AMANDORA - ONE-SHOT FICTION

Fiction 19

Fiction 19- BOUND BY DUTY, YEARNING FOR FREEDOM

Dedicated to Chiana:>

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Aurora poured herself a champagne as she listened to Amando's report. His voice resonated with a mix of anxiety and determination, and she couldn't help but nod in approval.

"That's good, Amando. You just did a great job." she complimented.

"Sa tingin mo, Madam?" Amando inquired cautiously, seeking validation.

"Oo. At least ngayon, malilipat na sa iba ang sisi sa pagkamatay ni Francis. Para ng sa ganon, unti-unti na silang mawala sa landas ko." Aurora replied, downing the remaining champagne, the liquid courage momentarily masking her fears.

"Hindi ka pa rin nakakasiguro, Madam." he cautioned, his brow furrowed with worry.

Aurora's expression shifted as she raised an eyebrow, a flicker of irritation breaking through.

"What do you mean?"

"Sigurado akong hindi ka titigilan ni Sam. Lalo pa at—"

"Lalo pa at ako ang sinisisi niya sa pagkamatay ng Papa niya?" she interjected, her voice sharp as she stood, moving closer to Amando, her presence both commanding and terrifying.

"Oo, Madam. Hindi siya titigil lalo na at alam niyang nakipagrelasyon ka kay Doc Orly—"

In a flash of anger, her palm connected with his cheek, a resounding slap that echoed through the room. Amando remained still, the sting of her words cutting deeper than the slap itself.

"You don't have the right to interfere with my personal decisions, Amando. Baka nakakalimutan mong utusan lang kita?" she shot back.

The word reverberated in his mind, a constant reminder of his place in her life.

Utusan.

"Now, get out!" Aurora shouted, her command leaving no room for argument.

With a heavy heart, Amando lowered his head and exited the room. Once in the kitchen, he poured himself a glass of water, desperately trying to wash away the turmoil brewing inside him.

Each pang of sadness felt like a vice gripping his heart as he replayed her words. He had grown accustomed to her dismissals, but it never ceased to hurt.

He was hopeful that maybe someday— Aurora would see and feel what he is to her. Not just a butler but as someone who she can entrusted with her heart.

His breathing were getting heavier, he unbotton his sleeves and did some breathing exercises while his tears kept streaming on his face.

"Kuya Amando?"

Amando quickly fixed himself when he heard Jericho. He wiped his tears and forced to flushed his serious face.

"May kailangan ka ba, Jericho?" his voice cracked, a hint that he just cried which Jericho notices.

"Umiiyak po ba kayo?"

"Hindi. Maalikabok kasi sa taas, kaya—"

"Si Tita na naman 'yan no?" Jericho cut in, disappointment evident on his face. Amando faced Jericho, trying to smile, but it faltered under the weight of his emotions.

"Kuya Amando, pwede ka naman ng umalis. Bakit hindi mo na lang piliin ang sarili mo?"

"Kailangan niya 'ko." he muttered, justifying his presence.