When The River Meets The Sea

Chapter 1

"Tay Fusa."

An old man with a rugged look appeared before Carmela. After exchanging a simple greeting to one another, the man nodded at her before facing to his right.

There stood the other man, way younger than Tay Fusa. Both of them exchange a few words before the old man turned around and boarded the sampan, a flat bottom Chinese fishing wooden boat.

Carmela let out a sigh of relief. The young man saw her action and chuckled. The poor girl released two puffs and eyed the young man. Her gaze was sharp enough to send chills down his spine.

"Don't worry, it's not that bad." He said with an innocent face yet his tone had a hint of mischief. Carmela frowned and remembered how hostile the old man is towards her.

Obviously, he doesn't like me hanging out with you. The man seemed to have read what was going on in Carmela's mind. Unconsciously, both ends of his lips tilted upward. Carmela saw the change of expression and observed his gentle visage. Tora's image is far from his line of work.

Who would have thought that this youthful man is actually the apprentice of the most vicious Japanese captain, Tay Fusa?

"Well, it appears that I must embark the journey back home." Tora averted his gaze and glanced the biggest sampan.

"Guess it's another goodbye, huh?"

"I'll be back before you know it. Here," Tora handed a crumpled gold sick to the girl's hand.

Once she felt the wooden figure covered inside, her eyes welled with tears. Tora's rough hand caressed Carmela's soft cheeks. He leaned and brushed his lips on the girl's forehead.

"Hold onto this. When I come back, we'll never be apart again." The wind was cold but the warmth on her forehead stayed.

The scorching sun descended below the horizon while Carmela opened the door of her father's manor. It only took her one step forward but she found herself on the ground the next second. Her father, fuming mad, stood at the doorway.

"Ingrata!"

"Can you stop with this madness already? How many times do I have to apologize for leaving you at that time?"

A fine man dressed in a white suit tried to coax the girl wiping her tears in front of him. Carmela ignored him and continued to mind her own business.

Antonio tightened his jaw and in a swift movement, his calloused hand held the girl's neck. Carmela struggled to breathe. Her face paled and her lips trembled yet her eyes never wavered.

Antonio strengthened his grip for a second then let go. The girl's fragile body slumped to the wooden floor. She held her neck as she catches her breath.

The moonlight illuminated the dark room. Antonio noticed the wooden circular figure on Carmela's finger. It was the gift Tora gave her months ago.
He gritted his teeth and let out a dry laugh.

Carmela was the only daughter of the Mayor while Antonio was the son of Governor-General Gonzalo Ronquillo. As both honorable men are friends, naturally, they are betrothed to each other.

"How dare you...."

His icy tone lingered around the room. It was frightening. Carmela kept her mouth shut, not quivering in fear. No matter how deadly the blood lust she's sensing from the man, she'll never give in.

Antonio scowled, clearly displeased. He turned and held the doorknob.

"You'll regret this."

After he left, Carmela hugged her knees and cried in silence.

"Are you okay?"