Reigning Battle Beyond Greed

Prologue

"He's your son."

"Prove it." Hamon niya.

"Here's the DNA test-"

"Why would I trust that piece of shit coming from someone who just barged in my office, declaring-"

"You can have your own DNA test," I suggested.

Nakatayo ako sa harapan ng office table niya. He was lazily sitting on his swivel chair. I can see other high buildings outside from the floor-to-ceiling glass wall behind him.

I am very confident that the test will be positive. Bali-baliktarin man ang mundo, si JJ ay isang Narvaez. Huwag nang isama pa ang katotohanan that they really look alike kapag pinagtabi. Pinagbiyak na bunga.

"At kapag negative ang result, make sure not to show your face anymore."

"At kapag positive?" I probed.
"Ready yourself to welcome him in your life. I want my child's right-"

"Don't be overconfident. I know your types. You're after the money. I can easily give you that. If he's really my son." He crossed his arms and look at me with intensity.

"The truth will surely crush your faith and pride." Babala ko.

"If he's my son, I will have the custody alone. And you will be gone out of my sight."

"Go on. Try." I encouraged him.

I have nothing to lose and fear. Tapos na ako sa kabanatang iyan ng buhay ko. Pagod na ako.

Weak people are prey to robust, powerful, and rich people. I've been there for a long time. Now that I have the chance to become powerful, I will take it by hook or by crook.

Nagsukatan kami ng titig. His dark brooding eyes signal a danger like a typhoon building up in the Pacific Ocean. When I decided to leave Laguna for Manila, I prepared to enter the Pacific Ring of Fire anyway. So, he can bring it on.

I smirk and decided to leave. Pero bago ako umalis, I made sure to give him something that might change his mind. Lumingon ako sa kanya nang makarating sa pintuan.

"Oh! By the way, I'm staying at your parent's house. They are with your son. You know... reuniting with his Lola and Lolo. They insisted I stay there. They are more than accommodating."

"What?!" The shock was visible in his expression. His jaw clenched.

"I am considering their offer. Since we needed a shelter to stay," Dagdag ko pa.

Kung mautak ka Narvaez, mas mautak ako.
Piping bulong ng utak ko. Akala ba niya basta na lang akong nagpunta dito nang hindi man lang pinaghandaan ang lahat?

He never must have thought that I'll be able to reach his parents. I never went for a battle without preparing. Bago pa ako pumunta dito, nakalatag na ang lahat ng plano ko from A to C.

"One day, magugulat ka na lang... baka plinaplano na namin ang kasal natin."

"I will never marry you-"

"Ops! Hindi mo sure..." putol ko sa sasabihin niya sa mabagal na tono na may halong panunuya.

"You're playing with fire. Beware. You might be digging up your own grave."
Babala niya.

Nginitian ko siya. But my eyes were void of emotion.
"If that's the case... I'll be dragging you down with me."

Sisiguraduhin kong sa laban na ito, hindi ako ang uuwing talunan at luhaan. Naniningil lang ako ng utang, the initial payment plus the interest. A life in exchange for life.

Para kay JJ, titiisin ko. Kakayanin ko.

❤