Mon Amour (My Love)

CHAPTER 22

KING

I stopped the car in front of the building where my unit is. It was already morning by the time we made it back to Manila from driving down south. I looked at Kyle. He wasn't saying a word and just stared at me.

I noticed his shirt had been ripped because of what I did. I took off my jacket and handed it to him.

"Wear that so you won't draw attention."

"Paano ka?" he asked, looking at my body. "Nakasando ka lang. Baka ikaw ang pagtinginan."

I shook my head. "You'll be safe now. The security here is tight. The guards are strict, as you've noticed. But still, make sure to activate the security system the moment you enter the door." I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small card.

"Take this." I handed him the card. "I don't use keys. You just have to swipe that, and the door will open. Hold on to it. It's important you don't lose it. And never give it to anyone."

"Teka lang." Kyle looked confused. "Bakit ibinibilin mo lahat ng 'yan sa'kin? Hindi ka ba sasama?"

I looked away. "I have important things to do at home."

"Pero wala kang tulog, King."

"I can take care of myself."

I wasn't sure, but it seemed like Kyle was disappointed. Did that mean he wanted me to go with him? But I decided not to give in. I was still mad at him, and I needed to sort that out first.

"You'll have everything you need there. There's plenty of food in the fridge and the cupboard. Take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything." I took out my wallet and pulled out another card. "This is my debit card. I'll let you use it. The PIN is—"

"Wag na." Kyle cut me off sharply. "May pera pa 'ko dito, King. At saka sobra sobra nang patuluyin mo ako sa condo unit mo. Pag naubos ang pera ko, maghahanap ako ng ibang trabaho, para may pera ako. At para na rin makabayad ako ng upa sa'yo."

I frowned. "What do you mean? Don't do it for me. Do it for yourself. I don't need your money."

Kyle nodded and opened the car door. "Salamat ulit, King. Tawagan mo 'ko pag nakauwi ka na ha?"

That was weird. It was the first time he'd ever talked to me like that. He even smiled before walking inside. I watched him for a few seconds before I pulled away.

All of a sudden, I remembered everything that happened the night before—how I felt a thousand emotions in just one night. I was exhausted, and I couldn't stop myself from crying.

I remembered what Papa Allie said to me. I'd go through everything, even through hell. I'm willing to endure whatever it takes. But the thing is, will I go through it all alone?

Now that I've fallen for Kyle, now that I've given him my heart, will he be there with me? Will he stay by my side? It doesn't seem like it. And that's what breaks my heart.

When I reached home, I was already weary. I planned to head upstairs to my room and get some sleep when I saw my parents in the living room.

"Where have you been, Angelo?" Papa Allie asked as I kissed him and Papa Rodel. "Were you up all night? You look so beat."

"Yeah, I was. I've been experimenting all night with a new fragrance," I lied. "I just couldn't perfect it."

Papa Allie seemed to buy that excuse, but Papa Rodel was staring at me. He didn't seem convinced.

"Son, we just got a call from your secretary," Papa Allie said. "May emergency raw sa PF in France. Hindi ka raw macontact."

I took out my phone. It was dead. I remembered the battery was low when Kyle called me the previous night.