✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book One]

CHAPTER 36

Note: Our Preliminary Examination has been moved next week, which is why you are seeing an update now. Also, gusto ko rin mag-celebrate dahil 400 wanderers na ang laman ng Abyss. Ang saya ko lang kaya may update tayo ngayon kahit wala sa schedule! Enjoy reading, wanderers.

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[ C H A P T E R 36 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

Annika's first parent day performance will be held in the mansion today. Halos umabot ng dalawang linggo ang pagpapahinga ni Annika, at talagang sinisigurado namin na naghilom na ang sugat niya bago siya makalabas ng kanyang silid. She's a good and obedient child. Isang beses lamang siyang nagtanong kung ano ang nangyari sa kanya at sinabi namin ang totoo.

Roshan's behavior towards her was a factor that made Annika change for the better. Naging mas masayahin siya at lagi niyang ginugulo ang ama. Madalas silang magkasama at iniwasan kong magselos dahil 'yon naman talaga ang plano ko. Now that they seem a little close, it would be easier for me to finally let them go.

Nalulungkot at nasasaktan ako pero hindi ako pwedeng manghimasok sa buhay ng mag-ama. My plan was to rekindle Roshan's love for his child, and that is all. I never imagine myself together with them even when I am his wife. I am temporarily replacing Annabelle for her role as Annika's mother, pero hindi ko sinabing habang-buhay kong gagawin 'yon.

I can't. I love Annika and I always think that she is my own. But, I can never replace the truth that she is not mine, and her father loves her mother. Magiging tanga lang ako kung sasakyan ko ang trip ni Roshan na manatili rito. I have to deal with my violent nature on my own, and even if his protection somehow keeps me safe, I cannot bear to live with him forever.

"Erwan," I said when I saw him walk past the corridor. May dala siyang karton at agad kong tiningnan ang laman. "I think we have enough flowers and butterflies for the set. Ginagawa niyo namang gubat 'yong stage."

"Sabi mo bongga, edi bongga!" litanya niya. Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Erwan. Sumilay lamang ang pilyong ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. "Madame, I know what I am doing. I've been the household butler since sixteen, trust me."

Pinagkrus ko na lamang ang aking mga braso at napabuntong hininga. I looked at Erwan with a sad face. "Right, you got appointed in that position when the new Duke was declared. The former majordomo was with the former Duke and Duchess of Riedensteigh."

"We won't be reminiscing about a tragedy that is eight years old right, Madame?" Erwan said. He didn't sound like he didn't want to talk about it, but I could clearly see on his face that he still felt sad about what happened.

Erwan Rosthan Moonstone grew up with Roshan. His father is the majordomo of the Duchy, and he died together with my husband's parents. That tragedy eight years ago made a huge impact on their lives, but Erwan had a strong will of facing the day with optimism and moved on, while Roshan stayed behind in the dark, and was followed with Annabelle's death five years ago.

It has been that long but the wound is fresh like yesterday. That is also the reason why I can't stay, because loving someone who hasn't moved on from the past will only hurt both of us. Kahit kaya niya akong protektahan sa aking sarili, hindi niya kayang protektahan ang puso ko sa kanya. I vow to myself that in this life I won't be competing with the dead.

"Madame, matulog ka kaya muna?" saad ni Erwan na siyang nagpabalik sa akin sa kasalukuyan. Napanganga lamang ako dahil hindi ko rin maintindihan ang sinabi niya. He took a deep sigh as if he was letting his worry show. "You look tired and paler. Alam namin lahat na kasing puti po ang nyebe, pero para kang patay ngayon. You organized this event by yourself, and since when did you last sleep?"