“Nakita ko ’yon,” Ara said, her tone teasing as she leaned casually against the doorway.
“Ang alin?” I asked, even though I already knew what she was referring to.
“You turned Carter down again,” she pointed out, crossing her arms.
“It’s not what you think,” I replied defensively.
“Eh, ano ba talaga, Jam? Gwapo naman si Carter, mayaman, mabait, at handang tumulong kahit noon pa. Bakit ba lagi mo siyang tinatanggihan?”
“Yun na nga, Ara. Just because he’s a friend doesn’t mean I should take advantage of his kindness. I know how much he wants me to leave this difficult life behind, pero hindi ko pwedeng iasa na lang lahat sa kaniya,” I explained, my voice firm.
“What if it’s not about helping you? What if he likes you?”
I frowned and massaged my temple.
“Ara, you know my situation, don’t you?”
“Yah, I know, pero hindi ibig sabihin noon na hindi ka na pwedeng magmamahal. Jam, ako pa ba ang lolokohin mo? I can see it in your eyes—you like him too.”
I tightened my jaw and swallowed hard, unwilling to admit it.
“All I want is to protect this friendship,” I said quietly. “What happens if he realizes he doesn’t want someone like me? I’ve endured so much heartbreak, Ara. But if Carter were the cause, I don’t think I’d survive it.”
Ara wrapped her arm around me, resting her chin on my shoulder.
“I understand, Jam. But life is too short to hold back. If you love someone and want to be with them, go for it. Deal with the mess later. Carter is smart—he sees the best in you,” she said, making me face her. “All I want is for you two to understand how worthy you are of each other.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Ara interrupted. “As your friend, I know you both deserve happiness. I’ll always support you, okay?”
I nodded, giving her a grateful smile. Ara hugged me tightly, and I couldn’t help but feel lucky to have her in my life.
“Jam!” Barry’s urgent voice broke through the moment.
Ara opened the door, and the sight of Barry’s distressed face sent a chill down my spine.
“What’s wrong?” I asked immediately.
“Miggy and Pow noticed a boat approaching the island,” she answered.
“What? Shit!” I exclaimed, and we all stormed out of the room.
*****
When we reached the tech room, chaos greeted us.
“Carter, anong nangyayari?” I demanded.
Miggy and Pow were busy tapping furiously at the computers, two other men assisting them. Lenard paced back and forth, clearly considering our next move.
“Police are coming. It’s confirmed,” Miggy said, his voice grim.
I covered my mouth, shock and fear surging through me.
“What happened? Paano nila natagpuan ’to, Carter?” I asked, looking at him directly.
He rubbed his nape, taking a deep breath. Panic flickered in his eyes as he looked at me.
“My father... this is where they found me two years ago,” he said.
“Two years ago? What happened two years ago?” I asked curiously, sensing there was more to this than he let on.
YOU ARE READING
Substantiate Innocence (Valiant Dame Series 1) ✓
Mystery / Thriller[COMPLETED | SOON TO BE PUBLISHED UNDER DESTINY PEN PUBLISHING] Isabella Jaime Wilson was forced into escort work to pay off the crushing debt left by her parents' passing. Over time, she surrendered to a life she never wanted, losing sight of the s...
