Chasing Dreams, Losing Her.

Chapter 30- to love a survivor

Zarya's POV

I woke up feeling like I just had an 8 hours gym work out. The light from the huge window, and smell of food woke me up.

But she's not here, Iris is not here.

I thought I was just dreaming, but I scanned the surroundings and for sure... this isn't my room.

The room was quiet. The sun was already up, filtering softly through the curtains, but the air us felt calm...finally, it became calm. For the longest time, this silence used to scare me. It used to mean anger, or coldness, or that she would run away again. But now... it felt safe.

I was just here, awake. Staring at the bed we shared last night, everything feels surreal.

Hindi ko mapaliwanag, parang hindi pa rin ako makaget-over na nandito siya, na hawak ko siya kagabi, na akin na siya ulit.

In just one night, I memorized her whole being once again.

every feature of her face, her messy hair, her tired eyes, her lips.

..like I was worshipping her all over again.

Everything still felt so... overwhelming.

Parang lahat ng emotions ay nasa dibdib ko, gusto kong umiyak sa saya, gustong sumabog pero wala akong masabi.

Agad naman akong tumayo galing sa kama to check on her, I walked slowly out of her room. Outside, mas lalo ko pang naamoy ang pagkain, and yes. she's here, she's in the kitchen.

She's already dressed up, wearing a thick black suit and pointed high heels. She's already wearing a make up, ready to for the day.

I walked slowly towards her, still feeling doubtful and hesitant after everything. Nakakatakot pero masaya ako sa lahat ng mga nangyari, hindi ko na alam ano na naman ang kabayaran nito. Pero bahala na.

Suddenly, Iris noticed me staring. She didn't tease me or ask why. Instead, she just walked over to me.

Then she looked back at me. Really looked at me.

Nakakatunaw ang titig niya, it's been 8 years since I saw this look in her eyes.

Her gaze dropped to my eyes, and in a split second, her expression softened completely. She saw it. She saw the fear, the relief, the love, and the tears I was holding back. She saw everything.

Without a word, she leaned down towards me, placing both her hands on my shoulders to steady me. And then... she pressed her lips softly against my forehead.

It was such a gentle kiss, so full of reverence and apology, that was the exact moment I broke. My lips trembled, and my eyes instantly became blurry. My chest heaved a little as the tears finally escaped and rolled down my cheeks.

"Shhh....what happened?." She whispered against my skin, her voice cracking slightly too. She pulled me into her embrace, resting her chin on top of my head while stroking my back slowly.

parang ako naman kagabi yung nagsasabi non sa kaniya? Ngayon siya naman.

I buried my face on her chest, soaking her shirt, letting everything out. "Ang... ang dami nang nangyari... but all I know is you're here... you're here..." I sobbed softly.

She pulled back just enough to cup my face with both hands, her thumbs wiping my tears away gently. Her eyes were intense, staring deep into my soul.

"Zarya..." She said softly but firmly. "Listen to me, okay?

Let's make a promise right now. Let's... let's forget about the past together.

Hayaan na natin yun, wala na yun. We are starting fresh today.

Okay? Everything is fine now. Everything is fine because I am yours, and you are mine. Nothing else matters."

I nodded frantically, clinging to her wrists.

She smiled, a genuine, warm smile, and kissed my nose, and held my hand tightly like she was scared I'd vanish if she let go. She squeezed my fingers, shifting to a more normal tone, trying to lighten the mood so I wouldn't cry anymore.

"Okay, enough of that. Okay? " She started casually. "Please have your breakfast, and... I can't join you cause I really need to go."

I looked up at her, sniffing a little. "Hmm? Saan ka pupunta?"

"First..." Iris began, counting on her fingers. "I'm going to the Hospital. I need to check on Mom."

"Oh... right. I'll visit tita Clara later, okay?" I asked softly.

"Okayy" She assured, brushing my hair behind my ear.

"Then after the hospital... I need to drop by my Office.

I have a big meeting with clients today.

It's a legal case, super important. As much as I want to stay with you, Attorney Valenti and Doctor De Luca has some things to do. " She winked playfully.

I chuckled softly, rolling my eyes playfully. "Hmm... yes, yes, Attorney. Don't make your clients wait."

"But seriously, the meeting might take 2 to 3 hours. But I'll be fast as I can. I'll finish everything early so I could go back sa hospital."

"Can we have dinner together, at least?." I smiled, feeling my heart settle completely now that I knew her schedule. It felt so normal. So domestic. So right.

"I'll see what I can do, alright?"

I just nodded and smiled, then cleared my throat a bit. "Well... since we are updating each other... I actually have plans too."

Iris raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? My woman is busy too? Go on."

"My woman" Damn... kahit si lord kikiligin e.

But I quickly hide my embarrassment. "I'm going to Dad's house later." I told her seriously. "We have a meeting. I want to discuss some details with papa regarding sa summit event in Italy, it's a big deal that needs to be done. After that, I need to visit the hotel and go back to Hospital"

"That's my girl." She said proudly, squeezing my hand again.

"Yeah..." I blushed. "So...Dad's house, office, hospital, Then... back to each other. Deal?"

"Deal." I whispered, leaning down to capture her lips in a soft, sweet kiss. "I love you, Iris."

"I love you more, Zarya. More than all the empires in the world."

"Okay... so have your breakfast already, okay? Don't skip your meals, I will go na."

Iris stood up slowly, fixing her coat, but her eyes never left mine. Even when she was the one leaving, she looked at me like I was the most important thing in the world. She walked backwards towards the door, just to keep looking at me.

I stood up too, walking closer to her until we were right at the entrance of the room. I reached out and adjusted her collar gently, my fingers lingering on the fabric of her suit.

"Take care, okay?" she said, kahit siya naman ang unang aalis ng bahay.

"Mmm... I will. Promise." I whispered softly, looking straight into her eyes. "Take care please, my love...Drive safe. Good luck sa meeting mo later, Attorney. I know you'll do great."

Iris smiled...that breathtaking, confident smile that belonged only to her, then leaned in to steal one last, quick kiss on my lips. "Yes, Doctor. Whatever you say. I love you."

And with that, she turned and walked away. I watched her car pull out of the driveway until it completely disappeared from view. Only then did I go back inside, my heart feeling full and light.

I went to the dining area and finally ate my breakfast. It felt different now, eating alone didn't feel lonely anymore. Because I knew she was mine, and I was hers.

After finishing, I cleaned up a bit and gathered my things para umuwi muna at ayusin ang mga gamit ko.

I went back to my own house first to drop off my personal belongings and change into something more appropriate.

I chose a sleek, beige high-neck dress and paired it with a structured blazer, professional, elegant, but powerful.

I styled my hair neatly, put on minimal jewelry, and looked at myself.

When I was ready, I drove myself to my Dad's mansion. The drive wasn't long, but my mind was already busy running through the agenda we needed to discuss.

Upon arriving, the maids greeted me immediately and I went straight to Dad's private office at the west wing of the house. It was a massive room, filled with books, awards, and paintings...reminders of how powerful our family is.

I think okay na siya ngayon, he's no longer using his oxygen tank. He looks a lot better na din unlike the last time I saw him.

My Dad was sitting behind his massive mahogany desk, looking over some papers. When he heard the door open, he looked up and smiled at me.

"Ah, Zarya. Come in, hija. Have a seat." He gestured to the chair in front of him.

I walked in gracefully and sat down, crossing my legs properly. "Good morning, Dad. Sorry I'm a little late. Had some things to arrange."

"It's alright, It's good that you came back immediately instead of staying with your sister in Italy.

" He said as he puts on his eye glasses.

"I assume you are ready?" He asked seriously, putting his pen down and focusing all his attention on me.

"So... let's begin. Since you will be taking a huge part in managing our assets soon, I want you to be fully involved in this. "

"Yes, Dad. I understand." I nodded.

"First..." He started, sliding a printed list towards me. "Have you talk to Mr. Henderson?"

"Yes, Dad. Before I left Italy, I also went through his plans thoroughly." I replied confidently.

"So..." He leaned forward, watching my reaction closely. "What doc you think about it? That you choose... Mr. Henderson and his group?"

I looked him in the eye, steady and sure. "As you wish. I agreed with your choice. Mr. Henderson's company has a clean record, massive reach, and their values align perfectly with ours. It is a stable and smart choice."

Dad nodded, looking pleased. "Good. Very good. I'm glad you see it that way. That was my priority choice as well."

He reached for another sheet of paper, this time the list of Co-Sponsors and Event Associates.

"Now..." His tone became a bit lighter, more casual. "So, you do not just check on your partner's status. You must a thorough and systematic investigation on your opponent. And you know who your opponent is, who's his chosen partner?"

My heart skipped a beat.

This was the part, I knew exactly who it was. I had seen the contract myself. But saying it out loud to him... to my Dad...nakaka pangamba.

I hesitated for a split second, my fingers gripping the armrest of my chair slightly. But I couldn't hide it. I couldn't lie. This was business.

I took a quiet breath and spoke clearly.

"That... would be... Engineer Valenti, Dad."

The atmosphere in the room SHATTERED.

One second it was calm and professional... and the next... the air turned ice cold and heavy. I watched as the expression on my father's face drained. His eyes widened for a moment, then his jaw clenched so tight. His eyes...it's mixrd of emotions I can't even figure out.

It was like mentioning that single name flipped a switch inside him.

"...Valenti?" He repeated, his voice dropping an octave. It was low, dangerous, and laced with so much hate. "ERIC VALENTI??"

"...Yes, Dad." I answered softly, braced for his outburst.

He stood up abruptly, his hands slamming hard against the table. "Maledizione, quell'uomo"

(Damn it! That man!)

"HOW??" He practically growled, pacing back and forth behind his desk like a caged animal. "How did HE get in?! Do they not know how exclusive this event is?! That list... THAT LIST is reserved for the ELITE. For the people we RESPECT. For FAMILIES with REAL LEGACY!!!"

He stopped pacing and glared at me, his chest heaving.

"That man... that snake... he was nothing before! Now he dares to put his filthy name alongside the Sterling name??"

He scoffed bitterly, looking like he wanted to destroy something.

"Pa, what's with Engr. Valenti?" I asked kahit alam kong hindi ako masasagot ng maayos.

Even before, mga bata palang kami. Hinahatid din ako minsan ni tito Eric sa bahay, and dad just lost his mood immediately whenever he sees him.

Since then, hindi ko na gets what's the story behind them.

Especially the time I heard Iris and tito Bernard.

"How did he manage to get approved? This event is guarded, Zarya. Only the highest of the highest are invited. How did Eric Valenti crawl his way back in?"

I sat there, keeping my composure, even though my hands were shaking slightly under the table.

"I don't know, pa. But he submitted a proposal." I said calmly. "And... technically... his portfolio is flawless. His company built the biggest structures in U.S, The committee saw him as the best choice:

"Flawless?!" Dad spat out. "Everything he has... he got it by stepping onto someone. Mark my words, Zarya. Having the valenti's around in this event... It is a WAR waiting to happen."

He looked at me intensely, his eyes warning me.

"Be careful, hija. If Eric Valenti and Sterling were there.... Do not trust any of them. Not a single one."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded slowly.

"...Yes, Dad. I understand."

But deep inside...

The war had already begun a long time ago...

And I... I was standing right in the middle of the battlefield... holding the hand of the ENEMY'S QUEEN.

I watched my Dad pace around the room, his anger practically radiating off him like heatwaves. It was terrifying, yet I forced myself to stay calm, sitting straight, hands folded neatly on my lap.

He walked slowly back to the desk, leaning over it, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge.

"What are they planning, Zarya? Think about it.

Eric Valenti... the man who wants nothing but to be on top.

.. aligning himself with the richest event organizer in Europe?

They are planning something BIG. They aren't just here to build walls and decorate halls" His voice dropped to a heavy, serious tone that commanded absolute attention.

"This isn't just a party anymore, hija. This... is a BATTLEFIELD. And we... the De Luca... we do not lose to the likes of them."

Then, suddenly, his expression shifted from anger to intense,expectant pressure. He sat back down, leaning forward, staring directly into my soul. This was the moment he put the weight of the world on my shoulders.

"Which is why... YOU need to win this, Zarya."

My breath hitched. "Si, Papa."

"Listen to me carefully." He commanded. "You represent our legacy. You represent everything we have built. And I need you to be better than them. I need you to outsmart them, outshine them, and make sure that when this event ends... the name de Luca is the only one people remember."

He saw the hesitation in my eyes, the slight fear that I might not be enough. So he did what he always did... He stripped away my distractions.

"If this means you need to let go of managing the new Hotel branch... then let it go. I will assign someone else."

I nodded slowly. The hotel was important kasi ito yung ire-represent namin, but yes...his ego is bigger

"And..." He continued, his voice becoming stricter. "If you need to step back from your duties at the Hospital... then do it. Your focus must be 100% herw. On THIS war."

"...Understood, Dad. I can adjust my schedule." I replied softly.

Dad seemed satisfied with my answer, but then... he dropped the next line... and this one... THIS ONE hit me like a physical punch to the chest.

"And also..." He said casually, as if it was just a minor detail. "If you want or need to stop your private classes... those Engineering sessions you take with Ryan... then say the word. We can pause them. You don't need them right now if they take your focus away from beating those men."

My world... literally... paused.

My eyes went wide. My lips parted slightly, but NO SOUND came out.

I was absolutely stunned in my seat.

My mind flashed back instantly. Ryan...

The classes.

.. the meetings... the hours spent studying.

.. But... I hadn't attended a single session with him.

.. in weeks, or maybe month.

And If my dad finds out, mas magagalit lang siya.

Lalo pag nalaman niyang tinotolerate ni Ryan ang pag iwas ko sa classes niya.

But here was my Dad... talking about it like it was still a regular part of my weekly routine. Like I was still faithfully going every day.

"Zarya?" Dad's voice cut through my panic. "Are you listening? Do you want me to cancel the arrangement with Ryan?"

I blinked rapidly, forcing myself to snap out of the trance. I swallowed the massive lump in my throat, my mind racing a mile a minute to find an answer, to cover my tracks.

I straightened my back, gripping the armrests so hard my knuckles turned white. I forced a neutral expression on my face, hiding the storm raging inside me.

"I... uh..." My voice cracked for half a second, so I cleared my throat and tried again, sounding as composed as possible."I'll talk to Ryan about it."

I lied. I lied straight through my teeth.

"Use everything. Use your brain. Use your connections. Use Ryan if you have to. Just... make sure you destroy whatever plan Eric Valenti has. Do I make myself clear?"

Akala ko ba si Mr. Sterling ang pinaka kalaban namin dito? Why does he keeps on talking about Eric Valenti. He's not even that intimidating.

I wonder why..

I stood up slowly, bowing my head slightly in respect.

"Crystal clear, Dad." I said with a fake, confident smile. "I will make sure the De Luca name stays above all else. I won't let you down."

"Good." He nodded. "Now go. Rest. Prepare. The war has officially started."

I turned around and walked out of that office with steady steps...

But the moment the heavy doors closed behind me...

I let out a breath I felt like I'd been holding for hours.

After leaving Dad's mansion, I immediately got inside my car and started driving towards the Hospital. The whole ride, my mind was still heavy with everything Dad said, war, Eric Valenti, Sterling, winning at all costs...

But then, as I stopped at a red light, my hand automatically reached for my phone on the passenger seat. When I unlocked it, my heart literally melted into a puddle.

Three messages.

All from IRIS

And the timestamps? She sent them WHILE I WAS INSIDE THE OFFICE talking to Dad. The whole time I was stressed out... she was just there... updating me.

"I'm already at the hospital, mom is doing great. She asked about you, she's expecting a visit from you."

"I'll drive off na, I have some clients to meet. Have your lunch already, I love you."

I bit my lip, feeling my eyes get teary all of a sudden.

I never thought this would happen. ??

Parang dati lang... ako yung laging naghahabol.

Look where we are now...charot pwera usog.

She didn't just send one message. She updated me. She made sure I was informed, even though she knew I was busy. She prioritized me.

"My God, Iris..." I whispered, smiling through the tears. "You really turned the tables around, huh? You're making it impossible for me to even imagine a life without you now."

I quickly typed a reply, even though I was driving.

When I arrived at the Hospital, I changed into my uniform and first made my way straight to the Private Suites. I needed to see Tita Clara first.

I knocked softly before entering her room. She was sitting up, reading a book, but her face instantly lit up when she saw me.

"Zarya, hija!" She beamed, opening her arms for a hug. "How's Italy?"

I laughed softly, hugging her tightly and kissing her cheek. "Hi tita, kamusta po kayo?"

"I'm fine na Iha, lalo na at pumunta si Iris kanina dito. Jusko, parang may kakaiba sa kaniya kanina. Sinigurado niya talaga lahat ng gamot ko at mga kailangan. Parang hindi abogado, parang nurse na rin."

I smiled warmly, my heart feeling full hearing stories about her.

"Bakit po kakaiba siya kanina?" I asked, kahit sa tingin ko ay alam ko naman na kung bakit.

"Ah basta, mas mukha siyang masaya. Kahapon parang depress yan e, dumalaw lang dito tapos umalis din.

Ngayon parang nakita ko ulit yung saya sa mga mata niya na matagal kong hindi nakita.

"

Tita Clara's tone became more serious, na para bang iiyak na siya kapag pinag usapan pa namin.

After spending time with her, I went down to the wards to start my actual duty.

I checked patients, updated charts, assisted the doctors.

.. but through it all, my phone buzzed here and there.

It was Iris. Sending me random memes, sending me pictures of her in her office looking strict and scary, just to make me laugh.

Napangiti nalang ako sa sunod na text niya, yes she is cute. But she doesn't look cute in that picture, parang kakainin ako sa tingin palang eh.

Wala eh, cute pala talaga siya.

Hours passed, and finally... my shift ended.

I was in my office, changing back into my casual clothes when my phone rang.

Hindi masukat ang ngiti ko when I saw her name, It was her.

I answered immediately, putting it on speaker as I fixed my hair.

"Hello, Attorney Valenti. Calling me already? Miss me that much?" I teased softly.

Iris laughed on the other end... that low, velvety laugh that gave me butterflies. "Hmm... guilty as charged. But seriously, I just finished my meetings. And guess what? I am back at the Hospital. Checking on Mom again.

"Wow... dedicated daughter. " I joked.

"Exactly. But..." Her voice dropped to that soft, lover tone. "...now that I'm done with everything . I am officially free. So... can I take my mom's Doctor out for dinner? She must be tired after working so hard no?"

My heart did a flip. "You read my mind, love. I am literally walking out of my office right now."

"Perfect." She purred. "I'll be at my mom's room in 10 minutes. I love you"

"I love you too, Attorney."

Those words gave me butterflies, kahit ilang beses na niyang nasabi ito ngayong araw. Hindi parin talaga nakakasawa, mas lalo ko lang siyang na mi-miss.

After I completely changed my clothes, bumaba nadin ako para sana pumunta kay tita Clara. But I remembered my dumb friends, hindi ko pa sila nakita ulit simula nung makauwi ako.

I walked to their common office, and buti naman at may naabutan ako dito.

Nandito pa si Kiro at Ralph, yung tatlo ay hindi ko alam. Baka on duty sila ngayon.

"Uy Doc! Na miss kita!!" Kiro screamed at my face as he ran towards me, he hugged me tight pero nakakainis na hug yung binigay niya.

"Ano ba, calm down. Alam mo minsan iniisip ko na baka gusto mo na ako–"

"Ssshh, bunganga mo mabaho" he covered my mouth with his palm, aba.

"Doc, good evening." Ralph greeted, but hindi di naman nagtagal kasi mukha siyang busy sa ginagawa niya.

"Nasaan yung iba?" I asked.

"may rounds si Aisle and Mica, si Xy ewan bumili ata ng pagkain. Wala namang sinabi, kakaalis niya lang." Kiro said and goes back to his office chair.

I just nodded and was about to leave when Kiro screamed my name again. "WAIT! Doc!"

Tumalikod ako ulit at tinignan siya, inantay ko lang siyang magsalita. "alam mo ba ano nangyayari kay Xylla? ilang araw na siyang wala sa mood. Ikaw naman pinaka close non e."

"Baka red days lang, Kiro. Hayaan mo na" Ralph interrupted.

"umm, wala naman siyang sinasabi saakin. Maybe it's her red days." I quickly gave them a forced smile.

Alam kong hindi lang dahil sa red days yun, I know it's much deeper than that. After everything we've talked about, and everything that happened. I'm guessing she is still hurt, pero wala naman akong magagawa para maibsan yun kundi ang hayaan nalang muna siya at bigyan ng oras.

Umalis nalang ako at dumiretso na kay tita Clara.

The moment I opened the door, I already smelled the scent of her perfume.

She looked fierce, wala man lang ngiti sa mga mata niya. what happened to her?

"Good evening, tita." I greeted tita, but my eyes are still locked onto her. Wondering what went wrong bakit ganito na naman mood niya.

"magandang gabi, Zarya. Tapos na akong ma check ng isang doctor kanina." tita Clara said with a sweet smile.

While Iris is turning her back from us, may inaayos siya sa desk pero wala namang kalat doon. Parang nagdadabog pa siya.

"Kumain ka na, Anak?" I thought tita Clara was asking about Iris, but no. She's looking at me.

"Ah, hindi pa po."

"Sabay na kayo ni Iris, gutom na ata ito at parang wala sa mood e."

I looked at Iris again, who's now on her phone. Nag s-scroll lang siya sa phone niya na parang hindi kami naririnig ni tita.

Tita Clara and I just stared at each other, para bang dalawang buhay namin ay nasa piligro na.

"Goodnight ma, see you tomorrow." She quickly stood up, and kissed tita Clara's forehead and was about to leave the room when I ran after her.

"Oi, saan ka?!"

"I'm hungry, you can stay there if you're not." she simply said as she was walking fast towards the parking area.

Sinundan ko nalang siya, hangang sa makapasok kami ng sasakyan niya.

She was about to start the engine when I stopped her, I held her hand but she pulled it away instantly.

"Iris, talk to me. What's wrong?" I deliberately asked.

"I've been waiting for you in that room."

"I thought 10 minutes? dumaan lang ako sandali sa quarters nila ni Kiro." I quickly explained.

Hindi ko naman alam na nandoon na pala siya, it was loud and clear when she said na she's just on her way.

"Well, I thought you would be excited to see me–"

She didn't finished her sentence, I kissed her lips. That made her quiet, good for me at hindi ako sinampal.

"I'm sorry, okay? I was excited to see you, of course."

"I'm hungry" She started the engine but she think I didn't saw her smile? Her ears turning red? sus.

We drove to one of my favorite restaurants around here, dinner was at a quiet, high-end Italian restaurant. Even after hating Italy, I can't deny that italian food really makes me drool.

The ambiance was perfect. Candles, soft music, just us.

We were chatting non-stop. She told me about her clients, how annoying they were, how she won the case in the first 10 minutes.

I told her about my patients, about Tita Clara, and.

.. I carefully avoided the topic of the meeting with Dad.

I couldn't tell her about the war yet. Not tonight.

We were laughing about something silly Iris said... when my phone rang.

The smile on my face froze. I pulled it out and saw the name.

Oh no.

Iris noticed my expression. She raised an eyebrow. "Who is it? Is it urgent?"

I bit my lip, nodding apologetically. "I... I'm so sorry, Iris. It's Mr. Henderson. He's our main partner for the event. I really need to take this. Just... give me five minutes, okay?"

"It's okay, Go ahead." Iris smiled understandingly, gesturing for me to go. "I'll wait here. Don't worry about me."

I quickly stood up and walked outside to the patio to answer the call.

"Good evening, Mr. Henderson."

"Ah, Miss De Luca. Good evening to you." His professional voice came through.

"Sorry to disturb your night, but I have an update regarding the logistics.

I will be flying to Manila tomorrow morning.

I believe we need to finalize the contracts face to face before we ship everything to Italy.

Can you clear your schedule for a meeting? "

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Yes, mr. henderson. Of course. Just send me the time and location, and I will be there. Thank you for the update."

We spoke for a few more minutes about details, and then ended the call. When I turned back to the glass door... I saw Iris.

She was sitting there alone, elegantly, playing with her glass of wine... waiting for me.

My heart squeezed with guilt. The food was served, but she didn't touch her food, didn't even touch mine, or ask the bill. She just sat there... waiting.

I rushed back inside, sliding into the seat opposite her.

"Iris... I am so sorry. You could've eaten na... or called the waiter..."

But she just looked up at me... and that breathtaking smile was still there. She reached across the table to hold my hand.

"I prefer eating with you." She squeezed my fingers. "Now... eat your food before it gets cold, my love. We have a long night ahead."

After dinner, she drove me back to my house. But as the car pulled up in front of my building... I didn't move to open the door.

I turned to look at her. She looked so beautiful under the streetlights, her profile sharp and perfect.

I just... didn't want to be alone tonight.

"Iris..." I started softly.

She turned to me, unbuckling her seatbelt slightly. "Yes? We're here."

I took a deep breath, looking deep into her eyes.

"Uhm... actually... can I... can I come home with you?"

I saw her eyes widen in surprise... and then light up like fireworks.

"Really?" She asked, her voice a pitch higher, sounding like an excited child. "You want to stay at my place?"

I nodded, biting my lip. "Mhm. I... I missed you so much today. Can I stay the night? Please?"

"Of course you can, you don't even have to ask" She immediately reversed the car, speeding off towards her house, looking happier than I've seen her in weeks.

When we got to her place, we immediately changed into comfortable clothes, her oversized shirts for both of us. We crawled into her massive, soft bed, under the warm duvet. And that's where it happened.

We were lying face to face, noses almost touching, fingers intertwined... when Iris suddenly became very... talkative.

She wasn't the strict Attorney anymore. She wasn't the boss. She was just... a girl... opening up her soul to me.

"Zar.."

I looked at her softly. "Hmm?"

"You know Zarya..." She started softly, tracing the features of my face with her thumb. "...I've been thinking. Sa party ni mr. Rusco... when everyone was drunk and loud... did you... did you hear what we were talking about?"

My breath hitched. This was it.

The night I heard everything... the night my heart broke for her... but I never let her know.

I looked straight into her eyes... and nodded slowly.

"...Yes, Iris." I whispered honestly. "I heard everything." I have to admit it, I can't keep secrets with her now.

Iris froze for a second. Her eyes searched mine, looking for judgment... or pity. But she found only love.

"Oh..." She breathed out, looking away for a moment before looking back. "so alam mong iniwan kami ni dad?"

My heart clenched painfully inside my chest.

"Yes." I said softly. "Is it true? Did he really just... leave?"

Silence filled the room for what felt like an eternity. Iris stopped moving. Her eyes became glossy, distant... looking back into a past that haunted her.

Then... she nodded. A single tear escaped her eye.

"Yes. It is true." Her voice cracked. "He left."

She took a shaky breath and started spilling everything... the secrets she kept locked away in a steel box inside her heart.

"You remember... when you left?" She asked, her voice trembling.

I nodded. "Yes..."

"Two weeks after you left..." Iris whispered, her face twisting in pain. Two weeks, Zar. That's exactly when he packed his bags. He said he had a 'business trip'. Business trip na hindi na nakabalik. Pero alam ko naman, he left with his lover."

She closed her eyes. "He left us... with NOTHING.

Well... almost nothing. The only asset he left under our name.

.. was this House. And that was it. He took everything with him, pati tiwala ko.

He left my Mom crying on the floor... and me.

.. just standing there... feeling like my whole world collapsed. "

I pulled her closer, holding her tight as she started crying softly into my chest. I stroked her hair, letting her let it all out.

She sobbed, looking up at me with red, broken eyes. "He left... exactly on the day... exactly on the date...you promised to come home"

"What...?" I whispered, horrified.

"Yes." Iris choked out. "But I saw hope, I told myself that maybe tomorrow you'll be here and tell me that everything will get better." She laughed bitterly, wiping her tears.

"But...you didn't came home"

"Iris... I... I didn't know..." I whispered, tears pouring down my own face now. "I didn't know any of this....I'm sorry, I..–"

"I know... I know..." She nodded frantically. "But that day, Zarya... that day I promised myself I would never rely on anyone ever again."

That's when I realized everything, why she changed a lot. Why she bacame as cold as my life in Italy.

She took a moment to compose herself, her voice turning into a harder tone... the tone of a survivor.

"So... I had to work. I was studying Law... but we had no money. Mom was depressed... sick... I had to pay the bills, pay the tuition, buy food. I worked three jobs. I was born with everything, I wasn't ready for anything. I almost gave up school... until..."

She paused, looking at me intensely.

"...Until one day, after class... I was walking... crying... stressed out... when some old man bumped into me, he accused me of bumping him intentionally so I could steal some money on his pocket. And I fought back, claiming my rights through legal words. He was amazed."

"He looked at me... and ask if I am studying Law. I said yes, and then that's it. he offered me a full scholarship." She smiled as she was talking about that man. But her eyes are still filled with tears.

I blinked. "Wait... who was he?"

"I don't know." Iris shrugged. "He never told me his real name. But he said he was looking for protégés. He offered me a full scholarship, even my weekly allowance."

I gasped. "Really? Just like that?"

"Yes." Iris nodded. "At first...akala ko scam e. I thought... maybe he's a human trafficker... or he wants something bad in return. So I asked him what are the rules? What do I have to do for him."

She looked at me... and a small, surreal smile appeared on her lips.

"And you know what he said, Zarya? He said... I don't need to be the best. I just have to do my best, and win. That is all he asked.

"Oh my god..." I whispered.

"Yeah." Iris continued. "So I took it. And I worked my ass off. I became Dean's Lister every single semester. And when I got my first award... GUESS WHAT HE DID?"

"What??"

"He bought me a Car." Iris laughed in disbelief. "This car actually. The one I drive now. He handed me the keys and said I deserve a reward for beating everyone else.'"

My jaw dropped. "That... that is insane, Iris. So... where is he now? Where is your Scholar?"

The smile faded from Iris's face. She looked down at our intertwined hands.

"...hindi ko alam" She whispered. "The day I graduated. The day I got my License... I waited for him to come to the ceremony. But he never showed. I called the number he gave me... it was disconnected. I went to the office address he gave me... it was empty."

"He just... vanished." She said quietly. "Just like everyone else in my life. He gave me everything... and then... poof. Gone."

Silence filled the room again. But this silence was different.

I was lying there... holding the love of my life... and finally... FINALLY... I understood EVERYTHING.

I realized... that while I was busy living my life, studying, traveling, and trying to heal. Iris... MY IRIS... was fighting a war for survival all alone.

She wasn't born powerful.

She was brOKEN... and she built herself back up... piece by piece... with blood and tears... just to survive the pain.

My heart physically ached inside my chest.

"My poor baby..." I thought, holding her tighter than ever before, kissing the top of her head repeatedly. "I will never leave you. I will spend the rest of my life making up for the years you suffered alone. "

"Sleep now, my love..." I whispered. "I'm here. I'm never going anywhere."

And for the first time in years... I could sleep with warmth. Makakatulog ako ng masaya, without questions from my past.