20.

Warning: This chapter contains sensitive topics that might trigger you.

As morning dawned, I felt like a fragile leaf, battered by the storms of the past few days. Sleep had eluded me, and the weight of my exhaustion threatened to consume me. This place, once a sanctuary, now felt like a prison, suffocating me with its secrets and lies. I yearned to escape, to flee back to the safety of my own home, where love and truth awaited me.

But for now, I was trapped, stuck in this vortex of uncertainty. Kuya's words, however, offered a glimmer of hope. "Clyde, I already bought us tickets." His smile was a beacon of light in the darkness. "Bukas ng umaga, alis natin."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, followed by a sense of trepidation. Kuya's mention of processing the papers to transfer Papa's money to Tita filled me with hesitation. If I accepted the money, I might uncover the truth. But was I prepared for that? The fear of discovering something that could shatter my world held me back.

I needed to escape, to clear my head and flee the oppressive atmosphere. "Kuya, may pupuntahan lang po ako ngayon," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kuya's eyes narrowed with concern. "Where?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Mall lang po."

Kuya's expression turned skeptical. "Do you want me to come with you?"

I shook my head, needing some time alone. "Kaya ko naman po ang sarili ko, Kuya."

As I prepared to leave, I felt like I was walking through a minefield, unsure of what secrets lay hidden beneath the surface. I dressed in comfortable clothes, trying to armor myself against the unknown.

Downstairs, the family gathered in the dining room, their faces etched with worry and concern. I felt like an outsider, a stranger in my own family.

"Pupunta lang po ako ng Mall," I announced, my voice firm but fragile.

Lola's smile was a brief respite from the tension. "Maayo na, para pud maka libot-libot ka."

{Mabuti 'yan, para naman makapag libot-libot ka."}

Sa kanilang lahat, si Lola ang walang ka alam-alam sa nangyayari sa paligid niya.

But Mama's eyes narrowed with concern. "Ikaw lang mag-isa?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of defiance. "Kaya ko napo, aalis na 'ko."

Without waiting for their response, I turned my back on them, leaving the suffocating atmosphere of the house behind. I walked away, unsure of what lay ahead, but determined to find the truth, no matter how painful it might be.

As I stepped into the bustling SM mall, I was enveloped in a warm and refreshing atmosphere. The sound of chatter and the hum of activity created a sense of excitement, and I felt a thrill of anticipation as I embarked on my shopping spree.

My first stop was the US Ralph Lauren boutique, where I set out to find the perfect polo shirts for Jarred. I browsed through the racks, carefully selecting six stylish and comfortable options that I knew he would love. After making my purchase, I felt satisfied and eager to continue my shopping adventure.

Next, I made my way to Uniqlo, where I spent some time browsing through the trendy and affordable clothing options. I tried on a few outfits, admiring myself in the mirror as I searched for the perfect fit. As I searched, I became aware of someone standing beside me, but I didn't pay much attention, assuming it was just another sh

"Tadhana talaga nagdadala sa 'tin no?"

That's when I saw him - Danie, standing beside me, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. My heart skipped a beat as he spoke, his voice low and menacing.

I froze, my feet rooted to the spot. Fear crept up my spine as he took a step closer, his breath hot against my skin. "You are alone?" he asked, his eyes scanning me up and down.

I tried to speak, but my voice trembled. "W-wag kang lalapit." I warned, trying to push him away.

But he just laughed, his eyes glinting with malice. "Bango mo ah," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.

I felt a wave of revulsion wash over me as he touched me, his hands roaming over my body. I tried to push him away, but he held me tight, his grip like a vice.

"H-help," I shouted, but he clamped his hand over my mouth, silencing me.

Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to break free. I was trapped, alone and helpless, with no one to save me.

And then, he whispered the words that made my blood run cold. "Maghihiwalay din kayo ng asawa mo."

He touched my stomach, his fingers digging into my skin. I felt a jolt of pain and fear, worried that he might hurt my unborn child.

"Please, stop," I begged, my voice barely audible.

But he just laughed, his breath hot against my ear. "Subukan mong magsumbong, baka wala ka nang aabutang asawa."

And with that, he released me, leaving me shaken and trembling with fear. I stumbled out of the store, my heart racing with terror.

I rushed into the women's comfort room, desperate to escape the trauma that had just unfolded. I locked myself in a cubicle, trying to catch my breath as the tears began to flow. I cried uncontrollably, my body shaking with sobs as I tried to process the horror of what had just happened.

Danie's touch still lingered on my skin, making me feel dirty and violated. The memory of his kiss on my ear made me shudder with revulsion. I felt disgusted with myself, as if I had somehow allowed this to happen.

I slid down to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees as I rocked back and forth, trying to comfort myself. The tears continued to flow, a mixture of fear, anger, and shame. I felt like I was losing myself, like I was drowning in a sea of emotions.

As I sat there, I couldn't shake off the feeling of vulnerability. I had thought I was safe, that I was strong enough to handle anything that came my way. But now, I felt like I was broken, like I was just a fragile shell of my former self.

I called Jarred, my voice shaking as I tried to explain what had happened. "Love..." I whispered, my body still trembling with fear.

"Love, what's wrong?" Jarred asked, his voice laced with concern.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "Danie was here," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jarred's voice turned urgent. "What? How? Tatawagan ko si Tristan."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, knowing that Jarred was on his way to save me. "Pauwi na ko sa 'min," I said, trying to reassure him.

But Jarred's voice was firm. "Take care, baby. Can you take the plate number?"

I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. "Yes."

"Alright, send it to me," Jarred said, his voice full of worry. "Please, baby, I'm not there to protect you. Don't go out alone. Baka ano pang gagawin nung lalaking 'yun sa 'yo."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized the gravity of what had just happened. Danie was a monster, and I was lucky to have escaped him.

But as I hung up the phone, I couldn't shake off the feeling of fear that lingered within me. I was trapped in a nightmare, and I didn't know how to wake up.

As I stepped into the house, Kuya's voice greeted me, but I was too numb to respond. "Buti naman umuwi ka agad," he said, but I just brushed past him, my feet carrying me on autopilot to the safety of our bedroom.

I felt like a shell of my former self, a living, breathing corpse. The horror of what had happened still lingered, making my whole body tremble with fear. I should have let Kuya accompany me, I thought, my mind racing with regret. I should have just stayed home and waited.

As I locked myself in the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and a wave of disgust washed over me. I felt dirty, violated, and ashamed. I slid to the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees as I sobbed uncontrollably. Hours passed, but I didn't notice. I was lost in my own world of pain and fear.

When I finally emerged from the bathroom, I felt a little hungry, but my appetite vanished as soon as I stepped into the dining room. Danie, the man who had made me feel so disgusting, was sitting there, smiling at me like he owned me.

I froze, my feet rooted to the spot. My mind went blank, and all I could think of was getting away from him. But before I could move, Mama greeted me, oblivious to the tension. "Clyde, naka-uwi ka na pala. Kumain ka na, may bisita ang tito mo."

But I couldn't process anything. All I could see was Luke, sitting there, smiling at me. Tito's voice cut through the air, "Ahh, Clyde. Si Danie, tropa ko."

The air was electric with tension as Kuya's thunderous voice boomed through the dining room. "Ginagawa ng gagong 'yan dito?" he shouted, his anger and disgust palpable.

The room erupted into chaos, with Tita trying to calm Kuya down, while Mama shouted at Tito. But I just stood there, frozen in horror, as Danie's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze making my skin crawl.

Tita's voice was laced with a mixture of fear and admonishment. "Tristan, matuto kang rumespeto sa bisita."

But Kuya was having none of it. "Bisita? Eh! 'Yang gago na 'yan, binastos si Clyde," he spat, his words dripping with venom.

Mama's voice cut through the chaos, her tone sharp and defensive. "Ano!"

"Paano hindi mababastos eh tignan mo nga kung gaano ka iksi suot niyan ngayon." Tito's words were like a red flag to a bull, and I felt my anger surge to the surface.

Kasalan ko ba na nabastos ako? Kasalan ko ba na manyak at malibog lang talaga 'yang kaibigan niya.

Mama's voice was a fierce growl. "Hindi problema ang pananamit ng anak ko, Christian."

Tito's retort was a sneer. "Anong hindi problema? May asawa na't nagpapa-sexy pa rin."

Suddenly, Kuya's fist connected with Tito's face, sending him crashing to the floor. "Gago palang pagiisip mo eh," Kuya spat, his anger radiating like a palpable force.

Danie finally spoke up, his voice dripping with malice. "Wala namang mababastos kung maayos manamit 'yang kapatid mo." He looked at me, his eyes licking over me like a predator sizing up its prey.

Something inside me snapped. "Gago ka, walang magabastos kung walang bastos na lalaking tulad mo," I shouted, my voice echoing through the room.

I turned and ran, fleeing the dining room and locking myself in our bedroom, desperate to escape the toxic atmosphere that had consumed our home.

Mama's gentle voice called out to me, "Clyde..." But I was too consumed by my tears, my body shaking with sobs.

Why was this happening to me? Naging mabait naman ako ah? Nagsisimba ako lagi? Wala akong inaapakang tao? Bakit nangyayari sa 'kin to?

Mama's whispered apology barely registered as she wrapped her arms around me, holding me close. "Hindi na sana kita sinama dito," she said, her voice cracking with regret. "I'm sorry, anak. Hindi ka napagtanggol ni Mama."

Kuya's voice cut through the air, answering Mama's question about when Danie had assaulted me. "Kagabi, nung pumunta kami ng Campo sinko."

Mama's tears flowed even harder, her body shaking with grief. "Hindi na dapat ako nakipag-away sa 'yo kagabi," she sobbed. "I am sorry, anak."

I finally found my voice, speaking up about the horror I had endured at the mall. "Kanina, sa mall," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "He was there, he touched me and kissed me."

The room fell silent, with only Kuya's angry curse breaking the stillness. "Gagong 'yun," he spat. "That's a fucking sexual harassment, I'll file a case against him."

But I shook my head, fear gripping my heart. "Clyde, binastos ka!" Kuya exclaimed, his anger and frustration palpable.

I explained, my voice trembling, "Tinakot niya 'ko, na kapag magsumbong, sasaktan niya si Jarred." Mama wrapped her arms around me, holding me close as Kuya vowed to protect me.

Kuya's determined voice cut through my fear, "That's another case to file." I grasped his arm, my eyes pleading with him.

"Kuya, please," I begged, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Baka may mangyaring masama kay Jarred." The thought of Jarred being hurt because of me was unbearable.

Kuya's expression softened, and he nodded. "Okay, pero sa oras na may gagawin pa siyang masama sa 'yo, I won't hesitate to send him to jail." I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Mama's gentle voice called out to me, "Clyde, anak, mag-pahinga ka na ha." I nodded, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over me. "Huwag kang matakot, nandito lang si Mama. Tatabihan kita matulog," she reassured me.

I hugged my Mom tightly, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, love, and forgiveness. Despite being angry with her for hiding the truth, she was still my mother, and I knew she would always be there for me. I cried loudly, feeling guilty for shouting at her and hating her. I realized that this wasn't easy for her either; if it hurt me, it must have hurt her even more.

As I cried, my body finally gave in to exhaustion, and I fell asleep. When I woke up, I felt drained, but I knew I had to get ready to leave.

I went to the bathroom to freshen up and do my morning routine. As I washed my face, I felt a spark of excitement.

We were finally leaving, and I was going home. I texted Jarred, my heart racing with anticipation. "We will arrive in Manila at lunch," I wrote, counting down the hours until I could see him again.

As I packed my bags, I realized that it would just be Kuya and me traveling back to Manila. Mama had to stay behind to attend to some matters. I felt a pang of sadness, but I knew I would see her again soon. For now, I was just grateful to be going home, to be reunited with Jarred, and to leave the horrors of the past few days behind.

As we stepped out of the airport, the warm Manila air enveloped me, but my heart remained frozen in fear. I scanned the crowd, my eyes searching for a familiar face. And then, I saw him - Jarred, standing tall, his eyes scanning the crowd until they locked onto mine.

I didn't hesitate, I ran towards him, my feet carrying me on autopilot. I threw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder. Tears streamed down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably.

Jarred's arms wrapped around me, holding me close as he whispered, "What's wrong, love? What happened?"

I shook my head, unable to speak, unable to tell him the truth. I couldn't bear the thought of him knowing what Luke had done to me. I couldn't bear the thought of him seeing me as dirty, as tainted.

"I missed you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Jarred's hold on me tightened. "I missed you too, love. I'm here now. Everything will be okay."

But it wouldn't be okay. Nothing would ever be okay again. I had been forever changed by Luke's touch, by his violation of my body and my trust.

As we stood there, holding each other, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair. I felt like I was losing myself, like I was disappearing into the darkness.

Jarred's voice whispered in my ear, "I love you, Clyde. Nothing will ever change that."

But I knew that wasn't true. I knew that I was no longer the same person he had fallen in love with. I was broken, shattered into a million pieces by Luke's cruelty.

And as we stood there, holding each other, I felt like I was living a lie. I felt like I was pretending to be someone I no longer was. And I didn't know how to escape, how to find my way back to the person I used to be.

As we said our goodbyes, Jarred turned to Kuya and thanked him, "Thank you, Tristan."

Kuya's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep understanding and concern. But I just shook my head, unable to meet his gaze. I didn't want him to see the pain and shame that I was trying to hide.

Kuya's expression softened, and he smiled warmly. "No problem. She's my little sister after all."

He called out to me, "Clyde."

I looked up at him, and he pulled me into a tight hug. "Please, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault," he whispered, his words a gentle balm to my battered soul.

As we pulled away from Kuya, Jarred took my hand, and we headed home. I was surprised to see Kiraz, Clint, and Ashley waiting for us. I had missed them, and a small smile crept onto my face as I greeted each of them with a hug.

But when I turned to Ashley, I sensed something off. Her smile seemed fake, and her voice sounded sarcastic. "Hey, Clyde. Welcome back," she said, her eyes glinting with a knowing light that made me feel uneasy.

I pushed aside my doubts, attributing my unease to my own fragile state of mind. But as I hugged Ashley, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, that she was hiding something behind her bright, cheerful smile.

"How's Mindanao?" Ashley asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I wasn't sure if I was just being paranoid, but her tone sent a shiver down my spine.

"To be honest, I don't want to talk about it," I replied, trying to brush off the conversation.

Ashley raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Really? I'm curious why," she said, her voice laced with a mocking tone.

I looked at her, confused by her behavior. Kiraz, however, seemed to notice the sarcasm in Ashley's voice and jumped to my defense.

"Ashley, kanina pa mainit ulo mo ah," Kiraz said, trying to intervene. "Kakadating lang ng kaibigan natin oi."

Jarred tried to calm the tension between us. "Calm down, girls," he said, placing a gentle hand on my arm.

But Ashley's demeanor only grew more aggressive. "Kaibigan? Ha!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in anger.

"Ash, what's wrong?" I asked, trying to understand why she was acting this way.

But before I could even process what was happening, Ashley's hand connected with my face, leaving a stinging sensation. I felt a shockwave of pain and surprise.

"Ashley!" Jarred shouted, his voice firm and authoritative as he stepped between us.

Clint quickly intervened, grabbing Ashley's arms and holding her back, trying to distance her from me. "Ashley, calm down!" She said, his voice firm but gentle, as he struggled to restrain her.

Ashley's face was twisted in anger, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity as she struggled against Clint's grip. "Let me go, Clint!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the room.

Jarred stood between us, his eyes fixed on Ashley, a mixture of shock and concern etched on his face. "Ashley, what's wrong?" he asked again, his voice softer this time, trying to reach out to her.

But Ashley's anger seemed to be beyond reason, and she continued to struggle against Clint's grip, her eyes fixed on me with a venomous glare.

I stood there, frozen in shock, mu heart pounding in my chest, As I tried to process what was happening. Then Ashley's words cut through the air like a knife. "You know how much I cried for Danie," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Tears streamed down her face, and I felt a chill run down my spine as I heard Danie's name. I was trembling with fear, my heart racing with memories of what he had done to me.

Ashley's voice rose to a shout. "You fucking saw it!" she exclaimed, her eyes blazing with anger.

I looked at Jarred, but he just looked at me with confusion, unsure of what was happening. I started crying, the memories of Danie's assault flooding back, and I felt like I was going to collapse.

Kiraz stepped forward, trying to intervene. "Anong bang pinagsasabi mo?" she asked Ashley, trying to calm her down.

But Ashley was beyond reason. She shouted, her voice echoing through the room. "You really fucking enjoy your vacation in your province that you forgot that you have a friend and a husband!"

Ashley's hands flailed wildly as she hurled a flurry of pictures at me. I stood frozen, my eyes widening in horror as the images fluttered to the ground. My heart sank, my soul crushed, as I saw the photographs of the moments Danie had harassed me. The memories came flooding back, and I felt like I was reliving the nightmare.

The pictures were taken at Campo Sinko and the mall, and the angles were cleverly crafted to make it seem like we were willingly participating in the acts. But I knew the truth. I knew that I had been violated, that my trust had been shattered.

My gaze drifted to Jarred, and I saw the shock etched on his face. He looked like he had been punched in the gut, his eyes scanning the pictures with a mixture of betrayal and sadness. And then, his eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the faintest glimmer of tears. My heart shattered into a million pieces as I realized that he was crying, that he was hurting because of me.

Ashley's voice was a distant echo, a mournful wail that seemed to come from the depths of her soul. "Clyde, you were my friend," she sobbed, her words dripping with pain and betrayal.

"Kaibigan kita eh, kaibigan kita. Pa'no mo nagawa sa 'kin to?" Ashley's words cut through the air like a knife, her voice trembling with pain and betrayal.

"Clyde, wala akong pake kung tatraydorin ako na lahat, 'wag lang isa sa inyo ni Kiraz. Pero tangina," she exclaimed, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt.

I was consumed by my own tears, my body shaking uncontrollably as I gazed at Jarred, who still looked like he had been punched in the gut. The shock and pain etched on his face were like a dagger to my heart.

And then, I saw it - a single tear escaped from Jarred's eye, and my heart shattered into a million pieces.

Ashley's pleas were like a distant echo, her words barely registering as I gazed at Jarred in horror. "Tangina naman, Clyde. Kaibigan kita eh, kaibigan kita," she sobbed, her voice cracking with emotion. "Pa'no mo nagawa sa 'kin to?"

But I was too focused on Jarred, my heart aching with every passing moment. Ashley's words were like a litany of pain, her voice rising to a crescendo of despair. "Hindi naman to totoo diba? Sabihin mo na AI lang 'to. Na fake lang to," she pleaded, her eyes wild with desperation.

But I was too focused on Jarred, my eyes locked onto his as I begged him silently to believe me, to trust me. I knew that I had to tell him the truth, no matter how hard it was.

And then, Jarred spoke, his voice low and husky. "Isang tanong, isang sagot," he said, his eyes boring into mine.

I felt my heart skip a beat as he asked the question that would change everything. "Totoo ba 'tong mga pictures?"

I wanted to deny it, to lie and tell him that it was all just a misunderstanding. But I knew that I couldn't. The pictures were real, and I had to face It.

I took a deep breath, my voice barely above a whisper. "Y-yes, but-"

But Jarred's expression told me that he didn't need to hear any more. His eyes seemed to dim, his smile fading into a faint, sad smile. "That's all I need to know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

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