Forbidden Love

Chapter 12: Wounds Unhealed

Sabrina stood still, her heart heavy yet her face betraying no emotion. “Congratulations,” she said with a forced smile, as Duke broke the news of his engagement to Maxine. Masakit, but she had become good at hiding her feelings. She couldn’t let Duke see how much this hurt her. He needed to believe she had moved on.

“Nakakatuwa naman, Duke,” she continued, her voice calm, as if it was all just casual conversation. “Maxine is lucky to have you.”

Duke, however, sensed something off. Her words sounded too rehearsed, too smooth, as if they were meant to push him away. Pero bakit ganito ang nararamdaman niya? He should feel relief knowing Sabrina had moved on, but instead, uncertainty clawed at his chest.

Later that evening, he couldn’t sleep. He stared at the ceiling, replaying their conversation in his head. Did she really move on, or was she just pretending? He needed to know. He grabbed his phone and called his secretary.

The next day, Sabrina received an unexpected visitor—Duke’s secretary. “Miss Sabrina, may I speak with you for a moment? Mr. Alcantara sent me.”

Sabrina knew exactly why. Duke was having doubts. Pero anong silbi? He was marrying Maxine. Whatever was left between them, it didn’t matter anymore.

“Did you come here para tanungin ako if I still love him?” Sabrina’s voice was firm, hiding the crack in her heart. The secretary shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet her gaze.

“Huwag na natin palakihin pa ‘to. Maxine loves Duke. Kung may natitira man akong feelings, it doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t want her to get hurt,” she added, her voice trembling slightly.

The secretary nodded and left, but Sabrina’s chest felt tight. She had just lied to herself. The truth was, she was still in love with Duke, but she wouldn’t let herself ruin his engagement.

That night, Duke showed up at Sabrina’s door, his eyes burning with frustration. “You promised you’d wait for me! Ano'ng nangyari? Bakit hindi mo ako hinanap?” Sabrina spat, her emotions finally boiling over after months of restraint.

“Hindi ikaw ang naghihintay, Duke! Ako ang naghintay,” Sabrina shot back, her voice cracking. “You didn’t even try to find me!”

His expression darkened, and for the first time, he looked lost. “Sabrina, I—"

“Don’t,” she interrupted, her voice cold. “You’re marrying Maxine. Whatever we had, it’s over.”

But Duke wasn’t listening. The guilt, frustration, and jealousy that had been brewing inside him exploded. He grabbed her arm, pulling her closer. “You think you can just walk away? Ganyan lang? After everything?” His grip tightened.

“Let go of me, Duke.” Fear flashed in her eyes, but he ignored it. His lips crashed onto hers, angry and desperate, as if this would make up for all the time they lost. She struggled, pushing him away, but he was too strong.

“S-stop!” she screamed, but Duke had lost control. He treated her like she was nothing, as if she didn’t mean anything, like she was just another woman.

Afterward, Sabrina lay on the bed, her body numb, tears falling silently. Duke, on the other hand, stood by the window, guilt flooding him, but it was too late. The damage was done.