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!"
★★★
Allison's Point of View
Blood...
I saw blood dripping from his hand as he broke the fragile glass with his hand. His confused eyes remained fixed on me, oblivious to the blood on his hand.
"What? Tell me, I heard it wrong."
I saw pain in his eyes while saying those words. I couldn't answer because I couldn't stop the sobs from my mouth and something was stuck in my throat.
My eyes are blurry from the thickness of my tears, but the pain is more overwhelming. The pain inside that I have hurt her again for the second time.
"Allison. Tell me please..."
"L-Lux... You didn't recognize me as Allison. I introduced myself as Samantha."
His frown remained, but unlike before, I could clearly see the pain and anguish in his eyes. I was bringing back the past that he had buried for a long time.
He laughed softly before looking at his hand. I covered my mouth when he showed me the crystals in his hand.
"I don't understand but," his hand trembled before he dropped the glass on the floor. "It hurts me. It hurts worse than my bleeding hand. Why?" He bit his lip to restrain his emotions.
I almost fainted when I saw the look of hatred in his eyes. Oh, fuck this life! I hate my life. I hate myself for hurting this man. Can't I right my wrongs? Yes, I think.
"But, I still don't believe you." He laughed weakly again. "It's impossible that you became a secretary because Samantha was the first secretary of Hell University and please... Don't use her name." I saw anger flash through his eyes.
Oh, God! How can I make him understand? Can he understand? Maybe, yes. He will understand me but he will not forgive me.
"Three newbies," I said, stopping him. "Hanz, Winzy, Samantha." His eyes became more intense when I mentioned the last name.
"Do you think you can convince me? You probably just used the skills you're trying to get this information. Stop this shit. Don't ever mention his name again."
I wiped my eyes vigorously and somehow I also felt angry at what he said.
He is again...
"Is that so?" I asked. "But, I know something you don't know and only we know." I grinned.
I closed my eyes for a few seconds as I remembered my sin against them. Only one thing was running through my mind at this moment, 'after tonight I will be alone.'
I've lost my family. I've lost my brother and I've lost this man. How am I going to face tomorrow? Shit. I need to be strong.
"I'm not interested anymore." He said coldly before approaching Ace.
Zein is being comforted, sobbing.
I'm sorry... I really am.
I don't want to keep a secret from you. I failed you, my brother. You'll never be able to forgive me, I know. But I hope you can forgive Ace.
Ace, who was only implicated because of me... Thank you. Thank you because up until this point, in the most painful part of ending the secrets, you still protected me. I will be forever grateful to you and I will cherish this debt. Thank you... Thank you, Alas.
"Alas, isn't there a secret way out of here?" He asked Ace who wasn't moving. "I've forgotten where it is. Will I ever forget? I can't remember anything because..." He pointed to his chest. "It hurts so much, I can't remember anything because I'm so overwhelmed with emotion." He groaned, causing me to gasp for air.
Even though he wasn't looking at me, he knew.
I feel like her tears are about to fall. I want to laugh, I want to laugh. It's funny how I want to end my life to stop the pain I feel but I can't.
I have been a coward and I will never be a coward again to escape this problem. My sin is enough.
I've had enough. I just need to finish this.
"Alas. Let me out. Please. I-I can't take it anymore."
Ace shook his head and pushed Raze away from him slightly. "Listen to her first. After all, I'll be the one to get you out." I saw sadness pass through Ace's eyes as he looked at his brother.
Raze looked at me with his eyes wide open. "What else should I listen to? Everything she says is a lie. She's a fuckin' great liar. She's so good at lying that he's convinced me," he said firmly.
I just smiled at the pain of the words he said.
"If you think, I'm a liar. Then, please. Listen to my lies."
Her head tilted to the side and ruffled her hair. She snorted at Ace before looking back at me.
"I'll give you 5 minutes."
I can explain everything in five minutes, but I don't know how many years it will take for him to forgive me or if he will ever forgive me. Still, it's my chance.
"It wasn't an accident that we entered Hell University," I began.
Raze grinned at me because of what I said.
"Everything is planned. Everything is my plan. I control what comes in and goes out." It became his eyes were interested. "Hell University was my first project before finally joining the group I'm in now." I suddenly remembered those times.
Those times when I was overwhelmed by problems because I thought I would never get in and achieve my dreams. It's funny how because of my desperation, I made promises.
"Winzy. I used her dad. I used her father to convince her to come with me. I promised that I would help her get her father back from the syndicates if she accepted my offer to come with me here... At Hell University." My heart skipped a beat. "But, I failed. I couldn't save her father." I sobbed when I remembered and saw her unconscious father.
"Because you didn't help him..." I was surprised to hear his voice in my ear behind. Winzy stood there crying.
Hanz was next to her, trying to calm her down. "Isn't that right, sister? You just lied?" she asked.
I shook my head and approached him.
He didn't move away or even move from where he was standing. "I tried, Winzy. God knows, I tried to save him." I tried to explain but he pushed away my hand that I was hoping would hold his.
"You didn't."
"I did!"
"But why?! Why did he die?"
I suddenly remembered when I tried to save his father. "I saved him, Win," I whispered.
His eyes widened and he was clearly confused.
"I got him out, Win. But he came back. I fucking tried to stop him, but he thought more about the money he left behind." He sobbed at what I said.
"That time I couldn't save him. He was caught, I tried to save your father again but a battalion of armed men had already arrived. I was just a newbie at that time. I wasn't very familiar with holding a gun yet." I shook my head as I remembered what happened next.
"Your father tried to fight..." I just shook my head because I couldn't talk anymore because it hurt.
I saw Winzy smile so I knew that at least she understood me.
"I'm sorry, Win. I couldn't give you back your am---" I was stunned when he hugged me.
"Sister... Sister, I'm sorry. I thought... I thought you abandoned him." She sobbed.
Her body was shaking. "I didn't know that was what happened," she whispered.
I just smiled. Thank you and at least someone managed to hug me. I thought everyone was going to hate me.
"Your five minutes are up."
I let go of Winzy and looked at Raze who was looking at us.
"Brother..." Ace said worriedly. "Please... Let's finish this." Ace begged.
He didn't speak, so I spoke again.
"Sister Samantha---"
"Sister?"
I nodded. "Sister Samantha is my twin. She was lost to us when she was young. I was the first to meet her but I didn't introduce her right away," I said. "I promised her that after we finished Hell University, I would introduce her to us." I looked at Hanz.
"Hanz went with him," I whispered.
It has no emotion at all.
"Then, why are you claiming yourself as her?"
I swallowed as I realized I was about to reveal the secret we had been hiding. "Y-Because, it wasn't just three of us who went to Hell University. There were four of us," I replied.
"I guess I don't like where your lies are going anymore? Can we stop it?"
"No," I said firmly. "I started it. Sister Samantha wasn't the only one who was with m---"
"I said, stop!"
"Because you were with me too! We swapped! When I leave Hell University to report outside, he's the one you're with."
"Fuck! Please, stop there..." Tears welled up in her eyes. She shook her head and pointed at her chest. "You're killing me," she sobbed.
"I'm sorry..." I tried to come closer but he moved away again. "Baby plea---"
"Don't call me that way you fucking liar! Get away from me."
Oh God!
The pain...
Even though I was already hurting so much, I still tried to continue. "You were with him more often than me. I never thought he would fall for you." I fell to my knees as I completely weakened. My knees couldn't take the pain anymore. "I-I never thought you would fall for him too. Too late... It was too late when I found out... I found out that you loved him too back then... I fell for you too." I sobbed after saying that.
I can't hear anything else now but our cries. Raze... Zein... Winzy... We have filled this house with cries.
"Darling, stop crying..." Ace calmed Zein down.
They are lucky to have each other and I am happy for my brother.
"Samantha... Baby, I'm sorry." Raze said, looking up. "We're disturbing you again," he whispered.
"Lux, I love you..."
He looked at me and wiped his eyes. "I don't love you. I never loved you. It's only Samantha... Sa.man.tha... Not. A.lli.son." He said firmly.
Only. The pain. Extreme pain can be fatal.
"Take it easy, Raze." Zein warned. "Think about Ate Alli too---"
"Why? Did they think of me? They tricked me! They made me believe lies! They made me stupid and I was the one who was stupid, so convincing."
"Brother, don't yell at Zein."
Shit! Everything is confusing because of me. Only me. I'm the reason why this is happening and I'll be the reason their relationships are destroyed.
I don't deserve to be happy...
"Are you done?" Raze asked me. Blood dripped from his clenched hand again. "Finish it so the pain is gone." I shivered when I felt the coldness of his voice.
"I was selfish. I didn't let my brother have you. I broke everything."
"The plan. I ruined everything. I betrayed my brother," I whispered.
"Bitch--- Damn!" He said.
"The night you were supposed to meet, I locked her in our room." I whispered. Her cheeks started to cry because of that. "I came here." I ransacked this house.
"I'm the one who met you here. I'm the one who spent the night with you. I'm the one you kissed until we were completely naked. We... We were the ones who had fun together that night... Samant wasn't---"
I held my cheek when I felt the pain coming from Raze's palm.
He slapped me.
His eyes widened at what he had done. "Shit... I-I a-am sor--- Damn!" He punched the floor and we heard the sound of his fist hitting it.
I couldn't move from where I was standing...
Hurt? Is that word enough to describe what I feel?
But, I know... I deserve more than one slap... Still... I feel so much pain.