Chapter 43 Ring

Chapter 43 Ring

I heard him say, probably for the authority who was asking me. An emphatic look around made him look back at me. My lips are shaking trying not to sob, the pain and pain in his eyes did not escape my eyes but it didn't take long either because his eyes returned to the dark expression.

"I'm o-okay." With hopeful eyes I utter. I don't know if he will believe me even though I almost weaken in his hold on me. My tears are flowing but I'm smiling. I try to make him feel calm because he seems ready to hurt at any moment. He wiped my tears, one kiss on my forehead and he intertwined his fingers into mine. Only in him do I feel this kind of peace. I found myself sitting on his couch of his place, many authorities and his lawyer is talking to me and asking me what happened.

Levi was talking to some authorities and also someone on his phone. He's looking more anxious than I am. I didn't hear any question from him other than the question of whether I wanted to rest. Meanwhile, I'm answering questions like I'm having some amnesia because nothing is clear at all what's happening to me right now.

I'm in shocked. A gentle look was only awarded to me by the last question to me because I understood nothing. One look at Levi, meeting his eyes he immediately got what I wanted to happen. He left his interlocutor to approach me, I looked up to meet his eyes, held his hands and pleaded to help me. He sighed and nodded to his lawyer and he left us immediately. He knelt in front of me, he brushed my hands with his thumb. His eyes looks tired but he manages to give a faint smile.

"I want to rest." I utter. He nodded and waved at me. He hugged me and buried me to his chest. Her heartbeats calmed my troubled mind. But those weren't enough for me to forget what had happened this whole day. I woke up feeling a little bet well than before. Levi's familiar smell enveloped my nose. I'm not mistaken, I was lying alone in his bed.

I don't know how long I've slept, maybe Levi bought me here because the last thing I remember is him hugging me on his couch. I heard a ring somewhere. When I looked around I saw my bag there and realized that's where the sound was coming from. I immediately picked it up. Several calls and texts. My cellphone almost exploded with endless notifications there. I got a call from Tita Matilda so that's what I answered.

"Oh, thank God! Good and you answered Hija!"

I was taken aback by Aunt Matilda's hysterical voice.

"Are you okay? You're all over the news, I thought it was you!"

"Your brother is freaking out. He went berserk hearing the news, they are supposed to catch a plane when he called. I don't know if they went on."

My ears throbbed at what I heard. My brother? I felt a mixture of fun and excitement. Now I just heard again my brother will care about me. But I'm nervous because I'm not yet ready for the sure confrontation between us. I don't know how I calmed Tita Matilda down even though I felt like I was digging into my mind with the amount of trouble that was bothering me.

I just told him I was fine and the rest of what happened to me. She said my company will conduct an investigation even if that is what Levi's camp is doing.

"But take note Hija, you can't just trust anybody right now. Even Engineer Vidalio. We don't know who's the enemy here. It's better to keep lean at this moment."

My forehead furrowed. Why would I need to be doubtful of Levi? He's not even there in the scene. And I can't get the reason to doubt him, what connection does he have with Mariel? And most importantly, it's only now that I'm becoming clearer that it's possible that my name was actually involved in Mariel's death, because she did follow me a lot of times as if she wanted to say something but she didn't. Is it possible that they are preventing Mariel from talking to me so she is very scared.

It occurred to me once that he went to me at VREC but he couldn't talk to me because Levi's staff blocked him. But that can't be it, Levi didn't do thatfor him but to fence me in my bashers. But at the side of my mind I know Tita Matilda is right. He was just concerned with my situation so that was what came into his mind. And the more she got concern, the more I get anxious about everything.

There's something inside me that has been trying to get out but I just can't figure out what that is. Tita also said goodbye after she calmed down. I decided to get out of the room after I greeted Justine and Olivia. They are both fine, thank goodness. They had a lot of questions, including Justine calling me but after I found out that they were okay I didn't reply anymore.

In the hallway I could see immediately through the translucent glass that the sky was dark, you weren't as noisy as before. I was getting closer and closer to the stairs when I heard a noise from below.

"See, this is the exact reason why I don't want my sister to be with you. The moment she's around you, the more things get fvcked up!"

"Can't we just talk in peace? You're sister is sleeping and she needs enough rest-"

"Rest my ass! We're so fine in New York! We're so fine without your family being around!"

"They are your family-"

"Oh! Don't get through my shit."

"Babe, calm down-"

"I'm not a family of criminals.."

My knees felt weak seeing my brother in the living room, behind him was Lucy who was trying to stop him from shouting at his brother. They are both damn tall but Levi is bulky, and my brother is masculine and lean. It was as if my heart was racing at the thought that Levi might hurt him even though they were getting hot. I quietly walked up the stairs even though my knees were tender and my head ached accompanied by dizziness.

"I'm going to take my sister home because every time you're with her, you only bring her misfortune. She's not safe with you being around."

"I'm responsible of her safety as much as I'm responsible of yours, at what angle are you saying she's not safe next to me?"

Lourd spat a laughter. Obviously sarcastic. In the last stage Levi and I met eyes, my brother is on the opposite that's why he can't see me.

Levi's eyes turned concerned even though I could still see in his eyes the dislike of what he was hearing.

"We've talked about this before. I pleaded you way back in Mar De Vena, I fvckin 'pleaded you! And you promised! This is all I want you to do for me as your brother too! And where did those take him? Promise ?! Her life is in danger whenever you are around! "

My heart breaks with every word he utters. I don't know what he's referring to but seeing Levi's eyes weaken, I know it's crystal clear to both of them.

"Lourd."

My voice croaked. Lucy and I looked around at the same time, Lucy immediately approached me and almost gave me a hug while my sister was still in a rage. Forced to calm oneself.

"I missed you! How are you? Are you hurt? What happened?"

I ignored Lucy's hug and questions, after her hug I went straight to my sister. Estimating his movements, even though I knew and heard what he said he was still pretending that everything was fine. The side of his lips rose and after he came to me and kissed the crown of my head. Can't look straight at me.

"Cyreese, Let's go home. You need enough rest. There are a lot of investigations going on here so it's better to go home first. " He uttered.

He still wouldn't let go of his hold on my back. I gave Levi a look, his jaw is tensed, and the way he looked at me made my heart faint. Pitying his lips seemed to want to say something but restrained himself. His eyes are fixed to mine.

I saw a hint of pleading but that also disappeared immediately, just go back to his intimate looks where he got me. Intense silence enveloped us, like the next situation is depending on me. Like they are all waiting for my answer. I looked at my brother and nodded slowly.

He let out a sigh. Sounding so relieved because I agreed to go home and leave Levi here. I let go of his hold and approached Levi, I held the side of his long sleeve.

He still couldn't buy, his eyes were tired, he obviously didn't stop interfering with those who were investigating earlier. It was as if he was just stoned standing there, all hope dashed because I chose my brother over him. Of course I would choose my brother now, because he's not part of the choice in the first place.

He's been my only answer and reason for every single thing. He will always be the reason of my selfishness, he is. I know this is the only thing that can reassure him, if not then I'm ready to be broken again. I would pick up my pieces over and over again just so we could be real. I snaked my arms around his waist, squatting to reach his level.

He immediately supported my back so that I would not fall. I touched his rough jaw, stubble are growing back again. His eyes were still dark and my heart almost melted with the sadness I saw here. "

The next time you ask for my hand, please prepare a ring. I thought you were joking. I couldn't say yes."

I whispered.

Chapter44 Engage

The investigation goes on. CCTV saw the shooter of Mariel. The pursuit of them became faster because of the focus made by the respective camps. Even though I couldn't see their faces, I still had a chance to track them down because of the relentless investigation. It took them 4 days to track the gun men and it's colleague, so fast. The case is considered case close, my company stopped from investigating since the criminals were caught red handed.

"Is it really possible?"

I shifted my gaze to Lucy. I am finishing a few of my paper works at the university I attended. It's only been a few months and I'm done, I feel like I'm loosing myself this past months, the project is different and I had to stop the internship which was a big loss to me but Levi insisted. I can't loose this one. I just stared at Lucy. She shrugged and continue to watch the news on the television. I returned my typing to my laptop.

"Do you actually believe that this was all a mere coincidence? Like that girl looked exactly like you. Then you told me that she followed you in some time. You think she was really just asking for your help because she saw you were rich and? "

I stopped on what she just said. Does he think I didn't think of that? Of course, it did bother me until now. The last few words of Mariel in my arms before she died, that's what makes my mind even more confused. She mentioned that someone doesn't want me to know whatever that is ... but the culprit has been caught and my accomplice in the investigation has stopped. Mariel is said to have a lot of debt, she even once went to a club to earn money.

Been tangled with some married business man so it is even more stressed that many want to kill him. But for some reasons i just can't shut my mind thinking about it. I feel like I'm responsible for what happened, I feel like if I can't find the answer to my questions I can't be quiet.

"The case is closed. It's better if I just keep quiet, Lucy."

"But what if, the mind behind all of this is after you? What if this was just all a threat and warning to you? Didn't you fight? Or what?"

My mind went blank thinking about what she said. I can't imagine the situation getting that bad. What if I was one of those who wanted to be chased by the brain behind Mariel's death. I know my fellow models don't like me but that's normal. And I think they won't go that far or even waste their time for me. Especially to kill? That's evil, pure evilness.

I can't imagine there were people who could have done that because of anger. I understand the loath or anger, but I don't understand why they could do that. God forgives, and so we should too. Besides, if I am the target what is it for? I can't see any supporting details that can justify my worries. So a big prank.

"I barely had someone to talk to. Apart from Olivia, Justine and you I have no friends. How can I have an enemy?"

I stated to end her questions. My brother came out of the bedroom hallway, so the two of us stopped talking. He glanced at us as he stood there adjusting the watch in his hand.

"Hey babe! You're going out?" even Lucy.

His eyes were emotionless, as if I was horrified every time I saw his eyes. I was likelooking at myself, it seems like nothing but if you dig into the depths you will discover a lot.

"Yes, I might go back late. I'll have dinner outside. You have yours, hmkay?" he said approaching me and kissing the top of my forehead. I just nodded quietly, he approached Lucy and she hugged him.

"Who are you with?" Lucy pouted, she even clung her legs to my brother's waist. Already sitting on the backrest of the couch. They did their thing, I averted my gaze because I felt like

I shouldn't see that anymore, I heard some sound of kissing so I fell silent while focusing on my laptop. I miss him so bad.

I don't know, for some reason, I feel like I'm one of the heroines in a book whose parent didn't allow me to communicate with his beloved. Never mind. Maybe I was just loosing mind, we were talking on the cellphone, video calls and such but I'm not used to him not being with me one day.

Lourd never told me that I shouldn't be with him or anything but it's an obvious thing. Her brother didn't get along with them and we couldn't talk at all. We both feel the same situation we are in right now. I'm just waiting for a perfect timing to talk to him. Levi and I had a plan, but if this is not fixed, especially in the previous incident, we will not be able to implement it.

"Don't mind your brother Ava, he's just too over protective when it comes to you."

Lucy of the departed Lourd. I shook my head, no one wanted to tell him. I don't know if my brother already told her the whole story. She scanned me, seeming to want to disturb my silence. He approached me and aggressively shut down my laptop.

"W-what ..." I looked up to her, crossing her arms and has a naughty smirk on the lips.

"So you have been sleeping on his crib ... Tell me."

She raised his eyebrow. I just stared at him. Can't get what he wants to say.

"How's the experience girl?" My lips parted and I gradually realized what he was referring to. My face heated upon seeing how eager she is to know the truth. I opened my laptop again and forcefully ignored what he said but Lucy was Lucy. He closed the laptop again and sat down at the table, still not satisfied and laid his hand on my laptop.

"That man is looking so fine. But don't worry, I prefer the youngest than the eldest." She laughed. My hair almost stood on end at the sweetness of his laughter. Lourd lived in Mar De Vena for a long time, they also met there so he probably didn't know Levi.

"So what? How's the experience, did you apply my advice to you before?"

"Lucy please, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't bullsh $ t me Cyreese, With the twist of your hair and your eyelashes, I knew you're fvking with-"

"Lucy!"

She laughed. I did not hide my annoyance at what I heard from him. She's too blunt. I was afraid that he might make me admit to what he was doing.

"Oh come on! Who's the Mama Mary here? Lightning will hit you for what you're doing."

I rubbed my forehead and stood up, arranging the papers strewn on the table. I'm going to make excuses just so I can't talk to him.

"Anyways, I know you've learned a lot from me and Olivia. I won't worry about you anymore." I was even more concerned with the way he spoke. She's referring to it as a lesson! Like it was just some lesson that you can learn from the books and such! Hastening to escape his dirty thoughts.

"Easy girl! I won't force you anymore. Looking at that hot man of yours, I know you've reached your satisfaction."

I picked up the fallen papers, I just picked them up. From the white scattered papers there was a mixture of earth -colored paper, familiar paper. It was the paper I saw in the office. You have a written address. There was some nervousness on my chest but because of Lucy's teasing I just hurried to pick them up. I was about to grab my laptop with one arm to get stuck in front of him but he didn't remove his palm from there.

"Lucy, I'm going into the bedroom. I want to rest."

She did not answer or move. She just smiled staring at me. I was blown away by the frustration I felt.

"Lucy please." Her lips protruded. Sh pointed with his snout at his palm resting on my laptop. My forehead furrowed. Unable to capture his actions. Shee sniffed again and I answered.

"Lucy what ..." I gasped. On her finger is a ring with a sparkly beautiful stone. I looked back and forth between him and the ring. The joy felt for him was unstoppable.

"Did he ...?" I can't go on saying. She bit her lips and nodded looking so fluttered her body almost twisted as she nodded. I hugged her immediately. Finally!

"I am so happy for you! Oh my-" We hugged.

"When is the date?" I'm curious.

"This year, we're planning to have an intimate wedding." Can't help but to feel so happy for them. Finally, they both will be together officially. Lucy's dirty curiosity about me disappeared, we both just sat on the couch and talked about what she wanted to happen at her wedding. I listened to her all ears because somehow inside my heart I'm putting my self into her shoes. It was inevitable to think of Levi's offer of marriage to me.

"I think somewhere in Samar, since it's far from the city and that place is special for both of us. And the beach! Hello! But it's up to him."

She said in the place where she wanted to have their intimate wedding. I nodded. Samar, the place I was born, where I grew up.

"What about in Mar De Vena? Didn't Lourd live there too?"

Her mouth opened as a sign of amusement.

"I can't choose! I want a beach wedding but I also want a garden wedding. Like there's should be a lots and lots of flowers!"

"You mean a flower field?"

"It'll be nice if it is, but anyways, as long as it was him that I'll be marrying, even on the rocky it's okay with me."

She smiled and looked at her ring. I smiled faintly, I understand. If I were to marry Levi, even in the mud I would have no complaints. As long as it's him I'm going to marry. Lucy and I had frequent conversations about my sister's marriage. I'm happy for them, but it's so hard for me to listen to her stories while I'm missing Levi.