Steffanie was now riding a cab away from the restaurant. Her heart was so sad for her best friend. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang bikig sa lalamunan niya.
"Ma'am, ito po." Nag-abot ang taxi driver sa kanya ng tissue.
She didn't know what to do. After the dance, nagpaalam na siya kay Tristan. She didn't want to inflict more pain to him. She knew he just wanted to be left alone for now, so that was what she did.
Her phone suddenly rang. It was her Kuya Michael Angelo.
"Hello, Kuya?" Sisinghot-singhot niyang sinagot ang telepono.
"Where are you?" may bahid ng pag-aalala sa boses nito.
"I am somewhere near Ciara Avenue, bakit kuya?"
"Take the family private jet, pumunta ka kaagad sa Sutherland. Kylie is missing!"
"What?" napasigaw na siya.
"Kanina pa namin siya hinahanap but she's nowhere in sight."
"We need to find her, kuya!" her heart suddenly took a turn. Kinakabahan na siya. Ano ang nangyari sa kanyang anak?
"Yes. That's why we need you here!"
"Was she kidnapped?"
"Not sure, the CCTV showed na pumislit palabas si Kylie ng estate. Then witness said that she got on a car sa labas. Damn it! I'm sorry, Steff."
Her mind was suddenly distressed. Paano kung may mangyaring masama sa kanyang anak. Ano na lang ang gagawin niya? Hindi niya mapapatawad ang kanyang sarili. Naging pabaya siya.
Oh my god. Anong gagawin niya? She needed to ask help. Kailangan niyang matagpuan agad ang kanyang anak. But who? Ayaw naman niyang guluhin pa si Tristan.
She suddenly thought of someone.
"Manong, sa Arondight Palace tayo." She said.
Gareth and Steff flew together in Sutherland using his own personal jet. When Steff said what happened to Kylie, he went berserk. Whoever took her daughter will pay with their blood. Itaga nila yan sa bato. No one messes with his family and get away with it.
It was just a thirty minute ride but it seemed forever. Mahalaga ang bawat na segundong lumilipas. Her daughter might be in the hands of a pedophile. Fuck!
Nagngangalit na ang ngipin niya sa sobrang galit. His blood was boiling to the core. His mind was already full of murder.
Tang Ina! Ni isang buhok lang ng anak niya ang malagas, sisisguraduhin niyang sa impiyerno ang kahihinatnan ng mga taong iyon.
He was at his dangerous now.
Tinawagan na niya ang kanyang mga kapatid. Halaena, Ares and Juno were sending their forces to assist them.
Natuon ang kanyang pansin kay Steffanie na kasalukuyang humagahulhol sa kanyang tabi. She was sobbing non-stop.
He wanted to console her, but he didn't know how. He just enclosed her in a tight embrace.
"Gareth, what if hindi na natin siya makita?" her voice was full of distress.
"Don't say that, sweetheart. I am sure na matatagpuan natin ang ating anak." But even he doubted his own words.
She held his hand tightly, waring sa kanya ito kumukuha ng lakas.
He looked in her eyes. It was full of worry and anxiety.
"Please, Gareth. Hindi ko makakaya kung mawawala ang anak natin. She's my life." She started crying once more. Parang dinudurog ang puso niya sa bawat paghikbing pinapakawalan nito.
Naninikp na rin ang kanyang dibdib. He didn't want to see her this way. She seemed so helpless and weak.
"Be strong, sweetheart. Our daughter needs you after this. So be strong. Naiintindihan mo ba?"
She just nodded.
Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas bago sila tuluyang nakarating sa estate ng Duke of Sutherland. They successfully landed on their helipad at the rooftop.
Naroon ang ama at ang kaptid ng dalaga. Steffanie immediately went to meet her brother.
"Kuya anong nangyari?" hindi pa rin nawawala ang pag-aalala sa tinig nito.
"I'm sorry, little princess. I am sorry." Nanginginig na rin ang boses nito.
"Huwag kang mag-alala anak, mahahanap din natin si Kylie. I'll do anything in my power just to find her." Nahahapo na mukha ng ama nito. He seemed to have aged a decade. Puno na rin ito ng pag-aalala.
"I brought Gareth here with me, Dad, Kuya. I know he can help. Wala na akong ibang malapitan pa." she said in her crackling voice.
Pinasadahan siya ng tingin ng ama at kapatid dito. Their eyes mirrored an air of disapproval and he cannot blame them, he was an asshole for hurting their little princess, for hurting Steff. Tanggap na niya iyon. If they would punch him right on his face, he would whole-heartedly accept it. Kulang pa nga ito sa dami ng kanyang kasalanan kay Steffanie at kay Kylie.
The thought of his missing daughter had brought immeasurable pain in his heart. He hated what was happening. Kung kaya nga lamang niyang pagpapalitin ang sitwasyon nila ng anak, he would gladly do it without any hesitations.
He hated to see how devastated Steff was. It made him curse himself more and more. Ito na nga yata ang karma sa kanyang mga kasalanan. This was the payback for his sins. But may the Lord have mercy on him, siya na lamang sana ang parusahan. Huwag na si Steff at ang walang muwang niyang anak. Walang kinalaman ang mga ito. It was him who did all of those things.
"Good evening, your highness. I know this is not an appropriate time, but welcome to the Sutherland Estate," wika ni Michael Angelo. But his tone of voice was less than welcoming.
"Thank you," may kung anong bikig pa rin sa kanyang lalamunan.
Both men lead them in their receiving area where they met some members of the police. Ilang sandali na lamang ay darating na ang mga tauhan ng kanyang mga kapatid.
Gagawin niya talaga ang lahat para lamang makuha at maibalik ang anak. Sinusumpa niya iyon.
He was now seething with anger and vengeance. He needed Steff by his side. No matter how tough he may be, alam niyang hindi niya kakayanin itong mag-isa. He needed her. Her presence brought comfort and assurance to him. And they needed to be there for each other, to face this together for Kylie.
Steffanie was on the brink of destruction. She was definitely trembling inside. Hindi na siya makapag-isip nang maayos. All she could think of was her daughter.
Kylie! Kylie! Kylie! Her mind was shouting her daughter's name but her mouth was shut. She cannot find her voice. Animo'y nalunok niya ang kanyang dila. She was very afraid for Kylie.
Kung ano-ano na ang pumapasok sa kanyang isipan. What if hindi nila pinakain ang anak niya? She could imagine her daughter calling for her, asking for her. What if sinasaktan na ang anak niya ngayong mga panahong ito? Oh!? Her mind cannot take it anymore.
These thoughts were not helping her. Lalo lamang nito siyang pinakakaba. It just fed her paranoia. Lalo tuloy siyang kinakabahan.
Iginala niya ang paningin sa paligid. Several police officers were there, including one of Gareth's Brother, Prince Ares. Naroroon din ang kanyang kapatid at ama. They were all serious to find Kylie. Maging siya ay gusto rin sanang sumama sa mga ito. But she can't. Alam niyang makagugulo lamang siya sa mga ito.
Kasalukuyang nagmemeeting ang mga ito sa mga posibleng nangyari. She remained seated. Her mind was on their conversation, trying to accept one gruesome fact over the other.
"So you mean to say that she's gone without a trace?! That's bullshit!" Sigaw ni Gareth.
"Your highness, wala pong CCTV na recorded sa mga lugar na dinaan nila," paliwanag ng isang police officer.
"But that's impossible! all of the streets here are covered by CCTV. Paanong walang recording?" it was Michael Angelo.
"Your Grace, I'm sorry. Wala po talaga kaming makita. All of the CCTV during that time blacked out."
Nagkatinginan ang lahat.
"This was carefully planned out." Ares dangerously said.
Napapikit siya sa narinig. Every bit of those words echoed right through her head. She began to sob. Anon ang mangyayari sa kanyang anak? It was her fault. Isa siyang pabayang ina.
"Contact the Ministry of Science, baka may mga satellite footage sila sa naganap." Gareth requested.
Para siyang nauupos na kandila. A part of her died for each passing second.
Hindi na niya makikita ang anak. Kylie was gone forever.
The tears began to flow. The volume of her sobs increased. Hindi na niya makontrol ang damdamin.
Nagsimula nang manikip ang kanyang dibdib. She suddenly found it very difficult to breath. Shadows of fear doubt were now moving inside her shattered being.
"Kylie!" She began to shout. Her mind was completely blank. Her tears were drowning her. The pain in her heart was overwhelming. She didn't know what to do.
All she could hear was her voice, crying out for help, asking for her!
"Kylie Margareth!"
Hysteria now consumed her.
Wala na siyang pakialam sa nangyayari sa kanyang paligid. She just wanted to see her daughter!
Gareth's heart was writhing in pain when he saw what was happening to Steff. Agad niya itong pinuntahan. She was hyperventilating. Nagsisigaw ito.
He held her in his arms. "Steff, sweetheart? Can you hear me?!"
Nagpatuloy pa rin ito sa pagsisigaw. She was in complete hysteria.
Her breathing became coarser. Doon na siya naalarma. She's having a panic attack.
"Sweetheart, listen to my voice... Listen to me..." he commanded.
But she just ignored him.
Nakapaligid na sa kanila ang mga tao.
He didn't know what to do and he hated himself for that. He's a freaking doctor! He should know what to do. But his mind was blank. He cannot think straight. All he could think about was his daughter. But he had to pull himself together.
Huminga siya ng malalim. Hinigpitan niya ang yakap dito. Iniharap niya and dalaga. She was still sobbing, her eyes closed.
She was about to shout again, but he caught her scream with a kiss. He gently seized her lips. He then began to move his lips against hers. She immediately calmed down. For about a second, they just remained that way. But her lips began to entice him. It moved against his, inviting him to join her. And he was lost in his hunger and desire for her. He would never get tired of kissing her. Her taste intoxicated him. She was indeed an angel, a beauty to behold.
Her hands began to snake his nape, she was kissing him just as hungrily as he was.
Isang pagtikhim ang nagpatigil sa kanilang dalawa. He watched as Steffanie opened her eyes just to close it again. Nasa kanilang dalawa kasi nakatuon ang tingin nang lahat nasa silid. But he didn't care a bit. They could think of anything they wanted, basta ang mahalaga sa kanya ay ang kalagayan ni Steff.
"You're highness, I think you should bring Steffanie to her room," Steffanie's father said to him.
He knew what that meant. Agad naman niyang binuhat ang dalaga. It was not hard to do. She's light as a feather. Her arms were hooked on his neck, clinging tightly for support.
"Gareth, I can walk." She silently said.
"Shh... Ako na ang bahala sa 'yo. Just stay here in my arms, sweetheart. Stay here."
Having her this close to him sent his libido to the roof. Napalunok siya. Her overwhelming scent brought out the beast in him. He suddenly wanted to assault her, to embed himself inside her tight entrance. But he behaved himself. It was not the time to be selfish and to be consumed by his desires. Nasa peligro ang kanilang anak at kailangan nilang mabawi si Kylie.
Itinuro sa kanya ng mga katiwala ang silid ng dalaga. It was in the right wing of this huge mansion.
Inihiga niya ito sa kama. She looked so tired and weak as she lay on her bed.
"Gareth. Our daughter..." she said.
Naupo siya sa tabi nito. Their eyes met. Parang pinipiga ang puso niya sa nakita. Her eyes emanated everything. She was suffering inside. She was in pain. And he felt useless. Because no matter how much he wanted to take all of her sorrows away, he knew he can't. Alam niyang isa rin siya sa dahilan ng kalungkutang ito.
Maya-maya pa'y ilang mga luha na naman ang sumungaw mula sa mga mata nito.
Hindi na niya napigilan pa ang sarili. He took her inside his arms. She just sobbed in his chest. Kasabay nang pag-iyak nito ay ang paghihirap ng kanyang damdamin.
"Shhh... Don't cry anymore, sweetheart. Kylie needs us. Be strong." He said while kissing her head.
He inhaled her sweet scent. She smelled so sweet and so feminine. Lalo niyang hinigpitan ang pagyakap dito. He had missed her so much. He wanted to kiss her, he wanted to make her feel how much he loved her. He wanted her to be his side. But again, he chastised himself. Steffanie was vulnerable and he should not take advantage of this.
"She really looks like you, sweetheart." He said while remembering the beautiful face of their baby.
"But she has my chin," he added.
He heard her chuckle. Unti-unti siyang kumawala mula sa pagkakayakap sa kanya. Ayaw pa niya sana itong bitiwan pero hinayaan lamang niya ito.
"And she has your eyes, too." She was now sitting on the bed. They were so near yet the distance between them spanned miles.
Napalunok siya. Her eyes mirrored desire and longing. And he knew it was for him, all for him. Muli na namang sumalakay ang guilt sa kanyang puso. He didn't deserve her love not any of it. Even a single bit of it.
"Steff... I am sorry." He silently said. But he meant every word.
"I was an ass. A fool. I hurt you deliberately because of my fucking pride." Hindi na siya makatingin ng tuwid dito. He was ashamed of his past action. If he just listened to her back then. If he just trusted her. Hindi sana magkakaganito ang lahat.
He was the lowliest of the low. He clenched his fist. He was angry at himself.
"I was an insufferable jerk. Believe me, sweetheart, pinagsisihan ko na ang mga kagaguhang pinaggagawa ko sa iyo noon. It's my fault. I'm sorry. Hindi mo alam kung gaano—"
She put a finger on his lips, stopping his words from further coming out.
"I already know..."
Napatingin siya rito. Her blue eyes said it all. She understood him. She forgave him.
He closed his eyes as emotions overwhelmed him. Steffanie had selflessly forgiven him. She loved him so much that she could easily throw away what he did in the past. She had a good heart. She's a good a person.
One realization struck him. She didn't deserve him. She gave her overwhelming love to him, but he treated her like shit. He didn't deserve her love, not anything from her.
Namalagi ang katahimikan sa kanilang dalawa.
"Sleep now, sweetheart."
"But what about Kylie?" the distress in her voice was still there.
"You need to rest. You need to be in full shape for our daughter."
Tumango na lamang ito sa kanya. He just sat there, watching her sleep, carefully studying her beautiful face. He wanted to embrace her, to envelop her in the warmth of his embrace. But didn't dare to do it. He must leave her alone. Because right now, he felt that this was the only thing he deserved to do.
Gareth had been watching Steff sleep for about three hours now. She was indeed a beauty to behold and her heart, too, was just as beautiful.
Muli na namang nilukob ng panghihinayang ang kanyang puso. How could he do that to her? How could he let her go? Napailing siya. He didn't let go of her. He forcefully threw her out of his life – both she and Kylie.
He was confused for days now. Hindi nioya alam kung ano ba ang dapat niyang gawin. He wanted them to be in his life. God knows he do. But still, the decision was now in the hands of this beautiful lady. For the first time in his life, he was not in-control of what's happening to him. All because of his tremendous pride, he will lose the people who truly mattered to him.
A simple knock brought him back to reality. Sumungaw sa pinto ang kanyang Chevalier.
"Your highness, they already made contact," mahinang pananalita nito.
Without any second thoughts, he went down to meet with everyone.
Kasalukuyang nasa cellphone nito si Michael Angelo.
"Kylie wanted to talk to him," Sir Clarence said to him.
"Where are you baby? Are you alright? How are they treating you?" puno ng pag-aalala ang tinig ni Michael Angelo.
He felt a juice of bitter taste ran through his tongue. He should be the one talking to her daughter. He is her father!
But he held his tongue. He was never a father to Kylie. For her, he was nothing but a stranger. He didn't have any rights over her. Itinanggi nya ito nang ipinagbubuntis pa lamang ni Steff ang anak nila.
He made a sigh. Simula nang malaman niya ang katotohanan, bawat minutong lumipas ay pinagsisihan niya ang ginawa niya sa kanyang mag-ina.
He was a poor excuse of a person. He didn't deserve them and they didn't him.
"Oh shit!!!" sigaw ni Michael Angelo.
"Bakit?" he was immediately worried. May nangyari bang masama sa anak niya?
"Someone cut off the line. She was about to tell me something, but I heard a voice from the background. Tapos bigla na lamang siyang nawala!"
Napaigtad siya sa narinig. The venom of his words was spreading in his veins like a wildfire. He was ready to do anything for her daughter. Worst comes to worst, he's ready to use all of his power to deploy a whole fleet of Pendragon's Army.
"Did you locate her?" he asked one of Ares's people.
"No worries, brother. Our satellite was able to track the signal. Naghihintay na lang tayo ng feedback. Once we get it, we'll do a rescue operation."
Nanginginig na ang kanyang kalamnan. Fuck! Once they caught those people behind Kylie's kidnapping. He'll definitely torture them. Babalatan niya ito ng buhay saka ibabaon sa mga niyebe ng Asphodel.
"I've pinpointed their location!" sigaw ng isa sa mga tao ni Ares.
All of them looked at the man. They immediately crowded his station, looking eagerly at man's pinpointed location.
Napamura siya sa nakitang.
What the heck are they doing there? Of all places why there? And how the hell did those creeps get an access to that place. His mind was now operating non-stop, trying to figure out the logic behind this recent discovery.
"I'll be going with you." Pagpapahayag ni Michael Angelo.
"I'll be going as well..." He said.
"No, you're not," Michael Angelo said. His eyes mirrored disdain and hatred.
"I. WILL. GO." He stressed every syllable.
"Wow! Just wow! So you're playing a role of concerned father now, your highness? Where were you all these years? Nasaan ka noong nagbubuntis si Steff? Nasaan ka nang manganak siya?"
He began to approach him. Halos makasingtangkad lamang sila, but he didn't budge. Hindi niya ito uurungan.
"Where were you when she's teething? Where were you when she said her first word? Yeah, you're inside of your castle, nagpapasarap. Ain't that right, your highness?" he said the last two words in disgust.
What he did was true. He accepted it all. But he will not back down. Not in this fight. Not if this concerned his daughter.
"You're right. But I am still the father, flesh and blood. That makes Kylie Royal. You or me? I have all the right in the world to be concerned with my daughter. Right, Uncle?"
"You fucking son of a bitch! A father is beyond blood, you fool! How dare call yourself a father!'
It's all true. But still... he'll never forfeit his right. Not now, not ever!
"Tama na iyan kuya!"
Napalingon silang dalawa. It was Steffanie. She was standing right through the door.
"Let Gareth, go. Tama siya, he's still the father. And without him, we would not have found Kylie."
Napapapikit siya. Thankfully. Someone from above heard his plea.
"I'll go as well..." pahabol nito.
"No!" He automatically said.
"Just like you Gareth, I am also her parent. I want to see her safe just as much as you want."
"But, it could be dangerous, sweetheart." He said.
"I hate to admit it, but this asshole is right. It's too dangerous Steff."
Nanigkit ang mata niya kay Michael Angelo. Fuck! This man just called him an asshole. If it wasn't for Steff, kanina pa niya itong nasapak.
"No. I will not be a nuisance. I'll stay with the police. I just want to immediately see my daughter. I want to see Kylie."
And with her icy blue eyes pleading like crazy, who wouldn't be moved and mesmerized by it.
Steffanie was inside Gareth's sports car. They were now going to Kylie's location. Maging siya ay nagtataka. Of all places bakit doon pa sa lugar na iyon? It brought a lot of painful memories to her.
Agad silang lumipad patungong Camelot.
They coordinated with the Police and the Black Ops. She was really thankful of Gareth's presence. His influence had greatly helped them in this situation, without him, hindi niya alam ang gagawin kung paano hahanapin ang kanilang anak.
"Thank you, Gareth. Thank you for being here," she sincerely said.
Panandalian niya itong nilingon. He gave her his bedazzling smile.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you for letting me be here."
Finally, last night she was able to completely forget the past. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay ang kanilang anak. Now was definitely not the time to dwell in that. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay ang kaligtasan ng anak.
"But why that place?" she said. She focused her eyes on the driveway. The police were just on their tail.
"I have the same question, sweetheart."
Bumuntong hininga siya. She focused her visions in the view outside. Unti-unti nang sumusungaw ang liwanag sa lugar. It was daybreak already.
This had been the longest night in her life.
She immediately recognized the streets that they were driving through. Ilang taon na rin ang lumipas simula nang manggaling siya roon.
Ayaw man niyang gawin, but memories of the past started to haunt her. As she saw some familiar buildings, the thing that had happened between them and Gareth started to unfold.
Nagsimula na namang manikip ang dibdib niya. That fateful rainy night, that night when he decided to completely let her go. Her heart began to constrict as her mind dwell on every details of the past.
Then all of the sudden their car stopped. Nagsimula nang dumagundong ang kanyang dibdib. They were there.
Right now she was standing to the place she stood that fateful night. Naroroon sila ngayon sa harap ng condominium niya, hidden at plain sight. They were there to hide. Hindi nila gustong maalerto ang mga kidnapper.
But still, flashbacks immediately assaulted her. Tears began to form from her eyes as she recall what had happened one painful moment at a time.
Her seeing Gareth with another woman…
Her hearing the most dreadful word from his lips, he hated her…
Him denying their daughter…
Him throwing her out of her own home…
Him belittling what they have had…
Her being lost as the evening rain flow through her face…
She wanted to stop herself, but she can't. It hurts like hell. Every corner of that place reminded of of the biggest heartbreak that she had.
Dahan-dahan niyang pinunas ang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata. She needed to be strong. This is for Kylie. Alam niyang nasa loob lamang ito. And soon enough, they will rescue them.
Gareth suddenly pulled her closer to him.
"Hush, sweetheart. I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry." He said. His voice was full of pain as well. Alam niyang alam din nito ang tinatakbo ng isipan niya.
Hindi siya makapagsalita. Punong-puno ng kaba ang kanyang dibdib.
"I'm afraid, Gareth. I am afraid."
Iniharap nito ito sa kanya. He looked her in the eye.
"Don't be. We'll stand together for our daughter."
Somehow, the courage emanating from his amber eyes gave her courage.
She suddenly heard a phone ring. It was Gareth's. Agad naman nitong sinagot ang tawag. Nakakunot ang noo nito.
"What the fuck is this, about?!" he shouted.
Hindi niya marinig ang kausap nito. She just focused her attention to him.
"Fuck you! I'll tear you to pieces because of this!" The anger in his voice was very evident.
Binaba nito ang cellphone.
He immediately looked at her.
"Let's go inside. Kylie is safe."
Nagtataka niya itong tiningnan.
"Trust me."
He held her hand as they traverse the distance towards the building.
"We're coming in, Kylie's safe. I've sent you a text message, Ares," Gareth said over the phone before they enter.
Sigurado ba ito? What if armado ang mga kumidnap dito? What if sila naman ang gawing hostage ng mga ito.
But she trusted him, completely. Let their past be damned but her heart knew that she trusted him completely.
Gareth gritted his teeth as they enter the place. He couldn't believe any of this! When he received that call from that bastard, hindi niya alam kung matutuwa siya o maiinis. Damn it!
And speaking of the bastard, Tristan's face greet them upon entry to the lobby. Walang tao roon, tanging ito lamang at ang kanilang anak. Kylie was enjoying her breakfast while she gave them a surprised look.
"What took you so long?" tanong ng kapatid.
Fuck! And he had the nerve to ask?
Agad niyang dinaluhong ito. He aimed for his face but he missed by the inched. Damn it!
"Daddy, stop it!" he paused when he heard the sweet voice of their daughter.
He looked at her. She was looking straight in his eyes, her amber eyes met his own. And on that moment he understood. It was not Tristan who wanted this. It was her daughter.
His vision focused on Steffanie. She was weekly standing by the door. Her eyes were focus on Kylie.
"You made me worry, Kylie." Steffanie began to shed her tears.
Shit! He hated seeing her cry. Every drop of tears was like a dagger flying through his heart.
"I'm sorry, mommy." Kylie said.
Agad namang pinuntahan ito ni Steff. She enveloped their little angel in a tight embrace. Steff's actions were very candid. It showed how much she loved their child.
"Don't ever do that again, Kylie. Don't!" she said while crying.
He looked at his brother.
"And what game are you playing, Tristan?"
Nagkibit balikat ito. "Nothing. The little angel asked me for a favor, and I spoiled my niece."
Kumawala ang anak niya kay Steff. She immediately went to Tristan.
"It's not his fault. I just asked him a favor. Because I want mommy and daddy to be together again. I don't want seeing my mommy cry and I want to be with daddy."
It was her daughter's turn to cry. Kinarga ito ni Tristan.
"So it looks like the both of you need to really talk. Enjoy the place. I've rented the whole building for today. Let me and this little angel continue our breakfast date."
Silence beckoned the whole room.
"Hey! Ares's team! I'll treat you to breakfast. Let's leave these lovebirds alone for a while!" halos narinig pa niyang pahabol ni Tristan.
Hindi malaman ni Steffanie kung matutuwa ba siya o magagalit. Kylie was safe! She's well. Walang kahit na anong galos.
Nasapo niya ang kanyang mukha. Her daughter just pulled a prank to them! Napatawa na lang siya.
"It looks like everything's good now," she said.
Naupo sa tapat niya si Gareth.
"Yeah, goodness! She's indeed a Pendragon. Only a royal pain in the ass could pull of this charade."
And she couldn't agree more.
But after the storm had died down, they were now confronted with the issues of their past.
She suddenly looked at Gareth, to this man whom she loved and will always love. Natanggap na niya ang katotohanan. Just last night, his touch calmed her down. His kiss brought her to a deep realization, na ito lang ang lalaking pakamamahalin niya.
"Gareth," she called for him.
Tumingin ito sa kanya. It's now the time for them to talk.
"I've loved you so much... More than my own life. During that time, you're the only treasure that I have. I valued you with all of my heart." nagsimula nang bumangon ang mga saloobing matagal na niyang binaon sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso.
Umiwas ng tingin ito.
Hindi na niya napigilan pa ang kanyang mga luha. They were just falling non-stop.
"Do you know, Gareth? Once upon a time, I was just a dreamer. I want to explore the world. I want to see the stars. Heck... I just want to own a cat. That's just my dream. But one day, a dazzling Prince appeared to me, he taught me how to dream, he taught me how to love..." she was now sobbing non-stop. But still, she managed to smile. Those memories were her most treasured possession.
"He danced with me in a ball. He gave me hope that I could find my ever after..." words were now flowing non-stop.
"He even called me Cinderella... Quite ironic, really. But he made me happy. For the first time in my life, someone loved me for who I am. Minahal niya ako dahil ako ay ako."
Lumapit ito sa kanya. He now stood in front of her. He knelt down in front of her.
"I am sorry... So sorry, sweetheart. I am a fool for letting you go. I am a fool for hurting you." Mahina nitong sabi.
"No, Gareth... Don't say sorry anymore. I've already forgiven you," she said while she caressed his face. It seemed like a dream to her, to be this close once again to this man.
"I'd like to thank you. Salamat. Because for a small amount of time, you loved me. You loved an unwanted Cinderella. I am no princess, not even a noble. But that time, I felt your love for me. And that's the only thing that matters."
Hindi na niya alam kung ano ang mararamdaman niya. She's sobbing like crazy but her lips were smiling at same time.
"Please, sweetheart. Don't cry anymore." Pinahid nito ang mga nalalaglag na luha sa kanyang mga pisngi.
"You made me feel special, Gareth, and I love you so much..." hindi na niya kinaya pa. The overwhelming emotion in her heart was poured out.
He started to sob. This time he hid it with a sneer painted on his handsome face.
"Do you know, sweetheart. For a while I actually thought na bagay kayo ni Tristan. He's good for you. I know my brother well. And when I saw both of you at Arondight Palace, it made think to completely give you up."
She was shocked at what she saw. His tears were overflowing like hers. He hastily rubbed it off.
"Inisip ko noon. Tristan could make you smile, and me? All I did was bring you heartache. Ang sakit tanggapin na kailangang pakawalan mo na ang taong mahal mo. It pained like hell! But it's my fault. I hurt you so much that even I can't forgive myself."
"I forgive you... I forgive you..." I repeatedly said.
"I don't deserve your forgiveness. I don't deserve your love. Ang tanging alam ko lang na tama ay ang pakawalan ka..."
Namumula na ang mga mata nito sa luha.
"But fuck! Ang sakit dito..." tinuran nito ang kaliwang dibdib niya.
"So my selfish side said, why would I let you go? I love you first. And you love me first. So I pray for a chance. Beg as I may, I'll do anything for that slim chance."
Ngumiti ito.
"So now, sweetheart? This wretched asshole is now in front of you. Call me selfish, but I want to be with you, to be with Kylie? Will you still accept me in your life?"
This time, it was her turn to answer.
"Yes, Gareth! You are my prince, you are my happy ever after."
"Maraming salamat, Steff. My sweetheart, my princess, my queen."
"I've now forgiven you, Gareth. Completely. Now it's time to forgive yourself," she said.
Then with all of their surging emotions, they shared the sweetest kiss in their life, both taking time to savour everything because right now, everything in the world stopped. It was just the two of them inside their world. And she knew that she'll never let go of this man, ever.
Gareth was walking inside the Arondight Palace. He was given a new chance of life. Steff forgave him. He had received the greatest gift in his life. And now, it's time for him to set things right.
Tinahak niya ang daan patungo sa Throne Room. He will see His Majesty, the King. For the first time in his life, he found no hate in his heart. Not for the king. Not for his mother. Not for his brother. Not even for himself. He was completely free.
He talked to the Royal Secretary.
"Naririto ang Mahal na Prinsipe Gareth! Humihingi po siya ng pahintulot upang makausap ang mahal na Hari," the Royal Secretary shouted.
He waited for a few second.
"Papasukin ang mahal na Prinsipe!"
Bumukas ang malalaking dahon ng pinto. The throne room was still as grand as ever. The blue flag and emblem of Pendragon were beautifully laid out.
Dahan-dahan niyang tinahak ang daan patungo sa Hari. His father was seating in his throne like an omniscient King.
Lumuhod siya sa harap nito.
"Mahal na Hari." He said.
"Anong nagdala sa iyo dito?"
Napalunok siya bago nagsalita.
"I came here with a confession to make."
"At ano naman iyon?"
He started to tell everything that he knew from five years ago. His mother's scheme. Lancelot's desire to grab the crown. Wala siyang iniwang detalye.
"Kaya ngayon, aking Kamahalan. Naririto ang iyong abang lingkod. Lumuluhod ako sa inyong harapan, humihingi ng iyong kapatawaran. Naduwag akong harapin ang katotohanan. At dahil doon isang inosente ang nadamay. Tatanggapin ko po ang kahit na anong parusa. Kahit ano."
He thought of Arthur and Sofia. Pinalaki ni Sofia ang anak nila. Like Steff, she suffered so much because of him.
He started to bow down. Nakalapat na ang kanyang mga noo sa sahig.
If it were the him from before, he will never do that. His pride wouldn't let him. But he was now reborn.
He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Tumayo ka, anak."
Doon siya napatingin. The King was no longer in his throne. He was down in the pedestal with him.
He looked at his father's eye.
"Only those who have sinned will be punished. Remember that, son."
Napalunok siya. This was the first time that he heard his father acknowledge him as his son.
He felt a sting of tears in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, father. I'm sorry."
"Stop it. You are Prince of the Kingdom. Always held your head up high. You are my son. Don't you ever forget that."
Tumango-tango lang siya dito.
"All of you get out of here!" sigaw ng hari. Lahat namang nang naroroon ay nagsilabasan na.
Umupo silang pareho sa pinaka babang pedestal.
This was a scene that he never imagined. He and his father were just casually talking.
"I've read from a gossip magazine that you have a beautiful daughter? Is that true?"
Shit! The king reads that stuff? Hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala.
Tumango-tango lamang siya.
"She's beautiful, you should let her meet his grandfather soon." he said.
He was speechless.
"And I heard her mother was a beauty as well, I want to meet her also."
"Yes, father. I'll bring them here." He casually said.
"I may not have been a good father to you. But let me be one, starting now." He emotionally said.
"I, King Rupert Pendragon, absolve any possible punishment that may be inflicted to the Third Prince of the Kingdom, Prince Gareth Pendragon."
Nagulat siya sa sinabi nito.
"Go and live a happy life with your family," the King further said.
"Thank you, Father." And for the first time in twenty eight years, he hugged his father.
"I am proud of you, my son."
Those words by the King meant everything for him. Now, he's completely free of any burden. And there's only one thing that he needed to do.
"Your Majesty, I need one big favor." He said as he sketch his plan in his mind.
"Anything, son. Anything."