LOCATION: Westside Luxury Mall, Myit. Time: Afternoon

25-year-old Analyn Soriano stares at the movie trailer playing in front of her, trying to ignore her overzealous brother, Aurelio [Leo for short], standing next to her.

ANALYN: I'm not watching that movie.

LEO: *Deflated but enthusiastic*  What's wrong with Zombie Apocalypse? It's fun; there's a ton of gore and that actor you like-

ANALYN: But there can be nothing new in a zombie movie.

LEO: Ok. How about a comedy then?

ANALYN: Nah.

LEO: Ate [Pronounced A – TE, Tagalog for elder sister], pick one, any one! *Pleading like a toddler* Just pick a movie! I beg you.

ANALYN: Maybe we should go to the arcade.

LEO: *Suddenly serious*  No ate, you'll spend another two hours deciding which game to play. Let's just watch a movie, please pick one.

ANALYN: Why're you forcing me? I was fine sitting at home. It's my one day off. *Irritated*  What's your problem? Why're you pestering me to watch a movie?

LEO: Since your divorce, you haven't stepped out-

ANALYN: Wha-

LEO: *Interjects*  Going to work doesn't count. You haven't had any fun. You think Ha Joon Hyung's sitting at home and sulking like you?

ANALYN: *Upset*  Why're you bringing him up?

LEO: *Pained*  Because he's out there, having fun after he divorced my sweet Ate, while she's living a life of a hermit.

ANALYN: Aw...*smiling sweetly*  You called me sweet. *Squishing Leo's cheeks together*  You think I'm sweet?

LEO: Not the point, Ate. Move on already. Have some fun. There are other fish in the sea, you'll find someone else.

ANALYN: Aww. Look at my brother all grown up. *Twists his ear*  Just because you turned 20, you think you can advise me?

LEO: Ow-Ouch Ate, stop. It hurts.

ANALYN: *Stern*  Good. This'll help you remember never to advise me on anything. *Lets go of his ear*  Stay out of my business, you pesky little bug.

LEO: Okay! *Rubs his ear*  Okay! Fine! Chill.

ANALYN: *Uninterested*  Let's watch that one.

LEO: Which one?

ANALYN: *Irritated*  Dude, just pick a movie, any one.

LEO: Great! Wait here, I'll get the tickets. *Hurries to the ticket kiosk*

ANALYN POV:

I push down the tidal wave of feelings that rise in my chest as memories of the worst day of my life comes flooding into my mind.

Flash Back:

LOCATION: Living room, Penthouse 7, 101st floor, Sky Palace, Pearl Road, Myit.

I had spent the whole day packing for our upcoming trip to the Maldives. Our first trip together in our 3-year long marriage, I was super excited and full of hope that this trip would thaw the deep freeze our relationship has been in, since the day of our wedding.

It is late evening and I'm seated on the couch going through my ridiculously cute bunny shaped travel bag, a gift from Leo for my last birthday, when Ha Joon walks over to me. I look up and smile, it's the first time he's been home before midnight.

Dressed in all black - black formal pants and black buttoned up formal shirt, he takes my breath away. It takes some effort to pry my attention away from the fitted shirt extenuating his chiseled shoulder muscles before my eyes eventually rest on his.

ANALYN: *Smiling sincerely*  Do you want me to pack anything else?

HA JOON: *Places a bunch of papers on the coffee table*  I need you to sign these.

ANALYN: Sure!

HA JOON: There. *Points to the dotted line*

I smile and sign everywhere he points.

ANALYN: Done-! *I hand him the papers*

As Ha Joon pulls the paper away, my eyes fall on the bold letters on the front page - DIVORCE.

ANALYN: Wait! *Startled*  Ha Joon! What did I just sign? *He puts the papers in an envelope*  Stop, give it back!

HA JOON: *Stern*  No. It's done.

ANALYN: What do you mean it's done?! It's divorce! *Pained*  I signed divorce papers!

HA JOON: *Frigid*  Yes.

ANALYN: Yes!? *Flabbergasted* ...Wh-Why would you do such a thing? *Shaking*  Why would you trick me into signing the divorce papers?!

HA JOON: Because you never listen! How many times have I asked you for the divorce?!...

I don't respond, I can't, my voice is stuck in my throat.

HA JOON: *Seething*  More than a dozen times Analyn. I was kind, I was polite, I offered you money, I offered you shares, but you never listened...

ANALYN: Are you in love with someone else? *Panicking*  Do you like someone else?

HA JOON: No. *Frustrated, smacks his hand on his chest*  I'm suffocating.

His words punch me in the gut.

ANALYN: *Croak*  Ha Joon-

HA JOON: Each day is a living hell. I don't have the freedom to live my own life.

My eyes well up with tears.

HA JOON: I thought I could handle this; I thought I would come to love you...I tried.

Every word out of his mouth shove daggers into my heart.

ANALYN: We can find a way-

HA JOON: This is the only way! * Turns to leave*  I can't take this anymore. I need my life back.

ANALYN: *Desperate and trembling*  But Joon, I love you. I've always loved you. *pleading*  You know I've always loved you.

He turns back throwing the envelope on the coffee table. His hazel eyes, spewing hatred, bore into mine. Cold shivers spread through my body as blood drains from my veins.

HA JOON: Then give me what I want. Isn't that what people do when they love someone? How is it love when you're forcing me to be with you?

The deafening sound of a hundred sticks of dynamite blasting my heart into a million pieces roars in my ears. Wiping away my tears, I pick up the envelope and hold it out to him. My anger is replaced with bone crushing guilt.

ANALYN: If I knew this was the only thing that would make you happy, I would've done this a long time ago...I'm sorry for what I put you through.

I shove the envelope into his chest and storm out of our home, tears cascading down my face; a home that was never one to begin with, neither for him nor for me.

Present Day: Westside Luxury Mall, Myit.

It's been 3 months since, and guilt has refused to leave my side. I press the sleeve of my hoodie to my eyes to stop the tears from rolling out, I don't want to discuss this with anyone, let alone my younger brother in middle of this pompous mall.

A/n's POV:

LEO: *Rushes to ANALYN looking at his phone, worried* Ate!

ANALYN: *Uninterested but irritated*  What now?!

LEO: It's Hyung. *Shows the google alert*

ANALYN: *Reads news headline, face drains in shock * 25-year-old, Park Ha Joon, CEO of Dae Hyun Corporation has been called in for questioning in the Axim Defense Deal. The CEO has been accused of leaking military secrets and assaulting Mr. Gautama Chaiyawut, the Defense Secretary...

LEO: Ate!!! *Watches her bolt toward the exit* Ate!!