Green Harbor

CHAPTER 15

Cayla breathed in and peaked out of Katha's hospital room. Everybody seems to be busy. She pulled her mask up to her nose before leaving the room. She headed to the nearest bathroom.

She breathed out, leaning into the sink. Cayla watches as blood floods the white marble.

——

Anahera Luka graduated college two months ago. The pressure lifted from her shoulders was replaced with a whole lot of new ones. Her mother has been in the hospital for months, she's got two younger siblings to take to school. And today, was the day she was going to hand her manuscript over to her dream workplace, Villamor Publishing House. Hera's brother was confident she'd get the job because they were cousins of the famous Zelena Luka.

Ate Zelena was a major role model to Hera, she never had the opportunity to speak to her though, ever since they were 8. Even though she badly wanted to be like her, she believes she shouldn't rely on her cousin's name. She relies heavily on her talent and on her need to support her mother and siblings.

Cayla Villamor's office was chilly. It smelled like expensive perfume and berries. While Zelena was known for her rom-com, Cayla was a Murakami-type of writer. She has Japanese paintings all over the office, all red, black, and white.

"What's your name?"

Hera's head snapped to Cayla's direction. "Sorry?"

"Your name." Cayla repeated.

"Anahera Luka."

"You're a Luka?"

Hera shaked her head, having to tell this story again. "I'm actually a Chavez. But my parents are divorced, I just stick to Luka."

"What's your relation with Zelena Luka?" Cayla asked again.

"She's my second cousin. My mom and Gregory Luka are cousins."

"I see where you got the talent from." Cayla smiled. "You've got nice flow, reading this is like singing."

Hers dropped her shoulders in relief. "Thank you, Miss."

Cayla handed back Hera's work. "I want you, to get this out of my sight. The next time I see this, I want this to be on stage being awarded."

——

Cayla handed back Hera's work. "I want you, to get this out of my sight. The next time I see this, I want this to be on stage being awarded."

Hera's smile appeared once more as she got up to leave the office. Working with a Luka is quite the jackpot as much as it is a danger, dangerous enough for her to be careful. Hera's face was oozing with innocence, yes, and she handed in a legitimate and skillful work to apply for a job but one cannot be sure if this was part of some plan. One that wishes to topple her own.

Not only that, Cayla had been friends with the late Katha Luka long enough for her to remember some appearances that distinguished her from her twin Zelena.

But no matter how valuable and reassuring the memory was to Cayla, it did not help. Not when Katha's grave had a coffin, but no body inside it.

--

Victoria arrived at Katha's hospital room. Right before she could react to the bloody white bedsheets on Katha, someone grabbed her. Celestia Villamor, Cayla's mother. Whose lost son was Keone Caballero. She pulls Victoria with her into the hospital room. "I know this looks too sudden, but you have to wait until I finish this. My daughter tried to get Katha killed."

"Your daughter what? Why is my daughter looking like that? Who the hell are you?!"

"Celestia Villamor. Although your father knows me better as Laura Luka-Villamor."

"I— I think I'm a little lost here."

"Of course, you are, Victoria. But I'll be explaining things to you once I finish saving Katha here." Celestia had men send over a stretcher and they started lifting Katha before bringing her outside. Celestia pulls Victoria with her, following her men.

"What is it with you not telling me things right now?" Victoria's eyes widened when she saw a van waiting for them at the parking lot. "Hey, hey, hey— Where are you taking her?"

"Your daughter is in great danger, Victoria. I get that you want her safe and if you want that to happen, listen to what I say. call Zelena and tell her that her sister is gone."

Celestia kept her promise in giving Zelena a job at her publishing house. She gave her the best staff that made sure she bags every single awards. Celestia gave her Keone, the one of the only person she's certain Zelena trusts.

She did not expect taking her brother Gregory's publishing house from her husband being easier than dreaming of it. And most importantly, Zelena didn't expect Celestia to turn up at her victory party with Keone in NYC.