Mateo's POV (TAGLISH)

"If you don't go home, I will leave this place and leave you with your Dad." Mom's words were laced with her usual threats, her way of guilting me into a visit. I rolled my eyes.

I rolled my eyes before answering her.

"I will stop being dramatic, Mom. As if I can't find you,"

"Huh! 'di ka sure, just come here. Bilisan mo . 8 PM, dapat you are here na," sabi pa nito I hate this whenever she uses that conyo thingy for the fuck's sake she is in her 50s and she still uses social media.

"Yeah, yeah" I mumbled, nodding.

"I will expect na pupunta ka here before 8 PM," she said I just nodded my head even though she couldn't see it.

"Yeah, bye, Mom. I love you." I didn't wait for her response. I ended the call.

I wasn't in the condo because we had a meeting earlier about guns. Yes, guns. I am a mafia my mother didn't let me enter this world, but this is what I want, I want revenge for killing my grandmother.

My father knows about Organization because he was the leader when Mom and Dad didn't know each other.

The words 'Dangerous Mafia' echoed in my mind, a mantra I repeated to myself whenever my alias, Gavin, dared to ask about love. My heart was a cold, hard stone, unyielding, uncaring. I'd built my life on revenge, on a relentless hunger for justice that left no room for vulnerability. I'd never given love a chance.

I'm leaving to go to my mom's house, it's 1 pm but I choose to leave early, malayo ang condo ko sa bahay nila mom that's why umalis ako ng maaga.

I was in the middle of the road when, A figure lay crumpled on the asphalt, her silhouette stark againts the fading light. Blood stained her clothes, a dark stain against the grey of the road. As I said I don't care about anyone, I don't even know if that girl is still breathing or alive. But for fuck's sake, hindi man lang siya tinutulongan, I'm still thinking twice if I will help her or leave her.

But here I am rushing to go to the hospital, I don't want to carry her because she has blood all over her clothes. but I do not have a choice but to help.

these people didn't even help the woman they just stared while whispering. Are they idiots? Instead of helping this woman nag bubulongan lang sila.

"EMERGENCY!" I shouted, my voice raw with urgency, as I burst out of the car. The sound echoed through the sterile hallways of the hospital, drawing the attention of nurses and doctors alike. They rushed towards me, their faces etched with concern, pushing a stretcher with a frantic energy. Fear was palpable in the air, a silent chorus of apprehension.

Fuck, this is my first time doing this. What if I'm doing it wrong? What if I'm not doing enough?

It's been four agonizing days since I brought her here. Four days since she collapsed in my arms, her eyes staring blankly at the sky. Four days since she'd stopped breathing, her life hanging by a thread. Four days since she'd slipped into this unnerving silence, a silence that echoed the emptiness in my own soul.

The doctor had told me she hadn't woken up. He'd explained the possibility of amnesia, the cruel irony of losing memories just as I was discovering the depths of my own feelings for her.

I left the hospital that day, my heart a heavy weight in my chest. I couldn't stay, not with the guilt and the fear gnawing at my insides. I couldn't bear to see her lying there, so fragile, so vulnerable, a silent testament to my own helplessness.

But after three sleepless nights, haunted by her pale face and the echoes of her fading breath, I returned. I couldn't stay away any longer. I needed to see her, to know she was still there, even if she didn't remember me.

When I came back to check on her, I was stunned that she was pretty, she had thick eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a pointed nose, and kissable lips. her chin is chubby too. fuck Mateo you don't have time for love, this is not you, Mateo. wake up.

Is this called love at first sight? I hope not. I'm done.

I was sitting here on the couch while looking at her, and I noticed she moved her hand and slowly opened her eyes but closed them again because of the light when she slowly opens her eyes again, I didn't know what to do when her eyes met mine, my heart hammered against my ribs, a drum solo of fear and something else I couldn't name. My face remained impassive, a mask of indifference. But this wasn't right. Not at all.

My heart skipped a beat, nang mag tama ang ulit mata namin.

She asked multiple times and I didn't know what to answer first instead...

"Calm down, wife. I won't hurt you. I'm Mateo, your husband," I said, my voice a forced calm. Fuck, I didn't know why I said that. I didn't know why the words tumbled out of my mouth, a desperate attempt to anchor myself in this chaotic storm of emotions.

I made her believe that I was her husband. I manipulated her birth certificate, forged documents, a twisted web of lies to create a fabricated reality. Now she was Ashianna Zylene Montevallo, my fake wife, a name that felt like a stolen identity, a burden I carried with a gnawing guilt.

"I didn't know you have... a wife," Francisco said, his voice laced with a mocking amusement. This fucker. I should have never ordered him to bring my papers here. I should have known he'd use this opportunity to mess with me.

Luliana, my Ashianna, looked at me, her eyes wide with confusion. I could see the gears turning in her mind, trying to piece together this fragmented puzzle of her life.

"Shut up," I growled, irritation simmering in my voice. I couldn't let him unravel my carefully constructed facade.

Francisco just smirked, his eyes glittering with amusement. He knew he was playing with fire, but he relished the danger.

Fuck it, I don't even know how we became friends.

"Be careful, Mat, mainit mata sayo nang ibang organisasyon" he said even nodding to Luliana and leaving the room.

Of course, I know that.

"Anong organisasyon?" she asked when Francisco was gone.

"It's nothing," I said.

Every time I answered her question she didn't believe in my answers, as if there was always something missing from my answer.

"Are you out of your mind, Mateo?! Why would you do that? You don't even know that girl, and she's innocent for fucks sake!" My father roared, his voice a thunderous wave of fury. "If someone found about her being your wife, she will be in danger, you get what I'm saying?!" My father's voice, though slightly calmer, still held a razor-sharp edge. It cut through the silence, a cold reality check that shattered the illusion of my control.

He was right. The danger wasn't just from my father's wrath. It was a wider, more insidious threat. If anyone discovered the truth about Ashianna, about the fabricated life I'd created for her, she would be in the crosshairs of a world I couldn't protect her from.

My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat of fear and guilt. I had to protect her, but how?

"I know," I said, my voice low and cold. "I can protect her." The weight of my actions, the consequences I hadn't considered, crashed down on me, a crushing weight of responsibility.

The air crackled with tension as his fist connected with my jaw, sending a jolt of pain through my skull. I landed on the floor, clutching my jaw, the taste of blood filling my mouth. Damn, his punches still hurt.

"Calm down, Hon," my mother pleaded, her voice a soothing balm in the storm of my father's rage. She tried to pull him away, her gentle hands a stark contrast to his explosive anger.

"I don't care. I love her. I will do whatever I want," I said, my voice flat and emotionless. I stood up, my body trembling with a mix of pain and defiance. He lunged at me again, his eyes burning with fury. But my mother held him back, her calming presence a shield against his wrath. He needed her, her soothing touch, her sweet words, to quell his rage. All he needed was her lambing.

I left them, the echoes of their argument fading behind me. My head throbbed, my body ached, but the fire in my heart burned brighter than ever. My father might not understand, might never understand, but I knew what I had to do. I had to protect her, even if it meant defying him, even if it meant breaking every rule.

She asked me about wedding pictures and I didn't know what to say.

These fucker knows how to piss me off well.

"What the fuck do you want, Bastard?!" I coldly said looking at him deeply wanting to shoot him to death, he smirked.

"To kill your fake wife? Do you agree? Or fuck her like she's my slut, what about that?" He said smiling while playing the gun with his hands.

I balled my fist. "And, do you think I would let that happen? Fuck off." I said as I pulled the trigger I shot him in the chest before he could shoot me.

Francisco is in my back fighting Paul's dog.

I was busy looking at my papers when someone called, it was Tayrence.

"Track us, Kuya. Some of your enemies are attacking us." The voice on the other end of the line was frantic, the fear in her voice cutting through the static. I didn't respond, the urgency of her words echoing in the silence of my car. I heard gunshots, a staccato rhythm of violence, followed by screams, a chorus of terror.

I ended the call, my hand trembling slightly. I needed to act fast. I turned on the tracker, the screen flashing with a map of the city. My van, with Ashianna inside, was a red dot moving erratically, a beacon of danger.

"Gavin, track my van." The call was short, the words clipped, the urgency in my voice unmistakable. I ended the call and threw the phone into the passenger seat.

I was already behind the wheel, the engine roaring to life. My car surged forward, a blur of motion as I navigated the city streets, my mind focused on the red dot on the screen.

"It's Paul's Mafia," I muttered, my voice a low growl. Paul's Mafia? The man who had been the scourge of the city, the one who brought chaos and death, was still alive? Paul was dead, killed in a brutal firefight years ago, but the organization had somehow survived, its tentacles reaching out to ensnare my life once again.

"You are all hopeless, your fucking boss is dead. Go back where you all came from." They were ten while I was alone.

"You're too confident, Mateo. You didn't fight fair, you killed my brother." Paulo spat, his voice laced with venom, his words dripping with accusation. Blood stained his lips, a crimson testament to the violence that had unfolded. I could see the pain in his eyes, the raw, burning grief that fueled his rage. I smirked, the gesture a deliberate provocation, a challenge to his fragile composure.

"I fought fair," I countered, my voice calm, a stark contrast to the tempest raging within him. "You and your brother didn't. Am I a threat to you? Fight me fair, Paulo." My words were a taunt, a mockery of the brutal reality that had unfolded.

His face flushed crimson with anger, his eyes blazing with fury. He pulled the trigger, the sound a sharp crack that echoed through the warehouse. I groaned, a low, guttural sound as the bullet slammed into my shoulder. The pain was a searing wave, but I gritted my teeth, refusing to show weakness. Damn, he was a good shot.

I pulled my gun and shot him, and hit him in his stomach, I then shot his companions.

I heard a clap, I pointed the gun at the man who clapped, but he only laughed. This fucker didn't help me but laugh and watch me fight with these bullshits.

"I'm so proud of you, Mateo." He said teasing me, I just raised my middle finger and threw the gun at him.

"Are you okay?" I asked her as soon as I arrived, she nodded.

I'm worried, I didn't expect this to happen I thought once I killed Paul everything gonna be okay, but I was wrong.

I've never been this scared in my entire life.

"Sino ba ang mga 'yon? N-natakot ako akala ko k-kataposan ko na" she said I hugged her. Fear struck her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I am here baby." kissed her forehead.

I talked to Tita and Tito about what happened earlier.

"Fix this, paano na lang kung may nangyaring masama sa kambal at kay Luliana?" Tita was furious, parang tutang nanahimik si Tito. I looked around to see if Zylene heard what Tita said, and lucky me she was talking with Mom.

"Tita," I said but she didn't give me attention.

"If our daughter was traumatized, I'm telling you, Jaron." She seriously said she faced while raising a brow.

"You" she pointed her fingers at me my smile faded, so bossy.

"What did I do, Tita?" I smiled at her and looked at Tito who was smirking.

"Make sure your cousin and lovers' safety, next time. and treat your wound." then she leaves and goes to my mom who's being oa, again.

"Paano pag something happens to us again?" overreacting she said napahawak na lang sa ulo si dad.

I just watch them get the things they want, Luliana is quiet, I'm worried but I didn't make it obvious. This was the first time I felt worried about a girl.

"Do you see this, Javier?" Arnold asked with a smile on his face while pointing his gone at one of my men.

Of course, idiot. I have eyes.

Arnold was shocked when I pulled the trigger three times. He kept on shouting in pain, his dogs were alarmed by what I did.

"Fuck you, Javier!" itinutok niya sa akin ang baril at pinaputok niya sa direksyon ko, agad naman akong nakaiwas at nagpaputok sa direksyon niya then run to his direksyon punched his wounded stomach.

"Goodbye, asshole. don't worry we'll meet in hell." I said coldly and fired a gun.

~~~

"Can you leave me and Ate Zylene alone, Kuya? I want to have fun with her for my remaining days staying here" It's Alicia my Spoiled brat cousin.

"What? why would I she is my wife after all" but she just rolled her eyes at me and turned her back.

I was scared, I didn't know what to do noong sumakit ang ulo niya while we were having our lunch with Mom and Dad, she's avoiding me for 1 week.

I hid from her that I was a Dangerous man a Mafia or what so whatever, I don't know what is happening to me I am not like this, I don't have time for love but when she came all of it changed, I'm willing to leave the Organization for her forget the revenge for my grandmother. I don't want her to leave my side the day she is comfortable with me that's the day she became my OBSESSION.

"Fuck it, Argus!" I shouted and pulled the trigger.

"Your w-woman is beautiful, she looks yummy in bed what more if I fucked her in my bed- Fuck you, Javier!" I shot him again in his right arm, hearing him murmuring dirty things about my girl made me want to vomit and want to torture him, I walked near him and sat down.

I caught him, pinag-nanasaan ang Asawa ko.

"Your mouth is really dirty, see you in hell, bastard," I said and fired a gun natamaan siya sa dibdib at tyan na ikinamatay niya nang tuloyan.

"Ano bang trabaho mo? bakit andaming baril gumagawa kaba ng hindi kaayong bagay or pumapatay ka?" she asked. I didn't reply.

The fear gnawed at me. Would she leave? Would she turn away from me? I couldn't bear it. I wouldn't let her.

"I can't say it now, I'm scared that you might leave me," I said while she was sleeping in my arms, I'm sorry.

I'm scared she might leave me after knowing what really I am. I kill people. I kill them with no mercy.

~~~

"No, N-no, open Y-your eyes, wife." I rasped, my voice a strangled whisper as I tried to revive her. I couldn't bear to see her like this, so pale, so still. My heart hammered in my chest, a desperate drumbeat against the silence.

A ragged cough tore from her troat, and I let out a sigh of relief, a sound that was more a groan of exhaustion. I scooped her into my arms, her weight a comforting weight against my chest.

Alicia tried to reach Chatalina's hair, but Tito Jano and his brother Tyrence were holding her.

"Talk to her, Mateo." Grandpa said before he left the room, I looked at Luliana who was lying in a hospital bed before going outside.

My jaw clenched, my teeth grinding together, as I forced myself to breath. Each breath felt like a razor slicing through my lungs.

Chatalina pushed her, and almost drowned to death. I felt nothing aside from being eager to kill this woman who pushed my wife and almost drowned to death.

Chatalina's hand darted on her mouth, biting her nails. I knew it, that smug satisfaction, that cruel glint in her eye. I felt a cold rage seep through me, so cold it was almost numb.

"Mateo-" I didn't let her finish her sentence, sinakal ko agad siya.

"I-I can't b-breathe, Mateo." Chatalina murmured chasing her breath.

"You are luckier if I let you breathe until tomorrow, if something bad happens to her you will see hell, Chatalina, mark my words." I said and left her lying on the ground choking.

I investigated her, I found out that her father and brother raped her and lost her child I was fuming mad I decide to go to the jail where is her so-called Father and Brother imprisoned I beat them up.

"Sino ka ba?" Anghel angrily said while wiping his mouth I didn't mind him and went near to his father who is my Wife's father.

"I don't care if you are the father, you raped my Wife!" I show no mercy to them. I punch them how many times.

She lost her child.

Yes, I admit that I beat them and punished them when I found them because of anger and they rape my wife. I was blinded by madness.

~~~

I admit, I hurt her and locked her in our room. I don't want to lose her, I can't afford to lose her.

"Just let her go, son. You're hurting her!" My mom pleaded, her voice cracking with tears. I hated seeing her cry, her usually strong face crumpled with worry. But this time, I wouldn't listen.

"Mom, you know how much I love Luliana. I can't just let go of her." My voice was a strained whisper, barely audible over the sound of my own pounding heart.

"But Mateo, she's innocent! She doesn't even know what's going on!" she cried, reaching out to touch my arm, but I flinched away.

"She's mine, Mom. I can protect her." I said, my voice hardening.

"From what, Mateo? From yourself?" she whispered, her voice filled with despair.

I turned my back, unable to bear the pain in her eyes, the weight of her disappointment. I left her there, her sobs echoing in the silence of the room.

I was in the middle of a meeting here in the underground when my phone started ringing, it's my alias.

And he only told me that my wife had gone missing.

"Meeting adjourned," I said, my voice flat and emotionless. My gaze swept across the room, landing on the faces of the others, but I didn't acknowledge them. I gathered my belongings, my movements swift and decisive. I was about to leave when Chatalina's voice, sharp and laced with venom, cut through the air.

"What the fuck, Mateo! We just started 30 minutes ago, and you're leaving?!" Her eyes, usually bright and full of life, were now clouded with hurt and anger.

I paused, my hand hovering over the doorknob. "I have other things to attend to," I said, my voice a mere whisper.

"Why can't you choose me? I'm better than her," she murmured, her voice breaking with sobs. Her words were a raw, desperate plea, a confession of her unrequited love.

I turned back, my gaze meeting hers. Her vulnerability, her pain, was a stark contrast to the icy facade I'd built around myself. But I couldn't give her what she wanted. I couldn't choose her.

"I don't have time for your shits, Chatalina. No one is better than my Wife, I would never choose you." My words were cold, devoid of emotion, a stark reflection of the wall I'd built around my heart.

I turned away again, my heart a heavy weight in my chest. I left the meeting room, the echo of her sobs fading behind me.

"How the hell my wife, Zylene? scaped in this goddamn house?!" bungad kong sigaw.

"S-sir hindi po n-namin alam nag punta po si Baldo sa kusina para kumuha ng pagkain dahil nagugutom daw po si Ma'am," My bodyguard said.

"STUPID!" I shouted pointed my gun and pulled the trigger, I rushed to the back door when noticed it was open.

My mother stood rigid, a dark silhouette against the moonlit night, watching as Zylene disappeared into the shadowey interior of the van.

I've even shot it once but nothing happens, the van is bulletproof. The plate number is fucking familiar.

"Mom, why did you do that?!" I was fuming mad I wanted to hurt whoever was in front of me but I couldn't because she was my Mother.

I can't hurt her, she is my mother at all.

"I'm sorry Mateo, but this is the right thing to do" I'm more annoyed by what she said, but I have to remind myself multiple times that she is my mother.

Someone is blocking my Investigation I know it's mom. but I didn't say something about it after 2 years I stopped looking for her but when 3 years passed I started looking for her again.

I know where she is now, she is staying here in the States with my mom's friend, Francisco's mother.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw her with a kid at the airport, A child. With another man. A pang, sharp and piercing, ripped through my chest.

I'm willing to be a father, willing akong akuin ang anak nang iba mapa-sa akin lang siya at ang bata.

I wasn't sure if it was because of Luliana, because of Kyle, or because of some strange twist in my own heart. But I wanted to bee a father. I wanted a chance to be a good man. I was willing to give up everything for this. Even if it meant accepting a child who wasn't biologically mine.

~~~

I don't know why I am here in the park with Alicia. I don't know I agreed to come to the park.

Maybe she wanted to spend some time with her 'favorite cousin' and I couldn't bear to say no.

"Can you please at least lower down your voice!" I was annoyed said but she rolled her eyes.

I was busy contacting someone when I felt cold something in my pants and there was juice in my pants.

"The hell!" I shouted in awe and looked at the kid who spilled his juice.

And there he is looking at me innocently.

"Hey, kid, aren't you going to say sorry?" I asked, my voice dry and clipped. The kid, no maybe six years old or up, stared at me with wide, innocent eyes. There was something strangely familiar about his features, a spark of recognition I couldn't quite place.

"Sorry po hindi ko sinasadya, but ang gwapo mo po" I arched a brow, I know that I'm handsome there's no need to say it. He is so honest.

His mom raised him well, he is so honest.

"Kid, I don't have time for this. Look at what you did," I snapped, the words coming out harsher than I intended. My gut twisted. I hated how easily I snapped at children, a remnant of the hard, calloused exterior I'd built around myself. I needed to be a better man, a better father.

"I said sorry na nga po, e." he fired back, ikinasalubong nang kilay ko.

"Why are you talking to me like that? I am older than you." I calmly said even smiling a little, naiinis na ako.

"I don't care, I said sorry na nga, e. Binabawi ko na sinabi ko ang pangit mo!" he suddenly shouted which made me a shock, He turned back and walked away. but he faced me and walked again near me, I was surprised when he smiled a bit.

"Hindi ka po pala pangit, I noticed may pagka hawig po tayo," he said and ran I was about to call him, but Alicia called me, I stared at the kid who was talking with his nanny, I guess? and noticed some familiar features. I don't know who it was.

"Kuya, let's go" Alicia shouted, I once again looked at the kid and walked near Alicia who was holding her camera and laughing.

"Seriously? nakikipag away ka sa bata?" she laughs harder.

"Whatever let's go." I said and left her behind.

"That kid is familiar and when you look at him, medjo may pagka hawig kayo, do you have a long-lost brother?" She said as she nodded.

I know that I can't stop thinking about that kid. May kapatid ba akong nawala?

"Mom," I called Mom when she was about to go upstairs she looked at me waiting for what I will say, "Do I have a long lost brother?" She looked confused when I asked that.

"And why is that? You're my only son where the hell did you get that?!" She said, arching a brow.

"It's nothing, I'm just curious," I said she looked at me weirdly at the end nodded, and bid her byes.

My private investigator said I have a son and he was kidnapped by Chatalina my fucking bitch ex-best friend.

The boy I fought with was my son. The realization slammed into me with the force of freight train. My son. Kidnapped by Chatalina. How could I have been so blind.

"I regret loving you! Nagsisi akong minahal kita at nagpa luko ako sa'yo!" My whole body went numb at Luliana's shout. It felt like I was being stabbed repeatedly in the chest. It hurt so much. I didn't expect that. I was just frozen, unable to believe what I heard.

I'm fucking jealous of Francisco he is with them to take care of them while, I know nothing about my son, anger and jealousy rushed in my veins...

"This is all your fault! Because of you, Mommy is in the hospital!" My son's voice, usually filled with a youthful exuberance, was now laced with anger, a raw, unfiltered rage that pierced through my heart. He stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him, the sound echoing through the silent house.

I couldn't think straight. The events of the past few hours, the chaos, the violence, the fear, had left me reeling. Luliana, my wife, the woman I loved more than life itself, was in a coma, a victim of a senseless attack. My son, my precious boy, was blaming me, his anger a tangible force that threatened to consume me.

The guilt gnawed at me, sharp and relentless. How could I have been so stupid? So reckless? I was a monster, a ruthless killer who had taken everything from my son, everything from Luliana.

I'd lost my son's trust. I'd nearly lost Luliana. What kind of man was I?

I sank onto the couch, my body heavy with despair. The weight of my actions, the consequences of my choices, pressed down on me, a crushing burden I couldn't escape. I was a failure, a monster, a man who had destroyed everything he loved.

I was kneeling in the small chapel, praying and begging the Almighty to bring back her strength and make her strong.

The musty air of the small chapel was thick with the scent of incense and faded flowers. I knelt on the worn stone floor, my heart pounding in my chest like a trapped bird. The weight o my sins pressed down on me, crushing me under the enormity of what I'd done.

"Hey. Bro. I don't usually pray but at least hear me out, can you do me a favor?" I murmured in a low tone, my voice choked with emotion, tears blurring my vision. I knelt before the statue, my hands clasped tightly, my heart filled with a desperate hope. "Please guide Luliana. I am willing to pray to you every day for her safety, make her live long, and don't take her away from me and our son, our family. I can't lose her, we can't lose her. I know I have a lot of sins, but this is my one favor, just one favor, make her, them safe. Hayaan mo na lang ako, but please make them safe. Guide her, guide Luliana. Bring her back to me. Please. I can't lose her."

My words were a torrent of emotion, a desperate plea to a higher power. The statue stood silent, its gaze unreadable, yet I felt a flicker of hope, a glimmer of something I couldn't explain.

"Please, God," I whispered, my voice trembling with the weight of my despair. "Take care of my Luliana and Kyle. Let her live long and healthy. I'll do anything, I'll give you everything I have, just let her be well again."

I closed my eyes, letting the tears fall freely, each drop a testament to the depth of my love, the fear of losing her. I clung to the belief that somewhere, somehow, there was a force greater than myself, a force that could intervene, a force that could heal.

I closed my eyes, picturing Luliana's smiling face, her warm touch, the sound of her laughter. The pain in my chest eased slightly, replaced by a fragile hope. I knew that God was merciful, that he had a plan for everyone. Maybe, just maybe, Luliana was part of that plan, and her life was meant to continue.

I spent hours in the chapel, praying and reflecting. When I finally rose to my feet, My body stiff from kneeling, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't experienced in weeks.

I knew that I couldn't control Luliana's fate, but he had placed his trust in something greater than himself.

"You're useless, Javier. Now your son hates you," Fernan sneered, his voice dripping with malice. He leaned back in his chair, a smug smile plastered across his face, a cruel mockery of my pain. My jaw clenched, my fists balling up, the rage simmering within me threatening to erupt.

"Fernan, you asshole!" I roared, the word a guttural growl that tore through the silence. I lunged at him, my foot connecting with his jaw, sending him sprawling back in his chair. I pulled my gun, my hand shaking with fury, and fired. The bullet connected with his knee, a sharp crack echoing through the room. He howled in pain, his face contorted in agony.

Fernan's face reddened, his eyes blazing with fury. He reached for the gun in his pocket, his movements a blur of desperation. He fired, the bullet slamming into my shoulder, a searing pain that ripped through my body. I groaned, my hand flying to the wound, my breath caught in my throat. Damn, this bastard.

I pulled my gun and hit him it shot him in the chest and stomach, and head. tumalsik ang dugo niya sa mukha ko.

Iniwan ko ang organisasyon, tinapos ko lahat ng laban sa tatlong taon na iyon para sa mag ina ko, I also talked to Grace's Mother and apologize for what I did, I will wait for my son Kyle and Grace's forgiveness.

"Shot me please, Francisco. Shot me please." I plead to Francisco kneeling in front of him, "I can't bear seeing them h-hurt because of me." I said crying pointing the gun at me.

I felt a batok on my head, "Lower the fucking gun, Mateo!" Francisco exclaimed. "Gago ka ba?! Why would you fucking kill yourself?! Luliana needs you and your son for fucks sake! Paano ka makakabawi kung papatayin mo sarili mo?!" He said angrily.

I'm on my way to go the hospital because it's Kyle's birthday we will celebrate it in the hospital like we did when he was 5 and 7 he doesn't like to celebrate his birthday actually because his mother is still in come.

Nanay Lori forced him to celebrate his birthday, when Nanay Lori called nag ayos kaagad kami upang salubungin sila

When the door finally opened, we shouted.

"Happy Birthday!" we shouted like there was no tomorrow.

But he only smiles and He walks closer to Grace.

"Hindi ka pa ba gigising Mommy? it's my birthday again, and you are still here tulog pa rin. I miss you, Mom, please wake up," he then cried I bowed my head because I couldn't afford this seeing my son hurting, nanay Lori came closer to him and caressed his back.

This is all my fault, hindi ko siya naprotektahan, hindi ko sila naprotektahan.

Napaangat ang ulo ko when my son shouts loudly.

"Mommy!" Kyle shouted.

I was shocked when I saw her eyes open, but I noticed that she couldn't move her body, perhaps, it was because of the coma and her body became dumb.

Nanay Lori pressed the emergency button.

The nurses want us to go outside but want to stay to know what's happening.

"Mommy we are here completely!" Kyle shouted while smiling, and my lips slowly formed a smile.

I tried multiple times para maka usap si Grace but Kyle kept pushing me, of course, it hurt me as hell.

Luliana was finally home we surprised her, but I was stunned and looking like a stupid man like there were no other people all my attention was on her. lovely.

My heart was beating fast when she stopped in front of me and looked like thinking if she would hug me too like others or not. Hug me, baby, please.

When she hugged me I wanted to cry like a baby, so I hugged her back.

"Welcome back" I whispered.

I want to say I love you but I can't.

"Thank you" she whispers back.

I want to punch two men today, but my baby Luliana might get mad at Jake and Francis I have to remind myself multiple times that they are Luliana's friends of course Francisco is my friend too.

We talked about us even though there's no between us, I'm asking for a second chance I want to court her, I want to prove myself.

The best gift that I received is Luliana gave me a second chance I will never waste that chance.

"Just one chance, Mateo," she said which made my eyes grow bigger. The words hung in the air between us, a whisper of hope, a promise of a future. My eyes widened, my heart pounding. I couldn't believe it. This incredible woman, this beautiful, kind soul was giving me a second chance. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I knew, with a certainty that shook me to my core, that I would never let her down again.

I can't believe I have to slap myself multiple times so I can prove to myself that I am not dreaming.

The day has come, kami na ni Luliana, Kyle forgives me, and I was crying because of Happiness.

"Iba smile mo ngayon, Kuya Mateo, hulog na hulog ah" Alicia teased, instead of feeling annoyed I just smiled at her.

I love Luliana she forgave her father and Brother that fast the day she forgave them I proposed to her.

Before we go to prisinto I went there first for their permission, para hingiin ang kamay ng kanilang prinsesa.

"Hindi ba ikaw yung kasama ni Grace nung nakaraan at ikaw rin yung bumugbog sa akin?" Grace's Father I nodded and smiled a little while nervous, paano ka pag hindi nila ako payagan pakasalan si Luliana, I might cry here.

I cleared my throat before I spoke, I already practiced many times how to speak straight Tagalog.

"Opo, ako po ay nandito para po hinginiin ang permiso niyo po and sorry po sa pambububog ko sainyo" I speak with confidence, I don't even know if what I said was right.

"Pakakasalan mo ang kapatid ko?" Kuya Anghel said. I nodded.

"Opo, naga plan po akong e marry si Luliana" I nervously said. he smiled and his Dad.

"Ikaw ba 'y sigurado sa anak ko? at hindi mo siya sasaktan?" Even though I didn't understand a little of what he said I still nodded and smiled.

"I am po, since then... I wanted to marry her, I will give her my all, I would never hurt her po if I did kill me, sir," I said he smiled.

"Sige payag ako kahit binugbog mo ako, ang sakin lang mahalin mo ng buo at tunay ang anak ko 'wag mo siyang sasaktan dahil nasaktan namin siya ng lubos" he said with teary eyes.

Kuya Anghel tapped my shoulder.

"Alagaan mo kapatid ko, ako makakalaban mo kapag sinaktan mo siya," he said because of happiness I hugged him also Tatay.

After months of relentless effort, I managed to get them out of prison. It wasn't easy. I had to navigate a labyrinth of legal loopholes, bribe the right people, and even make a few sacrifices. But I was determined. I wanted them there, by my side, on my wedding day.

The day finally arrived. The sun was shining, the air was filled with the scent of flowers, and the church was adorned with white lilies, Luliana's favorite. I stood at the altar, my heart pounding with anticipation, my eyes searching for her.

And then I saw her, her eyes shining with a newfound strength and determination. She was walking down the aisle, her hand in her father's, her mother beside her, a smile gracing her lips, a smile that mirrored the joy in my heart.

She was beautiful, even more beautiful than I remembered. And as she reached the altar, I whispered a silent prayer of gratitude. I was a lucky man.

Nasa mag kabilang braso niya si Mama Lori At si Papa Arthor, Kuya Anghel is beside me also Francis I don't know why Francisco is my best man.

"You're crying like a gorilla" pang aasar ni Francisco I heard Kuya Anghel's laugh, tinignan ko lang ang dalawa ng masama hindi din iyun nag tagal dahil papalapit na si Luliana ko sa pwesto ko.

Nang tuluyan siyang maka-lapit, hindi ko mapigilan mapa hikbi, I know I am too maangas to cry but si Luliana na ito, my baby, my wife.

"Take care of her, please don't break her heart. Don't make her cry... Ingatan mo ang anak ko ha?" ani ni Mama Lori tumango ako dito at binaling ang atensyon kay Papa.

"Mahalin mo ang princesa namin, alam kong may kasalanan kami sakaniya... kahit iyon lang mahalin mo siya at huwag mo siyang sasaktan, kung may pagtatalo man kayo kesa sa saktan mo siya... Ibalik mo siya saamin..." he said sobbing "Ibalik mo siya sa akin kung mag away kayo pauwiin mo siya sa akin nang walang pasa, iuwi mo siya sa akin huwag mo lang siyang sasaktan." There were tears in my eyes, but I still nodded.

The ceremony went on smoothly, Mayroong veil but I can see her crying... cute.

"You may now kiss your bride" the priest announced.

I gently lifted her veil, the delicate lace falling away to reveal her face, illuminated by the soft glow of the candles. Her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, were now filled with an emotion I couldn't quite name, a mix of joy, relief, and a hint of something deeper, something that made my heart ache with a tenderness I hadn't known before.

I leaned in, my lips meeting hers in a soft, tender kiss. The world faded away, leaving only the warmth of her touch, the sweet scent of her perfume, and the overwhelming feeling of love that consumed me.

"I love you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. I brushed away a stray tear that had rolled down her cheek, my thumb tracing the delicate curve of her jawline.

"Mahal kita, mahal na mahal kita," she whispered back, her voice choked with tears, her eyes shining with love. She kissed me again, her lips lingering on mine, a promise of forever.

I kissed her once more, a kiss filled with a lifetime of promises. I would love her, protect her, cherish her, until my dying breath. She was the girl I would love until I died. And in that moment, as we stood at the altar, surrounded by the love of our families, I knew that our love story was just beginning.

We, Mateo Javier Montevallo and Luliana Grace Cartier-Montevallo, saying goodbye to everyone. This is the end of our story.