Leni slowly opened her eyes, feeling confused. She looked around the room, her heart beating faster. This wasn't her room. The furniture and walls were strange to her, too fancy and unfamiliar.
As she sat up, she noticed a familiar scent. It was the smell of his perfume—the one she knew so well. Her chest tightened as she realized where she was.
"This is his room..." she whispered to herself, feeling scared. "Kailangan ko ng umalis"
Leni quickly got out of bed, her legs feeling weak. She couldn’t remember how she got there but she knew one thing—she had to leave before he came back.
She tiptoed across the room and quietly grabbed the doorknob, making sure not to make any noise. Just as she was about to open the door, she heard voices in the hallway. She stopped, listening closely.
"Bong, she's going to be fine," a man said in a calm voice, though he sounded a little worried. "She’s just exhausted. Her body couldn’t take it."
Leni realized it was a doctor talking about her. She pressed her ear closer to the door.
"She’s overworked," the doctor said, his voice firm but kind. "Her body needs rest. If she pushes herself again, it could be dangerous."
Bong turned to the doctor with a serious expression. "Thank you, Doc," he said. "You can go now."
Leni, hearing Bong’s voice, quickly moved away from the door. She knew she had to leave before Bong saw her.
As she backed away, Bong entered the room and saw her standing there. His face showed a mix of relief and concern. "Buti naman at gising ka na," he said, his voice softer now.
"Aalis na ko. I don’t need your help," Leni said, trying to stay strong as she moved toward the door.
Bong leaned in closer, his voice deep and commanding. "Go back to bed or I’ll triple the interest," he threatened, his tone sending a shiver down her spine.
Leni ignored him and grabbed the doorknob, determined to leave. But then, he added in a firm voice, "Half a million. I’ll triple that, and I’ll add the payment for the doctor’s fees."
She froze, her hand still on the doorknob. "W-what?" she stammered, not believing what she had just heard.
"Ako nag bayad para sa bills mo," Bong said, his voice cold. "And if you don’t follow what I said kahit yang katawan mo hindi pa sapat."
His last words echoed in her mind.
Leni slapped him hard, “Hindi ang katawan ko ang bubuhay sa’kin!” she yelled, her voice shaking with anger.
Bong smirked, rubbing his cheek where her hand had landed, his eyes dark with amusement. “Violence... I like that,” he said, his voice cold.
“Baliw ka!” Leni shouted, stepping back, her heart pounding.
He chuckled, his grin widening like he enjoyed the chaos. “No... hindi pa,” he whispered, grabbing her wrist and pinning it against the wall, trapping her in place.
“Provoke me, Leonor,” he said, his voice low and threatening. “And I’ll show you what real madness looks like.”
Leni’s eyes widened in fear and confusion. “Ano bang nangyayari sa’yo, Bong?!” she asked, her voice desperate.
“You made me like this, Gerona,” he said, his gaze intense, filled with anger and something darker.
I swallowed hard, trying to stop myself from crying. “Bong” I said, struggling to pull his hand away.
Bong tightened his grip on my wrist, leaning in closer. “Bumalik ka sa higaan, Leonor… magpahinga ka,” he ordered, his voice threatening.
Leni felt too weak to resist. She knew she had no strength left to fight.
“Susunod ka rin pala, kailangan pang takutin ka” Bong said with a sneer.
“I’m not scared!” Leni replied, trying to sound brave.
“Just rest,” Bong said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
“Huwag kang magpanggap na nag-aalala. Hindi ko kailangan ng awa mo,”
He clenched his teeth, his face showing frustration. “Hanggang kailan ka magmamatigas, Gerona?” he asked, his voice full of anger.
I met his gaze defiantly. “Hanggang sa hindi ko na makita ang muka mo.” I said firmly.
I looked at his face one last time before closing my eyes.
Maybe it was my fault that bong ended up like this.
Umaga na ng muling nagising si Leni. She carefully opened the door to avoid making any noise. Slowly, she made her way out of the room but was startled when someone suddenly spoke.
"Iha kumain po muna kayo sabi ni sir Bong" said a woman who looked to be around fifty years old.
"Ay wag na po uuwi na rin naman po ako" Leni insisted
"Kumain na muna iha kabilin bilinan yan ni sir"
"Kayo na lang po Manang busog pa naman—"
"Naku iha kumain na muna " She cut Leni off at hinila papuntang dinning table.
With no other option, Leni followed her. At the table, she found all her favorite foods—danggit, hotdog, eggs, and, of course, black ice coffee.
Alam pa rin pala niya ang mga gusto ko.
Umupo na ito at pinag sandukan naman siya ng kasambahay. Napatingin naman si Leni dito, "Kayo po manang? sabay na po kayo sa'kin"
"Hindi na iha kumain naman na ako kanina" Leni nooded in respond
Ilang minuto lang ay natapos na itong kumain
"Nasaan po pala si Bong?" Leni curiously asked
"Nauna na iha madami pa raw siyang gagawin sa kumpanya kaya hindi ka na nahintay magising. Ang paalala niya lang ay dapat maihatid ka sa bahay niya kapag tapos mong kumain"
"Kaya ko naman na —"
"Huwag ka ng humindi iha delikado na ang panahon ngayon"
Leni nodded, understanding the concern. She gathered her things and prepared to leave.
Kahit papano may kabutihan pa rin palang natatago ang demonyo.
YOU ARE READING
Pay Back (bongleni)
RomansaBong settles Leni's loan but demands she repay him in a way that traps her under his control. He controls her and punishes her, turning the situation into a dangerous obsession.
