Tears Of An Angel

Chapter 21

Chapter 21: His Downfall

I met up with Lisette at a coffee shop. Nauna siyang dumating sa akin. I didn't know why, but I had a bad feeling about this meeting. She looked sophisticated and gorgeous as always. 

"Please sit down," she said.

Tahimik akong umupo sa tapat niya. She asked what I wanted to have, but I declined and told her that I was in a hurry and couldn't stay long. I was planning on visiting Vince to tell him about my condition.

"Why do you wanna talk to me?"

She breathed out. "Vince has probably told you that he got the deal from the Crawford group of companies."

"Yes."

She nodded. "He worked hard for it. Mr. Crawford is not an easy man to please. He doesn't get impressed easily," she said then smiled. "But he was so impressed with Vincent. He even  said that he'd someday be more successful than his dad."

"I don't understand why you're telling me all these," I said, quite confused.

"I know about your illness."

I was stunned. "W-what?"

"I know you have Cardiomyopathy. When I saw you at the hospital, I just couldn't shake off the feeling that your friend was lying."

"How did you know?" kalmadong tanong ko. 

"I have my ways." She sighed. "I'm sorry that it happened to you. I assume you're gonna tell Vince." I nodded. "I know this is gonna make me look bad, but Chela, please don't tell Vince. If you really care about him, leave him."

Ikinuyom ko ang mga kamay. "Why would I do that?"

"Chela, malayo pa ang mararating ni Vince. Mahihigitan pa niya ang mga nagawa ng daddy niya. The deal that he got from the Crawford group of companies is just the beginning. He's gonna be a lot busier now, Chela."

"I know that. Pero anong kinalaman ng sakit ko doon?"

"Malaki, Chela. You're gonna be his downfall." 

Napatingin ako sa kanya. Nakaramdam ako ng paghihimagsak sa sinabi niya. Anong karapatan niyang sabihin sa akin iyon? I wanted to fight back but what she said next, left me speechless. 

"In order for him to exceed what his father has achieved, he needs to give his attention and time. But once he learns about your illness, what do you think he'll do? Mahahati ang atensiyon niya sa iyo at sa trabaho niya, Chela. Ngayong nakuha na niya ang pinaghirapan niya ng ilang buwan, ito yung panahon na mas kailangan niyang i-prove ang sarili niya. Hindi lang kay Mr. Crawford kundi sa mga taong nakapiligid sa kanya."

Tears ran down my cheeks. "I love him," was all I could say.

Her face softened. "I know. But if you really love him, you'll let him go to be the best version of himself. You will not drag him down. Huwag mong sirain ang mga pinaghirapan niya. Please think about what I've said."

"Angel?" untag sa akin ni Vince. Napakurap pa ako. His forehead was creased. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah. What were you saying again?" 

He frowned a bit. Then walked towards me and enveloped his arms around my waist from behind. We were at his place. Naisipan kong ipagluto siya.

"You're not listening." 

"Sorry. Masyado kasi akong naka-focus sa niluluto ko."

"When we're together, I want all your attention. Gusto ko akin lang." Mas hinigpitan niya ang yakap sa akin.