Nemesis

Chapter 01

Chapter 01

Angeles' Residence

"NO. NO. NO!"
I don't need anyone. I'm happy on my own, thank you very much!

"Lowiee is the son of a good friend. You need someone. Just think of him as your companion."

"Define companion, Dad."

"Dafnhie—"

"Just stop. Admit it, you want to tail me again with another watchdog! 'Son of a good friend'? You mean a security buddy to watch me, report all my actions to you, guard my every move, and clean up all my 'dirty deeds' so I can be the perfect daughter of Angeles Co.! Bravo!"

"That's not it. Lowiee is like— You'll know him... but he's not what you think. I just want someone to be with you. I don't like seeing you alone."

"I'm happy being alone."

"You know I love—"

"Shut up! Shut up! Stop with that crap! Do you think I enjoy being like this? Do you think I wanted to be like this?! Angry at everything? Mad at the world?! If you just... if you didn't kill my mom—"

"OH GOD! STOP! You're the one who should stop!" Dad shouted, tears in his eyes.
"God knows how much I value this family. You don't—"

"SHUT UP. Don't tell another lie. I don't want to hear it!"
I screamed as I stormed out of his study.

Later...

"How can I forget?"
I get up from my bed and pick up the picture on my bedside table.

"You ruined everything, Dad... You killed my mom. She was the only one I had..."

Knock, knock.

"Ma'am, ready na po ang dinner."

"I don't want to eat, Yaya. And don't disturb me. I'm going to sleep."

Dela Vega's Residence

"Daaaaadddddd~"

"Don't. Say. A. Word."

I just smiled at him and said nothing, like he told me to.

After a few minutes...

"Okay... What shameful thing have you done this time? Seriously? Third time at the precinct this month... Oh god, I might really crack that nut head of yours right this instant!"

"It's not that bad, Dad. Y'know, I'm a 20-year-old college student just enjoying life!"

"And you enjoyed it by throwing an ass party inside the university? Seriously? Inside the university, right before the semi-final exams? With lots of booze and god knows what else!"

"Oops. No drugiesss! I promised!" I said, winking at him.

"Make sure, or else—"

"Nah, nah, nah," I said, wagging my right index finger in front of his face.
"Drugs aren't on my list. You should know that by now! Sex is on top though—"

Pak! Pak! Pak!

"Dad! That hurts! What the— Stop it, ouch!"
I yelled, shielding myself as he hit me with his golf club.

"How can you say that in front of your dad? Hah! You shameless brat! How dare you!"

"Dad! I love you! Just let it slide this time, okay? I'll do better next time!"

"I'm tired of your 'next times' and empty promises!"
He slumped into his office chair, frustrated.

"Pack your things. The helicopter will be here at midnight."

"W-What? No way! Dad! You can't do that to me! I'm your one and only son!"

"I don't care, Lowiee! You're giving me too much trouble! I don't know if you're really smart or just completely screwed in the head."

"Dad, it's not that bad! The university just wanted to make it more controversial so you'd donate more! They like to associate my name because it makes the school trend! This time, it was just a party! A little bit of alcohol on the side, and maybe an orgy in the comfort room or something? I don't know. But I swear I wasn't part of that! I was at the DJ booth when the police arrived—"

I quickly stopped talking as he picked up his golf club again.

"You! Get out of my sight, Lowiee. Just leave."

"But Dad, listen to me first..." I said seriously.
"You can't send me to that deserted island. I'll die, Dad. There's nothing there but the beach and coconut trees! You'll miss me—there's no internet! No FaceTime!"

"I don't care! Ramon will take care of everything."

"Dad, I don't want to live with that old caretaker!"

"And do you think that old man wants to live with you?"

"Just let it slide this time, okay? Next time, I won't throw a party inside campus. I'll look for a more exciting venue."

"Y-You little— LUMAYAS KA SA HARAP KO!"

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DOR