Chapter 14

Sebastian's family's private doctor was immediately called.

I am here now at the door of Ma'am Jezel's room watching the doctor check her vitals. Sir Martin's excessive concern for his wife is noticeable because it seems restless.

"How is she?" Sir asked the doctor worriedly.

"No worries Mr. Sebastian. Your wife is stable now. Good thing and be on time because if not, there is a tendency that she will fall into a respiratory attack."

I was cold because of the doctor's answer. Sir Martin closed his eyes tightly and just nodded.

After being given medicine and being treated, Ma'am Jezel immediately said goodbye to the doctor. Sir immediately looked at me badly. I could clearly see the redness on his face as he clenched his fist. He seems to be ready to kill people.

"S-Sir please forgive me-"

I couldn"t finish what I was about to say when he violently pulled my left arm and dragged me down.

"You almost killed my wife, you know that?" It growled as I was still being dragged. I could feel the pain of him holding my arm.

"P-Please forgive me. I didn't mean what happened." My tongue is tearful.

"Where's the fvcking dog ?!" He shouted when we got to the bottom. He released me and angrily confronted me.

I immediately felt nervous because of his question. What does he plan to do to Black? "Black has nothing to do with this." I was nervous to answer.

"What's wrong? He's the reason why my wife is fvcking unconscious!" He shouted again and turned his gaze to Manang Rita who was looking into the distance.

"Bring me that dog now!"

"P-But sir-" Manang protested.

"NOW!"

Manang did nothing else and took Black to my room and brought him back to the living room. Sir picked it up violently and cried.

"Don't hurt him. You'll just punish me." I begged him but it was as if no one heard and walked out of the mansion with the poor dog.

I didn"t give up and cried still following Sir out. I feel so sorry for Black. I will not let Sir Martin hurt him.

"I feel sorry for you." I promised and blocked him. He just looked at me badly and pushed me away from where he was going.

When he reached the big gate, he mercilessly threw Black out. I could hear it falling along with her crying.

"Don't ever let that lentil dog in or feed him!" He sighed and looked at me.

"And you. Come with me." He said this and without hesitation pulled my hair and dragged it to the basement. I screamed because of the extreme pain of my scalp.

"Stop." I felt sorry for him and touched my hair because it seemed like it would all be removed.

When we arrived, he opened the door and violently threw me into it. I stumbled upon the old table that stood inside.

"Don't you dare take a step outside until my wife gets well b*tch." He said once sharply to me. I did not feel the slightest pity from the words he uttered.

It shifted his attention to the housemates standing on the sidelines. I saw Ella there looking at me with great pity.

"No one will deliver food here if you don't want to lose your job. Is that clear ?!" He threatens the sleepers. They bowed down because they could do nothing.

He looked at me one last time before closing the door.

Darkness covered the whole area. There are no windows here and all I can touch is dust. Only from the small holes in the side of the door does a little light pass

Slowly I sat down on one side and folded my arms. I sobbed softly.

*****

The night passed and my stomach was boiling. I was just holding on to it and squeezing hard to bear the pain when the door suddenly opened.

My eyes widened as it spat out Ella carrying food and water.

"She." Weakly mention its name. It just smiled at me and slowly walked closer to me.

"I know you're hungry, so I brought you food." He said enthusiastically and showed me what he was carrying.

"But what if sir saw you?"
I asked worriedly. I don't want him to get involved and lose his job because of me.

"Don't worry. I'm like Flash so I'll never give up on sir Martin. So eat there and don't act." He spoke and smiled more.

I smiled sweetly at him and then started eating the food he brought. I am very grateful to Ella because even though her job was in danger because of this, she still had the courage to help me.

"Thank you very much. If it weren't for you I might starve to death here." I spoke after eating. It just thumbed up and spoke.

"No problem. I won't let you lose your beauty because of weight loss. Besides, I'll bring you food here every day." He said enthusiastically and said goodbye. I thanked him again before he left.

Three days later I could no longer see Ella. I was surprised because he said he would get me back here but he never showed up again.

And since Ella could no longer deliver food here, I also had nothing to eat for three days. I'm so weak that I can't even stand up. My stomach hurts a lot because of hunger. My throat is dry and I am tired.

I had a hard time lifting my right hand to repel any insects that were crawling on my left arm. My endless tears began to flow again.

I prayed every minute that Ma'am Jezel would wake up. I don't want to be here anymore. I want to go out and see Uno. I really miss him.

I looked up when the door suddenly opened as if my secret prayers had finally been heard. I close my eyes because of the glare brought in from outside.

When I adjusted my vision I could see Manang Rita walking towards me quickly. He covered his mouth and took a deep breath when he saw my situation.

"Jusko please." He just said it and hugged me.

"M-Ma-" I forced my words but I couldn't.

I felt her weak sob so I cried even more. I want to speak and ask him if Uno has arrived and if I can go out, in case I don't have the strength to let out my voice.

Manang helped me stand up. With all the strength I had left, or whatever, I stood up. I almost fell over because of the sudden rotation of my vision.

We slowly walked out and I closed my eyes when we were finally able to get out. I felt every fresh air I could breathe.

He took me to the kitchen and gently sat me down then he took a lot of food and served it in front of me.

Without hesitation I abandoned them. I was so upset that I choked. Manang immediately joined me and gave me water to drink.

This is probably the best food I have ever tasted in my entire life.

After I ate, manang also helped me clean up. Then he let me rest in my room.

After a few hours of sleep I had a little strength to walk. I went out of my room and I caught up with Manang Rita who was sweeping the living room.

"Are you feeling well sister?" Its a worried question. I nodded here in response.

"That's good." Ika ulit nito.

"Where is Ella? I haven't seen her before." I asked manang. It was averted by the look and sigh.

"She's not here anymore." Your sad promise.

My forehead frowned. "Ha? What do you mean?" I'm confused question.

"Because sir caught him delivering food to you so he was fired." Manang said. My eyes widened because of that. That woman, there is a hint that she will not give up.

I felt guilty. It was my fault why my friend lost his job. I had to find a way to get him back to work.

"Where is Sir Martin?" I asked manang.

"He's in the office. Why?" Manang also answered and asked me a question.

"Thank you very much." I no longer answered his question and marched towards Sir Martin's office.

I will help Ella. I will not let him lose his job because of me. And one more thing, I also want to make it clear to Sir Martin that he can do nothing to separate Uno and me.

When I got to the office, I opened the door without hesitation and went straight to Uno's dad who was sitting in his swivel chair.

"Bring Ella back." My bold words to him.

He stopped what he was doing and just looked at me for a moment before turning his attention back to work. My blood boiled even more so I spoke again.

"Bring Ella back." I repeat.

"Isn't it enough for you to be confined for three days in the basement?" Its language without looking at me.

"He has nothing to do with it. So feel sorry for him. Don't blame him for whatever you hate about me." I will feel sorry for him.

"She went against me and helped you. It's her fault. No erase that. It's your fault." Its language and even more emphasis on the last word. I immediately averted my gaze. I could not speak.

"And oh I have one thing to say. Stay away from my son." It added that my forehead frowned.

"That will never happen." I answer boldly.

"Then you live me no choice. I will take back all the wealth I will bequeath to him." He was a serious threat that raised my eyebrows.

"But why? He's your son" I looked at him confused.

"Simply because he's a failure." Its face is still serious.

"You won't scare me with that wealth of yours. I don't need the money." My bold answer.

"Maybe you don't, but what about Uno? Everything he worked for for years will suddenly disappear like a bubble because of some lowly b*tch." He promised.

My selfish. Ever since the pool, I've been thinking only of myself. I can't believe that what could happen to Uno never entered my mind.

"You're just kidding aren't you?" I was hoping to ask but I was just disappointed when it was still serious.

"So here's the deal. Don't be selfish and stay away from my son's life forever. You should think of the best for him. And also I might consider bringing your friend back to work." Its serious words that caused me to fail.

I'm devastated. I don"t want to leave Uno. I don't want to be separated from him. I want to stay with him, cuddle him, kiss him and grow old with him. But life is so unfair isn't it? As far as I can think of them. I need to sacrifice these little things for the better. I have to do this because I love him. I can't be selfish. I don't want to ruin his career because of me. We shouldn't have met from the very start. I'm just a runaway girl who only thinks about herself. 'If she had been my fiance, we shouldn't have ended up like this.' I wiped away the tears with the palm of my hand and loaded my small suitcase that I had been carrying when I first came here. I arranged myself and went out of my room to go to Sir Martin's office. I'll just give him something. When I entered he looked up and raised an eyebrow at me. "Can't you just leave already?" He uttered irritably. I ignored that and took the thing out of my pocket and laid it on his desk. "I'm not pregnant. Uno and I are just pretending about that." I"m referring to the three pregnancy test kits that Frizzy provided back then. I used it that night after Frizzy gave it to me. I didn't bother buying a new one because the results would be the same. And it's negative. "That's good news. I should pay you a good price. How much do you want?" Its smiling language that was due to the clenching of my fist. "I don't need your filthy money. And don't worry, because I will never show up to your son or even you." I answered boldly and marched away from his office. I informed my colleagues here at home before leaving. They tried to stop me but I didn"t send. All they did was cry and take me out of the gate. I also want to let Ella know who has been my friend and support during the times I was nothing but she is not here yet. It was embarrassing because I would suddenly leave him. But Sir Martin promised to return Ella to her previous job. I looked at the whole mansion and immediately came back to my mind the memories of this house that had been a part of my life, and the face of the person I loved most. I don't want to leave yet. I want to apologize to Uno. But that's not possible because I don't want to see him hurt. I need to do this for him. For the both of us. And with that, I finally left the place carrying memories that I will never forget. Uno's POV "Sir, the chairman has arrived." My executive assistant informed me. I smiled at her as a response which surprised her. I can't blame her. I'm in a good mood today and it's a very rare situation for them especially my assistant. After all, they see me as a grumpy and strict guy. Greetings welcomed me as I walked out from my office heading to the conference room. When I got there, my eyes immediately found dad in his seat with his wife who smiled at me but I ignored it. 'Tsk acting friendly, eh?' I sat down in my seat. We'll be having a meeting with the board members of Sebastian Corp. regarding the deal we're about to make with Grimaldi Empire. When it was over dad called me to his office to discuss something. What does he want? "You should go to France to deal with Grimaldi Empire." He casually said. My mood was completely ruined after that. "Why me? You should go yourself." I snorted. Damn, it'll take a week to completely finish that work and I don't want to be separated with Jessica that long. "Is this because of that bitch?" It spoke with a serious face. My blood boiled after hearing what he said. "Dang dad, will you stop calling her that? She's not who you think she is." I weigh my answers to him. "Can you Uno, stop that mania of yours. She's not worth it. And besides, I'll soon find your fiancee. You should be ready." My two fists clenched in anger. "I fvcking told you that I'm not marrying that woman. I already have a girlfriend, why can't you accept it? I love Jessica and she's worth everything I have." I blurted out of anger. He treats her like she is not anyone like us, that she is a fvcking gold digger or something, which she's not. And I'm sick of it. He heaved a deep sigh. "Look son, this thing is not just about business. I made a promise to my friend and I'm not that kind of person who don't take his word. You need to understand." He replied in his relaxed voice. My forehead furrowed. "Then screw that promise! You know what dad, I don't want to get tied to the person I don't love. I'm afraid that I'll end up searching that love from another woman, ruining our marriage just like you did. " I said averting my sight on his wife. I see a hint of pain in her eyes but who cares? She deserved it. And because of the words that came out of my mouth, dad could no longer restrain himself and he angrily stood up in his seat and violently threatened me. "Careful with your words bastard." This irritating language made me sigh. "What? That's the truth! She was your mistress. You ruined my mom because of the fvcking bitch!" I let go of all the hatred and anger I had harbored for so long. Dad was about to punch me but the bitch immediately stopped him. "Martin stop it! Don't hurt your son." She cried. And because of that, dad left me alone. "I rolled my eyes." Bitch stop acting kind. You're not my mother and you will never be. "I insisted. I hate her. She acts all good, like that she's our mother and it's really getting into my nerves! Dad was about to punch me again but the naughty woman stopped him again. "You tested my patience Uno. You know what I can do to you and there to your woman!" He sighed. "Then do it! Do whatever you want. But I will never let you succeed." I said and left his office.

I headed straight to Royalé- Loui's bar after that confrontation. I need to relieve the stress I feel right now and drinking is the key.

I was immediately greeted by loud music and the smell of cigarettes as soon as I stepped inside. It was already afternoon and people were starting to flock.

This place is my haven. I usually go here during my free time or if I have a problem just like now.

The bartender greeted me when I arrived at the bar counter. I just nodded at him and sat down.

"Give me a glass of Russo-Baltique Vodka." I simply ordered. His forehead was still slightly furrowed because of what I said. He knew I had a problem because that drink was the one I always ordered by chance. I didn't mind him and wandered my sight around the area.

"Having a hard time lover boy?"

My eyes landed at the guy sitting not so far from me with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Why are you here fvcker?" My eyebrow arced at Loui. It moved to the stool next to me.

"Obviously, because I own this place." He was bored to answer as if it were the most ridiculous question he had heard in his whole life. I just ignored him and drank the wine I ordered.

"Uno my man, what's our problem now?" He playfully asked and sipped his coffee.

This moron is really weird. I mean, who's in the right mind would drink a coffee inside a bar? Sometimes I wonder why I became friends with this one.

"It was my old man. He fvcking threatened me again about Jessica." I answered staring at the glass I was holding.

"Tsk tsk tsk, it's good that I'm still single. Then? What will you do?" His words once shake. I took a deep breath and faced him.

"I'll stop him of course." I replied and drink the alcohol in one go.

After that night, I took my flight to France. I just followed dad's orders because I couldn't do anything. He's the chairman after all.

I was busy the whole week to the point that I no longer had time to call Jessica. I'm beat up. But god I miss her.

The deal with Grimaldi Empire went well. It only took a little while because the arrival of their chairman was late because someone was still taking care of it.

I thought it would be hard for me to think that we"re dealing with the largest business in Europe but Zed Grimaldi was so approachable. Both sides were flowless so the process was easy.

I'm excited to go home because and last! I will see my baby again. I've waited for this day to come so I'm really itching to go home.

I was about to get ready for home when my executive assistant called me. And the next thing made me curse.

"We have a big problem with our company branch here sir. There was a huge sabotage in the finance department."

I immediately called a board meeting for this issue. I'm so bored because my plan to go home has been thwarted.

After the meeting, I immediately called Jessica to let her know that I couldn"t go home yet but the motherfvckers are so loud and it pissed me off.

When I heard his voice properly all the anger and tiredness I was feeling immediately disappeared. My forehead furrowed as I felt the tiredness and sadness in his voice. It's like she was about to cry.

It made me want to go home more.

After that, my assistant informed me that dad was staying in my house since last week. I immediately had a bad feeling because of that. Damnit! That old man was definitely planing something bad.

I called Jessica again but she didn"t answer.

'I really got a bad feeling about this'

And because of that, I was quicker to fix things that needed to be fixed. Instead of lasting another week, it was only three days.

Although very tired, I did not bother to rest and go straight to the airport to go home.

It was late at night when I arrived in the Philippines, so I immediately prepared the chocolates I had brought and went straight home.

I deeply prayed that Jessica would be okay when I arrived.

I got off the car as soon as I arrived and quickly made my way to Jessica"s room but I immediately fainted when I couldn"t see her there.

'Maybe she's in the bathroom'

I walked the distance to cr and knocked three times.

"Sweety I'm back! I got presents for you." I spoke softly but no one answered. My heartbeat quickened again. I turned the cr door and the awkwardness got worse I felt when he wasn"t there.

"Jessica where are you!" I called her and was about to leave her room when I saw Dad leaning against the door.

"Dad." I mention it here. He straightened up and faced me.

"If you're searching for her, it's too late. She already left you." He sternly said that made my heart broken into pieces.

*****

Five months have passed but I still can't find the shadow of the woman I love.

I've searched her everywhere but I still haven't heard of Jessica Valdez. I even stopped my search for that woman just to prioritize my search for Jessica but I still failed.

Everywhere in the world I searched but there was no lead. It's like she never existed.

But I won't give up.

"You should rest a little bit, bro." Loui whispered worriedly to me. I gazed at him and took a sip of my drink.

"Nah, I'm good." I replied.

Ever since Jessica left, I've been hanging out here at Royalé almost every day drowning myself with alcohol. I don't feel like going home anymore. Who else will I take home there? I"m still hurting deep inside and it will only disappear when Jessica comes back to me.

Days passed and I was still working on my search for Jessica but Dad keeps on pestering me about that woman. He didn't bother me so I was even more stressed.

Then one day, I decided to look for that woman as well. Dad gave me no choice. I need to remove any obstacles and that woman is one of them.

I have to find her before dad does then I will talk to her not to continue the wedding they are planning. But if I can't bring her to please, then I'll silence her for good.

I immediately picked up my ringing phone. I saw the name of my private investigator so I answered it immediately.

[Sir, remember when you told me to keep an eye on that woman's friends?] This is specific to my fiancee.

"What about that?"

[Well, one of them was acting strange. He always went back and forth to a house he did not own while carrying groceries.] He said from the other line which made me smile.

'This is it. I will find you soon. '

"Who is it?" I will ask.

[Aera Feliciano.]

To be continued...