Nearly a full day had passed, and thankfully, Gael managed to secure my temporary release through bail.
"Breaking News: A secretary from Golden Scenery Company has been arrested on robbery charges after authorities discovered that she had allegedly been stealing over one hundred million pesos from the company for quite some time. Magsandingan was temporarily released after her camp paid a fifty-thousand-peso bail. The case remains under investigation—"
Gael immediately turned off the television when he noticed the tears slipping down my face again.
"These reporters don't even bother checking if what they're saying is true," he snapped. "And stop watching the news already."
We were staying at Gael's house in Quezon City. He brought me here after my release because our landlady refused to let me stay at the apartment any longer.
I barely ate. I barely slept. Everywhere—here included—I felt the weight of people seeing me as a thief. The entire country knew. I wanted to scream that I was innocent, but fear silenced me. Fear that no one would believe me. Fear that the truth wouldn't matter anymore.
I was terrified. I felt like I was losing my mind.
Night came, but like every other night, sleep refused to find me. My thoughts were too loud, my head aching from the weight of everything. It was already past one in the morning, yet I was still staring blankly out the window.
A sudden crash outside my room jolted me upright.
Something inside me urged me to check. I quietly made my way downstairs toward the kitchen, where I heard the sound again.
I spotted a broom and instinctively grabbed it, holding it like a weapon—just in case. But when I saw the figure's shadow, my courage drained away. The broom slipped from my hands as panic rushed in.
The figure walked toward me.
I backed away until the table pressed against my lower back, trapping me.
"D-don't come any closer," I said, my voice shaking.
I squeezed my eyes shut in fear—then suddenly felt arms wrap tightly around me.
The fear vanished the moment I recognized the familiar scent.
I clutched him back just as tightly, finally breaking down in his arms.
"Shh… please, stop crying," he murmured, gently lifting my face so I could look at him. Even in the dim light, the worry in his eyes was unmistakable.
"I'm sorry… but please believe me," I sobbed. "I didn't steal anything. Please… believe me."
"I believe you," he said softly. "I always have. I'm sorry it took me this long."
I couldn't respond—my tears spoke for me.
"I promise I'll find the person behind this," he said. "I'll make them pay."
He pulled me into another embrace, and for the first time in days, I felt safe.
He cupped my face and smiled at me, as if reassuring me that everything would be okay. I didn't hesitate—I kissed him. The heaviness inside me eased as our bodies pressed closer together.
He lifted me onto the table, his kisses deepening, more urgent. When I felt his hand slip beneath my blouse, I reached up and helped him unbutton it instead.
"I miss everything about you," he whispered against my ear.
"I know," I replied softly.
He smiled, wiping away my tears before kissing me again. I tugged gently at his necktie, pulling him closer as I helped him remove his shirt.
When it finally fell away, I pushed him lightly—just enough to surprise him—and guided him back against the table.
"Promise me something," I said, my voice trembling. "With everyone judging me… promise you'll still believe in me."
"I promise," he said without hesitation. "I'll protect you, Gianna."
I smiled faintly and eased him down onto the table before climbing over him. He looked surprised for a moment, then relaxed. I ran my fingers through his hair, kissing his forehead—then his brows, his nose, his cheek, and finally his lips.
"Thank you," I whispered before kissing him again.
---
A week passed, yet my case remained stagnant. Despite my fear, I trusted Francis and Gael to uncover the truth. Still, I knew I had to stay alert—to understand what was happening behind my back.
It was already night when I noticed a car tailing me on my way home. Panic set in, and I quickened my pace until I slipped into a narrow alley.
That's when I knew for sure.
The car couldn't enter the tight space, so the men got out and chased after me.
My body shook when I realized how many of them there were. I ran—but stopped short when I hit a dead end, a tall concrete wall blocking my escape.
Terrified, I turned to face the men closing in on me.
"What do you want?" I asked, trying—and failing—to steady my voice.
"Just come with us quietly," the one who seemed to be their leader said with a grin. "Our boss just wants to talk."
I tried to run, but one of them grabbed my arm.
"Don't make this hard, miss," he said, tightening his grip.
"Let me go! Help! Someone help me!" I screamed, over and over—but the alley was empty, and no one came.
"Silence her," the leader ordered.
Seconds later, something hard struck the back of my head.
Pain exploded, my legs gave out, and the world went dark as I collapsed onto the cold concrete.