AS1: RISK [✔]

Prologue

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

The story includes a critical scene that may elicit a reaction from the reader. Graphic references to topics such as sexual harassment, self-harm, crime, strong language, bullying, and so on may include in that material. Please read at your own risk.
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Prologue
Gin

"Gin, I heard that your ex has already come back here from the US?"

I looked at Rhys-my cousin. He's holding a glass of whiskey. Pinaikot nya ang baso habang nagsisigarilyo. We're here on the balcony. Gabi na kaya maganda ang view rito.

"Yeah," I answered. "Good for her."

Ramdam ko ang pait sa boses ko. Rhys chuckled because of it. Alam ng mga pinsan ko kung gaano kasakit ang nangyari para sa amin. Four people were involved in that tremendous pain. Kaya hindi madaling kalimutan kung ano ang nangyari noon.

"Don't you wanna go to their house and greet her with 'Welcome home' cake?" may halong pang-aasar na tanong ni Rhys sa akin.

Sumandal ako sa upuan ko. "Rhys, I'm already married. Shut up."

Natahimik si Rhys dahil sa sinabi ko. I bit my lips. I can still feel the pain of the scar that she left on my heart. If only I could bring back the time, I really would do it. So that I can avoid liking her in the first place...so we won't experience that pain.

But it's too late.

"Galit ka ba sa kanya, Gin?" biglaang tanong ni Rhys kaya natahimik ako. "Are you still frustrated?"

I chuckled. "Hindi naman ako nagalit sa kanya." he offered me a glass of whiskey, I accepted it. Pinaikot ko rin ito sa mga kamay ko pagkatapos uminom nang konti. "I just don't want to see her again. It's for both of us, Rhys."

"Okay. Cool. I'll get more whiskey in the bar." sabi ni Rhys bago sya umalis at pumasok sa loob ng bahay ko.

I'm now being chained. Kinasal na ako. She was my everything but it was just already in the past. I know that she already moved on from me. That's good. I'm happy for her.

"Ang ganda ng mga bituin, noh?"

Palagi nyang tanong sa akin noon. Parang sirang plaka na paulit-ulit na naririnig ko kahit wala na sya sa tabi ko. That question of her was already been buried in my heart.

Nag-angat ako nang tingin sa kalangitan. It's full of stars. It reminds me of her. Tinaas ko ang mga kamay ko, pilit inaabot ang mga bituin kahit malayo sila sa akin- just like the woman who I truly loved.

A tear fell in my eyes. "Mas maganda ka sa mga bituin, Zari." sagot ko sa paulit-ulit na tanong nya na naririnig ko sa isipan ko.