After office hours, I wasted no time to return back home. When I arrived to the building where I live, I instantly get in the lift to walk towards my unit. But before I opened my door, I can't help but to glance at the door beside mine. Napahinto ako at napatitig sa pinto. Alam kong wala siya roon sa loob at marahil ay nasa trabaho pa.
Hindi ko alam kung dadalo ito mamaya sa hapunan na inihanda ni Zara.
Alam kong puno ng kaguluhan ang isip niya hanggang ngayon. Everything that he found out this morning might've run havoc in his head and he is starting to get torn between what he knew and what he believed in. I know how he always puts his father on a pedestal so he's probably having a hard time accepting what kind of a person he really is. I'm certain that everything is already too much for him but I'm just starting. Hindi pa ako tapos. He might've been a victim too but I will never spare him.
I don't care if he'll despise me more but one thing is for sure. I'm going to ruin them. And that's a promise.
Binuksan ko na ang pinto ng unit at pumasok sa loob.
As I also entered my room, I automatically stripped down all of my clothes and entered the shower.
I took a cold bath for almost half an hour as I reminded myself to devour everything tonight without having leftovers. When I was finished, I stepped out and wrapped myself in a bathrobe.
Covered in a silk red robe, I stride my way towards the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of wine and glanced at the clock in the living room to check the time. The dinner was set at 7 pm, ayon ito sa pinadalang mensahe sa akin ni Zara. I didn't expect that she'd even choose to celebrate our partnership in their village, kung saan nakatira ang pamilya niya rito sa Maynila ngayon.
If I were her, I wouldn't trust myself this much. Zara is a fool for that. Ilang beses ko na siyang binigyan ng rason para hindi ako pagkatiwalaan pero binibigyan niya pa rin ako ng pagkakataon para sirain ulit ang tiwala niya.
With what I plan to do, I'm going to let her down again. At sa pagkakataong ito, sigurado akong hindi na niya ako patatawarin.
I took a drink from my glass and emptied it. Sinalinan ko muli iyon bago ako naglakad pabalik sa kuwarto. Huminto ako sa harap ng mesa kung saan may nakapatong na envelope kung saan nakasilid ang mga impormasyon na nakalap ko kamakailan.
Secretly, I'm making my move to dig deeper into the Zardelejas. Since I could not just get information from the news and written articles about them, I decided to play a dangerous game and infiltrate the cub's lair.
I found out the truth behind how Vince Zardeleja managed to remain on top of the business field. Embezzlement, borrowed-name stocks, slush funds, illegal requests, maltreatment of employees. These are only a few of the cases he ran from since he managed to silence the authorities with his name and wealth.
The ironic thing about it all is that, I didn't just get all these pieces of information nowhere. I got it from his trophy son who respected him the most. Yes. Nang isang gabing namalagi ako sa unit ni Levi, I did it not because I have no choice. I did it with an ulterior motive.
Little did I know, mismong si Levi ay iniimbestigahan din pala ang sariling ama. Napag alaman kong isa rin itong rason kung bakit ayaw niyang manahin ang kompanya nila. Dahil sa mali at maduming pamamalakad ng ama na hindi niya kayang pigilan ay umalis siya doon at gumawa ng sarili niyang pangalan. Ngunit hindi ko alam kung paano napapayag ni Vince Zardeleja si Rafael na humalili sa kaniya sa uri ng pamamalakad na iyon.
But with all these at hand, I was still not satisfied. If Vince Zardeleja managed to escape from these illegalities, he can easily do it again. Kaya kinailangan ko ng mas mabigat na dahilan para sirain siya.
That's where Zara Zardeleja came into use.
I opened my drawer and picked up the flashdrive that I've been keeping safe for a time like this. Habang nilalaro iyon sa isang kamay ay tumakas ang mahinang tawa mula sa bibig ko.
I shook my head.
All this time, the bullets that I need to shoot were just all under my nose. I never expect that even his own blood and flesh will all be my cards to play for his demise.
I just finished my wine in one gulp and went over my closet to look for what should I wear. And since I'm already in a cheery mood, I picked up a black sleeveless and pleated bodycon dress, then started to move to get ready.
I fixed my hair in curls with big volumes and applied a vengeful amount of make-up on my face with my signature crimson red lipstick. I took my time to get ready as I felt like this night will be full of festivity. And as soon as I'm satisfied with my look, I put on my finishing touches before I wear my red stilettos.
I scanned my look one last time from my full-length mirror and went out of my walk-in closet. I went over to my table and picked up my bag which contained some of my belongings including the flash drive. When I'm ready to go, that's the time I went out of my room and my unit to head over the Zardeleja's den.
Habang nasa kalagitnaan ng pagmamaneho ay biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko. I check the caller ID and when I saw that it was Ashton, I intentionally didn't answer it until he called me again.
Nang sa wakas ay sagutin ko iyon, isang malakas na singhal ang natanggap ko mula sa kaniya. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.
"Where the hell are you?!"
"Oh bakit?", I boredly retorted.
"Sagot ba 'yan?!", naiirita niyang sambit sa kabilang linya.
Umismid ako dahil nagsisimula na akong mairita gayong ang ganda ganda ng mood ko kanina.
"Nasaan ka nga?! I'm at your unit and nobody's home!"
"We'll just talk after I get back."
Kalmado na sagot ko saka pinatay ang tawag.
I cannot let Ashton know what I'm up to. Even if I'm on the way to retrieve the retribution in the same place he got condemned.
Binalik ko ang tingin sa harap nang nakikita ko na ang gate ng village. The guards already have a heads-up that I am an expected visitor that's why after I said my name, they gave me a free pass.
Nang maaninag ko na ang eksaktong address na binigay ni Zara ay huminto ako sa tapat.
Namataan kong may ibang mga nakaparadang sasakyan sa kalsada ngunit mula sa bahay, may nakita naman akong dalawang nakaparada na sasakyan doon. It was Zara's white BMW and someone's gray mustang. Levi's car wasn't there.
I checked the time on my wristwatch. It's already an hour passed seven. Saktong pagbaling ko ng tingin sa labas ay tumunog naman ang cellphone ko. I picked it up and answered the call from Zara.
"Where are you na ba? It's already 8 o'clock!", singhal nito mula sa kabilang linya.
"I'm already here."
Pagbaba ko ng cellphone ay naghintay lang ako ng ilang segundo bago ko nakita si Zara na patakbong lumabas mula sa front door.
Dinampot ko na ang dalang bag saka binuksan ang pinto ng sasakyan.
Umusog si Zara sa tabi para bigyan ako ng daan at malawak ang mga ngiting sinalubong niya ako agad ng yakap.
I didn't hug her back like I always do.
I just furrowed my brows when I heard a faint sound from the lawn area.
Nang kumalas sa yakap si Zara ay nakita nito ang ekspresyon sa mukha ko kaya agad siyang ngumiwi.
"I know that I told you it's going to be intimate, but this is a big thing for me so I invited a lot of friends."
Naiikot ko ang mata ngunit piniling hindi na lang umimik kaya hinila na ako ni Zara papasok sa bahay nila.
As I stepped in, I was welcomed by the warm and cozy receiving area with a modern luxurious design. Mula roon ay makikita rin ang nakahilerang mga naglalakihang frames ng pamilya nila. My eyes wandered freely when they stopped at a family portrait which was placed at the center of the room.
Mula sa litrato ay nakatayo sa likod ng upuan sina Rafael, Zara at Levi. Rafael was sporting a sly smirk on his face but his eyes glim with puzzling mystery. The kind that screams danger, which shouldn't be taken lightly. Unang kita ko pa lang dito noon, I already know that we'll never be on good terms. We're both like fire who cannot be tamed. Katabi nito si Zara na siyang nasa gitna. The only rose among all Zardelejas in this generation. Nakapatong ang dalawang kamay nito sa balikat ng ama at nakapaskil ang malawak na ngiti sa mga labi. I can't help but wonder how far can that smile go tonight.
Then my eyes drifted to her side, to Levi. Walang bakas ng kahit anino ng ngiti sa mga labi nito. Blangko ang titig at seryoso ang mukha na nakatingin lamang ito sa camera. It looks like he doesn't even want to be there. Unlike Rafael, Levi looked so cold. Unlike his brother, he's not someone who's raging. He's calm like the sea, but his quietness is something that could drown you, which is more dangerous for me.
Nagtagal ng ilang segundo ang titig ko sa mukha ni Levi nang makuha ng atensyon ko ang mag-asawang nakaupo sa upuan sa harap ng kanilang mga anak. Malambing at mabini ang mga ngiti ni Carina Zardeleja doon. Nakapatong sa tuhod nito ang kamay ng asawa na mistulang haring nakaupo sa trono. Pinagmasdan kong mabuti ang litrato ni Vince Zardeleja kasama ang kaniyang pamilya. There was a smug look on his face as he crookedly smiled. He's someone who couldn't do any harm at first glance but if you take a look longer, his face is close to someone who looks like the devil.
"Mama, Raegan has arrived!"
Naputol ang pagmamasid ko sa litrato nila nang marinig ko muli ang boses ni Zara kasabay ng pagpasok ng ginang sa bahay mula sa kung saan nanggagaling ang malakas na tugtugan sa lawn area.
Just like the last memory I had with her, it felt like she didn't even age a bit. Naroon pa rin ang malambing na ngiti ni Carina Zardeleja tulad ng nasa litrato nang salubungin niya ako. I watch her walk gracefully as she neared to me with an open arms.
"Finally! After how many years, it's a sight to have you here, hija.", saad nito at niyakap ako. I stood there like a statue when I didn't return her hug. "It felt like seeing Beatrice again after a long time.", dagdag pa niya.
Tumikhim ako saka siya kumalas sa pagkakayakap sa akin. Muli na naman siyang ngumiti saka pinakatitigan ako.
"You've changed a lot from the last time I saw you, hija.", hindi ako nagkomento at nanatiling nakatingin lang sa kaniya. Hindi naman natanggal ang ngiti nito nang bumaling siya kay Zara. "Why don't you call the boys since Raegan is already here, darling? It's time to eat."
"Kuya Raf is just taking a shower while Dad is still talking with someone over the phone in his office." Saad nito saka inginuso ang pinto sa isang banda malapit sa sala kung saan marahil ang opisina ng ama.
Natuon ang atensyon ko sa pinto ng opisina na iyon habang nakikinig sa mag-ina.
"Si Kuya Levi naman...", naramdaman ko amg pagsulyap ni Zara sa akin bago itinuloy ang sasabihin. "I don't know if he's going to come."
"Oh Levi. Is he overworking again? Ano bang nangyayari sa kapatid niyo at ni hindi lang ako mabisita rito? He's avoiding even your father."
"Let's just show Raegan to the lawn area, Mama.", pag-iwas ni Zara sa pagsagot sa ina.
Hinila ako ni Zara papunta sa pinto kung saan pumasok kanina si Carina Zardeleja kaya nawala ang atensyon ko kung nasaan si Vince Zardeleja. Paglabas namin ay nabungaran ko ang grupo grupo ng mga tao roon na nagsasaya sa kanya kanyang mesa ng mga ito at nagtatawanan.
Sa isang banda, nakahanda na ang mga pagkain at inumin para sa mga bisita.
The whole atmosphere is too grand and loud for my liking. Hindi ko naisip na paghahandaan ni Zara nang ganito ang simpleng dinner na sinabi niya sa akin.
I sighed inwardly and just go with the flow.
Pinaupo ako ni Zara sa isang table doon na bakante at may anim na upuan. Some of the maids instantly went near to us and serve a fruit drink but I requested for a wine.
Tumaas ang kilay ni Zara sa akin.
"I thought you don't drink."
"This party won't be a party without a wine."
I shrugged as I sipped into my glass.
Ginaya niya na lang din ako at nagpakuha rin ng sariling kopita. We clinked our glasses as the dinner started.
After quite some time, few of Zara's staffs are already at our table and they are already in talks about the agreement for their company's publication of my book. Habang nakaupo roon ay lumilibot na ang mga mata ko ngunit wala pa rin akong nakikita ni anino ni Vince Zardeleja.
Namataan ko na si Rafael sa isang banda na tanging seryosong tingin lamang ang iginawad sa akin ngunit kahit ang panganay na kapatid nito ay hindi ko rin mahagilap.
After an hour, the crowd was already getting too loud and our little group in the table can no longer indulge in a proper conversation. Some who are already tipsy are already dancing at the middle and playing at the corner of the lawn area where the pool is.
Lumakas na rin ang tugtugin doon kaya maging ang ibang kasama ko sa table kanina ay nakisaya na rin.
Zara excused herself to the washroom kaya tanging ako na lang ang naiwan doon. Napalingon ako sa gawi kung nasaan si Rafael and I can already see him flirting with some of Zara's friends.
Inubos ko ang laman ng kopita ko at sinalinan iyon ulit saka ako tumayo.
It's useless to just stay here without the prey. Might as well seize the night so I'll go and take the first move.
Tangan ang kopita sa kamay ay tinalunton ko ang daan papasok sa bahay kung saan kami galing kanina. Mula sa loob ay hindi gaanong rinig ang ingay sa labas kaya't naririnig ko ang kalansing sa kusina at ang tinig ni Carina Zardeleja at ng mga kasambahay doon.
I walk passed it and find the place where Vince might be.
Dahil tanda ko kung saan itinuro ni Zara ang opisina ng ama kanina ay doon ako dumiretso.
Walang pag aalinlangan na binuksan ko iyon.
"Estupido! Hindi ba't sinabi kong gawan niyo ng paraan? I don't care who the hell that person is! If they go against my way then dispose them! Mga walang silbi!"
Pagpasok ko doon ay ni hindi man lamang naramdaman nito ang presensya ko dahil sa kausap sa telepono. Nakatalikod ito sa akin at nagsasalin ng alak.
I left the door ajar and walk near his table while watching him argue in the phone.
I played with my glass of wine in my hand and leaned on the table a bit.
"Who?...Then tell that goddamn Richard Castañeda that I won't let him! I'll broadcast all his darkest secrets in national television again if he keeps on getting on my nerves! His affair with Aubrey Ricafort is not just the only thing I have! Tell him that!"
I grunted.
"Why? What else do you have? Care to share it with me?"
Mistulang doon lamang nito napagtanto na hindi siya nag-iisa sa silid nang lumingon ito sa akin.
Dumiin ang gitla sa noo nito nang mapagsino ang nagsalita.
Bumakas na naman ang disgusto sa mukha nito nang makita na ako iyon.
"What are you doing here?", galit ang tono na tanong niya agad sa akin.
I shrugged my shoulders that made him more irritated.
May sinabi lang ulit ito sa kausap saka niya binaba ang tawag.
"You never learn, do you? I don't want you near my house and any of my family members! Don't you understand that?!"
I smirked.
"I also don't want to be near any of the people related to you trust me. But what can I do? They are the one who wanted me."
I said, pushing his buttons.
He exasperatedly sighed and looked at me disgustingly.
"Ano na naman bang kailangan mo? Hanggang ngayon ay hindi mo pa rin ba naiintindihan na ayaw kita para sa anak ko?"
I shook my head because he would always bring that up at every chance he get.
"I didn't come for that. Although it's tempting since it can kill the shit out of you, but no.", ngumisi ako at sumimsim ulit mula sa kopita. "Levi...he's too good for my liking. He cherishes his family too much, respects you too much...defends you too much and I don't like it. Just be thankful he loves you more than he ever did with me. That's why it confuses me why regardless of that...how come he has been investigating his own father?"
"What do you mean?", biglang nabahala na saad niya sa akin.
I scoffed.
"Funny how can you act so high and mighty like you're doing something great but all you know is how to play dirty."
"What the hell are you talking about?", hindi na napigilan ang gigil na tanong niya sa akin.
"Embezzlement, borrowed-name stocks, slush funds, illegal requests, maltreatment of employees---"
"Ano bang sinasabi mong babae ka?!", bulyaw niya sa akin na hindi ako pinatapos sa sasabihin.
I smirk when I saw the anger lurking in his eyes.
Inilabas ko ang ilang printed documents na dala ko na nakita ko sa drawer ni Levi noon at inilapag iyon sa mesa niya.
"I've got evidence, Vince Zardeleja. What's worse? This is from your son who thinks so highly of you. What's more shocking was that I found out that you're also involved in a secret rendezvous with your secretary yet you broadcasted my father's scandalous affair." I tilted my head, scanned him, and said, "You're a hypocrite," while emphasizing every word.
Natigilan siya sa sinabi ko ngunit agad ding nakabawi.
"W-What are you talking about?! Huwag kang gumagawa ng kwento!", he said stuttering, halatang nababahala sa sinabi ko.
Sarkastiko akong tumawa.
"Touché. I'm a writer, Sir. But the thing is...I'm not just making stories."
Nilabas ko ang flashdrive mula sa bag at ipinakita iyon sa kaniya.
"Aside from Levi, I found this from Zara's office. This is a compilation of all the CCTVs from a motel you've been checking in with your secretary including the rape case you had with one of your employees. See? Including your youngest born is investigating you. I just wonder why they haven't made a move yet. But if they won't...I will."
Hindi nakatakas sa akin ang paglunok ni Vince Zardeleja at paglaki ng mga mata nito na waring hindi inaasahan ang sinabi ko.
Tumayo ako ng tuwid at inubos ang laman ng kopita ko at ipinatong iyon sa taas ng mesa niya. Dinampot ko ang larawan ni Zara doon nung bata pa ito at hinarap iyon sa kaniya.
"Remember how you accused someone of raping your daughter when you're the one who's really doing the evil deed?", I clicked my tongue and shook my head.
I saw the corner of his mouth twitched as his eyes narrowed at me.
"How dare you accuse me you stupid young lady? I can sue you with every nonsense you're spitting in my own house, do you know that?"
I chuckled sarcastically.
"Then sue me, I dare you. You're own children will back me up and abandon you once they'll know the truth. Sa ngayon si Zara palang ang nakakaalam nito. Paano pa kaya kung malaman 'to ng asawa mo? O ni Levi?"
I swear, I almost saw the fear in his eyes but he quickly erased it from my view when he forced to held his chin up.
"I-I can do no wrong in Levi's eyes!"
"Then let's see if you'll still come clean once he sees this.", saad ko habang hawak ang flashdrive.
Ngunit naging mabilis ang pangyayari nang bigla akong sunggaban ni Vince Zardeleja para agawin sa akin ang flashdrive. That only confirmed that everything I said was actually true. If he is that afraid to get the evidence from me, it only proves that he's the real monster here and not me.
Marahas ang paghila na ginawa niya kaya't napasigaw ako nang mabasag ang kopita na binaba ko sa mesa niya at nagkalat ang mga bubog sa sahig. Ngunit kahit natatapakan namin iyon ay hindi tumigil si Vince Zardeleja sa pagkuha ng flash drive sa akin.
"Give me that, you bitch!", nangagalaiti niyang sigaw.
At marahil dahil sa ingay na nanggaling sa nabasag na kopita ay bumukas ang pinto at nadatnan kami doon ni Carina Zardeleja.
"Vince!", salubong ang mga kilay sa gulat na bulalas niya. "What is happening?! Raegan!"
Ngunit kahit naroon na ang asawa ay hindi pa rin siya tumigil. In his aggressive attempt to retrieve that thing from me, he raised his hand and slapped me on my face.
Mistula akong tumilapon sa sahig dahil sa malakas na sampal niya. Nabitawan ko ang flash drive.
"Papa!"
A loud thunderous voice suddenly shouted from the outside. Hindi ako nakalingon agad kung sino ang galit na sumigaw niyon.
I just suddenly can't move when I felt the painful sting on my cheek. Pagkayuko ko sa sahig, nakita ko ang butil ng patak ng dugo. Nanginginig na inangat ko ang kamay para hawakan ang pisngi. Napadaing ako sa hapdi. Vince Zardeleja's ring scarred my cheek.
My breathing hitched as I look down again to the floor with all of the broken glass around me.
"Raegan..."
Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa may-ari ng boses. As I looked up, I saw Levi's face. Nagkukumahog itong pumasok sa loob at dinaluhan ako.
His worried eyes scanned my face and saw the blood dripping from my cheek. Mabilis na nilabas niya ang panyo sa bulsa at dinampi iyon sa pisngi ko. He also looked down and saw the cut from my legs because of the shattered glasses. Naramdaman ko siyang nagpipigil ng galit mula sa pagkakahawak sa akin nang makita ang mga sugat ko.
Pinikit niya nang mariin ang mga mata saka narinig ko siyang mahinang nagmura. With all the strength he has, he stood up. And for all these years that I knew him as a calm and collected person, this is the first time I saw him show another expression. Anger.
The first thing that he did shock me. Agresibo niyang sinugod at tinulak ang ama sa pader at kinwelyuhan ito.
"Levi!"
Sunod na pumasok si Rafael at pinaghiwalay and kapatid at ang ama. Ngunit hindi nagpatinag si Levi. Madiin ang paghaklit nito sa ama at kitang kita ko ang litid sa leeg niya sa pagpipigil ng galit.
"Levi ano ba!"
Rafael also grabbed his brother by the collar and pulled him away. When Levi still won't let go, he swings his fist to his face. Dahil doon ay mistulang nagdilim ang tingin ni Levi at sinuntok din ang kapatid pabalik. Hindi pa ito nakuntento nang suntukin niya ulit si Rafael. Mistulang dito na lamang niya naituon ang galit na hindi niya lubusang mailagay sa ama.
"You two, enough!", histeryang sigaw ni Carina Zardeleja at patakbong lumapit para paghiwalayin ang dalawang anak.
"Levi tumigil ka na!"
"Kayo ang tumigil!", nagwawalang bulyaw ni Levi at inalis ang kamay ng ina mula sa kaniya.
Napahilamos siya sa mukha at napapikit nang mariin. Pagmulat niya ay nakita ko ang pangingilid ng luha sa mga mata niya. Pagod na binalingan niya ang ama.
"Hindi ba't nagmakaawa na ako sa'yo, Pa?", he weakly asked. "Hindi pa ba sapat lahat ng ginawa ko para tumigil ka? I've always live my life the way you wanted! Nagpakaalipin ako sa'yo masunod lang lahat ng gusto mo! I just want you to leave her alone!"
"Levi---", Vince Zardeleja tried to explain but Levi shook his head.
"I can let everything pass, Pa. But this?...I will never forgive you."
Tinalikuran siya ni Levi saka naglakad ito papunta sa akin. I can see from down here how hard he's clenching his jaw and how hard he's restraining himself to let his anger out but instead of doing that, he just silently walked towards me and carefully scooped me from the floor. Naglakad siya papunta sa pinto at ni hindi man lang tinapunan ng tingin kahit si Carina Zardeleja nang magsalita ang ama nito.
"Are you really choosing that girl over us, Levi?"
Levi stopped in his tracks. He swallowed hard and responded, "I've always chosen you over her multiple times, Pa. So don't blame me if I'm going to start choosing her now."
Nagsimula muling humakbang si Levi nang may magsalita.
"I'm warning you.", kahit nanginginig ang boses ay sinubukan ni Vince Zardeleja na maging matapang. "Once you step any further...once you continue to leave with that girl, you chose to turn your back on me. And if you do that, forget that you're even a Zardeleja. I'm going to disown you."
Nakarinig ako ng pagsinghap.
"Vince ano bang sinasabi mo?", nababahalang saad ni Carina Zardeleja.
At some point, I thought that Levi will stop. I thought he'll never take any step forward. Kaya hindi ko inaasahan nang mistulang wala siyang narinig at walang lingon likod na nagpatuloy siyang maglakad paalis.
"K-Kuya..."
I saw Zara outside the door and she probably heard everything. Ngunit maging siya ay ni hindi na tinapunan ng tingin ni Levi.
Narinig ko ang pagtawag ni Carina Zardeleja kay Levi pabalik maging ang palahaw na iyak niya. Tinangka pa ni Zara na habulin ang kapatid ngunit mabilis itong pinigilan ni Vince Zardeleja.
Levi continued to walk out of the house leaving them all behind, finally choosing me.
And with that, I'd say...I won.