11

Alyssa's P.O.V.

And as I saw it - my world literally stopped, my heart shattered into million pieces and coldness run all over my veins.

"BREAKING NEWS: Business Giant's (Revilla Group of Companies) Son - Luis Alfonso Revilla and Choco Mucho Flying Titans' volleyball star - Dennise Lazaro; Wedding to take place on the 21st. Shares plan to move in the US after tying the knot." - reads the news headline on Ella's phone.

It was dated today. Time stamp was around 7:35 this morning, just more than an hour ago.

That's when I left Dennise at the café.

I blinked once, twice and thrice.

Binasa kong muli ang nasa phone ni Ella.

Ngumiti ako kahit kinakabahan.

"Ly?", tawag ni Ella sa akin.

I handed her phone back but she didn't get it.

"Ells, magkasama lang kami ni Dennise kanina. I even dropped her off sa café, doon sa kabilang street from her building. That must be some hoax or whatnot."

"Alyssa, scroll down a bit."

I creased my forehead but still did scroll down on her phone's screen.

It was Dennise and Luis' photos at the café.

One was taken when they were just casually talking and the others are when they got mobbed by the news team.

This cannot be happening. No fucking way!

"Ells, call Luis' number. Quick!"

"Oh shit, shit, shit. Akin na iyan!", tarantang sabi ni Ella as she mindlessly grabbed her phone back to call Luis.

I started pacing back and forth with my hand grabbing my hair in frustration.

"Ly! Walang sumasagot. Anong gagawin natin?"

"Damn it! I'll go get Dennise sa café baka naroon pa sila or sa condo niya. You three, umuwi na kayo."

"Fuck that, Ly! We're coming with you!", sigaw ni Ella as they all grabbed their things and started running with me palabas ng gym.

"Buckle up.", I told them as we got inside my car.

-

"Dennise?!", sigaw ko nang makapasok sa loob ng café.

"Hey, excuse me. Den was here earlier, right? Do you know where she is now?", I asked one of the staff who usually attends to us kapag napunta kami rito ni Den.

"Ma'am Alyssa there were people na naglabas sa kanila rito nung kasama niya and if I remember correctly parang sa isang itim na van sila pinasakay."

My heart could literally jump off my chest any minute now.

"C-can you tell to which direction the van drove off?"

"They just went straight ahead.", sabi nito while pointing to the left side of the road.

Going straight that direction is away from her building.

"Okay. Thank you.", sagot ko rito at mabilis na sumakay ng kotse.

"What happened, ate? Nasaan si ate Den?", Jia asked.

"Ly? Nakauwi na ba siya sa condo?", Ella also asked.

"No, I don't think so but we have to check."

-

"Babe?! Baby?! Dennise? Are you here, love?", pagtawag ko kay Dennise after mabuksan ang unit niya.

"Besh! Nasaan ka?", sigaw naman ni Ella.

Si Jema at Jia ay nakasunod lamang sa amin ni Ella as we scan the whole unit, but Dennise was nowhere to be found.

"Wala siya rito, Ella. Oh my God! This is not happening. Please tell me she is okay.", pagpapanic kong sambit.

"Shh. Ly, I'm sure she is okay. Bakit ba sila magkasama ni LA?"

"He's called her earlier and I was the one who even talked to him. He wanted to give Den his wedding present for us."

"And you dropped Den off by the café? Nagkita pa ba kayo ni LA?"

"No, no. Den insisted for me to head to the training already and not to wait with her. Then I called her just a few minutes after I drove off. Sabi niya LA was like five minutes away from her location and that was it."

"Okay. Tapos anong sabi noong nasa café?", Julia asked.

"Den and LA were taken by some men at sinakay sa isang van."

"Taken?! Were they abducted?!"

"Ella, I don't have any idea and now we are wasting time talking about all this. Call our legal team, tell them about what happened so they can communicate with the authorities. You all are gonna stay put in here until we hear any news, okay? I will go to LA's house. Baka naroon si Dennise."

"Besh, I'll go with you."

"Okay, you two, do what you have to do. Keep your lines open. Call tatay and dad, their numbers are posted sa may fridge. Let them know what happened. Tell them to be here as soon as they can."

"Okay ate!", Julia and Jema said in unison.

"Besh, let's go! Let's go!", pagmamadali kong sabi kay Ella when I heard a beep from my phone.

"Ly, tara na ano pang hinihintay mo?!", sigaw ni Ella.

Halos hindi ako makagalaw when I opened the message I received.

1 New Message

From: Unknown Number

"Ms. Valdez, meet me at the location I have attached in this message. Alone. Don't you dare contact the authorities or make your families know what happened if you don't want your little precious fiancé getting harmed.

If you don't do as instructed, you will never see her again, alive."

"Ate?", Julia worriedly called out to me.

"Alyssa. What's up? Was that Den? Nasaan raw siya?", Ella also asked.

I can't find any strength to say anything at all.

I feel like air has been sucked out of my lungs and I cannot breathe.

My head also feels so light that if I take another step I will stumble and fall.

What the hell is happening and why is this happening?!

I shouldn't have left her. I shouldn't have trusted that man.

I shouldn't have, but I still did.

It's my fault and I will never ever forgive myself kung may mangyaring masama sa kaniya.

Oh please God, no. Please keep my fiancé safe and sound.

Please. I am begging you.

Please.

I wanted to cry my heart out but couldn't and shouldn't.

I wanted to shout so bad to release all the emotions filing up inside me but I shouldn't, so I didn't.

Instead, I read the message one more time.

Took a very, very deep breath and answered the three people in front of me. I don't to give any hints to them about what's really going on kaya I managed to fake a smile, kahit labis na kaba ang nararamdaman ko sa mga oras na ito.

"I know where she is. I'll go get her. I'll bring her home."

"Really?! Oh my, thank goodness!", Ella said as she let herself fall into the couch.

"Thank God!", Julia said and tumabi sa ate Ella niya.

"I thought something has happened. I was so worried about ate Den.", Jema said while clenching into her chest.

I gave them another fake smile and said, "So please make sure not to call the legal team, Ells. Ganoon rin ang parents niya pati na rin sina nanay. Okay? No more phone calls, girls. You got it?"

"Okay."

"Yes, ate."

"Okay, captain."

"Good. So, if you wanna hang around some more, mag stay na muna kayo rito. We might get home late, so kayo na muna ang bahala sa mga sarili niyo at baka hindi ko na kayo maihatid."

"Okay lang besh, just go get Den already at umuwi kayo agad. Okay?"

Tinanguan ko si Ella at mabilis na kinuha ang susi ng aking sasakyan.

-

After driving for two hours, nakarating na ako sa isang liblib na lugar dito sa Cavite.

I'm not familiar with this place pero sinundan ko lamang iyong location na nasa message.

I pulled out my phone as I read the message again.

From: Unknown Number

"Ms. Valdez, meet me at the location I have attached in this message. Alone. Don't you dare contact the authorities or make your families know what happened if you don't want your little precious fiancé getting harmed.

If you don't do as instructed, you will never see her again, alive."

"Don't you fucking dare touch my fiancé.", sabi ko as I read the last part of the message.

I hit on the reply button to let the person know that I have arrived at the meeting place.

To: Unknown Number

I'm here.

Sent.

From: Unknown Number

"Good girl. Now, start walking staright up, you'll see a house at the end of the driveway. Get inside and wait for further instructions."

Not wasting another second, I got off my car and followed what I have been instructed to do.

The house was quite far from the main road where I left my car.

Kinakabahan man ay hindi para sa aking sarili, kundi para sa kalagayan ng mahal ko.

Wala akong ka-ide-ideya kung nasaan siya ngayon at kung nasa maayos ba siyang kalagayan.

Pero kung may isang bagay man akong tiyak sa mga oras na ito, iyon ay kagagawan ito ng ama ni Luis.

Ang hindi lamang malinaw ay kung kasabwat siya ng kaniyang ama sa lahat ng nangyayari.

Wala na rin akong pakialam, hindi ko dapat pinabayaan si Dennise na makipagkita nang mag isa sa taong iyon.

Kung mayroong may kasalanan sa nangyayari walang iba kung hindi ako.

-

I have arrived at the house and carefully entered the place.

This is an abondoned house and no one in their right mind would enter this type of place.

But I'm not in my right mind right now, am I?

I just want my fiancé back. Alive and well. That's all that matters to me now.

Baby, please be safe. I'll find you, I'll get you home.

I was typing on my phone when I heard footsteps approaching my direction.

Mabilis akong lumingon sa pinagmumulan nito and there he is. There's the evil I was expecting to see.

"Where the hell is my fiancé?!", sigaw ko rito.

"Nice to see you too, Ms. Valdez."

"What the hell do you still want from her?! From us?! And how dare you kidnap Dennise after all that she's already went through ng dahil sa'yo?!"

"Take a seat.", he answered as if he heard nothing of those words I just blurted out at him.

"No! Bring me my fiancé before I have the authorities raid your fucking place and have your fucking son get arrested for being an accomplice!"

"May I remind you, you're in no position to make any threats. Didn't I tell you? If you do that, you will never see her again, alive."

"You fucking old man! What do you want huh? Fucking tell me right now!"

"Tell me, how far are you willing to go for her?"

I looked at him in horror.

"Well, Ms. Valdez, I think at this point even if I mean nothing to you and I don't deserve to know, you should start talking.", pagbabanta nito habang may ngiti ng demonyo sa kaniyang mga labi.

"I'd die for her, so please. Just let her go."

"Really? Or are you all just talk?

"I wanna make sure she'll be alright before you k-kill me. I need to be fucking sure."

"I'm sure Michelle would really melt if she hears these words from you. Too bad, she's still out of her wit."

Mabilis akong lumapit sa kaniya at hinila ang kaniyang kwelyo as I pushed him against the wall.

"What the fuck did you do to her?! Don't you ever fucking touch her, even the tip of her hair!!! Don't you fucking dare!"

"Get off of me.", he said and swatted my hands.

Lumayo ako nang bahagya rito as he took a seat in front of me.

Hindi ko na napigilang tumulo ang aking mga luha.

"W-what did you do to her?", mahina kong sambit.

"We just had to let her sleep dahil masyado siyang nagpupumiglas sa sasakyan. We don't want to get anymore attention kaya kinailangang gawin iyon. She's safe. Don't worry too much, Ms. Valdez."

I scoffed at him, "So your precious son asked my fiancé to meet with him para makidnap ninyo si Dennise? You're son, I thought he was different pero what should I expect? He is, after all, still your son."

"Oh no, my son? He isn't part of this. As a matter of fact, he is also being held dahil I heard from my people na he tried saving Michelle and fought my people inside the van so unfortunately, they had to knock him off. He's pathetic, really. Daig mo pa ang anak ko, kahit babae ka, you've got more balls than he has. Tsk tsk, my poor and weak Alfonso. That's why ako na ang gumawa ng paraan para lang matupad ang mga plano ko para sa kaniya, para sa kanila ni Michelle."

"Can you even hear yourself? If your own son doesn't want to be apart of this, bakit mo pa ito ipinipilit? Just fucking let us all go. Why don't you just support your son in whatever he wants to do?"

"Because my son, as I have said, is too weak. I won't be passing my business down to someone who does not even know what he should be fighting for. My son loves Michelle but cannot even fight for her. So with my power, I will let my son marry off to the love of his life para naman ma-boost ang pagkalalaki niya. And I will do that by all means possible."

"You're just out of your fucking mind, that's all you are. You're just a sickminded person."

"You can call me anything you want, but here's what's going to happen and you are to pay attention to this whether you like it or not."

"My son and Michelle will get married on the 21st and that's three days from now. After their wedding, our legal team will handle all the things needed to be settled lalo na iyong immediate resignation ni Michelle sa kompaniya niya ngayon and she and Alfonso will fly to the US and will never return here in the country, unless, you can keep your distance from her."

"No, no, no! You're not gonna do that! You can't do that to her!"

"As a matter of fact, I just did. Remember your training got cancelled, right? Because they are to discuss the resignation we submitted for her. And they have been paid a huge pile of money not to disclose it to the public until Michelle and Alfonso are already in the US."

Nanlumo ang mga tuhod ko and I fell to my feet.

"As I was saying, once they are in the US, they won't be able to return here unless you will keep your distance from them, especially her. Or, might as well, I won't let them return here until they give birth to my grandchild, that way you won't even find courage to reach out to her dahil may anak or mga anak na sila. How cruel would it be to approach her if she's already living her life as a mother, right?"

And hearing that, my heart could not bear it anymore.

This is like receiving a verdict for a crime you never committed.

This is like being sentenced to death without being given a chance to get an attorney.

This can't be it. This can't be her life. This cannot be our life.

Dennise, please just hold on a little bit longer. I cried inside my head.

"I won't kill you Ms. Valdez even if you are so willing to para lang sa kalayaan niya. The only thing you SHOULD do now is to let her go. Because if you don't and you won't, I will have my men kill her in the most painful and ugliest way she could be killed. I give you my word on that."

Nanginginig man ang buong katawan ko sa takot para kay Dennise, I found some strenght to get on my feet.

I wiped my tears and gave him a sarcastic smile.

"So this is how you threatened her back then? I see you're an expert at this."

"Why? Is it already working on you?"

"Not much. I will make sure I'll get Dennise back in no time. You just fucking watch me do it."

Pinagpagan ko ang aking damit as I slowly walk away from him.

Then he played something on his phone.

"Please, please don't hurt my Alyssa. Ako na lang ang saktan ninyo! Maawa kayo! Mr. Revilla! Don't hurt her. I will do everything you want, just please let her go. Let her go!", that was Dennise's fainted voice begging them not to hurt me.

"Dennise! Oh my God! Dennise! Baby!", sigaw ko while trying to get the phone off his hand but he pushed me hard enough to get slammed on the floor.

"Den...", mahina kong pagtawag sa pangalan niya habang tuloy tuloy ang pagtulo ng aking mga luha.

"As you can see, she's surrounded by my men and it will only take one word to have her killed. It is up to you, you can try to fight and be the cause of her death or - Ms. Valdez, you can just let her go and witness how she builds her life with my son. If you ever try to get in contact with her, I'll make sure she gets harmed. If you ever try to get smart with me, she will be harmed. If you, if you ever try and follow her abroad, let me remind you that she will be watched 24/7 and if she ever gets in contact with you, your family and even through your friends, she will be harmed. BUT, if you give me your word right now, I will let her stay in contact with her family and friends but not you and any one from your family, you might even get to see her back here in the Philippines if you behave as you were told. And most importantly, you would get to see her have her own kids and build her own family. I'm sure you'd rather see her do those things than to see her cold and lifeless body inside a coffin, am I right? So, do we have an accord?"

Is this really it?

Are we giving up already? Of course not, I won't give her up. Not in my mind and especially not in my heart.

Pero given the situation we are on, ito na nga siguro iyon.

I won't let her get harmed, or killed.

But isn't this equal to getting harmed or killed? To live a life you never wanted? To be with someone you never love?

Pero... This is it. Fuck, this cannot be it but it's the truth and we have to face it.

Patawad, mahal. Patawad dahil hindi ko natupad ang mga pangako ko sa'yo na hindi kita pababayaan at hindi kita iiwan.

Dennise, sana naririnig mo ito.

Mahal na mahal kita.

Mahal na mahal na mahal kita kahit hanggang sa susunod na habambuhay pa.

I will find you in our next lives, I won't stop until I meet you again.

I love you, Dennise Michelle.

"What if she does something to get herself killed dahil ayaw niyang gawin ang mga plano mo? What are you going to do about it huh?"

"Oh, you're worried she'd be suicidal again? Yes, I know that, of course. Kaya nga I have her told that you, Ms. Valdez will also get harmed if she ever tries to hurt herself. See? Everything has a solution. She won't hurt herself again dahil she loves you so much just as much as you love her back. I'm actually touched by your love story but too bad, I am the main villain of your story.", natatawang sagot nito.

"Just don't you ever touch her. Don't hurt her."

"Okay? So, you agree to all of these?"

"I don't, fucking hell no. But you have used our greatest weakness against the two of us, do we even have a say on how all this would play out? Wala 'di ba? But I wonder how can you be so fucking evil? Where is this all coming from huh?"

"I'm just being a father to my son, is all."

"I'd kill you if you were my father. I'd use my bare hands to do that."

"You're really a fierce woman. I see why Michelle loves you. But again, you're not meant to be together so there's that. Anyway, Ms. Valdez, you are to spend a couple of days on here. We'll be taking your phone para naman hindi mag alala ang mga magulang at kaibigan ninyo. Nasa amin rin ang telepono ni Michelle para naman we can also communicate to her family on her behalf. So, if you can please hand over your phone to the man behind you."

"What?! You're going to take me too?! You mother fucking asshole!"

"Just give your phone up, we'll hold you down here until makaalis ang eroplano ni Michelle at Alfonso. Alam mo naman, we also need to let Michelle know that we are holding you captive.", he said and winked at me.

Then the person behind me snatched my phone from my hand.

Then the next thing I know I was being strucked with something hard in my head.

"Don't worry, Ms. Valdez, I will make sure you'd be able to watch your Dennise walk down the aisle with my son."

That's the last thing I heard he said.

And before I totally lost my conciousness, I uttered her name as a tear fell down.

"Dennise."

-

Dennise's P.O.V.

I woke up with the feeling of being restrained sa mga kamay at paa ko.

"Oh, gising na pala iyan eh. Go get the phone and let her watch what the boss left for her.", rinig kong sambit ng boses ng isang lalaki.

"W-Who are you? N-Nasaan ako?", mahinang sabi ko dahil my throat feels so dry.

Ngunit walang ni isang sumagot sa aking mga tanong.

"Alyssa! Baby! Alyssa!", sigaw ko when I suddenly remembered what has happened.

"Let me go! Please! Let me go! Si LA? Where is he?! LA! LA please you gotta help me! You have to let me go!", pagsusumamo ko sa mga ito.

One man started approaching me, "The boss left a message for you."

He then played a video from the phone he was holding.

It was him.

No way. This is all his doing. Not again, please!

"Michelle, this shouldn't have happened but you have tested my patience. I told you before about what will happen if you won't follow what you have been told. Now, Alyssa, your beloved fiancé is on her way here, alone, to meet with me. You are expected to follow all the plans you will be briefed about. And if you, Michelle, if you ever try to hurt yourself one more time thinking you will be able to escape and save your Alyssa - nagkakamali ka. I will make sure to hurt her in any way possible if you ever hurt yourself again.

I'm sure you know what will happen to her. So, let's just get down to business, proceed with the wedding as you're instructed and fly to the US right after.

Nothing would ever happen to Ms. Valdez if you will just behave.

Read all the plans I have prepared for you and Alfonso. I will meet you very soon, for now, excuse me as I need to talk to your better half.", that's when the video ended.

God, please. This cannot be happening again.

The man who showed me the video started to film me.

"Now, tell the boss whatever you wanna say. Go on."

He instructed.

My mind is still all blurry, my heart is pounding in my chest like it's gonna explode any minute now, I cannot breathe.

"Please, please don't hurt my Alyssa. Ako na lang ang saktan ninyo! Maawa kayo! Mr. Revilla! Don't hurt her. I will do everything you want, just please let her go. Let her go!", pagsusumigaw ko as I found my voice.

The man stopped the recording.

"Please, sir. Let me go. I am being held up against my will. Please help me.", pagmamakaawa ko sa lalaking nagtatanggal ng tali sa aking mga kamay at paa.

"Read this. This is what you are expected to do, and if you don't follow, you know what will happen."

"S-Sir. Please. D-Do you know if Alyssa is okay?", I managed to ask.

"Ms. Lazaro, she will be held captive. And it is on you whether she is or not to be harmed."

Hearing that kills the rest of any sanity left in me.

"Oh my God! No! No! No, you cannot do that! Please, tell Mr. Revilla that I agree to all of this. I won't even fight my way out of this hell! JUST LET HER GO! Please! Please, I am begging you! Please!!!"

"Ms. Lazaro, no matter how loud you'd shout or cry out for help, no one would hear you. Nasa basement ka ngayon of an abondoned house and there's no neighborhood around this area. Just stop. Okay? Don't make this any difficult for yourself, or for Ms. Valdez."

Trembling, I began to scan the document laid in front of me.

I took another deep breath as I read the letter.

"Michelle, written here are what's going to happen, even if you don't want any of it. You DO NOT have a choice but to follow.

You are to marry my son, on the 21st of January. Everything has been settled and prepared.

You are expected not to make any scene or try to get help from people around you. Your wedding will be broadcasted live so don't worry, I will make sure Ms. Valdez gets to watch you walk down the aisle - with my son. Para naman hindi siya ganoong malungkot.

After the ceremony, you and Alfonso will leave this country and fly to the US, as soon as possible.

You will get a chance to meet with your family and friends before your departure, but not her.

If you ever try to derail from what you are expected to do, I won't hesitate to hurt your beloved.

If you ever try to involve the authorities or let your family know of Alyssa's whereabouts, I will just dump her body in the river until she gets found or maybe eaten by the sea creatures or decay as time passes by, your pick.

Ms. Valdez will be held captive until you set foot abroad.

You are not to contact any of her family members or try to get ahold of her even through your friends because I give you my word, I will hurt her until I get satisfied then just simply get rid of her.

While living in abroad, you will give birth to my grandchild or grandchildren or else you will never see even your family again.

Even after so, kung makauwi ka man muli rito sa Pilipinas, you are still not to get in any contat with Alyssa because I will make sure you are going to be watched. Ganoon rin siya.

And don't you ever think about hurting yourself again because if you do, I will not kill Alyssa, but I will make sure she suffers in life. With her family, friends and even with her beloved career - volleyball. I will make her life even more miserable.

Ms. Valdez is only to be release after you securely land and has been brought to the safe house where you and Alfonso will start a new life, together.

Michelle, you will never ever have a chace with your little precious fiancé, not in this lifetime, atleast.

So to make this easier for us all, just do what you are told to do."

My tears are uncontrollably pouring as I clenched my fist to my chest.

My heart hurts so much, too much I can bear.

I need Alyssa to be safe. I want to see her. I need her by my side.

I just constantly utter Alyssa's name as I bring my knees to my chest, hugged both my legs and buried my face on top of my knees.

"Alyssa, please be safe, oh please love, be safe."

"God please, bring her into safety. I cannot afford something bad to happen to her."

"Please, oh my gosh. I can't. I can't let anything happen to her. Please."

Those are the words I keep on repeating.

Prayers that I hope reach God as soon as they possibly could so that the love of my life can be saved in no time.

Now, even my death won't let me save her.

Even if I die, she would continuously suffer not just my lost - but all the people and things that matter to her the most.

There's no escape.

No matter how hard I think about it, there's nothing we both can do but to let go.

I looked at my engagement ring and traced it with my other hand.

"I love you so much, Alyssa.", bulong ko sa hangin and the tears that are no longer coming earlier started to pour, once more.

As I close my eyes, memories of her engagement come flashing through.

"Dennise Michelle Garcia Lazaro, mahal ko. I'm sorry I am not good with these surprises, heck nor good at giving speeches like this one but I will try my bestest, okay? Don't laugh at me."

I chuckled a bit with that one, I can vividly see how cute she was at the time.

"*Clears throat* Dennise, alam kong kakaumpisa lamang muli ng oras nating dalawa but I don't believe I am rushing this if I am being honest with you. Because I know our love for each other has always been within us for the past years even if we were apart, even if we thought we really are done for. We found our way back to one another - God led us back to each other's arms kahit sa paraang hindi natin nakita at inaasahan. Baby, what more can I say? It has always been you, Dennise Michelle and I could not face another day not spending it with you or by your side. Moreover, I think this is the best and right way to start the year together, right? So babe, what do say about adding my last name with yours?"

Tears still falling with my eyes closed, I nodded slowly as if she's just in front of me.

"I'd die for you if that's what it takes to be with you, Dennise."

"I'd give you my life so you won't have to, Alyssa."

While that exchange of words continue to echo in my mind, thinking how those words are horrifyingly coming to life - from silently crying, I started wailing.

How can this be happening, love?

How tragic this story could ever get?

Isn't destiny done playing with us? I thought we have been through the worst, but never imagined we can be put back to the hell we've been before. This time it was even made sure we won't be able to extinguish this hell's fire, beat the devil and find the exit where we can finally be with each other again.

This time, the evil made sure his darkness would prevail.

If I can't be with you in this lifetime, I cannot be with anyone else.

If I can't love you in this life, I will make sure to love you even after this one.

Mamahalin kita hanggang sa susunod na habang buhay, Alyssa.

-

Jorella's P.O.V.

"Ate! Ano na? Gabi na wala pa rin si ate Ly and ate Den? Baka kung ano na ang nangyari sa mga iyon!", tarantang sabi ni Jia habang paroo't parito sa harap namin ni Jessica.

We decided to stay rito sa condo ni Dennise when Ly said she will go where Den was and bring her home.

Pero it's already thirty-two minutes past eleven in the evening at wala pa ring kahit anong senyales na paparating na sila.

Ano ba talaga ang nangyayari? Ano bang nangyari?

"Julia, maupo ka nga muna.", seryoso kong sabi rito at mabilis naman itong sumunod.

"Ella, hindi ba dapat tawagan na natin sina tito Mike? Or sila nanay Pabs?", tanong ni Jessica habang nakaupo sa tabi ko.

"No, we can't, not yet. For whatever reason, I feel like may hindi sinabi sa atin si Ly kanina. The message she received, while she was reading it nag iba iyong aura niya. Her hands were shaking kahit gaano man niya pinigilan. She was terrified. She's scared to death."

"What??? Why didn't you tell us? Bakit hindi namin na-notice iyon? Ate what the heck is going on?", sunod sunod na tanong ni Julia.

"Because you two might over react at matawagan ninyo basta basta iyong parents nilang dalawa. And I couldn't risk that. I can't. What if may mangyari sa kanila lalo if we did call their families?"

"Shit. So what are we gonna do now? Should we just wait and see what happens then?"

"I don't know. I don't know. But for now, let us pray they are safe and sound."

-

L.A's P.O.V.

Dad's people brought me back into our house and locked up me up inside my room.

But I didn't see them bringing Michelle out of the car.

I don't have any idea kung saan nila siya dinala.

I have been here for who knows how long. Hindi ako mapakali for the past few hours thinking of what my father has decided to do, again.

"Shit! Open this damned door! I swear if I get out of here all of you will rot in jail! Get me out!"

Biglang nagbukas ang pinto as I was continue slamming my hands towards it.

"D-Dad? Dad! Where is she? Please let her go. This was not supposed to happen. What are you trying to do?! Please I'm begging you, let her go habang may oras pa. Don't do this anymore."

"I'm only doing this for you."

"Bullshit! You are doing this for yourself! Just let your pride and ego go, dad. Maawa ka kay Michelle."

"Akala ko ba mahal mo siya?"

"Mahal na mahal ko siya dad. Kaya please, pakawalan mo na siya."

"Oh ayon naman pala. Then I am doing you a favor, am I not?"

"No! Oh gosh! Please let her go!"

"Or should I just get rid of Alyssa para wala nang makahadlang sa inyong dalawa?

Napatigil ako.

No way.

Please, don't tell me...

"Dad, please tell me you didn't."

"I already did. She's also being held somewhere."

"My God! Dad! What the are thinking?! This is a double serious illegal detention! You've kidnapped those ladies! You are so going to jail for this. Dad, please. While you still can, let them go. Or I swear ako mismo ang magsusuplong sa'yo sa mga awtoridad and I'd let you rot in jail."

"Don't you dare threaten me again, Alfonso. If you won't follow through, hindi lang si Alyssa ang sasamain. Mark my words son, both of them would suffer horrendously."

Kahit labag sa loob ko, I went down on my knees.

"Dad, this is the only thing I would be asking of you. Let the two of them go. I'll do whatever you want me to do. Please.", I begged as I started to shed tears.

"Alfonso, get married to Michelle, live your lives together in the States and bring me my grandchildren as you manage our business overseas. Until then, you are not to set foot in this land. If you do not comply, I will definitely harm those two. And if it is true that you love Michelle so dearly, just do as you're told and she will be safe.", he said with finality in his voice as he leaves the room.

Napapikit na lamang ako dahil hindi ko nabago ang isip ng sarili kong ama.

Dahil kilalang kilala ko ito. I know every word na binitiwan niya ay kaya niyang gawin.

And he will definitely do those threats.

"I'm sorry, Michelle and Alyssa.".

-

It has been twenty-four hours since Alyssa and Dennise were held captives but this remains unbeknownst to their friends and loved ones.

Ella, Jessica and Julia decided to stay the night and also the following day in Dennise's condo.

Good thing that they all have their extra clothes meant for their training from the previous day.

They have been trying to reach Alyssa or Dennise's phone but they kept hearing the same thing - the number that has been dialed is currently unattended.

Jorella's P.O.V.

"I say we tell their parents already.", Julia said.

"Ako rin, Ella. I really think they should know. Para they can decide whether to tell the authorities or not.", Jessica added.

Why does it never stops?

Why do my two best friends always have to face these shitty things in life?

They also deserve to be happy.

To be free.

And to love each other.

And bakit laging ako ang naiipit sa pag gawa ng mahihirap na desisyon?!

"We don't even know for sure kung anong nangyari at kung nasaan sila. We might do them more harm than good."

"Ate, let's track their last known location sa phone nila. Hindi ba you and the rest of team besh shares your location sa isa't isa?"

"Oo, Ella. Let's do that. Come on, come on."

"Gosh, you're a genius Julia. Pero sana kahapon mo pa naisip ito."

Inirapan lamang ako ni Julia.

"Shit."

"What???", Jessica.

"What? Bakit? Ano iyon?", sunod sunod na tanong rin ni Julia.

I showed them my phone.

"Location's turned off.", binasa ni Jessica iyong pinakita ko sa kanila.

"Pareho?"

I nodded.

"Shit."

"Paano na?"

What on earth has happened?

Where are you both, Dennise and Alyssa?

Please Lord. Keep my best friends safe and sound. Please.

And parang dininig agad ni Lord ang dalangin ko.

We heard a beep from my phone.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my! Salamat Lord! Thank You! Thank You po!", masayang sigaw ko at sabay nagtatatalon.

"What?! What is it?!", sigaw ni Julia sa akin sabay hablot ng phone sa kamay ko.

1 New Message

From Besh Den:

"Hi Ella! Sorry for making you worried. I am with Alyssa, kahapon pa. Please don't worry anymore. We will talk to you soon. May mga importanteng bagay lang kaming need i-discuss with family, but we are okay."

Julia read the message for us.

"Oh Lord. Salamat naman! Oh my gosh. Shouldn't we call her?", Jessica said.

"Yes, good idea. Go on, Ji. Call your ate Dennise."

"Oh yes, yes! Oh my gosh, it's ringing na."

Mabilis ang tibok ng puso ko, masaya pero may halo pa ring kaba.

Ano ba iyan. Okay lang sila. Okay sila.

"Ate, binaba eh."

"Try again, come on."

"Okay, okay."

"Come on ate Den, pick up.", Jessica said silently.

"Ji? What now?", I asked.

"Ate, binaba ulit. Oh wait, she texted you again."

1 New Message

From Besh Den:

"Besh, can't answer your call. We're solving some serious matter right now with the family. There might be some change of plans."

"Change of plans? Ask her what about.", sabi ko kay Julia.

She nodded and started typing.

"Sent."

"Okay. Let's all take a breath muna. Atleast we've heard from her. That's enough. Atleast they are okay.", sabi ko sa dalawang kasama ko na kahapon pa tensiyonado.

Sa totoo lang, we still haven't slept. Nakakaidlip man pero we'd still find each other blankly staring at the ceiling or going back and forth sa kusina and to the living room area where we decided to settle for the night.

Wala mang umaamin sa aming tatlo, we all know there's something more serious with what's going on.

"Ate ayan na. She said "I know you've read the news. That's all you need to know for now, Ella. We'll keep in touch after things get settled.", ate wala nang kasunod. Ayun na 'yon."

"What??? Hold on, hold on. Ask her where she's at man lang."

"Okay."

One minute, still no reply.

After ten minutes of anxiously waiting, Julia said she received a reply.

"Oh my God. Ate, s-she said she's b-back in her condo with ate Ly."

Para naman akong binuhusan ng napakalamig na tubig sa huling sinabi ni Julia.

Napatakip naman ng bibig si Jessica.

I grabbed my phone back from Jia.

I read the message again.

And again.

"This can't be her. She's in trouble, both of them are."

Biglang dumilim ang paningin ko at halos hindi ako makahinga.

Napakapit ako sa may lamesa as I try to take a seat.

"Whoa, hey, hey. Ella, are you okay?"

"No, no, no, no! Oh my gosh. No please. Oh my gosh! Bakit lagi na lang nangyayari ito kay Dennise at Alyssa?! Oh my. We need to help them. We need to save them."

"Ate? A-Anong ibig sabihin mo? Bakit? Do you know where they are? Or what happened? Huh? Tell us.", Jia asked.

"Mr. Revilla, LA's dad. This must be his doing. Oh my gosh.", sabi ko at napatakip na lamang ako ng mukha gamit ang dalawa kong mga kamay.

"Do you think, oh no, please not that. Pero do you think he has ate Ly and ate Den?"

"Yes, Ji. That's what I think. And if it is true, then we really cannot tell anyone."

"Ha?! Bakit?! Paano natin sila matutulungan?!", sigaw ni Jessica.

"We help them by not helping or doing anything."

Julia scoffs at me, "You are making no sense at all, ate. How would that help them? Ate baka kung anong gawin sa kanila."

"Lalo silang mapapahamak if we tell anyone. Lalo silang malalagay sa alanganin. I know everything about that man, Mr. Revilla. I know how evil he is. He threatened Den that he would hurt Ly and her family kung makikipagkita or makikipag usap siyang muli rito. And Dennise endured that all by herself for the last four years. She didn't have a chance to explain to Ly about what happened. And this is what's happening again. But this time, the two of them has been directly involved."

"What?! You mean that well-known business mogul is nothing but a criminal?! How about kuya LA? Is he involved with all these?"

"I know LA. He is a good person unlike his dad. But now, even him, we cannot get ahold with."

"Kinakabahan ako. What's going to happen now?"

"Now, we wait for Den to show up."

"When and saan?"

"Here."

Pinakita ko sa kanila iyong news na pinakita ko rin kay Ly.

"No way! So this wedding will really happen? Paano na sila ate Ly and ate Den?", Jessica asked.

"Oo nga, how about their real wedding? And moving into the US after the ceremony?! Anong ibig sabihin noon? Itatakas nila si ate Dennise?! Oh my goodness, this is all so messed up.", Jia added.

"We will attend the wedding.", sabi ko sa mga ito.

If we can get to Dennise during her wedding, baka maitakas namin siya from there or malaman man lang kung anong totoong nangyari.

"Ate, do we still reply to ate Den's number?"

"No, that's no use. Hindi si Dennise ang may hawak ng phone niya. Try locating it right now baka buhay pa ang phone niya."

"Shoot. Okay, okay."

-

"Ano? Did you get it?"

"Ate, I think I did. Pero nasa Cavite iyong last pin. Is this accurate? Kung talagang kinuha siya, what's the point of bringing her sa ganoong kalayong lugar?"

"Para walang makakita sa kaniya. Did you get the exact location?"

"Ate nawala na. Shit! Nawala agad. I should have taken a screen shot. Oh my gosh! I'm so stupid. I'm so sorry ate. I'm sorry, I'm sorry.", Julia said as she started crying.

"Hey, Julia. It's okay. It's okay. They won't harm your ate Dennise dahil she still needs to attend the wedding. They won't do anything to her."

"Are you certain?", Jessica asked while hugging Julia in her arms.

"Yes. Now we will have to prepare for the wedding."

Even if it is not my best friends wedding yet, we still need to be there. We have to be there no matter what.

Dennise, Alyssa. Just hang on please. I know your love for each other will keep you both safe.

Your love will lead your way back to each other's arms. I know it and I have seen it happen so many times already.

Please, hold on a little bit longer.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Happy Monday everyone! I know this ain't long pero I really wanted to release it today. So, ito na nga.

Play the music when you're on Dennise's POV. It suits perfectly. ✌🏻

See you all next chapter, baka matagalan pero sana mag enjoy muna kayo sa Chapters 10 & 11!

Love you all mga kapatid, 💛🍋🤝🏼