Jael's POV

"ANONG ginagawa mo rito?" iyan ba naman ang salubong sa'kin ng boss ko pagpasok ko sa department namin.

"I'm here to work," I said, almost asking. Hindi ko mawari kung matatawa ba ang kaharap ko o sisimangot matapos kong sabihin 'yon.

"You're already fired, Fariñas."

"But—" pero bago pa ako makapagsalita ay biglang tumunog ang cellphone niya at walang amor akong nilayasan.

Tiningan ko ang ibang mga kasamahan ko pero tila nagpatay-malisya sila at kanya-kanyang kumilos sa kanilang trabaho. Naiwan akong nakatanga at hindi makapaniwala. Pagkarating na pagkarating ko rito ng Maynila at imbis na sa bahay ay dito ako sa ospital dumiretso 'tapos ganito ang sasalubong sa akin?

"I'm sorry Dra. Fariñas, you're no longer our employee since you were fired in St. Lazarus Hospital," iyon ang sabi ng HR head sa'kin nang sumugod ako roon.

"That's—" I was about to lash out at him when I felt my phone vibrate and I saw a message from Dr.Tordesillas, the very man who told me to go back to this damn place.

Dra. Fariñas meet me for dinner at Willow & Hearth Bistro tonight at seven.

Napakunot ako dahil napakaraming tanong sa isip ko. Nang mga sandaling 'yon ay nanaig bigla ang pagod at antok kaya minabuti ko na lang umuwi sa sa bahay ko.

Thanks to the helper that I hired, na-maintain pa rin ang kalinisan ng bahay nang dumating ako. Just exactly I told her, nakaayos pa rin ang mga gamit sa mga posisyon nito at walang bahid ng alikabok ang bawat sulok ng bahay. I gave her a huge tip for also taking good care of my pets while I was gone.

Kaagad akong hinila ng katawan ko papuntang kwarto at sa kama, malayong-malayo sa lumang estilo na tinirhan ko noon sa San Lazaro. Malayo rin sa kung ano-anong kababalaghan at malayo rin sa taong 'yon.

I'm finally back in Manila, I'm back to my normal life...

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

I could already feel the eyes of a few men on me as I walked into the restaurant. I didn't acknowledge them as I crossed the polished marble floor, keeping my posture straight and my expression neutral. My navy sheath dress, simple yet elegant, clung to my figure just enough to catch attention, but not enough to seem like I was trying too hard. I paired the dress with a pair of small pearl earrings and a delicate bracelet. My hair was loosely pulled back, with a few strands left to fall softly around my face.

Hindi maganda ang naging simula ng araw ko kanina pagdating ko sa ospital kaya binawi ko na lang sa pag-aayos ngayong gabi. Hinatid ako ng maître d' sa isang corner table, malayo sa crowded area ng restaurant. The flickering lights outside offering a quiet contrast to the quiet bustling city beyond the windows. Naalala ko na hindi ako naparito para mag-relax, I was here for a purpose. Surely I wasn't invited in this luxurious place for nothing.

The sound of footsteps drew my attention back to the present, and I looked up.

There he was, dressed in a dark suit and his usual stoic demeanor. Nakakatakot pa rin ang aura niya kahit nasa labas na kami ng ospital.

"Good evening, Dra. Fariñas," he greeted, sliding into the seat across from me.

I offered him a polite smile, trying to remain neutral. "It's been a while, Dr. Tordesillas. I thought you'd be with your wife."

"She's not feeling well," he answered then he signaled the waiter, who appeared almost immediately.

The waiter was efficient, taking our orders before slipping away to fetch our wine. I didn't bother to ask for a drink—wine wouldn't change the fact that I was here for something else.

"Could you care to explain why I was fired?" I asked, cutting through the pleasantries.

"You've always had a knack for straight talk."

"Well, I'm not here to relax," sabi ko sabay sandal sa kinauupuan ko. Kahit pa sabihin niyang maganda ang paligid at masarap ang pagkain, hindi na ako makapaghintay na marinig ang anumang sasabihin niya. "I sent the video, I proved the reality of exorcism, that's our deal."

"That was your deal with my fanatic wife, not me," sagot niya at napakunot ako. "I really don't care about that kind of nonsense stuff. You were fired because of your insubordination incident in St. Lazarus Hospital."

Halos mapanganga ako sa narinig at hindi ko namalayan na napakuyom ang mga palad ko.

"Then why did you email me that I can go back?" I tried to hide the frustration in my voice.

He slightly smiled, setting his glass down. Then he leaned back in his chair, eyes locking with mine as he began his pitch. "You're a top-tier surgeon. One of the best. Everyone knows that. I need someone like you to handle special cases at the hospital. Patients no one else can deal with."

Hindi ko napigilang magtaas ng kilay sa sinabi niya. "I'm not in the business of saving people for a paycheck, and I'm certainly not in the business of being your puppet."

He waved a dismissive hand. "You're far too talented for that. But I'm offering you something more than just a job. I'm offering you power, wealth, and prestige. And all I'm asking in return is that you show a little loyalty."

Bago ako makasagot ay biglang bumalik ang waiter na naghain ng appetizers, isang salad para sa'kin at isang smoked salmon para sa kaharap ko. We both picked up our utensils and continued the conversation.

"Loyalty?" I repeated, swallowing the bite and setting my fork down. "I've seen what loyalty gets people in our world. It gets them used."

He leaned forward, his voice lowering slightly. "You're wrong, Dra.Fariñas. Loyalty gets you to the places you can't reach on your own."

"And what's in it for you?" matapang kong tanong.

"I needed to secure someone's favor."

"Who?"

"Abraham Famoso."

Natigilan ako sa pagsubo. The name sent a shiver down my spine. I only heard stories about him but he is the kingmaker in this industry.

"I'm sure you've heard of him, he's the billionaire who owns the hospital. He's looking for someone capable of handling his most important cases. Someone like you, Dra.Fariñas."

"Seriously?" I tried to feign amusement. "And you think I'm the one he'll choose?"

"With my supervision and recommendation, I believe we can work together to make sure to get his favor."

It's too good to be true, my mind screamed. I paused for a while and the smile vanished from my face.

"Why me?"

He smiled, his hands folding neatly on the table. "Because I see potential in you, Dra.Fariñas. You are the only female surgeon among the best."

"What do you mean by that?"

He hesitated for the briefest of moments before his gaze hardened. "Because Abraham is looking for more than just a top-notch surgeon. He's looking for someone suitable to join his legacy. His heir needs a partner—someone brilliant, accomplished, and worthy of the Famoso name."

I stared at him, disbelief flooding my senses. "You're suggesting I—what? Marry into his family?"

Ewan ko ha, sa mga compliment niya sa akin ay iyon ang naisip ko kaya hindi ko na napigilang matawa.

"Not suggesting," he said calmly. "I'm positioning you."

Muli akong natigilan at pinakiramdaman siya. This man is not joking and serious as hell!

"Think of it as a business arrangement."

Hindi ko na napigilang umismid. "Bakit hindi na lang sarili mong anak ang i-alay mo riyan sa agenda mo?"

"If I only had a daughter, why not?" he said coldly.

"You're insane," halos pabulong kong sabi. "Do you even hear yourself?"

"All I need is your yes or no, Dra.Fariñas. Everything you've ever wanted is within reach. All I'm asking is that you trust me and work with me. Together, we'll make it happen."

"You don't know me, Dr. Tordesillas." He's despicable more than I thought.

"Oh, yes, I know something about you, Jael. You're an ambitious one like me," sabi niya at nanlamig ako nang tawagin niya ako sa pangalang 'yon. "I heard Ethan Xiao just came back from America."

At para akong tuluyang binuhusan nang malamig na yelo sa huli niyang sinabi. Nang mapansin niya ang reaksyon ko'y napangiti siya.

"Kilala ko ang mga magulang ni Ethan, alam ko rin kung gaano katutol noon ang kanyang ina sa relasyon n'yo. Well... because you're not from a prominent Chinese family like them."

I can't tolerate the conversation anymore, I grabbed my bag and stormed out, the stares of the other diners burning into my back. But as I stepped out into the cold night air, his words lingered, heavier than I wanted to admit.

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

"FRIEND! Buti na lang hindi kayo natuloy sa England kaya may karamay ako ngayon!"

"Hoy, bakla ka ng taon, hindi ako sanay sa pagiging clingy mo! Saka, tama na 'yan! Magda-drive ka pa pauwi!" inagaw sa akin ni Czarry 'yung bote kaya napasimangot ako. "Kaloka, hindi ka na pala pwede magmaneho!"

"Huwag kang killjoy! Kaya ko pang umuwi! May amats lang ako!" pilit kong inagaw sa kanya 'yung bote pero nalayo na niya 'yon sa akin.

Hindi pa ako lasing, iyan ang paboritong linya ng mga taong lasing. Pero totoo, alam kong hindi pa naman ako lasing. Sadyang nilabas ko lang lahat ng frustrations ko ngayong gabi nang yayain ko siya sa bar.

"Iuuwi na kita, gumising ka nang maaga bukas at sumubok ulit sa interview!" parang nanay na utos sa akin ni Czarry, pilit na nilakasan ang boses dahil sa dumadagundong na music sa paligid. Kinuwento ko kasi sa kanya 'yung nangyari ever since na bumalik ako ng Maynila.

Isang linggo na ang nakalipas mula noong gabing nag-usap kami ni Dr. Tordesillas, hindi na rin ako nakabalik ng San Lucas Hospital. I tried to find another job in different hospitals but nobody dared to hire me. Until I found out that there was a video of me and Adam before, noong tinapunan ko lang naman siya ng alak sa mukha—isa raw 'yon sa dahilan at sa mga iba pang kumakalat na tsismis sa akin.

"It's fucking unfair, Czarry," paulit-ulit kong maktol sa kanya. "Alam nilang magaling ako pero ayaw nila akong tanggapin! Malamang dahil 'to sa impluwensiya ng matandang hukluban na 'yon!"

Natawa siya. "Grabe ka sa matandang hukluban." Sumeryoso siya bigla. "Alam mo nag-aalala na 'ko sa'yo. Bakit kasi hindi mo na lang i-consider 'yung proposal sa'yo? Mukhang okay naman."

"Sira ka ba?" inis kong sabi. "Ayokong maging puppet at sunud-sunuran."

"Pero isipin mo kasi ,frenny, ikaw talaga 'yung napili ng bossing kasi nga alam niyang capable ka... at saka... remember kung ano 'yung pangarap mo dati?"

"Pangarap ko dati?" ulit ko at inalala 'yon. "Ah, oo! Oo pangarap ko nga palang maging ubod ng yaman dahil sa pesteng pamilya ni Ethan na hindi ako matanggap dahil poorita lang ang pinanggalingan ko."

"Oh, di ba? Baka ito na 'yung chance na makabawi ka, saka sabi mo bumalik na 'yung ex mo ng Pinas—pakitaan mo nga. Saka malay mo mas ubod ng gwapo 'yung nirereto sa 'yo. Bakla ka! Ibang level ang nang-rereto sa 'yo! Pwede bang palit tayo ng life?"

Natawa ako. "Lokaret ka talaga."

"Eh kasi naman kaysa makita kitang ganyan na helpless, hindi ako sanay."

"Helpless? Ako?" tinuro ko pa 'yung sarili ko. "Hindi, ah!"

"Isipin mong mabuti, please," sabi ni Czarry, halos nakikiusap. "I've seen your worst during your break up. I also want the best for you."

Nagpumilit pa akong uminom pero nakumbinsi na rin ako ni Czarry na umuwi. Hinatid niya ako hanggang sa loob ng bahay dahil hilong-hilo na talaga ako. Pero nang makaalis siya'y pagkamalas-malas nga naman ay dahil biglang nag-brown out.

Dahil ayokong matulog ng hindi nakakapaglinis ng katawan ay kumuha ako ng kandila sa kusina at nagsindi ng liwanag. Sa kusina na rin ako naghilamos pero pag-angat ng ulo ko'y may nakita ako sa salamin na nakatayo sa likuran ko.

Kaagad akong napalingon pero wala namang tao roon. Napamura na lang ako at nagmamadaling umakyat gamit ang flashlight ng cellphone ko.

After changing to my nightdress, I immediately slipped in my cold bed. Sa ilalim ng unan ay kinapa ko ang rosaryong nakatabi roon at mahigpit 'yong hinawakan. Pilit kong pinikit ang mga mata ko at nanalangin na dalawin agad ako ng antok.

Ang totoo'y kaya rin ako uminom ng alak ay dahil gusto kong makatulog agad at maiwasan ang mga dumadalaw sa akin sa panaginip. Magmula ng bumalik ako rito isang linggo na ang nakalilipas... hindi ako nakatulog ng maayos ni minsan.

The only thing that kept me calm was this rosary that Maviel gave me, and speaking of that girl... I still didn't have the courage to call or message them...

Naramdaman ko ang paghila ng kaibuturan sa aking kamalayan... subalit hindi rin agad 'yon nagtagal nang may marinig akong mga boses.

I must be dreaming again.

"Hindi siya maaaring salingin!"

"Panalangin! Panalangin!"

Malalim. Parang galing sa hukay. Hindi sila natutuwa. Nakapaligid lang sila at kahit alam kong isa 'tong pinaganinip ay hindi ko tinangkang dumilat.

"Pinoprotektahan pa rin siya ng panalangin!"

"Kaunti na lang!"

"Kaunti na lang mapapasa atin din siya!"

Kulang na lang ay bumaon sa palad ko ang rosaryo na nakatago sa ilalim ng unan. Please go away!

The voices vanished and I thought I would finally have a peaceful sleep. But then... something suddenly grabbed my feet and I screamed. When I opened my eyes I saw multiple shadowy figures around me and they all had glowing red eyes piercing me.

Sinubukan ko ulit sumigaw pero walang lumabas na boses sa aking bibig. Buong katawan ko ang naninigas habang tila may humihigop ng aking hininga.

This is just a dream, wake up!

I mustered all my willpower to wake up from that nightmare and I did. But when I regained consciousness from the dream world, I immediately felt a strange heat around me.

Biglang nagising ang buong diwa ko nang matanaw ko sa pintuan ang kakaibang namumulang liwanag sa labas ng kwarto ko. Dali-dali akong tumayo at tumakbo subalit nanghina ang mga tuhod ko nang makita kong nilalamon ng apoy ang buong bahay.

Run, Jael! Save yourself! Sinunod ko ang utos ng utak ko at kaagad akong tumakbo pababa.

I was about to reach the front door when I heard the sound of my cats from the kitchen. Shit.

I just couldn't go without them so I ran back to save them. Nadatnan ko sila sa counter at kaagad ko silang kinuha at niyakap ng mahigpit sa mga bisig ko. Pero pagdating ko sa sala ay biglang mas lumaki na ang apoy.

Napaubo ako nang malanghap ang usok pero hindi ko matakpan ang bibig ko dahil sa pagkakahawak ko sa mga pusa. I don't want to let them go!

Is this how I'm going to end?

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

Hezekiah's POV

SOMETIMES we wouldn't immediately understand why the Lord asks us to do something not until we obey it.

I didn't really understand at first why He had to wake me up in the middle of the night with a strange vision.

But it's all clear. I had to go to Manila—to Jael's to be exact.

I always loved the verse from the book of Proverbs chapter three, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...'

Gamit ang big bike ni Kuya Hector ay binaybay ko ang kalsada—sa bilis ng aking makakaya hanggang sa marating ko ang residence niya.

And now I finally understood why.

Her house was burning down.

Bigla akong nanghina sa nadatnan ko. Buong bahay ay tila nilamon na ng rumaragasang apoy. Sinikap kong makipagsiksikan sa mga naka-istambay at narinig ang kanilang mga haka haka, nagbrown out daw kanina at baka may kandilang hindi napatay.

Nang mapunta ako sa unahan ay nakita ko ang mga bumbero na sinisikap na patayin ang apoy. Lumapit ako sa isa at kaagad na nagtanong. "Nailikas na ho ba 'yung tao sa bahay?"

"Hindi pa, sir!" sagot nito at muling bumalik sa trabaho.

Napakagat-labi akong tumingin muli sa bahay. Pagkatapos ay tumingala ako at nagtanong sa Panginoon, hindi mo ako pinapunta rito ng walang gagawin, hindi ba? Hindi mo ako pinapunta rito para manalangin lang at maghintay, hindi ba?

Matapos kong itanong 'yon ay tila may kung anong tumapik sa balikat ko at may bulong. Go ahead.

Napailing ako habang nakatingin sa pintuan ng bahay na nilalamon ng apoy. "M-may apoy, Lord."

But a passage suddenly entered in my mind,

When you walk through the fire
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

And that gave me sudden hope... and an unexplainable courage to pursue danger.

Without second thoughts, I ran towards the burning house.

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

Jael's POV

AM I dead?

The heat is unbearable, pressing against my skin like a thousand needles. I can barely breathe through the thick smoke filling the room. It stings my lungs, and my vision is blurred—everything around me is just an orange haze.

But then... something lifted me...

Siguro umaangat na ako papuntang langit.

Pero teka... Imposible... Hindi ako mabuting tao, paano ako makakapasok doon?

Paano ba makakarating ng langit?

"Meow!" mas lumakas ang pag-iyak ng mga pusang yakap ko kaya bigla akong napamulat ng mga mata.

Akala ko pare-parehas na kaming tinupok ng apoy pero heto—may yumakap sa akin at tila binuhat. When I slowly looked up I saw a familiar face... Is this... real?

I'm not sure if this is just a hallucination... because behind him... There's a larger figure covering us... It's too bright... Too... ethereal...

And suddenly... I heard people's gasps and claps. The cool night air slaps my face, washing over me like a weave.

Dalawang lalaki at babaeng nakauniporme ang lumapit sa akin, kinuha nila 'yung dalawang alaga ko at naramdaman kong hiniga ako sa isang stretcher. Bago ako tuluyang malayo roon ay nahagip ko ang kamay ni Hezekiah at hindi 'yon binitawan. He saved me.

Naramdaman ko rin ang hindi niya pagbitaw sa kamay ko. Hanggang sa isakay ako sa loob ng ambulansya. Kaagad akong dinaluhan ng paramedics at nilagyan ako ng mask sa mukha para sa oxygen.

Umalis bigla ang paramedic at nakita ko si Hezekiah na nanatili sa tabi ko. ""Just rest, Jael."

Sinubukan kong bumangon gamit ang buo kong lakas pero kaagad niya akong dinaluhan.

"No, no, you need to stay down," he warned as he gently pushed my shoulder back. But I didn't listen, my body trembling with a mix of fear and the desperate need for comfort.

"We'll take you to the—" In a moment of impulsive defiance, I tore off the mask and reached out for him—pressing my lips to his. 

-xxx-

https://youtu.be/qynqrst9ams

A/N: Ngayon lang nakapag-update dahil nagkasakit ako last weekend. Sana nasulit itong update na ito like ahhhhh! ^//////^ this is my favorite chapter so far!!!

Your votes and comments are highly appreciated. Thank you for reading! :) Super excited na ako sa mga susunod! Welcome to part three!

https://youtu.be/ewLFLkDNyI4

I also recommend itong song na 'to regarding Isaiah 43:2 ❤❤❤❤❤🥺🥺🥺🥰🥰🙌

PRAISE GOD!