Sa kumikinang na liwanag ng buwan, unti-unting pumapasok sa kuweba at nagbubunga ng nakakatakot na mga anino sa mga pader. Ang malamig na hangin ng gabi ay dala-dala ang bahagyang amoy ng asin mula sa labas. Ethan sat anxiously next to Lia, who lay on a makeshift bed of torn clothes and leaves. Worry etched his face as he observed her shallow, labored breathing and felt the clamminess of her skin. Binabasa niya nang dahan-dahan ang noo ni Lia gamit ang basang panyo.
As moonlight bathed the cave, Ethan remained steadfast by Lia's side, filled with love and determination. He knew the challenges ahead but was prepared to face them all for the woman he deeply loved.
"Lucas..." mahinang bulong ni Lia.
"Shhh, Lia. I'm here," paniniguro ni Ethan, nanginginig ang boses. "Rest."
Hindi na nagsalita pa si Lia. Nangingilid ang luha sa kanyang mga mata habang hinihingal. Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Ethan ang kamay niya, ang hinlalaki niya ay marahang hinahaplos ang balat niya. "Lia, you're burning up." He quickly placed his hand on her forehead and neck. "Damn, your fever is so high."
Desperation mounted as Ethan watched Lia's condition worsen. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her after everything they had endured together. Panicking, he rummaged through their meager supplies, his hands shaking.
"There's no medicine here. What am I supposed to do?" Bulong ni Ethan, halata sa boses niya ang frustration. Nagmamadali siyang pumunta sa pasukan ng kweba. Ang tunog ng paghampas ng mga alon ay nag-aalok ng panandaliang ginhawa, na nagpapaalala sa kanya na hindi sila ganap na nag-iisa.
FLASHBACK
Years earlier, in the rugged mountains of Benguet, Ethan and his team underwent intense safety training. Kabilang sa kanila si Lia, isang masigla at determinadong babae na sumali sa programa para isulong ang kanyang karera. Sa simula, napansin niya ang kanyang lakas, hindi natitinag na espiritu, at ang determinadong kinang sa kanyang mga mata. Kahit noon pa man ay lihim siyang humanga sa kanya.
On one particularly grueling day, navigating dense forest terrain, Lia seemed slower than usual. Her face flushed, struggling to keep pace—an uncommon sight for her. Concern etched Ethan's face as he approached her.
"Sergeant Santos, okay ka lang ba?" Tanong niya, nag-aalalang nilakasan ang boses niya.
Mahina siyang tumango, ngunit hindi siya kumbinsido. "Umupo ka," hinimok niya, iginiya siya sa isang kalapit na bato. Nilagay niya ang kamay niya sa noo niya, naramdaman niya ang init na nagmumula sa balat niya. "Sergeant Santos, you have a fever. You're burning up."
Despite her condition, Lia tried to dismiss it. "I can handle this, sir. We need to set up camp."
He shook his head firmly. "No, Sergeant Santos. You need rest. I'll take care of the camp."
Sa banayad ngunit mahigpit na paghipo, ginabayan siya nito na umupo at hinikayat siyang uminom ng tubig. He quickly set up their shelter, ensuring it was as comfortable as possible given the circumstances. Upang manatiling mainit, gumawa siya ng isang maliit na apoy at naghanda ng isang simpleng sabaw mula sa kanilang mga suplay.
Pagsapit ng gabi, nanatili siya sa tabi ni Lia, inaalagaan siya sa abot ng kanyang makakaya. Gamit ang kanyang survival training, gumawa siya ng cold compresses at maingat na sinusubaybayan ang kanyang kondisyon. Paminsan-minsan, nasumpungan niya ang kanyang sarili na binabantayan siya, his heart filled with a mix of worry and affection.
"Why did you train here, Sergeant Santos?" mahinang tanong niya, sinusubukang panatilihing nakatuon at gising siya.
She managed a weak smile. "I wanted to prove something—that being a woman wouldn't stop me from being a soldier."
BINABASA MO ANG
HERS TO PROTECT - Tagalog
RomanceStranded on a remote island, Amelia 'Lia' Santos finds herself forced to help and protect billionaire Ethan Marsden, who is out of his depth without his wealth and bodyguards. As survival turns into an unexpected bond, Lia learns of a deadly plot ag...
