Heartless (Completed)

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

"What are you doing out here, child? It's pouring so hard! Oh no, you'll get sick in this weather. Hurry! Get inside!" Manang Beth's voice was filled with concern as she hurriedly ushered me into their home. I came here because I had no ride back to Manila. I wasn't even sure if the money I had on me was enough to get home, and I was so weak that I could barely stand upright.

"What happened to you?" she asked, handing me a towel and some dry clothes after noticing my belongings were slightly damp from the rain.

"Here, change quickly so you don't catch a cold. Oh dear, you'll fall ill if you stay in those wet clothes."

"Th-Thank you," I stammered.

"I'll call Sir Art," she said.

My eyes widened in panic, and I quickly shook my head.

"Please don't, Manang, please," I pleaded with her. Right now, I couldn't bear to see him, even though a part of me longed to go back. But I held myself back—I couldn't allow myself to be weak for him again. The pain had been too much.

"But he'll be worried about you," she said softly.

I cleared my throat to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.

"P-Please. Don't tell him I'm here. And, could you ask Mang Jaime to hide the car so Art doesn't know I'm here, in case he comes looking for me?" I requested, my voice trembling as I spoke. My eyes began to burn, and before I knew it, tears started streaming down my cheeks. Manang Beth watched me intently, and I quickly looked away. I heard her sigh before she spoke again.

"Go change," she said gently, her voice laced with concern. I nodded and left her side.

I entered a room and changed into the dry clothes she had given me. Once I was done, I set aside my wet clothes and sat on the edge of the bed, hugging my knees. It was there that I quietly wept.

I knew I was partly to blame—I was aware of the risks, but I went ahead anyway because I wanted to. I wanted to feel that we were okay, to feel that I mattered to him. Even though I knew deep down that everything was temporary, I still didn't pull away. But no matter how much I had prepared myself for this, the pain still cut deeper than I had imagined. It felt as if my world was crumbling, and I couldn't come to terms with it. My mind couldn't process everything because the pain was just too overwhelming.

No matter what, my mind has never won against my heart. My love for Art weighed heavier, and that was the reason for my downfall. I did everything, yet I still lost. Elisse won in the end, because she is the one he loves.

I nearly jumped as the door to my room swung open. I looked at Manang Beth, sensing a trace of unease in her expression.

"Sir Art is here. He's looking for you."

The pounding in my chest grew louder at the sound of his name. I bit my lip before I could speak.

"Did... did you tell him where I am?" I asked, my voice faltering.

"I didn't say anything. But he's outside, Eliann. I don't know what happened, but could the two of you at least talk?" She turned her gaze away from me. I shook my head, avoiding her eyes. I couldn't— I couldn't face him right now.

"Manang, can you... can you just tell him that I'm not here?" My voice cracked, revealing my fear.

She remained silent for a moment, her eyes searching my face, as if trying to understand. I couldn't meet her gaze. Eventually, she sighed and nodded.

"Alright," she said hesitantly, but she left.

I lay down on the bed, my feet still touching the floor, my hands resting on my stomach. I prayed that Art would leave. If he didn't, I might lose control, run to him, and embrace him tightly. Damn it, the rain's pouring hard—who knows what might happen to him out there? Worry gnawed at me, but I stayed firm. I couldn't let myself weaken again. I closed my eyes, and the tears started to fall once more.