When Zander and I came, the extravaganza at the Mondragon's for Daniel's post birthday celebration has begun. I know I will see Ethan tonight, he's one of Daniel's bestfriend and surely he wouldn't miss it for the world.

In my swing lace dress and black stilettos, I look around. I want to see Ethan and would probably say hi to him. What happened last time somehow knock up some senses in me. Oxygen is right, if Ethan wants Lance then I can't do anything about it. My love for him can't control his will. He's his own person.

And tonight, I'm sure, I'd be seeing Lance as well.

"Happy birthday, Daniel" I greeted when we walked up to him. "Here's my present for you, I won't say it's humble because you know me, I don't do humble."

"Of course," he chuckled shortly. "Thanks anyway."

Paris along with her husband, Aidan Zeus came to us and greeted Daniel. She then looked at Zander making some meaningful eye contact that I completely don't understand and definitely don't give a damn.

"Romee couldn't come tonight, but she had sent you a present." Paris Amanda said.

I turned to Zander only to see a small smile tugged across his lips, looking down at his shoes. Okay? So what was that for? Anyway, I couldn't care less.

"Is Ethan already here?" I asked Daniel.

He gave my brother a look before he turned and answer me. "Yeah, he came with Rance. He's just around."

"Oh, thanks. Excuse me for awhile, I'll just say hi-"

"Gabbana," Zander's tone held a subtle warning.

"What? I won't do something stupid, Zander. Calm the f down." I said, rolling my eyes. "I'll be back, I promise."

Hindi na ako nag-antay pa ng sagot, tinalikuran ko na sila at nag-simula ko nang hanapin si Ethan. Different faces from the upper class society field the place, isn't surprising because Daniel's family consist of huge personalities in the nation. With his dad being the doctor with a miraculous hand and his mom as a respected news anchor in national television not to mention his grandfather, the former president of the country.

"Ethan," I called out his name.

He's back facing me, but I know, it's him. I could never mistake him for someone else. Taking his time, he turned and see me. Thick brows furrowed, as if he didn't quiet expect me to be standing near him.

I smiled, stepping closer. "Hi,"

"Gabby," he flashed me the smile that I always loved about him. "Hey, you with Zander?"

"Yeah, he's there..." I pointed out Zander's direction with my thumb. "With Daniel. Uh, how're you?"

"Oh," he gave the direction I've pointed a fleeting glance before he looked back to me. "I'm good. You? How are you doing?"

I know I should talk, but I just couldn't stop praising him in my head. Those pair of soft brown eyes, arrogant upturned nose and his lips that always forms a firm line. He's perfect. Images of Oxygen De Salvo came flashing, they're both gorgeous, fine. But in a total different way, Oxygen is a jock and Ethan, he's more likely to fall into a strong silent type. Why am I comparing them anyway? I brushed that off.

"I'm fine," was my simple reply.

I was about to say something to extend our conversation that has just started when a voice from behind called his name. I was suddenly sick irritated, but I've managed not to show it. Not in front of Ethan, at least.

"Good, I'm gonna go ahead first, Gabby. Sir Solomon is looking for me." He said in a gentle tone.

Everything about Ethan seems to be gentle and mysterious. He'd always been elusive, he stays to himself. Women flock to him due to the mystique in his persona. But Ethan seems to be always in control.

"Yeah, sure..." that's the only response I could give, much as I wanna prolong the moment because I missed him this close, I know I can't do that, he won't let me.

With that all my dreamy thoughts about Ethan that I have kept for so many years comes alive again. I'm in love with him. How can a man be so perfect and still be called a man?

I was naked, above the huge mattress with a naked mad on top of me. I have gained my senses back and started to realize what's happening. I'm under a masculine physique, I'm crying. Helplessly begging. His coarse whisky tongue licked my skin, stubby fingers curled in my hair.

"Good that you're awake now..." he whispered when he noticed.

"P-please, Shaun. P-please... d-don't..." I was so weak to create any sound but I'm hoping that I have build words.

"Don't what? I waited so long for this, Gabbana." He nuzzled his face into my neck and began kissing me there, bruising me. "I'm sure you'll like this, baby... I will make sure you'll enjoy this."

Frightened, I woke up to the same nightmare again. Hot tears flooded my face, I hugged myself tightly, wrapped around the comforter. I closed my eyes and images of Shaun McMillan filled my head.

I'd been running away from the same nightmare for months now. My fist balled, I rested my forehead over my knees. I was violated. I nearly died. I will never ever forget that night. And I couldn't tell anyone about it. I will never tell anyone, they wouldn't believe me. No one's gonna ever believe me.

One of the things I'd been trying to escape that's why I've decided to leave New York for awhile. I don't know if I'll be able to live fit in there, knowing that I'll be seeing Shaun in every turn. Curse him. That night, I thought he died. But with all the misfortune, he didn't.

Shaun McMillan had been pursuing me for as far as I can remember, he'd been following me like a bee to honey. I don't like him. He's gorgeous alright, but he's a sick womanizer. He'd been telling the whole world how bad he's in love with me but he jumped into different bed every night. A sick-fuck that he is.

I just couldn't push him away because mom wants me to be nice with him, mom never asked me to date him but she told me to be at least accepting and friendly with him. I have no problem with that. I understand mom, she wants everything that will benefit me and my modeling career. And Shaun McMillan is the youngest grandchild of the founder of Vera Moda.

Shaun had been a total gentleman, he never took advantage on me. Not until that night. He's high and it was too late for me to have realized that. He drugged me with something in my drink.

No one's gonna believe me. For everyone who'll hear it, they might see me as a huge joke. In everyone's head, I am Shaun's girlfriend. I am committed to him. In their eyes, I was his. We've been constantly seen together and what they see is what they believe.

After the nightmare, I haven't gotten any sleep. I was afraid it may haunt me again. Morning came and I have to act normal in front of Zander. Which came easy because he didn't join me for breakfast, saying that there's something important he needs to rush into.

I need some distraction, so I've decided to go out and be in someplace. Maybe I'll just shop around.

Mom called me for several times today, I intentionally shut my phone off. Hearing mom convince me to fly back there won't help in times like this, it will just keep that nightmare from running through.

"I want all from Christian Dior's latest sunglasses collection," I've told the lady who walked up to me and offered assistance. "And get me the black leather strapped-gold rim watch from last week's release, I've seen it on the internet. I know it's already available here."

Her eyes widened, as if she couldn't believe what I've just said.

"Hey, you gonna get me what I'm asking for or am I gonna look for more attentive sales personnel available."

Agad siyang tumalima at humingi ng paumanhin. I ignored her and continued shopping around. I've spent the whole afternoon wasting bills. This is how I distract myself. I loved being pampered, I was born and raised that way. And somehow, it lightens me up.

The backseat of my car was already full with the stuff I bought when I went out of the shopping center. Napag-desisyunan ko na mag-hapunan na lamang sa isang fine dining malapit sa subdivision ng tinitirahan ni Zander. I heard they have good food here, I might as well try it.

The place looks nice and expensive. The restaurant's atmosphere sets the stage. It's about more than just a dining room away from home. Food takes the spotlight as guests become its audience. Factors such as music, lighting, artwork and spacing combine to create comfort, intimacy and even romance.

I was peacefully having my meal when I saw a familiar figure came in, wearing a dark red party dress that compliments her flawless white skin pretty well. Her short hair styled in beach wave. But that's not what called my attention, but the arm of a man around her waist as he guided her into their designated table.

Lance Dela Paz but she's not with Ethan.

My forehead knotted a frown. I thought she's dating Ethan? Then what the hell is she doing here with another man?

Again, my anger and hatred for Lance started boiling inside me. First the Vera Moda, next Ethan. Seems like this woman didn't know how to appreciate things that was laid in front of her.

I couldn't stop myself from watching her as she talks with that man, all in her sweet smile. I know Lance is so out of my business but I hate her! Ethan seems to totally adore her and seeing her this way with another man makes my stomach sick.

When she stood up and seem to excuse herself, I did, too. I followed her to the comfort room, right in time before she could even get inside the cubicle with her phone in her hand.

"Lance," I called her out.

She turned and face me with her slender brow arched up. She didn't say anything, like she's waiting for my words.

I pushed the door close and even locked it. I don't care if someone will come banging the door any minute now. "Does Ethan know where you are now? Rather whom you're with?"

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe. "No."

My eyes squinted.

"Leave me alone. I've no time to spare for you." She dismissed me and was about to continue walking in when I started speaking.

"You selfish, self-centered brat! I really don't understand why he likes you! You're nothing but an egocentric, thoughtless, wrapped up in oneself-"

"Pathetic, aren't you?" She cut me off in a quiet tone. Her eyes were cold and distant. "Take your bullshits with you and leave me alone."

"Ethan likes you, everyone likes you and you seem to take everything for granted-"

"You and your sick obsession with Emilio Nathaniel is rotten," she took a step towards me. "You want Ethan, isn't it?"

"I do." There's no reason for me to deny it.

"Then have him all. To fuck I care."

I was so ready to grab her hair and pull it down because I am really irritated that I didn't care if it's childish or what, but before I could even lift a finger, we heard noises from outside.

"Bullshit!"

I heard her mutter a cuss before she started dialing on her phone, I was about to open the door to see what's going on when she snatched my arm and stopped me from doing so.

"Hello, yes, change of plans-" she stopped and covered my mouth with her hand, I tried to move away but she's surprisingly strong that she had dragged me to one of the cubicle and locked us both inside. She then hissed near my ear. "Shut up."

After that I heard louder noises, count of men came inside the restroom we're at. I was instantly scared when I heard people talking.

"Kasama niya si Dela Paz, nasaan na si Dela Paz?"

"Pumunta raw iyon dito, isa-isahin niyo nalang."

"Putangina, hindi pwedeng hindi natin makuha iyon."

Lance let go of my mouth and my eyes widened in horror. She looked at me, this scene is almost familiar.

"Stay here, someone will come for you. Don't go out until he came and rescue you." She ordered before hitting the flush of the toilet and turned her back on me. Started leaving. "I heard someone's looking for me."

I leaned helplessly against the wall of the cubicle, praying for Lance. God knows what they're gonna do with her. Heaven's this isn't happening.

"Ito na pala si Dela Paz, e" malakas na halakhak iyon ng lalaki. "Sumama ka samin-"

"You don't need to touch me, I'll go with you."

After that all I heard is silence. I still can't move. Harrowing tears started falling from my eyes, the same fear from my nightmare rose within me. Si Lance, kinuha siya. Paano kung mangyari sakanya ang nangyari sakin? No way, I don't want that to happen to her nor to anyone. Nobody deserves it. Oh God!

I don't know how long I'd been standing there, silently crying and helplessly waiting for someone to come just like what Lance told me.

"Gabbana!"

When I heard Oxygen's familiar baritone voice, I rushed and opened the door. Mabilis ko siyang tinakbo at mahigpit na niyakap, I was so scared. Scared to death!

"Gab, are you okay? Were you hurt?" He asked in a soft voice, I shook my head and held him tighter. "Hush, everything is fine now-"

"No! Si Lance! They took Lance! I don't know who they are, I haven't seen their faces, Oxygen. But they took Lance! Oh God, they took her!" I said in hysteric.

"Oo, alam ko. Kumalma ka, Ethan is already after her." He tugged me safe in his arms, caressing my back. "Let me get you out of here."

Tears already dried up my face but I'm still unable to speak a word. Seated inside Oxygen's car, hugging my legs together, trying to keep my body from trembling. I'm staring blankly at the dashboard and Oxygen is letting me be.

I heard nothing from him but I know he's there beside me. I'm scared. I know I'm still scared. I feel like something bad is about to happen to me every time. I have no safety blanket to shield me in cold nights, no nothing to protect me from harm.

"Gabgab, kanina ka pa umiiyak. Baka gusto mo ng tubig?" Malumanay na tanong ni Oxygen mula sa gilid ko.

I wanted to tell him that I don't need no water, what I need is some safety. But I didn't.

"Wag mo na isipin si Lance, hindi mapapahamak 'yon. Hindi siya pababayaan ni Ethan at Rance, mas lalong hindi niya pababayaan ang sarili niya."

"T-they might hurt her..." I turned to him, images of Lance being in the same situation that I've been through, I shut my eyes. "They might rape her-"

"Gabgab!" He cut me off, holding my arm and bringing me to him in an embrace. "Hindi mangyayari 'yon. Okay lang si Lance, wag ka ng mag-alala-"

"Oxygen, I didn't stalk her I swear. I was there to have my dinner then I saw her with someone, she's dating someone. Gets into me, I know I shouldn't have done that. But thinking that she's with Ethan and now was dating someone pissed me off. So, I confronted her but I swear I'm not following her like the last time-"

"I believe you..." he whispered before he started stroking my hair with fingers.

He believes in me. Someone believes me.

"Pahinga ka muna, Gabgab. Wag ka muna mag-isip. Tama na muna 'yang kaka-Ethan mo, si Lance, I promise you she will be safe."

Now I'm starting to think that Oxygen and Lance were right. My obsession with Ethan is no longer healthy and it's indeed sick.

"Uwi na tayo, ha?" Mahina niyang bulong.

"Take me with you..."

He's about to move away and start the engine when I stopped him, he looked down at me. Worry is obvious in his blue eyes.

"Can't you drive without letting go of me?" I deliberately asked a favor in a small tone.

He didn't say anything but he didn't let me go, just as I requested. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. Never in my wildest dream had I thought of finding serenity in Oxygen's arms. With Oxygen's presence. Not until now. Now that all I ever wanted is for him to hold me close. Hold me tight. I needed that comfort from him.

I felt him kissed the top of my head and whispered. "Iyakin."