Chapter 10: Let Go Of The Past

[Georgina]

It hurts me to see my little sister with someone else look so happy while shopping. I'm jealous because she calls that girl her sister. And it would have been me with her shopping today. It’s my fault why this is happening. I clenched my fist tightly.

I just quietly followed them like a stalker until they got home. Now I know where she lives. All these years, she was just here within my reach. How come I didn’t see her all these years when I transferred to this city? Sigh…

We will be a family again soon. I promise to get her back.

I drove away with a sad smile. However, I am glad that she is in good condition.

~~~

[Akihiro]

"Aki... Please talk to me..." Nicole pleaded.

"Don’t you understand the word ‘over’, Nicole? We’re done a long time ago, so will you leave me alone?!" I said with annoyance. She really gets on my nerves.

"No! I know you still love me, Aki. I'm here now. And I will not leave you again. I still love you, Aki." she said and hugged me.

"Stop it, Nicole! I don’t have feelings for you anymore, okay? Did you forget you are the one who dumped me? Hah! You have the guts to beg me!” I pushed her away with force. She looked at me, teary-eyed.

"I will do everything for you to love me again, Aki... I won't give up on you. Remember that." she said before leaving my condo.

I brushed my hair with my fingers frustratedly. F*ck!

I sat on the floor while sighing. I stood up and walked towards the cabinet. Then I took out a bottle of wine and poured some into the wineglass. I gulped it down in one go. And I brought the bottle to the living room while just silently drinking. Damn, I miss her so much. I want to approach her, but I can’t. She doesn’t want to see me after all the troubles she encountered because of me. I hate myself.

‘Lexxeignne, I miss you so much…’

She was the only one in my mind until I fell asleep. I’m really into her, huh? But it's a pity that it’s only one-sided love.

~~~

[Ayenn]

My name is Precious Ayenn Vergara. You see, I love a man who doesn’t see my endless love for him. But I’m still hoping that he will see me one day.

I'm currently in Zenno’s condo unit. Looking at him while drinking his sorrows away.

"Zen, that's enough!" I grabbed the bottle from his hold and he glared daggers at me. He took out another bottle and drank it all. I let out a sigh.

"She doesn’t love me anymore! F*ck! She has forgotten me…*hic*" My heart throbbed in pain. I clenched my fist tightly. Even now, he still loves her.

"Enough, Zenno! Until now, you still love her? It's been a week since we last saw her!"

"It’s none of your business, Ayenn! Just let me be! *hic*" He pushed me away, and I almost stumbled. Since he saw Lex again and ignored him, he’s always wasted every day.

"It’s my business, Zenno! Because I’m in love with you! I thought you have learned to love me? But why is it still her after all this time?" Tears streamed down my face and he just looked at me with guilt.

''Why? How can you do this to me? What is lacking with me? My whole life revolves around you. I give you my all as well as my soul, but why... why didn't you see my worth?" This time, I cried loudly. I can’t do this anymore. It’s freaking hurt!

"I'm sorry! I tried loving you, but I just can’t... because I still love her…” With guilt, he said, “I’m so sorry…”

I chuckled sarcastically. "Sorry? Haha, after three years, all I got from you was sorry? Well, who am I compared to her? She’s got everything you want in life, right? Even when we were still kids, she was always your first priority. And I'm always second! When will I also be your first priority, Zenno?” I sobbed harder while clenching my aching chest.

I can’t take it anymore, so I run out. It’s so freaking painful. The pain won’t just go away. I have had enough of this pain. When will I be happy again? I'm tired of chasing the person who doesn’t even spare me a glance. I guess I’m chasing the wrong person this entire time.

As soon as I entered my car, I burst into tears and sobbed harder. I wanted to give up my feelings for him but I can't because I love him very much. But he only loves Lex. It’s Lex and will never be me. It’s always Lex. Lex!

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!

With so much built-up frustration inside me, I bumped my forehead on the steering wheel multiple times with tears streaming down my face nonstop. Hoping to forget the pain.

~~~

[Lexxeignne]

"How do I look, Sister Yas? I do not look like a clown, am I?” I was wearing a spaghetti strap red gown with a slit on the side and then the new silver stiletto.

"Ah! You look so stunning!" her eyes sparkled, and I smiled while looking at myself in the mirror. Hm? She’s actually right.

"Let’s go?" I took my purse, and we walked downstairs.

Tonight is the 33rd anniversary of the Company. I bring Sister Yas with me because I want to introduce her later.

When we arrived at the venue, clattering and flashes of cameras greeted us. While walking inside, I heard some blabbering about me.

"Is that Lexxeignne Morales?"

"Yes. She’s invited?"

"Dimwit! Don’t you remember she said she’s a friend of the owner of the Crisostomo Group of Companies?"

"Yeah! Who’s with her?"

I ignored the murmurs and continued walking into the hall. I notice a lot of press around. Good thing they didn’t know me yet or else they’ll bombard me with questions after questions right now. What a relief!

There are many people in the venue, mostly big-wigs. I scanned the crowd to look for Attorney Lim and I saw her already approaching us.

"Good evening, beautiful ladies..." She greeted us with a full smile and we smiled back.

"Good evening, attorney." She guided us to the table where the BOD was seated while talking. They greeted and welcomed me with respect. And of course, I also need to socialize with them and other businessmen. They introduced me to other investors.

"Are you ready for your speech later?" Attorney Lim asked.

"Sigh… I have no choice but to be ready. Well, you will still force me to go on stage later." They all laughed at me.

A moment later, the program started. I didn’t pay much attention to the speaker on the stage. Well, it’s because the BOD keeps asking me some questions which I wittily answered. Fortunately, I studied in advance about the roundabouts of business. Sister Yas and Attorney Lim were smiling at me while listening to us.

A BOD member stood up and walked onto the stage. It’s Mr. Enrico Valdez. Everybody gave him a round of applause. All attention was now on him. He says a lot about the accomplishments of the company. Until he introduces me.

"I would like to introduce you tonight to the new owner of the Crisostomo Group of Companies. All I can say is that the late owner and former CEO of the Crisostomo Group of Companies, Ms. Vanessa Crisostomo, chose a very competent heir and the new CEO. At first, we were all hesitant to accept her because of her age, but within a year, she showed us her capabilities and intelligence in the business industry. At such a young age, she was very capable and wise. Thus, we all agreed that she’s a perfect candidate to inherit Ms. Vanessa’s position. In fact, she impresses me very much. The company improves and grows further because of her new procedures. Tonight, I would like to introduce the new owner of Crisostomo Group of Companies and other businesses that Ms. Vanessa passed on to her. Let’s all welcome, Ms. Lexxeignne Morales! A round of applause please," everyone applauded.

I smiled and stood up. All eyes were on me as I walked towards the stage, wearing my fierce look. When I arrived at the stage, Mr. Valdez congratulated me with a proud smile. The entire hall fell silent, and I could hear only the clatter of cameras. All attention was on me.

I breathed sharply and began to speak in front of everyone. This is my first speech in front of an enormous crowd. I’m a bit nervous, but I shake it off with a smile.

"Good evening, everyone. I will not introduce myself again. Well, you already know me." They all chuckled.

"First, thank you for attending the 33rd anniversary of the company. I know it shocked everybody to see me standing here. But you can do nothing anymore…” I joked, and they all laughed again.

"I'm glad that the companies are doing great after Ms. Vanessa turned over the business to me. At first, I was so scared to operate all the business because I thought I’m too young for this. I was just 18 back then. But knowing Ms. Vanessa trusted me? Give me all the courage and strength. It took me a year to study this field. With all my efforts, I gained the BOD’s trust, too. Thank you, Daddies and Mommies.” The BOD laughed.

"But of course, without Attorney Charo Lim, I will not make it this far. I’m so grateful to have you in my life, attorney.” She smiled and cried.

"Aww. Don't cry, attorney! You're such a crybaby!" Everyone laughs.

"Alright, let’s move on to question and answer.”

Somebody quickly raised their hands. And all the press representatives ready their cameras.

"Ms. Morales, are you the one in the viral video?"

"Yes. That's me."

"What do you say about the video where a saleslady told you that you cannot afford those shoes?"

"Well, I just want to say you can’t judge a book by its cover. I know those shoes are expensive. Will I request to get it out if I don’t want to buy it? After what happened, I lost interest in buying the shoes. Since I needed a new pair of shoes, I ended up buying shoes at another shop. Hm, I guess it’s eye-opening to everyone? We should prioritize the customers and assist them properly for them to come again to your shop." I smiled, and the audience applauded. “Anyway, this matter is very serious and affects the reputation of the shop. I hope everyone will move on and set aside this issue because the girl and the shop owner have already apologized to me. Next question, please.”

"How are you related to the late Ms. Vanessa Crisostomo?" I looked at the BOD and Attorney Lim. They just smiled and nodded.

I cleared the lump in my throat. "Well, we are not b-blood-related. I'm her personal assistant. However, Ms. Vanessa trusted me and treated me like a family. And she's like a sister to me, too." I smiled, but deep inside I’m screaming. ‘LIES!’

But it’s not the time to reveal my real identity yet because I still have to observe everyone to know if they can be trusted. In fact, there are traitors in the company.

"Do you have a family?"

"Yes. But we are not on good terms."

"Who are you with tonight?"

"She's Yasmin Illarde. My sister." I saw Yas smile at me.

"But you don’t have any resemblance?"

"I mean, we treated each other as a true sibling even though we are not blood-related. We've been through hard times together in the past." I smile. "Okay, time's up. Let's continue the party! Everyone, please enjoy!" I said and walked down the stage.

When I returned to the table, I shook hands with the BOD while they congratulated me. Some investors and businessmen approach our table and then we toast a glass of wine to formally welcome me. We're just talking about business afterward. I get bored easily, but I didn’t show it. After a while, I excused myself.

It surprised me to see familiar faces approaching me. When I say familiar faces, it’s Samantha, Mara, Camila, and Andrea. I'm happy because they're at the party. They happily congratulated me and we chatted a bit.

But I felt a need to go to the comfort room, so I excused myself to them.

When I walked out of the comfort room, I wasn’t expecting to meet the people I least expect to show up in front of me.

"We're sorry for following you. Lex, can we talk?"

I didn’t expect that they would be invited. Oh yeah, of course, I invited all businessmen. Sigh…

"Follow me..." I said coldly, then walked out of the hall and they followed quietly.

I stop and look at them with a stony expression.

"Lex, my daughter, I know we wronged you... and we deeply apologize for what we did. We realize our mistake when you leave the house and never come back. We have been looking for you for almost 3 years now." Daddy said. So Ayenn told the truth that they are still looking for me?

"We are happy with what you have achieved now. You look so different. And we are so proud of you." Mommy said.

"I don't know if I can forgive you. Because all wounds take time to heal. I thought this pain was already gone, but it resurfaces again when I see you. You don’t know how much pain I went through. When I’m at my weakest point in life, you aren’t there to hold me up. And you weren’t there when I needed your strength because of losing Leighton. If it hurts you, it also hurts me the most. Leighton is my twin. Losing him, part of me also died with him. You even blame me for his death.” I paused and wiped my tears.

"When my elder brother died saving me, you blame it all on me, too. Don’t you know that it’s hard for me too when he’s gone? Because my elder brother is the only one who cares about me a lot. Grandma also died defending me because she knew I'm not a murderer! You choose to believe that bastard son of the Mayor! You don’t even know the terrible things that rapists did to me!”

"For once, do you believe in me? You don’t, right? And now, you show yourself to me shamelessly when the wound in my heart almost healed? You don’t know what I went through. I wasted my life for a year while fighting gangsters on the street.”

“But I felt free and happy because I met people who care about me and treat me like a family. And Ms. Vanessa also came into my life and gave me a home. It’s ironic how other people care more about me than my own family, who always blamed me for all the misfortune that happened in the family. I suffered so long from the pain, but I'm still hoping you will love me the same before everything goes south. But I was wrong because you treated me even worse. I’m human and also get tired. So don’t expect me to forgive you so easily." My tears continue to flow down my face.

They were speechless while bowing their heads in shame and also crying. I walked away but halted when I bumped into the girls and Sister Yas. They are also crying. Maybe they heard our conversation. They hugged me tight, and I burst into tears.

"I want to go home..." They nodded. Attorney Lim saw what happened and she let me go home first with the girls and Sister Yas.

On the way and until we arrived at the mansion, the girls tried to console me as I couldn’t stop my tears from pouring. It’s just that my heart was in so much pain. We were all sitting on the lawn in the mansion's garden. I leaned my head on Yas's shoulder while crying quietly.

"We didn’t know your sufferings, Lex. When I heard what happened to you, it made me angry with your family. How can they blame you for the things you didn’t do? Something is wrong with their brain." Mara said, a bit agitated.

"I know everything is still painful for you, Lex. But they are still your family..." Camila said.

"I know, but no matter how much I think about it, I still can’t forgive them."

"Maybe because it’s your family that hurt you. It's harder to forgive when you love them more than your life..." Sam said.

"Do you know the pain that clenches your heart too tight? It’s more excruciating than the wounds I get from fighting."

"Eh, every time we get into fights, you barely have any wounds. It’s me who gets a lot of bruises every time." Yasmin said, which made me laugh.

"Thank God you finally laugh."

"Thank you for being here with me. Even though I tried pushing you away, you still stayed beside me." I smiled at them sincerely.

"What are best friends for?" They said at the same time. We all chuckled.

I am really lucky to have them in my life. I will do everything to keep them. They filled in the holes in my heart. I'm happy because I have them as my friends. I would never exchange them for anything.

My life is different now, so I guess it’s time to let go of the past because I want to be free from pain. I guess it’s difficult. But it’s not a hurdle to my happiness. With the help of my new family, I know I can do it.