Chapter 81

He sounds fragile.

He hugged me tighter.

“I’ll hold the promises and words that you had said. You told me you won’t leave me, no matter what happens.”

I feel sorry for him. I'm not used to seeing and hearing him cry.

Kier, sorry, but it hurts so much. I want to be whole first.

I removed his hug from me, and he still looked shocked. He didn't expect me to be awake, so I woke up to his cries.

"I'm sorry for waking you up."

He wiped his tears.

I smiled slightly at him.

I said nothing and hugged him. He also hugged back. He hugged me tightly.

"I love you so much," I whispered to him.

"You're the first man I've ever loved like this," I added.

"Maybe it is. I can't appreciate happiness if I don't feel sad and hurt. Maybe, it's destined to be this way."

I let go of the hug. I held his hand, and I smiled at him while crying.

"I love you. I loved you so much. You became my world. Thank you for everything you have done for me and your love.”

He seemed confused by what he said.

“You still want to marry me, right?”

I just smiled at him.

“You won’t leave me, right?”

"Let's heal our hearts. I will still forgive you, but first, I must be whole. I felt hurt too much. I can't forgive you yet. I can't look at you; I can't be with you. I can't believe you love me when I see you because the pain you made me feel is stronger."

"Don't leave me," he begged and hugged me tightly. He hugged me tightly as if he was afraid of losing me.

"I'm also afraid of losing you," I told him.

But I have to accept everything. I have to do it for myself.

I hope our paths meet again.

My decision is final.

I'm sorry. Because of the pain of what happened, I needed myself. I know you will understand too.

"I love you. I loved you so much. I hope you don't forget me, don't forget that I was a part of your life. Don't forget all the things we shared. Remember that I love you.”

He hugged me tighter. And he cried louder.

<Layla>

I have the latest iPhone model.

I have a luxurious life.

I have many bags in my closet.

I have a complete family.

My career is blooming.

I have a lot of money. Years ago, I travelled the vast world; I could do whatever and go wherever I wanted. I have the privilege of everything. My brother is giving me my allowance.

I have my own house and five cars.

I bought everything I wanted.

I have many suitors inside and outside the Philippines.

Men admire me and want me.

My family loves me so much.

Why do I feel empty?

Why is my life grey?

I’m not happy and sad. I feel something is missing from me.

I’m tired of pretending. I’m trying to be someone I’m not. I can’t live like this anymore.

I’m not good and don’t deserve anything good because I’m bullshit.

I can no longer find any drive. I don’t know what else to do.

I hope you’re happy that I am in peace and no longer questioning my worth.

I’m lost in the silence.

That’s okay, that’s alright, go on living your life.

<Nate>

"Are you all right, lad?" I asked Kier.

He was a fool earlier; he was not himself.

We are together again. I'm getting tired of his face.

He is not himself. He also drinks.

He didn't answer my question.

“I know you’re not, okay? Don’t try to hide your pain from me.”

I turned off my computer and approached him. It's good that my work with him is done; I don't have to watch over them every night.

Jase is still better than me regarding technology, but Jase taught me.

"Cheers?" I will ask. He reluctantly raised his glass of wine.

Suddenly his cell phone rang.

I saw the caller.

He answered that on the loudspeaker as if he didn't feel like answering the caller.

"Sir?! Sir, it's Ma'am Layla; she hasn't come out of her room for two days. We are worried about her. Your mom is in jail, so no one cares for Ma'am Layla."

The maid said to me worriedly.

"What's her reason for not going out of her room?" Kier asked coldly.

"Eh, sir, we don't know. Last week she was lethargic. In the past few days, she was coming out of her room, but she was lethargic. Her mother also noticed that. Then, here it is; we've been worried about her for two days. She hasn't been out for two days."

Kier heaved a sigh.

"We can't open her room because she might get angry with us and fire us if we enter her room without saying anything. We thought about calling you to ask for help."

“I’ll go there.”

I will go with you.

Fiero let me go with him, and I drove him. We were quiet during the ride. He doesn't speak; I think he's speechless because of his many problems. I heard he has a problem with the company now. He can do that.

"Give me the key to her room," Kier hurriedly ordered the maids. We just followed behind him.

He hurriedly opened the bedroom door. It was dark inside, so he turned on the light.

“Ma’am!”

“Oh my god!”

My eyes widened at what I saw.

Layla?

I looked at Kier, and he was stunned.

The next thing I heard was the cries of the maids.

"Fuck! Layla! Layla!” Kier called his cousin's name crying.

He removed Layla's body from hanging in the air. And put the dead thief's cousin on the tiles.

"Layla! Layla, wake up! This is not a fucking good joke!” Kier shouted his cousin's name angrily while crying.

Layla's face is pale like her body hung for an hour.