This is the last update for this story. I hope you enjoyed reading this. See you on the last installment of Cosmos Series, Dasher's story! I can't wait to finish the whole series at the same time, I can't let Cosmos go. I'll surely miss writing Cosmos Series. Again, thank you for reading!

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I peeked at the only light in the midst of darkness. From the night vision of my rifle, I saw my target moved, just a few meters in my front. I grip my gun tightly, ready to shoot but my head cocked when the target fell, though I didn't even pulled the trigger of my rifle.

I looked at my side when someone tapped my shoulder. "Bagal mo!" Dellany muttered as a smirk formed in her lips.

I was about to answer her when I felt the unfamiliar movement of my heart. Frown immediately etched in my forehead as I sense a bit of familiarity in it.

I've felt this before. In that woman. Whenever that woman is near me, like how my inside's reacting right now.

"Archer!"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin mula sa pagkakadukdok sa table ng library.

The bright smile is now plastered in her face as she giggled beside me. "You know me, right?" She's hopefully nodding her head in me.

I surely know you, Priscilla Auriese Gallardo. Two years accelerated. First year college, taking Bachelor of Science in Accountancy course. Twin sister of Preston Austin Gallardo. What else, honey?

"You can call me Aurie. Pwedeng paturo?" She asked while pointing her book when I didn't answer.

I frowned as I saw the topic. She's accelerated, right? The topic she was saying is a basic one. Dapat ay alam na niya 'yon.

I stared at her eyes and immediately shook my head before turning my back on her, leaving her in that table. Dire-diretso akong lumabas ng library kasabay ng pagkalma ng aking kalooban.

The violent reaction from my insides vanished as I walked away from her. What the fuck is this? I never felt this from anyone but her. Sa dami ng babaeng nakakasama ko, sa kanya ko lang nararamdaman ang ganoon.

That kept me bothered for I don't know how long. Then Dellany came, the real Dellany, giving my insides the same reaction as that woman, Auriese.

An unexpected call from Atty. Prestin Gallardo made me realized that I am such a fool. I am a lawyer yet I am a fool for not realizing I am inlove to Aurie since back then. I'm such a fucking idiot!

"Attorney Fonacier speaking."

"This is Attorney Prestin Gallardo from Anderson Law Firm."

I frowned a bit. From Anderson? They have a firm, right? Gallardo Law Firm. "By chance, is this Attorney Preston Austin?"

"Yes, Attorney."

To received a call from a lawyer from a different firm is unusual. I shifted on my seat. "Good afternoon, Attorney. What's with the sudden call?"

"I know you're not accepting urgent cases. But can you at least see this one. My sister needs a lawyer."

I reminded myself to record the number afterwards.

Not accepting urgent cases my ass. Basta si Aurie, ayaw ko man ay wala akong magagawa. Tila may sariling isip ang aking katawan. Fuck, my insides can't say no to Aurie.

"Attorney Fonacier," I extended my hand and continued. "Your brother called me, I'm your lawyer."

I'm cursing inwardly as I felt the familiar violent reaction as she's near me. For fuck's sake, calm down, fucker!

Auriese Gallardo is accused in murdering her stepmother's son Calvin San Sebastian. She's the prime suspect which I highly doubt. I'll prove that you're innocent, Babe.

Fuck, even if you did it, I can get you out of here. That's how insane I am. Fuck, Aurie. Just for you, babe.

I caught her frowned the moment she saw me. It took her a while to finally shook my hand. "Priscilla Gallardo," she said as she gently accepted my hand for a handshake.

Muntik ko pa iyong hablutin dahil sa agarang pagdaloy ng kuryente sa aking kamay oras na dumikit sa akin ang kanyang mga daliri. Fuck it.

You see, babe, I'll get you out of here and make you mine afterwards. But my high hopes fucking fell on the ground when one of the woman who I used to fuck called. At kung kailan pa hawak ni Aurie ang telepono ko.

Namimilog ang mga mata niyang ibinalik ang aking phone. Muntik pa iyong mahulog dahil sa taranta niya.

Hindi nakatakas ang naeeskandalong tingin niya sa akin. I cursed as I cleared my throat. I ended the call and immediately blocked the number. Honey one? I don't even know who is that.

"I'm sorry for that. Here, you can call your brother," I apologized but her judgement seems final. Fuck it!

She's not pleased to see me here. That's all I know as I analyzed her reaction. She even called her brother asking why I'm here. She thought her voice is too low that I can't hear it. Fuck, babe I heard it all. I heard how you asked your brother for a new lawyer and I don't care. Ilalabas kita rito. I won't even let you sleep in a fucking cell.

I intend to keep her beside me. And seems like the heavens are moving to help. I don't know if I should be happy that no one wants to hire her after the murder case where she's involved made it to the national television.

Those bastards! I already proved she's innocent and she really is yet still no one wants to hire her.

Your loss, dimwits! My gain.

In those years, when we're still in college until now, I must say a lot changed. One of that is the way on how Aurie treats me. She's disgusted at me. Fuck, what did I do? She doesn't even want to have dinner with me.

I grabbed the flight attendant's nape as I hungrily kissed her hard, trying to be awakened but instead, I feel nothing. Nothing unlike before, fuck it.

"What the fuck?!"

I stopped when someone screamed. Binitawan ko ang babae at napasandal sa gilid ng galley.

Naeeskandalo akong tinignan ni Mirae ngunit wala roon ang aking atensyon.

I felt nothing on that woman. Felt like I cheated on Aurie.

"I tried that woman," I started after Mirae dismissed the flight attendant.

"I can't feel anything but guilt, like I cheated on someone even I don't have a girlfriend," I slowly muttered while looking at nowhere. But in my insides, I already know the answer. Maybe I just want to confirm something and hell yeah, I'm inlove with Aurie.

"You have a lot of fling. Maybe that's why?"

Tamad na nagangat ako ng ulo. Nahihiwagaan kong tinignan si Mirae.

"You're not dumb. I know you knew what's happening," she stated as she gave me an encouraging smile. "I wanna meet that woman, soon." She concluded. Tila ba alam na rin kung ano ang aking naiisip.

I can forget those other women for you, Aurie. I can't even compare you to them, 'cause I know you're a lot more. Your worth is more than anything in this world, babe. I can't lose you.

I started giving her flowers, everyday while letting her think its from the management. Though I know somehow, she knew those were from me.

I don't know what happened and suddenly she's treating me like nothing. She doesn't want me near her, if only I'm not her boss, I know she'll sue me away.

I leaned on the swivel chair as I answered the call from Creed. I let the chair rolled and faced the glass wall of my office.

"We have a lead," bungad niya na nakapagpakunot ng aking noo.

"A lead?" Napaayos ako ng upo. Is that Dellany's case? Kanino pa ba? Siya lang naman ang hinahanap namin.

"Yes. About Dellany's whereabouts."

"After four years, Creed, there's a lead? Are you sure?"

It didn't took him awhile and answered right away. "Yes. We need to get there and confirm it immediately. There's a possibility that she's using different name." Nahimigan ko ang kasiguraduhan sa tono niya.

"Fuck! Maybe you're right. She changed her name." Because if she didn't, I surely can find her in just a minute or two.

"That's why it's been four years yet we still can't find her. We need to move and confirm if she's really what we're looking for. Baka makatunog at makatakas pa," I continued.

Four years and we still can't find her. That's why Creed hired and trained someone that can replace Dellany for awhile. That woman, which I don't know the name agreed to undergo plastic surgery to completely copy the real Dellany's face. Malaki-laki rin ang binayad ni Creed sa babaeng iyon.

He agreed on me. "Pupuntahan ko mamaya. I'll confirm it."

"We'll tell Mirae the truth once we got her."

"Let's talk to her first. She's still a capo. She may have her reason why she vanished years ago."

Fuck her reasons! Nothing can justify it. Bigla na lang siyang nawala. What does she expect us to think? "Nagtago siya ng apat na taon. Bakit siya magtatago, kung ganoon? She betrayed Cosmos, that's it. I'll kill her after we got her. At alam natin na ganoon din ang gagawin ni Mirae oras na malaman niya ang totoo."

Mirae will kill her if she learned about what happened. Kahit pa si Mirae mismo ang nagtrain sa kanya ay nasisiguro ko na papatayin din siya dahil sa nagawa.

Agad na naputol ang aming usapan dahil sa tunog na aking narinig mula sa pinto ng aking opisina.

Agad kong inikot ang swivel chair at hinarap ang aking table.

"Let's talk later," paalam ko kay Creed nang makitang si Aurie ang nasa pinto.

"S-sir. Sorry, hindi ko alam na may kausap ka..." She trailed off. "I knocked but no one answered so-"

"Its okay, Aurie. What is it?" I immediately smiled at her.

My eyes darted at the documents in her hand.

"Dinala ko lang. You need to sign this," sambit niya habang nasa bukana pa rin ng pinto.

I nodded. "Come here, let me see." I won't bite you, babe. Come here.

She seems always hesitating while talking to me. Which I can't understand because she's not like this before.

That day, I lied just to have dinner with her. I told her I have a dinner meeting when infact it was an intimate dinner for us. I'm sure of it, when I told her I'll court her, I thought she'll allow me. I saw it in her eyes. But immediately, after meeting Creed and his wife, Aurie hesitated.

She turned me down. Fuck it! What's with Creed and Lavinia? I remember them discreetly asking me if Aurie is that woman I'm talking about, the one I'm inlove with. Iyon lang naman ang naaalala ko. Don't tell me it creeps her? Or damn it, did she misunderstood us? Tangina naman pala, kung gano'n! Sa dami ng oras na pwedeng magpakita si Creed bakit noon pa?

"Can you get a confidential file for me?" I muttered while smirking at Aurie after calling me Arch. Damn, that sounds better.

"Yes. What is it?"

Pormal akong namulsa sa kanyang harapan. "If only I don't have an important meeting ten minutes from now, I won't ask you this."

I frowned a bit when her lips parted. Napamaang siya at tila ba iba ang pagkakaintindi sa sinabi ko.

"Don't get me wrong, it's not what you're thinking, Aurie." Agap ko. Don't think too much, babe.

I trust Aurie. But as much as possible I don't want to boss her around though that's ridiculous because I'm her boss.

"Hindi naman sa gano'n," sagot niya. "Saan ko ba kukunin?"

"Fonacier Law firm. Just ask for Atty. Fonacier's office. The document is placed on the third vault at the left side of the table. Get all the files from that vault. I already opened it for you."

"Alright, I'll get it."

But it took her a lot of time yet she's still not in the firm.

"My secretary's still not there?" Pagkumpirma ko.

"Yes, Sir. Wala pa pong Auriese Gallardo na dumarating--"

"Alright, thank you." Hindi ko na pinatapos ang kausap at agad na ibinaba ang tawag.

I faced my laptop as I hurriedly typed the codes to track Aurie's car.

Agad na kumunot ang aking noo nang makita ang inilabas na lokasyon ng aking laptop. The village where Rozelli live? No, that's where exactly the Rozellis are living! The fuck are you doing there, Aurie?

That's when I learned that Salvia San Sebastian is hiding Auriese's mother. And that fucking Rozelli is helping her.

I swear to find Aurie's mother no matter what. And seems like Aurie let her guards down already, she finally let me court her. At first, I thought she's feeling indebted because I'm finding her mother. But I was wrong. She let me because she wants it. And the happiness I felt that time until now that she's with me is still unmeasurable.

Ysmael tried to blocked the location and fooled to me to go to a wrong one. Ilang beses naulit iyon. That's why I can't blame Aurie when she asked me to stopped looking for her mother. But I didn't, I continue because as I said, I want to help her. I'll find your mother, babe. Let me find her.

On the other hand, the lead Creed's talking about is not Dellany Mallari. That's what Del, the one Creed hired reported on my office one time.

Napailing pa ako nang ipakilala ko si Del kay Aurie ay para siyang nakakita ng multo.

Babe, if you're thinking she's my woman, don't worry she's not. Fuck, the moment I started courting you, I'm all yours. Lalo pa ngayon na sinagot mo na 'ko. Iyong-iyo ako, Aurie.

Marahas akong napaahon sa kinauupuan nang makita ang pumasok na email. It was from an unknown sender. Thinking that it was from Creed, 'cause sometimes he's using an unknown sender especially when sending important documents relating to Cosmos, I immediately opened it.

Ngunit agad na kumunot ang aking noo nang makita ang subject ng mail.

'Your Girlfriend is a Married Woman'

That's what is written on the subject. The message says that there's a misunderstanding on their family that's why Aurie agreed to be my girlfriend.

I scrolled down and frowned when I saw a picture of a woman's side profile, with a bulging tummy.

I swallowed the lump on my throat. Is this Aurie? The camera is position on her side but I'm sure its Aurie. The next photo is outside the airport. I can clearly see Prestin and Aurie, talking to a man while carrying a boy. The man is facing the camera, habang ang batang hawak nito ay nakatalikod. From the looks of it, I can tell they're fighting.

I trust Auriese. She's my girlfriend and I'll only listen to her. That fucking photos might want to mislead me. Believing in those will surely hurt Aurie. Whoever send those pictures only wants us to separate. That won't happen. I trust Aurie.

That kept me thinking but immediately as the day ended, I shrugged the thoughts off and chose to trust Aurie

It took me long but finally, I found her mother. This time, I'm sure I got the real location. Hindi ako nagsayang ng oras at agad na nagplanong puntahan ang lugar.

Mirae's telling us our position while the others were busy listening to her. But my mind's somewhere. I frowned as I stared at Dellany. Why the hell does my insides are reacting this way?

What the fuck? Will you calm down? She's not Aurie, fucker! Saway ko sa sarili. I don't know why my heart's beating this fast. I only felt this whenever Aurie's near and years ago, to the real Dellany.

"Are we clear? We'll go insi-- Light, are you listening?"

I heard Mirae calling me but my eyes were still fix at the Dellany whom Creed hired.

"Aurie," I whispered and I caught her eyes immediately widened.

Dellany angled her head while looking at me. "The fuck are you talking about, Light? We have a mission yet you're thinking of your girlfriend?" Kunot noong tanong niya.

Bahagya akong lumapit sa kanya nang maamoy ang pamilyar na pabango. She fucking smells like my girlfriend. Hindi naman ganito ang amoy niya nang magpunta siya sa opisina, ah?

"Did you changed your perfume?" I asked.

She shook her head. "No, why would I-"

"You smells like Aurie," walang pagaalinlanggang sambit ko.

I frowned as she held her breath as her lips parted.

Astrid chuckled but my attention is still in Dellany. "Stop thinking of your girlfriend. You can call her after this, if she's still awake."

"Yeah, kung ano anong naiisip mo," Del seconded and I can't help but parted my lips when she spoke.

"Fuck, even your voice sounds like her." What the fuck is happening to me?

Lalong kumunot ang aking noo nang lumapit sa akin si Creed at bahagyang tinapik ang aking balikat. "Dellany's not your girlfriend. You're mistaking-"

Matalim ko siyang binalingan. "I'm not," mariing putol ko sa sasabihin niya.

"Auriese is my girlfriend. I was just telling that Dellany smells like her. She sounds like her too," I said in a matter-of-fact tone. But fuck my heart for reacting this way! What the hell is wrong with you, huh? She just sounds and smells like Aurie. She's not her.

I tried to fucking calm my heart but I can't. Fuck it! I need to finish this fast and I'll surely call Aurie afterwards.

I immediately run towards Dellany when she hurriedly went towards the second floor of the mansion.

She approached the woman whom I think is Auriese's mother. As I look at the woman's features, I know she is.

"T-tulungan niyo 'ko. I-I need to go back to my family."

"M-mommy."

I blinked at Del and stopped at their back. I don't know if I heard it right. Pinagmasdam ko si Dellany at napapakunot ang aking noo sa emosyonal na reaksyon niya.

"I-Ilang taon na 'kong tinatago rito. I need to see my family."

"I-I'm sorry, Mommy."

Akmang yayakapin ni Del ang Mommy ni Auriese nang tawagin ko siya. "Dellany." I frowned when she looked at me.

Bumuka ang kanyang mga labi at tila ba natauhan. "I-I mean, I suddenly m-miss my mom. I'm sorry."

There's something wrong with Dellany. That's what is etched in my mind until we arrived at the headquarters.

I tried dialling Auriese the moment we arrived but she's not answering. She must be asleep already.

I stayed in my room inside the headquarters after attending Madame Aurelia's needs.

Ngunit hindi pa ako nagtatagal sa loob ng kwarto ay napalingon ako sa aking pinto nang marinig ang marahas na pagkatok mula roon.

I walked towards it as I opened the door. "Dellany--"

"I found Dellany. I mean, the real one," she muttered but I was busy trying to feel my insides. There's no reaction from it. Her voice doesn't sounds like Aurie. Even the perfume, all I can smell is her natural scent. Hindi tulad kanina.

"Archer--"

I blinked. "What is it again?"

"Creed got the real Dellany. Siya ang kasama niyo sa misyon kanina."

My head tilted at her words. My mouth opened as I stared at her. Napakurap ako at hindi na napigilan ang sarili na hindi mapamura. "Are you fucking sure?"

"Yes! She kidnapped me and see?" Bumaba ang tingin niya sa kanyang hita kaya naman sumunod doon ang aking mga mata. "She did this!"

That fucking explained the reaction of my heart! Fuck it. Aurie and the real Dellany, they're the only woman who can send my insides in chaos. But fuck it! Does that mean I love them both? Damn, no! I only love Aurie.

You fool! I frustratedly run my fingers on my hair. Tangina! Hindi ko gusto 'to. I won't cheat on Aurie! I only love Auriese and not the real Dellany.

Marahas kong hinampas ang aking dibdib. Fucking stop beating for another woman! Just beat for Aurie!

Lalong gusto kong patayin ang babaeng iyon. I'll surely kill that real Dellany.

Dellany, the one Creed hired is right. Creed got the real one, the one who vanished four and almost five years ago. At siya ang kasama namin sa misyon.

"What was the first thing that I told you after letting you join Cosmos?"

I remained staring at the real Dellany while Mirae's asking the fake one.

"I don't know-"

Napatigil ang babae nang ikasa ni Mirae ang baril. Maging ako ay napabaling kay Mirae. What the fuck is she doing? There's the real Dellany, tied in the middle, helpless!

"You don't?"

"Yes-- fuck."

I blinked as Mirae pulled the trigger while pointing the gun on Dellany.

Mariin akong napapikit nang lumabas ang dugo sa balikat ni Del. Fuck, you should shoot the real one, Mirae!

"Fuck it, Mirae. I hired her. She didn't know anything!" Creed walked towards Mirae. He was about to grab Mirae's gun when the real Dellany, the one who's tied spoke.

"It'll be my death if I betray you."

Nahihiwagaan akong napatingin sa direksyon niya. Damn it, she sounds like Aurie.

"Exactly!" Mirae muttered as she turned to the real Dellany, malamig ang mga titig. She pointed her gun towards her direction.

Dellany smirked as her eyes remained perilous. Though she can't fool me as I caught a glimpse of fear in her face.

"Kill me. Not Archer," sambit niya. My eyes narrowed as she shook her head. Why not me, honey? I smirked when she painfully smiled. "Kill me, Mirae."

Mirae quickly glanced at me as she smirked at the one who's tied in the middle of the room. "Why?" She asked but she was interrupted when the fake Dellany spoke.

"There's no Dellany."

Marahas akong napalingon sa direksyon ng nagsalita. Kunot noong tinitigan ko si Del dahil sa sinabi niya.

"What are you talking about?" Creed asked.

"There's no Dellany Mallari. Una pa lang, niloloko na niya kayo."

"What?" Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili na hindi magtanong dahil sa sinasabi niya.

I was about to ask again when my phone suddenly started ringing. Noong una ay wala akong balak sagutin kung sino man iyon. It stopped ringing and started again after awhile. Agad ko iyong kinuha sa aking bulsa at tinignan ang tumatawag.

A frown immediately etched in my forehead when I saw who's calling.

"I'll answer this," I muttered before slightly walking away.

"Attorney Gallardo," I started as I met the real Dellany's eyes. Malamig ko siyang tinitigan.

"Fuck! Auriese's missing--" my jaw immediately clenched.

"What?" I cutted his words. Just merely hearing those words immediately alerted me.

"She didn't go home last night. She's not even answering her phone."

"L-last night?" My voice trembled as I whispered. Fuck it! I was calling her too but she's not answering. Fuck me for thinking she's just asleep!

"I'll find her," pinal na sambit ko bago tinapos ang tawag. Marahas akong napahilamos sa aking mukha at agad na naglakad patungo sa labasan ng silid.

I heard them calling me but I didn't even look back. Fuck, they can handle that real Dellany. I'll find Aurie.

"Archer!" Mirae shrieked before I can even go out.

Marahas akong bumaling kay Mirae nang hindi nakatiis. "Auriese's missing. I need to find her, Mirae."

I heard someone gasped but I'm too preoccupied to mind it.

"You don't have to find her, Archer."

I frowned at the Dellany whom Creed hired.

"Look at this first." The woman set her eyes at the real Dellany as she walked towards her direction.

Bahagya akong napailing, nawawalan na ng pasensya. "Fuck! Auriese is missing. I need to find her!" I can't help but raised my voice.

"Just a minute, Archer."

I heaved a deep audible breath as my jaw clenched. Just fucking make everything fast!

I stayed but my mind's already in chaos. Where the fuck is Aurie? Sino namang kukuha sa kanya? Marahas akong napamura nang maalala ang sinabi niya sa akin noon. There's someone who wants to kill her. Iyon kaya? Or maybe the real Dellany have something to do with it.

Malamig akong nakatitig sa likod ni Del. She's now facing the real Dellany.

Mariin ang titig ko sa dalawa at bahagyang napakunot ang noo nang simulang hilahin ni Del ang buhok ni Dellany.

"What are you doing?" Astrid asked. She's miraculously looking at the fake Dellany.

"Stop that-" Naputol ang sasabihin ni Creed nang sa muling paghila ni Del ay sumama na ang mahabang buhok nang totoong Dellany. Her real hair cascaded down her shoulders.

What the fuck? I blinked. I don't know what happened but she started peeling the real Dellany's face. Nakita ko na lamang ang pagalis ni Del sa harapan ni Dellan--

What the fuck! Rage immediately spreaded within me as I saw who's seating in the middle. Marahas akong napabaling kay Dellany at nahihiwagaan siyang tinignan. This woman is fucking fooling us!

Is she fucking telling me that Dellany is Auriese?

I heard Astrid gasped as Mirae immediately pointed her gun on Auriese.

"Auriese," I whispered.

"You can't find her because there's no Dellany Mallari. The Dellany you know is Auriese Gallardo."

Fuck this woman! In those years that she's pretending as the real Dellany, I didn't do anything against her. I treated her like a friend yet this is what I'll receive in return? She's setting my girlfriend up as the real Dellany? Fuck this fake Del!

Marahas kong itinutok ang aking baril patungo sa direksyon ni Dellany. I started walking towards Auriese without tearing my eyes off Dellany.

"What are you doing, Archer?" Mariing tanong ni Mirae habang nakatutok pa rin kay Aurie ang kanyang baril.

"This woman's fooling us," malamig na sambit ko. Fuck Dellany, I'll surely kill her after this.

"I'm not. Totoo ang sinasabi ko-"

"Fuck off!" I shouted as I cutted Dellany's words. My grip from the gun tightened. "Shut your mouth, whoever you are," banta ko bago tuluyang bumaling kay Auriese.

My eyes automatically softened as I turned to her. "Aurie," I whispered as I kneeled in front of her.

I watched her as her eyes shut closed when my palm landed on her cheek, gently caressing it.

"Arch, don't kill me," she pleaded in an almost inaudible voice.

Fuck, Babe, I won't. How can I, if killing you feels like slitting my own throat, if fucking feels like killing myself.

"I won't, you're now safe, huh?" I tilted my head, getting a better angle to see her as I smiled.

She nodded and I was alarmed when her tears sprung free. It freely rolled down her cheeks like a waterfall.

"Don't cry, fuck. I'll make sure you're safe," sambit ko bago sinimulang kalasin ang tali sa kanyang mga kamay at paa.

"Archer, stop that!" I heard Mirae commanded but I ignored it like I heard nothing and continue untying Aurie.

"Put your gun down, Mirae." Mariing utos ko. Even without looking, I can feel her still pointing her gun towards Auriese. Can't she see? That fucking fake Dellany set my girlfriend up! Tangina! Anong kagaguhan 'yon? Paanong magiging si Auriese ang hinahanap namin na Dellany?

"Put that gun down first, Mirae." It was Creed.

"She's Dellany Mallari!" Matigas na sagot ni Mirae, ngayon ay bahagya ng tumaas ang boses. "Now, get off. I'll kill that woman!"

My jaw clenched as I heard Mirae. Hindi na ako nakapagtimpi at mariin siyang hinarap. "Auriese is my girlfriend. What the fuck? Put that down, Mirae!"

Mirae is indeed stubborn most of the time but still, she's a friend to me, a sister rather. But can't she listen this time? We can settle this without pointing a gun to each other.

"Get off. I'll kill that woman," may pinalidad na utos ni Mirae.

I bobbed my head. "Go on, shoot her," sambit ko habang mas lalong ihinarang ang katawan sa harapan ni Aurie. "Kill me too if you'll kill her."

I don't fucking care. If she's really determined to kill Aurie then she should kill me first.

But Aurie who's standing beside me panicked because of what I've said. "Arch!" She harshly tugged my arm.

"Mirae, stop that." Astrid's voice is already pleading. Her hands were shaking as she lifted it, hesitating if she'll reach Mirae's gun or not.

Mirae heaved a sarcastic breath as she mockingly looked at me. "Really? For that woman? I thought you'll kill her?"

I said I'll kill Dellany but not Aurie. "She's my girlfriend--"

Mirae immediately cutted my words. "She's Dellany!"

"She's not!" Igting ang pangang sagot ko.

"Really? Ask her then." Mirae sarcastically raised her brow.

I don't need to fucking ask Aurie because she's not Dellany. That's it--

"I-I'm--" I felt Aurie's grip on my arm tightened as she spoke. "Arch, I'm Dellany Mallari," she whispered in an almost inaudible tone.

Natulos ako sa aking kinatatayuan at wala sa sariling napakurap. I don't know if I heard it right but after hearing her apologized, I confirmed it. She's Dellany Mallari. Una pa lang ay alam ko na dapat ngunit pilit iyong itinatanggi ng aking utak.

"I'm sorry," she whispered when I didn't answer.

And fuck, I should be thinking on how she betrayed Cosmos but the first thing that came in my mind is, I now understand why my insides are in chaos whenever the real Dellany's around.

I'm not cheating. I'm not inlove with two different woman at the same time. They're one. Even from the start, this heart is beating only for Auriese. Only to her.

That's why my insides reacted that way when we're on a mission last night. That's why Del sounds and smells like Aurie. Because Auriese is Dellany.

Suddenly, my years of anger for Dellany subsided. No, fucking scratch that, it vanished. As soon as I've learned that Del is Aurie, it vanished. Immediately.

In the end, Mirae gave up. Kung hindi pa magkabarilan, hindi niya titigilan si Auriese.

I thought everything's already alright after that but I was wrong. Auriese went to Mirae's room to talk to her when I received a call from her brother.

"Attorney Gallar--"

"Tell me where is Auriese." He cutted my words. Mariin ang bungad niya sa akin.

"She's--"

"Prestin, who's that?" I heard a voice from a different man from the other line. "He's with Auriese?"

"Give me my phone, you fucker!" Prestin cursed.

"Whoever you are, give me back my wife. We just have a misunderstanding, I am Auriese's husband--" Napakunot ang aking noo dahil sa sinabi ng nasa kabilang linya. Surely, that's not Prestin. Tila galit at hindi makapagtimpi ang nagsabi noon.

"The fuck, Ryker--"

I ended the call. My grip on the phone tightened as I recalled the photos that was sent to me some weeks ago.

Auriese is married. And they have a child. Fuck, it was clear on the picture that Aurie is pregnant that time.

She fooled the whole Cosmos. She fucking fooled me!

I fucking confront her. Lahat ng salitang makakasakit kay Aurie ay nasabi ko na. Na agad kong pinagsisihan nang makita kong naglalandas ang luha sa kanyang pisngi.

But she fucking fooled me! Iyon ang bagay na hindi mawala sa isip ko. She's married. Hindi ko kayang manira ng pamilya dahil may anak sila. If its just her husband, I don't fucking care! Kukunin ko si Auriese. But not when there's a child involved.

I tried to ignore her as much as I can. But damn it! Hindi ko kayang tagalan. I love her. Whatever she did, I still love her. At hindi makakabawas ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya sa kung ano mang nagawa niya.

"How about you? Still Aurie or you'll go back on collecting..." Makahulugang tanong ni Dasher sa akin. And fuck him for asking that while Auriese is beside me.

From the side of my eyes, I saw Aurie lowered her head. Matalim kong tinitigan si Dasher bago tumayo sa kinauupuan. He tsked as he shook his head. Hindi ko iyon pinansin at patuloy na naglakad palabas ng silid.

I won't go back on whatever he's saying. Whatever happens, even if I can't have Aurie, it'll still be her.

I don't know if Aurie will still come to my office but I hope so, since I didn't received a resignation letter from her.

I glanced at the flowers near my table. At hindi ko namalayan na umangat ang gilid ng aking mga labi, wala sa sarili akong napangiti.

It fucking took me two days, two days to think that I can't let Aurie go. Though there's still a part of me who's not sure about this but I wanna try.

Nakailang tingin na ako sa labas ng aking opisina ngunit wala pa si Aurie. I want to give the flowers and apologize personally. I even asked Shea to make Aurie come inside the moment she arrived.

Ngunit naantala ang aking paghihintay nang may dumating na kliyente.

"Good morning, Archer." I stood as Shanna Fuentes entered.

"Good morning, Miss Fuentes."

The transaction was settled fastly. Mamaya ay magpipirmahan na ng kontrata.

I rose as I extended my hand. Ngunit hindi niya tinanggap ang aking kamay at umikot patungo sa aking direksyon. Nang wala na sa pagitan namin ang lamesa at ngayon ay kaharap ko na siya, noon lang niya tinanggap ang aking kamay. I saw her glancing at the flowers near my table.

"See you later?" She asked.

"Hmm, I'll prepare the contract--" kaswal na sambit ko na hindi ko natapos nang hilahin niya ang aking kamay.

A frown immediately formed in my lips when she cupped my cheeks and kiss me on my lips.

Hindi ko na pinatagal ng ilang sengundo iyon at marahas siyang inilayo sa akin. "What the fuck, Miss?" My voice raised. I can feel my blood boiling at what she did.

"But, Archer--"

"Leave. Fucking leave, Miss Fuentes." Malamig ko siyang tinalikuran upang bumalik sa aking kinauupuan. My jaw clenched as I saw her giggling as she went out of my office.

Marahas kong pinunasan ang aking labi matapos siyang makalabas. Mariing titig ang iginawad ko sa mga dokumentong nasa aking harapan.

After a few minutes, someone knocked on my door as it opened. I glanced at it with steely gaze not knowing it was Auriese who entered.

Huli na nang matanto kong si Aurie ang pumasok. I looked back at the documents in front of me as I felt how my insides turned into chaos.

I felt her walking towards my direction. She stopped in front as she handed me the documents she's holding.

"Pinapabigay ni Ma'am Karisol."

"Just put it here." I pointed a side of my table using his head without even looking at her.

Walang salitang sinunod niya ang sinabi ko. I saw her took a step back and stopped in front of me. Ang lamesa ko ang tanging nakapaghihiwalay sa aming distansya.

Pilit kong patagong sinusuway at pinapakalma ang sarili. Mariing iniisip ang mga salitang nais kong sabihin na tila naglaho ngayong nakatayo siya sa akong harapan.

"B-babe."

And her, calling me using our endearment is not a big help. Lalong nablanko ang aking isip nang marinig iyon mula sa kanya. Fuck it! I never, even inside the court experienced this before.

"Archer," muling tawag niya.

Fuck! Will you calm down, idiot! She's calling you!

"Sir," she whispered in an almost inaudible tone.

It was enough to make me stopped on whatever I'm doing. Nanigas ang aking katawan at may palagay agad ako na hindi maganda ang kalalabasan ng paguusap na ito.

Marahan akong nagangat ng tingin. "Do you still need anything?" I muttered using a formal tone.

"Can we talk?" She smiled. But I know there's something wrong in it. She didn't wait for my answer and continue without leaving my eyes.

"If you want to b-break up. You can tell me. P-papayag naman ako. Wala naman akong magagawa kung ayaw mo na."

Nahuli ko ang mariin niyang pagpikit nang pumiyok ang kanyang boses dahil sa hikbing kumawala sa kanyang bibig. Sinamantala ko iyon at malalim na napalunok.

A frown formed in my forehead as my lips parted at her words. Agad kong isinara ang bibig nang makitang muling magtatama ang aming mga mata.

What the fuck? Who wants a break up? Definitely not me, babe. Won't ruin a family my ass! Sinong niloko ko? Wala na akong pakialam. I can father their child. I'll be the best father to him.

"Hindi 'yung maririnig ko na lang na..." She trailed off. "M-masakit marinig na may hinalikan kang iba. And t-that you're seeing someone already." Her eyes were now glassy. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I saw her suppressing her tears.

The first thing that came in my mind is Shanna Fuentes. Sino pa ba? Siya lang naman ang humalik sa akin kanina? At makikipagkita? Babe, I'm not seeing anyone. Ikaw lang.

I shifted on my seat, still frowning. "Aurie-" she immediately cutted mt words.

"I love you." She smiled and damn it! The way she said it, I know she's hurting. "So much, Arch. Mahal na mahal kita. Sana pinakinggan mo 'ko..."

Fuck myself for making Aurie cry!

"I-I'll go ahead."

Agad akong napatayo nang makitang tinalikuran niya ako at nagsimula ng magtungo palabas ng aking opisina.

Mabilis ang hakbang ng mga paang hinabol ko si Aurie. I encircled my hand on her waist while the other reached for her hand who's holding the knob of the door. I took that time to explain what happened.

"Aurie," I called. "Let me, Babe. Let me father your son. G-give me a chance."

Desidido ako sa sinabing iyon. I'll love her son like he's my own child. I can do that, wag lang ang mawala si Aurie.

The thought of her leaving me, made my tears formed at the side of my eyes. And I inwardly cursed when a sob came out of my mouth. Naramdaman ko ang paninigas ng katawan ni Aurie kaya't sa tingin ko ay narinig niya iyon.

She reached my hand who's still resting at her stomach and muttered, "R-Rye is your son, Arch. And I'm not married," she confessed.

I felt like the time stopped as I heard her words. I stilled as I blinked my eyes. She's not married? Fuck it! Why did I even listen to whoever that fucker over the phone!

Damn, idiot! I should trust her! And her son, of course I'll treat him as mine.

"Hmm. Yes, Babe. I'll treat him as my own. He's my son, Aurie." Nagsusumamong bulong ko.

She shook my head. "He's your son, Arch."

"I know, Babe. I know. You'll annul your husband, huh? I'll legally adopt your son--" Lutang na sambit ko na agad na naputol nang marinig ang telepono ni Aurie.

Mataman akong nakatitig kay Aurie habang sinasagot niya ang telepono. I watched her as the expression in her face changed.

Agad akong naalerto nang tila nanghihina siya sa narinig mula sa kausap.

Hilam sa luha ang mga matang binalingan niya ako. I reached her elbow as I gently held it when our eyes met.

"Si Rye, Arch. H-help me," she muttered in between her sobs.

I repeatedly nodded my head. "I will, calm down, huh? Tell me what happened?"

She let out a deep breath as she tried to control her chest who's now heaving up and down. "O-our son's kidnapped. Help me, Arch. I can't lose him. H-Hindi ko kakayanin, Archer."

Kumalabog ang aking dibdib dahil sa narinig. A dose of nervousness was shot on my veins as I heard what happened to our son.

Wala sa sariling napangiti ako. Calling her son 'ours' makes my insides flutter. I'll accept Rye, willingly.

I pulled Aurie closer as I encircled my arms around her. "Calm down, Aurie. I'll find our son. I won't let something bad happen to him. Calm down first, huh?"

Ramdam ko ang pagkatuliro ni Auriese habang patungo kami sa lugar kung nasaan ang aming anak.

I asked Mirae to finish everything fast. Our son's here. Delikado kung magkakapalitan pa ng putok ng baril.

Wala pang sampung minuto ay nasa kamay ko na si Salvia. After handcuffing her, my eyes darted at Aurie and Rye. I saw how her tears freely rolled down her cheeks.

Nang dumako sa aming anak ang aking tingin ay natulos ako sa aking kinatatayuan. Rye's eyeing the whole place with unfamiliarity in his eyes.

Agad siyang kinabig ni Auriese nang maalala ang mga patay na katawang nagkalat sa lugar. "Don't look at those, baby."

Kasabay noon ay narinig ko ang pagsinghap ni Astrid. She's now covering her mouth while looking at Aurie's direction.

Sa reaksyon niya, alam kong iyon din ang dahilan ng pagkatulos ko sa aking kinatatayuan.

Tila huminto ang oras at walang kurap na napatitig ako sa batang nasa bisig ni Aurie. I don't know if I saw it right. Hindi ko alam kung namamalik mata lang ba ako o totoo ang nakita.

But that's damn fucking impossible! Walang nangyari sa amin ni Auriese. Even when she's still Dellany. Damn, illusions! Siguro ay dahil sa kagustuhan ko itong maging ama ng anak niya, kaya kung ano-ano ang nakikita ko.

Hindi ko namalayan na nakawala na si Salvia sa aking mga kamay. Good thing she's wearing handcuffs. Agad namang naalerto si Creed at hinuli ito. Habang ako ay hindi pa rin nakakakilos sa kinatatayuan.

"Oh my God." I heard Astrid.

"L-let's get out of here. To our..." Mirae trailed off. "To our penthouse, Everyone."

Am I imagining things? But fuck! Based on everyone's reaction, I know I'm not.

We arrived at the penthouse while my mind's still clouded with things.

"Holy--" Natigilan si Dasher habang na kay Rye ang mga mata.

I watched Rye as he scanned the unfamiliar place. At hindi na napigilan ang pagbuka ng aking mga labi nang mabuti siyang napagmasdan.

He's my son. Our screaming resemblance are enough for me to conclude it. This is how exactly I looked like when I was four years old.

I felt like every strength in my legs vanished. Hinayaan kong mapaluhod ang aking mga tuhod upang magpantay kami ng aking anak.

Aurie is quietly standing at our side, in between me and my son.

I opened my mouth and tried to speak but I'm too lost for words that nothing came out of it.

"Daddy," he whispered and fuck! I felt like I was floating in a cloud while his voice, the way he called me 'Daddy' sounds like a good melody from a lyre.

"Son," I murmured as I let my hand slipped on his shoulder.

"You're my father."

He is indeed my son. Archer Ysrael Gallardo. That's his name and I can't wait to change it to Fonacier as well as Aurie's surname.

"You can sue Auriese for what she did," Mirae concluded. Ngayon lang niya ito nasabi kung kailan hindi namin kaharap si Aurie. Last day, that's when I told them what happened. Kung paanong may nangyari sa amin ni Auriese at may nabuo nang hindi ko alam.

Kinunotan ko siya ng noo. "Why would I do that?" Fucking no! Matino pa ang pagiisip ko para gawin 'yon!

"She raped you! Yes, you're a man but that's rape! She drugged you!" She angrily shifted on her seat. Nasa kabisera siya ng lamesa habang si Creed at Astrid ang nasa kanyang tabi. I was seating beside Astrid while Dasher's in front of me.

"Calm down first. I asked Auriese about the pill. Dahil tulad mo..." Creed muttered pertaining to Mirae. "Iyon din ang naisip ko."

Nahihiwagaan ko silang tinignan. He asked Aurie about the pill?

Fuck! I know their point. I'm a lawyer. I know what Aurie did is against the law but I won't fucking sue her!

"Auriese told me the name of the pill. She explained how it affect Archer. She said Arch can't control his mind after the intake of the pill and he'll forget what happened after drinking it until he fell asleep." Creed explained.

Bahagya akong tumango dahil iyon din ang sinabi sa akin ni Aurie. I can't count how many times Aurie said sorry for what she did but she doesn't have to.

Walang nagtangkang magsalita habang nagpapaliwanag si Creed. Even Mirae's quietly looking at him. I was intently eyeing him as he continued.

"I researched about that certain pill. And I think Auriese misinterpret its effect."

"What do you mean?" Mirae asked.

"I think Auriese thought that the pill contains sex drugs because it says that someone can't control his mind after taking it but she's wrong."

"The pill doesn't contain sex drugs. The drug only contains something that will push you to spill your desire to that person you're with during that time. You can still control yourself and you won't have intercourse with Auriese if you don't desire her." Paliwanag niya bago bumaling sa akin.

"Now tell us, are you desiring Dellany or Auriese before?"

Bago pa ako makasagot ay naunahan na ako ni Astrid.

"Yes! He once told me he wants to fuck Dellany. The real one which is Aurie." Deretsahang sambit ni Astrid. I remember telling it to her back then.

Creed nodded. "What happened is not rape then."

"You mean, if its me that Auriese drugged that time--"

Nahihiwagaan akong napatingin kay Dash nang bigla siyang nagsalita. "The fuck! Bakit naman niya gagawin sa'yo 'yon?"

"Relax, fucker!" Natatawang sambit nito. "I was just trying to clarify its effect."

I tsked and let him continue.

"As I was saying. If Auriese made me drink that pill, nothing will happen. I'll forget what happened after drinking it until I fell asleep but no sex, that's it. Because I don't desire Aurie. The drug will boost your desire to that person you're with. But if I don't desire that person, there's nothing to boost. Walang intercourse na mangyayari."

He turned to me. "I also researched about the drug. And Auriese didn't misinterpret its effect. The information she got was totally wrong. Literally, you're still in your right mind to think. The drug just boost your desire for Auriese. That's why something happened. You did it on your own will. Wala kang maalala pagkagising mo dahil parte iyon ng epekto ng drug. If you don't desire Auriese, kahit ilang pill pa ang ipainom niya sa'yo, walang sex na mangyayari."

"That's our doctor!" Astrid cheered. Marahang napailing ang aking ulo roon.

"And its not rape," muling sambit ko na tinanguan ni Dasher.

"Yes. You're a lawyer, you know how it works."

Bahagya akong napatango roon. Mirae finally calmed down after the two explained the pill's effect.

I slightly tapped Aurie's shoulder, trying to wake her up. "Aurie, wake up."

"Aurie," muling tawag ko at sa pagkakataong iyon ay agad siyang nagising.

Wala sa sarili siyang tumayo siya at inaantok pang tumingin sa akin.

"Let's go," sambit ko at tuluyan na aiyang napatayo sa aming kama.

"Come on, Arch where are going? Gabi na, hindi ba pwedeng-- what the fuck!" She cursed as I handcuffed her hands. Namimilog ang mga mata at tila nagising ang diwang tumingin sa sa akin.

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you--"

"What the fuck, Arch! Lawyer ka!"

"Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?" I continued, ignoring what she said.

Nahihiwagaan niya akong tinitigan, tinatantya kung seryoso ba ako sa aking ginagawa. "Anong kaso ko, Attorney?" Sarkastikong tanong niya na para bang isang kalokohan ang aking ginagawa.

"Something unforgivable, Aurie. Its non-bailable. But I can do something to compromise if you'll agree with what I want."

Unti-unting sumilay ang ngisi sa kanyang labi. Tila nakukuha na ang aking gusto. "What do you want then."

I can't help but smile on her reaction. "Marry me. Or you'll serve a life sentence--"

"Where?" She eagerly cutted my words.

"In our newly built mansion." I smirked. The moment the construction of our house finished, I already planned everything.

"Let's get married," I muttered that made her stilled.

Namimilog ang mga matang itinuon niya sa akin ang tingin. "W-what?"

I kneeled my one knee on floor as I fished the velvet box in my pocket. "Can I call you Mrs. Fonacier? Will you marry me, Aurie?" I smiled as I stared at her. Ngayon ay gising na gising na ang diwa niya.

She smirked at me, tila nakuha na kung ano ang aking ginagawa. "Tinatanong pa ba 'yan?"

I chuckled at her response. "Will you?"

"Willingly, Attorney. I'll willingly serve a life sentence with you." She tilted her head as she smirk more. "Though loving you doesn't feels like I'm in prison."

I dreamily stared at her eyes. Those eyes that made me drown. Those eyes that keeps on drowning me for years. And no one can revive me from it, I'll willingly drown in darkness, babe.

__________

August 2021

I finally finished Arch and Auriese's story! I won't get tired of thanking all of you for reading my stories. Thank you! I'll update Dasher's story, Cosmos Series #5 Mending the Moon on October. For now, I'll try to update Sour Hour Series #4 Hope Ur Ok. Again, thank you!

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