beautiful goodbye (TUS I)

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

A/N: unedited 

Flashback (Calypso POV)

Buong gabi akong hindi nakatulog dahil sa mga nangyari. I'm still here questioning myself.

Was I enough to be able to defend her?

Am I a bad girlfriend?

What did I do to deserve this?

It's not about winning the case for my pride and integrity as a prominent lawyer. It's about fighting for the woman I truly love.

I can afford to lose a case, but I cannot afford to lose her—not without putting up a fight.

But how can I fight this war if she never wants to fight alongside me?

Oh, fuck these tears! Sobrang sakit, tangina.

My eyes were tired—crying overnight drained me so fucking much. I am so lost. I don't know what to do next. Kahit gusto kong mag-file ng motion for reconsideration, pero how can I? Juno gave up.

She gave up on me. She gave up on us.

How heartbreaking that was.

My family and friends are bombarding me with texts and calls, but I just turn off my phone and ignore them completely. I can't talk in this state. I know they're just checking up on me, but I want to be alone this time. I need to think.

Maybe I can still fight for her.

I don't want to give up. I love her, and I will be her shield even though she has withdrawn her sword.

Optimistic as I can be, I will convince Juno to fight one more time. I just need to make her realize that. I know it's a long shot, but I will risk everything for her.

I know the risk of this big leap I am about to take. People may think I'm throwing my life and career away with this case, but they will never understand. It's not like I'll be left empty-handed if I lose my license to practice law here in the Philippines—I still have my license in the US. Besides, I have my investments, my real estate properties, my own name built from years of hard work.

And for Juno's freedom, I will bet it all against the odds.

I may not have the power and influence of her father, but I can fight them all. I am a Sanchez, and a Sanchez never gives up.

Never.

Morning came, and I just drank a black coffee before proceeding to my office. Bianca immediately greeted me at the door. "I know you're not okay, so I'm not dumb enough to ask. But have you eaten breakfast?" she asked with concern in her tone.

I hid my sorrows behind a bright smile and answered, "Yes. How about you?"

"I already did, but thanks for asking." She replied. After that, she hugged me. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring the warmth of Bianca's embrace. It wasn't just any hug—it was the kind that silently told me I wasn't alone. That even in the middle of this chaos, someone still cared.

"Thanks, Bianca." My voice came out softer than I expected. She pulled away slightly and looked at me with knowing eyes. "You don't have to pretend around me, you know." I forced a chuckle. "I know." But pretending was easier than admitting how shattered I really was.

Bianca sighed but didn't push further. Instead, she gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever happens, we got your back."

And for now, that was enough.