Chasing Dreams, Losing Her.

Chapter 42 Hidden moves Surrendered

Zarya's point of view

I have been sitting behind my desk for hours, the room quiet except for the hum of the aircon and the faint tick of the wall clock. My phone is flooded with missed calls from Dad last night, siguro nagtataka siya bakit ako nawala kagabi.

Magulo parin ang isip ko from everything Sterling revealed last night, thoughts tangled up in one big mess, confusion, fear, and sharp frustration all mixing together.

I shook my head, trying to clear the thought, but it circled right back.

I reached for my phone on the corner of the desk, just to check the time, when the screen lit up with a new message encrypted, from the private protection agency I hired.

Ten plain?clothed guards spread out discreetly wherever Iris went, no visible uniform, no obvious escort.

I unlocked the phone and read the update carefully.

My thumb hovered over the screen, reading it twice, three times, just to be sure I didn't miss a single detail.

Late fifties, American, wealthy... That description fit Eric Valenti perfectly.

The confirmation sank in slow and heavy, he really was here, in the Philippines, closer than I ever feared.

He wasn't just a name or a story anymore, he was physically here, watching his own daughter from afar.

A long, shaky breath escaped me, a sigh of relief tangled with cold fear.

Buti na lang hindi siya lumalapit... but what stops him from changing his mind?

The agency said everything was under control, but knowing Eric was already tracking Iris made my skin prickle.

He'd abandoned her family years ago, what could he possibly want now?

And how long before "just watching" turned into something worse?

Hindi na ako nag reply pa sa agency, I just left my phone on the table. Relief washed over me that she was safe for now, but underneath it lay a sharp, undeniable dread. Nandito siya. Alam ko na ngayon na nandito talaga siya.

Ang daming tumatakbo sa isip ko, parang hindi ko na maayos?ayos. Every time I tried to focus, my mind circled back to the same things. the bidding, the deal, ate Yana, Isaac, and Iris. I kept staring at the locked drawer where the most important folder sat, heavy and unopened.

Then my phone buzzed again sharply against the wood. The screen lit up. It was my sister, Yana.

My heart gave a hard, nervous thud. I answered quickly, voice still rough from lack of sleep.

"Ate? Bakit napatawag ka? Okay ka lang ba?" Her breath came fast and shaky on the other end, like she'd been running or in pain. "Zarya... I'm at the hospital. It's coming, the baby's coming. Right now."

Panic shot straight through me, cold and sharp. I leaned forward, gripping the edge of the desk tight. "What? Already? In labor ka na? are you sure? Sino kasama mo diyan?"

"I'm sure," she gasped, a small whimper slipping out. "Kasama ko kaibigan ko dito. The doctor said labor is progressing fast. Sobrang sakit, the helly I don't know if I can make it."

"Listen to me, just breathe slowly," I said, trying to sound calm even though my own chest was tightening. "You'll be fine, okay? Kaya mo 'yan. Just tell me exactly what the doctor said. Is everything normal? Any complications?"

"They said... baby's heartbeat is strong, but I'm so scared," she admitted, voice cracking. "Zarya... promise me if something goes wrong, you'll take care of this child. Please."

"Nothing's going to go wrong," I insisted, but my voice wavered. "I'm going to sort everything out here, then I'll come to you as soon as I can. Maghihintay ka lang, ha? Keep yourself and the baby safe."

"I'll wait," she whispered, sounding exhausted already. "Just... be careful too."

We hung up, and I sat there for a long moment, stunned. The risk wasn't just some vague threat anymore. it was real, immediate, tied directly to my sister and her unborn child. My hands were shaking again, harder this time. Paano ba ako makakagalaw nang maayos kung ganito kabigat ang lahat?

Right then, another notification lit up my screen, a text from Sterling.

Frustration boiled over, hot and bitter. Ano sa tingin niya, madali lang lahat? Parang hindi niya alam kung gaano kabigat ang desisyong ito. Every second counted now. If I hesitated, Yana and her baby would be in even deeper danger, hindi lang naman si Ate—pati na si Iris.

I stood up, walked straight to the drawer, and unlocked it. I pulled out the thick, official folder, the finalized bidding papers.

I ran my fingers over the pages, remembering all the late nights, all the meetings, all the effort poured into this deal. Ang daming sakripisyo para lang mabuo ito... pero ngayon, kailangan ko itong gamitin para sa iba.

I carried it to the printer near the window, opened the file in the system, and started printing page after page.

I watched each sheet come out, neat and identical to the original, until I held a complete duplicate set.

I slid the copies into a plain new folder, folded it carefully, and tucked it deep inside my bag, between my wallet and notebook where it wouldn't be seen or easily felt.

Walang makakaalam nito hangga't hindi ko gusto.

I just needed the copies, dahil kapag nakita ni Papa or ni Henderson na wala dito yung mga papers, for sure mag dududa sila. And I don't want that to happen, dahil alam kong may consequences 'yun.

Then I went back, put the original folder exactly where it was, closed the drawer, and locked it again, just as if nothing had been touched. Pag dumating si Henderson mamaya, wala siyang mapapansin na kakaiba.

I slung the bag over my shoulder, took a long, shaky breath, and let out a heavy sigh. My heart still raced, mind still tangled with doubt, but I knew there was no turning back.

"Whatever happens," I whispered to the empty room, "sana tama ang pinili ko. I just hope not to regret this decision."

_____

I finally arrived back here sa private beach kung saan kami nagkita kagabi ni Sterling.

Dumiretso na ako dito agad para mas mabilis kaming matapos, ayaw ko nang patagalin pa 'to.

This decision is the boldest decision I have made, kaya I'm just hoping na tama at may sense lahat ng pinag-isipan ko.

The sand was still cool under my shoes, the same quiet stretch of shore where everything fell apart last night. Mas maganda pala dito kapag umaga, the wind is fresh, only the sound of nature. Pero kagabi, ibang iba ang sinapit ko.

I walked straight toward the low wooden bench set near the railing, eyes scanning every shadow until I spotted him.

Sterling sat there like he owned the place, a paper cup of coffee steaming on the rough table beside him, habang ang kabilang kamay naman niya ay may hawak na sigarilyo. He looked relaxed, sobrang relax na parang alam niya na pupunta talaga ako. He expected this to happen, he knew he would win.

Ang lakas ng loob niya, parang wala siyang ginawang masama.

My jaw tightened, every step heavier than the last. I didn't hesitate, didn't slow down.

When I got close enough, I slapped him as hard as I could.

Dahilan para mahulog ang sigarilyo sa kamay niya.

Hindi ko din alam bakit ko ginawa 'yun, but it gave me satisfaction.

For a heartbeat everything went still. Then he stood up slowly, brushing ash from his sleeve, and started clapping slow, deliberate, arrogant. That smug grin spreading wide across his face like I'd just given him exactly what he wanted.

"Bravo, Doctor De Luca," he said, clapping still, eyes glinting. "Very dramatic entrance."

I reached into my bag, pulled out the folder with a thick stack of papers na nilagay ko kanina doon.

Naglalaman ng mga importanteng detalye tungkol sa bidding, nandoon na rin ang estimated amount that we have prepared.

I slammed them hard onto the table between us.

His coffee spilled all over the table.

"If you ever come for me again," I said, voice low and steady, no tremor this time, "or touch anyone I care about... I won't lower myself to this again. I won't give you the satisfaction of seeing me bend."

He tilted his head, smile turning playful, eyes mocking. "Oh, I'm positively threatened, Doctor."

I leaned in a little, sharp and unyielding. "That isn't a threat, Sterling. That is a promise."

His annoying smile vanished in that instant. His expression shifted, amusement gone, replaced by something colder, sharper. He just stared at me like he was finally taking me seriously.

"Fair enough," he said after a long pause, tone flat.

"I swear it then, on the memory of our rivalry.

I won't step into your affairs again. Not directly.

" He paused, let the words hang, then added softly, "But I can't speak for Eric.

All I can say is... you better pray he never connects the dots between your sister and his son.

Once he sees the full picture? He won't be as reasonable as I am. "

My stomach twisted. Kahit anong pangako niya, parang may bitag pa rin. I held his gaze, hard. "You keep all of that locked up. What you know stays with you. No hints, no whispers, nothing."

Sterling just shrugged, leaning back against the rail again, lighting a fresh cigarette. "I keep my word. But you know how this game works, one loose thread and the whole thing unravels."

I turned my back on him then, done talking, done standing there. I took one step away when his voice drifted after me, lower and darker, cutting through the wind.

"And one more thing, if you think you can play me with copies, fakes, or half?truths tucked away somewhere? Next time there won't be warnings. There won't be conversations. You'll regret ever crossing this line."

What made him think that I would give him fake ones? Sa dami ng nangyayari saakin, did he really think I would risk my sister's life?

I didn't look back. I just kept walking, the sand crunching underfoot, the weight of the papers and the promise heavy in my chest.

Hindi na ako tumagal pa doon, I drove my way back to the office. I needed to clear my mind from everything, kahit pa mag trabaho ako magdamag. If that's the only thing I needed, if that's the only thing I can afford for myself.

The drive back felt longer than usual, every turn bringing me closer to the office while my mind still lingered on the beach, the slap, the threat, and the deal with Sterling.

Ang bigat pa rin sa dibdib, parang hindi pa rin nawawala ang kaba. I straightened my coat before stepping inside of my office, forcing my posture back into that sharp, composed stance everyone knew.

When I pushed the heavy door open, Mr. Henderson was already there, standing by the wide desk, glasses perched low on his nose, flipping through printed schedules and timelines. He looked calm, completely unbothered, exactly how I wished I could be.

I walked over, keeping my voice steady na parang okay lang ang lahat "Mr. Henderson. Do you need anything? Everything's already finalized, right? All contracts, valuations, and strategy notes are locked in. We're just counting down to bidding day."

I'd fully expected him to confirm his departure, he mentioned a few days ako na kapag natapos na namin ma finalize ang lahat ay babalik na siya sa Italy.

He nodded, closing the folder in his hands.

"That's correct. I intended to leave tomorrow.

It makes far more sense to wrap up our final preparations over there.

We don't want to be traveling internationally just a day or two before the auction, it's only a few days away, after all.

Better to settle in early, meet our local contacts, and review everything one last time without rushing. So, do you wanna go back with me?"

My breath caught just slightly, not visible to him, but loud in my own.

Hindi pa ako ready na bumalik sa Italy, I still need to be here for Iris.

Lalo na at nandito pala sa Pilipinas ang ama niya.

But I instantly thought of ate Yana, still in danger, still needing me close.

Baka sakto lang din 'to, maybe this is the best way to be there for my sister nang hindi naghihinala sila Papa.

Going with Henderson wasn't just work, it was the safest cover I could ask for.

I met his gaze, no hesitation this time. "Alright. I'll come with you tomorrow."

A small, satisfied smile touched his lips. "Good. That settles it then. We'll depart first thing, pack light but bring the master files, you know the drill."

"Understood," I replied, already mentally shifting gears. Even though inside, fear and uncertainty still swirled, kailangan itago muna lahat 'yan. No one gets to see the cracks. Not Henderson, not Sterling, certainly not Eric Valenti.

For now, I had a flight to prepare for, and a dangerous game to play across borders.

Later that night, the office went quiet but my head wouldn't stop spinning. Sobrang bigat parin ng lahat, sobrang pagod na talaga ako, mentally and physically.

My eyes burned, shoulders aching like I'd carried bricks all day. I tried to focus, tried to keep it together, but nothing made sense anymore and it felt like things were just falling into place in the worst way possible.

I knew I couldn't drive safely. My hands were shaky, mind drifting every few seconds. So I called kuya Jun kanina to just pick me up, and like as always—to the rescue ko talaga siya.

Hindi na din ako naghintay pa ng matagal, I packed my things and bumaba na ng building. When I went outside, manong Jun was already there. My door is already opened.

I sank into the backseat and hindi na ako nakapag salita. I just rested my head against the leather. The ride started slow, streetlights passing in soft streaks. Then Kuya Jun glanced at me through the rear?view mirror, his voice warm and concerned,

"Zarya, anak... alam mo ba, napapansin ko nitong mga nakaraang araw, pumapayat ka na. Parang hindi ka na kumakain nang maayos. Ayos ka lang ba talaga?"

I gave a small, tired smile, trying to sound lighter than I felt. "I'm fine po, Kuya Jun. Just... a lot on my plate lately, 'yun lang."

He shook his head gently, eyes back on the road. "Alagaan mo rin naman ang sarili mo, ha? 'Wag puro trabaho lang. Bata ka pa, marami ka pang dapat atupagin bago mapuno ng ganyan?ganyang problema ang isip mo."

Something in my chest tightened instantly.

Parang sa kanya ko lang narinig ang mga salitang ganyan.

Words of care, simple and honest things I never got from my own father, no matter how hard I worked or how much I achieved.

My throat felt thick, eyes stinging before I could stop it.

I bit my lip, staring out the window so he wouldn't see.

Manong Jun must've noticed the sudden silence and the way I looked away. He quickly shifted the subject, casual as if nothing happened. "Wala na po pala kayo ni Engr. Ryan."

Nagulat ako sa biglang pagsabi niya, saan niya nakuha yun? I blinked, taken aback. Confused, I leaned forward a little. "Po? Saan niyo po nalaman 'yan?"

"Kay Sir Ryan mismo," he answered simply.

My frown deepened. "Kailan po?"

"Matagal na 'yun eh... nakaraang mga linggo na yata, hindi ko na masyadong sigurado sa eksaktong araw."

"What did he told you?" I pressed, heart starting to beat a little faster.

"Ganito kasi, pupuntahan sana kita para ibigay 'yung susi ng kotse mo, kaso naka?lock na 'yung gate mo kaya sabi ko babalik na lang ako. Nung bumalik ako, ayun, nakita ko si Sir Ryan palabas ng gate niyo. Umiiyak."

My brow furrowed completely now. Gate namin? Pero... "Anong ginagawa niya doon?"

"Hindi ko nga alam, anak eh. Pero mukhang nasaktan mo talaga 'yung tao. Umiiyak siya, pero 'yung iyak na parang galit... ewan ko ba, ganoon ang dating sa akin."

"Galit?" I repeated softly, utterly lost.

"Oo. Tinanong ko kasi kung ano ang nangyari, hindi ako pinansin. Ang sabi niya lang nang dumaan siya, 'She's gone' daw."

I sank back against the seat, saying nothing. But that never happened. He never came to see me, never messaged, never even called... I never saw him there, not once.

The more I thought about it, the stranger it felt, a whole visit, a whole scene playing out right at my gate, and I didn't know a thing. Paano nangyari 'yun kung wala naman kaming usapan? Bakit doon pa siya pupunta kung hindi naman kami nagkikita?

Manong Jun went on, his tone turning soft and earnest, like a father giving advice.

"Alam mo, Zarya anak... bata pa lang kayo, alam ko na na kayo talaga ang magkakatuluyan. Kaya kung pwede niyong ayusin, ayusin niyo na lang."

I bit my lip, staring out the window as lights blurred past. I couldn't answer him. There was nothing to fix, at least not that I knew of.

Yet yung kwento ni Kuya Jun, parang galit na umiiyak daw si Ryan... it's a mystery I couldn't untangle. Parang may kwentong hindi ko alam... at parang ako ang hindi kasama sa kwentong 'yun.

Andami na ng iniisip ko, dumagdag pa 'to. I sank deeper into the seat, staring blankly at the dark road ahead. Ryan... crying and angry? The image stuck in my head, sharp and impossible to shake.

I kept turning it over, wondering what on earth could have driven him to that point, what lay behind those tears mixed with pure rage.

Anong sakit kaya ang naramdaman niya para umiyak siya nang ganoon habang puno ng galit?

There was no reason I knew of for him to feel so betrayed or hurt, let alone storm away from my gate looking like he'd lost everything.

Was it something he heard? Something someone told him? Or maybe something he saw that I didn't? Baka may nalaman siyang hindi ko alam? Baka may gumawa ng kwento sa pangalan ko?

"She's gone" ano ang ibig niyang sabihin dito?

The more I pictured his face red and wet, shoulders shaking with sobs that sounded more like shouts, the heavier my chest felt.

Galit at lungkot na sabay... parang hindi lang simpleng tampuhan ang dahilan.

It was the kind of rage filled grief you only feel when someone you trust leaves you empty handed or when you're tricked into believing something terrible.

And I couldn't stop asking myself, what was the real hurt hidden behind those tears? when I hadn't even known he was there?

.