(GRIEGO COUSINS #1)
Seven years after his mother's tragic death, Angelus Griego's father, Simon Griego, made a life-changing decision to marry a wealthy businesswoman with a troubled past and a sick child. Angelus, known for his charm, intelligence...
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Mayroon pa ring mumunting hikbing lumalabas sa mga labi ko. Mahigpit ang mga braso ko kay Angelus, hindi kailanman ito niluwagan kahit sandali. Mama wants me to tell the truth. She wants me to say everything I know so I can serve justice to my friends.
I am guilty. I care for them. Kung maibabalik lang ang nakaraan, gagawin ko ang lahat para mapigilan ang lahat nang ito sa pangyayari. I'd remain calm. I'd stop Angelus from hurting them.
Yes, I'm guilty. But not guilty enough to surrender Angelus. I don't think I can do that. Kahit ata tutukan ako ng baril, wala akong sasabihin na kahit ano tungkol sa mga ginawa niya. I'll remain mum, even if it costs me my life.
"Please stop crying." Bulong niya, hinahaplos na ang buhok ko.
We're sitting here on my bed. Kanina pa kami ganito ngunit wala akong balak na kumawala sa kaniya. Tahimik si Mama na nakamasid sa amin. I heard she also called Doctor Arlene to check on me.
"Don't leave..." I murmured.
"I won't, so please stop crying already. Your voice is starting to sound strained."
Suminghot ako, pinipigilan nang umiyak ang sarili. Bahagya siyang tumungo sa akin at pinalis ang aking mga luha. I closed my eyes at his touch. Humigpit ang yakap ko sa kaniya.
"Bakit n—ngayon ka lang? I've been waiting for you every day..." nanginig ang boses ko.
"I'm sorry. May ginawa ako at... mahirap makalapit sa'yo nitong mga nakaraan."
"Aalis ka ba ulit?" Tanong ko at naluluha siyang tiningala.
Umawang ang kaniyang mga labi. His dark eyes looked somber while staring at me. The usual grin and cool countenance he wears aren't plastered on his face. Mas gusto ko pang makita na ganoon siya kaysa sa ganito.
"If yes, can you t—take me with you?" bulong ko.
My lips quivered. He blinked slowly and licked his lips. Muli niyang pinawi ang panibagong luhang tumulo sa aking mga pisngi. He smiled a little and shook his head.
"Hindi na ako aalis, Farida. I'll stay here with you," aniya sa seryosong boses.
"But M—Mama's planning to put me in... Germany."
His small smile disappeared. Dumilim ang mukha niya at humigpit ang mga braso sa akin. I don't want to leave without him. I want... to stay wherever he is. Ano'ng gagawin ko sa lugar na iyon? I can't imagine another day without him.
"I won't let her or anyone get in between us..." he whispered so softly, and a small smile appeared on his lips. "Stop worrying about it, okay?"
Dahan-dahan akong tumango at pinagpahinga ang mukha sa kaniyang dibdib. I glanced at my mother. Nakatayo pa rin ito sa tabi ng pillar. Malamig at siphayong nanonood sa amin. Hawak siya sa balikat ni Papa Simon at may binubulong dito.
