Diamond's Worth ✓COMPLETE

DW-40: Past

Juan José

The very next day after that heartbreaking confrontation, things become even more complicated. Our company is facing crisis which is why I returned to the country. It needs my immediate attention. Although, it's not something I cannot handle but still, it adds to the burdens I am presently facing. For the rest of the morning, I am stuck in my office when my little princess manages to dial my phone on her own. I have no idea how she did it. But one thing is for sure, Diannara is a brilliant child.

"Daddy." She calls out, crying. I quickly get up from my swivel chair after hearing her cracking voice. I cannot stop from panicking. "Someone's hurting mommy. Please come home."

"Okay baby. Daddy's on the way." Sagot ko kaagad saka patakbong lumabas ng opisina. "Princess, don't hang up on dad okay?"

"Daddy, I'm scared..."

"Where is she?" I hear a man's voice from the background. It makes my daughter squeal in fright. Hindi na ako mapakali habang nasa elevator.

"Sweetheart? Are you in your room? Remember when you're playing hide and seek with dad? You hid inside your big bear? Do it again, princess. Daddy will come find you."

Nanginginig ang buong katawan ko. Kung pwede ko lang paliparin ang kotse ko ay matagal ko ng ginawa. Naririnig ko parin ang iyak ni Diannara pero kalaunan ay tila nabitiwan niya ang cellphone.

"Bitiwan mo ang anak ko, Carl!"

"How could you, Dianna?" I heard the guy answer. What is going on? "Have you realized what you just did?"

"Bitiwan mo ang anak ko sabi eh!"

"I am taking her away from you. Ang selfish mo, Dianne. Hindi mo na inisip ang kapakanan ng anak mo."

Sa mga sumunod na minuto ay hagulhol na lamang nila ang naririnig ko. Nagpapasalamat rin akong walang traffic kaya kahit papaano ay wala akong naaaksayang oras. Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay narinig kong tumili si Dianna. Malapit na ako sa bahay.

"Carlson! Where are you taking my daughter!?" Along with her shout, I hear my daughter's voice asking to let her go.

Halos mabingi na ako sa lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko. Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag may nangyaring masama kay Diannara. Ang anak kong iyon ang nagbigay sa'kin ng dahilan na magpatuloy sa buhay sa mga nakaraang taon. I vowed to protect her in everything.

"Carlson!" Dianna calls out, throwing her knuckles against the car window. I quickly storm out of my car and run towards her.

"Where is my daughter, Dianna?"

"Carlson! Buksan mo ang pinto! Saan mo dadalhin ang anak ko!" Sigaw niya habang patuloy na pinupukpok ang kamay sa salamin ng kotse. Hindi niya ako pinapansin.

Nang buhayin ng lalaking nasa loob ang makina ng kotse ay mabilis na humarang si Dianna. Agad na umikot ako sa kabilang side. Matapos buksan ang pinto ay hinugot ko ang lalaki't walang pagdadalawang-isip na sinuntok ito. The guy quickly stands up. I am about to hit him again but we both get taken aback when our eyes meet.

"Ikaw?" Anas ko. It's the guy who once hit my car. "What the hell are you doing here?" Hindi siya sumagot. Tiningnan niya lang si Dianna na ngayon ay yakap-yakap na ang umiiyak na anak namin.

"Daddy." She calls out but Dianna doesn't let her down.

"What is going on?" I ask her. Dianna looks away instead of answering my question. "Dianna, what is going on?" I shout this time.

"Princess, get inside. Mom and dad will be there in a minute." Umiiyak na saad niya sa bata.

Diannara shakes her head. "Mommy, I'm scared."