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#DTGEpilogue Epilogue (Part 4)

"When will you propose?"

"That's none of your business," I politely replied as I grabbed my key from the cabinet.

"Vito, you're not getting any younger—"

"Getting older is not a reason to get married, Dad," I said. I knew he wanted me to get married already. I'm the only son and he wanted me to settle down and hopefully, stop practicing law and just focus on the family business. I didn't understand why my sisters can't do it—why I must do it? Just because I'm a man? Why the hell can't my sisters do it? I was sure they're more interested in the business than I'd ever be.

"If that's not the reason, then marry her because you love her."

I drew a deep breath. "Thanks for the dinner, Dad," I said before I walked past him and towards Shanelle who was having a conversation with my sisters.

"Thanks for the dinner, Tita," she said as she kissed my stepmother's cheek. I just politely nodded at her before Shanelle and I left. Shanelle anchored her arm on mine.

She's nice.

Sometimes, I think I love her.

But then I'd remember that I really don't.

I tried to break up with her a couple of times already because I didn't want a re-run of what happened with Trini before... She's nice now, but I knew that even the nicest of people also have their limits. And I just didn't want her to reach hers.

I didn't want to push her over the edge.

"Can we eat?" she asked. "Di ako naka-kain nang maayos."

"You should've have accepted the invitation," I said.

"And say what?" she replied. "Besides, I like your family."

And they like her very much.

If they could haul my ass to the altar, they very much would.

Shanelle and I went to her favorite restaurant. She ordered food while I only ordered a glass of orange juice. I still needed to work later. And I was able to eat earlier—the tensed atmosphere couldn't bother my appetite anymore. I'd been living with that for years. I'd had my share of practice.

"Funny story," she said as she sipped from her glass of wine.

I looked at her. Sometimes, when I look at her, I seriously wonder what she sees in me. She could definitely have anyone she wants... yet here she was.

"Your mom asked me—"

"Stepmom," I corrected.

"Still your mom," she replied. "She's nice."

"I didn't say that she's not nice, just that she's not my mom."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Mr. Technicality," she said that made me laugh. And then I realized why we're still together—because we have fun. She's a very sarcastic woman and I definitely enjoy the banters with her.

"Tita asked me about our plans."

And it was my turn to reach for the glass of wine and have some for myself.

"And I just shrugged because you know... I don't know what the plan is, Vito," she said. And I didn't need to look at her to know that she was intently staring at me—so intense that she could definitely bore a hole in me.

"What's your plan?" she asked.

"About what?"

"About us."

I looked at her. "What is your plan?" I asked back. Did she want to what? Live together? Get married? Have kids? She should tell me so that I'd know.

"I wanna know yours first," she replied.

I stayed silent.

She wouldn't like my plan.

But she didn't say a word and just continuously stared at me. I drew a deep breath. How do I tell her that I have no intention of ever marrying her—or anyone else for that matter?

My dad loved my mom... but then she's already gone... so he married someone else just so he wouldn't be alone. I didn't know if the new wife noticed that my dad rarely smiles. Maybe she thinks that he's really just like that. But I knew my dad. When mom was still around, he's always smiling. And laughing.

Bu she's gone.

And when she left, his laughter left with her.

So Dad settled with someone else.

I wouldn't settle—not just for the sake of getting married and having a family. Shanelle should really find someone else if that's what she wants. But this stubborn woman wouldn't listen to me.

"Do you wanna get married?" I asked.

"I'm not sure," she replied. "For me, marriage is just a legal contract—a contract saying that if you die, I get half your assets."

I shake my head in amusement. "Really? We're talking about marriage and you jump to my death?"

"I mean, that's the point, right? For wills and successions? And all that hoola hoop?"

"What about kids?" I asked.

"Do you want to have kids?" she asked.

"I don't think so," I replied. If I'd have kids, I'd want to raise them in a happy family—the one I used to have. Not the one I have now. I wasn't even close with my siblings. There's this... gap. And it's totally my fault why we're not close. My hypothetical kids deserve more than that.

I like Shanelle... I just didn't think we could work that way.

We're happy now because it's just the two of us—because whatever this was, it's working. She's not clingy. She just needed to be updated about my whereabouts every now and then. She's not materialistic. I'd give her a half-eaten bar of chocolate and she'd be happy. She's really easy to be with.

But all those weren't reason enough to have kids.

"Why not?" she asked.

"I just don't see kids in my future."

"I don't wanna have kids," she said.

"Really?"

"Yeah," she replied. And sadly smiled. "Ang dami ko pang kailangang patunayan—"

"Shanelle—"

She shook her head, as if begging me to not continue because she didn't want to discuss it again. She just looked at me and smiled.

"So... no wedding and no kids," she said. "I can already imagine your dad shaking his head in vehement disapproval—"

"My father has no say in how I live my life."

"I know but—"

My phone vibrated. There's an unregistered number calling. Before, I never answer calls—especially those coming from unregistered ones...

But that one call I didn't pick up before haunted me.

"Can you please reject the call?" she asked.

"This will take a minute," I said. I really wanted to answer the call. I knew this was probably just from work, but I couldn't take my chance.

"Vito, my dad's sick and tomorrow, he'll ask you the same questions I'm asking you. And I don't want you to lie, but I also want you to remember that you'll be talking to a person who's still recovering from a heart attack," she continuously said in a serious tone. I rejected the call. "He can't die. Not yet, okay? I still have a lot to prove—"

"Shanelle—"

"Just... choose your words, Vito. I know we're never getting married and we're never getting kids. I'm not delusional, okay? This is good now, but I know one day, we'll get tired and end this. I just want you to remember to tread carefully tomorrow."

I nodded. "Okay."

"Thank you."

"Can I answer the call now?"

She rolled her eyes. "Fine," she said as the waiter finally came back.

I stood up and answered the call.

But before I could even utter a word, it felt as though a boulder was dropped on my head.

"Wag mong ibaba, please," the voice said. I felt chills crept up my spine. It's been so long since I last heard that voice... After graduation, she just disappeared... And I wanted to go after her and I did... But every time I'd see her just staring at her phone until the ringing stops, I'd tell myself to back off and just let her process everything.

I waited.

But she never came back.

"Who's this?" I asked... because I didn't want it to be her. Because her calling means that she's in trouble. And I didn't want her to be in trouble. Because the last time she was in trouble—

Fuck.

It's him again.

Fucking piece of shit.

I immediately grabbed my things and just politely nodded at Shanelle. No one knew about what happened. It wasn't my story to tell.

Assia just wanted to study.

To become a lawyer.

That's all she ever wanted.

But I was late...

Because I was a piece of shit.

I cared more about myself and my hurt feelings than her...

And I'd forever carry that in my chest.

"Assia," she said. I heard the fear in her voice. "Nandito ako sa Maynila... Sa apartment ni Atty. Villamontes..."

I stopped in my tracks.

"What?" I asked. I just had to be sure... that she was there... right in the devil's den... What the fuck was she doing there?

"H-Hindi ko alam kung saan 'to... Nandito na lang ako kanina paggising ko... Puntahan mo naman ako, Vito... Gusto kong umalis dito..."

I quickened my pace.

Fuck.

Why was she there? I knew Assia would never voluntarily go there. Even hearing his name made her cry before... She'd never go there. Shit!

"Okay," I replied. "I promise I'll be there. Assia... this time, I'll be there, okay?"

"Okay..." she said, her voice shaking in fear. I raked my fingers across my hair as I nervously waited for the valet.

"Just go hide in the bathroom like before. I'll ask around for his address. Don't let him get to you."

"Okay—"

But then I heard something break from the other line.

My hands were shaking.

I wanted to kill someone when I heard his voice from the other line.

"Fuck!" I shouted when the call ended. She said that she's in his place. But I didn't know where that devil lives! I tried to call some people and no one knew where he lives.

"Thanks," I said when finally, someone told me his address.

"You're welcome?" she replied before ending the call. I never thought I'd ever be thankful for Trini dragging me to parties before and introducing me to people I knew I'd never see again.

I sped away.

And then called Niko.

"What?" he answered.

"I need a favor."

"What's new?"

"Assia's—"

"Wait, we're allowed to talk about her again?" he asked. After graduation, we never talked about her again... They asked once and I said I didn't want to talk about it. But I just didn't want to discuss her because they're still my friends and I couldn't talk about the incident.

"I don't know what happened yet but I have a feeling that she's in trouble—"

"She's in trouble? Where is she? I'm coming, too."

"No... but please be on standby, okay?"

I wanted to call the police, but I really didn't trust them that much. The Villamontes has connection deep within the police. I didn't want to fuck up Assia's life once again.

If I could fix it on my own, I definitely fucking would.

'Work?' Shanelle texted.

'No,' I simply replied. I didn't want to lie to her... but also, she didn't need to know.

* * *

My heart was racing inside my chest as I stood right outside the devil's door. I wanted to just kick it over. But a part of me was afraid to see what was inside... what if I was late again? What if—

I'd never forgive myself if I was late again.

I knocked and knocked and knocked. I swear to fucking god if he touched her again—

"Assia."

My heart sunk in my chest as I stared at her right before me. She looked... different. She was far different than the Assia I met in law school. Her eyes showed fear.

And she's shaking.

She wouldn't stop trembling.

"Where the fuck is that asshole?!" I shouted as I marched around the apartment. This fucking shit! Did he really get off on forcing women?! Why couldn't he find someone who's willing?! And why did he obsess on Assia who just wanted to study and help her family?!

Why couldn't some people back off?!

But then I saw him.

On the floor.

Lying on the pool of his own blood.

I drew a deep breath, but I couldn't stop my chest from tightening. Fuck. Shit. I should've come sooner. What did she do? She'll go to jail. It's hard to argue a self-defense case. There's no evidence against him. I looked before. There's no evidence to indict him that's why he's still walking freely.

And now this.

He's really good at fucking things up for other people.

"I'm sorry... God, I'm sorry, Assia," I said as I looked at her and she wouldn't stop trembling in fear. She was just looking at him. She was staring at his lifeless body. I wanted her to stop looking. But her eyes were wide with fear.

"Patay... na ba siya?" she asked, looking at him as the blood continued to pool. "Hindi siya guma-galaw... Natatakot akong lumapit sa kanya..."

I took a step closer.

She took a step back.

As if it was instinct.

He really broke her.

I begged Assia to calm down. I called Niko and told her that Assia's coming and explained what happened. I trust Niko with my life. He'd take a bullet for me and I'd do the same for him. I know that he'd take care of Assia.

"I'm coming to get her," he said.

"No, she knows how to drive," I replied as I recalled that one summer while we're waiting for the grades to be released and I taught her how to drive.

"She doesn't have a license! What if she gets stopped?"

I drew a deep breath. "No, it'll be fine," I said... trying to convince myself that it'll be fine. But I didn't know if it'll be fine. There's a dead man on the floor! And as much as I wanted to kill him myself, I knew that I'd never do that because I'd rather have him rot in prison. I'd never let him turn me into someone that I'm not.

But Assia...

He put her through too much...

She's not herself right now.

She needed to get away from here as quickly as possible.

"You remember what I promised you before?" I asked and slowly, she nodded. "I always got your back... Remember that?"

I wanted to hold her and tell her—promise her—that everything's going to be okay.

"I got your back then—I still got your back now," I said. "You understand me?"

I went back to the room and carefully picked up the gun from the floor. I removed the bullets and made sure that the chamber was empty. I just didn't want to take any chances. Then I handed the plastic bag to Assia. Niko would know what to do.

"Now, you drive to Niko's place... Burn all your clothes then take a shower in the tub. Then pour bleach on the tub. You hear me?" he I instructed her.

"Vito—"

"Assia, the world is not a fair place. I won't let you go to jail for this, okay? I just won't," I told her. She's not in her right mind. I could argue that all I want, but in front of a judge, the fact still stood that she pulled the trigger. That's all that's gonna matter. That she pulled the trigger and she's guilty. "Don't argue with me. Not now."

"Paano ka?" she asked.

I gave me her small smile... to pacify her. But I was already in shreds inside. I knew this was fucked up. But what choice did I have? If I call the police, the Villamontes would twist the story faster than I can blink my eye. As much as I wanted to trust the system... it was already broken. And I wouldn't let her be the collateral damage. "I can handle myself."

"Vito—"

"Just go, okay? I'll take care of this," I said, cutting her off before I watched her drive away.

"What now?" I asked myself when she was finally out of my sight. I drew a really deep breath... Fuck. Shit. One moment I was having dinner... and then, I was committing a fucking crime!

'Don't fuck this up more,' I whispered to myself before I marched back in and called Sancho while I was looking for a clean towel that I could use to wipe everything that Assia might've touched.

Fuck.

This might be the only time that I'd actually be grateful that the investigators aren't that thorough with the crime scene. It usually drove me bonkers knowing how many crimes could've been solved had they done the job properly.

"What's with the address?" Sancho replied when he picked up the call.

"Pick me up right now."

"Okay," he replied. He didn't say anything about Assia. Niko didn't tell him. "Be there in 20."

I ended the call and then proceeded to look for any cameras. There was a CCTV, but upon checking, it was not recording. It was as if the devil purposely turned it off. Fuck! He's really planning something! I didn't know if I should be happy about the CCTV or be fucking livid that he brought Assia here with the thought of—

Fucking pig.

I checked every crevice and wiped down every corner. There's no way that Assia's going down for this. He already took away years of her life from her—no fucking more.

But as I was about to leave... I felt my blood draining from my body when I heard the sirens.

* * *

I remained quiet and would not answer any question—not when I knew that anything I said would be used against me.

"Vito, for God's sake," Dad said. His voice may be calm, but the expression on his face was grim. Of course he hated this—I hated this. Why was I here? The plan was to leave—not to get caught!

But here I was.

In a fucking precinct.

"Hon..." Tita said, holding Dad's arm, trying to calm him down. "Our lawyer is here. Vito will be fine... right?" she asked our family lawyer who I doubted would be of any help. He's not a criminal lawyer. We didn't have a criminal lawyer simply because there was no need for it—not until now.

Fuck.

What the fuck did I get myself into.

Dad looked at Atty. Villaseca. "Get my son out of here," he threatened our lawyer as if that would be of any help. I was a lawyer—even I knew that I was screwed.

When they both left, Atty. Villaseca was staring at me.

"First things first," he said. "Did you do it?"

"No," I quickly replied.

"Do you know who did it?" he asked.

"Just get me out of here," I said. Hell if I'd even mention Assia's name. She'd been through enough. Because of me. Because I couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone back then. Fucking pride. This was all my fault. If anyone should pay for that devil's death, god... I didn't want to be jailed, but who else but me?! It's not like I could argue that he shot himself!

I'd been interrogated and I kept quiet. They're the police—I should let them do their job and investigate.

"Girlfriend mo raw—" one of the policemen said. I saw my Dad's assistant talking to this one. I assumed he's the one who'll 'look after' me.

"No visitors," I replied. I didn't know what to tell Shanelle. One second, we're having dinner and discussing our non-existent future... and the next one, I was sitting in a detention room, trying to find a way to get myself out of the mess I got myself into.

* * *

I stayed up all night.

I couldn't say self-defense because then, I'd be admitting that I pulled the trigger.

But they couldn't say that I killed him because they could check me all they want and they'd find no gun powder residue on my body, no gun, no nothing, except from the fact that I was there.

Right.

I'd just have to say that I was there... for some reason.

But fuck.

Assia drove my car! And if I say that Sancho just dropped me off, I'd be mentioning a lot of name and if the prosecutor's any good, the next thing I know, my words would be used against me.

It's like I was in this maze and there's no way out!

"I asked you one thing, Nikolai," I said when I saw Assia emerging from the door. I was told that I had visitors. I thought it was just Niko and Sancho, but then I saw Assia. I really didn't want to see her today. She'd feel bad. And I felt awful.

I didn't plan on taking the fall...

I just wanted to get her away from there.

But I was caught.

And I'd never sell her out.

I promised her before that I'd protect her.

I broke that promise.

Not again.

"She wanted to come," Niko said. I drew a deep breath. I didn't want her to see me here. "So... what's the plan, Sartori? I sure as hell won't let you rot in jail."

I was looking at Assia. I wanted to know what she was thinking... I wanted to ask why she was there... But how could I even ask her when her tears were falling down her face? It was not her fault... It was not her fault then, and it's definitely not her fault now.

"Sorry..." she said as she wiped the tears that kept on falling. "Aamin na lang ako, Vito... Pwede namang self-defense 'yun, 'di ba? O kaya iyong uncontrollable fear?"

I remained silent.

"Vito—"

"Assia, self-defense is hard to prove," I said, wanting her to understand that it's not like I fucking enjoy playing hero... It's just that there's no way out. Someone pulled the trigger. Someone would have to pay for it.

"Kahit na—"

"No."

"Vito—"

I turned to Niko. "Find me a good lawyer," I said. That's the only way. I needed a good lawyer—someone who knows the law and can use every circumstances and discredit every witness and statement and get me out of this fucking hellhole.

I didn't want to rot in jail.

But if someone has to... it's never going to be her.

* * *

I was in the middle of talking with Atty. Villaseca about my options when Shanelle barged in the room. I had a long night yesterday when the prosecutor visited me. She could stare at me all she wanted, but she's not getting anything from me. I knew how this worked. As long as I kept my mouth shut, nothing I say could be used against me. There's no evidence. The only thing they got was my presence there.

I sighed as I asked Atty to give us the room.

"What the fuck?"

I remained silent. She had every right to be mad. I was waiting for her to just throw the chair at me, but then I remembered that that wasn't the normal reaction when someone's mad.

"Vito, what the fuck?" she asked. I looked at her... she wasn't mad. She looked— "I know you didn't do it," she began. "You did it for her... right?" she asked. "I saw her earlier. She's back in Manila. Kaka-balik niya lang tapos nandito ka. It's got to be her."

I remained silent.

What did she expect me to say? That yes, it was Assia who killed that pig? That I was there because I wanted to help her conceal the crime? That I got caught because I was making sure that there's no evidence that would lead to her? Did she really want to hear it all?

"Vito," she called again. "What in hell were you thinking?"

I just stared at the table.

"Right... When it comes to her, you're not thinking," she continued. "I knew you still have feelings for her, but to do this? This is too much! You're literally a suspect for homicide! Or maybe murder! You're gonna throw everything you worked hard for!"

Maybe this was the reason why I never saw myself settling down with her. We're the same... but also, just too different. I just wanted to work, to do my job... but Shanelle? She's got lots of things she needed to prove to other people.

It's like she lived for the validation.

"My dad—"

"Shanelle, I like your dad... but I seriously can't think about that now," I politely said because I'd been racking my head trying to think of a way to get me out of here. I couldn't even sleep. I kept on thinking and thinking and getting frustrated because it seemed like there's no fucking way out.

Her lips parted.

She nodded.

"Right," she said as she gave me that smile that once scared me. "You don't have to worry about that anymore," she continued as she walked towards the door. "I hope you know what you got yourself into, Sartori. I seriously hope you realize the gravity of the situation."

* * *

Days passed by slowly.

I heard the same thing over and over again.

My family would come here and beg me to tell them what really happened, but I'd just stay silent. No one will know unless I tell them... or unless Assia tells them.

But could they really send me to jail?

Without the gun?

Without any evidence but me being there?

It's all conjecture...

But I'd seen worse case that ended up in jail.

Was I that lucky?

"Do you hate yourself?" I asked Shanelle when she came back and told me that she'll be the lawyer for my case. I wanted to ask her that for the longest time... "Or do you really just love me?"

"What?"

"Why are you still here?" I asked again. "Humor me, please. I'm bored out of my mind."

"Malapit na iyong arraignment, but really, you're more curious about this?"

I nodded. "Yeah," I replied. At night, all I could think about was finding a loophole that would keep me out of this jail. In the morning, I wanted to at least feel... normal. Or some semblance of normal, if possible.

"You know, just for fun, I won't tell you why," she said.

"You hate yourself," I replied.

"Or maybe I just really love you," she said. "Love makes people do crazy things... like what you're doing," she continued.

I smiled. "Do you think I like being here?"

"No," she replied. "We've been together for years, Vito. I know you hate every second you spend here. But I also know that you'll do anything for her."

I looked at her. "Then why stay all those years?"

"Because I'm selfish," she said. "I wanted you and I'm selfish. But also, I'm not desperate. So, you know? I'm kind of balancing it all out."

I stayed silent for the next few minutes as Shanelle told me about the discoveries of the prosecution. About how there was a bullet hole right in the middle of his forehead. How the angel could never be possible for self-inflicted death. How the weapon was missing. How there was no recording of the CCTV. How I was the only one there aside from the victim. I felt my head throbbing every second.

"Ano? You see how absolutely ridiculous this shitshow is?"

"Shanelle—"

"No, you have to listen to me," she said. "Your idiot friends won't tell you this, but I will. I actually love your family so I will do my best to make sure you're out of jail—but Vito? This is ridiculous. You're a disappointment. This thing you did... it's not you. It's stupid and hilarious and frankly, I can't take any of this seriously."

My jaw clenched. "I didn't want this—"

"Whatever. It's already done. Let's just hope for the best," she said, cutting me off before she went back to talking business.

* * *

My dad was there to talk to me again before the arraignment.

"Viktor Tobias," he said. My forehead creased. He never calls me that. "You're my son... and I know we don't have the best relationship—"

"Dad—"

"No," he said, cutting me off. "I have to say this before the arraignment starts and before you say anything in record," he continued. "You have to do your best to stay out of jail."

"I know—"

He shook his head. "No, you don't understand me, son," he said, in a serious tone that made me part my lips. "You're my son and I promised your mom, in her death bed, that I'd do everything to make sure that you'll be fine... And I intend to take that promise seriously."

I stared at him.

"I'll be fine," I repeated. There was no evidence. I just have to trust in that.

"I know all this is for a girl," he said. My eyes widened. "Assia dela Serna. I'm right, am I not? I'm your father, Vito. I know you. And as much as I can't do anything right now because you're already in custody and despite best efforts and legal advice, you still stubbornly choose to be detained, I assure you, son, that once I see that this circus of yours is going to end badly, I'll have to step in."

"Dad—"

"You're doing this for her? Well, I'll do whatever is necessary for you," he said, cutting me off. "I'm sure you understand."

He stood up and patted my shoulder. "Answer properly, Viktor Tobias. Or I'll personally deliver that woman to the jail where she belongs," he said like a threat before he walked away. I drew a deep breath. I knew my Dad meant his every word...

Shanelle was staring at me. "Vito," she called.

"Shanelle..." I said. Her forehead creased in confusion. "I know you'll do your best... but I need you to try harder."

I know my Dad.

If he says it, he means it.

And I didn't go through all this shit just to have him send Assia to jail.

Everyone was there.

There was no one to be arraigned.

Just me.

I was the only one there... well, except for him. But he's already dead. Thank god.

"State the name for record," the prosecutor asked. I looked at her. She's best friends with him... surely, she couldn't be that naive not to know that her best friend was a rapist. But then again, how do I know? When I looked into him before, I saw nothing. He's just good at hiding the skeletons in his closet—like most families I know.

"Viktor Tobias Sartori," I replied.

"According to the written testimony you submitted, you were at the scene of the crime but your car was not there. Am I right?" she asked.

"You're right."

"And you said that you were dropped off by a friend, am I right?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell us what the pictures are?" she asked as she handed me a photo from the CCTV. There I was... waiting in front of the restaurant for the valet.

"That's me," I said. I breathed in. I knew she'd find this. It was really questionable as to why the fuck was I there without my car. I wasn't being chauffeured around. I drive my own car.

"And this?" she asked as she placed another couple of pictures in front of me. I felt my heart beating loudly in my throat. I wanted to fucking vomit, but I needed to look calm. I didn't kill anyone. I was fucking innocent. "Care to tell us what the pictures are, Mr. Sartori?"

"My car," I answered as I stared at pictures of my car.

"And the time stamp, Mr. Sartori?"

"8:02pm."

"8:02pm..." she said. "The place where the photo was captured was 15 minutes away from the residence of the deceased. And can you please read this part of the report, Mr. Sartori?"

I breathed deeply as I read the autopsy report and how the timeframe of Villamontes' death was between 8-9pm—well within the timeframe where I could possibly have committed the crime. Because I was there. And no one else could've done it.

But there's no gun.

No gun powder residue.

Unless I fucking took a bath right there and then or at least wore a fucking plastic cover when I shot him! God, this was absolutely ridiculous! All this shit for that rapist!

"Can you describe the photo, Mr. Sartori?" she asked as she handed me another photo. It was a photo of Villamontes' apartment. "Your car was not in sight," she simply stated. "Was your car a smart car, Mr. Sartori? Does it drive itself?" she asked, implying that I was actually with someone else who drove away with my car. That there's someone else who committed the crime with me. That that person's the one with the weapon.

"No," I replied. The shorter, the better. I shouldn't let her use my words against me. I just needed... to fucking calm down. It's still innocent until proven guilty. How could I kill him without pulling the trigger? They needed to make sense of that.

"I'm done with the cross-examination, Your Honor," she said before she took her seat. I watched as Shanelle stood up and faced me. We talked about this. I was honest with her. She really needed to do her best.

"Can you describe again this photo, Mr. Sartori?" Shanelle asked.

"It's a photo of my car," I replied.

"Yes, a photo of your car. Can you see yourself in the photo, Mr. Sartori?" she asked. I shook my head. My car was heavily tinted. You couldn't see who's inside. And even from the windshield, it's impossible to see for sure who was driving the car. For all we know, my car has been carnapped and the thief was driving it.

"No," I replied.

Shanelle nodded. "And can you please describe this photo?" she asked as she handed me a photo of Sancho driving near the area of the apartment. I called him that night so he was there to pick me up... but the police arrived first.

"It's a photo of my friend, Sancho, who dropped me off, like I said," I carefully treaded. The photo wasn't clear. But for some reason, from the very blurry photo from the cameras, Sancho could be seen driving and there was some shadow on the passenger seat. But that could be very well Sancho's gym bag. The resolution of the photo was really low.

"No further need for examination, Your Honor," Shanelle said. There was really nothing to cross-examine. This case... it's a battle of evidence. And we already passed the result of the examination that was done that night that showed that I was not covered in any gun powder residue and that the weapon was not in my possession. I had no car. Where the hell would I chuck the gun?

My dad just needed to trust that we know what we're doing.

But of course he didn't.

He liked Shanelle... but it was the first time I saw him lose his composure and actually snapped at her.

"Dad," I said, wanting him to stop harassing her.

"What was that!" he asked.

"You're not a lawyer—" I said, wanting to explain that what Shanelle did was the best she could do. We already passed the evidence. There's nothing to cross-examine. It's already in the documents.

"And if this continues, you won't be a lawyer, too," he replied. "Fix this, Vito. Fix this before I fix this for you."

I looked at Shanelle. "Sha—"

But she quickly just walked away.

* * *

"How's she?" I asked Sancho.

"She's fine," he replied. "Last Sunday na ngayon."

"How's the exam? Was she able to review?"

"I honestly don't know. Hindi siya masyadong nagsasalita."

"Can you please buy flowers and give it to her after the BAR?" I asked. That was what I wanted to do before... when things weren't this fucked up. I planned on waiting until she's done with the BAR. I planned on handing her the flowers and congratulating her for a job well done. And then I'd wait some more... and confess when we both passed the BAR. When we're both lawyers.

But things didn't go according to plan.

None of my plans panned out.

Life is unpredictable.

I fucking hated it.

"Sure," he replied, and then we talked about the trial. "Sa tingin mo?"

"What?"

"May laban ba?"

"Yeah," I honestly replied. I knew that Zaldivar's a good prosecutor, but unless she's a magician, she couldn't just magically produce evidence. I knew that the Villamontes' would pull some strings, but I highly doubt they'd do that without my Dad knowing. They're friends. They both knew it's not in both their best interest to make an enemy out of each other.

"Are you sure?" he asked back.

"Why? You think we'll lose?"

"I think you're the only suspect," Sancho replied. "And Villamontes certainly didn't commit suicide. And there's no evidence of anyone going in and out of the apartment—unless of course you'd give Assia up—so the only question to be answered is... if not you, then who?"

I pressed my lips.

"I'm not saying that you'll be imprisoned, okay? I just read the judge's decisions and most of them did not end up in acquittal," he said. "Just... be ready for anything."

I thought about what Sancho said.

There's a 50-50 chance.

There's no evidence to talk of... they're all circumstantial. It's really up to the judge to decide on my fucking fate.

* * *

I stayed up late all night yet again.

I started to imagine living here.

Every fucking day.

I wasn't sure if I'd last a year.

I was starting to lose my mind.

"Niko said you talked to Trini," I said when I saw Assia. I just... wanted to tell her to stop. This was already hard enough on me. I didn't enjoy staying here in jail. But I'd never forgive myself if she ends up here.

Because I knew that it was my fault.

If only I answered her call before...

If only I wasn't too late...

None of this would be happening.

She would've been a lawyer already...

None of this shit would be happening.

I just needed her to stay away from that fucking family.

"Sinabi rin ba ni Niko sa 'yo na si Trini iyong tumawag sa pulis?" she said and my jaw clenched in anger again. I knew I hurt Trini before... but I never thought she'd screw me like this! And if she was there, why didn't she call the cops when her uncle was trying to sexually assault Assia?! Was she really that evil to just watch as someone else was suffering?! I knew she hated us—but that was downright inhumane!

"Hindi mo naman kasalanan na sinabi ng pinagtanungan mo kay Trini," she said, looking at me. "Wala kang kasalanan—wala akong kasalanan."

My lips parted.

"Nitong mga naka-raang araw, nagkulong lang ako sa kwarto habang umiiyak... Pero syempre alam mo 'yan kasi sinasabi ni Niko sa 'yo lahat ng ginagawa ko."

"I just—"

"Alam mo rin na tapos na ako sa BAR."

I nodded. "In few months, you'll be a lawyer, too... It just took you a little longer, but you'll be a lawyer, too... But that's the dream, right? To be a lawyer? No matter how long it takes? No matter how hard?"

She nodded. "Magiging abogado na tayo pareho."

I tried to smile...

But if I were convicted, I'd be disbarred.

We wouldn't both be lawyers.

I was really throwing it all away.

I looked at her... trying to know if I regretted it. Regretted doing this. Regretted taking the fall. When she's not in front of me, it did cross my mind... to just confess and walk away. I wasn't a saint. I wasn't kind. I was selfish. But every time she'd cross my mind, I'd remember why I was doing it in the first place.

Because she didn't deserve any of this.

And better me than her.

Prison wasn't a fun place—I wouldn't wish this for anyone... much more her.

"Binasa ko iyong minutes. Magaling si Shanelle, pero kahit gaano siya ka-galing, kapag walang laban, wala talagang magagawa..."

I drew a deep breath. "Please don't tell me again that you'd confess—"

She shook her head. "Kapag umamin ako, madadamay ka. Madadamay si Sancho, si Niko. Si Shanelle. Pinag-isipan kong mabuti, Vito... Ilang araw akong nagbasa lang. Kahit ano'ng basa ko, hindi ko talaga makita kung paano tayo mananalo... Pati sa record nila, nakita ko na halos lahat panalo sila... Kaya siguro ang lakas ng loob nila, no?" She smiled sadly. "Kaya siguro naging ganoon si Atty. Villamontes kasi alam niya na kahit ano ang gawin niya, ayos lang... Kasi lagi naman silang panalo..."

That's why it's better me than her.

This... privilege.

She didn't have this.

But I have my family who would do anything to get me out of here. Maybe that's the reason why I was still stubbornly here. Because deep inside me, I knew that my Dad would still bail me out.

Fucking hypocrite.

At the end of the day, I still had my family backing me up.

When would I ever grow up?

* * *

I was livid when I heard Assia was taken into custody.

"What the fuck!" I shouted at Niko as soon as I was taken out of custody. My dad's security was here. My dad's lawyer was here. What the fuck!

"It wasn't me!" Niko replied. "It was Tali!"

"Tali?" I asked. What the fuck, Italia! The plan was to get me out—not get her in! "She told Assia—"

"No," he said. "It's complicated. Just please go talk to her."

But I wasn't able to talk to her. The prosecutor wanted to talk to her. Everyone wanted to talk to her. My dad's security hauled me back to the house like I was some child! Did he really think that he could control me like this?!

"Enough, Vito," Dad said.

"Tell your guards to stand down, Dad. I am not a child. You can't keep me here against my fucking will."

But he just stared at me. "Enough of this drama—"

"This is not a drama," I said, cutting him off. I drew a deep breath and stared at him... hoping that this time, maybe he'd actually listen. "That woman? I'm in love with her, Dad. I love her. Do you hear me? She's it for me."

"You're dating Shanelle!"

"We've broken up, Dad! And I'm not like you. I'd never marry her while fully knowing that at best, I'd give her half of everything. I won't do what you're doing."

"Vito—"

"Can you honestly tell me that you love Tita? Like Mom? Or did you just marry her because you don't want to be lonely?" I asked him but he remained silent. "I thought so."

"So... tell your guards to stand down and let me go," I said, staring at him, really hoping that he'd know that there's no way I'd stay here while Assia's in jail.

"What will you do, Vito?"

I didn't answer because at this point, I didn't know what more I could do... but hell would freeze over first if I'd just stay here and do nothing. 

***
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