暗影的面纱 (Veil of Shadows)

Chapter XIV (Occupied)

Waves gently lapped at the shore, creating a soothing rhythm that accompanied their steps. Feet sank into the warm sand. Their footsteps left a mark, waves met them, and they took in the stunning view—the enormous body of water perfectly embracing the sky while they admired the sunset.

It was a paradise.

As they strolled side by side, a little kid approached them with a bright, hopeful smile. He was holding a small basket filled with various souvenirs crafted by the locals.

"Mga ate bili na po kayo" The little entrepreneur was really cheerful.

Alice then crouched down to the little kid's level, her gaze softening as she spoke gently.

"Ano po iyang binebenta mo?" The chinita woman pointed at a few of the items, asking the kid.

Stacey stood there, admiring the older woman in front of her. Gradually, a smile spread across her face, softening her features. It was pure and innocent.

"Ikaw po ate?" The little friend then asked her. Alice glanced at her, and Stacey crouched down to be at the same level as the child.

"Ano bang maganda diyan?" Mayor Tan gently nudged Stacey, reminding her to be more delicate, though Stacey was already naturally gentle. Prosecutor Reyes then gave her an assuring look.

"Ito po kung may boyfriend po kayo bagay po sainyong dalawa ito" He then showed them a handcrafted shell bracelet.

The older woman then chuckled. 

"Wala akong boyfriend, si ate kayang nasa tabi ko meron?" She glanced at the girl beside her, and the laughter gradually faded away.

"Sa ganda mo pong iyan wala kayong boyfriend? Ikaw nalang po ate bigay niyo po sa boyfriend niyo" A very good sales talk

Mayor Alice then looked at the child with a hint of surprise but saw Stacey give her a subtle nod toward the kid's question. Understanding the silent cue, she smiled and began to answer. She then heard the prosecutor laugh.

"Wala po" They both responded

"Nag-aantay kasi ako" Stacey glanced at the woman beside her.

The older woman then caught the gaze of the younger lady, their eyes locking in a brief moment of connection.

But the Fiscal soon broke the eye contact and decided to buy a souvenir—a delicate hairpin crafted from pearls.

"Magkano ito?"

"300 na lang po sainyo" Stacey handed the young vendor a thousand-peso bill, her fingers brushing against his hair as she did. The older woman simply watched, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"Keep the change"

"Salamat po!" The boy left with a big smile, and Stacey helped Alice stand up. 

The sky had darkened.

A soft touch on the mayor's hair was felt as Stacey gently placed the clip, securing it in place. Mayor Tan just admired the fiscal.

"Balik na tayo" Stacey then invited Alice to head back inside, as they were about to get ready for the evening party celebrating Stacey's birthday.

The older woman lightly touched the hairclip in her hair, feeling its delicate presence and the care with which it had been placed. With a soft smile, she watched Stacey walk ahead before following her back inside.

They then headed to their suite.

Inside their room, both women were dressed for the evening. The room was softly lit, casting a warm glow on their outfits. Alice had chosen a simple black wrap dress matching the prosecutors taste of color, while Stacey wore something more casual: dark navy trousers, a brownish sleeveless top with a splatter of black for the pattern, and a dark blazer.