This Could End

Chapter Thirty-Seven

I wanted to chase after him. I already took a few steps before I could think about it. But my brain regained control and halted me from the plan that I subconsciously made.

This was not how I wanted to meet him after not seeing him for two years. I had a plan.

I knew that if I ran after him now, I would just break down and grovel.

What was he doing with Asia? How did he know her? How did they meet? How long have they known each other? Were they together?

The questions made my head hurt, but the last one made my heart hurt even more.

It hurt more considering the part that Asia played in the past. She was my prime suspect for the stunts that happened two years ago.

She stole the movie role that was supposed to be mine. She used me to redirect the attention off of her.

But Hades didn't know that. Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya ang tungkol doon dahil ayaw kong mag-alala siya.

Anong gagawin ko kapag sila nga?

I should stop torturing myself with these questions. It wasn't productive and it doesn't solve anything. I should confirm the real relationship between them before I get ahead of myself.

"Let's just go back inside, Seph," aya ni Dharma. She slightly pulled my arm, saving me from my own thoughts.

My first thought was to go home but then I knew there was no way I was gonna fall asleep at this state. Not when my morbid thoughts were lingering at the back of my head, waiting for midnight to strike and swallow me whole. Surrounding myself with strangers and drinking wine to help me a goodnight sleep was the better choice.

Tumango ako at tumalikod na. It was like I was washed over by a wave of pain earlier and now I was just numb.

"Kaia," tawag ni Asia. That stopped me from my tracks.

Two years and she never crossed my mind. That just spoke how little value she had over me. I had completely forgotten about what lead me to where I was right now. It was wrong to point fingers. I was smarter than that, but right now I was just bitter and petty. She wanted my attention, then I would gladly give it to her.

"Are w-we okay?" She looked like a lost duckling. I have my ducks in a row and she could take the spot at the end.

I removed my arm from Dharma's hold. I sauntered my way towards Asia. Pinapanuod niya ako. Yumuko ako para yakapin siya.

"I'm taking back everything you took from me," I whispered on her ear.

I pulled away and flashed her a vindictive smile. Before she could say a word, I turned my back. I let my smile drop and went back to the party with Dharma.

Thoughts of him faded in every sip of wine and time passed along with the bottles. It was a sound and dreamless night.

🍷🍷🍷

The first duck was to settle my unfinished business with my management. I hit bull's eye on that one and it ended helping me with the rest of my plan.

Today, I planned to shoot for my second duck.

The Sprinter's door opened. I was welcomed by Mama Ton's distressed face. Pumasok siya agad sa loob ng sasakyan.

"Hey, Mama Ton," I greeted happily.

"'Wag mo akong daanin sa 'Hey, Mama Ton' mo," singhal niya.

I shortly laughed in amusement. "What did I do?"

"You've only been back for three days, and you already have me running around like a maniac because of your whatnots."

"Come on, Mama Ton. I know you missed it," I teased. I took the iced americano I bought for him and handed it over as a bribe.