This is the last part of Endless Love. Thank you for being with me on this journey. I will always and forever be grateful.

Songs: Angels Wings- Westlife

The Night We Met- Lord Huron

Isa Pang Araw- Sarah Geronimo

The One That Got Away- Justin Vasquez (cover)

Diyan Ba Sa Langit- Morissette x Jason Dy x KIKX

Kiss The Rain- Yiruma

Axel

"Uy! Ano 'yon?! May tumalon!" saad ni Damon na nagpaangat naman ng tingin ko.

Abala ko sa pagtingin sa files ng anak ng presidente nang magulat kami dahil may bigla siyang mapansin. Napangiwi rin ako ng di oras nang makita ko ang pangit na bagsak ng taong tumalon mula sa mataas na pader ng Malacañang.

Nakahinto ang sasakyan namin malapit sa palasyo dahil hinihintay pa namin ang tawag ni General Donovan. We departed early on our headquarters at the AFP because we wanted to survey the area. But unfortunately, because of the traffic, gabi na nang makarating kami!

It's dark so I didn't recognize who it was. How the hell did that person managed to jump? Ang taas ng tinalunan niyang 'yun ah? Hindi na talaga ako nag-taka pa nang makita ko siyang iika-ikang tumawid patungo sa itim na van na nakahinto sa malapit.

My forehead creased. It's a lady. I returned my gaze over the files that our General handed me a while ago. I read the details about the first daughter.

Ariadne Sierra L. Castellaño

5'5, long hair, dark brown eyes, fair skin.

Those are enough information for me to realize that it was her who was trying to sneak out of the palace. I mean, she has the same exact features as the first daughter! Kitang-kita iyon sa litrato na kabilang dito sa files na binigay sa akin kanina.

I stared at her picture for a while. It was a stolen shot from one of the many events that they attend as a family. Hindi siya nakangiti dito at mukhang inip na inip habang nasa likod ng ama. Ang sumunod na litrato naman ay walang emosyon siyang nakatingin sa litrato habang nakaangat ang kilay.

Mukhang mataray at spoiled brat ang isang 'to ah? General Donovan informed us that she's a hard headed woman. She likes to taste her freedom—the reason why she always sneaks out. Hindi na rin ako nagtaka pa kung bakit naghanap sila ng pamalit sa mga luma niyang bodyguard. Lagi niya raw kasing natatakasan ang mga ito, e.

They want someone who can tame and control her. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako ang napili nila. I don't think I have something in me that will make her behave. Baka mas lalo pang magrebelde 'yun kapag ako ang magbantay.

Mahigpit akong tao. If they told me to keep an eye on someone, I will really do it without blinking an eye. If they give me a job, I always make sure that I give my 100% in it because I hate the feeling of failure.

Deployment sana ang gusto kong mangyari, bakit ito naman ang binigay sa akin?

"Sundan niyo." Utos ko nang makitang umandar na ang van na sinasakyan niya ngayon.

"P-Pero... inaantay na tayo ng presidente, Sir."

"Just inform them that we caught his daughter sneaking out of the palace. I'm sure he'll understand."

"'Yung first daughter 'yun?!" hindi niya makapaniwalang tinanong.

I disappointingly nod my head. Unang araw ko palang sa trabaho, pinapahirapan na agad ako.

"Anak ng pucha! Takas agad ah!"

Umiling siya at tumango rin naman kalaunan at sinunod nalang ang utos ko. Binaba kong muli ang tingin sa files na nasa kandungan ko.

I was hesitant about accepting this mission. Being a bodyguard isn't my forte. I would rather stay inside the battlefield than to baby sit! It was boring for me. Walang thrill.

"Sir, hinahabol siya!"

Agad akong naalerto sa sinabi ni Damon. I quickly wore my bulletproof vest and reloaded my gun. I gave instructions to the other soldiers.

"Del Rosario, on the other side. Cover for me. I'll go get the Angel."

"Roger that." Tumango si Damon at tsaka binuksan na ang pinto ng sasakyan.

Lumabas kami at agad na umaksyon. The hell is she even doing in this frat house? Alam niya ba 'tong pinapasok niya? Maaari siyang mapahamak sa ginagawa niyang 'to, e!

Kanina pa isinasuggest ni Damon sa akin na lusubin na namin ang frat house na iyon. I thought about that, too. Pero mas naisip ko na maaaring mas mapahamak ang buhay ng first daughter kapag nagkagulo. His father also alerted the authorities when we informed him about his daughter's rebellious act. Kaya ano mang oras ay dadating na rin ang mga iyon.

My only concern now is the first daughter's safety. I need to get her out of here as soon as possible.

Nawala lang namin ang sasakyan nila ng saglit sa dami ng sumisingit sa daan kanina at ito agad ang bubungad sa amin?

Thank heavens that one of the soldiers memorized the plate number of the van so we managed to track it. As much as we want to use our siren to alert the people that this is a damn emergency, we just can't bring ourselves to do it. Nasa loob ng van na iyon ang anak ng presidente at maaaring may illegal na ginagawa ang mga kasama niya.

God only knows if she's also doing something illegal inside that damn van!

Kaya naman ay hindi na rin namin binalak dahil sigurado akong ang unang sisi ay kanya kapag nalaman nilang may nakasunod na awtoridad sakanila. Baka saktan pa siya ng mga kasama niya doon.

It's my first day in this new job and I can't get fired right away! Nakakahiya! Maganda ang credentials ko at ayaw kong masira nang dahil dito.

I hide myself behind the tree as I was watching the first daughter run away from those men.

"Sir, Angel is running towards your direction." Damon informed me over the earpiece.

"Copy. I see her."

She was running so fast like she really wanted to get away from everything. Look what you brought yourself into, woman! Now you're in danger!

"Sir, there are men running in my direction. Don't let her turn."

"Copy that."

She was only a few meters away from me when she almost took a turn towards Damon's position. Dali-dali ko siyang hinila patungo sa dilim, sa parteng hindi siya makikita ng mga humahabol sakanya.

I pinned her against the wall and covered her mouth with my palm when she was about to scream. Sumilip ako at tiningnan kung nasaan na ba ang mga lalaking humahabol sakanya. They're only a meter away from us.

Nagpumiglas siya kaya naman ay mas lalo ko siyang idiniin sa pader, iniingatan na 'wag siyang makita nang mga lalaking 'yon. I used my body to shield her.

"Shh! They might caught you."

Doon kami unang beses nagkatinginan. I saw fear in her eyes. Ramdam ko ang takot niya dahil sa mabilis niyang paghinga.

You're safe now. No one's going to harm you now.

Dahan-dahan kong inalis ang palad kong nakatakip sa bibig niya nang makita kong lumagpas na sa banda namin ang mga lalaking humahabol sakanya.

"What are you doi-"

Natigil rin naman siya sa pagsasalita nang agad kong inilabas ang telepono at tinawagan si Ricardo, ang head ng PSG. Agad niyang sinagot ang tawag.

"Angel recovered. I repeat. Angel recovered." I said.

Napansin kong namilog ang mga mata niya nang mapagtanto niyang isa ako sa mga nakaatas sa seguridad niya.

"Okay, bring her to the palace right away. The president wants to talk to his daughter asap." Ricardo said on the other line.

At 'yun nga ang ginawa ko matapos ko siyang isalba sa mga lalaking iyon. Nang makumpleto kami sa sasakyan ay agad kong ipinautos na bumalik na ng palasyo.

Bakas parin sa mukha niya ang pagkabigla sa nangyayari. She keeps on asking questions while we were on our way and I can't help but get annoyed.

See? This is why I was hesitating on accepting this mission! I don't want to baby sit a spoiled brat!

Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit alalang-alala siya nang makita niya ang mga paparating na pulis. Nararapat lang sa mga iyon na mahuli dahil mali ang ginagawa nila.

She was panicking inside the car, paulit-ulit na tinatanong kung sino ang nagsumbong sa pulis na para bang ikamamatay niya kapag nahuli ang mga "kaibigan" niya.

"Why are you so worried about them?" hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili na itanong.

"Because my friends are there! They will get in trouble because of me!"

"Dapat lang 'yon dahil labag sa batas ang ginagawa nila. They even put you in danger. Kaya bakit ka pa nag-aalala sakanila?"

She turns to me and told me that she needed to protect her friends. I call bullshit on that. If they were really her friends, then why would they let her get into this? Sigurado akong alam nila na siya ang kaisa-isang anak ng presidente. President Castellaño isn't even hiding his family from the public eye.

Her "friends" should know in the first place that her life is always on the line. Hindi dapat sila gumagawa ng dahilan para malagay pa lalo ang buhay niya sa peligro. If they're really her "friends", they should be the one protecting her. Not the other way around.

"I'm worried that I might lose friends after this night. Nagaalala ako sa sasabihin nila tungkol sa akin. I tried so hard to fit in with them. And now that I did, 'yun at nawala. Napahamak nang dahil sa akin. They're the only friends that I've got. And I can't afford to lose them."

Well, maybe being a spoiled brat was just my first impression of her.

She was way too far from being that person. Maybe she was being like this because she craves for her parents' affection. She wants her freedom because she feels suffocated inside this palace. I don't know how hard it must be for her to live in a household where you rarely see your parents around.

Kahit hindi ako lumaki kasama si Papa, nandiyan naman ang Mama ko na laging nandyan para sa akin hanggang sa magbinata ako. 'Yun nga lang nagkasakit siya at hindi kinaya ng katawan at kalaunan ay namatay.

But with Aria's case, she was the only child and yet her parents cannot give her the love and attention that she wants from them.

"Nakakatakot palang magalit ang presidente 'no, Sir?" ani Damon habang patungo kami sa aming headquarters. He hissed and rubbed his arms because he got goosebumps. "Grabe! Nakakakilabot! Parang hihimatayin ako kanina dun ah?"

Hindi ako sumagot at inalala nalang ang lahat ng narinig kanina. Kahit ilang beses niyang ipaliwanag ang sarili, hindi niya napigilan ang ama sa kanyang galit.

Hindi ko alam kung ano 'yung naramdaman ko noong oras na bumagsak ang balikat niya pagkatapos sabihin sakanya ng kanyang ama na sumunod siya sa kanyang opisina. Parang may punyal sa aking puso nang makita ko kung gaano siya kapagod sa ganitong klaseng buhay.

She was crying when she came out of her father's office. Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili na mabigla sa nakita. I wanted to ask if she's okay but then she ignored me.

Parang ang bigat sa puso kapag nakikita siyang umiiyak. A pure heart like her doesn't deserve this kind of pain. She's too precious to live a life like this. She wanted someone to see and understand her. And I'm not the kind of person to save someone from their emotional pain. Because I have something going on in my life, too. I am trying to save myself from them... but I don't know how.

But with her... I suddenly felt something different. Like there's an urge for me to help and save her from this. Because I've also been there. I know the feeling of everyone leaving you behind and I don't think she knows how to cope with it like I did.

She's a gem. Too precious to break.

Whoa, Axel! Akala ko ba ayaw mo mag baby sit? Bakit parang nag-iba bigla ang pananaw mo sa trabaho mo ah?

"Are you seriously required to follow me anywhere even inside the palace?" she asked curiously.

"I'm afraid so, Ma'am."

She rolled her eyes, halatang nainis. I tried to fight the urge to smile. Utos kasi sa amin ni President Castellaño na palagi siyang bantayan kahit nasa palasyo. Nang sa gayon ay hindi na makatakas pang muli.

"You can stop calling me Ma'am. Just Aria."

'Yun ang nagpatigil sa akin. Hindi ko akalain na ang isang kagaya niya ay mas gusto pang tawagin siya sa kanyang pangalan kaysa sa pormal siyang i-address dahil iyon naman ang dapat.

I've always had this idea about elite people that because they're on top of the hierarchy means they are to look down on people who are below them. Na dapat sila lang ang mas nakakataas at mas may karapatan sa mga bagay-bagay.

Hindi nila naiintindihan ang mga hinaing ng mga taong nasa ibaba nila dahil hindi naman sila iyong namomoblema sa panahon ng crisis sapagkat sila itong may kakahayan na tustusan ang mga pangagailangan nila. They are privileged that's why they have no idea what the real problem is.

And the more that they refuse to see what's really happening, people below them will continue to become oppressed. Kapag nagpatuloy sila sa pagbubulag-bulagan at pagbibingi-bingihan, mas hindi nila maiintindihan at mabibigyan solusyon ang tunay na problema.

But Aria is different from them. She treats people equally. Walang nakakataas at walang nakabababa para sakanya. She understands the struggle that people below them are facing.

"Don't worry. My previous bodyguards used to address me with my name. Alam nila Daddy iyon at hinahayaan lang nila. So, you have nothing to worry about."

I smiled a little at her. Kahit gustong sundin ang sinasabi niya, mas gugustohin ko paring sundin ang General. He's the reason why I am at this job and it is my responsibility to follow him.

"I'm afraid to tell you that I'm not like your previous bodyguards, Ma'am. I strictly follow rules from the General."

"Tss. So, you're saying that I have to be a General first before you follow what I'm asking you to do?"

I didn't answer so that made her more annoyed of me. Sige lang... magalit ka lang sa akin. Mas gugustohin ko pa iyon dahil baka sa oras na gumaan ang loob ko sa'yo, mawalan pa ako ng trabaho!

"Nakakabilib din ang anak ng presidente ano? Akalain niyo 'yun! First name basis kami dahil ayaw niyang tinatawag siyang Ma'am!" napailing si Damon habang sinusubo ang pagkain.

Ito agad ang bungad niya sa amin pagkatapos ng shift niya sa pagbabantay kay Aria. Nag-sasalo salo kaming mga sundali dito at walang humpay siya sa pagkukwento tungkol sa sinabi ni Aria sakanya.

Sus! Di lang ikaw ang sinabihan niya ng ganyan! 'Wag kang feeling special!

"Lahat kaming mga lumang bodyguard niya dito, tinatawag siya sa pangalan niya. Ayaw niya talagang tinatawag siyang Ma'am. Ayaw niya daw na mataas ang tingin natin sa kanya." Ani Andy.

Napangisi ako nang halos ibuga ni Damon ang tubig na iniinom. He scratched the back of his head.

"Ay! Akala ko ako lang ang makakapag first name basis sa first daughter! Di pala! Ano ba 'yan!"

Tumayo ako matapos kong kumain. Niligpit ko agad ang pinagkainan ko. Sinundan naman nila ako ng tingin.

"Oh, Sir? San ka?" tanong ni Joseph.

"Magbabantay ulit."

"Pero... kakatapos mo lang ah?" si Damon na puno pa ang bibig pero hindi parin napigilan na magtanong.

"Wala akong magawa, e."

"Magpahinga! Maghapon ka na dun, Sir, e! Hayaan mo na si Andy dun!"

Sumulyap ako kay Andy na nagmamadali nang tapusin ang pagkain niya ngayon. Tumayo siya habang sinasaid pa ang pagkain.

"Oo! Ako na bahala!" aniya.

"Di na. Ako na. Kayo nalang muna ang magpahinga diyan."

Nagkatinginan si Damon at Joseph. Alam kong may ibig sabihin ang tinginan nilang iyon dahil makahulugang ngiti ang iginawad ni Damon sa akin.

"Ikaw, Sir, ah? Gustong-gusto laging nagbabantay! Ayaw mawalay? Attached agad?" pang-aasar niya.

"Gago! Bawal magtrabaho?"

"Asus! Trabaho daw ba, e!" he mocked me. "Magdadalawang araw palang tayo dito, Sir. Attached ka agad?"

Kahit kailan talaga 'tong si Del Rosario! Hobby na ata nito ang mang-asar palagi! Nakilala ko siya sa isang misyon sa Afghanistan. Bago palang siya ng mga oras na iyon kaya wala pang ideya sa gagawin.

Isang beses ko palang nakakasama 'to sa gyera at rinding-rindi agad sakanya sila Jaxon at Kiel. Ang ingay daw at salita ng salita sa earpiece habang nakikipagbakbakan. Palagi niya kasing nakakalimutan na naka open ang mic niya. Kung hindi siya nag-dadasal, kumakanta naman ng kung ano.

But then, Damon's just like that. He's the kind of person who values and enjoys life so much.

Hinayaan kong mas lalong mairita si Aria sa akin dahil sa paraan ng pagbabantay ko sakanya. She was so eager to taste her freedom, but I was more eager in keeping her safe and not letting her out of my sight. Kahit anong takas ang gawin niya, lagi ko parin siyang nahuhuli.

Tama nga ang sinabi ni General Donovan, matigas nga ang ulo ng isang 'to. Ang hirap niyang pasunurin pero ang hirap rin na hindi ibigay ang gusto niya.

"Ano? Kung kailan pinapasunod ka na tsaka ka tutunganga dyan! Labo mo rin, e, noh?" medyo iritable niyang sinabi.

I clenched my jaw. This woman is really testing my patience. Parang sinisimulan ko nang kwestyonin ang sarili dahil hindi na ata ito ang trabaho ko ah? The task is to make her follow me, for the sake of her safety, pero iba ang nangyayari. Ako palagi ang sumusunod sa kanya!

"Kulit mo!" hindi ko na napigilan pa ang sarili.

I saw her jaw dropped, hindi inaasahan na sasabihin ko iyon. Natigilan rin siya nang dahil doon.

"Wow naman! Excuse you? Ako pa talaga ang makulit ha?" She exclaimed.

E, sino pa ba? Ako? Ako na nga lang 'tong sumusunod sa utos, ako pa makulit? Wow rin naman!

Hindi nalang ako sumagot at dumiretso nalang sa harap niya para maprotektahan siya kung sakaling may magtangka sa buhay niya.

"Nakukulitan ka pala sa akin, e. Edi umalis ka nalang sa trabaho mong 'to. Humanap ka ng babantayan na gustong sumunod sa'yo!"

I lazily let out a sigh and shake my head. Baka mas nanaisin ko pang ipatapon ulit sa gyera kasama ang mga kaibigan ko kaysa naman mamuti agad ang buhok ko nang dahil sa babaeng 'to. This will be the death of me!

"Pwede bang 'wag muna tayong umalis? Susubukan ko lang ulit tawagan si Kuya Sven. We will not leave unless I know where he is."

How can I say no to that? Every time she's being like this, it's making it harder for me to just follow the orders that were given to me. Parang handa akong laging suwayin ang mga iyon para sa ikasasaya niya.

Her cousin went missing all of a sudden with Zia. I don't even know where the hell they went and I don't understand what was happening with them.

All I know is that they know each other from their past. 'Yun rin ang rason kung bakit ayaw na ayaw ni Zia tanggapin ang misyon na ito.

"It's okay. Baka hinahanap na rin ako-"

Hindi ko na siya pinatapos pa sa kanyang sasabihin dahil parang hindi ko kakayanin kapag hindi ko siya napapagbigyan.

"You can call him. We'll just wait here until he tells you where he is."

Nakita ko kung paano siya nabigla sa sinabi ko. I told her that I will only follow orders from the General or from the President, but what am I doing? Siya na ata ang General at President para sa akin dahil lagi ko siyang sinusunod.

If there's something I noticed about her, that is she would do anything for family even if they hurt her over and over again. She knows pain but then her heart knows other way to cope up with it. She will still risk everything for the ones she loves.

"Sir, hinahanap na po siya. Kailangan na nating-"

"Don't worry, Damon. Ako na ang magpapaliwanag sakanila."

Sinundan ko ng tingin si Aria hanggang sa tumigil siya para matawagan na ang pinsan niya. Narinig kong natawa si Damon sa tabi ko. He pats me on my shoulder.

"Mukhang attached na attached ka na talaga, Sir, ha?"

Kinunotan ko siya ng noo. Hindi ko rin alam, Damon. Hindi ko rin alam bakit bigla akong nagkakaganito. Siya lang talaga ang natatanging tao na hindi makakapagpasunod sa akin sa mga utos na inihahabilin sa akin.

The day her parents left for Japan, she tries to sneak out again. Nagawa niyang mauto si Joseph pero hindi niya ako magagawang utoin. President Castellaño instructed us to teach her self defense while they are away.

Nabasa ko agad sa mukha niya na ayaw niyang gawin iyon at may ibang plano na pumapasok sa isip. Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili na matawa habang pinapanood siyang itago ang sarili sa mga halaman.

Hmm... better luck next time. Maybe I should also teach her on how to hide herself better huh? Obvious na obvious siya diyan, e!

Nagalit siya sa akin noong mga oras na nahuli ko siya. She doesn't care if her father might scold her again, like it's okay for her to hurt herself over and over again with his words. Hindi ko naman hahayaan iyon lalo na't gabi-gabi ko siyang naririnig na umiiyak sa kanyang kwarto.

I know it's not my position to meddle with her life. I keep on reminding myself about all the limitations that General Donovan gave us. Pero kung ganito naman palagi... paano ko magagawang limitahan lalo ang sarili ko?

She makes me want to hold her and assure her that everything's going to be fine. That I am here for her. But fuck! Who am I to do that? I'm just her freaking bodyguard whose responsibility is to protect her!

I knew that I was falling for her when I saw her smile when she shot the target during our self defense training. Ngayon ko lang siya nakitang ganon kasaya at parang ayaw ko nang mawala iyon sa kanya.

When she's at her happiest, I am at peace. There's nothing else more important in this world than to see her happy.

I remember when I watched her play the harp. I knew there was something wrong. Kanina ko pa siya pinapanood habang binabati ang magulang dahil nakauwi na ito mula Japan. Nakita ko rin kung paano siya madismaya nang mas inuna pa ng mga ito ang trabaho kaysa sa kanya.

It's okay, baby... if they can't provide you the attention you need. Then I'll fill up that void.

"Was she behave, First Lieutenant Ocampo?" tanong sa akin ng ama niya nang ipatawag ako sa kanyang opisina.

"Yes, sir. She also did well during our self defense training."

He nods his head, like he's pleased to hear that.

Wala akong balak na ilaglag si Aria sa tangka niyang pagtakas. Alam ko namang pinagsisihan na niya iyon at nagawa rin naman niyang sumunod sa amin ng mga sumunod na araw.

"I'm happy that she didn't try to do anything stupid. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko sakanya dahil hindi namin mapasunod. General Donovan made the right decision of giving you this job. I'm happy with your service, First Lieutenant Ocampo." He pats me on my back.

If they only know what their daughter is going through then they will understand while she's being difficult for them. Kung nabibigyan lang sana ng sapat na oras at atensyon si Aria, hindi sana sila namomoblema sakanya ngayon.

All Aria wanted was someone to be there for her. Someone who she can lean on and understand her in ways no one else couldn't. She has a lot to offer and it's sad that her parents fail to see that.

That's why I am glad that she has her cousin who is always there for her. He supported her in everything. He's the one pushing her to do things she's afraid of doing.

It's because of him why Aria was able to achieve one of her biggest dreams. And that is to open her own atelier.

"Gusto mo siya ano?" nagulat ako nang bigla akong tanungin ni Zia.

Kumunot ang noo ko at ngumuso.

"Paano mo naman nasabi?"

Ito ang katanungan na pinaka-iiwasan ko. Ilang beses na rin akong tinatanong ni Damon pero hindi ko sinasagot dahil hindi rin naman ako sigurado sa nararamdaman ko para kay Aria.

Kahit na gusto kong gustohin siya, mayroon laging pumipigil sa akin. Magkaiba kami ng mundo. Hindi siya nababagay sa akin, at mas lalong hindi ako nararapat sa mundo niya. Nasa itaas na siya at nasa ibaba ako. Hindi kami kailanman pwedeng magtago.

"Hindi ka naman ganito dati, e," napaangat ako ng tingin kay Zia. I zoned out for a second because of that thought. "Mabilis kang sumusunod sa utos at hindi ka nahihirapan sa trabaho. Pero ngayon parang nahihirapan ka dahil para sa'yo personal na ang lahat ng ito."

I scoff to mask my emotion. How can this girl figure that out easily? Habang kaming mga kasamahan niya ang hirap siya laging basahin!

"May limitasyon ako, Zia. Hindi ko pwedeng lagpasan 'yun."

"Nagawa mo na nga, e." bahagya siyang tumawa. "Look, she likes you. And you know you're doomed."

Right. I am doomed.

Hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman ko nang oras na umamin siya sa akin. May halong saya at takot. Saya dahil parehas kami ng naradamdaman. Takot dahil hindi naman dapat ito mangyari pero hinayaan ko.

I failed as her bodyguard. This wasn't supposed to happen. I should've reminded myself a lot of times about those limitations but every time I'm with her, I always forget it.

My love for her was just so intense that it's impossible to just throw it away. She's at her happiest now and I don't want to take it away from her.

Pero hindi ko alam kung bakit sobrang natuwa ako sa pag-amin niya. I just can't believe it. Hindi kami pwede dahil magkaibang mundo ang ginagalawan namin pero nagawa niyang isantabi iyon at mas pinili na ipagpatuloy ang nararamdaman niya para sa akin.

"I like you, Axel." She said. "And not because you've got a great face or anything... b-but... I like you so much because of your compassion, y-your determination,"

Nilingon ko siya at nakitang nanginginig ang mga kamay niya. I tried to fight off the smile that's begging to come out of my lips. Hindi siya makatingin ng diretso sa akin dahil ramdam kong nahihiya siya sa ginagawa niyang pag-amin ngayon.

I'm proud of her for having the courage to tell it to me face to face. I know she's not the type of person to talk about her feelings.

"You make me feel important. You cared for me like no one else. You were always... there for me... saving me... from everything. You know how to make me feel better. I never felt something like this before. And this is so... I just like you so much, Axel. Or maybe... I already love you, but we're not sure of that. All I know is that I always like to be near you... to always talk to you... ugh! This is insane!"

Hindi ko na talaga napigilan pa ang ngiti sa labi. Damn! I never felt like this before. Sa simpleng pag-amin niya, ibang klaseng saya ang binigay niya sa akin.

She hid her face behind her palms. I stifle a laugh. Oh, Ariadne Sierra L. Castellaño... you're really going to be the death of me.

"I'm so bad at confessions!" she mumbled.

"No, you're great at it."

Pinalapit ko siya sa akin dahil hindi ko na rin kaya pang pigilan itong nararamdaman ko para sakanya. I've been wanting to taste her lips the moment I fully confirmed of what I feel for her.

I have loved before but it didn't feel like this. This is the kind of love that burns me. Like a disease with no cure. I didn't know this kind of love until now. All I know is that I've been waiting for this person forever.

"You failed as a soldier, First Lieutenant Ocampo. Of all things that your General reminded you, how could you forget about your limitations? The plan was to keep her safe, to protect her! Now how are you going to do that if you're in love with her? You're emotionally involved! How can you still do your job well?"

Nanatili akong nakayuko habang pinagsasabihan ako ni President Castellaño sa kanyang opisina. Hinayaan ko siyang sabihin ang hinanakit sa akin.

Apparently, they've found out what's going on with Aria and I. Hindi na rin ako nagulat pa dahil kanina ko pa napapansin si Madam Amelia na pinagmamasdan kami. Napapansin niya kasing lapit ng lapit si Aria sa akin kaya sinusubukan niyang paglayuin kami.

Pumikit ako. This isn't part of my plan at all. Tinanggap ko ang trabahong ito dahil sa amin pinagkatiwala ni General Donovan ito.

Pero ang lahat ng nangyari, hindi talaga kasama sa lahat ng plano ko. Aria is not hard to love. You just get attach to her all of a sudden and you have no idea how that happened. The next thing you know is you're in love with her.

"I'm sorry, President. It is not my intention to-"

"If you only knew about your limitations. Then this won't happen."

I understand his anger right now. Sa dinami-rami nga naman ng problema na kinahaharap nila ngayon dahil sa taong nagtatangka sa buhay ni Aria, sumasabay pa ito. Ever since Aria's so-called friends came to her atelier, mas pinahigpit ko ang seguridad niya. President Castellaño is scared that Aria might get involved with his clash with the Vencetti Cartel.

He's mad because he thinks I can't protect his daughter anymore because of our relationship. But... loving Aria makes me want to protect her more. If I can only sacrifice my life for her, I would. I would do anything for her even after death.

"If you want me to quit my job, Sir, then it's okay." Diretsa kong sinabi sakanya.

Inangat ko ang tingin sakanya at nakita ko ang pagkabigla niya sa sinabi ko.

"That's not what I-"

"If you want me to prove that I deserve your daughter by quitting this job then I will gladly do so. I can still protect her even if I'm emotionally involved. The only thing that matters to me is her. I know you didn't want me because I'm just her bodyguard. But, Sir... I love Aria. And I will do anything to protect her, even if it meant that I have to quit this job for her."

I know I have to gain his trust. And if he still doesn't believe me that I can still do my job well even if I'm in love with his daughter then it's his problem. Nothing can stop me from protecting her.

"You can choose your job, Axel. Ang kapalit lang noon ay ang layuan mo siya. That way, I'll be more comfortable knowing that you can still do your job well. But if you choose her, then you lose your job."

We all know that I will choose the latter no matter what happens. My only fear in this world is losing her. Hindi ko kakayanin kung tuluyan siyang mawawala sa akin.

Mas gugustohin ko pang lumayo dahil sa paraang iyon may kasiguraduhan parin na babalik ako sakanya dahil tiwala lang ng kanyang ama ang kailangan kong makuha. Ngunit ang manatili dito pero hindi ko naman siya malalapitan, hindi ko kakayanin. Mas hindi ko magagawa ang trabaho ko.

"Can I ask one favor from you, Sir?"

His forehead creased. "What is it?"

"Can you... make time for her? That's all she wants, Sir. Me leaving means you can have more time with her. This is your chance to get to know her better, Sir. Please don't waste it. Your daughter is an amazing woman, I hope you know that."

His mouth parted. Dahan-dahan siyang tumango at wala na ring nagawa nang mas napagdesisyonan kong iwan si Aria.

"Oh, Axel! B-Bakit... bakit mo dala ang mga gamit mo?" gulantang na tanong ni Lola Guada nang makita akong dala ang lahat ng gamit ko.

"Umalis po ako sa trabaho, La."

Her eyes widened. Binaba ko ang mga gamit ko sa sahig at naupo sa sofa. Hinilamos ko ang palad ko sa aking mukha at tsaka sinapo ang aking noo.

I have to leave the palace early because I don't want Aria to see me leave. Wala akong labis na pinagsisisihan sa lahat ng nangyari. I am actually glad that it happened. I did what my heart tells me to do.

She thought that her father made me choose. She has no idea that it was my decision. This is the only way I know how, Aria... just give me time to gain your father's trust and we'll be together again.

Nothing will ever separate us again...

Pinaliwanag ko kay Lola Guada ang nangyari. Matagal na niyang alam ang tunay kong nararamdaman para kay Aria kaya hindi na siya nagulat pa nang iyon ang naging dahilan kung bakit nawala ako sa trabaho ko.

"Paano 'yan? Tanggal ka na ba sa militar, hijo?"

Bahagya akong tumawa. Ipinulupot ko ang aking braso sa kanyang balikat.

"Hindi, La. Gusto ko lang patunayan na kaya ko paring protektahan si Aria kahit na malalim itong nararamdaman ko sakanya."

Nagpakawala siya ng malalim na hininga.

"Naku, hijo. Delikado kasi 'yang pinapasok mo, e. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit hindi mo naiwasang maramdaman 'yan. Hindi nga naman mahirap mahalin si Aria. Napakabait na bata 'yun." Napangiti siya.

I smiled to myself, too. Unang beses niya palang nakikita si Aria, nagustohan niya na agad ito. 'Yun lang rin naman ang gusto kong mangyari nang dinala ko siya sa amin, e.

Natatakot pa ako nung unang beses niyang nagpunta dito dahil baka hindi niya magustohan ang bahay namin dahil hindi ganito kaliit ang bahay na kinalakihan niya. She lived a comfortable life that's why I can't believe when she told me that she feels more home here than on their own house.

"Paano 'yan, Axel? Babalik ka na naman bas a Syria?"

Agad akong umiling. Wala na sa plano ko ang bumalik diyan. Mas gugustohin ko nalang na manatili dito na kasama si Aria.

"Hindi na, La. Sinabi ko na rin kay Jaxon na wala na akong balak bumalik."

Bahagya siyang natawa sa sinabi ko. Alam niya na sa bawat misyon, lagi kaming magkasama ni Jaxon. At ngayon, mas pipiliin kong iwan siya kaysa ang iwan dito si Aria.

A love like ours happens once in a lifetime. I'm sure Jaxon will understand because he's also been through this. He knows how love would make us give up everything. He reassigned himself to be in Afghanistan to be with Margaux. Now, I'm choosing to stay here to be with Aria.

"Gustong-gusto mo talaga si Aria ano?"

Nagulat ako nang biglang sumulpot si Patty sa tabi ko. Gabi na at nandidito parin siya sa amin. Kasalukuyan akong nakasandal sa barandilya ng terrace namin nang dumating siya.

Kanina ko pa pinipigilan ang sarili na 'wag tawagan si Aria. Binilin ko kay Damon na kahit anong mangyari, 'wag niyang pababayaan si Aria. I told him to tell me all her whereabouts because I will still be there, protecting her, even from afar.

Tumango lang ako bilang sagot sa tanong ni Patty. Tumabi siya sa akin at itinuko ang magkabilang siko sa barandilya. Tumingin siya sa malayo habang may hilaw na ngiti sa labi.

"Hindi ka ba natatakot, Axel?" she paused for a while. "Anak ng presidente 'yang minamahal mo. Mahirap abutin. Mahirap ipagsiksikan ang sarili sa mundo niya. Maaaring madamay ka sa gulong kinahaharap ng pamilya nila. Hindi ka ba natatakot?"

I scoffed. "Mas kinakatakot ko pang mawala siya sa akin, Patty."

She sighed heavily. I glanced at her and saw her pursed her lips.

"Kahit ano palang gawin ko, walang makakapagpabago ng isip mo. Nag-aalala lang ako sa'yo dahil malapit ka sa akin. Ayokong may mangyaring masama sa'yo."

"Walang mangyayaring masama sa akin, Patty. I've been to dangerous places but I am still here. Nothing will ever happen to me if Aria is my safe haven."

Siya naman ang natawa ngayon. Yumuko siya at tsaka mariing pumikit.

"Mahal kita, Axel. Matagal na. Hindi mo ba kayang maramdaman pabalik sa akin 'yon?"

Natigilan ako nang dahil doon. Hindi sa hindi ko inaasahan 'to. Pero akala ko ay lilipas rin ang nararamdaman niya para sa akin.

"Matagal na tayong magkakilala. Kung iisipin mo, mas kilala kita kaysa sa kanya. Pero bakit siya, Axel? Bakit siya na kakakilala mo lang? Ano bang meron siya na wala ako?"

"Patty..." I called out to her.

Inangat niya ang tingin sa akin at doon ko lang nakita ang mga luhang lumandas sa kanyang mga mata. I don't want to see her cry. But I just couldn't give her what she wants from me.

"I'm sorry..." 'yun lang ang natatanggi kong nasabi.

Patty nods her head and she try to smile. Pinalis niya rin ang luha sa kanyang pisngi. Nag-iwas siyang muli ng tingin sa akin.

"Sana hindi ka nagkakamali sa ginawa mong desisyon, Axel. Gusto ko lang kung ano ang makakabuti sa'yo. Wala na akong nanaiisin pang iba kung hindi ang makita kang masaya."

Then she left after that.

I know something serious is about to happen when the cartel decided to attack during SONA. I know I have to be there because I feel uneasy while waiting for Damon to update me about what's happening. I just couldn't stay at home knowing that Aria is at a high-risk event of the first family.

"Sir! Sorry hindi ko na nasabi sa'yo. Abala lang!" salubong sa akin ni Damon pagkarating ko sa Batasan.

"Ayos lang. Nasaan 'yung iba?"

"Nasa kanila nang pwesto, Sir! Si Joseph, may inaayos lang."

Kumunot ang noo ko. Nagsisimula na ang SONA, may kailangan parin siyang ayusin?

"Saan?"

Nagkibit ng balikat si Damon at ngumuso. Hindi na nasundan pa ang tanong kong iyon dahil iginiya na ako ni Damon papasok ng Batasan. Pinakita ko ang ID sa security kaya naman ay pinapasok nila ako.

Once I entered the senate, I immediately looked for Aria. I saw her talking to her mother. Mukhang may ibinubulong sakanya. Wala sa sarili akong napangiti nang makita ko kung gaano siya kaganda ngayon.

"Sir? Diyan ka lang?" tanong ni Damon.

Tumango ako. "Oo. Bumalik ka na sa pwesto mo. Ako na ang bahala rito."

Agad siyang umalis nang inutos ko iyon. Wala pang ilang minuto mula nang makaalis siya ay si Joseph naman ang pumalit sa pwesto niya. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagkabigla nang makita niya ako.

"Sir! Nandito ka!"

Tipid lang akong tumango at binalik muli ang tingin kay Aria. Hindi ko naman maiwasang mapabaling muli ng tingin kay Joseph nang mapansing parang hindi siya mapakali sa pwesto niya.

"Are you alright?" I asked with my forehead creased.

Ngumiti siya sa akin para ipaalam na ayos lang siya. He gave me a thumbs up. Hindi pa nakakatapos ng speech ang presidente ay nabigla nalang ang lahat nang may biglaang pagsabog ang nangyari.

I ducked down. Nang tumayo akong muli ay nakita kong nagpapanic na ang mga tao. Nag-uunahan sila sa paglabas at nagkakagulo na ang lahat. Mas lalo na akong nahirapang hanapin si Aria.

"Aria!" I shouted.

Hinanap ko si Joseph dahil siya ang dapat nakaatas na tumulong sa akin dito. Siya ang nakapwesto malapit kay Aria kaya responsibilidad niyang unahin siya kahit ano mang mangyari. Kaya nagulohan ako nang hindi ko siya makita kahit saan.

"Aria!" I heard someone shouted. "Somebody has to get my daughter!"

Hinanap ko ang pinanggalingan ng boses na iyon. Hindi pa ako nakakalapit ay mayroon na namang pagsabog ang naganap. What the hell is happening?

I gasp when I saw Aria struggling to stand up. Nakita ko na rin ang paglapit ni Joseph sa kanya pero wala akong tiwala sakanya kaya mas binilisan ko ang paglapit kay Aria. Agad kong hinigit ang braso niya. She seemed surprise to see me.

"Axel?!"

"I need to get you out of here."

Nakita ko ang ginhawa sa mukha ng mga magulang niya nang makita na ligtas siya. Ngunit ang ginhawang iyon sa mukha ni President Castellaño ay agad na napalitan ng pagkabigla nang makita na ako ang nag-sagip sa anak niya.

"Akala ko wala nang magliligtas sa'yo! I was so worried!" her mother exclaimed and hugged her tight.

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin kay President Castellaño upang ibalik ang tingin kay Aria. Her mother is crying now. Humakbang lang ako patalikod para bigyan sila ng espasyo.

Nabigla pa kami sa pagpasok ni Damon at Joseph. I have a bad feeling about Joseph and I need Damon to keep an eye on him. Nang oras na para pabalikin sila Aria sa palasyo ay hinayaan ko siyang makawala sa akin kahit na kita ko sakanya ang pagaalinlangan na umalis.

"Nahuli ba kung sino ang may gawa?" tanong ko kay Damon.

"Hindi pa, Sir. May duda ako na may kasabwat 'yon dito sa loob. Mukhang 'yung nagpadala rin ng mensahe kay Aria ang may gawa nito."

I pursed my lips. Yumuko ako at nag-isip ng paraan kung paano mas lalong maprotektahan si Aria. This is getting serious now. Hindi biro ang ginawa ng cartel na iyon. Marami ang maaaring madamay sa ginawa nila.

Binalik ko naman muli ang tingin sa gawi nila Aria na hindi parin umaalis ngayon. Her father is in front of her, waiting for her to do something.

"Sir, pangako na gagawin namin ang lahat para mahuli iyon kaya 'wag kang mag-alala. Ipapatugis ko kung sino man iyon kung kailangan para-"

Hindi ko na siya pinatapos pa dahil sa paglapit ni Aria sa akin. Sinalubong ko siya ng mahigpit na yakap. I shut my eyes.

"Thank you... thank you..." she said as she continues to sob.

I tightened my hug around her. Ngayon nalang ulit ako nakaramdam ng labis na pangamba. Akala ko mawawala na siya ng tuluyan sa akin ngayon. Mabuti nalang at dumating ako bago pa mangyari 'yon.

I promised to her that as long as I am here, no one will ever lay a finger on her.

I was surprised when Aria decided to visit us for the second time. Galing akong palengke kasama si Landon at ang mga pamangkin ko nang marinig ko sa kapitbahay na may dumating kaming bisita.

"Uy, Axel! May magandang dilag ata kayong bisita ulit ah? Pakilala mo naman kami!" ani isang lalaki na nakikipaginuman ngayon.

Kumunot ang noo ko. Landon moved closer to me to whisper something in my ear.

"Naku, Kuya! Mukhang nandito ulit si Madam Aria ah?" he said excitedly.

Nang dahil doon ay mas binilisan ko ang paglakad. Hindi ko na nabati pa ang ilang kakilala sa pagmamadali na makita siya. Why is she here? Delikado na nandito siya matapos ang nangyari sa SONA!

Hindi ko lang akalain na pinayagan siya ng kanyang ama na bumisita dito. I just hope that Damon made sure that no one's tailing behind them. Kailangan niyang mas maging mapanuri.

"Pakasalan mo na 'yan kung ako sa'yo." Bulong ni Landon sa akin habang tinatanaw ko si Aria na maghugas kasama si Patty sa loob ng kusina.

Ngumisi ako at tumawa ng bahagya. I just can't take my eyes off of her especially when she's trying something new. I appreciate that she tries so hard to fit in my world. Hindi ito ang nakasanayan niyang buhay pero pinipilit niyang makibagay.

Siniko ako ng kapatid ko at mapangasar na nginisian.

"Tara. Bili na tayo singsing ngayon. Pag di ks bumili, ako magpopropose diyan." Tinanguan niya ang pwesto nila Aria.

"Tanga. Di kayo talo."

"Aw. Damot mo talaga, e."

"Ako mahal niyan. Di ikaw."

Ngumuso siya at pabiro akong sinamaan ng tingin. Kung sa tingin niya hindi sumasagi sa isip ko ang pakasalan si Aria, nagkakamali siya. I'm not the type of person to dream about the future. Mas gusto ko pang mag-focus sa ngayon kaysa ang alalahanin ang hinaharap.

Pero ewan ko ba. Simula nang makasama ko si Aria, biglang dumami ang plano ko. I keep on imagining the future I might have had with her. How happy our family will be and the likes.

Ah... one day... one day I'm going to marry her and we're going to live our best lives together.

"First Lieutenant Ocampo... maaari ka nang bumalik sa trabaho."

Agad na namilog ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ni President Castellaño. Did I hear that right? Did I gain his trust now?

Nakita kong napangiti siya sa reaksyon ko. Matapos kong ihatid si Aria sa palasyo ay hinarang naman ako sa gate dahil gusto daw akong makausap ng presidente. Agadd akong dumiretso dito at hindi ko alam na ito pala ang bubungad sa akin.

"Naalala ko ang habilin mo sa akin noon. Kung may napansin man ako sakanya, 'yun ay ang nakikita ko siyang masaya tuwing kasama ka. Hindi na ako nagdalawang isip pa na payagan siya na bumisita sainyo dahil alam kong iyon ang magpapagaan ng loob niya. It's been an exhausting week for her. At para sakanya, makakapag pahinga lang siya kapag kasama ka niya."

"Sir, I..."

"My daughter is at her happiest when she's with you. Ayokong ipagkait sakanya ang kasiyahang ngayon niya lang labis na natamasa. I don't want to be selfish with her anymore, Axel. It's time to give my daughter what she wants... and it's you."

President Castellaño gave me a genuine smile. Tumayo siya mula sa kanyang swivel chair para lumapit sa akin. Hinawakan niya ako sa aking balikat.

"Next week... we're going to attend a ball. I want you to be there. I'll provide you a mask so she won't recognize you. Alam kong matutuwa siya kapag nakita ka niya."

I chuckled and smiled back at him. Hindi parin ako makapaniwala sa nangyayari.

"I just want to know... are you two in a relationship now?" he asked curiously. "Hindi ako chismoso, hijo. Pero may nakarating lang sa akin na balita mula kay Damon."

"Damon?"

"Oo, hijo. Sabi niya kayo na raw ng anak ko. Gusto ko lang malaman kung totoo."

Hindi ko na napigilan pa ang tawa ko. I know it's not the good place or time to laugh about this but... this is just so funny. Kaya naman pala hayok na hayok sa pagtatanong sa akin ang isang 'yon kung kami na ba ni Aria dahil may ibabalita pala siyang ganito sa magulang niya.

"Sorry, Sir, kung hindi ho namin agad nasabi sainyo."

He smiled reassuringly at me. "Ayos lang, hijo. I just want to confirm. And uhm... do you... do you have plans on... uhm... marrying her?"

I was taken a back with that. Napailing nalang rin si President Castellaño nang dahil sa katanungan niya.

"Hindi kita prinepressure, hijo. I just want to make sure that my daughter's future is secured with you."

Tumango ako. "I understand, Sir. Meron po akong planong pakasalan si Aria."

His smile widened.

"Pero patatapusin ho muna namin itong issue na kinahaharap niya bago mangyari 'yun."

"Good." He laughs. "Make a lot of babies ha?"

My eyes widened so he burst out of laughter.

"Joke!" then he made a peace sign. 

Sa masquerade ball na kaming muli nagkita ni Aria. Tuwang-tuwa siya nang malaman na binalik na akong muli ng kanyang ama sa trabaho. I've been staying at the palace for days and she hasn't noticed me. Masyado kasi siyang abala.

Akala ko naman ay magtutuloy-tuloy na ang kasiyahang mayroon kami hanggang sa may panibago na namang sulat na pinadala sakanya.

This syndicate just won't stop until they get what they want. Hero is in a very secured jail. Kahit sino ay hindi maaaring makapasok at bantay sarado din siya sa kulungan. President Castellaño knows how valuable he is for that syndicate that's why he's not going to let him go.

Pero ang pananaw niyang iyon ay agad na nagbago matapos niyang mapanood ang video ni Aria na nagmamakaawa na ibalik si Hero sa kanyang ama na si Vicente Beltran.

"Let's just give Hero up! Oh god! I cannot risk my daughter's life! We need to save her!" President Castellaño panicked.

Aria and Damon has been abducted during her fashion show. She was about to reach the backstage when multiple gunshots were heard around the area. Hindi pa ako nakakaaksyon agad ay may bigla nang sumuntok sa akin.

Hindi ko inaasahan iyon kaya ako napahiga sa sahig. His punch left an impact on me which is the reason why I felt dizzy. Iilan silang pinagtutulungan ako. Kung hindi pa siguro dumating sila Andy, baka kung ano na ang nangyari sa akin.

Sinubukan parin naming hanapin kung saan sila maaaring dalhin ng mga dumakip sakanila. Andy found Aria's purse backstage. While Damon's phone was wrecked. Those people really made sure that we won't find them.

"Calm down, Sir. We will do everything we can to save your daughter." Ani Ricardo.

Tumayo siya at hinarap kaming lahat. President Castellaño started panicking after he saw the video of Aria sent by Vicente Beltran, the leader of the group.

Pilit kong pinipigilan ang sarili na 'wag sumabog habang pinapanood ko ang video ni Aria. It hurts thinking that she might suffer under the hands of those criminals. Mahawakan ko lang talaga ang isa sa kanila, walang pagaalinlangan akong gaganti para sakanya.

"If giving that damn boy back will bring back my daughter alive then I will do it! I will transfer him to a jail-"

"No need to do that, Sir," sabat ko. Napalingon siya sa akin. "May iba pa pong paraan para mailigtas si Aria. We can't let a criminal go. He's valuable to us. We can use him against them."

"B-But how?! Paano kung pinapahirapan na siya doon? Damn it!" he slammed his hand over the table.

Sinulyapan ko naman si Madame Amelia na walang humpay sa kakaiyak ngayon. She kept on whimpering and begging us to do everything to save her daughter.

"I will come with you, Sir." Buong tapang kong sinabi.

"What? But Vicente instructed that he only needs me and his son! I don't want something unexpected to happen! Please... I don't want to lose a child!"

"You won't, Sir," I paused and his forehead creased. He waited for me to continue. "I can pretend to be Hero."

Doon ko inumpisahan ang planong namuo sa aking utak. The plan is to surprise them with an unexpected turn of events. President Castellaño knows how to handle a gun so it won't be problem in case someone wants to attack him.

I was fighting myself not to attack right away when I saw Aria and Damon all tied up and with a tape on their mouth. I clenched my fist so hard when they pointed their guns behind their heads.

Oh, baby... I'm here now... no one's going to harm you now.

"Sige! Subukan niyong lumapit kung hindi ang susunod na bala ay ipuputok ko sa ulo niya!" banta ni Jake, ang kapatid ni Joseph.

Sabi ko na nga ba at tama ang hinala ko tungkol kay Joseph. I should've followed my gut. Hindi ko lang inaasahan na magagawa niya ito dahil siya ang isa sa mga pinagkakatiwalaan kong bodyguards ni Aria noong una.

We entrusted him with a big responsibility and this is how he paid us back? I swear he's going to suffer! Pagbabayaran niya itong pagtatraydor niya sa amin.

My eyes widened when Damon was shot. He's helplessly lying on the ground so I kneeled beside him. I removed the tape around his mouth. I watch in horror as he spits out some blood.

Fuck!

"Damon, come on... you can't give up right now. We still need you." Sabi ko.

Umiling siya at inabot ang kamay ko. Tiningnan ko iyon at binalik ang tingin sa kanyang mga mata. May luha nang nagbabadyang lumabas sa kanyang mga mata.

"Si... Aria nalang ang iligtas mo, Sir. 'Yun l-lang ang gusto kong mangyari... please... kahit siya nalang, Sir."

My forehead creased. Paulit-ulit akong umiling sakanya. Parehas namin silang ililigtas ngayon. Walang maiiwan.

"Daddy!"

Nawala lang ang tingin ko kay Damon nang dahil sa sigaw na iyon ni Aria. They're on the edge of the cliff now and she looks terrified.

Now I was faced with my biggest fear. Hindi ako kailanman natakot ng ganito. Nanginginig ang mga kamay ko sa takot na baka mawala si Aria sa akin ngayon.

Tumayo ako at pinigilan ang Daddy niya na lumapit.

"Ako na po, Sir. J-Just... just help h-him stop the bleeding. I'll... handle this." I said, referring to Damon's gunshot wound.

Ngayon lang ako nautal ng ganito. Halatang natatakot sa maaaring mangyari.

"Wag kang lalapit o itutulak ko siya sa bangin!"

Doon ako natigilan. Kung may gusto man akong mangyari ngayon, 'yun ay ang iligtas si Aria. Kahit na magmukha akong tanga sa kakasunod sa mga utos ni Jake, wala na akong pakealam. My only concern now is Aria's life.

I can't afford to lose her... hindi ko kakayanin.

"We can talk about this. Just let go of her, man. I promise I won't shoot once I have her." I said.

Jake laughed.

"What makes you think that I'll believe that? You're a soldier. Mabilis ka at magaling. Hindi ako maniniwala sa sinasabi mo."

I look at Aria and tried to move closer. Ngunit baka sa mga galaw ko, maaaring ito pa ang makapagtulak para malagay ang buhay niya sa peligro.

"Sa tingin mo talaga nagloloko ako? Ipuputok ko talaga 'to sa utak niya kapag lumapit ka pa!"

I stopped. My mind completely shut down. Wala na akong ibang maisip na paraan.

Nakita kong may kung ano siyang ibinulong kay Aria. She hissed at him angrily. Hindi ko alam ang pinaguusapan nila kaya nagulat nalang ako nang napasigaw si Aria.

"No! Stop! Aria, please..." I shouted.

I look back at Damon again who's struggling to keep his eyes opened.

"I'm really tired of all the drama to be honest. Let's all just end it and call it a night!" Jake moved his face closer to Aria and I have no idea what he's saying.

Dahan-dahan kong hinugot ang isa ko pang baril mula sa likuran. I was about to load it when I heard a gun fired. Namilog ang mga mata ko sa pag-aakalang si Aria ang nabaril.

Nabigla nalang rin ako nang makita ko si Joseph na pinaputokan na ang kapatid. Lumapit agad ako bago tuluyang mahila ni Jake si Aria pababa ng bangin.

I felt relieved. I thought I'm going to lose her. Mahigpit ko siyang niyakap. Hinding-hindi ko na ulit 'to hahayaang mangyari ulit.

Damon was pronounced dead on arrival when we still rushed him to the hospital. It hurts seeing Aria cry because she just lost a dear friend.

As much as I want to grieve for Damon, I need to be strong for the both of us. It hurts but I can't do anything about it anymore.

Damon died just thinking of Aria's security. Nawala siya dito sa mundo nang nasabi niya ang gusto niyang sabihin kay Aria. I know he has no regrets.

"It was a pleasure working with you, Damon. I am honored to have become your friend." I said as I watch them bury his coffin.

He did everything he could. He gave his best. He died a hero.

Aria blamed herself for his death while I keep on reassuring her that none of this is her fault.

I visited Joseph in jail when Aria was trying to rest inside the palace after this exhausting week. Hindi ko siya magawang iwan dahil gusto kong lagi akong nasa tabi niya. I'm afraid that something bad might happen when I'm not around her.

"Paano mo nagawa sa amin 'to?! Nang dahil sa'yo, wala na si Damon! Nang dahil sa'yo muntik nang mamatay si Aria! Kaya paano?! Paano mo nasikmura na trinatraydor mo kami nang harap-harapan?!"

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili. Gustong-gusto ko siyang sugurin. Gustong-gusto ko siyang magbayad sa kasalanan na ginawa niya kay Damon. Gusto ko siyang pahirapan.

Pero wala ring mangyayari kung magpapadala ako sa galit. I wanted Joseph to regret what he did. I want him to pay for everything. Para sa akin hindi sapat itong pagkakakulong niya.

Nanatili siyang nakayuko at hindi magawang iangat ang tingin sa akin.

"Kailangan ng kapatid ko ng tulong-"

"Tulong para gumawa ng masama?! Goddamn it, Joseph! You're a soldier! Alam mo dapat ang responsibilidad mo! Nang dahil sa ginawa mong 'yan, madaming nadamay! Do you even feel sad about Damon's death!? Kaibigan mo 'yung nawala nang dahil sa ginawa mo! Paano ka nakakatulog ng maayos gayong alam mong ikaw ang may kasalanan ng lahat?!"

"Axel, kapag usapang pamilya alam mong-"

"Oo! Pero alam ko kung tama ba o mali ang gusto niyang mangyari! It's your responsibility to stop your stupid brother from his plans! Sinira mo lang ang tiwala namin sa'yo!"

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang kanyang mga mata. Pinaglaruan niya ang kanyang daliri.

"Kung may labis man akong pinagsisisihan, eto na 'yun. Kung pwede ko lang mabalik ang nangyari, Axel, gagawin ko na! Hindi ko ginustong mamatay si Damon! Hindi ko alam na dito pala hahantong-"

"Kahit ano pang sabihin mo, hindi mo na siya mababalik! His family was devastated about his death! Aria is blaming herself for it! You have no idea how much impact your stupid and reckless act has brought in their lives!"

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." paulit-ulit niyang sinasabi.

I swear, if I can only kill someone right now... I will kill him and Vicente. Sisiguraduhin kong magbabayad sila sa lahat ng kahayupang ginawa nila. Hindi ako titigil hanggang sa hindi ko nakakamit ang katarungan sa pagkamatay ng kaibigan ko. Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi nagigin payapa ang buhay namin ni Aria.

I have so many plans with her. Kaya hindi ko hahayaang masira ang lahat ng iyon dito.

"Before we leave... uhm, I have something to say about... what I experienced in the hands of Vicente," Aria started before she get into the details.

Napasinghap kaming lahat nang makita namin ang sugat mula sa kanyang likuran. Napasabunot ako sa aking sarili at galit na nag-ipon ng hininga. We are scheduled to leave for Switzerland the next day when she decided to tell us about this.

Eto ang dahilan kung bakit mas lalo kong gustong makaganti sa mga taong iyon. Aria has to sacrificed herself just so they can stop on torturing Damon. That only means how important he is for her.

"Oh, honey... what have they done!" her mother exclaimed.

Agad na namuo ang kanyang mga luha habang tinitingnan ang sugat ng anak. She touched her wounds gently and Aria hissed.

Her father wanted her to get away with me while he tries to fix everything. Pabor rin sa akin ang planong iyon dahil sa paraang iyon ay mas maproprotektahan ko siya. Pag malayo kami, walang manggugulo sa amin.

Spending my days with her in Switzerland was definitely the best days of my life. Doon ko labis nakumpirma na siya na talaga ang gusto kong pakasalan. Hindi ko kakayanin kung mawawala siya sa akin.

At that moment, I keep on telling myself that I have to have her or I'll die. Hindi ko kakayanin ng wala siya.

"Everything alright?"

Napatalon siya bigla nang dahil sa tanong kong iyon. I saw how tensed she was and how her hands keeps on trembling.

Alam ko na sa panahon na iyon ay mayroon nang mali. Kampante ako na sasabihin sa akin ni Aria iyon dahil ganoon naman siya. If there is something wrong, she tells me.

I want to know but I didn't want to be pushy. I know her. She doesn't want anyone to forcing her so I gave her time.

I was so surprised when she asked me to get married. I know I have a plan for it but I didn't expect it to happen earlier than planned.

Making her mine was one of the best decisions I have ever done in my life. Hindi man ganitong kasal ang plinano ko, masaya parin ako na mapapasa-akin siya ngayon.

I love Aria a lot. Between us, there is something else. Kapag kasama ko siya, wala akong ibang iniisip kung hindi siya. I love how she makes me feel. Like anything is possible. Life is worth it with her.

She blows my mind. She makes me breathe deeply.

She gave me strength and she made everything so meaningful for me.

"Stay safe, okay?" she said to me.

Ngumiti ako at tumango. She was hesitant on letting me go so I gave her another kiss. Kanina ko pa napapansin na parang aligaga siya. She's not letting go of my hand like there is something wrong.

And I kissed her... not knowing that it's going to be our last.

"We need to move now. May nakitang bomba sa loob, kailangan na nating umalis dito." Jaxon informed me.

My eyes widened. What? How did that happen?

I was just about to go inside and save my wife when someone attacked us. Hindi agad kami nakapalag dahil masyado silang marami na para bang siniguro nila na kami ang pupuruhan nila.

We were all fucking surprised. Hindi ko pa nahuhugot ang baril ko ay nabitawan ko agad ito nang dahil sa biglaan nilang pagsugod. This caused a commotion in our position.

Napatumba ko ang iba at ganoon rin ang ginawa nila Jaxon. Aabutin ko na sana ang aking baril nang marinig ko namang isinisigaw ang pangalan ko.

"AXEL!" narinig kong sigaw ni Aria kaya agad akong napabaling sa kanya.

Sa takot kong madamay pa siya rito ay agad akong tumakbo patungo sakanya.

"Aria, no!"

Just as I was about to reach her, she dropped on her knees. Namilog ang mga mata ko.

"No!" I shouted.

We were all surprised by what happened. Agad ko siyang sinalo at hinanap ang pinanggalingan ng bala na iyon.

"There!" turo ni Jaxon sa kabilang building. Agad nilang pinuntahan magkapatid iyon matapos patumbahin ang mga nangugulo.

Bigla nalang rin nagsialisan ang mga nangugulo sa amin nang makita ang nangyari. Tears immediately pooled my eyes when I saw my wife struggle to fight for her life.

"The baby, Axel," she said while holding onto her stomach. My forehead creased. "S-Save the baby... please... just please the baby..."

She's pregnant. She's fucking pregnant and this happened.

I told her that I will save the both of them. No one's going to die on me. Aria will still live, I'll make sure of that.

"Help!" I screamed.

May mga papalapit nang medic pero hindi na talaga idinidilat ni Aria ang kanyang mga mata.

"No, no, no, baby. Please no..."

I was struggling to see things clearly because there's just too many emotions that's running through me. I have never experienced this kind of pain. It hurts hearing those words from her like it's going to be the last time she's going to say it to me.

"I love... I love you, Axel Ocampo. And I'm... gonna love you... for the rest of time."

Those words are what struck me. Pinikit ko ang aking mga mata at niyakap ng mahigpit si Aria. Humagulhol ako.

Please... please don't leave me... I can't live without you.

"She's... she's pregnant. Please do everything you can to save the both of them."

The doctor nods his head. Napasabunot ako sa aking sarili habang pinapanood sila na dinadala si Aria patungong trauma room. I don't know what's happening inside and I'm scared to death.

I refuse to believe that she's going to die. I refuse to believe that she's going to leave me.

That can't happen. We still have plans for our future.

"What happened? Oh, god! What happened?" 'yun agad ang bungad ni Mama sa akin nang makarating sila sa ospital.

Her eyes watched me in horror because of the blood that covered my suit. She wailed when she figured that something bad might have happened to her child.

"Aria's pregnant." I said with my head down.

I tried to fight off the tears because I know this is not the best time to become weak. I need to be strong for my family.

"What?" nagugulohang sinabi ng kanyang ama. "She's... what? She's pregnant?"

His lips started to tremble. Kahit anong palang pigil ko sa sarili, hindi ko kaya. Habang paulit-ulit na umiikot sa isipan ko ang nangyari kanina, para akong nasisiraan ng ulo.

Sa sobrang galit sa mundo ay hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili na pagsusuntukin ang pader. What if my wife and my child died? How am I supposed to live now?

I screamed at the wall like it was the reason why this happened. I should've known. Sana tinanong ko pa siya ulit kung ano ang mali. Sana pinilit ko siyang sabihin sa akin.

Sana... sana...

"Axel, stop!" ang sigaw ni Mama ang nagpabalik sa akin sa katinuan.

Niyakap niya ako at doon na ako tuluyang humagulhol. Wala na akong pakealam pa kung nagdudugo na ang kamao ko. Ibang klaseng sakit parin ang naramdaman ko habang inaalala ang nangyari kanina.

I cried for the pain. They say that when we love somebody, we protect them. We protect them against all odds. Against everyone who tries to tear us apart. I don't know how this happened. I should've done better. It is my job to protect her but I failed.

"It hurts... it hurts so much..." I struggled to say those words.

Habang tumatagal mas lalo akong napapraning lalo na't inilipat na sila Aria sa surgery room. We kept on waiting. I just don't care how long I have to wait. All I want right now is some good news. I want both of them to live.

Agad akong napatayo sa aking kinauupuan nang makita kong lumabas ang doktor mula sa surgery room. Ganoon din ang ginawa ng magulang ni Aria, abang na abang sa anunsyo nito.

Dinala ko ang mga kamay ko sa aking bibig, umaasang magandang balita ang ibibigay sa amin.

"The delivery went fine," the doctor started. Pumikit ako at nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga.

Hinintay ko ang susunod niyang sasabihin.

"We have to perform an emergency C section because we occurred problem with Mrs. Ocampo's placenta due to her high blood pressure. Your baby almost lost her supply of blood and it's a miracle that the baby was still able to survive. The baby was delivered 5 months before the expected delivery so we suggest to have her incubated until she develops fully."

Tumango ang Daddy ni Aria.

"Please do. What are the chances that the baby can still make it after?" Kuryoso nitong tanong.

"9 out of 10 premature babies survive and develop normally. The only thing about your baby is that there might be a risk about his or her health. There will be complications so... let's just hope that the baby will grow healthy despite being incubated for 5 months." The OB-Gyne finished and smiled at us.

Tumango ako at nagpasalamat sa Diyos na kahit papano, okay ang anak ko.

"What about my daughter, Doc?" tanong naman ng Mommy ni Aria.

Nilingon ng OB-Gyne ang isa pang kasama na doktor. Humakbang ito at nagpabalik-balik ang tingin sa aming tatlo. Nag-tagal lang ang tingin kay President.

He sighed heavily before giving us the most devastating news I've ever heard in my life.

"Aria's body could no longer hold it when she was rushed in the emergency room. She lost a lot of blood. The bullet has also caused an injury in her airway, the reason why she was struggling to breathe," he paused. "I'm sorry, Sir. We did everything we could to save her. I'm sorry for your lost."

Parang wala na akong narinig ng mga oras na 'yon. Natutula nalang ako bigla. For me, it was the end. There is no world without her. My biggest fear has happened.

I lost her. I lost the love of my life.

I was in denial. Hindi ako naniwala sa sinabi ng doktor at pinilit ko na may maaari parin silang gawin para mabuhay ang asawa ko. My heart shattered when he only bowed his head. As if he was telling me that there's no other way. What happens, happens. Wala na silang magagawa pa para maibalik iyon.

"No! She's not... she's not dead. No!" I shouted.

"I'm sorry..."

Hindi ko na alam pa ang sumunod na nangyari. Ang natatangging natatandaan ko nalang ay ang pag-wawala ko at ang masakit na pag-iyak ng kanyang magulang.

She took the bullet for me. I should be the one doing that for her.

Hindi ako naniniwalang patay na siya dahil hindi ko matanggap. I did everything I could to protect her. Bakit kailangan mangyari 'to? Ayaw ba nilang maging masaya kami? Malapit na naming makamit ang pangarap namin para sa isa't isa... bakit kailangan humantong pa sa ganito?

The thought about her death broke me but seeing her lifeless body inside the morgue killed me inside. I feel like my whole world has shattered. Sa panahong iyon naisip ko na wala na ring saysay 'tong buhay na 'to kung wala siya.

I wish I was the one who got shot.

I touched her cold and lifeless face. Agad-agad na tumulo ang mga luha ko. Her mother was the most affected. Hindi niya magawang pumasok sa loob gawa nang hindi niya kayang makita at tanggapin na wala na ang anak niya.

The girl I love... died. And I couldn't do anything to save her.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you."

I wasn't completely myself during Aria's wake. Palagi lang akong nakatitig sa litrato niya, iniisip ang bawat sandali na kasama ko siya. Ni hindi ko magawang bisitahin ang anak namin dahil sa sakit na dulot ng pagkawala niya. I don't think I can handle it. It just hurts so much to the point that I no longer care about my own life.

If dying is the only way that I can be with her again, then I'll gladly let her to take my life with her.

"I have so many regrets, Axel. Siya na nga lang ang nag-iisa kong anak, nawala pa siya. I didn't even get the chance to give her the attention that she deserves from us while she was growing up." Malungkot na sambit ng kanyang ina.

Tinabihan niya ako dahil kanina pa ako sinusubukang kausapin ng mga bisita pati na si Lola pero wala akong ibang nais na gawin kung hindi ang manahimik at titigan ang litrato ni Aria na nakangiti.

This was taken during our stay in Switzerland. Ngiting-ngiti siya dito at kitang kita na masaya talaga siya.

Napabaling ako kay Mama nang marinig ko siyang suminghap.

"You have loved her endlessly, Axel. And I'm so, so thankful for everything you did for her."

Iyon ang naging dahilan para ibuhos kong muli ang lahat ng sakit na nararamdaman. Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. Yakap na sana ay ginawa ko bago tuluyang nawala si Aria. I should've reminded her how much I loved her before she died.

"I loved her so much. She was really important for me." My voice broke.

"I know, son... I know... parehas lang tayong nangungulila sakanya. Parehas lang tayong nasasaktan. But... we have to accept it now, Axel. Aria will no longer come back," mariin kong ipinikit ang aking mga mata.

"She died saving me... ako ang dapat gumagawa no'n, hindi siya."

I wanted to continue but it's too heavy. Every time I close my eyes, all I could see is her. I will always hear her voice inside my head. Her laughter. Everything...

Ah! God, I miss her so much. Can you just bring her back to me please?

Sa tuwing naaalala ko ang pagkamatay niya, mabilis na bumabalik ang sakit. Doble sa naramdaman ko habang hawak ko siya at sinasabing mahal na mahal niya ako. I didn't know that she was already saying goodbye.

"You have your child now, Axel. The best thing to do now is to live. Live for your child. Live for the both of you. Please... live for Aria." Mama said as she cupped my face. Hinalikan niya ako sa aking noo at niyakap muli ng mahigpit.

Kakatapos lang ng libing ni Aria nang lumapit si Sven sa akin. He smiled at me while I tried my best to smile back. I've cried the whole week. Ubos na ata ang luha ko at wala na akong maiiyak pa.

"I know you're not doing fine so I'm not here to tell you that everything's going to be alright. But I am here... to tell you that I am so thankful for everything you have done for my cousin."

I closed my eyes and nod my head. I took a deep breath.

"Aria sacrificed her life for me. Why?"

Sven scoffs. "It's love, Axel. She did it out of love."

Sandali kaming natahimik. Sven continued.

"It also pains me to see that she's gone. But I'm happy that she left this world knowing that she was loved by you. She left knowing the idea of what it feels to be loved fiercely. Aria fell in love for the first time, Axel. She loved you. You're the only one who made her happy when no one else couldn't," he sighed heavily.

"If I only have the superpower to take your pain away then I would pass it onto the person who caused her death. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, man. You don't have to go through this alone. You know that Aria wouldn't want to see you like this so please... find more reasons to live. Not just for yourself but also for your child."

Agad na ipinaalam sa akin ni Papa ang ginawang pagsuko ni Vicente nang oras na mahuli siya nila Jaxon. They only waited until Aria's funeral before telling it to me.

Kaya ngayong alam ko na, na hawak nila ang lalaking may dahilan sa pagkamatay ng asawa ko, walang pag-aalinlangan akong pumunta sa presinto. He's in a very congested jail. Tama lang sakanya iyon matapos ng lahat ng kahayupang ginawa niya.

I know he's been struggling here because there's a cut on his eyebrow. Putok din ang labi at may black eye sa kaliwang mata. Halos patulak siyang pinaupo ng mga pulis sa tapat ko.

Hindi pa siya tuluyang nakakaayos ay sinugod ko na agad siya. Pinaulanan ko siya ng suntok. Alam ko sa sarili ko na mas malala pa ang kaya kong gawin sakanya ngunit napigilan lang ako ng mga pulis.

"Sir, kung mananakit lang ho kayo-"

"Pinatay niya ang asawa ko! Hindi pa 'to sapat sa lahat ng sakit na idinulot niya sa pamilya namin!" I look at Vicente angrily.

Nanatili siyang walang kibo at nakayuko. Sa sobrang galit ay gusto ko pa siya ulit paulit-ulit na saktan. Gusto kong ipadama sakanya ang hirap na kinakaharap ko sa araw-araw dahil sa pagkawala ng asawa ko.

Nang mga oras na iyon ay umamin rin siya sa lahat ng kasalanang ginawa niya. He admitted to me that he threatened Aria not to tell anyone about his plan or else somebody is going to die. He knows how weak Aria is when it comes to her family that's why he used it to his advantage.

"Nangako ako na titigil ako kapag... siya ang nawala. I'm sorry..." ani Vicente.

Kinuyom ko ang aking kamao. I'm having a hard time controlling myself because of this frustrating situation.

Aria has to sacrifice her life in order for this to stop. Imagine the stress that she has gone through while pregnant because of this monster. Aria was left with no choice.

Maybe this was the reason why she wanted to get married to me as soon as possible because she's been planning this all along. She's been planning to sacrifice herself for everyone.

"You're sorry?" I scoffed but there's no humor in it. "You killed... my wife. How can your sorry bring her back huh?"

Doon lang nag-angat ng tingin si Vicente sa akin. Kitang-kita niya ang galit sa mga mata ko kaya ibinaling niya muli ang tingin sa ibang bagay.

"She only did what she had to do."

I slammed both of my hands on the table. The police became alerted and tried to calm me down.

"That's because you threatened her! You told her that you will harm her family if she doesn't follow you! She was scared! And now... because of you... my child will grow up without a mother! Kung sana lang hindi mo ginawa ang lahat ng 'to at tinanggap nalang na hindi mo na makukuha pa pabalik ang anak mo, nandito parin sana si Aria! Magkasama pa sana kami! No one is supposed to be grieving for her death if only you are not this evil!"

Mabilis kong pinalis ang luha ko. Nagpakawala naman ng malalim na hininga si Vicente. Matapang niyang inangat ang tingin sa akin.

"Kung gusto mo akong patayin-"

"Yes! That's what I intend to do the moment I stepped into this room! Pero kahit anong gawin ko, kahit na patayin pa kita, hindi ko parin siya maibabalik! Wala na siya! Wala na si Aria! Pinatay mo ang asawa ko! Pinatay mo siya! Gago ka!"

I held onto his collar tightly. The police tried to make me let go of him. Mabagal ang naging paghinga ko at nanginig ang aking labi. I glared at Vicente.

"Ano nalang ang sasabihin ko sa anak ko sa oras na hanapin niya ang nanay niya ha? Can you imagine my child growing up without a mother? Can you imagine how hard it must be?! Sana naisip mo ang lahat ng maaaring maapektuhan nang dahil sa katarantaduhan mo!"

Itinulak ko siya palayo sa akin. Kinuha na naman siya ng pulis para tuluyan nang mailayo sa akin at para na rin ibalik sa selda niya.

"Sir, pasensya na. Hindi talaga namin pinahihintulutan ang pananakit sa mga preso dito. Pasensya na po."

I raised both of my hands in surrender. Hindi ko inilubay ang tingin kay Vicente hanggang sa ibalik na siya ng mga pulis sa kulungan.

Agad akong dumiretso sa palasyo dahil pinatawag ako ni Papa. They told me that they found something for me inside Aria's room. My forehead creased as he reached a flash drive to me.

"We feel like there's something in it and she only wants you to see it. Her room is open. You can stay there if you want, son." President Castellaño held onto my shoulder and squeezed it.

Tumango ako nang hindi inilulubay ang tingin sa flash drive na hawak ko.

For Axel that's what's written on the flash drive.

Lumunok ako at dumiretso sa kwarto niya. Everything just feels nostalgic. This is where I usually spend my days guarding her, preventing her from sneaking out. I also remember the door that I broke because I caught her smoking a cigarette.

Those are just some memories that I have with her. Memories that I will never dare to forget.

My hands trembled as I touch her bed. Her death has left a big hole in my life. She's that important for me. Without her, I feel nothing. I don't think anyone would ever understand how much it hurts.

I'm going to spend my entire life missing her.

Kinuha ko ang laptop niya sa gilid ng kanyang kama at ang unang sumalubong sa akin ay ang litrato namin noong kasal. I smiled to myself.

After I entered her password, I immediately inserted the flash drive that Papa gave to me.

There's only one file inside that flash drive. It's a video. I clicked on it and braced myself.

Unang sumalubong sa akin ay ang nakangiti niyang mukha. I figured that maybe she recorded this before the presidential summit.

Agad akong naiyak nang makita siyang muli. I touched the screen. I wonder how it feels to hold her again. I wonder if it will feel like forever.

"Hi, Axel," she said as the video started. "I know words are not enough to say how sorry I am for leaving you. It's not what I wanted, but it's the only choice I have left. I love you Axel and I will never stop loving you. You made me live my life with no regrets because I already did everything I ever want in this life. Well, except for... being a mother,"

Aria sighed heavily. She pursed her lips and smiled again at the video.

"Everything I did, I did it for you and my family. I know that everything started with me and so I thought that the only way to end this... is also with me. I did it... to save you. And that's all I ever want in this life. All I wanted was to keep you safe. You save me all the time when we were still together. So now, it's my turn to do the same.

"Despite knowing where or how this will end, I embraced it. Because I know I did it to save the ones I love. I did not regret it, Axel. No ones going to harm you now. We're finally free from Vicente's troubles. And I'm sorry if I couldn't be there with you. I want you to promise me that if ever our child lives, I want you to always remind him or her how much I love him. Tell him that mommy is going to be there for her.

"I want him or her to be strong. To never give up because everything will be alright soon. Promise me to protect him for me—just like how you protected me. And if you wanted to remember me, just look at the moon. Look up to it and smile because I will be watching. I will smile down on the both of you to make you realize how much I love you.

"You will hang on, Axel. You will hang on for our child. You both will live for me. Lastly, I want you to promise me that you would do anything you want in this lifetime with no regrets.

"Stop crying for me, my love. I promise to look for you in after life. Today may not be ours but I assure you that in our next life, I will look for you and still choose you the way I always do. I love you so much, Axel. You made everything meaningful for me. Thank you for giving me our one day. I will always be grateful for it." Then the video ended.

I didn't know how hard I was crying while finishing her video. She wanted me to keep on living even if it was really difficult on my part because she won't be with me.

I struggled to look at my child without thinking of her. I just keep on imagining her holding our child in her arms. Singing her lullabies until she falls asleep.

Isang taon na ang nakalipas simula nang mawala siya. I knew I had to go back to work and continue living for our child. Iniwan ko siya sakanila Mama dahil gusto nila na sila ang mag-alaga sakanya habang wala ako.

I've been deployed back to Syria. There's a part of me that knows that I have to stop grieving. It's been a year. One whole difficult year without her.

I kissed my child on her forehead before I leave. Nginitian ako ni Mama.

"Please take care, Axel. Don't forget to call when you can. Mag-aalala kami para sa'yo." Paalala niya.

Tumango ako at tuluyang nang nagpaalam. Kasama ko si Jaxon at Kiko sa mission na ito. Kailangan na kaming muli sa Syria dahil lumalala na ang gyera dito. The country needs more soldiers who can go up against the terrorist. I volunteered so I can get my mind off to something else other than my wife's death.

"There's too many of them we can't make it." Kiko said.

"You can," I said as I take a glimpse of what's happening outside.

I've always believed that things are still possible even when everybody thinks it isn't. Sumandal ako at tumingala. Aircrafts are up in the air and are all throwing bombs towards the enemies. I breathed hard.

"What?! What do you mean I can, Axel?" He asked, panicking.

I clenched my jaw and turned to him.

"Save yourself, Kiko. I'll cover you."

Mabilis na kumunot ang noo niya sa akin. He shakes his head a couple of times not wanting to believe that he's hearing this from me.

"We're surrounded. There's only one who can survive this and I want it to be you. I can manage. Save yourself."

"No, Axel. I'm not leaving you here!"

I shut my eyes. I looked up to the sky again. Nang dahil din sa pagtingala ko ay may napagtanto si Kiko sa ginawa ko.

"Bro..." I can almost hear sadness in his voice. I turn to him. He shakes his head at me again. "Don't tell me... you're doing this for her. You're sacrificing your life just to be with her again."

Hindi ako sumagot. Kiko scoffs. Naintindihan niya siguro na ang ibig sabihin ng pananahimik ko ay ang pag-sangayon ko sa sinabi niya.

"May anak ka, Axel! Sigurado akong gusto ni Aria na makauwi ka ng ligtas sa anak mo!"

I shut my eyes with the mention of her name. It still has that big effect on me. Every time I'll hear her name, it pains me. I could still vividly remember how she sacrificed her life just to save me.

"A life without her is a life not worth living, Kiko," I said simply. "I'd rather be gone now than to feel so empty everyday."

A tear streamed down Kiko's face. I can't believe a man like him would share a tear for a man like me. We are just colleagues. Nagkakasama lang naman kami sa tuwing may gyera.

Kiko let out an exaggerated sigh.

"You really love her do you?"

I nod my head. I started to remove my dog tag and turned my walkie talkie's volume up. I asked for a back up in case I managed to get Kiko out of this.

"You love her to the point that you're willing to sacrifice your life now just to be with her again."

"She did the same for me," I paused. I took all the courage that's left in me to turn to him bravely. "Now, just follow what I told you. I'll cover you and you need to escape this place as soon as possible. Don't worry about me."

"I can't believe you're doing this all because of your love for her."

"This is the kind of love worth sacrificing everything for, Kiko. I died every since she left. There's no reason for me to live again. This is my second life and I owe it to her."

Umiling siyang muli. I called for Jaxon and told him to get the car ready because I'm going to save Kiko.

Nagulat ako nang biglang hablutin ni Kiko sa akin ang walkie talkie kong iyon.

"Stop talking nonsense, Ocampo! Parehas tayong aalis ng ligtas dito. Walang maiiwan!"

I sigh heavily. Sunod-sunod na putok ang narinig namin kaya naman agad kaming gumanti. Kiko and I both stood up.

When I started firing towards the terrorists, Kiko ran as fast as he could. I tried to cover him as much as I can. I made sure that he's getting out of here alive and there will be no signs of injury on him.

But he's just so willing to also get me out of here alive. Hinila niya ako at dinala sa mas tago pang lugar.

"Ano bang iniisip mo, Ocampo! May anak ka! Hindi pupwedeng lumaki siya ng walang magulang!"

Mariin kong pinikit ang mga mata ko. Alam kong hindi na ako nag-iisip pa ng tama ngayon. What I have in mind is the thought of being with Aria again. That's all I ever wanted right now.

I looked up to the sky again. I smiled again as I slowly closed my eyes.

Please take me with you now, baby... I'm ready to be with you again...

"He's talking non-sense, Captain. If you can be here as soon as possible then the both of us will be saved! Yes! I need you now!" sigaw ni Kiko mula sa kanyang walkie talkie.

Nilingon ko siya at inilingan.

"Whatever you plan on doing, don't do it." He warned me.

Tumayo ako at hahayaan na sanang lumusob ng mag-isa sa mga terorista nang pinabalik naman akong muli ni Kiko sa aking pwesto. Nagulat ako nang bigla niya akong sinuntok. Kwinelyohan niya ako at galit na tiningnan.

"Ano ba 'yang naiisip mo! A lot of us wants to go home to our family safely and you're here wanting to sacrifice your life so you can be with your dead wife again? Paano ang anak mo, Axel?! Mahirap na ngang lumaki na wala siyang ina, tapos dadagdagan mo pa!"

Hinabol ko ang aking hininga. I started sobbing. Tama nga siya. Mali itong naiisip ko. Nadadala na siguro ako ng emosyon kaya kung anu-ano na ang naiisip ko. It hurts so badly and I just don't care about anything right now.

Inalala ko ang itsura ng anak ko at ang pangakong gustong marinig ni Aria mula sa akin. I will live for our child. I can't go now because our child needs me. I'm the only one who she can lean on so I need to be there for her.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" sigaw ni Jaxon sa akin.

Pagkasagip nila sa amin ni Kiko, ito agad ang sinalubong niya sa akin. Galit na galit dahil ayaw niyang gawin ang gusto kong mangyari.

"I know you're still in pain. But it doesn't have to end like this, Axel. Gawin mong rason ang anak ninyo para magpatuloy ka pa sa buhay na ito!"

"Ang sakit, Jax... sobrang sakit parin..." bulong ko.

I heard him sighed heavily. Nakapalibot sa akin ang mga malalapit kong kaibigan at lahat sila ay pinapangaralan ako.

"We just couldn't leave you behind, Axel," ani Noah. "We're a team here. Lahat tayo ay sabay sabay na makakaalis sa lugar na 'to. Walang maiiwan."

I pursed my lips and looked at Aria and I's wedding ring. Dinala ko ito sa aking labi at tsaka hinalikan. Pinalis ko ang luhang lumandas sa aking mga mata.

I'm so sorry... I wasn't thinking clearly... alam kong hindi ito ang gusto mong mangyari. Alam kong mas magagalit ka sa akin kapag iniwan ko ang anak natin.

Now... I promise to live for our child like how you wanted. Hinding-hindi ko siya iiwan kahit na ang sakit sakit parin na tanggapin na wala ka na.

"We're always going to be with you, man. We're always going to be brothers. No ones going to leave someone behind," ani Jaxon. "We're here... alright? You're not alone in this battle."

I cried on his shoulder when he hugged me. I owed them my life... it's because of them... I get to be with my child again.

"Aria, let's go!" I shouted to call her attention.

Her face immediately brightened when she saw me. She's playing with a couple of kids on the playground. She requested to give her time to play. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi pagbigyan ang anak ko sa gusto niyang mangyari.

"Daddy!"

Dali-dali siyang tumakbo sa akin. Binuhat ko siya at hinalikan ang kanyang pisngi.

"You ready to see mommy?"

She nods her head happily. Tinanguan ko naman ang yaya niya para ipaalam na ako na ang bahala sakanya. Pinaupo ko siya sa convertible car seat. I put her seatbelts on.

I moved to the driver's seat and adjusted my rearview mirror. Nagkatinginan kami ng anak ko. I smiled at her.

Aria is indeed a miracle baby. Though born prematurely, the only thing that caused complication with her premature birth was her vision. That's also the reason why she's wearing an eyeglasses kahit na bata pa siya.

She turned four years old last year and I couldn't be more grateful to spend all her birthdays with her. Palagi ko rin pinapaalala sakanya ang pagmamahal ng Mommy niya. She has her mother's picture on the side of her bed. That way, she won't forget how her mom looks like even if she's like the same exact copy of her.

Sa tuwing tinitingnan ko siya, para ko na ring nakikita ang asawa ko. I decided to name our daughter after her so that her memory can live forever.

"Give this to mommy." Inabot ko kay Aria ang bulaklak.

Her tiny feet started walking towards her mother's grave. Ngumiti ako at pinagmasdan sila.

Ariadne Sierra C. Ocampo

May 14, 1993-September 25, 2019

Mother. Wife. Daughter. Friend.

"The greatest gift in life is love"

"Happy birthday, my love..." I whispered in the wind.

I reached for Aria again when she walked back to me. Pinaupo ko siya sa kandungan ko at sabay naming pinagmasdan ang puntod ng mommy niya.

"I love you, Mommy!" Aria said with her cute voice.

I smiled. I ran my fingers through her hair.

"Let's go?" she giggled and nods her head. "We'll go visit Lolo and Lola today. Are you excited?"

"Yes! Is Tito Sven going to be there?"

"Of course."

That made her more happy. Even if her mother's not around anymore, Aria's family still made sure that she will know how it feels like to have a complete family.

Hindi kami nagkulang sakanya at lahat ng pagmamahal na kaya naming ibigay ay pinaparamdam namin sakanya. Maybe that's the reason why she grew up such a lovely and sweet child.

Tumayo ako at binuhat nang muli si Aria. I touched her mother's gravestone for the last time before we said our goodbye.

For me, Ariadne was my angel. She's the only thing that matters. She may not be here with me now but the thoughts and memories of her will always live inside my heart.

I always believe that what Aria and I shared is not just an ordinary love...

It was an endless love.