Domineering Night

Chapter 1: Stolen Role

SEVEN YEARS LATER

"Why?" Tanong ko sa management. They promised me to get the role for me pero sa iba nila ibinigay! Worse, sa half-sister ko pa! It was as clear as the water in the ocean that she stole the role from me.

"Nag-invest kasi si Philip Herrera sa movie na 'yon." My fist balled up. Kababalik ko lang sa Fiorantine last year. Who would've thought that my half-sister and my ex-boyfriend will mess my job up?

"Using the power of money to suppress me. That's impressive!" I mumbled sarcastically.

"Sai, please, calm down! Mas sikat lang si Selena sa 'yo." My manager said. I mentally rolled my eyes.

Of course, she'll be more famous than I am! She was your top priority. You never wanted to give me a chance to act on major roles because you keep following that bitch's suggestion to suppress me.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. It had been six years since I left the country because of Selena's scheme and it had also been one year since I came back. During the year, she had never let me off. Lagi niyang inaagaw ang mga projects ko. Even the spokesperson and brand ambassadorship that were originally mine were stolen by her.

Hinahayaan lang siya ng manager namin because of my father. He had been one of the most influential businessman in the Fiorantine business industry. Selena relied on the power of my father to suppress me, that's for sure. Idagdag mo pa ang putanginang ex ko na naging boyfriend niya na ngayon.

"I need an explanation." I demanded, refusing to compromise. No one said a word. Seconds later, Selena spoke with righteousness.

"Since, my sister's character is messed up, she could damage the reputation of the entire Stardust Media. Although she's my sister, I think the best option for our company is to terminate the contract." I smirked at her words. I couldn't help but to think my sister being a hypocrite and shameless liar.

"So, bakit naging kasalanan ko 'e ako na 'yong nawalan ng role? It was natural for me to complain so do not try to change the topic by pointing out my character." I sarcastically hissed before looking coldly on our manager. "Manager Sy, alam ko namang bias ka sa amin ni Selena. Pero ako 'yong nag-audition sa role na 'yon. Ako 'yong nagpakahirap para makuha 'yon. It was clear that I passed the audition how can you give the contract to Selena?"

I saw the hint of nervousness in manager Sy's eyes. But it quickly faded and replaced by arrogance. "Hindi ako ang dapat mong sisihin. You can only blame yourself for being too unpopular."

I clapped my hand and stood up. Wala naman akong mapapala sa mga board members. They clearly unfair and biased. They all sided with my sister so why do I have to bother myself to explain? "How much do I have to pay for the breach of contract?"

"Are you sure you're able to pay for half a million?" Hamon ni Selena. I ignored her.

"I want to terminate the contract later, I'll just withdraw. It's just half a million, isn't it?" I asked casually.

I looked at the chairman of the company and nodded. I turned my back on them and left with confidence.

Noong nasa Siertia pa ako, I used to be a stunt double, extra, and part-time model. Malaki ang kinita ko sa anim na taon kong pagtatrabaho kaya naman nakaipon ako ng higit limang milyon. Sierta is a first-world country and is one of the best country in the world. The currency conversion of Sier dollars to Fiora pesos were at least one hundred twenty Fiora pesos per one Sier dollars.

Mura din ang mga bilihin at gastos sa Siertia kaya magaan ang buhay ko kahit na tatlo ang trabaho ko. Actually, depende sa kukuha sa akin ang magiging trabaho ko dati kaya hindi ko rin nararamdamang tatlo ang trabaho ko. It was just a temporary job around entertainment industry but it was very convenient and allowed me to live comfortably without financial difficulties.

After I withdrew, I went back to the company and went straight to the chairman's office while holding a pile of money.

"Here is my payment for the breach of contract. Please do terminate my contract right away." I frankly said.

The chairman stared at the money in front of him. I could see his reluctance as he took a deep breath and pondered for a moment. Nilingon niya ako.

He intertwined his fingers and leaned on the table. "Miss Valiente, you might want to consider this again. I promise you—"

"You'll promise what? You'll promise to make manager Sy to continue suppress me? You'll promise to let Selena continue robbing my role and endorsements? No. I won't flourish in your company because you have never given me a chance to shine!" I heaved a sigh. "Please, just terminate my contract." I said with finality.

The chairman looked disappointed. He took a folder and handed it to me. I took a deep breath and read it. It was termination contract. I didn't hesitate to sign it. The chairman gave me a copy so I smiled.

"Thank you, chairman." I politely said. He nodded. Nagpaalam na ako at umalis.

"No, we can't let Silence to leave!" Napahinto ako sa paglalakad nang marinig ko ang naghihisteryang boses ni Selena sa may fire exit. I hid my presence and leaned against the wall to listen.

"Hindi ba't ikaw ang nagsabi na i-terminate ang contract niya?"

"It was a mistake! We can't let her leave! Hindi ko na mapapahirapan ang bitch na 'yon kung aalis siya dito. Do something, Kassandra!"

"Wait, I'll try to contact the chairman."

I chuckled.

"Who is it? Show yourself!"

Umayos ako nang tayo at namulsa. Hinarap ko sila. "Manager Sy, you're way too late!" I grinned. "I've just terminated the contract and paid for the breach of contract." I waved the folder in my hand.

"You!" I shook my head when she pointed her finger on me. Hindi ko siya pinansin at naglakad paalis.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang makita ko ang asul na langit. At last, I'm free!

I took a cab and went home. After paying for the fare, I got out and walked towards the gate.

"Ma, you're back." A cold but childish voice said. I smiled at him and carried him. He had a natural fiery red hair, a pair of ash-colored eyes, pointy nose, a cherry red lips, a perfect face-shape, and a fluffy cheeks. I couldn't help but lamented on how handsome his father could be.

"Jaze Heredion!" I warned when I saw that his gaming PC was on. He was addicted into online games. He'd spend at least four hours to play on his PC. Pinagbawalan ko lang dahil bata pa siya. It's bad for his health to expose himself to radiation.

"Mama ko, relax, kabubukas ko lang po ulit niyan. You can ask ninang Jesse if you don't believe me."

I took a deep breath and looked at him meaningfully.

"Have you eaten your snack?" I asked.

He nodded. "Opo, you baked egg tarts last night so I have eaten them. Tinirhan po kita." Nginitian niya ako bago siya umupo sa gaming chair niya.

I watched him play. I sighed and shook my head in defeat and thought to myself;

Kanino ba nagmana nang pagkahilig sa online games 'to?