The Heir's Retribution

CHAPTER 37

Chapter 37: NO PLACE LEFT TO RUN

"I can't say it over the phone," Carina whispered over the phone. "For all I know, baka nakikinig sila sa usapan natin ngayon. I can't take that risk, Mia."

My heart dropped. "Then tell me... How can I help you?"

"I... I don't know," she said, her voice breaking. "I just want to be safe. Buntis ako, Mia. I have been for the last 5 months."

I gasped, frozen in place. My grip on the phone tightened as I heard her begin to sob on the other end.

How did I not notice that she was pregnant this whole time? She never told me anything.

"I don't want to die," she cried. "Please... help me. I'm sorry for everything I've done to you. I really am. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. Kahit ano pang ginawa niya sa akin sa past, hindi niya deserve na madamay sa magulong buhay ko. Pregnant or not, I need to help her. 

"It's not just me now, Mia... I'm carrying a life inside me. I didn't even think I wanted this, but now... now all I want is to protect this baby. I don't care what happens to me, just not the baby. I can't let them hurt my child."

My chest ached. I closed my eyes for a second, steadying my voice. "Carina, listen to me. You're going to be okay. I swear I'll keep you safe. You and the baby. Don't worry about anything right now."

"But how? They're watching me—"

"Keep your phone with you," I said, gently but firmly. "I just need a few minutes, alright? I promise it won't take long. I need to talk to someone who can help me figure out how to get you somewhere safe."

She sniffled, her voice trembling. "Do you promise?"

"I promise," I replied with certainty. "I don't know any place safer than where I am right now. Magiging ligtas ka din dito. I'll make sure of it. Just hold on a little longer, okay?

Carina didn't speak right away. I could hear her breathing, trying to calm herself.

"Okay," she whispered. "Maghihintay ako. Just... call me as soon as you can."

"I will," I whispered back. "I've got you. I won't let anything happen to you."

I ended the call. Nagmamadaling hinanap ko si Dominic. Mabuti na lang at agad ko siyang natagpuan na kausap si Emerson sa living area at hindi na kailangang hanapin siya kung saan. 

I rushed toward them. 

"Dominic!"

Their heads snapped toward me. Dominic's brows furrowed the moment his eyes landed on my face. I stopped right in front of him, breathless and tense. He turned his body to fully face me, concern growing on his face.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes flicking down to the phone, still clutched tightly in my hand.

"It was Carina," I said, my voice barely steady. "She called. She's asking for help."

Dominic's brows drew together. "Wait— how did she get your number?" 

"I don't know. Everything happened so fast," I admitted, shaking my head. "But that's not important right now. She needed help, Dominic. We have to help her!"

Dominic let out a slow breath and stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Mia, I'm not saying you're wrong, but we need to think this through. What if it's a trap? What if she's not telling you everything?"

"She's not lying," I said, my voice still trembling. "You didn't hear her, Dominic. She was crying—really crying. She sounded so terrified. And she's pregnant."