Xyrine Jean's POV
Montreal University
"Cuz, did you know that Monique's 20th birthday celebration is tomorrow?"
"I heard... somewhere."
"Gosh, did you know that every big-name business tycoon and politician in the country is going to be there!" she said in awe. "Monique is so lucky to have Mr. Montreal, huh? I even heard that she's finally getting legally recognized as a Montreal." She added.
Legalized? I nearly scoffed at the word.
"Ahh! I really want to go! There are rumors in Montreal that Mr. Montreal is going to make a huge announcement. Apparently, that's why Monique and her family stayed in America for three months."
I suddenly turned to her. "Will the 4Kings be there?" I asked, trying to confirm.
"Of course! Aren't their companies business partners with Mr. Montreal?"
I didn't know why, but an uneasy feeling crept up on me.
"By the way, speaking of the 4Kings, why does it seem like Spade hasn't been coming to school since he arrived?"
I froze at her question. "He's... handling something," I replied with a forced smile.
That was all I could say, even though I had no idea what the real answer was. Ever since that night he stayed at our house, we hadn't spoken. I wasn't sure if what was happening between us was right or wrong, but I refused to let fear get the best of me. Neither of us had given up yet, so I wouldn't either. I had to believe that everything would be okay.
Everything had to be okay.
We were still talking when I suddenly noticed a car pulling into the parking area. I wasn't entirely sure, but if I remembered correctly, that was Monique's car. My eyes stayed on it as the door opened and a man stepped out.
The moment I recognized who it was, I instinctively looked away.
"Cuz, why did Spade ride with Monique?"
I couldn't stop myself from looking at them again. I stared for a long moment, but the longer I did, the harder it became to breathe. I turned my back to them, as if that could shield me from the sting in my chest.
Why is he doing this to me?
He's killing me with this pain.
Without another word, I walked straight into our classroom. I sat by the window, staring blankly outside.
"Cousin, I don't know what's going on between you two, but there's nothing wrong with crying."
Crying? No. Never.
"Aren't you hurting because of what's happening?"
Hurting?
I looked at her, my gaze steady, before I finally opened my mouth to speak.
"I am hurting..." I let out a bitter smile. "So much."
MONIQUE 20TH BDAY CELEBRATION
I glanced at the 4Kings' usual spot in the cafeteria. It felt strange not seeing any of them there. They weren't around because today was Monique's 20th birthday celebration.
"Ugh! The whispers of the students are so annoying. It's all about Monique. 'I envy Monique' or 'Monique is so lucky.' Ugh, it's so irritating!" Ella grumbled in frustration.
I ignored her, not wanting to hear Monique's name.
"But seriously, I wonder what kind of party will happen later at the Montreal mansion? It must be so grand and extravagant! And I really want to know what they're going to announce. Ugh, it's so unfair! I wish we were all invited," she continued, but I paid her no mind.
I absentmindedly played with my fork on my plate when I suddenly received a text message.
From: *******
Come to the parking area. This is Spade.
The moment I read Spade's message, I rushed out of the cafeteria. Ella called after me, but I ignored her and ran straight to the parking area.
He's here? Does that mean he's not going to Monique's birthday celebration?
For some reason, the thought made me happy. But the moment I reached the parking area, disappointment hit me—Spade was nowhere to be found. I scanned the entire place, hoping to catch sight of him, but he was simply not there.
I kept looking around when I suddenly felt someone approaching. I smiled instantly and turned around.
"Spade!" I greeted cheerfully, but my smile vanished when I saw that it wasn't him.
"You need to come with us."
"Who are you? What do you—"
Before I could finish, a cloth was pressed over my mouth. My vision blurred, and everything faded to black.
Slowly, I opened my eyes despite the throbbing pain in my head. As I got up, I was startled to see a mirror in front of me. But it wasn't the mirror that shocked me—it was my reflection.
I stared at myself. I was now wearing an off-shoulder white dress, with light makeup on and my long hair neatly tied up.
Why do I look like this? When was I changed? And why didn't I even feel it?
I looked around the room I was in. As I took in each detail of my surroundings, my heart pounded wildly in my chest.
The wallpaper on the walls.
The ceiling.
The tiled floor.
The room's design.
The entire ambiance.
Trembling, I stepped out of the room. My heartbeat quickened even more as I entered the hallway.
The corridor.
The paintings.
The vases.
The chandeliers.
Everything was almost exactly the same.
Was I being haunted by my past, or was I trapped in a nightmare?
I froze when I reached the end of the hallway. From where I stood, I saw the grand staircase—the staircase that allowed you to see all the guests below.
Holding my breath, I looked down. Just like before—thirteen years ago—I stood at the top of the stairs, watching as the wealthy socialites, adorned in extravagant jewelry and designer clothes, laughed, bragged, and flaunted their businesses. They would bow their heads when they saw me, staring at me as if I were a priceless porcelain doll—because I was the daughter of the most revered man in business and politics.
Thirteen years had passed. And yet, here I was again, standing at the top, with everyone looking up at me. The only difference now was the way they stared.
Even though my body was trembling, I slowly descended the stairs. With each step, the pain I had buried for thirteen years came rushing back.
I stopped abruptly when I saw a familiar face not too far from me. My emotions were a tangled mess as I met his blank expression. I wanted to smile at him, but before I could, he looked away.
(NP: Play "Que Yang" by Rainie Yang from here.)
I was only two steps away from reaching the bottom of the staircase when I thought about stopping. But I couldn't. My feet were frozen in place. I kept my head lowered until I saw a hand extend toward me.
"Xyrine..."
Slowly, I lifted my head to see the person who spoke.
"Louren?"
Is this real? When did he come back? Why is he here? Why are they both here—him and Spade?
I was about to reach for his hand when my gaze shifted back to Spade. A sharp pain seared through my chest the moment I saw him just standing there, staring at me like I was a complete stranger. My heart clenched. I lowered my head and grasped Louren's hand instead.
As we walked, I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes in the room on us. The murmurs, the whispers—they all blurred into a dull hum in my ears. I needed answers.
"Louren, why are we here? Why did Spade look at me like that? Like he doesn't even know me?" My words tumbled out in a rush, my voice laced with confusion.
I flinched when Louren suddenly tightened his grip on my hand.
"Xyrine, I don't know why you're here. Of all people, you shouldn't be." His voice was low, yet the restrained anger in it was undeniable.
"I—what about you? Why are you here?"
His eyes held mine for a brief moment before he looked away, his expression unreadable.
"I won't let the girl I like face this battle alone."
I averted my gaze, his words striking something deep within me.
I stopped walking. My legs suddenly felt too weak to take another step. And then, as if on cue, the music started playing.
I instinctively pulled my hand away. "Louren, I'm sorry. I don't feel like dancing."
"Xyrine..." His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed something else—something heavy. "He's waiting."
The moment he said he, I already knew who he meant.
I didn't hesitate this time. I took Louren's hand once more, and together, we stepped toward the center of the room. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to turn back, to retreat before it was too late. It felt as if we were the only ones about to dance, isolated in a moment that wasn't ours to claim. And worst of all, an unshakable sense of dread settled in my chest—I feel like there's something bad was about to happen.
But there's no turning back now.
Once we were in the middle, I hesitated, confused. We were just standing there. I glanced at Louren, but he only smiled. A knowing, almost sad smile.
Then, a man stepped forward, extending his hand toward me.
The moment my eyes landed on him, a lump formed in my throat.
I stared at him, frozen. He was dressed in a pristine white tuxedo, his jet-black hair neatly styled again.
God, he looks so handsome. I wanted to say but words failed me.
I didn't need to think twice—I reached out, ready to take Spade's hand.
But before I could, Louren grasped my wrist.
"This will be the last time I step aside, Spade." His voice was firm, unwavering. "Do the right thing before it's too late. Because if you don't…" He exhaled sharply, his gaze piercing. "You will have nothing left to return to."
And with that, Louren let me go.
The moment Spade's hand clasped mine, I gasped. He didn't just take my hand—he pulled me into him, wrapping his arms around me in a tight embrace.
I felt his heart racing against mine, the warmth of his body pressing against me. My own heartbeat quickened, but before I could even react, his hold on me tightened.
Seconds passed. Then minutes. Finally, he spoke.
"Xyrine, you must be confused right now."
I squeezed my eyes shut. "So much..."
"I'm sorry." His voice was barely a whisper.
"I know everything feels like a mess right now, but promise me one thing," he said, his voice unsteady. He drew in a slow, shaky breath before continuing, "No matter what happens tonight, don't cry. No matter what I do, remember that I never wanted this. And no matter what fate has in store for us, hold on to one truth—you are the only woman I have ever loved, and the only one I will ever love, more than my own life."
My vision blurred as the weight of his words settled deep in my chest.
What... what does he mean?
"Before you came into my life, I didn't know how to dream. I never knew what it felt like to give everything just to reach for something I truly wanted. But when you came into my life, I learned how to dream—I was willing to do anything just to make that dream a reality." He paused, his voice faltering.
"A dream that now... feels impossible to reach," he said, his voice breaking.
I clenched my fists. My eyes burned, but I refused to let the tears fall.
"Believe me or not, I don't know how to live without you. Just the thought of never seeing you again is enough to drive me insane." His voice trembled as his grip on me tightened. "But tell me, Xyrine—what do I do? Tell me, because I don't know what else to do anymore..."
How can I tell him what to do when I don't even know myself?
My chest ached. I could feel his every breath, his every tremble. And then... I felt it.
A tear.
A single drop landed on my shoulder.
Then another. And another.
He's crying...
I wanted to see his face, to look into his eyes, but his arms held me still.
It's infuriating.
That feeling when you're on the verge of tears but don't even know why.
Minutes passed in silence, until at last, he spoke again.
"Xyrine..." His voice was barely above a whisper, yet it sent a chill down my spine. "It's time."
My stomach twisted painfully.
I wanted to ask—time for what?—but fear gripped my throat, rendering me silent. Terrified of the answer, I could only stare at him.
"Xyrine, listen." He took my hands in his, his grip firm, almost desperate.
"The moment I turn my back on you..."
He hesitated. His lips parted as if to say more, but the words never came.
And in that pause, my heart stopped with him.
I wanted to scream don't say it. I wanted to beg please, don't say it. But the words refused to come out.
His grip loosened.
"The moment I turn my back on you..." he inhaled deeply.
Don't.. please, don't say it.
"...we will no longer know each other."
And with that, I felt the steady stream of tears crawling down my cheeks.
He pulled away from our embrace, but I clung tightly to his sleeve.
"Please..." I whispered, gripping both sleeves as I buried my face against his chest.
I didn't care how many more tears I shed—as long as I could stop him from walking away.
"Xyrine, let me go."
"Spade, please... don't." My voice trembled, cracking under the weight of my emotions.
I held onto his sleeve even tighter, but he gently took my hands in his and pried them away.
"Spade, why are you doing this?" My voice was drowning in my own sobs.
"Xyrine..." he murmured.
"I love you... but this has to end."
All I could do was watch as he turned his back on me, stepping farther away while my tears continued to fall.
I nearly collapsed to the ground if not for the firm grip of someone catching my arm.
"Xyrine..."
I looked up and saw Louren, holding onto my arm, his gaze distant. Before we moved, I glanced one last time at Spade. My heart shattered further when I saw him speaking to someone—smiling as if nothing had happened.
I clung to Louren's arm as we walked to a nearby table. Once we sat down, he handed me a handkerchief. I stared at it before offering a weak, bitter smile, my tears still streaming down.
I watched my tears soak into the fabric when a sudden wave of nausea hit me.
"Xyrine..." his voice laced with concern.
"Louren, can you tell me… can you tell me what's happening? Because I'm getting frustrated with myself for being in so much pain without even knowing everything. Why is he doing this to me now?"
He took my hand, gripping it tightly. "Xyrine, I don't know what he told you, but believe it or not, he never wanted this. Even the way you were taken here—he had no idea."
I looked at him, my eyes filled with disbelief. "If he didn't want this, then why did he act like he didn't even know me? Why did he..." I trailed off.
"That after he turns his back, we will no longer know each other?"
Tears welled up again. "If he had no control over this, then why did he let me suffer like this?" My voice broke as all my emotions exploded like a volcano.
"I wasn't supposed to interfere, but I think you deserve to know the truth."
I looked at him again as my chest tightened.
"Everything that's happening now—the reason you're here, the reason Spade was forced to say all that—it's all because of Mr. Montreal."
I froze at what he said.
"Three months ago, he and Spade's father planned for Monique and Spade to go to America—to keep him away from you. At first, Spade tried to come back, but Mr. Montreal did everything to stop him. One of his tactics? Pressuring Spade's company. And all of it… was Monique's request."
"Mr. Montreal?" I echoed, barely aware of my own voice.
"Yes. The ruthless owner of Montreal University, the CEO and President of the Montreal Group of Companies—Mr. Xander Montreal."
I was stunned into silence. I didn't know how to feel. My mind went completely blank until a voice suddenly echoed from the stage.
"Good evening, everyone! May I have your attention, please."
The room quieted, all eyes turning toward the speaker.
"First of all, thank you all for joining us as we celebrate the 20th birthday of Monique Hernandez—the soon-to-be daughter of our esteemed CEO and President of the Montreal Group of Companies. Please join me in welcoming him with a round of applause!"
"Mr. Xander Montreal!"
From backstage, a man stepped out—the last person I ever wanted to see in my life.
It felt like my past had come to haunt me.
He was exactly the same. The way he stood, the way he carried himself, his expression—nothing had changed.
"Again, good evening, everyone. I'm grateful to have you all here tonight. Now, I know you're eager to hear my big announcement, so let's get to it!" He smiled, waving at the crowd.
"We all know that the Montreal Group of Companies is one of the greatest in Asia, just like the SY Group of Companies. Now, imagine—what if these two powerhouses joined forces? That's right! A new, unstoppable empire will rise!"
"And how will we make that happen? You guessed it—by uniting Mr. SY's son and my soon-to-be daughter in marriage! So, let's welcome our newly engaged couple—Mr. Spade Inigo Sy and Ms. Monique Hernandez, soon to be Monique Montreal!"
As they stepped onto the stage, my body moved on instinct—I turned away.
A crushing weight settled in my chest. It felt like a bucket of ice had been poured over me.
"Xyrine..."
"Please, don't follow me," I said to Louren without looking back.
As I walked away, my tears continued to fall uncontrollably. I started running because I couldn't bear to stay in the mansion any longer.
The Montreal mansion. The mansion where I was born, where I learned to speak. The mansion where my mother died. The mansion where I last lived before Uncle Julyo found me and turned me into an assassin.
I dropped to my knees when I finally stepped outside. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that the person who made me an assassin 13 years ago, the person responsible for my pain today—was my own father.
That's right. I am the one and only true child of Xander Montreal.
I kept this truth buried for so long, but I don't know why it continues to haunt me.
Why? Why, of all people, does it have to be you? Why did you have to be my father, Xander Montreal?! Why was I even born a Montreal?!
"Why?!!" I screamed, sobbing uncontrollably.
Was he also the reason I was here now? Was he the one who had me kidnapped just so I could witness all of this?
I didn't understand why, despite my tears, laughter suddenly escaped my lips. I couldn't comprehend the pain of knowing that my own father orchestrated everything—just to make someone who wasn't even his blood happy.
He and Monique had already stolen 13 years of my life…
Why were they stealing it again?!
I shut my eyes tightly as Spade's face flashed in my mind. It felt like knives were repeatedly stabbing my heart as I remembered the way he smiled when he stepped onto that stage.
If you had been awake that night and heard what I said…
Would you still have done this? Would you still have left me?
I looked up at the sky.
FLASHBACK
"Xyrine," he called my name.
"Y-yes?" I asked.
"Would it hurt you if I left?"
I stared at the ceiling and covered my eyes with my hand. I just couldn't take it anymore.
"No," I answered.
"Would you cry if I left you?"
A lump formed in my throat the moment I heard his question. I couldn't breathe.
"No."
"Would you look for me if I disappeared?"
I turned my back on him and faced the other side.
"No."
So you wouldn't have a hard time, I'd rather lie.
Are you giving up, Spade? Are you letting go?
I felt a tear slip from my eye. I couldn't help it—it just hurt too much.
When I turned to face him, he was already asleep. I moved closer and stared at him intently.
"Would it hurt me if you left? No, because you won't leave, right? And even if you do, I won't be hurt—not for your sake. For you, I'll force myself not to hurt."
"Would I cry if you left me? No, because you won't leave, right? And if I do end up crying, don't worry—I've already started now, so by the time you go, I'll have no more tears left."
"Would I look for you if you disappeared? No, because before you disappear..." I gave a bitter smile. "I'll disappear first."
"So, Spade..." I leaned in close to his ear and whispered...
"Don't leave me, okay?"
END OF FLASHBACK
I stood up and started running again. I didn't care that I was now on the highway.
Even though my vision was blurred by the tears welling up in my eyes, I still kept moving forward.
BEEP
I turned to my right. It was too late—I realized too late that the truck was already too close.
I shut my eyes. When I opened them again, a blinding light greeted me.
"SCREEEEEECHHHHH!!!"