Just a few minutes after the dinner with Tita Cecille, Rieselle arrived. But this time, she's with Guerdon and three unfamiliar men in white coats, all carrying a doctor's bag. Dahilan kung bakit agad kong natanto na doktor ang tatlo. Behind them is Rieselle's father.

"Tita," bati ni Rieselle sa ina ni Chaos.

And she smiled when our eyes met. Hindi ko magawang ibalik ang ngiti niya. How can she smile at me like I didn't do something wrong to her.

Bumati rin si Guerdon kay Tita Cecille.

"How's your grandma? Who's with her in the hospital?" she asked after her nephew greeted her.

"I haven't visited the hospital, Tita. But Dawn called, and she informed me that Aunt Roselle was there."

"She's fine, Cecille. The doctor advised that she should rest," Rieselle's father interfered.

Marahan siyang tumango. "That's good to hear, Joaquin."

Ipinakilala ni Guerdon sa amin ni Tita Cecille ang mga kasama nilang doktor.

Guerdon's eyes darted at me. "We'll have your DNA samples, Marcia if you don't mind."

Tumango ako. I have no problem with it. Kung gusto nga nilang gawin ito, sino ako para tumanggi? Wala namang mawawala sa akin sa magiging resulta noon. I mean, I know what the result would be.

They're surely hoping that Rieselle finally found her twin but they'll end up disappointed because I'm not her twin or whatever she's imagining.

"Let's continue this in the library," Tita Cecille announced.

She immediately lead the way after she gestured something on one of their maids. Habang si Guerdon ay hinintay na makasunod ang lahat bago tuluyang naglakad patungo rin sa library.

"They'll get Tito Joaquin's sample too," Guerdon informed when he stood beside me.

Tumango ako roon.

We silently settled inside and the doctors instantly started preparing their kit on the table.

Tita Cecille and Rieselle settled on the couch and Guerdon stood beside them while Joaquin Serrano and I were escorted in the middle. We sat on the chair while facing each other and the only thing separating us was the table.

Bago pa man makapagsimula ay agad na nahagip ng aking mga mata ang pagpasok ni Chaos.

I caught him nodding at one of the doctors, seems like he greeted, before proceeding towards my direction.

Chaos didn't utter a single word the moment the doctors started getting my samples and just remained standing behind my chair.

"Where's Estella?" I heard Tita Cecille asked. Tito Joaquin can't answer as one of the doctors are currently doing a buccal swab procedure on him. Dahilan kung bakit si Rieselle ang sumagot sa kanya.

"At home, Tita. She..." Rieselle trailed off while bitting her lower lip. "She still won't entertain what I said. She kept insisting that... Marcia isn't my sister."

Because I'm not.

Getting of samples ended after half an hour. I gave three sets of DNA samples for the three doctors.

Tatlong doktor mula sa magkakaibang ospital. The first one is the family doctor of the Zaldivars. The second doctor is Joaquin Serrano's friend, a family doctor too, I guess. While the other doctor is hired by Chaos.

They will conduct three DNA tests and our DNA samples will be sent to three different highly accredited laboratories to make sure the results are accurate and no one will tamper it.

Guerdon escorted the three doctors out after the procedures.

"We can have the result on Wednesday," Joaquin Serrano announced as he faced us.

That's the day after tomorrow.

They must be really eager to know the truth that they're willing to pay a price just to make sure they'll get the results the soonest.

Nakatayo na ako sa kinauupuan nang salubungin ako ni Rieselle. Akala ko ay lalagpasan niya ako at didiretso siya sa aking likuran kung nasaan si Chaos.

But she stopped in front of me as the corner of her lips rose for a smile. I waited for her to speak but nothing came. Her lips would part but not even a single word would come out of it. Siguro ay hindi niya nahanap ang mga salitang dapat na sabihin.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

Sa ginawang pag-iwas ay tumama ang aking mga mata kay Joaquin Serrano. I caught him looking at me with longing in his eyes.

I let out a deep sigh and equal Joaquin Serrano's gaze. "I just want to make this clear. I don't have a twin. I grew up as a Quijano because I am a Quijano." I paused a bit as my eyes darted at Rieselle again.

"I'm sorry for what I did, especially to you..." I trailed off while figuring how I sounded. I tried to think of words that would make it sound more sincere because I am but I can't.

In the end, I decided to end it that way. Hindi ko alam kung paniniwalaan nila iyon dahil sa tono ko.

"I'll face all the charges your family would file against me. If you want me in jail-"

"I won't let them," mariing putol ni Chaos sa aking mga salita.

I gently eyed him, it lasted for a few seconds until I felt his hand on my waist. I jerked away and caught a flicker of pain crossed his eyes.

Mariin akong pumikit at pinilit ang sariling bumaling kay Rieselle. "I'm sorry for ruining your relationship. Don't blame Chaos for mistaking me as his fiancee. I fooled him, the reason why everything happened," I trailed off as I bit the side of my cheeks.

Muli akong bumuntong hininga at pinilit ang sarili na bigyan siya ng ngiti. "I'm sorry for delaying your wedding. You can... have it now. I'm sure Chaos won't hesitate to marry you." I even gave Chaos a quick glanced.

He softly cursed.

Rieselle shook her head. "Marcia-"

"Take good care of..." I nibbled my lower lip. "Him. You'll surely make a good couple. Best wishes," marahang sambit ko nang may pinalidad bago siya muling binigyan ng ngiti.

I glanced at Tita Cecille and Joaquin Serrano who were now both near the couch and slightly bowed my head. "I'll go ahead, Tita, Mr. Serrano."

I didn't wait for their signal as I hastily walked out of the library.

Diretso ang lakad ko palabas ng mansyon. The dark skies welcomed me as the cold breeze of air touches my skin.

Sa bilis ng lakad ay hindi ko na namalayan na may sumusunod sa akin.

I got aware of Chaos's presence the moment I stepped out of the mansion and he caught my arm. Umikot siya patungo sa aking harapan habang madilim ang mga mata. His dark eyes bore unto me. His eyes were naturally dark but this time, it was darker. I can clearly see it despite how dark the night is.

"What did you do?" he asked with his voice full of hostile.

I tilted my head as I raised a brow, asking him without a word.

"You spoke there like you're so sure I'll marry Rieselle just because you said it."

Napakurap ako at bahagyang natigilan. As I recall what I've said, may mali nga ako roon. I spoke like the wedding will still push through despite what happened. Para bang ako ang nagdesisyon para sa kanilang dalawa.

Though they're meant to marry each other so what's wrong?

"I'm sorry—"

"What am I? A thing that you can offer to someone as a gift?"

"A gift?" Hindi ko na naman napigilan ang sarkasmo at bahagyang pagtaas ng tono ko. I chuckled with no humor. "Paano kita ibibigay kay Rieselle? How can I do that when you're hers in the first place? You're hers, Chaos. Always hers!"

He forcefully cursed under his breath. "Damn it, Marcia! Rieselle and I were done five years ago. The moment I started roaming around the world just to fucking find you, and even before that, she already know that the wedding is off."

My lips parted a bit though I know deep inside that the wedding might be off already. "I thought it was just postponed?"

"She didn't tell anyone about what really happened to her. Her parents would surely suspect if we suddenly announced that we broke up."

He sighed in defeat. "What do you want me to do to make it clear that it's you that I love and not anyone else?"

I avoided his gaze when he asked with a helpless voice. While my lips slowly parted.

He what?

Loves me?

Muli kong naramdaman ang hindi pangkaraniwang bilis ng tibok ng aking puso na agad kong pinilit na pakalmahin.

When I remained staring anywhere but him, he figured that I have no plans to answer. "Let's have dinner first," sambit niya habang marahang humagod ang kanyang kamay sa aking likod, urging me to follow.

"Ikaw na lang. I'm done. Your mom asked me to join her over dinner," I answered as I continued walking outside the mansion.

Narinig ko ang marahas na pagbuntong hininga niya at inunahan na ako patungo sa kotse niya. I thought he'll leave me here alone because he had enough of me but he didn't. Instead, he opened the passenger's seat for me.

I felt my chest tightened at his gesture. I bit the side of my cheeks before parting my lips for an exhale. I slowly made my feet walk. While I slightly tilted my head when I stopped with a meter of distance between us.

"How's your grandma?" I asked instead of going inside the car.

But he didn't answer like he knew I didn't really care.

I swallowed and tasted a bitter stroke in my throat. "See why what you're saying isn't possible? That you'll marry me and not Rieselle?"

Dumilim ang mga mata niya, siguro ay nang natanto kung saan na naman patungo ang aming usapan. He pushed back the door, shutting it close.

"Everything I've said earlier, I mean it. It is all true. Siguro naman, hindi ko na kailangan isa-isahin iyon ulit ngayon?" The thick sarcasm is still very evident at the edge of my tone.

"Including the best wishes?" malamig na sambit niya na may halong sarkasmo.

His question caught me off guard that I can't do anything but raise a brow. "C-certainly." I almost cursed when I stammered.

He nonchalantly nodded his head, still with a mockery. "Really?"

I snorted as my eyes started becoming glassy as tears form at the side of my eyes. I hardly bit the insides of my cheeks as if it'll help suppress the tears.

Marahas akong napabuntong hininga.

"Why can't you just hate me?" My voice broke but my mind's too caught up with our situation to even mind it. "Ask me to leave! To fucking leave you alone and make everything easier for the both of us!" I shrieked and if someone from the mansion went out, we would surely be seen.

"I lied. I lied to you! I fooled you!" I closed the distance between us even with my wobbling knees. I punched his chest in extreme annoyance in everything but it seems like he's not even affected by it.

With my weak hands, I grabbed his collar but ended up leaning my forehead in his chest when I felt my tears streaming down my cheeks like a waterfall. His hand held my arms.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin at sinalubong ang mga mata niya. Not minding how devastated I looked.

"You think I'll change this time? I once stole millions from you! You hear me? Millions! And I'll do it again! I fooled you not just once and I will always fool you, Chaos. Stop your illusion that I'll be different this time because I will always end up fooling you," I calmly stated the last statement, suddenly tired of the shoutings.

I watched him as his jaw sharply clenched after seeing my tears.

"Damn it," he cursed and licked his lower lip. "Go on. Fool me! Fucking fool me all you want, Marcia! But I prefer this than an easier life without you," he snapped, para bang ubos na ubos na ang pasensya niya. "I don't give a damn as long as you stay. "

I sobbed and pulled his collar closer. I leaned my forehead on his chest again to hide when he raised his hand and was about to wipe my tears.

I can feel that the wall I'm building is wavering because of his words. And him, wiping my tears might crumble the broken wall into pieces.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin at sinalubong ang mga mata niya. "You're just telling me that because you thought I'm Maria Eselle. I'm far from her. We're different," marahang sambit ko, nawawalan na ng lakas at salitang sasabihin para lang mapatigil siya.

His eyes grew more intense. "Here we go again with Rieselle. Fucking stop mentioning her name in this, Marcia. Because I know. I am very well aware of your difference."

I stared at him with my puffy eyes as continuous sobs escaped my lips.

The side of my eyes caught a glimpse of the entrance of the mansion.

"L-let's go home," I suddenly whispered when I confirmed that Guerdon with Tita Cecille and Rieselle with Joaquin Serrano were going out of the mansion.

Damn it. I never thought I'm capable of crying this bad. I never thought a day would come that I'll feel this hopeless.

I didn't wait for his answer and instantly opened the passenger's seat. Wala na siyang nagawa at hinawakan na lamang ang aking siko upang tulungan ako papasok ng kanyang sasakyan.

Dali-dali akong pumasok, takot na may iba pang makakita ng aking sitwasyon.

Chaos walked towards the driver's seat. Bago pa makapasok ay napalingon siya sa direksyon nina Guerdon. Maybe someone from the group called him.

Sinalubong niya ang paparating na grupo at dumiretso sa ina. He kissed Tita Cecille in her cheek as a goodbye. Then he nodded at the Serranos while he slightly tapped his cousin's shoulder.

Matapos ay tinalikuran na niya ang mga ito. Seems that they're leaving too because Rieselle and Mr. Serrano already went towards their car. Si Tita Cecille naman ay iginiya ni Guerdon sa kotse niya.

Chaos silently settled himself in the driver's seat as he gently maneuvered the car out of the mansion's premises.

No one spoke for a few minutes while we're inside the car. He's silently driving while I'm looking at the outside through the closed window with my clouded mind.

Mariin akong napapikit at bahagyang lumingon sa direksyon ni Chaos. Though I didn't fully turned to him, my eyes stopped at the steering wheel.

"I'm not g-good enough for you," I whispered in between the silence, it was almost inaudible that I'm not sure if he heard it.

I finally admitted the reason at the top of everything why I don't think we will work.

I don't have any insecurities until I ache for him. I did fool him, not just once. At alam kong naiisip din niya na kayang-kaya ko ngang ulitin ang panloloko sa kanya.

And Chaos, doubting me, will be my misery.

Day by day, I will doubt myself too if I'm good for him but will always prove in the end that I'm not good enough.

Hindi ko alam kung paano kami nakarating sa condo niya nang tahimik. He probably didn't heard what I said because he didn't say anything as a response.

I kept silently sighing as we rode the elevator while thinking of leaving his unit.

If he really has no plans on suing me, I should leave his condo immediately. Dahil wala namang rason para manatili pa ako roon. I'll stay with my father in Flavio's unit instead or maybe in Quijano's mansion.

I'll talk to Chaos about it tomorrow. Hindi ko na kayang makipagtalo pa ulit ngayong araw. I felt like I'm too drained already on everything that happened today.

I hastily walked out of the elevator the moment we got in on the floor where Chaos's condo is in. Agad namang nakasunod sa akin si Chaos at agad na binuksan ang pinto ng condo niya.

Dire-diretso ang lakad ko patungo sa loob. I didn't wait for him but I stilled when I heard him spoke.

"Marcia." Natigilan ako sa marahang niyang tawag. It sounds different. I think this is the first time I heard him call me using that tone.

Hindi ako lumingon lalo nang naramdaman ang pag-abot niya sa aking kamay. His hand slowly reached mine as he gently gripped it.

Marahan niya akong pinaharap sa kanyang direksyon. I instantly tilted my head away when I turned, not letting him see my eyes. But his hands landed on my cheeks, gently cupping my face. Dahilan kung bakit agad kong nakasalubong ang mga mata niya.

"You are enough," he slowly muttered as he nodded his head while crouching a bit to level my eyes, giving me the response from what I said earlier that I thought he didn't hear.

I fought the urge to close my eyes when his thumb caressed my cheek. "You are more than enough for me, Marcia," mariing sambit niya.

I nibbled my lower lip. "Chaos," I called, almost whining. "I lied to you. I fooled you," I repeated my words earlier, this time in a more calmed way. "You'll doubt every word from me. I can't..." I shook my head. "I can't stand it. It'll pains me everyday thinking that in every word from me, there's constant doubt from you."

He shifted his weight and stood still without tearing our gaze. "I told you this before, Marcia, kailan kita hindi pinaniwalaan? When did I doubt your words, huh?"

"The reason why I got a chance to fool you," I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

A pained smile escaped from his lips. "Even when I know you're fooling me, I believe your words." He paused a bit.

"Doubt would never be a problem because I'm always certain if you're lying or not. I know the way you look when you're lying. And if you are, do you think it'll change what I feel for you?" he asked, tila naghihintay sa aking sagot ngunit wala siyang nakuha kung hindi ang marahang pagpapakawala ng hangin mula sa aking bibig.

"Never." He shook his head, answering his own question. "When you said you're Rieselle, I believe you even though Rieselle's there, begging me to believe her that she's my fiancee. Even when I know you're lying on my fucking face, I stand by your side."

I gasped while I felt my eyes widened a fraction. My lips parted as my heart tightened upon hearing those words from him. That time, he knew it already. He knows that I'm not Rieselle yet...

I felt a lone tear escaped my eyes as my knees wobble but he immediately caught my waist, preventing me from falling on the floor.

His arms encircled around me, pulling me closer and letting me leaned on his chest. Hinayaan ko siya sa gustong mangyari at marahang ibinalik ang yakap niya. I clung my arms around in his nape and buried my face in his neck.

"I'm s-sorry for every wrong that I did. I'm sorry for what I did to Rieselle. For the m-money I stole, I'm sorry," marahang bulong ko nang matantong wala siyang balak sumuko para sa aming dalawa.

He won't stop and a part of me doesn't want him to stop too. Even after everything I've said, a part of me is still hoping.

I felt his lips at the top of my head. "Your words are my assurance, Marcia."

I pulled away but his arms remained on me. My hands landed on his shoulders. "I'm sorry," I muttered and my eyes landed on his lips.

I nibbled my lower lip before I tiptoed to reach his lips and give him a quick kiss.

"I'm sorry." Muli kong inabot ang mga labi niya para sana sa isa pang mabilis na halik ngunit agad niyang hinapit ang aking baywang at sinalubong ang aking mga labi.

My eyes automatically shut closed as he tilted his head and started moving his lips on mine. I wrapped my hands in his nape while returning his kisses. His arms around my waist tightened, pulling me closer to him like our body, touching each other isn't enough.

His kisses were soft at first, tempting while I'm gladly returning it with the same intensity. Until we both had enough and suddenly our kisses went ferocious.

The next thing I know, our hands were already both roaming around each other's body as he let me lie on a soft mattress.

Bahagya akong umahon ako sa kama ni Chaos mula sa pagkakahiga. I twitched when I felt a pain in between my thighs because of my sudden movement. I leaned on his chest while he's leaning his head on the headrest of the bed. He wrapped his hands around me while I pulled up the sheet entangled to the both of us to cover my upper body.

I glanced at the wall clock and saw it's almost three in the morning already. Yet for the both of us, it seems like the night is still so young that after everything that happened, we still have time to talk.

"About what you said earlier, you mean it?" he asked as he kissed my temple for the nth time.

Mabilis akong nag-angat ng ulo at hinarap siya. "Alin doon?"

"About the..." He trailed off. Tila nagiisip ng mas disenteng salita. "The dress," he huskily whispered and I instantly felt my cheeks burned.

I suddenly remember the words that escaped my mouth earlier when he's above me while our clothes were nowhere to be found.

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