BETRAYAL

SHARI felt accomplished when she got back to the training camp. Some of her friends expressed their condolences because they were informed regarding her grandmother's sudden death—which she felt guilty about since it was just a darn lie.

However, Shari made it look real. She even tried to change her expression as if in mourning and told them she was feeling okay. Of course, she was not a good example, but she would not do it if there were another choice.

"Ford!" a familiar voice called her. Their morning routine had just finished, and they were preparing for their academic class today.

"Sir!" Shari instantly saluted when Levi stood near her. The man was smiling ear to ear, which she found weird. What could have happened to him these past few days? He appeared jubilant about something. But to be fair, he looked more handsome today… maybe because of his smile?

"Welcome back! How are you today?" he sounded concerned.

The line on her forehead deepened. Why was he acting as if they were close friends now?

Shari cleared her throat. "I'm fine, sir."

"I'm sorry for your loss. My condolences." His face was full of sympathy. He even patted her shoulder.

"Ah, yes… sir." She smiled awkwardly and averted her gaze. Here comes the guilt feeling again.

She prayed that her grandmother would not personally reprimand her because of her lies. May she rest in peace in heaven.

"All right, best of luck with your academics. Your recognition is near."

The recognition would take place at the end of the fourth month of their training, to be followed by the graduation rites after another two months.

"Thank you, sir. If you'll excuse me, I need to go."

Levi nodded. She gave him another snappy salute before she turned her back.

Instead of going into the designated academic room, she quickly went inside their barracks to check what she should not bring inside—a cell phone. It was small and easy to hide while her original phone was surrendered. She hoped that there wouldn't be a surprise inspection, or else the price was too much to pay—her badge.

Shari had been debating with herself if she would bring this phone. But in the back of her mind, it was necessary because of her pending case. She had to know what was happening outside. Besides, she told no one except Renzo and he was supportive, even though it was dangerous. She only needed to be sure that she would not get caught. Or else it would be the end of her dream to be a full-pledged police officer.

OUTSIDE the academic room, Levi was uneasy. He walked back and forth in the hallway while the trainees were busy with their schooling.

"What the hell is happening, and you seem out of focus?" Allen couldn't bear to ask.

Levi grinned. "Don't mind me. Isn't it a beautiful day?"

"Beautiful? It's gloomy, and it's almost drizzling." Allen looked up at the sky, and he shook his head. "Did something happen? You look happy today," he added.

His smile widened. "I'm also wondering why I'm happy."

"I heard your assignment order has arrived. You're leaving us in the next few days?" Allen sounded as if it was a big deal. It had been this way from the moment they entered the service. They were usually given different areas of duty every other year or two.

This might be the reason why he was extra ecstatic today. He had been waiting for his order from the Region to arrive.

"I'll stay here until tomorrow. Castillo will be new in charge of the Militaristic. He's also good." He pertained to his batch mate from National Police Academy, a high-ranking officer just like him.

"It's different when you're gone. Aren't we going to celebrate a farewell party?"

Levi laughed. "Let's see. Anyway, I'll try to visit here if I have spare time."

"I doubt it. You'll be very busy. But I believe you can immensely help decrease the crime rate around the city."

"It will be challenging." He paused and breathed out, "I'll be back in my office to finalize my things. Castillo will arrive later."

"All right, Captain!" Allen gave him a wise nod.

Levi peeked inside one specific room before going to the next building. He'd probably miss this place along with his friends, even these hard-headed trainees. His vision caught Shari, who was busy debating with her instructor. After a while, he slowly walked going to his office.

AT NIGHTTIME, around eleven o'clock, Shari sneaked out from the barracks a few minutes after the lights were off. She was feeling apprehensive because Renzo was not replying to her text messages.

Shari had sent a handful of texts, but there was no reply. She dialed the number of her mother instead. Her mom was shocked when she discovered it was her on the other line.

"I borrowed someone's phone, Mom." She lied not to make her worried.

"I'm afraid you might get caught, darling. How are you there? Do you have a hard time?" Her mom's voice was anxious from the other line.

"Don't worry, Mom. I can manage. I'm just a little troubled about my pending case. If the training school finds out, I might be kicked out. I don't want that to happen." She let out a hard sigh. Frida had told her mother about her pending case, and her mom reassured her everything would be fine.

"Don't fret. We'll take care of it. Besides, Frida is backing us up."

"I know, Mom. Thanks for the support. But I have other concerns, though. Does Renzo somehow drop by at home?" She bit her lower lip. Her fiancé was very close to her mom, and he had a habit of visiting the farmhouse, even if she was away.

"Oh, Renzo…" There was a long pause. It seemed her mom weighed what she was about to say. But she went on, "You know what? I don't want to add more to your trouble, but I guess this is the right time for you to know the truth." She heard how many times her mother sighed.

What could be the problem at home?

"What are you talking about?" Shari asked.

"It's about Renzo. Please, brace yourself and toughen up."

"Mom, please! Cut the suspense. You're making me more distressed. What about Renzo?"

The other line was hushed for a moment, and when her mom broke the silence, it was like a bomb was dropped right in front of her.

"Ariella has given birth… and Renzo is the father… again."

She swallowed hard. Ariella was Renzo's ex-girlfriend — the mother of his son. But did she hear it right?

"That might be a rumor, Mom. According to Renzo, Ariella is not even pregnant." She bit her lower lip harder. The hammering in her chest was unbearable to handle. She didn't want to believe what her mother said. Renzo loved her, and he would never cheat on her.

"Sage accidentally saw them in the hospital when Ariella gave birth. Your brother had a minor motorcycle accident. Besides, we also stalked their social media accounts. Renzo was carrying the baby boy, and he looks exactly like him."

"I-I will ask Renzo about it," she stuttered. She felt her knees soften and her hands trembled. Shari convinced herself this was just a nasty prank.

"Darling, I know you can survive this. He doesn't deserve you. I told you this early so that you won't prolong the agony. Renzo is a cheater! I didn't tell your dad about this. He will kill that bastard."

Tears finally cascaded to her cheeks. "I'm going, Mom. Love you." She cut the call.

Shari brushed her eyes to control her tears. This might be the reason why Renzo could not be reached. He might be busy tending to Ariella giving birth.

Damn you! She clenched her fist. They had been in a relationship for more than two years, and she accepted his past. But cheating in her absence was too much! She was never a martyr in relationships and would never act dumb just because she loved him a lot.

She thought Ariella would never be an issue between them because she was just a part of his past.

Shari repeatedly tried to redial Renzo's number until he finally answered after a few more attempts.

"Shari, I'm sorry. I'm busy with my duty today," Renzo said.

"Yeah, right. Let me get this straight. How true that Ariella gave birth?" she asked as her jaw flexed.

Renzo remained quiet for a while before he answered. "That's not true. Besides, even if she gave birth, I'm not the father of her child." He was in denial.

"I'm done with this bullshit! How come you told me she's not even pregnant?" She gritted her teeth. No words can describe how furious she was.

"You should sleep. You might get caught."

"I hate you! Go to hell—" the line went dead. Renzo just ended the call! She wanted to curse him more for cheating on her while she was in training. She didn't deserve this!

The Cheng Shipping Lines was after her head, and now his fiancé had impregnated his ex-girlfriend!

Oh, God. Please help me!

Her eyes welled up in tears again. She looked up to prevent them from falling. She tried to call him for the nth time, but he was not answering. Shari kept on dialing until the other line went out of reach.

Shari felt so down, but another problem was about to be unleashed because someone strolled fast in her direction.

It was not Levi.