TOM'S POV
"Tom... Tom... wake up."
A gentle hand shook his shoulder.
He slowly opened his eyes to find his mother sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Tom, son," Janet whispered. "It's time for you to go."
He rubbed his sleepy eyes.
"Ma... what are you doing here?"
He glanced at the clock.
"It's the middle of the night."
Janet smiled and handed him a brown envelope.
"Here are your flight ticket and visa."
She squeezed his hand.
"Your uncle is already waiting for you at the airport."
Tom stared at the documents in disbelief.
Then excitement spread across his face.
"Ma..."
He hugged her tightly.
"Thank you."
Janet kissed his cheek.
"Take care of yourself."
"I will."
Tom hurriedly packed a few clothes into his suitcase before rushing downstairs.
His heart raced with excitement.
He reached for the front door.
The moment he opened it, he froze.
"Mildred?"
She stood on the doorstep, smiling at him.
"What are you doing here?"
Without thinking, he dropped his suitcase and wrapped his arms around her.
"I've missed you."
Mildred returned the embrace.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed behind them.
"Tom."
He stiffened.
Still holding Mildred's hands, he slowly turned around.
Chairman Yang stood behind them, his face cold and unreadable.
Tom stepped protectively in front of Mildred.
"Please..."
He swallowed hard.
"Please let us go, Lolo."
Chairman Yang's eyes darkened.
"No."
The old man suddenly raised a handgun.
Tom instinctively shielded Mildred.
"Lolo, don't!"
A gunshot shattered the silence.
Bang!
Tom looked around in horror.
His grandfather was still standing there...
...but he wasn't the one holding the gun anymore.
A few steps away stood Anna.
Her face was expressionless as she lowered the smoking pistol.
Tom's eyes widened.
"No..."
He turned to Mildred.
She collapsed into his arms.
Blood quickly spread across her clothes.
"Mildred!"
Tom caught her before she hit the ground.
Her breathing became weak.
"T-Tom..."
"No..."
His voice trembled.
"No... no... no..."
He pressed his trembling hands against the wound, desperately trying to stop the bleeding.
"Please..."
His palms became soaked with her warm blood.
"Baby, stay with me."
"Please don't leave me..."
Mildred's body gradually became limp.
Her eyes slowly closed.
Tom shook her desperately.
"Mildred!"
"No!"
He screamed with all his strength.
Tom bolted upright in bed.
His breathing was ragged.
His entire body was drenched in sweat.
He looked around the room.
No blood.
No gun.
No Mildred.
It had all been a nightmare.
He covered his face with both hands and released a long, shaky breath.
"Thank God..."
His heart continued pounding against his chest.
Unable to calm himself, he climbed out of bed and walked to the small refrigerator beside the television.
He grabbed a bottle of cold water and emptied it in one long drink.
Even after finishing it, the images from the nightmare refused to leave his mind.
Anna's face.
Mildred covered in blood.
His hands stained red.
His head throbbed.
A wave of nausea rolled through his stomach.
He ran a hand over his face before heading into the shower.
The cold water helped wash away the sweat, but not the memory of the dream.
After drying himself off, he walked into his walk-in closet and got dressed.
A few moments later, there was a knock at the door.
His father stepped inside.
"Hey."
Tom looked up.
"Are you ready?"
"For what?"
"We're meeting Chairman Tan at the Conrad Hotel."
His father frowned.
"Didn't Dad tell you last night?"
Tom silently exhaled.
For a moment, he had thought his grandfather wanted him to meet Anna again.
"Do I really need to be there?"
He wasn't in the mood for business meetings.
"Yes."
His father nodded.
"I'd like you to come with me."
Tom reluctantly stood.
"All right."
"I'll be waiting downstairs."
Tom gave a silent nod as his father left the room.
He glanced once more at his reflection in the mirror.
The nightmare was over.
Yet somehow...
its fear still lingered.
ANNA'S POV
Anna was lying on her bed, completely absorbed in the novel she was reading, when her phone suddenly rang.
She glanced at the screen and smiled.
Kevin Calling...
She answered immediately.
"Hello?"
"Anna," Kevin greeted warmly. "How are you today?"
"I'm good, thanks."
She smiled.
"Why? Is something wrong?"
"No."
She could hear him chuckling on the other end.
"I was just wondering if you have any plans today."
Anna glanced at the novel resting on her lap.
"Not really. I'm just reading."
She tilted her head.
"Why?"
Kevin hesitated for a second before speaking.
"I'm at the Conrad Hotel."
Anna raised an eyebrow.
"I was hoping you'd have dinner with me."
He continued,
"After dinner, we can watch the fireworks by the seaside."
Anna bit her lower lip.
"Aw..."
She sighed.
"I don't think I can, Kev."
There was a brief silence.
"Why not?"
His disappointment was obvious.
"It's nothing."
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Maybe another day... just not today."
Kevin refused to give up.
"Please, Anna."
His voice softened.
"This is probably my only chance."
"I'm flying to the United States tomorrow to visit my family."
Anna closed her eyes.
She knew how much he wanted to spend time with her.
"Please..."
Kevin pleaded again.
"Say yes."
She laughed helplessly.
"Anna..."
"Please."
"Please."
She shook her head even though he couldn't see her.
"All right..."
She laughed.
"I'm coming."
"Yes!"
Kevin cheered.
"Thank you, Anna!"
"You're the best."
Anna rolled her eyes.
"Oh, stop fooling around."
Kevin laughed.
"I'm serious."
"You really are the best."
Anna couldn't stop smiling.
"Okay."
"I'll see you later."
After ending the call, she hugged a pillow and rolled across her bed.
Why was she smiling so much?
Just hearing Kevin's voice had made her heart flutter.
She quickly got dressed before leaving for the Conrad Hotel.
A short while later, Anna stepped into the hotel's elegant lobby.
She had barely reached the reception area when someone called her.
"Anna."
She turned around.
"Uncle Marvin."
She smiled politely and walked over.
"It's nice to see you again."
Marvin smiled warmly.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm meeting a friend."
"Oh?"
He looked curious.
"Your friend?"
Before Anna could answer, Marvin looked toward the entrance.
"Oh."
He smiled.
"Tom's here."
Anna instinctively turned.
Tom was walking toward them.
The closer he came, the more nervous she became.
Her heartbeat quickened.
For some reason, her feet refused to move.
It felt as though they were rooted to the marble floor.
Tom stopped in front of them.
The moment he saw Anna standing beside his father, his expression darkened.
"What are you doing here?"
Before Anna could answer, Marvin spoke.
"She's waiting for a friend."
Anna simply nodded.
Marvin smiled at her.
"We're heading upstairs."
He gently patted her shoulder.
"Take care of yourself."
"Nice seeing you again."
"You too, Uncle."
Marvin turned to his son.
"Tom."
He spoke casually.
"Stay with Anna until her friend arrives."
Anna immediately shook her head.
"No, Uncle."
She waved her hands.
"I'm fine."
"He should go with you."
Tom frowned but remained silent.
Marvin smiled.
"I insist."
Then he walked toward the elevators, leaving the two of them standing awkwardly in the lobby.
For a few seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
Anna studied Tom's face.
He looked unusually pale.
"You don't look well."
She frowned.
"Are you okay?"
Tom let out a dry laugh.
"I'm fine."
His voice was cold.
"And don't pretend you're concerned."
Anna frowned.
"Tsk."
"Of course I'm concerned."
Tom looked at her with annoyance.
"Wow."
He crossed his arms.
"Feeling like you're my fiancée again?"
His sarcastic tone made Anna's cheeks burn.
She straightened her shoulders.
"Excuse me?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"You don't have to stay here."
She folded her arms.
"And don't act like you're still my fiancé either."
Tom stared at her for a long second before letting out an irritated scoff.
"Hmph."
Without another word, he turned and walked toward the elevators.
Anna watched him leave.
A few moments later, the elevator doors opened.
As Tom stepped inside, Kevin walked out.
The two men briefly locked eyes.
Tom immediately recognized him.
So...
This was the man Anna had come to meet.
His jaw tightened before he silently pressed the button for the upper floors.
The elevator doors slowly closed.
"Anna!"
Kevin hurried toward her with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry."
"I kept you waiting."
Anna smiled gently.
"It's okay."
"I just got here a little while ago."
Kevin let out a relieved sigh.
"Good."
He offered his arm with a grin.
"Shall we?"
Anna smiled and nodded.
Together, they headed to the hotel's seaside restaurant.
Kevin requested a table by the window, where they had a beautiful view of Manila Bay.
As they settled into their seats, the evening sky slowly darkened.
A waiter arrived and took their orders.
While waiting for the food, they chatted comfortably, laughing over old memories.
Then, the first firework burst across the night sky.
Bright colors reflected over the water.
Anna smiled as she admired the view.
For a while, she forgot everything else and simply enjoyed the peaceful evening with Kevin.
TOM POV
While talking with the CEO of one of the biggest entertainment companies in the country, Tom couldn't concentrate.
A lot of thoughts were running through his mind.
He was worried about Anna.
He kept thinking Kevin might not miss his chance… that he might take advantage of her, or do something she wouldn't want.
He didn't trust Kevin at all.
Because of that, he couldn't focus properly.
He sat quietly while the two middle-aged men continued discussing business and life.
Marvin noticed his son's restlessness.
Tom kept checking his phone and shifting in his seat, clearly irritated.
After a while, he finally excused himself.
"I'll be right back," he said.
He stood up and left the restaurant.
Outside, Tom immediately looked around for Anna.
And then he saw her.
Anna was with Kevin.
They were sitting together, enjoying dinner while watching the fireworks outside.
Tom's jaw tightened.
Without hesitation, he walked toward them.
Kevin noticed him first.
"Your brother is coming," he whispered.
"Brother? Who?" Anna turned around.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw Tom approaching.
He stopped beside their table and sat directly next to Kevin without asking.
Anna followed him with her eyes, immediately suspicious.
"What are you doing here?" she asked seriously.
Tom leaned back in his chair.
"Nothing."
"The meeting with the CEO was boring, so I came here to eat."
He shrugged.
"It's a restaurant. I can eat here. Am I not allowed?"
Anna and Kevin exchanged a glance but didn't respond.
Anna pointed toward the other empty tables.
"Here's sitting with us. There are plenty of available tables over there."
Tom smirked slightly.
"This spot is my favorite."
He tilted his head.
"My fiancée's favorite too."
At the mention, Anna stiffened.
"You know Mildred, right?" he added, glancing at her.
Anna swallowed hard and took a slow breath.
Tom then turned to Kevin.
"You know what, Kevin…"
His tone changed.
"I had a friend before. She was kind at first… but I eventually discovered her true colors."
"She was a gold digger."
Anna immediately reached for her glass of water.
Kevin frowned slightly.
"A gold digger?"
"Yes," Tom continued casually. "I was tired of her lies… her intellectual nonsense… after she ruined my life."
He leaned forward slightly.
"If I were you, Kevin, don't get too close to someone you just met. Be careful."
He gave a small, warning smile.
"Nowadays, you need to use your brain. The world is cruel."
Kevin stayed calm, though curious.
"What happened to your friend?"
Tom's lips curved into a cold smile.
"I don't know."
Then, without hesitation, he added quietly,
"I just wish she were dead."
The words landed heavily on the table.
Anna's chest tightened instantly.
She felt something stuck in her throat.
Her breathing became shallow.
Her vision blurred slightly as she tried to stay composed.
Tom glanced at her reaction.
His eyes narrowed.
He looked satisfied.
Kevin frowned.
"Tom… Kevin asked slowly. "How long have you known Anna?"
Tom casually played with the fork on the table, spinning it between his fingers.
"Not long," Kevin answered first, smiling at Anna. "But I actually knew her since freshman year."
Tom raised a brow.
"Oh?"
"I've known Anna only a few months," he said. "But I know things about her you probably don't."
"Could you please stop?" Anna finally spoke, irritated.
Tom looked at her.
"What's wrong, Anna?"
"Are you upset?"
Kevin also looked at her.
"Are you okay?"
Anna clenched her jaw and looked directly at Tom.
"Why are you still here? Can't you see we're in the middle of—"
Tom interrupted her immediately.
"What?"
He leaned forward slightly, pretending innocence.
"You two are dating?"
"Oh no… that can't be."
Kevin blinked in surprise.
"Why? We're both single."
Tom suddenly laughed.
"Single?"
He repeated it louder, enough for nearby tables to notice.
"Anna is single."
Anna bit her lip in frustration.
"What…?" Kevin looked confused. "What am I missing?"
"Don't tell me, Anna… you didn't tell him?"
Tom turned to her with fake concern.
Anna remained silent.
Kevin frowned.
"She has a boyfriend?"
Tom immediately interrupted.
"Boyfriend?"
He laughed again.
"Of course not."
Then he leaned back.
"Anna is single."
Kevin looked relieved.
"Oh, I see."
Tom paused.
Then casually added,
"She's actually engaged."
Silence fell.
Kevin froze.
"Engaged?"
Tom nodded slowly.
"Oh, I'm sorry… I didn't realize she hadn't told you."
He stood up immediately after, pushing his chair back.
"Excuse me."
And he walked away.
Kevin turned to Anna.
"Anna… is that true?"
Anna's throat tightened.
She closed her eyes for a moment.
"I'm sorry…"
"I didn't mean to lie."
Kevin stared at her for a long moment.
Then he gave a small, bitter laugh.
Without another word, he stood up and walked away.
"Kevin…" Anna whispered.
But he didn't stop.
Anna remained seated.
Her chest felt heavy, as if something was crushing her from inside.
Her eyes filled with tears.
She didn't move.
She just sat there, staring at the fireworks outside the window.
After a while, tears slowly fell onto her lap.
She covered her mouth, trying not to cry too loudly.
But she couldn't stop.
An hour later, Anna walked out of the restaurant.
She saw Tom in the hallway.
Without thinking, she followed him.
"Tom!"
She called out sharply.
"HAPPY NOW?"
Tom turned around calmly.
His expression was cold, almost satisfied.
"Not yet."
"I just wanted you to feel what Mildred feels right now."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"I want you to feel what it's like to hurt… deep in your bones."
Then he leaned slightly toward her ear.
"What I did to you is only the beginning, Anna."
Anna's hands tightened into fists.
Tears slipped down her face, but she quickly wiped them away.
She looked away, unable to meet his eyes.
Then she turned and walked away without another word.
Tom stayed where he was, watching her leave.
Later, Marvin and Tom left the hotel and went home.
In the garage, Marvin turned to him.
"Tom."
Tom didn't respond at first.
"What?"
"I saw what happened earlier," Marvin said carefully. "In the hallway."
"I'm not trying to interfere… but you shouldn't hurt her like that."
Tom let out a tired breath.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"I'm exhausted."
Marvin shook his head.
"Anna is a good girl."
"So?" Tom replied coldly, opening the car door.
"Mildred is a good woman too."
"I'm not comparing them," Marvin said. "I'm just telling you… don't hurt her feelings."
Tom's jaw tightened.
"She's the reason Mildred and I are having problems."
"Can't you see that?"
"Even now, I don't know where Mildred is."
He laughed bitterly.
"I don't even know why you're all so obsessed with Anna."
Marvin frowned.
"We're not obsessed."
"Then what is it?" Tom snapped. "She's not Mildred. She'll never be Mildred."
"I have no reason to like her."
He paused.
"Honestly… I think she's a gold digger."
Marvin's eyes widened.
"What?"
Tom turned sharply.
"If you don't like it, fine. But don't expect me to pretend."
"I'm tired."
"She's not worth my time."
Marvin stepped closer.
"Tom… Anna is the rightful heir to the company."
Tom froze.
Slowly, he turned around.
Then he laughed.
But this time, there was no humor in it.