XXXIX: Bound by Lies

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I let Alex sleep in my bed first because he was extremely exhausted, sleep-deprived, and worried—and I was the reason behind it. I sighed as I stared out the window, my mind filled with thoughts.

I suddenly thought of Uncle Luis, so I quickly called him. Thankfully, he answered immediately, despite the late hour.

"Oh, Kaesu! I'm glad you finally reached out. Do you know we've been going crazy worrying about you?" he said from the other end of the line.

"Something happened," I replied.

"What do you mean?"

"Amy set Aunt Lus and Sir Diego's house on fire. I went there to try and save them, but now I don't even know what to do next," I admitted.

"Is Anthony with you? I haven't been able to contact him for almost four days now."

My heart suddenly pounded faster. I couldn't understand what I was feeling—it was as if something was stuck in my throat, and I was growing weak again.

"W-what do you mean?" I stammered.

"So, you're not together? Where has that boy been—"

"Uncle, help me!" I cut him off before he could finish.

"What is happening to you kids? Let's meet up, and you can tell me everything."

He hung up, and I quickly changed my clothes before heading outside to wait for Uncle Luis's car. When I finally saw it approaching, I wasted no time getting inside. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Are you okay, hija?" he asked with concern, turning to look at me.

"Uncle, I think someone took Antonio."

"Wait, what makes you say that?"

"Lara tried to stop me from going back to Sir Diego's house, but I insisted because I was worried they might have been caught in the fire. When I got there, I couldn't find them, and by the time I realized it, it was too late to escape. I heard Antonio's voice, but I wasn't sure if it was really him. I also felt him lift me, so I knew he was the one who saved me. But I have no idea how I ended up at Amy's house, unconscious for three days. Luckily, I found a way to escape." I explained, my voice laced with worry.

"Are you okay now? How are you feeling?"

I simply nodded in response.

"I think Amy has something to do with Anthony's disappearance," I added.

"That's what I suspect too," I admitted, unable to hide my unease.

Antonio, wherever you are, I hope you're safe. I'll never forgive myself if anything bad happens to you.

"Shhh, don't cry. We'll find Antonio. Don't worry," Uncle Luis reassured me.

I hadn't even realized that tears were already streaming down my face. I quickly wiped them away.

"For now, get some rest. I'll handle the investigation."

"But what can I do? This is all my fault—I can't just sit here and do nothing!"

"Go to school and keep an eye on things. I have a bad feeling about Nadia."

"What do you mean?" I asked, furrowing my brows as I watched Uncle Luis stroke his beard.

"She's been acting differently these past few days. She's no longer the queen bee of the school. Sometimes, she doesn't even show up to class. It's like she's busy with something else outside of school."

I nodded, understanding his instructions. "Don't worry, Uncle. I'll handle that girl."

After our conversation, I got out of the car and said my goodbyes. When I entered my room, I found Alex still fast asleep from exhaustion. I lay down beside him and wrapped my arms around him.

I'm sorry, Alex, for dragging you into this.

The sunlight hitting my face woke me up. I blinked, realizing I had fallen asleep from exhaustion last night. I turned to my side, only to find that Alex was no longer there. I got up immediately and searched for him in the living room, but he was nowhere to be found. Maybe he had already gone back to his own room.

Since it was Monday, I quickly got dressed for school. When I arrived, I scanned my surroundings, hoping to spot Nadia, but she was nowhere in sight. Uncle Luis was right.

Morning classes went by, and by lunchtime, I headed to the cafeteria, feeling hungry. I still couldn't find Alex anywhere, and my worry started growing. What if he disappeared too? If only I could keep him within reach at all times so I could protect him—but I knew that was impossible.

Suddenly, the cafeteria erupted into excited screams from the girls. I turned to see who had entered, only to sigh in frustration. It was just Canim.

I couldn't deny that, deep inside, I was hoping it would be Antonio. I wished he was safe and sound, teasing me as usual and ruining my day. I wished he wasn't missing, just resting somewhere because I had exhausted him.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Canim standing in front of me until he spoke.

"Let's talk. Please," he commanded.

"About what? And for what reason?" I said, turning away to leave.

But before I could walk away, he grabbed my arm.

"Let's talk," he repeated, his voice full of authority.

I yanked my arm away and glared at him.

"I'm not your servant who follows your every order like a mindless dog!" I spat at him, my eyes blazing with anger. If he thought I was scared of him, he was wrong!

"Is your mind really that narrow?" he scoffed.

I let out a dry laugh and raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh, and how narrow is yours for using me—you and your brother?"

He froze for a moment, but soon, a smirk formed on his lips as he stepped closer. "Have you forgotten? I paid you to use you."

It felt like my world crumbled. A cold shiver ran down my spine as his words replayed in my head over and over again.

"I paid you to use you."

"I paid you to use you."

"I paid you to use you."

He was right. What right did I have to be angry?