Warning: This chapter contains mature scenes like sex, violence, death and mention of suicide. This may be uncomfortable for some readers so please, be advised. Prioritize one's state of mind all the time. Thank you.

ONCE the night stepped in, it was time for the luxurious to party. And Aivan just arrived at the Laurinous seven-star hotel owned by his family. Kagagaling niya lang sa board meeting at nais niyang magpahinga.

When he stepped out of his limousine, his butlers--which he prefer calling servants--immediately pulled out an umbrella for the tiny little raindrops not to touch his million-dollar tuxedo. He went to the third floor where his VIP room was situated.

"What a day," he groaned while changing his clothes.

Sobrang nakakapagod ang araw na ito sa kaniya dahil wala siyang ibang ginawa kundi ang ayusin ang magiging launching ng kaniyang website. From the staffs and their marketing strategy, he wanted it to be done effectively and smoothly. Hands on na hands on siya dahil ayaw na ayaw niyang pumalya.

If his business would soar more after this launching, there might be a big tendency he would exceed his brother. Kapag nangyari iyon, siya na ang magkakaroon ng malaking share sa family inheritance nila. Having four siblings was really a pain, so he needed to strive harder if he wanted the biggest share of Laurien's inheritance.

A sound of a doorbell caught his attention, making him grin.

It's time for a breather.

He walked towards the door and opened it. Kaagad na sumilay ang ngiti sa mga labi niya nang isang babae ang bumati sa kaniya. Napunta ang tingin niya sa itim na damit na hapit na hapit sa katawan nito. Maikli ito kaya kitang-kita niya ang maputi at mahaba nitong mga paa.

"Am I late?" The woman pursed her red lips. She stepped closer to him and encircled her arms around his neck.

"You arrived just in time." He wrapped his hand around her waist. "What's your name?"

"Emily."

"Emily." He leaned in and smell the sweet scent from her neck. "Satisfy me tonight, love. I'll give more than the payment if you perform well." And he pulled her inside his room.

She bit his ear as response. "I'll do great."

He put her on the bed before going to his wine cabinet. Kumuha siya ng isang Chateau Cheval Blanc bago bumalik at tumabi sa babae.

Kaagad itong umupo sa kaniyang lap dahilan para mapangiti siya. "How's business going, Mr. Laurien?"

"With all these stupid people around me, I'm excelling."

His business had been going so high after he started being a mental health advocate. Two years ago, the rate of suicidal cases in their country rose exponentially. He thought he could benefit from it somehow, so he took advantage of the people. Dahil sa mga itinayo niyang mga program at imprastraktura, malaki ang naibalik sa kaniya. Hindi lang iyon, dahil din sa exposure niya sa media at sa mga binitawan niyang salita, mabilis niyang napaikot ang masa.

The decision he made two years ago was truly the best.

"Well, aren't you great, Mr. Laurien? You can easily tangle them between your fingers." Emily started kissing his neck.

"Nah. There all just stupid losers. When you learn some few things and make yourself relatable to them, they will start believing everything you say." He grinned. "They are that easy."

Nilagay niya ang empty glass ng wine sa side table at hinapit papalapit ang katawan ng babae sa kaniya. He slid his left hand on her leg while his right was busy with her plump breast. Her round and soft breast made him feel arouse.

"You're big," he whispered and started unzipping her dress.

Bahagya niyang hinila ang buhok ng babae dahilan para mapatigil ito sa paghalik sa kaniya. Kaagad niyang sinunggaban ang labi nito ng mapupusok niyang mga halik. Natigilan sandali ang babae pero mabilis din itong tumugon.

Walang ibang maririnig sa buong kuwarto kundi ang kanilang mga kapos na hininga at pag-ungol habang tuloy-tuloy nilang nilalasap ang nakakapasong init sa pagitan nila.

Hiniga niya ang babae sa kama at dinaganan ito.

"Say Emily, if you find yourself getting depressed over something so small, what would you call yourself?" he said while savoring her nipple.

Emily moaned while pulling his blond hair tight. "L-loser. I would be a loser, Mr. Laurien."

"Good. You're right, Emily. These suicidal people are damn losers who would kill themselves over some trivial matters."

Aivan couldn't help but to laugh at those pathetic people. Para sa kaniya, sobrang babaw ng mga rason nila. Masiyadong mahihina. Kaunting problema, kaagad na ngumangawa. At kapag napuno, gusto kaagad patayin ang sarili.

"They might as well die." He licked her stomach before proceeding to the main dish. "But . . . matutuwa ako kapag hindi sila mamatay. Matutuwa akong ako ang magiging dahilan ng motibasyon nila. In that way, I will have more money."

"Mr. L-laurien . . ."

"Yes, my stuttering Emily?" He chuckled while stopping for a moment to check her face. Her red and sweaty face made him more arouse than earlier.

He wanted to get inside her quick.

"How did you come up with this scheme?"

"Scheme? I rather call it a brilliant idea." He opened her legs. A sly smile let out from his mouth as he remembered what happened two years ago.

If it wasn't for that loser, he wouldn't be able to achieve this feat.

"There was once an author named Noa Green. She has a large fanbase and has achieved great recognition from her readers. But because she's stupid . . ." He paused for a moment and thrust his manhood inside the woman. Nasundan kaagad ito ng pag-ungol ng babae dahilan para mas lalo siyang ginanahan. Binaliwala niya ang kuko nitong bumaon sa kaniyang likuran at lalo pang diniinan. Hinalikan niya ang tainga nito bago nagpatuloy. "She killed herself."

"Oh . . . I--ah!" Hindi ito makapagsalita nang tama nang magsimula na siyang gumalaw.

"Because of that, Emily, I seize that opportunity. I used her name. I used her influence. I said I was his reader. I told the media that I will build a safe space for people who are suffering from depression in behalf of Noa. And you know what happened?"

"W-what? Oh! Please, faster, Mr. Laurien . . ."

"The attention was focused on me instantly!" He laughed. "They said I was such a kind-hearted man. And that I made Noa proud. Pft! Fucking stupid! They are all fucking stupid!"

Aivan thrusted faster as he continued to boast how stupid the people to him. They made more rounds that night until Emily could no longer get up. Madaling araw na nang mapagpasiyahan niyang pumunta ng bathroom para maligo.

Pagkalabas niya, natutulog pa rin ang babae sa kaniyang kama. Inabot niya ang kaniyang wallet at kumuha ng iilang salapi.

"You're not that bad." Hinagis niya ito sa kama bago maglakad palabas ng kuwarto para magluto.

Suot-suot niya pa ang kaniyang roba habang dumadaan sa salas nang bigla siyang mapatigil.

"Fuck!" malutong siyang napamura nang may pigurang nakaupo sa sofa.

Nakaharap ito sa kaniya ngunit hindi niya maaninag ang mukha nito dahil sa black veil na nakatakip. Isang itim na roba ang suot nito na umaabot sa sahig at may corset ding nakapalibot sa tiyan.

What the fuck is that fashion, man?

Kunot-noo niya itong tinitigan dahil hindi siya sigurado kung tao ba ito o estatwa. Napaigtad siya nang bigla itong gumalaw at pinagkrus ang mga braso. Sumandal ito sa likuran ng sofa bago nagsalita.

"You made me wait for too long, worthless human. Did you enjoy your last night?" Malalim at puno ng pagdiin ang tono ng boses nito. Hindi niya man makita ang mukha pero ramdam niya ang matalim nitong tingin.

"Who are you? How did you get in here?"

Bigla itong tumawa. Isang malakas at pekeng tawa dahil literal na naririnig niya ang salitang 'haha'.

"You are asking who I am?" Tumayo ito sa kinauupuan. "Worthless human. Didn't you say earlier that you were a reader of my Noa? You should know me."

Natigilan naman si Aivan. Narinig ba nito ang pinag-usapan nila ni Emily kanina?

"I don't who you are nor how did you get in my room, but I suggest you get out. Or else--" Hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin nang bigla na lang siya nitong sugurin. Sinunggaban nito ang kaniyang leeg at malakas na ihinampas ang kaniyang likuran sa pinto ng kuwarto.

He let out a groan when he felt the aching pain. The nails of the man were like knife, piercing his neck. Hindi rin siya makahinga dahil sa higpit ng pagkakasakal nito sa kaniya.

"Did you have fun using my Noa's name?" Lalo pa nitong diniinan ang pagkakahawak kaya nataranta siya. Hinawakan niya ang matipuno nitong braso para sana itulak ngunit masiyado itong malakas. Magkasinglaki lang naman sila subalit bakit kakaiba ang taglay na lakas ng lalaking kaharap niya?

"Because of the likes of you, she died!"

He raised him up before throwing him like he was no heavy weight. Bumangga ang kaniyang katawan sa small glass table. Nabasag ang glass at dumikit sa katawan niya ang ibang bubog.

Napaubo siya habang nilingon ang lalaking papalapit na sa kaniya. Nanginginig niyang hinawakan ang sariling leeg na ngayo'y walang tigil ang pagdurugo. Dumagundong ang kaba sa puso niya nang may mga kakaibang bagay ang naglabasan sa kamay nito.

Threads? What the hell is going on? Am I dreaming?

"Don't come here, you creep!" Tumayo siya pero dahil sa kaniyang pagmamadali nadulos siya sa mga bubog. Wala siyang ibang nagawa kundi ang gumapang palayo sa lalaking patuloy pa ring naglalakad papalapit sa kaniya. "Get lost!"

"You were one of the reasons she died. You deserve to know that, asshole."

Aivan froze when thick threads encircled his ankle. Hindi siya makalayo. Hinihila siya nito. Hinihila siya papalapit sa lalaking hindi niya mawari kung tao ba o demonyo.

"Ah!" Isang malakas na sigaw ang pinakawalan niya nang bigla na lang lumutang sa ere ang kaniyang katawan. Bago pa siya makakurap, tumilapon siya papunta sa pinto ng kaniyang kuwarto. Nasira ito at dumiretso ang kaniyang katawan sa paanan ng kama.

He wasn't able to take a breath when the guy was already in front of him like a jump scare in horror movies. His black veil screamed a murderous intent making his throat dry.

"How dare you hurt my Noa! My beloved Noa who wants nothing but to live!"

"I don't know w-what you're talking about!" Kaagad siyang umiling. "I only u-use her name, but I wasn't involve in her suicide!"

"Oh, really?" he uttered sarcastically. "How can you be so sure?"

"Hindi ko talaga alam! Hindi ko kasalanan na gusto na niyang bawiin ang sarili niya! You should blame her--ack!"

He didn't let him finish his word and grabbed his mouth. Ramdam niya ang nginig sa mga kamay ng lalaki. Nginig na puno ng nakakakilabot na galit.

"It's your damn fault! You and your abhorrent personality took her away from me!" he screamed. "You took her life!"

Tuluyang naestatwa si Aivan sa nagwawala nitong boses. Napapikit na lang siya. Masiyadong nakakakilabot ang presensya nito na animo'y kapag sumagot siya, hindi na niya pa magagawang maimulat ang mga mata.

"Think, human." Tumayo ito. Ang akala niya'y lulubayan na siya pero sinipa nito ang kaniyang mukha dahilan para mahampas ang ulo niya sa sahig. Kaagad nitong tinapakan ang kaniyang bungo at muling magsalita. "If you have a brain, use it. You have claimed yourself as someone better than anyone, that you are surrounded by stupid people . . . but are you really better than them?"

"H-help . . ." He tried to move his hand, trying to reach something. He wanted to get away from this man. He didn't know why this was suddenly happening to him. He was enjoying himself earlier but seconds later, he was already lying here.

What the hell did he do wrong?

"People who don't have sympathy towards their kind are the stupid ones. Those kinds of people who can laugh about the situation of others hold the true embodiment of stupidity! You are the worthless, damn stupid loser!" Muli nitong hinila ang kaniyang buhok. Mariin at puno ng galit, sinandal nito ang kaniyang ulo sa paanan ng kama. "To my Noa and to all the people you took advantage of, I will execute my judgment on you. You deserve to die."

Isa-isang nagtaasan ang balahibo niya sa katawan matapos iyong marinig. His life suddenly flashed before his eyes, and the image of Noa Green wouldn't go away. Memories of her flooded him which made him feel disgusted.

That fucking woman! She's the least I want to think of!

"Mr. Laurien?"

Naputol ang kaniyang pag-iisip nang marinig ang boses ni Emily. Susuko na sana siya pero nang marinig ang boses nito, nabuhayan siya ng loob.

"E-emily! H-help! Help--"

Diinan ng lalaki ang pagkakahawak sa buhok niya. Napunta ang atensyon nito kay Emily. "You're awake, woman."

"W-who are you?"

He chuckled. A dark, menacing chuckle. "I am your death." Tinaas nito ang isang kamay. Nagsilabasan mula roon ang itim na mga sinulid at sinakal ang leeg ng babae.

"Ah!" Nagpumiglas si Emily. Sinubukan nitong tanggalin ang makapal na sinulid subalit pinalibutan na ang buo nitong katawan. Parang mga uod na pinasok ang bibig, ilong at mga mata nito hanggang sa tuluyang makabuo ng isang cocoon.

"Because you do nothing and approve the ill doing of this man, you will die along with him."

And there, Aivan realized he had no hope to escape from this situation. The moment Emily was trapped in those thick threads, his mind had been shouting the word 'death'. He would die here in the hands of the man he didn't know.

Pero ayaw niyang mangyari 'yon. Ayaw niya pang mamatay. May launching pa siyang aasikasuhin. Marami pa siyang perang makukuha. Hihigitan niya pa ang kapatid niya.

"P-please . . . please, don't kill me." Hinawakan niya ang braso nito. "W-what do you want? Ibibigay ko sa 'yo lahat ng gusto mo, just say it."

Binalik ng lalaki ang atensyon nito sa kaniya. "You can't give me what I want. You can't turn back time and give my Noa to me alive and well."

He panicked when the black threads started wrapping his body. Kaagad siyang nagpumiglas subalit masiyado itong matibay para mapunit.

"Cry, human. Suffer. Then, die."

"No! Sto--" Pieces of black threads started creeping inside his mouth, causing him to suffocate. Tumulo ang luha sa mga mata niya nang maramdaman ang nakamamatay na sakit sa kaniyang lalamunan. Para itong tinutusok, sinisira ang bawat parte ng pangloob niyang balat.

Paunti-paunti na ring dumaloy ang mga sinulid sa kaniyang braso kaya napahigpit ang kapit niya sa roba ng lalaki. Lumuhod ito dahilan para maabot niya ang black veil. Kaagad niya itong hinila.

He froze when he saw his face.

H-how?

"Die."

As the black threads creeped inside the corners of his eyes, he didn't remove his gaze to the man. And until he die, his mind was left questioning about the person behind the black veil.