CHAPTER 6

"S-SORRY, General Sebastian Guerrero" the Don said in shock, immediately stepping back and dropping the sharp piece of glass. I stared at Sebastian's right palm, which was now bleeding uncontrollably. But despite the wound he had sustained, the pain it caused was not visible on his face.

The soldiers immediately arrived and grabbed both of the Don's arms. "I-I'm just teaching that slave a lesson!" the Don explained, pointing at me. Sebastian stepped forward again and stepped in between.

"Many people are looking at you right now, Don Severino," Sebastian said. He wanted to remind him that he would definitely be punished because many would witness his pain.

The Don could not speak, nor could he look at the people around him. "That is none of my business, hijo. Thank you for your concern but I beg you not to let my friend end up being arrested" replied Don Florencio who was now between the two of them. He was smiling and always calm. Contrary to his true nature.

I was the one who was shocked when I saw the Don who tried to hit me with a broken glass. Is he Don Severino? One of the richest and most influential Dons who owns gambling and cockfighting. He will be an ally of Sebastian's family but in the end he will bring them down.

Sebastian had no choice but to grant the request of his fiancée's father. He nodded to the two guards so that they could release Don Severino. Don Severino just froze then looked at Sebastian and me sharply before walking out of the mansion.

Don Florencio faced his guests, "Sorry for what happened. Let's forget about it and continue the fun," he smiled as he motioned for the musicians to play the music again.

When the music started, the guests danced again and returned to their stories. I heard Don Florencio whisper to Sebastian to go to the library of their home. He would call a doctor for his injured hand.

I was going to call Sebastian, but he had already walked up to the second floor. He didn't even pay attention or look at his now bleeding hand.

I should have just left, maybe I'd cause more trouble, but I kept looking up the stairs. I felt guilty. Why did he do that? 

I went to the kitchen, the cooks and waitresses were almost busy. They didn't notice that I had made tea and added milk to it. I bravely climbed the stairs to the library. I knew where that room was, located at the very end of the second floor.

I pressed my ear to the door before knocking three times. I waited a few seconds but no one answered so I opened the door. Sebastian looked at me, leaning on the table while he wrapped a cloth around the wound on his palm.

"Uh, I-I brought something to drink" I started, I couldn't figure out why my throat felt hoarse. I felt like I was sinking into the ground and being swallowed by a terrible conscience. He was hurt because of me.

He didn't answer so I went inside and closed the door. I noticed he was having trouble putting a cloth on his hand so I quickly put the tea I was carrying on the table and helped him. He stopped and looked at me when I took the cloth.

"Have you washed your wound? Is there alcohol---Ah, no. Just a moment, I'll get something" I said then quickly left the library and ran to the kitchen.

Like before, no one noticed me because they were all too busy. I took a small wooden basin and filled it with warm water. I also added salt to the water, stirred it well, and carried it upstairs.

When I got there, I found him still leaning on the table, staring at his wound. I put the basin down on the table and took his hand. He was surprised by what I did.

"Don't be afraid, it hurts a little but we need to disinfect your wound" I said then dipped his wounded palm in warm salt water. He winced in pain, I knew it would hurt, as much as alcohol would hurt a wound.

I gently washed his hand and when I was sure that the bleeding had stopped, I immediately wiped it gently. I also took the crushed guava leaf that was nearby and placed it on his wound then I carefully twisted the cloth around his palm.

Luckily I had researched this before, as it was one of their methods of treatment. "Tomorrow morning, wash your hand again in warm water with salt and apply medicine like this so that it heals quickly and the scar doesn't get deeper," I said, then tied the cloth and looked at him. I suddenly felt embarrassed because I didn't know if he had been staring at me like that for a while.

He looked at his hand, which was now wrapped in cloth, then felt it. "Are you a doctor?" he asked while looking at his hand. His face was really pleasant when you got close. He looked at me, causing me to look away and I chose to walk to the next window.

"No. Women aren't allowed to be doctors these days," I said, but I also attended a First Aid seminar at work. I'm a graphic artist at a media company. What happened to my job? Our grumpy boss must be looking for me now.

"B-by the way. Why did you do that?" I asked, turning to him, "Which one?" he asked without looking at me. It was obvious what it was, he really wanted me to tell him.

"Y-you know, why did you help me earlier?" It seems like I'm still indebted to this character.

My eyes widened when I saw Lorenzo and Maria Florencita now talking in the garden. Their first meeting had indeed happened! I smiled to myself, it was so fun to see that I could now see every scene in the novel I had written.

"I didn't help you. Don Severino's violence would add to my workload if it happened," he said, and I just nodded. He probably didn't want to take on more work.

I immediately closed the window. "It's getting dark and foggy. Let's close it now." He shouldn't see that Maria Florencita is talking to someone else, he shouldn't know that she's falling for Lorenzo.

He didn't say anything when I closed the window. He was still leaning on the table and looking at his hand. The angle of his face was also beautiful, even from the side view. The tip of his nose was clearly visible.

"Ah, by the way, Maria Florencita will definitely be sad if there is a mess in their house. You should just do it as if you were going to marry her," I said, nodding to myself.

He looked at me, I was nervous when he did that because I seemed to be getting his attention which he rarely did. "How did you know we were set to get married? You mentioned that when we found you in prison" he asked curiously with a mix of surprise. I bit my lip so hard, why was I talking so much? Their fathers haven't announced that they're engaged yet.

I took a deep breath, "Oh? That's awesome! I was right!" I said then laughed to hide the nervousness I was feeling. "Your family is really famous. Who wouldn't want to ship you two?" I continued.

I was surprised when he stood up and walked towards me as if he was digging out the truth from my really awkward looks and actions.

"Who are you?" he asked seriously while looking straight into my eyes. Luckily, I had closed the window, so he didn't see the two protagonists talking now.

"Ah, I haven't told you my name yet... I-I'm Tanya" I swallowed. Why am I afraid of this character? No. I shouldn't be, because I'm the one who has more power than him.

I walked sideways to get out of his gaze then walked to the table and handed him the tea with milk I had prepared earlier. "Drink this" I smiled, he had no intention of taking it but I forced him to hold it. I couldn't say it was my peace offering and I couldn't say thank you and I didn't know why.

He just looked at it as if he was doubtful. "there's no poison in there," I continued, but he still didn't drink it. I understand that his life is full of doubts. 

I put the tea back on the table. "It's up to you if you don't want to taste it. It's not as delicious as the famous Milkteas but it's okay," I said. It doesn't have ice, it tastes better with ice and black pearls.

"Okay, take a rest. I'm leaving" I said quickly then closed the door and left that place. But after a few minutes I slowly opened the door again and peeked at him, I smiled to myself when I saw him taste the drink I prepared.

THE NEXT DAY, I was now free to stroll around the market because Sebastian had removed the drawing that was posted on the walls. My face almost tore as I kissed the money I was holding, which was now too much.

I started shopping for clothes. I went to a tailor's shop, where the seamstresses treated me kindly.

"I want to buy all the clothes here and I'll even have other designs made in different colors," I smiled as they measured me. Their smiles were also sky-high because I almost buy their merchandise.

Next I went to the shoe and clog store. I bought ten pairs of different designs and colors.

I also stopped by the jewelry and hairpins store. The saleswoman barely held back as she handed me the jewelry, hoping I would like it and buy it all. "I'll buy it all," I said while looking in the mirror and pointing at all the jewelry, hairpins, and hair clips spread out on the table.

I happily walked through the middle of the market, I bought a lot and my smile almost never disappeared. I waved to those I met and circled in the middle of the street because I never thought it would be so nice to live and shop here.

A moment later, I was stopped when a carriage suddenly stopped in front of me. I gaped in surprise when I recognized the person riding in that carriage, Don Antonio Guerrero.

It was already two in the afternoon, Don Antonio went up to his room for a while, so I was left in the living room. A maid put down some tea and snacks. I chose to walk around their house and looked at the pictures of their family next to the piano.

There was an old photo of Sebastian when he was young, a photo of Don Antonio in Europe, and a photo of their family with Doña Ofelia, Sebastian's mother. Doña Ofelia was holding young Sebastian in her arms in the photo while Don Antonio was standing next to her.

I stared at that picture for a moment. Doña Ofelia died when Sebastian was only six years old. The two of them were riding in a carriage while making their way home. It was late at night and the forest was dense. A group of men ambushed them and tried to take the young Sebastian, who was already crying in fear.

Those men are Don Imo's men, they planned to attack Don Antonio's wife and son to get revenge for the oppression he caused their family. One of the men was about to stab young Sebastian in the head but Doña Ofelia quickly blocked herself so as not to hurt her son.

The knife hit Doña Ofelia's chest, causing her to bleed and she lost her life right in front of Sebastian. The young Sebastian cried out as he tried to wake his mother, the guards who were patrolling that night arrived, causing the men to run away.

I took a deep breath as I stared at the picture of Doña Ofelia, I had to create that scene and that story so that Don Antonio and Sebastian had a deep reason to be angry with Don Imo's family.

"I heard that you are from Bulacan and a friend of the daughter of the owner of the Panciteria" I heard Don Antonio say who was now walking down the stairs. I turned to him, tall, with a good posture like his son but his eyes were darker and deeper, full of misfortune.

"What do you need?" he continued then invited me to sit on the long chair. I was surprised when he said, what?

"Weren't you the ones who stopped me and brought me here? So, you're the ones needed me," I said, attitude aside but I won't be intimidated by this character either. I created them.

Don Antonio laughed loudly and long, I knew his laugh was full of sarcasm. "Now I know how you got my son's attention" he laughed and his face suddenly became serious for a moment.

"Leave Sebastian alone. If you need money, I'm willing to give you whatever you ask," he continued while looking at me seriously. He took the tobacco and lit it.

Seriously? Does he think Sebastian and I are in a relationship? I was the one who laughed at what he said, I laughed loudly and long enough that it echoed throughout the mansion. "Are you serious, Don Antonio? My gawd. What's your issue?" I laughed while holding my stomach, I never thought a character would make an issue of me.

I was surprised when he suddenly slammed his hand on the table, causing me to freeze in shock. "I'm not kidding. Leave my son alone or else start digging your own grave" he snapped, I blinked twice then laughed again. His lines were like a movie.

When I was done, I adjusted my seat and looked at him, "Don Antonio, it would be better if you first find out who I am from your son. And if you're still against Sebastian and I meeting, tell him because I really don't need him. I have no intention of helping you and being a traitor to myself. Okay?" I said with a smile, he leaned forward and I could clearly see how he was going to crush me with his gaze.

He's a bad and cruel character. Why do I end up in the house of the villains in this story? "And if you're okay with it, I'll leave now," I said as i walked away and at least showed him some respect. I didn't know how to do it right but I chose to do it anyway, in case he bashed me again.

I had only taken three steps when he stopped me when he spoke, "I will remember your name. I have already warned you, don't blame me if you don't see the morning come" he said, I just took a deep breath. Blackmail is really real in this family.

I turned and faced him, "Don't test me either, just one delete button, you won't see the morning again" I smiled then turned around and left that mansion completely.

I've been locked in Amalia's room for an hour. I'm pacing back and forth inside and I can't get restless. I feel like I'm regretting having challenged Don Antonio like that. I forgot that I'm inside this book and I could get hurt, injured or even die!

I should have stopped fighting him and just let him act like a villain. What was going through my mind to say such words?! I might get ambushed on the way or be arrested and imprisoned again!

I almost screamed when there was a knock on the door. Following that, Aling Pacing appeared in front of me, "Hija, are you coming out later?"

I nodded, "Can you send this letter to Amalia, the mail office will close at six o'clock" he said as she handed me two envelopes. One for Mang Pedro. I took a deep breath and stared at that letter. I suddenly felt a sense of sadness, Amalia would be dead in just a few months.

"Thank you, hija" she said and was about to leave but I held her hand. She smiled at me, "Do you need anything else, hija?" I stared into her eyes for a moment. I felt guilty, They was going to lose their only hija because that was the plan of this story.

"Ah, I would love to give this to you," I said, reaching into my pocket and giving her some money. "Don't worry, hija, just keep it and use it for your own needs," Aling Pacing smiled, not wanting to accept the money I was handing her.

"I'll just rent it for my stay here," I tried but she still didn't want to accept it. In the end, I still couldn't force her to take it and she even brought me a snack to the room.

After I finished eating my snack, I went down to the kitchen to drink some water. I found Lolita there alone, slicing onions and crying. I walked over to her but she dodged, taking the onions she was slicing and the knife to the other table.

I followed her but she avoided me again and returned to her place earlier. "Why are you crying?" I asked, not approaching her because I was sure she would stay away from me again. "G-go away. G-go with Eugenio!" she sobbed while wiping away her tears with her arm.

I blinked twice at what she said, remembering that Lolita's character actually has a crush on Niyong. They are supporting characters who will also bring excitement to the story and will also be the reason for the beginning of the trouble and fight in the story.

I just folded my arms and leaned against the table, "There's nothing between niyong and me," I started, but she cried even more.

"Why is he looking for you? And why do you keep calling him by his nickname?" she sobbed as if in mourning. I just shook my head, maybe I exaggerated the description of Lolita's admiration for Niyong.

"Everyone calls him Niyong. He doesn't want to be called Eugenio. And besides, Niyong is only fifteen years old, I'm twenty-three, I'm just like his older sister. I don't hit the child" I explained, she stopped crying and looked at me. Her eyes were already swollen.

"Is what you're saying true?" she asked, I raised both my hands. "It's all true. Cross my heart, hope to die" I said while making an X sign over my heart. She looked surprised, "W-what?"

I just smiled then walked towards her and put my arm around her, "If you really want Niyong, I'll help you" I smiled at her causing her face to light up with joy.

I KNOCKED three times, Niyong quickly opened the door of the bookstore. "Señor Sebastian isn't here" he started, he didn't do anything when I stepped inside. He probably didn't think that I would somehow become Sebastian's right-hand and that I would come back to him like this.

I walked around and looked at the books neatly lined up around me. "Did Sebastian tell you that I can come here whenever I want?" I asked, picking up the book, "Yes, ma'am."

I turned to the door, I saw that Lolita was still outside, still not coming in. I immediately motioned for her to come in but she was restless and very shy of Niyong standing at the door.

I closed the book I was holding and pulled her into the store. "By the way, Lolita will come here sometime to get the books I need," I smiled at Niyong as I held both of Lolita's shoulders and turned her to face him.

"G-good afternoon, young lady" Niyong greeted, even she was surprised because it was as if I was pushing Lolita closer to him. Lolita bowed nervously, I raised her hand and waved it at Niyong. "Lolita said hello" I smiled then went back to the bookshelves and put the book I was holding back there.

Lolita immediately stepped aside because she was so embarrassed, Niyong scratched his head, it seemed like he didn't know what to say next. "Okay, I'm leaving for now. I've already given Lolita the books I'm going to borrow. Niyong, help her," I said, patting Niyong on the shoulder. Lolita wanted to follow me but I immediately held the door so she couldn't get out.

With a look, I signaled her to stay there and do everything to get closer to Niyong. The young man was looking at us curiously so I smiled at him, "Niyong, where is the book Salamisim?" I asked, while my head was peeking out the door.

He think, "Salamisim? There's no such book," he replied, which surprised me. "What?" I couldn't believe it. He had clearly read it and even praised Sebastian, who he thought had written that book.

"The book that Sebastian was writing. It was so thick and there were only a few letters. Do you remember?" I asked, describing to him with my hand how thick the book was.

He thought again, "Ah, is that it? It doesn't have a title," he replied, which surprised me even more.

"Huh? How could it not be? I've read that it says Salamisim on the front of the book," Lolita looked back and forth between the two of us. Niyong couldn't understand what was happening and tried to remember if he had read any title in that book.

"It doesn't really have a title yet. I asked Señor Sebastian about that before but he didn't answer me either," Niyong explained. I just closed my eyes and held my forehead. Impossible, I actually saw that Salamisim was embossed on the book cover.

"Where is that book?" I asked again, I must have really lost myself. "It's not here, young lady, Señor Sebastian often carries it" Niyong replied. I immediately ran away from the store, they even called me but I didn't look back at them. I went straight to the Guerrero family mansion but Sebastian wasn't there so I went to Fort Santiago.

I didn't have any trouble getting in because the guard already knew me. It was six in the afternoon and it was getting dark. Torches were lit in every corner of the prison. The guard didn't accompany me inside, so I couldn't remember which way to Sebastian's office was.

I just followed the straight path until I reached a familiar tunnel. The path became narrower and the temperature cooled. I grabbed a torch hanging on the wall to light the way. I didn't meet a single guard so I didn't know the way out.

A few moments later, I stopped in a familiar cell. I stared there for a moment, as if that cell was luring me. I just realized that I was stepping inside. I stopped when I saw the family table inside the cell, also sitting there was the lamp that I saw the night Pia and I walked through the dungeon. And most of all, there was also the book of Salamisim that I saw in the bookstore.

It was closed and peacefully resting on the table, next to the lamp. I slowly walked closer to those things. I don't know why my chest was pounding so hard, especially when I read what was written on the book cover of that old book. I wasn't mistaken and I didn't blink because the title stamped on that book was Salamisim.

I raised my hand and touched the book. I felt the letters of Salamisim embedded in the book cover. This was not a dream and I was even more not delirious. I could feel the title of this book.

A moment later, I was surprised when someone suddenly spoke from behind me. "I'm going to die here in this cell. Aren't you? Faye" he said, I slowly turned to him and was shocked to see Sebastian standing next to the cell railing.

I was speechless in shock and even more so unable to move when the flame in the torch I was holding suddenly went out, at the same time the light from the lamp also went out and the entire environment was enveloped in darkness.

.......