Two Weeks Later
Two weeks had passed since that day—an unforgettable day that would haunt me forever. The wounds on my body still throbbed, but today, what we learned cut even deeper.
I didn't know how to comfort the two siblings. I knew they were hurting—deeply—after what Ken had revealed earlier that afternoon.
---
[FLASHBACK]
"It's you. Am I right?"
"What are you talking about, Ken?" Sir Asher stepped in, blocking Ken as he tried to approach Ms. Akeshia.
"Just admit it, Akeshia, before everyone finds out," Ken pressed on, his eyes flashing with anger he tried so hard to hide.
"What is this, Ken? What's going on?" Francis asked calmly, but Ken ignored him.
"Why don't you tell everyone what your role is in all this?"
"What the hell are you doing to my wife, Ken? Don't you dare touch her!" Sir Asher shoved Ken violently, but it didn't faze him. I noticed how unusually quiet Ms. Akeshia was.
"Ken, what are you even talking about?" Rachelle demanded.
"Fine. I'll speak since you're too cowardly to admit what you did," Ken said sarcastically, turning to face us.
He placed a folder on the table in front of us before speaking.
"I spent a month on this investigation. At first, I thought it was just coincidence that all the bad things happening to Gianna seemed connected to you. I thought maybe you were just around... but no. When Gianna told me she had evidence against Mr. Jim that suddenly disappeared, I found it suspicious that you were the only person left in the office," Ken explained.
We all went silent. I didn't understand. What exactly was he implying?
"I still don't understand. Why did you do it, Akeshia—"
"You jerk!" Sir Asher lunged at Ken, knocking them both to the ground, raining repeated punches. Luckily, we managed to pull him off.
"Take back what you said! Don't make up stories about Akeshia!" Sir Asher shouted. Ken got to his feet immediately.
"Then look at this evidence, Ash. She framed Gianna for stealing a million pesos from the company. Don't believe me? Then ask her yourself."
All eyes turned to Ms. Akeshia. Tears were streaming down her face.
"I don't need to ask, Ken. I know her better than you do—"
"I'm sorry." Sir Asher paused, surprised, as Ms. Akeshia finally spoke. Her hands trembled as she fiddled with something, but he quickly approached and embraced her.
"Shh… don't say anything. Let's go."
"I'm really sorry, Ash. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She kept repeating it.
"What do you mean, sis?" Rachelle and I were both on edge, waiting for her answer.
"It's me. Ken is right. I was involved in Tito Jim's plan… I'm sorry." She sobbed uncontrollably.
"Akeshia…" Rachelle's voice barely escaped her throat, filled with shock.
Sir Asher released her and held her hands.
"Hey, don't say that… please." He didn't want to hear it either. He tried to soothe her, to make her take back the confession.
"I'm so sorry," was all Ms. Akeshia could manage.
"Why did you do it?" Francis asked, his eyes cold, yet I could feel the mix of anger and pain in his stare directed at Akeshia.
"It's just that—"
"Because Tito Jim knew a secret that could ruin you," Ken cut in, eyes still fixed on Akeshia. "He used that secret to corner you and make you do whatever he wanted."
"What secret?" Sir Asher asked, but Ken didn't answer.
"Ken, answer me… what secret are you talking about?" His voice trembled with anger.
"She's—"
"Stop it!" Ms. Rachelle shouted. "No matter the reason, it doesn't matter anymore—"
"Stop, Rachelle. And you… tell me that secret," Sir Asher commanded Ken.
"I don't think you can handle it. For now, I'll leave. My work here is done." And just like that, he disappeared from our sight.
The room fell silent, so silent I could hear my own heartbeat.
---
[FLASHBACK ENDS]
Even I was hurt by what I had learned. I never imagined Ms. Akeshia could do something like that, no matter the reason. I wanted to be angry at her, but I chose instead to comfort Francis in his pain. If it hurt me, it hurt him even more.
"You okay?" I asked, taking his hand. I expected him to ignore me, but to my surprise, he hugged me tightly, burying his face in my arm and crying. I could only smile bitterly as I rubbed his back.
"I'm right here…"
---
The next day, I returned to the company—not to work, but to leave. To finally resign. My decision was firm. I was leaving, and this time, it was now or never.
Thank you for all the memories, Golden Scenery Company. No matter where life takes me, I will never forget them.
Until we meet again,
GOLDEN SCENERY COMPANY