Lea's POV
I moaned and stretched my body as I the sun greeted my face with a good morning. I grinned and started thinking of how my day would turn out this time since the consecutive days were so good between Aga and I.
I immediately stopped my alarm when it started ringing. I sat in the bed to whisper a prayer because God has been so good to me these days. My health especially Aga's, the company, and my loved ones. Everything is too good to be true that I sometimes feel afraid na baka bigla na lang agawin itong lahat sa akin. But I always appreciate the moment before it turns out to be a memory.
I was about to go down from the bed when my phone started ringing. I looked at it that's placed on the bedside table and saw that it was Ellaine. I don't know but something doesn't sit right.
"Hello, Ellaine?"ako
"Ma'am, ahm, good morning?"Ellaine
I creased my forehead.
"Is it really a good morning, Ellaine?"ako
She wasn't able to respond immediately. And I can even hear her deep breathing so I prepared myself on what she's going to say.
"Jane told me na makikipagkita si Sir kay Rina ngayon."Ellaine
I blinked when I heard that.
"What? Saan? As in ngayon?"ako
I removed the blanket on my thigh at nagmadaling bumaba sa kama at dumiretso sa banyo.
"I'm not sure. Actually, we're not sure. Hindi namin alam. Basta ang sabi ni Jane sa akin she received a call from Rina, she's looking for Sir Aga so she transferred the call. Then after the call nagpaalam daw si Sir na may pupuntahan. Pero malakas ang kutob namin na he's going to meet her!"Ellaine
I sharply exhaled while looking myself in the mirror. What is it this time?
"Ellaine, alamin mo kung totoo."ako
"No! Kahit gusto kong makialam, Ma'am, eh audience lang ako rito. Kaya kayo ang dapat umalam niyan. Sundan mo si Sir!"Ellaine
"What?!"ako
I unbelievably asked her. How would I know where he is right now?
"Gagawin mo o gagawin mo? Remember, it's Rina. Ginulo niya na kayo before, hahayaan mo bang ulitin niya ‘yun ngayon?"Ellaine
I arched my brows but I chin up afterwards and looked at myself in the mirror. Not again, Rina.
Fast-forward...
I dialed Aga's number as soon as I maneuvered my car.
"Hello?"ako
I greeted as soon as he pickup the call. I made sure that the bluetooth earphone is fit in my ear so I could hear him clearly.
"Lea? Why?"Aga
Now I'm sure that he's with her. He doesn't greet me that way.
"Where are you?"ako
I asked habang diretsong nakatingin sa daan. Hindi naman kaagad siya nakasagot so I asked him again.
"Aga, where are you?"ako
I asked for the second time as if I'm pleading him to tell the truth. I heard him sigh so I was very hopeful that he'll be honest with me.
"I'm in my office. Why?"Aga
I blinked at kasabay ‘non ang pagtulo ng luha sa pisngi ko. I faked a smile and wiped my cheek.
"I'm on my way to your office then."ako
I said giving him another chance to tell the truth although it is not his responsibility to be honest with me, dahil wala namang kami.
Aga's POV
"What?"ako
I asked Lea who's on the other line to make sure that what I've heard is right.
"Sabi ko pupuntahan kita sa office mo. Kung pwede lang naman."Lea
Napasapo ako sa noo ko at kaagad na lumabas sa coffee shop kung saan naroon ako.
"Lea, are you still there?"ako
She didn't respond but I know she's still there, listening.
"Lea? I—"ako
I wasn't able to finish my statement when a red car stopped in front of my car. I arched my brows when I realized who went out from there.
"Lea, I'm sorry. I lied. I didn't mean to." ako
I looked at Rina who's widely smiling at me.
"Hi, Aga!"Rina
I momentarily closed my eyes and turned my back from her.
"I will explain everything, don't worry. I don't want you to worry. Just trust me, Lea. Sa iyo ako babalik after I settled this down."ako
I ended the call and put my phone inside my pocket.
"Looks busy, who's on the line?"Rina
She smiled and was about to kiss my cheek when I avoided her.
"Stop it, Rina. Don't act that we're fine na parang wala kang ginawa 15 years ago."ako
She raised her brows in surprised but chuckled afterwards. Maybe she expected that from me, and I'm glad she did.
"What did I do then?"Rina
She laughed then shook her head.
"Isn't it successfull? Wala na ba kayo ni Lea?"Rina
I almost rolled my eyes because of it. She laughed again that made me look at her.
"Oops! Sorry. My bad. Bakit ba ako nagtatanong eh alam ko na naman?"Rina
She sighed at hiniwakan ako sa pisngi bago hinimas ‘yun.
"Ang tagal niyo nga pa lang hiwalay. Hindi ko napansin."Rina
She sighed as if she's disappointed with it.
"Time flies really fast. Just look at me! I'm back."
She giggled. Tinabig ko ang kamay niya na nasa pisngi ko na lalo niyang ikinatawa.
"What are you doing here?"ako
She raised her brows then pout her lower lip.
"Hmm? Nothing? Na-miss kita, eh! Ako ba? Did you miss me?"Rina
She smiled and waited for my answer and of course I didn't respond because I'm not here for that.
"Just answer me, I don't have much time. What are you doing here and what are you going to tell me?"ako
She looked at me in disbelief.
"Really? You don't know? I can't believe this, Aga! I want to be with you! I became a good daughter to my father! I raised my Dad's company well like what you said when we were together—"Rina
"Years ago and it doesn't even matter to me."ako
"At least you loved me, right? As your best friend and your girlfriend, right?"Rina
"Right. But not as a wife like Lea."ako
Her mood suddenly changed as soon as I said that.
"Siya pa rin? Lea pa rin? For Pete's sake, Aga. Move on! Wala nang kayo. Hindi mo na siya asawa. If our past doesn't even matter anymore then your past with her shouldn't matter also!"Rina
"It matters because I still love her! And you know the reason why we broke up, because of you."ako
She chuckled.
"‘Teka, bakit kasalanan ko? Ako ba ang nakipag-annulled? Hindi ba si Lea? And if it was me I wouldn't do that, we'll die together with our vows."Rina
I sharply exhaled because just like what I've perceived while driving off here, walang mangyayari. Why did I assume that she'd tell me something important?
"I gotta go. Walang mangyayari rito."ako
I held the knob of my car and opened it. I was about to get inside when she spoke.
"Are you sure? Ayaw mo bang malaman ang mga nalalaman ko, Aga?"Rina
I don't know but I started to feel nervous when she said that. I looked back to her and that made her chuckle as if she was right that she could make me look back.
"Kung ano man ang nalalaman mo at gusto mong sabihin, sabihin mo na."ako
A smirk formed on her lips and I can't deny that it gave me chills all over my system. Seemed like I wouldn't like to know what she knows.
Lea's POV
"Are you sure? Ayaw mo bang malaman ang mga nalalaman ko, Aga?"Rina
That's what I heard as soon as I got outside of my car. If you're wondering how I found out Aga's whereabout, it's because I traced him; the reason why I called him.
"Kung ano man ang nalalaman mo at gusto mong sabihin, sabihin mo na."Aga
I arched my brows when I saw Rina smirked at marahang hinawakan si Aga sa pisngi. I don't know but my blood started boiling. Seeing her after so many years makes my blood boil especially seeing her hands on Aga's cheek. How dare she?
"Be with me first."Rina
I scoffed when she said that.
"Are you kidding me?"Aga
Aga chuckled and removed that woman's hand from his cheek. Good job, my love.
"Aww! Sayang, ‘yun lang kasi ang pwedeng kapalit eh."Rina
Aga and I creased my forehead when she said that. Kapalit saan?
"Kahit anong sabihin mo hindi ako papayag sa gusto mo. You cannot get everything that you want all the time, Rina. And you must accept that."Aga
Rina raised her brows and pout her lower lip. Tumango pa ito bago muling tumingin kay Aga.
"Are you sure? How about this?"Rina
I gasped and covered my mouth when she kissed Aga on the lips. I was just petrified on my position right now while looking at them. It hurts of course, not until Aga pushed Rina that almost made her lose her balance. She just laughed with it that made everyone look at her.
"Bullshit, Rina!"Aga
He wiped his cheek using his cloth and glared at her. Ganoon din naman ako at hindi ko na napigilang iyukom ang kamao ko. The audacity.
"See? I can get what I want, Aga. I just showed you the proof."Rina
She chuckled.
"Hindi pa rin ba ang sagot mo? Kapalit ng nalalaman ko?"Rina
"Wala akong pakialam sa nalalaman mo."Aga
He told her and was about to get inside his car when Rina spoke again.
"I know where your daughter is."Rina
I almost lose my breath when I heard that. Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig. I blinked multiple times while unbelievably looking at her. I just came back to my senses when I felt a tear dropped on my cheek.
"What..."Aga
He whispered. I gathered all the strength left in me at lumabas mula sa pinagtataguan ko. Dire-diretsong lang ako sa paglakad hanggang sa narating ko ang kinaroroonan nila. Without hesitation, I gave her the hardest and loudest slap that I can give to someone.
Her eyed widened and looked at me in shocked. She scoffed when she found out who just slapped her out of nowhere.
"Lea!"Aga
"What are you doing here?!"Rina
Halos matawa naman ako sa tanong niya.
"Parang ako dapat ang magtanong niyan sa‘yo. What the hell are you doing here?"ako
I asked her nang may diin sa bawat salitang binibigas ko. Naramdaman ko naman ang paghawak ni Aga sa braso ko mula sa likuran ko.
"Lea."Aga
I stepped towards her.
"Where's my daughter?"ako
Matigas kong sabi habang hindi inaaalis ang tingin ko sa kanya.
"Nasaan ang anak ko?!"ako
Sigaw ko dahil hindi ko na mapigilan. Ang dami kong nararamdaman ngayon. Sakit, galit, at pangungulila. How could she do this?
She laughed that made me shook my head. She needs help.
"Bakit ko naman sa‘yo sasabihin?"Rina
I let go from Aga's grip at akmang susugurin siya nang mahawakan na naman ako ni Aga.
"Hayop ka nasaan ang anak ko?!"ako
Pag-iyak ko. Mabuti na lang ay hawak ako ni Aga kundi ay kanina pa ako naglupasay sa sahig sa sobrang panghihina.
"So there's still something going on between you two?"Rina
I clenched my fist while glaring at her. Ang dami kong gustong gawin sa kanya ngayon, but before that I want to know where my daughter is.
"Lea, calm down."Aga
Napahikbi na lang ako at tumingin sa mga mata niya.
"Aga, alam niya kung nasaan si Sophia. Aam niya kung nasaan ang anak natin."ako
I cried harder. He nodded and caressed my arms.
"I know, I know. I'm just worried."Aga
I gritted my teeth and looked back to this woman again who's chuckling.
"Rina, nakikiusap ako sabihin mo na kung nasaan ang anak ko kung totoo man ang sinasabi mo."Aga
She sighed the rolled her eyes.
"Why not?"Rina
I felt that Aga's grip loosen a bit kasabay ng pagkalma ko.
"Sa pagputi ng uwak."Rina
She said then winked at Aga and got inside her car. I scoffed and looked at her car while my eyes are full of tears.
"Hayop ka, Rina! Lumabas ka diyan! Tell me where my daughter is!"ako
I exclaimed while banging the window of her car using my hand. I almost fell from the gutter if it weren't for Aga who held me on my waist. I cried harder and get my shoes at ibinato ‘yun nang malakas papunta sa kotse ni Rina na hindi pa masyadong nakakalayo. Wala na akong pake sa mga taong nakatingin sa amin ngayon.
I almost jumped in shock when we heard the shattering of glass but it still left me heartbroken because I wasn't able to know where my daughter is.
I sobbed and looked back to Aga so I could hug him. I cried in his neck and tightly cling my arms on his nape so I'd feel safe even though I feel so scared right now.
"Aga, ang anak natin."ako
Parang batang pagsusumbong ko sa kanya. He caressed my hair and nodded.
"We will see her, I promise."Aga
Fast-forward...
"Eh demonyita naman pala talaga ‘yang Rina na ‘yan eh!"Ellaine
Nanggagalaiti niyang sabi habang palakad-lakad sa loob ng opisina ko. I just looked down on the glass of water in my hand until Aga held my lower arm.
"How do you feel?"Aga
I looked at him as I started tearing up again.
"She'll pay for this. She'll pay for this, Aga."ako
Aga sighed and caressed my arm with his hand that's on my shoulder. I can't still move on with what happened earlier, and I think I will not be able to sleep at night because of it.
"Ang pait siguro ng nakaraan ng Rina na ‘yon. Pati anak niyo na walang muwang ginawan niya ng masama?"Loraine
I felt Aga exhaled.
"It's all my fault."Aga
He looked down trying to retrieve his memories from the past.
"She was my ex, but I broke her up because she's too obsessed."Aga
Everyone nodded because of it.
"Kaya pala ganoon ang galit niya kay Ma'am Lea?"Carol
Aga nodded which made them nod again as if they finally understand something.
"Pero akala ko first girlfriend niyo si Ma'am, Sir Aga? Since naging kayo highschool pa lang?"Ellaine
"Yes, senior high. Rina was actually my best friend. Naging kami junior high school because she told me she likes me. I told her I don't like her and I don't want to ruin our friendship, but she told me that she would do everything to work us out. Pumayag ako para hindi niya na ako guluhin. But she became worse, she became obsessed that I can't even handle her so I broke her up."Aga
I intently looked at him because I can't believe that after all these years... magkasama pa rin kami kahit hindi kami.
"Then I met Lea."Aga
I blinked and avoided his gaze when he looked at me.
"And they lived happily ever after!"
All of them exclaimed that made me shook my head. Sana nga.
Fast-forward...
I checked everyone who's in the living room right now. Nandito kasi sila sa bahay. They told me that they want to discuss with me their ideas about their newest project but if I know, they just want to make sure that I'll be fine tonight.
I creased my forehead when I saw Aga alone in the dining area, at the table. I walked towards him and I was shocked when I saw that his eyes are red. Kaagad naman niya iyong pinunasan.
"Are you crying?"ako
He looked at me and chuckled, as if he could fake everything with it.
"Wala. Inaantok na ako siguro."Aga
I sighed and made him look up to me by holding his chin.
"I know you, umiyak ka. Kung hindi mo naitatanong, dati mo po kaya akong asawa kaya kilala kita."ako
I chuckled.
"I wish you're still my wife. I miss being with the person who really knows me well."Aga
I smiled. I missed you too being my husband.
"Oh sige na. Bakit ka umiyak?"ako
I asked at inayos ang buhok niya habang hawak pa rin ang baba niya.
"Lintik! Ang tamis!"Loraine
All of us looked at Loraine who just sipped on her drink.
"Ay, sorry. Ang tamis kasi ng juice."Loraine
Then she chuckled until Carol looked in Loraine's cup with an arched brows.
"Anong ang tamis? Eh kapeng barako ‘yang iniinom mo. Naka-drugs ka ba, girl?"Carol
They laughed and I just shook my head.
"Love oh, inaano ako."Loraine
Sabi niya sabay yakap kay Kevin kaya pinagbabato siya nila Wil ng cushion. I chuckled at ibinaling ulit ang atensyon ko kay Aga.
"Nasaan na nga tayo?"ako
I asked and sat beside him. I heard him sigh. Sa baba lang siya nakatingin kaya hinawakan ko na ang kamay niya para malaman niyang nakikinig ako.
"This is all my fault, Lea."Aga
He looked at me with tears in his eyes.
"I didn't become a good husband and father to take care of my family. Edi sana masaya tayo ngayon. Edi sana kasama pa n—"Aga
Pinisil ko ang kamay niya so he stopped.
"You're not a good husband because you're the best, Aga. You did everything you can, and that's enough."ako
He looked at me. If I could just kiss you right now. But since everyone is here, all I can do is to tell you...
"Everything will be fine, on its time, Aga. "ako
Sophia's POV
Nagh-hum lang ako ng paborito kong kanta habang nagwawalis sa bahay. Ang kalat na naman kasi dahil hindi niligpit ni Denise ang pinaggawaan niya ng project. Akala mo'y laging may katulong.
Kinuha ko ang pandakot at akmang dadakutin na ang basura nang may kumatok sa pinto. Isinandal ko ang walis sa gilid upang mapagbuksan kung sino man ‘yun dahil sigurado akong hindi si Nanay ‘yun. Sumisigaw ‘yun hindi kumakatok.
"Hello po. Sino po sila?"ako
Nakangiti kong tanong sa maputing babae na nasa harapan ko ngayon. Lahat ng suot niya ay kulay pula. Ngayon ko lang siya nakita. Sino siya?
"Where's Boyet?"
Tanong niya at tumingin-tingin pa sa loob ng bahay namin. Hindi naman siguro ‘to manloloob ‘no?
"Ahm... sino ho ba kayo?"ako
Tanong ko ulit. Tinignan naman niya ako ng maigi, mula paa hanggang ulo kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"Sino ka?"
Tanong niya kaya kaagad akong nagpakilala.
"Ako po si Sophia, anak po ako ni Boyet. Pero wala na po si Tatay matagal na. Sino ho ba kayo?"ako
Pagpapakilala ko. Malay mo kasi kamag-anak pala siya ni Tatay kaya hinahanap. Pero never ko pa talaga siya nakita maski noong burol o libing ni Tatay.
"I-ikaw si Sophia?"
Naitaas ko ang kilay ko dahil sa reaksyon niya ngunit kaagad din namang tumango.
"Ako nga po. Kilala niyo po ako?"ako
Nakangiti kong tanong pero napakunot ang noo ko nang medyo napaurong siya. Sabay naman kaming napatingin sa kung sino ang dumating, si Nanay. Uutusan na dapat ako ni Nanay na tulungan siya sa mga dala niya nang makita niyang may kausap ako kaya kaagad siyang tumingala dahil nakasuot ng mataas na sapatos ang babae. Kaagad na nanlaki ang mga mata ni Nanay, muntik na nga niyang mabitawan ang dala, kaya naikunot ko ang noo ko.
"R-Rina?! Anong—anong ginagawa mo rito?"Lorna