Chapter 20:Before the Night Ends

Mikha's POV

Kung hindi lang birthday ni Stacey, hinding-hindi ako talaga magpapakita sa event na to'.

Everything felt suffocating-the overwhelming scent of expensive perfumes, the forced laughter echoing through the grand ballroom, and the scrutinizing gazes of people who judged you based on the price tag of your outfit.

I took a sip of my champagne, trying to find a corner where I could blend into the background. Hindi ko naman kailangang magtagal dito. Nakausap ko na si Staku, and I hope my words cleared her mind

I was about to leave when I saw a familiar figure.

My breath caught in my throat. She looked stunning in an elegant black suit, her presence commanding attention kahit hindi siya nagsasalita.But it wasn't that which hit me-but the truth that, after all this time, she was standing there, staring at me.

Our eyes met, and suddenly, the noise around me faded.

Flashbacks of that night hit me like a truck-the way she called my name, the way she made me feel like I was the only person that mattered. And then, the way she shattered everything with one word.

Married.

My fingers curled around the stem of my glass. I should turn around. I should walk away and pretend I never saw her. Pero bakit parang hindi ako makagalaw?

She moved first, weaving through the crowd, her eyes locked on mine. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay rooted in place. I wasn't running. Hindi ako ang may kasalanan.

Finally, she stopped in front of me.

"Mikhaela," she said, her voice softer than I remembered.

I forced a smirk. "Wow. First name basis? No need for pleasantries?"

A flicker of something crossed her face-guilt? Regret? Whatever it was, I didn't care.

"It's been a while," she continued, trying to keep her tone light.

I let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah? Didn't seem like you wanted to see me again."

She exhaled sharply, like she was about to explain herself. Pero wala na akong gustong marinig.

"Look, Mikha-"

"Save it," I snapped, stepping back slightly. "I already know. No need to pretend."

Her expression hardened. "That's not fair."

I let out a humorless laugh. "Oh come on, now you care about what's fair? You used me, Maraiah."

Her eyes flashed with something unreadable, pero hindi siya umatras. "I never meant to-"

"But you did," I cut her off.

For a second, neither of us spoke. Ang daming nakapaligid sa amin, but in this moment, it was just the two of us, standing in the wreckage of whatever the hell we had before.

Muling lumibot ang paningin ko, at napansin kong may ilang bisitang nakatingin samin, siguro curious Sila kung bakit parang may tension sa pagitan namin. Typical. People in this world loved a good scandal.

I took a deep breath and shook my head.

"I don't belong here," I muttered, turning away. "And I sure as hell don't need to hear whatever excuse you have."

"Mikha, wait-"

Pero wala na akong balak makinig.

I walked away, my heels clicking against the marble floor, my heart pounding against my ribs.

She didn't get to do this.

Not again.

-

Maraiah's POV

I couldn't let her leave.

Not without explaining and apologizing.

I followed Mikha out to the balcony, away from the prying eyes of the guests. She was gripping the railing, her shoulders stiff, trying to steady herself. I hesitated for a second before stepping closer.

"You don't have to run, you know," I said quietly.

She scoffed, turning to face me. "Oh, that's rich coming from you."

I sighed. "Mikha, please. Let me explain and apologize please."

She crossed her arms, eyes filled with frustration and something else-something that hurt to see. "Fine. I'll give you five minutes."

I swallowed hard. This was it.

"I never lied to you," I started, voice firm but careful. "I never told you I was single, and I never promised you anything. But I know-" I looked down, my hands clenching into fists. "I know I should have told you the truth sooner and I'm sorry."

Mikha's jaw clenched. "Damn right, you should have."

"I was trapped, Mikha." My voice cracked slightly. "My marriage with my husband-it wasn't love. It was a deal. A contract signed by our families. And for the longest time, I thought that was all I was worth. A pawn in their business games."

She didn't say anything, so I continued.

"And then I met you." My throat tightened. "You were the first person who made me feel like I had a choice. That I could be more than just someone's wife."

Mikha exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Then why didn't you leave him?"

I let out a bitter chuckle. "You think it was that easy? You don't just walk away from people like them. They had control over everything my money, my career, my life. If I left, I would have nothing."

Silence stretched between us.

"But I left anyway," I admitted, meeting her gaze. "A few months after we... after that night. I walked away. It cost me everything, but I did it."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she masked it quickly. "So, what? You expect me to forgive you just because you finally grew a spine?"

"No," I whispered. "I don't expect anything. I just wanted you to know the truth."

She studied me, like she was searching for a lie. But I had nothing left to hide.

After a long pause, she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Maraiah. I don't know if I can ever trust you again."

I nodded, forcing a small, sad smile. "That's fair."

Mikha looked away, her expression unreadable. But at least she was still here. Still listening. And for now, that was enough.

_

Colet's POV

Hawak ko ang cup ng kape habang papalapit sa kwarto ni Jhoanna. Pinagpahinga ko muna sya after naming mag usap kanina sobrang kulit gustong gusto talaga nyang umalis, kaya mas kailangan ko syang bantayan ngayon lalo na ang tigas ng ulo niya.

Pagdating ko sa pinto, dahan-dahan ko tong binuksan para hindi siya magising kung sakaling natutulog na siya. Pero bago ko pa maibaba ang kamay ko sa door handle, may nakita akong pamilyar na figure sa loob.

Muntik ko nang mabitawan 'yung kape sa sobrang gulat.

Nakatayo siya sa tabi ng kama ni Jhoanna, halatang nag-aalangan kung aalis na ba o hindi. Ilang linggo na rin simula nung huli kaming nagkita, and I wasn't exactly prepared for this.

Nagkatinginan kami. Ilang segundo kaming tahimik, parang parehong nag-a-analyze kung totoo nga bang magkaharap kami ngayon.

"Maloi? Anong ginagawa mo dito?" tanong ko, breaking the silence.

Nag-adjust siya ng tayo, parang nawala sa focus saglit. "Colet? Ikaw? Bakit andito ka? oh kilala mo si Jho? bumisita lang co-worker ko si Jhoanna"

Nagtaas ako ng kilay. "Kaibigan at kaboardmate ko si Jhoanna , so co-worker mo si Jho?"

Tumango siya. "Yeah, sa marketing department ako, while siya secretary ni Miss Sevilleja"

Napakurap ako. Wait-kasama niya si Jhoanna sa trabaho? Of all people na pwede niyang makasama sa kumpanya, kay Jhoanna pa talaga?

"You never told me you work for LSA.Corp," sabi ko

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Hindi rin naman natin napag-usapan nung last date natin, I didn't know din na kaibigan ka ni Jho"

Hmm. Fair point.

Binalingan ko si Jhoanna na mahimbing pa ring natutulog. Napansin ko 'yung fruit basket na nasa tabi ng kama niya. "So, co-worker concern lang 'to? O..." Tumingin ako ulit kay Maloi, raising a brow.

Napatingin siya sa akin, parang na-sense 'yung ibig kong sabihin. "Ano sa tingin mo?" sagot niya, nakangiti nang bahagya.

"Nag-aalala lang ako okey, ano bang nasa isip mo?" dagdag niya, this time mas seryoso na.

Tumango ako, tinatanggap 'yung sagot niya kahit parang may gusto pa akong itanong. Hindi ko rin naman alam kung bakit bigla akong naging curious.

Tahimik akong lumapit sa bedside table at nilapag 'yung kape. Nararamdaman ko pa rin 'yung tingin ni Maloi sa akin, kaya kahit medyo hesitant, bumuntong-hininga ako at hinarap siya.

"Maloi..."

Nagtaas siya ng tingin.

"I didn't expect na magkikita tayo dito."

She chuckled lightly. "Neither did I Vergara"

For a few seconds, we just stood there, both watching Jhoanna in silence. Hindi ko alam kung paano pero parang... hindi na awkward 'yung presence namin sa isa't isa.

Maloi then turned to me. "Gusto ko ding magkape, Samahan mo ako?"

I raised a brow. "Nag-o-offer ka ba ng coffee date?"

She smirked. "Assuming ka pala noh, pero depende. Sasama ka ba?"

Napatingin ako kay Jhoanna, then back at Maloi. Maybe a short break wouldn't hurt.

I grabbed my cup of coffee and smirked back. "Lead the way."

Maloi's POV

Tahimik lang akong umiinom ng kape habang nakaupo sa café ng ospital, pero hindi ko mapigilan tumingin kay Colet na nakaupo sa harap ko. Hindi ko in-expect na magkikita kami dito, at mas lalong hindi ko in-expect na ganito ka-natural 'yung usapan namin.

Si Jhoanna.

Naaksidente siya few days ago. Sabi sa report, nawalan ng preno yung sasakyan na bumangga sa kanya.

Hindi ko alam kung paano ko ire-react noong una. Hindi kami sobrang close ni Jho, pero matagal na kaming magkasama sa trabaho. Naging part na siya ng araw-araw kong routine-meetings, reports, kahit simpleng asaran.

And ngayon? Nasa ospital siya

"Ang lalim naman ng iniisip mo," biglang sabi ni Colet, dahilan para maputol ang pag-mumuni-muni ko.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. "Hah? Wala, iniisip ko lang si Jho parang kapatid ko na din kase yan sa office"

"Same" she sighed, pinaglalaruan ang cup ng kape niya. "Hindi ko parin in-expect na magkikita tayo dito."

Napangiti ako nang bahagya. "Ulit ulit ka, siguro sign na to' pinagtatagpo talaga tayo"

She raised a brow, amused. "Wow, ang corny mo pala no', ay gabi na nga pala kaya siguro lutang kana"

Napairap ako, pero hindi ko napigilang mapangiti. "Sinasabi ko lang 'yung totoo Vergara!"

Bago pa ako makasagot ulit, biglang may narinig kaming sigaw mula sa malapit.

"BEBE, SINO 'YANG KASAMA NI ATE COLET?!"

Sabay kaming napalingon ni Colet at nakita ang dalawang babae na nagtatago sa likod ng isang halaman-pero sorry, halatang-halata pa rin sila.

Napatingin ako kay Colet, na napahawak sa batok nya, habang ako naman pinipigilan kong tumawa sa reaksyon ni Colet.

Gwen's POV

Papasok na kami ni Sheena sa hospital room ni Jhoanna nang biglang huminto 'tong kasama ko.

"Bebe, ano na naman? Dalian na natin para makauwi na din tayo" tanong ko, pero hindi siya sumagot.

Instead, siniko niya ako at sinenyasan akong lumingon.

At doon ko nakita si Colet... na may kausap na isang babae na hindi namin kilala.

"Hala..."

Dahan-dahan kaming umatras papunta sa isang hallway corner, obviously nagmamasid.

"OMG, bebe" bulong ni Sheena, halos nanginginig sa excitement. "Sino 'yang babae?!"

I shrugged. "Ewan ko."

"Hindi naman yan yung boss ni Ate Jho diba, hindi rin si -wait, teka, may bago bang babae si Ate Colet?! Bat na late ako sa balita!"

Napapikit na lang ako. "Hys bebe..."

Sheena's POV

GIRL.

GIRL!

May kausap si Ate Colet na ibang babae?! At mukhang serious pa ang usapan nila?

I squinted my eyes para makita nang mas malinaw. Ang mysterious naman ng girl na 'to! May ginger hair sya naka-business attire, at parang may attitude. Hindi siya mukhang fangirl, hindi rin mukhang friend lang.

"Hala, bebe, feeling ko boss niya 'yan!"

Napataas ng kilay si Gwen. "Boss? Eh matagal na yang nag resign sa trabaho nya"

"Or worse... EX nya ata"

"Ano ka ba bebe, hindi lahat ng babae sa buhay ni Ate Colet eh jowa niya agad o ex nya" Sagot ni Gwen

Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. "Bakit hindi ako informed sa babaeng 'to?!"

Nakita naming may inabot si Ate Colet na bottled water sa mystery girl.

Napatili ako. "Ay! Nag abutan sila ng tubig bebe, kung hindi yan date, ewan ko nalang talaga ha!"

"Baka nauuhaw lang 'yung tao? OA naman neto" sagot ni Gwen

"Shhhh! Sa mga ganyan nagsisimula lahat noh "

Napahawak si Gwen sa noo niya. "Bebe, please lang-"

Nakita naming tumango 'yung babae at kinuha 'yung tubig.

OH. MY. GOD.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. "Bebe... TINANGGAP NIYA!"

"And?" Gwen deadpanned.

"And?! Girl, tumanggap siya ng tubig! Ibig sabihin 'nun may something na sa kanila!"

"Grabe, anlawak mo masyadong mag isip noh, di ba pwedeng nabulunan o nauhaw lang?"

I rolled my eyes. "Excuse me, hindi ako naniniwala sa 'nauuhaw lang' theory mo! Bebe, this is A MOMENT."

Tuloy-tuloy ang pagmamasid namin habang nag-uusap pa rin sina Colet at Mystery Girl. Halata mong seryoso 'yung babae, pero si Colet? Medyo smug, parang nang-aasar.

"Hala, Bebe, paano kung..." Napalunok ako. "Ex talaga sya ni Ate Colet?"

"Paano ka naman napunta sa conclusion na yan?!"

"Feeling ko may past sila! Alam mo 'yung trope na 'nagkahiwalay kasi may misunderstanding tapos nagkita ulit sa hospital dahil may friend silang naaksidente'?!"

"...That's very specific, Sheena."

"Exactly! Kasi USUALLY YAN ANG NANGYAYARI SA DRAMA!"

Gwen sighed. "Alam mo, imbis na mag doktor ka, dapat writer ka nalang"

Nakita namin na biglang natawa si Ate Colet at napasimangot 'yung babae.

"Hala, Bebe, inaasar sya ni Ate Colet! Confirmed, may history 'to!"

"Baka coworkers lang?"

"HINDI!"

Nag-isip ako. "Hmmm... baka kababata ni Ate Colet ? Tapos nagkita uli sila dito, tapos dito na mabubuo ang lovestory nila?"

Gwen just stared at me. "Sheena-"

"Teka may naalala ako, paano kung siya pala yung nakwento ni Ate Colet na nakablind date nya, nung ginawa syang substitute ni Kuya Maki?!"

"Hala, oo nga noh-"

Pero hindi ko na siya pinansin. Mas malakas ang chismis instincts ko ngayon.

I pulled out my phone. "Wait lang, pipicturan ko to', baka magpasalamat pa sakin si Ate Colet !!"

"Bakit ba sobrang invested ka sa kanila? Tara na icheck muna natin si Jho"

"WAIT LANG! MINSAN LANG MAKA WITNESS SA LOVELIFE NI ATE COLET EHH!"

Jhoanna's POV

11 PM.

Sakto walang tao, mukhang di pa nakakabalik si Ate Colet.

I scanned the room, ears straining for any sound while I carefully removed the IV from my hand. Mabilis pero maingat-ayokong gumawa ng kahit anong tunog na puwedeng makatawag ng atensyon.

My phone vibrated beside me. Agad ko itong kinuha at binuksan. Another social media update-isang video clip mula sa birthday party ni Stacey.

She looked stunning. The way she smiled, the way her eyes sparkled under the party lights... Pero kahit anong pilit kong titigan ang screen, hindi ko maiwasang mapansin ang isang bagay-may lungkot sa mga mata niya.

Or maybe I was just imagining things.

Damn it, Stacey.

This is it.

I slowly pushed myself up, ignoring the sharp sting on my side. My body screamed in protest, but I bit my lip and forced myself to keep going. Wala nang atrasan toh, Jhoanna.

I grabbed the jacket hanging beside my bed and quickly threw it on to cover my hospital gown. Buti na lang may extra pants ako sa cabinet-at least hindi ako mukhang pasyente kapag nakalabas na ako.

My eyes darted to the door. Anyone outside?

Taking a cautious step, I peeked through the small gap. The hallway was eerily quiet, except for the faint beeping of machines from the other rooms. No nurses. No doctors.

Okay, Jhoanna, just act normal.

I stepped out, moving as quietly as possible, pero bawat hakbang ko, parang ang lakas ng tunog ng tsinelas ko sa sahig. Pucha, ang haba ng hallway!

Then-footsteps.

Napahinto ako. My breath caught in my throat as I saw a nurse turning the corner. Mabilis akong umatras, pilit pinapanatili ang sarili kong composed, at nagtago sa likod ng janitor's closet. Ramdam ko ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Shit, wag kang mahalata.

I waited. One second. Two. Three. I held my breath as the footsteps faded.

Then, silence.

Exhaling softly, I moved again, this time mas mabilis. I navigated through the corridors, my mind sharp, body running on adrenaline.

Pagdating ko sa exit, I froze.

You've got to be kidding me.

A security guard.

My grip on my jacket tightened. Damn it. No choice. Plan B.

Mabilis akong lumiko, heading for another corridor. That's when I saw it-an open window.

My lips curled into a smirk. Jackpot.

Lumapit ako at sumilip sa labas. Second floor. Not too high. Below was a storage shed with a flat roof. If I timed it right, I could jump down safely and use the side ladder.

Bahala na si Darna.

I climbed onto the windowsill, my fingers gripping the frame. A rush of cold air hit my face. I took one deep breath.

Tangina, sana hindi ako mamatay dito.

And then-tumalon ako.

A sharp impact shot through my legs as I landed on the shed's roof, pero buhay pa ako. Quickly, I crawled to the edge and found the ladder.

The moment my feet touched the ground, I exhaled sharply.

Stacey's POV

The night breeze felt colder than usual as I stood by the balcony, watching the city lights flicker below. Inside, the party was still in full swing-music blasting, laughter echoing-but I felt strangely detached, as if I didn't belong in my own celebration.

"Then I hope you don't regret it when it's too late..." Mikha words hit me

I sighed, swirling the wine in my glass before taking a slow sip. It tasted bitter tonight.

Another buzz from my phone. Another birthday greeting. Another notification from everyone.

"Happy birthday to me I guess?"

I shook my head and leaned against the railing. What is wrong with me?

Then, something in the garden caught my eye.

A figure, standing near the shadows, almost blending into the night.

Napakapit ako sa baso ko.

Who-?

My pulse quickened as I squinted, trying to see clearer. The dim lighting barely revealed anything, but I could tell... this person was watching me.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero biglang lumakas ang tibok ng puso ko.

The figure took a step closer, and I felt my breath hitch.

This wasn't just some random guest. This wasn't someone who accidentally wandered into our estate.

There was something familiar about them.

A shiver ran down my spine, and before I could stop myself, I whispered-

"...Sino yan?"

⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ── End of Chapter 20 ── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆