Lovers Under Surveillance

Chapter 9: "I need you" 🔞

⚠️Romantic scene incoming...⚠️

——————

Alice sat on her desk in the quiet of her office, the hum of the air conditioner the only sound in the room. She scrolled through her Facebook feed absentmindedly, her mind heavy with thoughts of the future. Her tenure as mayor was under scrutiny, and rumors had begun swirling about her impending suspension. The reality hit her hard when she saw a post confirming the news. Six months. She would be suspended for half a year, a punishment that felt like a personal defeat.

Tears welled up in Alice’s eyes, but she blinked them away, her chest tightening with a mix of sadness and frustration. She had always found joy in serving her community, in connecting with the people of Manila. It was her escape, her healing. Her work had been a balm for her soul, especially when interacting with the elderly and toddlers who brought such simple, pure happiness into her life.

Alice stood up, her movements deliberate as she walked to the window, hoping the view of the city would provide some comfort. But the truth was, the joy she derived from her role was being threatened, and she was struggling to maintain her composure.

She took a deep breath and called her assistan. “Sam, can you send a message to the community, please? I need to address the situation directly. I don’t want them hearing this from anyone else.”

“Yes, Mayor,” Sam’s voice came through the phone, calm and supportive.

Alice glanced at her reflection in the window, seeing the strain in her eyes. She rehearsed what she would say. “I need to stay strong para sa inyo,” she whispered to herself. “I can’t let them see how much this hurts.”

When the time came for her public statement, Alice stood before the camera with a brave face. She spoke with her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “Mga kababayan, I want to address the recent news about my suspension. I know this is difficult to hear, and it pains me deeply because being your mayor has been a true source of happiness and healing for me. Serving you all has always been more than just a job; it’s my passion and my way of giving back.”

Her gaze shifted towards the camera, her eyes reflecting the sadness she struggled to hide. “Kaya’t kahit na masakit at mahirap ang panahon na ito, I promise to stay strong and focused on the welfare of our city. I will use this time to reflect and prepare, and when I return, I will be even more committed to serving you with all my heart.”

As the broadcast ended, Alice let out a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of her emotions. She walked back to her desk, her thoughts heavy but determined. She knew that despite the personal pain, her duty was to her people. And in that duty, she would find the strength to continue, to heal, and to serve with unwavering dedication.

Alice entered her home, the weight of the day still heavy on her shoulders. As she opened the door, her dog, Cash, bounded towards her with excited barks. She scooped him up into her arms, pressing a gentle kiss on his furry head. “Hi, Cash. I missed you,” she murmured, her voice soft despite her exhaustion.

She sank into her couch, the day’s events replaying in her mind. After taking a deep breath, she reached for her phone to call Blaire, but the call went straight to voicemail. “Baka may ginagawa siya,” Alice thought, trying to push aside her disappointment. With a sigh, she carried Cash to her room and began her night routine.