I have high alcohol tolerance."Baby.He called me,baby. The way he said it sounded so sexy. "I couldn't say the same thing to you."He smirked and I glared at him.
"Shut up."I punched him in the chest and he laughed."Kaya pala natalagan ka."He then lay his head at my shoulders while still holding my waist.
"Hmm."He sounds sleepy.
"Are you sleepy?"He stared at me and nodded."Then, let's sleep."I said and he nodded. Jace approach the lights and turned it off.Pumunta kami sa kama at humiga. This is the first time we're sleeping together, but I know Jace won't do something to me.
We covered ourselves in blanket and Jace scooted closer to me. He laid my head at his chest and hugged me."I already claim my price."He said and kissed my forehead a couple of times.
I felt sleepy by his kisses. As I closed my eyes, I found myself smiling and thinking of good dreams.
I woke up by someone talking. I opened my eyes and looked around, but no one was in my room. And I realize it was Jace talking.
I stared at him as he sleep talk. Paulit-ulit ang kanyang sinabi at may ngiti sa kanyang labi habang hinahalikan ang aking noo.
"Jewel."Another kiss."My Jewel."Another kiss."My lovely and precious jewel."
I covered myself to stop myself from laughing. Ang cute niya. I never realize that Jace could be like this.
I decided to go back to sleep as I listen him say it over and over again, while kissing my forehead.
I woke up, again. This time, it was dawn. I'm guessing 5am. I woke up with Jace lightly kissing my forehead and the weight of bed beginning to get uneasy to me. I opened my eyes and Jace was already walking towards my door.
"Where are you going?"I asked him while my hands were rubbing my eyes. I was still a bit sleepy.
He stared at me, wide-eyed. Clearly, he wasn't expecting me to wake up. Lumapit siya sa akin at umupo sa kama. He carresed my cheeks."I have to go now. Your kuyas might find out, I slept here."
"Can't you stay."
"If I stay, they will find out. I'm pretty sure James will enjoy kicking me out of here."he chuckled. I managed to smile.
"Okay."
"Go back to sleep, mon amour. You need it."he said and kissed my forehead. When he was about to let me go, I reach out and kiss him on the lips. He smiled as I let go.
Humiga ulit ako sa kama at natulog ulit. I heard the sound of door opening and closing, indicating that he already left.
Hours later, I woke up, well rested. I stretched my arms and stared the outside of my windows. I smiled and left my bed. I arrange my pillows and covers, before leaving my room. Paglabas ko sa aking kwarto ay sakto din paglabas ni kuya Jaydee sa kwarto niya.
He smiled. "Good morning, sis."
"Morning."I smiled back.
I joined kuya Jaydee, while heading down, but we were shocked to see Jace's family, my brothers and mom, and Jace at the living room. They all look so serious.
"She went to the mansion, looking for you, Jace."Tita Janice said to Jace.
"Why would she be looking for me?"
"Maybe, she wants to kill you."Kuya James joked and mom glared at him.
"James."Mom warned him, but as always, Kuya James shrugged it off.
Ignoring the remark of my brother, Jace asked. "What did she say?Why was she looking for me?"
"She didn't say anything, she just ask where you are. Syempre, hindi ko sinabi."Jake shrugged his shoulders.
"Actually."Napatingin kami lahat kay tita Janice ng bigla ito magsalita.
"Its about something important."Tito Jason said.
"What kind of important?"Jace asked.
"The truth."They both said.
"Jace, may sasabihin kami-"Naputol ang sasabihin ni tita Janice ng biglang may lumapit sa amin na guard. He bowed to us, before stating his business.
"Ma'am, may naghahanap po kay Sir Jace Montezalde."Kumunot ang noo namin sa sinabi niya.
"Who?"My mom asked.
"Mrs. Delilah Salazar." My eyes widened by what the guard stated. Pati din sila mama ay nagulat. Is this the woman who is looking for Jace?Damon's mom?
"Don't let her-"
"Let her in." Napatingin kami lahat kay Jace sa kanyang sinabi. My brows furrowed and his, as well. Parang ang lalim ng kanyang iniisip.
"What?Are you crazy?" Jake asked, shock registering from his face as he touch Jace's shoulder like he's trying to force Jace to look at him.
"I'm not paranoid, Kuya."sabi niya at tinignan ng masama si Jake."I want to know why she's looking for me and the important things she want to say. She literally came here in an early morning, just to look for me."
"Did she bring anyone?"Kuya James asked the guard.
"Wala po, sir James."the guard answered.
"Did you already check her?"Kuya Jaydee asked.
"She isn't carrying anything dangerous. We check her body, her bag, and the car, sir."
"Very well. Let her enter."Mom said and the guard nodded and left us. Minutes later, Damon's mom arrived.
She looks sophisticated and elegant, with the way she carries herself. Nakasuot ito lahat ng itim. A long black dress and black stilletos. She also wore pearls and jewelries. She wore sunglasses and decided to take it off. Nakasuot ito ng simpleng make up, pero kita pa din ang pagod sa kanyang mga mata. She looks like she's crying herself to sleep. Maybe, because of Damon.
I felt guilty all of a sudden and yet I shouldn't. My hands itched my side as I tried to control my emotions.
"What brings you here, Delilah?"My mom asked Damian's mom. I can see a bit of Damian to her, maybe from her nose and eyes.
"Gusto ko kausapin si Jace." Her voice sounded wintry and yet it felt good hearing it.
"Why are you looking for me?"Jace asked her,coldly.
"My son is innocent."She told us and my brows furrowed. Really? Innocent? Talaga bang maloloko niya kami?
I heard kuya Jaydee chuckled sarcastically, beside me. I don't know if he find this amusing or he's pissed. Damon's mom arched as she gazed at Kuya Jaydee.
"Are you sure about that, ma'am?"
"We have enough evidences to prove to you that your son is a criminal."Kuya James said to her and she glared at him.
"Hindi kayo kasali sa laban na ito."said Mrs. Salazar, while looking at each one of us. I felt a tension starting to form and I know my brothers are mad right now.
"The moment that your son included my little sister in his plans. Kasali na kaming lahat dito."Kuya Jackson said.
"Ano bang ginagawa mo dito, Delilah?"galit na tanong ni Tita Janice sa kanya. She stood from her seat and glared at her.
"Hindi mo pa ba sinabi sa anak mo ang totoo?"Mrs. Salazar and I saw how Jace's family is looking away. What are they talking about?"Oh, I'm guessing, no."She chuckled.
Mukha siya lang naaliw sa kanyang sinabi. Sana may hint siya kung ano ito, baka tatawa din kami sa kanyang pinahiwatig. She looks like a clown laughing all to herself.
Akala ko ba tungkol ito sa kaso, bakit pumunta kami sa usapan na ito?
"What truth?" Jace's brows furrowed as he gazed at his family. Not only he was confused, but all of us, as well. Mukhang ang nakaintindi lang sa sinasabi ni Mrs. Salazar ay ang family ni Jace. They seem quite uneasy.
"Huwag mong damayin si Jace dito. Bata pa siya at hindi niya alam ang ginawa ng halimaw na iyon."Tita Janice said to Mrs. Salazar. She looks like she's about to cry.
"Pero hinayaan mo siyang tumira sa puder niya.You could have get him, but you chose to leave him."Mrs. Salazar smirked."Tignan niyo, malapit na siya matulad sa halimaw na iyon."She pointed at Jace and snickered. We are confused.
"Delilah, tama na."Tito Jason warned her. He looks mad.
"What is this all about?"Jace asked and gazed at his parents and Mrs. Salazar.
"Its about your grandfather, idiot."Nanlaki ang mata namin sa sinabi ni Mrs. Salazar. Jace's grandfather?
"My grandfather is not a monster." Jace glared at his parents and Mrs. Salazar. He doesn't believe her, well, so am I. Hindi ganyan ang lolo ni Jace. He raised Jace, well, but what do I know?I didn't even met him. I just know him from stories of Jace.
"Maybe from your innocent eyes, but to those whose eyes are now opened will see how cruel he is."
"Baka asawa mo ang halimaw. He killed my grandfather."Jace hissed.
"As he should."She smirked and I don't know know what we should react.Mad?Horrified?We were feeling all it once,but mostly Jace is pissed.
"F*ck you!"Jace cursed."My grandfather was a great man." Damon's mom laughed like this was quite an amusement to her.
"A great man he was, when he raped Damon's grandmother." My eyes widened and feeling a bucket of cold water hoisted at me.
Jace's grandfather raped Damon's grandmother?!
"W-what?"hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Jace. I gazed at Jace and he looks in pain. It can be seen that the mask he kept on holding is slowly slipping away.
Oh, Jace. I wanted to go to him and get him away from here, try to conceal the truth. But I know Jace would rather hear the harshest truth than ve comforted with a lie.
"This is the bloody history by the Montezalde and Salazar. Damon's grandfather and your grandfather were comrades. All it to be ruined by a woman. Damon's grandmother. Pinili ng lola ni Damon ang lolo mo, pero hindi nagtagal ang relasyon nila, dahil ikakasal ang lolo mo sa iyong lola. An arrange marriage, to be exact. They had to be seperated. Damon's grandfather was there for Damon's grandmother and so, they started to fell inlove. Nalaman ito ng lolo mo, but he stated silent. Akala ng lahat ay okay na. What they didn't know is that your grandfather was planting anger and jealousy on his body. Nang dahil sa selos niya ay nirape niya ang lola ni Damon."she explained to us and we were flabbergasted. We don't know if we should believe her or not. It seems so real.
"N-no, he wouldn't."Jace shook his head, not believing what he just heard. I can see Tita Janice starting to cry.
"Hindi pa tapos." She smirked and I glared at her. If only I had a knife, I would stab her.
"Delilah, tama na!" Tita Janice shouted, but Damon's mom didn't budge. She is smirking menacingly. Naaaliw na nasasaktan si Jace sa kanyang sinabi. How dare she?!
"Years later, Damon's grandfather found out his wife was rape and came to kill your grandfather. Eventually, he was killed by your grandfather." Jace glared at her.
"Hindi mamatay tao ang lolo ko."Jace stated, coldly.
"Believe what you want to believe."She said and pointed at Jace's family. "How about you ask your parents on why they decided to abort you when you were a fetus?"
I was stunned. I felt my heart breaking. W-what? Jace didn't tell me that. My gaze turned to Jace who is now gazing at me like he is trying to read me. His eyes mirrored pain and suffering and I didn't even realize how deep it is. I felt it deep like the ocean. I never come to realize what it was all about.
He look down as he tried to avoid my gaze.
"Delilah."
"Tanongin mo sila."She was enjoying on what she's doing. I glared at her and gritted my teeth. How dare she?!
Jace said. He looked up and glared at Damon's mom. "I already know. My grandfather told me that they didn't want me. That I was a mistake. They were already contented by kuya Jake and wasn't planning another child."Tita Janice, Tito Jason,and Jake was shocked by his statement. Tita Janice cried more by what her son said. Mukhang hindi sila makapaniwala na iyan ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw ni Jace sa kanila. But why didn't they know?!
Jace said he couldn't forgive his parents after what they did to him, but I didn't know what. I just thought it was something small. How could they not know what Jace is suffering from?! They are the reason behind it.
"Jace."Jake called his brother and Jace stared at him, coldly. Jake shake his head and he kept opening his mouth to say something but couldn't.
"Tell him the truth, Janice."Mrs. Salazar said to Tita Janice.
"Tumahimik ka, Delilah!"
"What do you mean?"
"You really think your parents abondoned you for that?"tawang sabi ni Mrs. Salazar. "Nagsinungaling ang lolo mo, kung ganon."She smirked at him.
"You're the one lying. Why should I believe what you say?"
"Jace." Tita Janice croaked. Jace immediately turn his gaze towards his mother.
"Mother." His brows furrowed.
"H-hindi iyan ang r-rason kung bakit i-iniwan ka n-namin sa l-lolo mo." She stammered and wiped her tears.
***
"W-what?"
Suddenly, I couldn't remember how to breathe.
"Believe me, Jace. We wanted another child. But after I gave birth to Jake. The doctor said that if I get pregnant again, there will be some complications. May possibilty din na hindi na ako mabuntis. But you were a miracle, Jace."She wipe her tears, but it was useless, because tears were still falling down."I got pregnant again and it was you. Months later, I started getting weak. The doctor said that if I continue my pregnancy, there's a big chance that I might die while giving birth. The doctor gave us options to abort you or a CT section. You will be out of this world a prematural. But you will survive. Your grandfather wanted you as a nine month and healthy baby, but the doctors told him that it is impossible and it might kill you. Your Grandfather then let me have a CT section." Mom smiled at me and I shake my head. She couldn't possibly love me and risk all of that. I...It's so bizarre.
"I was beyond excited and worried for you to arrive on this world. I prayed to God that both of you will be safe." Dad smiled at me and I shaked my head. You couldn't possibly have!
"After you came into this world, it was a miracle I survived. We had to go to U.S. since I was beggining to go weak again. There weren't enough treatment to cure me here, so we had to go abroad."
"T-Then, why left me?" I asked, barely audible. The amount of times I ask myself everytime I'm with my grandfather. I had the courage to ask him and he told me that my family didn't love me. And it can be proven from their actions that they don't deeply care for me. Unlike from my brother.
I felt my heart breaking and breaking. I even thought that my heart didn't have any left to even break. I pursed my lips and try to stop myself from crying.
"D-dahil sabi ni Dad. He said he will takes care of you, while we are in the U.S. for your mother. Ayaw ka namin iwan doon pero pinilit kami ni Dad. Wala kaming magagawa. While your mom was in the hospital, I started my own business. Gusto ko malayo tayo sa gulo at hindi dumepende kay Dad, kahit ako ang nag-manage sa kompanya niya. It digusted me where his money came from." Father said and wiped his tears. I clench and unclench my hands. No. No. Grandfather is not like that! You are lying! "Eventually, your grandfather found out and threatened my investors. But I didn't give up. Our plan was if my business was successful, uuwi kami ng Pilipinas at kunin ka namin."
"B-but you hated us. Your grandfather blinded you and manipulated you. H-hindi ko alam ang sinabi niya sayo at alam ko na masama iyon." Mother cried. I looked away. Kahit kailan ay ayokong makita siya na umiiyak. It breaks my heart."I-I didn't realize that he told you that we wanted to abort you, because we didn't want you. T-that's not true, Jace. Mahal ka namin. Kahit kailan ay hindi lumabas sa isip ko na gawin iyon sayo."She approached me and my eyes widened. No tears left my eyes as I gazed at her. ."J-Jace, I'm sorry. Anak, patawarin mo ako."I..I thought she was going to hug me, but I never thought that she would slowly bring herself down on her knees. My eyes widened and I tried to lift her up but she wouldn't. She shakes her head as I try to pull her.
I bite my lips. I...i can't handle seeing them like this. I felt my heart clench painfully like it was forcefully trying to kill me.
"Mom!"Jake shouted as he stared at us. He wipe his tears as he gazed at us. Even Father was crying. I can hear their cries as they watched us. Jewel? No, I can't afford to look at her. It would possibly kill me, seeing her cry. And to realize that it was because of me, I would kill myself.
This. This is breaking me internally. I felt myself conscious of everything around me. Do I even deserve this? I don't deserve to be kneeled. Let alone be loved.
"Sana hindi kita iniwan doon." Mother continued to hug my knees and cried, while I try to make her stand up.
"M-mother, please stand up."I said and tried to pull her which she let me. Mabilis ko ito niyakap. Her embrace made me calm and safe. As a child, this was all that I ever wanted. To feel their love and happiness to me.
"Shh... It's okay."I smiled as I continue to embrace her. I was scared that I might be crushing her with the amount of energy I was on hugging her. I never hugged her like this.
It felt good. I didn't know that this can still be possible to me.
"And now you know, what your grandfather did. Still think that I'm lying?" We broke from the hug and turn our gaze to Delilah. She still wore that annoying smirk on her lips. She still thinks this is all funny, just because she has broken us.
"Yes, you are right by what you said." I approach her. My face didn't display any emotion as I stared at her. "But it doesn't change the fact that your husband killed someone and your son was doing the same thing to me. The trial is still on-going and I will fight for justice." I smirked and her smile faltered. She didn't expect that. She thought I would give up, just because I heard about the truth. It gave me power and strength knowing that I shut her up.
She glared at me. "You-"
"How is Damon and his father different from my grandfather, when they, also did terrible things?" Sarcasm laced on my tongue.
They all are the same. The f*cking Salazars. The father. The son. The mother. Even my f*cking Grandfather! They all are the same with their greed and thirst for power.
Ang kasalanan ko lang ay nagmahal ako ng isa sa kanila. I poured my heart and soul to them, never expecting that I would get stab in the back. How ironic it is to think that the one who betrayed me is already dead and I can't even make him pay for it.
But I hope he's rotting in Hell. The place he is actually deserving to be.
I itched my side, containing the anger building inside me. I so badly wanted to lash out, but Jewel is here. I can never let her see me like this. She deserves someone calm and understanding, not someone who is been through a lot and can't even keep his temper intact.
I can never let her see the darkest side of me.
"Will you excuse me." I said, while looking down. I didn't want to faced them. I didn't want to see their pity. I have enough of that, already.
My heart clench, painfully. I wanted to touch it and tried to console it.
I badly want to cry.
As I started walking away from them, pleading that they won't follow me. I hear her voice calling me."Jace." I gazed at her, just as I always do, everytime she ask for me. But I can't be her strength right now. I'm already weak. I only managed to give her the saddest smile.
Help me.