𝙿𝙾𝙻𝚈𝙰𝙼𝙾𝚁𝚈 (𝚂𝚂) : 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚆𝙸𝚅𝙴𝚂 | 𝚁𝙷𝙴𝙰 (𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙴𝚇)
CHAPTER 45
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Happy Valentine's Day to all my amazing readers!
Thank you for being part of this journey, for your endless support, and for loving my stories as much as I love writing them. May your hearts be filled with love, joy, and excitement-whether it's for a special someone, your friends, family, or even for yourself.
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Enjoy the day and spread love! ❤️
5 years ago.
After the press conference, I head straight to my office, wasting no time as I turn on the large TV screen.
"There you are." I whisper softly, my eyes locked on the image appearing on the screen.
Through the satellite feed, I clearly see Rhea's location- Misamis Oriental. The exact location is still unclear, but one thing is certain, I have eyes watching her.
Always.
No matter how much she hides, how far she runs, or how many times she vanishes from everyone else' sight... she can never escape me. Because I never let her disappear. Every step she takes, every place she goes... I know. A smirk tugs at my lips as I press my fingertip against the screen, right over her location.
All thanks to the tracker chip I implanted in her body.
"Hmm, how many years do you want? Two? Three? Ah, no... maybe five." I whisper softly, my gaze still fixed on the screen.
I watch her location, the quiet life she has chosen. If she thinks she escaped from me, she's wrong. Because I will never let her go.
"Is that enough time to prove to yourself that you've changed?" A quiet chuckle escapes my lips.
I sit up straight, setting an alarm in my system... five years from now. That should be enough.
"Okay, five years..." I murmur coldly, tapping the screen.
"After five years, I'm coming to get you."
Even though I know exactly where she's hiding, I never dared to go to her. I made a promise to myself, I would only bring her back after five years. I knew her every move, but I still continued the search for her, even when I knew no one else would ever find her.
I increased the reward... three billion.
Yet, not a single person could provide information on Rhea's whereabouts.
Since she disappeared, we all went our separate ways. But when Ines woke up, I knew the first thing she would do was look for Rhea. So I did everything to make sure she would never find her.
The reward kept rising... four billion, after she added to it herself. It wasn't long before Ines came rushing to me, desperate to know if I truly had no idea where Rhea was. For a split second, I considered telling her. But the time wasn't right. I couldn't let all of Rhea's sacrifices be in vain.
So instead, I played my role.
I accompanied Ines in her search. We traveled across the country, checking every lead, chasing every rumor-searching for someone I already knew couldn't be found.
In the end, we came up empty-handed.
Or rather... she did.
"Those three are driving themselves insane looking for Rhea, and all this time, you've been hiding her?" My sister says.
We're sitting in a café, supposedly to discuss business. But as always, the conversation drifts back to Rhea, a topic neither of us can seem to escape.
"Well, it's not that I don't want to tell them..." I let out a deep sigh, resting my elbow on the table while gripping my coffee cup tightly.
"It's just... it's not time yet."
"We're all suffering, but I know my wife is struggling even more. Do you think this is easy for me? Five years. I have to endure five years before I can see her again." I look at Olivia, hoping she sees the weight of the burden I've been carrying for so long.
I know she doesn't agree with my choices. But right now, this is the only way I know how to protect Rhea.
I quietly sip my coffee, feeling Olivia's gaze burn into me, as if dissecting every word I just said. I don't know if she understands me or if she's just getting more frustrated with my decisions.
"So, when do you plan on telling them?" she asks, setting her cup down and running a hand through her hair.
"When the time is right," I answer without hesitation.
"The right time?" She lets out a short laugh, but there's no amusement in it.
I clench my fist under the table. "I know it's hard to accept, but Rhea had a reason for leaving us."
Her expression hardens as she leans forward. "Why did you do it?"
I hesitate, meeting her gaze, unsure if I should answer.
"Because she needed to heal," I say. "And so did we." Silence settles between us. No matter what we say now, nothing can change the past.
She takes a deep breath before meeting my gaze with a serious expression.
"Don't overwork yourself, and avoid stress. It won't be good for your child," she says firmly.
A small smile forms on my lips as I gently place a hand over my stomach. She's right... I'm going to have a child. A secret Rhea doesn't know yet.
After my conversation with my sister, an unexpected call sends a chill down my spine. I rush back to my office, and immediately dial the number of the person I assigned to watch over her.
"Loela? What's wrong?" I ask, but a sense of dread creeps in.
"A-Ate Aza..." Her voice shakes, as if she's struggling to speak.
The line rustles before another voice takes over... Edu. "M-Ma'am... we found Miss Rhea in her hut. She's barely alive, thin as a skeleton, and she... she chained herself."
My blood runs cold.
What?
I feel the air leave my lungs. My vision blurs as an unbearable weight crushes my chest. Tears spill down my cheeks before I even realize it. Oh God. How did this happen? I gave them strict orders. I made sure she was being watched, protected. So how... How did it come to this?
I feel weak, like the air has been sucked out of my lungs. My grip on the phone tightens, but I can barely find my voice.
"W-What happened? How did you let it come to this?!" I shout, my voice shaking with both anger and fear.
"Ma'am, hindi namin alam kung paano niya nagawa. Wala naman pong lumapit na sinuman, mahigpit naming binantayan. Pero isang araw, bigla na lang siyang hindi lumabas sa kubo... At nang sinilip namin, doon namin siya natagpuan. Nakakdena ang sarili, payat na payat... Halos wala nang buhay."
I shoot up from my seat, grabbing my coat without hesitation. "Take her to the hospital. Make sure she's safe. I'll handle everything." I say before cutting the call.
I don't know how I'll face Rhea after everything. But one thing is certain, I don't care about the five-year promise anymore. All that matters now is seeing her again.
I fly straight to Mindanao, wasting no time. I need to see Rhea. That's the only thing that matters. The journey is long, but I barely feel it. The second the plane lands, I move quickly, heading straight for Madonna Hospital, where I had her transferred.
The exhaustion from the trip is irrelevant. I don't even acknowledge it. I step out of the car and rush to her private room. But the moment I open the door, I freeze. She's there-lying in bed, unrecognizable.
Skin pale, body fragile, bruises marking her arms and neck. An oxygen mask covers her face, and multiple machines surround her, keeping her alive.
It feels like a slap of reality. The strong, fiery Rhea I once knew... is now a shell of herself. I take a shaky step forward, reaching out with trembling fingers to hold her hand.
"Rhea..." I whisper. No response.
A voice hesitates behind me. "Ma'am, sorry po, dapat kagabi pa-"
Tears spill before I can stop them.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" I snap.
Edu bows his head. "I'm sorry, Ma'am..."
I sink onto the edge of the bed, gripping Rhea's cold hand tightly. I don't know what I'm supposed to feel anymore. Pain? Anger? Guilt? All I know is...
"I want to be alone with her." The room falls silent. No arguments. No protests. But even as the door closes and the others leave... she still doesn't wake up.
The room is eerily quiet, the only sounds coming from the steady beeping of the heart monitor and the faint hum of the oxygen machine. I tighten my grip on her frail hand, afraid that if I let go, she'll slip away completely.
I never imagined I would find her like this. Not Rhea.
She was the strongest person I knew, the woman who fought, who never backed down. But now... she looks so fragile, so breakable.
What happened to you?
Tears blur my vision. I lean closer, brushing away the stray strands of hair that have fallen over her face.
Her skin is cold. Too cold.
I was supposed to wait five years.
I was supposed to give her time, to let her heal, to let her come back on her own.
But now, I regret everything.
I lower my forehead against her hand, gripping it tightly as a silent sob escapes me.
"Baby... please wake up."
She doesn't move.
She doesn't even flinch.
I lift my head, swallowing the lump in my throat. I need to be strong, for her.
Reaching for my phone, I dial the hospital director's number.
"I want the best doctors on her case. I don't care how much it costs, just make sure she survives."
"Yes, Ma'am. We've already assembled a team. We're doing everything we can."
"That's not enough. I want updates every hour. I want to know everything." I say. I end the call and place my phone aside.
I turn my head back to Rhea, I lean in and press a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Be strong." My voice is barely above a whisper.
I rest my head beside her, holding her hand firmly.
I'll stay here.
Days passed, and she still hadn't woken up, but at least she was out of danger. I wanted to take her home, to stay by her side, but it wasn't possible... not now.
I spoke with the doctor, asking if she could be discharged. He told me she could wake up at any moment.
I didn't want her to doubt me. I didn't want her to think I had been following her, or that she was just another burden to others. So, I decided that we would take her home, even if she was still unconscious.
"Aza," the old woman calls my name.
I turn to her. "Nay, please take care of her," I say softly. "Don't worry about the expenses, I'll handle everything. Just... watch over her. Five years. I'll come back for her." I offer her a small, weary smile before glancing at Rhea.
"Sigurado ka bang hindi ka mananatili sa tabi niya?" She asks, gently squeezing my hand.
I shake my head. "No. It's not time for us to see each other yet."
"Thank you," I add. "Please, take care of her for me."
"Huwag kang mag-alala," she reassures me. "Babantayan ko siya."
I nod, then take a step closer to the woman I love. I lean down, and I let my fingers brush against hers one last time.
I smile...
And then, without another word, I walk away.
-
After leaving Rhea behind once again, my life returned to its usual routine. I buried myself in work, kept up with my doctor's appointments, and handled my personal affairs until the day I finally gave birth.
It was a difficult delivery, but in the end, our child was born safe and healthy.
A part of me ached, knowing that Rhea wasn't by my side during that moment. She wasn't there to hold my hand, to see our child take her first breath.
But despite the sadness, I was still happy.
Because life had given us something precious.
I named her Rhea Wreen.
She was the spitting image of her Mama, almost as if I had no part in her creation at all.
Not a day goes by that I don't ask for updates about Rhea... what's happening with her, what she's doing, where she is... I know everything she's up to.
Gradually, she started to return to her old self. She regained her strength, and her body began to fill out again. I feel a sense of joy whenever they send pictures of her working, especially when she's planting in the fields.
"Hey, baby, Mama's here." I whisper to my child in my arms while watching a video of Rhea planting in the fields.
"We may have to wait many years, but eventually, the right time will come, and I promise we'll be a happy family." I say, offering a reassuring smile.
Years passed, and my child, Wreen, grew taller and became more aware of the world around her. She's a clever child, different from the other kids who are cheerful and energetic. She's quiet, and to other children, her personality seemed rather mysterious.
I noticed this too. I tried to do everything I could, but there was something about her personality that I just couldn't fully understand. Then, her 4th birthday came.
We celebrated her birthday, but Wreen refused to celebrate with anyone other than me. We tried to convince her, especially her grandparents, but she insisted on keeping it just the two of us.
"Mom, am I weird? Why do I feel happy whenever I see blood?" She suddenly asks, causing me to freeze mid-bite.
I freeze, not knowing how to respond to her question. Her voice is calm, almost curious, but the words she just said echo in my mind, sending a chill down my spine.
"Why do you feel that way, baby?" I manage to ask, trying to sound as calm as possible, though my heart races.
She tilts her head slightly, looking at me with those serious eyes, as if she's waiting for an answer to something I'm not sure I even understand.
"I don't know," she says softly, "It just... feels nice when I see it."
I try to mask my concern with a smile, but deep inside, a sense of unease starts to settle. What could this mean? What's going on inside her mind?
I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Well, sometimes, people feel different things, but we have to remember that blood is something we should be careful about, okay? It's not something we should be happy about."
She nods, but I can tell she's not fully grasping the weight of my words. It's clear that she doesn't fully understand what she just said or why it might be concerning. But I do.
The silence that follows is heavy, and I feel a pang of worry. Is this just a phase? Or is there something deeper I need to understand about my child?
"Let's just focus on having a good time today, alright?" I finally say, trying to shift the mood.
She smiles, nodding eagerly, and for a moment, it feels like everything is normal again. But inside, my mind is racing. What does this mean for her future? And what do I need to do to make sure she's okay?
As her mother, I know I need to protect her, but now I'm more unsure than ever about how to approach this.
I thought it was just a phase, something that would pass, but one day, while I'm at work, I get a call from her teacher. She tells me that Wreen stabbed a classmate with a pencil. My heart drops. I can barely process the words as concern and confusion overwhelm me. I never expected something like this to happen, especially not from my child.
"Is she okay?" I ask, trying to steady my voice.
"She's fine, but the other child had to be taken to the nurse," the teacher replies, her tone carefully neutral but still laced with concern. "Wreen didn't seem to understand the gravity of what she did. She... she seemed almost unfazed by it."
My mind goes blank. Unfazed? How could she be so calm about something so violent? The unease I've been feeling only grows stronger.
"I'll come right away."
As soon as I end the call, a flood of questions races through my mind. What's going on inside her? Is there something I missed? What do I need to do to make sure she's okay, and to ensure she won't hurt anyone else?
I can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of something I don't fully understand.
I rush to the school, my mind racing with questions and fear. What if there's something I don't know? What if I missed the signs? How could my sweet, quiet Wreen have done something like this?
When I arrive, the teacher meets me at the door. "Ma'am, please follow me," she says softly, leading me to the classroom where the incident happened.
As we walk, I notice the other kids looking at me, some whispering, others just staring. It's as though they all know something I don't.
We finally reach Wreen's desk, and I see her sitting there, calm as ever. Her eyes are wide, almost too wide, and her hands are folded neatly in her lap. She looks up at me, but there's no sign of guilt or concern in her gaze. It's as if she doesn't understand why everyone's so upset.
"Wreen," I say gently, kneeling in front of her. "What happened? Why did you hurt your classmate?"
She looks at me with a strange, unreadable expression. "He made a mess on my drawing," she says quietly. "I had to make him stop."
The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. 'I had to make him stop.' Is this how she processes things? Is this how she deals with frustration?
The teacher, who's been standing quietly behind me, steps forward. "She didn't seem to understand the consequences. It was like she didn't realize what she did was wrong."
I turn back to Wreen, my heart heavy with worry. I want to help her, but I don't even know where to begin. What's going on inside her mind? Why does she react this way?
"I don't want you to hurt anyone again, okay?" I tell her softly, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "You need to tell me if something is bothering you, alright?"
She nods, her expression softening just a bit, but there's still that blankness in her eyes. It's like she's not fully there with me.
As I walk her out of the classroom, I feel a mix of relief that she's not physically harmed, but deep concern for her emotional state. This isn't normal, and I can't just ignore it anymore. Something's not right, and I need to find out what.
I decided to get Wreen therapy. She needs professional help, and I realize that I can't handle this alone. It's clear now that her behavior is beyond what I can understand, and I need to make sure she gets the support she deserves.
I schedule an appointment with a child psychologist, hoping that they'll be able to help her make sense of her feelings and actions. I sit with her in the waiting room, trying my best to reassure her, though I can't help but feel a growing anxiety.
"Wreen, this is a safe place. You don't have to worry. The doctor is just going to talk to you and help you with anything you're feeling," I explain gently, trying to calm her.
She looks at me, but she doesn't say anything. I squeeze her hand reassuringly, and she quietly nods.
After a few moments, we're called into the therapist's office. The room is bright and welcoming, and the therapist, Dr. Fernandez, smiles warmly at Wreen as we step inside.
"Hi, Wreen," Dr. Fernandez says kindly, "I'm here to help you. How are you feeling today?"
Wreen doesn't answer right away, but I can see her eyes studying the room, the toys, the comfortable furniture. It's not a traditional clinical setting... more of a space designed to make children feel at ease.
I stay by her side, but I feel a bit of hope rising inside me. Maybe this is the first step toward understanding what's going on with her.
Dr. Fernandez patiently waits, allowing Wreen to get comfortable with her surroundings. The room is filled with soft toys, colorful drawings on the walls, and a gentle ambiance that seems to ease the tension in the air. It's clear that Dr. Fernandez knows how to make children feel safe.
"Wreen," she says gently, "I want you to know that you can tell me anything here. There are no right or wrong answers, just your feelings. Whatever you're feeling, it's okay."
For a long moment, Wreen just sits quietly, her small hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. I can see the wheels turning in her head, but she's not yet ready to speak.
Dr. Fernandez doesn't rush her. Instead, she picks up a toy and starts playing with it casually, her movements soft and unthreatening. Slowly, she invites Wreen to join her. "Would you like to play with this toy? We can talk while you do."
Wreen hesitates, then looks at me briefly. I give her a soft smile, nodding as encouragement. Reluctantly, she moves towards the toys, picking up a small wooden block.
"Do you like to build things?" Dr. Fernandez asks.
Wreen nods slowly. "I like to make tall towers," she whispers.
"That's great!" Dr. Fernandez exclaims, her eyes twinkling. "Building towers can be fun. What happens if your tower falls down?"
Wreen pauses, the question hanging in the air. Finally, she answers softly, "I fix it... or start again."
Dr. Fernandez smiles. "That's a great way to handle it. Sometimes things fall apart, but we can always rebuild."
Wreen's eyes meet hers for a moment before she looks down at the toy in her hands, as if processing the connection.
Dr. Fernandez gently steers the conversation. "And what about when you're feeling upset, Wreen? What do you do then?"
For a while, there's silence. It's clear that Wreen is thinking carefully about the question, choosing her words.
"I... don't know," she mutters, her small voice barely audible. "When I see... blood, I feel something inside. Like it makes me happy."
The words hit me like a cold wave. I'm not sure how to react, but Dr. Fernandez remains calm, not showing any shock. She nods thoughtfully.
"Feeling happy when you see blood is something we can talk about, Wreen," she says gently. "Sometimes, our feelings can be difficult to understand. But it's important to talk about them so we can figure out why we feel that way."
I hold my breath, watching as Dr. Fernandez continues to guide Wreen through her thoughts. This is the start of understanding. I hope it's the beginning of getting the help Wreen needs.
Dr. Fernandez's calm demeanor and soft voice seem to help Wreen open up just a little bit more. As she gently presses her to continue, I see a shift in my daughter's posture. It's subtle, but she's beginning to trust Dr. Fernandez, even if just a little.
"I don't want to hurt anyone," Wreen suddenly says, her voice trembling slightly. "But sometimes... when I see blood, I just feel like I need to make it happen. I don't know why."
I feel a lump form in my throat as I hear her words. It's a heavy burden to carry, not knowing how to fix this, not knowing how deep the issue runs. I'm so used to seeing Wreen as my strong, quiet child, and hearing her express these feelings breaks something inside me.
But Dr. Fernandez is steady. "It's okay to feel confused, Wreen. Feelings like that can be difficult to understand. But it's important that we talk about them so we can figure out what they mean and how to help you feel better. I'm here to listen and help you understand."
Wreen looks at her, and for the first time, I see a slight shift in her expression, a hint of relief. It's like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders, just by being able to say it aloud. She might not understand why she feels this way, but I can see that she's starting to accept that it's okay to talk about it.
I remain quiet, letting the therapist lead the conversation. I know Wreen needs to be heard, and I don't want to interfere. But inside, I'm battling my own fears. What if this is something deeper? What if the therapy doesn't work? What if there's something seriously wrong with her?
But I also know that worrying won't help her. Right now, all I can do is be here, support her, and let her get the help she needs.
"I want to help you, Wreen," Dr. Fernandez continues. "And together, we can understand your feelings better. You don't have to handle them alone."
Wreen nods, her fingers still wrapped around the toy, but now her grip is a little looser. I can see that she's beginning to process the conversation, the validation she's getting from being able to voice her feelings.
After some time, Dr. Fernandez leans back in her chair, letting the moment sit between us. "We'll keep talking about this, okay? It's important that we don't hide our feelings, even the difficult ones. And as we work through this, we'll find ways to help you handle them."
Wreen looks up at me then, her eyes uncertain but searching for something. I reach over and gently take her hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get through this, baby. I'll be here with you every step of the way."
She looks at me for a long moment, and for the first time, I see a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "You'll stay?" She asks softly.
"Always," I say, my heart swelling with love and determination.
I may not have all the answers, and I know this will be a long journey. But for now, knowing that Wreen is starting to understand her feelings, and that she's willing to face them, gives me hope that things can get better. I won't give up on her. We'll work through this together.
As we get home after the therapy, Wreen is unusually quiet. I can feel the tension in the air, but I don't want to push her. I know she needs time to process everything, and maybe, just maybe, this is the moment she will start opening up to me.
Then, while I'm preparing dinner, Wreen approaches me, her small voice breaking the silence.
"Mom, there's something I need to tell you." She says, her hands clasped in front of her.
I pause, wiping my hands on a towel. "What is it, sweetheart?"
She looks down, a faint nervousness in her eyes. "I-I don't know how to explain it... but, when I see someone hurt, I feel happy. Not happy like the good kind of happy, but... I feel something, like a... satisfaction, when I see blood, or when someone gets hurt."
The words hit me like a slap to the face, the air thickening with the heaviness of what she just said. My heart skips a beat, and for a moment, everything around me blurs.
I slowly sink into a chair, feeling a coldness seep through me. The way she speaks, the way she feels about pain... It isn't like any other child. And suddenly, everything clicks.
"Red," I whisper, the name slipping from my lips. I have kept wondering where Wreen's strange behavior might have come from, and now, it's so clear. It isn't just her, it isn't a mere phase. The influence comes from Red.
The memories rush back to me, how Red had been, how manipulative and dangerous her presence had been. Her tendencies, her love for control, and how she had always been drawn to violence.
I shake my head, trying to push away the thoughts. "Wreen, baby... this is important," I say gently, trying to calm my racing heart. "Do you know why you feel this way?"
She bites her lip. "I don't know, Mom. I don't want to feel this way. But when I see someone hurt, I can't stop myself from feeling... happy. It's like a... I don't know."
I swallow hard. "Baby, this isn't your fault. You didn't choose to feel this way. And we're going to work on understanding it."
But deep down, I know what this means. This behavior... it isn't something that just happened overnight. It came from somewhere. It came from the very person I had tried to protect her from all along-Red.
I can't blame Wreen. She's just a child, influenced by something far darker than I ever realized. The task before me now isn't just to help her, but to confront what Red has done to both of us, and how much of that darkness has crept into my daughter.
I hold Wreen close, wrapping my arms around her. "We'll fix this, I promise. You're not alone, okay? We'll work through this together, and we'll figure out how to make you feel better."
She nods, but I know that it will take time. A long time. But no matter what, I won't give up on her. Not now, not ever.
I've done everything I could to help my child, but her thirst for blood only worsens, to the point where I had to stop her from going to school because she was hurting her classmates every single day. It's tough, but she's my daughter, and I did everything to cover up her actions until I became used to it. Now, she's five years old.
"Wreen, how many tutors have you gone through now? I might run out of people willing to teach you because you keep hurting them." I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the situation.
"Then, why don't you find some bad guys for me to play with, Mom?" She casually asks while eating.
"Good thing you don't hurt your sisters." I reply, my tone is a bit more serious than usual.
She looks up at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I don't hurt them. They're too weak to be fun. I need stronger ones."
A cold chill runs down my spine as I hear her words. She's still too young to understand the weight of what she's saying, but it's clear that her thirst for power and control is growing stronger.
I try to remain calm, masking the worry that's brewing inside me. "Wreen, you don't need to hurt anyone. You can be strong in other ways, without causing pain."
She tilts her head, her innocent expression belying the dark thoughts that lie beneath. "But hurting them makes me feel better, Mom."
I swallow hard, trying to find the right words. "It may feel good now, but it's not the way to be truly strong. You have to learn that real power comes from understanding and kindness, not violence."
She doesn't respond, continuing to eat, but I can see in her eyes that the seed has been planted. Whether she will listen or not, I don't know.
But I won't give up on her. I can't.
"Ah, by the way, Mom," Wreen says casually, stirring her spoon in her bowl. "When I called Wen yesterday, she mentioned that they're going to see Mama. How long are you planning to wait? I want to see her already." I raise an eyebrow at her words, my fingers tightening slightly around my glass.
Ines already knows where Rhea is? I had planned to go to her next month, to see her first before letting anyone else near her. But now, it seems like I might be too late. If Ines knows, then it's possible the other two do as well.
I exhale slowly, keeping my emotions in check. "Okay, let's give them a month to have Mama all to themselves," I say, forcing a small smile. "Don't worry, a month will pass by quickly."
But deep inside, I feel a sharp sting of frustration. It should've been me. Wreen and I should have been the first ones she saw.
"What do you think we should do?" I ask my daughter, watching her reaction.
"Hmm..." Wreen hums, tapping her chin in thought. "It's better if we follow them now so we can observe them, don't you think? Don't worry, Mom. Just leave it to me, I'll be the one to bring Mama back to you."
Her voice is full of confidence, and I can't help but chuckle softly. "Well, if that's what my daughter wants." I say.
That same day, we board a flight to Mindanao and head straight to where Rhea is. She's now a full-fledged police officer, working alongside Ines. From a distance, my daughter and I watch as Rhea and Ines stand by the shore. It looks like they're having a serious conversation.
"Hmm," Wreen hums beside me.
I glance at her. "What is it?"
"Nothing," she murmurs, eyes still fixed on Rhea. "I just didn't expect Mama to be this beautiful in person. And yeah... she really does look exactly like me."
"I told you." I say, and I let out a soft chuckle.
"Alright, let's go, Mom. I need to come up with a plan to bring Mama to us." My daughter declares with full confidence.
I shake my head, still smiling, before starting the car and driving away from the area.
While Wreen is busy planning how to bring her Mama to us, she has no idea that I'm already making my own moves. Yes, I said I'd give them a month to be with Rhea. But I'm taking it back. To execute my plan, I made a deal with the syndicates.
"Are you Santelmo?" I ask as the man steps inside.
"Yes," he replies.
I nod. "Here's the plan. I need you to carry this out cleanly, no loose ends. You won't be working alone, I need someone inside their unit, someone to be my eyes." I say, and signal to the woman who has been waiting silently at the side.
"This is Mal, Rhea's colleague in the specialized unit. You'll communicate through her. Mal, meet Santelmo." Mal steps forward. She knows her role, and she understands what's at stake.
"Your job is simple. I need Rhea isolated. No backup, no way out. Make sure she has nowhere to run, and when the time is right..." I pause, letting my words sink in. "Bring her to me."
Santelmo leans back, crossing his arms. "And what's in it for me?"
I smile, sliding a thick envelope across the table. "Half now, half when the job's done. Plus, I'll make sure... your little... operations stay under the radar."
He picks up the envelope, flipping through the cash before shoving it into his jacket. "Fine. But if things go south, I'm not taking the fall."
"You won't have to," I assure him. "Because failure isn't an option."
Mal glances at me one last time before turning to Santelmo. "I'll send updates. Just be ready when I give the signal."
With that, our meeting is over. As I watch them leave, a slow smile creeps onto my lips.
I'm done waiting.
I waited for days until the night of the plan finally arrived-and now, it's here. I know Ines will send Rhea as their undercover agent, which is why I have full confidence that everything will go as planned. Besides, Mal has been keeping me updated on all their movements.
I glance at my watch. It's almost time.
"Mom, what are we doing here? Can I take a nap? I'm exhausted from thinking of ways to get Mama." Wreen says.
I smile and pull her into a hug. "Of course, take a rest," I reply.
"Hide and wait for my signal." I signal my men.
I waited for hours until Santelmo finally arrived... bringing Rhea with him.
Finally, after five years.
My wife.
-
Seeing her this close again after five years makes my heart race uncontrollably. It's funny watching her, especially with the confusion written all over her face as she stands before our child.
Red's eyes widen in shock at Wreen's words. Her gaze flickers to the blood splattered on the ground.
"Mama, don't you accept me as your child? Don't you believe I'm yours when we look exactly alike? Even my personality, I got it from you. Mama Red." With a casual gesture, she points at the crimson stains below them.
"Do you see that? The sight of blood excites me, especially when someone's in pain. Mama, I only did what you used to do." She flashes a grin... innocent yet unsettling, waiting for Red to speak.
I see Red swallow hard before shifting her gaze to me. I simply smile and nod. Slowly, she bends down and lifts Wreen into her arms.
"W-Well... do you really accept me as your mother?" Red asks hesitantly. "You know, I'm not your Mama Rhea... I'm her other self."
Wreen doesn't hesitate. She looks straight into Red's eyes and answers firmly, "Regardless of who you are, you're still my Mama. No one else." Then, without warning, she wraps her arms tightly around Red, holding onto her as if she never intends to let go.
"God, finally at mukhang hindi ka sakit sa ulo tulad nong isang demonyo." Red exhales in relief.
Wreen narrows her eyes. "Who? Are you talking about Wen? Is she bothering you? Bullying you? Just say the word, and I'll make sure she regrets it."
Red's eyebrows shoot up as I step closer, extending my hand toward her. "Give it to me," I say with a smile. "Hand over the tracking device Ines gave you." Of course, I know about it.
"Wreen, can you give me and your Mama some time to talk?" I say to my child, and she quickly climbs down from Red's arms.
Wreen pouts but nods anyway. "Fine." She steps back, glancing between the two of us before finally walking away.
Now, it's just me and Red.
I cross my arms, tilting my head slightly. "Well? I'm waiting."
Red lets out a sharp breath, her fingers twitching slightly as if debating whether to hand over the tracker or not. Her eyes dart to the side, then back to me, filled with hesitation.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she finally says.
I chuckle, shaking my head. "Baby, you should know better than to lie to me." I take a step closer, lowering my voice. "I know Ines gave you a tracker. Now, hand it over before I take it myself."
"You don't trust me, do you?" She mutters.
I arch a brow. "Trust has nothing to do with this. I know how Ines operates. She won't stop until she gets you back. And I can't have that, can I?"
She exhales sharply, then, with a reluctant scowl, pulls the tracker from her shoe and presses it into my palm. I close my fingers around it, satisfied.
"Good girl." I murmur.
She looks at me. "Don't patronize me."
I smirk, tossing the device to one of my men without looking. "Destroy it."
A loud crunch follows as it's crushed underfoot.
She watches in silence, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "You really think you can just take me away like this?"
I step closer, lifting her chin with two fingers. "No, baby. I don't think... I know."
Her breath catches, but she refuses to look away. "You always think you have everything under control." She whispers.
I let out a low chuckle. "That's because I do."
She scoffs. "You're unbelievable."
"And yet, you're still standing here," I counter smoothly. "If you truly wanted to escape, you would've done it by now. So tell me, what's stopping you?" She stays silent, but the slight tension in her jaw gives her away.
I lift my hand, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Five years. I gave you time, space. Let you play house, let you think you were free. But deep down, you always knew... I'd come for you."
She exhales sharply, stepping back, but I don't let her get far.
"And now?" She challenges, crossing her arms tightly. "What happens next?"
I tilt my head. "Now, you come home with me." I say firmly, and smirk.
Her body remains frozen, eyes darting with panic. She and Rhea are like night and day, while Rhea moves with masculine confidence, Red carries herself with a softer, more delicate grace. And look at her now... despite all her resistance, her face instantly flushes red.
I step closer, trailing my fingers from her cheek down to her lips. "Did you miss me?" I whisper with a teasing voice. "Because I missed you... so much."
Her breath hitches, her chest rising and falling faster. I smirk, watching the way her nerves take over, how her lips part slightly but no words come out.
"I-I..." she stammers, struggling to find her voice.
"Shh," I murmur, inching even closer. "Don't worry, I don't plan on doing anything bad. I just want some time alone with you... before you face them again." My lips hover mere inches from hers. "I have that right, don't I? After all... I'm one of your wives, aren't I?"
"Y-Yes, you're right... I missed you so much... and I'm so sorry sa lahat ng mga na-"
I don't want to hear her apologies.
Before she can utter another word, I close the distance between us, capturing her lips in a deep, longing kiss. And just like that, she kisses me back-without hesitation, without fear.
Five years.
Five years of waiting, of aching, of longing for this very moment. And now, she's finally here, back in my arms, back where she belongs. Her kiss hasn't changed. It's still filled with love, with unspoken promises, with the quiet devotion I've missed more than anything.
I tighten my grip around her waist, pulling her impossibly closer, as if afraid she'll disappear again. But this time, I won't let her go.
"I'm here," I whisper between our kisses.
"Mhm, I know," she murmurs back before suddenly lifting me into her arms.
"We have a lot to talk about... one night won't be enough," she says with a smile.
A grin spreads across my lips before I kiss her again, letting her carry me toward my suite.
She's mine for the entire night.
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