Digging Deep: A Libero's Love Match

(29) Untruth

JEMA POV

" Nasaan ako?"

" Jema anak, gising kana"

" bakit buhay ako?"

I have only one question for myself, why am I still alive ? The exhaustion from my current experiences is so much pain . My relationships have become a source of constant pain, leaving me feeling drained and defeated.

The emotional toll is so heavy that sometimes I think it would be easier to just be lost in this world than to endure the repeated heartbreak and disappointment. This useless love, which once seemed so promising, now feels like a burden I can no longer carry.

I'm struggling to find a reason to continue enduring this pain, questioning the value of staying awake when all I feel is hurt.

I woke up reflecting on my journey and the sacrifices my parents made for me. They brought me to this country from the Philippines because they said there weren't enough medicines and medical equipment available there to treat me properly.

Throughout my treatment, I faced countless challenges and moments of despair. Each day was a battle, and there were times I didn't think I would make it. The physical and emotional toll was immense, testing my strength and resilience in ways I had never imagined.

I told them all about my past relationships and the pain I've endured.

Now, I'm ready to move on. I'm ready to forget all the heartache and leave it behind. When I return to the Philippines, they will see a different person.

They will meet a new Jema, one who won't be fooled again, a Jema who prioritizes herself above all else. This new Jema won't easily give her love anymore.

All I want now is for them to face the consequences of what they did to me. I am determined to show them that I have changed and that I will no longer tolerate being hurt.

...

On my first day back in the Philippines, I saw her. She was the reason I had my accident.

I remember the anger I felt when she cheated on me, right in front of my eyes. That betrayal had led to my reckless actions and ultimately to my accident.

Seeing her again brought back all those memories, but it also reminded me of how far I've come since then.

" Panong nangyari yan Jema na hindi mo ako kakilala? look at me please"

" Sorry, baka nagkakamali kalang hindi ako si Jema"

This is my plan. I don't expect it to be accomplished quickly, but it's what I need to happen.

I want to make them believe that I've disappeared, and I'm no longer the person she thinks she's talking to.

I didn't lose my memory; I just pretended to. It was all part of my plan to get revenge on her.

By feigning amnesia, I aimed to make her feel the confusion and vulnerability that I experienced because of her betrayal. This deception was my way of taking control and making her face the consequences of her actions.

" Ate Jesse final do or die na mamaya, hindi kaba manonood?"

" sinong maglalaban?"

" UST and ATENEO"

Mafe invited me to watch the UAAP game between Ateneo and UST. I eagerly agreed since I didn't have any other plans for the day.

The invitation came at the perfect time, as I was looking for something to lift my spirits. Watching the game with Mafe seemed like a great way to unwind and feel better.

" okay"

We are now at the arena, immersed in the excitement of the UAAP game between Ateneo and UST. I'm wearing a cap and jacket, while Mafe proudly sports a UST jersey to show her support for the team.

As we approached the elevator, the doors slid open with a soft chime. My heart skipped a beat when I found myself face-to-face with some of my ex-teammates. The shock of seeing them again after all this time jolted me. They were the last people I expected to encounter, and from their wide eyes, I could tell they felt the same.

Taking a deep breath, I forced a neutral expression onto my face, hoping they wouldn't recognize me right away.

"Excuse me," I murmured, stepping into the elevator as casually as I could manage. They watched me intently, their gazes searching for any sign of familiarity. I avoided direct eye contact, focusing on the buttons panel instead.

As the doors closed, trapping me with my past, I wondered if they saw through my disguise. The tension was palpable, and I felt their eyes on me, but I stayed silent. It was a risk, but I hoped the dim lighting and the time that had passed had changed my appearance enough to keep my secret safe a bit longer.

ELLA POV

Creamline Fam

From: Tots
@everyone minumulto yata kami ni Jema 😭😭😭

From: Pangs
kamukhang kamukha nya diba taena kinikilabutan ako

From: Pau
trew bigla ko syang na miss :((

I was speechless after reading the message from my teammates. Did they also see the woman who looks like Jema, the one I had mentioned last time? The coincidence was too strange to ignore.

CALLING TOTS...

I needed clarification, so I called Tots immediately. As soon as she answered, I asked

"Where did you see her?"

This is where we saw her—in the elevator,We're inviting you to watch the finals. If you come, makikita mo na nagsasabi kami ng totoo" - Tots

"But Tots, why didn't you even talk to her or ask her name?" I asked, frustrated.

"She was in a hurry te Ella and the girl didn't pay any attention to us. That's how we knew it couldn't be Jema. You know how much Jema likes being with us"

I couldn't argue with that. Jema always cherished our time together. But this situation felt different, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this mystery.

"Alright, I'll come to the finals and see for myself."