Chapter 23: ENEMIES
I woke up to a cold and fresh breeze touching my face. Instead of returning to the mansion, we're now staying at a safe house I'm unfamiliar with. I don't know who owns this place. All I know is that this is not one of the properties that we own. When we arrived, nearly twenty security personnel greeted and escorted us inside the house.
We had been traveling for six hours before we arrived here. I was worried about Emerson's condition throughout the entire journey. Nakahinga lang ako ng maluwag ng makitang may private doctor na naghihintay sa amin doon. The doctor examined our condition and immediately tended to Emerson's needs. Dominic, on the other hand, quickly took charge of the security team and gave orders to ensure our safety and protection while we were here.
As I glance at my reflection in the mirror, the exhaustion and trauma are etched on my face. My eyes are swollen from crying and pagkapuyat after what happened last night. I barely slept for an hour because the vivid images of bloodshed and gunfire continue to haunt my thoughts. The scene is etched in my mind's eye like a grotesque painting.
Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng banyo. Dominic looked relieved when he found me there. After what happened last night, does he still think I'm considering escaping?
"I brought you some food." When he said that, it was only then that I remembered I hadn't eaten anything yet.
He placed the tray in the middle of the bed. I sat on the edge of the bed, and as he remained standing at the foot, he watched me intently. His eyes were heavy with exhaustion, and it was evident that he hadn't slept even a wink.
"How's Baba? Have you talked to him? Is he alright?" I asked rapidly, my concern for my father causing my voice to quiver.
Last night, I couldn't sleep due to my worry for my father. I wondered if he was also ambushed like us, if he had security with him that was capable of protecting him, or if he knew what happened to us.
Dominic nodded. "Your father is safe. He wasn't attacked last night. However, he's being cautious and may come here this afternoon or tomorrow to avoid any potential danger."
A wave of relief washed over me, but the coldness in his voice sent shivers down my spine. I looked up at him, trying to read his expression, but his face was a mask of exhaustion and worry.
"Have your meal and get some rest after," he added, his voice still carrying the same chilly undertone. He stared at my face for a moment, perhaps noticing the swelling around my eyes.
"You should rest too." I met his gaze with concern etched on my face.
"Rest is the last thing on my mind right now," he replied, his tone seemingly calm but layered with a subtle hint of aggression. "There are still a lot of things to do. We're also investigating who's behind the attack last night, aside from ensuring safety in this location."
My heart sank at the tone of his voice. I could sense the tension in his voice and the underlying frustration.
"Are you mad at me?"
Dominic let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"No, Mia. Why would I be mad at you?"
His tone was not asking. It was clear that he was not blaming me for what had happened, but his words made me feel like I was responsible. And maybe I really am.
I felt a pang of guilt. Because of my stubbornness, I had put Dominic and the others in danger. I had let my guard down, underestimating the potential threat to our lives, and now I was paying the price.
