The Heir's Retribution

CHAPTER 23

Chapter 23: ENEMIES

Nagising ako dahil sa cold and fresh breeze na dumampi sa mukha ko. Imbes na bumalik sa 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. 

Ilang oras din kaming bumiyahe bago makarating dito. I was worried about Emerson's condition throughout the entire journey. Nakahinga lang ako nang maluwag nang makitang may private doctor nang naghihintay sa amin dito. 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.

Nang mapatingin ako sa repleksiyon ko sa salamin, kitang-kita ang pagod at trauma sa mukha ko. 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, iniisip pa din ba niyang tatakas ako? 

"May dala akong pagkain para sa'yo."

Nang sabihin niya iyon, doon ko lang naalala na wala pa pala akong kinakain na kahit ano.

Ipinatong niya ang tray sa gitna ng kama. I sat on the edge of the bed, habang nanatili naman siyang nakatayo sa paanan ng kama, tahimik akong pinagmamasdan. 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? Okay lang ba siya?" I asked rapidly, my concern for my father causing my voice to quiver.

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. "Ligtas ang tatay mo. He wasn't attacked last night. However, he's being cautious. Maaaring mamayang hapon o bukas siya makapunta rito para maiwasan ang anumang posibleng panganib."

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. 

"Kumain ka muna, pagkatapos ay magpahinga ka," he added, his voice still carrying the same chilly undertone while staring at my face, perhaps noticing the swelling around my eyes.

"You should rest too." 

"Rest is the last thing on my mind right now," he replied, his tone seemingly calm but layered with a subtle hint of aggression. "Marami pa kaming kailangang asikasuhin. Bukod sa pagtiyak na ligtas ang lugar na 'to, iniimbestigahan din namin kung sino ang nasa likod ng pag-atake kagabi."

My heart sank at the tone of his voice. I could sense the tension in his voice and the underlying frustration.

"Mad ka ba sa'kin?"

Dominic let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair. 

"Hindi, 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. Dahil sa katigasan ng ulo ko, 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.