The sun filtered through the windows of the university library as Sabrina flipped through the pages of her textbook. She was halfway through reviewing when Bella plopped down across from her, a nervous smile on her face.
“Sabs,” Bella began, her voice soft but tinged with excitement. “May kailangan akong sabihin sa'yo.”
Sabrina looked up, curiosity piqued. “Oh? Mukhang serious 'to, ah. Spill!”
Bella bit her lip, her cheeks tinged pink as she fidgeted with her fingers. “Well... Jake and I... we’re dating. Actually, matagal na, pero bago lang namin na-confirm after the trip.”
Sabrina blinked, the words sinking in slowly. “Wait, what? You and Jake?!” Her voice was a mix of shock and disbelief. Sure, she had noticed the two getting closer lately, but she never thought it would lead to this.
Bella giggled nervously. “Yeah. I mean, di ko na kasi mapigilan. I wanted you to know first before anyone else.” She looked at Sabrina with a hopeful expression. “I hope you're okay with it?”
Sabrina’s heart gave a slight jolt. She wasn’t sure how she felt. Jake had been her rock for so long, and now he was Bella’s. But then again, Bella was her best friend, and Jake deserved to be happy too. She forced a smile.
“Of course, I’m happy for you,” Sabrina said, genuinely trying to mean it. “Jake’s a great guy. Swerte ka.”
Bella sighed in relief. “Thank you, Sabs. I just didn’t want to keep any secrets from you.”
Sabrina nodded, though a strange unease settled in her chest. Was it because she was losing Jake to Bella? Or was it because of something else—something she couldn't quite place yet?
Later that afternoon, Jake found Duke leaning against his motorcycle outside the campus gym. His face was as arrogant as ever, but Jake wasn’t there to play games.
“Duke, we need to talk,” Jake said firmly, stepping in front of him.
Duke raised an eyebrow, looking bored. “Ano na naman yan? If it's about Sabrina-”
“It is about Sabrina,” Jake interrupted, his tone sharp. “Alam mo bang may pinagdadaanan siya? May PTSD siya dahil sa pagkamatay ng pamilya niya.”
Duke’s casual expression faltered for a split second, though he quickly masked it with indifference. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Jake clenched his fists, holding back his frustration. “It has everything to do with you, Alcantara. Kung patuloy mong ginagawa ‘to sa kanya, lalo mo lang siyang sinasaktan. I’m telling you this because I care about her. And kahit papaano, I thought you should know.”
Duke’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t known. How could he? His mind raced, replaying every cruel word, every mocking glance he had thrown her way. He didn’t want to admit it, but guilt twisted in his chest.
But instead of acknowledging it, Duke shrugged. “Noted. Pero you don’t need to act like you own her, Jake.”
Jake shot him a glare. “This isn’t about me. It’s about her.”
The next day, Sabrina found herself walking through the campus plaza, completely unaware of the spectacle that awaited her. A crowd had gathered, whispering excitedly as Duke Alcantara stood in the center, microphone in hand.
YOU ARE READING
Forbidden Love
Fiksi RemajaSabrina Gonzalez is a resilient and determined young woman with a tragic past. Orphaned after her parents died in a plane crash, she was forced to fend for herself, growing up quickly and learning to navigate life without the support of her family...
