Echoing of Power and Passion

10 (Silent mood)

They woke up early in the morning. Alicia packed some clothes and personal items while Miles prepared food for them. Miles had already packed her clothes because she wanted to visit her family in the city and stay there for a week.

"Food is ready. Dae, lika kana."

"Okay?" Alicia called out to Marco, "Lika ka, kain muna tayo." Marco just nodded and came down from the hut.

"I cooked corned beef and pinakbet, your favorite, Dae."

"Wow, thank you, Miles." She immediately scooped some rice, not wasting any time since pinakbet was her favorite.

"Marco, kain ka," Miles offered food to Marco.

"Salamat." They started eating, happily chatting at the dining table. Afterward, they cleaned up and prepared to leave the farm.

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They had just arrived in the city when Marco’s mother greeted them, looking very worried since Marco hadn’t come home.

"Mom, I'm okay. I'm 23, you know. I'm not a baby anymore," said Marco, revealing that he was quite the mama's boy.

"You're my only boy. I was just worried that something might have happened to you on the way. We know how dangerous it is these days," his mother said, almost in tears.

"Fine, I'm sorry. It won’t happen again," he smiled.

"Thank you, hija. Here, please take this," she offered Alicia 5,000 pesos, but they refused to accept it. "No, take it. I'll be upset if you don't," the old woman joked. Miles and Alicia exchanged glances.

"Alicia, accept it, or she'll be offended," Marco added.

"Okay, thank you po."

"Oh, by the way, Mom, I'm going to take them to the city first, okay?" The old woman nodded, and Miles and Alicia said their goodbyes.

They talked non-stop throughout the trip. That's when they learned that Marco was 23 years old and would be celebrating his birthday next month. He had just graduated with a degree in Business Administration and owned a small business in the city—a Korean Samgyupsal franchise that earned thousands every day.

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**Risa’s POV:**

Risa was preparing herself to pick up Alicia from the terminal when she received a message from her.

*Malapit na ko, Baby. Hintayin mo na lang ako sa park, ihahatid ko muna si Miles sa kanila,* Alicia texted.

"Okay po," she replied.

She continued to prepare herself, canceling all her appointments for the day and the next because she wanted to spend time with Alicia. After getting ready, she left her house.

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Miles had finally arrived home after a long drive. Alicia got out of Marco’s car.

"Marco, salamat sa paghatid."

"You're welcome, Alicia," he waved to Alicia and started to drive back home. Alicia took out her phone, intending to call Risa when—

"Sino yun?" Alicia jumped in surprise as someone spoke behind her. The person was wearing a black mask and a cap, but Alicia recognized her—it was Risa.

"Hello, Baby." Alicia was about to hug her, but Risa stepped back slightly. "Why? Are you jealous again—" Risa grabbed Alicia's hand and led her into the car.