Chapter 42

There's an uncomfortable silence inside the car. Kanina ko pa napapansin ang mga nakaw na tingin sa akin ni Rylee. I know she wanted to ask me if I'm okay, but I honestly do not know what to tell her.

What the hell is my Uncle thinking?

I have almost forgotten about the whole engagement thing with Anthony until Detective Michaels showed me the headline. My friends have probably seen it. 

Ivo too.

I explained to them what's happening since they were all equally shock as me. Eli and Rylee were surprised to know I am an heiress, but I do not consider myself one. Wala namang reaksyon si Noah sa buong oras na nagku-kuwento ako.

I can't forget the picture of the newspaper. It was a picture of Anthony and me at some restaurant. We looked so happy. I stared at the photo of us for quite some time before giving it back to Detective Michaels.

On that picture, it was just Anthony and Skyla. The US I used to know.

Pabalik na kami ngayon sa city. Detective Michaels advised me to go back right away before things turn bad. The newspaper also says that I've run away, but my Uncle denied it in an interview.

He said I was ecstatic to marry Anthony that I decided to take a holiday and enjoy the remaining days of me being single. Halos punitin ko ang diyaryo nang mabasa ko iyon. My Uncle has gone crazy.

I haven't turned on my phone yet, and I am sure that I am bombarded with messages. I wonder if my Uncle is scaring me now that I ran away and removed the microchip. Is this his way of telling me I can't run away?

Perhaps, he thinks I am with Ivo, hence the marriage announcement in the newspapers. Pakiramdam ko ay sasakit ang ulo.

A warm hand touched my forehead, "You okay?" napatingin ako kay Noah na nakaupo sa likod ko. "Kanina mo pa kasi hinihilot yang noo mo."

"I'm okay, sorry. I just--- don't know what to say?" I say meekly, napatingin si Eli at Detective Michaels sa akin mula sa rearview mirror.

Kinuha naman ni Rylee ang kamay ko, "You'll be okay," she says smiling.

I nodded, "I just don't understand my Uncle. He's telling me to marry the guy I see as a brother."

"Hmmm," Rylee hums then asks, "Skyla, do you have a boyfriend?"

My mouth fell open, and then it closed again. I didn't expect the question, "No, I don't have one."   

I can feel Noah's hand on my hair. Ramdam kong pinapaikot-ikot niya ang mga daliri niya sa buhok ko. Rylee saw it too, she smiles, "What if you tell your Uncle na may boyfriend ka na. Therefore, you can't marry Anthony."

"What?"

"Is your Uncle strict when it comes to you dating?"

"No, he encouraged Anthony and me to date, but he didn't particularly like how close I was with Ivo Moretti."

I felt Noah stopped, but he resumed touching my hair. I can feel Eli and Detective Michaels's eyes on me at the mention of Ivo Moretto.

"So, you're single then," tumango ako sa kanya, "Why don't you make Noah your fake boyfriend for the meantime to put the engagement on hold. Right, babe?" she asks Eli.

"WHAT?!!" Halos sigaw naming lahat at napahawak si Rylee sa dibdib niya sa gulat. Awtomatiko namang napatingin ako kay Noah at ganoon din siya sa akin.

I stared at his face. Noah's high nose, sharp jaw, and cheekbones. His green eyes are watching me as I watch him.

Fake boyfriend si Noah?

I scowled at him. I don't even see him as someone's boyfriend. Wala pa ngang isan buwan nang magkakilala kami pero I know that he's a bit rude, he likes to annoy me, and he is a professional assassin.

"Kung makasigaw naman kayo. Nag-suggest lang naman ako hindi ko naman sinabing pumatay tayo ng mga bata." Rylee says defensively.

"How's that going to work? Mukha naman walang sweet bone sa katawan itong si Noah," I say.

Noah smirked at me, "I'm pretty good with killing. Hell, I am probably a top-tier boyfriend."

"Oh? Wala sa itsura mo," asar ko sa kanya, "Please, tell me none of you agrees that this plan will work." Tinignan ko si Eli at Detective Michaels na nasa harap pero hindi sila kumibo at sa halip ay nag-iwas nalang sila ng tingin.

"Oh my gosh, you agree with Rylee?" No reply from them.

I hear Rylee giggles beside me, "Skyla, my idea isn't so bad. Think about it."

"I know you mean well, but how is it going to work? My Uncle hasn't even seen Noah and me together. Don't you think he will find it suspicious?"

Rylee shook her head, "Skyla, you're a gorgeous young girl. Girls your age change boyfriends like how they change their undies. It shouldn't be surprising for you to get a man, especially someone like Noah."

I laughed; Noah is indeed handsome. If he happens to study in Welston University, I'm sure a lot of girls will fall for him. Alexavia is perhaps one of them.

"My Uncle will think I have issues. First, I was with someone from the Mafia and now a professional assassin."

"What's wrong with that? Don't worry about Noah's background. He has a good solid background na papasa sa kahit sinong magulang, tiyo o tiya pa yan." Rylee explains.

I heard Detective Michaels chuckle, "It's true, Ms. Vielle. Even if someone will do a background on Noah, they won't get anything. He has a pretty clean slate."

"I think the plan can work to delay your impending engagement. You should use Noah," Eli adds.   

"Can you all stop talking about me like I am not here?" Noah grumbles, "I am okay with it, but this isn't in the contract Michaels."

I rolled my eyes, "Magkano ba talent fee mo?"

"Oh, bakit? Afford mo ba? Di ba lumayas ka? Mahirap ka na ngayon. Wala kang pera." usal ni Noah.

My jaw dropped, and it hurts to be called 'wala kang pera'.

Well, I still have some cash pero dahil lumayas ako ay kailangan ko nang tipirin ang konting ipon na meron ako. I still need to look for a place to stay. Buti nalang at bayad na ang buong tuition ko sa buong apat na taon kaya hindi ko na pro-problemahin pa ang tuition.

"Oh ano? Imik" pang-aasar pa ni Noah saka ngumisi.

I sneered at him and looked at Rylee, "The plan is impossible. Wala atang araw na hindi ako maaasar kay Noah."

"Okay, I won't force you to do it, but consider it as an option."

The plan isn't bad at all; however, I didn't want to include Noah or any of them to my problems. I know for a fact that they have so much on their plate now.

Idagdag mo pa ang bawat mission namin. A lot of things are bothering me, but I will try my best to have my focus on Costa Mafia's mission.

It comes first above all. Costa Mafia may or may not hold the clue to my parents' death and their history.

I still believe that my Uncle is doing all the fuss with the engagement between Anthony and me because he thinks I am with Ivo. I still haven't figured out why he hates Ivo and his family. Did they have a clash in the past? 

A clash with the Moretti Mafia?

After hearing the stories about Costa Mafia, I don't think I have the courage to confront them or even have a conflict. Still, whatever past conflict my Uncle has with Moretti Mafia is something I will discover in the future.

           Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras ang lumipas pero nagising nalang ako na ang kamay ni Noah ay nasa noo ko. I think he was protecting my forehead for it not to hit the car window while I was sleeping.

I raised my head and rubbed my eyes, "Have we arrived?" I asked Detective Michaels softly since Noah, Rylee, and Eli are still asleep.

"Yes, Ms. Vielle. We're back in the city. Where do you live so I can drop you off?"

I bit my lower lip, "Uhhh.."

"What's wrong?" His brows knitted from the rearview mirror.

"I run away, remember?" I say slowly, "Wala kasi akong matitirahan ngayon. Naghahanap pa ako. I can't go back to my apartment because of what happened in the past, and I don't want to stay in my Uncle's place after discovering he placed a microchip inside my body. I'm not comfortable around him."

"And your engagement with Anthony Sergio," he added.

I sighed, "Yeah, that too."

Detective Michaels nodded, "Have you found a place?"

"Not yet. I'm still looking. Gusto ko sana yung malapit lang sa University and No-Doze Coffee shop para hindi na ako mahirapan mag-commute."

"I'd try to check on the people I know. Baka kasi may alam silang unit na pwede mong lipatan."

"I'm not looking for anything fancy. I don't think my savings can cover anything expensive right now."

"Okay, I'll still ask around."

Ngumite ako sa kanya, "Thanks, Detective."

"You can stay with me for the meantime," napalingon ako sa likod ko. Kakagising lang din ni Noah.

His lazy eyes staring at me, "Huh?" I asked confused.

"Are you deaf, or do you just have a habit of making people repeat themselves?" He's frowning at me.

"I heard you perfectly. Hindi ko lang kasi inaasahan na magoo-offer ka," paliwanag ko sa kanya.

"Well, take it while I am nice," Noah says, still looking at me.

"I agree with Noah, Ms. Vielle. It will take a while for you to find a place. Just stay with him while you look for a place to stay." Detective Michaels says as he drives, "It'll be credible, too if ever you take Noah as your fake boyfriend to put your engagement on hold."

Well, he's right. I know that Welston's dormitories are full, and even if there's a vacant room, I still have to pay for it.

It will also take a while for me to find a place close to my University. I know condominiums, apartments, and dormitories around my school are high in demand because of the flock of students.

Another factor that I should consider is the rent; if I stay with Noah, I can save a few more money, which will be a good thing for my wallet.

Noah is still watching me. Waiting for my response. Sighing, I say, "How much will I need to pay for the rent?"

"There's no need for you to pay. I know you're broke enough. Consider this as my act of goodwill."

My nose wrinkled, "How about the food?"

"No need to worry. I can buy the whole grocery store."

I squinted my eyes at him, "How about the bedroom? We're not sharing a room, right?"

Noah rolled his eyes at me, "I have ten other rooms aside from the master bedroom where I sleep."

"The bathroom?" I know for a fact that not all bedrooms have a private comfort room.

"All rooms have one."

"How about cleaning this mansion of yours? Are you going to help?"

Noah smirks and says, "No. You'll do all the cleaning." Bwiset talaga tong lalakeng 'to. Siguro kaya sya nag-offer kasi kailangan nya ng taga-linis.

"Are you going to be an annoying housemate?"

"You're the annoying one." reply niya naman sa akin.

Finally, I asked, "Are you going to be a gentleman and not do anything that will cross the line??"

Ito talaga yung pinaka importanteng question sa lahat eh. Alam kong hindi ganoong lalake si Noah pero mabuti na yung sigurado ako at saka hindi pa kami masyadong magkakilala.

Noah smiled at me; he ruffles my hair. "I will be a gentleman, and you're not my type."

Detective Michaels tried to stifle his laugh, but he failed.

"Good to know. You're not my type too." I smiled sweetly at him.

"Bakit sino yung type mo? Si Ivo Moretti?" Noah scoffs at me.

My face heated, "N-oo!"

"Psssh," Noah shakes his head at me.

Detective Michaels declares, "All right, kids. We're here."

Napatingin naman ako sa labas. Huminto kami sa tapat ng isang bahay na may vintage design. Mula sa labas makikita mong maganda ito kahit na hindi ito kagaya ng ibang modernong disenyo.

The house is pretty big too. It seems like a big family used to live there. I looked at Noah, "Is this your house?"

"Yeah, and no. My family owns it, but since no one uses it anymore. I decided to take it and make use of it whenever I am around the city." There's something melancholy by how Noah looks at the house, but it didn't last.

"Nandito na tayo?" Rylee asks, she's glancing around. Her eyes were a little puffy. I think she didn't get enough sleep.

After kasi ipakita ni Detective Michaels ang diyaro sa amin at ang headline nito ay lumuwas na kami pabalik sa city. Ako, Noah, at Detective Michaels lang sana ang bya-byahe pero nagpumilit na sumama si Rylee dahil gusto niya daw akong ihatid pabalik.

Ayon sa kanya baka matagalan pa ang bago kami muling magkita kaya gusto niyang sulitin ang oras na kami. I'm glad she did because Rylee is probably the big sister, I never had. Hindi man kami matagal na nagkasama ay pakiramdam ko matagal na kaming magkakilala.

"Yeah," ngite ko sa kanya, "I'll be staying with Noah for the mean time habang hindi pa ako nakakahanap na matitirahan."

Rylee looked at me, confused, "Wala kang matitirahan?"

"Oo, since you know, hindi maganda ang relasyon namin ng Uncle ko ngayon."

"You're staying with Noah?" may ngiti sa mga labi niya.

"Yes, for the meantime," I confirmed to her.

Rylee then smiles at Noah and looks at him. Makahulugan ang mga tingin niya kay Noah at hindi ko mabasa kung ano ito.

Noah rolled his eyes at Rylee, "Stop it." usal ni Noah.

"What? Wala naman akong ginagawa ah!"

Noah's expression is stern, "I know how your mind works, Ry," he says.

"Hahaha! Sure, Noah," binaling ni Rylee sa akin ang tingin niya at bigla akong niyakap, "Ingat ka, Skyla ah! Delikado ang mga gagawin nyo. Mag-iingat ka, okay?"

Niyakap ko siya pabalik, "Yeah, ikaw din. We'll see each other again, don't worry."

Bumitiw kami sa isa't-isa, "Aba, dapat lang! Maggi-girl date pa tayo eh."

I nodded at her and looked at Detective Michaels, who watched us, "Thank you sa lahat ng tulong na binigay mo Detective. I'll see you soon."

"No problem. Take care!"

"Eli, thank you for everything", I say full of gratitude. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya ay baka nandito pa rin sa loob ng katawan ko ang microchip.

"No worries," Eli didn't even look at me. He only waved his hands.

"He shies away when people say their thanks," Rylee whispers on my ear. "Okay, now off you go. Noah is waiting. Mainipin pa naman yan."

Ngumite ako sa kanila at binigyan siya muli ng yakap si Rylee bago ako bumaba ng sasakyan. She was also kind enough to give me some of her clothes that she doesn't wear anymore since buying new ones is not one of my options.

Noah and I watched them leave while Rylee sends us flying kisses as the car drove away. We stood there for a while until we couldn't see them anymore, "Let's go", he says and walks towards the house.

I followed Noah, pinagmasdan ko siya habang binubuksan niya ang pinto.

An indoor patio greeted me. It's almost empty except for some chairs around. Noah walks towards another door with a digital door lock. He inputs his password, and the door opens.

The house is pretty old too inside, but I can tell it Is well taken care of. There's a distinctive smell circulating the house; it's a damp and musty odor, but not too strong for the nose.

Noah walks towards the stairs, and I looked at him, confused, "Where are you going?" I asked I'm still standing awkwardly by the door.

He looks at me, confused at my question, "I'm going to sleep."

"What?" I asked, surprised.

"It's 1 am, so I'm going to sleep. I'm beat," he says and continues to climb the stairs.

"How about me? Saan ako matutulog?" sigaw ko sa kanya. Grabe napaka-hospitable ni Noah sa bago niyang housemate.

"Kahit saan. Maraming kwarto diyan. Kung gusto mo sa labas ka matulog." He shouts back.

"Thanks! Welcome pala sa akin!" sigaw ko pabalik sa kanya. He didn't reply anymore, but Noah slammed the door of his bedroom, echoing around the house.

"Kulang sa tulog kaya suplado." ani ko sa sarili ko.

Nilipat ko agad ang mga gamit ko sa bakanteng kwarto na nakita ko malapit sa kusina. Hindi ko alam kung ilang taon nang walang nakatira sa bahay na ito pero hihikain ata ako sa mga alikabok na nalalanghap ko ngayon. Inayos ko ang mga gamit ko sa closet at napag-isipang linisin ang buong kwarto na gagamitin ko.

The cleaning materials and equipment are inside a compartment under the sink. I cleaned the entire living room to remove its moldy smell. It was even better because there's an air disinfectant around. Halos maubos ko na ito kaka-spray ko sa buong sala at kwarto.

As much as I wanted to clean the second floor too, I didn't proceed. Noah is probably sleeping already, and I don't want to deal with his cranky attitude. Baka mabato ko lang siya ng airspray.

Hinugasan ko na rin ang ilang mga plato, kutsara, tinidor, at pati na rin ang mga baso na nasa kusina. Kung hindi lang siguro sumakit ang likod ko ay baka pati yung mga kaldero ay hinugasan ko na rin.

After wiping, cleaning, and washing the entire living room and my temporary bedroom, I took a quick warm shower to ease my joints and muscles' pain.

Wala pang bente-kwatro oras simula nang dumating ako dito pero kulang nalang ay linisin ko ang buong bahay ni Noah.

Noah should thank me tomorrow morning since he won't be breathing in the dust anymore around the living room.

My cleaning services are even free!

I didn't bother blow-drying my hair. Humiga agad ako sa kama para matulog. The bed feels so warm, soft, and nice. Sleep didn't take long to arrive.

          The smell of bacon woke me up, and my stomach automatically makes a sound—Bumangon ako sa pagkakahiga at kinuha ang smartphone na nasa table.

I turned it on to check the time. My eyes are still squinting, trying to adjust with the brightness. My lavender wallpaper comes to view, and the clock reads 7:30 am.

I closed my eyes again, trying to catch another hour of sleep when my phone chimes. Hindi ko ito tinignan dahil baka text lang ito mula sa network pero hindi huminto ang tunog na galing sa smartphone ko.

Irritated, bumangon ako mula sa pagkakahiga to check my phone. Only to see hundreds of messages from people I know.

Messages from Alexavia, Aoede, Tyrone. Not surprising at all, they're my friends. I saw some messages from a few of my classmates too. I frowned when there were a few from Anthony. He was asking where I was and why is my phone off.

The last time na naka-on ang smartphone ko was when I texted Alexavia that I'll be gone for a while. After sending her messages informing her, I am okay, ay naka-off na ang phone ko.

I received messages from Ivo too. I miss him, but I decided to ignore the feeling. 

I didn't open any of the messages. I just skimmed through them. Magkikita rin naman kami ni Alexavia sa school ngayon dahil papasok ako.

I'm going to see Aoede and Tyrone too. I still have to apologize for ditching them. And of course, there's Kev Conti. I wonder kung sino ang pumalit sa akin at nakasama ni Kev sa National University Conference.

A knock pulled me out of my thoughts, "Yes?"

The door opened. Noah is grinning at me, "Well, aren't you a good housemate? Thanks for cleaning. Clean the second floor too later."

I glared at him, "Whatever, anyway, since I cleaned. Can I ask for a favor?"

"Depends on the favor." Noah leaned against the door, "What is it?"

"Can I borrow your car? I need to get to school."

Noah shrugs his shoulder, "Okay, ihahatid nalang kita. I have to go somewhere anyway."

Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa bathroom, "See you in thirty minutes."

"What about breakfast?" Noah asks, bago pa man ako makapasok sa bathroom.

"I'll skip," usal ko. I entered the bathroom and closed the door. Hinubad ko agad ang mga damit na suot ko at pumasok sa shower.

I stepped on the shower, my toes flinching at the contact of the cold tiles. I turned the shower on. Warm water runs on my body when I hear Noah grumble from the outside of the bathroom, "But I cooked!"

I smiled to myself, "Pack it. I'll eat whatever food you cook for lunch." Noah didn't reply. I only heard the sound of my door when it closed.

I bathed my skin lightly, careful on the bruises that scattered my body. The sensation of the warm water calms me; it takes my mind off things.

The shower didn't last long, when I stepped out of it the bathroom, I wanted to slump back into the bed, lay there, and get some sleep.

It took a while to get ready because I was checking Welston University's guide for class change. If I remember correctly, my school has this thing called cut-offs. Sana lang ay pasok pa ako dito para mabago ko agad ang schedule ng mga klase ko.

I took a few screenshots from my phone and proceeded to get ready.

When I finished changing and getting ready, Noah's waiting for me outside. Nasa loob na siya ng kotse niya.

I opened the door to get myself in, "See you in 30? You're late for two minutes."

"Sorry," I said and looked at him. "I had to read something for school. Two minutes lang naman akong late!" dispensa ko. He turned the engine on and started driving.

"Tssk," Noah glanced at me for a second and turned back to the road, "Seatbelt."

Tumango ako at sinuot ang seatbelt. Binaba ko visor para tignan ang sarili ko mula sa salamin nito. My wounds from two weeks ago are healed. I'm thankful that it didn't leave any bad scar on my face.

"It seems to me that you're dreading going to school." Noah says, habang nakatuon ang mga tingin niya sa kalsada.

"I was gone for almost three weeks, Noah. I didn't tell anyone where I was and what I was doing. I owe my friends an apology."

I'm currently wearing long sleeves to hide the bruises I got during my training. Pag nakita ito ng mga kaibigan ko ay hindi ko alam kung paano ito sasabihin sa kanila.

I can't show myself to my friends and tell them, 'Sorry I was gone for almost three weeks. I was training on how to defend myself just in case I encounter men from Costa Mafia. My Uncle placed a microchip inside my body, and I had to travel far to get it removed. AND I'M ENGAGED!'

"Just tell them the truth, but not all truths."

Alam ko ang ibig sabihin ni Noah. I can still be honest with my friends, but I don't have to tell them everything that has been going on. Ayoko sila idamay sa mga problemang kinahaharap ko ngayon.

Now that I'm on a mission to gather information about the Costa Mafia capos, I even more determined not to tell a single thing to my friends. It wouldn't be smart too. Baka ilagay ko lang sila sa kapahamakan.   

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