"Golden Melody" is a tale of love, dreams, and resilience, exploring the power of music and memory as Zatariel fights to bring back the melody of their hearts amidst the challenges they face.
Will their shared passion for music be enough to bridge...
The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as I pulled into the driveway, the rumble of my motorcycle finally silenced.
I saw my dad standing by the gate, his silhouette against the brightening sky.
He opened the gate, his face etched with worry.
He had been waiting up for me, his heart heavy with the unspoken fear that had been gnawing at him all night.
I took off my helmet, the cool morning air a welcome relief after the stifling heat of the casino.
Even before I dismounted, I felt my dad's arms around me, his embrace of a comforting weight that eased the tension in my shoulders.
"I'm so worried, anak," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. His hand rested on my back, a gentle touch that spoke volumes of his love and concern.
"Dad, my challengers outside the country were tougher," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "He's... hmmm, boring."
I handed him the box containing the Goddess Tear pendant, a symbol of my victory, a testament to my skills.
"How's Mom?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. I knew she was worried about my whereabouts, but I didn't want her to know about my gambling, especially since I am still a minor. She might freak out, and I couldn't bear to see her upset.
My dad shook his head, his expression a mixture of weariness and resignation. "She's... she's not doing well. She's been having nightmares."
I knew my actions had consequences. I knew my mother will be worried sick. But I couldn't tell her the truth. Not yet.
"I'm sorry, Dad," I said, my voice cracking. "I'll talk to her later."
He nodded and reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, his fingers trembling slightly as he lit one.
The smell of tobacco filled the air, This was only the second time I had seen him smoke.
"Mr. Hamilton called me," he said, his voice a low rumble. "He wants to challenge me tonight."
I just shook my head, a smirk playing on my lips. Mr. Hamilton probably hadn't heard about my dad's reputation in Texan. He was undefeated, a legend in the gambling world. No matter how hard he tried to cheat, it wouldn't work against my dad. He had a sixth sense, an intuition that allowed him to see through even the most elaborate schemes.
My dad saw the smirk on my face and playfully slapped the back of my head. "Should I dig a grave for Mr. Hamilton, dad? I can also sponsor his coffin," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Baliw," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
We laughed together, the sound of our laughter a welcome respite from the tension that had been hanging in the air. But the laughter was tinged with a sense of foreboding. I knew that Mr. Hamilton wouldn't back down easily. He was a dangerous man, and he was desperate.
"What are you going to do?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.
"I'm going to play his game," my dad said, his voice calm and steady. "But I'm going to play it my way. I'm going to beat him at his own game."
He took another drag from his cigarette, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "He's going to underestimate me, just like he underestimated you. He's going to think he can control me, but he's wrong. I'm not afraid of him."
"Dad," I said, my voice filled with worry.
"So, you really like the Verra Princess, huh?" My dad's voice was serious, his gaze piercing.
I turned to him, my heart sinking. How did he know? They only knew I was courting Marie.
"This is also for Mom-"
"You're my son," he interrupted, his voice soft but firm. "So I know everything about you, anak. On your first day at the Academy, I saw the wallpaper on your PC and how you looked at her, at her 14th birthday party, I was so proud back then because you were becoming a man. It's healthy to have crushes and admirers, but... The girl was a Verra,"
He paused, taking a long drag from his cigarette. The smoke curled around his face, obscuring his features, but I could see the sadness in his eyes.
"I can't support your love for her, Zat."
He didn't want me to go through the same heartbreak.
He sighed, the sound heavy with the weight of his own experiences. "Zat, you're still young. You have so much life ahead of you. I can't bear to see you suffer the way I did. It's not worth it."
"Also," he continued, his voice heavy with a sense of finality, "the Verra Princess and the Sebastian boy will be wed on the 29th of May, and we're invited. The reason is so obvious."
My jaw dropped. "D-Dad, they're too young for that."
He chuckled, a bitter sound that echoed in the stillness of the morning. "And you're still too young for this!"
He handed me a brown envelope, the familiar weight of the paper a cold reminder of the reality I was facing.
"May nangyari na ba sa inyo?" he asked. I withdrew the photograph, a stolen moment of intimacy with Miexha. Messy bedsheets, a bedroom. Me kissing her as she slept peacefully. Once pure bliss, it was now a source of agonizing pain.
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"Rickzen couldn't accept the fact that his daughter was spending the night with a Wov, that's why he rushed the wedding" he said, his voice a whisper.
I sat down on the floor, the weight of his words crushing me. It was like a bucket of cold water had been poured over me, washing away my illusions and leaving me with the reality of the situation.
I couldn't believe it.
Tears streamed down my face, hot and uncontrolled.
I couldn't believe I had been the reason for Mimi's forced marriage.
I had been so reckless, so impulsive, I ruined her future. Her dreams.
I felt my dad's hand on my shoulder, his touch a comforting presence in the midst of my despair.
He hugged me from behind, his embrace of a silent promise of support.
"Hush now, son," he said, his voice gentle. " The sun is about to shine. Go and wash your face. I'll take you to school."
I nodded, my body trembling with the force of my emotions. I followed my dad inside, my heart heavy with the weight of my regret.
As I washed my face, the cold water did little to soothe the burning in my eyes. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my face pale and drawn. I saw the pain, the regret, the helplessness.
I knew I had to do something. I had to find a way to stop this wedding.
I looked at the picture of us in my hand, her face serene and beautiful the girl I loved, the girl I had hurt.
I clenched my fist, my resolve hardening. I might be just a boy, but I wouldn't give up. I wouldn't let them get away with this. I would fight for Mimi, even if it meant risking everything.
