A muffled cry coming from the balcony made me realized where my wife is. Patakbo kong tinawid ang distansya ng balkonahe mula sa aking kinatatayuan.

There, I saw my wife slouching on the floor, hugging her body using her robe. Weeping, while looking at Vynz and Mirae's mansion.

That is enough for me to gain an idea why she's crying. Madali ko na ring nakumpirma iyon dahil hindi ito ang unang beses na nakita kong umiiyak siya habang ang mga mata ay diretso sa mansyon na iyon.

She's really a bit emotional the past few days because of her pregnancy. But still, I can't help but feel forlorn every time I'll see her like this.

It is a torture seeing her cry because of her father's death. I felt guilty that at some point of my life, I wish for Ysmael Rozelli's death not knowing that it'll be my wife's misery.

I never thought I'll be this miserable seeing Ysmael's daughter weep. I never thought I'll care in the first place.

"What were you even thinking, Milady?" mariing tanong ko habang ang mga mata ay diretso kay Mirae. I can't understand why she's letting Rozelli's hidden daughter to work as my nurse.

The moment she told me that, I immediately find it ridiculous.

"She's Ysmael's daughter. We will use her against him."

Napahilot ako sa aking sentido nang matantong, heto na naman siya sa mga planong wala namang kasiguraduhan.

"You think Rozelli will care?" Astrid asked.

Creed's frowning a bit, siguro ay tutol din sa sinasabi ni Mirae. While Archer's just listening, waiting for who can give a justifiable statement.

"He hid that daughter of him since she was born. Of course he do," Mirae replied in a matter of fact tone.

My eyes narrowed as I leaned my back on my wheelchair. "How can you assume that that's his reason for hiding her? Pwedeng itinago ang anak niyang iyon dahil may pinaplano ngang ganito, na magpapanggap ang anak niya bilang ibang tao para pasukin ang Cosmos."

"How about his eldest, she's his daughter too. Do you think he cares even if we kill Callista?" Creed asked. "I bet he won't," and he continued.

"We're still not sure on why did that woman applied as a nurse. The most logical thing to assume is, her father made her do it," Archer finally interfered.

"Why would he let her daughter in his enemy's lair if he really cares?" tanong ni Astrid. Hindi rin naniniwala kay Mirae na may pakialam si Rozelli sa mga anak niya.

"Maaari ring hindi inutos ni Ysmael," Mirae smirked. But she later on shrugged her shoulders off. "Though everything is just an assumption until proven with evidences, am I right, Attorney?" Mirae turned to Archer, still smirking.

Napangisi rin si Archer at bahagyang napatango.

"Iyon ang aalamin natin. Kung ano ang pakay ng babaeng iyon. Kung pinadala siya ni Ysmael or what."

I still find her plan unnecessary. What's the use of knowing that woman's reason. We could just remove Ysmael's daughter out of our way. Lalo na at nasa puder namin ngayon ang babaeng 'yon.

I suddenly remember the day I broke up with Aislinn, the day I helped Ysmael's daughter.

"T-that's it? You're ending our relationship like this? Come on, Babe--"

I heard Aislinn ranting but I didn't dare answer her. I was scared that I might take my words back if I did. I'm doing this for her own safety. I don't want to risk her life just because I'm selfish and I want her beside me.

I inwardly smiled as I conclude, she'll forever be my star. Even after our relationship, she'll remain to me that way. No one can change my mind.

Patuloy ang pagsasalita niya ngunit diretso sa daan ang aking mga mata. I didn't even dare glanced at her because fuck! I don't want to take back my words!

Ngunit lumabo ang mga salitang nanggagaling kay Aislinn nang makita ko ang nakahintong kotse sa aming madadaanan.

As my car moved near it, that's when my forehead creased. What the fuck is that?

I didn't hesitate to stop the car and get out of it when I saw that a woman is being harassed by an obvious fucker.

Aislinn's calling me but her voice died down too, maybe when she saw why I got out of the car. I hastily pulled the fucker away from the woman and punched him to hell.

As I faced the woman, I caught her features familiar. And later on when we're already in a car with the woman we helped, I realized she's Ysmael Rozelli's hidden daughter.

Pinakiramdaman ko ang sarili at napaisip, na kung sa una pa lang ba ay nakilala ko na ang babae bilang isang Rozelli ay tutulungan ko ba ito?

But it didn't took me a while to answer. Because fuck it! To hell with Ysmael! A fucker is harassing a woman. Whoever her father is, I will help!

After that, an idea came in my mind. That it was just a set-up or what, that Ysmael's planning something. But nothing came even after the next days.

Saving that woman didn't become a big deal. I didn't even tell Milady or our other friends about that interaction with Ysmael's daughter.

It slipped off my mind until the Rozellis tried to ambush my car a year after. It was on a cliff but fuck them if they're thinking I'm dumb. Those men simply looks like they just fired a gun for the first time.

I killed them without even waisting a single sweat. But then, I'm aware of the car that's here already even before I stopped over.

That's when I see Ysmael's daughter again. Camilla Maureanne Rozelli, trembling in fear and I don't know if I can believe its true.

What is she even doing here? Is that a coincidence that I got cornered of Ysmael's men in this cliff then she's here? The daughter of him?

I let out a sarcastic breath as I slowly shook my head. Nah, I don't believe in coincidences.

A few weeks after, Ysmael seems he already learned his lessons. He realized few unskilled mens won't put me to death. Reason why he executed a plan that satisfied him in the end.

He's satisfied because he thought he successfully killed me. But he didn't. He just took my fucking legs and damn him for that!

"Bullshit!" I cursed as I fell on the floor after trying to get the fucking remote.

Sinubukan kong iangat ang katawan upang makabalik sa wheelchair ngunit bigo ako dahil sa mga binting hindi ko maigalaw.

I saw Maureen-- Camilla or whatever the fuck her name is striding towards my direction.

God, forgive me but I really don't want her near me. Because every time I'll see her, I can remember why I'm here, useless because I can't fucking walk. Damn it.

Agad niyang niyakap ang aking braso upang tulungan ako ngunit agad kong pinalis ang kanyang kamay. "Fuck off!"

Tila wala siyang narinig at muli na namang inabot ang aking braso. "I-I'll help you--"

After her father did this to me she'll help me? What kind of shit is that?

Marahas akong bumaling sa kanya kasabay ng muling paghawi sa kanyang kamay. "I said, fuck off! Will you?"

I inwardly cursed myself for raising my voice on her. I badly wanna massage my temples but I didn't.

Woman, just go away then maybe we can get along that way.

But her next words stung. Really.

"I'm your nurse, Dasher! You can't stand, can't you see? Now, let me help you," she replied, replicating how my voice raised.

She tried to helped me again but this time I let her. No-- I was too stunned to dodge her hands.

Because first, her voice is always soft. Second, her words.

Oh, great yes! This is your father's fault. Goddamned it!

It is just our first day here yet see what happened already. How right I am when I thought fighting would be our daily hobby. So, yeah. Fuck it.

As the days passed, I'm trying to connect with Camilla because somehow... somehow, I felt like she's sincere. But every time I'll try, someone would remind me of who Camilla is. Tuwing magkakalapit kami, may ginagawa ang ama niya na nakapagpapaalala sa akin kung sino siya.

I was tightly gripping my walker as I listened to Mirae while she's talking from the other line.

Kumunot ang aking noo. "What did you say?"

"Rozelli's at it again. One of our shipments almost failed good thing Archer's with them. Nakagawa agad ng paraan. But twelve of our men was dead on arrival. He's targeting our headquarters--"

"Fuck!" I let out a crisp curse.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sunod-sunod na mura nang marinig ang mga sinabi ni Mirae.

"Are you all safe?" I asked, jaw clenching.

"Yes, we are."

"How about Mom? Si Dad?" tanong matapos maalala ang nakaraang sinabi niya sa akin. She said Dad informed her about the SUV tailing their car.

"They're alright. Some of our men's guarding them already. Sa ngayon, wala nang sumusunod sa kanila. Maybe Rozelli just want to confirm if he really killed you. Kaya't sinusundan sila Tito. But we're still guarding them, incase Rozelli's planning something."

Nagpakawala ako ng marahas na hininga. "I'll let them pay for all the things they did."

"Just take care of yourself. Magpagaling ka riyan at saka mo na balikan si Ysmael."

"Fuck him," I cursed under my breath.

"Anyway, Creed's settling down," Mirae announced, suddenly changing our topic.

I blinked for a two consecutive seconds. "Really? Good for him. That fucker." My last words turned into a chuckle.

"He's planning to propose and marry her later. We'll go there. We'll see you."

Mataman akong napatango. "Alright, Milady. Alright. I'll see you later then."

She ended the call after that. I put my phone down and started carefully walking towards the glass utensils. I grabbed a plate and was about to go back in front of the stove where I am cooking breakfast when I fucking lost my balance. Dahilan para dumulas ang pinggan mula sa aking mga kamay.

"Damn it." I cursed when the plate fell on the floor, causing a damn shattering sound. Mariin akong napapikit at muling napabulong ng isang mura.

Yumuko ako at sinimulang pulutin ang mga basag na piraso noon nang makitang agad na dumalo si Camilla.

Jesus Christ, she's here again!

She squat in front of me. "Ako na--"

"Shut up," I angrily cutted her words.

Natigilan siya at matamang napatitig sa akin. Tila iniisip kung ano ang masamang nagawa niya at ganoon na naman ang trato ko sa kanya.

"Let me do this." She snatched the large broken pieces of plate from my hand.

My grip on my walker tightened. Pilit kong sinubukang pakalmahin ang sarili ngunit bigo ako.

"Baka masugatan ka--"

She voluntarily stopped when my eyes found hers.

"Do you think I'm stupid? Simpleng pagpupulot ng nabasag na plato ay masusugatan ako? And I'm not useless, for pete's sake let me do it. Ako ang nakabasag kaya't ako ang magpupulot," malamig na sambit ko.

Ngunit para bang wala siyang narinig dahil ilang sandali lang ay muli na naman niyang ipinagpatuloy ang pagpupulot ng mga basag na piraso ng pinggan.

My jaw tightened as I she finally ticked me off. "Fuck! I said I can do it!" Marahas kong hinila ang piraso ng mga pinggan mula sa kamay niya.

And I admit I wasn't thinking when I did it. Fuck.

"Shit." Napamura siya matapos masugatan dahil sa kagaguhang ginawa ko. Napasinghap siya nang makita ang dugong umaagos palabas mula sa kanyang daliri.

"Fuck." I cursed while trying to reach for her hand. "I--" mariin akong napapikit at marahas na napabuntong hininga bago muling sinalubong ang mga mata niya. "I'll clean this mess. Baka masugatan ka ulit."

She shook her head. "Ako na--"

"Maureen."

"Dasher!" Her voice raised than the usual. I stared at her eyes and I wasn't aware she can look like that. She always looks soft and tamed. But right now, her eyes turned cold.

"Can you just let me do it?" She calmly asked but there's something in it that made me realize things.

Damn it. This time, I know I've been... too much.

"Maureen," I called when I saw her walking towards the door of the villa. But she didn't glanced at me like she heard nothing. Didn't she hear me? Fuck, she did. "Damn it."

I stride towards the door with the help of my walker. I was silently cursing as I tried to walk fast but I can't.

I was about to go to Camilla and apologize but Creed and Lavinia came in my way, reason why I failed to do so.

And when the lunch came, I know most of the time when in front of the food, Camilla really seems to refrain herself from speaking. But her silence right now, for some reason is bothering me.

She'll only answer when Lavinia will ask her about something then she will gave her a smile. But every time our eyes will meet, her lips will returned into a thin line while she'll advert her gaze on me.

Fuck, why can't she give me the smile she gave to Lavinia? Also, her wounded finger won't let me eat in peace too.

Damn this. What the hell is happening?

Matapos ang tanghalian, hindi na ako nakatiis. I told her how sorry I am for being rude, hindi lang ngayon kung hindi pati na rin noong mga nakaraang araw. I know my sorry won't be enough but I want her to know how sincere I am.

Isang bagay ang tumatak sa aking isipan noong mga oras na 'yon. That she's different from Ysmael Rozelli. Kung gaano kasama si Ysmael? Ganoon kabuti ang kalooban ni Camilla. And fuck me for thinking she's planning something against me that's why she's here. I am such an asshole for thinking like that.

"Why are you so soft spoken?"

What the fuck? Those words accidentally slipped off my mind. Reason why Camilla who's walking beside me as I stride with my walker, turned her full attention on me.

I watched her forehead slowly frowned as a glint of confusion flickered in her eyes. "Huh?"

She heard it but she just didn't understand why all of a sudden I'm telling her that. "For six weeks that we're living in a same roof, I can count how many times your voice raised than your usual."

"You'll just raise your voice when I'm being stubborn." Nangingiting baling ko sa kanya. Because her contorted face because of frustration flashed in my mind like a flashback. "Napipikon ba kita?"

She immediately shook her head but she stilled after a while. Her eyes slowly blinked as her lips parted a bit. Siguro at natanto niyang, napipikon ko nga siya.

"Will you calm down first?" I muttered in between the chuckles I can't suppress. We're done buying our groceries when she told me she needs to go to the restroom. I let her. Bumalik siya at hindi man lang nagtagal sa restroom sa kadahilanang nakita niya si Aislinn.

I stared at her as she gritted her teeth in frustration. Like she badly wanna pulled her hair but she's stopping herself. Bahagya akong napangiti sa reaksyon niya. This is how she reacted after seeing Aislinn. She's bothered that Ais might see me but I really won't mind if Ais did. Surely I can talk to her not to tell anyone that I'm alive and I know she'll agree. But Camilla's bothered by it.

"Dasher!" mariin at gigil na sambit niya.

I stopped chuckling but I'm sure amusement is still visible in my face. I don't know why I'm suddenly amused at her looking frustrated.

But then she turned her back on me. Noon ko sinaway ang sarili ko at agad siyang sinundan.

When we got home, we're back to being alright again. Camilla seems comfortable until a delivery came.

"Magandang araw po, Ma'am. Package po para kay Miss Rozelli."

I heard it. Kahit bahagyang malayo pa ang aking kinatatayuan mula sa pinto ng villa ay malinaw kong narinig iyon.

But my attention immediately went to Camilla who's facing the delivery when I saw her body wobbled.

"Hey!" I caught her waist, preventing her to fall on the ground. "You alright?" I asked but she seems preoccupied already.

"W-wala-- You're in the wrong place, there's no--" She tried to answer the man and deny it but her voice failed. Hindi na niya maituloy ang mga salita at halatang wala na sa sarili.

"What is it?" I interfered. Bahagya kong itinulak ang pinto para lakihan ang bukas noon upang makitang mabuti ang delivery man.

I caught how his eyes widened as he saw me. Noon ko natantong posibleng kilala niya ako. This man's not just a delivery man.

"Package para kay Miss Rozelli, S-Sir."

"Rozelli?" I confirmed with a cold voice while directly looking at the man.

"Walang Rozelli rito, baka nagkakamali ka lang." Camilla shook her head.

"Dito po ang nakalagay sa address, Ma'am," katwiran nang lalaki.

I silently eyed him and nodded afterwards. "I'll take that," mariin at pinal na sambit ko.

Dali dali kong binuksan ang package habang ramdam ko ang pagkabalisa ni Camilla sa aking tabi. But I only got crumpled papers. Nothing more.

Something's wrong in here. Sino ang nagpadala noon, Rozelli ba? Why would they even address the package to Camilla?

Agad akong lumabas upang tawagan si Mirae. I informed her about what happened. She knew there's something suspicious too. Agad naman niyang sinabi na magpapadala ng mga tauhan at pupunta na rin sila para sunduin kami at kailangan naming makaalis. She told me she'll ask Ridge to get the delivery man too.

I immediately ended the call when I heard Camilla calling my name. I turned towards the direction where I heard her and saw her walking near me.

And when we're already facing each other, the side of my eyes caught a familiar built behind her going near us.

Siguro ay napansin ni Camilla ang aking tinitignan kaya naman lumingon siya sa kanyang likuran.

As the woman continue walking, that's when I clearly saw her face and her eyes that's directly looking at me. I pressed my lips unto each other as Aislinn's eyes turned misty.

She continued walking until she's already in front of me and Camilla.

"Dash," Aislinn whispered.

"Dasher," I heard Camilla when Aislinn stopped in front of us.

Aislinn's eyes glistened with tears as she glanced at Camilla.

Mataman kong pinakiramdaman ang sarili. I was trying to remember what I'm feeling for Aislinn but I blinked when I can't... describe what.

"Dasher."

I heard Camilla's soft voice calling my name and I immediately turned to her to find her gaze. I gave her a smile while slowly cocked my head for a nod. "I'll handle this. Please leave us for awhile, Maureen," sambit ko gamit ang pangalang ipinakilala niya sa amin. "Susunod ako."

Sinuklian niya ang aking ngiti. But I don't know why I'm not convinced by it. There's something in her smile and her eyes that didn't matched.

She immediately turned her back on me and started walking the path towards the entrance of the villa at the kitchen.

"Dasher," Ais called but my eyes were fixed at Camilla who's walking away from us. "You're alive."

But my stares were interrupted when I felt Aislinn caressing my jaw. Natuon sa kanya ang aking atensyon. "Aislinn--" Agad na naputol ang aking mga salita nang abutin niya ang aking mga labi. While her arms are now cling on my neck.

I stilled for a few seconds before my hands caught her waist to pulled her away from me. "Aislinn, stop it," mariing sambit ko dahil noong una ay ayaw niya pang humiwalay.

After giving us enough distance, that's when I saw her tears rolling down her cheeks.

"H-how come-- Oh my God! You're alive, Dasher!"

I smiled at her and simply nodded my head. "Yeah--"

She encircled her arms around me as she gently leaned her head on my chest. Kasabay noon ang pag-alog ng kanyang mga balikat at hikbing tila hindi mapigilan.

I started caressing her hair to calm her down. "Ais, I'm alive. Don't cry," I whispered.

"Y-you're alive," she sobbed.

"The more you shouldn't cry, Attorney," I chuckled a bit to lift up the mood.

Ilang sandali ay kumalas ang mga kamay niyang nakayakap sa akin. She slowly wiped her tears while her eyes were fixed on me. Tila hindi makapaniwalang buhay nga ako.

"Oh, come on, Ais Im real," I chuckled. "Just don't tell anyone what you see."

I got no response because she just remained staring at me.

"What are you doing here anyway?" tanong ko.

"Ais?" I called when I got nothing again.

Bahagya siyang napailing at tila natauhan. "Our--" she cleared her throat and shook her head once more. "Tita Cello owned the villa..." She turned towards her back.

"The villa just near this one," she muttered while pointing at Creed's villa. "Tita owned the property behind those trees," paglilinaw niya habang tinutukoy ang private property sa katabing lupain na pagaari ni Creed.

"You wanna go there?" She offered. "I mean, l-let's catch up first? I m-missed you, Dasher. Let's talk about u-us?" Nananantyang tanong niya.

I slowly shook my head. "Camilla's waiting for me. Maybe some other time."

Unti-unting kumunot ang kanyang noo. "Camilla?"

"The one we save when we..." Sinadya kong putulin ang sasabihin.

"I thought she's Maureen? You called her Maureen earlier."

"Camilla's her name."

Marahang tumango ang kanyang ulo. Though confusion is still evident in her eyes. "Kayong dalawa lang ang... magkasama sa..."

"Hmm, that's why I really need to go. And... about us, Ais I hope we can be friends again."

"F-friends?" Her voice trembled while looking baffled. She tilted her head as she wiped the tear rolling down her cheek.

She still wants our relationship back. I knew it. I shouldn't have asked her about us being friends. How fucking insensitive I am to ask her that.

But that's the only thing I can give her, to Aislinn, to my star. Because I don't think I can give her more. I can't look at the stars the same as before the moment I saw the moon.

"Camilla Maureanne," I called using a tone full of authority.

And I caught how she stilled from where she was standing. I called her using a firm voice to stop her but I didn't mean to scare her.

So I approached her again, this time, a bit calmer than my first call. "Camilla, listen first."

She slowly turned and finally faced us. Agad na nagtama ang aming mga mata. I immediately reached for my cane that's resting at the side of the table. Matapos ay agad kong inangat ang sarili upang makatayo.

My blank stares bore unto her. I don't want to give her reaction as of now. Because I wanna know the truth too. But that doesn't mean I'm mad at her.

Diretso ang mga mata niyang nakatitig sa akin. "H-how did you--" She tried to speak with her trembling voice but Mirae didn't let her finish.

"Camilla Maureanne Rozelli, Ysmael Rozelli's daughter next to the bitch Callista Maureen. Live in States for twenty-five years since her mother gave birth, staying at the Philippines since last year." She loudly smirked. "You think you can fool us?"

I was slowly shaking my head while listening to Mirae.

I sometimes really do not admire Mirae's way of solving things. Reason why I'm always beside her, to guide her maybe or give her more reasonable advice.

She's a sister to me as much as I am a brother for Astrid, Archer and Creed. I'm older than all of them though I'm just a few weeks older than Creed, I tried to be fair at all times. I tried to support them in everything they want.

When it comes to Mirae, I give her my full support most of the time but I do it after knocking some senses on her. Because she's really irrational sometimes that I need to talk to her first for her to change her mind. But when she didn't, I made sure to be always with her to guide her because well, in the end, her choice is still her choice. I know she's old enough to know the consequences of her decisions.

But right now, I don't think I can support her when she's scaring Camilla.

"I'm not planning to harm you, Dasher. D-Dad didn't send me here to spy on you either," she confessed after Creed told Mirae to leave us alone for a while. And I inwardly thanked him for doing that.

Because we all know, we can't fix anything if Mirae would continue nagging at Camilla. Though at some point, when she told us that Camilla's already fooling us the moment she applied with a fake resume, I agree at Mirae on that one.

But I know too, that everyone has their reasons why they did something.

"Wala akong balak na masama." Her eyes were now misty with suppressed tears.

"Let's seat first," kaswal na sambit ko upang bahagyang pakalmahin siya. I slightly tilted my head, pointing the chairs where we're seating earlier.

I watched her slowly blinked her eyes for two consecutive times. I pulled a chair for her while my other hand is still gripping my cane.

Umupo ako sa kabisera matapos niyang tanggapin ang upuang inilahad ko para sa kanya.

"A-are you mad at me?" Nananantyang tanong niya sa akin. I stared at her hopeful eyes.

Damn baby, quit looking at me like that.

I clenched my jaw. "I'm not," mariing tugon to. "But to your father, I am, Camilla," I muttered. Because I really am mad at Ysmael Rozelli. Hindi masusukat ang hangganan ng galit ko kay Ysmael.

"I can't be mad at you. Why would I be when I know you mean no harm," I concluded. "You have every chance you needed to hurt me, you can poison me through the food I'll eat, you can kill me while I'm asleep, you can do anything against me when I still can't walk, but you didn't."

I stopped myself from smiling.

"You lied about your name but that's it. You didn't do anything to harm me. I know you won't." This time, the corner of my lips rose. "I should have known the moment you helped me when I'm helpless."

As I remember the times that I'm rude to her, I can't help but curse myself for being a jerk. I was fucking blind for not realizing it earlier.

I caught her harshly nibbling her lower lip while trying to fought back her tears but she's failing miserably. "I'm sorry," she whispered in between her sobs.

Damn it! I wanna pulled her and enveloped her body in my arms but something's stopping me. Like doing it is prohibited. Like I am betraying someone if I did hug and comfort her. Fuck.

After receiving that package addressed to Camilla, I already know there's something wrong. Ganoon din sila Mirae kaya't agad na lumipad patungo sa villa at nagpadala ng mga tauhan.

Hindi nga kami nagkamali, dahil ilang oras pa lamang ay paparating na ang mga Rozelli. I don't know what is Ysmael's agenda this time but one thing is for sure. Gulo ang dala niya at tama ako sa hinalang hindi matatapos ang araw na ito ng tahimik.

"Moon, the Rozelli's are arriving as per Light. The Night and the Universe are briefing the others," pormal na sambit ni Coltridge matapos niyang bumungad sa villa kasama ang ilang tauhan ng Cosmos.

The first thing that came in my mind is Calla. That somehow, one of Ysmael's agenda is to get her daughter, Camilla. She told me her dad didn't asked her to apply as my nurse. Walang kinalaman si Ysmael kung bakit narito si Calla kaya't possibleng galit ang isasalubong ni Ysmael sa kanya.

I suddenly remember Callista, Ysmael's eldest. Hindi iisang beses na nagkaharap kami dahil sa ama niya. And I can say, Ysmael doesn't give a damn even that daughter of him died. Kaya't naisip ko na ganoon din siya kay Calla. Lalo kung malalaman nito na kasama ako ni Calla, or maybe he knew it already and I know that's not because Calla told her dad I'm alive but because of that delivery man.

Alam ko kung paano mag-isip si Ysmael at alam kong isiipin niya na nagtatraydor ang anak niyang si Camilla.

I don't know how their father and daughter relationship works. Kaya't hindi ko alam kung anong maaaring gawin ni Ysmael kay Calla.

"Where's Light?" I asked, pertaining to Archer.

"In Manila."

"D-Dasher--" Aislinn's words were cutted when I immediately placed the paperbag she gave on the table while directly looking at Ridge.

"Ridge, escort Aislinn with your men to their villa. Go!" agarang utos ko.

He immediately frowned at me "All of us? Sinong matitira--"

"You said Mirae's talking to the others. I assumed they're already in front," mabilis na sambit ko. If Ysmael's really almost here, we need to move fast and be in position even before they arrived.

I glanced at Aislinn before turning back to Ridge. "Their villa's just a few walks away. You all can return quickly. Just give me a gun."

Agad na humugot si Ridge ng baril sa kanyang likuran. It was a forty-five caliber gun so I can hold it using one hand

Akmang tatalima na siya nang tila may naalala. "One more thing, we're outnumbered."

"Fuck." Marahas akong napahilot sa aking sentido.

I needed them to be back the faster they can so they can focus on guarding Camilla.

"Dasher, you can't fight. Use the helicopter, bring this little Rozelli with you," utos ni Mirae habang naglalakad papalapit sa amin.

Nakaalis na sila Ridge kasama si Aislinn. While I make sure Camilla won't leave my sight.

"We don't know if Ysmael's with them or its just Callista with their men," Creed informed as they stopped in front of us.

Marahan akong napailing. I can't just leave Creed and Mirae here. I can't let Camilla leave without me either. Alam kong tuso si Rozelli, I won't risk it. But if things worsened, I have no choice but to let her leave. I'll just ask Ridge to accompany her because he's one of those capo that really earned my trust.

"I'll stay."

"I won't leave."

I gave Camilla a quick glance when we answered in chorus.

"I'm sure my father's there. I can talk to him--"

Nahuli ko ang agad na paglukot ng mukha ni Mirae sa sinabi ni Calla. Hindi na ako nagulat nang putilin ni Mirae ang mga salita niya. "What?"

Her forehead creased. "Tingin mo madadaan 'to sa usapan? And why would we trust you? An apple won't fall far from the tree. You're his daughter, hindi malabong katulad ka rin niya," puno ng sarkasmong sambit niya.

I gently massaged the bridge of my nose. "I'll stay here. Because I know you two would stay," I interfered pertaining to Creed and Mirae. "If you both want us to leave, sasama kayo."

Napahilot sa sentido si Mirae bago nahihiwagaan akong tinitigan. "You think I'll run because of Rozelli? I won't!"

I knew it. That's why I'm not leaving.

"Then no one's leaving," pinal na sambit ko bago bumaling sa aking tabi.

"Camilla," tawag ko. "Stay in your room. Lock it and you'll be safe there. If things worsened, we'll come and escort you to the helicopter, you'll leave."

"What the fuck, Dasher! She's Rozelli's daughter! Siguradong kilala ng mga tauhan ni Ysmael 'yan at hindi talaga sasaktan!"

I tilted my head and slowly shook it. "You know Ysmael, we're not sure if he won't hurt her own daughter--"

"You really think, hindi pinagutos ni Rozelli na magpanggap 'yan? And so what if he kill his own daughter? Mabuti nga at hindi na kailangang tayo pa ang pumatay."

What? Did I heard it right? Fuck. My jaw tightened.

"Mirae," saway ni Creed.

"Your words, Mirae." Kunot noong sambit ko.

"I'll face my Dad," Camilla declared with her determined voice while directly looking at Mirae.

Kaya naman marahas akong napabaling sa kanya. Though I didn't say anything.

"I'll be safe," agad na sambit niya nang magtama ang aming mga mata. Tila inunahan na ako sa anumang pagtutol na gagawin.

Of course, I'll make sure you will be safe. That's why when I saw Ysmael with his men at the living room of Creed's villa, I immediately thought of letting Camilla leave.

"Fuck," I uttered a crisp low curse as I motioned my hand to go backwards. "Move. Move!"

Tahimik akong napaatras at ganoon rin si Ridge sa aking tabi at si Camilla na napapalibutan ng ibang pang tauhan ng Cosmos.

And when we're already at the place where Rozelli's men can't see us, I immediately turned to my back to face them.

"Let's go to the helicopter. Faster! Move!" maririing utos ko ngunit bahagyang mahina pa rin iyon upang makasigurado na hindi kami makakakuha ng atensyon.

"Ridge, can you drive it?" I glanced at Coltridge beside me as we walked towards the kitchen.

"Its been so long but yeah." He nodded. "I still know how to."

"Good. Leave with Camilla. Bring her to the Penthouse--"

"What?"

Napahinto ako nang marinig ang pagtutol ni Calla. Nahihiwagaan siyang napabaling sa akin.

"You need to leave. You won't be safe here," I muttered. As much as I want her to stay, she can't. She won't be safe at this villa as Ysmael went here because of her.

I can't fully protect her right now. How can I do it when I can't even protect myself? Fuck it.

Dahilan kung bakit agad akong ginapanggan ng kaba nang makita kong papalapit sa amin si Ysmael kasama ang ilang tauhan niya, hindi para sa sarili kung hindi para kay Calla at sa kaligtasan niya.

We're already beside the helicopter when some of Ysmael's men saw us. Ilang sandali lang ay narito na si Rozelli sa aming harapan habang patuloy ang tunog ng putok ng baril na nagmumula sa loob ng villa.

Rozelli's men were pointing their guns on our direction. Agad ko ring itikutok ang aking baril patungo sa kanilang direksyon. Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Ridge at ng iba pang tauhan ng Cosmos na kasama namin habang agad na pumalibot kay Camilla upang protektahan siya.

I stood in front of Camilla, shielding her from her father. I don't know the extent of Ysmael's evilness. I don't know if he can harm his own daughter but I just want to be sure that Camilla will be safe. Because I remember Ysmael not minding if Callista would die.

May hawak na baril si Ysmael ngunit nanatili lang iyong nakatutok sa lupa. Pinakiramdaman ko ang mga tauhan niya at mukha namang walang balak magpaputok ang mga ito hanggang walang utos galing kay Ysmael.

"Mauree, anak," marahang sambit niya ngunit hindi ako kumbinsido.

He continued walking near us until he's already in front of me while I'm pointing a gun on him. Kasabay noon ang pagkasa ng mga baril. Una mula sa amin, at ang kasunod ay sa mga tauhan ni Ysmael.

"Don't you dare move, Rozelli," I ordered.

But he just smirked. I swear, I won't hesitate to pull the trigger if he's planning to do something against his daughter.

"Dasher, d-don't." Camilla who's behind me gently tugged my arm. Ngunit hindi ako natinag at nanatiling nakatutok ang baril sa direksyon ni Ysmael. While my other hand's grasping my cane.

"Please, don't," she whispered again while still holding my arm.

"It was nice to see you, Doc." Muling bumalik kay Ysmael ang aking atensyon dahil sa mapanuya niyang salita.

"What brings you here, Rozelli?" Tiim bagang na tanong ko.

"I came to fetch my daughter. Iyon lang ang pakay ko sa ngayon, Alterio," sambit niya bago siya bumaling kay Camilla na nasa aking likuran.

"Come on, Mauree. Let's go home," he nodded his head, encouraging her to go with him.

And I am not a fool to let him take her. I don't believe this act of him. But when Camilla talked to him, like she trusts her father so much, like she knew her father will do anything for her, I thought of something. Is that how their father and daughter relationship works?

The way Ysmael asked their men to stop firing because her daughter asked him, I can't believe it. It was too surreal witnessing Ysmael giving what Camilla wants.

At first, I thought he won't obliged but he did. I never thought he's capable of following his daughter's order. I can't believe there's that side of Ysmael Rozelli. It was too hard for me to think that he really cares for Camilla. Because I witnessed how he treated his eldest.

He even promised Camilla there's no another sets of gunshots when she leaves. Akala ko ay sinabi niya lamang iyon sa anak at pagkatapos umalis ay magpapatuloy ito sa pamamaril.

Pati sila Mirae ay inakalang ganoon kaya't nanatili kaming alerto kahit ang aking atensyon at nasa helicopter kung saan nakasakay si Camilla na papalayo pa lamang.

But when my eyes went on the Rozellis, Ysmael signaled his men to put down their guns.

I never thought his promise for her daughter is genuine for him.

Dumako ang mga mata niya sa aking direksyon bago iyon lumibot sa aking ibang kasama. Some of our men were still pointing guns on the Rozellis direction. Agad kong sinenyasan ang mga ito na ibaba ang baril.

Napansin kong nasa gilid ko na si Mirae at si Creed sa kabila niya.

"You all should thank my daughter for this. If not for her, I'll surely kill all of you," he smirked.

As much as I want to shoot him, I didn't. I have all the chance but I didn't. I promised to Camilla too. Tutuparin ko iyon. I don't have a heart to break it especially when I remember her tears rolling down her cheeks as she asked me to promise.

"I'll appreciate if you'll do it and not just spit nonsense," Mirae sarcastically replied. She really can't afford to lose over Ysmael, her pride won't let her. And if not for Camilla, I'll support her in whatever she wants to do which is to have another exchange of gunshots with the Rozellis. But not when I promised someone otherwise.

"Milady," saway ko dahil ayaw ko nang magkaroon pa ng palitan ng putok ng baril sa araw na ito dahil kay Calla.

Mirae glanced at me. "I'm telling the truth. He won't do it-- I mean, hindi niya magagawa. Mauuna silang maubos bago tayo."

Marahan akong napailing. "Let's end this peacefully, even just for today," I replied.

"What--"

"A woman is really leading the Cosmos, huh?" Mirae's words were cutted when Ysmael butted in. "I was wrong when I thought..." He glanced at me. "Our great doctor is the Universe. How wrong I am," he smirked as he slowly shook his head.

Diretso sa akin ang kanyang mapanuyang mga mata. "Let's just say, you're a collateral damage. Look, until now, I know you're still suffering. I'm really sorry, Dr. Alterio."

I firmly pressed my lips as I saw him grinned while looking at the cane I'm holding.

I can walk already, damn you.

"But how lucky you are you didn't die, huh?" Nakangising sambit niya gamit ang sarkastikong tono.

"You should be thankful. Though if I were you, I would blame this woman beside you..." He quickly glanced at Mirae before turning his eyes on me again. "She's the real Universe yet what did she do? Did she asked you to pretend as--"

"Fuck off," I muttered under my breath. "That's not your business, Ysmael."

"Leave, Rozelli," mariing sambit ni Creed. Maybe when he felt like the tension building from the both sides will now nearly result to another exchange of bullets.

"I will, Ferron. I will," ngising turan niya kay Creed bago kami isa isang pinasadahan ng tingin. "One more thing, don't you dare harm my daughter or else... I won't stop hunting all of you 'til death," he threatened and smirked.

"Live until you all still can. Adios!" He raised his hand and fucking gestured a salute before turning his back on us.

Alertong gumalaw ang mga tauhan niya. They're looking at our direction while pointing their gun on us while we're facing Ysmael's back as he proudly walked away with his men.

Hanggang sa nawala sila sa aming paningin ay wala ng naganap na palitan ng putok ng baril.

I immediately felt like I'm itching to see if Calla's safe. Agad kong tinawagan si Ridge ngunit hindi pa siya sumasagot. Maybe they're still at the helicopter. But a few minutes after, he finally answered. Ngayon ay kami naman ang paalis at patungo sa headquarters. I really wanna see Calla.

Reason why the moment we landed, I immediately barged in my room to see if Camilla's really safe even after Ridge confirmed it already.

"Camilla," I gently called her name.

"You alright?" I asked while still scanning her body for a possible wound. Marahan kong tinawid ang distansya sa aming pagitan.

She cocked her head for a nod. "Yes. Ikaw? Are you alright? How about Dad? You promised me you won't--"

"Hey, calm down," I whispered though I know, I myself can't calm down right now. I can't if I thought it'll be the last time I'll saw her. God, if Rozelli asked her to come with them forcefully, I'm afraid we might-- can't do anything as we were outnumbered.

"Can you tell me what happened?" she asked but in a calm tone this time.

I let out a deep audible sigh as the words in my head escaped my mouth. "I thought I'll lose you."

Nahuli ko ang agarang pamimilog ng kanyang mga mata. "Huh?" Napapantastikuhang tanong niya sa akin. Tila narinig niya iyon ngunit hindi tuluyang rumehistro ang aking mga salita.

"W-what did you say?" she asked again with her trembling voice.

Fuck.

Napakurap ako sa aking kinatatayuan.

What the hell are you talking about?

I cleared my throat afterwards. "I... I said, everything went just fine after you left."

"Your father leave the moment your helicopter's out of sight. There's no another round of exchanging bullets. Just a couple of threatening words between Cosmos and Rozelli. Wala na bukod doon," I confessed and I saw how relief washed out worry in her eyes.

"Bakit hindi ka sumama kay Ysmael?" Nanantyang tanong ko. That question is really bothering me.

But what she replied is what I'm not expecting.

She tilted her head with her brows creasing a bit. "Do you want me to come with Dad?" Para bang naguguluhan siya sa sariling tanong.

Her, come with her dad? Oh, no. Not right now.

"No! Of course not! He won't let me near you if--" Bigla akong natauhan sa kung ano man ang lumalabas sa aking bibig.

What did I just said?

Oh, damn.

What the fuck... are you talking about.

I stopped and faked a cough. He cleared his throat once more after a while. "I-I mean, you need to stay. Give me time, even just a few days and I'll drive you home."

Bahagya akong napangiwi sa sarili. I don't think this is the right time to tell her what I'm feeling. I mean... that I like her.

Fuck, I like her! I don't fucking care who her father is. I don't give a damn if she's a Rozelli. I like her and no one can disprove it.

"Oh my God," I heard Calla whispered as I started walking without using my name. Namimilog ang kanyang mga mata habang nakatitig sa aking at nakasubaybay sa aking bawat paghakbang.

As I faced the door, I immediately turned and go back to where she is standing.

"Y-you can--"

The corner of my lips tugged for a smile. "Yes, Camilla."

"You can walk already," she whispered again like she can't believe it.

Marahan siyang napakurap. Her mouth parted and a wide smile finally formed in her lips, maybe when everything sunk in her beautiful mind.

"Oh my God, Dasher! You can walk already!" she shrieked and I almost chuckled at it.

But the next thing she did made me froze from where I am standing.

Her arms encircled on my body as she tightly pulled me into a hug.

I blinked. If only I know she'll react this way, I should have told her this the moment I was able to walk again without using a cane.

Nabitawan niya ang cane at gumawa iyon ng ingay. I felt her arms around me loosened. Maybe after realizing what she did.

"Sorry," she whispered and she was about to pull away and let me go when I immediately wrapped my arms around her body to stop her. And I successfully did.

Narinig ko ang mahinang singhap na kumawala sa kanyang mga labi. My arms tightened around her as I felt peace in her warmth.

I slowly caressed her back and pulled her more closer to me, like our body touching each other isn't enough.

And fuck it, I can feel my heart beating fast as the minutes passed by. Or is that mine? Damn, I can feel Camilla's heartbeat against mine.

Tuluyang lumaylay ang kanyang kamay mula sa pagkakayakap sa akin.

"Can I call you Calla?"

"C-Calla sounds better," she whispered back with her voice trembling a bit.

I smiled. That's right. Because baby, you can't do anything about it, I'm already calling you Calla in my head.

"I like it better too." I hummed as I started caressing her back again. "Though whatever your name would be, you're still my Mauree."

"What--"

"My nurse, I mean." Agad na bawi ko. Fuck! I can't believe I'm afraid to tell her.

We stayed in our position even after a few minutes. I waited for Camilla to pull away but she didn't, like she's waiting for me to do it.

If that's the case, we'll probably stay here for a lifetime because I won't ever want to pull away.

"Let's stay like this for a while, can we?" I gently asked and I immediately heard her hummed.

That's when I felt her hands slowly crawling at my back as she hugged him the way she did earlier. And I can't suppress my smile as we're wrapped in each other's arms.

I slowly reached her head as I pulled it closer to me, making her leaned on my chest.

Mabuti at nasa ganito kaming posisyon. Or else Camilla will see how wide my smile is. She might think I'm a creep.

I let my chin rest at the top of her head as I started feeling the softness of her hair. "Tell me if this is making you uncomfortable. I'll pull away, Calla."

As much as I want us in this position, my priority is her comfort. But she didn't answer. Sa halip ay isiniksik niya ang ulo sa aking dibdib.

Damn it. Why are you like that, Calla? I looked calm right now but my insides are already in chaos.

Oh, great! I immediately thought of Ysmael as the word 'chaos' came in my mind.

"I'm sorry," I suddenly whispered after a while. "I thought your father can do something bad against you. I'm sorry for forcing you to leave."

"Believe it or not, he's actually a good father." Calla answered and I felt the side of her lips stretched into a smile against my chest.

"And your father will kill me for this," biglang dugtong ko. If Ysmael really treasure Calla, then he might kill me this time.

Calla pulled away but it's not enough to separate us because we're still holding each other.

I watched her as a furrow formed in her forehead while slightly pursing her mouth. "Why would he? You're not the Universe. He won't try to kill you this time."

Am I ready to tell her? What if she's not feeling the same? I mean-- oh, damn it! I don't fucking care, I'll pursue her so she'll like me back.

"Yeah, he'll kill me for liking his daughter instead." Those words swiftly escaped my mouth.

I immediately felt her stilled in my arms. Her mouth hung open as she slightly pushed me away like she wants to see if I'm serious or what. Kaya't muli niya akong tinulak at tuluyang naghiwalay ang aming mga katawan.

I intently stared at her, watching every expression she can possibly make.

Her eyes slowly blinked like she's too baffled to speak.

"I never knew I'll like you the way I do, Camilla," I murmured as my voice trembled a bit.

Though I know she heard it clear as she started nibbling her lower lip. Mataman siyang napakurap kaya't napansin ko ang pagkinang ng kanyang mga mata dahil sa mga luhang nagbabadyang lumabas doon.

Agad na namilog ang aking mga mata. Fuck, what did I do? Muli siyang napakurap at tuluyan ng sumungaw ang luha sa kanyang mga mata.

"You don't have to answer," I mustered when her mouth opened but nothing came out of it. I gave her a smile so she won't be pressured.

"Just... d-don't ask me to stop. Please, I can't," I whispered under my breath.

I can sense it already, that I can't stop what I'm feeling for her.

That's when a lone tear escaped fron her eyes. Agad akong naalarma sa pag-iling ng kanyang ulo. But I was a bit relieved when the corner of her lips stretched for a smile.

"I... won't."

S-she won't?

"D-Dasher, I'm sorry."

Unti unting kumunot ang aking noo. Why is she saying sorry? I was trying to think why but I can't think of anything but a negative answer. Though I still waited for her to continue.

Would a negative answer affect my decision to pursue her? No. Definitely not.

I intently stared at her like I don't wanna miss any reaction from her.

"Dad did horrible things against you. H-hindi ko dapat nararamdaman 'to pero..." she sobbed. "I'm sorry for being selfish but I like you too," she whispered, almost breathless as she avoided my gaze.

She like what? My mouth fell as I tilted my head. What is it? It didn't sink in my mind.

She immediately wiped her tears before finding my eyes again. Magalak kong sinalubong ang kanyang mga mata.

Her eyes fixed on mine. Tutok na tutok siya sa aking mga mata na tila may kung ano roon na humihila sa kanya. While I was silently waiting for her to continue. And the next words from her made me alive like I wasn't earlier. Fuck.

"Gusto rin kita, Dasher. So much," she repeated using her soft voice but damn, it was enough for me to finally process what she said earlier!

I stilled for a moment. She likes me. She fucking likes me back! Damn! I never thought hearing Calla confess can make me feel high!

Even after a few hours, I can still feel my body not calming down. I can't move on! Her words kept coming back in my mind that I can't sleep!

Even the next day after someone tried to trespass our headquarters, I kept thinking of things about Calla.

Creed's leaning on Mirae's wall while his hands were in his pockets. Auriese and Archer's seating on a couch with a wide distance between them. Marahan akong napailing nang maalalang bigla na lamang hindi nagkasundo ang dalawa.

I glanced at Mirae who's still unconscious on her bed. Nawalan ito ng malay ilang minuto matapos tumilapon sa sahig. Isang beses rin siyang nabaril kaya't naparami ang nawalang dugo.

While I was seating beside her, thinking like there's something wrong on what I told Calla when the door swiftly opened.

"Where's my wife-- fuck!" Vynz cursed when he saw Mirae lying on her bed.

Dire-diretso siyang nagtungo sa kinahihigaan ni Mirae.

"What happened?" tanong niya habang diretso sa akin ang mga mata.

"Rozelli happened."

"Fuck!" he cursed, seems those two words were enough for him to understand what happened.

"That was a warning from Ysmael," Creed spoke. "At hindi ngayon ang magiging huli kung mananatili sa atin ang babaeng iyon."

He's referring to Calla. Of course Rozelli would do anything to get his daughter.

"Killing that woman will surely trigger the Rozelli--"

Malalim na kumunot ang aking moo sa mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig ni Archer kaya naman agad kong pinutol iyon. "That's not in the choices."

I caught his brows furrowed but still continue to suggest another alternative. "Why don't you inject her something that can erase her memory then let her go back to Rozelli?"

Bahagya akong napailing, hindi sang-ayon sa sinasabi niya kahit pa agad na sinang-ayunan iyon ni Creed.

"I'll think about it," sambit ko na lamang upang hindi na humaba ang usapan. I can't fucking do that to Calla.

"Though there's no need for that. They knew it already," Creed muttered but he instantly stopped and glanced at me. Tila may nakakuha ng atensyon niya. "Think about it?" nahihiwagaang tanong ni Creed matapos maalala ang sinabi ko. "Is there something you're not telling us?"

I lifted my shoulders for a shrug. "I still can't figure it out."

"What is it? Maybe we can help?"

I let out a low chuckle at Creed as I shook my head. Can he help me figure if I like Calla or I love her already? "You can't."

"There you go again, moving without us knowing," Arch said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Look what happened the last time you did it."

I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders off. "I did it for Milady. I'll do it again if needed."

O kahit sino man sa kanila ang malalagay sa alanganing posisyon, hindi ako magaalinlanggang tulungan sila.

"Why do it with only yourself when we can help you?"

Doon na ako napahalakhak, ngunit siniguro ko na hindi iyon masyadong malakas upang hindi magising si Mirae.

"Seriously, Archer, can you help me figure it out if I love someone?"

His lips parted but he's too speechless to utter a word.

"See?" I smirked. "Really, you can't. Help me next time. But right now, I can figure it out myself."

"Woah, still Aislinn?" Manghang tanong niya.

I slowly shook my head. I don't think so. Before I decided to tell Calla what I feel for her, I'm already sure that she's who I like. I won't tell her that if a part of me is still with Aislinn.

Archer's eyes narrowed. "Is it--"

"I'm still figuring it out," I cutted his words.

Then suddenly, Calla flashed in my mind. And it was enough to send me above the clouds. I remember the way the corner of her lips lift every time I'll met her eyes. Every time she'll blinked when she's baffled...

God, how I love her.

Wait-- you what?

Fuck, yes. I love her.

And, God! I won't give this woman a damn apple, ever.

Reason why I immediately asked her to come with me and meet my parents. I... didn't just expect mom to act that way. She's always supportive and I'm confident too that they'll like Camilla because she's a great woman.

"Mom, can we talk about this first?"

"About what?" kunot noong sambit ni Mommy.

I stood in between Mom ang Camilla. "Calla isn't--"

"Can't you remember what Ysmael did to you?" She once again cutted my words. "Because if you can't, I'll make you remember."

My forehead frowned a bit. There's no need for that. "Mom, wala akong nakakalimutan. I can remember everything he did." I let out a deep sigh and slowly shook my head.

"Then why did you bring that woman in our mansion? God, son! I can't..." Mom trailed off as her hand flew on her forehead and started massaging it.

"Mella," marahang tawag ni Dad ngunit may bahagyang diin ang pagbigkas. "You're being rude. Why don't you give her a chance?"

But mom just nonchalantly glanced at him. "Don't tell me you'll allow this?"

"There's nothing wrong--"

"Oh, God!"

I was thankful to dad when she asked Calla to come with him so she won't hear what's the next words of my mom. I don't want her hearing those, she doesn't deserve this.

Sumunod kay Calla ang aking mga mata habang papalabas sila ni Dad ng silid. And when they're already out of sight, I turned to my mother.

"What was that, son?" A line becomes visible in her forehead.

"Mom, I love her," I said pertaining to Camilla. "I don't care if she's Ysmael's daughter. I really don't mind." I lifted my shoulders and shrugged.

Mommy tilted her head while looking at me in disbelief. "But I care. I do mind who her father is!"

"She's who I want to marry..." I gave her a faint smile. "You're hurting her because of your words."

Namilog ang kanyang mga mata at tila hindi pa rin makapaniwala. "But I'm just telling the truth!"

I stride near her and slowly slipped my arms around her. I slowly cocked my head for a nod. "I know you only want what's best for me but mom, she's greater than the best." While my lips were pressed, my smile widened and my arms around her tightened. "And even though she isn't, I hope you understand us, mom. Because I only want her. Wala ng iba."

I asked mom if she can apologize after our talk 'cause I know Calla's bothered because of mommy's words but she said she can't. She told me not to force her because she'll do it when she can already accept Camilla. Huwag ko raw munang asahan iyon sa ngayon.

"I'm sorry," I murmured as we arrived at Calla's condo unit. I enveloped my arms around her from her side. I gently leaned my forehead on Calla's head.

"Its alright. I actually expected that reaction from her."

But I didn't. Fuck. If only I know, I shouldn't have asked her to come with me for the mean time. Dapat ay kinausap ko muna sila Mom.

She's always taking my side. She always approved of whatever I want to do or whoever I love. Reason why I didn't really expect her to say those things.

She wriggled and tried to remove my arms on her waist but I remained firm. I don't wanna let her go as I felt like she'll stray away the moment I do.

She didn't stop moving. Ngunit ngayon ay isiniksik niya ang sarili upang makaharap sa akin. I was taken aback when her arms crawled on my body as she slowly embrace me while burying her face on my chest.

"I love you," she whispered.

Agad na nanigas ang aking katawan. My lips parted as my arms around her tightened.

"What did you say?" I breathily asked. I want her to repeat what she said. I want to hear it again. I wanna know if I heard it right.

Hinawakan ko ang magkabila niyang balikat at bahagya siyang tinulak palayo sa akin. Hinanap ko ang kanyang mga mata ngunit agad akong natigilan nang makita ang mga luhang naglalandas sa kanyang pisngi. "Hey, w-why are you crying?"

Lalo akong naalerto nang mapait siyang napangiti. Kasabay noon ang naguunahang mga luha na naglalandas sa kanyang mga pisngi.

I shifted from where I am standing. I cupped her cheeks while gently wiping the tears streaming down her face. "Hey, baby, why are you crying?"

She lifted her hands and let those rest in between my shoulders and my neck. Sinubukan kong hanapin ang kanyang mga mata.

"W-would you go back to Aislinn?" she asked in between her calm sobs.

A furrow immediately formed in my forehead. What makes her think I'll do that?

"What? Why would I--" I stopped and low chuckles escaped from my lips.

Baby, I'm madly inlove with you. I can't back out.

I'm still cupping her cheeks while her hands were resting in my shoulders. "Calla, I don't think I can leave you."

"I can't, baby. I can't." Marahan akong napailing habang may ngiti sa mga labi. "Why did you even thought of it, huh?"

I watched her bit her bottom lip and closed her eyes, trying to stop her tears from falling but they just won't. "Y-you became silent after talking to your mom. I just thought..."

I blinked. "I was thinking about the things mom said to you and how can I make her understand us. Not about leaving you."

She lowered her head.

"Now tell me, what did you just said earlier? I wanna hear it clearly."

I tilted her head to see her face. Matapos ay sinubukan kong itaas ang kanyang mukha at agad namang nagtagpo ang aming mga mata.

"I love you," she whispered as she held my shoulders to lift herself.

I stilled as suddenly, I felt like I heard the angels singing at the heaven. Fuck. I heard it right.

I didn't get what she's doing at first because I'm too preoccupied on what she said. But the next thing I know her lips are already touching mine.

Lunod ako sa aming lumalalim na halik nang bigla akong itinulak ni Calla. I wasn't on my own self as I eyed her. Ngunit nakita ko siyang wala sa aking ang atensyon.

Sinundan ko ang kanyang tingin at noon ako napatindig ng matuwid. Ysmael Rozelli is the first one I saw. Damn. In front of us is Calla's parents.

"Mommy! D-Dad!" I heard Calla panicking.

Her mother's scandalized stares bore unto us. "Oh my God, Ysmael! Did I just saw your daughter making out--"

"Mom!"

"With the doctor you killed-- oh, God! The doctor is alive!"

We're not making out... just kissing.

"Mom-- shit!" Calla cursed as Ysmael started striding towards our direction.

And I knew, he's after me. He hastily grabbed my shirt as his fist landed on my face. I was itching to punch him back but I stopped myself.

Today, I'm here because of Calla and not because of Cosmos. I can say too that Ysmael Rozelli, right now is punching me because he's Calla's father.

I'll gladly accept what Rozelli will give me because I know his madness right now is all because of what he just saw earlier. Because he wants to protect Calla and not because I'm a part of Cosmos.

"You sleepy, huh?" I whispered to my wife's ear as she continue sobbing while sitting on my lap. Her head's leaning on my chest as I was caressing her back ang hair, trying to calm her down.

We're still at the balcony, seating on the couch.

I felt her slowly shaking her head. "I miss Dad," she replied instead. I knew it.

The moment we got married, we talked about her father not only for one time. Every time she'll miss her father, she'll talk to me, tell me things about how is he to her, about how is he treating her as his daughter, that she can feel his presence in everyday as she grew up even without him in her side.

She never cried while telling me those. Not until she got pregnant. Her pregnancy hormones are letting her carry out what she really feel.

Ysmael might be an evil person but he's a good father to his daughter, Calla. I can feel my wife's pain every time she'll remember her father. And I can't do anything about it but to comfort her and be always with her.

I was... actually given a chance to stop Mirae from killing Camilla's father but I didn't. Until now, its haunting me.

"I'll shoot Ysmael. Hide under the stair so we'll corner him incase he's planning to run."

I nodded at Mirae as I run towards the back of the stair. Hindi pa ako nakakalayo ay narinig ko na ang sigaw galing sa pamilyar na boses.

"Daddy!"

Sandali akong natulos sa kinatatayuan bago tuluyang tumakbo patungo sa direksyong itinuro ni Mirae.

Series of gunshots echoed inside the mansion as the lights opened.

"Die, Rozelli," Mirae's voice roared.

Everything went fast as I heard Astrid yelling Mirae's name. Tuluyan akong nakarating sa kabilang bahagi ng hagdan. It was near the door, opposite to where Rozelli is.

Nang makarating doon ay agad na hinanap ng aking mga mata ang bulto ni Mirae. My eyes enlarged as I caught her slowly losing her consciousness.

I thought Ysmael shoot her but I found him lying on the ground, bathing in his own blood.

I roamed my eyes around the mansion and just a few walks away from me, I saw Calla as her gun's pointing at Mirae's direction.

My mouth parted while looking at her. Did she... shoot Mirae?

The question in my head immediately got an answer when I heard Mirae's husband.

"No! Fuck!" Vynz from the top of the stair cursed while Mirae fell on the ground.

I instantly saw him pointed his gun near the entrance of their mansion.

Agad na namilog ang aking mga mata at napabaling sa direksyong iyon. No. No!

"Calla!" I shouted when Vynz pointed his gun on her.

I immediately felt my heart hammering. Agad kong tinakbo ang aming distansya dahil alam kong hindi magdadalawang isip si Vynz na kalabitin ang gatilyo ng kanyang baril habang wala roon ang atensyon ni Calla.

Before she could even turn her head on me, I already enveloped my arms around her. Kasabay noon ang sunod-sunod na putok ng baril.

I heard Creed cursing as he called Vynz's name, when I felt my body became numb. Mariin kong niyakap si Calla, sinisigurong walang bala ng baril na tatama sa katawan niya.

"D-Dasher." Her voice trembled. "Y-you shouldn't--"

I looked down at her as our eyes met. I gave her a warm smile to assure her everything's going to be alright.

But she can't smile back at me. Namimilog ang mga mata niya at hilam sa mga luha. I want to reached her cheeks and wiped her tears but I can't move my arms.

I kept staring at her while my body's now slowly losing its strength. The corner of my lips tugged in a smile as I didn't regret what I did because I know Calla's safe.

Bumakas ang takot sa mga mata niya. I want to tell her I'm alright and she doesn't have to worry but I was struggling to weave for words.

"Dasher, n-no. Please..." She hastily shook her head. Putol putol ang kanyang mga salita dahil na sa mga hikbing kumakawala mula sa kanyang bibig. "Don't close your eyes, p-please."

"Ca-- lla." I forced myself to find my voice and call her name. My hands remained encircled on her waist while I slowly moved my other hand towards her cheek.

"I l-love you... al-- ways," I whispered.

She tightly shut her eyes closed. "Shhh, I love you. S-save your strength, please."

Kasabay noon ang boses ni Archer. "Fuck! Dasher!" He carefully pulled me away Calla to assist me together with Creed, trying to lie me in a stretcher.

At first, Calla doesn't want to let my hands go but when her eyes fixed at her father, her grip loosened.

"D-Daddy!" Her voice trembled as she run towards Ysmael who's lying on the floor.

And I clearly saw how tears streamed down her face while looking at her father.

At that very moment, I realized how important Ysmael is to Calla. At hindi ko kayang tiisin na lumuluha siya.

I tugged Archer's shirt to get his attention. And as our eyes met, I instantly force words to come out of my mouth. "H-help... him."

Unti-unting bumibigat ang aking talukap ngunit nilalabanan ko ang pagbagsak noon.

Mataman siyang napakurap at tila hindi agad nakuha ang aking sinabi. Even Creed who's beside him seems confused.

"Huh? W-who?" He stared at me while tilting his head. "Ro-Rozelli?"

I slightly cocked my head to confirmed it as I willingly shut my eyes closed. I know he will do what I asked. For Calla.

"Dasher!" I heard Archer when he hastily entered on my hospital room. But my attention is on the email sent on my phone.

Choose wisely, doctor. Today might be the death of the other 'cause you can only have one.

Two pictures are attached below the message. Two women from different places, both tied in a chair. And even with the blindfolds, I can recognize who they are.

My jaw clenched as I realized they're both at the edge of the cliff. The one seems familiar but the other one isn't.

My grip on the phone tightened as I realized why Archer suddenly barged in.

"Aislinn and Camilla's kidnapped--"

"Go find Aislinn's location. I'll go get Camilla!"

Namilog ang mga mata niya sa akin. "You're still recovering."

Recovering my ass! We have to save them. And I don't have to fucking choose when we can save Calla and Aislinn both.

Yet, I stop as I realized I'm choosing already.

We can save both with the help of Cosmos. But I can only save one. And my insides... are screaming for Calla. I didn't even think twice as I told Archer I'll get Calla.

I never thought one day will come and I'll do everything just to make Rozelli's daughter safe and happy.

My arms around her tightened while leaning my head on her shoulder. She finally calmed down after a few while.

I can't help but worry for her and our baby every time she'll be like this. I don't want her stressing herself especially now that she's pregnant but I can't do anything about it as its her pregnancy hormones pushing her to let her emotions out.

Naramdaman kong isiniksik niya ang kamay sa aking tagiliran at niyakap ako pabalik. "I'm sorry for crying again," she whispered while shifting her head on my chest, trying to find comfortable position.

"You don't have to apologize. I'm just worried." I kissed the top of her head. "How about we visit your father at the cemetery? Do you want that?" Marahang suhestiyon ko.

Bahagya siyang lumayo sa akin ang sinalubong ang aking mga mata. "Really? T-tomorrow?"

I nodded my head as the corner of my lips lifted for a smile. "If you're free tomorrow then it's settled. Let's go and visit him tomorrow."

I leaned and tilted my head a bit to reached her lips for a quick kiss.

"I love you, Calla."

"I love you, Dasher."

We chuckled as we uttered in unison after the kiss. Like we're thinking the same thing at the same time.

I slowly shook my head with a smile plastered in my lips.

I can still remember how I treated Aislinn as a star at the thought that, only the stars can light the dark night.

But as my wife came, I realized I was wrong. I forgot that whenever the night is dark, even in the middle of the storm, and even when the stars were missing, there's always the moon.

And no matter how many stars were there, I will still go for the moon. I will haunt it as it haunts me. And Calla, will always be my moon.

God, I love her for a million times. And I love how as days passed by, its getting bigger and deeper that no one can surpass her.

__________