Zein's Point of View
I can't feel anything now but pity. All the resentment I had was gone because of what Ate Allison said.
I feel sorry for them and Raze.
Even though Raze managed to lay a hand on Ate Allison, I can't help but be angry. I understand and know that Ate is the same. They fooled Raz---Lux. But I also feel sorry for Ate Allison.
Love... How mysterious are you that you can do things like this?
"Z-Zein..." Ace tried to hug me but I stopped him.
I shook my head. Even though my vision was blurry, I still saw tears welling up in his eyes.
"Do you feel sorry for me, Ace?"
His forehead furrowed. He was confused by what he said.
"W-What?"
"W-Who, Ace? Who did you love?" I asked. My whole body trembled as ideas formed in my mind one by one. "Ate Samantha or Ate Allison?" I added.
I can't help but have doubts. I don't know if I'll be hurt more if I find out it's Sister Allison.
"A-Alas?" I covered my mouth when I saw Raze standing next to Ace. "S-Are you hiding something from me?" He asked.
Oh.My.Ghad!
I don't think I can handle what's coming next. My heart can't handle it anymore... We are so broken and I don't know if we can ever be put back together again.
Ace looked back at me.
"Zein, I love you. I don't need to explain it because I love you and that's all that matters." He answered me, ignoring Raze. "Darling, I love you. That's all I want you to know." I just sat down on the floor.
God! Why do I doubt his love for me? I know it's all true. I felt it and he keeps making me feel it.
That's how an Ace Craige loves. 'When he loves you, he loves you. He doesn't need to explain how much because he'll make you feel it. He doesn't have time to explain to others what he feels because what's important to him is that he knows the truth.
He's innocent in a sexy way...
He's a devil...
He's Ace Craige and I love him... Damn... So... Much.
Raze laughed softly. "I can handle what Allison said, but I think I'll give in if you say something too, Alas." He said laughing.
Luxury Valdez... Raze Silvenia.
"Brother, forgive me."
"Tangina, Alas! I forgive you, so please, let me out."
I smiled when I saw Ace hugging his brother. Ace's chest trembled and for the first time... In all the time I've been with Ace. I've only heard him sob now.
I'm hurt...
I looked at Ate Allison who was just dumbfounded. She was looking at the siblings without any reaction. I didn't know what she was thinking and what she was going to do.
But, I'm sure of only one thing. She's done... She's out all her secrets. She's done with hell. Hell is finally stopped chasing her... I'm proud of you.
I stood up and approached him. He didn't seem to notice me because his gaze was still straight.
I sat next to her and hugged her.
"A-Ate... It's over. You can rest now. You're free now." I whispered. "Get some rest first." I rested her head on my shoulder.
I stroked her hair as tears continued to fall from my eyes.
I agreed to their wishes for this. I made an agreement with Hanz and Winzy for these moments.
I've noticed it ever since. Ate's smile wasn't complete, I could feel it. Her words were limited. She was careful about what she said because she might say something bad.
He limited himself and locked himself in a dark place.
He took everything he knew for himself and I know how hard that is. I don't know how strong he is to do that so I can't help but be amazed by the emotional strength he has. I don't know where he gets that from.
I looked at Hanz and Winzy. For the first time after meeting Hanz.... I saw him smile while looking at Ate Allison.
We succeeded. We are gradually free from the chains of the past.
"Brother, I'm at fault for you." Our attention shifted back to Raze and Ace.
They are still hugging each other...
"Sshhh. I forgive you, Alas. My brother, I forgive you---" Ace pushed Raze away from him.
"Did you know I loved Samantha too?"
Instead of getting angry, Raze laughed. As he laughed, tears fell from his eyes one by one.
His eyes are watering. He's tired.
"Do you think I'm stupid enough to not notice that?"
Ace was stunned by his brother's words. He could see the extreme surprise.
"Y-You know?"
Raze nodded. My whole body went cold when Raze fell. Ace tried to help him but Raze just pushed him away. He stood up again.
Shit... Why? Why does Raze seem to have other feelings?
"I-I tried to take her from you, brother."
"Do you know I gave in, Ace?" Ace was struck by Raze's words. "When I sensed that you had different feelings for him. I tried to walk away. Y-Because I wanted his attention to be on you," he whispered.
Raze. That's awesome... His sacrifice for Ace is awesome. This man is truly a man to be proud of.
"G-That?" Ace laughed. He kicked the old vase, which made a deafening noise. "While you tolerate it, I betray you. Tangina." He said cheaply before kicking the one near his desk again.
I just looked at him. I wanted to stop him and calm him down but I knew it was for his best interest. He needed to vent his frustrations. He needed to breathe from the restraints.
"You are my brother, Alas. I love you more than I can give to anyone else."
My chest tightened at those words. Raze just proves that blood relatives are more important than other people. The love that can be given by family. They are the ones who will accept you no matter what. They are the ones who will understand you even when you don't understand yourself. They will hold the knife's edge just to protect you. Everyone will abandon you but they will stay by your side. Ready to hug you when you're tired.
I know Mommy's anger towards Ate Allison will pass. Mommy is weak when it comes to us. I laughed when she asked me if Ate Allison still had money in her bank account. She's still worried about Ate Allison.
"But why did you leave me, Kuya?" Ace asked. "You planned to run away without telling me." Ace whispered.
There's a trace of tiredness in their eyes. I'm tired too. I want to rest. Too much has happened.
"Because, I'm not leaving. I'm just running away from them, Ace. No matter what happens, I'll come back to you. I won't leave you."
"Can you leave me, my brother?"
"Whoa. Different kind." Ace said sarcastically. "While you were worrying about me, I already told you." My breathing became labored because Ace was about to tell me the secret he was keeping.
"A-Alas?"
"Because of me, Samantha died." He said bitterly. "I thought you were going to leave me, so I reported you to Tito Francis," he added.
Raze was pinned against the wall. He held his head as if he was in great pain. Shit. What's happening to him?
"I still love you..."
"They found out about your plan because I was the one who reported it. I tipped you off, that's why they followed you that night and that's why Samantha was killed..."
"I still love you, my brother."
Ace was completely speechless.
Ace made a mistake and I know he knows it now. He made a mistake in recognizing his brother. He underestimated Raze's love for him. He never thought his brother would still love him despite everything.
Sister Allison stood up when she saw Raze.
Even I was glued to my seat.
Raze's eye is bleeding...
He smiled at us and looked at us one by one.
"W-Are you done? Because if you're done... I want to rest. I'm fucking tired." I covered my mouth when he knelt down.
"Lux. What's happening to you?"
"I'm just tired. Should I rest?"
"Raze!"